bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P.127 Preventing C5 palsy after cervical decompression by nerve root untethering and intraforaminal ligament release
Authors: Jack AS , Ramey WL , Tymchak ZA , Hart RA , Oskouian RJ , Chapman JR , Tubbs SR
Published: June 2019

Background: Postoperative C5 palsy (C5P) is a common complication after cervical decompression, potentially related to nerve root tethering. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate this hypothesis by comparing C5/C6 root translation and tension before and after root untethering by cutting cervical intraforaminal ligaments (IFL). Methods: Six cadaveric dissections were performed. Nerve roots were exposed and translation and tension measured after the roots and spinal-cord were dorsally displaced 5mm before and after IFL cutting. These were also measured during shoulder depression to simulate intraoperative positioning. Clinical feasibility of IFL release was examined by comparing standard and extended foraminotomies to compare resultant root translation. Results: IFL-cutting increased translation at both C5/C6 roots (P=0.001). There was no difference between root levels (P=0.33). IFL-cutting increased translation upon shoulder depression at both C5/C6 roots (P=0.003) with a difference also being found between root levels (P=0.02). An extended cervical foraminotomy was technically feasible which enabled complete IFL release and root untethering, whereas a standard foraminotomy did not. Conclusions: IFL-cutting increases root translation, suggesting they are either protective (preventing peripheral nerve strain from being transmitted to the spinal-cord) or harmful (by tethering intraforaminal nerve roots and potentially contributing to postoperative C5P) depending on the clinical context.
GP.02 Neuronal expression of Ubiqulin-2 mutant exacerbates TDP-43 aggregation in ALS mouse mode
Authors: Picher-Martel V , Renaud L , Julien J
Published: June 2019

Background: Mutations in the gene encoding Ubiquilin-2 (UBQLN2) are linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). UBQLN2 plays a central role in ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and UBQLN2 up-regulation exacerbates TDP-43 cytoplasmic aggregates. Methods: To analyse interaction between UBQLN2 and TDP-43 and to produce a relevant ALS animal model, we have generated a new transgenic mouse expressing UBQLN2P497H under the neurofilament heavy (NFH) gene promoter. The mice were then bred with our previously described TDP-43G348C mice to generate double transgenic mice. Results: With low expression UBQLN2, the double transgenic mice developed TDP-43 cytosolic accumulations in motor neurons starting at 5 months of age. These double transgenic mice exhibited motor neuron loss, muscle atrophy, as well as motor and cognitive deficits during aging. The microglia from double transgenic mice were hyperresponsive to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In vivo and in vitro analyses suggested that extra UBQLN2 proteins can exacerbate cytoplasmic TDP-43 accumulations by competing with the UPS for binding to ubiquitin. Thus, increasing the pool of ubiquitin promoted the UPS function with ensuing reduction of TDP-43 aggregation. Conclusions: In conclusion, the double transgenic UBQLN2P497H; TDP-43G348C mice provides a unique mouse model of ALS/FTD with enhanced TDP-43 pathology that can be exploited for drug testing.
GP.03 Diagnostic yield of next generation sequencing and myositis autoantibody panels in patients with axial myopathy
Authors: Parks A , Karamchandani J , Troyanov Y , Massie R , O’Ferrall EK
Published: June 2019

Background: Axial myopathy is a rare neuromuscular disorder of variable etiology characterised by preferential involvement of the paraspinal muscles. We reviewed clinical features of patients with axial myopathies and the diagnostic yield of myositis-associated antibodies and targeted next generation sequencing panels. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients presenting with axial myopathy at the Montreal Neurological Hospital from 2011-2018. Data collection included clinical presentation, disease course, results of electromyography, imaging, laboratory and genetic testing, and histopathology on muscle biopsy. Results: Twenty-five patients were identified. Initial manifestation of axial weakness was head drop (15), camptocormia (8), and rigid spine (2). Autoimmune myositis was diagnosed in 9 patients, seropositive in 7 out of 7 tested for myositis-associated antibodies. Genetic testing was consistent with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy in one patient and RYR-1 (ryanodine receptor 1) related core myopathy in another. Local radiotherapy or spine surgery preceded the onset of axial weakness in 1 and 6 patients, respectively. Muscle biopsies were available in 17 patients and revealed myopathic changes (16), inflammatory changes (6), and myopathy with vacuoles (3). Conclusions: Recent advancements in genetic and antibody testing, combined with paraspinal muscle biopsy, allow for more precise classification and identification of potentially treatable axial myopathies.
GP.05 Intraoperative acquisition of diffusion tensor imaging in cranial neurosurgery: readout-segmented DTI versus standard single-shot DTI
Authors: Elliott CA , Wheatley B , Danyluk H , Au K , Aronyk KE , Beaulieu C , Sankar T
Published: June 2019

Background: Diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) tractography is commonly used in neurosurgical practice, but is largely limited to the preoperative setting. This is due primarily to image degradation caused by susceptibility artifact when conventional single-shot (SS) echo-planar imaging DTI is acquired for open cranial, surgical position intraoperative DTI (iDTI). A novel, artifact-resistant, readout-segmented (RS) DTI has not yet been evaluated in the intraoperative MRI (iMRI) environment. Our objective was to evaluate the performance of RS-DTI versus SS-DTI for intraoperative white matter imaging. Methods: Pre- and intraoperative 3T, T1-weighted and DTI (RS-iDTI and SS-iDTI) in 22 adults undergoing intraaxial iMRI resections (low-grade glioma: 14, 64%; high-grade glioma: 7, 32%; cortical dysplasia: 1). Regional susceptibility artifact, anatomical deviation relative to T1WI, and tractographic output were compared between iDTI sequences. Results: RS-iDTI resulted in less regional susceptibility artifact and mean anatomic deviation (RS-iDTI: 2.7±0.2 mm versus SS-iDTI 7.5±0.4 mm; p<0.0001). Tractographic failure occurred in 8/22 (36%) patients for SS-iDTI whereas RS-iDTI permitted successful reconstruction in 4 of these 8. Maximal tractographic differences between DTI sequences were substantial (mean 9.7±5.7 mm). Conclusions: Readout-segmented EPI enables higher quality and more accurate DTI for surgically relevant tractography of major white matter tracts in intraoperative, open cranium, neurosurgical applications at 3T.
A.07 Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ubrogepant for the acute treatment of migraine: a single-attack phase 3 study, ACHIEVE I
Authors: Dodick DW , Lipton RB , Ailani J , Lu K , Lakkis H , Finnegan M , Trugman JM , Szegedi A , Davidovic G
Published: June 2019

Background: To evaluate efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ubrogepant, an oral CGRP receptor antagonist, for acute treatment of a single migraine attack. Methods: Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, single-attack, phase 3 study (NCT02828020). Patients randomized 1:1:1 to placebo, ubrogepant 50mg, or ubrogepant 100mg had 60 days to treat one migraine attack (moderate/severe pain intensity). Co-primary efficacy endpoints: pain freedom 2 hours post initial dose and absence of most bothersome migraine-associated symptom (MBS). Results: 1672 patients were randomized (safety population: n=1436; mITT population: n=1327). Mean age: 40.7 years; white (82.4%); female (87.5%). A significantly greater percentage of ubrogepant- than placebo-treated patients achieved pain freedom 2 hours post initial dose (50mg: 19.2%, adjusted P=0.0023; 100mg: 21.2%, adjusted P=0.0003; placebo: 11.8%). A significantly greater percentage of ubrogepant patients achieved absence of MBS (50mg: 38.6%, adjusted P=0.0023, 100mg: 37.7%, adjusted P=0.0023; placebo: 27.8%). The adverse event (AE) profile of ubrogepant was similar to placebo. The most common AEs (incidence ≥2% in any treatment group) within 48 hours of initial or optional second dose were nausea, somnolence, and dry mouth (all with incidence <5%). Conclusions: Both co-primary endpoints were met, with clinically meaningful effects on migraine headache pain and MBS. Ubrogepant was well tolerated, with no identified safety concerns.
B.01 AVXS-101 gene-replacement therapy (GRT) for spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1): pivotal phase 3 study (STR1VE) update
Authors: Day JW , Chiriboga CA , Crawford TO , Darras BT , Finkel RS , Connolly AM , Iannaccone ST , Kuntz NL , Pena LD , Schultz M , Shieh PB , Smith EC , Feltner DE , Ogrinc FG , Macek TA , Kernbauer E , Muehring LM , L’Italien J , Sproule DM , Kaspar BK , Mendell JR
Published: June 2019

Background: SMA1 is a neurodegenerative disease caused by bi-allelic survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) deletion/mutation. In the phase 1 study, SMN GRT onasemnogene abeparvovec (AVXS-101) improved outcomes of symptomatic SMA1 patients. We report preliminary data of STR1VE, a pivotal study (NCT03306277) evaluating efficacy and safety of a one-time intravenous AVXS-101 infusion. Methods: STR1VE is a phase 3, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study in SMA1 patients aged <6 months (bi-allelic SMN1 loss, 2xSMN2). Primary outcomes: independent sitting for ≥30 seconds (18 months) and survival (14 months). Secondary outcomes: ability to thrive and ventilatory support (18 months). Exploratory outcomes: CHOP-INTEND and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development scores. Results: Enrollment is complete with 22 patients dosed. Mean age at symptom onset, genetic diagnosis, and enrollment was 1.9 (0–4.0), 2.1 (0.5–4.0), and 3.7 (0.5–5.9) months. At baseline, no patient required ventilatory/nutritional support, and all exclusively fed by mouth. Mean baseline CHOP-INTEND score was 32.6 (17.0–52.0), which increased 6.9 (-4.0–16.0, n=20), 10.4 (2.0–18.0, n=12), and 11.6 (-3.0–23.0, n=9) points at 1, 2, and 3 months; updates provided at congress. Conclusions: Preliminary data from STR1VE show rapid motor function improvements in SMA1 patients, paralleling phase 1 findings.
B.04 Alterations in brain structure in pediatric migraine
Authors: Rajapakse T , Mathieu E , Lindsell M , Xin T , Matta M , Katlariwala P , Beaulieu C , Richer L
Published: June 2019

Background: Migraine is a prevalent and disabling condition with limited understanding in the developing brain. Adults with chronic migraine show structural alterations in pain and sensory processing regions. Similar data is lacking in children and required for early intervention. Methods: Case-control feasibility study assessing structural brain differences between adolescents with chronic migraine and healthy controls using 3T Siemens structural volumetric MRI analysis. Fifteen subjects with chronic migraine were compared to 25 age and sex matched healthy controls. Non-parametric statistics performed (Kruskal-Wallis). Results: Migraine subjects had reduced volumes in total brain (grey and white matter) (KW p <0.03), total thalamus (KW p <0.01) and hippocampal regions (KW p <0.03). Unilateral (right) cerebellar grey matter volumes were significantly reduced in migraine subjects versus controls (KW p<0.05). No significant differences were found in other regions, including basal ganglia, cortical grey matter and brainstem. Conclusions: Total brain, hippocampal and thalamic volumetric reductions are seen in adolescents with chronic migraine. The regions identified are involved in migraine pathogenesis. This volumetric imaging study should improve understanding of the causes and effects of pediatric migraine.
A Measure of Smoothness and Some Remarks on a New Principle of Graduation
Authors: Bizley M. T. L.
Published: June 2019

The achievement of smoothness is one of the main purposes of graduation. Smoothness, however, has never been defined except in terms of concepts which themselves defy definition, and there is no accepted way of measuring it. This paper presents an attempt to supply a definition by constructing a quantitative measure of smoothness, and suggests that such a measure may enable us in the future to graduate without prejudicing the process by an arbitrary choice of the form of the relationship between the variables.
Some Notes on Bonus Distributions by Life Offices
Authors: Benz N.
Published: June 2019

1. The finances of life offices have been discussed by actuaries for more than a century and it seems entirely safe to predict that these discussions will continue into the future, with no diminution either of enthusiasm or of topics of general interest. The developing nature of many of these topics needs no emphasis, either from the viewpoint of changing external circumstances, or of the length of time which has elapsed since the first mention; for example, bonus reserve valuations were referred to in an Institute discussion nearly a century ago, investments in ordinary shares were mentioned before the close of the last century and variable assurances were touched upon over 30 years ago.
The Population of Ireland
Authors: Honohan W. A.
Published: June 2019

1. In the year 1800, when the Parliaments of Great Britain and Ireland were fused by the Act of Union establishing the United Kingdom, the population of Ireland was of the order of 5 millions. By 1821 the figure had risen to 6·8 millions and in 1841 it was 8·2 millions. During the following decade the population fell by 1-6 millions to 6·6 millions. By the year 1861 it was only 5·8 millions and thereafter it continued to decline steadily, though not with such rapidity, until in 1911 a figure of 4·4 millions was reached. Owing to the disturbed state of the country in 1921, the next census was not taken until 1926, after the political change in 1922 when twenty-six of the thirty-two counties into which the country was divided were established as a separate political entity, the Irish Free State (later to become a Republic), while the remaining six were constituted as Northern Ireland and continued to form part of the United Kingdom. The population of the whole island in 1926 and again in 1951 was 4·3 millions, that is to say, it differed only slightly in 1951 from what it was forty years earlier in 1911—see Table 1. The population of Ireland has, therefore, remained virtually stationary at about 4¼ millions for almost half a century. The trend of Irish population since 1841 is in striking contrast with the trend in England and Wales for, whereas in 1841 the population of Ireland was more than one-half of that in England and Wales, today it is less than one-tenth; the Irish population has almost halved while that of England and Wales has almost trebled.
An Integral Related to the Confluent Hypergeometric Function
Authors: Beard R. E.
Published: June 2019

In the course of preparing a paper dealing with statistics relating to fire insurance (Beard, 1957) the need arose to find numerical values of the confluent hypergeometric function for parameter values well outside any tabulated range, and this note is concerned with various approximations investigated in the course of these experiments.
Punjabi (Lyallpuri variety)
Authors: Hussain Qandeel , Proctor Michael , Harvey Mark , Demuth Katherine
Published: June 2019

Punjabi (Western, ISO-639-3 pnb) is an Indo-Aryan language (Indo-European, Indo-Iranian) spoken in Pakistan and India, and in immigrant communities in the UK, Canada, USA, and elsewhere. In terms of number of native speakers, it is ranked 10th among the world’s languages, with more than 100 million speakers (Lewis, Simons & Fennig 2016). Aspects of the phonology of different varieties of Punjabi have been described in Jain (1934), Arun (1961), Gill & Gleason (1962), Singh (1971), Dulai & Koul (1980), Bhatia (1993), Malik (1995), Shackle (2003), and Dhillon (2010). Much of this literature is focused on Eastern varieties, and the phonology of Western Punjabi dialects has received relatively less attention (e.g. Bahri 1962, Baart 2003, 2014).
Growth of oysters (Ostrea edulis L.)
Authors: Walne P. R.
Published: June 2019

Although the biology of the oyster Ostrea edults has been well studied, its growth has received little attention. Orton (1928) worked on the populations in the Rivers Fal and Blackwater, but his conclusions have not been supported by Havinga (1928) or Korringa (1955), while America studies on Crassostrea virginica have given further evidence of the need for new investigations.
The breeding season of some littoral ascidians in Scottish waters
Authors: Millar R. H.
Published: June 2019

In previous papers (Millar, 1952; 1954a; 1954*0 I have dealt with the re-productive cycle of several ascidians in Scottish waters, and in the present account observations are extended to other species.

The course of breeding was studied in the following species. Family Polyclinidae:Sidnyum turbinatum Savigny, Aplidium nordmanni (Milne Edwards), A.punctum (Giard), A.pallidum (Verrill) and Polyclinum aurantium Milne Edwards. Family Didemnidae:Didemnum candidum Savigny and Lissoclinum argyllense Millar. Family Clavelinidae: Clavelina lepadiformis (Müller).
Sublittoral algal population in Port Erin Bay, Isle of Man
Authors: Burrows Elsie M.
Published: June 2019

In recent years much information has accumulated on the composition and distribution of algal populations in the Isle of Man, with increased knowledge of their ecological relationships (Knight & Parke, 1931, 1950; Jones, 1948; Lodge, 1948,1954; Burrows & Lodge, 1949, 1951; Southward, 1953). This, however, has mostly come from studies made in the intertidal region, and even here many problems remain for which, at present, no satisfactory explanation can be found. The mostdimcult of these, perhaps, relates to the appearance of algal species for a limited period of the year only: it is not known where and in what form their life-histories are continued for the rest of the year. The littoral and sublittoral regions are known to have many species in common. This means that the differences between the regions, as environments for the growth of algae, can be bridged by the plasticity of the species concerned. It seemed likely, therefore, that a detailed study of the sublittoral algal populations might help towards an understanding of the ecology of both regions and also of the interactions between them.
Brief emotional screening in oncology: Specificity and sensitivity of the emotion thermometers in the Portuguese cancer population
Authors: Teixeira Ricardo João , Machado José C. , Faria Sara , Remondes-Costa Sónia , Brandão Tânia , Branco Margarida , Moreira Sara , Pereira M. Graça
Published: June 2019

Objective

This study aimed to determine the cutoff and the specificity and sensitivity of the Emotion Thermometers (ET) in a Portuguese sample of cancer patients.

Method

A total of 147 patients (mean age = 49.2; SD = 12.6) completed the ET, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and the Subjective Experiences of Illness Suffering Inventory. Data were collected in a cancer support institution and in a major hospital in the North of Portugal.

Result

The optimal cutoff for the Anxiety Thermometer was 5v6 (until 5 and 6 or more), which identified 74% of the BSI-anxiety cases and 70% of noncases. The Depression Thermometer cutoff was 4v5 (until 4 and 5 or more), which identified 85% of BSI-depression cases and 82% of noncases. Cutoff for the Anger Thermometer was 4v5 (until 4 and 5 or more), which identified 83% of BSI-hostility cases and 73% of noncases; for the Distress Thermometer, the optimal cutoff was 4v5 (until 4 and 5 or more), which identified 84% of the suffering cases and 73% of noncases. Finally, for the Help Thermometer, it was 3v4 (until 3 and 4 or more), which helped to identify 93% of the suffering cases and 64% of noncases.

Significance of results

Results supported the Portuguese version of the ET as an important screening tool for identifying the emotional distress in cancer patients.
Improving Climate Predictions over Decades
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: June 2019

Several factors make long-term climate predictions difficult. New research looks at how to improve model predictability by separating climate signals from the noise.
Extremely High Plasma Densities in the Mars Ionosphere Associated With Cusp‐Like Magnetic Fields
Authors: Fallows K. , Withers P. , Morgan D. , Kopf A.
Published: June 2019

The Martian crustal magnetic field modifies the structure of the ionosphere, the loss of atmosphere to space, and the interactions of the upper atmosphere with the solar wind. The Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding topside sounder on Mars Express has regularly observed oblique echoes from magnetically controlled plasma structures in regions of strong and vertical crustal magnetic fields. Here we present 11 observations of oblique echoes with unusually high plasma densities and compare them to more common oblique echoes with typical ionospheric densities. In two cases, the density is at least 3.6×105 cm−3, perhaps the highest recorded in the Mars ionosphere. We find that high‐density features occur only where the magnetic inclination angle is nearly vertical and the magnetic field is sufficiently strong (>200 nT at 150 km). Additionally, the more frequently the magnetic field is open at a given location, the greater the probability that a high‐density echo is found there. Oblique echoes with typical densities, in contrast, are found at a wider range of magnetic geometries and strengths and are coherent and stable across as much as 45° in longitude (−53° latitude and 165–210°E longitude) and 5.5 years of observation. Based upon these findings, we suggest that these high‐density features occur where the magnetic field is open and interactions with the solar wind, such as plasma instabilities arising from heating by the solar wind electric field, have increased ionospheric plasma densities. The more common oblique echoes with typical densities are more likely to be created by transport along closed field lines in response to pressure gradients and winds.
Structure and Variability of the North Icelandic Jet From Two Years of Mooring Data
Authors: Huang Jie , Pickart Robert S. , Valdimarsson Hedinn , Lin Peigen , Spall Michael A. , Xu Fanghua
Published: June 2019

Mooring data from September 2011 to July 2013 on the Iceland slope north of Denmark Strait are analyzed to better understand the structure and variability of the North Icelandic Jet (NIJ). Three basic configurations of the flow were identified: (1) a strong separated East Greenland Current (EGC) on the mid‐Iceland slope coincident with a weak NIJ on the upper slope, (2) a merged separated EGC and NIJ, and (3) a strong NIJ located at its climatological mean position, coincident with a weak signature of the separated EGC at the base of the Iceland slope. Our study reveals that the NIJ‐dominant scenario was present during different times of the year for the two successive mooring deployments—appearing mainly from September to February the first year and from January to July the second year. Furthermore, when this scenario was active it varied on short timescales. An energetics analysis demonstrates that the high‐frequency variability is driven by mean‐to‐eddy baroclinic conversion at the shoreward edge of the NIJ, consistent with previous modeling work. The seasonal timing of the NIJ dominant scenario is investigated in relation to the atmospheric forcing upstream of Denmark Strait. The resulting lagged correlations imply that strong turbulent heat fluxes in a localized region on the continental slope of Iceland, south of the Spar Fracture zone, lead to a stronger NIJ dominant state with a two‐month lag. This can be explained dynamically in terms of previous modeling work addressing the circulation response to dense water formation near an island.
Light-driven molecular switch for reconfigurable spin filters
Authors: Suda Masayuki , Thathong Yuranan , Promarak Vinich , Kojima Hirotaka , Nakamura Masakazu , Shiraogawa Takafumi , Ehara Masahiro , Yamamoto Hiroshi M.
Published: June 2019

Artificial molecular switches and machines that enable the directional movements of molecular components by external stimuli have undergone rapid advances over the past several decades. Particularly, overcrowded alkene-based artificial molecular motors are highly attractive from the viewpoint of chirality switching during rotational steps. However, the integration of these molecular switches into solid-state devices is still challenging. Herein, we present an example of a solid-state spin-filtering device that can switch the spin polarization direction by light irradiation or thermal treatment. This device utilizes the chirality inversion of molecular motors as a light-driven reconfigurable spin filter owing to the chiral-induced spin selectivity effect. Through this device, we found that the flexibility at the molecular scale is essential for the electrodes in solid-state devices using molecular machines. The present results are beneficial to the development of solid-state functionalities emerging from nanosized motions of molecular switches.
Therapeutic effects of combined cell transplantation and locomotor training in rats with brain injury
Authors: Shimogawa Takafumi , Sakaguchi Hideya , Kikuchi Tetsuhiro , Tsuchimochi Ryosuke , Sano Noritaka , Torikoshi Sadaharu , Ito Akira , Aoyama Tomoki , Iihara Koji , Takahashi Jun
Published: June 2019

Cell-based therapies are attracting attention as alternative therapeutic options for brain damage. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of a combined therapy of cell transplantation and locomotor training by evaluating the neuronal connectivity. We transplanted neural cells derived from the frontal cortex of E14.5 GFP-expressing mice into the frontal lobe of 3-week-old rats with brain injury, followed by treadmill training (TMT) for 14 days. In the TMT(−) group, graft-derived neurites were observed only in the striatum and internal capsule. In contrast, in the TMT(+) group, they were observed in the striatum, internal capsule, and the cerebral peduncle and spinal cord. The length of the longest neurite was significantly longer in the TMT(+) group than in the TMT(−) group. In the TMT(+) group, Synaptophysin+ vesicles on the neuronal fibers around the ipsilateral red nucleus were found, suggesting that neuronal fibers from the grafted cells formed synapses with the host neurons. A functional analysis of motor recovery using the foot fault test showed that, 1 week after the transplantation, the recovery was significantly better in the cell transplantation and TMT group than the cell transplantation only group. The percentage of cells expressing C-FOS was increased in the grafts in the TMT(+) group. In conclusion, TMT promoted neurite extensions from the grafted neural cells, and the combined therapy of cell transplantation and locomotor training might have the potential to promote the functional recovery of rats with brain injury compared to cell transplantation alone.
RGD-independent binding of Russell’s Viper venom Kunitz-type protease inhibitors to platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor
Authors: Kalita Bhargab , Dutta Sumita , Mukherjee Ashis K.
Published: June 2019

This study elucidates the platelet-modulating properties of two snake venom Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors, Rusvikunin and Rusvikunin-II, from Russell’s Viper venom, their native and reconstituted complexes, and two synthetic custom peptides (developed from the platelet-binding region of Rusvikunin-II) against mammalian platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and washed platelets. The Rusvikunins and their complexes demonstrated concentration-dependent deaggregation and aggregation of washed platelets independent of von Willebrand factor and/or fibrinogen requirement. At lower concentrations they abolished collagen and ADP-induced platelet aggregation, but at higher concentrations, they progressively decreased the inhibition of ADP-induced aggregation and potentiated the effect of collagen on PRP. Rusvikunin complex/Rusvikunin-II bound to and induced RGD-independent aggregation of α-chymotrypsin-treated platelets. Molecular docking studies suggested interaction of Rusvikunin-II and custom peptides with platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor, which was validated by spectrofluorometry analysis and ELISA. This study reports, for the first time, an RGD-independent binding of a snake venom component to the platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor.
Recent advances in nanomaterial-based synergistic combination cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Sang Wei , Zhang Zhan , Dai Yunlu , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: June 2019

This review aims to summarize various synergistic combination cancer immunotherapy strategies based on nanomaterials.
Exact distance measurements for structure and dynamics in solid proteins by fast-magic-angle-spinning NMR
Authors: Grohe Kristof , Nimerovsky Evgeny , Singh Himanshu , Vasa Suresh K. , Söldner Benedikt , Vögeli Beat , Rienstra Chad M. , Linser Rasmus
Published: June 2019

With the integrative “eRFDR” approach, turning qualitative into exact distance restraints, high-resolution protein structures are obtained by fast-magic-angle-spinning solid-state NMR.
Fluorescence detection of glutathione S-transferases in a low GSH level environment
Authors: Song Aiguo , Feng Tian , Shen Xin , Gai Shouchang , Zhai Yumeng , Chen Hui
Published: June 2019

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play crucial roles in the detoxification process and the development of drug-resistance and are proved to be important markers for various tumors.
Upcycling a plastic cup: one-pot synthesis of lactate containing metal organic frameworks from polylactic acid
Authors: Slater Benjamin , Wong So-On , Duckworth Andrew , White Andrew J. P. , Hill Matthew R. , Ladewig Bradley P.
Published: June 2019

A visual representation of waste PLA being upcycled to a lactate containing MOF, ZnBLD–dPLA.
Disulfide-mediated reversible two-dimensional self-assembly of protein nanocages
Authors: Zhou K. , Chen H. , Zhang S. , Wang Y. , Zhao G.
Published: June 2019

Disulfide-mediated 2D protein self-assembly was achieved by single point mutation of hot spots at the C4 interface of ferritin.
Cross-linked porous polyurethane materials featuring dodecaborate clusters as inorganic polyol equivalents
Authors: Jung Dahee , Raffan-Montoya Fernando , Ramachandran Roshini , Zhang Yuanyuan , Islamoglu Timur , Marin Gustavo , Qian Elaine A. , Dziedzic Rafal M. , Farha Omar K. , Stoliarov Stanislav I. , Spokoyny Alexander M.
Published: June 2019

A perhydroxylated dodecaborate cluster acts as an inorganic polyol to produce cross-linked polyurethanes, which confers a porous structure and enhanced thermal stability compared to analogous polymers produced from carbon-based polyols.
A modified exponential amplification reaction (EXPAR) with an improved signal-to-noise ratio for ultrasensitive detection of polynucleotide kinase
Authors: Zhang Yu-Peng , Cui Yun-Xi , Li Xiao-Yu , Du Yi-Chen , Tang An-Na , Kong De-Ming
Published: June 2019

We reported a modified exponential amplification reaction strategy and applied it to design an ultrasensitive biosensor for the detection of endogenous polynucleotide kinase activity at single-cell level.
Microfluidically mediated atom-transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Zhang Chengtao , Wang Luxiang , Jia Dianzeng , Yan Junfeng , Li Hongyi
Published: June 2019

Microfluidically mediated atom-transfer radical polymerization can be used to fabricate polymer brushes with a controlled gradient.
Improving the specific capacity of nickel hydroxide nanocrystalsviayttrium doping for application in hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Zhu Yuanyi , An Shengli , Cui Jinlong , Qiu Hengrui , Sun Xuejiao , Zhang Yongqiang , He Wenxiu
Published: June 2019

Herein, Y-doped Ni(OH)2composites were successfully fabricatedviaa simple hydrothermal process.
Viscoelastic micellar solution formed by a Se-based ionic liquid surfactant and its response to redox changes
Authors: Zhang Yongmin , Chen Zhiqiang , Zhao Yong
Published: June 2019

The incorporation of a Se atom endows the surfactants with redox-sensitivity, and that its site plays a crucial role both in single surfactant solution and viscoelastic micellar solution formed by surfactant and NaSal.
Thermal conductivity of two-dimensional BC3: a comparative study with two-dimensional C3N
Authors: Song Jieren , Xu Zhonghai , He Xiaodong , Bai Yujiao , Miao Linlin , Cai Chaocan , Wang Rongguo
Published: June 2019

The thermal conductivities of single-layer BC3 (SLBC) sheets and their responses to environmental temperature, vacancy defects and external strain have been studied and compared with those of single-layer C3N (SLCN) sheets by molecular dynamics simulations.
Ne- and O2-filled ice XVII: a neutron diffraction study
Authors: Catti Michele , del Rosso Leonardo , Ulivi Lorenzo , Celli Milva , Grazzi Francesco , Hansen Thomas C.
Published: June 2019

Ne and O2 molecules are hosted by ice XVII in disordered spiral-like arrangements within the hexagonal channels.
A methodology to parameterize SAFT-type equations of state for solid precursors of deep eutectic solvents: the example of cholinium chloride
Authors: Crespo Emanuel A. , Silva Liliana P. , Lloret Joel O. , Carvalho Pedro J. , Vega Lourdes F. , Llovell Fèlix , Coutinho João A. P.
Published: June 2019

Novel methodology for the development of coarse-grained models applicable to DES – a more realistic association scheme and model parameters regression from experimental data.
The first water-soluble polynuclear metallamacrocyclic Sr(ii)–Cu(ii) complex based on simple glycinehydroximate ligands
Authors: Katkova Marina A. , Zabrodina Galina S. , Zhigulin Grigory Yu. , Baranov Evgeny V. , Trigub Maria M. , Terentiev Alexey A. , Ketkov Sergey Yu.
Published: June 2019

Experimental and theoretical studies of a new strontium metallacrown reveal the specific central ion influence on molecular and electronic structures of metallamacrocycles.
Perovskites with d-block metals for solar energy applications
Authors: Theofylaktos Lazaros , Kosmatos Kyro Odysseas , Giannakaki Eleni , Kourti Helen , Deligiannis Dimitris , Konstantakou Maria , Stergiopoulos Thomas
Published: June 2019

In this review, we present the most characteristic photoactive perovskites that can be formed with the help of d-block metals.
Benefit of a hemilabile ligand in deoxygenation of fatty acids to 1-alkenes
Authors: Hopen Eliasson Sondre H. , Jensen Vidar R.
Published: June 2019

DFT calculations show how the hemilability of DPEphos facilitates the Pd-DPEphos-catalysed decarbonylative dehydration of fatty acids to α-olefins.
Co(ii)Tetraphenyltetraphenanthroporphyrin@MWCNTs: enhanced π–π interaction for robust electrochemical catalysis
Authors: Gu Tingting , Tao Jiayu , Zhu Weihua , Mack John , Soy Rodah C. , Nyokong Tebello , Xu Haijun , Li Minzhi , Liang Xu
Published: June 2019

A cobalt(ii)tetraphenyltetraphenanthroporphyrin with phenanthrene-fused pyrrole rings was applied for robust HER and ORR.
Correction: Study of the dual functional behaviour of 1,2-bis(4-bromobenzamide)benzene by synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Cavalheiro Valéria Machado Siqueira , Nobre Sabrina Madruga , Kessler Felipe
Published: June 2019

Correction for ‘Study of the dual functional behaviour of 1,2-bis(4-bromobenzamide)benzene by synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy’ by Valéria Machado Siqueira Cavalheiro et al., New J. Chem., 2019, 43, 7162–7168.
Laser-reconfigured MoS2/ZnO van der Waals synapse
Authors: Shen Shu-Hong , Wang Xue-Feng , Tian Ye , Li Ming-Rui , Yang Yi , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: June 2019

Inspired by biological neural systems, neuromorphic devices may lead to new computing paradigms for exploring cognition, learning and limits of parallel computation.
The role of trace Ag in the synthesis of Au nanorods
Authors: Moreau Liane M. , Jones Matthew R. , Roth Eric W. , Wu Jinsong , Kewalramani Sumit , O'Brien Matthew N. , Chen Bor-Rong , Mirkin Chad A. , Bedzyk Michael J.
Published: June 2019

Au nanorod length growth rate is directly proportional to the nanorod Ag surface coverage.
Recent advances in the borylative transformation of carbonyl and carboxyl compounds
Authors: He Zeyu , Hu Yue , Xia Chungu , Liu Chao
Published: June 2019

The recent advances in the borylative transformation of carbonyl and carboxyl compounds are summarized.
Rapid route design of AZD7594
Authors: Carter Holly L. , Connor Amand W. , Hart Richard , McCabe James , McIntyre Allyson C. , McMillan Angus E. , Monks Natalie R. , Mullen Alexander K. , Ronson Thomas O. , Steven Alan , Tomasi Simone , Yates Simon D.
Published: June 2019

Multidisciplinary collaboration enables the rapid and efficient design and selection of an improved manufacturing route to a new potential medicine for the treatment of asthma.
Precursor reaction kinetics control compositional grading and size of CdSe1−xSx nanocrystal heterostructures
Authors: Hamachi Leslie S. , Yang Haoran , Jen-La Plante Ilan , Saenz Natalie , Qian Kevin , Campos Michael P. , Cleveland Gregory T. , Rreza Iva , Oza Aisha , Walravens Willem , Chan Emory M. , Hens Zeger , Crowther Andrew C. , Owen Jonathan S.
Published: June 2019

By varying precursor structure, core/shell and alloyed nanocrystal synthesis are performed in a single synthetic step.
ISPY – NaCo Imaging Survey for Planets around Young stars
Authors: Musso Barcucci Arianna , Launhardt Ralf , Kennedy Grant M. , Avenhaus Henning , Brems Stefan S. , van Boekel Roy , Cantalloube F. , Cheetham Anthony , Cugno Gabriele , Girard Julien , Godoy Nicolás , Henning Thomas K. , Metchev Stanimir , Müller André , Olofsson Johan , Pepe Francesco , Quanz Sascha P. , Quirrenbach Andreas , Reffert Sabine , Rickman Emily L. , Samland Matthias , Segransan Damien
Published: June 2019

Context. The interaction between low-mass companions and the debris discs they reside in is still not fully understood. A debris disc can evolve due to self-stirring, a process in which planetesimals can excite their neighbours to the point of destructive collisions. In addition, the presence of a companion could further stir the disc (companion-stirring). Additional information is necessary to understand this fundamental step in the formation and evolution of a planetary system, and at the moment of writing only a handful of systems are known where a companion and a debris disc have both been detected and studied at the same time.

Aims. Our primary goal is to augment the sample of these systems and to understand the relative importance between self-stirring and companion-stirring.

Methods. In the course of the VLT/NaCo Imaging Survey for Planets around Young stars (ISPY), we observed HD 193571, an A0 debris disc hosting star at a distance of 68 pc with an age between ∼60 and 170 Myr. We obtained two sets of observations in L′ band and a third epoch in H band using the GPI instrument at Gemini-South.

Results. A companion was detected in all three epochs at a projected separation of ∼11 au (∼0.17″), and co-motion was confirmed through proper motion analysis. Given the inferred disc size of 120 au, the companion appears to reside within the gap between the host star and the disc. Comparison between the L′ and H band magnitude and evolutionary tracks suggests a mass of ∼0.31 − 0.39 M⊙.

Conclusions. We discovered a previously unknown M-dwarf companion around HD 193571, making it the third low-mass stellar object discovered within a debris disc. A comparison to self- and companion-stirring models suggests that the companion is likely responsible for the stirring of the disc.
Ground-based infrared mapping of H2O2 on Mars near opposition
Authors: Encrenaz T. , Greathouse T. K. , Aoki S. , Daerden F. , Giuranna M. , Forget F. , Lefèvre F. , Montmessin F. , Fouchet T. , Bézard B. , Atreya S. K. , DeWitt C. , Richter M. J. , Neary L. , Viscardy S.
Published: June 2019

We pursued our ground-based seasonal monitoring of hydrogen peroxide on Mars using thermal imaging spectroscopy, with two observations of the planet near opposition, in May 2016 (solar longitude Ls = 148.5°, diameter = 17 arcsec) and July 2018 (Ls = 209°, diameter = 23 arcsec). Data were recorded in the 1232–1242 cm−1 range (8.1 μm) with the Texas Echelon Cross Echelle Spectrograph (TEXES) mounted at the 3 m Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) at the Mauna Kea Observatories. As in the case of our previous analyses, maps of H2O2 were obtained using line depth ratios of weak transitions of H2O2 divided by a weak CO2 line. The H2O2 map of April 2016 shows a strong dichotomy between the northern and southern hemispheres, with a mean volume mixing ratio of 45 ppbv on the north side and less than 10 ppbv on the south side; this dichotomy was expected by the photochemical models developed in the LMD Mars Global Climate Model (LMD-MGCM) and with the recently developed Global Environmental Multiscale (GEM) model. The second measurement (July 2018) was taken in the middle of the MY 34 global dust storm. H2O2 was not detected with a disk-integrated 2σ upper limit of 10 ppbv, while both the LMD-MGCM and the LEM models predicted a value above 20 ppbv (also observed by TEXES in 2003) in the absence of dust storm. This depletion is probably the result of the high dust content in the atmosphere at the time of our observations, which led to a decrease in the water vapor column density, as observed by the PFS during the global dust storm. GCM simulations using the GEM model show that the H2O depletion leads to a drop in H2O2, due to the lack of HO2 radicals. Our result brings a new constraint on the photochemistry of H2O2 in the presence of a high dust content. In parallel, we reprocessed the whole TEXES dataset of H2O2 measurements using the latest version of the GEISA database (GEISA 2015). We recently found that there is a significant difference in the H2O2 line strengths between the 2003 and 2015 versions of GEISA. Therefore, all H2O2 volume mixing ratios up to 2014 from TEXES measurements must be reduced by a factor of 1.75. As a consequence, in four cases (Ls around 80°, 100°, 150°, and 209°) the H2O2 abundances show contradictory values between different Martian years. At Ls = 209° the cause seems to be the increased dust content associated with the global dust storm. The inter-annual variability in the three other cases remains unexplained at this time.
Fornax 3D project: a two-dimensional view of the stellar initial mass function in the massive lenticular galaxy FCC 167
Authors: Martín-Navarro I. , Lyubenova M. , van de Ven G. , Falcón-Barroso J. , Coccato L. , Corsini E. M. , Gadotti D. A. , Iodice E. , La Barbera F. , McDermid R. M. , Pinna F. , Sarzi M. , Viaene S. , de Zeeuw P. T. , Zhu L.
Published: June 2019

The stellar initial mass function (IMF) regulates the baryonic cycle within galaxies, and is a key ingredient for translating observations into physical quantities. Although it was assumed to be universal for decades, there is now growing observational evidence showing that the center of massive early-type galaxies hosts a larger population of low-mass stars than is expected based on observations from the Milky Way. Moreover, these variations in the IMF have been found to be related to radial metallicity variations in massive galaxies. We present here a two-dimensional stellar population analysis of the massive lenticular galaxy FCC 167 (NGC 1380) as part of the Fornax3D project. Using a newly developed stellar population fitting scheme, we derive a full two-dimensional IMF map of an early-type galaxy. This two-dimensional analysis allows us go further than a radial analysis, showing how the metallicity changes along a disk-like structure while the IMF follows a distinct, less disky distribution. Thus, our findings indicate that metallicity cannot be the sole driver of the observed radial IMF variations. In addition, a comparison with the orbital decomposition shows suggestive evidence of a coupling between stellar population properties and the internal dynamical structure of FCC 167, where metallicity and IMF maps seem to track the distribution of cold and warm orbits, respectively.
Two epoch spectro-imagery of FS Tau B outflow system
Authors: Movsessian T. A. , Magakian T. Yu. , Burenkov A. N.
Published: June 2019

Context. Herbig–Haro (HH) flows exhibit a large variety of morphological and kinematical structures such as bow shocks, Mach disks, and deflection shocks. Both proper motion (PM) and radial velocity investigations are essential to understand the physical nature of such structures.

Aims. We investigate the kinematics and PM of spectrally separated structures in the FS Tau B HH flow. Collating these data makes it possible to understand the origin of these structures and to explain the unusual behavior of the jet. Besides, the study of emission profiles in the associated reflection nebulae allows us to consider the source of the outflow both from edge-on and pole-on points of view.

Methods. We present the data obtained with the 6 m telescope at the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences using the SCORPIO multimode focal reducer with a scanning Fabry–Perot interferometer. Two epochs of the observations of the FS Tau B region in Hα emission (2001 and 2012) allowed us to measure the PM of the spectrally separated inner structures of the jet.

Results. In addition to already known emission structures in the FS Tau B system, we discover new features in the extended part of the jet and in the counter-jet. Moreover, we reveal a new HH knot in the HH 276 independent outflow system and point out its presumable source. In the terminal working surface of the jet, structures with different radial velocities have PMs of the same value. This result can be interpreted as the direct observation of bow-shock and Mach disk regions. A bar-like structure, located southwest from the source demonstrates zero PM and can be considered as one more example of deflection shock. An analysis of Hα profiles in the reflection nebulae R1 and R3 indicates the uniqueness of this object, which can be studied in pole-on and edge-on directions simultaneously.
Trends on Major Actinides from an Integral Data Assimilation
Authors: Rimpault Gerald , Huy Virginie , Noguère Gilles
Published: June 2019

Nuclear data evaluations on major actinides can be improved by integral data assimilation. Appropriate integral measurements with reliable experimental techniques have been selected such as ICSBEP, IRPhE and MASURCA critical masses, PROFIL irradiation experiments and the FCAIX experimental programme (critical masses and spectral indices). Highly reliable analyses are possible with the use of as-built geometries calculated with the TRIPOLI4 Monte Carlo code. The C/E values have been used in an integral data assimilation solving the Bayes equation. The trends on the JEFF3.1.1235U capture cross section are quite consistent with recent differential measurements. Assimilation results suggest up to a 2.5% decrease for238U capture from 3 keV to 60 keV, and a 4-5% decrease for238U inelastic in the plateau region. For this energy range, uncertainties are respectively reduced from 3-4 to 1-2% and from 6-9% to 2-2.5% for 238U capture and238U inelastic. Results on239Pu fission cross sections are included in posterior uncertainties. The increase trends on239Pu capture cross-section is of around 3% in the [2 keV-100 keV] energy range. For240Pu capture cross section, the increase is of around 4% in the [3 keV-100 keV] energy range and goes in the same direction as a recent evaluation.