bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncogene-dependent function of BRG1 in hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Wang Pan , Song Xinhua , Cao Dan , Cui Kairong , Wang Jingxiao , Utpatel Kirsten , Shang Runze , Wang Haichuan , Che Li , Evert Matthias , Zhao Keji , Calvisi Diego F. , Chen Xin
Published: February 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major type of primary liver cancer. Genomic studies have revealed that HCC is a heterogeneous disease with multiple subtypes. BRG1, encoded by the SMARCA4 gene, is a key component of SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complexes. Based on TCGA studies, somatic mutations of SMARCA4 occur in ~3% of human HCC samples. Additional studies suggest that BRG1 is overexpressed in human HCC specimens and may promote HCC growth and invasion. However, the precise functional roles of BRG1 in HCC remain poorly delineated. Here, we analyzed BRG1 in human HCC samples as well as in mouse models. We found that BRG1 is overexpressed in most of human HCC samples, especially in those associated with poorer prognosis. BRG1 expression levels positively correlate with cell cycle and negatively with metabolic pathways in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) human HCC data set. In a murine HCC model induced by c-MYC overexpression, ablation of the Brg1 gene completely repressed HCC formation. In striking contrast, however, we discovered that concomitant deletion of Brg1 and overexpression of c-Met or mutant NRas (NRASV12) triggered HCC formation in mice. Altogether, the present data indicate that BRG1 possesses both oncogenic and tumor-suppressing roles depending on the oncogenic stimuli during hepatocarcinogenesis.
Loss of GFAT-1 feedback regulation activates the hexosamine pathway that modulates protein homeostasis
Authors: Ruegenberg Sabine , Horn Moritz , Pichlo Christian , Allmeroth Kira , Baumann Ulrich , Denzel Martin S.
Published: February 2020

Glutamine fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT) is the key enzyme in the hexosamine pathway (HP) that produces uridine 5′-diphospho-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), linking energy metabolism with posttranslational protein glycosylation. In Caenorhabditis elegans, we previously identified gfat-1 gain-of-function mutations that elevate UDP-GlcNAc levels, improve protein homeostasis, and extend lifespan. GFAT is highly conserved, but the gain-of-function mechanism and its relevance in mammalian cells remained unclear. Here, we present the full-length crystal structure of human GFAT-1 in complex with various ligands and with important mutations. UDP-GlcNAc directly interacts with GFAT-1, inhibiting catalytic activity. The longevity-associated G451E variant shows drastically reduced sensitivity to UDP-GlcNAc inhibition in enzyme activity assays. Our structural and functional data point to a critical role of the interdomain linker in UDP-GlcNAc inhibition. In mammalian cells, the G451E variant potently activates the HP. Therefore, GFAT-1 gain-of-function through loss of feedback inhibition constitutes a potential target for the treatment of age-related proteinopathies.
Nexus of grazing management with plant and soil properties in northern China grasslands
Authors: Wang Li , Luan Limin , Hou Fujiang , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: February 2020

Grasslands provide habitats for living organisms and livelihoods for ~800 million people globally. Many grasslands in developing countries are severely degraded. Some measures have been taken to curb the trend of degradation for decades. It is important to determine how decade-long rejuvenation efforts affected grassland ecosystems. We identified 65 data-rich studies based on six criteria, from >2500 relevant publications, and generated a dataset with 997 rows and 12 variables. The dataset covers different grazing intensities (grazing exclusion, light, moderate, and heavy grazing) and their impacts on plant traits (vegetation coverage, aboveground and root biomass, and plant diversity) and soil physiochemical properties (bulk density, moisture content, organic C, total and available N, total and available P, C:N ratio, and pH). The dataset could be used to (i) quantify the effectiveness of rejuvenation processes by determining the impact on plant community and soil properties, (ii) perform comprehensive analyses to elucidate large-picture effects of grazing management and rejuvenation, and (iii) analyze the impact of grass–climate–soil–human interactions on grassland ecosystem sustainability.
Prosthetic model, but not stiffness or height, affects maximum running velocity in athletes with unilateral transtibial amputations
Authors: Taboga Paolo , Drees Emily K. , Beck Owen N. , Grabowski Alena M.
Published: February 2020

The running-specific prosthetic (RSP) configuration used by athletes with transtibial amputations (TTAs) likely affects performance. Athletes with unilateral TTAs are prescribed C- or J-shaped RSPs with a manufacturer-recommended stiffness category based on body mass and activity level, and height based on unaffected leg and residual limb length. We determined how 15 different RSP model, stiffness, and height configurations affect maximum running velocity (vmax) and the underlying biomechanics. Ten athletes with unilateral TTAs ran at 3 m/s to vmax on a force-measuring treadmill. vmax was 3.8–10.7% faster when athletes used J-shaped versus C-shaped RSP models (p < 0.05), but was not affected by stiffness category, actual stiffness (kN/m), or height (p = 0.72, p = 0.37, and p = 0.11, respectively). vmax differences were explained by vertical ground reaction forces (vGRFs), stride kinematics, leg stiffness, and symmetry. While controlling for velocity, use of J-shaped versus C-shaped RSPs resulted in greater stance average vGRFs, slower step frequencies, and longer step lengths (p < 0.05). Stance average vGRFs were less asymmetric using J-shaped versus C-shaped RSPs (p < 0.05). Contact time and leg stiffness were more asymmetric using the RSP model that elicited the fastest vmax (p < 0.05). Thus, RSP geometry (J-shape versus C-shape), but not stiffness or height, affects vmax in athletes with unilateral TTAs.
1RS arm of Secale cereanum ‘Kriszta’ confers resistance to stripe rust, improved yield components and high arabinoxylan content in wheat
Authors: Szakács Éva , Szőke-Pázsi Kitti , Kalapos Balázs , Schneider Annamária , Ivanizs László , Rakszegi Marianna , Vida Gyula , Molnár István , Molnár-Láng Márta
Published: February 2020

Wheat-rye T1BL.1RS translocation is widespread worldwide as the genes on 1RS arm have positive effect on stress resistance, grain yield and adaptation ability of wheat. Nowadays, the T1BL.1RS wheat cultivars have become susceptible to rust diseases because of the monophyletic (‘Petkus’) origin of 1RS. Here we report and discuss the production and detailed investigation of a new T1BL.1RS translocation line carrying 1RS with widened genetic base originating from Secale cereanum. Line ‘179’ exhibited improved spike morphology traits, resistance against stripe rust and leaf rust, as well as higher tillering capacity, fertility and dietary fiber (arabynoxylan) content than the parental wheat genotype. Comparative analyses based on molecular cytogenetic methods and molecular (SSR and DArTseq) makers indicate that the 1RS arm of line ‘179’ is a recombinant of S. cereale and S. strictum homologues, and approximately 16% of its loci were different from that of ‘Petkus’ origin. 162 (69.5%) 1RS-specific markers were associated with genes, including 10 markers with putative disease resistance functions and LRR domains found on the subtelomeric or pericentromeric regions of 1RS. Line ‘179’ will facilitate the map-based cloning of the resistance genes, and it can contribute to healthy eating and a more cost-efficient wheat production.
A kinetic method for measuring agonist efficacy and ligand bias using high resolution biosensors and a kinetic data analysis framework
Authors: Hoare Sam R. J. , Tewson Paul H. , Quinn Anne Marie , Hughes Thomas E.
Published: February 2020

The kinetics/dynamics of signaling are of increasing value for G-protein-coupled receptor therapeutic development, including spatiotemporal signaling and the kinetic context of biased agonism. Effective application of signaling kinetics to developing new therapeutics requires reliable kinetic assays and an analysis framework to extract kinetic pharmacological parameters. Here we describe a platform for measuring arrestin recruitment kinetics to GPCRs using a high quantum yield, genetically encoded fluorescent biosensor, and a data analysis framework to quantify the recruitment kinetics. The sensor enabled high temporal resolution measurement of arrestin recruitment to the angiotensin AT1 and vasopressin V2 receptors. The analysis quantified the initial rate of arrestin recruitment (kτ), a biologically-meaningful kinetic drug efficacy parameter, by fitting time course data using routine curve-fitting methods. Biased agonism was assessed by comparing kτ values for arrestin recruitment with those for Gq signaling via the AT1 receptor. The kτ ratio values were in good agreement with bias estimates from existing methods. This platform potentially improves and simplifies assessment of biased agonism because the same assay modality is used to compare pathways (potentially in the same cells), the analysis method is parsimonious and intuitive, and kinetic context is factored into the bias measurement.
A high visibility Talbot-Lau neutron grating interferometer to investigate stress-induced magnetic degradation in electrical steel
Authors: Neuwirth Tobias , Backs Alexander , Gustschin Alex , Vogt Simon , Pfeiffer Franz , Böni Peter , Schulz Michael
Published: February 2020

Neutron grating interferometry (nGI) is a unique technique allowing to probe magnetic and nuclear properties of materials not accessible in standard neutron imaging. The signal-to-noise ratio of an nGI setup is strongly dependent on the achievable visibility. Hence, for analysis of weak signals or short measurement times a high visibility is desired. We developed a new Talbot-Lau interferometer using the third Talbot order with an unprecedented visibility (0.74) over a large field of view. Using the third Talbot order and the resulting decreased asymmetry allows to access a wide correlation length range. Moreover, we have used a novel technique for the production of the absorption gratings which provides nearly binary gratings even for thermal neutrons. The performance of the new interferometer is demonstrated by visualizing the local magnetic domain wall density in electrical steel sheets when influenced by residual stress induced by embossing. We demonstrate that it is possible to affect the density of the magnetic domain walls by embossing and therefore to engineer the guiding of magnetic fields in electrical steel sheets. The excellent performance of our new setup will also facilitate future studies of dynamic effects in electric steels and other systems.
Cold-water coral (Lophelia pertusa) response to multiple stressors: High temperature affects recovery from short-term pollution exposure
Authors: Weinnig Alexis M. , Gómez Carlos E. , Hallaj Adam , Cordes Erik E.
Published: February 2020

There are numerous studies highlighting the impacts of direct and indirect stressors on marine organisms, and multi-stressor studies of their combined effects are an increasing focus of experimental work.Lophelia pertusais a framework-forming cold-water coral that supports numerous ecosystem services in the deep ocean. These corals are threatened by increasing anthropogenic impacts to the deep-sea, such as global ocean change and hydrocarbon extraction. This study implemented two sets of experiments to assess the effects of future conditions (temperature: 8 °C and 12 °C, pH: 7.9 and 7.6) and hydrocarbon exposure (oil, dispersant, oil + dispersant combined) on coral health. Phenotypic response was assessed through three independent observations of diagnostic characteristics that were combined into an average health rating at four points during exposure and recovery. In both experiments, regardless of environmental condition, average health significantly declined during 24-hour exposure to dispersant alone but was not significantly altered in the other treatments. In the early recovery stage (24 hours), polyp health returned to the pre-exposure health state under ambient temperature in all treatments. However, increased temperature resulted in a delay in recovery (72 hours) from dispersant exposure. These experiments provide evidence that global ocean change can affect the resilience of corals to environmental stressors and that exposure to chemical dispersants may pose a greater threat than oil itself.
$${\mathscr{PT}}$$ -symmetry from Lindblad dynamics in a linearized optomechanical system
Authors: Jaramillo Ávila B. , Ventura-Velázquez C. , León-Montiel R. de J. , Joglekar Yogesh N. , Rodríguez-Lara B. M.
Published: February 2020

We analyze a lossy linearized optomechanical system in the red-detuned regime under the rotating wave approximation. This so-called optomechanical state transfer protocol provides effective lossy frequency converter (quantum beam-splitter-like) dynamics where the strength of the coupling between the electromagnetic and mechanical modes is controlled by the optical steady-state amplitude. By restricting to a subspace with no losses, we argue that the transition from mode-hybridization in the strong coupling regime to the damped-dynamics in the weak coupling regime, is a signature of the passive parity-time ($${\mathscr{PT}}$$PT) symmetry breaking transition in the underlying non-Hermitian quantum dimer. We compare the dynamics generated by the quantum open system (Langevin or Lindblad) approach to that of the $${\mathscr{PT}}$$PT-symmetric Hamiltonian, to characterize the cases where the two are identical. Additionally, we numerically explore the evolution of separable and correlated number states at zero temperature as well as thermal initial state evolution at room temperature. Our results provide a pathway for realizing non-Hermitian Hamiltonians in optomechanical systems at a quantum level.
CO2 sorption and regeneration properties of fly ash zeolites synthesized with the use of differentiated methods
Authors: Czuma Natalia , Casanova Ignasi , Baran Paweł , Szczurowski Jakub , Zarębska Katarzyna
Published: February 2020

Production of fly ash zeolites may be an attractive method for the utilization of solid wastes from the energy sector. Different methods of synthesis often yield a variety of zeolite types, thereby affecting the properties of the resulting materials. The attention paid to carbon dioxide emission reduction technologies fully justifies the study of the sorption behaviours of fly ash zeolites synthesized by different methods. This work investigates the sorption properties of fly ash zeolites synthesized with different methods using CO2. Sorption capacity and adsorption isotherms were determined following the volumetric method and textural parameters were resolved according to the Dubinin-Astakhov (DA) method. The CO2 sorption capacity was in the range 0.24–4.16 mmol/g. The relationships between structure and sorption behaviour were studied for each synthesis method. Some strong similarities between commercial zeolites and fly ash zeolites were found. The mechanism for sorption was proved to be physisorption which is fully reversible under selected conditions. The observed trends were used to identify the best sorbent.
Streptomyces sp. VN1, a producer of diverse metabolites including non-natural furan-type anticancer compound
Authors: Nguyen Hue Thi , Pokhrel Anaya Raj , Nguyen Chung Thanh , Pham Van Thuy Thi , Dhakal Dipesh , Lim Haet Nim , Jung Hye Jin , Kim Tae-Su , Yamaguchi Tokutaro , Sohng Jae Kyung
Published: February 2020

Streptomyces sp. VN1 was isolated from the coastal region of Phu Yen Province (central Viet Nam). Morphological, physiological, and whole genome phylogenetic analyses suggested that strain Streptomyces sp. VN1 belonged to genus Streptomyces. Whole genome sequencing analysis showed its genome was 8,341,703 base pairs in length with GC content of 72.5%. Diverse metabolites, including cinnamamide, spirotetronate antibiotic lobophorin A, diketopiperazines cyclo-L-proline-L-tyrosine, and a unique furan-type compound were isolated from Streptomyces sp. VN1. Structures of these compounds were studied by HR-Q-TOF ESI/MS/MS and 2D NMR analyses. Bioassay-guided purification yielded a furan-type compound which exhibited in vitro anticancer activity against AGS, HCT116, A375M, U87MG, and A549 cell lines with IC50 values of 40.5, 123.7, 84.67, 50, and 58.64 µM, respectively. In silico genome analysis of the isolated Streptomyces sp. VN1 contained 34 gene clusters responsible for the biosynthesis of known and/or novel secondary metabolites, including different types of terpene, T1PKS, T2PKS, T3PKS, NRPS, and hybrid PKS-NRPS. Genome mining with HR-Q-TOF ESI/MS/MS analysis of the crude extract confirmed the biosynthesis of lobophorin analogs. This study indicates that Streptomyces sp. VN1 is a promising strain for biosynthesis of novel natural products.
Effectiveness of hemostatic agents in thyroid surgery for the prevention of postoperative bleeding
Authors: Scaroni Martino , von Holzen Urs , Nebiker Christian A.
Published: February 2020

Postoperative bleeding remains one of the most frequent, but rarely life-threatening complications in thyroid surgery. Although arterial bleeding is the main cause of postoperative hemorrhage, most often no actively bleeding vessel can be found during revision. Therefore, the coagulation technique for larger vessels may play a minor role, and hemostatic agents could be of higher importance. In this descriptive, retrospective study, data of 279 patients with thyroid surgery (total of 414 thyroid lobectomies) were collected. We reviewed the electronic medical record by analyzing the histological, operative, laboratory and discharge reports in regards to postoperative bleeding. Of the 414 operated thyroid lobes, 2.4% (n = 10) bled. 1.4% (n = 6) needed reoperation while the other 1.0% (n = 4) could be treated conservatively. Hemostatic patches were applied 286 (69.1%) times. Of the 128 (30.9%) patch-free operated sides, 4.7% (n = 6) suffered postoperative bleeding. Tachosil® alone was used 211 (51.0%) times and bleeding occurred in 1.4% (n = 3). Without statistical significance (p = 0.08) the use of Tachosil® seems to help preventing postoperative bleeding. The combination with other patches doesn’t appear to be more efficient.
Ferumoxytol-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging of carotid atheroma- a feasibility and temporal dependence study
Authors: Usman Ammara , Patterson Andrew J. , Yuan Jianmin , Cluroe Alison , Patterson Ilse , Graves Martin J. , Gillard Jonathan H. , Sadat Umar
Published: February 2020

Ferumoxytol is an ultrasmall super paramagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) agent recently used for magnetic resonance (MR) vascular imaging. Other USPIOs have been previously used for assessing inflammation within atheroma. We aim to assess feasibility of ferumoxytol in imaging carotid atheroma (with histological assessment); and the optimum MR imaging time to detect maximum quantitative signal change post-ferumoxytol infusion. Ten patients with carotid artery disease underwent high-resolution MR imaging of their carotid arteries on a 1.5 T MR system. MR imaging was performed before and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs post ferumoxytol infusion. Optimal ferumoxytol uptake time was evaluated by quantitative relaxometry maps indicating the difference in T2* (ΔT2*) and T2 (ΔT2) between baseline and post-Ferumoxytol MR imaging using 3D DANTE MEFGRE qT2*w and iMSDE black-blood qT2w sequences respectively. 20 patients in total (10 symptomatic and 10 with asymptomatic carotid artery disease) had ferumoxytol-enhanced MR imaging at the optimal imaging window. 69 carotid MR imaging studies were completed. Ferumoxytol uptake (determined by a decrease in ΔT2* and ΔT2) was identified in all carotid plaques (symptomatic and asymptomatic). Maximum quantitative decrease in ΔT2* (10.4 [3.5–16.2] ms, p < 0.001) and ΔT2 (13.4 [6.2–18.9] ms; p = 0.001) was found on carotid MR imaging at 48 hrs following the ferumoxytol infusion. Ferumoxytol uptake by carotid plaques was assessed by histopathological analysis of excised atheroma. Ferumoxytol-enhanced MR imaging using quantitative 3D MR pulse sequences allows assessment of inflammation within carotid atheroma in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The optimum MR imaging time for carotid atheroma is 48 hrs after its administration.
Circulating Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin as Estimator of Cardiovascular and Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Metabolic Syndrome Patients
Authors: Riquelme-Gallego Blanca , García-Molina Laura , Cano-Ibáñez Naomi , Sánchez-Delgado Guillermo , Andújar-Vera Francisco , García-Fontana Cristina , González-Salvatierra Sheila , García-Recio Enrique , Martínez-Ruiz Virginia , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora , Muñoz-Torres Manuel , García-Fontana Beatriz
Published: February 2020

Undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) could be a biomarker of glucose disturbances and cardiovascular risk. Our study aimed to determine the association between serum levels of ucOC and cardiovascular risk in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients and to analyse its potential role as estimator of type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk in this population. This cross-sectional study included 235 patients with MetS, 53.2% women, aged 55–75 years. Circulating ucOC levels were measured by ELISA. Cardiovascular risk was determined as Z-score of the diagnostic criteria for MetS (CV-ZS). Linear regression model was performed to analyse the association between circulating ucOC and CV-ZS. A receiver operating curve (ROC) was performed to analyse the usefulness of ucOC as T2D risk estimator. Patients above the CV-ZS median showed significant lower ucOC levels. We found an inverse association between ucOC levels and CV-ZS in MetS patients without T2D. Patients with ucOC levels below the 25th percentile showed worse cardiometabolic profile and higher cardiovascular and T2D risk. The area under the curve performed better when ucOC levels were included along with the classic T2D risk factors. The measurement of circulating ucOC could be a useful tool to identify increased cardiovascular and T2D risk in MetS patients without T2D.
Elevated pCO2 affects behavioural patterns and mechano-sensation in predatory phantom midge larvae Chaoborus obscuripes
Authors: Kowalewska Adrianna A. , Krebs Nina , Tollrian Ralph , Weiss Linda C.
Published: February 2020

Aquatic acidification is a major consequence of fossil fuel combustion. In marine ecosystems it was shown, that increasing pCO2 levels significantly affect behavioural and sensory capacities in a diversity of species. This can result in altered predator and prey interactions and thereby change community structures. Just recently also CO2 dependent acidification of freshwater habitats has been shown. Also here, increased levels of pCO2 change organisms’ behaviour and sensory capacities. For example, the freshwater crustacean Daphnia’s ability to detect predators and accurately develop morphological defences was significantly reduced, rendering Daphnia more susceptible to predation. It was speculated that this may have cascading effects on freshwater food webs. However, for a comprehensive understanding of how increased levels of CO2 affect trophic interactions, it is also important to study how CO2 affects predators. We tested this using the dipeteran phantom midge larva Chaoborus obscuripes, which is a world-wide abundant inhabitant of freshwater impoundments. We monitored activity parameters, predation parameters, and predation rate. Chaoborus larvae are affected by increased levels of pCO2 as we observed an increase in undirected movements and at the same time, reduced sensory abilities to detect prey items. This is likely to affect the larvae’s energy budgets. Chaoborus is a central component of many freshwater food-webs. Therefore, CO2 effects on predator and prey levels will likely have consequences for community structures.
Protein stability governed by its structural plasticity is inferred by physicochemical factors and salt bridges
Authors: Panja Anindya S. , Maiti Smarajit , Bandyopadhyay Bidyut
Published: February 2020

Several organisms, specifically microorganisms survive in a wide range of harsh environments including extreme temperature, pH, and salt concentration. We analyzed systematically a large number of protein sequences with their structures to understand their stability and to discriminate extremophilic proteins from their non-extremophilic orthologs. Our results highlighted that the strategy for the packing of the protein core was influenced by the environmental stresses through substitutive structural events through better ionic interaction. Statistical analysis showed that a significant difference in number and composition of amino acid exist among them. The negative correlation of pairwise sequence alignments and structural alignments indicated that most of the extremophile and non-extremophile proteins didn’t contain any association for maintaining their functional stability. A significant numbers of salt bridges were noticed on the surface of the extremostable proteins. The Ramachandran plot data represented more occurrences of amino acids being present in helix and sheet regions of extremostable proteins. We also found that a significant number of small nonpolar amino acids and moderate number of charged amino acids like Arginine and Aspartic acid represented more nonplanar Omega angles in their peptide bond. Thus, extreme conditions may predispose amino acid composition including geometric variability for molecular adaptation of extremostable proteins against atmospheric variations and associated changes under natural selection pressure. The variation of amino acid composition and structural diversifications in proteins play a major role in evolutionary adaptation to mitigate climate change.
Electronic structure of AlFeN films exhibiting crystallographic orientation change from c- to a-axis with Fe concentrations and annealing effect
Authors: Tatemizo Nobuyuki , Imada Saki , Okahara Kizuna , Nishikawa Haruki , Tsuruta Kazuki , Ina Toshiaki , Miura Yoshio , Nishio Koji , Isshiki Toshiyuki
Published: February 2020

Wurtzite AlN film is a promising material for deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes. However, some properties that attribute to its crystal orientation, i.e., c-axis orientation, are obstacles in realizing high efficiency devices. Constructing devices with non-c-axis oriented films is a solution to this problem; however, achieving it with conventional growth techniques is difficult. Recently, we succeeded in growing a-axis oriented wurtzite heavily Fe-doped AlN (AlFeN) films via sputtering. In this article, we report the electronic structures of AlFeN films investigated using soft X-ray spectroscopies. As-grown films were found to have conduction and valence band structures for a film with c-axis in film planes. Simultaneously, it was found that large gap states were formed via N-p and Fe-d hybridization. To remove the gap states, the films were annealed, thereby resulting in a drastic decrease of the gap states while maintaining a-axis orientation. We offer heavy Fe-doping and post annealing as a new technique to obtain non-polar AlN films.
Author Correction: Micro RNAs upregulated in Vitiligo skin play an important role in its aetiopathogenesis by altering TRP1 expression and keratinocyte-melanocytes cross-talk
Authors: Vaish Utpreksha , Kumar Avinash A. , Varshney Swati , Ghosh Shreya , Sengupta Shantanu , Sood Chandni , Kar Hemanta K. , Sharma Pankaj , Natarajan Vivek T. , Gokhale Rajesh S. , Rani Rajni
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Synthesis of a mononuclear magnesium bis(alkoxide) complex and its reactivity in the ring-opening copolymerization of cyclic anhydrides with epoxides
Authors: Wannipurage Duleeka , Hollingsworth Thilini S. , Santulli Federica , Cozzolino Mariachiara , Lamberti Marina , Groysman Stanislav , Mazzeo Mina
Published: February 2020

A mononuclear magnesium complex Mg(OCtBu2Ph)2(THF)2 catalyzes the active polymerization of cyclic esters and alternating co-polymerization of epoxides with cyclic anhydrides.
Single-molecule determination of the phase- and facet-dependent adsorption of alginate on iron oxides
Authors: Zhai Hang , Wang Lijun
Published: February 2020

Single-molecule determination provides the energetics and mechanisms of the origin of the phase- or facet-dependent adsorption of alginate on iron oxides.
Kinetics-controlled design principles for two-dimensional open lattices using atom-mimicking patchy particles
Authors: Li Zhan-Wei , Sun Yu-Wei , Wang Yan-Hui , Zhu You-Liang , Lu Zhong-Yuan , Sun Zhao-Yan
Published: February 2020

Two-dimensional low-coordinated open lattices, including honeycomb lattices and square-octagon lattices previously unreported in colloid science, are obtained through the self-assembly of atom-mimicking patchy particles.
Mechanistic insight into bimetallic CoNi-MOF arrays with enhanced performance for supercapacitors
Authors: Chu Xianyu , Meng Fanling , Deng Ting , Lu Yue , Bondarchuk Oleksandr , Sui Manling , Feng Ming , Li Haibo , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2020

This work presents the architecture and mechanistic clarification of oriented bimetallic CoNi-MOF electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors.
Stereoselective synthesis of trans-aziridines via intramolecular oxidative C(sp3)–H amination of β-amino ketones
Authors: Tan Chen , Liu Yongguo , Liu Xinyuan , Jia Huanxin , Xu Kun , Huang Sihan , Wang Jingwen , Tan Jiajing
Published: February 2020

An expedient strategy for the synthesis of trans-2,3-disubstituted via the intramolecular KI/TBHP mediated oxidative dehydrogenative C(sp3)–H amination reaction was presented.
LC-MS analysis ofMyrica rubraextract and its hypotensive effectsviathe inhibition of GLUT 1 and activation of the NO/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Huiling , Li Jian , Liu Yonggang , Ding Hong
Published: February 2020

In the area of medicine food homology,Myrica rubra((Lour.) Siebold & Zucc.) has been used in medicine as an astringent and anti-diarrheal.
Pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modelling study of 4-hydroxyisoleucine using validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wadhwa Geetika , Krishna Kowthavarapu Venkata , Taliyan Rajeev , Tandon Neeraj , Yadav Satyapal Singh , Katiyar Chandrakant , Dubey Sunil Kumar
Published: February 2020

A reliable and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS based method has been developed for the estimation of 4-hydroxyisoleucine, a potent insulinotropic and hypolipidemic agent.
Synthesis of anti-allergic drugs
Authors: Zhou Shiyang , Huang Gangliang
Published: February 2020

Histamine is formed by the decarboxylation of histidine catalyzed by enzymes. It is an endogenous biologically active substance involved in multiple complex physiological processes as an important chemical transmitter.
A sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for hydrazine with a unique nonaromatic fluorophore
Authors: Liu Jian , Li Tao , Wang Shun , Qi Qingrong , Song Hang , Li Zicheng , Yang Li , Huang Wencai
Published: February 2020

A novel fluorescent probe for hydrazine with low detection limit and large Stokes shift was developed.
High dielectric thin films based on barium titanate and cellulose nanofibrils
Authors: Tao Jie , Cao Shun-an , Feng Rui , Deng Yulin
Published: February 2020

The high dielectric thin films based on cellulose fibrils and tetragonal barium titanate exhibit excellent dielectric properties, flexibility and durability.
Versatility and adaptative behaviour of the P^N chelating ligand MeDalphos within gold(i) π complexes
Authors: Navarro Miquel , Toledo Alberto , Mallet-Ladeira Sonia , Sosa Carrizo E. Daiann , Miqueu Karinne , Bourissou Didier
Published: February 2020

The hemilabile P^N ligand MeDalphos enables access to a wide range of stable gold(i) π-complexes with unbiased alkenes and alkynes, as well as electron-rich alkenes and for the first time electron-poor ones.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy investigation of water microenvironments in polyelectrolyte multilayers at varying temperatures
Authors: Eneh Chikaodinaka I. , Bolen Matthew J. , Suarez-Martinez Pilar C. , Bachmann Adam L. , Zimudzi Tawanda J. , Hickner Michael A. , Batys Piotr , Sammalkorpi Maria , Lutkenhaus Jodie L.
Published: February 2020

Tightly and loosely bound water molecules within polyelectrolyte multilayers are examined as a function of temperature and salt.
Oxidative instability of boronic acid-installed polycarbonate nanoparticles
Authors: Garcia Elena Alexandra , Pessoa Diogo , Herrera-Alonso Margarita
Published: February 2020

We show that the oxidation-triggered destabilization of boronic acid-installed polycarbonate nanoparticles depends both on H2O2 content, as well as on oxidized polymer concentration, which should fall below the critical micelle value.
Materials synthesis, characterization and DFT calculations of the visible-light-active perovskite-like barium bismuthate Ba1.264(4)Bi1.971(4)O4 photocatalyst
Authors: Shtarev D. S. , Shtareva A. V. , Kevorkyants R. , Rudakova A. V. , Molokeev M. S. , Bakiev T. V. , Bulanin K. M. , Ryabchuk V. K. , Serpone N.
Published: February 2020

The crystal structure of the Ba1.264(4)Bi1.971(4)O4 perovskite-like system and associated electronic band structure and density of states.
Electrochemical biomass valorization on gold-metal oxide nanoscale heterojunctions enables investigation of both catalyst and reaction dynamics with operando surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Heidary Nina , Kornienko Nikolay
Published: February 2020

The electrochemical oxidation of biomass platforms such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to value-added chemicals is an emerging clean energy technology.
Highly wet aqueous foams stabilized by an amphiphilic bio-based hydrogelator derived from dehydroabietic acid
Authors: Yan Tingting , Song Binglei , Cui Zhenggang , Pei Xiaomei
Published: February 2020

Highly wet aqueous foams are stabilized by a rosin-based surfactant which can form nanoscale fibers in the liquid films of bubbles.
Automatic 3D point cloud registration algorithm based on triangle similarity ratio consistency
Authors: Zou Xuyan , He Hanwu , Wu Yueming , Chen Youbin , Xu Mingxi
Published: February 2020

Three‐dimensional (3D) point cloud registration is a fundamental key issue in 3D reconstruction, 3D object recognition and augmented reality. In this study, the authors propose a novel local feature descriptor called local angle statistics histogram (LASH) for efficient 3D point cloud registration. LASH forms a description of local shape geometries by encoding their properties on angles between the normal vector of the point and the vector formed by the point and other points in its local neighbourhood. In addition, they propose a 3D point cloud registration algorithm based on LASH. The registration algorithm firstly detects triangle matching points with consistent similarity ratios, and then aggregates each pair of triangular matching points into a set of matching points. They can use these matching sets to calculate multiple transformations between two point clouds. Finally, they use the error function to identify the best transformation and to achieve coarse alignment of the two point clouds. Experiments and comparisons with other global algorithms demonstrate that the proposed approach can be applied to register point clouds with considerable or limited overlaps and is robust to noise.
Optimal linear filtering for weak target detection based on dyadic contrast function analysis in RFT
Authors: Akroush Muftah E. , Wicks Michael C.
Published: February 2020

In this study, a forward model for radio frequency tomography (RFT) is improved to remove the effect of strong sidelobes from dominant scatterers in the region of interest. This approach uses a ‘suppression algorithm (SA)’ to remove the effect of strong sidelobes on weak targets. SA is used to remove the effect of these strong sidelobes using the information from the dyadic contrast function (DCF). DCF is analysed in order to remove the effects of strong sidelobes generated by dominant cells in the measurement domain. The eigenvalues and eigenvectors for dominant cells are obtained to remodel the strong cells as a secondary source in the measurement scene. Furthermore, to simplify the inversion problem in the new forward model, iterative reconstruction algorithms is considered. Subsurface multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique as additive technique is proposed to solve the new forward model RFT with less computing power and memory. The presented algorithm has been verified using simulated RFT data, generated by the computational electromagnetic software FEKO, for regular and irregular targets scenarios. The proposed research shows that using information from the DCF it is possible to obtain high quality imagery of buried weak targets in RFT.
LPI performance optimisation strategy for a JRCS
Authors: Shi Chenguang , Wang Yijie , Wang Fei , Salous Sana , Zhou Jianjiang
Published: February 2020

In this study, the problem of the low probability of intercept (LPI) performance optimisation for a joint radar‐communications system (JRCS) is investigated, which can simultaneously estimate surveillance channel parameters from the target returns and decode the received communications signals. The primary purpose of the proposed LPI performance optimisation strategy is to improve the LPI performance of a JRCS by optimising the energy spectral density of radar waveform design and the communications power allocation while maintaining a predetermined mutual information threshold for parameter estimation and a certain communications data rate for information delivery. The traditional isolated sub‐band (TISB) situation, radar isolated sub‐band (RISB) situation, and communications isolated sub‐band (CISB) situation are analysed. Subsequently, the technique of Lagrange multipliers and the Karush–Kuhn–Tuckers optimality conditions are employed to solve the resulting optimisation problems. Moreover, the successive interference cancellation method is adopted to process the received radar‐communications compound signal. Finally, several numerical simulations are conducted to demonstrate the theoretical calculations and to validate the effectiveness of the proposed LPI performance optimisation strategy. It is also shown that the achievable LPI performance in RISB and CISB situations is much better than that in TISB situation.
Binary white dwarfs and decihertz gravitational wave observations: From the Hubble constant to supernova astrophysics
Authors: Maselli A. , Marassi S. , Branchesi M.
Published: February 2020

Context. Coalescences of binary white dwarfs represent a copious source of information for gravitational wave interferometers operating in the decihertz band. Moreover, according to the double degenerate scenario, they have been suggested to be possible progenitors of supernovae (SNe) Type Ia events.

Aims. In this paper we discuss the detectability of gravitational waves emitted by the inspiral of double white dwarfs. We focus on the constraints that can be derived on the source’s luminosity distance, and on other binary’s parameters, such as the angular momentum orientation.

Methods. We explore the possibility of coincident detections of gravitational and electromagnetic signals; the latter comes from the observation of the supernova counterpart. Confirmation of the double degenerate scenario would allow one to use distances inferred in the gravitational wave channel to consistently calibrate SNe as standard candles.

Results. We find that decihertz gravitational wave interferometers can measure the luminosity distance with relative accuracy better than 1% for binaries at 100 Mpc. We show how multimessenger observations can put strong constraints on the Hubble constant, which are tighter than current bounds at low redshift, and how they can potentially shed new light on the differences with early-universe measurements.
Gregor Mendel fut-il soumis à la corvée avant de devenir moine en 1843 ?
Authors: Nivet Christiane
Published: February 2020

Après avoir suivi brillamment deux ans de cours préparatoires à la formation universitaire qui devait le mener au professorat, Gregor Mendel entre subitement dans un monastère augustin en 1843. A-t-il renoncé à son projet professoral pour devenir prêtre ou a-t-il seulement repoussé ce projet ? Afin de déterminer les raisons de son comportement, nous étudions dans cet article ses années de formation secondaire, en complétant et en corrigeant les données d’uncurriculum vitaerédigé par lui-même en avril 1850, pour le joindre à une demande d’habilitation à l’enseignement secondaire.
Rheumatologische Autoimmundiagnostik
Authors: Dörner Thomas , Specker Christof
Published: February 2020

Was ist neu?

Paradigmenwechsel in der Klassifikation des systemischen Lupus erythematodes Der Nachweis der antinukleären Antikörper oberhalb des Grenzwerts ist Eingangskriterium für die Klassifikation des SLE. Diese Klassifikation beinhaltet 10 unterschiedliche Domänen mit unterschiedlicher Wertigkeit, wobei 10 Punkte für die SLE-Klassifikation erforderlich sind.

Antiphospholipidsyndrom Aktuelle Empfehlungen zum Antiphospholipidsyndrom differenzieren serologisch ein Hochrisiko- (u. a. triple-positiv, Nachweis des Lupus-Antikoagulans) und Niedrigrisiko-Profil (isolierte Anti-Cardiolipin- oder -beta-2-Glykoprotein-I-Antikörper) und begründen damit z. T. Prophylaxe- und Therapieempfehlungen nach arteriellen und venösen Verschlüssen sowie geburtshilflichen APS-Komplikationen.
Präoperative PSA-Werte und PSA-Verlauf nach 180-Watt-XPS-Greenlight-Laserung der Prostata – wie ist die Realität im klinischen Alltag?
Authors: Wiedemann Andreas , Heese Melanie , Heppner Hans-Jürgen
Published: February 2020

Einleitung Präoperative PSA-Werte (prostata-spezifisches Antigen) und deren postoperativer Verlauf wurden bisher nur für die Elektroresektion der Prostata (transurethrale Elektroresektion TUR-P) 1 und die 120-Watt-Greenlight-Laserung 2 untersucht, nicht jedoch für die 180-Watt-XPS™-Greenlight-Laserung der Prostata. Dies sollte in der vorliegenden Untersuchung unter den Bedingungen des klinischen Alltags geschehen.

Methodik Die präop. PSA-Werte wurden bei 749 Patienten, die von 2012 – 2017 mit der 180-Watt-XPS-Greenlight-Laserung in Witten behandelt wurden, erfasst und dem Alter, der Prostata-Größe, einem evtl. vorhandenen Harnwegsinfekt oder einliegenden transurethralen oder suprapubischen Katheter und den Co-Morbiditäten gegenübergestellt. Retrospektiv erfolgte die Erhebung der postoperativen PSA-Werte durch eine Befragung der Patienten und ihrer weiterbehandelnden Ärzte.

Ergebnisse Das mittlere Alter der in Witten operierten Patienten lag bei 73,33 ± 9,26 Jahren, die präoperativ rektalsonografisch bestimmte Prostatagröße bei 42,42 ± 18,33 ml. Der mediane präoperative PSA-Wert konnte mit 2,59 ng/ml bestimmt werden. Bei 268 Patienten (35,8 %) lag der PSA-Wert über 4 ng/ml. Er wurde bei 106 Patienten (39,6 % derjenigen mit erhöhtem PSA) stanzbioptisch abgeklärt. Der PSA-Wert sank nach 6 Monaten (n = 86) auf 1,25 und stieg nach 12 Monaten (n = 126) mild auf 1,46 ng/ml an. Die logistische Regressionsanalyse zeigte für einen präoperativ erhöhten PSA-Wert eine Abhängigkeit von der Prostatagröße (p = 0,001) und dem Vorhandensein eines Dauerkatheters (p = 0,002), nicht jedoch für das Alter (p = 0,349), das Vorhandensein eines suprapubischen Katheters (p = 0,207), eines Harnwegsinfektes (p = 0,966) und die Anzahl der im Entlassbrief genannten Ko-Morbiditäten (p = 0,936).

Diskussion Es zeigte sich erwartungsgemäß durch das gewebsabladierende Verfahren des Greenlight-Lasers ein Abfall des postoperativen PSA-Wertes um mehr als die Hälfte nach 6 Monaten und ein erneuter diskreter Anstieg nach 6 Monaten. Ein präop. erhöhter PSA-Wert wurde auf dem Boden des klinischen Gesamtbildes der Patienten – obwohl zu 35,8 % vorliegend – nur bei 39,6 % dieser Patienten histologisch abgeklärt.
Kinder mit Behinderungen in Uganda – Umwelt stark von Barrieren geprägt
Authors: Raß Lisa
Published: February 2020

Dass Therapeuten Umweltbedingungen analysieren, um individuell mit Klienten zu arbeiten, ist tägliche Praxis. Aber welche Umwelt bietet ein armes, nichtwestliches Land seinen Bewohnern mit Behinderung? Rahel Stäbler untersuchte in ihrer Bachelorarbeit, unter welchen Voraussetzungen Kinder und Jugendliche in Uganda leben.
Unsere Nachbarn können ohne Umweg zur Therapie gehen – Direktzugang in den Niederlanden
Authors: Giesen Ellen
Published: February 2020

Viele Therapeuten fordern den Direktzugang, um Bürokratie abzubauen und selbstbestimmter zu handeln. Dies birgt jedoch nicht nur Freiheiten, sondern auch Herausforderungen. Ellen Giesen, eine niederländische Ergotherapeutin, zeigt, wie sich der Direktzugang in ihrem Heimatland etabliert hat.
Für jedes Alter das passende Modell – Prothesenversorgung in der Pädiatrie
Authors: Breier Susanne
Published: February 2020

Hat ein Kind eine angeborene Fehlbildung der oberen Extremität, erhält es je nach Alter und Fähigkeiten verschiedene Prothesen. Ergotherapeuten sind ein wichtiger Teil des multidisziplinären Teams, das entscheidet, wann welche Hilfsmittelversorgung indiziert ist.
Gibt es eine systemische Muskelschwäche nach intravesikaler Botulinumtoxin-Behandlung? Eine Annäherung an ein uro-geriatrisches Problem
Authors: Wiedemann Andreas , Haider Shareef , Heppner Hans-Jürgen
Published: February 2020

Einleitung Eine Skelettmuskelschwäche nach Botulinumtoxin-Injektion in den Detrusor wird in Studien durch Patienten mit einer Häufigkeit von knapp 10 % angegeben. Dieses würde bei geriatrischen Patienten ggf. eine vorhandene Sturzneigung verschärfen. Ob sich tatsächlich eine Muskelschwäche nach urologischer Botulinumtoxin-Behandlung nachweisen lässt, soll erstmals mit einer geriatrischen Methodik (Handkraftmessung) objektiviert werden.

Material und Methode Messung der Handkraft (dominante Hand, Dokumentation des besten von 3 Messwerten, eine Schwäche wird bei einem Abfall von > 20 % angenommen) mit einem in der Geriatrie üblichen Ballon-Hand-Dynamometer in einem prospektiven Design vor und 3 Monate nach Gabe von Botulinumtoxin in einer Dosierung je nach Indikation von 100 – 200 MU. Es waren 100 konsekutive Patienten avisiert.

Ergebnisse Die Abnahme der Handkraft betrug nach einer Zwischenauswertung von 53 Patienten mit einem mittleren Alter von 65,25 ± 13,99 Jahren für alle Patienten +0,00 ± 0,06 kPa oder –0,13 ± 1,69 %. Sie betrug bei Patienten, die 100 MU Botulinumtoxin erhalten hatten +0,01 ± 0,06 kPa oder –0,29 ± 1,64 % und nach Injektion von 200 MU Botulinum –0,02 ± 0,06 kPa oder 0,720 ± 1,77 %. Die Veränderungen waren weder für das Gesamtkollektiv der Patienten noch für den Unterschied zwischen den beiden Dosisgruppen signifikant. Daraufhin wurde die Untersuchung vorzeitig beendet.

Schlussfolgerungen Die Resultate der erstmals durchgeführten Handkraftmessung nach intravesikaler Botulinumtoxin-Gabe zeigen, dass dosisunabhängig keine Handkraftschwäche als Indikator einer generalisierten Muskelschwäche entsteht. Dies lässt Botulinumtoxin bei der therapierefraktären oder neurogenen OAB im Hinblick auf eine Muskelschwäche bzw. Sturzgefährdung als sicher erscheinen.
Fallbericht der Notfallversorgung einer chemischen Augenverletzung unter Verwendung eines Augendauerspülsystems
Authors: Spor Leo Georg Alexander , Born Benedikt
Published: February 2020

Augenverätzungen stellen in der Notfallmedizin ein seltenes Geschehen dar. Gerade aber die in der Prähospitalphase getroffenen und durchgeführten Maßnahmen sind für ein positives Outcome wichtig. Die Augenspülung ist hierbei unverzichtbar. Der nachfolgende Fallbericht schildert die Notfallversorgung einer chemischen Augenverätzung eines Industriearbeiters unter Verwendung eines bisher wenig bekannten Augenspülsystems, welches eine kontinuierliche Spülung des betroffenen Auges während der Transportphase ermöglichte.