bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure modes of loose landslide deposits in 2008
Wenchuan earthquake area in China
Authors: Gan Jianjun , Zhang Yi Xia
Published: May 2019

Abstract. In this study, a geological investigation and statistical analysis of the post-earthquake slope deposit failures in a meizoseismal area were presented, with a selected example from the 2008 Ms 8.0 Wenchuan earthquake occurred in Sichuan Province in China. The typical slope deposit failures were surveyed in three meizoseismal areas, namely Qingchuan county in Guangyuan city, Beichuan county in Mianyang city, and the epicenter area, Wenchuan county in Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. According to the movement, material and deformation mechanism of rock or soil, the failures of the post-earthquake landslide deposit could be subdivided into four categories, i.e. slide, collapse, erosion and flow. This classification of failures of landslide deposit considers the topographic and failure after the earthquake. Besides, some other important factors such as topography, lithology and hydrogeology are also considered. The above mentioned four failure categories are further split into 12 sub-classification. The complicated deformation mechanism and different failure patterns of the slope deposits are analyzed in typical deposits. This classification provides a good reference for the prediction of geological hazards, whereas mitigation of the landslide or debris flows caused by loose deposits in the meizoseismal area is still a difficult task.
Conceptos previos para la comprensión de un “simbolismo no-discursivo” desde la filosofía de Susanne Langer
Authors: Pinto Soffia Alejandra
Published: May 2019

Este artículo se configura a partir de lo fecundo que resulta la distinción de Susanne Langer (EE.UU. 1895-1985) en torno a la posibilidad de un simbolismo no discursivo. Más allá de la comunicación como articulador de sentido, hay otras formas no discursivas que permiten una simbolización significante; estas son el mito, el rito, el sueño y el arte. De una forma introductoria, abordamos el simbolismo no-discursivo como un campo abierto de significación, desde donde es posible acceder a la expresión y la significación más allá del lenguaje discursivo. En este rescate, la metáfora aparece como un elemento dotado de riqueza y proyección epistemológica. El objetivo de este artículo es demarcar la idea de un simbolismo no discursivo para ampliar la idea de mente en los paradigmas epistemológicos vigentes. Como metodología, se presentan premisas filosóficas para construir un argumento que valide un simbolismo no discursivo con su propia legitimidad y deriva teórica.
Certain subclasses of multivalent functions involving linear operators
Authors: Al-Kharsani H. A. , Al-Areefi N. M.
Published: May 2019

In terms of linear operators we introduce new classes of functions. Then by using differential subordinations, certain results concerning inclusion relations, coefficient bounds and other results are given.
Intuitionistic fuzzy almost generalized semi-pre continuous mappings
Authors: Santhi R. , Jayanthi D.
Published: May 2019

In this paper we introduce intuitionistic fuzzy almost generalized semi-pre continuous mappings. We investigate some of its properties. Also we provide the relation between intuitionistic fuzzy almost generalized semi-pre continuous mappings and other intuitionistic fuzzy continuous mappings.
A new oscillation criterion for two-dimensional dynamic systems on time scales
Authors: Baoguo Jia
Published: May 2019

Consider the linear dynamic system on time scales\begin{equation}u^\Delta=pv, \quad\quad v^\Delta=-qu^\sigma\end{equation}where $p>0$ and $q$ are rd-continuous functions on a time scale $\mathbb T$ such that $\sup\mathbb T=\infty$. When $p(t)$ is allowed to take on negative values, we establish an oscillation criterion for system (0.1). Our result improves a main result of Fu and Lin [S. C. Fu and M. L. Lin, Oscillation and nonoscillation criteria for linear dynamic systems on time scales, Computers and Mathematics with Applications, 59(2010), 2552-2565].
Reassessment of the Ireland v. the United Kingdom ECtHR case: A lost opportunity to clarify the distinction between torture and ill-treatment
Authors: Stefanovska Vesna
Published: May 2019

Introduction: In the 1978 Ireland v. the United Kingdom case, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) did not consider that the so called "five techniques" caused enough severity to be considered torture. The intentionality criterion, outlined in the Convention against Torture’s definition of torture, was also not fully considered. The Istanbul Protocol, which is critical for evidencing torture, did not exist at that time. Although a re-opening of the case was requested in 2014 by Ireland, forensic documentation using the Istanbul Protocol was not used; in 2018, the ECtHR decided against re-opening the case. Objective: By using the Ireland v. The United Kingdom case, this paper aims to map the origins of the five techniques, review whether applying them constitutes torture, analyze the information about the claimants available 30 years later, and explore the ramifications of the ECtHR decision not to revise its judgment. Methodology: Relevant texts were gathered from the HUDOC database, Cambridge University Press, Wiley Online Library, SCOPUS and MEDLINE /PubMed, and the Library of the ECtHR in Strasbourg. Discussion/conclusions: The five techniques, elaborated upon in the case of Ireland v. the United Kingdom, were used well before the incidents in Northern Ireland in 1971 and there is evidence that United Kingdom officials have, subsequently, used the techniques. Furthermore, there is clear evidence that the “Hooded Men” had cognitive, psychological and neurovegetative symptoms as a result of the five techniques, which had long-term effects. The ECtHR did not take this into consideration when it decided not to re-open the case and the full implications of this decision for future cases and victims remain to be seen.
Rīgas Politehniskā institūta absolvents agronoms Boriss Jenkens (1873–1943)
Authors: Vergunovs Viktors
Published: May 2019

Raksts veltīts Rīgas Politehniskā institūta (RPI) absolventa (1900) agronoma Borisa Jenkena (Борис Карлович Єнкен; 1873–1943) dzīvei un radošajam mantojumam. B. Jenkens bija Ukrainas nacionālās lauksaimniecības organizators, zinātnieks, selekcionārs, pedagogs, vēsturnieks un agrārās zināt- nes bibliogrāfs. Pētījums veikts, izmantojot maz zināmus un nesen plašākai publikai lietošanai nodotus dokumentus Krievijas Federācijas un Ukrainas arhīvos, kā arī monogrāfijas un publikācijas periodiskajos izdevumos. Rakstā analizēti zinātnieka dzīves un darbības periodi, kas skar nacionālās lauksaimniecības izmēģinājumu organizāciju un ieviešanu galvenokārt selekcijas un sēklaudzēšanas jomā. Akcents likts uz B. Jenkena zinātniski pedagoģisko darbību Ukrainā: Harkovā (1908–1919; 1925–1926; 1930), Odesā (1924), Maslovkā (1927–1929) un Kijevā (1928–1929).
ISKUSTVA PRIKLJUČENJA MALE POSTTRANZICIJSKE ZEMLJE EKONOMSKOJ INTEGRACIJI: poslovni slučaj Republike Hrvatske
Authors: Šerić Neven
Published: May 2019

Priključenje male posttranzicijske zemljeekonomskoj integraciji trenutno ne osigurava dobrobiti kakvestanovništvo nove članice priželjkuje. Ekonomska integracijapriključenje nove članice promatra prvenstveno u kontekstuproširenja zajedničkog tržišta i mogućnosti ispunjavanjafinancijskih obaveza nove članice koje punopravno članstvopretpostavlja. Kada mala posttranzicijska zemlja ispuni uvjeteza punoprav no članstvo u ekonomskoj integraciji, često nije nitikadrovski niti stanjem društvene svijesti sposobna iskoristiti i svapripadajuća prava i financijska sredstva. Političke elite malihposttranzicijskih zemalja često vizije osobnih karijera (uustanovama i tijelima ekonomske integracije) postavljaju ispredinteresa svoje zemlje. Zbog toga lobiraju za punopravno članstvoneovisno o kadrovskom i stanju društvene svijesti lokalnogstanovništva. Zbog toga se posljednjih desetljeća često događaloda su nove članice u punopravno članstvo ekonomske integracijepristupale kadrovski i društveno nespremne. Niz godina nakonpristupanja ekonomskoj integraciji nisu u mogućnosti iskoristitisva predviđena prava. Posljedica preuranjenog punopravnogčlanstva zbog novih financijskih obaveza su negativne posljedicepo nacionalnu bruto bilancu. Na temelju objedinjenih nalazaistraživanja relevantnih autora koji su analizirali neželjenaiskustva Portugala i Španjolske u Europskoj uniji i Meksika uNafti provedeno je istraživanje iskustava Republike Hrvatske uperiodu nakon njenog priključenja Europskoj uniji. Sukladnospoznajama toga istraživanja izložene su preporučljive sugestijeza njeno repozicioniranje u Europskoj uniji. Predstavljeni nalaziistraživanja i sugestije korisni su za sve male posttranzicijskezemlje Balkana koje teže članstvu u Europskoj uniji ili nekojdrugoj ekonomskoj integraciji.
Mesolimbic dopamine projections mediate cue-motivated reward seeking but not reward retrieval in rats
Authors: Halbout Briac , Marshall Andrew T , Azimi Ali , Liljeholm Mimi , Mahler Stephen V , Wassum Kate M , Ostlund Sean B
Published: May 2019

Efficient foraging requires an ability to coordinate discrete reward-seeking and reward-retrieval behaviors. We used pathway-specific chemogenetic inhibition to investigate how rats’ mesolimbic and mesocortical dopamine circuits contribute to the expression and modulation of reward seeking and retrieval. Inhibiting ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons disrupted the tendency for reward-paired cues to motivate reward seeking, but spared their ability to increase attempts to retrieve reward. Similar effects were produced by inhibiting dopamine inputs to nucleus accumbens, but not medial prefrontal cortex. Inhibiting dopamine neurons spared the suppressive effect of reward devaluation on reward seeking, an assay of goal-directed behavior. Attempts to retrieve reward persisted after devaluation, indicating they were habitually performed as part of a fixed action sequence. Our findings show that complete bouts of reward seeking and retrieval are behaviorally and neurally dissociable from bouts of reward seeking without retrieval. This dichotomy may prove useful for uncovering mechanisms of maladaptive behavior.
ADAM17-dependent signaling is required for oncogenic human papillomavirus entry platform assembly
Authors: Mikuličić Snježana , Finke Jérôme , Boukhallouk Fatima , Wüstenhagen Elena , Sons Dominik , Homsi Yahya , Reiss Karina , Lang Thorsten , Florin Luise
Published: May 2019

Oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) are small DNA viruses that infect keratinocytes. After HPV binding to cell surface receptors, a cascade of molecular interactions mediates the infectious cellular internalization of virus particles. Aside from the virus itself, important molecular players involved in virus entry include the tetraspanin CD151 and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). To date, it is unknown how these components are coordinated in space and time. Here, we studied plasma membrane dynamics of CD151 and EGFR and the HPV16 capsid during the early phase of infection. We find that the proteinase ADAM17 activates the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) pathway by the shedding of growth factors which triggers the formation of an endocytic entry platform. Infectious endocytic entry platforms carrying virus particles consist of two-fold larger CD151 domains containing the EGFR. Our finding clearly dissects initial virus binding from ADAM17-dependent assembly of a HPV/CD151/EGFR entry platform.
Nitrogen Doses and Humic Substances in Custard Apple Nutrition
Authors: Bahia Bismark Lopes , Souza Ivan Vilas Bôas , Mafessoni Alex Barbosa , Coutrim Ranyelly Leão , Silva Roberlan Ferreira da , Neves Breno Rosa , Silva José Carlson Gusmão da , José Abel Rebouças São
Published: May 2019

Custard apple production (Annona squamosa L.) in the Brazilian Northeast occurs throughout the year. Its management involves pruning, irrigation, and proper nutrition. The objective of the present work was to verify the influence of different doses of nitrogen and the use of humic substances on soil chemical attributes and tree custard apple nutrition. The experiment was conducted in a commercial orchard in the municipality of Anagé, Southwest region of the state of Bahia, in a randomized block design in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, four nitrogen doses (0, 284, 568 and 852 g per plant, urea) with and without the application of humic substances (Ks100), with 4 replicates. Soil chemical characteristics, macro and micronutrient contents were evaluated in the leaves of the custard apple tree. Nitrogen rates reduced soil pH and the availability of calcium, magnesium and boron. The application of humic substances increased the content of potassium in leaves. Under the conditions studied, high nitrogen doses influence soil fertility and the application of humic substances does not improve the absorption of most of the nutrients, except potassium, and it did not influence the chemical attributes of the soil.
How well do we understand the basis of classic selective sweeps in humans?
Authors: Szpak Michał , Xue Yali , Ayub Qasim , Tyler‐Smith Chris
Published: May 2019

Classic selective sweeps occur when positive selection increases a variant's frequency from low to high in a population, and underlie some long‐studied human characteristics such as variation in skin, hair or eye colour. In such well‐studied ‘gold standard’ examples, a known variant has been associated with a plausible phenotype and underlying selective force. Signatures of classic sweeps have more recently been detected in population‐genetic data independently of any prior information about the corresponding phenotype or selective force, and usually without suggesting any insights into these. Motivated by the need to understand such candidates, we first review the gold standards and show that our understanding of them is often incomplete or unconvincing; only two of the examples we consider are compellingly explained. We assess approaches for large‐scale association of classic sweep candidate variants to phenotypes and selective forces, test these on the gold standards, and discuss the standards of evidence needed to adequately understand a selective sweep.
Dependence of ITO‐Coated Flexible Substrates in the Performance and Bending Durability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Pandey Manish , Wang Zhen , Kapil Gaurav , Baranwal Ajay K. , Hirotani Daisuke , Hamada Kengo , Hayase Shuzi
Published: May 2019

Flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is being reported on different kinds of indium tin oxide (ITO)‐coated flexible substrates such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) with varying sheet resistance. High sheet resistance and low transmittance of these substrates in comparison to glass‐ITO based rigid substrate are among the major issues in achieving high power conversion efficiency (PCE), especially with large active area due to considerably low fill factor (FF) values. With a small active cell area of 0.1 cm2, it is found that sheet resistance of these substrates do not play a dominant role and the short circuit current density (JSC) depends on the transmittance of these conducting flexible substrates producing average PCE of 12.1% with PEN‐ITO (12 Ω/□) and 11.74% for PET‐ITO (49 Ω/□). When the active cell area is increased to 1 cm2, sheet resistance seems to play a major role to maintain JSC as well as FF of the flexible PSCs giving PCE of ∼10% with PEN‐ITO (12 Ω/□) in comparison to 3.4% for PET‐ITO (49 Ω/□). In contrast to PCE results, bending durability test for 1000 cycles showed that the flexible substrates with highest sheet resistance can retain maximum PCE.
Charge Recombination Dynamics in Organic Photovoltaic Systems with Enhanced Dielectric Constant
Authors: Hughes Michael P. , Rosenthal Katie D. , Dasari Raghunath R. , Luginbuhl Benjamin R. , Yurash Brett , Marder Seth R. , Nguyen Thuc‐Quyen
Published: May 2019

Increasing the dielectric constant of organic photovoltaic materials to reduce recombination rates has long been pursued, however, material modification often results in the modification of multiple device characteristics, making system comparison difficult. In this study, a fullerene derivative with an increased blend dielectric constant is examined by the addition of a triethylene glycol appendage to the fullerene (TEG‐PCBM). Density functional theory calculations show a small change to the permanent dipole moment between TEG‐PCBM and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC60BM) resulting in similar solubility, morphology, and device performance. TEG‐PCBM is blended with donors P3HT and PTB7‐Th and a comparable performance to PC60BM is found. This model system shows the rarely reported characteristic of an increase in the dielectric constant while leaving its other properties unaltered. Looking at light intensity effects on open‐circuit voltage (Voc), short‐circuit current (Jsc), and fill factor (FF) along with exciton dissociation efficiency, it is observed that when switching to the TEG‐ modified fullerene derivative, geminate recombination is not reduced, and Shockley–Read–Hall recombination is increased. While triethlyene glycol appendages may prove to be ineffective in improving recombination through increased dielectric constant, an approach for studying recombination in future high dielectric systems is provided.
Exploring the Role of Social Support in Promoting Community Integration: An Integrated Literature Review
Authors: Terry Rachel , Townley Greg
Published: May 2019

Highlights

Comprehensively reviews the impact of social support on community integration

Responds to the call to reengage in community mental health research from special issue of AJCP

Emphasizes the importance of social support and community integration for individuals with serious mental illnesses
Gold‐Catalyzed Regioselective Tetradehydro‐Diels‐Alder Reaction of Yne‐Ynamides: Access to 2,3‐Dihydrobenzo[f]indoles
Authors: Prabagar B. , Dutta Shubham , Gandon Vincent , Sahoo Akhila K.
Published: May 2019

Presented herein is a gold(I) catalyzed intramolecular tetradehydro‐Diels‐Alder (TDDA) reaction of alkyne‐tethered‐ynamides for the construction of structurally complex 2,3‐dihydrobenzo[f]indole derivatives. The mechanism of the regioselective benzannulation reaction was rationalized by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Substrates having an aryl group at the ynamide terminus are exclusively participating in this TDDA reaction under gold catalysis.
Die Hydrogenobyrsäure‐Struktur enthüllt den Corrin‐Liganden als entatisches Zustandsmodul zur Steigerung der Katalyseaktivität von B12‐Cofaktoren
Authors: Kieninger Christoph , Deery Evelyne , Lawrence Andrew D. , Podewitz Maren , Wurst Klaus , Nemoto‐Smith Emi , Widner Florian J. , Baker Joseph A. , Jockusch Steffen , Kreutz Christoph R. , Liedl Klaus R. , Gruber Karl , Warren Martin J. , Kräutler Bernhard
Published: May 2019

Die B12‐Cofaktoren erzeugen eine natürliche Neugier bezüglich der ursprünglichen Selektion und Evolution ihres Corrin‐Liganden. Bisher entzog sich dieser wichtige natürliche Makrocyclus überraschenderweise einer detaillierten Untersuchung, sodass seine spezifische Rolle bei der Prädisposition des eingebauten Cobalt‐Ions zur organometallischen Katalyse ungeklärt blieb. Hier berichten wir über die Hydrogenobyrsäure (Hby), den cobaltfreien Corrin‐Liganden von Vitamin B12, der über eine neuartig programmierte Biosynthese hergestellt wurde. Detaillierte Einblicke in die Röntgen‐Einkristall‐ und Lösungs‐Strukturen der Hby zeigten einen verzerrt helikalen Hohlraum, der das Bindungsmuster für Cobalt‐Ionen in B12 redefiniert. Der Corrin‐Ligand koordiniert Cobalt‐Ionen in unsymmetrischen entatischen Zuständen, was B12‐Cofaktoren für anspruchsvolle chemische Übergänge aktiviert. Die Verfügbarkeit von Hby eröffnet auch neue Syntheserouten für Übergangsmetallanaloga von Vitamin B12.
Broadband Light Harvesting and Unidirectional Electron Flow for Efficient Electron Accumulation for Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Zhang Nan , Qi Ming‐Yu , Yuan Lan , Fu Xianzhi , Tang Zi‐Rong , Gong Jinlong , Xu Yi‐Jun
Published: May 2019

The efficiency of solar hydrogen evolution closely depends on the multiple electrons accumulation on the catalytic center for two‐electron‐involved water reduction. Herein, we report an effective approach to enable broadband light absorption and unidirectional electron flow for efficiently accumulating electrons at active sites for hydrogen evolution by rationally engineering the nanostructure of Pt nanoparticles (NPs), TiO2, and SiO2 support. In addition to Schottky‐junction‐driven electron transfer from TiO2 to Pt, Pt NPs also produce hot electrons by recycling the scattered visible and near‐infrared (vis‐NIR) light of the support. Unidirectional electron flow to active sites is realized by tuning the components spatial distribution. These features collectively accumulate multiple electrons at catalytic Pt sites, thereby affording enhanced activity toward hydrogen evolution under simulated sunlight.
Synthesis, molecular modeling, in vivo study, and anticancer activity of 1,2,4‐triazole containing hydrazide–hydrazones derived from (S)‐naproxen
Authors: Han Muhammed İ. , Bekçi Hatice , Uba Abdullahi I. , Yıldırım Yeliz , Karasulu Ercüment , Cumaoğlu Ahmet , Karasulu Hatice Y. , Yelekçi Kemal , Yılmaz Özgür , Küçükgüzel Ş. Güniz
Published: May 2019

A new series of 1,2,4‐triazole containing hydrazide–hydrazones derived from (S)‐naproxen (
7a–m) was synthesized in this study. The structures of these compounds were characterized by spectral (Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C‐NMR, and high‐resolution electron ionization mass spectrometry) methods. Furthermore, molecular modeling of these compounds was studied on human methionine aminopeptidase‐2. All synthesized compounds were screened for anticancer activity against three prostate cancer cell lines (PC3, DU‐145, and LNCaP) using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium colorimetric method. Compound 7a showed the best activity against the PC3, DU‐145 and LNCaP cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 26.0, 34.5, and 48.8 μM, respectively. Compounds 7b, 7k, and 7m showed anticancer activity against cancer cell lines PC3 and DU‐145 with IC50 values of 43.0, 36.5, 29.3 μM and 49.8, 49.1, 31.6 μM, respectively. Compounds 7f and 7g showed anticancer activity against PC3 cells with IC50 values of 43.4 and 34.5 μM, respectively. To assess the biodistribution in mice of IRDye800, dye‐labeled compound 7a or 100 μM of free dye was injected intravenously into the mice's tail. In vivo images were taken with in vivo imaging system spectrum device at 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 min after injection. At the end of 360 min, ex vivo studies were carried out to determine in which organs the dye was accumulated in the urogenital system. Ex vivo studies showed that the accumulation of compound 7a in the prostate is greater than that of the free dye, and it is concluded that compound 7a may be promising for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Screening key lncRNAs for human rectal adenocarcinoma based on lncRNA‐mRNA functional synergistic network
Authors: Zhu Xiongwen , Wang Dongguo , Lin Qianyuan , Wu Guiyang , Yuan Shichao , Ye Fubo , Fan Qinghao
Published: May 2019

Background

Rectal adenocarcinoma (READ) is one of the deadliest malignancies, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and development of READ remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to find key long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in READ by RNA sequencing.

Methods

RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) between READ and normal tissue. READ‐specific protein‐protein interaction (PPI), DElncRNA‐DEmRNA coexpression, and DElncRNA‐nearby DEmRNA interaction networks were constructed. DEmRNAs and DEmRNAs coexpressed with DElncRNAs were functionally annotated.

Results

A total of 2113 DEmRNAs and 150 DElncRNAs between READ and normal tissue were identified. The PPI network identified several hub proteins, including CDK1, AURKB, CDC6, FOXQ1, NUF2, and TOP2A. The DElncRNA‐DEmRNA coexpression and DElncRNA‐nearby DEmRNA interaction networks identified some hub lncRNAs, including CCAT1, LOC105374879, GAS5, and B3GALT5‐AS1. The colorectal cancer pathway, the intestinal immune network for IgA production and the p53 signaling pathway were three pathways significantly enriched in DEmRNAs and DEmRNAs coexpressed with DElncRNAs. MSH6 coexpressed with two DElncRNAs (LOC105374879 and CASC15) and BCL2 coexpressed with B3GALT5‐AS1 were significantly enriched in the colorectal cancer signaling pathway. TNFRSF17 coexpressed with B3GALT5‐AS1 was enriched in the intestinal immune network for IgA production. CCNB2 coexpressed with LOC105374879 was enriched in the p53 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

A total of four DEmRNAs (MSH6, BCL2, TNFRSF17, and CCNB2) and three DElncRNAs (LOC105374879, CASC15, and B3GALT5‐AS1) may be involved in the pathogenesis of READ; this data may contribute to understanding the mechanisms of READ and the development of therapeutic strategies for READ.
Optimal close‐up views for precise 3D manipulation
Authors: Choi Myung Geol , Lee Ji Hye , Ha Wansu , Lee Kang Hoon
Published: May 2019

Direct manipulation can be used as an intuitive interface for spatial interaction with multiple objects in virtual environments. However, users often have difficulties in precisely manipulating objects in the 3D space; this is mainly because the user is not provided with enough visual information to sufficiently recognize the spatial relationships among objects. We present a new method for improving the preciseness of object manipulation in the 3D space by providing the user with an auxiliary view that is consistently retargeted to closely highlight the spatial relationship between the manipulated object and the object nearest to it. Both the target and the position of the auxiliary camera are computed efficiently using the bisector surface of the two involved objects. The viewing target is set to the center of the closest area between the two objects, and the camera position is optimized under an objective function primarily measuring the visual clarity of the auxiliary view. We demonstrate the usefulness of our method through various experiments based on practical usage scenarios.
New Organometallic Tetraphenylethylene⋅Iridium(III) Complexes with Antineoplastic Activity
Authors: Liu Xicheng , He Xiangdong , Zhang Xiaojing , Wang Yongling , Liu Jiaying , Hao Xiujuan , Zhang Yue , Yuan Xiang‐Ai , Tian Laijin , Liu Zhe
Published: May 2019

Iridium(III) complexes have attracted more and more attention in the past few years because of their potential antineoplastic activity. In this study, four IrIII complexes of the types [(η5‐Cpx)Ir(N^N)Cl]PF6 (complexes 1 and 2) and [Ir(Phpy)2(N^N)]PF6 (complexes 3 and 4) have been synthesized and characterized. They exhibit potential antineoplastic activity towards A549 cells, especially in the case of complex 1 [IC50=(3.56±0.5) μm], which was nearly six times as effective as cisplatin [(21.31±1.7) μm]. Additionally, these complexes show some selectivity towards cancer cells over normal cells. They could be transported by serum albumin (binding constants were changed from 0.37×105 to 81.71×105 m−1). IrIII complexes 1 and 2 could catalyze the transformation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced form (NADH) into NAD+ (turnover numbers 43.2, 11.9] and induce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, thus confirming their antineoplastic mechanism of oxidation, whereas the cyclometalated complexes 3 and 4 were able to target the lysosome [Pearson co‐localization coefficient (PCC)=0.73], cause lysosomal damage, and induce apoptosis. Understanding the mechanism of action would help further structure–activity optimization on these IrIII complexes as emerging cancer therapeutics.
Poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) Assisted Room‐Temperature Synthesis for the Mass Production of Bismuth Oxychloride Ultrathin Nanoplates with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zeeshan Shahid Malik , Wei Yunwei , Wang Junnuan , Chen Guozhu , Gao Daowei , Ye Chen , Sun Yiqiang , Liu Guang‐Ning , Li Cuncheng
Published: May 2019

Bismuth oxychloride ultrathin nanoplates (BiOCl‐UTNs) are highly active, but their preparation are limited to closed‐vessel hydrothermal and solvothermal techniques at high temperatures (110–180 °C). Here we report a straightforward poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS)‐mediated route for the large‐scale synthesis of BiOCl‐UTNs at room‐temperature. In an open vessel, 6.15 g of BiOCl‐UTNs with 3–5 nm thickness, and planar dimensions of 30–50 nm were produced. The strong electrostatic interaction between PSS and [Bi2O2]2+ layers inhibited the growth rate of BiOCl nanoplates along <001> direction, and Na+ ions governed the electrolyte sedimentation to produce BiOCl‐UTNs. The resulting BiOCl‐UTNs exhibited high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of antibiotics and organic dyes because of their large specific surface area, increased light absorption ability, and fast separation and transfer efficiency of the photoexcited charge carriers.
Some like it dry: Water restriction overrides heterogametic sex determination in two reptiles
Authors: Dupoué Andréaz , Lourdais Olivier , Meylan Sandrine , Brischoux François , Angelier Frédéric , Rozen‐Rechels David , Marcangeli Yoan , Decencière Béatriz , Agostini Simon , Le Galliard Jean‐François
Published: May 2019

The evolution of sex determination is complex and yet crucial in our understanding of population stability. In ectotherms, sex determination involves a variety of mechanisms including genetic determination (GSD), environment determination (ESD), but also interactions between the two via sex reversal. In this study, we investigated whether water deprivation during pregnancy could override GSD in two heterogametic squamate reptiles. We demonstrated that water restriction in early gestation induced a male‐biased secondary sex ratio in both species, which could be explained by water sex reversal as the more likely mechanism. We further monitored some long‐term fitness estimates of offspring, which suggested that water sex determination (WSD) represented a compensatory strategy producing the rarest sex according to Fisher's assumptions of frequency‐dependent selection models. This study provides new insights into sex determination modes and calls for a general investigation of mechanisms behind WSD and to examine the evolutionary implications.

OPEN RESEARCH BADGES

This article has earned an Open Data Badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.mv06pv1.
Enhancing a Novel Robust Multicomposite Materials Platform for Glucose Biosensors
Authors: Moonla Chochanon , Nontapha Chantarattana , Ouiram Tik , Preechaworapun Anchana , Tangkuaram Tanin
Published: May 2019

An effective, stable enzymatic glucose biosensor was fabricated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface using simple multicomposite materials (MCM): a solution of prepared poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)‐capped gold nanoparticles‐nickel ferrite particles‐carbon nanotubes‐chitosan (PDDA‐AuNPs‐NiFe2O4‐CNTs‐CHIT), electropolymerization of poly(o‐phenylenediamine) (PoPD) and immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx). Biocompatibility and synergy of the MCM enhanced the immobilization and the reaction of GOx and as well as the electron transfer from an oxidation reaction of hydrogen peroxide in the system. The NiFe2O4 was synthesized by co‐precipitation and calcined at 700 °C. Characterization was carried out by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) which presented both tetrahedral and octahedral metal stretching with a cubic NiFe2O4 crystal phase. The GOx/PoPD/MCM/GCE yielded a 0.77 s−1 charge transfer rate constant (Ks), a 2.28×10−6 cm2 s−1 diffusion coefficient value (D), a 0.21 mm2 electroactive surface area (Ae) and a 1.93×10−8 mol cm−2 surface concentration (
) as determined by cyclic voltammetry. The modified electrode showed a durable operation time (n=97, more than 50 % I), repeatability (%RSD=0.38, n=10), reproducibility (%RSD=1.60, n=10), high sensitivity (853.07 μA mM−1 cm−2), selectivity without effects of electroactive species (aspirin, uric acid, caffeine, cholesterol, ascorbic acid and dopamine) and two linear ranges from 0.5 to 10 μM (R2=0.998) and 10 to 15,000 μM (R2=0.991) with a low detection limit (0.35 μM, S/N=3). Its Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km) was calculated as 93.51 μM with 46.30 μA maximum current (Imax). This proposed simple method was successfully applied for glucose determination in human blood samples.
A Simple and Sensitive Square Wave Stripping Pathway for the Analysis of Desmedipham Herbicide by Modified Carbon Paste Electrode Based on Hematite (α‐Fe2O3 Nanoparticles)
Authors: Demir Ersin
Published: May 2019

In the present study, desmedipham, used as an herbicide to control broad leaf weed in commonly sugar beet crops, was analyzed at the first time by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave stripping voltammetry (SWSV) with the modified carbon paste electrode based on hematite nanoparticles (α‐Fe2O3−CPE). The modified α‐Fe2O3−CPE prepared by hematite (α‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles), which is very sensitive to carbon paste electrode (CPE) and glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Morphology of electrode surface detailed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX). The oxidation of desmedipham created irreversible well‐done two peaks at nearly +1.1 and +1.3 V. In order to obtain the best calibration graph, various important parameters such as pH, accumulation time, puls amplitude and frequency etc. were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, electrochemical behavior of desmedipham presented two linear working ranges at 0.15–1.20 mg/L and 1.20–4.50 mg/L. The limits of detection (LOD) for the desmedipham were calculated as 41.00 and 50.00 μg/L for the peak I and II, respectively. Furthermore, desmedipham was analyzed at high recovery in the presence of rizolex, fluometuron, teflubenzuron and some heavy metal ions. Consequently, the developed SWSV was successfully applied to evaluate desmedipham in spiked commercial strawberry juices at recoveries of 96.00–104.00 % with satisfactory relative standard deviations.
Disposable Biosensor Based on Amidase/CeO2/GNR Modified Inkjet‐printed CNT Electrodes‐droplet Based Paracetamol Detection in Biological Fluids for “Point‐of‐care” Applications
Authors: Stanković Dalibor M. , Ognjanović Miloš , Jović Milica , Cuplić Valentina , Lesch Andreas , Girault Hubert H. , Gavrović Jankulović Marija , Antić Bratislav
Published: May 2019

A disposable acetaminophen biosensor based on inkjet‐printed CNT electrodes (IJPCNT) modified with amidase/cerium dioxide@graphene nanoribbons composite was developed (ACeO2@GNR/IJPCNT). The enzyme amidase A was used for the first time as a recognition element. Inkjet‐printed CNT electrodes served as a basis for the construction of a biosensor that enables droplet detection using 5 μL sample volume. The biosensor showed high selectivity, sensitivity, a low detection limit of 0.18 μM and a wide working linear range from 1 to 100 μM. The proposed approach allows fast and reliable detection of acetaminophen in biological fluids with negligible matrix effect and remarkable reproducibility.
Novel Multiplexed Biosensor System for the Determination of Lactate and Pyruvate in Blood Serum
Authors: Kucherenko Ivan S. , Soldatkin Oleksandr O. , Topolnikova Yaroslava V. , Dzyadevych Sergei V. , Soldatkin Alexei P.
Published: May 2019

Multiplexing is one of the main current trends in biosensors, especially important for clinical diagnosis. However, simultaneous determination of several substances in one sample is often difficult due to different performance and working conditions of separate biosensors. This work was aimed at the development of a multiplexed biosensor system for the determination of lactate and pyruvate concentrations in liquid samples (i. e., blood serum). The system consisted of two amperometric biosensors based on lactate oxidase and pyruvate oxidase, which worked simultaneously in a single measuring cell. Conditions for the biosensor system work were selected. Linear range of lactate determination was 5–1000 μM, pyruvate – 10–5000 μM. Steady‐state response time was 30 s and 50 s for the lactate and pyruvate biosensors, respectively. After 2 weeks of storage biosensor responses decreased to 95 % (lactate biosensor) or 82 % (pyruvate biosensor) of the initial value. A scheme of analysis of the concentrations of lactate and pyruvate in human blood serum was proposed. The lactate and pyruvate concentrations as well as their ratio in human blood serum samples were determined and compared with the control method. The proposed biosensor system is suitable for the rapid detection of lactate, pyruvate and their ratio and can be used for clinical diagnosis, e. g., evaluation of the reasons of lactic acidosis and prognosis of patient's recovery.
Glyoxal cross‐linking of solubilized extracellular matrix to produce highly porous, elastic, and chondro‐permissive scaffolds for orthopedic tissue engineering
Authors: Browe David C. , Mahon Olwyn R. , Díaz‐Payno Pedro J. , Cassidy Nina , Dudurych Ivan , Dunne Aisling , Buckley Conor T. , Kelly Daniel J.
Published: May 2019

Extracellular matrix (ECM)‐derived implants hold great promise for tissue repair, but new strategies are required to produce efficiently decellularized scaffolds with the necessary porosity and mechanical properties to facilitate regeneration. In this study, we demonstrate that it is possible to produce highly porous, elastic, articular cartilage (AC) ECM‐derived scaffolds that are efficiently decellularized, nonimmunogenic, and chondro‐permissive. Pepsin solubilized porcine AC was cross‐linked with glyoxal, lyophilized and then subjected to dehydrothermal treatment. The resulting scaffolds were predominantly collagenous in nature, with the majority of sulphated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and DNA removed during scaffold fabrication. Four scaffold variants were produced to examine the effect of both ECM (10 or 20 mg/mL) and glyoxal (5 or 10 mM) concentration on the mechanical and biological properties of the resulting construct. When seeded with human infrapatellar fat pad‐derived stromal cells, the scaffolds with the lowest concentration of both ECM and glyoxal were found to promote the development of a more hyaline‐like cartilage tissue, as evident by increased sGAG and type II collagen deposition. Furthermore, when cultured in the presence of human macrophages, it was found that these ECM‐derived scaffolds did not induce the production of key proinflammatory cytokines, which is critical to success of an implantable biomaterial. Together these findings demonstrate that the novel combination of solubilized AC ECM and glyoxal crosslinking can be used to produce highly porous scaffolds that are sufficiently decellularized, highly elastic, chondro‐permissive and do not illicit a detrimental immune response when cultured in the presence of human macrophages.
GATA4 screening in Iranian patients of various ethnicities affected with congenital heart disease: Co‐occurrence of a novel de novo translocation (5;7) and a likely pathogenic heterozygous GATA4 mutation in a family with autosomal dominant congenital heart disease
Authors: Kalayinia Samira , Maleki Majid , Rokni‐Zadeh Hassan , Changi‐Ashtiani Majid , Ahangar Hassan , Biglari Alireza , Shahani Tina , Mahdieh Nejat
Published: May 2019

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect and a major health problem around the world. However, its exact etiology has remained unclear. Among various genetic contributing factors, GATA4 transcription factor plays a significant role in the CHD pathogenesis. In this study, GATA4 coding sequence was screened in Iranian patients of various ethnicities.

Methods

Sixty six individuals with familial CHD referred to our center were recruited in this study. After receiving written informed consent from each individual or their parents, chromosomal analyses and GATA4 variant screening were performed. Pathogenicity of the suspected variants was evaluated using available online software tools: CADD, Mutation Taster, SIFT, and PolyPhen‐2.

Results

A total of twelve GATA4 variants were detected including five intronic, 2 exonic and 3 polymorphisms as well as 2 missense mutations, the c.1220C>A and c.1309G>A. Unlike the c.1220C>A, the likely pathogenic heterozygous c.1309G>A has not been previously associated with any phenotype. Here, we not only report, for the first time, a c.1309G>A‐related CHD, but also report a novel de novo balanced translocation, 46,XY,t(5;7)(qter13;qter11), in the same patient which may have influenced the disease severity.

Conclusion

From screening GATA4 sequence in 66 Iranian patients of various ethnicities, we conclude that cytogenetic analysis and PCR‐direct sequencing of different candidate genes may not be the best approach for genetic diagnosis in CHD. Applying novel approaches such as next‐generation sequencing (NGS) may provide a better understating of genetic contributing factors in CHD patients for whom conventional methods could not reveal any genetic causative factor.
Reprocessable Polymer Networks Designed with Hydroxyurethane Dynamic Cross‐links: Effect of Backbone Structure on Network Morphology, Phase Segregation, and Property Recovery
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Lingqiao , Wei Tong , Torkelson John M.
Published: May 2019

Polybutadiene (PB), poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) networks are synthesized using relatively low wt% of dynamic hydroxyurethane cross‐links, and recovery of cross‐link density, network morphology, and properties are investigated as a function of reprocessing. PB and PTMO networks exhibit full recovery of rubbery plateau modulus, and thus cross‐link density, and tensile properties after multiple melt‐state recycling steps. PDMS networks exhibit a small loss in rubbery plateau modulus with reprocessing. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering reveals nanophase separation in PB and PDMS networks. Although PTMO networks are not nanophase separated, cold crystallization is observed, with crystallinity increasing after reprocessing because of chain alignment. This work establishes the effective use of hydroxyurethane cross‐links toward full property recovery in different networks and provides insights on the design of reprocessable networks with distinctive morphology and sustainability.
MicroRNA‐210 regulates human trophoblast cell line HTR‐8/SVneo function by attenuating Notch1 expression: Implications for the role of microRNA‐210 in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Wang Rongli , Liu Weifang , Liu Xiaoping , Liu Xiaoxia , Tao Hui , Wu Di , Zhao Yin , Zou Li
Published: May 2019

Successful pregnancy depends on the precise regulation of extravillous trophoblast cell invasion ability. MicroRNA‐210‐3p (miR‐210), which is increased in the placenta of pre‐eclampsia. Furthermore, miR‐210 could inhibit trophoblasts invasion and might act as a serum biomarker for pre‐eclampsia. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR‐210 regulates HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cell)‐mediated angiogenesis by regulating the NOTCH1 signaling pathway. Studies by our group have previously identified that NOTCH1 plays a positive role in regulating trophoblast functions. However, the miR‐210/NOTCH1 signaling pathway in the regulation of trophoblasts and pre‐eclampsia has not been characterized. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the role of miR‐210 and its relationship with NOTCH1 in trophoblasts. We first examined the expression levels of miR‐210 and NOTCH1 in pre‐eclamptic and normals placentas. Next, the expression and location of miR‐210 and NOTCH1 in the first‐trimester villi, maternal decidua, and placenta of late pregnancy were shown via in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. The trophoblast cell line HTR‐8/SVneo was used to investigate the effects of miR‐210 on the expression of NOTCH1 and cell bioactivity by upregulation and downregulation strategies. The results showed that miR‐210 expression was increased, whereas NOTCH1 expression was decreased in pre‐eclamptic placenta compared with controls. Upregulation of miR‐210 decreased NOTCH1 expression, impaired HTR‐8/SVneo proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube‐like formation capabilities, and promoted apoptosis. In contrast, downregulation of miR‐210 resulted in the opposite effects. These findings suggested that miR‐210 might act as a contributor to trophoblast dysfunction by attenuating NOTCH1 expression.
The implication of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
Authors: Ghaderian Sayyed Mohammad Hossein , Akbarzadeh Reza , Mohajerani Fatemeh , Khodaii Zohreh , Salehpour Saghar
Published: May 2019

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an undesirable complication in the course of ovarian stimulation. This kind of stimulation is aimed at acquiring a sufficient number of high‐quality oocytes in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Whereas the predisposition to OHSS could be impacted by genetic polymorphisms in susceptible genes, the present study has been jointly conducted with an Iranian cohort to scrutinize its relevant implication. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of patients with a normal ovarian response (NOR) or with OHSS. Samples were analyzed to detect polymorphisms MTHFR rs1801131, MTHFR rs1801133, AMHR2 rs2002555, LHCGR rs2293275, PGR rs10895068, and SERPINE1 rs1799889. Variations of MTHFR, AMHR2, LHCGR, and PGR genes were significantly associated with the developing OHSS. After correction for multiple analysis, this difference was not evident for PGR genotypes. The polymorphic alleles of MTHFR (rs1801131 C‐allele and rs1801133 T‐allele), AMHR2 (rs2002555 G‐allele), and LHCGR (rs2293275 G‐allele) were significantly more prevalent among patients with OHSS compared to those in the NOR group. In contrast, the minor allele of PGR single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs10895068, A‐allele) was more prominent among patients with a NOR than those with OHSS. No significant difference was observed in genotypes or alleles of SERPINE1 rs1799889. The observations indicated that the minor alleles of MTHFR, AMHR2, and LHCGR genes could be considered an independent risk factor in susceptibility to OHSS. Nevertheless, polymorphic allele in the PGR rs10895068 SNP contributes to preventing OHSS occurrence. Therefore, it can be argued that these genes have a significant impact on OHSS.
Theoretical insights into the effect of heterocycles of the molecular framework on photochromic magnetic properties of diarylethene compounds
Authors: Huang Jiangen , Wang Yin‐Feng , Xu Ling , Liu Yun‐Meng , Zhou Guangpei , Li Jia , Li Zhi‐Ru
Published: May 2019

Considering the effect of heterocycles on photochromic magnetic properties, we presented a comparative study among series of closed‐ and open‐ring isomers of benzothiophene‐, benzofuran‐, and 1‐methylindole‐based diarylperfluorocyclopentenes or diarylmaleic anhydrides bearing nitronyl nitroxide diradicals. Owing to the better itinerant exchange of the unpaired electrons for the closed‐ring isomers than for the open‐ring ones, the former have ferromagnetic coupling interactions, while the later are antiferromagnetic. This difference indicates that the interconversion between them is switchable. In the molecular framework of the diarylethene, the participation of benzofuran group(s) can increase Jab value and contributes to thermal stability, while that of 1‐methylindole group(s) can increase Jab value and has block effect on thermal stability. Still, the later can lead to red‐shift of the maximum absorption wavelength, which is benefit for the requirement of the application to optical memory media. It is the better choice for perfluorocyclopentenes than for maleic anhydrides as the bridging group in construction of photochromic magnetic molecular switch of diarylethene compound.