bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of pre-pore complexes of pneumolysin is accompanied by a decrease in short-range order of lipid molecules throughout vesicle bilayers
Authors: Faraj Bayan H. A. , Collard Liam , Cliffe Rachel , Blount Leanne A. , Lonnen Rana , Wallis Russell , Andrew Peter W. , Hudson Andrew J.
Published: March 2020

Oligomers of pneumolysin form transmembrane channels in cholesterol-containing lipid bilayers. The mechanism of pore formation involves a multistage process in which the protein, at first, assembles into a ring-shaped complex on the outer-bilayer leaflet. In a subsequent step, the complex inserts into the membrane. Contrary to most investigations of pore formation that have focussed on protein changes, we have deduced how the lipid-packing order is altered in different stages of the pore-forming mechanism. An optical tweezing apparatus was used, in combination with microfluidics, to isolate large-unilamellar vesicles and control exposure of the bilayer to pneumolysin. By monitoring Raman-scattered light from a single-trapped liposome, the effect of the protein on short-range order and rotational diffusion of lipids could be inferred from changes in the envelope of the C–H stretch. A significant change in the lipid-packing order takes place during assembly of pre-pore oligomers. We were not able to detect a change in the lipid-packing order during the initial stage of protein binding, or any further change during the insertion of oligomers. Pre-pore complexes induce a transformation in which a bilayer, resembling a liquid-ordered phase is changed into a bilayer resembling a fluid-liquid-disordered phase surrounding ordered microdomains enriched in cholesterol and protein complexes.
Western gorilla space use suggests territoriality
Authors: Morrison Robin E. , Dunn Jacob C. , Illera Germán , Walsh Peter D. , Bermejo Magdalena
Published: March 2020

The evolutionary origins of how modern humans share and use space are often modelled on the territorial-based violence of chimpanzees, with limited comparison to other apes. Gorillas are widely assumed to be non-territorial due to their large home ranges, extensive range overlap, and limited inter-group aggression. Using large-scale camera trapping, we monitored western gorillas in Republic of Congo across 60 km2. Avoidance patterns between groups were consistent with an understanding of the “ownership” of specific regions, with greater avoidance of their neighbours the closer they were to their neighbours’ home range centres. Groups also avoided larger groups’ home ranges to a greater extent, consistent with stronger defensive responses from more dominant groups. Our results suggest that groups may show territoriality, defending core regions of their home ranges against neighbours, and mirror patterns common across human evolution, with core areas of resident dominance and larger zones of mutual tolerance. This implies western gorillas may be a key system for understanding how humans have evolved the capacity for extreme territorial-based violence and warfare, whilst also engaging in the strong affiliative inter-group relationships necessary for large-scale cooperation.
Autologous cord blood cell therapy for neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy: a pilot study for feasibility and safety
Authors: Tsuji Masahiro , Sawada Mariko , Watabe Shinichi , Sano Hiroyuki , Kanai Masayo , Tanaka Emi , Ohnishi Satoshi , Sato Yoshiaki , Sobajima Hisanori , Hamazaki Takashi , Mori Rintaro , Oka Akira , Ichiba Hiroyuki , Hayakawa Masahiro , Kusuda Satoshi , Tamura Masanori , Nabetani Makoto , Shintaku Haruo
Published: March 2020

Neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious condition; many survivors develop neurological impairments, including cerebral palsy and intellectual disability. Preclinical studies show that the systemic administration of umbilical cord blood cells (UCBCs) is beneficial for neonatal HIE. We conducted a single-arm clinical study to examine the feasibility and safety of intravenous infusion of autologous UCBCs for newborns with HIE. When a neonate was born with severe asphyxia, the UCB was collected, volume-reduced, and divided into three doses. The processed UCB was infused at 12–24, 36–48, and 60–72 hours after the birth. The designed enrolment was six newborns. All six newborns received UCBC therapy strictly adhering to the study protocol together with therapeutic hypothermia. The physiological parameters and peripheral blood parameters did not change much between pre- and postinfusion. There were no serious adverse events that might be related to cell therapy. At 30 days of age, the six infants survived without circulatory or respiratory support. At 18 months of age, neurofunctional development was normal without any impairment in four infants and delayed with cerebral palsy in two infants. This pilot study shows that autologous UCBC therapy is feasible and safe.
Stereotactic Cortical Atlas of the Domestic Canine Brain
Authors: Johnson Philippa J. , Luh Wen-Ming , Rivard Benjamin C. , Graham Kathleen L. , White Andrew , FitzMaurice Marnie , Loftus John P. , Barry Erica F.
Published: March 2020

The domestic canine (canis familiaris) is a growing novel model for human neuroscientific research. Unlike rodents and primates, they demonstrate unique convergent sociocognitive skills with humans, are highly trainable and able to undergo non-invasive experimental procedures without restraint, including fMRI. In addition, the gyrencephalic structure of the canine brain is more similar to that of human than rodent models. The increasing use of dogs for non-invasive neuroscience studies has generating a need for a standard canine cortical atlas that provides common spatial referencing and cortical segmentation for advanced neuroimaging data processing and analysis. In this manuscript we create and make available a detailed MRI-based cortical atlas for the canine brain. This atlas includes a population template generated from 30 neurologically and clinically normal non-brachycephalic dogs, tissue segmentation maps and a cortical atlas generated from Jerzy Kreiner’s myeloarchitectonic-based histology atlas. The provided cortical parcellation includes 234 priors from frontal, sensorimotor, parietal, temporal, occipital, cingular and subcortical regions. The atlas was validated using an additional canine cohort with variable cranial conformations. This comprehensive cortical atlas provides a reference standard for canine brain research and will improve and standardize processing and data analysis and interpretation in functional and structural MRI research.
System for the remote control and imaging of MW fields for spin manipulation in NV centers in diamond
Authors: Mariani Giacomo , Nomoto Shuhei , Kashiwaya Satoshi , Nomura Shintaro
Published: March 2020

Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond have been used as platforms for quantum information, magnetometry and imaging of microwave (MW) fields. The spatial distribution of the MW fields used to drive the electron spin of NV centers plays a key role for these applications. Here, we report a system for the control and characterization of MW magnetic fields used for the NV spin manipulation. The control of the MW field in the vicinity of a diamond surface is mediated by an exchangeable lumped resonator, coupled inductively to a MW planar ring antenna. The characterization of the MW fields in the near-field is performed by an FFT imaging of Rabi oscillations, by using an ensemble of NV centers. We have found that the Rabi frequency over a lumped resonator is enhanced 22 times compared to the Rabi frequency without the presence of the lumped resonator. Our system may find applications in quantum information and magnetometry where a precise and controlled spin manipulation is required, showing NV centers as good candidates for imaging MW fields and characterization of MW devices.
Designing bioinspired brick-and-mortar composites using machine learning and statistical learning
Authors: Morsali Seyedreza , Qian Dong , Minary-Jolandan Majid
Published: March 2020

The brick-and-mortar structure inspired by nature, such as in nacre, is considered one of the most optimal designs for structural composites. Given the large number of design possibilities, extensive computational work is required to guide their manufacturing. Here, we propose a computational framework that combines statistical analysis and machine learning with finite element analysis to establish structure–property design strategies for brick-and-mortar composites. Approximately 20,000 models with different geometrical designs were categorized into good and bad based on their failure modes, with statistical analysis of the results used to find the importance of each feature. Aspect ratio of the bricks and horizontal mortar thickness were identified as the main influencing features. A decision tree machine learning model was then established to draw the boundaries of good design space. This approach might be used for the design of brick-and-mortar composites with improved mechanical properties.
Structural and electronic properties of NaTaO3cubic nanowires
Authors: Portugal Guilherme Ribeiro , Arantes Jeverson Teodoro
Published: March 2020

Sodium tantalate 1-D nanostructures show novel properties due to their edge confinement region, which may be relevant for distinct applications.
Semi-rational hinge engineering: modulating the conformational transformation of glutamate dehydrogenase for enhanced reductive amination activity towards non-natural substrates
Authors: Yin Xinjian , Liu Yayun , Meng Lijun , Zhou Haisheng , Wu Jianping , Yang Lirong
Published: March 2020

The hinge region was identified to be a promising hotspot for activity engineering of GluDHs, providing a potent alternative for developing high-performance biocatalysts toward valuable optically pure l-amino acid production.
Untargeted metabolomics revealed therapeutic mechanisms of icariin on low bone mineral density in older caged laying hens
Authors: Huang Jie , Hu Yanping , Tong Xiaofeng , Zhang Lei , Yu Zhengwang , Zhou Zhongxin
Published: March 2020

Untargeted metabolomics revealed the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of icariin on low bone mineral density in older caged laying hens.
Preparation of theasinensin A and theasinensin B and exploration of their inhibitory mechanism on α-glucosidase
Authors: Tao Sainan , Chen Guijie , Xu Weiqi , Peng Yujia , Wan Peng , Sun Yi , Zeng Xiaoxiong , Liu Zhonghua
Published: March 2020

Theasinensin A (TSA) and theasinensin B (TSB), dimers of tea catechins produced during the processing of oolong tea and black tea, had superior inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase.
A multi-scale perspective of gas transport through soap-film membranes
Authors: Falciani Gabriele , Franklin Ricardo , Cagna Alain , Sen Indraneel , Hassanali Ali , Chiavazzo Eliodoro
Published: March 2020

A continuum–atomistic coupled model for gas permeation through soap-film membranes.
Ag2S-Glutathione quantum dots for NIR image guided photothermal therapy
Authors: Hashemkhani Mahshid , Bilici Kubra , Muti Abdullah , Sennaroglu Alphan , Acar Havva Yagci
Published: March 2020

Synthesis of ultrasmall, colloidally stable, biocompatible Ag2S-gluthatione quantum dots for NIR image guided-long wavelength photothermal therapy agents.
Preparation of a Pickering emulsion by modification of an amine-functionalized graphene oxide surface with organosilane: efficient catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation of malononitrile with aldehydes at mild temperature
Authors: Qian Bingxu , Wang Fei , Li Dongsheng , Li Yongxin , Zhang Bo , Zhu Jie
Published: March 2020

In this study, a series of Pickering emulsions for catalysis of Knoevenagel condensations of malononitrile with aldehydes were prepared by surface modification of amine-functionalized graphene oxide (GO-NH2) with trimethoxymethylsilane (MTMS).
Organic template-based ZnO embedded Mn3O4 nanoparticles: synthesis and evaluation of their electrochemical properties towards clean energy generation
Authors: Zahra Taghazal , Ahmad Khuram Shahzad , Thomas Andrew Guy , Zequine Camila , Malik Mohammad Azad , Gupta Ram K.
Published: March 2020

To deal with fossil fuel depletion and the rise in global temperatures caused by fossil fuels, cheap and abundant materials are required, in order to fulfill energy demand by developing high-performance fuel cells and electrocatalysts.
Copper (triazole-5-yl)methanamine complexes onto MCM-41: the synthesis of pyridine-containing pseudopeptides through the 6-endo-dig cyclization of 1,5-enynes
Authors: Akbarikalani Neda , Amiri Kamran , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Balalaie Saeed
Published: March 2020

A sequential Ugi/nucleophilic addition/1,5-enyne cyclization reaction was used for the synthesis of pseudopeptides containing pyridine skeletons in the presence of Cu@TZMA@MCM-41.
Elemental chemical composition and As speciation in rice varieties selected for biofortification
Authors: Freire Bruna Moreira , Santos Vivian da Silva , Neves Pericles de Carvalho Ferreira , Oliveira Souza Reis Juliana Maria , de Souza Samuel Simião , Barbosa Fernando , Batista Bruno Lemos
Published: March 2020

Toxic elements, essential elements and other elements were determined in Brazilian rice by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A method for As speciation using hydride generation was developed and applied in rice samples.
Calcium cyclic carboxylates as structural models for calcium carbonate scale inhibitors
Authors: Hong Yuexian , Yufit Dmitry S. , Letzelter Nathalie , Steed Jonathan W.
Published: March 2020

Calcium complexes of cyclic oligocarboxylic acids have been studied as models to understand how subtle changes in molecular structure lead to significant variation in inhibition ability for calcium carbonate deposition
Inhibitory role of excessive NH3in NH3-SCR on CeWOxat low temperatures
Authors: Liu Kuo , Huo Yanlong , Yan Zidi , Shan Wenpo , He Hong
Published: March 2020

An inhibitory effect of excessive NH3on NH3-SCR on CeWOxat low temperatures was found, and H2O rendered the inhibitory effect insignificant for standard SCR.
A new class of quadruplex DNA-binding nickel Schiff base complexes
Authors: Pham Son Q. T. , Assadawi Nawal , Wells Jadon , Sophocleous Reece A. , Davis Kimberley J. , Yu Haibo , Sluyter Ronald , Dillon Carolyn T. , Kelso Celine , Beck Jennifer L. , Willis Anthony C. , Richardson Christopher , Ralph Stephen F.
Published: March 2020

A new nickel Schiff base complex shows selective binding behaviour towards quadruplex DNA and cytotoxicity against cancer cells.
Capsaicin—the major bioactive ingredient of chili peppers: bio-efficacy and delivery systems
Authors: Lu Muwen , Chen Chengyu , Lan Yaqi , Xiao Jie , Li Run , Huang Junqing , Huang Qingrong , Cao Yong , Ho Chi-Tang
Published: March 2020

The mechanisms of bio-efficacy of capsaicin and delivery systems with enhanced bioavailability were reviewed.
In(OTf)3-catalysed easy access to dihydropyranocoumarin and dihydropyranochromone derivatives
Authors: Boufroua Naouel , Dunach Elisabet , Fontaine-Vive Fabien , Achouche-Bouzroura Samia , Poulain-Martini Sophie
Published: March 2020

Allylation/cyclization of β-ketolactone-type heterocyclic compounds, under In(OTf)3-catalysis, for the construction of biologically active dihydropyranocoumarin and dihydropyranochromone derivatives.
The construction of CuCo2O4/N-doped reduced graphene oxide hybrid hollow spheres as anodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Sheng Tiandu , Zhao Jiachang , Liu Xiaodi , Yuan Haikuan , Liu Xijian , Liu Fengjiao , Zhu Xueyan , Lu Jie , Zhang Lijuan
Published: March 2020

Hierarchical CuCo2O4/N-doped reduced graphene oxide (CuCo2O4/N-rGO) hollow hybrid nanospheres was constructed and further applied as highly capacity anode materials for SIBs.
Fluorophoric [2]rotaxanes: post-synthetic functionalization, conformational fluxionality and metal ion chelation
Authors: Santra Saikat , Ghosh Pradyut
Published: March 2020

Fluorophoric [2]rotaxanes form an exciplex upon interpenetration and the exciplex signals are used to monitor the chelation properties of the interlocked systems.
Morphology-controllable synthesis and application of TiO2 nanotube arrays with “photocatalysis and self-cleaning” synergism
Authors: Ma Jun , Wang Boyou , Gong Zhe , Yang Xiande , Wang Yongqian
Published: March 2020

The integration of photocatalytic materials and self-cleaning superhydrophobic materials provides a possibility of combining decontamination and antifouling.
Multi-wavelength light emission from InGaN nanowires on pyramid-textured Si(100) substrate grown by stationary plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Hedong , Wang Hao , Wang Xingyu , Yin Hongjie , Rao Lujia , Zhou Guofu , Nötzel Richard
Published: March 2020

The In composition of InGaN nanowires grown on a pyramid-textured Si substrate was laterally tuned beyond the nanoscale with stationary plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy.
3D microstructure analysis of silicon–boron phosphide mixed nanocrystals
Authors: Nomoto Keita , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Ceguerra Anna V. , Fujii Minoru , Ringer Simon P.
Published: March 2020

Microstructure study of boron (B) and phosphorus (P) codoped silicon (Si) nanocrystals (NCs), cubic boron phosphide (BP) NCs and their mixed NCs (BxSiyPz NCs).
Evaluation of antioxidant modification on the functional and structural properties of EWP conjugates
Authors: Sun Jun , Jing Hui , Liu Tengmei , Dong Shijian , Obadi Mohammed , Xu Bin
Published: March 2020

The aim of this present study was to improve the oxidative stability of egg white protein (EWP) through catechin (CT) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) covalent modification via an alkaline method at pH 9.0.
Triple-negative breast cancer suppressive activities, antioxidants and pharmacophore model of new acylated rhamnopyranoses from Premna odorata
Authors: Elmaidomy Abeer H. , Mohammed Rabab , Owis Asmsaa I. , Hetta Mona H. , AboulMagd Asmaa M. , Siddique Abu Bakar , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan , Rateb Mostafa E. , El Sayed Khalid A. , Hassan Hossam M.
Published: March 2020

Phytochemical investigation of Premna odorata Blanco “Lamiaceae” young stems afforded four new acylated rhamnopyranoses 1–4, along with fourteen known compounds 5–19.
Photoinitiated decarboxylative C3-difluoroarylmethylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with potassium 2,2-difluoro-2-arylacetates in water
Authors: Gao Yanhui , Zhao Lulu , Xiang Tianyi , Li Pinhua , Wang Lei
Published: March 2020

An efficient visible-light-induced decarboxylative C3-difluoroarylmethylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-one with potassium 2,2-difluoro-2-arylacetate in water at room temperature was developed.
Correction: Oxidative carboxylation of olefins with CO2: environmentally benign access to five-membered cyclic carbonates
Authors: Wang Liang , Que Sisi , Ding Ziwei , Vessally Esmail
Published: March 2020

Correction for ‘Oxidative carboxylation of olefins with CO2: environmentally benign access to five-membered cyclic carbonates’ by Liang Wang et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 9103–9115.
Investigating high-performance sulfur–metal nanocomposites for lithium batteries
Authors: Marangon Vittorio , Di Lecce Daniele , Orsatti Fabio , Brett Dan J. L. , Shearing Paul R. , Hassoun Jusef
Published: March 2020

X-ray tomography and electrochemistry shed light on a novel approach to prepare high-performance cathodes for lithium–sulfur batteries. Metal nanoparticles promote beneficial microstructural reorganizations in the cathode during the cycling process.
Involvement of p53-dependent apoptosis signal in antitumor effect of Colchicine on human papilloma virus (HPV)-positive human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Yan Luchun , Huang Hao , Zhang Ying , Yuan Xinrong , Yan Zhaohua , Cao Chunyan , Luo Xiping
Published: March 2020

Colchicine, a plant-derived alkaloid with relatively low toxicity on normal human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKn), has selective inhibitory effect on the growth of CaSki (HPV16-positive) and HeLa (HPV18-positive) human cervical cancer cell lines via the induction of apoptosis. Colchicine (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 ng/ml) significantly reduced the expression of human papilloma virus (HPV) 16 E6/E7 mRNA and protein in CaSki and HeLa cells. Moreover, reduced expression of E6 and E7 induced by Colchicine resulted in the up-regulation of tumor suppressor proteins, p53 and Rb, as well as down-regulation of phospho Rb (pRb) protein. In addition, Bax, cytosolic cytochrome c and cleaved caspase-3 protein were increased while Bcl-2 protein was decreased significantly by 48 h of Colchicine treatment. These results implied that Colchicine could be explored as a potent candidate agent for the treatment and prevention of HPV-associated cervical cancer without deleterious effects.
Statin use and the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Liu Liwen , Hu Yongtao
Published: March 2020

Background: Association between statin use and prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. We performed a meta-analysis of follow-up studies to systematically evaluate the influence of statin use on clinical outcome in HCC patients.

Methods: Studies were obtained via systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane’s Library, and Embase databases. A randomized-effect model was used to pool the results. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the influence of study characteristics on the association.

Results: Nine retrospective cohort studies were included. Overall, statin use was associated with a reduced all-cause mortality in HCC patients (risk ratio [RR]: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.74–0.88, P < 0.001; I2 = 63%). Subgroup analyses showed similar results for patients with stage I-III HCC (RR: 0.83, 0.79, and 0.90 respectively, P all < 0.01) and patients after palliative therapy for HCC (RR: 0.80, P < 0.001), but not for patents with stage IV HCC (RR: 0.91, P = 0.28) or those after curative therapy (RR: 0.92, P = 0.20). However, the different between subgroups were not significant (both P > 0.05). Moreover, statin use was associated with reduced HCC-related mortality (RR: 0.78, P = 0.001) in overall patient population and HCC recurrence in patients after curative therapies (RR: 0.55, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Satin use is associated with reduced mortality and recurrence of HCC. These results should be validated in prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials.
STDC‐Flow: large displacement flow field estimation using similarity transformation‐based dense correspondence
Authors: Zhang Congxuan , Chen Zhen , Xiong Fan , Liu Wen , Li Ming , Ge Liyue
Published: March 2020

In order to improve the accuracy and robustness of optical flow computation under large displacements and motion occlusions, the authors present in this study a large displacement flow field estimation approach using similarity transformation‐based dense correspondence, named STDC‐Flow approach. First, the authors compute an initial nearest‐neighbour field by using the STDC‐Flow of the consecutive two frames, and then extract the consistent regions as the robust nearest‐neighbour field and label the inconsistent regions as the occlusion areas. Second, they improve a non‐local total variation with the L1 norm optical flow model by using the occlusion information to modify the weighted median filtering optimisation. Third, they fuse the robust nearest‐neighbour field and the computed flow field of the improved variational optical flow model to construct the final flow field by using the quadratic pseudo‐boolean optimisation fusion algorithm. Finally, the authors compare the proposed STDC‐Flow method with several state‐of‐the‐art approaches including the variational and deep learning‐based optical flow models by using the MPI‐Sintel and KITTI evaluation databases. The comparison results demonstrate that the proposed STDC‐Flow method has a high accuracy for flow field computation, especially the capacity of dealing with large displacements and motion occlusions.
Unbalance mitigation strategies in microgrids
Authors: Vijay A.S. , Doolla Suryanarayana , Chandorkar Mukul C.
Published: March 2020

Unbalance or asymmetry in the distribution network is a well‐known power quality issue. In the modern active distribution system, with the increasing penetration of renewables, this phenomenon becomes more pronounced. In the context of microgrids (MGs), several works have been proposed for the management and mitigation of the unbalance, for both the sharing of unbalanced load and maintaining the voltage quality in the islanded mode and for the control of distributed generators in the grid‐connected mode during unbalanced conditions. This study comprehensively reviews, summarises, and classifies the various strategies of the unbalance mitigation techniques for the islanded and grid‐connected modes of operation for three‐phase MGs and presents the possible challenges and avenues for future investigations on the topic.
The CARMENES search for exoplanets around M dwarfs
Authors: González-Álvarez E. , Zapatero Osorio M. R. , Caballero J. A. , Sanz-Forcada J. , Béjar V. J. S. , González-Cuesta L. , Dreizler S. , Bauer F. F. , Rodríguez E. , Tal-Or L. , Zechmeister M. , Montes D. , López-González M. J. , Ribas I. , Reiners A. , Quirrenbach A. , Amado P. J. , Anglada-Escudé G. , Azzaro M. , Cortés-Contreras M. , Hatzes A. P. , Henning T. , Jeffers S. V. , Kaminski A. , Kürster M. , Lafarga M. , Morales J. C. , Pallé E. , Perger M. , Schmitt J. H. M. M.
Published: March 2020

Aims. We report on radial velocity time series for two M0.0 V stars, GJ 338 B and GJ 338 A, using the CARMENES spectrograph, complemented by ground-telescope photometry from Las Cumbres and Sierra Nevada observatories. We aim to explore the presence of small planets in tight orbits using the spectroscopic radial velocity technique.

Methods. We obtained 159 and 70 radial velocity measurements of GJ 338 B and A, respectively, with the CARMENES visible channel between 2016 January and 2018 October. We also compiled additional relative radial velocity measurements from the literature and a collection of astrometric data that cover 200 a of observations to solve for the binary orbit.

Results. We found dynamical masses of 0.64 ± 0.07 M⊙ for GJ 338 B and 0.69 ± 0.07 M⊙ for GJ 338 A. The CARMENES radial velocity periodograms show significant peaks at 16.61 ± 0.04 d (GJ 338 B) and 16.3−1.3+3.5 d (GJ 338 A), which have counterparts at the same frequencies in CARMENES activity indicators and photometric light curves. We attribute these to stellar rotation. GJ 338 B shows two additional, significant signals at 8.27 ± 0.01 and 24.45 ± 0.02 d, with no obvious counterparts in the stellar activity indices. The former is likely the first harmonic of the star’s rotation, while we ascribe the latter to the existence of a super-Earth planet with a minimum mass of 10.27−1.38+1.47 M⊕ orbiting GJ 338 B. We have not detected signals of likely planetary origin around GJ 338 A.

Conclusions. GJ 338 Bb lies inside the inner boundary of the habitable zone around its parent star. It is one of the least massive planets ever found around any member of stellar binaries. The masses, spectral types, brightnesses, and even the rotational periods are very similar for both stars, which are likely coeval and formed from the same molecular cloud, yet they differ in the architecture of their planetary systems.
The GRAVITY young stellar object survey
Authors:   GRAVITY Collaboration, Caratti o Garatti A. , Fedriani R. , Garcia Lopez R. , Koutoulaki M. , Perraut K. , Linz H. , Brandner W. , Garcia P. , Klarmann L. , Henning T. , Labadie L. , Sanchez-Bermudez J. , Lazareff B. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Caselli P. , de Zeeuw P. T. , Bik A. , Benisty M. , Dougados C. , Ray T. P. , Amorim A. , Berger J.-P. , Clénet Y. , Coudé du Foresto V. , Duvert G. , Eckart A. , Eisenhauer F. , Gao F. , Gendron E. , Genzel R. , Gillessen S. , Gordo P. , Jocou L. , Horrobin M. , Kervella P. , Lacour S. , Le Bouquin J.-B. , Léna P. , Grellmann R. , Ott T. , Paumard T. , Perrin G. , Rousset G. , Scheithauer S. , Shangguan J. , Stadler J. , Straub O. , Straubmeier C. , Sturm E. , Thi W. F. , Vincent F. H. , Widmann F.
Published: March 2020

Context. The inner regions of the discs of high-mass young stellar objects (HMYSOs) are still poorly known due to the small angular scales and the high visual extinction involved.

Aims. We deploy near-infrared spectro-interferometry to probe the inner gaseous disc in HMYSOs and investigate the origin and physical characteristics of the CO bandhead emission (2.3–2.4 μm).

Methods. We present the first GRAVITY/VLTI observations at high spectral (ℛ = 4000) and spatial (mas) resolution of the CO overtone transitions in NGC 2024 IRS 2.

Results. The continuum emission is resolved in all baselines and is slightly asymmetric, displaying small closure phases (≤8°). Our best ellipsoid model provides a disc inclination of 34° ±1°, a disc major axis position angle (PA) of 166° ± 1°, and a disc diameter of 3.99 ± 0.09 mas (or 1.69  ±  0.04 au, at a distance of 423 pc). The small closure phase signals in the continuum are modelled with a skewed rim, originating from a pure inclination effect. For the first time, our observations spatially and spectrally resolve the first four CO bandheads. Changes in visibility, as well as differential and closure phases across the bandheads are detected. Both the size and geometry of the CO-emitting region are determined by fitting a bidimensional Gaussian to the continuum-compensated CO bandhead visibilities. The CO-emitting region has a diameter of 2.74±0.070.08 mas (1.16  ±  0.03 au), and is located in the inner gaseous disc, well within the dusty rim, with inclination and PA matching the dusty disc geometry, which indicates that both dusty and gaseous discs are coplanar. Physical and dynamical gas conditions are inferred by modelling the CO spectrum. Finally, we derive a direct measurement of the stellar mass of M* ∼ 14.7−3.6+2 M⊙ by combining our interferometric and spectral modelling results.
Validity of Caloric Expenditure Measured from a Wheelchair User
Smartwatch
Authors: Moreno Daniel , Glasheen Evan , Domingo Antoinette , Panaligan Van Brian , Penaflor Taylor , Rioveros Andrew , Kressler Jochen
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the validity of measured caloric
expenditure from a fitness smartwatch designed to measured values in wheelchair
users against criterion values from a portable metabolic system. 15 wheelchair
users and 15 able-bodied participants completed multiple tasks; wheelchair
treadmill routine at 30, 45, and 60 strokes per minute, arm cycle ergometry at
45, 60, and 80 revolutions per minute, and arm cycle ergometry
VO2Peak test. There were no interactions for device or task and group
(wheelchair users vs. able bodied, p=0.375-0.944) therefore results were
pooled across groups for all measures. The smartwatch exhibited poor to moderate
caloric expenditure association during wheelchair treadmill routine
(ICC<0.39) and arm cycle ergometry (ICC<0.541). Smartwatch
underestimated caloric expenditure during the wheelchair treadmill task (Mean
differences (Limits of Agreement)) (−2.11 (−8.19–3.96),
−3.68 (−12.64–5.28), and −4.51
(−15.05–6.02)) and overestimated during the arm cycle ergometry
task (0.89 (−3.10–4.88), 3.40 (−0.31–7.12), and
2.81 (−1.71–7.32)). The smartwatch is currently not well suited
to calculate caloric expenditure when performing exercise tasks on a wheelchair
treadmill and arm cycle ergometry.
Kognitive und affektive Prozesse bei Body Integrity Dysphoria (BID): Eine Pilotstudie
Authors: Behrens Carolin , Friel Pauline , Grocholewski Anja , Dombert Elisa , Brühl Antonia , Kasten Erich , Heinrichs Nina
Published: March 2020

Personen mit Body Integrity Dysphoria (BID) haben den starken Wunsch nach einer Amputation (BID-A) oder Lähmung (BID-L). Erkenntnisse über psychische Aspekte von BID basieren fast ausschließlich auf Selbstberichten. Diese Pilotstudie soll anhand experimenteller Paradigmen Erkenntnisse zu kognitiven und affektiven Prozessen, die über den Verbalbericht der Betroffenen hinausgehen, gewinnen. Dafür wurden n=5 Personen mit BID-A, n=3 mit BID-L, n=22 psychisch gesunde Personen und n=8 Personen mit körperdysmorpher Störung (KDS, eine andere Gruppe mit starken Körpermodifikationswünschen) erhoben. Es wurde die selektive Aufmerksamkeit (Eyetracking-Paradigma), die Anfälligkeit für fehlerhafte Erinnerungen (DRM-Paradigma) und die affektive Nichtbeteiligung am unerwünschten Körperteil (Induzierung und Zerstörung einer Rubber-Hand/Foot-Illusion) untersucht. Im deskriptiven Vergleich blickten die hier teilnehmenden Personen mit BID-A schneller und länger auf abgebildete Amputationsstümpfe als alle anderen Gruppen und zeigten eine geringere Schreckreaktion auf die Zerstörung ihrer Körperillusion. Für eine erhöhte Anfälligkeit für fehlerhafte Erinnerungen gab es keine Hinweise. Die kleine Stichprobengröße lässt keine Generalisierung zu. Trotzdem zeigen die Ergebnisse dieser Pilotstudie, dass Symptome von BID und darunter liegende Prozesse auch über Selbstberichte hinaus erfassbar sind und sie geben erste Hinweise darauf, dass die selektive Aufmerksamkeit und die affektive Beteiligung am unerwünschten Körperteil bei Personen mit BID-A im Vgl. zu Personen, die sich keine Amputation wünschen (inkl. Personen mit BID-L), abweicht. Die zugrundeliegenden Prozesse besser zu verstehen, könnte dabei helfen ein Störungsmodell zu entwickeln, Subgruppen zu identifizieren und Behandlungsansätze abzuleiten.
Vaccinations and Screening Examinations – Prevention Awareness Among Children of Childhood Cancer Survivors in Germany
Authors: Schuster Theresa , Borgmann-Staudt Anja , König Charlotte Jessica , Sommerhäuser Greta , Korte Elisabeth , Hölling Heike , Schilling Ralph , Balcerek Magdalena
Published: March 2020

Background Immunisation levels and attendance of preventive screening examinations indicate primary health prevention awareness. We investigated participation among German childhood cancer survivors’ (CCS’) offspring in our national offspring study.

Patients and methods CCS with biological children were surveyed on their offspring’s vaccination levels and attendance of preventive screening examinations by questionnaire. Data from the German general population was available for matched-pair analysis (KiGGS study, Robert Koch-Institute, n=17,641).

Results Overall, 852/1,299 (65,6%) CCS completed 1,340 questionnaires regarding their childrenʼs health. In comparison with the general population, coverage of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis inoculations were similar (tetanus 99,1 vs. 98,4%). Measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations were carried out significantly more often by CCS’ offspring (rubella 96,1 vs. 91,7%). Throughout all age groups, preventive screening examinations were attended significantly more often by CCS’ offspring. Parentʼs anxiety regarding their offspring’s health was identified to be a confounding variable for vaccination rates.

Discussion and conclusion CCS’ offspring showed comparable to significantly higher participation levels of recommended vaccinations and screening examinations than their peers from the German general population. In contrast to the general population the attendance of CCS’ offspring did not decrease with rising age. CCS’ own experiences and increased worry about their children’s health may lead to a higher prevention awareness. This should be considered in counselling parents with a cancer history.
Synthetic Approaches to Contemporary Drugs that Contain the Cyclopropyl Moiety
Authors: Časar Zdenko
Published: March 2020

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved 18 new drugs that incorporate the cyclopropyl structural motif in the time frame from 2012 to 2018. This review provides an overview of synthetic approaches to these drugs with emphasis on the construction of the cyclopropyl moiety or its incorporation into the key building blocks for assembly of the highlighted drugs. Based on the structural diversity of these drugs, synthetic approaches for the construction and introduction of the cyclopropyl moiety into their structure are diverse and include: cycloalkylation (double alkylation) of CH-acids, catalytic cyclopropanation of alkenes with diazo compounds, the Simmons–Smith reaction, the Corey–Chaykovsky reaction, the Kulinkovich reaction, the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction, and cycloaddition. In addition, the cyclopropyl structure was also introduced into the drug substance intermediates via simple cyclopropyl-moiety-containing building blocks, such as cyclopropylamine, cyclopropanesulfonamide, cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride, and cyclopropylmagnesium bromide.

1 Introduction

2 Synthesis of Recently Approved Cyclopropyl-Moiety-Containing Drugs

2.1 Cabozantinib

2.2 Trametinib

2.3 Simeprevir

2.4 Ledipasvir

2.5 Olaparib

2.6 Tasimelteon

2.7 Finafloxacin

2.8 Paritaprevir

2.9 Lenvatinib

2.10 Lumacaftor

2.11 Lesinurad

2.12 Grazoprevir

2.13 Glecaprevir

2.14 Ozenoxacin

2.15 Voxilaprevir

2.16 Naldemedine

2.17 Tezacaftor

2.18 Tecovirimat

3 Conclusion
Liver Matrix in Benign and Malignant Biliary Tract Disease
Authors: Fabris Luca , Cadamuro Massimiliano , Cagnin Silvia , Strazzabosco Mario , Gores Gregory J.
Published: March 2020

The extracellular matrix is a highly reactive scaffold formed by a wide array of multifunctional molecules, encompassing collagens and noncollagenous glycoproteins, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and polysaccharides. Besides outlining the tissue borders, the extracellular matrix profoundly regulates the behavior of resident cells by transducing mechanical signals, and by integrating multiple cues derived from the microenvironment. Evidence is mounting that changes in the biostructure of the extracellular matrix are instrumental for biliary repair. Following biliary damage and eventually, malignant transformation, the extracellular matrix undergoes several quantitative and qualitative modifications, which direct interactions among hepatic progenitor cells, reactive ductular cells, activated myofibroblasts and macrophages, to generate the ductular reaction. Herein, we will give an overview of the main molecular factors contributing to extracellular matrix remodeling in cholangiopathies. Then, we will discuss the structural alterations in terms of biochemical composition and physical stiffness featuring the “desmoplastic matrix” of cholangiocarcinoma along with their pro-oncogenic effects.
Synthesis of Fused Oxepane HIV Integrase Inhibitor MK-1376
Authors: Maligres Peter E. , Song Zhiguo Jake , Strotman Neil A. , Yin Jinquin , Pei Tao , Strotman Hallena R. , Itoh Tetsuji , Sherer Edward C. , Humphrey Guy R.
Published: March 2020

Controlling the absolute and relative stereochemistry of a seven-membered oxepane in the formation of HIV integrase inhibitor MK-1376 was accomplished through a strategy involving the use of asymmetric allylation and stereoconvergent, substrate-directed installation of an amine fragment. Surprising reactivity was demonstrated during the asymmetric allylation in which the allyl-pyrimidone product was formed reversibly. The stereoconvergent amine addition was accomplished through an elimination/addition sequence involving a quinone methide reactive intermediate, and nucleophilic trapping of the reactive quinone methide intermediate with methylamine. This novel approach delivered MK-1376, offering 100-fold greater productivity and 50-fold less waste than the initial synthetic chemistry route.
Acetic Acid Promoted Direct Iodination of Terminal Alkynes with N-Iodosuccinimide: Efficient Preparation of 1-Iodoalkynes
Authors: Yao Ming , Xiong Hangxing , Zhang Jingjing , Yang Sen , Liu E
Published: March 2020

An efficient and highly chemoselective approach for the direct iodination of terminal alkynes using acetic acid as N-iodosuccinimide activated reagent under metal-free conditions has been developed. This facile process tolerates a variety of terminal alkynes and provides the desired products in good to excellent yields (up to 99%).
Photothermal response of plasmonic nanofillers for membrane distillation
Authors: Elmaghraoui D. , Politano A. , Jaziri S.
Published: March 2020

Light-to-heat conversion in plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) inside polymeric membranes is beneficial for improving the efficiency of membrane distillation for seawater desalination. However, the physical mechanisms ruling photothermal membrane distillation are unclear yet. Here, we model the plasmonic photothermal light-to-heat conversion from Ag, Au, and Cu nanofillers in polymeric membranes for membrane distillation. Photothermal effects in the cases of isolated metallic NPs and their assembly are investigated considering size effects and excitation sources. The increasing content of metallic NPs improves the efficiency of the light-to-heat conversion. For a polymeric membrane, filled with 25% Ag NPs, our model well reproduces the experimental temperature increase of 10 K. Specifically, we find that Ag NPs with a radius of around 30–40 nm are favorite candidates for membrane heating with excitation energy in the visible/near-UV range. The incorporation of a term associated with heat losses into the heat transfer equation well reproduces the cooling effect associated with vaporization at the membrane surface. Compared to Ag NPs, Au and Cu NPs show a broadened absorption cross section and their resonance has a nonlinear behavior with varying the excitation energy, better matching with sunlight radiation spectrum.
Lateral transport in silicon solar cells
Authors: Haschke Jan , Christmann Gabriel , Messmer Christoph , Bivour Martin , Boccard Mathieu , Ballif Christophe
Published: March 2020

We investigate lateral charge carrier transport in crystalline silicon solar cells. Under typical operation illumination of high-efficiency solar cells, a significant population of electrons and holes exist in the silicon wafer, leading to a non-negligible sheet conductance for both carrier types. To investigate the contribution of these sheet conductances to lateral transport in solar cells, we develop a model that calculates the effective series resistance of two sheet resistances coupled via a contact resistance. In solar cells, the upper sheet resistance describes the highly conductive region like a diffusion or a transparent conductive oxide, whereas the lower sheet resistance describes the silicon absorber. We find that the coupling contact resistance needs to be low to benefit from the lateral current flow in the silicon absorber. We show experimentally for silicon heterojunction solar cells that the silicon absorber supports lateral minority charge carrier transport for well-passivated devices. Another finding is that there is no principle advantage for coupling of the two sheet resistances for rear-junction or front-junction solar cells, as the pn-junction (for front-junction solar cells) does not prevent coupling. We suggest that for n-type silicon heterojunction solar cells, the observed advantage of the rear-junction over the front-junction architecture is due to practically lower contact resistance and higher mobility of electrons vs holes. We also confirm experimentally the importance of a low contact resistivity between the highly conductive region and the silicon absorber for effective coupling and present an innovative technique to extract contact resistance from comparing Suns-VOC and current–voltage measurements.
Anomalous diffusion of a dipole interacting with its surroundings
Authors: Kalmykov Y. P. , Titov S. V. , Coffey W. T. , Zarifakis M. , Dowling W. J. , Titov A. S.
Published: March 2020

A fractional Fokker–Planck equation based on the continuous time random walk Ansatz is written via the Langevin equations for the dynamics of a dipole interacting with its surroundings, as represented by a cage of dipolar molecules. This equation is solved in the frequency domain using matrix continued fractions, thus yielding the linear dielectric response for extensive ranges of damping, dipole moment ratio, and cage–dipole inertia ratio, and hence the complex susceptibility. The latter comprises a low frequency band with width depending on the anomalous parameter and a far infrared (THz) band with a comb-like structure of peaks. Several physical consequences of the model relevant to anomalous diffusion in the presence of interactions are discussed. The entire calculation may be regarded as an extension of the cage model interpretation of the dynamics of polar molecules to anomalous diffusion, taking into account inertial effects.
Monitoring the dispersion and agglomeration of silver nanoparticles in polymer thin films using localized surface plasmons and Ferrell plasmons
Authors: Hensel Rafael C. , Moreira Murilo , Riul Antonio , Oliveira Osvaldo N. , Rodrigues Varlei , Hillenkamp Matthias
Published: March 2020

The ability to disperse metallic nano-objects in a given matrix material is an important issue for the design and fabrication of functional materials. A means to monitor the spatial distribution of the nano-dopants is highly desirable but often possible only a posteriori and with destructive techniques. Here we present a spectroscopic characterization based on different plasmonic responses of silver nanoparticles, their agglomerates, and finally the percolated silver film. We demonstrate its usefulness for the specific case of their dispersion in layer-by-layer polymeric films but the method is extendable to any other host material transparent in the visible/near UV range. Individual silver nanoparticles display the well-known localized surface plasmon resonance around 400 nm, which is red-shifted upon inter-particle coupling. The transition regime between weakly coupled particles and fully percolated metal films is, however, much harder to evidence unambiguously. We show here how to monitor this transition using the so-called Ferrell plasmon, a plasmonic mode of the thin film in the mid-UV, and excitable only under oblique irradiation but without specific coupling precautions. We can thus follow the entire transition from isolated to coupled and finally to fully agglomerated nanoparticles by optical spectroscopy.
Space experimental study on wave modes under instability of thermocapillary convection in liquid bridges on Tiangong-2
Authors: Kang Qi , Wu Di , Duan Li , Zhang Jianquan , Zhou Bin , Wang Jia , Han Zhiyi , Hu Liang , Hu Wenrui
Published: March 2020

We carried out space experiments on thermocapillary convection in liquid bridges with large Prandtl number in the Tiangong-2 space laboratory, studying the influence of geometrical parameters, including aspect ratio (Ar, height to diameter) and volume ratio (Vr). It is found that there are two modes of temperature oscillation in thermocapillary convection in liquid bridges: low- and high-frequency oscillation, corresponding to different critical temperature difference and geometrical parameters, respectively. In this paper, the geometrical effect on the wave pattern and its transformation in the oscillating thermocapillary flow is studied in detail. Temperature signals from thermocouples on five measuring spots are analyzed to distinguish different oscillation modes corresponding to characteristics of azimuthal waves, such as wave number, traveling wave, and standing wave. Under a small volume ratio, the low-frequency traveling wave mode transits to the high-frequency standing wave mode; under a large volume ratio, the high-frequency standing wave has abundant mode transformations, such as standing wave → traveling wave, standing wave → traveling wave → standing wave, and so on, and the transformation process of the wave mode is sensitive to the aspect ratio.