bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of non-specific Lipid Transfer Protein gene family members in Solanum lycopersicum and insights into the features of Sola l 3 protein
Authors: D’Agostino Nunzio , Buonanno Martina , Ayoub Joëlle , Barone Amalia , Monti Simona Maria , Rigano Maria Manuela
Published: February 2019

Non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) are characterized by an eight-cysteine motif backbone that is stabilized by four disulphide bonds. The strong interest towards this protein family is mainly due to the fact that nsLTPs are involved in many biological processes and have been identified as major human allergens. Since tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most consumed and allergenic vegetables, a full characterization of this family is needed. In this study, hidden Markov model profiles were used to identify nsLTPs within the tomato protein complement. Following manual curation, 64 nsLTP genes were classified into six sub-families. Furthermore, nsLTP gene structure, distribution and arrangement along tomato chromosomes were investigated. Available RNA-seq expression profile data and Real-Time PCR analyses were used to derive expression patterns of tomato nsLTPs in different tissues/organs. Non-specific LTP genes with high level of expression in tomato fruits were filtered out since they could play a key role in tomato allergenicity. Among these genes was Solyc10g075090 that encodes the allergen Sola l 3. Finally, cloning, heterologous expression, purification and biochemical characterization of the recombinant protein Sola l 3 was performed.
Coherent Raman Generation Controlled by Wavefront Shaping
Authors: Shutova Mariia , Shutov Anton D. , Zhdanova Alexandra A. , Thompson Jonathan V. , Sokolov Alexei V.
Published: February 2019

We investigate the possibility of tailoring coherent Raman generated spectra via adaptive wavefront optimization. Our technique combines a spatial light modulator and a spectrometer providing a feedback loop. The algorithm is capable of controlling the Raman generation, producing broader spectra and an improved overall efficiency, and increasing the intensity of high-order sidebands. Moreover, by wavefront optimization we can extend the generated spectra towards the blue spectral region and increase the total power of generated sidebands. Mutual coherence and equal frequency separation of the multiple Raman sidebands are of interest for the synthesis of ultrashort light pulses with the total spectral bandwidth extending over ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared wavelengths.
Effects of zinc chloride–silicone oil treatment on wood dimensional stability, chemical components, thermal decomposition and its mechanism
Authors: He Zhengbin , Qu Lijie , Wang Zhenyu , Qian Jing , Yi Songlin
Published: February 2019

The hygroexpansion and anisotropy of wood limit its application in construction and wood products industry. Zinc chloride–silicone oil was use to decrease the hygroscopicity and improve the dimensional stability of wood at 80 °C, 140 °C, 160 °C and 180 °C. The effects of the treatment on the dimensional stability, chemical structure, thermal degradation, morphology of wood were evaluated, and the mechanism was determined. Results indicated that the zinc chloride–silicone oil treatment at 80 °C improved the dimensional stability and decreased the hygroscopicity of wood. The tangential, radial, and volumetric swelling coefficients of the treated wood decreased by 9.7%, 33.5%, and 18.2%, respectively, relative to those of the untreated wood. Zinc chloride–silicone oil treatment also changed the chemical structure of wood by degrading the wood components and decreasing the moisture absorption groups. Moreover, zinc chloride–silicone oil treatment significantly influenced the thermal degradation of wood, as samples treated with zinc chloride–silicone oil at 140 °C, 160 °C and 180 °C presented sharp peaks around 511 °C, 501 °C and 473 °C. The control group exhibited a more common derivative thermogravimetric curve with a sharp peak at 375 °C. In addition, the silicone oil could impregnate wood, occlude moisture passage, and prevent the movement of moisture in wood. This method can be applied in building and wood industries to expand the applications of wood products.
The association between allergic rhinitis and otitis media: A national representative sample of in South Korean children
Authors: Byeon Haewon
Published: February 2019

Although many studies have reported that allergic rhinitis is an independent risk factor highly related to otitis media in children, there is still lack of epidemiological studies on demographics. The objective of this study was to identify if allergic rhinitis was an independent risk factor for otitis media in children aged between 7 and 12 years by using the nationwide survey data representing the local population of South Korea. This is a secondary study based on the ENT examination data (eg. acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion, chronic otitis media). The subjects of this study were 472 children (248 male and 224 female) who completed the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015. The presence of otitis media was examined by otolaryngologists using tympanometric measurements, audiometric measurements, and otoscopic examination. Allergic rhinitis was diagnosed by Korean-version of International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, a total serum immunoglobulin E test, an allergen-specific immunoglobulin E test, a blood eosinophil test, an eosinophil cationic protein test, a nasal cytology for eosinophils test, a skin reaction test, and an antigen simultaneous test. Confounding factors included age, gender, the levels of income for households, and household composition. The relationship between allergic rhinitis and otitis media was analyzed by a complex sample logistic regression analysis and the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were presented. The results of a complex sample design logistic regression revealed that allergic rhinitis in children was significantly associated with otitis media (p < 0.05). Even after adjusting all confounding factors, children with allergic rhinitis had twice significantly higher risk of otitis (OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.30–3.18) than children without allergic rhinitis. This epidemiologic study confirmed the independent relationship between pediatric allergic rhinitis and otitis media. In the future, longitudinal study will be needed to verify causality of allergic rhinitis and otitis media.
Digital polymerase chain reaction for detecting c-MYC copy number gain in tissue and cell-free plasma samples of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Lee Kyu Sang , Nam Soo Kyung , Seo Soo Hyun , Park Kyoung Un , Oh Heung-Kwon , Kim Duck-Woo , Kang Sung-Bum , Kim Woo Ho , Lee Hye Seung
Published: February 2019

We focused on the utility of the droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for detecting c-MYC gene copy number (GCN) gain in cell-free plasma and tumor tissue of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. c-MYC GCN status was determined using dual-color silver in situ hybridization (SISH) and ddPCR in retrospective cohort 1 (192 CRC patients) and prospective cohort 2 (64 CRC patients). In cohort 1, c-MYC GCN gain was observed in 34 (17.5%) patients by SISH, and in 7 (3.6%) patients by ddPCR. c-MYC GCN by SISH significantly correlated with ddPCR results (ρ = 0.532, P < 0.001). Although 40 cases (20.7%) showed intratumoral genetic heterogeneity, it did not cause discordance in results obtained by the two methods. c-MYC GCN gain, by both SISH and ddPCR was independently correlated with worst prognosis (P = 0.002). In cohort 2, c-MYC GCN estimation in tissue by ddPCR was also significantly associated with results obtained by SISH (ρ = 0.349, P = 0.005), but correlated with plasma ddPCR with borderline significance (ρ = 0.246, P = 0.050). Additionally, detecting c-MYC GCN gain in plasma with ddPCR might have relatively low sensitivity but high specificity. Our study suggests that ddPCR can be a useful tool for detecting c-MYC GCN gain as a potential prognostic biomarker in CRC tissue samples; however, this will need further verification in plasma samples.
Determination of methylmercury in rice using microwave-assisted extraction coupled with thermal decomposition amalgamation atomic absorption spectrometry (MAE-TDA-AAS)
Authors: Luo Qing , Gao Xu , Hu Yuanan , Lin Kunde , Wang Xuejun , Cheng Hefa
Published: February 2019

A sensitive method was developed for determination of methylmercury in rice, which can be an important source of mercury exposure.
Tailoring widely used ammonia synthesis catalysts for H and N poisoning resistance
Authors: Ghuman Kulbir Kaur , Tozaki Kota , Sadakiyo Masaaki , Kitano Sho , Oyabe Takashi , Yamauchi Miho
Published: February 2019

A novel (N,H)-poisoning resistant RuFe nanoalloy catalyst with a unique d-band structure originated by alloying Ru with Fe, providing a route to design new catalysts for ammonia synthesis.
Critical role of tyrosine-20 in formation of gold nanoclusters within lysozyme: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Russell Ben A. , Kubiak-Ossowska Karina , Chen Yu , Mulheran Paul A.
Published: February 2019

Only gold atom initial reaction with Tyr20 results in the formation of gold nanoclusters within lysozyme.
Understanding the fluidity of condensed phase systems in terms of voids—novel algorithm, implementation and application
Authors: Gehrke Sascha , Macchieraldo Roberto , Kirchner Barbara
Published: February 2019

Solvation processes, transport properties, and fluidity of condensed phases can be described considering the void space between the particles of the system.
Photophysical investigation of near infrared emitting lanthanoid complexes incorporating tris(2-naphthoyl)methane as a new antenna ligand
Authors: Abad Galán Laura , Wada Satoshi , Cameron Lee , Sobolev Alexandre N. , Hasegawa Yasuchika , Zysman-Colman Eli , Ogden Mark I. , Massi Massimiliano
Published: February 2019

Study of a series of lanthanoid complexes reveals that ancillary ligands play a significant role in their photophysical properties.
Cooperative activation of O–H and S–H bonds across the Co–P bond of an N-heterocyclic phosphido complex
Authors: Poitras Andrew M. , Bezpalko Mark W. , Foxman Bruce M. , Thomas Christine M.
Published: February 2019

A cobalt N-heterocyclic phosphido complex is shown to cleave element–hydrogen bonds via a metal–phosphorus ligand cooperative pathway.
Ge(ii) cation catalyzed hydroboration of aldehydes and ketones
Authors: Sinhababu Soumen , Singh Dharmendra , Sharma Mahendra Kumar , Siwatch Rahul Kumar , Mahawar Pritam , Nagendran Selvarajan
Published: February 2019

The catalytic utility of a germylene cation 4 is reported. In the presence of compound 4, a variety of aldehydes and ketones can be hydroborylated using HBpin.
Advancements in the treatment and processing of electronic waste with sustainability: a review of metal extraction and recovery technologies
Authors: Hsu Emily , Barmak Katayun , West Alan C. , Park Ah-Hyung A.
Published: February 2019

This review highlights the current status of e-waste recycling and provides insights on metal recovery from e-waste via green chemistry.
Smart construction of 3D N-doped graphene honeycombs with (NH4)2SO4 as a multifunctional template for Li-ion battery anode: “A choice that serves three purposes”
Authors: Wu Kaipeng , Yang Hao , Jia Lingpu , Pan Yue , Hao Yan , Zhang Kuibao , Du Ke , Hu Guorong
Published: February 2019

A conceptually different (NH4)2SO4 template-directed methodology for design and construction of 3D N-doped graphene honeycombs directly from the GO mixed liquor of the Hummers' method.
Comparative genomics and transcriptomics insights into the C1 metabolic model of a formaldehyde-degrading strainMethylobacteriumsp. XJLW
Authors: Shao Yunhai , Li Jun , Wang Yanxin , Yi Fengmei , Zhang Yanan , Cui Peiwu , Zhong Weihong
Published: February 2019

Formaldehyde-degrading bacteriaMethylobacteriumsp. XJLW is presumed to contain a novel one-carbon metabolism model in genomic and transcriptome analysis.
Systematic experimental study of quantum interference effects in anthraquinoid molecular wires
Authors: Carlotti Marco , Soni Saurabh , Qiu Xinkai , Sauter Eric , Zharnikov Michael , Chiechi Ryan C.
Published: February 2019

In order to translate molecular properties in molecular-electronic devices, it is necessary to create design principles that can be used to achieve better structure–function control oriented toward device fabrication.
Assembly of metal–organic frameworks based on 4-connected 3,3′,5,5′-azobenzenetetracarboxylic acid: structures, magnetic properties, and sensing of Fe3+ ions
Authors: Di Min , Shen Jingwen , Cui Zheng , Zhang Xiaoying , Zhang Jingping
Published: February 2019

Three complexes based on 3,3′,5,5′-azobenzenetetracarboxylic acid were synthesized, showing potential applications in magnetism and excellent sensing properties towards Fe3+.
Heterobimetallic copper(i) complexes bearing both 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene and functionalized 3-(2′-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole
Authors: Chen Jing-Lin , Zeng Xue-Hua , Ganesan Paramaguru , He Li-Hua , Liao Jin-Sheng , Liu Sui-Jun , Wen He-Rui , Zhao Feng , Chi Yun
Published: February 2019

Copper(i) 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene complexes are well regulated by functional 3-(2′-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole exhibiting mono-anionic η2(N1,N2) and neutral η2(N1,N2) and η2(N1,N4) chelating modes.
Tunable synthesis of ultrathin AuAg nanowires and their catalytic applications
Authors: Kehoe Daniel K. , McCarthy Sarah A. , Gun'ko Yurii K.
Published: February 2019

Metallic nanowires (NWs) are very interesting and important nanomaterials with unique properties and a number of potential applications.
When dendrimers are not better – rational design of nanolayers for high-performance organic electronic devices
Authors: Shcherbina Maxim A. , Borshchev Oleg V. , Pleshkova Alexandra P. , Ponomarenko Sergei A. , Chvalun Sergei N.
Published: February 2019

Several generations of carbosilane dendrimers with quaterthiophene end groups were studied by X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical and atomic force microscopy and molecular modelling.
A new strategy for the synthesis of pyridines fromN-propargylic β-enaminothiones
Authors: Kelgokmen Yilmaz , Zora Metin
Published: February 2019

A new robust method for the synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted pyridines with high efficiency and broad functional group tolerance is described.
A simple liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to accurately determine the novel third-generation EGFR-TKI naquotinib with its applicability to metabolic stability assessment
Authors: Alrabiah Haitham , Kadi Adnan A. , Attwa Mohamed W. , Abdelhameed Ali S.
Published: February 2019

The first established LC-MS/MS method for NQT analysis. NQT was shown to be moderately excreted from the human body.
Improving the analytical performance of electrothermal vaporization coupled to inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry using a mixed-gas plasma
Authors: Scheffler Guilherme Luiz , Pozebon Dirce , Beauchemin Diane
Published: February 2019

Adding nitrogen to the plasma gas in ICPOES significantly improves sensitivity and limit of detection for solid sampling ETV.
A simple approach for controlled deposition of Prussian blue analogue nanoparticles on a functionalised plasmonic gold surface
Authors: Ngo Giang , Félix Gautier , Long Jérôme , Costa Luca , Saavedra V. Oscar , Milhiet Pierre-Emmanuel , Devoisselle Jean-Marie , Guari Yannick , Larionova Joulia , Chopineau Joël
Published: February 2019

Surface plasmon resonance monitoring of Prussian blue analogue nanoparticles anchored on a gold-cysteamine substrate.
Indium- and zinc-catalyzed enantioselective amide propargylation of aldehydes with stannylated allenyl amides
Authors: Sengoku Tetsuya , Ikeda Ikuhei , Ai Keisuke , Takahashi Masaki , Yoda Hidemi
Published: February 2019

A highly enantioselective allylation of aldehydes with newly prepared stannyl allenyl amides has been achieved using catalytic amounts of InCl3, ZnCl2 and a BINOL derivative.
Precision design of vinyl amine and vinyl alcohol-based copolymers via cobalt-mediated radical polymerization
Authors: Stiernet Pierre , Jérôme Christine , Debuigne Antoine
Published: February 2019

Controlling the amount and the distribution of vinyl amine and vinyl alcohol units within a copolymer is attractive to modulate the properties of the parent major industrial homopolymers, i.e. poly(vinyl amine) and poly(vinyl alcohol).
Pore structure and electrochemical properties of CNT-based electrodes studied by in situ small/wide angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Santos Cleis , Senokos Evgeny , Fernández-Toribio Juan Carlos , Ridruejo Álvaro , Marcilla Rebeca , Vilatela Juan José
Published: February 2019

The pore structure and surface area of CNT-based electrodes is analysed by SAXS/WAXS, including under eletrochemical measurements.
Design of high‐efficiency CMOS rectifier with low reverse leakage for RF energy harvesting
Authors: Kim Hyeonwoo , Kwon Ickjin
Published: February 2019

A CMOS cross‐coupled RF rectifier that improves power conversion efficiency (PCE) with low reverse leakage current for energy harvesting wireless sensors is proposed. In this Letter, the authors propose a CMOS cross‐coupled differential RF rectifier that uses a thick‐oxide MOSFET as a rectifying device to improve PCE by reducing reverse leakage current. The proposed rectifier is designed for UHF band application using 0.18 µm CMOS technology. Proposed rectifier achieves a peak PCE of 75.2% and sensitivity of − 17 dBm for 1 V output voltage. Peak PCE is improved by 8.8% compared to the conventional rectifier.
Noval hybrid control method for APF based on PI and FRC
Authors: Xie Ning , Xu Qi , Zeng Jie , Liu Xin , Zhang Wei , Zhang Chi
Published: February 2019

The accuracy of control links directly affects the compensation effect of active power filter (APF). Fast repetitive control (FRC) strategy based on single synchronous rotating frame is proposed, for improving the steady‐state compensation accuracy and dynamic response. Based on the fundamental rotating mathematical model of APF, the fundamental component of output instruction current can be converted to DC component by synchronous rotation coordinate transformation, and 6k  ± 1 times harmonics can be transferred to 6k times harmonics. Then, a hybrid control method based on proportion‐integral (PI) control combined with FRC is proposed. The experimental results of the prototype proved that the method advantages in steady‐state compensation accuracy, adaptability to load variation and dynamic performance.
Multi‐objective optimal scheduling strategy for wind power, PV and pumped storage plant in VSC‐HVDC grid
Authors: Xu Man , Wu Linlin , Liu Hui , Wang Xiao
Published: February 2019

Zhangbei demonstration project will be the world's highest voltage level and largest capacity VSC‐HVDC power grid, by which millions of kilowatts of renewable energy and pumped storage power will be supplied to Beijing. Due to the uncertainty of wind power and solar power, and the operating range restriction of pumped storage unit, it is urgent to find the solution to the problem of plan making of pumped storage generation and convertor substation after the Zhangbei demonstration project completes. This paper analyses the fluctuation characteristics of renewable energy generation in converter substation, based on the t‐location scale, then proposes a multi‐objective optimal scheduling strategy for wind power, PV, and pumped storage plant in VSC‐HVDC grid, with maximum energy consumption and minimum power fluctuation at the load side and vicinity of the adjusting side as the target, considering the constraints from day‐ahead forecasts, VSC‐HVDC capacity, unit start‐up–shutdown, and state conversion. Simulation results show that authors’ strategy can make use of pumped storage power plant to inhibit the fluctuation of renewable energy power and make the maximum renewable energy consumption within the allowed power fluctuation at the sides, attaining a good balance between energy consumption and grid security.
Uncountable classical and quantum complexity classes
Authors: Dimitrijevs Maksims , Yakaryılmaz Abuzer
Published: February 2019

It is known that poly-time constant-space quantum Turing machines (QTMs) and logarithmic-space probabilistic Turing machines (PTMs) recognize uncountably many languages with bounded error (A.C. Cem Say and A. Yakaryılmaz, Magic coins are useful for small-space quantum machines. Quant. Inf. Comput. 17 (2017) 1027–1043). In this paper, we investigate more restricted cases for both models to recognize uncountably many languages with bounded error. We show that double logarithmic space is enough for PTMs on unary languages in sweeping reading mode or logarithmic space for one-way head. On unary languages, for quantum models, we obtain middle logarithmic space for counter machines. For binary languages, arbitrary small non-constant space is enough for PTMs even using only counter as memory. For counter machines, when restricted to polynomial time, we can obtain the same result for linear space. For constant-space QTMs, we obtain the result for a restricted sweeping head, known as restarting realtime.
Warum ist die „Anzahl vorzeitiger Todesfälle durch Umweltexpositionen“ nicht angemessen quantifizierbar?
Authors: Morfeld Peter , Erren Thomas
Published: February 2019

In epidemiologischen Studien und deren Anwendung bei Schadstoffregulierungen (z. B. durch WHO, USA, EU) werden Wirkungen von Umweltexpositionen auf Bevölkerungen („Burden Of Disease“, „Krankheitslast“) oft mittels der verursachten „Anzahl vorzeitiger Todesfälle“, d. h. der durch die Exposition zeitlich vorverlagerten Todesfälle, quantifiziert. Ein aktuelles Beispiel ist die Studie von Schneider et al. zu Krankheitslasten durch Stickstoffdioxid (NO2)-Exposition in Deutschland, durchgeführt im Auftrag des Umweltbundesamtes. Die Autoren ermittelten den Anteil der durch die Exposition verursachten vorzeitigen Todesfälle mittels der „Attributablen Fraktion“ (AF). Gleichwohl können die wahren Zahlen vorzeitiger Todesfälle durch NO2 viel größer oder kleiner sein. Tatsächlich hatten Robins und Greenland bereits 1989 gezeigt, dass der AF-Ansatz nicht angemessen ist. Trotz der weitreichenden Bedeutung für Epidemiologie und Public Health wurde ihre wegweisende Arbeit nicht adäquat berücksichtigt, möglicherweise aufgrund der anspruchsvollen mathematischen Argumentation. Unser Beitrag erläutert – mit einfachen Methoden – unbeachtete aber bedeutende Fallstricke. Wir empfehlen, auf das Konzept der „Anzahl vorzeitiger Todesfälle“ zu verzichten und stattdessen die durch die Exposition verlorene Lebenszeit anzugeben, berechnet pro Person. Diese sollte aber nicht für unterschiedliche Todesursachen (Erkrankungen) und/oder Altersverteilungen aufgeschlüsselt werden. Wir zeigen zudem, dass „Disability Adjusted Life Years“ (DALY) kein angemessenes Maß sind, um Expositionswirkungen in der Bevölkerung zu bewerten.
Sensitivität und Spezifität des Reizdarm-Fragebogens
Authors: Schäfer Sarah K. , Weidner Kathrin Julia , Becker Nicolas , Lass-Hennemann Johanna , Stokes Caroline , Lammert Frank , Köllner Volker
Published: February 2019

Einleitung Mit dem Reizdarm-Fragebogen (RDF) wurde erstmals ein deutschsprachiges Instrument zur Erfassung der subjektiv wahrgenommenen Symptombelastung bei einem Reizdarm-Syndrom (RDS) vorgestellt. Bis dato lagen ausschließlich Instrumente zur ärztlichen Einschätzung der Symptomschwere in deutscher Sprache vor. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, Unterschiede zwischen RDS-Patienten und verschiedenen klinischen und nicht-klinischen Kontrollgruppen hinsichtlich der Skalen des Fragebogens zu untersuchen sowie einen Cut-Off-Wert für das Vorliegen eines RDS zu ermitteln. Auf Basis eines solchen Cut-Off-Werts sollte die Qualität des RDF als Screening-Instrument beurteilt werden.

Material und Methoden An der Studie nahmen 372 Personen teil (62,6% männlich, mittleres Alter=41±17 Jahre). 17,5% der Teilnehmer hatten eine RDS-Diagnose, 19,9% wurden wegen einer chronisch-entzündlichen Darmerkrankung behandelt, 12,1% waren Patienten in einer psychosomatischen Reha-Klinik und 50,5% gehörten zu einer gesunden Kontrollgruppe. Alle Teilnehmer füllten den 13 Items umfassenden RDF aus.

Ergebnisse Hinsichtlich des RDF-Gesamtwerts zeigten sich signifikante Unterschiede zu allen anderen klinischen- und nicht-klinischen Kontrollgruppen [t(98,82)=13,61, p<0,001]. Mit Ausnahme der Subskala „Völlegefühl“ zeigten sich diese Unterschiede auch für die Subskalen „Diarrhoe“, „Konstipation“ sowie „Schmerz und Spannungsgefühl“ des RDFs. Bezogen auf das Vorliegen eines RDS kann das Instrument bei einem Cut-Off-Wert von 32 als sensitiv (90,80%) und angemessen spezifisch (75,56%) gelten.

Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung Der RDF kann als effizientes Instrument zur Erfassung der subjektiv wahrgenommenen Symptombelastung bei RDS gelten. Mit seinen sehr guten psychometrischen Qualitäten kann er sowohl im klinischen als auch im wissenschaftlichen Kontext als Screening-Instrument eingesetzt werden.
Site-Selective Synthesis of 3,17-Diaryl-1,3,5,16-estratetraenes
Authors: Langer Peter , Jopp Stefan , Ehlers Peter , Frank Eva , Mernyák Erzsébet , Schneider Gyula , Wölfling János , Villinger Alexander
Published: February 2019

A straightforward, site-selective arylation of the bis(triflate) of estrone by Suzuki–Miyaura reactions has been developed. Monoarylation occurs selectively at the D-ring with good to excellent yield. Such products were exemplarily employed for the synthesis of estrones containing two different aryl substituents.
Distal Ulnar Metaphyseal Wedge Osteotomy for Ulnar Abutment Syndrome
Authors: Kubo Nobuyuki , Moritomo Hisao , Arimitsu Sayuri , Nishimoto Shunsuke , Yoshida Takeshi
Published: February 2019

Background Ulnar shortening osteotomy of the diaphysis is a common and effective surgical procedure for ulnar abutment syndrome. However, this procedure has some disadvantages, such as a long period until union and a relatively high nonunion rate. To overcome these disadvantages, we have developed distal ulnar metaphyseal wedge osteotomy. The purpose of this article is to describe the technique and to report its clinical results.

Patients and Methods Distal ulnar metaphyseal wedge osteotomy consists of resection of the wedge fragment at the distal ulnar metaphysis, compressing the distal fragment of the ulna toward the radial–proximal direction and fixation with a Herbert type headless screw. We performed this procedure for 58 patients with ulnar abutment syndrome, and the clinical data of 43 patients who were followed for > 6 months were analyzed. We evaluated range of motion, grip strength, and HAND20 which is a validated subjective scoring system in Japan.

Results All patients experienced relief from their ulnar wrist pain, and bone union was achieved within an average of 2.6 months. The range of dorsiflexion improved from 63° preoperatively to 69° postoperatively, grip strength compared with the contralateral hand improved from 77% preoperatively to 87% postoperatively, and HAND20 improved from 41.3 points preoperatively to 22.4 points postoperatively.

Discussion This procedure has advantages especially in early bone union. This procedure should be taken into consideration as one of the options to treat ulnar abutment syndrome.
Single-Stage Revision of an Infected Total Hip Replacement Using Antibiotic-Impregnated Bioabsorbable Beads in a Canine Patient
Authors: Guthrie James , Fitzpatrick Noel
Published: February 2019

This report describes a technique and the outcome following surgical revision of a periprosthetic infected total hip replacement (THR) in a single-stage procedure with the use of antibiotic-impregnated bioabsorbable beads. A 6-year-old German Shepherd dog underwent THR 16 months previously, which subsequently became infected. The contaminated femoral and acetabular prostheses were explanted. A femoral window was used to remove the stem and cement. The endosteal surfaces of the femur and acetabulum were reamed to remove periprosthetic tissues. The femoral window was replaced and secured in position with multiple cerclage wires. A 3.5-mm locking plate was applied to the lateral aspect of the femur to prevent fracture of the proximal femoral metaphysis and trochanter. Bioabsorbable beads of calcium sulphate, impregnated with vancomycin and gentamicin, were impacted into the femoral canal followed by an uncemented femoral stem. An uncemented acetabular implant was impacted and additional antibiotic beads placed in the vicinity prior to closure. There has been no evidence of reinfection 5 years postoperatively. Analgesic and antibacterial drugs were not required during this follow-up period; activity is unrestricted with neither lameness nor pain present. Simultaneous revision of both femoral and acetabular periprosthetic infected THR implants was successfully achieved in this patient via a single-stage procedure using uncemented implants and antibiotic-impregnated bioabsorbable beads.
8 Copper-Based Photocatalysts for Visible-Light-Mediated Organic Transformations
Authors: Ehrnsberger P. , Reiser O.
Published: February 2019

Copper(I) and copper(II) complexes prove to be a powerful alternative to common photocatalysts based on ruthenium, iridium, or organic dyes. A distinct feature is their ability to interact with substrates beyond electron or energy transfer, allowing unique transformations that are otherwise not possible.
9 Gold in Photocatalysis
Authors: Hopkinson M. N. , Dix S.
Published: February 2019

Dual catalytic systems combining gold and photocatalysis are capable of facilitating redox-neutral coupling reactions that are otherwise seldom observed using gold catalysts alone. The challenging oxidation of gold(I) to gold(III) in these processes is achieved through two single-electron-transfer steps involving photogenerated organic radicals derived most commonly from arenediazonium salts. In addition to analogues of some classical cross-coupling processes that are tolerant of halogen functionalities, arylative 1,2-difunctionalization reactions of π-systems, combining the traditional π-Lewis acidity of gold catalysts with coupling, are accessible. These processes can be performed on alkene, allene, and alkyne substrates with the unique mechanistic features of dual gold/photoredox catalysis allowing for improved selectivity for cross coupling compared to that observed in alternative oxidative gold-catalyzed coupling methodologies.
10 Palladium in Photocatalysis
Authors: Wang M. , Li P. , Wang L.
Published: February 2019

The concept of photoredox/transition-metal dual catalysis has been validated as a powerful platform for the construction of carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds, and it illustrates the power of rational design in catalysis and the strategic use of mechanistic knowledge and manipulation for the development of novel synthetic methods. This chapter describes recent progress in the combination of visible-light photoredox catalysis with palladium catalysis, highlighting this as a valuable synthetic tool in accessing complex molecules in a rapid and modular fashion.
Monolithic on-chip mid-IR methane gas sensor with waveguide-integrated detector
Authors: Su P. , Han Z. , Kita D. , Becla P. , Lin H. , Deckoff-Jones S. , Richardson K. , Kimerling L. C. , Hu J. , Agarwal A.
Published: February 2019

We demonstrate a monolithic waveguide sensor integrated with a detector on-chip for mid-infrared absorption spectroscopic sensing. The optical sensing element comprises a chalcogenide glass spiral waveguide, and the detector is a PbTe photoconductor integrated directly with the chalcogenide waveguide. The limit of detection of the sensor for methane gas was experimentally assessed to be 1% by volume. Further optimization of the fabrication process and normalization of the laser power fluctuations should result in a maximum sensitivity of 330 ppmv.
Solar blind Schottky photodiode based on an MOCVD-grown homoepitaxial β-Ga2O3 thin film
Authors: Alema Fikadu , Hertog Brian , Mukhopadhyay Partha , Zhang Yuewei , Mauze Akhil , Osinsky Andrei , Schoenfeld Winston V. , Speck James S. , Vogt Timothy
Published: February 2019

We report on a high performance Pt/n−Ga2O3/n+Ga2O3 solar blind Schottky photodiode that has been grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The active area of the photodiode was fabricated using ∼30 Å thick semi-transparent Pt that has up to 90% transparency to UV radiation with wavelengths < 260 nm. The fabricated photodiode exhibited Schottky characteristics with a turn-on voltage of ∼1 V and a rectification ratio of ∼108 at ±2 V and showed deep UV solar blind detection at 0 V. The Schottky photodiode exhibited good device characteristics such as an ideality factor of 1.23 and a breakdown voltage of ∼110 V. The spectral response showed a maximum absolute responsivity of 0.16 A/W at 222 nm at zero bias corresponding to an external quantum efficiency of ∼87.5%. The cutoff wavelength and the out of band rejection ratio of the devices were ∼260 nm and ∼104, respectively, showing a true solar blind operation with an excellent selectivity. The time response is in the millisecond range and has no long-time decay component which is common in photoconductive wide bandgap devices.
Influence of the radial electric field on the shearless transport barriers in tokamaks
Authors: Marcus F. A. , Roberto M. , Caldas I. L. , Rosalem K. C. , Elskens Y.
Published: February 2019

In tokamaks, internal transport barriers, produced by modifications of the plasma current profile, reduce particle transport and improve plasma confinement. The triggering of the internal transport barriers and their dependence on the plasma profiles is a key nonlinear dynamics problem which is still under investigation. We consider the onset of shearless invariant curves inside the plasma which create internal transport barriers. A non-integrable drift-kinetic model is used to describe the particle transport driven by drift waves and to investigate the shearless barrier onset in tokamaks. We show that for some currently observed plasma profiles, shearless particle transport barriers can be triggered by properly modifying the electric field profile and the influence of non-resonant modes in the barrier onset. In particular, we show that a broken barrier can be restored by enhancing non-resonant modes.
Cadmium trapping by C60 and B-, Si-, and N-doped C60
Authors: Kuganathan Navaratnarajah , Selvanantharajah Namasivayam , Iyngaran Poobalasuntharam , Abiman Poobalasingam , Chroneos Alexander
Published: February 2019

The removal of heavy metals from the environment has attracted considerable attention as they are toxic and non-biodegradable or destroyable. To minimize their hazard, they should be removed through either physical or chemical capture. Cadmium is a heavy metal that can lead to severe risks to human health. Using the density functional theory with a dispersion correction (DFT + D), we predict the structures and energies of Cd trapped by C60. Furthermore, we substitutionally doped C60 with a single B, Si, and N and examined its trapping behavior. The lowest substitutional energy was calculated for B. Significant enhancement in trapping is observed with B and Si doping outside the surface in particular and our results warrant further experimental investigation.
On the formulation of Adams-Bashforth scheme with Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo fractional derivative to model chaotic problems
Authors: Owolabi Kolade M. , Atangana Abdon
Published: February 2019

Mathematical analysis with the numerical simulation of the newly formulated fractional version of the Adams-Bashforth method using the Atangana-Baleanu operator which has both nonlocal and nonsingular properties is considered in this paper. We adopt the fixed point theory and approximation method to prove the existence and uniqueness of the solution via general two-component time fractional differential equations. The method is tested with three nonlinear chaotic dynamical systems in which the integer-order derivative is modeled with the proposed fractional-order case. The simulation result for different α values in (0,1] is presented.

At the request of the authors, this article is being retracted effective 17 December 2021.
Low energy electron and positron impact differential cross sections for the ionization of water molecules in the coplanar and perpendicular kinematics
Authors: Singh P. , Purohit G. , Champion C. , Sébilleau D. , Madison D.
Published: February 2019

We report here triply differential cross sections (TDCSs) for 81 eV electron and positron-impact ionization of the combined (1b1 + 3a1) orbitals of the water molecule by using the second-order distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA2) for ejection electron and positron energies of 5 eV and 10 eV and different momentum transfer conditions. The electron-impact TDCS will be compared with the experimental data measured by Ren et al. [Phys. Rev. A 95, 022701 (2017)] and with the molecular 3-body distorted wave (M3DW) approximation results in the scattering plane as well as the perpendicular plane. The DWBA2 results are in better agreement with the experiment than the M3DW results for the scattering plane, and the M3DW results are somewhat better for the perpendicular plane. This observation is explained in terms of collision interactions. The electron and positron TDCSs are indistinguishable in the scattering plane. In the perpendicular plane, the positron results are similar in shape, but smaller in magnitude. However, the difference reduces with increasing projectile scattering angle and increasing ejected electron energy.
Activity patterns of insectivorous bats during a seasonal transition period from hibernation to reproduction
Authors: Doty Anna C. , Gonsalves Leroy , Law Bradley S.
Published: February 2019

Bat activity is influenced by fluctuating environmental variables. It may also be influenced by energetic pressures related to pregnancy, lactation, and emergence following winter inactivity. We evaluated nightly changes in relative bat activity at Royal National Park in response to Julian date, ambient temperature, precipitation, wind speed and moon phase on a nightly scale for six weeks during spring, as insectivorous bats move out of hibernation or frequent, prolonged torpor, and into the maternal season. Interestingly, later Julian date (reflecting seasonal transition) was the sole variable that best predicted total nightly activity. In addition, we opportunistically assessed bat activity in response to a severe storm, considered a Category 1 cyclone, resulting in 96.4mm of rain in one night and wind speeds up to 94km h–1. Only one species of bat, Chalinolobus gouldii, was active during the storm, with activity restricted to the latter part of the evening when precipitation had reduced, indicating rapid resumption of activity following severe weather. The results of this research can be used as an indicator of emergence from winter inactivity and highlight activity patterns of bat species in relation to environmental variables to inform timing of monitoring programs, bat surveys, and targeted research.
Diverse GPCRs exhibit conserved water networks for stabilization and activation
Authors: Venkatakrishnan A. J. , Ma Anthony K. , Fonseca Rasmus , Latorraca Naomi R. , Kelly Brendan , Betz Robin M. , Asawa Chaitanya , Kobilka Brian K. , Dror Ron O.
Published: February 2019

Significance

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent both the largest class of drug targets and the largest family of human membrane proteins. Recent three-dimensional structures have revealed the presence of many water molecules buried inside GPCRs, but the functional role of these water molecules has been unclear. Using extensive atomic-level computer simulations, we find that, although most of these waters are highly mobile, a few are stable. These stable water molecules mediate state-dependent and state-independent polar networks that are conserved across diverse GPCRs. These findings promise to help guide the rational design of GPCR-targeted drugs.
Intercellular cooperation in a fungal plant pathogen facilitates host colonization
Authors: Peyraud Rémi , Mbengue Malick , Barbacci Adelin , Raffaele Sylvain
Published: February 2019

Cooperation is associated with major transitions in evolution such as the emergence of multicellularity. It is central to the evolution of many complex traits in nature, including growth and virulence in pathogenic bacteria. Whether cells of multicellular parasites function cooperatively during infection remains, however, largely unknown. Here, we show that hyphal cells of the fungal pathogen
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
reprogram toward division of labor to facilitate the colonization of host plants. Using global transcriptome sequencing, we reveal that gene expression patterns diverge markedly in cells at the center and apex of hyphae during
Arabidopsis thaliana
colonization compared with in vitro growth. We reconstructed a genome-scale metabolic model for
S. sclerotiorum
and used flux balance analysis to demonstrate metabolic heterogeneity supporting division of labor between hyphal cells. Accordingly, continuity between the central and apical compartments of invasive hyphae was required for optimal growth
in planta
. Using a multicell model of fungal hyphae, we show that this cooperative functioning enhances fungal growth predominantly during host colonization. Our work identifies cooperation in fungal hyphae as a mechanism emerging at the multicellular level to support host colonization and virulence.
Missing the (Turning) point
Authors: Fucci Anthony , Catalano Theresa
Published: February 2019

On August 25, 2017, student members of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a right-wing conservative organization who advocates for smaller government and free market enterprise, recruited on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) campus. Members of the UNL community protested nearby. Part of the protest was recorded on video and released to social media leading to harsh public criticism that accused the university of restricting free speech and being an unsafe environment for conservative students. Drawing on cognitive linguistics (e.g. metonymy, framing) and multimodal critical discourse analysis (MCDA), this paper explores how the TPUSA incident at UNL was recontextualized in local and national media discourse, the ways in which the social actors and events were framed, and its consequences. The authors show how these representations reinforce dominant neoliberal discourses (which correlate with right-wing discourses) that negatively impact public education, providing a necessary counter to a populist political climate in which anti-intellectualism reigns.
Acquired von Willebrand factor deficiency is reduced in HeartMate 3 patients†
Authors: Klaeske Kristin , Dieterlen Maja-Theresa , Scholz Ute , Lehmann Sven , Garbade Jens , Fischer Julia , Jawad Khalil , Borger Michael A , Meyer Anna
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVES

The acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS), which is associated with left ventricular assist device support, is caused by the loss of the von Willebrand factor (vWF) high molecular weight multimers (HMWMs). We investigated whether the implantation of the left ventricular assist device HeartMate 3 (HM 3) is superior to the HeartWare ventricular assist device (HVAD) in preserving the multimeric structure of vWF.

METHODS

In total, 70 patients with implanted HM 3 (n = 35) or HVAD (n = 35) were retrospectively investigated. HMWMs, intermediate molecular weight multimers and low molecular weight multimers were quantified by using a densitometric methodology. vWF antigen, vWF activity and vWF collagen-binding activity, as well as demographic and clinical data, were analysed.

RESULTS

AvWS, which is characterized by a decrease in vWF HMWMs, was found in 97.1% of patients in the HM 3 group and 100% of patients in the HVAD group. Compared to normal pooled plasma, HM 3 induced a reduction in HMWMs (40.7 ± 8.2% vs 26.7 ± 7.5%, P < 0.01) and an increase in low molecular weight multimers (31.3 ± 11.8% vs 42.7 ± 9.8%, P < 0.01), whereas HVAD patients exhibited an increase in the percentage of intermediate molecular weight multimers (28.0 ± 5.0% vs 38.4 ± 7.7%, P < 0.01) in addition to a decrease in the percentage of HMWM (23.0 ± 11.0%, P < 0.01). A comparison of both left ventricular assist device types showed a difference in vWF multimeric structure (HMWMs: P < 0.01, intermediate molecular weight multimer: P = 0.05, low molecular weight multimer: P = 0.03). Furthermore, vWF activity was elevated in patients with an implanted HM 3 device (153.7 ± 54.4%) compared to those with an HVAD device (126.3 ± 39.7%, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with an implanted HM 3 had more intact HMWMs and a higher vWF activity during device support. This may reduce the manifestation of AvWS in HM 3 patients and could thus lead to a lower bleeding complication rate.
The Rise of Community Energy from Grassroots to Mainstream: The Role of Law and Policy
Authors: Savaresi Annalisa
Published: February 2019

In recent years, national and subnational law-makers and policy-makers have increasingly adopted measures to stimulate decentralised renewable energy generation, turning local and rural communities into prominent actors in the energy transition. The recast of the EU Renewable Energy Directive follows this trend, prompting all EU Member States to adopt measures to spearhead community energy. Yet to date, only a handful of ‘pioneer’ EU Member States—most saliently Denmark, Germany and the UK—have accrued significant experience with the mainstreaming of community energy. This article reflects on the role of law and policy in turning grassroots community action into a mainstream means for renewable energy generation. It unpacks the regulatory questions underlying the notion of community energy embedded in the Renewables Directive, looking at how these have been addressed in pioneer Member States. This analysis aims to deliver greater understanding of community energy, to highlight gaps in our knowledge of it, and ultimately to identify an agenda for further scholarly enquiry.
Validity of a two-component imaging-derived disease activity score for improved assessment of synovitis in early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hensor Elizabeth M A , McKeigue Paul , Ling Stephanie F , Colombo Marco , Barrett Jennifer H , Nam Jackie L , Freeston Jane , Buch Maya H , Spiliopoulou Athina , Agakov Felix , Kelly Stephen , Lewis Myles J , Verstappen Suzanne M M , MacGregor Alexander J , Viatte Sebastien , Barton Anne , Pitzalis Costantino , Emery Paul , Conaghan Philip G , Morgan Ann W
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Imaging of joint inflammation provides a standard against which to derive an updated DAS for RA. Our objectives were to develop and validate a DAS based on reweighting the DAS28 components to maximize association with US-assessed synovitis.

Methods

Early RA patients from two observational cohorts (n = 434 and n = 117) and a clinical trial (n = 59) were assessed at intervals up to 104 weeks from baseline; all US scans were within 1 week of clinical exam. There were 899, 163 and 183 visits in each cohort. Associations of combined US grey scale and power Doppler scores (GSPD) with 28 tender joint count and 28 swollen joint count (SJC28), CRP, ESR and general health visual analogue scale were examined in linear mixed model regressions. Cross-validation evaluated model predictive ability. Coefficients learned from training data defined a re-weighted DAS28 that was validated against radiographic progression in independent data (3037 observations; 717 patients).

Results

Of the conventional DAS28 components only SJC28 and CRP were associated with GSPD in all three development cohorts. A two-component model including SJC28 and CRP outperformed a four-component model (R2 = 0.235, 0.392, 0.380 vs 0.232, 0.380, 0.375, respectively). The re-weighted two-component DAS28CRP outperformed conventional DAS28 definitions in predicting GSPD (Δtest log-likelihood <−2.6, P < 0.01), Larsen score and presence of erosions.

Conclusion

A score based on SJC28 and CRP alone demonstrated stronger associations with synovitis and radiographic progression than the original DAS28 and should be considered in research on pathophysiological manifestations of early RA. Implications for clinical management of RA remain to be established.