bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Author Correction: A New Clevosaurid from the Triassic (Carnian) of Brazil and the Rise of Sphenodontians in Gondwana
Authors: Hsiou Annie S. , Nydam Randall L. , Simões Tiago R. , Pretto Flávio A. , Onary Silvio , Martinelli Agustín G. , Liparini Alexandre , Martínez Paulo R. Romo de Vivar , Soares Marina B. , Schultz Cesar L. , Caldwell Michael W.
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
ATHB2 is a negative regulator of germination in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds
Authors: Tognacca Rocío Soledad , Carabelli Monica , Morelli Giorgio , Ruberti Ida , Botto Javier Francisco
Published: May 2021

The germination timing of seeds is of the utmost adaptive importance for plant populations. Light is one of the best characterized factors promoting seed germination in several species. The germination is also finely regulated by changes in hormones levels, mainly those of gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Here, we performed physiological, pharmacological, and molecular analyses to uncover the role of ATHB2, an HD-ZIP II transcription factor, in germination of Arabidopsis seeds. Our study demonstrated that ATHB2 is a negative regulator and sustains the expression of transcription factors to block germination promoted by light. Besides, we found that ATHB2 increases ABA sensitivity. Moreover, ABA and auxin content in athb2-2 mutant is higher than wild-type in dry seeds, but the differences disappeared during the imbibition in darkness and the first hours of exposition to light, respectively. Some ABA and light transcription factors are up-regulated by ATHB2, such as ABI5, ABI3, XERICO, SOMNUS and PIL5/PIF1. In opposition, PIN7, an auxin transport, is down-regulated. The role of ATHB2 as a repressor of germination induced by light affecting the gemination timing, could have differential effects on the establishment of seedlings altering the competitiveness between crops and weeds in the field.
IgE-activated mast cells enhance TLR4-mediated antigen-specific CD4+ T cell responses
Authors: Phong Binh L. , D’Souza Shaina J. , Baudier Robin L. , Wu Eric , Immethun Victoria E. , Bauer David L. , McLachlan James B.
Published: May 2021

Mast cells are potent mediators of allergy and asthma, yet their role in regulating adaptive immunity remains ambiguous. On the surface of mast cells, the crosslinking of IgE bound to FcεRI by a specific antigen recognized by that IgE triggers the release of immune mediators such as histamine and cytokines capable of activating other immune cells; however, little is known about the mast cell contribution to the induction of endogenous, antigen-specific CD4+ T cells. Here we examined the effects of specific mast cell activation in vivo on the initiation of an antigen-specific CD4+ T cell response. While CD4+ T cells were not enhanced by FcεRI stimulation alone, their activation was synergistically enhanced when FcεRI activation was combined with TLR4 stimulation. This enhanced activation was dependent on global TLR4 stimulation but appeared to be less dependent on mast cell expressed TLR4. This study provides important new evidence to support the role of mast cells as mediators of the antigen-specific adaptive immune response.
Vibration mitigation of an MDoF system subjected to stochastic loading by means of hysteretic nonlinear locally resonant metamaterials
Authors: Basone Francesco , Bursi Oreste S. , Aloschi Fabrizio , Fischbach Günter
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we intend to mitigate absolute accelerations and displacements in the low-frequency regime of multiple-degrees-of-freedom fuel storage tanks subjected to stochastic seismic excitations. Therefore, we propose to optimize a finite locally resonant metafoundation equipped with massive resonators and fully nonlinear hysteretic devices. The optimization process takes into account the stochastic nature of seismic records in the stationary frequency domain; the records are modelled with the power spectral density S0 and modified with a Kanai–Tajimi filter. Moreover, the massive superstructure of a fuel storage tank is also considered in the optimization procedure. To optimize the nonlinear behaviour of dampers, we use a Bouc–Wen hysteretic model; the relevant nonlinear differential equations are reduced to a system of linear equations through the stochastic equivalent linearization technique. The optimized system is successively verified against natural seismic records by means of nonlinear transient time history analyses. Finally, we determine the dispersion relations for the relevant periodic metafoundation.
Cytochrome P450-epoxygenated fatty acids inhibit Müller glial inflammation
Authors: Ontko Cayla D. , Capozzi Megan E. , Kim Minjae J. , McCollum Gary W. , Penn John S.
Published: May 2021

Free fatty acid dysregulation in diabetics may elicit the release of inflammatory cytokines from Müller cells (MC), promoting the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Palmitic acid (PA) is elevated in the sera of diabetics and stimulates the production of the DR-relevant cytokines by MC, including IL-1β, which induces the production of itself and other inflammatory cytokines in the retina as well. In this study we propose that experimental elevation of cytochrome P450 epoxygenase (CYP)-derived epoxygenated fatty acids, epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) and epoxydocosapentaenoic acid (EDP), will reduce PA- and IL-1β-induced MC inflammation. Broad-spectrum CYP inhibition by SKF-525a increased MC expression of inflammatory cytokines. Exogenous 11,12-EET and 19,20-EDP significantly decreased PA- and IL-1β-induced MC expression of IL-1β and IL-6. Both epoxygenated fatty acids significantly decreased IL-8 expression in IL-1β-induced MC and TNFα in PA-induced MC. Interestingly, 11,12-EET and 19,20-EDP significantly increased TNFα in IL-1β-treated MC. GSK2256294, a soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitor, significantly reduced PA- and IL-1β-stimulated MC cytokine expression. 11,12-EET and 19,20-EDP were also found to decrease PA- and IL-1β-induced NFκB-dependent transcriptional activity. These data suggest that experimental elevation of 11,12-EET and 19,20-EDP decreases MC inflammation in part by blocking NFκB-dependent transcription and may represent a viable therapeutic strategy for inhibition of early retinal inflammation in DR.
Elevational and seasonal patterns of butterflies and hawkmoths in plant-pollinator networks in tropical rainforests of Mount Cameroon
Authors: Mertens Jan E. J. , Brisson Lucas , Janeček Štěpán , Klomberg Yannick , Maicher Vincent , Sáfián Szabolcs , Delabye Sylvain , Potocký Pavel , Kobe Ishmeal N. , Pyrcz Tomasz , Tropek Robert
Published: May 2021

Butterflies and moths are conspicuous flower visitors but their role in plant-pollinator interactions has rarely been quantified, especially in tropical rainforests. Moreover, we have virtually no knowledge of environmental factors affecting the role of lepidopterans in pollination networks. We videorecorded flower-visiting butterflies and hawkmoths on 212 plant species (> 26,000 recorded hrs) along the complete elevational gradient of rainforests on Mount Cameroon in dry and wet seasons. Altogether, we recorded 734 flower visits by 80 butterfly and 27 hawkmoth species, representing only ~ 4% of all flower visits. Although lepidopterans visited flowers of only a third of the plant species, they appeared to be key visitors for several plants. Lepidopterans visited flowers most frequently at mid-elevations and dry season, mirroring their local elevational patterns of diversity. Characteristics of interaction networks showed no apparent elevational or seasonal patterns, probably because of the high specialisation of all networks. Significant non-linear changes of proboscis and forewing lengths were found along elevation. A positive relationship between the lengths of proboscis of hesperiid butterflies and tube of visited flowers was detected. Differences in floral preferences were found between sphingids and butterflies, revealing the importance of nectar production, floral size and shape for sphingids, and floral colour for butterflies. The revealed trait-matching and floral preferences confirmed their potential to drive floral evolution in tropical ecosystems.
Clay mineral composition of upland soils and its implication for pedogenesis and soil taxonomy in subtropical China
Authors: Ouyang Ningxiang , Zhang Yangzhu , Sheng Hao , Zhou Qing , Huang Yunxiang , Yu Zhan
Published: May 2021

Clay minerals are intermediate products generated during soil development, and their neoformation and transformation are closely related to pedogenesis. Here we aimed at identifying the difference in the clay mineral composition of upland soils derived from different parent materials and different soil-forming environments and exploring the importance of clay mineral composition in pedogenesis and soil taxonomy. We sampled 60 soil B horizons in Hunan Province of subtropical China by digging soils derived from granite (GR), slate and shale (SS), Quaternary red clay (QRC), limestone (LS), and sandstone (SDS). The clay mineral composition and its correlation with parent materials, elevation, micro-topography, and pedogenic processes were investigated using X-ray diffraction and Pearson’s correlation analysis. The clay mineral was dominated by kaolinite, followed by 2:1-type minerals (illite and vermiculite), and a small fraction of mixed-layer minerals. The composition of soil clay minerals varied with parent materials. Kaolinite was predominant in soils derived from GR and LS; mixed-layer minerals prevailed in QRC, whereas illite and vermiculite were prevalent in SDS. In addition, elevation and micro-climate could also explain the variations in clay mineral composition. Increase in elevation was associated with decreased 1:1 clay mineral content and increased 2:1 clay mineral content, especially in soils developed from LS. The composition and content of clay minerals indicated that Ferrosols, Ultisols, and Acrisols had undergone intense weathering; Primosols, Entisols, and Leptosols were characterised by weak weathering, and Plinthic Ali-Udic Cambosols, Plinthudults, and Plinthosols were characterised by strong redox status. This study suggests that clay mineral composition is related to the parent material, climate, and micro-topography, and that it can serve as an indicator of pedogenesis and soil type in subtropical China.
pH induced conformational alteration in human peroxiredoxin 6 might be responsible for its resistance against lysosomal pH or high temperature
Authors: Chowhan Rimpy Kaur , Hotumalani Sunaina , Rahaman Hamidur , Singh Laishram Rajendrakumar
Published: May 2021

Peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6), the ubiquitously expressed enzyme belonging to the family of peroxidases, namely, peroxiredoxins, exhibits a unique feature of functional compartmentalization within cells. Whereas, the enzyme localized in cytosol shows glutathione peroxidase activity, its lysosomal counterpart performs calcium independent phospholipase A2 (aiPLA2) activity. Like any true moonlighting protein, these two activities of Prdx6 are mutually exclusive of each other as a function of the pH of the cellular compartments. Differential substrate preference at different pH (i.e. peroxidised phospholipids at neutral pH and reduced phospholipids at acidic pH) is considered to be the reason for this behavior. To gain insight into the pH-induced structural–functional interplay we have systematically evaluated conformational variations, thermodynamic stability of the protein and quaternary state of the conformers at both pH 7.0 and 4.0. Our findings suggest that change in pH allows alterations in native states of Prdx6 at pH 7.0 and 4.0 such that the changes make the protein resistant to thermal denaturation at low pH.
Deep learning methods allow fully automated segmentation of metacarpal bones to quantify volumetric bone mineral density
Authors: Folle Lukas , Meinderink Timo , Simon David , Liphardt Anna-Maria , Krönke Gerhard , Schett Georg , Kleyer Arnd , Maier Andreas
Published: May 2021

Arthritis patients develop hand bone loss, which leads to destruction and functional impairment of the affected joints. High resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) allows the quantification of volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone microstructure in vivo with an isotropic voxel size of 82 micrometres. However, image-processing to obtain bone characteristics is a time-consuming process as it requires semi-automatic segmentation of the bone. In this work, a fully automatic vBMD measurement pipeline for the metacarpal (MC) bone using deep learning methods is introduced. Based on a dataset of HR-pQCT volumes with MC measurements for 541 patients with arthritis, a segmentation network is trained. The best network achieves an intersection over union as high as 0.94 and a Dice similarity coefficient of 0.97 while taking only 33 s to process a whole patient yielding a speedup between 2.5 and 4.0 for the whole workflow. Strong correlation between the vBMD measurements of the expert and of the automatic pipeline are achieved for the average bone density with 0.999 (Pearson) and 0.996 (Spearman’s rank) with $$p < 0.001$$

p
<
0.001

for all correlations. A qualitative assessment of the network predictions and the manual annotations yields a 65.9% probability that the expert favors the network predictions. Further, the steps to integrate the pipeline into the clinical workflow are shown. In order to make these workflow improvements available to others, we openly share the code of this work.
Nanoparticle-mediated tumor cell expression of mIL-12 via systemic gene delivery treats syngeneic models of murine lung cancers
Authors: Ahn Hye-Hyun , Carrington Christine , Hu Yizong , Liu Heng-wen , Ng Christy , Nam Hwanhee , Park Andrew , Stace Catherine , West Will , Mao Hai-Quan , Pomper Martin G. , Ullman Christopher G. , Minn Il
Published: May 2021

Treatment of cancers in the lung remains a critical challenge in the clinic for which gene therapy could offer valuable options. We describe an effective approach through systemic injection of engineered polymer/DNA nanoparticles that mediate tumor-specific expression of a therapeutic gene, under the control of the cancer-selective progression elevated gene 3 (PEG-3) promoter, to treat tumors in the lungs of diseased mice. A clinically tested, untargeted, polyethylenimine carrier was selected to aid rapid transition to clinical studies, and a CpG-free plasmid backbone and coding sequences were used to reduce inflammation. Intravenous administration of nanoparticles expressing murine single-chain interleukin 12, under the control of PEG-3 promoter, significantly improved the survival of mice in both an orthotopic and a metastatic model of lung cancer with no marked symptoms of systemic toxicity. These outcomes achieved using clinically relevant nanoparticle components raises the promise of translation to human therapy.
Antioxidant capacity of honey from the urban apiary: a comparison with honey from the rural apiary
Authors: Nicewicz Agata W. , Nicewicz Łukasz , Pawłowska Patrycja
Published: May 2021

Honey is a source of natural antioxidant compounds exerting several health-beneficial effects. Since urban beekeeping is quite common, the fear among potential consumers about the quality and the safety of honey produced exclusively in the cities is observed. However, the antioxidant properties of urban honey have not yet been tested. We described the antioxidant properties of linden honey from urban and rural areas. We analyzed the total phenolic content, DPPH•radical scavenging activity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity assay, the protein content, and catalase activity. The analysis showed that all tested parameters were significantly higher in honey from rural areas than in urban samples. The differences in the obtained results are certainly not the effect of the floral composition of honey, but rather due to the location of the honeybee colonies. It seems that the consumption of honey from urban areas for health purposes should be considered.
Unraveling the binding characteristics of small ligands to telomeric DNA by pressure modulation
Authors: Oliva Rosario , Mukherjee Sanjib , Winter Roland
Published: May 2021

Recently, non-canonical DNA structures, such as G-quadruplexes (GQs), were found to be highly pressure sensitive, suggesting that pressure modulation studies can provide additional mechanistic details of such biomolecular systems. Using FRET and CD spectroscopy as well as binding equilibrium measurements, we investigated the effect of pressure on the binding reaction of the ligand ThT to the quadruplex 22AG in solutions containing different ionic species and a crowding agent mimicking the intracellular milieu. Pressure modulation helped us to identify the different conformational substates adopted by the quadruplex at the different solution conditions and to determine the volumetric changes during complex formation and the conformational transitions involved. The magnitudes of the binding volumes are a hallmark of packing defects and hydrational changes upon ligand binding. The conformational substates of the GQ as well as the binding strength and the stoichiometry of complex formation depend strongly on the solution conditions as well as on pressure. High hydrostatic pressure can also impact GQs inside living cells and thus affect expression of genetic information in deep sea organisms. We show that sub-kbar pressures do not only affect the conformational dynamics and structures of GQs, but also their ligand binding reactions.
Extensive long-term verbal memory training is associated with brain plasticity
Authors: Kumar Uttam , Singh Anshita , Paddakanya Prakash
Published: May 2021

The human brain has a remarkable capacity to store a lifetime of information through visual or auditory routes. It excels and exceeds any artificial memory system in mixing and integrating multiple pieces of information encoded. In this study, a group of verbal memory experts was evaluated by multiple structural brain analysis methods to record the changes in the brain structure. The participants were professional Hindu pandits (priests/scholars) trained in reciting Vedas and other forms of Hindu scriptures. These professional Vedic priests are experts in memorization and recitation of oral texts with precise diction. Vedas are a collection of hymns. It is estimated that there are more than 20,000 mantras and shlokas in the four Vedas. The analysis included the measurement of the grey and white matter density, gyrification, and cortical thickness in a group of Vedic pandits and comparing these measures with a matched control group. The results revealed an increased grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) in the midbrain, pons, thalamus, parahippocampus, and orbitofrontal regions in pandits. The whole-brain corelation analysis using length of post-training  teaching duration showed significant correlation with the left angular gyrus. We also found increased gyrification in the insula, supplementary motor area, medial frontal areas, and increased cortical thickness (CT) in the right temporal pole and caudate regions of the brain. These findings, collectively, provide unique information regarding the association between crucial memory regions in the brain and long-term practice of oral recitation of scriptures from memory with the proper diction that also involved controlled breathing.
Effect of plane of nutrition in early life on the transcriptome of visceral adipose tissue in Angus heifer calves
Authors: Keogh Kate , Kelly Alan K. , Kenny David A.
Published: May 2021

Adipose tissue represents not only an important energy storage tissue but also a major endocrine organ within the body, influencing many biochemical systems including metabolic status, immune function and energy homeostasis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an enhanced dietary intake during the early calfhood period on the transcriptome of visceral adipose tissue. Artificially reared Angus × Holstein–Friesian heifer calves were offered either a high (HI, n = 15) or moderate (MOD, n = 15) plane of nutrition from 3 to 21 weeks of life. At 21 weeks of age all calves were euthanized, visceral adipose harvested and samples subsequently subjected to mRNA sequencing. Plane of nutrition resulted in the differential expression of 1214 genes within visceral adipose tissue (adj. p < 0.05; fold change > 1.5). Differentially expressed genes were involved in processes related to metabolism and energy production. Biochemical pathways including Sirtuin signalling (adj. p < 0.0001) and the adipogenesis pathways (adj. p = 0.009) were also significantly enriched, indicating greater metabolic processing and adipogenesis in the calves on the high plane of nutrition. Results from this study identify novel genes regulating the molecular response of visceral adipose tissue to an improved plane of nutrition during early calfhood.
Transition behaviors of γ–β0/β in V-, Cr-, Mn-doped TiAl alloys
Authors: Zhu Lin , Xue Hui-Chun , Yao Shu-Xin , Li Lin
Published: May 2021

The behavior of γ–β/β0 phase transition in TiAl alloy doped with β stabilizers (V, Cr, Mn) are studied by using the first principles method. It is found that alloying addition as well as anharmonic lattice vibration and disordered atomic occupation contributes to enhance the stability of cubic structure and accordingly introduce the disordered β phase into the high-temperature microstructure. The formation of low-temperature β0 phase originates from not only the stabilization of cubic structure but also the destabilization of tetragonal structure. In particular, the latter is the main reason for the premature precipitation of the hard-brittle β0 phase in the room-temperature microstructure at low nominal doping concentrations. We also find a special doping region in which the γ and the β phases are stable, while the β0 phase is unstable. The existence of this region provides an opportunity for the regulation of the contents of β and β0 phases.
Brain size and neuron numbers drive differences in yawn duration across mammals and birds
Authors: Massen Jorg J. M. , Hartlieb Margarita , Martin Jordan S. , Leitgeb Elisabeth B. , Hockl Jasmin , Kocourek Martin , Olkowicz Seweryn , Zhang Yicheng , Osadnik Christin , Verkleij Jorrit W. , Bugnyar Thomas , Němec Pavel , Gallup Andrew C.
Published: May 2021

Recent studies indicate that yawning evolved as a brain cooling mechanism. Given that larger brains have greater thermolytic needs and brain temperature is determined in part by heat production from neuronal activity, it was hypothesized that animals with larger brains and more neurons would yawn longer to produce comparable cooling effects. To test this, we performed the largest study on yawning ever conducted, analyzing 1291 yawns from 101 species (55 mammals; 46 birds). Phylogenetically controlled analyses revealed robust positive correlations between yawn duration and (1) brain mass, (2) total neuron number, and (3) cortical/pallial neuron number in both mammals and birds, which cannot be attributed solely to allometric scaling rules. These relationships were similar across clades, though mammals exhibited considerably longer yawns than birds of comparable brain and body mass. These findings provide further evidence suggesting that yawning is a thermoregulatory adaptation that has been conserved across amniote evolution.
Survival of the first rather than the fittest in a Shewanella electrode biofilm
Authors: Kees Eric D. , Levar Caleb E. , Miller Stephen P. , Bond Daniel R. , Gralnick Jeffrey A. , Dean Antony M.
Published: May 2021

For natural selection to operate there must exist heritable variation among individuals that affects their survival and reproduction. Among free-living microbes, where differences in growth rates largely define selection intensities, competitive exclusion is common. However, among surface attached communities, these dynamics become less predictable. If extreme circumstances were to dictate that a surface population is immortal and all offspring must emigrate, the offspring would be unable to contribute to the composition of the population. Meanwhile, the immortals, regardless of reproductive capacity, would remain unchanged in relative abundance. The normal cycle of birth, death, and competitive exclusion would be broken. We tested whether conditions required to set up this idealized scenario can be approximated in a microbial biofilm. Using two differentially-reproducing strains of Shewanella oneidensis grown on an anode as the sole terminal electron acceptor – a system in which metabolism is obligately tied to surface attachment – we found that selection against a slow-growing competitor is drastically reduced. This work furthers understanding of natural selection dynamics in sessile microbial communities, and provides a framework for designing stable microbial communities for industrial and experimental applications.
Rock glaciers throughout the French Alps accelerated and destabilised since 1990 as air temperatures increased
Authors: Marcer Marco , Cicoira Alessandro , Cusicanqui Diego , Bodin Xavier , Echelard Thomas , Obregon Renée , Schoeneich Philippe
Published: May 2021

Rock glaciers—ice-rich creeping landforms typical of permafrost mountain ranges—can develop an anomalous landslide-like behaviour called destabilisation. This behaviour is characterised by failure mechanisms (including cracks and crevasses) and increases in displacement rates by one to two orders of magnitude. Existing studies of this phenomenon have been limited to a small number of landforms and short time spans. Here, we systematically investigate the evolution of rock glacier kinematics over the past seven decades for the entire French Alps by combining observations of landform features indicative of the onset of destabilisation with data on displacements rates using aerial orthoimagery. We show that rock glacier velocities have significantly increased since the 1990s, concurrent with the development of destabilisation in 18 landforms that represent 5% of the 337 active rock glaciers. This pattern of activity correlates with rising air temperatures in the region, which suggests that a warming climate may play a role in this process.
In vitro studies of deferasirox derivatives as potential organelle-targeting traceable anti-cancer therapeutics
Authors: Steinbrueck Axel , Sedgwick Adam C. , Han Hai-Hao , Zhao Michael Y. , Sen Sajal , Huang Dan-Ying , Zang Yi , Li Jia , He Xiao-Peng , Sessler Jonathan L.
Published: May 2021

We report here strategic functionalization of the FDA approved chelator deferasirox (1) in an effort to produce organelle-targeting iron chelators with enhanced activity against A549 lung cancer cells.
Probing the shear viscoelasticity of a nanoscale ionic liquid meniscus
Authors: An Sangmin , Lee Manhee , Jhe Wonho
Published: May 2021

We investigate the shear viscoelasticity of a single IL nanomeniscus. We employ a quartz tuning fork-based atomic force microscope conducting dynamic force spectroscopy for analyzing the mechanical properties of the IL nanomeniscus.
Understanding plasma–ethanol non-equilibrium electrochemistry during the synthesis of metal oxide quantum dots
Authors: Padmanaban Dilli Babu , McGlynn Ruairi , Byrne Emily , Velusamy Tamilselvan , Swadźba-Kwaśny Małgorzata , Maguire Paul , Mariotti Davide
Published: May 2021

Rapid cupric oxide quantum dot (CuO QDs) synthesis through plasma–ethanol non-equilibrium electrochemistry process.
Catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 from air via porous silica-supported Au nanoparticles in aqueous solution
Authors: Ni Siting , Zhu Jun , Roy Ranjan , Li Chao-Jun , Lennox R. Bruce
Published: May 2021

A one-pot, two-step process catalyzed by Au/SiO2 is able to convert CO2 to C1 products in the absence of an organic solvent.
A biosynthesis pathway for 3-hydroxypropionic acid production in genetically engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Tong Tian , Tao Zhenyan , Chen Xiulai , Gao Cong , Liu Hui , Wang Xiaoling , Liu Gao-Qiang , Liu Liming
Published: May 2021

The oxaloacetate pathway using glucose as a substrate was developed to synthesize 3-HP. The intracellular ATP supply was enhanced to optimize the 3-HP production through a dephosphorylation regulation strategy.
Synthesis of two-dimensional phenylethylamine tin–lead halide perovskites with bandgap bending behavior
Authors: Sui Shiqi , Zhou Jian , Wang Aifei , Hu Guangcai , Meng Wen , Wang Chuying , Liu Yao , Wu Jiajing , Deng Zhengtao
Published: May 2021

Recently, two-dimensional (2D) metal halide perovskite materials with wide application in perovskite-based solar cells have attracted significant attention.
Soil respiration analysis using a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser and calibration-free WMS-based dual-gas sensor
Authors: Liu Ningwu , Xu Linguang , Zhou Sheng , Zhang Lei , Li Jingsong
Published: May 2021

A high response and sensitive dual-gas sensor based on calibration-free wavelength modulation spectroscopy has been developed for the simultaneous detection of carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide to eliminate the detection errors caused by light intensity variations.
Recent advances in bionanomaterials for liver cancer diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammed Mehadi Hassan , Salazar Christiancel Joseph J. , Nurunnabi Md
Published: May 2021

This review is to critique the importance of the source of nanoparticles and their application modalities and how these individual nanoparticles play vital roles in overcoming existing limitations related to liver cancer diagnosis and treatment.
C2-Selective silylation of pyridines by a rhodium–aluminum complex
Authors: Hara Naofumi , Uemura Nao , Nakao Yoshiaki
Published: May 2021

We have developed a C2-selective mono-silylation of a variety of pyridines using a Rh–Al complex.
Targeted pH switched europium complexes monitoring receptor internalisation in living cells
Authors: Fradgley Jack D. , Starck Matthieu , Laget Michel , Bourrier Emmanuel , Dupuis Elodie , Lamarque Laurent , Trinquet Eric , Zwier Jurriaan M. , Parker David
Published: May 2021

We report the design and evaluation of pH responsive luminescent europium(iii) probes that allow conjugation to targeting vectors to monitor receptor internalisation in cells.
Sulfur⋯oxygen interaction-controlled (Z)-selective anti-Markovnikov vinyl sulfides
Authors: Pramanik Milan , Mathuri Ashis , Mal Prasenjit
Published: May 2021

The S⋯O interaction, which is well known for proteins, has been used to obtain (Z)-selctive anti-Markovnikov vinyl sulfides from terminal alkynes and thiols via organocatalysis using tBuOLi (1 mol %) in ethanol.
Amino acid-based H2S donors: N-thiocarboxyanhydrides that release H2S with innocuous byproducts
Authors: Kaur Kuljeet , Enders Patrick , Zhu Yumeng , Bratton Abigail F. , Powell Chadwick R. , Kashfi Khosrow , Matson John B.
Published: May 2021

A library of N-thiocarboxyanhydrides (NTAs) derived from natural amino acids with benign byproducts and controlled H2S-release kinetics is reported.
A vacancy-rich perovskite fluoride K0.79Ni0.25Co0.36Mn0.39F2.83@rGO anode for advanced Na-based dual-ion batteries
Authors: Tan Caini , Ding Rui , Huang Yuxi , Yan Tong , Huang Yongfa , Yang Feng , Sun Xiujuan , Gao Ping , Liu Enhui
Published: May 2021

A novel concept of Na-ion DIBs was constructed by the vacancy rich perovskite fluoride KNCMF@rGO anode with conversion–insertion hybrid mechanisms.
Intermolecular trifluoromethyl-alkenylation of alkenes enabled by metal-free photoredox catalysis
Authors: Kulthe Arun D. , Mainkar Prathama S. , Akondi Srirama Murthy
Published: May 2021

A three component trifluoromethyl-alkenylation of alkenes under organic photoredox conditions is reported.
Fluorescent probe for early mitochondrial voltage dynamics
Authors: Hernández-Juárez Cinthia , Flores-Cruz Ricardo , Jiménez-Sánchez Arturo
Published: May 2021

A fluorescent probe to monitor mitochondrial voltage in live cells under conditions promoting membrane potential variations, permeability transition pore opening and under pH and redox variation.
Photoinduced oxidative cyclopropanation of ene-ynamides: synthesis of 3-aza[n.1.0]bicycles via vinyl radicals
Authors: Deng Yongming , Zhang Jason , Bankhead Bradley , Markham Jonathan P. , Zeller Matthias
Published: May 2021

The first photoinduced synthesis of polyfunctionalized 3-aza[n.1.0]bicycles from readily available ene-ynamides and 2,6-lutidine N-oxide using an organic acridinium photocatalyst is reported.
Highly enantioselective tandem cycloisomerization/Diels–Alder reaction of 2-(1-alkynyl)-2-alken-1-ones and enals: dual catalysis with platinum and amines
Authors: Zhou Liejin , Liu Lu
Published: May 2021

An enantioselective tandem cycloisomerization/Diels–Alder reaction of 2-(1-alkynyl)-2-alken-1-ones and enals by dual catalysis with PtCl4 and chiral amines has been developed.
A new mode of cyclobutenedione ring opening for the synthesis of 2-oxobut-3-enamides and tetrasubstituted furans
Authors: Bennett Ryan M. , Sun Wei , Wilson Dharyl C. , Light Mark E. , Harrowven David C.
Published: May 2021

The addition of lithium amides to cyclobutenediones provides access to 2-oxo-but-3-enamides and tetrasubstituted furans via a new mode of ring opening involving enone cleavage via O- to C-lithium transfer.
Low molecular weight and highly functional RCF lignin products as a full bisphenol a replacer in bio-based epoxy resins
Authors: Van Aelst Korneel , Van Sinay Elien , Vangeel Thijs , Zhang Yingtuan , Renders Tom , Van den Bosch Sander , Van Aelst Joost , Sels Bert F.
Published: May 2021

A lignocellulose-to-chemicals valorization chain is presented, wherein lignin oligomers obtained from reductive catalytic fractionation are used to synthesize BPA-free epoxy resins.
Molecular motion in organometallic crystals: photoinduced 2π/5 rotation of n-hexyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl ligand
Authors: Nakai Hidetaka , Kajiwara Yuu , Miyata Seiya
Published: May 2021

Unusual rotation of the ligand (blue dotted circle) in organometallic crystals is disclosed by X-ray diffraction experiments.
Spin crossover crystalline materials engineered via single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations
Authors: Xue Shufang , Guo Yunnan , Garcia Yann
Published: May 2021

This highlight illustrates the latest crystalline materials engineered via SCSC transformations, with emphasis on the onset and progress of spin crossover in a crystal control.
Singlet fission dynamics and optical spectra of pentacene and its derivatives
Authors: Sun Kewei , Liu Xiaohui , Hu Wangjun , Zhang Mingtao , Long Guankui , Zhao Yang
Published: May 2021

A multimode Brownian oscillator model is employed to investigate absorption spectra of pentacene and its derivatives. Using parameters obtained, fission dynamics of pentacene is then studied via 2D spectra.
Deactivation-free ethanol steam reforming at nickel-tipped carbon filaments
Authors: Mueanngern Yutichai , Li Cheng-Han , Spelic Meiling , Graham Joshua , Pimental Nathan , Khalifa Yehia , Jinschek Joerg R. , Baker L. Robert
Published: May 2021

Model catalytic systems of Ni/CeO2 were designed to template the formation of highly active Ni tipped carbon filaments for hydrogen production.
Theoretical study on the effect of applying an external static electric field on the singlet fission dynamics of pentacene dimer models
Authors: Tonami Takayoshi , Sugimori Ryota , Sakai Ryota , Tokuyama Kazuaki , Miyamoto Hajime , Nakano Masayoshi
Published: May 2021

The effect of applying a static electric field on the singlet fission dynamics was investigated using the quantum master equation method. The singlet fission dynamics of pentacene dimer models was greatly accelerated by applying a static electric field.
MS-CASPT2 studies on the mechanistic photophysics of tellurium-substituted guanine and cytosine
Authors: Zhu Yun-Hua , Zhang Teng-Shuo , Tang Xiu-Fang , Xie Bin-Bin , Cui Ganglong
Published: May 2021

The excited-state relaxation mechanisms of TeG and TeC based on the MS-CASPT2 calculations.
The development of an Amber-compatible organosilane force field for drug-like small molecules
Authors: Dong Xue , Yuan Xinghang , Song Zhenlei , Wang Qiantao
Published: May 2021

The development of an Amber-compatible organosilane force field for drug-like small molecules.
Mechanisms of methyl formate production during electron-induced processing of methanol–carbon monoxide ices
Authors: Schmidt Fabian , Swiderek Petra , Scheele Tarek , Bredehöft Jan H.
Published: May 2021

A novel mechanism is proposed for the electron-induced production of methyl formate from CO and CH3OH which is relevant for interstellar ice chemistry. A key-step in this reaction is the formation of an intermediate CH3OCO radical.
Benchmarking London dispersion corrected density functional theory for noncovalent ion–π interactions
Authors: Spicher Sebastian , Caldeweyher Eike , Hansen Andreas , Grimme Stefan
Published: May 2021

Introduction of the IONPI19 benchmark set for noncovalent ion–π interactions and its application to London dispersion-corrected DFT.
Bond dissociation energies of low-valent lanthanide hydroxides: lower limits from ion–molecule reactions and comparisons with fluorides
Authors: Parker Mariah L. , Jian Jiwen , Gibson John K.
Published: May 2021

Ion–molecule reactions elucidate bond dissociation energies of elementary molecules like YbOH+ and YbF+. Observed reactions tentatively suggest similar bonding in lanthanide hydroxides and fluorides, and definitely suggest a need for further inquiry.
A “flexible” carborane-cored luminogen: variable emission behaviours in aggregates
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Xu Jinkai , Yan Linbo , Lu Changsheng , Yan Hong
Published: May 2021

Aggregation induced photophysical properties of a “flexible” carborane-cored luminogen are presented.
Base-assisted synthesis of 4-pyridinate gold(i) metallaligands: a study of their use in self-assembly reactions
Authors: Ferrer Montserrat , Gutiérrez Albert , Martínez Manuel , Da Silva Cristiana , Netto Adelino V. G. , Rodríguez Laura , Romo-Islas Guillermo , Pan Fangfang , Rissanen Kari
Published: May 2021

Self-assembly reactions between di- and tritopic gold(i) metallaligands bearing terminal pyridine rings and Pd(ii) or Pt(ii) fragments produce heterometallic macrocycles and cages with cavities of different sizes and shapes.
Organo-functionalized polyoxovanadates: crystal architecture and property aspects
Authors: Wang Jilei , Liu Xiaomei , Du Zeyu , Xu Yan
Published: May 2021

The latest progress on polyoxovanadates modified with organic ligands or transition metals and organic ligands is summarized. Not only the structural features and main applications but also the challenges and the focus of future research on POV-based materials are discussed.
Mixed-valence di-ruthenium(ii,iii) complexes of redox non-innocent N-aryl-o-phenylenediamine derivatives
Authors: Dutta Debarpan , Maity Suvendu , Kundu Suman , Ghosh Prasanta
Published: May 2021

The importance of the existence of both redox-innocent and non-innocent coordination sites in a ligand in modelling mixed-valence di-ruthenium(ii,iii) complexes is disclosed.
Coordination-induced spontaneous resolution of a TPPE-based MOF and its use as a crystalline sponge in guest determination
Authors: Cui Ruoyu , Niu Helin , Sheng Enhong
Published: May 2021

A pair of tetraphenylethylene backbone-based MOF enantiomers was prepared by coordination-induced spontaneous resolution. The chiral MOF was used to determine molecular structures of six guest molecules via encapsulation.
Graphdiyne: an emerging two-dimensional (2D) carbon material for environmental remediation
Authors: Pan Chuanqi , Wang Chenyang , Fang Yarong , Zhu Yuhua , Deng Hongtao , Guo Yanbing
Published: May 2021

This review highlights recent and important advances related to the structure properties and application of graphdiyne (GDY)-based nanocomposites for environmental remediation.
Porous g-C3N4/TiO2 foam photocatalytic filter for treating NO indoor gas
Authors: Xiong Mingwen , Tao Ying , Zhao Zhishu , Zhu Qiong , Jin Xiaoqi , Zhang Shengqiang , Chen Ming , Li Guisheng
Published: May 2021

g-C3N4/TiO2 foams were explored as photocatalytic filters for treating NO indoor gas owing to the abundant adsorption and activation sites.
Renewable linear alpha-olefins by base-catalyzed dehydration of biologically-derived fatty alcohols
Authors: McClelland Daniel J. , Wang Bo-Xun , Cordell William T. , Cortes-Peña Yoel R. , Gilcher Elise B. , Zhang Lifeng , Guest Jeremy S. , Pfleger Brian F. , Huber George W. , Dumesic James A.
Published: May 2021

The two-step production of linear alpha olefins through the coupling of fermentation and catalytic dehydration was demonstrated experimentally and evaluated with a techno-economic analysis.
Evaluation of process severity on the chemical composition of organosolv switchgrass lignins by using mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Jifa , Jiang Yuan , Astner Anton , Zhu Hanyu , Bozell Joseph J. , Kenttämaa Hilkka I.
Published: May 2021

Organosolv treatment is an environmentally friendly fractionation method that affords a lignin stream with high purity.
Visible light initiated oxidative coupling of alcohols and o-phenylenediamines to synthesize benzimidazoles over MIL-101(Fe) promoted by plasmonic Au
Authors: Qin Yuhuan , Hao Mingming , Xu Chao , Li Zhaohui
Published: May 2021

Plasmonic Au enhances the activity for the visible light induced one-pot synthesis of benzimidazoles over MIL-101(Fe).
Microfluidic platform for monitoring Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutation accumulation
Authors: Sipos Eliet H. , Léty-Stefanska Adélaïde , Denby Wilkes Cyril , Soutourina Julie , Malloggi Florent
Published: May 2021

We present an innovative microfluidic-based system that automatizes the mutation accumulation culture in budding yeast. We speed up by one order of magnitude the time necessary for genome-wide measurements of mutational profiles.
A novel human arterial wall-on-a-chip to study endothelial inflammation and vascular smooth muscle cell migration in early atherosclerosis
Authors: Su Chengxun , Menon Nishanth Venugopal , Xu Xiaohan , Teo Yu Rong , Cao Huan , Dalan Rinkoo , Tay Chor Yong , Hou Han Wei
Published: May 2021

A novel microfluidic co-culture platform recapitulating the human arterial intima–media interface was developed for physiologically-relevant SMC migration studies.
A 9-fluorenyl substitution strategy for aromatic-imide-based TADF emitters towards efficient and stable sky blue OLEDs with nearly 30% external quantum efficiency
Authors: Feng Quanyou , Zheng Xiaojun , Wang Hongjian , Zhang He , Qian Yue , Tan Kesheng , Cao Hongtao , Xie Linghai , Huang Wei
Published: May 2021

Aromatic-imide-based TADF emitters were developed by using a 9-fluorenyl substitution strategy and demonstrated stable sky blue electroluminescence with nearly 30% EQE.
Rare earth free bright and persistent white light emitting zinc gallo-germanate nanosheets: technological advancement to fibers with enhanced quantum efficiency
Authors: Srivastava Bhupendra B. , Gupta Santosh K. , Barbosa Raul , Villarreal Alexa , Lozano Karen , Mao Yuanbing
Published: May 2021

This work demonstrates the design of dopant/RE free ZGG nanosheets with white persistent luminescence and further encapsulation inside a fiber with enhanced quantum yield.
Preparation of polymers possessing dynamic N-hindered amide bonds through ketene-based chemistry for repairable anticorrosion coatings
Authors: Chuo Tsai-Wei , Hou Jyun-Ting , Liu Ying-Ling
Published: May 2021

Ketene chemistry-based dynamic covalent amide bonds is applied for sunlight-driven and self-repairing polymers and antiicorroison coatings.
Nanoscale, automated, high throughput synthesis and screening for the accelerated discovery of protein modifiers
Authors: Gao Kai , Shaabani Shabnam , Xu Ruixue , Zarganes-Tzitzikas Tryfon , Gao Li , Ahmadianmoghaddam Maryam , Groves Matthew R. , Dömling Alexander
Published: May 2021

Acoustic dispensing was used to synthesize 1536 compounds on a nano scale, screened by differential scanning fluorimetry, cross-validated by microscale thermophoresis against the protein interaction menin–MLL to discover binders, one co-crystallized.
Well-rounded devices: the fabrication of electronics on curved surfaces – a review
Authors: Rich Steven I. , Jiang Zhi , Fukuda Kenjiro , Someya Takao
Published: May 2021

New innovations in the fabrication of curved surface electronics open up exciting possibilities in human–computer interaction, sensing, and other applications.
Proteome-wide analysis of protein alterations in response to aristolochic acids in rat kidney and liver tissues
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Dong Wei , Wong Tin Yan , Qiu Chengchao , Wu Jing , Zhao Jian , Xia Jinqiang , Xie Shaofei , Song Xiaofeng
Published: May 2021

For the first time aristolochic acid toxicity to different organs was investigated in a sequence-specific and proteome-wide manner.
The steric effect of benzodifuran based polymers via alkyl side chain manipulation: a simple approach for enhancing the photovoltaic performance
Authors: Gao Pan-Feng , Wang Li-Yong , Fu Hai-Yan , Zhang Jian-Yi
Published: May 2021

A series of narrow band gap conjugated copolymers with different alkyl side chains were synthesized via Stille copolymerization of benzodifuran (BDF) and benzothiadiazole (BT) monomers.
Facile combustion synthesis of amorphous Al2O3-coated LiMn2O4 cathode materials for high-performance Li-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Honglei , Yang Fangli , Guo Junming , Xiang Mingwu , Bai Hongli , Wang Rui , Su Changwei
Published: May 2021

The unique Al2O3-coating layer can suppress the Mn dissolution and resist HF corrosion, hence stabilizing the crystal structure of spinel LiMn2O4 cathode materials.
Noticeable improvement in the toxic gas-sensing activity of the Zn-doped TiO2films for sensing devices
Authors: Krishnan V. Gopala , Elango P. , Ravikumar K. , Marnadu R. , Aldossary Omar M. , Ubaidullah Mohd
Published: May 2021

Sensing element view, sening mechanism, stability, response and recovery time of the Zn-doped TiO2 films.
α-MoC1−x nanorods as an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalyst
Authors: Yin Punian , Cai Huizhu , Zhang Xiao , Chen Bingbing , Liu Yang , Gao Rui , Shi Chuan
Published: May 2021

Benefiting from their more exposed active sites, α-MoC1−x nanorods exhibited significantly enhanced HER performance under both acidic and alkaline conditions.
A possible channel effect of the organics adsorbed to the electrode surface on interfacial electron transfer in the alkaline Pb electrodeposition process
Authors: Liu Xin-Jie , Tang Guang-Shi , Pan Jun-Qing , Ma Chun-Ze , Wan Kang-Ni
Published: May 2021

A possible electron transfer channel in solid–liquid interface.
Guiding uniform Zn deposition by cocoons for long-life Zn metal batteries
Authors: Xia Yu , Xin Xing , Pan Yu , Zhang Ping , Liu Fenghua , Li Xing
Published: May 2021

The interlaced carbon membranes are prepared using silk cocoons via high-temperature sintering processes and has been assembled in symmetric zinc batteries to successfully inhibit the dendrite growth.
PANI/MoO3−x shell–core composites with enhanced rate and cycling performance for flexible solid-state supercapacitors and electrochromic applications
Authors: Sui Yan , Ma Yongjun , Gao Yanyu , Song Jia , Ye Yuncheng , Niu Haijun , Ma Weijing , Zhang Pengxue , Qin Chuanli
Published: May 2021

PANI/MoO3−x shell–core composites show enhanced electrochemical and electrochromic performance as a bi-functional electrode material for flexible solid-state supercapacitors, attributed to a synergistic effect from PANI nanorods and MoO3−x nanobelts.
Lewis-acid-promoted cyclization reaction: synthesis of N3-chloroethyl and N3-thiocyanatoethyl quinazolinones
Authors: Hu Fang-Peng , Zhang Ming-Ming , Huang Guo-Sheng
Published: May 2021

A Lewis-acid-promoted cyclization reaction of benzoyl chlorides with 2-(4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)anilines, which can offer a series of N3-chloroethyl quinazolinones, is disclosed.
Controlled synthesis of hierarchical porous carbons with different morphologies and their application for potassium and lithium ion batteries
Authors: Rashad Muhammad , Asif Muhammad
Published: May 2021

N-doped activated carbon nanostructures with different morphologies were synthesized, which exhibited specific capacities of 1394 and 526 mA h g−1for LIBs and PIBs, respectively.