bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reabsorption cross section of Nd3+-doped quasi-three-level lasers
Authors: Chen Fei , Sun Junjie , Yan Renpeng , Yu Xin
Published: April 2019

The 4F3/2 → 4I9/2 laser transition of Nd3+-doped crystals emitting at 900 nm is a standard quasi-three-level laser system. The reabsorption effect is one of the factors that restricts laser output power. Based on rate equations, a theoretical model considering the reabsorption effect for continuous-wave Nd3+-doped quasi-three-level lasers is established. The simulation results indicate that the reabsorption effect should be restrained to improve laser characteristics, which are mainly influenced by the Nd3+-doping concentration, laser medium length, pumping beam divergence angle and output mirror transmissivity. The optimal experimental results illustrate the availability of a theoretical model that considers the reabsorption effect. To quantitatively evaluate the reabsorption effect of a Nd3+-doped laser medium, a reabsorption cross section is proposed for the first time to the best of our knowledge. Comparing the experimental results and theoretical calculation results, the reabsorption cross section is estimated for a 912-nm Nd:GdVO4 laser, 914-nm Nd:YVO4 laser and 946-nm Nd:YAG laser.
A new microdispersed albumin derivative potentially useful for radio-guided surgery of occult breast cancer lesions
Authors: Caviglioli Gabriele , Chinol Marco , Baldassari Sara , Garaboldi Lucia , Zuccari Guendalina , Petretto Andrea , Drava Giuliana , Sinico Chiara , Paganelli Giovanni
Published: April 2019

This paper describes a new nuclear imaging agent, 2-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)−1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid of human albumin (HAC), potentially suitable for application in the Radio-guided Occult Lesion Localization (ROLL) of non-palpable mammalian cancerous lesions, as a tool to overtake the short radio-signal half-life of the technetium-99m based radiopharmaceutical currently used. This conjugate is a microsized powder aggregate, water-insoluble between pH 3 and 8.5, obtained by conjugating the protein with the macrocyclic chelating agent DOTA through a one-pot reaction in aqueous medium. The product has been fully characterized and is stable to the thermal conditions adopted for labeling; after radiolabeling with longer half-life radionuclides such as 177Lu or 111In, it has shown radiochemical purity (RCP) >90% and resulted stable when stored in saline or plasma for 6 days at 37 °C. A μPET/CT study, performed in vivo on adult female rats, showed that the radioactivity of HAC labeled with 64Cu remained located in the mammary glands for at least 40 h, without diffusion or drainage in healthy tissues or in the lymphatic circulation. This new imaging agent might make the ROLL procedure more accessible, safe and flexible, promoting a significant time and cost reduction of this intervention. Moreover, HAC might also be used in other radio-guided surgical procedures in oncology.
East China Sea increasingly gains limiting nutrient P from South China Sea
Authors: Huang Ting-Hsuan , Chen Chen-Tung Arthur , Lee Jay , Wu Chau-Ron , Wang You-Lin , Bai Yan , He Xianqiang , Wang Shu-Lun , Kandasamy Selvaraj , Lou Jiann-Yuh , Tsuang Ben-Jei , Chen Hsien-Wen , Tseng Ruo-Shan , Yang Yiing Jang
Published: April 2019

The Taiwan Strait (TS) directly connects two of the richest fishing grounds in the world - the East China Sea (ECS) and the South China Sea (SCS). Carbon and nutrient supplies are essential for primary production and the Yangtze River is an important source for the ECS. However the ECS is severely P-limited. The TS transports an order of magnitude more carbon and a factor of two more phosphate (P) to the ECS than the Yangtze River does. To evaluate the temporal variability of these supplies, the total alkalinity (TA), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), nitrate plus nitrite (N), P, and silicate (Si) fluxes through the TS were estimated using empirical equations for these parameters and the current velocity, which was estimated using the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM). These empirical equations were derived from in situ salinity and temperature and measured chemical concentrations that were collected during 57 cruises (1995–2014) with a total of 2096 bottle samples. The 24-month moving averages of water, carbon, and nutrient fluxes significantly increase with time, so does the satellite chlorophyll a concentration. More importantly, the increased supply of the badly needed P from the TS is more than that from the Yangtze River.
Mechanized transplanting with side deep fertilization increases yield and nitrogen use efficiency of rice in Eastern China
Authors: Zhu Conghua , Xiang Jing , Zhang Yuping , Zhang Yikai , Zhu Defeng , Chen Huizhe
Published: April 2019

The application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer deep in soil at the same time as mechanical transplanting of rice seedlings is an effective alternative to conventional broadcasting of fertilizer, but its effects on yields and profitability have not been analysed in detail. Here, we analysed the effects of a side deep application of N fertilizer at transplanting on the N uptake, N use efficiency (NUE), grain yield, and economic profitability of two rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars; Yongxian15 (early season) and Yongyou1540 (middle/late season). In the field experiments, two types of N fertilizer (urea (U) and controlled-release urea (CRU)) were surface broadcasted manually (B) or mechanically fertilized at 5.5 ± 0.5 cm soil depth (M) (UB, UM, and CRUM treatments, respectively). The blank control had no N fertilizer (N0). Each N-fertilizer treatment had similar effects on N uptake, grain yield, NUE, and economic profitability in the early, middle, and late seasons. Compared with manually applied fertilizer, mechanically applied fertilizer increased grain yield and NUE in both cultivars. In Yongxian15 and Yongyou1540, the mechanical side deep application of N-fertilizer increased the N recovery efficiency by 62.50–91.57% and 24.38–64.24%, respectively, the N agronomy efficiency by 33.65–63.14% and 22.64–44.70%, respectively; and the grain yield by 6.30–11.64% and 6.23–13.11%, respectively. The CRUM treatments had the highest benefit–cost ratio because of high gross returns and low fertilization costs. The mechanized side deep application of N fertilizer can increase the efficiency and profitability of rice production.
Colorimetric Gas Sensing Washable Threads for Smart Textiles
Authors: Owyeung Rachel E. , Panzer Matthew J. , Sonkusale Sameer R.
Published: April 2019

A fabrication method for a stable entrapment of optically responsive dyes on a thread substrate is proposed to move towards a detection system that can be integrated into clothing. We use the dyes 5,10,15,20-Tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphine manganese(III) chloride (MnTPP), methyl red (MR), and bromothymol blue (BTB), for a proof-of-concept. Our optical approach utilizes a smartphone to extract and track changes in the red (R), green (G) and blue (B) channel of the acquired images of the thread to detect the presence of an analyte. We demonstrate sensing of 50–1000 ppm of vapors of ammonia and hydrogen chloride, components commonly found in cleaning supplies, fertilizer, and the production of materials, as well as dissolved gas sensing of ammonia. The devices are shown to be stable over time and with agitation in a centrifuge. This is attributed to the unique dual step fabrication process that entraps the dye in a stable manner. The facile fabrication of colorimetric gas sensing washable threads is ideal for the next generation of smart textile and intelligent clothing.
Personalized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation temporarily alters default mode network in healthy subjects
Authors: Singh Aditya , Erwin-Grabner Tracy , Sutcliffe Grant , Antal Andrea , Paulus Walter , Goya-Maldonado Roberto
Published: April 2019

High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is an effective treatment option for treatment resistant depression. However, the underlying mechanisms of a full session of HF-rTMS in healthy volunteers have not yet been described. Here we investigated, with a personalized selection of DLPFC stimulation sites, the effects driven by HF-rTMS in healthy volunteers (n = 23) over the default mode network (DMN) in multiple time windows. After a complete 10 Hz rTMS (3000 pulses) session, we observe a decrease of functional connectivity between the DMN and the subgenual Anterior Cingulate Cortex (sgACC), as well as the ventral striatum (vStr). A negative correlation between the magnitude of this decrease in the right sgACC and the harm avoidance domain measure from the Temperament and Character Inventory was observed. Moreover, we identify that coupling strength of right vStr with the DMN post-stimulation was proportional to a decrease in self-reports of negative mood from the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. This shows HF-rTMS attenuates perception of negative mood in healthy recipients in agreement with the expected effects in patients. Our study, by using a personalized selection of DLPFC stimulation sites, contributes understanding the effects of a full session of rTMS approved for clinical use in depression over related brain regions in healthy volunteers.
RNA interference and validation of reference genes for gene expression analyses using qPCR in southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis
Authors: Kyre Bethany R. , Rodrigues Thais B. , Rieske Lynne K.
Published: April 2019

RNA interference (RNAi) is a highly specific gene-silencing mechanism that can cause rapid insect mortality when essential genes are targeted. RNAi is being developed as a tool for integrated pest management of some crop pests. Here we focus on an aggressive forest pest that kills extensive tracts of pine forests, the southern pine beetle (SPB),Dendroctonus frontalis. We sought to identify reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and validate RNAi responses in SPB by mortality and gene silencing analysis. Using an adult beetle feeding bioassay for oral ingestion of dsRNA, we measured the expression and demonstrated knockdown of target genes as well as insect mortality after ingestion of target genes. Our study validates reference genes for expression analyses and demonstrates highly effective RNAi responses in SPB, with RNAi response to some target dsRNAs causing 100% beetle mortality after ingestion.
Whole exome sequencing identifies novel USH2A mutations and confirms Usher syndrome 2 diagnosis in Chinese retinitis pigmentosa patients
Authors: Ng Tsz Kin , Tang Wenyu , Cao Yingjie , Chen Shaowan , Zheng Yuqian , Xiao Xiaoqiang , Chen Haoyu
Published: April 2019

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a common phenotype in multiple inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD). Disease gene identification can assist the clinical diagnosis of IRD patients for better clinical management, treatment and counseling. In this study, we aimed to delineate and characterize the disease-causing mutations in Chinese familial and sporadic patients with initial diagnosis of RP. Four unrelated Chinese families and 118 sporadic RP patients were recruited for whole exome sequencing analysis. A total of 5 reported and 3 novel USH2A mutations were identified in four Chinese probands. The probands and their family members showed typical RP features and mild to severe hearing impairment, confirming the diagnosis of Usher syndrome 2 (USH). Moreover, 11 sporadic RP patients were identified to carry the compound heterozygous mutations in the USH2A gene, confirming the diagnosis of USH2. The patients carried the truncating mutations had a younger age of first visit than the patients carried only the missense mutations (p = 0.017). In summary, this study revealed 8 novel USH2A variants in Chinese familial and sporadic RP patients, assuring that whole exome sequencing analysis is an adequate strategy to facilitate the clinical diagnosis of USH from the sporadic RP patients.
Baseline impulsivity may moderate L-DOPA effects on value-based decision-making
Authors: Petzold Johannes , Kienast Annika , Lee Ying , Pooseh Shakoor , London Edythe D. , Goschke Thomas , Smolka Michael N.
Published: April 2019

Research has indicated a major role of dopamine in decision-making processes, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown due to inconsistency in effects of dopaminergic drugs. To clarify the impact of dopamine on impulsive choice, we administered 150 mg L-DOPA to 87 healthy adults in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study, evaluating performance in four value-based decision-making tasks. We predicted that baseline impulsivity would moderate L-DOPA effects. In support of our hypothesis, L-DOPA had no main effect on impulsive choice, but reduced risk-seeking for gains in more-impulsive subjects. Because L-DOPA effects may be influenced by body weight, we repeated our analyses on data from half of the sample (n = 44) with lower weight, anticipating a stronger effect. In addition to the effect on risk-seeking for gains, low-weight participants also exhibited baseline-dependent effects of L-DOPA on loss aversion and delay discounting. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis of an inverted U-shaped dopamine function in which both low and high extremes of dopamine signaling are associated with high-impulsive choice. Consideration of differential baseline impulsivity and body weight may resolve previous seemingly paradoxical pharmacological results and might deepen our understanding of dopaminergic mechanisms underlying impulsivity.
Transcriptional profiling of Auricularia cornea in selenium accumulation
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Yan Lijuan , Li Qiang , Tan Hao , Zhou Jie , Miao Renyun , Ye Lei , Peng Weihong , Zhang Xiaoping , Tan Wei , Zhang Bo
Published: April 2019

Auricularia corneais a widely cultivated edible fungus with substantial nutritive value. This study aimed to enrich the multifunctional bionutrient element selenium inA. corneato improve its quality and explore the accumulation of selenium in the fungus using high-throughput RNA-Seq technology. In general, the treatment group with a 100 µg/g supply of selenium outperformed the other treatment groups in terms of high yield, rich crude polysaccharides and a high total selenium concentration. Additional evidences demonstrated the budding and mature phases were two typical growth stages ofA. corneaand were important for the accumulation of selenium. Therefore, the budding and mature phase tissues ofA. corneain the treatment group with a 100 µg/g supply of selenium were used for transcriptome analysis and compared to those of a control group that lacked additional selenium. A total of 2.56 × 105 unigenes fromA. corneatranscriptome were assembled and annotated to five frequently used databases including NR, GO, KEGG, eggNOG and SwissProt. GO and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that genes involved in metabolic process and translation were up-expressed at the budding stage in response to selenium supplementation, including amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, ribosome. In addition, the differential gene expression patterns ofA. corneasuggested that the up-expressed genes were more likely to be detected at the budding stage than at the mature stage. These results provide insights into the transcriptional response ofA. corneato selenium accumulation.
Investigation of the adsorption capacity of the enterosorbent Enterosgel for a range of bacterial toxins, bile acids and pharmaceutical drugs
Authors: Howell Carol A. , Mikhalovsky Sergey V. , Markaryan Elena N. , Khovanov Alexander V.
Published: April 2019

Oral intestinal adsorbents (enterosorbents) are orally administered materials which pass through the gut where they bind (adsorb) various substances. The enterosorbent Enterosgel (Polymethylsiloxane polyhdrate) is recommended as a symptomatic treatment for acute diarrhoea and chronic diarrhoea associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Since 1980’s there have been many Enterosgel clinical trials, however, the detailed mechanism of Enterosgel action towards specific toxins and interaction with concomitantly administered medications has not been fully investigated. Ourin vitrostudy assessed the adsorption capacity of Enterosgel for bacterial enterotoxins and endotoxin, bile acids and interaction with the pharmaceutical drugs; Cetirizine and Amitriptyline hydrochloride. Our data demonstrate the good adsorption capacity of Enterosgel for bacterial toxins associated with gastrointestinal infection, with a lower than the comparator charcoal Charcodote capacity for bile acids whose levels can be raised in IBS patients. Adsorption capacity for the two drugs varied but was significantly lower than Charcodote. These findings suggest that the mechanism of Enterosgel action in the treatment of gastrointestinal infection or IBS is adsorption of target molecules followed by removal from the body. This therapy offers a drug free approach to prevention and treatment of infectious and chronic non-infectious diseases, where intestinal flora and endotoxemia play a role.
Metabolic stress controls mutant p53 R248Q stability in acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Allende-Vega Nerea , Villalba Martin
Published: April 2019

Eliminating mutant p53 (mt p53) protein could be a useful strategy to treat mt p53 tumors and potentially improve the prognosis of cancer patients. In this study, we unveil different mechanisms that eliminate p53-R248Q, one of the most frequent mutants found in human cancers. We show that the Hsp90 inhibitor 17-AAG eliminates R248Q by stimulating macroautophagy under normal growth conditions. Metabolic stress induced by the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-1 (PDK1) inhibitor dichloroacetate (DCA) inhibits the macroautophagy pathway. This induces the accumulation of R248Q, which in addition further inhibits macroautophagy. Combination of DCA and 17-AAG further decreases the autophagy flux compared to DCA alone. Despite this, this co-treatment strongly decreases R248Q levels. In this situation of metabolic stress, 17-AAG induces the binding of p53-R248Q to Hsc70 and the activation of Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy (CMA), leading to higher R248Q degradation than in non-stress conditions. Thus, different metabolic contexts induce diverse autophagy mechanisms that degrade p53-R248Q, and under metabolic stress, its degradation is CMA-mediated. Hence, we present different strategies to eliminate this mutant and provide new evidence of the crosstalk between macroautophagy and CMA and their potential use to target mutant p53.
Reducing Mcl-1 gene dosage induces dopaminergic neuronal loss and motor impairments in Park2 knockout mice
Authors: Ekholm-Reed Susanna , Baker Robert , Campos Alexandre R. , Stouffer David , Henze Martha , Wolf Dieter A. , Loring Jeanne F. , Thomas Elizabeth A. , Reed Steven I.
Published: April 2019

Mutations in the PARK2 gene are associated with early onset Parkinsonism. The Park2−/− mouse, however, does not exhibit neurodegeneration or other Parkinson’s disease (PD) phenotypes. Previously, we discovered that translation of Mcl-1, a pro-survival factor, is upregulated in the Park2−/− mouse, suggesting a compensatory mechanism during development. Here we generated the Park2−/−Mcl-1+/− mouse and show that by reducing Mcl-1 gene dosage by 50%, the Park2−/− genotype is sensitized, conferring both dopaminergic neuron loss and motor impairments. We propose that this murine model could be a useful tool for dissecting PD etiology and developing treatment strategies against this neurodegenerative disease.
Application of a novel diol-based porous organic polymer to the determination of trace-level tetracyclines in water
Authors: Cui Changzheng , Cao Zan , Zhang Shenping , Hu Yaru , Jiang Lei , Yao Shijie , Ye Hui , Zhou Yanbo , Hu Jun , Lin Kuangfei , Zhang Tian-Yang
Published: April 2019

A novel diol-based porous organic polymer (NTdiol-POP) was used as a new solid phase extraction material to improve extraction efficiency of trace tetracyclines in water before HPLC-MS/MS analysis.
The opposing effect of butanol and butyric acid on the abundance of bromide and iodide at the aqueous solution–air interface
Authors: Lee Ming-Tao , Orlando Fabrizio , Khabiri Morteza , Roeselová Martina , Brown Matthew A. , Ammann Markus
Published: April 2019

The alcohol increases the halide ion density, while the acid decreases it, which is important for halide oxidation in the environment.
Secondary nanoplastics released from a biodegradable microplastic severely impact freshwater environments
Authors: González-Pleiter Miguel , Tamayo-Belda Miguel , Pulido-Reyes Gerardo , Amariei Georgiana , Leganés Francisco , Rosal Roberto , Fernández-Piñas Francisca
Published: April 2019

Over the last five decades, plastics production has increased as a consequence of their use in strategic sectors causing damage on aquatic ecosystems.
Atomic-scale investigation of the heterogeneous structure and ionic distribution in an ionic liquid using scanning transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Sugimori Yuki , Miyata Tomohiro , Hashiguchi Hiroki , Okunishi Eiji , Mizoguchi Teruyasu
Published: April 2019

Ionic liquids show characteristic properties derived from being composed of only molecular ions. The numbers of all constituent molecules and ions were quantitatively estimated from the image intensity and the origin of the heterogeneity in the ionic liquid was discussed.
Anisotropic and heterogeneous dynamics in stretched elastomer nanocomposites
Authors: Ehrburger-Dolle Françoise , Morfin Isabelle , Bley Françoise , Livet Frédéric , Heinrich Gert , Chushkin Yuriy , Sutton Mark
Published: April 2019

Two-time correlations determined by XPCS display anisotropic and heterogeneous dynamics in a stretched silanized silica-elastomer nanocomposite (time scale 70 minutes).
Analysis of bodily fluids using vibrational spectroscopy: a direct comparison of Raman scattering and infrared absorption techniques for the case of glucose in blood serum
Authors: Parachalil Drishya Rajan , Bruno Clément , Bonnier Franck , Blasco Hélène , Chourpa Igor , Baker Matthew J. , McIntyre Jennifer , Byrne Hugh J.
Published: April 2019

Analysis of biomarkers present in the blood stream can potentially deliver crucial information on patient health and indicate the presence of numerous pathologies.
A carbon black composite electrode for flow injection amperometric determination of hydrochlorothiazide
Authors: Calegari Francyelle , Roberto de Oliveira Paulo , Marcolino Junior Luiz Humberto , Bergamini Márcio F.
Published: April 2019

A composite electrode based on carbon black (CB) and poly(ethylene-co-vinyl)acetate (EVA) for amperometric determination of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
A novel thermogel system of self-assembling peptides manipulated by enzymatic dephosphorylation
Authors: Shang Yuna , Wang Zhongyan , Zhang Renshu , Li Xinxin , Zhang Shuhao , Gao Jie , Li Xingyi , Yang Zhimou
Published: April 2019

A novel thermogel system of self-assembling peptides was created by enzyme-instructed self-assembly (EISA), which was useful for 3D cell culture.
Dynamic protein hydrogels with reversibly tunable stiffness regulate human lung fibroblast spreading reversibly
Authors: Fu Linglan , Haage Amanda , Kong Na , Tanentzapf Guy , Li Hongbin
Published: April 2019

Fibroblast cells change their morphology reversibly in response to changes in protein hydrogel stiffness.
Degradation-resistant trehalose analogues block utilization of trehalose by hypervirulent Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Danielson Noah D. , Collins James , Stothard Alicyn I. , Dong Qing Qing , Kalera Karishma , Woodruff Peter J. , DeBosch Brian J. , Britton Robert A. , Swarts Benjamin M.
Published: April 2019

Trehalose analogues designed to resist enzymatic hydrolysis are the first inhibitors of hypervirulence-associated trehalose metabolism in the pathogen Clostridioides difficile.
Cobalt-doped hematite thin films for electrocatalytic water oxidation in highly acidic media
Authors: Kwong Wai Ling , Lee Cheng Choo , Shchukarev Andrey , Messinger Johannes
Published: April 2019

Low-concentration cobalt doping improves the intrinsic activity and charge transport of hematite thin-film electrocatalyst for high-performance acidic water oxidation.
Formation of enantioenriched alkanol with stochastic distribution of enantiomers in the absolute asymmetric synthesis under heterogeneous solid–vapor phase conditions
Authors: Kaimori Yoshiyasu , Hiyoshi Yui , Kawasaki Tsuneomi , Matsumoto Arimasa , Soai Kenso
Published: April 2019

Absolute asymmetric synthesis under heterogeneous solid–vapor phase conditions in conjunction with asymmetric autocatalysis was achieved.
A nuclear permeable Ru(ii)-based photoactivated chemotherapeutic agent towards a series of cancer cells:in vitroandin vivostudies
Authors: Tian Na , Feng Yang , Sun Weize , Lu Jian , Lu Songsong , Yao Yishan , Li Chao , Wang Xuesong , Zhou Qianxiong
Published: April 2019

A nuclear permeable Ru(ii)-based photoactivated chemotherapeutic agent displayed high phototoxicity towards a series of cancer cells, including cisplatin resistant SKOV-3 and A549 cells.
Controllable access to P-functional [3]ferrocenophane and [4]ferrocenophane frameworks
Authors: Weller Stefan , Schlindwein Simon H. , Feil Christoph M. , Kelemen Zsolt , Buzsáki Dániel , Nyulászi László , Isenberg Stefan , Pietschnig Rudolf , Nieger Martin , Gudat Dietrich
Published: April 2019

Condensation of 1,1′-diaminoferrocenes with PCl3 gives access to P-halo-diazaphospha-[3]ferrocenophanes and [4]ferrocenophane-annelated tetraphosphetanes, which can undergo multiple oxidation in both ferrocene and aminophosphine units.
The ability of the NiSOD binding loop to chelate zinc(ii): the role of the terminal amino group in the enzymatic functions
Authors: Csire Gizella , Kolozsi András , Gajda Tamás , Pappalardo Giuseppe , Várnagy Katalin , Sóvágó Imre , Fábián István , Lihi Norbert
Published: April 2019

Equilibrium and spectroscopic characterization of zinc(ii) complexes with NiSOD related peptides highlights the crucial role of terminal amino groups in the enzymatic function.
Waterworks-specific composition of drinking water disinfection by-products
Authors: Andersson Anna , Harir Mourad , Gonsior Michael , Hertkorn Norbert , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Kylin Henrik , Karlsson Susanne , Ashiq Muhammad Jamshaid , Lavonen Elin , Nilsson Kerstin , Pettersson Ämma , Stavklint Helena , Bastviken David
Published: April 2019

Non-target analysis of potentially toxic disinfection by-products at four waterworks in Sweden.
Multivariate analysis applied to complex biological medicines
Authors: Rudd Timothy R. , Mauri Lucio , Marinozzi Maria , Stancanelli Eduardo , Yates Edwin A. , Naggi Annamaria , Guerrini Marco
Published: April 2019

Principal component analysis of 13C–1H HSQC NMR spectra allows heparin from different animal sources to be differentiated, as well as spectral features that are specific to each heparin type to be identified.
Rational design of novel amphipathic antimicrobial peptides focused on the distribution of cationic amino acid residues
Authors: Misawa Takashi , Goto Chihiro , Shibata Norihito , Hirano Motoharu , Kikuchi Yutaka , Naito Mikihiko , Demizu Yosuke
Published: April 2019

Amphipathic helical peptideStripeshowed high antimicrobial activity, low hemolytic activity, and low human cell cytotoxicity.
ZnO@CdS heterostructures: an efficient photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Mahala Chavi , Sharma Mamta Devi , Basu Mrinmoyee
Published: April 2019

CdS nanoparticles attached to ZnO 2D sheets help to improve light absorbance, leading to enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting performance.
Pseudoenantiomeric glycoclusters: synthesis and testing of heterobivalency in carbohydrate–protein interactions
Authors: Brekalo Jasna , Despras Guillaume , Lindhorst Thisbe K.
Published: April 2019

Multivalent carbohydrate–protein interactions are key events in cell recognition processes and have been extensively studied by means of synthetic glycomimetics.
Application of dialkyl azodicarboxylate frameworks featuring multi-functional properties
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Zhang Xiao-Wen , Wu Di , Guan Zheng-Hui , Liu Wen-Bo
Published: April 2019

The application of dialkyl azodicarboxylates as versatile reagents in Mitsunobu, oxidation, electrophilic, amination and carbonylation reactions is reviewed.
Adsorption characteristics and inhibition effect of two Schiff base compounds on corrosion of mild steel in 0.5 M HCl solution: experimental, DFT studies, and Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: EL Basiony N. M. , Elgendy Amr. , Nady H. , Migahed M. A. , Zaki E. G.
Published: April 2019

Structures of the synthesized Schiff bases inhibitor.
Optimised thermally driven molecular stability of an SCO metal complex for TEC Seebeck generation enhancement
Authors: Megat Hasnan Megat Muhammad Ikhsan , Mohd Said Suhana , Mohd Sabri Mohd Faizul , Mat Hussin Siti Amira , Abdullah Norbani , Nik Ibrahim Nik Muhd Jazli , Miyazaki Yuzuru , Mohd Salleh Mohd Faiz , Mohd Shah Noraisyah
Published: April 2019

Highly stable reversible spin crossover electrolyte transition of Fe2+to Fe3+for high Seebeck generation.
Effects of poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted graphene on the electrical properties of poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites
Authors: Huang Kaibing , Yu Han , Xie Mei , Liu Shuai , Wu Fenxia
Published: April 2019

PEG-grafted GN has been synthesized and the effects of modification on the PLA composite conductivity, mechanical properties are investigated.
Layered Zn2[Co(CN)6](CH3COO) double metal cyanide: a two-dimensional DMC phase with excellent catalytic performance
Authors: Marquez Carlos , Simonov Arkadiy , Wharmby Michael T. , Van Goethem Cédric , Vankelecom Ivo , Bueken Bart , Krajnc Andraž , Mali Gregor , De Vos Dirk , De Baerdemaeker Trees
Published: April 2019

A new, layered double metal cyanide phase proved to be a reusable, stable and highly active catalyst in two important DMC applications.
A H-bond strategy to develop acid-resistant photoswitchable rhodamine spirolactams for super-resolution single-molecule localization microscopy
Authors: Qi Qingkai , Chi Weijie , Li Yuanyuan , Qiao Qinglong , Chen Jie , Miao Lu , Zhang Yi , Li Jin , Ji Wei , Xu Tao , Liu Xiaogang , Yoon Juyoung , Xu Zhaochao
Published: April 2019

Rhodamine spirolactams with adjacent amino groups work as acid-resistant and photoswitchable fluorophores in single-molecule localization super-resolution imaging.
Assembly effect on the charge carrier mobility in quaterthiophene-based n/p-materials
Authors: López-Andarias A. , Atienza C. , López-Andarias J. , Matsuda W. , Sakurai T. , Seki S. , Martín N.
Published: April 2019

Effect of the peptide-based quaterthiophene self-assembly process on the charge mobility properties of the n/p-materials formed is studied.
Role of Orexin-B/Orexin 2 receptor in myocardial protection
Authors: Imperatore Roberta , Cristino Luigia
Published: April 2019

Emerging evidence attributes to orexins/hypocretins (ORs) a protective function in the regulation of cardiovascular responses, heart rate, and hypertension. However, little is known about any direct effect of orexins in the heart function. This is of special relevance considering that cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction and heart failure, are one of the major causes of mortality in the world. In the article published in Clinical Science (2018) (vol. 132, 2547–2564), Patel and colleagues investigated the role of orexins in myocardial protection. Intriguingly, they revealed a source of orexin-A (OR-A) and orexin-B (OR-B) in the heart and cardiomyocytes of the rat. More interestingly, these peptides exert a direct effect on the heart rate by acting in an autocrine/paracrine manner on their respective receptors (OXRs). Indeed, OR-B, but not OR-A, by acting through orexin receptor-2 (OX2R), exerts direct cardioprotective effects in heart failure models. OR-B/OX2R signalling enhances myosin light chain (MLC) and troponin-I (TnI) phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner, leading to an increase in the strength of their twitch contraction. This effect is mediated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and Akt phosphorylation, both in the rat myocardial tissue and human heart samples. A negative correlation between OX2R expression and clinical severity of symptoms has been found in patients with heart failure. Thus, in addition to the known central effects of orexins/OX2R, the work of Patel and colleagues (Clinical Science (2018) 132, 2547–2564) reports a direct action of OR-B on the heart rate pinpointing to OX2R as a potential therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Redshift measurement through star formation
Authors: Lindholmer Mikkel O. , Pimbblet Kevin A.
Published: April 2019

In this work we use the property that, on average, star formation rate increases with redshift for objects with the same mass – the so called galaxy main sequence – to measure the redshift of galaxy clusters. We use the fact that the general galaxy population forms both a quenched and a star-forming sequence, and we locate these ridges in the SFR–M⋆ plane with galaxies taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey in discrete redshift bins. We fitted the evolution of the galaxy main sequence with redshift using a new method and then subsequently apply our method to a suite of X-ray selected galaxy clusters in an attempt to create a new distance measurement to clusters based on their galaxy main sequence. We demonstrate that although it is possible in several galaxy clusters to measure the main sequences, the derived distance and redshift from our galaxy main sequence fitting technique has an accuracy of σz = ±0.017 ⋅ (z + 1) and is only accurate up to z ≈ 0.2.
Analysis of night-side dust activity on comet 67P observed by VIRTIS-M: a new method to constrain the thermal inertia on the surface
Authors: Rinaldi G. , Formisano M. , Kappel D. , Capaccioni F. , Bockelée-Morvan D. , Cheng Y.-C. , Vincent J.-B. , Deshapriya P. , Arnold G. , Capria M. T. , Ciarniello M. , D’Aversa E. , De Sanctis M. C. , Doose L. , Erard S. , Federico C. , Filacchione G. , Fink U. , Leyrat C. , Longobardo A. , Magni G. , Migliorini A. , Mottola S. , Naletto G. , Raponi A. , Taylor F. , Tosi F. , Tozzi G. P. , Salatti M.
Published: April 2019

On 2015 July 18, near perihelion at a heliocentric distance of 1.28 au, the Visible InfraRed Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (VIRTIS-M) on board the Rosetta spacecraft had the opportunity of observing dust activity in the inner coma with a view of the night side (shadowed side) of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. At the time of the measurements we present here, we observe a dust plume that originates on the far side of the nucleus. We are able to identify the approximate location of its source at the boundary between the Hapi and Anuket regions, and we find that it has been in darkness for some hours before the observation. Assuming that this time span is equal to the conductive time scale, we obtain a thermal inertia in the range 25–36 W K−1m−2s−1/2. These thermal inertia values can be used to verify with a 3D finite-element method (FEM) numerical code whether the surface and subsurface temperatures agree with the values found in the literature. We explored three different configurations: (1) a layer of water ice mixed with dust beneath a dust mantle of 5 mm with thermal inertia of 36 J m−2K−1s−0.5; (2) the same structure, but with thermal inertia of 100 J m−2K−1s−0.5; (3) an ice-dust mixture that is directly exposed. Of these three configurations, the first seems to be the most reasonable, both for the low thermal inertia and for the agreement with the surface and subsurface temperatures that have been found for the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The spectral properties of the plume show that the visible dust color ranged from 16 ± 4.8%/100 nm to 13 ± 2.6%/100 nm, indicating that this plume has no detectable color gradient. The morphology of the plume can be classified as a narrow jet that has an estimated total ejected mass of between 6 and 19 tons when we assume size distribution indices between −2.5 and −3.
Additional fluorine abundance determinations in evolved stars
Authors: Abia C. , Cristallo S. , Cunha K. , de Laverny P. , Smith V. V.
Published: April 2019

We present new fluorine abundance measurements for a sample of carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and two other metal-poor evolved stars of Ba/CH types. The abundances are derived from IR, K-band, high-resolution spectra obtained using GEMINI-S/Phoenix and TNG/Giano-b. Our sample includes an extragalactic AGB carbon star belonging to the Sagittarius dSph galaxy. The metallicity of our stars ranges from [Fe/H] = 0.0 down to − 1.4 dex. The new measurements, together with those previously derived in similar stars, show that normal (N-type) and SC-type AGB carbon stars of near solar metallicity present similar F enhancements, discarding previous hints that suggested that SC-type stars have larger enhancements. These mild F enhancements are compatible with current chemical-evolution models pointing out that AGB stars, although relevant, are not the main sources of this element in the solar neighbourhood. Larger [F/Fe] ratios are found for lower-metallicity stars. This is confirmed by theory. We highlight a tight relation between the [F/⟨s⟩] ratio and the average s-element enhancement [⟨s⟩/Fe] for stars with [Fe/H] > −0.5, which can be explained by the current state-of-the-art low-mass AGB models assuming an extended 13C pocket. For stars with [Fe/H] < −0.5, discrepancies between observations and model predictions still exist. We conclude that the mechanism of F production in AGB stars needs further scrutiny and that simultaneous F and s-element measurements in a larger number of metal-poor AGB stars are needed to better constrain the models.
Die klinische Anwendung von Milnacipran in Österreich und Deutschland
Authors: Hienert Marius , Ritter Philipp , Bauer Michael , Lanzenberger Rupert , Kasper Siegfried
Published: April 2019

Milnacipran ist ein Antidepressivum aus der Gruppe der Serotonin-Noradrenalin-Wiederaufnahmehemmer, zu welcher auch Venlafaxin und Duloxetin gehören. Im Gegensatz zu den anderen beiden Vertretern dieser Gruppe bindet dieses Psychopharmakon in etwa gleich stark an den Serotonin- sowie Noradrenalintransporter und führt zu einer Erhöhung des jeweiligen Neurotransmitters außerhalb der Nervenzelle. In den USA wird Milnacipran zur Therapie des Fibromyalgie-Syndroms eingesetzt, während es in Europa zur Behandlung der Depression zugelassen ist. Milnacipran hat aufgrund seiner Pharmakokinetik und Pharmakodynamik besondere Eigenschaften, wobei die antriebssteigernde Wirkung, Verbesserung der sozialen und sexuellen Funktion, ein gutes Nebenwirkungsprofil sowie aufgrund von fehlender CYP450-Interaktion ein geringes Wechselwirkungspotenzial zu erwähnen sind. In diesem Artikel werden die molekularen und klinischen Effekte sowie die Neben- und Wechselwirkung von Milnacipran erläutert. Auch wird auf die Indikationsstellung für eine Therapie mit Milnacipran und mögliche Dosierungsschemen eingegangen. Abschließend werden Fallvignetten vorgestellt. Diese Arbeit stellt eine praxisnahe Darstellung über Pharmakologie und die Einsatzmöglichkeiten von Milnacipran für den Anwender dar.
Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis
Authors: Nordmeyer Hannes , Chapot René , Haage Patrick
Published: April 2019

Background Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) causes 5 – 10 % of all ischemic strokes in the European population. Indication for endovascular treatment is a special challenge and the selection of material as well as interventional techniques essentially differs from the treatment of extracranial stenoses. According to recent studies patient selection became evidence based; however the method should not be abandoned. New technical approaches can contribute to avoid complications.

Method We performed a review of the literature with regard to conservative as well as endovascular treatment of ICAS. Different technical approaches are discussed and strategies to avoid complications are stressed. Based on the treatment indication, the positions of the authorities and the professional societies are taken into account.

Results and Conclusion A single self-expanding stent is approved for the treatment of ICAS. Balloon mounted and other self-expanding Stents are available for off-label use. Anatomical conditions and features of the stenosis determine the choice of material. Distal wire perforations causing intracranial bleedings may occur during exchange manoeuvres and constitute one of the technical complications in the treatment of ICAS. In contrast, there is hardly any efficient way to eliminate the risk of ischemia in the territory of perforating arteries arising from the intracranial posterior circulation and the middle cerebral artery. The results of the randomized prospective trials strengthen the conservative treatment of ICAS. Endovascular treatment should not be withheld from patients with either hemodynamic stenosis, recurrent ischemic events under best medical treatment in the territory of the stenosed vessel or acute occlusions of a stenosis.

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A unified static-dynamic analytic model for ultra-scaled III-nitride high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Li Kexin , Rakheja Shaloo
Published: April 2019

This paper presents an analytic model to calculate nodal charges and their corresponding internodal capacitances in ultra-scaled III-nitride high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) in which carrier transport is expected to be quasiballistic. The dynamic model is combined with our previously published static model [K. Li and S. Rakheja, J. Appl. Phys. 123, 184501 (2018)] to provide a unified physical description of the HEMT. In the dynamic model, the position-dependent channel charge is obtained using a realistic potential profile in the channel, obtained from the solution of the Poisson equation. The effect of electric field lines penetrating from the ungated access regions into the channel (gated region) is included. Fringing electric field lines from the gate to the channel, which are especially critical in the off-region of the device, are included in the charge description. The channel charges are obtained self-consistently with the transport model and introduce 16 additional input parameters, which are necessary to explain the bias dependence of internodal capacitances in the off-state and in the off-to-on transition region of the device. Using the model, we elucidate the difference in the capacitance-voltage behavior of drift-diffusive and quasiballistic devices. The sensitivity of channel charges to the specific formulation of the potential profile is also examined. The unified model is applied to the experimental capacitance-voltage data of 42-nm and 105-nm gate-length InAlN/GaN HEMTs with an InGaN backbarrier. Additionally, the model is validated against hydrodynamic simulations of a 50-nm gate-length AlGaN/GaN HEMT with significant Joule heating. The model yields an excellent agreement with the measured and simulated data sets over a broad range of bias and temperature conditions. The model is also used to elucidate the role of contact resistance, Joule heating, and nodal capacitances on the RF performance, i.e., cut-off frequency, third-order intermodulation current, and the input third-order intercept point, of scaled III-nitride HEMTs.
A reconfigurable ultra-wideband polarization converter based on metasurface incorporated with PIN diodes
Authors: Tian Jianghao , Cao Xiangyu , Gao Jun , Yang Huanhuan , Han Jiangfeng , Yu Huicun , Wang Siming , Jin Rong , Li Tong
Published: April 2019

A reconfigurable ultra-wideband reflective polarization conversion metasurface (RUR-PCM) is proposed. The unit cell of the RUR-PCM consists of an anisotropic metal patch incorporated with a voltage controlled PIN diode, a dielectric layer, and a metal ground. When the PIN diode is switched on, the RUR-PCM can convert an incident linearly polarized electromagnetic (EM) wave to its orthogonal counterpart; when the PIN diode is switched off, the RUR-PCM can convert a linearly polarized EM wave to a circularly polarized one. The performance of the RUR-PCM is further improved by adding the superstrate and the “double L” metal patch to the unit cell of the RUR-PCM. Simulated and experimental results show that the RUR-PCM is able to achieve linear-to-linear (LTL) polarization conversion in the frequency range of 6.5–19.9 GHz with the polarization conversion ratio higher than 90%, and linear-to-circular (LTC) polarization conversion in the frequency range of 7.6–23.6 GHz, with the axial ratio better than 3 dB. Therefore, the LTL and the LTC polarization conversion methods are integrated into one metasurface in an ultra-wideband range, and each unit uses only one PIN diode, which makes the RUR-PCM have a broad application prospect in secure communication and polarization compatibility.
The impact of globally diverse GHI training data: Evaluation through application of a simple Markov chain downscaling methodology
Authors: Bright Jamie M.
Published: April 2019

Synthetic solar irradiance models that generate irradiance time series are often trained on too few sites with limited climatic diversity. This often results in models which are overfit and cannot be globally applied. The impact of training data for solar energy applications is relatively unexplored and, therefore, of importance. A new Markov-downscaling methodology is proposed to test diverse training datasets. In terms of synthetic global horizontal irradiance (GHI) generation, occasionally, Markov downscaling was found to validate excellently, whereas linear interpolation failed resoundingly at all sites in this application. Markov downscaling was unsuitable if the aim was to obtain the actual result in cases such as historic gap filling, interpolation, or forecasting; thus, it is purely a synthetic model. A significant influence of training data is found when comparing 100 repetitions of all 752 combinations of training and testing data. Using different training data in the model significantly influenced the accuracy of the downscaled GHI. We find that climate similarity is not a fundamental driver for GHI similarities and that some form of site index derived from kc must have an influence. A particular site at Izana, Tenerife, performs consistently poor across all but 10 testing sites, exemplifying how idiosyncrasies of a model can produce unexpected global behaviour with minimal training data exploration. A considerable performance variation was observed resulting only from training data selection, as such warrants careful attention. It is concluded that all GHI methodological approaches that require training data must undertake a similar global investigation before they can be accepted as globally applicable.
Two-body interatomic potentials for He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe from ab initio data
Authors: Deiters Ulrich K. , Sadus Richard J.
Published: April 2019

A new method is reported for developing accurate two-body interatomic potentials from existing ab initio data. The method avoids the computational complexity of alternative methods without sacrificing accuracy. Two-body potentials are developed for He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe, which accurately reproduce the potential energy at all inter-atomic separations. Monte Carlo simulations of the pressure, radial distribution function, and isochoric heat capacity using the simplified potential indicate that the results are in very close, and sometimes almost indistinguishable, agreement with more complicated current state-of-the-art two-body potentials.