bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of novel hit compounds with broad activity against visceral and cutaneous Leishmania species by comparative phenotypic screening
Authors: Lamotte S. , Aulner N. , Späth G. F. , Prina E.
Published: January 2019

The limited success of recent phenotypic anti-leishmanial drug screening campaigns calls for new screening strategies for the discovery of clinically relevant hits. Here we present such a novel strategy based on physiologically relevant, ex vivo biology. We established high content phenotypic assays that combine primary murine macrophages and lesion-derived, virulent L. donovani and L. amazonensis amastigotes, which we applied to validate previously identified, anti-leishmanial hit compounds referred to as ‘GSK Leish-Box’. Together with secondary screens using cultured promastigotes, our pipeline distinguished stage- and/or species-specific compounds, including 20 hits with broad activity at 10 µM against intracellular amastigotes of both viscerotropic and dermotropic Leishmania. Even though the GSK Leish-Box hits were identified by phenotypic screening using THP-1 macrophage-like cells hosting culture-derived L. donovani LdBob parasites, our ex vivo assays only validated anti-leishmanial activity at 10 µM on intra-macrophagic L. donovani for 23 out of the 188 GSK Leish-Box hits. In conclusion, our comparative approach allowed the identification of hits with broad anti-leishmanial activity that represent interesting novel candidates to be tested in animal models. Physiologically more relevant screening approaches such as described here may reduce the very high attrition rate observed during pre-clinical and clinical phases of the drug development process.
Effects of the long-term storage of human fecal microbiota samples collected in RNAlater
Authors: Tap Julien , Cools-Portier Stéphanie , Pavan Sonia , Druesne Anne , Öhman Lena , Törnblom Hans , Simren Magnus , Derrien Muriel
Published: January 2019

The adequate storage of fecal samples from clinical trials is crucial if analyses are to be performed later and in long-term studies. However, it is unknown whether the composition of the microbiota is preserved during long-term stool storage (>1 year). We therefore evaluated the influence of long-term storage on the microbiota composition of human stool samples collected in RNAlater and stored for approximately five years at −80 °C. We compared storage effects on stool samples from 24 subjects with the effects of technical variation due to different sequencing runs and biological variation (intra- and inter-subject), in another 101 subjects, based on alpha-diversity, beta-diversity and taxonomic composition. We also evaluated the impact of initial alpha-diversity and fecal microbiota composition on beta-diversity instability upon storage. Overall, long-term stool storage at −80 °C had only limited effects on the microbiota composition of human feces. The magnitude of changes in alpha- and beta- diversity and taxonomic composition after long-term storage was similar to inter-sequencing variation and smaller than biological variation (both intra- and inter-subject). The likelihood of fecal samples being affected by long-term storage correlated with the initial relative abundance of some genera and tend to be affected by initial taxonomic richness.
Detection of alpha particle emitters originating from nuclear fuel inside reactor building of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Morishita Yuki , Torii Tatsuo , Usami Hiroshi , Kikuchi Hiroyuki , Utsugi Wataru , Takahira Shiro
Published: January 2019

We measured alpha emitters obtained from a reactor building in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) by using an alpha particle imaging detector. For developing the detector, we used a very thin (0.05-mm-thick) a cerium-doped Gd3(Ga,Al)5O12 (Ce:GAGG) scintillator and silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) arrays as the photodetector. The floor of the reactor building in FDNPP was wiped off by using smear papers, and the radioactivity of these papers was measured by the alpha particle imaging detector. In addition, we measured a Plutonium (Pu) sample (mainly 5.5 MeV alpha particles from 238Pu) obtained from a nuclear fuel facility by using of the same detector for comparison with the smear papers. The alpha spectrum was in the energy range of 5–6 MeV, which corresponds to the alpha particle energy of 238Pu (5.5 MeV). The correlation coefficient of the alpha spectra of the smear papers and the Pu sample had a strong positive linear relation. Moreover, the peak of 241Am was identified by gamma spectrum measurement. Based on these results, we report actual findings of alpha emitters in the FDNPP reactor buildings originating from nuclear fuels. The surface contamination level of alpha emitters exceeded 4 Bq/cm2.
A Matched Case-Control Study on the Association Between Colds, Depressive Symptoms during Pregnancy and Congenital Heart Disease in Northwestern China
Authors: Guo Leqian , Zhao Doudou , Zhang Ruo , Li Shanshan , Liu Rong , Wang Hongli , Dang Shaonong , Yan Hong
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between colds, depressive symptoms during pregnancy and offspring congenital heart disease (CHD). A 1:2 matching case-control study was conducted in Northwest China. Information was gathered by a structured questionnaire and was reviewed by investigators on the spot. Multivariate logistic regressions and nonlinear mixed effect model were performed. 614 cases and 1228 controls were available in this study. After adjusting for potential confounders, the colds during the entire pregnancy were associated with increased risk of offspring CHD (OR = 1.44(1.12–1.85)). Similarly, there was a higher depression score in CHD group than the control group (OR = 1.89(1.48–2.41)). In addition, the women with both colds and higher depression scores had a higher risk of offspring CHD (OR = 2.72(1.87–3.93)) than their counterparts with only colds (OR = 1.48(1.04–2.09)) or with only higher depression scores (OR = 1.94(1.37–2.74)). The combined effects were significant in the multiplication model (OR = 2.04(1.47–2.83)) but not in the additive model (S = 1.40(0.70–2.81), AP = 0.19(−0.15–0.53) and RERI = 0.55(−0.54–1.64)). In conclusion, the colds and depressive symptoms during pregnancy were found associated with increased risk of offspring CHD and we found for the first time that there existed a statistically multiplying interaction effect of colds and depression on increasing risk of offspring CHD.
Membrane damage mechanism contributes to inhibition of trans-cinnamaldehyde on Penicillium italicum using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
Authors: Huang Fei , Kong Jie , Ju Jian , Zhang Ying , Guo Yahui , Cheng Yuliang , Qian He , Xie Yunfei , Yao Weirong
Published: January 2019

The antifungal mechanism of essential oils against fungi remains in the shallow study. In this paper, antifungal mechanism of trans-cinnamaldehyde against Penicillium italicum was explored. Trans-cinnamaldehyde exhibited strong mycelial growth inhibition against Penicillium italicum, with minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.313 μg/mL. Conventional analytical tests showed that trans-cinnamaldehyde changed the cell membrane permeability, which led to the leakage of some materials. Meanwhile, the membrane integrity and cell wall integrity also changed. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, an ultrasensitive and fingerprint method, was served as a bran-new method to study the antifungal mechanism. Characteristic peaks of supernatant obviously changed at 734, 1244, 1330, 1338 and 1466 cm−1. The Raman intensity represented a strong correlation with results from conventional methods, which made SERS an alternative to study antifungal process. All evidences implied that trans-cinnamaldehyde exerts its antifungal capacity against Penicillium italicum via membrane damage mechanism.
Screening Pyridine Derivatives against Human Hydrogen Sulfide-synthesizing Enzymes by Orthogonal Methods
Authors: Zuhra Karim , Sousa Pedro M. F. , Paulini Giulia , Lemos Ana Rita , Kalme Zenta , Bisenieks Imants , Bisenieks Egils , Vigante Brigita , Duburs Gunars , Bandeiras Tiago M. , Saso Luciano , Giuffrè Alessandro , Vicente João B.
Published: January 2019

Biosynthesis of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a key signalling molecule in human (patho)physiology, is mostly accomplished by the human enzymes cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST). Several lines of evidence have shown a close correlation between increased H2S production and human diseases, such as several cancer types and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Identifying compounds selectively and potently inhibiting the human H2S-synthesizing enzymes may therefore prove beneficial for pharmacological applications. Here, the human enzymes CBS, CSE and MST were expressed and purified from Escherichia coli, and thirty-one pyridine derivatives were synthesized and screened for their ability to bind and inhibit these enzymes. Using differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), circular dichroism spectropolarimetry (CD), and activity assays based on fluorimetric and colorimetric H2S detection, two compounds (C30 and C31) sharing structural similarities were found to weakly inhibit both CBS and CSE: 1 mM C30 inhibited these enzymes by approx. 50% and 40%, respectively, while 0.5 mM C31 accounted for CBS and CSE inhibition by approx. 40% and 60%, respectively. This work, while presenting a robust methodological platform for screening putative inhibitors of the human H2S-synthesizing enzymes, highlights the importance of employing complementary methodologies in compound screenings.
The factors affecting a native obligate parasite, Cuscuta australis, in selecting an exotic weed, Humulus scandens, as its host
Authors: Wu Ai-Ping , Zhong Wen , Yuan Jin-Rui , Qi Liang-Yu , Chen Fa-Lin , Liang Yun-Shan , He Fei-Fei , Wang Yan-Hong
Published: January 2019

In weed management, using native parasites to control exotic weeds is considered a better alternative than classical biological control. But the risk must be assessed because of the potential damage caused by these agents. We conducted this project to investigate the mechanism driving the choice of a native obligate parasite, Cuscuta australis, between the exotic, Humulus scandens, and native plants as its host through field and pot experiments. The results showed that C. australis preferred the exotic weed over native (naturalized) hosts and caused a notable reduction in the biomass of H. scandens in the field. In contrast, the results of the pot experimentindicated that C. australis preferred a mix of native (naturalized) hosts over the exotic weed. Both texperiments indicated that the parasitic preference of C. australis was induced more by light irradiance than plant water, carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents, indicating that the native parasite can only be used to control H. scandens when the exotic weed forms mono-cultures or dominates the community. Accordingly, induction and release of C. australis to control H. scandens should be conducted with great caution.
Incorporation of ifosfamide into various essential oils -based nanoemulsions ameliorates its apoptotic effect in the cancers cells
Authors: Alkhatib Mayson H. , AlMotwaa Sahar M. , Alkreathy Huda M.
Published: January 2019

The chemotherapeutic drugs, loaded in nanocarriers, have recently attracted the pharmaceutical industries due to their limited adverse side effects. The objective of the current study was to incorporate the ifosfamide (IFO) into two different essential oils-based nanoemulsions, lemon (LEM-IFO) and salvia (SAL-IFO). The antiproliferation activities of the resulted formulas were evaluated in the MCF-7 breast cancer cells and HeLa cervical cancers cells. The cytotoxic effect of the NE formulas was detected by the MTT assay, DAPI stain and light microscopy. The z-average diameters range of LEM-IFO and SAL-IFO, determined by the zetasizer, were 49.15–61.81 nm and 56.64–64.62 nm, respectively. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of LEM-IFO and SAL-IFO, applied into the HeLa cells, were 0.165 ± 0.025 and 0.141 ± 0.035 mM, respectively, whereas the IC50 of LEM-IFO and SAL-IFO subjected into the MCF-7 cells were 0.200 ± 0.005 mM and 0.270 ± 0.025 mM, respectively. The IC50 of the free IFO was markedly larger than LEM-IFO and SAL-IFO when applied into MCF-7 cells (9.20 ± 2.01 mM) and HeLa cells (7.69 ± 1.88 mM). Among the tested formulas, LEM-IFO and SAL-IFO have the greatest apoptotic effect on the MCF-7 and HeLa cells, respectively. Solubilizing the IFO in the essential oils-based NE has ameliorated the antitumor efficacy of IFO.
Sulfur isotopes ratio of atmospheric carbonyl sulfide constrains its sources
Authors: Angert Alon , Said-Ahmad Ward , Davidson Chen , Amrani Alon
Published: January 2019

Carbonyl sulfide (COS) is the major long-lived sulfur bearing gas in the atmosphere, and is used to estimate the rates of regional and global (both past and current) photosynthesis. Sulfur isotope measurements (34S/32S ratio, δ34S) of COS may offer a way for improved determinations of atmospheric COS sources. However, measuring the COS δ34S at the atmospheric concentrations of ~0.5 ppb is challenging. Here we present high-accuracy δ34S measurements of atmospheric COS done by gas chromatograph (GC) connected to a multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICPMS), after pre-concentrating from 2-liters of air. We showed that the precision of COS δ34S measurement for gas standards is ≤0.2‰, and that N2and CO2in the gas standard mixture had no effect on the measured δ34S. Natural air samples were collected in Israel and in the Canary Islands. The COS δ34S values in both locations were found to be 13.2 ± 0.6‰, and are believed to represent the background tropospheric value. This δ34S value is markedly different from the previously reported value of 4.9‰. We estimate the expected isotopic signature of COS sources and sinks, and use the δ34S value of atmospheric COS we measured to estimate that ~48% of it originates from the ocean.
Electronic and optical properties of lead-free hybrid double perovskites for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications
Authors: Roknuzzaman Md , Zhang Chunmei , Ostrikov Kostya , Du Aijun , Wang Hongxia , Wang Lianzhou , Tesfamichael Tuquabo
Published: January 2019

Developing of lead-free double perovskites have drawn significant interest for photovoltaics and optoelectronics as the materials have the potential to avoid toxicity and instability issues associated with lead-based organometallic perovskites. In this study, we report the optoelectronic properties of a new group of non-toxic lead-free organic-inorganic halide double perovskites composed of caesium (Cs), methylammonium (MA) or formamidinium (FA) with bismuth (Bi) and metal copper (Cu). We perform density functional theory investigations to calculate the structural, electronic and optical properties of 18 Pb-free compounds, ABiCuX6 [A = Cs2, (MA)2, (FA)2, CsMA, CsFA, MAFA; X = I, Br, Cl] to predict their suitability in photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. We found that the considered compounds are semiconductors with a tunable band gap characteristics that are suitable for some devices like light emitting diodes. In addition to this, the high dielectric constant, high absorption, high optical conductivity and low reflectivity suggest that the materials have the potential in a wide range of optoelectronic applications including solar cells. Furthermore, we predict that the organic-inorganic hybrid double perovskite (FA)2BiCuI6 is the best candidate in photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications as the material has superior optical and electronic properties.
Characterization of a novel species of adenovirus from Japanese microbat and role of CXADR as its entry factor
Authors: Kobayashi Tomoya , Matsugo Hiromichi , Maruyama Junki , Kamiki Haruhiko , Takada Ayato , Maeda Ken , Takenaka-Uema Akiko , Tohya Yukinobu , Murakami Shin , Horimoto Taisuke
Published: January 2019

Recently, bat adenoviruses (BtAdVs) of genus Mastadenovirus have been isolated from various bat species, some of them displaying a wide host range in cell culture. In this study, we isolated two BtAdVs from Japanese wild microbats. While one isolate was classified as Bat mastadenovirus A, the other was phylogenetically independent of other BtAdVs. It was rather related to, but serologically different from, canine adenoviruses. We propose that the latter, isolated from Asian parti-colored bat, should be assigned to a novel species of Bat mastadenovirus. Both isolates replicated in various mammalian cell lines, implying their wide cell tropism. To gain insight into cell tropism of these BtAdVs, we investigated the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CXADR) for virus entry to the cells. We prepared CXADR-knockout canine kidney cells and found that replication of BtAdVs was significantly hampered in these cells. For confirmation, their replication in canine CXADR-addback cells was rescued to the levels with the original cells. We also found that viral replication was corrected in human or bat CXADR-transduced cells to similar levels as in canine CXADR-addback cells. These results suggest that BtAdVs were able to use several mammalian-derived CXADRs as entry factors.
Efficient curation of genebanks using next generation sequencing reveals substantial duplication of germplasm accessions
Authors: Singh Narinder , Wu Shuangye , Raupp W. John , Sehgal Sunish , Arora Sanu , Tiwari Vijay , Vikram Prashant , Singh Sukhwinder , Chhuneja Parveen , Gill Bikram S. , Poland Jesse
Published: January 2019

Genebanks are valuable resources for crop improvement through the acquisition, ex-situ conservation and sharing of unique germplasm among plant breeders and geneticists. With over seven million existing accessions and increasing storage demands and costs, genebanks need efficient characterization and curation to make them more accessible and usable and to reduce operating costs, so that the crop improvement community can most effectively leverage this vast resource of untapped novel genetic diversity. However, the sharing and inconsistent documentation of germplasm often results in unintentionally duplicated collections with poor characterization and many identical accessions that can be hard or impossible to identify without passport information and unmatched accession identifiers. Here we demonstrate the use of genotypic information from these accessions using a cost-effective next generation sequencing platform to find and remove duplications. We identify and characterize over 50% duplicated accessions both within and across genebank collections of Aegilops tauschii, an important wild relative of wheat and source of genetic diversity for wheat improvement. We present a pipeline to identify and remove identical accessions within and among genebanks and curate globally unique accessions. We also show how this approach can also be applied to future collection efforts to avoid the accumulation of identical material. When coordinated across global genebanks, this approach will ultimately allow for cost effective and efficient management of germplasm and better stewarding of these valuable resources.
An improved method for high-temperature induced embryo sac chromosome doubling in Populus simonii Carr. × P. nigra var. italica (Moench.) Kochne, an interspecific hybrid of Tacamahaca and Aigeiros poplars
Authors: Xu Wenting , Guo Liqin , Zhang Yan , Zhao Jian , Wei Zunzheng , Zhang Jinfeng
Published: January 2019

Chromosome doubling is considered an important technique in poplar breeding, with many triploid clones being artificially induced and selected for promotion in the north and northeast of China because of their outstanding traits in vegetative growth and environmental adaption. In this study, the triploid yield of Populus simonii Carr × P. nigra var. italica (Moench.) Kochne was 23.41%, which exceeded the yield attained in our previous studies due to the use of an optimized method of chromosome doubling in the embryo sac at a high temperature. The development of the embryo sac after the pollination of this hybrid was investigated to determine the induction period. Ploidy of seedlings was identified by flow cytometry after initial filtering using the chloroplast counting method. Eleven triploids and one tetraploid were ultimately obtained, and the optimal operating conditions were exposure of female catkins to 41 °C for 2 h at 66 h after pollination (HAP). This study identified an efficient method of chromosome doubling in P. simonii × P. nigra var. italica and provided several polyploids for Populus polyploid breeding programs and subsequent studies.
Behavioural and pathomorphological impacts of flash photography on benthic fishes
Authors: De Brauwer Maarten , Gordon Luke M. , Shalders Tanika C. , Saunders Benjamin J. , Archer Michael , Harvey Euan S. , Collin Shaun P. , Partridge Julian C. , McIlwain Jennifer L.
Published: January 2019

Millions of people take animal pictures during wildlife interactions, yet the impacts of photographer behaviour and photographic flashes on animals are poorly understood. We investigated the pathomorphological and behavioural impacts of photographer behaviour and photographic flashes on 14 benthic fish species that are important for scuba diving tourism and aquarium displays. We ran a field study to test effects of photography on fish behaviour, and two laboratory studies that tested effects of photographic flashes on seahorse behaviour, and ocular and retinal anatomy. Our study showed that effects of photographic flashes are negligible and do not have stronger impacts than those caused solely by human presence. Photographic flashes did not cause changes in gross ocular and retinal anatomy of seahorses and did not alter feeding success. Physical manipulation of animals by photographing scuba divers, however, elicited strong stress responses. This study provides important new information to help develop efficient management strategies that reduce environmental impacts of wildlife tourism.
A large-scale population study of early life factors influencing left-handedness
Authors: de Kovel Carolien G. F. , Carrión-Castillo Amaia , Francks Clyde
Published: January 2019

Hand preference is a conspicuous variation in human behaviour, with a worldwide proportion of around 90% of people preferring to use the right hand for many tasks, and 10% the left hand. We used the large cohort of the UK biobank (~500,000 participants) to study possible relations between early life factors and adult hand preference. The probability of being left-handed was affected by the year and location of birth, likely due to cultural effects. In addition, hand preference was affected by birthweight, being part of a multiple birth, season of birth, breastfeeding, and sex, with each effect remaining significant after accounting for all others. Analysis of genome-wide genotype data showed that left-handedness was very weakly heritable, but shared no genetic basis with birthweight. Although on average left-handers and right-handers differed for a number of early life factors, all together these factors had only a minimal predictive value for individual hand preference.
Heterochromatic genome instability and neurodegeneration sharing similarities with Alzheimer’s disease in old Bmi1+/− mice
Authors: El Hajjar Jida , Chatoo Wassim , Hanna Roy , Nkanza Patrick , Tétreault Nicolas , Tse Yiu Chung , Wong Tak Pan , Abdouh Mohamed , Bernier Gilbert
Published: January 2019

Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. However, representative experimental models of AD have remained difficult to produce because of the disease’s uncertain origin. The Polycomb group protein BMI1 regulates chromatin compaction and gene silencing. BMI1 expression is abundant in adult brain neurons but down-regulated in AD brains. We show here that mice lacking one allele of Bmi1 (Bmi1+/−) develop normally but present with age cognitive deficits and neurodegeneration sharing similarities with AD. Bmi1+/− mice also transgenic for the amyloid beta precursor protein died prematurely and present aggravated disease. Loss of heterochromatin and DNA damage response (DDR) at repetitive DNA sequences were predominant in Bmi1+/− mouse neurons and inhibition of the DDR mitigated the amyloid and Tau phenotype. Heterochromatin anomalies and DDR at repetitive DNA sequences were also found in AD brains. Aging Bmi1+/− mice may thus represent an interesting model to identify and study novel pathogenic mechanisms related to AD.
Alteration of Trace Elements during Pathogenesis of N-Nitrosodimethylamine Induced Hepatic Fibrosis
Authors: George Joseph , Tsutsumi Mikihiro , Tsuchishima Mutsumi
Published: January 2019

The biochemical abnormalities and oxidative stress during pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis could lead to alteration of trace elements. We studied the alteration of major trace elements during the pathogenesis of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. The biochemical and pathological indices of liver functions and hepatic fibrosis were evaluated. Serum and liver levels of copper, iron and zinc were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cobalt, manganese, and molybdenum in the serum and liver were estimated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Serial administrations of NDMA resulted in decreased serum albumin, biochemical abnormalities, increase of total liver collagen, and well-developed fibrosis and early cirrhosis. Serum and liver zinc content significantly decreased on all the days following NDMA administration. When copper and molybdenum markedly increased in the serum, liver molybdenum decreased dramatically. Both iron and manganese content significantly increased in the liver following NDMA-induced fibrosis. The results of the present study indicate that alteration of trace elements during pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis is due to metabolic imbalance, biochemical abnormalities, decreased serum albumin, and ascites following NDMA-induced liver injury. The modulation of trace elements during hepatic fibrosis could play a prominent role in progression of the disease.
Neurometabolic and functional connectivity basis of prosocial behavior in early adolescence
Authors: Okada Naohiro , Yahata Noriaki , Koshiyama Daisuke , Morita Kentaro , Sawada Kingo , Kanata Sho , Fujikawa Shinya , Sugimoto Noriko , Toriyama Rie , Masaoka Mio , Koike Shinsuke , Araki Tsuyoshi , Kano Yukiko , Endo Kaori , Yamasaki Syudo , Ando Shuntaro , Nishida Atsushi , Hiraiwa-Hasegawa Mariko , Edden Richard A. E. , Barker Peter B. , Sawa Akira , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: January 2019

Human prosocial behavior (PB) emerges in childhood and matures during adolescence. Previous task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have reported involvement of the medial prefrontal cortex including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in social cognition in adolescence. However, neurometabolic and functional connectivity (FC) basis of PB in early adolescence remains unclear. Here, we measured GABA levels in the ACC and FC in a subsample (aged 10.5–13.4 years) of a large-scale population-based cohort with MR spectroscopy (MEGA-PRESS) and resting-state fMRI. PB was negatively correlated with GABA levels in the ACC (N = 221), and positively correlated with right ACC-seeded FC with the right precentral gyrus and the bilateral middle and posterior cingulate gyrus (N = 187). Furthermore, GABA concentrations and this FC were negatively correlated, and the FC mediated the association between GABA levels and PB (N = 171). Our results from a minimally biased, large-scale sample provide new insights into the neurometabolic and neurofunctional correlates of prosocial development during early adolescence.
A nuclease protection ELISA assay for colorimetric and electrochemical detection of nucleic acids
Authors: Filer Jessica E. , Channon Robert B. , Henry Charles S. , Geiss Brian J.
Published: January 2019

The NP-ELISA combines traditional nuclease protection with optical and electrochemical enzymatic readout for nucleic acid detection.
Enhanced local cancer therapy using a CA4P and CDDP co-loaded polypeptide gel depot
Authors: Yu Shuangjiang , Wei Shu , Liu Liang , Qi Desheng , Wang Jiayu , Chen Guojun , He Wanying , He Chaoliang , Chen Xuesi , Gu Zhen
Published: January 2019

A CA4P and CDDP co-loaded polypeptide gel depot was prepared for enhanced local colon cancer treatment.
Synthesis of Bi-deficient monolayered Bi2WO6 nanosheets with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation
Authors: Xie Taiping , Zhang Yaoyu , Yao Weiyuan , Liu Yue , Wang Haiqiang , Wu Zhongbiao
Published: January 2019

The strong protonated hydroxyl groups around Bi vacancies could efficiently promote the separation of photoexcited electron–hole pairs.
Atom-economical regioselective Ni-catalyzed hydroborylative cyclization of enynes: development and mechanism
Authors: Cabrera-Lobera Natalia , Quirós M. Teresa , Buñuel Elena , Cárdenas Diego J.
Published: January 2019

We report a full study on the novel regioselective Ni-catalyzed hydroborylative cyclization of enynes using HBpin as the borylation agent.
Powering sustainable development within planetary boundaries
Authors: Algunaibet Ibrahim M. , Pozo Carlos , Galán-Martín Ángel , Huijbregts Mark A. J. , Mac Dowell Niall , Guillén-Gosálbez Gonzalo
Published: January 2019

Designing energy systems within planetary boundaries is crucial to preserving the Earth's ecological capacity given the power sector's environmental footprint.
Seasonal variation in aerosol composition and concentration upon transport from the outdoor to indoor environment
Authors: Avery Anita M. , Waring Michael S. , DeCarlo Peter F.
Published: January 2019

Outdoor-originated aerosols transported indoors impact air quality, and chemically transform due to temperature and humidity gradients.
Structure-directing effect of single crystal graphene film on polymer carbonization and graphitization
Authors: Cunning Benjamin V. , Wang Bin , Shin Tae Joo , Ruoff Rodney S.
Published: January 2019

We report the effect of single crystal graphene on carbonization and graphitization of thin film polymers.
Triple hierarchy and double synergies of NiFe/Co9S8/carbon cloth: a new and efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhan Changhong , Liu Zheng , Zhou Yang , Guo Mingliang , Zhang Xiaolin , Tu Jinchun , Ding Lei , Cao Yang
Published: January 2019

Electrochemical water splitting requires an efficient water oxidation catalyst to accelerate the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
Preparation of a thickness-controlled Mg-MOFs-based magnetic graphene composite as a novel hydrophilic matrix for the effective identification of the glycopeptide in the human urine
Authors: Wang Jiaxi , Li Jie , Yan Guoquan , Gao Mingxia , Zhang Xiangmin
Published: January 2019

A novel magnetic graphene composite with a thickness-controlled Mg-MOFs coating was synthesized for the recognition of the potential biomarkers in the human urine.
A facile method to prepare high molecular weight bio-renewable poly(γ-butyrolactone) using a strong base/urea binary synergistic catalytic system
Authors: Shen Yong , Zhao Zhichao , Li Yunxin , Liu Shaofeng , Liu Fusheng , Li Zhibo
Published: January 2019

Biorenewable poly(γ-butyrolactone) with a high molecular weight was prepared with a base/urea binary synergistic catalyst.
Low-temperature catalytic hydrogenation of bio-based furfural and relevant aldehydes using cesium carbonate and hydrosiloxane
Authors: Long Jingxuan , Zhao Wenfeng , Xu Yufei , Wu Weibo , Fang Chengjiang , Li Hu , Yang Song
Published: January 2019

A benign catalytic system consisting of Cs2CO3 and PMHS can effectively reduce furfural to furfuryl alcohol with a high yield of 99.5% at 25–80 °C via siloxane, which is also applicable to other aromatic aldehydes.
Structure evolution of chromium-doped boron clusters: toward the formation of endohedral boron cages
Authors: Shao Xuecheng , Qu Xin , Liu Siyu , Yang Lihua , Yang Jinghai , Liu Xiaohui , Zhong Xin , Sun Shuai , Vaitheeswaran G. , Lv Jian
Published: January 2019

The effect of chromium doping on the structure evolution of small-sized boron clusters.
Acetylacetone functionalized magnetic carbon microspheres for the highly-efficient adsorption of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Ma Jie , Sun Mengya , Zeng Yulan , Liu Zhenhua , Zhang Manman , Xiao Yao , Zhang Shuping
Published: January 2019

Herein, Acac-C@Fe3O4, a magnetic carbon (C@Fe3O4) modified with acetylacetone (Acac), was first prepared and used as a solid-phase adsorbent for adsorbing some heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.
Synthesis, application and kinetic modeling of CeOx–Si–CoMo catalysts for the hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene
Authors: Tanimu Abdulkadir , Ganiyu Saheed A. , Adamu Sagir , Alhooshani Khalid
Published: January 2019

CeOx–Si–CoMo catalysts for efficient hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity of dibenzothiophene: role of ceria in catalyst activity and product selectivity.
Highly efficient CO2 capture by mixed matrix membranes containing three-dimensional covalent organic framework fillers
Authors: Cheng Youdong , Zhai Linzhi , Ying Yunpan , Wang Yuxiang , Liu Guoliang , Dong Jinqiao , Ng Denise Z. L. , Khan Saif A. , Zhao Dan
Published: January 2019

A three-dimensional covalent organic framework filler with size-selective pores has been proven effective in boosting the membrane CO2 capture performance.
Trimetallic PdCuIr with long-spined sea-urchin-like morphology for ambient electroreduction of nitrogen to ammonia
Authors: Kumar Rajaiah Dhilip , Wang Ziqiang , Li Chunjie , Narendra Kumar Alam Venugopal , Xue Hairong , Xu You , Li Xiaonian , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing
Published: January 2019

A one-step method is proposed to synthesize long-spined sea-urchin-like PdCuIr nanostructures for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction to ammonia.
Embedding CoO nanoparticles in a yolk–shell N-doped porous carbon support for ultrahigh and stable lithium storage
Authors: Wang Shuhai , Teng Jun , Xie Yanyu , Wei Zhang-Wen , Fan Yanan , Jiang Ji-Jun , Wang Hai-Ping , Liu Heguang , Wang Dawei , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: January 2019

CoO/C yolk–shell nanostructures (CoO/C YSNSs) with a unique hierarchical and quasi-homostructural architecture deliver ultrahigh and stable anodic performances for lithium-ion batteries.
3D printed graphene/nickel electrodes for high areal capacitance electrochemical storage
Authors: Li Guijun , Mo Xiaoyong , Law Wing-Cheung , Chan Kang Cheung
Published: January 2019

A laser induced forward transfer printed graphene/nickel composite electrode for high areal specific capacitance supercapacitor applications.
Supramolecular azasugar clusters based on an amphiphilic fatty-acid-deoxynojirimycin derivative as multivalent glycosidase inhibitors
Authors: Li Min , Wang Ke-Rang , Yang Jian-Xing , Peng Ya-Tong , Liu Yi-Xuan , Zhang Hong-Xin , Li Xiao-Liu
Published: January 2019

A novel supramolecular multivalent glycosidase inhibitor was constructed based on the amphiphilic deoxynojirimycin derivative FA-DNJ.
A sky blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitter to achieve efficient white light emission through in situ metal complex formation
Authors: Kato Yuki , Sasabe Hisahiro , Hayasaka Yuya , Watanabe Yuichiro , Arai Hiroki , Kido Junji
Published: January 2019

A pyradine-containing sky blue fluorescent emitter can achieve efficient white light emission through in situ metal complex formation.
An ZnMgO:PVP inorganic–organic hybrid electron transport layer: towards efficient bottom-emission and transparent quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhang Heng , Chen Shuming
Published: January 2019

Efficient bottom-emission and transparent quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) have been demonstrated by using an ZnMgO:PVP hybrid electron transport layer.
A 2-D π–π dimer model system to investigate structure-charge transfer relationships in rubrene
Authors: Chung Sherlyn J. , McHugh Callum J. , Calvo-Castro Jesus
Published: January 2019

A two dimensional π–π model dimer system that will enable researchers to predict charge transport properties for rubrene-based materials using their single crystal π-stacking data.
Fluoroborophosphates: a family of potential deep ultraviolet NLO materials
Authors: Wu Baolin , Hu Chunli , Tang Ruling , Mao Feifei , Feng Jianghe , Mao Jianggao
Published: January 2019

A series of new fluoroborophosphates obtained by combining BO3F or BO2F2 with a PO4 tetrahedron exhibit short UV absorption edges and display second-harmonic generation signals.
Interface-induced transition from a cluster glass state to a spin glass state in LaMnO3/BiFeO3 heterostructures
Authors: Liang Yong Mei , Wang Zhan Jie , Bai Yu , Wu Ying Jie , Ning Xing Kun , Xiao Xiao Fei , Zhao Xin Guo , Liu Wei , Zhang Zhi Dong
Published: January 2019

The LMO/BFO interface induces the transition from a cluster glass state to a spin glass state in the LMO/BFO heterostructure.
Exosystem‐observer approach to H2 control with output regulation constraint
Authors: Hashikura Kotaro , Kojima Akira , Suzuki Takaaki , Yamada Kou
Published: January 2019

This study proposes an exosystem‐observer approach to an output feedback problem with an output regulation constraint. The authors analyse the error covariance of a recently proposed exosystem observer and newly derive the degenerate Riccati equation and linear matrix inequalities for designing the optimal and suboptimal exosystem observer gains. Furthermore, they show that the output feedback controller based on the exosystem observer is equivalently implemented in a Youla‐parameter‐based structure, where the Youla parameter is realised as an observer for the exosystem state. By utilising the Youla‐parameter‐based structure, they provide output feedback controller design methods for achieving the optimal and suboptimal performances.
Combined L–S‐bands antenna module
Authors: Ivanchenko Igor , Khruslov Maksym , Popenko Nina , Rönnow Daniel
Published: January 2019

A combined L–S‐band antenna module consists of four rectangular patch antennas, two of which operate at the frequencies of the first harmonics (L‐band), and two others at the frequencies of the second harmonics (S‐band). The module is intended for use in super heterodyne signal reception circuits, for example in studying the various non‐linear phenomena. The results of this study are presented in terms of improving the performance of each antenna and minimising their mutual influence. The resonance frequencies of the L‐band antenna differ by 50 MHz. All the antennas radiate close to the zenith and their beamwidths in two principal planes are virtually the same. At the resonance frequencies, the reflection coefficient is S11 < −30 dB for the transmitting antenna, and S11 < −20 dB for the receiving antenna. The minimum allowable distance between the antennas is determined, at which their mutual influence can be neglected (S12 < −50 dB).
Compact cross‐coupled filters based on isosceles right triangular and equilateral triangular SIW cavities
Authors: Deng Senshen , Xu Feng , Chu Peng , Wu Ke
Published: January 2019

Two kinds of classical triangular metric resonant cavities including the isosceles right triangular and equilateral triangular metric cavities are investigated carefully. A comprehensive and rigorous derivation process of these two resonant cavities is proposed. Based on this, the mode function and the transverse field components for the modes in the triangular substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) cavities can be provided. Then the resonant frequency of both kinds of triangular SIW cavities can be calculated. Combined it with the coupling matrix, a fourth‐degree filter implemented of isosceles right triangular SIW cavities and a sixth‐degree filter formed by equilateral triangular SIW cavities are designed, fabricated and measured in detail. The measured results are in line with the simulated ones. The frequency responses of both filters show a pair of transmission zeroes at each side of the pass band due to the cross‐coupling structure. It also verifies the validity of the derivation in this study. Compared with the rectangular and circular resonant ones, the construct of the triangular cavity has the advantage of much more compact. Besides, the proposed filters based on the triangular cavity also have their own advantages of low cost, good selectivity and easy integration with other planar circuits.
Influences of contact electrode shape and incidence direction on p‐i‐n photodiodes
Authors: Liu Tao , Huang Yongqing , Fei Jiarui , Chen Qingtao , Ma Xiaokai , Duan Xiaofeng , Liu Kai , Ren Xiaomin
Published: January 2019

The influences of contact electrode shape and vertical illumination direction on the performance of p‐i‐n photodiodes (PDs) are studied by theory and experiment. The PDs with ring‐covered p‐contact electrode (RCC‐PD) and fully‐covered p‐contact electrode (FCC‐PD) were fabricated and tested. For the RCC‐PD, the influences of p‐side and n‐side illumination on the bandwidth also analysed. The results show that for the PDs with 40 μm mesa diameter under −3 V bias and 7.0 mA output photocurrent, a 40.6 and 31.6% increase of bandwidth and responsivity in the FCC‐PD compared with RCC‐PD. The 3 dB bandwidth and responsivity of the FCC‐PD with a 40 μm mesa diameter at −3 V bias can reach 33.6 GHz and 0.5 A/W, respectively.
Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung: Was Pflegende tun
können
Authors: Pelican Patric
Published: January 2019

﻿Welche Interventionen gibt es, um Menschen mit einer
Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung zu unterstützen? Antworten suchte unser Autor
im Rahmen seiner Bachelorarbeit. Die wichtigsten pflegerischen Methoden und
Hilfsmittel, die er für die Betreuung von Patienten mit einer
Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung gefunden hat, stellt er hier vor.
Performance of a new preloaded fiducial needle to guide radiation therapy of upper gastrointestinal cancers
Authors: Phan Vinh-An , Dalfsen Raymond , Le Hien , Nguyen Nam Q.
Published: January 2019

Background Insertion of fiducials to outline the targeted lesion allows image-guided radiotherapy, and is best achieved by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). This study is a performance comparison of the new EUS-guided preloaded fiducial needle against Visicoil fiducials.

Methods Technical success, visibility score, procedural time, costs, and complications for patients who underwent EUS-guided fiducial placement in upper gastrointestinal malignancies were prospectively collected.

Results 60 patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers had fiducials (14 Visicoil; 46 preloaded fiducials) inserted for image-guided radiotherapy. Technical success was 100 %, with a shorter mean (standard deviation) insertion time of 0.94 minutes (0.28 minutes) vs. 5.5 minutes (1.9 minutes; P < 0.001) and higher visibility score on fluoroscopy of 2 vs. 1.18 (P < 0.001) in the preloaded group. Neither group had major complications related to fiducial insertion. The cost of consumables per patient was lower in the preloaded group at US$480 (US$124) vs. US$643 (US$123; P < 0.001).

Conclusion Fiducial insertion for image-guided radiotherapy using the new preloaded needle is associated with 100 % technical success, shorter insertion time, and higher visibility, and is more cost-effective than the Visicoil system.
The Difference between Cartilaginous and Bony Sulcus Angles for Patients with or without Patellofemoral Instability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tan Si Heng Sharon , Chng Kiat Soon Jason , Lim Beatrice Ying , Wong Keng Lin , Doshi Chintan , Lim Andrew Kean Seng , Hui James Hoipo
Published: January 2019

The cartilaginous sulcus angle and bony sulcus angle have been widely used to evaluate trochlea dysplasia. The current review aims to evaluate (1) whether there is a difference in measurement for cartilaginous and bony sulcus angles, (2) whether both the cartilaginous and bony sulcus angles could be used to differentiate between patients with or without trochlear dysplasia, and (3) whether the same cut-off of 145 degrees, originally used for radiographs, can be applied for the cartilaginous and bony sulcus angles measured on CT and MRI. The review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRSIMA) guidelines. A total of 11 publications with 1204 patients were included. All publications reported the sulcus angle to be greater in patients with patellofemoral instability. All publications reported the cartilaginous sulcus angle to be greater than the bony sulcus angle (MD 7.27 degrees; 95% CI: 5.67 – 8.87). The mean cartilaginous sulcus angle for the control group was 141.83 degrees (95% CI: 139.90 – 143.76) while the mean cartilaginous sulcus angle for patients with patellofemoral instability was 156.24 degrees (95% CI: 153.71 – 158.77). The mean bony sulcus angle for the control group was noted to be 133.69 degrees (95% CI: 131.23 – 136.15) while the mean bony sulcus angle for patients with patellofemoral instability was 148.42 (95% CI: 144.02 – 152.82). Both the cartilaginous and bony sulcus angles measured on CT and MRI could therefore be used to differentiate between patients with and without trochlear dysplasia. However, the cartilaginous sulcus angles are significantly higher than that of bony sulcus angles. Different cut off values should therefore be used.
Sawtooth activities in EAST neutral beam injection plasma
Authors: Chao Yan , Xu Liqing , Hu Liqun , Yuan Yi , Zhang Yongkuan , Lyu Bo , Zhong Guoqiang , Liu Yong , Liu Haiqing , Du Hongfei
Published: January 2019

Neutral beam injection (NBI) system has been proved to affect sawtooth activities through both producing energetic particles and supplying torque applied to the plasma. The impact of NBI on sawtooth crashes has been studied in the EAST tokamak, which is equipped with co- and counter NBIs. Statistical analysis shows that both strong co- and counter-NBI yield stronger sawtooth activities than cases when heating power is weak. A minimum sawtooth period is observed at a counter-NBI power of 0.2 MW. This is linked to zero-plasma rotation and a non-rotating precursor mode of the sawtooth instability. This indicates that the sawtooth instability is stabilized by plasma rotation as previously suggested. The fast-ion content differs between co- and counter-NBI, so energetic particles might additionally contribute to the sawtooth activities.
Thermoelectric properties of Pb and Na dual doped BiCuSeO
Authors: Das Sayan , Valiyaveettil Suneesh Meledath , Chen Kuei-Hsien , Suwas Satyam , Chandra Mallik Ramesh
Published: January 2019

BiCuSeO is a promising thermoelectric material not only because of its good thermoelectric properties, but also earth abundant constituents. In this report, Pb and Na have been simultaneously doped at the Bi site of BiCuSeO. Doping Pb is beneficial for the Seebeck coefficient whereas doping Na maintains the hole mobility. Both the dopants increase the carrier concentration and reduce the thermal conductivity by point-defect scattering. The samples with nominal composition Bi0.985-xNa0.015PbxCuSeO (x=0.00, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08) were prepared using two-step solid-state synthesis. The X-ray diffraction pattern reveals a small amount of Bi2O2.5 phase (<1 vol. %) which is responsible for adversely affecting the electrical conductivity of all the samples. Both the Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity decrease with increasing doping fraction due to increasing hole concentration. The highest power factor of 530 μW/mK2 was obtained for Bi0.905Na0.015Pb0.08CuSeO sample at 773 K because of moderate Seebeck coefficient and low electrical resistivity. A low lattice thermal conductivity of 0.37 W/m-K at 773 K was obtained in the Bi0.905Na0.015Pb0.08CuSeO. Due to this low lattice thermal conductivity combined with the high power factor, a zT of 0.63 was obtained for the Bi0.905Na0.015Pb0.08CuSeO sample at 773 K.