bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Dimensions of Gendered Online Abuse: Analyzing Swedish MPs’ Experiences of Social Media
Authors: Erikson Josefina , Håkansson Sandra , Josefsson Cecilia
Published: August 2021

Women’s political representation has increased rapidly in the past few decades, but significant barriers continue to circumscribe women’s political participation in a myriad of ways. Previous research has indicated that online abuse constitutes one such obstacle. Yet, only a small number of studies have systematically examined and compared the experiences of online abuse of men and women politicians. We argue that it is not enough to merely state that online abuse is gendered if we wish to understand and tackle such abuse: it is essential to know how it is gendered. In this article we conceptualize gendered online abuse in terms of three dimensions—frequency, character, and consequences—so that we can provide a more comprehensive empirical understanding of its prevalence. Using original survey data and interviews with a large number of Swedish MPs, we demonstrate the merit of unpacking the concept of such abuse in respect to different analytical dimensions. We find all three dimensions to be gendered in the Swedish context but in different and sometimes unexpected ways. Although women do not experience a higher frequency of online abuse than men, the character of the abuse is gendered insofar as women MPs are subjected to more sexualized and gendered harassment. We also find that men exposed to high levels of online abuse seem slightly more inclined to leave politics, whereas women report that they feel that their personal agency is circumscribed to a greater extent.
Institutions, ideas and economic change: some reflections on Geoffrey Hodgson's ‘Culture and Institutions’
Authors: Mokyr Joel
Published: August 2021

Professor Hodgson in his review of myA Culture of Growth(Princeton University Press, 2016) raises a number of important issues. One of them is the usefulness of the concept of a ‘market for ideas’ as an analytical tool in discussing the way cultural change affects economic change. Even though there is no price mechanism that clears the market, many basic components of the economic analysis of markets carry through and enriched by evolutionary concepts. A second question is the importance of cultural entrepreneurs, who play an important role in my book. It should be stressed that such ‘Vital Few’ were rarely indispensable, yet their influence on subsequent events may have imparted a direction on events and accelerated them. In any event, the success of such entrepreneurs was an indication of an intellectual environment sufficiently open to new ideas to be consistent with major new ideas such as the possibility and desirability of sustained economic progress.
Screening glyphosate-alternative weed control options in important perennial crops
Authors: Kanatas Panagiotis , Antonopoulos Nikolaos , Gazoulis Ioannis , Travlos Ilias S.
Published: August 2021

The current study aimed to screen glyphosate-alternative weed control methods in three perennial crops in Greece. Field trials were conducted and repeated (2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020) in a citrus orchard (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan), an olive grove (Olea europaea L.), and a vineyard (Vitis vinifera L.) under the randomized complete block design (nine treatments, four blocks). Glyphosate was applied in the citrus orchard (720 g ae ha−1), the olive grove (720 g ae ha−1), and the vineyard (1,800 g ae ha−1). Pelargonic acid (1,088 g ha−1; two times), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) residues and white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) residues were evaluated in all sites. Mowing was evaluated in the citrus orchard (one time) and the vineyard (two times). Flazasulfuron (50 g ha−1), oxyfluorfen (144 g ha−1), and flumioxazin (150 g ha−1) were applied in the citrus orchard and the olive grove. Penoxsulam + florasulam (15 + 7.5 g ha−1) was also applied in the olive grove. Cycloxydim (200 g ha−1), quizalofop-p-ethyl (150 g ha−1) and propaquizafop (150 g ha−1) were applied in the vineyard. An untreated control was included in all sites. Flazasulfuron, oxyfluorfen, and flumioxazin resulted in similar normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and weed biomass to glyphosate in the citrus orchard in both years and evaluations. Pelargonic acid (two times) and mowing (one time) were effective on broadleaf weeds. Flazasulfuron and penoxsulam + florasulam were the most promising glyphosate-alternative weed control methods against hairy fleabane [Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist] in the olive grove. Cover crop residues showed their suppressive ability as in the citrus orchard. All selective herbicides resulted in similar NDVI and johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.] dry weight values in the vineyard in both years. Negative and strong correlations were observed in all sites and years between crop yield and weed dry weight (R2 = 0.543 to 0.924).
Differences in Reactions to Media Reporting of a Celebrity Suicide Between Emotionally Distressed and Nondistressed Individuals in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Ying-Yeh , Tsai Chi-Wei , Chang Shu-Sen , Lin Yu-Hsuan , Chi Ying-Chen , Chien-Chang Wu Kevin
Published: August 2021

Abstract. Background: The differences in emotional reactions toward media reports of celebrity suicides between distressed and non-distressed individuals have rarely been explored. Aim: We aimed to explore differences in reaction patterns to the news coverage of a celebrity’s suicide between distressed and nondistressed individuals in Taiwan. Method: We conducted an Internet survey to assess the impact of the news coverage of a celebrity’s suicide. A series of χ2 tests, Spearman’s rank correlations, and logistic regression analyses were performed to compare the differences in emotional involvement and psychological impact after exposure to suicide news between distressed and nondistressed individuals. Results: A total of 1,258 Internet users responded to the survey (236 men and 1,020 women). Compared with nondistressed individuals, distressed individuals ( n = 537) were more likely to feel suicidal (11% vs. 2%, p < .001) after reading the news. They were less willing to seek help when in need (62% vs. 77%, p < .001). All the variables remained significant after adjustment for sociodemographic variables in regression analyses. Limitations: The Internet-based survey may suffer from selection bias. Conclusion: Extensive media reporting of suicide stories has a profound impact on readers, particularly on vulnerable groups. Responsible reporting of suicide incidents is crucial for suicide prevention.
Wave Transformation on a Fringing Reef System With Spur and Groove Structures
Authors: Acevedo‐Ramirez César A. , Stephenson W. , Wakes S. , Mariño‐Tapia I.
Published: August 2021

Spurs and Grooves (SAG) are coral forereef structures with their main axis normal to the reef crest. The dimensions of SAG vary considerably on a global scale. Despite being common, there are relatively few studies that relate SAG morphology with wave transformation processes. Measurements of wave transformation are presented from Xahuayxol, Quintana Roo, Mexico, across a SAG zone with larger spurs than in previous studies. An array of pressure sensors and current meters sampling at high frequencies were deployed over 8 days. Our results show that SAG structures are more important for wave transformation than previously reported since a high rate of wave energy flux dissipation (up to 0.077 kW/m2) was found and the corresponding wave dissipation friction factor, fw (1.01), was four times higher as compared to other reefs. We also found that the wave dissipation rate over the spurs can be up to three times higher than the adjacent grooves (0.098 vs. 0.028 kW/m2). This study demonstrates that SAG plays a very important role in wave dissipation over coral reefs.
A Preliminary Study of Magnetosphere‐Ionosphere‐Thermosphere Coupling at Jupiter: Juno Multi‐Instrument Measurements and Modeling Tools
Authors: Wang Yuxian , Blanc Michel , Louis Corentin , Wang Chi , André Nicolas , Adriani Alberto , Allegrini Frederic , Blelly Pierre‐Louis , Bolton Scott , Bonfond Bertrand , Clark George , Dinelli Bianca Maria , Gérard Jean‐Claude , Gladstone Randy , Grodent Denis , Kotsiaros Stavros , Kurth William , Lamy Laurent , Louarn Philippe , Marchaudon Aurélie , Mauk Barry , Mura Alessandro , Tao Chihiro
Published: August 2021

The dynamics of the Jovian magnetosphere are controlled by the interplay of the planet's fast rotation, its main iogenic plasma source and its interaction with the solar wind. Magnetosphere‐Ionosphere‐Thermosphere (MIT) coupling processes controlling this interplay are significantly different from their Earth and Saturn counterparts. At the ionospheric level, they can be characterized by a set of key parameters: ionospheric conductances, electric currents and fields, exchanges of particles along field lines, Joule heating and particle energy deposition. From these parameters, one can determine (a) how magnetospheric currents close into the ionosphere, and (b) the net deposition/extraction of energy into/out of the upper atmosphere associated to MIT coupling. We present a new method combining Juno multi‐instrument data (MAG, JADE, JEDI, UVS, JIRAM and Waves) and modeling tools to estimate these key parameters along Juno's trajectories. We first apply this method to two southern hemisphere main auroral oval crossings to illustrate how the coupling parameters are derived. We then present a preliminary statistical analysis of the morphology and amplitudes of these key parameters for eight among the first nine southern perijoves. We aim to extend our method to more Juno orbits to progressively build a comprehensive view of Jovian MIT coupling at the level of the main auroral oval.
Effect of pelvic laparoscopic implantation of neuroprosthesis in spinal cord injured subjects: a 1-year prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Kasch Helge , Løve Uffe Schou , Jønsson Anette Bach , Severinsen Kaare Eg , Possover Marc , Elmgreen Søren Bruno , Forman Axel
Published: August 2021

Study design

1-year prospective RCT.

Objective

Examine the effect of implantable pulse generator and low-frequency stimulation of the pelvic nerves using laparoscopic implantation of neuroprosthesis (LION) compared with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in SCI.

Methods

Inclusion criteria: traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), age 18–55 years, neurological level-of-injury Th4–L1, time-since-injury >1 year, and AIS-grades A–B. Participants were randomized to (A) LION procedure or (B) control group receiving NMES. Primary outcome measure: Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI-II), which is a SCI specific outcome measure assessing ability to ambulate. Secondary outcome measures: Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), Penn Spasm Frequency Scale (PSFS), severity of spasticity measured by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11); International Spinal Cord Injury data sets-Quality of Life Basic Data Set (QoLBDS), and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI).

Results

Seventeen SCI individuals, AIS grade A, neurological level ranging from Th4–L1, were randomized to the study. One individual was excluded prior to intervention. Eight participants (7 males) with a mean age (SD) of 35.5 (12.4) years were allocated to the LION procedure, 8 participants (7 males) with age of 38.8 (15.1) years were allocated to NMES. Significantly, 5 LION group participants gained 1 point on the WISCI II scale, (p < 0.013; Fisher´s exact test). WISCI II scale score did not change in controls. No significant changes were observed in the secondary outcome measures.

Conclusion

The LION procedure is a promising new treatment for individuals with SCI with significant one-year improvement in walking ability.
Genetic engineering of marine cyanophages reveals integration but not lysogeny in T7-like cyanophages
Authors: Shitrit Dror , Hackl Thomas , Laurenceau Raphael , Raho Nicolas , Carlson Michael C G , Sabehi Gazalah , Schwartz Daniel A , Chisholm Sallie W , Lindell Debbie
Published: August 2021

Marine cyanobacteria of the genera Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus are the most abundant photosynthetic organisms on earth, spanning vast regions of the oceans and contributing significantly to global primary production. Their viruses (cyanophages) greatly influence cyanobacterial ecology and evolution. Although many cyanophage genomes have been sequenced, insight into the functional role of cyanophage genes is limited by the lack of a cyanophage genetic engineering system. Here, we describe a simple, generalizable method for genetic engineering of cyanophages from multiple families, that we named REEP for REcombination, Enrichment and PCR screening. This method enables direct investigation of key cyanophage genes, and its simplicity makes it adaptable to other ecologically relevant host-virus systems. T7-like cyanophages often carry integrase genes and attachment sites, yet exhibit lytic infection dynamics. Here, using REEP, we investigated their ability to integrate and maintain a lysogenic life cycle. We found that these cyanophages integrate into the host genome and that the integrase and attachment site are required for integration. However, stable lysogens did not form. The frequency of integration was found to be low in both lab cultures and the oceans. These findings suggest that T7-like cyanophage integration is transient and is not part of a classical lysogenic cycle.
Emergence and expansion of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.526 after identification in New York
Authors: Annavajhala Medini K. , Mohri Hiroshi , Wang Pengfei , Nair Manoj , Zucker Jason E. , Sheng Zizhang , Gomez-Simmonds Angela , Kelley Anne L. , Tagliavia Maya , Huang Yaoxing , Bedford Trevor , Ho David D. , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin
Published: August 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infections have surged across the globe in recent months, concomitant with considerable viral evolution1–3. Extensive mutations in the spike protein may threaten the efficacy of vaccines and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies4. Two signature spike mutations of concern are E484K, which has a crucial role in the loss of neutralizing activity of antibodies, and N501Y, a driver of rapid worldwide transmission of the B.1.1.7 lineage. Here we report the emergence of the variant lineage B.1.526 (also known as the Iota variant5), which contains E484K, and its rise to dominance in New York City in early 2021. This variant is partially or completely resistant to two therapeutic monoclonal antibodies that are in clinical use and is less susceptible to neutralization by plasma from individuals who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection or serum from vaccinated individuals, posing a modest antigenic challenge. The presence of the B.1.526 lineage has now been reported in all 50 states in the United States and in many other countries. B.1.526 rapidly replaced earlier lineages in New York, with an estimated transmission advantage of 35%. These transmission dynamics, together with the relative antibody resistance of its E484K sub-lineage, are likely to have contributed to the sharp rise and rapid spread of B.1.526. Although SARS-CoV-2 B.1.526 initially outpaced B.1.1.7 in the region, its growth subsequently slowed concurrently with the rise of B.1.1.7 and ensuing variants.
Hourly potential evapotranspiration at 0.1° resolution for the global land surface from 1981-present
Authors: Singer Michael Bliss , Asfaw Dagmawi Teklu , Rosolem Rafael , Cuthbert Mark O. , Miralles Diego G. , MacLeod David , Quichimbo Edisson Andres , Michaelides Katerina
Published: August 2021

Challenges exist for assessing the impacts of climate and climate change on the hydrological cycle on local and regional scales, and in turn on water resources, food, energy, and natural hazards. Potential evapotranspiration (PET) represents atmospheric demand for water, which is required at high spatial and temporal resolutions to compute actual evapotranspiration and thus close the water balance near the land surface for many such applications, but there are currently no available high-resolution datasets of PET. Here we develop an hourly PET dataset (hPET) for the global land surface at 0.1° spatial resolution, based on output from the recently developed ERA5-Land reanalysis dataset, over the period 1981 to present. We show how hPET compares to other available global PET datasets, over common spatiotemporal resolutions and time frames, with respect to spatial patterns of climatology and seasonal variations for selected humid and arid locations across the globe. We provide the data for users to employ for multiple applications to explore diurnal and seasonal variations in evaporative demand for water.
Highly efficient removal of Sb(V) from water by franklinite-containing nano-FeZn composites
Authors: Wu Huiqing , Wu Qingping , Zhang Jumei , Gu Qihui , Guo Weipeng , Rong Shun , Zhang Yongxiong , Wei Xianhu , Wei Lei , Sun Ming , Li Aimei , Jing Xinhui
Published: August 2021

The existence of toxic and carcinogenic pentavalent antimony in water is a great safety problem. In order to remove antimony(V) from water, the purpose of this study was to prepare a novel graphene nano iron zinc (rGO/NZV-FeZn) photocatalyst via hydrothermal method followed by ultrasonication. Herein, weakly magnetic nano-Fe–Zn materials (NZV-FeZn, GACSP/NZV-FeZn, and rGO/NZV-FeZn) capable of rapid and efficient Sb(V) adsorption from water were prepared and characterised. In particular, rGO/NZV-FeZn was shown to comprise franklinite, Fe0, and graphite. Adsorption data were fitted by a quasi-second-order kinetic equation and Langmuir model, revealing that among these materials, NZV-FeZn exhibited the best Sb removal performance (543.9 mgSb gNZV-FeZn−1, R2 = 0.951). In a practical decontamination test, Sb removal efficiency of 99.38% was obtained for a reaction column filled with 3.5 g of rGO/NZV-FeZn. Column regenerability was tested at an initial concentration of 0.8111 mgSb L−1, and the treated water obtained after five consecutive runs complied with the GB5749-2006 requirement for Sb. rGO/NZV-FeZn was suggested to remove Sb(V) through adsorption-photocatalytic reduction and flocculation sedimentation mechanisms and, in view of its high cost performance, stability, and upscalable synthesis, was concluded to hold great promise for source water and wastewater treatment.
Assessment of genetic diversity and variety identification based on developed retrotransposon-based insertion polymorphism (RBIP) markers in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.)
Authors: Meng Yusha , Su Wenjin , Ma Yanping , Liu Lei , Gu Xingguo , Wu Dianxing , Shu Xiaoli , Lai Qixian , Tang Yong , Wu Liehong , Wang Yin
Published: August 2021

Sweet potato, a dicotyledonous and perennial plant, is the third tuber/root crop species behind potato and cassava in terms of production. Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are highly abundant in sweet potato, contributing to genetic diversity. Retrotransposon-based insertion polymorphism (RBIP) is a high-throughput marker system to study the genetic diversity of plant species. To date, there have been no transposon marker-based genetic diversity analyses of sweet potato. Here, we reported a structure-based analysis of the sweet potato genome, a total of 21555 LTR retrotransposons, which belonged to the main LTR-retrotransposon subfamilies Ty3-gypsy and Ty1-copia were identified. After searching and selecting using Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), 1616 LTR retrotransposon sequences containing at least two models were screened. A total of 48 RBIP primers were synthesized based on the high copy numbers of conserved LTR sequences. Fifty-six amplicons with an average polymorphism of 91.07% were generated in 105 sweet potato germplasm resources based on RBIP markers. A Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmatic Mean (UPGMA) dendrogram, a model-based genetic structure and principal component analysis divided the sweet potato germplasms into 3 groups containing 8, 53, and 44 germplasms. All the three analyses produced significant groupwise consensus. However, almost all the germplasms contained only one primary locus. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) among the groups indicated higher intergroup genetic variation (53%) than intrapopulation genetic variation. In addition, long-term self-retention may cause some germplasm resources to exhibit variable segregation. These results suggest that these sweet potato germplasms are not well evolutionarily diversified, although geographic speciation could have occurred at a limited level. This study highlights the utility of RBIP markers for determining the intraspecies variability of sweet potato and have the potential to be used as core primer pairs for variety identification, genetic diversity assessment and linkage map construction. The results could provide a good theoretical reference and guidance for germplasm research and breeding.
Non-lethal effects of entomopathogenic nematode infection
Authors: Filgueiras Camila C. , Willett Denis S.
Published: August 2021

Entomopathogenic nematodes are typically considered lethal parasites of insect hosts. Indeed they are employed as such for biological control of insect pests. The effects of exposure to entomopathogenic nematodes are not strictly limited to mortality, however. Here we explore non-lethal effects of exposure to entomopathogenic nematodes by introducing the relatively non-susceptible pupal stage of Delia antiqua to thirteen different strains. We specifically chose to inoculate the pupal stage because it tends to be more resistant to infection, yet resides in the soil where it could come into contact with EPN biological control agents. We find that there is no significant mortality at the pupal stage, but that there are a host of strain-dependent non-lethal effects during and after the transition to adulthood including altered developmental times and changes in risk of death compared to controls. We also find that exposure to specific strains can reduce risk of mortality. These results emphasize the strain-dependent nature of entomopathogenic nematode infection and highlight the positive and negative ramifications for non-lethal effects for biological control of insect pests. Our work emphasizes the need for strain-specific screening of biological control agents before wide-spread adoption.
Integrative genetic, genomic and transcriptomic analysis of heat shock protein and nuclear hormone receptor gene associations with spontaneous preterm birth
Authors: Huusko Johanna M. , Tiensuu Heli , Haapalainen Antti M. , Pasanen Anu , Tissarinen Pinja , Karjalainen Minna K. , Zhang Ge , Christensen Kaare , Ryckman Kelli K. , Jacobsson Bo , Murray Jeffrey C. , Kingsmore Stephen F. , Hallman Mikko , Muglia Louis J. , Rämet Mika
Published: August 2021

Heat shock proteins are involved in the response to stress including activation of the immune response. Elevated circulating heat shock proteins are associated with spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). Intracellular heat shock proteins act as multifunctional molecular chaperones that regulate activity of nuclear hormone receptors. Since SPTB has a significant genetic predisposition, our objective was to identify genetic and transcriptomic evidence of heat shock proteins and nuclear hormone receptors that may affect risk for SPTB. We investigated all 97 genes encoding members of the heat shock protein families and all 49 genes encoding nuclear hormone receptors for their potential role in SPTB susceptibility. We used multiple genetic and genomic datasets including genome-wide association studies (GWASs), whole-exome sequencing (WES), and placental transcriptomics to identify SPTB predisposing factors from the mother, infant, and placenta. There were multiple associations of heat shock protein and nuclear hormone receptor genes with SPTB. Several orthogonal datasets supported roles for SEC63, HSPA1L, SACS, RORA, and AR in susceptibility to SPTB. We propose that suppression of specific heat shock proteins promotes maintenance of pregnancy, whereas activation of specific heat shock protein mediated signaling may disturb maternal–fetal tolerance and promote labor.
An automated real-time microfluidic platform to probe single NK cell heterogeneity and cytotoxicity on-chip
Authors: Subedi Nikita , Van Eyndhoven Laura C. , Hokke Ayla M. , Houben Lars , Van Turnhout Mark C. , Bouten Carlijn V. C. , Eyer Klaus , Tel Jurjen
Published: August 2021

Cytotoxicity is a vital effector mechanism used by immune cells to combat pathogens and cancer cells. While conventional cytotoxicity assays rely on averaged end-point measures, crucial insights on the dynamics and heterogeneity of effector and target cell interactions cannot be extracted, emphasizing the need for dynamic single-cell analysis. Here, we present a fully automated droplet-based microfluidic platform that allowed the real-time monitoring of effector-target cell interactions and killing, allowing the screening of over 60,000 droplets identifying 2000 individual cellular interactions monitored over 10 h. During the course of incubation, we observed that the dynamics of cytotoxicity within the Natural Killer (NK) cell population varies significantly over the time. Around 20% of the total NK cells in droplets showed positive cytotoxicity against paired K562 cells, most of which was exhibited within first 4 h of cellular interaction. Using our single cell analysis platform, we demonstrated that the population of NK cells is composed of individual cells with different strength in their effector functions, a behavior masked in conventional studies. Moreover, the versatility of our platform will allow the dynamic and resolved study of interactions between immune cell types and the finding and characterization of functional sub-populations, opening novel ways towards both fundamental and translational research.
Accessing depth-resolved high spatial frequency content from the optical coherence tomography signal
Authors: Alexandrov Sergey , Arangath Anand , Zhou Yi , Murphy Mary , Duffy Niamh , Neuhaus Kai , Shaw Georgina , McAuley Ryan , Leahy Martin
Published: August 2021

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a rapidly evolving technology with a broad range of applications, including biomedical imaging and diagnosis. Conventional intensity-based OCT provides depth-resolved imaging with a typical resolution and sensitivity to structural alterations of about 5–10 microns. It would be desirable for functional biological imaging to detect smaller features in tissues due to the nature of pathological processes. In this article, we perform the analysis of the spatial frequency content of the OCT signal based on scattering theory. We demonstrate that the OCT signal, even at limited spectral bandwidth, contains information about high spatial frequencies present in the object which relates to the small, sub-wavelength size structures. Experimental single frame imaging of phantoms with well-known sub-micron internal structures confirms the theory. Examples of visualization of the nanoscale structural changes within mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), which are invisible using conventional OCT, are also shown. Presented results provide a theoretical and experimental basis for the extraction of high spatial frequency information to substantially improve the sensitivity of OCT to structural alterations at clinically relevant depths.
Multi-layered proteogenomic analysis unravels cancer metastasis directed by MMP-2 and focal adhesion kinase signaling
Authors: Kwon Yumi , Park Seong-Jun , Nguyen Binh Thanh , Kim Mi Jeong , Oh Sejin , Lee Hwanho , Park Narae , Kim Hyun Seok , Kang Min-Jung , Min Byung Soh , Lee Jin-Won , Yang Eun Gyeong , Lee Cheolju
Published: August 2021

The role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in tumor cell migration has been widely studied, however, the characteristics and effects of MMP-2 in clinical sample of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) remain poorly understood. Here, in order to unveil the perturbed proteomic signal during MMP-2 induced cancer progression, we analyzed plasma proteome of CRC patients according to disease progression, HCT116 cancer secretome upon MMP-2 knockdown, and publicly available CRC tissue proteome data. Collectively, the integrative analysis of multi-layered proteomes revealed that a protein cluster containing EMT (Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition)-associated proteins such as CD9-integrin as well as MMP-2. The proteins of the cluster were regulated by MMP-2 perturbation and exhibited significantly increased expressions in tissue and plasma as disease progressed from TNM (Tumor, Node, and Metastasis) stage I to II. Furthermore, we also identified a plausible association between MMP-2 up-regulation and activation of focal adhesion kinase signaling in the proteogenomic analysis of CRC patient tissues. Based on these comparative and integrative analyses, we suggest that the high invasiveness in the metastatic CRC resulted from increased secretion of MMP-2 and CD9-integrin complex mediated by FAK signaling activation.
Oxidative stress and radioiodine treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Buczyńska Angelika , Sidorkiewicz Iwona , Rogucki Mariusz , Siewko Katarzyna , Adamska Agnieszka , Kościuszko Maria , Maliszewska Katarzyna , Kozłowska Gabryela , Szumowski Piotr , Myśliwiec Janusz , Dzięcioł Janusz , Krętowski Adam , Popławska-Kita Anna
Published: August 2021

It is hypothesized that the oxidative stress level in thyroid cancer patients is additionally upregulated by radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, that may exert an important impact on future health concerns. In our study, we evaluated the oxidative stress level changes using the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) undergoing RAI treatment. Considering the results obtained in the study group, the serum levels of MDA in DTC patients were significantly higher compared to the healthy subjects (p < 0.05). The MDA concentration was significantly higher on the third day after RAI (p < 0.001) and significantly lower one year after RAI (p < 0.05) in DTC patients compared to the baseline concentration. Moreover, the redox stabilization after RAI treatment in patients with DTC during a year-long observation was demonstrated. Accordingly, an increased oxidative stress impact on the related biochemical parameters reflecting the health conditions of the DTC patients was determined. Our study showed that increased oxidative stress reflected by MDA measurements in DTC patients is further enhanced by RAI, but this effect is no longer observed one year after the therapy.
Development and validation of LAMP primer sets for rapid identification of Aspergillus fumigatus carrying the cyp51A TR46 azole resistance gene
Authors: Trabasso Plinio , Matsuzawa Tetsuhiro , Arai Teppei , Hagiwara Daisuke , Mikami Yuzuru , Moretti Maria Luiza , Watanabe Akira
Published: August 2021

Infections due to triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus are increasingly reported worldwide and are associated with treatment failure and mortality. The principal class of azole-resistant isolates is characterized by tandem repeats of 34 bp or 46 bp within the promoter region of the cyp51A gene. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a widely used nucleic acid amplification system that is fast and specific. Here we describe a LAMP assay method to detect the 46 bp tandem repeat insertion in the cyp51A gene promoter region based on novel LAMP primer sets. It also differentiated strains with TR46 tandem repeats from those with TR34 tandem repeats. These results showed this TR46-LAMP method is specific, rapid, and provides crucial insights to develop novel antifungal therapeutic strategies against severe fungal infections due to A. fumigatus with TR46 tandem repeats.
Future hydrology and hydrological extremes under climate change in Asian river basins
Authors: Shrestha Sangam , Bae Deg-Hyo , Hok Panha , Ghimire Suwas , Pokhrel Yadu
Published: August 2021

The diverse impacts of anthropogenic climate change in the spatiotemporal distribution of global freshwater are generally addressed through global scale studies, which suffer from uncertainties arising from coarse spatial resolution. Multi-catchment, regional studies provide fine-grained details of these impacts but remain less explored. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of climate change impacts on the hydrology of 19 river basins from different geographical and climatic conditions in South and Southeast Asia. We find that these two regions will get warmer (1.5 to 7.8 °C) and wetter (− 3.4 to 46.2%) with the expected increment in river flow (− 18.5 to 109%) at the end of the twenty-first century under climate change. An increase in seasonal hydro-climatic extremes in South Asia and the rising intensity of hydro-climatic extremes during only one season in Southeast Asia illustrates high spatiotemporal variability in the impact of climate change and augments the importance of similar studies on a larger scale for broader understanding.
Real-time effects of Cd(ii) on the cellular membrane permeability
Authors: Zhang Biao , Pan Na , Fan Xiaoyin , Lu Liping , Wang Xiayan
Published: August 2021

Using SECM to determine the cell membrane permeability has the advantages of being real-time, in situ and sensitive. Compared with x-scan study, DPV technology shows a higher performance in dectecting changes in the membrane permeability.
Controlling alloy to core–shell structure transformation of Au–Pd icosahedral nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Yuyu , Zeng Xiaobing , Liu Yawen , Ye Rongkai , Liang Qianwei , Hu Jianqiang
Published: August 2021

Structure transformation of Au–Pd icosahedral nanoparticles from alloy to core–shell was achieved in a one-step aqueous-phase strategy.
A boron–nitrogen transborylation enabled, borane-catalysed reductive cyanation of enones
Authors: Benn Kieran , Nicholson Kieran , Langer Thomas , Thomas Stephen P.
Published: August 2021

The borane-catalysed hydrocyanation of enones has been developed and applied across a series of substrates including those being functional groups susceptible to reduction.
Cu-catalyzed coupling of vinylidene cyclopropanes with allyl and allenyl boronates
Authors: Chen Ming
Published: August 2021

The development of Cu-catalyzed coupling of vinylidene cyclopropanes with allyl or allenyl boronates is reported.
Stable and twisted 5,6:12,13-dinaphthozethrene from angular π-extension
Authors: Hu Jinlian , Xiang Qin , Xu Jun , Xu Zhanqiang , Chen Guang , Sun Zhe
Published: August 2021

Herein, we describe a concise and efficient synthesis of an angularly extended stable zethrene derivative 1, designed to have more benzenoid rings in the closed-shell resonance form.
Correction: High-efficiency methanol oxidation electrocatalysts realized by ultrathin PtRuM–O (M = Ni, Fe, Co) nanosheets
Authors: Pan Yue , Li Hongdong , Wang Zuochao , Han Yi , Wu Zhanchao , Zhang Xinyi , Lai Jianping , Wang Lei , Feng Shouhua
Published: August 2021

Correction for ‘High-efficiency methanol oxidation electrocatalysts realized by ultrathin PtRuM–O (M = Ni, Fe, Co) nanosheets’ by Yue Pan et al., Chem. Commun., 2020, 56, 9028–9031, DOI: 10.1039/D0CC00361A.
Molecular salts of quinine: a crystal engineering route to enhance the aqueous solubility
Authors: Divya Indira S. , Amrutha Surendran , SeethaLekshmi Sunil , Varughese Sunil
Published: August 2021

Salts of quinine, with α,ω-aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and aromatic coformers, show superior aqueous solubility. The structural, thermal and microscopy data provide structural, compositional, and stability profiles of the salts.
Phase stability of the tin monochalcogenides SnS and SnSe: a quasi-harmonic lattice-dynamics study
Authors: Pallikara Ioanna , Skelton Jonathan M.
Published: August 2021

We perform a comprehensive study of the SnS and SnSe tin monochalcogenide spaces using first-principles quasi-harmonic lattice-dynamics calculations.
A new family of boat-shaped Ln8 clusters exhibiting the magnetocaloric effect and slow magnetic relaxation
Authors: Li Jia-Nian , Li Ning-Fang , Wang Ji-Lei , Liu Xiao-Mei , Ping Qing-Dong , Zang Ting-Ting , Mei Hua , Xu Yan
Published: August 2021

Three novel boat-shaped Ln8 clusters have been successfully synthesized. Magnetic measurements reveal that 1-Gd exhibits larger MCE, while 2-Dy displays slow magnetization relaxation. Besides, the luminescence properties of 3-Eu were investigated.
Electronic and steric impact of bis-NHC ligands on reactions of Pt3S2 cores in trinuclear complexes bearing bis-NHC ligands with various lengths of alkylene bridges
Authors: Yabune Natsuki , Nakajima Hiroshi , Nishioka Takanori
Published: August 2021

A silver(i) ion attacks the sulfide ligand of a triplatinum complex bearing ethylene-bridged bis-NHC ligands to afford a heptanuclear complex with two Ag–S bonds due to the steric hindrance of the ligands covering the Pt–Pt bonds.
Influence of Sargassum pallidum and the synergistic interaction mechanism of 6-gingerol and poricoic acid A on inhibiting ovalbumin glycation
Authors: Xing Xie , Chun Chen , Xiong Fu , Rui-Hai Liu
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to investigate the antiglycation capacity of Sargassum pallidum extract on ovalbumin (OVA) glycation, and the interaction mechanism of its active compounds, including 6-gingerol (6G) and poricoic acid A (PA).
Ingestion of xylooligosaccharides during the suckling period improve the feed efficiency and hindgut fermentation capacity of piglets after weaning
Authors: Bai Yu , Wang Zhenyu , Zhou Xingjian , Zhang Yaowen , Ye Hao , Wang Haotian , Pi Yu , Lian Shuai , Han Dandan , Wang Junjun
Published: August 2021

Fiber ingestion during the suckling period is helpful for gut development and probiotic colonization.
A high-throughput, open-space and reusable microfluidic chip for combinational drug screening on tumor spheroids
Authors: Li Lijun , Chen Yan , Wang Huirong , An Geng , Wu Hongkai , Huang Wei
Published: August 2021

Screening drug combinations using a high-throughput and open-space DOE microfluidic chip can play a vital role in the development of disease treatment and personalized medicine.
Monitoring the effects of chemical stimuli on live cells with metasurface-enhanced infrared reflection spectroscopy
Authors: Huang Steven H. , Li Jiaruo , Fan Zhiyuan , Delgado Robert , Shvets Gennady
Published: August 2021

A plasmonic metasurface is used for the enhanced infrared spectroscopy of live cells. Real-time cellular response to trypsinization and cholesterol depletion is monitored, and spectro-chemical imaging using the metasurface is demonstrated.
Energetic carbon precursors for micro-supercapacitor printing
Authors: Gellrich Christin , Lochmann Stefanie , Otto Thomas , Grothe Julia , Kaskel Stefan
Published: August 2021

A highly energetic carbon precursor suitable for the solvent assisted nanoimprint lithography is presented. The interdigital electrodes in the fabricated micro-supercapacitors show excellent device capacitances and high cycling stability.
Recent advances in decarbonylative annulation reactions
Authors: Saikia Pallabi , Gogoi Sanjib
Published: August 2021

In recent years, decarbonylative annulation reactions have emerged as one of the most efficient routes to construct a variety of important carbocyclic and heterocyclic scaffolds.
The C–H functionalization of N-alkoxycarbamoyl indoles by transition metal catalysis
Authors: Ghosh Prasanjit , Das Sajal
Published: August 2021

Indole and its congeners are ubiquitous nitrogen containing organic scaffolds found in a plethora of natural products. This review aims to highlight the transition-metal catalyzed C–H functionalization of N-alkoxycarbamoyl indoles.
A biodegradable bismuth–gadolinium-based nano contrast agent for accurate identification and imaging of renal insufficiency in vivo
Authors: Zhang Jing , Song Kang , Ping Jing , Du Jun , Sun Yun , Zhang Jianping , Qi Ming , Miao Yuqing , Li Yuhao
Published: August 2021

A biodegradable gadolinium-doped mesoporous bismuth-based nanomaterial is used to diagnose kidneys with dysfunction accurately via magnetic resonance imaging in vivo.
Copper-catalyzed redox neutral ketoalkylation of Csp2–H bonds via C–C bond cleavage
Authors: Chen He , Guo Li-Na , Sun Qing-Xin , Chen Lei , Tao Jing-Qi , Gao Pin
Published: August 2021

An efficient copper-catalyzed ketoalkylation of Csp2–H bonds with cycloalkyl silyl peroxides under mild conditions is presented. A series of Csp2–H bonds in quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones, heteroaromatic N-oxides and quinones were amenable to this protocol.
Highly stereoselective dearomative [3 + 2] cycloadditon of cyclic pyridinium ylides to access spiro-indolizidine scaffolds
Authors: He Xiao-Long , Wang Cheng , Wen You-Wu , Zhao Yi-Bing , Yang Huan , Qian Shan , Yang Lingling , Wang Zhouyu
Published: August 2021

A novel type of pyridinium salt bearing a EWG on the pyridine was developed as an efficient pyridinium ylide precursor in the [3 + 2] cycloaddition with nitroolefins to construct various spiro-indolizidine scaffolds via a dearomative pathway.
Correction: Helium-induced damage in U3Si5 by first-principles studies
Authors: Wang Yibo , Peng Zhenbo , Qiu Nianxiang , He Heming , Pan Rongjian , Wu Lu , Huang Qing , Du Shiyu
Published: August 2021

Correction for ‘Helium-induced damage in U3Si5 by first-principles studies’ by Yibo Wang et al., RSC Adv., 2021, 11, 26920–26927. DOI: 10.1039/D1RA04031F.
Proton conducting membranes for hydrogen and ammonia production
Authors: Weng Guowei , Ouyang Kun , Lin Xuanhe , Xue Jian , Wang Haihui
Published: August 2021

Dense proton conducting membranes possess 100% hydrogen selectivity and excellent stability under practical conditions, and serve as promising technologies for hydrogen and ammonia production.
Unravelling the antimicrobial activity of peptide hydrogel systems: current and future perspectives
Authors: Cross Emily R. , Coulter Sophie M. , Pentlavalli Sreekanth , Laverty Garry
Published: August 2021

The use of hydrogels has garnered significant interest as biomaterial and drug delivery platforms for anti-infective applications.
Perovskite Na-ion conductors developed from analogous Li3xLa2/3−xTiO3 (LLTO): chemo-mechanical and defect engineering
Authors: Lin Yu-Ying , Gustafson William J. , Murray Shannon E. , Shoemaker Daniel P. , Ertekin Elif , Krogstad Jessica A. , Perry Nicola H.
Published: August 2021

New Na-ion conductors Na0.5La0.5ZrO3 and Na0.25La0.25Ba0.5ZrO3 with expanded lattices were developed based on perovskite LLTO, successfully increasing the conductivities vs. unexpanded (Na,La)TiO3 by up to ∼50×.
A high humidity-resistive triboelectric nanogeneratorviacoupling of dielectric material selection and surface-charge engineering
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhou Linglin , Zhang Chuguo , Zhao Zhihao , Li Shaoxin , Li Xinyuan , Yin Xing , Wang Jie , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: August 2021

Dielectric material selection coupled with surface-charge engineering is demonstrated to effectively improve the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators in a high humidity environment.
Ultra-high photoactive thiadiazolo[3,4-g]quinoxaline nanoparticles with active-targeting capability for deep photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhang Li-Peng , Li Xianqiang , Zhao Hongyou , Kang Lin , Liu Shiyang , Liu Tianlong , Zhao Yuxia
Published: August 2021

A novel biocompatible photosensitizer (TQs-PEG4) with an ultra-high singlet oxygen quantum yield was designed and synthesized for a deep photodynamic therapy under 660 nm laser irradiation.
Nanomedicine as a promising strategy for the theranostics of infectious diseases
Authors: Liu Hengyu , Zhong Wenhao , Zhang Xinyu , Lin Dongjun , Wu Jun
Published: August 2021

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi and their global spread pose a great threat to human health.
Revealing the internal heavy chalcogen atom effect on the photophysics of the dibenzo[a,j]phenazine-cored donor–acceptor–donor triad
Authors: Goto Shimpei , Nitta Yuya , Decarli Nicolas Oliveira , de Sousa Leonardo Evaristo , Stachelek Patrycja , Tohnai Norimitsu , Minakata Satoshi , de Silva Piotr , Data Przemyslaw , Takeda Youhei
Published: August 2021

Donor–acceptor–donor molecules containing heavy chalcogen atoms, which feature multi-color polymorphism, external-stimuli responsive luminochromism, thermally-activated delayed fluorescence, and room-temperature phosphorescence, have been developed.
Interplay between extracellular matrix components and cellular and molecular mechanisms in kidney fibrosis
Authors: Rayego-Mateos Sandra , Campillo Sofia , Rodrigues-Diez Raúl R. , Tejera-Muñoz Antonio , Marquez-Exposito Laura , Goldschmeding Roel , Rodríguez-Puyol Diego , Calleros Laura , Ruiz-Ortega Marta
Published: August 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in renal structures. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is observed in glomerular diseases as well as in the regeneration failure of acute kidney injury (AKI). Therefore, finding antifibrotic therapies comprises an intensive research field in Nephrology. Nowadays, ECM is not only considered as a cellular scaffold, but also exerts important cellular functions. In this review, we describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in kidney fibrosis, paying particular attention to ECM components, profibrotic factors and cell–matrix interactions. In response to kidney damage, activation of glomerular and/or tubular cells may induce aberrant phenotypes characterized by overproduction of proinflammatory and profibrotic factors, and thus contribute to CKD progression. Among ECM components, matricellular proteins can regulate cell–ECM interactions, as well as cellular phenotype changes. Regarding kidney fibrosis, one of the most studied matricellular proteins is cellular communication network-2 (CCN2), also called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), currently considered as a fibrotic marker and a potential therapeutic target. Integrins connect the ECM proteins to the actin cytoskeleton and several downstream signaling pathways that enable cells to respond to external stimuli in a coordinated manner and maintain optimal tissue stiffness. In kidney fibrosis, there is an increase in ECM deposition, lower ECM degradation and ECM proteins cross-linking, leading to an alteration in the tissue mechanical properties and their responses to injurious stimuli. A better understanding of these complex cellular and molecular events could help us to improve the antifibrotic therapies for CKD.
The science of science: Clinical Science launches a new translational meta-research collection
Authors: Weissgerber Tracey L.
Published: August 2021

Clinical Science is proud to launch a new translational meta-research collection. Meta-research, or the science of science, applies the scientific method to study science itself. Meta-research is a powerful tool for identifying common problems in scientific papers, assessing their impact, and testing solutions to improve the transparency, rigor, trustworthiness, and usefulness of biomedical research. The collection welcomes science of science studies that link basic science to disease mechanisms, as well as meta-research articles highlighting opportunities to improve transparency, rigor, and reproducibility among the types of papers published in Clinical Science. Submissions might include science of science studies that explore factors linked to successful translation, or meta-research on experimental methods or study designs that are often used in translational research. We hope that this collection will encourage scientists to think critically about current practices and take advantage of opportunities to make their own research more transparent, rigorous, and reproducible.