bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrative review and meta-analysis of MALL research on L2 skills
Authors: Peng Hongying , Jager Sake , Lowie Wander
Published: November 2020

This study employed a narrative review and a meta-analysis to synthesize the literature on mobile-assisted language learning (MALL). Following a systematic retrieval of literature from 2008 to 2017, 17 studies with 22 effect sizes were included based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. By categorizing the characteristics of the studies retrieved, the narrative review revealed a detailed picture of MALL research in terms of the language aspects targeted, theoretical frameworks addressed, mobile technologies adopted, and multimedia components used. The qualitative review helped to contextualize and interpret the results found in the meta-analysis, which revealed a large effect for mobile technologies in language learning, identified three variables (i.e. type of activities, modality of delivery, and duration of treatment) that might influence the effectiveness of mobile technologies, and confirmed the existence of a redundancy effect and a novelty effect in MALL practice. Implications for future research and pedagogy are discussed.
Anthracycline-related acute cardiotoxicity in a very young Omani patient with acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Tony Surekha , Mevada Roshan , Joshi Niranjan
Published: November 2020

Anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy is of concern in children treated for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Risk is dose-dependent, increasing with higher doses. We aim to highlight the risk of early-onset cardiotoxicity with low-cumulative anthracycline dose in a young Omani boy with AML. We conclude in the presence of other known risk factors for cardiac dysfunction, there is probably no risk-free anthracycline dose.
Coronary artery z score values in adolescent elite male soccer players
Authors: Gerling Stephan , Pollinger Tobias , Dechant Markus Johann , Melter Michael , Krutsch Werner , Michel Holger
Published: November 2020

Background:

With the increased training loads at very early ages in European elite youth soccer, there is an interest to analyse coronary artery remodelling due to high-intensity exercise.

Design and methods:

Prospective echocardiographic study in 259 adolescent elite male soccer players and 48 matched controls.

Results:

The mean age was 12.7 ± 0.63 years in soccer players and 12.6 ± 0.7 years in controls (p > 0.05). Soccer players had significant greater indexed left ventricular mass (93 ± 13 g/m2 versus 79 ± 12 g/m2, p = 0.001). Both coronary arteries origin could be identified in every participant. In soccer players, the mean diameter of the left main coronary artery was 3.67 mm (SD ± 0.59) and 2.61 mm (SD ± 0.48) for right main coronary artery. Controls showed smaller mean luminal diameter (left main coronary artery, p = 0.01; right main coronary artery, p = 0.025). In soccer players, a total of 91% (n = 196) and in controls a total of 94% (n = 45) showed left main coronary artery z scores within the normal range: −2.0 to 2.0. In right main coronary artery, a pattern of z score values distribution was comparable (soccer players 94%, n = 202 vs. controls 84%, n = 40). A subgroup of soccer players had supernormal z score values (>2.0 to 2.5) for left main coronary artery (9%, n = 19, p = 0.01) and right main coronary artery (6%, n = 10, p = 0.025), respectively.

Conclusion:

Elite soccer training in early adolescence may be a stimulus strong enough to develop increased coronary arteries diameters. In soccer players, a coronary artery z score >2.0–2.5 might reflect a physiologic response induced by multiannual high-intensity training.
Creativity and security as a cultural recipe for entrepreneurship
Authors: Mickiewicz Tomasz , Kaasa Anneli
Published: November 2020

We posit that societal cultural values of creativity and security are associated with the likelihood that a person will engage in a business start-up. Creativity supports the opportunity identification and security the opportunity exploitation aspects of entrepreneurship. In contrast, both emphasis on performance and acceptance of risk-taking may not play the role that is typically assumed. To verify our hypotheses we construct a multilevel dataset, combining Global Entrepreneurship Monitor individual-level data with country-level data from the World Values Survey. We use a multilevel logit model to address the hierarchical structure of our data. We found that odds of start-up engagement are higher if people in a society value security, yet also appreciate thinking up new ideas and being creative. Our results support McCloskey's distinction between aristocratic and bourgeois values, and John and Storr's proposition that different cultural traits support different aspects of entrepreneurship.
Mutual Consistency of Groundwater Storage Changes Derived From GRACE and From Baseflow Recessions in the Central Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Liu Xiaomang , Liu Changming , Brutsaert Wilfried
Published: November 2020

A comparison is presented between groundwater storage trends derived from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite measurements and trends derived from unregulated river baseflow observations in 19 catchments in tributaries of the Central Yangtze River. The two sets of trends are well correlated with a coefficient of r = 0.64, but the baseflow‐derived trends were found to be on average about 33% smaller than those based on the GRACE measurements. Although other factors undoubtedly play a role, the difference in trend magnitudes of the two sets of trends is concluded to be mainly due (i) to remaining uncertainties and complexities in GRACE data processing and (ii) to the likely gradual shrinking of the contributing catchment areas during the baseflow recession process. The present findings should be useful in extending GRACE measurements to longer periods on the basis of long‐term streamflow measurements and in recovering missing data.
Dependence Types in a Binarized Precipitation Network
Authors: De Michele C. , Meroni V. , Rahimi L. , Deidda C. , Ghezzi A.
Published: November 2020

In a network of binarized precipitation (i.e., wet or dry value), the connection or dependence between each pair of nodes can occur following one or more of the following conditions: wet‐wet, dry‐dry, wet‐dry, or dry‐wet. Here, we firstly investigate the different types of dependence, year by year, within a precipitation network of binarized variables. We compare the sample estimate of the probability of co‐occurrence (or occurrence with a lag time within ±3 days) of each of the four possible combinations with respect to the correspondent confidence interval in hypothesis of independence. We develop a procedure to efficiently assess the dependence behavior of all couples of nodes within the network and apply the methodology to a network of rain gauges covering Europe and north Africa.
The Role of Diabatic Heating in Ferrel Cell Dynamics
Authors: Lachmy Orli , Kaspi Yohai
Published: November 2020

The Ferrel cell consists of the zonal mean vertical and meridional winds in the midlatitudes. The continuity of the Ferrel circulation and the zonal mean momentum and heat budgets imply a collocation of the eddy‐driven jet and poleward eddy heat flux maxima, under certain assumptions, including the negligibility of diabatic heating. The latter assumption is questioned, since midlatitude storms are associated with latent heating in the midtroposphere. In this study, the heat budget of the Ferrel cell in both hemispheres is examined, using the JRA55 reanalysis data set. The diabatic heating rate is significant close to the center of the Ferrel cell during winter and at the ascending branch during summer in both hemispheres. The interannual variability shows a positive correlation between the diabatic heating rate in the midlatitude midtroposphere and the latitudinal separation between the eddy heat flux and the eddy‐driven jet maxima during winter in both hemispheres.
Record‐Breaking Increases in Arctic Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Caused by Exceptionally Large Ozone Depletion in 2020
Authors: Bernhard Germar H. , Fioletov Vitali E. , Grooß Jens‐Uwe , Ialongo Iolanda , Johnsen Bjørn , Lakkala Kaisa , Manney Gloria L. , Müller Rolf , Svendby Tove
Published: November 2020

Measurements of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) performed between January and June 2020 at 10 Arctic and subarctic locations are compared with historical observations. Differences between 2020 and prior years are also assessed with total ozone column and UVR data from satellites. Erythemal (sunburning) UVR is quantified with the UV Index (UVI) derived from these measurements. UVI data show unprecedently large anomalies, occurring mostly between early March and mid‐April 2020. For several days, UVIs observed in 2020 exceeded measurements of previous years by up to 140%. Historical means were surpassed by more than six standard deviations at several locations in the Arctic. In northern Canada, the average UVI for March was about 75% larger than usual. UVIs in April 2020 were elevated on average by about 25% at all sites. However, absolute anomalies remained below 3.0 UVI units because the enhancements occurred during times when the solar elevation was still low.
On the Covariation of Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Photosynthesis Across Scales
Authors: Magney Troy S. , Barnes Mallory L. , Yang Xi
Published: November 2020

Recent advances in remote sensing of solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) have garnered wide interest from the biogeoscience and Earth system science communities, due to the observed linearity between SIF and gross primary productivity (GPP) at increasing spatiotemporal scales. Three recent studies, Maguire et al., (2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL087858), He et al. (2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL087474), and Marrs et al. (2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL087956) highlight a nonlinear relationship between fluorescence and photochemical yields and show empirical evidence for the decoupling of SIF, stomata, and the carbon reactions of photosynthesis. Such mechanistic studies help advance our understanding of what SIF is and what it is not. We argue that these findings are not necessarily contradictory to the linear SIF‐GPP relationship observed at the satellite scale and provide context for where, when, and why fluorescence and photosynthesis diverge at smaller spatiotemporal scales. Understanding scale dependencies of remote sensing data is crucial for interpreting SIF as a proxy for GPP.
Timescale of Short‐Term Subduction Episodicity in Convection Models With Grain Damage: Applications to Archean Tectonics
Authors: Foley Bradford J.
Published: November 2020

The style of subduction that prevailed on the early Earth, or even whether subduction was prevalent at all, is an important question in the evolution of Earth's crust, mantle, and surface environment. Here, two‐dimensional numerical convection models, that include grain size evolution to generate weak plate boundaries, reveal a clear transition in subduction behavior with increasing internal heating rate. Sustained subduction with a coherent slab gives way to a style where slabs periodically detach and sink rapidly into the deep mantle, with increasing internal heating rate. In this latter, “drip‐like” subduction regime, repeating cycles of slab growth by subduction, followed by necking and detachment of the lower portion of the slab, are seen. These cycles are termed “slab detachment cycles,” and similar behavior has been seen in regional scale subduction models of the early Earth. Fourier analysis is used to constrain the timescale of slab detachment cycles, and a simple scaling law for this timescale is developed. Applying the scaling law to the early Earth indicates that slab detachment cycles can occur on timescales of <10 Myr, even as low as <5 Myr if the lithosphere is thick and mantle temperature is >1900 K. These cycles may thus be capable of explaining repeating sequences of rocks with “arc” and “non‐arc” signatures seen in some Archean cratons. The drip‐like subduction regime could also have significant implications for the generation of the tonalite‐trondhjemite‐granodiorite (TTG) suite of rocks and exhumation of high pressure metamorphic rocks, two important features of the early Earth geologic record.
Variations in Seismic Wave Speed and VP/VS Ratio in the North American Lithosphere
Authors: Golos Eva M. , Fang Hongjian , van der Hilst Robert D.
Published: November 2020

Seismic wave speed is controlled by a number of factors, including temperature and chemical composition, as well as the presence of volatiles and partial melt. Tomography provides a powerful constraint on wave speed variations, but if only VP or VS variations are imaged, it is challenging to separate the competing effects of these factors and make a full interpretation of seismic anomalies. In this study, we generate models of variations in the VP/VS ratio, which introduce new constraints on geologic structures, compositions, and processes. We invert P and S wave arrival times, as well as Rayleigh wave phase velocities, utilizing the sensitivity of Rayleigh waves to both VP and VS to form mutually constrained but independent models of VP and VS structure at lithospheric depths below the continental United States and Southeastern Canada. From this we can examine variations in VP/VS, highlighting a distinct pattern of anomalies which are less readily observed in VP or VS alone. A clustering analysis is performed to relate 1‐D profiles of wave speed as a function of depth to tectonic provinces. While the first‐order structure of VP and VS appears to be dominated by the thermal contrast between the Eastern and Western United States, the strongest control over VP/VS ratio perturbations within the mantle lithosphere appears to be the presence of melt. Certain higher‐VP/VS anomalies within the cratonic interior may reflect compositional anomalies and variations in Moho structure. This work provides a continental‐scale framework for future quantitative analyses of thermal and compositional heterogeneity, and for targeted geologic interpretation.
Laboratory Measurements of the Wave‐Induced Motion of Plastic Particles: Influence of Wave Period, Plastic Size and Plastic Density
Authors: Alsina José M. , Jongedijk Cleo E. , van Sebille Erik
Published: November 2020

The transport of plastic particles from inland sources to the oceans garbage patches occurs trough coastal regions where the transport processes depend highly on wave‐induced motions. In this study, experimental measurements of the plastic particles wave‐induced Lagrangian drift in intermediate water depth are presented investigating the influence of the wave conditions, particle size and density on the motion of relatively large plastic particles. A large influence of the particle density is observed causing particles to float or sink for relative densities lower and larger than water respectively. The measured net drift of the floating particles correlates well with theoretical solutions for particle Stokes drift, where the net drift is proportional to the square of the wave steepness. Floating particles remain at the free water surface because of buoyancy and no evidence of any other influence of particle inertia on the net drift is observed. Nonfloating particles move close to the bed with lower velocity magnitudes than the floating particles’ motion at the free surface. The drift of nonfloating particles reduces with decreasing wave number, and therefore wave steepness.
Effects of Source Faulting and Fringing Reefs on the 2009 South Pacific Tsunami Inundation in Southeast Upolu, Samoa
Authors: Bosserelle Cyprien , Williams Shaun , Cheung Kwok Fai , Lay Thorne , Yamazaki Yoshiki , Simi Titimanu , Roeber Volker , Lane Emily , Paulik Ryan , Simanu Lameko
Published: November 2020

The subduction zone along the northern Tonga Trench has the highest plate convergence rate in the world, but limited records of its seismic and tsunamigenic activities. In 2009, a tsunami generated by an MW 8.1 earthquake doublet caused severe impacts in the region including damage and loss of life on the south shores of Upolu and Savaii Islands, Samoa. Here, we use numerical modeling aided by recorded data and eyewitness accounts to evaluate and identify the published source models in the Tonga Trench region that most suitably represent the 2009 event for use in hazard assessment around Samoa. We show that only a few of the published sources are suitable to reproduce the large inundation observed in Samoa, and none reproduces runup as high as observed in the areas that were most severely impacted on the southeast Upolu coast. The distribution and intensity of runup and inundation are dependent on source model, local topographic and bathymetric features, regional coastal geomorphology, and trapping of short‐period waves over the reef flats. The computed results are also influenced by model approximation and grid resolution especially for areas with extreme runup records. Comparison of the relative contributions from the doublet to the southeast Upolu inundation indicates that the initial intraplate normal faulting dominated the east‐northeastward tsunami propagation and inundation compared with the subsequent interplate thrust faulting. Overall, two key source models are discussed and identified for future refinement.
Small but mighty: the causes and consequences of micronucleus rupture
Authors: Kwon Mijung , Leibowitz Mitchell L. , Lee Jae-Ho
Published: November 2020

Micronuclei are small DNA-containing nuclear structures that are spatially isolated from the main nucleus. They are frequently found in pathologies, including cancer. It was recently shown that these nuclear structures are not only biomarkers of disease but also play an active role in tumor biology. Many consequences of micronucleus formation on tumor biology are dependent on the frequent and irreversible rupture of their nuclear envelopes, which results in the exposure of their DNA contents to the cytoplasm. In this review, we discuss models of defective nuclear envelope deposition on missegregated chromosomes that lead to nuclear envelope rupture. Furthermore, we expound upon the various downstream consequences of micronucleus nuclear envelope rupture on cells. These consequences include a massive DNA rearrangement phenomenon called chromothripsis and activation of the cGAS-STING innate immune signaling pathway, which can be a double-edged sword with tumorigenesis and tumor prevention functions. Although micronuclei are small structures, the impact they have on cells and their microenvironment is quite large.
Correction: Correlation between cognition and plasma noradrenaline level in Alzheimer’s disease: a potential new blood marker of disease evolution
Authors: Pillet Laure-Elise , Taccola Camille , Cotoni Justine , Thiriez Hervé , André Karine , Verpillot Romain
Published: November 2020

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-020-01102-y
Synthetic protein-binding DNA sponge as a tool to tune gene expression and mitigate protein toxicity
Authors: Wan Xinyi , Pinto Filipe , Yu Luyang , Wang Baojun
Published: November 2020

Versatile tools for gene expression regulation are vital for engineering gene networks of increasing scales and complexity with bespoke responses. Here, we investigate and repurpose a ubiquitous, indirect gene regulation mechanism from nature, which uses decoy protein-binding DNA sites, named DNA sponge, to modulate target gene expression in Escherichia coli. We show that synthetic DNA sponges can be designed to reshape the response profiles of gene circuits, lending multifaceted tuning capacities including reducing basal leakage by >20-fold, increasing system output amplitude by >130-fold and dynamic range by >70-fold, and mitigating host growth inhibition by >20%. Further, multi-layer DNA sponges for decoying multiple regulatory proteins provide an additive tuning effect on the responses of layered circuits compared to single-layer sponges. Our work shows synthetic DNA sponges offer a simple yet generalizable route to systematically engineer the performance of synthetic gene circuits, expanding the current toolkit for gene regulation with broad potential applications.
Horizontally acquired papGII-containing pathogenicity islands underlie the emergence of invasive uropathogenic Escherichia coli lineages
Authors: Biggel Michael , Xavier Basil B. , Johnson James R. , Nielsen Karen L. , Frimodt-Møller Niels , Matheeussen Veerle , Goossens Herman , Moons Pieter , Van Puyvelde Sandra
Published: November 2020

Escherichia coli is the leading cause of urinary tract infection, one of the most common bacterial infections in humans. Despite this, a genomic perspective is lacking regarding the phylogenetic distribution of isolates associated with different clinical syndromes. Here, we present a large-scale phylogenomic analysis of a spatiotemporally and clinically diverse set of 907 E. coli isolates, including 722 uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) isolates. A genome-wide association approach identifies the (P-fimbriae-encoding) papGII locus as the key feature distinguishing invasive UPEC, defined as isolates associated with severe UTI, i.e., kidney infection (pyelonephritis) or urinary-source bacteremia, from non-invasive UPEC, defined as isolates associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria or bladder infection (cystitis). Within the E. coli population, distinct invasive UPEC lineages emerged through repeated horizontal acquisition of diverse papGII-containing pathogenicity islands. Our findings elucidate the molecular determinants of severe UTI and have implications for the early detection of this pathogen.
Resistance to noise-induced gap detection impairment in FVB mice is correlated with reduced neuroinflammatory response and parvalbumin-positive neuron loss
Authors: Zinsmaier Alexander K. , Wang Weihua , Zhang Li , Hossainy Nadia N. , Bao Shaowen
Published: November 2020

Exposure to loud noises results in neuroinflammatory responses in the central auditory pathway. Noise-induced neuroinflammation is implicated in auditory processing deficits such as impairment in gap detection. In this study, we examined whether strain differences between the FVB and C57BL/6 mice in noise-induced impairment in gap detection are correlated with strain differences in neuroinflammatory responses. We found that noise induced more robust TNF-α expression in C57BL/6 than in FVB mice. Noise-induced microglial deramification was observed in C57BL/6 mice, but not in FVB mice. Furthermore, noise exposure resulted in a reduction in parvalbumin-positive (PV+) neuron density in the C57BL/6 mice, but not in FVB mice. These results suggest that neuroinflammatory responses and loss of PV+ neurons may contribute to strain differences in noise-induced impairment in gap detection.
Characterization of dysregulated glutamine metabolism in human glioma tissue with 1H NMR
Authors: Ekici Selin , Risk Benjamin B. , Neill Stewart G. , Shu Hui-Kuo , Fleischer Candace C.
Published: November 2020

Gliomas are one of the most common types of brain tumors. Given low survival and high treatment resistance rates, particularly for high grade gliomas, there is a need for specific biomarkers that can be used to stratify patients for therapy and monitor treatment response. Recent work has demonstrated that metabolic reprogramming, often mediated by inflammation, can lead to an upregulation of glutamine as an energy source for cancer cells. As a result, glutamine pathways are an emerging pharmacologic target. The goal of this pilot study was to characterize changes in glutamine metabolism and inflammation in human glioma samples and explore the use of glutamine as a potential biomarker. 1H high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were acquired from ex vivo glioma tissue (n = 16, grades II–IV) to quantify metabolite concentrations. Tumor inflammatory markers were quantified using electrochemiluminescence assays. Glutamate, glutathione, lactate, and alanine, as well as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8, increased significantly in samples from grade IV gliomas compared to grades II and III (p ≤ .05). Following dimension reduction of the inflammatory markers using probabilistic principal component analysis, we observed that glutamine, alanine, glutathione, and lactate were positively associated with the first inflammatory marker principal component. Our findings support the hypothesis that glutamine may be a key marker for glioma progression and indicate that inflammation is associated with changes in glutamine metabolism. These results motivate further in vivo investigation of glutamine as a biomarker for tumor progression and treatment response.
The effect of gadolinium-based contrast agent administration on magnetic resonance fingerprinting-based T1 relaxometry in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Sushentsev Nikita , Kaggie Joshua D. , Buonincontri Guido , Schulte Rolf F. , Graves Martin J. , Gnanapragasam Vincent J. , Barrett Tristan
Published: November 2020

Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is a rapidly developing fast quantitative mapping technique able to produce multiple property maps with reduced sensitivity to motion. MRF has shown promise in improving the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer but requires further validation as part of a prostate multiparametric (mp) MRI protocol. mpMRI protocol mandates the inclusion of dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) imaging, known for its significant T1 shortening effect. MRF could be used to measure both pre- and post-contrast T1 values, but its utility must be assessed. In this proof-of-concept study, we sought to evaluate the variation in MRF T1 measurements post gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) injection and the utility of such T1 measurements to differentiate peripheral and transition zone tumours from normal prostatic tissue. We found that the T1 variation in all tissues increased considerably post-GBCA following the expected significant T1 shortening effect, compromising the ability of MRF T1 to identify transition zone lesions. We, therefore, recommend performing MRF T1 prior to DCE imaging to maintain its benefit for improving detection of both peripheral and transition zone lesions while reducing additional scanning time. Demonstrating the effect of GBCA on MRF T1 relaxometry in patients also paves the way for future clinical studies investigating the added value of post-GBCA MRF in PCa, including its dynamic analysis as in DCE-MRF.
Entangled N-photon states for fair and optimal social decision making
Authors: Chauvet Nicolas , Bachelier Guillaume , Huant Serge , Saigo Hayato , Hori Hirokazu , Naruse Makoto
Published: November 2020

Situations involving competition for resources among entities can be modeled by the competitive multi-armed bandit (CMAB) problem, which relates to social issues such as maximizing the total outcome and achieving the fairest resource repartition among individuals. In these respects, the intrinsic randomness and global properties of quantum states provide ideal tools for obtaining optimal solutions to this problem. Based on the previous study of the CMAB problem in the two-arm, two-player case, this paper presents the theoretical principles necessary to find polarization-entangled N-photon states that can optimize the total resource output while ensuring equality among players. These principles were applied to two-, three-, four-, and five-player cases by using numerical simulations to reproduce realistic configurations and find the best strategies to overcome potential misalignment between the polarization measurement systems of the players. Although a general formula for the N-player case is not presented here, general derivation rules and a verification algorithm are proposed. This report demonstrates the potential usability of quantum states in collective decision making with limited, probabilistic resources, which could serve as a first step toward quantum-based resource allocation systems.
The pathophysiology of bile acid diarrhoea: differences in the colonic microbiome, metabolome and bile acids
Authors: Sagar Nidhi M. , Duboc Henri , Kay Gemma L. , Alam Mohammad T. , Wicaksono Alfian N. , Covington James A. , Quince Christopher , Kokkorou Margarita , Svolos Vaios , Palmieri Lola J. , Gerasimidis Konstantinos , Walters Julian R. F. , Arasaradnam Ramesh P.
Published: November 2020

Bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is a common disorder resulting from increased loss of bile acids (BAs), overlapping irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D). The gut microbiota metabolises primary BAs to secondary BAs, with differing impacts on metabolism and homeostasis. The aim of this study was to profile the microbiome, metabolic products and bile acids in BAD. Patients with BAD diagnosed by SeHCAT testing, were compared with other IBS-D patients, and healthy controls. Faecal 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis was undertaken. Faecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured. BAs were quantified in serum and faeces. Faecal bacterial diversity was significantly reduced in patients with BAD. Several taxa were enriched compared to IBS-D. SCFA amounts differed in BAD, controls and IBS-D, with significantly more propionate in BAD. Separation of VOC profiles was evident, but the greatest discrimination was between IBS-D and controls. Unconjugated and primary BA in serum and faeces were significantly higher in BAD. The faecal percentage primary BA was inversely related to SeHCAT. BAD produces dysbiosis, with metabolite differences, including VOC, SCFA and primary BAs when compared to IBS-D. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into the pathophysiology of BAD.
High-efficiency solar thermoelectric conversion enabled by movable charging of molten salts
Authors: Chang Chao , Wang Zongyu , Fu Benwei , Ji Yulong
Published: November 2020

Solar energy as an abundant renewable resource has been investigated for many years. Solar thermoelectric conversion technology, which converts solar energy into thermal energy and then into electricity, has been developed and implemented in many important fields. The operation of solar–thermal–electric conversion systems, however, is strongly affected by the intermittency of solar radiation, which requires installation of thermal storage subsystems. In this work, we demonstrated a new solar–thermal–electric conversion system that consists of a thermoelectric converter and a rapidly charging thermal storage subsystem. A magnetic-responsive solar–thermal mesh was used as the movable charging source to convert incident concentrated sunlight into high-temperature heat, which can induce solid-to-liquid phase transition of molten salts. Driven by the external magnetic field, the solar–thermal mesh can move together with the receding solid–liquid interface thus rapidly storing the harvested solar–thermal energy within the molten salts. By connecting with a thermoelectric generator, the harvested solar–thermal energy can be further converted into electricity with a solar–thermal–electric energy conversion efficiency up to 2.56%, and the converted electrical energy can simultaneously light up more than 40 orange-colored LEDs. In addition to stable operation under sunlight, the charged thermal storage subsystem can release the stored heat and thus enables the solar–thermal–electric system to continuously generate electricity after removal of solar illumination.
Mechanism of contraction rhythm homeostasis for hyperthermal sarcomeric oscillations of neonatal cardiomyocytes
Authors: Shintani Seine A. , Washio Takumi , Higuchi Hideo
Published: November 2020

The heart rhythm is maintained by oscillatory changes in [Ca2+]. However, it has been suggested that the rapid drop in blood pressure that occurs with a slow decrease in [Ca2+] preceding early diastolic filling is related to the mechanism of rapid sarcomere lengthening associated with spontaneous tension oscillation at constant intermediate [Ca2+]. Here, we analyzed a new type of oscillation called hyperthermal sarcomeric oscillation. Sarcomeres in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes that were warmed at 38–42 °C oscillated at both slow (~ 1.4 Hz), Ca2+-dependent frequencies and fast (~ 7 Hz), Ca2+-independent frequencies. Our high-precision experimental observations revealed that the fast sarcomeric oscillation had high and low peak-to-peak amplitude at low and high [Ca2+], respectively; nevertheless, the oscillation period remained constant. Our numerical simulations suggest that the regular and fast rthythm is maintained by the unchanged cooperative binding behavior of myosin molecules during slow oscillatory changes in [Ca2+].
Coherent combining of self-cleaned multimode beams
Authors: Fabert Marc , Săpânțan Maria , Krupa Katarzyna , Tonello Alessandro , Leventoux Yann , Février Sébastien , Mansuryan Tigran , Niang Alioune , Wetzel Benjamin , Millot Guy , Wabnitz Stefan , Couderc Vincent
Published: November 2020

A low intensity light beam emerges from a graded-index, highly multimode optical fibre with a speckled shape, while at higher intensity the Kerr nonlinearity may induce a spontaneous spatial self-cleaning of the beam. Here, we reveal that we can generate two self-cleaned beams with a mutual coherence large enough to produce a clear stable fringe pattern at the output of a nonlinear interferometer. The two beams are pumped by the same input laser, yet are self-cleaned into independent multimode fibres. We thus prove that the self-cleaning mechanism preserves the beams’ mutual coherence via a noise-free parametric process. While directly related to the initial pump coherence, the emergence of nonlinear spatial coherence is achieved without additional noise, even for self-cleaning obtained on different modes, and in spite of the fibre structural disorder originating from intrinsic imperfections or external perturbations. Our discovery may impact theoretical approaches on wave condensation, and open new opportunities for coherent beam combining.
Artificial intelligence algorithm for detecting myocardial infarction using six-lead electrocardiography
Authors: Cho Younghoon , Kwon Joon-myoung , Kim Kyung-Hee , Medina-Inojosa Jose R. , Jeon Ki-Hyun , Cho Soohyun , Lee Soo Youn , Park Jinsik , Oh Byung-Hee
Published: November 2020

Rapid diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) using electrocardiography (ECG) is the cornerstone of effective treatment and prevention of mortality; however, conventional interpretation methods has low reliability for detecting MI and is difficulty to apply to limb 6-lead ECG based life type or wearable devices. We developed and validated a deep learning-based artificial intelligence algorithm (DLA) for detecting MI using 6-lead ECG. A total of 412,461 ECGs were used to develop a variational autoencoder (VAE) that reconstructed precordial 6-lead ECG using limb 6-lead ECG. Data from 9536, 1301, and 1768 ECGs of adult patients who underwent coronary angiography within 24 h from each ECG were used for development, internal and external validation, respectively. During internal and external validation, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the DLA with VAE using a 6-lead ECG were 0.880 and 0.854, respectively, and the performances were preserved by the territory of the coronary lesion. Our DLA successfully detected MI using a 12-lead ECG or a 6-lead ECG. The results indicate that MI could be detected not only with a conventional 12 lead ECG but also with a life type 6-lead ECG device that employs our DLA.
Alpha lipoic acid attenuates ER stress and improves glucose uptake through DNAJB3 cochaperone
Authors: Diane Abdoulaye , Mahmoud Naela , Bensmail Ilham , Khattab Namat , Abunada Hanan A. , Dehbi Mohammed
Published: November 2020

Persistent ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and failure of the heat shock response (HSR) are fundamental hallmarks of insulin resistance (IR); one of the early core metabolic aberrations that leads to type 2 diabetes (T2D). The antioxidant α-lipoic acid (ALA) has been shown to attenuate metabolic stress and improve insulin sensitivity in part through activation of the heat shock response (HSR). However, these studies have been focused on a subset of heat shock proteins (HSPs). In the current investigation, we assessed whether ALA has an effect on modulating the expression of DNAJB3/HSP40 cochaperone; a potential therapeutic target with a novel role in mitigating metabolic stress and promoting insulin signaling. Treatment of C2C12 cells with 0.3 mM of ALA triggers a significant increase in the expression of DNAJB3 mRNA and protein. A similar increase in DNAJB3 mRNA was also observed in HepG2 cells. We next investigated the significance of such activation on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and glucose uptake. ALA pre-treatment significantly reduced the expression of ER stress markers namely, GRP78, XBP1, sXBP1 and ATF4 in response to tunicamycin. In functional assays, ALA treatment abrogated significantly the tunicamycin-mediated transcriptional activation of ATF6 while it enhanced the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and Glut4 translocation. Silencing the expression of DNAJB3 but not HSP72 abolished the protective effect of ALA on tunicamycin-induced ER stress, suggesting thus that DNAJB3 is a key mediator of ALA-alleviated tunicamycin-induced ER stress. Furthermore, the effect of ALA on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake is significantly reduced in C2C12 and HepG2 cells transfected with DNAJB3 siRNA. In summary, our results are supportive of an essential role of DNAJB3 as a molecular target through which ALA alleviates ER stress and improves glucose uptake.
Photoelectrochemical thrombin biosensor based on perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid and Au co-functionalized ZnO nanorods with signal-off quenching effect of Ag@Ag2S
Authors: Zhang Qiaoxia , Liu Xiangwei , Wang Haoran , Liu Qing , Liu Qingyun , Zhang Xianxi
Published: November 2020

A PEC thrombin biosensor based on perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid and Au co-functionalized ZnO nanorods with signal-off quenching effect of Ag@Ag2S is prepared.
Excited-state hydrogen detachment from a tris-(o-phenylenediamine) iron(ii) complex in THF at room temperature
Authors: Nakada Akinobu , Koike Takuji , Matsumoto Takeshi , Chang Ho-Chol
Published: November 2020

Excited-state hydrogen detachment of tris-(o-phenylenediamine) iron(ii) complex was elucidated in THF under an N2 atmosphere at room temperature.
Chirality reversal, enhancement and transfer by pH-adjusted surfactant assembly
Authors: Zhou Zhanglang , Zhou Jin , Chen Lan , Zhao Qian , Zhang Chun , Ge Guanglu
Published: November 2020

Chirality can be reversibly reversed via acid–base regulation.
Graphenylene-based nanoribbons for novel molecular electronic devices
Authors: Villegas-Lelovsky Leonardo , Paupitz Ricardo
Published: November 2020

A new class of two-dimensional molecular devices is proposed and investigated theoretically. Doped graphenylene could be used to obtain 2-dimensional p–n junctions suitable for low dimensional electronic devices.
Flowers of the plant genus Hypericum as versatile photoredox catalysts
Authors: Wang Jun-jie , Schwedtmann Kai , Liu Kun , Schulz Stephen , Haberstroh Jan , Schaper Gerrit , Wenke Anja , Naumann Julia , Wenke Torsten , Wanke Stefan , Weigand Jan J.
Published: November 2020

Dried plant material of the plant genus Hypericum is successfully used as versatile catalyst in photoredox reactions.
Direct Diels–Alder reactions of furfural derivatives with maleimides
Authors: Cioc Răzvan C. , Lutz Martin , Pidko Evgeny A. , Crockatt Marc , van der Waal Jan C. , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A.
Published: November 2020

For the first time, we evidence experimentally that furfural derivatives can react as dienes in Diels–Alder cycloadditions.
A semi-dry chemistry hydrogel-based smart biosensing platform for on-site detection of metal ions
Authors: Mao Xiaoxia , Mao Dongsheng , Jiang Juanjuan , Su Benyue , Chen Guifang , Zhu Xiaoli
Published: November 2020

A semi-dry chemistry-based biosensing platform was developed for detection of metal ions by intelligent stimulus-responsive DNA hydrogel. The platform combines the advantages of liquid (wet) chemistry and solid (dry) chemistry, providing a promising approach for on-site testing.
HiPSC-derived multi-organoids-on-chip system for safety assessment of antidepressant drugs
Authors: Yin Fangchao , Zhang Xu , Wang Li , Wang Yaqing , Zhu Yujuan , Li Zhongyu , Tao Tingting , Chen Wenwen , Yu Hao , Qin Jianhua
Published: November 2020

We developed a multi-organoids-on-a-chip system which allows for the assessment of the cardiac safety of clomipramine following liver metabolism.
Thermal stabilisation of squaraine dyes by encapsulation in a rotaxane
Authors: Bak Helle Ø. , Nielsen Bjarne E. , Petersen Michael Å. , Jeppesen Anne , Brock-Nannestad Theis , Nielsen Christian B. O. , Pittelkow Michael
Published: November 2020

Encapsulation of a squaraine dye in a rotaxane structure renders the dye that normally start decomposing at 100 °C stable above 250 °C. This thermal stabilisation makes new applications possible, and we demonstrate how the squaraine rotaxane can mediate laser welding of polyethylene.
Insight into interactions among P, Zn and ZSM-5 during bi-component modification on ZSM-5
Authors: Xin Mudi , Xing Enhui , Ouyang Ying , Gao Xiuzhi , Xu Guangtong , Luo Yibin , Shu Xingtian
Published: November 2020

The formation of Zn3(PO4)2 and Zn2SiO4 in Zn/P/ZSM-5 during the hydrothermal procedure deteriorates the stability of the framework and the aromatization capability.
Investigation on [OH−]-responsive systems for construction of one-dimensional hydroxyapatite via a solvothermal method
Authors: Wang Yin-chuan , Wang Zi-chen , Xiao Gui-yong , Xu Wei-li , Wang Kai , Jiao Yan , Qi Mei-li , Lu Yu-peng
Published: November 2020

The concentration of OH− can directly influence the crystal growth of flexible hydroxyapatite nanofibers in oleic acid-assisted solvothermal reaction systems.
Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and DNA/HSA binding studies of (phenyl/naphthyl)ethenyl-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles
Authors: Mayer João C. P. , Acunha Thiago V. , Rodrigues Oscar E. D. , Back Davi F. , Chaves Otávio A. , Dornelles Luciano , Iglesias Bernardo A.
Published: November 2020

Novel 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives with promising photophysical and DNA/HSA-binding properties are reported.
Noble-metal-free hexagonal wurtzite CdS nanoplates with exposed (110) and (112) crystal facets for efficient visible-light H2 production
Authors: Zhang Chao , Cheng Xi , Liu Baoquan , Guo Zhenmei , He Guangxiang , Lv Zhiguo
Published: November 2020

Hexagonal wurtzite CdS has been regarded as one of the most promising semiconductors for photocatalysis.
A construction guide for high-nuclearity (≥50 metal atoms) coinage metal clusters at the nanoscale: bridging molecular precise constructs with the bulk material phase
Authors: Pillay Michael N. , van Zyl Werner E. , Liu C. W.
Published: November 2020

A comprehensive review of different synthesis strategies for high-nuclearity clusters of copper, silver and gold.
Accurate SERS monitoring of the plasmon mediated UV/visible/NIR photocatalytic and photothermal catalytic process involving Ag@carbon dots
Authors: Li Linjia , Jin Jing , Liu Junjun , Yang Jin , Song Wei , Yang Bai , Zhao Bing
Published: November 2020

The accurate SERS monitoring of a plasmon-mediated UV/visible/NIR photocatalytic and photothermal catalytic process on Ag@carbon dots has been demonstrated.
Fluid Antenna System for 6G: When Bruce Lee Inspires Wireless Communications
Authors: Wong Kai‐Kit , Tong Kin‐Fai , Zhang Yangyang , Zhongbin Zheng
Published: November 2020

Since its inception, multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) has become a magical technology that continues to break new grounds and deliver the needed upgrades in mobile communications. The emerging 5G systems are also being labelled by many as the massive MIMO generation. This somewhat oversimplified view is perhaps a reflection of the great impact MIMO has had on our generation of mobile communication networks. Although the technologies have evolved in the past decades, the principle remains the same—to exploit the diversity of different copies of signals at independent locations for reducing the degree of fading and randomness of wireless channels. Through signal processing and coding, the diversity has been translated successfully into capacity gain and enhancement in other forms of the quality‐of‐service. This article identifies “fluid” antenna as a trending technology that may succeed MIMO and become a reality to transform wireless communications to a new height. Fluid antenna is a radical approach that advocates software‐controlled position‐flexible shape‐flexible antenna. The concept liberates antennas to unleash massive diversity inherent in the small space of a mobile device and makes possible new opportunities that were previously unthinkable. This article attempts to be imaginative and aims to take readers on a short journey of what fluid antenna might bring in future‐generation mobile communications systems and speculate on its impact.
Parsec-scale HI outflows in powerful radio galaxies
Authors: Schulz R. , Morganti R. , Nyland K. , Paragi Z. , Mahony E. K. , Oosterloo T.
Published: November 2020

Massive outflows of neutral atomic hydrogen (H I) have been observed in absorption in a number of radio galaxies and are considered a signature of active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback. These outflows on kiloparsec scales have not been investigated in great detail as they require high-angular-resolution observations to be spatially resolved. In some radio AGN, they are likely to be the result of the radio jets interacting with the interstellar medium. We have used the global very-long-baseline-interferometry (VLBI) array to map the H I outflow in a small sample of young and restarted radio galaxies that we previously observed with the Very Large Array and the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope at a lower resolution. Here we report on our findings for 4C 52.37 and 3C 293 and we discuss the sample including the previously published 4C 12.50 and 3C 236. For 4C 52.37, we present the first ever H I VLBI observations, which recovered the majority of the outflowing H I gas in the form of clouds toward the central 100 pc of the AGN. The clouds are blueshifted by up to ∼600 km s−1 with respect to the systemic velocity. 3C 293 is largely resolved out in our VLBI observation, but toward the VLBI core we detect some outflowing H I gas blueshifted with respect to the systemic velocity by up to ∼300 km s−1. We also find indications of outflowing gas toward the other parts of the western lobe suggesting that the H I outflow is extended. Overall, we find that the fraction of H I gas recovered by our VLBI observations varies significantly within our sample, ranging from complete (4C 12.50) to marginal (3C 293). However, in all cases we find evidence for a clumpy structure of both the outflowing and the quiescent gas, consistent with predictions from numerical simulations. All the outflows include at least a component of relatively compact clouds with masses in the range of 104 − 105 M⊙. The outflowing clouds are often already observed at a few tens of parsecs (in projection) from the core. We find indications that the H I outflow might have a diffuse component, especially in larger sources. Our results support the interpretation that we observe these AGNs at different stages in the evolution of the interaction between the jet and the interstellar medium and this is reflected in the properties of the outflowing gas as predicted by numerical simulations.