bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different levels of chromium nicotinate on growth performance and antibody titre responses to Newcastle and Avian Influenza disease in heat-stressed broiler chicks
Authors: Toghyani M , Shivazad M , Zarkesh S H , Gheisari A A
Published: March 2021

High ambient temperature reduces feed intake, live weight gain, and feed efficiency (Siegel, 1995), thus negatively influencing the performance of broilers. Heat stress has also been shown to suppress immune responses of broiler. Chromium is an essential nutrient required to promote the action of insulin in body tissues so that the body can use sugars, proteins and fats. Cr deficiency can disrupt carbohydrate and protein metabolism, reduce insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues and impair growth rate (Vincent, 2000).Chromium is important in altering the immune response by immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive processes as shown by its effects on T and B lymphocytes, macrophages and cytokine production. Dietary chromium supplementation has been reported to have a positive effect on growth rate and feed efficiency of growing poultry under stress conditions (Sahin et al., 2002). Another reason for supplementing chromium is due to the fact that chromium is excreted excessively during stress (Anderson, 1994). Also the dietary requirement of livestock for chromium has not been defined yet (NRC, 1997). This study was to investigate the effects of different levels of Cr nicotinate on the growth performance and antibody titres against Newcastle and Influenza disease in broilers.
Effect of cannabis consumption on characteristics and evolution of	thromboangitis obliterans
Authors: Bergère Guillaume , Toquet Claire , Hoffmann Clément , Bressollette Luc , Raimbeau Alizée , Durant Cécile , Artifoni Mathieu , Gautier Giovanni , Hersant Jeanne , Connault Jérôme , Pistorius Marc-Antoine , Espitia Olivier
Published: March 2021

Summary: Background: Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is a distal non atherosclerotic thrombotic vasculitis affecting tobacco smokers. The role of cannabis co-exposure remains controversial. The study aims to assess how cannabis consumption influences clinical presentation and outcome of TAO in tobacco smokers. Patients and methods: TAO patients, according to Papa’s criteria, were included in a retrospective bicentric study between the 1st January 2003 and the 1st march 2020. Clinical characteristics, arterial involvement at TAO diagnosis, vascular event and amputations during follow-up were analyzed according to cannabis consumption. Results: Seventy-three patients with TAO patients were included. Forty-five patients were in Tobacco group (T) and 28 in Tobacco and cannabis group (T&C). Tobacco exposure was less important in T&C group than in T group (19.4±11.3 vs 31.6±16.6 pack-years) (p=0.005) and patients in T&C group were younger at TAO diagnosis than in T group (p=0.008). Patients in T&C group presented more claudication (33.3% vs 8.9%, p=0.01) and less upper limbs resting ischemia (25.9% vs 51.1%, p=0.04) than patients in the T group. No differences were found between groups with regard to arterial distribution. Amputation rate for patients who had at least one major or minor amputation did not differ between T and T&C group (25% vs 14.8%, p=0.38). Conclusions: Cannabis consumption was associated with a younger age of TAO onset. However, it does not affect amputation-free survival, Tobacco exposure is less important in T&C patients; data of this bicentric study suggest that cannabis could be a cofactor of tobacco which accelerates TAO onset.
Influence of Wind Velocity and Soil Size Distribution on Emitted Dust Size Distribution: A Wind Tunnel Study
Authors: Wang Rende , Li Qing , Wang Ruijun , Chang Chunping , Guo Zhongling , Li Jifeng , Zhou Na
Published: March 2021

The question of whether the emitted dust size distribution (EDSD) depends on wind velocity or soil size distribution (SSD) remains to be resolved. This study used wind tunnel tests to investigate the influence of wind velocity and SSD on EDSD. The results showed that EDSD was influenced by both wind velocity and soil texture, supporting the saltation bombardment theory. The ratios of PM2.5to PM10(RPM2.5/10) and PM1.0to PM10(RPM1.0/10), which reflect the EDSD in the range of 0–10 μm, both showed trends of increase with increasing friction velocity (u*) for all six tested soils. The trend of increase was more significant forRPM1.0/10than forRPM2.5/10, which indicates that the content of finer dust in the range 0–10 μm increased with increasingu*. Whenu*increased from 0.51 to 0.68 m s−1, the ranges of increase forRPM2.5/10andRPM1.0/10were most significant for sandy soils, followed by sandy loam soils and then loamy soils, indicating that the effect of wind velocity on EDSD increased with increasing sand content in the soils. The EDSD was also influenced significantly by the fully dispersed SSD, especially the sand and silt contents in the soils. TheRPM2.5/10andRPM1.0/10increased (decreased) logarithmically (linearly) with increasing sand (silt) content in these soils. The finding of this study represents enrichment of data regarding EDSD, which could lead to greater understanding of the roles of wind velocity and SSD in relation to EDSD.
Three‐Dimensional Distribution of PM2.5 over the Yangtze River Delta as Cold Fronts Moving Through
Authors: Kang Hanqing , Zhu Bin , Liu Xiaohui , Shi Shuangshuang , Hou Xuewei , Lu Wen , Yan Shuqi , Pan Chen , Chen Yu
Published: March 2021

Long‐range transport of PM2.5 from the North China Plain (NCP) by cold frontal passage is considered to be an important haze formation mechanism in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). However, detailed 3D distributions of PM2.5 and meteorological fields during the front moving through are not fully understood. Herein, in situ observations showed that most haze events in autumn and winter in the YRD were associated with cold frontal passages. A typical cold front episode on November 2–3, 2017, was investigated with unmanned aerial vehicle sounding and model simulations, which both revealed that PM2.5 in the upper air (∼1.0 km) reached the YRD earlier than that moving at the ground level. When the cold front reached the NCP, air pollutants ahead of the front was lifted from the ground level to the upper air. Subsequently, increased PM2.5 concentrations and higher wind speed in the upper air resulted in stronger PM2.5 outflow from the NCP to YRD compared to that at ground level. The maximum PM2.5 mass contribution from the NCP to YRD was 15.6 μg m−3 (accounted for 31.5% of the total PM2.5 in the YRD), which appeared at ∼1.0 km altitude. Compared to the noncold front period, the PM2.5 mass transported from the NCP was 10–15 times higher during the cold front episode. Results indicate that the combination of multisite sounding and elaborate simulation can effectively explain the impact of synoptic processes on the transport, distribution, and evolution of air pollution and provide precise pollution control directives.
The role of N6-methyladenosine modification in the life cycle and disease pathogenesis of hepatitis B and C viruses
Authors: Kim Geon-Woo , Siddiqui Aleem
Published: March 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent modification of mammalian cellular RNAs. m6A methylation is linked to epigenetic regulation of several aspects of gene expression, including RNA stability, splicing, nuclear export, RNA folding, and translational activity. m6A modification is reversibly catalyzed by methyltransferases (m6A writers) and demethylases (m6A erasers), and the dynamics of m6A-modified RNA are regulated by m6A-binding proteins (m6A readers). Recently, several studies have shown that m6A methylation sites have been identified in hepatitis B virus (HBV) transcripts and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA genome. Here, we review the role of m6A modification in HBV/HCV replication and its contribution to liver disease pathogenesis. A better understanding of the functions of m6A methylation in the life cycles of HBV and HCV is required to establish the role of these modifications in liver diseases associated with these viral infections.
Identification of Neurensin-2 as a novel modulator of emotional behavior
Authors: Umschweif Gali , Medrihan Lucian , Guillén-Samander Andrés , Wang Wei , Sagi Yotam , Greengard Paul
Published: March 2021

Among the hallmarks of major depressive disorders (MDD) are molecular, functional, and morphological impairments in the hippocampus. Recent studies suggested a key role for hippocampal GABAergic interneurons both in depression and in the response to its treatments. These interneurons highly express the chromatin-remodeler SMARCA3 which mediates the response to chronic antidepressants in an unknown mechanism. Using cell-type-specific molecular and physiological approaches, we report that SMARCA3 mediates the glutamatergic signaling in interneurons by repressing the expression of the neuronal protein, Neurensin-2. This vesicular protein associates with endosomes and postsynaptic proteins and is highly and selectively expressed in subpopulations of GABAergic interneurons. Upregulation of Neurensin-2 in the hippocampus either by stress, viral overexpression, or by SMARCA3 deletion, results in depressive-like behaviors. In contrast, the deletion of Neurensin-2 confers resilience to stress and induces AMPA receptor localization to synapses. This pathway which bidirectionally affects emotional behavior could be involved in neuropsychiatric disorders, and suggests novel therapeutic approaches.
Impact of drinking Chinese green tea on postoperative short outcomes for gastric cancer: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Dan , Jing Xinxin , Cao Shougen , Liu Xiaodong , Tan Xiaojie , Jiang Haitao , Niu Zhaojian , Su Mengmeng , Zhang Jian , Zhang Xingqi , Liu Gan , Zhou Yanbing
Published: March 2021

Background

Early intake after surgery can decrease postoperative ileus. Several studies show coffee can stimulate bowel activity and be safe in patients after elective colectomy, mainly due to caffeine. It was postulated that drinking Chinese green tea as rich caffeine beverage after subtotal distal gastrectomy accelerates postoperative recovery in patients.

Method

This was a single-centre parallel open-label randomized trial. Patients with gastric cancer undergoing robotic or laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy were randomly allocated to receive drinking Chinese green tea (GT group) or potable water (PW group) after surgery. The primary endpoint was the time to gastrointestinal function recovery and tolerance of solid food, and the secondary endpoints included the incidence of postoperative complications, symptoms of postoperative adverse reaction, length of stay, pain as assessed by analgesic consumption and a visual analogue scale, and fatigue as assessed by a fatigue score model.

Results

A total of 80 patients were recruited, 40 to each group. Patient characteristics were similar in both groups. The GT group showed significantly shorter time to gastrointestinal function recovery compared with PW group to first flatus (47.23 ± 13.46 vs. 76.96 ± 20.35, P < 0.001), first bowel motion (78.70 ± 25.77 vs. 125.76 ± 36.25, P < 0.001) and tolerance of solid food (62.20 ± 16.15 vs. 98.66 ± 20.15, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Drinking Chinese green tea after robotic or laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy is safe and promotes postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function, also was an add method with strengthening analgesia and anti-inflammatory effect in the presence of the Enhance Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program. Registration number: ChiCTR1800018294 (http://www.chictr.org.cn).
Gut microbiota determines the social behavior of mice and induces metabolic and inflammatory changes in their adipose tissue
Authors: Agranyoni Oryan , Meninger-Mordechay Sapir , Uzan Atara , Ziv Oren , Salmon-Divon Mali , Rodin Dmitry , Raz Olga , Koman Igor , Koren Omry , Pinhasov Albert , Navon-Venezia Shiri
Published: March 2021

The link between the gut microbiota and social behavior has been demonstrated, however the translational impact of a certain microbiota composition on stable behavioral patterns is yet to be elucidated. Here we employed an established social behavior mouse model of dominance (Dom) or submissiveness (Sub). A comprehensive 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of Dom and Sub mice revealed a significantly different gut microbiota composition that clearly distinguishes between the two behavioral modes. Sub mice gut microbiota is significantly less diverse than that of Dom mice, and their taxa composition uniquely comprised the genera Mycoplasma and Anaeroplasma of the Tenericutes phylum, in addition to the Rikenellaceae and Clostridiaceae families. Conversely, the gut microbiota of Dom mice includes the genus Prevotella of the Bacteriodetes phylum, significantly less abundant in Sub mice. In addition, Sub mice show lower body weight from the age of 2 weeks and throughout their life span, accompanied with lower epididymis white adipose tissue (eWAT) mass and smaller adipocytes together with substantially elevated expression of inflammation and metabolic-related eWAT adipokines. Finally, fecal microbiota transplantation into germ-free mice show that Sub-transplanted mice acquired Sub microbiota and adopted their behavioral and physiological features, including depressive-like and anti-social behaviors alongside reduced eWAT mass, smaller adipocytes, and a Sub-like eWAT adipokine profile. Our findings demonstrate the critical role of the gut microbiome in determining dominance vs. submissiveness and suggest an association between gut microbiota, the eWAT metabolic and inflammatory profile, and the social behavior mode.
Iterative quantum amplitude estimation
Authors: Grinko Dmitry , Gacon Julien , Zoufal Christa , Woerner Stefan
Published: March 2021

We introduce a variant of Quantum Amplitude Estimation (QAE), called Iterative QAE (IQAE), which does not rely on Quantum Phase Estimation (QPE) but is only based on Grover’s Algorithm, which reduces the required number of qubits and gates. We provide a rigorous analysis of IQAE and prove that it achieves a quadratic speedup up to a double-logarithmic factor compared to classical Monte Carlo simulation with provably small constant overhead. Furthermore, we show with an empirical study that our algorithm outperforms other known QAE variants without QPE, some even by orders of magnitude, i.e., our algorithm requires significantly fewer samples to achieve the same estimation accuracy and confidence level.
Observation of Bloch oscillations and Wannier-Stark localization on a superconducting quantum processor
Authors: Guo Xue-Yi , Ge Zi-Yong , Li Hekang , Wang Zhan , Zhang Yu-Ran , Song Pengtao , Xiang Zhongcheng , Song Xiaohui , Jin Yirong , Lu Li , Xu Kai , Zheng Dongning , Fan Heng
Published: March 2021

The Bloch oscillation (BO) and Wannier-Stark localization (WSL) are fundamental concepts about metal-insulator transitions in condensed matter physics. These phenomena have also been observed in semiconductor superlattices and simulated in platforms such as photonic waveguide arrays and cold atoms. Here, we report experimental investigation of BOs and WSL simulated with a 5-qubit programmable superconducting processor, of which the effective Hamiltonian is an isotropic XY spin chain. When applying a linear potential to the system by properly tuning all individual qubits, we observe that the propagation of a single spin on the chain is suppressed. It tends to oscillate near the neighborhood of their initial positions, which demonstrates the characteristics of BOs and WSL. We verify that the WSL length is inversely correlated to the potential gradient. Benefiting from the precise single-shot simultaneous readout of all qubits in our experiments, we can also investigate the thermal transport, which requires the joint measurement of more than one qubits. The experimental results show that, as an essential characteristic for BOs and WSL, the thermal transport is also blocked under a linear potential. Our experiment would be scalable to more superconducting qubits for simulating various of out-of-equilibrium problems in quantum many-body systems.
The Amsterdam Open MRI Collection, a set of multimodal MRI datasets for individual difference analyses
Authors: Snoek Lukas , van der Miesen Maite M. , Beemsterboer Tinka , van der Leij Andries , Eigenhuis Annemarie , Steven Scholte H.
Published: March 2021

We present the Amsterdam Open MRI Collection (AOMIC): three datasets with multimodal (3 T) MRI data including structural (T1-weighted), diffusion-weighted, and (resting-state and task-based) functional BOLD MRI data, as well as detailed demographics and psychometric variables from a large set of healthy participants (N = 928, N = 226, and N = 216). Notably, task-based fMRI was collected during various robust paradigms (targeting naturalistic vision, emotion perception, working memory, face perception, cognitive conflict and control, and response inhibition) for which extensively annotated event-files are available. For each dataset and data modality, we provide the data in both raw and preprocessed form (both compliant with the Brain Imaging Data Structure), which were subjected to extensive (automated and manual) quality control. All data is publicly available from the OpenNeuro data sharing platform.
Neuropsychiatric profiles and conversion to dementia in mild cognitive impairment, a latent class analysis
Authors: Roberto Natalia , Portella Maria J. , Marquié Marta , Alegret Montserrat , Hernández Isabel , Mauleón Ana , Rosende-Roca Maitee , Abdelnour Carla , de Antonio Ester Esteban , Gil Silvia , Tartari Juan P. , Vargas Liliana , Espinosa Ana , Ortega Gemma , Pérez-Cordón Alba , Sanabria Ángela , Orellana Adelina , de Rojas Itziar , Moreno-Grau Sonia , Montrreal Laura , Alarcón-Martín Emilio , Ruíz Agustín , Tárraga Lluís , Boada Mercè , Valero Sergi
Published: March 2021

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) have been recently addressed as risk factors of conversion to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementia types in patients diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Our aim was to determine profiles based on the prominent NPS in MCI patients and to explore the predictive value of these profiles on conversion to specific types of dementia. A total of 2137 MCI patients monitored in a memory clinic were included in the study. Four NPS profiles emerged (classes), which were defined by preeminent symptoms: Irritability, Apathy, Anxiety/Depression and Asymptomatic. Irritability and Apathy were predictors of conversion to dementia (HR = 1.43 and 1.56, respectively). Anxiety/depression class showed no risk effect of conversion when compared to Asymptomatic class. Irritability class appeared as the most discriminant neuropsychiatric condition to identify non-AD converters (i.e., frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy Bodies). The findings revealed that consistent subgroups of MCI patients could be identified among comorbid basal NPS. The preeminent NPS showed to behave differentially on conversion to dementia, beyond AD. Therefore, NPS should be used as early diagnosis facilitators, and should also guide clinicians to detect patients with different illness trajectories in the progression of MCI.
Unravelling the multi-scale structure–property relationship of laser powder bed fusion processed and heat-treated AlSi10Mg
Authors: Van Cauwenbergh P. , Samaee V. , Thijs L. , Nejezchlebová J. , Sedlák P. , Iveković A. , Schryvers D. , Van Hooreweder B. , Vanmeensel K.
Published: March 2021

Tailoring heat treatments for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) processed materials is critical to ensure superior and repeatable material properties for high-end applications. This tailoring requires in-depth understanding of the LPBF-processed material. Therefore, the current study aims at unravelling the threefold interrelationship between the process (LPBF and heat treatment), the microstructure at different scales (macro-, meso-, micro-, and nano-scale), and the macroscopic material properties of AlSi10Mg. A similar solidification trajectory applies at different length scales when comparing the solidification of AlSi10Mg, ranging from mould-casting to rapid solidification (LPBF). The similarity in solidification trajectories triggers the reason why the Brody-Flemings cellular microsegregation solidification model could predict the cellular morphology of the LPBF as-printed microstructure. Where rapid solidification occurs at a much finer scale, the LPBF microstructure exhibits a significant grain refinement and a high degree of silicon (Si) supersaturation. This study has identified the grain refinement and Si supersaturation as critical assets of the as-printed microstructure, playing a vital role in achieving superior mechanical and thermal properties during heat treatment. Next, an electrical conductivity model could accurately predict the Si solute concentration in LPBF-processed and heat-treated AlSi10Mg and allows understanding the microstructural evolution during heat treatment. The LPBF-processed and heat-treated AlSi10Mg conditions (as-built (AB), direct-aged (DA), stress-relieved (SR), preheated (PH)) show an interesting range of superior mechanical properties (tensile strength: 300–450 MPa, elongation: 4–13%) compared to the mould-cast T6 reference condition.
Mosquitoes of the Maculipennis complex in Northern Italy
Authors: Calzolari Mattia , Desiato Rosanna , Albieri Alessandro , Bellavia Veronica , Bertola Michela , Bonilauri Paolo , Callegari Emanuele , Canziani Sabrina , Lelli Davide , Mosca Andrea , Mulatti Paolo , Peletto Simone , Ravagnan Silvia , Roberto Paolo , Torri Deborah , Pombi Marco , Di Luca Marco , Montarsi Fabrizio
Published: March 2021

The correct identification of mosquito vectors is often hampered by the presence of morphologically indiscernible sibling species. The Maculipennis complex is one of these groups that include both malaria vectors of primary importance and species of low/negligible epidemiological relevance, of which distribution data in Italy are outdated. Our study was aimed at providing an updated distribution of Maculipennis complex in Northern Italy through the sampling and morphological/molecular identification of specimens from five regions. The most abundant species was Anopheles messeae (2032), followed by Anopheles maculipennis s.s. (418), Anopheles atroparvus (28) and Anopheles melanoon (13). Taking advantage of ITS2 barcoding, we were able to finely characterize tested mosquitoes, classifying all the Anopheles messeae specimens as Anopheles daciae, a taxon with debated rank to which we referred as species inquirenda (sp. inq.). The distribution of species was characterized by Ecological Niche Models (ENMs), fed by recorded points of presence. ENMs provided clues on the ecological preferences of the detected species, with An. daciae sp. inq. linked to stable breeding sites and An. maculipennis s.s. more associated to ephemeral breeding sites. We demonstrate that historical Anopheles malaria vectors are still present in Northern Italy.
Exact dimer phase with anisotropic interaction for one dimensional magnets
Authors: Xu Hong-Ze , Zhang Shun-Yao , Guo Guang-Can , Gong Ming
Published: March 2021

We report the exact dimer phase, in which the ground states are described by product of singlet dimer, in the extended XYZ model by generalizing the isotropic Majumdar–Ghosh model to the fully anisotropic region. We demonstrate that this phase can be realized even in models when antiferromagnetic interaction along one of the three directions. This model also supports three different ferromagnetic (FM) phases, denoted as x-FM, y-FM and z-FM, polarized along the three directions. The boundaries between the exact dimer phase and FM phases are infinite-fold degenerate. The breaking of this infinite-fold degeneracy by either translational symmetry breaking or $${\mathbb {Z}}_2$$

Z
2

symmetry breaking leads to exact dimer phase and FM phases, respectively. Moreover, the boundaries between the three FM phases are critical with central charge $$c=1$$

c
=
1

for free fermions. We characterize the properties of these boundaries using entanglement entropy, excitation gap, and long-range spin–spin correlation functions. These results are relevant to a large number of one dimensional magnets, in which anisotropy is necessary to isolate a single chain out from the bulk material. We discuss the possible experimental signatures in realistic materials with magnetic field along different directions and show that the anisotropy may resolve the disagreement between theory and experiments based on isotropic spin-spin interactions.
A single arm trial using passive simulated jogging for blunting acute hyperglycemia
Authors: Adams Jose A. , Lopez Jose R. , Banderas Veronica , Sackner Marvin A.
Published: March 2021

Glycemic fluctuations increase oxidative stress, promote endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Reducing glycemic fluctuations is beneficial. We previously reported that a portable motorized passive simulated jogging device, (JD) reduces 24 h glycemic indices in type 2 and non-diabetic subjects. This study evaluates effectiveness and feasibility of JD in blunting large glycemic fluctuation induced by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The study was performed in 10 adult participants mean age 41.3 ± 13.5 year using interstitial glucose monitor (IG). Each participant fasted for 8 h. followed by an OGTT (Pre-JD), thereafter JD was used for 90 min per day for 7 days, without change to diet or activities of daily living. A repeat OGTT (Post-JD) was performed after completion. The integrated area under the curve (iAUC2h–4h) was computed for the OGTT Pre-JD and Post-JD. Seven days of JD blunted the glucose fluctuation produced by OGTT. JD decreased AUC2h by 17 ± 4.7% and iAUC4h by 15 ± 5.9% (p < 0.03). In healthy mostly obese participants 7 days of JD blunts the hyperglycemic response produced by an OGTT. JD may be an adjunct to current glycemic management, it can be applied in different postures for those who cannot (due to physical or cognitive limitations) or will not exercise.

Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03550105 (08-06-2018).
Functional profiling of COVID-19 respiratory tract microbiomes
Authors: Haiminen Niina , Utro Filippo , Seabolt Ed , Parida Laxmi
Published: March 2021

In response to the ongoing global pandemic, characterizing the molecular-level host interactions of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 responsible for COVID-19 has been at the center of unprecedented scientific focus. However, when the virus enters the body it also interacts with the micro-organisms already inhabiting the host. Understanding the virus-host-microbiome interactions can yield additional insights into the biological processes perturbed by viral invasion. Alterations in the gut microbiome species and metabolites have been noted during respiratory viral infections, possibly impacting the lungs via gut-lung microbiome crosstalk. To better characterize microbial functions in the lower respiratory tract during COVID-19 infection, we carry out a functional analysis of previously published metatranscriptome sequencing data of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from eight COVID-19 cases, twenty-five community-acquired pneumonia patients, and twenty healthy controls. The functional profiles resulting from comparing the sequences against annotated microbial protein domains clearly separate the cohorts. By examining the associated metabolic pathways, distinguishing functional signatures in COVID-19 respiratory tract microbiomes are identified, including decreased potential for lipid metabolism and glycan biosynthesis and metabolism pathways, and increased potential for carbohydrate metabolism pathways. The results include overlap between previous studies on COVID-19 microbiomes, including decrease in the glycosaminoglycan degradation pathway and increase in carbohydrate metabolism. The results also suggest novel connections to consider, possibly specific to the lower respiratory tract microbiome, calling for further research on microbial functions and host-microbiome interactions during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A 3D analytical ion transport model for ionic polymer metal composite actuators in large bending deformations
Authors: Annabestani Mohsen , Naghavi Nadia , Maymandi-Nejad Mohammad
Published: March 2021

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) are a kind of soft electroactive polymer composites. An IPMC strip commonly has a thin polymer membrane coated with a noble metal as electrodes on both sides. Whenever an electric voltage is applied to the IPMC, it bends and whenever it is deformed, a low voltage is measurable between its electrodes, hence IPMC is an actuator as well as a sensor. They are well known for their promising features like low density, lightness, high toughness and remarkable stimulus strain, also, they have the potential for low-voltage operation while exhibiting acceptable large bending deformation. In this paper, a three-dimensional (3D), dynamic and physics-based model is presented analytically and experimentally for IPMC actuators. The model combines the ion transport dynamics within the IPMC and the bending dynamics of it as a beam under an electrical stimulation. In particular, we present an analytical model to create a relation between the input voltage and the output tip displacement of an IPMC actuator for large bending deformations. Experimental results show that the proposed model captures well the tip displacement.
Interaction of polyethylene glycol with cytochrome c investigated via in vitro and in silico approaches
Authors: Parray Zahoor Ahmad , Ahmad Faizan , Alajmi Mohamed F. , Hussain Afzal , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz , Islam Asimul
Published: March 2021

One of the significant proteins that have attracted research groups due to virtue of being a potent selective anticancer drug target and property of triggering apoptosis upon release in cytoplasm is cytochrome c (cyt c). The mechanical transformations due to the macromolecular crowding in membrane in the mammalian cell are proposed to be useful inductors of changes in volume. It is very interesting to know that mitochondrial function were observed to be improved by polyethylene glycol (PEG) interaction, which in turn inhibits the cyt c (a pro-apoptotic cell death factor). In this work, the effect of polyethylene glycol of molecular weight 4 kilo Dalton (PEG 4 kDa) was investigated to highlight the structural transformations (tertiary and secondary structure) in cyt c using a choice of spectroscopic techniques (including UV–Vis absorption, near-UV, far-UV and Soret circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy), which shows noteworthy shifts in the secondary and tertiary structures at higher concentrations of PEG 4 kDa with small changes in the heme-globular interactions. The size distribution changes of native protein treated with various concentrations of the crowder were observed and analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The interaction studies of the crowder with the protein was observed and analyzed by FTIR, isothermal titration calorimetry, time resolved fluorescence and molecular docking. The investigations suggested that the structural changes in the protein occurred due to soft interactions of PEG 4 kDa, which usually destabilizes proteins. The experimental evidence in this study proposed that crowding could be another approach to mechanical super-competition and free of certain markers that could aid in the identification and control of various diseases. This study suggests that crowders at specific concentrations, which softly interact with proteins, can be exploited as remedy for various diseases.
3D printing of a bio-based ink made of cross-linked cellulose nanofibrils with various metal cations
Authors: Mietner J. Benedikt , Jiang Xuehe , Edlund Ulrica , Saake Bodo , Navarro Julien R. G.
Published: March 2021

In this work, we present an approach to cross-link cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) with various metallic cations (Fe3+, Al3+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) to produce inks suitable for three-dimensional (3D) printing application. The printability of each hydrogel ink was evaluated, and several parameters such as the optimal ratio of Mn+:TOCNF:H2O were discussed. CNF suspensions were produced by mechanical disintegration of cellulose pulp with a microfluidizer and then oxidized with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO). Finally, metal cations were introduced to the deprotonated TEMPO-oxidized CNF (TOCNF) suspension to cross-link the nanofibrils and form the corresponding hydrogels. The performances of each gel-ink were evaluated by rheological measurements and 3D printing. Only the gels incorporated with divalent cations Ca2+ and Mg2+ were suitable for 3D printing. The 3D printed structures were freeze-dried and characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The better interaction of the TOCNFs with the divalent metallic cations in terms of printability, the viscoelastic properties of the inks, and the variation trends owing to various metal cations and ratios are discussed.
Genome-wide association study suggests that variation at the RCOR1 locus is associated with tinnitus in UK Biobank
Authors: Wells Helena R. R. , Abidin Fatin N. Zainul , Freidin Maxim B. , Williams Frances M. K. , Dawson Sally J.
Published: March 2021

Tinnitus is a prevalent condition in which perception of sound occurs without an external stimulus. It is often associated with pre-existing hearing loss or noise-induced damage to the auditory system. In some individuals it occurs frequently or even continuously and leads to considerable distress and difficulty sleeping. There is little knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in tinnitus which has hindered the development of treatments. Evidence suggests that tinnitus has a heritable component although previous genetic studies have not established specific risk factors. From a total of 172,608 UK Biobank participants who answered questions on tinnitus we performed a case–control genome-wide association study for self-reported tinnitus. Final sample size used in association analysis was N = 91,424. Three variants in close proximity to the RCOR1 gene reached genome wide significance: rs4906228 (p = 1.7E−08), rs4900545 (p = 1.8E−08) and 14:103042287_CT_C (p = 3.50E−08). RCOR1 encodes REST Corepressor 1, a component of a co-repressor complex involved in repressing neuronal gene expression in non-neuronal cells. Eleven other independent genetic loci reached a suggestive significance threshold of p < 1E−06.
Randomized, crossover clinical efficacy trial in humans and mice on tear secretion promotion and lacrimal gland protection by molecular hydrogen
Authors: Kubota Miyuki , Kawashima Motoko , Inoue Sachiko , Imada Toshihiro , Nakamura Shigeru , Kubota Shunsuke , Watanabe Mitsuhiro , Takemura Ryo , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: March 2021

The incidence of dry eye disease is increasing worldwide because of the aging population and increasing use of information technology. Dry eye disease manifests as tear-layer instability and inflammation caused by osmotic hypersensitization in tear fluids; however, to our knowledge, no agent that treats both pathologies simultaneously is available. Molecular hydrogen (H2) is known to be effective against various diseases; therefore, we aimed to elucidate the effects of H2 on tear dynamics and the treatment of dry eye disease. We revealed that administering a persistent H2-generating supplement increased the human exhaled H2 concentration (p < 0.01) and improved tear stability (p < 0.01) and dry eye symptoms (p < 0.05) significantly. Furthermore, H2 significantly increased tear secretion in healthy mice (p < 0.05) and significantly suppressed tear reduction in a murine dry eye model (p = 0.007). H2 significantly and safely improved tear stability and dry eye symptoms in a small exploratory group of 10 human subjects, a subset of whom reported dry eye symptoms prior to treatment. Furthermore, it increased tear secretion rapidly in normal mice. Therefore, H2 may be a safe and effective new treatment for dry eye disease and thus larger trials are warranted.
Study of interaction of metal ions with methylthymol blue by chemometrics and quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Rasouli Zolaikha , Irani Mehdi , Jafari Sonia , Ghavami Raouf
Published: March 2021

In this study, we determine the acidity constants of methylthymol blue (MTB) and association constants of its complexes with the ZnII, CuII, and FeII metal ions (MIs), through theoretical and experimental means. The complexes were characterized using UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy combined with soft/hard chemometrics methods and quantum chemical calculations. Quantum chemical calculations revealed that electronic transitions in the UV–Visible spectra of MTB have mixed n → π* and π → π* characters. The results of molar ratio and multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) revealed the formation of successive 1:2 and 1:1 complexes (MI:MTB) for the ZnII and CuII systems. However, the formation of successive 1:1 and 2:1 complexes are suggested for FeII by the molar ratio and MCR-ALS. The majority of transitions observed in the UV–Visible spectra of the Zn(MTB) and Cu(MTB) complexes have ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LLCT) characters. However, the transitions in the UV–Visible spectrum of the Fe(MTB) complex have LLCT and metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) characters. For the Fe2(MTB) complex, the lowest energy transition of has an LLCT character. However, its higher energy transitions are a mixture of LLCT, MLCT, and metal-to-metal charge transfer (MMCT) characters. The correlation between experimental and computed wavelengths revealed that the 1:1 complexes of ZnII and CuII prefer square pyramidal geometries. However, the FeII complexes always show octahedral geometry.
Increased heart rate functions as a signal of acute distress in non-communicating persons with intellectual disability
Authors: Kildal Emilie , Stadskleiv Kristine , Boysen Elin S. , Øderud Tone , Dahl Inger-Lise , Seeberg Trine M. , Guldal Svein , Strisland Frode , Morland Cecilie , Hassel Bjørnar
Published: March 2021

Intellectual disability (ID) affects approximately 1% of the population. Some patients with severe or profound ID are essentially non-communicating and therefore risk experiencing pain and distress without being able to notify their caregivers, which is a major health issue. This real-world proof of concept study aimed to see if heart rate (HR) monitoring could reveal whether non-communicating persons with ID experience acute pain or distress in their daily lives. We monitored HR in 14 non-communicating participants with ID in their daily environment to see if specific situations were associated with increased HR. We defined increased HR as being > 1 standard deviation above the daily mean and lasting > 5 s. In 11 out of 14 participants, increased HR indicated pain or distress in situations that were not previously suspected to be stressful, e.g. passive stretching of spastic limbs or being transported in patient lifts. Increased HR suggesting joy was detected in three participants (during car rides, movies). In some situations that were previously suspected to be stressful, absence of HR increase suggested absence of pain or distress. We conclude that HR monitoring may identify acute pain and distress in non-communicating persons with ID, allowing for improved health care for this patient group.
Anomalous spin Hall and inverse spin Hall effects in magnetic systems
Authors: Wang X. R.
Published: March 2021

Spin current is a very important tensor quantity in spintronics. However, the well-known spin-Hall effect (SHE) can only generate a few of its components whose propagating and polarization directions are perpendicular with each other and to an applied charge current. It is highly desirable in applications to generate spin currents whose polarization can be in any possible direction. Here anomalous SHE and inverse spin-Hall effect (ISHE) in magnetic systems are predicted. Spin currents, whose polarisation and propagation are collinear or orthogonal with each other and along or perpendicular to the charge current, can be generated, depending on whether the applied charge current is along or perpendicular to the order parameter. In anomalous ISHEs, charge currents proportional to the order parameter can be along or perpendicular to the propagating or polarization directions of the spin current.
The “weak base route” leading to transition metal–N-heterocyclic carbene complexes
Authors: Martynova Ekaterina A. , Tzouras Nikolaos V. , Pisanò Gianmarco , Cazin Catherine S. J. , Nolan Steven P.
Published: March 2021

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are nowadays ubiquitous in organometallic chemistry and catalysis. A simple synthetic route to these is presented.
Theoretical analysis of means of preventing Si–C bond cleavage during polycondensation of organosilanes to organosilicas
Authors: Shirai Soichi , Inagaki Shinji
Published: March 2021

Practical strategies for suppressing Si–C cleavage during the polycondensation of organosilanes were presented based on ab initio quantum chemical calculations of model compounds.
Influences of a standardized food matrix and gastrointestinal fluids on the physicochemical properties of titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Li Yan , Jiang Kun , Cao Hui , Yuan Min , Xu Fei
Published: March 2021

In this study, a standardized food model (SFM) and simulated gastrointestinal fluids have been used to study the fate of e-TiO2-NPs following a three-step digestion model in vitro.
Hemin-based conjugated effect synthesis of Fe–N/CNT catalysts for enhanced oxygen reduction
Authors: Lu Yue , Zhang Han , Liu Shaojun , Li Chenglong , Li Lixiang , An Baigang , Sun Chengguo
Published: March 2021

Fe/N-codoped carbon nanotubes fabricated through the π–π stacking effect and olefin oxidation polymerization-induced hemin assembly on PPy shows a potential application for ORR.
One-step fabrication of Pd-embedded hierarchically porous carbon micro-spheres for formaldehyde removal under mild conditions
Authors: Ren Zhigang , Zhao Peng , Zhang Ye , Yang Yu , Lyu Xiaoxuan , Lu Chunxiang
Published: March 2021

Using the enclosed space of Pickering emulsion droplets as a template, we adopted a one-step strategy to prepare Pd and N co-doped multi-core layered porous carbon microspheres (Pd@NCMs-T) for room-temperature catalytic oxidation of HCHO.
Electrostatic gating of single-molecule junctions based on the STM-BJ technique
Authors: Zhou Ping , Zheng Jueting , Han Tianyang , Chen Lijue , Cao Wenqiang , Zhu Yixuan , Zhou Dahai , Li Ruihao , Tian Yingyu , Liu Zitong , Liu Junyang , Hong Wenjing
Published: March 2021

A back-gated chip to modulate charge transport through single-molecule junctions.
Incorporating a redox active entity to attain electrical bistability in a polymer semiconductor
Authors: Barman Biswajit K. , Ghosh Nani Gopal , Giri Indrajit , Kumar Chandan , Zade Sanjio S. , Vijayaraghavan Ratheesh K.
Published: March 2021

Incorporating a redox active anthraquinone acceptor group to a polymer semiconductor is found to induce electrical bistability. Resistive memory devices based on the redox switch mechanism is thus materialized in a sandwich device.
Concomitant polymorphs: an alternative to modulate the oxygen evolution performance of mononuclear nickel complexes
Authors: Hu Chen , Huang Qing-qing , Xu Hai-Bing , Zhang Yuexing , Peng Xu , Zeng Ming-Hua
Published: March 2021

Studying two stable reversible transformations of concomitant polymorphs of NiL2 as heterogeneous catalysts, coplanar NiL2-R exhibits better OER activities than zigzag NiL2-G, dependent on different disparities in crystal packing.
Effects of neuronal drebrin on actin dynamics
Authors: Grintsevich Elena E.
Published: March 2021

Drebrin is a key regulator of actin cytoskeleton in neuronal cells which is critical for synaptic plasticity, neuritogenesis, and neuronal migration. It is also known to orchestrate a cross-talk between actin and microtubules. Decreased level of drebrin is a hallmark of multiple neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Despite its established importance in health and disease, we still have a lot to learn about drebrin's interactome and its effects on cytoskeletal dynamics. This review aims to summarize the recently reported novel effects of drebrin on actin and its regulators. Here I will also reflect on the most recent progress made in understanding of the role of drebrin isoforms and posttranslational modifications on its functionality.
Ionization waves in nanosecond pulsed atmospheric pressure plasma jets in argon
Authors: Huang Bangdou , Zhang Cheng , Zhu Wenchao , Lu Xinpei , Shao Tao
Published: March 2021

Typical ionization waves (IWs) are observed during the propagation of nanosecond pulsed atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs) with argon flow, combining both the measurement of the axial electric field (Ez) and the temporal resolved optical imaging. The movement of the luminous APPJ head is recognized as the development of the IW front, accompanied with the propagation of the peak electric field. Especially, the radial distribution of Ez transits from a central peak profile before the IW front arrives to a hollow profile after the pass of the IW front. As for the temporal Ez trend, there is a mode transition from the single‐peak feature under a low peak voltage to the double‐peak feature under a higher peak voltage, indicating the existence of both primary and secondary IWs. The effect of target conditions on the IWs in APPJs is also explored. With a metal target, no residual electric field is observed before imposing the high‐voltage pulses. However, with a dielectric target, the residual surface charges generate a background electric field in the opposite direction to that during IW propagation. In the free APPJ (with no target), on the voltage falling edge, a negative electric field drives the electron flow to compensate the positive ions left over during the forward IW propagation on the voltage rising edge.
Bat optimization algorithm for wrapper‐based feature selection and performance improvement of android malware detection
Authors: P Ravi Kiran Varma , Mallidi S Kumar Reddy , K Santosh Jhansi , D Pushpa Latha
Published: March 2021

Android malware is a serious threat to the mobile users and their data. The losses incurred are unimaginable, which stretch to the extent of identity theft, financial loss, sensitive information loss, espionage, sabotage, cyber fraud, to mention a few. Android application's permission attributes can be analysed for malware detection using machine learning. However, the high‐dimensional permission attributes are the bottleneck in designing optimized malware detection system. Identification of useful permission attributes is an NP‐hard problem. Bat Optimization Algorithm for Wrapper‐based Feature Selection (BOAWFS) is proposed in this article and evaluated on the CICInvesAndMal2019 benchmark dataset. The performance of BOAWFS is also compared with that of Cuckoo Search Optimization for Wrapper‐based Feature Selection (CSOWFS) and Grey Wolf Optimization for Wrapper‐based Feature Selection (GWOWFS). Five classifiers, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), K‐Nearest Neighbour (KNN), Decision Tree (DT), and Nearest Centroid (NC) are compared for wrapper feature selection. BOAWFS outperformed consistently with all the five classifiers. With 200 agents and 100 iterations, the BOAWFS‐DT outperformed with 93.73% accuracy after reducing the features to 518 from 4115. The considerable contribution of BOAWFS is that a 1.67% improvement in accuracy with 87.41% redundancy removal in features is achieved for the very high‐dimensional permission‐based android malware dataset.