bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of low-dose Levamlodipine Besylate in the treatment of vascular dementia
Authors: Yao Kai-Xin , Lyu Hang , Liao Mei-Hua , Yang Lin , Gao Yin-Ping , Liu Qi-Bing , Wang Cheng-kun , Lu Ying-Mei , Jiang Guo-Jun , Han Feng , Wang Ping
Published: December 2019

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a complex disorder caused by reduced blood flow in the brain. However, there is no effective pharmacological treatment option available until now. Here, we reported that low-dose levamlodipine besylate could reverse the cognitive impairment in VaD mice model of right unilateral common carotid arteries occlusion (rUCCAO). Oral administration of levamlodipine besylate (0.1 mg/kg) could reduce the latency to find the hidden platform in the MWM test as compared to the vehicle group. Furthermore, vehicle-treated mice revealed reduced phospho-CaMKII (Thr286) levels in the hippocampus, which can be partially restored by levamlodipine besylate (0.1 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg) treatment. No significant outcome on microglia and astrocytes were observed following levamlodipine besylate treatment. This data reveal novel findings of the therapeutic potential of low-dose levamlodipine besylate that could considerably enhance the cognitive function in VaD mice.
Adhesion reformation and the limited translational value of experiments with adhesion barriers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal models
Authors: Strik Chema , Wever Kimberley E. , Stommel Martijn W. J. , Goor Harry van , ten Broek Richard P. G.
Published: December 2019

Today, 40–66% of elective procedures in general surgery are reoperations. During reoperations, the need for adhesiolysis results in increased operative time and a more complicated convalescence. In pre-clinical evaluation, adhesion barriers are tested for their efficacy in preventing ‘de novo’ adhesion formation, However, it is unknown to which extent barriers are tested for prevention of adhesion reformation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of commercially available adhesion barriers and laparoscopic adhesiolysis in preventing adhesion reformation in animal models. Pubmed and EMBASE were searched for studies which assessed peritoneal adhesion reformation after a standardized peritoneal injury (in the absence of an intra-peritoneal mesh), and reported the incidence of adhesions, or an adhesion score as outcome. Ninety-three studies were included. No study met the criteria for low risk of bias. None of the commercially available adhesion barriers significantly reduced the incidence of adhesion reformation. Three commercially available adhesion barriers reduced the adhesion score of reformed adhesions, namely Seprafilm (SMD 1.38[95% CI]; p < 0.01), PEG (SMD 2.08[95% CI]; p < 0.01) and Icodextrin (SMD 1.85[95% CI]; p < 0.01). There was no difference between laparoscopic or open adhesiolysis with regard to the incidence of adhesion reformation (RR 1.14[95% CI]; p ≥ 0.05) or the adhesion score (SMD 0.92[95% CI]; p ≥ 0.05). Neither currently commercially available adhesion barriers, nor laparoscopic adhesiolysis without using an adhesion barrier, reduces the incidence of adhesion reformation in animal models. The methodological quality of animal studies is poor.
Integrated Green Chemical Approach to the Medicinal Plant Carpobrotus edulis Processing
Authors: Lyubchyk Sergiy , Shapovalova Olesia , Lygina Olena , Oliveira Maria Conceiçao , Appazov Nurbol , Lyubchyk Andriy , Charmier Adilia Januario , Lyubchik Svetlana , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: December 2019

Many plants have medicinal properties due to substances known as phytochemicals. To utilize these plants in practice, numerous procedures, such as extraction, isolation and characterization methods and toxicology and bioactivity studies, must be designed and implemented. Integrated approach to process Carpobrotus edulis, a weed medicinal plant widely spread in Portugal, was developed into a closed loop of two processes: microwave assisted extraction (MAE) and activation (MAA), to produce both phytochemicals and biochar. The use of MAE for phytochemical extraction was shown to be more energy efficient than conventional Soxhlet extraction: the process time was decreased by 7–8 times, and the energy efficiency was increased by up to 97%. The yield of the extracts is of 27%. Qualitative and quantitative identification/characterization of the phytochemicals were performed by LC-MS and phytochemical screening assays. The results clearly indicated that Carpobrotus edulis is rich by flavonoids (up to 24%). The use of MAA to process the residual biomass could shorten the activation time, resulting in reduced energy consumption. Biochar with a high yield of 65% (on a biomass basis) and a well-developed texture (surface area of 68.9 m2/g; total pore volume of 0.10 cm3/g; micropore volume of 0.07 cm3/g) is obtained.
Spatial eco-evolutionary feedbacks mediate coexistence in prey-predator systems
Authors: Colombo Eduardo H. , Martínez-García Ricardo , López Cristóbal , Hernández-García Emilio
Published: December 2019

Eco-evolutionary frameworks can explain certain features of communities in which ecological and evolutionary processes occur over comparable timescales. Here, we investigate whether an evolutionary dynamics may interact with the spatial structure of a prey-predator community in which both species show limited mobility and predator perceptual ranges are subject to natural selection. In these conditions, our results unveil an eco-evolutionary feedback between species spatial mixing and predators perceptual range: different levels of mixing select for different perceptual ranges, which in turn reshape the spatial distribution of prey and its interaction with predators. This emergent pattern of interspecific interactions feeds back to the efficiency of the various perceptual ranges, thus selecting for new ones. Finally, since prey-predator mixing is the key factor that regulates the intensity of predation, we explore the community-level implications of such feedback and show that it controls both coexistence times and species extinction probabilities.
Optical Study of the Electronic Structure and Lattice Dynamics of NdBaMn2O6 Single Crystals
Authors: Mero Rea Divina , Ogawa Kirari , Yamada Shigeki , Liu Hsiang-Lin
Published: December 2019

We investigated the electronic structure and lattice dynamics of double perovskite NdBaMn2O6 single crystals through spectroscopic ellipsometry and Raman scattering spectroscopy. The optical absorption band centered at approximately 0.88 eV was assigned to on-site d–d transitions in Mn, whereas the optical feature at approximately 4.10 eV was assigned to charge-transfer transitions between the 2p state of O and 3d state of Mn. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the d-d transition indicated anomalies at 290 and 235 K. The activated phonon mode, which appeared at approximately 440 cm−1 alongside with the enhancement of the 270 cm−1 phonon mode, coupled strongly to the metal–insulator transition at 290 K, which was associated with a charge/orbital ordering. Moreover, the MnO6 octahedral breathing mode at 610 cm−1 exhibited softening at a temperature lower than 235 K (temperature of the antiferromagnetic phase transition), which revealed the strong coupling between the lattice and magnetic degrees of freedom. The spin–phonon coupling constant obtained was λ = 2.5 cm−1. These findings highlight the importance of charge–orbital–spin interactions in establishing NdBaMn2O6 phases with novel properties.
Apolipoprotein E deficient rats generated via zinc-finger nucleases exhibit pronounced in-stent restenosis
Authors: Cornelissen Anne , Simsekyilmaz Sakine , Liehn Elisa , Rusu Mihaela , Schaaps Nicole , Afify Mamdouh , Florescu Roberta , Almalla Mohammad , Borinski Mauricio , Vogt Felix
Published: December 2019

The long-term success of coronary stent implantation is limited by in-stent restenosis (ISR). In spite of a broad variety of animal models available, an ideal high-throughput model of ISR has been lacking. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) deficient rats enable the evaluation of human-sized coronary stents while at the same time providing an atherogenic phenotype. Whereas apoE deficient rats have been proposed as animal model of atherosclerosis, to date it is unknown whether they also develop pronounced ISR. We sought to assess ISR after abdominal aorta stent implantation in apoE deficient rats. A total of 42 rats (16 wildtype, 13 homozygous apoE−/− and 13 heterozygous apoE+/− rats) underwent abdominal aorta stent implantation. After 28 days blood samples were analyzed to characterize lipid profiles. ISR was assessed by histomorphometric means. Homozygous apoE−/− rats exhibited significantly higher total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol levels than wildtype apoE+/+ and heterozygous apoE+/− rats. ISR was significantly pronounced in homozygous apoE−/− rats as compared to wildtype apoE+/+ (p = <0.0001) and heterozygous apoE+/− rats (p = 0.0102) on western diet. Abdominal aorta stenting of apoE−/− rats is a reliable model to investigate ISR after stent implantation and thus can be used for the evaluation of novel stent concepts. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) deficient rats have been proposed as animal model of atherosclerosis. We investigated the development of restenosis 28 days after stent implantation into the abdominal aorta of wildtype apoE+/+, homozygous apoE−/− and heterozygous apoE+/− rats, respectively. Homozygous apoE−/− rats exhibited significantly higher LDL and significantly lower HDL cholesterol levels compared to wildtype apoE+/+ and heterozygous apoE+/− rats. Restenosis after stent implantation was significantly pronounced in western-diet-fed homozygous apoE−/− rats, accompanied by a significantly increased neointimal thickness. Thus, apoE knockout rats exhibit elevated restenosis and might provide a novel tool for testing of innovative stent concepts.
Five-century record of climate and groundwater recharge variability in southern California
Authors: Manna F. , Walton K. M. , Cherry J. A. , Parker B. L.
Published: December 2019

Modifications to the rates of water flowing from the surface to groundwater (groundwater recharge) due to climate variability are the most difficult to assess because of the lack of direct long-term observations. Here, we analyze the chloride salt distribution below the surface soil on a plateau near Los Angeles to reconstruct the amount of recharge that occurred in the last five centuries. Over this time interval, periods of major high and low recharge with different duration follow each other and this cyclicity is consistent with long-term atmospheric forcing patterns, such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. This study determines the range and the natural variability of recharge to groundwater, which sustains local freshwater flow system, and helps forecast future availability of groundwater resource in southern California, where water scarcity is critical to both local and global populations.
Honey can inhibit and eliminate biofilms produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Lu Jing , Cokcetin Nural N. , Burke Catherine M. , Turnbull Lynne , Liu Michael , Carter Dee A. , Whitchurch Cynthia B. , Harry Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2019

Chronic wound treatment is becoming increasingly difficult and costly, further exacerbated when wounds become infected. Bacterial biofilms cause most chronic wound infections and are notoriously resistant to antibiotic treatments. The need for new approaches to combat polymicrobial biofilms in chronic wounds combined with the growing antimicrobial resistance crisis means that honey is being revisited as a treatment option due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low propensity for bacterial resistance. We assessed four well-characterised New Zealand honeys, quantified for their key antibacterial components, methylglyoxal, hydrogen peroxide and sugar, for their capacity to prevent and eradicate biofilms produced by the common wound pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We demonstrate that: (1) honey used at substantially lower concentrations compared to those found in honey-based wound dressings inhibited P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and significantly reduced established biofilms; (2) the anti-biofilm effect of honey was largely driven by its sugar component; (3) cells recovered from biofilms treated with sub-inhibitory honey concentrations had slightly increased tolerance to honey; and (4) honey used at clinically obtainable concentrations completely eradicated established P. aeruginosa biofilms. These results, together with their broad antimicrobial spectrum, demonstrate that manuka honey-based wound dressings are a promising treatment for infected chronic wounds, including those with P. aeruginosa biofilms.
Indirubin-pregnane X receptor-JNK axis accelerates skin wound healing
Authors: Tanaka Yuka , Uchi Hiroshi , Ito Takamichi , Furue Masutaka
Published: December 2019

Indirubin is a potent anti-inflammatory phytochemical derived from indigo naturalis. It is also endogenously produced in the intestine and detected in the circulation in mammals. Indirubin exerts its biological functions via two xenobiotic receptor systems: aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR); however, its effects on wound healing remain elusive. To investigate whether indirubin promotes wound healing, we utilized an in vitro scratch injury assay and in vivo full-thickness mouse skin ulcer model and assessed wound closure. Indirubin significantly accelerated wound closure in both the scratch assay and the skin ulcer model. Using inhibitors of cell proliferation or migration, indirubin was found to upregulate the migratory but not the proliferative capacity of keratinocytes. Activation of AHR/PXR by indirubin was confirmed by their nuclear translocation and subsequent upregulation of CYP1A1 (AHR), or UGT1A1 mRNA (PXR) and also by luciferase reporter assay (PXR). Although both AHR and PXR were activated by indirubin, its pro-migratory capacity was canceled by PXR inhibition but not by AHR inhibition and was dependent on the JNK pathway. Moreover, activated PXR was detected in the nuclei of re-epithelialized keratinocytes in human skin ulcers. In conclusion, this study shows that the indirubin-PXR-JNK pathway promotes skin wound healing.
Draft genome of Tanacetum cinerariifolium, the natural source of mosquito coil
Authors: Yamashiro Takanori , Shiraishi Akira , Satake Honoo , Nakayama Koji
Published: December 2019

Pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium), which is a perennial Asteraceae plant with white daisy-like flowers, is the original source of mosquito coils and is known for the biosynthesis of the pyrethrin class of natural insecticides. However, the molecular basis of the production of pyrethrins by T. cinerariifolium has yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we present the 7.1-Gb draft genome of T. cinerariifolium, consisting of 2,016,451 scaffolds and 60,080 genes predicted with high confidence. Notably, analyses of transposable elements (TEs) indicated that TEs occupy 33.84% of the genome sequence. Furthermore, TEs of the sire and oryco clades were found to be enriched in the T. cinerariifolium-specific evolutionary lineage, occupying a total of 13% of the genome sequence, a proportion approximately 8-fold higher than that in other plants. InterProScan analysis demonstrated that biodefense-related toxic proteins (e.g., ribosome inactivating proteins), signal transduction-related proteins (e.g., histidine kinases), and metabolic enzymes (e.g., lipoxygenases, acyl-CoA dehydrogenases/oxygenases, and P450s) are also highly enriched in the T. cinerariifolium genome. Molecular phylogenetic analysis detected a variety of enzymes with genus-specific multiplication, including both common enzymes and others that appear to be specific to pyrethrin biosynthesis. Together, these data identify possible novel components of the pyrethrin biosynthesis pathway and provide new insights into the unique genomic features of T. cinerariifolium.
Immunological effects of shift work in healthcare workers
Authors: Loef Bette , Nanlohy Nening M. , Jacobi Ronald H. J. , van de Ven Chantal , Mariman Rob , van der Beek Allard J. , Proper Karin I. , van Baarle Debbie
Published: December 2019

The immune system potentially plays an important mechanistic role in the relation between shift work and adverse health effects. To better understand the immunological effects of shift work, we compared numbers and functionality of immune cells between night-shift and non-shift workers. Blood samples were collected from 254 night-shift and 57 non-shift workers employed in hospitals. Absolute numbers of monocytes, granulocytes, lymphocytes, and T cell subsets were assessed. As read out of immune function, monocyte cytokine production and proliferative capacity of CD4 and CD8 T cells in response to various stimuli were analysed. The mean number of monocytes was 1.15 (95%-CI = 1.05–1.26) times higher in night-shift than in non-shift workers. Furthermore, night-shift workers who worked night shifts in the past three days had a higher mean number of lymphocytes (B = 1.12 (95%-CI = 1.01–1.26)), T cells (B = 1.16 (95%-CI = 1.03–1.31)), and CD8 T cells (B = 1.23 (95%-CI = 1.05–1.45)) compared to non-shift workers. No differences in functional parameters of monocytes and lymphocytes were observed. The differences in numbers of monocytes and T cells suggest that chronic exposure to night-shift work as well as recent night-shift work may influence the immune status of healthcare workers. This knowledge could be relevant for preventive initiatives in night-shift workers, such as timing of vaccination.
Air pollution significantly associated with severe ocular allergic inflammatory diseases
Authors: Miyazaki Dai , Fukagawa Kazumi , Fukushima Atsuki , Fujishima Hiroshi , Uchio Eiichi , Ebihara Nobuyuki , Shoji Jun , Takamura Etsuko , Namba Kenichi , Ohashi Yuichi , Okamoto Shigeki , Satake Yoshiyuki , Ohtsu Hiroshi , Shimizu Yumiko , Inoue Yoshitsugu
Published: December 2019

Ambient air pollution is a well-recognized risk for various diseases including asthma and heart diseases. However, it remains unclear whether air pollution may also be a risk of ocular allergic diseases. Using a web-based, nation-wide, cross-sectional study design, we examined whether the level of ambient air pollution is significantly associated with the prevalence of ocular allergic diseases. A web-based questionnaire was posted to invite the participants who are members of the Japan Ophthalmologist Association and their family members. The answers from 3004 respondents were used to determine whether there were significant associations between the level of the pollutants and the prevalence of ocular allergic diseases. The study period was between March to May 2017. The data of the air pollutants during 2012 to 2016 were obtained from the National Institute for Environmental Studies. The prevalence of allergic diseases was calculated by post stratification and examined for significant associations with the level of pollutants using multiple logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, perennial allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in Japan was 45.4%, 14.0%, 5.3%, and 1.2%, respectively. The high prevalence of the severe forms of allergic conjunctivitis, including AKC and VKC, were significantly associated with the levels of the air pollutants. The prevalence of AKC was significantly associated with the levels of NO2 with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.23 (per quintile). The prevalence of VKC was significantly associated with the levels of NOx and PM10 with ORs of 1.72 and 1.54 respectively. The significant associations between the prevalence of AKC and VKC and the levels of air pollutants indicate that clinicians need to be aware that air pollutants may pose serious risks of vision threatening severe ocular allergy.
Supporting Food Health Claims in New Zealand's Regulatory Environment
Authors: Lister Carolyn E.
Published: December 2019

It is critical that the food industry has science-based tools to guide health claims and support consumers in making healthier food choices. Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) now allows health claims on food products meeting certain criteria, such as nutrient content. Food business operators (FBOs) can utilise a range of pre-approved general or high-level health claims or self-substantiate new health claims. There is a wealth of food composition data and scientific information on the health benefits of foods that might assist FBOs wanting to make such claims. However, it can be hard for the FBOs to navigate both regulations and the science in order to deliver meaningful health claims to their customers. Therefore, one aim has been to bring together the science, regulatory considerations and consumer perspectives and provide tools to help FBOs making health claims. The New Zealand Food Composition Database website has been redeveloped to allow easier application of nutrition content claims and scientists at the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (Plant & Food Research), with the New Zealand Ministry of Health, have re-worded antioxidant claims to make them compliant with existing regulations, developed products to which pre-approved health claims may be applied, and assisted in the compilation of self-substantiation dossiers for new health claims.
An immunoassay for ochratoxin A using tetramethylrhodamine-labeled ochratoxin A as a probe based on a binding-induced change in fluorescence intensity
Authors: Li Yapiao , Zhang Ning , Wang Hailin , Zhao Qiang
Published: December 2019

In an immunoassay, ochratoxin A (OTA) competitively displaces the bound tetramethylrhodamine (TMR)-OTA fluorescent probe from the antibody, causing a decrease in fluorescence.
Gold nanoparticles immobilised in a superabsorbent hydrogel matrix: facile synthesis and application for the catalytic reduction of toxic compounds
Authors: Alzahrani Hassan A. H. , Buckingham Mark A. , Wardley William P. , Tilley Richard D. , Ariotti Nicholas , Aldous Leigh
Published: December 2019

AuNP easily synthesised inside bulk hydrogel spheres; stable and catalytically active, even in high ionic strength environments.
Single iron atoms coordinated to g-C3N4 on hierarchical porous N-doped carbon polyhedra as a high-performance electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Sun Tingting , Zhang Pianpian , Chen Wenxing , Wang Kang , Fu Xianzhang , Zheng Tianyu , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: December 2019

Isolated single Fe atoms coordinated to g-C3N4 on hierarchical porous N-doped carbon polyhedra show superior electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction under alkaline conditions.
A facile strategy to realize a single/double photon excitation-dependent photosensitizer for imaging-guided phototherapy against HeLa cancer cells at separate irradiation channels
Authors: Kong Lin , Huang Ze , Zhang Shuai-Shuai , Song Jian , Zhang Yu-Yang , Bai Xiang-Yang , Yang Jia-Xiang , Li Lin
Published: December 2019

A facile strategy has been proposed to realize two-photon phototherapy against HeLa cancer cells with simultaneous one-photon fluorescence imaging modality at separate irradiation channels.
The effect of grain size on the hydration of BaZr0.9Y0.1O3−δproton conductor studied by ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Jarry Angelique , Jackson Gregory S. , Crumlin Ethan J. , Eichhorn Bryan , Ricote Sandrine
Published: December 2019

Three BaZr0.9Y0.1O3−δ(BZY10) pellets were prepared using different sintering processes, resulting in samples with grain sizes between 0.3 to 5 microns. The OH−concentration increases with grain size and with decreasing the analysis depth.
Temperature-dependence of the dielectric relaxation of water using non-polarizable water models
Authors: Zarzycki Piotr , Gilbert Benjamin
Published: December 2019

Testing the ability of molecular dynamics simulations using non-polarizable water models to reproduce dielectric spectra of bulk liquid water we show that the Debye relaxation is determined by the dynamics of the hydrogen-bond network.
Electronic structure calculations permit identification of the driving forces behind frequency shifts in transition metal monocarbonyls
Authors: Rossomme Elliot , Lininger Christianna N. , Bell Alexis T. , Head-Gordon Teresa , Head-Gordon Martin
Published: December 2019

Our direct DFT decomposition of CO frequency shifts updates the paradigm for metal carbonyl binding.
IO(X2Π)–Ar cluster: ab initio potential energy surface and dynamical computations
Authors: Marzouk S. , Ajili Y. , Lique F. , Ben El Hadj Rhouma M. , Al Mogren M. Mogren , Hochlaf M.
Published: December 2019

Spectroscopic and dynamical characterisation of IO–Ar cluster.
Functional biohybrid materials based on halloysite, sepiolite and cellulose nanofibers for health applications
Authors: Lisuzzo Lorenzo , Wicklein Bernd , Lo Dico Giulia , Lazzara Giuseppe , del Real Gustavo , Aranda Pilar , Ruiz-Hitzky Eduardo
Published: December 2019

Multicomponent nanopaper from the assembly of nanotubular halloysite, microfibrous sepiolite and cellulose nanofibers was developed for diverse functional applications such as slow release of antibacterial model drugs loaded into halloysite lumen.
Hexaiododiplatinate(ii) as a useful supramolecular synthon for halogen bond involving crystal engineering
Authors: Eliseeva Anastasiya A. , Ivanov Daniil M. , Novikov Alexander S. , Rozhkov Anton V. , Kornyakov Ilya V. , Dubovtsev Alexey Yu. , Kukushkin Vadim Yu.
Published: December 2019

By performing combined XRD and theoretical studies, we established the modes of REWGI⋯I–Pt XBs with [Pt2(μ-I)2I4]2−acting as an XB acceptor.
Complete waste recycling strategies for improving the accessibility of rice protein films
Authors: He Chengxin , Hu Yu , Wang Yong , Liao Yang , Xiong Hua , Selomulya Cordelia , Hu Juwu , Zhao Qiang
Published: December 2019

Waste recycling-Green chemistry technologies for the preparation of fully environment-friendly rice protein films with improved accessibility have been developed.
Copper-binding energetics of amicyanin in different folding states
Authors: Jeoung Seounghun , Shin Sooim , Choi Moonsung
Published: December 2019

Amicyanin is a type I copper protein that mediates electron transfer between methylamine dehydrogenase and cytochrome c-551i for energy production in Paracoccus denitrificans. Although the Met98 axial ligand of amicyanin has been shown to dictate metal selectivity and specificity during protein folding, the mechanism involved in copper-mediated amicyanin folding is unknown. Here, we kinetically and spectroscopically described reaction steps for incorporating copper into fully and less folded apo-amicyanin and established thermodynamic parameters for two amicyanin folding states. The rate constant for the incorporation of copper into fully folded apo-amicyanin at 25 °C was almost 1.5-fold lower than that for the initial phase of copper addition to the less folded apo-amicyanin. However, the rate constant was 10-fold higher than that of the second phase of copper addition to less folded apo-amicyanin at 25 °C. When overall binding energetic parameters (ΔH° and ΔS°) for the incorporation of copper into fully folded apo-amicyanin were measured by the van’t Hoff method and isothermal titration calorimetry, the values were more positive than those determined for less folded apo-amicyanin. This indicates that during amicyanin biogenesis, copper rapidly binds to an unfolded apo-amicyanin active site, inducing protein folding and favorably influencing subsequent organization of copper ligands.
Correction: Compliments of confinements: substitution and dimension induced magnetic origin and band-bending mediated photocatalytic enhancements in Bi1−xDyxFeO3 particulate and fiber nanostructures
Authors: Sakar M. , Balakumar S. , Saravanan P. , Bharathkumar S.
Published: December 2019

Correction for ‘Compliments of confinements: substitution and dimension induced magnetic origin and band-bending mediated photocatalytic enhancements in Bi1−xDyxFeO3 particulate and fiber nanostructures’ by M. Sakar et al., Nanoscale, 2015, 7, 10667–10679.
Visible-light-induced intramolecular radical cascade of α-bromo-N-benzyl-alkylamides: a new strategy to synthesize tetracyclic N-fused indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones
Authors: Gao Xiaoshuang , Li Chengyang , Yuan Yao , Xie Xiaomin , Zhang Zhaoguo
Published: December 2019

Polycyclic indole scaffolds are ubiquitous in pharmaceuticals and natural products and in materials science.
Trichoderma asperellumT42 induces local defense againstXanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzaeunder nitrate and ammonium nutrients in tobacco
Authors: Singh Bansh Narayan , Dwivedi Padmanabh , Sarma Birinchi Kumar , Singh Harikesh Bahadur
Published: December 2019

A hypothetical proposed defense pathway activated during interactions between bacterial pathogen (Xoo) with tobacco plant leaves among treatments.
A simple and robust reporter gene assay for measuring the bioactivity of anti-RANKL therapeutic antibodies
Authors: Yu Chuanfei , Wang Lan , Ni Yongbo , Wang Junzhi
Published: December 2019

The mechanism sketch of the reporter gene assay for the bioactivity determination of anti-RANKL mAbs.
Highly efficient and rapid removal of arsenic(iii) from aqueous solutions by nanoscale zero-valent iron supported on a zirconium 1,4-dicarboxybenzene metal–organic framework (UiO-66 MOF)
Authors: Liu Tingyi , Zhang Zhengchao , Wang Zhaohui , Wang Zhong-Liang , Bush Richard
Published: December 2019

A zirconium 1,4-dicarboxybenzene metal–organic framework (UiO-66 MOF) was successfully used as a template to enhance the distribution and activity of nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI).
Efficient ternary organic photovoltaics with two polymer donors by minimizing energy loss
Authors: Ma Xiaoling , An Qiaoshi , Ibraikulov Olzhas A. , Lévêque Patrick , Heiser Thomas , Leclerc Nicolas , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhang Fujun
Published: December 2019

Energy loss is decreased by employing a ternary strategy, which should be an efficient approach to improve the performance of OPVs.
Solution processed lead-free cesium titanium halide perovskites and their structural, thermal and optical characteristics
Authors: Kong Deying , Cheng Dali , Wang Xuewen , Zhang Kaiyuan , Wang Huachun , Liu Kai , Li Huanglong , Sheng Xing , Yin Lan
Published: December 2019

A new type of lead-free halide perovskites is developed and analyzed.
Derivation and reduction of the singular Fornasini–Marchesini state‐space model for a class of multidimensional systems
Authors: Zhao Dongdong , Galkowski Krzysztof , Sulikowski Bartlomiej , Xu Li
Published: December 2019

This study is devoted to derive the singular Fornasini–Machesini (F‐M) state‐space model for a class of MIMO multidimensional (n ‐D) systems represented by non‐causal multivariate transfer function matrices. It is shown, first, that the singular n ‐D F‐M realisation can be generated by using the realisation methods of the standard n ‐D F‐M models. Since the resulted realisations are usually non‐minimal and deriving a minimal realisation is an extremely difficult problem, a model‐order reduction method is developed. In particular, the common eigenvector approach is proposed, which significantly reveals the relationship among the reducibility, the eigenvalues and the eigenvectors associated with a given singular F‐M state‐space model. An example of spatially interconnected, hexagonal circuit is also given to illustrate some details and confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Conditions for annular finite‐time stability of Itô stochastic linear time‐varing systems with Markov switching
Authors: Tartaglione Gaetano , Ariola Marco , Amato Francesco
Published: December 2019

In this study, the authors tackle some control problems related to the class of continuous‐time, stochastic linear time‐varying systems with Markov switching. First, the annular stochastic finite‐time stability problem is considered, and two sufficient conditions are derived by considering the Itô formalism. Both conditions require the solution of a feasibility problem based on differential linear matrix inequalities. The former turns out to be less conservative and, therefore, is exploited in the analysis context; however, it cannot be converted into a computationally tractable condition for feedback purposes. The latter, which is based on a more conservative assumption, allows us to solve the state‐feedback design problem. They show that the proposed approach obtains less conservative results with respect to the previous literature. Moreover, the application of the methodology to the finite‐time control of a satellite illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach when facing engineering problems.
Synchronous random switching frequency modulation technique based on the carrier phase shift to reduce the PWM noise
Authors: Zhang Wentao , Xu Yongxiang , Ren Jingwei , Su Jianyong , Zou Jibin
Published: December 2019

Pulse width modulation (PWM) technique brings harsh acoustic noise in motor drive system. Thus, synchronous random switching frequency modulation (SRSFM) technique based on carrier phase shift for paralleled three‐phase voltage source inverters is proposed in this study to eliminate the PWM noise. The proposed SRSFM technique is able to remove the high‐frequency PWM noise more effectively than the conventional random switching frequency PWM; it not only completely eliminates the PWM noise nearby odd‐order carrier frequency but also reduces PWM vibration noise around even‐order carrier frequency depending on the switching frequency variation range. Furthermore, the SRSFM technique is simple to implement and requires no additional hardware. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by detailed experimental results.
Stability analysis of DPC in the FSRF for grid‐connected converter
Authors: Chen Liang , Nian Heng , Xu Yunyang
Published: December 2019

The fixed‐frequency synchronous reference frame‐based direct power control (FSRF‐DPC) strategy is investigated in this study, which can avoid the phase‐locked loop. However, the existing research are focused on its application in a strong grid, where grid impedance is assumed as zero. The effect of grid impedance on FSRF‐DPC strategy is ignored, and the stability of FSRF‐DPC controlled converter in a weak grid is not clear. To fill this gap, the impedance‐based stability analysis is adopted. The sequence domain impedance of FSRF‐DPC controlled grid‐connected converter is developed in this study. The equivalent decoupled sequence domain impedance of FSRF‐DPC controlled converter is further extracted by loop decomposition technique. The impacts of controller parameters and grid impedance on the equivalent sequence domain impedance are studied. A damping method by modifying the voltage feedforward term is investigated based on the stability requirement on the impedance characteristic. Finally, simulations and experiments are carried out to verify the correctness of the proposed impedance model of FSRF‐DPC controlled converter as well as the effectiveness of the proposed damping method.
Use of hemostatic powder in treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Rezende Daniel Tavares , Brunaldi Vitor Ottoboni , Bernardo Wanderley Marques , Ribeiro Igor Braga , Mota Raquel Cristina Lins , Baracat Felipe Iankelevich , de Moura Diogo Turiani Hourneaux , Baracat Renato , Matuguma Sergio Eiji , de Moura Eduardo Guimarães Hourneaux
Published: December 2019

Background and study aims TC-325 is a novel mineral hemostatic powder that creates a mechanical barrier by absorbing blood components and promoting clotting. Recently approved for use in humans, it has shown promise for treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). However, because there have been no large studies of TC-325, its true efficacy and safety profile remain unknown. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the safety and efficacy of TC-325 in treating UGIB, based on rates of initial hemostasis, rebleeding, and adverse events (AEs).

Methods We searched the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Latin-American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature databases, as well as the gray literature, to identify articles describing use of TC-325 up to October 2018. Primary outcomes were initial hemostasis and rebleeding. AEs were described as a secondary outcome. Risk of bias was assessed with international scores.

Results We identified 2077 records after removal of duplicates. We included 50 studies, involving a collective total of 1445 patients, in the quantitative synthesis. Primary hemostasis and rebleeding rates were 90.7 % and 26.1 %, respectively. Subgroup analyses showed similar results. Only eight AEs were reported.

Conclusions TC-325 appears to be a safe, effective treatment for UGIB. The overall rate of initial hemostasis after TC-325 use is high, regardless of etiology of bleeding or whether TC-325 is used as a primary or rescue therapy. Although it is also associated with high rebleeding rates, rates of AEs and equipment failure after TC-325 use are extremely low.
Akupunktur bei Kopfschmerzen im Kindesalter
Authors: Pothmann Raymund
Published: December 2019

Kopfschmerzen gehören bei Schulkindern zu den häufigsten Beschwerden. Der Einsatz von Akupunktur und verwandten Verfahren hängt mehr von der Verfügbarkeit eines qualifizierten Therapeuten als von einer wirksamen Indikation ab. Die Therapie sollte eingebettet sein in ein Gesamtkonzept, das auch ausgewogene triggerarme Kost in Anlehnung an traditionelle chinesische Vorgaben und ein verhaltenstherapeutisches Setting berücksichtigt. Auch TENS kann als technische Weiterentwicklung der Akupunktur zum Einsatz kommen, da sie vor allem auch als Kassenleistung anerkannt ist. Der Beitrag beschreibt die Kopfschmerzsymptomatik aus Sicht der TCM, wie die Akupunktur in Akutfällen sowie kurativ helfen kann, und untermauert dies mit vielen klinischen Studien.
Effect of Implant Platform Connection and Abutment Material on Removal Torque and Implant Hexagon Plastic Deformation
Authors: Pereira Paulo Henrique de Souza , Amaral Marina , Baroudi Kusai , Vitti Rafael Pino , Nassani Mohammad Zakaria , Silva-Concílio Laís Regiane da
Published: December 2019

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the plastic deformation of the hexagonal connection, and the removal torque of the implant-abutment joint of two dental implants combined with internal or external hexagonal connection implants after mechanical cycling.

Materials and Methods Twenty-four dental implants were used in the study. Half of the implants had internal hexagonal connections (IH; Titamax II Plus) and the other half had external hexagonal connections (EH; Titamax Ti Ex). Four groups of two types of dental implant abutments (titanium: Ti, UCLA II Plus and zirconia: Zr, fabricated by CAD/CAM; n = 6) were investigated. The abutments received a metallic crown and the settings were submitted to mechanical cycling (MC; 106 cycles, axial load, 120N). The connection surface area was measured by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The removal torque was evaluated and the plastic deformation of the hexagonal surface of the implant was measured by comparing the images before and after MC.

Statistical Analysis Paired-t test was used to analyze the data statistically at a significance level of α = 0.05.

Results The torque values decreased for all groups after MC, and the hexagonal surface area decreased due to plastic deformation for IH and EH associated with Zr abutments.

Conclusions Zirconia abutments showed the worst plastic deformation of the implant connection surface and torque loosening when associated with IH implant.
V-band nanosecond-scale pulse reflectometer diagnostic in the TCV tokamak
Authors: Molina Cabrera P. , Coda S. , Porte L. , Smolders A. ,   TCV Team
Published: December 2019

This article describes the realization of a novel approach to short pulse (∼1 ns) reflectometry (SPR) recently implemented in the Tokamak à Configuration Variable. Taking advantage of a fast arbitrary waveform generator and vector-network-analyzer extension modules, the design offers flexibility regarding pulse output frequency, duration, and repetition rate. Such flexibility allows the instrument to overcome traditional SPR spatial sampling limitations while reducing hardware complexity. In order to measure the group-delay of nanosecond-scale pulses, both traditional analog and novel digital sampling techniques have been explored. A group-delay range resolution of 17 ps (2.6 mm) in average over the V-band has been achieved with both timing techniques against a waveguide mirror featuring 10 dB power fluctuations. Direct pulse sampling during L-mode plasmas shows that reflected pulse widths increase only by 4% in average. However, pulse width dispersion does occur in L-mode plasmas and leads to an increase in the group-delay uncertainty up to 40 ps (6 mm). Raw histograms of group-delay data show interesting qualitative changes from the L mode to the H-mode. Frequency spectra of group-delay data allow the identification of macroscopic density fluctuations as well as edge quasicoherent modes during edge-localized mode-free H-modes. Finally, fast changes to the density profile have been measured with microsecond time resolution and subcentimeter spatial resolution in both O and X-mode polarizations.
Numerical simulation of discharge mode conversion with multiple current pulse (MCP) in atmospheric pressure He/N2 dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Wang Cong , Yao Congwei , Chang Zhengshi , Zhang Guanjun
Published: December 2019

A one-dimensional fluid simulation model of He/N2 dielectric barrier discharge with parallel plate electrodes was established to study the effects of different parameters (such as gap width, secondary electron emission coefficient γ, and driven frequency) on the characteristics of multiple current pulse (MCP) discharge and the discharge mode conversion. The discharge can be divided into Townsend discharge, transition state, and glow discharge. The results show that with the increase in γ, the number of discharge current pulses increases, making it more difficult to form a glow discharge. When γ is larger, the first discharge approaches the glow discharge mode, but the positive column region is not completely formed, and the subsequent discharge sequence undergoes a transition state to Townsend discharge gradually. Under the condition of larger γ, MCP discharge with a short gap is Townsend discharge. With the increase in the gap width, the transition state will appear in the first discharge, and the subsequent discharge sequence may be converted into Townsend discharge. When the gap width increases further, the discharge can be completely transformed into glow discharge. The pulse number of discharge current decreases with the increase in frequency, and the higher frequency is conducive to the formation of glow discharge.
Low-frequency hiss-like whistler-mode waves generated by nonlinear three-wave interactions outside the plasmasphere
Authors: Gao Zhonglei , Zou Zhengyang , Zuo Pingbing , Wang Yi , He Zhaoguo , Wei Fengsi
Published: December 2019

Whistler-mode waves play an important role in the inner magnetospheric particle dynamics. The direction and efficiency of energy transfer between waves and particles strongly depend on the wave frequency distribution characteristics. Recent observations have drawn attention to the low-frequency whistler-mode chorus waves below 0.1 times the equatorial gyrofrequency fce of electrons outside the plasmasphere. Here, on the basis of the analysis of the Van Allen Probes wave data, we describe a new type of low-frequency hiss-like whistler-mode wave around or below 0.1 fce. We show that two normal chorus wave bands split by the 0.5 fce gap can produce the low-frequency hiss-like whistler-mode waves through the nonlinear three-wave interaction.
A powerful tool for comparing different test procedures to measure the probability and density of laser induced damage on optical materials
Authors: Lamaignère L. , Veinhard M. , Tournemenne F. , Bouyer C. , Parreault R. , Courchinoux R. , Natoli J. Y. , Rouyer C. , Bouillet S.
Published: December 2019

The determination of the laser damage resistance of optics in the nanosecond regime is based on statistical tests and approaches because the response of the components is mainly related to the presence of defects randomly distributed in the optics and is therefore probabilistic in nature. For practical reasons, the tests are mostly carried out with beams of small dimensions (several tens of micrometer), that make it possible to determine a damage probability from which a laser damage threshold is extracted. This threshold is, however, highly correlated with the size of the test beam and the sampling of the test procedure. Some measurements are also made with beams of large dimensions (several millimeters) from which a damage density is determined. However, the relationship between the damage probability and the damage density is not trivial. It is based on assumptions that are difficult to verify because the experimental validations are carried out on different laser installations. In order to study accurately the coherence between these tests with small and large beams, as well as the link between damage probability and damage density, it is necessary to perform measurements on the same laser installation. We propose here, to compare for the first time, the results obtained with the same laser source with a large beam and also with small beams. The small beams are shaped from phase objects specifically implemented to obtain several small beams from a single larger beam. The consistency of the laser damage that results from both sets of measurements is demonstrated here. It validates the assumptions made and the specific mathematical treatment implemented to establish the link between the two approaches. In fine, it also validates and strengthens the approach previously developed from the rasterscan procedure [Lamaignère et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 78, 103105 (2007)] used to measure damage densities from the scanning of optics with beams of small dimensions. The reported original work based on phase objects thus makes it possible to replicate small beam tests with a large beam facility. The comparison between the results from the small beams and the results from the large beam experiments definitively makes the link between damage probabilities and damage densities. This also shows that small beam tests are reasonable representative of tests carried out with large beams.
Strain induced large enhancement of thermoelectric figure-of-merit (ZT ∼ 2) in transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers ZrX2 (X = S, Se, Te)
Authors: D’Souza Ransell , Mukherjee Sugata , Ahmad Sohail
Published: December 2019

Two-dimensional group IV transition-metal dichalcogenides have encouraging thermoelectric applications since their electronic and lattice properties can be manipulated with strain. In this paper, we report the thermoelectric parameters such as electrical conductivities, Seebeck coefficients, electrical relaxation times, and the mode dependent contributions to the lattice thermal conductivity of ZrX2 (X=S,Se,Te) from first-principles methods. Our calculations indicate that due to tensile strain, the power factor increases while simultaneously decreasing the lattice thermal conductivity, thus enhancing the thermoelectric figure of merit. Tensile strain widens the bandgap, which corresponds to a higher power factor. The lattice thermal conductivity decreases due to the stiffening of the out-of-plane phonon modes, thus reducing the anharmonic scattering lifetimes and increasing the thermoelectric figure-of-merit.