bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon hollow fiber membranes for a molecular sieve with precise-cutoff ultramicropores for superior hydrogen separation
Authors: Lei Linfeng , Pan Fengjiao , Lindbråthen Arne , Zhang Xiangping , Hillestad Magne , Nie Yi , Bai Lu , He Xuezhong , Guiver Michael D. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCarbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes with rigid and uniform pore structures are ideal candidates for high temperature- and pressure-demanded separations, such as hydrogen purification from the steam methane reforming process. Here, we report a facile and scalable method for the fabrication of cellulose-based asymmetric carbon hollow fiber membranes (CHFMs) with ultramicropores of 3–4 Å for superior H2 separation. The membrane fabrication process does not require complex pretreatments to avoid pore collapse before the carbonization of cellulose precursors. A H2/CO2 selectivity of 83.9 at 130 °C (H2/N2 selectivity of >800, H2/CH4 selectivity of >5700) demonstrates that the membrane provides a precise cutoff to discriminate between small gas molecules (H2) and larger gas molecules. In addition, the membrane exhibits superior mixed gas separation performances combined with water vapor- and high pressure-resistant stability. The present approach for the fabrication of high-performance CMS membranes derived from cellulose precursors opens a new avenue for H2-related separations.
Multistage and transmission-blocking targeted antimalarials discovered from the open-source MMV Pandemic Response Box
Authors: Reader Janette , van der Watt Mariëtte E. , Taylor Dale , Le Manach Claire , Mittal Nimisha , Ottilie Sabine , Theron Anjo , Moyo Phanankosi , Erlank Erica , Nardini Luisa , Venter Nelius , Lauterbach Sonja , Bezuidenhout Belinda , Horatscheck Andre , van Heerden Ashleigh , Spillman Natalie J. , Cowell Anne N. , Connacher Jessica , Opperman Daniel , Orchard Lindsey M. , Llinás Manuel , Istvan Eva S. , Goldberg Daniel E. , Boyle Grant A. , Calvo David , Mancama Dalu , Coetzer Theresa L. , Winzeler Elizabeth A. , Duffy James , Koekemoer Lizette L. , Basarab Gregory , Chibale Kelly , Birkholtz Lyn-Marié 
Published: January 2021

AbstractChemical matter is needed to target the divergent biology associated with the different life cycle stages of Plasmodium. Here, we report the parallel de novo screening of the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Pandemic Response Box against Plasmodium asexual and liver stage parasites, stage IV/V gametocytes, gametes, oocysts and as endectocides. Unique chemotypes were identified with both multistage activity or stage-specific activity, including structurally diverse gametocyte-targeted compounds with potent transmission-blocking activity, such as the JmjC inhibitor ML324 and the antitubercular clinical candidate SQ109. Mechanistic investigations prove that ML324 prevents histone demethylation, resulting in aberrant gene expression and death in gametocytes. Moreover, the selection of parasites resistant to SQ109 implicates the druggable V-type H+-ATPase for the reduced sensitivity. Our data therefore provides an expansive dataset of compounds that could be redirected for antimalarial development and also point towards proteins that can be targeted in multiple parasite life cycle stages.
CREPT is required for murine stem cell maintenance during intestinal regeneration
Authors: Yang Liu , Yang Haiyan , Chu Yunxiang , Song Yunhao , Ding Lidan , Zhu Bingtao , Zhai Wanli , Wang Xuning , Kuang Yanshen , Ren Fangli , Jia Baoqing , Wu Wei , Ye Xiongjun , Wang Yinyin , Chang Zhijie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntestinal stem cells (ISCs) residing in the crypts are critical for the continual self-renewal and rapid recovery of the intestinal epithelium. The regulatory mechanism of ISCs is not fully understood. Here we report that CREPT, a recently identified tumor-promoting protein, is required for the maintenance of murine ISCs. CREPT is preferably expressed in the crypts but not in the villi. Deletion of CREPT in the intestinal epithelium of mice (Vil-CREPTKO) results in lower body weight and slow migration of epithelial cells in the intestine. Vil-CREPTKO intestine fails to regenerate after X-ray irradiation and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment. Accordingly, the deletion of CREPT decreases the expression of genes related to the proliferation and differentiation of ISCs and reduces Lgr5+ cell numbers at homeostasis. We identify that CREPT deficiency downregulates Wnt signaling by impairing β-catenin accumulation in the nucleus of the crypt cells during regeneration. Our study provides a previously undefined regulator of ISCs.
A diet-microbial metabolism feedforward loop modulates intestinal stem cell renewal in the stressed gut
Authors: Hou Yuanlong , Wei Wei , Guan Xiaojing , Liu Yali , Bian Gaorui , He Dandan , Fan Qilin , Cai Xiaoying , Zhang Youying , Wang Guangji , Zheng Xiao , Hao Haiping 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDietary patterns and psychosocial factors, ubiquitous part of modern lifestyle, critically shape the gut microbiota and human health. However, it remains obscure how dietary and psychosocial inputs coordinately modulate the gut microbiota and host impact. Here, we show that dietary raffinose metabolism to fructose couples stress-induced gut microbial remodeling to intestinal stem cells (ISC) renewal and epithelial homeostasis. Chow diet (CD) and purified diet (PD) confer distinct vulnerability to gut epithelial injury, microbial alternation and ISC dysfunction in chronically restrained mice. CD preferably enriches Lactobacillus reuteri, and its colonization is sufficient to rescue stress-triggered epithelial injury. Mechanistically, dietary raffinose sustains Lactobacillus reuteri growth, which in turn metabolizes raffinose to fructose and thereby constituting a feedforward metabolic loop favoring ISC maintenance during stress. Fructose augments and engages glycolysis to fuel ISC proliferation. Our data reveal a diet-stress interplay that dictates microbial metabolism-shaped ISC turnover and is exploitable for alleviating gut disorders.
Exposure of Salmonella biofilms to antibiotic concentrations rapidly selects resistance with collateral tradeoffs
Authors: Trampari Eleftheria , Holden Emma R. , Wickham Gregory J. , Ravi Anuradha , Martins Leonardo de Oliveira , Savva George M. , Webber Mark A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMost bacteria in nature exist in biofilms, which are inherently tolerant to antibiotics. There is currently very limited understanding of how biofilms evolve in response to sub-lethal concentrations of antimicrobials. In this study, we use a biofilm evolution model to study the effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations of three antibiotics onSalmonellaTyphimurium biofilms. We show that biofilms rapidly evolve resistance to each antibiotic they are exposed to, demonstrating a strong selective pressure on biofilms from low antibiotic concentrations. While all antibiotics tested select for clinical resistance, there is no common mechanism. Adaptation to antimicrobials, however, has a marked cost for other clinically important phenotypes, including biofilm formation and virulence. Cefotaxime selects mutants with the greatest deficit in biofilm formation followed by azithromycin and then ciprofloxacin. Understanding the impacts of exposure of biofilms to antibiotics will help understand evolutionary trajectories and may help guide how best to use antibiotics in a biofilm context. Experimental evolution in combination with whole-genome sequencing is a powerful tool for the prediction of evolution trajectories associated with antibiotic resistance in biofilms.
Experimental flows through an array of emerged or slightly submerged square cylinders over a rough bed
Authors: Oukacine Marina , Proust Sébastien , Larrarte Frédérique , Goutal Nicole 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe experimental dataset presented was collected in an 18 m long and 1 m wide laboratory flume. Low to high flood flows through an urbanized floodplain were modelled. The floodplain bed is rough, modelled with dense artificial grass. A square cylinder array, representing house models, was set on the rough bed. The cylinder immersion rate was varied: cylinders are emerged for three flow cases and slightly submerged for one case. The experimental dataset comprises water levels, measured using an ultrasonic transit time probe, velocities across the channel measured using an Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry with a side looking probe, and velocities in longitudinal-vertical planes measured using Particle Image Velocimetry. These data could help understanding the physical processes associated with high flood flows through urbanized floodplains, with a focus on the transition from emerged to submerged obstacles. They could also be used as benchmark data to assess the ability of numerical models from one to three-dimensions to estimate the flood hazard (water depth, velocity) over a wide range of flood event magnitudes.
A gridded establishment dataset as a proxy for economic activity in China
Authors: Dong Lei , Yuan Xiaohui , Li Meng , Ratti Carlo , Liu Yu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMeasuring the geographical distribution of economic activity plays a key role in scientific research and policymaking. However, previous studies and data on economic activity either have a coarse spatial resolution or cover a limited time span, and the high-resolution characteristics of socioeconomic dynamics are largely unknown. Here, we construct a dataset on the economic activity of mainland China, the gridded establishment dataset (GED), which measures the volume of establishments at a 0.01° latitude by 0.01° longitude scale. Specifically, our dataset captures the geographically based opening and closing of approximately 25.5 million firms that registered in mainland China over the period 2005–2015. The characteristics of fine granularity and long-term observability give the GED a high application value. The dataset not only allows us to quantify the spatiotemporal patterns of the establishments, urban vibrancy, and socioeconomic activity, but also helps us uncover the fundamental principles underlying the dynamics of industrial and economic development.
Steerable needles for radio-frequency ablation in cirrhotic livers
Authors: van de Berg Nick J. , Meeuwsen Frédérique C. , Doukas Michail , Kronreif Gernot , Moelker Adriaan , van den Dobbelsteen John J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAccurate needle placement in deep-seated liver tumours can be difficult. In this work, we disclose two new manually controlled steerable needles for 17G radio-frequency ablation probe placement. The needles contain stylets with embedded compliant joints for active tip articulations, and concentric tubes for (curved-path) guidance. Needle steering was evaluated sequentially by intended users and in intended-use tissue types. Six interventional radiologists evaluated the needle in repeated ultrasound-guided steering tasks in liver-mimicking phantoms. Targets were located at a 100 mm depth and 20 mm lateral offset from the initial insertion line. The resulting mean absolute tip placement error was 1.0 ± 1.0 mm. Subsequently, steering-induced tissue damage was evaluated in fresh cirrhotic human liver explants. The surface area of puncture holes was estimated in scanned histology slides, using a connected-components analysis. The mean surface area was 0.26 ± 0.16 mm2 after steering with a median radius of curvature of 0.7 × 103 mm, versus 0.35 ± 0.15 mm2 after straight-path insertions with the steerable needle and 0.15 ± 0.09 mm2 after straight-path RFA probe insertions. The steering mechanisms proposed enable clinically relevant path corrections for 17G needles. Radiologists were quickly adept in curved-path RFA probe placement and the evaluation of histological tissue damage demonstrated a potentially safe use during liver interventions.
Visual behavior modelling for robotic theory of mind
Authors: Chen Boyuan , Vondrick Carl , Lipson Hod 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBehavior modeling is an essential cognitive ability that underlies many aspects of human and animal social behavior (Watson in Psychol Rev 20:158, 1913), and an ability we would like to endow robots. Most studies of machine behavior modelling, however, rely on symbolic or selected parametric sensory inputs and built-in knowledge relevant to a given task. Here, we propose that an observer can model the behavior of an actor through visual processing alone, without any prior symbolic information and assumptions about relevant inputs. To test this hypothesis, we designed a non-verbal non-symbolic robotic experiment in which an observer must visualize future plans of an actor robot, based only on an image depicting the initial scene of the actor robot. We found that an AI-observer is able to visualize the future plans of the actor with 98.5% success across four different activities, even when the activity is not known a-priori. We hypothesize that such visual behavior modeling is an essential cognitive ability that will allow machines to understand and coordinate with surrounding agents, while sidestepping the notorious symbol grounding problem. Through a false-belief test, we suggest that this approach may be a precursor to Theory of Mind, one of the distinguishing hallmarks of primate social cognition.
Non-invasive assessment of skeletal muscle fibrosis in mice using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound shear wave elastography
Authors: Martins-Bach Aurea B. , Bachasson Damien , Araujo Ericky C. A. , Soustelle Lucas , Loureiro de Sousa Paulo , Fromes Yves , Carlier Pierre G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFibrosis is a key pathological feature in muscle disorders, but its quantification mainly relies on histological and biochemical assays. Muscle fibrosis most frequently is entangled with other pathological processes, as cell membrane lesions, inflammation, necrosis, regeneration, or fatty infiltration, making in vivo assessment difficult. Here, we (1) describe a novel mouse model with variable levels of induced skeletal muscle fibrosis displaying minimal inflammation and no fat infiltration, and (2) report how fibrosis affects non-invasive metrics derived from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultrasound shear-wave elastography (SWE) associated with a passive biomechanical assay. Our findings show that collagen fraction correlates with multiple non-invasive metrics. Among them, muscle stiffness as measured by SWE, T2, and extracellular volume (ECV) as measured by NMR have the strongest correlations with histology. We also report that combining metrics in a multi-modality index allowed better discrimination between fibrotic and normal skeletal muscles. This study demonstrates that skeletal muscle fibrosis leads to alterations that can be assessed in vivo with multiple imaging parameters. Furthermore, combining NMR and SWE passive biomechanical assay improves the non-invasive evaluation of skeletal muscle fibrosis and may allow disentangling it from co-occurring pathological alterations in more complex scenarios, such as muscular dystrophies.
Shared and divergent phase separation and aggregation properties of brain-expressed ubiquilins
Authors: Gerson Julia E. , Linton Hunter , Xing Jiazheng , Sutter Alexandra B. , Kakos Fayth S. , Ryou Jaimie , Liggans Nyjerus , Sharkey Lisa M. , Safren Nathaniel , Paulson Henry L. , Ivanova Magdalena I. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe brain-expressed ubiquilins, UBQLNs 1, 2 and 4, are highly homologous proteins that participate in multiple aspects of protein homeostasis and are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Studies have established that UBQLN2 forms liquid-like condensates and accumulates in pathogenic aggregates, much like other proteins linked to neurodegenerative diseases. However, the relative condensate and aggregate formation of the three brain-expressed ubiquilins is unknown. Here we report that the three ubiquilins differ in aggregation propensity, revealed by in-vitro experiments, cellular models, and analysis of human brain tissue. UBQLN4 displays heightened aggregation propensity over the other ubiquilins and, like amyloids, UBQLN4 forms ThioflavinT-positive fibrils in vitro. Measuring fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of puncta in cells, we report that all three ubiquilins undergo liquid–liquid phase transition. UBQLN2 and 4 exhibit slower recovery than UBQLN1, suggesting the condensates formed by these brain-expressed ubiquilins have different compositions and undergo distinct internal rearrangements. We conclude that while all brain-expressed ubiquilins exhibit self-association behavior manifesting as condensates, they follow distinct courses of phase-separation and aggregation. We suggest that this variability among ubiquilins along the continuum from liquid-like to solid informs both the normal ubiquitin-linked functions of ubiquilins and their accumulation and potential contribution to toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases.
Prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in conjunctival flora and association with nasopharyngeal carriage among children in a Vietnamese community
Authors: Mohamed Yasser Helmy , Toizumi Michiko , Uematsu Masafumi , Nguyen Hien-Anh Thi , Le Lien Thuy , Takegata Mizuki , Iwasaki Chihiro , Kitamura Noriko , Nation Monica L. , Dunne Eileen M. , Hinds Jason , Do Hung Thai , Vien Mai Quang , Satzke Catherine , Flasche Stefan , Mulholland Kim , Dang Duc-Anh , Kitaoka Takashi , Yoshida Lay-Myint 
Published: January 2021

AbstractConjunctival pneumococcal serotypes among members of a community have not been investigated well. We determined the prevalence and association of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the nasopharynx and conjunctiva among children in a community before pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction. In October 2016, conjunctival and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from children (< 24 months old) and nasopharyngeal swabs from mothers in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Quantitative lytA PCR and DNA microarray were performed to detect and serotype S. pneumoniae. The association between S. pneumoniae in the nasopharynx and conjunctiva was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression model. Among 698 children, 62 (8.9%, 95% CI 6.9–11.2%) were positive for S. pneumoniae in the conjunctiva. Non-encapsulated S. pneumoniae were most commonly identified, followed by serotypes 6A, 6B, and 14. Nasopharyngeal and conjunctival detection were positively associated (aOR 47.30, 95% CI 24.07–92.97). Low birth-weight, day-care attendance, and recent eye symptoms were independently associated with S. pneumoniae detection in the conjunctiva (aOR 11.14, 95% CI 3.76–32.98, aOR 2.19, 95% CI 1.45–3.31, and aOR 3.59, 95% CI 2.21–5.84, respectively). Serotypes and genotypes in the conjunctiva and nasopharynx matched in 87% of the children. Three mothers’ nasopharyngeal pneumococcal samples had matched serotype and genotype with their child’s in the conjunctiva and nasopharynx. S. pneumoniae presence in nasopharynx and conjunctiva were strongly associated. The high concordance of serotypes suggests nasopharyngeal carriage may be a source of transmission to the conjunctiva.
Effects of small ridge and furrow mulching degradable film on dry direct seeded rice
Authors: Li Hui , Zeng Shan , Luo Xiwen , Fang Longyu , Liang Zhanhao , Yang Wenwu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGlobal climate change and socio-economic development have led to a shortage of water and labour resources, which has had a significant impact on rice cultivation. In this study, the application of micro-ridge-furrow planting technology and degradable film mulching in dry direct-seeded rice was investigated to address the factors restricting the development of the rice industry and reduce the impact of rice production on the environment. The effects of a micro-ridge-furrow planting pattern and degradable film mulching on soil temperature, seedling growth, and yield of dry direct-seeded rice in a semiarid region of China were studied through three field experiments: micro-ridge-furrow mulching with traditional plastic film (T1); micro-ridge-furrow mulching with degradable film (T2); and traditional flat-cropping mulching with traditional plastic film (CK). The experimental results demonstrated that the micro-ridge-furrow mulching film planting pattern promoted the germination of rice seeds and improved the soil temperature, plant height, leaf area, dry mass, and grain yield. T2 had the highest average soil temperature (14.68–17.83 ℃ during the day; 14.4–15.74 ℃ at night), leaf area (41.85 cm2 plant−1), root dry mass (45.32 mg plant−1), shoot dry mass (58.46 mg plant−1), root–shoot ratio (0.821), and yield (8.112 t ha−1). In summary, the micro-ridge-furrow mulching with degradable film (T2) is recommended as an efficient planting and mulching pattern for sustainably solving environmental problems and improving grain yield in semiarid regions of China.
Biological age and lifestyle in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome: the NHIS health screening data, 2014–2015
Authors: Bae Chul-Young , Piao Meihua , Kim Miyoung , Im Yoori , Kim Sungkweon , Kim Donguk , Choi Junho , Cho Kyung Hee 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMetabolic syndrome (MS) is diagnosed using absolute criteria that do not consider age and sex, but most studies have shown that the prevalence of MS increases with age in both sexes. Thus, the evaluation of MS should consider sex and age. We aimed to develop a new index that considers the age and sex for evaluating an individual’s relative overall MS status. Data of 16,518,532 subjects (8,671,838 males and 7,846,694 females) who completed a validated health survey of the National Health Insurance Service of the Republic of Korea (2014‒2015) were analyzed to develop an MS-biological age model. Principal component score analysis using waist circumference, pulse pressure, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride levels, and high-density lipoprotein level, but not age, as independent variables were performed to derive an index of health status and biological age. In both sexes, the age according to the MS-biological age model increased with rising smoking and alcohol consumption habits and decreased with rising physical activity. Particularly, smoking and drinking affected females, whereas physical activity affected males. The MS-biological age model can be a supplementary tool for evaluating and managing MS, quantitatively measuring the effect of lifestyle changes on MS, and motivating patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle.