bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual emission carbon dots from carotenoids: Converting a single emission to dual emission
Authors: Konwar Achyut , Deb Ankita , Kar Archita , Chowdhury Devasish
Published: August 2019

Dual emission carbon dots have a high potential for use as fluorescence‐based sensors with higher selectivity and sensitivity. This study demonstrated the possibility of conversion of a biological molecular system with a single emission peak to a double emission carbon dots system. This report is the first to describe the synthesis of dual emission carbon dots by tuning the electronic environment of a conjugated system. Here we prepared carbon dots from a natural extract, from which carotenoids were used as a new source for carbon dots. Formation of the carbon dots was confirmed by images obtained under a transmission electron microscope as well as from a dynamic light scattering study. The prepared carbon dots system was characterized and its optical property was monitored. The study showed that, after irradiation with microwaves, the fluorescence intensity of the whole system changed, without any change in the original peak position of the carotenoid but with the appearance of an additional peak. A Fourier transform infrared study confirmed breaking of the conjugated system. When using ethylene glycol as a surface passivating agent added to these carotenoid carbon dots, the dual emission spectra became more distinct.
Alles fließt?
Authors: Schneppenheim Reinhard , Brehm Maria Alexandra
Published: August 2019

Der von‐Willebrand‐Faktor ist ein zentrales Protein für die normale Hämostase mit unterschiedlichen strukturellen und funktionellen Domänen. Er bildet mit der Bindung an das exponierte Kollagen verletzter Gefäße und Thrombozyten mit deren Rezeptoren GPIb und GPIIb/IIIa die Matrix für den Ablauf der nachfolgenden Blutgerinnung. Quantitative und qualitative Defekte des VWF korrelieren mit dem von‐Willebrand‐Syndrom, der häufigsten Blutungsneigung, während das Fehlen der spezifischen VWF‐spaltenden Protease ADAMTS13 mit einer lebensbedrohlichen Mikroangiopathie assoziiert ist. Die Bedeutung des VWF für das Auftreten von Herzinfarkten und Schlaganfällen ist Gegenstand der aktuellen Forschung.
Das alpha‐Toxin von Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hildebrandt Jan‐Peter , Ziesemer Sabine , Möller Nils
Published: August 2019

Beim gesunden Menschen ist eine oberflächliche Besiedlung mit Staphylokokken meist harmlos, weil die Abwehrmechanismen das bakterielle Wachstum kontrollieren. Ohne dass man die relevanten Umstände genau kennt, können solche zunächst kommensalen Bakterien den Wirt allerdings krank machen, indem sie sich lokal vermehren und sog. Virulenzfaktoren bilden, die ihnen pathogene Eigenschaften verleihen. Einer der potentesten Virulenzfaktoren von Staphylococcus aureus ist das alpha‐Toxin (Hämolysin A, Hla). Dieses Toxin bildet in den betroffenen Zellen des Wirtes Plasmamembran‐durchspannende Poren aus, deren Durchmesser den Durchtritt von Ionen und kleinen organischen Molekülen erlaubt. Dies stört die normale Zellfunktion, verändert die intrazelluläre Signaltransduktion und beeinträchtigt, besonders in Epithelzellen, das Aktin‐Zytoskelett und den Zusammenhang des Zellverbandes. Diese Prozesse könnten erklären, warum S. aureus einer derjenigen Keime ist, die sehr häufig an der Entstehung von Lungenentzündungen (Pneumonien) beteiligt sind.
Von Kindern lernen
Authors: Hauk Andrea
Published: August 2019

Es wird viel diskutiert über die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf. Andrea Hauk – BIUZ‐Lesern bekannt als Autorin der Laborseite – hat den Praxistest gemacht und berichtet nun im sechzehnten Teil unserer Reihe von ihren Erfahrungen als Mutter eines Kleinkindes.
NOD1 modulates decidual stromal cell function to maintain pregnancy in the early trimester
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Yuhui , Li Chunmei , Fu Shuai , Yang Chunfeng , Song Yan , Liu Meilan , Wang Zhenhua , Liang Peili , Zhang Jianping
Published: August 2019

We sought to explore the functions and modulated factors of NOD1 in normal decidual stromal cells (DSCs) derived from the first trimester pregnancy and whether existed different expression of NOD1 between normal and unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) in DSCs. Twenty‐six patients with normal pregnancies that required abortion and 12 URPL patients at first trimester were enrolled for the study. As a result, we found lower levels of NOD1 in the DSCs derived from URPL compared with those from normal early trimester pregnancy. Furthermore, increased NOD1 expression in the normal DSCs induced apoptosis and increased monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and IL‐1β (interleukin 1 beta) secretion but decreased their invasion capacity. In addition, several cytokines such as IL‐1β, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) were present at the maternal‐fetal interface in RPL and were found to regulate NOD1 expression in primary DSCs. Our study indicates that RPL may be associated with NOD1 aberrant expression in DSCs, which plays a significant role in maintaining pregnancy via infection control and regulation of immune responses that might affect the pregnancy outcome. We expect that our results will bring more comprehensively understanding about the connection between NOD1 and RPL for researchers.
Facile Synthesis of Fe/N/S‐Doped Carbon Tubes as High‐Performance Cathode and Anode for Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Yang Wei , Li Jun , Lan Linghan , Li Zhuo , Wei Wenli , Lu Jia En , Chen Shaowei
Published: August 2019

As a renewable energy technology, microbial fuel cell (MFC) has been attracting increasing attention in recent decades. However, practical applications of MFCs has been hampered by the unsatisfactory electrode performance, in particular, at the cathode. Herein, Fe/N/S‐doped carbon hollow tubes were prepared by a facile two‐stage procedure involving hydrothermal treatment and pyrolysis at controlled temperatures. Electrochemical studies showed that the obtained samples exhibited an apparent electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction in both alkaline and acidic media, a performance comparable to that of commercial Pt/C, and the sample prepared at 800 °C stood out as the best among the series with a half‐wave potential of +0.81 V vs. RHE and an electron transfer number of 3.98 at +0.6 V vs. RHE. The Fe/N/S‐doped carbon tubes also exhibited a remarkable performance as an MFC anode by facilitating bacterial growth and electron transfer between the biofilm and electrode. In fact, an MFC based on the carbon tubes as both cathode and anode showed a markedly higher performance (maximum power density 479 W m−3) than the control MFC based on a graphene aerogel anode and Pt/C cathode (359 W m−3). These results suggest that Fe/N/S‐doped carbon composites can be used for the fabrication of high‐efficiency MFC electrodes.
A Comprehensive Quantitative Assay for Amine Transaminases
Authors: Cairns Ryan , Gomm Andrew , Peel Christopher , Sharkey Michael , O'Reilly Elaine
Published: August 2019

The development of effective high‐throughput screening assays has contributed greatly to the wealth of designer enzymes available, by enabling rapid identification of desired variants from large mutant libraries. Here, we report a general and operationally simple end‐point assay for transaminases that enables the screening of both amine donors and acceptors in liquid phase. The spectrophotometric‐based screen exploits the amine donor 2‐aminoethylaniline (2‐AEA) and relies on reaction of in situ generated indole with Ehrlich's reagent. The assay has also been adapted to allow screening in the reverse direction by addition of indole and subsequent spectrophotometric analysis. Importantly, the screen provides qualitative information on the enantio‐preference of the individual biocatalysts. To increase the assay throughput, an engineered expression strain (E. coli BL21(DE3) ΔtnaA) lacking tryptophanase activity, was generated to enable reliable and direct evaluation of individual colonies arrayed on agar plates.
Cyclobishelicenes: Shape‐Persistent Figure‐Eight Aromatic Molecules with Promising Chiroptical Properties
Authors: Robert Antoine , Naulet Guillaume , Bock Harald , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Jean Marion , Giorgi Michel , Carissan Yannick , Aroulanda Christie , Scalabre Antoine , Pouget Emilie , Durola Fabien , Coquerel Yoann
Published: August 2019

Cyclobis[n]helicenes (n=3 or 5) are chiral D2‐symmetric π‐conjugated macrocycles with stable lemniscular, or figure‐eight, shapes. The conformational analysis of five different cyclobis[n]helicenes revealed that these molecules can only exist as their lemniscular conformers with high barriers to enantiomerization (>200 kJ mol−1). The enantiomers of a cyclobis[5]helicene were resolved by HPLC and their unusual chiroptical properties were attributed to the inherent chirality of their macrocyclic figure‐eight.
Redox‐mediated Negative Differential Resistance (NDR) Behavior in Perylenediimide Derivative: A Supramolecular Approach
Authors: Khurana Raman , Mohanty Jyotirmayee , Padma Narayanan , Barooah Nilotpal , Bhasikuttan Achikanath C.
Published: August 2019

Deaggregated perylenediimide (PDI) derivatives exhibit exceptionally high quantum yields, photostability and appropriate molecular features for organic electronics. This work demonstrates a metal–dye–metal framework with a large and stable negative differential resistance (NDR) at ambient conditions, built using a supramolecular strategy. The deaggregation achieved through the encapsulation of the bay‐substituted phenyl groups of aggregated (l/d)‐Phe‐PDI dyes by the β‐CD macrocyclic host is validated through detailed spectroscopic and imaging techniques. The host–guest interaction resulted in a dramatic enhancement in the emission yield from 0.28 to 0.90. In the thin film deposits, the β‐CD/(l/d)‐Phe‐PDI complex displayed well‐connected sheet‐like morphology, whereas the uncomplexed (l/d)‐Phe‐PDI dye remained as scattered lumps. The large and reversible I–V characteristics displaying strong NDR behavior is attributed to the oxidation/reduction processes involving the rigid π‐rich PDI core and is stable at least for about six months at ambient conditions, a promising system for organic electronics applications.
A Low‐Temperature Approach for the Phase‐Pure Synthesis of MIL‐140 Structured Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Schulz Marcel , Marquardt Nele , Schäfer Malte , Warwas Dawid Peter , Zailskas Saskia , Schaate Andreas
Published: August 2019

In a systematic investigation, the synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with MIL‐140 structure was studied. The precursors of this family of MOFs are the same as for the formation of the well‐known UiO‐type MOFs although the synthesis temperature for MIL‐140 is significantly higher. This study is focused on the formation of Zr‐based MIL‐140 MOFs with terephthalic acid (H2bdc), biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid (H2bpdc), and 4,4′‐stilbenedicarboxylic acid (H2sdc) and the introduction of synthesis field diagrams to discover parameters for phase‐pure products. In this context, a MIL‐140 network with H2sdc as linker molecule is first reported. Additionally, an important aspect is the reduction of the synthesis temperature to make MIL‐140 MOFs more accessible even though linkers with a more delicate nature are used. The solvothermal syntheses were conducted in highly concentrated reaction mixtures whereby a targeted synthesis to yield the MIL‐140 phase is possible. Furthermore, the effect of the often‐used modulator approach is examined for these systems. Finally, the characteristics of the synthesized MOFs are compared with physisorption measurements, thermogravimetric analyses, and scanning electron microscopy.
A Closed Chemobrionic System as a Biochemical Delivery Platform
Authors: Angelis Georgios , Zayed Dimitris Nabil , Karioti Anastasia , Lazari Diamanto , Kanata Eirini , Sklaviadis Theodoros , Pampalakis Georgios
Published: August 2019

Inorganic cells bearing calcium silicate membranes were prepared and resembled closed chemical gardens. It was demonstrated that these inorganic cells can successfully be loaded with natural products, proteins and plasmid DNA, and their cargo can be released in a controlled manner. These cells demonstrated the ability of chemical gardens to act as platforms for the sustained delivery of biomolecules and are expected to introduce chemical gardens in the field of biosciences.
Macrocycle‐Directed Construction of Tetrahedral Anion–π Receptors for Nesting Anions with Complementary Geometry
Authors: Luo Jian , Zhu Jun , Tuo De‐Hui , Yuan Qinqin , Wang Lei , Wang Xue‐Bin , Ao Yu‐Fei , Wang Qi‐Qiang , Wang De‐Xian
Published: August 2019

Manipulation of the emerging anion–π interactions in a highly cooperative manner through sophisticated host design represents a very challenging task. In this work, unprecedented tetrahedral anion–π receptors have been successfully constructed for complementary accommodation of tetrahedral and relevant anions. The synthesis was achieved by a macrocycle‐directed approach by using large macrocycle precursors bearing four reactive sites, which enabled a kinetic‐favored pathway and afforded the otherwise inaccessible tetrahedral cages in considerable yields. Crystal structure suggested that the tetrahedral cages have an enclosed three‐dimensional cavity surrounded by four electron‐deficient triazine faces in a tetrahedral array. The complementary accommodation of a series of tetrahedral and relevant anions including BF4−, ClO4−, H2PO4−, HSO4−, SO42− and PF6− was revealed by ESI‐MS and DFT calculations. Crystal structures of ClO4− and PF6− complexes showed that the anion was nicely encapsulated within the tetrahedral cavity with up to quadruple cooperative anion–π interactions by an excellent shape and size match. The strong anion–π binding was further confirmed by negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy measurements.
Electrochemical Behavior of Ti3C2Tx MXene in Environmentally Friendly Methanesulfonic Acid Electrolyte
Authors: Zhao Xin , Dall'Agnese Chunxiang , Chu Xue‐Feng , Zhao Shuangshuang , Chen Gang , Gogotsi Yury , Gao Yu , Dall'Agnese Yohan
Published: August 2019

Two‐dimensional transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, called MXenes, have gained much attention as electrode materials in electrochemical energy storage devices. In particular, Ti3C2Tx has shown outstanding performance in common sulfuric acid (H2SO4) electrolyte. In this work, a more environmentally friendly alternative acidic electrolyte, methanesulfonic acid (MSA), is proposed. The energy storage performance of Ti3C2Tx in aqueous and neat MSA ionic liquid electrolytes is investigated. The specific capacitance of 298 F g−1 was obtained at a scan rate of 5 mV s−1 in 4 m MSA and it exhibits excellent cycle stability with retention of nearly 100 % over 10 000 cycles. This electrochemical performance is similar to that of Ti3C2Tx in H2SO4, but using a greener electrolyte. In situ X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals the intercalation charge storage mechanism. Specifically, the interlayer spacing changes by up to 2.58 Å during cycling, which is the largest reversible volume change observed in MXenes in aqueous electrolytes.
Probing disrupted neurodevelopment in autism using human stem cell‐derived neurons and organoids: An outlook into future diagnostics and drug development
Authors: Yang Guang , Shcheglovitov Alex
Published: August 2019

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction, repetitive or restrictive behaviors, and problems with speech. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 68 children in the US is diagnosed with ASDs. Although ASD‐related diagnostics and the knowledge of ASD‐associated genetic abnormalities have improved in recent years, our understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways disrupted in ASD remains very limited. As a result, no specific therapies or medications are available for individuals with ASDs. In this review, we describe the neurodevelopmental processes that are likely affected in the brains of individuals with ASDs and discuss how patient‐specific stem cell‐derived neurons and organoids can be used for investigating these processes at the cellular and molecular levels. Finally, we propose a discovery pipeline to be used in the future for identifying the cellular and molecular deficits and developing novel personalized therapies for individuals with idiopathic ASDs.
Genome‐wide association analyses reveal polygenic genomic architecture underlying divergent shell morphology in SpanishLittorina saxatilisecotypes
Authors: Kess Tony , Boulding Elizabeth G.
Published: August 2019

Gene flow between diverging populations experiencing dissimilar ecological conditions can theoretically constrain adaptive evolution. To minimize the effect of gene flow, alleles underlying traits essential for local adaptation are predicted to be located in linked genome regions with reduced recombination. Local reduction in gene flow caused by selection is expected to produce elevated divergence in these regions. The highly divergent crab‐adapted and wave‐adapted ecotypes of the marine snailLittorina saxatilispresent a model system to test these predictions. We used genome‐wide association (GWA) analysis of geometric morphometric shell traits associated with microgeographic divergence between the twoL. saxatilisecotypes within three separate sampling sites. A total of 477 snails that had individual geometric morphometric data and individual genotypes at 4,066 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed using GWA methods that corrected for population structure among the three sites. This approach allowed dissection of the genomic architecture of shell shape divergence between ecotypes across a wide geographic range, spanning two glacial lineages. GWA revealed 216 quantitative trait loci (QTL) with shell size or shape differences between ecotypes, with most loci explaining a small proportion of phenotypic variation. We found that QTL were evenly distributed across 17 linkage groups, and exhibited elevated interchromosomal linkage, suggesting a genome‐wide response to divergent selection on shell shape between the two ecotypes. Shell shape trait‐associated loci showed partial overlap with previously identified outlier loci under divergent selection between the two ecotypes, supporting the hypothesis of diversifying selection on these genomic regions. These results suggest that divergence in shell shape between the crab‐adapted and wave‐adapted ecotypes is produced predominantly by a polygenic genomic architecture with positive linkage disequilibrium among loci of small effect.
Structural Diversity of Calcium, Strontium, and Barium Complexes with Reduced Forms of the 3,6‐Di‐tert‐butyl‐o‐benzoquinone Ligand
Authors: Sinitsa Dmitry K. , Sukhikh Taisiya S. , Petrov Pavel A. , Nadolinny Vladimir A. , Konchenko Sergey N. , Pushkarevsky Nikolay A.
Published: August 2019

Molecular complexes of Ca, Sr, and Ba with the reduced forms of 3,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐o‐benzoquinone as ligands (catecholate, 3,6‐Cat2–, or semiquinone 3,6‐SQ–‧) were synthesized and structurally characterized. Trinuclear complexes [M3(3,6‐Cat)3(thf)6] (1, M = Ca; 2, M = Sr) or tetranuclear complex [Ba4(3,6‐Cat)4(thf)6] (3) crystallize from tetrahydrofuran (thf) solutions. In the structures of 1 and 2 metal atoms form a nearly right triangle with two µ3‐bridging 3,6‐Cat ligands; in 3, the metal atoms form a tetrahedron contracted along a twofold axis, and all the catecholates are µ3‐bridging. In nonpolar media the complexes 1–3 lose coordinated thf, upon which 1 is converted into complex [Ca4(3,6‐Cat)4(thf)4] (4), structurally similar to 3. Complex 1 is oxidized by one equivalent of the quinone to yield mixed‐ligand complex [Ca3(3,6‐SQ)2(3,6‐Cat)2(thf)4] (5), structurally similar to 1. Successive oxidation by the quinone leads to dissociation to mononuclear species, [Ca(3,6‐SQ)2(thf)3] (5), which possesses pentagonal‐bipyramidal coordination with two semiquinolate ligands lying in an equatorial plane. Solution behavior of the complexes is studied by NMR (for catecholates) and EPR (for semiquinolates) spectroscopy.
Synthesis of a Boronic Acid Anhydride Based Ligand and Its Application in Beryllium Coordination
Authors: Buchner Magnus R. , Müller Matthias , Raymond Onyekachi , Severinsen Rebecca J. , Nixon David J. , Henderson William , Brothers Penelope J. , Rowlands Gareth J. , Plieger Paul G.
Published: August 2019

The synthesis of a boronic acid anhydride‐based ligand containing one three‐ and one four‐coordinated boron atom is presented. This ligand was successfully employed as a tridentate κ1N,κ2O‐ligand in the coordination of beryllium chloride and both the ligand and the resulting complex have been structurally characterized. While the boron‐element separations are within the typical range of related homo‐nuclear compounds, the corresponding beryllium‐element distances are rather long, suggesting unexpectedly high electron density at the beryllium center. Incorporation of a beryllium atom in a six‐membered ring causes no more distortion than the corresponding boron atom, suggesting that analogous ligand systems could be used in boron and beryllium coordination chemistry. The generated hetero‐tri‐nuclear complex enables the direct comparison of bond lengths and angles at beryllium and boron atoms in similar coordination environments and can act as a monomolecular model for beryllium borates.
Total Asymmetric Synthesis of Quinine, Quinidine, and Analogues via Catalytic Enantioselective Cascade Transformations
Authors: Jiang Yan , Deiana Luca , Zhang Kaiheng , Lin Shuangzheng , Córdova Armando
Published: August 2019

A catalytic asymmetric strategy for the total synthesis of quinuclidine natural products, which includes the completed enantioselective synthesis of the classical targets quinine and quinidine is disclosed. It is based on catalytic asymmetric cascade transformations, which paves the road for the synthesis of both enantiomers of the crucial C4 stereocenter with high enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee) in one pot. Next, developing a route to all possible stereoisomers of a common early‐stage intermediate sets the stage for the total synthesis of different enantiomers or epimers of quinine, quinidine and analogues with high selectivity.
Boryl Radical Addition to Multiple Bonds in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Taniguchi Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2019

Boryl radicals have recently contributed to the development of organoboron chemistry, but synthetic application of boryl radicals is still limited compared with other radical species. The recent development of new reagents and catalytic systems has expanded the practicality of boryl radicals in synthetic chemistry, and it has enabled addition reactions of boryl radicals to multiple bonds such as alkenes, alkynes, carbonyl groups and their derivatives. Boryl radical additions to multiple bonds can create not only novel organoboron compounds but also unusual chemical transformations. This review summarizes recently developed addition reactions of boryl radicals, which are roughly categorized by the strategy for formation of boryl radicals: (1) B–H bond cleavage and (2) B–B bond cleavage. Also, the reaction mechanism is outlined in order to understand the design and concept of each reaction.
Flow field characters near fracture entrance in supercritical carbon dioxide sand fracturing
Authors: Song Weiqiang , Zhang Junming , Wang Chunguang , Chen Shaojie , Chen Zhongwei
Published: August 2019

To investigate the flow field near fracture entrance and promote the development of sand fracturing with carbon dioxide as the working fluid, numerical simulation of multiphase flow was conducted with a 3D geological model considering the compressibility of carbon dioxide. The flow field of carbon dioxide alone was firstly investigated to lay the foundation for the analysis of multiphase flow, and then comparative analysis was conducted on the flow field of both the injecting sand from the pipe and the annulus. The results show that jet fracture with carbon dioxide can achieve a 4.46 MPa pressure boost at the fracture tip compared to the annulus pressure, which theoretically validates the feasibility of the mentioned technology. Sand fracturing can achieve a higher pressure boost in the cavity, while it needs greater pump pressure at the surface. Injecting sand from the annulus could decrease the need for pump pressure by 6.62 MPa at the condition of injecting 25% carbon dioxide from the annulus simultaneously, while the pressure difference between the cavity tip and the annulus decreases as a result. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why do staff and family think differently about quality of life in dementia? A qualitative study exploring perspectives in care homes
Authors: Robertson Sarah , Cooper Claudia , Hoe Juanita , Lord Kathryn , Rapaport Penny , Livingston Gill
Published: August 2019

Background

Quality of life is important especially in incurable illness. In dementia, we often need proxy reports of quality of life, but we know little about how individuals make their judgements. In care homes, proxies may be staff providing care or relatives, but staff rate quality of life differently to family. To our knowledge, no one has explored this qualitatively, so we used qualitative interviews to explore why staff and family think differently about quality of life.

Methods

We interviewed 12 staff and 12 relatives who had provided proxy ratings of quality of life for people living with dementia in care homes in the Managing Agitation and Raising Quality of life (MARQUE) study. We asked why they had rated the resident's quality of life as “Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor.” Using thematic analysis, we compared staff and relatives' proxy responses.

Results

For staff, the concept of quality of life was often viewed synonymously with quality of care, influenced by their sense of responsibility and informed by their professional understanding. For relatives, quality of life was often judged in relation to how the person with dementia lived before diagnosis and was influenced by their perception of loss for the person with dementia and their own adjustment.

Conclusions

Proxy reports were influenced by rater's own contexts and experiences. This can enhance our understanding of widely used research tools, aid the evaluation of intervention outcomes, and indicate possible targets for improving perceived and actual quality of life of people with dementia.
Optimization of an inertance pulse tube refrigerator using the particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Panda Debashis , Rout Sachindra Kumar
Published: August 2019

In this study, a particle swarm optimization method is employed to find the optimal operating parameters and geometrical parameters, which maximize the coefficient of performance (COP) of an inertance pulse tube refrigerator (IPTR). The considered decision variables of the IPTR are the charging pressure, which varies from 15 to 25 bar, operating frequency varying from 20 to 60 Hz, geometrical parameters, such as diameter varying from 15.0 to 25.00 mm, and length varying from 40.0 to 70 mm of the regenerator; diameter varying from 12.0 to 20.00 mm and length varying from 40.0 to 80 mm of the pulse tube; and diameter varying from 2.0 to 6.00 mm and length varying from 1.0 to 3.0 m of the inertance tube. A 1D numerical model, based on the finite volume discretization of governing equations has been selected to build the initial design matrix and solve the governing continuity, momentum, and energy equations. Analysis of variance is performed using the result obtained from the numerical simulation to visualize the variations of COP as a combination of various input parameters. It is observed that after optimizing the input parameters, the COP of the IPTR increases by 15.14%.
Exploring the predictability of range‐based volatility estimators using recurrent neural networks
Authors: Petneházi Gábor , Gáll József
Published: August 2019

We investigate the predictability of several range‐based stock volatility estimates and compare them with the standard close‐to‐close estimate, which is most commonly acknowledged as the volatility. The patterns of volatility changes are analysed using long short‐term memory recurrent neural networks, which are a state‐of‐the‐art method of sequence learning. We implement the analysis on all current constituents of the Dow Jones Industrial Average index and report averaged evaluation results. We find that the direction of changes in the values of range‐based estimates are more predictable than that of the estimate from daily closing values only.
Molecular design and optimization of hepatic cancer SLP76‐derived PLCγ1 SH3‐binding peptide with the systematic N‐substitution of peptide PXXP motif
Authors: Tang Wenqing , Zhao Zhiying , Wang Chen , Ye Tao , Yang Biwei
Published: August 2019

The phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) is essential for T‐cell signaling and activation in hepatic cancer immune response, which has a regulatory Src homology 3 (SH3) domain that can specifically recognize and interact with the PXXP‐containing decapeptide segment (185QPPVPPQRPM194, termed as SLP76185–194 peptide) of adaptor protein SLP76 following T‐cell receptor ligation. The isolated peptide can only bind to the PLCγ1 SH3 domain with a moderate affinity due to lack of protein context support. Instead of the traditional natural residue mutagenesis that is limited by low structural diversity and shifted target specificity, we herein attempt to improve the peptide affinity by replacing the two key proline residues Pro187 and Pro190 of SLP76185–194 PXXP motif with nonnatural N‐substituted amino acids, as the proline is the only endogenous N‐substituted amino acid. The replacement would increase peptide flexibility but can restore peptide activity by establishing additional interactions with the domain. Structural analysis reveals that the domain pocket can be divided into a large amphipathic region and a small negatively charged region; they accommodate hydrophobic, aromatic, polar, and moderate‐sized N‐substituted amino acid types. A systematic replacement combination profile between the peptide residues Pro187 and Pro190 is created by structural modeling, dynamics simulation, and energetics analysis, from which six improved and two reduced N‐substituted peptides as well as native SLP76185–194 peptide are identified and tested for their binding affinity to the recombinant protein of the human PLCγ1 SH3 domain using fluorescence‐based assays. Two N‐substituted peptides, SLP76185–194(N‐Leu187/N‐Gln190) and SLP76185–194(N‐Thr187/N‐Gln190), are designed to have high potency (Kd = 0.67 ± 0.18 and 1.7 ± 0.3 μM, respectively), with affinity improvement by, respectively, 8.5‐fold and 3.4‐fold relative to native peptide (Kd = 5.7 ± 1.2 μM).
Characterization of the sensory, affective, cognitive, biochemical, and neuronal alterations in a modified chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain in mice
Authors: Medeiros Priscila , de Freitas Renato Leonardo , Boccella Serena , Iannotta Monica , Belardo Carmela , Mazzitelli Mariacristina , Romano Rosaria , De Gregorio Danilo , Coimbra Norberto Cysne , Palazzo Enza , Maione Sabatino
Published: August 2019

The chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve is a nerve injury‐based model of neuropathic pain (NP). Comorbidities of NP such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive deficits are associated with a functional reorganization of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Here, we have employed an adapted model of CCI by placing one single loose ligature around the sciatic nerve in mice for investigating the alterations in sensory, motor, affective, and cognitive behavior and in electrophysiological and biochemical properties in the prelimbic division (PrL) of the mPFC. Our adapted model of CCI induced mechanical allodynia, motor, and cognitive impairments and anxiety‐ and depression‐like behavior. In the PrL division of mPFC was observed an increase in GABA and a decrease in d‐aspartate levels. Moreover an increase in the activity of neurons responding to mechanical stimulation with an excitation, mPFC (+), and a decrease in those responding with an inhibition, mPFC (−), was found. Altogether these findings demonstrate that a single ligature around the sciatic nerve was able to induce sensory, affective, cognitive, biochemical, and functional alterations already observed in other neuropathic pain models and it may be an appropriate and easily reproducible model for studying neuropathic pain mechanisms and treatments.
Optically stimulated luminescence ages of the Hengyu site and their implications for anthropogenic activities in the Fuzhou Basin, South China
Authors: Jin Jianhui , Huang Yunming , Zhang Yong , Li Zhizhong , Fan Xuechun , Ling Zhiyong , Zheng Fei , Cheng Yan , Xu Xiaolin , Li Zhixing , Zhang Wenjing
Published: August 2019

The chronologies of few Neolithic sites in the lower reaches of the Min River of China have been well investigated for the middle to late Holocene. In this study, the Hengyu Neolithic site in Fujian Province, South China, which has significant archaeological remains, was dated using blue‐stimulated optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS14C) techniques. The results, comprising nine OSL and three AMS14C ages through the Neolithic sequence, provide new evidence towards understanding the relationship between environmental evolution and human activities in the middle to late Holocene in the Fuzhou Basin and coastal areas of South China. The ages of the site deposits vary from 6.83 to 1.67 ka and can be divided into two main phases: the Keqiutou–Tanshishan culture period and the Bronze culture period. In contrast, the persistent periods of ancient human activities at the Hengyu site seem to correspond to regional sea‐level changes and the East Asian winter monsoon as a secondary factor, which can affect human activities through sea‐level impacts. The warm and high sea level conditions provided a liveable environment for the ancient humans of Fujian and even South China. The ages of two building column bases are linked to the early stage of the Han dynasty, suggesting a potentially favourable habitation environment; that is, ancient humans occupied and settled this area for the long term within this time period, which is consistent with sea‐level changes and palynology records. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cache pilfering in a granivore guild: Implications for reintroduction management
Authors: Chock Rachel Y. , Grether Gregory F. , Shier Debra M.
Published: August 2019

Reintroduction programs that release endangered species back into areas from which they have been extirpated rarely take competitive interactions between species into account. The endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) is being reintroduced to parts of its former range where multiple species of native rodents have overlapping diets. The granivorous species in this foraging guild compete for seeds exploitatively and through direct interference interactions, and pocket mice are the smallest and least dominant species in the guild. Repeated aggressive interactions from resident heterospecifics could lower the chances of reintroduced pocket mice establishing burrows during the post‐release settlement period. As such, temporarily reducing the density of competing species through exclusionary fencing might be an advisable reintroduction strategy, in combination with other interventions, such as predator exclusion. The presence of other members of the seed‐foraging guild, however, could have a net benefit for pocket mice, if the pocket mice pilfer from the other species’ seed caches more than the other species pilfer from their caches. To test the frequency of cache pilfering between species, we conducted a field experiment with fluorescent dyed seeds. Two of 10 pocket mice pilfered from heterospecifics, but only 1 of 33 heterospecifics pilfered from pocket mice. In a field‐enclosure experiment, we could not conclude that any of the 4 species tested used heterospecific scent to find (or avoid) seed caches, and pocket mice were less efficient in pilfering from artificial caches, recovering fewer seeds than the larger species. We did not find strong evidence that Pacific pocket mice benefit from living in sympatry with larger, dominant species. Although further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between heterospecific density and the prevalence of cache pilfering, a conservative reintroduction approach would be to select receiver sites with low densities of known competitors to benefit pocket mice during the critical post‐release establishment phase. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Heparin therapy as adjuvant treatment for profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Kim Junsuk , Jeong Jinuk , Ha Ryun , Sunwoo Woongsang
Published: August 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study aimed to provide evidence of whether unfractionated heparin used as adjuvant therapy in conjunction with systemic corticosteroid therapy improves hearing recovery in patients with profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL), and to compare the effect of this treatment with those of additional intratympanic corticosteroid therapy.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Eighty‐seven patients with profound ISSNHL (≥90 dB) and who had been admitted at a tertiary referral center between 2010 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed, 67 patients for additional intratympanic corticosteroid injection (ITSI) (ITSI group) and 21 for adjuvant heparin therapy (heparin group). Hearing recovery was evaluated by grade assessment according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery criteria.

Results

Of the patients in the heparin group, 42.8% recovered serviceable hearing, which was significantly higher than the recovery rates (19.7%) of those in the ITSI group. Particularly, in patients with pretreatment hearing level of 90 to 100 dB, adjuvant heparin therapy enhanced therapeutic effects with a significant hearing recovery rate of 80%. However, in patients with initial hearing level >100 dB, the rates of significant hearing recovery in the two groups were roughly equal and remained unsatisfactory (8.1% in the ITSI group and 9.1% in the heparin group).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the treatment of profound ISSNHL with adjuvant heparin therapy, in combination with systemic steroid therapy, results in higher hearing recovery rates when compared to combined local and systemic corticosteroid therapy, without serious complications.

Level of Evidence

3b

Laryngoscope, 130:1310–1315, 2020
Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation on Postural Trunk Deformities: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lizarraga Karlo J. , Fasano Alfonso
Published: August 2019

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) effects on postural deformities are still poorly explored.

Methods

Systematic review in accord with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐Analysis guidelines (PRISMA).

Results

All 38 studies that met predefined eligibility criteria had high risk of bias attributed to retrospective analysis of heterogeneous populations with variable and incompletely reported demographic and clinical characteristics, definitions, outcomes, DBS indications, targets, and settings. Five patient groups were identified in the 35 studies with individual data available: (1) parkinsonian camptocormia (n = 96): 89 patients underwent subthalamic (STN) and 7 globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) DBS. Camptocormia was the indication in 3 patients. After DBS, camptocormia improved in 57 of 96 patients (4.3–100% improvement) and remained stable or worsened in 39 of 96 patients (2–100% worsening). (2) dystonic camptocormia (n = 16): All underwent GPi‐DBS. They were younger and with shorter disease duration, but longer deformity duration, compared with parkinsonian camptocormia. After GPi‐DBS, camptocormia improved in all patients (50–100% improvement). (3) Parkinsonian Pisa syndrome (n = 14): 11 patients underwent STN‐DBS for motor fluctuations whereas Pisa syndrome was the indication for pedunculopontine and GPi‐DBS in 2 patients. After DBS, Pisa improved in 10 of 14 patients (33.3–66.7% improvement). (4) Dystonic opisthotonus: 2 young patients remarkably responded to GPi‐DBS. (5) Parkinsonian anterocollis: There were variable responses in 3 patients after STN‐DBS for motor fluctuations.

Conclusions

Low‐quality level of evidence suggests that dystonic camptocormia and opisthotonus improve after GPi‐DBS. Parkinsonian camptocormia, Pisa syndrome, and anterocollis have variable responses, and their dystonic features should be further explored.
Global finite‐time stabilization of a class of nonlinear system based on a dynamic gain approach
Authors: Wang Xuhuan
Published: August 2019

In this paper, finite‐time control problem of a class of nonlinear systems is considered. By using a dynamic gain‐based backstepping approach, a state feedback controller involving the dynamic gains is constructed with the help of appropriate Lyapunov function, which guarantees the closed‐loop system to be globally finite‐time stabilization. A simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Indicators of mental disorders in UK Biobank—A comparison of approaches
Authors: Davis Katrina A.S. , Cullen Breda , Adams Mark , Brailean Anamaria , Breen Gerome , Coleman Jonathan R.I. , Dregan Alexandru , Gaspar Héléna A. , Hübel Christopher , Lee William , McIntosh Andrew M. , Nolan John , Pearsall Robert , Hotopf Matthew
Published: August 2019

Objectives

For many research cohorts, it is not practical to provide a “gold‐standard” mental health diagnosis. It is therefore important for mental health research that potential alternative measures for ascertaining mental disorder status are understood.

Methods

Data from UK Biobank in those participants who had completed the online Mental Health Questionnaire (n = 157,363) were used to compare the classification of mental disorder by four methods: symptom‐based outcome (self‐complete based on diagnostic interviews), self‐reported diagnosis, hospital data linkage, and self‐report medication.

Results

Participants self‐reporting any psychiatric diagnosis had elevated risk of any symptom‐based outcome. Cohen's κ between self‐reported diagnosis and symptom‐based outcome was 0.46 for depression, 0.28 for bipolar affective disorder, and 0.24 for anxiety. There were small numbers of participants uniquely identified by hospital data linkage and medication.

Conclusion

Our results confirm that ascertainment of mental disorder diagnosis in large cohorts such as UK Biobank is complex. There may not be one method of classification that is right for all circumstances, but an informed and transparent use of outcome measure(s) to suit each research question will maximise the potential of UK Biobank and other resources for mental health research.
Streamlined academic requirements attract older students
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: August 2019

Being a working mother of seven children, Sheila Lake knew that getting a college education was not going to be easy. She needed a program that accounted for her life experience and her personal commitments.
Recruit, retain military students with portfolio of supports
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: August 2019

Adult students want to find a meaningful degree program that supports their unique needs — and this is especially true for military‐affiliated students.
What is wrong with job security?
Authors: Mussagulova Assel , van der Wal Zeger , Chen Chung‐An
Published: August 2019

Most Western studies into motivation suggest that public servants are prosocial. Moreover, scholars suggest that a desire for external rewards, like pay and job security, may crowd out prosocial proclivity. However, recent studies from non‐Western contexts provide mixed results about the actual drivers of public servants' motivation to seek and retain public sector employment and perform their duties. To advance the development of theory regarding motivational dynamics of public servants in developing countries, we examine how pursuing external rewards impacts public service motivation, job satisfaction, and turnover intention among public servants in Kazakhstan (n= 627), a developing former Soviet republic that has been subjected to various waves of personnel reform. Our quantitative and qualitative data show that a desire for job security relates positively to public service motivation and job satisfaction, whereas a desire for monetary rewards correlates negatively with public service motivation and positively with turnover intention. We conclude with the implications for theory and practice.
CDC42 promotes vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Li Zehua , Wu Ji , Zhang Xiuli , Ou Caiwen , Zhong Xinglong , Chen Yanting , Lu Lihe , Liu Hailin , Li Yining , Liu Xiaoyu , Wu Bo , Wang Yuxi , Yang Pingzhen , Yan Jianyun , Chen Minsheng
Published: August 2019

Vascular calcification is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a major risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Vascular calcification is now recognised as a biological process similar to bone formation involving osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Cell division cycle 42 (CDC42), a Rac1 family member GTPase, is essential for cartilage development during endochondral bone formation. However, whether CDC42 affects osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs and vascular calcification remains unknown. In the present study, we observed a significant increase in the expression of CDC42 both in rat VSMCs and in calcified arteries during vascular calcification. Alizarin red staining and calcium content assay revealed that adenovirus‐mediated CDC42 overexpression led to an apparent VSMC calcification in the presence of calcifying medium, accompanied with up‐regulation of bone‐related molecules including RUNX2 and BMP2. By contrast, inhibition of CDC42 by ML141 significantly blocked calcification of VSMCs in vitro and aortic rings ex vivo. Moreover, ML141 markedly attenuated vascular calcification in rats with CKD. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of AKT signal was shown to block CDC42‐induced VSMC calcification. These findings demonstrate for the first time that CDC42 contributes to vascular calcification through a mechanism involving AKT signalling; this uncovered a new function of CDC42 in regulating vascular calcification. This may provide a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of vascular calcification in the context of CKD. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of maladaptive personality domains across multiple levels of the HiTOP structure
Authors: Sellbom Martin , Carragher Natacha , Sunderland Matthew , Calear Alison L. , Batterham Philip J.
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to examine associations between maladaptive personality traits and psychopathology from the perspective of the hierarchical taxonomy of psychopathology (HiTOP). We tested hierarchical structural models to further validate a portion of the structural components of HiTOP. We also tested a priori personality and psychopathology associations with three levels of the HiTOP hierarchy: general psychopathology, spectra and syndromes/disorders. We used a large sample from the general Australian population who completed a large set of personality and psychopathology inventories online. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that internalizing, externalizing and thought dysfunction spectra emerged structurally, as expected per HiTOP, but also revealed that obsessive‐compulsive disorder loaded on both internalizing and thought dysfunction and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on both externalizing and internalizing. Furthermore, results indicated that almost all personality and psychopathology hypotheses were supported, although trait antagonism did not predict externalizing to the degree initially expected. Implications for personality and psychopathology are discussed. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.