bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can we predict potentially dangerous coronary patterns in patients with transposition of the great arteries after an arterial switch operation?
Authors: Michalak Krzysztof W. , Sobczak-Budlewska Katarzyna , Moll Jacek J. , Szymczyk Konrad , Moll Jadwiga A. , Niwald Marek , Dryżek Paweł , Moll Maciej
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

Coronary artery complications are the main reason for early mortality after an arterial switch operation. Late complications are relatively rare, and there is no consensus regarding the need or indications for routine follow-up coronary artery evaluations or the best first-line assessment modality. The aim of this study was to present the long-term post-operative frequency of coronary abnormalities in asymptomatic patients with transposition of the great arteries discovered by coronary CT angiography and potential “red flags” revealed by other examinations.

Patients and methods:

A group of 50 consecutive asymptomatic patients who underwent routine long-term coronary artery evaluation after an arterial switch operation according to our institutional protocol were qualified for this study. This routine in-hospital visit included a detailed medical interview, electrocardiography, echocardiography, Holter electrocardiography examinations, and laboratory and cardiopulmonary exercise tests. Patients who showed significant abnormalities were qualified for perfusion scintigraphy.

Results:

Unfavourable coronary abnormalities were detected in 30 patients (60%) and included ostial stenosis, muscular bridge, coronary fistula, interarterial course, proximal kinking, high ellipticity index, proximal acute angulation (<30 degree) of the left coronary artery, and proximal acute angulation of the right coronary artery. These features could not be predicted based on the medical interviews, surgical reports, or non-invasive screening test results.

Conclusion:

Complex coronary configurations with potentially dangerous coronary features are common in patients with transposition after an arterial switch operation. Such high-risk patients cannot be identified indirectly, and coronary CT angiography provides accurate information that is useful for post-operative management.
Short food supply chains: the link between participation and farmers' competencies
Authors: Charatsari Chrysanthi , Kitsios Fotis , Lioutas Evagelos D.
Published: September 2019

Research on short food supply chains (SFSCs) has experienced a remarkable growth during recent years, offering ample evidence that the creation of such alternative food distribution networks can bring multiple benefits to both farmers and consumers. Nevertheless, farmers' engagement in SFSCs is still limited in many countries. Two studies designed to illustrate the role of competencies in the development of SFSCs are reported in this paper. The first one assessed the influence of farmers' self-perceived competencies on their willingness to participate in SFSCs. The second examined whether the engagement in SFSCs affects the levels of participants' competency needs. Study 1 revealed that willingness to participate in SFSCs is affected by the levels of farmers' competencies on issues pertaining to management, entrepreneurship, marketing, networking and cooperation. Although other factors such as farmers' citizenship behavior, their environmental concern and the perception that engagement in SFSCs can increase farm income are also associated with this willingness, self-perceived competencies represent the most important set of predictors. Study 2 uncovered that participation in SFSCs increases farmers' needs in all the above-mentioned categories of competencies. Taken together, these results indicate that farmers' competencies significantly affect their involvement in SFSCs, and that engagement in SFSCs augments competency needs, thus highlighting the importance of creating spaces that help farmers develop and exploit new capabilities.
Can Bankfull Discharge and Bankfull Channel Characteristics of an Alluvial Meandering River be Cospecified From a Flow Duration Curve?
Authors: Naito Kensuke , Parker Gary
Published: September 2019

We present a simple modeling framework for the codetermination of bankfull discharge and corresponding bankfull channel geometry (width, depth, and longitudinal channel slope) of an alluvial meandering river. We specifically consider a sand‐bed river whose floodplain is capped by a mud‐rich layer. We inquire as to how the wide spectrum of flows to which the river is subjected leads to the establishment of specific values for bankfull discharge and associated bankfull geometry. Here we provide a physically based predictor of bankfull discharge that goes beyond the simple assumption of the 1.5‐year flood discharge. We do this using physics‐based submodels for channel and floodplain processes. We show that bankfull discharge and bankfull geometry are established as a result of (i) floodplain vertical accretion due to overbank deposition, (ii) migration of the inner bank and outer cut bank, (iii) net removal of floodplain sediment and reduction in average floodplain height due to lateral channel shift, and (iv) in‐channel downstream bed material transport. The flow duration curve is employed to quantify the effect of these processes, as well as to account for flow variability. Our model captures the spatiotemporal evolution of bankfull discharge, depth, width, and down‐channel slope toward equilibrium for specified flow duration curve and watershed characteristics. Our new framework can be used for assessing long‐term river response to change in sediment supply or flow duration curve. A model implementation is presented for the case of the Trinity River, TX, USA, to demonstrate the use of the model and its behavior.
Altered Forecasts and Threatened Firings at the National Weather Service
Authors: Baker D. , Lubchenco Jane , Sullivan Kathryn
Published: September 2019

In the wake of statements made by the president and his appointees during Hurricane Dorian, three former NOAA chiefs insist on the return of scientific integrity.
Salt Sinking in the Upper South Pacific Subtropical Gyre From 2004 to 2016
Authors: Liu Hao , Lin Xiaopei , Lan Jian
Published: September 2019

The salinity in the 50–300‐m water column of the South Pacific subtropical gyre (10°S–30°S) increased from 2004 to 2016. The observed changes are primarily associated with changes in the South Pacific Tropical Water (SPTW) volume, which increased at a rate of (3.17 ± 0.25) 1014 m3 per decade in the region of 10–30°S and 150°E–90°W. The increases in the SPTW volume are caused by increased SPTW production, which increased at a rate of 3.45 ± 2.65 Sv per decade. The temporal variability in the mixed layer accounts for 75 ± 32% of the observed increase in SPTW production. The increases in temporal changes in the mixed layer are due to a deeper mixed layer depth (MLD) in austral winter and a shallower MLD in austral spring. The possible drivers of MLD changes at the air‐sea surface are examined. Among the wind stress curl, buoyancy fluxes, and the turbulence induced by wind stress, changes in the surface buoyancy fluxes play the most important role in the deepening of the MLD during austral winter, and changes in the wind stress play a leading role in the shoaling of the MLD during austral spring. Changes in the buoyancy fluxes during winter and changes in the wind stress in spring can be attributed to increases in the Southern Annular Mode from 2004 to 2016. This study highlights the strong modulation of SPTW formation by decadal climate variability over the subtropical South Pacific.
Estimation of Downwelling Shortwave and Longwave Radiation in the Tibetan Plateau Under All‐Sky Conditions
Authors: Zhong Lei , Zou Mijun , Ma Yaoming , Huang Ziyu , Xu Kepiao , Wang Xian , Ge Nan , Cheng Meilin
Published: September 2019

Downwelling shortwave radiation (DSWR) and downwelling longwave radiation (DLWR) are two important components of the Earth's surface radiation balance. In this study, the Heliosat method and the parameterization of Crawford and Duchon (1999, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520‐0450(1999)038<0474:AIPFEE>2.0.CO;2, hereafter CD99) were calibrated to make them suitable for estimation of DSWR and DLWR over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Based on meteorological data, forcing data, and observations from polar‐orbiting satellites, the cloud albedo was calculated, and the clear‐sky index estimation scheme of the Heliosat method was improved. These improvements were then applied to derive 10‐day DSWR under all‐sky conditions over the TP by combining the clear‐sky shortwave radiation scheme with a clear‐sky index. The coefficient of the CD99 parameterization scheme clear‐sky DLWR was also calibrated, and 10‐day all‐sky DLWR was then determined and validated using ground‐based measurements. The spatiotemporal distributions of DSWR and DLWR were analyzed in detail. The results showed that the modified methods are efficient and applicable for downward radiation retrieval under all‐sky conditions over the TP with a reasonable accuracy. The mean percentage errors for DSWR and DLWR were −4.75% and 0.11%, respectively. The variation in the monthly DSWR (DLWR) showed a convex shape, with a maximum appearing in May (July). The spatial distributions of DLWR showed a southeast‐high and northwest‐low pattern. As the subsolar point moves northward, DSWR increases gradually and is clearly influenced by the Asian summer monsoon.
Intrinsic adriamycin resistance in p53-mutated breast cancer is related to the miR-30c/FANCF/REV1-mediated DNA damage response
Authors: Lin Shu , Yu Lifeng , Song Xinyue , Bi Jia , Jiang Longyang , Wang Yan , He Miao , Xiao Qinghuan , Sun Mingli , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Zhao Lin , Wei Minjie
Published: September 2019

Adriamycin(ADR) is still considered to be one of the most effective agents in the treatment of breast cancer (BrCa), its efficacy is compromised by intrinsic resistance or acquire characteristics of multidrug resistance. At present, there are few genetic alterations that can be exploited as biomarkers to guide targeted use of ADR in clinical. Therefore, exploring the determinants of ADR sensitivity is pertinent for their optimal clinical application. TP53 is the most frequently mutated gene in human BrCa, p53 mutation has been reported to be closely related to ADR resistance, whereas the underlying mechanisms that cause endogenous ADR resistance in p53-mutant BrCa cells are not completely understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential roles of miRNA in the response to ADR in p53-mutated breast cancer. Here, we report that BrCa cells expressing mutp53 are more resistant to ADR than cells with wild-type p53 (wtp53). The DNA repair protein- Fanconi anemia complementation group F protein (FANCF) and the translesion synthesis DNA polymerase REV1 protein is frequently abundant in the context of mutant p53 of BrCa. By targeting two key factors, miR-30c increases the sensitivity of BrCa cells to ADR. Furthermore, p53 directly activates the transcription of miR-30c by binding to its promoter. Subsequent analyses revealed that p53 regulates REV1 and FANCF by modulating miR-30c expression. Mutation of the p53 abolished this response. Consistently, reduced miR-30c expression is highly correlated with human BrCa with p53 mutational status and is associated with poor survival. We propose that one of the pathways affected by mutant p53 to increase intrinsic resistance to ADR involves miR-30c downregulation and the consequent upregulation of FANCF and REV1. The novel miRNA-mediated pathway that regulates chemoresistance in breast cancer will facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced miR-133a inhibits myofibroblast differentiation and pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Wei Peng , Xie Yan , Abel Peter W. , Huang Yapei , Ma Qin , Li Linghai , Hao Junfeng , Wolff Dennis W. , Wei Taotao , Tu Yaping
Published: September 2019

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, a main profibrogenic cytokine in the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), induces differentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts to myofibroblasts that produce high levels of collagen, leading to concomitantly loss of lung elasticity and function. Recent studies implicate the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in IPF but their regulation and individual pathological roles remain largely unknown. We used both RNA sequencing and quantitative RT-PCR strategies to systematically study TGF-β1-induced alternations of miRNAs in human lung fibroblasts (HFL). Our data show that miR-133a was significantly upregulated by TGF-β1 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Surprisingly, miR-133a inhibits TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation whereas miR-133a inhibitor enhances TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation. Interestingly, quantitative proteomics analysis indicates that miR-133a attenuates myofibroblast differentiation via targeting multiple components of TGF-β1 profibrogenic pathways. Western blot analysis confirmed that miR-133a down-regulates TGF-β1-induced expression of classic myofibroblast differentiation markers such as ɑ-smooth muscle actin (ɑ-SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagens. miRNA Target Searcher analysis and luciferase reporter assays indicate that TGF-β receptor 1, CTGF and collagen type 1-alpha1 (Col1a1) are direct targets of miR-133a. More importantly, miR-133a gene transferred into lung tissues ameliorated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Together, our study identified TGF-β1-induced miR-133a as an anti-fibrotic factor. It functions as a feed-back negative regulator of TGF-β1 profibrogenic pathways. Thus, manipulations of miR-133a expression may provide a new therapeutic strategy to halt and perhaps even partially reverse the progression of IPF.
Interplay of miR-137 and EZH2 contributes to the genome-wide redistribution of H3K27me3 underlying the Pb-induced memory impairment
Authors: Gu Xiaozhen , Xu Yi , Xue Wei-Zhen , Wu Yulan , Ye Zi , Xiao Guiran , Wang Hui-Li
Published: September 2019

Compromised learning and memory is a common feature of multiple neurodegenerative disorders. A paradigm spatial memory impairment could be caused by developmental lead (Pb) exposure. Growing evidence implicates epigenetic modifications in the Pb-mediated memory deficits; however, how histone modifications exemplified by H3K27me3 (H3 Lys27 trimethylation) contribute to this pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Here we found that Pb exposure diminished H3K27me3 levels in vivo by suppressing EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2) expression at an early stage. EZH2 overexpression in Pb-treated rats rescued the H3K27me3 abundance and partially restored the normal spatial memory, as manifested by the rat performance in a Morris water maze test, and structural analysis of hippocampal spine densities. Furthermore, miR-137 and EZH2 constitute mutually inhibitory loop to regulate the H3K27me3 level, and this feedback regulation could be specifically activated by Pb treatment. Considering genes targeted by H3K27me3, ChIP-chip (chromatin immunoprecipitation on chip) studies revealed that Pb could remodel the genome-wide distribution of H3K27me3, represented by pathways like transcriptional regulation, developmental regulation, cell motion, and apoptosis, as well as a novel Wnt9b locus. As a Wnt isoform associated with canonical and noncanonical signaling, Wnt9b was regulated by the opposite modifications of H3K4me3 (H3 Lys4 trimethylation) and H3K27me3 in Pb-exposed neurons. Rescue trials further validated the contribution of Wnt9b to Pb-induced neuronal impairments, wherein canonical or noncanonical Wnt signaling potentially exhibited destructive or protective roles, respectively. In summary, the study reveals an epigenetic-based molecular change underlying Pb-triggered spatial memory deficits, and provides new potential avenues for our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases with environmental etiology.
Enhanced propagation of motile bacteria on surfaces due to forward scattering
Authors: Makarchuk Stanislaw , Braz Vasco C. , Araújo Nuno A. M. , Ciric Lena , Volpe Giorgio
Published: September 2019

How motile bacteria move near a surface is a problem of fundamental biophysical interest and is key to the emergence of several phenomena of biological, ecological and medical relevance, including biofilm formation. Solid boundaries can strongly influence a cell’s propulsion mechanism, thus leading many flagellated bacteria to describe long circular trajectories stably entrapped by the surface. Experimental studies on near-surface bacterial motility have, however, neglected the fact that real environments have typical microstructures varying on the scale of the cells’ motion. Here, we show that micro-obstacles influence the propagation of peritrichously flagellated bacteria on a flat surface in a non-monotonic way. Instead of hindering it, an optimal, relatively low obstacle density can significantly enhance cells’ propagation on surfaces due to individual forward-scattering events. This finding provides insight on the emerging dynamics of chiral active matter in complex environments and inspires possible routes to control microbial ecology in natural habitats.
Oligodendrocytes express synaptic proteins that modulate myelin sheath formation
Authors: Hughes Alexandria N. , Appel Bruce
Published: September 2019

Vesicular release from neurons promotes myelin sheath growth on axons. Oligodendrocytes express proteins that allow dendrites to respond to vesicular release at synapses, suggesting that axon-myelin contacts use similar communication mechanisms as synapses to form myelin sheaths. To test this, we used fusion proteins to track synaptic vesicle localization and membrane fusion in zebrafish during developmental myelination and investigated expression and localization of PSD95, a dendritic post-synaptic protein, within oligodendrocytes. Synaptic vesicles accumulate and exocytose at ensheathment sites with variable patterning and most sheaths localize PSD95 with patterning similar to exocytosis site location. Disruption of candidate PDZ-binding transsynaptic adhesion proteins in oligodendrocytes cause variable effects on sheath length and number. One candidate, Cadm1b, localizes to myelin sheaths where both PDZ binding and extracellular adhesion to axons mediate sheath growth. Our work raises the possibility that axon-glial communication contributes to myelin plasticity, providing new targets for mechanistic unraveling of developmental myelination.
Regulation of TRIF-mediated innate immune response by K27-linked polyubiquitination and deubiquitination
Authors: Wu Xin , Lei Caoqi , Xia Tian , Zhong Xuan , Yang Qing , Shu Hong-Bing
Published: September 2019

TIR domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon-β (TRIF) is an essential adaptor protein required for innate immune responses mediated by Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3- and TLR4. Here we identify USP19 as a negative regulator of TLR3/4-mediated signaling. USP19 deficiency increases the production of type I interferons (IFN) and proinflammatory cytokines induced by poly(I:C) or LPS in vitro and in vivo. Usp19-/- mice have more serious inflammation after poly(I:C) or LPS treatment, and are more susceptible to inflammatory damages and death following Salmonella typhimurium infection. Mechanistically, USP19 interacts with TRIF and catalyzes the removal of TRIF K27-linked polyubiquitin moieties, thereby impairing the recruitment of TRIF to TLR3/4. In addition, the RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex Cullin-3-Rbx1-KCTD10 catalyzes K27-linked polyubiquitination of TRIF at K523, and deficiency of this complex inhibits TLR3/4-mediated innate immune signaling. Our findings thus reveal TRIF K27-linked polyubiquitination and deubiquitination as a critical regulatory mechanism of TLR3/4-mediated innate immune responses.
Effects of T-2 toxin on digestive enzyme activity, intestinal histopathology and growth in shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Huang Zhanrui , Wang Yaling , Qiu Mei , Sun Lijun , Deng Yijia , Wang Xiaobo , Bi Siyuan , Gooneratne Ravi , Zhao Jian
Published: September 2019

T-2 toxin (T-2), a naturally occurring mycotoxin that often accumulates in aquatic animals via contaminated feed, is toxic to animals, including humans. In this study, six groups of shrimp (n = 30 shrimps/group) were given T-2 in feed at concentrations of 0–12.2 mg/kg for 20 days. T-2 accumulation, intestinal histopathology, digestive enzyme activities and subsequent effects on shrimp are reported. Compared to the control, T-2 significantly reduced weight gain, specific growth rate, and survival. The histopathology of shrimp intestine showed concentration-dependent degenerative and necrotic changes in response to dietary T-2. Progressive damage to the microstructures of shrimp intestine occurred with increasing dietary T-2 concentrations, with initial inflammation of the mucosal tissue at T-2 concentrations of 0.5 and 1.2 mg/kg, progressing to disappearance of intestinal villi and degeneration and necrosis of the submucosa at 12.2 mg/kg. Intestinal amylase and protease activities increased at low T-2 concentrations but showed significant inhibition at high concentrations; however, the opposite trend occurred for lipase activity. Collectively, these results indicate that digestive enzyme activities and mucosal structures are markedly affected by exposure to T-2, and these may have contributed to the lower survival rate of shrimp.
The interconnected wealth of nations: Shock propagation on global trade-investment multiplex networks
Authors: Starnini Michele , Boguñá Marián , Serrano M. Ángeles
Published: September 2019

The increasing integration of world economies, which organize in complex multilayer networks of interactions, is one of the critical factors for the global propagation of economic crises. We adopt the network science approach to quantify shock propagation on the global trade-investment multiplex network. To this aim, we propose a model that couples a spreading dynamics, describing how economic distress propagates between connected countries, with an internal contagion mechanism, describing the spreading of such economic distress within a given country. At the local level, we find that the interplay between trade and financial interactions influences the vulnerabilities of countries to shocks. At the large scale, we find a simple linear relation between the relative magnitude of a shock in a country and its global impact on the whole economic system, albeit the strength of internal contagion is country-dependent and the inter-country propagation dynamics is non-linear. Interestingly, this systemic impact can be associated to intra-layer and inter-layer scale factors that we name network multipliers, that are independent of the magnitude of the initial shock. Our model sets-up a quantitative framework to stress-test the robustness of individual countries and of the world economy.
csDMA: an improved bioinformatics tool for identifying DNA 6 mA modifications via Chou’s 5-step rule
Authors: Liu Ze , Dong Wei , Jiang Wei , He Zili
Published: September 2019

DNA N6-methyldeoxyadenosine (6 mA) modifications were first found more than 60 years ago but were thought to be only widespread in prokaryotes and unicellular eukaryotes. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, 6 mA modifications were found in different multicellular eukaryotes by using experimental methods. However, the experimental methods were time-consuming and costly, which makes it is very necessary to develop computational methods instead. In this study, a machine learning-based prediction tool, named csDMA, was developed for predicting 6 mA modifications. Firstly, three feature encoding schemes, Motif, Kmer, and Binary, were used to generate the feature matrix. Secondly, different algorithms were selected into the prediction model and the ExtraTrees model received the best AUC of 0.878 by using 5-fold cross-validation on the training dataset. Besides, the ExtraTrees model also received the best AUC of 0.893 on the independent testing dataset. Finally, we compared our method with state-of-the-art predictors and the results shown that our model achieved better performance than existing tools.
Prion protein modulates endothelial to mesenchyme-like transition in trabecular meshwork cells: Implications for primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Ashok Ajay , Kang Min H. , Wise Aaron S. , Pattabiraman P. , Johnson William M. , Lonigro Michael , Ravikumar Ranjana , Rhee Douglas J. , Singh Neena
Published: September 2019

Endothelial-to-mesenchyme-like transition (Endo-MT) of trabecular meshwork (TM) cells is known to be associated with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Here, we investigated whether the prion protein (PrPC), a neuronal protein known to modulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in a variety of cell types, is expressed in the TM, and plays a similar role at this site. Using a combination of primary human TM cells and human, bovine, and PrP-knock-out (PrP−/−) mouse models, we demonstrate that PrPC is expressed in the TM of all three species, including endothelial cells lining the Schlemm’s canal. Silencing of PrPC in primary human TM cells induces aggregation of β1-integrin and upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, collagen 1A, vimentin, and laminin, suggestive of transition to a mesenchyme-like phenotype. Remarkably, intraocular pressure is significantly elevated in PrP−/− mice relative to wild-type controls, suggesting reduced pliability of the extracellular matrix and increased resistance to aqueous outflow in the absence of PrPC. Since PrPC is cleaved by members of the disintegrin and matrix-metalloprotease family that are increased in the aqueous humor of POAG arising from a variety of conditions, it is likely that concomitant cleavage of PrPC exaggerates and confounds the pathology by inducing Endo-MT-like changes in the TM.
Spatio-temporal expression of ANK2 promotes cytokinesis in oocytes
Authors: Tetkova Anna , Jansova Denisa , Susor Andrej
Published: September 2019

In the absence of transcription, the regulation of gene expression in oocytes is controlled almost exclusively at the level of transcriptome and proteome stabilization, and translation. A subset of maternal transcripts is stored in a translationally dormant state in the oocyte, and temporally driven translation of specific mRNAs propel meiotic progression, oocyte-to-embryo transition and early embryo development. We identified Ank2.3 as the only transcript variant present in the mouse oocyte and discovered that it is translated after nuclear envelope breakdown. Here we show that Ank2.3 mRNA is localized in higher concentration in the oocyte nucleoplasm and, after nuclear envelope breakdown, in the newly forming spindle where its translation occurs. Furthermore, we reveal that Ank2.3 mRNA contains an oligo-pyrimidine motif at 5′UTR that predetermines its translation through a cap-dependent pathway. Lastly, we show that prevention of ANK2 translation leads to abnormalities in oocyte cytokinesis.
Using Atomic Force Microscopy to Measure Thickness of Passive Film on Stainless Steel Immersed in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Rongguang , Li Yunhui , Xiao Tian , Cong Li , Ling Yunhan , Lu Zhaoxia , Fukushima Chiharu , Tsuchitori Isao , Bazzaoui Mohammed
Published: September 2019

Employing atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure passive film thickness on stainless steel (SS) in aqueous solution is proposed. SUS304 austenite and SUS329J4L duplex SS samples partly covered by gold were set in a minicell. To remove the original film, the SS surface but gold was etched using dilute sulfuric acid. After cleaning, open circuit potential (OCP), and distance from the sample surface to the top of the gold were measured. They were then immersed in either 1.0% NaCl; 5.0% NaCl; or aqueous solution with pH ranging from 1.0 to 10.0 and measured again. Differences between the first and subsequent measures of OCP suggested a passive film had formed in solution with pH ranging from 2.8 to 10.0. Similarly, differences among AFM measures revealed the observed film thickness increased with increase in pH and with decrease in chloride ions. Also, film thickness in water was greater than that in a vacuum. Comparison of AFM measurements of passive film on the austenite and sigma phases in sensitized SUS329J4L duplex SS revealed the film was thinner on the sigma phase containing more chromium. Taken together, these findings suggest the proposed method is applicable for measuring the thickness of passive films in aqueous solution.
On the escape from potentials with two exit channels
Authors: Navarro Juan F.
Published: September 2019

The aim of this paper is to investigate the escape dynamics in a Hamiltonian system describing the motion of stars in a galaxy with two exit channels through the analysis of the successive intersections of the stable and unstable manifolds to the main unstable periodic orbits with an adequate surface of section. We describe in detail the origin of the spirals shapes of the windows through which stars escape.
Synthesis of nitrogen and sulfur codoped carbon dots and application for fluorescence detection of Cd(ii) in real water samples
Authors: Tang Mingyu , Liu Xiaodong , Zhang Nannan , Pang Jingyu , Zou Yu , Chai Fang , Wu Hongbo , Chen Lihua
Published: September 2019

Herein, nitrogen and sulfur codoped carbon dots (N&S CDs) were prepared by hydrothermal process and could be introduced as a fluorescent probe for determination of Cd2+, yielding high sensitivity and excellent selectivity.
Metal-supported and -assisted stereoselective cooperative photoredox catalysis
Authors: Busch Jasmin , Knoll Daniel M. , Zippel Christoph , Bräse Stefan , Bizzarri Claudia
Published: September 2019

In this perspective, we review those stereoselective photocatalytic reactions that use synergy between photoredox catalysts and transition metal catalysts.
Adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in an aqueous medium on nanoscale MIL-53(Al) type materials
Authors: Isaeva Vera I. , Vedenyapina Marina D. , Kulaishin Stanislav A. , Lobova Anna A. , Chernyshev Vladimir V. , Kapustin Gennady I. , Tkachenko Olga P. , Vergun Vadim V. , Arkhipov Danil A. , Nissenbaum Vera D. , Kustov Leonid M.
Published: September 2019

MIL-53(Al) type materials were prepared using MW-activation. They show high adsorption capacities in the adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in an aqueous medium and demonstrate faster adsorption rates as compared to an activated carbon.
Neutral nano-polygons with ultrashort Be–Be distances
Authors: Tong Wen-Yan , Zhao Tao-Tao , Zhao Xue-Feng , Wang Xiaotai , Wu Yan-Bo , Yuan Caixia
Published: September 2019

DFT calculations revealed that neutral polygons (E-Be2H3)nare the viable targets for realizing ultrashort metal–metal distances between main group metals.
Wastewater treatment plants as a source of plastics in the environment: a review of occurrence, methods for identification, quantification and fate
Authors: Okoffo Elvis D. , O'Brien Stacey , O'Brien Jake W. , Tscharke Benjamin J. , Thomas Kevin V.
Published: September 2019

Plastics accumulate in the natural environment due to their durability and low recycling volumes.
Diallyl trisulfide induces G2/M cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma 8505C cells
Authors: Zheng Jiangxia , Cheng Xian , Xu Shichen , Zhang Li , Pan Jie , Yu Huixin , Bao Jiandong , Lu Rongrong
Published: September 2019

DATS induces G2/M cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis through ATM-Chk1-Cdc25C signaling pathway in ATC 8505C cells.
Identification and comparison of allergenicity of native and recombinant fish major allergen parvalbumins from Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)
Authors: Sun Lirui , Xu Lili , Huang Yuhao , Lin Hong , Ahmed Ishfaq , Li Zhenxing
Published: September 2019

Compared with native parvalbumin, recombinant β-parvalbumin based on the optimized DNA sequence can be used in fish allergen confirmation.
Hydroethanolic plant extracts from Cameroon positively modulate enzymes relevant to carbohydrate/lipid digestion and cardio-metabolic diseases
Authors: Atchan Nwakiban Achille Parfait , Sokeng Arold Jorel , Dell'Agli Mario , Bossi Lorenzo , Beretta Giangiacomo , Gelmini Fabrizio , Deutou Tchamgoue Armelle , Agbor Agbor Gabriel , Kuiaté Jules-Roger , Daglia Maria , Magni Paolo
Published: September 2019

Cameroonian plant extracts inhibit enzymes involved in digestion of sugars and fats, showing potential relevance for cardio-metabolic diseases.
Synthesis of tunable DNA-directed trepang-like Au nanocrystals for imaging application
Authors: Zhang Zhuomin , Gao Jiamin , Yu Zhongning , Li Gongke
Published: September 2019

Trepang-like gold nanocrystals with tunable plasmonic property were synthesized via the DNA-directed self-assembly method for various imaging applications.
Plasma-modified Ti3C2Tx/CdS hybrids with oxygen-containing groups for high-efficiency photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Yang Yali , Zhang Dainan , Xiang Quanjun
Published: September 2019

CdS nanoparticles are uniformly decorated on plasma-modified Ti3C2Tx sheets with oxygen-containing groups to achieve a high photocatalytic hydrogen-production activity.
P-Chiral, N-phosphoryl sulfonamide Brønsted acids with an intramolecular hydrogen bond interaction that modulates organocatalysis
Authors: Yuan Minglei , Mbaezue Ifenna I. , Zhou Zhi , Topic Filip , Tsantrizos Youla S.
Published: September 2019

An intramolecular H-bond in the Brønsted acid OttoPhosa I accelerates the reaction and increases enantioselectivity for the transfer hydrogenation of quinolines.
Caesium fluoride-mediated hydrocarboxylation of alkenes and allenes: scope and mechanistic insights
Authors: Gevorgyan Ashot , Obst Marc F. , Guttormsen Yngve , Maseras Feliu , Hopmann Kathrin H. , Bayer Annette
Published: September 2019

A caesium fluoride-mediated regioselective hydrocarboxylation of alkenes and allenes is described. Computational studies reveal that the stability of an organocaesium intermediate accounts for the observed reactivity.
Systems pharmacology-based approach for dissecting the mechanisms of pyrazine components in Maotai liquor
Authors: Zhou Wei , Chen Ziyi , Zhang Guohao , Liu Zhigang
Published: September 2019

Maotai liquor is a typical representative of sauce aroma-style flavor liquors and has been considered to be a precious cultural heritage of the oriental spirit culture. Aroma components are largely responsible for the characteristic aroma of liquor. Pyrazine compound is one of the most important categories of aroma components that affect the flavor of Maotai liquor. However, limited information is available regarding the systemic analysis of pyrazine compounds, especially the pharmacological effects of bioactive pyrazine components. Therefore, in the current study, a systemic analysis approach was provided by integrating absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) screening, target identification, pharmacological evaluation and pathway analysis to explore the pharmacological mechanism of pyrazine compounds in Maotai liquor. As a result, 17 pyrazine components with adequate pharmacokinetic properties were filtered out using ADME models. Thirty eight potential targets of these active compounds were identified through target prediction. The pharmacological evaluation was proposed to uncover the pharmacological effect of pyrazine compounds in Maotai liquor from the holistic perspective. Finally, the pharmacological effects of the pathways perturbed by potential targets were interpreted based on the pathway analysis. Our study lays the foundation for formulating a comprehensive understanding of the pyrazine compounds in Maotai liquor, which would contribute to the development of Chinese liquor.
Trockene altersabhängige Makuladegeneration – Epidemiologie und Klassifikation
Authors: Fleckenstein Monika , Thiele Sarah , Pfau Maximilian , Schmitz-Valckenberg Steffen , Holz Frank G.
Published: September 2019

Klinisch wird die altersabhängige Makuladegeneration (AMD) in Früh- und Spätstadien eingeteilt. Der Begriff „trockene“ AMD wird häufig verwendet, wenn keine „exsudativen“ Veränderungen am Augenhintergrund vorliegen. Es existiert eine Vielzahl von Studien zur Epidemiologie der AMD. Dabei wird in den meisten Studien zwischen AMD-Früh- und -Spätformen unterschieden, allerdings ohne eine weitere Differenzierung der „trockenen“ AMD-Spätform. Zudem stellt sich die Herausforderung unterschiedlicher Klassifikationen der AMD in verschiedenen Studien, was zwangsläufig zu Abweichungen in den epidemiologischen Daten bei der AMD führt. Neue Klassifikationssysteme berücksichtigen mikrostrukturelle Veränderungen, die mittels hochauflösender In-vivo-Bildgebung der Netzhaut detektiert werden können. Eine neue Konsensusklassifikation der AMD-assoziierten Atrophie soll ermöglichen, zukünftige Studien nach einheitlichen Definitionen durchzuführen.
Behandlung von Patientinnen mit frühem Mammakarzinom: Evidenz, Kontroversen, Konsens
Authors: Untch Michael , Thomssen Christoph , Bauerfeind Ingo , Braun Michael , Brucker Sara Y. , Felberbaum Ricardo , Hagemann Friederike , Haidinger Renate , Hönig Arnd , Huober Jens , Jackisch Christian , Kolberg Hans-Christian , Kolberg-Liedtke Cornelia , Kühn Thorsten , Lüftner Diana , Maass Nicolai , Reimer Toralf , Schneeweiss Andreas , Schumacher-Wulf Eva , Schütz Florian , Thill Marc , Wuerstlein Rachel , Fasching Peter A. , Harbeck Nadia
Published: September 2019

Die Ergebnisse der internationalen St.-Gallen-Konsensus-Konferenz zur Behandlung des primären Mammakarzinoms wurden auch dieses Jahr von einer Arbeitsgruppe führender Brustkrebsexperten vor dem Hintergrund der Therapieempfehlungen für den Klinikalltag in Deutschland diskutiert. Drei der Brustkrebsexperten sind zugleich Mitglieder des diesjährigen St.-Gallen-Panels. Der Vergleich der St.-Gallen-Empfehlungen mit den jährlich aktualisierten Therapieempfehlungen der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie (AGOMamma 2019) sowie der S3-Leitlinie ist sinnvoll, da die Empfehlungen des St.-Gallen-Panels ein Meinungsbild von Experten unterschiedlicher Länder und Fachdisziplinen darstellen. Die Empfehlungen der S3-Leitlinie und AGO basieren dagegen auf einer evidenzbasierten Literaturrecherche. Die diesjährige 16. St.-Gallen-Konferenz stand unter dem Motto „Magnitude of clinical benefit“. Neben der evidenzbasierten Grundlage muss jede Therapieentscheidung auch einer Nutzen-Risiko-Abwägung für die individuelle Situation einer Patientin unterzogen und mit der Patientin besprochen werden.
Diagnostik und Therapie des triple-negativen Mammakarzinoms (TNBC) – Empfehlungen für die tägliche Routine
Authors: Schneeweiss Andreas , Denkert Carsten , Fasching Peter A. , Fremd Carlo , Gluz Oleg , Kolberg-Liedtke Cornelia , Loibl Sibylle , Lück Hans-Joachim
Published: September 2019

Durch den raschen Erkenntnisgewinn zu Tumorbiologie und Tumorpathogenese des triple-negativen Mammakarzinoms (TNBC) ergeben sich neue Therapieansätze und neue Therapiekonzepte für die Behandlung. Seit Jahren gilt das TNBC wegen seiner in der Regel aggressiven Tumorbiologie und angesichts limitierter Therapieoptionen als schwierig zu behandelnder Tumor. Das Rezidiv- und Metastasierungsrisiko ist höher als bei anderen Mammakarzinom-Subtypen desselben Stadiums. Neben Operation und Bestrahlung in der kurativen Situation ist die systemische Chemotherapie mit Anthrazyklinen und/oder Taxanen nach wie vor die Therapie der Wahl. Neue Therapieansätze basieren auf der Erkenntnis, dass das TNBC eine molekular sehr heterogene Erkrankung ist. Forschungsgruppen arbeiten daran, das TNBC immer besser auf molekularer Ebene zu klassifizieren und diese molekulare Subtypisierung als Grundlage für neue therapeutische Strategien zu nutzen. Im Folgenden werden die vielversprechendsten neuen Ansätze und Überlegungen zur Therapie des TNBCs dargestellt. Anhand einer fiktiven Kasuistik werden zudem die derzeitigen Therapiestrategien unter Berücksichtigung der aktuellen Datenlage und den sich daraus ergebenden therapeutischen Konsequenz besprochen.
Efficient Halogenation of 2-Aminopyrazine
Authors: Lizano Enric , Grima Josep , Pujol M. Dolors
Published: September 2019

2-Aminopyrazine was halogenated with NIS, NCS, and NBS under different reaction conditions. Chlorination and bromination were achieved with good yields by using acetonitrile as the solvent. However, iodination was only obtained in poor yields. Undoubtedly, the best conditions for both mono- and dihalogenation were the use of NBS, acetonitrile, and microwave assistance for short periods. 3,5-Dibromo-2-aminopyrazine is an excellent functionalized starting material for the synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles.
Antimicrobial Effect of Newly Formulated Toothpastes and a Mouthrinse on Specific Microorganisms: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Guven Yeliz , Ustun Nilufer , Tuna Elif Bahar , Aktoren Oya
Published: September 2019

Objective The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the antimicrobial properties of newly formulated toothpastes (four toothpastes for adults and two toothpastes for kids/babies) and a mouthrinse.

Materials and Methods Newly formulated six different toothpastes and one mouthrinse of a single brand and commercially available five toothpastes and three mouthrinse were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against two oral pathogens, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, by agar well diffusion assay. After incubation, the inhibition zone diameters were measured in millimeters and statistical analyses were performed.

Results All experimental adult toothpastes exhibited good antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and C. albicans except the experimental toothpaste D. Experimental toothpaste B exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against C. albicans and S. mutans. Experimental toothpaste for kids showed the best antimicrobial activity against S. mutans when kids’ toothpastes were compared. None of the tested toothpastes for kids/babies showed antibacterial effects for C. albicans. Among the mouthrinse tested, Sensodyne mouthrinse showed the best results. Experimental mouthrinse showed significantly lower antibacterial activity against S. mutans then Sensodyne, Eludril, and chlorhexidine mouthrinse.

Conclusion Although experimental toothpaste and mouthrinse formulations revealed good results in terms of antimicrobial activity to some specific microorganisms, further studies involving more bacterial species or analyzing the quality and efficacy of these products by other in vitro or in vivo tests are needed.
Two Novel GATA1 Mutations in Transient Abnormal Myelopoiesis of Thai Neonates with Down Syndrome
Authors: Chukua Kanokporn , Netsawang Chayanont , Padungthai Kittipoom , Khetkham Thanitchet , Chokevittaya Piyaporn , Poonjearansilp Onapinya , Prachuktum Sariya , Kositamongkol Sudatip , Techasatit Wiliporn , Silapamongkolkul Phakatip , Satayasai Wallee , Pusongchai Tasama , Surapolchai Pacharapan , Rojnueangnit Kitiwan
Published: September 2019

Children with Down syndrome (DS) are 150 times more likely to develop acute myeloid leukemia (ML-DS), compared with those without. One risk factor is transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM). Somatic truncating GATA1 mutations are found in most TAM patients and are markers for future ML-DS. We identified two novel frameshift mutations in our seven newborns with DS and TAM: a heterozygous mutation of 17 nucleotide duplication (c.154_170 dup) and a heterozygous 9-nucleotide deletion combined with a 2-nucleotide insertion (c.150_158delins CT). Both mutations introduced a truncated GATA1 protein. Thus, neonates with DS and TAM require frequent ML-DS monitoring.
Retrieval of dielectric and structural properties of amorphous SiO2 nanopowder based on optical measurements and Bergman's spectral representation theory
Authors: Nzie Alima , Blanchard Cédric , Genevois Cécile , De Sousa Meneses Domingos
Published: September 2019

The dielectric and structural properties of an amorphous SiO2 nanopowder have been characterized in the framework of Bergman's spectral representation. The methodology used in this paper is based on the acquisition of reflectivity spectra from a set of nanopowder pellets with different levels of porosity and the measurement of the transmittance spectra of KBr pellets containing low levels of silica nanoparticles. The fit of the spectra was performed with a dielectric function model through the solution of a nonlinear optimization problem including all the experimental data. In addition to the optical properties, the complete analysis also provided an accurate estimate of the total porosity of pellets and evaluated the percolation of the silica agglomerates in the porous matrix. A comparison with the predictions obtained by other mixing formulas clearly demonstrates that Bergman's theory is the most appropriate for treating this type of powder.
Multi-channel plastic-scintillator-based detection system for monitoring tritium in air
Authors: Bae Jun Woo , Kang Ki Joon , Kim Hee Reyoung , Jeon SangJune
Published: September 2019

To overcome the limitations of the ionization chamber-based tritium monitor, a design for a multichannel plastic scintillator-based detection chamber for monitoring tritium in air is proposed. The performance of the chamber was characterized by Monte Carlo-based calculations with various design parameters such as thickness of the plastic scintillator (t) and number of channels (n). We considered the volume and detection efficiency of the chamber to evaluate the performance of the detector. The expected counting rate curve was in good agreement with the expected simplified physical model. The minimum detectable activity (MDA) was shown at t = 0.5 mm and n = 48 and estimated to be 29.9 kBq/m3. Compared with the experimentally estimated MDA, the relative difference was approximately 24%. However, this difference is understandable considering the different lower level of discrimination and light loss during transportation assumed in the model. The proposed tritium detection chamber is expected to be useful for environmental monitoring at some level as well as for monitoring of tritium leaks from fusion or CANada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU)-type reactors.
Impact of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions on the thermal stability factor of heavy metal/magnetic metal/oxide based nano-pillars
Authors: Gastaldo Daniele , Strelkov Nikita , Buda-Prejbeanu Liliana D. , Dieny Bernard , Boulle Olivier , Allia Paolo , Tiberto Paola
Published: September 2019

We studied the thermal stability of ultrathin perpendicular magnetized nanodots in the presence of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) using a minimum energy path method. We find that the smallest energy barrier is associated with the energy path based on domain wall nucleation and propagation down to 25 nm lateral size. We show that the DMI has a detrimental impact on the thermal stability factor of square Pt/Co/AlOx dots, which decreases linearly with the DMI amplitude. Our study reveals that the DMI limits the downscaling of MRAM cells based on heavy metal/ferromagnet/oxide trilayers.