bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultralow thermal conductivity from transverse acoustic phonon suppression in distorted crystalline α-MgAgSb
Authors: Li Xiyang , Liu Peng-Fei , Zhao Enyue , Zhang Zhigang , Guidi Tatiana , Le Manh Duc , Avdeev Maxim , Ikeda Kazutaka , Otomo Toshiya , Kofu Maiko , Nakajima Kenji , Chen Jie , He Lunhua , Ren Yang , Wang Xun-Li , Wang Bao-Tian , Ren Zhifeng , Zhao Huaizhou , Wang Fangwei
Published: February 2020

Low thermal conductivity is favorable for preserving the temperature gradient between the two ends of a thermoelectric material, in order to ensure continuous electron current generation. In high-performance thermoelectric materials, there are two main low thermal conductivity mechanisms: the phonon anharmonic in PbTe and SnSe, and phonon scattering resulting from the dynamic disorder in AgCrSe2 and CuCrSe2, which have been successfully revealed by inelastic neutron scattering. Using neutron scattering and ab initio calculations, we report here a mechanism of static local structure distortion combined with phonon-anharmonic-induced ultralow lattice thermal conductivity in α-MgAgSb. Since the transverse acoustic phonons are almost fully scattered by the compound’s intrinsic distorted rocksalt sublattice, the heat is mainly transported by the longitudinal acoustic phonons. The ultralow thermal conductivity in α-MgAgSb is attributed to its atomic dynamics being altered by the structure distortion, which presents a possible microscopic route to enhance the performance of similar thermoelectric materials.
Color-tunable ultralong organic room temperature phosphorescence from a multicomponent copolymer
Authors: Gu Long , Wu Hongwei , Ma Huili , Ye Wenpeng , Jia Wenyong , Wang He , Chen Hongzhong , Zhang Nan , Wang Dongdong , Qian Cheng , An Zhongfu , Huang Wei , Zhao Yanli
Published: February 2020

Functional materials displaying tunable emission and long-lived luminescence have recently emerged as a powerful tool for applications in information encryption, organic electronics and bioelectronics. Herein, we present a design strategy to achieve color-tunable ultralong organic room temperature phosphorescence (UOP) in polymers through radical multicomponent cross-linked copolymerization. Our experiments reveal that by changing the excitation wavelength from 254 to 370 nm, these polymers display multicolor luminescence spanning from blue to yellow with a long-lived lifetime of 1.2 s and a maximum phosphorescence quantum yield of 37.5% under ambient conditions. Moreover, we explore the application of these polymers in multilevel information encryption based on the color-tunable UOP property. This strategy paves the way for the development of multicolor bio-labels and smart luminescent materials with long-lived emission at room temperature.
Ambulance Services Associated with Extreme Temperatures and Fine Particles in a Subtropical Island
Authors: Wang Yu-Chun , Lin Yu-Kai , Chen Yi-Jhih , Hung Shih-Chan , Zafirah Yasmin , Sung Fung-Chang
Published: February 2020

This study evaluated the association between the risk of events requiring ambulance services and the ambient temperature and particulate matter of 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and 10 μm (PM10) for populations living in subtropical Taiwan. We used a distributed lag nonlinear model with a quasi-Poisson function to assess the roles of ambient temperature, PM10and PM2.5in the use of ambulance services for respiratory distress, coma and unconsciousness, chest pain, lying down in public, headaches/dizziness/vertigo/fainting/syncope and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each specific event were calculated in association with the ambient conditions. In general, the events that required ambulance services had a V-shaped or J-shaped association with the temperature, where the risks were higher at extreme temperatures. The RR of each event was significant when the patients were exposed to temperatures in the 5thpercentile (<15 °C); patients with OHCA had the highest adjusted RR of 1.61 (95% CI = 1.47–1.77). The risks were also significant for coma/unconsciousness, headaches/dizziness/vertigo/fainting/syncope, and OHCA but not for respiratory distress, chest pain and lying down in public, after exposure to the 99thpercentile temperatures of >30 °C. The risks for use of ambulance services increased with PM exposure and were significant for events of respiratory distress, chest pain and OHCA after exposure to the 99thpercentile PM2.5after controlling for temperatures. Events requiring ambulance services were more likely to occur when the ambient temperature was low than when it was high for the population on the subtropical island of Taiwan. The association of the risk of events requiring ambulance services with PM were not as strong as the association with low temperatures.
Striking essential oil: tapping into a largely unexplored source for drug discovery
Authors: Feyaerts Adam F. , Luyten Walter , Van Dijck Patrick
Published: February 2020

Essential oils (EOs) have been used therapeutically for centuries. In recent decades, randomized controlled (clinical) trials have supported efficacy in specific therapeutic indications for a few of them. Some EOs, their components or derivatives thereof have been approved as drugs. Nevertheless, they are still considered products that are mainly used in complementary and alternative medicine. EO components occupy a special niche in chemical space, that offers unique opportunities based on their unusual physicochemical properties, because they are typically volatile and hydrophobic. Here we evaluate selected physicochemical parameters, used in conventional drug discovery, of EO components present in a range of commercially available EOs. We show that, contrary to generally held belief, most EO components meet current-day requirements of medicinal chemistry for good drug candidates. Moreover, they also offer attractive opportunities for lead optimization or even fragment-based drug discovery. Because their therapeutic potential is still under-scrutinized, we propose that this be explored more vigorously with present-day methods.
Disentangling the taxonomy of the subfamily Rasborinae (Cypriniformes, Danionidae) in Sundaland using DNA barcodes
Authors: Sholihah Arni , Delrieu-Trottin Erwan , Sukmono Tedjo , Dahruddin Hadi , Risdawati Renny , Elvyra Roza , Wibowo Arif , Kustiati Kustiati , Busson Frédéric , Sauri Sopian , Nurhaman Ujang , Dounias Edmond , Zein Muhamad Syamsul Arifin , Fitriana Yuli , Utama Ilham Vemendra , Muchlisin Zainal Abidin , Agnèse Jean-François , Hanner Robert , Wowor Daisy , Steinke Dirk , Keith Philippe , Rüber Lukas , Hubert Nicolas
Published: February 2020

Sundaland constitutes one of the largest and most threatened biodiversity hotspots; however, our understanding of its biodiversity is afflicted by knowledge gaps in taxonomy and distribution patterns. The subfamily Rasborinae is the most diversified group of freshwater fishes in Sundaland. Uncertainties in their taxonomy and systematics have constrained its use as a model in evolutionary studies. Here, we established a DNA barcode reference library of the Rasborinae in Sundaland to examine species boundaries and range distributions through DNA-based species delimitation methods. A checklist of the Rasborinae of Sundaland was compiled based on online catalogs and used to estimate the taxonomic coverage of the present study. We generated a total of 991 DNA barcodes from 189 sampling sites in Sundaland. Together with 106 previously published sequences, we subsequently assembled a reference library of 1097 sequences that covers 65 taxa, including 61 of the 79 known Rasborinae species of Sundaland. Our library indicates that Rasborinae species are defined by distinct molecular lineages that are captured by species delimitation methods. A large overlap between intraspecific and interspecific genetic distance is observed that can be explained by the large amounts of cryptic diversity as evidenced by the 166 Operational Taxonomic Units detected. Implications for the evolutionary dynamics of species diversification are discussed.
Rewilding processes shape the use of Mediterranean landscapes by an avian top scavenger
Authors: Martin-Díaz P. , Cortés-Avizanda A. , Serrano D. , Arrondo E. , Sánchez-Zapata J. A. , Donázar J. A.
Published: February 2020

The Mediterranean biome has seen a great decline in its rural population. This trend has been followed by an abandonment of agricultural and livestock practices, which has provided an opportunity for rewilding to take place. Rewilding processes can modify the availability of carrion resources for avian obligate scavengers and reduce accessible open areas due to the increase of shrub and forest. We examined how changes in landscape configuration in the past five decades (1956–2011) mediate the foraging behaviour of griffon vultures. Particularly, we examined whether vultures use those areas under natural succession and with a high availability of wild ungulate carcasses. We used GPS information yielded by 30 adult griffon vultures exploiting large regions of southern Spain. We determined (a) habitat use considering land uses and food availability and (b) how tracked individuals responded to areas in different stages of rewilding. Our results showed that vultures preferentially used Mediterranean scrublands, woodlands and the agroforest Mediterranean ecosystem called dehesa, as well as areas with high food resources, namely wild ungulates in winter and a mixture of wild ungulates and livestock in summer. Due to a higher abundance of wild ungulates, vultures forage preferentially in areas with low levels of rewilding, either for being in the first stages of natural succession or for not having experienced further rewilding since the middle of the last century. Rewilding processes are expected to continue in the future affecting the scavenger guild structure and function deeply. Improved management will be essential to preserve ecological processes, ecosystem services and populations of endangered species.
Neural stem cell phenotype of tanycyte-like ependymal cells in the circumventricular organs and central canal of adult mouse brain
Authors: Furube Eriko , Ishii Haruna , Nambu Yuri , Kurganov Erkin , Nagaoka Sumiharu , Morita Mitsuhiro , Miyata Seiji
Published: February 2020

Tanycyte is a subtype of ependymal cells which extend long radial processes to brain parenchyma. The present study showed that tanycyte-like ependymal cells in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, subfornical organ and central canal (CC) expressed neural stem cell (NSC) marker nestin, glial fibrillar acidic protein and sex determining region Y. Proliferation of these tanycyte-like ependymal cells was promoted by continuous intracerebroventricular infusion of fibroblast growth factor-2 and epidermal growth factor. Tanycytes-like ependymal cells in the CC are able to form self-renewing neurospheres and give rise mostly to new astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Collagenase-induced small medullary hemorrhage increased proliferation of tanycyte-like ependymal cells in the CC. These results demonstrate that these tanycyte-like ependymal cells of the adult mouse brain are NSCs and suggest that they serve as a source for providing new neuronal lineage cells upon brain damage in the medulla oblongata.
Crosstalk between DNA methylation and gene expression in colorectal cancer, a potential plasma biomarker for tracing this tumor
Authors: Kerachian Mohammad Amin , Javadmanesh Ali , Azghandi Marjan , Mojtabanezhad Shariatpanahi Afsaneh , Yassi Maryam , Shams Davodly Ehsan , Talebi Amin , Khadangi Fatemeh , Soltani Ghodratollah , Hayatbakhsh Abdorasool , Ghaffarzadegan Kamran
Published: February 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC), the second leading cause of cancer mortality, constitutes a significant global health burden. An accurate, noninvasive detection method for CRC as complement to colonoscopy could improve the effectiveness of treatment. In the present study, SureSelectXT Methyl-Seq was performed on cancerous and normal colon tissues andCLDN1,INHBAandSLC30A10were found as candidate methylated genes. MethyLight assay was run on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and fresh case and control tissues to validate the methylation of the selected gene. The methylation was significantly different (p-values < 2.2e-16) with a sensitivity of 87.17%; at a specificity cut-off of 100% in FFPE tissues. Methylation studies on fresh tissues, indicated a sensitivity of 82.14% and a specificity cut-off of 92% (p-values = 1.163e-07). The biomarker performance was robust since, normal tissues indicated a significant 22.1-fold over-expression of the selected gene as compared to the corresponding CRC tissues (p-value < 2.2e-16) in the FFPE expression assay. In our plasma pilot study, evaluation of the tissue methylation marker in the circulating cell-free DNA, demonstrated that 9 out of 22 CRC samples and 20 out of 20 normal samples were identified correctly. In summary, there is a clinical feasibility that the offered methylated gene could serve as a candidate biomarker for CRC diagnostic purpose, although further exploration of our candidate gene is warranted.
Response of the human gut and saliva microbiome to urbanization in Cameroon
Authors: Lokmer Ana , Aflalo Sophie , Amougou Norbert , Lafosse Sophie , Froment Alain , Tabe Francis Ekwin , Poyet Mathilde , Groussin Mathieu , Said-Mohamed Rihlat , Ségurel Laure
Published: February 2020

Urban populations from highly industrialized countries are characterized by a lower gut bacterial diversity as well as by changes in composition compared to rural populations from less industrialized countries. To unveil the mechanisms and factors leading to this diversity loss, it is necessary to identify the factors associated with urbanization-induced shifts at a smaller geographical scale, especially in less industrialized countries. To do so, we investigated potential associations between a variety of dietary, medical, parasitological and socio-cultural factors and the gut and saliva microbiomes of 147 individuals from three populations along an urbanization gradient in Cameroon. We found that the presence ofEntamoebasp., a commensal gut protozoan, followed by stool consistency, were major determinants of the gut microbiome diversity and composition. Interestingly, urban individuals have retained most of their gut eukaryotic and bacterial diversity despite significant changes in diet compared to the rural areas, suggesting that the loss of bacterial microbiome diversity observed in industrialized areas is likely associated with medication. Finally, we observed a weak positive correlation between the gut and the saliva microbiome diversity and composition, even though the saliva microbiome is mainly shaped by habitat-related factors.
Structural characterization of Kannurin isoforms and evaluation of the role of β-hydroxy fatty acid tail length in functional specificity
Authors: Shabeer Ali H. , Ajesh K. , Dileep K. V. , Prajosh P. , Sreejith K.
Published: February 2020

The novel anti-fungal cyclic lipopeptide ‘Kannurin’ and its three structural variants produced by Bacillus cereus AK1 were previously reported from our laboratory. The present study reports unexplored structural variants of Kannurin those have functional benefits. Due to the difference in β-hydroxy fatty acid tail length, they are designated here as Kannurin A (m/z 994.67 ± 0.015), B (m/z 1008.68 ± 0.017), C (m/z 1022.69 ± 0.021), D (m/z 1036.70 ± 0.01), CL (m/z 1040.71 ± 0.02) and DL (m/z 1054.72 ± 0.01). The isoform A (m/z 994.67 ± 0.015) is the shortest cyclic form of Kannurin identified so far. In addition, CL (m/z 1040.71 ± 0.02) and DL (m/z 1054.72 ± 0.01) are the rare natural linear forms. The results of the antimicrobial assays deduced that the difference in lipid tail length of the isoforms contributes tremendous differences in their antimicrobial properties. The isoforms with short lipid tails (A and B) are more selective and potent towards bacteria, whereas the isoforms with long lipid tails (C and D) are more potent against fungi. The molecular dynamics studies and electron microscopic observations supported with circular dichroic spectroscopy analysis showed the structural confirmation and formation of aggregates of Kannurin in solution. The molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that a single molecule of Kannurin makes enormous intra-molecular interactions and structural re-arrangements to attain stable lowest energy state in solution. When they reach a particular concentration (CMC) especially in aqueous environment, tends to form structural aggregates called ‘micelles’. With the structural information and activity relationship described in this study, it is trying to point out the sensitive structural entities that can be modified to improve the efficacy and target specificities of lipopeptide class of antibiotics.
Author Correction: Pattern invariance for reaction-diffusion systems on complex networks
Authors: Cencetti Giulia , Clusella Pau , Fanelli Duccio
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Variant phasing and haplotypic expression from long-read sequencing in maize
Authors: Wang Bo , Tseng Elizabeth , Baybayan Primo , Eng Kevin , Regulski Michael , Jiao Yinping , Wang Liya , Olson Andrew , Chougule Kapeel , Buren Peter Van , Ware Doreen
Published: February 2020

Haplotype phasing maize genetic variants is important for genome interpretation, population genetic analysis and functional analysis of allelic activity. We performed an isoform-level phasing study using two maize inbred lines and their reciprocal crosses, based on single-molecule, full-length cDNA sequencing. To phase and analyze transcripts between hybrids and parents, we developed IsoPhase. Using this tool, we validated the majority of SNPs called against matching short-read data from embryo, endosperm and root tissues, and identified allele-specific, gene-level and isoform-level differential expression between the inbred parental lines and hybrid offspring. After phasing 6907 genes in the reciprocal hybrids, we annotated the SNPs and identified large-effect genes. In addition, we identified parent-of-origin isoforms, distinct novel isoforms in maize parent and hybrid lines, and imprinted genes from different tissues. Finally, we characterized variation in cis- and trans-regulatory effects. Our study provides measures of haplotypic expression that could increase accuracy in studies of allelic expression.
Agarose hydrogel-enhanced paper spray ionization mass spectrometry for metabolite detection in raw urine
Authors: Zhan Liujuan , Hou Zhuanghao , Huang Guangming
Published: February 2020

Agarose hydrogel-enhanced paper spray ionization mass spectrometry was developed to quantify therapeutic drugs, and profile endogenous metabolites in raw urine.
Polymer microcapsules and microbeads as cell carriers forin vivobiomedical applications
Authors: Kupikowska-Stobba Barbara , Lewińska Dorota
Published: February 2020

This Review discusses the polymer cell microcarriers forin vivobiomedical applications, focusing on the materials and methods employed in their fabrication and their use as cell delivery vehicles for cell therapies, tissue regeneration and bioartificial organ engineering.
Light-triggered syneresis of a water insoluble peptide-hydrogel effectively removes small molecule waste contaminants
Authors: Das Basab Kanti , Pramanik Bapan , Chowdhuri Sumit , Scherman Oren A. , Das Debapratim
Published: February 2020

A water insoluble hydrogel that expels 50% of the water upon irradiation with UV-light.
Stereoselective synthesis and properties of glycoazobenzene macrocycles through intramolecular glycosylation
Authors: Lin Chaoqi , Jiao Jinbiao , Maisonneuve Stéphane , Mallétroit Julien , Xie Juan
Published: February 2020

An intramolecular glycosylation approach has been successfully used to synthesize a series of photoswitchable glycomacrocycles with excellent α-stereoselectivity and interesting photochromic and chiroptical properties.
An innovative approach for the synthesis of dual modality peptide imaging probes based on the native chemical ligation approach
Authors: Hawala Ivan , De Rosa Lucia , Aime Silvio , D’Andrea Luca Domenico
Published: February 2020

The synthesis of a dual peptide-based imaging probe consists of two steps performed in aqueous solution under mild conditions.
Study of the versatility of CuBTC@IL-derived materials for heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Larrea Edurne S. , Fernández de Luis Roberto , Fidalgo-Marijuan Arkaitz , Maya Eva M. , Iglesias Marta , Arriortua Maria I.
Published: February 2020

The versatility of CuBTC (HKUST-1) MOF materials to be functionalized to improve their catalytic activity performance was evaluated. CuBTC@IL catalysts are selective for the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides, giving rise to value-added products.
Velocity map imaging study of the photodissociation dynamics of the allyl radical
Authors: González Marta G. , Marggi Poullain Sonia , Rubio-Lago Luis , Bañares Luis
Published: February 2020

The photodissociation dynamics of the allyl radical following excitation between 216 and 243 nm has been investigated by velocity map imaging in combination with detection of H-atom and CH3(ν = 0) fragments.
A role for low concentration reaction intermediates in the signal amplification by reversible exchange process revealed by theory and experiment
Authors: Fekete Marianna , Roy Soumya S. , Duckett Simon B.
Published: February 2020

A route to monitor the involvement of less abundant species during the catalytic transfer of hyperpolarisation from parahydrogen into a substrate is detailed.
Design of annulene-within-an-annulene systems by the altanisation approach. A study ofaltan-[n]annulenes
Authors: Piccardo Matteo , Soncini Alessandro , Fowler Patrick W. , Monaco Guglielmo , Zanasi Riccardo
Published: February 2020

Computations on neutral and charged [n]annulenes confirm the general effectiveness of altanisation to design paratropic perimeter circulations. An extension of the design strategy is required for open-shell singlet species.
The electron–phonon scattering and carrier mobility in monolayer AsSb
Authors: Luo Ying , Zhao Guojun , Wang Shudong
Published: February 2020

The electron–phonon scattering mechanism and carrier mobility are investigated.
Organometallic chemistry in aqua regia: metal and ligand based oxidations of (NHC)AuCl complexes
Authors: Levchenko Volodymyr , Glessi Cristiano , Øien-Ødegaard Sigurd , Tilset Mats
Published: February 2020

The synthesis and characterization of a series of N-heterocyclic Au(iii) carbene complexes prepared by oxidation of (NHC)AuCl in aqua regia is described.
A flexible two-dimensional layered metal–organic framework functionalized with (trifluoromethyl)trifluoroborate: synthesis, crystal structure, and adsorption/separation properties
Authors: Kondo Atsushi , Kajiro Hiroshi , Nakagawa Tomohiro , Tanaka Hideki , Kanoh Hirofumi
Published: February 2020

A two-dimensional layered metal–organic framework functionalized with (trifluoromethyl)trifluoroborate (ELM-13) shows gate-type adsorption properties and good CO2 selectivity from a CO2/N2 mixture at 273 K.
A low temperature unitized regenerative fuel cell realizing 60% round trip efficiency and 10 000 cycles of durability for energy storage applications
Authors: Regmi Yagya N. , Peng Xiong , Fornaciari Julie C. , Wei Max , Myers Deborah J. , Weber Adam Z. , Danilovic Nemanja
Published: February 2020

Unitized regenerative fuel cells with oxygen reactions occurring on different catalyst layers can achieve 60% round trip efficiencies at 1 A cm−2.
Controlled assembly of secondary keratin structures for continuous and scalable production of tough fibers from chicken feathers
Authors: Mu Bingnan , Hassan Faqrul , Yang Yiqi
Published: February 2020

Continuous production of tough keratin fibersviahigh recovery of protein secondary structures.
Dynamic characteristics of multi-charged ions emitted from nanosecond laser produced molybdenum plasmas
Authors: Wu Ding , Mao Xianglei , Chan George C.-Y. , Russo Richard E. , Zorba Vassilia , Ding Hongbin
Published: February 2020

The charge state distribution and temporal evolution of laser-produced molybdenum plasma were investigated at various laser power densities.
Therapeutic strategy of arsenic trioxide in the fight against cancers and other diseases
Authors: Wang Qian Qian , Jiang Yu , Naranmandura Hua
Published: February 2020

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been recognized as a drug for the treatment of various diseases in traditional medicine for more than two thousand years. Although ATO has recently shown excellent efficacy for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), it could not provide satisfactory outcomes as a single-agent for the management of non-APL leukemia or different solid tumors. Nevertheless, combination treatment strategies, e.g., ATO with other agents, have shown promising results against different diseases. Here, we introduce in depth the latest evidence and detailed insights into ATO-mediated cures for APL by targeting PML/RARα chimeric protein, followed by the preclinical and clinical efficacy of ATO on various non-APL malignancies and solid tumors. Likewise, the antiviral activity of ATO against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) was also discussed briefly. Our review would provide a clear prospect for the combination of ATO with other agents for treatment of numerous neoplastic diseases, and open a new era in the clinically applicable range of arsenicals.
Effect of filler loading on polymer chain confinement and thermomechanical properties of epoxy/boron nitride (h-BN) nanocomposites
Authors: Joy Jomon , George Elssa , Thomas Sabu , Anas Saithalavi
Published: February 2020

This article examines the effect of the addition of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanopowder on the polymer chain confinement, thermal, morphological and mechanical properties of the epoxy system.
New porphyrin dendrimers with fluorenyl-based connectors: a simple way to improving the optical properties over dendrimers featuring 1,3,5-phenylene connectors
Authors: Zhang Xu , Ben Hassine Sarra , Richy Nicolas , Mongin Olivier , Blanchard-Desce Mireille , Paul Frédéric , Paul-Roth Christine O.
Published: February 2020

Dendrimers with new fluorenyl-based connectors have been synthesized and characterized. Their detailed luminescence properties and selected photophysical properties are discussed in the frame of two-photon-induced theranostics.
A bioinspired lubricant infused surface with transparency, hot liquid boiling resistance and long-term stability for food applications
Authors: Wang Daheng , Guo Zhiguang
Published: February 2020

Inspired by the Nepenthes pitcher plant, the HAP and oleic acid prepared Lubricant Infused Surface (LIS) that exhibits liquid repellency and slipperiness has huge potential in various fields.
Nanoparticle formulated vaccines: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Lung Pingsai , Yang Jingnan , Li Quan
Published: February 2020

The advancement in nanotechnology brings in unique opportunities to meet the challenges in immunology and vaccine development.
A biointerface effect on the self-assembly of ribonucleic acids: a possible mechanism of RNA polymerisation in the self-replication cycle
Authors: Arai Noriyoshi , Kobayashi Yusei , Yasuoka Kenji
Published: February 2020

The self-assembly was found to be more favoured in a vesicle-cell membrane, rather than in the bulk system. The result will contribute to a better understanding of the origin of life on the primitive Earth.
Accurate detection of β-hCG in women's serum and cervical secretions for predicting early pregnancy viability based on time-resolved luminescent lanthanide nanoprobes
Authors: Cai Liangzhi , Huang Yunmei , Sun Pengming , Zheng Wei , Zhou Shanyong , Huang Ping , Wei Jiaojiao , Tu Datao , Chen Xueyuan , Liang Zhiqing
Published: February 2020

A strategy based on a LiLuF4:Ce,Tb time-resolved photoluminescence nanoprobe was developed for β-hCG detection in women's serum and cervical secretions for predicting early pregnancy viability.
Controlling the morphology of microgels by ionic stimuli
Authors: Bergman Maxime J. , Pedersen Jan S. , Schurtenberger Peter , Boon Niels
Published: February 2020

Stimuli-responsive microgels have attracted much interest for their use as vehicles for drug delivery or as the building blocks of adaptive materials.
A spherical covalent-organic framework for enhancing laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for small molecule detection
Authors: Ouyang Dan , Luo Kailong , Ma Wende , Wu Jie , Li Jing , He Yanting , Cai Zongwei , Lin Zian
Published: February 2020

A spherical vinyl-functionalized covalent-organic framework (COF-V) was prepared at room temperature by a facile method and applied as a novel substrate for surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SELDI-MS).
Advances in self-assembled injectable hydrogels for cancer therapy
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Bajaj Avinash
Published: February 2020

Non-specific toxicity of chemotherapeutics and evolution of malignant tumors against them are major challenges for existing cancer chemotherapeutic regimens.
Optoelectronic modulation of ionic conductance and rectification through a heterogeneous 1D/2D nanofluidic membrane
Authors: Qiao Yujuan , Lu Jiahao , Ma Wenjie , Xue Yifei , Jiang Yanan , Liu Nannan , Yu Ping , Mao Lanqun
Published: February 2020

A smart mixed-dimensional heterogeneous membrane is fabricated, through which the ionic conductance and rectification can be precisely and robustly modulated by visible light of 420 nm wavelength with different power intensities simultaneously.
Isosmaragdyrin with an N3C2 core: stabilization of Rh(i) and organo-Pt(ii) complexes
Authors: Das Mainak , Chitranshi Sangya , Murugavel M. , Adinarayana B. , Suresh Cherumuttathu H. , Srinivasan A.
Published: February 2020

An isosmaragdyrin analogue with an N3C2 core was synthesized and stabilized by Rh(i) and organo-Pt(ii) complexes.
Strength-tunable printing of xanthan gum hydrogel via enzymatic polymerization and amide bioconjugation
Authors: Pan Hui , Zheng Bolin , Shen Hongdou , Qi Meiyuan , Shang Yinghui , Wu Chu , Zhu Rongrong , Cheng Liming , Wang Qigang
Published: February 2020

Amide bioconjugation and interfacial enzyme polymerization for improving the mechanical strength of hydrogel bio-ink.
Copper-catalyzed synthesis of sulfonamides from nitroarenes via the insertion of sulfur dioxide
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Yang Min , Kuang Yunyan , Liu Jin-Biao , Fan Xiaona , Wu Jie
Published: February 2020

A three-component reaction of arylboronic acids, nitroarenes, and potassium metabisulfite under copper catalysis proceeds smoothly, giving rise to a range of sulfonamides in good to excellent yields with broad substrate scope.
Terpenoids: shape and non-covalent interactions. The rotational spectrum of cis-verbenol and its 1 : 1 water complex
Authors: Blanco Susana , López Juan Carlos , Maris Assimo
Published: February 2020

In isolated and mono-hydrated verbenol, as in simpler allyl alcohols, the conformational leading force is the OH⋯π interaction.
Iron(iii) chloride-promoted cyclization of α,β-alkynic tosylhydrazones with diselenides: synthesis of 4-(arylselanyl)-1H-pyrazoles
Authors: Yao Hai-Feng , Li Fang-Hui , Li Jian , Wang Shun-Yi , Ji Shun-Jun
Published: February 2020

A highly efficient iron(iii) chloride-promoted cyclization between α,β-alkynic tosylhydrazones and diselenides to form a 4-(arylselanyl)-1H-pyrazole skeleton is studied.
Facile approach to benzo[d]imidazole-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine hybrid structures through double cyclodehydration and aromatization and their unique optical properties with blue emission
Authors: Bae Gi Hun , Kim Suzi , Lee Na Keum , Dagar Anuradha , Lee Jeong Hwa , Lee Jeeyeon , Kim Ikyon
Published: February 2020

A modular approach to polycyclic N-fused heteroaromatics is described.
Hybrid nanoparticle composites applied to photodynamic therapy: strategies and applications
Authors: Zhang Chao , Chen Weizhi , Zhang Taixing , Jiang Xiqun , Hu Yong
Published: February 2020

Boosting PDT outcome through specialized nano-hybrids for achieving active tumor-targeting, remodeling tumor hypoxia, activating tumorous release, and facilitating deep penetration.
SKA3 promotes lung adenocarcinoma metastasis through the EGFR–PI3K–Akt axis
Authors: Hu Dan-dan , Chen Hai-ling , Lou Li-ming , Zhang Hong , Yang Guo-liang
Published: February 2020

The processes that lead to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) metastasis are poorly characterized. Spindle and kinetochore associated complex subunit 3 (SKA3) plays a key role in cervical cancer development, but its contribution to LUAD is unknown. Here, we found that SKA3 is overexpressed in LUAD and its expression correlates with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. SKA3 silencing experiments identified SKA3 as an oncogene that promotes the metastasis of LUAD cell lines and tissues. SKA3 was found to induce the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -7, and -9, which activate PI3K–AKT. SKA3 was also found to bind and activate EGFR to activate PI3K–AKT. In summary, we identify a role for SKA3 in LUAD metastasis through its ability to bind EFGR and activate PI3K–AKT signaling.
Structural and functional comparison of fumarylacetoacetate domain containing protein 1 in human and mouse
Authors: Weiss Alexander K.H. , Naschberger Andreas , Cappuccio Elia , Metzger Christina , Mottes Lorenza , Holzknecht Max , von Velsen Jill , Bowler Matthew W. , Rupp Bernhard , Jansen-Dürr Pidder
Published: February 2020

FAH domain containing protein 1 (FAHD1) is a mammalian mitochondrial protein, displaying bifunctionality as acylpyruvate hydrolase (ApH) and oxaloacetate decarboxylase (ODx) activity. We report the crystal structure of mouse FAHD1 and structural mapping of the active site of mouse FAHD1. Despite high structural similarity with human FAHD1, a rabbit monoclonal antibody (RabMab) could be produced that is able to recognize mouse FAHD1, but not the human form, whereas a polyclonal antibody recognized both proteins. Epitope mapping in combination with our deposited crystal structures revealed that the epitope overlaps with a reported SIRT3 deacetylation site in mouse FAHD1.
RoboPlanner: a pragmatic task planning framework for autonomous robots
Authors: Kattepur Ajay , Purushotaman Balamuralidhar
Published: February 2020

Robotic automation has proliferated various industrial deployments including manufacturing, retail warehousing and logistics supply chains. In order for robots to advance to the next stage of cognitive autonomy, a robust framework for planning, execution and adaptation is needed. While there have been advances in abstract automated planning systems, they are still ill‐suited to be applied within runtime robotic executions, which take place in uncertain environments. In this study, the authors provide a deliberative robotic planning and simulated execution framework called RoboPlanner that provides a pragmatic integration of automated planning, orchestration and adaptive deployments. This is coupled with an execution monitor and plan repair module, that allows reconfiguration to various template actions with runtime changes. Structured rules for re‐planning in the case of state changes, unforeseen obstacles or execution failures are provided. They demonstrate their simulation framework on a realistic example of mobile pick & delivery robots in Industry 4.0 warehouses, that plan, execute, adapt and re‐plan in sync with a knowledge base.
Two‐inductor high‐voltage‐gain converter with turn‐off delay controlled current‐sharing method
Authors: Chen Z.Y. , Lu Z.D. , Chen Y. , Wu Y.
Published: February 2020

In this Letter, the authors aim at solving the unbalanced current problem existing in the two‐inductor high‐voltage‐gain converter and the turn‐off delay control method is proposed to solve the issue. In the two‐inductor high‐voltage‐gain converter, one of inductor current of the corresponding path could be increased to compensate the difference of two inductor current by extending turn‐on time of the main switch, and therefore, the current balance is achieved. Moreover, the operating mechanism of the proposed method is described in detail. Analytical results indicate that the proposed method has no effect on voltage transfer gain of the converter. Finally, experimental results have been given to verify the theoretical analysis.
Efficient complex ISAR object recognition using adaptive deep relation learning
Authors: Liu Chunsheng , Wang Zhongmei
Published: February 2020

Complex inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) object recognition is a critical and challenging problem in computer vision tasks. An efficient complex object recognition method for ISAR images is proposed based on adaptive deep relation learning. (i) An adaptive multimodal mechanism is proposed to greatly improve the multimodal sampling and transformation capabilities of convolutional neural networks and increase the resolutions of the feature maps. In particular, an adaptive ranking and selection strategy for related regions are proposed. (ii) Deep graphical learning is proposed to jointly estimate large numbers of heterogeneous attributes and leverage the relations among features and attributes. Extensive experiments performed on real‐world datasets show that the proposed method outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Preparations and characterisation of a nanosilver‐loaded aerogel based on nanocellulose
Authors: Zhang Lin , Li Qun , Duan Linjuan , Liu Rongrong
Published: February 2020

Cellulose and nanocellulose were used as carriers to prepare composites with antimicrobial and catalytic properties. In this reported study, di‐aldehyde cellulose (DAC) was used as a raw material to prepare silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)/nano‐DAC (DANC) aerogels. The AgNPs/DANC aerogels were loaded with 24.78% nanosilver. The experimental materials were characterised using ultraviolet–visible, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. The test results showed that the AgNPs loaded on the DANC had particle sizes ranging from 3 to 14 nm, with an average particle size of 5.8 nm. The materials loaded onto the DANC were found to be elemental Ag. The specific surface area of AgNPs/DANC aerogels was 35.40 m2/g and the average pore diameter was 19.62 nm.
A Comparison of Matching and Weighting Methods for Causal Inference Based on Routine Health Insurance Data, or: What to do If an RCT is Impossible
Authors: Matschinger Herbert , Heider Dirk , König Hans-Helmut
Published: February 2020

Due to a multitude of reasons Randomized Control Trials on the basis of so-called “routine data” provided by insurance companies cannot be conducted. Therefore the estimation of “causal effects” for any kind of treatment is hampered since systematic bias due to specific selection processes must be suspected. The basic problem of counterfactual, which is to evaluate the difference between two potential outcomes for the same unit, is discussed. The focus lies on the comparison of the performance of different approaches to control for systematic differences between treatment and control group. These strategies are all based on propensity scores, namely matching or pruning, IPTW (inverse probability treatment weighting) and entropy balancing. Methods to evaluate these strategies are presented. A logit model is employed with 87 predictors to estimate the propensity score or to estimate the entropy balancing weights. All analyses are restricted to estimate the ATT (Average Treatment Effect for the Treated) Exemplary data come from a prospective controlled intervention-study with two measurement occasions. Data contain 35 857 chronically ill insurants with diabetes, congestive heart failure, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease or hypertension of one German sickness fund. The intervention group was offered an individual telephone coaching to improve health behavior and slow down disease progression while the control group received treatment as usual. Randomization took place before the insurants’ consent to participate was obtained so assumptions of an RCT are violated. A weighted mixture model (difference-in-difference) as the causal model of interest is employed to estimate treatment effects in terms of costs distinguishing the categories outpatient costs, medication costs, and total costs. It is shown that entropy balancing performs best with respect to balancing treatment and control group at baseline for the first three moments of all 87 predictors. This will result in least biased estimates of the treatment effect.
Erhöhung der ventrikulären Reizschwelle durch Dronedaron-Einnahme
Authors: Wedler Katharina , Dávid Árpad , Körber Thomas
Published: February 2020

Anamnese Der 75-jährige Patient wurde mit Schwindel, Belastungsdyspnoe und Kaltschweißigkeit eingeliefert. Bei ischämischer Herzkrankheit mit Sick-Sinus-Syndrom erfolgte vor 5,5 Jahren die Schrittmacherimplantation. Aufgrund eines nicht permanenten Vorhofflimmerns wurde die Medikation vor 8 Monaten um Dronedaron erweitert.

Untersuchungen und Diagnose Im Status präsentierte sich ein instabiler Patient. Das 12-Kanal-EKG zeigte einen AV-Block 2. Grades mit Wenckebach-Periodik und einer Frequenz von 29/min. In der Schrittmacherabfrage fand sich primär bei regelrechter atrialer Funktion eine ineffektive ventrikuläre Stimulation.

Therapie und Verlauf Nach initial externer Stimulation erfolgte die Umprogrammierung des Schrittmachers und damit die effektive Ventrikelstimulation. Dronedaron wurde nach Prüfung auslösender Faktoren pausiert, und der Patient konnte nach 3 Tagen beschwerdefrei entlassen werden. In der Schrittmacherabfrage 18 Tage später fand sich eine regelrechte Funktion bei Stabilisierung der Reizschwelle nahe dem alten Niveau.

Folgerungen Bei Patienten mit permanentem Herzschrittmacher sollte als Ursache einer Fehlfunktion eine Reizschwellenerhöhung ausgeschlossen und bei Vorliegen die aktuelle Medikation hinterfragt werden. Dabei ist auch bei einer Dronedaron-Einnahme Vorsicht geboten.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Arabic Version of the
Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain Questionnaire
Authors: Alageel Musab , Al Turki Abdullah , Alhandi Ali , Alohali Rawa , Alsalem Rakan , Aleissa Sami
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to translate and adapt the Intermittent and Constant
Osteoarthritis Pain questionnaire into the Arabic language and evaluate the
validity and reliability of this scale for participants with knee or hip
osteoarthritis. This questionnaire was translated based on the Manufacturers
Alliance for Productivity and Innovation protocol. The test-retest reliability
was calculated using the Intraclass Correlation Coeﬃcient. Then,
Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess the internal consistency of
Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain questionnaire. After that, the
criterion validity was evaluated against the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis
Outcome Score. A total of 90 participants were included in this study, of which
29 participants were re-evaluated for reliability testing. The Intraclass
Correlation Coeﬃcient of the Knee Intermittent and Constant
Osteoarthritis Pain questionnaire were 0.841, 0.923 and 0.911 for the total,
constant, and intermittent knee pain, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha was
0.88, 0.93 and 0.94 for the total score, the intermittent knee pain and the
constant knee pain, respectively. Eventually, criterion validity was
r=0.24(P<0.05). Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain in
Arabic is a valid and reliable instrument to be used in Arabic-speaking patients
with knee/hip osteoarthritis.
Das Schädel-Hirn-Trauma: Wann konservativ, wann operativ therapieren?
Authors: Rohde Veit , Mielke Dorothee
Published: February 2020

Das korrekte Management eines Schädel-Hirn-Traumas (SHT) am Unfallort und im Krankenhaus ist eng verknüpft mit einer besseren Prognose. Von großer Bedeutung für die Einschätzung der Schwere des SHT und die sich daraus ableitenden diagnostischen und therapeutischen Maßnahmen ist die Glasgow-Coma-Skala (GCS). Bei einem Skalenwert von 3 bis 8 wird von einem schweren SHT gesprochen; diese Patienten sind komatös. Bei einem Skalenwert von 9 bis 12 liegt ein moderates und bei einem Skalenwert von 13 bis 15 ein leichtes SHT vor. Eine kranielle Computertomografie (CT) muss stets bei einem moderaten bis schweren SHT durchgeführt werden, um über eine initial operative oder konservative Therapie zu entscheiden. Klare, sofortige Operationsindikationen sind das raumfordernde Epiduralhämatom, das akute Subduralhämatom sowie die Impressionsfraktur über Kalottenbreite. Bei schwerem SHT ohne Nachweis einer operationsbedürftigen Blutung liegt meist ein Hirnödem vor. Eine intrakranielle Hirndruckmessung ist in diesen Fällen notwendig, um die Hirndrucktherapie zu steuern. Kann der erhöhte Hirndruck nicht ausreichend kontrolliert werden, ist eine dekompressive Hemikraniektomie indiziert.
Magnesium – essenzieller Mineralstoff für Therapie und Prävention
Authors: Vormann Jürgen
Published: February 2020

Der Mineralstoff Magnesium übernimmt eine Vielzahl wichtiger Funktionen im Körper. Eine gute Versorgung mit Magnesium ist wichtig, um einer Reihe von Krankheiten vorzubeugen. Gleichzeitig können verschiedene Erkrankungen durch einen Magnesiummangel mit verursacht werden. Der Magnesiumbedarf ist bei bestimmten Vorerkrankungen sowie zum Beispiel auch durch die Einnahme einiger Arzneimittel erhöht. Durch orale Magnesiumpräparate lässt sich ein Defizit jedoch gut ausgleichen
Memorandum Register für die Versorgungsforschung: Update
2019
Authors: Stausberg Jürgen , Maier Birga , Bestehorn Kurt , Gothe Holger , Groene Oliver , Jacke Christian , Jänicke Martina , Kostuj Tanja , Mathes Tim , Niemeyer Anna , Olbrich Kerstin , Schmitt Jochen , Neugebauer Edmund
Published: February 2020

Über Register können Fragestellungen zur Gesundheitsversorgung im
Alltag untersucht werden. Sie sind daher eine wesentliche Methode der
Versorgungsforschung. Das Deutsche Netzwerk Versorgungsforschung (DNVF)
fördert die Qualität von Registern durch einen
wissenschaftlichen Austausch, durch Fortbildungsangebote sowie durch
Empfehlungen in Form eines Memorandums „Register für die
Versorgungsforschung“. Die vorliegenden Empfehlungen stellen ein Update
zur ersten Fassung des Memorandums von 2010 dar. Das Update beschreibt die
Einsatzmöglichkeiten und Zielsetzungen von Registern in der
Versorgungsforschung und stellt den aktuellen Stand zu allen Aspekten eines
guten Designs und eines sachgerechten Betriebs von Registern dar. Das Memorandum
kann Verantwortlichen für die Entwicklung eines Registers als Leitfaden
zur Erreichung einer hohen Qualität dienen; potentiellen Nutzern von
Daten und Ergebnissen aus Registern ermöglicht es, die Qualität
eines Registers zu bewerten. Projektförderer und Gesundheitspolitik
können sich bei der Rahmensetzung für Finanzierung und
gesetzliche Anforderungen an den Qualitätskriterien orientieren. Neben
einer Definition werden im Memorandum verschiedene für die Konzeption
eines Registers relevante Bereiche vorgestellt. Dies umfasst die Phasen der
Entwicklung eines Registers von der Planung über den Entwurf bis zur
Umsetzung, die technische Organisation und den Betrieb eines Registers, die
Auswertung von Registerdaten, die Berichterstattung über die Ergebnisse
sowie den Datenschutz. Aus diesen Bereichen abgeleitete Kriterien zur
Beurteilung der Qualität eines Registers werden beschrieben.
Hierfür wird abschließend eine Checkliste
präsentiert.
Sport und Leistung: Gibt es eine Sportsucht?
Authors: Colledge Flora
Published: February 2020

Bisher wird die Sportsucht nicht als eigenständigesKrankheitsbild bzw. psychische Störung kategorisiert.Sie kann zu denVerhaltenssüchten gezählt werden. Diebisherige Studienlage ist problematisch, es finden sichwenige Studien, die das Thema Sportsucht vertiefteruntersuchen und Einblicke in die Symptomatologie erlauben.