bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Vulnerability and Partisanship in Latin America
Authors: Altamirano Melina
Published: June 2019

A significant proportion of the population in Latin America depends on the informal economy and lacks adequate protection against a variety of economic risks. This article suggests that economic vulnerability affects the way individuals relate to political parties. Given the truncated structure of welfare states in the region, citizens in the informal sector receive lower levels of social security benefits and face higher economic uncertainty. This vulnerability makes it difficult for voters to establish strong programmatic linkages with political parties because partisan platforms and policies do not necessarily represent their interests and needs. Using cross-national microlevel data, this study shows that individuals living in informality are skeptical about state social policy efforts and exhibit weaker partisan attachments. The findings suggest that effective political representation of disadvantaged groups remains a challenge in Latin American democracies.
Whaling intelligence: news, facts and US-American exploration in the Pacific
Authors: LÜTTGE FELIX
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the history of a discursive figure that one could call the intelligent whaler. I argue that this figure's success was made possible by the construal and public distribution of whaling intelligence in an important currency of science – facts – in the preparatory phase for the United States Exploring Expedition (1838–1842). The strongest case for the necessity of the enterprise was New England whalers who were said to cruise uncharted parts of the oceans and whose discoveries of uncharted islands were reported in the local press. The document that stood at the core of the lobbying for an expedition was a table that newspaperman and public lecturer Jeremiah Reynolds had compiled after interviewing whaling captains in the country's principal whaling ports. Presenting whalers’ experience in tabular and synoptic form, Reynolds's table helped forge the figure of the ‘intelligent whaler’, a mariner who had better geographical knowledge than other seafarers. By investigating the paper technologies that produced the ‘intelligent whaler’, this paper shows how Reynolds's translation of ‘whaling intelligence’ from news into facts marks the beginning of the intelligent whaler's long career in US-American debates about expansionism, exploration and science.
Effects of nut and seed consumption on markers of glucose metabolism in adults with prediabetes: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Ntzouvani Agathi , Antonopoulou Smaragdi , Nomikos Tzortzis
Published: June 2019

The primary aim was to investigate the effects of nut and seed consumption on markers of glucose metabolism in adults with prediabetes. Studies with a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design, comparing the effects of a diet containing nuts or seeds against a diet without nuts or seeds in adults with prediabetes, were considered eligible. Primary outcome measures included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h plasma glucose during oral glucose tolerance test and glycated Hb (HbA1c) concentrations. Studies were identified by searching PubMed and Scopus electronic databases and by checking full texts and reference lists of relevant records. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. We included five RCT involving 371 adults with prediabetes or at risk of diabetes; three RCT investigated the effects of whole nut consumption and two the effects of ground flaxseed consumption. Consumption of 57 g/d pistachios or mean intake of 60 g/d almonds for 4 months improved FPG and fasting plasma insulin (FPI) concentrations, insulin resistance, cellular glucose uptake in lymphocytes andβ-cell function. Consumption of 56 g/d walnuts for 6 months was not found to affect FPG or HbA1c concentrations. Consumption of 13 g/d flaxseed for 3 months improved FPG and FPI concentrations and insulin resistance. In a second study, however, flaxseed consumption was not found to affect markers of glucose metabolism. The risk of bias was generally low, thus the reported results could be reliable. Further investigation of nut and seed consumption effects in the field of prediabetes is warranted.
The troublesome genus Thamnolia (lichenized Ascomycota)
Authors: JØRGENSEN Per M.
Published: June 2019

A new neotypus is designated for Thamnolia vermicularis in accordance with the protologue. The taxonomy is best reflected by molecular evidence which recognizes three subspecies: the widespread subsp. vermicularis, and the geographically more restricted subsp. taurica (in the eastern Alps) and subsp. tundrae (in the Arctic region). The nomenclatural consequences resulting from these changes require that two new combinations are made.
Novel polymorphic microsatellite loci inAnisakis pegreffiiandA. simplex(s. s.) (Nematoda: Anisakidae): implications for species recognition and population genetic analysis
Authors: Mattiucci Simonetta , Bello Eleonora , Paoletti Michela , Webb Steve C. , Timi Juan T. , Levsen Arne , Cipriani Paolo , Nascetti Giuseppe
Published: June 2019

The species ofAnisakisconstitute one of the most widespread groups of ascaridoid nematodes in the marine ecosystem. Three closely related taxa are recognised in theA. simplex(s. l.) complex, i.e.A. pegreffii,A. simplex(s. s.) andA. berlandi.They are distributed in populations of their intermediate/paratenic (fish and squids) and definitive (cetaceans) hosts. A panel of seven microsatellite loci (Anisl 05784,Anisl 08059,Anisl 00875,Anisl 07132, Anisl 00314, Anisl 10535andAnisl 00185), were developed and validated on a total ofN= 943 specimens ofA. pegreffiiandA. simplex(s. s.), collected in fish and cetacean hosts from allopatric areas within the range of distribution of these parasite species. In addition, the locusAnisl 7, previously detected in thoseAnisakisspp., was investigated. The parasites were first identified by sequence analysis of the EF1α-1 nDNA. The panel of the microsatellites loci here developed have allowed to: (i) detect diagnostic microsatellite loci between the two species; (ii) identify specimens of the two speciesA. pegreffii, A. simplex(s. s.) in a multi-marker nuclear genotyping approach; (iii) discover two sex-linked loci in bothAnisakisspecies and (iv) estimate levels of genetic differentiation at both the inter- and intra-specific level.
Articular Geometry Reconstruction for Knee Joint with a Wearable Compliant Device
Authors: Guo Jiajie , Wang Zihang , Fu Jianyong , Lee Kok-Meng
Published: June 2019

Nonlinear articular geometries of biological joints have contributed to highly agile and adaptable human-body motions. However, human–machine interaction could potentially distort natural human motions if the artificial mechanisms overload the articular surfaces and constrain biological joint kinematics. It is desired to better understand the deformable articular geometries of biological joints in vivo during movements for design and control of wearable robotics. An articular geometry reconstruction method is proposed to measure the effective articular profile with a wearable compliant device and illustrated with its application to knee-joint kinematic analysis. Regarding the joint articulation as boundary constraints for the compliant mechanism, the equivalent articular geometry is constructed from the beam deformations driven by knee motions, where the continuous deformations are estimated with strain data from the embedded sensors. Both simulated analysis and experimental validation are presented to justify the proposed method.
Genetic aetiologies should be considered in paediatric cases of acute heart failure presumed to be myocarditis
Authors: Brown Emily E. , McMilllan Kristen Nelson , Halushka Marc K. , Ravekes William J. , Knight Margaret , Crosson Jane E. , Judge Daniel P. , Murphy Anne M.
Published: June 2019

There are a variety of causes of acute heart failure in children including myocarditis, genetic/metabolic conditions, and congenital heart defects. In cases with a structurally normal heart and a negative personal and family history, myocarditis is often presumed to be the cause, but we hypothesise that genetic disorders contribute to a significant portion of these cases. We reviewed our cases of children who presented with acute heart failure and underwent genetic testing from 2008 to 2017. Eighty-seven percent of these individuals were found to have either a genetic syndrome or pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in a cardiac-related gene. None of these individuals had a personal or family history of cardiomyopathy that was suggestive of a genetic aetiology prior to presentation. All of these individuals either passed away or were listed for cardiac transplantation indicating genetic testing may provide important information regarding prognosis in addition to providing information critical to assessment of family members.
Lessons learned in the use of clinical registry data in a multi-centre prospective study: the Pediatric Heart Network Residual Lesion Score Study
Authors: Prospero Carol J. , Trachtenberg Felicia L. , Pemberton Victoria L. , Pasquali Sara K. , Anderson Brett R. , Ash Kathleen E. , Bainton Jessica , Dunbar-Masterson Carolyn , Graham Eric M. , Hamstra Michelle S. , Hollenbeck-Pringle Danielle , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Jacobs Marshall L. , John Rija , Lambert Linda M. , Oster Matthew E. , Swan Elizabeth , Waldron Abigail , Nathan Meena ,   for the Pediatric Heart Network Investigators
Published: June 2019

Background:

Using existing data from clinical registries to support clinical trials and other prospective studies has the potential to improve research efficiency. However, little has been reported about staff experiences and lessons learned from implementation of this method in pediatric cardiology.

Objectives:

We describe the process of using existing registry data in the Pediatric Heart Network Residual Lesion Score Study, report stakeholders’ perspectives, and provide recommendations to guide future studies using this methodology.

Methods:

The Residual Lesion Score Study, a 17-site prospective, observational study, piloted the use of existing local surgical registry data (collected for submission to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons-Congenital Heart Surgery Database) to supplement manual data collection. A survey regarding processes and perceptions was administered to study site and data coordinating center staff.

Results:

Survey response rate was 98% (54/55). Overall, 57% perceived that using registry data saved research staff time in the current study, and 74% perceived that it would save time in future studies; 55% noted significant upfront time in developing a methodology for extracting registry data. Survey recommendations included simplifying data extraction processes and tailoring to the needs of the study, understanding registry characteristics to maximise data quality and security, and involving all stakeholders in design and implementation processes.

Conclusions:

Use of existing registry data was perceived to save time and promote efficiency. Consideration must be given to the upfront investment of time and resources needed. Ongoing efforts focussed on automating and centralising data management may aid in further optimising this methodology for future studies.
Lessons in Post-Disaster Self-Care From 9/11 Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians
Authors: Smith Erin , Walker Tony , Burkle Frederick M.
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The objective of this study was to explore preferred self-care practices among paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who responded to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack (9/11) in New York City (New York USA).

Design, Setting, and Participants:

Qualitative research methodology with convenience and subsequent snowball sampling was utilized. Participants were adult (at least 18 years of age) paramedics or EMTs who self-reported as responding to the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York City.

Main Outcome Measures:

Preferred self-care practices; participant characteristics; indications and patterns of self-care use; perceived benefits and harms; and views on appropriate availability of support and self-care services were the main outcome measures.

Results:

The 9/11 paramedic and EMT participants reported a delay in recognizing the need for self-care. Preferred physical self-care practices included exercise, good nutrition, getting enough sleep, and sticking to routine. Preferred psychosocial self-care practices included spending time with family and friends, participating in peer-support programs and online support forums, and routinely seeing a mental health professional. Self-care was important for younger paramedics and EMTs who reported having less-developed supportive infrastructure around them, as well as for retiring paramedics and EMTs who often felt left behind by a system they had dedicated their lives to. Access to cooking classes and subsidized gym memberships were viewed as favorable, as was the ability to include family members in self-care practices.

Conclusion(s):

A range of physical and psychosocial self-care practices should be encouraged among paramedic students and implemented by Australian ambulance services to ensure the health and well-being of paramedics throughout their career and into retirement.
Suicidal ideation and behavior in adults with major depressive disorder treated with vortioxetine: post hoc pooled analyses of randomized, placebo-controlled, short-term and open-label, long-term extension trials
Authors: Mahableshwarkar Atul R. , Affinito John , Reines Elin Heldbo , Xu Judith , Nomikos George , Jacobsen Paula L.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior associated with vortioxetine treatment in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

Suicide-related events were evaluated post hoc using 2 study pools: one short-term pool of 10 randomized, placebo-controlled studies (6–8 weeks) and another long-term pool that included 3 open-label extension studies (52 weeks). Evaluation of suicide-related events was performed using Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) scores and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) data.

Results

At baseline, the percentage of patients reporting any C-SSRS ideation or behavior events in short-term studies was similar between placebo (14.7%), vortioxetine (19.8%, 13.0%, 11.2%, and 13.7% for 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-mg groups, respectively), and duloxetine active reference (13.2%) and did not change throughout the 6- to 8-week treatment period for placebo (17.0%), vortioxetine (19.3%, 13.5%, 12.6%, and 15% for 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-mg groups, respectively), or duloxetine (11.3%). The incidence of suicide-related events for TEAEs in the short-term pool was 0.4% for placebo, 0.2% or 1.0% for vortioxetine 5 mg or 10 mg, and 0.7% each for vortioxetine 15 mg and 20 mg, as well as duloxetine. After 52-week treatment with vortioxetine, suicidal ideation based on C-SSRS was 9.8%, C-SSRS suicidal behavior was 0.2%, and the incidence of suicide-related events based on TEAEs was <1%. There were no completed suicides in any study.

Conclusions

Vortioxetine is not associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation or behavior in MDD patients.
Understanding the Turbulent Nature of the Solar Wind
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: June 2019

Sometimes the conditions in the solar wind can change dramatically over short distances. Satellite observations of these features show that they’re more complex than previously thought.
VGAM: Compact and Low‐Power Mass Spectrometer‐Based Instrumentation for Volcanic Gas Monitoring
Authors: McMurtry Gary M. , Dasilveira Luis A. , Falinski Kim A. , Fischer Tobias P.
Published: June 2019

Compact mass spectrometers (MSs) can provide simultaneous multispecies analysis with high sensitivity and precision. For volcanic gas monitoring in situ, instrumental mass spectrometry requires reliability and ruggedness combined with low power usage and portability. The Volcanic Gas Analytical Monitor (VGAM) is capable of quantitative molecular analysis of a variety of atmospheric and volcanic gases in a single sensor by ion trap mass spectrometry. These gases include H2, He, H2O, N2, O2, Ar, NO, N2O, CO, CO2, H2S, SO, SO2, and CH4. Unlike previous field instruments using magnetic sector and quadrupole MSs with vacuums backed by compact turbomolecular pumps, the VGAM uses a low‐power autoresonant ion trap MS and nonevaporable getter‐ion pumped vacuum that operates at only 25‐W total power, which is often the power requirement for just the MS. Ratiometric mass spectral response is combined with total pressure measurements to report absolute partial pressures. Data are generated in real time and are recorded to internal flash memory. Relatively low power (<1 W) data telemetry to remote sites is possible. Analysis of volcanic plumes, fumaroles, and solfatara fields is accomplished by direct inlet of gases, after trapping as much excess water vapor in both the external and internal foreline as possible. We report herein on the VGAM autorun and postprocessing procedures, initial calibration results for CO2, and the results of a brief field deployment at Sulfur Banks solfatara field, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii.
Equatorial Disturbance Dynamo Vertical Plasma Drifts Over Jicamarca: Bimonthly and Solar Cycle Dependence
Authors: Navarro L. A. , Fejer B. G. , Scherliess L.
Published: June 2019

We use extensive incoherent scatter radar observations from the Jicamarca Radio Observatory to study the local time and bimonthly dependence of the equatorial disturbance dynamo vertical plasma drifts on solar flux and geomagnetic activity. We show that the daytime disturbance drifts have generally small magnitudes with largest values before noon and an apparent annual variation. Near dusk, they are downward throughout the year with largest values during the equinoxes and smallest during June solstice. These downward drifts increase strongly with solar flux and shift to later local times. They also increase with increasing geomagnetically active conditions with no apparent local time shift. The equinoctial evening downward disturbance drifts are larger during the autumnal equinox than during the vernal equinox. The nighttime disturbance drifts are upward and have small seasonal and solar cycle dependence but increase strongly with geomagnetic activity, particularly in the late night sector. Our results are in general agreement with those from previous theoretical and experimental studies, except near dusk where our results show much stronger seasonal and solar cycle dependence.
Programmable mutually exclusive alternative splicing for generating RNA and protein diversity
Authors: Mathur Melina , Kim Cameron M. , Munro Sarah A. , Rudina Shireen S. , Sawyer Eric M. , Smolke Christina D.
Published: June 2019

Alternative splicing performs a central role in expanding genomic coding capacity and proteomic diversity. However, programming of splicing patterns in engineered biological systems remains underused. Synthetic approaches thus far have predominantly focused on controlling expression of a single protein through alternative splicing. Here, we describe a modular and extensible platform for regulating four programmable exons that undergo a mutually exclusive alternative splicing event to generate multiple functionally-distinct proteins. We present an intron framework that enforces the mutual exclusivity of two internal exons and demonstrate a graded series of consensus sequence elements of varying strengths that set the ratio of two mutually exclusive isoforms. We apply this framework to program the DNA-binding domains of modular transcription factors to differentially control downstream gene activation. This splicing platform advances an approach for generating diverse isoforms and can ultimately be applied to program modular proteins and increase coding capacity of synthetic biological systems.
RNA interference core components identified and characterised in Verticillium nonalfalfae, a vascular wilt pathogenic plant fungi of hops
Authors: Jeseničnik Taja , Štajner Nataša , Radišek Sebastjan , Jakše Jernej
Published: June 2019

The conserved RNA interference mechanism (RNAi) in the fungal kingdom has become a focus of intense scientific investigation. The three catalytic core components, Dicer-like (DCL), Argonaute (AGO), and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP), and their associated small interfering RNA molecules (siRNAs) have been identified and characterised in several fungal species. Recent studies have proposed that RNAi is a major contributor to the virulence of fungal pathogens as a result of so-called trans-kingdom RNA silencing. In the present study, we report on the existence of three core RNAi proteins in the pathogenic plant fungus Verticillium nonalfalfae, which is a soilborne plant pathogen that causes severe wilting disease in hops (Humulus lupulus L.). Two DCL proteins, two AGO proteins, and two RdRP proteins were identified, and their conserved RNAi domains were characterised. Our phylogeny results confirm the existing taxonomic relationships in the Ascomycete fungal phylum and show that the fungi of the Hypocreomycetidae subclass of the Sordariomycetes class have high amino acid sequence similarity. The expression analysis revealed a potential role of RNAi in the pathogenicity of the fungi, since all the RNAi genes were highly upregulated in the highly virulent isolate T2 and were also differentially expressed in the V. nonalfalfae-susceptible Celeia and V. nonalfalfae-resistant Wye Target cultivars.
A landmark in drug discovery based on complex natural product synthesis
Authors: Kawano Satoshi , Ito Ken , Yahata Kenzo , Kira Kazunobu , Abe Takanori , Akagi Tsuyoshi , Asano Makoto , Iso Kentaro , Sato Yuki , Matsuura Fumiyoshi , Ohashi Isao , Matsumoto Yasunobu , Isomura Minetaka , Sasaki Takeo , Fukuyama Takashi , Miyashita Yusuke , Kaburagi Yosuke , Yokoi Akira , Asano Osamu , Owa Takashi , Kishi Yoshito
Published: June 2019

Despite their outstanding antitumour activity in mice, the limited supply from the natural sources has prevented drug discovery/development based on intact halichondrins. We achieved a total synthesis of C52-halichondrin-B amine (E7130) on a >10 g scale with >99.8% purity under GMP conditions. Interestingly, E7130 not only is a novel microtubule dynamics inhibitor but can also increase intratumoural CD31-positive endothelial cells and reduce α-SMA-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts at pharmacologically relevant compound concentrations. According to these unique effects, E7130 significantly augment the effect of antitumour treatments in mouse models and is currently in a clinical trial. Overall, our work demonstrates that a total synthesis can address the issue of limited material supply in drug discovery/development even for the cases of complex natural products.
In-situ fabrication of a novel anisotropic PC-matrix light-scattering materials containing spindle-shaped core-shell particles
Authors: Ding Yitong , Li Xingwei , Zhao Ziru , Xiong Ying , Guo Shaoyun
Published: June 2019

Polycarbonate (PC)/Poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN)-organic silica bead (OSB) anisotropic light-scattering materials containing novel spindle-shaped core-shell particles through simple, low-cost hot stretching methods are prepared in situ, which have excellent and easily tunable optical properties. The effects of OSB particle size, OSB mass fraction and stretching ratio on the morphology of the spindle-shaped core-shell particles and the scattering properties of PC/SAN-OSB composites were studied in detail. The results show that smaller particle size OSB and smaller draw ratio are more conducive to the production of spindle-shaped core-shell particles. And because of the multiple scattering effects of the spindle-shaped core-shell particles, they have a significant compensation effect on the pattern short-axis light-scattering range of the PC anisotropic materials while ensuring that the pattern long-axis direction light-scattering range is not impaired.
Effectiveness of augmentative biological control depends on landscape context
Authors: Perez-Alvarez Ricardo , Nault Brian A. , Poveda Katja
Published: June 2019

Biological pest control by natural enemies is an important component of sustainable crop production. Among biological control approaches, natural enemy augmentation is an effective alternative when naturally occurring enemies are not sufficiently abundant or effective. However, it remains unknown whether the effectiveness of augmentative biocontrol varies along gradients of landscape composition, and how the interactions with resident enemies may modulate the collective impact on pest suppression. By combining field and lab experiments, we evaluated how landscape composition influenced the effectiveness of predator augmentation, and the consequences on pest abundance, plant damage, and crop biomass. We show for the first time that the effectiveness of predator augmentation is landscape-dependent. In complex landscapes, with less cropland area, predator augmentation increased predation rates, reduced pest abundance and plant damage, and increased crop biomass. By contrast, predator releases in simple landscapes had a negative effect on pest control, increasing plant damage and reducing crop biomass. Results from the lab experiment further suggested that landscape simplification can lead to greater interference among predators, causing a decrease in predator foraging efficiency. Our results indicate that landscape composition influence the effectiveness of augmentative biocontrol by modulating interactions between the introduced predators and the local enemy community.
Efficient visible light modulation based on electrically tunable all dielectric metasurfaces embedded in thin-layer nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Sun Mingyu , Xu Xuewu , Sun Xiao Wei , Liang Xin’an , Valuckas Vytautas , Zheng Yuanjin , Paniagua-Domínguez Ramón , Kuznetsov Arseniy I.
Published: June 2019

All-dielectric metasurfaces have attracted attention for highly efficient visible light manipulation. So far, however, they are mostly passive devices, while those allowing dynamic control remain a challenge. A highly efficient tuning mechanism is immersing the metasurface in a birefringent liquid crystal (LC), whose refractive index can be electrically controlled. Here, an all-dielectric tunable metasurface is demonstrated based on this concept, operating at visible frequencies and based on TiO2 nanodisks embedded in a thin LC layer. Small driving voltages from 3~5 V are sufficient to tune the metasurface resonances, with an associated transmission modulation of more than 65%. The metasurface optical responses, including the observed electric and magnetic dipole resonance shifts as well as the interfacial anchoring effect of the LC induced by the presence of the nanostructures, are systematically discussed. The dynamic tuning observed in the transmission spectra can pave the way to dynamically tunable metasurface devices for efficient visible light modulation applications.
Role of Hierarchical Protrusions in Water Repellent Superhydrophobic PTFE Surface Produced by Low Energy Ion Beam Irradiation
Authors: Pachchigar Vivek , Ranjan Mukesh , Mukherjee Subroto
Published: June 2019

The surface wettability of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was investigated with low energy Ar+ ion beam irradiation varied from 300 eV to 800 eV both at normal and oblique angle of incidence (0°–70°) and at a low irradiation time of few 10 s of seconds. A remarkable change in surface wettability was observed, surface became hydrophobic to superhydrophobic just at 800 eV energy and in 30 s time. A systematic increase in the contact angle was observed with increase in beam energy and irradiation time. For a given ion energy and a threshold irradiation time, the hierarchical protrusions developed that leads to the rolling and bouncing of water droplet even on the horizontal PTFE surface. For the above energy range, the rolling speed was found to be in the range of ~19–31 mm/s. This induced wetting behaviour due to ion irradiation leads to the Cassie-Baxter state as confirmed by the calculation of sliding angle, contact angle hysteresis (CAH) and surface free energy (SE). The CAH values were found to be reduced from 18° for untreated surface (SE ~ 20 mN/m) to 2° for 800 eV, 180 s irradiated surface (SE ~ 0.35 mN/m) at normal incidence.
Nitrogen deprivation induces triacylglycerol accumulation, drug tolerance and hypervirulence in mycobacteria
Authors: Santucci Pierre , Johansen Matt D. , Point Vanessa , Poncin Isabelle , Viljoen Albertus , Cavalier Jean-François , Kremer Laurent , Canaan Stéphane
Published: June 2019

Mycobacteria share with other actinomycetes the ability to produce large quantities of triacylglycerol (TAG), which accumulate as intracytoplasmic lipid inclusions (ILI) also known as lipid droplets (LD). Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), the etiologic agent of tuberculosis, acquires fatty acids from the human host which are utilized to synthesize TAG, subsequently stored in the form of ILI to meet the carbon and nutrient requirements of the bacterium during long periods of persistence. However, environmental factors governing mycobacterial ILI formation and degradation remain poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrated that in the absence of host cells, carbon excess and nitrogen starvation promote TAG accumulation in the form of ILI in M. smegmatis and M. abscessus, used as surrogate species of M. tb. Based on these findings, we developed a simple and reversible in vitro model to regulate ILI biosynthesis and hydrolysis in mycobacteria. We also showed that TAG formation is tgs1 dependent and that lipolytic enzymes mediate TAG breakdown. Moreover, we confirmed that the nitrogen-deprived and ILI-rich phenotype was associated with an increased tolerance towards several drugs used for treating mycobacterial infections. Importantly, we showed that the presence of ILI substantially enhanced the bacterial burden and granuloma abundance in zebrafish embryos infected with lipid-rich M. abscessus as compared to embryos infected with lipid-poor M. abscessus, suggesting that ILI are actively contributing to mycobacterial virulence and pathogenesis.
Structure of an engineered multidrug transporter MdfA reveals the molecular basis for substrate recognition
Authors: Wu Hsin-Hui , Symersky Jindrich , Lu Min
Published: June 2019

MdfA is a prototypical H+-coupled multidrug transporter that is characterized by extraordinarily broad substrate specificity. The involvement of specific H-bonds in MdfA-drug interactions and the simplicity of altering the substrate specificity of MdfA contradict the promiscuous nature of multidrug recognition, presenting a baffling conundrum. Here we show the X-ray structures of MdfA variant I239T/G354E in complexes with three electrically different ligands, determined at resolutions up to 2.2 Å. Our structures reveal that I239T/G354E interacts with these compounds differently from MdfA and that I239T/G354E possesses two discrete, non-overlapping substrate-binding sites. Our results shed new light on the molecular design of multidrug-binding and protonation sites and highlight the importance of often-neglected, long-range charge-charge interactions in multidrug recognition. Beyond helping to solve the ostensible conundrum of multidrug recognition, our findings suggest the mechanistic difference between substrate and inhibitor for any H+-dependent multidrug transporter, which may open new vistas on curtailing efflux-mediated multidrug resistance.
Lewis base-catalyzed intermolecular triazene alkyne cycloaddition for late-stage functionalization and scaffold diversification
Authors: Lv Shuaipeng , Zhou Hui , Yu Xin , Xu Yue , Zhu Huijuan , Wang Min , Liu Haitao , Dai Ziru , Sun Guibo , Gong Xiaojie , Sun Xiaobo , Wang Lei
Published: June 2019

3-Trifluoromethylpyrazole and its derivatives are of major interest to both the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industry for their diverse biological activities. Reported routes for the synthesis of 3-trifluoromethylpyrazoles are hindered by poor regioselectivity and limited scope of application. Here we report a directed Lewis base catalyzed intermolecular triazene-alkyne cycloaddition. It is featured that the combination of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene and 2,2,2-trifluorodiazoethane produces reactive triazene intermediates, which readily participate in cycloaddition reactions with terminal/internal alkynes, thus assembling densely substituted 3-trifluoromethylpyrazole scaffolds with environmental friendliness and operational simplicity. Synthetic utility of the protocol is highlighted by late-stage functionalization and scaffolds diversification. The practical value is also emphasized in potential platelet aggregation inhibitor synthesis.
Synthesis, structure and photophysical properties of a 2D network with gold dicyanide donors coordinated to aza[5]helicene viologen acceptors
Authors: Patel Ealin N. , Arthur Robert B. , Nicholas Aaron D. , Reinheimer Eric W. , Omary Mohammad A. , Brichacek Matthew , Patterson Howard H.
Published: June 2019

Investigation of a gold-heli viologen network shows the presence of [Au(CN)2]− dimers and monomers within the 2D framework, and quenching of the [Au(CN)2]− luminescence by the helicene.
The very first normal-pressure tin borate Sn3B4O9, and the intermediate Sn2[B7O12]F
Authors: Schäfer Martin J. , Jantz Stephan G. , Pielnhofer Florian , Höppe Henning A.
Published: June 2019

The first crystalline ternary tin borate was obtained under ambient pressure using anin situformed flux.
Efficiently luminescent copper(i) iodide complexes with crystallization-induced emission enhancement (CIEE)
Authors: Yang Mingxue , Chen Xu-Lin , Lu Can-Zhong
Published: June 2019

Luminescent Cu(i) iodide complexes featuring neutral diimine and phosphine ligands were prepared, in which structural rigidity might contribute to CIEE.
Enhanced nitrate removal in an Fe0-driven autotrophic denitrification system using hydrogen-rich water
Authors: Zhu Tingting , Cai Weiwei , Wang Bo , Liu Wenzong , Feng Kai , Deng Ye , Wang Aijie
Published: June 2019

Autotrophic denitrification can be driven using zero valent iron (ZVI) as an electron donor.
In situ three-dimensional imaging of strain in gold nanocrystals during catalytic oxidation
Authors: Suzana Ana Flavia , Rochet Amélie , Passos Aline Ribeiro , Castro Zerba João Paulo , Polo Carla Cristina , Santilli Celso Valentim , Pulcinelli Sandra Helena , Berenguer Felisa , Harder Ross , Maxey Evan , Meneau Florian
Published: June 2019

The formation of a nanotwin network in a gold nanoparticle correlates with its surface deformation and functional properties.
A facile construction of oxygen heterocycles by the reaction of benzoxepine-4-carboxylates with dihaloalkanes and activated alkynes
Authors: Kasagani Veera Prasad , Kurma Siva Hariprasad , Bhimapaka China Raju
Published: June 2019

The manuscript describes the preparation of naphtho[1,3]-dioxoles, [1,4]-dioxines, [1,4]-dioxepines, [1,4]-dioxocines and diethyl 2-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)naphtho[1,3]dioxoles by the reaction of benzoxepine-4-carboxylates with dihaloalkanes and activated alkynes.
Organocatalytic [4 + 2] cyclizations of para-quinone methide derivatives with isocyanates
Authors: Cheng Yu-Chun , Wang Cong-Shuai , Li Tian-Zhen , Gao Feng , Jiao Yinchun , Shi Feng
Published: June 2019

The first [4 + 2] cyclizations of o-hydroxyphenyl-substituted p-quinone methide derivatives with isocyanates have been established under the catalysis of Brønsted acids or Brønsted bases, which efficiently constructed benzoxazin-2-one frameworks in generally high yields.
Iodine-catalysed transfer hydrogenation of a carbon–carbon σ-bond with water
Authors: Yang Wu , To Ching Tat , Chan Kin Shing
Published: June 2019

An iodine-catalysed transfer hydrogenation of a C–C σ-bond with H2O is described.
Folic acid-conjugated gold nanorod@polypyrrole@Fe3O4nanocomposites for targeted MR/CT/PA multimodal imaging and chemo-photothermal therapy
Authors: Cao Wei , Wang Xuandong , Song Liang , Wang Peiyuan , Hou Xuemei , Zhang Huicong , Tian Xiangdong , Liu Xiaolong , Zhang Yun
Published: June 2019

Folic acid-conjugated gold nanorod@polypyrrole@Fe3O4nanocomposites can be used for targeted MR/CT/PA multimodal imaging and chemo-photothermal therapy.
Surface amino-functionalization of Sn-Beta zeolite catalyst for lactic acid production from glucose
Authors: Shen Zheng , Kong Ling , Zhang Wei , Gu Minyan , Xia Meng , Zhou Xuefei , Zhang Yalei
Published: June 2019

The catalytic conversion of glucose into lactic acid (LA) provides an alternative approach for LA production to bio-fermentation.
Selective embedment of silver nanocrystals into spatially segregated domains in thin polymer films for controlled fabrication of functional nanocomposites
Authors: Bushell Michael , Ianoul Anatoli
Published: June 2019

Thermally induced incorporation of plasmonic nanoparticles into specific polymer domains in a thin film is achieved and monitored in real time.
Nucleoside-lipid-based nanocarriers for methylene blue delivery: potential application as anti-malarial drug
Authors: Kowouvi Koffi , Alies Bruno , Gendrot Mathieu , Gaubert Alexandra , Vacher Gaelle , Gaudin Karen , Mosnier Joel , Pradines Bruno , Barthelemy Philippe , Grislain Luc , Millet Pascal
Published: June 2019

Nucleolipids protects methylene blue against reduction (induced by light and chemical reductants) and do not impair antimalarial activity.
Life cycle assessment of emerging Ni–Co hydroxide charge storage electrodes: impact of graphene oxide and synthesis route
Authors: Glogic Edis , Adán-Más Alberto , Sonnemann Guido , Montemor Maria de Fatima , Guerlou-Demourgues Liliane , Young Steven B.
Published: June 2019

An addition of reduced graphene oxide to nickel–cobalt hydroxide electrodes results in net reduction of cumulative energy demand due to improved electrochemical properties.
The micro RNA hsa-miR-377-3p inhibits tumor growth in malignant melanoma
Authors: Yuan Jian , Jiang Lei , Guo Chaotang
Published: June 2019

We have demonstrated that miR-377-3p inhibits melanoma cell growth by binding to the ARMC8 mRNA in the A375 cell line.
How pressure affects confine water inside different nanoslits
Authors: Zhang Qingyin , Wang Xin , Li Jipeng , Lu Sumin , Lu Diannan
Published: June 2019

Pressure significantly affects thermodynamic and diffusion properties of water confined in different nanoslits. This difference is caused by the competition of interaction between water–water and water–wall.
Synthesis and anticancer activity novel dimeric azatriperoxides
Authors: Makhmudiyarova Nataliya N. , Ishmukhametova Irina R. , Dzhemileva Lilya U. , Tyumkina Tatyana V. , D'yakonov Vladimir A. , Ibragimov Askhat G. , Dzhemilev Usein M.
Published: June 2019

A catalytic method for the synthesis of novel dimeric azatriperoxides has been developed and anticancer activity has been determined.
Controlled degradation of low-fouling poly(oligo(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate) hydrogels
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad M. , Huynh Vincent , Shad Yousuf , Ahmed Rashik , Jesmer Alexander H. , Melacini Giuseppe , Wylie Ryan G.
Published: June 2019

To tune degradation rates of low-fouling hydrogels, a 6-member P(EG)xMA copolymer library with different electronics and hydration levels was developed.
Effect of Stone–Wales defects and transition-metal dopants on arsenene: a DFT study
Authors: Li Jialin , Zhou Qingxiao , Ju Weiwei , Zhang Qian , Liu Yanling
Published: June 2019

The structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of 3d transition metal (TM) atom (Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Co, and Cu) doped Stone–Wales (SW) defect arsenene were systematically investigated by density functional theory (DFT).
Continuous flow synthesis of ordered porous materials: from zeolites to metal–organic frameworks and mesoporous silica
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Zhu Jie , Peng Ce , Wakihara Toru , Okubo Tatsuya
Published: June 2019

Herein we review the concepts, challenges and recent developments on the continuous flow synthesis of ordered porous materials.
Bis(catecholato)silanes: assessing, rationalizing and increasing silicon's Lewis superacidity
Authors: Hartmann Deborah , Schädler Marcel , Greb Lutz
Published: June 2019

The Lewis acidity of bis(catecholato)silanes is scaled and rationalized. Perbromination of the catechols provides the strongest silicon Lewis superacid.
A silicon-doped iridium electrode prepared by magnetron-sputtering as an advanced electrocatalyst for overall water splitting in acidic media
Authors: Ren Zhandong , Jin Lingzhi , Deng Li , Ming Ruoxi , Zhang Ailian , Zhou Xiaorong , Chai Bo , Zhu Yuchan
Published: June 2019

A Si-doped Ir electrode can be used as a bifunctional catalyst for overall water electrolysis in acidic media.
Ferrofluid Leidenfrost droplets
Authors: D'Angelo Christophe , Raufaste Christophe , Kuzhir Pavel , Celestini Franck
Published: June 2019

We experimentally investigate the behavior of ferrofluid Leidenfrost droplets subject to a magnetic field gradient. As a droplet evaporates, it experiences a bouncing instability and finally takes off when its radius reaches a critical value.
A Practical Guide to Establishing an Online Speech Therapy Private Practice
Authors: Ben-Aharon Avivit
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Telepractice, although not new, is an innovative, rapidly evolving field. Accessible, secure, interactive, and effective are the main benefits of this online method of providing speech therapy services. While a trained clinician is well versed in providing clinical services, the process of establishing a private telepractice can be a daunting task. From setting up the business model, marketing plan, and record-keeping systems to choosing a video conference platform and learning the rules and regulations, this article aims to provide an introductory overview of the logistics and lay the groundwork to facilitate the process of setting up a private telepractice.

Conclusion

While endorsed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as an appropriate method of service delivery in 2005, public perception, lack of controlled, substantiated research proving the effectiveness of the telepractice model, and the general absence of insurance reimbursement for service are still obstacles in the growth of online speech therapy. Education and advocacy are needed to push this cause forward and fill in the gaps.
Generalised dynamic observer design for Lipschitz non‐linear descriptor systems
Authors: Osorio‐Gordillo Gloria‐L. , Darouach Mohamed , Astorga‐Zaragoza Carlos‐M. , Boutat‐Baddas Latifa
Published: June 2019

This study concerns the observer design for Lipschitz non‐linear descriptor systems. It introduces a new observer structure called a generalised dynamic observer, which is more general than the proportional and proportional–integral observers. The originality of the proposed observer is that it provides additional degrees of freedom in the observer design, which can be used to increase steady‐state accuracy and to improve robustness in estimation against modelling errors. Conditions for the existence and stability of this observer are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Reduced‐order and full‐order observers can be designed directly by using the proposed unified approach. The effectiveness of the developed method is illustrated by two numerical examples where impulse and impulse‐free cases are considered, a comparison between the generalised dynamic observer, the proportional observer, and the proportional–integral observer is given to show the observers performances.
Multi‐innovation gradient estimation algorithms for multivariate equation‐error autoregressive moving average systems based on the filtering technique
Authors: Ma Ping , Ding Feng , Hayat Tasawar
Published: June 2019

This study concentrates on the parameter estimation of multivariate pseudo‐linear autoregressive moving average systems by means of the multi‐innovation identification theory and data filtering technique. A multi‐innovation stochastic gradient algorithm is derived by introducing the innovation length in the stochastic gradient algorithm. Then, the original system is transformed into two subsystems by using a filter. A filtering‐based multi‐innovation stochastic gradient algorithm is presented, whose parameter estimation accuracy is higher than the multi‐innovation stochastic gradient algorithm. The simulation results confirm that these two algorithms are effective.
Non‐fragile control of periodic piecewise linear time‐varying systems with time delay
Authors: Liu Yun , Li Panshuo , Xie Xiaochen , Zhang Bin
Published: June 2019

In this study, the stability and stabilisation issues of a class of periodic piecewise linear time‐varying systems with time delay are studied. Based on a lemma with respects to the negative definite matrix polynomial, a sufficient delay‐dependent exponential stability condition is obtained via constructing a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional with periodic matrix functions. Then, for two types of norm‐bounded uncertainties of time‐varying controller gains, the non‐fragile stabilising controllers under the multiplicative and additive gain perturbations are designed to stabilise the closed‐loop system. The obtained controller gains could be solved with linear matrix inequalities directly instead of using the iterative algorithm. That is valued in engineering applications. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
First grids of low-mass stellar models and isochrones with self-consistent treatment of rotation
Authors: Amard L. , Palacios A. , Charbonnel C. , Gallet F. , Georgy C. , Lagarde N. , Siess L.
Published: June 2019

Aims.We present an extended grid of state-of-the art stellar models for low-mass stars including updated physics (nuclear reaction rates, surface boundary condition, mass-loss rate, angular momentum transport, rotation-induced mixing, and torque prescriptions). We evaluate the impact of wind braking, realistic atmospheric treatment, rotation, and rotation-induced mixing on the structural and rotational evolution from the pre-main sequence (PMS) to the turn-off.

Methods.Using the STAREVOL code, we provide an updated PMS grid. We computed stellar models for seven different metallicities, from [Fe/H] = −1 dex to [Fe/H] = +0.3 dex with a solar composition corresponding toZ = 0.0134. The initial stellar mass ranges from 0.2 to 1.5M⊙with extra grid refinement around one solar mass. We also provide rotating models for three different initial rotation rates (slow, median, and fast) with prescriptions for the wind braking and disc-coupling timescale calibrated on observed properties of young open clusters. The rotational mixing includes the most recent description of the turbulence anisotropy in stably stratified regions.

Results.The overall behaviour of our models at solar metallicity, and their constitutive physics, are validated through a detailed comparison with a variety of distributed evolutionary tracks. The main differences arise from the choice of surface boundary conditions and initial solar composition. The models including rotation with our prescription for angular momentum extraction and self-consistent formalism for angular momentum transport are able to reproduce the rotation period distribution observed in young open clusters over a wide range of mass values. These models are publicly available and can be used to analyse data coming from present and forthcoming asteroseismic and spectroscopic surveys such asGaia, TESS, and PLATO.