bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entanglement of propagating optical modes via a mechanical interface
Authors: Chen Junxin , Rossi Massimiliano , Mason David , Schliesser Albert
Published: February 2020

Many applications of quantum information processing (QIP) require distribution of quantum states in networks, both within and between distant nodes. Optical quantum states are uniquely suited for this purpose, as they propagate with ultralow attenuation and are resilient to ubiquitous thermal noise. Mechanical systems are then envisioned as versatile interfaces between photons and a variety of solid-state QIP platforms. Here, we demonstrate a key step towards this vision, and generate entanglement between two propagating optical modes, by coupling them to the same, cryogenic mechanical system. The entanglement persists at room temperature, where we verify the inseparability of the bipartite state and fully characterize its logarithmic negativity by homodyne tomography. We detect, without any corrections, correlations corresponding to a logarithmic negativity of EN = 0.35. Combined with quantum interfaces between mechanical systems and solid-state qubit processors, this paves the way for mechanical systems enabling long-distance quantum information networking over optical fiber networks.
Pyridoxine induces glutathione synthesis via PKM2-mediated Nrf2 transactivation and confers neuroprotection
Authors: Wei Yao , Lu Ming , Mei Meng , Wang Haoran , Han Zhitao , Chen Miaomiao , Yao Hang , Song Nanshan , Ding Xiao , Ding Jianhua , Xiao Ming , Hu Gang
Published: February 2020

Oxidative stress is a major pathogenic mechanism in Parkinson’s disease (PD). As an important cellular antioxidant, glutathione (GSH) balances the production and incorporation of free radicals to protect neurons from oxidative damage. GSH level is decreased in the brains of PD patients. Hence, clarifying the molecular mechanism of GSH deficiency may help deepen our knowledge of PD pathogenesis. Here we report that the astrocytic dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) regulates GSH synthesis via PKM2-mediated Nrf2 transactivation. In addition we find that pyridoxine can dimerize PKM2 to promote GSH biosynthesis. Further experiments show that pyridoxine supplementation increases the resistance of nigral dopaminergic neurons to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity in wild-type mice as well as in astrocytic Drd2 conditional knockout mice. We conclude that dimerizing PKM2 may be a potential target for PD treatment.
Engineering stable radicals using photochromic triggers
Authors: Chen Xuanying , Zhao Wandong , Baryshnikov Gleb , Steigerwald Michael L. , Gu Jian , Zhou Yunyun , Ågren Hans , Zou Qi , Chen Wenbo , Zhu Liangliang
Published: February 2020

Long-standing radical species have raised noteworthy concerns in organic functional chemistry and materials. However, there remains a substantial challenge to produce long-standing radicals by light, because of the structural dilemmas between photoproduction and stabilization. Herein, we present a pyrrole and chloride assisted photochromic structure to address this issue. In this well-selected system, production and stabilization of a radical species were simultaneously found accompanied by a photochemical process in chloroform. Theoretical study and mechanism construction indicate that the designed π-system provides a superior spin-delocalization effect and a large steric effect, mostly avoiding possible consumptions and making the radical stable for hours even under an oxygen-saturated condition. Moreover, this radical system can be applied for a visualized and quantitative detection towards peroxides, such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl, hydrogen peroxide, and ozone. As the detection relies on a radical capturing mechanism, a higher sensing rate was achieved compared to traditional redox techniques for peroxide detection.
Magnetic electron collimation in three-dimensional semi-metals
Authors: Huang Xiangwei , Putzke Carsten , Guo Chunyu , Diaz Jonas , König Markus , Borrmann Horst , Nair Nityan L. , Analytis James G. , Moll Philip J. W.
Published: February 2020

While electrons moving perpendicular to a magnetic field are confined to cyclotron orbits, they can move freely parallel to the field. This simple fact leads to complex current flow in clean, low carrier density semi-metals, such as long-ranged current jets forming along the magnetic field when currents pass through point-like constrictions. Occurring accidentally at imperfect current injection contacts, the phenomenon of "current jetting" plagues the research of longitudinal magneto-resistance, which is particularly important in topological conductors. Here we demonstrate the controlled generation of tightly focused electron beams in a new class of micro-devices machined from crystals of the Dirac semi-metal Cd3As2. The current beams can be guided by tilting a magnetic field and their range tuned by the field strength. Finite element simulations quantitatively capture the voltage induced at faraway contacts when the beams are steered towards them, supporting the picture of controlled electron jets. These experiments demonstrate direct control over the highly non-local signal propagation unique to 3D semi-metals in the current jetting regime, and may lead to applications akin to electron optics in free space.
Tesco Grocery 1.0, a large-scale dataset of grocery purchases in London
Authors: Aiello Luca Maria , Quercia Daniele , Schifanella Rossano , Del Prete Lucia
Published: February 2020

We present the Tesco Grocery 1.0 dataset: a record of 420 M food items purchased by 1.6 M fidelity card owners who shopped at the 411 Tesco stores in Greater London over the course of the entire year of 2015, aggregated at the level of census areas to preserve anonymity. For each area, we report the number of transactions and nutritional properties of the typical food item bought including the average caloric intake and the composition of nutrients. The set of global trade international numbers (barcodes) for each food type is also included. To establish data validity we: i) compare food purchase volumes to population from census to assess representativeness, and ii) match nutrient and energy intake to official statistics of food-related illnesses to appraise the extent to which the dataset is ecologically valid. Given its unprecedented scale and geographic granularity, the data can be used to link food purchases to a number of geographically-salient indicators, which enables studies on health outcomes, cultural aspects, and economic factors.
Nutritional quality, mineral and antioxidant content in lettuce affected by interaction of light intensity and nutrient solution concentration
Authors: Song Jiali , Huang Hui , Hao Yanwei , Song Shiwei , Zhang Yiting , Su Wei , Liu Houcheng
Published: February 2020

Light and nutrient are important factors for vegetable production in plant factory or greenhouse. The total 12 treatments which contained the combination of four light intensity (150, 250, 350 and 450 μmol · m−2 · s−1) and three nutrient solution concentration (NSC) (1/4, 1/2, 3/4 strength NSC) were established for investigation of lettuce growth and quality in a growth chamber. The combination of light intensity and NSC exhibited significant effects on photosynthetic pigment, nutritional quality, mineral content and antioxidant capacity. That a higher light intensity were readily accessible to higher chlorophyll a/b showed in lettuce of treatment of 350 μmol · m−2 · s−1 × 3/4NSC and 450 μmol · m−2 · s−1 × 1/4NSC. Lower total N contents, higher content of soluble protein, vitamin C, soluble sugar and free amino acid exhibited in lettuce under treatment of 250 and 350 μmol · m−2 · s−1 × 1/4NSC or 3/4NSC. With increasing NSC and LED irradiance, the content of total P and K in lettuce increased and decreased, respectively. The highest and lowest total Ca content were found in treatment of 150 μmol · m−2 · s−1 × 1/4NSC and 450 μmol · m−2 · s−1 × 1/4NSC, respectively, and higher content of total Mg and Zn was observed under 250 μmol m−2 s−1 × 1/4NSC and 150 μmol · m−2 · s−1 × 3/4NSC, respectively. The antioxidant contents generally decreased with increasing NSC level. The higher antioxidant content and capacity occurred in lettuce of 350 μmol · m−2 · s−1 × 1/4NSC treatment. The interaction of 350 μmol · m−2 · s−1 × 1/4NSC might be the optimal condition for lettuce growth in plant factory.
Coupling Chlorin e6 to the surface of Nanoscale Gas Vesicles strongly enhances their intracellular delivery and photodynamic killing of cancer cells
Authors: Fernando Ann , Gariépy Jean
Published: February 2020

Protein-based nanobubbles such as halophilic archaeabacterial gas vesicles (GVs) represent a new class of stable, homogeneous nanoparticles with acoustic properties that allow them to be visualized by ultrasound (US) waves. To design GVs as theranostic agents, we modified them to respond to light, with a view to locally generate reactive oxygen species that can kill cancer cells. Specifically, up to 60,000 photoreactive chlorin e6 (Ce6) molecules were chemically attached to lysine ε-amino groups present on the surface of each purified Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 GV. The resulting fluorescent NRC-1 Ce6-GVs have dimensions comparable to that of native GVs and were efficiently taken up by human breast [MCF-7] and human hypopharyngeal [FaDu-GFP] cancer cells as monitored by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. When exposed to light, internalized Ce6-GVs were 200-fold more effective on a molar basis than free Ce6 at killing cells. These results demonstrate the potential of Ce6-GVs as novel and promising nanomaterials for image-guided photodynamic therapy.
Reduction of nitroarenes by magnetically recoverable nitroreductase immobilized on Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Qikun , Yu Liping , Liu Baoliang , Li Fulin , Tang Bo
Published: February 2020

Enzymes as catalysts have attracted significant attention due to their excellent specificity and incomparable efficiency, but their practical application is limited because these catalysts are difficult to separate and recover. A magnetically recoverable biocatalyst has been effectively prepared through the immobilization of a nitroreductase (oxygen-insensitive, purified from Enterobacter cloacae) onto the Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized by a coprecipitation method in an aqueous system. The surfaces of the MNPs were modified with sodium silicate and chloroacetic acid (CAA). Using 1-ethyl-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) through a covalent binding, nitroreductase was loaded onto the modified magnetic carriers through covalent coupling, and thus, a magnetically recoverable biocatalyst was prepared. The free and immobilized nitroreductase activity was also investigated by the reduction of p-nitrobenzonitrile using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAPDH) as a cofactor. The activity of the immobilized enzyme was able to maintain 83.23% of that of the free enzyme. The prepared enzyme can easily reduce substituted nitrobenzene to substituted aniline at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and the yield is up to 60.9%. Most importantly, the loaded nitroreductase carriers can be easily separated and recycled from the reaction system using an externally applied magnetic field. The magnetically recoverable biocatalyst can be recycled and reused 7 times while maintaining high activities and the activity of the magnetic catalyst can be maintained at more than 85.0% of that of the previous cycle. This research solves the recovery problem encountered in industrial applications of biocatalysts and presents a clean and green method of preparing substituted aniline.
Impacts of Intralipid on Nanodrug Abraxane Therapy and on the Innate Immune System
Authors: Chen Yen-Ju , Tsai Chin-Yi , Cheng Ying-Min , Nieh Su-Wen , Yeh Teng-Kuang , Chen Ching- Ping , Wang Min-Hsien , Chou Ling-Hui , Chiu Tai-Yu , Liu Li , Ho Chien , Chen Chiung- Tong , Liu Tsang-Wu
Published: February 2020

A major obstacle to nanodrugs-mediated cancer therapy is their rapid uptake by the reticuloendothelial system that decreases the systemic exposure of the nanodrugs to tumors and also increases toxicities. Intralipid has been shown to reduce nano-oxaliplatin-mediated toxicity while improving bioavailability. Here, we have found that Intralipid reduces the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel for human monocytic cells, but not for breast, lung, or pancreatic cancer cells. Intralipid also promotes the polarization of macrophages to the anti-cancer M1-like phenotype. Using a xenograft breast cancer mouse model, we have found that Intralipid pre-treatment significantly increases the amount of paclitaxel reaching the tumor and promotes tumor apoptosis. The combination of Intralipid with half the standard clinical dose of Abraxane reduces the tumor growth rate as effectively as the standard clinical dose. Our findings suggest that pre-treatment of Intralipid has the potential to be a powerful agent to enhance the tumor cytotoxic effects of Abraxane and to reduce its off-target toxicities.
Screening for chronic conditions with reproductive factors using a machine learning based approach
Authors: Tian Siyu , Dong Weinan , Chan Ka Lung , Leng Xinyi , Bedford Laura Elizabeth , Liu Jia
Published: February 2020

A large proportion of cases with chronic conditions including diabetes or pre-diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia remain undiagnosed. To include reproductive factors (RF) might be able to improve current screening guidelines by providing extra effectiveness. The objective is to study the relationships between RFs and chronic conditions’ biomarkers. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Demographics, RFs and metabolic biomarkers were collected. The relationship of the metabolic biomarkers were shown by correlation analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) and autoencoder were compared by cross-validation. The better one was adopted to extract a single marker, the general chronic condition (GCC), to represent the body’s chronic conditions. Multivariate linear regression was performed to explore the relationship between GCC and RFs. In total, 1,656 postmenopausal females were included. A multi-layer autoencoder outperformed PCA in the dimensionality reduction performance. The extracted variable by autoencoder, GCC, was verified to be representative of three chronic conditions (AUC for patoglycemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia were 0.844, 0.824 and 0.805 respectively). Linear regression showed that earlier age at menarche (OR = 0.9976) and shorter reproductive life span (OR = 0.9895) were associated with higher GCC. Autoencoder performed well in the dimensionality reduction of clinical metabolic biomarkers. Due to high accessibility and effectiveness, RFs have potential to be included in screening tools for general chronic conditions and could enhance current screening guidelines.
Increased European heat waves in recent decades in response to shrinking Arctic sea ice and Eurasian snow cover
Authors: Zhang Ruonan , Sun Chenghu , Zhu Jieshun , Zhang Renhe , Li Weijing
Published: February 2020

In recent decades, unprecedented extreme summer heat waves have occurred in Europe, and they have exhibited an increasing trend since 1970s. Although previous studies have suggested that these recent hot European summers could have been instigated by the underlying surface thermal conditions, the possible influence of shrinking Arctic sea ice and Eurasian snow cover on heat waves are not well understood. Herein, we present evidence obtained via observational analyses and numerical experiments indicating that the interdecadal increase in European heat waves is closely linked to the reductions in Arctic sea ice concentration (ASIC) and Eurasian snow cover fraction (EASC) across mid–high latitudes via the excitation of the anomalous Eurasian wave train. The combined effects of declined ASIC and EASC, accompanied by the drier soil and the stronger heat flux, tend to weaken the poleward temperature gradient at mid–high latitudes and affect the midlatitude jet stream and transient eddy activities. These dynamic and thermodynamic circulations increase the likelihood of more persistent European blocking events that favor frequent and strengthened heat waves. Further projection analysis of simulations from 13 CMIP5 climate models suggests that Europe may experience more hot summers as the ASIC and EASC continue to decline over the next century.
Enzymatic deposition of gold nanoparticles at vertically aligned carbon nanotubes for electrochemical stripping analysis and ultrasensitive immunosensing of carcinoembryonic antigen
Authors: Deng Liling , Lai Guosong , Fu Li , Lin Cheng-Te , Yu Aimin
Published: February 2020

Glucoamylase–nanoprobe induced gold deposition at vertically aligned carbon nanotubes enables the successful development of a novel electrochemical immunosensing method.
Combining site-directed spin labeling in vivo and in-cell EPR distance determination
Authors: Widder Pia , Schuck Julian , Summerer Daniel , Drescher Malte
Published: February 2020

Non-canonical amino acid incorporation via amber stop codon suppression and in vivo site-directed spin labeling allow in-cell EPR distance determination in E. coli.
Core level spectroscopies locate hydrogen in the proton transfer pathway – identifying quasi-symmetrical hydrogen bonds in the solid state
Authors: Stevens Joanna S. , Coultas Sarah , Jaye Cherno , Fischer Daniel A. , Schroeder Sven L. M.
Published: February 2020

Snapshots of hydrogen locations between non-ionic and ionic states with XPS reveal hydrogen centred in the middle of the continuum in the solid state.
Hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions in concentrated aqueous imidazole solutions: a neutron diffraction and total X-ray scattering study
Authors: Al-Madhagi Laila H. , Callear Samantha K. , Schroeder Sven L. M.
Published: February 2020

A study of 5 M aqueous imidazole solutions combining neutron and X-ray diffraction with EPSR simulations shows dominance of hydrogen-bonding between imidazole and water and negligible hydrogen-bonding between imidazole molecules.
State of the art and perspectives in heterogeneous catalysis of CO2hydrogenation to methanol
Authors: Zhong Jiawei , Yang Xiaofeng , Wu Zhilian , Liang Binglian , Huang Yanqiang , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2020

The ever-increasing amount of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has resulted in great environmental impacts, the heterogeneous catalysis of CO2hydrogenation to methanol is of great significance.
Advances in two-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites
Authors: Zhang Fei , Lu Haipeng , Tong Jinhui , Berry Joseph J. , Beard Matthew C. , Zhu Kai
Published: February 2020

Recent achievements of 2D perovskites for various optoelectronic applications along with their basic properties and future opportunities are discussed.
Mass cytometric study on the heterogeneity in cellular association and cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles in primary human immune cells
Authors: Ha My Kieu , Choi Jang-Sik , Kwon Sook Jin , Song Jaewoo , Lee Yangsoon , Kim Young-Eun , Yoon Tae Hyun
Published: February 2020

Between-population and within-population heterogeneity in the uptake and toxicity of silver nanoparticles in primary human immune cells revealed by mass cytometry.
Prophylactic effect of Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY06 on HCl/ethanol-induced gastric injury in mice
Authors: Wang Ranran , Zeng Xiaofei , Liu Bihui , Yi Ruokun , Zhou Xianrong , Mu Jianfei , Zhao Xin
Published: February 2020

The present study was conducted to determine the prophylactic effect of Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY06 (LP-KSFY06) on HCl/ethanol-induced gastric injury in Kunming mice.
Superhydrophobic nickel/carbon core–shell nanocomposites for the hydrogen transfer reactions of nitrobenzene and N-heterocycles
Authors: Pang Shaofeng , Zhang Yujing , Su Qiong , Liu Fangfang , Xie Xin , Duan Zhiying , Zhou Feng , Zhang Ping , Wang Yanbin
Published: February 2020

In this work, catalytic hydrogen transfer as an effective, green, convenient and economical strategy is for the first time used to synthesize anilines and N-heterocyclic aromatic compounds from nitrobenzene and N-heterocycles in one step.
Molecular design principles for polymeric binders in silicon anodes
Authors: Miranda Andrea , Sarang Kasturi , Gendensuren Bolormaa , Oh Eun-Suok , Lutkenhaus Jodie , Verduzco Rafael
Published: February 2020

We review molecular design principles for polymer binders for silicon anodes. Their impact on performance is complex and includes mechanical properties, adhesion, electrolyte uptake, ionic and electronic conductivity, and electrochemical stability.
A 10 minute approach for the phase specific synthesis of Se nanoparticles with tunable morphology: their anticancer efficacy and the role of an ionic liquid
Authors: Guleria Apurav , Maurya Dharmendra K. , Neogy Suman , Raorane B. S. , Debnath Anil K. , Adhikari Soumyakanti
Published: February 2020

The current work demonstrates a rapid and highly facile controlled phase-specific synthesis of Se nanoparticles, their anticancer efficacy and the 3-in-1 role of a RTIL.
Natural products as modulators of eukaryotic protein secretion
Authors: Luesch Hendrik , Paavilainen Ville O.
Published: February 2020

This highlight reviews functions and therapeutic potential of diverse natural products that target different components of the mammalian protein secretory pathway.
An AIEgen-based 2D ultrathin metal–organic layer as an electrochemiluminescence platform for ultrasensitive biosensing of carcinoembryonic antigen
Authors: Yang Yang , Hu Gui-Bing , Liang Wen-Bin , Yao Li-Ying , Huang Wei , Zhang Yong-Jiang , Zhang Jin-Ling , Wang Jun-Mao , Yuan Ruo , Xiao Dong-Rong
Published: February 2020

In this work, a new strategy was developed to construct high-performance electrochemiluminescent materials by using AIEgen-based ultrathin metal–organic layer to enhance electrochemiluminescence intensity and efficiency.
Ambipolar polyimides with pendant groups based on 9H-thioxanthene-9-one derivatives: synthesis, thermostability, electrochemical and electrochromic properties
Authors: Odintsov Danila S. , Shundrina Inna K. , Os'kina Irina A. , Oleynik Irina V. , Beckmann Jens , Shundrin Leonid A.
Published: February 2020

New thermally stable polyimides with pendant groups based on 9H-thioxanthene-9-one and its S,S-dioxide display electrochemical and electrochromic activities caused by radical anion states of pendant groups and in-chain imide moieties.
Homodyne dynamic light scattering in supramolecular polymer solutions: anomalous oscillations in intensity correlation function
Authors: Moulin Emilie , Nyrkova Irina A. , Giuseppone Nicolas , Semenov Alexander N. , Buhler Eric
Published: February 2020

Light-sensitive self-assembling molecular systems display well-defined and persistent oscillations in the homodyne intensity correlation function after irradiation.
Efficient photoluminescence of isotropic rare-earth oxychloride nanocrystals from a solvothermal route
Authors: Gouget Guillaume , Pellerin Morgane , Pautrot-D'Alençon Lauriane , Le Mercier Thierry , Murray Christopher B.
Published: February 2020

Sub-10 nm near-spherical LaOCl nanocrystals were prepared by solvothermal synthesis from hydrated rare-earth chlorides. Eu3+-doped (5%) LaOCl nanocrystals display 43% photoluminescence quantum yield.
Aerobic oxidation of primary benzylic amines to amides and nitriles catalyzed by ruthenium carbonyl clusters carrying N,O-bidentate ligands
Authors: Yan Xinlong , Dong Qing , Li Ying , Meng Lizhen , Hao Zhiqiang , Han Zhangang , Lu Guo-Liang , Lin Jin
Published: February 2020

An efficient method for direct oxygenation of primary arylamines to nitriles and amides with switchable selectivity was developed using N,O-bidentate Ru3 clusters as catalysts.
Correction: Cyrene™ is a green alternative to DMSO as a solvent for antibacterial drug discovery against ESKAPE pathogens
Authors: Camp Jason E. , Nyamini Simbarashe B. , Scott Fraser J.
Published: February 2020

Correction for ‘Cyrene™ is a green alternative to DMSO as a solvent for antibacterial drug discovery against ESKAPE pathogens’ by Jason E. Camp et al., RSC Med. Chem., 2020, 11, 111–117.
Highly efficient full-color and white circularly polarized luminescent nanoassemblies and their performance in light emitting devices
Authors: Yang Li , Huang Juexin , Qin Minggao , Ma Xiaoyu , Dou Xiaoqiu , Feng Chuanliang
Published: February 2020

Achiral commercial aromatic molecules co-assembly with chiral phenylalanine derived gelators exhibiting strong full-color and white CPL with high glum values via chirality transfer.
Synthesis and properties of pH-cleavable toothbrush-like copolymers comprising multi-reactive Y junctions and a linear or cyclic backbone
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhu Xiaomin , Miao Cheng , He Yanzhe , Zhao Youliang
Published: February 2020

Y-junction-bearing toothbrush-like copolymers can exhibit unique physical properties and hierarchical (co)assembly behaviors dependent on topology, external stimuli and hydrolysis.
In situ formation of transcriptional modulators using non-canonical DNA i-motifs
Authors: Saha Puja , Panda Deepanjan , Müller Diana , Maity Arunabha , Schwalbe Harald , Dash Jyotirmayee
Published: February 2020

Herein, i-motif DNA-immobilized magnetic nanoparticles are used as templates to promote the in situ cycloaddition generating specific binders for i-motifs.
Nanomolecular singlet oxygen photosensitizers based on hemiquinonoid-resorcinarenes, the fuchsonarenes
Authors: Payne Daniel T. , Webre Whitney A. , Gobeze Habtom B. , Seetharaman Sairaman , Matsushita Yoshitaka , Karr Paul A. , Chahal Mandeep K. , Labuta Jan , Jevasuwan Wipakorn , Fukata Naoki , Fossey John S. , Ariga Katsuhiko , D'Souza Francis , Hill Jonathan P.
Published: February 2020

Singlet oxygen sensitization involving a class of hemiquinonoid-substituted resorcinarenes prepared from the corresponding 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl-substituted resorcinarenes is reported.
An inorganic molecule-induced electron transfer complex for highly efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Kang Qian , Zu Yunfei , Liao Qing , Zheng Zhong , Yao Huifeng , Zhang Shaoqing , He Chang , Xu Bowei , Hou Jianhui
Published: February 2020

A series of inorganic polynuclear metaloxo clusters (PMCs) were studied as anode interlayers for fabricating high-performance organic solar cells. And, the mechanism of forming an inorganic–organic electron transfer complex was revealed.
Background calibration of bit weights in pipeline ADCs using a counteracting dither technique
Authors: Sun Jie , Zhou Yuan , Li Xin
Published: February 2020

A counteracting dither technique is proposed to remedy the bit‐weight error issue in pipeline analogue‐to‐digital converters (ADCs). A capacitor is added to the traditional comparator dither scheme. By switching the added capacitor, the residue swing increment due to comparator dither is counteracted, thereby greatly relaxing the design requirement of the residue amplifier. Behaviour‐level simulation results show that the spurious‐free‐dynamic‐range and the signal‐to‐noise‐and‐distortion‐ratio are improved from 59 and 52.8 dB to 102.7 and 85 dB after calibration in a 14‐bit ADC, respectively.
Mechanistic modelling of tyrosine recombination reveals key parameters determining the performance of a CAR T cell switching circuit
Authors: Bowyer Jack E. , Chakravarti Deboki , Wong Wilson W. , Bates Declan G.
Published: February 2020

Inducible genetic switches based on tyrosine recombinase‐based DNA excision are a promising platform for the regulation and control of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell activity in cancer immunotherapy. These switches exploit the increased stability of DNA excision in tyrosine recombinases through an inversion–excision circuit design. Here, the authors develop the first mechanistic mathematical model of switching dynamics in tyrosine recombinases and validate it against experimental data through both global optimisation and statistical approximation approaches. Analysis of this model provides guidelines regarding which system parameters are best suited to experimental tuning in order to establish optimal switch performance in vivo. In particular, they find that the switching response can be made significantly faster by increasing the concentration of the inducer drug 4‐OHT and/or by using promoters generating higher expression levels of the FlpO recombinase.
Galaxy kinematics across different environments in the RXJ1347−1145 cluster complex
Authors: Pérez-Martínez J. M. , Ziegler B. , Böhm A. , Verdugo M.
Published: February 2020

Aims. In order to understand the role of the different processes that drive galaxy evolution in clusters, we need comprehensive studies that simultaneously examine several of the most important physical properties of galaxies. In this work we study the interplay between the kinematic state and star formation activity of galaxies in the RXJ1347−1145 cluster complex at z ∼ 0.45.

Methods. We used VLT/VIMOS to obtain slit spectra for 95 galaxies across the 40′ × 40′ area where the RXJ1347−1145 cluster complex resides. We determined the cluster membership of our targets by identifying one or more of the available emission lines within the wavelength range. Our spectroscopy is complemented with archival SUBARU/Suprime-Cam deep photometric observations in five optical bands (B, V, Rc, Ic, z′). We examined the kinematic properties of our sample attending to the degree of distortion of the extracted rotation curves. Regular rotating galaxies were included in our Tully–Fisher analysis while the distorted ones were used to study the role of cluster-specific interactions with respect to star formation and AGN activity.

Results. Our analysis confirmed the cluster membership for approximately half of our targets. We report a higher fraction of galaxies with irregular gas kinematics in the cluster environment than in the field. Cluster galaxies with regular rotation display a moderate brightening in the B-band Tully–Fisher relation compatible with the gradual evolution of the stellar populations with lookback time, and no significant evolution in the stellar-mass Tully–Fisher relation, in line with previous studies at similar redshift. Average specific star formation rate values are slightly lower in our cluster sample (−0.15 dex) with respect to the main sequence of star-forming galaxies, confirming the role of the environment in the early quenching of star formation in clusters. Finally, we carried out an exploratory observational study on the stellar-to-halo mass relation finding that cluster galaxies tend to have slightly lower stellar mass values for a fixed halo mass compared to their field counterparts.
Diagnosis and Care of Infants and Children with Pompe Disease
Authors: Hahn Andreas , Hennermann Julia B. , Huemer Martina , Kampmann Christoph , Marquardt Thorsten , Mengel Eugen , Müller-Felber Wolfgang , Muschol NicoleMaria , Rohrbach Marianne , Stehling Florian
Published: February 2020

Pompe disease is a rare metabolic myopathy caused by deficiency of lysosomal α-glucosidase. Reduced enzyme activity results in abnormal intra- and extralysosomal glycogen deposition as well as impaired cellular function and autophagy. Age at manifestation and severity of disease depend on residual enzyme activity. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is available since 2006. In infantile onset Pompe disease, the most severe form, markedly prolonged survival has resulted in a new phenotype with symptoms and problems not encountered previously. In addition, it became apparent that antibody formation against the recombinant human enzyme may adversely affect the response to ERT. This review summarizes new knowledge gained in the last years concerning care of pediatric patients with Pompe disease and gives recommendations for diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up.
Cyclization of Active Methylene Isocyanides with α-Oxodithioesters Induced by Base: An Expedient Synthesis of 4-Methylthio/Ethoxycarbonyl-5-acylthiazoles
Authors: Swaroop Toreshettahally R. , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S. , Sadashiva Maralinganadoddi P. , Kiran Kuppalli R. , Rajeev Narasimhamurthy , Anil Seegehalli M.
Published: February 2020

Cyclization of tosylmethyl isocyanide with α-oxodithioesters in the presence of KOH is reported for the synthesis of 4-methylthio-5-acylthiazoles. Similarly, ethyl isocyanoacetate underwent cyclization with α-oxodithioesters to form 4-ethoxycarbonyl-5-acylthiazoles in the presence of DBU/EtOH. Mechanisms for the formation of thiazoles are proposed. These thiazoles can also be obtained by Takeda reaction, in which thiazole-4,5-anhydride is acylated with aromatic compounds followed by esterification; however, that approach requires two steps and suffers from the formation of a regioisomeric mixture of products.
Brief Review of Right Aortic Arch with Aberrant Left Subclavian Artery
Authors: Oztas Didem Melis , Umutlu Muzaffer , Ertan Melike , Beyaz Metin Onur , Badem Serdar , Erdinc Ibrahim , Ulukan Mustafa Ozer , Unal Orcun , Conkbayir Cenk , Alpagut Ufuk , Ugurlucan Murat
Published: February 2020

Development anomalies of the aortic arch and its major branches are rare congenital cardiovascular disorders. In this article, we present aberrant left subclavian artery associated with right aortic arch.
Current Opinions and Practices of Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents: A Survey among Pediatric Surgeons
Authors: Roebroek Yvonne G. M. , Pruijssers Suzanne R. , Bouvy Nicole D. , van Heurn Ernest L. W. E.
Published: February 2020

Introduction Bariatric surgery is performed at increasing rate in severely obese adolescents who do not respond to conservative treatment. In the United States, this treatment is generally accepted, yet in Europe, surgeons are more reluctant because of concerns regarding safety and (long-term) efficacy. We evaluated in which (European) countries bariatric surgery is allowed and performed, and the opinion of the members of the European Paediatric Surgeons' Association (EUPSA) regarding bariatric surgery in adolescents.

Materials and Methods Information was obtained with an online questionnaire sent to all EUPSA members.

Results A total of 108 pediatric surgeons (PSs) from 33 countries (of which 25 European) completed the survey. Sixty-two PSs (57.4%) from 22 countries stated that bariatric surgery in adolescents was allowed in their country. In only 14 countries, the costs were (partially) covered by health care insurances. Overall, 65.7% of the surgeons (n = 71) believed bariatric surgery may offer a valuable contribution to obtain substantial long-term weight loss in severely obese adolescents. Fifty-one (47.2%) reported that these procedures should be performed by a combination of a bariatric and a PS, while 20 (18.5%) and 16 (14.8%) preferred that these procedures should be performed solely by a PS or bariatric surgeon, respectively.

Conclusion Although allowed in most European countries, bariatric surgery in adolescents is only practiced on a small scale, and the treatment is often excluded from regular health care reimbursement. The majority of PSs acknowledge the value of bariatric surgery, which should be performed by a combination of PS and bariatric surgeon.
Antenatal Glucocorticoids Reduce the Incidence of Refractory Hypotension in Low Birthweight Infants during the Early Neonatal Period, but Do Not Affect It beyond This Time
Authors: Tomotaki Seiichi , Iwanaga Kougoro , Hanaoka Shintaro , Tomotaki Hiroko , Matsukura Takashi , Niwa Fusako , Kawai Masahiko
Published: February 2020

Objective This study aimed to clarify the effect of antenatal glucocorticoids (AGs) on the incidence of refractory hypotension (RH) in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants after the first week of life.

Study Design We included VLBW infants born at a gestational age of <30 weeks and divided them into three groups: the complete group (born within 7 days of completing a single course [two doses] of AGs), the incomplete group (born without complete course), and the late delivery group (born at ≥8 days after a single course). We compared the incidence and period of onset of RH among the three groups.

Results A total of 115 infants were enrolled. The incidence of RH in the first week of life was significantly lower in the complete group than in the other groups. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of RH after the first week of life among the groups.

Conclusion AGs contribute to circulatory stabilization during the first week of life, but this effect does not last after 1 or 2 weeks of administration. In infants who receive AGs, physicians should consider that the risk of RH after the first week of life is not low.
Effects of Caffeine on Splanchnic Oxygenation in Preterm Infants
Authors: Ilhan Ozkan , Bor Meltem
Published: February 2020

Objective The aim of this study is to assess the effects of administering 20 mg/kg loading dose of caffeine citrate intravenously on splanchnic oxygenation in preterm infants.

Study Design The infants with a gestational age (GA) of <34 weeks who were administered with a 20 mg/kg intravenous loading dose of caffeine citrate within 48 hours after birth were investigated prospectively. Regional splanchnic oxygen saturation (rsSO2) and splanchnic fractional tissue oxygen extraction rate (sFTOE) were measured using near-infrared spectroscopy before caffeine infusion, immediately after caffeine infusion and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 hours (h) after dose completion; postdose values were compared with predose values.

Results A total of 41 infants with a mean GA of 29.2 ± 1.6 weeks and birth weight of 1,315 ± 257 g as well as postnatal age of 32.2 ± 10.8 hours were included in the study. rsSO2 significantly reduced from 63.1 to 57.5% immediately after caffeine infusion, 55.1% after 1 hour, and 55.2% after 2 hours with partial recovery at 3-hour postdose. sFTOE increased correspondingly.

Conclusion Caffeine reduces splanchnic oxygenation and increases splanchnic oxygen extraction for at least 2 hours with partial recovery to predose levels at 3-hour postdose.
Effects of Umbilical Cord Milking on Term Infants Delivered by Cesarean Section
Authors: Chiruvolu Arpitha , Medders Alexis , Daoud Yahya
Published: February 2020

Objective Umbilical cord milking (UCM) is an efficient way to achieve optimal placental transfusion in term infants born by cesarean section (CS). However, it is not frequently performed due to concern for short-term adverse effects of increased blood volume, such as polycythemia and hyperbilirubinemia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-term effects of UCM on term infants delivered by CS.

Study Design We conducted a pre- and postimplementation cohort study comparing term infants delivered by CS who received UCM five times (141 infants, UCM group) during a 6-month period (August 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018) to those who received immediate cord clamping (ICC) during the same time period (105 infants, postimplementation ICC) and during a 3-month period (October1, 2016 to December 31, 2016) prior to the implementation of UCM (141 infants, preimplementation ICC).

Results Mothers were older in UCM group compared with both ICC groups. There were no significant differences in other maternal or neonatal characteristics. Although this study was not powered to detect differences in outcomes, the occurrence of hyperbilirubinemia needing phototherapy, symptomatic polycythemia, NICU admissions, or readmissions for phototherapy was similar between the groups.

Conclusion UCM intervention was not associated with increased incidence of phototherapy or symptomatic polycythemia in term infants delivered by CS.
Fibrinolysis and the Immune Response in Trauma
Authors: Medcalf Robert L. , Keragala Charithani B. , Draxler Dominik F.
Published: February 2020

It has long been known that the fibrinolytic system becomes activated following trauma. At first glance, this is not at all surprising and would appear to be in response to coagulation and the apparent need to remove blood clots and restore blood flow. However, in a bleeding patient, the opposite is what is actually needed. Therefore, one may ask why the fibrinolytic system gets activated in the first place or is there another purpose? Or is it that the waxing and waning of hemostasis in such severely injured patients creates a “moving target” such that the fibrinolytic system itself is constantly responding to changing circumstances? Depending on the injury modalities and the time point post injury, the fibrinolytic system could be either turned on or off. Various theories now abound that offer new insights into the turmoil and paradoxes associated with the fibrinolytic system in this unique setting and the use of antifibrinolytic agents. While this presents one conundrum, there is also another dimension to add to this discussion that has nothing to do with hemostasis per se but rather with the modulation of other critical processes that are also essential for optimal recovery following severe injury. Indeed, overwhelming data are now supporting an important role of the fibrinolytic system in the removal of necrotic tissue (mortolysis) and as a modulator of the innate immune response. Therefore, what is really going on when the fibrinolytic system decides to go into overdrive and generate plasmin, albeit even briefly after a traumatic event? Moreover, what other consequence may occur when antifibrinolytic agents are administered? This review will address this developing story and will outline a hypothesis that places the fibrinolytic system as a gateway to a myriad of processes that are not only linked to fibrin removal but are also broader players in the modulation of innate immunity.
Impacto do microbioma intestinal no Eixo Cérebro-Intestino
Authors: Zorzo Renato Augusto
Published: February 2020

Base teórica: O microbioma intestinal exerce influência vital não somente no funcionamento do Trato Gastrointestinal, mas também na modulação do sistema imune, na sinalização intercelular neuro-endócrina e na comunicação entre o Sistema Nervoso Entérico e o Sistema Nervoso Central, conjunto conhecido como Eixo Cérebro-Intestino.

Metodologia: Através de levantamentos nas bases de dados PubMed, Scielo e Google Scholar, este estudo teve por objetivo levantar o conhecimento científico atual acerca das relações entre o microbioma intestinal e o funcionamento do Eixo Cérebro-Intestino.

Achados: O microbioma intestinal é estabelecido desde os primeiros dias de vida, e sofre influência de vários fatores externos. Na primeira infância, uma relação de simbiose com o hospedeiro é estabelecida, e a partir de então, o microbioma intestinal exerce intima influência na comunicação do Eixo Cérebro-Intestino, e alterações no seu perfil estão implicadas na gênese de morbidades mentais, como esquizofrenia, depressão, transtorno do espectro autista, além de resposta exacerbada ao stress.

Conclusões: Estímulos na vida precoce exercem forte influência na formação do perfil do microbioma intestinal, cujos desdobramentos se estendem por toda a vida do indivíduo. Alterações no perfil do microbioma podem resultar em prejuízo no desenvolvimento em vários sistemas corporais, e em especial no neurodesenvolvimento, aumentando risco de morbidades mentais na vida adulta.
Componentes das fórmulas infantis: O que temos no horizonte?
Authors: Epifanio Matias
Published: February 2020

Nos últimos anos as fórmulas infantis têm apresentado uma evolução na sua composição e características, tentando se assemelhar ao leite materno. O conhecimento de sua composição interessa muito ao pediatra, dada a relevância que tem na sua pratica medica do dia a dia, assim como a importância que representa para o crescimento e desenvolvimento do bebe.
Catching up by hiring: The case of Huawei
Authors: Schaefer Kerstin J.
Published: February 2020

Hiring experts in centers of state-of-the-art technology is an important way in which a multinational enterprise (MNE) can gain competitive advantage, and yet use of this mechanism remains under-researched. This study uses the case of a Chinese MNE that recently achieved a leading position in the telecommunications market: Huawei Technologies. Taking the perspective of Huawei’s offshore hires, I find that greenfield investments contributed to overcoming liabilities of origin and outsidership in the global telecommunications industry. Nevertheless, even now that Huawei has caught up with industry incumbents, its output capabilities remain dependent on the innovation capabilities of its offshore experts.
Strong suppression of Curie temperature of spin-polarized ferromagnet La1−xSrxMnO3 by application of dynamic strain
Authors: Mito M. , Tsuruta K. , Tajiri T. , Ikeda N. , Ohkuma M. , Kohno A. , Konishi K. , Deguchi H.
Published: February 2020

The ferromagnetic state of the spin-polarized ferromagnet La1−xSrxMnO3 is stabilized in the metallic region by strong coupling between localized spins in the t2g orbital and conduction electrons in the eg orbital. We prepared polycrystalline La1−xSrxMnO3 films (x = 0.15, 0.25, or 0.30) by deposition on an oxidized Si substrate. The three types of La1−xSrxMnO3 films were in the ferromagnetic rhombohedral phase, and their Curie temperatures, TC, evaluated from the midpoint of ac magnetization, were 305 K, 335 K, and 338 K, respectively. By applying expansion-mode acoustic vibration to the crystal structure of La1−xSrxMnO3, we observed a remarkable decrease (as large as 70 K) in TC. The applied structural perturbation causes a decrease in the possibility of conduction electron hopping and an increase in the Jahn–Teller distortion. The former is more effective for decreasing TC than the latter.
Surface switching of mixed polyelectrolyte brushes made of 4-arm stars and linear chains: MD simulations
Authors: Wang Shaoyun , Tong Chaohui
Published: February 2020

Using Langevin dynamics simulation, we study the surface switching properties of mixed polyelectrolyte brushes made of 4-arm stars and linear chains. The length and average charge fraction of the linear chains, Bjerrum length (a characteristic length to quantify the strength of the electrostatic interaction), the solvent quality as well as external electric fields were used as controlling parameters to induce sharp transitions of molecular conformations, leading to brush surfaces dominated by end monomers of linear chains or stars. Phase diagrams in terms of the length and charge fraction of linear chains demarcating different regimes of the composition of brush surfaces were constructed under different external electric fields. Besides the different regimes in the phase diagram of mixed brushes under a stretching electric field or in the absence of electric fields, a new regime, which is featured by the linear chains with very low charge fraction sandwiched between the collapsed and un-collapsed stars, emerges in the phase diagram under a collapsing electric field. The stratification within the brush layer of the mixed brushes under external electric fields was also investigated.
Role of thermal and photoannealing on nonlinear optical response of Ge30Se55Bi15 thin films
Authors: Aparimita Adyasha , Khan P. , Aswin J. R. , Adarsh K. V. , Naik R.
Published: February 2020

In this article, we employed the nanosecond Z-scan technique to demonstrate the nonlinear optical response in Ge30Se55Bi15 thin films after thermal and photoannealing. The intensity dependent open aperture Z-scan traces reveal that all the samples, i.e., as-prepared, thermal, and photoannealed thin films, exhibit reverse saturable absorption. The experimental results indicate that both thermal and photoannealing can be efficiently used to enhance the nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) compared to the as-prepared sample. We further demonstrate that the β value of thermally annealed and as-prepared samples increases significantly at higher intensities. On the contrary, the β value of the photoannealed sample does not exhibit appreciable changes against the intensity variation.