bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic simulation of articulated soft robots
Authors: Huang Weicheng , Huang Xiaonan , Majidi Carmel , Jawed M. Khalid
Published: May 2020

Soft robots are primarily composed of soft materials that can allow for mechanically robust maneuvers that are not typically possible with conventional rigid robotic systems. However, owing to the current limitations in simulation, design and control of soft robots often involve a painstaking trial. With the ultimate goal of a computational framework for soft robotic engineering, here we introduce a numerical simulation tool for limbed soft robots that draws inspiration from discrete differential geometry based simulation of slender structures. The simulation incorporates an implicit treatment of the elasticity of the limbs, inelastic collision between a soft body and rigid surface, and unilateral contact and Coulombic friction with an uneven surface. The computational efficiency of the numerical method enables it to run faster than real-time on a desktop processor. Our experiments and simulations show quantitative agreement and indicate the potential role of predictive simulations for soft robot design.
Future ocean biomass losses may widen socioeconomic equity gaps
Authors: Boyce Daniel G. , Lotze Heike K. , Tittensor Derek P. , Carozza David A. , Worm Boris
Published: May 2020

Future climate impacts and their consequences are increasingly being explored using multi-model ensembles that average across individual model projections. Here we develop a statistical framework that integrates projections from coupled ecosystem and earth-system models to evaluate significance and uncertainty in marine animal biomass changes over the 21st century in relation to socioeconomic indicators at national to global scales. Significant biomass changes are projected in 40%–57% of the global ocean, with 68%–84% of these areas exhibiting declining trends under low and high emission scenarios, respectively. Given unabated emissions, maritime nations with poor socioeconomic statuses such as low nutrition, wealth, and ocean health will experience the greatest projected losses. These findings suggest that climate-driven biomass changes will widen existing equity gaps and disproportionally affect populations that contributed least to global CO2 emissions. However, our analysis also suggests that such deleterious outcomes are largely preventable by achieving negative emissions (RCP 2.6).
Universality and quantum criticality in quasiperiodic spin chains
Authors: Agrawal Utkarsh , Gopalakrishnan Sarang , Vasseur Romain
Published: May 2020

Quasiperiodic systems are aperiodic but deterministic, so their critical behavior differs from that of clean systems and disordered ones as well. Quasiperiodic criticality was previously understood only in the special limit where the couplings follow discrete quasiperiodic sequences. Here we consider generic quasiperiodic modulations; we find, remarkably, that for a wide class of spin chains, generic quasiperiodic modulations flow to discrete sequences under a real-space renormalization-group transformation. These discrete sequences are therefore fixed points of a functional renormalization group. This observation allows for an asymptotically exact treatment of the critical points. We use this approach to analyze the quasiperiodic Heisenberg, Ising, and Potts spin chains, as well as a phenomenological model for the quasiperiodic many-body localization transition.
Publisher Correction: Intramolecular chaperone-mediated secretion of an Rhs effector toxin by a type VI secretion system
Authors: Pei Tong-Tong , Li Hao , Liang Xiaoye , Wang Zeng-Hang , Liu Guangfeng , Wu Li-Li , Kim Haeun , Xie Zhiping , Yu Ming , Lin Shuangjun , Xu Ping , Dong Tao G.
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Self-cross-linked arrays enabled flexible mechanical sensors for monitoring the body tremor
Authors: Wang Xuewen , Fu Wei , Gao Guanhui , Mehay Mandeep Singh , Zheng Lu , Wang Hong , Zhao Wu , Loh Kian Ping , Zhang Ting , Huang Wei , Liu Zheng
Published: May 2020

Thin-film electronics played an important role in flexible healthcare sensor applications. The common status of their constituent blocks are solid film and network structures. However, the solid film could only sustain bend in a narrow range due to cracks, and the network structure decreased the sensitivity of flexion sensors due to the strong interactions between nanowires. New materials and technologies are urgently required for flexible sensing electronics, to produce the reliable data for assessment of the human body. Here, we report on a novel three-dimensional (3D) carbon nanorods array (CNA) that is characterized as vertically aligned nanorods and self-cross-linked junctions. We also demonstrate the CNA-based flexible healthcare sensors in monitoring the Parkinsonian tremors. Comparing with two-dimensional (2D) carbon nanotube networks and solid thin films, such self-cross-linked geometries are highly resistant to crack and fragmentation under strain. In the meantime, it shows high sensitivity and good stability (~10,000 times) to detect the flexions. These CNA-based flexible devices are capable of recording low-frequency vibrations (<6 Hz) and make it excellent to monitor the rest tremor of the human body, which is an initial symptom of Parkinson’s disease. The 3D self-cross-linked CNA film shows great potential in the fabrication of cost-effective and durable flexible sensors for early diagnosis of disease by monitoring the health-related rest tremors.
Genomic competition for noise reduction shaped evolutionary landscape of mir-4673
Authors: Farahani Ramin M. , Rezaei-Lotfi Saba , Hunter Neil
Published: May 2020

The genomic platform that informs evolution of microRNA cascades remains unknown. Here we capitalised on the recent evolutionary trajectory of hominin-specific miRNA-4673, encoded in intron 4 of notch-1, to uncover the identity of one such precursor genomic element and the selective forces acting upon it. The miRNA targets genes that regulate Wnt/β-catenin signalling cascade. Primary sequence of the microRNA and its target region in Wnt modulating genes evolved from homologous signatures mapped to homotypic cis-clusters recognised by TCF3/4 and TFAP2A/B/C families. Integration of homologous TFAP2A/B/C cis-clusters (short range inhibitor of β-catenin) into the transcriptional landscape of Wnt cascade genes can reduce noise in gene expression. Probabilistic adoption of miRNA secondary structure by one such cis-signature in notch-1 reflected selection for superhelical curvature symmetry of precursor DNA to localise a nucleosome that overlapped the latter cis-cluster. By replicating the cis-cluster signature, non-random interactions of the miRNA with key Wnt modulator genes expanded the transcriptional noise buffering capacity via a coherent feed-forward loop mechanism. In consequence, an autonomous transcriptional noise dampener (the cis-cluster/nucleosome) evolved into a post-transcriptional one (the miRNA). The findings suggest a latent potential for remodelling of transcriptional landscape by miRNAs that capitalise on non-random distribution of genomic cis-signatures.
Information gain modulates brain activity evoked by reading
Authors: Kangassalo Lauri , Spapé Michiel , Ravaja Niklas , Ruotsalo Tuukka
Published: May 2020

The human brain processes language to optimise efficient communication. Studies have shown extensive evidence that the brain’s response to language is affected both by lower-level features, such as word-length and frequency, and syntactic and semantic violations within sentences. However, our understanding on cognitive processes at discourse level remains limited: How does the relationship between words and the wider topic one is reading about affect language processing? We propose an information theoretic model to explain cognitive resourcing. In a study in which participants read sentences from Wikipedia entries, we show information gain, an information theoretic measure that quantifies the specificity of a word given its topic context, modulates word-synchronised brain activity in the EEG. Words with high information gain amplified a slow positive shift in the event related potential. To show that the effect persists for individual and unseen brain responses, we furthermore show that a classifier trained on EEG data can successfully predict information gain from previously unseen EEG. The findings suggest that biological information processing seeks to maximise performance subject to constraints on information capacity.
Anomalous magneto-transport properties of bilayer phosphorene
Authors: Wu Jhao-Ying , Su Wu-Pei , Gumbs Godfrey
Published: May 2020

The magneto-transport properties of phosphorene are investigated by employing the generalized tight-binding model to calculate the energy bands. For bilayer phosphorene, a composite magnetic and electric field is shown to induce a feature-rich Landau level (LL) spectrum which includes two subgroups of low-lying LLs. The two subgroups possess distinct features in level spacings, quantum numbers, as well as field dependencies. These together lead to anomalous quantum Hall (QH) conductivities which include a well-shape, staircase and composite quantum structures with steps having varying heights and widths. The Fermi energy-magnetic field-Hall conductivity (EF−Bz−σxy) and Fermi energy-electric field-Hall conductivity (EF−Ez−σxy) phase diagrams clearly exhibit oscillatory behaviors and cross-over from integer to half-integer QH effect. The predicted results should be verifiable by magneto-transport measurements in a dual-gated system.
The Intersection between Spliff Usage, Tobacco Smoking, and Having the First Joint after Waking
Authors: Kumar Navin , Puljević Cheneal , Ferris Jason , Winstock Adam , Barratt Monica J.
Published: May 2020

Cannabis users who are also tobacco smokers are more likely to exhibit cannabis dependence and psychosocial problems. However, there has been minimal research around various cannabis and tobacco mixing (spliff usage) behaviours and likeliness to smoke the first joint within an hour of waking, known colloquially as wake and bake. The time of first joint and spliff usage may be related as they are associated with the intersection of tobacco and cannabis use. Compared to non-morning cannabis users, morning users reported significantly more cannabis-related problems. Through a survey of US cannabis users, we test the association between various cannabis and spliff use behaviours and likeliness to smoke the first joint within an hour of waking. Compared to those who smoked tobacco and did not use spliffs, the following spliff use behaviour groups were less likely to have their first joint within 60 minutes after waking: those who smoked tobacco and used spliffs (95%CI: 0.605–0.988); those who never smoked tobacco and did not use spliffs (95%CI: 0.489–0.892); those who never smoked tobacco and used spliffs (95%CI:0.022–0.915). We provided possible explanations for our results and suggested further research to better understand findings, important given expanding US cannabis markets.
Population mobility induced phase separation in SIS epidemic and social dynamics
Authors: Harding Nathan , Spinney Richard E. , Prokopenko Mikhail
Published: May 2020

Understanding the impact of behavior dependent mobility in the spread of epidemics and social disorders is an outstanding problem in computational epidemiology. We present a modelling approach for the study of mobility that adapts dynamically according to individual state, epidemic/social-contagion state and network topology in accordance with limited data and/or common behavioral models. We demonstrate that even for simple compartmental network processes, our approach leads to complex spatial patterns of infection in the endemic state dependent on individual behavior. Specifically, we characterize the resulting phenomena in terms of phase separation, highlighting phase transitions between distinct spatial states and determining the systems’ phase diagram. The existence of such phases implies that small changes in the populations’ perceptions could lead to drastic changes in the spatial extent and morphology of the epidemic/social phenomena.
Soil organic matter stoichiometry as indicator for peatland degradation
Authors: Leifeld Jens , Klein Kristy , Wüst-Galley Chloé
Published: May 2020

Peatlands accumulate organic matter (OM) under anaerobic conditions. After drainage for forestry or agriculture, microbial respiration and peat oxidation induce OM losses and change the stoichiometry of the remaining organic material. Here, we (i) evaluate whether land use (cropland CL, grassland GL, forest FL, natural peatland NL) is associated with different peat stoichiometry, (ii) study how peat stoichiometry changes with OM content and (iii) infer the fate of nitrogen upon soil degradation. Organic C and soil N were measured for 1310 samples from 48 sites in Switzerland, and H and O for 1165. The soil OM content and C/N ratio were most sensitive to land use and are hence best suited as indicators for peatland degradation. OM contents (CL < GL < FL < NL), H/C, O/C, C/N ratios, and OM oxidation states were significantly different between land use types in top- and subsoils. With decreasing bulk OM content, C was relatively depleted while H and particularly N were higher. The data suggest very high N mobilization rates from strongly decomposed peat in agricultural topsoil. A comparison to peat C and N from mostly intact peatlands of the Northern hemisphere reveals that agriculture and, to a lesser extent, forestry induce a progressed state of soil degradation.
Different exercise training modalities produce similar endothelial function improvements in individuals with prehypertension or hypertension: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pedralli Marinei L. , Marschner Rafael A. , Kollet Daniel P. , Neto Salvador G. , Eibel Bruna , Tanaka Hirofumi , Lehnen Alexandre M.
Published: May 2020

Endothelial dysfunction is a characteristic of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and an early marker of atherosclerosis. Aerobic exercise training (AT) improves endothelial function. However, the effects of resistance training (RT) and combined training (CT) on endothelial function remain controversial in individuals with SAH. We determined the effects of AT, RT, and CT on endothelial function and systolic (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in individuals with prehypertension or hypertension. Forty-two participants (54 ± 11 y, resting SBP/DBP 137 ± 9/86 ± 6 mmHg) were randomly allocated into AT (n = 14, 40 min of cycling, 50–75% heart rate reserve), RT (n = 14, 6 resistance exercises, 4 × 12 repetitions, 60% maximum strength) and CT (n = 14, 2 × 12 repetitions of RT + 20 min of AT). All participants performed a 40-minute exercise session twice a week for 8 weeks. Endothelial function was evaluated by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Blood pressure was evaluated through ambulatory monitoring for 24 hours. After 8 weeks of exercise training, blood pressure was reduced in all 3 groups: −5.1 mmHg in SBP (95%CI –10.1, 0.0; p = 0.003) in AT; −4.0 mmHg in SBP (95%CI −7.8, −0.5; p = 0.027) in RT; and −3.2 mmHg in DBP (95%CI −7.9, 1.5; p = 0.001) in CT. All 3 exercise training modalities produced similar improvements in FMD: + 3.2% (95%CI 1.7, 4.6) (p < 0.001) in AT; + 4.0% (95%CI 2.1, 5.7) (p < 0.001) in RT; and +6.8% (95%CI 2.6, 11.1) (p = 0.006) in CT. In conclusion, different exercise training modalities were similarly effective in improving endothelial function but impacts on ambulatory blood pressure appear to be variable in individuals with prehypertension or hypertension.
Relationships of virus titers and transmission rates among sympatric and allopatric virus isolates and thrips vectors support local adaptation
Authors: Linak Jessica A. , Jacobson Alana L. , Sit Tim L. , Kennedy George G.
Published: May 2020

Plant viruses rely on insect vectors for transmission among plant hosts, but many of the specifics of virus-vector interactions are not fully understood. Thrips tabaci, which transmits Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in a persistent and propagative manner, varies greatly in its ability to transmit different isolates of TSWV. Similarly, TSWV isolates are transmitted at different efficiencies by different populations of T. tabaci. This study characterizes differences in virus titers in the vector among TSWV isolate-T. tabaci isoline pairings in relation to differences in transmission rates, and demonstrates that although transmission rates were higher for sympatric than allopatric TSWV isolate-T. tabaci isoline pairings, virus titers in the thrips vector were significantly lower in the sympatric pairings. Results further demonstrate that TSWV titers in the vector were unrelated to virus titers in the leaf tissue from which they acquired the virus and provide evidence for the importance of specific vector-virus interactions and local adaptation in determining transmission efficiency of TSWV by T. tabaci.
Effect of Ki-67 Expression Levels and Histological Grade on Breast Cancer Early Relapse in Patients with Different Immunohistochemical-based Subtypes
Authors: Liang Qin , Ma Ding , Gao Run-Fang , Yu Ke-Da
Published: May 2020

This retrospective analysis evaluated the interaction between Ki-67 and histological grade and their prognostic role in different breast cancer subtypes. In total, 2,573 breast cancer patients underwent surgery, and their histological grade and Ki-67 values were evaluated by breast pathologists. The median Ki-67 index was 15%, which was used as the cut-off for low/high Ki-67 expression. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was calculated and compared, and the results indicated that Ki-67 expression was significantly associated with histological grade in all breast cancer patients (p < 0.001) and in each immunohistochemical (IHC)-based subtype (p < 0.001). Both high Ki-67 expression and grade 3 tumours were independent predictors of inferior RFS in all patients, especially in those with luminal-like tumours (p < 0.05). Ki-67 was an independent prognostic factor for RFS in grade 1, 2 patients with luminal-like tumours (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-3.03, p = 0.005), but not in the other subtypes. Similarly, histological grade predicted shorter RFS in patients with low Ki-67 expression who had luminal-like tumours (adjusted HR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.13-3.99, p = 0.02) but not in the other subtypes. Conversely, Ki-67 showed no prognostic value for patients with grade 3 tumours and vice versa.
Structural Basis for PPARα Activation by 1H-pyrazolo-[3,4-b]pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Yoshida Takuya , Oki Hiroya , Doi Michihiro , Fukuda Syohei , Yuzuriha Tomohiro , Tabata Ryotaro , Ishimoto Kenji , Kawahara Kazuki , Ohkubo Tadayasu , Miyachi Hiroyuki , Doi Takefumi , Tachibana Keisuke
Published: May 2020

Small-molecule agonism of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), a ligand-activated transcriptional factor involved in regulating fatty acid metabolism, is an important approach for treating dyslipidemia. Here, we determined the structures of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of PPARα in complex with 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid derivatives, which were recently identified as PPARα-selective activators with markedly different structures from those of the well-known PPARα agonists fibrates. The crystal structures of the complexes showed that they form a canonical hydrogen-bond network involving helix 12 in the LBD, which is thought to be essential for PPARα activation, as also observed for fibrates. However, the phenyl side chain of the compounds occupies a small cavity between Ile272 and Ile354, which is rarely accessed by fibrates. This unique feature may be essential for subtype selectivity and combine with the well-characterized binding mode of fibrates to improve activity. These findings demonstrate the advantage of using 1H-pyrazolo-[3,4-b]pyridine as a skeleton of PPARα agonists and provide insight into the design of molecules for treating dyslipidemia.
Roles of PI3K pan-inhibitors and PI3K-δ inhibitors in allergic lung inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Jong Seung , Jeong Jae Seok , Kwon Sam Hyun , Kim So Ri , Lee Yong Chul
Published: May 2020

Meta-analysis can be applied to study the effectiveness of the summary estimates for experimental papers, producing objective and unbiased results. We investigated the effects of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) on the inflammatory profile in allergic mouse models, which are currently under development in signal transduction materials. PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant literature using the search terms “ PI3K inhibitor” and “allergy” or “asthma”. Cochrane Review Manager and R were used for handling continuous variables. The primary outcomes of the inflammatory profile were divided into cell counts and inflammatory cytokines. We used a random effects model to draw a forest plot. Through the database search and subsequent selection, 17 articles were identified. Regarding the cell counts, both the PI3K pan-inhibitors and PI3K-δ inhibitors effectively reduced the total cell counts, eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes. In contrast to PI3K-δ inhibitors, PI3K pan-inhibitors effectively reduced macrophages. Regarding the inflammatory cytokines, PI3K pan-inhibitors and PI3K-δ inhibitors effectively reduced total IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TNF-α, IL-1β, VEGF and had no effect on IL-6. Compared to the PI3K pan-inhibitors, which block all pathways, selective PI3K-δ inhibitors are expected to be relatively less toxic. Regarding the efficacy, PI3K-δ inhibitors have at least the same or better efficacy than PI3K pan-inhibitors in effector cells and inflammatory mediators.
Crystal-like order and defects in metazoan epithelia with spherical geometry
Authors: Roshal Daria S. , Azzag Karim , Le Goff Emilie , Rochal Sergei B. , Baghdiguian Stephen
Published: May 2020

Since Robert Hooke studied cork cell patterns in 1665, scientists have been puzzled by why cells form such ordered structures. The laws underlying this type of organization are universal, and we study them comparing the living and non-living two-dimensional systems self-organizing at the spherical surface. Such-type physical systems often possess trigonal order with specific elongated defects, scars and pleats, where the 5-valence and 7-valence vertices alternate. In spite of the fact that the same physical and topological rules are involved in the structural organization of biological systems, such topological defects were never reported in epithelia. We have discovered them in the follicular spherical epithelium of ascidians that are emerging models in developmental biology. Surprisingly, the considered defects appear in the epithelium even when the number of cells in it is significantly less than the previously known threshold value. We explain this result by differences in the cell sizes and check our hypothesis considering the self-assembly of different random size particles on the spherical surface. Scars, pleats and other complex defects found in ascidian samples can play an unexpected and decisive role in the permanent renewal and reorganization of epithelia, which forms or lines many tissues and organs in metazoans.
The transcutaneous electromyography recording method for intraoperative neuromonitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerve during minimally invasive parathyroidectomy
Authors: Li Peng , Liang Qing-Zhuang , Wang Dong-Lai , Han Bin , Yi Xin , Wei Wei , Chiang Feng-Yu
Published: May 2020

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) facilitates recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) protection in thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. This study aimed to investigate a novel transcutaneous electromyography (EMG) recording method for IONM of the RLN during minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP). Twenty patients with primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing MIP were enrolled. Two paired needle electrodes were percutaneously inserted into the bilateral laminas of thyroid cartilage for monitoring the vagus nerve and RLN. A standardized IONM procedure (V1-R1-R2-V2 signals) was strictly followed, and the RLN was routinely located and mapped. Pre- and postoperative laryngofiberoscopy was performed to confirm vocal cord function. The proposed technique was successfully used in all patients, and typical EMG signals were effectively detected. No significant change in EMG signals before and after tumor resection was noted, and a normal vocal cord movement was ensured in all patients with postoperative laryngofiberoscopy. IONM helped localize the position of the RLN and facilitated the safe resection of the parathyroid tumor during MIP. The novel transcutaneous EMG recording method proposed in this study was feasible, convenient, reliable, and inexpensive.
Motion-picture recording of ultrafast behavior of polarized light incident at Brewster’s angle
Authors: Sasaki Mika , Matsunaka Atsushi , Inoue Tomoyoshi , Nishio Kenzo , Awatsuji Yasuhiro
Published: May 2020

Observing light propagation plays an important role in clarifying ultrafast phenomena occurring on femtosecond to picosecond time scales. In particular, observing the ultrafast behavior of polarized light is useful for various fields. We have developed a technique based on Polarization Light-in-Flight Holography, which can record light propagation as a motion picture that can provide information about the polarization direction. Here we demonstrate motion-picture recording of a phenomenon, which is characteristic of polarized light, by using the proposed technique. As a phenomenon, we adopted the behavior of a light pulse incident at Brewster’s angle. We succeeded in recording the light reflection of specific polarized light by the proposed optical setup. The method of recording the motion-picture, reconstruction procedure, and the quantitative evaluation of the results are demonstrated.
Structural and mechanical remodeling of the cytoskeleton maintains tensional homeostasis in 3D microtissues under acute dynamic stretch
Authors: Walker Matthew , Rizzuto Pauline , Godin Michel , Pelling Andrew E.
Published: May 2020

When stretched, cells cultured on 2D substrates share a universal softening and fluidization response that arises from poorly understood remodeling of well-conserved cytoskeletal elements. It is known, however, that the structure and distribution of the cytoskeleton is profoundly influenced by the dimensionality of a cell’s environment. Therefore, in this study we aimed to determine whether cells cultured in a 3D matrix share this softening behavior and to link it to cytoskeletal remodeling. To achieve this, we developed a high-throughput approach to measure the dynamic mechanical properties of cells and allow for sub-cellular imaging within physiologically relevant 3D microtissues. We found that fibroblast, smooth muscle and skeletal muscle microtissues strain softened but did not fluidize, and upon loading cessation, they regained their initial mechanical properties. Furthermore, microtissue prestress decreased with the strain amplitude to maintain a constant mean tension. This adaptation under an auxotonic condition resulted in lengthening. A filamentous actin cytoskeleton was required, and responses were mirrored by changes to actin remodeling rates and visual evidence of stretch-induced actin depolymerization. Our new approach for assessing cell mechanics has linked behaviors seen in 2D cultures to a 3D matrix, and connected remodeling of the cytoskeleton to homeostatic mechanical regulation of tissues.
Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis Associated with Bile Acid Metabolism in Neonatal Cholestasis Disease
Authors: Li Meng , Liu Sixiang , Wang Mingying , Hu Hongwei , Yin Jianwen , Liu Chuanfa , Huang Yongkun
Published: May 2020

Neonatal cholestasis disease (NCD) is a complex and easily mis-diagnosed condition. We analyzed microbiota community structure in feces and measured short-chain fatty acids, bile acids (BAs) and liver function of 12 healthy, 13 NCD, and 13 treated infants after diagnosis. Based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and gas-chromatographic-mass-spectrometric analysis of secondary BAs, we identified microbial genera and metabolites that associate with abnormal bile secretion. Streptococcus gallolyticus and Parabacteroides distasonis, and Lactobacillus gasseri had higher relative abundance in healthy and NCD infants respectively. Compared to NCD patients, healthy infants had higher LCA, CDCA and GCDCA fecal concentrations. The three microbial species and three secondary bile acids were selected as potential non-invasive combined biomarkers to diagnose NCD. We propose that microbiota-metabolite combined biomarkers could be used for diagnosis of NCD, and this may contribute to improved early clinical diagnosis of NCD in the future.
Methylation deficiency disrupts biological rhythms from bacteria to humans
Authors: Fustin Jean-Michel , Ye Shiqi , Rakers Christin , Kaneko Kensuke , Fukumoto Kazuki , Yamano Mayu , Versteven Marijke , Grünewald Ellen , Cargill Samantha J. , Tamai T. Katherine , Xu Yao , Jabbur Maria Luísa , Kojima Rika , Lamberti Melisa L. , Yoshioka-Kobayashi Kumiko , Whitmore David , Tammam Stephanie , Howell P. Lynne , Kageyama Ryoichiro , Matsuo Takuya , Stanewsky Ralf , Golombek Diego A. , Johnson Carl Hirschie , Kakeya Hideaki , van Ooijen Gerben , Okamura Hitoshi
Published: May 2020

The methyl cycle is a universal metabolic pathway providing methyl groups for the methylation of nuclei acids and proteins, regulating all aspects of cellular physiology. We have previously shown that methyl cycle inhibition in mammals strongly affects circadian rhythms. Since the methyl cycle and circadian clocks have evolved early during evolution and operate in organisms across the tree of life, we sought to determine whether the link between the two is also conserved. Here, we show that methyl cycle inhibition affects biological rhythms in species ranging from unicellular algae to humans, separated by more than 1 billion years of evolution. In contrast, the cyanobacterial clock is resistant to methyl cycle inhibition, although we demonstrate that methylations themselves regulate circadian rhythms in this organism. Mammalian cells with a rewired bacteria-like methyl cycle are protected, like cyanobacteria, from methyl cycle inhibition, providing interesting new possibilities for the treatment of methylation deficiencies.
Resistance to the “last resort” antibiotic colistin: a single-zinc mechanism for phosphointermediate formation in MCR enzymes
Authors: Lythell Emily , Suardíaz Reynier , Hinchliffe Philip , Hanpaibool Chonnikan , Visitsatthawong Surawit , Oliveira A. Sofia F. , Lang Eric J. M. , Surawatanawong Panida , Lee Vannajan Sanghiran , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada , Fey Natalie , Spencer James , Mulholland Adrian J.
Published: May 2020

Simulations show the mono-zinc form of MCR to be stable and competent for covalent phospho(ethanolamine) intermediate formation.
Repurposing of the anti-HIV drug emtricitabine as a hydrogen-bonded cleft for bipyridines via cocrystallization
Authors: Campillo-Alvarado Gonzalo , Keene Elizabeth A. , Swenson Dale C. , MacGillivray Leonard R.
Published: May 2020

Supramolecular repurposing of the anti-HIV drug emtricitabine enables the recognition of rod-shaped bipyridines as a hydrogen-bonded supramolecular cleft.
Morphology–transport relationships for SBA-15 and KIT-6 ordered mesoporous silicas
Authors: Hochstrasser Janika , Svidrytski Artur , Höltzel Alexandra , Priamushko Tatiana , Kleitz Freddy , Wang Wu , Kübel Christian , Tallarek Ulrich
Published: May 2020

Morphology–transport relationships are established for ordered mesoporous silicas through diffusion simulations in geometrical models obtained by electron tomography.
Influence of gold on the reactivity behaviour of ceria nanorods in CO oxidation: combining operando spectroscopies and DFT calculations
Authors: Ziemba Marc , Hess Christian
Published: May 2020

In this combined Raman/UV-Vis and DFT study, structure-activity relations for CO oxidation over ceria nanorods (with/without gold) with CeO2(110) and CeO2(100) termination are elucidated using ceria nanocubes with CeO2(100) termination as reference.
An oxacalix[4]arene derived dual sensing fluorescent probe for the detection of As(v) and Cr(vi) oxyanions in aqueous media
Authors: Dey Shuvankar , Kumar Anshu , Mondal Pradip Kumar , Modi Krunal M. , Chopra Deepak , Jain Vinod K.
Published: May 2020

An oxacalix[4]arene-Ce(iii) complexviz.L–Ce(III)has been introduced for the selective detection of As(v) and Cr(vi) oxyanions in aqueous medium.
Amorphous co-doped MoSex effectively enhances photocatalysis in visible light
Authors: Feng Rui , Wu Rong , Cao Yuncheng , Guo Xiaolin , Ma Xu
Published: May 2020

Amorphous co-doped MoSex enhances photocatalytic activity. There are three types of unsaturated Se–Se bonds in Co-MoSex: bridging Se–Se, shared Se–Se and terminal Se–Se. The band gap of Co-MoSex was reduced and the light response range was expanded.
Tin based organic–inorganic hybrid semiconductors with reversible phase transition and dielectric anomaly
Authors: You Xiuli , Yao Jiaojiao , Wei Zhenhong
Published: May 2020

Two discrete tin based organic–inorganic hybrid compounds [(FMBA)2SnX6] (X = Cl and Br) showed reversible phase transition and dielectric anomaly above 400 K which were originated from the order-disorder of a fluorine-substituted organic amine.
High-resolution atomic structures of rubidium compounds in L X-ray spectral lines: a promising exploration for chemical analysis
Authors: Kainth Harpreet Singh
Published: May 2020

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy has made a significant impact on the chemical profile analysis of various materials used for industrial and medical purposes.
Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) as a thermoreversible gelator for topical administration
Authors: Haddow P. , McAuley W. J. , Kirton S. B. , Cook M. T.
Published: May 2020

PNIPAM98–PEG122–PNIPAM98 is explored as a thermoreversible gelator for topical administration, giving temperature-dependent release of progesterone over up to 6 days.
Chirality control of inorganic materials and metals by peptides or amino acids
Authors: Kim Hyeohn , Im Sang Won , Kim Ryeong Myeong , Cho Nam Heon , Lee Hye-Eun , Ahn Hyo-Yong , Nam Ki Tae
Published: May 2020

In this review, we exploit recent investigations to identify the exceptional roles of amino acids and peptides in chirality, based on local atomic conformation to macroscopic chiral morphology.
There's no place like real-space: elucidating size-dependent atomic structure of nanomaterials using pair distribution function analysis
Authors: Christiansen Troels Lindahl , Cooper Susan R. , Jensen Kirsten M. Ø.
Published: May 2020

We review the use of pair distribution function analysis for characterization of atomic structure in nanomaterials.
Coupled hard–soft spinel ferrite-based core–shell nanoarchitectures: magnetic properties and heating abilities
Authors: Sanna Angotzi Marco , Mameli Valentina , Cara Claudio , Musinu Anna , Sangregorio Claudio , Niznansky Daniel , Xin Huolin L. , Vejpravova Jana , Cannas Carla
Published: May 2020

The heating abilities of bi-magnetic core–shell nanostructures are studied depending on core size, nature of the shell, and shell thickness.
Gelation of uranyl ions and gel-derived uranium oxide nanoparticles for gas sensing
Authors: Ding Li , Leduc Jennifer , Fischer Thomas , Mathur Sanjay , Li Yan
Published: May 2020

Gas sensing uranium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by microwave reaction based on uranyl-ethylene-glycol gel.
Label-free colorimetric detection of serum cysteine using Ag-NP probes in the presence of Be2+ ions
Authors: Rejeeth Chandrababu , Sharma Alok , Nipun Babu Varukattu , Gautam Rahul
Published: May 2020

Amino acids play a crucial role in a variety of significant metabolic processes and their homeostasis is essential for cell growth and survival.
Novel nitro-substituted formazan derivatives: selective ratiometric and colorimetric chemosensors for fluoride anion sensing detectable by the naked eye
Authors: Turkoglu Gulsen
Published: May 2020

This study is the first report of formazan derivatives designed as chemosensors for fluoride anion recognition.
Dy2@C79N: a new member of dimetalloazafullerenes with strong single molecular magnetism
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Xiong Jin , Su Jie , Hu Ziqi , Ma Fang , Sun Rong , Tan Xueyou , Sun Hao-Ling , Wang Bing-Wu , Shi Zujin , Gao Song
Published: May 2020

The azafullerene Dy2@C79N is found to be a single molecule magnet with large energy barrier and high blocking temperature of magnetization.
Late-stage synthesis and application of photoreactive probes derived from direct benzoylation of heteroaromatic C–H bonds
Authors: Hesp Kevin D. , Xiao Jun , West Graham M.
Published: May 2020

A synthetically-driven, late-stage C–H benzoylation strategy for the expedited preparation and evaluation of heterocyclic alternatives to more classical benzophenone photoreactive probes is reported.
A Selectfluor-promoted oxidative reaction of disulfides and amines: access to sulfinamides
Authors: Mei Haibo , Liu Jiang , Pajkert Romana , Röschenthaler Gerd-Volker , Han Jianlin
Published: May 2020

An unprecedented metal-free oxidative reaction of disulfides and amines with Selectfluor as a mild oxidant under aerobic conditions was developed.
Polymerization of epoxide monomers promoted by tBuP4 phosphazene base: a comparative study of kinetic behavior
Authors: Puchelle Valentin , Du Haiqin , Illy Nicolas , Guégan Philippe
Published: May 2020

This contribution fills the need for quantitative mechanistic and kinetic information for epoxide polymerizations catalyzed by tBuP4 phosphazene base.
Novel cathode buffer layer of Al(acac)3 enables efficient, large area and stable semi-transparent organic solar cells
Authors: Bai Yiming , Zhao Chunyan , Shi Rongkang , Wang Jun , Wang Fuzhi , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed , Tan Zhan'ao
Published: May 2020

A novel cathode buffer layer of Al(acac)3 is introduced into ST-OSCs, which can satisfy the practical benchmark of ST-OSCs, namely provide appropriate AVT and CRI on the premise of keeping efficient PCE and aesthetically pleasing color.
Elimination of humic acid in water: comparison of UV/PDS and UV/PMS
Authors: Tang Shoufeng , Tang Jiachen , Yuan Deling , Wang Zetao , Zhang Yating , Rao Yandi
Published: May 2020

In this work, UV-activated persulphate treatment (UV/PDS and UV/PMS) was found to be an effective method for HA removal.
Dip-coating decoration of Ag2O nanoparticles on SnO2 nanowires for high-performance H2S gas sensors
Authors: Ngoc Hoa Tran Thi , Van Duy Nguyen , Hung Chu Manh , Van Hieu Nguyen , Hau Ho Huu , Hoa Nguyen Duc
Published: May 2020

Ag2O nanoparticles decorated on the surface of on-chip growth SnO2 nanowires by a dip-coating method possessed excellent sensing performance for H2S gas.
Selective cytotoxic effect against the MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell line of the antibacterial palindromic peptide derived from bovine lactoferricin
Authors: Barragán-Cárdenas Andrea , Urrea-Pelayo Maribel , Niño-Ramírez Víctor Alfonso , Umaña-Pérez Adriana , Vernot Jean Paul , Parra-Giraldo Claudia Marcela , Fierro-Medina Ricardo , Rivera-Monroy Zuly , García-Castañeda Javier
Published: May 2020

The cytotoxic effect against the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 of the palindromic peptide LfcinB (21–25)Pal: 1RWQWRWQWR9 and its analogous peptides, obtained via alanine scanning, was evaluated.
Effect of temperature and large guest molecules on the C–H symmetric stretching vibrational frequencies of methane in structure H and I clathrate hydrates
Authors: Fuseya Go , Takeya Satoshi , Hachikubo Akihiro
Published: May 2020

Temperature effect on C–H symmetric stretching frequencies of CH4 in water cages of sI and sH clathrate hydrates were clarified.
One-pot oxime ligation from peptides bearing thiazolidine and aminooxyacetyl groups
Authors: Duflocq Stéphane , Zhou Jingjing , Huguenot Florent , Vidal Michel , Liu Wang-Qing
Published: May 2020

Pd(ii), acidic hydrolysis and iodine lead to one-pot oxime ligation from peptides bearing thiazolidine and aminooxyacetyl groups.
Enlightening advances in polymer bioconjugate chemistry: light-based techniques for grafting to and from biomacromolecules
Authors: Olson Rebecca A. , Korpusik Angie B. , Sumerlin Brent S.
Published: May 2020

Light-driven synthetic techniques have revolutionized polymer–biomacromolecule conjugation. This Perspective discusses the benefits of photochemistry for polymer–protein ligation and considerations when designing a new light-driven conjugation approach.
Modified mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride: a novel high-performance heterogeneous base catalyst for transesterification reaction
Authors: Devi Meghali , Barbhuiya Monjur H. , Das Bishal , Bhuyan Bishal , Dhar Siddhartha S.
Published: May 2020

Oryza sativa(rice) bran ash andTriticum aestivum(wheat) bran ash were grafted over graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets to synthesize high-performance catalysts for transesterification of soybean oil to biodiesel.
Reversible membrane deformations by straight DNA origami filaments
Authors: Franquelim Henri G. , Dietz Hendrik , Schwille Petra
Published: May 2020

Reversible MgCl2-induced blunt-end polymerization of membrane-bound straight DNA origami monomers into filaments leads to protruding deformations on freestanding lipid membranes.
Poroelastic properties of hydrogel microparticles
Authors: Berry Joseph D. , Biviano Matthew , Dagastine Raymond R.
Published: May 2020

The universal force relaxation of a poroelastic hydrogel particle undergoing constant compression by a spherical probe is determined, allowing analysis of experimental measurements of hydrogel particle material properties for the first time.
Investigation of thermal conductivity for liquid metal composites using the micromechanics-based mean-field homogenization theory
Authors: Jung Jiyoung , Jeong Seung Hee , Hjort Klas , Ryu Seunghwa
Published: May 2020

Micromechanics-based mean-field homogenization models estimate the thermal conductivity of liquid metal composites along the dependency on liquid inclusion concentrations and strains.
Polypyrrole and polyaniline nanocomposites with high photothermal conversion efficiency
Authors: Ruiz-Pérez Lorena , Rizzello Loris , Wang Jinping , Li Nan , Battaglia Giuseppe , Pei Yiwen
Published: May 2020

A simple and scalable synthetic approach to produce functional conducting polymer (CP) nanocomposites using the Fe-complexed PISA-prepared nanoparticles is demonstrated.
Saddle-curvature instability of lipid bilayer induced by amphipathic peptides: a molecular model
Authors: Downing Rachel , Volpe Bossa Guilherme , May Sylvio
Published: May 2020

Amphipathic peptides that partition into lipid bilayers affect the curvature elastic properties of their host.
Perovskite-sensitized β-Ga2O3 nanorod arrays for highly selective and sensitive NO2 detection at high temperature
Authors: Zhang Bo , Lin Hui-Jan , Gao Haiyong , Lu Xingxu , Nam Chang-Yong , Gao Pu-Xian
Published: May 2020

Thermally stable perovskite nanoparticles significantly enhance the NO2 gas sensitivity of β-Ga2O3 nanorods at 800 °C. The p–n junction interface plays an important role in improving the gas sensor performance.
Polyimide/ZIF-7 mixed-matrix membranes: understanding thein situconfined formation of the ZIF-7 phases inside a polymer and their effects on gas separations
Authors: Park Sunghwan , Cho Kie Yong , Jeong Hae-Kwon
Published: May 2020

We prepared polymer/ZIF-7 MMMs with controlled ZIF-7 phases using the polymer-modification-enabled MOF formation (PMMOF).
Coaxial mussel-inspired biofibers: making of a robust and efficacious depot for cancer drug delivery
Authors: Talebian Sepehr , Shim In Kyong , Kim Song Cheol , Spinks Geoffrey M. , Vine Kara L. , Foroughi Javad
Published: May 2020

A new generation of coaxial hydrogel fibers have been developed as biocompatible, and effective platform to deliver combination of drugs locally to the tumor site to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment.
Molecular imaging of extracellular vesicles in vitro via Raman metabolic labelling
Authors: Horgan Conor C. , Nagelkerke Anika , Whittaker Thomas E. , Nele Valeria , Massi Lucia , Kauscher Ulrike , Penders Jelle , Bergholt Mads S. , Hood Steve R. , Stevens Molly M.
Published: May 2020

Molecular imaging of extracellular vesicles in vitro via Raman metabolic labelling.
A covalent organic framework as a nanocarrier for synergistic phototherapy and immunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Ying , Liu Sainan , Hu Chunling , Cai Lihan , Pang Maolin
Published: May 2020

As traditional cancer treatment methods, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) can eliminate primary tumors, but they cannot inhibit extensive tumor metastasis and local recurrence.
Preparation and biological evaluations of a collagen-like hierarchical Ti surface with superior osteogenic capabilities
Authors: Lao Weiwei , Luo Qiaojie , Chen Yadong , Yao Wei , Xu Jiajia , Fan Lijie , Li Xiaodong
Published: May 2020

The multiscale mathematical analysis methods provided a powerful tool to quantitatively analyze the multiscale topographical features of implant surfaces by scale and precisely reveal surface structure–function relationship.
Hierarchical CoxAlylayered double hydroxide@carbon composites derived from metal–organic frameworks with efficient broadband electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Wen Bo , Yang Haibo , Wang Lei , Qiu Yun
Published: May 2020

Porous carbon-based composites have attracted extensive attention because of their good performance.
Suppression of the morphology mismatch at graphene/n-type organic semiconductor interfaces: a scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy investigation
Authors: Chianese Federico , Chiarella Fabio , Barra Mario , Candini Andrea , Affronte Marco , Cassinese Antonio
Published: May 2020

Contact effects occurring at organic-semiconductor/graphene-electrode interfaces are directly analyzed in unprecedented detail in n-type OFETs via scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy.
Photoluminescence detection of symmetry transformations in low-dimensional ferroelectric ABO3perovskites
Authors: Ofoegbuna Tochukwu , Bajgiran Khashayar R. , Kizilkaya Orhan , Thomson Stuart A. J. , Melvin Adam T. , Dorman James A.
Published: May 2020

Photoluminescence detection of symmetry transformations in low-dimensional ABO3perovskites.
Photolithography–enabled direct patterning of liquid metals
Authors: Abbasi Roozbeh , Mayyas Mohannad , Ghasemian Mohammad B. , Centurion Franco , Yang Jiong , Saborio Maricruz , Allioux Francois-Marie , Han Jialuo , Tang Jianbo , Christoe Michael J. , Mohibul Kabir K. M. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kourosh , Rahim Md. Arifur
Published: May 2020

Direct patterning of liquid metals via photolithography.
Tetraphenylethylene substituted thienothiophene and dithienothiophene derivatives: synthesis, optical properties and OLED applications
Authors: Isci Recep , Tekin Emine , Kaya Kerem , Piravadili Mucur Selin , Gorkem Sultan Funda , Ozturk Turan
Published: May 2020

TPE units at the periphery of two TTs and a DTT affect the structures, properties and OLED characteristics of these three synthetically easily accessible novel conjugated compounds for materials chemistry.
WITHDRAWN: LncRNA EGOT regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer by miR-33b-5p/CROT axis
Authors: Ni Yin , Li Chunbo , Bo Chen , Zhang Bomiao , Liu Yanlong , Bai Xuefeng , Cui Bingbing , Han Peng
Published: May 2020

The Accepted Manuscript version of this article (published on 6 May 2020) was withdrawn on 16 April 2021 due to concerns over data validity.