bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and evaluation of reliable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR analysis in tea plants under differential biotic stresses
Authors: Xu Wei , Dong Yanan , Yu Yongchen , Xing Yuxian , Li Xiwang , Zhang Xin , Hou Xiangjie , Sun Xiaoling
Published: February 2020

The selection of reliable reference genes (RGs) for normalization under given experimental conditions is necessary to develop an accurate qRT-PCR assay. To the best of our knowledge, only a small number of RGs have been rigorously identified and used in tea plants (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) under abiotic stresses, but no critical RG identification has been performed for tea plants under any biotic stresses till now. In the present study, we measured the mRNA transcriptional levels of ten candidate RGs under five experimental conditions; these genes have been identified as stable RGs in tea plants. By using the ΔCt method, geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper, CLATHRIN1 and UBC1, TUA1 and SAND1, or SAND1 and UBC1 were identified as the best combination for normalizing diurnal gene expression in leaves, stems and roots individually; CLATHRIN1 and GAPDH1 were identified as the best combination for jasmonic acid treatment; ACTIN1 and UBC1 were identified as the best combination for Toxoptera aurantii-infested leaves; UBC1 and GAPDH1 were identified as the best combination for Empoasca onukii-infested leaves; and SAND1 and TBP1 were identified as the best combination for Ectropis obliqua regurgitant-treated leaves. Furthermore, our results suggest that if the processing time of the treatment was long, the best RGs for normalization should be recommended according to the stability of the proposed RGs in different time intervals when intragroup differences were compared, which would strongly increase the accuracy and sensitivity of target gene expression in tea plants under biotic stresses. However, when the differences of intergroup were compared, the RGs for normalization should keep consistent across different time points. The results of this study provide a technical guidance for further study of the molecular mechanisms of tea plants under different biotic stresses.
Improvement of the mechanical property and thermal stability of polypropylene/recycled rubber composite by chemical modification and physical blending
Authors: Chiang Tai-Chin , Liu Huan-Li , Tsai Lung-Chang , Jiang Tao , Ma Ning , Tsai Fang-Chang
Published: February 2020

The binary blend materials containing the modified recycled rubber powder with maleic a hydride modified polypropylene thermoplastic elastomer were prepared by dynamic vulcanization and blended with a variety of additives such as activated agent, accelerator, solubilizer, and the crosslinking agent. The thermal properties and mechanical properties including tensile strengths and impact strengths of pristine rubber, polypropylene and their corresponding binary blends were investigated. Besides, the effects of the amount of rubber powder, polypropylene, crosslinking agent, accelerator, activator, and solvent were studied and the microstructures of the pristine rubber, pristine polypropylene, and their corresponding binary blends were observed by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the compatibilizer could effectively disperse the size of 120 mesh of recycled rubber powder into the polypropylene in the same manner and the homogeneous tear section of the rubber/polypropylene thermoplastic elastomer was obtained. The results on the effects of additives on mechanical and morphological properties of recycled rubber/polypropylene binary blends guide the rational design of novel polymeric composites from recycled polymeric materials.
Characterization of HIV-1 diversity in various compartments at the time of primary infection by ultradeep sequencing
Authors: Gaube Géraldine , Armero Alix , Salmona Maud , Néré Marie-Laure , Mahjoub Nadia , Lascoux-Combe Caroline , Gabassi Audrey , Gallien Sébastien , Amara Ali , Molina Jean Michel , Delaugerre Constance , Chaix Marie-Laure
Published: February 2020

We used next-generation sequencing to evaluate the quantity and genetic diversity of the HIV envelope gene in various compartments in eight patients with acute infection. Plasma (PL) and seminal fluid (SF) were available for all patients, whole blood (WB) for seven, non-spermatozoid cells (NSC) for four, and saliva (SAL) for three. Median HIV-1 RNA was 6.2 log10 copies/mL [IQR: 5.5–6.95] in PL, 4.9 log10 copies/mL [IQR: 4.25–5.29] in SF, and 4.9 log10 copies/mL [IQR: 4.46–5.09] in SAL. Median HIV-1 DNA was 4.1 log10 copies/106 PBMCs [IQR: 3.15–4.15] in WB and 2.6 log10 copies /106 Cells [IQR: 2.23–2.75] in NSC. The median overall diversity per patient varied from 0.0005 to 0.0232, suggesting very low diversity, confirmed by the clonal aspect of most of the phylogenetic trees. One single haplotype was present in all compartments for five patients in the earliest stage of infection. Evidence of higher diversity was established for two patients in PL and WB, suggesting compartmentalization. Our study shows low diversity of the env gene in the first stages of infection followed by the rapid establishment of cellular reservoirs of the virus. Such clonality could be exploited in the search for early patient-specific therapeutic solutions.
Dysregulated metabolic pathways in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Zhang Meng , Jiang Nisi , Chu Yi , Postnikova Olga , Varghese Rency , Horvath Anelia , Cheema Amrita K. , Golestaneh Nady
Published: February 2020

Age-related macular degeneration is a major cause of vision impairment in the Western world among people of 55 years and older. Recently we have shown that autophagy is dysfunctional in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the AMD donor eyes (AMD RPE). We also showed increased reactive oxygen (ROS) production, increased cytoplasmic glycogen accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction and disintegration, and enlarged and annular LAMP-1-positive organelles in AMD RPE. However, the underlying mechanisms inducing these abnormalities remain to be elucidated. Here, by performing a comprehensive study, we show increased PAPR2 expression, deceased NAD+, and SIRT1, increased PGC-1α acetylation (inactive form), lower AMPK activity, and overactive mTOR pathway in AMD RPE as compared to normal RPE. Metabolomics and lipidomics revealed dysregulated metabolites in AMD RPE as compared to normal RPE, including glycerophospholipid metabolism, involved in autophagy, lipid, and protein metabolisms, glutathione, guanosine, and L-glutamic acid, which are implicated in protection against oxidative stress and neurotoxicity, further supporting our observations. Our data show dysregulated metabolic pathways as important contributors to AMD pathophysiology, and facilitate the development of new treatment strategies for this debilitating disease of the visual system.
A data-driven approach to decompose motion data into task-relevant and task-irrelevant components in categorical outcome
Authors: Furuki Daisuke , Takiyama Ken
Published: February 2020

Decomposition of motion data into task-relevant and task-irrelevant components is an effective way to clarify the diverse features involved in motor control and learning. Several previous methods have succeeded in this type of decomposition while focusing on the clear relation of motion to both a specific goal and a continuous outcome, such as a 10 mm deviation from a target or 1 m/s hand velocity. In daily life, it is vital to quantify not only continuous but also categorical outcomes. For example, in baseball, batters must judge whether the opposing pitcher will throw a fastball or a breaking ball; tennis players must decide whether an opposing player will serve out wide or down the middle. However, few methods have focused on quantifying categorical outcome; thus, how to decompose motion data into task-relevant and task-irrelevant components when the outcome is categorical rather than continuous remains unclear. Here, we propose a data-driven method to decompose motion data into task-relevant and task-irrelevant components when the outcome takes categorical values. We applied our method to experimental data where subjects were required to throw fastballs or breaking balls with a similar form. Our data-driven approach can be applied to the unclear relation between motion and outcome, and the relation can be estimated in a data-driven manner. Furthermore, our method can successfully evaluate how the task-relevant components are modulated depending on the task requirements.
Reactive Extraction of Malic Acid using Trioctylamine in 1–Decanol: Equilibrium Studies by Response Surface Methodology Using Box Behnken Optimization Technique
Authors: Inyang Victoria , Lokhat David
Published: February 2020

Reactive extraction is a significant technique employed for the removal of organic acids such as carboxylic acid which are usually present in low concentrations in aqueous solutions. This technique was explored by applying Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in process parameter optimization for malic acid recovery from aqueous streams using Trioctylamine as extractant and 1-decanol as organic diluent. Malic acid, a C4 dicarboxylic acid has a wide variety of applications in the polymer, food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The optimization of the response function: extraction efficiency was systematically carried out using three process parameters for reactive extraction: temperature, initial malic acid concentration and extractant (Trioctylamine) composition. Response Surface Methodology in combination with Box-Behnken design involving seventeen experimental runs was employed for malic acid reactive extraction in this study. A statistical second-order polynomial predicted an extraction efficiency of 97.53%. The optimum conditions of the process variables were found to be: temperature: 304.73 K, acid concentration: 0.25 kmol/m3, Trioctylamine composition: 23.54% (v/v). Under these optimum conditions, the experimental response of extraction efficiency of 93.25% was obtained. The experimental results obtained was in close conformity with the predicted values by numerical optimization using Response Surface Methodology. These findings can pave the way for the reactive separation process design for recovery of carboxylic acids from dilute aqueous waste streams as well as a fermentation broth.
Mantle cloaking due to ideal magnetic dipole scattering
Authors: Cappello Barbara , Ospanova Anar K. , Matekovits Ladislau , Basharin Alexey A.
Published: February 2020

One of the most exciting applications of metaparticles and metasurfaces consists in the magnetic light excitation. However, the principal limitation is due to parasitic extra multipoles of electric family excited in magnetic dipole meta-particles characterized by a radiating nature and corresponding radiating losses. In this paper, we propose the “ideal magnetic dipole” with suppressed additional multipoles except of magnetic dipole moment in the scattered field from a cylindrical object by using mantle cloaking based on metasurface and on anapole concept. The considered metasurface consists of a periodic width modulated microstrip line, with a sinusoidally shaped profile unit cell printed on a dielectric substrate.
The Effects of Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) on Suppression of the Expressions of the Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines, and Proliferation of Schwann Cell, and Neurotrophic Factors
Authors: Wang Zhanqi , Mudalal Mahmoud , Sun Yue , Liu Yiping , Wang Jia , Wang Yao , Sun Xiaolin , Zhou Yanmin
Published: February 2020

This study evaluates the use of L-PRF as an autologous scaffold in nerve regeneration, and Schwann cells (SCs) proliferation and secretion of neurotrophic factors and its anti-inflammatory effect on SC Porphyromonas Gingivalis-Lipopolysaccharide (PG-LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in vitro. SEM was done to investigate various features of L-PRF. L-PRF-extracts was used to investigate the release of growth factors and treatment of SCs line. ELISA was applied to examine the release of IGF-1. The proliferative effect of L-PRF on SCs was assessed with CCK-8 assay. The effect of L-PRF on the mRNA and protein expression of SC neurotrophic factors were analyzed by RT-qPCR and ELISA. CCK-8 assay and RT-qPCR were used to determine the required concentration and the action time of PG-LPS before the anti-inflammatory effect of L-PRF was determined by measuring the changes in IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-a with RT-qPCR and ELISA. There are different features in L-PRF. Fourteen days was sufficient to release adequate GF. The mRNA expressions of the pro-inflammatory cytokines were notably raised by PG-LPS in 3-hours treatment. L-PRF can increase SC proliferation, neurotrophic factors secretion, and suppress SC PG-LPS-induced inflammatory responses in vitro. L-PRF has the potential as an autologous biological additive for peripheral nerve regeneration in the event of nerve inflammation and injuries.
MorbiNet: multimorbidity networks in adult general population. Analysis of type 2 diabetes mellitus comorbidity
Authors: Aguado Alba , Moratalla-Navarro Ferran , López-Simarro Flora , Moreno Victor
Published: February 2020

Multimorbidity has great impact on health care. We constructed multimorbidity networks in the general population, extracted subnets focused on common chronic conditions and analysed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) comorbidity network. We used electronic records from 3,135,948 adult people in Catalonia, Spain (539,909 with T2DM), with at least 2 coexistent chronic conditions within the study period (2006–2017). We constructed networks from odds-ratio estimates adjusted by age and sex and considered connections with OR > 1.2 and p-value < 1e-5. Directed networks and trajectories were derived from temporal associations. Interactive networks are freely available in a website with the option to customize characteristics and subnets. The more connected conditions in T2DM undirected network were: complicated hypertension and atherosclerosis/peripheral vascular disease (degree: 32), cholecystitis/cholelithiasis, retinopathy and peripheral neuritis/neuropathy (degree: 31). T2DM has moderate number of connections and centrality but is associated with conditions with high scores in the multimorbidity network (neuropathy, anaemia and digestive diseases), and severe conditions with poor prognosis. The strongest associations from T2DM directed networks were to retinopathy (OR: 23.8), glomerulonephritis/nephrosis (OR: 3.4), peripheral neuritis/neuropathy (OR: 2.7) and pancreas cancer (OR: 2.4). Temporal associations showed the relevance of retinopathy in the progression to complicated hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart disease and organ failure.
Larger size and older age confer competitive advantage: dominance hierarchy within European vulture guild
Authors: Moreno-Opo Rubén , Trujillano Ana , Margalida Antoni
Published: February 2020

Competition for limiting natural resources generates complex networks of relationships between individuals, both at the intra- and interspecific levels, establishing hierarchical scenarios among different population groups. Within obligate scavengers, and especially in vultures, the coevolutionary mechanisms operating during carrion exploitation are highly specialized and determined in part by agonistic behavior resulting in intra-guild hierarchies. This paper revisits the behavioral and hierarchical organization within the guild of European vultures, on the basis of their agonistic activities during carrion exploitation. We used a dataset distilled from high-quality videorecordings of competitive interactions among the four European vulture species during feeding events. We found a despotic dominance gradient from the larger species to smaller ones, and from the adults to subadults and juveniles, following an age and body size-based linear pattern. The four studied species, and to some extent age classes, show despotic dominance and organization of their guild exerting differential selection to different parts of the carrion. The abundance of these parts could ultimately condition the level of agonistic interactions. We discuss the behavioral organization and the relationship of hierarchies according to the feeding behavior and prey selection, by comparing with other scavenger guilds.
Moderate Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in HBsAg−/HBcAb+ Carriers Receiving Rituximab for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kuo Meng Hsuan , Tseng Chih-Wei , Lee Chi-Hui , Tung Chien-Hsueh , Tseng Kuo-Chih , Lai Ning-Sheng
Published: February 2020

To investigate the incidence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)−/ HBV core antibody (HBcAb)+ patients who underwent rituximab (RTX) therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). From January 2000 through December 2017, a total of 134 RA patients with various HBV serostatuses who received RTX at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital were screened. Finally, 50 HBsAg−/HBcAb+ patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Baseline characteristics, comedications, and the occurrence of HBV reactivation were recorded. Four HBsAg−/HBcAb+ RA patients (8%; 4/50) experienced HBV reactivation after treatment with RTX. Hepatitis flare-up occurred in 2 of these 4 patients, with a fatal outcome in one. HBV reactivation occurred approximately 1–4 years after the first dose of RTX and 0.5–1.5 years after the last one. In HBsAg−/HBcAb+ patients, HBV reactivation was significantly more common in those who were HBV surface antibody (HBsAb)− at baseline than in those who were HBsAb+ (30% vs 4%; p = 0.02). A history of adalimumab use was associated with HBV reactivation (100% vs 39%; p = 0.02). A moderate risk of HBV reactivation was observed in HBsAg−/HBcAb+ RA patients receiving RTX therapy. The reactivation may induce acute hepatitis and even death. To reduce the risk of HBV reactivation, regular monitoring of liver function is insufficient; monitoring of viral load and HBsAg or prophylaxis with antiviral therapy should be considered.
Biogenic amorphous silica as main driver for plant available water in soils
Authors: Schaller Jörg , Cramer Andreas , Carminati Andrea , Zarebanadkouki Mohsen
Published: February 2020

More frequent and longer drought periods are predicted threatening agricultural yield. The capacity of soils to hold water is a highly important factor controlling drought stress intensity for plants. Biogenic amorphous silica (bASi) pools in soils are in the range of 0–6% and are suggested to help plants to resist drought. In agricultural soils, bASi pools declined to values of ~1% or lower) due to yearly crop harvest, decreasing water holding capacity of the soils. Here, we assessed the contribution of bASi to water holding capacity (WHC) of soil. Consequently, ASi was mixed at different rates (0, 1, 5 or 15%) with different soils. Afterwards, the retention curve of the soils was determined via Hyprop method. Here we show that bASi increases the soil water holding capacity substantially, by forming silica gels with a water content at saturation higher than 700%. An increase of bASi by 1% or 5% (weight) increased the water content at any water potential and plant available water increased by up to > 40% or > 60%, respectively. Our results suggest that soil management should be modified to increase bASi content, enhancing available water in soils and potentially decreasing drought stress for plants in terrestrial ecosystems.
An ENU-induced mutation in Twist1 transactivation domain causes hindlimb polydactyly with complete penetrance and dominant-negatively impairs E2A-dependent transcription
Authors: Chen Run-Ze , Cheng Xuebo , Tan Yuexi , Chang Tien-Chien , Lv Hailong , Jia Yichang
Published: February 2020

Twist1 encodes a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (TF), which forms homodimer or heterodimer with other TFs, like E2A, to regulate target genes’ expression. Mutations in TWIST1 are associated with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS), a rare congenital disorder characterized with osteogenesis abnormalities. However, how dysfunction of TWIST1 leads to SCS is still largely unknown. Here, using an unbiased ENU-induced mutagenesis screening, we identified a novel Twist1 mutation and the mutant mouse phenocopies some features of SCS in a dominant manner. Physically, our mutation p.F191S lies at the edge of a predicted α-helix in Twist1 transactivation (TA) domain. Adjacent to F191, a consecutive three-residue (AFS) has been hit by 3 human and 2 mouse disease-associated mutations, including ours. Unlike previously reported mouse null and p.S192P alleles that lead to hindlimb polydactyly with incomplete penetrance but a severe craniofacial malformation, our p.F191S causes the polydactyly (84.2% bilateral and 15.8% unilateral) with complete penetrance but a mild craniofacial malformation. Consistent with the higher penetrance, p.F191S has stronger impairment on E2A-dependent transcription than p.S192P. Although human p.A186T and mouse p.S192P disease mutations are adjacent to ours, these three mutations function differently to impair the E2A-dependent transcription. Unlike p.A186T and p.S192S that disturb local protein conformation and unstabilize the mutant proteins, p.F191S keeps the mutant protein stable and its interaction with E2A entire. Therefore, we argue that p.F191S we identified acts in a dominant-negative manner to impair E2A-dependent transcription and to cause the biological consequences. In addition, the mutant mouse we provided here could be an additional and valuable model for better understanding the disease mechanisms underlying SCS caused by TWIST1 dysfunction.
Iberian-Appalachian connection is the missing link between Gondwana and Laurasia that confirms a Wegenerian Pangaea configuration
Authors: Correia Pedro , Murphy J. Brendan
Published: February 2020

The formation and subsequent breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea has dominated Earth’s evolution for the last 320 million years. Although its configuration at the time of breakup is widely accepted, there remains uncertainty about its configuration at the time of its amalgamation. The classic Pangaea-A model, widely known as “Wegenerian” configuration, implies that Pangaea did not deform internally between amalgamation and breakup. Palaeomagnetic studies suggest the possibility of a Pangaea-B configuration, in which Gondwana was located about 3000 km farther east relative to Laurasia compared its location in Pangaea-A. Here, we provide firm evidence of an Iberian-Appalachian connection in the Late Pennsylvanian (307–299 Ma) which confirms a Pangaea-A configuration for the relative locations of Gondwana and Laurasia in the late Palaeozoic, negating the possibility of Pangaea-B at that time. This evidence is based on palaeobotanical and biostratigraphic findings recently documented in the Carboniferous successions of Iberia (Douro Basin, Portugal). These new findings also precisely constrain the timing of uplift of the Appalachian and Iberian (Variscan) orogens and climatic changes during the amalgamation of Pangaea and final closure of the Rheic Ocean.
Vitis vinifera polyphenols from seedless black fruit act synergistically to suppress hepatotoxicity by targeting necroptosis and pro-fibrotic mediators
Authors: Abu-Serie Marwa M. , Habashy Noha H.
Published: February 2020

Human is subjected from his surrounding to various hepatotoxins, which aggravates his liver. Nowadays, natural polyphenols have attracted great interest in health improvement, especially liver health. The present research, therefore, assessed the hepatotherapeutic potency of the isolated polyphenols (VVF1) from seedless (pulp and skin) black Vitis vinifera (VV) against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Further, VVF1 was fractionated into resveratrol-enriched (VVF2) and phenolics-enriched (VVF3) fractions to study (in vitro) the possible synergism of their coexistence. The highest content of phenolics in VVF1 displayed in vitro synergistic antioxidant and anti-hepatotoxic activities comparing to VVF2, VVF3, and silymarin (SM, reference drug). More importantly, it exhibited multiple in vivo regulatory functions via diminishing oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn decreased necroptosis and pro-fibrotic mediators (mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1). In addition to these novel findings, VVF1 had higher anti-hepatotoxic potency than that of SM in most of the studied parameters. The histopathological analysis confirmed the improving role of VVF1 in the serious hepatic damage induced by CCl4. Thus, the synergistic functions of VVF1 polyphenols could be a promising new anti-hepatotoxic agent for targeting both necroptotic and profibrotic mediators.
A novel Kohonen one-class method for quality control of tea coupled with artificial lipid membrane taste sensors
Authors: Shi Yan , Liu Xiaotong , Yin Chongbo , Liu Jingjing , Men Hong
Published: February 2020

A novel Kohonen one-class method for quality control of tea.
First observation of surface protonics on SrZrO3 perovskite under a H2 atmosphere
Authors: Hisai Yudai , Murakami Kota , Kamite Yukiko , Ma Quanbao , Vøllestad Einar , Manabe Ryo , Matsuda Taku , Ogo Shuhei , Norby Truls , Sekine Yasushi
Published: February 2020

This is the first direct observation that surface proton hopping occurs on SrZrO3 perovskite even under a H2 (i.e. dry) atmosphere.
Surface/interface nanoengineering for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Zhou Tianpei , Zhang Nan , Wu Changzheng , Xie Yi
Published: February 2020

Surface/interface nanoengineering of electrocatalysts and air electrodes will promote the rapid development of high-performance rechargeable Zn–air batteries.
Voltage-driven annihilation and creation of magnetic vortices in Ni discs
Authors: Ghidini M. , Mansell R. , Pellicelli R. , Pesquera D. , Nair B. , Moya X. , Farokhipoor S. , Maccherozzi F. , Barnes C. H. W. , Cowburn R. P. , Dhesi S. S. , Mathur N. D.
Published: February 2020

Using PEEM to image ferromagnetism in polycrystalline Ni disks, and ferroelectricity in their single-crystal BaTiO3 substrates, we find that voltage-driven 90° ferroelectric domain switching serves to annihilate magnetic vortices via uniaxial compressive strain.
Protein unfolding by SDS: the microscopic mechanisms and the properties of the SDS-protein assembly
Authors: Winogradoff David , John Shalini , Aksimentiev Aleksei
Published: February 2020

Molecular dynamics simulations reveal how anionic surfactant SDS and heat unfold full-length proteins.
Kinetically assembled binary nanoparticle networks
Authors: Wang Jiuling , Lee Brian Hyun-jong , Arya Gaurav
Published: February 2020

Lattice simulations reveal that kinetic assembly of two species of nanoparticles can lead to unique fractal networks with diverse morphologies.
Magnetic i-MXenes: a new class of multifunctional two-dimensional materials
Authors: Gao Qiang , Zhang Hongbin
Published: February 2020

Based on density functional theory calculations, we investigated two-dimensional in-plane ordered MXenes (i-MXenes), focusing particularly on their magnetic properties.
InCl3-catalyzed 5-exo-dig cyclization/1,6-conjugate addition of N-propargylamides with p-QMs to construct oxazole derivatives
Authors: Nan Guang-Ming , Li Xue , Yao Tian-Yu , Yan Ting-Xun , Wen Li-Rong , Li Ming
Published: February 2020

An InCl3-catalyzed tandem intramolecular 5-exo-dig cyclization/1,6-conjugate addition/aromatization of N-propargylamides with p-QMs to produce oxazoles tethering diarylmethane has been successfully developed.
Investigating ultrafast carrier dynamics in perovskite solar cells with an extended π-conjugated polymeric diketopyrrolopyrrole layer for hole transportation
Authors: Kulshreshtha Chandramouli , Clement Arul , Pascher Torbjörn , Sundström Villy , Matyba Piotr
Published: February 2020

Diketopyrrole based hole-transport organic semiconductor was employed in perovskite solar cells and charge carrier dynamics was explained.
Analysis of the effect of the operational conditions in a combined adsorption–ozonation process with granular activated carbon for the treatment of phenol wastewater
Authors: Ferreiro Cristian , Villota Natalia , de Luis Ana , Lombraña Jose Ignacio
Published: February 2020

Analysis of phenol ozonation using a G–L–S model: through mass transfer, chemical reaction and adsorption parameters.
Antibody-recruiting protein-catalyzed capture agents to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Authors: Idso Matthew N. , Akhade Ajay Suresh , Arrieta-Ortiz Mario L. , Lai Bert T. , Srinivas Vivek , Hopkins James P. , Gomes Ana Oliveira , Subramanian Naeha , Baliga Nitin , Heath James R.
Published: February 2020

Antibody-recruiting protein-catalyzed capture agent (AR-PCCs) are a new class of all-synthetic and highly targeted antibiotics that recruit endogenous immune responses to eliminate drug-resistant microbes.
Metal complexes as a promising source for new antibiotics
Authors: Frei Angelo , Zuegg Johannes , Elliott Alysha G. , Baker Murray , Braese Stefan , Brown Christopher , Chen Feng , G. Dowson Christopher , Dujardin Gilles , Jung Nicole , King A. Paden , Mansour Ahmed M. , Massi Massimiliano , Moat John , Mohamed Heba A. , Renfrew Anna K. , Rutledge Peter J. , Sadler Peter J. , Todd Matthew H. , Willans Charlotte E. , Wilson Justin J. , Cooper Matthew A. , Blaskovich Mark A. T.
Published: February 2020

There is a dire need for new compounds to combat antibiotic resistance: metal complexes might provide the solution. 906 metal complexes were evaluated against dangerous ESKAPE pathogens and found to have a higher hit-rate than organic molecules.
Controlling the C2+ product selectivity of electrochemical CO2reduction on an electrosprayed Cu catalyst
Authors: Lee Si Young , Chae Sang Youn , Jung Hyejin , Lee Chan Woo , Nguyen Dang Le Tri , Oh Hyung-Suk , Min Byoung Koun , Hwang Yun Jeong
Published: February 2020

Copper catalyst with high C2 selectivity was synthesized by one-step electrospray pyrolysis. The C2/C1 ratio can be controlled easily by the spray amount of catalyst, and the C2 selectivity is very closely related to the structure of the catalyst.
Upconversion properties of SrF2:Yb3+,Er3+ single crystals
Authors: Saleta Reig D. , Grauel B. , Konyushkin V. A. , Nakladov A. N. , Fedorov P. P. , Busko D. , Howard I. A. , Richards B. S. , Resch-Genger U. , Kuznetsov S. V. , Turshatov A. , Würth C.
Published: February 2020

We present the excitation power and doping concentration dependent upconversion properties of SrF2:Yb3+,Er3+ single crystals. The determined optical properties of this bulk material can serve as benchmark values for cubic-phase nanomaterials.
A facile ratiometric electrochemical sensor for sensitive 4-acetamidophenol determination based on ferrocene–graphene oxide–Nafion modified electrode
Authors: Guo Huijun , Wang Zhenyu , Yang Weilong , Li Jianhua , Jiang Di
Published: February 2020

A ratiometric electrochemical sensor was constructed for sensitive 4-acetamidophenol (4-AP) detection.
N-Cyclopropenio-imidazol-2-ylidene: An N-heterocyclic carbene bearing an N-cationic substituent
Authors: Barthes Cécile , Duhayon Carine , Canac Yves , César Vincent
Published: February 2020

Inspired by the success of α-cationic phosphines, a new cationic NHC, derived from IMes by the formal replacement of an N-mesityl substituent by a cationic cyclopropenium group, is described.
Effect of urea additives on CuSO4·5H2O crystal habit: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Zheng Shigui , Xu Zhihuang , Ye Liwang , Li Dengpeng , Zhuang Xinxin
Published: February 2020

Oblique hexagonal prism copper(ii) sulfate pentahydrate crystal was formed due to the preferential adsorption of urea molecules on specific faces.
Thermal transport properties of monolayer MoSe2 with defects
Authors: Ma Jiang-Jiang , Zheng Jing-Jing , Li Wei-Dong , Wang Dong-Hong , Wang Bao-Tian
Published: February 2020

The defects in monolayer MoSe2 have a significant effect on its lattice thermal conductivity.
Gd(NO3)(Se2O5)·3H2O: a nitrate–selenite nonlinear optical material with a short ultraviolet cutoff edge
Authors: Wu Chao , Li Longhua , Lin Lin , Huang Zhipeng , Humphrey Mark G. , Zhang Chi
Published: February 2020

A rare-earth metal nitrate–selenite nonlinear optical crystal Gd(NO3)(Se2O5)·3H2O with a short ultraviolet cutoff edge was synthesized by a hydrothermal method.
Retraction: Stable ‘arrested’ non-aqueous edible foams based on food emulsifiers
Authors: Andres Jeanne
Published: February 2020

Retraction of ‘Stable ‘arrested’ non-aqueous edible foams based on food emulsifiers’ by A. R. Patel, Food Funct., 2017, 8, 2115–2120.
A metal-free route to alkynyl sulfones under photoinduced conditions with the insertion of sulfur dioxide
Authors: Gong Xinxing , Yang Min , Liu Jin-Biao , He Fu-Sheng , Fan Xiaona , Wu Jie
Published: February 2020

A metal-free route to alkynyl sulfones under photoinduced conditions is accomplished, starting from 4-alkyl Hantzsch esters, sulfur dioxide, and alkynyl bromides under visible light irradiation at room temperature.
Facile preparation of long-chain aliphatic polycarbonates containing block copolycarbonates via one-pot sequential organic catalyzed polymerization of macrocyclic carbonates and trimethylene carbonates
Authors: Yan Bingkun , Hou Jiaqian , Wei Chao , Xiao Yan , Lang Meidong , Huang Farong
Published: February 2020

A universal and effective approach was reported to synthesize block copolycarbonates containing long-chain aliphatic polycarbonates and PTMC segments using the ROP differences between macrocyclic and small cyclic carbonates with TBD as catalyst.
Polyesters with main and side chain phosphoesters as structural motives for biocompatible electrospun fibres
Authors: Polloni André E. , Chiaradia Viviane , do Amaral Ronaldo José F. C. , Kearney Cathal , Gorey Brian , de Oliveira Débora , de Oliveira José V. , de Araújo Pedro H. H. , Sayer Claudia , Heise Andreas
Published: February 2020

The functionalisation of polymacrolactones with phosphoesters was achieved by thiol–ene coupling resulting in copolymers with modulated properties.
Design strategy of rGO–HNT–AgNPs based hybrid nanocomposite with enhanced performance for electrochemical detection of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Hwa Kuo-Yuan , Sharma Tata Sanjay Kanna , Ganguly Anindita
Published: February 2020

We report a highly precise and sensitive electrochemical sensor to detect 4-nitrophenol based on halloysite nanotubes with silver nanoparticles decorated on reduced graphene oxide.
Formation of cobalt phosphide nanodisks as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for enhanced water splitting
Authors: Ji Lvlv , Zheng Huifang , Wei Yue , Fang Yeting , Du Jialei , Wang Tao , Wang Sheng
Published: February 2020

A novel porous disk-like nanostructured CoP shows excellent bifunctional catalytic performances toward overall water splitting.
Flexible TPU strain sensors with tunable sensitivity and stretchability by coupling AgNWs with rGO
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Shan , Xiao Zhi-chao , Yang Yi , Deng Bo-wen , Yin Bo , Ke Kai , Yang Ming-bo
Published: February 2020

The layer-by-layer structure formed by the synergistic effect of GO and AgNWs endows the strain sensors with high sensitivity and a wide working range.
Biomarkers of inflammation and the etiology of sepsis
Authors: Grondman Inge , Pirvu Andrei , Riza Anca , Ioana Mihai , Netea Mihai G.
Published: February 2020

Sepsis is characterized as a life-threatening organ dysfunction syndrome that is caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. The main etiological causes of sepsis are bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Last decades clinical and preclinical research contributed to a better understanding of pathophysiology of sepsis. The dysregulated host response in sepsis is complex, with both pathogen-related factors contributing to disease, as well as immune-cell mediated inflammatory responses that can lead to adverse outcomes in early or advanced stages of disease. Due to its heterogenous nature, clinical diagnosis remains challenging and sepsis-specific treatment options are still lacking. Classification and early identification of patient subgroups may aid clinical decisions and improve outcome in sepsis patients. The initial clinical presentation is rather similar in sepsis of different etiologies, however, inflammatory profiles may be able to distinguish between different etiologies of infections. In this review, we summarize the role and the discriminating potency of host-derived inflammatory biomarkers in the context of the main etiological types of sepsis.
Keeping in touch with the membrane; protein- and lipid-mediated confinement of caveolae to the cell surface
Authors: Hubert Madlen , Larsson Elin , Lundmark Richard
Published: February 2020

Caveolae are small Ω-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane that play important roles in mechanosensing, lipid homeostasis and signaling. Their typical morphology is characterized by a membrane funnel connecting a spherical bulb to the membrane. Membrane funnels (commonly known as necks and pores) are frequently observed as transient states during fusion and fission of membrane vesicles in cells. However, caveolae display atypical dynamics where the membrane funnel can be stabilized over an extended period of time, resulting in cell surface constrained caveolae. In addition, caveolae are also known to undergo flattening as well as short-range cycles of fission and fusion with the membrane, requiring that the membrane funnel closes or opens up, respectively. This mini-review considers the transition between these different states and highlights the role of the protein and lipid components that have been identified to control the balance between surface association and release of caveolae.
Small molecule targeting of SHIP1 and SHIP2
Authors: Kerr William G. , Pedicone Chiara , Dormann Shawn , Pacherille Angela , Chisholm John D.
Published: February 2020

Modulating the activity of the Src Homology 2 (SH2) — containing Inositol 5′-Phosphatase (SHIP) enzyme family with small molecule inhibitors provides a useful and unconventional method of influencing cell signaling in the PI3K pathway. The development of small molecules that selectively target one of the SHIP paralogs (SHIP1 or SHIP2) as well as inhibitors that simultaneously target both enzymes have provided promising data linking the phosphatase activity of the SHIP enzymes to disorders and disease states that are in dire need of new therapeutic targets. These include cancer, immunotherapy, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease. In this mini-review, we will provide a brief overview of research in these areas that support targeting SHIP1, SHIP2 or both enzymes for therapeutic purposes.
Automated video monitoring of insect pollinators in the field
Authors: Pegoraro Luca , Hidalgo Oriane , Leitch Ilia J. , Pellicer Jaume , Barlow Sarah E.
Published: February 2020

Ecosystems are at increasing risk from the global pollination crisis. Gaining better knowledge about pollinators and their interactions with plants is an urgent need. However, conventional methods of manually recording pollinator activity in the field can be time- and cost-consuming in terms of labour. Field-deployable video recording systems have become more common in ecological studies as they enable the capture of plant-insect interactions in fine detail. Standard video recording can be effective, although there are issues with hardware reliability under field-conditions (e.g. weatherproofing), and reviewing raw video manually is a time-consuming task. Automated video monitoring systems based on motion detection partly overcome these issues by only recording when activity occurs hence reducing the time needed to review footage during post-processing. Another advantage of these systems is that the hardware has relatively low power requirements. A few systems have been tested in the field which permit the collection of large datasets. Compared with other systems, automated monitoring allows vast increases in sampling at broad spatiotemporal scales. Some tools such as post-recording computer vision software and data-import scripts exist, further reducing users’ time spent processing and analysing the data. Integrated computer vision and automated species recognition using machine learning models have great potential to further the study of pollinators in the field. Together, it is predicted that future advances in technology-based field monitoring methods will contribute significantly to understanding the causes underpinning pollinator declines and, hence, developing effective solutions for dealing with this global challenge.
Begleitung eines Kindes bei der Erstmanifestation Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Heidrich Nicole
Published: February 2020

Ein kurzes Telefonat, und der Stationsarzt verkündet dem Pflegepersonal der Intensivstation, dass eine Aufnahme bevorsteht: Ein achtjähriger Junge mit schwerer diabetischer Ketoazidose bei bislang unbekanntem Diabetes. Welche Bedeutung hat die Diagnose für das Kind und seine Eltern und welche Rolle spielt sie bei der Behandlung für das beteiligte Personal?
Orthetische Versorgung der Wirbelsäule
Authors: Grage-Roßmann B. , Auler S. , Schmitt E.
Published: February 2020

Die Versorgung mit Orthesen hat in der konservativen orthopädischen
Therapie ihren festen Stellenwert. Für Erkrankungen der
Wirbelsäule gilt, dass der Patient je nach Indikation in seiner
Bewegungsausführung beeinflusst werden soll. So werden Rumpforthesen mit
dem Ziel der Funktionsunterstützung, der Stabilisation oder der
Korrektur für die Wirbelsäule verordnet. Zusätzlich
ergibt sich aus der gezielten Materialwahl und Anwendung der unterschiedlichen
biomechanischen Wirkprinzipien eine große Variationsbreite an
Rumpforthesen, die in diesem Artikel besprochen werden.
Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Albisetti Manuela
Published: February 2020

While the need for anticoagulation in children has increased over the last decades, dose regimens of currently used anticoagulants, including low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and vitamin K antagonist (VKA), are still extrapolated from adult guidelines because well-designed clinical trials were never performed in children. This approach is not optimal due to specific pediatric features of the hemostatic system and pathophysiology of thrombosis. These anticoagulants also present several disadvantages that further hamper optimal anticoagulation of pediatric patients, especially newborns and infants. The new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), which have the potential to overcome these disadvantages, were extensively investigated in adults and have become a valid alternative to LMWH and VKA for anticoagulation in the adult population. Several pediatric trials on all approved DOACs are currently ongoing, providing specific pediatric formulations and age- and weight-adjusted dose guidelines. First results of phase III trials indicate that DOACs are at least as efficient and safe as LMWH and VKA for the treatment and prevention of thrombotic events in children with different clinical conditions. This review article summarizes available data from terminated and ongoing controlled trials on DOACs in children and adolescents.
Mini PCNL Over Standard PCNL: What Makes it Better?
Authors: Thapa Bikash Bikram , Niranjan Vikram
Published: February 2020

The incidence of small- and medium-size renal stones is rising. Stone clearance, bleeding, urine leak, and infectious complications are major concerns for urologists. They can choose the best technique from a list of armamentarium available. Minimally invasive approach like percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has significantly influenced renal stone management since 1976. Miniaturization of the instruments innovate more effective and safer alternatives for urolithasis management. The outcome of mini-PCNL is explored and compared with standard PCNL in this review. Original research articles were reviewed using a systematic approach (keyword electronic database search). Duplicates were excluded in each step and 19 original articles out of 156 hits were analyzed. Mini-PCNL has significantly less bleeding complications and hospital stay. There were no significant difference in stone free rate between mini-PCNL and standard PCNL. The stone-free rate and complications rates were less dependent on the technique of puncture, tract dilatation, and energy used to fragment stones. The total operative time became slightly longer in mini-PCNL attributed to the sheath size and stone fragments retrieval. We found that mini-PCNL is as effective as standard PCNL with fewer complications. Stone burden is the key factor responsible for overall stone-free rate. However, the recommendation is limited by quality of study and the sample sizes.
How I Manage Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Complications in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Koschmieder Steffen
Published: February 2020

Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), such as polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis, are at increased risk for arterial and venous thrombosis/thromboembolism. In particular, the risk of splanchnic venous thrombosis, such as portal vein thrombosis or Budd–Chiari syndrome, is significantly higher in patients with MPN than in the normal population. At the same time, MPN patients are at increased risk for severe bleeding. Therefore, the treatment of patients with MPN must be based on their suspected probability of thrombosis/thromboembolism and bleeding. For this purpose, patient and MPN-specific risk factors are used. Patients at expected high risk of thrombosis should receive adequate primary or secondary thromboprophylaxis in addition to cytoreductive therapy. This may consist of antiplatelet agents and/or anticoagulant agents and must be balanced with the individual bleeding risk. The goal is to increase the quality of life and life span of patients with MPNs by preventing (re-)thrombosis and severe bleeding.
Striation phenomena in a low temperature atmospheric pressure neon plasma jet by optical emission spectroscopy
Authors: Yamada Hiromasa , Kato Susumu , Shimizu Tetsuji , Fujiwara Masanori , Fujiwara Yutaka , Kim Jaeho , Ikehara Sanae , Shimizu Nobuyuki , Ikehara Yuzuru , Sakakita Hajime
Published: February 2020

Striation phenomena in a plasma flare produced by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet had been observed. In this study, we measured the striation structure in a neon plasma flare by optical emission spectroscopy. As a result, it shows that the emission from the plasma flare is synchronized with the plasma current. We discuss the temperature estimated from the Boltzmann plot using the two emission lines of Ne I at 692.9 and 724.5 nm whose upper levels are Ne [3p (2p6)] and Ne [3p (2p10)], respectively. This temperature has peaks with a spatial interval of about 0.5 mm, and the peak positions correspond to the spatial variation of the emission intensity. We also discuss the mechanism of the striation phenomena with the estimated temperature, and collisional relaxation between excited and neutral atoms.