bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Permeability of Three‐Dimensional Numerically Grown Geomechanical Discrete Fracture Networks With Evolving Geometry and Mechanical Apertures
Authors: Thomas Robin N. , Paluszny Adriana , Zimmerman Robert W.
Published: March 2020

Fracture networks significantly alter the mechanical and hydraulic properties of subsurface rocks. The mechanics of fracture propagation and interaction control network development. However, mechanical processes are not routinely incorporated into discrete fracture network (DFN) models. A finite element, linear elastic fracture mechanics‐based method is applied to the generation of three‐dimensional geomechanical discrete fracture networks (GDFNs). These networks grow quasi‐statically from a set of initial flaws in response to a remote uniaxial tensile stress. Fracture growth is handled using a stress intensity factor‐based approach, where extension is determined by the local variations in the three stress intensity factor modes along fracture tips. Mechanical interaction between fractures modifies growth patterns, resulting in nonuniform and nonplanar growth in dense networks. When fractures are close, stress concentration results in the reactivation of fractures that were initially inactive. Therefore, GDFNs provide realistic representations of subsurface networks that honor the physical process of concurrent fracture growth. Hydraulic properties of the grown networks are quantified by computing their equivalent permeability tensors at each growth step. Compared to two sets of stochastic DFNs, GDFNs with uniform fracture apertures are strongly anisotropic and have relatively higher permeabilities at high fracture intensities. In GDFN models, where fracture apertures are based on mechanical principles, fluid flow becomes strongly channeled along distinct flow paths. Fracture orientations and interactions significantly modify apertures, and in turn, the hydraulic properties of the network. GDFNs provide a new way of understanding subsurface networks, where fracture mechanics is the primary influence on their geometric and hydraulic properties.
Enhanced magnetic modulation of light polarization exploiting hybridization with multipolar dark plasmons in magnetoplasmonic nanocavities
Authors: López-Ortega Alberto , Zapata-Herrera Mario , Maccaferri Nicolò , Pancaldi Matteo , Garcia Mikel , Chuvilin Andrey , Vavassori Paolo
Published: March 2020

Enhancing magneto-optical effects is crucial for reducing the size of key photonic devices based on the non-reciprocal propagation of light and to enable active nanophotonics. Here, we disclose a currently unexplored approach that exploits hybridization with multipolar dark modes in specially designed magnetoplasmonic nanocavities to achieve a large enhancement of the magneto-optically induced modulation of light polarization. The broken geometrical symmetry of the design enables coupling with free-space light and hybridization of the multipolar dark modes of a plasmonic ring nanoresonator with the dipolar localized plasmon resonance of the ferromagnetic disk placed inside the ring. This hybridization results in a low-radiant multipolar Fano resonance that drives a strongly enhanced magneto-optically induced localized plasmon. The large amplification of the magneto-optical response of the nanocavity is the result of the large magneto-optically induced change in light polarization produced by the strongly enhanced radiant magneto-optical dipole, which is achieved by avoiding the simultaneous enhancement of re-emitted light with incident polarization by the multipolar Fano resonance. The partial compensation of the magneto-optically induced polarization change caused by the large re-emission of light with the original polarization is a critical limitation of the magnetoplasmonic designs explored thus far and that is overcome by the approach proposed here.
Survival and disease characteristics of de novo versus recurrent metastatic breast cancer in a cohort of young patients
Authors:   POSH Steering Group, McKenzie Hayley S. , Maishman Tom , Simmonds Peter , Durcan Lorraine , Eccles Diana , Copson Ellen
Published: March 2020

Background

It is not clear how the pathology, presentation and outcome for patients who present with de novo metastatic breast cancer (dnMBC) compare with those who later develop distant metastases. DnMBC is uncommon in younger patients. We describe these differences within a cohort of young patients in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Women aged 40 years or younger with a first invasive breast cancer were recruited to the prospective POSH national cohort study. Baseline clinicopathological data were collected, with annual follow-up. Overall survival (OS) and post-distant relapse-free survival (PDRS) were assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results

In total, 862 patients were diagnosed with metastatic disease. DnMBC prevalence was 2.6% (76/2977). Of those with initially localised disease, 27.1% (786/2901) subsequently developed a distant recurrence. Median follow-up was 11.00 years (95% CI 10.79–11.59). Patients who developed metastatic disease within 12 months had worse OS than dnMBC patients (HR 2.64; 1.84–3.77). For PDRS, dnMBC was better than all groups, including those who relapsed after 5 years. Of dnMBC patients, 1.3% had a gBRCA1, and 11.8% a gBRCA2 mutation.

Conclusions

Young women with dnMBC have better PDRS than those who develop relapsed metastatic breast cancer. A gBRCA2 mutation was overrepresented in dnMBC.
OTULIN protects the liver against cell death, inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer
Authors: Damgaard Rune Busk , Jolin Helen E. , Allison Michael E. D. , Davies Susan E. , Titheradge Hannah L. , McKenzie Andrew N. J. , Komander David
Published: March 2020

Methionine-1 (M1)-linked polyubiquitin chains conjugated by the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) control NF-κB activation, immune homoeostasis, and prevents tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-induced cell death. The deubiquitinase OTULIN negatively regulates M1-linked polyubiquitin signalling by removing the chains conjugated by LUBAC, and OTULIN deficiency causes OTULIN-related autoinflammatory syndrome (ORAS) in humans. However, the cellular pathways and physiological functions controlled by OTULIN remain poorly understood. Here, we show that OTULIN prevents development of liver disease in mice and humans. In an ORAS patient, OTULIN deficiency caused spontaneous and progressive steatotic liver disease at 10–13 months of age. Similarly, liver-specific deletion of OTULIN in mice leads to neonatally onset steatosis and hepatitis, akin to the ORAS patient. OTULIN deficiency triggers metabolic alterations, apoptosis, and inflammation in the liver. In mice, steatosis progresses to steatohepatitis, fibrosis and pre-malignant tumour formation by 8 weeks of age, and by the age of 7–12 months the phenotype has advanced to malignant hepatocellular carcinoma. Surprisingly, the pathology in OTULIN-deficient livers is independent of TNFR1 signalling. Instead, we find that steatohepatitis in OTULIN-deficient livers is associated with aberrant mTOR activation, and inhibition of mTOR by rapamycin administration significantly reduces the liver pathology. Collectively, our results reveal that OTULIN is critical for maintaining liver homoeostasis and suggest that M1-linked polyubiquitin chains may play a role in regulation of mTOR signalling and metabolism in the liver.
Life, death, and autophagy in cancer: NF-κB turns up everywhere
Authors: Verzella Daniela , Pescatore Alessandra , Capece Daria , Vecchiotti Davide , Ursini Matilde Valeria , Franzoso Guido , Alesse Edoardo , Zazzeroni Francesca
Published: March 2020

Escaping programmed cell death is a hallmark of cancer. NF-κB transcription factors are key regulator of cell survival and aberrant NF-κB signaling has been involved in the pathogenesis of most human malignancies. Although NF-κB is best known for its antiapoptotic role, other processes regulating the life/death balance, such as autophagy and necroptosis, seem to network with NF-κB. This review discusses how the reciprocal regulation of NF-κB, autophagy and programmed cell death affect cancer development and progression.
Proteomic and functional analyses in disease models reveal CLN5 protein involvement in mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Doccini Stefano , Morani Federica , Nesti Claudia , Pezzini Francesco , Calza Giulio , Soliymani Rabah , Signore Giovanni , Rocchiccioli Silvia , Kanninen Katja M. , Huuskonen Mikko T. , Baumann Marc H. , Simonati Alessandro , Lalowski Maciej M. , Santorelli Filippo M.
Published: March 2020

CLN5 disease is a rare form of late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) caused by mutations in the CLN5 gene that encodes a protein whose primary function and physiological roles remains unresolved. Emerging lines of evidence point to mitochondrial dysfunction in the onset and progression of several forms of NCL, offering new insights into putative biomarkers and shared biological processes. In this work, we employed cellular and murine models of the disease, in an effort to clarify disease pathways associated with CLN5 depletion. A mitochondria-focused quantitative proteomics approach followed by functional validations using cell biology and immunofluorescence assays revealed an impairment of mitochondrial functions in different CLN5 KO cell models and in Cln5−/− cerebral cortex, which well correlated with disease progression. A visible impairment of autophagy machinery coupled with alterations of key parameters of mitophagy activation process functionally linked CLN5 protein to the process of neuronal injury. The functional link between impaired cellular respiration and activation of mitophagy pathways in the human CLN5 disease condition was corroborated by translating organelle-specific proteome findings to CLN5 patients’ fibroblasts. Our study highlights the involvement of CLN5 in activation of mitophagy and mitochondrial homeostasis offering new insights into alternative strategies towards the CLN5 disease treatment.
Crystal structures of REF6 and its complex with DNA reveal diverse recognition mechanisms
Authors: Tian Zizi , Li Xiaorong , Li Min , Wu Wei , Zhang Manfeng , Tang Chenjun , Li Zhihui , Liu Yunlong , Chen Zhenhang , Yang Meiting , Ma Lulu , Caba Cody , Tong Yufeng , Lam Hon-Ming , Dai Shaodong , Chen Zhongzhou
Published: March 2020

Relative of Early Flowing 6 (REF6) is a DNA-sequence-specific H3K27me3/2 demethylase that contains four zinc finger (ZnF) domains and targets several thousand genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. The ZnF domains are essential for binding target genes, but the structural basis remains unclear. Here, we determined crystal structures of the ZnF domains and REF6-DNA complex, revealing a unique REF6-family-specific half-cross-braced ZnF (RCZ) domain and two C2H2-type ZnFs. DNA-binding induces a profound conformational change in the hinge region of REF6. Each REF6 recognizes six bases and DNA methylation reduces the binding affinity. Both the acidic region and basic region are important for the self-association of REF6. The REF6 DNA-binding affinity is determined by the sequence-dependent conformations of DNA and also the cooperativity in different target motifs. The conformational plasticity enables REF6 to function as a global transcriptional regulator that directly binds to many diverse genes, revealing the structural basis for the epigenetic modification recognition.
A lipophilic cation protects crops against fungal pathogens by multiple modes of action
Authors: Steinberg Gero , Schuster Martin , Gurr Sarah J. , Schrader Tina A. , Schrader Michael , Wood Mark , Early Andy , Kilaru Sreedhar
Published: March 2020

The emerging resistance of crop pathogens to fungicides poses a challenge to food security and compels discovery of new antifungal compounds. Here, we show that mono-alkyl lipophilic cations (MALCs) inhibit oxidative phosphorylation by affecting NADH oxidation in the plant pathogens Zymoseptoria tritici, Ustilago maydis and Magnaporthe oryzae. One of these MALCs, consisting of a dimethylsulfonium moiety and a long alkyl chain (C18-SMe2+), also induces production of reactive oxygen species at the level of respiratory complex I, thus triggering fungal apoptosis. In addition, C18-SMe2+ activates innate plant defense. This multiple activity effectively protects cereals against Septoria tritici blotch and rice blast disease. C18-SMe2+ has low toxicity in Daphnia magna, and is not mutagenic or phytotoxic. Thus, MALCs hold potential as effective and non-toxic crop fungicides.
Ab initio electron-two-phonon scattering in GaAs from next-to-leading order perturbation theory
Authors: Lee Nien-En , Zhou Jin-Jian , Chen Hsiao-Yi , Bernardi Marco
Published: March 2020

Electron-phonon (e–ph) interactions are usually treated in the lowest order of perturbation theory. Here we derive next-to-leading order e–ph interactions, and compute from first principles the associated electron-two-phonon (2ph) scattering rates. The derivations involve Matsubara sums of two-loop Feynman diagrams, and the numerical calculations are challenging as they involve Brillouin zone integrals over two crystal momenta and depend critically on the intermediate state lifetimes. Using Monte Carlo integration together with a self-consistent update of the intermediate state lifetimes, we compute and converge the 2ph scattering rates, and analyze their energy and temperature dependence. We apply our method to GaAs, a weakly polar semiconductor with dominant optical-mode long-range e–ph interactions. We find that the 2ph scattering rates are as large as nearly half the value of the one-phonon rates, and that including the 2ph processes is necessary to accurately predict the electron mobility in GaAs from first principles.
Defect-implantation for the all-electrical detection of non-collinear spin-textures
Authors: Lima Fernandes Imara , Bouhassoune Mohammed , Lounis Samir
Published: March 2020

The viability of past, current and future devices for information technology hinges on their sensitivity to the presence of impurities. The latter can reshape extrinsic Hall effects or the efficiency of magnetoresistance effects, essential for spintronics, and lead to resistivity anomalies, the so-called Kondo effect. Here, we demonstrate that atomic defects enable highly efficient all-electrical detection of spin-swirling textures, in particular magnetic skyrmions, which are promising bit candidates in future spintronics devices. The concomitant impurity-driven alteration of the electronic structure and magnetic non-collinearity gives rise to a new spin-mixing magnetoresistance (XMRdefect). Taking advantage of the impurities-induced amplification of the bare transport signal, which depends on their chemical nature, a defect-enhanced XMR (DXMR) is proposed. Both XMR modes are systematised for 3d and 4d transition metal defects implanted at the vicinity of skyrmions generated in PdFe bilayer deposited on Ir(111). The ineluctability of impurities in devices promotes the implementation of defect-enabled XMR modes in reading architectures with immediate implications in magnetic storage technologies.
Electric current control of spin helicity in an itinerant helimagnet
Authors: Jiang N. , Nii Y. , Arisawa H. , Saitoh E. , Onose Y.
Published: March 2020

A helimagnet is a chiral magnet in which the direction of the magnetic moment spatially rotates in a plane perpendicular to the propagation vector. The sense of the rotation known as spin helicity is a robust degree of freedom of matter and may provide a new concept of magnetic memory if it can be electrically controlled and detected. Here we show that the helicity can be controlled by magnetic fields and electric currents in an itinerant helimagnet MnP. Second-harmonic resistivity measurements allow us to read out the controlled helicity. In contract to an insulating multiferroic magnet, in which spin rotation was shown to be controllable by an electric field, we achieve helicity manipulation by using an electric current in the conducting helimagnet. The controllability of the spin helicity may pave the way to new method of realizing magnetic memories based on the spin internal degrees of freedom.
Structural insights into tetraspanin CD9 function
Authors: Umeda Rie , Satouh Yuhkoh , Takemoto Mizuki , Nakada-Nakura Yoshiko , Liu Kehong , Yokoyama Takeshi , Shirouzu Mikako , Iwata So , Nomura Norimichi , Sato Ken , Ikawa Masahito , Nishizawa Tomohiro , Nureki Osamu
Published: March 2020

Tetraspanins play critical roles in various physiological processes, ranging from cell adhesion to virus infection. The members of the tetraspanin family have four membrane-spanning domains and short and large extracellular loops, and associate with a broad range of other functional proteins to exert cellular functions. Here we report the crystal structure of CD9 and the cryo-electron microscopic structure of CD9 in complex with its single membrane-spanning partner protein, EWI-2. The reversed cone-like molecular shape of CD9 generates membrane curvature in the crystalline lipid layers, which explains the CD9 localization in regions with high membrane curvature and its implications in membrane remodeling. The molecular interaction between CD9 and EWI-2 is mainly mediated through the small residues in the transmembrane region and protein/lipid interactions, whereas the fertilization assay revealed the critical involvement of the LEL region in the sperm-egg fusion, indicating the different dependency of each binding domain for other partner proteins.
Novel methods for global water safety monitoring: comparative analysis of low-cost, field-ready E. coli assays
Authors: Brown Joe , Bir Arjun , Bain Robert E. S.
Published: March 2020

Current microbiological water safety testing methods are not feasible in many settings because of laboratory, cost, and other constraints, particularly in low-income countries where water quality monitoring is most needed to protect public health. We evaluated two promising E. coli methods that may have potential in at-scale global water quality monitoring: a modified membrane filtration test followed by incubation on pre-prepared plates with dehydrated culture medium (CompactDryTM), and 10 and 100 ml presence–absence tests using the open-source Aquatest medium (AT). We compared results to membrane filtration followed by incubation on MI agar as the standard test. We tested 315 samples in triplicate of drinking water in Bangalore, India, where E. coli counts by the standard method ranged from non-detect in 100 ml samples to TNTC (>200). Results suggest high sensitivity and specificity for E. coli detection of candidate tests compared with the standard method: sensitivity and specificity of the 100 ml AT test was 97% and 96% when incubated for 24 h at standard temperature and 97% and 97% when incubated 48 h at ambient temperatures (mean: 27 °C). Sensitivity and specificity of the CompactDryTM test was >99 and 97% when incubated for 24 h at standard temperature and >99 and 97% when incubated 48 h at ambient temperatures. Good agreement between these candidate tests compared with the reference method suggests they are suitable for E. coli monitoring to indicate water safety.
The sterlet sturgeon genome sequence and the mechanisms of segmental rediploidization
Authors: Du Kang , Stöck Matthias , Kneitz Susanne , Klopp Christophe , Woltering Joost M. , Adolfi Mateus Contar , Feron Romain , Prokopov Dmitry , Makunin Alexey , Kichigin Ilya , Schmidt Cornelia , Fischer Petra , Kuhl Heiner , Wuertz Sven , Gessner Jörn , Kloas Werner , Cabau Cédric , Iampietro Carole , Parrinello Hugues , Tomlinson Chad , Journot Laurent , Postlethwait John H. , Braasch Ingo , Trifonov Vladimir , Warren Wesley C. , Meyer Axel , Guiguen Yann , Schartl Manfred
Published: March 2020

Sturgeons seem to be frozen in time. The archaic characteristics of this ancient fish lineage place it in a key phylogenetic position at the base of the ~30,000 modern teleost fish species. Moreover, sturgeons are notoriously polyploid, providing unique opportunities to investigate the evolution of polyploid genomes. We assembled a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome for the sterlet, Acipenser ruthenus. Our analysis revealed a very low protein evolution rate that is at least as slow as in other deep branches of the vertebrate tree, such as that of the coelacanth. We uncovered a whole-genome duplication that occurred in the Jurassic, early in the evolution of the entire sturgeon lineage. Following this polyploidization, the rediploidization of the genome included the loss of whole chromosomes in a segmental deduplication process. While known adaptive processes helped conserve a high degree of structural and functional tetraploidy over more than 180 million years, the reduction of redundancy of the polyploid genome seems to have been remarkably random.
Author Correction: Cardiovascular risk algorithms in primary care: Results from the DETECT study
Authors: Grammer Tanja B. , Dressel Alexander , Gergei Ingrid , Kleber Marcus E. , Laufs Ulrich , Scharnagl Hubert , Nixdorff Uwe , Klotsche Jens , Pieper Lars , Pittrow David , Silber Sigmund , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , März Winfried
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Modelling the electric field in reactors yielding cold atmospheric–pressure plasma jets
Authors: Vafeas P. , Papadopoulos P. K. , Vafakos G. P. , Svarnas P. , Doschoris M.
Published: March 2020

The behavior of the electric field in Cold Atmospheric–Pressure Plasma jets (CAPP jets) is important in many applications related to fundamental science and engineering, since it provides crucial information related to the characteristics of plasma. To this end, this study is focused on the analytic computation of the electric field in a standard plasma reactor system (in the absence of any space charge), considering the two principal configurations of either one–electrode or two–electrodes around a dielectric tube. The latter is considered of minor contribution to the field calculation that embodies the working gas, being an assumption for the current research. Our analytical technique employs the cylindrical geometry, properly adjusted to the plasma jet system, whereas handy subdomains separate the area of electric activity. Henceforth, we adapt the classical Maxwell’s potential theory for the calculation of the electric field, wherein standard Laplace’s equations are solved, supplemented by the appropriate boundary conditions and the limiting conduct at the exit of the nozzle. The theoretical approach matches the expected physics and captures the corresponding essential features in a fully three–dimensional fashion via the derivation of closed–form expressions for the related electrostatic fields as infinite series expansions of cylindrical harmonic eigenfunctions. The feasibility of our method for both cases of the described experimental setup is eventually demonstrated by efficiently incorporating the necessary numerical implementation of the obtained formulae. The analytical model is benchmarked against reported numerical results, whereas discrepancies are commented and prospective work is discussed.
The three-dimensional bone mass distribution of the posterior pelvic ring and its key role in transsacral screw placement
Authors: Thiesen Darius M. , Ntalos Dimitris , Berger-Groch Josephine , Petersik Andreas , Hofstätter Bernhard , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Hartel Maximilian J.
Published: March 2020

To optimize the placement of iliosacral screws in osteoporotic bone it is essential to know where to find the best purchase. The aim of this study was to determine and visualize the distribution of bone mass in the posterior pelvic ring by using a color-coded thermal map, to differentiate the bone distribution patterns in normal pelvises and in pelvises with impaired bone density and to identify zones in S1 and S2 with particularly good bone quality, in both healthy and osteoporotic pelvises. A total of 324 pelvises were included. The bone density of the posterior pelvic ring, the fifth lumbar vertebral body (L5) and screw corridors S1 and S2 were visualized. Each individual pelvis was measured with a 3D automated program. Two groups were selected - patients with mean bone density in L5 of ≤100 HU (group 1, n = 52) and those with mean bone density >100 HU (group 2, n = 272). Color-coded thermal maps are presented of the bone density distribution in the pelvises. Bone density in L5 correlated significantly with S1 and S2; bone density was significantly higher in the S1 than in the S2 corridor (p < 0.001). Bone was denser in the posterior and upper parts of the S1 body. Bone density was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 (p < 0.001). The color-coded “thermal” maps of bone mass distribution can help surgeons to decide where sacroiliac screws are likely to find optimal purchase.
Generation of novel genetically modified rats to reveal the molecular mechanisms of vitamin D actions
Authors: Nishikawa Miyu , Yasuda Kaori , Takamatsu Masashi , Abe Keisuke , Okamoto Kairi , Horibe Kyohei , Mano Hiroki , Nakagawa Kimie , Tsugawa Naoko , Hirota Yoshihisa , Horie Tetsuhiro , Hinoi Eiichi , Okano Toshio , Ikushiro Shinichi , Sakaki Toshiyuki
Published: March 2020

Recent studies have suggested that vitamin D activities involve vitamin D receptor (VDR)-dependent and VDR-independent effects of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) and ligand-independent effects of the VDR. Here, we describe a novel in vivo system using genetically modified rats deficient in the Cyp27b1 or Vdr genes. Type II rickets model rats with a mutant Vdr (R270L), which recognizes 1,25(OH)2D3 with an affinity equivalent to that for 25(OH)D3, were also generated. Although Cyp27b1-knockout (KO), Vdr-KO, and Vdr (R270L) rats each showed rickets symptoms, including abnormal bone formation, they were significantly different from each other. Administration of 25(OH)D3 reversed rickets symptoms in Cyp27b1-KO and Vdr (R270L) rats. Interestingly, 1,25(OH)2D3 was synthesized in Cyp27b1-KO rats, probably by Cyp27a1. In contrast, the effects of 25(OH)D3 on Vdr (R270L) rats strongly suggested a direct action of 25(OH)D3 via VDR-genomic pathways. These results convincingly suggest the usefulness of our in vivo system.
Significance of Clostridium difficile in community-acquired diarrhea in a tertiary care center in Lebanon
Authors: Al Assaad Reem , Dakessian Alik , Bachir Rana , Bizri Abdul Rahman , El Sayed Mazen
Published: March 2020

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is becoming a cause of community-acquired diarrhea. The aim is to describe (CDI) as a cause of acute diarrhea in patients presenting from the community to the Emergency Department (ED) of a tertiary care center in Lebanon. A retrospective study conducted in the ED at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). Adult patients presenting with the chief complaint of diarrhea and having positive CDI by stool laboratory testing (toxins A and B), during a three-year period were included. 125 patients with CDI were included. Average age was 61.43 (±20.42) with roughly equal sex prevalence. 30% (n = 36) of patients had neither antibiotic exposure nor recent hospitalization prior to current CDI. Mortality was 9.6% (n = 12), CDI was attributed as the cause in 16.7% (n = 2) and a contributing factor in 41.6% (n = 5). Recurrence within 3 months occurred in 9.6% (n = 11) in mainly those taking Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and having multiple co-morbidities. There is a high rate of community acquired CDI in Lebanon. Review of patients’ medications (PPIs and antibiotics) is crucial. More studies are needed to assess mortality associated with CDI and the outcome of coinfection with other enteric pathogens.
Genetic and genomic analysis for cocoon yield traits in silkworm
Authors: Fang Shou-Min , Zhou Qiu-Zhong , Yu Quan-You , Zhang Ze
Published: March 2020

Domestic species provides a powerful model for examining genetic mechanisms in the evolution of yield traits. The domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori) is an important livestock species in sericulture. While the mechanisms controlling cocoon yield are largely unknown. Here, usingB. moriand its wild relativeB. mandarinaas intercross parents, 100 BC1individuals were sequenced by restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq). The linkage map contained 9,632 markers was constructed. We performed high-resolution quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping for four cocoon yield traits. A total of 11 QTLs were identified, including one yield-enhancing QTL from wild silkworm. By integrating population genomics and transcriptomic analysis with QTLs, some favourable genes were revealed, including 14 domestication-related genes and 71 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the fifth-instar larval silk gland transcriptome betweenB. moriandB. mandarina. The relationships between the expression of two important candidate genes (KWMTBOMO04917andKWMTBOMO12906) and cocoon yield were supported by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Our results provide some new insights into the molecular mechanisms of complex yield traits in silkworm. The combined method might be an efficient approach for identifying putative causal genes in domestic livestock and wild relatives.
Inter-task transfer of prism adaptation depends on exposed task mastery
Authors: Fleury Lisa , Pastor Damien , Revol Patrice , Delporte Ludovic , Rossetti Yves
Published: March 2020

The sensorimotor system sets up plastic alterations to face new demands. Terms such as adaptation and learning are broadly used to describe a variety of processes underlying this aptitude. The mechanisms whereby transformations acquired to face a perturbation generalize to other situations or stay context-dependent remain weakly understood. Here, we compared the performance of hand pointing vs throwing to visual targets while facing an optical shift of the visual field (prismatic deviation). We found that the transfer of compensations was conditioned by the task performed during exposure to the perturbation: compensations transferred from pointing to throwing but not at all from throwing to pointing. Additionally, expertise on the task performed during exposure had a marked influence on the amount of transfer to the non-exposed task: throwing experts (dart players) remarkably transferred compensations to the pointing task. Our results reveal that different processes underlying these distinct transfer properties may be at work to face a given perturbation. Their solicitation depends on mastery for the exposed task, which is responsible for different patterns of inter-task transfer. An important implication is that transfer properties, and not only after-effects, should be included as a criterion for adaptation. At the theoretical level, we suggest that tasks may need to be mastered before they can be subjected to adaptation, which has new implications for the distinction between learning and adaptation.
Elevated levels of proinflammatory volatile metabolites in feces of high fat diet fed KK-Ay mice
Authors: Uchikawa Misaki , Kato Mai , Nagata Akika , Sanada Shunsuke , Yoshikawa Yuto , Tsunematsu Yuta , Sato Michio , Suzuki Takuji , Hashidume Tsutomu , Watanabe Kenji , Yoshikawa Yuko , Miyoshi Noriyuki
Published: March 2020

When the microfloral composition deteriorates, it triggers low-level chronic inflammation associated with several lifestyle-related diseases including obesity and diabetic mellitus. Fecal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been found to differ in gastrointestinal diseases as well as intestinal infection. In this study, to evaluate a potential association between the pathogenesis of lifestyle-related diseases and VOCs in the intestinal tract, fecal VOCs from obese/diabetic KK-Ay mice (KK) or controls (C57BL/6J mice; BL) fed a normal or high fat diet (NFD or HFD) were investigated using headspace sampler-GC-EI-MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) of fecal VOC profiles clearly separated the experimental groups depending on the mouse lineage (KK vs BL) and the diet type (NFD vs HFD). 16 s rRNA sequencing revealed that the PCA distribution of VOCs was in parallel with the microfloral composition. We identified that some volatile metabolites including n-alkanals (nonanal and octanal), acetone and phenol were significantly increased in the HFD and/or KK groups. Additionally, these volatile metabolites induced proinflammatory activity in the RAW264 murine macrophage cell line indicating these bioactive metabolites might trigger low-level chronic inflammation. These results suggest that proinflammatory VOCs detected in HFD-fed and/or diabetic model mice might be novel noninvasive diagnosis biomarkers for diabetes.
Evaluation of new Corvis ST parameters in normal, Post-LASIK, Post-LASIK keratectasia and keratoconus eyes
Authors: Yang Kaili , Xu Liyan , Fan Qi , Gu Yuwei , Song Peng , Zhang Bo , Zhao Dongqing , Pang Chenjiu , Ren Shengwei
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of new Corneal Visualisation Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST) parameters in normal, Post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), Post-LASIK keratectasia (KE) and keratoconus (KC) eyes, and explore the diagnostic ability of these parameters in distinguishing KE from LASIK eyes. Twenty-three normal eyes, 23 LASIK eyes, 23 KE eyes and 23 KC eyes were recruited in this study. The following new Corvis ST parameters were measured: Max Inverse Radius, deformation amplitude (DA) Ratio Max [2 mm], Pachy Slope, DA Ratio Max [1 mm], Ambrosio’s relational thickness horizontal (ARTh), Integrated Radius, stiffness parameter at first applanation (SP-A1) and Corvis biomechanical index (CBI). The general linear model, linear regression model, relation analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were performed. The Max Inverse Radius, DA Ratio Max [2 mm], Pachy Slope, DA Ratio Max [1 mm], Integrated Radius and CBI in LASIK eyes, KE eyes and KC eyes were higher than in normal eyes, while the ARTh and SP-A1 parameters were lower than in normal eyes. The KE eyes had higher Max Inverse Radius, DA Ratio Max [2 mm], Pachy Slope, DA Ratio Max [1 mm], Integrated Radius, and lower SP-A1 value than LASIK eyes (all P < 0.05). The central corneal thickness was related to the Pachy Slope (r = −0.485), ARTh (r = −0.766), SP-A1 (r = 0.618) in KE eyes (all P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve of Integrated Radius, Max Inverse Radius, DA Ratio Max [2 mm] and SP-A1 were above 0.800 in identifying KE from LASIK eyes. Thus, the new Corvis ST parameters were different between LASIK and KE eyes, suggesting that they might be helpful in distinguishing KE eyes from LASIK eyes. However, a further multi-center and large sample study is necessary to confirm these findings.
Metal-based imaging agents: progress towards interrogating neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Sedgwick Adam C. , Brewster James T. , Harvey Peter , Iovan Diana A. , Smith Graham , He Xiao-Peng , Tian He , Sessler Jonathan L. , James Tony D.
Published: March 2020

Transition metals and lanthanide ions display unique properties that enable the development of non-invasive diagnostic tools for imaging. In this review, we highlight various metal-based imaging strategies used to interrogate neurodegeneration.
Mechanistic study of cellobiose conversion to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural catalyzed by a Brønsted acid with counteranions in an aqueous solution
Authors: Qi Ting , Si Zhen-Bing , Liu Li-Juan , Yang Hong-Mei , Huang Zhou , Yang Hua-Qing , Hu Chang-Wei
Published: March 2020

In the cellobiose conversion to HMF catalyzed by Brønsted acid, the halide anions (Cl− and Br−) act as promoters, whereas both NO3− anion and the carboxylate-containing anions behave as inhibiters.
Properties, fabrication and applications of plasmonic semiconductor nanocrystals
Authors: Yin Haibo , Kuwahara Yasutaka , Mori Kohsuke , Louis Catherine , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: March 2020

We highlight three widely explored oxide-based plasmonic materials, including HxMoO3−y, HxWO3−y, and MoxW1−xO3−y, and their applications in catalysis.
Recombinant mucin-type proteins carrying LacdiNAc on different O-glycan core chains fail to support H. pylori binding
Authors: Mthembu Yolanda H. , Jin Chunsheng , Padra Médea , Liu Jining , Edlund Johan Olofsson , Ma Hanyue , Padra Janos , Oscarson Stefan , Borén Thomas , Karlsson Niclas G. , Lindén Sara K. , Holgersson Jan
Published: March 2020

The β4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 (B4GALNT3) transfers GalNAc in a β1,4-linkage to GlcNAc forming the LacdiNAc (LDN) determinant on oligosaccharides.
Pipette-like action of a reusable and NIR light-responsive film for the aspiration and removal of viable cancer cells
Authors: Lei Yang , Ye Haixia , Xiang Siqi , Huang Yuan , Zhu Chao , Zhang Weiying , Chen Yong , Cao Yiping
Published: March 2020

A reusable and NIR light-responsive composite membrane is developed to capture/release viable cancer cells.
Synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazines by NBS-mediated coupling of 2-amino-1,3,5-triazines with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds
Authors: Pan Zexi , Song Chan , Zhou Wei , Cui Dong-Mei , Zhang Chen
Published: March 2020

An efficient NBS-promoted synthesis of substituted imidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazines under mild conditions has been developed.
Efficient detection of Cr3+ and Cr2O72− using a Zn(ii) luminescent metal–organic framework
Authors: Guo Qi , Ma Tingting , Zhou Liuqing , Ma Jing-xin , Yang Jinhui , Yang Qingfeng
Published: March 2020

We constructed a new luminescent metal–organic framework, [Zn2(TCBPDC)0.5(H2O)2]n·G (G = guest molecules), and realized an efficiently luminescent sensing for Cr3+ and Cr2O72−.
Kinetic investigation of the cyclopropanation process of fullerene C60 by halogenmethyl ketones under the conditions of the Bingel reaction
Authors: Biglova Yulya N. , Sakhautdinov Ilshat M. , Garifullin Rustem N. , Sakhautdinova Gulnaz F. , Mustafin Akhat G.
Published: March 2020

The kinetics of the Bingel reaction with halogenmethyl ketones and C60 fullerene has been studied in streaming mode by sampling the reaction mixture at different time intervals and separating the components using HPLC.
Nanoscale magnetic imaging enabled by nitrogen vacancy centres in nanodiamonds labelled by iron–oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Barbiero Martina , Castelletto Stefania , Zhang Qiming , Chen Ye , Charnley Mirren , Russell Sarah , Gu Min
Published: March 2020

A novel nanodiamond-magnetic nanoparticle probe as a labelling agent of biological cells for superresolution cellular imaging combined with magnetic sensing.
Intervaginal space injection of a liquid metal can prevent breast cancer invasion and better-sustain concomitant resistance
Authors: Cao Yupeng , Hu Xiajun , Zhang Qiang , Hua Wenda , Hu Nan , Nie Yifeng , Xu Xue , Xu Yonggang , Yang Chongqing , Zhou Xiaohan , Liu Wentao , Han Dong
Published: March 2020

CW invasion by the primary tumor was inhibited by ISI of an LM. DCs were activated by the LM to sustain CR.
Binuclear and tetranuclear Zn(ii) complexes with thiosemicarbazones: synthesis, X-ray crystal structures, ATP-sensing, DNA-binding, phosphatase activity and theoretical calculations
Authors: Adak Piyali , Ghosh Bipinbihari , Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio , Herron Steven R. , Chattopadhyay Shyamal Kumar
Published: March 2020

A binuclear and a tetranuclear zinc(ii) of pyruvaldehyde thiosemicarbazone show selective sensing of ATP at pH 7.4 (0.01 M HEPES) in CH3CN–H2O (9 : 1) medium. The DNA binding and phosphatase activities of the complexes are also reported.
Cloaking by coating: how effectively does a thin, stiff coating hide a soft substrate?
Authors: Box Finn , Jacquemot Cyprien , Adda-Bedia Mokhtar , Vella Dominic
Published: March 2020

From human tissue to fruits, many soft materials are coated with a thin layer of a stiffer material. We study the effect of such a coating on the stiffness of the combined object to touch, and show that the size of the probe affects the measured result.
Interface energy level alignment and improved film quality with a hydrophilic polymer interlayer to improve the device efficiency and stability of all-inorganic halide perovskite light-emitting diodes
Authors: Dong Jie , Song Dandan , Meng Juan , Lu Yao , Li Yaoyao , Qiao Bo , Zhao Suling , Xu Zheng
Published: March 2020

A hydrophilic polymer PVDF was employed at the perovskite/PEDOT:PSS interface in an all-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite to improve the device efficiency and stability.
Nanozyme-catalyzed oxygen release from calcium peroxide nanoparticles for accelerated hypoxia relief and image-guided super-efficient photodynamic therapy
Authors: Hu Yuping , Wang Xuechun , Zhao Peng , Wang Hao , Gu Wei , Ye Ling
Published: March 2020

The accelerated O2 release from CaO2 catalyzed by MnO2 nanozyme leads to a rapid and efficient hypoxia relief, an increased yield of 1O2, a down-regulated HIF-1α and VEGF, and eventually a super-efficient PDT.
Activatable fluorescent probes for hydrolase enzymes based on coumarin–hemicyanine hybrid fluorophores with large Stokes shifts
Authors: Fujioka Hiroyoshi , Uno Shin-nosuke , Kamiya Mako , Kojima Ryosuke , Johnsson Kai , Urano Yasuteru
Published: March 2020

We show that the equilibrium of intramolecular spirocyclization of coumarin–hemicyanine hybrid fluorophores can be finely tuned by means of chemical modifications to develop activatable fluorescence probes for hydrolases with large Stokes shift.
Light-controlled imaging of biocatalytic reactions via scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy for multiplexed sensing
Authors: Riedel Marc , Ruff Adrian , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Lisdat Fred , Conzuelo Felipe
Published: March 2020

Local resolution achieved with a light-triggered multiplexed assay enables detection of analytes on demand.
Conformational enhancement of fidelity in toehold-sequestered DNA nanodevices
Authors: Bader Antoine , Cockroft Scott L.
Published: March 2020

Simple design principles improve conformational stability and decrease strand leakage by two orders of magnitude.
In situ generation of sub-10 nm silver nanowires under electron beam irradiation in a TEM
Authors: Li Junjie , Leonard Deepak Francis
Published: March 2020

Ag nanowires have been successfully fabricated on a Ag2WO4 support based on a segregation driven growth route under electron beam irradiation.
Conformational control of N-methyl-N,N′-diacylhydrazines by noncovalent carbon bonding in solution
Authors: Deka Jugal Kishore Rai , Sahariah Biswajit , Baruah Kalpita , Bar Arun Kumar , Sarma Bani Kanta
Published: March 2020

Unusual N(amide)⋯C–X noncovalent carbon bonding interactions stabilize the trans–cis (t–c) amide bond rotamers of N-methyl-N,N′-diacylhydrazines over the expected trans–trans (t–t) rotamers in solution.
Synthesis of isoquinolones by visible-light-induced deaminative [4+2] annulation reactions
Authors: Zhao Yating , Shi Chengcheng , Su Xing , Xia Wujiong
Published: March 2020

A metal-free approach for the synthesis of isoquinolone derivatives by means of photoinitiated deaminative [4+2] annulation of alkynes and N-amidepyridinium salts is presented.
Metal-free dehydrosulfurization of thioamides to nitriles under visible light
Authors: Xu Tianxiao , Cao Tianpeng , Feng Qingyuan , Huang Shenlin , Liao Saihu
Published: March 2020

A visible light-mediated dehydrosulfurization of thioamides to nitriles is demonstrated, using an organic dye as a photocatalyst and air as an oxidant.
Synthesis of all-silica hollow zeolites by selective demetallation
Authors: Li Teng , Krumeich Frank , van Bokhoven Jeroen A.
Published: March 2020

Exploiting the protective role of extra-framework aluminum species on the crystal rim, all-silica hollow zeolites are efficiently produced by demetallation.
Two-dimensional porous nickel oxalate thin sheets constructed by ultrathin nanosheets as electrode materials for high-performance aqueous supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Chenglan , Jiang Yuqian , Liang Shunfei , Gao Fang , Xie Li , Chen Lingyun
Published: March 2020

2D porous nickel oxalate thin sheets constructed by ultrathin nanosheets were first synthesized by using a simple hydrothermal method. The resulting porous thin sheets exhibited superior supercapacitor performance.
Nanosheet-assembled carbonated hydroxyapatite microspheres prepared by an EDTA-assisted hydrothermal homogeneous precipitation route
Authors: Qi Mei-li , Yao Shengkun , Liu Xiao-Cun , Wang Xiaoning , Cui Fengkun
Published: March 2020

Well-defined carbonated hydroxyapatite microspheres assembled from nanosheets were synthesized by a Na2EDTA-assisted hydrothermal homogeneous precipitation route.
An in situ XAS study of high surface-area IrO2 produced by the polymeric precursor synthesis
Authors: Reksten Anita Hamar , Russell Andrea E. , Richardson Peter W. , Thompson Stephen J. , Mathisen Karina , Seland Frode , Sunde Svein
Published: March 2020

In situ XAS measurements show that iridium oxide electrocatalysts manufactured by the polymeric precursor synthesis method contain a significant fraction of elemental iridium metal and that potential cycling only oxidises a thin layer of the elemental component of the composite.
Charge separation and successive reconfigurations of electronic and protonic states in a water-splitting catalytic cycle with the Mn4CaO5 cluster. On the mechanism of water splitting in PSII
Authors: Yamamoto Kentaro , Takatsuka Kazuo
Published: March 2020

Charge separation, reloading of electrons and protons, and O2 generation in a catalytic cycle for water splitting with Mn4CaO5 in PSII.
Connection of large amplitude angular jump motions with temporal heterogeneity in aqueous solutions
Authors: Das Mahanta Debasish , Mitra Rajib Kumar
Published: March 2020

A new methodology to describe temporal heterogeneity in aqueous solutions through large amplitude angular jump motions.
Prediction of aqueous free energies of solvation using coupled QM and MM explicit solvent simulations
Authors: Sadowsky Daniel , Arey J. Samuel
Published: March 2020

A method based on molecular dynamics simulations which employ two distinct levels of theory is proposed and tested for the prediction of Gibbs free energies of solvation for non-ionic solutes in water.
Remarkable Rashba spin splitting induced by an asymmetrical internal electric field in polar III–VI chalcogenides
Authors: Ju Weiwei , Wang Donghui , Li Tongwei , Zhang Yi , Gao Zijian , Ren Lixian , Li Haisheng , Gong Shijing
Published: March 2020

The Rashba spin splitting of polar group III–VI chalcogenides XABY (A, B = Ga, In; X ≠ Y = S, Se, Te) monolayer is investigated based on the density functional theory.
Order–disorder phase transition of the subsurface cation vacancy reconstruction on Fe3O4(001)
Authors: Arndt Björn , Lechner Barbara A. J. , Bourgund Alexander , Grånäs Elin , Creutzburg Marcus , Krausert Konstantin , Hulva Jan , Parkinson Gareth S. , Schmid Michael , Vonk Vedran , Esch Friedrich , Stierle Andreas
Published: March 2020

Magnetite surface defect dynamics followed by fast scanning tunneling microscopy and surface X-ray diffraction.
A new horizon for vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy: a challenge for supramolecular chirality
Authors: Sato Hisako
Published: March 2020

The development of the solid state and time-step VCD methods opened a new horizon to reveal the mechanism of chirality amplification from microscopic to supramolecular scales.
A method to predict both the relaxation time of quantum tunneling of magnetization and the effective barrier of magnetic reversal for a Kramers single-ion magnet
Authors: Yin Bing , Li Chao-Chao
Published: March 2020

A method to predict the relaxation time of quantum tunneling of magnetization and the magnetic reversal barrier with efficiency and reliability.
Deboronation-assisted construction of defective Ti(OSi)3OH species in MWW-type titanosilicate and their enhanced catalytic performance
Authors: Tang Zhimou , Yu Yunkai , Liu Wei , Chen Zhen , Wang Rui , Liu Haoxin , Wu Haihong , Liu Yueming , He Mingyuan
Published: March 2020

Regulating the state of titanium speciesviathe deboronation-assisted route is a facile strategy to construct highly efficient titanosilicate catalysts.