bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seamlessly fused digital-analogue reconfigurable computing using memristors
Authors: Serb Alexantrou , Khiat Ali , Prodromakis Themistoklis
Published: May 2018

As the world enters the age of ubiquitous computing, the need for reconfigurable hardware operating close to the fundamental limits of energy consumption becomes increasingly pressing. Simultaneously, scaling-driven performance improvements within the framework of traditional analogue and digital design become progressively more restricted by fundamental physical constraints. Emerging nanoelectronics technologies bring forth new prospects yet a significant rethink of electronics design is required for realising their full potential. Here we lay the foundations of a design approach that fuses analogue and digital thinking by combining digital electronics with analogue memristive devices for achieving charge-based computation; information processing where every dissipated charge counts. This is realised by introducing memristive devices into standard logic gates, thus rendering them reconfigurable and capable of performing analogue computation at a power cost close to digital. The versatility and benefits of our approach are experimentally showcased through a hardware data clusterer and an analogue NAND gate.
Observation of a topological insulator Dirac cone reshaped by non-magnetic impurity resonance
Authors: Miao Lin , Xu Yishuai , Zhang Wenhan , Older Daniel , Breitweiser S. Alexander , Kotta Erica , He Haowei , Suzuki Takehito , Denlinger Jonathan D. , Biswas Rudro R. , Checkelsky Joseph G. , Wu Weida , Wray L. Andrew
Published: May 2018

The massless Dirac electrons found at topological insulator surfaces are thought to be influenced very little by weak, non-magnetic disorder. However, a resonance effect of strongly perturbing non-magnetic impurities has been theoretically predicted to change the dispersion and physical nature of low-energy quasiparticles, resulting in unique particle-like states that lack microscopic translational symmetry. Here we report the direct observation of impurities reshaping the surface Dirac cone of the model three-dimensional topological insulator bismuth selenide. A pronounced kink-like dispersion feature is observed in disorder-enriched samples, and found to be closely associated with the anomaly caused by impurity resonance in the surface state density of states, as observed by dichroic angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The experimental observation of these features, which closely resemble theoretical predictions, has significant implications for the properties of topological Dirac cones in applied scenarios that commonly feature point-defect disorder at surfaces or interfaces.
Guided genetic screen to identify genes essential in the regeneration of hair cells and other tissues
Authors: Pei Wuhong , Xu Lisha , Huang Sunny C. , Pettie Kade , Idol Jennifer , Rissone Alberto , Jimenez Erin , Sinclair Jason W. , Slevin Claire , Varshney Gaurav K. , Jones MaryPat , Carrington Blake , Bishop Kevin , Huang Haigen , Sood Raman , Lin Shuo , Burgess Shawn M.
Published: May 2018

Regenerative medicine holds great promise for both degenerative diseases and traumatic tissue injury which represent significant challenges to the health care system. Hearing loss, which affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, is caused primarily by a permanent loss of the mechanosensory receptors of the inner ear known as hair cells. This failure to regenerate hair cells after loss is limited to mammals, while all other non-mammalian vertebrates tested were able to completely regenerate these mechanosensory receptors after injury. To understand the mechanism of hair cell regeneration and its association with regeneration of other tissues, we performed a guided mutagenesis screen using zebrafish lateral line hair cells as a screening platform to identify genes that are essential for hair cell regeneration, and further investigated how genes essential for hair cell regeneration were involved in the regeneration of other tissues. We created genetic mutations either by retroviral insertion or CRISPR/Cas9 approaches, and developed a high-throughput screening pipeline for analyzing hair cell development and regeneration. We screened 254 gene mutations and identified 7 genes specifically affecting hair cell regeneration. These hair cell regeneration genes fell into distinct and somewhat surprising functional categories. By examining the regeneration of caudal fin and liver, we found these hair cell regeneration genes often also affected other types of tissue regeneration. Therefore, our results demonstrate guided screening is an effective approach to discover regeneration candidates, and hair cell regeneration is associated with other tissue regeneration.
Long-term reduction in hyperglycemia in advanced type 1 diabetes: the value of induced aerobic glycolysis with BCG vaccinations
Authors: Kühtreiber Willem M. , Tran Lisa , Kim Taesoo , Dybala Michael , Nguyen Brian , Plager Sara , Huang Daniel , Janes Sophie , Defusco Audrey , Baum Danielle , Zheng Hui , Faustman Denise L.
Published: May 2018

Mycobacterium are among the oldest co-evolutionary partners of humans. The attenuated Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) strain has been administered globally for 100 years as a vaccine against tuberculosis. BCG also shows promise as treatment for numerous inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Here, we report on a randomized 8-year long prospective examination of type 1 diabetic subjects with long-term disease who received two doses of the BCG vaccine. After year 3, BCG lowered hemoglobin A1c to near normal levels for the next 5 years. The BCG impact on blood sugars appeared to be driven by a novel systemic and blood sugar lowering mechanism in diabetes. We observe a systemic shift in glucose metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis, a state of high glucose utilization. Confirmation is gained by metabolomics, mRNAseq, and functional assays of cellular glucose uptake after BCG vaccinations. To prove BCG could induce a systemic change to promote accelerated glucose utilization and impact blood sugars, murine data demonstrated reduced blood sugars and aerobic induction in non-autoimmune mice made chemically diabetic. BCG via epigenetics also resets six central T-regulatory genes for genetic re-programming of tolerance. These findings set the stage for further testing of a known safe vaccine therapy for improved blood sugar control through changes in metabolism and durability with epigenetic changes even in advanced Type 1 diabetes.
Review of nanomaterials-assisted ion exchange membranes for electromembrane desalination
Authors: Alabi Adetunji , AlHajaj Ahmed , Cseri Levente , Szekely Gyorgy , Budd Peter , Zou Linda
Published: May 2018

In order to address the increasing demand for fresh water due to accelerated social and economic growth in the world, water treatment technologies, such as desalination, have been rapidly developed in attempts to safeguard water security. Electromembrane desalination processes, such as electrodialysis and membrane capacitive deionization, belong to a category of desalination technologies, which involve the removal of ions from ionic solutions with the use of electrically charged membranes termed ion exchange membranes. The challenges associated with ion exchange membranes have drawn the attention of many researchers, who have investigated various approaches to enhance their properties. The incorporation of nanomaterials is one of the popular approaches employed. Much research on nanomaterials incorporated ion exchange membranes was conducted for the purpose of fuel cell applications rather than electromembrane desalination. This review reports on the advances in nanomaterials incorporated ion exchange membranes applicable to desalination. The nanomaterials employed in ion exchange membranes fabrication include carbon nanotubes, graphene-based nanomaterials, silica, titanium (IV) oxide, aluminum oxide, zeolite, iron (II, III) oxide, zinc oxide, and silver. The aims of this article are to provide a snap shot of the current status of nanomaterials incorporation in ion exchange membranes, to assess the status of nanomaterials-facilitated ion exchange membranes research for electromembrane desalination, and to stimulate progress in this area.
Publisher Correction: Combining Turing and 3D vertex models reproduces autonomous multicellular morphogenesis with undulation, tubulation, and branching
Authors: Okuda Satoru , Miura Takashi , Inoue Yasuhiro , Adachi Taiji , Eiraku Mototsugu
Published: May 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Chick chorioallantoic membrane assay as an in vivo model to study the effect of nanoparticle-based anticancer drugs in ovarian cancer
Authors: Vu Binh Thanh , Shahin Sophia Allaf , Croissant Jonas , Fatieiev Yevhen , Matsumoto Kotaro , Le-Hoang Doan Tan , Yik Tammy , Simargi Shirleen , Conteras Altagracia , Ratliff Laura , Jimenez Chiara Mauriello , Raehm Laurence , Khashab Niveen , Durand Jean-Olivier , Glackin Carlotta , Tamanoi Fuyuhiko
Published: May 2018

New therapy development is critically needed for ovarian cancer. We used the chicken egg CAM assay to evaluate efficacy of anticancer drug delivery using recently developed biodegradable PMO (periodic mesoporous organosilica) nanoparticles. Human ovarian cancer cells were transplanted onto the CAM membrane of fertilized eggs, resulting in rapid tumor formation. The tumor closely resembles cancer patient tumor and contains extracellular matrix as well as stromal cells and extensive vasculature. PMO nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin were injected intravenously into the chicken egg resulting in elimination of the tumor. No significant damage to various organs in the chicken embryo occurred. In contrast, injection of free doxorubicin caused widespread organ damage, even when less amount was administered. The lack of toxic effect of nanoparticle loaded doxorubicin was associated with specific delivery of doxorubicin to the tumor. Furthermore, we observed excellent tumor accumulation of the nanoparticles. Lastly, a tumor could be established in the egg using tumor samples from ovarian cancer patients and that our nanoparticles were effective in eliminating the tumor. These results point to the remarkable efficacy of our nanoparticle based drug delivery system and suggests the value of the chicken egg tumor model for testing novel therapies for ovarian cancer.
New universal ITS2 primers for high-resolution herbivory analyses using DNA metabarcoding in both tropical and temperate zones
Authors: Moorhouse-Gann Rosemary J. , Dunn Jenny C. , de Vere Natasha , Goder Martine , Cole Nik , Hipperson Helen , Symondson William O. C.
Published: May 2018

DNA metabarcoding is a rapidly growing technique for obtaining detailed dietary information. Current metabarcoding methods for herbivory, using a single locus, can lack taxonomic resolution for some applications. We present novel primers for the second internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS2) designed for dietary studies in Mauritius and the UK, which have the potential to give unrivalled taxonomic coverage and resolution from a short-amplicon barcode.In silicotesting used three databases of plant ITS2 sequences from UK and Mauritian floras (native and introduced) totalling 6561 sequences from 1790 species across 174 families. Our primers were well-matchedin silicoto 88% of species, providing taxonomic resolution of 86.1%, 99.4% and 99.9% at the species, genus and family levels, respectively.In vitro, the primers amplified 99% of Mauritian (n = 169) and 100% of UK (n = 33) species, and co-amplified multiple plant species from degraded faecal DNA from reptiles and birds in two case studies. For the ITS2 region, we advocate taxonomic assignment based on best sequence match instead of a clustering approach. With short amplicons of 187–387 bp, these primers are suitable for metabarcoding plant DNA from faecal samples, across a broad geographic range, whilst delivering unparalleled taxonomic resolution.
Ion Sputter Induced Interfacial Reaction in Prototypical Metal-GaN System
Authors: Huang Rong , Li Fangsen , Liu Tong , Zhao Yanfei , Zhu Yafeng , Shen Yang , Lu Xiaoming , Huang Zengli , Liu Jianping , Zhang Liqun , Zhang Shuming , Li Zhanping , Dingsun An , Yang Hui
Published: May 2018

Contact property is now becoming to be a key factor for achieving high performance and high reliability in GaN-based III-V semiconductor devices. Energetic ion sputter, as an effective interface probe, is widely used to profile the metal/GaN contacts for interfacial analysis and process optimization. However, the details of ion-induced interfacial reaction, as well as the formation of sputter by-products at the interfaces are still unclear. Here by combining state-of-the-art Ar+ ion sputter with in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ex-situ high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), we have observed clearly not only the ion-induced chemical state changes at interface, but also the by-products at the prototypical Ti/GaN system. For the first time, we identified the formation of a metallic Ga layer at the GaOx/GaN interface. At the Ti/GaOx interface, TiCx components were also detected due to the reaction between metal Ti and surface-adsorbed C species. Our study reveals that the corresponding core level binding energy and peak intensity obtained from ion sputter depth profile should be treated with much caution, since they will be changed due to ion-induced interface reactions and formation of by-products during ion bombardment.
Proteo-metabolomics reveals compensation between ischemic and non-injured contralateral kidneys after reperfusion
Authors: Huang Honglei , van Dullemen Leon F. A. , Akhtar Mohammed Z. , Faro Maria-Letizia Lo , Yu Zhanru , Valli Alessandro , Dona Anthony , Thézénas Marie-Laëtitia , Charles Philip D. , Fischer Roman , Kaisar Maria , Leuvenink Henri G. D. , Ploeg Rutger J. , Kessler Benedikt M.
Published: May 2018

Ischaemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) is the leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), which contributes to high morbidity and mortality rates in a wide range of injuries as well as the development of chronic kidney disease. The cellular and molecular responses of the kidney to IRI are complex and not fully understood. Here, we used an integrated proteomic and metabolomic approach to investigate the effects of IRI on protein abundance and metabolite levels. Rat kidneys were subjected to 45 min of warm ischaemia followed by 4 h and 24 h reperfusion, with contralateral and separate healthy kidneys serving as controls. Kidney tissue proteomics after IRI revealed elevated proteins belonging to the acute phase response, coagulation and complement pathways, and fatty acid (FA) signalling. Metabolic changes were already evident after 4 h reperfusion and showed increased level of glycolysis, lipids and FAs, whilst mitochondrial function and ATP production was impaired after 24 h. This deficit was partially compensated for by the contralateral kidney. Such a metabolic balance counteracts for the developing energy deficit due to reduced mitochondrial function in the injured kidney.
Mapping the Transport Kinetics of Molecules and Particles in Idealized Intracranial Side Aneurysms
Authors: Epshtein Mark , Korin Netanel
Published: May 2018

Intracranial side aneurysms (IA) are pathological blood-filled bulges in cerebral blood vessels. Unlike healthy blood vessels where mass transport is dominated by convection, both diffusion and convection can play an active role in aneurysm sites. Here, we study via dye washout experiments and numerical simulations, the transport characteristics of particles (1 micron) and small molecules (300 Da) into simplified side aneurysms models following bolus injection. Time-lapse fluorescent microscopy imaging performed in our idealized aneurysm models showed that the parent artery geometry (located on the inner vs. outer curvature) as well as the aneurysm aspect ratio (AR) affect the washout kinetics while the pulsatile nature of the flow, maintained within the physiological range, carries only a minor effect. Importantly, in the absence of effective diffusion, particles that are located on slow streamlines linger within the aneurysm cavity, a phenomenon that could be of importance in deposition of cells and nano/micro-particles within aneurysms. Altogether, mass transport studies may provide valuable insights for better understanding of aneurysm pathophysiology as well as for the design of new diagnostic and theranostic nano-medicines.
Substantial modification of the gene expression profile following exposure of macrophages to welding-related nanoparticles
Authors: Audureau Étienne , Simon-Deckers Angélique , Franco-Montoya Marie-Laure , Annangi Balasubramanyam , Kermanizadeh Ali , Boczkowski Jorge , Lanone Sophie
Published: May 2018

Anthropic nanoparticles (NP) are increasingly produced and emitted, with accompanying concerns for human health. Currently there is no global understanding as to the exact mechanistics of NP toxicity, as the traditional nanotoxicological approaches only provide a restricted overview. To address this issue, we performed an in-depth transcriptomic analysis of human macrophages exposed to a panel of welding-related metal oxide NP that we previously identified in welders lungs (Fe2O3, Fe3O4, MnFe2O4 and CrOOH NP). Utilizing the specified analysis criteria (|fold change| ≥1.5, p ≤ 0.001), a total of 2164 genes were identified to be differentially expressed after THP-1 macrophage exposure to the different NP. Performing Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, for cellular content, biological processes and Swiss-Prot/Protein Information Resource keywords the data show for the first time a profound modification of gene differential expression in response to the different NP, among which MnFe2O4 NP were the most potent to induce THP-1 macrophage activation. The transcriptomic analysis utilized in the study, provides novel insights into mechanisms that could contribute to NP-induced adverse effects and support the need for widened approaches to supplement existing knowledge of the processes underlying NP toxicity which would have not been possible using traditional nanotoxicological studies.
Quantile regression analysis of modifiable and non-modifiable drivers’ of blood pressure among urban and rural women in Ghana
Authors: Amugsi Dickson A. , Dimbuene Zacharie T. , Asiki Gershim , Kyobutungi Catherine
Published: May 2018

High blood pressure is an increasingly problematic public health concern in many developing countries due to the associated cardiovascular and renal complications. This study set out to investigate the drivers of blood pressure among urban and rural women using the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were the outcomes of interest. Our findings showed that body mass index (BMI) had a significant positive effect on DBP and SBP in both urban and rural settings, with the largest effect occurring among women in the 75th quantile. Arm circumference also had a positive effect on DBP and SBP across all quantiles in both settings. Age had an increasing positive effect along the entire conditional DBP and SBP distribution in both settings. Women who were pregnant had lower DBP and SBP relative to those who were not pregnant in both settings. These results highlight the important drivers of DBP and SBP, and the differential effects of these drivers on blood pressure (BP) among women in urban and rural settings. To increase their effectiveness, interventions to address high BP should take into account these differential effects.
Loss of periostin ameliorates adipose tissue inflammation and fibrosis in vivo
Authors: Nakazeki Fumiko , Nishiga Masataka , Horie Takahiro , Nishi Hitoo , Nakashima Yasuhiro , Baba Osamu , Kuwabara Yasuhide , Nishino Tomohiro , Nakao Tetsushi , Ide Yuya , Koyama Satoshi , Kimura Masahiro , Tsuji Shuhei , Sowa Naoya , Yoshida Shigeo , Conway Simon J. , Yanagita Motoko , Kimura Takeshi , Ono Koh
Published: May 2018

Recent evidence suggests that the accumulation of macrophages as a result of obesity-induced adipose tissue hypoxia is crucial for the regulation of tissue fibrosis, but the molecular mechanisms underlying adipose tissue fibrosis are still unknown. In this study, we revealed that periostin (Postn) is produced at extraordinary levels by adipose tissue after feeding with a high-fat diet (HFD). Postn was secreted at least from macrophages in visceral adipose tissue during the development of obesity, possibly due to hypoxia. Postn−/− mice had lower levels of crown-like structure formation and fibrosis in adipose tissue and were protected from liver steatosis. These mice also showed amelioration in systemic insulin resistance compared with HFD-fed WT littermates. Mice deficient in Postn in their hematopoietic compartment also had lower levels of inflammation in adipose tissue, in parallel with a reduction in ectopic lipid accumulation compared with the controls. Our data indicated that the regulation of Postn in visceral fat could be beneficial for the maintenance of healthy adipose tissue in obesity.
The effectiveness of public health advertisements to promote health: a randomized-controlled trial on 794,000 participants
Authors: Yom-Tov Elad , Shembekar Jinia , Barclay Sarah , Muennig Peter
Published: May 2018

As public health advertisements move online, it becomes possible to run inexpensive randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) thereof. Here we report the results of an online RCT to improve food choices and integrate exercise into daily activities of internet users. People searching for pre-specified terms were randomized to receive one of several professionally developed campaign advertisements or the “status quo” (ads that would otherwise have been served). For 1-month pre-intervention and post-intervention, their searches for health-promoting goods or services were recorded. Our results show that 48% of people who were exposed to the ads made future searches for weight loss information, compared with 32% of those in the control group—a 50% increase. The advertisements varied in efficacy. However, the effectiveness of the advertisements may be greatly improved by targeting individuals based on their lifestyle preferences and/or sociodemographic characteristics, which together explain 49% of the variation in response to the ads. These results demonstrate that online advertisements hold promise as a mechanism for changing population health behaviors. They also provide researchers powerful ways to measure and improve the effectiveness of online public health interventions. Finally, we show that corporations that use these sophisticated tools to promote unhealthy products can potentially be outbid and outmaneuvered.
3D scans, angles of repose and bulk densities of 108 bulk material heaps
Authors: Rackl Michael , Grötsch Florian E.
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a dataset of spatial data, angles of repose and bulk densities collected from 108 bulk material heaps. The investigated materials were lignite, wood chips, limestone, blast furnace coke, fresh and dried corn grains, milk powder as well as bituminous coal. Sample sizes range from 16 liters to approximately 220 liters, and each measurement was repeated four times to allow for variance assessment. This dataset is particularly useful for researchers and engineers, who want to investigate the shape of bulk solid heaps, or who want to test or benchmark measurement methods concerning heaps of granular matter, such as the angle of repose.
Semi-solid and solid frustrated Lewis pair catalysts
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Zhang Sai , Chang Chun-Ran , Huang Zheng-Qing , Ho Johnny C. , Qu Yongquan
Published: May 2018

This review presents the strategies for the construction of heterogeneous frustrated-Lewis-pair catalysts, their catalytic applications and future challenges and opportunities.
Facile preparation of a hydrophilic magnetic hybrid nanomaterial with solid-phase extraction capability for highly efficient enrichment of phthalates in environmental water
Authors: Yan Yinghua , Lu Yujie , Wang Baichun , Gao Yiqian , Ge Jiawen , Liang Hongze , Wu Dapeng
Published: May 2018

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are involved in endocrine disrupting effects and have become a potential threat to human health.
Thiol–ene click chemistry towards easy microarraying of half-antibodies
Authors: Alonso Rafael , Jiménez-Meneses Pilar , García-Rupérez Jaime , Bañuls María-José , Maquieira Ángel
Published: May 2018

UV light catalyses in a few seconds the thiol–ene coupling reaction between half-antibodies and vinyl functionalized surfaces, providing high performance microarrays.
High-resolution mapping and recognition of lipid domains using AFM with toxin-derivatized probes
Authors: Dumitru Andra C. , Conrard Louise , Lo Giudice Cristina , Henriet Patrick , Veiga-da-Cunha Maria , Derclaye Sylvie , Tyteca Donatienne , Alsteens David
Published: May 2018

Specific mapping using AFM tips derivatized with toxin fragments targeting specific lipids as a novel approach to evidence lateral lipid heterogeneities at high-resolution.
Enantioselective total synthesis of sagittacin E and related natural products
Authors: Abe Hideki , Fujimaki Mitsuru , Nakagawa Eri , Kobayashi Toyoharu , Ito Hisanaka
Published: May 2018

The first enantioselective total synthesis of eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids, sagittacin E and related natural products, was achieved.
Correction: The asymmetric syntheses of cryptocaryols A and B
Authors: Aljahdali Alhanouf Zakaria , Foster Kathryn Ann , O'Doherty George Augustine
Published: May 2018

Correction for ‘The asymmetric syntheses of cryptocaryols A and B’ by Alhanouf Zakaria Aljahdali et al., Chem. Commun., 2018, 54, 3428–3435.
Controlled synthesis of novel one-dimensional structured ZIFs via supramolecular self-assemblies
Authors: Li Yali , Zhu Jianhua , Cui Mingfang , Yan Jufen
Published: May 2018

Various 1D ZIF-8 nanomaterials have been synthesized via the self-templates of supramolecular self-assemblies, which exhibit hierarchical pores and high surface area. The resultant microstructures could be applied as excellent drug delivery vehicles and also as excellent carriers for enzymes with remarkable enzymatic activity.
Three new Zn-based metal–organic frameworks exhibiting selective fluorescence sensing and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Wang Jun-Jie , Zhang You-Juan , Chen Yan , Si Pan-Pan , Pan Ya-Ya , Yang Jie , Fan Rui-Yang , Li Zhao-Yang
Published: May 2018

Three MOFs with different 2D networks have been crystallised in a one-pot solvothermal reaction. They all display high sensitivity in the detection of ACE and relatively good photocatalytic activity in the degradation of RhB.
Flue gas adsorption on periodic mesoporous phenylene-silica: a DFT approach
Authors: Lourenço Mirtha A. O. , Ferreira Paula , Gomes José R. B.
Published: May 2018

The strength of the adsorption of flue gases in the phenylene-PMO walls is correlated with the experimental proton affinities.
Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of triterpenoid-enriched Jamun (Eugenia jambolana Lam.) fruit extract in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice
Authors: Xu Jialin , Liu Tingting , Li Yuanyuan , Yuan Chunhui , Ma Hang , Seeram Navindra P. , Liu Feifei , Mu Yu , Huang Xueshi , Li Liya
Published: May 2018

Triterpenoid-enriched Jamun fruit extract exerts hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in STZ-induced diabetic mice.
Direct measurement of multi-elements in high matrix samples with a flow injection ICP-MS: application to the extendedEmiliania huxleyiRedfield ratio
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Snow Joseph T. , Holdship Phil , Price David , Watson Paul , Rickaby Rosalind E. M.
Published: May 2018

Based on our novel ICP-MS method, we find that the metalloproteins are a better indicator of metal requirements of phytoplankton compared with whole cell metal quotas.
Enhanced light trapping and high charge transmission capacities of novel structures for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Mu Jianglong , Miao Hui , Liu Enzhou , Feng Juan , Teng Feng , Zhang Dekai , Kou Yumeng , Jin Yanping , Fan Jun , Hu Xiaoyun
Published: May 2018

The novel structure exhibits high-efficiency PEC water splitting performance as a result of enhanced light harvesting, accelerated carrier transportation and effective carrier separation.
Sandwich-interface inspired strategy for controlled formation of nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Huan , Chen Suping , He Yunhu , Wu Chengheng , Zhu Yuda , Yu Kui , Fan Hongsong
Published: May 2018

We devise a unique sandwich-interface method for the generation of a serious of monodispersed nanostructures by varying interfacial ions diffusion.
In situTEM study of lithiation into a PPy coated α-MnO2/graphene foam freestanding electrode
Authors: Akbari Garakani Mohammad , Abouali Sara , Cui Jiang , Kim Jang-Kyo
Published: May 2018

Even with the many desirable properties, natural abundance and low cost of α-MnO2, its application as an anode in lithium-ion batteries has been limited because of its low intrinsic electrical conductivity and large volume expansion occurring during charge/discharge cycles.
Pd-catalyzed carbonylation of aryl C–H bonds in benzamides with CO2
Authors: Song Lei , Cao Guang-Mei , Zhou Wen-Jun , Ye Jian-Heng , Zhang Zhen , Tian Xing-Yang , Li Jing , Yu Da-Gang
Published: May 2018

Herein, we report the first Pd-catalyzed carbonylation of unactivated aryl C–H bonds in benzamides under 1 atm of CO2 to directly afford important phthalimides.
Early stage release control of an anticancer drug by drug-polymer miscibility in a hydrophobic fiber-based drug delivery system
Authors: Yuan Yue , Choi Kyoungju , Choi Seong-O , Kim Jooyoun
Published: May 2018

The drug release profiles of doxorubicin-loaded electrospun fiber mats were investigated with regard to drug-polymer miscibility, fiber wettability and degradability.
Magnesium β-ketoiminates as CVD precursors for MgO formation
Authors: Pousaneh Elaheh , Rüffer Tobias , Assim Khaybar , Dzhagan Volodymyr , Noll Julian , Zahn Dietrich R. T. , Mertens Lutz , Mehring Michael , Schulz Stefan E. , Lang Heinrich
Published: May 2018

The synthesis and characterization of bis(ketoiminato)magnesium(ii) complexes of composition [Mg(OCR2CH2CHR1NCH2CH2X)2] (X = NMe2: 3a, R1 = R2 = Me; 3b, R1 = Me, R2 = Ph. X = OMe: 3c, R1 = R2 = Me) are reported.
Effect of thiophene S on the enhanced ORR electrocatalytic performance of sulfur-doped graphene quantum dot/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Li Fei , Sun Lang , Luo Yi , Li Ming , Xu Yongjie , Hu Guanghui , Li Xinyu , Wang Liang
Published: May 2018

Thiophene S of sulfur-doped graphene quantum dots play an important role in electrocatalysis by increasing the electron transfer numbers.
1H-NMR metabolomics analysis of nutritional components from two kinds of freshwater fish brain extracts
Authors: Du Hongying , Fu Jialing , Wang Siqi , Liu Huili , Zeng Yongchao , Yang Jiaren , Xiong Shanbai
Published: May 2018

There are a number of bioactive compounds in freshwater fish brains, and their functional roles have not been clearly elucidated. NMR-based metabolic profiling could provide a rapid characterization of a fish brain's nutritional composition.
Carbon dots as fluorescent probes for detection of VB12 based on the inner filter effect
Authors: Sun X. Y. , Yuan M. J. , Liu B. , Shen J. S.
Published: May 2018

We constructed a new fluorescent sensing for vitamin B12 (VB12) and investigated the mechanism of VB12 quenching fluorescence of carbon dots.
Chemical transformations at the nanoscale: nanocrystal-seeded synthesis of β-Cu2V2O7 with enhanced photoconversion efficiencies
Authors: Gadiyar Chethana , Strach Michal , Schouwink Pascal , Loiudice Anna , Buonsanti Raffaella
Published: May 2018

Nanocrystal-seeded synthesis relies on the reaction of nanocrystal seeds with a molecular precursor and it can be regarded as the link between sol–gel and solid-state chemistries.
Thermally stable resistive switching of a polyvinyl alcohol-based atomic switch
Authors: Krishnan Karthik , Aono Masakazu , Tsuruoka Tohru
Published: May 2018

Thermally stable resistive switching is demonstrated in a Ag salt incorporated polyvinyl alcohol-based atomic switch.
Short-term forecasting of individual household electricity loads with investigating impact of data resolution and forecast horizon
Authors: Yildiz Baran , Bilbao Jose I. , Dore Jonathon , Sproul Alistair B.
Published: May 2018

Smart grid components such as smart home and battery energy management systems, high penetration of renewable energy systems, and demand response activities, require accurate electricity demand forecasts for the successful operation of the electricity distribution networks. For example, in order to optimize residential PV generation and electricity consumption and plan battery charge-discharge regimes by scheduling household appliances, forecasts need to target and be tailored to individual household electricity loads. The recent uptake of smart meters allows easier access to electricity readings at very fine resolutions; hence, it is possible to utilize this source of available data to create forecast models. In this paper, models which predominantly use smart meter data alongside with weather variables, or smart meter based models (SMBM), are implemented to forecast individual household loads. Well-known machine learning models such as artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector machines (SVM) and Least-Square SVM are implemented within the SMBM framework and their performance is compared. The analysed household stock consists of 14 households from the state of New South Wales, Australia, with at least a year worth of 5 min. resolution data. In order for the results to be comparable between different households, our study first investigates household load profiles according to their volatility and reveals the relationship between load standard deviation and forecast performance. The analysis extends previous research by evaluating forecasts over four different data resolution; 5, 15, 30 and 60 min, each resolution analysed for four different horizons; 1, 6, 12 and 24 h ahead. Both, data resolution and forecast horizon, proved to have significant impact on the forecast performance and the obtained results provide important insights for the operation of various smart grid applications. Finally, it is shown that the load profile of some households vary significantly across different days; as a result, providing a single model for the entire period may result in limited performance. By the use of a pre-clustering step, similar daily load profiles are grouped together according to their standard deviation, and instead of applying one SMBM for the entire data-set of a particular household, separate SMBMs are applied to each one of the clusters. This preliminary clustering step increases the complexity of the analysis however it results in significant improvements in forecast performance.
Tropospheric and ionospheric media calibrations based on global navigation satellite system observation data
Authors: Feltens Joachim , Bellei Gabriele , Springer Tim , Kints Mark V. , Zandbergen René , Budnik Frank , Schönemann Erik
Published: May 2018

Context: Calibration of radiometric tracking data for effects in the Earth atmosphere is a crucial element in the field of deep-space orbit determination (OD). The troposphere can induce propagation delays in the order of several meters, the ionosphere up to the meter level for X-band signals and up to tens of meters, in extreme cases, for L-band ones. The use of media calibrations based on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) measurement data can improve the accuracy of the radiometric observations modelling and, as a consequence, the quality of orbit determination solutions.

Aims: ESOC Flight Dynamics employs ranging, Doppler and delta-DOR (Delta-Differential One-Way Ranging) data for the orbit determination of interplanetary spacecraft. Currently, the media calibrations for troposphere and ionosphere are either computed based on empirical models or, under mission specific agreements, provided by external parties such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. In order to become independent from external models and sources, decision fell to establish a new in-house internal service to create these media calibrations based on GNSS measurements recorded at the ESA tracking sites and processed in-house by the ESOC Navigation Support Office with comparable accuracy and quality.

Methods: For its concept, the new service was designed to be as much as possible depending on own data and resources and as less as possible depending on external models and data. Dedicated robust and simple algorithms, well suited for operational use, were worked out for that task. This paper describes the approach built up to realize this new in-house internal media calibration service.

Results: Test results collected during three months of running the new media calibrations in quasi-operational mode indicate that GNSS-based tropospheric corrections can remove systematic signatures from the Doppler observations and biases from the range ones. For the ionosphere, a direct way of verification was not possible due to non-availability of independent third party data for comparison. Nevertheless, the tests for ionospheric corrections showed also slight improvements in the tracking data modelling, but not to an extent as seen for the tropospheric corrections.

Conclusions: The validation results confirmed that the new approach meets the requirements upon accuracy and operational use for the tropospheric part, while some improvement is still ongoing for the ionospheric one. Based on these test results, green light was given to put the new in-house service for media calibrations into full operational mode in April 2017.
Status epilepticus
Authors: Burghaus Lothar , Dohmen Christian , Malter Michael
Published: May 2018

Der Status epilepticus ist ein neurologischer Notfall, der durch prolongierte Anfallsaktivität oder eine Serie von Anfällen ohne zwischenzeitliche Wiedererlangung des vorbestehenden neurologischen Befundes gekennzeichnet ist. Vorrangiges Ziel der Therapie ist die rasche Beendigung der Anfälle, da mit zunehmender Dauer des Status epilepticus Morbidität und Mortalität ansteigen. Auf der Grundlage von klinischen Studien und Leitlinienempfehlungen werden Strategien zur Behandlung des Status epilepticus vorgestellt.
Immunonkologie beim Nierenzellkarzinom – Aktueller Stand
Authors: Grimm Marc-Oliver , Foller Susan
Published: May 2018

Durch die Zulassung des Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitors Nivolumab (Opdivo®) und neuer Multikinaseinhibitoren (Cabozantinib, Lenvatinib, Tivozanib) hat sich die systemische Therapie des metastasierten Nierenzellkarzinoms in den letzten 2 Jahren erheblich verändert. Nivolumab und Cabozantinib sollen als zweite Therapielinie nach Versagen einer VEGF basierten Therapie lt. S3-Leitlinie eingesetzt werden. In der zulassungsrelevanten Studie hatte sich für den Immun- Checkpoint-Inhibitor Nivolunab im Vergleich zu Everolimus ein besseres medianes Gesamtüberleben (26 Monate vs. 19,7 Monate; Hazard ratio 0,73; p = 0,0006), eine signifikant höhere Ansprechrate (26 % vs. 5 %) und ein günstigeres Nebenwirkungsprofil gezeigt.

Aktuell werden zahlreiche Kombinationen mit PD-1/PD-L1-Inhibitoren in der Erstlinientherapie gegen Sunitinib getestet. Die randomisierte Phase-III-Studie CheckMate 214 zeigte als erste eine signifikant höhere objektive Ansprechrate (42 % vs. 27 %, p < 0,0001) sowie ein längeres Gesamtüberleben (Median für Nivo + Ipi bisher nicht erreicht (28,2 – NE) vs. 26,0 Monate; Hazard ratio 0,63) für die Kombination aus Nivolumab und dem CTLA-4 Antikörper Ipilimumab bei intermediate und high risk Patienten nach IMDC. CheckMate 214 zeigt darüber hinaus Vorteile für die Immuntherapie in Bezug auf Nebenwirkungen und Lebensqualität gegenüber Sunitinib. Allerdings zeigt sich eine deutliche Zunahme immunvermittelter Nebenwirkungen. Eine randomisierte Studie mit dem PD-L1-Inhibitor Atezolizumab kombiniert mit dem VEGF-Antikörper Bevacizumab ergab für PD-L1-positive Patienten ein signifikant längeres progressionsfreies Überleben gegenüber Sunitinib; dieser Vorteil fand sich in allen Risikogruppen. Weitere Phase-III-Studien mit neueren VEGFR-TKIs (Axitinib, Cabozantinib, Lenvatinib) und PD-1/PD-L1-Inhibitoren laufen aktuell.

Zusammenfassend wird der PD-1-Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitor Nivolumab eine Standardtherapie beim metastasierten Nierenzellkarzinom nach antiangiogenetischer Vortherapie bleiben. Die Kombination aus Nivolumab und Ipilimumab wird Standardtherapie bei Patienten mit intermediärem bzw. hohem Risiko in der Erstlinie. Für eine Bewertung der Kombinationen aus PD-1/PD-L1-Inhibitoren und Bevacizumab bzw. VEGFR-TKIs werden weitere Daten (Gesamtüberleben, Nebenwirkungsspektrum) benötigt.
Querschnittlähmung mit neurogener Harnblasenfunktionsstörung als möglicher Risikofaktor für Harnblasen-Karzinome
Authors: Böthig Ralf , Fiebag Kai , Kowald Birgitt , Hirschfeld Sven , Thietje Roland , Kurze Ines , Schöps Wolfgang , Böhme Holger , Kaufmann Albert , Zellner Michael , Kadhum Thura , Golka Klaus
Published: May 2018

Fragestellung Die Lebenserwartung für Menschen mit Querschnittlähmung (spinal cord injury/disease; SCI/D) steigt infolge der Fortschritte der paraplegiologischen und neuro-urologischen Behandlungsmethoden. Somit gewinnt jedoch das Risiko, an Harnblasenkrebs zu erkranken, an Bedeutung.

Methodik Retrospektive Single-Center-Auswertung von konsekutiven Patientendaten mit SCI/D und nachgewiesenem Harnblasenkarzinom.

Ergebnis Vom 1. Januar 1998 bis 31. März 2017 wurde bei 32 (3 weiblich, 29 männlich) von insgesamt 6 432 Patienten mit SCI/D ein Harnblasen-Karzinom diagnostiziert. Das Durchschnittsalter bei der Blasenkrebsdiagnose lag mit 54,5 Jahren deutlich unter dem für Blasenkrebsfälle in der Allgemeinbevölkerung (männlich: 74, weiblich: 75 Jahre).

27 Patienten litten an einer urodynamisch bestätigten neurogenen Detrusor-Überaktivität, während 5 Patienten (alle männlich) eine neurogene Akontraktilität des Detrusors aufwiesen.

Die mediane Latenzzeit zwischen dem Einsetzen der SCI/D und der Tumordiagnose betrug 29,5 Jahre. Temporäre Dauerkatheterisierungen wurden bei lediglich 4 Patienten für insgesamt nur 1,61 % der Latenzzeit aller Patienten gefunden.

Die Mehrzahl der Patienten (n = 27) wies ein Urothelzellkarzinom auf, 5 Patienten hatten ein Plattenepithelkarzinom. 25 Patienten (78 %) hatten zum Zeitpunkt der Diagnose bereits einen muskelinvasiven Tumor ≥ T2. 23 Patienten zeigten ein histologisch schlecht differenziertes G3-Karzinom, zwei Patienten hatten jeweils einen G2- und G1-Tumor (keine Angaben bei 5 Patienten).

Das mediane Überleben für alle Patienten betrug 11,5 Monate. Die Prognose der Patienten mit Plattenepithelkarzinom war signifikant noch schlechter, 4 von 5 starben innerhalb von 7 Monaten (Median 4 Monate).

Schlussfolgerung Das jüngere Alter bei Beginn der Tumorerkrankung und die Häufigkeit invasiver, schlecht differenzierter Tumoren bei der Diagnose weisen darauf hin, dass das Vorliegen einer SCI/D sowohl Risiko als auch Prognose der Blasentumor-Erkrankung signifikant beeinflussen. Die Latenzzeit zwischen Lähmungseintritt und Tumorerkrankung scheint ein maßgeblicher Risiko-Parameter zu sein.

Die Art der neurogenen Blasenfunktionsstörung und des Blasen-Managements scheinen dagegen das Risiko nicht zu beeinflussen. Langzeit-Dauerableitungen der Harnblase spielten bei den untersuchten Patienten nur eine untergeordnete Rolle.

Die Früherkennung von Blasenkrebs bei Patienten mit SCI/D bleibt eine Herausforderung.
Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Dehydrative Arylation of 4-Indolylmeth­anols with Indoles: Efficient Access to Indolyl-Substituted Triarylmethanes
Authors: Du Bai-Xiang , Mei Guang-Jian , Shi Feng , Liu Jin-Xi , Zhu Zi-Qi , Yu Lei
Published: May 2018

A Brønsted acid catalyzed dehydrative arylation of 4-indolylmethanols with indoles has been established, leading to a series of indolyl-substituted triarylmethanes in good to excellent yields (up to 97% yield). In addition, in this Brønsted acid catalyzed dehydration process, the only byproduct was water. Accordingly, this approach can be considered to have high atom economy and to be environmentally friendly. This approach not only provides a useful strategy for the synthesis of structurally diversified indolyl-substituted triarylmethanes, but also represents the first example of a 4-indolylmethanol-involved reaction, which will advance the chemistry of indolylmethanols.
Cobalt(III)-Catalyzed 1,4-Addition of C(sp3)–H Bonds to
Maleimides
Authors: Sun Meng , Chen Xiang-Xiang , Ren Jiang-Tao , Xu Jing-Lei , Xie Hu , Sun Wei , Li Ya-Min
Published: May 2018

Quinolines and succinimides play a crucial role in many pharmaceutical and natural products. Although sp2 C–H bond addition reactions have been extensively investigated, Co(III)-catalyzed sp3 C–H bond 1,4-addition reactions are relatively unexplored. In this manuscript, an efficient and atom-economic protocol for alkylation reactions of 8-methylquinolines with maleimides is presented. The reaction exhibits exceptional reactivity, satisfactory yields, excellent chemo- and regioselectivity, and tolerates a variety of functional groups.
A Metal-Free Approach for Brønsted Acid Promoted C–H Alkyl­ation of Heteroarenes with Alkyl Peroxides
Authors: Qian Bo , Bao Hongli , Zeng Yuehua , Li Yajun
Published: May 2018

A metal-free protocol for Minisci C–H alkylation of hetero­arenes using alkyl peroxides as the alkylating reagents and internal oxidants simultaneously under promotion of Brønsted acid has been demonstrated. A series of alkyl substituted heteroarenes were readily prepared by the C–H alkylation in moderate to good yields. A possible pathway involving the addition of alkyl radical to heterocycle followed by rearomatization is described.
The Catalytic Alkylative Desymmetrization of Anhydrides in a Formal Synthesis of Ionomycin
Authors: Rovis Tomislav , Oberg Kevin , Cochran Brian , Cook Matthew
Published: May 2018

The catalytic desymmetrization of anhydrides with zinc reagents provides access to deoxypolypropionate and polypropionate synthons. A synthesis of ionomycin was pursued in which three of the four fragments were assembled using this methodology. Two of the strategies (enol silane/oxocarbenium coupling and reductive cyclization) were not successful at installing the C23 stereocenter, but this stereochemical issue was overcome through a reduction/SN2 approach. In addition to the synthesis of a protected diastereomer of ionomycin, the synthesis of a C17–C32 fragment constitutes a formal total synthesis.
Photoorganocatalytic Atom Transfer Radical Addition of Bromoacetonitrile to Aliphatic Olefins
Authors: Kokotos Christoforos , Voutyritsa Errika , Nikitas Nikolaos , Apostolopoulou Mary , Gerogiannopoulou Anna
Published: May 2018

A green and cheap protocol for the photocatalytic atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) of bromoacetonitrile to aliphatic alkenes is presented. The use of benzoin methyl ehter as the photocatalyst and irradiation using a household lightbulb leads to a highly useful synthetic method for the conversion of a wide range of substituted aliphatic olefins into the corresponding bromonitriles.
Equivalence and symmetries for variable coefficient linear heat type equations. I
Authors: Güngör F.
Published: May 2018

A systematic and unified approach to transformations and symmetries of a class of variable coefficient heat type linear partial differential equations (PDEs) is presented. The complete symmetry group classification is re-performed in the current context. A useful criterion which is necessary and sufficient for being reducible to the standard heat equation by point transformations is established. A similar criterion is also valid for the equations to have a four- or six-dimensional symmetry group (nontrivial symmetry groups). In this situation, the basis elements are listed in terms of coefficients. A number of illustrative examples are given. In particular, some applications from the recent literature are re-examined in our new approach. Multidimensional parabolic PDEs of heat and Schrödinger type are also considered.