bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time to Full Enteral Feeding for Very Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants Varies Markedly Among Hospitals Worldwide But May Not Be Associated With Incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: The NEOMUNE‐NeoNutriNet Cohort Study
Authors: de Waard Marita , Li Yanqi , Zhu Yanna , Ayede Adejumoke I. , Berrington Janet , Bloomfield Frank H. , Busari Olubunmi O. , Cormack Barbara E. , Embleton Nicholas D. , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Greisen Gorm , He Zhongqian , Huang Yan , Li Xiaodong , Lin Hung‐Chih , Mei Jiaping , Meier Paula P. , Nie Chuan , Patel Aloka L. , Ritz Christian , Sangild Per T. , Skeath Thomas , Simmer Karen , Tongo Olukemi O. , Uhlenfeldt Signe S. , Ye Sufen , Ye Xuqiang , Zhang Chunyi , Zhou Ping
Published: November 2018

Background

Transition to enteral feeding is difficult for very low‐birth‐weight (VLBW; ≤1500 g) infants, and optimal nutrition is important for clinical outcomes.

Method

Data on feeding practices and short‐term clinical outcomes (growth, necrotizing enterocolitis [NEC], mortality) in VLBW infants were collected from 13 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in 5 continents (n = 2947). Specifically, 5 NICUs in Guangdong province in China (GD), mainly using formula feeding and slow feeding advancement (n = 1366), were compared with the remaining NICUs (non‐GD, n = 1581, Oceania, Europe, United States, Taiwan, Africa) using mainly human milk with faster advancement rates.

Results

Across NICUs, large differences were observed for time to reach full enteral feeding (TFF; 8–33 days), weight gain (5.0–14.6 g/kg/day), ∆z‐scores (−0.54 to −1.64), incidence of NEC (1%–13%), and mortality (1%–18%). Adjusted for gestational age, GD units had longer TFF (26 vs 11 days), lower weight gain (8.7 vs 10.9 g/kg/day), and more days on antibiotics (17 vs 11 days; all P < .001) than non‐GD units, but NEC incidence and mortality were similar.

Conclusion

Feeding practices for VLBW infants vary markedly around the world. Use of formula and long TFF in South China was associated with more use of antibiotics and slower weight gain, but apparently not with more NEC or higher mortality. Both infant‐ and hospital‐related factors influence feeding practices for preterm infants. Multicenter, randomized controlled trials are required to identify the optimal feeding strategy during the first weeks of life.
Architecture conformance analysis using model‐based testing: A case study approach
Authors: Uzun Burak , Tekinerdogan Bedir
Published: November 2018

Context: The architectural drift problem defines the discrepancy between the architecture description and the code. Deviations of the code from the architecture can occur if architectural constraints as defined in the architectural models are not implemented in the code. For large‐scale systems, manually checking the consistency of the architecture with the code is not trivial and cumbersome.

Objective: The overall objective of this paper is to propose and analyze the effectiveness and practicality of an architecture conformance analysis approach using model‐based testing (ACAMBT) approach for checking the consistency between architectural models and the code. Hereby, we consider the case whereby the architecture is assumed correct, and the code needs to align with the architecture.

Method: We propose a model‐based testing that uses architectural views to automatically derive test cases for checking the architectural constraints in the code. We have evaluated the approach and the corresponding toolset for a real industrial case study using a systematic case study protocol. Further, we have adopted exhaustive fault‐injection techniques to detect the constraint violations.

Results: The evaluation of the approach on real code showed that deviations with the architectural constraints could be easily detected in the code.

Conclusion: We can conclude that ACAMBT is effective for identifying inconsistencies between the architecture views and the code for the defined view constraints. Our survey study with practitioners showed that adopting the ACAMBT approach is practical and easy to use. The approach as such can be considered as a complimentary tool to the existing testing and reflexion modeling approaches.
Evaluation of artificial heating sources for the thermoregulation of Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in Zurich zoo
Authors: Falcón Wilfredo , Furrer Samuel , Bauert Martin , Hatt Jean‐Michel , Hansen Dennis M. , Clauss Marcus
Published: November 2018

We recorded the thermoregulatory patterns of five Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) (25–193 kg) during spring (ZRH spring trial), after the installation of a heating area (concrete heat pad and basking lamp) at Zurich Zoo, Switzerland. The measurements were compared to published results on the same tortoises observed prior to the installation of the heater (ZRH summer and winter trials), and on wild tortoises on Aldabra Atoll. The mean environmental temperature outside the heating area was 23.3 °C, significantly lower compared to Aldabra Atoll (30.3 °C; range: 23.8–43.8 °C), and to the environmental temperature range at which tortoises maximize their activity in the wild (Ta‐opt; 25.8–31.7 °C). The heating area exhibited a mean temperature of 36.3 °C, and tortoises that made use of the heating area were able to maintain a mean core body temperature (Tbc) of 30.0 °C, which was comparable to the Tbc of tortoises during ZRH summer and on Aldabra trials, and an improvement over the mean Tbc recorded during the ZRH winter trial (21.2 °C). The smaller individuals reached the upper limits of Tbc recommended for the species, probably due to heating pad temperatures above Ta‐opt. We discuss current practices to provide external heating sources for tortoises and how this method can be used to provide an adequate thermal environment for large captive reptiles. Finally, we provide recommendations for the installation of artificial heating sources for tortoises and large reptiles.
Interface entropy in four dimensions as Calabi’s diastasis on the conformal manifold
Authors: Goto Kanato , Okuda Takuya
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We conjecture an equality between (1) the entropy associated with a Janus interface in a 4d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 superconformal field theory and (2) Calabi’s diastasis, a particular combination of analytically continued Kähler potentials, on the conformal manifold (moduli space) of the 4d theory.
Age‐related changes in Ki‐67 and DCX expression in the BALB/ c mouse (Mus Musculus) brain
Authors: Nkomozepi Pilani , Mazengenya Pedzisai , Ihunwo Amadi O.
Published: November 2018

Several studies have identified age as one of the strongest regulators of neurogenesis in the mammalian brain. However, previous age‐related studies focused mainly on changes in neurogenesis during different stages of adulthood and did not describe changes in neurogenesis through the different life history stages of the animal. The aim of this study was therefore to determine time course changes in neurogenesis in the male BALB/c mouse brain at postnatal ages 1 week to 12 weeks, spanning juvenile, sub adult and adult life history stages. To achieve this, Ki‐67 and DCX immunohistochemistry was used to assess changes in cell proliferation and neuronal incorporation respectively. Ki‐67 expression was mainly observed in the olfactory bulb, rostral migratory stream, sub ventricular zone of lateral ventricle and the sub granular zone of the dentate gyrus. In addition, fewer Ki‐67 positive cells were also observed in the neocortex, cerebellum and tectum. DCX was expressed in similar regions as Ki‐67 except for the cerebellum and tectum. Expression of both Ki‐67 and DCX sharply decreased with advancing age or life history stages in the sub ventricular zone, rostral migratory stream and sub granular zone of the BALB/c mouse brain. Neurogenesis therefore persists throughout all life history stages in the BALB/c mouse brain although it decreases with age.
HOW FUNCTIONAL DATA CAN ENHANCE THE ESTIMATION OF HEALTH EXPECTANCY: THE CASE OF DISABLED SPANISH POPULATION
Authors: Albarrán Irene , Alonso-González Pablo J. , Arribas-Gil Ana , Grané Aurea
Published: November 2018

The aging of population is perhaps the most important problem that developed countries must face in the near future. Dependency can be seen as a consequence of the process of gradual aging. In a health context, this contingency is defined as a lack of autonomy in performing basic activities of daily living that requires the care of another person or significant help. In Europe in general and in Spain in particular, this phenomena represents a problem with economic, political, social and demographic implications. The prevalence of dependency in the population, as well as its intensity and evolution over the course of a person’s life are issues of greatest importance that should be addressed. The aim of this work is the estimation of life expectancy free of dependency (LEFD) based on functional trajectories to enhance the regular estimation of health expectancy. Using information from the Spanish survey EDAD 2008, we estimate the number of years spent free of dependency for disabled people according to gender, dependency degree (moderate, severe, major) and the earlier or later onset of dependency compared to a central trend. The main findings are as follows: first, we show evidence that to estimate LEFD ignoring the information provided by the functional trajectories may lead to non-representative LEFD estimates; second, in general, dependency-free life expectancy is higher for women than for men. However, its intensity is higher in women with later onset on dependency; Third, the loss of autonomy is higher (and more abrupt) in men than in women. Finally, the diversity of patterns observed at later onset of dependency tends to a dependency extreme-pattern in both genders.
Pious Funds across the Pacific (1668–1823):Charitable Bequests or Credit Source?
Authors: Mesquida Juan O.
Published: November 2018

“Mercy,” preached Fray Casimiro Díaz, “is the legitimate daughter of compassion. And the indigent exclaims, the widows, orphans, and destitute women broadcast, even the religious communities acclaim, that mercy is the distinctive virtue of this Holy Board, for your pious gifts reach all of them.” The Augustinian friar was addressing the guardians and members of Manila's Hermandad de la Misericordia (Confraternity of Mercy) in a mass that commemorated the anniversary of its foundation in mid September of 1743. At first glance, the occasion would not deserve much attention, another sermon praising the alms-giving labor of a confraternity. Spanish America swelled with similar institutions devoted to administering alms and endowments to sponsor prayers and charity. Yet, the Manila Misericordia was different. Church corporations in the Americas invested donations in low-interest annuities in perpetuity attached to property. Charity donors in Manila had found a better way to maximize pious gifts: by creating legacies to be invested in maritime trade loans at high interests.
“Deficient Education,” “Academic Questions,” and Student Movements:Universities and the Politics of the Everyday in Brazil's Military Dictatorship, 1969–1979
Authors: Snider Colin M.
Published: November 2018

As the globally eventful year of 1968 drew to a close, Brazilian university students living in what was then a four-year-old dictatorship faced two new challenges that would profoundly alter student politics and resistance on campuses in the coming decade. The more infamous was Ato Institucional 5 (Institutional Act No. 5, or AI-5), which Brazil's military regime decreed on December 13, 1968 (a Friday). History and historiography have rightfully acknowledged AI-5 as ushering in the most repressive and authoritarian phase of Brazil's military dictatorship, with the regime closing the national congress and dramatically escalating state-sponsored violence and political silencing in ways that exponentially intensified earlier forms of repression and censorship.
Ein Win-Win-Konzept?
Authors: Brökling Janina
Published: November 2018

Zusammenfassung. Affektlabilität, Impulsausbrüche, Selbstverletzungen – auf einer akutpsychiatrischen Station sind nicht nur die professionellen Pflegenden immer wieder vor neuen Herausforderungen gestellt. Die institutionellen Rahmenbedingungen müssen dem Patientenklientel angepasst werden, um eine möglichst optimale Versorgung gewährleisten zu können. Dabei spielt die Arbeitsorganisationsform der Pflege eine zentrale Rolle. Bezugspflege als Arbeitsorganisationsform charakterisiert sich durch die kontinuierliche Betreuung des Bezugspatienten durch eine Pflegeperson, sodass eine intensive therapeutische Beziehung aufgebaut wird.
Evaluating Different Techniques for Constraining Lower Atmospheric Variability in an Upper Atmosphere General Circulation Model: A Case Study During the 2010 Sudden Stratospheric Warming
Authors: Jones McArthur , Drob Douglas P. , Siskind David E. , McCormack John P. , Maute Astrid , McDonald Sarah E. , Dymond Kenneth F.
Published: November 2018

We analyze the effects specified dynamics (SD) and 4D Tendency nudging have on accurately reproducing the middle and upper atmospheric variability induced by the 2010 sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event in the National Center for Atmospheric Research thermosphere‐ionosphere‐mesosphere‐electrodynamics general circulation model (TIME‐GCM). TIME‐GCM numerical experiments were performed using constrained middle atmospheric winds and temperatures from a high‐altitude version of the Navy Global Environmental Model to compare the previously implemented SD scheme, with the newly implemented 4D Tendency scheme. Model comparisons focused on zonal mean winds, composition, planetary waves, and tides in the thermosphere‐ionosphere system. Through 4D Tendency nudging we reveal that coupling coefficients of the one‐way SD coupling approach between the TIME‐GCM and observed SSW conditions were too strong. Prior implementations produced unusually strong vertical shears in the zonal mean winds in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT), where the model is free running. Differences in zonal mean MLT winds between SD and 4D Tendency nudging simulations resulted in migrating diurnal (DW1) and semidiurnal (SW2) tidal amplitude differences at lower thermospheric altitudes. The consequences of simulating different MLT dynamics using SD and 4D Tendency nudging in the overlaying ionosphere are reported and validated using electron density data from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate satellites. Although we demonstrate that SD and 4D Tendency nudging techniques are approximately equivalent, results presented herein establish that 4D Tendency nudging has the added potential to identify physical model parameters that contribute to data‐model differences during the 2010 SSW.
A new look at effective interactions between microgel particles
Authors: Bergman Maxime J. , Gnan Nicoletta , Obiols-Rabasa Marc , Meijer Janne-Mieke , Rovigatti Lorenzo , Zaccarelli Emanuela , Schurtenberger Peter
Published: November 2018

Thermoresponsive microgels find widespread use as colloidal model systems, because their temperature-dependent size allows facile tuning of their volume fraction in situ. However, an interaction potential unifying their behavior across the entire phase diagram is sorely lacking. Here we investigate microgel suspensions in the fluid regime at different volume fractions and temperatures, and in the presence of another population of small microgels, combining confocal microscopy experiments and numerical simulations. We find that effective interactions between microgels are clearly temperature dependent. In addition, microgel mixtures possess an enhanced stability compared to hard colloid mixtures - a property not predicted by a simple Hertzian model. Based on numerical calculations we propose a multi-Hertzian model, which reproduces the experimental behavior for all studied conditions. Our findings highlight that effective interactions between microgels are much more complex than usually assumed, displaying a crucial dependence on temperature and on the internal core-corona architecture of the particles.
Dimensionality engineering of hybrid halide perovskite light absorbers
Authors: Gao Peng , Bin Mohd Yusoff Abd Rashid , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: November 2018

Hybrid halide perovskite solar cells were first demonstrated in 2009 with cell efficiency quickly soaring from below 10% to more than 23% in a few years. Halide perovskites have the desirable processing simplicity but are very fragile when exposed to water and heat. This fragility represents a great challenge for the achievement of their full practical potential in photovoltaic technologies. To address this problem, here we review the recent development of the mixed-dimensional perovskites, whereby the trade-off between power conversion efficiency and stability of the material can be finely tuned using organic amine cations with different sizes and functionalities.
Selective expansion of myeloid and NK cells in humanized mice yields human-like vaccine responses
Authors: Douam Florian , Ziegler Carly G. K. , Hrebikova Gabriela , Fant Bruno , Leach Robert , Parsons Lance , Wang Wei , Gaska Jenna M. , Winer Benjamin Y. , Heller Brigitte , Shalek Alex K. , Ploss Alexander
Published: November 2018

Mice engrafted with components of a human immune system have become widely-used models for studying aspects of human immunity and disease. However, a defined methodology to objectively measure and compare the quality of the human immune response in different models is lacking. Here, by taking advantage of the highly immunogenic live-attenuated yellow fever virus vaccine YFV-17D, we provide an in-depth comparison of immune responses in human vaccinees, conventional humanized mice, and second generation humanized mice. We demonstrate that selective expansion of human myeloid and natural killer cells promotes transcriptomic responses akin to those of human vaccinees. These enhanced transcriptomic profiles correlate with the development of an antigen-specific cellular and humoral response to YFV-17D. Altogether, our approach provides a robust scoring of the quality of the human immune response in humanized mice and highlights a rational path towards developing better pre-clinical models for studying the human immune response and disease.
MRP3 is a sex determining gene in the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata
Authors: Russo Monia T. , Vitale Laura , Entrambasaguas Laura , Anestis Konstantinos , Fattorini Neri , Romano Filomena , Minucci Carmen , De Luca Pasquale , Biffali Elio , Vyverman Wim , Sanges Remo , Montresor Marina , Ferrante Maria I.
Published: November 2018

A broad diversity of sex-determining systems has evolved in eukaryotes. However, information on the mechanisms of sex determination for unicellular microalgae is limited, including for diatoms, key-players of ocean food webs. Here we report the identification of a mating type (MT) determining gene for the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata. By comparing the expression profile of the two MTs, we find five MT-biased genes, of which one, MRP3, is expressed exclusively in MT+ strains in a monoallelic manner. A short tandem repeat of specific length in the region upstream of MRP3 is consistently present in MT+ and absent in MT− strains. MRP3 overexpression in an MT− strain induces sex reversal: the transgenic MT− can mate with another MT− strain and displays altered regulation of the other MT-biased genes, indicating that they lie downstream. Our data show that a relatively simple genetic program is involved in defining the MT in P. multistriata.
CLIP-170 is essential for MTOC repositioning during T cell activation by regulating dynein localisation on the cell surface
Authors: Lim Wei Ming , Ito Yuma , Sakata-Sogawa Kumiko , Tokunaga Makio
Published: November 2018

The microtubule-organizing centre (MTOC) is repositioned to the centre of the contacted cell surface, the immunological synapse, during T cell activation. However, our understanding of its molecular mechanism remains limited. Here, we found that the microtubule plus-end tracking cytoplasmic linker protein 170 (CLIP-170) plays a novel role in MTOC repositioning using fluorescence imaging. Inhibition of CLIP-170 phosphorylation impaired both MTOC repositioning and interleukin-2 (IL-2) expression. T cell stimulation induced some fraction of dynein to colocalise with CLIP-170 and undergo plus-end tracking. Concurrently, it increased dynein in minus-end-directed movement. It also increased dynein relocation to the centre of the contact surface. Dynein not colocalised with CLIP-170 showed both an immobile state and minus-end-directed movement at a velocity in good agreement with the velocity of MTOC repositioning, which suggests that dynein at the immunological synapse may pull the microtubules and the MTOC. Although CLIP-170 is phosphorylated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) irrespective of stimulation, phosphorylated CLIP-170 is essential for dynein recruitment to plus-end tracking and for dynein relocation. This indicates that dynein relocation results from coexistence of plus-end- and minus-end-directed translocation. In conclusion, CLIP-170 plays an indispensable role in MTOC repositioning and full activation of T cells by regulating dynein localisation.
Nanofocusing of X-ray free-electron laser using wavefront-corrected multilayer focusing mirrors
Authors: Matsuyama S. , Inoue T. , Yamada J. , Kim J. , Yumoto H. , Inubushi Y. , Osaka T. , Inoue I. , Koyama T. , Tono K. , Ohashi H. , Yabashi M. , Ishikawa T. , Yamauchi K.
Published: November 2018

A method of fabricating multilayer focusing mirrors that can focus X-rays down to 10 nm or less was established in this study. The wavefront aberration induced by multilayer Kirkpatrick–Baez mirror optics was measured using a single grating interferometer at a photon energy of 9.1 keV at SPring-8 Angstrom Compact Free Electron Laser (SACLA), and the mirror shape was then directly corrected by employing a differential deposition method. The accuracies of these processes were carefully investigated, considering the accuracy required for diffraction-limited focusing. The wavefront produced by the corrected multilayer focusing mirrors was characterized again in the same manner, revealing that the root mean square of the wavefront aberration was improved from 2.7 (3.3) rad to 0.52 (0.82) rad in the vertical (horizontal) direction. A wave-optical simulator indicated that these wavefront-corrected multilayer focusing mirrors are capable of achieving sub-10-nm X-ray focusing.
IMB-T130 targets 3-dehydroquinate synthase and inhibits Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Zhu Ningyu , Wang Xia , Li Dongsheng , Lin Yuan , You Xuefu , Jiang Jiandong , Xu Yanni , Jiang Wei , Si Shuyi
Published: November 2018

The anti-tuberculosis (TB) agent IMB-T130 was speculated to be a multi-target compound. In this research, we found that IMB-T130 inhibits the catalytic activity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis 3-dehydroquinate synthase (MtDHQS), the enzyme in the second step of the shikimate pathway. IMB-T130 was identified as a selective inhibitor of MtDHQS with an IC50 value of 0.87 μg/mL. The interaction between the compound and protein was analysed by surface plasmon resonance and circular dichroism. Based on the in silico molecular docking results, the essential amino acids in the binding pocket were then confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. Overexpression of DHQS reduced the antibacterial activity of IMB-T130 in cells, verifying that DHQS is the target of IMB-T130. IMB-T130 inhibited standard and drug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains by targeting DHQS. Our findings improve our understanding of MtDHQS and make it to be a potential target for new anti-TB drug discovery.
Highly Sensitive AgNP/MWCNT/Nafion Modified GCE-Based Sensor for the Determination of Heavy Metals in Organic and Non-organic Vegetables
Authors: Palisoc Shirley Tiong , Natividad Michelle Tiamzon , De Jesus Nico , Carlos Joshua
Published: November 2018

Silver nanoparticles/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Nafion modified glassy carbon electrodes (AgNPs/MWCNTs/Nafion-GCE) were fabricated and were used as working electrode in anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) for trace level determination of lead (Pb2+) and cadmium (Cd2+). The fabricated electrodes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The amounts of the electrode modifiers and the ASV parameters were optimized. It was found that the electrode modified with 1 mg AgNPs and 2 mg MWCNTs exhibited the best analytical response towards the determination of Pb2+ and Cd2+. The optimized ASV parameters were 60 s for the deposition time, 90 s for the accumulation time, and 100 mV/s for the scan rate. The electrode exhibited linearity from 0.493 ppb to 157.2 ppb for Pb2+ and 1.864 ppb to 155.1 ppb for Cd2+. The limit of detection was found to be 0.216 ppb for Pb2+ and 0.481 ppb for Cd2+. Real sampling analysis was carried out using organic vegetables from Sitio San Ysiro, Antipolo and Daraitan, Rizal and commercially available vegetables from Divisoria, all in Luzon, Philippines. Trace amounts of lead, cadmium, and copper were detected in the samples. Unwashed vegetables contained more heavy metal concentration compared to the washed vegetables. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was performed to validate the presence of the heavy metals in the vegetables.
Increased seroprevalence of HAV and parvovirus B19 in children and of HEV in adults at diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Taubert Richard , Diestelhorst Jana , Junge Norman , Kirstein Martha M. , Pischke Sven , Vogel Arndt , Bantel Heike , Baumann Ulrich , Manns Michael P. , Wedemeyer Heiner , Jaeckel Elmar
Published: November 2018

Preceding viral infections have mostly been described in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in single cases. We aimed to identify viral infections that potentially trigger AIH, as suggested for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections. Therefore, antibodies against hepatitis A (HAV), B, C and E viruses; hepatotropic herpesviruses; and parvovirus B19 (PVB19) were analyzed retrospectively in 219 AIH patients at diagnosis, 356 patients with other liver diseases and 89 children from our center. Untreated adult AIH (aAIH) patients showed higher anti-HEV seroprevalences at diagnosis than patients with other liver diseases. Untreated aAIH patients had no increased incidence of previous hepatitis A, B or C. Antibodies against hepatotropic herpesviruses in untreated AIH were in the range published for the normal population. Untreated pediatric AIH (pAIH) patients had evidence of more previous HAV and PVB19 infections than local age-matched controls. The genetic AIH risk factor HLA DRB1*03:01 was more frequent in younger patients, and DRB1*04:01 was more frequent in middle-aged patients without an obvious link to virus seropositivities. Pediatric and adult AIH seem to be distinct in terms of genetic risk factors and preceding viral infections. While associations cannot prove causal relations, the results suggest that hepatotropic virus infections could be involved in AIH pathogenesis.
Versatile functionalization of surface-tailorable polymer nanohydrogels for drug delivery systems
Authors: Yang Wen Jing , Liang Lijun , Wang Xiaodong , Cao Yanpeng , Xu Wenya , Chang Dongqing , Gao Yu , Wang Lianhui
Published: November 2018

Surface-tailorable nanohydrogels with catechol groups as a universal anchor were developed for versatile functionalization in drug delivery applications.
Electrochemically chopped WS2 quantum dots as an efficient and stable electrocatalyst for water reduction
Authors: Anantharaj S. , Valappil Manila O. , Karthick K. , Pillai Vijayamohanan K. , Alwarappan Subbiah , Kundu Subrata
Published: November 2018

A single-step electrochemical disintegration of bulk WS2 led to a highly active WS2 QDs electrocatalyst for HER.
Phosphate recovery from wastewater using calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H): sonochemical synthesis and properties
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Wang Xuejiang , Zhao Jianfu
Published: November 2018

We developed a novel sonochemical method for the synthesis of single-phase C-S-H at room temperature and investigated the structure and phosphate recovery properties of C-S-H.
Enhancing charge transfer with foreign molecules through femtosecond laser induced MoS2 defect sites for photoluminescence control and SERS enhancement
Authors: Zuo Pei , Jiang Lan , Li Xin , Ran Peng , Li Bo , Song Aisheng , Tian Mengyao , Ma Tianbao , Guo Baoshan , Qu Liangti , Lu Yongfeng
Published: November 2018

Defect control is crucial for tuning properties of MoS2, which can adjust its performance in applications such as electronics, optics, catalysis, and molecular sensing.
Nickel catalyzed synthesis of 4,4′-bichromenes/4,4′-bithiochromenes and their Atropisomerism
Authors: Muthuramalingam Somasundaram , Garg Jai Anand , Karthick R. , Fox Thomas , Blacque Olivier , Venkatesan Koushik , Ramanathan Saiganesh , Kabilan Senthamaraikannan , Balasubramanian K. K.
Published: November 2018

4,4′-bichromenes and 4,4′-bithiochromenes have been synthesized by a Ni catalyzed homocoupling method and their Atropisomeric behavior has been studied.
N-Heterocyclic carbene catalyzed chemo- and enantioselective cross-benzoin reaction of aldehydes with isatins
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Peng Jingyi , He Chonglong , Ren Hongjun
Published: November 2018

A highly chemoselective N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed intermolecular cross-benzoin reaction of aldehydes with isatins to afford enantioenriched 3-substituted-3-hydroxyoxindoles is described.
Asymmetric synthesis of highly functionalized furanones via direct Michael reactions mediated by a bulky primary amine
Authors: Huang Huicai , Lu Xue , Mao Yukang , Ye Jinxing
Published: November 2018

A bulky chiral primary amine catalyzed Michael reaction of 3(2H)-furanones has been realized, leading to the construction of substituted furanone derivatives.
Inert nanoparticle suppression of gas explosion in the presence of obstacles
Authors: Wen Xiaoping , Su Tengfei , Wang Fahui , Deng Haoxin , Zheng Kai , Pei Bei
Published: November 2018

The suppressing effects of inert nanoparticles on methane–air explosion, in an obstructed chamber with internal dimensions of 150 mm × 150 mm × 500 mm, were experimentally investigated.
Synthesis and characterization of magnetic mesoporous Fe3O4@mSiO2–DODGA nanoparticles for adsorption of 16 rare earth elements
Authors: Li Jingrui , Gong Aijun , Li Fukai , Qiu Lina , Zhang Weiwei , Gao Ge , Liu Yu , Li Jiandi
Published: November 2018

The high selectivity magnetic mesoporous Fe3O4@mSiO2–DODGA nanomaterials were prepared for adsorption of 16 rare earth elements.
A novel 3-dimensional graphene-based membrane with superior water flux and electrocatalytic properties for organic pollutant degradation
Authors: Wang Wenyi , Xie Chengcheng , Zhu Liuyong , Shan Bojin , Liu Caini , Cui Fangyan
Published: November 2018

Low-dimensional material co-assembly to design 3-dimensional transport channels with the electrocatalytic activity.
High thermoelectric performance in complex phosphides enabled by stereochemically active lone pair electrons
Authors: Shen Xingchen , Xia Yi , Wang Guiwen , Zhou Fei , Ozolins Vidvuds , Lu Xu , Wang Guoyu , Zhou Xiaoyuan
Published: November 2018

An alternative strategy to create optimum band shape for superior thermoelectric performance by utilizing stereochemically active lone pair electrons is proposed, which has been demonstrated in the Ag6Ge10(1−x)Ga10xP12.
Graphitic carbon nitride based materials for electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Luo Yuqing , Yan Yan , Zheng Shasha , Xue Huaiguo , Pang Huan
Published: November 2018

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), with a unique structure analogous to graphite, has attracted ever-increasing attention for electrochemical energy storage due to its high surface area, metal-free characteristic, low cost and facile synthesis.
Green and rapid preparation of hierarchically porous metal–organic zeolites and simulation of their growth
Authors: Zhang Hang , Huo Jinhao , Yang Haiwu , Li Feier , Duan Chongxiong , Xi Hongxia
Published: November 2018

A green method to synthesize hierarchically porous metal–organic zeolites using a template strategy in a hydroxy double salt solution.
A core–shell cathode substrate for developing high-loading, high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yu Ran , Chung Sheng-Heng , Chen Chun-Hua , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: November 2018

The internal porous core and external dense shell of the three-dimensional cathode substrate, respectively, accommodate and encapsulate a large amount of active material.
Conjugated polymer dots/graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet heterojunctions for metal-free hydrogen evolution photocatalysis
Authors: Zhou Wei , Jia Tao , Shi Haixian , Yu Dingshan , Hong Wei , Chen Xudong
Published: November 2018

Pdot/g-C3N4 heterojunctions exhibit an HER of 929.3 μmol h−1 g−1 and AQE of 5.7% at 420 nm without a metallic catalyst.
Photo-switchable smart metal–organic framework membranes with tunable and enhanced molecular sieving performance
Authors: Liu Chuanyao , Jiang Yunzhe , Zhou Chen , Caro Jürgen , Huang Aisheng
Published: November 2018

A novel photo-switchable Cu(AzDC)(4,4′-BPE)0.5 membrane was developed with the H2/CO2 separation factor being switched reversibly between 21.3 and 43.7 after irradiation with Vis light (455 nm) and UV (365 nm).
A one-pot and modular self-assembly strategy for high-performance organized enzyme cascade bioplatforms based on dual-functionalized protein–PtNP@mesoporous iron oxide hybrid
Authors: Liu Yan , Qin Yuling , Zheng Yuanlin , Qin Yong , Cheng Mengjun , Guo Rong
Published: November 2018

A one-pot and modular self-assembly strategy for high-performance enzyme cascade bioplatform based on dual-functionalized protein/inorganic hybrid.
Aligned cellulose/nanodiamond plastics with high thermal conductivity
Authors: Song Na , Cao Donglei , Luo Xian , Guo Yongqiang , Gu Junwei , Ding Peng
Published: November 2018

Thermally conductive aligned cellulose/nanodiamond (CND) plastics were fabricated via gelation transition.
Archaea: forgotten players in the microbiome
Authors: Bang Corinna , Schmitz Ruth A.
Published: November 2018

Archaea, the third domain of life containing unique membrane composition and highly diverse cell wall structures, were only recognized 40 years ago. Initially identified in extreme environments, they are currently recognized as organisms ubiquitously present in most, if not all, microbiomes associated with eukaryotic hosts. However, they have been mostly overseen in microbiome studies due to the lack of standardized detection protocols and to the fact that no archaeal pathogen is currently known. Recent years clearly showed that (i) archaea are part of the microbiomes associated with plants, animals and humans, (ii) form biofilms and (iii) interact and activate the human immune system. Future studies will not only define the host-associated diversity of archaea (referred to as ‘archaeome’) but also contribute to our understanding of the comprehensive metabolic interplay between archaea and bacteria and the long-term gain insights into their role in human health and their potential role(s) during disease development.
Mapping deuterated methanol toward L1544
Authors: Chacón-Tanarro A. , Caselli P. , Bizzocchi L. , Pineda J. E. , Sipilä O. , Vasyunin A. , Spezzano S. , Punanova A. , Giuliano B. M. , Lattanzi V.
Published: November 2018

Context. The study of deuteration in pre-stellar cores is important in order to understand the initial physical and chemical conditions in the process of star formation. In particular, observations toward pre-stellar cores of methanol and deuterated methanol, solely formed on the surface of dust grains, may provide useful insights into surface processes at low temperatures.

Aims. Here we analyze maps of CO, methanol, formaldehyde, and their deuterated isotopologues toward a well-known pre-stellar core. This study allows us to test current gas–dust chemical models.

Methods. Single-dish observations of CH3OH, CH2DOH, H2CO, H213 CO, HDCO, D2CO, and C17O toward the prototypical pre-stellar core L1544 were performed at the IRAM 30 m telescope. We analyze their column densities and distributions, and compare these observations with gas–grain chemical models.

Results. The maximum deuterium fraction derived for methanol is [CH2DOH]/[CH3OH] ~ 0.08 ± 0.02, while the measured deuterium fractions of formaldehyde at the dust peak are [HDCO]/[H2CO] ~ 0.03 ± 0.02, [D2CO]/[H2CO] ~ 0.04 ± 0.03, and [D2CO]/[HDCO] ~ 1.2 ± 0.3. Observations differ significantly from the predictions of models, finding discrepancies between a factor of 10 and a factor of 100 in most cases. It is clear though that to efficiently produce methanol on the surface of dust grains, quantum tunneling diffusion of H atoms must be switched on. It also appears that the currently adopted reactive desorption efficiency of methanol is overestimated and/or that abstraction reactions play an important role. More laboratory work is needed to shed light on the chemistry of methanol, an important precursor of complex organic molecules in space.
Magnetic field estimates from the X-ray synchrotron emitting rims of the 30 Dor C superbubble and the implications for the nature of 30 Dor C’s TeV emission
Authors: Kavanagh Patrick J. , Vink Jacco , Sasaki Manami , Chu You-Hua , Filipović Miroslav D. , Ohm Stefan , Haberl Frank , Manojlovic Perica , Maggi Pierre
Published: November 2018

Context. The 30 Dor C superbubble is unique for its synchrotron X-ray shell, as well as being the first superbubble to be detected in TeV γ-rays, though which is the dominant TeV emission mechanism, leptonic or hadronic, is still unclear.

Aims. We aim to use new Chandra observations of 30 Dor C to resolve the synchrotron shell in unprecedented detail and to estimate the magnetic (B) field in the postshock region, a key discriminator between TeV γ-ray emission mechanisms.

Methods. We extracted radial profiles in the 1.5–8 keV range from various sectors around the synchrotron shell and fitted these with a projected and point spread function convolved postshock volumetric emissivity model to determine the filament widths. We then calculated the postshock magnetic field strength from these widths.

Results. We find that most of the sectors were well fitted with our postshock model and the determined B-field values were low, all with best fits ≲20 μG. Upper limits on the confidence intervals of three sectors reached ≳30 μG though these were poorly constrained. The generally low B-field values suggests a leptonic-dominated origin for the TeV γ-rays. Our postshock model did not provide adequate fits to two sectors. We find that one sector simply did not provide a clean enough radial profile, while the other could be fitted with a modified postshock model where the projected profile falls off abruptly below ~0.8 times the shell radius, yielding a postshock B-field of 4.8 (3.7–11.8) μG which is again consistent with the leptonic TeV γ-ray mechanism. Alternatively, the observed profiles in these sectors could result from synchrotron enhancements around a shock–cloud interaction as suggested in previous works.

Conclusions. The average postshock B-field determined around the X-ray synchrotron shell of 30 Dor C suggests the leptonic scenario as the dominant emission mechanism for the TeV γ-rays.
Influence of the probing definition on the flatness measurement
Authors: Moulai-khatir Djezouli , Pairel Eric , Favreliere Hugues
Published: November 2018

The quality control of mechanical parts is generally performed on a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The choice of the number of points to be sampled, their distributions and their positions on the surface, as well as the association criterion remains unresolved. This paper studies the variation of the flatness defect with regard to the number of palpated points. The methodology begins by sampling a cloud of points on a CMM. Then, a modal analysis study is carried out in order to generate a modal surfaces (digitally deformed). Insertion of the coordinate cloud points of these modal surfaces in the GEOVERIF software will allow estimation of the flatness defect. The results of the measured flatness by the three fitting criteria (minimum zone, least squares and minimum volume) are compared.
Acute postoperative pain after arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery: A review of methods of pain assessment
Authors: Rasmussen Jacob Korsbæk , Nikolajsen Lone , Bjørnholdt Karen Toftdahl
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Pain can be severe during the first days after arthroscopic surgery, and acute pain is an important outcome in clinical trials of surgical technique or anaesthetic strategy. A standardized, validated method of assessing acute postoperative pain would improve the quality of clinical studies, and facilitate systematic reviews and meta-analyses. A step on the way towards this standard is to investigate the methods most commonly used in recent literature.

Methods: PubMed and CINAHL databases were searched, including studies of arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery with a primary pain-related outcome during the first postoperative week, published in English from 2012 to 2017.

Results: A total of 47 studies were included, all measuring pain intensity using a pain rating scale. Most frequently used was the visual analogue scale using the anchors “no pain” and “worst pain imaginable”, with recordings at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. A total of 34 studies recorded analgesic consumption, usually as average cumulated consumption in mg. Time to first analgesic request or first pain were recorded in 11 studies, and 4 different starting points were used.

Discussion: This review describes the currently most common methods of assessing acute postoperative pain in clinical trials of arthroscopic shoulder surgery involving rotator cuff repair, and the large variety of methods applied. Based on this study and international guidelines, several recommendations on how to measure and report postoperative pain outcomes in future trials are proposed.
Never seen before? Opisthorchiasis and Clonorchiasis
Authors: Dietrich Christoph , Atkinson Nathan , Lee W. , Kling Kerstin , Neumayr Andreas , Braden Barbara , Richter Joachim , Akpata Robert , Southisavath Phonesavanh , Schreiber-Dietrich Dagmar , Dong Yi
Published: November 2018

Parasitic diseases are relatively rarely diagnosed and treated in Europe. Therefore, European clinicians are not familiar with their clinical and imaging features. In an era of increased human migration, it is fundamental for clinicians to be able to identify such diseases. We have recently described the features of cystic echinococcosis, schistosomiasis, fascioliasis and ascariasis. Here, we report on the clinical and imaging features as well as on the current therapy options of infections by the small liver flukes: Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis viverrini (Southeast Asian liver fluke) and Opisthorchis felineus (cat liver fluke) and other Opisthorchis species prevalent in South Asia.
Enantioselective Bromolactonization of Deactivated Olefinic Acids­: Studies Toward the Synthesis of Brominated Isochroman-1,4-diones
Authors: Li Danqing , He Hailong , Huang Xiaodan , Yu Pei , Jiang Xiaojian
Published: November 2018

Enantioselective bromolactonization using an amino-carbamate­ catalyst to generate brominated isochroman-1,4-diones is described. Excellent yields and moderate enantioselectivities were achieved.
Achievement of 3B goals among T2DM patients: An experience from Central Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Hari , Shrestha Ashish , Tamrakar Rajendra , Amatya Sanu
Published: November 2018

Background:Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires comprehensive control of three metabolic parameters: blood glucose, blood pressure (BP), and blood lipid commonly known as 3B. We studied the prevalence of patients reaching the 3B goals in Nepalese context.

Materials and Methods:Patients aged 30 years or above who presented in Dhulikhel Hospital outpatient clinic of internal medicine department of Dhulikhel Hospital with a diagnosis of T2DM diagnosed at least for 6 months were enrolled in this cross-sectional, observational study. Patients with any major illness, surgery, or diabetic ketoacidosis in last 6 months, use of glucocorticoids, post-transplant diabetes, and gestational diabetes were excluded. The study was conducted during the period between January 2015 and June 2015. Chi-square test was used to compare qualitative variables. The nonparametric test (2 independent sample tests) was used for quantitative variables.

Results:One hundred and fifty study participants had a mean age of 56 ± 11.88 years, body mass index of 23.97 4.72kg/m 2, and an HbA1c of 8.02 ± 1.78%. The proportion of patients with good glycemic control (HbA1c >7%) was 30%. Only 26% patients had achieved targets for both systolic and diastolic BP (>130/80) and 35% patients had achieved the target of LDL less than 100. In this study, 32 (21.33%) patients had control of blood glucose and blood lipid, whereas 26 (17.33%) patients had control of blood glucose and BP. Likewise, only 19 (12.67%) patients met the target of blood glucose, BP, and blood lipid control.

Conclusion:Our data showed that only 13% of patients achieved the 3B goals. Our study highlights the urgent unmet need, to improve the quality of diabetes care in our center which may be a representative of the country.
Study on bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern in patients with diabetic foot ulcers in a tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Shareef Javedh , Sunny Sandra , Bhagavan K
Published: November 2018

Introduction:Diabetic foot ulcer and infections are one of the major complications in diabetic patients leading to frequent hospitalization and increased mortality. Knowledge about the microbes that cause infections will be helpful for providing appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Aim:To evaluate the bacteriological profile of patients with diabetic foot ulcers and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern.

Methodology:A cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of eight months in the Department of surgery in patients with diabetic foot ulcer at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Patient data relevant to the study were collected using a standard data collection form designed as per the need of the study. Details of the organisms isolated and susceptibility pattern were collected from microbiology department.

Results:A total of 122 pathogens were identified from 71 patients with male (63.38%) predominance over females (36.61%). Out of the 71 patients, 38 (53.52%) patients had monomicrobial infections and 33 (46.47%) patients had polymicrobial infections. Of the total 122 organisms, 79(64.75%) organisms were found to be gram negative organisms and 43(35.24%) were gram positive. Pseudomonas aeruginosa found in 22 (18.03%) patients was the predominant pathogen isolated followed by Klebsiella pneumonia found in 18 (14.75%) patients. The gram-positive organisms isolated showed maximum susceptibility towards antibiotics Teicoplanin and Linezolid while the gram-negative organisms showed susceptibility to Imipenem, Meropenem, and Piperacillin/Tazobactum combination.

Conclusion:The study showed a preponderance of gram-negative bacilli among the isolates from the diabetic foot ulcers. It is recommended that antimicrobial sensitivity testing is necessary for initiating appropriate antibiotic regimen which will help to reduce the drug resistance and minimize the healthcare costs.