bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The AML-associated K313 mutation enhances C/EBPα activity by leading to C/EBPα overexpression
Authors: Gentle Ian Edward , Moelter Isabel , Badr Mohamed Tarek , Döhner Konstanze , Lübbert Michael , Häcker Georg
Published: July 2021

Mutations in the transcription factor C/EBPα are found in ~10% of all acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cases but the contribution of these mutations to leukemogenesis is incompletely understood. We here use a mouse model of granulocyte progenitors expressing conditionally active HoxB8 to assess the cell biological and molecular activity of C/EBPα-mutations associated with human AML. Both N-terminal truncation and C-terminal AML-associated mutations of C/EBPα substantially altered differentiation of progenitors into mature neutrophils in cell culture. Closer analysis of the C/EBPα-K313-duplication showed expansion and prolonged survival of mutant C/EBPα-expressing granulocytes following adoptive transfer into mice. C/EBPα-protein containing the K313-mutation further showed strongly enhanced transcriptional activity compared with the wild-type protein at certain promoters. Analysis of differentially regulated genes in cells overexpressing C/EBPα-K313 indicates a strong correlation with genes regulated by C/EBPα. Analysis of transcription factor enrichment in the differentially regulated genes indicated a strong reliance of SPI1/PU.1, suggesting that despite reduced DNA binding, C/EBPα-K313 is active in regulating target gene expression and acts largely through a network of other transcription factors. Strikingly, the K313 mutation caused strongly elevated expression of C/EBPα-protein, which could also be seen in primary K313 mutated AML blasts, explaining the enhanced C/EBPα activity in K313-expressing cells.
Suppressing peatland methane production by electron snorkeling through pyrogenic carbon in controlled laboratory incubations
Authors: Sun Tianran , Guzman Juan J. L. , Seward James D. , Enders Akio , Yavitt Joseph B. , Lehmann Johannes , Angenent Largus T.
Published: July 2021

Northern peatlands are experiencing more frequent and severe fire events as a result of changing climate conditions. Recent studies show that such a fire-regime change imposes a direct climate-warming impact by emitting large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. However, the fires also convert parts of the burnt biomass into pyrogenic carbon. Here, we show a potential climate-cooling impact induced by fire-derived pyrogenic carbon in laboratory incubations. We found that the accumulation of pyrogenic carbon reduced post-fire methane production from warm (32 °C) incubated peatland soils by 13–24%. The redox-cycling, capacitive, and conductive electron transfer mechanisms in pyrogenic carbon functioned as an electron snorkel, which facilitated extracellular electron transfer and stimulated soil alternative microbial respiration to suppress methane production. Our results highlight an important, but overlooked, function of pyrogenic carbon in neutralizing forest fire emissions and call for its consideration in the global carbon budget estimation.
Coherent spin qubit transport in silicon
Authors: Yoneda J. , Huang W. , Feng M. , Yang C. H. , Chan K. W. , Tanttu T. , Gilbert W. , Leon R. C. C. , Hudson F. E. , Itoh K. M. , Morello A. , Bartlett S. D. , Laucht A. , Saraiva A. , Dzurak A. S.
Published: July 2021

A fault-tolerant quantum processor may be configured using stationary qubits interacting only with their nearest neighbours, but at the cost of significant overheads in physical qubits per logical qubit. Such overheads could be reduced by coherently transporting qubits across the chip, allowing connectivity beyond immediate neighbours. Here we demonstrate high-fidelity coherent transport of an electron spin qubit between quantum dots in isotopically-enriched silicon. We observe qubit precession in the inter-site tunnelling regime and assess the impact of qubit transport using Ramsey interferometry and quantum state tomography techniques. We report a polarization transfer fidelity of 99.97% and an average coherent transfer fidelity of 99.4%. Our results provide key elements for high-fidelity, on-chip quantum information distribution, as long envisaged, reinforcing the scaling prospects of silicon-based spin qubits.
Fingerprinting the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary impact with Zn isotopes
Authors: Mathur Ryan , Mahan Brandon , Spencer Marissa , Godfrey Linda , Landman Neil , Garb Matthew , Graham Pearson D. , Liu Sheng-Ao , Oboh-Ikuenobe Francisca E.
Published: July 2021

Numerous geochemical anomalies exist at the K-Pg boundary that indicate the addition of extraterrestrial materials; however, none fingerprint volatilization, a key process that occurs during large bolide impacts. Stable Zn isotopes are an exceptional indicator of volatility-related processes, where partial vaporization of Zn leaves the residuum enriched in its heavy isotopes. Here, we present Zn isotope data for sedimentary rock layers of the K-Pg boundary, which display heavier Zn isotope compositions and lower Zn concentrations relative to surrounding sedimentary rocks, the carbonate platform at the impact site, and most carbonaceous chondrites. Neither volcanic events nor secondary alteration during weathering and diagenesis can explain the Zn concentration and isotope signatures present. The systematically higher Zn isotope values within the boundary layer sediments provide an isotopic fingerprint of partially evaporated material within the K-Pg boundary layer, thus earmarking Zn volatilization during impact and subsequent ejecta transport associated with an impact at the K-Pg.
Cryo-EM structure and dynamics of the green-light absorbing proteorhodopsin
Authors: Hirschi Stephan , Kalbermatter David , Ucurum Zöhre , Lemmin Thomas , Fotiadis Dimitrios
Published: July 2021

The green-light absorbing proteorhodopsin (GPR) is the archetype of bacterial light-driven proton pumps. Here, we present the 2.9 Å cryo-EM structure of pentameric GPR, resolving important residues of the proton translocation pathway and the oligomerization interface. Superposition with the structure of a close GPR homolog and molecular dynamics simulations reveal conformational variations, which regulate the solvent access to the intra- and extracellular half channels harbouring the primary proton donor E109 and the proposed proton release group E143. We provide a mechanism for the structural rearrangements allowing hydration of the intracellular half channel, which are triggered by changing the protonation state of E109. Functional characterization of selected mutants demonstrates the importance of the molecular organization around E109 and E143 for GPR activity. Furthermore, we present evidence that helices involved in the stabilization of the protomer interfaces serve as scaffolds for facilitating the motion of the other helices. Combined with the more constrained dynamics of the pentamer compared to the monomer, these observations illustrate the previously demonstrated functional significance of GPR oligomerization. Overall, this work provides molecular insights into the structure, dynamics and function of the proteorhodopsin family that will benefit the large scientific community employing GPR as a model protein.
Structural basis for recognition and regulation of arenavirus polymerase L by Z protein
Authors: Kang Huiling , Cong Jingyuan , Wang Chenlong , Ji Wenxin , Xin Yuhui , Qian Ying , Li Xuemei , Chen Yutao , Rao Zihe
Published: July 2021

Junin virus (JUNV) causes Argentine hemorrhagic fever, a debilitating human disease of high mortality rates and a great risk to public health worldwide. Studying the L protein that replicates and transcribes the genome of JUNV, and its regulator Z protein should provide critical clues to identify therapeutic targets for disrupting the life cycle of JUNV. Here we report the 3.54 Å cryo-EM structure of the JUNV L protein complexed with regulator Z protein. JUNV L structure reveals a conserved architecture containing signature motifs found in other L proteins. Structural analysis shows that L protein is regulated by binding of Z protein at the RNA product exit site. Based on these findings, we propose a model for the role of Z protein as a switch to turn on/off the viral RNA synthesis via its interaction with L protein. Our work unveils the mechanism of JUNV transcription, replication and regulation, which provides a framework for the rational design of antivirals for combating viral infections.
Interfacial chemical bond and internal electric field modulated Z-scheme Sv-ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Xuehua , Wang Xianghu , Huang Jianfeng , Li Shaoxiang , Meng Alan , Li Zhenjiang
Published: July 2021

Construction of Z-scheme heterostructure is of great significance for realizing efficient photocatalytic water splitting. However, the conscious modulation of Z-scheme charge transfer is still a great challenge. Herein, interfacial Mo-S bond and internal electric field modulated Z-scheme heterostructure composed by sulfur vacancies-rich ZnIn2S4 and MoSe2 was rationally fabricated for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Systematic investigations reveal that Mo-S bond and internal electric field induce the Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism as confirmed by the surface photovoltage spectra, DMPO spin-trapping electron paramagnetic resonance spectra and density functional theory calculations. Under the intense synergy among the Mo-S bond, internal electric field and S-vacancies, the optimized photocatalyst exhibits high hydrogen evolution rate of 63.21 mmol∙g−1·h−1 with an apparent quantum yield of 76.48% at 420 nm monochromatic light, which is about 18.8-fold of the pristine ZIS. This work affords a useful inspiration on consciously modulating Z-scheme charge transfer by atomic-level interface control and internal electric field to signally promote the photocatalytic performance.
Selectivity control in hydrogenation through adaptive catalysis using ruthenium nanoparticles on a CO2-responsive support
Authors: Bordet Alexis , El Sayed Sami , Sanger Matthew , Boniface Kyle J. , Kalsi Deepti , Luska Kylie L. , Jessop Philip G. , Leitner Walter
Published: July 2021

With the advent of renewable carbon resources, multifunctional catalysts are becoming essential to hydrogenate selectively biomass-derived substrates and intermediates. However, the development of adaptive catalytic systems, that is, with reversibly adjustable reactivity, able to cope with the intermittence of renewable resources remains a challenge. Here, we report the preparation of a catalytic system designed to respond adaptively to feed gas composition in hydrogenation reactions. Ruthenium nanoparticles immobilized on amine-functionalized polymer-grafted silica act as active and stable catalysts for the hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural acetone and related substrates. Hydrogenation of the carbonyl group is selectively switched on or off if pure H2 or a H2/CO2 mixture is used, respectively. The formation of alkylammonium formate species by the catalytic reaction of CO2 and H2 at the amine-functionalized support has been identified as the most likely molecular trigger for the selectivity switch. As this reaction is fully reversible, the catalyst performance responds almost in real time to the feed gas composition.
FIP200 controls the TBK1 activation threshold at SQSTM1/p62-positive condensates
Authors: Schlütermann David , Berleth Niklas , Deitersen Jana , Wallot-Hieke Nora , Friesen Olena , Wu Wenxian , Stuhldreier Fabian , Sun Yadong , Berning Lena , Friedrich Annabelle , Mendiburo María José , Peter Christoph , Wiek Constanze , Hanenberg Helmut , Stefanski Anja , Stühler Kai , Stork Björn
Published: July 2021

The protein kinase TBK1 is a central regulator of innate immune responses and autophagy, and ablation of either function has been linked to neuroinflammatory or degenerative diseases. Autophagy is an intracellular process that recycles old or damaged proteins and organelles. In recent years, the TBK1-dependent regulation of autophagy pathways has been characterized. However, the autophagy-dependent regulation of TBK1 activity awaits further clarification. Here, we observed that TBK1 is recruited to SQSTM1/p62-containing aggregates via the selective autophagy receptor TAX1BP1. In these aggregates, TBK1 phosphorylates SQSTM1/p62 at serine 403 and thus presumably regulates the efficient engulfment and clearance of these structures. We found that TBK1 activation is strongly increased if FIP200, a component of the autophagy-inducing ULK1 complex, is not present or cannot bind to TAX1BP1. Given our collective findings, we hypothesize that FIP200 ensures the inducible activation of TBK1 at SQSTM1/p62 condensates.
Artificial neurovascular network (ANVN) to study the accuracy vs. efficiency trade-off in an energy dependent neural network
Authors: Kumar Bhadra S. , Mayakkannan Nagavarshini , Manojna N. Sowmya , Chakravarthy V. Srinivasa
Published: July 2021

Artificial feedforward neural networks perform a wide variety of classification and function approximation tasks with high accuracy. Unlike their artificial counterparts, biological neural networks require a supply of adequate energy delivered to single neurons by a network of cerebral microvessels. Since energy is a limited resource, a natural question is whether the cerebrovascular network is capable of ensuring maximum performance of the neural network while consuming minimum energy? Should the cerebrovascular network also be trained, along with the neural network, to achieve such an optimum? In order to answer the above questions in a simplified modeling setting, we constructed an Artificial Neurovascular Network (ANVN) comprising a multilayered perceptron (MLP) connected to a vascular tree structure. The root node of the vascular tree structure is connected to an energy source, and the terminal nodes of the vascular tree supply energy to the hidden neurons of the MLP. The energy delivered by the terminal vascular nodes to the hidden neurons determines the biases of the hidden neurons. The “weights” on the branches of the vascular tree depict the energy distribution from the parent node to the child nodes. The vascular weights are updated by a kind of “backpropagation” of the energy demand error generated by the hidden neurons. We observed that higher performance was achieved at lower energy levels when the vascular network was also trained along with the neural network. This indicates that the vascular network needs to be trained to ensure efficient neural performance. We observed that below a certain network size, the energetic dynamics of the network in theper capita energy consumptionvs.classification accuracyspace approaches a fixed-point attractor for various initial conditions. Once the number of hidden neurons increases beyond a threshold, the fixed point appears to vanish, giving place to a line of attractors. The model also showed that when there is a limited resource, the energy consumption of neurons is strongly correlated to their individual contribution to the network’s performance.
Strategic approach of multifaceted antibacterial mechanism of limonene traced in Escherichia coli
Authors: Gupta Akshi , Jeyakumar Ebenezer , Lawrence Rubina
Published: July 2021

Antibacterial potential of Limonene against Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) pathogens was studied and mechanism explored. Microscopic techniques viz. Fluorescent Microscopy (FM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) indicated membrane disruption, cellular leakage and cell death of Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells when treated with limonene. Leakage of intracellular proteins, lipids and nucleic acid confirmed membrane damage and disruption of cell permeability barrier. Further, release of intracellular ATP, also suggested disruption of membrane barrier. Interaction of limonene with DNA revealed its capability in unwinding of plasmid, which could eventually inhibit DNA transcription and translation. Differential expression of various proteins and enzymes involved in transport, respiration, metabolism, chemotaxis, protein synthesis confirmed the mechanistic role of limonene on their functions. Limonene thus can be a potential candidate in drug development.
Improving wheat grain yield via promotion of water and nitrogen utilization in arid areas
Authors: Tan Yan , Chai Qiang , Li Guang , Zhao Cai , Yu Aizhong , Fan Zhilong , Yin Wen , Hu Falong , Fan Hong , Wang Qiaomei , Guo Yao , Tian Xuemei
Published: July 2021

Crop yield is limited by water and nitrogen (N) availability. However, in Hexi Corridor of northwestern China, water scarcity and excessive fertilizer N in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production causes serious conflicts between water and N supply and crop demand. A field experiment was conducted from 2016 to 2018 to evaluate whether reducing of irrigation and fertilizer N will reduce grain yield of wheat. There were two irrigation quotas (192 and 240 mm) and three fertilizer N rates (135, 180, and 225 kg N ha−1). The results showed that reducing irrigation to 192 mm and N rate to 180 kg N ha−1 reduced water uptake, water uptake efficiency, and N uptake of spring wheat as compared to local practice (i.e., 240 mm irrigation and 225 kg N ha−1 fertilizer). Whereas, it improved water and N utilization efficiency, and water and N productivity. Consequently, the irrigation and N rate reduced treatment achieved the same quantity of grain yield as local practice. The path analysis showed that interaction effect between irrigation and N fertilization may attributable to the improvement of grain yield with lower irrigation and N rate. The enhanced water and N utilization allows us to conclude that irrigation quota at 192 mm coupled with fertilizer N rate at 180 kg N ha−1 can be used as an efficient practice for wheat production in arid irrigation areas.
Severe Little Ice Age drought in the midcontinental United States during the Mississippian abandonment of Cahokia
Authors: Pompeani David P. , Bird Broxton W. , Wilson Jeremy J. , Gilhooly William P. , Hillman Aubrey L. , Finkenbinder Matthew S. , Abbott Mark B.
Published: July 2021

Drought has long been suspected as playing an important role in the abandonment of pre-Columbian Native American settlements across the midcontinental United States between 1350 and 1450 CE. However, high-resolution paleoclimatic reconstructions reflecting local effective moisture (the ratio of precipitation to evaporation) that are located in proximity to Mississippi period (1050–1450 CE) population centers are lacking. Here, we present a 1600-year-long decadally resolved oxygen isotope (δ18O) record from Horseshoe Lake (Collinsville, IL), an evaporatively influenced oxbow lake that is centrally located within the largest and mostly densely populated series of Mississippian settlements known as Greater Cahokia. A shift to higher δ18O in the Horseshoe Lake sediment record from 1200 to 1400 CE indicates that strongly evaporative conditions (i.e., low effective moisture) were persistent during the leadup to Cahokia’s abandonment. These results support the hypothesis that climate, and drought specifically, strongly impacted agriculturally based pre-Columbian Native American cultures in the midcontinental US and highlights the susceptibility of this region, presently a global food production center, to hydroclimate extremes.
Random forest classification for predicting lifespan-extending chemical compounds
Authors: Kapsiani Sofia , Howlin Brendan J.
Published: July 2021

Ageing is a major risk factor for many conditions including cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmaceutical interventions that slow down ageing and delay the onset of age-related diseases are a growing research area. The aim of this study was to build a machine learning model based on the data of the DrugAge database to predict whether a chemical compound will extend the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. Five predictive models were built using the random forest algorithm with molecular fingerprints and/or molecular descriptors as features. The best performing classifier, built using molecular descriptors, achieved an area under the curve score (AUC) of 0.815 for classifying the compounds in the test set. The features of the model were ranked using the Gini importance measure of the random forest algorithm. The top 30 features included descriptors related to atom and bond counts, topological and partial charge properties. The model was applied to predict the class of compounds in an external database, consisting of 1738 small-molecules. The chemical compounds of the screening database with a predictive probability of ≥ 0.80 for increasing the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans were broadly separated into (1) flavonoids, (2) fatty acids and conjugates, and (3) organooxygen compounds.
The evaluation of zebrafish cardiovascular and behavioral functions through microfluidics
Authors: Subendran Satishkumar , Wang Yi-Chieh , Lu Yueh-Hsun , Chen Chia-Yuan
Published: July 2021

This study proposed a new experimental approach for the vascular and phenotype evaluation of the non-anesthetized zebrafish with representative imaging orientations for heart, pectoral fin beating, and vasculature views by means of the designed microfluidic device through inducing the optomotor response and hydrodynamic pressure control. In order to provide the visual cues for better positioning of zebrafish, computer-animated moving grids were generated by an in-house control interface which was powered by the larval optomotor response, in conjunction with the pressure suction control. The presented platform provided a comprehensive evaluation of internal circulation and the linked external behaviors of zebrafish in response to the cardiovascular parameter changes. The insights from these imaging sections was extended to identify the linkage between the cardiac parameters and behavioral endpoints. In addition, selected chemicals such as ethanol and caffeine were employed for the treatment of zebrafish. The obtained findings can be applicable for future investigation in behavioral drug screening serving as the forefront in psychopharmacological and cognition research.
A metabolomics comparison of plant-based meat and grass-fed meat indicates large nutritional differences despite comparable Nutrition Facts panels
Authors: van Vliet Stephan , Bain James R. , Muehlbauer Michael J. , Provenza Frederick D. , Kronberg Scott L. , Pieper Carl F. , Huffman Kim M.
Published: July 2021

A new generation of plant-based meat alternatives—formulated to mimic the taste and nutritional composition of red meat—have attracted considerable consumer interest, research attention, and media coverage. This has raised questions of whether plant-based meat alternatives represent proper nutritional replacements to animal meat. The goal of our study was to use untargeted metabolomics to provide an in-depth comparison of the metabolite profiles a popular plant-based meat alternative (n = 18) and grass-fed ground beef (n = 18) matched for serving size (113 g) and fat content (14 g). Despite apparent similarities based on Nutrition Facts panels, our metabolomics analysis found that metabolite abundances between the plant-based meat alternative and grass-fed ground beef differed by 90% (171 out of 190 profiled metabolites; false discovery rate adjusted p < 0.05). Several metabolites were found either exclusively (22 metabolites) or in greater quantities in beef (51 metabolites) (all, p < 0.05). Nutrients such as docosahexaenoic acid (ω-3), niacinamide (vitamin B3), glucosamine, hydroxyproline and the anti-oxidants allantoin, anserine, cysteamine, spermine, and squalene were amongst those only found in beef. Several other metabolites were found exclusively (31 metabolites) or in greater quantities (67 metabolites) in the plant-based meat alternative (all, p < 0.05). Ascorbate (vitamin C), phytosterols, and several phenolic anti-oxidants such as loganin, sulfurol, syringic acid, tyrosol, and vanillic acid were amongst those only found in the plant-based meat alternative. Large differences in metabolites within various nutrient classes (e.g., amino acids, dipeptides, vitamins, phenols, tocopherols, and fatty acids) with physiological, anti-inflammatory, and/or immunomodulatory roles indicate that these products should not be viewed as truly nutritionally interchangeable, but could be viewed as complementary in terms of provided nutrients. The new information we provide is important for making informed decisions by consumers and health professionals. It cannot be determined from our data if either source is healthier to consume.
Major and trace-element geochemistry of Late Cretaceous clastic rocks in the Jitai Basin, southeast China
Authors: Yan Kai , Wang Chun-lian , Mischke Steffen , Wang Jiu-yi , Shen Li-jian , Yu Xiao-can , Meng Ling-yang
Published: July 2021

Major, trace and rare earth element (REE) geochemistry of the late Cretaceous lower Zhoutian Formation from the Jitai Basin of Southeast China were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis to infer the provenance of the sediments and to reconstruct the palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate. The wide range of Sr/Cu ratios point to a fluctuating palaeoclimate, and the negative correlation between the FeO/MnO and Al2O3/MgO ratios and the Sr/Cu ratio indicates that the late Cretaceous climate during the lower Zhoutian Formation in the Jitai Basin can be divided into two parts. The lower part experienced two cooling periods, whilst the upper part was dominated by warm-humid climate. Mostly corresponding trends of the B/Ga, Sr/Ba and Sr/Cu ratios show that the salinity changed consistently with the late Cretaceous climate during the lower Zhoutian Formation in the Jitai Basin. During the lower part, the salinity changed from salt water to fresh/brackish water. In the upper part, water was mainly fresh/brackish, and there were many changes from fresh/brackish water to salt water. The relatively stable Ni/Co, V/Cr, V/(V + Ni) and Ce/Ce* data indicate a long period of oxic conditions. The La-Th-Sc, Th-Sc-Zr/10 and La/Th-Hf data of the silt- and sandstones of the lower Zhoutian Formation show that its provenance was mainly a mixture of felsic upper crust sediments and older sedimentary rocks.
Klotho KL-VS haplotype does not improve cognition in a population-based sample of adults age 55–87 years
Authors: Müller Bernhard W. , Hinney Anke , Scherbaum Norbert , Weimar Christian , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Peters Triinu , Hochfeld Lara , Pechlivanis Sonali , Stang Andreas , Jokisch Martha , Kowall Bernd
Published: July 2021

The heterozygous human Klotho KL-VS haplotype has been associated with improved cognitive performance but results are inconsistent. Here we assessed Klotho KL-VS haplotype and cognition using data from the third examination of the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study. We analyzed cognition tests (immediate and delayed word list, Trail-Making Test [TMT] part A and B, Maze test, interference condition of the Stroop color-word test, verbal fluency) and their associations with Klotho KL-VS haplotype. The Klotho KL-VS haplotype is classified by the V-allele at SNP rs9536314 (F352V) and the S-allele at SNP rs9527025 (C370S). Heterozygotes for the KL-VS haplotype were compared with non-carriers. Analyses were performed in 1812 subjects (55–87 years). We found consistent but only slightly lower performance in heterozygous carriers of the KL-VS haplotype in all tasks with Z-scores ranging between Z = − 0.042 (verbal fluency) and − 0.17 (TMT part A). Differences between carriers and non-carriers were similar for men and women for all tests but TMT part B (interaction contrast = 8.4 s (95% CI − 2.3; 19.1)). While cognition declined with age, we found an effect modification by age (55–65 years, 66–75 years, > 75 years). In the 66–75 years KL-VS heterozygous age group, lower performance was seen in memory, visual attention and motor speed. Contrary to our hypothesis, heterozygous carriers of the KL-VS haplotype did not show enhanced performance in cognitive tests in our study.
Psycho-affective health, cognition, and neurophysiological functioning following sports-related concussion in symptomatic and asymptomatic athletes, and control athletes
Authors: Sicard V. , Harrison A. T. , Moore R. D.
Published: July 2021

Little is known about the neuropsychiatric and neurophysiological differences that characterize abnormal recovery following a concussion. The present study aimed to investigate the psycho-affective, cognitive, and neurophysiological profiles of symptomatic, slow-to-recover, concussed athletes, asymptomatic concussed athletes, and control athletes. Seventy-eight athletes (26 symptomatic, 26 asymptomatic, 26 control) completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Profile of Mood States, and 2-Back task. Additionally, event-related brain potentials were recorded during an experimental three-stimulus visual Oddball paradigm. Compared to asymptomatic and control groups, the symptomatic group reported greater depression symptoms and negatively altered mood states. Symptomatic athletes also exhibited poorer cognitive performance on the 2-Back task, indicated by more errors and slower reaction time. ERP analyses indicated prolonged P3b latency for both symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, but symptomatic athletes also exhibited reduced P3b amplitude compared to both asymptomatic and control groups. For the asymptomatic group, correlations were observed between time since last concussion and functioning, but no relations were observed within the symptomatic group for any measure. The current findings provide valuable information regarding the psycho-affective, cognitive, and neurophysiological profiles of athletes with and without persistent symptoms following a concussion and highlight the need to assess and treat symptomatic, slow-to-recover athletes from a multidimensional and integrative perspective.
Vitamin D receptor, vitamin D binding protein and CYP27B1 single nucleotide polymorphisms and susceptibility to viral infections in infants
Authors: Zacharioudaki Maria , Messaritakis Ippokratis , Galanakis Emmanouil
Published: July 2021

The role of vitamin D in innate and adaptive immunity is recently under investigation. In this study we explored the potential association of genetic variances in vitamin D pathway and infections in infancy. Τhis prospective case–control study included infants 0–24 months with infection and age-matched controls. The single nucleotide polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene (BsmI, FokI, ApaI, TaqI), vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) (Gc gene, rs7041, rs4588) and CYP27B1 (rs10877012) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. In total 132 infants were enrolled, of whom 40 with bacterial and 52 with viral infection, and 40 healthy controls. As compared to controls, ΤaqI was more frequent in infants with viral infection compared to controls (p = 0.03, OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.1–3.58). Moreover, Gc1F was more frequent in the control group compared to infants with viral infection (p = 0.007, OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3–5.6). No significant differences were found regarding the genetic profile for VDR and VDBP in infants with bacterial infection compared to the controls and also regarding CYP27B1 (rs10877012) between the studied groups. Genotypic differences suggest that vitamin D pathway might be associated with the host immune response against viral infections in infancy.
Sequencing an F1 hybrid of Silurus asotus and S. meridionalis enabled the assembly of high-quality parental genomes
Authors: Chen Weitao , Zou Ming , Li Yuefei , Zhu Shuli , Li Xinhui , Li Jie
Published: July 2021

Genome complexity such as heterozygosity may heavily influence its de novo assembly. Sequencing somatic cells of the F1 hybrids harboring two sets of genetic materials from both of the paternal and maternal species may avoid alleles discrimination during assembly. However, the feasibility of this strategy needs further assessments. We sequenced and assembled the genome of an F1 hybrid between Silurus asotus and S. meridionalis using the SequelII platform and Hi-C scaffolding technologies. More than 300 Gb raw data were generated, and the final assembly obtained 2344 scaffolds composed of 3017 contigs. The N50 length of scaffolds and contigs was 28.55 Mb and 7.49 Mb, respectively. Based on the mapping results of short reads generated for the paternal and maternal species, each of the 29 chromosomes originating from S. asotus and S. meridionalis was recognized. We recovered nearly 94% and 96% of the total length of S. asotus and S. meridionalis. BUSCO assessments and mapping analyses suggested that both genomes had high completeness and accuracy. Further analyses demonstrated the high collinearity between S. asotus, S. meridionalis, and the related Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Comparison of the two genomes with that assembled only using the short reads from non-hybrid parental species detected a small portion of sequences that may be incorrectly assigned to the different species. We supposed that at least part of these situations may have resulted from mitotic recombination. The strategy of sequencing the F1 hybrid genome can recover the vast majority of the parental genomes and may improve the assembly of complex genomes.
Development and testing of a game-based digital intervention for working memory training in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Wagle Surbhit , Ghosh Arka , Karthic P. , Ghosh Akriti , Pervaiz Tarana , Kapoor Rashmi , Patil Koumudi , Gupta Nitin
Published: July 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is prevalent globally, yet it lacks cost-effective treatment approaches. Deficits in executive functions occur frequently in autism spectrum disorder and present a target for intervention. Here we report the design and development of five smartphone-based games for training working memory in children with ASD. These open-source games, available free of cost to the community, were designed to match the behavioral preferences and sensorimotor abilities of children with ASD. We then conducted a preliminary trial to test the effectiveness of a month-long intervention using these games. Although we did not see a significant change in the working memory of all children with a month-long training, children who performed better on the games also showed more improvement in their working memory, suggesting that a longer intervention with the games might be useful in improving working memory. Using a Hindi translation of the autism treatment evaluation checklist, we also tested the collateral gains of the training in reducing autistic symptoms. We found no significant change in the autistic symptoms after the intervention. Further, there was no correlation between the change in the working memory and the change in the autistic symptoms.
Clinical significance of monitoring hypothyroidism in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fukui Sho , Ikeda Yukihiko , Kataoka Yuko , Yanaoka Haruyuuki , Tamaki Hiromichi , Tsuda Tokutarou , Kishimoto Mitsumasa , Noto Hiroshi , Ohde Sachiko , Okada Masato
Published: July 2021

We evaluated whether thyroid function test (TFT) screening is warranted for patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) by comparing the incidence of hypothyroidism requiring treatment (HRT) in ARD patients and healthy controls (HCs). Medical records of 2307 ARD patients and 78,251 HCs for whom thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured between 2004 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Cumulative incidence of HRT in ARD patients and HCs was compared. HRT development was evaluated with age- and sex-adjusted Kaplan–Meier curve. Risk factors were identified with Cox proportional hazard models. HRT was significantly more common in ARD patients than in HCs (6.3% vs. 1.9%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, and baseline TSH level, hazard ratios for HRT were significantly higher in overall ARD patients (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 3.99 [3.27–4.87]; P < 0.001), particularly with rheumatoid arthritis and antinuclear antibody-associated diseases in female, and antinuclear antibody-associated diseases, spondyloarthritis, and vasculitis in male patients. Baseline high TSH level, thyroid-related autoantibody positivity, high IgG, and renal impairment were significant risk factors for hypothyroidism development in ARD patients; 20% of high-risk patients developed HRT during follow-up. HRT was significantly more frequent in ARD patients. Careful TFT screening and follow-up could help detecting clinically important hypothyroidism.
Kinetics modeling, thermodynamics and thermal performance assessments of pyrolytic decomposition of Moringa oleifera husk and Delonix regia pod
Authors: Balogun Ayokunle O. , Adeleke Adekunle A. , Ikubanni Peter P. , Adegoke Samuel O. , Alayat Abdulbaset M. , McDonald Armando G.
Published: July 2021

A non-isothermal decomposition of Moringa oleifera husk and Delonix regia seed pod was carried out in an N2 pyrolytic condition with the primary objective of undertaking the kinetics modeling, thermodynamics and thermal performance analyses of the identified samples. Three different isoconversional models, namely, differential Friedman, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, and Starink techniques were utilized for the deduction of the kinetics data. The thermodynamic parameters were deduced from the kinetic data based on a first-order chemical reaction model. In the kinetics study, a strong correlation (R2 > 0.9) was observed throughout the conversion range for all the kinetic models. The activation energy profiles showed two distinctive regions. In the first region, the average activation energy values were relatively higher—a typical example is in the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa technique—MH (199 kJ/mol) and RP (194 kJ/mol), while in the second region, MH (292 kJ/mol) and RP (234 kJ/mol). It was also demonstrated that the thermal process for the samples experienced endothermic reactions thought the conversion range. In summary, both the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters vary significantly with conversion—underscoring the complexity associated with the thermal conversion of lignocellulosic biomass samples.
U–Pb ages of detrital zircons in Cretaceous–Paleogene/Neogene kaolins within Eastern Dahomey and Niger Delta Basins (Nigeria) as provenance indicators
Authors: Oyebanjo Olaonipekun , Ekosse Georges-Ivo , Odiyo John
Published: July 2021

Detrital zircon grains within four (4) deposits including two (2) Cretaceous and two (2) Paleogene/Neogene kaolins in Nigeria were analysed using U–Pb LA-SFICP-MS to determine their provenance. The zircon textures were dominated by xenocrystic cores and oscillatory zoning in the Cretaceous and Paleogene/Neogene kaolins, respectively. The Th/U ratios obtained for the detrital zircon grains within the kaolins were predominantly within known values for rocks with magmatic origin. The age populations obtained for the detrital zircon grains were dominated by values from 529 to 978 Ma within the Neoproterozoic, followed by values from 1754 to 2497 Ma of the Paleoproterozoic. Detrital zircon ages obtained between 553.2 ± 6.2 and 583.5 ± 2.0 Ma represent part of the minimum provenance ages for the primary minerals that were kaolinised. The Cretaceous–Paleogene/Neogene kaolins were derived from parent rocks of Eburnean and Pan African ages within the Western and Northern Nigeria Basements.
A chemisorbed interfacial layer for seeding atomic layer deposition on graphite
Authors: Brown Anton , Greenwood John , Lockhart de la Rosa César J. , Rodríguez González Miriam C. , Verguts Ken , Brems Steven , Zhang Haodong , Hirsch Brandon E. , De Gendt Stefan , Delabie Annelies , Caymax Matty , Teyssandier Joan , De Feyter Steven
Published: July 2021

Chemisorbed molecular layers are used as sacrificial layers for growing uniform and high-quality dielectric layers on graphite and graphene.
The transport of a charged peptide through carbon nanotubes under an external electric field: a molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Li Wen , Cheng Shun , Wang Bin , Mao Zheng , Zhang Jianhua , Zhang Youyu , Liu Qing Huo
Published: July 2021

The role of electric field and types of carbon nanotube influencing the delivery process of peptide through CNTs were studied via all-atom molecular dynamics simulation.
Stretch-responsive adhesive microcapsules for strain-regulated antibiotic release from fabric wound dressings
Authors: Jo Yun Kee , Heo Su-Jin , Peredo Ana P. , Mauck Robert L. , Dodge George R. , Lee Daeyeon
Published: July 2021

Mussel-inspired adhesive mechano-activatable microcapsules have strong adhesion to a 3D fibrous matrix under aqueous conditions and are capable of delivering therapeutic cargos in response to uniaxial stretching.
Iron-catalysed enantioselective carbometalation of azabicycloalkenes
Authors: Adak Laksmikanta , Jin Masayoshi , Saito Shota , Kawabata Tatsuya , Itoh Takuma , Ito Shingo , Sharma Akhilesh K. , Gower Nicholas J. , Cogswell Paul , Geldsetzer Jan , Takaya Hikaru , Isozaki Katsuhiro , Nakamura Masaharu
Published: July 2021

The first enantioselective carbometalation reaction of azabicycloalkenes has been achieved by iron catalysis to in situ form optically active organozinc intermediates, which are amenable to further synthetic elaborations.
Graphene encapsuled Ru nanocrystal with highly-efficient peroxidase-like activity for glutathione detection at near-physiological pH
Authors: Keoingthong Phouphien , Hao Qing , Li Shengkai , Zhang Liang , Xu Jieqiong , Wang Shen , Chen Long , Tan Weihong , Chen Zhuo
Published: July 2021

A novel nanozyme comprised of graphene encapsuled Ru nanocrystals (Ru@G) with effective and stable peroxidase-like activity prepared using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method was used for the colorimetric detection of glutathione (GSH) at near-physiological pH.
Core-softened water–alcohol mixtures: the solute-size effects
Authors: Marques Murilo S. , Hernandes Vinicius F. , Bordin José Rafael
Published: July 2021

Water is the most anomalous material on Earth, with a long list of thermodynamic, dynamic and structural behaviors that deviate from what is expected.
Fabrication of AEI-type aluminosilicate catalyst with sheet-like morphology for direct conversion of propene to butenes
Authors: Osuga Ryota , Takeuchi Takashi , Sawada Masato , Kunitake Yusuke , Matsumoto Takeshi , Yasuda Shuhei , Onozuka Hiroaki , Tsutsuminai Susumu , Kondo Junko N. , Gies Hermann , Yokoi Toshiyuki
Published: July 2021

A new class of AEI-type aluminosilicates with sheet-like morphology was synthesized by the CGI-assisted method, which showed a higher iso-butene yield than the cubic particle during the PTB reaction.
Concluding remarks: Carbon dioxide utilization: where are we now?… and where are we going?
Authors: Leitner Walter , Schmitz Marc
Published: July 2021

The 12 principles of CO2 chemistry published 2015 are brought into context with the current perspective. “What has been changed since then?” and “is our enthusiasm still enough?” are just a few questions that are to be answered in the following.
Gastrointestinal digestion of dietary advanced glycation endproducts increases their pro-inflammatory potential
Authors: van der Lugt T. , Vrolijk M. F. , Bovee T. F. H. , van Leeuwen S. P. J. , Vonsovic S. , Hamers A. , Opperhuizen A. , Bast A.
Published: July 2021

Digestion of dietary advanced glycation endproducts (dAGEs) increases its pro-inflammatory potential in vitro.
Potential mechanisms of the anti-hypertensive effects of RVPSL on spontaneously hypertensive rats using non-targeted serum metabolomics
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Wang Li , Wu Sijia , Xue Wenjun , Zhao Wenzhu , Li Jianrong
Published: July 2021

The study aimed to investigate potential mechanisms for the anti-hypertensive effects of RVPSL on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) using a non-targeted metabonomic approach.
Silver nanoparticles doped with silver cations and stabilized with maleic acid copolymers: specific structure and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Samoilova Nadezhda , Krayukhina Maria , Naumkin Alexander , Anuchina Nelya , Popov Dmitry
Published: July 2021

The specificity of the structure of polymer complexes of silver nanoparticles and silver cations is revealed, and the additive antimicrobial effect of the system components is shown.
One-reactor vacuum and plasma synthesis of transparent conducting oxide nanotubes and nanotrees: from single wire conductivity to ultra-broadband perfect absorbers in the NIR
Authors: Castillo-Seoane Javier , Gil-Rostra Jorge , López-Flores Víctor , Lozano Gabriel , Javier Ferrer F. , Espinós Juan P. , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Yubero Francisco , González-Elipe Agustín R. , Barranco Ángel , Sánchez-Valencia Juan R. , Borrás Ana
Published: July 2021

ITO nanotubes and NTrees produced by a one reactor combination of industrially scalable vacuum and plasma protocols with outstanding properties as random optical media and ultra-broadband perfect absorbers and low resistivity at macro and nanoscales.
Sensing force and charge at the nanoscale with a single-molecule tether
Authors: Meng Xuanhui , Kukura Philipp , Faez Sanli
Published: July 2021

Tracking the position of tethered nanoparticles with simultaneous nanometre precision and microsecond temporal resolution allows researchers to detect and quantify electrophoretic forces down to the sub-piconewton scale.
Plasmonic enhancement of nitric oxide generation
Authors: Knoblauch Rachael , Geddes Chris D.
Published: July 2021

Nitric oxide (NO˙) photo-release from brominated carbon nanodots (BrCND) displays also metal-enhancement (ME-NO˙)viainter-plasmon–donor effects.
Synthesis of core-crosslinked star polymers via organocatalyzed living radical polymerization
Authors: Zheng Yichao , Sarkar Jit , Niino Hiroshi , Chatani Shunsuke , Hsu Shu Yao , Goto Atsushi
Published: July 2021

Core-crosslinked star polymers synthesized via a grafting-through approach using RCMP.
In situ Raman investigation of the phase transition of NaVO2F2 under variable temperature conditions
Authors: Zhang Sa , Li Yan , Huang Liuqing , Huang Liuying , Luo Xuetao
Published: July 2021

In this study, the phase transition of NaVO2F2 was measured at different temperatures via in situ Raman spectroscopy.
Chemical and biological studies on the soft coralNephtheasp.
Authors: Abdelhafez Omnia Hesham , Fahim John Refaat , El Masri Ramy R. , Salem M. Alaraby , Desoukey Samar Yehia , Ahmed Safwat , Kamel Mohamed Salah , Pimentel-Elardo Sheila Marie , Nodwell Justin R. , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan
Published: July 2021

The cytotoxic potential of the crude extract, different fractions, and green synthesized nanoparticles of the soft coralNephtheasp. was studied, supported by LC-HR-ESI-MS metabolomics analysis and molecular docking of the dereplicated compounds.
Zr@IL-Fe3O4 MNPs as an efficient and green heterogeneous magnetic nanocatalyst for the one-pot three-component synthesis of highly substituted pyran derivatives under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Aghaei-Hashjin Mehraneh , Yahyazadeh Asieh , Abbaspour-Gilandeh Esmayeel
Published: July 2021

Synthesis of highly substituted pyran derivatives using Zr@IL-Fe3O4 MNPs.
Correction: A coupling process of electrodialysis with oxime hydrolysis reaction for preparation of hydroxylamine sulfate
Authors: Guan Fenggang , Chen Yanyan , Zhang Yuying , Yu Rujun , Xue Li
Published: July 2021

Correction for ‘A coupling process of electrodialysis with oxime hydrolysis reaction for preparation of hydroxylamine sulfate’ by Fenggang Guan et al., RSC Adv., 2021, 11, 19238–19247, DOI: 10.1039/D1RA02766B.
Correction: A simple and straightforward synthesis of phenyl isothiocyanates, symmetrical and unsymmetrical thioureas under ball milling
Authors: Zhang Ze , Wu Hao-Hao , Tan Ya-Jun
Published: July 2021

Correction for ‘A simple and straightforward synthesis of phenyl isothiocyanates, symmetrical and unsymmetrical thioureas under ball milling’ by Ze Zhang et al., RSC Adv., 2013, 3, 16940–16944, DOI: 10.1039/C3RA43252A.
Catalytic enantioselective synthesis of benzocyclobutenols and cyclobutanols via a sequential reduction/C–H functionalization
Authors: Chen Jun , Shi Zhan , Li Chunyu , Lu Ping
Published: July 2021

We report here a sequential enantioselective reduction/C–H functionalization to install contiguous stereogenic carbon centers of benzocyclobutenols and cyclobutanols.