bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Author Correction: Pan-cancer circulating tumor DNA detection in over 10,000 Chinese patients
Authors: Zhang Yongliang , Yao Yu , Xu Yaping , Li Lifeng , Gong Yan , Zhang Kai , Zhang Meng , Guan Yanfang , Chang Lianpeng , Xia Xuefeng , Li Lin , Jia Shuqin , Zeng Qiang
Published: February 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21285-2
Machine learning approach for differentiating cytomegalovirus esophagitis from herpes simplex virus esophagitis
Authors: Lee Jung Su , Yun Jihye , Ham Sungwon , Park Hyunjung , Lee Hyunsu , Kim Jeongseok , Byeon Jeong-Sik , Jung Hwoon-Yong , Kim Namkug , Kim Do Hoon
Published: February 2021

The endoscopic features between herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) esophagitis overlap significantly, and hence the differential diagnosis between HSV and CMV esophagitis is sometimes difficult. Therefore, we developed a machine-learning-based classifier to discriminate between CMV and HSV esophagitis. We analyzed 87 patients with HSV esophagitis and 63 patients with CMV esophagitis and developed a machine-learning-based artificial intelligence (AI) system using a total of 666 endoscopic images with HSV esophagitis and 416 endoscopic images with CMV esophagitis. In the five repeated five-fold cross-validations based on the hue–saturation–brightness color model, logistic regression with a least absolute shrinkage and selection operation showed the best performance (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, and 1.0, respectively). Previous history of transplantation was included in classifiers as a clinical factor; the lower the performance of these classifiers, the greater the effect of including this clinical factor. Our machine-learning-based AI system for differential diagnosis between HSV and CMV esophagitis showed high accuracy, which could help clinicians with diagnoses.
Twenty-one days of low-intensity eccentric training improve morphological characteristics and function of soleus muscles of mdx mice
Authors: Pedrazzani Paulo S. , Araújo Tatiana O. P. , Sigoli Emilly , da Silva Isabella R. , da Roza Daiane Leite , Chesca Deise Lucia , Rassier Dilson E. , Cornachione Anabelle S.
Published: February 2021

Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by the absence of the protein dystrophin, which leads to muscle weakness, progressive degeneration, and eventually death due to respiratory failure. Low-intensity eccentric training (LIET) has been used as a rehabilitation method in skeletal muscles after disuse. Recently, LIET has also been used for rehabilitating dystrophic muscles, but its effects are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 21 days of LIET in dystrophic soleus muscle. Thirty-six male mdx mice were randomized into six groups (n = 6/each): mdx sedentary group; mdx training group-3 days; mdx training group-21 days; wild-type sedentary group; wild-type training group-3 days and wild-type training group-21 days. After the training sessions, animals were euthanized, and fragments of soleus muscles were removed for immunofluorescence and histological analyses, and measurements of active force and Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus. Muscles of the mdx training group-21 days showed an improvement in morphological characteristics and an increase of active force when compared to the sedentary mdx group. The results show that LIET can improve the functionality of dystrophic soleus muscle in mice.
Autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease genotype and phenotype correlation in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Gong Kunjing , Xia Min , Wang Yaqin , Wang Na , Liu Ying , Zhang Victor Wei , Cheng Hong , Chen Yuqing
Published: February 2021

Genes of UMOD, HNF1B, MUC1, REN and SEC61A1 were reported to be associated with autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD). 48 probands and their family members (N = 27) were enrolled in this genetic screening study. A combination of methods was employed for comprehensive molecular analysis of both copy number variations (CNVs) and single nucleotide variants (SNVs). 35 probands were followed for years. The phenotype-genotype and genotype-outcome correlation were inferred from these datasets. In this cohort, 18 probands were diagnosed with ADTKD, according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline. Moreover, 11 probands were diagnosed with ADTKD-UMOD, one with ADTKD-REN and one with ADTKD-HNF1B, based on molecularly confirmed pathogenic variants. The 11 UMOD variants were mainly located in codons 28 to 289 and half of the variants were found to change the cysteine amino acid. According to the follow-up data, suspected ADTKD individuals had a better prognosis compared to ADTKD individuals (p = 0.029). Individuals with a cysteine substitution in the UMOD gene appeared to have a better prognosis than individuals with other amino acid substitutions (p = 0.015).
Genome-wide association study in hexaploid wheat identifies novel genomic regions associated with resistance to root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus thornei)
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Sharma Shiveta , Sharma Rajiv , Pundir Saksham , Singh Vikas Kumar , Chaturvedi Deepti , Singh Bansa , Kumar Sundeep , Sharma Shailendra
Published: February 2021

Root lesion nematode (RLN; Pratylenchus thornei) causes extensive yield losses in wheat worldwide and thus pose serious threat to global food security. Reliance on fumigants (such as methyl bromide) and nematicides for crop protection has been discouraged due to environmental concerns. Hence, alternative environment friendly control measures like finding and deployment of resistance genes against Pratylenchus thornei are of significant importance. In the present study, genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using single-locus and multi-locus methods. In total, 143 wheat genotypes collected from pan-Indian wheat cultivation states were used for nematode screening. Genotypic data consisted of  > 7K SNPs with known genetic positions on the high-density consensus map was used for association analysis. Principal component analysis indicated the existence of sub-populations with no major structuring of populations due to the origin. Altogether, 25 significant marker trait associations were detected with − log10 (p value) > 4.0. Three large linkage disequilibrium blocks and the corresponding haplotypes were found to be associated with significant SNPs. In total, 37 candidate genes with nine genes having a putative role in disease resistance (F-box-like domain superfamily, Leucine-rich repeat, cysteine-containing subtype, Cytochrome P450 superfamily, Zinc finger C2H2-type, RING/FYVE/PHD-type, etc.) were identified. Genomic selection was conducted to investigate how well one could predict the phenotype of the nematode count without performing the screening experiments. Prediction value of r = 0.40 to 0.44 was observed when 56 to 70% of the population was used as a training set. This is the first report where GWAS has been conducted to find resistance against root lesion nematode (P. thornei) in Indian wheat germplasm.
Prenatal diagnosis of severe mitochondrial diseases caused by nuclear gene defects: a study in Japan
Authors: Akiyama Nana , Shimura Masaru , Yamazaki Taro , Harashima Hiroko , Fushimi Takuya , Tsuruoka Tomoko , Ebihara Tomohiro , Ichimoto Keiko , Matsunaga Ayako , Saito-Tsuruoka Megumi , Yatsuka Yukiko , Kishita Yoshihito , Kohda Masakazu , Namba Akira , Kamei Yoshimasa , Okazaki Yasushi , Kosugi Shinji , Ohtake Akira , Murayama Kei
Published: February 2021

Prenatal diagnoses of mitochondrial diseases caused by defects in nuclear DNA (nDNA) or mitochondrial DNA have been reported in several countries except for Japan. The present study aimed to clarify the status of prenatal genetic diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases caused by nDNA defects in Japan. A comprehensive genomic analysis was performed to diagnose more than 400 patients, of which, 13 families (16 cases) had requested prenatal diagnoses. Eight cases diagnosed with wild type homozygous or heterozygous variants same as either of the heterozygous parents continued the pregnancy and delivered healthy babies. Another eight cases were diagnosed with homozygous, compound heterozygous, or hemizygous variants same as the proband. Of these, seven families chose to terminate the pregnancy, while one decided to continue the pregnancy. Neonatal- or infantile-onset mitochondrial diseases show severe phenotypes and lead to lethality. Therefore, such diseases could be candidates for prenatal diagnosis with careful genetic counseling, and prenatal testing could be a viable option for families.
Serum estradiol level according to dose and formulation of oral estrogens in postmenopausal women
Authors: Kim Soo-Min , Kim Sung Eun , Lee Dong-Yun , Choi DooSeok
Published: February 2021

This study was performed to evaluate serum estradiol level in postmenopausal women using oral menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) with different doses and formulations of estrogens. A total of 344 postmenopausal women who received oral MHT was included in this cross-sectional study. Serum estradiol level was compared according to formulation (estradiol hemihydrate [EH] or valerate [EV], conjugated estrogen [CE]) and dose (estradiol 1 or 2 mg, CE 0.45 or 0.625 mg) of the estrogens. Mean age and years since menopause were 56.9 and 7.9 years, respectively. Mean duration of MHT was 27.4 months. Since serum estradiol levels were not significantly different at either dose, EH and EV at the same dose were combined for comparisons: estradiol 1 mg and 2 mg. The serum estradiol level with estradiol 2 mg (107.6 pg/mL) was significantly higher by 60% than with estradiol 1 mg (65.8 pg/mL) or CE 0.45 mg (60.1 pg/mL), and it was also significantly higher than with CE 0.625 mg (76.8 pg/mL). Our findings suggest that serum estradiol level is not directly proportional to estrogen dose. In terms of serum concentration, CE 0.45 mg is equivalent to estradiol 1 mg.
The earth’s gravity field recovery using the third invariant of the gravity gradient tensor from GOCE
Authors: Cai Lin , Wan Xiaoyun , Hsu Houtse , Ran Jiangjun , Meng Xiangchao , Luo Zhicai , Zhou Zebing
Published: February 2021

Due to the independence of the gradiometer instrument’s orientation in space, the second invariant$$I_2$$I2of gravity gradients in combination with individual gravity gradients are demonstrated to be valid for gravity field determination. In this contribution, we develop a novel gravity field model named I3GG, which is built mainly based on three novel elements: (1) proposing to utilize the third invariant$$I_3$$I3of the gravity field and steady-state ocean circulation explorer (GOCE) gravity gradient tensor, instead of using the$$I_2$$I2, similar to the previous studies; (2) applying an alternative two-dimensional fast fourier transform (2D FFT) method; (3) showing the advantages of$$I_3$$I3over$$I_2$$I2in the effect of measurement noise from the theoretical and practical computations. For the purpose of implementing the linearization of the third invariant, this study employs the theory of boundary value problems with sphere approximation at an accuracy level of$$O(J_2^2\cdot T_{ij})$$O(J22·Tij). In order to efficiently solve the boundary value problems, we proposed an alternative method of 2D FFT, which uses the coherent sampling theory to obtain the relationship between the 2D FFT and the third invariant measurements and uses the pseudo-inverse via QR factorization to transform the 2D Fourier coefficients to spherical harmonic ones. Based on the GOCE gravity gradient data of the nominal mission phase, a novel global gravity field model (I3GG) is derived up to maximum degree/order 240, corresponding to a spatial resolution of 83 km at the equator. Moreover, in order to investigate the differences of gravity field determination between$$I_3$$I3with$$I_2$$I2, we applied the same processing strategy on the second invariant measurements of the GOCE mission and we obtained another gravity field model (I2GG) with a maximum degree of 220, which is 20 degrees lower than that of I3GG. The root-mean-square (RMS) values of geoid differences indicates that the effects of measurement noise of I3GG is about 20% lower than that on I2GG when compared to the gravity field model EGM2008 (Earth Gravitational Model 2008) or EIGEN-5C (EIGEN: European Improved Gravity model of the Earth by New techniques). Then the accuracy of I3GG is evaluated independently by comparison the RMS differences between Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)/leveling data and the model-derived geoid heights. Meanwhile, the re-calibrated GOCE data released in 2018 is also dealt with and the corresponding result also shows the similar characteristics.
Author Correction: Clinical and laboratory features of anti-MAG neuropathy without monoclonal gammopathy
Authors: Pascual-Goñi Elba , Martín-Aguilar Lorena , Lleixà Cinta , Martínez-Martínez Laura , Simón-Talero Manuel J. , Díaz-Manera Jordi , Cortés-Vicente Elena , Rojas-García Ricard , Moga Esther , Juárez Cándido , Illa Isabel , Querol Luis
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Inhibition of androgen/AR signaling inhibits diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced tumour initiation and remodels liver immune cell networks
Authors: Helms Timothy H. , Mullins Riley D. , Thomas-Ahner Jennifer M. , Kulp Samuel K. , Campbell Moray J. , Lucas Fabienne , Schmidt Nathan , LeMoine Dana M. , Getaneh Surafel , Xie Zhiliang , Phelps Mitch A. , Clinton Steven K. , Coss Christopher C.
Published: February 2021

A promotional role for androgen receptor (AR) signaling in hepatocellular carcinogenesis is emerging. In pre-clinical models, including diethylnitrosamine- (DEN-) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), anti-androgen therapies delay hepatocarcinogenesis. However, pharmacologic anti-androgen therapy in advanced HCC patients fails, suggesting that AR plays a role in HCC onset. This study aims to characterize AR expression and function throughout DEN-induced liver inflammation and carcinogenesis and evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic AR antagonism to prevent hepatocarcinogenesis. We demonstrate that pharmacologic AR antagonism with enzalutamide inhibits hepatocellular carcinogenesis. With enzalutamide treatment, we observe decreased CYP2E1 expression, reducing DEN-induced hepatocyte death and DNA ethyl-adducts. AR protein expression analyses show that DEN causes an initial upregulation of AR in portal fibroblasts and leukocytes, but not hepatocytes, suggesting that hepatocyte-autonomous AR signaling is not essential for DEN-induced carcinogenesis. Ablating androgen signaling by surgical castration reduced pre-carcinogen Kupffer cell populations but did not alter DEN-mediated immune cell recruitment nor AR expression. In this study, we identified that anti-androgen interventions modulate mutagenic DNA adducts, tumour initiation, and immune cell composition. Additionally, we find that AR expression in hepatocytes is not present during nor required for early DEN-mediated carcinogenesis.
Morpho-functional changes of cardiac telocytes in isolated atrial amyloidosis in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Sukhacheva Tatyana V. , Nizyaeva Natalia V. , Samsonova Maria V. , Cherniaev Andrey L. , Burov Artem A. , Iurova Mariia V. , Shchegolev Aleksandr I. , Serov Roman A. , Sukhikh Gennady T.
Published: February 2021

Telocytes are interstitial cells with long, thin processes by which they contact each other and form a network in the interstitium. Myocardial remodeling of adult patients with different forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs with an increase in fibrosis, age-related isolated atrial amyloidosis (IAA), cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and myolysis. This study aimed to determine the ultrastructural and immunohistochemical features of cardiac telocytes in patients with AF and AF + IAA. IAA associated with accumulation of atrial natriuretic factor was detected in 4.3–25% biopsies of left (LAA) and 21.7–41.7% of right (RAA) atrial appendage myocardium. Telocytes were identified at ultrastructural level more often in AF + IAA, than in AF group and correlated with AF duration and mitral valve regurgitation. Telocytes had ultrastructural signs of synthetic, proliferative, and phagocytic activity. Telocytes corresponded to CD117+, vimentin+, CD34+, CD44+, CD68+, CD16+, S100-, CD105- immunophenotype. No significant differences in telocytes morphology and immunophenotype were found in patients with various forms of AF. CD68-positive cells were detected more often in AF + IAA than AF group. We assume that in aged AF + IAA patients remodeling of atrial myocardium provoked transformation of telocytes into “transitional forms” combining the morphological and immunohistochemical features with signs of fibroblast-, histiocyte- and endotheliocyte-like cells.
Transgenic inhibition of interleukin-6 trans-signaling does not prevent skeletal pathologies in mucolipidosis type II mice
Authors: Westermann Lena Marie , Baranowsky Anke , Di Lorenzo Giorgia , Danyukova Tatyana , Soul Jamie , Schwartz Jean-Marc , Hendrickx Gretl , Amling Michael , Rose-John Stefan , Garbers Christoph , Schinke Thorsten , Pohl Sandra
Published: February 2021

Severe skeletal alterations are common symptoms in patients with mucolipidosis type II (MLII), a rare lysosomal storage disorder of childhood. We have previously reported that progressive bone loss in a mouse model for MLII is caused by an increased number of bone-resorbing osteoclasts, which is accompanied by elevated expression of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the bone microenvironment. In the present study we addressed the question, if pharmacological blockade of IL-6 can prevent the low bone mass phenotype of MLII mice. Since the cellular IL-6 response can be mediated by either the membrane-bound (classic signaling) or the soluble IL-6 receptor (trans-signaling), we first performed cell culture assays and found that both pathways can increase osteoclastogenesis. We then crossed MLII mice with transgenic mice expressing the recombinant soluble fusion protein sgp130Fc, which represents a natural inhibitor of IL-6trans-signaling. By undecalcified histology and bone-specific histomorphometry we found that high circulating sgp130Fc levels do not affect skeletal growth or remodeling in wild-type mice. Most importantly, blockade of IL-6trans-signaling did neither reduce osteoclastogenesis, nor increase bone mass in MLII mice. Therefore, our data clearly demonstrate that the bone phenotype of MLII mice cannot be corrected by blocking the IL-6trans-signaling.
Impact of synbiotics on gut microbiota during early life: a randomized, double-blind study
Authors: Phavichitr Nopaorn , Wang Shugui , Chomto Sirinuch , Tantibhaedhyangkul Ruangvith , Kakourou Alexia , Intarakhao Sukkrawan , Jongpiputvanich Sungkom ,   COLOR Study Group, Wongteerasut Anundorn , Ben-Amor Kaouther , Martin Rocio , Ting Steven , Suteerojntrakool Orapa , Visuthranukul Chonikarn , Piriyanon Punnapatch , Roeselers Guus , Knol Jan
Published: February 2021

Human milk is considered the optimal nutrition for infants and found to contain significant numbers of viable bacteria. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of a specific synbiotic combination at doses closer to the bacterial cells present in human milk, on intestinal bifidobacteria proportions (relative abundance), reduction of potential pathogens and gut physiological conditions. A clinical study was conducted in 290 healthy infants aged from 6 to 19 weeks. Infants received either a control infant formula or one of the two investigational infant formulas (control formula with 0.8 g/100 ml scGOS/lcFOS andBifidobacterium breveM-16V at either 1 × 104 cfu/ml or 1 × 106 cfu/ml). Exclusively breastfed infants were included as a reference. Analyses were performed on intention-to-treat groups and all-subjects-treated groups. After 6 weeks of intervention, the synbiotics at two different doses significantly increased the bifidobacteria proportions in healthy infants. The synbiotic supplementation also decreased the prevalence (infants with detectable levels) and the abundance ofC. difficile. Closer to the levels in the breastfed reference group, fecal pH was significantly lower whilel-lactate concentrations and acetate proportions were significantly higher in the synbiotic groups. All formulas were well tolerated and all groups showed a comparable safety profile based on the number and severity of adverse events and growth. In healthy infants, supplementation of infant-type bifidobacterial strainB. breveM-16V, at a dose close to bacterial numbers found in human milk, with scGOS/lcFOS (9:1) created a gut environment closer to the breastfed reference group. This specific synbiotic mixture may also support gut microbiota resilience during early life.

Clinical Trial RegistrationThis clinical study named Color Synbiotics Study, was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov on 18 March 2013. Registration number is NCT01813175.https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01813175.
Author Correction: Reliance on model-based and model-free control in obesity
Authors: Janssen Lieneke K. , Mahner Florian P. , Schlagenhauf Florian , Deserno Lorenz , Horstmann Annette
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Small RNAs and their targets are associated with the transgenerational effects of water-deficit stress in durum wheat
Authors: Liu Haipei , Able Amanda J. , Able Jason A.
Published: February 2021

Water-deficit stress negatively affects wheat yield and quality. Abiotic stress on parental plants during reproduction may have transgenerational effects on progeny. Here we investigated the transgenerational influence of pre-anthesis water-deficit stress by detailed analysis of the yield components, grain quality traits, and physiological traits in durum wheat. Next-generation sequencing analysis profiled the small RNA-omics, mRNA transcriptomics, and mRNA degradomics in first generation progeny. Parental water-deficit stress had positive impacts on the progeny for traits including harvest index and protein content in the less stress-tolerant variety. Small RNA-seq identified 1739 conserved and 774 novel microRNAs (miRNAs). Transcriptome-seq characterised the expression of 66,559 genes while degradome-seq profiled the miRNA-guided mRNA cleavage dynamics. Differentially expressed miRNAs and genes were identified, with significant regulatory patterns subject to trans- and inter-generational stress. Integrated analysis using three omics platforms revealed significant biological interactions between stress-responsive miRNA and targets, with transgenerational stress tolerance potentially contributed via pathways such as hormone signalling and nutrient metabolism. Our study provides the first confirmation of the transgenerational effects of water-deficit stress in durum wheat. New insights gained at the molecular level indicate that key miRNA-mRNA modules are candidates for transgenerational stress improvement.
Comparison of intravenous sedation using midazolam during dental treatment in elderly patients with/without dementia: a prospective, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Tatsuno Yuichi , Morimoto Yoshinari , Hayashi Megumi , Iida Takatoshi
Published: February 2021

The effects of intravenous sedation with midazolam on the cerebral function of elderly patients with severe dementia are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate its effects on parameters such as brainwaves and cerebral blood flow (CBF) and compare them between elderly individuals with dementia and without cognitive impairment. Ten patients with severe dementia and 10 without cognitive impairment were registered. The bispectral index (BIS) and normalized tissue hemoglobin index (nTHI), which reflects CBF using near-infrared spectroscopy, were measured. Midazolam was administered until a Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score of 2 was reached. The chi-squared, Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Friedman tests and multiple regression analysis were used for comparisons. Whereas a similar decline in BIS values was observed in both groups after midazolam administration (P < 0.018), there was a significant decrease by 9% in the nTHI of the dementia-positive group (P < 0.013). However, there was no significant difference in the nTHI between the dementia-positive and dementia-negative group according to the multiple regression analysis (P = 0.058). In the dementia-negative group, none of the measured values differed from the baseline values. In the dementia-positive group, sedation with midazolam resulted in a 9% decrease in the CBF.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: GAS5 knockdown alleviates spinal cord injury by reducing VAV1 expression via RNA binding protein CELF2
Authors: Wang Dan , Xu Xiaoxiao , Pan Junwei , Zhao Shixin , Li Yu , Wang Zhen , Yang Jiahao , Zhang Xi , Wang Yisheng , Liu Ming
Published: February 2021

Long non-coding RNA growth arrest specific transcript 5 (GAS5) has been found to be implicated in the pathogenesis of central nervous diseases and to be a contributor to hypoxic brain injury. However, the roles and molecular mechanisms of GAS5 in spinal cord injury (SCI) have not thoroughly investigated. Here, we reported that GAS5 knockdown improved rat locomotor function and alleviated pathological damage of spinal cord tissues by reducing oxidative stress, caspase-3 activity and vav guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (VAV1) expression in SCI rat models. GAS5 knockdown inhibited the increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) level and cell apoptotic rate induced by oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) and weakened the inhibitory effects of OGD on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and cell viability in RN-Sc cells, suggesting that GAS5 loss mitigated OGD-triggered oxidative stress and cell injury in RN-Sc cells. Molecular mechanism explorations revealed that GAS5 recruited CUGBP, Elav-like family member 2 (CELF2) to the coding region of VAV1 mRNA, resulting in the increase of VAV1 mRNA stability and expression levels. VAV1 knockdown weakened OGD-induced oxidative stress and cell injury in RN-Sc cells. VAV1 loss alleviated GAS5-induced oxidative stress and cell injury in OGD-treated RN-Sc cells. As a conclusion, our findings suggested that GAS5 aggravated SCI by increasing VAV1 expression via binding with CELF2, deepening our understanding on function and molecular basis of GAS5 in SCI.
X-ray diffraction analysis of matter taking into account the second harmonic in the scattering of powerful ultrashort pulses of an electromagnetic field
Authors: Eseev M. K. , Goshev A. A. , Makarova K. A. , Makarov D. N.
Published: February 2021

It is well known that the scattering of ultrashort pulses (USPs) of an electromagnetic field in the X-ray frequency range can be used in diffraction analysis. When such USPs are scattered by various polyatomic objects, a diffraction pattern appears from which the structure of the object can be determined. Today, there is a technical possibility of creating powerful USP sources and the analysis of the scattering spectra of such pulses is a high-precision instrument for studying the structure of matter. As a rule, such scattering occurs at a frequency close to the carrier frequency of the incident USP. In this work, it is shown that for high-power USPs, where the magnetic component of USPs cannot be neglected, scattering at the second harmonic appears. The scattering of USPs by the second harmonic has a characteristic diffraction pattern which can be used to judge the structure of the scattering object; combining the scattering spectra at the first and second harmonics therefore greatly enhances the diffraction analysis of matter. Scattering spectra at the first and second harmonics are shown for various polyatomic objects: examples considered are 2D and 3D materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and hybrid structures consisting of nanotubes. The theory developed in this work can be applied to various multivolume objects and is quite simple for X-ray structural analysis, because it is based on analytical expressions.
A machine learning approach to identify the universality of solitary perturbations accompanying boundary bursts in magnetized toroidal plasmas
Authors: Lee J. E. , Seo P. H. , Bak J. G. , Yun G. S.
Published: February 2021

Experimental observations assisted by 2-D imaging diagnostics on the KSTAR tokamak show that a solitary perturbation (SP) emerges prior to a boundary burst of magnetized toroidal plasmas, which puts forward SP as a potential candidate for the burst trigger. We have constructed a machine learning (ML) model based on a convolutional deep neural network architecture for a statistical study to identify the SP as a boundary burst trigger. The ML model takes sequential signals detected from 19 toroidal Mirnov coils as input and predicts whether each temporal frame corresponds to an SP. We trained the network in a supervised manner on a training set consisting of real signals with manually annotated SP locations and synthetic burst signals. The trained model achieves high performances in various metrics on a test data set. We also demonstrated the reliability of the model by visualizing the discriminative parts of the input signals that the model recognizes. Finally, we applied the trained model to new data from KSTAR experiments, which were never seen during training, and confirmed that the large burst at the plasma boundary that can fatally damage the fusion device always involves the emergence of SP. This result suggests that the SP is a key to understanding and controlling of the boundary burst in magnetized toroidal plasmas.
A novel biosensor for the ultrasensitive detection of the lncRNA biomarker MALAT1 in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Mei , Wu Dongming , Tu Shihua , Yang Chaoyin , Chen DeJie , Xu Ying
Published: February 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proposed as diagnostic biomarkers for the screening of non-small cell lung cancer and monitoring disease progression. Accordingly, new, rapid, and cost-effective lncRNA biosensors that can be used clinically are urgently needed. Herein, a novel effective and ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor was developed based on a gold nanocage coupled with an amidated multi-walled carbon nanotube (Au NCs/MWCNT-NH2)-decorated screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Because of its large surface area, superior conductivity, and excellent biocompatibility, this SPCE Au NCs/MWCNT-NH2 lncRNA biosensor showed a wide linear range (10–7–10–14 M) and low limit of detection limit (42.8 fM) coupled with satisfactory selectivity and stability. Compared to traditional RT-PCR, the proposed method exhibits acceptable stability, good selectivity, is simpler to operate, has faster detection, and uses less costly raw materials. In summary, this biosensor may be a powerful tool for detecting lncRNAs for efficient clinical prognosis and cancer diagnosis.
Oxidation state and metasomatism of the lithospheric mantle beneath the Rae Craton, Canada: strong gradients reflect craton formation and evolution
Authors: Woodland Alan B. , Gräf Carolin , Sandner Theresa , Höfer Heidi E. , Seitz Hans-Michael , Pearson D. Graham , Kjarsgaard Bruce A.
Published: February 2021

We present the first oxidation state measurements for the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) beneath the Rae craton, northern Canada, one of the largest components of the Canadian shield. In combination with major and trace element compositions for garnet and clinopyroxene, we assess the relationship between oxidation state and metasomatic overprinting. The sample suite comprises peridotite xenoliths from the central part (Pelly Bay) and the craton margin (Somerset Island) providing insights into lateral and vertical variations in lithospheric character. Our suite contains spinel, garnet-spinel and garnet peridotites, with most samples originating from 100 to 140 km depth. Within this narrow depth range we observe strong chemical gradients, including variations in oxygen fugacity (ƒO2) of over 4 log units. Both Pelly Bay and Somerset Island peridotites reveal a change in metasomatic type with depth. Observed geochemical systematics and textural evidence support the notion that Rae SCLM developed through amalgamation of different local domains, establishing chemical gradients from the start. These gradients were subsequently modified by migrating melts that drove further development of different types of metasomatic overprinting and variable oxidation at a range of length scales. This oxidation already apparent at ~ 100 km depth could have locally destabilised any pre-existing diamond or graphite.
Determination of the composition of heterogeneous binder solutions by surface plasmon resonance biosensing
Authors: Gaudreault Jimmy , Liberelle Benoît , Durocher Yves , Henry Olivier , De Crescenzo Gregory
Published: February 2021

Surface plasmon resonance-based biosensors have been extensively applied to the characterization of the binding kinetics between purified (bio)molecules, thanks to robust data analysis techniques. However, data analysis for solutions containing multiple interactants is still at its infancy. We here present two algorithms for (1) the reliable and accurate determination of the kinetic parameters of N interactants present at different ratios in N mixtures and (2) the estimation of the ratios of each interactant in a given mixture, assuming that their kinetic parameters are known. Both algorithms assume that the interactants compete to bind to an immobilized ligand in a 1:1 fashion and necessitate prior knowledge of the total concentration of all interactants combined. The effectiveness of these two algorithms was experimentally validated with a model system corresponding to mixtures of four small molecular weight drugs binding to an immobilized protein. This approach enables the in-depth characterization of mixtures using SPR, which may be of considerable interest for many drug discovery or development applications, notably for protein glycovariant analysis.
Defensive proclivity of bacoside A and bromelain against oxidative stress and AChE gene expression induced by dichlorvos in the brain of Mus musculus
Authors: Bist Renu , Chaudhary Bharti , Bhatt D. K.
Published: February 2021

The objective of current study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of bacoside A and bromelain against dichlorvos induced toxicity. The healthy, 6–8 weeks old male Swiss mice were administered in separate groups subacute doses of dichlorvos (40 mg/kg bw), bacoside A (5 mg/kg bw) and bromelain (70 mg/kg bw). In order to determination of oxidative stress in different groups, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl content (PCC) were studied in the present investigation. Moreover, for toxic manifestation at molecular level the site-specific gene amplification of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene was studied in the brain. Nonetheless, the protective effects of bacoside A and bromelain were also evaluated on the TBARS, PCC and AChE gene. The exposure of dichlorvos leads to significant increase in TBARS level (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) and PCC. Besides, the decline in DNA yield, expression of amplified products of AChE gene was observed in the brain of dichlorvos treated group. The bacoside A and bromelain treatments significantly decreased the level of TBARS (p < 0.05, (p < 0.01) and PCC whereas, increase in the DNA yield and expression of amplified AChE gene products were observed in the brain compared to only dichlorvos treated mice. The overall picture which emerged after critical evaluation of results indicated that the dichlorvos induced oxidative stress and alteration in AChE gene expression showed significant improvement owing to the treatments of bacoside A and bromelain. Thus, bacoside A and bromelain are very effective in alleviating neurotoxicity induced by dichlorvos.
Reproducibility of 3D scanning in the periorbital region
Authors: Hollander Maria H. J. , Kraeima Joep , Meesters Anne M. L. , Delli Konstantina , Vissink Arjan , Jansma Johan , Schepers Rutger H.
Published: February 2021

The reproducibility of scanning in the periorbital region with 3D technology to enable objective evaluations of surgical treatment in the periorbital region was assessed. Facial 3D-scans of 15 volunteers were captured at different time points with a handheld Artec Space Spider structured light scanner. Two scans were made with a one minute interval and repeated after 1 year; for both a natural head position and with the head in a fixation-device. On assessing the area between the eyelashes and eyebrows, the medians of the average deviations between the various cross-sections of the one minute interval 3D-scans ranged from 0.17 to 0.21 mm at baseline, and from 0.10 to 0.11 mm when the minute-interval scanning was repeated one year later. The systematic differences when scanning in a natural head position and fixated position were comparable. The reproducibility of the 3D processing was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9). The repeated scanning deviations (baseline versus one year data) were well within the accepted clinical threshold of 1 mm. Scanning with a hand-held 3D-scanning device (Artec Space Spider) is a promising tool to assess changes in the periorbital region following surgical treatment since the median deviations are well below the clinically accepted 1 mm measuring error, for both the natural head and fixated positions.
Cobalt and nitrogen co-doped mesoporous carbon for electrochemical hydrogen peroxide sensing: the effect of graphitization
Authors: Yan Bin , Gu Sasa , Shen Yuesong
Published: February 2021

In this study, a facile strategy for the scalable synthesis of cobalt and nitrogen co-doped mesoporous carbon (Co–N/C) is reported.
Insight into the charging–discharging of magnetite electrodes:in situXAS and DFT study
Authors: Nayak C. , Abharana N. , Modak B. , Halankar K. , Jha S. N. , Bhattacharyya D.
Published: February 2021

The structural changes of Fe3O4nanoparticle electrodes during charging–discharging cycles have been investigated usingin situXAS. The mechanism of charge–discharge has been established using chemometric analysis ofin situXAS data.
Convergence behaviour of solvation shells in simulated liquids
Authors: Kalayan Jas , Henchman Richard H.
Published: February 2021

Energy and structural properties of locally described solvation shells are shown to not converge to bulk values moving away from the reference point. Reasons for this behaviour and methods to alleviate it are explored.
Variation in the interface strength of silicon with surface engineered Ti3C2 MXenes
Authors: Sharma Vidushi , Datta Dibakar
Published: February 2021

Current advancements in battery technologies require electrodes to combine high-performance active materials such as silicon (Si) with two-dimensional materials such as transition metal carbides (MXenes) for prolonged cycle stability and enhanced electrochemical performance.
Anion–anion and anion–neutral triel bonds
Authors: Wysokiński Rafał , Michalczyk Mariusz , Zierkiewicz Wiktor , Scheiner Steve
Published: February 2021

TrCl4−(Tr = Al, Ga, In, Tl) anion is able to engage in complexes with two Lewis bases: neutral NH3or the CN−anion through a triel bond. Complexation leads to two types of geometries: axial and equatorial.
3D phase diagrams and the thermal stability of two-component Janus nanoparticles: effects of size, average composition and temperature
Authors: Taranovskyy Andriy , Tomán János J. , Gajdics Bence D. , Erdélyi Zoltán
Published: February 2021

We showed that in Janus nanoparticles the compositions of the formed phases depend on the radius, temperature and the average composition of the system, while the transition temperature depends on the average composition and radius of the particle.
Plasma-catalytic ammonia synthesis beyond thermal equilibrium on Ru-based catalysts in non-thermal plasma
Authors: Rouwenhorst Kevin H. R. , Burbach Hugo G. B. , Vogel Dave W. , Núñez Paulí Judit , Geerdink Bert , Lefferts Leon
Published: February 2021

The barrier for N2 dissociation on Ru can be decreased by plasma-activation, or the barrier can be removed completely by the formation of N radicals, resulting in NH3 formation beyond the thermal equilibrium on Ru-catalysts.
Influence of anchoring moieties on new benzimidazole-based Schiff base copper(ii) complexes towards estrogen dependent breast cancer cells
Authors: Paul Anup , Singh Priya , Kuznetsov Maxim L. , Karmakar Anirban , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Koch Biplob , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: February 2021

Effects of triphenylphosphonium and triethylammonium linkers on new benzimidazole based Schiff base copper(ii) complexes are described. A triphenylphosphonium anchored compound exhibits a better cytotoxic effect than cisplatin on the MCF-7 cell line.
Highly NIR-emitting ytterbium complexes containing 2-(tosylaminobenzylidene)-N-benzoylhydrazone anions: structure in solution and use for bioimaging
Authors: Kovalenko Anton D. , Pavlov Alexander A. , Ustinovich Ilya D. , Kalyakina Alena S. , Goloveshkin Alexander S. , Marciniak Łukasz , Lepnev Leonid S. , Burlov Anatolii S. , Schepers Ute , Bräse Stefan , Utochnikova Valentina V.
Published: February 2021

Brightly NIR emissive ytterbium Schiff base complex was predicted by NMR spectroscopy and used for NIR bioimaging. Its structure in solution was determined by NMR spectroscopy.
CO2valorisation towards alcohols by Cu-based electrocatalysts: challenges and perspectives
Authors: Guzmán Hilmar , Russo Nunzio , Hernández Simelys
Published: February 2021

Advances and strategies of electrocatalytic CO2conversion to alcohols on Cu-based catalysts is assessed with an outlook of current challenges for a practical application of this technology.
Flow synthesis approaches to privileged scaffolds – recent routes reviewed for green and sustainable aspects
Authors: Alfano Antonella Ilenia , Brindisi Margherita , Lange Heiko
Published: February 2021

This review discusses the use of flow chemistry as versatile tool for the synthesis and derivatisation of privileged scaffolds, looking at applicability, diversity-oriented synthesis options, inherent sustainability and green chemistry aspects.
Adsorption of atmospheric gas molecules (NH3, H2S, CO, H2, CH4, NO, NO2, C6H6 and C3H6O) on two-dimensional polyimide with hydrogen bonding: a first-principles study
Authors: Yu Sujing , Zhang Dongzhi , Pan Wenjing , Zeng Jingbin
Published: February 2021

In this study, we investigated the effects of hydrogen bond acceptors on the surface of two-dimensional polyimide towards NH3, H2S, CO, H2, CH4, NO, NO2, C6H6 and C3H6O gas molecules through first-principles study based on density functional theory.
Ru-Tethered (R,R)-TsDPEN with DMAB as an efficient catalytic system for high enantioselective one-pot synthesis of chiral β-aminol via asymmetric transfer hydrogenation
Authors: Mishra Ashish A. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: February 2021

This work reflects Ru-tethered-TsDPEN as an active chiral catalyst for one pot selective synthesis of optically active α-substituted alcohols and its derivatives from α-bromo ketones in the presence of dimethylamine borane (DMAB) as the hydrogen source.
Marine natural products
Authors: Carroll Anthony R. , Copp Brent R. , Davis Rohan A. , Keyzers Robert A. , Prinsep Michèle R.
Published: February 2021

A comprehensive review of 1490 new MNPs including looekeyolides A and B, which are associated with coral black band disease.
Impact of synthesis route on structural, magnetic, magnetocaloric and critical behavior of Nd0.6Sr0.4MnO3manganite
Authors: Jeddi M. , Massoudi J. , Gharsallah H. , Ahmed Sameh I. , Dhahri E. , Hlil E. K.
Published: February 2021

The relative cooling power is around 95.271 J kg−1for NSMO-AC and 202.054 J kg−1for NSMO-SG atμ0H= 5 T, making these materials potential candidates for magnetic refrigeration application near room temperature.
Charged ultrafiltration membranes based on TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils/poly(vinyl alcohol) antifouling coating
Authors: Aguilar-Sanchez Andrea , Jalvo Blanca , Mautner Andreas , Rissanen Ville , Kontturi Katri S. , Abdelhamid Hani Nasser , Tammelin Tekla , Mathew Aji P.
Published: February 2021

Crosslinked cellulose nanofiber-polyvinyl alcohol antifouling membrane.
Synthesis of monodisperse magnetic restricted microspheres for recognition of thiamphenicol in milk
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Liu Huachun , Cai Tianpei , Zhou Yanqiang , Li Jianmin , Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhao Shanwen , Bo Chunmiao , Gong Bolin
Published: February 2021

Taking thiamphenicol as the research object, a new type of magnetic restricted access molecularly imprinted polymer (RAM-MMIP) with specific recognition was prepared by a one-step swelling method.
An amide-based second coordination sphere promotes the dimer pathway of Mn-catalyzed CO2-to-CO reduction at low overpotential
Authors: Yang Yong , Ertem Mehmed Z. , Duan Lele
Published: February 2021

The amide NH group decreases the overpotential of Mn-based CO2 reduction catalysts by promoting the dimer and protonation-first pathways in the presence of H2O and enhances the CO2 electroreduction activity by facilitating C–OH bond cleavage.
Structural transitions at electrodes, immersed in simple ionic liquid models
Authors: Lu Hongduo , Stenberg Samuel , Woodward Clifford E. , Forsman Jan
Published: February 2021

We used a recently developed classical Density Functional Theory (DFT) method to study the structures, phase transitions, and electrochemical behaviours of two coarse-grained ionic fluid models, in the presence of a perfectly conducting model electrode.
Self-assembled natural small molecule diterpene acids with favorable anticancer activity and biosafety for synergistically enhanced antitumor chemotherapy
Authors: Cheng Jianjun , Fu Shiyao , Qin Zhao , Han Ying , Yang Xin
Published: February 2021

Four new self-assembled natural small molecule tricyclic diterpene acids with favorable anticancer activity were discovered for construction of biocompatible antitumor drugs for highly efficient, safe, and synergistic antitumor chemotherapy.
Record high thermoelectric performance of expanded graphite/carbon fiber cement composites enhanced by ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide for building energy harvesting
Authors: Wei Jian , Li Xueting , Wang Yuan , Chen Bing , Qiao Shishuai , Zhang Qian , Xue Fei
Published: February 2021

Record high thermoelectric performance of expanded graphite/carbon fiber cement composites enhanced by ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide.
Doubly N-confused phlorin and phlorinone analogue
Authors: Wang Runju , Yin Ying , Xu Kui , Wu Lamei , Huang Zhengxi , Hsu Hsien-Yi , Sessler Jonathan L. , Zhang Zhan
Published: February 2021

A doubly N-confused phlorin and phlorinone analogue were synthesized from a β,β′-linked dipyrromethane precursor and characterized by means of NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopies, X-ray crystallography, and electrochemistry.
Quenchable amorphous glass-like material from VF3
Authors: Sereika Raimundas , Kim Sooran , Nakagawa Takeshi , Ishii Hirofumi , Ding Yang , Mao Ho-kwang
Published: February 2021

This study shows that metal trifluorides are appealing group of compounds to search and investigate pressure-induced amorpization.
Inhibition of the shuttle effect of lithium–sulfur batteriesviaa tannic acid-metal one-stepin situchemical film-forming modified separator
Authors: Yang Liwen , Wang Yang , Li Qian , Li Yuan , Chen Yanxiao , Liu Yuxia , Wu Zhenguo , Wang Gongke , Zhong Benhe , Song Yang , Xiang Wei , Zhong Yanjun , Guo Xiaodong
Published: February 2021

The environmentally friendly Tannic acid–Cobalt (TA–Co) modified separator can effectively inhibit the shuttle effect in lithium–sulfur battery through Lewis acid–base interaction and dipole–dipole interaction.
Surface engineering of Rh-modified Pd nanocrystals by colloidal underpotential deposition for electrocatalytic methanol oxidation
Authors: Bao Haibo , Xia Shiyu , Wu Fengxia , Li Fenghua , Zhang Ling , Yuan Yali , Xu Guobao , Niu Wenxin
Published: February 2021

Underpotential deposition of Rh on Pd nanocrystals directs the synthesis of surface-engineered Rh-modified Pd nanocrystals with superior electrocatalytic performances.