bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selecting Clinically Relevant Gait Characteristics for Classification of Early Parkinson’s Disease: A Comprehensive Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Rehman Rana Zia Ur , Del Din Silvia , Guan Yu , Yarnall Alison J. , Shi Jian Qing , Rochester Lynn
Published: November 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease; gait impairments are typical and are associated with increased fall risk and poor quality of life. Gait is potentially a useful biomarker to help discriminate PD at an early stage, however the optimal characteristics and combination are unclear. In this study, we used machine learning (ML) techniques to determine the optimal combination of gait characteristics to discriminate people with PD and healthy controls (HC). 303 participants (119 PD, 184 HC) walked continuously around a circuit for 2-minutes at a self-paced walk. Gait was quantified using an instrumented mat (GAITRite) from which 16 gait characteristics were derived and assessed. Gait characteristics were selected using different ML approaches to determine the optimal method (random forest with information gain and recursive features elimination (RFE) technique with support vector machine (SVM) and logistic regression). Five clinical gait characteristics were identified with RFE-SVM (mean step velocity, mean step length, step length variability, mean step width, and step width variability) that accurately classified PD. Model accuracy for classification of early PD ranged between 73–97% with 63–100% sensitivity and 79–94% specificity. In conclusion, we identified a subset of gait characteristics for accurate early classification of PD. These findings pave the way for a better understanding of the utility of ML techniques to support informed clinical decision-making.
Publisher Correction: Characterization of protein extracts from different types of human teeth and insight in biomineralization
Authors: Sharma Vaibhav , Srinivasan Alagiri , Roychoudhury Ajoy , Rani Komal , Tyagi Mitali , Dev Kapil , Nikolajeff Fredrik , Kumar Saroj
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
In-situ study of oxygen exposure effect on spin-orbit torque in Pt/Co bilayers in ultrahigh vacuum
Authors: Xie Hang , Yuan Jiaren , Luo Ziyan , Yang Yumeng , Wu Yihong
Published: November 2019

Oxygen incorporation has been reported to increase the current-induced spin-orbit torque in ferromagnetic heterostructures, but the underlying mechanism is still under active debate. Here, we report on an in-situ study of the oxygen exposure effect on spin-orbit torque in Pt/Co bilayers via controlled oxygen exposure, Co and Mg deposition, and electrical measurements in ultrahigh vacuum. We show that the oxygen exposure on Pt/Co indeed leads to an increase of spin-orbit torque, but the enhancement is not as large as those reported previously. Similar enhancement of spin-orbit torque is also observed after the deposition of an MgO capping layer. The results of ab initio calculations on the Rashba splitting of Pt/Co and Pt/Co/O suggest that the enhancement is due to enhanced Rashba-Edelstein effect by surface-adsorbed oxygen. Our findings shed some light on the varying roles of oxygen in modifying the spin torque efficiency reported previously.
Targeted delivery of lysosomal enzymes to the endocytic compartment in human cells using engineered extracellular vesicles
Authors: Do Mai Anh , Levy Daniel , Brown Annie , Marriott Gerard , Lu Biao
Published: November 2019

Targeted delivery of lysosomal enzymes to the endocytic compartment of human cells represents a transformative technology for treating a large family of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). Gaucher disease is one of the most common types of LSDs caused by mutations to the lysosomal β-glucocerebrosidase (GBA). Here, we describe a genetic strategy to produce engineered exosomes loaded with GBA in two different spatial configurations for targeted delivery to the endocytic compartment of recipient cells. By fusing human GBA to an exosome-anchoring protein: vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG), we demonstrate that the chimeric proteins were successfully integrated into exosomes which were secreted as extracellular vesicles (EVs) by producer cells. Isolation and molecular characterization of EVs confirmed that the fusion proteins were loaded onto exosomes without altering their surface markers, particle size or distribution. Further, enzyme-loaded exosomes/EVs added to cultured medium were taken up by recipient cells. Further, the endocytosed exosomes/EVs targeted to endocytic compartments exhibited a significant increase in GBA activity. Together, we have developed a novel method for targeting and delivery of lysosomal enzymes to their natural location: the endocytic compartment of recipient cells. Since exosomes/EVs have an intrinsic ability to cross the blood-brain-barrier, our technology may provide a new approach to treat severe types of LSDs, including Gaucher disease with neurological complications.
Treatment with a new benzimidazole derivative bearing a pyrrolidine side chain overcomes sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Suk Fat-Moon , Liu Chao-Lien , Hsu Ming-Hua , Chuang Yu-Ting , Wang Jack P. , Liao Yi-Jen
Published: November 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Currently, sorafenib is the standard first-line drug for patients with advanced HCC. However, long-term exposure to sorafenib often results in reduced sensitivity of tumour cells to the drug, leading to acquired resistance. Therefore, developing new compounds to treat sorafenib resistance is urgently needed. Although benzimidazole and its derivatives have been reported to exert antimicrobial and antitumour effects, the anti-drug resistance potential of these molecules is still unknown. In this study, we established sorafenib-resistant (SR) cell lines and an acquired sorafenib resistance xenograft model. We showed that treatment with a benzimidazole derivative bearing a pyrrolidine side chain (compound 9a) inhibited the proliferation of SR cells by blocking the phosphorylation of AKT, p70S6 and the downstream molecule RPS6. In addition, caspase 3/PARP-dependent apoptotic signals were induced in 9a-treated cells. Regarding epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activities, 9a treatment significantly suppressed the migration of SR cells. In particular, the levels of EMT-related transcription factors (snail, slug and twist) and mesenchymal markers (vimentin and N-cadherin) were downregulated. In the acquired sorafenib resistance xenograft model, compound 9a administration decreased the growth of tumours with acquired sorafenib resistance and the expression of the HCC markers α-fetoprotein, glypican 3 and survivin. In conclusion, treatment with this compound may be a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with sorafenib resistance.
Core-shell nanowire arrays based on ZnO and CuxO for water stable photocatalysts
Authors: Florica Camelia , Costas Andreea , Preda Nicoleta , Beregoi Mihaela , Kuncser Andrei , Apostol Nicoleta , Popa Cristina , Socol Gabriel , Diculescu Victor , Enculescu Ionut
Published: November 2019

Staggered gap radial heterojunctions based on ZnO-CuxO core-shell nanowires are used as water stable photocatalysts to harvest solar energy for pollutants removal. ZnO nanowires with a wurtzite crystalline structure and a band gap of approximately 3.3 eV are obtained by thermal oxidation in air. These are covered with an amorphous CuxO layer having a band gap of 1.74 eV and subsequently form core-shell heterojunctions. The electrical characterization of the ZnO pristine and ZnO-CuxO core-shell nanowires emphasizes the charge transfer phenomena at the junction and at the interface between the nanowires and water based solutions. The methylene blue degradation mechanism is discussed taking into consideration the dissolution of ZnO in water based solutions for ZnO nanowires and ZnO-CuxO core-shell nanowires with different shell thicknesses. An optimum thickness of the CuxO layer is used to obtain water stable photocatalysts, where the ZnO-CuxO radial heterojunction enhances the separation and transport of the photogenerated charge carriers when irradiating with UV-light, leading to swift pollutant degradation.
The effects of organic and inorganic phosphorus amendments on the biochemical attributes and active microbial population of agriculture podzols following silage corn cultivation in boreal climate
Authors: Ali Waqas , Nadeem Muhammad , Ashiq Waqar , Zaeem Muhammad , Gilani Syed Shah Mohioudin , Rajabi-Khamseh Sanaz , Pham Thu Huong , Kavanagh Vanessa , Thomas Raymond , Cheema Mumtaz
Published: November 2019

Phosphorus (P) is the second most important macronutrient that limits the plant growth, development and productivity. Inorganic P fertilization in podzol soils predominantly bound with aluminum and iron, thereby reducing its availability to crop plants. Dairy manure (DM) amendment to agricultural soils can improve physiochemical properties, nutrient cycling through enhanced enzyme and soil microbial activities leading to improved P bioavailability to crops. We hypothesized that DM amendment in podzol soil will improve biochemical attributes and microbial community and abundance in silage corn cropping system under boreal climate. We evaluated the effects of organic and inorganic P amendments on soil biochemical attributes and abundance in podzol soil under boreal climate. Additionally, biochemical attributes and microbial population and abundance under short-term silage corn monocropping system was also investigated. Experimental treatments were [P0 (control); P1: DM with high P2O5; P2: DM with low P2O5; P3: inorganic P and five silage-corn genotypes (Fusion RR, Yukon R, A4177G3RIB, DKC 23-17RIB and DKC 26-28RIB) were laid out in a randomized complete block design in factorial settings with three replications. Results showed that P1 treatment increased acid phosphatase (AP-ase) activity (29% and 44%), and soil available P (SAP) (60% and 39%) compared to control treatment, during 2016 and 2017, respectively. Additionally, P1 treatments significantly increased total bacterial phospholipids fatty acids (ΣB-PLFA), total phospholipids fatty acids (ΣPLFA), fungi, and eukaryotes compared to control and inorganic P. Yukon R and DKC 26-28RIB genotypes exhibited higher total bacterial PLFA, fungi, and total PLFA in their rhizospheres compared to the other genotypes. Redundancy analyses showed promising association between P1 and P2 amendment, biochemical attributes and active microbial population and Yukon R and DKC 26-28RIB genotypes. Pearson correlation also demonstrated significant and positive correlation between AP-ase, SAP and gram negative bacteria (G−), fungi, ΣB-PLFA, and total PLFA. Study results demonstrated that P1 treatment enhanced biochemical attributes, active microbial community composition and abundance and forage production of silage corn. Results further demonstrated higher active microbial population and abundance in rhizosphere of Yukon R and DKC 26-28RIB genotypes. Therefore, we argue that dairy manure amendment with high P2O5 in podzol soils could be a sustainable nutrient source to enhance soil quality, health and forage production of silage corn. Yukon R and DKC 26-28RIB genotypes showed superior agronomic performance, therefore, could be good fit under boreal climatic conditions.
Author Correction: Deep-sea Sediment Resuspension by Internal Solitary Waves in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Jia Yonggang , Tian Zhuangcai , Shi Xuefa , Liu J. Paul , Chen Jiangxin , Liu Xiaolei , Ye Ruijie , Ren Ziyin , Tian Jiwei
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: A common variant of the pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPPA) gene encodes a protein with reduced proteolytic activity towards IGF-binding proteins
Authors: Bøtkjær J. A. , Noer P. R. , Oxvig Claus , Andersen Claus Yding
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Transcriptional profiling reveals differentially expressed genes involved in lipid biosynthesis during cacao seed development
Authors: Li Fupeng , Wu Baoduo , Yan Lin , Hao Chaoyun , Qin Xiaowei , Lai Jianxiong , Song Yinghui
Published: November 2019

Theobroma cacao is a plant of economic value due to the use of its seed lipid for chocolate, confectionery, and cosmetic industries. The seed lipid contains a stable ratio of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, which determines its unique melting temperature. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism determining the fatty acid ratio and lipid content in cacao. To gain insight into the unique properties of lipid synthesis in cacao, biochemical and transcriptomic approaches were used to compare the lipid accumulation between high and low lipid content cacao accessions. Lipid accumulation rates and lipid content were different between the two accessions. Moreover, differentially expressed genes were detected between high and low lipid content cacao accessions. The data allowed the identification of distinct candidate genes and furthered our understanding of lipid accumulation, potentially explaining the differences in lipid content between various cacao accessions. The results might be used to develop molecular tools and engineer alternative pathways for cacao breeding with improved lipid production potentials.
Author Correction: High velocity domain wall propagation using voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Tan F. N. , Gan W. L. , Ang C. C. I. , Wong G. D. H. , Liu H. X. , Poh F. , Lew W. S.
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Improvement in hole transporting ability and device performance of quantum dot light emitting diodes
Authors: Chiu Pei-Chieh , Yang Sheng-Hsiung
Published: November 2019

A new additive BYK-P105 was blended with PEDOT:PSS as the HTL to improve the device performance of QLEDs.
Isopropanol-assisted synthesis of highly stable MAPbBr3/p-g-C3N4 intergrowth composite photocatalysts and their interfacial charge carrier dynamics
Authors: Wang Qun , Yu Sicao , Qin Wei , Wu Xiaohong
Published: November 2019

Isopropanol-assisted synthesis MAPbBr3 wrapped/entrapped p-g-C3N4 intergrowth microcrystals have inverted type-I core/shell band configuration which leads to enhanced interfacial charge transfer and molecular oxygen activation.
Superconducting straintronicsviathe proximity effect in superconductor–ferromagnet nanostructures
Authors: Savostin E. O. , Pertsev N. A.
Published: November 2019

A ferromagnet–superconductor nanostructure coupled to a piezoelectric substrate represents an electrically controlled resistive switch useful for applications in cryogenic electronics.
Esterase-sensitive trithiane-based hydrogen sulfide donors
Authors: Shyaka Clovis , Xian Ming , Park Chung-Min
Published: November 2019

1,3,5-Trithiane functionalized with esterase-sensitive ester groups on the methylene linkers was developed as a class of enzymatic hydrolysis-based hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donors.
Supramolecularly cross-linked amphiphilic block copolymer assembly by the dipolar interaction of a merocyanine dye
Authors: Rajak Aritra , Karan Chandan Kumar , Theato Patrick , Das Anindita
Published: November 2019

Dipolar interaction driven dimerization of a merocyanine (MC) dye has been exploited to achieve non-covalently crosslinked stable micelles in water and reverse micelles in toluene with emissive properties from a MC-pendant amphiphilic block copolymer.
Targeted removal of blood cancer cells from mixed cell populations by cell recognition with matching particle imprints
Authors: Remaud Perrine , Medlock Jevan , Das Anupam A. K. , Allsup David J. , Madden Leigh A. , Nees Dieter , Weldrick Paul J. , Paunov Vesselin N.
Published: November 2019

We report a new approach for separation of blood cancer cells from healthy white blood cells based on cell shape and size recognition by surface functionalised particle imprints.
Helicene-derived aggregation-induced emission conjugates with highly tunable circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Shen Chengshuo , Gan Fuwei , Zhang Guoli , Ding Yongle , Wang Jinghao , Wang Ruibin , Crassous Jeanne , Qiu Huibin
Published: November 2019

Helicene-AIE conjugates with tailored marriage of helicenes and AIE luminophores show prominent fluorescence in the aggregated state with colour varying from blue to green, quantum yield up to 37.0%, and |glum| value up to 0.015.
Rotational dynamics of the organic bridging linkers in metal–organic frameworks and their substituent effects on the rotational energy barrier
Authors: Pakhira Srimanta
Published: November 2019

Organic bridging linkers or ligands play an important role in gas and fuel storage, CO2 capture, and controlling the radical polymerization reactions in metal–organic framework (MOF) nanochannels.
Deciphering the nutritive and antioxidant properties of Malay cherry (Lepisanthes alata) fruit dominated by ripening effects
Authors: Zhang Yan , Chen Shufei , Huo Junwei , Huang Dejian
Published: November 2019

In this study, Malay cherry fruit were explored for the changes in their nutritive and phenolic compositions upon ripening (unripe and ripe stages).
Improved light-harvesting and suppressed charge recombination by introduction of a nanograss-like SnO2 interlayer for efficient CdS quantum dot sensitized solar cells
Authors: Sambasivam Sangaraju , V. V. Muralee Gopi Chandu , Kim Hee-Je , Obaidat Ihab M.
Published: November 2019

A SnO2 nanograss (NG) intermediate layer in QDSSCs can suppress charge recombination, enhance light-harvesting and improve the efficiency of the device.
Theoretical study of substituent effects on electride characteristics and the nonlinear optical properties of Li@calix[4]pyrrole
Authors: Weng Hui , Teng Yunyang , Sheng Qi , Zhou Zhongjun , Huang Xuri , Li Zhiru , Zhang Tao
Published: November 2019

A relationship between the electride characteristics and the NLO properties is found: the more delocalization the excess electron of the electride experiences, the larger theβ0value is.
Metal- and solvent-free synthesis of aminoalcohols under continuous flow conditions
Authors: Alwakwak Abdo-Alslam , He Yingxin , Almuslem Ahmed , Senter Matthew , Itta Arun K. , Rezaei Fateme , Rownaghi Ali A.
Published: November 2019

Multifunctional organocatalysts were immobilized on porous hollow fiber polymer and used as intelligent and cooperative heterogeneous catalysts and continuous flow reactor for sustainable chemical transformation.
Spontaneous enhancement of the stable power conversion efficiency in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Moghadamzadeh Somayeh , Hossain Ihteaz M. , Jakoby Marius , Abdollahi Nejand Bahram , Rueda-Delgado Diana , Schwenzer Jonas A. , Gharibzadeh Saba , Abzieher Tobias , Khan Motiur Rahman , Haghighirad Amir A. , Howard Ian A. , Richards Bryce S. , Lemmer Uli , Paetzold Ulrich W.
Published: November 2019

This work studies spontaneous enhancement in power conversion efficiency of multi-cation-halide perovskite solar cells which occurs days after device fabrication.
Recent developments in pyrazine functionalized π-conjugated materials for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Meti Puttavva , Park Hyung-Ha , Gong Young-Dae
Published: November 2019

The serious threat of global warming has made it necessary to seek alternative sources of energy.
Silica–titania hybrids for structurally robust inverse opals with controllable refractive index
Authors: Phillips Katherine R. , Shirman Tanya , Aizenberg Michael , England Grant T. , Vogel Nicolas , Aizenberg Joanna
Published: November 2019

Combining silica and titania precursors at varying ratios yields uniform hybrid inverse opal structures with adjustable structural and optical properties.
Electric-field enhancement of molecularly imprinted sol–gel-coated Au nano-urchin sensors for vapor detection of plant biomarkers
Authors: Chen Bin , Liu Chuanjun , Shang Liang , Guo Hao , Qin Jiongming , Ge Lingpu , Jing Chun Ju , Feng Changhao , Hayashi Kenshi
Published: November 2019

The response of MISG@Au nano-urchin sensors indicated that selectivities of the MISG@Au nano-urchin sensors to the corresponding plant biomarker VOCs were generated via the branched tips of Au nano-urchins and their electric field coupling effects.
Fe doping-stabilized γ-Ga2O3thin films with a high room temperature saturation magnetic moment
Authors: Huang Yuanqi , Gao Ang , Guo Daoyou , Lu Xia , Zhang Xiao , Huang Yalei , Yu Jie , Li Shan , Li Peigang , Tang Weihua
Published: November 2019

A thermostable Fe-doped γ-Ga2O3thin film with a high room temperature saturation magnetic moment of 5.73μB/Fe has been obtained for the first time.
Halogenation on benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]difuran polymers for solvent additive-free non-fullerene polymer solar cells with efficiency exceeding 11%
Authors: He Enfang , Lu Yi , Zheng Zhi , Guo Fengyun , Gao Shiyong , Zhao Liancheng , Zhang Yong
Published: November 2019

In this work, two novel two-dimensional (2D) benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]difuran (BDF)-based wide bandgap polymers were designed using a halogenation strategy by incorporating fluorine- and chlorine-substituted conjugated side chains, respectively.
Targeting bromodomain-containing proteins to prevent spontaneous preterm birth
Authors: Lim Ratana , Nguyen-Ngo Caitlyn , Lappas Martha
Published: November 2019

Preterm birth is a global healthcare challenge. Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is commonly caused by inflammation, yet there are currently no effective therapies available. The Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif (BET) proteins, Bromodomain-containing protein (Brd) 2 (Brd2), Brd3 and Brd4 regulate inflammation in non-gestational tissues. The roles of Brd2–4 in human pregnancy are unknown.

Using human and mouse models, the present study has identified the Brd proteins part of the process by which inflammation induces parturition. Using human clinical samples, we demonstrate that labor and infection increase the expression of Brds in the uterus and fetal membranes. In primary human myometrial, amnion and decidual cells, we found that global Brd protein inhibition, as well as selective inhibition of Brds, suppressed inflammation-induced expression of mediators involved in myometrial contractions and rupture of fetal membranes. Importantly, studies in the mouse model demonstrate that the pan-Brd inhibitor JQ1 reduced intrauterine inflammation induced by bacterial endotoxin LPS as well as decreasing the effectiveness of LPS to induce parturition. These results implicate BET proteins as novel therapeutic targets for reducing inflammation associated with spontaneous preterm labor.
Microwave photonic notch filter based on polarisation multiplexing and cross gain modulation in a semiconductor optical amplifier
Authors: Mirza J. , Kanwal B. , Ghafoor S.
Published: November 2019

A coherent interference‐free tunable microwave photonic notch filter with a pair of negative and positive coefficients generated by employing polarisation multiplexing and cross gain modulation in a semiconductor optical amplifier is proposed and demonstrated through simulation results. The negative and positive coefficients of the notch filter are realised through two orthogonal polarisation states of a single continuous wave laser diode. The free spectral range of microwave photonic filter is tuned by varying the differential group delay of a birefringent single‐mode fibre. The proposed filter shows good tunability, easy implementation and is cost‐effective.
GNSS time offset monitoring based on the single difference among systems
Authors: Tu Rui , Zhang Pengfei , Zhang Rui , Fan Lihong , Liu Jinhai , Lu Xiaochun
Published: November 2019

Time offset monitoring of multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems is important for compatibility and interoperability. Unlike conventional signal space approaches, such as single‐point positioning (SPP) and precise point positioning, an approach based on the principle of single difference among systems, single‐difference point positioning (SDPP), is proposed to omit the receiver clock parameter and reduce the influence of the common model errors during estimation. The proposed approach was validated on different datasets, and results shown that the estimated time offset among systems using SDPP has no significant difference with that using SPP. Moreover, SDPP retrieves the best time offset estimation when considering it as a random walk process, as it provides smooth estimation with low noise. Furthermore, considering constraints from station coordinates and tropospheric delay further improves time offset estimation. The time offset estimation over time remains within a reasonable range, exhibits some periodicity, and estimation from different stations is consistent if disregarding system biases. In addition, the estimated time offset can be used to improve the SPP accuracy.
Crystallization of the outer crust of a non-accreting neutron star
Authors: Fantina A. F. , De Ridder S. , Chamel N. , Gulminelli F.
Published: November 2019

Context. The interior of a neutron star is usually assumed to be made of cold catalyzed matter. However, the outer layers are unlikely to remain in full thermodynamic equilibrium during the formation of the star and its subsequent cooling, especially after crystallization occurs.

Aims. We study the cooling and the equilibrium composition of the outer layers of a non-accreting neutron star down to crystallization. Here the impurity parameter, generally taken as a free parameter in cooling simulations, is calculated self-consistently using a microscopic nuclear model for which a unified equation of state has recently been determined.

Methods. We follow the evolution of the nuclear distributions of the multi-component Coulomb liquid plasma fully self-consistently, adapting a general formalism originally developed for the description of supernova cores. We calculate the impurity parameter at the crystallization temperature as determined in the one-component plasma approximation.

Results. Our analysis shows that the sharp changes in composition obtained in the one-component plasma approximation are smoothed out when a full nuclear distribution is allowed. The Coulomb coupling parameter at melting is found to be reasonably close to the canonical value of 175, except for specific values of the pressure for which supercooling occurs in the one-component plasma approximation. Our multi-component treatment leads to non-monotonic variations of the impurity parameter with pressure. Its values can change by several orders of magnitude reaching about 50, suggesting that the crust may be composed of an alternation of pure (highly conductive) and impure (highly resistive) layers. The results presented here complement the recent unified equation of state obtained within the same nuclear model.

Conclusions. Our self-consistent approach to hot dense multi-component plasma shows that the presence of impurities in the outer crust of a neutron star is non-negligible and may have a sizeable impact on transport properties. In turn, this may have important implications not only for the cooling of neutron stars, but also for their magneto-rotational evolution.
Microstructure and thermodynamic analysis of nanostructured Cu-13.2%Al-4%Ni ternary system synthesized by mechanical alloying
Authors: Mayahi Rouzbeh , Shokuhfar Ali , Vaezi Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2019

Thermodynamic analysis of nanostructured Cu-13.2%Al-4%Ni synthesized by mechanical alloying was studied through Miedema’s semi-empirical model. The variations of lattice strain, crystallite size and microstructural evolution at various milling times were also measured using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The results showed an increase in lattice strain and reduction in crystallite size due to an increase in density of structural defects as a result of high-energy collisions during mechanical alloying. The calculated thermodynamic data suggested that in all binary Cu-Al, Al-Ni and Ni-Cu systems, there is a driving force for solid solution formation over all compositions due to negative Gibbs free energy changes in those compositions, while this value is positive for the formation of amorphous phase over some compositions which can be attributed to the absence of driving force. Additionally, thermodynamic data were in agreement with XRD results which showed solid solution was formed at middle stages of mechanical alloying. Moreover, it is concluded that the formation of solid solution is easier at three corners of ternary diagram, where the concentration of one element is major, whilst amorphous phase formation is more desirable in other compositions.
Benefits of natural dietarytransfatty acids towards inflammation, obesity and type 2 diabetes: defining the n-7transfatty acid family
Authors: Guillocheau Etienne , Legrand Philippe , Rioux Vincent
Published: November 2019

Naturaltransfatty acids aretransfatty acids that naturally occur in ruminant-derived foods: milk (derived from cow, ewe, goat), dairy products (yoghurt, cheese) and ruminant meat (beef, lamb). Because naturaltransfatty acids are part of thetransfatty acid family, they have been compared for decades to their industrial counterparts on a cardiovascular outcome’s basis. At current dietary intakes, it is now well recognized that naturaltransfatty acids are neutral towards cardiovascular health. Still, the negative connotation remains. It is usually taken for granted in the scientific community that naturaltransfatty acids have no known physiological function and therefore no particular nutritional interest. This prevailing view has totally hidden several studies, which pointed out unsuspected benefits of naturaltransfatty acids on inflammation, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Some supplementation studies dealt with puretrans-vaccenic acid (trans-C18:1 n-7) and pure rumenic acid (cis-9,trans-11 C18:2), but remained somewhat aside as they were carried out on rodents. However, recent epidemiological data reached considerable impact, highlighting a protective effect oftrans-palmitoleic acid (trans-C16:1 n-7) towards the risk of type 2 diabetes. Bearing in mind that naturaltransfatty acids do not just consist of rumenic acid, this review is the opportunity to sum up scientific knowledge about each of these three fatty acids. We shall therefore, review their occurrence in foods, and their physiological impacts. An overlooked aspect of naturaltransfatty acids is that they are metabolically connected. The second aim of this review is to underline these metabolic connections. In fact, combining physiological impacts and metabolic pathways unravel shared mechanisms of action oftrans-palmitoleic,trans-vaccenic and rumenic acids, that might be explained by their common n-7transdouble bond.
Nicht-okklusive Mesenterialischämie bei diabetischem Koma
Authors: Hohmann Christian , Teuteberg Saskia , Aschenbrenner Ina , Kaag Norbert , Heizmann Oleg
Published: November 2019

Anamnese Eine 67-jährige Frau wurde entkleidet im Badezimmer vorgefunden. Es bestand eine Liegedauer von min. 12 Stunden. Wesentliche Vorerkrankungen waren ein insulinpflichtiger Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 und eine Nekrose-bedingte Coecalpolresektion.

Untersuchungen Die sarkopene Patientin war hypoton (60/40 mmHg) und hypotherm (29 °C), die Darmgeräusche spärlich. Es bestanden eine schwere metabolische Azidose (pH 6,7) sowie eine Hyperglykämie. Ketonkörper waren im Urin stark erhöht. Sonografische Luftreflexe im Leberparenchym veranlassten uns zum CT, hier zeigte sich eine akute Mesenterialischämie (AMI) mit Pneumatosis intestinalis und portal-venösem Gas.

Therapie und Verlauf In explorativer Laparotomie wurden infarzierter Dünndarm sowie Rest-Ileum und -Hemikolon rechts am Folgetag reseziert. Histopathologisch bestand kein Anhalt für eine okklusive Genese.

Folgerung Die Klinik der AMI ist mannigfaltig – mit meist letalen Folgen bei Diagnoseverzögerung. Serumparameter sind häufig überschätzt. In der Kasuistik war das diabetische Koma verantwortlich für die AMI. Wegweisend war die sonografische Darstellung von portal-venösem Gas, sodass zeitnah die lebensrettende Operation erfolgen konnte. Ein Ultraschall sollte daher Bestandteil der initialen Untersuchung von kritisch kranken Patienten sein.
Management of Status Epilepticus
Authors: Lamsal Ritesh , Bista Navindra R.
Published: November 2019

Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening neurologic condition that requires immediate assessment and intervention. Over the past few decades, the duration of seizure required to define status epilepticus has shortened, reflecting the need to start therapy without the slightest delay. The focus of this review is on the management of convulsive and nonconvulsive status epilepticus in critically ill patients. Initial treatment of both forms of status epilepticus includes immediate assessment and stabilization, and administration of rapidly acting benzodiazepine therapy followed by nonbenzodiazepine antiepileptic drug. Refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus (RSE and SRSE) pose a lot of therapeutic problems, necessitating the administration of continuous infusion of high doses of anesthetic agents, and carry a high risk of debilitating morbidity as well as mortality.
Pre-Liver Transplantation Evaluation and Listing
Authors: Pan Alexander , Koppe Sean
Published: November 2019

Liver transplantation provides a curative treatment option for patients with both acute and chronic liver disease, but the decision to list a patient for transplant should be an informed one to maximize post-transplantation benefit and survivability. Potential candidates meeting transplantation indications must undergo a comprehensive evaluation consisting of both physical, as well as psychiatric, assessment to be considered for transplantation. Once listed, a candidate's place on the liver transplant waiting list is determined predominantly by his or her Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)-Na score, which is a reliable tool to stratify short-term survival risk. The severity of certain conditions, however, is not accurately reflected by the MELD-Na score, and these particular diagnoses may be assigned MELD exception points. Herein, we discuss common indications for liver transplantation: the MELD system and its exceptions, the physical and psychosocial evaluation of potential transplant candidates, and some limitations of the current organ allocation system and efforts to reduce disparity in organ distribution.
Diagnostic Value of Urine sTREM-1 and Urine C-reactive Protein for Infants with Late Onset Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Ozdemir Senem Alkan , Colak Ruya , Ergon Ezgi Yangin , Calkavur Sebnem
Published: November 2019

Objective Noninvasive markers have been increasingly used as a diagnostic marker for sepsis detection and monitoring of the disease. The aim of this observational, prospective pilot study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of urinary soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (sTREM-1) and urine C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the late onset neonatal sepsis and to compare them with serum CRP levels.

Materials and Methods Sixty-six infants with clinical sepsis were included. Urine sTREM-1 and urine CRP were collected at the diagnosis of late-onset sepsis. All laboratory investigations were also noted from the infants.

Results There were no significant differences between characteristics of the infants. Culture-positive neonates had significantly higher urine sTREM-1 than culture-negative neonates (p < 0.001). Using a cut-off point for urine sTREM-1 of 129 pg/mL, the sensitivity was 0.63, the specificity was 0.84, positive predictive value was 0.80, negative predictive value was 0.70. Urine sTREM-1 and urine CRP were recollected on the seventh day of sepsis treatment and it was found that the levels of sTREM-1 and CRP decreased.

Conclusion This is the first study in the literature which evaluates the place of urine sTREM-1 and urine CRP in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Urine sTREM-1 and urine CRP may be useful in the diagnosis of sepsis and in evaluating the effect of antibiotic treatment.
Stability and bonding nature for icosahedral or planar cluster of hydrogenated boron or aluminum
Authors: Yamamura Hitoshi , Ohishi Yuji , Katsura Yukari , Kimura Kaoru , Uchida Noriyuki , Kanayama Toshihiko
Published: November 2019

Ab initio molecular orbital calculations are performed for B13−, Al13−, B12H122−, Al12H122−, Si10, and Si10H16 clusters. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of stable and unstable clusters is bonding and antibonding orbitals, respectively. The cluster size dependences of the orbital energies are almost the same for B13− and Al13− icosahedral clusters, when the size and the energy are properly normalized. The normalized factors for size and energy are almost coincident with the ratios of those of the atomic outer s orbitals. On the other hand, the most stable size of B13− is smaller than that of Al13−, and this ratio of the stable size seems to be affected by the ratio of the sizes of the atomic outer p orbitals. As a result, B13− and Al13− icosahedral clusters have antibonding and bonding orbitals for HOMOs and so are unstable and stable, respectively. The situation for B13− and Al13− planar clusters is opposite to that discussed above for the icosahedral clusters. The orbital energies for the metallic bonding Al13− icosahedral and Si10 clusters can be reproduced by the Woods–Saxon model; however, those for the unstable B13− icosahedral and covalent bonding B12H122−, Al12H122−, and Si10H16 clusters cannot be reproduced by the Woods–Saxon model. After optimization of the parameters of the Woods–Saxon model for the Al13− icosahedral and Si10 clusters, the orbital energies are reproduced very well and the sizes and shapes of the potential are reasonable.
Automatic compensation of phase aberrations in digital holographic microscopy based on sparse optimization
Authors: Ren Zhenbo , Zhao Jianlin , Lam Edmund Y.
Published: November 2019

In digital holographic microscopy, phase aberrations, which are usually caused by the imperfections of components and nontelecentric configuration of the optical system, severely affect the visualization and quantitative measurement for phase-contrast imaging. Here, we propose a purely numerical and automatic method to compensate for phase aberrations. Without any manual involvement of selecting a sample-free background, the compensation is cast as a surface fitting problem, in which the aberration surface is approximated by formulating an inverse problem. By adopting the ℓ1-norm as the loss function and by minimizing an objective function, aberrations can be accurately fitted and thus removed numerically. Synthetic and experimental results are demonstrated to verify the efficacy of this method over the least squares method.
The 9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) Group in Chemical Peptide Synthesis – Its Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Li Wenyi , O'Brien-Simpson Neil M. , Hossain Mohammed Akhter , Wade John D.
Published: November 2019

The chemical formation of the peptide bond has long fascinated and challenged organic chemists. It requires not only the activation of the carboxyl group of an amino acid but also the protection of the Nα-amino group. The more than a century of continuous development of ever-improved protecting group chemistry has been married to dramatic advances in the chemical synthesis of peptides that, itself, was substantially enhanced by the development of solid-phase peptide synthesis by R. B. Merrifield in the 1960s. While the latter technology has continued to undergo further refinement and improvement in both its chemistry and automation, the development of the base-labile 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) group and its integration into current synthesis methods is considered a major landmark in the history of the chemical synthesis of peptides. The many beneficial attributes of the Fmoc group, which have yet to be surpassed by any other Nα-protecting group, allow very rapid and highly efficient synthesis of peptides, including ones of significant size and complexity, making it an even more valuable resource for research in the post-genomic world. This review charts the development and use of this Nα-protecting group and its adaptation to address the need for more green chemical peptide synthesis processes.
Identifying hotspots of type 2 diabetes risk using general practice data and geospatial analysis: an approach to inform policy and practice
Authors: Bagheri Nasser , Konings Paul , Wangdi Kinley , Parkinson Anne , Mazumdar Soumya , Sturgiss Elizabeth , Lal Aparna , Douglas Kirsty , Glasgow Nicholas
Published: November 2019

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing worldwide and there is a need to identify communities with a high-risk profile and to develop appropriate primary care interventions. This study aimed to predict future T2D risk and identify community-level geographic variations using general practices data. The Australian T2D risk assessment (AUSDRISK) tool was used to calculate the individual T2D risk scores using 55693 clinical records from 16 general practices in west Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. Spatial clusters and potential ‘hotspots’ of T2D risk were examined using Local Moran’s I and the Getis-Ord Gi* techniques. Further, the correlation between T2D risk and the socioeconomic status of communities were mapped. Individual risk scores were categorised into three groups: low risk (34.0% of participants), moderate risk (35.2% of participants) and high risk (30.8% of participants). Spatial analysis showed heterogeneity in T2D risk across communities, with significant clusters in the central part of the study area. These study results suggest that routinely collected data from general practices offer a rich source of data that may be a useful and efficient approach for identifying T2D hotspots across communities. Mapping aggregated T2D risk offers a novel approach to identifying areas of unmet need.
Purity and yield of melanoma exosomes are dependent on isolation method
Authors: La Shu Shin , Yang Yunchen , Allen Cheryl L. , Hurley Edward , Tung Kaity H. , Minderman Hans , Wu Yun , Ernstoff Marc S.
Published: November 2019

Both exosomes and soluble factors have been implicated in the generation of an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. Determining the contribution of each requires stringent control of purity of the isolated analytes. The present study compares several conventional exosome isolation methods for the presence of co‐enriched soluble factors while isolating exosomes from human melanoma‐derived cell lines. The resultant preparations were analysed by multiplex bead array analysis for cytokine profiles, and by electron microscopy and nanotracking analysis for exosome size distribution and concentration. It is demonstrated that the amount and repertoire of soluble factors in exosome preparations is dependent upon the isolation method used. A combination of ultrafiltration and size exclusion chromatography yielded up to 58‐fold more exosomes than ultracentrifugation, up to 836‐fold lower concentrations of co‐purified soluble factors when adjusted for exosome yield, and a greater than two‐fold increase in PD‐L1 expressing exosomes. Mechanistically, in context of the immunomodulatory effects of exosomes, the exosome isolation method should be carefully considered in order to limit any effects due instead to co‐eluted soluble factors.
A Study on the Correlation Between Poles and Cuts in ππ Scattering*
Authors: Dai Ling-Yun , Kang Xian-Wei , Luo Tao , Meißner Ulf-G.
Published: November 2019

In this paper we propose a dispersive method to describe two-body scattering with unitarity imposed. This approach is applied to elastic ππ scattering. The amplitudes keep single-channel unitarity and describe the experimental data well, and the low-energy amplitudes are consistent with that of chiral perturbation theory. The pole locations of the σ, f
0(980), ρ(770) and f
2(1270) and their couplings to ππ are obtained. A virtual state appearing in the isospin-two S-wave is confirmed. The correlations between the left (and right) hand cut and the poles are discussed. Our results show that the poles are more sensitive to the right hand cut rather than the left hand cut. The proposed method could be used to study other two-body scattering processes.
Stability of Macroscopic Binary Systems*
Authors: Adamian G. G. , Antonenko N. V. , Lenske H. , Sargsyan V. V.
Published: November 2019

The Darwin instability effect in the binary systems (di-planets, di-stars, and di-galaxies) is analyzed within the model based on the Regge-like laws. All possible binary stars are found satisfying the Darwin instability condition that requires to search for other mechanism triggering the merger of the contact binary objects. New analytical formulas are obtained for the orbital rotation period and the relative distance between components of the binary system. The decreasing and increasing periods as functions of mass asymmetry are related, respectively, with the non-overlapping and overlapping stage of the binary object evolution.
Similar Early Growth of Out-of-time-ordered Correlators in Quantum Chaotic and Integrable Ising Chains*
Authors: Yan Hua , Wang Jiao-Zi , Wang Wen-Ge
Published: November 2019

Previous studies show that, in quantum chaotic and integrable systems, the so-called out-of-time-ordered correlator (OTOC) generically behaves differently at long times, while, it may show similar early growth in one-body systems. In this paper, by means of numerical simulations, it is shown that OTOC has similar early growth in two quantum many-body systems, one integrable and one chaotic.
An Improved Collaborative Filtering Algorithms Based on Maximum Entropy Model and Markov Process to Mine User Behavior
Authors: Huang Guanghua , Yin Feng , Feng Jiulin
Published: November 2019

Aiming at problems of data sparsity and poor interpretability of recommendation reasons in user-based collaborative filtering algorithm, an improved collaborative filtering algorithm based on maximum entropy model and markov process is proposed to mine user behavior habits. Firstly, the maximum entropy model is established through the user-behavior matrix of collaborative filtering algorithm, and the user behavior is fuzzily and preliminarily mined. Secondly, fuzzy behavior information obtained by the maximum entropy model is introduced as the initial state of markov process, and an optimization model is set up according to the internal relation of user-behavior matrix, thus reaching the state probability transition matrix. Once the markov process reaches a stable state, the user’s final behavior habit is excavated. Finally, this user behavior is integrated into the recommendation process, so that the interpretability of the recommendation is enhanced. The experimental results show that the improved collaborative filtering algorithm can promote the recommendation accuracy.
An Evaluation Model for College Student ‘s Loan Repayment Ability based on NNN
Authors: Fan Yanghai , Cheng Ming , Yang Lijun
Published: November 2019

This paper designs a risk model suitable for student loans. It is proposed to use NNN algorithm assess the student loan repayment ability. By establishing an evaluation index system, the student’s relevant indicator data is compared with the evaluation index standard, and the closeness value of the evaluation index is calculated, and finally the evaluation conclusion is obtained. It provides a reference for the final establishment and improvement of the student loan system in China.