bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State dependence and temporal evolution of resistance in projected phase change memory
Authors: Kersting Benedikt , Ovuka Vladimir , Jonnalagadda Vara Prasad , Sousa Marilyne , Bragaglia Valeria , Sarwat Syed Ghazi , Le Gallo Manuel , Salinga Martin , Sebastian Abu
Published: May 2020

Phase change memory (PCM) is being actively explored for in-memory computing and neuromorphic systems. The ability of a PCM device to store a continuum of resistance values can be exploited to realize arithmetic operations such as matrix-vector multiplications or to realize the synaptic efficacy in neural networks. However, the resistance variations arising from structural relaxation, 1/f noise, and changes in ambient temperature pose a key challenge. The recently proposed projected PCM concept helps to mitigate these resistance variations by decoupling the physical mechanism of resistance storage from the information-retrieval process. Even though the device concept has been proven successfully, a comprehensive understanding of the device behavior is still lacking. Here, we develop a device model that captures two key attributes, namely, resistance drift and the state dependence of resistance. The former refers to the temporal evolution of resistance, while the latter refers to the dependence of the device resistance on the phase configuration of the phase change material. The study provides significant insights into the role of interfacial resistance in these devices. The model is experimentally validated on projected PCM devices based on antimony and a metal nitride fabricated in a lateral device geometry and is also used to provide guidelines for material selection and device engineering.
Aggregation of M3 (E376D) variant of alpha1- antitrypsin
Authors: Bashir Arif , Hazari Younis , Pal Debnath , Maity Dibyajyoti , Bashir Samirul , Singh Laishram Rajendrakumar , Shah Naveed Nazir , Fazili Khalid Majid
Published: May 2020

Alpha1-antitrypsin (α1AT) is an abundant serine-protease inhibitor in circulation. It has an important role in neutralizing the neutrophil elastase activity. Different pathogenic point mutations like Z(E342K)-α1AT have been implicated in the development of liver cirrhosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the latter being a cluster of progressive lung diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. M3-α1AT (376Glu > Asp) is another variant of α1AT which so far is largely being considered as normal though increased frequency of the variant has been reported in many human diseases including COPD. We also observed increased frequency of M3-α1AT in COPD cases in Kashmiri population. The frequency of heterozygous (AC) genotype in cases and controls was 58.57% and 27.61% (odds-ratio 6.53 (2.27–15.21); p < 0.0001) respectively, while homozygous CC genotype was found to be 21.42% and 6.66% (odds-ratio 10.56 (3.63–18.64); p < 0.0001) respectively. Comparative in vitro investigations that include trypsin‒antitrypsin assay, Circular Dichroism spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering performed on wild-type (M-α1AT), M3-α1AT, and Z-α1AT proteins along with the molecular dynamics simulations revealed that M3-α1AT has properties similar to Z-α1AT capable of forming aggregates of varied size. Our maiden observations suggest that M3-α1AT may contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD and other disorders by mechanisms that warrant further investigations.
Intermittent Use of a Short-Course Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy Limits Adverse Cardiac Remodeling via Parkin-dependent Mitochondrial Turnover
Authors: Germano Juliana de F. , Huang Chengqun , Sin Jon , Song Yang , Tucker Kyle C. , Taylor David J. R. , Saadaeijahromi Hannaneh , Stotland Aleksandr , Piplani Honit , Gottlieb Roberta A. , Mentzer Robert M. , Andres Allen M.
Published: May 2020

Given that adverse remodeling is the leading cause of heart failure and death in the USA, there is an urgent unmet need to develop new methods in dealing with this devastating disease. Here we evaluated the efficacy of a short-course glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist therapy—specifically 2-quinoxalinamine, 6,7-dichloro-N-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-(methylsulfonyl)-,6,7-dichloro-2-methylsulfonyl-3-N-tert-butylaminoquinoxaline (DMB; aka Compound 2) – in attenuating adverse LV remodeling. We also examined the role, if any, of mitochondrial turnover in this process. Wild-type, Parkin knockout and MitoTimer-expressing mice were subjected to permanent coronary artery ligation, then treated briefly with DMB. LV remodeling and cardiac function were assessed by histology and echocardiography. Autophagy and mitophagy markers were examined by western blot and mitochondrial biogenesis was inferred from MitoTimer protein fluorescence and qPCR. We found that DMB given post-infarction significantly reduced adverse LV remodeling and the decline of cardiac function. This paralleled an increase in autophagy, mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis. The salutary effects of the drug were lost in Parkin knockout mice, implicating Parkin-mediated mitophagy as part of its mechanism of action. Our findings suggest that enhancing Parkin-associated mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis after infarction is a viable target for therapeutic mitigation of adverse remodeling.
Nonlinear compositional and morphological evolution of ion irradiated GaSb prior to nanostructure formation
Authors: Lively Michael A. , Holybee Brandon , Toriyama Michael , Facsko Stefan , Allain Jean Paul
Published: May 2020

Low-energy ion irradiation of III-V semiconductor surfaces can lead to the formation of regular hexagonal dot patterns at the surface. We present experimental and computational results for ion irradiation of GaSb surfaces which elucidate the nature of the coupled compositional and morphological pattern-formation mechanisms. We demonstrate by in-situ grazing-incidence small-angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS) and angle-resolved Auger electron spectroscopy (ARAES) that the emergence of an altered compositional depth profile is essential to induce morphological changes at the surface. This morphological evolution of the surface follows nucleation-and-growth kinetics. Furthermore, we show from massive-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations that the compositional depth profile evolution leads to thermodynamic phase separation, providing a lateral compositional instability that drives pattern formation. Additionally, high-fluence simulations elucidate the irradiation-induced mechanisms of compositional depth profile formation. Prompt ion effects drive formation of single-element “protoclusters”, predominantly of Sb. Structural and energetic characterization of the simulation results indicate that Sb may be more mobile than Ga, providing a diffusional pathway for long-temporal-scale compositional evolution of the irradiated surface. Our findings motivate the development of new, comprehensive models which consider the total spatial and temporal complexity of multicomponent systems evolving under ion irradiation.
Rapid pyritization in the presence of a sulfur/sulfate-reducing bacterial consortium
Authors: Berg Jasmine S. , Duverger Arnaud , Cordier Laure , Laberty-Robert Christel , Guyot François , Miot Jennyfer
Published: May 2020

Sedimentary pyrite (FeS2) is commonly thought to be a product of microbial sulfate reduction and hence may preserve biosignatures. However, proof that microorganisms are involved in pyrite formation is still lacking as only metastable iron sulfides are usually obtained in laboratory cultures. Here we show the rapid formation of large pyrite spherules through the sulfidation of Fe(III)-phosphate (FP) in the presence of a consortium of sulfur- and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), Desulfovibrio and Sulfurospirillum, enriched from ferruginous and phosphate-rich Lake Pavin water. In biomineralization experiments inoculated with this consortium, pyrite formation occurred within only 3 weeks, likely enhanced by the local enrichment of polysulfides around SRB cells. During this same time frame, abiotic reaction of FP with sulfide led to the formation of vivianite (Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O) and mackinawite (FeS) only. Our results suggest that rates of pyritization vs. vivianite formation are regulated by SRB activity at the cellular scale, which enhances phosphate release into the aqueous phase by increased efficiency of iron sulfide precipitation, and thus that these microorganisms strongly influence biological productivity and Fe, S and P cycles in the environment.
Effects of a partner’s tap intervals on an individual’s timing control increase in slow-tempo dyad synchronisation using finger-tapping
Authors: Kimura Kazuto , Ogata Taiki , Miyake Yoshihiro
Published: May 2020

In musical ensembles, musicians synchronise their movements with other members of the ensemble at various tempos. This study aims to investigate the extent of tempo dependency of own and partner’s timing information on rhythm production. We conducted a dyad synchronisation-continuous finger-tapping task. First, two participants synchronised with the same auditory metronome at various tempos. Subsequently, after stopping the metronome, the participants maintained the tempo with the presentation of the partner’s tap timing via auditory signals. This task was conducted in six metronome tempo conditions at 700 to 3,200 ms in 500 ms step. It was found that the partner’s previous inter-tap intervals increased as the metronome tempo decreased. The effects of own previous inter-tap intervals and synchronisation errors between own and the partner’s tap timing did not depend on the metronome tempo. Therefore, timing control in dyad synchronisation was affected by the partner’s tempo more strongly in slow than fast tempos. This strong effect of the partner in slow-tempo rhythm synchronisation could be due to stronger attention to the partner’s movement timing in slower tempos than in fast tempos.
3D Bioprinting of osteochondral tissue substitutes – in vitro-chondrogenesis in multi-layered mineralized constructs
Authors: Kilian David , Ahlfeld Tilman , Akkineni Ashwini Rahul , Bernhardt Anne , Gelinsky Michael , Lode Anja
Published: May 2020

For the generation of multi-layered full thickness osteochondral tissue substitutes with an individual geometry based on clinical imaging data, combined extrusion-based 3D printing (3D plotting) of a bioink laden with primary chondrocytes and a mineralized biomaterial phase was introduced. A pasty calcium phosphate cement (CPC) and a bioink based on alginate-methylcellulose (algMC) – both are biocompatible and allow 3D plotting with high shape fidelity – were applied in monophasic and combinatory design to recreate osteochondral tissue layers. The capability of cells reacting to chondrogenic biochemical stimuli inside the algMC-based 3D hydrogel matrix was assessed. Towards combined osteochondral constructs, the chondrogenic fate in the presence of CPC in co-fabricated and biphasic mineralized pattern was evaluated. Majority of expanded and algMC-encapsulated cells survived the plotting process and the cultivation period, and were able to undergo redifferentiation in the provided environment to produce their respective extracellular matrix (ECM) components (i.e. sulphated glycosaminoglycans, collagen type II), examined after 3 weeks. The presence of a mineralized zone as located in the physiological calcified cartilage region suspected to interfere with chondrogenesis, was found to support chondrogenic ECM production by altering the ionic concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in in vitro culture conditions.
The molecular dynamics of bacterial spore and the role of calcium dipicolinate in core properties at the sub-nanosecond time-scale
Authors: Colas de la Noue Alexandre , Natali Francesca , Fekraoui Fatima , Gervais Patrick , Martinez Nicolas , Perrier-Cornet Jean-Marie , Peters Judith
Published: May 2020

Bacterial spores are among the most resistant forms of life on Earth. Their exceptional resistance properties rely on various strategies, among them the core singular structure, organization and hydration. By using elastic incoherent neutron scattering, we probed the dynamics of Bacillus subtilis spores to determine whether core macromolecular motions at the sub-nanosecond timescale could also contribute to their resistance to physical stresses. In addition, in order to better specify the role of the various spore components, we used different mutants lacking essential structure such as the coat (PS4150 mutant), or the calcium dipicolinic acid complex (CaDPA) located in the core (FB122 mutant). PS4150 allows to better probe the core’s dynamics, as proteins of the coat represent an important part of spore proteins, and FB122 gives information about the role of the large CaDPA depot for the mobility of core’s components. We show that core’s macromolecular mobility is not particularly constrained at the sub-nanosecond timescale in spite of its low water content as some dynamical characteristics as force constants are very close to those of vegetative bacteria such as Escherichia coli or to those of fully hydrated proteins. Although the force constants of the coatless mutant are similar to the wild-type’s ones, it has lower mean square displacements (MSDs) at high Q showing that core macromolecules are somewhat more constrained than the rest of spore components. However, no behavior reflecting the glassy state regularly evoked in the literature could be drawn from our data. As hydration and macromolecules’ mobility are highly correlated, the previous assumption, that core low water content might explain spores’ exceptional resistance properties seems unlikely. Thus, we confirm recent theories, suggesting that core water is mostly as free as bulk water and proteins/macromolecules are fully hydrated. The germination of spores leads to a much less stable system with a force constant of 0.1 N/m and MSDs ~2.5 times higher at low Q than in the dormant state. DPA has also an influence on core mobility with a slightly lower force constant for the DPA-less mutant than for the wild-type, and MSDs that are ~ 1.8 times higher on average than for the wild-type at low Q. At high Q, germinated and DPA-less spores were very similar to the wild-type ones, showing that DPA and core compact structure might influence large amplitude motions rather than local dynamics of macromolecules.
Morphological, elemental, and boron isotopic insights into pathophysiology of diseased coral growth anomalies
Authors: Andersson Erik R. , Stewart Joseph A. , Work Thierry M. , Woodley Cheryl M. , Schock Tracey B. , Day Rusty D.
Published: May 2020

Coral growth anomalies (GAs) are tumor-like lesions that are detrimental to colony fitness and are commonly associated with high human population density, yet little is known about the disease pathology or calcification behavior. SEM imagery, skeletal trace elements and boron isotopes (δ11B) have been combined as a novel approach to study coral disease. Low Mg/Ca, and high U/Ca, Mo/Ca, and V/Ca potentially suggest a decreased abundance of “centers of calcification” and nitrogen-fixation in GAs. Estimates of carbonate system parameters from δ11B and B/Ca measurements indicate reduced pH (−0.05 units) and [CO32−] within GA calcifying fluid. We theorize GAs re-allocate resources away from internal pH upregulation to sustain elevated tissue growth, resulting in a porous and fragile skeleton. Our findings show that dystrophic calcification processes could explain structural differences seen in GA skeletons and highlight the use of skeletal geochemistry to shed light on disease pathophysiology in corals.
Thymic resident NKT cell subsets show differential requirements for CD28 co-stimulation during antigenic activation
Authors: Shissler Susannah C. , Singh Nevil J. , Webb Tonya J.
Published: May 2020

Natural killer T (NKT) cells rapidly respond to antigenic stimulation with cytokine production and direct cytotoxicity. These innate-like characteristics arise from their differentiation into mature effector cells during thymic development. A subset of mature NKT cells remain thymic resident, but their activation and function remain poorly understood. We examined the roles of CD28 and CTLA-4 in driving the activation of thymic resident NKT cells. In contrast to studies with peripheral NKT cells, the proliferation of thymic NKT cells was significantly impaired when CD28 engagement was blocked, but unaffected by CTLA-4 activation or blockade. Within NKT subsets, however, stage 3 NKT cells, marked by higher NK1.1 expression, were significantly more sensitive to the loss of CD28 signals compared to NK1.1− stage 2 NKT cells. In good agreement, CD28 blockade suppressed NKT cell cytokine secretion, lowering the ratio of IFN-γ:IL-4 production by NK1.1+ NKT cells. Intriguingly, the activation-dependent upregulation of the master transcription factor PLZF did not require CD28-costimulation in either of the thymic NKT subsets, underlining a dichotomy between requirements for early activation vs subsequent proliferation and effector function by these cells. Collectively, our studies demonstrate the ability of CD28 co-stimulation to fine tune subset-specific responses by thymic resident NKT cells and contextually shape the milieu in this primary lymphoid organ.
In-amplifier and cascaded mid-infrared supercontinuum sources with low noise through gain-induced soliton spectral alignment
Authors: Kwarkye Kyei , Jensen Mikkel , Engelsholm Rasmus D. , Dasa Manoj K. , Jain Deepak , Bowen Patrick , Moselund Peter M. , Petersen Christian R. , Bang Ole
Published: May 2020

The pulse-to-pulse relative intensity noise (RIN) of near-infrared (near-IR) in-amplifier supercontinuum (SC) sources and mid-IR cascaded SC sources was experimentally and numerically investigated and shown to have significantly lowered noise due to the fundamental effect of gain-induced soliton-spectral alignment. The mid-IR SC source is based on a near-IR in-amplifier SC pumping a cascade of thulium-doped and ZBLAN fibers. We demonstrate that the active thulium-doped fiber not only extend the spectrum, but also to significantly reduce the RIN by up to 22% in the long wavelength region above 2 μm. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the noise reduction is the result of an interplay between absorption-emission processes and nonlinear soliton dynamics leading to the soliton-spectral alignment. In the same way we show that the RIN of the near-IR in-amplifier SC source is already significantly reduced because the spectral broadening takes place in an active fiber that also introduces soliton-spectral alignment. We further show that the low noise properties are transferred to the subsequent fluoride SC, which has a RIN lower than 10% (5%) in a broad region from 1.1–3.6 μm (1.4–3.0 μm). The demonstrated low noise significantly improves the applicability of these broadband sources for mid-IR imaging and spectroscopy.
Influence of climate variation on phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of Medicago minima populations
Authors: Kabtni Souhir , Sdouga Dorra , Bettaib Rebey Ines , Save Mattew , Trifi-Farah Neila , Fauconnier Marie-Laure , Marghali Sonia
Published: May 2020

Medicago minima is a pasture legume that grows almost all over the world. In Tunisia, it occupies various climatic environments and is considered the most abundant annual Medicago plant. However, this species is unconsumed and unused by humans. This study aimed to explore the phytochemical characteristics of Medicago minima selected from different provenances in Tunisia and subsequently investigate the influence of environmental factors on their phenolic composition and antioxidant activity. Therefore, a calorimetric method and DPPH tests provided the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents and antioxidant potential in roots, stems, leaves and seeds. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified and quantified four phenolic acids and three flavonoids in the studied organs. Roots and leaves showed the greatest phenolic compound content and had high antioxidant activity. Rutin and syringic acid (leaves) represent a characteristic for this species. For each organ, principal component analysis of phenolic profiles showed that the root’s phenolic composition could be an indication of the plant adaptation to even small changes in its environments. Plants originating from a cold climate, higher altitude or semi-arid environment had the highest phenolic compound contents in their organs. Our findings provide useful information for the exploitation of the phenolic compounds in these weeds for the development of environmental sustainability.
Multi-objective optimization of tumor response to drug release from vasculature-bound nanoparticles
Authors: Chamseddine Ibrahim M. , Frieboes Hermann B. , Kokkolaras Michael
Published: May 2020

The pharmacokinetics of nanoparticle-borne drugs targeting tumors depends critically on nanoparticle design. Empirical approaches to evaluate such designs in order to maximize treatment efficacy are time- and cost-intensive. We have recently proposed the use of computational modeling of nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery targeting tumor vasculature coupled with numerical optimization to pursue optimal nanoparticle targeting and tumor uptake. Here, we build upon these studies to evaluate the effect of tumor size on optimal nanoparticle design by considering a cohort of heterogeneously-sized tumor lesions, as would be clinically expected. The results indicate that smaller nanoparticles yield higher tumor targeting and lesion regression for larger-sized tumors. We then augment the nanoparticle design optimization problem by considering drug diffusivity, which yields a two-fold tumor size decrease compared to optimizing nanoparticles without this consideration. We quantify the tradeoff between tumor targeting and size decrease using bi-objective optimization, and generate five Pareto-optimal nanoparticle designs. The results provide a spectrum of treatment outcomes – considering tumor targeting vs. antitumor effect – with the goal to enable therapy customization based on clinical need. This approach could be extended to other nanoparticle-based cancer therapies, and support the development of personalized nanomedicine in the longer term.
Evaluation of an on-site surface enhanced Raman scattering sensor for benzotriazole
Authors: Wieduwilt Florian , Lenth Christoph , Ctistis Georgios , Plachetka Ulrich , Möller Michael , Wackerbarth Hainer
Published: May 2020

Benzotriazole (BTAH) has been used for decades as corrosion inhibitor and antifreeze. Since it is fairly soluble in water but very stable and can only be partly removed from wastewater treatment plants, it represents a threat to the environment and thus also to human health. Therefore, it is of uttermost importance to have a detection method capable of monitoring the concentration of BTAH at trace level on-site. Here, we demonstrate that a sensor based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is capable of detecting trace-level concentrations of BTAH. We carefully studied the concentration dependency and the time dependent coverage. Moreover, we could not only perform the measurements with clean solution but also with real samples from a wastewater treatment plant, ensuring that our method proposed works in a complex environment.
Estradiol-dependent axogenesis and Ngn3 expression are determined by XY sex chromosome complement in hypothalamic neurons
Authors: Cisternas Carla Daniela , Cabrera Zapata Lucas Ezequiel , Mir Franco Rafael , Scerbo María Julia , Arevalo María Angeles , Garcia-Segura Luis Miguel , Cambiasso María Julia
Published: May 2020

Hypothalamic neurons show sex differences in neuritogenesis, female neurons have longer axons and higher levels of the neuritogenic factor neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) than male neurons in vitro. Moreover, the effect of 17-β-estradiol (E2) on axonal growth and Ngn3 expression is only found in male-derived neurons. To investigate whether sex chromosomes regulate these early sex differences in neuritogenesis by regulating the E2 effect on Ngn3, we evaluated the growth and differentiation of hypothalamic neurons derived from the “four core genotypes” mouse model, in which the factors of “gonadal sex” and “sex chromosome complement” are dissociated. We showed that sex differences in neurite outgrowth are determined by sex chromosome complement (XX > XY). Moreover, E2 increased the mRNA expression of Ngn3 and axonal length only in XY neurons. ERα/β expressions are regulated by sex chromosome complement; however, E2-effect on Ngn3 expression in XY neurons was only fully reproduced by PPT, a specific ligand of ERα, and prevented by MPP, a specific antagonist of ERα. Together our data indicate that sex chromosomes regulate early development of hypothalamic neurons by orchestrating not only sex differences in neuritogenesis, but also regulating the effect of E2 on Ngn3 expression through activation of ERα in hypothalamic neurons.
Identifying priority conservation areas in a Saharan environment by highlighting the endangered Cuvier’s Gazelle as a flagship species
Authors: Herrera-Sánchez F. Javier , Gil-Sánchez Jose María , Álvarez Begoña , Cancio Inmaculada , de Lucas Jesus , Arredondo Ángel , Díaz-Portero Miguel Ángel , Rodríguez-Siles Javier , Sáez Juan Manuel , Pérez Joaquín , McCain Emil , Qninba Abdeljebbar , Abáigar Teresa
Published: May 2020

Monitoring populations and designing effective conservation actions for endangered species present significant challenges. An accurate understanding of current distribution, ecological traits and habitat requirements is imperative in formulating conservation strategies. Recent surveys on the southernmost Cuvier’s Gazelle (Gazella cuvieri) population, an ungulate endemic to North Africa, showcase its importance in terms of numbers and genetic diversity. This population inhabits a remote region in the extreme north-western portion of the Sahara Desert and has not been well studied. Here, we examine the potential distribution of Cuvier’s Gazelle and the environmental factors limiting the species in a Saharan environment, by combining broad-scale field survey data and species distribution models. Our objective was to identify high priority conservation areas in the southernmost known portion of the species’ distribution by modelling habitat selection at the landscape scale using a predictive distribution map. Our results show that the distribution of Cuvier’s Gazelle is strongly related to mountainous areas with heterogeneous terrain and remoteness from large human settlements over other ecological factors that had less impact on the species’ presence and distribution. We also provide a quantitative estimate of the potential distribution range of Cuvier’s Gazelle in southern Morocco, identifying two well-demarcated key areas. The two core areas currently contain enough rugged terrain isolated from human encroachment to support the endangered species in this harsh desert environment. We encourage the implementation of conservation planning for Cuvier’s Gazelle as an “umbrella species”, which will confer effective protection to higher-quality habitat zones and co-occurring species, leading to sustainable and ecologically responsible development in the region.
Dynamic 2-deoxy-2[18F] fluoro-D-glucose PET/MRI in human renal allotransplant patients undergoing acute kidney injury
Authors: Pajenda Sahra , Rasul Sazan , Hacker Marcus , Wagner Ludwig , Geist Barbara Katharina
Published: May 2020

Patients after solid organ kidney transplantation (KTX) often suffer from acute kidney injury (AKI). Parameters as serum creatinine indicate a loss of kidney function, although no distinction of the cause and prognosis can be made. Imaging tools measuring kidney function have not been widely in clinical use. In this observational study we evaluated 2-deoxy-2[18F] fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) PET/MRI in thirteen patients after KTX with AKI as a functional assessment of the graft. Twenty-four healthy volunteers served as control. General kidney performance (GKP), initial flow (IF) and renal response function (RF) were calculated by standardized uptake values (SUV) and time activity curves (TAC). The GKP measured for the total kidney and medulla was significantly higher in healthy patients compared to patients after KTX (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0004, respectively), but no difference was found for the GKP of the cortex (p = 0.59). The IF in KTX patients correlated with renal recovery, defined as change in serum creatinine 10 days after PET/MRI (r = 0.80, p = 0.001). With regard to the RF, a negative correlation for tubular damage was found (r = −0.74, p = 0.004). In conclusion, parameters obtained from FDG PET/MRI showed a possible predictive feature for renal recovery in KTX patients undergoing AKI.
Skin expression of IL-23 drives the development of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in mice
Authors: Chen Lili , Deshpande Madhura , Grisotto Marcos , Smaldini Paola , Garcia Roberto , He Zhengxiang , Gulko Percio S. , Lira Sergio A. , Furtado Glaucia C.
Published: May 2020

Psoriasis (PS) is a chronic skin inflammation. Up to 30% of the patients with PS develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a condition characterized by inflammatory arthritis that affects joints or entheses. Although there is mounting evidence for a critical role of interleukin-23 (IL-23) signaling in the pathogenesis of both PS and PsA, it remains unclear whether IL-23-induced skin inflammation drives joint disease. Here, we show that mice expressing increased levels of IL-23 in the skin (K23 mice) develop a PS-like disease that is characterized by acanthosis, parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, and inflammatory infiltrates in the dermis. Skin disease preceded development of PsA, including enthesitis, dactylitis, and bone destruction. The development of enthesitis and dactylitis was not due to high circulating levels of IL-23, as transgenic animals and controls had similar levels of this cytokine in circulation. IL-22, a downstream cytokine of IL-23, was highly increased in the serum of K23 mice. Although IL-22 deficiency did not affect skin disease development, IL-22 deficiency aggravated the PsA-like disease in K23 mice. Our results demonstrate a central role for skin expressed IL-23 in the initiation of PS and on pathogenic processes leading to PsA.
Author Correction: Mechanism and Consequences of The Impaired Hif-1α Response to Hypoxia in Human Proximal Tubular HK-2 Cells Exposed to High Glucose
Authors: García-Pastor Coral , Benito-Martínez Selma , Moreno-Manzano Victoria , Fernández-Martínez Ana B. , Lucio-Cazaña Francisco Javier
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Comparative Proteomic Analysis in Scar-Free Skin Regeneration in Acomys cahirinus and Scarring Mus musculus
Authors: Yoon Jung Hae , Cho Kun , Garrett Timothy J. , Finch Paul , Maden Malcolm
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Capturing student conceptions of thermodynamics and kinetics using writing
Authors: Finkenstaedt-Quinn S. A. , Halim A. S. , Kasner G. , Wilhelm C. A. , Moon A. , Gere A. Ruggles , Shultz G. V.
Published: May 2020

Thermodynamics and kinetics are key topics in the chemistry curriculum that pose challenges to students across a range of educational levels. These struggles arise from the complexity and mixed representations inherent to the topics. Additionally, while thermodynamics and kinetics are related, students struggle to make conceptually correct connections, sometimes seeing them as two separate topics with no relation and other times conflating their meanings and explanatory powers. Herein we captured student conceptions about thermodynamics and kinetics through a Writing-to-Learn activity that utilized peer review and revision to engage students with the concepts by applying them to a real-world context. This study identified whether students focused on the concepts targeted by the assignment and characterized the chemistry content of the peer review feedback. Students’ descriptions of thermodynamics and kinetics content, as well as the relationship between the two and how they connect to the application given in the assignment, improved during the process and suggests that peer review and revision played an important role in supporting students to describe these concepts. When guided by a content-focused peer review rubric, students provided constructive chemistry content-directed feedback. Specifically, analysis of student writing and comments demonstrated the potential of the assignment to engage students in building connections between complexly related topics, including distinguishing between sponteneity and rate and appropriately relating activation energy and rate. Findings from this study suggest that writing can be used to elicit student-specific conceptions of physical chemistry topics and develop students’ explanatory skills of chemistry content even without direct instructor feedback.
Examining the role of phosphorylation of p19INK4d in its stability and ubiquitination using chemical protein synthesis
Authors: Msallam Muna , Sun Hao , Meledin Roman , Franz Pauline , Brik Ashraf
Published: May 2020

This study describes the chemical synthesis of unmodified and phosphorylated p19INK4d that were characterized by circular dichroism and biochemical methods to examine the effect of phosphorylation on the thermal stability and ubiquitination.
Quantification of prostaglandins E2 and D2 using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in a mouse ear edema model
Authors: Wang Tianming , Zhang Xueyan , Ye Yiwen , Shi Rong , Ma Yueming
Published: May 2020

A sensitive, specific, and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of prostaglandins D2 (PGD2) and E2 (PGE2) in a mouse ear edema model.
Development of a universal method for the measurement of binding affinities of antibody drugs towards a living cell based on AFM force spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Hyonchol , Hoshi Masamichi , Iijima Masumi , Kuroda Shun'ichi , Nakamura Chikashi
Published: May 2020

A universal method to measure the binding affinities of antibody drugs towards their targets on the surface of living cells was developed based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis.
A new Ni–diaminoglyoxime–g-C3N4 complex towards efficient photocatalytic ethanol splitting via a ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) mechanism
Authors: Xu Yanqi , Du Cui , Zhou Chen , Yang Shengyang
Published: May 2020

A Ni–diaminoglyoxime–g-C3N4 complex is developed for H2 evolution from photocatalytic ethanol splitting via a ligand-to-metal charge transfer mechanism.
Manganese complex-catalysed α-alkylation of ketones with secondary alcohols enables the synthesis of β-branched carbonyl compounds
Authors: Waiba Satyadeep , Jana Sayan K. , Jati Ayan , Jana Akash , Maji Biplab
Published: May 2020

Diverse β-functionalised carbonyl compounds were synthesized via a manganese(i) complex-catalysed α-alkylation of ketones with secondary alcohols.
High Young's modulus carbon fibers are fouling resistant with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry
Authors: Li Yuxin , Fleischer Collin M. , Ross Ashley E.
Published: May 2020

High modulus carbon-fibers exhibit similar resistance to chemical fouling as carbon nanotube based materials with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry.
Synthesis of 18O-labelled alcohols from unlabelled alcohols
Authors: Beddoe Rhydian H. , Edwards Daniel C. , Goodman Louis , Sneddon Helen F. , Denton Ross M.
Published: May 2020

The synthesis of primary, secondary and tertiary 18O-enriched alcohols from readily available 16O-alcohols via a Mitsunobu esterification and hydrolysis is described.
Screen printing directed synthesis of covalent organic framework membranes with water sieving property
Authors: Li Jialu , Rong Huazhen , Chen Yifan , Zhang Hao , Liu Terence Xiaoteng , Yuan Ye , Zou Xiaoqin , Zhu Guangshan
Published: May 2020

An effective approach of screen printing has been developed to direct the synthesis of continuous COF membranes. The prepared membranes exhibit fast and selective water permeation properties.
Bi-layering at ionic liquid surfaces: a sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy- and molecular dynamics simulation-based study
Authors: Iwahashi Takashi , Ishiyama Tatsuya , Sakai Yasunari , Morita Akihiro , Kim Doseok , Ouchi Yukio
Published: May 2020

IV-SFG vibrational spectroscopy and MD simulation studies successfully demonstrate the presence of a “head-to-head” bi-layer structure at ionic liquid surfaces.
Highly branched triple-chain surfactant-mediated electrochemical exfoliation of graphite to obtain graphene oxide: colloidal behaviour and application in water treatment
Authors: Jamaluddin Nur Amirah , Mohamed Azmi , Abu Bakar Suriani , Ardyani Tretya , Sagisaka Masanobu , Suhara Shota , Hafiz Mamat Mohamad , Ahmad Mohd Khairul , King Stephen M. , Rogers Sarah E. , Eastoe Julian
Published: May 2020

The generation of surfactant-assisted exfoliated graphene oxide (sEGO) by electrochemical exfoliation is influenced by the presence of surfactants, and in particular the hydrophobic tail molecular-architecture.
New structural model of a chiral cubic liquid crystalline phase
Authors: Vaupotič Nataša , Salamończyk Mirosław , Matraszek Joanna , Vogrin Martin , Pociecha Damian , Gorecka Ewa
Published: May 2020

A new model of a chiral cubic phase is proposed, in which the continuous lattice is embedded on a WP minimal primitive surface and chirality is related to the alternating inclination of molecules in the neighbouring segments of non-flat hexagons.
Anomaly in the stability of the hydroxides of icosagens (B and Al) and their noble gas (Xe and Rn) derivatives: a comparative study
Authors: Ghosh Ayan , Mallick Atri , Ghanty Tapan K.
Published: May 2020

Existence of noble gas-inserted hydroxide of icosagens, HNgBO and HNgOAl (Ng = Xe and Rn) molecules, has been predicted throughab initiocalculations.
0D/2D CeO2 quantum dot/NiO nanoplate supported an ultralow-content Pt catalyst for the efficient oxidation of formaldehyde at room temperature
Authors: Li Qin , Yan Zhaoxiong , Wang Nenghuan , Xu Zhihua , Wang Geming , Huang Gang
Published: May 2020

The 0D/2D CeO2 quantum dot/NiO nanoplate supporting ultralow content of the Pt catalyst shows enhanced catalytic decomposition of formaldehyde at room temperature.
High-performance fuel cell designed for coking-resistance and efficient conversion of waste methane to electrical energy
Authors: Li Tao , Lu Xuekun , Rabuni Mohamad F. , Wang Bo , Farandos Nicholas M. , Kelsall Geoff H. , Brett Dan J. L. , Shearing Paul R. , Ouyang Mengzheng , Brandon Nigel P. , Li Kang
Published: May 2020

A novel micro-monolithic fuel cell converts low-grade methane efficiently to clean electrical energy.
A lab-on-chip device for the sample-in-result-out detection of viable Salmonella using loop-mediated isothermal amplification and real-time turbidity monitoring
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Liu Ning , Zheng Lingyan , Cai Gaozhe , Lin Jianhan
Published: May 2020

Rapid screening of foodborne pathogens is key to prevent food poisoning.
Understanding the mechanism of action of pyrrolo[3,2-b]quinoxaline-derivatives as kinase inhibitors
Authors: Unzue Andrea , Jessen-Trefzer Claudia , Spiliotopoulos Dimitrios , Gaudio Eugenio , Tarantelli Chiara , Dong Jing , Zhao Hongtao , Pachmayr Johanna , Zahler Stefan , Bernasconi Elena , Sartori Giulio , Cascione Luciano , Bertoni Francesco , Śledź Paweł , Caflisch Amedeo , Nevado Cristina
Published: May 2020

Two novel quinoxaline-based EphA3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been designed and characterized in vivo in a relevant lymphoma model, showing high efficacy in the control of tumor size.
Bio-electrostatic sensitive droplet lasers for molecular detection
Authors: Wang Ziyihui , Zhang Yifan , Gong Xuerui , Yuan Zhiyi , Feng Shilun , Xu Tianhua , Liu Tiegen , Chen Yu-Cheng
Published: May 2020

A bioelectrostatic responsive microlaser based on liquid crystal droplets was developed and explored for ultrasensitive detection of negatively charged biomolecules.
Natural products targeting the elongation phase of eukaryotic protein biosynthesis
Authors: Brönstrup Mark , Sasse Florenz
Published: May 2020

This review highlights different mechanisms how natural products interfere with the elongation phase of eukaryotic protein biosynthesis, and it discusses therapeutic applications thereof.
Furin-instructed molecular self-assembly actuates endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis for cancer therapy
Authors: Fu Chenxing , Zhan Jie , Huai Junqi , Ma Shaodan , Li Minghui , Chen Guoqin , Chen Minsheng , Cai Yanbin , Ou Caiwen
Published: May 2020

We designed furin-instructed self-assembly to block the ER-to-Golgi traffic for inhibiting MDA-MB-468 cell growth. This disturbance of the cellular proteostasis through molecular self-assembly may provide a novel strategy for cancer therapy.
Sb nanoparticle decorated rGO as a new anode material in aqueous chloride ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Qi , Karthick R. , Zhao Xiliang , Zhang Liguo , Shi Yumeng , Sun Linfeng , Su Ching-Yuan , Chen Fuming
Published: May 2020

Antimony nanoparticle decorated reduced graphene oxide sheets with uniform distribution were synthesized as a new anode of aqueous chloride ion batteries in one step, which demonstrates a high capacity, and excellent reversibility and stability.
The synthesis and structure of the [PdAu13(PPh3)3(SR)7]+ nanocluster
Authors: Fu Xuemei , Lin Xinzhang , Ren Xiuqing , Wu Ren'an , Liu Chao , Huang Jiahui
Published: May 2020

This work reported the synthesis and crystal structure of [PdAu13(PPh3)3(SR)7]+ nanocluster. It has a concave polyhedron Au9Pd kernel, an Au2(SR)3 motif, two Au(SR)2 motifs and three triphenylphosphine, which looks like a girl dancing ballet.
Precise design and synthesis of Pd/InOx@CoOx core–shell nanofibers for the highly efficient catalytic combustion of toluene
Authors: Du Xuebi , Dong Fang , Tang Zhicheng , Zhang Jiyi
Published: May 2020

In this work, Pd/InOx@CoOx core–shell nanofibers, CoOx@Pd/InOx core–shell nanofibers and Pd/InOx/CoOx nanofibers with different morphologies have been successfully synthesized for the catalytic combustion of toluene.
MOF-derived hollow SiOx nanoparticles wrapped in 3D porous nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel and their superior performance as the anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Guo Chenfeng , Xie Ying , Pan Kai , Li Li
Published: May 2020

A nanocomposite anode material – HSiOx@N-GA has been fabricated through a facile three-step approach, involving MOF-template inducting, self-assembly and nitrogen-doping, freeze-drying and thermal treatment process.
Reactive amphiphilic hollow SiO2 Janus nanoparticles for durable superhydrophobic coating
Authors: Bao Yan , Zhang Yuanxia , Ma Jianzhong
Published: May 2020

A study of durable superhydrophobic coating fabricated by the reactive amphiphilic hollow SiO2 Janus particles.
Phototheranostic DNA micelles from the self-assembly of DNA-BODIPY amphiphiles for the thermal ablation of cancer cells
Authors: Atchimnaidu Siriki , Perumal Devanathan , Harikrishanan Kaloor S. , Thelu Hari Veera Prasad , Varghese Reji
Published: May 2020

A one-step strategy based on amphiphilicity-driven self-assembly of DNA-BODIPY amphiphiles for the design of a new class of DNA micelles, which offer all three phototheranostic functions in a single nanoentity, is reported.
Manganese-based layered double hydroxide nanoparticles as highly efficient ozone decomposition catalysts with tunable valence state
Authors: Wang Siyu , Zhu Yu-quan , Zhang Yuhong , Wang Binxia , Yan Hong , Liu Wendi , Lin Yanjun
Published: May 2020

This paper reported a Mn based layered double hydroxide catalyst with tunable valence state, and the effects of different valence states on catalytic ozone decomposition.
Correction: Enhanced thermomechanical property of a self-healing polymer via self-assembly of a reversibly cross-linkable block copolymer
Authors: Lee Hyang Moo , Perumal Suguna , Kim Gi Young , Kim Jin Chul , Kim Young-Ryul , Kim Minsoo P. , Ko Hyunhyub , Rho Yecheol , Cheong In Woo
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Enhanced thermomechanical property of a self-healing polymer via self-assembly of a reversibly cross-linkable block copolymer’ by Hyang Moo Lee et al., Polym. Chem., 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0py00310g.
Tuning singlet fission in amphipathic tetracene nanoparticles by controlling the molecular packing with side-group engineering
Authors: Tang Zhaofeng , Zhou Sainan , Liu Heyuan , Wang Xiangyang , Liu Shanshan , Shen Li , Lu Xiaoqing , Li Xiyou
Published: May 2020

The separation of the triplet pair (1(TT)) obtained from SF was achieved in tetracene nanoparticles by changing carboxylic group numbers on tetracene. This provides a new insight for designing novel SF materials with long-lived triplet states.
Efficient red luminogen with aggregation-induced emission for in vivo three-photon brain vascular imaging
Authors: Tian Haiyan , Li Dongyu , Tang Xi , Zhang Yubo , Yang Zhiyong , Qian Jun , Dong Yong Qiang , Han Mei
Published: May 2020

DCPE-TPA exhibits three morphologies with high quantum yields and nanoparticles of DCPE-TPA are utilized for in vivo 3PF imaging, achieving a penetration depth of 300 μm with a high resolution of 1.8 μm and a high signal-to-background ratio of 14.
Recent progress in the synthesis of limonoids and limonoid-like natural products
Authors: Fu Shaomin , Liu Bo
Published: May 2020

Recent progress in syntheses of limonoids and limonoid-like natural products is reviewed. The current “state-of-art” advance on novel synthetic strategy are summarized and future outlook will be presented.
Chemodivergent synthesis of functionalized methanodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocin-13-ylmethanones and tetrahydroquinolines via solvent-dependent AB2 and A2B2 multicomponent annulation reactions
Authors: Muthukrishnan Isravel , Karuppasamy Muthu , Vachan B. S. , Rajput Diksha , Subbiah Nagarajan , Uma Maheswari C. , Sridharan Vellaisamy
Published: May 2020

A solvent-dependent chemodivergent approach was developed for the synthesis of 6,12-methanodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocin-13-ylmethanones and 2,3,4-trisubstituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines involving two distinct AB2 and A2B2 multicomponent processes.
Critical review on the chemical reduction of nitroaniline
Authors: Din Muhammad Imran , Khalid Rida , Hussain Zaib , Najeeb Jawayria , Sahrif Ahsan , Intisar Azeem , Ahmed Ejaz
Published: May 2020

Schematic illustration of catalytic reduction of 4-NA in the presence of nanocatalysts and a reducing agent.
Site-specific functionalization with amino, guanidinium, and imidazolyl groups enabling the activation of 10–23 DNAzyme
Authors: Du Shanshan , Li Yang , Chai Zhilong , Shi Weiguo , He Junlin
Published: May 2020

Chemical activation of 10–23 DNAzyme was realized at A9 modified with active functional groups amino, guanidinium, and imidazolyl groups.
A chemically bonded supercapacitor using a highly stretchable and adhesive gel polymer electrolyte based on an ionic liquid and epoxy-triblock diamine network
Authors: Han You Kyung , Cheon Jae Yeong , Kim Taehoon , Lee Sang Bok , Kim Yang Do , Jung Byung Mun
Published: May 2020

A chemically bonded supercapacitor using a stretchable and adhesive gel polymer electrolyte based on ionic liquid and epoxy for flexible devices.
Green biorefinery — the ultra-high hydrolysis rate and behavior ofPopulus tomentosahemicellulose autohydrolysis under moderate subcritical water conditions
Authors: Xu Yanru , Wang Pengfei , Xue Shiwen , Kong Fangong , Ren Hao , Zhai Huamin
Published: May 2020

A high monosaccharide conversion rate of hemicellulose in a green solvent and under moderate reaction conditions for industrialization is one of the most important keys in a lignocellulosic biorefinery.
Electronic properties and low lattice thermal conductivity (κl) of mono-layer (ML) MoS2: FP-LAPW incorporated with spin–orbit coupling (SOC)
Authors: Rai D. P. , Vu Tuan V. , Laref Amel , Hossain Md. Anwar , Haque Enamul , Ahmad Sohail , Khenata R. , Thapa R. K.
Published: May 2020

This paper focuses on the electronic and thermoelectric properties of monolayer MoS2.
Dual or multiple drug loaded nanoparticles to target breast cancer stem cells
Authors: Gao Yu , Tang Mingtan , Leung Euphemia , Svirskis Darren , Shelling Andrew , Wu Zimei
Published: May 2020

Breast cancer stem(-like) cells (BCSCs) have been found to be responsible for therapeutic resistance and disease relapse.