bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controller synthesis and clinical exploration of wearable gyroscopic actuators to support human balance
Authors: Lemus Daniel , Berry Andrew , Jabeen Saher , Jayaraman Chandrasekaran , Hohl Kristen , van der Helm Frans C. T. , Jayaraman Arun , Vallery Heike
Published: June 2020

Gyroscopic actuators are appealing for wearable applications due to their ability to provide overground balance support without obstructing the legs. Multiple wearable robots using this actuation principle have been proposed, but none has yet been evaluated with humans. Here we use the GyBAR, a backpack-like prototype portable robot, to investigate the hypothesis that the balance of both healthy and chronic stroke subjects can be augmented through moments applied to the upper body. We quantified balance performance in terms of each participant’s ability to walk or remain standing on a narrow support surface oriented to challenge stability in either the frontal or the sagittal plane. By comparing candidate balance controllers, it was found that effective assistance did not require regulation to a reference posture. A rotational viscous field increased the distance healthy participants could walk along a 30mm-wide beam by a factor of 2.0, compared to when the GyBAR was worn but inactive. The same controller enabled individuals with chronic stroke to remain standing for a factor of 2.5 longer on a narrow block. Due to its wearability and versatility of control, the GyBAR could enable new therapy interventions for training and rehabilitation.
Polarisation-insensitive generation of complex vector modes from a digital micromirror device
Authors: Rosales-Guzmán Carmelo , Hu Xiao-Bo , Selyem Adam , Moreno-Acosta Pedro , Franke-Arnold Sonja , Ramos-Garcia Ruben , Forbes Andrew
Published: June 2020

In recent time there has been an increasing amount of interest in developing novel techniques for the generation of complex vector light beams. Amongst these, digital holography stands out as one of the most flexible and versatile with almost unlimited freedom in the generation of scalar and complex vector light fields featuring arbitrary polarisation distributions and spatial profiles. In this manuscript we put forward a novel technique, which relies on the polarisation-insensitive attribute of Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs). In a prior work where we outlined a new detection scheme based on Stokes projections we alluded to this technique. Here we outline the creation process in full, providing all the details for its experimental implementation. In addition, we fully characterise the performance of such technique, providing a quantitative analysis of the generated modes. To this end, we experimentally reconstruct the transverse polarisation distribution of arbitrary vector modes and compare the ellipticity and flatness of the polarisation ellipses with theoretical predictions. Further, we also generate vector modes with arbitrary degrees of non-separability and determine their degree of concurrence comparing this to theoretical predictions.
POE Immunoassay: Plate-based oligonucleotide electro-chemiluminescent immunoassay for the quantification of nucleic acids in biological matrices
Authors: Thayer Mai B. , Humphreys Sara C. , Chung Kyu S. , Lade Julie M. , Cook Kevin D. , Rock Brooke M.
Published: June 2020

Oligonucleotide therapeutics use short interfering RNA (siRNA) or antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) molecules to exploit endogenous systems—neutralizing target RNA to prevent subsequent protein translation. While the potential clinical application is vast, delivery efficiency and extrahepatic targeting is challenging. Bioanalytical assays are important in building understanding of these complex relationships. The literature currently lacks description of robust and sensitive methods to measure siRNA and ASOs in complex biological matrices. Described herein is a non-enzymatic hybridization-based immunoassay that enables quantification of individual siRNA strands (antisense or sense) in serum, urine, bile, and liver and kidney homogenates. Assay utility is also demonstrated in ASOs. The assay improves upon previous works by abolishing enzymatic steps and further incorporating Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) nucleotide modifications to increase analyte hybridization affinity and improve sensitivity, specificity, and robustness. We report an assay with an ultrasensitive dynamic range of 0.3 to 16,700 pM for siRNA in serum. The assay was submitted to full qualification for accuracy and precision in both serum and tissue matrices and assay performance was assessed with single and mixed analytes. The reliable LNA-hybridization-based approach removes the need for matrix sample extraction, enrichment or amplification steps which may be impeded by more advanced chemical modifications.
Ultrafast ultrasound imaging pattern analysis reveals distinctive dynamic brain states and potent sub-network alterations in arthritic animals
Authors: Rahal Line , Thibaut Miguel , Rivals Isabelle , Claron Julien , Lenkei Zsolt , Sitt Jacobo D. , Tanter Mickael , Pezet Sophie
Published: June 2020

Chronic pain pathologies, which are due to maladaptive changes in the peripheral and/or central nervous systems, are debilitating diseases that affect 20% of the European adult population. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying this pathogenesis would facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Functional connectivity (FC) extracted from coherent low-frequency hemodynamic fluctuations among cerebral networks has recently brought light on a powerful approach to study large scale brain networks and their disruptions in neurological/psychiatric disorders. Analysis of FC is classically performed on averaged signals over time, but recently, the analysis of the dynamics of FC has also provided new promising information. Keeping in mind the limitations of animal models of persistent pain but also the powerful tool they represent to improve our understanding of the neurobiological basis of chronic pain pathogenicity, this study aimed at defining the alterations in functional connectivity, in a clinically relevant animal model of sustained inflammatory pain (Adjuvant-induced Arthritis) in rats by using functional ultrasound imaging, a neuroimaging technique with a unique spatiotemporal resolution (100 μm and 2 ms) and sensitivity. Our results show profound alterations of FC in arthritic animals, such as a subpart of the somatomotor (SM) network, occurring several weeks after the beginning of the disease. Also, we demonstrate for the first time that dynamic functional connectivity assessed by ultrasound can provide quantitative and robust information on the dynamic pattern that we define as brain states. While the main state consists of an overall synchrony of hemodynamic fluctuations in the SM network, arthritic animal spend statistically more time in two other states, where the fluctuations of the primary sensory cortex of the inflamed hind paws show asynchrony with the rest of the SM network. Finally, correlating FC changes with pain behavior in individual animals suggest links between FC alterations and either the cognitive or the emotional aspects of pain. Our study introduces fUS as a new translational tool for the enhanced understanding of the dynamic pain connectome and brain plasticity in a major preclinical model of chronic pain.
Perceived non-smoking norms and motivation to stop smoking, quit attempts, and cessation: a cross-sectional study in England
Authors: Jackson Sarah E. , Proudfoot Hannah , Brown Jamie , East Katherine , Hitchman Sara C. , Shahab Lion
Published: June 2020

This study examined the prevalence of non-smoking norms in England and their associations with motivation to stop smoking, quit attempts, and cessation. Data were from a representative cross-sectional survey of 1,521 adults (301 combustible tobacco smokers). Descriptive non-smoking norms were endorsed, with just 16% of adults (12% of smokers) believing smoking was uncommon. Injunctive non-smoking norms were more prevalent, with 60–77% of adults (17–48% of smokers) viewing smoking as something of which others disapproved. Personal non-smoking norms were also prevalent among all adults (73% indicated they would prefer to live with a non-smoker) but not smokers (69% had no preference). Smokers who endorsed stronger descriptive non-smoking norms had increased odds of reporting high motivation to stop smoking (ORadj = 1.63, 95%CI 1.06–2.52). Female (but not male) past-year smokers who endorsed stronger injunctive (ORadj = 2.19, 95%CI 1.41–3.42) and personal (ORadj = 1.90, 95%CI 1.29–2.82) non-smoking norms had increased odds of having made a past-year quit attempt. In conclusion, perceived descriptive non-smoking norms are not held by the majority of adults in England. Injunctive and personal non-smoking norms are prevalent among all adults but lower among smokers. There is some evidence that smokers – in particular, women – who endorse stronger non-smoking norms are more likely to be motivated to stop smoking and to make a quit attempt.
A vibrating beam MEMS accelerometer for gravity and seismic measurements
Authors: Mustafazade Arif , Pandit Milind , Zhao Chun , Sobreviela Guillermo , Du Zhijun , Steinmann Philipp , Zou Xudong , Howe Roger T. , Seshia Ashwin A.
Published: June 2020

This paper introduces a differential vibrating beam MEMS accelerometer demonstrating excellent long-term stability for applications in gravimetry and seismology. The MEMS gravimeter module demonstrates an output Allan deviation of 9 μGal for a 1000 s integration time, a noise floor of 100 μGal/√Hz, and measurement over the full ±1 g dynamic range (1 g = 9.81 ms−2). The sensitivity of the device is demonstrated through the tracking of Earth tides and recording of ground motion corresponding to a number of teleseismic events over several months. These results demonstrate that vibrating beam MEMS accelerometers can be employed for measurements requiring high levels of stability and resolution with wider implications for precision measurement employing other resonant-output MEMS devices such as gyroscopes and magnetometers.
RIPK3 blockade attenuates tubulointerstitial fibrosis in a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Shi Ying , Huang Chunling , Zhao Yongli , Cao Qinghua , Yi Hao , Chen Xinming , Pollock Carol
Published: June 2020

Receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIPK3) is a multifunctional regulator of cell death and inflammation. RIPK3 controls cellular signalling through the formation of the domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which is recognised to mediate renal fibrogenesis. The role of RIPK3 in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) induced renal fibrosis has not been previously determined. To define the action of RIPK3 in the development of diabetic kidney disease, wild-type (WT), RIPK3 -/- and endothelium-derived nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-/- mice were induced to develop diabetes mellitus using multiple low doses of streptozotocin and maintained for 24 weeks. RIPK3 activity and NLRP3 expression were upregulated and fibrotic responses were increased in the kidney cortex of WT mice with established diabetic nephropathy compared to control mice. Consistently, mRNA expression of inflammasome components, as well as transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen deposition were increased in diabetic kidneys of WT mice compared to control mice. However, these markers were normalised or significantly reversed in kidneys of diabetic RIPK3 -/- mice. Renoprotection was also observed using the RIPK3 inhibitor dabrafenib in eNOS-/- diabetic mice as demonstrated by reduced collagen deposition and myofibroblast activation. These results suggest that RIPK3 is associated with the development of renal fibrosis in DKD due to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Inhibition of RIPK3 results in renoprotection. Thus, RIPK3 may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention in patients with diabetic kidney disease.
Adipose tissue in health and disease through the lens of its building blocks
Authors: Lenz Michael , Arts Ilja C. W. , Peeters Ralf L. M. , de Kok Theo M. , Ertaylan Gökhan
Published: June 2020

Understanding adipose tissue cellular heterogeneity and homeostasis is essential to comprehend the cell type dynamics in metabolic diseases. Cellular subpopulations in the adipose tissue have been related to disease development, but efforts towards characterizing the adipose tissue cell type composition are limited. Here, we identify the cell type composition of the adipose tissue by using gene expression deconvolution of large amounts of publicly available transcriptomics level data. The proposed approach allows to present a comprehensive study of adipose tissue cell type composition, determining the relative amounts of 21 different cell types in 1282 adipose tissue samples detailing differences across four adipose tissue depots, between genders, across ranges of BMI and in different stages of type-2 diabetes. We compare our results to previous marker-based studies by conducting a literature review of adipose tissue cell type composition and propose candidate cellular markers to distinguish different cell types within the adipose tissue. This analysis reveals gender-specific differences in CD4+and CD8+T cell subsets; identifies adipose tissue as rich source of multipotent stem/stromal cells; and highlights a strongly increased immune cell content in epicardial and pericardial adipose tissue compared to subcutaneous and omental depots. Overall, this systematic analysis provides comprehensive insights into adipose tissue cell-type heterogeneity in health and disease.
Laboratory culture of the California Sea Firefly Vargula tsujii (Ostracoda: Cypridinidae): Developing a model system for the evolution of marine bioluminescence
Authors: Goodheart Jessica A. , Minsky Geetanjali , Brynjegard-Bialik Mira N. , Drummond Michael S. , Munoz J. David , Fallon Timothy R. , Schultz Darrin T. , Weng Jing-Ke , Torres Elizabeth , Oakley Todd H.
Published: June 2020

Bioluminescence, or the production of light by living organisms via chemical reaction, is widespread across Metazoa. Laboratory culture of bioluminescent organisms from diverse taxonomic groups is important for determining the biosynthetic pathways of bioluminescent substrates, which may lead to new tools for biotechnology and biomedicine. Some bioluminescent groups may be cultured, including some cnidarians, ctenophores, and brittle stars, but those use luminescent substrates (luciferins) obtained from their diets, and therefore are not informative for determination of the biosynthetic pathways of the luciferins. Other groups, including terrestrial fireflies, do synthesize their own luciferin, but culturing them is difficult and the biosynthetic pathway for firefly luciferin remains unclear. An additional independent origin of endogenous bioluminescence is found within ostracods from the family Cypridinidae, which use their luminescence for defense and, in Caribbean species, for courtship displays. Here, we report the first complete life cycle of a luminous ostracod (Vargula tsujii Kornicker & Baker, 1977, the California Sea Firefly) in the laboratory. We also describe the late-stage embryogenesis of Vargula tsujii and discuss the size classes of instar development. We find embryogenesis in V. tsujii ranges from 25–38 days, and this species appears to have five instar stages, consistent with ontogeny in other cypridinid lineages. We estimate a complete life cycle at 3–4 months. We also present the first complete mitochondrial genome for Vargula tsujii. Bringing a luminous ostracod into laboratory culture sets the stage for many potential avenues of study, including learning the biosynthetic pathway of cypridinid luciferin and genomic manipulation of an autogenic bioluminescent system.
The speed of FtsZ treadmilling is tightly regulated by membrane binding
Authors: García-Soriano Daniela A. , Heermann Tamara , Raso Ana , Rivas Germán , Schwille Petra
Published: June 2020

As one of the key elements in bacterial cell division, the cytoskeletal protein FtsZ appears to be highly involved in circumferential treadmilling along the inner membrane, yielding circular vortices when transferred to flat membranes. However, it remains unclear how a membrane-targeted protein can produce these dynamics. Here, we dissect the roles of membrane binding, GTPase activity, and the unstructured C-terminal linker on the treadmilling of a chimera FtsZ protein through in vitro reconstitution of different FtsZ-YFP-mts variants on supported membranes. In summary, our results suggest substantial robustness of dynamic vortex formation, where only significant mutations, resulting in abolished membrane binding or compromised lateral interactions, are detrimental for the generation of treadmilling rings. In addition to GTPase activity, which directly affects treadmilling dynamics, we found a striking correlation of membrane binding with treadmilling speed as a result of changing the MTS on our chimera proteins. This discovery leads to the hypothesis that the in vivo existence of two alternative tether proteins for FtsZ could be a mechanism for controlling FtsZ treadmilling.
Applications of chitosan (CHI)-reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-polyaniline (PAni) conducting composite electrode for energy generation in glucose biofuel cell
Authors: Haque Sufia ul , Nasar Abu , Inamuddin  , Rahman Mohammed Muzibur
Published: June 2020

A glassy carbon electrode (GC) immobilized with chitosan (CHI)@reduced graphene (rGO)-polyaniline (PAni)/ferritin (Frt)/glucose oxidase (GOx) bioelectrode was prepared. The prepared electrode was characterized by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The morphological characterization was made by scanning electron microsopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. This bioelectrode provided a stable current response of 3.5 ± 0.02 mAcm−2 in 20 mM glucose. The coverage of enzyme on 0.07 cm2 area of electrode modified with CHI@rGO-PAni/Frt was calculated to be 3.80 × 10−8 mol cm−2.
Early social and ecological experience triggers divergent reproductive investment strategies in a cooperative breeder
Authors: Antunes Diogo F. , Taborsky Barbara
Published: June 2020

Unlike eusocial systems, which are characterized by reproductive division of labour, cooperative breeders were predicted not to exhibit any reproductive specialization early in life. Nevertheless, also cooperative breeders face a major life-history decision between dispersal and independent breeding vs staying as helper on the natal territory, which might affect their reproductive strategies. In the cooperatively-breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher early-life social and predator experiences induce two behavioural types differing in later-life social and dispersal behaviour. We performed a long-term breeding experiment to test whether the two early-life behavioural types differ in their reproductive investment. We found that the early-dispersing type laid fewer and smaller eggs, and thus invested overall less in reproduction, compared to the philopatric type. Thus N. pulcher had specialised already shortly after birth for a dispersal and reproductive strategy, which is in sharp contrast to the proposition that reproductively totipotent cooperative breeders should avoid reproductive specialization before adulthood.
An alternative interpretation of the slow KaiB-KaiC binding of the cyanobacterial clock proteins
Authors: Koda Shin-ichi , Saito Shinji
Published: June 2020

The biological clock of cyanobacteria is composed of three proteins, KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC. The KaiB-KaiC binding brings the slowness into the system, which is essential for the long period of the circadian rhythm. However, there is no consensus as to the origin of the slowness due to the pre-binding conformational transition of either KaiB or KaiC. In this study, we propose a simple KaiB-KaiC binding scheme in a hexameric form with an attractive interaction between adjacent bound KaiB monomers, which is independent of KaiB’s conformational change. We then show that the present scheme can explain several important experimental results on the binding, including that used as evidence for the slow conformational transition of KaiB. The present result thus indicates that the slowness arises from KaiC rather than KaiB.
Classification of Early-Onset and Late-Onset Idiopathic Chronic Pancreatitis Needs Reconsideration
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Dan , Cai Yi-Li , Zhang Tao , Chen Hua-Liang , Hao Lu , Wang Teng , Zhang Di , Yang Huai-Yu , Ma Jia-Yi , Li Juan , Zhang Ling-Ling , Chen Cui , Guo Hong-Lei , Bi Ya-Wei , Xin Lei , Zeng Xiang-Peng , Chen Hui , Xie Ting , Liao Zhuan , Cong Zhi-Jie , Li Zhao-Shen , Hu Liang-Hao
Published: June 2020

Bimodal classification of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP) into early-onset (<35 years) and late-onset (>35 years) ICP was proposed in 1994 based on a study of 66 patients. However, bimodal distribution wasn’t sufficiently demonstrated. Our objective was to examine the validity and relevance of the age-based bimodal classification of ICP. We analyzed the distribution of age at onset of ICP in our cohort of 1633 patients admitted to our center from January 2000 to December 2013. Classify ICP patients into early-onset ICP(a) and late-onset ICP(a) according to different cut-off values (cut-off value, a = 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65 years old) for age at onset. Compare clinical characteristics of early-onset ICP(a) and late-onset ICP(a). We found slightly right skewed distribution of age at onset for ICP in our cohort. There were differences between early-onset and late-onset ICP with respect to basic clinical characteristics and development of key clinical events regardless of the cut off age at onset i.e. 15, 25, 35, 45 or even higher. The validity of the bimodal classification of early-onset and late-onset ICP could not be established in our large patient cohort and therefore such a classification needs to be reconsidered.
Correlation analysis of land surface temperature and topographic elements in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Peng Xiaoxue , Wu Wenyuan , Zheng Yaoyao , Sun Jingyi , Hu Tangao , Wang Pin
Published: June 2020

In addition to human activities, this study found that topography is also an important factor affecting land surface temperature (LST). In this paper, based on Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS remote sensing images, a radiative transfer model was adopted to retrieve the LST, and a maximum likelihood method was used to remove artificial environmental interference factors, such as water bodies and built-up lands. This paper aims to analyze the influence of topographic factors, such as elevation, slope, aspect and shaded relief, on the LST of Hangzhou. By means of a statistical analysis, we obtained the quantitative relationship between these factors and constructed a multiple linear regression model of terrain factors and LST. The research revealed the following findings: (1) in the study area, elevation and slope are negatively correlated with LST, and all the factors have linear relationships with LST. (2) The relationship between aspect and LST is not significant, and high values of LST are found on the southern, southeastern and southwestern slopes; the lowest values are found on the northern slopes. (3) There is a significant linear relationship between the values of the shaded relief map and LST, and the more shadows there are, the lower the LST value will be. (4) After comprehensive analysis of the influence of the abovementioned topographic factors on the LST, it is found that shaded relief has the greatest contribution and is positively correlated with LST. The influence of shaded relief on surface thermal environment should be paid more attention in the process of surface thermal environment work. The assessment of the influence degree of shaded relief and surface thermal environment should be the premise and basis for many other studies.
Neural substrates of anticipatory motor adaptation for object lifting
Authors: Marneweck Michelle , Grafton Scott T.
Published: June 2020

Anticipatory force control is a fundamental means by which humans stave off slipping, spilling, and tilting disasters while manipulating objects. This control must often be adapted due to changes in an object’s dynamics (e.g. a lighter than expected mug of coffee) or its relation with involved effectors or digits (e.g. lift a mug with three vs. five digits). The neural processes guiding such anticipatory and adaptive control is understudied but presumably operates along multiple time scales, analogous to what has been identified with adaptation in other motor tasks, such as perturbations during reaching. Learning of anticipatory forces must be ultrafast to minimize tilting a visually symmetric object towards its concealed asymmetric center of mass (CoM), but slower when the CoM is explicitly and systematically switched from side to side. Studying the neural substrates of this latter slower learning process with rapid multiband brain imaging, in-scanner kinematics and Bayesian pattern component modelling, we show that CoM-specific pattern distances increase with repeated CoM switching exposures and improved learning. The cerebellum showed the most prominent effects, fitting with the idea that it forms a stored internal model that is used to build and update anticipatory control. CoM-specific pattern distances were present 24 h later, in line with the presence of consolidation effects.
Use of longer sized screws is a salvage method for broken pedicles in osteoporotic vertebrae
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Kai , Liu Mu-Yi , Chen Jin-Kai , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Lai Po-Liang , Niu Chi-Chien , Tai Ching-Lung
Published: June 2020

Screw loosening due to broken pedicles is a common complication resulting from the insertion of screws either with inadequate diameters or into an osteoporotic pedicle. In this novel in vitro study, we tried to clarify the contribution of the pedicle to screw fixation and subsequent salvage strategies using longer or larger-diameter screws in broken pedicles. Sixty L4 fresh-frozen lumbar vertebrae harvested from mature pigs were designed as the normal-density group (n = 30) and decalcified as the osteoporosis group (n = 30). Three modalities were randomly assigned as intact pedicle (n = 30), semi-pedicle (n = 15), and non-pedicle (n = 15) in each group. Three sizes of polyaxial screws (diameter × length of 6.0 mm × 45 mm, 6.0 mm × 50 mm, and 6.5 mm × 45 mm) over five trials were used in each modality. The associations between bone density, pedicle modality and screw pullout strength were analyzed. After decalcification for 4 weeks, the area bone mineral density decreased to approximately 56% (p < 0.05) of the normal-density group, which was assigned as the osteoporosis group. An appropriate screw trajectory and insertional depth were confirmed using X-ray imaging prior to pullout testing in both groups. The pullout forces of larger-diameter screws (6.5 mm × 45 mm) and longer screws (6.0 mm × 50 mm) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the semi- and non-pedicle modalities in the normal-density group, whereas only longer screws (6.0 mm × 50 mm) had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) pullout force in the non-pedicle modalities in the osteoporosis group. The pedicle plays an important role in both the normal bone density group and the osteoporosis group, as revealed by analyzing the pullout force percentage contributed by the pedicle. Use of a longer screw would be a way to salvage a broken pedicle of osteoporotic vertebra.
Segmental aneuploidies in fetuses with isolated echogenic intracardiac focus among women younger than 35 years
Authors: Wang Jing , Chen Lin , Wang Li , Yin Daishu , Zeng Yang , Tang Feng , Tian Yu , Liu Hongqian
Published: June 2020

Studies on the occurrence of segmental aneuploidoidy in fetuses with isolated echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF) are scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze whether there is an association between abnormal segmental aneuploidies and isolated EIF. This was a prospective case–control study. The study participants in the case group were fetuses that were diagnosed with isolated EIF. Samples without fetal ultrasound abnormalities but received prenatal diagnosis for other reasons (serological screening high-risk, voluntary request) were set as controls. All pregnant women were younger than 35 years old at the expected date of childbirth. Copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) was performed for all samples. The case group and control group successfully underwent CNV-seq analysis and exhibited 1,099 and 5,616 amniotic fluid samples, respectively. The detection rates of abnormal segmental aneuploidies in the case group and control group were 0.6% (7/1,099) and 1.1% (64/5,616), respectively; no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (x2 = 2.220, P = 0.136). Isolated EIF did not increase the risk of fetal segmental aneuploidies.
Most self-touches are with the nondominant hand
Authors: Zhang Nan , Jia Wei , Wang Peihua , King Marco-Felipe , Chan Pak-To , Li Yuguo
Published: June 2020

Self-touch may promote the transfer of microorganisms between body parts or surfaces to mucosa. In overt videography of a post-graduate office, students spent 9% of their time touching their own hair, face, neck, and shoulders (HFNS). These data were collected from 274,000 s of surveillance video in a Chinese graduate student office. The non-dominant hand contributed to 66.1% of HFNS-touches. Most importantly, mucous membranes were touched, on average, 34.3 (SE = 2.4) times per hour, which the non-dominant hand contributed to 240% more than the dominant hand. Gender had no significant effect on touch frequency, but a significant effect on duration per touch. The duration per touch on the HFNS was fitted with a log–log linear distribution. Touch behaviour analysis included surface combinations and a probability matrix for sequential touches of 20 sub-surfaces. These findings may partly explain the observed variation in the literature regarding the microbiome community distribution on human skin, supporting the importance of indirect contact transmission route in some respiratory disease transmission and providing data for risk analysis of infection spread and control.
Effect of palmitoylethanolamide on inner retinal function in glaucoma: a randomized, single blind, crossover, clinical trial by pattern-electroretinogram
Authors: Rossi Gemma Caterina Maria , Scudeller Luigia , Lumini Chiara , Bettio Federica , Picasso Erica , Ruberto Giulio , Briola Aba , Mirabile Alessandra , Paviglianiti Alessia , Pasinetti Gian Maria , Bianchi Paolo Emilio
Published: June 2020

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease, our study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) supplementation on RGCs function by PERG examination, and to record effects on intraocular pressure, visual field and quality of life. It was a single centre, randomized, prospective, single blind, two treatment, two period crossover study on stable glaucoma patients on topical monotherapy comparing current topical therapy alone or additioned with PEA 600 mg one tablet a day. At baseline, at 4 and at 8 months, all patients underwent to complete ophthalmic examination, pattern electroretinogram, visual field, and quality of life evaluation. 40 patients completed the study: mean age 66.6 ± 7.6 years; 21 (52.5%) male; 35 POAG (87.5%). At baseline, most patients had an early visual field defect, the IOP was well controlled. At the end of the PEA 600 mg supplementation, a significantly higher (mean 0.56 μV, 95% CI 0.30–0.73, p < 0.001) in the P50-wave amplitude was observed; in the PEA period a significantly lower IOP (− 1.6 mmHg, 95% CI − 2 to 1.2, p < 0.001) and higher quality of life scores (+ 6.7, 95% CI 4–9.9, p < 0.001) were observed. Our study is the first to show promising effects of PEA on PERG and on quality of life in glaucoma patients.
Flexible perylenediimide/GaN organic–inorganic hybrid system with exciting optical and interfacial properties
Authors: Kumar Rachana , Kushvaha Sunil Singh , Kumar Mahesh , Kumar Muthusamy Senthil , Gupta Govind , Kandpal Kavindra , Kumar Pramod
Published: June 2020

We report the band gap tuning and facilitated charge transport at perylenediimide (PDI)/GaN interface in organic–inorganic hybrid nanostructure system over flexible titanium (Ti) foil. Energy levels of the materials perfectly align and facilitate high efficiency charge transfer from electron rich n-GaN to electron deficient PDI molecules. Proper interface formation resulted in band gap tuning as well as facilitated electron transport as evident in I–V characteristics. Growth of PDI/GaN hybrid system with band gap tuning from ultra-violet to visible region and excellent electrical properties open up new paradigm for fabrication of efficient optoelectronics devices on flexible substrates.
The demographic decline of a sea lion population followed multi-decadal sea surface warming
Authors: Adame Karen , Elorriaga-Verplancken Fernando R. , Beier Emilio , Acevedo-Whitehouse Karina , Pardo Mario A.
Published: June 2020

The population growth of top predators depends largely on environmental conditions suitable for aggregating sufficient and high-quality prey. We reconstructed numerically the size of a resident population of California sea lions in the Gulf of California during 1978–2019 and its relation with multi-decadal sea surface temperature anomalies. This is the first multi-decadal examination of the sea surface temperature of the Gulf of California and of one of its major predators. A three-decade sustained warming explained the population’s trend accounting for 92% of the variance, including a 65% decline between 1991 and 2019. Long-term warming conditions started in the late 80s, followed by the population’s decline from 43,834 animals (range 34,080–58,274) in 1991 to only 15,291 (range 11,861–20,316) in 2019. The models suggested a century-scale optimum sea surface habitat occurring in mildly temperate waters, from 0.18 to 0.39 °C above the 100-year mean. The mechanistic links of this relation are still untested, but apparent diversification of pelagic fish catches suggests a reduction of high quality prey. We propose this population should be considered vulnerable to any disturbance that could add to the negative effects of the current warm sea surface conditions in the Gulf of California.
Excessive walking exercise precipitates diabetic neuropathic foot pain: hind paw suspension treadmill exercise experiment in a rat model
Authors: Do Jong Geol , Noh Sun Up , Chae Seoung Wan , Yoon Kyung Jae , Lee Yong-Taek
Published: June 2020

The harmful effects of excessive mechanical loading on diabetic neuropathy and the reason diabetic neuropathic symptoms are common in feet are unclear. In this study, the hind paw suspension treadmill exercise model was used in rats to investigate whether mechanical loading applied to the front paws precipitates neuropathic pain, especially in diabetic conditions. Thirty-two rats were divided into six groups according to the presence of diabetes (DM) and the intensity of mechanical loading applied to the front paws: DM-Hi (high-intensity); DM-Lo (low-intensity); DM-No (non-mechanical loading); Sham-Hi; Sham-Lo; and Sham-No. DM was induced by streptozotocin injection. For high-intensity or low-intensity mechanical loading, treadmill walking exercise was conducted with or without hind paw suspension, respectively. The mechanical withdrawal threshold of the front paw decreased significantly after 8 weeks only in the DM mechanical loading groups (DM-Hi and DM-Lo), and high-intensity loading more significantly decreased the front-paw withdrawal threshold than low-intensity loading. In the DM-Hi group only, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) increased significantly, and intra-epidermal nerve fibers (IENF) in the front paws decreased significantly. In diabetic conditions, mechanical overloading such as excessive walking is likely to precipitate mechanical allodynia and damage IENF¸ which could explain why diabetic neuropathic symptoms are common in feet. This finding might be related to up-regulation of intracellular signaling cascades such as MIF, rather than inflammatory processes.
Temporal structure of mouse courtship vocalizations facilitates syllable labeling
Authors: Hertz Stav , Weiner Benjamin , Perets Nisim , London Michael
Published: June 2020

Mice emit sequences of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) but little is known about the rules governing their temporal order and no consensus exists on the classification of USVs into syllables. To address these questions, we recorded USVs during male-female courtship and found a significant temporal structure. We labeled USVs using three popular algorithms and found that there was no one-to-one relationships between their labels. As label assignment affects the high order temporal structure, we developed the Syntax Information Score (based on information theory) to rank labeling algorithms based on how well they predict the next syllable in a sequence. Finally, we derived a novel algorithm (Syntax Information Maximization) that utilizes sequence statistics to improve the clustering of individual USVs with respect to the underlying sequence structure. Improvement in USV classification is crucial for understanding neural control of vocalization. We demonstrate that USV syntax holds valuable information towards achieving this goal.
Fungal mycelium classified in different material families based on glycerol treatment
Authors: Appels Freek V. W. , van den Brandhof Jeroen G. , Dijksterhuis Jan , de Kort Gijs W. , Wösten Han A. B.
Published: June 2020

Fungal mycelium is an emerging bio-based material. Here, mycelium films are produced from liquid shaken cultures that have a Young’s modulus of 0.47 GPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 5.0 MPa and a strain at failure of 1.5%. Treating the mycelial films with 0–32% glycerol impacts the material properties. The largest effect is observed after treatment with 32% glycerol decreasing the Young’s modulus and the ultimate tensile strength to 0.003 GPa and 1.8 MPa, respectively, whereas strain at failure increases to 29.6%. Moreover, glycerol treatment makes the surface of mycelium films hydrophilic and the hyphal matrix absorbing less water. Results show that mycelium films treated with 8% and 16–32% glycerol classify as polymer- and elastomer-like materials, respectively, while non-treated films and films treated with 1–4% glycerol classify as natural material. Thus, mycelium materials can cover a diversity of material families.
Boron enhances oxygen evolution reaction activity over Ni foam-supported iron boride nanowires
Authors: Liu Qinghua , Zhao Hui , Jiang Meng , Kang Qing , Zhou Wei , Wang Pengcheng , Zhou Feimeng
Published: June 2020

Transition metal borides are one of the most promising electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), but the precise role of boron is still not understood.
Improved synergic therapeutic effects of chemoradiation therapy with the aid of a co-drug-loaded nano-radiosensitizer under conventional-dose X-ray irradiation
Authors: Nosrati Hamed , Charmi Jalil , Abhari Fatemeh , Attari Elahe , Bochani Shayesteh , Johari Behrooz , Rezaeejam Hamed , Kheiri Manjili Hamidreza , Davaran Soodabeh , Danafar Hossein
Published: June 2020

The goal of this work is to harness the advantages of a targeted hybrid nanostructure, BSA-coated Fe3O4 (F)-Au heterodimer, as a radiosensitizer and co-delivery vehicle of chemotherapeutic drugs for enhanced synergic cancer therapy and protection of healthy tissues.
Y4Be33Pt16 – a non-centrosymmetric cage superconductor with multi-centre bonding in the framework
Authors: Amon Alfred , Svanidze Eteri , Prots Yurii , Nicklas Michael , Burkhardt Ulrich , Ormeci Alim , Leithe-Jasper Andreas , Grin Yuri
Published: June 2020

Y4Be33Pt16 – a novel non-centrosymmetric cage superconductor with multi-centre bonding in the framework.
Mix and (Mis)match: further studies of the electronic structure and mixed-valence characteristics of 1,4-diethynylbenzene-bridged bimetallic complexes
Authors: Safari Parvin , Moggach Stephen A. , Low Paul J.
Published: June 2020

Infra-red spectroelectrochemical studies of [{Cp′(CO)xM′}(μ-CCC6H4CC){M(PP)Cp′}]n+[n= 0, 1] illustrate limited ground-state interactions in these donor–acceptor compounds and the localised nature of the one-electron redox processes.
Binding ability of arsenate towards Cu2+ and Zn2+: thermodynamic behavior and simulation under natural water conditions
Authors: Giuffrè Ottavia , Aiello Donatella , Chillè Donatella , Napoli Anna , Foti Claudia
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study is obtaining reliable thermodynamic data for arsenate complexes and a consistent speciation model for applications in natural waters.
Energy performance and climate dependency of technologies for fresh water production from atmospheric water vapour
Authors: Peeters Robin , Vanderschaeghe Hannah , Rongé Jan , Martens Johan A.
Published: June 2020

Solving the water scarcity problem by enhancing water extraction from air technology.
Up-regulation of neprilysin mediates the protection of fructo-oligosaccharides against Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wu Sining , Zhang Jingzhu , Jiang Congmin , Wang Sihui , Que Ran , An Li
Published: June 2020

FOS attenuate cognitive impairment and alleviate Aβ accumulation in the brain of AD model mice. The regulation of HDAC2 on NEP plays an important role in the anti-AD effect of FOS.
Lactobacillus casei-fermented blueberry pomace augments sIgA production in high-fat diet mice by improving intestinal microbiota
Authors: Cheng Yuxin , Tang Shuxin , Huang Yuting , Liang Fuqiang , Fang Yajing , Pan Siyi , Wu Ting , Xu Xiaoyun
Published: June 2020

Intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA)-improving function of Lactobacillus casei-fermented blueberry pomace (FBP) was investigated in this study.
Ficus caricapolysaccharide attenuates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Zou Qianhui , Zhang Xin , Liu Xiaoshuang , Li Yitong , Tan Qiaoli , Dan Qin , Yuan Tian , Liu Xuebo , Liu Rui Hai , Liu Zhigang
Published: June 2020

FCPS effectively alleviates DSS-induced colitis, possiblyviaits beneficial effects on reshaping the gut microbiome and enhancing the formation of SCFAs.
Highly crystalline and efficient red-emissive π-conjugated polymer film: tuning of macrostructure for light-emitting properties
Authors: Hayashi Shotaro
Published: June 2020

π-Conjugated alternating polymer of bithiophene and tetrafluorophenylene gave highly crystalline and efficient red-emissive film. Interestingly, significant tuning of the light-emission of the films was realized by controlling the crystallinity.
A fully synthetic 6-aza-artemisinin bearing an amphiphilic chain generates aggregates and exhibits anti-cancer activities
Authors: Koi Hikari , Takahashi Norihito , Fuchi Yasufumi , Umeno Tomohiro , Muramatsu Yukiko , Seimiya Hiroyuki , Karasawa Satoru , Oguri Hiroki
Published: June 2020

Appendage of an amphiphilic chain by exploiting the nitrogen installed on the 6-aza-artemisinin imparted self-assembling properties. The fully synthetic 6-aza-artemisinin formed aggregates and exhibited increased in vitro anti-cancer activities.
Pro-organic radical contrast agents (“pro-ORCAs”) for real-time MRI of pro-drug activation in biological systems
Authors: Nguyen Hung V.-T. , Detappe Alexandre , Harvey Peter , Gallagher Nolan , Mathieu Clelia , Agius Michael P. , Zavidij Oksana , Wang Wencong , Jiang Yivan , Rajca Andrzej , Jasanoff Alan , Ghobrial Irene M. , Ghoroghchian P. Peter , Johnson Jeremiah A.
Published: June 2020

Pro-organic radical contrast agents (pro-ORCAs) that enable real-time monitoring of doxorubicin prodrug activation in vitro and in vivo are prepared through brush-first ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP).
Discovering active sites in peptide Ala–Val–Thr–Phe that counter 2,2-azobis(2-methylpropanimidamidine)dihydrochloride-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells
Authors: Liang Jiaxi , Wang Qin , Liu Jianliang , Huang Guozhong , Liang Churong , Liu Huifan , Ma Lukai
Published: June 2020

The potential mechanism underlying the cytoprotective effects of the Ala–Val–Thr–Phe (AVTF) peptide derived from edible Dendrobium aphyllum was co-incubated with Lactobacillus amylolyticus.
Cu–Cd–Zn–S/ZnS core/shell quantum dot/polyvinyl alcohol flexible films for white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Li Shenjie , Zha Tianyong , Gong Xiaoyu , Hu Qi , Yu Minghui , Wu Jinyu , Li Ruolan , Wang Jiaming , Chen Yanyan
Published: June 2020

We present a facile route for the synthesis of water-soluble Cu–Cd–Zn–S/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) by simple pH regulation.
New chalcone derivatives: synthesis, antiviral activity and mechanism of action
Authors: Fu Yun , Liu Dan , Zeng Huanan , Ren Xiaoli , Song Baoan , Hu Deyu , Gan Xiuhai
Published: June 2020

The chalcone derivatives containing a purine (sulfur) ether moiety were synthesized. The antiviral mechanism suggested that the antiviral activity of compound 5d may depend on its stronger binding affinity with TMV-CP.
Development of an ultrasound-enhanced smartphone colorimetric biosensor for ultrasensitive hydrogen peroxide detection and its applications
Authors: Khachornsakkul Kawin , Dungchai Wijitar
Published: June 2020

In this work, we developed the first ultrasound technique enhanced smartphone application for highly sensitive determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modeling for Moutan Cortex/Moutan Cortex charcoal and the contributions of the chemical component using support vector regression with particle swarm optimization
Authors: Pan Sixing , Zhou Jianan , Zhou Sujuan , Huang Zhangpeng , Meng Jiang
Published: June 2020

Moutan Cortex (MC) and Moutan Cortex charcoal (MCC) are two kinds of Chinese medicinal materials and effective substances are still unclear. A PK-PD model for MC/MCC is proposed using the support vector regression with particle swarm optimization.
Retraction: An efficient one pot three-component synthesis of 2,4,6-triarylpyridines using triflimide as a metal-free catalyst under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: June 2020

Retraction of ‘An efficient one pot three-component synthesis of 2,4,6-triarylpyridines using triflimide as a metal-free catalyst under solvent-free conditions’ by Hongshe Wang et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 5158–5163, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA00653B.
An anti-freezing hydrogel based stretchable triboelectric nanogenerator for biomechanical energy harvesting at sub-zero temperature
Authors: Bao Dequan , Wen Zhen , Shi Jihong , Xie Lingjie , Jiang Hongxue , Jiang Jinxing , Yang Yanqin , Liao Weiqiang , Sun Xuhui
Published: June 2020

An anti-freezing hydrogel based stretchable triboelectric nanogenerator have been synthesized for harvesting a large amplitude of human movement energy as an effective wearable power source at sub-zero temperature.
Electrolyte solvation structure manipulation enables safe and stable aqueous sodium ion batteries
Authors: Ao Huaisheng , Chen Chunyuan , Hou Zhiguo , Cai Wenlong , Liu Mengke , Jin Yueang , Zhang Xin , Zhu Yongchun , Qian Yitai
Published: June 2020

A multi-component aqueous electrolyte with a composite solvent sheath can widen the voltage window to 2.8 V and inhibit side reactions. A solid electrolyte interface layer containing Na2CO3 and organic compounds suppresses the reaction of water with the discharged anode.