bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species-specific gamete recognition initiates fusion-driving trimer formation by conserved fusogen HAP2
Authors: Zhang Jun , Pinello Jennifer F. , Fernández Ignacio , Baquero Eduard , Fedry Juliette , Rey Félix A. , Snell William J.
Published: July 2021

Recognition and fusion between gametes during fertilization is an ancient process. Protein HAP2, recognized as the primordial eukaryotic gamete fusogen, is a structural homolog of viral class II fusion proteins. The mechanisms that regulate HAP2 function, and whether virus-fusion-like conformational changes are involved, however, have not been investigated. We report here that fusion between plus and minus gametes of the green alga Chlamydomonas indeed requires an obligate conformational rearrangement of HAP2 on minus gametes from a labile, prefusion form into the stable homotrimers observed in structural studies. Activation of HAP2 to undergo its fusogenic conformational change occurs only upon species-specific adhesion between the two gamete membranes. Following a molecular mechanism akin to fusion of enveloped viruses, the membrane insertion capacity of the fusion loop is required to couple formation of trimers to gamete fusion. Thus, species-specific membrane attachment is the gateway to fusion-driving HAP2 rearrangement into stable trimers.
Combating mosquito-borne diseases using genetic control technologies
Authors: Wang Guan-Hong , Gamez Stephanie , Raban Robyn R. , Marshall John M. , Alphey Luke , Li Ming , Rasgon Jason L. , Akbari Omar S.
Published: July 2021

Mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue and malaria, pose significant global health burdens. Unfortunately, current control methods based on insecticides and environmental maintenance have fallen short of eliminating the disease burden. Scalable, deployable, genetic-based solutions are sought to reduce the transmission risk of these diseases. Pathogen-blocking Wolbachia bacteria, or genome engineering-based mosquito control strategies including gene drives have been developed to address these problems, both requiring the release of modified mosquitoes into the environment. Here, we review the latest developments, notable similarities, and critical distinctions between these promising technologies and discuss their future applications for mosquito-borne disease control.
The role of nano-sized intergranular phases on nickel alloy 725 brittle failure
Authors: Hazarabedian Maria Sofia , Iannuzzi Mariano
Published: July 2021

Although precipitation-hardened nickel alloys, such as Alloy 725, are extensively used in the most aggressive oil and gas production conditions given their a priori superior environmentally assisted cracking resistance, recent failures associated with hydrogen embrittlement (HE) cast doubts about their performance in H-bearing environments. These high-profile incidents have led to extensive research to elucidate the failure mechanism and develop methods to reduce risks. However, the microstructural features that made only specific heats of Alloy 725 susceptible to HE have yet to be agreed upon by the scientific community. Herein, our results showed that the abundant precipitation of F phase, i.e., a recently discovered nano-sized and embrittling phase, at grain boundaries increased cracking susceptibility. A continuous F phase network offered a low-energy path for crack opening by matrix-precipitate interfacial decohesion. Additionally, we correlated Alloy 725 microstructure with HE resistance, which is essential for thermomechanical processing optimization and the design of alternative qualification tests to obtain embrittlement-resistant nickel alloys.
Connecting Fano interference and the Jaynes-Cummings model in cavity magnonics
Authors: Gollwitzer Jakob , Bocklage Lars , Röhlsberger Ralf , Meier Guido
Published: July 2021

We show that Fano interference can be realized in a macroscopic microwave cavity coupled to a spin ensemble at room temperature. Via a formalism developed from the linearized Jaynes-Cummings model of cavity electromagnonics, we show that generalized Fano interference emerges from the photon–magnon interaction at low cooperativity. In this regime, the reflectivity approximates the scattering cross-section derived from the Fano-Anderson model. Although asymmetric lineshapes in this system are often associated with the Fano formalism, we show that whilst Fano interference is actually present, an exact Fano form cannot be achieved from the linear Jaynes-Cummings model. In the Fano model an additional contribution arises, which is attributed to decoherence in other systems, and in this case is due to the resonant nature of the photonic mode. The formalism is experimentally verified and accounts for the asymmetric lineshapes arising from the interaction between magnon and photon channels. As the magnon–photon coupling strength is increased, these channels merge into hybridized magnon–photon modes and the generalized Fano interference picture breaks down. Our results are universally applicable to systems underlying the linearized Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian at low cooperativity and connect the microscopic parameters of the quantum optical model to generalized Fano lineshapes.
Growth mindset and academic outcomes: a comparison of US and Chinese students
Authors: Sun Xin , Nancekivell Shaylene , Gelman Susan A. , Shah Priti
Published: July 2021

Chinese students are more likely than US students to hold a malleable view of success in school, yet are more likely to hold fixed mindsets about intelligence. We demonstrate that this apparently contradictory pattern of cross-cultural differences holds true across multiple samples and is related to how students conceptualize intelligence and its relationship with academic achievement. Study 1 (N > 15,000) confirmed that US students endorsed more growth mindsets than Chinese students. Importantly, US students’ mathematics grades were positively related to growth mindsets with a medium-to-large effect, but for Chinese students, this association was slightly negative. Study 2 conceptually replicated Study 1 findings with US and Chinese college samples, and further discovered that cross-cultural differences in intelligence mindset beliefs corresponded to how students defined intelligence. Together, these studies demonstrated systematic cross-cultural differences in intelligence mindset and suggest that intelligence mindsets are not necessarily associated with academic motivation or success in the same way across cultures.
Influence of exposure conditions on helium transport and bubble growth in tungsten
Authors: Delaporte-Mathurin Rémi , Ialovega Mykola , Hodille Etienne A. , Mougenot Jonathan , Charles Yann , Bernard Elodie , Martin Céline , Grisolia Christian
Published: July 2021

Helium diffusion, clustering and bubble nucleation and growth is modelled using the finite element method. The existing model from Faney et al. (Model Simul Mater Sci Eng 22:065010, 2018; Nucl Fusion 55:013014, 2015) is implemented with FEniCS and simplified in order to greatly reduce the number of equations. A parametric study is performed to investigate the influence of exposure conditions on helium inventory, bubbles density and size. Temperature is varied from 120 K to 1200 K and the implanted flux of 100 eV He is varied from $$10^{17}\,{\text{m}^{-2}\, \text{s}^{-1}}$$

10
17

m

-
2

s

-
1

to $$5 \times 10^{21}\, {\text{m}^{-2}\, \text{s}^{-1}}$$

5
×

10
21

m

-
2

s

-
1

. Bubble mean size increases as a power law of time whereas the bubble density reaches a maximum. The maximum He content in bubbles was approximately $$4 \times 10^{8}$$

4
×

10
8

He at $$5 \times 10^{21}\,{\text{m}^{-2}\, \text{s}^{-1}}$$

5
×

10
21

m

-
2

s

-
1

. After 1 h of exposure, the helium inventory varies from $$5 \times 10^{16} \,{\text{m}^{-2}}$$

5
×

10
16

m

-
2

at low flux and high temperature to $$10^{25} \,{\text{m}^{-2}}$$

10
25

m

-
2

at high flux and low temperature. The bubbles inventory varies from $$5 \times 10^{12}$$

5
×

10
12

bubbles m$$^{-2}$$

-
2

to $$2 \times 10^{19}$$

2
×

10
19

bubbles m$$^{-2}$$

-
2

. Comparison with experimental measurements is performed. The bubble density simulated by the model is in quantitative agreement with experiments.
Whole-genome optical mapping of bone-marrow myeloma cells reveals association of extramedullary multiple myeloma with chromosome 1 abnormalities
Authors: Kriegova Eva , Fillerova Regina , Minarik Jiri , Savara Jakub , Manakova Jirina , Petrackova Anna , Dihel Martin , Balcarkova Jana , Krhovska Petra , Pika Tomas , Gajdos Petr , Behalek Marek , Vasinek Michal , Papajik Tomas
Published: July 2021

Extramedullary disease (EMM) represents a rare, aggressive and mostly resistant phenotype of multiple myeloma (MM). EMM is frequently associated with high-risk cytogenetics, but their complex genomic architecture is largely unexplored. We used whole-genome optical mapping (Saphyr, Bionano Genomics) to analyse the genomic architecture of CD138+ cells isolated from bone-marrow aspirates from an unselected cohort of newly diagnosed patients with EMM (n = 4) and intramedullary MM (n = 7). Large intrachromosomal rearrangements (> 5 Mbp) within chromosome 1 were detected in all EMM samples. These rearrangements, predominantly deletions with/without inversions, encompassed hundreds of genes and led to changes in the gene copy number on large regions of chromosome 1. Compared with intramedullary MM, EMM was characterised by more deletions (size range of 500 bp–50 kbp) and fewer interchromosomal translocations, and two EMM samples had copy number loss in the 17p13 region. Widespread genomic heterogeneity and novel aberrations in the high-risk IGH/IGK/IGL, 8q24 and 13q14 regions were detected in individual patients but were not specific to EMM/MM. Our pilot study revealed an association of chromosome 1 abnormalities in bone marrow myeloma cells with extramedullary progression. Optical mapping showed the potential for refining the complex genomic architecture in MM and its phenotypes.
Stepwise neuronal network pattern formation in agarose gel during cultivation using non-destructive microneedle photothermal microfabrication
Authors: Tanaka Yuhei , Watanabe Haruki , Shimoda Kenji , Sakamoto Kazufumi , Hondo Yoshitsune , Sentoku Mitsuru , Sekine Rikuto , Kikuchi Takahito , Yasuda Kenji
Published: July 2021

Conventional neuronal network pattern formation techniques cannot control the arrangement of axons and dendrites because network structures must be fixed before neurite differentiation. To overcome this limitation, we developed a non-destructive stepwise microfabrication technique that can be used to alter microchannels within agarose to guide neurites during elongation. Micropatterns were formed in thin agarose layer coating of a cultivation dish using the tip of a 0.7 $$\upmu \mathrm{m}$$

μ
m

-diameter platinum-coated glass microneedle heated by a focused 1064-nm wavelength infrared laser, which has no absorbance of water. As the size of the heat source was 0.7 $$\upmu \mathrm{m}$$

μ
m

, which is smaller than the laser wavelength, the temperature fell to 45 $$^\circ \hbox {C}$$

∘

C

within a distance of 7.0 $$\upmu \mathrm{m}$$

μ
m

from the edge of the etched agarose microchannel. We exploited the fast temperature decay property to guide cell-to-cell connection during neuronal network cultivation. The first neurite of a hippocampal cell from a microchamber was guided to a microchannel leading to the target neuron with stepwise etching of the micrometer resolution microchannel in the agarose layer, and the elongated neurites were not damaged by the heat of etching. The results indicate the potential of this new technique for fully direction-controlled on-chip neuronal network studies.
Metagenomic identification of a new sarbecovirus from horseshoe bats in Europe
Authors: Crook Jack M. , Murphy Ivana , Carter Daniel P. , Pullan Steven T. , Carroll Miles , Vipond Richard , Cunningham Andrew A. , Bell Diana
Published: July 2021

The source of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown, but the natural host of the progenitor sarbecovirus is thought to be Asian horseshoe (rhinolophid) bats. We identified and sequenced a novel sarbecovirus (RhGB01) from a British horseshoe bat, at the western extreme of the rhinolophid range. Our results extend both the geographic and species ranges of sarbecoviruses and suggest their presence throughout the horseshoe bat distribution. Within the spike protein receptor binding domain, but excluding the receptor binding motif, RhGB01 has a 77% (SARS-CoV-2) and 81% (SARS-CoV) amino acid homology. While apparently lacking hACE2 binding ability, and hence unlikely to be zoonotic without mutation, RhGB01 presents opportunity for SARS-CoV-2 and other sarbecovirus homologous recombination. Our findings highlight that the natural distribution of sarbecoviruses and opportunities for recombination through intermediate host co-infection are underestimated. Preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to bats is critical with the current global mass vaccination campaign against this virus.
Dynamic flow priming programs allow tuning up the cell layers properties for engineered vascular graft
Authors: Baba Kazutomo , Mikhailov Andrey , Sankai Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2021

Tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVG) are potentially clear from ethical and epidemiological concerns sources for reconstructive surgery for small diameter blood vessels replacement. Here, we proposed a novel method to create three-layered TEVG on biocompatible glass fiber scaffolds starting from flat sheet state into tubular shape and to train the resulting tissue by our developed bioreactor system. Constructed tubular tissues were matured and trained under 3 types of individual flow programs, and their mechanical and biological properties were analyzed. Training in the bioreactor significantly increased the tissue burst pressure resistance (up to 18 kPa) comparing to untrained tissue. Fluorescent imaging and histological examination of trained vascular tissue revealed that each cell layer has its own individual response to training flow rates. Histological analysis suggested reverse relationship between tissue thickness and shear stress, and the thickness variation profiles were individual between all three types of cell layers. Concluding: a three-layered tissue structure similar to physiological can be assembled by seeding different cell types in succession; the following training of the formed tissue with increasing flow in a bioreactor is effective for promoting cell survival, improving pressure resistance, and cell layer formation of desired properties.
Utility and limitations of Hepascore and transient elastography to detect advanced hepatic fibrosis in HFE hemochromatosis
Authors: Ong Sim Yee , Khoo Tiffany , Nicoll Amanda J. , Gurrin Lyle , Worland Thomas , Pateria Puraskar , Ramm Louise E. , Testro Adam , Anderson Gregory J. , Skoien Richard , Powell Lawrie W. , Ramm Grant A. , Olynyk John K. , Delatycki Martin B.
Published: July 2021

Aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 Index (Fib4) have been validated against liver biopsy for detecting advanced hepatic fibrosis in HFE hemochromatosis. We determined the diagnostic utility for advanced hepatic fibrosis of Hepascore and transient elastography compared with APRI and Fib4 in 134 newly diagnosed HFE hemochromatosis subjects with serum ferritin levels > 300 µg/L using area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis and APRI- (> 0.44) or Fib4- (> 1.1) cut-offs for AHF, or a combination of both. Compared with APRI, Hepascore demonstrated an AUROC for advanced fibrosis of 0.69 (95% CI 0.56–0.83; sensitivity = 69%, specificity = 65%; P = 0.01) at a cut-off of 0.22. Using a combination of APRI and Fib4, the AUROC for Hepascore for advanced fibrosis was 0.70 (95% CI 0.54–0.86, P = 0.02). Hepascore was not diagnostic for detection of advanced fibrosis using the Fib4 cut-off. Elastography was not diagnostic using either APRI or Fib4 cut-offs. Hepascore and elastography detected significantly fewer true positive or true negative cases of advanced fibrosis compared with APRI and Fib4, except in subjects with serum ferritin levels > 1000 µg/L. In comparison with APRI or Fib4, Hepascore or elastography may underdiagnose advanced fibrosis in HFE Hemochromatosis, except in individuals with serum ferritin levels > 1000 µg/L.
Glomerular function in relation to fine airborne particulate matter in a representative population sample
Authors: Feng Ying-Mei , Thijs Lutgarde , Zhang Zhen-Yu , Bijnens Esmée M. , Yang Wen-Yi , Wei Fang-Fei , Janssen Bram G. , Nawrot Tim S. , Staessen Jan A.
Published: July 2021

From 1990 until 2017, global air-pollution related mortality increased by 40%. Few studies addressed the renal responses to ultrafine particulate [≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5)], including black carbon (BC), which penetrate into the blood stream. In a Flemish population study, glomerular filtration estimated from serum creatinine (eGFR) and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio were measured in 2005–2009 in 820 participants (women, 50.7%; age, 51.1 years) with follow-up of 523 after 4.7 years (median). Serum creatinine, eGFR, chronic kidney disease (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and microalbuminuria (> 3.5/> 2.5 mg per mmol creatinine in women/men) were correlated in individual participants via their residential address with PM2.5 [median 13.1 (range 0.3–2.9) μg/m3] and BC [1.1 (0.3–18) μg/m3], using mixed models accounting for address clusters. Cross-sectional and longitudinally, no renal outcome was associated with PM2.5 or BC in models adjusted for sex and baseline or time varying covariables, including age, blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index, plasma glucose, the total-to-HDL serum cholesterol ratio, alcohol intake, smoking, physical activity, socioeconomic class, and antihypertensive treatment. The subject-level geocorrelations of eGFR change with to BC and PM2.5 were 0.13 and 0.02, respectively (P ≥ 0.68). In conclusion, in a population with moderate exposure, renal function was unrelated to ultrafine particulate.
Targeted metabolomics identifies high performing diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for COVID-19
Authors: López-Hernández Yamilé , Monárrez-Espino Joel , Oostdam Ana-Sofía Herrera-van , Delgado Julio Enrique Castañeda , Zhang Lun , Zheng Jiamin , Valdez Juan José Oropeza , Mandal Rupasri , González Fátima de Lourdes Ochoa , Moreno Juan Carlos Borrego , Trejo-Medinilla Flor M. , López Jesús Adrián , Moreno José Antonio Enciso , Wishart David S.
Published: July 2021

Research exploring the development and outcome of COVID-19 infections has led to the need to find better diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. This cross-sectional study used targeted metabolomics to identify potential COVID-19 biomarkers that predicted the course of the illness by assessing 110 endogenous plasma metabolites from individuals admitted to a local hospital for diagnosis/treatment. Patients were classified into four groups (≈ 40 each) according to standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 testing and disease course: PCR−/controls (i.e., non-COVID controls), PCR+/not-hospitalized, PCR+/hospitalized, and PCR+/intubated. Blood samples were collected within 2 days of admission/PCR testing. Metabolite concentration data, demographic data and clinical data were used to propose biomarkers and develop optimal regression models for the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC; 95% CI) was used to assess each models’ predictive value. A panel that included the kynurenine: tryptophan ratio, lysoPC a C26:0, and pyruvic acid discriminated non-COVID controls from PCR+/not-hospitalized (AUC = 0.947; 95% CI 0.931–0.962). A second panel consisting of C10:2, butyric acid, and pyruvic acid distinguished PCR+/not-hospitalized from PCR+/hospitalized and PCR+/intubated (AUC = 0.975; 95% CI 0.968–0.983). Only lysoPC a C28:0 differentiated PCR+/hospitalized from PCR+/intubated patients (AUC = 0.770; 95% CI 0.736–0.803). If additional studies with targeted metabolomics confirm the diagnostic value of these plasma biomarkers, such panels could eventually be of clinical use in medical practice.
Unraveling the ecological processes modulating the population structure of Escherichia coli in a highly polluted urban stream network
Authors: Saraceno Martín , Gómez Lugo Sebastián , Ortiz Nicolás , Gómez Bárbara M. , Sabio y García Carmen A. , Frankel Nicolás , Graziano Martín
Published: July 2021

Escherichia coli dynamics in urban watersheds are affected by a complex balance among external inputs, niche modulation and genetic variability. To explore the ecological processes influencing E. coli spatial patterns, we analyzed its abundance and phylogenetic structure in water samples from a stream network with heterogeneous urban infrastructure and environmental conditions. Our results showed that environmental and infrastructure variables, such as macrophyte coverage, DIN and sewerage density, mostly explained E. coli abundance. Moreover, main generalist phylogroups A and B1 were found in high proportion, which, together with an observed negative relationship between E. coli abundance and phylogroup diversity, suggests that their dominance might be due to competitive exclusion. Lower frequency phylogroups were associated with sites of higher ecological disturbance, mainly involving simplified habitats, higher drainage infrastructure and septic tank density. In addition to the strong negative relationship between phylogroup diversity and dominance, the occurrence of these phylogroups would be associated with increased facilitated dispersal. Nutrients also contributed to explaining phylogroup distribution. Our study proposes the differential contribution of distinct ecological processes to the patterns of E. coli in an urban watershed, which is useful for the monitoring and management of fecal pollution.
Assessment of the risk of death of Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus pulse-exposed to selected agricultural pesticides
Authors: Kanu Kingsley Chukwuemeka , Otitoloju Adebayo Akeem , Amaeze Nnamdi Henry
Published: July 2021

Aquatic organisms are often exposed briefly to high pesticide concentration. Survival time model was used to study risk of death in C. gariepinus and O. niloticus fingerlings exposed to 24 mg/L atrazine, 42 mg/l mancozeb, 1 mg/L chlorpyrifos and 0.75 µg/L lambda cyhalothrin for 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes and continuously for 96 hours. Mortality, time-to-death, weight, length, and condition factor of the fingerlings were recorded. Results obtained showed tilapia was more susceptible than catfish to continuous exposure but not pulse exposure. The survival probability of both species was similar when exposed for 15, 30 and 45 minutes (p > 0.05) but differed after 60 minutes (p < 0.05). Risk of death of catfish exposed briefly to atrazine, mancozeb and chlorpyrifos for 60 minutes was similar to 96 hours continuous exposure, same for tilapia exposed to 1 mg/L chlorpyrifos (p > 0.05). Survival probability of tilapia exposed to chlorpyrifos for 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes was similar (p > 0.05) and was not influenced by pulse length. Pesticide hazard and risk of death decreased as fish size (weight, length, and condition factor) increased. Pulse toxicity assessment using survival models could make pesticides exposure assessment more realistic by studying factors that can influence the toxicity of pesticides.
Using corneal confocal microscopy to compare Mecobalamin intramuscular injections vs oral tablets in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a RCT
Authors: Zhang Yuanjin , Fan Dongsheng , Zhang Yixuan , Zhang Shuo , Wang Haikun , Liu Ziyuan , Wang Hongli
Published: July 2021

This randomized controlled study used corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) to compare the efficacy of Mecobalamin intramuscular injections vs oral tablets in treating mild to moderate diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) by detecting early nerve fiber repair. Enrolled patients were randomized approximately 1:1 to receive Mecobalamin intramuscular injections (0.5 mg/day, 3 times/week) or Mecobalamin oral tablets (1.5 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Primary outcome was change of inferior whorl length (IWL) from baseline. Secondary outcomes included changes of corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL), corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD) and the Survey of Autonomic Symptoms (SAS). 15 (93.75%) patients in the injection group and 17 (89.47%) patients in the tablet group completed the study. The injection treatment significantly improved patients’ IWL from baseline (21.64 ± 3.00 mm/mm2 vs 17.64 ± 4.83 mm/mm2, P < 0.01) while the tablet treatment didn’t. Additionally, the injection treatment led to significantly improved CNFL, CNBD and SAS from baseline (all P < 0.05) while the tablet treatment did not. No patient experienced any adverse events. In conclusion, CCM is sensitive enough to detect the superior efficacy of 8-week Mecobalamin intramuscular injection treatment for DPN compared to the oral tablet treatment.

ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT04372316 (30/04/2020).
Unusual pectoral apparatus in a predatory dinosaur resolves avian wishbone homology
Authors: Cau Andrea , Beyrand Vincent , Barsbold Rinchen , Tsogtbaatar Khishigjav , Godefroit Pascal
Published: July 2021

The furcula is a distinctive element of the pectoral skeleton in birds, which strengthens the shoulder region to withstand the rigor of flight. Although its origin among theropod dinosaurs is now well-supported, the homology of the furcula relative to the elements of the tetrapod pectoral girdle (i.e., interclaviclevsclavicles) remains controversial. Here, we report the identification of the furcula in the birdlike theropodHalszkaraptor escuilliei. The bone is unique among furculae in non-avian dinosaurs in bearing a visceral articular facet in the hypocleideal end firmly joined to and overlapped by the sternal plates, a topographical pattern that supports the primary homology of the furcula with the interclavicle. The transformation of the interclavicle into the furcula in early theropods is correlated to the loss of the clavicles, and reinforced the interconnection between the contralateral scapulocoracoids, while relaxing the bridge between the scapulocoracoids with the sternum. The function of the forelimbs in theropod ancestors shifted from being a component of the locomotory quadrupedal module to an independent module specialized to grasping. The later evolution of novel locomotory modules among maniraptoran theropods, involving the forelimbs, drove the re-acquisition of a tighter connection between the scapulocoracoids and the interclavicle with the sternal complex.
Silicon mitigates nutritional stress in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
Authors: Sales Ana Carolina , Campos Cid Naudi Silva , de Souza Junior Jonas Pereira , da Silva Dalila Lopes , Oliveira Kamilla Silva , de Mello Prado Renato , Teodoro Larissa Pereira Ribeiro , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo
Published: July 2021

Nutritional deficiency is common in several regions of quinoa cultivation. Silicon (Si) can attenuate the stress caused by nutritional deficiency, but studies on the effects of Si supply on quinoa plants are still scarce. Given this scenario, our objective was to evaluate the symptoms in terms of tissue, physiological and nutritional effects of quinoa plants submitted to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) deficiencies under Si presence. The experiment consisted of a factorial scheme 6 × 2, using a complete solution (CS), -N, -P, -K, -Ca, -Mg combined with absence and presence of Si (1.5 mmol L−1). Symptomatic, physiological, nutritional and evaluation vegetative were performed in quinoa crop. The deficiencies of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in quinoa cultivation caused visual symptoms characteristic of the deficiency caused by respective nutrients, hence decreasing the plant dry mass. However, Si supply attenuated the deficiency effects by preserving the photosynthetic apparatus, increasing the chlorophyll production, increasing the membrane integrity, and decreasing the electrolyte leakage. Thus, the Si supply attenuated the visual effects provided by deficiency of all nutrients, but stood out for N and Ca, because it reflected in a higher dry mass production. This occurred because, the Si promoted higher synthesis and protection of chlorophylls, and lower electrolyte leakage under Ca restriction, as well as decreased electrolyte leakage under N restriction.
Ambulatory circadian monitoring in sleep disordered breathing patients and CPAP treatment
Authors: Martinez-Nicolas Antonio , Guaita Marc , Santamaría Joan , Montserrat Josep M. , Madrid Juan Antonio , Rol María Angeles
Published: July 2021

Our aim was to evaluate the circadian rhythm of motor activity, body position and integrated variable TAP (composed by wrist Temperature, motor Activity and body Position) in Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB), its relation to SDB severity and the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on these circadian rhythms. To do this, we monitored motor activity and body position rhythms of 78 SDB patients (53.3 ± 1.2 years old, 26.9% women) and 32 healthy subjects (51.4 ± 3.2 years old, 43.8% women) for 1 week. On the last day of that week, SDB patients underwent a polysomnography followed by a Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, Multiple Sleep Latency Test and Sustained Attention to Response Task protocol. A subgroup of 18 moderate to severe SDB patients was treated with CPAP and monitored again after 3 months under treatment. A non-parametrical analysis was performed to characterize the circadian patterns to assess differences between groups and associations between sleep and circadian parameters. Circadian variables were altered in SDB, exhibiting a direct relationship to SDB severity. The motor activity pattern showed a clear improvement with CPAP treatment. Thus, circadian ambulatory monitoring, including the integrated variable TAP, could be used to evaluate the circadian alterations caused by SDB and activity pattern to monitor the effect of CPAP treatment.
Endotrophin and C6Ma3, serological biomarkers of type VI collagen remodelling, reflect endoscopic and clinical disease activity in IBD
Authors: Lindholm Majken , Godskesen Line E. , Manon-Jensen Tina , Kjeldsen Jens , Krag Aleksander , Karsdal Morten A. , Mortensen Joachim H.
Published: July 2021

In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the chronic inflammation deeply affects the intestinal extracellular matrix. The aim of this study was to investigate if remodeling of the intestinal basement membrane type VI collagen was associated with pathophysiological changes in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Serum from IBD patients (CD: n = 65; UC: n = 107; irritable bowel syndrome: n = 18; healthy subjects: n = 20) was investigated in this study. The serological biomarkers C6Ma3 (a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) generated fragment of the type VI collagen α3 chain) and PRO-C6, also called endotrophin (the C-terminus of the released C5 domain of the type VI collagen α3 chain) were measured by ELISAs. Serum C6Ma3 was increased in CD patients with moderate to severe and mild endoscopically active disease compared to endoscopic remission (p = 0.002, p = 0.0048), respectively, and could distinguish endoscopically active disease from remission with an AUC of 1.0 (sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 100%) (p < 0.0001), which was superior to CRP. C6Ma3 was increased in CD patients with moderate to severe clinical disease compared to mild and remission (p = 0.04; p = 0.009). Serum PRO-C6, endotrophin, was increased in CD patients in clinically remission compared to mild disease (p = 0.04) and moderate to severe disease (p = 0.065). In UC, fecal calprotectin was the only marker that alone could distinguish both clinical and endoscopic active and inactive disease. Type VI collagen degradation of the α3 chain mediated by MMPs was increased in CD patients with endoscopically active disease, measured by the serological biomarker C6Ma3, which was able to distinguish endoscopically active from inactive CD.
Equatorial ionization anomaly response to lunar phase and stratospheric sudden warming
Authors: Wu Tsung-Yu , Liu Jann-Yenq , Chang Loren C. , Lin Chien‐Hung , Chiu Yi-Chung
Published: July 2021

This study examines the ionosphere response to gravitational forces of the lunar phase and dynamical disturbances of the stratospheric sudden warmings (SSWs). The total electron content (TEC) of global ionosphere maps is employed to examine responses of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crests to lunar phases and twelve SSW events during 2000–2013. The most prominent feature in the ionosphere is the EIA, characterized by two enhanced TEC crests at low latitudes straddling the magnetic equator, which can be used to observe ionospheric plasma dynamics and structures. Results show that the EIA crest appearance time on new/full moons (first/third quarters) leads (lags) that of the overall 14-year average, which causes a pattern of TEC morning enhancements (suppressions) and afternoon suppressions (enhancements). A statistical analysis shows that SSWs can also significantly cause the early appearance of EIA crests, regardless of the lunar phase. Thus, both lunar phase and SSWs can significantly modulate the appearance time of EIA crest and ionospheric plasma dynamics and structures.
Clinicopathologic profiling and oncologic outcomes of secretory carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Gong Piguo , Xia Chen , Yang Yifeng , Lei Wang , Yang Weiping , Yu Junhua , Ji Yishun , Ren Lijun , Ye Fugui
Published: July 2021

Secretory carcinoma of the breast (SCB) is a rather rare entity of invasive breast cancer, the clinicopathologic characteristics and survival outcomes remain to be elaborated. A retrospective review was conducted in SEER database. A total of 190 SCB patients identified in SEER were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Median age at diagnosis was 56 years (range 2–96 years). Both sexes and bilateral breast could be affected. Intriguingly, the incidence of SCB tended towards to decreasing in recent decades. Small tumor burden was observed with a mean tumor size of 2.13 cm. In a subgroup with sufficient details, positive staining of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) was 58% and 40%, respectively. The vast majority of patients were of well to moderate differentiation (86.86%) and negative regional lymph nodes involvement (70.71%). Nearly half of the patients took radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Seniors were inclined to have an inferior breast cancer specific survival (BCSS) than their younger counterparts (P = 0.018). Patients underwent breast conserving surgery (BCS) and radiotherapy had much better BCSS than its mastectomy counterparts (P = 0.014). Collectively, SCB is a clinical indolent invasive breast cancer with excellent prognosis. BCS in conjunction with radiotherapy would be a rational alternative for this distinct entity.
Advancements in multifunctional manganese complexes for catalytic hydrogen transfer reactions
Authors: Das Kuhali , Barman Milan K. , Maji Biplab
Published: July 2021

Manganese catalyzed hydrogen transfer reactions enabled net reductions and cascade CC- and CN-bond formation reactions. The success is aided by multifunctional ligand design namely metal–ligand bifunctionality, hemilability, and redox non-innocence.
A novel deposition mechanism of Au on Ag nanostructures involving galvanic replacement and reduction reactions
Authors: Xu Juan , Yun Qinru , Zhang Han , Guo Yanzhen , Ke Shanlin , Wang Jianfang , Zhu Xingzhong , Kan Caixia
Published: July 2021

Au atoms originated from galvanic replacement reaction and reduction reaction would deposit at the surface energy-related facets and high curvature sites of Ag nanostructures, respectively, causing the final formation of Ag@Au nanostructures.
Low temperature aging in a molecular glass: the case of cis-methyl formate
Authors: Cassidy Andrew , Jørgensen Mads R. V. , Glavic Artur , Lauter Valeria , Plekan Oksana , Field David
Published: July 2021

The spontaneously generated electric field in a molecular glass, decays with time at deeply supercooled temperatures. Here, we fit the rate of decay with a model to extract the activation barrier to molecular rotation, as the glass ages.
Systematic optimization of a fragment-based force field against experimental pure-liquid properties considering large compound families: application to oxygen and nitrogen compounds
Authors: P. Oliveira Marina , Hünenberger Philippe H.
Published: July 2021

CombiFF, a workflow for the automated calibration of force-fields based on experimental data for large compound families, is applied to construct a parameter set for molecules involving chemical functions of oxygen and nitrogen.
LA-ICP-MS using a nitrogen plasma source
Authors: Neff Christoph , Becker Pascal , Hattendorf Bodo , Günther Detlef
Published: July 2021

Here we describe the first study of a nitrogen based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry system in conjunction with laser ablation (LA-(N2-ICP)-MS).
Click-functionalized hydrogel design for mechanobiology investigations
Authors: Hui Erica , Sumey Jenna L. , Caliari Steven R.
Published: July 2021

This review article covers the use of click chemistries toward the design of dynamic and instructive hydrogels for understanding cell mechanobiology.
Controlled synthesis of a hierarchical CuNi2O4@SnS nanocauliflower-like structure on rGO as a positive electrode material for an asymmetric supercapacitor
Authors: Gholami Javad , Arvand Majid
Published: July 2021

Hierarchical CuNi2O4@SnS@rGO/NF is a promising electrode material for building up an impressive supercapacitor.
Probing the performance of imide linked micro-porous polymers for enhanced CO2 gas adsorption applications
Authors: Rajendran Narendran , Husain Ali , Makhseed Saad
Published: July 2021

Microporous polyimides were synthesized and utilized for CO2 gas adsorption.
Chiral bis(benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b′]dithiophene) atropisomers: experimental and theoretical investigations of the stereochemical and chiroptical properties
Authors: Pelliccioli Valentina , Franzini Roberta , Mazzeo Giuseppe , Villani Claudio , Abbate Sergio , Longhi Giovanna , Licandro Emanuela , Cauteruccio Silvia
Published: July 2021

Conformational chirality is a feature that may arise from the presence of a hindered rotation around a single bond that corresponds to a stereogenic axis.
Observation of robust charge transfer under strain engineering in two-dimensional MoS2-WSe2 heterostructures
Authors: Zheng Shu-Wen , Wang Hai-Yu , Wang Lei , Luo Yang , Gao Bing-Rong , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: July 2021

Different strain responses in monolayer MoS2 (WSe2) and robust charge transfer in MoS2-WSe2 heterostructures were demonstrated by Raman spectroscopy and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy.
Doyle–Kirmse reaction using 3,3-difluoroallyl sulfide and N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole: an efficient access to gem-difluoroallylated multifunctional quaternary carbon
Authors: Wang Jiazhuang , Yu Jingwen , Chen Junyu , Jiang Yubo , Xiao Tiebo
Published: July 2021

A Rh(ii)-catalyzed Doyle–Kirmse reaction of N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole with 3,3-difluoroallyl sulfide been developed, which provides an efficient access to gem-difluoroallyl containing multifunctional quaternary center.
Biological halogen bonds in protein–ligand complexes: a combined QTAIM and NCIPlot study in four representative cases
Authors: Frontera Antonio , Bauzá Antonio
Published: July 2021

In this study, the PDB has been inspected for the analysis of HaBs in biological systems, highlighting their importance in four different protein–ligand systems.
A review of the synergistic effect of multi-coordination crystal fields on electrocatalysts
Authors: Gao Shan , Wang Li , Zhao Chunning , Wang Ansheng , Lang Xiuyao , Liu Zunfeng , Wang Weichao
Published: July 2021

Cooperative catalysis highlights the synergistic electronic and geometric effects between active sites and their local environments in the dynamic OER/ORR electrocatalysis.
Surface acidity of tin dioxide nanomaterials revealed with 31P solid-state NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Lin Zhiye , Li Hanxiao , Wang Fang , Wen Yujie , Xu Meng , Wang Yang , Ke Xiaokang , Xia Xifeng , Chen Junchao , Peng Luming
Published: July 2021

Facet-dependent acidity of SnO2 nanosheets and nanoshuttles is revealed with TMP-assisted 31P solid-state NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations.
A study on the preparation of polycation gel polymer electrolyte for supercapacitors
Authors: Guo Hao , Ma Longli , Yan Chaojing , Ma Xiaohua
Published: July 2021

The polycation gel polymer electrolyte (PGPE) is a promising electrolyte material for supercapacitors due to its high ionic conductivity and great flexibility.
In situ hydrothermal synthesis of nickel cobalt sulfide nanoparticles embedded on nitrogen and sulfur dual doped graphene for a high performance supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Poompiew Nutthapong , Pattananuwat Prasit , Potiyaraj Pranut
Published: July 2021

Newly developed in situ hydrothermal synthesis governs morphology of Ni–Co–S embedded on N–S doped graphene thus providing exceptional capacitive behavior.
Effects of macrophage polarization on gold nanoparticle-assisted plasmonic photothermal therapy
Authors: Ali Hala R. , Selim Salah A. , Aili Daniel
Published: July 2021

A preferential uptake of gold nanoparticles by macrophages with a protumoral M2 phenotype result in efficient killing upon laser irradiation while keeping M1 phenotypes relatively undamaged.
Ethylene-bridged polysilsesquioxane/hollow silica particle hybrid film for thermal insulation material
Authors: Tsukada Satoru , Nakanishi Yuki , Hamada Takashi , Okada Kenta , Mineoi Susumu , Ohshita Joji
Published: July 2021

Ethylene-bridged polysilsesquioxane/hollow silica particle hybrid films were prepared by the sol–gel reaction. The hybrid film containing hollow silica particles exhibited good thermal insulation properties and thermal stability.
Calcium carbonate modified urea–formaldehyde resin adhesive for strength enhanced medium density fiberboard production
Authors: Lu Li , Wang Yan , Li Tianhua , Wang Supeng , Yang Shoulu , Qing Yan , Li Xingong , Wu Yiqiang , Liu Ming
Published: July 2021

Reactions between CaCO3 and CH2O2 during polycondensation of UF resin produce Ca2+. Ionic bond complexation binds Ca2+ with UF resin. The UF resin crystalline percentage decreases from 26.86% to 22.71%. IB strength of resin bonded fiberboard increases from 0.75 to 0.94 MPa.
A new allotrope of carbon-graphdiyne, synthesis and application in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with surface plasmon resonance enhancement
Authors: Jin Zhiliang , Cao Yue
Published: July 2021

GDY, a new type of carbon material, is successfully synthesized based on CuI as a template. The EY and Au NPs can easily supply electrons for the conduction band of GDY. The dual electron injection (DEI) effect allowed GDY that had a stronger ability of reduction.
A hierarchical Co3O4/CoS microbox heterostructure as a highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Min Kyeongseok , Kim Sangjin , Lee Eoyoon , Yoo Geunsang , Ham Hyung Chul , Shim Sang Eun , Lim Dongwook , Baeck Sung-Hyeon
Published: July 2021

A hierarchical Co3O4/CoS catalyst derived from a Prussian blue analog (PBA) shows high cell voltage, outstanding power density, and remarkable cycling stability when used in a rechargeable Zn–air battery.
Effects of bioactive strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite on osseointegration of polyethylene terephthalate artificial ligaments
Authors: Ma Pan , Chen Tianwu , Wu Xiaopei , Hu Yuandi , Huang Kai , Wang Youfa , Dai Honglian
Published: July 2021

The insufficient bioactivity of PET artificial ligaments severely weakens the ligament-bone healing in ACL reconstruction, while osteogenic modification is a prevailing method to enhance osseointegration of PET artificial ligaments.
Impact of molecular rigidity on the gene delivery efficiency of core–shell tecto dendrimers
Authors: Wang Dayuan , Chen Liang , Gao Yue , Song Cong , Ouyang Zhijun , Li Changsheng , Mignani Serge , Majoral Jean-Pierre , Shi Xiangyang , Shen Mingwu
Published: July 2021

Core–shell tecto dendrimers with improved core rigidity can be synthesized using phosphorus dendrimers as cores for enhanced gene delivery applications.
CaY2Al4SiO12:Ce3+,Mn2+: a single component phosphor to produce high color rendering index WLEDs with a blue chip
Authors: Zhang Qiuhong , Li Junhao , Jiang Wei , Lin Litian , Ding Jianhong , Brik Mikhail G. , Molokeev Maxim S. , Ni Haiyong , Wu Mingmei
Published: July 2021

Energy transfer enables the CaY2Al4SiO12:Ce3+,Mn2+ phosphor to produce a broad band emission covering the bluish green to deep red region. A high color rendering index WLED can be obtained.
Towards practical and sustainable SERS: a review of recent developments in the construction of multifunctional enhancing substrates
Authors: Li Chunchun , Huang Yiming , Li Xinyuan , Zhang Yingrui , Chen Qinglu , Ye Ziwei , Alqarni Zarah , Bell Steven E. J. , Xu Yikai
Published: July 2021

Here, we review the state-of-the-art progress in the construction of smart multifunctional enhancing substrates. These substrates hold the key to achieving sustainability and widespread applications of SERS.
Attaining air stability in high performing n-type phthalocyanine based organic semiconductors
Authors: Yutronkie Nathan J. , King Benjamin , Melville Owen A. , Lessard Benoît H. , Brusso Jaclyn L.
Published: July 2021

The synthesis and characterization of perfluorinated silicon phthalocyanine (F2-F16SiPc) is described. OTFT device fabrication places F2-F16SiPc as a new benchmark for n-type MPcs and the first air-stable n-type SiPc semiconductor ever reported.
PRGFlow: Unified SWAP‐aware deep global optical flow for aerial robot navigation
Authors: Sanket Nitin J. , Singh Chahat Deep , Fermüller Cornelia , Aloimonos Yiannis
Published: July 2021

Global optical flow estimation is the foundation stone for obtaining odometry which is used to enable aerial robot navigation. However, such a method has to be of low latency and high robustness whilst also respecting the size, weight, area and power (SWAP) constraints of the robot. A combination of cameras coupled with inertial measurement units (IMUs) has proven to be the best combination in order to obtain such low latency odometry on resource‐constrained aerial robots. Recently, deep learning approaches for visual inertial fusion have gained momentum due to their high accuracy and robustness. However, an equally noteworthy benefit for robotics of these techniques are their inherent scalability (adaptation to different sized aerial robots) and unification (same method works on different sized aerial robots). To this end, we present a deep learning approach called PRGFlow for obtaining global optical flow and then loosely fuse it with an IMU for full 6‐DoF (Degrees of Freedom) relative pose estimation (which is then integrated to obtain odometry). The network is evaluated on the MSCOCO dataset and the dead‐reckoned odometry on multiple real‐flight trajectories without any fine‐tuning or re‐training. A detailed benchmark comparing different network architectures and loss functions to enable scalability is also presented. It is shown that the method outperforms classical feature matching methods by 2 under noisy data. The supplementary material and code can be found at http://prg.cs.umd.edu/PRGFlow.