bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five complexes based on a new racemic tetraoxaspiro ligand: correlation of potential coordination preferences with the structure, magnetic properties and luminescence properties
Authors: Hu Min-Na , Zhang Wen-Qian , Liu Hua , He Peng-Xiu , Liu Ping , Wang Yao-Yu , Li Jian-Li
Published: January 2019

Complexes 1–5 based on an axially chiral (R,S)-bptu ligand are obtained and investigated to give correlation of potential coordination preferences with structures. Furthermore, magnetic and luminescence properties were studied.
Luteolin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human melanoma cells in vivo and in vitro by suppressing MMP-2 and MMP-9 through the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Yao Xin , Jiang Wei , Yu Danhong , Yan Zhaowei
Published: January 2019

Since the incidence rate of malignant melanoma is increasing annually, development of drugs against melanoma cell metastasis has become more urgent.
Lysine-induced swine satellite cell migration is mediated by the FAK pathway
Authors: Jin Cheng-long , Zhang Zong-ming , Ye Jin-ling , Gao Chun-qi , Yan Hui-chao , Li Hai-chang , Yang Jin-zeng , Wang Xiu-qi
Published: January 2019

This study demonstrated that the activation of satellite cell migration is dependent on Lysine levels. Furthermore, Lys-dependent satellite cell migration is mediated by the FAK pathway.
Nutritional and physical characterization of sugar-snap cookies: effect of banana starch in native and molten states
Authors: Roman Laura , Sahagun Marta , Gomez Manuel , Martinez Mario M.
Published: January 2019

Starch digestion and consumer's acceptance of gluten-free sugar-snap cookies can be simultaneously improved by using banana starch as starchy replacer.
NMR and MS urinary metabolic phenotyping in kidney diseases is fit-for-purpose in the presence of a protease inhibitor
Authors: Boulangé Claire L. , Rood Ilse M. , Posma Joram M. , Lindon John C. , Holmes Elaine , Wetzels Jack F. M. , Deegens Jeroen K. J. , Kaluarachchi Manuja R.
Published: January 2019

When using an appropriate data analysis pipeline, protease inhibitor (PI)-containing urine samples are fit-for-purpose for metabolic phenotyping of patients with nephrotic syndrome and proteinuria.
Quantitative profiling of CD13 on single acute myeloid leukemia cells by super-resolution imaging and its implication in targeted drug susceptibility assessment
Authors: Xi Yan , Wang Dianbing , Wang Tingting , Huang Lin , Zhang Xian-En
Published: January 2019

Single particle protein on the AML cell membrane. Wide field image (left); SIM original image (middle); SIM 3D-reconstuction image (right).
Multilayer-graphene-stabilized lithium deposition for anode-Free lithium-metal batteries
Authors: Assegie Addisu Alemayehu , Chung Cheng-Chu , Tsai Meng-Che , Su Wei-Nien , Chen Chun-Wei , Hwang Bing-Joe
Published: January 2019

Ultra-thin multilayer graphene film domain grown on Cu by chemical vapor deposition enables dendrite free lithium deposition in an anode-free Li metal battery via distributing localized current.
N-Doped carbon nanotubes enriched with graphitic nitrogen in a buckypaper configuration as efficient 3D electrodes for oxygen reduction to H2O2
Authors: Contreras Enrique , Dominguez David , Tiznado Hugo , Guerrero-Sanchez Jonathan , Takeuchi Noboru , Alonso-Nunez Gabriel , Contreras Oscar E. , Oropeza-Guzmán Mercedes T. , Romo-Herrera Jose M.
Published: January 2019

Buckypapers made with CNx nanotubes.
Size dependence of bubble wetting on surfaces: breakdown of contact angle match between small sized bubbles and droplets
Authors: Zhang Hongguang , Zhang Xianren
Published: January 2019

Bubbles show size-dependent wetting behaviors and contact angles for small bubbles are no longer supplementary to those of droplets.
Absolute asymmetric Strecker synthesis in a mixed aqueous medium: reliable access to enantioenriched α-aminonitrile
Authors: Miyagawa Shinobu , Aiba Shohei , Kawamoto Hajime , Tokunaga Yuji , Kawasaki Tsuneomi
Published: January 2019

Under aqueous conditions, total spontaneous resolution of α-aminonitrile occurred by the reaction of three achiral reagents; therefore, absolute asymmetric Strecker synthesis was demonstrated.
Deactivation and regeneration of carbon nanotubes and nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes in catalytic peroxymonosulfate activation for phenol degradation: variation of surface functionalities
Authors: Hou Jifei , Xu Lixia , Han Yuxiang , Tang Yuqiong , Wan Haiqin , Xu Zhaoyi , Zheng Shourong
Published: January 2019

Both CNT and NCNT catalysts presented marked deactivation after activating PMS. Moreover, the initial activities of deactivated CNT and NCNT were restored by thermal treatment at different temperatures (T-350, T-550 and T-750) and chemical reduction (R–NaBH4).
Superhydrophilic fluorinated polyarylate membranesvia in situphotocopolymerization and microphase separation for efficient separation of oil-in-water emulsion
Authors: Li Hui , Zhou Cuiping , Li Chunsheng , Li Xiaohui , Zhang Shuxiang
Published: January 2019

We have developed a novel superhydrophilic FPAR membrane with high tensile strength byin situphotocopolymerization and microphase separation, which can effectively separate oil-in-water emulsions with high separation efficiency and flux.
Enhanced electrochemical performance of nanoplate nickel cobaltite (NiCo2O4) supercapacitor applications
Authors: Yedluri Anil Kumar , Kim Hee-Je
Published: January 2019

Schematic representation of the synthesis of nanoplate-like NiCo2O4 structure on nickel foam (NF).
Kinetics, equilibrium, statistical surface modeling and cost analysis of paraquat removal from aqueous solution using carbonated jujube seed
Authors: Zbair Mohamed , Anfar Zakaria , Ait Ahsaine Hassan , Khallok Hamza
Published: January 2019

This paper reports the removal of paraquat from an aqueous solution using prepared carbonated jujube seed (JS/HSO-700).
Structure, tunable luminescence and energy transfer in Tb3+ and Eu3+ codoped Ba3InB9O18 phosphors
Authors: Song Siyuan , Si Jiayong , Zhang Jing , Cai Gemei
Published: January 2019

The emission colors of Ba3InB9O18:Tb3+, Eu3+ can be adjusted from yellowish green to orange by tuning the content of Eu3+ ions due to the energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+, thus showing a great potential for display and lighting fields applications.
Controlling catalytic activity and selectivity for partial hydrogenation by tuning the environment around active sites in iridium complexes bonded to supports
Authors: Babucci Melike , Fang Chia-Yu , Perez-Aguilar Jorge E. , Hoffman Adam S. , Boubnov Alexey , Guan Erjia , Bare Simon R. , Gates Bruce C. , Uzun Alper
Published: January 2019

Enveloping atomically dispersed supported iridium with the choice of ionic liquid molecular sheaths and supports controls the catalytic performance.
HOXD8/DIAPH2-AS1 epigenetically regulates PAX3 and impairs HTR-8/SVneo cell function under hypoxia
Authors: Feng Yaling , Wang Jianxia , He Yue , Zhang Heng , Jiang Minhui , Cao Dandan , Wang Aiping
Published: January 2019

The present study aimed to unravel the molecular basis underlying PAX3 down-regulation, known to be involved in pre-eclampsia (PE) occurrence and development. Data obtained from databases suggested that Pax3 methylation levels in the promoter region are high in the placentas of PE patients. However, the expression of methylation-adjusting enzymes, including DNMT1, LSD1, and EZH2, did not change. Since lncRNAs enhance the function of methylation-related enzymes independently of expression, we selected three lncRNAs, RP11-269F21.2, DIAPH2-AS1, and RP11-445K13.2, predicted to interact with methylation-adjusting enzymes. Two transcription factors, HOXD8 and Lhx3, predicted to regulate the expression of lncRNAs, were also selected. Using RNA interference technology, HOXD8 and Lhx3 were found to positively regulate DIAPH2-AS1 and RP11-445K13.2 in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays determined that DIAPH2-AS1 recruited LSD1 to histone 3, increasing DNMT1 stability at H3. The HOXD8/DIAPH2-AS1 network regulated HTR-8/SVneo cell function under hypoxia by epigenetically regulating PAX3. This regulatory network may thus be responsible for PAX3 down-regulation in the placentas of PE patients.
Fabrication of super‐hydrophobic stainless steel needles and evaluation of their drag reduction properties
Authors: Wang Yongfeng , Feng Dandan , Wang Lei
Published: January 2019

Naturally, some living things have non‐wettable super‐hydrophobic surfaces that depend on surface roughness and surface chemistry. Mimicking such super‐hydrophobic surfaces has applications for pain reduction and improving the functionality of needles used in health care. This study prepared a stainless steel needle with a super‐hydrophobic surface using ultrasonic etching for microstructure fabrication and surface fluorination. The as‐prepared stainless steel needle was super‐hydrophobic, as evidenced by a water contact angle of 151.3°. Investigations into the effect of ultrasonic etch time on wettability indicated that microstructures on the surface of the stainless steel needle were important for developing super‐hydrophobicity. Resistance properties of the as‐prepared stainless steel needle were also governed by surface morphology. Super‐hydrophobic stainless steel needles have self‐cleaning and low adhesion properties and a drag reduction effect that may reduce pain during a puncture process. Simultaneously, the bionic needle with super‐hydrophobic property has more applications in biological antibacterial, and reducing retention of expensive reagents. Furthermore, this method can also be applied to micropipette tips, and inkjet or bio‐printer heads, which will make breakthroughs in small droplets manipulation, biometric, and inkjet printing equipment.
First detection of a virial shock with SZ data: implication for the mass accretion rate of Abell 2319
Authors: Hurier G. , Adam R. , Keshet U.
Published: January 2019

Shocks produced by the accretion of infalling gas in the outskirts of galaxy clusters are expected in the hierarchical structure formation scenario, as found in cosmological hydrodynamical simulations. Here, we report the detection of a shock front at a large radius in the pressure profile of the galaxy cluster A2319 at a significance of 8.6σ, using Planck thermal Sunyaev-Zel’dovich data. The shock is located at (2.93 ± 0.05) × R500 and is not dominated by any preferential radial direction. Using a parametric model of the pressure profile, we derive a lower limit on the Mach number of the infalling gas, ℳ >  3.25 at 95% confidence level. These results are consistent with expectations derived from hydrodynamical simulations. Finally, we use the shock location to constrain the accretion rate of A2319 to Ṁ ≃ (1.4 ± 0.4) × 1014 M⊙ Gyr−1 for a total mass of M200 ≃ 1015 M⊙.
The CARMENES search for exoplanets around M dwarfs
Authors: Nagel E. , Czesla S. , Schmitt J. H. M. M. , Dreizler S. , Anglada-Escudé G. , Rodríguez E. , Ribas I. , Reiners A. , Quirrenbach A. , Amado P. J. , Caballero J. A. , Aceituno J. , Béjar V. J. S. , Cortés-Contreras M. , González-Cuesta L. , Guenther E. W. , Henning T. , Jeffers S. V. , Kaminski A. , Kürster M. , Lafarga M. , López-González M. J. , Montes D. , Morales J. C. , Passegger V. M. , Rodríguez-López C. , Schweitzer A. , Zechmeister M.
Published: January 2019

We report the detection of a Neptune-mass exoplanet around the M4.0 dwarf GJ 4276 (G 232-070) based on radial velocity (RV) observations obtained with the CARMENES spectrograph. The RV variations of GJ 4276 are best explained by the presence of a planetary companion that has a minimum mass of mb sin i ≈ 16 M⊕ on a Pb = 13.35 day orbit. The analysis of the activity indicators and spectral diagnostics exclude stellar induced RV perturbations and prove the planetary interpretation of the RV signal. We show that a circular single-planet solution can be excluded by means of a likelihood ratio test. Instead, we find that the RV variations can be explained either by an eccentric orbit or interpreted as a pair of planets on circular orbits near a period ratio of 2:1. Although the eccentric single-planet solution is slightly preferred, our statistical analysis indicates that none of these two scenarios can be rejected with high confidence using the RV time series obtained so far. Based on the eccentric interpretation, we find that GJ 4276 b is the most eccentric (eb = 0.37) exoplanet around an M dwarf with such a short orbital period known today.
Possibility of chromospheric back-radiation influencing the lithium line formation in Spite plateau stars
Authors: Takeda Y.
Published: January 2019

Context.Spectroscopically determined lithium abundances of metal-poor turn-off dwarfs are known to be nearly constant (Spite plateau), but manifestly lower than the primordial value expected from the standard cosmological model. However, abundance determination by using conventional model atmospheres may not necessarily be correct since the existence of high-temperature chromosphere even in very old stars has been confirmed.

Aims.The aim of this study is to examine how the extra UV flux possibly irradiated from the chromosphere could affect the formation of the Li I6708 line, and whether or not its influence might lead to a solution of the Li abundance discrepancy.

Methods.A simple model chromosphere of a uniform thin gray slab emitting only thermal radiation is assumed, characterized by optical thickness and temperature. By taking into account this incident radiation in the surface boundary condition, non-local thermodynamical equilibrium calculations for neutral Li atoms are carried out in order to see how the equivalent widths and the resulting abundances are affected by these parameters.

Results.If the parameters are appropriately chosen, the strength of the Li I6708 line can be reduced by a factor of ~2–3 due to overionization caused by enhanced UV radiation, leading to an apparent lowering of the abundance by ~0.3–0.5 dex, which is consistent with the discrepancy in question. Moreover, the observed slight metallicity-dependent trend of the plateau can also be reproduced as a result of the change in atmospheric transparency.

Conclusions.Superficial underestimation of Li abundances due to considerable overionization caused by chromospheric radiation may be regarded as a ponderable interpretation for the cosmological Li problem. The touchstone to verify this model would be to check the existence of significantly enhanced UV radiation in these Spite plateau stars, which should be detected if this scenario is valid, although very few such UV spectrophotometric observations have been done to date.
Cellules souches mésenchymateuses et médecine régénératrice
Authors: Maumus Marie , Pers Yves-Marie , Ruiz Maxime , Jorgensen Christian , Noël Danièle
Published: January 2019

Les cellules souches mésenchymateuses (CSM) sont des cellules adultes multipotentes isolées de plusieurs tissus. Une thérapie à base de CSM dans l’arthrose est justifiée par leurs capacités de différenciation et leurs propriétés paracrines. Les stratégies thérapeutiques comprennent l’injection articulaire de CSM ou leur implantation combinée à des biomatériaux. Selon leur mode d’administration et leur devenir, elles peuvent diminuer l’inflammation, prévenir l’hypertrophie et l’apoptose des chondrocytes et/ou se différencier en chondrocytes. Nous résumons ici les données physiopathologiques et mécanistiques de la littérature et discutons les perspectives confirmant le rôle potentiel des CSM pour le traitement de l’arthrose.
Déchiffrage du code tubuline
Authors: Sadoul Karin , Joubert Clotilde , Michallet Sophie , Nolte Elsie , Peronne Lauralie , Ramirez-Rios Sacnicté , Ribba Anne-Sophie , Lafanechère Laurence
Published: January 2019

Les microtubules sont des fibres du cytosquelette formées par l’assemblage d’hétérodimères d’α- et de β-tubuline. Ils contribuent à l’établissement de la forme des cellules et de leur polarité, ainsi qu’à leur mobilité. Ils jouent aussi un rôle important dans le transport intracellulaire et dans la division cellulaire. Le réseau microtubulaire s’adapte constamment aux besoins de la cellule. Il peut être constitué de microtubules très dynamiques ou d’autres plus stables. Pour moduler dans l’espace et le temps les différentes fonctions de ces fibres, de nombreuses modifications post-traductionnelles réversibles de la tubuline sont mises en jeu, à l’origine de ce qui est maintenant appelé le « code tubuline ». Dans cette revue, nous nous intéresserons au rôle de deux modifications caractéristiques des microtubules stables : l’acétylation et la détyrosination de l’α-tubuline. Nous discuterons également de l’implication de leur dérégulation dans certaines pathologies.
Diminishing activity of recent solar cycles (22–24) and their impact on geospace
Authors: Kakad Bharati , Kakad Amar , Ramesh Durbha Sai , Lakhina Gurbax S.
Published: January 2019

This study examines the variation of different energies linked with the Sun and the Earth’s magnetosphere-ionosphere systems for solar cycles (SCs) 22–24 for which the gradual decrease in the solar activity is noticed. Firstly, we investigated the variation of solar magnetic energy density (SMED) for SCs 21–24 and its relation to the solar activity. We observed distinct double peak structures in SMED for the past four SCs, 21–24. This feature is consistent with noticeable asymmetry in their two peaks. For SCs 22–24 a significant decrease is observed in the integrated SMED of each SC. This reduction is 37% from SCs 22 to 23 and 51% from SCs 23 to 24, which indicates substantial weakening of Sun’s magnetic field for SC 24. Also, the magnetic, kinetic, and thermal energy densities at the Earth’s bow-shock nose are found to be considerably low for the SC 24. We examined the solar wind Alfven speed, magnetosonic Mach number, solar wind-magnetosphere energy coupling parameter (ε), and the Chapman-Ferraro magnetopause distance (LCF) for the SCs 22–24. The estimated maximum stand-off magnetopause distance is larger for SC 24 (LCF ≤ 10.6 RE) as compared to SC 23 (LCF ≤ 10.2 RE) and SC 22 (LCF ≤ 9.8 RE). The solar wind Alfven speeds during SCs 22 and 23 are in the same range and do not exceed ≈73 km/s whereas, it is below 57 km/s for SC 24. A lower bound of solar wind magnetosonic Mach number for SC 24 is larger (M ≥ 6.9) as compared to SC 22 (M ≥ 5.9) and SC 23 (M ≥ 6). We noticed weakening in the energy coupling parameter for SC 24, which resulted in substantial (15%–38%) decrease in average strength of high latitude ionospheric (AE), low latitude magnetospheric (Dst) and equatorial ionospheric (EEJ) current systems in comparison with SC 23. Subsequently, a reduction of ≈30% is manifested in the high latitude Joule heating for SC 24. Overall this study indicates the significant step down in various energies at Sun, Earth’s bow-shock, and near Earth environment for current SC 24, which will have important implication on our Earth’s atmosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere system.
Effect of substrate on phase-change characteristics of GeSb thin films and its potential application in three-level electrical storage
Authors: Wang X. F. , Gu D. , Xiao T. , Xu X.F. , He Y. , Huang C. Z. , Zhang Z. L. , Li T. L. , Zhu W. L. , Lai T. S.
Published: January 2019

Phase-change Ge8Sb92 films were deposited on the varied thermal-conductivity substrates by radio frequency sputtering and their crystallization behavior was investigated. Situ sheet resistance measurement and the X-ray diffraction spectra show a double stage phase transitions of Ge8Sb92 films on the low thermal-conductivity substrates while a single stage phase transition on the high ones with the increasing heating temperature. The first-stage phase transition is amorphous-to-crystalline transition and the second-stage phase transition is partial-to-complete crystalline transition. The results provide experimental basis for the optimization of Ge8Sb92 phase-change memory and the possibility application in three-level electrical storage with single layer GeSb-type phase-change materials.
Optic fiber temperature sensor based on cascading fiber Bragg gratings
Authors: Xu Jin , Wang Rongping , Cabani Adnane
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we demonstrate a novel method of distributed temperature sensing in optical fibers. The method is based on cascading fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) single-ended Brillouin optical time-domain analyzer (BOTDA). This proposal applies the cascading FBGs both as a reflector and an optical filter to improves the measurement. Experimental results show that a 75-km sensing range with 3°C temperature resolution and 5 m spatial resolution are achieved.
All-optical reconfigurable non-inverted logic gates with a single semiconductor optical amplifier
Authors: Han Bingchen , Liu Yi
Published: January 2019

All-optical reconfigurable non-inverted logic gates with a single semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) is proposed. Compared with the probe light of continuous light, the clock (Clk) pulse sequences light is regarded as the probe light so that the output of logic gates is a non-inverted code which is suitable to the further combination of different logic gates. The scheme is based on a single SOA with four-wave mixing and cross-gain modulation. Multiple functional logic operations are implemented and switched by adjusting the center wavelength of tunable optical band-pass filter without altering the experimental device. In the experiment, all-optical multiple logic gates with 10 Gb/s return-to-zero of NOT, NOR, XNOR, AND, A¯•B and A•B¯ are realized. Meanwhile, because Clk probe light is a small signal, a saturable absorber (SA) is configured to improve the extinction ratio (ER) and optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR). For logic gates NOT, NOR and XNOR with Clk probe light, ER and OSNR are only deteriorated by 1 dB with the SA. For logic gate AND with Clk probe light, ER is improved by about 2 dB based on four-wave mixing and OSNR keep the original values with the SA respectively. For logic gates A¯•B and A•B¯ without Clk probe light, ER and OSNR are both only deteriorated by 0.5 dB. It has the potential to obtain more complex combinational logic gates.
Design of a high SNR electronic heart sound sensor based on a MEMS bionic hydrophone
Authors: Li Haixia , Ren Yongfeng , Zhang Guojun , Wang Renxin , Zhang Xiaoyong , Zhang Ting , Zhang Lansheng , Cui Jiangong , Xu QingDa , Duan Sicun
Published: January 2019

Since most of the contact conduction type of heart sound sensors don’t take into account the acoustic signal attenuation problem caused by the heart sound signal transmitting to a sensor whose filling materials’ impedance is different to human soft tissue, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the heart sound sensors is not very well. Human heart is immersed in blood. If the sensor’s core sensitive element can be immersed in fluid, the attenuation of heart sound signal may be decreased greatly. Inspired by the principle of hydroacoustic signal’s detection, this paper proposes the design of heart sound sensor based on the bionic vector hydrophone. Then theoretical analysis and finite element method (FEM) simulation about the sensor have been carried out. Combined sensitivity with resonant frequency, the optimum dimension of the sensor’s structure has been determined. The sensor’s micro-structure has been fabricated by using Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) technology and coupling encapsulated by choosing a kind of medical coupling agent as the filling material. Finally, the performance of the proposed sensor is tested. The fact is that the proposed sensor can work well with either healthy people or patients with heart disease. The obtained data clearly show that: the SNR of the proposed heart sound sensor is superior to 3200-type of 3M Littmann 8.2 dB.
Temperature and electric field dependence of charge conduction and accumulation in XLPE based on polarization and depolarization current
Authors: Li Guochang , Zhou Xuguang , Hao Chuncheng , Lei Qingquan , Wei Yanhui
Published: January 2019

Temperature and electric field are important factors affecting space charge accumulation in high voltage dc (HVDC) cable insulation. Charge conduction and accumulation in XLPE have been studied by correlating the polarization and depolarization processes. The experimental results indicate that the steady current of XLPE increases about 2 or 3 orders with the increasing temperature from 25 °C to 90 °C, and the stronger electric field, the less the increased amplitudes. The trap level in XLPE stressed by different electric fields and temperatures have a tiny change from 0.89 eV to 1.15 eV. Besides, there exists an inflection temperature of charge accumulation in XLPE, around 50 °C∼ 60 °C. At the room temperature, the trapped charges are difficult to release from the traps, and these homo-charges near the electrode can depress the further injection of charges. With the increase of temperature, part of trapped charges near the interface will gradually migrate towards the bulk of the material, and more charges are injected. When the temperature exceeds around 50 °C, the molecular movement is accelerated which can dramatically enhance the hopping probability of charges between the adjacent traps, and little accumulated charges are left.
Temperature dependence of the color rendering index of a phosphor-conversion white light-emitting diode
Authors: Ryu Guen-Hwan , Ma Byungjin , Ryu Han-Youl
Published: January 2019

We experimentally investigated the temperature dependence of the color rendering index (CRI) of a phosphor-conversion (PC) white light-emitting diode (LED) composed of a GaN-based blue LED chip and yttrium aluminum garnet doped with Ce3+ (YAG) phosphor. For the 15 CRI values from R1 to R15, 12 CRI values were found to increase with temperature from 20 to 80 °C. The general CRI (Ra) was increased from 84.6 to 86.1 as the temperature increased from 20 to 80 °C. R9 which represents the color rendering property for the deep red was found to increase by more than 10% and some CRI values exhibited more than 20% increase in this temperature range. This increasing behavior of CRI with temperature is contrary to the case of a multi-chip-based white LED, where the Ra was reported to decrease with increasing temperature. The improvement in the CRI with temperature for the PC white LED is attributed to the relative increase of the spectral power distribution (SPD) in the wavelength range from 460 to 520 nm and the overall broadening of SPD with increasing temperature. As a result of the increase in the CRI with temperature, the PC white LEDs are expected to be advantageously used for stable high-temperature operation of LED lighting.
Single silicon nanowires as inherent heaters and thermometers for thermal conductivity measurements
Authors: Zhao Xingyan , Yan Jiahao , Bao Hua , Dan Yaping
Published: January 2019

It is traditionally challenging to measure the thermal conductivity of nanoscale devices. In this Letter, we demonstrate a simple method for the thermal conductivity measurements of silicon nanowires by using the silicon nanowire under test as the thermometer and heater. The silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays are patterned out of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer by standard microfabrication processes. The thermal conductivity of SiNWs with a width from 150nm to 400nm (while the thickness is fixed at 220nm) are measured in the temperature range of 20-200K. At low temperature range, the nanowire thermal conductivity exhibits a strong size dependency since the effective phonon mean-free path is dominated by the nanowire radial size. At high temperature range, the phonon mean-free path is significantly smaller than the nanowire radial size. The nanowire thermal conductivity is strongly temperature correlated and nearly independent of the nanowire size. Density function theory calculations are also performed on the SiNWs and the calculated thermal conductivity of SiNWs are largely consistent with the experimental data, showing that our method is valid for the thermal conductivity measurements of nanoscale devices.
Evolution of viviparity in mammals: what genomic imprinting tells us about mammalian placental evolution
Authors: Kaneko-Ishino Tomoko , Ishino Fumitoshi
Published: January 2019

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic mechanism of regulating parent-of-origin-specific monoallelic expression of imprinted genes in viviparous therian mammals such as eutherians and marsupials. In this review we discuss several issues concerning the relationship between mammalian viviparity and genomic imprinting, as well as the domestication of essential placental genes: why has the genomic imprinting mechanism been so widely conserved despite the evident developmental disadvantages originating from monoallelic expression? How have genomic imprinted regions been established in the course of mammalian evolution? What drove the evolution of mammalian viviparity and how have genomic imprinting and domesticated genes contributed to this process? In considering the regulatory mechanism of imprinted genes, reciprocal expression of paternally and maternally expressed genes (PEGs and MEGs respectively) and the presence of several essential imprinted genes for placental formation and maintenance, it is likely that complementary, thereby monoallelic, expression of PEGs and MEGs is an evolutionary trade-off for survival. The innovation in novel imprinted regions was associated with the emergence of imprinting control regions, suggesting that genomic imprinting arose as a genome defence mechanism against the insertion of exogenous DNA. Mammalian viviparity emerged in the period when the atmospheric oxygen concentration was the lowest (~12%) during the last 550 million years (the Phanerozoic eon), implying this low oxygen concentration was a key factor in promoting mammalian viviparity as a response to a major evolutionary pressure. Because genomic imprinting and gene domestication from retrotransposons or retroviruses are effective measures of changing genomic function in therian mammals, they are likely to play critical roles in the emergence of viviparity for longer gestation periods.
Production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody for Pefloxacin and mechanism study of antibody recognition
Authors: Zhang Xiuyuan , He Kuo , Zhang Donghao , Huang Zhihong
Published: January 2019

In this report, an artificial antigen (PFLX–BSA: Pefloxacin connected bovine serum albumin) was successfully prepared. The monoclonal antibody against pefloxacin was produced and characterized using a direct competitive ELISA. The linear range of detection was 0.115–6.564 µg/L. The limit of detection defined as IC15 was 0.170 ± 0.05 µg/L and the IC50 was 0.902 ± 0.03 µg/L. The antibody variable region genes were amplified, assembled, and sequenced. A three–dimensional structural model of the variable region was constructed to study the mechanism of antibody recognition using molecular docking analysis. Three predicted essential amino acids, Thr53, Arg97 of heavy chain and Thr52 of light chain, were mutated to verify the theoretical model. Three mutants lost binding activity signiﬁcantly against pefloxacin as predicted. These may provide useful insights for studying antigen–antibody interaction mechanisms to improve antibody affinity maturation in vitro.
Expression of TorsinA in a heterologous yeast system reveals interactions with lumenal domains of LINC and nuclear pore complex components
Authors: Chalfant Madeleine , Barber Karl W. , Borah Sapan , Thaller David , Lusk C. Patrick
Published: January 2019

DYT1 dystonia is caused by an in-frame deletion of a glutamic acid codon in the gene encoding the AAA+ ATPase TorsinA (TorA). TorA localizes within the lumen of the nuclear envelope/endoplasmic reticulum and binds to a membrane-spanning cofactor, lamina associated polypeptide 1 (LAP1) or lumenal domain like LAP1 (LULL1), to form an ATPase; the substrate(s) of TorA remains ill-defined. Here we use budding yeast, which lack Torsins, to interrogate TorA function. We show that TorA accumulates at nuclear envelope-embedded spindle pole bodies (SPBs) in a way that requires its oligomerization and the SUN (Sad1 and UNc-84)-domain protein, Mps3. We further show that TorA physically interacts with human SUN1/2 within this system, supporting the physiological relevance of these interactions. Consistent with the idea that TorA acts on a SPB substrate, its binding to SPBs is modulated by the ATPase-stimulating activity of LAP1. TorA and TorA-ΔE reduce the fitness of cells expressing mps3 alleles, whereas TorA alone inhibits growth of cells lacking Pom152, a component of the nuclear pore complex. This genetic specificity is mirrored biochemically as TorA, but not TorA-ΔE, binds Pom152. Thus, TorA–nucleoporin interactions might be abrogated by TorA-ΔE, suggesting new experimental avenues to interrogate the molecular basis behind nuclear envelope herniations seen in mammalian cells lacking TorA function.
Assessing the Impact of a Vi-polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine in Preventing Typhoid Infection Among Bangladeshi Children: A Protocol for a Phase IIIb Trial
Authors: Theiss-Nyland Katherine , Qadri Firdausi , Colin-Jones Rachel , Zaman K , Khanam Farhana , Liu Xinxue , Voysey Merryn , Khan Arifuzzaman , Hasan Nazmul , Ashher Fahim , Farooq Yama G , Pollard Andrew J , Clemens John D
Published: January 2019

Background

Typhoid fever illnesses are responsible for more than 100 000 deaths worldwide each year. In Bangladesh, typhoid fever is endemic, with incidence rates between 292–395 per 100 000 people annually. While considerable effort has been made to improve access to clean water and sanitation services in the country, there is still a significant annual typhoid burden, which particularly affects children. A typhoid conjugate vaccine (Vi-TCV) was recently prequalified by the World Health Organization and recommended for use, and offers the potential to greatly reduce the typhoid burden in Bangladesh.

Methods

This study is a double-blind, cluster-randomized, controlled trial of Vi-TCV in a geographically defined area in Dhaka, Bangladesh. At least 32 500 children from 9 months to <16 years of age will be vaccinated and followed for 2 years to assess the effectiveness and safety of Vi-TCV in a real-world setting. All cluster residents will also be followed to measure the indirect effect of Vi-TCV in this community.

Ethics and Dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh; a University of Oxford research review; and both ethical review committees. Informed written consent and assent will be obtained before enrollment. Vi-TCV has been shown to be safe and effective in previous, smaller-scale studies. The results of this study will be shared through a series of peer-reviewed journal articles. The findings will also be disseminated to the local government, stakeholders within the community, and the population within which the study was conducted.

Conclusions

This trial is the largest and only cluster-randomized control trial of Vi-TCV ever conducted, and will describe the effectiveness of Vi-TCV in an endemic population. The results of this trial may provide important evidence to support the introduction of TCVs in countries with a high burden of typhoid.

Clinical Trials Registration

ISRCTN11643110.
Salmonella Typhi From Blood Cultures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A 10-Year Surveillance
Authors: Tack Bieke , Phoba Marie-France , Van Puyvelde Sandra , Kalonji Lisette M , Hardy Liselotte , Barbé Barbara , Van der Sande Marianne A B , Monsieurs Elise , Deborggraeve Stijn , Lunguya Octavie , Jacobs Jan
Published: January 2019

Background

This study gives an overview of a decade (2007–2017) of hospital-based Salmonella Typhi bloodstream infection (BSI) surveillance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), at 4 main sampling sites.

Methods

Blood cultures were sampled in hospital-admitted patients with suspected BSI, according to standardized clinical indications. The results of the surveillance period 2015–2017 were compiled with those of previous surveillance periods (2007–2010 and 2011–2014). Whole genome sequencing of isolates with decreased ciprofloxacin susceptibility (DCS) was performed.

Results

Salmonella Typhi was isolated in 1.4% (531/37 388) and 10.3% (531/5177) of suspected and culture-confirmed BSI episodes, respectively. Salmonella Typhi ranked first among the BSI pathogens in adults (n = 220), but was mostly (n = 301 [56.7%]) isolated from children, of which 72.1% (217/301) and 31.6% (95/301) were <10 years and <5 years old, respectively. Multidrug resistance (MDR), DCS, and combined MDR/DCS were found in 38.3% (n = 180), 24.5% (n = 115), and 11.9% (n = 56) of 470 first isolates, respectively. MDR and DCS rates had increased since 2007, but remained stable during 2015–2017 with no geographical clustering at the province level. Most (91/93 [97.8%]) DCS isolates sequenced belonged to Genotyphi genotype 2.5.1, and gyr S83 was the most frequent DCS mutation (76/93 [81.7%]). Infections occurred perennially, but increased during the rainy season.

Conclusions

Salmonella Typhi was a frequent cause of BSI in adults and children in DRC, with high rates of antibiotic resistance. Sustainable surveillance and implementation of vaccination are compelling.
The Pronephros; a Fresh Perspective
Authors: de Bakker B S , van den Hoff M J B , Vize P D , Oostra R J
Published: January 2019

Contemporary papers and book chapters on nephrology open with the assumption that human kidney development passes through three morphological stages: pronephros, mesonephros, and metanephros. Current knowledge of the human pronephros, however, appears to be based on only a hand full of human specimens. The ongoing use of variations in the definition of a pronephros hampers the interpretation of study results. Because of the increased interest in the anamniote pronephros as a genetic model for kidney organogenesis we aimed to provide an overview of the literature concerning kidney development and to clarify the existence of a pronephros in human embryos. We performed an extensive literature survey regarding vertebrate renal morphology and we investigated histological sections of human embryos between 2 and 8 weeks of development. To facilitate better understanding of the literature about kidney development, a referenced glossary with short definitions was composed. The most striking difference between pronephros versus meso- and metanephros is found in nephron architecture. The pronephros consists exclusively of non-integrated nephrons with external glomeruli, whereas meso- and metanephros are composed of integrated nephrons with internal glomeruli. Animals whose embryos have comparatively little yolk at their disposal and hence have a free-swimming larval stage do develop a pronephros that is dedicated to survival in aquatic environments. Species in which embryos do not have a free-swimming larval stage have embryos that are supplied with a large amount of yolk or that develop within the body of the parent. In those species the pronephros is usually absent, incompletely developed, and apparently functionless. Non-integrated nephrons were not identified in histological sections of human embryos. Therefore, we conclude that a true pronephros is not detectable in human embryos although the most cranial part of the amniote excretory organ is often confusingly referred to as pronephros. The term pronephros should be avoided in amniotes unless all elements for a functional pronephros are undeniably present.
Legal Sanction, International Organisations and the Bangladesh Accord
Authors: Croucher Richard , Houssart Mark , Miles Lilian , James Philip
Published: January 2019

We use recent research and two 2018 arbitration cases to argue that the 2013 Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety represents a regulatory model that is in principle worthy of extension to other countries and sectors. It has achieved considerable membership from purchasing multinationals and other stakeholders, and has successfully secured major improvements to building safety so far. It implicitly challenges arguments in favour of non-legally supported approaches. We argue that its legal basis is the crucial underlying component of its success and has in significant respects been strengthened in its revised 2018 iteration. In view of the weakness of local worker voice, the involvement of the Global Union Federations, acting in collaboration with non-governmental organisations, was important in securing the benefits achieved. Such an alliance appears a necessary condition for the model’s extension.
Investigating data accessibility of personal health apps
Authors: Kim Yoojung , Lee Bongshin , Choe Eun Kyoung
Published: January 2019

Objective

Despite the potential values self-tracking data could offer, we have little understanding of how much access people have to “their” data. Our goal of this article is to unveil the current state of the data accessibility—the degree to which people can access their data—of personal health apps in the market.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed 240 personal health apps from the App Store and selected 45 apps that support semi-automated tracking. We characterized the data accessibility of these apps using two dimensions—data access methods and data types.

Results

More than 90% of our sample apps (n = 41) provide some types of data access support, which include synchronizing data with a health platform (ie, Apple Health), file download, and application program interfaces. However, the two approachable data access methods for laypeople—health platform and file download—typically put a significant limit on data format, granularity, and amount, which constrains people from easily repurposing the data.

Discussion

Personal data should be accessible to the people who collect them, but existing methods lack sufficient support for people in accessing the fine-grained data. Lack of standards in personal health data schema as well as frequent changes in market conditions are additional hurdles to data accessibility.

Conclusions

Many stakeholders including patients, healthcare providers, researchers, third-party developers, and the general public rely on data accessibility to utilize personal data for various goals. As such, improving data accessibility should be considered as an important factor in designing personal health apps and health platforms.
A general review of the biomechanics of root anchorage
Authors: Stubbs Christopher J , Cook Douglas D , Niklas Karl J
Published: January 2019

With few exceptions, terrestrial plants are anchored to substrates by roots that experience bending and twisting forces resulting from gravity- and wind-induced forces. Mechanical failure occurs when these forces exceed the flexural or torsional tolerance limits of stems or roots, or when roots are dislodged from their substrate. The emphasis of this review is on the general principles of anchorage, how the mechanical failure of root anchorage can be averted, and recommendations for future research.
Assessing the Response of Small RNA Populations to Allopolyploidy Using Resynthesized Brassica napus Allotetraploids
Authors: Martinez Palacios Paulina , Jacquemot Marie-Pierre , Tapie Marion , Rousselet Agnès , Diop Mamoudou , Remoué Carine , Falque Matthieu , Lloyd Andrew , Jenczewski Eric , Lassalle Gilles , Chévre Anne-Marie , Lelandais Christine , Crespi Martin , Brabant Philippe , Joets Johann , Alix Karine
Published: January 2019

Allopolyploidy, combining interspecific hybridization with whole genome duplication, has had significant impact on plant evolution. Its evolutionary success is related to the rapid and profound genome reorganizations that allow neoallopolyploids to form and adapt. Nevertheless, how neoallopolyploid genomes adapt to regulate their expression remains poorly understood. The hypothesis of a major role for small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) in mediating the transcriptional response of neoallopolyploid genomes has progressively emerged. Generally, 21-nt sRNAs mediate posttranscriptional gene silencing by mRNA cleavage, whereas 24-nt sRNAs repress transcription (transcriptional gene silencing) through epigenetic modifications. Here, we characterize the global response of sRNAs to allopolyploidy in Brassica, using three independently resynthesized Brassica napus allotetraploids originating from crosses between diploid Brassica oleracea and Brassica rapa accessions, surveyed at two different generations in comparison with their diploid progenitors. Our results suggest an immediate but transient response of specific sRNA populations to allopolyploidy. These sRNA populations mainly target noncoding components of the genome but also target the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in response to stresses and in metabolism; this suggests a broad role in adapting to allopolyploidy. We finally identify the early accumulation of both 21- and 24-nt sRNAs involved in regulating the same targets, supporting a posttranscriptional gene silencing to transcriptional gene silencing shift at the first stages of the neoallopolyploid formation. We propose that reorganization of sRNA production is an early response to allopolyploidy in order to control the transcriptional reactivation of various noncoding elements and stress-related genes, thus ensuring genome stability during the first steps of neoallopolyploid formation.
Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines on Treatment Options for Adults With Multiple Metastatic Brain Tumors
Authors: Ammirati Mario , Nahed Brian V , Andrews David , Chen Clark C , Olson Jeffrey J
Published: January 2019

TARGET POPULATION

These recommendations apply to adult patients newly diagnosed with multiple (more than 1) brain metastases.

QUESTION 1

In what circumstances should whole brain radiation therapy be recommended to improve tumor control and survival in patients with multiple brain metastases?

RECOMMENDATION

Level 2: It is recommended that whole brain radiation therapy can be added to stereotactic radiosurgery to improve local and distant control keeping in mind the potential for worsened neurocognitive outcomes and that there is unlikely to be a significant impact on overall survival.

QUESTION 2

In what circumstances should stereotactic radiosurgery be recommended to improve tumor control and survival in patients with multiple brain metastases?

RECOMMENDATIONS

Level 1: In patients with 2 to 3 brain metastases not amenable to surgery, the addition of stereotactic radiosurgery to whole brain radiation therapy is not recommended to improve survival beyond that obtained with whole brain radiation therapy alone.

Level 3: The use of stereotactic radiosurgery alone is recommended to improve median overall survival for patients with more than 4 metastases having a cumulative volume < 7 cc.

QUESTION 3

In what circumstances should surgery be recommended to improve tumor control and survival in patients with multiple brain metastases?

RECOMMENDATION

Level 3: In patients with multiple brain metastases, tumor resection is recommended in patients with lesions inducing symptoms from mass effect that can be reached without inducing new neurological deficit and who have control of their cancer outside the nervous system.

The full guideline can be found at https://www.cns.org/guidelines/guidelines-treatment-adults-metastatic-brain-tumors/chapter_6.
Ethics in Mental Health Care: A Public Health Perspective
Authors: Bonnie Richard J. , Zelle Heather
Published: January 2019

This chapter explores ethical issues in mental health policy from a public health perspective, with a focus on the United States. Ethical discourse about mental health treatment has typically focused on paradigmatic concepts of individual autonomy, competence, paternalism, and appropriate justifications for overriding individual decision-making and restricting individual liberty. This chapter focuses on overarching ethical challenges in mental health policy at the population level—enhancing access of persons with mental illness to preventive services and community supports, and facilitating their successful community integration. Achieving these goals can reduce the need for coercion and ameliorate the social burden and stigma of mental illness. Shifting ethical discourse to the population level is an important step in the continuing transformation of mental health care and policy in the twenty-first century.