bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of the United States and United Kingdom Smallpox Epidemics (1901–5) – The Special Relationship that Tested Public Health Strategies for Disease Control
Authors: Brabin Bernard
Published: December 2019

At the end of the nineteenth century, the northern port of Liverpool had become the second largest in the United Kingdom. Fast transatlantic steamers to Boston and other American ports exploited this route, increasing the risk of maritime disease epidemics. The 1901–3 epidemic in Liverpool was the last serious smallpox outbreak in Liverpool and was probably seeded from these maritime contacts, which introduced a milder form of the disease that was more difficult to trace because of its long incubation period and occurrence of undiagnosed cases. The characteristics of these epidemics in Boston and Liverpool are described and compared with outbreaks in New York, Glasgow and London between 1900 and 1903. Public health control strategies, notably medical inspection, quarantine and vaccination, differed between the two countries and in both settings were inconsistently applied, often for commercial reasons or due to public unpopularity. As a result, smaller smallpox epidemics spread out from Liverpool until 1905. This paper analyses factors that contributed to this last serious epidemic using the historical epidemiological data available at that time. Though imperfect, these early public health strategies paved the way for better prevention of imported maritime diseases.
Between Donor Interest, Global Models and Local Conditions: Treatment and Decision-Making in the Somalia-Finland Tuberculosis Control Project, 1981–3
Authors: Harju Kaisa
Published: December 2019

Despite numerous global health initiatives after World War II, tuberculosis still poses a major threat in sub-Saharan Africa. This article examines one attempt to tackle this problem: the Somalia-Finland Tuberculosis Control Project. Conducted in the 1980s as a bilateral development aid project between the two countries, it became the most extensive – and expensive – tuberculosis initiative in Somalia in that decade. An interesting feature of the project is that, despite a lack of previous experience in tuberculosis work in developing countries, the Finnish partner decided not to follow the WHO global guidelines designed to standardise tuberculosis activities across the developing world. Instead, Finns established their own treatment programme based on X-ray and short-course chemotherapy – otherwise rarely used in clinical practice in Africa. Through a close reading and comparison of the correspondence, project plans, memos and minutes, the article analyses the formation of this strategy. Focusing on ground-level decision-making, it argues that the decisions were based not only on a belief in the superior clinical effectiveness of these methods, but also on the fact that they better suited Finnish ambitions and project logic. Thus, the article supports the notion that donor perspectives on resources and project objectives determined what was seen as feasible treatment in a developing country. By shedding light on the debate between the supporters of short-course chemotherapy and the WHO standard treatment strategy, it also contributes to the early history of DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course).
MULTIPHONICS ON VIBRATING STRINGS
Authors: Walter Caspar Johannes
Published: December 2019

Multiphonics on vibrating strings have been an important element in my compositions since the early 1990s. In order to calculate the frequency components of so-called pure multiphonics (multiphonics consisting of harmonic partials of the fundamental) on vibrating strings, I developed my fraction windowing algorithm. The first section of this article details the use of multiphonics in my compositions and the second section discusses how the fraction windowing algorithm works and its relationship to the closely related mathematical concept of a continued fraction. The article also discusses the online apps I have developed as tools for composers and performers who are interested in using these methods in their own work on string multiphonics.
MULTIPHONICS ON THE HARP: INITIAL OBSERVATIONS
Authors: Einarsdóttir Gunnhildur
Published: December 2019

Earlier this year I was contacted by Ellen Fallowfield who asked me to look into multiphonics on the harp. I was curious but also rather sceptical: although I could immediately find multiphonics in several places on the string, I worried that their use would be impractical. This article takes a practical look at multiphonics on the harp from a performer's point of view. I share my initial observations about their production, sound and predictability as well as their relationship to other harmonics on the harp. It is my hope that the article will lead to further investigation of this fascinating topic.
THE MICROTONAL PIANO AND THE TUNED-IN INTERPRETER
Authors: Yoshida Sanae
Published: December 2019

This article forms part of ‘The Microtonal Piano – and the tuned-in interpreter’, an ongoing artistic research project at the Norwegian Academy of Music that seeks to demonstrate how microtonality can increase the expressive possibilities of the acoustic piano. Many different modes of playing can result in microtonal sounds, and this article presents a preliminary overview of these possibilities. For the project, new works have been commissioned from several composers, and different aspects of microtonal modes of playing are integrated into these works. Multiphonics is obviously one of these modes of playing, as it most often results in microtonality. At the end of the article, different ways that multiphonics can be modified when used in combination with some of the other microtonal modes of playing are suggested.
Nitrogen Oxide Emissions from U.S. Oil and Gas Production: Recent Trends and Source Attribution
Authors: Dix Barbara , de Bruin Joep , Roosenbrand Esther , Vlemmix Tim , Francoeur Colby , Gorchov‐Negron Alan , McDonald Brian , Zhizhin Mikhail , Elvidge Christopher , Veefkind Pepijn , Levelt Pieternel , de Gouw Joost
Published: December 2019

U.S. oil and natural gas production volumes have grown by up to 100% in key production areas between January 2017 and August 2019. Here we show that recent trends are visible from space and can be attributed to drilling, production, and gas flaring activities. By using oil and gas activity data as predictors in a multivariate regression to satellite measurements of tropospheric NO2 columns, observed changes in NO2 over time could be attributed to NOx emissions associated with drilling, production and gas flaring for three select regions: the Permian, Bakken, and Eagle Ford basins. We find that drilling had been the dominant NOx source contributing around 80% before the downturn in drilling activity in 2015. Thereafter, NOx contributions from drilling activities and combined production and flaring activities are similar. Comparison of our top‐down source attribution with a bottom‐up fuel‐based oil and gas NOx emission inventory shows agreement within error margins.
Observed Relationships Between Sudden Stratospheric Warmings and European Climate Extremes
Authors: King Andrew D. , Butler Amy H. , Jucker Martin , Earl Nick O. , Rudeva Irina
Published: December 2019

Sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) have been linked with anomalously cold temperatures at the surface in the middle to high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere as climatological westerly winds in the stratosphere tend to weaken and turn easterly. However, previous studies have largely relied on reanalyses and model simulations to infer the role of SSWs on surface climate and SSW relationships with extremes have not been fully analyzed. Here, we use observed daily gridded temperature and precipitation data over Europe to comprehensively examine the response of climate extremes to the occurrence of SSWs. We show that for much of Scandinavia, winters with SSWs are on average at least 1 °C cooler, but the coldest day and night of winter is on average at least 2 °C colder than in non‐SSW winters. Anomalously high pressure over Scandinavia reduces precipitation on the northern Atlantic coast but increases overall rainfall and the number of wet days in southern Europe. In the 60 days after SSWs, cold extremes are more intense over Scandinavia with anomalously high pressure and drier conditions prevailing. Over southern Europe there is a tendency toward lower pressure, increased precipitation and more wet days. The surface response in cold temperature extremes over northwest Europe to the 2018 SSW was stronger than observed for any SSW during 1979–2016. Our analysis shows that SSWs have an effect not only on mean climate but also extremes over much of Europe. Only with carefully designed analyses are the relationships between SSWs and climate means and extremes detectable above synoptic‐scale variability.
Long‐Term Changes in the Northern Midwinter Middle Atmosphere in Relation to the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation
Authors: Gabriel A.
Published: December 2019

Long‐term changes in the middle atmosphere due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are examined in relation to the effect of the equatorial Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) on the northern midwinter circulation. The examinations are based on the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 simulations for 1979–2100 with the Earth‐System‐Model MPI‐ESM‐MR that generates the QBO internally. In particular, the three‐dimensional residual circulation is used as proxy for the Brewer‐Dobson circulation, revealing an increasing downwelling in the center of the polar low over Northern Europe/Siberia (~5% per decade). The changes in northern midwinter temperature, zonal wind, and residual circulation are much stronger during westerly (QBO‐W) than easterly (QBO‐E) phase of QBO (e.g., for a moderate increase in greenhouse gases, we find maximum decreases in the zonal mean westerly jet at 60°N and 3 hPa of about −14.8 ± 5.4 m/s for QBO‐W but only −4.7 ± 5.2 m/s for QBO‐E). This is due to a change of the extratropical QBO‐W signature toward QBO‐E signature while the equatorial QBO remains nearly unchanged (i.e., a change toward disappearance of the so‐called Holton‐Tan relationship). Similar to the current change from QBO‐W to QBO‐E signature, the changes during QBO‐W include an increase in amplitude and eastward shift in phase of stratospheric stationary Wave 1 at the cost of Wave 2, with decreasing westerlies over North America and increasing downwelling over Siberia. The eastward shift in phase of stationary Wave 1 is related to the associated increase in meridional transport of planetary vorticity.
Influence of Macrobenthos (Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus) on Erosion‐Accretion Processes in Intertidal Flats: A Case Study From a Cultivation Zone
Authors: Shi Benwei , Pratolongo Paula D. , Du Yongfen , Li Jiasheng , Yang S. L. , Wu Jihua , Xu Kehui , Wang Ya Ping
Published: December 2019

The activity of benthic organisms can strongly influence sediment dynamics in an intertidal flat. However, few studies have conducted a quantitative assessments of the effect of benthic organisms on erosion‐accretion processes under field conditions. The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of the benthic clam Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus (M. meretrix) on bed erodibility and sediment erosion‐accretion processes in an intertidal flat. Within the cultivation zone at site A, M. meretrix is present in large numbers (up to 137 individuals per square meter). On the other hand, site B is located outside the cultivation zone. At this site, which is only 500 m away from site A alongshore, M. meretrix forms a sparse population with only 3.7 individuals per square meter. The results showed that the critical shear stress for erosion, denoted by τce, was 0.22 and 0.32 N/m2 at sites A and B, respectively, and the magnitudes of bed‐level change were significantly higher at site A than site B. These results reveal the large effect of M. meretrix on decreasing τce, augmenting the erosion rate when the bed shear stress due to combined currents and waves, denoted by τcw, was higher than τce, and conversely enhancing the accretion rate when τcw < τce. The changes induced in these parameters are likely to have a large impact on model predictions of bed erodibility, sedimentary processes, and morphological evolution. Thus, integrated field measurements of hydrodynamic and bed‐level changes, accompanied by simultaneous biological sampling, may help to improve the parameterization of hydro‐sedimentary and morphodynamic models for shallow‐water environments.
Edematous severe acute malnutrition is characterized by hypomethylation of DNA
Authors: Schulze Katharina V. , Swaminathan Shanker , Howell Sharon , Jajoo Aarti , Lie Natasha C. , Brown Orgen , Sadat Roa , Hall Nancy , Zhao Liang , Marshall Kwesi , May Thaddaeus , Reid Marvin E. , Taylor-Bryan Carolyn , Wang Xueqing , Belmont John W. , Guan Yongtao , Manary Mark J. , Trehan Indi , McKenzie Colin A. , Hanchard Neil A.
Published: December 2019

Edematous severe acute childhood malnutrition (edematous SAM or ESAM), which includes kwashiorkor, presents with more overt multi-organ dysfunction than non-edematous SAM (NESAM). Reduced concentrations and methyl-flux of methionine in 1-carbon metabolism have been reported in acute, but not recovered, ESAM, suggesting downstream DNA methylation changes could be relevant to differences in SAM pathogenesis. Here, we assess genome-wide DNA methylation in buccal cells of 309 SAM children using the 450 K microarray. Relative to NESAM, ESAM is characterized by multiple significantly hypomethylated loci, which is not observed among SAM-recovered adults. Gene expression and methylation show both positive and negative correlation, suggesting a complex transcriptional response to SAM. Hypomethylated loci link to disorders of nutrition and metabolism, including fatty liver and diabetes, and appear to be influenced by genetic variation. Our epigenetic findings provide a potential molecular link to reported aberrant 1-carbon metabolism in ESAM and support consideration of methyl-group supplementation in ESAM.
MyoD induced enhancer RNA interacts with hnRNPL to activate target gene transcription during myogenic differentiation
Authors: Zhao Yu , Zhou Jiajian , He Liangqiang , Li Yuying , Yuan Jie , Sun Kun , Chen Xiaona , Bao Xichen , Esteban Miguel A. , Sun Hao , Wang Huating
Published: December 2019

Emerging evidence supports roles of enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) in regulating target gene. Here, we study eRNA regulation and function during skeletal myoblast differentiation. We provide a panoramic view of enhancer transcription and categorization of eRNAs. Master transcription factor MyoD is crucial in activating eRNA production. Super enhancer (se) generated seRNA-1 and -2 promote myogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo. seRNA-1 regulates expression levels of two nearby genes, myoglobin (Mb) and apolipoprotein L6 (Apol6), by binding to heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNPL). A CAAA tract on seRNA-1 is essential in mediating seRNA-1/hnRNPL binding and function. Disruption of seRNA-1-hnRNPL interaction attenuates Pol II and H3K36me3 deposition at the Mb locus, in coincidence with the reduction of its transcription. Furthermore, analyses of hnRNPL binding transcriptome-wide reveal its association with eRNAs is a general phenomenon in multiple cells. Collectively, we propose that eRNA-hnRNPL interaction represents a mechanism contributing to target mRNA activation.
Two-dimensional nanoframes with dual rims
Authors: Yoo Sungjae , Kim Jeongwon , Choi Sungwoo , Park Doojae , Park Sungho
Published: December 2019

The synthesis of highly complex two-dimensional (2D) metal nanoframes remains a great challenge. Synthetic strategies for preparing 2D metal nanoframes are few, and rational and systematic synthetic pathways to more complicated architectures have not yet been reported. Herein, we demonstrate a stepwise synthetic strategy for complex 2D metal nanoframes with a high degree of intricacy; the strategy leads to a variety of shapes, including rings, triangles, hexagons, and tripods with tailorable single or double frames in a single entity. These nanoframes of high homogeneity could be obtained through selective combination of four different chemical toolkits consisting of selective etching and deposition on certain facets, and concentric and/or eccentric regrowth by controlling the mismatches of lattice constants of metals. The resulting nanoframes were highly homogeneous in size and shape and had van der Waals interactions that maximized rim-to-rim contact, allowing them to uniquely self-assemble into large-area superstructures.
Characterization of corrosion resistance of C/C–SiC composite in molten chloride mixture MgCl2/NaCl/KCl at 700 °C
Authors: Ding Wenjin , Shi Yuan , Kessel Fiona , Koch Dietmar , Bauer Thomas
Published: December 2019

Due to their high thermal stability and low cost, molten chlorides are promising high-temperature fluids for example for thermal energy storage (TES) and heat transfer fluid (HTF) materials in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants and other applications. However, the commercial application of molten chlorides is strongly limited due to their strong corrosivity against commercial alloys at high temperatures. The work addresses on a fundamental level whether carbon based composite ceramics could be potentially utilized for some corrosion critical components. Liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) based carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide (called C/C–SiC) composite is immersed in a molten chloride salt (MgCl2/NaCl/KCl 60/20/20 mole%) at 700 °C for 500 h under argon atmosphere. The material properties and microstructure of the C/C–SiC composite with and without exposure in the molten chloride salt have been investigated through mechanical testing and analysis with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) scanning. The results reveal that the C/C–SiC composite maintains its mechanical properties after exposure in the strongly corrosive molten chloride salt. The oxidizing impurities in the molten salt react only with residual elemental silicon (Si) in the area of the C/C–SiC matrix. In comparison, no indication of reaction between the molten chloride salt and carbon fiber or SiC in the matrix is observed. In conclusion, the investigated C/C–SiC composite has a sound application potential as a structural material for high-temperature TES and HTF with molten chlorides due to its excellent corrosion resistance and favorable mechanical properties at high temperatures.
An Electrical Characterisation Methodology for Benchmarking Memristive Device Technologies
Authors: Stathopoulos Spyros , Michalas Loukas , Khiat Ali , Serb Alexantrou , Prodromakis Themis
Published: December 2019

The emergence of memristor technologies brings new prospects for modern electronics via enabling novel in-memory computing solutions and energy-efficient and scalable reconfigurable hardware implementations. Several competing memristor technologies have been presented with each bearing distinct performance metrics across multi-bit memory capacity, low-power operation, endurance, retention and stability. Application needs however are constantly driving the push towards higher performance, which necessitates the introduction of a standard benchmarking procedure for fair evaluation across distinct key metrics. Here we present an electrical characterisation methodology that amalgamates several testing protocols in an appropriate sequence adapted for memristors benchmarking needs, in a technology-agnostic manner. Our approach is designed to extract information on all aspects of device behaviour, ranging from deciphering underlying physical mechanisms to assessing different aspects of electrical performance and even generating data-driven device-specific models. Importantly, it relies solely on standard electrical characterisation instrumentation that is accessible in most electronics laboratories and can thus serve as an independent tool for understanding and designing new memristive device technologies.
AFM nanoindentation reveals decrease of elastic modulus of lipid bilayers near freezing point of water
Authors: Gabbutt Calum , Shen Wuyi , Seifert Jacob , Contera Sonia
Published: December 2019

Cell lipid membranes are the primary site of irreversible injury during freezing/thawing and cryopreservation of cells, but the underlying causes remain unknown. Here, we probe the effect of cooling from 20 °C to 0 °C on the structure and mechanical properties of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) bilayers using atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging and AFM-based nanoindentation in a liquid environment. The Young’s modulus of elasticity (E)at each temperature for DPPC was obtained at different ionic strengths. Both at 20 mM and 150 mM NaCl,Eof DPPC bilayers increases exponentially –as expected–as the temperature is lowered between 20 °C and 5 °C, but at 0 °CEdrops from the values measured at 5 °C. Our results support the hypothesis that mechanical weakening of the bilayer at 0 °C  is produced by  structural changes at the lipid-fluid interface.
Anthropogenic substrate-borne vibrations impact anuran calling
Authors: Caorsi Valentina , Guerra Vinicius , Furtado Raíssa , Llusia Diego , Miron Lívia Roese , Borges-Martins Márcio , Both Camila , Narins Peter M. , Meenderink Sebastiaan W. F. , Márquez Rafael
Published: December 2019

Anthropogenic disturbance is a major cause of the biodiversity crisis. Nevertheless, the role of anthropogenic substrate vibrations in disrupting animal behavior is poorly understood. Amphibians comprise the terrestrial vertebrates most sensitive to vibrations, and since communication is crucial to their survival and reproduction, they are a suitable model for investigating this timely subject. Playback tests were used to assess the effects of substrate vibrations produced by two sources of anthropogenic activity– road traffic and wind turbines– on the calling activity of a naïve population of terrestrial toads. In their natural habitat, a buried tactile sound transducer was used to emit simulated traffic and wind turbine vibrations, and changes in the toads’ acoustic responses were analyzed by measuring parameters important for reproductive success: call rate, call duration and dominant frequency. Our results showed a significant call rate reduction by males ofAlytes obstetricansin response to both seismic sources, whereas other parameters remained stable. Since females of several species prefer males with higher call rates, our results suggest that anthropogenically derived substrate-borne vibrations could reduce individual reproductive success. Our study demonstrates a clear negative effect of anthropogenic vibrations on anuran communication, and the urgent need for further investigation in this area.
On the first evidence of exchange-bias feature in magnetically contrasted consolidates made from CoFe2O4-CoO core-shell nanoparticles
Authors: Flores-Martinez Nancy , Franceschin Giulia , Gaudisson Thomas , Haj-Khlifa Sonia , Derouich Sarra Gam , Yaacoub Nader , Grenèche Jean-Marc , Menguy Nicolas , Valenzuela Raul , Ammar Souad
Published: December 2019

Hetero-nanostructures based on magnetic contrast oxides have been prepared as highly dense nanoconsolidates. Cobalt ferrite-cobalt oxide core-shell type nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by seed mediated growth in polyol and subsequently consolidated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) at 500 °C for a few minutes while applying a uniaxial pressure of 100 MPa. It is interesting to note that the exchange bias feature observed in the core-shell NPs is reproduced in their ceramic counterparts, or even attenuated. A systematic structural characterization was then carried out to elucidate the decrease in the exchange magnetic field, involving mainly advanced X-ray diffraction, zero-field and in-field 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry, magnetic measurements and electron microscopy.
Comparison of Escherichia coli surface attachment methods for single-cell microscopy
Authors: Wang Yao-Kuan , Krasnopeeva Ekaterina , Lin Ssu-Yuan , Bai Fan , Pilizota Teuta , Lo Chien-Jung
Published: December 2019

For in vivo, single-cell imaging bacterial cells are commonly immobilised via physical confinement or surface attachment. Different surface attachment methods have been used both for atomic force and optical microscopy (including super resolution), and some have been reported to affect bacterial physiology. However, a systematic comparison of the effects these attachment methods have on the bacterial physiology is lacking. Here we present such a comparison for bacterium Escherichia coli, and assess the growth rate, size and intracellular pH of cells growing attached to different, commonly used, surfaces. We demonstrate that E. coli grow at the same rate, length and internal pH on all the tested surfaces when in the same growth medium. The result suggests that tested attachment methods can be used interchangeably when studying E. coli physiology.
Lipid and DHA-production in Aurantiochytrium sp. – Responses to nitrogen starvation and oxygen limitation revealed by analyses of production kinetics and global transcriptomes
Authors: Heggeset Tonje M. B. , Ertesvåg Helga , Liu Bin , Ellingsen Trond E. , Vadstein Olav , Aasen Inga Marie
Published: December 2019

Thraustochytrids of the genera Schizochytrium and Aurantiochytrium accumulate oils rich in the essential, marine n3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA production in Aurantiochytrium sp T66 was studied with the aim to provide more knowledge about factors that affect the DHA-productivities and the contributions of the two enzyme systems used for fatty acid synthesis in thraustochytrids, fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and PUFA-synthase. Fermentations with nitrogen starvation, which is well-known to initiate lipid accumulation in oleaginous organisms, were compared to fermentations with nitrogen in excess, obtained by oxygen limitation. The specific productivities of fatty acids originating from FAS were considerably higher under nitrogen starvation than with nitrogen in excess, while the specific productivities of DHA were the same at both conditions. Global transcriptome analysis showed significant up-regulation of FAS under N-deficient conditions, while the PUFA-synthase genes were only marginally upregulated. Neither of them was upregulated under O2-limitation where nitrogen was in excess, suggesting that N-starvation mainly affects the FAS and may be less important for the PUFA-synthase. The transcriptome analysis also revealed responses likely to be related to the generation of reducing power (NADPH) for fatty acid synthesis.
Quantum spin-valley Hall effect in AB-stacked bilayer silicene
Authors: Lee Kyu Won , Lee Cheol Eui
Published: December 2019

Our density functional theory calculations show that while AB-stacked bilayer silicene has a non-quantized spin-valley Chern number, there exist backscattering-free gapless edge states within the bulk gap, leading to a quantum spin-valley Hall effect. Using a tight-binding model for a honeycomb bilayer, we found that the interlayer potential difference and the staggered AB-sublattice potential lead to abrupt and gradual change of the valley Chern number from a quantized value to zero, respectively, while maintaining backscattering-free gapless edge states if the valley Chern number is not too close to zero. Under an inversion symmetry-breaking potential in the form of the staggered AB-sublattice potential, such as an antiferromagnetic order and a hexagonal diatomic sheet, a finite but non-quantized (spin-)valley Chern number can correspond to a quantum (spin-)valley Hall insulator.
Markers of endothelial pathology to support detection of atrial fibrillation in embolic stroke of undetermined source
Authors: Ziegler Nora L. , Sieweke Jan-Thorben , Biber Saskia , Gabriel Maria M. , Schuppner Ramona , Worthmann Hans , Martens-Lobenhoffer Jens , Lichtinghagen Ralf , Bode-Böger Stefanie M. , Bavendiek Udo , Weissenborn Karin , Grosse Gerrit M.
Published: December 2019

A relevant part of embolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS) is assumed to be cardiogenic. As shown previously, certain biomarkers of endothelial pathology are related to atrial fibrillation (AF). In this long-term follow-up study, we aimed to investigate whether these biomarkers are associated with subsequently diagnosed AF and with atrial cardiopathy. In 98 patients who suffered ischemic stroke of known and unknown origin L-arginine, Asymmetric (ADMA) and Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) have been measured on follow-up at least one year after index stroke. Stroke-diagnostics were available for all patients, including carotid Intima-Media-Thickness (CIMT) and comprehensive echocardiography studies. CIMT was larger in AF- compared with ESUS-patients (P < 0.001), independently from CHA2DS2VASC in the regression analysis (P = 0.004). SDMA-values were stable over time (P < 0.001; r = 0.788), whereas for ADMA moderate correlation with the initial values could be found (P = 0.007; r = 0.356). According to Kaplan-Meier-analyses, AF-detection rates were associated with CIMT (P = 0.003) and SDMA (P < 0.001). SDMA correlated with left atrial volume-index within the whole collective (P = 0.003, r = 0.322) and within the ESUS-subgroup (P = 0.003; r = 0.446). These associations were independent from CHA2DS2VASC and renal function in the regression analysis (P = 0.02 and P = 0.005, respectively). In conclusion, these results highlight SDMA and CIMT as potential markers of atrial cardiopathy and AF in ESUS-patients.
The bradykinin system in stress and anxiety in humans and mice
Authors: Rouhiainen Ari , Kulesskaya Natalia , Mennesson Marie , Misiewicz Zuzanna , Sipilä Tessa , Sokolowska Ewa , Trontti Kalevi , Urpa Lea , McEntegart William , Saarnio Suvi , Hyytiä Petri , Hovatta Iiris
Published: December 2019

Pharmacological research in mice and human genetic analyses suggest that the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) may regulate anxiety. We examined the role of the KKS in anxiety and stress in both species. In human genetic association analysis, variants in genes for the bradykinin precursor (KNG1) and the bradykinin receptors (BDKRB1andBDKRB2) were associated with anxiety disorders (p < 0.05). In mice, however, neither acute nor chronic stress affected B1 receptor gene or protein expression, and B1 receptor antagonists had no effect on anxiety tests measuring approach-avoidance conflict. We thus focused on the B2 receptor and found that mice injected with the B2 antagonist WIN 64338 had lowered levels of a physiological anxiety measure, the stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH), vs controls. In the brown adipose tissue, a major thermoregulator, WIN 64338 increased expression of the mitochondrial regulatorPgc1aand the bradykinin precursor geneKng2was upregulated after cold stress. Our data suggests that the bradykinin system modulates a variety of stress responses through B2 receptor-mediated effects, but systemic antagonists of the B2 receptor were not anxiolytic in mice. Genetic variants in the bradykinin receptor genes may predispose to anxiety disorders in humans by affecting their function.
Immune check point inhibitors-induced hypophysitis: a retrospective analysis of the French Pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Garon-Czmil Julie , Petitpain Nadine , Rouby Franck , Sassier Marion , Babai Samy , Yéléhé-Okouma Mélissa , Weryha Georges , Klein Marc , Gillet Pierre
Published: December 2019

Immune control point (ICI) inhibitors represent a significant advance in the management and survival of cancers such as melanoma or non-small cell bronchial carcinoma. However, they induce unusual side effects, such as hypophysitis, which are rarely described elsewhere. This nationwide retrospective study describes the characteristics of hypophysitis reported in the French pharmacovigilance database (FPVD). We requested for all cases of ICI-related hypophysitis registered in the FPVD before May 2018. An endocrinologist and a pharmacologist reviewed all cases. About 94 pituitary cases were selected, involving 49 females and 45 men. Ipilimumab alone or in combination was the most represented ICI (56%). Most cases (61%) were grade 3 severity and the majority (90%) were corticotropic deficiency cases. Cases with thyroid and/or gonadotropic involvement were 21% and 1% respectively. Five patients (8%) had panhypopituitarism. Pituitary MRI, when performed, was in favor of hypophysitis in 50%. No patient recovered his previous hormonal function. The mean time of onset was significantly shorter with ipilimumab than other ICIs. ICI-related hypophysitis generate deficits that do not spontaneously recover, even at a distance from the event, unlike thyroiditis. Patients must then benefit from long-term coordinated onco-endocrinological management, adapted to their own specific deficits.
Faecal pollution affects abundance and diversity of aquatic microbial community in anthropo-zoogenically influenced lotic ecosystems
Authors: Paruch Lisa , Paruch Adam M. , Eiken Hans Geir , Sørheim Roald
Published: December 2019

The aquatic microbiota is known to be an important factor in the sustainability of the natural water ecosystems. However, the microbial community also might include pathogens, which result in very serious waterborne diseases in humans and animals. Faecal pollution is the major cause of these diseases. Therefore, it is of immense importance to assess the potential impact of faecal pollution, originating from both anthropogenic and zoogenic sources, on the profile of microbial communities in natural water environments. To this end, the microbial taxonomic diversity of lotic ecosystems in different regions of Norway, representing urban and rural areas, exposed to various levels of faecal pollution, was investigated over the course of a 1-year period. The highest microbial diversity was found in rural water that was the least faecally polluted, while the lowest was found in urban water with the highest faecal contamination. The overall diversity of the aquatic microbial community was significantly reduced in severely polluted water. In addition, the community compositions diverged between waters where the dominant pollution sources were of anthropogenic or zoogenic origin. The results provide new insight into the understanding of how faecal water contamination, specifically that of different origins, influences the microbial diversity of natural waters.
Author Correction: The impact of decellularization methods on extracellular matrix derived hydrogels
Authors: Fernández-Pérez Julia , Ahearne Mark
Published: December 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: A Unified Framework for Complex Networks with Degree Trichotomy Based on Markov Chains
Authors: Hui David Shui Wing , Chen Yi-Chao , Zhang Gong , Wu Weijie , Chen Guanrong , Lui John C. S. , Li Yingtao
Published: December 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Transcontinental dispersal of Anopheles gambiae occurred from West African origin via serial founder events
Authors: Schmidt Hanno , Lee Yoosook , Collier Travis C. , Hanemaaijer Mark J. , Kirstein Oscar D. , Ouledi Ahmed , Muleba Mbanga , Norris Douglas E. , Slatkin Montgomery , Cornel Anthony J. , Lanzaro Gregory C.
Published: December 2019

The mosquito Anopheles gambiae s.s. is distributed across most of sub-Saharan Africa and is of major scientific and public health interest for being an African malaria vector. Here we present population genomic analyses of 111 specimens sampled from west to east Africa, including the first whole genome sequences from oceanic islands, the Comoros. Genetic distances between populations of A. gambiae are discordant with geographic distances but are consistent with a stepwise migration scenario in which the species increases its range from west to east Africa through consecutive founder events over the last ~200,000 years. Geological barriers like the Congo River basin and the East African rift seem to play an important role in shaping this process. Moreover, we find a high degree of genetic isolation of populations on the Comoros, confirming the potential of these islands as candidate sites for potential field trials of genetically engineered mosquitoes for malaria control.
Publisher Correction: Endogenous formaldehyde is a memory-related molecule in mice and humans
Authors: Ai Li , Tan Tao , Tang Yonghe , Yang Jun , Cui Dehua , Wang Rui , Wang Aibo , Fei Xuechao , Di Yalan , Wang Xiaoming , Yu Yan , Zhao Shengjie , Wang Weishan , Bai Shangying , Yang Xu , He Rongqiao , Lin Weiying , Han Hongbin , Cai Xiang , Tong Zhiqian
Published: December 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Molecularly imprinted polymers for miniaturized sample preparation techniques: strategies for chromatographic and mass spectrometry methods
Authors: Santos H. , Martins R. O. , Soares D. A. , Chaves A. R.
Published: December 2019

Small-scale innovations with MIP applications in chromatography and mass spectrometry methods.
Tailored fabrication of iridium nanoparticle-sensitized titanium oxynitride nanotubes for solar-driven water splitting: experimental insights on the photocatalytic–activity–defects relationship
Authors: Eid Kamel , A. Soliman Khaled , Abdulmalik Dana , Mitoraj Dariusz , Sleim Mostafa H. , Liedke Maciej O. , El-Sayed Hany A. , AlJaber Amina S. , Y. Al-Qaradawi Ilham , Mendoza Reyes Oliver , Abdullah Aboubakr M.
Published: December 2019

Uniform and vertically aligned nanotube arrays of titanium oxynitride functionalized with iridium nanoparticles (Ir/TiON-NTs) were fabricated for the solar driven-water splitting.
Facile passivation of black phosphorus nanosheets via silica coating for stable and efficient solar desalination
Authors: Li Miao , Zhao Qing , Zhang Siyu , Li Dengyu , Li Haibo , Zhang Xuejiao , Xing Baoshan
Published: December 2019

BP nanosheets were passivated by forming a double-layer silica shell that was subsequently used for solar desalination.
Design and synthesis of a bivalent probe targeting the putative mu opioid receptor and chemokine receptor CXCR4 heterodimer
Authors: Reinecke Bethany A. , Kang Guifeng , Zheng Yi , Obeng Samuel , Zhang Huijun , Selley Dana E. , An Jing , Zhang Yan
Published: December 2019

The first bivalent ligand targeting the putative heterodimer of the mu opioid receptor and the chemokine receptor CXCR4.
Characterization of the heavy metal binding properties of periplasmic metal uptake protein CLas-ZnuA2
Authors: Kumar Pranav , Dalal Vikram , Sharma Nidhi , Kokane Sunil , Ghosh Dilip Kumar , Kumar Pravindra , Sharma Ashwani Kumar
Published: December 2019

Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), a phloem-limited unculturable Gram-negative bacterium, causes citrus greening disease. The proteome analysis of CLas showed the presence of a heavy metal permease and Co/Zn/Cd cation exporter system. However, there is no designated metal uptake protein specific for the heavy metal permease in CLas. One of the metal uptake proteins, designated as CLas-ZnuA2, in our previous studies, showed a lower metal-binding affinity for Mn2+ and Zn2+ and was postulated to bind and transport metals rather non-specifically. The present study focused on the characterization of the heavy metal binding properties of CLas-ZnuA2 using SPR, CD, DSC and crystallographic studies. The crystal structure analysis of Cd2+ bound CLas-ZnuA2 showed octahedral geometry for Cd2+ binding as compared to a non-preferred square-pyramidal geometry for Mn2+ and Zn2+ binding in earlier reported crystal structures. In SPR analysis, the binding affinities of 4.7 × 10−6 M, 7.2 × 10−6 M, 5.3 × 10−5 M and 4.3 × 10−5 M for Hg2+, Cd2+, Ba2+ and Co2+ respectively were higher as compared to earlier reported values for Mn2+ and Zn2+. Likewise, CD and DSC analysis showed relatively higher thermal stability for CLas-ZnuA2 on heavy metal binding. Taken together with the expression of the permease and exporter system for heavy metals, our results indicate that CLas-ZnuA2 may be involved in sequestering and transport of various transition divalent metals in environmentally stressed conditions.
A general steam-assisted method for one-step synthesis of polymeric carbon nitride nanosheets with/without doping for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Shu Zhu , Tan Yigen , Zhou Jun , Li Tiantian , Chen Jieyu , Chen Donghang , Wang Wenbin , Zhao Zhengliang , Hu Xiang
Published: December 2019

A one-step steam-assisted method for preparing polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) nanosheets with/without doping for superior photocatalytic H2 evolution, using a green gas template, i.e. steam, decomposed from the recyclable steam source Mg(OH)2.
Self-healing and reprocessable bromo butylrubber based on combined ionic cluster formation and hydrogen bonding
Authors: Stein Sebastian , Mordvinkin Anton , Voit Brigitte , Komber Hartmut , Saalwächter Kay , Böhme Frank
Published: December 2019

The properties of modified bromobutyl rubber are strongly influenced by competing interactions via hydrogen bridges and ionic cluster formation. Dynamic network formation enables self-healing and reprocessability of the material.
Coordinative helix–helix association of heteroleptic metallosupramolecular helicates
Authors: Kang Philjae , Yoo Hyojong
Published: December 2019

Coordinative helix–helix association of racemic metallosupramolecular helicates is controllably synthesized and fully characterized.
Superlithiophilic graphene-silver enabling ultra-stable hosts for lithium metal anodes
Authors: Zhuang Huifeng , Zhao Ping , Xu Yue
Published: December 2019

Lithium (Li) metal anodes are considered to be one of the most superior anodes due to their high energy density and lowest electrochemical potential.
Synthesis of 2,3,4-trisubstituted pyrrole derivatives via [3 + 2] cyclization of activated methylene isocyanides with 4-(arylidene)-2-substituted oxazol-5(4H)-ones
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Man , Li Chao , Xu Yan-Jun , Dong Lin
Published: December 2019

An efficient base-catalyzed [3 + 2] cyclization between isocyanides and 4-(arylidene)-2-substituted oxazol-5(4H)-ones has been successfully developed to form 2,3,4-trisubstituted and 2,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted pyrrole derivatives.
Copper-catalyzed synthesis of trifluoromethylated bis(indolyl)arylmethanes from 2-arylindoles and 2,2,2-trifluoroacetohydrazide
Authors: Yuan Zihang , Chen Shouxiong , Weng Zhiqiang
Published: December 2019

A copper-catalyzed synthesis of trifluoromethylated bis(indolyl)arylmethanes via reaction of 2-arylindoles with 2,2,2-trifluoroacetohydrazide was developed.
Efficient labeling of organic molecules using13C elemental carbon: universal access to13C2-labeled synthetic building blocks, polymers and pharmaceuticals
Authors: Ledovskaya Maria S. , Voronin Vladimir V. , Rodygin Konstantin S. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: December 2019

Synthetic methodology enabled by13C-elemental carbon is reported. Calcium carbide Ca13C2was applied to introduce a universal13C2unit in the synthesis of labeled alkynes, O,S,N-vinyl derivatives, labeled polymers and13C2-pyridazine drug core.
The investigation of structural and vibrational properties and optical behavior of Ti-doped La0.67Ba0.25Ca0.08Mn(1−x)TixO3 (x = 0.00, 0.05 and 0.10) manganites
Authors: Bourguiba Marwa , Raddaoui Zeineb , Chafra Moez , Dhahri Jemai
Published: December 2019

The influence of Ti4+ ions incorporated into the B site on the structural, vibrational and optical properties of La0.67Ba0.25Ca0.08Mn(1−x)TixO3 (LBCM(1−x)Tx), a polycrystalline compound prepared by a molten salt method, was discussed.
Biaxial strain modulated the electronic structure of hydrogenated 2D tetragonal silicene
Authors: Tu Haoran , Zhang Jing , Guo Zexuan , Xu Chunyan
Published: December 2019

Hydrogenation can open the band gap of 2D tetragonal silicene, α-SiH is semiconductors with a direct band gap of 2.436 eV whereas β-SiH is indirect band gap of 2.286 eV. The band gap of α-SiH, β-SiH and γ-SiH can be modulated via biaxial strain.
Sustainable innovations in steam cracking: CO2 neutral olefin production
Authors: Amghizar Ismaël , Dedeyne Jens N. , Brown David J. , Marin Guy B. , Van Geem Kevin M.
Published: December 2019

Steam cracking of hydrocarbons is and will be the main process to produce light olefins but emits large quantities of CO2. Enhancing heat transfer in the radiation section, using green energy and novel furnace designs will be key to substantially reducing CO2 emissions.
Exploring the role of halide mixing in lead-free BZA2SnX4 two dimensional hybrid perovskites
Authors: Pisanu Ambra , Coduri Mauro , Morana Marta , Ciftci Yasemin O. , Rizzo Aurora , Listorti Andrea , Gaboardi Mattia , Bindi Luca , Queloz Valentine I. E. , Milanese Chiara , Grancini Giulia , Malavasi Lorenzo
Published: December 2019

The role of halide substitution in a lead-free 2D hybrid perovskite is studied on the BZA2SnX4 (BZA = benzylammonium; X = Cl, Br, I) system, by reporting the two novel compositions BZA2SnBr4 and BZA2SnCl4.
Characterization and application of fluidic properties of trinucleotide repeat sequences by wax-on-plastic microfluidics
Authors: Qamar Ahmad Zaman , Asefifeyzabadi Narges , Taki Motahareh , Naphade Swati , Ellerby Lisa M. , Shamsi Mohtashim Hassan
Published: December 2019

This work demonstrates sequence directed flexibility of neurodegenerative trinucleotide repeat sequences can be translated into distinct capillary flow using wax-on-plastic microfluidics and used to detect microsatellite repeat expansions diseases.
Improved SAR imaging algorithm with azimuth periodically missing data
Authors: Yang Weixing , Bi Hui , Zhu Daiyin
Published: December 2019

Aiming at the periodically missing data of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) in azimuth, a reconstruction and imaging algorithm based on ‐alternating direction method with compressed sensing theory is proposed. The algorithm can effectively suppress ghosting and aliasing caused by azimuth missing data, and improve the imaging quality. To reduce memory consumption and lower computational complexity, approximate observation model based on SAR raw data simulator is utilised to rapid reconstruction imaging. Compared to the traditional iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm, the proposed algorithm has better reconstruction image quality. Simulation and raw SAR echo data processing demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in solving the problem of imaging with periodically missing data in SAR azimuth.
Übungen für einen gesunden Beckenboden
Authors: Schwärzler Susanne
Published: December 2019

Übungen für den Beckenboden können in den Alltag integriert werden. So können Probleme erkannt und gelindert werden. Die Atmung ist wichtiger Bestandteil der Übungen.
Nadelöhr Geburt
Authors: Bollermann Eva-Maria
Published: December 2019

Die Geburt bedeutet eine Herausforderung für die Morphologie des Neugeborenen und seines Beckens, insbesondere bei Mehrlingsschwangerschaften, sehr kleinem Uterus oder einer frühen Positionierung des Kindes in Beckenendlage. Der im Fall vorgestellte Säugling zeigt eine Fechterhaltung, Wirbelsäulenkrümmung und Kopfrotation nach rechts sowie eingeschränkte Beweglichkeit, Starre und asymmetrischen Zug im Bereich von Sakrum und Ilium. Durch Regulierung des Körperrhythmus (PRM) sowie Positionierung und Mobilisierung von Sakrum und Darmbeinschaufel gelangt das Kind nach nur einer Behandlung wieder in eine symmetrische Haltung und Bewegung.