bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of genotype and age on cerebral [18F]FDG uptake varies between transgenic APPSwe-PS1dE9 and Tg2576 mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Snellman Anniina , Takkinen Jatta S. , López-Picón Francisco R. , Eskola Olli , Solin Olof , Rinne Juha O. , Haaparanta-Solin Merja
Published: April 2019

Back-translation of clinical imaging biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), such as alterations in cerebral glucose metabolism detected by [18F]FDG positron emission tomography (PET), would be valuable for preclinical studies evaluating new disease-modifying drugs for AD. However, previous confounding results have been difficult to interpret due to differences in mouse models and imaging protocols between studies. We used an equivalent study design and [18F]FDG µPET imaging protocol to compare changes in cerebral glucose metabolism in commercial transgenic APPSwe-PS1dE9 (n = 12), Tg2576 (n = 15), and wild-type mice (n = 15 and 9). Dynamic [18F]FDG scans were performed in young (6 months) and aged (12 or 17 months) mice and the results verified by ex vivo methods (i.e., tissue counting, digital autoradiography, and beta-amyloid and Iba-1 immunohistochemistry). [18F]FDG uptake exhibited significant regional differences between genotypes (TG < WT) and ages (6 months <12 months) in the APPSwe-PS1dE9 model, whereas similar differences were not present in Tg2576 mice. In both models, only weak correlations were detected between regional beta-amyloid deposition or microgliosis and [18F]FDG uptake. By using equivalent methodology, this study demonstrated differences in cerebral glucose metabolism dysfunction detected with [18F]FDG PET between two widely used commercial AD mouse models.
Air pollution during New Year’s fireworks and daily mortality in the Netherlands
Authors: Greven Frans E. , Vonk Judith M. , Fischer Paul , Duijm Frans , Vink Nienke M. , Brunekreef Bert
Published: April 2019

Short-term exposure to air pollution has been associated with cardiovascular and respiratory mortality and morbidity. Little is known about associations between air pollution caused by firework events and daily mortality. We investigated whether particulate matter from fireworks during New Year’s celebrations was associated with daily mortality. We analyzed the celebrations of the years 1995–2012. PM10 concentrations increased dramatically during the firework events. Countrywide, the daily average PM10 concentrations from 27–30 December was 29 μg/m3 and increased during the first hour of the New Year by 277 μg/m3. In the more densely populated areas of the Netherlands the increase was even steeper, 598 μg/m3 in the first hour of the New Year. No consistent associations were found using linear regression models between PM10 concentrations during the first six hours of 1 January and daily mortality in the general population. Yet, using a case-crossover analysis firework-days and PM10 concentrations were associated with daily mortality. Therefore, in light of the contradictory results obtained with the different statistical analyses, we recommend further epidemiological research on the health effects of exposure to firework emissions.
Development of an ex vivo respiratory pediatric model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia for aerosol deposition studies
Authors: Montigaud Yoann , Périnel Sophie , Dubus Jean-Christophe , Leclerc Lara , Suau Marie , Goy Clémence , Clotagatide Anthony , Prévôt Nathalie , Pourchez Jérémie
Published: April 2019

Ethical restrictions are limitations of in vivo inhalation studies, on humans and animal models. Thus, in vitro or ex vivo anatomical models offer an interesting alternative if limitations are clearly identified and if extrapolation to human is made with caution. This work aimed to develop an ex vivo infant-like respiratory model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia easy to use, reliable and relevant compared to in vivo infant data. This model is composed of a 3D-printed head connected to a sealed enclosure containing a leporine thorax. Physiological data and pleural-mimicking depressions were measured for chosen respiratory rates. Homogeneity of ventilation was assessed by 81mkrypton scintigraphies. Regional radioaerosol deposition was quantified with 99mtechnetium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid after jet nebulization. Tidal volumes values are ranged from 33.16 ± 7.37 to 37.44 ± 7.43 mL and compliance values from 1.78 ± 0.65 to 1.85 ± 0.99 mL/cmH2O. Ventilation scintigraphies showed a homogenous ventilation with asymmetric repartition: 56.94% ± 9.4% in right lung and 42.83% ± 9.36 in left lung. Regional aerosol deposition in lungs exerted 2.60% ± 2.24% of initial load of radioactivity. To conclude the anatomical model satisfactorily mimic a 3-months old BPD-suffering bronchopulmonary dysplasia and can be an interesting tool for aerosol regional deposition studies.
The Transition to Paschen’s Law for Microscale Gas Breakdown at Subatmospheric Pressure
Authors: Loveless Amanda M. , Meng Guodong , Ying Qi , Wu Feihong , Wang Kejing , Cheng Yonghong , Garner Allen L.
Published: April 2019

The decrease in electronic device size necessitates greater understanding of gas breakdown and electron emission at microscale to optimize performance. While traditional breakdown theory using Paschen’s law (PL), driven by Townsend avalanche, fails for gap distance d $$\lesssim $$
≲
 15 μm, recent studies have derived analytic equations for breakdown voltage when field emission and Townsend avalanche drive breakdown. This study derives a new analytic equation that predicts breakdown voltage VB within 4% of the exact numerical results of a previously derived theory and new experimental results at subatmospheric pressure for gap distances from 1–25 μm. At atmospheric pressure, VB transitions to PL near the product of pressure and gap distance, pd, corresponding to the Paschen minimum; at lower pressures, the transition to PL occurs to the left of the minimum. We further show that the work function plays a major role in determining which side of the Paschen minimum VB transitions to PL as pressure approaches atmospheric pressure while field enhancement and the secondary emission coefficient play smaller roles. These results indicate that appropriate combinations of these parameters cause VB to transition to PL to the left of the Paschen minimum, which would yield an extended plateau similar to some microscale gas breakdown experimental observations.
Impact of novel NS5A resistance-associated substitutions of hepatitis C virus detected in treatment-experienced patients
Authors: Nitta Sayuri , Asahina Yasuhiro , Kato Takanobu , Tsuchiya Jun , Inoue-Shinomiya Emi , Sato Ayako , Tsunoda Tomoyuki , Miyoshi Masato , Kawai-Kitahata Fukiko , Murakawa Miyako , Itsui Yasuhiro , Nakagawa Mina , Azuma Seishin , Kakinuma Sei , Hikita Hayato , Takehara Tetsuo , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: April 2019

Resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the NS5A region impair the efficacy of NS5A inhibitors. In this study, we evaluated the characteristics of the novel RASs observed in treatment-failure patients, A92K and a deletion at P32 (P32del), and the susceptibility of viruses with these RASs to various anti-HCV reagents by using JFH-1 based recombinant HCV with NS5A from a genotype 1b Con1 strain (JFH1/5ACon1). We introduced A92K or P32del solely or in combination with Q24K, L28M, R30Q or L31F into the NS5A of JFH1/5ACon1. Viruses harboring R30Q/A92K showed high extracellular core antigens and infectivity titers, whereas the other viruses with RASs showed low replication levels and infectivity titers. All the viruses with A92K or P32del were markedly resistant to ledipasvir, velpatasvir and elbasvir. Interestingly, viruses with R30Q/A92K were more susceptible to grazoprevir than viruses without RAS. All the viruses had a similar susceptibility to ribavirin and sofosbuvir. In conclusion, combination RASs R30Q/A92K enhanced virus production whereas other RASs impaired virus replication. Both A92K and P32del conferred severe resistance even to second generation NS5A inhibitors. However, these viruses were susceptible to grazoprevir, ribavirin and sofosbuvir. Thus, combination regimens with these reagents may eradicate viruses harboring A92K or P32del.
High Skp2 expression is associated with a mesenchymal phenotype and increased tumorigenic potential of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Šimečková Šárka , Kahounová Zuzana , Fedr Radek , Remšík Ján , Slabáková Eva , Suchánková Tereza , Procházková Jiřina , Bouchal Jan , Kharaishvili Gvantsa , Král Milan , Beneš Petr , Souček Karel
Published: April 2019

Skp2 is a crucial component of SCFSkp2 E3 ubiquitin ligase and is often overexpressed in various types of cancer, including prostate cancer (PCa). The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in PCa progression. The acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype that results in a cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype in PCa was described. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression and localization of Skp2 in clinical samples from patients with PCa, the association of Skp2 with EMT status, and the role of Skp2 in prostate CSC. We found that nuclear expression of Skp2 was increased in patients with PCa compared to those with benign hyperplasia, and correlated with high Gleason score in PCa patients. Increased Skp2 expression was observed in PCa cell lines with mesenchymal and CSC-like phenotype compared to their epithelial counterparts. Conversely, the CSC-like phenotype was diminished in cells in which SKP2 expression was silenced. Furthermore, we observed that Skp2 downregulation led to the decrease in subpopulation of CD44+CD24− cancer stem-like cells. Finally, we showed that high expression levels of both CD24 and CD44 were associated with favorable recurrence-free survival for PCa patients. This study uncovered the Skp2-mediated CSC-like phenotype with oncogenic functions in PCa.
Genome-wide analysis in Hevea brasiliensis laticifers revealed species-specific post-transcriptional regulations of several redox-related genes
Authors: Zhang Yi , Leclercq Julie , Wu Shuangyang , Ortega-Abboud Enrique , Pointet Stéphanie , Tang Chaorong , Hu Songnian , Montoro Pascal
Published: April 2019

MicroRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation has been reported on ROS production and scavenging systems. Although microRNAs first appeared highly conserved among plant species, several aspects of biogenesis, function and evolution of microRNAs were shown to differ. High throughput transcriptome and degradome analyses enable to identify small RNAs and their mRNA targets. A non-photosynthetic tissue particularly prone to redox reactions, laticifers from Hevea brasiliensis, revealed species-specific post-transcriptional regulations. This paper sets out to identify the 407 genes of the thirty main redox-related gene families harboured by the Hevea genome. There are 161 redox-related genes expressed in latex. Thirteen of these redox-related genes were targeted by 11 microRNAs. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a mutation in the miR398 binding site of the cytosolic CuZnSOD. A working model was proposed for transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation with respect to the predicted subcellular localization of deduced proteins.
An ecological measure to screen executive functioning in MS: the Picture Interpretation Test (PIT) 360°
Authors: Realdon Olivia , Serino Silvia , Savazzi Federica , Rossetto Federica , Cipresso Pietro , Parsons Thomas D. , Cappellini Giacomo , Mantovani Fabrizia , Mendozzi Laura , Nemni Raffaello , Riva Giuseppe , Baglio Francesca
Published: April 2019

Executive functions are crucial for performance of everyday activities. In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), executive dysfunctions can be apparent from the early onset of the disease. Technology-based time-efficient and resource-saving tools for early evaluation of executive functions using an ecological approach are needed to assess functional performance in real-life. The aim was to compare the efficiency of the Picture Interpretation Test 360° (PIT 360°) with traditional measures on executive dysfunction in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) and Healthy Controls (HC). Participants were 31 patients with Relapsing-Remitting MS (mean age = 44.323 ± 13.149; mean Expanded Disability Status Scale = 2) and 39 HC (mean age = 39.538 ± 15.728). All were tested with standard neuropsychological tests of executive functions, PIT 360°, and measures of user experience. While standard neuropsychological tests failed to differentiate between PwMS and HC group, the PIT 360° was successful in detecting executive dysfunction in PwMS. All participants reported the PIT 360° to be an engaging tool and endorsed positive reactions to their experience. Overall, the PIT 360° is a quick, sensitive, and ecological tool that captures real-world executive dysfunction in PwMS. This engaging measure is sensitive for the detection of executive deficits since the early phases of the disease.
Effect of ranolazine on plasma arginine derivatives and urinary isoprostane 8-iso-PGF2α in patients with myocardial infarction in the randomized RIMINI-Trial
Authors: Schwemer Tjark F. , Deutscher Navina , Diermann Nadine , Böger Rainer , Schwedhelm Edzard , Blankenberg Stefan , Friedrich Felix W.
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the present study was to assess whether 6-week ranolazine application on top of guideline-based treatment impacts on the arginine/NO pathway and urinary isoprostane 8-iso-PGF2α as marker of oxidative stress in patients directly after a myocardial infarction. 20 patients with unstable angina pectoris and proof of acute cardiac ischemia entered the study. 10 subjects received the study drug ranolazine in addition to standard treatment, the others received only standard treatment. Urine and venous blood were collected before and after treatment. At the end of the study and compared to baseline, homoarginine levels had increased in the control group. This was not the case in ranolazine-patients. Interestingly, in ranolazine-treated-patients arginine plasma levels were significantly higher at the end of the study than at baseline (difference +26 µmol/L, 95% CI 8.6 to 44 µmol/L). ADMA and SDMA levels were not different. Urine levels of the oxidative stress marker 8-iso-PGF2α tended to be lower in ranolazine-treated patients (−144 pmol/mg creatinine). Findings of this hypothesis-driven study give evidence that ranolazine treatment enhances arginine plasma levels and lowers oxidative stress.
PCC0208027, a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibits tumor growth of NSCLC by targeting EGFR and HER2 aberrations
Authors: Dong Qiuju , Yu Pengfei , Ye Liang , Zhang Jianzhao , Wang Hongbo , Zou Fangxia , Tian Jingwei , Kurihara Hiroshi
Published: April 2019

PCC-0208027 is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has a strong inhibitory effect on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)- or HER2-driven cancers. The aim is to assess the anti-tumor activity of PCC0208027 and related mechanisms in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We examined the activity of PCC0208027 on various mutated EGFRs, HER2, and HER4. MTT assays, flow cytometry, and Western blotting were used to examine the effects of PCC0208027 on NSCLC cells with different genetic characteristics and relevant molecular mechanisms. Nude mouse xenograft models with HCC827, NCI-H1975, and Calu-3 cells were used to evaluate the in vivo anti-tumor activity of PCC0208027. Results showed that PCC0208027 effectively inhibited the enzyme activity of EGFR family members, including drug-sensitive EGFR mutations, acquired drug-resistant EGFR T790M and EGFR C797S mutations, and wild-type (WT) HER2. PCC0208027 blocked EGFR phosphorylation, thereby downregulating downstream PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways and inducing G0/G1 arrest in NSCLC cells. PCC0208027 inhibited tumor growth in mouse xenograft models of HCC827, NCI-H1975, and Calu-3 cells. In summary, our findings suggest that PCC0208027 has the potential to become an oral antineoplastic drug for NSCLC treatment and is worthy of further development.
Enhancing the Therapeutic Potential of Platinum-based Anticancer Agents by Incorporating Clinically Approved Drugs as Ligands
Authors: Kenny Reece G. , Marmion Celine J.
Published: April 2019

In this chapter, we have endeavoured to showcase how some clinically approved drugs may be exploited as potential ligands when designing new metallodrugs to treat cancer. Interestingly, while there is a sound rationale behind repurposing existing drugs, those to date that have been tethered to platinum(ii) and platinum(iv) centres have not been chosen for this purpose. Rather, they have been selected because these drugs, in their own right, have exhibited potent anticancer activities albeit some are in clinical use for other indications. This chapter will provide an overview of some interesting platinum(ii) and platinum(iv) complexes incorporating a selection of clinically approved drugs or derivatives thereof as ligands. These complexes may form the basis of a new drug class which may offer advantages over existing therapeutic regimens.
Photoinduced hole transfer from tris(bipyridine)ruthenium dye to a high-valent iron-based water oxidation catalyst
Authors: Shylin Sergii I. , Pavliuk Mariia V. , D’Amario Luca , Fritsky Igor O. , Berggren Gustav
Published: April 2019

Fast visible light-driven water oxidation catalyzed by the FeIV cage complex relies on its efficient hole scavenging activity in the system utilizing [Ru(bpy)3]2+ as a photosensitizer.
Digestion-on-a-chip: a continuous-flow modular microsystem recreating enzymatic digestion in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: de Haan Pim , Ianovska Margaryta A. , Mathwig Klaus , van Lieshout Glenn A. A. , Triantis Vassilis , Bouwmeester Hans , Verpoorte Elisabeth
Published: April 2019

A three-compartment, miniaturized system to pretreat samples with artificial saliva, gastric juice, duodenal juice and bile for gut-on-a-chip applications.
Bi2Fe4O9 thin films as novel visible-light-active photoanodes for solar water splitting
Authors: Wang Yaqiong , Daboczi Matyas , Mesa Camilo A. , Ratnasingham Sinclair Ryley , Kim Ji-Seon , Durrant James R. , Dunn Steve , Yan Haixue , Briscoe Joe
Published: April 2019

Photoelectrocatalytic water oxidation is reported for Bi2Fe4O9 for the first time with a faradaic efficiency of 82%.
T7 exo-mediated FRET-breaking combined with DSN–RNAse–TdT for the detection of microRNA with ultrahigh signal-amplification
Authors: Nguyen Van Thang , Le Binh Huy , Seo Young Jun
Published: April 2019

A DSN–RNAse–TdT–T7 exo probing system allows the detection of miRNA 21 with very high sensitivity (LOD = 2.57 fM) and selectivity—the result of (i) avoiding the false-positive signal from miRNA reacting with TdT polymerase and (ii) signal amplification occurring through a FRET-breaking mechanism involving T7 exo.
A hybrid model combining wavelet transform and recursive feature elimination for running state evaluation of heat-resistant steel using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Huang Jianwei , Dong Meirong , Lu Shengzi , Yu Yishan , Liu Chunyi , Yoo Jong H. , Lu Jidong
Published: April 2019

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is applied to evaluate the running state of steel by the hybrid model combining wavelet transform and recursive feature elimination.
Catalysis: energy is the measure of all things
Authors: Solel Ephrath , Tarannam Naziha , Kozuch Sebastian
Published: April 2019

Is there any place in the extremely well-established field of catalytic kinetics for new interpretations or novel models that can change the basic doctrines and viewpoints of catalytic cycles?
Modular design of nanobody–drug conjugates for targeted-delivery of platinum anticancer drugs with an MRI contrast agent
Authors: Huang Hai , Wu Tiantian , Shi Hongdong , Wu Yun , Yang Hongyi , Zhong Kai , Wang Yucai , Liu Yangzhong
Published: April 2019

A multifunctional nanobody–drug conjugate was designed for the targeted-delivery of the Pt(iv) prodrug. The drug distribution can be observed by MRI imaging.
Finding a soft spot for vanadium: a P-bound OCP ligand
Authors: Grant Lauren N. , Krzystek J. , Pinter Balazs , Telser Joshua , Grützmacher Hansjörg , Mindiola Daniel J.
Published: April 2019

The first example of a P-bound phosphaethynolato ligand, [OCP]−, to an early 3d transition metal is presented, along with detailed characterization by single crystal X-ray diffraction, SQuID magnetometry, HFEPR spectroscopy, and computational studies.
Strong CPL of achiral AIE-active dyes induced by supramolecular self-assembly in chiral nematic liquid crystals (AIE-N*-LCs)
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Hu Wenrui , Wang Yuxiang , Quan Yiwu , Cheng Yixiang
Published: April 2019

AIE-N*-LCs prepared by supramolecular self-assembly between achiral AIE-active dyes and N*-LCs can exhibit highly strong CPL signals withgemvalues in the range from 0.97 to 1.42. Most importantly, their emission wavelength can be tuned by changing the AIE-active dye.
Size-controlled DNA-cross-linked hydrogel coated silica nanoparticles served as a ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of adenosine triphosphate in living cells
Authors: Ji Xiaoting , Wang Junning , Niu Shuyan , Ding Caifeng
Published: April 2019

A ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe for adenosine triphosphate sensing in living cells, based on silica nanoparticles and a DNA-functionalized hybrid hydrogel.
Superexchange in the fast lane – intramolecular electron transfer in a molecular triad occurs by conformationally gated superexchange
Authors: Luo Yusen , Wächtler Maria , Barthelmes Kevin , Winter Andreas , Schubert Ulrich S. , Dietzek Benjamin
Published: April 2019

Photoinduced electron transfer via hopping is generally considered to have a stronger temperature dependence than electron transfer via superexchange.
Structure and adhesion energy of the (10.4) calcite/(001) ice Ih and (210) baryte/(001) ice Ih interfaces
Authors: Erica Bittarello , Marco Bruno , Dino Aquilano
Published: April 2019

Adhesion energies of the (10.4)-calcite/(001)-ice and (210)-baryte/(001)-ice interfaces.
Atmospheric oxidation reactions of imidazole initiated by hydroxyl radicals: kinetics and mechanism of reactions and atmospheric implications
Authors: Safaei Zahra , Shiroudi Abolfazl , Zahedi Ehsan , Sillanpää Mika
Published: April 2019

The atmospheric oxidation mechanism of imidazole initiated by hydroxyl radicals is investigatedviaOH-addition and H-abstraction pathways by quantum chemistry calculations at the M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory coupled with reaction kinetics calculations using statistical Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) theory and transition state theory (TST).
Ligand induced structure and property changes of 1T-MoS2
Authors: Linghu Yaoyao , Li Na , Du Yaping , Wu Chao
Published: April 2019

Surface functionalization converts 1T phase MoS2 monolayers into 1T′ phases, producing unpredictable results for band gap engineering.
Sources of isocyanic acid (HNCO) indoors: a focus on cigarette smoke
Authors: Hems Rachel F. , Wang Chen , Collins Douglas B. , Zhou Shouming , Borduas-Dedekind Nadine , Siegel Jeffrey A. , Abbatt Jonathan P. D.
Published: April 2019

The sources and sinks of isocyanic acid (HNCO), a toxic gas, in indoor environments are largely uncharacterized.
Nanoreactors for the multi-functionalization of poly-histidine fragments
Authors: Paolino Marco , Reale Annalisa , Razzano Vincenzo , Giuliani Germano , Donati Alessandro , Bonechi Claudia , Caselli Gianfranco , Visintin Michela , Makovec Francesco , Scialabba Cinzia , Licciardi Mariano , Paccagnini Eugenio , Gentile Mariangela , Salvini Laura , Tavanti Francesco , Menziani Maria Cristina , Cappelli Andrea
Published: April 2019

Water-soluble MBHA derivatives self-assemble to generate aggregates showing reactive core–shell architectures.
Plasmonic-enhanced catalytic activity of methanol oxidation on Au–graphene–Cu nanosandwiches
Authors: Liu Yaxing , Chen Fuyi , Wang Qiao , Wang Junpeng , Wang Jiali , Guo Longfei , Gebremariam Tesfaye Tadesse
Published: April 2019

The positive hot holes from the SPR of Au NPs can be separated and delivered by the built-in electric field of Au-6T/SG/Cu, which are trapped on the surface of Au NPs to oxidise the adsorbed OH−anions into ˙OH radicals for the complete methanol oxidation.
Lightweight and flexible hybrid film based on delicate design of electrospun nanofibers for high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Huang Li , Li Jianjun , Li Yibin , He Xiaodong , Yuan Ye
Published: April 2019

High-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials possess features of light weight, flexibility and excellent EMI shielding effectiveness.
Substituent effects of AIE-active α-cyanostilbene-containing triphenylamine derivatives on electrofluorochromic behavior
Authors: Chen Sin-Yu , Chiu Ya-Wen , Liou Guey-Sheng
Published: April 2019

Four aggregation-induced emission- and electro-active cyanostilbene-based diphenylamine-containing derivatives were synthesized to investigate the photoluminescence properties, and electrochromic and electrofluorochromic behavior of gel-type devices.
Polymer/glass hybrid DC-MZI thermal optical switch for 3D-integrated chips
Authors: Cao Yue , Yi Yun-Ji , Lin Bai-Zhu , Sun Yue , Che Xin-Chi , Zheng Jie , Wang Fei , Zhang Da-Ming
Published: April 2019

A directional coupler (DC) Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) thermal optical switch based on a polymer and glass waveguide hybrid for three-dimensional (3D)-integrated chips is demonstrated.
Antibacterial activity and mechanism of action of a thiophenyl substituted pyrimidine derivative
Authors: Fang Zhiyuan , Li Yanan , Zheng Yuanyuan , Li Xiaomei , Lu Yu-Jing , Yan Siu-Cheong , Wong Wing-Leung , Chan Kin-Fai , Wong Kwok-yin , Sun Ning
Published: April 2019

F20 exhibits strong antibacterial activity through interacting with FtsZ.
Constraints on organic chemistry students’ reasoning during IR and 1H NMR spectral interpretation
Authors: Connor Megan C. , Finkenstaedt-Quinn Solaire A. , Shultz Ginger V.
Published: April 2019

Promoting students’ ability to engage in discipline-specific practices is a central goal of chemistry education. Yet if instruction is to meaningfully foster such ability, we must first understand students’ reasoning during these practices. By characterizing constraints on chemistry students’ reasoning, we can design instruction that targets this constrained reasoning and ultimately promotes more sophisticated ways of thinking. For this study, we investigated reasoning used by 18 organic chemistry students at a large university in the United States as they evaluated the success of chemical syntheses through IR and 1H NMR spectral interpretation, a common task of practicing chemists. Students completed a series of interpretation tasks while having their eye movements tracked and then participated in semi-structured, cued retrospective think-aloud (RTA) interviews about their reasoning during spectral interpretation. RTA interviews were analyzed qualitatively to characterize invalid chemical assumptions and heuristic reasoning strategies used by participants, both of which science education literature identifies as fundamental constraints to learning. The most problematic assumptions and heuristics, i.e., those used more frequently by unsuccessful participants, were then identified through statistical analysis. Findings suggest that the most problematic constraints on students’ reasoning during spectral interpretation constitute a combination of particular invalid chemical assumptions and heuristic reasoning strategies.
Interface bonding engineering of a transparent conductive electrode towards highly efficient and mechanically flexible ITO-free organic solar cells
Authors: Peng Ruixiang , Song Wei , Yan Tingting , Fanady Billy , Li Yanbo , Zhan Qingfeng , Ge Ziyi
Published: April 2019

High-quality PET/PH1000 FTEs were prepared by a facile solution-processed method, and their bending performance was dramatically improved by interface bonding engineering. The highest efficiency of 12.35% for flexible ITO-free OSCs was achieved. The results open a favorable avenue to realize highly efficient and flexible OSCs.
Selective micro laser annealing for fluorescence tuning of carbon-incorporated zinc oxide nanowire arrays
Authors: Chua Sing Teng , Lim Kim Yong , Zhang Zheng , Sow Chorng Haur
Published: April 2019

Carbon-incorporated zinc oxide (C-ZnO) nanowire (NW) arrays display controllable optical changes after being selectively annealed by a focused violet laser beam.
Imaging cell morphology and physiology using X-rays
Authors: Weinhardt Venera , Chen Jian-Hua , Ekman Axel , McDermott Gerry , Le Gros Mark A. , Larabell Carolyn
Published: April 2019

Morphometric measurements, such as quantifying cell shape, characterizing sub-cellular organization, and probing cell–cell interactions, are fundamental in cell biology and clinical medicine. Until quite recently, the main source of morphometric data on cells has been light- and electron-based microscope images. However, many technological advances have propelled X-ray microscopy into becoming another source of high-quality morphometric information. Here, we review the status of X-ray microscopy as a quantitative biological imaging modality. We also describe the combination of X-ray microscopy data with information from other modalities to generate polychromatic views of biological systems. For example, the amalgamation of molecular localization data, from fluorescence microscopy or spectromicroscopy, with structural information from X-ray tomography. This combination of data from the same specimen generates a more complete picture of the system than that can be obtained by a single microscopy method. Such multimodal combinations greatly enhance our understanding of biology by combining physiological and morphological data to create models that more accurately reflect the complexities of life.
Apoptotic cell-derived extracellular vesicles: structure–function relationships
Authors: Grant Lois R. , Milic Ivana , Devitt Andrew
Published: April 2019

Apoptosis is an essential process for normal physiology and plays a key role in the resolution of inflammation. Clearance of apoptotic cells (ACs) involves complex signalling between phagocytic cells, ACs, and the extracellular vesicles (EVs) they produce. Here, we discuss apoptotic cell-derived extracellular vesicles (ACdEVs) and how their structure relates to their function in AC clearance and the control of inflammation, focussing on the ACdEV proteome. We review the current knowledge, ongoing work and future directions for research in this field.
Packaging development: how chromatin controls transcription in zebrafish embryogenesis
Authors: Horsfield Julia A.
Published: April 2019

How developmental gene expression is activated, co-ordinated and maintained is one of the biggest questions in developmental biology. While transcription factors lead the way in directing developmental gene expression, their accessibility to the correct repertoire of genes can depend on other factors such as DNA methylation, the presence of particular histone variants and post-translational modifications of histones. Collectively, factors that modify DNA or affect its packaging and accessibility contribute to a chromatin landscape that helps to control the timely expression of developmental genes. Zebrafish, perhaps better known for their strength as a model of embryology and organogenesis during development, are coming to the fore as a powerful model for interpreting the role played by chromatin in gene expression. Several recent advances have shown that zebrafish exhibit both similarities and differences to other models (and humans) in the way that they employ chromatin mechanisms of gene regulation. Here, I review how chromatin influences developmental transcriptional programmes during early zebrafish development, patterning and organogenesis. Lastly, I briefly highlight the importance of zebrafish chromatin research towards the understanding of human disease and transgenerational inheritance.
Oscillator without a combinatorial loop and its threat to FPGA in data centre
Authors: Sugawara T. , Sakiyama K. , Nashimoto S. , Suzuki D. , Nagatsuka T.
Published: April 2019

Virtual field‐programmable gate array (FPGA) is an emerging technology to put multiple users in the same FPGA fabric with logical isolation. Security researchers have studied new threats in virtual FPGA and proposed attacks on the logical isolation by exploiting analogue natures of FPGA. These attacks use an oscillator comprising a combinatorial loop to have access to the analogue domain using digital components only. Interestingly, the system in the field prohibits a combinatorial loop by a design rule check. In this Letter, the authors study if prohibiting a combinatorial loop is sufficient to thwart the conventional attacks. They negatively answer the question by showing oscillators without a combinatorial loop. They also show how to detect and reject the proposed oscillators by a design rule check.
BER‐optimal selection of peak frequency deviation for RDS2
Authors: Saveri D. , Baruffa G. , Rugini L. , Samo D.A. , Ladanyi A.
Published: April 2019

RDS2 is a newly proposed enhancement of the radio data system (RDS) for frequency modulation (FM) broadcasting, aiming at increasing the data rate. This Letter investigates the BER of the data streams of RDS2. Specifically, the authors propose a selection criterion for the peak frequency deviations of the individual data streams, based on a minimax‐BER approach. They also theoretically verify that symbol shifting reduces the peak deviation of the RDS2 data signal by an amount of 25%. Simulation results confirm their theoretical findings.
Backwards square completion MPC solution for real‐time economic dispatch in power networks
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Tao , Sun Weigao , Chen Zhiyong , Meng Haofei , Chen Guanrong
Published: April 2019

The existing economic dispatch (ED) control structures in power systems are based on solving a quadratic optimisation problem, which can only guarantee the optimal steady‐state performance. In this study, the authors formulate the real‐time ED problem for the transient operation of power systems as a dynamic model predictive control (MPC) optimisation problem. A novel MPC solving method, named backwards square completion (BSC) is thereby proposed to solve it with guaranteed transient economic performance. Meanwhile, it satisfies the input and state security constraints. Conventional linear MPC algorithms routinely involve with inverse matrix calculation, which is computationally expensive and may result in singularity. By contrast, BSC algorithm replaces the inverse matrix calculation by recursive receding horizon optimisation problem solving, which significantly reduces the computational complexity in terms of the control horizon. The proposed BSC‐MPC solution for real‐time ED is applied to an IEEE 39‐bus benchmark power network system to show its effectiveness and efficiency.
Enabling electricity access: a comprehensive energy efficient approach mitigating climate/weather variability – Part II
Authors: Saad Al‐Sumaiti Ameena , Salama Magdy , El‐Moursi Mohamed , Alsumaiti Tareefa S. , Marzband Mousa
Published: April 2019

Population dispersion necessitates grid expansion to meet electricity demand. For many developing countries and remote communities, meeting electricity demand is a challenge due to a power generation shortage and load variability that is highly driven by weather uncertainty. Electric utilities’ practical planning solutions are to disable electricity access from new residential regions, supply at least 10% of the non‐electrified regions, or follow a rotating feeder curtailment such that the new regions are electrified for a few hours daily. This study proposes an alternative framework to plan electricity access more efficiently in developing countries. A probabilistic multi‐stage optimisation framework that first incorporates in‐depth analysis of appliance operational models, second accounts for AC grid codes of operation and third anticipates consumers’ actions is deployed. The framework is formulated to account for climate/weather uncertainty factors. Results show that energy efficiency can reach up to 97%, and the computation time can be improved by 99.6% with respect to the existing current state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
BWDO algorithm and its application in antenna array and pixelated metasurface synthesis
Authors: Ranjan Prakash , Mahto Santosh Kumar , Choubey Arvind
Published: April 2019

This article introduces a novel, binary version of wind driven optimisation (WDO) called binaryWDO (BWDO), which can be specifically used for solving binary valued problemssuch as antenna array and metasurface synthesis. Validation of proposedalgorithm is done with standard benchmark functions. To demonstrate theefficiency of BWDO, examples of thinned antenna array and metasurface synthesisare considered. Thinned antenna array problem is solved by formulating singleand multi‐objective optimisation problems which achieve minimum SLL of −22.30 dBand −20.28 dB respectively, as compared to −13.2 dB by periodic array. Further,the proposed BWDO algorithm is interface with Ansys‐HFSS and three designexamples of metasurfaces such as MPA and AMC are further considered to exemplifythe proficiency of BWDO. Simulation of optimised MPA exhibits five discretebands of high absorptions at 8.7, 9.7, 14.6, 15.3 and 16.5 GHz with simulationreflection co‐efficient value of −11.46, −10.00, −12.17, −16.19 and −20.58 dBwhich is less than −10 dB reflection under normal incidence of wave. Synthesisedsingle and dual band AMC has in‐phase reflection bandwidth of 0.58 and 0.34,0.16 GHz at central frequency of 5.21 and 5.07, 6.49 GHz respectively. Themeasured results almost matched with the respective simulated results withslight variation due to fabrication tolerance.
Segel setzen Richtung Schule – Förderprogramm für Vorschulkinder
Authors: Bauschke Julia , Hanstein Sabine
Published: April 2019

Wenn Kinder in die Schule kommen, benötigen sie zum Lesen, Schreiben und Rechnen verschiedene Basisfähigkeiten. Die „Piratenreise“ ist ein Gruppenförderprogramm, mit dem Kinder im letzten Kindergartenjahr spielerisch auf die Schule vorbereitet werden. Wie es funktioniert, erklären Julia Bauschke und Sabine Hanstein, zwei der Autorinnen der „Piratenreise“.
Mit gutem Beispiel vorangehen – Leadership in der Ergotherapie
Authors: Scholz-Schwärzler Nadine , Kufner Sarah
Published: April 2019

Führungskompetenzen sind nicht nur bei Praxisinhabern und Managern gefragt. Auch jeder Ergotherapeut kann ein Leader sein: Dabei geht es nicht um das Führen von Mitarbeitern, sondern zum Beispiel darum, neue Handlungsfelder für die Ergotherapie zu erschließen. Warum es sinnvoll sein kann, diese Kompetenzen zu nutzen, erklären Sarah Kufner und Nadine Scholz-Schwärzler.
Negative Gedanken auflösen – Metakognitives Training bei Depression im Alter
Authors: Bücker Lara
Published: April 2019

Ältere Menschen mit Depressionen haben oft wiederkehrende negative Gedanken. Diese drehen sich zum Beispiel um Hoffnungslosigkeit, Selbstentwertung oder Traurigkeit. Um dem entgegenzuwirken, entwickelte eine Forschergruppe aus Hamburg das MKT-Silber, eine Gruppenintervention für Menschen mit Depression ab 60 Jahren. Eine Wissenschaftlerin der Forschergruppe erklärt, wie man das Programm durchführt.
Gesundheitssicherung als staatliche Aufgabe. Der öffentliche Gesundheitsdienst im Rahmen „völkischer Staatspolitik“
Authors: Schleiermacher Sabine
Published: April 2019

Gegenstand des Beitrags sind Tätigkeitsbereiche der mit dem Gesetz über die Vereinheitlichung des öffentlichen Gesundheitswesens (GVG) vom 3. Juli 1934 etablierten Gesundheitsämter und deren Funktionsträger während des Nationalsozialismus und in der frühen Nachkriegszeit in Thüringen und Württemberg. Untersucht werden die Umsetzung des vom Reichsministerium des Innern vorgegebenen neuen Paradigmas der «Erb- und Rassenpflege» in den Gesundheitsämtern, Funktionsbereiche der Gesundheitsämter, die Rolle der Amtsärzte und ihre Ermessensspielräume, die Auswirkungen des Krieges auf die konkreten Tätigkeiten der Amtsärzte sowie die regionalen Besonderheiten im Ländervergleich und schließlich Aspekte struktureller, programmatischer und personeller Kontinuität im Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst nach der Befreiung 1945.
DNVF-Memorandum III – Methoden für die Versorgungsforschung, Teil 4 – Konzept und Methoden der organisationsbezogenen Versorgungsforschung: Kurzfassung
Authors: Ansmann Lena , Albert Ute-Susann , Auer Ramona , Baumann Walter , Bitzer Eva , Bögel Martina , Ernstmann Nicole , Gostomzyk Johannes , Götz Katja , Hahn Ursula , Hammer Antje , Hollederer Alfons , Hower Kira , Kostuj Tanja , Kowalski Christoph , Nöst Stefan , Nowak Marina , Pfaff Holger , Rölker-Denker Lars , Vollmar Horst , Wirtz Markus
Published: April 2019

Das Forschungsfeld der organisationsbezogenen Versorgungforschung ist von zunehmender Bedeutung. Ausgehend von der Vertiefung zu Methoden der organisationsbezogenen Versorgungsforschung des Memorandums III, Teil 1 aus dem Jahr 2009 werden die weiterentwickelten Standards und Grundlagen zusammengefasst. Das Memorandum behandelt die theoretische Rahmung, grundlegende Methodenansätze und Methoden zur Konzeption, Evaluation und Implementierung komplexer Interventionen in Versorgungsorganisationen.
Unveiling the Insular Lobe of Reil: Neurophysiological and Anatomical Features
Authors: Damiani Daniel , Nascimento Ana Maria , Pires Vanessa Gonçalves
Published: April 2019

The insular lobe has long been investigated, from its anatomical descriptions to its neurophysiological activity. Located in a central location, the insular lobe participates in several afferent and efferent pathways, forming part of the eloquent and fundamental structures that make up the central core of the brain. The lobe of the insula has participation in language function, such as speech, sensory (e.g., taste), limbic, autonomic (visceral), also forming part of complex associative circuits, including part of the circuits of mirror neurons. Several functional descriptions attributed to the insular lobe have been made in patients suffering from cerebrovascular diseases, as well as in those with epilepsy. Much progress and many descriptions have also been made in patients with tumors. Despite much information already available about the insular lobe, it is likely that much will be discovered in the coming years.
Improving characterization capabilities in new single-photon avalanche diode research
Authors: Ding Xun , Zang Kai , Zheng Tianzhe , Fei Yueyang , Huang Mingqi , Liu Xiang , Wang Yuefei , Jin Ge , Huo Yijie , Harris James S. , Jiang Xiao
Published: April 2019

Many novel and promising single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) emerged in recent years. However, some of them may demonstrate a very high dark count rate, even tens of megahertz, especially during the development phase or at room temperature, posing new challenges to device characterization. Gating operation with a width of 10 ns can be used to suppress the dark counts not coincident with the photon arriving time. However, as a side effect of the fast-gating operation, the gating response could be much higher than the avalanche signal and is usually removed by various circuit-based cancellation techniques. Here, we present an alternative method. A high-speed digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) is used to extract the weak avalanche signals from the large gating response background by waveform subtraction in software. Consequently, no complex circuit and precise tuning for each SPAD are needed. The avalanche detection threshold can be reduced to 5% of the full vertical scale of the DSO or 5 mV, whichever is greater. The timing resolution can be better than 2 ps for typical avalanche signals. Optical alignment and calibration are easy. The feasibility of on-wafer test with an RF probe station is discussed. All the advantages and features listed above make this method very useful in new SPAD research.
Effects of volumetric and potential energy change on indirect to direct bandgap transition of Ge/Sn alloy
Authors: Xiao Z. , Goldsman N. , Dhar N. K.
Published: April 2019

The germanium-tin (Ge-Sn) alloy has been considered a candidate for applications in Short Wave Infrared optical electronics, because it has the property of transforming pure germanium (Ge), typically an indirect bandgap material, into a direct bandgap material. In this paper, the effects of volumetric and potential energy changes are utilized to calculate how the band structure of the Ge-Sn alloy changes with respect to the fraction of tin (Sn). The results indicate that a transition occurs for a Sn fraction ranging from 5.81% to 8.75% with the alloy lattice-constant bowing parameter that ranges from 0.3 Å to 0.0 Å.
Whistler wave propagation and interplay between electron inertia and Larmor radius effects
Authors: Joshi Garima , Ravi G. , Mukherjee S.
Published: April 2019

The influence of Larmor radius effects on the propagation of whistler waves is investigated experimentally in laboratory plasma. The waves are excited using a loop antenna of diameter less than the electron skin depth, the natural scale length in this regime. In an earlier experiment [G. Joshi et al., Phys. Plasmas 24, 122110 (2017)], it was shown that such waves assume an elongated shape with perpendicular dimensions of the order of skin depth. In the present work, we show that wave propagation is significantly modified when the external guiding magnetic field is decreased. The wave spreads in the perpendicular direction in spite of starting of as an elongated whistler due to electron inertia effects. In the near region, the antenna field becomes dominant even forming null points, with the physical processes taking shape and wave still being guided by the net background magnetic field. However, the feeble external magnetic field in the region away from the antenna is unable to guide the wave any further and the wave spreads. In spite of a large current pulse, the wave remains linear (ΔB/B0 ≤ 1). The observed results are attributed to the interplay between electron inertia and finite Larmor radius effects and are explained in terms of a modified physical model.
Ultrasonic waveguide based level measurement using flexural mode F(1,1) in addition to the fundamental modes
Authors: Raja Nishanth , Balasubramaniam Krishnan , Periyannan Suresh
Published: April 2019

This paper reports on an ultrasonic waveguide sensor for liquid level measurements using three guided wave modes simultaneously. The fundamental wave modes longitudinal L(0,1), torsional T(0,1), and flexural F(1,1) were simultaneously transmitted/received in a thin stainless steel wire-like waveguide using a standard shear wave transducer when oriented at an angle of 45° to the axis of the waveguide. Experiments were conducted in non-viscous fluid (water) and viscous fluid (castor oil). It was observed that the flexural F(1,1) wave mode showed a change in both time of flight (due to the change in velocity and dispersion effects) and amplitude (due to leakage) for different levels (0–9 cm) of immersion of the waveguide in a fluid medium. For the same level of immersion in the fluid, the L(0,1) and the T(0,1) modes show only a relatively smaller change in amplitude and no change in time of flight. The experimental results were validated using finite element model studies. The measured change in time of flight and/or the shift in central frequency of F(1,1) was related to the liquid level measurements. Multiple trials show repeatability with a maximum error of 2.5% in level measurement. Also, by monitoring all three wave modes simultaneously, a more versatile and redundancy in measurements of the fluid level inside critical enclosures of processing industries can be achieved by compensating for changes in the fluid temperature using one mode, while the level is measured using another. This ultrasonic waveguide technique will be helpful for remote measurements in physically inaccessible areas in hostile environments.