bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary acculturation among African emigrant students in India: determinants and problems
Authors: Kivuyo Nengilang’et G , Sharma Sonika
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Emigrants face a high level of food insecurity. There is a wide research gap in the domain of identifying the determinants and problems of dietary acculturation in the context of emigrant students. This article attempts to study the factors affecting the dietary acculturation of African emigrant students in India.

Design:

For conducting a first-of-its-kind study for African emigrant students in India, we used field survey method, and the primary data were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire.

Setting:

This was a field survey conducted in Punjab (a state of India).

Participants:

One hundred and twenty African emigrant students participated in the survey.

Results:

Results of logistic regression indicated that food awareness (P= 0·027) and food suitability (P= 0·043) were the major determinants of dietary acculturation. Lack of familiarity and lack of proximity to food access points are the major problems faced by the African emigrant students. African emigrant students prepared for dietary acculturation largely only after coming to India. There is a significant positive correlation (P= 0·013) between problems faced by the respondents and tendency to prepare for acculturation after coming to India.

Conclusions:

Information regarding local food environment plays a significant role in dietary acculturation. There is a pertinent need to educate emigrant students regarding food availability and access by developing suitable educational content.
Experience as Device: Encountering Russian Formalism in the Ljubljana School
Authors: Sorenson Kaitlyn Tucker
Published: May 2020

Russian Formalism and the Ljubljana School are two of the most influential Slavic contributions to global critical theory. Yet, cast as the prolegomena and coda of the short twentieth century's groundswell of critical theory, these two theoretical movements are rarely considered in tandem. This article seeks to challenge that perception on both historical and theoretical grounds. It begins by documenting the introduction of Russian Formalism to Slovene literary criticism, and then traces how the early Ljubljana School, while developing its own theoretical platform, was exposed to certain Formalist principles. After chronicling this historical encounter, the article concludes by considering how these two strains of Slavic critical theory might most productively intertwine, and proposes new ways of encountering Russian Formalism in the Ljubljana School.
Field‐Validated Detection of Aureoumbra lagunensis Brown Tide Blooms in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, Using Sentinel‐3A OLCI and Ground‐Based Hyperspectral Spectroradiometers
Authors: Judice Taylor J. , Widder Edith A. , Falls Warren H. , Avouris Dulcinea M. , Cristiano Dominic J. , Ortiz Joseph D.
Published: May 2020

Frequent Aureoumbra lagunensis blooms in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, have devastated populations of seagrass and marine life and threaten public health. To substantiate a more reliable remote sensing early‐warning system for harmful algal blooms, we apply varimax‐rotated principal component analysis (VPCA) to 12 images spanning ~1.5 years. The method partitions visible‐NIR spectra into independent components related to algae, cyanobacteria, suspended minerals, and pigment degradation products. The components extracted by VPCA are diagnostic for identifiable optical constituents, providing greater specificity in the resulting data products. We show that VPCA components retrieved from Sentinel‐3A Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) and a field‐based spectroradiometer are consistent despite vast differences in spatial resolution (~50 cm vs. 300 m). Furthermore, the VPCA components associated with A. lagunensis in both spectral datasets indicate high correlations to Ochrophyta cell counts (R2 ≥ 0.92, p < 0.001). Recombining components exhibiting a red‐edge response produces a Chl a algorithm that outperforms empirical band ratio algorithms and preforms as well or better than a variety of semianalytical algorithms. The results from the VPCA spectral decomposition method are more efficient than traditional Empirical Orthogonal Function or PCA, requiring fewer components to explain as much or more variance. Overall, our observations provide excellent validation for Sentinel‐3A OLCI‐based VPCA spectral identification and indicate A. lagunensis was highly concentrated within the Banana River region of the IRL during the study. These results enable improved brown tide monitoring to identify blooms at an early stage, allowing more time for stakeholder response to this public health problem.
Uncertainty Quantification of Global Net Methane Emissions From Terrestrial Ecosystems Using a Mechanistically Based Biogeochemistry Model
Authors: Liu Licheng , Zhuang Qianlai , Oh Youmi , Shurpali Narasinha J. , Kim Seungbum , Poulter Ben
Published: May 2020

Quantification of methane (CH4) emissions from wetlands and its sinks from uplands is still fraught with large uncertainties. Here, a methane biogeochemistry model was revised, parameterized, and verified for various wetland ecosystems across the globe. The model was then extrapolated to the global scale to quantify the uncertainty induced from four different types of uncertainty sources including parameterization, wetland type distribution, wetland area distribution, and meteorological input. We found that global wetland emissions are 212 ± 62 and 212 ± 32 Tg CH4 year−1 (1Tg = 1012 g) due to uncertain parameters and wetland type distribution, respectively, during 2000–2012. Using two wetland distribution data sets and three sets of climate data, the model simulations indicated that the global wetland emissions range from 186 to 212 CH4 year−1 for the same period. The parameters were the most significant uncertainty source. After combining the global methane consumption in the range of −34 to −46 Tg CH4 year−1, we estimated that the global net land methane emissions are 149–176 Tg CH4 year−1 due to uncertain wetland distribution and meteorological input. Spatially, the northeast United States and Amazon were two hotspots of methane emission, while consumption hotspots were in the Eastern United States and eastern China. During 1950–2016, both wetland emissions and upland consumption increased during El Niño events and decreased during La Niña events. This study highlights the need for more in situ methane flux data, more accurate wetland type, and area distribution information to better constrain the model uncertainty.
New Discoveries Enabled by the Emergence of High‐Resolution, Long‐Term Interdisciplinary Ocean Observations
Authors: Dickey Tommy
Published: May 2020

This review describes the author's path leading toward a career in science and four decades of experiences. Some of the important people influencing my intellectual development are mentioned. Crossings of disciplinary boundaries were keys to novel research efforts. In particular, new areas of research such as geophysical fluid dynamics and bio‐optics were embraced and used to advantage. Likewise, identifying and utilizing relevant new technologies enabled unprecedented interdisciplinary high‐resolution, long‐term measurements at depth in the ocean. Early on, my group utilized satellite‐based as well as in situ data sets to advantage. In addition, with colleagues, we conducted modeling as well as observational studies. A few examples of resulting scientific breakthroughs involving interdisciplinary observations are presented. In addition, our time‐space diagrams for ocean processes and platforms have been utilized for ocean experimental design and modeling. Finally, some career advice for future generations and my unconventional teaching methods using therapy dogs are discussed.
Contribution of CTCF binding to transcriptional activity at the HOXA locus in NPM1-mutant AML cells
Authors: Ghasemi Reza , Struthers Heidi , Wilson Elisabeth R. , Spencer David H.
Published: May 2020

Transcriptional regulation of the HOXA genes is thought to involve CTCF-mediated chromatin loops and the opposing actions of the COMPASS and Polycomb epigenetic complexes. We investigated the role of these mechanisms at the HOXA cluster in AML cells with the common NPM1c mutation, which express both HOXA and HOXB genes. CTCF binding at the HOXA locus is conserved across primary AML samples, regardless of HOXA gene expression, and defines a continuous chromatin domain marked by COMPASS-associated histone H3 trimethylation in NPM1-mutant primary AML samples. Profiling of the three-dimensional chromatin architecture in primary AML samples with the NPM1c mutation identified chromatin loops between the HOXA cluster and loci in the SNX10 and SKAP2 genes, and an intergenic region located 1.4 Mbp upstream of the HOXA locus. Deletion of CTCF binding sites in the NPM1-mutant OCI-AML3 AML cell line reduced multiple long-range interactions, but resulted in CTCF-independent loops with sequences in SKAP2 that were marked by enhancer-associated histone modifications in primary AML samples. HOXA gene expression was maintained in CTCF binding site mutants, indicating that transcriptional activity at the HOXA locus in NPM1-mutant AML cells may be sustained through persistent interactions with SKAP2 enhancers, or by intrinsic factors within the HOXA gene cluster.
Genetic susceptibility, inflammation and specific types of depressive symptoms: evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Frank Philipp , Ajnakina Olesya , Steptoe Andrew , Cadar Dorina
Published: May 2020

Genetic susceptibility to depression has been established using polygenic scores, but the underlying mechanisms and the potentially differential effects of polygenic scores on specific types of depressive symptoms remain unknown. This study examined whether systemic low-grade inflammation mediated the association between polygenic scores for depressive symptomatology (DS-PGS) and subsequent somatic versus cognitive-affective depressive symptoms. The sample consisted of 3510 men and women (aged 50+) recruited from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. DS-PGS were derived using the results of a recent genome-wide association study. Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured at wave 6 (2012/13). Depressive symptoms were assessed at wave 8 (2016/17), using the eight-item version of the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Covariates (wave 2, 2004/05) included age, sex and ten principal components (PCs) to control for population stratification. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to corroborate a previously identified two-factor structure of the CES-D, distinguishing between cognitive-affective and somatic symptoms. Longitudinal structural equation modelling was used to investigate the mediating role of CRP in the relationship between DS-PGS and cognitive-affective versus somatic symptoms. Our results showed that participants with a higher polygenic susceptibility to DS were significantly more likely to report cognitive-affective and somatic symptoms at follow-up. Mediation analyses revealed that CRP mediated the relationship between DS-PGS and somatic symptoms, but not the association between DS-PGS and cognitive-affective symptoms. These differential effects highlight the importance of considering individual differences in depression profiles in future studies. Ultimately, this will inform healthcare professionals to design more targeted treatments.
CUEDC2 controls osteoblast differentiation and bone formation via SOCS3–STAT3 pathway
Authors: Kim Jung-Woo , Oh Sin-Hye , Lee Mi Nam , Song Ju Han , Jeong Byung-Chul , Yang Jin-Woo , Piao Xianyu , Zang Yaran , Ryu Je-Hwang , Koh Jeong-Tae
Published: May 2020

The CUE domain-containing 2 (CUEDC2) protein plays critical roles in many biological processes, such as the cell cycle, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. However, whether CUEDC2 is involved in osteoblast differentiation and plays a role in bone regeneration remains unknown. This study investigated the role of CUEDC2 in osteogenesis and its underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that CUEDC2 is expressed in bone tissues. The expression of CUEDC2 decreased during bone development and BMP2-induced osteoblast differentiation. The overexpression of CUEDC2 suppressed the osteogenic differentiation of precursor cells, while the knockdown of CUEDC2 showed the opposite effect. In vivo studies showed that the overexpression of CUEDC2 decreased bone parameters (bone volume, bone area, and bone mineral density) during ectopic bone formation, whereas its knockdown increased bone volume and the reconstruction percentage of critical-size calvarial defects. We found that CUEDC2 affects STAT3 activation by regulating SOCS3 protein stability. Treatment with a chemical inhibitor of STAT3 abolished the promoting effect of CUEDC2 silencing on osteoblast differentiation. Together, we suggest that CUEDC2 functions as a key regulator of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation by targeting the SOCS3–STAT3 pathway. CUEDC2 manipulation could serve as a therapeutic strategy for controlling bone disease and regeneration.
Characterization of a novel type III CRISPR-Cas effector provides new insights into the allosteric activation and suppression of the Cas10 DNase
Authors: Lin Jinzhong , Feng Mingxia , Zhang Heping , She Qunxin
Published: May 2020

Antiviral defense by type III CRISPR-Cas systems relies on two distinct activities of their effectors: the RNA-activated DNA cleavage and synthesis of cyclic oligoadenylate. Both activities are featured as indiscriminate nucleic acid cleavage and subjected to the spatiotemporal regulation. To yield further insights into the involved mechanisms, we reconstituted LdCsm, a lactobacilli III-A system in Escherichia coli. Upon activation by target RNA, this immune system mediates robust DNA degradation but lacks the synthesis of cyclic oligoadenylates. Mutagenesis of the Csm3 and Cas10 conserved residues revealed that Csm3 and multiple structural domains in Cas10 function in the allosteric regulation to yield an active enzyme. Target RNAs carrying various truncations in the 3ʹ anti-tag were designed and tested for their influence on DNA binding and DNA cleavage of LdCsm. Three distinct states of ternary LdCsm complexes were identified. In particular, binding of target RNAs carrying a single nucleotide in the 3ʹ anti-tag to LdCsm yielded an active LdCsm DNase regardless whether the nucleotide shows a mismatch, as in the cognate target RNA (CTR), or a match, as in the noncognate target RNA (NTR), to the 5′ tag of crRNA. In addition, further increasing the number of 3ʹ anti-tag in CTR facilitated the substrate binding and enhanced the substrate degradation whereas doing the same as in NTR gradually decreased the substrate binding and eventually shut off the DNA cleavage by the enzyme. Together, these results provide the mechanistic insights into the allosteric activation and repression of LdCsm enzymes.
In-situ observation of the initiation of plasticity by nucleation of prismatic dislocation loops
Authors: Lee Subin , Vaid Aviral , Im Jiseong , Kim Bongsoo , Prakash Arun , Guénolé Julien , Kiener Daniel , Bitzek Erik , Oh Sang Ho
Published: May 2020

The elastic-to-plastic transition during the deformation of a dislocation-free nanoscale volume is accompanied by displacement bursts associated with dislocation nucleation. The dislocations that nucleate during the so-called “pop-in” burst take the form of prismatic dislocation loops (PDLs) and exhibit characteristic burst-like emission and plastic recovery. Here, we report the in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation of the initial plasticity ensued by burst-like emission of PDLs on nanoindentation of dislocation-free Au nanowires. The in-situ TEM nanoindentation showed that the nucleation and subsequent cross slip of shear loop(s) are the rate-limiting steps. As the indentation size increases, the cross slip of shear loop becomes favored, resulting in a transition from PDLs to open half-loops to helical dislocations. In the present case of nanoindentation of dislocation-free volumes, the PDLs glide out of the indentation stress field while spreading the plastic zone, as opposed to the underlying assumption of the Nix-Gao model.
Circuit implementation of a four-dimensional topological insulator
Authors: Wang You , Price Hannah M. , Zhang Baile , Chong Y. D.
Published: May 2020

The classification of topological insulators predicts the existence of high-dimensional topological phases that cannot occur in real materials, as these are limited to three or fewer spatial dimensions. We use electric circuits to experimentally implement a four-dimensional (4D) topological lattice. The lattice dimensionality is established by circuit connections, and not by mapping to a lower-dimensional system. On the lattice’s three-dimensional surface, we observe topological surface states that are associated with a nonzero second Chern number but vanishing first Chern numbers. The 4D lattice belongs to symmetry class AI, which refers to time-reversal-invariant and spinless systems with no special spatial symmetry. Class AI is topologically trivial in one to three spatial dimensions, so 4D is the lowest possible dimension for achieving a topological insulator in this class. This work paves the way to the use of electric circuits for exploring high-dimensional topological models.
N-AS-triggered SPMs are direct regulators of microglia in a model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lee Ju Youn , Han Seung Hoon , Park Min Hee , Song Im-Sook , Choi Min-Koo , Yu Eunsoo , Park Cheol-Min , Kim Hee-Jin , Kim Seung Hyun , Schuchman Edward H. , Jin Hee Kyung , Bae Jae-sung
Published: May 2020

Sphingosine kinase1 (SphK1) is an acetyl-CoA dependent acetyltransferase which acts on cyclooxygenase2 (COX2) in neurons in a model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanism underlying this activity was unexplored. Here we show that N-acetyl sphingosine (N-AS) is first generated by acetyl-CoA and sphingosine through SphK1. N-AS then acetylates serine 565 (S565) of COX2, and the N-AS-acetylated COX2 induces the production of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). In a mouse model of AD, microglia show a reduction in N-AS generation, leading to decreased acetyl-S565 COX2 and SPM production. Treatment with N-AS increases acetylated COX2 and N-AS-triggered SPMs in microglia of AD mice, leading to resolution of neuroinflammation, an increase in microglial phagocytosis, and improved memory. Taken together, these results identify a role of N-AS in the dysfunction of microglia in AD.
Toll-like receptor signaling in thymic epithelium controls monocyte-derived dendritic cell recruitment and Treg generation
Authors: Vobořil Matouš , Brabec Tomáš , Dobeš Jan , Šplíchalová Iva , Březina Jiří , Čepková Adéla , Dobešová Martina , Aidarova Aigerim , Kubovčiak Jan , Tsyklauri Oksana , Štěpánek Ondřej , Beneš Vladimír , Sedláček Radislav , Klein Ludger , Kolář Michal , Filipp Dominik
Published: May 2020

The development of thymic regulatory T cells (Treg) is mediated by Aire-regulated self-antigen presentation on medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and dendritic cells (DCs), but the cooperation between these cells is still poorly understood. Here we show that signaling through Toll-like receptors (TLR) expressed on mTECs regulates the production of specific chemokines and other genes associated with post-Aire mTEC development. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we identify a new thymic CD14+Sirpα+ population of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (CD14+moDC) that are enriched in the thymic medulla and effectively acquire mTEC-derived antigens in response to the above chemokines. Consistently, the cellularity of CD14+moDC is diminished in mice with MyD88-deficient TECs, in which the frequency and functionality of thymic CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs are decreased, leading to aggravated mouse experimental colitis. Thus, our findings describe a TLR-dependent function of mTECs for the recruitment of CD14+moDC, the generation of Tregs, and thereby the establishment of central tolerance.
Neural activity mapping of bumble bee (Bombus ignitus) brains during foraging flight using immediate early genes
Authors: Iino Shiori , Shiota Yurika , Nishimura Masakazu , Asada Shinichi , Ono Masato , Kubo Takeo
Published: May 2020

Honey bees and bumble bees belong to the same family (Apidae) and their workers exhibit a division of labor, but the style of division of labor differs between species. The molecular and neural bases of the species-specific social behaviors of Apidae workers have not been analyzed. Here, we focused on two immediate early genes, hormone receptor 38 (HR38) and early growth response gene-1 (Egr1), and late-upregulated ecdysone receptor (EcR), all of which are upregulated by foraging flight and expressed preferentially in the small-type Kenyon cells of the mushroom bodies (MBs) in the honey bee brain. Gene expression analyses in Bombus ignitus revealed that HR38 and Egr1, but not EcR, exhibited an immediate early response during awakening from CO2 anesthesia. Both premature mRNA for HR38 and mature mRNA for Egr1 were induced during foraging flight, and mRNAs for HR38 and Egr1 were sparsely detected inside the whole MB calyces. In contrast, EcR expression was higher in forager brains than in nurse bees and was expressed preferentially in the small-type Kenyon cells inside the MBs. Our findings suggest that Kenyon cells are active during foraging flight and that the function of late-upregulated EcR in the brain is conserved among these Apidae species.
Increasing incidence and improving survival of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kim Yi-Jun , Kim Jin Ho
Published: May 2020

We evaluated changes in incidence, relative survival (RS), and conditional survival (CS) of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), focusing on oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). Data of 74 680 HNSCC patients from 1976 to 2015 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Five anatomical sites and their subsites were analyzed. Annual percent change (APC) of incidence was calculated. RS and CS were compared across the four decades. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of RS were evaluated using multivariate regression. OTSCC incidence decreased from 1976 (APC = −0.76, P < 0.05) but has increased since 1999 (APC = 2.36, P < 0.05). During 2006–2015, the 5-year CS exceeded 90% only for OTSCC and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). RS improved in OTSCC (aHR = 0.697, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.642–0.757, P < 0.001) and OPSCC (aHR = 0.669, 95% CI 0.633–0.706, P < 0.001) during the last two decades. For both OTSCC and OPSCC, improved survival was observed regardless of treatment. Incidence and survival remained unchanged for nasopharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers during this period. In conclusion, OTSCC incidence has been increasing since the 2000s, with improving prognosis irrespective of treatment. Given its similarity to OPSCC, OTSCC may represent an emerging HNSCC, warranting further research and clinical recognition.
Publisher Correction: Comparison of Fever-reducing Effects in Self-reported Data from the Mobile App: Antipyretic Drugs in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Choi Jiyun , Chang Seyun , Ahn Jong Gyun
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Low-Cost Active Thermography using Cellphone Infrared Cameras: from Early Detection of Dental Caries to Quantification of THC in Oral Fluid
Authors: Samadi Nakisa , Thapa Damber , Salimi Mohammadhossein , Parkhimchyk Artur , Tabatabaei Nima
Published: May 2020

Active thermography (AT) is a widely studied non-destructive testing method for the characterization and evaluation of biological and industrial materials. Despite its broad range of potential applications, commercialization and wide-spread adaption of AT has long been impeded by the cost and size of infrared (IR) cameras. In this paper, we demonstrate that this cost and size limitation can be overcome using cell-phone attachment IR cameras. A software development kit (SDK) is developed that controls camera attributes through a simple USB interface and acquires camera frames at a constant frame rate up to 33 fps. To demonstrate the performance of our low-cost AT system, we report and discuss our experimental results on two high impact potential applications. The first set of experiments is conducted on a dental sample to investigate the clinical potential of the developed low-cost technology for detecting early dental caries, while the second set of experiments is conducted on the oral-fluid based lateral flow immunoassay to determine the viability of our technology for detecting and quantifying cannabis consumption at the point-of-care. Our results suggest achievement of reliable performance in the low-cost platform, comparable to those of costly and bulky research-grade systems, paving the way for translation of AT techniques to market.
Carbon stock in Japanese forests has been greatly underestimated
Authors: Egusa Tomohiro , Kumagai Tomo’omi , Shiraishi Norihiko
Published: May 2020

An accurate estimate of total forest carbon (C) stock and C uptake is crucial for predicting global warming scenarios and planning CO2emission reductions. Forest inventory, based on field measurements of individual tree sizes, is considered the most accurate estimation method for forest C stock. Japan’s national forest inventory (NFI) provides stand-scale stem volume for the entire forested area based on (1) direct field measurements (m-NFI) and (2) prediction using yield tables (p-NFI). Here, we show that Japanese national and local forestry agencies and some research studies have used p-NFI and greatly underestimated the Japanese forest C stock (58–64%) and net annual C uptake (41–48%). This was because approximately 10% of the forest area was not counted in p-NFI and because the yield tables in p-NFI, which were constructed around 1970, were outdated. For accurate estimation of the forest C stock, yield tables used in p-NFI should be reconstructed or ideally field measurement campaigns for m-NFI should be continued. In the future, appropriate forest management plans are necessary to effectively use the high CO2absorption capacity of Japanese forests and these should be compared with other industries’ CO2reduction plans from a cost-benefit perspective.
Potential Antioxidant and Angiotensin I-converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activity in Crust of Dry-aged Beef
Authors: Choe Juhui , Park Bumjin , Lee Hyun Jung , Jo Cheorun
Published: May 2020

Antioxidant activity, angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, and protein profile of crust (the dried surface of dry-aged beef) were evaluated compared to unaged, wet-, and dry-aged beef. Antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonate) radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and ferrous ion chelating activity. The crust samples showed the greatest (P < 0.05) ACE inhibitory and antioxidant activity resulting from the three different mechanisms of action (radical scavenging, non-radical redox potential activity, and metal chelating) among the treatments. Small molecular weight protein bands and small peptides (<3 kDa) indicating potent bioactivity were evident in the myofibrillar protein profile of crust samples. The lowest (P < 0.05) ACE inhibitory activity was observed in unaged beef. The results indicate that crust could be utilized in various areas as a functional ingredient possessed antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activity instead of being discarded. In addition, dry aging can use for generation of functional ingredient from beef as the regime.
Author Correction: 20 years of developments in optical frequency comb technology and applications
Authors: Fortier Tara , Baumann Esther
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Nanozyme-based electrochemical biosensors for disease biomarker detection
Authors: Mahmudunnabi Rabbee G. , Farhana Fatema Zerin , Kashaninejad Navid , Firoz Shakhawat H. , Shim Yoon-Bo , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A.
Published: May 2020

In this review, we have summarised the synthesis and classification of common nanozymes and their applications in electrochemical biosensor development.
An endoplasmic reticulum-targeting fluorescent probe for imaging ˙OH in living cells
Authors: Zhao Yanyan , Li Hongyu , Chai Ziyin , Shi Wen , Li Xiaohua , Ma Huimin
Published: May 2020

A new ER-targeting fluorescent probe for ˙OH is developed and applied to imaging ˙OH generation as well as lipid droplet formation in ER stress.
Sustainable nitrogen-doped functionalized graphene nanosheets for visible-light-induced photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Das Gouri Sankar , Bhatnagar Amit , Yli-Pirilä Pasi , Tripathi Kumud Malika , Kim TaeYoung
Published: May 2020

Nitrogen-doped graphene with surface functionalities enables highly efficient photocatalytic water splitting under visible light irradiation with excellent stability.
Green synthesis of imine-based covalent organic frameworks in water
Authors: Martín-Illán Jesús Á. , Rodríguez-San-Miguel David , Franco Carlos , Imaz Inhar , Maspoch Daniel , Puigmartí-Luis Josep , Zamora Félix
Published: May 2020

This work describes a high-yield “one-pot” green synthesis of imine-based Covalent Organic Frameworks in water, which can also be accelerated under microwave conditions.
The effects of van der Waals interactions on the vibrational behavior of single-walled carbon nanotubes using the hammer impact test: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Ghavaminezhad Erfan , Mahnama Maryam , Zolfaghari Naeem
Published: May 2020

Nano-vibrations using a new molecular dynamics method called hammer impact test.
Carotenoids promote lateral packing and condensation of lipid membranes
Authors: Mostofian Barmak , Johnson Quentin R. , Smith Jeremy C. , Cheng Xiaolin
Published: May 2020

Carotenoids, pigment molecules that protect biomembranes against degradation, are shown to have similar effects to cholesterol on regulating the behavior of fluid-phase membranes.
Supramolecular chemistry based on 4-acetylbiphenyl on Au(111)
Authors: Robles Roberto , Zobač Vladimír , Au Yeung Kwan Ho , Moresco Francesca , Joachim Christian , Lorente Nicolás
Published: May 2020

On a gold surface, supramolecules composed of 4-acetylbiphenyl molecules show structural directionality, reproducibility and robustness to external perturbations, with gold adatoms serving as stabilizing agents.
Strong stretching theory for pH-responsive polyelectrolyte brushes in large salt concentrations
Authors: Etha Sai Ankit , Sivasankar Vishal Sankar , Sachar Harnoor Singh , Das Siddhartha
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we develop a theory for describing the thermodynamics, configuration, and electrostatics of strongly-stretched, pH-responsive polyelectrolyte (PE) brushes in the presence of large salt concentrations.
Surface analysis tools for characterizing biological materials
Authors: Baio Joe E. , Graham Daniel J. , Castner David G.
Published: May 2020

Surfaces have significantly different compositions and structures from the bulk of a material. Probing the surface requires specialized techniques and this tutorial provides a brief review of techniques used to characterize the surface and interface regions of biological materials.
Methanol oxidative dehydrogenation and dehydration on carbon nanotubes: active sites and basic reaction kinetics
Authors: Yan Pengqiang , Zhang Xuefei , Herold Felix , Li Fan , Dai Xueya , Cao Tianlong , Etzold Bastian J. M. , Qi Wei
Published: May 2020

In situ active site titration, carbonyl group containing model catalysts, and kinetic analysis have been applied to reveal the nature of oxidized carbon nanotubes catalyzed methanol dehydration and oxidative dehydrogenation reactions.
Na4Ni3P4O15–Ni(OH)2 core–shell nanoparticles as hybrid electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline electrolytes
Authors: Mu Chen , Butenko Denys S. , Odynets Ievgen V. , Zatovsky Іgor V. , Li Junzhi , Han Wei , Klyui Nickolai I.
Published: May 2020

Core(phosphate)–shell(Ni(OH)2–NiOOH) nanoparticles as stable OER electrocatalysts with low overpotentials of 250–290 mV were prepared by chemical and electrochemical conversion of phosphate in an alkaline medium.
3D heterogeneous CTF@TiO2/Bi2WO6/Au hybrid supported by hollow carbon tubes and its efficient photocatalytic performance in the UV-vis range
Authors: Gao Aiqin , Wang Ju , Chen Huanghuang , Hou Aiqin , Xie Kongliang
Published: May 2020

The 3D heterogeneous CTF@TiO2/Bi2WO6/Au hybrid broadens the absorption over the entire visible range and improves electron–hole separation.
Scattering of ultraviolet light by avian eggshells
Authors: Ladouce Mathieu , Barakat Tarek , Su Bao-Lian , Deparis Olivier , Mouchet Sébastien R.
Published: May 2020

Using Mie scattering modelling and near-UV spectrophotometric measurements of hen, duck and quail eggshells, we propose that Mie backscattering is the origin of the UV response of the eggshells of many other bird species.
Graphene oxide (GO) catalysed MW-assisted one-pot synthesis of densely substituted furan
Authors: Jana Anupam , Das Adhikary Nirmal , Pramanik Animesh
Published: May 2020

Graphene oxide catalysed green synthesis of tetra-substituted furan from simple starting materials has been reported. A number of multi-substituted indole–furan conjugates were prepared with excellent tolerance to different functional groups.
Developing benign syntheses using ion pairs via solvent-free mechanochemistry
Authors: Ortiz-Trankina Lianna N. , Crain Jazmine , Williams Carl , Mack James
Published: May 2020

Solvent-free mechanochemical conditions have been developed to investigate the significance of ion pairing and the use of weak bases for driving forward nucleophilic substitution reactions.
Digital enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with sub-attomolar detection limits based on low numbers of capture beads combined with high efficiency bead analysis
Authors: Kan Cheuk W. , Tobos Carmen I. , Rissin David M. , Wiener Alexander D. , Meyer Ray E. , Svancara Danielle M. , Comperchio Anna , Warwick Christopher , Millington Roger , Collier Nicholas , Duffy David C.
Published: May 2020

We report approaches to improve the sensitivity of digital ELISA up to 400-fold, enabling detection of proteins at subattomolar concentrations.
New findings and current controversies on oxidation of benzyl alcohol by a copper complex
Authors: Zand Zahra , Singh Jitendra Pal , Bagheri Robabeh , Cui Junfeng , Chae Keun Hwa , Song Zhenlun , Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi
Published: May 2020

New findings for the oxidation of alcohols in the presence of a copper complex were reported.
A two-photon AIE fluorophore as a photosensitizer for highly efficient mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy
Authors: Kong Qunshou , Ma Boxuan , Yu Tao , Hu Cheng , Li Gaocan , Jiang Qing , Wang Yunbing
Published: May 2020

Nowadays, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become an effective method for cancer therapy.
The enhanced thermal transport properties of a heat spreader assembled using non-covalent functionalized graphene
Authors: Ren Li , Wang Mengjie , Wei Zhouqiao , Cheng Jingzhen , Liu Kuo , Pan Lulu , Lao Li , Lu Shaorong , Yu Jinhong
Published: May 2020

A brick-and-mortar microstructure was constructed for good thermal transport in graphene paper.
The impact of a hygroscopic chitosan coating on the controlled release behaviour of zinc hydroxide nitrate–sodium dodecylsulphate–imidacloprid nanocomposites
Authors: Sharif Sharifah Norain Mohd , Hashim Norhayati , Isa Illyas Md , Bakar Suriani Abu , Saidin Mohamad Idris , Ahmad Mohamad Syahrizal , Mamat Mazidah , Hussein Mohd Zobir , Zainul Rahadian
Published: May 2020

The hydrophilic and hygroscopic nature of chitosan creates gel layer that slowed the ion exchange process between intercalated imidacloprid and incoming anion.
Chalcogen effects on the primary antioxidant activity of chrysin and quercetin
Authors: Castañeda-Arriaga Romina , Marino Tiziana , Russo Nino , Alvarez-Idaboy J. Raúl , Galano Annia
Published: May 2020

The effect of chalcogens on the scavenging power of chrysin and quercetin antioxidants against peroxyl radicals has been investigated in lipid and aqueous solutions, using the density functional theory.
α-Angelica lactone catalyzed oxidation of benzylic sp3 C–H bonds of isochromans and phthalans
Authors: Thatikonda Thanusha , Deepake Siddharth K. , Kumar Pawan , Das Utpal
Published: May 2020

Oxidation of benzylic sp3 C–H bonds of isochromans and phthalans to isocoumarins and phthalides has been achieved by employing α-angelica lactone as an organocatalyst.
A highly distorted HgS4 tetrahedron-induced moderate second-harmonic generation response of EuHgGeS4
Authors: Yan Mei , Sun Zong-Dong , Yao Wen-Dong , Zhou Wenfeng , Liu Wenlong , Guo Sheng-ping
Published: May 2020

The first Eu,Hg-based chalcogenide EuHgGeS4 exhibits phase-matchable SHG activity with an intensity ∼0.9 times that of AgGaS2.
Palladium-catalyzed [4 + 3] dearomatizing cycloaddition reaction of N-iminoquinolinium ylides
Authors: Dai Wenhao , Li Chunpu , Liu Yichu , Han Xu , Li Xingjun , Chen Kaixian , Liu Hong
Published: May 2020

An efficient approach to obtain saturated seven-membered ring containing three heteroatoms has been developed by using a palladium-catalyzed [4 + 3] dearomatizing cycloaddition. This approach features mild conditions and good functional group tolerance.
An inkjet-printed polysaccharide matrix for on-chip sample preparation in point-of-care cell counting chambers
Authors: Zhang Xichen , Wasserberg Dorothee , Breukers Christian , Connell Bridgette J. , Schipper Pauline J. , van Dalum Joost , Baeten Ellen , van den Blink Dorine , Bloem Andries C. , Nijhuis Monique , Wensing Annemarie M. J. , Terstappen Leon W. M. M. , Beck Markus
Published: May 2020

Gellan/trehalose layers were tailored to optimize on-chip storage and release of antibodies in a simple point-of-care CD4 counting chip with excellent agreement with standard methods.
Correction: Effects of electrodeposition time on a manganese dioxide supercapacitor
Authors: Dai Xiaoli , Zhang Ming , Li Jitao , Yang Dingyu
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Effects of electrodeposition time on a manganese dioxide supercapacitor’ by Xiaoli Dai et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 15860–15869, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01681K.
Correction: Fundamentals and recent progress relating to the fabrication, functionalization and characterization of mesostructured materials using diverse synthetic methodologies
Authors: Soltani Soroush , Khanian Nasrin , Rashid Umer , Yaw Choong Thomas Shean
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Fundamentals and recent progress relating to the fabrication, functionalization and characterization of mesostructured materials using diverse synthetic methodologies’ by Soroush Soltani et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 16431–16456, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00440E.
Capillary-driven indentation of a microparticle into a soft, oil-coated substrate
Authors: Glover Justin D. , Pham Jonathan T.
Published: May 2020

The contact between a small glass microsphere and an oil-coated soft PDMS substrate is investigated using confocal microscopy.
Cotton pad-derived large-area 3D N-doped graphene-like full carbon cathode with an O-rich functional group for flexible all solid Zn–air batteries
Authors: Zheng Xiangjun , Cao Xuecheng , Zeng Kai , Sun Zhihui , Yan Jin , Li Xiaowei , Jin Chao , Chen Xin , Yang Ruizhi
Published: May 2020

A flexible 3D N, O-doped graphene-like full carbon cathode has been synthesized with a cotton pad as a templateviaa scalable and one-step pyrolysis process, and can be directly used as an efficient air cathode for flexible all solid-state ZABs.
Chemoselective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes over Rh nanoclusters confined in a metal–organic framework
Authors: Liu Qinglin , Li Yinle , Fan Yanan , Su Cheng-Yong , Li Guangqin
Published: May 2020

Rh nanoclusters confined in metal–organic framework MIL-101 have been synthesized by double solvents method, exhibiting impressive catalytic activities and high selectivity towards chemoselective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated aldehyde.
Dual mode selective detection and differentiation of TNT from other nitroaromatic compounds
Authors: Goudappagouda  , Dongre Sangram D. , Das Tamal , Santhosh Babu Sukumaran
Published: May 2020

An explosive detection kit for dual-mode selective detection and differentiation of TNT from other nitroaromatic analogs is developed using a fluorescent polymer and a group of amines.
Engineering the electronic structure of 1T′-ReS2 through nitrogen implantation for enhanced alkaline hydrogen evolution
Authors: Sun Qiaozhi , Zhang Biao , Diao Lechen , Chen Biao , Song Kai , Ma Liying , He Fang
Published: May 2020

Controllable atomic engineering of N into 1T′-phase ReS2 regulates the electronic structure and leads to enhanced alkaline hydrogen evolution.
Photoelectrochemical water splitting: a road from stable metal oxides to protected thin film solar cells
Authors: Ros Carles , Andreu Teresa , Morante Joan R.
Published: May 2020

The present review offers a detailed analysis of Photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices from metal oxide electrodes forming a semiconductor–liquid junction to protected and catalyst-decorated third generation solar cells adapted into photoelectrodes.
Ultrahigh enhancement rate of the energy density of flexible polymer nanocomposites using core–shell BaTiO3@MgO structures as the filler
Authors: Wang Peng-Jian , Zhou Di , Guo Huan-Huan , Liu Wen-Feng , Su Jin-Zhan , Fu Mao-Sen , Singh Charanjeet , Trukhanov Sergei , Trukhanov Alex
Published: May 2020

An ultrahigh enhancement rate of Ud (≈187%) and Ud (≈19 J cm−3) have been obtained for P(VDF-HFP)-based nanocomposites using novel core–shell BaTiO3@MgO as the filler.
Bismuth doped La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3−δ perovskite as a novel redox-stable efficient anode for solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Zhang Shaowei , Wan Yanhong , Xu Zheqiang , Xue Shuangshuang , Zhang Lijie , Zhang Binze , Xia Changrong
Published: May 2020

A novel redox-stable efficient perovskite anode by bismuth doping for solid oxide fuel cells.
Realizing a CO-free pathway and enhanced durability in highly dispersed Cu-doped PtBi nanoalloys towards methanol full electrooxidation
Authors: Zhao Fengling , Ye JinYu , Yuan Qiang , Yang Xiaotong , Zhou Zhiyou
Published: May 2020

Highly dispersed Cu-doped PtBi nanoalloys achieved by crystal phase transition are used as highly efficient and durable anode electrocatalysts for DMFCs.
Pillararene-based supramolecular membranes with the rose-petal effect and nanostructure-modulated tunable water adhesion
Authors: Li Jinjie , Dong Jinhui , Cui Kun , Wang He , Sun Yao , Yao Yuan , Chen Jianzhuang , Gu Jinlou , Lin Shaoliang
Published: May 2020

Pillararene-based supramolecular membranes with the rose-petal effect and nanostructure-modulated tunable water adhesion was fabricated via integrating electrospraying with the breath figure approach.
Zwitterionic small molecule based fluorophores for efficient and selective imaging of bacterial endospores
Authors: Senthilnathan N. , Gaurav Kumar , Venkata Ramana Ch. , Radhakrishnan T. P.
Published: May 2020

Zwitterionic small molecule based fluorophores for efficient and selective imaging of bacterial endospores.
A novel theranostic nano-platform (PB@FePt–HA-g-PEG) for tumor chemodynamic–photothermal co-therapy and triple-modal imaging (MR/CT/PI) diagnosis
Authors: Hu Zunfu , Wang Shan , Dai Zhichao , Zhang Hongxiu , Zheng Xiuwen
Published: May 2020

We have successfully designed and fabricated a nano-agent (PB@FePt–HA-g-PEG NCs) to serve as a versatile nano-platform with both highly specific targeting ability for chemodynamic–photothermal co-therapy and triple-modal imaging capability.
Self-recognizing and stimulus-responsive carrier-free metal-coordinated nanotheranostics for magnetic resonance/photoacoustic/fluorescence imaging-guided synergistic photo-chemotherapy
Authors: Tu Li , Fan Zhongxiong , Zhu Fukai , Zhang Qiang , Zeng Sen , Chen Zhong , Ren Lei , Hou Zhenqing , Ye Shefang , Li Yang
Published: May 2020

Self-recognizing and stimulus-responsive carrier-free metal-coordinated nanotheranostics with a robust structure could achieve multi-modal imaging-guided synergistic photo-chemotherapy.
Supramolecular graphene–phthalocyanine assemblies for technological breakthroughs
Authors: Calmeiro Joana M. D. , Tomé João P. C. , Lourenço Leandro M. O.
Published: May 2020

Since the discovery of the well-structured carbon material, graphene (G), a huge research effort has been made to use it in several technological applications, such as photonic and nanoelectronic materials, due to its electrical, mechanical and thermal properties.
Translational regulation of Chk1 expression by eIF3a via interaction with the RNA-binding protein HuR
Authors: Dong Zizheng , Liu Jianguo , Zhang Jian-Ting
Published: May 2020

eIF3a is a putative subunit of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 complex. Accumulating evidence suggests that eIF3a may have a translational regulatory function by suppressing translation of a subset of mRNAs while accelerating that of other mRNAs. Albeit the suppression of mRNA translation may derive from eIF3a binding to the 5′-UTRs of target mRNAs, how eIF3a may accelerate mRNA translation remains unknown. In this study, we show that eIF3a up-regulates translation of Chk1 but not Chk2 mRNA by interacting with HuR, which binds directly to the 3′-UTR of Chk1 mRNA. The interaction between eIF3a and HuR occurs at the 10-amino-acid repeat domain of eIF3a and the RNA recognition motif domain of HuR. This interaction may effectively circularize Chk1 mRNA to form an end-to-end complex that has recently been suggested to accelerate mRNA translation. Together with previous findings, we conclude that eIF3a may regulate mRNA translation by directly binding to the 5′-UTR to suppress or by interacting with RNA-binding proteins at 3′-UTRs to accelerate mRNA translation.
A steady-state approach for inhibition of heterogeneous enzyme reactions
Authors: Kari Jeppe , Schiano-di-Cola Corinna , Hansen Stine Fredslund , Badino Silke Flindt , Sørensen Trine Holst , Cavaleiro Ana Mafalda , Borch Kim , Westh Peter
Published: May 2020

The kinetic theory of enzymes that modify insoluble substrates is still underdeveloped, despite the prevalence of this type of reaction both in vivo and industrial applications. Here, we present a steady-state kinetic approach to investigate inhibition occurring at the solid–liquid interface. We propose to conduct experiments under enzyme excess (E0 ≫ S0), i.e. the opposite limit compared with the conventional Michaelis–Menten framework. This inverse condition is practical for insoluble substrates and elucidates how the inhibitor reduces enzyme activity through binding to the substrate. We claim that this type of inhibition is common for interfacial enzyme reactions because substrate accessibility is low, and we show that it can be analyzed by experiments and rate equations that are analogous to the conventional approach, except that the roles of enzyme and substrate have been swapped. To illustrate the approach, we investigated the major cellulases from Trichoderma reesei (Cel6A and Cel7A) acting on insoluble cellulose. As model inhibitors, we used catalytically inactive variants of Cel6A and Cel7A. We made so-called inverse Michaelis–Menten curves at different concentrations of inhibitors and found that a new rate equation accounted well for the data. In most cases, we found a mixed type of surface-site inhibition mechanism, and this probably reflected that the inhibitor both competed with the enzyme for the productive binding-sites (competitive inhibition) and hampered the processive movement on the surface (uncompetitive inhibition). These results give new insights into the complex interplay of Cel7A and Cel6A on cellulose and the approach may be applicable to other heterogeneous enzyme reactions.