bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A SARS-CoV-2 spike ferritin nanoparticle vaccine protects hamsters against Alpha and Beta virus variant challenge
Authors: Wuertz Kathryn McGuckin , Barkei Erica K. , Chen Wei-Hung , Martinez Elizabeth J. , Lakhal-Naouar Ines , Jagodzinski Linda L. , Paquin-Proulx Dominic , Gromowski Gregory D. , Swafford Isabella , Ganesh Akshaya , Dong Ming , Zeng Xiankun , Thomas Paul V. , Sankhala Rajeshwer S. , Hajduczki Agnes , Peterson Caroline E. , Kuklis Caitlin , Soman Sandrine , Wieczorek Lindsay , Zemil Michelle , Anderson Alexander , Darden Janice , Hernandez Heather , Grove Hannah , Dussupt Vincent , Hack Holly , de la Barrera Rafael , Zarling Stasya , Wood James F. , Froude Jeffrey W. , Gagne Matthew , Henry Amy R. , Mokhtari Elham Bayat , Mudvari Prakriti , Krebs Shelly J. , Pekosz Andrew S. , Currier Jeffrey R. , Kar Swagata , Porto Maciel , Winn Adrienne , Radzyminski Kamil , Lewis Mark G. , Vasan Sandhya , Suthar Mehul , Polonis Victoria R. , Matyas Gary R. , Boritz Eli A. , Douek Daniel C. , Seder Robert A. , Daye Sharon P. , Rao Mangala , Peel Sheila A. , Joyce M. Gordon , Bolton Diane L. , Michael Nelson L. , Modjarrad Kayvon
Published: October 2021

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) requires adequate coverage of vaccine protection. We evaluated whether a SARS-CoV-2 spike ferritin nanoparticle vaccine (SpFN), adjuvanted with the Army Liposomal Formulation QS21 (ALFQ), conferred protection against the Alpha (B.1.1.7), and Beta (B.1.351) VOCs in Syrian golden hamsters. SpFN-ALFQ was administered as either single or double-vaccination (0 and 4 week) regimens, using a high (10 μg) or low (0.2 μg) dose. Animals were intranasally challenged at week 11. Binding antibody responses were comparable between high- and low-dose groups. Neutralizing antibody titers were equivalent against WA1, B.1.1.7, and B.1.351 variants following two high dose vaccinations. Dose-dependent SpFN-ALFQ vaccination protected against SARS-CoV-2-induced disease and viral replication following intranasal B.1.1.7 or B.1.351 challenge, as evidenced by reduced weight loss, lung pathology, and lung and nasal turbinate viral burden. These data support the development of SpFN-ALFQ as a broadly protective, next-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
Scientific rationale for developing potent RBD-based vaccines targeting COVID-19
Authors: Kleanthous Harry , Silverman Judith Maxwell , Makar Karen W. , Yoon In-Kyu , Jackson Nicholas , Vaughn David W.
Published: October 2021

Vaccination of the global population against COVID-19 is a great scientific, logistical, and moral challenge. Despite the rapid development and authorization of several full-length Spike (S) protein vaccines, the global demand outweighs the current supply and there is a need for safe, potent, high-volume, affordable vaccines that can fill this gap, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Whether SARS-CoV-2 S-protein receptor-binding domain (RBD)-based vaccines could fill this gap has been debated, especially with regards to its suitability to protect against emerging viral variants of concern. Given a predominance for elicitation of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) that target RBD following natural infection or vaccination, a key biomarker of protection, there is merit for selection of RBD as a sole vaccine immunogen. With its high-yielding production and manufacturing potential, RBD-based vaccines offer an abundance of temperature-stable doses at an affordable cost. In addition, as the RBD preferentially focuses the immune response to potent and recently recognized cross-protective determinants, this domain may be central to the development of future pan-sarbecovirus vaccines. In this study, we review the data supporting the non-inferiority of RBD as a vaccine immunogen compared to full-length S-protein vaccines with respect to humoral and cellular immune responses against both the prototype pandemic SARS-CoV-2 isolate and emerging variants of concern.
Extracellular circular RNA profiles in plasma and urine of healthy, male college athletes
Authors: Hutchins Elizabeth , Reiman Rebecca , Winarta Joseph , Beecroft Taylor , Richholt Ryan , De Both Matt , Shahbander Khalouk , Carlson Elizabeth , Janss Alex , Siniard Ashley , Balak Chris , Bruhns Ryan , Whitsett Timothy G. , McCoy Roger , Anastasi Matthew , Allen April , Churas Brian , Huentelman Matthew , Van Keuren-Jensen Kendall
Published: October 2021

Circular RNA (circRNA) are a recently discovered class of RNA characterized by a covalently-bonded back-splice junction. As circRNAs are inherently more stable than other RNA species, they may be detected extracellularly in peripheral biofluids and provide novel biomarkers. While circRNA have been identified previously in peripheral biofluids, there are few datasets for circRNA junctions from healthy controls. We collected 134 plasma and 114 urine samples from 54 healthy, male college athlete volunteers, and used RNASeq to determine circRNA content. The intersection of six bioinformatic tools identified 965 high-confidence, characteristic circRNA junctions in plasma and 72 in urine. Highly-expressed circRNA junctions were validated by qRT-PCR. Longitudinal samples were collected from a subset, demonstrating circRNA expression was stable over time. Lastly, the ratio of circular to linear transcripts was higher in plasma than urine. This study provides a valuable resource for characterization of circRNA in plasma and urine from healthy volunteers, one that can be developed and reassessed as researchers probe the circRNA contents of biofluids across physiological changes and disease states.
Characterization of hormone-producing cell types in the teleost pituitary gland using single-cell RNA-seq
Authors: Siddique Khadeeja , Ager-Wick Eirill , Fontaine Romain , Weltzien Finn-Arne , Henkel Christiaan V.
Published: October 2021

The pituitary is the vertebrate endocrine gland responsible for the production and secretion of several essential peptide hormones. These, in turn, control many aspects of an animal’s physiology and development, including growth, reproduction, homeostasis, metabolism, and stress responses. In teleost fish, each hormone is presumably produced by a specific cell type. However, key details on the regulation of, and communication between these cell types remain to be resolved. We have therefore used single-cell sequencing to generate gene expression profiles for 2592 and 3804 individual cells from the pituitaries of female and male adult medaka (Oryzias latipes), respectively. Based on expression profile clustering, we define 15 and 16 distinct cell types in the female and male pituitary, respectively, of which ten are involved in the production of a single peptide hormone. Collectively, our data provide a high-quality reference for studies on pituitary biology and the regulation of hormone production, both in fish and in vertebrates in general.
APExpose_DE, an air quality exposure dataset for Germany 2010–2019
Authors: Caseiro Alexandre , von Schneidemesser Erika
Published: October 2021

Exposure to poor air quality is considered a major influence on the occurrence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Air pollution has also been linked to the severity of the effects of epidemics such as COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Epidemiological studies require datasets of the long-term exposure to air pollution. We present the APExpose_DE dataset, a long-term (2010–2019) dataset providing ambient air pollution metrics at yearly time resolution for NO2, NO, O3, PM10 and PM2.5 at the NUTS-3 spatial resolution level for Germany (corresponding to the Landkreis or Kreisfreie Stadt in Germany, 402 in total).
Identifying critical higher-order interactions in complex networks
Authors: Aktas Mehmet Emin , Nguyen Thu , Jawaid Sidra , Riza Rakin , Akbas Esra
Published: October 2021

Diffusion on networks is an important concept in network science observed in many situations such as information spreading and rumor controlling in social networks, disease contagion between individuals, and cascading failures in power grids. The critical interactions in networks play critical roles in diffusion and primarily affect network structure and functions. While interactions can occur between two nodes as pairwise interactions, i.e., edges, they can also occur between three or more nodes, which are described as higher-order interactions. This report presents a novel method to identify critical higher-order interactions in complex networks. We propose two new Laplacians to generalize standard graph centrality measures for higher-order interactions. We then compare the performances of the generalized centrality measures using the size of giant component and the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) simulation model to show the effectiveness of using higher-order interactions. We further compare them with the first-order interactions (i.e., edges). Experimental results suggest that higher-order interactions play more critical roles than edges based on both the size of giant component and SIR, and the proposed methods are promising in identifying critical higher-order interactions.
Blood transfusions increase the risk for venous thromboembolism events following total joint arthroplasty
Authors: Shohat Noam , Ludwick Leanne , Goh Graham S. , Sherman Matthew , Paladino Joseph , Parvizi Javad
Published: October 2021

The association between blood transfusions and thromboembolic events (VTE) following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remains debatable. Using contemporary institutional data, this study aimed to determine whether blood transfusions increase the risk of VTE following primary and revision TJA. This was a single institution, retrospective cohort study. The clinical records of all patients (n = 34,824) undergoing primary and revision TJA between 2009 and 2020 were reviewed. Demographic variables, co-morbidities, type of chemoprophylaxis and intraoperative factors such as use of tranexamic acid were collected. Clinical notes, hospital orders, and discharge summaries were reviewed to determine if a patient received a blood transfusion. Comprehensive queries utilizing keywords for VTE were conducted in clinical notes, physician dictations, and patient-provider phone-call logs. Propensity score matching as well as adjusted mixed models were performed. After adjusting for various confounders, results from regression analysis showed a significant association between allogenic blood transfusions and risk for developing VTE following primary and revision TJA (OR 4.11, 95% CI 2.53–6.69 and OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.12–4.13, respectively). While this strong association remained significant for PE in both primary (p < 0.001) and revision (p < 0.001) matched cohorts, it was no longer statistically significant for DVT (p = 0.802 and p = 0.65, respectively). These findings suggest that the risk of VTE is increased by approximately three-folds when blood transfusions are prescribed. This association was mainly due to higher symptomatic PE events which makes it even more worrisome. Surgeons should be aware of this association, revisit criteria for blood transfusions and use all means available in the perioperative period to optimize the patients and avoid transfusion.
Artifact-free holographic light shaping through moving acousto-optic holograms
Authors: Treptow Dorian , Bola Raúl , Martín-Badosa Estela , Montes-Usategui Mario
Published: October 2021

Holographic light modulation is the most efficient method to shape laser light into well-defined patterns and is therefore the means of choice for many intensity demanding applications. During the last two decades, spatial light modulators based on liquid crystals prevailed among several technologies and became the standard tool to shape light holographically. But in the near future, this status might be challenged by acousto-optic deflectors. These devices are well known for their excelling modulation rates and high optical power resilience. But only few scattered precedents exist that demonstrate their holographic capabilities, despite the many interesting properties that they provide. We implemented a holographic acousto-optic light modulation (HALM) system, that is based on displaying holograms on acousto-optic deflectors. We found that this system can eliminate the ubiquitous coherent artifacts that arise in holography through the inherent motion of acousto-optic holograms. That distinguishes our approach from any other holographic modulation technique and allows to reconstruct intensity patterns of the highest fidelity. A mathematical description of this effect is presented and experimentally confirmed by reconstructing images holographically with unprecedented quality. Our results suggest that HALM promotes acousto-optic deflectors from highly specialized devices to full-fledged spatial light modulators, that can compete in a multitude of applications with LC-SLMs. Especially applications that require large optical output powers, high modulation speeds or accurate gray-scale intensity patterns will profit from this technology. We foresee that HALM may play a major role in future laser projectors and displays, structured illumination microscopy, laser material processing and optical trapping.
Soil organic matter is essential for colony growth in subterranean termites
Authors: Mullins Aaron , Chouvenc Thomas , Su Nan-Yao
Published: October 2021

Intrinsic dinitrogen (N2) fixation by diazotrophic bacteria in termite hindguts has been considered an important pathway for nitrogen acquisition in termites. However, studies that supported this claim focused on measuring instant N2 fixation rates and failed to address their relationship with termite colony growth and reproduction over time. We here argue that not all wood-feeding termites rely on symbiotic diazotrophic bacteria for colony growth. The present study looks at dietary nitrogen acquisition in a subterranean termite (Rhinotermitidae, Coptotermes). Young termite colonies reared with wood and nitrogen-rich organic soil developed faster, compared to those reared on wood and inorganic sand. More critically, further colony development was arrested if access to organic soil was removed. In addition, no difference of relative nitrogenase expression rates was found when comparing the hindguts of termites reared between the two conditions. We therefore propose that subterranean termite (Rhinotermitidae) colony growth is no longer restricted to metabolically expensive intrinsic N2 fixation, as the relationship between diazotrophic bacteria and subterranean termites may primarily be trophic rather than symbiotic. Such reliance of Rhinotermitidae on soil microbial decomposition activity for optimal colony growth may also have had a critical mechanistic role in the initial emergence of Termitidae.
Therapeutic effects of acylated ghrelin-specific receptor GHS-R1a antagonist in islet transplantation
Authors: Chinen Kiyoshi , Sakata Naoaki , Yoshimatsu Gumpei , Nakamura Masafumi , Kodama Shohta
Published: October 2021

Islet transplantation is a type of cellular replacement therapy for severe diabetes that is limited by compromising effect on engrafted islets. Trials aiming to improve the function of transplanted islets have also been challenging. This study attempted to elucidate whether regulation of growth hormone secretagogue receptor-1a (GHS-R1a), one of the ghrelin receptors, improve the therapeutic effects of islet transplantation using [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (DLS), a specific GHS-R1a antagonist. The therapeutic effects of DLS were assessed in terms of the expression/production of endocrine genes/proteins, insulin-releasing function under glucose stimulation of mouse islets, and outcomes of syngeneic murine islet transplantation with systemic DLS administration. DLS treatment promoted insulin production and suppressed somatostatin production, suggesting that cancelation of the binding between ghrelin and GHS-R1a on β or δ cells improved insulin expression. DLS also promoted the glucose-dependent insulin-releasing function of β cells. However, the therapeutic effect of DLS in islet transplantation was fractional. In conclusion, the GHS-R1a antagonist showed preferable effects in improving the therapeutic outcomes of islet transplantation, including the promotion of insulin-releasing function.
Listeria monocytogenes sensitivity to antimicrobial treatments depends on cell origin
Authors: Montanari Chiara , Tabanelli Giulia , Barbieri Federica , Mora Diego , Duncan Robin , Gardini Fausto , Arioli Stefania
Published: October 2021

In this study we investigated how cell origin could affect the efficacy of an antimicrobial treatment (mild heating combined with terpenoids) in Listeria monocytogenes Scott A, considering cells from: 1. single colony, 2. glycerol stock, 3. cold adapted culture, and 4. fresh culture in stationary phase. After treatment, culturability on BHI medium and viability assessed by flow cytometry were evaluated. Our results showed that the cell origin significantly impacted viability and culturability of L. monocytogenes towards antimicrobial treatment. The mild heat treatment combined or not with terpenoids mainly affected culturability rather than viability, although the culturability of cells from single colony was less impacted. Therefore, to mimic the worst scenario, these latter were selected to contaminate Gorgonzola rind and roast beef slices and we evaluated the ability of L. monocytogenes cells to recover their culturability (on ALOA agar medium) and to growth on the food matrix stored at 4 °C for 7 days. Our results suggest that only Gorgonzola rind allowed a partial recovery of the culturability of cells previously heated in presence or not of terpens. In conclusion, we found a connection between the cell history and sensitivity toward an antimicrobial treatment, underlying the importance to standardize the experimental procedures (starting from the cells to be used in the assay) in the assessment of cell sensitivity to a specific treatment. Finally, our study clearly indicated that VBNC cells can resuscitate under favorable conditions on a food matrix, becoming a threat for consumer’s health.
Virtual 2D mapping of the viral proteome reveals host-specific modality distribution of molecular weight and isoelectric point
Authors: Mohanta Tapan Kumar , Mishra Awdhesh Kumar , Mohanta Yugal Kishore , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: October 2021

A proteome-wide study of the virus kingdom based on 1.713 million protein sequences from 19,128 virus proteomes was conducted to construct an overall proteome map of the virus kingdom. Viral proteomes encode an average of 386.214 amino acids per protein with the variation in the number of protein-coding sequences being host-specific. The proteomes of viruses of fungi hosts (882.464) encoded the greatest number of amino acids, while the viral proteome of bacterial host (210.912) encoded the smallest number of amino acids. Viral proteomes were found to have a host-specific amino acid composition. Leu (8.556%) was the most abundant and Trp (1.274%) the least abundant amino acid in the collective proteome of viruses. Viruses were found to exhibit a host-dependent molecular weight and isoelectric point of encoded proteins. The isoelectric point (pI) of viral proteins was found in the acidic range, having an average pI of 6.89. However, the pI of viral proteins of algal (pI 7.08) and vertebrate (pI 7.09) hosts was in the basic range. The virtual 2D map of the viral proteome from different hosts exhibited host-dependent modalities. The virus proteome from algal hosts and archaea exhibited a bimodal distribution of molecular weight and pI, while the virus proteome of bacterial host exhibited a trimodal distribution, and the virus proteome of fungal, human, land plants, invertebrate, protozoa, and vertebrate hosts exhibited a unimodal distribution.
2 μm passively mode-locked thulium-doped fiber lasers with Ta2AlC-deposited tapered and side-polished fibers
Authors: Ahmad H. , Azri M. F. M. , Ramli R. , Samion M. Z. , Yusoff N. , Lim K. S.
Published: October 2021

In this work, mode-locked thulium-doped fiber lasers operating in the 2 µm wavelength region were demonstrated using tantalum aluminum carbide (Ta2AlC)-based saturable absorbers (SAs) utilizing the evanescent wave interaction. The Ta2AlC MAX Phase was prepared by dissolving the Ta2AlC powder in isopropyl alcohol and then deposited onto three different evanescent field-based devices, which were the tapered fiber, side-polished fiber, and arc-shaped fiber. Flame-brushing and wheel-polishing techniques were used to fabricate the tapered and arc-shaped fibers, respectively, while the side-polished fiber was purchased commercially. All three SA devices generated stable mode-locked pulses at center wavelengths of 1937, 1931, and 1929 nm for the tapered, side-polished, and arc-shaped fibers. The frequency of the mode-locked pulses was 10.73 MHz for the tapered fiber, 9.58 MHz for the side-polished fiber, and 10.16 MHz for the arc-shaped fiber. The measured pulse widths were 1.678, 1.734, and 1.817 ps for each of the three SA devices. The long-term stability of the mode-locked lasers was tested for each configuration over a 2-h duration. The lasers also showed little to no fluctuations in the center wavelengths and the peak optical intensities, demonstrating a reliable, ultrafast laser system.
Digital medicine and the curse of dimensionality
Authors: Berisha Visar , Krantsevich Chelsea , Hahn P. Richard , Hahn Shira , Dasarathy Gautam , Turaga Pavan , Liss Julie
Published: October 2021

Digital health data are multimodal and high-dimensional. A patient’s health state can be characterized by a multitude of signals including medical imaging, clinical variables, genome sequencing, conversations between clinicians and patients, and continuous signals from wearables, among others. This high volume, personalized data stream aggregated over patients’ lives has spurred interest in developing new artificial intelligence (AI) models for higher-precision diagnosis, prognosis, and tracking. While the promise of these algorithms is undeniable, their dissemination and adoption have been slow, owing partially to unpredictable AI model performance once deployed in the real world. We posit that one of the rate-limiting factors in developing algorithms that generalize to real-world scenarios is the very attribute that makes the data exciting—their high-dimensional nature. This paper considers how the large number of features in vast digital health data can challenge the development of robust AI models—a phenomenon known as “the curse of dimensionality” in statistical learning theory. We provide an overview of the curse of dimensionality in the context of digital health, demonstrate how it can negatively impact out-of-sample performance, and highlight important considerations for researchers and algorithm designers.
Clinical impact and quality of randomized controlled trials involving interventions evaluating artificial intelligence prediction tools: a systematic review
Authors: Zhou Qian , Chen Zhi-hang , Cao Yi-heng , Peng Sui
Published: October 2021

The evidence of the impact of traditional statistical (TS) and artificial intelligence (AI) tool interventions in clinical practice was limited. This study aimed to investigate the clinical impact and quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving interventions evaluating TS, machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) prediction tools. A systematic review on PubMed was conducted to identify RCTs involving TS/ML/DL tool interventions in the past decade. A total of 65 RCTs from 26,082 records were included. A majority of them had model development studies and generally good performance was achieved. The function of TS and ML tools in the RCTs mainly included assistive treatment decisions, assistive diagnosis, and risk stratification, but DL trials were only conducted for assistive diagnosis. Nearly two-fifths of the trial interventions showed no clinical benefit compared to standard care. Though DL and ML interventions achieved higher rates of positive results than TS in the RCTs, in trials with low risk of bias (17/65) the advantage of DL to TS was reduced while the advantage of ML to TS disappeared. The current applications of DL were not yet fully spread performed in medicine. It is predictable that DL will integrate more complex clinical problems than ML and TS tools in the future. Therefore, rigorous studies are required before the clinical application of these tools.
Climate-assisted persistence of tropical fish vagrants in temperate marine ecosystems
Authors: Gajdzik Laura , DeCarlo Thomas M. , Koziol Adam , Mousavi-Derazmahalleh Mahsa , Coghlan Megan , Power Matthew W. , Bunce Michael , Fairclough David V. , Travers Michael J. , Moore Glenn I. , DiBattista Joseph D.
Published: October 2021

Rising temperatures and extreme climate events are propelling tropical species into temperate marine ecosystems, but not all species can persist. Here, we used the heatwave-driven expatriation of tropical Black Rabbitfish (Siganus fuscescens) to the temperate environments of Western Australia to assess the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that may entail their persistence. Population genomic assays for this rabbitfish indicated little genetic differentiation between tropical residents and vagrants to temperate environments due to high migration rates, which were likely enhanced by the marine heatwave. DNA metabarcoding revealed a diverse diet for this species based on phytoplankton and algae, as well as an ability to feed on regional resources, including kelp. Irrespective of future climate scenarios, these macroalgae-consuming vagrants may self-recruit in temperate environments and further expand their geographic range by the year 2100. This expansion may compromise the health of the kelp forests that form Australia’s Great Southern Reef. Overall, our study demonstrates that projected favourable climate conditions, continued large-scale genetic connectivity between populations, and diet versatility are key for tropical range-shifting fish to establish in temperate ecosystems.
Dynamically expressed single ELAV/Hu orthologue elavl2 of bees is required for learning and memory
Authors: Ustaoglu Pinar , Gill Jatinder Kaur , Doubovetzky Nicolas , Haussmann Irmgard U. , Dix Thomas C. , Arnold Roland , Devaud Jean-Marc , Soller Matthias
Published: October 2021

Changes in gene expression are a hallmark of learning and memory consolidation. Little is known about how alternative mRNA processing, particularly abundant in neuron-specific genes, contributes to these processes. Prototype RNA binding proteins of the neuronally expressed ELAV/Hu family are candidates for roles in learning and memory, but their capacity to cross-regulate and take over each other’s functions complicate substantiation of such links. Honey beesApis melliferahave only oneelav/Hufamily geneelavl2, that has functionally diversified by increasing alternative splicing including an evolutionary conserved microexon. RNAi knockdown demonstrates that ELAVL2 is required for learning and memory in bees. ELAVL2 is dynamically expressed with altered alternative splicing and subcellular localization in mushroom bodies, but not in other brain regions. Expression and alternative splicing ofelavl2change during memory consolidation illustrating an alternative mRNA processing program as part of a local gene expression response underlying memory consolidation.
The Aphelenchus avenae genome highlights evolutionary adaptation to desiccation
Authors: Wan Xuehua , Saito Jennifer A. , Hou Shaobin , Geib Scott M. , Yuryev Anton , Higa Lynne M. , Womersley Christopher Z. , Alam Maqsudul
Published: October 2021

Some organisms can withstand complete body water loss (losing up to 99% of body water) and stay in ametabolic state for decades until rehydration, which is known as anhydrobiosis. Few multicellular eukaryotes on their adult stage can withstand life without water. We still have an incomplete understanding of the mechanism for metazoan survival of anhydrobiosis. Here we report the 255-Mb genome of Aphelenchus avenae, which can endure relative zero humidity for years. Gene duplications arose genome-wide and contributed to the expansion and diversification of 763 kinases, which represents the second largest metazoan kinome to date. Transcriptome analyses of ametabolic state of A. avenae indicate the elevation of ATP level for global recycling of macromolecules and enhancement of autophagy in the early stage of anhydrobiosis. We catalogue 74 species-specific intrinsically disordered proteins, which may facilitate A. avenae to survive through desiccation stress. Our findings refine a molecular basis evolving for survival in extreme water loss and open the way for discovering new anti-desiccation strategies.
Two-phase mixture of iron–nickel–silicon alloys in the Earth’s inner core
Authors: Ikuta Daijo , Ohtani Eiji , Hirao Naohisa
Published: October 2021

The Earth’s inner core comprises iron-nickel alloys with light elements. However, there is no clarity on the phase properties of these alloys. Here we show phase relations and equations of state of iron–nickel and iron–nickel–silicon alloys up to 186 gigapascals and 3090 kelvin. An ordered derivative of the body-centred cubic structure (B2) phase was observed in these alloys. Results show that nickel and silicon influence the stability field associated with the two-phase mixture of B2 and hexagonal close-packed phases under core conditions. The two-phase mixture can give the inner core density of the preliminary reference Earth model. The compressional wave velocity of the two-phase mixture under inner core conditions is consistent with that of the preliminary reference Earth model. Therefore, a mixture of B2 and hexagonal close-packed phases may exist in the inner core and accounts for the seismological properties of the inner core such as density and velocity deficits.
Xylan utilisation promotes adaptation of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum to the human gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Watanabe Yohei , Saito Yuki , Hara Taeko , Tsukuda Naoki , Aiyama-Suzuki Yoshimi , Tanigawa-Yahagi Kana , Kurakawa Takashi , Moriyama-Ohara Kaoru , Matsumoto Satoshi , Matsuki Takahiro
Published: October 2021

Dietary carbohydrates impact the composition of the human gut microbiota. However, the relationship between carbohydrate availability for individual bacteria and their growth in the intestinal environment remains unclear. Here, we show that the availability of long-chain xylans (LCX), one of the most abundant dietary fibres in the human diet, promotes the growth of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum in the adult human gut. Genomic and phenotypic analyses revealed that the availability of LCX-derived oligosaccharides is a fundamental feature of B. pseudocatenulatum, and that some but not all strains possessing the endo-1,4-β-xylanase (BpXyn10A) gene grow on LCX by cleaving the xylose backbone. The BpXyn10A gene, likely acquired by horizontal transfer, was incorporated into the gene cluster for LCX-derived oligosaccharide utilisation. Co-culturing with xylanolytic Bacteroides spp. demonstrated that LCX-utilising strains are more competitive than LCX non-utilising strains even when LCX-derived oligosaccharides were supplied. In LCX-rich dietary interventions in adult humans, levels of endogenous B. pseudocatenulatum increased only when BpXyn10A was detected, indicating that LCX availability is a fitness determinant in the human gut. Our findings highlight the enhanced intestinal adaptability of bifidobacteria via polysaccharide utilisation, and provide a cornerstone for systematic manipulation of the intestinal microbiota through dietary intervention using key enzymes that degrade polysaccharide as biomarkers.
Stapling proteins in the RELA complex inhibits TNFα-induced nuclear translocation of RELA
Authors: Kour Smit , Rana Sandeep , Kizhake Smitha , Lagundžin Dragana , Klinkebiel David , Mallareddy Jayapal Reddy , Huxford Tom , Woods Nicholas T. , Natarajan Amarnath
Published: October 2021

Discovery of a spirocyclic dimer (SpiD7) that covalently modifies RELA to generate stable high molecular weight complexes. SpiD7 inhibits TNFα-induced nuclear translocation of RELA resulting in the blockade of NF-kB gene transcription, through a previously unexplored modality.
Fenton-like reaction of the iron(ii)–histidine complex generates hydroxyl radicals: implications for oxidative stress and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wang Can , Wang Zheng , Zeng Binglin , Zheng Meiqing , Xiao Nao , Zhao Zhongwei
Published: October 2021

Fenton-like reaction of the iron(ii)–histidine complex, one major iron(ii) species in blood plasma, occurs at neutral pH, generating hydroxyl radicals and the iron(iii)–histidine complex found in Alzheimer's disease.
Atomically ordered Rh2P catalysts anchored within hollow mesoporous carbon for efficient hydrogen production
Authors: Guo Xuwen , Chen Xin , Huang Yanping , Min Xiaowen , Kong Chuncai , Tang Yawen , Liu Ben
Published: October 2021

Atomically ordered Rh2P nanocluster encapsulated within a high-surface-area hollow mesoporous carbon nanoreactor is catalytically active for hydrogen production via electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction and room-temperature dehydrogenation of ammonia borane.
Isothermal decomposition of HMX before and after thermally induced β–δ crystal transformation
Authors: Peng Huan , Guan Jian , Yan Qilong , Fu Xiaolong , Jin Bo , Peng Rufang
Published: October 2021

The β–δ crystal transformation of HMX is examined using a self-made constant temperature decomposition gas measuring device, and the isothermal decomposition kinetic parameters of HMX with different crystal phases are obtained.
Six- or four-fold band degeneration in CoAs3, RhAs3 and RhSb3 topological semimetals
Authors: Khan Muhammad Rizwan , Bu Kun , Wang Jian-Tao
Published: October 2021

Searching for new topological phases of matter has long been a hot topic in condensed matter physics and materials science based on its fundamental physics and promising device applications.
Strain manipulation of the local spin flip on Ni@B80 endohedral fullerene
Authors: Xu Shuai , Zhang Yiming , Huang Rui , Liu Jing , Jin Wei , Lefkidis Georgios , Hübner Wolfgang , Li Chun
Published: October 2021

The orientation-dependent strain regulation mechanism of magneto-optical dynamics behavior on endohedral fullerene Ni@B80 is demonstrated.
First-principles studies of oxygen ion migration behavior for different valence B-site ion doped SrFeO3−δ ceramic membranes
Authors: Chen Sha , Cheng Hongwei , Liu Yanbo , Xiong Xiaolu , Sun Qiangcao , Lu Xionggang , Li Shenggang
Published: October 2021

Theoretical calculations predict Al doping to promote the oxygen ion migration in SrFeO3−δ perovskites, while Zr, Nb, and W dopants limit the migration.
Graphical Gaussian process regression model for aqueous solvation free energy prediction of organic molecules in redox flow batteries
Authors: Gao Peiyuan , Yang Xiu , Tang Yu-Hang , Zheng Muqing , Andersen Amity , Murugesan Vijayakumar , Hollas Aaron , Wang Wei
Published: October 2021

Machine learning model pipeline for solvation free energy prediction of organic molecules.
Pulsed-ramped-field-ionization zero-kinetic-energy photoelectron spectroscopy: a methodological advance
Authors: Harper Oliver J. , Chen Ning L. , Boyé-Péronne Séverine , Gans Bérenger
Published: October 2021

A new method is proposed to record photoelectron spectra based on the well-established pulsed-field-ionization zero-kinetic-energy photoelectron spectroscopy technique and inspired by the data treatment employed in slow photoelectron spectroscopy.
Correction: Synthesis and characterization of a strong ferromagnetic and high hardness intermetallic compound Fe2B
Authors: Zhao Xingbin , Li Li , Bao Kuo , Zhu Pinwen , Tao Qiang , Ma Shuailing , Liu Bo , Ge Yufei , Li Da , Cui Tian
Published: October 2021

Correction for ‘Synthesis and characterization of a strong ferromagnetic and high hardness intermetallic compound Fe2B’ by Xingbin Zhao et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, 22, 27425–27432, DOI: 10.1039/D0CP03380D.
An anchoring residue adjacent to the substrate access tunnel entrance of a nitrile hydratase directs its catalytic activity towards 3-cyanopyridine
Authors: Cheng Zhongyi , Zhang Weimiao , Xia Yuanyuan , Ma Dong , Zhou Zhemin
Published: October 2021

The residue βGlu50 located adjacent to the substrate access tunnel entrance of the nitrile hydratase from Pseudonocardia thermophila JCM3095 acts as an anchoring residue that directs the enzymatic activity.
Photocatalytic green synthesis of benzazoles from alcohol oxidation/toluene sp3 C–H activation over metal-free BCN: effect of crystallinity and N–B pair exposure
Authors: Jiang Heyan , Zang Cuicui , Cheng Hongmei , Sun Bin , Gao Xue
Published: October 2021

Porous borocarbonitride, with characteristics of enhanced crystallinity and improved N–B pairs exposure, was employed for the heterogeneous photocatalytic tandem synthesis of benzazoles from alcohol oxidation/toluene sp3 C–H activation.
Surface phosphorization of Ni–Co–S as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for full water splitting
Authors: Yang Hua , Lin Kangdi , Zhou Zihao , Peng Chenting , Peng Shaomin , Sun Ming , Yu Lin
Published: October 2021

The surface phosphorization of NiCo2S4 make it exhibit superior electrochemical activity, which is ascribed to the modulation of electronic structure, the rise of conductivity, the promotion of electrochemical surface area and the active sites.
A review of hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oil: model compounds, catalysts, and equipment
Authors: Qu Lu , Jiang Xia , Zhang Zihao , Zhang Xiang-gang , Song Guo-yong , Wang Hua-lin , Yuan Yuan-ping , Chang Yu-long
Published: October 2021

Bio-oils are an important part of the future energy composition.
Spider silk-inspired peptide multiblock hybrid copolymers for self-healable thin film materials
Authors: Koga Tomoyuki , Morishita Tomotaka , Harumoto Yushi , Nishimura Shin-nosuke , Higashi Nobuyuki
Published: October 2021

Spider silk-inspired peptide multiblock hybrid copolymers composed of alternately aligned self-assembling oligopeptides and flexible polypropylene glycol were newly designed for functional nano/microfilm materials.
Effects of molecular flexibility and head group repulsion on aramid amphiphile self-assembly
Authors: Kaser Samuel J. , Lew Andrew J. , Kim Dae-Yoon , Christoff-Tempesta Ty , Cho Yukio , Ortony Julia H.
Published: October 2021

Strongly interacting amphiphilic molecules self-assemble in water. The flexibility of the amphiphiles and their head group repulsion mediate their nanostructure geometry.
All-optical manipulation of singlet exciton transport in individual supramolecular nanostructures by triplet gating
Authors: Wittmann Bernd , Biskup Till , Kreger Klaus , Köhler Jürgen , Schmidt Hans-Werner , Hildner Richard
Published: October 2021

We enforce an effective directional motion of photo-generated singlet excitons in supramolecular nanostructures using an optically written triplet gate that exploits singlet–triplet annihilation (STA).
Sidechain engineering of N-annulated perylene diimide molecules
Authors: Martell Mark , Ocheje Michael U. , Gelfand Benjamin S. , Rondeau-Gagné Simon , Welch Gregory C.
Published: October 2021

Six new N-annulated perylene diimide molecules are reported with varied pyrrolic N-atom sidechains. Impact on optoelectronic and physical properties is investigated.
Two-dimensional materials towards separator functionalization in advanced Li–S batteries
Authors: Tang Jiadong , Zhao Qing , Li Fenglei , Hao Zhendong , Xu Xiaolong , Zhang Qianqian , Liu Jingbing , Jin Yuhong , Wang Hao
Published: October 2021

Harnessing the unique advantages of 2D materials towards separator functionalization for boosting both the sulfur cathode and lithium anode in Li–S batteries.
Application of expanded graphite-based materials for rechargeable batteries beyond lithium-ions
Authors: Li Le , Zhang Weizhuo , Pan Weijie , Wang Mengyu , Zhang Hairan , Zhang Duo , Zhang Dan
Published: October 2021

In this review, we evaluate and summarize the application of expanded graphite-based materials in rechargeable batteries, including alkaline ions (such as Na+, K+) storage and multivalent ion (such as Mg2+, Zn2+, Ca2+ and Al3+) storage batteries.
Copper nanocatalysts applied in coupling reactions: a mechanistic insight
Authors: Camats Marc , Pla Daniel , Gómez Montserrat
Published: October 2021

Well-defined Cu-based nanoparticles represent a valuable catalytic tool for synthesis purposes due to their structural and electronic versatility, requiring thorough mechanistic understanding inputs into their rational design.
[6 + 3] Annulations of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates and dicyanoheptafulvene
Authors: Jia Ruo-Ling , Liu Qing-Ling , Yang Long-Wei , Deng Shi , Song Yang
Published: October 2021

A [6 + 3] annulation reaction of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates and dicyanoheptafulvene is accomplished by employing commercially available triphenylphosphine as the Lewis base catalyst.
Acid-catalyzed, regioselective [3 + 3] annulation of enaminones and α-substituted cinnamic acids: access to 3,4-dihydropyridones and 2-piperidinones
Authors: Chithanna Sivanna , Roy Animesh , Yang Ding-Yah
Published: October 2021

3,4-Dihydropyridones and 2-piperidinones were efficiently synthesized by boric acid-catalyzed Michael addition of enaminones to electron-deficient α-substituted cinnamic acids and coumarin 3-carboxylic acids, respectively.
Electrochemical oxygenation of sulfides with molecular oxygen or water: switchable preparation of sulfoxides and sulfones
Authors: Xue Qi , Sun Qing , Zhang Ting-Ting , Li Yang , Li Jin-Heng
Published: October 2021

A practical and eco-friendly electrochemical oxygenation for the selective synthesis of sulfoxides and sulfones catalyst-and external-oxidant free conditions has been developed.
Enantioselective β-C(sp3)–H arylation of amidesviasynergistic nickel and photoredox catalysis
Authors: Zhang Wu , Shu Xiaomin , Huan Leitao , Cheng Buqing , Huo Haohua
Published: October 2021

An enantioselective benzylic β-C(sp3)–H arylation of amidesviasynergistic nickel and photoredox catalysis is reported.
Iridium/f-diaphos catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of 2-imidazolyl aryl/alkyl ketones
Authors: Wang Ze , Zhao Xianghua , Wang Shiliang , Huang An , Wang Yifan , He Jiaying , Ling Fei , Zhong Weihui
Published: October 2021

The iridium/f-diaphos catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of 2-imidazolyl aryl or alkyl ketones to afford the desired chiral alcohols was realized with moderate to excellent enantioselectivities.
Nucleotides bearing aminophenyl- or aminonaphthyl-3-methoxychromone solvatochromic fluorophores for the enzymatic construction of DNA probes for the detection of protein–DNA binding
Authors: Matyašovský Ján , Tack Laure , Palágyi Attila , Kuba Miroslav , Pohl Radek , Kraus Tomáš , Güixens-Gallardo Pedro , Hocek Michal
Published: October 2021

Two new 2'-deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates bearing solvatochromic fluorophores were prepared and used for enzymatic synthesis of DNA probes that light-up and change colour upon interactions with proteins.
Pt(ii)-Chiral diene-catalyzed enantioselective formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition initiated by C–C bond cleavage and elucidation of a Pt(ii)/(iv) cycle by DFT calculations
Authors: Shibata Takanori , Shiozawa Natsumi , Nishibe Shun , Takano Hideaki , Maeda Satoshi
Published: October 2021

A Pt(ii)-chiral diene complex demonstrates a high catalytic activity in the enantioselective formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition along with C–C bond cleavage of biphenylene at room temp. DFT calculations elucidated that the present catalysis involves a rare Pt(ii)/Pt(iv) cycle.
Modified vapor phase deposition technology for high-performance uncooled MIR PbSe detectors
Authors: Qiu Jijun , Liu Yun , Zhang Guodong , Shi Kanghao , Li Yanzhen , Luo Yingmin
Published: October 2021

The low detectivity of VPD-PbSe MIR detectors was broken by duplicating the microstructural features and phase composition of high-performance CBD-PbSe detectors, providing a commercial technical solution for megapixel uncooled PbSe FPA imagers.
Chelation-assisted C–C bond activation of biphenylene by gold(i) halides
Authors: Beucher Hélène , Schörgenhumer Johannes , Merino Estíbaliz , Nevado Cristina
Published: October 2021

Pyridine and phosphine directing groups promote the C–C activation of biphenylene by readily available gold(i) halides rendering a new entry to (N^C^C)- and (P^C)-gold(iii) species.
Asymmetric hydrogenation for the synthesis of 2-substituted chiral morpholines
Authors: Li Mingxu , Zhang Jian , Zou Yashi , Zhou Fengfan , Zhang Zhenfeng , Zhang Wanbin
Published: October 2021

2-Substituted chiral morpholines were synthesizedviaa newly developed asymmetric hydrogenation of dehydromorpholines catalyzed by a bisphosphine–rhodium complex bearing a large bite angle.
Ultrafine rhodium selenides enable efficient oxygen reduction reaction catalysis
Authors: Pan Shuyuan , Yu Xinxin , Long Xue , Chang Chaofeng , Yang Zehui
Published: October 2021

Adjustment in binding strength between active sites and O2molecules offers a boosted ORR catalytic activity.
Self-supporting 3D hierarchically porous CuNi–S cathodes with a dual-phase structure for rechargeable Al battery
Authors: Lv Aijing , Lu Songle , Yan Wenjing , Hu Wentao , Wang Mingyong
Published: October 2021

A novel self-supporting 3D hierarchically porous CuNi–S/CC cathode for Al batteries is constructed. CuNi–S/CC cathode with a dual-phase structure for Al batteries exhibits good charge/discharge properties.
Facilitating the redox conversion of CoSe2 nanorods by Ti3C2Tx to improve the electrode durability as anodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Mingshan , Peng Anmin , Zeng Min , Chen Lin , Li Xinpeng , Yang Zhenliang , Chen Junchen , Guo Bingshu , Ma Zhiyuan , Li Xing
Published: October 2021

A polar Ti3C2Tx matrix is introduced to facilitate the redox conversion of CoSe2 nanorods and alleviate its performance deterioration.
A highly stable MOF with F and N accessible sites for efficient capture and separation of acetylene from ternary mixtures
Authors: Wang Gang-Ding , Wang Hai-Hua , Shi Wen-Juan , Hou Lei , Wang Yao-Yu , Zhu Zhonghua
Published: October 2021

A stable Ni-MOF with high adsorption selectivity for C2H2 was constructed by the strategy of incorporating active N and F sites in the porous surface, showing the dynamic separation of C2H2 from binary and ternary mixtures in one-step.
2D-on-2D core–shell Co3(PO4)2 stacked micropetals@Co2Mo3O8 nanosheets and binder-free 2D CNT–Ti3C2TX–MXene electrodes for high-energy solid-state flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Patil Amar M. , Chodankar Nilesh R. , Jung Euigeol , Roy Sanjib , Dubal Deepak P. , Guan Guoqing , Han Young-Kyu , Jun Seong Chan
Published: October 2021

(a) Assembly of the FHSC device; (b) the excellent electrochemical performance of FHSC device.
Toward phosphorescent and delayed fluorescent carbon quantum dots for next-generation electroluminescent displays
Authors: Yuan Ting , Meng Ting , Shi Yuxin , Song Xianzhi , Xie Wenjing , Li Yunchao , Li Xiaohong , Zhang Yang , Fan Louzhen
Published: October 2021

Featuring a combination of size-tunable emission wavelengths, high thermal stability, and low cytotoxicity, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have opened up a new possibility for next-generation displays.
Side-liquid-gated electrochemical transistors and their neuromorphic applications
Authors: Fan Shuangqing , Xu Ting , Wu Enxiu , Cao Minghui , Liu Tong , Su Jie
Published: October 2021

In this work, we study a new type of side-liquid-gate transistor, which can be used in a variety of synaptic plasticity simulations.