bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Squamous Cell Transformation of Primary Lung Adenocarcinoma in a Patient With EML4-ALK Fusion Variant 5 Refractory to ALK Inhibitors
Authors: Gong Jay , Gregg Jeffrey P. , Ma Weijie , Yoneda Ken , Moore Elizabeth H. , Daly Megan E. , Zhang Yanhong , Williams Melissa J. , Li Tianhong
Published: April 2019

Histologic transformation from adenocarcinoma to squamous cell carcinoma in lung cancer has not been reported as a mechanism of resistance to ALK inhibition. This report describes the clinical course of a female former light smoker with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma whose tumor underwent histologic transformation from a well-differentiated lung adenocarcinoma to a well-differentiated lung squamous cell carcinoma in the same location at the left mainstem bronchus while maintaining theALKfusion oncogene without any resistance mutations. After experiencing disease progression while on crizotinib, the patient participated in clinical trials that provided early access to the novel ALK inhibitors ceritinib and alectinib before they were commercially available. Tumor recurrence occurred at the primary and metastatic central nervous system sites (ie, brain and spine). At tumor progression, liquid biopsy and tumor genomic profiling of plasma cell-free DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) provided an accurate diagnosis with a short turnaround time compared with the tissue-based targeted capture NGS. The patient received several courses of radiation primarily to the brain and spine during her disease course. Her disease did not respond to the immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab, and she died on home hospice approximately 4 years after diagnosis. This case supports the importance of both histopathologic assessment and comprehensive genomic profiling in selecting appropriate treatment for patients with refractory, metastatic,ALKoncogene–driven non–small cell lung cancer. Use of symptom-directed radiation in tandem with ALK inhibitors contributed to the disease and symptomatic control and prolonged survival in this patient.
QUANTUM-CHEMICAL MODELING OF ADSORPTION OF CARBON TETRACHLORIDE AND ITS HYDRODECHLORINATION PRODUCTS ON SURFACE OF PALLADIUM CLUSTERS
Authors: Kalmykov Pavel A. , Lysenok Alena A. , Magdalinova Natalya A. , Klyuev Mikhail V.
Published: April 2019

Liquid-phase hydrodechlorination of carbon tetrachloride in the presence of palladium-containing catalysts based on nanodiamonds (1 wt. % Pd/ND) and activated carbon (1 wt. % Pd/C) was carried out under mild conditions (solvent – ethanol, T = 318 K, Pн2 = 0.1 MPa). Catalyst 1 wt. % Pd/ND turned out to be more active (TOF = 3.5 min–1) compared to the catalyst based on activated carbon (TOF = 2.5 min–1). According to gas-liquid chromatography data, the process of hydrodechlorination proceeds stepwise with the formation of trichloromethane and dichloromethane, however, hydrodechlorination products do not immediately enter the reaction mass, but remain on the surface of the catalyst and undergo further transformations. The degree of conversion of carbon tetrachloride increases nonlinearly and reaches about 70-80%, depending on the nature of the catalyst after five hours of reaction. The simulation of adsorption of carbon tetrachloride molecules and reaction products (mono-, di-, trichloromethanes and methane) on the surface of the active centers of a catalyst – Pd13 cluster was carried out by the quantum-chemical method (DFT/PBE/LANL2DZ). In the Pd13+complexes, the substrate geometry of the Pd13 cluster changes slightly: the Pd–Pd bonds lengths involved in the interaction with the chlorine atoms of the substrates have increased. The geometry of the substrates changes more significantly: the C–Cl(H) bonds involved in the interaction with the palladium atoms lengthened from 0.010 to 0.136 Å. Based on the results of quantum chemical calculations, it can be assumed that on the Pd13 cluster possible formation of Pd13+substrate complexes with different adsorption energies. Moreover, the more chlorine atoms in chloromethane molecules form a bond with the atoms of the cluster, the higher the value of the adsorption energy.
STUDY OF STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF SYSTEMS ON BASIS OF p-n-PROPYLOXICINNAMIC ACID AND NONMESOGENES OF Ph–X–Ph TYPE
Authors: Lebedev Ivan S. , Filippov Ivan A. , Bubnova Kseniya E. , Giricheva Nina I. , Fedorov Mikhail S. , Syrbu Svetlana A.
Published: April 2019

The variants of structural organization in the systems “mesogen – nonmesogen” are considered. The systems contain p-n-propyloxycinnamic acid (A), as a mesogenic component, and nonmesogenic Ph–X–Ph compounds: phenyl benzoate (B, where X = –COO–), azobenzene (C, where X = –N=N–) and N-benzylideneaniline (D, where X = –CH=N–). Quantum-chemical modeling of possible structural units in such systems has been performed. It was shown that all assumed A∙∙∙X(Ph)2 H-complexes do not have electronic and geometric anisotropy and have a lower intermolecular interaction energy than the cyclic dimer of acid A∙∙∙A. The calculated values of the Gibbs free energy of complexation reactions also indicate a low probability of the formation of A∙∙∙X(Ph)2 type H-complexes. It is noted that the “length” of the A∙∙∙A dimer is comparable with the doubled “length” of Ph–X–Ph molecules, which, like the acid dimer, have a rod-like structure favorable for the formation of nematic and smectic LC phases. Based on the analysis of the quantum chemical calculations, it was assumed that Ph–X–Ph can be embedded between acid cyclic dimers A∙∙∙A and can facilitate reduce intermolecular interactions in the system, which reduces the temperature of Cr–LC transitions. The proposed structural organization of systems A: Ph–X–Ph is confirmed by an experimental IR spectrum for a similar system, in which the bands corresponding to the vibrational frequencies of the acid dimer and to individual molecules of alkyloxy substituted phenyl benzoate B are recorded.
HEAT STRESSED HOLSTEIN HEIFERS - THRESHOLD DETERMINATION IN CENTRAL CROATIA
Authors: Gantner V. , Mijić P. , Kuterovac K. , Barać Z. , Potočnik K.
Published: April 2019

In the light of increasingly rapid climate change worldwide, and with the purpose of reduction of financial losses of dairy farmers and enabling the sustainable farming, the necessity of implementation of breeding values for heat resistance in breeding strategies, have become more and more pronounced. Estimation of breeding values requires determination of THI threshold value. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the THI threshold value for Holstein heifers in environmental conditions in Central Croatia. With that purpose individual test-day records of Holstein heifers with records of ambient temperature and relative humidity in the barns collected in regular milk recording from January 2006 to December 2012 were analysed. The THI threshold values for daily milk yield were determined by least square analyses of variance for each given THI value (from 65 to 76) using the PROC MIXED (SAS). The THI ≥ 65 cause significant change in Holstein heifers’ daily production. Significant decrease of daily milk yield was observed at THI = 65 with estimated drop from 0.087 till 0.254 kg milk/day (THI from 65 – 76). The THI = 65, as the lowest value at which significant decrease in daily milk yield was determined was taken as the threshold value for Holstein heifers in Central Croatia.
Validnost Dirkemove klasične studije samoubistva u XXI vijeku Studija slučaja – Bosna i Hercegovina
Authors: Slijepčević Dušanka
Published: April 2019

Cilj rada je naučna deskripcija Dirkemovog poimanja samoubistva iprikupljenih podataka o broju slučajeva samoubistva, te eksplanacijasamoubistva na osnovu preovlađujućeg društvenog konteksta odnosnodruštvenih faktora. Polazište rada je problem samoubistva, kaoglobalne pojave, koja prijeti ugrožavanjem javnog zdravlja zemaljasvijeta, zbog čega uslovljava potrebu uvođenja multisektorskih strategijaprevencije, te kontinuiranog izučavanja. Otuda predmet istraživanjapredstavlja provjera validnosti klasičnih socioloških stajalištao društvenim uzrocima samoubistava i to u bosanskohercegovačkomdruštvu početkom XXI vijeka odnosno traganje za odgovorom na pitanje– Da li Dirkemova klasična sociološka studija o samoubistvumože da objasni stopu samoubistava u Bosni i Hercegovini (u daljnjemtekstu BiH) početkom XXI vijeka, odnosno da li važi klasičnapretpostavka o društvenoj uslovljenosti samoubistva? U radu sukorištene opštenaučne metode: hipotetičko – deduktivna, statističkai induktivna, te studija slučaja za prikupljanje podataka. Ishodi istraživanjaproizlaze iz verifikovanja klasičnih pretpostavki o uzrocimasamoubistava u savremeno doba, te iz rasvjetljavanja društvenoodređenih uzroka samoubistava i potencijalnih mjera njihove prevencije.Stopa samoubistava u BiH početkom XXI vijeka potvrđujepretpostavku o društvenoj određenosti samoubistva. Istinitost pretpostavkeo većoj stopi samoubistava u ratnim nego u mirnodopskimokolnostima se pokazala. Dokazan je i uticaj ekonomskog zastoja istarosti na stopu samoubistava u BiH početkom XXI vijeka, a validnaje i pretpostavka o većoj ženskoj otpornosti na samoubistvo.
Potrošački identitet savremenog čovjeka
Authors: Čeko Mirjana
Published: April 2019

U ovom radu centralno mjesto zauzima analiza savremenog društvakao društva potrošača i potrošnje. S obzirom na sve vidljiviji razvojpotrošačke kulture i ekspanziju konzumerizma, važno je ukazati nanjihov uticaj pri formiranju potrošačkog identiteta kao dominantnogidentiteta savremenog čovjeka. Imajući u vidu sveobuhvatnost ikompleksnost pojma identiteta smatrali smo značajnim ukazati nateorijska objašnjenja pojma identiteta, njegovih obilježja, elemenatai dimenzija te posebno na stavove o potrošačkom identitetu kodbrojnih autora koji su se bavili ovom tematikom. Cilj ovog rada,zapravo je, potreba za što boljim razumijevanjem savremenogpotrošačkogidentiteta, kao i potreba za ukazivanjem na posljedicekoje formiranje potrošačkog identiteta ostavlja na čovječanstvo.
Charmers on the folk practise of charming of charming in Serbia
Authors: Petrović Sonja
Published: April 2019

Based on field interviews and written sources on charming in Serbia, this paper examines the social, cultural and symbolic roles of traditional charmers. Charmers speak of their practice, receiving, passing on and protecting magical knowledge, their relation towards patients and official medicine, and their relation towards the tradition of charming. Charmers perceive their role as being very important and fear that charming will become lost in the modern world.
Non-host class II ribonucleotide reductase in Thermus viruses: sequence adaptation and host interaction
Authors: Loderer Christoph , Holmfeldt Karin , Lundin Daniel
Published: April 2019

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNR) are essential enzymes for all known life forms. Their current taxonomic distribution suggests extensive horizontal gene transfer e.g., by processes involving viruses. To improve our understanding of the underlying processes, we characterized a monomeric class II RNR (NrdJm) enzyme from a Thermus virus, a subclass not present in any sequencedThermusspp. genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a distant origin of thenrdJmgene with the most closely related sequences found in mesophiles or moderate thermophiles from the Firmicutes phylum. GC-content, codon usage and the ratio of coding to non-coding substitutions (dN/dS) suggest extensive adaptation of the gene in the virus in terms of nucleotide composition and amino acid sequence. The NrdJm enzyme is a monomeric B12-dependent RNR with nucleoside triphosphate specificity. It exhibits a temperature optimum at 60–70 °C, which is in the range of the growth optimum ofThermusspp. Experiments in combination with theThermus thermophilusthioredoxin system show that the enzyme is able to retrieve electrons from the host NADPH pool via host thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductases. This is different from other characterized viral RNRs such as T4 phage RNR, where a viral thioredoxin is present. We hence show that the monomeric class II RNR, present in Thermus viruses, was likely transferred from an organism phylogenetically distant from the one they were isolated from, and adapted to the new host in genetic signature and amino acids sequence.
Vegetation dynamics of abandoned paddy fields and surrounding wetlands in the lower Tumen River Basin, Northeast China
Authors: Cao Guanglan , Tsuchiya Kazuaki , Zhu Weihong , Okuro Toshiya
Published: April 2019

On the temperate lowland plain of the lower Tumen River, agricultural development has converted most marshland into paddy fields. However, the locations of old paddy fields in the lowland temperate zone, where the vegetation structure is dominated by herbs adapted to seasonally wet or waterlogged conditions, are poorly known, and the impact of land use history on marshland diversity and shifts in plant functional groups has been scantly researched. In this study, we used a chronosequence approach to investigate herbaceous wetland communities in different recovery phases (<5 years, 5–15 years, and >15 years), as well as natural wetland as a reference. We assessed their ecological characteristics, species composition and diversity to determine how they change during natural succession. Plant species composition and dominance in the abandoned fields changed markedly during natural secondary succession. Initially, the annual weedsEchinochloa crus-galliandBidens tripartitawere dominant. Later, communities gradually became dominated first byPolygonum thunbergiiand then by tussock-formingCarex rostrata. Species diversity was higher in abandoned fields than in natural wetlands and decreased with time. The partition of β-diversity components revealed that replacement was the prominent process structuring plant communities in paddy field at different times since abandonment. Our results suggest that the vegetation of abandoned paddy fields could be restored effectively through natural succession, although there were some differences in plant functional group traits. Abandoned paddy fields may be good sites for restoration of wetland species and conservation of wetland habitat.
Analyse the Perception Level and the Causes of Migration in Mali
Authors: Diallo Moussa , Sene Babacar
Published: April 2019

Subsistence farmers in Sahelian Africa are highly exposed to the environmental challenges associated with climate change. Temporary or Permanent emigration can offer to an individual or household the opportunity to cop against these special effects. One of the most important challenges to quantifying the impact of climate change on emigration in Mali is the lack of accurate temporal and spatial data. Emigration data must be adequately detailed to take in both long distances and short distances. The objective of this research was to identify the socioeconomic characteristics of migrants based on the push factors. For instance, to identify the characteristics of people who migrant due to bad weather or environmental challenges. From the result, the factors that significantly influenced migration were sex, age, and age squared, household size, labour constraint, and location. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze the subject.
Screening of Heavy Metal Tolerant Jute Seeds by Germination Test
Authors: Shadat Md. Anower , Khan Md. Johny
Published: April 2019

Present study was the part of an ongoing green plant based contaminated soil remediation technology. The experiment was conducted in two phases. The 1st phase of the experiment was carried out in the laboratory of the department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensing with a view to screening different varieties of jute seeds against the single and combined toxicity of heavy metals viz. As, Pb, Cd by germination test to select heavy metal tolerant jute seeds. Initially 10 treatments were considered viz. 0.5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, 70, 100 and 150 ppm for As, Pb, Cd separately and in combination with As, Cd and Pb. The increased levels of heavy metals significantly decreased the germination percentage, seedling height, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weightof five jute varieties. Among five varieties height germination percentage seedling height, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight were observed with BINA deshi pat-2 but the seedlings survived up to100 ppm single and combined doses of As, Cd and Pb. Germination and seedlingvigor of other four varieties were much less resistance of heavy metal treatments. After screening, BINA deshi pat-2 was used as a phytoremediant in the second phase of bioremediation process which such carried out in the net house from October 2009 onwards. Other two varieties namely BADC deshi pat (CVL-1) and atom pat-38 were selected from experiment conducted by other researcher. In the 2nd phase number of treatments were reduced to six from ten such as 0, 15, 40, 70, 100 and 150ppm single treatments of the experiment revealed that, seeds of the three varieties germinated in toxic soil environment but their primary growth was not satisfactory. Reasons behind the stunted growth might be due to off-season and unfavorable environmental condition. But our idea was to grow jute in successive seasons in a year. BINA deshi pat-2 though photosensitive variety but in pot trial in off season from October, 2009 onwards failed to grow at minimum height not only at toxic condition but also in non toxic soil i.e. in control treatment.
Clinicoepidemiological Profile of Childhood Poisoning in the Pediatric Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India
Authors: Malla Rahid Rasool , Kawoosa Khalid , Juwhyreeyeh Meryem , Malik Riyaz Ahmed , Ahmed Asif , Ganaie Nisar Ahmad
Published: April 2019

Background: This study was conducted to find out the pattern of poisoning cases among the pediatric population in Srinagar and its Northwestern suburbs and compare it with what occurs elsewhere in India. Thereby we aimed to provide practical knowledge in dealing with these pediatric patients.

Methods: The hospital records of children between the ages of 0-19 years admitted to the pediatric emergency ward of SKIMS Medical College Hospital Srinagar with poisoning from July 2016 to June 2018 were evaluated.

Results: A total of 154 cases of poisoning were admitted in the study period, of which 89(57%) were males and 69(43%) were females. In the 0-12 year age group the poisonings were mostly in boys (68.26%) and were accidental whereas in the 13-19 year age group poisonings were mostly in girls (64%) and due to suicidal attempts. Organophoshorus poisoning was the most commonly ingested poison across all age groups (44.8%) followed by rodenticides (16.23%), kerosene (13.63%) and medications (11.68%). Interventions mostly commonly done were gastric lavage, induced vomiting. Mortaliy was seen in 2 cases over 2 years (1.29%).

Conclusion: Knowledge on epidemiological and clinical features of poisoning in children according to age groups, establishing safety standards for sale and storage of harmful chemicals, and parental education can help to decrease the burden of childhood poisoning.
Far from the madding crowd: Tolerance toward human disturbance shapes distribution and connectivity patterns of closely related Martes spp.
Authors: Balestrieri Alessandro , Mori Emiliano , Menchetti Mattia , Ruiz‐González Aritz , Milanesi Pietro
Published: April 2019

To assess niche overlap between the most similar European sympatric carnivores, the pine marten Martes martes and stone marten Martes foina, and outline their potential distributions and connectivity corridors in Central Italy, we applied a multivariate kernel density procedure which allowed to assess both species' ecological hypervolumes based on a set of 16 environmental predictors and used the resulting probability of occurrence map as a resistance surface in electrical circuit theory‐based models. Distance to watercourses and percent cover of deciduous forest and shrubland were the most relevant factors shaping pine marten ecological niche, while stone marten distribution was mainly shaped by human population density and cover of both human settlements and deciduous forest. Overlap between the hypervolumes of the two martens was low‐to‐moderate, while, on average, landscape connectivity was higher for the stone marten. The inclusion in the models of human disturbance‐related variables enabled to define a possible mechanism driving habitat partitioning in human‐altered landscapes. Based on our results, increasing human density and urbanization of European lowland and hilly landscapes are expected to represent a greater threat to the pine marten than the stone marten.
Can “you” make a difference? Investigating whether perspective‐taking improves performance on inconsistent mathematical word problems
Authors: de Koning Björn B. , van der Schoot Menno
Published: April 2019

Pronouns encouraging a second‐person perspective (e.g., “you/your”) affect peoples' mental representations constructed while reading and improve learning. The present study applied these insights to a domain in that such pronoun effects have yet been unexplored: mathematical word problem solving. Specifically, we encouraged a second‐person perspective (using “your”) in an attempt to reduce the consistency effect, that is, the finding that more errors are made on word problems containing a relational keyword inconsistent rather than consistent with the required arithmetic operation. Primary school children solved consistent and inconsistent word problems (containing the relational keywords “less than”) presented in third‐person (i.e., store name) or second‐person (“your store”) perspective. Results demonstrated the consistency effect, but the perspective manipulation did not produce significant differences between conditions, that is, a second‐person perspective did not reduce the consistency effect. These findings suggest that reducing the consistency effect may require a less subtle approach than using personalized pronouns.
Influence of Oxides on the Performance of Cylinder Bore Coatings of Engine Blocks
Authors: Bobzin Kristen , Öte Mehmet , Königstein Tim
Published: April 2019

The performance of thermally sprayed coatings such as for the inner surface of combustion engines depends on the microstructure and phase composition of the coatings after deposition. These can be varied in a targeted manner to reach the desired coating behavior. One approach might be altering the atomization gas in order to influence the oxide content in the coating. A former study of the authors already showed that the oxide content in the coatings can be influenced effectively by simply changing the atomization gas in case of Plasma Transferred Arc Spray technology. In this study, a systematic approach is followed in order to investigate the effect of oxides on the tribological performance and the corrosion behavior. For this purpose, coatings with different oxide contents were manufactured by taking advantage of different atomization gases. The results of this study confirm that coatings with pronounced oxide‐rich phases exhibit lower friction coefficients and less sever outbreaks in comparison to those without distinctive oxide‐rich phase. The presence of oxide‐rich phases does not influence the corrosion behavior of the coatings significantly, although some minor effects are observed along phase boundaries.
Emerging Trends in Information‐Driven Engineering of Complex Biological Systems
Authors: Steier Anke , Muñiz Ayşe , Neale Dylan , Lahann Joerg
Published: April 2019

Synthetic biological systems are used for a myriad of applications, including tissue engineered constructs for in vivo use and microengineered devices for in vitro testing. Recent advances in engineering complex biological systems have been fueled by opportunities arising from the combination of bioinspired materials with biological and computational tools. Driven by the availability of large datasets in the “omics” era of biology, the design of the next generation of tissue equivalents will have to integrate information from single‐cell behavior to whole organ architecture. Herein, recent trends in combining multiscale processes to enable the design of the next generation of biomaterials are discussed. Any successful microprocessing pipeline must be able to integrate hierarchical sets of information to capture key aspects of functional tissue equivalents. Micro‐ and biofabrication techniques that facilitate hierarchical control as well as emerging polymer candidates used in these technologies are also reviewed.
Microthrombus‐Targeting Micelles for Neurovascular Remodeling and Enhanced Microcirculatory Perfusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lu Yifei , Li Chao , Chen Qinjun , Liu Peixin , Guo Qin , Zhang Yu , Chen Xinli , Zhang Yujie , Zhou Wenxi , Liang Donghui , Zhang Yiwen , Sun Tao , Lu Weigen , Jiang Chen
Published: April 2019

Reperfusion injury exists as the major obstacle to full recovery of neuron functions after ischemic stroke onset and clinical thrombolytic therapies. Complex cellular cascades including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and brain vascular impairment occur within neurovascular units, leading to microthrombus formation and ultimate neuron death. In this work, a multitarget micelle system is developed to simultaneously modulate various cell types involved in these events. Briefly, rapamycin is encapsulated in self‐assembled micelles that are consisted of reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive and fibrin‐binding polymers to achieve micelle retention and controlled drug release within the ischemic lesion. Neuron survival is reinforced by the combination of micelle facilitated ROS elimination and antistress signaling pathway interference under ischemia conditions. In vivo results demonstrate an overall remodeling of neurovascular unit through micelle polarized M2 microglia repair and blood–brain barrier preservation, leading to enhanced neuroprotection and blood perfusion. This strategy gives a proof of concept that neurovascular units can serve as an integrated target for ischemic stroke treatment with nanomedicines.
Switching the Electronic Properties of ZnO Surfaces with Negative T‐Type Photochromic Pyridyl‐dihydropyrene Layers and Impact of Fermi Level Pinning
Authors: Wang Qiankun , Ligorio Giovanni , Schlesinger Raphael , Diez‐Cabanes Valentin , Cornil David , Garmshausen Yves , Hecht Stefan , Cornil Jérôme , List‐Kratochvil Emil J. W. , Koch Norbert
Published: April 2019

Remote control of the electronic energy levels by external stimuli such as light will enable optoelectronic devices with improved or additional functionalities. Here, it is demonstrated that the electronic properties of ZnO interfaced with negative T‐type photoswitches, that is, pyridyl‐dihydropyrene (Py‐DHP), can indeed be photomodulated. The process of forward switching of Py‐DHP with green light from an isomer with a low energy gap to an isomer with a wider one is followed by a thermally activated backward transfer. Using photoemission spectroscopy and density functional theory modeling, it is shown that Py‐DHP ring closure/opening reactions result in a reversible shift of frontier occupied molecular levels by 0.7 eV with respect to the Fermi level. Notably, in both molecular configurations, the energy level alignment at ZnO/Py‐DHP interfaces is governed by a Fermi level pinning at the lowest unoccupied molecular level. Moreover, upon switching, an increase in the ionization energy for Py‐DHP multilayers compared to that of a monolayer is observed. This is attributed to a different preferred molecular orientation in monolayer versus multilayers. The results show that a dynamic tuning of the energy level alignment at inorganic/organic interfaces by external stimuli is feasible and will aid the development of photoprogrammable optoelectronic devices.
Hole Injection and Rectifying Heterojunction Photodiodes through Vacancy Engineering in MoS2
Authors: Bhattacharjee Shubhadeep , Vatsyayan Ritwik , Ganapathi Kolla Lakshmi , Ravindra Pramod , Mohan Sangeneni , Bhat Navakanta
Published: April 2019

The lack of techniques for counter doping in two dimensional (2D) semiconductors has hindered the development of p/n junctions, which are the basic building blocks of electronic devices. In this work, low‐energy argon ions are used to create sulfur vacancies and are subsequently “filled” with oxygen to create p‐doped MoS2−xOx. The incorporation of oxygen into the MoS2 lattice and hence band‐structure modification reveal the nature of the p‐type doping. These changes are validated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence measurements combined with density functional theory calculations. Electrical measurements reveal a complete flip in carrier polarity from n‐type to p‐type, which is further examined using temperature‐dependent transport measurements. The enhancement of p‐field‐effect transistor characteristics is facilitated by employing top‐gated transistors and area‐selective vacancy engineering only in the contact regions. Finally, on the same flake, an in‐plane MoS2 (n)/MoS2−xOx (p) type‐I (straddling) heterojunction with rectifying behavior and excellent broadband photoresponse is demonstrated and explained using band diagrams. The spatial/metallurgical abruptness (<100 nm) of the heterojunctions is ascertained using Raman mapping. This process of vacancy engineering, which enables air‐stable, area‐selective, controlled, CMOS‐compatible doping of 2D semiconductors is envisioned to open new vistas in the development of high‐performance electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Use of Hyperaccumulator to Enrich Metal Ions for Supercapacitor
Authors: Liang Chen , Li Chunguang , He Yiqiang , Li Guanghua , Yu Ying , Lou Yue , Shi Zhan
Published: April 2019

Inspired by the capability of hyperaccumulators to enrich heavy metal ions, metal‐loaded biomass is prepared, and the metal nanospheres are dispersed in hierarchical porous carbon skeletons uniformly after activation. The raw material comes from nature and is renewable and environmentally friendly. The simple process leads to effective loading of metal ions, and the cobalt ion solution is reusable, which meets the requirements of green chemistry. The product achieves high specific capacitance because cobalt nanospheres exhibit obvious pseudocapacitance, and the hierarchical porous carbon skeletons lead to low impedance, which is beneficial for the rate performance. This experiment provides a new strategy for the preparation of biochar and metal‐composite‐based supercapacitor electrode materials.
Metal Sulfide‐Decorated Carbon Sponge as a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst and Absorbant for Polysulfide in High‐Loading Li2S Batteries
Authors: He Jiarui , Chen Yuanfu , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: April 2019

Owing to its high theoretical specific capacity (1166 mA h g−1) and particularly its advantage to be paired with a lithium‐metal‐free anode, lithium sulfide (Li2S) is regarded as a much safer cathode for next‐generation advanced lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. However, the low conductivity of Li2S and particularly the severe “polysulfide shuttle” of lithium polysulfide (LiPS) dramatically hinder their practical application in Li–S batteries. To address such issues, herein a bifuctional 3D metal sulfide‐decorated carbon sponge (3DTSC), which is constructed by 1D carbon nanowires cross‐linked with 2D graphene nanosheets with high conductivity and polar 0D metal sulfide nanodots with efficient electrocatalytic activity and strong chemical adsorption capability for LiPSs, is presented. Benefiting from the well‐designed multiscale, multidimensional 3D porous nanoarchitecture with high conductivity, and efficient electrocatalytic and absorption ability, the 3DTSC significantly mitigates LiPS shuttle, improves the utilization of Li2S, and facilitates the transport of electrons and ions. As a result, even with a high Li2S loading of 8 mg cm−2, the freestanding 3DTSC‐Li2S cathode without a polymer binder and metallic current collector delivers outstanding electrochemical performance with a high areal capacity of 8.44 mA h cm−2.
Quantum Interference Line Shifts of Broad Dipole‐Allowed Transitions
Authors: Udem Thomas , Maisenbacher Lothar , Matveev Arthur , Andreev Vitaly , Grinin Alexey , Beyer Axel , Kolachevsky Nikolai , Pohl Randolf , Yost Dylan C. , Hänsch Theodor W.
Published: April 2019

High‐resolution laser spectroscopy serves the purpose of determining the energy difference between states of atoms and molecules with the best possible accuracy. Therefore, one may face the problem of finding the center of a symmetric line within a small fraction of the line width, or one needs to extract the energy difference from an asymmetric line without a uniquely defined center. Multiplets of atomic resonance lines are subject to mutual line pullings and give rise to asymmetric line distortions due to quantum interference. This paper reviews the treatment of these distortions for dipole‐allowed one‐photon transitions. Specific examples are given for hydrogen and helium spectroscopy.
Pulsed radiofrequency of the brachial plexus in the treatment of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy of the upper limb
Authors: Vinagre J. M. , Doody K. , Harmon D.
Published: April 2019

We describe the treatment of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy in the upper limb of a patient via ultrasound‐guided pulsed radiofrequency of the brachial plexus. A 54‐year‐old female, who underwent chemotherapy and mastectomy for left‐sided breast cancer, presented to the pain clinic describing continuous and severe shock‐like pain in the posterolateral aspect of the left upper limb, above the elbow. A diagnosis of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy was made. Pain management with multi‐modal analgesia was not fully effective and pulsed radiofrequency was offered as an alternative. Ultrasonography of the supraclavicular region was used to identify the brachial plexus, followed by pulsed radiofrequency using an insulated‐tip needle that produced paraesthesia in the affected area. Onset of pain relief occurred one week post‐procedure and lasted approximately 10 weeks. An estimated 80% decrease in pain intensity was reported by the patient. We propose that pulsed radiofrequency can be offered as a pain management alternative in certain presentations of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy.
Selenium Nanocomposite Cathode with Long Cycle Life for Rechargeable Lithium‐Selenium Batteries
Authors: Cui Yi , Zhou Xinwei , Guo Wei , Liu Yuzi , Li Tianyi , Fu Yongzhu , Zhu Likun
Published: April 2019

Selenium (Se) is a potential cathode material for high energy density rechargeable lithium batteries. In this study, a binder‐free Se‐carbon nanotube (CNT) composite electrode has been prepared by a facile chemical method. At initial state, Se is present in the form of branched nanowires with a diameter of <150 nm and a length of 1–2 μm, interwoven with CNTs. After discharge and re‐charge, the Se nanowires are converted to nanoparticles embedded in the CNT network. This synthesis method provides a path for fabricating the Se cathodes with controllable mass loading and thickness. By studying the composite electrodes with different Se loading and thickness, we found that the electrode thickness has a critical impact on the distribution of Se during repeated cycling. Promising cycling performance was achieved in thin electrodes with high Se loading. The composite electrode with 23 μm thickness and 60 % Se loading shows a high initial capacity of 537 mAh g−1 and stable cycling performance with a capacity of 401 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 C rate. This study reports a synthesis strategy to obtain Se/CNT composite cathode with long cycle life for rechargeable Li−Se batteries.
Der Braune Noddi
Authors: Thaler Ellen , Bresson Roby T.
Published: April 2019

Seit 1986 wurde das Sozialverhalten der Braunen Noddi‐Seeschwalbe Anous stolidus auf der Seychellen‐Insel „Bird Island“ beobachtet. Die endemische Population (ca. 2500 Vögel) wurde ab 1996 farbig beringt, 2015–17 galt der Schwerpunkt dem Vergleich von „Hochbrütern“ und „Bodenbrütern“, den Beziehungen zwischen nachbarlich eng brütenden Paaren, Partnertreue und Reaktionen auf Partnerverluste. Wir konnten beweisen, dass nachbarliche Bruthelfer bereits frühzeitig rekrutiert werden und monatelang abrufbar bleiben. Gruppenkontakt wird durch Kopulationen außerhalb des Brutpaars verstärkt, dazu boten sich Weibchen und Männchen an. Die Gruppenmitglieder brüteten paarweise monogam, doch in Notsituationen wie bei Partnerverlust sprang bei Bodenbrütern sofort ein bereits bekannter Noddi als Helfer ein. Küken wurden dadurch vor Fressfeinden und vor aggressiven Nachbarn geschützt. Bei Hochbruten ließen sich dagegen keine Helfer beobachten. Zwar sind deren Junge weniger durch Brutfeinde gefährdet, doch bei Partnerverlust kamen Hochbrut‐Küken ebenfalls um. Durch das fehlende Helfer‐System ist der Bruterfolg deshalb bei Hochbrütern trotz des schwächeren Feinddrucks kleiner. Heute sorgt der Inseltourismus dazu, dass der Braune Noddi für die Brut zunehmend auf Palmen ausweichen muss. Was das für ihr Überleben bedeutet, ist noch ungewiss.
Vom Schneckenei zum Schneckenkönig
Authors: Kronberg Inge
Published: April 2019

„Schneckenkönig“ nennt man eine Schnecke, deren Schneckenhaus nicht im Uhrzeigersinn, sondern entgegengesetzt gedreht ist. Eigentlich verdient eher der Entdecker so einer Schnecke diese Auszeichnung, denn unter Tausenden von rechtsgedrehten Schneckenhäusern findet sich nur ein linksgedrehtes. Schneckenkönige sind also eine Seltenheit. Ihre Embryonalentwicklung ermöglicht spannende Rückschlüsse auf die genetische und epigenetische Steuerung von Symmetrie und Asymmetrie im Tierreich.
Molecular Insight and Mode of Inhibition of α‐Glucosidase and α‐Amylase by Pahangensin A from Alpinia pahangensisRidl.
Authors: Loo Kong Yong , Leong Kok Hoong , Sivasothy Yasodha , Ibrahim Halijah , Awang Khalijah
Published: April 2019

The inhibition of carbohydrate‐hydrolyzing enzymes in human digestive organs is crucial in controlling blood sugar levels, which is important in treating type 2 diabetes. In the current study, pahangensin A (1), a bis‐labdanic diterpene characterized previously in the rhizomes of Alpinia pahangensis Ridl., was identified as an active dual inhibitor for α‐amylase (IC50=114.80 μm) and α‐glucosidase (IC50=153.87 μm). This is the first report on the dual α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities of a bis‐labdanic diterpene. The Lineweaver‐Burk plots of compound 1 indicate that it is a mixed‐type inhibitor with regard to both enzymes. Based on molecular docking studies, compound 1 docked in a non‐active site of both enzymes. The dual inhibitory activity of compound 1 makes it a suitable natural alternative in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Dexmedetomidine protects against high mobility group box 1‐induced cellular injury by inhibiting pyroptosis
Authors: Ji Xuexia , Guo Yuanbo , Zhou Guobin , Wang Yan , Zhang Jianxing , Wang Zhipeng , Wang Qing
Published: April 2019

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a widely used clinical anesthetic with proven anti‐inflammatory effects. Both high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and pyroptosis play an important role in the inflammatory response to infection and trauma. Thus far, there have been no studies published addressing the effect of DEX on HMGB1 and pyroptosis. In order to fill this gap in the literature, bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) were exposed to HMGB1 (4 µg/mL) with or without DEX (50 μM) pretreatment. The production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines [such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin 1β (IL‐1β), and IL‐18], phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and P38, and the activation of caspase‐1 were measured by enzyme immunosorbent assay, western blot analysis, confocal microscope, and flow cytometry, respectively. We found that DEX protected against HMGB1‐induced cell death of BMDMs. In addition, DEX suppressed the generation of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 as well as the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and P38. Moreover, DEX inhibited caspase‐1 activation and decreased pyroptosis. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the protective effect of DEX in mediating HMGB1‐induced cellular injury, thus indicating that DEX may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the management of infection and trauma‐derived inflammation.
MiR‐377 inhibits wear particle‐induced osteolysis via targeting RANKL
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Xiaomeng , Chang Li , Wang Fei
Published: April 2019

Periprosthetic osteolysis caused by wear particles is the main factor that affects the long‐term efficacy of artificial joint replacement, and macrophages play a vital role in the pathogenesis of periprosthetic osteolysis, while the potential mechanism underlying this is still unclear. To investigate the underlying role of miR‐377 in wear particle‐induced osteolysis (PIO), blood samples from patients undergoing arthroplasty were collected for analyzing the correlation between miR‐377 expression and the clinicopathological parameters of PIO. Peripheral blood macrophages were obtained to compare the miR‐377 and receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) expressions. Bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) following titanium (Ti) particle treatment and/or miR‐377 mimic transfection were used. The expressions of RANKL, pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and the osteoclast‐related molecules tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and cathepsin K (CTSK) were determined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction or western blotting or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or TRAP staining, when appropriate. The interaction between miR‐377 and RANKL was assessed by luciferase reporter assay. The in vivo role of miR‐377 in PIO was evaluated using a mouse calvarial osteolysis model. There were significant differences in downregulated miR‐377 expression between the different numbers of particles in the joint prostheses. The Ti particle treatment increased pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels, downregulated RANKL and increased osteoclast activity in BMMs, while miR‐377 overexpression led to the opposite effect. Taken together, miR‐377 downregulated the target gene RANKL, resulting in PIO inhibition. MiR‐377 relieved PIO by negatively regulating RANKL.
The “appropriate adult”: What they do and what they should do in police interviews with mentally disordered suspects
Authors: Farrugia Laura , Gabbert Fiona
Published: April 2019

Background

In almost all countries worldwide, the first point of contact with the criminal justice system is with the police. A large proportion of these individuals may have vulnerabilities, such as mental health difficulties. Given the complexities associated with vulnerable suspects, such interviews may be compromised, which could lead to a miscarriage of justice. In England and Wales, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 and its accompanying Codes of Practice lay down requirements for interviewing vulnerable suspects and provide for attendance of “appropriate adults” to support communication between police and the vulnerable suspect. To date, however, their role has been underresearched.

Aims/Hypotheses

To explore the role of appropriate adults in police interviews and test the hypotheses, first, that appropriate adults more commonly remain passive during interview than expected from guidance and, second, that any interventions are more likely than not to follow examples in current guidance.

Methods

Transcripts of police interviews conducted with suspects with possible mental disorder and an appropriate adult present (N = 27) were analysed using a specially developed coding framework.

Results

Appropriate adults were significantly more likely to remain passive than to intervene, even when current guidance would suggest intervention. When they did intervene, however, such interventions were significantly more likely than not to follow from guidance than the vulnerable suspect's needs. Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984.

Conclusions/implications for practice

In our sample, appropriate adults were not fulfilling their role as outlined in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 and accompanying Codes of Practice; specifically, they appeared to know what to do but not when to do it. There is a heightened risk of a miscarriage of justice in such circumstances without improvements.
Very late hepatic arterial thrombosis manifesting as central biliary necrosis: A rare presentation
Authors: Soares Vitor A. , Arcuri Roberto A. , Parente Daniella B. , Marchiori Edson
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

Hepatic artery thrombosis should always be considered on a liver graft recipient with mild and nonspecific symptoms, even after a decade of the transplantation.
Influence of Lithium and Lanthanum Treatment on TiO2 Nanofibers and Their Application in n‐i‐p Solar Cells
Authors: Ambroz Filip , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Lee Roxanna , Gadipelli Srinivas , Lin Chieh‐Ting , Xu Shengda , Poduval Radhika K. , Mclachlan Martyn A. , Papakonstantinou Ioannis , Parkin Ivan P. , Macdonald Thomas J.
Published: April 2019

The addition of cations to TiO2 photoelectrodes is routinely accepted as a route to enhance the performance of conventional n‐i‐p solar cells. However, this is typically achieved in multiple steps or by the incorporation of expensive and hydroscopic cationic precursors such as lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide. In addition, it is often unclear as to whether the incorporation of such cation sources is inducing “doping” or simply transformed into cationic oxides on the surface of the photoelectrodes. In this study, TiO2 nanofibers were produced through a simple electrospinning technique and modified by introducing lithium and lanthanum precursors in one step. Our results show that the addition of both cations caused minimal substitutional or interstitial doping of TiO2. Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller measurements showed that lanthanum‐treated TiO2 nanofibers had an increase in surface area, which even exceeded that of TiO2 P25 nanoparticles. Finally, treated and untreated TiO2 nanofibers were used in n‐i‐p solar cells. Photovoltaic characteristics revealed that lanthanum treatment was beneficial, whereas lithium treatment was found to be detrimental to the device performance for both dye‐sensitized and perovskite solar cells. The results discuss new fundamental understandings for two of the commonly incorporated cationic dopants in TiO2 photoelectrodes, lithium and lanthanum, and present a significant step forward in advancing the field of materials chemistry for photovoltaics.
Study on the Antagonistic Potential of Biosynthesized Hematite Nanoparticles During Water and Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Eltarahony Marwa , Zaki Sahar , Kheiralla Zeinab , Abd‐El‐Haleem Desouky
Published: April 2019

Microbial pollution of water is one of the hazardous factors that threaten public health and the surrounding ecosystem. Therefore, the development of environmentally benign nanoparticles with exceptional properties has increased the drive toward improvement of water/wastewater disinfection. Accordingly, we aim to address the antagonistic effect of biogenic hematite nanoparticles (HNPs) against a broad spectrum of microorganisms and in water/wastewater disinfection systems. The minimum inhibitory concentration of HNPs at a range of 0.075–9.6 mg mL−1 is examined. The results demonstrate that Gram‐positive bacteria are more susceptible to HNPs than Gram‐negative ones. In addition, the growth of Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis is inhibited by applying 1.2 mg mL−1 of HNPs, which indicates antifungal activity. Moreover, HNPs (0.3 mg mL−1) inhibits 58.7, 50.5, and 86.3% of the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, and Chlorella vulgaris, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of untreated and HNPs‐treated cells of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Candida albicans, and Chlorella vulgaris are studied, and the ultrastructure micrographs show ultrastructure deformities caused by HNPs. Remarkable disinfection strength reaches up to 99.8%, mainly with increasing dose and contact time. The current study highlights the efficiency of HNPs as a biocide, which could contribute to water/wastewater treatment as an alternative for chlorine.