bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct estimation of quantum coherence by collective measurements
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Hou Zhibo , Tang Jun-Feng , Streltsov Alexander , Xiang Guo-Yong , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can
Published: May 2020

The recently established resource theory of quantum coherence allows for a quantitative understanding of the superposition principle, with applications reaching from quantum computing to quantum biology. While different quantifiers of coherence have been proposed in the literature, their efficient estimation in today’s experiments remains a challenge. Here, we introduce a collective measurement scheme for estimating the amount of coherence in quantum states, which requires entangled measurements on two copies of the state. As we show by numerical simulations, our scheme outperforms other estimation methods based on tomography or adaptive measurements, leading to a higher precision in a large parameter range for estimating established coherence quantifiers of qubit and qutrit states. We show that our method is accessible with today’s technology by implementing it experimentally with photons, finding a good agreement between experiment and theory.
Effect of 5-year continuous positive airway pressure treatment on MMPs and TIMPs: implications for OSA comorbidities
Authors: Simon Beatrix , Barta Imre , Gabor Bettina , Paska Csilla , Boszormenyi Nagy Gyorgy , Vizi Eva , Antus Balazs
Published: May 2020

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment results in nearly complete remission of symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA); however, its effect on OSA comorbidities including cardiovascular diseases remains contradictory. Here we investigated the short- and long-term effect of CPAP treatment on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in patients with severe OSA. Serum levels of 7 MMPs and 3 TIMPs were followed in OSA patients (n = 28) with an apnoea-hypopnoea index of ≥30 events/h at the time of diagnosis and at control visits (2 months, 6 months and 5 years) after initiation of fixed-pressure CPAP treatment. The first few months of CPAP therapy resulted in significant decrease of MMP-8 and MMP-9 levels (MMP-8: 146 (79–237) vs. 287 (170–560) pg/mL; MMP-9: 10.1 (7.1–14.1) vs. 12.7 (10.4–15.6) ng/mL, p < 0.05 for each at 2 months), while the rest of the panel remained unchanged as compared to baseline values. In contrast, at 5 years, despite of uninterrupted CPAP treatment and excellent adherence the levels of MMP-8, MMP-9 and TIMPs significantly increased (p < 0.05). Our data suggest that initiation of CPAP therapy leads to a decrease in the level of key MMPs in the short-term; however, this effect is not sustained over the long-term.
Real-time observation of dynamic structure of liquid-vapor interface at nanometer resolution in electron irradiated sodium chloride crystals
Authors: Ren Amy , Lu David , Wong Edward , Hauwiller Matthew R. , Alivisatos A. Paul , Ren Gang
Published: May 2020

The dynamics and structure of the liquid and vapor interface has remained elusive for decades due to the lack of an effective tool for directly visualization beyond micrometer resolution. Here, we designed a simple liquid-cell for encapsulating the liquid state of sodium for transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observation. The real-time dynamic structure of the liquid-vapor interface was imaged and videoed by TEM on the sample of electron irradiated sodium chloride (NaCl) crystals, a well-studied sample with low melting temperature and quantum super-shells of clusters. The nanometer resolution images exhibit the fine structures of the capillary waves, composed of first-time observed three zones of structures and features, i.e. flexible nanoscale fibers, nanoparticles/clusters, and a low-pressure area that sucks the nanoparticles from the liquid to the interface. Although the phenomenons were observed based on irradiated NaCl crystals, the similarities of the phenomenons to predictions suggest our real-time ovserved  dynamic structure might be useful in validating long-debated theoretical models of the liquid-vapor interface, and enhancing our knowledge in understanding the non-equilibrium thermodynamics of the liquid-vapor interface to benefit future engineering designs in microfluidics.
MyomirDB: A unified database and server platform for muscle atrophy myomiRs, coregulatory networks and regulons
Authors: Gupta Apoorv , Srivastava Sukanya , Suryakumar Geetha , Kumar Bhuvnesh , Khurana Pankaj
Published: May 2020

Muscular atrophy or muscle loss is a multifactorial clinical condition during many critical illnesses like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, pulmonary diseases etc. leading to fatigue and weakness and contributes towards a decreased quality of life. The proportion of older adults (>65 y) in the overall population is also growing and aging is another important factor causing muscle loss. Some muscle miRNAs (myomiRs) and their target genes have even been proposed as potential diagnostic, therapeutic and predictive markers for muscular atrophy. MyomirDB (http://www.myomirdb.in/) is a unique resource that provides a comprehensive, curated, user- friendly and detailed compilation of various miRNA bio-molecular interactions; miRNA-Transcription Factor-Target Gene co-regulatory networks and ~8000 tripartite regulons associated with 247 myomiRs which have been experimentally validated to be associated with various muscular atrophy conditions. For each database entry, MyomirDB compiles source organism, muscle atrophic condition, experiment duration, its level of expression, fold change, tissue of expression, experimental validation, disease and drug association, tissue-specific expression level, Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway associations. The web resource is a unique server platform which uses in-house scripts to construct miRNA-Transcription Factor-Target Gene co-regulatory networks and extract tri-partite regulons also called Feed Forward Loops. These unique features helps to offer mechanistic insights in disease pathology. Hence, MyomirDB is a unique platform for researchers working in this area to explore, fetch, compare and analyse atrophy associated miRNAs, their co-regulatory networks and FFL regulons.
Genomic analysis of the natural history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using Neanderthal and ancient Homo sapiens samples
Authors: Esteller-Cucala Paula , Maceda Iago , Børglum Anders D. , Demontis Ditte , Faraone Stephen V. , Cormand Bru , Lao Oscar
Published: May 2020

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an impairing neurodevelopmental condition highly prevalent in current populations. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this paradox, mainly in the context of the Paleolithic versus Neolithic cultural shift but especially within the framework of the mismatch theory. This theory elaborates on how a particular trait once favoured in an ancient environment might become maladaptive upon environmental changes. However, given the lack of genomic data available for ADHD, these theories have not been empirically tested. We took advantage of the largest GWAS meta-analysis available for this disorder consisting of over 20,000 individuals diagnosed with ADHD and 35,000 controls, to assess the evolution of ADHD-associated alleles in European populations using archaic, ancient and modern human samples. We also included Approximate Bayesian computation coupled with deep learning analyses and singleton density scores to detect human adaptation. Our analyses indicate that ADHD-associated alleles are enriched in loss of function intolerant genes, supporting the role of selective pressures in this early-onset phenotype. Furthermore, we observed that the frequency of variants associated with ADHD has steadily decreased since Paleolithic times, particularly in Paleolithic European populations compared to samples from the Neolithic Fertile Crescent. We demonstrate this trend cannot be explained by African admixture nor Neanderthal introgression, since introgressed Neanderthal alleles are enriched in ADHD risk variants. All analyses performed support the presence of long-standing selective pressures acting against ADHD-associated alleles until recent times. Overall, our results are compatible with the mismatch theory for ADHD but suggest a much older time frame for the evolution of ADHD-associated alleles compared to previous hypotheses.
Effects of lime application on nitrogen and phosphorus availability in humic soils
Authors: Mkhonza N. P. , Buthelezi-Dube N. N. , Muchaonyerwa P.
Published: May 2020

There is a paucity of information on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) mineralization in humic soils, which are highly weathered and have high carbon (C) (>1.8%). This study was to determine effects of liming on N and P mineralization in humic soils. Lime was applied to reduce acid saturation to 20% of the 0–10 and 10–20 cm depths of soils from Eston and Eshowe. Soils were incubated at field capacity moisture and 25 °C temperature, with destructive sampling after 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 56, 84 and 112 days. Samples were analysed for pH, ammonium- and nitrate-N and extractable P. Phosphorus pools and soil microbial biomass C and N (SMBC and N) were analysed after 112 days only. Soil pH increased up to day 7 and decreased thereafter in Eston soil but decreased throughout the incubation in Eshowe soil. Ammonium- and nitrate-N increased with lime rate, with ammonium-N peaking after 7 and 14 days for Eston and Eshowe soils, respectively. The 0–10 cm depth had higher ammonium-N than 10–20 cm for both soils. Nitrate-N increased with corresponding decrease in ammonium-N. Extractable P decreased till day 21 and increased thereafter in Eston soil, with slight changes in Eshowe. Higher lime rate decreased Al-P, Fe-P and CBD-P and increased soluble-P, Ca-P, and SMB-C and N for both soils. The findings imply that liming humic soils increase nitrate-N and, to a lesser extent, extractable P, possibly improving productivity and exposing N to leaching.
Allelic sequence variation in the Sub1A, Sub1B and Sub1C genes among diverse rice cultivars and its association with submergence tolerance
Authors: Singh Anuradha , Singh Yashi , Mahato Ajay K. , Jayaswal Pawan K. , Singh Sangeeta , Singh Renu , Yadav Neera , Singh A. K. , Singh P. K. , Singh Rakesh , Kumar Rajesh , Septiningsih Endang M. , Balyan H. S. , Singh Nagendra K. , Rai Vandna
Published: May 2020

Erratic rainfall leading to flash flooding causes huge yield losses in lowland rice. The traditional varieties and landraces of rice possess variable levels of tolerance to submergence stress, but gene discovery and utilization of these resources has been limited to the Sub1A-1 allele from variety FR13A. Therefore, we analysed the allelic sequence variation in three Sub1 genes in a panel of 179 rice genotypes and its association with submergence tolerance. Population structure and diversity analysis based on a 36-plex genome wide genic-SNP assay grouped these genotypes into two major categories representing Indica and Japonica cultivar groups with further sub-groupings into Indica, Aus, Deepwater and Aromatic-Japonica cultivars. Targetted re-sequencing of the Sub1A, Sub1B and Sub1C genes identfied 7, 7 and 38 SNPs making 8, 9 and 67 SNP haplotypes, respectively. Haplotype networks and phylogenic analysis revealed evolution of Sub1B and Sub1A genes by tandem duplication and divergence of the ancestral Sub1C gene in that order. The alleles of Sub1 genes in tolerant reference variety FR13A seem to have evolved most recently. However, no consistent association could be found between the Sub1 allelic variation and submergence tolerance probably due to low minor allele frequencies and presence of exceptions to the known Sub1A-1 association in the genotype panel. We identified 18 cultivars with non-Sub1A-1 source of submergence tolerance which after further mapping and validation in bi-parental populations will be useful for development of superior flood tolerant rice cultivars.
Preparation and characterization of novel MWCNTs/Fe-Co doped TNTs nanocomposite for potentiometric determination of sulpiride in real water samples
Authors: Khalil M. M. , Farghali A. A. , El Rouby Waleed M. A. , Abd-Elgawad I. H.
Published: May 2020

Novel multiwalled carbon nanotubes/ Fe-Co doped titanate nanotubes nanocomposite (MWCNTs/Fe-Co doped TNTs) facilitated the charge transfer and enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Herein, three novel modified carbon paste sensors (CPSs) based on MWCNTs (sensor I), Fe-Co doped TNTs (sensor II) and MWCNTs/Fe-Co doped TNTs composite (sensor III) were fabricated for a simple, low cost and high accuracy electrochemical method for the potentiometric determination of sulpiride (SLP). The sensors exhibited excellent Nernstian slopes 57.1 ± 0.4, 56 ± 0.5 and 58.8 ± 0.2 mV decade−1 with detection limits (DL) 7.6 × 10−7, 1.58 × 10−6 and 8.7 × 10−8 mol L−1, quantification limits (QL) 2.5 × 10−6, 5.2 × 10−6 and 2.9 × 10−7 mol L−1 for a long lifetime 20, 18, and 25 weeks for sensors (I), (II), and (III), respectively. The modified sensor (III) was applicable by measuring the concentration of spiked SLP in pure solutions, pharmaceutical products, human urine, and real water samples. The proposed method can be used as an important analytical tool in the quality control of the pharmaceutical industry.
Excitation of prefrontal cortical neurons during conditioning enhances fear memory formation
Authors: Shibano Natsumi , Yamazaki Mio , Arima Tomoki , Abe Konami , Kuroda Marin , Kobayashi Yuki , Itohara Shigeyoshi , Furuichi Teiichi , Sano Yoshitake
Published: May 2020

Animals can remember a situation associated with an aversive event. Contextual fear memory is initially encoded and consolidated in the hippocampus and gradually consolidated in multiple brain regions over time, including the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, it is not fully understood how PFC neurons contribute to contextual fear memory formation during learning. In the present study, neuronal activity was increased in PFC neurons utilizing the pharmacogenetic hM3Dq-system in male mice. We show that fear expression and memory formation are enhanced by increasing neuronal activity in PFC during conditioning phase. Previous studies showed that the activation of hM3Dq receptor in a subset of amygdala neurons enhanced fear memory formation and biased which neurons are allocated to a memory trace, in which immediate early gene c-fos was preferentially expressed following memory retrieval in these pre-activated neurons. In this study, hM3Dq activation in PFC could not change the probability of c-fos expression in pre-activated neurons flowing memory retrieval. Instead, the number c-fos positive neurons following memory retrieval was significantly increased in the basolateral amygdala. Our results suggest that neuronal activity in PFC at the time of learning modulates fear memory formation and downstream cellular activity at an early phase.
A multimodal and signals fusion approach for assessing the impact of stressful events on Air Traffic Controllers
Authors: Borghini Gianluca , Di Flumeri Gianluca , Aricò Pietro , Sciaraffa Nicolina , Bonelli Stefano , Ragosta Martina , Tomasello Paola , Drogoul Fabrice , Turhan Uğur , Acikel Birsen , Ozan Ali , Imbert Jean Paul , Granger Géraud , Benhacene Railane , Babiloni Fabio
Published: May 2020

Stress is a word used to describe human reactions to emotionally, cognitively and physically challenging experiences. A hallmark of the stress response is the activation of the autonomic nervous system, resulting in the “fight-freeze-flight” response to a threat from a dangerous situation. Consequently, the capability to objectively assess and track a controller’s stress level while dealing with air traffic control (ATC) activities would make it possible to better tailor the work shift and maintain high safety levels, as well as to preserve the operator’s health. In this regard, sixteen controllers were asked to perform a realistic air traffic management (ATM) simulation during which subjective data (i.e. stress perception) and neurophysiological data (i.e. brain activity, heart rate, and galvanic skin response) were collected with the aim of accurately characterising the controller’s stress level experienced in the various experimental conditions. In addition, external supervisors regularly evaluated the controllers in terms of manifested stress, safety, and efficiency throughout the ATM scenario. The results demonstrated 1) how the stressful events caused both supervisors and controllers to underestimate the experienced stress level, 2) the advantage of taking into account both cognitive and hormonal processes in order to define a reliable stress index, and 3) the importance of the points in time at which stress is measured owing to the potential transient effect once the stressful events have ceased.
Digital multiplex ligation assay for highly multiplexed screening of β-lactamase-encoding genes in bacterial isolates
Authors: Tamminen Manu , Spaak Jenny , Caduff Lea , Schiff Hanna , Lang Ramon , Schmid Steven , Montealegre Maria Camila , Julian Timothy R.
Published: May 2020

Increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance in clinical and environmental settings calls for increased scalability in their surveillance. Current screening technologies are limited by the number of samples and genes that can easily be screened. We demonstrate here digital multiplex ligation assay (dMLA) as a low-cost targeted genomic detection workflow capable of highly-parallel screening of bacterial isolates for multiple target gene regions simultaneously. Here, dMLA is used for simultaneous detection of 1187 β-lactamase-encoding genes, including extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes, in 74 bacterial isolates. We demonstrate dMLA as a light-weight and cost-efficient workflow which provides a highly scalable tool for antimicrobial resistance surveillance and is also adaptable to genetic screening applications beyond antibiotic resistance.
Biochemical characterization and inhibition of the alternative oxidase enzyme from the fungal phytopathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa
Authors: Barsottini Mario R. O. , Copsey Alice , Young Luke , Baroni Renata M. , Cordeiro Artur T. , Pereira Gonçalo A. G. , Moore Anthony L.
Published: May 2020

Moniliophthora perniciosais a fungal pathogen and causal agent of the witches’ broom disease of cocoa, a threat to the chocolate industry and to the economic and social security in cocoa-planting countries. The membrane-bound enzyme alternative oxidase (MpAOX) is crucial for pathogen survival; however a lack of information on the biochemical properties of MpAOX hinders the development of novel fungicides. In this study, we purified and characterised recombinant MpAOX in dose-response assays with activators and inhibitors, followed by a kinetic characterization both in an aqueous environment and in physiologically-relevant proteoliposomes. We present structure-activity relationships of AOX inhibitors such as colletochlorin B and analogues which, aided by an MpAOX structural model, indicates key residues for protein-inhibitor interaction. We also discuss the importance of the correct hydrophobic environment for MpAOX enzymatic activity. We envisage that such results will guide the future development of AOX-targeting antifungal agents againstM. perniciosa, an important outcome for the chocolate industry.
General treatment for stereo-dynamics of state-to-state chemi-ionization reactions
Authors: Falcinelli Stefano , Vecchiocattivi Franco , Pirani Fernando
Published: May 2020

The investigation of chemi-ionization processes provides unique information on how the reaction dynamics depend on the energy and structure of the transition state which relate to the symmetry, relative orientation of reagent/product valence electron orbitals, and selectivity of electronic rearrangements. Here we propose a theoretical approach to formulate the optical potential for Ne*(3P2,0) noble gas atom chemi-ionizations as prototype oxidation processes. We include the selective role of atomic alignment and of the electron transfer mechanism. The state-to-state reaction probability is evaluated and a unifying description of the main experimental findings is obtained. Further, we reproduce the results of recent and advanced molecular beam experiments with a state selected Ne* beam.

The selective role of electronic rearrangements within the transition state, quantified through the use of suitable operative relations, could cast light on many other chemical processes more difficult to characterize.
Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet through modulation of different gut microbiota-dependent pathways
Authors: Wang Gang , Jiao Ting , Xu Yue , Li Daozheng , Si Qian , Hao Jianfeng , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: May 2020

B. adolescentis and L. rhamnosus alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet through modulation on different gut microbiota-dependent pathways. The SCFAs are important participants.
A novel liquid biopsy-based approach for highly specific cancer diagnostics: mitigating false responses in assaying patient plasma-derived circulating microRNAs through combined SERS and plasmon-enhanced fluorescence analyses
Authors: Masterson Adrianna N. , Liyanage Thakshila , Berman Claire , Kaimakliotis Hristos , Johnson Merrell , Sardar Rajesh
Published: May 2020

Novel multimodal assay has been developed to quantify circulating microRNAs through a combined surface-enhanced Raman scattering and plasmon-enhanced fluorescence approach.
Three colour solid-state luminescence from positional isomers of facilely modified thiophosphoranyl anthracenes
Authors: Schillmöller Timo , Ruth Paul Niklas , Herbst-Irmer Regine , Stalke Dietmar
Published: May 2020

Three positional isomers of thiophosphoranyl anthracene were synthesized and their divers photophysical properties were investigated.
Formation of self-assembled supramolecular polymers by anti-electrostatic anion–anion and halogen bonding interactions
Authors: Zapata Fabiola , González Lidia , Bastida Adolfo , Bautista Delia , Caballero Antonio
Published: May 2020

The cooperative action of anti-electrostatic anion–anion and halogen-bonding interactions serve as a driving force for the formation of self-assembled supramolecular polymers.
Entangled excitons via spontaneous down-conversion
Authors: Shlosberg Ariel , Lusk Mark T.
Published: May 2020

Cofacial arrangements of CN molecules can be engineered so that quantum cutting produces entangled acceptor excitons.
In situ preparation of Bi2S3 nanoribbon-anchored BiVO4 nanoscroll heterostructures for the catalysis of Cr(vi) photoreduction
Authors: Hu Jianqiang , Zhang Fen , Yang Yong , Han Qiutong , Li Zhaosheng , Shen Qing , Zhang Yongcai , Zhou Yong , Zou Zhigang
Published: May 2020

Novel Bi2S3 nanoribbon-anchored BiVO4 nanoscroll heterostructures were fabricated, showing enhanced photocatalytic activity for Cr(vi) reduction under UV-visible light illumination.
Nitrogen oxyanion reduction by Co(ii) augmented by a proton responsive ligand: recruiting multiple metals
Authors: Cabelof Alyssa C. , Carta Veronica , Chen Chun-Hsing , Caulton Kenneth G.
Published: May 2020

Deoxygenation of nitrite oxygen with divalent cobalt was achieved using (PNNH)CoCl2, carrying a pyridyl pincer ligand with one P(t-Bu)2 arm and one pyrazole arm.
Interface engineering of Co3O4 nanowire arrays with ultrafine NiO nanowires for high-performance rechargeable alkaline batteries
Authors: Zhang Ke , Ye Xiao , Shen Yuenian , Cen Ze , Xu Kaibing , Yang Fang
Published: May 2020

The Co3O4 nanowires@NiO ultrafine nanowires were rationally designed and successfully synthesized on Ni foam for an efficient rechargeable alkaline battery electrode.
Evaluation of the relationship between the peptide profiles and the lipid-lowering properties of olive seed hydrolysates as a tool for tuning hypocholesterolemic functionality
Authors: Prados Isabel M. , Plaza Merichel , Marina M. Luisa , García M. Concepción
Published: May 2020

Olive processing generates large amounts of stones with high protein contents.
Isolation and identification of cholesterol esterase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory peptides from brewer's spent grain by consecutive chromatography and mass spectrometry
Authors: Garzón Antonela Guadalupe , Cian Raúl Esteban , Aquino Marilin Estefanía , Drago Silvina Rosa
Published: May 2020

New peptides with cholesterol esterase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities were identified from brewer's spent grain hydrolysate, providing added value to this by-product obtained from the beer industry.
Electrocatalytic three-component annulation-halosulfonylation of 1,6-enynes toward 1-indanones using sodium halides as both halogen sources and electrolytes
Authors: Zhang Tian-Shu , Hao Wen-Juan , Wang Rong , Wang Shi-Chao , Tu Shu-Jiang , Jiang Bo
Published: May 2020

A new electrochemically induced three-component annulation-halosulfonylation of 1,6-enynes has been developed for stereoselective synthesis of 33 examples of 1-indanones with generally good yields under environmentally benign conditions.
Acylation/cyclization of 1,6-dienes with ethers under catalyst- and base-free conditions
Authors: Huang Xun-Jie , Qin Fu-Hua , Liu Yi , Wu Shi-Ping , Li Qiang , Wei Wen-Ting
Published: May 2020

A concise and eco-friendly acylation/cyclization of 1,6-dienes with linear ethers under catalyst- and base-free conditions has been developed.
Hollow double-layer carbon nanocage confined Si nanoparticles for high performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lu Jijun , Wang Dong , Liu Junhao , Qian Guoyu , Chen Yanan , Wang Zhi
Published: May 2020

The huge volume variation and the unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) of silicon (Si) during the lithiation and delithiation process severely obstruct its practical application as lithium-ion battery anodes.
Conjugated copolymers bearing 2,7-dithienylphenanthrene-9,10-dialkoxy units: highly soluble and stable deep-blue emissive materials
Authors: Baig Noorullah , Shetty Suchetha , Fall Sadiara , Al-Mousawi Saleh , Heiser Thomas , Alameddine Bassam
Published: May 2020

Excellent yields, high stability and solubility. Mw = 36.5–152.0 kDa and Đ = 2.5–3.0. Deep-blue emission with quantum yields up to 17%.
Zirconium doping level modulation combined with chalconylthiourea organic frameworks induced enhancement of luminescence applied to cell imaging
Authors: Hu Jianpeng , Xiao Fuyan , Jin Guofan
Published: May 2020

Derivatives of a zirconium metal–organic framework as the center polymer material with a chalconylthiourea polymer (CT) were applied to cell imaging.
Electronic structure and second-order nonlinear optical properties of linear [3]spirobifluorenylene compounds
Authors: Gong Li-jing , Ma Cheng , Li Chun-ping , Lv Jin-kai , Zhang Xiang-yu
Published: May 2020

The nonlinear optical property of the studied compounds were studied with the aid of the DFT calculations.
Generation of highly porous silver nanowire networks by plasma treatment and their direct application as supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Dao Vu H. , Mapleback Benjamin J.
Published: May 2020

Silver nanowires are subjected to radio-frequency air plasma treatments and directly employed as supercapacitor electrodes without any performance enhancing additives.
One-step fabrication of a self-supported Co@CoTe2 electrocatalyst for efficient and durable oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Qi Yu , Wu Jie , Xu Junyuan , Gao Han , Du Zijuan , Liu Baoshun , Liu Lifeng , Xiong Dehua
Published: May 2020

The optimal hydrothermal synthesis of a Co@CoTe2-240 electrode needs an overpotential of 286 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and is able to sustain galvanostatic OER electrolysis for 16 hours with little degradation of less than 20 mV.
Full water splitting by a nanoporous CeO2 nanowire array under alkaline conditions
Authors: Ji Yuyao , Liu Jintao , Hao Shuai , Xiao Yu , Li Lei , Liu Xingquan
Published: May 2020

CeO2 nanowire array was derived from MnO2–CeO2/TM via an acid etching strategy, and MnO2 acts as a pore-forming agent through selective etching with oxalic acid, it shows excellent OER and HER performance.
Big problem, little answer: overcoming bed agglomeration and reactor slagging during the gasification of barley straw under continuous operation
Authors: Alabdrabalameer Hassan A. , Taylor Martin J. , Kauppinen Juho , Soini Teemu , Pikkarainen Toni , Skoulou Vasiliki
Published: May 2020

Leaching barley straw has been found to eliminate reactor slagging and fluidised bed agglomeration under continuous gasification.
Design of novel structured Au/g-C3N4nanosheet/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for enhanced visible light photocatalytic activities
Authors: Li Hao , Zhao Fei , Liu Tongyao , Zhang Nan , Wang Yuhua
Published: May 2020

In order to surmount the intrinsic disadvantages of raw g-C3N4, we demonstrate simple thermal oxidation exfoliation and facilein situphotoreduction methods to fabricate Au/g-C3N4nanosheet/reduced graphene oxide (Au/CNNS/rGO) photocatalysts.
Hierarchical nickel cobalt sulfide nanosheet arrays supported on CuO/Cu hybrid foams as a rationally designed core–shell dendrite electrocatalyst for an efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Lu Mengjie , Chen Duo , Li Ruiqing , Wang Boran , Cai Dong , Li La , Han Wei
Published: May 2020

Porous nickel cobalt sulfide shells decorated on a CuO nanowire core supported on a CuO/CF hybrid foam form the unique 3D self-standing core–shell dendritic electrocatalyst of Ni–Co–S@CuO/CF for OERs, with high activity and long-term cycling cyclic stability.
Anion-modulated nickel-based nanoheterostructures as high performance electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Yang , Gao Yugan , Yang Sen , Wu Chengqi , Tan Yiwei
Published: May 2020

Ni-based anion-modulated nanoheterostructures are designed and fabricated as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The modulation of interfacial anions is a unique option in exploiting excellent electrocatalysts.
A reliable and highly conductive carbon nanotube/thermoplastic polyurethane composite with an enhanced segregated structure for electrically driven heater applications
Authors: Sun Wen-Jin , Zhou Chang-Ge , Jia Li-Chuan , Wang Yue-Yi , Zhang Yun-Peng , Wang Ting , Yan Ding-Xiang , Li Zhong-Ming
Published: May 2020

The excellent stabilities of electrical conductivity and electrical heating performance after repeated processing was realized by enhanced segregated structure.
Sunspot area catalog revisited: Daily cross-calibrated areas since 1874
Authors: Mandal Sudip , Krivova Natalie A. , Solanki Sami K. , Sinha Nimesh , Banerjee Dipankar
Published: May 2020

Context. Long and consistent sunspot area records are important for understanding long-term solar activity and variability. Multiple observatories around the globe have regularly recorded sunspot areas, but such individual records only cover restricted periods of time. Furthermore, there are systematic differences between these records and require cross-calibration before they can reliably be used for further studies.

Aims. We produce a cross-calibrated and homogeneous record of total daily sunspot areas, both projected and corrected, covering the period between 1874 and 2019. In addition, we generated a catalog of calibrated individual group areas for the same period.

Methods. We compared the data from nine archives: Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO), Kislovodsk, Pulkovo, Debrecen, Kodaikanal, Solar Optical Observing Network (SOON), Rome, Catania, and Yunnan Observatories, covering the period between 1874 and 2019. Cross-comparisons of the individual records were done to produce homogeneous and inter-calibrated records of daily projected and corrected areas. As in earlier studies, the basis of the composite is formed by the data from RGO. After 1976, the only datasets used are those from Kislovodsk, Pulkovo, and Debrecen observatories. This choice was made based on the temporal coverage and the quality of the data. While there are still 776 days missing in the final composite, these remaining gaps could not be filled with data from the other archives as the missing days lie either before 1922 or after 2016 and none of the additional archives cover these periods.

Results. In contrast to the SOON data used in previous area composites for the post-RGO period, the properties of the data from Kislovodsk and Pulkovo are very similar to those from the RGO series. They also directly overlap the RGO data in time, which makes their cross-calibration with RGO much more reliable. Indeed, comparing our area catalog with previous such composites, we find improvements both in data quality and coverage. We also computed the daily Photometric Sunspot Index, which is widely used, for example, in empirical reconstructions of solar irradiance.
HDO and SO2thermal mapping on Venus
Authors: Encrenaz T. , Greathouse T. K. , Marcq E. , Sagawa H. , Widemann T. , Bézard B. , Fouchet T. , Lefèvre F. , Lebonnois S. , Atreya S. K. , Lee Y. J. , Giles R. , Watanabe S. , Shao W. , Zhang X. , Bierson C. J.
Published: May 2020

Since January 2012, we have been monitoring the behavior of sulfur dioxide and water on Venus, using the Texas Echelon Cross-Echelle Spectrograph imaging spectrometer at the NASA InfraRed Telescope Facility (IRTF, Mauna Kea Observatory). Here, we present new data recorded in February and April 2019 in the 1345 cm−1(7.4μm) spectral range, where SO2, CO2, and HDO (used as a proxy for H2O) transitions were observed. The cloud top of Venus was probed at an altitude of about 64 km. As in our previous studies, the volume mixing ratio (vmr) of SO2was estimated using the SO2/CO2line depth ratio of weak transitions; the H2O volume mixing ratio was derived from the HDO/CO2line depth ratio, assuming a D/H ratio of 200 times the Vienna standard mean ocean water. As reported in our previous analyses, the SO2mixing ratio shows strong variations with time and also over the disk, showing evidence for the formation of SO2plumes with a lifetime of a few hours; in contrast, the H2O abundance is remarkably uniform over the disk and shows moderate variations as a function of time. We have used the 2019 data in addition to our previous dataset to study the long-term variations of SO2and H2O. The data reveal a long-term anti-correlation with a correlation coefficient of −0.80; this coefficient becomes −0.90 if the analysis is restricted to the 2014–2019 time period. The statistical analysis of the SO2plumes as a function of local time confirms our previous result with a minimum around 10:00 and two maxima near the terminators. The dependence of the SO2vmr with respect to local time shows a higher abundance at the evening terminator with respect to the morning. The dependence of the SO2vmr with respect to longitude exhibits a broad maximum at 120–200° east longitudes, near the region of Aphrodite Terra. However, this trend has not been observed by other measurements and has yet to be confirmed.
Basis function expansions for galactic dynamics: Spherical versus cylindrical coordinates
Authors: Wang Y. , Athanassoula E. , Mao S.
Published: May 2020

Aims. The orbital structure of galaxies is strongly influenced by the accuracy of the force calculation during orbit integration. We explore the accuracy of force calculations for two expansion methods and determine which one is preferable for orbit integration.

Methods. We specifically compare two methods, one was introduced by Hernquist & Ostriker (HO), which uses a spherical coordinate system and was built specifically for the Hernquist model, and the other by Vasiliev & Athanassoula (CylSP) has a cylindrical coordinate system. Our comparisons include the Dehnen profile, its triaxial extension (of which the Hernquist profile is a special case) and a multicomponent system including a bar and disk density distributions for both analytical models and N-body realizations.

Results. For the generalized Dehnen density, the CylSP method is more accurate than the HO method for nearly all inner power-law indices and shapes at all radii. For N-body realizations of the Dehnen model, or snapshots of an N-body simulation, the CylSP method is more accurate than the HO method in the central region for the oblate, prolate, and triaxial Hernquist profiles if the particle number is more than 5 × 105. For snapshots of the Hernquist models with spherical shape, the HO method is preferred. For the Ferrers bar model, the force from the CylSP method is more accurate than the HO method. The CPU time required for the initialization of the HO method is significantly shorter than that for the CylSP method, while the HO method costs subsequently much more CPU time than the CylSP method if the input corresponds to particle positions. From surface of section analyses, we find that the HO method creates more chaotic orbits than the CylSP method in the bar model. This could be understood to be due to a spurious peak in the central region when the force is calculated with the HO expansion.

Conclusions. For an analytical model, the CylSP method with an inner cutoff radius of interpolation Rmin as calculated by the AGAMA software, is preferred due to its accuracy. For snapshots or N-body realizations not including a disk or a bar component, a detailed comparison between these two methods is needed if a density model other than the Dehnen model is used. For multicomponent systems, including a disk and a bar, the CylSP method is preferable.
The band and slough technique is effective for management of diminutive type 1 gastric and duodenal neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Hawa Fadi , Sako Zeyad , Nguyen Than , Catanzaro Andrew T. , Zolotarevsky Eugene , Bartley Angela N. , Gunaratnam Naresh T.
Published: May 2020

Background and study aims Endoscopic resection is recommended as initial treatment for early-stage gastric and duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (G-NETs and D-NETs). However, it can cause serious adverse events. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the band and slough (BAS) technique as a novel and less aggressive endoscopic therapy for management of such tumors.

Four patients, three diagnosed with < 10-mm D-NET and one with 10-mm type I G-NET, were treated with the BAS technique without endoscopic resection. Initial follow-up endoscopy at 3 months was done to assess for residual tumor. Subsequent endoscopic surveillance was performed. After one session of banding, all patients achieved complete remission at 3-month follow-up. No tumor recurrence was detected on repeat biopsy at 12-month surveillance endoscopy. None of the patients developed any adverse events including bleeding or perforation.

The BAS technique may prove to be a safe and effective endoscopic therapy for diminutive, non-metastatic type 1 G-NETs and D-NETs. Studies of larger scale and longer follow-up periods are needed to corroborate these findings.
Expert endoscopists with high adenoma detection rates frequently detect diminutive adenomas in proximal colon
Authors: Toyoshima Osamu , Nishizawa Toshihiro , Yoshida Shuntaro , Sekiba Kazuma , Kataoka Yosuke , Hata Keisuke , Watanabe Hidenobu , Tsuji Yosuke , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: May 2020

Background and study aims Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is an important quality indicator in colonoscopy, and improved ADR decreases the incidence of colorectal cancer. We investigated differences in polyp detection according to the endoscopist’s ADR.

Patients and methods We performed a propensity-score matching study using baseline patient characteristics of age, sex, body mass index, family history of colorectal cancer, smoking, drinking, indication for colonoscopy, bowel preparation, and colonoscope type. We compared polyp detection and colonoscopy procedures between patients who underwent colonoscopy by high-ADR endoscopists (high ADR group) and by low-ADR endoscopists (low ADR group).

Results We matched 334 patients in the high ADR group with 334 in the low ADR group. The ADR was 44.0 % and 26.9 % for the high-ADR and low-ADR endoscopists, respectively. Proximal, nonprotruding, and diminutive adenomas were more frequently detected by high-ADR endoscopists than by low-ADR endoscopists (all P < 0.001); similarly, more high-risk adenomas were detected by high-ADR endoscopists (P = 0.028). Furthermore, more sessile serrated polyps detected by high-ADR endoscopists (P = 0.041). High-ADR endoscopists more frequently performed pancolonic chromoendoscopy (P < 0.001).

Conclusions Expert detectors often found nonprotruding and diminutive adenomas in the proximal colon along with increased detection rate of high-risk adenomas. Low-ADR endoscopists need to recognize the features of missed adenomas to improve their ADRs.
Use of washing cytology from removed self-expandable metal stents for biliary strictures: a novel cytology method
Authors: Nakahara Kazunari , Morita Ryo , Michikawa Yosuke , Suetani Keigo , Fujita Akashi , Sato Junya , Kobayashi Shinjiro , Endo Akira , Ariizumi Yasushi , Koike Junki , Takagi Masayuki , Otsubo Takehito , Itoh Fumio
Published: May 2020

Removability is one of the important features of biliary covered self-expandable metal stents (CSEMS). In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic ability of washing cytology of removed CSEMS. For 14 removed CSEMS that had been placed for the biliary strictures (12 malignant, 2 benign), the surface of CSEMS was washed with saline, and pathological examination of the washing liquid as cytology (CSEMS washing cytology) was performed. The specimen sampling rates and sensitivity for malignancy of CSEMS washing cytology were 92.9 % and 41.7 %, respectively. Sensitivity according to the primary disease was 60.0 % for bile duct cancer and 20 % for pancreatic cancer. Sensitivities based on the methods of stent removal were 16.7 % and 66.7 % for removal through the channel of the scope and with the scope, respectively. Therefore, it is possible that sensitivity of CSEMS washing cytology is higher in bile duct cancer and for removal with the scope. In conclusion, CSEMS washing cytology may have potential as a pathological diagnostic method.
Die Sprungmatrix – Sprungübungen richtig einsetzen
Authors: Keller Matthias , Kurz Eduard
Published: May 2020

Um Sprünge in der Rehabilitation und Therapie optimal einsetzen zu können, sollte der Therapeut eine Vielzahl von Faktoren beachten. Die Sprungmatrix kann helfen, Sprungaufgaben im Training adäquat umzusetzen und systematisch zu steigern.
Synthesis and Structure of 1-Substituted Semithioglycolurils
Authors: Baranov Vladimir V. , Galochkin Anton A. , Nelyubina Yulia V. , Kravchenko Angelina N. , Makhova Nina N.
Published: May 2020

Two methods for the synthesis of previously unavailable 1-substituted semithioglycolurils were developed. These methods consist of the cyclocondensation of 1-substituted ureas with 4,5-dihydroxy- or 4,5-dimethoxyimidazolidine-2-thione or glyoxal, followed by the reaction of the resulting 1-substituted 4,5-dihydroxyimidazolidine-2-ones with HSCN in a two-step one-pot procedure. Two of the desired semithioglycolurils were obtained as conglomerates.
A Convenient, Scalable Process for the Preparation and Purification of Calcium Acamprosate
Authors: Furlotti Guido , Cavarischia Claudia , Comely Alex , Écija Marta , Iacoangeli Tommaso , Pastó Mireia , Silvestri Lavinia
Published: May 2020

Calcium acamprosate (Campral, N-acetylhomotaurine calcium salt) is a well-established drug for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Its preparation is generally based on a three-step process with some remarkable drawbacks. To avoid these flaws, we have developed a direct, scalable, one-pot procedure for the preparation of calcium acamprosate entailing the nucleophilic opening of readily available 1,3-propanesultone with potassium acetamide (from acetamide and potassium tert-butoxide) in N,N-dimethylformamide solution, followed by in situ cation exchange by addition of calcium chloride at controlled pH, addition of 2-propanol (IPA) as a cosolvent, and removal of potassium chloride by selective precipitation. Calcium acamprosate (purity higher than 95%) is thus obtained in the commercial crystalline form in 74–77% yield.
Zinc(II)-Catalyzed Synthesis of Secondary Amides from Ketones via Beckmann Rearrangement Using Hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic Acid in Aqueous Media
Authors: Jat Jawahar L. , Verma Saumya , Kumar Puneet , Khatana Anil K. , Chandra Dinesh , Yadav Ajay K. , Tiwari Bhoopendra
Published: May 2020

A zinc(II)-catalyzed single-step protocol for the Beckmann rearrangement using hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (HOSA) as the nitrogen source in water was developed. This direct method efficiently produces secondary amides under open atmosphere in a pure form after basic aqueous workup. It is environmentally benign and operationally simple.
Acute Total Knee Replacement in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Proximal Tibial Fractures: A Case Series
Authors: Mirzatolooei Fardin , Tabrizi Ali , Safari Mir Bahram , Shishavan Seyed Amir Mahlisha Kazemi
Published: May 2020

Management of proximal tibial fractures is a challenging issue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study, we aimed to describe our experience of acute total knee replacement in RA patients. This case series included 11 RA patients with simultaneous insufficiency fractures of the proximal tibia, who were treated by acute total knee replacement. Midterm functional results, severity of pain, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), and Knee Society Score (KSS) parameters were evaluated in this study. The patients were followed up for 24 months. Eleven women with proximal tibial fractures and history of RA (mean age: 54.3 ± 4.7 years) were enrolled in this study. The mean score of Tegner activity scale was 2.2 ± 1.4 preoperatively, which significantly improved to 4.3 ± 1.4 postoperatively (p < 0.001). The two sections of KSS (knee and function section) averaged 88.7 ± 5.4 and 59.4 ± 8.2, respectively. There wasn't poor outcome and excellent result was in knee section 54.5% and function section 36.3% based on KSS. The mean score of pain severity during normal activity before fracture was 65.2 ± 12.3, which significantly reduced to 35.5 ± 11.3 in the final follow-up (p = 0.02). The score of HSS scale improved from 42 (range: 16–58) in the preoperative stage to 78 (range: 72–91) after surgery (p < 0.001). In the 6-month follow-up, deep vein thrombosis was reported in two patients. The time required to return to normal activity was 5.5 ± 2.3 months. Based on the findings, total knee replacement therapy in patients with RA and proximal tibial fractures produced excellent clinical outcomes, which led to rapid return to normal activity. This is a Level IV, therapeutic study.
The State of the Science in Patient-Reported Outcomes for Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Xiao Canhua , Hurst Newton , Movsas Benjamin
Published: May 2020

Traditionally, clinicians have assumed the primary responsibility for evaluating disease- and treatment-related outcomes. In the past few decades, however, a series of recommendations and standards promulgated by professional societies and regulatory agencies have resulted in increased use of patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures in cancer clinical trials. PROs, such as quality of life (QOL) measures, are important in establishing overall treatment effectiveness in cancer clinical trials, and they can inform clinical decision making. This article discusses the current state of the science in PRO research for patients with lung cancer, the cancer type with the highest incidence rate and the lowest survival rate worldwide. The discussion focuses on (1) PRO and survival; (2) electronic PRO reporting and interventions; (3) PROs and immunotherapy; (4) PRO, biomarkers, and precision health; (5) key issues in applying PROs in clinical trials; and (6) future directions for research.