bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MAGNIMS consensus recommendations on the use of brain and spinal cord atrophy measures in clinical practice
Authors:   on behalf of the MAGNIMS study group, Sastre-Garriga Jaume , Pareto Deborah , Battaglini Marco , Rocca Maria A. , Ciccarelli Olga , Enzinger Christian , Wuerfel Jens , Sormani Maria P. , Barkhof Frederik , Yousry Tarek A. , De Stefano Nicola , Tintoré Mar , Filippi Massimo , Gasperini Claudio , Kappos Ludwig , Río Jordi , Frederiksen Jette , Palace Jackie , Vrenken Hugo , Montalban Xavier , Rovira Àlex
Published: February 2020

Early evaluation of treatment response and prediction of disease evolution are key issues in the management of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In the past 20 years, MRI has become the most useful paraclinical tool in both situations and is used clinically to assess the inflammatory component of the disease, particularly the presence and evolution of focal lesions — the pathological hallmark of MS. However, diffuse neurodegenerative processes that are at least partly independent of inflammatory mechanisms can develop early in people with MS and are closely related to disability. The effects of these neurodegenerative processes at a macroscopic level can be quantified by estimation of brain and spinal cord atrophy with MRI. MRI measurements of atrophy in MS have also been proposed as a complementary approach to lesion assessment to facilitate the prediction of clinical outcomes and to assess treatment responses. In this Consensus statement, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging in MS (MAGNIMS) study group critically review the application of brain and spinal cord atrophy in clinical practice in the management of MS, considering the role of atrophy measures in prognosis and treatment monitoring and the barriers to clinical use of these measures. On the basis of this review, the group makes consensus statements and recommendations for future research.
Diversity of HLA Class I and Class II blocks and conserved extended haplotypes in Lacandon Mayans
Authors: Barquera Rodrigo , Zuniga Joaquin , Flores-Rivera José , Corona Teresa , Penman Bridget S. , Hernández-Zaragoza Diana Iraíz , Soler Manuel , Jonapá-Gómez Letisia , Mallempati Kalyan C. , Yescas Petra , Ochoa-Morales Adriana , Barsakis Konstantinos , Aguilar-Vázquez José Artemio , García-Lechuga Maricela , Mindrinos Michael , Yunis María , Jiménez-Alvarez Luis , Mena-Hernández Lourdes , Ortega Esteban , Cruz-Lagunas Alfredo , Tovar-Méndez Víctor Hugo , Granados Julio , Fernández-Viña Marcelo , Yunis Edmond
Published: February 2020

Here we studied HLA blocks and haplotypes in a group of 218 Lacandon Maya Native American using a high-resolution next generation sequencing (NGS) method. We assessed the genetic diversity of HLA class I and class II in this population, and determined the most probable ancestry of Lacandon Maya HLA class I and class II haplotypes. Importantly, this Native American group showed a high degree of both HLA homozygosity and linkage disequilibrium across the HLA region and also lower class II HLA allelic diversity than most previously reported populations (including other Native American groups). Distinctive alleles present in the Lacandon population include HLA-A*24:14 and HLA-B*40:08. Furthermore, in Lacandons we observed a high frequency of haplotypes containing the allele HLA-DRB1*04:11, a relatively frequent allele in comparison with other neighboring indigenous groups. The specific demographic history of the Lacandon population including inbreeding, as well as pathogen selection, may have elevated the frequencies of a small number of HLA class II alleles and DNA blocks. To assess the possible role of different selective pressures in determining Native American HLA diversity, we evaluated the relationship between genetic diversity atHLA-A,HLA-BandHLA-DRB1and pathogen richness for a global dataset and for Native American populations alone. In keeping with previous studies of such relationships we included distance from Africa as a covariate. After correction for multiple comparisons we did not find any significant relationship between pathogen diversity and HLA genetic diversity (as measured by polymorphism information content) in either our global dataset or the Native American subset of the dataset. We found the expected negative relationship between genetic diversity and distance from Africa in the global dataset, but no relationship between HLA genetic diversity and distance from Africa when Native American populations were considered alone.
Development of Potent Forchlorfenuron Analogs and Their Cytotoxic Effect in Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Kim Kyu Kwang , Singh Rakesh K. , Khazan Negar , Kodza Arif , Singh Niloy A. , Jones Aaron , Sivagnanalingam Umayal , Towner Mary , Itamochi Hiroaki , Turner Rachael , Moore Richard G.
Published: February 2020

Forchlorfenuron (FCF) is a synthetic plant cytokinin widely used in agriculture to promote fruit size, that paradoxically inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion in human cancer cell lines. FCF has also been shown to affect HIF-1α and HER2, which are both known to play a crucial role in cancer cell survival. In this study, we have developed potent FCF analogs through structural modification of FCF, coined UR214-1, UR214-7, and UR214-9. Compared to parental FCF, these analogs are more effective in decreasing viability and proliferation in both ovarian and endometrial cancer cell lines. These FCF analogs also suppress HER2 expression at a concentration lower than that of FCF. In addition, we found that treatment with either FCF or its analogs decreases the expression of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), which is commonly upregulated in ovarian and endometrial cancers. Given the association between cancer behavior and HE4 production in gynecologic cancers, our findings may provide insight useful in the development of new treatment strategies for gynecologic cancers.
Neuropsychological outcomes of children with Optic Pathway Glioma
Authors: Papini Chiara , Dineen Robert A. , Walker David A. , Thomas Shery , Pitchford Nicola J.
Published: February 2020

Optic Pathway Glioma (OPG) is a relatively common brain tumour in childhood; however, there is scarce understanding of neuropsychological sequelae in these survivors. In this study, 12 children with diagnosis of OPG before 6 years of age received a comprehensive standardised assessment of visual perception, general intelligence and academic achievement, using adjustments to visual materials of the tests, to examine the extent of concurrent impairment in these functional domains. Information about vision, clinical and socio-demographic factors were extracted from medical records to assess the associations of neuropsychological outcomes with clinical and socio-demographic factors. Children with OPG exhibited high within-patient variability and moderate group-level impairment compared to test norms. Visual perception was the most impaired domain, while scholastic progression was age-appropriate overall. For cognition, core verbal and visuo-spatial reasoning skills were intact, whereas deficits were found in working memory and processing speed. Visual function was associated with tasks that rely on visual input. Children with OPG are at moderate risk of neuropsychological impairment, especially for visual perception and cognitive proficiency. Future research should elucidate further the relative contribution of vision loss and neurofibromatosis type 1 co-diagnosis within a large sample.
Bio-inspired broadband absorbers induced by copper nanostructures on natural leaves
Authors: Dao Trung Duc , Pham Dinh Dat , Nguyen Thi An Hang , Tran Thi Viet Ha , Vu Hoang Chung , Pham Tien Thanh
Published: February 2020

In this work, two copper-based biometamaterials were engineered using leaves of water cabbage (Pistia stratiotes) and purple bauhinia (Phanera purpurea) as templates. The copper sputtering was implemented to produce a thin copper film on the surface of leaves. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images exhibited the root hair-like nanostructure of water cabbage leaf and single comb-like nanostructure of purple bauhinia leaf. In spite of copper coating, the leaf surfaces of water cabbage and purple bauhinia were black and exhibited excellent light absorption at visible and near infrarrred wavelengths. It was estimated that these two types of leaves could absorb roughly 90% of light. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations predicted the low reflectance stemming from the leaf nanostructures and copper coating layer. Because of the low cost of copper as a coating metal and simple procedure, this can be a promising method for quick fabrication of a thin copper film on the leaf nanostructure for application in blackbody or as the light absorbers.
Oligomers of the lipodystrophy protein seipin may co-ordinate GPAT3 and AGPAT2 enzymes to facilitate adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Sim M. F. Michelle , Persiani Elisa , Talukder Md. Mesbah Uddin , Mcilroy George D. , Roumane Ahlima , Edwardson J. Michael , Rochford Justin J.
Published: February 2020

Seipin deficiency causes severe congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL) and metabolic disease. However, how seipin regulates adipocyte development and function remains incompletely understood. We previously showed that seipin acts as a scaffold protein for AGPAT2, whose disruption also causes CGL. More recently, seipin has been reported to promote adipogenesis by directly inhibiting GPAT3, leading to the suggestion that GPAT inhibitors could offer novel treatments for CGL. Here we investigated the interactions between seipin, GPAT3 and AGPAT2. We reveal that seipin and GPAT3 associate via direct interaction and that seipin can simultaneously bind GPAT3 and AGPAT2. Inhibiting the expression of seipin, AGPAT2 or GPAT3 led to impaired induction of early markers of adipocyte differentiation in cultured cells. However, consistent with normal adipose mass in GPAT3-null mice, GPAT3 inhibition did not prevent the formation of mature adipocytes. Nonetheless, loss of GPAT3 in seipin-deficient preadipocytes exacerbated the failure of adipogenesis in these cells. Thus, our data indicate that GPAT3 plays a modest positive role in adipogenesis and argue against the potential of GPAT inhibitors to rescue white adipose tissue mass in CGL2. Overall, our study reveals novel mechanistic insights regarding the molecular pathogenesis of severe lipodystrophy caused by mutations in either seipin or AGPAT2.
Retaining information from multidimensional correlation MRI using a spectral regions of interest generator
Authors: Pas Kristofor , Komlosh Michal E. , Perl Daniel P. , Basser Peter J. , Benjamini Dan
Published: February 2020

Multidimensional correlation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an emerging imaging modality that is capable of disentangling highly heterogeneous and opaque systems according to chemical and physical interactions of water within them. Using this approach, the conventional three dimensional MR scalar images are replaced with spatially resolved multidimensional spectra. The ensuing abundance in microstructural and chemical information is a blessing that incorporates a real challenge: how does one distill and refine it into images while retaining its significant components? In this paper we introduce a general framework that preserves the spectral information from spatially resolved multidimensional data. Equal weight is given to significant spectral components at the single voxel level, resulting in a summarized image spectrum. This spectrum is then used to define spectral regions of interest that are utilized to reconstruct images of sub-voxel components. Using numerical simulations we first show that, contrary to the conventional approach, the proposed framework preserves spectral resolution, and in turn, sensitivity and specificity of the reconstructed images. The retained spectral resolution allows, for the first time, to observe an array of distinct $${T}_{1}$$

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components images of the human brain. The robustly generated images of sub-voxel components overcome the limited spatial resolution of MRI, thus advancing multidimensional correlation MRI to fulfilling its full potential.
MiR-23b-3p reduces the proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cell lines via the reduction of c-Met expression
Authors: Campos-Viguri Gabriela Elizabeth , Peralta-Zaragoza Oscar , Jiménez-Wences Hilda , Longinos-González Alma Edith , Castañón-Sánchez Carlos Alberto , Ramírez-Carrillo Miriam , Camarillo César López , Castañeda-Saucedo Eduardo , Jiménez-López Marco Antonio , Martínez-Carrillo Dinorah Nashely , Fernández-Tilapa Gloria
Published: February 2020

Malignant transformation and progression in cancer is associated with the altered expression of multiple miRNAs, which are considered as post-transcriptional regulators of genes participating in various cellular processes. Although, it has been proposed that miR-23b-3p acts as a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer (CC), not all the pathways through which it alters the cellular processes have been described. The present study examines whether miR-23b-3p directly represses the c-Met expression and that consequently modifies the proliferation, migration and invasion of C33A and CaSki cells. c-Met has five microRNA response elements (MREs) for miR-23b-3p in the 3′-UTR region. The ectopic overexpression of miR-23b-3p significantly reduces c-Met expression in C33A and CaSki cells. The overexpression of miR-23b-3p reduces proliferation, migration and invasion of CaSki cells and the proliferation and invasion in C33A cells. In CaSki cells, the activation of Gab1 and Fak, downstream of c-Met, is reduced in response to the overexpression of miR-23b-3p. Together, the results in the present study indicate that miR-23b-3p is a tumor suppressor that modulates the progression of CC via post-transcriptional regulation of the c-Met oncogene.
Secondary Metabolites Profiled in Cannabis Inflorescences, Leaves, Stem Barks, and Roots for Medicinal Purposes
Authors: Jin Dan , Dai Kaiping , Xie Zhen , Chen Jie
Published: February 2020

Cannabis research has historically focused on the most prevalent cannabinoids. However, extracts with a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites may have increased efficacy and decreased adverse effects compared to cannabinoids in isolation. Cannabis’s complexity contributes to the length and breadth of its historical usage, including the individual application of the leaves, stem barks, and roots, for which modern research has not fully developed its therapeutic potential. This study is the first attempt to profile secondary metabolites groups in individual plant parts comprehensively. We profiled 14 cannabinoids, 47 terpenoids (29 monoterpenoids, 15 sesquiterpenoids, and 3 triterpenoids), 3 sterols, and 7 flavonoids in cannabis flowers, leaves, stem barks, and roots in three chemovars available. Cannabis inflorescence was characterized by cannabinoids (15.77–20.37%), terpenoids (1.28–2.14%), and flavonoids (0.07–0.14%); the leaf by cannabinoids (1.10–2.10%), terpenoids (0.13–0.28%), and flavonoids (0.34–0.44%); stem barks by sterols (0.07–0.08%) and triterpenoids (0.05–0.15%); roots by sterols (0.06–0.09%) and triterpenoids (0.13–0.24%). This comprehensive profile of bioactive compounds can form a baseline of reference values useful for research and clinical studies to understand the “entourage effect” of cannabis as a whole, and also to rediscover therapeutic potential for each part of cannabis from their traditional use by applying modern scientific methodologies.
A cohort study: The Association Between Autoimmune Disorders and Leptospirosis
Authors: Teh Soon-Hian , You Ren-In , Yang Yu-Cih , Hsu Chung Y. , Pang Cheng-Yoong
Published: February 2020

There are limited studies on the association between systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) and leptospirosis. Therefore, this study aims to identify the effects of leptospirosis on the risks of developing SARDs with a nationwide retrospective cohort study. Patients with leptospirosis who did not have a diagnosis of SARDs before the index date were enrolled from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 2000 and 2010, as the leptospirosis cohort. For each patient with leptospirosis, one control without a history of leptospirosis and SARDs was randomly selected (non-leptospirosis cohort). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze the risk of SARDs according to sex, age, and comorbidities. Among the 23 million people in the cohort, 3,393 patients with leptospirosis (68.91% men, mean age 52.65 years) and 33,930 controls were followed for 18,778 and 232,999 person-years, respectively. The incidence of SARDs was higher in the leptospirosis cohort than in the non-leptospirosis cohort (1.38 vs 0.33 per 1000 person-years), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.42 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.82–6.92). The risk of developing SARDs was highest for leptospirosis patients aged ≥65 years (HR = 2.81% CI = 1.07–7.36) compared with patients aged ≤39 years. Patients with leptospirosis have a 4.42-fold higher risk of SARDs than that in the general population. Further research is warranted to investigate the mechanism underlying this association.
Macular Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer Thickness Prediction from Red-free Fundus Photography using Hybrid Deep Learning Model
Authors: Lee Jinho , Kim Young Kook , Ha Ahnul , Sun Sukkyu , Kim Yong Woo , Kim Jin-Soo , Jeoung Jin Wook , Park Ki Ho
Published: February 2020

We developed a hybrid deep learning model (HDLM) algorithm that quantitatively predicts macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness from red-free retinal nerve fiber layer photographs (RNFLPs). A total of 789 pairs of RNFLPs and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans for 431 eyes of 259 participants (183 eyes of 114 healthy controls, 68 eyes of 46 glaucoma suspects, and 180 eyes of 99 glaucoma patients) were enrolled. An HDLM was built by combining a pre-trained deep learning network and support vector machine. The correlation coefficient and mean absolute error (MAE) between the predicted and measured mGCIPL thicknesses were calculated. The measured (OCT-based) and predicted (HDLM-based) average mGCIPL thicknesses were 73.96 ± 8.81 µm and 73.92 ± 7.36 µm, respectively (P = 0.844). The predicted mGCIPL thickness showed a strong correlation and good agreement with the measured mGCIPL thickness (Correlation coefficient r = 0.739; P < 0.001; MAE = 4.76 µm). Even when the peripapillary area (diameter: 1.5 disc diameters) was masked, the correlation (r = 0.713; P < 0.001) and agreement (MAE = 4.87 µm) were not changed significantly (P = 0.378 and 0.724, respectively). The trained HDLM algorithm showed a great capability for mGCIPL thickness prediction from RNFLPs.
Comparison between blood pressure during obstructive respiratory events in REM and NREM sleep using pulse transit time
Authors: Almeneessier Aljohara S. , Alshahrani Mana , Aleissi Salih , Hammad Omeima S. , Olaish Awad H. , BaHammam Ahmed S.
Published: February 2020

Rapid eye movement-predominant obstructive sleep apnea has been shown to be independently associated with hypertension. This study aimed to non-invasively measure blood pressure during the rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) obstructive events and the post-obstructive event period. Thirty-two consecutive continuous positive airway pressure-naïve obstructive sleep apnea patients (men, 50%) aged 50.2 ± 12 years underwent overnight polysomnography. Blood pressure was assessed indirectly using a validated method based on the pulse transit time and pulse wave velocity during the NREM and REM obstructive events (both apneas and hypopneas) and the post-obstructive event period. Among the recruited patients, 10 (31.3%) had hypertension. Mean apnea-hypopnea index was 40.1 ± 27.6 events/hr. Apnea-hypopnea indexes were 38.3 ± 30.6 and 51.9 ± 28.3 events/hr for NREM and REM sleep, respectively. No differences were detected in obstructive respiratory event duration or degree of desaturation between REM and NREM sleep. Additionally, no difference in blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) was detected between REM and NREM sleep during obstructive events and post-obstructive event period. Simple linear regression identified history of hypertension as a predictor of increased systolic blood pressure during obstructive events and post-obstructive event period in both rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement sleep. Oxygen desaturation index was also a predictor of increased systolic blood pressure during obstructive events and post-obstructive event period in REM sleep. When obstructive event duration and the degree of desaturation were comparable, no difference in blood pressure was found between REM and NREM sleep during obstructive events and post-obstructive event period.
Group A Streptococcus establishes pharynx infection by degrading the deoxyribonucleic acid of neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Tanaka Mototsugu , Kinoshita-Daitoku Ryo , Kiga Kotaro , Sanada Takahito , Zhu Bo , Okano Tokuju , Aikawa Chihiro , Iida Tamako , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Okubo Koshu , Kurosawa Miho , Hirahashi Junichi , Suzuki Toshihiko , Nakagawa Ichiro , Nangaku Masaomi , Mimuro Hitomi
Published: February 2020

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) secretes deoxyribonucleases and evades neutrophil extracellular killing by degrading neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). However, limited information is currently available on the interaction between GAS and NETs in the pathogenicity of GAS pharyngitis. In this study, we modified a mouse model of GAS pharyngitis and revealed an essential role for DNase in this model. After intranasal infection, the nasal mucosa was markedly damaged near the nasal cavity, at which GAS was surrounded by neutrophils. When neutrophils were depleted from mice, GAS colonization and damage to the nasal mucosa were significantly decreased. Furthermore, mice infected with deoxyribonuclease knockout GAS mutants (∆spd, ∆endA, and ∆sdaD2) survived significantly better than those infected with wild-type GAS. In addition, the supernatants of digested NETs enhanced GAS-induced cell death in vitro. Collectively, these results indicate that NET degradation products may contribute to the establishment of pharyngeal infection caused by GAS.
Association with Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score and In-hospital Mortality and Infection in Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Kato Takao , Yaku Hidenori , Morimoto Takeshi , Inuzuka Yasutaka , Tamaki Yodo , Yamamoto Erika , Yoshikawa Yusuke , Kitai Takeshi , Taniguchi Ryoji , Iguchi Moritake , Kato Masashi , Takahashi Mamoru , Jinnai Toshikazu , Ikeda Tomoyuki , Nagao Kazuya , Kawai Takafumi , Komasa Akihiro , Nishikawa Ryusuke , Kawase Yuichi , Morinaga Takashi , Su Kanae , Kawato Mitsunori , Seko Yuta , Inoko Moriaki , Toyofuku Mamoru , Furukawa Yutaka , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Ando Kenji , Kadota Kazushige , Shizuta Satoshi , Ono Koh , Sato Yukihito , Kuwahara Koichiro , Ozasa Neiko , Kimura Takeshi
Published: February 2020

The high controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score that represents poor nutritional status has been acknowledged to have prognostic implications in chronic heart failure. We aimed to investigate its role in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Using the data from an multicenter registry that enrolled 4056 consecutive patients hospitalized for ADHF in Japan between 2014 and 2016, we analyzed 2466 patients in whom data on the components of the CONUT score at hospital presentation were available. The decrease of lymphocyte count and total cholesterol was assigned with 0, 1, 2, and 3 points and the decrease of albumin was assigned with 0, 2, 4, and 6 points according to the severity. We defined low CONUT score as 0–4 (N = 1568) and high CONUT score as 5–9 (N = 898). The patients in the high CONUT score group were older and more likely to have a smaller body mass index than those in the low CONUT score group. The high CONUT score group was associated with higher rate of death and infection during the index hospitalization compared to the low CONUT score group (9.0% versus 4.4%, and 21.9% versus 12.7%, respectively). After adjusting for confounders, the excess risk of high relative to low CONUT score for mortality and infection was significant (OR: 1.61, 95%CI: 1.05–2.44, and OR: 1.66, 95%CI: 1.30–2.12, respectively). The effect was incremental according to the score. High CONUT score was associated with higher risk for in-hospital mortality and infection in an incremental manner in patients hospitalized for ADHF.
Human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) differentiation towards cardiac cells using a new microbioanalytical method
Authors: Sokolowska Patrycja , Zukowski Kamil , Lasocka Iwona , Szulc-Dabrowska Lidia , Jastrzebska Elzbieta
Published: February 2020

A microbioanalytical method of stem cell (SC) differentiation towards cardiac cells using a newly developed digitally controlled microdispenser.
Graphene-like MoS2-modified magnetic C-dot nanoflowers: an efficient magnetic solid-phase extraction adsorbent for monitoring of trace amounts of ibuprofen
Authors: Yilmaz Erkan , Sarp Gokhan
Published: February 2020

Graphene-like two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides such as MoS2, MoSe2, MoTe2, NbS2, NbSe2, WS2, WSe2, TaS2 and TaSe2 are emerging as promising new-generation materials because of their basic properties complementing those of graphene in practical applications.
Controlled synthesis of sugar-containing poly(ionic liquid)s
Authors: Chen Jing , Li Die , Bao Chunyang , Zhang Qiang
Published: February 2020

A facile synthetic route is reported toward sugar-containing pyridinium-based poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) for efficient killing of bacteria.
Water plays a dynamical role in a hydrogen-bonded, hexameric supramolecular assembly
Authors: Katiyar Ankita , Freire Sovierzoski Julia C. , Calio Paul B. , Vartia Anthony A. , Thompson Ward H.
Published: February 2020

Water molecules associated with a hexameric resorcin[4]arene supramolecular assembly exchange on timescales from picoseconds to nanoseconds.
Charge separation, recombination and intersystem crossing of directly connected perylenemonoimide–carbazole electron donor/acceptor dyads
Authors: Zhang Xue , Elmali Ayhan , Duan Ruomeng , Liu Qingyun , Ji Wei , Zhao Jianzhang , Li Chen , Karatay Ahmet
Published: February 2020

Compact electron donor–acceptor (perylenemonoimide–carbazole) dyads were constructed and the charge separation, recombination and intersystem crossing were studied.
Preventive effects of pectin with various degrees of esterification on ulcerative colitis in mice
Authors: Fan Linlin , Zuo Sheng , Tan Huizi , Hu Jielun , Cheng Jiaobo , Wu Quanyong , Nie Shaoping
Published: February 2020

Low esterified or amidated low esterified pectin displayed better preventive effects on acute colitis over high esterified pectin.
Production of chiral alcohols from racemic mixtures by integrated heterogeneous chemoenzymatic catalysis in fixed bed continuous operation
Authors: Carceller Jose Miguel , Mifsud Maria , Climent Maria J. , Iborra Sara , Corma Avelino
Published: February 2020

Production of chiral alcohols from racemic mixtures with an integrated heterogeneous chemo-enzymatic two step relay catalyst in fixed bed continuous operation.
Microwave induced transformation of metal organic frameworks into defect rich carbon nanofibers
Authors: Sridhar Vadahanambi , Park Hyun
Published: February 2020

We report a fast and facile microwave synthesis of defect rich, nitrogen doped carbon nanofibers from novel MOF precursors.
Efficient dye removal and separation based on graphene oxide nanomaterials
Authors: Mao Brennan , Sidhureddy Boopathi , Thiruppathi Antony Raj , Wood Peter C. , Chen Aicheng
Published: February 2020

Different graphene-based nanomaterials were synthesized and tested for dye removal, showing that graphene oxide demonstrates high capability for the separation of cationic and anionic dyes.
Shedding light on the bonding situation of triangular and square heterometallic clusters: computational insight
Authors: Coimbra Daniel F. , Ortolan Alexandre O. , Orenha Renato P. , da Silva Vanessa B. , Parreira Renato L. T. , Caramori Giovanni F.
Published: February 2020

DFT calculations reproduced the experimentally observed out-of-plane distortions in heterometallic clusters [MMoCp(CO)3]n (M = Cu+, Ag+ or Au+, n = 3 or 4); (Cp = η5-C5H5), while EDA analysis gives new insights into bonding situations.
A naphthalimide-based thermometer: heat-induced fluorescence “turn-on” sensing in a wide temperature range in ambient atmosphere
Authors: Wang Shuxin , Cao Jian , Lu Chenhong
Published: February 2020

A heat-induced fluorescent “turn-on” sensor based on naphthalimide, NapPT-1, in which thioether chains were joined at the 4-site of naphthalimide, was designed and synthesized.
Superhydrophobic paper with mussel-inspired polydimethylsiloxane–silica nanoparticle coatings for effective oil/water separation
Authors: Ruan Xuewei , Xu Tiancheng , Chen Dingjiang , Ruan Ziwen , Hu Haitu
Published: February 2020

Although various filtration materials with (super)wetting properties have been fabricated for effective oil/water separation, eco-friendly and low-cost materials are still highly desired.
The effects of microstructure, Nb content and secondary Ruddlesden–Popper phase on thermoelectric properties in perovskite CaMn1−xNbxO3 (x = 0–0.10) thin films
Authors: Ekström E. , le Febvrier A. , Bourgeois F. , Lundqvist B. , Palisaitis J. , Persson P. O. Å. , Caballero-Calero O. , Martín-González M. S. , Klarbring J. , Simak S. I. , Eriksson F. , Paul B. , Eklund P.
Published: February 2020

Reduction of thermal conductivity of sputtered CaMn1−xNbxO3 thin films by secondary Ruddlesden–Popper phase and grain size optimization.
Tackling the chemical diversity of microbial nonulosonic acids – a universal large-scale survey approach
Authors: Kleikamp Hugo B. C. , Lin Yue Mei , McMillan Duncan G. G. , Geelhoed Jeanine S. , Naus-Wiezer Suzanne N. H. , van Baarlen Peter , Saha Chinmoy , Louwen Rogier , Sorokin Dimitry Y. , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , Pabst Martin
Published: February 2020

A novel large-scale survey approach for microbial nonulosonic acids (sialic acids) including a first molecular level comparative study is presented.
Efficient electrochemical N2 fixation by doped-oxygen-induced phosphorus vacancy defects on copper phosphide nanosheets
Authors: Jin Meng , Zhang Xian , Han Miaomiao , Wang Haojie , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Haimin
Published: February 2020

By a two-step method of doped-oxygen induction and electrochemical reduction, a phosphorus vacancy-modified cuprous phosphide catalyst is designed which exhibits excellent electrocatalytic NRR performance.
Unraveling the highly selective nature of silver-based metal–organic complexes for the detection of metal ions: the synergistic effect of dicarboxylic acid linkers
Authors: Van Nguyen Chi , Matsagar Babasaheb M. , Ahamad Tansir , Alshehri Saad M. , Chiang Wei-Hung , Wu Kevin C.-W.
Published: February 2020

The effect of dicarboxylic acid linkers of Ag-PLMOCs for highly selective metal ion detection.
Determination of polyphenols in Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi bark extracts and chemometric analysis
Authors: Migues Vitor Hugo , David Jorge Mauricio , David Juceni Pereira
Published: February 2020

This work describes a comparison of HPLC and spectrophotometric methods to determine the variation of the polyphenolics catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin, rutin, quercetin and chlorogenic acid in bark extracts of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae).
Stabilizing synthetic DNA for long-term data storage with earth alkaline salts
Authors: Kohll A. Xavier , Antkowiak Philipp L. , Chen Weida D. , Nguyen Bichlien H. , Stark Wendelin J. , Ceze Luis , Strauss Karin , Grass Robert N.
Published: February 2020

Mimicking fossil bone, a storage system involving earth alkali salts enables the preservation of digital data in DNA.
Visualization of crystal plane selectivity for irreversible phase transition in MnO@C anode
Authors: Zhou Tong , Chang Liang , Li Weiqin , Li Chao , Yuan Wenjuan , An Cuihua , Luo Jun
Published: February 2020

Lithium ions can completely inserted/extracted MnO(220), while lithium ions cannot extracted in MnO(200) during charging, which is the main reason for performance degradation.
Intramolecular methionine alkylation constructs sulfonium tethered peptides for protein conjugation
Authors: Li Yang , Lian Chenshan , Hou Zhanfeng , Wang Dongyuan , Wang Rui , Wan Chuan , Zhong Wanjin , Zhao Rongtong , Wang Yuena , Li Shuiming , Yin Feng , Li Zigang
Published: February 2020

Continuous efforts have been invested in the selective modification of proteins.
Upper-rim functionalization and supramolecular polymerization of a feet-to-feet-connected biscavitand
Authors: Shimoyama Daisuke , Sekiya Ryo , Haino Takeharu
Published: February 2020

An octaiodobiscavitand was synthesized via an aromatic Finkelstein iodination reaction in good yield. An octa-functionalized biscavitand self-assembled to form a supramolecular polymer in the solid state.
Rapid improvements in charge carrier mobility at ionic liquid/pentacene single crystal interfaces by self-cleaning
Authors: Morino Yusuke , Yokota Yasuyuki , Hara Hisaya , Bando Ken-ichi , Ono Sakurako , Imanishi Akihito , Okada Yugo , Matsui Hiroyuki , Uemura Takafumi , Takeya Jun , Fukui Ken-ichi
Published: February 2020

The field-effect mobility increases with time for a few hours because of the spontaneous dissolution of the defect sites.
K0.38(H2O)0.82MoS2 as a universal host for rechargeable aqueous cation (K+, Na+, Li+, NH4+, Mg2+, Al3+) batteries
Authors: Xie Miao , Zhao Wei , Mao Yuanlv , Huang Fuqiang
Published: February 2020

The compound K0.38(H2O)0.82MoS2 is a universal host for reversible intercalation of various hydrated cations (K+, Na+, Li+, NH4+, Mg2+, Al3+, etc.).
Self-supported fabrication and electrochemical water splitting study of transition-metal sulphide nanostructured electrodes
Authors: Shankar Ayyavu , Elakkiya Rajasekaran , Maduraiveeran Govindhan
Published: February 2020

Transition metal sulphide (TMS) nanostructures exhibit the electrocatalytic OER activity following the order: FeS > CoS > NiS > CuS.
Atomic-level separation of thiolate-protected metal clusters
Authors: Negishi Yuichi , Hashimoto Sayaka , Ebina Ayano , Hamada Kota , Hossain Sakiat , Kawawaki Tokuhisa
Published: February 2020

This review summarizes previous studies on high-resolution separation of Aun(SR)mclusters for better understanding the utility of each separation technique.
Water transport facilitated by carbon nanotubes enables a hygroresponsive actuator with negative hydrotaxis
Authors: Chen Hui , Ge Yuanhang , Ye Sunjie , Zhu Zhifeng , Tu Yingfeng , Ge Denteng , Xu Zhao , Chen Wei , Yang Xiaoming
Published: February 2020

In this work, we present a bidirectional hygroresponsive actuator with a negative hydrotaxis.
A Gd-doped HfO2 single film for a charge trapping memory device with a large memory window under a low voltage
Authors: Shen Yuxin , Zhang Zhaohao , Zhang Qingzhu , Wei Feng , Yin Huaxiang , Wei Qianhui , Men Kuo
Published: February 2020

In this study, a performance-enhanced charge trapping memory device with a Pt/Gd-doped HfO2/SiO2/Si structure has been investigated, where Gd-doped HfO2 acts as a charge trapping and blocking layer.
Polymeric nano-vesicles via intermolecular action to load and orally deliver insulin with enhanced hypoglycemic effect
Authors: Hu Yumiao , Wang Juan , Qiu Liyan
Published: February 2020

Insulin (INS) was loaded into PEOP nano-vesicles via intermolecular actions and delivered orally through lymphatic transport with promising hypoglycemic effect.
One-pot copper-catalyzed three-component reaction: a modular approach to functionalized 2-quinolones
Authors: Kim Ah Reum , Lim Hee Nam
Published: February 2020

A copper-catalyzed three-component annulation for the synthesis of functionalized 2-quinolones was developed.
Accurate chiral pattern recognition for amines from just a single chemosensor
Authors: Sasaki Yui , Kojima Soya , Hamedpour Vahid , Kubota Riku , Takizawa Shin-ya , Yoshikawa Isao , Houjou Hirohiko , Kubo Yuji , Minami Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2020

The current work proposes a novel method for accurate pattern recognition of (mono- and di-) amines and determination of enantiomeric excess (ee) using molecular self-assembly.
Electronic band contraction induced low temperature methane activation on metal alloys
Authors: Fung Victor , Hu Guoxiang , Sumpter Bobby
Published: February 2020

The catalytic conversion of methane under mild conditions is an appealing approach to selectively produce value-added products from natural gas.
A LOFAR observation of ionospheric scintillation from two simultaneous travelling ionospheric disturbances
Authors: Fallows Richard A. , Forte Biagio , Astin Ivan , Allbrook Tom , Arnold Alex , Wood Alan , Dorrian Gareth , Mevius Maaijke , Rothkaehl Hanna , Matyjasiak Barbara , Krankowski Andrzej , Anderson James M. , Asgekar Ashish , Avruch I. Max , Bentum Mark , Bisi Mario M. , Butcher Harvey R. , Ciardi Benedetta , Dabrowski Bartosz , Damstra Sieds , de Gasperin Francesco , Duscha Sven , Eislöffel Jochen , Franzen Thomas M.O. , Garrett Michael A. , Grießmeier Jean-Matthias , Gunst André W. , Hoeft Matthias , Hörandel Jörg R. , Iacobelli Marco , Intema Huib T. , Koopmans Leon V.E. , Maat Peter , Mann Gottfried , Nelles Anna , Paas Harm , Pandey Vishambhar N. , Reich Wolfgang , Rowlinson Antonia , Ruiter Mark , Schwarz Dominik J. , Serylak Maciej , Shulevski Aleksander , Smirnov Oleg M. , Soida Marian , Steinmetz Matthias , Thoudam Satyendra , Toribio M. Carmen , van Ardenne Arnold , van Bemmel Ilse M. , van der Wiel Matthijs H.D. , van Haarlem Michiel P. , Vermeulen René C. , Vocks Christian , Wijers Ralph A.M.J. , Wucknitz Olaf , Zarka Philippe , Zucca Pietro
Published: February 2020

This paper presents the results from one of the first observations of ionospheric scintillation taken using the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR). The observation was of the strong natural radio source Cassiopeia A, taken overnight on 18–19 August 2013, and exhibited moderately strong scattering effects in dynamic spectra of intensity received across an observing bandwidth of 10–80 MHz. Delay-Doppler spectra (the 2-D FFT of the dynamic spectrum) from the first hour of observation showed two discrete parabolic arcs, one with a steep curvature and the other shallow, which can be used to provide estimates of the distance to, and velocity of, the scattering plasma. A cross-correlation analysis of data received by the dense array of stations in the LOFAR “core” reveals two different velocities in the scintillation pattern: a primary velocity of ~20–40 ms−1 with a north-west to south-east direction, associated with the steep parabolic arc and a scattering altitude in the F-region or higher, and a secondary velocity of ~110 ms−1 with a north-east to south-west direction, associated with the shallow arc and a scattering altitude in the D-region. Geomagnetic activity was low in the mid-latitudes at the time, but a weak sub-storm at high latitudes reached its peak at the start of the observation. An analysis of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and ionosonde data from the time reveals a larger-scale travelling ionospheric disturbance (TID), possibly the result of the high-latitude activity, travelling in the north-west to south-east direction, and, simultaneously, a smaller-scale TID travelling in a north-east to south-west direction, which could be associated with atmospheric gravity wave activity. The LOFAR observation shows scattering from both TIDs, at different altitudes and propagating in different directions. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time that such a phenomenon has been reported.
Expertenkommentar – Zukunft der Revisionschirurgie bei Wirbelsäulenimplantaten: „Low-grade“-Infektion – Differentialdiagnose bei Implantatlockerung
Authors: Feihl Susanne
Published: February 2020

Die Implantatlockerung ist eine klinisch relevante Komplikation nach operativer Stabilisierung der Wirbelsäule. Neben biomechanischen Gründen wird die chronische Infektion als Ursache diskutiert. Eine differenzialdiagnostische Unterscheidung ist oft schwierig, da diese sog. „low-grade“-Infektionen durch niedrig virulente Mikroorganismen ausgelöst werden und sich häufig mit einer subtilen klinischen Symptomatik manifestieren. Der Erregernachweis mit konventionellen mikrobiologischen Verfahren ist durch die Ausbildung eines Biofilms auf der Implantatoberfläche erschwert. Die Diagnosestellung der „low-grade“-Infektionen ist daher eine besondere Herausforderung und erfordert den richtigen Einsatz und die adäquate Interpretation verschiedener diagnostischer Verfahren. Mit der Sonikation kann der Biofilm von Implantaten abgelöst und die Sensitivität der mikrobiologische Diagnostik verbessert werden. Für eine erfolgreiche Therapie Implantat-assoziierter Infektionen ist neben der diagnostischen Aufarbeitung ein abgestimmtes operatives und antibiotisches Vorgehen wichtig. Nach der Entlassung aus dem stationären Bereich sollte eine weitere Anbindung an das Zentrum und der Austausch mit den ambulant/weiterbetreuenden Kollegen gewährleistet sein.
Standards in der Unfallchirurgie
Authors: Wagenhäuser Kirsten
Published: February 2020

Wenn ein Patient nach einem Unfall in den OP kommt, muss das Team schnell reagieren. Dann ist es wichtig, dass gut verständliche Standards vorliegen, auf die schnell zugegriffen werden kann. Am Beispiel von einem Gamma-Nagel erläutern wir, welche Aspekte ein unfallchirurgischer OP-Standard beinhalten sollte.
A prospective study of fully covered metal stents for different types of refractory benign biliary strictures
Authors: Sato Tatsuya , Kogure Hirofumi , Nakai Yousuke , Ishigaki Kazunaga , Hakuta Ryunosuke , Saito Kei , Saito Tomotaka , Takahara Naminatsu , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Mizuno Suguru , Tada Minoru , Isayama Hiroyuki , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: February 2020

Background While endoscopic management of benign biliary strictures (BBSs) is the standard of care, long-term treatment remains the issue in refractory cases, especially for anastomotic strictures after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic strictures (HJAS). The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) for patients with refractory BBSs.

Methods Patients with BBSs that were unamenable to endoscopic plastic stent placement with a treatment period of more than 6 months were eligible. An FCSEMS was placed endoscopically and removed after 90 days. In patients with surgically altered anatomy, an FCSEMS was placed using a double-balloon endoscope. The primary outcome was stricture resolution at FCSEMS removal. The secondary outcomes included stricture recurrence and adverse events.

Results A total of 30 patients were enrolled: the causes of their BBSs were anastomotic stricture after LDLT in 13, HJAS in 12, post-cholecystectomy in two, chronic pancreatitis in two, and post-hepatectomy in one. The technical success rate of FCSEMS placement was 100 % and all FCSEMSs were successfully removed. The rate of stricture resolution at FCSEMS removal was 96.6 % (91.7 % in the post-LDLT group and 100 % in the HJAS group). Stricture recurrence occurred in three HJAS patients (10.7 %) during a median follow-up period of 15.6 months. Adverse events were observed in 12.1 %: five cholangitis, one pancreatitis, and one perforation.

Conclusion Temporary placement of an FCSEMS was a feasible and effective treatment option for refractory BBSs, especially for post-LDLT strictures and HJAS.
Metal- and Oxidant-Free Electrochemical Oxidative Desulfurization C–O Coupling of Thiourea-Type Compounds with Alcohols
Authors: Quan Zheng-Jun , Wang Xi-Cun , Zhu Zheng-He , Ren Ming-Zhe , Cao Bao-Qian
Published: February 2020

An efficient desulfurization C–O coupling reaction of 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-thiones (including thioureas) with alcohols was developed under electrochemical oxidation conditions. Herein, transition­-metal catalysts and additives are not required and the alcohol is both the solvent and the alkoxy donor.
Synthesis of 2,4-Diarylquinoline Derivatives via Chloranil-Promoted Oxidative Annulation and One-Pot Reaction
Authors: Cheng Dongping , Xu Xiaoliang , Yan Jizhong , Yan Xianhang , Shen Jing , Pu Yueqi
Published: February 2020

An oxidative annulation for the synthesis of 2,4-diarylquinolines from o-allylanilines is disclosed that uses recyclable reagent Chloranil­ as the oxidant. The corresponding products are obtained in moderate to excellent yields. Furthermore, a one-pot access to 2,4-di­aryl­quinolines from easily available anilines and 1,3-diarylpropenes is described as a highly atom-efficient protocol that involves oxidative coupling, rearrangement, and oxidative annulation.
Urban revitalisation with music and dance in the Port of Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Gutiérrez H. Fernando , Törmä Ilkka
Published: February 2020

The paper portrays thePlazuela de la Campana, a historical small square in the Port of Veracruz, Mexico that fell into ill-use and was revived with a strategy of music and dance events. The case demonstrates how music and dance became a new tradition that nurtures a collective attachment to the Plazuela and contributes to it being regarded as heritage. The privately initiated revitalisation borrows potency from prior nostalgic memories and traditions to overpower the past notoriety of the square. Dance and music, besides creating pleasant associations, effectively build a network of friendships that engages people in the square and through which the history of the place becomes remembered. All these effects deepen the meaningfulness of the Plazuela, which fosters personal affection towards the square and ultimately, it is proposed, translates into a general appreciation—a lesson to be learned for emerging urban planning practices.
Temporal versatility from intercalation-based neuromorphic devices exhibiting 150 mV non-volatile operation
Authors: Zivasatienraj Bill , Brooks Tellekamp M. , Weidenbach Alex S. , Ghosh Aheli , McCrone Timothy M. , Alan Doolittle W.
Published: February 2020

Memristors are a promising technology to surpass the limitations of the current silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor architecture via the realization of neuromorphic computing. Here, we demonstrate intercalation-based non-volatile lithium niobite (Li1 – xNbO2) memristors for highly scalable, efficient, and dense neuromorphic circuitry. Volatile, semi-volatile, and non-volatile operation is achieved using a single material, where each operational mode provides a timescale that enables short-term, medium-term, and long-term memory in conjunction with computation-in-memory. The two-terminal non-volatile devices exhibit conductance changes of up to ∼2000% and have inherent non-binary operations proportional to flux linkage, allowing for analog neuromorphic functions mimicking synaptic weight updates. It is shown that Li1 – xNbO2 devices are highly scalable due to the intercalation-based mechanism, with non-volatile operation requiring a mere 150 mV for a 4 μm2 device, the lowest reported operating voltage for an inorganic non-volatile memristor. The programming voltage scales linearly with device size, projecting millivolt operation and attojoule energy consumption for nanoscale devices.