bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural mechanisms of affective matching across faces and scenes
Authors: Preckel Katrin , Trautwein Fynn-Mathis , Paulus Frieder M. , Kirsch Peter , Krach Sören , Singer Tania , Kanske Philipp
Published: February 2019

The emotional matching paradigm, introduced by Hariri and colleagues in 2000, is a widely used neuroimaging experiment that reliably activates the amygdala. In the classic version of the experiment faces with negative emotional expression and scenes depicting distressing events are compared with geometric shapes instead of neutral stimuli of the same category (i.e. faces or scenes). This makes it difficult to clearly attribute amygdala activation to the emotional valence and not to the social content. To improve this paradigm, we conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging study in which emotionally neutral and, additionally, positive stimuli within each stimulus category (i.e. faces, social and non-social scenes) were included. These categories enabled us to differentiate the exact nature of observed effects in the amygdala. First, the main findings of the original paradigm were replicated. Second, we observed amygdala activation when comparing negative to neutral stimuli of the same category. However, for negative faces, the amygdala response habituated rapidly. Third, positive stimuli were associated with widespread activation including the insula and the caudate. This validated adaption study enables more precise statements on the neural activation underlying emotional processing. These advances may benefit future studies on identifying selective impairments in emotional and social stimulus processing.
The ability to utilise ammonia as nitrogen source is cell type specific and intricately linked to GDH, AMPK and mTORC1
Authors: Lie Shervi , Wang Tingting , Forbes Briony , Proud Christopher G. , Petersen Janni
Published: February 2019

Ammonia can be utilised as an alternative nitrogen source to glutamine to support cell proliferation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and whether all cells have this ability is not fully understood. We find that eleven cancer and non-cancerous cell lines have opposite abilities to tolerate and utilise ammonia to support proliferation in a glutamine-depleted environment. HEK293, Huh7, T47D and MCF7 cells can use ammonia, when starved of glutamine, to support proliferation to varying degrees. Glutamine depletion reduced mTORC1 activity, while additional ammonia supplementation diminished this mTORC1 inhibition. Depletion of glutamine promoted a rapid and transient activation of AMPK, whereas, additional ammonia supplementation blocked this starvation-induced AMPK activation. As expected, drug-induced AMPK activation reduced cell proliferation in glutamine-depleted cells supplemented with ammonia. Surprisingly, mTORC1 activity was largely unchanged despite the enhanced AMPK activity, suggesting that AMPK does not inhibit mTORC1 signalling under these conditions. Finally, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) inhibition, a key enzyme regulating ammonia assimilation, leads to AMPK activation, mTORC1 inhibition and reduced proliferation. Ammonia provides an alternative nitrogen source that aids certain cancer cells ability to thrive in nutrient-deprived environment. The ability of cells to utilise ammonia as a nitrogen source is intricately linked to AMPK, mTORC1 and GDH.
Unusual oxidation-induced core-level shifts at the HfO2/InP interface
Authors: Mäkelä Jaakko , Lahti Antti , Tuominen Marjukka , Yasir Muhammad , Kuzmin Mikhail , Laukkanen Pekka , Kokko Kalevi , Punkkinen Marko P. J. , Dong Hong , Brennan Barry , Wallace Robert M.
Published: February 2019

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is one of the most used methods in a diverse field of materials science and engineering. The elemental core-level binding energies (BE) and core-level shifts (CLS) are determined and interpreted in the XPS. Oxidation is commonly considered to increase the BE of the core electrons of metal and semiconductor elements (i.e., positive BE shift due to O bonds), because valence electron charge density moves toward electronegative O atoms in the intuitive charge-transfer model. Here we demonstrate that this BE hypothesis is not generally valid by presenting XPS spectra and a consistent model of atomic processes occurring at HfO2/InP interface including negative In CLSs. It is shown theoretically for abrupt HfO2/InP model structures that there is no correlation between the In CLSs and the number of oxygen neighbors. However, the P CLSs can be estimated using the number of close O neighbors. First native oxide model interfaces for III-V semiconductors are introduced. The results obtained from ab initio calculations and synchrotron XPS measurements emphasize the importance of complementary analyses in various academic and industrial investigations where CLSs are at the heart of advancing knowledge.
Comparison of TCGA and GENIE genomic datasets for the detection of clinically actionable alterations in breast cancer
Authors: Kaur Pushpinder , Porras Tania B. , Ring Alexander , Carpten John D. , Lang Julie E.
Published: February 2019

Whole exome sequencing (WES), targeted gene panel sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays are increasingly used for the identification of actionable alterations that are critical to cancer care. Here, we compared The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE) breast cancer genomic datasets (array and next generation sequencing (NGS) data) in detecting genomic alterations in clinically relevant genes. We performed an in silico analysis to determine the concordance in the frequencies of actionable mutations and copy number alterations/aberrations (CNAs) in the two most common breast cancer histologies, invasive lobular and invasive ductal carcinoma. We found that targeted sequencing identified a larger number of mutational hotspots and clinically significant amplifications that would have been missed by WES and SNP arrays in many actionable genes such as PIK3CA, EGFR, AKT3, FGFR1, ERBB2, ERBB3 and ESR1. The striking differences between the number of mutational hotspots and CNAs generated from these platforms highlight a number of factors that should be considered in the interpretation of array and NGS-based genomic data for precision medicine. Targeted panel sequencing was preferable to WES to define the full spectrum of somatic mutations present in a tumor.
An experimental genetically attenuated live vaccine to prevent transmission of Toxoplasma gondii by cats
Authors: Ramakrishnan Chandra , Maier Simone , Walker Robert A. , Rehrauer Hubert , Joekel Deborah E. , Winiger Rahel R. , Basso Walter U. , Grigg Michael E. , Hehl Adrian B. , Deplazes Peter , Smith Nicholas C.
Published: February 2019

Almost any warm-blooded creature can be an intermediate host for Toxoplasma gondii. However, sexual reproduction of T. gondii occurs only in felids, wherein fertilisation of haploid macrogametes by haploid microgametes, results in diploid zygotes, around which a protective wall develops, forming unsporulated oocysts. Unsporulated oocysts are shed in the faeces of cats and meiosis gives rise to haploid sporozoites within the oocysts. These, now infectious, sporulated oocysts contaminate the environment as a source of infection for people and their livestock. RNA-Seq analysis of cat enteric stages of T. gondii uncovered genes expressed uniquely in microgametes and macrogametes. A CRISPR/Cas9 strategy was used to create a T. gondii strain that exhibits defective fertilisation, decreased fecundity and generates oocysts that fail to produce sporozoites. Inoculation of cats with this engineered parasite strain totally prevented oocyst excretion following infection with wild-type T. gondii, demonstrating that this mutant is an attenuated, live, transmission-blocking vaccine.
S100A8 & S100A9: Alarmin mediated inflammation in tendinopathy
Authors: Crowe Lindsay A. N. , McLean Michael , Kitson Susan M. , Melchor Emma Garcia , Patommel Katharina , Cao Hai Man , Reilly James H. , Leach William J. , Rooney Brain P. , Spencer Simon J. , Mullen Michael , Chambers Max , Murrell George A. C. , McInnes Iain B. , Akbar Moeed , Millar Neal L.
Published: February 2019

Alarmins S100A8 and S100A9 are endogenous molecules released in response to environmental triggers and cellular damage. They are constitutively expressed in immune cells such as monocytes and neutrophils and their expression is upregulated under inflammatory conditions. The molecular mechanisms that regulate inflammatory pathways in tendinopathy are largely unknown therefore identifying early immune effectors is essential to understanding the pathology. Based on our previous investigations highlighting tendinopathy as an alarmin mediated pathology we sought evidence of S100A8 & A9 expression in a human model of tendinopathy and thereafter, to explore mechanisms whereby S100 proteins may regulate release of inflammatory mediators and matrix synthesis in human tenocytes. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR showed S100A8 & A9 expression was significantly upregulated in tendinopathic tissue compared with control. Furthermore, treating primary human tenocytes with exogenous S100A8 & A9 significantly increased protein release of IL-6, IL-8, CCL2, CCL20 and CXCL10; however, no alterations in genes associated with matrix remodelling were observed at a transcript level. We propose S100A8 & A9 participate in early pathology by modulating the stromal microenvironment and influencing the inflammatory profile observed in tendinopathy. S100A8 and S100A9 may participate in a positive feedback mechanism involving enhanced leukocyte recruitment and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from tenocytes that perpetuates the inflammatory response within the tendon in the early stages of disease.
Analysis of the Causes on Poor Clinical Efficacy of Kyphoplasty Performed in Unilateral Transpedicular Puncture for the Treatment of Senile Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Yin Hao , He Xuejun , Yi Huijun , Luo Zhiguo , Chen Jianmin
Published: February 2019

This study intends to analyze the causes on poor clinical efficacy of kyphoplasty performed in unilateral transpedicular puncture for the treatment of senile osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. A retrospective study was conducted on a consecutive series of 70 patients who had underwent kyphoplasty performed in unilateral transpedicular puncture for the treatment of senile osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures between March 2016 to March 2017. These patients were compared for clinical data to investigate the causes on poor clinical efficacy of kyphoplasty performed in unilateral transpedicular puncture for the treatment of senile osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Comparison result of the indices between these patients showed that the differences in body weight, fracture type and bone cement dispersion were statistically significant. Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed body weight (OR = 0.892, p = 0.042), fracture type 2 (OR = 0.089, p = 0.020) and bone cement dispersion (OR = 4.773, p = 0.025) are risk factors for poor clinical efficacy. The results of corresponding analysis on VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), vertebral height and Cobb angle in patients with poor clinical efficacy showed that there is a correlation between them. We believe that patients’ weight, dispersion degree of bone cement and fracture type of injured vertebra are the risk factors of kyphoplasty with poor clinical efficacy.
Cytotoxicity of eupatorin in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells via cell cycle arrest, anti-angiogenesis and induction of apoptosis
Authors: Razak Nursyamirah Abd , Abu Nadiah , Ho Wan Yong , Zamberi Nur Rizi , Tan Sheau Wei , Alitheen Noorjahan Banu , Long Kamariah , Yeap Swee Keong
Published: February 2019

Eupatorin has been reported with in vitro cytotoxic effect on several human cancer cells. However, reports on the mode of action and detail mechanism of eupatorin in vitro in breast cancer disease are limited. Hence, eupatorin’s effect on the human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 was investigated. MTT assay showed that eupatorin had cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells but was non-toxic to the normal cells of MCF-10a in a time-dose dependent manner. At 24 h, the eupatorin showed mild cytotoxicity on both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells with IC50 values higher than 20 μg/mL. After 48 h, eupatorin at 5 μg/mL inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells by 50% while the IC50 of MCF-10a was significantly (p < 0.05) high with 30 μg/mL. The concentration of eupatorin at 5 μg/mL induced apoptosis mainly through intrinsic pathway by facilitating higher fold of caspase 9 compared to caspase 8 at 48 h. The cell cycle profile also showed that eupatorin (5 μg/mL) exerted anti-proliferation activity with the cell cycle arrest of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells at sub Gθ/G1 in a time-dependent manner. In addition, wound healing assay showed an incomplete wound closure of scratched MDA-MB-231 cells, and more than 60% of the MDA-MB-231 cells were prevented to migrate and invade the membrane in the Boyden chamber after 24 h. Eupatorin also inhibited angiogenic sprouting of new blood vessels in ex vivo mouse aorta ring assay. In gene expression assay, eupatorin up-regulated pro-apoptotic genes such as Bak1, HIF1A, Bax, Bad, cytochrome c and SMAC/Diablo and blocked the Phospho-Akt pathway. In conclusion, eupatorin is a potent candidate to induce apoptosis and concurrently inhibit the invasion, migration and angiogenesis of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells through inhibition of Phospho-Akt pathway and cell cycle blockade.
The Effect of Micro- and Nanoscale Surface Topographies on Silk on Human Corneal Limbal Epithelial Cell Differentiation
Authors: Kang Kai B. , Lawrence Brian D. , Gao X. Raymond , Guaiquil Victor H. , Liu Aihong , Rosenblatt Mark I.
Published: February 2019

We previously reported that micro- and nano-scale topographic pitch created on silk films mimic features of the corneal basement membrane by providing biophysical cues to direct corneal epithelial cell adherence and migration. However, the effect of these topographical features on corneal limbal epithelial cell differentiation has not been explored. We hypothesize in the current study that various topographical pitch created on silk may affect corneal epithelial stem cell differentiation and alter the expression of genes involved in cell differentiation and self-renewal. We patterned silk films with different topographic pitch via soft lithography and observed human corneal limbal epithelial cell behavior. Colony forming assay demonstrated increased colony forming efficiency on patterned silk films. Cells cultured on nanoscale patterned silk films also expressed lower levels of putative keratocyte differentiation markers and higher levels of putative limbal stem cell markers. RNA-Seq analysis further implicated the involvement of pathways related to stem cell differentiation and self-renewal, including Notch, ERK/MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We conclude that patterned silk film substrates can be used as scaffolds and provide biophysical cues to corneal limbal stem cells that may maintain corneal epithelial stem cells at a less differentiated state.
Unique skull network complexity of Tyrannosaurus rex among land vertebrates
Authors: Werneburg Ingmar , Esteve-Altava Borja , Bruno Joana , Torres Ladeira Marta , Diogo Rui
Published: February 2019

Like other diapsids,Tyrannosaurus rexhas two openings in the temporal skull region. In addition, like in other dinosaurs, its snout and lower jaw show large cranial fenestrae. InT.rex, they are thought to decrease skull weight, because, unlike most other amniotes, the skull proportion is immense compared to the body. Understanding morphofunctional complexity of this impressive skull architecture requires a broad scale phylogenetic comparison with skull types different to that of dinosaurs with fundamentally diverging cranial regionalization. Extant fully terrestrial vertebrates (amniotes) provide the best opportunities in that regard, as their skull performance is known from life. We apply for the first time anatomical network analysis to study skull bone integration and modular constructions in tyrannosaur and compare it with five representatives of the major amniote groups in order to get an understanding of the general patterns of amniote skull modularity. Our results reveal that the tyrannosaur has the most modular skull organization among the amniotes included in our study, with an unexpected separation of the snout in upper and lower sub-modules and the presence of a lower adductor chamber module. Independent pathways of bone reduction in opossum and chicken resulted in different degrees of cranial complexity with chicken having a typical sauropsidian pattern. The akinetic skull of opossum, alligator, and leatherback turtle evolved in independent ways mirrored in different patterns of skull modularity. Kinetic forms also show great diversity in modularity. The complex tyrannosaur skull modularity likely represents a refined mosaic of phylogenetic and ecological factors with food processing being probably most important for shaping its skull architecture. Mode of food processing primarily shaped skull integration among amniotes, however, phylogenetic patterns of skull integration are low in our sampling. Our general conclusions on amniote skull integrity are obviously preliminary and should be tested in subsequent studies. As such, this study provides a framework for future research focusing on the evolution of modularity on lower taxonomic levels.
Crystal structure of the dog allergen Can f 6 and structure-based implications of its cross-reactivity with the cat allergen Fel d 4
Authors: Yamamoto Kenji , Ishibashi Osamu , Sugiura Keisuke , Ubatani Miki , Sakaguchi Masaya , Nakatsuji Masatoshi , Shimamoto Shigeru , Noda Masanori , Uchiyama Susumu , Fukutomi Yuma , Nishimura Shigenori , Inui Takashi
Published: February 2019

Several dog allergens cause allergic reactions in humans worldwide. Seven distinct dog allergens, designated Canis familiaris allergen 1 to 7 (Can f 1–Can f 7), have been identified thus far. Can f 6 shows high sequence similarity and cross-reactivity with Fel d 4 and Equ c 1, major cat and horse allergens, respectively. This study was conducted on the allergenic epitopes of Can f 6 based on its structural characterization. We demonstrated that sera from 18 out of 38 (47%) dog-sensitized patients reacted to recombinant Can f 6 protein (rCan f 6). We then determined the crystal structure of rCan f 6 by X-ray crystallography, which exhibited a conserved tertiary structural architecture found in lipocalin family proteins. Based on the tertiary structure and sequence similarities with Fel d 4 and Equ c 1, we predicted three IgE-recognizing sites that are possibly involved in cross-reactivity. Substituting three successive amino acids in these sites to triple alanine decreased IgE reactivity to the allergen. However, the degree of reduction in IgE reactivity largely depended on the site mutated and the serum used, suggesting that Can f 6 is a polyvalent allergen containing multiple epitopes and Can f 6-reactive sera contain varied amounts of IgE recognising individual Can f 6 epitopes including those predicted in this study. We also demonstrated that the predicted epitopes are partly involved in IgE cross-reactivity to Fel d 4. Interestingly, the effect of the mutation depended on whether the protein was structured or denatured, indicating that the bona fide tertiary structure of Can f 6 is essential in determining its IgE epitopes.
Pulsed photo-ionization spectroscopy of traps in as-grown and neutron irradiated ammonothermally synthesized GaN
Authors: Gaubas E. , Čeponis T. , Meškauskaite D. , Mickevičius J. , Pavlov J. , Rumbauskas V. , Grigonis R. , Zajac M. , Kucharski R.
Published: February 2019

GaN-based structures are promising for production of radiation detectors and high-voltage high-frequency devices. Particle detectors made of GaN are beneficial as devices simultaneously generating of the optical and electrical signals. Photon-electron coupling cross-section is a parameter which relates radiation absorption and emission characteristics. On the other hand, photon-electron coupling cross-section together with photo-ionization energy are fingerprints of deep centres in material. In this work, the wafer fragments of the GaN grown by ammonothermal (AT) technology are studied to reveal the dominant defects introduced by growth procedures and reactor neutron irradiations in a wide range, 1012–1016 cm−2, of fluences. Several defects in the as-grown and irradiated material have been revealed by using the pulsed photo-ionization spectroscopy (PPIS) technique. The PPIS measurements were performed by combining femtosecond (40 fs) and nanosecond (4 ns) laser pulses emitted by optical parametric oscillators (OPO) to clarify the role of electron-phonon coupling. Variations of the operational characteristics of the tentative sensors, made of the AT GaN doped with Mg and Mn, under radiation damage by reactor neutrons have been considered.
Increased adiposity, inflammation, metabolic disruption and dyslipidemia in adult male offspring of DOSS treated C57BL/6 dams
Authors: Temkin Alexis M. , Bowers Robert R. , Ulmer Candice Z. , Penta Kayla , Bowden John A. , Nyland Jennifer , Baatz John E. , Spyropoulos Demetri D.
Published: February 2019

Evidence indicates that obesity can be promoted by chemical ‘obesogens’ that drive adiposity, hunger, inflammation and suppress metabolism. Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS), a lipid emulsifier and candidate obesogen in vitro, is widely used in processed foods, cosmetics and as stool softener medicines commonly used during pregnancy. In vivo testing of DOSS was performed in a developmental origins of adult obesity model. Pregnant mice were orally administered vehicle control or DOSS at times and doses comparable to stool softener use during human pregnancy. All weaned offspring consumed only standard diet. Adult male but not female offspring of DOSS-treated dams showed significantly increased body mass, overall and visceral fat masses, and decreased bone area. They exhibited significant decreases in plasma adiponectin and increases in leptin, glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia. Inflammatory IL-6 was elevated, as was adipose Cox2 and Nox4 gene expressions, which may be associated with promoter DNA methylation changes. Multiple significant phospholipid/sterol lipid increases paralleled profiles from long-term high-fat diet induced obesity in males. Collectively, developmental DOSS exposure leads to increased adult adiposity, inflammation, metabolic disorder and dyslipidemia in offspring fed a standard diet, suggesting that pharmaceutical and other sources of DOSS taken during human pregnancy might contribute to long-term obesity-related health concerns in offspring.
Antimicrobial peptides from Rana [Lithobates] catesbeiana: Gene structure and bioinformatic identification of novel forms from tadpoles
Authors: Helbing Caren C. , Hammond S. Austin , Jackman Shireen H. , Houston Simon , Warren René L. , Cameron Caroline E. , Birol Inanç
Published: February 2019

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and have promise as new therapeutic agents. While the adult North American bullfrog (Rana [Lithobates] catesbeiana) is a prolific source of high-potency AMPs, the aquatic tadpole represents a relatively untapped source for new AMP discovery. The recent publication of the bullfrog genome and transcriptomic resources provides an opportune bridge between known AMPs and bioinformatics-based AMP discovery. The objective of the present study was to identify novel AMPs with therapeutic potential using a combined bioinformatics and wet lab-based approach. In the present study, we identified seven novel AMP precursor-encoding transcripts expressed in the tadpole. Comparison of their amino acid sequences with known AMPs revealed evidence of mature peptide sequence conservation with variation in the prepro sequence. Two mature peptide sequences were unique and demonstrated bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against Mycobacteria but not Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria. Nine known and seven novel AMP-encoding transcripts were detected in premetamorphic tadpole back skin, olfactory epithelium, liver, and/or tail fin. Treatment of tadpoles with 10 nM 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine for 48 h did not affect transcript abundance in the back skin, and had limited impact on these transcripts in the other three tissues. Gene mapping revealed considerable diversity in size (1.6–15 kbp) and exon number (one to four) of AMP-encoding genes with clear evidence of alternative splicing leading to both prepro and mature amino acid sequence diversity. These findings verify the accuracy and utility of the bullfrog genome assembly, and set a firm foundation for bioinformatics-based AMP discovery.
Cubic SnGe nanoalloys: beyond thermodynamic composition limit
Authors: Ramasamy Karthik , Kotula Paul G. , Modine Norman , Brumbach Michael T. , Pietryga Jeffrey M. , Ivanov Sergei A.
Published: February 2019

A general synthetic route is reported leading to cubic phase SnxGe1−xalloy nanocrystals with a composition varying from essentially pure Ge to 95% Sn. Overcoating of alloys with a sulfide layer increases their thermal stability to 500 °C and makes the alloy nanocrystals amenable to easy ligand exchange.
Hydrated ionic liquids enable both solubilisation and refolding of aggregated concanavalin A
Authors: Fujita Kyoko , Nakano Roka , Nakaba Risa , Nakamura Nobuhumi , Ohno Hiroyuki
Published: February 2019

Dissolution and refolding of aggregated concanavalin A were demonstrated in hydrated ionic liquids.
Ionization and fragmentation of uracil upon microhydration
Authors: Semmeq Abderrahmane , Ouaskit Said , Monari Antonio , Badawi Michael
Published: February 2019

Microhydration of the uracil cation stabilizes it with regard to fragmentation, which confirms recent experimental results.
Radicals derived from Lewis acid/base pairs
Authors: Liu Liu Leo , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: February 2019

While conventional approaches to stabilizing main group radicals have involved the use of Lewis acids or bases, this tutorial review focuses on new avenues to main group radicals derived from combinations of donor and acceptor molecules.
Crystallographically textured SnSe nanomaterials produced from the liquid phase sintering of nanocrystals
Authors: Li Mengyao , Liu Yu , Zhang Yu , Zuo Yong , Li Junshan , Lim Khak Ho , Cadavid Doris , Ng Ka Ming , Cabot Andreu
Published: February 2019

The ZT of SnSe up to 1.4 at 790 K along the a crystallographic axis by Te nanorod blending.
Structural diversity in a homologous series of donor free alkali metal complexes bearing a sterically demanding triazenide
Authors: McKay Alasdair I. , Cole Marcus L.
Published: February 2019

The isolation and structural characterization of donor free alkali metal complexes of a bis(terphenyl) substituted triazenide are presented.
52g/55Mn-Labelled CDTA-based trimeric complexes as novel bimodal PET/MR probes with high relaxivity
Authors: Brandt Marie R. , Vanasschen Christian , Ermert Johannes , Coenen Heinz H. , Neumaier Bernd
Published: February 2019

Multimerictrans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (CDTA) derivatives labelled with a mixture of paramagnetic55Mn(ii) and β+-emitting52gMn(ii) offer the access to bimodal Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance (PET/MR) tracers.
An integrated device for the rapid and sensitive detection of the influenza hemagglutinin
Authors: Anderson Caitlin E. , Buser Joshua R. , Fleming Alexis M. , Strauch Eva-Maria , Ladd Paula D. , Englund Janet , Baker David , Yager Paul
Published: February 2019

We demonstrate the swab-to-result detection of influenza virus using a novel paper microfluidic device. This device incorporates computationally designed affinity proteins with enzymatic amplification for improved sensitivity and specificity.
Point of care technologies for sepsis diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Oeschger Taylor , McCloskey Duncan , Kopparthy Varun , Singh Ankur , Erickson David
Published: February 2019

Development of new point of care tools for sepsis has the potential to improve diagnostic speed and accuracy, leading to prompt administration of appropriate therapeutics, thereby reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.
Performance tuning of microfluidic flow-focusing droplet generators
Authors: Lashkaripour Ali , Rodriguez Christopher , Ortiz Luis , Densmore Douglas
Published: February 2019

We explored a large design space to identify the coarse/fine tuners in determining droplet size, generation rate, regime, and polydispersity.
A novel technique for in situ uniaxial tests of self-assembled soft biomaterials
Authors: Elhebeary Mohamed , Emon Md Abul Bashar , Aydin Onur , Saif M. Taher A.
Published: February 2019

A novel method for the characterization of soft biomaterials and 3D tissues with living cells. Samples are self-assembled from a liquid droplet of the biomaterial on the testing stage.
A flexible conformable artificial organ-damage memory system towards hazardous gas leakage based on a single organic transistor
Authors: Song Zhiqi , Tong Yanhong , Zhao Xiaoli , Ren Hang , Tang Qingxin , Liu Yichun
Published: February 2019

A single organic transistor was used to construct a conformable artificial organ-damage memory system for simulating cumulative organ damage during hazardous gas leakage.
High luminescence color gradient by physical mixing of two perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Bansal Parul , Khan Yusuf , Kar Prasenjit
Published: February 2019

Fine tunability in the emission band along with morphological changes are investigated by mixing MAPbI3 and MAPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals.
Broadening the scope of sortagging
Authors: Dai Xiaolin , Böker Alexander , Glebe Ulrich
Published: February 2019

This review summarizes the interdisciplinary application of sortase-mediated ligation in protein and cell modification, protein–polymer conjugates, and immobilization of proteins, among others.
Stable global tubular boron clusters in Na2B18 and Na2B18−
Authors: Dong Xue , Das Anita , Liang Wei-yan , Wang Meng-hui , Cui Zhong-hua
Published: February 2019

The optimal electrostatic interactions arising from the doping effect play a crucial role in stabilizing the tubular structure against the planar and quasi-planar preferences of the negatively charged boron clusters.
An innovative silicon-chip for sensitive real time PCR improvement in pathogen detection
Authors: Battaglia Simone , Petralia Salvatore , Vicario Nunzio , Cirillo Daniela , Conoci Sabrina
Published: February 2019

An innovative miniaturized silicon-chip was developed for highly sensitive detection of pathogen genomes of both viruses and bacteria through real time PCR (qRT-PCR).
A poly(thymine)-templated fluorescent copper nanoparticle hydrogel-based visual and portable strategy for an organophosphorus pesticide assay
Authors: Chen Jihua , Han Ting , Feng Xiuyun , Wang Baojuan , Wang Guangfeng
Published: February 2019

Since fluorescence assays with high sensitivity for organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are urgently required to protect the ecosystem and prevent disease, an environmentally friendly and label-free fluorescent probe is desirable.
Lanthanide terbium complex: synthesis, electrochemiluminescence (ECL) performance, and sensing application
Authors: Xu Xia , Qin Xiangxiang , Wang Ling , Wang Xiaofang , Lu Jing , Qiu Xia , Zhu Yinggui
Published: February 2019

In this study, a new lanthanide terbium complex, Tb(pzda)3(NO3)3·nH2O, was synthesized via a hydrothermal method and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
A lysosome-targeting dual-functional fluorescent probe for imaging intracellular viscosity and beta-amyloid
Authors: Tan Hui-ya , Qiu Yu-tai , Sun Han , Yan Jin-wu , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2019

A lysosome-targeting dual-functional fluorescent probe was rationally designed and developed for imaging intracellular lysosomal viscosity and beta-amyloid.
Surface engineering of phosphorene nanoribbons by transition metal heteroatoms for spintronics
Authors: Dong Mi-Mi , Wang Zi-Qun , Zhang Guang-Ping , Wang Chuan-Kui , Fu Xiao-Xiao
Published: February 2019

Modulating the electronic and magnetic properties of phosphorene is important for fabricating multi-functional electronic and spintronic devices.
Novel superconducting structures of BH2 under high pressure
Authors: Yang Wen-Hua , Lu Wen-Cai , Li Shan-Dong , Xue Xu-Yan , Zang Qing-Jun , Ho K. M. , Wang C. Z.
Published: February 2019

The high-pressure crystal structures and superconductivity of BH2 were studied using the genetic algorithm method combined with first-principles density functional theory calculations.
Ionic transport in highly concentrated lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide electrolytes with keto ester solvents: structural implications for ion hopping conduction in liquid electrolytes
Authors: Kondou Shinji , Thomas Morgan L. , Mandai Toshihiko , Ueno Kazuhide , Dokko Kaoru , Watanabe Masayoshi
Published: February 2019

The hopping/exchange-dominated Li ion transport is attributed to liquid electrolytes with solvent-bridged, chain-like Li ion coordination and aggregated ion pairs.
Telluraporphyrinoids: an interesting class of core-modified porphyrinoids
Authors: Alka A. , Shetti Vijayendra S. , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: February 2019

This perspective presents a concise overview of the developments in telluraporphyrinoid chemistry since its inception.
Resolving complex hierarchies in chemical mixtures: how chemometrics may serve in understanding the immune system
Authors: Tinnevelt Gerjen Herman , Jansen Jeroen Jasper
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we explore the ways in which manual sequential gating, machine learning and chemometrics compare, and show complementary strength in the analyses of the hierarchies of multicolour flow cytometry data, to resolve molecular and cell mixtures into insightful contributions to the immune system.
Natural gallic acid catalyzed aerobic oxidative coupling with the assistance of MnCO3 for synthesis of disulfanes in water
Authors: Song Lijuan , Li Wenhao , Duan Wenxue , An Jichao , Tang Shanyu , Li Longjia , Yang Guanyu
Published: February 2019

Renewable low-toxic gallic acid serves as an efficient organocatalyst in assistance of MnCO3 for aerobic oxidative coupling of thiols to symmetrical and/or unsymmetrical disulfanes in water.
Vanillin decorated chitosan as electrode material for sustainable energy storage
Authors: Ilic Ivan K. , Meurer Maren , Chaleawlert-umpon Saowaluk , Antonietti Markus , Liedel Clemens
Published: February 2019

To replace dangerous and rare components in battery electrodes, more sustainable energy storage materials made from biowaste and wood-based vanillin are presented.
Normative Wideband Acoustic Immittance Measurements in Caucasian and Aboriginal Children
Authors: Aithal Venkatesh , Aithal Sreedevi , Kei Joseph , Manuel Alehandrea
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The aims of this study were to develop normative data for wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) measures in Caucasian and Australian Aboriginal children and compare absorbance measured at 0 daPa (WBA
0
) and tympanometric peak pressure (TPP; WBA
TPP
) between the 2 groups of children. Additional WAI measures included resonance frequency, equivalent ear canal volume, TPP, admittance magnitude (YM), and phase angle (YA).

Method

A total of 171 ears from 171 Caucasian children and 87 ears from 87 Aboriginal children who passed a test battery consisting of 226-Hz tympanometry, transient evoked otoacoustic emissions, and pure tone audiometry were included in the study. WAI measures were obtained under pressurized conditions using wideband tympanometry. Data for WBA
0
, WBA
TPP
, YM, and YA were averaged in one-third octave frequencies from 0.25 to 8 kHz.

Results

There was no significant ear effect on all of the 7 measures for both groups of children. Similarly, there was no significant gender effect on all measures except for WBA
TPP
in Aboriginal children. Aboriginal boys had significantly higher WBA
TPP
than girls at 1.5 and 2 kHz. A significant effect of ethnicity was also noted for WBA
TPP
at 3, 4, and 8 kHz, with Caucasian children demonstrating higher WBA
TPP
than Aboriginal children. However, the effect size and observed power of the analyses were small for both effects.

Conclusion

This study developed normative data for 7 WAI measures, namely, WBA
0
, WBA
TPP
, TPP, Veq, RF, YM, and YA, for Caucasian and Aboriginal children. In view of the high similarity of the normative data between Caucasian and Aboriginal children, it was concluded that separate ethnic-specific norms are not required for diagnostic purposes.
Classical expression model of entangled quantum microwave after the measurement
Authors: Li Xiang , Wu De‐Wei , Miao Qiang , Luo Jun‐Wen
Published: February 2019

Being dependent on the analysis of intrinsic correlated characteristic between the quadrature components of the entangled microwave field and the uncertainty of measurement, the authors present a classical expression model of the entangled quantum microwave after the measurement. This model describes two correlated random processes. The time‐domain characteristic and quantum characteristic of the expression model are discussed, which indicate the random correlated characteristic. Results are in agreement with the generation experiment of the entangled quantum microwave, which proves the rationality. On one hand, the merit of the classical expression is intuitive, which makes it easier to understand the non‐classical characteristics of the entangled quantum microwave. On the other hand, it is more convenient to investigate the performance of free‐space propagation and receiver detection by classical expression.
Improved core loss calculation method considering the non‐uniform distribution of magnetic flux density in powder cores
Authors: Ishikura Yuki , Imaoka Jun , Noah Mostafa , Yamamoto Masayoshi
Published: February 2019

Utilising powder cores in many power electronics applications have gained much attention due to the attractive magnetic properties of powder core materials. However, the magnetic flux density distribution is non‐uniform along the core because the flux is dependent on the core geometry and due to the low relative permeability of the powder core material. The non‐uniformity of the magnetic flux density distribution may cause huge calculation errors of core losses. Understanding the effect of the magnetic flux non‐uniformity in the powder cores allows the circuit designer to accurately estimate the core losses in powder cores. This work addresses the negative effect of the inherent non‐uniform magnetic flux density distribution on the core loss. Furthermore, an equivalent circuit to consider the non‐uniform of the magnetic flux density distribution is proposed. The proposed circuit enables the core loss to be estimated more precisely. A reduction of 12% in the core loss measurement error has been reported while utilising the proposed circuit compared to traditional equivalent circuits. Along with the theoretical discussion, finite element method simulation and experimental results are also presented to evaluate the proposed core loss calculation method.
Real‐time experimental implementation of an LMS‐adaline‐based ANFIS controller to drive PV interfacing power system
Authors: Benhalima Seghir , Chandra Ambrish , Rezkallah Miloud
Published: February 2019

This paper presents the experimental implementation of a LMS‐Adaline‐based ANFIS controller of an improved power‐quality photovoltaic (PV) generating system connected to the grid. The proposed system applies an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to control the DC–DC boost converter integrated with PV to achieve the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) operating condition. For power‐quality improvement at the point of common coupling (PCC), Adaline (adaptive linear element)‐based control algorithm is used to estimate the reference grid currents. To achieve high performance with fast dynamic response during transition and to regulate constant the DC and the AC voltages without saturation phenomena, ANFIS controller is employed. The real‐time benchmark realised in the laboratory, to implement the setup, uses a dSPACE controller. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed configuration, the system is first simulated offline under numerous critical scenarios. The experimental results are then presented to validate the concept.
Predicting Lyα escape fractions with a simple observable
Authors: Sobral David , Matthee Jorryt
Published: February 2019

Lyman-α (Lyα) is intrinsically the brightest line emitted from active galaxies. While it originates from many physical processes, for star-forming galaxies the intrinsic Lyα luminosity is a direct tracer of the Lyman-continuum (LyC) radiation produced by the most massive O- and early-type B-stars (M⋆ ≳ 10 M⊙) with lifetimes of a few Myrs. As such, Lyα luminosity should be an excellent instantaneous star formation rate (SFR) indicator. However, its resonant nature and susceptibility to dust as a rest-frame UV photon makes Lyα very hard to interpret due to the uncertain Lyα escape fraction, fesc, Lyα. Here we explore results from the CAlibrating LYMan-α with Hα (CALYMHA) survey at z = 2.2, follow-up of Lyα emitters (LAEs) at z = 2.2 − 2.6 and a z ∼ 0−0.3 compilation of LAEs to directly measure fesc, Lyα with Hα. We derive a simple empirical relation that robustly retrieves fesc, Lyα as a function of Lyα rest-frame EW (EW0): fesc,Lyα = 0.0048 EW0[Å] ± 0.05 and we show that it constrains a well-defined anti-correlation between ionisation efficiency (ξion) and dust extinction in LAEs. Observed Lyα luminosities and EW0 are easy measurable quantities at high redshift, thus making our relation a practical tool to estimate intrinsic Lyα and LyC luminosities under well controlled and simple assumptions. Our results allow observed Lyα luminosities to be used to compute SFRs for LAEs at z ∼ 0−2.6 within ±0.2 dex of the Hα dust corrected SFRs. We apply our empirical SFR(Lyα,EW0) calibration to several sources at z ≥ 2.6 to find that star-forming LAEs have SFRs typically ranging from 0.1 to 20 M⊙ yr−1 and that our calibration might be even applicable for the most luminous LAEs within the epoch of re-ionisation. Our results imply high ionisation efficiencies (log10[ξion/Hz erg−1] = 25.4−25.6) and low dust content in LAEs across cosmic time, and will be easily tested with future observations with JWST which can obtain Hα and Hβ measurements for high-redshift LAEs.
Effect of strain in silicon nanotube FET devices for low power applications
Authors: Singh Avtar , Pandey Chandan Kumar , Chaudhury Saurabh , Sarkar Chandan Kumar
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we have presented an analysis on the performance of a strained silicon channel in silicon nanotube FET (Si-NTFET) device. Si-NTFET devices have tube-shaped channel region and because of this conduction in the channel can be controlled in two ways from outside the tube and from inside (from hollow side) the tube which results in better control over the short channel effects (SCEs). Bi-axial strain induced into the device by the inclusion of silicon-–germanium layer in between the channel. Three-dimensional simulations of the structure are carried out using ATLAS TCAD simulator and the model is calibrated with respect to previously published experimental data. The transfer characteristics, drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL), threshold voltage, Ion and Ioff, subthreshold swing of the Si-NTFET and strained Si-NTFET devices are investigated. It is seen that in strained Si-NTFET, the drive capability and inversion charge density is much higher compared to that of Si-NTFET. Evaluation of electrical performances confirms that the DIBL and other SCEs are either reduced or remains the same. However, the use of strained Si-NTFET is more suited for high speed and low power applications.
Apport expérimental de la méthode de compactage statique des sols au laboratoire
Authors: Serratrice Jean-François
Published: February 2019

Une méthode de compactage statique a été mise en œuvre pour compacter des sols de diverses natures dans différentes conditions d’état, ou des sols traités, en vue de réaliser des essais de laboratoire. La méthode a été enrichie avec l’enregistrement des courbes donnant l’effort de compactage en fonction du tassement du sol. Ces courbes permettent de construire une surface d’état qui donne la déformation volumique du sol en fonction de la charge pendant son compactage à différentes teneurs en eau. La première partie de l’article est consacrée à une description de la compressibilité des sols dans diverses situations analogues où les sols se caractérisent par une grande porosité. La seconde partie s’adresse aux aspects expérimentaux du compactage statique, avec la description de la procédure mise en œuvre et des sols testés. Des exemples de surfaces d’état puis de courbes de compression statique sont présentés et commentés ensuite. Les paramètres qui sont identifiés sur ces courbes pour les caractériser sont définis. La dernière partie propose une récapitulation de ces paramètres, en lien avec la teneur en eau de compactage et d’autres propriétés des sols étudiés. L’exploitation de cette phase préliminaire de compactage statique présente l’intérêt de fournir des données complémentaires pour l’étude des sols compactés au laboratoire.
Chloride leaching of lanthanum and cerium from Indian red mud and metal separation studies
Authors: Abhilash  , Meshram Pratima , Sinha Shivendra , Pandey Banshi Dhar , Kumari Vasudevan Krishna , Kar Subrat
Published: February 2019

Bench-scale experiments were conducted to recover lanthanum and cerium from Indian red mud in a hydrochloric acid medium. The method includes acid leaching of red mud pulp and subsequent liquid-liquid extraction of the leached metals with different organic extractants, in order to establish the technical feasibility of extraction and separation simultaneously. The maximum extraction of 88.5% La was achieved at 95 °C, using 1 M HCl, S/L ratio = 1/100 in 1 h with 200 rpm agitation rate. At this temperature, cerium recovery (99.9%) was found to be maximum. The maximum recovery of cerium (99.9%) can be achieved even at 55 °C, while the recovery of lanthanum lowered to 78.5% under same conditions. Liquid-liquid extraction of leached metals was tested to be complete and selective using Cyanex 923, as against Cyanex 301 and Cyanex 272.
Psychische Auswirkungen der Frühgeburt auf die
Eltern
Authors: Weigl Tobias
Published: February 2019

Die Frühgeburt ihres Kindes erleben Eltern meist als ein belastendes Ereignis. In
seiner Doktorarbeit ging der Autor der Frage nach, welche psychischen
Auswirkungen dies auf die Mütter und Väter hat. In diesem Artikel schildert er,
wie sich die aktuelle Versorgungssituation darstellt und welche Empfehlungen
sich daraus für den Umgang der Hebamme mit betroffenen Eltern ergeben.
Kleinzelliges Lungenkarzinom
Authors: Reinmuth Niels , Hoffmann Hans
Published: February 2019

Das kleinzellige Lungenkarzinom stellt eine besonders aggressive Tumorentität dar und ist durch schnellen Progress, sehr frühe Metastasierung und schlechte Prognose charakterisiert. Nur wenige Patienten werden in einem frühen Erkrankungsstadium diagnostiziert, bei dem in ausgewählten Fällen eine chirurgische Resektion diskutiert werden kann. Chemotherapie und Strahlentherapie sind initial häufig effektiv. Allerdings erleiden die meisten Patienten im metastasierten Stadium nach zunächst gutem Ansprechen auf eine platinhaltige Chemotherapie einen Progress mit dann nur limitierten Therapieoptionen.
Knochensarkome
Authors: Hardes Jendrik , Gosheger Georg , Budny Timo
Published: February 2019

Knochensarkome sind im Gegensatz zu den häufig auftretenden benignen Knochentumoren und tumorähnlichen Knochenläsionen sehr selten und verursachen daher häufig diagnostische und therapeutische Schwierigkeiten. Dieser Beitrag hat zum Ziel, dem Leser die Diagnostik und zumeist multimodale Therapie der häufigsten Knochensarkome wie Osteosarkom, Ewing-Sarkom und Chondrosarkom näherzubringen.