bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra- and interspecific diversity analyses in the genus Eremurus in Iran using genotyping-by-sequencing reveal geographic population structure
Authors: Hadizadeh Hanieh , Bahri Bochra A. , Qi Peng , Wilde H. Dayton , Devos Katrien M.
Published: March 2020

Eremurusspecies, better known as ‘Foxtail Lily’ or ‘Desert Candle’, are important worldwide in landscaping and the cut-flower industry. One of the centers of highest diversity of the genusEremurusis Iran, which has seven species. However, little is known about the genetic diversity within the genusEremurus. With the advent of genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), it is possible to develop and employ single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in a cost-efficient manner in any species, regardless of its ploidy level, genome size or availability of a reference genome. Population structure and phylogeographic analyses of the genusEremurusin Iran using a minimum of 3002 SNP markers identified either at the genus level or at the species level from GBS data showed longitudinal geographic structuring at the country scale for the genus and for the speciesE. spectabilisandE. luteus, and at the regional scale forE. olgae. Our analyses furthermore showed a close genetic relatedness betweenE. olgaeandE. stenophyllusto the extent that they should be considered subspecies within anE. olgae/stenophyllusspecies complex. Their close genetic relatedness may explain why crosses between these two (sub)species have been found in the wild and are exploited extensively as ornamentals. Last, current species identification, while robust, relies on flower morphology. A subset of seven SNPs with species-specific (private) alleles were selected that differentiate the sevenEremurusspecies. The markers will be especially useful for cultivar protection and in hybrid production, where true hybrids could be identified at the seedling stage.
Quantum non-demolition readout of an electron spin in silicon
Authors: Yoneda J. , Takeda K. , Noiri A. , Nakajima T. , Li S. , Kamioka J. , Kodera T. , Tarucha S.
Published: March 2020

While single-shot detection of silicon spin qubits is now a laboratory routine, the need for quantum error correction in a large-scale quantum computing device demands a quantum non-demolition (QND) implementation. Unlike conventional counterparts, the QND spin readout imposes minimal disturbance to the probed spin polarization and can therefore be repeated to extinguish measurement errors. Here, we show that an electron spin qubit in silicon can be measured in a highly non-demolition manner by probing another electron spin in a neighboring dot Ising-coupled to the qubit spin. The high non-demolition fidelity (99% on average) enables over 20 readout repetitions of a single spin state, yielding an overall average measurement fidelity of up to 95% within 1.2 ms. We further demonstrate that our repetitive QND readout protocol can realize heralded high-fidelity (>99.6%) ground-state preparation. Our QND-based measurement and preparation, mediated by a second qubit of the same kind, will allow for a wide class of quantum information protocols with electron spins in silicon without compromising the architectural homogeneity.
Quantitative models reveal the organization of diverse cognitive functions in the brain
Authors: Nakai Tomoya , Nishimoto Shinji
Published: March 2020

Our daily life is realized by the complex orchestrations of diverse brain functions, including perception, decision-making, and action. The essential goal of cognitive neuroscience is to reveal the complete representations underlying these functions. Recent studies have characterised perceptual experiences using encoding models. However, few attempts have been made to build a quantitative model describing the cortical organization of multiple active, cognitive processes. Here, we measure brain activity using fMRI, while subjects perform 103 cognitive tasks, and examine cortical representations with two voxel-wise encoding models. A sparse task-type model reveals a hierarchical organization of cognitive tasks, together with their representation in cognitive space and cortical mapping. A cognitive factor model utilizing continuous, metadata-based intermediate features predicts brain activity and decodes tasks, even under novel conditions. Collectively, our results show the usability of quantitative models of cognitive processes, thus providing a framework for the comprehensive cortical organization of human cognition.
Efficient strain modulation of 2D materials via polymer encapsulation
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Lv Yawei , Ren Liwang , Li Jia , Kong Lingan , Zeng Yujia , Tao Quanyang , Wu Ruixia , Ma Huifang , Zhao Bei , Wang Di , Dang Weiqi , Chen Keqiu , Liao Lei , Duan Xidong , Duan Xiangfeng , Liu Yuan
Published: March 2020

Strain engineering is a promising method to manipulate the electronic and optical properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials. However, with weak van der Waals interaction, severe slippage between 2D material and substrate could dominate the bending or stretching processes, leading to inefficiency strain transfer. To overcome this limitation, we report a simple strain engineering method by encapsulating the monolayer 2D material in the flexible PVA substrate through spin-coating approach. The strong interaction force between spin-coated PVA and 2D material ensures the mechanical strain can be effectively transferred with negligible slippage or decoupling. By applying uniaxial strain to monolayer MoS2, we observe a higher bandgap modulation up to ~300 meV and a highest modulation rate of ~136 meV/%, which is approximate two times improvement compared to previous results achieved. Moreover, this simple strategy could be well extended to other 2D materials such as WS2 or WSe2, leading to enhanced bandgap modulation.
Information flow in finite flocks
Authors: Brown J. , Bossomaier T. , Barnett L.
Published: March 2020

We explore information flow in finite active matter flocks by simulating the canonical Vicsek model and estimating the flow of information as a function of noise (the variability in the extent to which each animal aligns with its neighbours). We show that the global transfer entropy for finite flocks not only fails to peak near the phase transition, as demonstrated for the canonical 2D Ising model, but remains constant from the transition throughout the entire ordered regime to very low noise values. This provides a foundation for future study regarding information flow in more complex models and real-world flocking data.
Genome-scale exploration of transcriptional regulation in the nisin Z producer Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IO-1
Authors: Poorinmohammad Naghmeh , Hamedi Javad , Masoudi-Nejad Ali
Published: March 2020

Transcription is of the most crucial steps of gene expression in bacteria, whose regulation guarantees the bacteria’s ability to adapt to varying environmental conditions. Discovering the molecular basis and genomic principles of the transcriptional regulation is thus one of the most important tasks in cellular and molecular biology. Here, a comprehensive phylogenetic footprinting framework was implemented to predict maximal regulons of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IO-1, a lactic acid bacterium known for its high potentials in nisin Z production as well as efficient xylose consumption which have made it a promising biotechnological strain. A total set of 321 regulons covering more than 90% of all the bacterium’s operons have been elucidated and validated according to available data. Multiple novel biologically-relevant members were introduced amongst which arsC, mtlA and mtl operon for BusR, MtlR and XylR regulons can be named, respectively. Moreover, the effect of riboflavin on nisin biosynthesis was assessed in vitro and a negative correlation was observed. It is believed that understandings from such networks not only can be useful for studying transcriptional regulatory potentials of the target organism but also can be implemented in biotechnology to rationally design favorable production conditions.
Adaptive fitness of Sapindus emarginatus Vahl populations towards future climatic regimes and the limiting factors of its distribution
Authors: Kumar Pal Ashish , Vaishnav Vivek , Meena Baleshwar , Pandey Nalini , Singh Rana Tikam
Published: March 2020

Sapindus emarginatus Vahl (Sapindaceae) also known as ‘Indian Soap nut’ is significantly important for saponin content in its fruits. However, its current population in India is heavily fragmented due to a lack of sustainable harvesting practices. Moreover, changing climatic regimes may further limit its distribution and possibly compromise the survival of the species in nature. The aim of the present study was to: predict the future distribution range of S. emarginatus; identify the bioclimatic variables limiting this distribution and to evaluate its adaptive fitness and genomic resilience towards these variables. To determine future species distribution range and identify limiting bioclimatic variables, we applied two different ecological niche models (ENMs; BioClim and MaxEnt) on real occurrence data (n = 88 locations). The adaptive fitness of the species was evaluated by quantifying the genetic variability with AFLP markers and marker-environmental associations, using AFLP-associated Bayesian statistics. We found 77% overlap between the baseline (2030) and predicted (2100) species distribution ranges, which were primarily determined by maximum temperature (TMAX) and mean annual precipitation (MAP). The TMAX and MAP contributed 43.1% and 27.1%, respectively to ENM model prediction. Furthermore, AFLP loci significantly associated with bioclimatic variables, and TMAX and MAP represent the lowest proportion (6.15%), confirming to the severe response of the species genome towards these variables. Nevertheless, the very low Linkage disequilibrium (LD) in these loci (4.54%) suggests that the current sensitivity to TMAX and MAP is subject to change during recombination. Moreover, a combination of high heterozygosity (0.40–0.43) and high within-population variability (91.63 ± 0.31%) confirmed high adaptive fitness to maintain reproductive success. Therefore, the current populations of S. emarginatus have substantial genomic resilience towards future climate change, albeit significant conservation efforts (including mass multiplication) are warranted to avoid future deleterious impacts of inbreeding depression on the fragmented populations.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Conditioned place preference reveals ongoing pain in calves 3 weeks after disbudding
Authors: Adcock Sarah J. J. , Tucker Cassandra B.
Published: March 2020

Hot-iron disbudding, a routine procedure that prevents horn bud growth
through cauterization, is painful for calves. The resulting burns remain sensitive
to touch for weeks, but it is unknown whether calves experience ongoing, non-evoked
pain. We evaluated conditioned place preference for analgesia in 44 calves disbudded
or sham-disbudded 6 hours (Day 0) or 20 days (Day 20) before testing
(n = 11/treatment). Calves were conditioned to associate the effects of a lidocaine
cornual nerve block with the location and pattern of a visual stimulus, and a
control injection of saline with the contrasting stimulus. On Day 0, disbudded
calves tended to prefer the lidocaine-paired stimulus over the saline-paired one,
suggesting that they found analgesia rewarding. On Day 20, sham calves avoided the
lidocaine-paired stimulus, consistent with humans’ experience of this drug being
painful. Disbudded calves on Day 20 did not show this aversion, suggesting that they
traded off the short-term pain of the lidocaine with the longer-term analgesia
provided. Day 0 sham calves did not avoid the lidocaine-paired stimulus, likely
because they received less than half the dose of Day 20 calves during conditioning.
Thus, higher doses of lidocaine are aversive to uninjured animals, but disbudded
calves are willing to engage in this cost. We conclude that calves experience
ongoing pain 3 weeks after disbudding, raising additional welfare concerns about
this procedure.
A dynamic perfusion based blood-brain barrier model for cytotoxicity testing and drug permeation
Authors: Elbakary Basma , Badhan Raj K. S.
Published: March 2020

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) serves to protect and regulate the CNS microenvironment. The development of an in-vitro mimic of the BBB requires recapitulating the correct phenotype of the in-vivo BBB, particularly for drug permeation studies. However the majority of widely used BBB models demonstrate low transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and poor BBB phenotype. The application of shear stress is known to enhance tight junction formation and hence improve the barrier function. We utilised a high TEER primary porcine brain microvascular endothelial cell (PBMEC) culture to assess the impact of shear stress on barrier formation using the Kirkstall QuasiVivo 600 (QV600) multi-chamber perfusion system. The application of shear stress resulted in a reorientation and enhancement of tight junction formation on both coverslip and permeable inserts, in addition to enhancing and maintaining TEER for longer, when compared to static conditions. Furthermore, the functional consequences of this was demonstrated with the reduction in flux of mitoxantrone across PBMEC monolayers. The QV600 perfusion system may service as a viable tool to enhance and maintain the high TEER PBMEC system for use in in-vitro BBB models.
Genome sequencing of human in vitro fertilisation embryos for pathogenic variation screening
Authors: Murphy Nicholas M. , Samarasekera Tanya S. , Macaskill Lisa , Mullen Jayne , Rombauts Luk J. F.
Published: March 2020

Whole-genome sequencing of preimplantation human embryos to detect and screen for genetic diseases is a technically challenging extension to preconception screening. Combining preconception genetic screening with preimplantation testing of human embryos facilitates the detection of de novo mutations and self-validates transmitted variant detection in both the reproductive couple and the embryo’s samples. Here we describe a trio testing workflow that involves whole-genome sequencing of amplified DNA from biopsied embryo trophectoderm cells and genomic DNA from both parents. Variant prediction software and annotation databases were used to assess variants of unknown significance and previously not described de novo variants in five single-gene preimplantation genetic testing couples and eleven of their embryos. Pathogenic variation, tandem repeat, copy number and structural variations were examined against variant calls for compound heterozygosity and predicted disease status was ascertained. Multiple trio testing showed complete concordance with known variants ascertained by single-nucleotide polymorphism array and uncovered de novo and transmitted pathogenic variants. This pilot study describes a method of whole-genome sequencing and analysis for embryo selection in high-risk couples to prevent early life fatal genetic conditions that adversely affect the quality of life of the individual and families.
Jawbone remodeling: a conceptual study based on Synchrotron High-resolution Tomography
Authors: Iezzi Giovanna , Mangano Carlo , Barone Antonio , Tirone Federico , Baggi Luigi , Tromba Giuliana , Piattelli Adriano , Giuliani Alessandra
Published: March 2020

One of the most important aspects of bone remodeling is the constant turnover mainly driven by the mechanical loading stimulus. The remodeling process produces changes not only in the bone microarchitecture but also in the density distribution of the mineralized matrix - i.e. in calcium concentrations- and in the osteocyte lacunar network. Synchrotron radiation-based X-ray microtomography (microCT) has proven to be an efficient technique, capable to achieve the analysis of 3D bone architecture and of local mineralization at different hierarchical length scales, including the imaging of the lacuno-canalicular network. In the present study, we used microCT within a conceptual study of jawbone remodeling, demonstratively focusing the investigation in two critical contexts, namely in the peri-dental and the peri-implant tissues. The microCT analysis showed that a relevant inhomogeneity was clearly present in both peri-dental and peri-implant biopsies, not only in terms of microarchitecture and mineralization degree, but also considering the lacunar network, i.e. size and numerical density of the osteocyte lacunae. The correlated histological results obtained on the same samples confirmed these observations, also adding information related to non-mineralized tissues. Despite its demonstrative nature, it was concluded that the proposed method was powerful in studying jawbone remodeling because it revealed a direct correlation of its rate with the lacunar density, as achieved by the analysis of the osteocyte lacunar network, and an inverse correlation with the local bone mineral density, as revealed with the Roschger approach.
Behavior of 1-Deoxy-, 3-Deoxy- and N-Methyl-Ceramides in Skin Barrier Lipid Models
Authors: Kováčik Andrej , Pullmannová Petra , Pavlíková Ludmila , Maixner Jaroslav , Vávrová Kateřina
Published: March 2020

Ceramides (Cer) are essential components of the skin permeability barrier. To probe the role of Cer polar head groups involved in the interfacial hydrogen bonding, the N-lignoceroyl sphingosine polar head was modified by removing the hydroxyls in C-1 (1-deoxy-Cer) or C-3 positions (3-deoxy-Cer) and by N-methylation of amide group (N-Me-Cer). Multilamellar skin lipid models were prepared as equimolar mixtures of Cer, lignoceric acid and cholesterol, with 5 wt% cholesteryl sulfate. In the 1-deoxy-Cer-based models, the lipid species were separated into highly ordered domains (as found by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy) resulting in similar water loss but 4–5-fold higher permeability to model substances compared to control with natural Cer. In contrast, 3-deoxy-Cer did not change lipid chain order but promoted the formation of a well-organized structure with a 10.8 nm repeat period. Yet both lipid models comprising deoxy-Cer had similar permeabilities to all markers. N-Methylation of Cer decreased lipid chain order, led to phase separation, and improved cholesterol miscibility in the lipid membranes, resulting in 3-fold increased water loss and 10-fold increased permeability to model compounds compared to control. Thus, the C-1 and C-3 hydroxyls and amide group, which are common to all Cer subclasses, considerably affect lipid miscibility and chain order, formation of periodical nanostructures, and permeability of the skin barrier lipid models.
Sea-Level Rise Induced Multi-Mechanism Flooding and Contribution to Urban Infrastructure Failure
Authors: Habel Shellie , Fletcher Charles H. , Anderson Tiffany R. , Thompson Philip R.
Published: March 2020

Sea-level rise (SLR) induced flooding is often envisioned as solely originating from a direct marine source. This results in alternate sources such as groundwater inundation and storm-drain backflow being overlooked in studies that inform planning. Here a method is developed that identifies flooding extents and infrastructure vulnerabilities that are likely to result from alternate flood sources over coming decades. The method includes simulation of flood scenarios consisting of high-resolution raster datasets featuring flood-water depth generated by three mechanisms: (1) direct marine flooding, (2) storm-drain backflow, and (3) groundwater inundation. We apply the method to Honolulu’s primary urban center based on its high density of vulnerable assets and present-day tidal flooding issues. Annual exceedance frequencies of simulated flood thresholds are established using a statistical model that considers predicted tide and projections of SLR. Through assessment of multi-mechanism flooding, we find that approaching decades will likely feature large and increasing percentages of flooded area impacted simultaneously by the three flood mechanisms, in which groundwater inundation and direct marine flooding represent the most and least substantial single-mechanism flood source, respectively. These results illustrate the need to reevaluate main sources of SLR induced flooding to promote the development of effective flood management strategies.
Identification of runs of homozygosity affecting female fertility and milk production traits in Finnish Ayrshire cattle
Authors: Martikainen K. , Koivula M. , Uimari P.
Published: March 2020

Inbreeding gives rise to continuous lengths of homozygous genotypes called runs of homozygosity (ROH) that occur when identical haplotypes are inherited from both parents. ROHs are enriched for deleterious recessive alleles and can therefore be linked to inbreeding depression, defined as decreased phenotypic performance of the animals. However, not all ROHs within a region are expected to have harmful effects on the trait of interest. We aimed to identify ROHs that unfavourably affect female fertility and milk production traits in the Finnish Ayrshire population. The estimated effect of ROHs with the highest statistical significance varied between parities from 9 to 17 days longer intervals from calving to first insemination, from 13 to 38 days longer intervals from first to last insemination and from 0.3 to 1.0 more insemination per conception. Similarly, for milk production traits ROHs were associated with a reduction of 208 kg for milk yield, 7 kg for protein yield and 16 kg for fat yield. We also found regions where ROHs displayed unfavourable effects across multiple traits. Our findings can be exploited for more efficient control of inbreeding depression, for example by minimizing the occurrence of unfavourable haplotypes as homozygous state in breeding programmes.
A 13-plex of tetra- and penta-STRs to identify zebrafish
Authors: Venta Patrick J. , Nguyen Anthony K. , Senut Marie-Claude , Poulos William G. , Prukudom Sukumal , Cibelli Jose B.
Published: March 2020

The zebrafish species Danio rerio has become one of the major vertebrate model organisms used in biomedical research. However, there are aspects of the model that need to be improved. One of these is the ability to identify individual fish and fish lines by DNA profiling. Although many dinucleotide short tandem repeat (diSTR) markers are available for this and similar purposes, they have certain disadvantages such as an excessive polymerase slippage (“stutter”) that causes difficulties in automated genotyping and cross-laboratory comparisons. Here we report on the development of a 13-plex of tetranucleotide and pentanucleotide STRs (tetraSTRs and pentaSTRs, respectively) that have low stutter. The system uses an inexpensive universal primer labelling system, which can easily be converted to a direct labeling system if desired. This 13-plex was examined in three zebrafish lines (NHGRI-1, kca33Tg, and kca66Tg, originally obtained from ZIRC). The average observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) in these highly inbred lines were 0.291 and 0.359, respectively, which is very similar to what has been found with diSTRs. The probability of identity (PI) for all fish tested was 2.1 × 10−5 and the PI for siblings (PIsib) was 6.4 × 10−3, as calculated by the Genalex package. Ninety percent of the fish tested were correctly identified with their respective strains. It is also demonstrated that this panel can be used to confirm doubled-haploid cell lines. This multiplex should find multiple uses for improving the accuracy and reproducibility of studies using the zebrafish model.
Initial decrease in the ambient dose equivalent rate after the Fukushima accident and its difference from Chernobyl
Authors: Yoshimura Kazuya , Saegusa Jun , Sanada Yukihisa
Published: March 2020

In 2011, after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, the initial decrease in the ambient dose equivalent rate (dH*(10) dt−1), an alternative quantity to the effective dose, was studied using monitoring data obtained from March 16, 2011. The dH*(10) dt−1 was normalized by the 137Cs activity per unit area (norm-dH*(10) dt−1) to analyze the data across monitoring sites with different deposition levels. The norm-dH*(10) dt−1 showed a rapid decrease during the first 60 days, followed by slow decrease and was modeled using two exponential functions. The norm-dH*(10) dt−1 obtained in areas dominated by paved surfaces and buildings showed a faster decrease than the unpaved-dominant field, and this decrease was facilitated in residential areas compared with the evacuation zone. The decrease in norm-dH*(10) dt−1 was compared with simulation results using parameters obtained in Europe after the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident that represent a decrease due to radionuclide migration (e.g., soil penetration and horizontal wash-off). The simulation results showed a faster decrease than our results, implying that there was less radiocesium migration in Fukushima than in Europe. The results also suggested that the regional variation in the decrease rate led to uncertainty regarding the external dose estimation.
Paper-based microchip electrophoresis for point-of-care hemoglobin testing
Authors: Hasan Muhammad Noman , Fraiwan Arwa , An Ran , Alapan Yunus , Ung Ryan , Akkus Asya , Xu Julia Z. , Rezac Amy J. , Kocmich Nicholas J. , Creary Melissa S. , Oginni Tolulope , Olanipekun Grace Mfon , Hassan-Hanga Fatimah , Jibir Binta W. , Gambo Safiya , Verma Anil K. , Bharti Praveen K. , Riolueang Suchada , Ngimhung Takdanai , Suksangpleng Thidarat , Thota Priyaleela , Werner Greg , Shanmugam Rajasubramaniam , Das Aparup , Viprakasit Vip , Piccone Connie M. , Little Jane A. , Obaro Stephen K. , Gurkan Umut A.
Published: March 2020

We present a versatile, mass-producible, paper-based microchip electrophoresis platform that enables rapid, affordable, decentralized hemoglobin testing at the point-of-care.
Analysis of deoxyribonuclease activity by conjugation-free fluorescence polarisation in sub-nanolitre droplets
Authors: Choi Jae-Won , Vasamsetti Bala Murali Krishna , Choo Jaebum , Kim Hak Yong
Published: March 2020

Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) assay using ethidium bromide (EtBr) molecules by conjugation-free fluorescence polarisation under visible light in a droplet-based microfluidic chip.
Ammonia-assisted fast Li-ion conductivity in a new hemiammine lithium borohydride, LiBH4·1/2NH3
Authors: Yan Yigang , Grinderslev Jakob B. , Lee Young-Su , Jørgensen Mathias , Cho Young Whan , Černý Radovan , Jensen Torben R.
Published: March 2020

A new hemiammine borohydride, LiBH4·1/2NH3, has been presented, which exhibits fast Li-ion conduction promoted by ammonia.
Probing the distinct nanomechanical behaviour of a new co-crystal and a known solvate of 5-fluoroisatin and identification of a new polymorph
Authors: Mondal Pradip Kumar , Bhandary Subhrajyoti , Javoor Manjunath G. , Cleetus Annie , Mangalampalli S. R. N. Kiran , Ramamurty Upadrasta , Chopra Deepak
Published: March 2020

Crystalline forms of 5-fluoroisatin have been characterized by thermal, structural, and mechanical methods. The hardness and elastic modulus of the DMSO solvate is significantly higher than those of the picolinic acid co-crystal of 5-fluoroisatin.
Unconventional deformation potential and half-metallicity in zigzag nanoribbons of 2D-Xenes
Authors: Shi Jin-Lei , Zhao Xing-Ju , Seifert Gotthard , Wei Su-Huai , Zhang Dong-Bo
Published: March 2020

We propose a new approach to achieve half-metallicity in 2D-Xenes zigzag nanoribbons through a new mechanism based on strain engineering, such as simple in-plane bending.
Number and intrinsic activity of cobalt surface sites in platinum promoted zeolite catalysts for carbon monoxide hydrogenation
Authors: Carvalho Alexandre , Ordomsky Vitaly V. , Marcilio Nilson R. , Khodakov Andrei Y.
Published: March 2020

A larger number and a more uniform distribution of cobalt sites with almost the same intrinsic activity results in higher carbon monoxide hydrogenation rate in the mordenite compared to ZSM-5 zeolite.
Selective construction of functionalized chromeno[3,4-b]pyrroles and benzo[c]chromenesviaa K3PO4promoted three-component reaction
Authors: Jiang Wang , Sun Jing , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: March 2020

A K3PO4promoted three-component reaction of pivaloylacetonitrile (benzoylacetonitrile), dialkyl but-2-ynedioates and 2-aryl-3-nitrochromenes afforded functionalized chromeno[3,4-b]pyrroles.
TiO2 nanofibres decorated with green-synthesized PAu/Ag@CQDs for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and pharmaceutical drugs
Authors: Thakur Anupma , Kumar Praveen , Kaur Devinder , Devunuri Nagaraju , Sinha R. K. , Devi Pooja
Published: March 2020

Citrus limetta waste-derived plasmonic nanostructures for photocatalytic degradation of toxic dyes and pharmaceutical pollutants in water.
A disposable molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for the ultra-trace detection of the organophosphorus insecticide phosalone employing monodisperse Pt-doped UiO-66 for signal amplification
Authors: Xu Liping , Li Jiebin , Zhang Jiajia , Sun Junyong , Gan Tian , Liu Yanming
Published: March 2020

A disposable electrochemical sensor was fabricated based on monodisperse Pt-doped UiO-66 and a mesoporous molecularly imprinted polymer to specifically detect phosalone.
Organophotoredox assisted cyanation of bromoarenes via silyl-radical-mediated bromine abstraction
Authors: Shee Maniklal , Shah Sk. Sheriff , Singh N. D. Pradeep
Published: March 2020

The transition metal-free conversion of aryl bromides into aromatic nitriles using an organophotocatalyst under visible light irradiation.
Construction of sequence-defined polytriazoles by IrAAC and CuAAC reactions
Authors: Ju Changhong , Meng Congcong , Ma Jiahao , Zhang Xueyan , Ding Shengtao
Published: March 2020

A novel sequence-defined polytriazole architecture was synthesized by IrAAC and CuAAC.
Understanding a pentagonal-bipyramidal holmium(iii) complex with a record energy barrier for magnetisation reversal
Authors: Ma Yan , Zhai Yuan-Qi , Ding You-Song , Han Tian , Zheng Yan-Zhen
Published: March 2020

An axially highly compressed pentagonal-bipyramidal holmium(iii) complex shows a record energy barrier for magnetization reversal.
Metal–organic framework-derived hollow structure CoS2/nitrogen-doped carbon spheres for high-performance lithium/sodium ion batteries
Authors: Chen Lin , Luo Ningjing , Huang Shuping , Li Yafeng , Wei Mingdeng
Published: March 2020

Hollow structure CoS2/NC spheres derived from a porous Co-MOF precursor delivered long-term cycling stability as an anode for LIBs and SIBs.
One-pot synthesis of heterodimeric agonists that activate the canonical Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Mukherjee Abhirup , Stathos Mark E. , Varner Chad , Arsiwala Ammar , Frey Steven , Hu Yuge , Smalley David M. , Schaffer David V. , Kane Ravi S.
Published: March 2020

Heterodimers synthesized by conjugating anti-Frizzled and anti-LRP6 Fabs using SpyTag–SpyCatcher chemistry activate the canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
Polyaniline functionalized reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube ternary nanocomposite as a supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Wang Chengchao , Yang Yue , Li Ruijun , Wu Datong , Qin Yong , Kong Yong
Published: March 2020

Polyaniline is covalently functionalized onto the RGO surface in the presence of carbon nanotubes and used for high performance supercapacitors.
A new 1 : 1 cocrystal of lamotrigine and 1,2,3,6-hydrophthalimide: discovery, characterization, and construction of ternary phase diagrams
Authors: Kuang Wenjie , Ji Shaochang , Wei Yufeng , Zhang Jinyan , Lan Ping
Published: March 2020

A 1 : 1 cocrystal of lamotrigine (LAM) with 1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophthalimide (HPHT) was first successfully synthesized. The ternary phase diagram of the cocrystal was constructed, and its stability and dissolution were determined.
Tailored fabrication of triple-surface-features in well-crystalline BiOCl photocatalyst and their synergistic role in catalytic processes
Authors: Shahid Malik Zeeshan , Yu Liu , Mehmood Rashid
Published: March 2020

The exposed active surface sites in photocatalysts, comprising low-coordinated atomic steps and atomic-level thickness, are vital to achieve efficient catalysis.
Correction: Fatty acid epoxidation by Collariella virescens peroxygenase and heme-channel variants
Authors: González-Benjumea Alejandro , Carro Juan , Renau-Mínguez Chantal , Linde Dolores , Fernández-Fueyo Elena , Gutiérrez Ana , Martínez Angel T.
Published: March 2020

Correction for ‘Fatty acid epoxidation by Collariella virescens peroxygenase and heme-channel variants’ by Alejandro González-Benjumea et al., Catal. Sci. Technol., 2020, 10, 717–725.
Low-cost microphysiological systems: feasibility study of a tape-based barrier-on-chip for small intestine modeling
Authors: Winkler Thomas E. , Feil Michael , Stronkman Eva F. G. J. , Matthiesen Isabelle , Herland Anna
Published: March 2020

High costs are a key challenge in “democratization” of organ-chip research. We present a low-resource barrier-on-chip based on tape, and use it to model small intestine and its response to chili peppers (capsaicinoids).
Synthesis of artemisinic acid derived glycoconjugates and their anticancer studies
Authors: Kotammagari Tharun K. , Paul Sayantan , Barik Ganesh K. , Santra Manas K. , Bhattacharya Asish K.
Published: March 2020

Twenty-four artemisinic acid glycoconjugate hybrids were synthesized using click reaction and evaluated for their anticancer activities against the MCF7 cell line.
Total synthesis of isatindigotindoline C
Authors: Siitonen Juha H. , Lira Sherlin , Yousufuddin Muhammed , Kürti László
Published: March 2020

Total synthesis of isatindigotindoline C is achieved in two steps using a biomimetic 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction as the key step.
Poly(p-phenylene)s tethered with oligo(ethylene oxide): synthesis by Yamamoto polymerization and properties as solid polymer electrolytes
Authors: Nederstedt Hannes , Jannasch Patric
Published: March 2020

Salt-containing rigid-rod polyphenylenes tethered with ethylene oxide side chains form mechanically and thermally stable “molecular composite electrolytes” reaching high conductivity.
STEMI-Äquivalente im EKG – eine fallbasierte Darstellung
Authors: Beckenbauer Dominik , Martínez Pereyra Valeria , Ong Peter
Published: March 2020

The 12-lead resting ECG remains an indispensable diagnostic tool in patients with acute chest pain. This is particularly important as the identification of ST-segment elevations leads to the diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and subsequent, immediate coronary reperfusion (usually via primary PCI). However, correct interpretation of the 12-lead ECG in patients with acute chest pain remains challenging. Apart from “classical” ST-segment elevations there are several “equivalents” in the ECG pointing towards an acute coronary occlusion. Among these, hyperacute T-waves, subtle ST-segment elevations, ST-segment elevation in leads aVR/V1 with concomitant ST-segment depression in ≥ 8 other leads and high R-peak with positive T-waves combined with horizontal ST-segment depression in leads V1/V2 can be found. This article provides a case-based presentation of STEMI equivalents on the ECG in order to improve correct ECG interpretation and prognosis of such patients.
„Die letzte Visite“: Leichenschau im Notarztdienst
Authors: Ondruschka Benjamin , Buschmann Claas
Published: March 2020

The declaration and investigation of death cases is a non-delegable task of medical doctors and should be mastered in the same quality as all examinations on living patients. A person is death when at least one sign of death is established (livores mortis, rigor mortis, putrefaction, injuries incompatible with life, brain death). In all other cases of unconscious patients a sufficient cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be started.

If the person is declared death, an external post mortem examination has to be realized as soon as possible. Emergency doctors should be informed about the regional juridical features. The investigation of the death scene scenario, potentially known pre-existing disorders of the patients as well as medical records should be added to the findings of the body surface to conclude the most plausible cause and manner of death of the corpse. Doctors must be alarmed, when petechial bleedings are established at the face or the conjunctives, raising the suspicion of strangling forces to the neck.

Internal causes of death are often invisible from the body surface, resulting in difficulties to declare the cause of death of the individual by external’s only. Injuries are most often visible and could be a hint of a crime scene scenario or external harm.
Traumatologie des Gesichtsschädels im Kindesalter
Authors: Freudlsperger Christian , Hoffmann Jürgen , Ristow Oliver
Published: March 2020

Frakturen des Gesichtsschädels sind im Kindesalter aufgrund anatomischer Besonderheiten und unterschiedlicher Kausalitäten deutlich seltener als im Erwachsenenalter. Die Versorgung von sich im Wachstum befindlichen Gesichtsschädelknochen stellt den behandelnden Arzt oft vor eine große Herausforderung und setzt eine genaue Kenntnis der kindlichen Anatomie voraus. Oft bleiben mögliche spätere Wachstumsstörungen aufgrund des initialen Traumas, aber auch durch den chirurgischen Eingriff selbst schwer abzuschätzen. Kleine Patientenkollektive und die Notwendigkeit langfristiger Nachuntersuchungen erschweren zusätzlich evidenzbasierte Aussagen.
Besonderheiten in der Nachsorge von gastrointestinalen Tumoren
Authors: Artzner Kerstin , Malek Nisar Peter
Published: March 2020

Nach abgeschlossener Tumortherapie stellt die Nachsorge eine wichtige Säule in der Betreuung gastroonkologischer Patienten dar. Nicht nur das Erkennen und Behandeln von Folgestörungen gehört dazu, sondern auch die frühzeitige Diagnose von Rezidiven. Ein klarer Nachsorgeplan sowie eine gute Zusammenarbeit zwischen Hausärzten und den Fachdisziplinen spielen hier eine entscheidende Rolle.
Risk of neoplastic change in large gastric hyperplastic polyps and recurrence after endoscopic resection
Authors: Forté Emmanuel , Petit Bérénice , Walter Thomas , Lépilliez Vincent , Vanbiervliet Geoffroy , Rostain Florian , Barsic Neven , Albeniz Eduardo , Gete Gonzalo Gonzalez , Gabriel Jose Carlos Marín , Cuadrado-Tiemblo Cristina , Ratone Jean-Philippe , Jacques Jérémie , Wallenhorst Timothée , Subtil Fabien , Albouys Jérémie , Giovannini Marc , Chaussade Stanislas , Landel Véréna , Ponchon Thierry , Saurin Jean-Christophe , Barret Maximilien , Pioche Mathieu
Published: March 2020

Background Gastric hyperplastic polyps (GHPs) have a risk of neoplastic transformation reaching 5 %. Current endoscopic resection techniques appear suboptimal with a high risk of local recurrence. This study assessed the outcomes of endoscopic resection for GHPs and identified risk factors for recurrence and neoplastic transformation.

Methods This retrospective, multicenter, European study included adult patients with at least one GHP ≥ 10 mm who underwent endoscopic resection and at least one follow-up endoscopy. Patients with recurrent GHPs or hereditary gastric polyposis were excluded. All data were retrieved from the endoscopy, pathology, and hospitalization reports.

Results From June 2007 to August 2018, 145 GHPs in 108 patients were included. Recurrence after endoscopic resection was 51.0 % (74 /145) in 55 patients. R0 resection or en bloc resection did not impact the risk of polyp recurrence. In multivariate analysis, cirrhosis was the only risk factor for recurrence (odds ratio [OR] 4.82, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.33 – 17.46; P = 0.02). Overall, 15 GHPs (10.4 %) showed neoplastic transformation, with size > 25 mm (OR 10.24, 95 %CI 2.71 – 38.69; P < 0.001) and presence of intestinal metaplasia (OR 5.93, 95 %CI 1.56 – 22.47; P = 0.01) being associated with an increased risk of neoplastic transformation in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions Results confirmed the risk of recurrence and neoplastic transformation of large GHPs. The risk of neoplastic change was significantly increased for lesions > 25 mm, with a risk of high grade dysplasia appearing in polyps ≥ 50 mm. The risk of recurrence was high, particularly in cirrhosis patients, and long-term follow-up is recommended in such patients.
Recent Developments in Photochemical and Electrochemical Decarboxylative C(sp3)–N Bond Formation
Authors: Tian Lifang , Wang Yahui , Zheng Yue , Shao Xiaoqing , Ramadoss Velayudham
Published: March 2020

Considering the important applications of nitrogen-containing compounds in agrochemical materials and biomolecular drug molecules, research on methods for the construction of C–N bonds quickly and efficiently has become an important topic in synthetic chemistry. Carboxylic acids are inexpensive, stable, and non-toxic substances that are widely present in Nature, which makes them appealing as potential coupling partners for C(sp3)–N bond-forming reactions. Moreover, compared with the well-established transition-metal-catalyzed protocols, the rapid development of photoredox catalysis and electrochemical methods in recent years provides options for chemists to design new synthetic routes. In this short review, we concentrate on the decarboxylative C(sp3)–N coupling reactions mediated by visible light or electricity, with special attention on mechanistic insights.

1 Introduction

2 Photoredox-Mediated Decarboxylative C(sp3)–N Bond Formation

2.1 Intramolecular Decarboxylation

2.2 Intermolecular Decarboxylation

3 Electrochemistry-Induced Decarboxylative C(sp3)–N Bond Formation

3.1 Intramolecular Decarboxylation

3.2 Intermolecular Decarboxylation

4 Conclusions and Outlook
Recent Advances in Nickel-Catalyzed Three-Component Difunctionalization of Unactivated Alkenes
Authors: Zhu Shengqing , Chu Lingling , Tu Hai-Yong , Qing Feng-Ling
Published: March 2020

Catalytic, intermolecular difunctionalization of alkenes represents an efficient and diverse protocol for the buildup of molecular complexity from abundant materials by forging two chemical bonds in a single operation. Despite important progress in this area, transition-metal-catalyzed three-component difunctionalization of unactivated alkenes remains underdeveloped, mainly because of the low reactivity, reduced polarization, and high tendency toward β-hydride elimination of these compounds. In this context, nickel-catalyzed, selective, intermolecular difunctionalization methods that generally proceed via two distinct reaction pathways, migratory insertion of nickel species into alkenes and radical addition to alkenes, have been developed. This short review highlights recent advances in this area.

1 Introduction

2 Nickel-Catalyzed Three-Component Difunctionalization of Unactivated­ Alkenes via Migratory Insertion Processes

3 Nickel-Catalyzed Three-Component Difunctionalization of Unactivated­ Alkenes via Radical Processes

4 Conclusions and Perspectives
A Study of Factors that Contribute to the Severe Progression of Peritonsillar Abscess
Authors: Fujikawa Naoya , Yamashita Taku
Published: March 2020

Background Based on the background factors and results of blood tests in patients with peritonsillar abscess, we investigated the factors involved in the prolongation of hospitalization and progression to deep neck abscess of these patients.

Objective and Methods We studied the data of 113 patients with peritonsillar abscesses (including those in whom the condition progressed to deep neck abscesses) who were hospitalized at our department during the 3-year period from August 2014 to August 2017. Data of patients who needed hospitalized treatment for 7 days or more, including the age, body mass index (BMI), sickness period, white blood cell count, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum total protein, serum albumin, blood glucose, blood HbA1c, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the first examination, and the neck factors in the cases that progressed to deep cervical abscess were examined using t-tests.

Results The blood test items and background factors at the first visit were compared according to the length of hospitalization. The results revealed that prolonged hospitalization was associated with higher values of age, peripheral blood white blood cell count, serum CRP value and blood glucose, and lower values of serum total protein, serum albumin, and eGFR.

Conclusions Factors that were associated with a longer hospital stay in this study were relatively high values of age, peripheral blood white blood cell count, blood glucose and serum CRP, and relatively low values of the serum total protein, serum albumin, and eGFR. The disease duration, BMI, and HbA1c were not identified as significant factors. Stepwise multiple regression analysis to identify factors associated with prolonged hospitalization identified the blood glucose and serum albumin levels measured at the first visit as significant predictors of a prolonged hospital stay and higher severity of the illness. Our findings suggested the importance of measuring these factors for predicting the progression to deep cervical abscess.
EVALUATION OF THE STATUS OF SALIVARY NITRIC OXIDE IN PATIENTS WITH DENTAL CARIES
Authors: Hegde Mithra N. , Kumari Suchetha , Hegde Nidarsh , Shetty Shilpa ,   Nireeksha
Published: March 2020

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the status of salivary nitric oxide in patients with dental caries. The study consisted of 80 individuals. According to DFMT index, the subjects were divided into control group (DMFT=0) and study group (DMFT>5). Saliva sample was collected from each subject. Nitric oxide concentration was measured as total nitrates and nitrites by the Griess reaction method. The results of this study show that the presence of NO and its metabolites in saliva of adults with natural healthy teeth is significantly higher compared to high risk group, suggesting the protective role of NO in relation to caries. From the study it can be concluded that highly significant increase of nitrates and nitrites in stimulated saliva of high caries risk group could be the host defense response opposing bacterial growth. The obtained results support the role of NO as modulator of bacterial proliferation and suggest that increased NO production might contribute to lower caries incidence in adults.
A STUDY OF SERUM URIC ACID IN DIABETES MELLITUS AND PREDIABETES IN A SOUTH INDIAN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: M. Sudhindra Rao , Sahayo Bino John
Published: March 2020

Background: Several epidemiologic studies have reported that high serum levels of uric acid are strongly associated with prevalent health conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, essential hypertension and renal disease. This study aimed to investigate the level of serum uric acid in Type 2 diabetes mellitus, pre-diabetics and non diabetics (controls) in south Indian population.

Methods: Uric acid level was measured by Uricase-PAP methodology in patients with Diabetes (n=71)/Pre diabetes (n=12)/ Control groups (n=34). Using ANOVA test, uric acid levels in the above three groups were compared based on age, sex and other factors which can affect uric acid level.

Results: The mean serum uric acid level was lower in control group (3.84mg/dl), rose in pre-diabetics (4.88mg/dl) and again decreased in diabetics (3.78mg/dl). P value comparing control and pre-diabetes was 0.009, p-value comparing pre-diabetes and diabetes was 0.003 and p-value comparing control and diabetes was 0.982 (p value <0.05 being significant).

Conclusion: The serum uric acid level being higher in pre-diabetes than controls and lower in diabetes mellitus than pre-diabetes may serve as a potential inexpensive biomarker of deterioration of glucose metabolism.