bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vulnerability to climate change of a microendemic lizard species from the central Andes
Authors: Laspiur A. , Santos J. C. , Medina S. M. , Pizarro J. E. , Sanabria E. A. , Sinervo B. , Ibargüengoytía N. R.
Published: June 2021

Given the rapid loss of biodiversity as consequence of climate change, greater knowledge of ecophysiological and natural history traits are crucial to determine which environmental factors induce stress and drive the decline of threatened species. Liolaemus montanezi (Liolaemidae), a xeric-adapted lizard occurring only in a small geographic range in west-central Argentina, constitutes an excellent model for studies on the threats of climate change on such microendemic species. We describe field data on activity patterns, use of microhabitat, behavioral thermoregulation, and physiology to produce species distribution models (SDMs) based on climate and ecophysiological data. Liolaemus montanezi inhabits a thermally harsh environment which remarkably impacts their activity and thermoregulation. The species shows a daily bimodal pattern of activity and mostly occupies shaded microenvironments. Although the individuals thermoregulate at body temperatures below their thermal preference they avoid high-temperature microenvironments probably to avoid overheating. The population currently persists because of the important role of the habitat physiognomy and not because of niche tracking, seemingly prevented by major rivers that form boundaries of their geographic range. We found evidence of habitat opportunities in the current range and adjacent areas that will likely remain suitable to the year 2070, reinforcing the relevance of the river floodplain for the species’ avoidance of extinction.
Interannual variability of the frequency of MJO phases and its association with two types of ENSO
Authors: Dasgupta Panini , Roxy M. K. , Chattopadhyay Rajib , Naidu C. V. , Metya Abirlal
Published: June 2021

In this study, we reexamine the effect of two types of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) modes on Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) activity in terms of the frequency of MJO phases. Evaluating all-season data, we identify two dominant zonal patterns of MJO frequency exhibiting prominent interannual variability. These patterns are structurally similar to the Wheeler and Hendon (Mon. Weather Rev. 132:1917–1932, 2004) RMM1 and RMM2 spatial patterns. The first pattern explains a higher frequency of MJO activity over the Maritime Continent and a lower frequency over the central Pacific Ocean and the western Indian Ocean, or vice versa. The second pattern is associated with a higher frequency of MJO active days over the eastern Indian Ocean and a lower frequency over the western Pacific, or vice versa. We find that these two types of MJO frequency patterns are related to the central Pacific and eastern Pacific ENSO modes. From the positive to the negative ENSO (central Pacific or eastern Pacific) phases, the respective MJO frequency patterns change their sign. The MJO frequency patterns are the lag response of the underlying ocean state. The coupling between ocean and atmosphere is exceedingly complex. The first MJO frequency pattern is most prominent during the negative central-Pacific (CP-type) ENSO phases (specifically during September–November and December-February seasons). The second MJO frequency pattern is most evident during the positive eastern-Pacific (EP-type) ENSO phases (specifically during March–May, June–August and September–November). Different zonal circulation patterns during CP-type and EP-type ENSO phases alter the mean moisture distribution throughout the tropics. The horizontal convergence of mean background moisture through intraseasonal winds are responsible for the MJO frequency anomalies during the two types of ENSO phases. The results here show how the MJO activity gets modulated on a regional scale in the presence of two types of ENSO events and can be useful in anticipating the seasonal MJO conditions from a predicted ENSO state.
Adsorption of nanoparticles suspended in a drop on a leaf surface of Perilla frutescens and their infiltration through stomatal pathway
Authors: Ha Nami , Seo Eunseok , Kim Seonghan , Lee Sang Joon
Published: June 2021

Particulate matter (PM) has become a severe environmental issue, and ultrafine PM particles such as PM2.5 or PM1 can cause various complications and respiratory diseases to human beings. In particular, heavy metals contained in PM particles can contaminate edible plants; for example, plant leaves are exposed to PM particle-laden raindrops. The contaminated edible plants can injure the human health by ingestion, so a detailed understanding on the accumulation of PM particles inside edible plants is essential. In this study, we investigate the infiltration of PM particles in plant tissues with a hypothesis that ultrafine PM particles are absorbed through stomatal pathways. As an edible test plant, Perilla frutescens is selected. Drops of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) suspension are deposited on a leaf of P. frutescens to simulate the scenario where PM particle-laden raindrops fall on patulous stomata of the test plant. To examine AuNP adsorption on the P. frutescens foliar surface and diffusional AuNP absorption through stomatal apertures, we investigate three physical dynamics of AuNPs suspended in a sessile drop: sedimentation, evaporation-driven convective flow, and shrinkage of the drop interface. Quantitative information on the 3D spatial distribution of AuNPs in plant tissues was measured by X-ray imaging and two-photon excitation microscopy.
Deep learning-based classification of blue light cystoscopy imaging during transurethral resection of bladder tumors
Authors: Ali Nairveen , Bolenz Christian , Todenhöfer Tilman , Stenzel Arnulf , Deetmar Peer , Kriegmair Martin , Knoll Thomas , Porubsky Stefan , Hartmann Arndt , Popp Jürgen , Kriegmair Maximilian C. , Bocklitz Thomas
Published: June 2021

Bladder cancer is one of the top 10 frequently occurring cancers and leads to most cancer deaths worldwide. Recently, blue light (BL) cystoscopy-based photodynamic diagnosis was introduced as a unique technology to enhance the detection of bladder cancer, particularly for the detection of flat and small lesions. Here, we aim to demonstrate a BL image-based artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic platform using 216 BL images, that were acquired in four different urological departments and pathologically identified with respect to cancer malignancy, invasiveness, and grading. Thereafter, four pre-trained convolution neural networks were utilized to predict image malignancy, invasiveness, and grading. The results indicated that the classification sensitivity and specificity of malignant lesions are 95.77% and 87.84%, while the mean sensitivity and mean specificity of tumor invasiveness are 88% and 96.56%, respectively. This small multicenter clinical study clearly shows the potential of AI based classification of BL images allowing for better treatment decisions and potentially higher detection rates.
Dynamic mitigation of the tearing mode instability in a collisionless current sheet
Authors: Gu Yan-Jun , Kawata Shigeo , Bulanov Sergei V.
Published: June 2021

Dynamic mitigation for the tearing mode instability in the current sheet in collisionless plasmas is demonstrated by applying a wobbling electron current beam. The initial small amplitude modulations imposed on the current sheet induce the electric current filamentation and the reconnection of the magnetic field lines. When the wobbling or oscillatory motion is added from the electron beam having a form of a thin layer moving along the current sheet, the perturbation phase is mixed and consequently the instability growth is saturated remarkably, like in the case of the feed-forward control.
Electrophysiological correlates of unconscious processes of race
Authors: Pesciarelli Francesca , Leo Irene , Serafini Luana
Published: June 2021

The study aimed to examine the neural mechanisms underlying implicit other-race face processing by the use of the masked and unmasked priming manipulation. Two types of prime-target pairs were presented while recording Event-related potentials (ERPs): Same face pairs (prime-target were identical faces), and Different face pairs (prime-target were different faces). Prime-target pairs were half Asian (other-race) and half Caucasian (own-race) faces. The face stimuli on each pair were of the same gender and race. Participants (all Caucasians) had to decide whether the target was a male or a female face (gender task). The prime face could be unmasked or masked. On the behavioral side, our findings showed a race effect, that is slower reaction times (RTs) for other-race than own-race face stimuli, regardless of masking. On the ERPs side, our data showed a race effect across all components analyzed (P100, N100, N200, P300), under both the unmasked and masked manipulations. Besides, we found, in the unmasked condition, a priming effect as a function of race on the N100, N200, and P300 components; but, interestingly, in the masked condition, only on the P300. Overall, our findings provide evidence that race information is available very early in the brain and can strongly activate and influence people’s behaviors even without conscious awareness.
Association between D-dimer level and chest CT severity score in patients with SARS-COV-2 pneumonia
Authors: Wang Lan , Yang Ling , Bai Lang , Huang Zhixin , Peng Yong
Published: June 2021

The elevated level of D-dimer and its relationship with poor outcomes in SARS-COV-2 pneumonia patients have been demonstrated. In addition to a hypercoagulable state, D-dimer is also a biomarker of inflammation. We investigated the relationship between D-dimer level and chest computed tomography (CT) severity score, which could reflect the severity of inflammation in SARS-COV-2 pneumonia patients. We retrospectively enrolled 86 consecutive SARS-COV-2 pneumonia patients. CT severity scores were computed to quantify the overall lung involvement. The D-dimer level among CT score tertiles and the association of the D-dimer level with CT score were analyzed. Our results showed that the median D-dimer level was 0.70 mg/L (IQR 0.35–1.76). 42 patients (48.8%) had D-dimer levels above the median level. The D-dimer levels were significantly different across CT score tertiles (0.37 mg/l [IQR 0.31–0.87], 0.66 mg/l [IQR 0.39–1.43], 1.83 mg/l [IQR 0.85–4.41], P < 0.001). The natural logarithm of the D-dimer level was significantly associated with the CT score (rs = 0.586, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the D-dimer level may be associated with the severity of inflammation of SARS-COV-2 pneumonia prior to coagulopathy/thrombosis. This could be an additional explanation for the mechanism of the relationship between elevated D-dimer level and higher mortality.
Color attributes, betacyanin, and carotenoid profiles, bioactive components, and radical quenching capacity in selected Amaranthus gangeticus leafy vegetables
Authors: Sarker Umakanta , Oba Shinya
Published: June 2021

Four selected A. gangeticus accessions were evaluated in terms of color attributes, phytopigments, including betaxanthin, betacyanin, and carotenoid profiles, proximate, minerals, and antioxidant capacity (AC). Color attributes, phytopigments, proximate, minerals, and AC of A. gangeticus significantly varied across the accessions. For the first time, we identified four betacyanin compounds, such as amaranthine, iso-amaranthine, betanin, iso-betanin. We also identified five carotenoid compounds zeaxanthin neoxanthin, violaxanthin, lutein, and pro-vitamin A in A. gangeticus accessions. A. gangeticus contained adequate carbohydrates, protein, moisture, and dietary fiber. We found adequate iron, manganese, copper, zinc, sodium, molybdenum, boron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur in A. gangeticus accessions. The accessions LS7 and LS9 had considerable color attributes, betacyanin, and carotenoid compounds, proximate, nutraceuticals, betalain, betaxanthin, and AC that could be used as preferable potent antioxidant varieties for consumption as sources of phytopigments, nutraceuticals, and antioxidants. The correlation study revealed that antioxidant constituents of A. gangeticus accession were strongly associated with AC. The identified components of betacyanin and carotenoid in A. gangeticus demands detail pharmacological study. The baseline data on color attributes, betacyanin, and carotenoid profiles, betaxanthins, betalains, and AC obtained in this present study could contribute to the scientific evaluation of pharmacologically active principles in A. gangeticus.
Soil degradation influences soil bacterial and fungal community diversity in overgrazed alpine meadows of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Dong Lin , Li Jingjing , Sun Juan , Yang Chao
Published: June 2021

Over half of the alpine meadows in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) are degraded due to human activities. Soil degradation from overgrazing is the most direct cause of grassland degradation. It is thus important to synthesize the effects of multiple soil degradation indicators on the belowground biomass of plants and soil microorganisms in the degraded QTP. We studied the diversities and structures of soil bacterial and fungal communities using soil bacterial 16S rRNA and the fungal ITS gene under four degradation gradients, D1: lightly degraded, D2: moderately degraded, D3: highly degraded, and a non-degraded control site (CK). The bacterial Shannon diversity in D3 was significantly lower than that in D1 (p < 0.001), and the bacterial richness index in D3 was significantly lower than that in D1 (p < 0.001). There was no difference in soil fungal diversity among the different degradation levels; however, soil fungal richness decreased significantly from CK to D3. The phyla Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria and the genus Mortierella were differed significantly under the four degradation gradients. Plant litter mass and root C/N ratio were important factors associated with bacterial and fungal diversity and richness. These results indicated that alpine meadow degradation can lead to variations in both microbial diversity and the potential functioning of micro-organisms in the QTP.
COVID-19 transmission in group living environments and households
Authors: Akaishi Tetsuya , Kushimoto Shigeki , Katori Yukio , Kure Shigeo , Igarashi Kaoru , Takayama Shin , Abe Michiaki , Tanaka Junichi , Kikuchi Akiko , Onodera Ko , Ishii Tadashi
Published: June 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently the world’s largest public health concern. This study evaluated COVID-19 transmission risks in people in group living environments. A total of 4550 individuals with a history of recent contact with patients at different places (dormitory/home/outside the residences) and levels (close/lower-risk) were tested for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA using a nasopharyngeal swab test between July 2020 and May 2021. The test-positive rate was highest in individuals who had contact in dormitories (27.5%), but the rates were largely different between dormitories with different infrastructural or lifestyle features and infection control measures among residents. With appropriate infection control measures, the secondary transmission risk in dormitories was adequately suppressed. The household transmission rate (12.6%) was as high as that of close contact outside the residences (11.3%) and accounted for > 60% of the current rate of COVID-19 transmission among non-adults. Household transmission rates synchronized to local epidemics with changed local capacity of quarantining infectious patients. In conclusion, a group living environment is a significant risk factor of secondary transmission. Appropriate infection control measures and quarantine of infectious residents will decrease the risk of secondary transmission in group living environments.
Outcomes of elderly patients with organophosphate intoxication
Authors: Yu Jia-Ruei , Hou Yi-Chou , Fu Jen-Fen , Wang I-Kuan , Chan Ming‐Jen , Chen Chao-Yu , Weng Cheng-Hao , Huang Wen-Hung , Yang Huang-Yu , Hsu Ching-Wei , Yen Tzung-Hai
Published: June 2021

This study analysed the clinical patterns and outcomes of elderly patients with organophosphate intoxication. A total of 71 elderly patients with organophosphate poisoning were seen between 2008 and 2017. Patients were stratified into two subgroups: survivors (n = 57) or nonsurvivors (n = 14). Chlorpyrifos accounted for 33.8% of the cases, followed by methamidophos (12.7%) and mevinphos (11.3%). Mood, adjustment and psychotic disorder were noted in 39.4%, 33.8% and 2.8% of patients, respectively. All patients were treated with atropine and pralidoxime therapies. Acute cholinergic crisis developed in all cases (100.0%). The complications included respiratory failure (52.1%), aspiration pneumonia (50.7%), acute kidney injury (43.7%), severe consciousness disturbance (25.4%), shock (14.1%) and seizures (4.2%). Some patients also developed intermediate syndrome (15.5%) and delayed neuropathy (4.2%). The nonsurvivors suffered higher rates of hypotension (P < 0.001), shock (P < 0.001) and kidney injury (P = 0.001) than survivors did. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that patients with shock suffered lower cumulative survival than did patients without shock (log-rank test, P < 0.001). In a multivariate-Cox-regression model, shock was a significant predictor of mortality after intoxication (odds ratio 18.182, 95% confidence interval 2.045–166.667, P = 0.009). The mortality rate was 19.7%. Acute cholinergic crisis, intermediate syndrome, and delayed neuropathy developed in 100.0%, 15.5%, and 4.2% of patients, respectively.
Recanalisation theraphy for acute ischemic stroke in cancer patients
Authors: Merlino Giovanni , Smeralda Carmelo , Gigli Gian Luigi , Lorenzut Simone , Pez Sara , Surcinelli Andrea , Marini Alessandro , Maniaci Valentina , Valente Mariarosaria
Published: June 2021

To date, very few studies focused their attention on efficacy and safety of recanalisation therapy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with cancer, reporting conflicting results. We retrospectively analysed data from our database of consecutive patients admitted to the Udine University Hospital with AIS that were treated with recanalisation therapy, i.e. intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), mechanical thrombectomy (MT), and bridging therapy, from January 2015 to December 2019. We compared 3-month dependency, 3-month mortality, and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (SICH) occurrence of patients with active cancer (AC) and remote cancer (RC) with that of patients without cancer (WC) undergoing recanalisation therapy for AIS. Patients were followed up for 3 months. Among the 613 AIS patients included in the study, 79 patients (12.9%) had either AC (n = 46; 7.5%) or RC (n = 33; 5.4%). Although AC patients, when treated with IVT, had a significantly increased risk of 3-month mortality [odds ratio (OR) 6.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.42–20.07, p = 0.001] than WC patients, stroke-related deaths did not differ between AC and WC patients (30% vs. 28.8%, p = 0.939). There were no significant differences between AC and WC patients, when treated with MT ± IVT, regarding 3-month dependency, 3-month mortality and SICH. Functional independence, mortality, and SICH were similar between RC and WC patients. In conclusion, recanalisation therapy might be used in AIS patients with nonmetastatic AC and with RC. Further studies are needed to explore the outcome of AIS patients with metastatic cancer undergoing recanalisation therapy.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: SOG1 transcription factor promotes the onset of endoreduplication under salinity stress in Arabidopsis
Authors: Mahapatra Kalyan , Roy Sujit
Published: June 2021

As like in mammalian system, the DNA damage responsive cell cycle checkpoint functions play crucial role for maintenance of genome stability in plants through repairing of damages in DNA and induction of programmed cell death or endoreduplication by extensive regulation of progression of cell cycle. ATM and ATR (ATAXIA-TELANGIECTASIA-MUTATED and -RAD3-RELATED) function as sensor kinases and play key role in the transmission of DNA damage signals to the downstream components of cell cycle regulatory network. The plant-specific NAC domain family transcription factor SOG1 (SUPPRESSOR OF GAMMA RESPONSE 1) plays crucial role in transducing signals from both ATM and ATR in presence of double strand breaks (DSBs) in the genome and found to play crucial role in the regulation of key genes involved in cell cycle progression, DNA damage repair, endoreduplication and programmed cell death. Here we report that Arabidopsis exposed to high salinity shows generation of oxidative stress induced DSBs along with the concomitant induction of endoreduplication, displaying increased cell size and DNA ploidy level without any change in chromosome number. These responses were significantly prominent in SOG1 overexpression line than wild-type Arabidopsis, while sog1 mutant lines showed much compromised induction of endoreduplication under salinity stress. We have found that both ATM-SOG1 and ATR-SOG1 pathways are involved in the salinity mediated induction of endoreduplication. SOG1was found to promote G2-M phase arrest in Arabidopsis under salinity stress by downregulating the expression of the key cell cycle regulators, including CDKB1;1, CDKB2;1, and CYCB1;1, while upregulating the expression of WEE1 kinase, CCS52A and E2Fa, which act as important regulators for induction of endoreduplication. Our results suggest that Arabidopsis undergoes endoreduplicative cycle in response to salinity induced DSBs, showcasing an adaptive response in plants under salinity stress.
Retraction Note: A compact photometer based on metal-waveguide-capillary: application to detecting glucose of nanomolar concentration
Authors: Bai Min , Huang Hui , Hao Jian , Zhang Ji , Wu Haibo , Qu Bo
Published: June 2021

Editor's Note: this Article has been retracted; the Retraction Note is available at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91478-8.
Author Correction: Fully Automatic System for Accurate Localisation and Analysis of Cephalometric Landmarks in Lateral Cephalograms
Authors: Lindner Claudia , Wang Ching-Wei , Huang Cheng-Ta , Li Chung-Hsing , Chang Sheng-Wei , Cootes Tim F.
Published: June 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Dissipative transport and phonon scattering suppression via valley engineering in single-layer antimonene and arsenene field-effect transistors
Authors: Cao Jiang , Wu Yu , Zhang Hao , Logoteta Demetrio , Zhang Shengli , Pala Marco
Published: June 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors are promising channel materials for next-generation field-effect transistors (FETs) thanks to their unique mechanical properties and enhanced electrostatic control. However, the performance of these devices can be strongly limited by the scattering processes between carriers and phonons, usually occurring at high rates in 2D materials. Here, we use quantum transport simulations calibrated on first-principle computations to report on dissipative transport in antimonene and arsenene n-type FETs at the scaling limit. We show that the widely-used approximations of either ballistic transport or simple acoustic deformation potential scattering result in large overestimation of the ON current, due to neglecting the dominant intervalley and optical phonon scattering processes. We additionally investigate a recently proposed valley engineering strategy to improve the device performance by removing the valley degeneracy and suppressing most of the intervalley scattering channels via an uniaxial strain along the zigzag direction. The method is applicable to other similar 2D semiconductors characterized by multivalley transport.
Trait-like nocturnal sleep behavior identified by combining wearable, phone-use, and self-report data
Authors: Massar Stijn A. A. , Chua Xin Yu , Soon Chun Siong , Ng Alyssa S. C. , Ong Ju Lynn , Chee Nicholas I. Y. N. , Lee Tih Shih , Ghosh Arko , Chee Michael W. L.
Published: June 2021

Using polysomnography over multiple weeks to characterize an individual’s habitual sleep behavior while accurate, is difficult to upscale. As an alternative, we integrated sleep measurements from a consumer sleep-tracker, smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment, and user-phone interactions in 198 participants for 2 months. User retention averaged >80% for all three modalities. Agreement in bed and wake time estimates across modalities was high (rho = 0.81–0.92) and were adrift of one another for an average of 4 min, providing redundant sleep measurement. On the ~23% of nights where discrepancies between modalities exceeded 1 h, k-means clustering revealed three patterns, each consistently expressed within a given individual. The three corresponding groups that emerged differed systematically in age, sleep timing, time in bed, and peri-sleep phone usage. Hence, contrary to being problematic, discrepant data across measurement modalities facilitated the identification of stable interindividual differences in sleep behavior, underscoring its utility to characterizing population sleep and peri-sleep behavior.
Transcription factor enrichment analysis (TFEA) quantifies the activity of multiple transcription factors from a single experiment
Authors: Rubin Jonathan D. , Stanley Jacob T. , Sigauke Rutendo F. , Levandowski Cecilia B. , Maas Zachary L. , Westfall Jessica , Taatjes Dylan J. , Dowell Robin D.
Published: June 2021

Detecting changes in the activity of a transcription factor (TF) in response to a perturbation provides insights into the underlying cellular process. Transcription Factor Enrichment Analysis (TFEA) is a robust and reliable computational method that detects positional motif enrichment associated with changes in transcription observed in response to a perturbation. TFEA detects positional motif enrichment within a list of ranked regions of interest (ROIs), typically sites of RNA polymerase initiation inferred from regulatory data such as nascent transcription. Therefore, we also introduce muMerge, a statistically principled method of generating a consensus list of ROIs from multiple replicates and conditions. TFEA is broadly applicable to data that informs on transcriptional regulation including nascent transcription (eg. PRO-Seq), CAGE, histone ChIP-Seq, and accessibility data (e.g., ATAC-Seq). TFEA not only identifies the key regulators responding to a perturbation, but also temporally unravels regulatory networks with time series data. Consequently, TFEA serves as a hypothesis-generating tool that provides an easy, rigorous, and cost-effective means to broadly assess TF activity yielding new biological insights.
Control of impulsivity by Gi-protein signalling in layer-5 pyramidal neurons of the anterior cingulate cortex
Authors: van der Veen Bastiaan , Kapanaiah Sampath K. T. , Kilonzo Kasyoka , Steele-Perkins Peter , Jendryka Martin M. , Schulz Stefanie , Tasic Bosiljka , Yao Zizhen , Zeng Hongkui , Akam Thomas , Nicholson Janet R. , Liss Birgit , Nissen Wiebke , Pekcec Anton , Kätzel Dennis
Published: June 2021

Pathological impulsivity is a debilitating symptom of multiple psychiatric diseases with few effective treatment options. To identify druggable receptors with anti-impulsive action we developed a systematic target discovery approach combining behavioural chemogenetics and gene expression analysis. Spatially restricted inhibition of three subdivisions of the prefrontal cortex of mice revealed that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) regulates premature responding, a form of motor impulsivity. Probing three G-protein cascades with designer receptors, we found that the activation of Gi-signalling in layer-5 pyramidal cells (L5-PCs) of the ACC strongly, reproducibly, and selectively decreased challenge-induced impulsivity. Differential gene expression analysis across murine ACC cell-types and 402 GPCRs revealed that - among Gi-coupled receptor-encoding genes -Grm2is the most selectively expressed in L5-PCs while alternative targets were scarce. Validating our approach, we confirmed that mGluR2 activation reduced premature responding. These results suggest Gi-coupled receptors in ACC L5-PCs as therapeutic targets for impulse control disorders.
Claudin-2 promotes colorectal cancer liver metastasis and is a biomarker of the replacement type growth pattern
Authors: Tabariès Sébastien , Annis Matthew G. , Lazaris Anthoula , Petrillo Stephanie K. , Huxham Jennifer , Abdellatif Amri , Palmieri Vincent , Chabot Jaclyn , Johnson Radia M. , Van Laere Steven , Verhoef Cornelis , Hachem Yasmina , Yumeen Sara , Meti Nicholas , Omeroglu Atilla , Altinel Gulbeyaz , Gao Zu-Hua , Yu Alan S. L. , Grünhagen Dirk J. , Vermeulen Peter , Metrakos Peter , Siegel Peter M.
Published: June 2021

Claudin-2 promotes breast cancer liver metastasis by enabling seeding and early cancer cell survival. We now demonstrate that Claudin-2 is functionally required for colorectal cancer liver metastasis and that Claudin-2 expression in primary colorectal cancers is associated with poor overall and liver metastasis-free survival. We have examined the role of Claudin-2, and other claudin family members, as potential prognostic biomarkers of the desmoplastic and replacement histopathological growth pattern associated with colorectal cancer liver metastases. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed higher Claudin-2 levels in replacement type metastases when compared to those with desmoplastic features. In contrast, Claudin-8 was highly expressed in desmoplastic colorectal cancer liver metastases. Similar observations were made following immunohistochemical staining of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) that we have established, which faithfully retain the histopathology of desmoplastic or replacement type colorectal cancer liver metastases. We provide evidence that Claudin-2 status in patient-derived extracellular vesicles may serve as a relevant prognostic biomarker to predict whether colorectal cancer patients have developed replacement type liver metastases. Such a biomarker will be a valuable tool in designing optimal treatment strategies to better manage patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases.
NBD-based synthetic probes for sensing small molecules and proteins: design, sensing mechanisms and biological applications
Authors: Jiang Chenyang , Huang Haojie , Kang Xueying , Yang Liu , Xi Zhen , Sun Hongyan , Pluth Michael D. , Yi Long
Published: June 2021

Compounds with a nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) skeleton exhibit high reactivity toward biological nucleophilies accompanied by distinct colorimetric and fluorescent changes, environmental sensitivity, and small size, all of which facilitate biomolecular sensing and self-assembly.
Real-time imaging of viscosity in the mitochondrial matrix by a red-emissive molecular rotor
Authors: Yuan Lin , Wang Dong , Shan Shan , Chen Juan , Huang Wei , Han Guangmei , Tian Xiaohe , Zhang Ruilong , Zhang Zhongping , Liu Zhengjie
Published: June 2021

A molecular rotor located in mitochondrial matrix was designed and the fluorescence turned on when viscosity increased, enabling real-time monitoring of the viscosity change. The results show that the viscosity is uneven in individual mitochondrion.
Single cell detection using intracellularly-grown-Au-nanoparticle based surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy for nasopharyngeal cell line classification
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Xu Shangwen , Wang Xiaoyang , Wei Guoqiang , Hong Quanxing , Huang Hao , Yu Yun
Published: June 2021

An intracellularly-grown-Au-nanoparticle based SERS technology was developed for nasopharyngeal cell line classification.
Increasing accuracy of field-scale studies to investigate plant uptake and soil dissipation of pharmaceuticals
Authors: Dickman Rebecca A. , Brunelle Laura D. , Kennedy Bradley C. , Noe-Hays Abraham , Love Nancy G. , Aga Diana S.
Published: June 2021

This paper evaluated field fortification of surrogate standards to provide more accurate quantification of analytes with variable stability. Field fortification requires clear protocols and thorough training of field scientists and technicians.
Preparation of magnetic zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 for magnetic solid-phase extraction of strobilurin fungicides from environmental water samples
Authors: Li Xinyi , Li Bingzhi , Chen Min , Yan Mengmeng , Cao Xiaolin , Yin Jungang , Zhang Ziping
Published: June 2021

Schematic illustration of the magnetic solid-phase extraction procedure for strobilurin fungicides.
Nanocapsules with excellent biocompatibility and stability in protein solutions
Authors: Jobdeedamrong Arjaree , Theerasilp Man , Nasongkla Norased , Crespy Daniel
Published: June 2021

Silica nanocapsules stabilized with a reactive surfactant are synthesized to prevent leaching of toxic surfactant. The nanocapsules show a superior stability and biocompatibility compared with nanocapsules prepared with conventional surfactants.
Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigators 2021
Authors: Cheng Jianjun , Southall Maria E.
Published: June 2021

This themed collection in Biomaterials Science highlights the work of emerging investigators in the field of biomaterials science. Editor-in-Chief Jianjun Cheng and Executive Editor Maria Southall introduce the issue.
Catalytic asymmetric construction of C-4 alkenyl substituted pyrazolone derivatives bearing multiple stereoelements
Authors: Zhang Wande , Wei Shiqiang , Wang Wenyao , Qu Jingping , Wang Baomin
Published: June 2021

An organocatalytic asymmetric process was reported for the sterically precise construction of C-4 alkenyl substituted pyrazolone derivatives bearing multiple stereoelements.
A star-shaped cyclopentadithiophene-based dopant-free hole-transport material for high-performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Lee Kun-Mu , Yang Jui-Yu , Lai Ping-Sheng , Luo Ke-Jyun , Yang Ting-Yu , Liau Kang-Ling , Abate Seid Yimer , Lin Yan-Duo
Published: June 2021

Devices based on star-shaped cyclopentadithiophene, C-CPDT, as a dopant-free HTM exhibit a promising efficiency of 19.68% and excellent long-term stability.
Evaluation of mixed quantum–classical molecular dynamics on cis-azobenzene photoisomerization
Authors: Tang Diandong , Shen Lin , Fang Wei-Hai
Published: June 2021

The predicted excited-state lifetimes and photoproduct yields vary with different MQC-MD methods.
Reconciling experimental and theoretical vibrational deactivation in low-energy O + N2 collisions
Authors: Hong Qizhen , Bartolomei Massimiliano , Esposito Fabrizio , Coletti Cecilia , Sun Quanhua , Pirani Fernando
Published: June 2021

The large vibrational deactivation, experimentally found in low-energy O + N2 collisions, is quantitatively reproduced only using a vibronic mechanism.
KF-Promoted copper-catalyzed highly efficient and selective oxidation of methane and other alkanes with a dramatic additive effect
Authors: Liu Luyao , Fan Wu , Chen Wei , Chen Xiaoyan , Li Suhua
Published: June 2021

Selective oxidation of methane is traditionally challenging. Now using KF could dramatic improve the efficiency of copper catalyzed methane oxidation with K2S2O8 as oxidant. The role of KF is conjectured to promote [SO4˙]− to escape the solvent cage.
Electrical promotion-assisted automotive exhaust catalyst: highly active and selective NO reduction to N2 at low-temperatures
Authors: Omori Yuki , Shigemoto Ayaka , Sugihara Kohei , Higo Takuma , Uenishi Toru , Sekine Yasushi
Published: June 2021

Low-temperature operation of TWC can be achieved even at 423 K by applying an electric field to the semiconductor catalyst.
Dinuclear [OSSO]-Fe complexes for the reaction of CO2with epoxides
Authors: Paradiso Veronica , Della Monica Francesco , Lamparelli David Hermann , D'Aniello Sara , Rieger Bernhard , Capacchione Carmine
Published: June 2021

Synthesis and characterization of new dinuclear iron complexes for the coupling of CO2with epoxides. A bimetallic cooperative reaction mechanism is proposed on the basis of kinetic analyses.
Hierarchical hollow Al-rich nano ZSM-5 crystals for highly selective production of light olefins from naphthenes
Authors: Han Lei , Wang Ruoyu , Wang Peng , Zheng Aiguo , Guo Yaoqing , Chen Yan , Jiang Qiuqiao , Lin Wei
Published: June 2021

An Al-distribution regulated one-step desilication approach is developed to fabricate hierarchical hollow Al-rich nano ZSM-5 crystals (Si/Al molar ratio = 12.5) for highly selective production of light olefins from naphthenes.
Involvement of glucosinolates in the resistance to zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced toxicity and growth inhibition in Arabidopsis
Authors: Tao Han , Hu Songshen , Xia Chuchu , Wang Mengyu , Wang Tonglin , Zeng Wei , Li Yubo , Chen Hao , Zheng Jirong , Wang Qiaomei
Published: June 2021

This investigation provides insights into the modulation of glucosinolate-related pathways and may be useful for improving plant tolerance to ZnO NP-induced toxicity and growth inhibition.
More than a fertilizer: wastewater-derived struvite as a high value, sustainable fire retardant
Authors: Kim Andrew H , Yu Anthony C , El Abbadi Sahar H , Lu Katie , Chan Doreen , Appel Eric A , Criddle Craig S
Published: June 2021

Struvite recovered from wastewater treatment plants can be upgraded into high-value, sustainable fire retardants through encapsulation in viscoelastic fluids.
Auto-Panning: a highly integrated and automated biopanning platform for peptide screening
Authors: Wang Junxia , Guo Jingjing , Zhao Kaifeng , Ruan Weidong , Li Liang , Ling Jiajun , Peng Ruixiao , Zhang Huimin , Yang Chaoyong , Zhu Zhi
Published: June 2021

Based on digital microfluidics, a highly-automated and integrated phage display platform (Auto-Panning) was developed for peptide screening.
Advances in the designs and mechanisms of MoO3 nanostructures for gas sensors: a holistic review
Authors: Malik Ritu , Joshi Nirav , Tomer Vijay K.
Published: June 2021

Various MoO3 nanostructures for gas sensing applications.
The development of HEC-866 and its analogues for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Lin Runfeng , Zhang Zheng , Cao Shengtian , Yang Wen , Zuo Yinglin , Yang Xinye , Zhang Jiancun , Xu Juan , Li Jing , Wang Xiaojun
Published: June 2021

We dedicated our effort on optimizing the structure of pirfenidone, which led to compound 16 exhibited promising activities for preclinical application. We believed this novel compound can provide new treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Interface engineering in core–shell Co9S8@MoS2 nanocrystals induces enhanced hydrogen evolution in acidic and alkaline media
Authors: Hao Jiace , Hu Hongyin , Dong Yuan , Hu Jingwen , Sang Xinxin , Duan Fang , Lu Shuanglong , Zhu Han , Du Mingliang
Published: June 2021

Carbon nanofiber-supported Co9S8 nanocrystals fully (F-Co9S8@MoS2/CNFs) and semi (S-Co9S8@MoS2/CNFs) wrapped by MoS2 with precise interfaces were successfully synthesized.
An experimental and theoretical exploration of supramolecular interactions and photoresponse properties of two Ni(ii) complexes
Authors: Pramanik Samit , Pathak Sudipta , Jana Sumanta , Mondal Monotosh , Frontera Antonio , Mukhopadhyay Subrata
Published: June 2021

Two new nickel(ii) complexes, C32H2N8NiClO9 (1) and C36H28N12NiOF24P4 (2) are reported. The noncovalent interactions witnessed in their crystal packing have been analysed using DFT calculations.
A bifunctional mitochondrial targeting AIE-active fluorescent probe with high sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide and viscosity for fatty liver diagnosis
Authors: Xu Hong , Zhong Jiehong , Zhuang Weihua , Jiang Jizhou , Ma Boxuan , He Haiyang , Li Gaocan , Liao Yanbiao , Wang Yunbing
Published: June 2021

A mitochondrial targeting AIE-active fluorescent probe with highly sensitive dual-detection of hydrogen peroxide and viscosity for fatty liver diagnosis.
Constructing sensitive luminescent thermometers via energy transfer in Ce3+ and Eu2+ co-doped Ca8Mg3Al2Si7O28 phosphors
Authors: Zhou Rongfu , Lin Litian , Zhao Hongting , Deng Tingting , Li Jingwei
Published: June 2021

Ca8Mg3Al2Si7O28:Ce3+,Eu2+ phosphors with a melilite structure are designed and prepared for applications in optical thermometry. Their emission colours are tunable due to the energy transfer and thermal quenching of Ce3+ and Eu2+.
Mechanical bonding activation in rotaxane-based organocatalysts
Authors: Perez Jesus de Maria , Puigcerver Julio , Orlando Tainara , Pastor Aurelia , Martins Marcos A. P. , Alajarin Mateo , Martinez-Cuezva Alberto , Berna Jose
Published: June 2021

Interlocked organocatalysts show enhanced catalytic performance when compared with their non-interlocked threads.The ring cooperatively activates the substrates, facilitating the formation and stabilization of catalytically active intermediates.
A quantitative determination of lipid bilayer deposition efficiency using AFM
Authors: Wood Mary H. , Milan David C. , Nichols Richard J. , Casford Michael T. L. , Horswell Sarah L.
Published: June 2021

The efficacy of different methods for depositing a DMPC or mixed DMPC–cholesterol (3 : 1) lipid bilayer onto a silicon substrate has been investigated in a quantitative manner using atomic force microscopy image analysis to extract surface coverage.
Sonochemical synthesis of Co3O4nanoparticles deposited on GO sheets and their potential application as a nanofiller in MMMs for O2/N2separation
Authors: Shah Shahnila , Shaikh Huma , Farrukh Sarah , Malik Muhammad Imran , Mughal Zaib un Nisa , Bhagat Shabana
Published: June 2021

Sonochemical synthesis of Co3O4/GO nanocomposite.
High performance GZO/p-Si heterojunction diodes fabricated by reactive co-sputtering of Zn and GaAs through the control of GZO layer thickness
Authors: Mondal Praloy , Appani Shravan K. , Sutar D. S. , Major S. S.
Published: June 2021

The effect of thickness of Ga doped ZnO (GZO) layer on the performance of GZO/p-Si heterojunctions fabricated by reactive co-sputtering of Zn–GaAs target is investigated.
A structured catalyst with high dispersity of Au species based on hollow SiC foam with porous walls for acetylene hydrochlorination
Authors: Wang Peng , Yang Xiaodan , Zhang Ye , Gao Yong , Zhang Jinsong
Published: June 2021

A bidirectional drying to achieve high dispersity of structured catalysts using hollow SiC foam with porous walls.
Dehydrocyclization–cracking of methyl oleate by Pt catalysts supported on a ZnZSM-5–Al2O3 hierarchical composite
Authors: Ishihara Atsushi , Tsuchimori Yuu , Hashimoto Tadanori
Published: June 2021

The ideal reaction route in the dehydrocyclization–cracking of methyl oleate catalyzed by Pt/ZnZSM-5–Al2O3 is to produce xylene, toluene, and hydrogen through decarboxylation.
Jejucarbazoles A–C, carbazole glycosides with indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 inhibitory activity fromStreptomycessp. KCB15JA151
Authors: Kim Gil Soo , Jang Jun-Pil , Kwon Mincheol , Oh Tae Hoon , Heo Kyung Taek , Lee Byeongsan , Lee Jung-Sook , Ko Sung-Kyun , Hong Young-Soo , Ahn Jong Seog , Jang Jae-Hyuk
Published: June 2021

This study presents the isolation and structure elucidation of jejucarbazoles A–C, isolated fromStreptomycessp. KCB15JA15 and their inhibitory effect and molecular docking analysis against the IDO1 enzyme.
Copper-catalyzed thioketalization of enones featuring trifluoromethyl groups
Authors: Zhang Tongfei , Gao Zhenbo
Published: June 2021

24 new thioketals featuring trifluoromethyl groups were synthesized via a new copper-catalyzed method.
The underlying mechanism for reduction stability of organic electrolytes in lithium secondary batteries
Authors: Shen Xiaohui , Li Peng , Liu Xingwei , Chen Shengli , Ai Xinping , Yang Hanxi , Cao Yuliang
Published: June 2021

By theoretical and experimental evidence, the underlying mechanism for the enhanced reduction stability of the HMRE is revealed, suggesting that the interfacial stability of the electrolyte can be adjusted through the modulation of the anion-induced ISC structure.
Targeting molecular quantum memory with embedded error correction
Authors: Lockyer Selena J. , Chiesa Alessandro , Timco Grigore A. , McInnes Eric J. L. , Bennett Tom S. , Vitorica-Yrezebal Inigo J. , Carretta Stefano , Winpenny Richard E. P.
Published: June 2021

The implementation of a quantum computer requires protecting of information from noise and the ability to perform quantum gates. We present a molecular architecture providing both these ingredients, via an electronic spin 1/2 processor and a nuclear spin 3/2 memory.
Low power threshold photochemical upconversion using a zirconium(iv) LMCT photosensitizer
Authors: Yang Mo , Sheykhi Sara , Zhang Yu , Milsmann Carsten , Castellano Felix N.
Published: June 2021

The LMCT photosensitizer Zr(MesPDPPh)2 paired with DPA-based acceptors enabled low power threshold photochemical upconversion with record-setting quantum efficiencies.
1T/1T′-dominated WSe2 with stabilized oxygen dopants for efficient and durable hydrogen evolution
Authors: Sun Zhuxing , Wang Yiwen , Lang Junyu , Yang Mengfei , Jin Fangming , Hu Yun Hang
Published: June 2021

Highly efficient and stable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was realized over a hybrid-phase WSe2 with a dominated 1T/1T′ phase and stabilized oxygen species by the co-introduction of Co and P.
New approach for rapidly determining Pt accessibility of Pt/C fuel cell catalysts
Authors: Peng Ye , Choi Ja-Yeon , Fürstenhaupt Tobias , Bai Kyoung , Zhang Yi , Banham Dustin
Published: June 2021

Rapid screening of Pt/C PEMFC catalysts through RDE methods to accelerate the development of catalysts with an optimal spatial distribution of Pt within the carbon support.
Dopants modulate crystal growth in molten salts enabled by surface energy tuning
Authors: Li Xiaoqiao , Zhou Linming , Wang Han , Meng Dechao , Qian Guannan , Wang Yong , He Yushi , Wu Yongjun , Hong Zijian , Ma Zi-Feng , Li Linsen
Published: June 2021

Dopants traditionally used for modifying crystal lattices can also function as growth mediators in molten salt synthesis and enable a high energy-density, high power LiCoO2 cathode for lithium-ion batteries.
Biomass-derived tubular carbon materials: progress in synthesis and applications
Authors: Sun Jiaming , Wu Zhenwei , Ma Chunhui , Xu Mingcong , Luo Sha , Li Wei , Liu Shouxin
Published: June 2021

This review summarizes advantages of biomass-based tubular carbon materials, preparation strategies, formation mechanisms and various applications, with a focus on the relationship between the tubular structures and properties.
Pure and Pr-doped Ce4W9O33 with superior hydroxyl scavenging ability: humidity-independent oxide chemiresistors
Authors: Kim Jun-Sik , Kim Ki Beom , Li Hua-Yao , Na Chan Woong , Lim Kyeorei , Moon Young Kook , Yoon Ji Won , Lee Jong-Heun
Published: June 2021

Highly sensitive, selective and humidity-independent detection of trimethylamine was achieved using p-type semiconducting pure and Pr-doped Ce4W9O33.
Screening of effective NRR electrocatalysts among the Si-based MSi2N4 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and W) monolayers
Authors: Luo Yao , Li Mengyuan , Dai Yuxin , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhao Renqiang , Jiang Fan , Ling Chongyi , Huang Yucheng
Published: June 2021

A series of MSi2N4 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and W) monolayers were carefully investigated as potential effective catalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction by means of density functional theory calculations.
Ternary copolymers containing 3,4-dicyanothiophene for efficient organic solar cells with reduced energy loss
Authors: Zhang Yue , Pan Langheng , Peng Zhongxiang , Deng Wanyuan , Zhang Bo , Yuan Xiyue , Chen Zhili , Ye Long , Wu Hongbin , Gao Xiang , Liu Zhitian , Duan Chunhui , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: June 2021

The introduction of 3,4-dicyanothiophene into the polymer backbone has led to monotonically reduced of non-radiative recombination ΔE3.
Plasmonic gold nanocrystals simulated efficient photocatalytic nitrogen fixation over Mo doped W18O49nanowires
Authors: Qiu Peng , Huang Cong , Dong Gang , Chen Feiyang , Zhao Feifan , Yu Yongsheng , Liu Xueqin , Li Zhen , Wang Yang
Published: June 2021

Due to the synergistic effect of Mo doping and Au loading, the photocatalyst of Au nanocrystals anchored W18O49nanowires with Mo doping shows an apparent quantum efficiency of 0.611% at 540 nm and a high NH3synthesis rate of 399.24 μmol g−1h−1.