bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phenotypic Caenorhabditis elegans screen identifies a selective suppressor of antipsychotic-induced hyperphagia
Authors: Perez-Gomez Anabel , Carretero Maria , Weber Natalie , Peterka Veronika , To Alan , Titova Viktoriya , Solis Gregory , Osborn Olivia , Petrascheck Michael
Published: December 2018

Antipsychotic (AP) drugs are used to treat psychiatric disorders but are associated with significant weight gain and metabolic disease. Increased food intake (hyperphagia) appears to be a driving force by which APs induce weight gain but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we report that administration of APs to C. elegans induces hyperphagia by a mechanism that is genetically distinct from basal food intake. We exploit this finding to screen for adjuvant drugs that suppress AP-induced hyperphagia in C. elegans and mice. In mice AP-induced hyperphagia is associated with a unique hypothalamic gene expression signature that is abrogated by adjuvant drug treatment. Genetic analysis of this signature using C. elegans identifies two transcription factors, nhr-25/Nr5a2 and nfyb-1/NFYB to be required for AP-induced hyperphagia. Our study reveals that AP-induced hyperphagia can be selectively suppressed without affecting basal food intake allowing for novel drug discovery strategies to combat AP-induced metabolic side effects.
Layer-by-layer biofunctionalization of nanostructured porous silicon for high-sensitivity and high-selectivity label-free affinity biosensing
Authors: Mariani Stefano , Robbiano Valentina , Strambini Lucanos M. , Debrassi Aline , Egri Gabriela , Dähne Lars , Barillaro Giuseppe
Published: December 2018

Nanostructured materials premise to revolutionize the label-free biosensing of analytes for clinical applications, leveraging the deeper interaction between materials and analytes with comparable size. However, when the characteristic dimension of the materials reduces to the nanoscale, the surface functionalization for the binding of bioreceptors becomes a complex issue that can affect the performance of label-free biosensors. Here we report on an effective and robust route for surface biofunctionalization of nanostructured materials based on the layer-by-layer (LbL) electrostatic nano-assembly of oppositely-charged polyelectrolytes, which are engineered with bioreceptors to enable label-free detection of target analytes. LbL biofunctionalization is demonstrated using nanostructured porous silicon (PSi) interferometers for affinity detection of streptavidin in saliva, through LbL nano-assembly of a bi-layer of positively-charged poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and negatively-charged biotinylated poly(methacrylic acid) (b-PMAA). High sensitivity in streptavidin detection is achieved, with high selectivity and stability, down to a detection limit of 600 fM.
Mathematical model of hemodynamic mechanisms and consequences of glomerular hypertension in diabetic mice
Authors: Mahato Hari Shankar , Ahlstrom Christine , Jansson-Löfmark Rasmus , Johansson Ulrika , Helmlinger Gabriel , Hallow K. Melissa
Published: December 2018

Many preclinically promising therapies for diabetic kidney disease fail to provide efficacy in humans, reflecting limited quantitative translational understanding between rodent models and human disease. To quantitatively bridge interspecies differences, we adapted a mathematical model of renal function from human to mice, and incorporated adaptive and pathological mechanisms of diabetes and nephrectomy to describe experimentally observed changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and proteinuria in db/db and db/db UNX (uninephrectomy) mouse models. Changing a small number of parameters, the model reproduced interspecies differences in renal function. Accounting for glucose and Na+ reabsorption through sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), increasing blood glucose and Na+ intake from normal to db/db levels mathematically reproduced glomerular hyperfiltration observed experimentally in db/db mice. This resulted from increased proximal tubule sodium reabsorption, which elevated glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure (Pgc) in order to restore sodium balance through increased GFR. Incorporating adaptive and injurious effects of elevated Pgc, we showed that preglomerular arteriole hypertrophy allowed more direct transmission of pressure to the glomerulus with a smaller mean arterial pressure rise; Glomerular hypertrophy allowed a higher GFR for a given Pgc; and Pgc-driven glomerulosclerosis and nephron loss reduced GFR over time, while further increasing Pgc and causing moderate proteinuria, in agreement with experimental data. UNX imposed on diabetes increased Pgc further, causing faster GFR decline and extensive proteinuria, also in agreement with experimental data. The model provides a mechanistic explanation for hyperfiltration and proteinuria progression that will facilitate translation of efficacy for novel therapies from mouse models to human.
The direct and accurate determination of major elements Ca, K, Mg and Na in water by HR-ICPMS
Authors: Nadeau Kenny , Mester Zoltán , Yang Lu
Published: December 2018

A direct, accurate and precise method is reported for major elements Ca, K, Mg and Na measurements in river and drinking water using a high resolution ICP-MS. Double isotope dilution calibration was used for the determination of Mg whereas the combined standard addition and internal standardization (Sc) was used for Ca, K and Na measurements. The method is validated by analysis fresh water SLRS-5, SLRS-6 and SRM1640a with satisfactory results characterized by high precisions of 0.055% to 0.66% RSD (or 0.29–1.8% relative combined uncertainty) for all four analytes, superior to those reported in earlier studies. As noted, use of internal standard Sc has significantly (3–33 times) improved measurement precisions for Ca, K and Na compared to standard addition calibration alone. The proposed method was applied for the determination of major elements Ca, K, Mg and Na in a candidate drinking water CRM AQUA-1. Values of 1.908 ± 0.007 µg g−1, 8.27 ± 0.14 µg g−1, 0.660 ± 0.010 µg g−1and 13.76 ± 0.05 µg g−1(u, k = 1) were obtained for Mg, Ca, K and Na in AQUA-1 drinking water, respectively.
Analysis and Design of a Compact Leaky-Wave Antenna for Wide-Band Broadside Radiation
Authors: Comite Davide , Podilchak Symon K. , Baccarelli Paolo , Burghignoli Paolo , Galli Alessandro , Freundorfer Al P. , Antar Yahia M. M.
Published: December 2018

A low-cost compact planar leaky-wave antenna (LWA) is proposed offering directive broadside radiation over a significantly wide bandwidth. The design is based on an annular metallic strip grating (MSG) configuration, placed on top of a dual-layer grounded dielectric substrate. This defines a new two-layer parallel-plate open waveguide, whose operational principles are accurately investigated. To assist in our antenna design, a method-of-moments dispersion analysis has been developed to characterize the relevant TM and TE modes of the perturbed guiding structure. By proper selection of the MSG for a fabricated prototype and its supporting dielectric layers as well as the practical TM antenna feed embedded in the bottom ground plane, far-field pencil-beam patterns are observed at broadside and over a wide frequency range, i.e., from 21.9 GHz to 23.9 GHz, defining a radiating percentage bandwidth of more than 8.5%. This can be explained by a dominantly excited TM mode, with low dispersion, employed to generate a two-sided far-field beam pattern which combines to produce a single beam at broadside over frequency. Some applications of this planar antenna include radar and satellite communications at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies as well as future 5G communication devices and wireless power transmission systems.
Development of real-time reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) for rapid detection of peste des petits ruminants virus in clinical samples and its comparison with real-time PCR test
Authors: Li Yuanli , Li Lin , Fan Xiaoxu , Zou Yanli , Zhang Yongqiang , Wang Qinghua , Sun Chengyou , Pan Shude , Wu Xiaodong , Wang Zhiliang
Published: December 2018

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), caused by small ruminant morbillivirus (SRMV), formerly called peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), is one of the most important pathogens in small ruminants, and has tremendous negative economic impact on the sheep industry worldwide. Current detection of PPRV in clinical samples mainly relies on real-time RT-PCR. Particularly, samples collected from rural area require highly equipped laboratories for screening. A rapid, real-time reverse-transcription recombinase polymerase amplification assay (RT-RPA), employing primers and exo probe, was thus developed to perform at 42 °C for 20 min, and the detection limit at 95% probability was 14.98 copies per reaction and 0.326 TCID50/mL based on plasmid copy number and tissue culture infectivity titre. All the four lineages of PPRV could be detected with no cross-reaction to other pathogens including measles virus (MeV), goatpox virus (GTPV), canine distemper virus (CDV), foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp). The performance of real-time RT-RPA assay was validated by testing 138 field samples and compared to real-time RT-PCR. The results indicated an excellent diagnostic agreement between real-time RT-RPA and a reference real-time RT-PCR method with the kappa value of 0.968. Compared to real-time RT-PCR, the sensitivity of real-time RT-RPA was 100%, while the specificity was 97.80%. The developed RT-RPA assay offers a promising platform for simple, rapid, and reliable detection of PPRV, especially in the resource-limited settings.
Regulation of germ cell development by ARI1 family ubiquitin ligases in C. elegans
Authors: Poush Julian A. , Blouin Nicolas A. , Di Bona Kristin R. , Lažetić Vladimir , Fay David S.
Published: December 2018

RING-between-RING (RBR) E3 ubiquitin ligases are implicated in various developmental processes, and mutations in genes encoding RBR proteins HHARI/ARIH1 and Parkin are associated with human diseases. Here we show by phylogenetic analysis that the ARI1 family has undergone a dramatic expansion within the Caenorhabditis clade in recent history, a characteristic shared by some genes involved in germline development. We then examined the effects of deleting all ARI1 family members in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which to our knowledge represents the first complete knockout of ARI1 function in a metazoan. Hermaphrodites that lacked or had strongly reduced ARI1 activity had low fecundity and were partially defective in initiation of oocyte differentiation. We provide evidence that the C. elegans ARI1s likely function downstream or in parallel to FBF-1 and FBF-2, two closely related RNA-binding proteins that are required for the switch from spermatogenesis to oogenesis during late larval development. Previous studies have shown that the E2 enzymes UBC-18/UBCH7 and UBC-3/CDC34 can functionally collaborate with ARI1 family members. Our data indicated that UBC-18, but not UBC-3, specifically cooperates with the ARI1s in germline development. These findings provide new insights into the functions of RING-between-RING proteins and Ariadne E3s during development.
Sequencing the mosaic genome of Brahman cattle identifies historic and recent introgression including polled
Authors: Koufariotis L. , Hayes B. J. , Kelly M. , Burns B. M. , Lyons R. , Stothard P. , Chamberlain A. J. , Moore S.
Published: December 2018

Brahman cattle have a Bos indicus and Bos taurus mosaic genome, as a result of the process used to create the breed (repeat backcrossing of Bos taurus females to Bos indicus bulls). With the aim of identifying Bos taurus segments in the Brahman genome at sequence level resolution, we sequenced the genomes of 46 influential Brahman bulls. Using 36 million variants identified in the sequences, we searched for regions close to fixation for Bos indicus or Bos taurus segments that were longer than expected by chance (from simulation of the breed formation history of Brahman cattle). Regions close to fixation for Bos indicus content were enriched for protein synthesis genes, while regions of higher Bos taurus content included genes of the G-protein coupled receptor family (including genes implicated in puberty, such as THRS). The region with the most extreme Bos taurus enrichment was on chromosome 14 surrounding PLAG1. The introgressed Bos taurus allele at PLAG1 increases stature and the high frequency of the allele likely reflects strong selection for the trait. Finally, we provide evidence that the polled mutation in Brahmans, a desirable trait under very strong recent selection, is of Celtic origin and is introgressed from Bos taurus.
Dichloroacetate and Salinomycin Exert a Synergistic Cytotoxic Effect in Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Skeberdytė Aistė , Sarapinienė Ieva , Aleksander-Krasko Jan , Stankevičius Vaidotas , Sužiedėlis Kęstutis , Jarmalaitė Sonata
Published: December 2018

In the present study, we examined a hypothesis that dichloroacetate, a metabolic inhibitor, might efficiently potentiate the cytotoxic effect of salinomycin, an antibiotic ionophore, on two human colorectal cancer derived cell lines DLD-1 and HCT116. First, we performed a series of dose response experiments in the 2D cell culture by applying mono- and combination therapy and by using the Chou-Talalay method found that salinomycin in combination with dichloroacetate acted synergistically in both cell lines. Secondly, in order to recapitulate the in vivo tumor architecture, we tested various doses of these compounds, alone and in combination, in the 3D multicellular spheroid culture. The effect of combination of dichloracetate and salinomycin on multicellular spheroid size was stronger than the sum of both monotherapies, particularly in HCT116 cells. Further, we demonstrate that the synergistic effect of compounds may be related to the inhibitory effect of dichloroacetate on multidrug resistance proteins, and in contrast, it is not related to dichloroacetate-induced reduction of intracellular pH. Our findings indicate that the combination therapy of salinomycin and dichloroacetate could be an effective option for colorectal cancer treatment and provide the first mechanistic explanation of the synergistic action of these compounds.
Aversive Foraging Conditions Modulate Downstream Social Food Sharing
Authors: Finkelstein Abby Basya , Amdam Gro V.
Published: December 2018

Eusocial insects divide their labour so that individuals working inside the nest are affected by external conditions through a cascade of social interactions. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) transfer food and information via mouth-to-mouth social feeding, ie trophallaxis, a process known to be modulated by the rate of food flow at feeders and familiarity of food’s scent. Little is understood about how aversive foraging conditions such as predation and con-specific competition affect trophallaxis. We hypothesized that aversive conditions have an impact on food transfer inside the colony. Here we explore the effect of foragers’ aversive experience on downstream trophallaxis in a cage paradigm. Each cage contained one group of bees that was separated from feeders by mesh and allowed to feed only through trophallaxis, and another group that had access to feeders and self-specialized to either forage or distribute food. Our results show that aversive foraging conditions increase non-foragers’ trophallaxis with bees restricted from feeder access when food is scented, and have the opposite effect when food is unscented. We discuss potential behavioural mechanisms and implications for the impact of aversive conditions such as malaise inducing toxins, predation, and con-specific competition.
Chromatin accessibility identifies diversity in mesenchymal stem cells from different tissue origins
Authors: Ho Yen-Ting , Shimbo Takashi , Wijaya Edward , Ouchi Yuya , Takaki Eiichi , Yamamoto Ryoma , Kikuchi Yasushi , Kaneda Yasufumi , Tamai Katsuto
Published: December 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which can differentiate into tri-lineage (osteoblast, adipocyte, and chondrocyte) and suppress inflammation, are promising tools for regenerative medicine. MSCs are phenotypically diverse based on their tissue origins. However, the mechanisms underlying cell-type-specific gene expression patterns are not fully understood due to the lack of suitable strategy to identify the diversity. In this study, we investigated gene expression programs and chromatin accessibilities of MSCs by whole-transcriptome RNA-seq analysis and an assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq). We isolated MSCs from four tissues (femoral and vertebral bone marrow, adipose tissue, and lung) and analysed their molecular signatures. RNA-seq identified the expression of MSC markers and both RNA-seq and ATAC-seq successfully clustered the MSCs based on their tissue origins. Interestingly, clustering based on tissue origin was more accurate with chromatin accessibility signatures than with transcriptome profiles. Furthermore, we identified transcription factors potentially involved in establishing cell-type specific chromatin structures. Thus, epigenome analysis is useful to analyse MSC identity and can be utilized to characterize these cells for clinical use.
SAXS-guided Enhanced Unbiased Sampling for Structure Determination of Proteins and Complexes
Authors: Zhao Chuankai , Shukla Diwakar
Published: December 2018

Molecular simulations can be utilized to predict protein structure ensembles and dynamics, though sufficient sampling of molecular ensembles and identification of key biologically relevant conformations remains challenging. Low-resolution experimental techniques provide valuable structural information on biomolecule at near-native conditions, which are often combined with molecular simulations to determine and refine protein structural ensembles. In this study, we demonstrate how small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) information can be incorporated in Markov state model-based adaptive sampling strategy to enhance time efficiency of unbiased MD simulations and identify functionally relevant conformations of proteins and complexes. Our results show that using SAXS data combined with additional information, such as thermodynamics and distance restraints, we are able to distinguish otherwise degenerate structures due to the inherent ambiguity of SAXS pattern. We further demonstrate that adaptive sampling guided by SAXS and hybrid information can significantly reduce the computation time required to discover target structures. Overall, our findings demonstrate the potential of this hybrid approach in predicting near-native structures of proteins and complexes. Other low-resolution experimental information can be incorporated in a similar manner to collectively enhance unbiased sampling and improve the accuracy of structure prediction from simulation.
Joint Speed Discrimination and Augmentation For Prosthesis Feedback
Authors: Earley Eric J. , Johnson Reva E. , Hargrove Levi J. , Sensinger Jon W.
Published: December 2018

Sensory feedback is critical in fine motor control, learning, and adaptation. However, robotic prosthetic limbs currently lack the feedback segment of the communication loop between user and device. Sensory substitution feedback can close this gap, but sometimes this improvement only persists when users cannot see their prosthesis, suggesting the provided feedback is redundant with vision. Thus, given the choice, users rely on vision over artificial feedback. To effectively augment vision, sensory feedback must provide information that vision cannot provide or provides poorly. Although vision is known to be less precise at estimating speed than position, no work has compared speed precision of biomimetic arm movements. In this study, we investigated the uncertainty of visual speed estimates as defined by different virtual arm movements. We found that uncertainty was greatest for visual estimates of joint speeds, compared to absolute rotational or linear endpoint speeds. Furthermore, this uncertainty increased when the joint reference frame speed varied over time, potentially caused by an overestimation of joint speed. Finally, we demonstrate a joint-based sensory substitution feedback paradigm capable of significantly reducing joint speed uncertainty when paired with vision. Ultimately, this work may lead to improved prosthesis control and capacity for motor learning.
Selective abdominal venous congestion induces adverse renal and hepatic morphological and functional alterations despite a preserved cardiac function
Authors: Cops Jirka , Mullens Wilfried , Verbrugge Frederik H. , Swennen Quirine , De Moor Bart , Reynders Carmen , Penders Joris , Achten Ruth , Driessen Ann , Dendooven Amélie , Rigo Jean-Michel , Hansen Dominique
Published: December 2018

Venous congestion is an important contributor to worsening renal function in heart failure and the cardiorenal syndrome. In patients, it is difficult to study the effects of isolated venous congestion on organ function. In this study, the consequences of isolated abdominal venous congestion on morphology and function of the kidneys, liver and heart were studied in a rat model. Twelve sham-operated (SHAM) male Sprague Dawley rats were compared to eleven inferior vena cava-constricted (IVCc) rats for twenty-one weeks. Abdominal venous pressure was significantly higher in the IVCc versus SHAM group (p < 0.0001). Indices of liver and kidney weight, function and morphology, inflammation as well as collagen deposition were significantly increased in the IVCc compared to SHAM group, (p < 0.05). Echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters were largely unaffected by abdominal venous congestion. In this rat model of isolated abdominal venous congestion, retrogradely conducted glomerular hypertension without a concomitant change in glomerular filtration rate was observed. Adverse short-term hepatic morphological alterations were developed which explain the observed organ function dysfunction. Importantly, cardiac function remained comparable between both groups. This study provides relevant insight in the pathophysiology of abdominal congestion on organ function.
A new corrosion-inhibiting strategy for biodegradable magnesium: reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)
Authors: Park Jimin , Park Minjung , Seo Hyunseon , Han Hyung-Seop , Lee Ji-Young , Koo Dongkyu , Kim Kyeongsoo , Cha Pil-Ryung , Edwards James , Kim Young-Woon , Lee Kang-Sik , Ok Myoung-Ryul , Jeon Hojeong , Seok Hyun-Kwang , Kim Yu-Chan
Published: December 2018

Utilization of biodegradable metals in biomedical fields is emerging because it avoids high-risk and uneconomic secondary surgeries for removing implantable devices. Mg and its alloys are considered optimum materials for biodegradable implantable devices because of their high biocompatibility; however, their excessive and uncontrollable biodegradation is a difficult challenge to overcome. Here, we present a novel method of inhibiting Mg biodegradation by utilizing reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), an endogenous cofactor present in all living cells. Incorporating NADH significantly increases Mg corrosion resistance by promoting the formation of thick and dense protective layers. The unique mechanism by which NADH enables corrosion inhibition was discovered by combined microscopic and spectroscopic analyses. NADH is initially self-adsorbed onto the surface of Mg oxide layers, preventing Cl−ions from dissolving Mg oxides, and later recruits Ca2+ions to form stable Ca-P protective layers. Furthermore, stability of NADH as a corrosion inhibitor of Mg under physiological conditions were confirmed using cell tests. Moreover, excellent cell adhesion and viability to Mg treated with NADH shows the feasibility of introduction of NADH to Mg-based implantable system. Our strategy using NADH suggests an interesting new way of delaying the degradation of Mg and demonstrates potential roles for biomolecules in the engineering the biodegradability of metals.
FRET biosensor allows spatio-temporal observation of shear stress-induced polar RhoGDIα activation
Authors: Shao Shuai , Liao Xiaoling , Xie Fei , Deng Sha , Liu Xue , Ristaniemi Tapani , Liu Bo
Published: December 2018

Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor α (RhoGDIα) is a known negative regulator of the Rho family that shuts off GDP/GTP cycling and cytoplasm/membrane translocation to regulate cell migration. However, to our knowledge, no reports are available that focus on how the RhoGDIα-Rho GTPases complex is activated by laminar flow through exploring the activation of RhoGDIα itself. Here, we constructed a new biosensor using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology to measure the spatio-temporal activation of RhoGDIα in its binding with Rho GTPases in living HeLa cells. Using this biosensor, we find that the dissociation of the RhoGDIα-Rho GTPases complex is increased by shear stress, and its dissociation rate varies with subcellular location. Moreover, this process is mediated by membrane fluidity, cytoskeleton and Src activity, which indicates that the regulation of RhoGDIα activation under shear stress application represents a relatively separate pathway from the shear stress-induced Rho pathway.
Three-dimensional motion capture data during repetitive overarm throwing practice
Authors: Ozkaya Gizem , Jung Hae Ryun , Jeong In Sub , Choi Min Ra , Shin Min Young , Lin Xue , Heo Woo Seong , Kim Mi Sun , Kim Eonho , Lee Ki-Kwang
Published: December 2018

Three-dimensional motion capture analysis is considered the gold standard for any movement research. Motion capture data were recorded for 7 healthy female participants with no prior throwing experience to investigate the learning process for overarm throwing during a selected period. Participants were monitored 3 times a week for 5 weeks. Each session consisted of 15 dominant and 15 nondominant hand side overarm throws. A total of 3,150 trials were recorded and preprocessed (labeling reflective markers) for further analysis. The presented dataset can provide valuable information about upper extremity kinematics of the learning process of overarm throwing without any kind of feedback. Furthermore, this dataset may be used for more advanced analysis techniques, which could lead to more insightful information.
Simple vapor–solid-reaction route for porous Cu2O nanorods with good HER catalytic activity
Authors: Wang Meifang , Cheng Xiaomei , Ni Yonghong
Published: December 2018

Porous Cu2O nanorods with good HER catalytic performance were synthesized by a simple vapor–solid reaction between Cu(OH)2 and ethylene glycol.
Understanding the behaviour of UV absorbance of natural waters upon chlorination using model compounds
Authors: Beauchamp Nicolas , Dorea Caetano , Beaulieu Christine , Bouchard Christian , Rodriguez Manuel
Published: December 2018

This paper is the first to assess the chemical structures responsible for specific changes observed in the shape of the UV-visible absorbance spectra, and their relationship to disinfection by-products.
Interactions of food matrix and dietary components on neonicotinoid bioaccessibility in raw fruit and vegetables
Authors: Shi Yan-Hong , Xiao Jin-Jing , Liu Yu-Ying , Fu Yun-Yao , Ye Zhuang , Liao Min , Cao Hai-Qun
Published: December 2018

Dietary components had a marked influence on neonicotinoid bioaccessibility and the effects varied among the different matrices.
DePEGylation strategies to increase cancer nanomedicine efficacy
Authors: Kong Li , Campbell Frederick , Kros Alexander
Published: December 2018

PEGylation of nanoparticles prolongs circulation lifetimes and maximizes nanoparticle accumulation in target tumors. However, PEGylation comes at the cost of reduced cellular uptake of nanoparticles and concomitant drug delivery. This review discusses the various stimuli-responsive dePEGylation strategies that have been employed to overcome this “PEG dilemma”.
Emission mechanism understanding and tunable persistent room temperature phosphorescence of amorphous nonaromatic polymers
Authors: Zhou Qing , Wang Ziyi , Dou Xueyu , Wang Yunzhong , Liu Saier , Zhang Yongming , Yuan Wang Zhang
Published: December 2018

Intrinsic emission and persistent room temperature phosphorescence from amorphous nonaromatic polymers are observed, which can be well rationalized by the CTE mechanism.
Metallic salt-catalyzed direct indium insertion into alkyl iodides and their applications in cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Chen Bing-Zhi , Wang Chuang-Xin , Jing Zhen-Hua , Chu Xue-Qiang , Loh Teck-Peng , Shen Zhi-Liang
Published: December 2018

An efficient method for the synthesis of alkyl indium reagents via an indium(iii) or lead(ii) halide-catalyzed direct insertion of indium into alkyl iodides is developed. NMR and ESI-MS analyses indicated the formation of a mixture of an alkyl indium dihalide (RInX2) and a dialkyl indium halide (R2InX).
Adsorption behavior and mechanism of β-cyclodextrin–styrene-based polymer for cationic dyes
Authors: Li Xia , Xie Long , Yang Xuan , Nie Xiaojuan
Published: December 2018

These figures show that the cyclodextrin polymer was synthesized successfully and possessed good thermal stability.
Metal-free visible light photoredox enables generation of carbyne equivalents via phosphonium ylide C–H activation
Authors: Das Mrinmoy , Vu Minh Duy , Zhang Qi , Liu Xue-Wei
Published: December 2018

Phosphonium ylides have shown their synthetic usefulness in important carbon–carbon bond formation processes. Our new strategy employs phosphonium ylides as novel carbyne equivalents and features a new approach for constructing carbon–carbon bonds from alkenes.
Monitoring mitochondrial viscosity with anticancer phosphorescent Ir(iii) complexes via two-photon lifetime imaging
Authors: Hao Liang , Li Zhi-Wei , Zhang Dong-Yang , He Liang , Liu Wenting , Yang Jing , Tan Cai-Ping , Ji Liang-Nian , Mao Zong-Wan
Published: December 2018

A theranostic Ir(iii) complex is developed to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and monitor mitochondrial viscosity quantitatively via two-photon phosphorescence lifetime imaging.
Ni-catalysed reductive arylalkylation of unactivated alkenes
Authors: Jin Youxiang , Wang Chuan
Published: December 2018

Ni-catalyzed reductive two-component arylalkylation of unactivated olefins has been accomplished providing a path for a variety of benzene-fused carbo- and heterocyclic compounds.
Direct SERS tracking of a chemical reaction at a single 13 nm gold nanoparticle
Authors: Zhang Kun , Liu Yujie , Wang Yuning , Zhao Jingjing , Liu Baohong
Published: December 2018

In situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) probing of the local catalytic reaction at single 13 nm gold nanoparticles is reported.
Buckling of geometrically confined shells
Authors: Stein-Montalvo Lucia , Costa Paul , Pezzulla Matteo , Holmes Douglas P.
Published: December 2018

Moderately thick shells constrained in the radial and transverse directions buckle to a wavenumber set by a single geometric parameter.
12.88% efficiency in doctor-blade coated organic solar cells through optimizing the surface morphology of a ZnO cathode buffer layer
Authors: Ji Guoqi , Zhao Wenchao , Wei Junfeng , Yan Lingpeng , Han Yunfei , Luo Qun , Yang Shangfeng , Hou Jianhui , Ma Chang-Qi
Published: December 2018

12.88% efficiency for doctor-blade coated organic solar cells was achieved through optimizing the morphology of the ZnO cathode buffer layer.
Facile preparation of a robust porous photothermal membrane with antibacterial activity for efficient solar-driven interfacial water evaporation
Authors: Li Yaling , Cui Xuexue , Zhao Mingyu , Xu Yunshi , Chen Leilei , Cao Zhijuan , Yang Shuguang , Wang Yi
Published: December 2018

A self-floating photothermal membrane with simultaneous mechanical stability and antibacterial activity is facilely prepared for efficient solar-driven interfacial water evaporation.
All-printed, low-cost, tunable sensing range strain sensors based on Ag nanodendrite conductive inks for wearable electronics
Authors: Tian Bin , Yao Weijing , Zeng Pan , Li Xuan , Wang Huanjun , Liu Li , Feng Yu , Luo Chengsheng , Wu Wei
Published: December 2018

Stretchable and wearable strain sensors based on Ag nanodendrites with high stretchability and sensitivity are fabricated by directly screen-printing technology.
Tuning photoionization mechanisms of molecular hybrid materials for EUV lithography applications
Authors: Wu Lianjia , Tiekink Martijn , Giuliani Alexandre , Nahon Laurent , Castellanos Sonia
Published: December 2018

Aromatic structures in organic shell stabilize photoionization products of metal oxo clusters, a new type of materials for EUV lithography.
Cascade-type energy band design of a black phosphorus photodetector with high performance
Authors: You Congya , Zhang Guoqing , Deng Wenjie , Zhao Chen , An Boxing , Liu Beiyun , Wang Bo , Yan Hui , Liu Danmin , Zhang Yongzhe
Published: December 2018

A high performance hybrid black phosphorus/PbS QD photodetector with an additional junction through ligand-based energy band engineering.
Signal‐to‐noise ratio constrained feedback control: discrete‐time robust stability analysis
Authors: Rojas Alejandro J. , Garcés Hugo O.
Published: December 2018

The explicit consideration of a communication channel model in a feedback control loop is known to introduce a fundamental limitation on the feedback control loop stabilisability in the form of a channel signal‐to‐noise ratio lower bound whenever the plant model is unstable. In this study, the authors study these type of limitations subject to model uncertainties, either from the plant model or the channel model. They consider the discrete‐time setting, motivated first by the fact that some form of discretisation is nowadays always required when implementing a feedback control loop solution, and second by the fact that communication channel models are more naturally represented in discrete time. In particular, they consider here the additive coloured noise channel with memory.
Robust ‐stability analysis of fractional order interval systems of commensurate and incommensurate orders
Authors: Mohsenipour Reza , Fathi Jegarkandi Mohsen
Published: December 2018

This study focuses on the robust ‐stability analysis of fractional order interval systems (FOISes). The concept of interval means that the coefficients of the systems transfer functions are uncertain parameters that each adopts a value in a real interval. Initially, some new bounds on the poles of the FOISes are produced so that they reduce the computational burden in the case of the ‐stability. Then, the concept of the value set is extended to analyse the robust ‐stability of the FOISes, and a new necessary and sufficient condition is presented. The value set of the FOISes is obtained analytically, and based on it an auxiliary function is introduced to check the condition. The obtained results are applicable to systems of both commensurate and incommensurate orders. Moreover, it is perceived that if a family of a FOIS is of commensurate order, then the robust ‐stability can be checked by checking the ‐stability of a finite number of family members, i.e. a generalisation of Kharitonov's theorem. Finally, the presented theorems are applied to the control system of a space tether system.
Coupled iterative algorithms based on optimisation for solving Sylvester matrix equations
Authors: Zhang Wenxue , Zhou Di
Published: December 2018

In this study, novel iterative algorithms based on optimisation are developed to solve the continuous‐time and discrete‐time Sylvester matrix equations. The great difference of the proposed algorithms is that solutions of the equations are updated by two different sequences generated by the proposed algorithms. Convergence rates of the proposed algorithms can be markedly improved by choosing appropriate tuning parameters. Convergence conditions of the proposed algorithms are provided for different cases. Moreover, efficient numerical methods are presented to find the appropriate tuning parameters. Finally, three examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms, and to compare the convergence performance of different algorithms.
Kronecker weights for instability analysis of Markov jump linear systems
Authors: Mei Wenjie , Ogura Masaki
Published: December 2018

In this study, the authors analyse the instability of continuous‐time Markov jump linear systems. Although there exist several effective criteria for the stability of Markov jump linear systems, there is a lack of methodologies for verifying their instability. In this study, they present a novel criterion for the exponential mean instability of Markov jump linear systems. The main tool of the authors' analysis is an auxiliary Markov jump linear system, which results from taking the Kronecker products of the given system matrices and a set of appropriate matrix weights. They show that the problem of finding matrix weights for tighter instability analysis can be transformed into the spectral optimisation problem on an affine matrix family, which can be efficiently solved by gradient‐based non‐smooth optimisation algorithms. They confirm the effectiveness of the proposed methods by numerical examples.
Distributed adaptive formation control for non‐identical non‐linear multi‐agents systems based on sliding mode
Authors: Wang Jinhuan , Zhang Xiang , Xu Yong , Yang Dedong
Published: December 2018

This study investigates the distributed control strategy for handling the time‐invariant and time‐varying formation tracking problem of a class of non‐linear nonidentical leader–follower multi‐agent systems with uncertainties and unknown external disturbances. Firstly, the neighbour‐based distributed finite‐time observers are proposed for the followers to estimate the position and velocity of the leader. Then, two novel distributed adaptive formation control algorithms based on the approximation capability of neural networks and sliding mode are developed. One can prove that, with the proposed observer and the control laws, all the followers will reach the desired time‐invariant or time‐varying formation tracking, and achieve the consistent velocity with the leader in spite of uncertainties and disturbances. Finally, illustrative simulation examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
Weighted L2 gain performance controller parameterisation of linear switching plants with average dwell time
Authors: Xie Wei , Wu Weilin , He Wei , Zhang Langwen
Published: December 2018

This study addresses the problem of weighted performance controller parameterisation for a plant switching among a finite family of given configurations. It is assumed that switching is a piecewise constant function of time and obeys an average dwell time switching logic. With a multiple Lyapunov functions‐based technique, a dynamical switching output‐feedback controller is solved with Riccati inequalities or linear matrix inequalities formulation. Furthermore, based on the controller construction, there exists a controller parameterisation, which guarantees that the closed‐loop switching linear system with the average dwell time switching scheme achieves certain weighted controlled performance.
Fault detection for vehicle active suspension systems in finite‐frequency domain
Authors: Zhu Xiaodan , Xia Yuanqing , Chai Senchun , Shi Peng
Published: December 2018

This study solves a new fault detection strategy for vehicle active suspension systems in finite‐frequency domain. Three fault detection filters are constructed in different finite frequency domains, which ensure that the error between residuals and faults is minimum. The filter problem is used to figure out the design problem of fault detection. The conditions of residual systems meeting performance are obtained by considering generalised Kalman–Yakubovich–Popov lemma and stability theory. The problem of filter design is solved by an optimisation algorithm. Illustrative examples are given to show the proposed design method's effectiveness and potential.
Hardware design and software development of a motion control and driving system for transradial prosthesis based on a wireless myoelectric armband
Authors: Gaetani Federico , Primiceri Patrizio , Antonio Zappatore Giovanni , Visconti Paolo
Published: December 2018

This research work presents the design of the electronics modules of Adam's Hand, a transradial myoelectric prosthesis based on an innovative mechanism which can actuate five three‐phalanges fingers (15 degrees of freedom) with just one motor, instead of the five/six motors conventionally used in other prosthetic devices; moreover, the prosthesis uses two servomotors to actuate the wrist movements. Adam's Hand fingertips are provided with temperature and pressure sensors, while the user myoelectric signals are acquired wirelessly by means of the Myo armband, a wearable device provided with eight electromyography electrodes, a nine‐axis inertial measurement unit, and a transmission module. These data are received through an HM‐11 BLE module, connected to Adam's Hand custom PCB, which features an Arduino Micro board. This board processes all the data and drives the actuators by means of properly chosen drivers. A Raspberry Pi 3 board manages a touchscreen display – which can be used to visualise the gathered data – and sends them to a dedicate cloud platform, so that the orthopaedic technicians who take care of Adam's Hand users can monitor them in real time, thus improving their recovery during the rehabilitation period.
Minimizing acceleration on the group of diffeomorphisms and its relaxation
Authors: Tahraoui Rabah , Vialard François-Xavier
Published: December 2018

We study a second-order variational problem on the group of diffeomorphisms of the interval [0, 1] endowed with a right-invariant Sobolev metric of order 2, which consists in the minimization of the acceleration. We compute the relaxation of the problem which involves the so-called Fisher–Rao functional, a convex functional on the space of measures. This relaxation enables the derivation of several optimality conditions and, in particular, a sufficient condition which guarantees that a given path of the initial problem is also a minimizer of the relaxed one. Based on these sufficient conditions, the main result is that, when the value of the (minimized) functional is small enough, the minimizers are classical, that is the defect measure vanishes.
Behandlung von HIV in der Schwangerschaft – Entwicklung über eine Dekade
Authors: Pitzen Isabelle , Otten Lucia , Dresbach Till , Boesecke Christoph , Wasmuth Jan-Christian , Mueller Andreas , Gembruch Ulrich , Merz Waltraut , Strassburg Christian , Haberl Annette , Rockstroh Juergen , Poralla Silvia , Schwarze-Zander Carolynne
Published: December 2018

Einleitung Mehr als 50% der rund 37 Mio. Menschen, die weltweit mit HIV leben, sind Frauen. Heutzutage kann die MTCT (Mother-to-child Transmission) auf<1% reduziert werden. Intention der vorliegenden Untersuchung war es, die Entwicklung (1) des Schwangerschaftsverlaufs HIV-positiver Frauen, (2) des Entbindungsmodus und (3) der Postexpositionsprophylaxe der Neugeborenen, über den Verlauf der letzten Dekade aufzuzeigen.

Methodik Im Zeitraum 2005–2016 wurden die HIV- und geburtshilflichen Daten aller HIV-positiver, schwangerer Frauen, der Bonner HIV-Kohorte und die neonatalen Daten der HIV-exponierten Kinder ausgewertet. Die HIV-MTCT wurde für diesen Zeitraum untersucht.

Ergebnisse Es wurden 87 Schwangerschaften bei 61 Frauen identifiziert. 70 Kinder wurden an der Universitätsfrauenklinik Bonn lebend geboren. Die Frauen waren zu 53% afrikanischer Herkunft. Der Median der CD4+-Zellzahl betrug präpartal 510 Zellen/μl (IQR 444) und lag bei 32 Frauen (52%) über 500 Zellen/μl. Die HI-Viruslast war präpartal bei 77% vollständig supprimiert (<50 HIV-1-RNA Kopien/ml) und lag bei 92% präpartal<400 HIV-1-RNA Kopien/ml. Im Vergleich zu dem Zeitraum 2005–2011 kam es zu einer deutlichen Reduktion der primären Sectiorate von 77 auf 58% im Zeitraum 2012–2016. Der Anteil der Kinder, die nach der 37 Schwangerschaftswoche geboren wurden, stieg nach 2012 von 60 auf 69% erkennbar an. Während im Zeitraum 2005–2011 78% der Neugeborenen mit ihrem Geburtsgewicht zwischen der 10. und 90. Perzentile lagen, nahm der Anteil nach 2012 auf 92% zu. 54 der 70 Neugeborenen (77%) wurden einem niedrig-normalen Transmissionsrisiko zugeordnet. In keinem Fall (0/70) kam es zu einer HIV-Transmission von Mutter zu Kind.

Zusammenfassung In den Jahren 2005–2016 der Analyse hat keine vertikale HIV-Transmission von Mutter zu Kind stattgefunden. Es kam zu einer deutlichen Reduktion der primären Sectiorate und und zu einem Rückgang der Frühgeborenenrate, was die Änderung der Behandlungsstrategie in diesem Zeitraum widerspiegelt. Eine optimale interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit bleibt Grundlage für eine erfolgreiche Versorgung HIV-positiver, schwangerer Frauen.
Toluene and its Derivatives as Atom-Efficient Benzylating Agents for Secondary Amines
Authors: Schnürch Michael , Schönbauer David , Lukas Florian
Published: December 2018

Toluene as a replacement for common N-benzylating agents, such as benzyl bromide, can be an atom-efficient alternative reagent. Under nickel catalysis and mildly oxidative conditions, it is possible to activate toluene efficiently and use it directly for the benzylation of different 2-aminopyridines. The transformation is not restricted to simple toluene, but also substituted derivatives give the desired product in good yields. Effective cleavage of the pyridine moiety is presented.
Effects of Topical Mandelic Acid Treatment on Facial Skin Viscoelasticity
Authors: Jacobs Stanley , Culbertson Eric
Published: December 2018

Mandelic acid is an α-hydroxy acid with reported benefit in treating acne and hyperpigmentation. The authors have developed a topical mandelic acid formulation that subjectively improves the quality of aged skin. Although the gold standard for assessing outcomes, photographic documentation is limited by subjective interpretation. Tools for measuring physical skin properties allow for an objective assessment of changes in skin quality. The authors sought to objectively study the viscoelastic changes to the skin following treatment with topical mandelic acid, using the Cutometer MPA 580. Twenty-four patients, twenty females and four males, aged 42 to 68 years, were studied over a four-week period. Mandelic acid was applied topically to the face twice a day for four weeks. The lower eyelid skin viscoelastic properties were assessed weekly using the Cutometer. After four weeks of topical mandelic acid treatment, the elasticity of lower eyelid skin increased 25.4% (P = .003). Skin firmness increased 23.8% (P = .029). Improvement in photographic appearance correlated with these findings. Mandelic acid is another topical treatment option for improving skin quality, and is well tolerated by patients. The authors feel that the Cutometer or similar device should be used routinely in facial plastic surgery to objectively assess outcomes of various treatment modalities.
Thromboinflammation and Vascular Dysfunction
Authors: Karbach Susanne , Lagrange Jérémy , Wenzel Philip
Published: December 2018

Thromboinflammation and vascular dysfunction are inseparably combined with the innate and the adaptive immune response. While the role of this interplay has gained considerable attention in the arena of atherosclerosis/atherothrombosis and in deep vein thrombosis, its role in other forms of vascular disease and risk factors is currently emerging. In this brief review, we will focus on thromboinflammation with regard to cytokine signalling as well as on the novel role of a vascular coagulation-inflammatory circuit in arterial hypertension.