bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct Functional Requirements for Podocalyxin in Immature and Mature Podocytes Reveal Mechanisms of Human Kidney Disease
Authors: Refaeli Ido , Hughes Michael R. , Wong Alvin Ka-Wai , Bissonnette Mei Lin Z. , Roskelley Calvin D. , Wayne Vogl A. , Barbour Sean J. , Freedman Benjamin S. , McNagny Kelly M.
Published: June 2020

Dominant and recessive mutations in podocalyxin (PODXL) are associated with human kidney disease. Interestingly, some PODXL mutations manifest as anuria while others are associated with proteinuric kidney disease. PODXL heterozygosity is associated with adult-onset kidney disease and podocalyxin shedding into the urine is a common biomarker of a variety nephrotic syndromes. It is unknown, however, how various lesions in PODXL contribute to these disparate disease pathologies. Here we generated two mouse stains: one that deletes Podxl in developmentally mature podocytes (Podxl∆Pod) and a second that is heterozygous for podocalyxin in all tissues (Podxl+/−). We used histologic and ultrastructural analyses, as well as clinical chemistry assays to evaluate kidney development and function in these strains. In contrast to null knockout mice (Podxl−/−), which die shortly after birth from anuria and hypertension, Podxl∆Pod mice develop an acute congenital nephrotic syndrome characterized by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and proteinuria. Podxl+/− mice, in contrast, have a normal lifespan, and fail to develop kidney disease under normal conditions. Intriguingly, although wild-type C57Bl/6 mice are resistant to puromycin aminonucleoside (PA)-induced nephrosis (PAN), Podxl+/− mice are highly sensitive and PA induces severe proteinuria and collapsing FSGS. In summary, we find that the developmental timepoint at which podocalyxin is ablated (immature vs. mature podocytes) has a profound effect on the urinary phenotype due to its critical roles in both the formation and the maintenance of podocyte ultrastructure. In addition, Podxl∆Pod and Podxl+/− mice offer powerful new mouse models to evaluate early biomarkers of proteinuric kidney disease and to test novel therapeutics.
A nomogram to predict the risk of hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Yin Xiaochun , Zhang Feng , Guo Huiwen , Peng Chunyan , Zhang Wei , Xiao Jiangqiang , Wang Yi , Zou Xiaoping , Zhang Ming , Zhuge Yuzheng
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis, affecting the prognosis of patients underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). We aim to create a nomogram to predict hepatic encephalopathy- free survivals (HEFS) after TIPS in cirrhotic patients and select appropriate candidates for TIPS. Methods: Cirrhotic patients underwent TIPS from 2015 to 2018 in our department were included. Multivariable Cox regression was conducted to estimate the predictors of overt HE (OHE) after TIPS within one year. A nomogram based on the Cox proportional hazard model using data from a retrospective training cohort (70% of the patients) was developed. Then the prediction model was validated in the remaining 30% patients by Harrell’s C-indexes, ROC curves and calibration plots. Results: Of 373 patients, 117 developed postoperative OHE (31.4%). The training and validation groups comprised 83 (31.4%) and 34 (31.2%) patients, respectively. The cumulative survival rates of patients with HE at 1, 2 and 3 years were 90%, 83% and 76%, respectively. The nomogram included the following variables: age, Child-Turcotte-Pugh class (CTP class), diabetes mellitus (DM), serum creatinine and serum sodium (C-index = 0.772). The C-index for HEFS prediction was 0.773 for the validation cohort. The ROC for predicting HEFS was 0.809 and 0.783, respectively. Conclusions: We created a nomogram of predicting postoperative HEFS in cirrhotic patients received TIPS. This nomogram could be an important tool of HE risk prediction before TIPS to guide the therapeutic strategy in cirrhotic patients.
Sensitivity and noise in THz electro-optic upconversion radiometers
Authors: Santamaría-Botello Gabriel , Popovic Zoya , Abdalmalak Kerlos Atia , Segovia-Vargas Daniel , Brown Elliott R. , García Muñoz Luis Enrique
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a study of noise in room-temperature THz radiometers that use THz-to-optical upconversion followed by optical detection of thermal radiation. Despite some undesired upconverted thermal noise, no noise is intrinsically introduced by efficient electro-optic modulation via a sum-frequency-generation process in high quality factor (Q) whispering-gallery mode (WGM) resonators. However, coherent and incoherent optical detection results in fundamentally different noise characteristics. The analysis shows that the upconversion receiver is quantum limited like conventional amplifiers and mixers, only when optical homodyne or heterodyne detection is performed. However, this type of receiver shows advantages as a THz photon counter, where counting is in the optical domain. Theoretical predictions show that upconversion-based room-temperature receivers can outperform state-of-the-art cooled and room-temperature THz receivers based on low-noise amplifiers and mixers, provided that a photon conversion efficiency greater than 1% is realized. Although the detection bandwidth is naturally narrow due to the highly resonant electro-optic modulator, it is not fundamentally limited and can be broadened by engineering selective optical coupling mechanisms to the resonator.
Faecal DNA to the rescue: Shotgun sequencing of non-invasive samples reveals two subspecies of Southeast Asian primates to be Critically Endangered species
Authors: Ang Andie , Roesma Dewi Imelda , Nijman Vincent , Meier Rudolf , Srivathsan Amrita , Rizaldi
Published: June 2020

A significant number of Southeast Asian mammal species described in the 19th and 20th century were subsequently synonymized and are now considered subspecies. Many are affected by rapid habitat loss which creates an urgent need to re-assess the conservation status based on species boundaries established with molecular data. However, such data are lacking and difficult to obtain for many populations and subspecies. We document via a literature survey and empirical study how shotgun sequencing of faecal DNA is a still underutilized but powerful tool for accelerating such evaluations. We obtain 11 mitochondrial genomes for three subspecies in the langur genus Presbytis through shotgun sequencing of faecal DNA (P. femoralis femoralis, P. f. percura, P. siamensis cf. cana). The genomes support the resurrection of all three subspecies to species based on multiple species delimitation algorithms (PTP, ABGD, Objective Clustering) applied to a dataset covering 40 species and 43 subspecies of Asian colobines. For two of the newly recognized species (P. femoralis, P. percura), the results lead to an immediate change in IUCN status to Critically Endangered due to small population sizes and fragmented habitats. We conclude that faecal DNA should be more widely used for clarifying species boundaries in endangered mammals.
Nitric oxide synthase mediates cerebellar dysfunction in mice exposed to repetitive blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Logsdon Aric F. , Schindler Abigail G. , Meabon James S. , Yagi Mayumi , Herbert Melanie J. , Banks William A. , Raskind Murray A. , Marshall Desiree A. , Keene C. Dirk , Perl Daniel P. , Peskind Elaine R. , Cook David G.
Published: June 2020

We investigated the role of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in mediating blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and peripheral immune cell infiltration in the cerebellum following blast exposure. Repetitive, but not single blast exposure, induced delayed-onset BBB disruption (72 hours post-blast) in cerebellum. The NOS inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) administered after blast blocked BBB disruption and prevented CD4+ T-cell infiltration into cerebellum. L-NAME also blocked blast-induced increases in intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), a molecule that plays a critical role in regulating blood-to-brain immune cell trafficking. Blocking NOS-mediated BBB dysfunction during this acute/subacute post-blast interval (24–71 hours after the last blast) also prevented sensorimotor impairment on a rotarod task 30 days later, long after L-NAME cleared the body. In postmortem brains from Veterans/military Servicemembers with blast-related TBI, we found marked Purkinje cell dendritic arbor structural abnormalities, which were comparable to neuropathologic findings in the blast-exposed mice. Taken collectively, these results indicate that blast provokes delayed-onset of NOS-dependent pathogenic cascades that can later emerge as behavioral dysfunction. These results also further implicate the cerebellum as a brain region vulnerable to blast-induced mTBI.
Magnetization process of a ferromagnetic nanostrip under the influence of a surface acoustic wave
Authors: Castilla David , Yanes Rocío , Sinusía Miguel , Fuentes Gonzalo , Grandal Javier , Maicas Marco , Álvarez-Arenas Tomás E. G. , Muñoz Manuel , Torres Luis , López Luis , Prieto José L.
Published: June 2020

Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW) are one of the possible solutions to target the challenges faced by modern spintronic devices. The stress carried by the SAW can decrease the current required to achieve magnetic switching or domain wall movement by spin transfer torque. Although the last decade has produced very relevant results in this field, it is still important to study the effects of a SAW on the basic unit of many spintronic devices, a ferromagnetic nanostrip. In this work, we perform a complete set of measurements and simulations to characterize the magnetization process of a Ni nanostrip under the influence of a SAW. We find that the SAW increases the mobility and the depinning ability of the magnetic domain walls and consequently, promotes a sharper approach to saturation and substantially decreases coercivity. We have also found other two interesting effects. When the SAW has sufficient energy, is able to trigger irreversible transitions even before switching the direction of the external magnetic field. Additionally, we have found that the magnetization process depends on the direction of the travelling SAW.
Annealing Effect of Glancing Angle Electron Beam Deposited TiO2/In2O3 Nanowires Array on Surface Wettability
Authors: Pooja Pheiroijam , P. Chinnamuthu
Published: June 2020

TiO2/In2O3 nanowire (NW) array are prepared using catalyst free glancing angle deposition technique. The wettability of TiO2/In2O3 NW surface are tuned and controlled by the annealing treatment without altering the surface with additional chemical coating. The phase change, surface roughness, change in static and dynamic contact angles due to the heat treatment are studied. Moreover, the surface properties such as frictional force and work of adhesion are calculated for all the samples. The samples annealed at 600 °C shows nearly superhydrophilic with static water contact angle of 12°, frictional force of 85.00748 µN and work of adhesion of 142.3721 mN/m. The surface of TiO2/In2O3 NW is controlled to attain desired water contact angles and sliding angles, which is paramount for designing practical application in self-cleaning, electronic and biomedical fields.
Placental Metabolomics for Assessment of Sex-specific Differences in Fetal Development During Normal Gestation
Authors: Saoi Michelle , Kennedy Katherine M. , Gohir Wajiha , Sloboda Deborah M. , Britz-McKibbin Philip
Published: June 2020

The placenta is a metabolically active interfacial organ that plays crucial roles in fetal nutrient delivery, gas exchange and waste removal reflecting dynamic maternal and fetal interactions during gestation. There is growing evidence that the sex of the placenta influences fetal responses to external stimuli in utero, such as changes in maternal nutrition and exposure to environmental stressors. However, the exact biochemical mechanisms associated with sex-specific metabolic adaptations during pregnancy and its link to placental function and fetal development remain poorly understood. Herein, multisegment injection-capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry is used as a high throughput metabolomics platform to characterize lyophilized placental tissue (~2 mg dried weight) from C57BL/6J mice fed a standardized diet. Over 130 authentic metabolites were consistently measured from placental extracts when using a nontargeted metabolomics workflow with stringent quality control and robust batch correction. Our work revealed distinct metabolic phenotype differences that exist between male (n = 14) and female (n = 14) placentae collected at embryonic day E18.5. Intracellular metabolites associated with fatty acid oxidation and purine degradation were found to be elevated in females as compared to male placentae (p < 0.05, effect size >0.40), including uric acid, valerylcarnitine, hexanoylcarnitine, and 3-hydroxyhexanolycarnitine. This murine model sheds new insights into sex-specific differences in placental mitochondrial function and protective mechanisms against deleterious oxidative stress that may impact fetal growth and birth outcomes later in life.
Magmatic overpressures, volatile exsolution and potential explosivity of fissure eruptions inferred via dike aspect ratios
Authors: Geshi Nobuo , Browning John , Kusumoto Shigekazu
Published: June 2020

Buoyant magmas abundant in exsolved volatiles (bubbles) drive the rapid upward-propagation of feeder dikes from magma chambers. The consequence of a feeder dike reaching the surface can result in an explosive volcanic eruption depending, partly, on the retention of volatiles. Therefore, timely detection of the vesicularity and overpressure of the magma during feeder dike ascent is critical for the prediction of the explosivity of any future eruption. In this study, we evaluated the explosivity of eruptions based on field investigations of the erupted products and the overpressure of magma in the conduit based on the dimensions of exposed feeder dikes. We found a positive correlation between the explosivity of eruptions and the magma overpressure generated in the conduit during recent fissure eruptions of Miyakejima volcano. Because the buoyancy of low-density magma produces positive overpressure at the dike’s top, feeder dikes with highly-vesiculated magmas possess high amounts of overpressure. An enlargement of the opening width of a feeder dike by magmatic overpressure results in a higher flux of vesiculated magma, which causes vigorous explosive activity. Our results suggest the possibility of forecasting the explosivity of an impending eruption if the width (or opening) of an ascending feeder dike is monitored in real-time through measurements of ground deformation and seismicity induced by the dike.
Prediction of prostate cancer aggressiveness using 18F-Fluciclovine (FACBC) PET and multisequence multiparametric MRI
Authors: Movahedi Parisa , Merisaari Harri , Perez Ileana Montoya , Taimen Pekka , Kemppainen Jukka , Kuisma Anna , Eskola Olli , Teuho Jarmo , Saunavaara Jani , Pesola Marko , Kähkönen Esa , Ettala Otto , Liimatainen Timo , Pahikkala Tapio , Boström Peter , Aronen Hannu , Minn Heikki , Jambor Ivan
Published: June 2020

The aim of this prospective single-institution clinical trial (NCT02002455) was to evaluate the potential of advanced post-processing methods for 18F-Fluciclovine PET and multisequence multiparametric MRI in the prediction of prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness, defined by Gleason Grade Group (GGG). 21 patients with PCa underwent PET/CT, PET/MRI and MRI before prostatectomy. DWI was post-processed using kurtosis (ADCk, K), mono- (ADCm), and biexponential functions (f, Dp, Df) while Logan plots were used to calculate volume of distribution (VT). In total, 16 unique PET (VT, SUV) and MRI derived quantitative parameters were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analysis were carried out to estimate the potential of the quantitative parameters and their combinations to predict GGG 1 vs >1, using logistic regression with a nested leave-pair out cross validation (LPOCV) scheme and recursive feature elimination technique applied for feature selection. The second order rotating frame imaging (RAFF), monoexponential and kurtosis derived parameters had LPOCV AUC in the range of 0.72 to 0.92 while the corresponding value for VT was 0.85. The best performance for GGG prediction was achieved by K parameter of kurtosis function followed by quantitative parameters based on DWI, RAFF and 18F-FACBC PET. No major improvement was achieved using parameter combinations with or without feature selection. Addition of 18F-FACBC PET derived parameters (VT, SUV) to DWI and RAFF derived parameters did not improve LPOCV AUC.
Squamate bone taphonomy: A new experimental framework and its application to the Natufian zooarchaeological record
Authors: Lev Ma‘ayan , Weinstein-Evron Mina , Yeshurun Reuven
Published: June 2020

Squamate (lizard and snake) remains are abundant in the terminal Pleistocene Natufian archaeological sites of the Levant, raising the question of whether they constitute part of the broad-spectrum diet characteristic of this period. However, the role of squamates in Natufian diets remains unclear, as they are taphonomically under-studied. We conducted a series of experiments and actualistic observations that tested the impact of pre- and post-depositional processes on squamate vertebrae. We emphasized the multiple destruction processes that leave overlapping or altered marks on the bones, such as digestion marks that were modified by trampling. The resulting bone modification typology provides a tool for studying archaeological squamate remains. The experimental data were compared to the archaeological bone samples of the Natufian sequence of el-Wad Terrace (Mount Carmel, Israel, 15,000–12,000 cal BP). The Natufian squamate samples deviate from all actualistic ones in their lesser evidence of digestion and much greater indications for trampling, erosion and breakage. The taphonomic study, coupled with intra-site analysis, has unraveled the complex depositional history of el-Wad Terrace, enabling us to differentiate between cultural and non-cultural contexts and to identify possible human consumption of the European glass lizard and the large whip snake in the Natufian.
Prediction of re-oxidation behaviour of ultra-low carbon steel by different slag series
Authors: Deng Aijun , Xia Yunjin , Dong Hongbiao , Wang Haichuan , Fan Dingdong
Published: June 2020

A kinetic model was developed using FactSage Macro Processing to simulate the re-oxidation of ultra-low carbon steel via different oxidising slags. The calculated results show good agreement with experimental laboratory thermal simulation data. Therefore, the model can be used to predict the change behaviour of slag-metal-inclusion in the re-oxidation reaction of liquid steel. It can provide prediction and guidance for an accurate secondary oxidation control process. During the slag re-oxidation process, when the oxygen in the steel is supersaturated and the slag is low in oxidation, it can easily form stick-like and dendritic shape inclusions of Al2O3 in steel. As the (FeO) content increases in slag, the oxygen transfer from slag to steel is evident, and the inclusion size increases, showing clusters and spherical shapes. In addition, supersaturated oxygen in steel easily forms unstable Al2O3-TiOx inclusions with [Ti]. As the components of liquid steel tend to be uniform, the Al2O3-TiOx inclusions will decompose and disappear, forming stable Al2O3 and TiO2 inclusions. The number of inclusions can be reduced by increasing the basicity and the ratio of CaO to Al2O3 in the initial slag.
Genome wide analysis of NLP transcription factors reveals their role in nitrogen stress tolerance of rice
Authors: Jagadhesan B. , Sathee Lekshmy , Meena Hari S. , Jha Shailendra K. , Chinnusamy Viswanathan , Kumar Arvind , Kumar Santosh
Published: June 2020

The NIN-LIKE PROTEIN (NLP) family of transcription factors were identified as nitrate-responsive cis-element (NRE)-binding proteins, which function as transcriptional activators in the nitrate-regulated expression of downstream genes. This study was aimed at genome-wide analysis of NLP gene family in rice and the expression profiling of NLPs in response to nitrogen (N) supply and deficiency in rice genotypes with contrasting N use efficiency (NUE). Based on in silico analysis, 6 NLP genes (including alternative splice forms 11 NLPs) were identified from rice. Expression of NLPs was promoted by nitrate supply as well as N deficiency (NLP1, NLP3, NLP4 and NLP5). Four rice genotypes APO (high NUE under sufficient N), IR83929-B-B-291-3-1-1 (IR-3-1-1), Nerica-L-42 (NL-42) (High NUE at low N), and Pusa Basmati 1 (PB1, low NUE) to correlate traits governing NUE and expression of NLPs. Analysis of rate of nitrate uptake and expression of N assimilatory and uptake genes established that IR-3-1-1 has high uptake and assimilation efficiency, translating into high NUE, whereas PB1 is efficient in uptake only when N availability is high. Along with the transcriptional upregulation of NLPs, genotype IR-3-1-1, displayed highest expression of OsNRT1.1B gene, the closest rice homologue of nitrate transceptor AtNRT1.1 and plays major role in nitrate uptake, translocation and signaling in rice. The results showed that high NUE rice genotypes has both high Nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUpE) and Nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE), resulting from the effective and coordinated signal transduction network involving the rice homologue of nitrate transceptor OsNRT1.1B, the probable primary nitrate response (PNR) regulator OsNLP1 and the master response regulator OsNLP3, a homologue of AtNLP6/7.
Discovery of os cordis in the cardiac skeleton of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Moittié Sophie , Baiker Kerstin , Strong Victoria , Cousins Emma , White Kate , Liptovszky Mátyás , Redrobe Sharon , Alibhai Aziza , Sturrock Craig J. , Rutland Catrin Sian
Published: June 2020

Cardiovascular diseases, especially idiopathic myocardial fibrosis, is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in captive great apes. This study compared the structure and morphology of 16 hearts from chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) which were either healthy or affected by myocardial fibrosis using X-ray microtomography. In four hearts, a single, hyperdense structure was detected within the right fibrous trigone of the cardiac skeleton. High resolution scans and histopathology revealed trabecular bones in two cases, hyaline cartilage in another case and a focus of mineralised fibro-cartilaginous metaplasia with endochondral ossification in the last case. Four other animals presented with multiple foci of ectopic calcification within the walls of the great vessels. All hearts affected by marked myocardial fibrosis presented with bone or cartilage formation, and increased collagen levels in tissues adjacent to the bone/cartilage, while unaffected hearts did not present with os cordis or cartilago cordis. The presence of an os cordis has been described in some ruminants, camelids, and otters, but never in great apes. This novel research indicates that an os cordis and cartilago cordis is present in some chimpanzees, particularly those affected by myocardial fibrosis, and could influence the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.
Plasmodium falciparum immunodominant IgG epitopes in subclinical malaria
Authors: Azcárate Isabel G. , Marín-García Patricia , Abad Paloma , Pérez-Benavente Susana , Paz-Artal Estela , Reche Pedro A. , Fobil Julius N. , Rubio José M. , Diez Amalia , Puyet Antonio , Bautista José M.
Published: June 2020

Incomplete non-sterile immunity to malaria is attained in endemic regions after recurrent infections by a large percentage of the adult population, who carry the malaria parasite asymptomatically. Although blood-stagePlasmodium falciparumrapidly elicits IgG responses, the target antigens of partially protective and non-protective IgG antibodies as well as the basis for the acquisition of these antibodies remain largely unknown. We performed IgG-immunomics to screen forP. falciparumantigens and to identify epitopes associated with exposure and clinical disease. Sera from malaria cases identified five prevalent antigens recognized by all analyzed patients’ IgGs. Epitope mapping of them, using adult and children sera samples from an endemic malaria region in Ghana segregated into patients with positive or negative subclinical detection ofP. falciparum, revealed binding specificity for two 20-mer immunodominant antigenic regions within the START-related lipid transfer protein and the protein disulfide isomerase PDI8. These 20-mer epitopes challenged with sera samples from children under 5 years old displayed specific IgG binding in those with detectable parasitemia, even at subclinical level. These results suggest that humoral response against START and PDI8 antigens may be triggered at submicroscopic parasitemia levels in children and may eventually be used to differentially diagnose subclinical malaria in children.
Optimizing Exogenous Surfactant as a Pulmonary Delivery Vehicle for Chicken Cathelicidin-2
Authors: Baer Brandon , Veldhuizen Edwin J. A. , Molchanova Natalia , Jekhmane Shehrazade , Weingarth Markus , Jenssen Håvard , Lin Jennifer S. , Barron Annelise E. , Yamashita Cory , Veldhuizen Ruud
Published: June 2020

The rising incidence of antibiotic-resistant lung infections has instigated a much-needed search for new therapeutic strategies. One proposed strategy is the use of exogenous surfactants to deliver antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), like CATH-2, to infected regions of the lung. CATH-2 can kill bacteria through a diverse range of antibacterial pathways and exogenous surfactant can improve pulmonary drug distribution. Unfortunately, mixing AMPs with commercially available exogenous surfactants has been shown to negatively impact their antimicrobial function. It was hypothesized that the phosphatidylglycerol component of surfactant was inhibiting AMP function and that an exogenous surfactant, with a reduced phosphatidylglycerol composition would increase peptide mediated killing at a distal site. To better understand how surfactant lipids interacted with CATH-2 and affected its function, isothermal titration calorimetry and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as bacterial killing curves against Pseudomonas aeruginosa were utilized. Additionally, the wet bridge transfer system was used to evaluate surfactant spreading and peptide transport. Phosphatidylglycerol was the only surfactant lipid to significantly inhibit CATH-2 function, showing a stronger electrostatic interaction with the peptide than other lipids. Although diluting the phosphatidylglycerol content in an existing surfactant, through the addition of other lipids, significantly improved peptide function and distal killing, it also reduced surfactant spreading. A synthetic phosphatidylglycerol-free surfactant however, was shown to further improve CATH-2 delivery and function at a remote site. Based on these in vitro experiments synthetic phosphatidylglycerol-free surfactants seem optimal for delivering AMPs to the lung.
Zebrafish xenografts as a fast screening platform for bevacizumab cancer therapy
Authors: Rebelo de Almeida Cátia , Mendes Raquel Valente , Pezzarossa Anna , Gago Joaquim , Carvalho Carlos , Alves António , Nunes Vitor , Brito Maria José , Cardoso Maria João , Ribeiro Joana , Cardoso Fátima , Ferreira Miguel Godinho , Fior Rita
Published: June 2020

Despite promising preclinical results, average response rates to anti-VEGF therapies, such as bevacizumab, are reduced for most cancers, while incurring in remarkable costs and side effects. Currently, there are no biomarkers available to select patients that can benefit from this therapy. Depending on the individual tumor, anti-VEGF therapies can either block or promote metastasis. In this context, an assay able to predict individual responses prior to treatment, including the impact on metastasis would prove of great value to guide treatment options. Here we show that zebrafish xenografts are able to reveal different responses to bevacizumab in just 4 days, evaluating not only individual tumor responses but also the impact on angiogenesis and micrometastasis. Importantly, we perform proof-of-concept experiments where clinical responses in patients were compared with their matching zebrafish Patient-Derived Xenografts - zAvatars, opening the possibility of using the zebrafish model to screen bevacizumab therapy in a personalized manner.
Fluorinated carbohydrates as chemical probes for molecular recognition studies. Current status and perspectives
Authors: Linclau Bruno , Ardá Ana , Reichardt Niels-Christian , Sollogoub Matthieu , Unione Luca , Vincent Stéphane P. , Jiménez-Barbero Jesús
Published: June 2020

Fluorinated carbohydrates have become indispensable in glycosciences. This contribution provides an overview of how fluorine introduction modifies physical and chemical properties of carbohydrates along with selected examples of its applications.
Colorimetric discriminatory array for detection and discrimination of antioxidants based on HAuCl4/3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine
Authors: Liu Bin , Chen Ying , Zhang Mingqian , Chen Zhengbo , Zuo Xia
Published: June 2020

Here, we report a simple but effective nose/tongue-mimic sensor array based on HAuCl4/3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) for colorimetric discrimination and determination of antioxidants.
Tuning the antimicrobial activity of low molecular weight hydrogels using dopamine autoxidation
Authors: Cross Emily R. , Coulter Sophie M. , Fuentes-Caparrós Ana M. , McAulay Kate , Schweins Ralf , Laverty Garry , Adams Dave J.
Published: June 2020

We present a method to trigger the formation of dipeptide-based hydrogels by the simple addition of dopamine.
Mechanochemical reactions of cocrystals: comparing theory with experiment in the making and breaking of halogen bonds in the solid state
Authors: Arhangelskis Mihails , Topić Filip , Hindle Poppy , Tran Ricky , Morris Andrew J. , Cinčić Dominik , Friščić Tomislav
Published: June 2020

The interconversions of halogen-bonded cocrystals exhibiting three different stoichiometries were predicted by different types of dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations and predictions experimentally validated by mechanochemistry.
Supramolecular subphthalocyanine complexes–cellular uptake and phototoxicity
Authors: Dubbert Justin , Höing Alexander , Riek Nathalie , Knauer Shirley K. , Voskuhl Jens
Published: June 2020

In this contribution a supramolecular approach was described using subphthalocyanines as guests for cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin polymers. The complexes were investigated concerning their phototoxicity as well as the cellular uptake for bio-imaging.
Cobalt fluorides: preparation, reactivity and applications in catalytic fluorination and C–F functionalization
Authors: Zhang Xiang-Gui , Guo Peng , Han Jun-Fa , Ye Ke-Yin
Published: June 2020

The preparation, reactivity and catalytic applications of cobalt fluorides in fluorination and C–F functionalization have been highlighted.
Transmembrane transport of copper(i) by imidazole-functionalised calix[4]arenes
Authors: Renier Nathan , Reinaud Olivia , Jabin Ivan , Valkenier Hennie
Published: June 2020

In this communication we present a ligand for copper(i) that can selectively extract this cation into chloroform and transport copper(i) across lipid bilayers, as demonstrated in a newly developed fluorescence assay.
Facile fabrication of Co@C nanoparticles with different carbon-shell thicknesses: high-performance microwave absorber and efficient catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Xie XiuBo , Ni Cui , Yu Hongying , Du Wei , Sun Xueqin , Sun Dongbai
Published: June 2020

Co@C nanoparticles with different carbon-shell thicknesses can be used as a multifunctional material for a high-performance microwave absorber and as an efficient catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
Pressure induced crystallization and in situ simultaneous SAXS/WAXS investigations on structure transitions
Authors: Huang Shaoyong , Li Hongfei , Jiang Shichun
Published: June 2020

A phase diagram of PLLA crystal structures as a function of crystallization temperature (Tc) and pressure (Pc).
Correction: Concentration as a trigger to improve electrocatalytic activity of a Prussian blue analogue in glucose oxidation
Authors: Zhao Zhimin , Ding Jiawei , Zhou Huijie , Zhu Rongmei , Pang Huan
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Concentration as a trigger to improve electrocatalytic activity of a Prussian blue analogue in glucose oxidation’ by Zhimin Zhao et al., CrystEngComm, 2019, 21, 5455–5460, DOI: 10.1039/C9CE00947G.
Static field gradient NMR studies of water diffusion in mesoporous silica
Authors: Weigler Max , Winter Edda , Kresse Benjamin , Brodrecht Martin , Buntkowsky Gerd , Vogel Michael
Published: June 2020

Water diffusion inside silica pores shows Arrhenius behavior and slows down when the pore diameter decreases or internal ice forms.
Elastic strain-hardening and shear-thickening exhibited by thermoreversible physical hydrogels based on poly(alkylene oxide)-grafted hyaluronic acid or carboxymethylcellulose
Authors: Andersson Trojer Markus , Andersson Mats , Bergenholtz Johan , Gatenholm Paul
Published: June 2020

An alternative interpretation of the transient network theory is necessary to explain the evolution of the viscoelastic parameters during the temperature-dependent formation into a solid gel structure.
Statistical field theory of ion–molecular solutions
Authors: Budkov Yury A.
Published: June 2020

Schematic representation of the multipolar molecule surrounded by salt ions in a dielectric solvent medium.
The influence of ceria on Cu/TiO2 catalysts to produce abundant oxygen vacancies and induce highly efficient CO oxidation
Authors: Chen Ching-Shiun , Chen Tse-Ching , Wu Hung-Chi , Wu Jia-Huang , Lee Jyh-Fu
Published: June 2020

Ce and Cu species deposited on TiO2 can apparently provide a higher turnover frequency rate and lower activation energy than the Cu/TiO2 catalyst and the Ce and Cu species on SiO2 catalysts.
Dinuclear RuIIcomplexes with quinonoid bridges: tuning the electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of redox-switchable NIR dyes through judicious bridge design
Authors: Chandra Shubhadeep , Weisser Fritz , Klenk Sinja , Beerhues Julia , Schweinfurth David , Sarkar Biprajit
Published: June 2020

The change in the substituents as well as the symmetry of the bridging quinonoid ligands on the electrochemical and NIR electrochromic properties of the resulting diruthenium complexes is investigated.
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of 1,2,8,9-tetraazido-4,6-dioxol-nonane: a promising multi-azido ether energetic plasticizer for glycidyl azide polymer
Authors: Xu Ruoqian , Li Zhongming , Chen Yanhui , Wang Yinglei , Zhao Baodong
Published: June 2020

TADONA had notable effects on adjusting viscosity andTgof GAP, exhibiting considerable potential for GAP-based propellants and explosives.
A new halospinel superionic conductor for high-voltage all solid state lithium batteries
Authors: Zhou Laidong , Kwok Chun Yuen , Shyamsunder Abhinandan , Zhang Qiang , Wu Xiaohan , Nazar Linda F.
Published: June 2020

A new disordered chlorospinel superionic conductor, Li2Sc2/3Cl4, enables high-voltage all solid state batteries up to 4.6 V vs. Li+/Li.
Emerging investigator series: emerging biotechnologies in wastewater treatment: from biomolecular engineering to multiscale integration
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Hsu Huan-Hsuan , Wheeler John J. , Tang Sishuang , Jiang Xiaocheng
Published: June 2020

Bottom-up engineering approaches are transforming biological wastewater treatment.
Comparison of structural, functional and in vitro digestion properties of bread incorporated with grapefruit peel soluble dietary fibers prepared by three microwave-assisted modifications
Authors: Gan Jiapan , Peng Guanyi , Liu Shuai , Hu Xiaobo , Wang Xuanting , Guo Shuqi , Xie Jianhua , Chen Yi , Yu Qiang
Published: June 2020

In our previous study, three kinds of grapefruit peel soluble dietary fibers (SDF) were prepared by microwave-sodium hydroxide treatment (MST-SDF), microwave-enzymatic treatment (MET-SDF) and microwave-ultrasonic treatment (MUT-SDF).
An optimal separation method for high-precision K isotope analysis by using MC-ICP-MS with a dummy bucket
Authors: Li Xiaoqiang , Han Guilin , Zhang Qian , Miao Zhuang
Published: June 2020

High-precision potassium isotope analysis by MC-ICP-MS: a novel chromatographic method (single column) and cross-disciplinary research.
Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in elemental speciation
Authors: Clough Robert , Harrington Chris F. , Hill Steve J. , Madrid Yolanda , Tyson Julian F.
Published: June 2020

This review covers advances in elemental speciation by a range of coupled techniques, including HPLC-ICP-MS, HPLC-HG-AFS and GC-ICP-MS.
Differences in the morphology and vibrational dynamics of crystalline, glassy and amorphous silica – commercial implications
Authors: Parker Stewart F. , Klehm Ulrich , Albers Peter W.
Published: June 2020

The presence of residual water and the silanol groups in silicas are of crucial importance for their commercial applications.
Controlled functionalization of carbon nanodots for targeted intracellular production of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Ji Ding-Kun , Reina Giacomo , Guo Shi , Eredia Matilde , Samorì Paolo , Ménard-Moyon Cécilia , Bianco Alberto
Published: June 2020

Multifunctional carbon nanodots with deep-red emission were prepared. These carbon nanodots are suitable for targeted intracellular production of reactive oxygen species by laser irradiation leading to efficient cancer cell death.
Synthesis of an electrically conductive square planar copper(ii) complex and its utilization in the fabrication of a photosensitive Schottky diode device and DFT study
Authors: Khan Samim , Halder Soumi , Dey Arka , Dutta Basudeb , Pratim Ray Partha , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: June 2020

A naphthalene based square planar copper(ii) complex shows significant C–H⋯π interactions to form a supramolecular chain structure. The complex shows efficient charge transport and reveals Schottky barrier diode behavior.
Robust superhydrophobic polyurea@cellulose nanocrystal coating
Authors: Wang Xinfeng , Gou Xuelian , Guo Zhiguang
Published: June 2020

A multifunctional superhydrophobic PU@CNC composite coating with self-cleaning properties and mechanical durability was fabricated using a facile spraying method.
Shape-controlled MnO2 as a sulfur host for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Ge You , Chen Ping , Zhang Wenjing , Shan Qi , Fang Yanan , Chen Ningna , Yuan Zhangyu , Zhang Yanzheng , Feng Xiaomiao
Published: June 2020

The three-dimensional porous network structure self-assembled from birnessite-type MnO2 flakes and urchin-like structure composed of MnO2 nanotubes was fabricated by a convenient one-step hydrothermal method as the sulfur scaffold for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries.
Enhanced magnetoelectric coupling and dielectric constant in flexible ternary composite electrospun fibers of PVDF-HFP loaded with nanoclay and NiFe2O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Chacko Sobi K. , Rahul M. T. , Raneesh B. , Kalarikkal Nandakumar
Published: June 2020

Magnetoelectric flexible composite fiber mats with superior room temperature magnetoelectric properties.
Tubular assemblies of N-doped carbon nanotubes loaded with NiFe alloy nanoparticles as efficient bifunctional catalysts for rechargeable zinc-air batteries
Authors: Xie Xiaoying , Shang Lu , Shi Run , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Zhao Jiaqi , Zhang Tierui
Published: June 2020

Porous tubular carbon assemblies encapsulating NiFe alloys as bifunctional catalysts toward ORR and OER were designed via a sacrificial-template strategy.
Tunable electrochromic behavior of titanium-based MXenes
Authors: Valurouthu Geetha , Maleski Kathleen , Kurra Narendra , Han Meikang , Hantanasirisakul Kanit , Sarycheva Asia , Gogotsi Yury
Published: June 2020

Two-dimensional transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides, popular by the name MXenes, are an emerging class of materials for tunable plasmonic electrochromic applications.
Recent developments in electrochemiluminescence nanosensors for cancer diagnosis applications
Authors: Fu Yantao , Ma Qiang
Published: June 2020

In ECL nanosensor-based cancer diagnosis, high-throughput analysis, visual detection, ECL imaging and portable device-based testing are being realized.
Polaron and bipolaron induced charge carrier transportation for enhanced photocatalytic H2 production
Authors: Naveen Kumar T. R. , Karthik P. , Neppolian B.
Published: June 2020

An alternative way for efficient charge carrier separation promoted by polarons and bipolarons of polypyrrole.
Rational design of fluorescent probes for targeted in vivo nitroreductase visualization
Authors: Gao Jie , Yin Xiaofan , Li Mimi , Chen Ji-An , Tan Jiahui , Zhao Zhen , Gu Xianfeng
Published: June 2020

Three fluorescent probes were made by conjugation of para-, ortho-, and meta-nitrobenzene to the BODIPY core via a thiolether bond. It revealed that the linkage and nitro substituent position significantly influence the capability of NTR detection.
One-pot synthesis of pyrimidine linked naphthoquinone-fused pyrroles by iodine-mediated multicomponent reactions
Authors: Panday Anoop Kumar , Ali Danish , Choudhury Lokman H.
Published: June 2020

Herein we report iodine-mediated novel three-component reactions for the synthesis of naphthoquinone-fused pyrroles linked with a barbituric acid moiety.
Efficient and selective antibody modification with functionalised divinyltriazines
Authors: Counsell Andrew J. , Walsh Stephen J. , Robertson Naomi S. , Sore Hannah F. , Spring David R.
Published: June 2020

We have developed a highly efficient disulfide rebridging strategy for the modification of antibodies with substituted divinyltriazine linkers.
Levulinic acid: a sustainable platform chemical for novel polymer architectures
Authors: Hayes Graham C. , Becer C. Remzi
Published: June 2020

Levulinic acid is a multipurpose platform chemical that is currently used in a wide variety of applications.
Mechanism of action of the curcumin cis-diammineplatinum(ii) complex as a photocytotoxic agent
Authors: Dabbish Eslam , Mazzone Gloria , Russo Nino , Sicilia Emilia
Published: June 2020

This work provides a deep understanding of the photoprocesses involved in the activation of the curcumin cis-diammineplatinum(ii) complex.
Straight access to highly fluorescent angular indolocarbazoles via merging Au- and Mo-catalysis
Authors: Martínez-Lara Fernando , Suárez Anisley , Suárez-Pantiga Samuel , Tapia M. José , Sanz Roberto
Published: June 2020

A straightforward and efficient synthesis of the two less explored types of indolocarbazoles has been developed giving rise to highly fluorescent compounds with fluorescence quantum yields around 0.7.
Plasmonic-enhanced photocatalysis reactions using gold nanostructured films
Authors: Ibrahem Mohammed A. , Rasheed Bassam G. , Mahdi Rahman I. , Khazal Taha M. , Omar Maryam M. , O'Neill Mary
Published: June 2020

This work shows the enhancement of the visible photocatalytic activity of TiO2 NPs film using the localized surface plasmonic resonance of Au nanostructures.
Photodynamic properties of tungsten iodide clusters incorporated into silicone: A2[M6I8L6]@silicone
Authors: Hummel Thorsten , Dutczak Danuta , Alekseev Alexander Y. , Adamenko Lyubov S. , Shestopalov Michael A. , Mironov Yuri V. , Enseling David , Jüstel Thomas , Meyer Hans-Jürgen
Published: June 2020

The light-induced antibacterial and antifungal properties of A2[M6I8L6] with M = Mo and W, A = organic cation, L = ligand have been studied.
Heteroleptic actinocenes: a thorium(iv)–cyclobutadienyl–cyclooctatetraenyl–di-potassium-cyclooctatetraenyl complex
Authors: Boronski Josef T. , Wooles Ashley J. , Liddle Stephen T.
Published: June 2020

We report the first thorium–cyclobutadienyl complex, a new type of heteroleptic actinocene, that exhibits ‘an alkene-like’ thorium–η2-cyclooctatetraenyl interaction.
Palladium-catalyzed dearomative 1,4-difunctionalization of naphthalenes
Authors: Yang Ping , Zheng Chao , Nie Yu-Han , You Shu-Li
Published: June 2020

The dearomative 1,4-difunctionalization of naphthalenes is achieved by imitating the reactivity of simple conjugated dienes in aromatic systems, providing functionalized spirooxindoles in high yields (up to 99%) with exclusive diastereoselectivity.
Anisotropic dynamics of a self-assembled colloidal chain in an active bath
Authors: Shafiei Aporvari Mehdi , Utkur Mustafa , Saritas Emine Ulku , Volpe Giovanni , Stenhammar Joakim
Published: June 2020

Anisotropic macromolecules exposed to non-equilibrium (active) noise are very common in biological systems, and an accurate understanding of their anisotropic dynamics is therefore crucial.
Antitoxin autoregulation of M. tuberculosis toxin-antitoxin expression through negative cooperativity arising from multiple inverted repeat sequences
Authors: Beck Izaak N. , Usher Ben , Hampton Hannah G. , Fineran Peter C. , Blower Tim R.
Published: June 2020

Toxin-antitoxin systems play key roles in bacterial adaptation, including protection from antibiotic assault and infection by bacteriophages. The type IV toxin-antitoxin system AbiE encodes a DUF1814 nucleotidyltransferase-like toxin, and a two-domain antitoxin. In Streptococcus agalactiae, the antitoxin AbiEi negatively autoregulates abiE expression through positively co-operative binding to inverted repeats within the promoter. The human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis encodes four DUF1814 putative toxins, two of which have antitoxins homologous to AbiEi. One such M. tuberculosis antitoxin, named Rv2827c, is required for growth and whilst the structure has previously been solved, the mode of regulation is unknown. To complete the gaps in our understanding, we first solved the structure of S. agalactiae AbiEi to 1.83 Å resolution for comparison with M. tuberculosis Rv2827c. AbiEi contains an N-terminal DNA binding domain and C-terminal antitoxicity domain, with bilateral faces of opposing charge. The overall AbiEi fold is similar to Rv2827c, though smaller, and with a 65° difference in C-terminal domain orientation. We further demonstrate that, like AbiEi, Rv2827c can autoregulate toxin-antitoxin operon expression. In contrast with AbiEi, the Prv2827c promoter contains two sets of inverted repeats, which bind Rv2827c with differing affinities depending on the sequence consensus. Surprisingly, Rv2827c bound with negative co-operativity to the full Prv2827c promoter, demonstrating an unexpectedly complex form of transcriptional regulation.
Underwater sensor networks: ‘Comparative analysis on applications, deployment and routing techniques’
Authors: Gola Kamal Kumar , Gupta Bhumika
Published: June 2020

In today's scenario, underwater wireless sensor network (UWSN) has raised as a most famous research areas for the researchers due to its advancement in the real world. In UWSNs, the sensor nodes sense the environment, and then this sensed information is conveyed to one of the sink node and finally to the base station for processing. It is a known fact that nearly about 70% of the total earth surface is filled with the water. It is difficult for the humans to get the valuable information from the seabed. Major applications of UWSN are marine surveillance, sea monitoring, deep sea archaeology, oil monitoring etc. Major goal of this work is to provide the broad survey of underwater sensor networks with its application, deployment techniques and routing algorithms. This study also provides a comparative analysis of the deployment techniques and routing algorithms that will aid the researchers to find the research gaps in the deployment and routing techniques. Moreover, some of the UWSN applications also reviewed, which provides varied and valuable information about the UWSN approach. This study presents an overview about the conventional technologies of UWSN and its major focus is to present the significant research approaches towards the UWSNs’ applications, deployment techniques, and routing process.