bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation of emergent momentum–time skyrmions in parity–time-symmetric non-unitary quench dynamics
Authors: Wang Kunkun , Qiu Xingze , Xiao Lei , Zhan Xiang , Bian Zhihao , Sanders Barry C. , Yi Wei , Xue Peng
Published: May 2019

Topology in quench dynamics gives rise to intriguing dynamic topological phenomena, which are intimately connected to the topology of static Hamiltonians yet challenging to probe experimentally. Here we theoretically characterize and experimentally detect momentum-time skyrmions in parity-time $$({\cal{P}}{\cal{T}})$$

(

P
T

)

-symmetric non-unitary quench dynamics in single-photon discrete-time quantum walks. The emergent skyrmion structures are protected by dynamic Chern numbers defined for the emergent two-dimensional momentum-time submanifolds, and are revealed through our experimental scheme enabling the construction of time-dependent non-Hermitian density matrices via direct measurements in position space. Our work experimentally reveals the interplay of $${\cal{P}}{\cal{T}}$$
P
T
symmetry and quench dynamics in inducing emergent topological structures, and highlights the application of discrete-time quantum walks for the study of dynamic topological phenomena.
Projected losses of global mammal and bird ecological strategies
Authors: Cooke Robert S. C. , Eigenbrod Felix , Bates Amanda E.
Published: May 2019

Species, and their ecological strategies, are disappearing. Here we use species traits to quantify the current and projected future ecological strategy diversity for 15,484 land mammals and birds. We reveal an ecological strategy surface, structured by life-history (fast–slow) and body mass (small–large) as one major axis, and diet (invertivore–herbivore) and habitat breadth (generalist–specialist) as the other. We also find that of all possible trait combinations, only 9% are currently realized. Based on species’ extinction probabilities, we predict this limited set of viable strategies will shrink further over the next 100 years, shifting the mammal and bird species pool towards small, fast-lived, highly fecund, insect-eating, generalists. In fact, our results show that this projected decline in ecological strategy diversity is much greater than if species were simply lost at random. Thus, halting the disproportionate loss of ecological strategies associated with highly threatened animals represents a key challenge for conservation.
Altered respiratory virome and serum cytokine profile associated with recurrent respiratory tract infections in children
Authors: Li Yanpeng , Fu Xuemin , Ma Jinmin , Zhang Jianhui , Hu Yihong , Dong Wei , Wan Zhenzhou , Li Qiongfang , Kuang Yi-Qun , Lan Ke , Jin Xia , Wang Jian-Hua , Zhang Chiyu
Published: May 2019

Recurrent acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) affect a large population, yet the specific decisive factors are largely unknown. Here we study a population of 4407 children diagnosed with ARTI, comparing respiratory virome and serum cytokine profiles associated with multiple ARTIs and single ARTI during a six-year period. The relative abundance of Propionibacterium phages is significantly elevated in multiple ARTIs compared to single ARTI group. Serum levels of TIMP-1 and PDGF-BB are markedly increased in multiple ARTIs compared to single-ARTI and non-ARTI controls, making these two cytokines potential predictors for multiple ARTIs. The presence of Propionibacterium phages is associated with higher levels of TIMP-1 and PDGF-BB. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses show that the combination of TIMP-1, PDGF-BB and Propionibacterium phages could be a strong predictor for multiple ARTIs. These findings indicate that respiratory microbe homeostasis and specific cytokines are associated with the onset of multiple ARTIs over time.
Giant anisotropic magnetoresistance and nonvolatile memory in canted antiferromagnet Sr2IrO4
Authors: Wang Haowen , Lu Chengliang , Chen Jun , Liu Yong , Yuan S. L. , Cheong Sang-Wook , Dong Shuai , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: May 2019

Antiferromagnets have been generating intense interest in the spintronics community, owing to their intrinsic appealing properties like zero stray field and ultrafast spin dynamics. While the control of antiferromagnetic (AFM) orders has been realized by various means, applicably appreciated functionalities on the readout side of AFM-based devices are urgently desired. Here, we report the remarkably enhanced anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) as giant as ~160% in a simple resistor structure made of AFM Sr2IrO4 without auxiliary reference layer. The underlying mechanism for the giant AMR is an indispensable combination of atomic scale giant-MR-like effect and magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy, which was not accessed earlier. Furthermore, we demonstrate the bistable nonvolatile memory states that can be switched in-situ without the inconvenient heat-assisted procedure, and robustly preserved even at zero magnetic field, due to the modified interlayer coupling by 1% Ga-doping in Sr2IrO4. These findings represent a straightforward step toward the AFM spintronic devices.
A modulator-free quantum key distribution transmitter chip
Authors: Paraïso Taofiq K. , De Marco Innocenzo , Roger Thomas , Marangon Davide G. , Dynes James F. , Lucamarini Marco , Yuan Zhiliang , Shields Andrew J.
Published: May 2019

Quantum key distribution (QKD) has convincingly been proven compatible with real life applications. Its wide-scale deployment in optical networks will benefit from an optical platform that allows miniature devices capable of encoding the necessarily complex signals at high rates and with low power consumption. While photonic integration is the ideal route toward miniaturisation, an efficient route to high-speed encoding of the quantum phase states on chip is still missing. Consequently, current devices rely on bulky and high power demanding phase modulation elements which hinder the sought-after scalability and energy efficiency. Here we exploit a novel approach to high-speed phase encoding and demonstrate a compact, scalable and power efficient integrated quantum transmitter. We encode cryptographic keys on-demand in high repetition rate pulse streams using injection-locking with deterministic phase control at the seed laser. We demonstrate record secure-key-rates under multi-protocol operation. Our modulator-free transmitters enable the development of high-bit rate quantum communications devices, which will be essential for the practical integration of quantum key distribution in high connectivity networks.
Inter-urban mobility via cellular position tracking in the southeast Songliao Basin, Northeast China
Authors: Du Zhanwei , Yang Yongjian , Ertem Zeynep , Gao Chao , Huang Liping , Huang Qiuyang , Bai Yuan
Published: May 2019

Position tracking using cellular phones can provide fine-grained traveling data between and within cities on hourly and daily scales, giving us a feasible way to explore human mobility. However, such fine-grained data are traditionally owned by private companies and is extremely rare to be publicly available even for one city. Here, we present, to the best of our knowledge, the largest inter-city movement dataset using cellular phone logs. Specifically, our data set captures 3-million cellular devices and includes 70 million movements. These movements are measured at hourly intervals and span a week-long duration. Our measurements are from the southeast Sangliao Basin, Northeast China, which span three cities and one country with a collective population of 8 million people. The dynamic, weighted and directed mobility network of inter-urban divisions is released in simple formats, as well as divisions’ GPS coordinates to motivate studies of human interactions within and between cities.
The open diffusion data derivatives, brain data upcycling via integrated publishing of derivatives and reproducible open cloud services
Authors: Avesani Paolo , McPherson Brent , Hayashi Soichi , Caiafa Cesar F. , Henschel Robert , Garyfallidis Eleftherios , Kitchell Lindsey , Bullock Daniel , Patterson Andrew , Olivetti Emanuele , Sporns Olaf , Saykin Andrew J. , Wang Lei , Dinov Ivo , Hancock David , Caron Bradley , Qian Yiming , Pestilli Franco
Published: May 2019

We describe the Open Diffusion Data Derivatives (O3D) repository: an integrated collection of preserved brain data derivatives and processing pipelines, published together using a single digital-object-identifier. The data derivatives were generated using modern diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data (dMRI) with diverse properties of resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. In addition to the data, we publish all processing pipelines (also referred to as open cloud services). The pipelines utilize modern methods for neuroimaging data processing (diffusion-signal modelling, fiber tracking, tractography evaluation, white matter segmentation, and structural connectome construction). The O3D open services can allow cognitive and clinical neuroscientists to run the connectome mapping algorithms on new, user-uploaded, data. Open source code implementing all O3D services is also provided to allow computational and computer scientists to reuse and extend the processing methods. Publishing both data-derivatives and integrated processing pipeline promotes practices for scientific reproducibility and data upcycling by providing open access to the research assets for utilization by multiple scientific communities.
Identification of 13 Spirogyra species (Zygnemataceae) by traits of sexual reproduction induced under laboratory culture conditions
Authors: Takano Tomoyuki , Higuchi Sumio , Ikegaya Hisato , Matsuzaki Ryo , Kawachi Masanobu , Takahashi Fumio , Nozaki Hisayoshi
Published: May 2019

The genus Spirogyra is abundant in freshwater habitats worldwide, and comprises approximately 380 species. Species assignment is often difficult because identification is based on the characteristics of sexual reproduction in wild-collected samples and spores produced in the field or laboratory culture. We developed an identification procedure based on an improved methodology for inducing sexual conjugation in laboratory-cultivated filaments. We tested the modified procedure on 52 newly established and genetically different strains collected from diverse localities in Japan. We induced conjugation or aplanospore formation under controlled laboratory conditions in 15 of the 52 strains, which allowed us to identify 13 species. Two of the thirteen species were assignable to a related but taxonomically uncertain genus, Temnogyra, based on the unique characteristics of sexual reproduction. Our phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the two Temnogyra species are included in a large clade comprising many species of Spirogyra. Thus, separation of Temnogyra from Spirogyra may be untenable, much as the separation of Sirogonium from Spirogyra is not supported by molecular analyses.
Performance of urban storm drainage network under changing climate scenarios: Flood mitigation in Indian coastal city
Authors: Andimuthu Ramachandran , Kandasamy Palanivelu , Mudgal B V , Jeganathan Anushiya , Balu Abinaya , Sankar Guganesh
Published: May 2019

Managing storm water under climate uncertainty is a major concern in urban areas throughout the world. There were several floods events recorded in Chennai, a one of the major metropolitan coastal city in India. The flood incidences were repeatedly reported in recent decades. In this study, the existing state of storm water drains are evaluated under current and future climate scenarios in one of the most flood-prone areas of Chennai viz. Velachery zone. The mitigation measures are recommended to increase its resilience against floods. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) CMIP5 models of Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 are used to develop possible future climate change scenarios of the city. The daily rainfall data for the period 1975–2015 obtained from India Meteorological Department are used to find the extremities and to generate Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves. The IDF curves are generated for 2, 5, 10, 50, 100 year return period under current and future climate scenarios. The storm drainage network are delineated with Differential Geographic Positioning System (DGPS) survey. The integrated hydraulic and hydrological modelling is carried out to assess the flood carrying capacity of storm drainage under present and future climate scenarios. The vulnerable hotspots are identified and flood mitigation measures are suggested to reduce the flood risk at Velachery.
Multimodal evidence for delayed threat extinction learning in adolescence and young adulthood
Authors: Morriss Jayne , Christakou Anastasia , van Reekum Carien M.
Published: May 2019

Previous research in rodents and humans points to an evolutionarily conserved profile of blunted threat extinction learning during adolescence, underpinned by brain structures such as the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). In this study, we examine age-related effects on the function and structural connectivity of this system in threat extinction learning in adolescence and young adulthood. Younger age was associated with greater amygdala activity and later engagement of the mPFC to learned threat cues as compared to safety cues. Furthermore, greater structural integrity of the uncinate fasciculus, a white matter tract that connects the amygdala and mPFC, mediated the relationship between age and mPFC engagement during extinction learning. These findings suggest that age-related changes in the structure and function of amygdala-mPFC circuitry may underlie the protracted maturation of threat regulatory processes.
The origin and population genetic structure of the ‘golden tide’ seaweeds, Sargassum horneri, in Korean waters
Authors: Byeon Seo Yeon , Oh Hyun-Ju , Kim Sangil , Yun Suk Hyun , Kang Ji Hyoun , Park Sang Rul , Lee Hyuk Je
Published: May 2019

In recent years, drifting and inundating brown seaweed (Sargassum horneri) biomass, called ‘golden tides’, has frequently drifted and accumulated along the southern coastlines of Korea, causing devastating impacts on the local economy and coastal ecosystems. In this study, based on combined analyses of mitochondrial DNA cox3 gene and seven microsatellites, we investigated the genetic makeup of the floating S. horneri populations (N = 14) in comparison to Korean benthic populations (N = 5), and tracked their genetic sources. Given a shared mtDNA haplotype and oceanic circulation systems, the floating populations may have been originated from the southeastern coast of China (e.g. Zhoushan, Zhejiang province). Population structure analyses with microsatellites revealed two distinct genetic clusters, each comprising floating and benthic populations. High levels of inter-population differentiation were detected within Korean benthic samples. The floating populations from the same periods during a 2015–2018 year were genetically more different from one another than those from different periods. These results suggest that the floating populations might be of multiple genetic sources within geographic origin(s). This study will inform management efforts including the development of “S. horneri blooming forecasting system”, which will assist in mitigating ecological and economic damages on the Korean coastal ecosystems in the future.
Phenotypic and genetic characterisation of an emerging reovirus from Pekin ducks in China
Authors: Cao Yanxin , Sun Mengxu , Wang Jun , Hu Xueying , He Weiyong , Su Jingliang
Published: May 2019

In June 2016, a disease characterised by intestinal haemorrhage with a mortality rate of approximately 5% was observed in a duck farm in Shandong province, China. Here, we report the isolation and characterisation of a reovirus from duck tissue samples by inoculating duck embryos and duck embryo fibroblasts (DEF). The isolate replicated in DEF and Vero cells and formed syncytia. Sequence analysis revealed that the viral genome was 23,434 nt in length with typical structure organization, consisting of 10 dsRNA segments ranging from 3998 nt (L1) to 1190 nt (S4) in size, and was genetically distinct from previous Chinese duck-origin reoviruses. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the isolate was most closely related to the recently reported duck reovirus D2533/6/1-10 isolated in Germany, forming a monophyletic branch different from known reference avian reoviruses. Experimental infection results indicated that the isolate replicated transiently in ducklings and was shed via faeces. Infection with the isolate caused epithelial cell damage and lymphocyte apoptotic death in the bursa of Fabricius, which may result in immunosuppression in infected ducklings. The role of the isolate in current duck haemorrhage enteritis remains to be determined, but its damage to the bursa warrants further investigation of the duck immune response.
A Joint Modeling Approach for Childhood Meat, Fish and Egg Consumption and the Risk of Advanced Islet Autoimmunity
Authors: Syrjälä Essi , Nevalainen Jaakko , Peltonen Jaakko , Takkinen Hanna-Mari , Hakola Leena , Åkerlund Mari , Veijola Riitta , Ilonen Jorma , Toppari Jorma , Knip Mikael , Virtanen Suvi M.
Published: May 2019

Several dietary factors have been suspected to play a role in the development of advanced islet autoimmunity (IA) and/or type 1 diabetes (T1D), but the evidence is fragmentary. A prospective population-based cohort of 6081 Finnish newborn infants with HLA-DQB1-conferred susceptibility to T1D was followed up to 15 years of age. Diabetes-associated autoantibodies and diet were assessed at 3- to 12-month intervals. We aimed to study the association between consumption of selected foods and the development of advanced IA longitudinally with Cox regression models (CRM), basic joint models (JM) and joint latent class mixed models (JLCMM). The associations of these foods to T1D risk were also studied to investigate consistency between alternative endpoints. The JM showed a marginal association between meat consumption and advanced IA: the hazard ratio adjusted for selected confounding factors was 1.06 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.12). The JLCMM identified two classes in the consumption trajectories of fish and a marginal protective association for high consumers compared to low consumers: the adjusted hazard ratio was 0.68 (0.44, 1.05). Similar findings were obtained for T1D risk with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.13 (1.02, 1.24) for meat and 0.45 (0.23, 0.86) for fish consumption. Estimates from the CRMs were closer to unity and CIs were narrower compared to the JMs. Findings indicate that intake of meat might be directly and fish inversely associated with the development of advanced IA and T1D, and that disease hazards in longitudinal nutritional epidemiology are more appropriately modeled by joint models than with naive approaches.
GFP nanobodies reveal recently-exocytosed pHluorin molecules
Authors: Seitz Katharina J. , Rizzoli Silvio O.
Published: May 2019

Neurotransmitter release requires vesicle recycling, which consists of exocytosis, endocytosis and the reformation of new fusion-competent vesicles. One poorly understood aspect in this cycle is the fate of the vesicle proteins after exocytosis, when they are left on the plasma membrane. Such proteins are often visualized by coupling to pH-sensitive GFP moieties (pHluorins). However, pHluorin imaging is typically limited by diffraction to spots several-fold larger than the vesicles. Here we show that pHuorin-tagged vesicle proteins can be easily detected using single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) raised against GFP. By coupling the nanobodies to chemical fluorophores that were optimal for super-resolution imaging, we could analyze the size and intensity of the groups of pHluorin-tagged proteins under a variety of conditions, in a fashion that would have been impossible based solely on the pHluorin fluorescence. We conclude that nanobody-based pHluorin detection is a promising tool for investigating post-exocytosis events in neurons.
Author Correction: The discovery of Lake Hephaestus, the youngest athalassohaline deep-sea formation on Earth
Authors: La Cono Violetta , Bortoluzzi Giovanni , Messina Enzo , La Spada Gina , Smedile Francesco , Giuliano Laura , Borghini Mireno , Stumpp Christine , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Harir Mourad , O’Neill William K. , Hallsworth John E. , Yakimov Michail
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Chemical reprogramming enhances homology-directed genome editing in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Aksoy Yagiz A. , Nguyen David T. , Chow Sharron , Chung Roger S. , Guillemin Gilles J. , Cole Nicholas J. , Hesselson Daniel
Published: May 2019

Precise genome editing is limited by the inefficiency of homology-directed repair (HDR) compared to the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) of double strand breaks (DSBs). The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)/Cas9 system generates precise, locus-specific DSBs that can serve as substrates for HDR. We developed an in vivo visual reporter assay to quantify HDR-mediated events at single-cell resolution in zebrafish and used this system to identify small-molecule modulators that shift the DNA repair equilibrium in favor of HDR. By further optimizing the reaction environment and repair template, we achieved dramatic enhancement of HDR-mediated repair efficiency in zebrafish. Accordingly, under optimized conditions, inhibition of NHEJ with NU7441 enhanced HDR-mediated repair up to 13.4-fold. Importantly, we demonstrate that the increase in somatic HDR events correlates directly with germline transmission, permitting the efficient recovery of large seamlessly integrated DNA fragments in zebrafish.
Solid-state emissive O-BODIPY dyes with bimodal emissions across red and near infrared region
Authors: El-Ali H. A. Abdulhadi , Jing Jing , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: May 2019

We develop O-BODIPY based fluorescent probes which exhibit strong bimodal solid-state emissions across red and NIR regions, tracking lysosomes in HeLa cells with low cytotoxicity.
A fluorescent probe for the specific detection of cysteine in human serum samples
Authors: Huang Zhen , Wu Cuiyan , Li Yaqian , Zhou Zile , Xie Ruihua , Pang Xiao , Xu Hai , Li Haitao , Zhang Youyu
Published: May 2019

A turn-on fluorescent probe for cysteine with high selectivity was designed and synthetized. The probe can be used for “naked-eye” detection of Cys with an obvious color change from yellow to colorless. The probe could be applied for Cys detection in real human serum.
Monitoring matrix metalloproteases based on the selective interaction between an Ir(iii) solvent complex and a histidine-rich polypeptide
Authors: Su Huijuan , Zang Menghan , Lu Lihua , Li Feng
Published: May 2019

A luminescent biosensor was developed for MMP-9 assays based on the selective interaction between an Ir(iii) solvent complex and a histidine-rich peptide.
Mechanochromic dendrimers: the relationship between primary structure and mechanochromic properties in the bulk
Authors: Watabe Takuma , Ishizuki Kuniaki , Aoki Daisuke , Otsuka Hideyuki
Published: May 2019

Radical-type mechanochromic dendrimers were developed and their mechano-responsivity drastically increased in higher-generation dendrimers.
Controlled crystallization of anhydrous guanine β nano-platelets via an amorphous precursor
Authors: Chen Fenghua , Wu Bianbian , Elad Nadav , Gal Assaf , Liu Yanan , Ma Yurong , Qi Limin
Published: May 2019

We realized a pure phase of anhydrous guanine (AG) β form for the first time via a transformation from hydrated amorphous guanine phase (HAmG). The specified transformation was probably due to the similar short-range order between AG β and HAmG.
Structures and dynamic properties of the LiPF6 electrolytic solution under electric fields – a theoretical study
Authors: Liu Man , Chimtali Peter J. , Huang Xue-bin , Zhang Ru-bo
Published: May 2019

Fluorinated carbonates have attracted increasing attention in high-voltage lithium ion battery applications.
New equations of state for the hard polyhedron fluids
Authors: Tian Jianxiang , Jiang Hua , Mulero A.
Published: May 2019

A new equation of state for 14 hard polyhedron fluids is proposed.
Molecular dynamics study of nanoconfined TIP4P/2005 water: how confinement and temperature affect diffusion and viscosity
Authors: Zaragoza A. , Gonzalez M. A. , Joly L. , López-Montero I. , Canales M. A. , Benavides A. L. , Valeriani C.
Published: May 2019

The structure and dynamics of TIP4P/2005 water under different nanoconfinements and within a wide temperature range is studied using molecular dynamics. In particular, two different estimates of the viscosity (Green–Kubo formula and confined Stokes–Einstein relation) differ dramatically.
One-step green conversion of benzyl bromide to aldehydes on NaOH-modified g-C3N4 with dioxygen under LED visible light
Authors: Liu Dan , Qiu Chengwei , Li Minbo , Xie Yanyu , Chen Lu , Lin Huaxiang , Long Jinlin , Zhang Zizhong , Wang Xuxu
Published: May 2019

NaOH-modified g-C3N4 facilitates a green and sustainable route for the oxidation of benzyl bromide to benzaldehyde with 99% conversion.
Analyzing a broader spectrum of endocrine active organic contaminants in sewage sludge with high resolution LC-QTOF-MS suspect screening and QSAR toxicity prediction
Authors: Black Gabrielle P. , Anumol Tarun , Young Thomas M.
Published: May 2019

118 endocrine active compounds were identified in 14 sewage sludge samples using a new sample preparation method that extracts a broad range of compounds analyzed by high-resolution LC-QTOF-MS. Library screening matches were run in a predictive model to identify compounds likely to interfere with estrogen or other reproductive signaling.
Correction: Replacing bisphenol-A with bisguaiacol-F to synthesize polybenzoxazines for a pollution-free environment
Authors: Periyasamy Thirukumaran , Asrafali Shakila Parveen , Muthusamy Sarojadevi , Kim Seong-Cheol
Published: May 2019

Correction for ‘Replacing bisphenol-A with bisguaiacol-F to synthesize polybenzoxazines for a pollution-free environment’ by Thirukumaran Periyasamy et al., New J. Chem., 2016, 40, 9313–9319.
Computational screening of M/Cu core/shell nanoparticles and their applications for the electro-chemical reduction of CO2 and CO
Authors: Dong Huilong , Liu Cheng , Li Youyong , Jiang De-en
Published: May 2019

The computationally screened Fe19@Cu60 CSNP shows superior electro-catalytic performance for CO2 reduction.
UV-SWIR broad range photodetectors made from few-layer α-In2Se3 nanosheets
Authors: Tang Bin , Hou Linfang , Sun Mei , Lv Fengjiao , Liao Jianhui , Ji Wei , Chen Qing
Published: May 2019

We report room temperature broad range (ultraviolet to short-wavelength infrared) photodetectors made from few-layer α-In2Se3 nanosheets.
Electrochemical supermolecular templating of mesoporous Rh films
Authors: Kani Kenya , Kim Jeonghun , Jiang Bo , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Bando Yoshio , Henzie Joel , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: May 2019

Making mesoporous rhodium (Rh) with traditional soft-templating methods is challenging because Rh has a high surface energy compared to other metals.
An efficient and mild route to highly fluorinated polyolefinsviacopolymerization of ethylene and 5-perfluoroalkylnorbornenes
Authors: Ji Li , Liu Jia-Shuai , Wang Xiao-Yan , Li Jun-Fang , Chen Zhou , Liao Saihu , Sun Xiu-Li , Tang Yong
Published: May 2019

Highly efficient copolymerization of ethylene/5-(perfluoro-n-alkyl)norbornenes has been realized for the synthesis of fluorinated COC for the first time.
Catalytic effect of (H2O)n (n = 1–3) clusters on the HO2 + SO2 → HOSO + 3O2 reaction under tropospheric conditions
Authors: Wang Rui , Yao Qiuyue , Wen Mingjie , Tian Shaobo , Wang Yan , Wang Zhiyin , Yu Xiaohu , Shao Xianzhao , Chen Long
Published: May 2019

The HO2 + SO2 → HOSO + 3O2 reaction without and with (H2O)n (n = 1–3) have been investigated using CCSD(T)/CBS//M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ methods, and canonical variational transition state theory with small curvature tunneling.
Identification of key transporters mediating uptake of aconitum alkaloids into the liver and kidneys and the potential mechanism of detoxification by active ingredients of liquorice
Authors: He Yufei , Wang Ze , Wu Weidang , Xie Ying , Wei Zihong , Yi Xiulin , Zeng Yong , Li Yazhuo , Liu Changxiao
Published: May 2019

Liquorice may alleviate the toxicity of bioactive ingredients of aconite by inhibiting transporters mediating uptake in the liver/kidneys.
Interfacial tension measurements using a new axisymmetric drop/bubble shape technique
Authors: Cabrerizo-Vilchez M. A. , Fernández J. R. , Fernández-Rodríguez M. A. , García-Río L. , Muñiz M. C. , Núñez Cristina
Published: May 2019

This paper introduces a new mathematical model that is used to compute either the interfacial tension of quiescent axisymmetric pendant/sessile drops and pendant/captive bubbles.
Use of sodium alginate in the preparation of gelatin-based hard capsule shells and their evaluation in vitro
Authors: Abbasiliasi Sahar , Shun Tan Joo , Tengku Ibrahim Tengku Azmi , Ismail Nurdiana , Ariff Arbakariya B. , Mokhtar Nurfadhilah Khairil , Mustafa Shuhaimi
Published: May 2019

Using only type B gelatin produces hard capsule shells which are too brittle.
High-performance spinel LiMn2O4@carbon core–shell cathode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Selvamani Vadivel , Phattharasupakun Nutthaphon , Wutthiprom Juthaporn , Sawangphruk Montree
Published: May 2019

A core–shell-type spinel LiMn2O4/carbon composite was synthesized by a simple and cost-effective mechanofusion method (dry particle coating) with a highly uniform coating.
Rutile TiO2 nanowire arrays interconnected with ZnO nanosheets for high performance electrochemical UV sensors
Authors: Wang Youqing , Chen Lulu , Zhou Hui , Wei Kun , Zhu Ziran , Xie Erqing , Cao Wenbin , Han Weihua
Published: May 2019

Hierarchical nanostructures consisting of TiO2 nanowire arrays and ZnO nanosheets were prepared and investigated as active materials in photoelectrochemical UV sensors.
Association of miR-146a, miR-149 and miR-196a2 polymorphisms with neuroblastoma risk in Eastern Chinese population: a three-center case–control study
Authors: Zhou Chunlei , Tang Yingzi , Zhu Jinhong , He Lili , Li Jinghang , Wang Yizhen , Zhou Haixia , He Jing , Wu Haiyan
Published: May 2019

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common malignancy in childhood, which originates from the developing sympathetic nervous system. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) have shown to associate with cancer susceptibility, including neuroblastoma. Three precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) SNPs (pre-miR-146a rs2910164, pre-miR-149 rs2292832 and pre-miR-196a2 rs11614913) were found to contribute to pathogenesis of various diseases. Here, to evaluate the association among these three pre-miRNA SNPs and neuroblastoma susceptibility in Eastern Chinese children, we carried out a three-center case–control study involving 312 neuroblastoma cases and 762 healthy controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association of these three polymorphisms with neuroblastoma risk. However, no significant association was observed among these three SNPs and neuroblastoma susceptibility, in either overall or subgroups analysis by tumor sites, gender and age. Further larger studies consisting of diverse ethnic populations are required to clarify the associations among these three pre-miRNAs polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk.
Nicotine promotes the development of non-small cell lung cancer through activating LINC00460 and PI3K/Akt signaling
Authors: Zhao Hongying , Wang Yu , Ren Xiubao
Published: May 2019

Objective: Nicotine, the main ingredient in tobacco, is identified to facilitate tumorigenesis and accelerate metastasis in tumor. Studies in recent years have reported that long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 460 (LINC00460) is strongly associated with lung cancer poor prognosis and nicotine dependence. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether nicotine promotes the development of lung cancer through activation of LINC00460. Methods: We determined that LINC00460 expression in lung cancer tissues and the prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) website and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Through in vitro experiments, we studied the effects of nicotine on LINC00460 in NSCLC cells lines using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell test, flow cytometry, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot assays. Results: We identified the significant up-regulated expression level of LINC00460 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines, especially, the negative correlation of LINC00460 expression level with overall survival (OS). In in vitro experiments, LINC00460 was overexpressed in NSCLC cell lines under nicotine stimulation. Nicotine could relieve the effect of LINC00460 knockdown on NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. The same influence was observed on PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Conclusions: In summary, this is the first time to examine the potential roles of LINC00460 in lung cancer cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis induced by nicotine. This may help to develop novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of metastatic tumors from cigarette smoke-caused lung cancer by blocking the nicotine-activated LINC00460 pathway.
Trusted FPGA‐based transport traffic inject, impersonate (I2) attacks beaconing in the Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Appathurai Ahilan , Manogaran Gunasekaran , Chilamkurti Naveen
Published: May 2019

Internet of Things assisted vehicular ad‐hoc network VANET (I‐VANET) is one of the preferred technologies to provide fast and reliable communication in smart transportation systems. With the goal of preserving security, I‐VANET is characterised by field‐programmable gate array‐based remote dynamic partial reconfiguration (RDPR) and security providing entity as a washable physical unclonable function (WPUF). In this specific work, an efficient WPUF‐based unknown authentication scheme is proposed to identify and avoid malicious vehicles entering into the I‐VANET. In addition to that, the proposed work provides a conditional tracing mechanism to hint the vehicles or roadside units that misuse the I‐VANET. This system reveals the malicious vehicles to efficiently provide conditional privacy through I‐VANET, by enabling a situation where the entities are unknown to each other until they depart from the network. Finally, I2 attacks were analysed from possible attacks that can emanate from the availability of RDPR at I‐VANET nodes, and WPUF circuit was used to prevent such attacks. The proposed WPUF‐based authentication scheme takes only around 120 ms for verifying 100 tokens but other conventional techniques take >900 ms for verifying 100 tokens.
Verification and validation techniques for streaming big data analytics in internet of things environment
Authors: Kumari Aparna , Tanwar Sudeep , Tyagi Sudhanshu , Kumar Neeraj
Published: May 2019

With an exponential growth of raw data generated from different sensors, actuators, and mobile devices, data analytics is becoming a challenging issue keeping in view of the heterogeneity of the data generated. The traditional database systems are not able to handle this huge amount of data. Current research and development are mainly focused on the analytics of this big data generated from different devices and overlook the difficulty of its secure streaming. In this study, the authors analyse and provide an overview on how to handle secure streaming data generated from different devices. It includes the major threats and risks, introduced during big data processing in Internet of things environment. Moreover, they analyse the existing security approaches and highlight emerging challenges required to process the heterogeneous big data in a secure manner for IoT applications, such as denial of service, malware, and phishing. The architectural details and security approaches required in each phase of big data processing life‐cycle are explored in detail. Finally, various research challenges along with a case study are discussed and analysed.
Intelligent approach‐based hybrid control algorithm for integration of solar photovoltaic system in smart grid environment
Authors: Chaudhary Priyanka , Rizwan Mohammad
Published: May 2019

Integration of solar PV as a distributed generator (DG) require efficient and coordinated control measures for the proper synchronization. In this paper, a hybrid control algorithm for single stage solar photovoltaic (PV) system integrated with low voltage (LV)/medium voltage (MV) grid is proposed. The hybrid algorithm utilizes I cos ϕ technique and quasi‐Newton back‐propagation (QNBP) neural network (NN). The main contributions of the present work are: i) support the utility grid by feeding power and connected loads, ii) provide harmonics elimination, reactive power compensation, load balancing, iii) also works in power factor correction (PFC) and zero voltage regulation modes, iv) provides power quality improvement. The proposed control of grid tied PV system provides very fast response during static and dynamic conditions. The obtained results are compared with other well‐established algorithms available in the literature. The comparison of the proposed algorithm is done on the basis of various parameters such as DC voltage undershoot and overshoot, settling time and THD in grid currents. The developed system is demonstrated in MATLAB/SIMULINK platform. Using the proposed algorithms there is significant improvement of 1.1% in total harmonic distortion (THD) of source current. The results of proposed controllers are experimentally validated on a developed laboratory protype.
Rollenkonflikte im Maßregelvollzug
Authors: Weißkerber Maria
Published: May 2019

Pflegende in der Forensik nehmen unterschiedliche Rollen im Behandlungsprozess des Patienten ein: Sie sind Ansprechpartner und Berater, aber zugleich auch Wärter und Aufpasser. Damit verbunden sind unterschiedliche Erwartungen, die nicht selten zu Rollenkonflikten führen. Wie sich diese vermeiden lassen, schildert unsere Autorin.
Untersuchung der Akzeptanz und der Ablehnungsgründe indirekter Vergleiche in IQWiG-Nutzenbewertungen
Authors: Werner Sebastian , Lechterbeck Lisa , Rasch Andrej , Merkesdal Sonja , Ruof Jörg
Published: May 2019

Hintergrund/Fragestellung Seit dem Inkrafttreten des „Arzneimittelmarktneuordnungsgesetzes“ (AMNOG) 2011 bewertet der „Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss“ (GBA) unter regelhafter Einbindung des Instituts für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen (IQWiG) den Zusatznutzen von Arzneimitteln mit neuen Wirkstoffen gegenüber einer zweckmäßigen Vergleichstherapie. Dieser bildet die Basis für Verhandlungen über den Erstattungsbetrag. Bei dieser Bewertung ist die Möglichkeit vorgesehen, Nachweise zum Zusatznutzen durch indirekte Vergleiche erbringen zu können, falls keine direkten Vergleichsstudien verfügbar sind. In IQWiG-Nutzenbewertungen, die für den GBA wichtige Entscheidungshilfen darstellen, werden diese jedoch häufig abgelehnt. Ziel dieser Untersuchung ist die systematische Überprüfung der Akzeptanz von vorgelegten indirekten Vergleichen in IQWiG-Nutzenbewertungen sowie der entsprechenden Ablehnungsgründe.

Methoden In Nutzendossiers vorgelegte indirekte Vergleiche sowie deren Akzeptanz bzw. Ablehnungsgründe in IQWiG-Nutzenbewertungen wurden im Zeitraum 01.2011 bis 10.2017 untersucht. Dabei wurden 6 Ablehnungskriterien systematisch geprüft, die sich an IQWiG-Anforderungen orientieren: (1) zweckmäßige Vergleichstherapie (ZVT), (2) Vollständigkeit der Studiendaten, (3) Studieneignung, (4) Studienähnlichkeit, (5) statistische Verfahren, (6) Homogenität/Konsistenz.

Ergebnisse In 62 AMNOG-Verfahren mit 52 Wirkstoffen bzw. Wirkstoffkombinationen wurden insgesamt 111 indirekte Vergleiche identifiziert. 94 % der indirekten Vergleiche wurden vom IQWiG nicht akzeptiert. Häufigster Ablehnungsgrund war die Studieneignung (47,7 %) gefolgt von Studienähnlichkeit (39,6 %) und Vollständigkeit der Studiendaten (38,7 %). Auch statistische Verfahren waren ein bedeutsamer Ablehnungsgrund (25,2 %), wobei es dabei fast ausschließlich zu einer Ablehnung von sog. „nicht-adjustierten“ indirekten Vergleich kam. Die ZVT (8,1 %) wie auch Homogenität/Konsistenz (2,7 %) waren seltene Ablehnungsgründe.

Schlussfolgerung Indirekte Vergleiche werden vom IQWiG in der Regel aufgrund eines ungeeigneten Studienpools (Studieneignung, -ähnlichkeit, -vollständigkeit) oder hoher Anforderungen an nicht-adjustierte indirekte Vergleiche abgelehnt. In Anlehnung an die Vorgehensweise der Cochrane Collaboration sollten realistische und pragmatische methodische Standards für die Durchführung von indirekten Vergleichen im Rahmen von AMNOG-Verfahren entwickelt werden. Leitfäden des IQWIG sowie methodisch tiefergehende Beratungsmöglichkeiten beim GBA sind erforderlich, um die entsprechenden Einreichungen der pU im Vorhinein zu optimieren.
Three-dimensional Cat Virtual Anatomy: Development of an Interactive Virtual Anatomical Software
Authors: Osorio-Echeverri Juan Sebastián , Orrego-Metaute Diana Alexandra , Murillo-Escobar Juan Pablo , Tamayo-Arango Lynda
Published: May 2019

Background Three-dimensional (3D) virtual models are novel tools to teach veterinary anatomy.

Objective The aim of the present study was to create a 3D cat image software and a library of cross-sectional images.

Methods Modeling of the 3D cat organs and structures was done with Autodesk Maya, version 2017 (Autodesk Inc., San Rafael, California, USA) and ZBrush, version 4R7 (Pixologic, Los Angeles, CA, USA) software. In order to obtain the images for the library, three cadavers of adult cats were used, with the following techniques: 1) scanning by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3-mm intervals, 2) scanning by computed tomography (CT) at 2-mm intervals, and 3) photographing of 178 transverse cuts at 2.5-mm intervals from the frozen cadavers. Out of all the images, thirty images of each technique were selected. An interactive software was developed with the modeled 3D cat and the selected images using Unity, version 5.4 (Unity Technologies, San Francisco, CA, USA).

Results A virtual 3D cat model was obtained with 418 labeled structures of the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and integumentary systems. The virtual interface enables the manipulation of the 3D cat in all views and the visualization of the selected images in a chosen localization along the body of the cat. The library of images allows comparison among CT, MRI and photographs of transverse cuts.

Conclusions The software interface facilitates the access to the content for the user. Sectional images of the cat and of its body structures can be easily understood. This new 3D software of cat anatomy is another tool that can be used in teaching veterinary anatomy.
Gangliones volares de muñeca – señal externa de patología intraarticular
Authors: Cruz-Sánchez Marcos , Martínez-Andrade Cristóbal , Escudero-González Oscar , Castro-Alvarez María Concepción , Morell-Luque Juan Manuel , Castillo-García Félix
Published: May 2019

Introducción La etiología y el manejo de los gangliones sigue en controversia pese a su elevada frecuencia. Concretamente el tratamiento del ganglión volar de muñeca se ha asociado a un mayor índice de recidiva y complicaciones comparado con el ganglión dorsal. En los últimos años, se ha desarrollado el tratamiento artroscópico con el fin de realizar un tratamiento menos invasivo y poder identificar una relación causal. El objetivo del estudio es determinar la presencia de lesiones intraarticulares asociadas al ganglión volar y si el tratamiento de ambas patologías puede ser una opción válida.

Material y Método Estudio longitudinal en el que se intervinieron de forma consecutiva 21 pacientes de ganglión volar de muñeca por vía artroscópica. Se recogieron los datos sociodemográficos, exploración física, pruebas complementarias, región predominante de dolor (EVA) y cuestionario DASH pre y postoperatorio. Se asoció el tratamiento de las lesiones intraarticulares en el mismo acto quirúrgico si existía correlación clínica con la exploración física inicial.

Resultados Todos los casos fueron intervenidos por vía artroscópica sin complicaciones intraoperatorias. Se observaron hallazgos artroscópicos en todos los casos siendo la mayoría lesiones del Fibrocartilago Triangular del Carpo (57,12%). Se obtuvo una mejoría en los parámetros de dolor y DASH postoperatorios siendo este último significativo en los casos de dolor cubital y dorsal asociado al ganglión (p < 0.02). Hubo 2 casos de recidiva 9,52% que requirieron reintervención.

Conclusiones Existe un gran número y variabilidad de lesiones intraarticulares asociadas al ganglión volar de muñeca. El tratamiento artroscópico es una herramienta versátil y útil ya que permite un tratamiento combinado. Se ha observado una mejora en los resultados postoperatorios con un escaso índice de complicaciones.
Los parámetros espermáticos funcionales como factor pronóstico en ICSI: Experiencia de la ciudad de Medellín
Authors: Calderón-Mendoza Luisa F. , López Lucero Castrillón , Vélez Giraldo Carlos Felipe , Isaza Álvarez Verónica , Cardona-Maya Walter D.
Published: May 2019

Introducción La infertilidad por factor masculino afecta al 30% de las parejas infértiles y la evaluación seminal es crítica en las determinaciones que conllevan a un posible tratamiento con el fin de tener un resultado exitoso.

Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la relación que existe entre los parámetros seminales convencionales y funcionales, con las tasas de fecundación, desarrollo embrionario y embarazo obtenidas después de inyección intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides (ICSI).

Métodos 36 muestras seminales de parejas que se sometieron a ICSI (18 usando oocitos propios y 18 de donante), fueron evaluadas de manera convencional, posteriormente se seleccionaron los espermatozoides, se realizó ICSI y una alícuota se utilizó para cuantificar las siguientes pruebas funcionales: potencial de membrana mitocondrial, integridad de la membrana, detección de especies reactivas de oxígeno e índice de fragmentación del ADN.

Resultados No se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a los parámetros convencionales y funcionales en los dos grupos, como tampoco se encontró una relación significativa entre los parámetros evaluados y los resultados de ICSI. Sólo se observó que la tasa de embarazo fue mayor en el grupo de oocitos donados (p < 0,0001).

Conclusiones Los datos obtenidos en este estudio sugieren que no existe correlación entre los parámetros evaluados y los resultados de ICSI. Eso se debe probablemente, a que la selección de los espermatozoides tanto por gradientes de densidad como la posterior selección durante el procedimiento del ICSI, tiene un bajo poder predictivo sumado a la capacidad que tiene el oocito de reparar los daños presentes en el espermatozoide.