bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
J‐Aggregation‐Driven Supramolecular Assembly of Dye‐Conjugated Block Polymers: From Morphological Tailoring to Anticancer Applications
Authors: Li Shuoxin , Yan Xiaosa , Zhang Junqing , Guo Xia , Zhang Yongkang , Su Meihui , Yang Chun , Zhang Hao , Li Changhua 
Published: September 2021

AbstractUtilizing the J‐stacking of dyes to drive the assembly of amphiphilic polymers can not only construct supramolecular assemblies with novel architectures but also provide a stabilizing solution for dye J‐aggregation to promote its biomedical applications. However, tightly entangled hydrophobic segments can disrupt the orderly arrangement of dye molecules, thereby preventing dye stacking‐driven supramolecular assembly of block copolymers. Herein, a “molecular glue” strategy is reported that uses the small dye molecule as a molecular glue to restore the J‐stacking of the dye moiety immobilized on the polymer, thereby dominating the supramolecular assembly of the polymer matrix. Very interestingly, the yielded nano‐assembly exhibits a novel worm‐like structure with alternating straight and bent segments. By passing through nanopores, the bent part is disassembled to afford short nanorod NR‐J812 mainly composed of crystalline dye J‐aggregates. It shows favorable colloidal and optical stability, suitable size, and high photothermal property, and demonstrates high performance in photoacoustic imaging and photothermal treatment of tumors in vivo. This work provides important insights into not only the self‐assembly of amphiphilic polymers with novel supramolecular architectures but also the preparation of J‐aggregate materials applicable in vivo, which bring great promise to the biomedical fields.
Post‐Synthesis Functionalization Enables Fine‐Tuning the Molecular‐Sieving Properties of Zeolites for Light Olefin/Paraffin Separations
Authors: Lee Hae Sol , Kim Nam Sun , Kwon Dong‐il , Lee Su‐Kyung , Numan Muhammad , Jung Taesung , Cho Kanghee , Mazur Michal , Cho Hae Sung , Jo Changbum 
Published: September 2021

AbstractZeolite molecular sieves are widely used in gas separation and shape‐selective catalysis, but these applications often require discriminating differences as little as 0.1 Å. Molecular sieving with such size selectivity demands zeolites with highly tunable pore diameters and adsorption properties, which are technically challenging to prepare. Nevertheless, it is shown that a wide range of organic functional groups can be covalently functionalized onto the interior pore walls of the zeolites, MOR, LTL, FAU, and MFI, to systematically “tune” their effective pore diameters with respect to the size of organic groups. For organic functionalization, small and aggressive organic electrophiles are used (e.g., organo‐halide and ‐diazonium) as grafting agents, which are accessible to the intracrystalline void space, forming a C–Ozeolite bond in a reaction with a bridging oxygen as proved by multiple analysis data. It is demonstrated that the post‐functionalization can be used to tailor the molecular sieving action of a parent zeolite to give size‐selective adsorbents for light olefin/paraffin separations. 4‐Methoxybenzene‐functionalized MOR separates ethylene from ethane with an ideal‐adsorbed‐solution‐theory selectivity of ≈5873, whereas toluene‐grafted MOR completely separates propylene/propane mixtures. Therefore, tailoring the molecular‐sieving properties of zeolites by organic functionalization broadens their applications to challenging separations.
Late‐season N fertilization effects on soybean seed protein and biological N2 fixation
Authors: Bosaz Lina B. , Borrás Lucas , Gerde José A. , Santachiara Gabriel , Rotundo José L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed protein concentration has been declining over the past decades with protein values falling below the ∼40% (dry weight base) required for optimal industrial processing. Further refinement of management practices is needed to help maintain concentrations above market standards. The objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of N fertilization during late reproductive stage on soybean seed protein on two cultivars differing in seed protein concentration in order to untangle the role of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) to mediate seed protein responses. In experiments at two planting dates, late N fertilization was applied as either a foliar or soil‐applied fertilizer and consisted of applying 80 kg ha–1 of N from R3 to R6 with four 20 kg ha–1 N applications. Both cultivar and planting date affected seed yield and protein concentration, ranging from 3,242 to 3,949 kg ha–1 and 34.8 to 38.4 g 100 g–1, respectively. Soil and foliar N fertilizations had no effect on yield or N uptake but had positive effects on seed protein concentration (+2 g 100 g–1) only in the late‐planted experiments. Applying N in the soil inhibited BNF. The amount of N2 fixed during the seed‐filling period, expressed per unit seed, is a relatively good predictor of the response of seed protein to N fertilization suggesting a critical role of BNF during this stage for securing a high concentration of seed protein.
Identifying Pitfalls in Lithium Metal Battery Characterization
Authors: Winter Eric , Schmidt Thomas J. , Trabesinger Sigita 
Published: September 2021

AbstractOver the past decade, there has been a revival of research activity on lithium metal batteries (LMBs) as these could be a solution for key challenges of electromobility and the energy revolution. While there is growing consensus in the scientific community that common reporting standards and testing conditions for LMBs have to be established, a vast majority of research activities on lithium metal use lab‐dependant testing protocols. For that reason, this publication aims to shed light on various, potentially neglected aspects in battery assembly and testing. Firstly, the long‐term cycling, regarding a range of experimental parameters, such as current density, capacity, electrolyte type and its quantity, as well as contribution of the electrode edges, is shown in both symmetric (Li||Li) and asymmetric (Cu||Li) configurations. The second part focuses on the reversibility of lithium thickness during cycling with and without protected electrode edges, investigated by operando dilatometry. By bringing the insights from this parameter study together, we aim to contribute to better experiment design for future LMB studies, as well as a better understanding for the failure mechanism of Li metal anodes.
Does timing matter in radiotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma? An experimental study in mice
Authors: Hassan Soha A. , Ali Amira A. H. , Sohn Dennis , Flögel Ulrich , Jänicke Reiner U. , Korf Horst‐Werner , von Gall Charlotte 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study investigates whether a chronotherapeutic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may improve treatment efficacy and mitigate side effects on non‐tumoral liver (NTL). HCC was induced in Per2::luc mice which were irradiated at four time points of the day. Proliferation and DNA‐double strand breaks were analyzed in irradiated and nonirradiated animals by detection of Ki67 and γ‐H2AX. Prior to whole animal experiments, organotypic slice cultures were investigated to determine the dosage to be used in whole animal experiments. Irradiation was most effective at the proliferation peaks in HCC at ZT02 (early inactivity phase) and ZT20 (late activity phase). Irradiation effects on NTL were minimal at ZT20. As compared with NTL, nonirradiated HCC revealed disruption in daily variation and downregulation of all investigated clock genes except Per1. Irradiation affected rhythmic clock gene expression in NTL and HCC at all ZTs except at ZT20 (late activity phase). Irradiation at ZT20 had no effect on total leukocyte numbers. Our results indicate ZT20 as the optimal time point for irradiation of HCC in mice at which the ratio between efficacy of tumor treatment and toxic side effects was maximal. Translational studies are now needed to evaluate whether the late activity phase is the optimal time point for irradiation of HCC in man.
Exploring alliance–outcome associations in a combined mental health and academic counselling setting for at‐risk students: The differential role of alliance components, personality, gender and pre‐treatment severity
Authors: Bilodeau Cynthia , Meissner John , Antunes‐Alves Sara , Konecki Robert , Ruci Lorena 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study investigated the differential role of therapeutic alliance components in predicting mental health and academic performance outcomes of a combined academic and personal counselling initiative. The study also explored the role of pre‐treatment severity and gender in alliance formation, as well as the moderating role of personality on alliance‐outcome associations in at‐risk students at a Canadian University. Pre‐ and post‐measures of mental health (SF‐36 Mental Health Composite Summary) and academic performance (GPA) were obtained for 78 at‐risk students enrolled in the counselling initiative. Criteria for risk included academic struggles, struggles with mental health, or both. Personality and demographic variables were obtained prior to the start of counselling and strength of therapeutic alliance was measured between sessions 3 and 6. Results showed that while all of the alliance components significantly predicted increases in student GPA, the task subscale predicted increases in mental health. Personality type preference was not found to moderate these associations. Furthermore, gender and pre‐symptom severity were not related to early alliance formation. The findings support the importance of the therapeutic alliance across counselling contexts and suggest that relationship oriented counselling initiatives may support both academic performance as well as psychological well‐being in at‐risk students. Implications are discussed.
miR‐21 sustains CD28 signalling and low‐affinity T‐cell responses at the expense of self‐tolerance
Authors: Fedeli Maya , Kuka Mirela , Finardi Annamaria , Albano Francesca , Viganò Valentina , Iannacone Matteo , Furlan Roberto , Dellabona Paolo , Casorati Giulia 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivemiR‐21 is highly expressed in iNKT and activated T cells, but its T‐cell autonomous functions are poorly defined. We sought to investigate the role of miR‐21 in the development and functions of T and iNKT cells, representing adaptive and innate‐like populations, respectively.MethodsWe studied mice with a conditional deletion of miR‐21 in all mature T lymphocytes.ResultsThymic and peripheral T and iNKT compartments were normal in miR‐21 KO mice. Upon activation in vitro, miR‐21 depletion reduced T‐cell survival, TH17 polarisation and, remarkably, T‐ and iNKT cell ability to respond to low‐affinity antigens, without altering their response to high‐affinity ones. Mechanistically, miR‐21 sustained CD28‐dependent costimulation pathways required to lower the T‐cell activation threshold, inhibiting its repressors in a positive feedback circuit, in turn increasing T‐cell sensitivity to antigenic stimulation and survival. Upon immunisation with the low‐affinity self‐epitope MOG35–55, miR‐21 KO mice were indeed less susceptible than WT animals to the induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, whereas they mounted normal T‐cell responses against high‐affinity viral epitopes generated upon lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection.ConclusionThe induction of T‐cell responses to weak antigens (signal 1) depends on CD28 costimulation (signal 2). miR‐21 sustains CD28 costimulation, decreasing the T‐cell activation threshold and increasing their sensitivity to antigenic stimulation and survival, broadening the immune surveillance range. This occurs at the cost of unleashing autoimmunity, resulting from the recognition of weak self‐antigens by autoreactive immune responses. Thus, miR‐21 fine‐tunes T‐cell response and self‐/non‐self‐discrimination.
Social relevance modulates multivariate neural representations of threat generalization in children and adults
Authors: Glenn Dana E. , Feldman Julia S. , Ivie Elizabeth J. , Shechner Tomer , Leibenluft Ellen , Pine Daniel S. , Peters Megan A. K. , Michalska Kalina J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFew studies have examined threat generalization across development and no developmental studies have compared the generalization of social versus nonsocial threat, making it difficult to identify contextual factors that contribute to threat learning across development. The present study assessed youth and adults’ multivoxel neural representations of social versus nonsocial threat stimuli. Twenty adults (Mage = 25.7 ± 4.9) and 16 youth (Mage = 14.1 ± 1.7) completed two conditioning and extinction recall paradigms: one social and one nonsocial paradigm. Three weeks after conditioning, participants underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging extinction recall task that presented the extinguished threat cue (CS+), a safety cue (CS−), and generalization stimuli (GS) consisting of CS−/CS+ blends. Across age groups, neural activity patterns and self‐reported fear and memory ratings followed a linear generalization gradient for social threat stimuli and a quadratic generalization gradient for nonsocial threat stimuli, indicating enhanced threat/safety discrimination for social relative to nonsocial threat stimuli. The amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex displayed the greatest neural pattern differentiation between the CS+ and GS/CS−, reinforcing their role in threat learning and extinction recall. Contrary to predictions, age did not influence threat representations. These findings highlight the importance of the social relevance of threat on generalization across development.
Prevalence of multidrug resistance in Pseudomonas spp. isolated from wild bird feces in an urban aquatic environment
Authors: G. C. Rodrigues Joana , Nair Harisree P. , O'Kane Christopher , Walker Caray A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been detected in the microbiota of wildlife, yet little is known about the origin and impact within the ecosystem. Due to the shortage of nonepizootic surveillance, there is limited understanding of the natural prevalence and circulation of AMR bacteria in the wild animal population, including avian species. In this surveillance study, feces from wild birds in proximity to the River Cam, Cambridge, England, were collected and Pseudomonas spp. were isolated. Of the 115 samples collected, 24 (20.9%; 95% CI, 12.6%‒29.2%) harbored Pseudomonas spp. of which 18 (75%; 95% CI, 58%‒92%) had a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index greater than 0.2. No Pseudomonas spp. isolate in this study was pansusceptible. Resistance was found among the 24 isolates against ciprofloxacin (87.5%; 95% CI, 74.3%‒100%) and cefepime (83.3%; 95% CI, 68.4%‒98.2%), both of which are extensively used to treat opportunistic Pseudomonas spp. infections. The prevalence of Pseudomonas spp. in the wild bird feces sampled during this study is greater than previous, similar studies. Additionally, their multidrug resistance profile provides insight into the potential risk for ecosystem contamination. It further highlights the importance of a One Health approach, including ongoing surveillance efforts that help to develop the understanding of how wildlife, including avifauna, may contribute and disperse AMR across the ecosystem.
Hydroamination and Hydrophosphination of Isocyanates/Isothiocyanates under Catalyst‐Free Conditions
Authors: Zhu Xiancui , Xu Mengchen , Sun Jinrong , Guo Dianjun , Zhang Yiwei , Zhou Shuangliu , Wang Shaowu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSymmetrical and unsymmetrical N,N’‐disubstituted as well as trisubstituted ureas/thioureas by the hydroamination of isocyanates/isothiocyanates, and various phosphathioureas by the hydrophosphination of isothiocyanates have been synthesized in good to excellent yields under catalyst‐free and mild conditions. This protocol is also applicable for the efficient synthesis of chiral ureas and thioureas and common herbicides, such as fenuron and monuron.
Hypoxia‐stimulated ATM activation regulates autophagy‐associated exosome release from cancer‐associated fibroblasts to promote cancer cell invasion
Authors: Xi Lei , Peng Meixi , Liu Shuiqing , Liu Yongcan , Wan Xueying , Hou Yixuan , Qin Yilu , Yang Liping , Chen Shanchun , Zeng Huan , Teng Yong , Cui Xiaojiang , Liu Manran 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) as a predominant cell component in the tumour microenvironment (TME) play an essential role in tumour progression. Our earlier studies revealed oxidized ATM activation in breast CAFs, which is independent of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs). Oxidized ATM has been found to serve as a redox sensor to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. However, whether and how oxidized ATM in breast CAFs regulates breast cancer progression remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that oxidized ATM phosphorylates BNIP3 to induce autophagosome accumulation and exosome release from hypoxic breast CAFs. Inhibition of oxidized ATM kinase by KU60019 (a small‐molecule inhibitor of activated ATM) or shRNA‐mediated knockdown of endogenous ATM or BNIP3 blocks autophagy and exosome release from hypoxic CAFs. We also show that oxidized ATM phosphorylates ATP6V1G1, a core proton pump in maintaining lysosomal acidification, leading to lysosomal dysfunction and autophagosome fusion with multi‐vesicular bodies (MVB) but not lysosomes to facilitate exosome release. Furthermore, autophagy‐associated GPR64 is enriched in hypoxic CAFs‐derived exosomes, which stimulates the non‐canonical NF‐κB signalling to upregulate MMP9 and IL‐8 in recipient breast cancer cells, enabling cancer cells to acquire enhanced invasive abilities. Collectively, these results provide novel insights into the role of stromal CAFs in promoting tumour progression and reveal a new function of oxidized ATM in regulating autophagy and exosome release.
Updates to Spectrum's case surveillance and vital registration tool for HIV estimates and projections
Authors: Mahiane Severin G. , Eaton Jeffrey W. , Glaubius Robert , Case Kelsey K. , Sabin Keith M. , Marsh Kimberly 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe Case Surveillance and Vital Registration (CSAVR) model within Spectrum estimates HIV incidence trends from surveillance data on numbers of new HIV diagnoses and HIV‐related deaths. This article describes developments of the CSAVR tool to more flexibly model diagnosis rates over time, estimate incidence patterns by sex and age group and by key population group.MethodsWe modelled HIV diagnosis rate trends as a mixture of three factors, including temporal and opportunistic infection components. The tool was expanded to estimate incidence rate ratios by sex and age for countries with disaggregated reporting of new HIV diagnoses and AIDS deaths, and to account for information on key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM), males who inject drugs (MWID), female sex workers (FSW) and females who inject drugs (FWID). We used a Bayesian framework to calibrate the tool in 71 high‐income or low‐HIV burden countries.ResultsAcross countries, an estimated median 89% (interquartile range [IQR]: 78%–96%) of HIV‐positive adults knew their status in 2019. Mean CD4 counts at diagnosis were stable over time, with a median of 456 cells/μl (IQR: 391–508) across countries in 2019. In European countries reporting new HIV diagnoses among key populations, median estimated proportions of males that are MSM and MWID was 1.3% (IQR: 0.9%–2.0%) and 0.56% (IQR: 0.51%–0.64%), respectively. The median estimated proportions of females that are FSW and FWID were 0.36% (IQR: 0.27%–0.45%) and 0.14 (IQR: 0.13%–0.15%), respectively. HIV incidence per 100 person‐years increased among MSM, with median estimates reaching 0.43 (IQR: 0.29–1.73) in 2019, but remained stable in MWID, FSW and FWID, at around 0.12 (IQR: 0.04–1.9), 0.09 (IQR: 0.06–0.69) and 0.13% (IQR: 0.08%–0.91%) in 2019, respectively. Knowledge of HIV status among HIV‐positive adults gradually increased since the early 1990s to exceed 75% in more than 75% of countries in 2019 among each key population.ConclusionsCSAVR offers an approach to using routine surveillance and vital registration data to estimate and project trends in both HIV incidence and knowledge of HIV status.
Clinical and molecular characterization of five Chinese patients with autosomal recessive osteopetrosis
Authors: Liang Huanhuan , Li Niu , Yao Ru‐en , Yu Tingting , Ding Lixia , Chen Jing , Wang Jian 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundOsteopetrosis is characterized by increased bone density and bone marrow cavity stenosis due to a decrease in the number of osteoclasts or the dysfunction of their differentiation and absorption properties usually caused by biallelic variants of the TCIRG1 and CLCN7 genes.MethodsIn this study, we describe five Chinese children who presented with anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, repeated infections, and increased bone density. Whole‐exome sequencing identified five compound heterozygous variants of the CLCN7 and TCIRG1 genes in these patients.ResultsPatient 1 had a novel variant c.1555C>T (p.L519F) and a previously reported pathogenic variant c.2299C>T (p.R767W) in CLCN7. Patient 2 harbored a novel missense variant (c.1025T>C; p.L342P) and a novel splicing variant (c.286‐9G>A) in CLCN7. Patients 3A and 3B from one family displayed the same compound heterozygous TCIRG1 variant, including a novel frameshift variant (c.1370del; p.T457Tfs*71) and a novel splicing variant (c.1554+2T>C). In Patient 4, two novel variants were identified in the TCIRG1 gene: c.676G>T; p.E226* and c.1191del; p.P398Sfs*5. Patient 5 harbored two known pathogenic variants, c.909C>A (p.Y303*) and c.2008C>T (p.R670*), in TCIRG1. Analysis of the products obtained from the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction revealed that the c.286‐9G>A variant in CLCN7 of patient 2 leads to intron 3 retention, resulting in the formation of a premature termination codon (p.E95Vfs*8). These five patients were eventually diagnosed with autosomal recessive osteopetrosis, and the three children with TCIRG1 variants received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.ConclusionsOur results expand the spectrum of variation of genes related to osteopetrosis and deepen the understanding of the relationship between the genotype and clinical characteristics of osteopetrosis.
Analysis of influencing factors of nurse‐patient disputes based on patient characteristics: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Yawen , Lu Jinjin , Ye Qian , Ji Li , Lu Zhongqiu , Li Jufang , Xu Hongbo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimTo explore the prevalence of nurse‐patient disputes and the influencing factors based on an analysis of patient characteristics.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsThis study used the convenience sampling method. Three self‐designed questionnaires based on clinical experience and literature review were used to collect the current status of nurse‐patient disputes and to assess patients’ humanistic qualities and patients’ recognition of nursing work. The Big Five personality questionnaire was used to assess the five personality traits of patients.ResultsOf the patients, 9.6% reported having a dispute with nurses. The results of binary logistic regression analysis indicated that patients’ humanistic quality, recognition of nursing work and agreeableness in personality traits had a negative predictive effect on nurse‐patient disputes, while family monthly income and neuroticism in personality traits positively predicted disputes.