bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All but blank: Artistic approaches to human Antarctica
Authors: de Pomereu Jean
Published: September 2019

The visual arts have played an increasingly important role in examining and critiquing past and present human activities in Antarctica as governed by the Antarctic Treaty and its Protocol on Environmental protection. This paper analyses the work of six artists who have contributed to this scrutiny, awakening us to fabrications and helping to enrich Antarctic cultures beyond the scientific and the environmental. It encourages all signatory nations to the Antarctic Treaty System to embrace and empower a more diverse artistic engagement with Antarctica and suggests that artists find new ways to address threats to the Antarctic, whether they come from within and from without.
Comparison of echocardiographic measurements to invasive measurements of diastolic function in infants with single ventricle physiology: a report from the Pediatric Heart Network Infant Single Ventricle Trial
Authors: Goudar Suma P. , Zak Victor , Atz Andrew M. , Altmann Karen , Colan Steven D. , Falkensammer Christine B. , Friedberg Mark K. , Frommelt Michele , Hill Kevin D. , Hsu Daphne T. , Levine Jami C. , Margossian Renee , Mart Christopher R. , Sticka Joshua , Shrader Peter , Shirali Girish ,   for the Pediatric Heart Network Investigators
Published: September 2019

Background:

While echocardiographic parameters are used to quantify ventricular function in infants with single ventricle physiology, there are few data comparing these to invasive measurements. This study correlates echocardiographic measures of diastolic function with ventricular end-diastolic pressure in infants with single ventricle physiology prior to superior cavopulmonary anastomosis.

Methods:

Data from 173 patients enrolled in the Pediatric Heart Network Infant Single Ventricle enalapril trial were analysed. Those with mixed ventricular types (n = 17) and one outlier (end-diastolic pressure = 32 mmHg) were excluded from the analysis, leaving a total sample size of 155 patients. Echocardiographic measurements were correlated to end-diastolic pressure using Spearman’s test.

Results:

Median age at echocardiogram was 4.6 (range 2.5–7.4) months. Median ventricular end-diastolic pressure was 7 (range 3–19) mmHg. Median time difference between the echocardiogram and catheterisation was 0 days (range −35 to 59 days). Examining the entire cohort of 155 patients, no echocardiographic diastolic function variable correlated with ventricular end-diastolic pressure. When the analysis was limited to the 86 patients who had similar sedation for both studies, the systolic:diastolic duration ratio had a significant but weak negative correlation with end-diastolic pressure (r = −0.3, p = 0.004). The remaining echocardiographic variables did not correlate with ventricular end-diastolic pressure.

Conclusion:

In this cohort of infants with single ventricle physiology prior to superior cavopulmonary anastomosis, most conventional echocardiographic measures of diastolic function did not correlate with ventricular end-diastolic pressure at cardiac catheterisation. These limitations should be factored into the interpretation of quantitative echo data in this patient population.
Rapid Forecasting of Cholera Risk in Mozambique: Translational Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Kahn Rebecca , Mahmud Ayesha S. , Schroeder Andrew , Aguilar Ramirez Luis Hernando , Crowley John , Chan Jennifer , Buckee Caroline O.
Published: September 2019

Disasters, such as cyclones, create conditions that increase the risk of infectious disease outbreaks. Epidemic forecasts can be valuable for targeting highest risk populations before an outbreak. The two main barriers to routine use of real-time forecasts include scientific and operational challenges. First, accuracy may be limited by availability of data and the uncertainty associated with the inherently stochastic processes that determine when and where outbreaks happen and spread. Second, even if data are available, the appropriate channels of communication may prevent their use for decision making.

In April 2019, only six weeks after Cyclone Idai devastated Mozambique’s central region and sparked a cholera outbreak, Cyclone Kenneth severely damaged northern areas of the country. By June 10, a total of 267 cases of cholera were confirmed, sparking a vaccination campaign. Prior to Kenneth’s landfall, a team of academic researchers, humanitarian responders, and health agencies developed a simple model to forecast areas at highest risk of a cholera outbreak. The model created risk indices for each district using combinations of four metrics: (1) flooding data; (2) previous annual cholera incidence; (3) sensitivity of previous outbreaks to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation cycle; and (4) a diffusion (gravity) model to simulate movement of infected travelers. As information on cases became available, the risk model was continuously updated. A web-based tool was produced, which identified highest risk populations prior to the cyclone and the districts at-risk following the start of the outbreak.

The model prior to Kenneth’s arrival using the metrics of previous incidence, projected flood, and El Niño sensitivity accurately predicted areas at highest risk for cholera. Despite this success, not all data were available at the scale at which the vaccination campaign took place, limiting the model’s utility, and the extent to which the forecasts were used remains unclear. Here, the science behind these forecasts and the organizational structure of this collaborative effort are discussed. The barriers to the routine use of forecasts in crisis settings are highlighted, as well as the potential for flexible teams to rapidly produce actionable insights for decision making using simple modeling tools, both before and during an outbreak.
Landslides on Ceres: Diversity and Geologic Context
Authors: Duarte K. D. , Schmidt B. E. , Chilton H. T. , Hughson K. H. G. , Sizemore H. G. , Ferrier K. L. , Buffo J. J. , Scully J. E. C. , Nathues A. , Platz T. , Landis M. , Byrne S. , Bland M. , Russell C. T. , Raymond C. A.
Published: September 2019

Landslides are among the most widespread geologic features on Ceres. Using data from Dawn's Framing Camera, landslides were previously classified based upon geomorphologic characteristics into one of three archetypal categories, Type 1(T1), Type 2 (T2), and Type 3 (T3). Due to their geologic context, variation in age, and physical characteristics, most landslides on Ceres are, however, intermediate in their morphology and physical properties between the archetypes of each landslide class. Here we describe the varied morphology of individual intermediate landslides, identify geologic controls that contribute to this variation, and provide first‐order quantification of the physical properties of the continuum of Ceres's surface flows. These intermediate flows appear in varied settings and show a range of characteristics, including those found at contacts between craters, those having multiple trunks or lobes; showing characteristics of both T2 and T3 landslides; material slumping on crater rims; very small, ejecta‐like flows; and those appearing inside of catenae. We suggest that while their morphologies can vary, the distribution and mechanical properties of intermediate landslides do not differ significantly from that of archetypal landslides, confirming a link between landslides and subsurface ice. We also find that most intermediate landslides are similar to Type 2 landslides and formed by shallow failure. Clusters of these features suggest ice enhancement near Juling, Kupalo and Urvara craters. Since the majority of Ceres's landslides fall in the intermediate landslide category, placing their attributes in context contributes to a better understanding of Ceres's shallow subsurface and the nature of ground ice.
The Vertical Distribution of the Optical Emissions of a Steve and Picket Fence Event
Authors: Archer W. E. , St.‐ Maurice J.‐P. , Gallardo‐Lacourt B. , Perry G. W. , Cully C. M. , Donovan E. , Gillies D. M. , Downie R. , Smith J. , Eurich D.
Published: September 2019

So‐called “Steve” subauroral purple emissions have recently been uncovered by auroral photographers and have rapidly become an intense subject of debate as to their origin. In some events, nearby periodic green emissions have also been uncovered and given the name “picket fence,” owing to their appearance. The present paper advances our understanding of these phenomena by narrowing down the altitude extent of the Steve and picket fence emissions. Our determination is based on the event of 16 September 2017, which was simultaneously observed from two vantage points, allowing for a determination of the height range of Steve and picket fence through triangulation. We show that the picket fence extend between 95‐ and 150‐km altitude and is aligned with the geomagnetic field, while the Steve altitude spread is between 130 and 270 km. We also show the two phenomena to be on nearby or perhaps the same magnetic field lines.
The Dynamics of Saturn's Main Aurorae
Authors: Bader A. , Badman S. V. , Cowley S. W. H. , Yao Z. H. , Ray L. C. , Kinrade J. , Bunce E. J. , Provan G. , Bradley T. J. , Tao C. , Hunt G. J. , Pryor W. R.
Published: September 2019

Saturn's main aurorae are thought to be generated by plasma flow shears associated with a gradient in angular plasma velocity in the outer magnetosphere. Dungey cycle convection across the polar cap, in combination with rotational flow, may maximize (minimize) this flow shear at dawn (dusk) under strong solar wind driving. Using imagery from Cassini's Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph, we surprisingly find no related asymmetry in auroral power but demonstrate that the previously observed “dawn arc” is a signature of quasiperiodic auroral plasma injections commencing near dawn, which seem to be transient signatures of magnetotail reconnection and not part of the static main aurorae. We conclude that direct Dungey cycle driving in Saturn's magnetosphere is small compared to internal driving under usual conditions. Saturn's large‐scale auroral dynamics hence seem predominantly controlled by internal plasma loading, with plasma release in the magnetotail being triggered both internally through planetary period oscillation effects and externally through solar wind compressions.
A Review of the Psychosocial, Ethical, and Legal Considerations for Discussing Fertility Preservation With Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients
Authors: Quinn Gwendolyn , Bleck Jennifer , Stern Marilyn
Published: September 2019

Objective: To examine the impact of potential infertility that often affects adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYA) attributable to late effects of gonadotoxic treatment. Method: This paper examines the psychosocial, legal, and ethical concerns that hinder conversations around potential infertility and considerations of fertility preservation with an AYA cancer patient. Results: Although recent guidelines advocate for providers to address the potential loss of fertility and fertility preservation with every AYA cancer patient prior to treatment, evidence suggests that many clinicians either do not discuss or discuss in a manner that does not facilitate patient decision making. Conclusions: Suggestions are offered to guide communication best practices to ensure AYA and their families receive relevant and timely information about cancer related infertility and family building options.

Implications for Impact Statement

Survival rates for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer continue to improve, and there is great need for psychological support services for decision making about potential infertility and fertility preservation. Despite national recommendations from leading societies, there is variation in the quality and frequency of discussions regarding fertility preservation among AYA patients and their health care providers. Improved training on the recognition of implicit bias and methods for overcoming it may increase these discussions and ultimately alleviate present and future psychological burden to the patient.
ABCs of SLEEPING Tool: Improving Access to Care for Pediatric Insomnia
Authors: Howlett Melissa , Jemcov Anastasija , Adams Amanda , Corkum Penny
Published: September 2019

Objective: Pediatric insomnia is common among children; however, access to evidence-based treatment is limited. The ABCs of SLEEPING tool was developed to facilitate assessment of children’s sleep habits and provide evidence-based recommendations. The title serves as a mnemonic device that captures practice areas known to be foundational to healthy sleep: Age-appropriate Bedtimes and wake-times with Consistency, Schedules and routines, Location, Exercise and diet, no Electronics in bedroom or before bed, Positivity, Independence, and Needs met, equal Great sleep. The tool includes an online questionnaire for parents, followed by electronic feedback highlighting problem areas and handouts including evidence-based recommendations. The current study assesses the usability of the ABCs of SLEEPING tool. Method: Twenty-two parents used the ABCs of SLEEPING tool, then provided feedback. Eight health care providers also reviewed the tool and provided feedback. Results: The ABCs of SLEEPING tool was rated as highly usable, desirable, accessible, and credible. Participants noted that minor modifications, such as prioritizing and customizing recommendations, may enhance the usefulness and valuableness. Participant feedback will be incorporated into a modified version. Conclusion: The ABCs of SLEEPING tool has the potential to address the need for a comprehensive and accessible resource for parents and to support health care providers in assessing and treating pediatric insomnia, and thus improving access to care.

Implications for Impact Statement

This study describes the development and usability testing of a tool designed to increase access to information and resources focused on healthy sleep practices for children. Feedback from parents and health care providers suggest that the ABCs of SLEEPING tool has the potential to support initial assessment and intervention of childhood behavioral sleep problems.
Females show more sustained performance during test-taking than males
Authors: Balart Pau , Oosterveen Matthijs
Published: September 2019

Females tend to perform worse than males on math and science tests, but they perform better on verbal reading tests. Here, by analysing performance during a cognitive test, we provide evidence that females are better able to sustain their performance during a test across all of these topics, including math and science (study 1). This finding suggests that longer cognitive tests decrease the gender gap in math and science. By analysing a dataset with multiple tests that vary in test length, we find empirical support for this idea (study 2).
Propagation of temporal and rate signals in cultured multilayer networks
Authors: Barral Jérémie , Wang Xiao-Jing , Reyes Alex D.
Published: September 2019

Analyses of idealized feedforward networks suggest that several conditions have to be satisfied in order for activity to propagate faithfully across layers. Verifying these concepts experimentally has been difficult owing to the vast number of variables that must be controlled. Here, we cultured cortical neurons in a chamber with sequentially connected compartments, optogenetically stimulated individual neurons in the first layer with high spatiotemporal resolution, and then monitored the subthreshold and suprathreshold potentials in subsequent layers. Brief stimuli delivered to the first layer evoked a short-latency transient response followed by sustained activity. Rate signals, carried by the sustained component, propagated reliably through 4 layers, unlike idealized feedforward networks, which tended strongly towards synchrony. Moreover, temporal jitter in the stimulus was transformed into a rate code and transmitted to the last layer. This novel mode of propagation occurred in the balanced excitatory-inhibitory regime and is mediated by NMDA-mediated receptors and recurrent activity.
Publisher Correction: Gallium arsenide solar cells grown at rates exceeding 300 µm h−1 by hydride vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Metaferia Wondwosen , Schulte Kevin L. , Simon John , Johnston Steve , Ptak Aaron J.
Published: September 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A method for structure prediction of metal-ligand interfaces of hybrid nanoparticles
Authors: Malola Sami , Nieminen Paavo , Pihlajamäki Antti , Hämäläinen Joonas , Kärkkäinen Tommi , Häkkinen Hannu
Published: September 2019

Hybrid metal nanoparticles, consisting of a nano-crystalline metal core and a protecting shell of organic ligand molecules, have applications in diverse areas such as biolabeling, catalysis, nanomedicine, and solar energy. Despite a rapidly growing database of experimentally determined atom-precise nanoparticle structures and their properties, there has been no successful, systematic way to predict the atomistic structure of the metal-ligand interface. Here, we devise and validate a general method to predict the structure of the metal-ligand interface of ligand-stabilized gold and silver nanoparticles, based on information about local chemical environments of atoms in experimental data. In addition to predicting realistic interface structures, our method is useful for investigations on the steric effects at the metal-ligand interface, as well as for predicting isomers and intermediate structures induced by thermal dynamics or interactions with the environment. Our method is applicable to other hybrid nanomaterials once a suitable set of reference structures is available.
Training Optimization for Gate-Model Quantum Neural Networks
Authors: Gyongyosi Laszlo , Imre Sandor
Published: September 2019

Gate-based quantum computations represent an essential to realize near-term quantum computer architectures. A gate-model quantum neural network (QNN) is a QNN implemented on a gate-model quantum computer, realized via a set of unitaries with associated gate parameters. Here, we define a training optimization procedure for gate-model QNNs. By deriving the environmental attributes of the gate-model quantum network, we prove the constraint-based learning models. We show that the optimal learning procedures are different if side information is available in different directions, and if side information is accessible about the previous running sequences of the gate-model QNN. The results are particularly convenient for gate-model quantum computer implementations.
Microstructure and chemical composition of Roman orichalcum coins emitted after the monetary reform of Augustus (23 B.C.)
Authors: Di Fazio Melania , Felici Anna Candida , Catalli Fiorenzo , De Vito Caterina
Published: September 2019

A collection of ancient Roman orichalcum coins, i.e., a copper-zinc alloy, minted under the reigns from Caesar to Domitianus, have been characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). We studied, for the first time, coins emitted by Romans after the reforms of Augustus (23 B.C.) and Nero (63–64 A.D). These coins, consisting of asses, sestertii, dupondii and semisses, were analysed using non- and invasive analyses, aiming to explore microstructure, corrosive process and to acquire quantitative chemical analysis. The results revealed that the coins are characterized by porous external layers, which are affected by dezincification and decuprification processes. As pictured by the X-ray maps, the elemental distribution of Cu and Zn shows patterns of depletion that in some cases penetrate in deep up to 1 mm. The composition of the un-corroded nucleus is a Cu-Zn alloy containing up to 30% of Zn, typical of coins produced via cementation process.
Temperate-Tropical Variation in Breeding Synchrony and Extra-Pair Paternity Among New World Tachycineta Swallows
Authors: Ferretti Valentina , Massoni Viviana , Liljesthröm Marcela , Lacoretz Mariela V. , Winkler David W.
Published: September 2019

Extra-pair paternity rates vary markedly across avian taxa, but patterns of variation in this trait have been obscured by a paucity of data on closely related species, especially those spanning broad environmental gradients. Here we compare variation in extra-pair paternity rates among five species in the widespread swallow genusTachycineta. Rates of extra-pair paternity vary widely in this group, ranging from 13 to 87% of nests having extra-pair young. The inter-specific variation in extra-pair paternity within this small group of closely related swallows has a range equivalent to that found among all Hirundinidae and is close to the range of variation across all birds. Despite theory that predicts extra-pair paternity rates to be explained by latitudinal variation in breeding synchrony our results show that extra-pair paternity rates in this genus do not closely track a latitudinal gradient, as predicted by studies of other life-history traits, and are not explained by differences in breeding synchrony as previously suggested. The genetic mating systems of birds, described by the rates of extra-pair paternity, are connected to all other life-history traits through a complex network of trade-offs with organismal (phylogenetic) and ecological (environmental) factors. Disentangling each of these interactions to understand latitudinal patterns in any given life-history trait remains a daunting task.
Determination of the pathogenicity of known COL4A5 intronic variants by in vitro splicing assay
Authors: Horinouchi Tomoko , Nozu Kandai , Yamamura Tomohiko , Minamikawa Shogo , Nagano China , Sakakibara Nana , Nakanishi Koichi , Shima Yuko , Morisada Naoya , Ishiko Shinya , Aoto Yuya , Nagase Hiroaki , Takeda Hiroki , Rossanti Rini , Kaito Hiroshi , Matsuo Masafumi , Iijima Kazumoto
Published: September 2019

X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) is a congenital renal disease caused by mutations in COL4A5. In XLAS cases suspected of being caused by aberrant splicing, transcript analysis needs to be conducted to determine splicing patterns and assess the pathogenicity. However, such analysis is not always available. We conducted a functional splicing assay using a hybrid minigene for seven COL4A5 intronic mutations: one was identified by us and six were found in the Human Gene Mutation Database. The minigene assay revealed exon skipping in four variants, exon skipping and a 10-bp insertion in one variant, and no change in one variant, which appeared not to be pathogenic. For one variant, our assay did not work. The results of all three cases for which transcript data were available were consistent with our assay results. Our findings may help to increase the accuracy of genetic test results and clarify the mechanisms causing aberrant splicing.
Prognostic factors associated with visual outcome of salvageable eyes with posttraumatic endophthalmitis
Authors: Lu Xuehui , Xia Honghe , Jin Chuang , Chen Weiqi , Siu-Chun Ng Danny , Yan Hua , Chen Haoyu
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prognostic factors associated with visual outcomes in the salvageable eyes with posttraumatic endophthalmitis. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients diagnosed with posttraumatic endophthalmitis in our hospital between 2008 and 2015. The following information was collected: age, sex, etiology, past medical history, clinical manifestations, wound location, microbiology, blood leukocyte counts, types of interventions, initial visual acuities and final visual acuities. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore the factors associated with final best-corrected visual acuity. In total, 98 eyes of 98 patients were included in our study. Fifty-seven eyes underwent vitrectomy, 27 of them had silicone oil tamponade, 38 eyes received intravitreal ceftazidime only and 3 eyes received intracameral ceftazidime. In univariate analysis, poor initial visual acuity, presence of intraocular foreign body, number of intravitreal injections, retinal detachment and Zone 3 injury were associated with poor visual outcome. In multivariable analysis, poor initial visual acuity, presence of intraocular foreign body and number of intravitreal injections were independently associated with poor visual outcome. The silicone oil group had fewer repeated intravitreal injections than the group without oil tamponade. We concluded that the visual outcome of salvageable eyes with posttraumatic endophthalmitis is associated with initial visual acuity, presence of intraocular foreign body and number of intravitreal antibiotic injections.
Consumption of benthic cyanobacterial mats on a Caribbean coral reef
Authors: Cissell Ethan C. , Manning Joshua C. , McCoy Sophie J.
Published: September 2019

Herbivory is an important process in the general structuring of coral reef benthic communities. However, evidence of its ability to control coral reef benthic cyanobacterial mats, which have recently proliferated on reefs worldwide, remains ambivalent. Here, we report that the French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru), Striped Parrotfish (Scarus iseri), Rock Beauty (Holacanthus tricolor), Ocean Surgeonfish (Acanthurus bahianus), Blue Parrotfish (Scarus coeruleus), and Atlantic Blue Tang (Acanthurus coeruleus) consume benthic cyanobacterial mats on coral reefs in Bonaire, Netherlands. We documented the foraging patterns of P. paru and S. iseri, and found that benthic cyanobacterial mats comprised 36.7% ± 5.8% and 15.0% ± 1.53% (mean ± standard error) of the total bites taken by P. paru and S. iseri respectively. This magnitude of consumption suggests that grazing by reef fishes may represent a potentially important, but previously undocumented, top-down control on benthic cyanobacterial mats on Caribbean reefs.
Nucleoporin insufficiency disrupts a pluripotent regulatory circuit in a pro-arrhythmogenic stem cell line
Authors: Preston Claudia C. , Storm Emily C. , Burdine Ryan D. , Bradley Tyler A. , Uttecht Andrew D. , Faustino Randolph S.
Published: September 2019

Nucleoporins have been reported to regulate pluripotent biology, but how they do so remains partially characterized. This study examined the effects of nup155 gene disruption on mouse embryonic stem cells to gain insights into possible mechanisms by which nucleoporins regulate pluripotency in a pro-arrhythmogenic stem cell line. Embryonic stem cells with gene-trapped nup155 exhibited aberrant colony morphology underscored by abnormal transcriptome remodeling. Bioinformatic analysis of whole transcriptome data from nup155+/− embryonic stem cells revealed changes in a variety of non-coding RNA elements, with significant under expression of miR291a, miR291b, miR293, and miR294. These miRNAs are members of the larger regulatory miR290–295 cluster that regulates pluripotency and are controlled by the canonical stem cell-related factors SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG. Expression analysis of these factors revealed downregulation in all three, supported by biochemical profiling and image analysis. These data implicate disruption of the miR-SOX2/OCT4/NANOG regulatory circuit occurs downstream of nup155 gene lesion.
BMI and specimen weight: impact on personalized risk profiling for optimized informed consent in breast reduction surgery?
Authors: Winter Raimund , Reischies Frederike M. J. , Tuca Alexandru , Wurzer Paul , Schubert Christian , Wolfsberger Christina H. , Rienmueller Theresa , Friedl Herwig , Sljivich Michaela , Lumenta David B. , Kamolz Lars-P.
Published: September 2019

We aimed to evaluate the interaction between individual risk factors and institutional complication rates after reduction mammaplasties to develop a chart for a personalized written patient informed consent. We retrospectively reviewed charts of 804 patients who underwent bilateral breast reduction between 2005 and 2015. The Clavien-Dindo classification was used to classify postoperative complications. Relevant predictors were found by applying a stepwise variable selection procedure. Multilevel predictors were assessed through chi-square tests on the respective deviance reductions. 486 patients were included. The most common complications were wound healing problems (n = 270/56%), foreign body reactions (n = 58/12%), wound infections (n = 45/9, 3%) and fat tissue necrosis (n = 41/8%). The risk factors for the personalized patient chart for the most common complications influencing the preoperative informed consent were: smoking, operative technique, resection weight for wound healing problems; body mass index and allergies for wound infections; and patients’ age, resection weight for fat tissue necrosis. The resultant chart of institutionally encountered most common complications based on individual risk factors is a graphical template for obtaining patient informed consent in the future. Whether this approach influences patient information retainment, incidence of filed lawsuits or behavioral change needs to be prospectively tested in future studies.
A Rapid Response Electrochemical Biosensor for Detecting Thc In Saliva
Authors: Stevenson Hunter , Bacon Amanda , Joseph Kathleen Mary , Gwandaru Wilma Ruth Wanjiku , Bhide Ashlesha , Sankhala Devangsingh , Dhamu Vikram Narayanan , Prasad Shalini
Published: September 2019

Marijuana is listed as a Schedule I substance under the American Controlled Substances Act of 1970. As more U.S. states and countries beyond the U.S. seek legalization, demands grow for identifying individuals driving under the influence (DUI) of marijuana. Currently no roadside DUI test exists for determining marijuana impairment, thus the merit lies in detecting the primary and the most sought psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana. Salivary THC levels are correlated to blood THC levels making it a non-invasive medium for rapid THC testing. Affinity biosensing is leveraged for THC biomarker detection through the chemical reaction between target THC and THC specific antibody to a measure signal output related to the concentration of the targeted biomarker. Here, we propose a novel, rapid, electrochemical biosensor for the detection of THC in saliva as a marijuana roadside DUI test with a lower detection limit of 100 pg/ml and a dynamic range of 100 pg/ml – 100 ng/ml in human saliva. The developed biosensor is the first of its kind to utilize affinity-based detection through impedimetric measurements with a rapid detection time of less than a minute. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the successful immobilization of the THC immobilization assay on the biosensing platform. Zeta potential studies provided information regarding the stability and the electrochemical behavior of THC immunoassay in varying salivary pH buffers. We have demonstrated stable, dose dependent biosensing in varying salivary pH’s. A binary classification system demonstrating a high general performance (AUC = 0.95) was employed to predict the presence of THC in human saliva. The biosensor on integration with low-power electronics and a portable saliva swab serves as a roadside DUI hand-held platform for rapid identification of THC in saliva samples obtained from human subjects.
Enhanced Electrocatalytic Stability of Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Sulfur-Doped Carbon using in-situ Solution Plasma
Authors: Li Oi Lun , Shi Zhicong , Lee Hoonseung , Ishizaki Takahiro
Published: September 2019

The metal-air battery is a form of renewable energy generation technology that produces energy electrochemically and can address energy concerns in the near future. However, state-of-the-art Pt electrocatalysts often suffer from agglomeration or detachment from carbon supports under prolonged operation, eventually limiting the long-term utilization of metal-air batteries. In this work, Pt nanoparticles were deposited on sulfur-doped nanocarbon to increase its stability. We first synthesized sulfur-doped (S-doped) and pristine carbon as support materials via a plasma process, and thereafter loaded platinum (Pt) nanoparticles onto the S-doped and pristine carbon matrix. From a sintering test at 600 °C, the Pt nanoparticles supported on pristine carbon increased from 2.4 to 5.2 nm; meanwhile, the average size of Pt NPs supported on S-doped carbon only increased from 2.2 to 2.51 nm. From the electrochemical analyses, the mass activity of Pt on pristine and S-doped carbon supports decreased by 25% and 10%, respectively, after 1500 cycles. The results proposed that the sulfide C–S–C bond provided a strong platinum-S-doped carbon support interaction between the support materials and the loaded Pt nanoparticles. Thus, S-doped carbon supports can serve as a stabilizer of Pt nanoparticles to enhance their durability in the application of metal-air batteries and other electrochemical devices.
Associations between Coffee Products and Breast Cancer Risk: a Case-Control study in Hong Kong Chinese Women
Authors: Lee Priscilla Ming Yi , Chan Wing Cheong , Kwok Carol Chi-hei , Wu Cherry , Law Sze-hong , Tsang Koon-ho , Yu Wai-cho , Yeung Yiu-cheong , Chang Lydia Dai Jia , Wong Carmen Ka Man , Wang Feng , Tse Lap Ah
Published: September 2019

Coffee contains caffeine and diterpenes that were associated with decreased breast cancer risk, but results remained inconsistent. The study purpose was to investigate the associations between coffee products and breast cancer risk among Hong Kong Chinese women. We conducted a hospital-based case-control study in three public hospitals. 2169 Chinese women aged 24–84 years old were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire with questions asking types, cups and duration on coffee drinking. We used unconditional multivariate logistic regression to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for breast cancer risk with different coffee products. 238 (20.6%) cases and 179 (17.7%) controls are habitual coffee drinkers. No association was found between overall coffee drinking and breast cancer risk. Compared to the non-habitual coffee drinkers, women who consumed instant coffee (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.10–2.03) were significantly associated with an increased breast cancer risk. Women who drank brewed coffee (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.28–0.82) were negatively associated with breast cancer risk. A positive association between instant coffee and breast cancer risk was observed, contradicted to the outcomes of drinking brewed coffee. Larger studies are warranted to ascertain the role of different types of coffee products in breast cancer risk.
A novel phosphonic acid functional polythiophene fluorescent sensor for Ca2+ and its live cell imaging
Authors: Yang Ting , Hu Zhiru , Liu Jilin , Zhang Zhiquan , Feng Guodong
Published: September 2019

Calcium ions are indispensable to various physiological activities of the body, so the detection of calcium ions is very important.
Near-infrared emission TMB dots as a colorimetric and fluorescent nanoswitch for the reversible recognition of iron ion and cysteine and their logic gate applications
Authors: Qin Xiaofei , Chen Can , Zhang Shiyu , Zhu Jixin , Wang Yongxiang , Liu Jinhua
Published: September 2019

The present work developed a facile method to fabricate a near-infrared fluorescent TMBDs colorimetric and fluorescent nanoswitch for reversible recognition (CFRR) of Fe3+ and Cys.
Bandgap engineering in Mn3TeO6: giant irreversible bandgap reduction triggered by pressure
Authors: Liu Lei , Skogby Henrik , Ivanov Sergey , Weil Matthias , Mathieu Roland , Lazor Peter
Published: September 2019

The quenchable phase of multiferroic oxide Mn3TeO6 with narrowing bandgap of 1.86 eV was synthesized by high-pressure treatment.
Schottky junction effect enhanced plasmonic photocatalysis by TaON@Ni NP heterostructures
Authors: Pei Lang , Li Taozhu , Yuan Yongjun , Yang Tao , Zhong Jiasong , Ji Zhenguo , Yan Shicheng , Zou Zhigang
Published: September 2019

The localized surface plasmon resonance and Schottky junction in the TaON@Ni hybrid photocatalyst improve the light harvesting and promote the electron–hole separation and transport of TaON.
Controllable coating and reshaping of gold nanorods with tetracyanoquinodimethane
Authors: Lee Jaedeok , Lee Hyoseong , Kiguye Collins , Bae Cheongwon , Kim Juyeong
Published: September 2019

We developed a coating method with tetracyanoquinodimethane that forms solid layers through π stacking on gold nanorod surfaces.
Phthalocyanine-based mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles: NIR photodynamic efficiency and siRNA photochemical internalization
Authors: Ekineker Gülçin , Nguyen Christophe , Bayır Sümeyra , Dominguez Gil Sofia , İşci Ümit , Daurat Morgane , Godefroy Anastasia , Raehm Laurence , Charnay Clarence , Oliviero Erwan , Ahsen Vefa , Gary-Bobo Magali , Durand Jean-Olivier , Dumoulin Fabienne
Published: September 2019

Mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (PHT-PMO) have been prepared from an octa-triethoxysilylated Zn phthalocyanine precursor and showed powerful NIR photodynamic efficiency and siRNA photochemical internalization.
An investigation of free-energy-averaged (coarse-grained) potentials for fluid adsorption on heterogeneous solid surfaces
Authors: Ravipati Srikanth , Galindo Amparo , Jackson George , Haslam Andrew J.
Published: September 2019

A FEA mapping procedure for providing coarse-grained, two-body fluid–solid potentials (describing the interaction between a fluid molecule and a solid surface) is investigated, and adapted to allow study of adsorption on heterogeneous surfaces.
Quasiperiodic behavior in the electrodeposition of Cu/Sn multilayers: extraction of activation energies and wavelet analysis
Authors: Menezes Laura , Parma Eduardo , Machado Eduardo G. , Nagao Raphael
Published: September 2019

The oscillatory electro-deposition of Cu/Sn in the presence of a surfactant shows quasiperiodic behavior, which is described by the coupling between a mainly activation and a mainly diffusion-controlled processes.
Growth of highly oriented MoS2via an intercalation process in the graphene/SiC(0001) system
Authors: Michałowski Paweł Piotr , Knyps Piotr , Ciepielewski Paweł , Caban Piotr A. , Dumiszewska Ewa , Kowalski Grzegorz , Tokarczyk Mateusz , Baranowski Jacek M.
Published: September 2019

A method of growing highly oriented MoS2 between graphene and SiC substrate is presented.
Defects in Li4Ti5O12induced by carbon deposition: an analysis of unidentified bands in Raman spectra
Authors: Pelegov Dmitry V. , Nasara Ralph Nicolai , Tu Chia-hao , Lin Shih-kang
Published: September 2019

Raman spectroscopy was shown to be sensitive to the presence of diluted low-concentration defects in both pristine and carbon-coated lithium titanate.
Formation and conversion of characteristic volatile compounds in grilled eel (Astroconger myriaster) during different processing steps
Authors: Huang Xu-Hui , Fu Bao-Shang , Qi Li-Bo , Huo Li-Duo , Zhang Yu-Ying , Du Ming , Dong Xiu-Ping , Zhu Bei-Wei , Qin Lei
Published: September 2019

The aroma of grilled eel is affected by three key processing steps: curing, steaming, and grilling.
In vitro digestibility and release of a mango peel extract encapsulated within water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) emulsions containing sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
Authors: Velderrain-Rodríguez Gustavo R. , Salvia-Trujillo Laura , Wall-Medrano Abraham , González-Aguilar Gustavo A. , Martín-Belloso Olga
Published: September 2019

Water-in-oil-in-water emulsions represent an alternative to incorporate phenolic compounds (PC) from mango peel into food products. The emulsions' digestibility and subsequent PC release are affected in the presence of carboxymethyl cellulose.
Tumor-on-a-chip: a microfluidic model to study cell response to environmental gradients
Authors: Ayuso Jose M. , Virumbrales-Munoz Maria , McMinn Patrick H. , Rehman Shujah , Gomez Ismael , Karim Mohammad R. , Trusttchel Regan , Wisinski Kari B. , Beebe David J. , Skala Melissa C.
Published: September 2019

Limited blood supply and rapid tumor metabolism within solid tumors leads to nutrient starvation, waste product accumulation and the generation of pH gradients across the tumor mass.
Design and fabrication of a three-dimensional meso-sized robotic metamaterial with actively controlled properties
Authors: Luo Chenyang , Song Yuanping , Zhao Chang , Thirumalai Sridharan , Ladner Ian , Cullinan Michael A. , Hopkins Jonathan B.
Published: September 2019

We introduce and fabricate a metamaterial that consists of 5 mm-sized 3D cells that each possess actuators, sensors, and circuitry to enable desired mechanical properties that emerge from closed-loop swarm control according to uploaded instructions.
The regulation of Moco biosynthesis and molybdoenzyme gene expression by molybdenum and iron in bacteria
Authors: Zupok Arkadiusz , Iobbi-Nivol Chantal , Méjean Vincent , Leimkühler Silke
Published: September 2019

Bacterial molybdoenzymes are key enzymes involved in the global sulphur, nitrogen and carbon cycles. These enzymes require the insertion of the molybdenum cofactor (Moco) into their active sites and are able to catalyse a large range of redox-reactions. Escherichia coli harbours nineteen different molybdoenzymes that require a tight regulation of their synthesis according to substrate availability, oxygen availability and the cellular concentration of molybdenum and iron. The synthesis and assembly of active molybdoenzymes are regulated at the level of transcription of the structural genes and of translation in addition to the genes involved in Moco biosynthesis. The action of global transcriptional regulators like FNR, NarXL/QP, Fur and ArcA and their roles on the expression of these genes is described in detail. In this review we focus on what is known about the molybdenum- and iron-dependent regulation of molybdoenzyme and Moco biosynthesis genes in the model organism E. coli. The gene regulation in E. coli is compared to two other well studied model organisms Rhodobacter capsulatus and Shewanella oneidensis.
A solvent-free porous liquid comprising hollow nanorod–polymer surfactant conjugates
Authors: Kumar Raj , Dhasaiyan Prabhu , Naveenkumar Parinamipura M. , Sharma Kamendra P.
Published: September 2019

A solvent-free porous liquid comprising polymer-surfactant modified hollow silica nanorods shows significant CO2 adsorption at 0 °C.
AC parallel local oxidation of silicon
Authors: Hemmatian Zahra , Gentili Denis , Barbalinardo Marianna , Morandi Vittorio , Ortolani Luca , Ruani Giampiero , Cavallini Massimiliano
Published: September 2019

Here, we present a suitable advancement of parallel local oxidation nanolithography, demonstrating its feasibility in alternate current mode (AC-PLON).
A turn-on fluorescent probe with a dansyl fluorophore for hydrogen sulfide sensing
Authors: Yan Yehan , Chen Lijuan , Liu Renyong , Zheng Yu , Wang Suhua
Published: September 2019

H2S turn on the fluorescence of DNS–Cu complex probe.
Ce-doped UiO-67 nanocrystals with improved adsorption property for removal of organic dyes
Authors: Dong Xue , Lin Yongcen , Ma Yuqin , Zhao Lang
Published: September 2019

The Ce-doped UiO-67 nanocrystals were successfully synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method. Ce doping increases the negative charge on the surface of the material, thus the adsorbent exhibits high adsorption capacity to cationic dyes.
Novel carbazole-based donor-isoindolo[2,1-a]benzimidazol-11-one acceptor polymers for ternary flash memory and light-emission
Authors: Zhang Qian , Ai Chunpeng , Wen Dianzhong , Ma Dongge , Wang Cheng , Wang Shuhong , Bai Xuduo
Published: September 2019

Newly designed and synthesized carbazole-based D–A polymers for ternary flash memory and light-emitting devices.
X-ray snapshots reveal conformational influence on active site ligation during metalloprotein folding
Authors: Hsu Darren J. , Leshchev Denis , Rimmerman Dolev , Hong Jiyun , Kelley Matthew S. , Kosheleva Irina , Zhang Xiaoyi , Chen Lin X.
Published: September 2019

Parameters of local heme structure and overall conformation are tracked to reveal conformational influences on ligation states.
Design, synthesis and application of a new type of bifunctional Le-Phos in highly enantioselective γ-addition reactions of N-centered nucleophiles to allenoates
Authors: Qiu Haile , Chen Xiaofeng , Zhang Junliang
Published: September 2019

A novel class of bifunctional cyclic phosphine catalysts (Le-Phos) is reported, which showed good performances in enantioselective γ-addition reactions of N-centered nucleophiles and allenoates under mild conditions.
Janus MoSSe/WSeTe heterostructures: a direct Z-scheme photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhou Zhaobo , Niu Xianghong , Zhang Yehui , Wang Jinlan
Published: September 2019

Inspired by natural photosynthesis, direct Z-scheme heterostructures are considered as promising photocatalysts for solar-driven water splitting and attract ever-growing interest.
The effect of carbon quantum dots on the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction of manganese–nickel phosphide nanosheets
Authors: Chen Weiwu , Qin Zhaojun , McElhenny Brian , Zhang Fanghao , Chen Shuo , Bao Jiming , Wang Zhiming M. , Song Hai-Zhi , Ren Zhifeng
Published: September 2019

Transition-metal phosphides (TMPs) are good electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to their high catalytic efficiency and low cost.
Highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cellsviabilateral passivation layers
Authors: Wang Tun , Cheng Zhendong , Zhou Yulin , Liu Hong , Shen Wenzhong
Published: September 2019

An inverted perovskite solar cell bilaterally passivated by polystyrene exhibits an efficiency of 19.99% with a highVOCof 1.149 V.
Improving the photovoltaic performance of fluorinated 2,2′-bithiophene core-based D(A–Ar)2 type small molecules via strategically end-capped heteroaromatic substitution
Authors: Li Min , Wang Shichao , Bao Chengjia , Liu Zuoji , Bai Dan , Yang Zhen , Zhu Weiguo , Peng Qiang , Liu Yu
Published: September 2019

Three novel D(A–Ar)2 type small molecules were obtained for application in OSCs. Especially, the Voc, Jsc and FF values for FBT(TDPP-TS)2-based cells were synergistically improved by inserting both N and S atoms onto the terminal groups.
Dual Tasking Influences Cough Sensorimotor Outcomes in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Perry Sarah E. , Troche Michelle S.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Reflex cough is an essential airway protective mechanism that often occurs in the context of divided attention. The effect of divided attention on measures of reflexive cough airflow and sensitivity remains unknown. We present findings from a study testing the effects of divided attention (via a dual-task paradigm) on measures of reflex cough in healthy young adults.

Method

Volunteers (N= 20, age = 20–40 years) underwent 4 blocks of capsaicin-induced cough challenges. Within each block, capsaicin ranging from 0 to 200 μM was presented in a randomized order. Two blocks consisted of cough testing only (single task). During the other 2 blocks, participants counted tones while simultaneously undergoing cough testing (dual task). Measures of cough motor response, self-reported urge-to-cough, cough frequency, and cough airflow were collected.

Results

Participants coughed more in the single-task condition compared to the dual-task condition (p≤ .001). Participants' urge-to-cough ratings were lower in the dual-task condition (x̅= 2, “slight”) compared to the single-task condition (x̅= 3, “moderate”;p= .007). Participants' cough reflex sensitivity thresholds were significantly increased in the dual-task condition (p= .002). Cough peak expiratory flow rates did not change between the 2 conditions (p= .34).

Conclusions

Somatosensation of tussive stimuli changes during dual tasking. Abnormal cortical resource allocation may be a mechanism involved in silent aspiration.