bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between blood flow on optic nerve head and structural and functional changes in eyes with glaucoma
Authors: Kuroda Fumi , Iwase Takeshi , Yamamoto Kentaro , Ra Eimei , Terasaki Hiroko
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the significance of the correlations between blood flow on the optic nerve head (ONH) using the mean blur rate (MBR) determined by laser speckle flowgraphy and the visual field loss determined by perimetry and the structural alterations by optical coherence tomography in eyes solely with open-angle glaucoma. There were significant differences in the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (cpRNFLT), and the MBR-tissue, at the different stages of glaucoma (ANOVA, P < 0.001). Univariate linear regression analyses indicated that the mean deviations (MD) were significantly correlated with both the MBR-tissue (r = 0.661, P < 0.001) and the cpRNFLT (r = 0.279, P = 0.005). Logistic regression analyses showed that the MD was significantly correlated with the MBR-tissue (P < 0.001) and the cpRNFLT (P < 0.001). The MBR-tissue was found to be the factor that can best predict the MD based on the Akaike information criteria (P < 0.001). Stepwise multiple logistic regression analyses showed that the MBR-tissue and the cpRNFLT were both risk factors that were significantly associated with the MD (Odds ratio;1.25 and 1.07, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). These results indicate that the MBR-tissue was as important as the structural values in diagnosing and determining the prognosis of glaucoma.
The Adaptive and Innate Immune Cell Landscape of Uterine Leiomyosarcomas
Authors: Manzoni Marco , Bolognesi Maddalena M. , Antoranz Asier , Mancari Rosanna , Carinelli Silvestro , Faretta Mario , Bosisio Francesca M. , Cattoretti Giorgio
Published: January 2020

Reactivation of the anti-tumor response has shown substantial progress in aggressive tumors such as melanoma and lung cancer. Data on less common histotypes are scanty. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has been applied to few cases of uterine leiomyosarcomas, of which the immune cell composition was not examined in detail. We analyzed the inflammatory infiltrate of 21 such cases in high-dimensional, single cell phenotyping on routinely processed tissue. T-lymphoid cells displayed a composite phenotype common to all tumors, suggestive of antigen-exposure, acute and chronic exhaustion. To the contrary, myelomonocytic cells had case-specific individual combinations of phenotypes and subsets. We identified five distinct monocyte-macrophage cell types, some not described before, bearing immunosuppressive molecules (TIM3, B7H3, VISTA, PD1, PDL1). Detailed in situ analysis of routinely processed tissue yields comprehensive information about the immune status of sarcomas. The method employed provides equivalent information to extractive single-cell technology, with spatial contexture and a modest investment.
Machine learning with autophagy-related proteins for discriminating renal cell carcinoma subtypes
Authors: He Zhaoyue , Liu He , Moch Holger , Simon Hans-Uwe
Published: January 2020

Machine learning techniques have been previously applied for classification of tumors based largely on morphological features of tumor cells recognized in H&E images. Here, we tested the possibility of using numeric data acquired from software-based quantification of certain marker proteins, i.e. key autophagy proteins (ATGs), obtained from immunohistochemical (IHC) images of renal cell carcinomas (RCC). Using IHC staining and automated image quantification with a tissue microarray (TMA) of RCC, we found ATG1, ATG5 and microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B) were significantly reduced, suggesting a reduction in the basal level of autophagy with RCC. Notably, the levels of the ATG proteins expressed did not correspond to the mRNA levels expressed in these tissues. Applying a supervised machine learning algorithm, the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), to our quantified numeric data revealed that LC3B provided a strong measure for discriminating clear cell RCC (ccRCC). ATG5 and sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1/p62) could be used for classification of chromophobe RCC (crRCC). The quantitation of particular combinations of ATG1, ATG16L1, ATG5, LC3B and p62, all of which measure the basal level of autophagy, were able to discriminate among normal tissue, crRCC and ccRCC, suggesting that the basal level of autophagy would be a potentially useful parameter for RCC discrimination. In addition to our observation that the basal level of autophagy is reduced in RCC, our workflow from quantitative IHC analysis to machine learning could be considered as a potential complementary tool for the classification of RCC subtypes and also for other types of tumors for which precision medicine requires a characterization.
LRP-1 functionalized polymersomes enhance the efficacy of carnosine in experimental stroke
Authors: Kim Eun-Sun , Kim Donghyun , Nyberg Sophie , Poma Alessandro , Cecchin Denis , Jain Saurabh A. , Kim Kyeong-A , Shin Young-Jun , Kim Eun-Hye , Kim Minyeong , Baek Seung-Hoon , Kim Jin-Ki , Doeppner Thorsten R. , Ali Ali , Redgrave Jessica , Battaglia Giuseppe , Majid Arshad , Bae Ok-Nam
Published: January 2020

Stroke is one of the commonest causes of death with limited treatment options. L-Carnosine has shown great promise as a neuroprotective agent in experimental stroke, but translation to the clinic is impeded by the large doses needed. We developed and evaluated the therapeutic potential of a novel delivery vehicle which encapsulated carnosine in lipoprotein receptor related protein-1 (LRP-1)-targeted functionalized polymersomes in experimental ischemic stroke. We found that following ischemic stroke, polymersomes encapsulating carnosine exhibited remarkable neuroprotective effects with a dose of carnosine 3 orders of magnitude lower than free carnosine. The LRP-1-targeted functionalization was essential for delivery of carnosine to the brain, as non-targeted carnosine polymersomes did not exhibit neuroprotection. Using Cy3 fluorescence in vivo imaging, we showed that unlike non-targeted carnosine polymersomes, LRP-1-targeted carriers accumulated in brain in a time dependent manner. Our findings suggest that these novel carriers have the ability to deliver neuroprotective cargo effectively to the brain.
Rearrangement and evolution of mitochondrial genomes in Thysanoptera (Insecta)
Authors: Tyagi Kaomud , Chakraborty Rajasree , Cameron Stephen L. , Sweet Andrew D. , Chandra Kailash , Kumar Vikas
Published: January 2020

Prior to this study, complete mitochondrial genomes from Order Thysanoptera were restricted to a single family, the Thripidae, resulting in a biased view of their evolution. Here we present the sequences for the mitochondrial genomes of four additional thrips species, adding three extra families and an additional subfamily, thus greatly improving taxonomic coverage. Thrips mitochondrial genomes are marked by high rates of gene rearrangement, duplications of the control region and tRNA mutations. Derived features of mitochondrial tRNAs in thrips include gene duplications, anticodon mutations, loss of secondary structures and high gene translocation rates. Duplicated control regions are found in the Aeolothripidae and the ‘core’ Thripinae clade but do not appear to promote gene rearrangement as previously proposed. Phylogenetic analysis of thrips mitochondrial sequence data supports the monophyly of two suborders, a sister-group relationship between Stenurothripidae and Thripidae, and suggests a novel set of relationships between thripid genera. Ancestral state reconstructions indicate that genome rearrangements are common, with just eight gene blocks conserved between any thrips species and the ancestral insect mitochondrial genome. Conversely, 71 derived rearrangements are shared between at least two species, and 24 of these are unambiguous synapomorphies for clades identified by phylogenetic analysis. While the reconstructed sequence of genome rearrangements among the protein-coding and ribosomal RNA genes could be inferred across the phylogeny, direct inference of phylogeny from rearrangement data in MLGO resulted in a highly discordant set of relationships inconsistent with both sequence-based phylogenies and previous morphological analysis. Given the demonstrated rates of genomic evolution within thrips, extensive sampling is needed to fully understand these phenomena across the order.
Enhanced thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)/MoS2/carbon nanotubes composites
Authors: Homa Piotr , Wenelska Karolina , Mijowska Ewa
Published: January 2020

In this work, few-layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was functionalized with metal oxide (MxOy) nanoparticles which served as a catalyst for carbon nanotubes (CNT) growth in the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process. The resulting MoS2/MxOy/CNT functionalized nanomaterials were used for flame retarding application in poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The composites were extruded with a twin-screw extruder with different wt% loading of the nanomaterial. Full morphology characterization was performed, as well as detailed analysis of fire performance of the obtained composites in relation to pristine PLA and PLA containing an addition of the composites. The samples containing the addition of MoS2/MxOy/CNT displayed up to over 90% decrease in carbon oxide (CO) emission during pyrolysis in respect to pristine PLA. Microscale combustion calorimetry testing revealed reduction of key parameters in comparison to pristine PLA. Laser flash analysis revealed an increase in thermal conductivity of composite samples reaching up to 65% over pristine PLA. These results prove that few-layered 2D nanomaterials such as MoS2 functionalized with CNT can be effectively used as flame retardance of PLA.
Optimal Statistical Incorporation of Independent Feature Stability Information into Radiomics Studies
Authors: Götz Michael , Maier-Hein Klaus H.
Published: January 2020

Conducting side experiments termed robustness experiments, to identify features that are stable with respect to rescans, annotation, or other confounding effects is an important element in radiomics research. However, the matter of how to include the finding of these experiments into the model building process still needs to be explored. Three different methods for incorporating prior knowledge into a radiomics modelling process were evaluated: the naïve approach (ignoring feature quality), the most common approach consisting of removing unstable features, and a novel approach using data augmentation for information transfer (DAFIT). Multiple experiments were conducted using both synthetic and publicly available real lung imaging patient data. Ignoring additional information from side experiments resulted in significantly overestimated model performances meaning the estimated mean area under the curve achieved with a model was increased. Removing unstable features improved the performance estimation, while slightly decreasing the model performance, i.e. decreasing the area under curve achieved with the model. The proposed approach was superior both in terms of the estimation of the model performance and the actual model performance. Our experiments show that data augmentation can prevent biases in performance estimation and has several advantages over the plain omission of the unstable feature. The actual gain that can be obtained depends on the quality and applicability of the prior information on the features in the given domain. This will be an important topic of future research.
Augmentation of Bri2 molecular chaperone activity against amyloid-β reduces neurotoxicity in mouse hippocampus in vitro
Authors: Chen Gefei , Andrade-Talavera Yuniesky , Tambaro Simone , Leppert Axel , Nilsson Harriet E. , Zhong Xueying , Landreh Michael , Nilsson Per , Hebert Hans , Biverstål Henrik , Fisahn André , Abelein Axel , Johansson Jan
Published: January 2020

Molecular chaperones play important roles in preventing protein misfolding and its potentially harmful consequences. Deterioration of molecular chaperone systems upon ageing are thought to underlie age-related neurodegenerative diseases, and augmenting their activities could have therapeutic potential. The dementia relevant domain BRICHOS from the Bri2 protein shows qualitatively different chaperone activities depending on quaternary structure, and assembly of monomers into high-molecular weight oligomers reduces the ability to prevent neurotoxicity induced by the Alzheimer-associated amyloid-β peptide 1-42 (Aβ42). Here we design a Bri2 BRICHOS mutant (R221E) that forms stable monomers and selectively blocks a main source of toxic species during Aβ42 aggregation. Wild type Bri2 BRICHOS oligomers are partly disassembled into monomers in the presence of the R221E mutant, which leads to potentiated ability to prevent Aβ42 toxicity to neuronal network activity. These results suggest that the activity of endogenous molecular chaperones may be modulated to enhance anti-Aβ42 neurotoxic effects.
Construction of a tumor microenvironment pH-responsive cleavable PEGylated hyaluronic acid nano-drug delivery system for colorectal cancer treatment
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Zhao Minyi , Cao Nan , Qin Wei , Zhao Meng , Wu Jun , Lin Dongjun
Published: January 2020

To improve the tumor cell active targeting, uptake efficiency and circulation time of doxorubicin (DOX) in vivo. Herein, we constructed a cleavable PEGylated hyaluronic acid nano-drug delivery system (HA–mPEG2k–DOX) based on pH-responsive imine bond.
Stereoselective synthesis of trifluoromethyl-substituted 2H-furan-amines from enaminones
Authors: Liang Xiaoyu , Guo Pan , Yang Wenjie , Li Meng , Jiang Chengzhou , Sun Wangbin , Loh Teck-Peng , Jiang Yaojia
Published: January 2020

A straightforward strategy for synthesis of highly functionalized trifluoromethyl 2H-furans is described.
The ambiguous behaviour of diphosphines towards the quasilinear iron(i) complex [Fe(N(SiMe3)2)2]− – between inertness, P–C bond cleavage and C–C double bond isomerisation
Authors: Werncke Christian Gunnar , Müller Igor
Published: January 2020

A quasilinear iron(i) complex facilitates C–C bond isomerisation or P-aryl bond cleavage of diphosphines but is otherwise inert to simple phosphine coordination.
Stabilisation of high-valent Cu3+ in a Keggin-type polyoxometalate
Authors: Li Xiang , Ren Yuanhang , Weng Zhewei , Yue Bin , He Heyong
Published: January 2020

A Cu3+-containing polyoxometalate is synthesized by using the Ag+-assisted peroxydisulfate oxidation method and the existence of Cu3+ is proven by characterization.
The distinct difference in azido sugar metabolic rate between neural stem cells and fibroblasts and its application for decontamination of chemically induced neural stem cells
Authors: Ren Yiqian , Qiang Yao , Duan Xinrui , Li Zhengping
Published: January 2020

The distinct difference in azido sugar metabolic rate between neural stem cells and fibroblasts and its application for decontamination of chemically induced neural stem cells.
Total degradation of extracellular amyloids by miniature artificial proteases
Authors: Mondal Tanmay , Mandal Bhubaneswar
Published: January 2020

De novodesigned “Miniature Artificial Proteases” disrupted amyloids by their chemical degradation: a new platform for selective protein degradation.
Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of three supramolecular isomeric Cu(ii) square grid networks: solvents effect on the ligand linkages
Authors: Liu Gui-lei , Song Jian-Biao , Qiu Qi-ming , Li Hui
Published: January 2020

Three supramolecular isomeric Cu(ii) networks with different metal fragments and ligand conformations were obtained by the adjustment of solvent molecules.
Multiscale modeling of reaction rates: application to archetypal SN2 nucleophilic substitutions
Authors: Campeggio Jonathan , Bortoli Marco , Orian Laura , Zerbetto Mirco , Polimeno Antonino
Published: January 2020

This work outlines the development and application of a multiscale computational protocol to evaluate reaction rates of elementary reactions in internal natural coordinates.
On the photophysical properties of IrIII, PtII, and PdII (phenylpyrazole) (phenyldipyrrin) complexes
Authors: Föller Jelena , Friese Daniel H. , Riese Stefan , Kaminski Jeremy M. , Metz Simon , Schmidt David , Würthner Frank , Lambert Christoph , Marian Christel M.
Published: January 2020

The absorption and emission characteristics of (ppz)2(dipy)IrIII, (ppz)(dipy)PtII and (ppz)(dipy)PdII, where ppz stands for a phenylpyrazole and dipy for a phenyl meso-substituted dipyrrin ligand, have been investigated by theory and experiment.
Tuning the surface composition of Cu3Au binary alloy
Authors: Li Chaoran , Liu Qianqian , Boscoboinik Jorge Anibal , Zhou Guangwen
Published: January 2020

Using ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, here we report the real-time monitoring of dynamic surface composition evolution of Cu3Au(100) in response to the imposed environmental stimuli.
Tuning the photocatalytic water-splitting capability of two-dimensional α-In2Se3 by strain-driven band gap engineering
Authors: Procopio Erik F. , Pedrosa Renan N. , L. de Souza Fábio A. , Paz Wendel S. , Scopel Wanderlã L.
Published: January 2020

In this work, we have investigated the effects of in-plane mechanical strains on the electronic properties of single-layer α-In2Se3 by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
The urokinase plasminogen activator binding to its receptor: a quantum biochemistry description within an in/homogeneous dielectric function framework with application to uPA–uPAR peptide inhibitors
Authors: Morais Pablo A. , Maia Francisco Franciné , Solis-Calero Christian , Caetano Ewerton Wagner Santos , Freire Valder Nogueira , Carvalho Hernandes F.
Published: January 2020

DFT calculations using the MFCC fragment-based model considering a spatial-dependent dielectric function based on the Poisson–Boltzmann approximation were performed to describe the uPA–uPAR interactions.
Revealing the binding and drug resistance mechanism of amprenavir, indinavir, ritonavir, and nelfinavir complexed with HIV-1 protease due to double mutations G48T/L89M by molecular dynamics simulations and free energy analyses
Authors: Wang Rui-Ge , Zhang Hong-Xing , Zheng Qing-Chuan
Published: January 2020

MD simulations, MM-PBSA, and SIE analyses were used to investigate the drug resistance mechanisms of two mutations G48T and L89M in HIV-1 protease toward four inhibitors.
Strapped calix[4]pyrroles: from syntheses to applications
Authors: Peng Sangshan , He Qing , Vargas-Zúñiga Gabriela I. , Qin Lei , Hwang Inhong , Kim Sung Kuk , Heo Nam Jung , Lee Chang-Hee , Dutta Ranjan , Sessler Jonathan L.
Published: January 2020

Supramolecular chemistry is a central topic in modern chemistry.
The luminescent and photophysical properties of covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Haug W. Karl , Moscarello Erica M. , Wolfson Eric R. , McGrier Psaras L.
Published: January 2020

This review highlights the luminescent and unique photophysical properties of covalent organic frameworks. Their potential use in applications related to chemical sensing, photocatalysis, and optoelectronics are discussed.
Differences in the selective reduction mechanism of 4-nitroacetophenone catalysed by rutile- and anatase-supported ruthenium catalysts
Authors: Zhang Jin , Pei Linjuan , Wang Jie , Zhu Pengqi , Gu Xianmo , Zheng Zhanfeng
Published: January 2020

Ru nanoparticles supported on different crystalline TiO2(anatase and rutile) phases result in different reaction pathways for 4-nitroacetophenone.
γ-Radiation and H2O2 induced oxidative dissolution of uranium(iv) oxide in aqueous solution containing phthalic acid
Authors: Kumagai Yuta , Jonsson Mats
Published: January 2020

Phthalic acid adsorbs on UO2 surface but has no significant effect on the oxidation of the surface by H2O2.
Combining unsaturated metal sites and narrow pores within a Co(ii)-based MOF towards CO2 separation and transformation
Authors: Zhang Xiuling , Zhang Ran-Hui , Hu Hui , Geng Longlong , Zhang Yong-Zheng , Gao Jun , Zhang Da-Shuai , Jin Yao-Qiang , Sheng Jianmin
Published: January 2020

Combining unsaturated metal sites and narrow pores within one framework, a unique CoII-MOF have been prepared, which reveals excellent selective CO2 uptake over N2 and CH4, and good performances in catalytic CO2 conversion to cyclic carbonates.
A perspective on the role of fugacity and activity for evaluating the PBT properties of organic chemicals and providing a multi-media synoptic indicator of environmental contamination
Authors: Mackay Donald , Celsie Alena K. D. , Parnis J. Mark , Arnot Jon A.
Published: January 2020

We present a perspective on how models based on the equilibrium criteria of fugacity and chemical activity can contribute to evaluation of persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity criteria.
The role of oxygenated species in the catalytic self-coupling of MeOH on O pre-covered Au(111)
Authors: Réocreux R. , Fampiou I. , Stamatakis M.
Published: January 2020

Density functional theory and kinetic Monte Carlo simulation elucidate the complex pathways of methanol oxidation, as well as the role of different oxygenates in this chemistry, which is important in the valorisation of biomass.
Visible light-assisted reduction of CO2 into formaldehyde by heteroleptic ruthenium metal complex–TiO2 hybrids in an aqueous medium
Authors: Kumar Alok , Ananthakrishnan Rajakumar
Published: January 2020

Reduction of CO2 was achieved by Ru(ii) complex-TiO2 hybrid under visible light in an aqueous neutral medium. The major product formaldehyde was obtained with trace of CO and CH4. Further, in situ formed CH2O was reacted with an amine to arrive useful products.
Microwave-assisted unprotected Sonogashira reaction in water for the synthesis of polysubstituted aromatic acetylene compounds
Authors: Tian Yucheng , Wang Jubo , Cheng Xinying , Liu Kang , Wu Tizhi , Qiu Xiaqiu , Kuang Zijian , Li Zhiyu , Bian Jinlei
Published: January 2020

A series of porous aromatic framework material units were obtained by performing microwave-assisted Sonogashira reactions in water without inert gas protection.
Quantitative determination of trace level (ng g−1) contents of rhodium and palladium in copper-rich minerals using LA-ICP-MS
Authors: Yang Zhaoping , Jackson Simon E. , Cabri Louis J. , Wee Pamela , Longerich Henry P. , Pawlak Marcin
Published: January 2020

Measurement of ng g−1 amounts of Rh and Pd in Cu-rich minerals by LA single quadrupole and tandem MS ICP-MS, using He collision gas and (NH3)/He (10%/90%) reaction gas, respectively, to attenuate CuAr interferences on 103Rh and 105Pd.
Thermal diffusivity modulation driven by the interfacial elastic dynamics between cellulose nanofibers
Authors: Uetani Kojiro , Izakura Shogo , Koga Hirotaka , Nogi Masaya
Published: January 2020

This study reports that the nanoscale interfacial elastodynamics between cellulose nanofibers dynamically modulate the macroscopic thermal diffusivity.
A semi-rigid tricarboxylate ligand based Co(ii) coordination polymer: construction and applications in multiple sensing
Authors: Li Bai-Ling , Wang Jun-Ku , Gao Jin-Sheng , Yu Ying-Hui , Ma Dong-Sheng
Published: January 2020

A cobalt coordination polymer was prepared, which expresses multiple fluorescence responses to transition metal ions, antibiotics, pesticides and nitrobenzene.
Isolating strong nanoantenna–molecule interactions by ensemble-level single-molecule detection
Authors: Saemisch Lisa , Liebel Matz , van Hulst Niek F.
Published: January 2020

Using single molecule localization microscopy, we let molecules stochastically probe the near field of nanorods. By statistical analysis we identify weaker versus stronger interaction and create 2D interaction maps for different resonance conditions.
Improvement in quantum yield by suppression of trions in room temperature synthesized CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots for backlight displays
Authors: Dave Kashyap , Bao Zhen , Nakahara Satoshi , Ohara Keiichi , Masada Sojiro , Tahara Hirokazu , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko , Liu Ru-Shi
Published: January 2020

Surface defects and synthesis methods play important roles in the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), stability, and the device performance of lead halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs).
Exfoliation of metal–organic frameworks into efficient single-layer metal–organic nanosheet electrocatalysts by the synergistic action of host–guest interactions and sonication
Authors: Pang Wei , Shao Bing , Tan Xiao-Qiong , Tang Cong , Zhang Zhong , Huang Jin
Published: January 2020

Rapid exfoliation of pillared-layer metal–organic frameworks into single-layer metal–organic nanosheets for a high turnover frequency of water oxidation.
Defect engineering in two-dimensional electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Xie Junfeng , Yang Xueying , Xie Yi
Published: January 2020

Defect engineering could provide rich active sites, optimized electronic structure and intimate anchoring of active species, displaying multiple roles in promoting the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction.
Hierarchically hollow structured NiCo2S4@NiS for high-performance flexible hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Qu Guangmeng , Li Chuanlin , Hou Peiyu , Zhao Gang , Wang Xiao , Zhang Xiaoli , Xu Xijin
Published: January 2020

Hierarchical nanostructures with outstanding electrochemical properties and mechanical stability are ideal for constructing flexible hybrid supercapacitors.
Light-activated nanozymes: catalytic mechanisms and applications
Authors: Zhang Jinyi , Liu Juewen
Published: January 2020

Introducing light to nanomaterial-based enzyme mimics, nanozymes, allowed a diverse range of applications from biosensor development, environmental remediation to therapeutics.
The synthesis of unnatural α-alkyl- and α-aryl-substituted serine derivatives
Authors: Narczyk Aleksandra , Stecko Sebastian
Published: January 2020

The synthesis of α-aryl- and α-alkyl-substituted serine derivatives via [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of allyl carbamates as a key step is reported.
Thiol-reactive thiosulfonate group containing copolymers: facile entry to disulfide-mediated polymer conjugation and redox-responsive functionalizable networks
Authors: Arslan Mehmet , Sanyal Rana , Sanyal Amitav
Published: January 2020

Herein, we report a synthetic approach to thiol-reactive polymers containing methanethiosulfonate groups as side chains, and demonstrate their application in post-polymerization functionalization through reversible disulfide linkages.
Homochiral versus racemic polymorphs of spin-crossover iron(ii) complexes with reversible LIESST effect
Authors: Ma Ting-Ting , Sun Xiao-Peng , Yao Zi-Shuo , Tao Jun
Published: January 2020

Homochiral and racemic polymorphs show different spin-crossover behaviours due to different intermolecular interactions, and reversible LIESST effects can be realized on homochiral complexes.
Nucleation density and pore size tunable growth of ZnO nanowalls by a facile solution approach: growth mechanism and NO2 gas sensing properties
Authors: Li Chun , Yu Lingmin , Fan Xinhui , Yin Mingli , Nan Ning , Cui Le , Ma Shuai , Li Yuan , Zhang Bo
Published: January 2020

Nanowalls are novel nanostructures whose 3D porous network morphology holds great potential for applications as gas sensors.
Rational selection of co-catalysts for the deaminative hydrogenation of amides
Authors: Artús Suàrez Lluís , Jayarathne Upul , Balcells David , Bernskoetter Wesley H. , Hazari Nilay , Jaraiz Martín , Nova Ainara
Published: January 2020

Theory and experiments were used to rationally design co-catalysts for the deaminative hydrogenation of amides. TBD was found to be the optimal catalyst, assisting the C–N bond cleavage while preventing the formation of adducts with the catalyst.
Enantioseparation and chiral induction in Ag29 nanoclusters with intrinsic chirality
Authors: Yoshida Hiroto , Ehara Masahiro , Priyakumar U. Deva , Kawai Tsuyoshi , Nakashima Takuya
Published: January 2020

Enantioseparation of Ag29 nanoclusters with intrinsic chirality was performed by chiral HPLC, affording a pair of fractions with mirror image CD spectra.
PEGylated gene carriers in serum under shear flow
Authors: Yin Dongxiao , Wen Hao , Wu Guangqi , Li Shaolu , Liu Chenyang , Lu Hua , Liang Dehai
Published: January 2020

PEGlyated gene carriers exhibit multiple responsiveness to shear as the corona and the core are disturbed at different shear rates.
An eco-friendly pathway to thermosensitive micellar nanoobjects via photoRAFT PISA: the full guide to poly(N-acryloylpyrrolidin)-block-polystyrene diblock copolymers
Authors: Lauterbach Felix , Abetz Volker
Published: January 2020

Spherical macromolecular assemblies, so-called latexes, consisting of polystyrene (PS) resemble a relevant class of synthetic polymers used for a plethora of applications ranging from coatings or lubricants to biomedical applications.
Insights into the fabrication and structure of plutonium pyrochlores
Authors: Finkeldei S. , Stennett M. C. , Kowalski P. M. , Ji Y. , de Visser-Týnová E. , Hyatt N. C. , Bosbach D. , Brandt F.
Published: January 2020

Experimental & theoretical insights into the structural response of complex oxides to dopant elements – the example of plutonium within pyrochlore.
Cation-exchange-assisted formation of NiS/SnS2 porous nanowalls with ultrahigh energy density for battery–supercapacitor hybrid devices
Authors: Guan Shundong , Fu Xiuli , Zhang Bo , Lei Ming , Peng Zhijian
Published: January 2020

Cation-exchange method is developed to synthesize vertically aligned NiS/SnS2 porous nanowalls for aqueous battery–supercapacitor hybrid devices with ultrahigh specific capacity.
pH-Responsive copolymer micelles to enhance itraconazole efficacy against Candida albicans biofilms
Authors: Albayaty Yassamin N. , Thomas Nicky , Ramírez-García Paulina D. , Davis Thomas P. , Quinn John F. , Whittaker Michael R. , Prestidge Clive A.
Published: January 2020

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a common fungal pathogen causing both localised and systemic infections.
Atom-economical synthesis of ZnO@ZIF-8 core–shell heterostructure by dry gel conversion (DGC) method for enhanced H2 sensing selectivity
Authors: Ji Peng , Hu Xuefeng , Tian Renbing , Zheng Hua , Sun Jinghua , Zhang Wei , Peng Junbiao
Published: January 2020

ZnO@ZIF-8 was synthesized by dry gel conversion (DGC) method, which is a green atom-economical synthesis with very small amount of raw materials. As-synthesized ZnO@ZIF-8 showed potential application as a selective H2 detector over toluene.
High-throughput synthesis and electrical properties of BNT–BT–KNN lead-free piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Song Guanhua , Liu Zhibin , Zhang Faqiang , Liu Feng , Gu Yan , Liu Zhifu , Li Yongxiang
Published: January 2020

Property diagrams of BNT–BT–KNN ceramics were obtained through a high-throughput method and the rhombohedral–relaxor ferroelectric transition led to high strain.
Prefoldin subunits (PFDN1–6) serve as poor prognostic markers in gastric cancer
Authors: Yesseyeva Galiya , Aikemu Batuer , Hong Hiju , Yu Chaoran , Dong Feng , Sun Jing , Zang Lu , Zheng Minhua , Ma Junjun
Published: January 2020

Prefoldin subunits (PFDN), primarily known for co-chaperone function associated with cytoskeletal rearrangement, have been found involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer progression. However, studies focusing on the roles of PFDN in gastric cancer (GC) remain limited. The present study aims to evaluate the prognostic values of PFDN in GC. Prognostic roles of PFDNs were analyzed via the Kaplan–Meier platform, followed by subset analysis within various clinical parameters. High mRNA expression of PFDN2, PFDN3 and PFDN4 displayed poor overall survival (OS) while PFDN5 displayed favorable OS. In HER2+ subset, PFDN2, PFDN3, PFDN4 and PFDN6 displayed poor OS. In human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2−) subset, PFDN2, PFDN3 and PFDN4 displayed poor OS. In intestinal type subset, PFDN1 and PFDN2 displayed poor OS. In diffuse-type subset, PFDN2 and PFDN6 displayed poor OS. In moderate differentiation type subset, PFDN1 displayed poor OS. In poor differentiation type subset, PFDN2 and PFDN6 displayed poor OS. In metastasis negative subset, PFDN1, PFDN2 and PFDN6 displayed poor OS. In lymph node (LN) positive subset, PFDN2 and PFDN5 displayed poor OS. The present study provided insightful clues into the poor prognostic values of PFDNs in GC patients.
SULT2B1b inhibits reverse cholesterol transport and promotes cholesterol accumulation and inflammation in lymphocytes from AMI patients with low LDL-C levels
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Guo Zhongzhou , Wu Tongwei , Liu Jichen , Zhang Bin , Lai Wenyan , Tu Wenwei , Guo Zhigang , Luo Tiantian
Published: January 2020

The current main treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD) is to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by statins, which could decrease the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) by 30%. However, many residual risks still remain. To clarify the mechanism involved, we studied patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with low LDL-C levels. Lymphocytes were isolated, and it was found that despite no difference in plasma LDL-C level, the lymphocyte cholesterol content was higher in AMI patient than those in non-CAD patients; thus, the decrease in intracellular cholesterol content was inconsistent with that in the plasma. Additionally, [3H]-cholesterol efflux rates were lower and mRNA levels of the inflammatory factors tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) higher in AMI lymphocytes. It was found that sulphotransferase 2B1b (SULT2B1b) expression was higher in AMI lymphocytes. Further research using Jurkat T lymphocytes confirmed that SULT2B1b knockdown increased cholesterol efflux capacity and decreased mRNA levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ by increasing liver X receptor (LXR)-β levels. Furthermore, the degree of CpG island methylation in the SULT2B1b promoter was reduced in cells from AMI patients. In conclusion, SULT2B1b up-regulation due to hypomethylation of its promoter promotes cholesterol accumulation and inflammation by inhibiting LXR-β in lymphocytes of AMI patients with low LDL-C levels. Therefore, reducing intracellular cholesterol is also important as plasma cholesterol levels. Therapeutic approaches to decrease SULT2B1b expression might be potentially beneficial for CAD prevention by decreasing intracellular cholesterol.
The DNA methylation landscape in cancer
Authors: Skvortsova Ksenia , Stirzaker Clare , Taberlay Phillippa
Published: January 2020

As one of the most abundant and well-studied epigenetic modifications, DNA methylation plays an essential role in normal development and cellular biology. Global alterations to the DNA methylation landscape contribute to alterations in the transcriptome and deregulation of cellular pathways. Indeed, improved methods to study DNA methylation patterning and dynamics at base pair resolution and across individual DNA molecules on a genome-wide scale has highlighted the scope of change to the DNA methylation landscape in disease states, particularly during tumorigenesis. More recently has been the development of DNA hydroxymethylation profiling techniques, which allows differentiation between 5mC and 5hmC profiles and provides further insights into DNA methylation dynamics and remodeling in tumorigenesis. In this review, we describe the distribution of DNA methylation and DNA hydroxymethylation in different genomic contexts, first in normal cells, and how this is altered in cancer. Finally, we discuss DNA methylation profiling technologies and the most recent advances in single-cell methods, bisulfite-free approaches and ultra-long read sequencing techniques.
A dispersion excess from pulsar wind nebulae and supernova remnants: Implications for pulsars and FRBs
Authors: Straal S. M. , Connor L. , van Leeuwen J.
Published: January 2020

Young pulsars and the pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) or supernova remnants (SNRs) that surround them are some of the most dynamic and high-powered environments in our Universe. With the rise of more sensitive observations, the number of pulsar-SNR and PWN associations (hereafter, SNR/PWN) has increased, yet we do not understand to which extent this environment influences the pulsars’ impulsive radio signals. We studied the dispersive contribution of SNRs and PWNe on Galactic pulsars, and considered their relevance to fast radio bursts (FRBs) such as FRB 121102. We investigated the dispersion measure (DM) contribution of SNRs and PWNe by comparing the measured DMs of Galactic pulsars in a SNR/PWN to the DM expected only from the intervening interstellar electrons, using the NE2001 model. We find that a two-σ DM contribution of SNRs and PWNe to the pulsar signal exists, amounting to 21.1 ± 10.6 pc cm−3. The control sample of pulsars unassociated with a SNR/PWN shows no excess. We model the SNR and PWN electron densities for each young pulsar in our sample and show that these indeed predict an excess of this magnitude. By extrapolating to the kind of fast-spinning, high magnetic field, young pulsars that may power FRBs, we show their SNR and PWN are capable of significantly contributing to the observed DM.
NGC 4993, the shell galaxy host of GW170817: constraints on the recent galactic merger
Authors: Ebrová I. , Bílek M. , Yıldız M. K. , Eliášek J.
Published: January 2020

Context. NGC 4993 is the shell galaxy host of the GRB170817A short gamma-ray burst and the GW170817 gravitational-wave event produced during a binary-neutron-star coalescence.

Aims. The galaxy shows signs, including the stellar shells, that it has recently accreted a smaller, late-type galaxy. The accreted galaxy might be the original host of the binary neutron star.

Methods. We measured the positions of the stellar shells of NGC 4993 in an HST/ACS archival image and use the shell positions to constrain the time of the galactic merger.

Results. According to the analytical model of the evolution of the shell structure in the expected gravitational potential of NGC 4993, the galactic merger happened at least 200 Myr ago, with a probable time roughly around 400 Myr, and the estimates higher than 600 Myr being improbable. This constitutes the lower limit on the age of the binary neutron star, because the host galaxy was probably quenched even before the galactic merger, and the merger has likely shut down the star formation in the accreted galaxy. We roughly estimate the probability that the binary neutron star originates in the accreted galaxy to be around 30%.
Towards a sustainable material use in the automotive industry: Life Cycle Costing and socio-technical approach to material use
Authors: Iken Nabila , Morel Stéphane , Aggeri Franck
Published: January 2020

The purpose of the article is twofold. We first present a Life Cycle Costing methodology applied at different scales to compare between design options in terms of materials use: in an automobile vehicle part, a whole vehicle, and a car manufacturer’s portfolio. The Life Cycle Costs consider costs for different stakeholders, including environmental damage costs (supported by the civil society), fuel expenses (supported by the customer) and materials costs (supported by the car manufacturer). The second objective of the article is to bring a management and socio-technical vision to the issue of material use in the automobile industry, in order to challenge the idea that all decisions regarding material use depend on purely technical and economic criteria. Through a qualitative research, we investigated the barriers to material efficiency and integrating the environmental criterion in decision making from a French car manufacturer’s perspective. Within the same company, we also collected material experts’ feedbacks on the LCC tool developed in the first Part, both in terms of methodology and potential integration in decision-making.
Mixing of two immiscible phases measured by industrial electrical impedance tomography system
Authors: Malík Michal , Primas Jiří , Kotek Michal , Jašíková Darina , Kopecký Václav
Published: January 2020

The mixing of two immiscible phases is a process commonly seen in many industrial applications. Whether it is desirable (e.g. mixing of ingredients in chemical or food industry) or undesirable (e.g. sediments or contaminants in water purification) process, it has to be taken into consideration and a detailed description would be beneficial to any end product. This paper deals with a method for observing the volume ratio of two immiscible phases from the state of total separation to the state of a homogenous mixture using industrial Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) system ITS p2+. This paper also shows a great advantage in combining the EIT measuring method with a theoretically derived formula. It is used to calculate the concentration of a non-conductive phase in the final mixture using the initial and final conductivity values. The authors were also able to show a possibility to successfully use the formula in situations, where the initial conditions for it are not fully met.
Inhibition of HIF-1α through Suppression of
NF-κB Activation by Compounds Isolated from Senecio
graveolens
Authors: Ticona Luis Apaza , Cano-Adamuz Nuria , Serban Andreea Madalina , Sánchez Ángel Rumbero
Published: January 2020

One of the characteristics of cancer is that the lack of oxygen in the cancer
cells triggers changes in their gene expression. This hypoxia activates
hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha and this in turn sets in motion the whole
family of important angiogenic genes for the tumour. Hypoxia-inducible
factor 1-alpha therefore increases the density and vascular permeability
within the tumours, facilitating their rapid growth and, later, the
metastasis. Senecio graveolens is a South American medicinal plant
commonly used for mountain sickness (lack of adaptation of the organism to
hypoxia). Additionally, pharmacological studies showed that its alcoholic
extracts have cytotoxic properties.

This research aimed to perform a guided phytochemical study of S.
graveolens to identify compounds capable of inhibiting
hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha through suppression of nuclear factor
kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell activation. The isolation led
to the characterisation of phanurane (1), damsine (2), and scoparone (3),
first reported in the S. graveolens species.

Phanurane (1 ) showed inhibitory activity of hypoxia-inducible factor
1-alpha on the cancer cell lines U-373 MG
(IC50=20.66±0.04 μM),
A549 (IC50=25.80±0.04 μM),
Hep G2
(IC50=29.21±0.03 μM), and
Caco-2
(IC50=38.58±0.02 μM).
Damsine (2) hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha displayed inhibitory
activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha on the cancer cell lines U-373
MG (IC50=2.29±0.07 μM),
A549 (IC50=4.13±0.04 μM),
Hep G2
(IC50=6.40±0.03 μM), and
Caco-2
(IC50=9.80±0.04 μM).
Finally, scoparone (3) displayed inhibitory activity of
hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha on the cancer cell lines U-373 MG
(IC50=15.22±0.01 μM),
A549 (IC50=17.47±0.02 μM),
Hep G2
(IC50=18.26±0.06 μM), and
Caco-2
(IC50=19.75±0.04 μM).

In addition, phanurane (1 ) displayed inhibitory activity over nuclear
factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells on cancer cell lines
U-373 MG
(IC50=7.13±0.03 μM), A549
(IC50=8.64±0.03 μM),
Hep G2
(IC50=8.87±0.04 μM), and
Caco-2
(IC50=15.11±0.01 μM).
Likewise, damsine (2) showed inhibitory activity over nuclear factor
kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells on cancer cell lines U-373
MG (IC50=2.28±0.01 μM),
A549 (IC50=3.79±0.02 μM),
Hep G2
(IC50=3.98±0.05 μM), and
Caco-2
(IC50=6.41±0.02 μM).
Lastly, scoparone (3) displayed inhibitory activity of nuclear factor
kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells on cancer cell lines U-373
MG (IC50=3.62±0.06 μM),
A549 (IC50=4.48±0.03 μM),
Hep G2
(IC50=5.25±0.01 μM), and
Caco-2
(IC50=11.90±0.02 μM).

This study corroborates the cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds
through the inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha as well as its
modulator nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B
cells.
Positionspapier der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Thoraxchirurgie in Kooperation mit der Deutschen Röntgengesellschaft: Strukturvoraussetzungen von Zentren für die interventionelle Emphysemtherapie
Authors: Gesierich W. , Darwiche K. , Döllinger F. , Eberhardt R. , Eisenmann S. , Grah C. , Heußel C.-P. , Hübner R.-H. , Ley-Zaporozhan J. , Stanzel F. , Welter S. , Hoffmann H. ,   Vorstand der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin,   Vorstand der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Thoraxchirurgie,   Vorstand der Deutschen Röntgengesellschaft
Published: January 2020

Die interventionelle Emphysemtherapie bietet ein breites Spektrum an chirurgischen und endoskopischen Optionen zur Behandlung von Patienten mit fortgeschrittenem Lungenemphysem. Zur Sicherstellung der Behandlungsqualität ist eine interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit von Pneumologie, Thoraxchirurgie und bildgebenden Disziplinen in der Auswahl, Therapie und Nachsorge von Emphysem-Patienten erforderlich. Das vorliegende Positionspapier beschreibt erforderliche Struktur- und Qualitätsvoraussetzungen von Behandlungszentren.
Reconstruction of Complicated Achilles Tendon Ruptures with Soft Tissue Defects – a Systematic Overview and Development of a Treatment Algorithm
Authors: Hackenberg Roslind Karolina , Täger Stefan , Prangenberg Christian , Kabir Koroush , Welle Kristian
Published: January 2020

Achilles tendon ruptures are among the most common ruptures of large tendons. Due to the vulnerable soft tissue there is a high risk of soft tissue defects. The combination of Achilles tendon ruptures and soft-tissue defects remains a challenge for the surgeon. Despite different treatment options there is a lack of structured treatment recommendation. By means of a systematic literature review and experience from our own clinic standard, an overview of the stepwise treatment options is presented. A treatment algorithm for reconstructive measures of Achilles tendon ruptures accompanied by soft-tissue defects according to the length of defect of the Achilles tendon, the size of the soft-tissue defect and patient-individual factors is developed. This is intended to serve the surgeon as a basis for decision making prior to application of therapy.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism with TSH>7 mIU/l and≤10 mIU/l and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Rosário Pedro Weslley Souza , Calsolari Maria Regina
Published: January 2020

The association of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) with increased cardiovascular risk is controversial when thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration is<10 mIU/l, as well as its association with a higher coronary artery calcium score (CACS) in individuals with low cardiovascular risk. This study evaluated coronary artery disease (CAD) by CACS in asymptomatic, low-cardiovascular risk women with SCH and TSH>7 mIU/l and≤10 mIU/l untreated for 5 years after diagnosis. The CACS was obtained for two groups of women with low cardiovascular risk. Group A consisted of 32 women with mild SCH (TSH>7 mIU/l and≤10 mIU/l) who remained untreated for 5 years, and group B consisted of 32 euthyroid women matched for age and body mass index to group A. The CACS ranged from 0 to 350 (median 0, 25–75% interval: 0–10) in group A and from 0 to 280 (median 0, 25–75% interval: 0–0) in group B. Scores>0 and≥10 were significantly more frequent in group A (40.6 vs. 12.5% and 25 vs. 3.1%, respectively). A CACS≥100 was also more frequent in group A (18.75 vs. 3.1%), but the difference was not significant (p=0.1). The results of the study suggest that long-term SCH with TSH>7 mIU/l and ≤ 10 mIU/l is associated with a higher risk of CAD in individuals≤65 years, even in those with low cardiovascular risk.