bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of multiple herbicide–resistant waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) populations from Illinois to VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides
Authors: Strom Seth A. , Gonzini Lisa C. , Mitsdarfer Charlie , Davis Adam S. , Riechers Dean E. , Hager Aaron G.
Published: May 2019

Field experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017 in Champaign County, IL, to study a waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus(Moq.) J. D. Sauer] population (CHR) resistant to 2,4-D and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)-, photosystem II–, acetolactate synthase (ALS)-, and protoporphyrinogen oxidase–inhibiting herbicides. Two field experiments were designed to investigate the efficacy of very-long-chain fatty-acid (VLCFA)-inhibiting herbicides, including a comparison of active ingredients at labeled use rates and a rate titration experiment.Amaranthus tuberculatusdensity and control were evaluated at 28 and 42 d after treatment (DAT). Nonencapsulated acetochlor, alachlor, and pyroxasulfone provided the greatest PRE control of CHR (56% to 75%) at 28 DAT, while metolachlor,S-metolachlor, dimethenamid-P, and encapsulated acetochlor provided less than 27% control. In the rate titration study, nonencapsulated acetochlor controlled CHR more than equivalent field use rates ofS-metolachlor. Subsequent dose–response experiments with acetochlor,S-metolachlor, dimethenamid-P, and pyroxasulfone in the greenhouse included three multiple herbicide–resistant (MHR)A. tuberculatuspopulations: CHR-M6 (progeny generated from CHR), MCR-NH40 (progeny generated from Mclean County, IL), and ACR (Adams County, IL), in comparison with a sensitive population (WUS). Both CHR-M6 and MCR-NH40 are MHR to atrazine and HPPD, and ALS inhibitors and demonstrated higher survival rates (LD50) toS-metolachlor, acetochlor, dimethenamid-P, or pyroxasulfone than ACR (atrazine resistant but HPPD-inhibitor sensitive) and WUS. Based on biomass reduction (GR50), resistant to sensitive (R:S) ratios between CHR-M6 and WUS were 7.5, 6.1, 5.5, and 2.9 forS-metolachlor, acetochlor, dimethenamid-P, and pyroxasulfone, respectively. Values were greater for MCR-NH40 than CHR-M6, and ACR was the most sensitive to all VLCFA inhibitors tested. Complete control of all populations was achieved at or below a field use rate of acetochlor. In summary, field studies demonstrated CHR is not controlled by several VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides. Greenhouse dose–response experiments corroborated field results and generated R:S ratios (LD50) ranging from 4.5 to 64 for CHR-M6 and MCR-NH40 among the four VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides evaluated.
Characterization of the phenotypic variability in Colombian weedy rice (Oryza spp.)
Authors: Hoyos Veronica , Plaza Guido , Caicedo Ana L.
Published: May 2019

Weedy rice (Oryza spp.) is considered one of the main weeds in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) around the world, having a great impact on both yield and quality of crop rice. Recent studies have characterized the range of morphological and genetic diversity in weedy rice from different locations and have revealed that there is often great morphological diversity within growing regions. No systematic attempt to characterize phenotypic diversity of weedy rice in Colombia, where this group of weeds greatly affects rice production, has yet been carried out. This study seeks (1) to establish the range of variation in various morphological characters for weedy rice collected in the five production zones of Colombia and to compare these with commercial varieties and landraces sown in the country, (2) to determine the association between weedy rice morphotypes and rice production areas in the country, and (3) to assess whether any association exists between morphology and recently discovered genetic groupings for weedy rice in Colombia. Based on a sampling of rice production areas in Colombia and evaluation of 27 phenotypic traits, a two-step cluster analysis identified four morphological groups for weedy rice in Colombia. These groupings had some limited association with geography and the genetic ancestries of weedy rice. Clustering showed that awn and apiculus color and awn length and presence are the most important predictors in defining morphological groupings. Understanding and classifying the morphological diversity may be helpful in understanding weedy rice origins, evolution, and potential management practices.
The Role of Personality in Becoming Aware of Age-Related	Changes
Authors: Rupprecht Fiona S. , Dutt Anne J. , Wahl Hans-Werner , Diehl Manfred K.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Awareness of age-related change (AARC) refers to an individual’s conscious knowledge about the gains and losses resulting from growing older. Personality traits reflect dispositional patterns of behavior, perception, and evaluation and should therefore influence the experience of AARC. The 4.5-year longitudinal study examines this association between personality traits and AARC in a sample of 423 individuals aged 40 to 98 years ( M = 62.9 years) using latent change analyses. After controlling for sex, health, and education, a different pattern of associations emerged for cross-sectional vs. longitudinal relations. Cross-sectionally, neuroticism was positively related to AARC losses, whereas openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism were positively related to AARC gains. Longitudinally, the impact of personality traits on change in AARC was rather limited with only higher conscientiousness acting as a predictor of decreases in AARC losses over time. Overall, the findings add to the existing literature on associations between personality traits and subjective aging. Specifically, the results indicate that personality traits are differentially related to awareness of age-related gains in comparison to awareness of age-related losses.
Weighted Multilevel Versus Robust Single-Level Methods for Analyzing	Subpopulation Data
Authors: Koziol Natalie A.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Research, policy, and practice often target specific subpopulations. Large-scale survey studies are particularly useful for performing subpopulation analyses due to the large and representative nature of the samples. However, these studies utilize complex probability sampling designs, which complicate subpopulation analyses. This Monte-Carlo simulation study evaluated the interactive effect of subpopulation analysis method (multiple-group; zero-weight; subset) and cluster estimation method (multilevel modeling; robust single-level modeling) on the performance of fixed effect parameter, standard error, and interval estimators. Results should be used to inform statistical practice with the ultimate goal of achieving more valid inferences in subpopulation research.
Seismic Clues to Surging Glaciers
Authors: Kelvey Jon
Published: May 2019

Measuring seismic waves passing through a glacier suggests that not only is liquid water playing a role in periodic surging but the water is channeled into cracks from across the ice.
Subtropical‐Tropical Transfer in the South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Cabré A. , Pelegrí J. L. , Vallès‐Casanova I.
Published: May 2019

Here we explore the water transfer between the subtropical and tropical gyres of the South Atlantic Ocean to better understand its unique equatorward heat delivery. A Lagrangian technique is applied to the reanalysis product GLORYS2V4 in order to trace back the western boundary flow in the tropical (North Brazil Undercurrent, NBUC) and subtropical (Brazil Current) gyres. Most of the northward NBUC core transport (14.9 Sv at 8°S) arrives from the eastern boundary subtropical current (Benguela Current) via the zonal South Equatorial Current. This subtropical‐tropical transfer represents the core of the returning limb of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and accounts for most of the observed increase in heat and salt‐volume transports (0.18 PW and 0.19 Sv from 30°S to 8°S, respectively) across the South Atlantic. The NBUC also includes Antarctic Intermediate Water below 400 m (7.4 Sv at 8°S) coming from the interior subtropical gyre, as well as water from the current's surface and peripheral components coming from the tropical gyre (13.3 Sv at 8°S). The Brazil Current (9.9 Sv at 29°S) is mostly composed of subtropical water originating in the upper 800 m west of the eastern boundary current at 30°S (8.5 Sv), with a minor contribution of surface tropical water that transfers to the subtropics (1.4 Sv).
A generative modeling approach for benchmarking and training shallow quantum circuits
Authors: Benedetti Marcello , Garcia-Pintos Delfina , Perdomo Oscar , Leyton-Ortega Vicente , Nam Yunseong , Perdomo-Ortiz Alejandro
Published: May 2019

Hybrid quantum-classical algorithms provide ways to use noisy intermediate-scale quantum computers for practical applications. Expanding the portfolio of such techniques, we propose a quantum circuit learning algorithm that can be used to assist the characterization of quantum devices and to train shallow circuits for generative tasks. The procedure leverages quantum hardware capabilities to its fullest extent by using native gates and their qubit connectivity. We demonstrate that our approach can learn an optimal preparation of the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states, also known as “cat states”. We further demonstrate that our approach can efficiently prepare approximate representations of coherent thermal states, wave functions that encode Boltzmann probabilities in their amplitudes. Finally, complementing proposals to characterize the power or usefulness of near-term quantum devices, such as IBM’s quantum volume, we provide a new hardware-independent metric called the qBAS score. It is based on the performance yield in a specific sampling task on one of the canonical machine learning data sets known as Bars and Stripes. We show how entanglement is a key ingredient in encoding the patterns of this data set; an ideal benchmark for testing hardware starting at four qubits and up. We provide experimental results and evaluation of this metric to probe the trade off between several architectural circuit designs and circuit depths on an ion-trap quantum computer.
Upregulation of the NLRC4 inflammasome contributes to poor prognosis in glioma patients
Authors: Lim Jaejoon , Kim Min Jun , Park YoungJoon , Ahn Ju Won , Hwang So Jung , Moon Jong-Seok , Cho Kyung Gi , Kwack KyuBum
Published: May 2019

Inflammation in tumor microenvironments is implicated in the pathogenesis of tumor development. In particular, inflammasomes, which modulate innate immune functions, are linked to tumor growth and anticancer responses. However, the role of the NLRC4 inflammasome in gliomas remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether the upregulation of the NLRC4 inflammasome is associated with the clinical prognosis of gliomas. We analyzed the protein expression and localization of NLRC4 in glioma tissues from 11 patients by immunohistochemistry. We examined the interaction between the expression of NLRC4 and clinical prognosis via a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The level of NLRC4 protein was increased in brain tissues, specifically, in astrocytes, from glioma patients. NLRC4 expression was associated with a poor prognosis in glioma patients, and the upregulation of NLRC4 in astrocytomas was associated with poor survival. Furthermore, hierarchical clustering of data from the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset showed that NLRC4 was highly expressed in gliomas relative to that in a normal healthy group. Our results suggest that the upregulation of the NLRC4 inflammasome contributes to a poor prognosis for gliomas and presents a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic marker.
Bacterial flagellin promotes viral entry via an NF-kB and Toll Like Receptor 5 dependent pathway
Authors: Benedikz Elizabeth K. , Bailey Dalan , Cook Charlotte N. L. , Gonçalves-Carneiro Daniel , Buckner Michelle M. C. , Blair Jessica M. A. , Wells Timothy J. , Fletcher Nicola F. , Goodall Margaret , Flores-Langarica Adriana , Kingsley Robert A. , Madsen Jens , Teeling Jessica , Johnston Sebastian L. , MacLennan Calman A. , Balfe Peter , Henderson Ian R. , Piddock Laura J. V. , Cunningham Adam F. , McKeating Jane A.
Published: May 2019

Viruses and bacteria colonize hosts by invading epithelial barriers. Recent studies have shown that interactions between the microbiota, pathogens and the host can potentiate infection through poorly understood mechanisms. Here, we investigated whether diverse bacterial species could modulate virus internalization into host cells, often a rate-limiting step in establishing infections. Lentiviral pseudoviruses expressing influenza, measles, Ebola, Lassa or vesicular stomatitis virus envelope glycoproteins enabled us to study entry of viruses that exploit diverse internalization pathways. Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa significantly increased viral uptake, even at low bacterial frequencies. This did not require bacterial contact with or invasion of host cells. Studies determined that the bacterial antigen responsible for this pro-viral activity was the Toll-Like Receptor 5 (TLR5) agonist flagellin. Exposure to flagellin increased virus attachment to epithelial cells in a temperature-dependent manner via TLR5-dependent activation of NF-ΚB. Importantly, this phenotype was both long lasting and detectable at low multiplicities of infection. Flagellin is shed from bacteria and our studies uncover a new bystander role for this protein in regulating virus entry. This highlights a new aspect of viral-bacterial interplay with significant implications for our understanding of polymicrobial-associated pathogenesis.
Growth hormone peak modifies the effect of BMI on increased systolic blood pressure in children with short stature
Authors: Li Yanying , Zhang Yanhong , Zhang Mei , Yang Wanling , Ji Baolan , Pan Hui , Ban Bo
Published: May 2019

Blood pressure (BP), especially systolic BP (SBP), is higher in adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) patients than in normal controls. Additionally, obesity is a known risk factor for hypertension, and growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is an important cause of short stature. For children with GHD, attention has been directed solely towards height. Few studies have assessed its potential impact on BP. Here, we investigated the effect of body mass index standard deviation score (BMISDS) on BP in children with short stature. This study included 736 children with short stature divided into two groups based on peak growth hormone (GH) level in GH provocation tests [severe GHD (SGHD) group = 212 children; non-SGHD group = 524 children]. We found that SBP was significantly higher in the SGHD group than in the non-SGHD group (p = 0.045). Additionally, there was a significant positive association between BMISDS and SBP in the SGHD group (β = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.40–4.84, p < 0.001), but no association between these variables was observed in the non-SGHD group. Thus, SGHD patients had a higher SBP than non-SGHD patients. BMISDS is a significant factor for higher SBP in SGHD patients but not in non-SGHD patients.
Anisotropy of Percolation Threshold of BaTiO3-Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 Composite Films
Authors: Tang Yu , Wang Ruixin , Zhang Yi , Li Shun , Du Piyi
Published: May 2019

A systematic study on the magnetic and electrical percolation phenomena of BaTiO3 (BTO)-NiZnF2O4 (NZFO) composite films is presented in this work with the purpose of simplifying the preparation process of high-performance 1–3-type multiferroic composite films. Results show that the percolation threshold of the composite films depends on the macroscopic dimension of the material. The low-dimensional nature of the composite films results in different percolation thresholds with topological transition in vertical and horizontal directions. BTO-NZFO composite films with a grain size of 15 nm and a thickness of 100 nm exhibited a percolation threshold of 0.18 in the normal direction and a percolation threshold of 0.48 in the horizontal direction. In light of this intriguing feature, a novel multiferroic composite film with 1–3 structure and strong magnetoelectric coupling was easily prepared by a 0–3 process via controlling the NZFO content in the region between two percolation thresholds.
Impact of renal dysfunction on the choice of diagnostic imaging, treatment strategy, and outcomes in patients with stable angina
Authors: Kato Takao , Uemura Yukari , Naya Masanao , Momose Mitsuru , Matsumoto Naoya , Suzuki Eriko , Hida Satoshi , Nakajima Takatomo , Yamauchi Takao , Tamaki Nagara
Published: May 2019

We investigated the interaction between the prognostic impact of a decrease in eGFR and the choice of initial diagnostic imaging modality for coronary artery disease. Out of 2878 patients who enrolled in the J-COMPASS study, 2780 patients underwent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography, or coronary angiography (CAG) as an initial diagnostic test. After excluding patients with routine hemodialysis or lacked serum creatinine levels, 2096 patients in the non-decreased eGFR group (eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) and 557 patients in the decreased eGFR group (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) were analyzed in this study. Major adverse cardiac events, including death, myocardial infarction, heart failure hospitalization, and late revascularization, were followed, with a median follow-up duration of 472 days. SPECT or CAG was preferable to CT in patients in the decreased eGFR group (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0024, respectively). There was a marginally significant interaction between the prognostic impact of a decrease in eGFR and the choice of diagnostic imaging modality (interaction-p = 0.056). A decrease in eGFR was not associated with a poor outcome in patients who underwent CT, while a decrease in eGFR was associated with poor outcomes in patients who underwent SPECT or CAG. In conclusion, the prognostic impact of a decrease in eGFR tended to be different among the initial imaging modalities.
Isotopic composition and source of plutonium in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau frozen soils
Authors: Wu Junwen
Published: May 2019

The 239+240Pu activities and 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios in the frozen soils of the Yellow River Source Area (YRSA) were determined to examine the Pu source and evaluate its environmental risk. The 239+240Pu activities of surface frozen soils in the YRSA, ranging from 0.053 to 0.836 mBq g−1, are comparable to those observed in China elsewhere (0.005–1.990 mBq g−1). The 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios of surface soils in the YRSA are in the range of 0.168–0.201 (average = 0.187 ± 0.012, n = 6), comparable to the global fallout of 0.180 ± 0.014. Based on the latitudinal and spatial distribution of Pu isotopic composition, I clarified that the Pu source is mainly from global fallout at present. The activity levels of Pu in the YRSA do far not cause a Pu toxicity to the downstream drinking water even the frozen soil begins to melt and release Pu to the Yellow River. However, since close-in fallout from Lop Nor where the Chinese nuclear tests were carried out during 1964–1980, high deposition and accumulation of Pu was observed in the Chinese soil cores through synthesizing an expanded Pu dataset, which alerts us it is necessary to further monitor the Pu activity levels in the YRSA soil cores to ensure the safety of downstream drinking water. Finally, I point out that information on Pu isotopes would help in establishing a baseline for future environmental risk assessment.
Biomimetic Thermal-sensitive Multi-transform Actuator
Authors: Kim Tae Hyeob , Choi Jung Gi , Byun Ju Young , Jang Yongwoo , Kim Sung Min , Spinks Geoffrey. M. , Kim Seon Jeong
Published: May 2019

Controllable and miniaturised mechanical actuation is one of the main challenges facing various emerging technologies, such as soft robotics, drug delivery systems, and microfluidics. Here we introduce a simple method for constructing actuating devices with programmable complex motions. Thermally responsive hydrogels based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and its functionalized derivatives (f-PNIPAM) were used to control the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) or the temperature at which the gel volume changes. Techniques for ultra-violet crosslinking the monomer solutions were developed to generate gel sheets with controllable crosslink density gradients that allowed bending actuation to specified curvatures by heating through the LCST. Simple molding processes were then used to construct multi-transform devices with complex shape changes, including a bioinspired artificial flower that shows blossoming and reverse blossoming with a change in temperature.
Summertime variability of the western North Pacific subtropical high and its synoptic influences on the East Asian weather
Authors: Choi Woosuk , Kim Kwang-Yul
Published: May 2019

Variation of the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH) is an important meteorological factor for determining summertime rainfall and temperature over East Asia. Here, three major modes of summertime WNPSH variability are identified and corresponding environmental changes are investigated using cyclostationary empirical orthogonal function analysis. The leading mode exhibits a clear reinforcement of WNPSH associated with global warming. The second and third modes are characterized by intra-seasonal variation of the WNPSH intensity related to sea surface temperature variability in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. Although WNPSH variability is regarded as a local manifestation, it reflects much wider changes in the entire North Pacific. The three modes exert seasonally and geographically distinct impacts on the East Asian weather by setting anomalous atmospheric circulation and altering the direction of moisture and heat transport. As such, the leading WNPSH modes are an important indicator of summertime weathers in countries neighboring the western North Pacific. This study also shows that extreme weather events are likely to increase as global warming intensifies.
Thermally Stable Amorphous Oxide-based Schottky Diodes through Oxygen Vacancy Control at Metal/Oxide Interfaces
Authors: Lim Seung-Min , Yeon Han-Wool , Lee Gi-Baek , Jin Min-Gi , Lee Seung-Yong , Jo Janghyun , Kim Miyoung , Joo Young-Chang
Published: May 2019

Amorphous oxide semiconductor (AOS)-based Schottky diodes have been utilized for selectors in crossbar array memories to improve cell-to-cell uniformity with a low-temperature process. However, thermal instability at interfaces between the AOSs and metal electrodes can be a critical issue for the implementation of reliable Schottky diodes. Under post-fabrication annealing, an excessive redox reaction at the ohmic interface can affect the bulk region of the AOSs, inducing an electrical breakdown of the device. Additionally, structural relaxation (SR) of the AOSs can increase the doping concentration at the Schottky interface, which results in a degradation of the rectifying performance. Here, we improved the thermal stability at AOS/metal interfaces by regulating the oxygen vacancy (VO) concentration at both sides of the contact. For a stable quasi-ohmic contact, a Cu-Mn alloy was introduced instead of a single component reactive metal. As Mn only takes up O in amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O (a-IGZO), excessive VO generation in bulk region of a-IGZO can be prevented. At the Schottky interfaces, the barrier characteristics were not degraded by thermal annealing as the Ga concentration in a-IGZO increased. Ga not only reduces the inherent VO concentration but also retards SR, thereby suppressing tunneling conduction and enhancing the thermal stability of devices.
Characterization of the virome of Paracoccus spp. (Alphaproteobacteria) by combined in silico and in vivo approaches
Authors: Decewicz Przemyslaw , Dziewit Lukasz , Golec Piotr , Kozlowska Patrycja , Bartosik Dariusz , Radlinska Monika
Published: May 2019

Bacteria of the genus Paracoccus inhabit various pristine and anthropologically-shaped environments. Many Paracoccus spp. have biotechnological value and several are opportunistic human pathogens. Despite extensive knowledge of their metabolic potential and genome architecture, little is known about viruses of Paracoccus spp. So far, only three active phages infecting these bacteria have been identified. In this study, 16 Paracoccus strains were screened for the presence of active temperate phages, which resulted in the identification of five novel viruses. Mitomycin C-induced prophages were isolated, visualized and their genomes sequenced and thoroughly analyzed, including functional validation of their toxin-antitoxin systems. This led to the identification of the first active Myoviridae phage in Paracoccus spp. and four novel Siphoviridae phages. In addition, another 53 prophages were distinguished in silico within genomic sequences of Paracoccus spp. available in public databases. Thus, the Paracoccus virome was defined as being composed of 66 (pro)phages. Comparative analyses revealed the diversity and mosaicism of the (pro)phage genomes. Moreover, similarity networking analysis highlighted the uniqueness of Paracoccus (pro)phages among known bacterial viruses.
Ratiometric O2 sensing based on selective self-sensitized photooxidation of donor–acceptor fluorophores
Authors: Wang Jian-Xin , Niu Li-Ya , Chen Peng-Zhong , Chen Yu-Zhe , Yang Qing-Zheng , Boulatov Roman
Published: May 2019

We report a series of organic fluorophores that undergo selective self-sensitized photooxidation upon light irradiation in air.
Effect of cooling rates on solidification, microstructure and mechanical properties in tungsten
Authors: Li Sixu , Cui Shiyong , Chen Haotian , Li Jia , Huang Hongtao , Luo Hao
Published: May 2019

Tungsten with its excellent high-temperature properties would be a most promising candidate as a plasma-facing material at the divertor in a nuclear fusion plant.
Cyclic telluride reagents with remarkable glutathione peroxidase-like activity for purification-free synthesis of highly pure organodisulfides
Authors: Arai Kenta , Osaka Yuui , Haneda Masahiro , Sato Yuumi
Published: May 2019

Cyclic tellurides enable rapid and quantitative oxidation of various organothiols through a GPx-like catalytic cycle in a biphasic microflow system.
Photolysis of Tp′Rh(CNneopentyl)(PhNCNneopentyl) in the presence of ketones and esters: kinetic and thermodynamic selectivity for activation of different aliphatic C–H bonds
Authors: Parsons Astrid M. , Jones William D.
Published: May 2019

The competitive activation of the various C–H bonds found in ketones and esters by a trispyrazolylborate rhodium complex are compared.
Nodulisporic acid E biosynthesis: in vivo characterisation of NodD1, an indole-diterpene prenyltransferase that acts on an emindole SB derived indole-diterpene scaffold
Authors: Van de Bittner Kyle C. , Cameron Rosannah C. , Bustamante Leyla Y. , Bundela Rudranuj , Kessans Sarah A. , Vorster Jan , Nicholson Matthew J. , Parker Emily J.
Published: May 2019

Prenylation of aromatic compounds is a key tailoring reaction in biosynthesis of bioactive indole-diterpenes.
Exonuclease-assisted target recycling for ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of microRNA at vertically aligned carbon nanotubes
Authors: Chen Zhichao , Xie Yiming , Huang Wan , Qin Chuanying , Yu Aimin , Lai Guosong
Published: May 2019

The one-step biorecognition at a vertically aligned SWCNT-based biosensor and T7 exonuclease-assisted target recycling enable the ultrasensitive bioassay of microRNA-21.
Advancing neodymium single-band nanothermometry
Authors: Skripka A. , Morinvil A. , Matulionyte M. , Cheng T. , Vetrone F.
Published: May 2019

Nd3+ doped LiLuF4 nanoparticles are explored as photoluminescent nanothermometers and imaging probes. Such host-dopant configuration permits to resolve the fine Stark structure of Nd3+ photoluminescence at 1050 nm, and to use it for subcutaneous temperature sensing.
Remote control of charge transport and chiral induction along a DNA-metallohelicate
Authors: Askari Mohammad S. , Lachance-Brais Christophe , Rizzuto Felix J. , Toader Violeta , Sleiman Hanadi
Published: May 2019

We present a new strategy to achieve chiral induction and redox switching along the backbone of metallohelicate architectures, wherein a DNA duplex directs the handedness and charge transport properties of a metal–organic assembly more than 60 bonds away (a distance of >10 nm).
A polyaspartic acid sodium interfacial layer enhances surface trap passivation in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Boxin , Wu Fei , Bi Shiqing , Zhou Jiyu , Wang Jianqiu , Leng Xuanye , Zhang Dongyang , Meng Rui , Xue Baoda , Zong Chengzhong , Zhu Linna , Zhang Yuan , Zhou Huiqiong
Published: May 2019

A biopolymer PASP layer works effectively to passivate the surface traps in MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells.
Bismuth oxysulfide modified ZnO nanorod arrays as an efficient electron transport layer for inverted polymer solar cells
Authors: Wu Zuping , Yu Huangzhong , Shi Shengwei , Li Yanping
Published: May 2019

Vertically aligned zinc oxide nanorod arrays (ZnO NRAs) are expected to provide a direct and stable electron transport pathway in polymer solar cells (PSCs) so as to enhance charge carrier collection and transport.
Range and similarity of hollow cathode discharge in argon
Authors: Hou Xinyu , Zou Xiaobing , Li Yutai , Zhang Lunwei , Wang Xinxin
Published: May 2019

Hollow cathode discharge and micro‐hollow cathode discharge have numerous applications in the fields of industry, medical treatment, environmental protection, and analytical chemistry. However, many of them lack the typical features of hollow cathode mode, especially the applications at atmospheric pressure. In order to investigate the underlying basic science of hollow cathode discharge, the hollow cathode discharge in argon was studied by experiments. The range for the operation of the hollow cathode mode in the argon–aluminum device was quantitatively determined to be from 0.8 to 4 Torr cm, no matter how small the cathode cavity is. The atmospheric pressure operation of the hollow cathode mode was realised with the aluminum cathode of a 50 μm cavity. The hollow cathode discharges were consistent with Townsend similarity law when the anode was very close to the cathode and the value of p·D was chosen at the lower limit of the range for hollow cathode mode. In contrast, if the anode was moved a little bit far from the cathode and the value of p D was significantly increased, the results followed Allis–White scaling law. The reason for the deviation of Allis–White scaling law from Townsend similarity law was given.
Adaptive Uzawa algorithm for the Stokes equation
Authors: Di Fratta Giovanni , Führer Thomas , Gantner Gregor , Praetorius Dirk
Published: May 2019

Based on the Uzawa algorithm, we consider an adaptive finite element method for the Stokes system. We prove linear convergence with optimal algebraic rates for the residual estimator (which is equivalent to the total error), if the arising linear systems are solved iteratively,e.g., by PCG. Our analysis avoids the use of discrete efficiency of the estimator. Unlike prior work, our adaptive Uzawa algorithm can thus avoid to discretize the given data and does not rely on an interior node property for the refinement.
Initial-boundary value problems for a time-fractional differential equation with involution perturbation
Authors: Al-Salti Nasser , Kerbal Sebti , Kirane Mokhtar
Published: May 2019

Direct and inverse initial-boundary value problems of a time-fractional heat equation with involution perturbation are considered using both local and nonlocal boundary conditions. Results on existence of formal solutions to these problems are presented. Solutions are expressed in a form of series expansions using appropriate orthogonal basis obtained by separation of variables. Convergence of series solutions are obtained by imposing certain conditions on the given data. Uniqueness of the obtained solutions are also discussed. The obtained general solutions are illustrated by an example using an appropriate choice of the given data.
Impulsive disturbances of the geomagnetic field as a cause of induced currents of electric power lines
Authors: Belakhovsky Vladimir , Pilipenko Vyacheslav , Engebretson Mark , Sakharov Yaroslav , Selivanov Vasily
Published: May 2019

Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) represent a signiﬁcant challenge for society on a stable electricity supply. Space weather activates global electromagnetic and plasma processes in the near-Earth environment, however, the highest risk of GICs is related not directly to those processes with enormous energy yield, but too much weaker, but fast, processes. Here we consider several typical examples of such fast processes and their impact on power transmission lines in the Kola Peninsula and in Karelia: interplanetary shocks; traveling convection vortices; impulses embedded in substorms; and irregular Pi3 pulsations. Geomagnetic field variability is examined using data from the IMAGE (International Monitor for Auroral Geomagnetic Effects) magnetometer array. We have confirmed that during the considered impulsive events the ionospheric currents fluctuate in both the East-West and North-South directions, and they do induce GIC in latitudinally extended electric power line. It is important to reveal the fine structure of fast geomagnetic variations during storms and substorms not only for a practical point of view but also for a fundamental scientific view.
Helping patients to learn: characteristics and types of users and uses of independent online forums on health problems and chronic conditions
Authors: Deccache Carole , Hamon Thierry , Morsa Maxime , De Andrade Vincent , Albano Maria Grazia , Gagnayre Rémi
Published: May 2019

Background Patients are using online health forums (OHFs) to exchange about their health, diseases and treatments. Some OHFs are independent, not submitted to health care providers’ control nor to social desirability. This must probably influence the very nature of patient’s learning.Objectives:This research aims to bring some answers to the following questions: What are the characteristics of independent OHFs? What are OHF internaut patients’ profile? How do they use OHFs? Are there any characteristics that might help to understand their use of OHFs?Methods:A literature review has been undertaken querying 10 databases. The review was completed with an analysis of the “grey literature”. Eleven keywords were used singly or in combination. The article selection was conducted by two independent researchers.Results:23 documents were selected and analysed. Five OHF definitions, three user’s classifications and four OHF uses were identified and analysed.Discussion:The review allowed us to 1) formulate a definition of a chronic health conditions oriented OHF, 2) describe its characteristics, 3) suggest a users’ classification and, 4) describe the four OHF uses.Conclusions:Independent OHF is a virtual and free space beyond institutional control. It may be considered as a learning and educational media, formal and informal, and spontaneous. The understanding of the knowledge acquisition processes and strategies among OHF users is necessary in order to use this web tool as patient education strategy.
Gruppendiskussionen in der Versorgungsforschung – Teil 2:
Überlegungen zum Begriff der Gruppe, zur Moderation und Auswertung von
Gruppendiskussionen sowie zur Methode der Online-Gruppendiskussion
Authors: Xyländer Margret , Kleineke Vera , Jünger Saskia , Klindtworth Katharina , Karlheim Christoph , Steffen Hermann , Müller Veronika , Höfling-Engels Nicole , Patzelt Christiane , Stamer Maren , Pastrana Tania , Meyer Thorsten , Pohontsch Nadine Janis
Published: May 2019

Der vorliegende Beitrag ist die Fortsetzung des – ebenfalls im Rahmen der
Arbeitsgruppe Qualitative Methoden des Deutschen Netzwerks Versorgungsforschung (DNVF) e.V.
entstandenen – ersten Artikels zu Gruppendiskussionen in der Versorgungsforschung.
Beginnend mit theoretischen Überlegungen zum Gruppenbegriff wird spezifisches Wissen
über Gruppen im Allgemeinen und das Verhalten einzelner Gruppenmitglieder im
Besonderen zugrunde gelegt, welches sich insbesondere für die Gestaltung und
Interpretation von Interaktionsprozessen im Gruppenkontext relevant zeigt. Es folgen
Abschnitte mit Auseinandersetzungen zur Prozesshaftigkeit von Gruppendiskussionen, zu
Moderationsstilen und -techniken sowie Reflexionen über mögliche
Analysegegenstände und -verfahren. Dabei wird auch die Darstellung von Ergebnissen und
Textpassagen diskutiert, in denen das Interaktionsgefüge mehrerer
Diskussionsteilnehmer_innen sichtbar wird. Schließlich werden Einblicke in die
Besonderheiten, Potenziale und Herausforderungen der Erhebung über Online-Plattformen
gewährt. Zusammen geben beide Artikel einen Überblick über die
wichtigsten Aspekte der Anwendung von Gruppendiskussionen im Bereich der
Versorgungsforschung.
Replik auf Leserbrief der Kollegen der Hanseklinik in Lübeck
Authors: Bertsch Tobias , Torio-Padron Nestor , Erbacher Gabriele
Published: May 2019

Das Erfreuliche an Leserbriefen ist die Möglichkeit der Replik, in der im Artikel offensichtlich unzureichend präzise Dargestelltes präzisiert werden kann. Dass die wissenschaftliche Auseinandersetzung um das Lipödem bei den Lesern der Phlebologie auf großes Interesse stößt, zeigt auch die Rankingliste der „meistgelesenen“ Artikel dieser Zeitschrift, in der sowohl unsere Artikel über die Mythen des Lipödems als auch die Leserbriefe zu diesen Artikeln unter den Top Ten platziert sind 1. Insofern danken wir den Autoren aus Lübeck für die Gelegenheit, ihre erwähnten Kritikpunkte aufzugreifen. Bemerkenswert erscheint uns in diesem Zusammenhang, dass zu unserer Artikelserie bislang nur Leserbriefe von die Liposuktion durchführenden Kollegen die Redaktion erreicht haben – nicht eine kritische Rückmeldung erhielten wir bisher von konservativen Behandlern.
Unterschiedliche Anzahl von Kontraindikationen zwischen Fachinformationen wirkstoffgleicher Arzneimittel – eine Analyse von Daten aus Fachinformationen von neuropsychiatrischen Arzneimitteln
Authors: Gahr Maximilian , Freudenmann Roland. W , Connemann Bernhard J , Schönfeldt-Lecuona Carlos , Muche Rainer , Hiemke Christoph , Sillmann Yannick M
Published: May 2019

Gegenstand und Ziel Bei Verordnungen von Arzneimitteln im Rahmen der Aut-idem-Regelung ist für den Arzt häufig unklar, welches wirkstoffgleiche Handelspräparat in der Apotheke abgegeben wird; die in Frage kommenden wirkstoffgleichen Handelspräparate können sich jedoch in zahlreichen Merkmalen unterscheiden, was Fragen in Bezug auf die Aufklärungspflicht und Arzthaftung aufwirft. Gegenwärtig fehlen systematische Auswertungen in Bezug auf Unterschiede zwischen Fachinformationen (FI) wirkstoffgleicher Handelspräparate. Zur Bestimmung von Größe und Art von derartigen Unterschieden wurden FI der meisten in Deutschland zugelassenen (Neuro-)Psychopharmaka exemplarisch hinsichtlich der aufgeführten Anzahl von Kontraindikationen (KI) untersucht.

Methodik Grundlage für die Selektion von Wirkstoffen war das Anatomisch-Therapeutisch-Chemische (ATC) Klassifikationssystem (Gruppe ATC N Nervensystem). Eingeschlossen wurden Wirkstoffe, die in Deutschland zur Behandlung psychischer Störungen gemäß ICD-10 F zugelassen sind. Anhand weiterer Ein- und Ausschlusskriterien erfolgte die Suche von Handelspräparaten und FI mithilfe der Online-Dienste von PharmNet.Bund, Gelber Liste, Roter Liste®/Fachinfo-Service® und über Herstellerkontakt.

Ergebnisse Es wurden n = 941 FI (= 116 Wirkstoffe) ausgewertet. Bei alleiniger Betrachtung der Gruppen von FI wirkstoffgleicher Handelspräparate mit > 1 eingeschlossenen FI (n = 78; 67,2 %) fanden sich bei mehr als der Hälfte der Wirkstoffe (n = 43; 55,1 %) Unterschiede in der Anzahl der KIs. Innerhalb der Indikationsgruppen fanden sich die meisten Gruppen von FI wirkstoffgleicher Handelspräparate mit Unterschieden in der Anzahl der KIs – nur Wirkstoffe mit > 1 wirkstoffgleichen Handelspräparat berücksichtigend – bei den Hypnotika und Sedativa (77,8 %), Anxiolytika (75,0 %), Mittel zur Behandlung von Abhängigkeitserkrankungen (66,7 %), Antidepressiva (61,9 %), Antikonvulsiva und Phasenprophylaktika (53,8 %), gefolgt von den Antipsychotika (41,2 %), Antidementiva (20,0 %) und Psychostimulantien (0 %). Die größten Spannweiten bei der Anzahl der aufgeführten KIs fanden sich bei den FI von Morphin (14), Amitriptylin (8), Chlorprothixen (6), Lorazepam (6) und Citalopram (4).

Schlussfolgerung(en) Bei zahlreichen (neuro-)psychopharmakologischen Wirkstoffen bestehen zwischen den FI der zugehörigen wirkstoffgleichen Handelspräparate Unterschiede in der Anzahl von KIs. Die Relevanz dieses Ergebnisses für die klinische Praxis ist infolge ausstehender Bewertung der inhaltlichen Aspekte und juristischer Bewertung dieser Unterschiede noch unklar.
Association Between Visfatin and Hepatic Steatosis in the General Population During Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Johannsen Katharina , Flechtner-Mors Marion , Kratzer Wolfgang , Koenig Wolfgang , Boehm Bernhard Otto , Schmidberger Julian ,   for the EMIL-Study group
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate any association between the adipose tissue-derived protein, visfatin, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its potential long-term impact on hepatic steatosis. A cross-sectional study including 2429 randomly selected subjects was performed in 2002. Later, 403 subjects were re-evaluated in 2013. Serum visfatin concentrations were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Phenotyping included abdominal ultrasonography, anthropometric data, and laboratory investigations. No association was found between circulating visfatin levels and the presence of NAFLD at baseline (2002: p=0.0967) or during follow-up (2013: p=0.1312). However, a significant increase in visfatin levels in relation to the level of steatosis was seen during follow-up (p<0.0001). During the more than 10-year follow-up, the metabolic status of the study subjects worsened, with a significant increase in body mass index (BMI) (p<0.0001), waist-to-hip ratio (p<0.0001), triglycerides (TG) (p<0.0001), low-density lipoprotein (p=0.0305), homeostasis model assessment (p<0.0001), and presence of diabetes (p<0.0001). This change was accompanied by an increase in serum visfatin levels, which showed a weak correlation with BMI (p<0.0001, r=0.27586) and presence of diabetes (p<0.0043, r=0.14188). A statistically significant correlation between leucocyte numbers and serum visfatin concentration (p<0.0001, r=0.25615) was found. We found no association between visfatin levels and the presence or absence of NAFLD or the degree of hepatic fatty infiltration at baseline. There was a strong correlation between serum visfatin concentrations and the number of leucocytes, which may suggest a proinflammatory role for visfatin.
Platelet Count and Survival in Patients with Colorectal Cancer – a Preliminary Study
Authors: Monreal Manuel , Fernandez-Llamazares Jaume , Piñol Marta , Julian Joan Francesc , Broggi Marc , Escola Diana , Abad Albert
Published: May 2019

In a previous report we found an inverse correlation between pre-operative platelet count (PlC) levels and the risk of post-operative pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing hip surgery. In the present study, we prospectively evaluated the prognostic significance of pre-operative PlC levels on survival in 180 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. Other major clinicopathological parameters studied were age, gender, Dukes’ stage, duration of surgery, pre-operative haemoglobin levels and transfusion requirements.

There were no significant differences in mean pre-operative PlC levels according to tumor stage. Thirty-three patients (18%) died during follow-up (3-23 months, median: 13 months). Univariate analysis (Kaplan-Meier estimates) showed that advanced tumor stage (p <0.001), duration of surgery (p <0.05) and a high pre-operative PlC level (p <0.001) were significantly associated to a poor survival. The multivariate Cox analysis revealed that tumor stage (RR:5.734; 95%C.I.: 2.644-12.44), a high pre-operative PlC level (RR: 2.467; 95%C.I.: 1.117-5.452), and to a lesser extent the patients’ age remained independent prognostic variables for mortality. The findings of this preliminary study may be of interest from the point of view of pathogenesis, but also clinically, since they might be used in the decision as to which patients or groups of patients should receive more aggressive therapeutic intervention.
Increased Plasma Levels of Free Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor in Patients with Graves’ Disease
Authors: Morishita Eriko , Hashimoto Takuma , Asakura Hidesaku , Saito Masanori , Yamazaki Masahide , Aoshima Keiji , Yoshida Tomotaka , Kato Hisao , Matsuda Tamotsu
Published: May 2019

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is present in a free-form and in lipoprotein-associated forms in plasma. In this study, the plasma concentrations of total TFPI (tTFPI) and free-form TFPI (fTFPI) were measured in 25 patients with Graves’ disease and 25 age-matched healthy subjects, and the relationship between thyroid state and plasma TFPI was examined. Plasma concentrations (median) of tTFPI and fTFPI in Graves’ patients who were hyperthyroid were significantly increased compared with Graves’patients who were euthyroid (152 ng/ml versus 124 ng/ml, p <0.01 and 41.3 ng/ml versus 20.2 ng/ml, p <0.0001, respectively), and control subjects (152 ng/ml versus 96 ng/ml, p <0.0001 and 41.3 ng/ml versus 18.7 ng/ml, p <0.0001, respectively). There was no significant difference in plasma fTFPI concentrations between the euthyroid group and the control group. Plasma fTFPI concentrations correlated closely with thyroid hormone (T3) levels in the patients (r = 0.559, p <0.005). Serial measurement of individual patients revealed that plasma concentrations of fTFPI and tTFPI were significantly decreased, reaching normal control values upon attainment of euthyroidism. In conclusion, the close correlation between plasma fTFPI and serum thyroid hormone levels suggests that thyroid hormones might influence the synthesis or metabolism of TFPI on the surface of endothelial cells in patients with Graves’ disease. This is the first report concerning high concentrations of plasma fTFPI in patients with hyperthyroidism.
Failure of Thrombolytic Therapy in Patients with Myocardial Infarction Is Associated with High Plasma Levels of Factor VII Antigen
Authors: Holm Johan , Tödt Tim , Berntorp Erik , Erhardt Leif
Published: May 2019

Thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction fails to re-establish coronary blood flow in a significant number of patients. One reason for this may be haemostatic imbalance. We investigated whether coagulation factor VII antigen (FVIIag), fibrinogen and protein C were related to reperfusion. Plasma from 45 patients was drawn before treatment and reperfusion assessed by means of continuous, on-line, vector-ECG analysis.

Amongthe 17 patients with no reperfusion, FVIIag levels were significantly higher than among the 28 with signs of reperfusion (560 vs. 410 μg/l median, p = 0.006). Protein C levels where higher in the group with successful reperfusion (1.10 vs. 1.01 U/ml median, p = 0.03), whereas no difference was seen in fibrinogen levels. The findings were not influenced by plasma-triglycerides, body-mass index, age or time between onset of chest pain and thrombolytic therapy.

The results suggest that FVII is of importance for the formation as well as resolution of coronary clots.