bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difficulty in differentiating between IgG4-related hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Hamano Ai , Yamada Reiko , Kurata Kazunari , Tsuboi Junya , Inoue Hiroyuki , Tanaka Kyosuke , Horiki Noriyuki , Takei Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2020

A 71-year-old man on prednisolone for immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related renal disease showed increased carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19–9 level; abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a lesion in the left lateral segment and dilatation of the peripheral biliary duct. He was referred to our hospital for detailed examination for suspected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. CT and magnetic resonance imaging findings were similar to those for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. However, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed a smooth narrowing of the bile duct which suggested inflammatory disease. Liver biopsy was performed; IgG4-related hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) was diagnosed. IgG4-related hepatic IPTs are rare diseases that develop in association with the development of sclerosing cholangitis. Most of these lesions develop in the hepatic hilum and the imaging findings of these tumors are similar to those of hilar cholangiocarcinomas. Thus, hepatic IPTs are difficult to differentiate from malignancy; in some cases, surgical resection has been considered for establishing the diagnosis. In the present case, we could diagnose hepatic IPT on the basis of liver biopsy, which is the recommended approach in cases of suspected hepatic IPT.
Modern Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Sakurai J. J. , Napolitano Jim
Published: October 2020

Modern Quantum Mechanics is a classic graduate level textbook, covering the main concepts from quantum mechanics in a clear, organized and engaging manner. The original author, J. J. Sakurai, was a renowned particle theorist. This third edition, revised by Jim Napolitano, introduces topics that extend its value into the twenty-first century, such as modern mathematical techniques for advanced quantum mechanical calculations, while at the same time retaining fundamental topics such as neutron interferometer experiments, Feynman path integrals, correlation measurements, and Bell's inequalities. A solutions manual is available.
First observations of Polar Mesospheric Echoes at both 31 MHz and 53.5 MHz over Svalbard (78.2°N 15.1°E)
Authors: Hall Chris , Adami Chris , Tsutsumi Masaki
Published: October 2020

During summer 2020, observations of the mesosphere using a 53.5 MHz radar on Svalbard, at 78.2°N 15.1°E, revealed the well-known Polar Mesospheric Summer Echoes (PMSE). At the same time, a co-located meteor detection radar, operating at 31 MHz detected corresponding echoes very distinct from those associated with meteor trails. Comparing as many days as possible during 2020, incontestable evidence arose to demonstrate that the meteor detection radar was capable of observing PMSE, although not in the optimised fashion of the 53.5 MHz system. We present examples of results from both systems, supplementing the earlier findings of Swarnalingam et al. (2009), and simultaneously show very first results from this particular geographical location.
The role of virtual reality in the changing landscape of surgical training
Authors: Abbas J R , Kenth J J , Bruce I A
Published: October 2020

Background

The current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges to surgical training across the world. With the widespread cancellations of clinical and academic activities, educators are looking to technological advancements to help ‘bridge the gap’ and continue medical education.

Solutions

Simulation-based training as the ‘gold standard’ for medical education has limitations that prevent widespread adoption outside suitably resourced centres. Virtual reality has the potential to surmount these barriers, whilst fulfilling the fundamental aim of simulation-based training to provide a safe, effective and realistic learning environment.

Current limitations and insights for future

The main limitations of virtual reality technology include comfort and the restrictive power of mobile processors. There exists a clear developmental path to address these restrictions. Continued developments of the hardware and software set to deepen immersion and widen the possibilities within surgical education.

Conclusion

In the post coronavirus disease 2019 educational landscape, virtual, augmented and mixed reality technology may prove invaluable in the training of the next generation of surgeons.
Introduction of Zeeman splitting in CHIANTI
Authors: Giarrusso M. , Landi E. , Del Zanna G. , Leone F.
Published: October 2020

High-resolution spectra emitted by laboratory plasmas provide invaluable diagnostic tools for the measurement of plasma properties. To be implemented, they require a large amount of atomic data and transition rates, which are available in several spectral codes. In this paper we present a new feature added to the CHIANTI code, which allows us to calculate the Zeeman splitting of spectral lines in the presence of a magnetic field with known intensity and orientation. When combined with the CHIANTI database and software to calculate level populations and line emissivities, this new feature returns the emissivities in all four Stokes parameters, that can be utilized for the measurement of the magnetic field inside laboratory plasma chambers, along with other plasma parameters. This new feature can be applied to the analysis of the emission of laboratory plasmas created in different devices.
Rapid qualitative evidence syntheses (rQES) in health technology assessment: experiences, challenges, and lessons
Authors: Majid Umair , Weeks Laura
Published: October 2020

Healthcare decision makers are increasingly demanding that health technology assessment (HTA) is patient focused, and considers data about patients' perspectives on and experiences with health technologies in their everyday lives. Related data are typically generated through qualitative research, and in HTA the typical approach is to synthesize primary qualitative research through the conduct of qualitative evidence synthesis (QES). Abbreviated HTA timelines often do not allow for the full 6–12 months it may take to complete a QES, which has prompted the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) to explore the concept of “rapid qualitative evidence synthesis” (rQES). In this paper, we describe our experiences conducting three rQES at CADTH, and reflect on challenges faced, successes, and lessons learned. Given limited methodological guidance to guide this work, our aim is to provide insight for researchers who may contemplate rQES. We suggest several lessons, including strategies to iteratively develop research questions and search for eligible studies, use search of filters and limits, and use of a single reviewer experienced in qualitative research throughout the review process. We acknowledge that there is room for debate, though believe rQES is a laudable goal and that it is possible to produce a quality, relevant, and useful product, even under restricted timelines. That said, it is vital to recognize what is lost in the name of rapidity. We intend our paper to advance the necessary debate about when rQES may be appropriate, and not, and enable productive discussions around methodological development.
Taxonomy 2.0: computer-aided identification tools to assist Antarctic biologists in the field and in the laboratory
Authors: Saucède Thomas , Eléaume Marc , Jossart Quentin , Moreau Camille , Downey Rachel , Bax Narissa , Sands Chester , Mercado Borja , Gallut Cyril , Vignes-Lebbe Régine
Published: October 2020

Species inventories are essential to the implementation of conservation policies to mitigate biodiversity loss and maintain ecosystem services and their value to the society. This is particularly topical with respect to climate change and direct anthropogenic effects on Antarctic biodiversity, with the identification of the most at-risk taxa and geographical areas becoming a priority. Identification tools are often neglected and considered helpful only for taxonomists. However, the development of new online information technologies and computer-aided identification tools provides an opportunity to promote them to a wider audience, especially considering the emerging generation of scientists who apply an integrative approach to taxonomy. This paper aims to clarify essential concepts and provide convenient and accessible tools, tips and suggested systems to use and develop knowledge bases (KBs). The software Xper3 was selected as an example of a user-friendly KB management system to give a general overview of existing tools and functionalities through two applications: the ‘Antarctic Echinoids’ and ‘Odontasteridae Southern Ocean (Asteroids)’ KBs. We highlight the advantages provided by KBs over more classical tools, and future potential uses are highlighted, including the production of field guides to aid in the compilation of species inventories for biodiversity conservation purposes.
‘Virtual’ Eucharists in a Time of COVID-19 Pandemic: Biblical, Theological and Constitutional Perspectives
Authors: Douglas Brian
Published: October 2020

This article examines the possible use of ‘virtual’ Eucharists in the Anglican Church of Australia in a time of a global pandemic such as exists in the world in 2020 with the spread of coronavirus or COVID-19. The changing nature of modern communication is considered in the context of the possibility of the use of a ‘virtual’ Eucharist, where a priest in one place with a set of bread and wine, consecrates the bread and wine, while at the same time a person in their own home consumes another set of bread and wine with the assumption that second set of bread and wine is also consecrated. Suggestions for and discussion of the use of a ‘virtual’ Eucharist in two dioceses of the Anglican Church of Australia are discussed with a consideration of published material by episcopal leaders. Biblical, theological and constitutional perspectives are then considered in relation to a ‘virtual’ Eucharist before the recommendation is made that ‘virtual’ Eucharists are not considered as appropriate at any time, including during a global COVID-19 pandemic, in the Anglican Church of Australia. Several alternatives to a ‘virtual’ Eucharist are considered which would allow people to obtain spiritual nourishment by other means.
Variation of fundamental constants and white dwarfs
Authors: Landau Susana J.
Published: October 2020

Theories that attempt to unify the four fundamental interactions and alternative theories of gravity predict time and/or spatial variation of the fundamental constants of nature. Different versions of these theories predict different behaviours for these variations. As a consequence, experimental and observational bounds are an important tool to check the validity of such proposals. In this paper, we review constraints on the possible variation of the fundamental constants from astronomical observations and geophysical experiments designed to test the constancy of the fundamental constants of nature over different timescales. We also focus on the limits that can be obtained from white dwarfs, which can constrain the variation of the constants with the gravitational potential.
Four new self-lensing binaries from Kepler: Radial velocity characterization and astrophysical implications
Authors: Masuda Kento , Kawahara Hajime , Latham David W. , Bieryla Allyson , MacLeod Morgan , Kunitomo Masanobu , Benomar Othman , Aoki Wako
Published: October 2020

Abstarct

In Kawahara et al. (2018) and Masuda et al. (2019), we reported the discovery of four self-lensing binaries consisting of F/G-type stars and (most likely) white dwarfs whose masses range from 0.2 to 0.6 solar masses. Here we present their updated system parameters based on new radial velocity data from the Tillinghast Reflector Echelle Spectrograph at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, and the Gaia parallaxes and spectroscopic parameters of the primary stars. We also briefly discuss the astrophysical implications of these findings.
Auswirkungen der Corona-Pandemie auf die Maßnahmen zur Suchtprävention der Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Authors: Goecke Michaela
Published: October 2020

Zusammenfassung. ﻿Abstract: ﻿﻿Hintergrund:﻿ Die Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) ist als Fachbehörde unter anderem für die Umsetzung nationaler Programme zur Suchtprävention zuständig. Die jährlichen Arbeitsprogramme werden mit dem Bundesministerium für Gesundheit abgestimmt und sehen aktuell vor dem Hintergrund der Public-Health-Relevanz Schwerpunkte in der Prävention der legalen Substanzen Tabak und Alkohol vor. Vorrangige Zielgruppen sind Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene, da sich bei ihnen riskante Konsummuster entwickeln und festigen können. Die Präventionsprogramme der BZgA umfassen schulische Angebote, Webportale, Social Media und Printmedien wie Informationsbroschüren. ﻿Aktuelle Situation:﻿ Die Corona-Pandemie hat Einfluss genommen auf die Suchtprävention der BZgA. Zu nennen ist die thematische Verzahnung im Kontext von Corona und ein veränderter inhaltlicher Beratungsbedarf – telefonisch und online. Auch die durch die Corona-Pandemie bedingten Kontaktbeschränkungen während des „Lockdowns“ sowie die neuen Rahmenbedingungen für ein persönliches Miteinander haben die Suchtprävention verändert. Interaktive Präventionsangebote in Schulen wurden ebenso wie die Unterstützung von Mitmachaktionen in Sportvereinen oder die Durchführung von Peer-Programmen ausgesetzt. Dafür rückte die Nutzung digitaler Möglichkeiten sowohl bei der Umsetzung von suchtpräventiven Angeboten als auch in der Kooperation und Vernetzung mit den Ländern in einen neuen Fokus. Die Corona-Krise kann perspektivisch auch eine Chance für mehr Digitalisierung in der Suchtprävention werden.
Burst Geomagnetic Pulsations as Indicators of Substorm Expansion Onsets During Storms
Authors: Mishin V. V. , Tsegmed B. , Klibanova Yu. Yu. , Kurikalova M. A.
Published: October 2020

We report on the dynamics of field‐aligned currents (FACs), broadband geomagnetic pulsations, and airglow obtained from the Irkutsk (IRK), Mondy (MND), and Borok (BOX) midlatitude geomagnetic observatories and the Tory (TOR) optical observatory during storm substorms. For the first time, using the short duration, Δt < 0.5 min, high‐frequency component of the burst pulsations (Pi1B), we determined the substorm double expansion phase (EP) onsets <5 min apart, which is hardly possible by means of the low‐frequency (periods of 2–5 min) Psc/PiB pulsations. We argue that the observed burst pulsations are the result of prompt changes in the solar wind dynamic pressure and/or the current circuit related to the westward electrojet. Each pulsed source can excite short bursts of broadband electromagnetic modes of the ionospheric Alfvén resonator in the range of short‐period pulsations with a periodic resonance structure of the spectrum characteristic of the observed Pi1B/Psc pulsations.
Stable Climates for Temperate Rocky Circumbinary Planets
Authors: Komacek T. D.
Published: October 2020

Circumbinary planets may comprise a significant fraction of the temperate rocky planets in our galaxy. A wide range of previous work has explored the climate of circumbinary planets with one‐dimensional energy balance models, but studies utilizing three‐dimensional general circulation models (GCMs) have only explored gaseous or ocean‐covered planets. Recent GCM results from Wolf et al. (2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JE006576) determine the impact of the time‐varying stellar forcing on the climate of Earth‐like circumbinary planets in a broad range of 12 modeled systems with stellar spectral types from G2 to M0. The planets modeled are assumed to have the same continental and oceanic configuration as Earth and receive the same time‐averaged stellar instellation as Earth. In all cases the climate variability has a low amplitude, with local maximum temperatures never exceeding the wet bulb threshold for human life. As a result, Earth‐like life could persist on circumbinary planets that undergo large‐amplitude orbital variations in instellation, and such planets remain viable targets to search for biosignatures and other key habitability indicators.
Type 2 diabetes is associated with impaired jejunal enteroendocrine GLP-1 cell lineage in human obesity
Authors: Osinski Céline , Le Gléau Léa , Poitou Christine , de Toro-Martin Juan , Genser Laurent , Fradet Magali , Soula Hédi Antoine , Leturque Armelle , Blugeon Corinne , Jourdren Laurent , Hubert Edwige Ludiwyne , Clément Karine , Serradas Patricia , Ribeiro Agnès
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Altered enteroendocrine cell (EEC) function in obesity and type 2 diabetes is not fully understood. Understanding the transcriptional program that controls EEC differentiation is important because some EEC types harbor significant therapeutic potential for type 2 diabetes.

Methods

EEC isolation from jejunum of obese individuals with (ObD) or without (Ob) type 2 diabetes was obtained with a new method of cell sorting. EEC transcriptional profiles were established by RNA-sequencing in a first group of 14 Ob and 13 ObD individuals. EEC lineage and densities were studied in the jejunum of a second independent group of 37 Ob, 21 ObD and 22 non obese (NOb) individuals.

Results

The RNA seq analysis revealed a distinctive transcriptomic signature and a decreased differentiation program in isolated EEC from ObD compared to Ob individuals. In the second independent group of ObD, Ob and NOb individuals a decreased GLP-1 cell lineage and GLP-1 maturation from proglucagon, were observed in ObD compared to Ob individuals. Furthermore, jejunal density of GLP-1-positive cells was significantly reduced in ObD compared to Ob individuals.

Conclusions

These results highlight that the transcriptomic signature of EEC discriminate obese subjects according to their diabetic status. Furthermore, type 2 diabetes is associated with reduced GLP-1 cell differentiation and proglucagon maturation leading to low GLP-1-cell density in human obesity. These mechanisms could account for the decrease plasma GLP-1 observed in metabolic diseases.
Results of a project to calibrate mercury sphygmomanometer blood pressure-measuring devices in Egypt
Authors: Ghareeb Soliman , Youssef Ghada , Ghareeb Haytham Soliman , El-Mageed Hazem Abd , Mesalm Muhammad H. , Talaat Remon , Eltawil Alaaeldin , Hasan Doaa M. , Ibrahim M. Mohsen
Published: October 2020

Hypertension (HTN) is a common health problem and a major cardiovascular risk factor. Accurate measurement of blood pressure (BP) is mandatory for proper diagnosis and follow-up. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of mercury sphygmomanometer BP-measuring devices in public hospitals in Cairo, Egypt. Fifty public hospitals were included, and 10% of all mercury sphygmomanometer devices in each hospital were tested. Assessment included physical condition (e.g., mercury status, lid of the device, state of the rubber tubes), leakage rate, and calibration accuracy (as compared with a reference device). Devices were approved as accurate when they could successfully pass all three assessment tests. The total number of sphygmomanometer devices was 465. The overall pass rate was 1.3% (six devices). Twenty-five (5.2%) devices passed all of the physical tests, 50 (10.8%) passed the leakage test, and 50 (16.5%) passed the calibration accuracy test. There were 162 (34.8%) devices that showed a high leakage rate (>80 mmHg) and thus were not tested for calibration accuracy. In conclusion, most of the mercury sphygmomanometer devices in hospitals are neglected and not checked regularly for any errors. A plan should be made to gradually replace those failed devices with new, validated, and well-calibrated devices, preferably devices that do not contain mercury.
A novel allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor ameliorates hyperdopaminergia endophenotypes in rodent models
Authors: Mielnik Catharine A. , Sugamori Kim S. , Finlay David B. , Thorpe Hayley H. A. , Schapira Matthieu , Sivananthan Nirunthan , Li Chun Kit , Lam Vincent M. , Harrington Sean , Abdelrahman Mostafa H. , Trembleau Laurent A. , McIntyre Burnham W. , Khokhar Jibran Y. , Salahpour Ali , Ramsey Amy J. , Glass Michelle , Greig Iain R. , Ross Ruth A.
Published: October 2020

The endocannabinoid system (eCBs) encompasses the endocannabinoids, their synthetic and degradative enzymes, and cannabinoid (CB) receptors. The eCBs mediates inhibition of neurotransmitter release and acts as a major homeostatic system. Many aspects of the eCBs are altered in a number of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, which is characterized by dysregulation of dopaminergic signaling. The GluN1-Knockdown (GluN1KD) and Dopamine Transporter Knockout (DATKO) mice are models of hyperdopaminergia, which display abnormal psychosis-related behaviors, including hyperlocomotion and changes in pre-pulse inhibition (PPI). Here, we investigate the ability of a novel CB1 receptor (CB1R) allosteric modulator, ABM300, to ameliorate these dysregulated behaviors. ABM300 was characterized in vitro (receptor binding, β-arrestin2 recruitment, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, cAMP inhibition) and in vivo (anxiety-like behaviors, cannabimimetic effects, novel environment exploratory behavior, pre-pulse inhibition, conditioned avoidance response) to assess the effects of the compound in dysregulated behaviors within the transgenic models. In vitro, ABM300 increased CB1R agonist binding but acted as an inhibitor of CB1R agonist induced signaling, including β-arrestin2 translocation, ERK phosphorylation and cAMP inhibition. In vivo, ABM300 did not elicit anxiogenic-like or cannabimimetic effects, but it decreased novelty-induced hyperactivity, exaggerated stereotypy, and vertical exploration in both transgenic models of hyperdopaminergia, as well as normalizing PPI in DATKO mice. The data demonstrate for the first time that a CB1R allosteric modulator ameliorates the behavioral deficits in two models of increased dopamine, warranting further investigation as a potential therapeutic target in psychiatry.
Learning molecular dynamics with simple language model built upon long short-term memory neural network
Authors: Tsai Sun-Ting , Kuo En-Jui , Tiwary Pratyush
Published: October 2020

Recurrent neural networks have led to breakthroughs in natural language processing and speech recognition. Here we show that recurrent networks, specifically long short-term memory networks can also capture the temporal evolution of chemical/biophysical trajectories. Our character-level language model learns a probabilistic model of 1-dimensional stochastic trajectories generated from higher-dimensional dynamics. The model captures Boltzmann statistics and also reproduces kinetics across a spectrum of timescales. We demonstrate how training the long short-term memory network is equivalent to learning a path entropy, and that its embedding layer, instead of representing contextual meaning of characters, here exhibits a nontrivial connectivity between different metastable states in the underlying physical system. We demonstrate our model’s reliability through different benchmark systems and a force spectroscopy trajectory for multi-state riboswitch. We anticipate that our work represents a stepping stone in the understanding and use of recurrent neural networks for understanding the dynamics of complex stochastic molecular systems.
Author Correction: An atlas of dynamic chromatin landscapes in mouse fetal development
Authors: Gorkin David U. , Barozzi Iros , Zhao Yuan , Zhang Yanxiao , Huang Hui , Lee Ah Young , Li Bin , Chiou Joshua , Wildberg Andre , Ding Bo , Zhang Bo , Wang Mengchi , Strattan J. Seth , Davidson Jean M. , Qiu Yunjiang , Afzal Veena , Akiyama Jennifer A. , Plajzer-Frick Ingrid , Novak Catherine S. , Kato Momoe , Garvin Tyler H. , Pham Quan T. , Harrington Anne N. , Mannion Brandon J. , Lee Elizabeth A. , Fukuda-Yuzawa Yoko , He Yupeng , Preissl Sebastian , Chee Sora , Han Jee Yun , Williams Brian A. , Trout Diane , Amrhein Henry , Yang Hongbo , Cherry J. Michael , Wang Wei , Gaulton Kyle , Ecker Joseph R. , Shen Yin , Dickel Diane E. , Visel Axel , Pennacchio Len A. , Ren Bing
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Empagliflozin improves post-infarction cardiac remodeling through GTP enzyme cyclohydrolase 1 and irrespective of diabetes status
Authors: del Carmen Asensio Lopez Maria , Lax Antonio , Hernandez Vicente Alvaro , Saura Guillen Elena , Hernandez-Martinez Antonio , Fernandez del Palacio Maria Josefa , Bayes-Genis Antoni , Pascual Figal Domingo A.
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Rice immune sensor XA21 differentially enhances plant growth and survival under distinct levels of drought
Authors: Shamsunnaher  , Chen Xiuhua , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Wu Xiao-Xia , Huang Xiaoen , Song Wen-Yuan
Published: October 2020

Drought is a complex stress that limits plant growth and crop production worldwide. The mechanisms by which plants coordinately respond to distinct levels of water deficits (e.g., mild, moderate or severe drought) remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that the rice immune sensor XA21 promotes survival of rice seedlings during dehydration stress. XA21 expression increases deposition of lignin and cellulose in the xylem vessels and their surrounding cells. Inhibition of aquaporin water channels by mercuric chloride eliminates XA21-mediated dehydration survival, suggesting that XA21 enables plant survival during drought, probably by protecting xylem functionality. In contrast to prevailing observations of stress tolerance genes, XA21 is also capable of enhancing rice growth during moderate drought. Thus, XA21 acts as a mediator for stress protection and plant growth under water-limiting conditions.
Effect of biochar on rice starch properties and starch-related gene expression and enzyme activities
Authors: Gong Diankai , Xu Ximing , Wu Li’an , Dai Guijin , Zheng Wenjing , Xu Zhengjin
Published: October 2020

We determined the effects of biochar on starch properties and the activities of enzymes and expression levels of genes related to starch in two Japonica rice cultivars. The two rice varieties were subjected to five biochar treatments (0, control; and 5, 10, 20, and 40 t/hm2). In both rice varieties, the content of apparent amylose and resistant starch were lower in biochar treatments than in the control. The proportion of fa chains was higher and that of fb3 chain was lower in the biochar treatments than in the control. Starch viscosity and cooking taste quality were improved by the biochar treatments. In both rice varieties, the activity of granule-bound starch synthase was significantly decreased by biochar treatments, and the activities of soluble starch synthase, starch branching enzyme, and starch debranching enzyme were significantly increased. The transcript levels of genes encoding starch synthases and starch branching enzymes were significantly increased by biochar treatments. We conclude that biochar at a dose of 5–10 t/hm2 can regulate the activity of starch-related enzymes, and this affects the type, content, and fine structure of starch. Therefore, the addition of biochar to soil can improve the viscosity and taste quality of rice starch.
Dose-response-relationship of stabilisation exercises in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review with meta-regression
Authors: Mueller Juliane , Niederer Daniel
Published: October 2020

Stabilization exercise (SE) is evident for the management of chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP). The optimal dose-response-relationship for the utmost treatment success is, thus, still unknown. The purpose is to systematically review the dose-response-relationship of stabilisation exercises on pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific LBP. A systematic review with meta-regression was conducted (Pubmed, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane). Eligibility criteria were RCTs on patients with chronic non-specific LBP, written in English/German and adopting a longitudinal core-specific/stabilising/motor control exercise intervention with at least one outcome for pain intensity and/or disability. Meta-regressions (dependent variable = effect sizes (Cohens d) of the interventions (for pain and for disability), independent variable = training characteristics (duration, frequency, time per session)), and controlled for (low) study quality (PEDro) and (low) sample sizes (n) were conducted to reveal the optimal dose required for therapy success. From the 3,415 studies initially selected, 50 studies (n = 2,786 LBP patients) were included. N = 1,239 patients received SE. Training duration was 7.0 ± 3.3 weeks, training frequency was 3.1 ± 1.8 sessions per week with a mean training time of 44.6 ± 18.0 min per session. The meta-regressions’ mean effect size was d = 1.80 (pain) and d = 1.70 (disability). Total R2 was 0.445 and 0.17. Moderate quality evidence (R2 = 0.231) revealed that a training duration of 20 to 30 min elicited the largest effect (both in pain and disability, logarithmic association). Low quality evidence (R2 = 0.125) revealed that training 3 to 5 times per week led to the largest effect of SE in patients with chronic non-specific LBP (inverted U-shaped association). In patients with non-specific chronic LBP, stabilization exercise with a training frequency of 3 to 5 times per week (Grade C) and a training time of 20 to 30 min per session (Grade A) elicited the largest effect on pain and disability.
Enhanced CO evolution for photocatalytic conversion of CO2 by H2O over Ca modified Ga2O3
Authors: Pang Rui , Teramura Kentaro , Morishita Masashige , Asakura Hiroyuki , Hosokawa Saburo , Tanaka Tsunehiro
Published: October 2020

Artificial photosynthesis is a desirable critical technology for the conversion of CO2 and H2O, which are abundant raw materials, into fuels and chemical feedstocks. Similar to plant photosynthesis, artificial photosynthesis can produce CO, CH3OH, CH4, and preferably higher hydrocarbons from CO2 using H2O as an electron donor and solar light. At present, only insufficient amounts of CO2-reduction products such as CO, CH3OH, and CH4 have been obtained using such a photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical conversion process. Here, we demonstrate that photocatalytic CO2 conversion with a Ag@Cr-decorated mixture of CaGa4O7-loaded Ga2O3 and the CaO photocatalyst leads to a satisfactory CO formation rate (>835 µmol h−1) and excellent selectivity toward CO evolution (95%), with O2 as the stoichiometric oxidation product of H2O. Our photocatalytic system can convert CO2 gas into CO at >1% CO2 conversion (>11531 ppm CO) at ambient temperatures and pressures.
Parametric dependence of hot electron relaxation timescales on electron-electron and electron-phonon interaction strengths
Authors: Wilson Richard B. , Coh Sinisa
Published: October 2020

Understanding how photoexcited electron dynamics depend on electron-electron (e-e) and electron-phonon (e-p) interaction strengths is important for many fields, e.g. ultrafast magnetism, photocatalysis, plasmonics, and others. Here, we report simple expressions that capture the interplay of e-e and e-p interactions on electron distribution relaxation times. We observe a dependence of the dynamics on e-e and e-p interaction strengths that is universal to most metals and is also counterintuitive. While only e-p interactions reduce the total energy stored by excited electrons, the time for energy to leave the electronic subsystem also depends on e-e interaction strengths because e-e interactions increase the number of electrons emitting phonons. The effect of e-e interactions on energy-relaxation is largest in metals with strong e-p interactions. Finally, the time high energy electron states remain occupied depends only on the strength of e-e interactions, even if e-p scattering rates are much greater than e-e scattering rates.
Improved stability of β-CsPbI3 inorganic perovskite using π-conjugated bifunctional surface capped organic cations for high performance photovoltaics
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Jinchao , Tan Aidong , Piao Jinhua , Fu Zhiyong
Published: October 2020

An effective strategy for stable and efficient β-CsPbI3 solar cells is developed via utilizing 2,3-NDAx+ capped inorganic perovskite layer. The corresponding PSC devices display a high reproducibility with a champion stabilized efficiency of 16.69%.
Hydrophosphination using [GeCl{N(SiMe3)2}3] as a pre-catalyst
Authors: Barrett A. N. , Sanderson H. J. , Mahon M. F. , Webster R. L.
Published: October 2020

The hydrophosphination of activated alkenes and internal alkynes is reported using a remarkably simple Ge(iv) pre-catalyst. Preliminary mechanistic investigations indicate that the reaction proceeds via a redox neutral catalytic cycle.
Quantification of binding affinity of glyconanomaterials with lectins
Authors: Liyanage Sajani H. , Yan Mingdi
Published: October 2020

This Feature Article discusses the techniques to determine the binding affinity glyconanomaterials, which is critical for the evaluation of nanomaterials as multivalent scaffolds in enhancing carbohydrate–lectin interactions.
Target-induced molecular-switch on triple-helix DNA-functionalized carbon nanotubes for simultaneous visual detection of nucleic acids and proteins
Authors: Huang Yan , Cheng Zhihao , Han Rong , Gao Xuan , Qian Lisheng , Wen Yongqiang , Zhang Xueji , Liu Guodong
Published: October 2020

The structure change of triple-helix DNA leads the signal DNA probes changing from the protected status to the exposure status on the carbon nanotube surface, which are detected by a strip biosensor to give visible black bands.
A dumbbell probe-based dual signal amplification strategy for sensitive detection of multiple DNA methyltransferases
Authors: Li Yueying , Sun Shuli , Tian Xiaorui , Qiu Jian-Ge , Jiang BingHua , Zhang Chun-yang
Published: October 2020

Integration of a dumbbell probe with dual signal amplification enables simultaneously sensitive detection of multiple DNA methyltransferases.
The reaction behavior of [Cp2Mo2(CO)4(μ,η2:2-P2)] and [Cp′′Ta(CO)2(η4-P4)] towards hydroxide and tert-butyl nucleophiles
Authors: Riedlberger Felix , Seidl Michael , Scheer Manfred
Published: October 2020

The reaction behavior of [Cp2Mo2(CO)4(μ,η2:2-P2)] (1) and [Cp′′Ta(CO)2(η4-P4)] (2), respectively, towards the anions OH− and tBu− are reported, which leads to a selective functionalisation of one P atom.
Solvatochromism in urea/water and urea-derivative/water solutions
Authors: Civera Concepcion , del Valle Juan C. , Elorza M. Angeles , Elorza Begoña , Arias Concepcion , Díaz-Oliva Cristina , Catalán Javier , García Blanco Francisco
Published: October 2020

Solvent acidity (SA), solvent basicity (SB), and solvent dipolarity and polarizability (SPP) parameters for urea and water mixtures.
Photoinduced ion-redistribution in CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yanagida Masatoshi , Shirai Yasuhiro , Khadka Dhruba B. , Miyano Kenjiro
Published: October 2020

We use photoinduced absorption spectroscopy (PAS) to study the ionic motion in CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells, consisting of indium tin oxide (ITO)/NiOx/perovskite/phenyl-C61-butyric-acid–methyl ester (PCBM)/aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO)/ITO.
Can one use the electronic absorption spectra of metalloporphyrins to benchmark electronic structure methods? A case study on the cobalt porphyrin
Authors: de Souza Jhonathan Rosa , de Moraes Matheus Morato F. , Aoto Yuri Alexandre , Homem-de-Mello Paula
Published: October 2020

One must be skeptical about the reference chosen to benchmark electronic structure calculations, such as DFT functionals and active spaces for multireference calculations.
Revealing the detailed structure in flow-induced crystallization of semicrystalline polymers
Authors: Song Kun , Wu Lin-Feng , Liu Dong , Li Liangbin , Song Jing , Wang Zhe
Published: October 2020

We quantitatively reveal the structural heterogeneity and polydispersity in flow-induced crystallization of semicrystalline polymers.
Magnetic anisotropy in square pyramidal cobalt(ii) complexes supported by a tetraazo macrocyclic ligand
Authors: Cui Hui-Hui , Ding Man-Man , Zhang Xiu-Du , Lv Wei , Zhang Yi-Quan , Chen Xue-Tai , Wang Zhenxing , Ouyang Zhong-Wen , Xue Zi-Ling
Published: October 2020

Positive magnetic anisotropies of two square-pyramidal cobalt(ii) complexes have been revealed by magnetic measurements, HF-EPR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations.
Chemoselective synthesis of heterobimetallic bis-NHC complexes
Authors: Dutschke Patrick D. , Bente Stefanie , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Kinas Jenny , Hepp Alexander , Hahn F. Ekkehardt
Published: October 2020

Heterobimetallic bis-NHC complexes have been obtained by the site-selective metallation of 8-iodotheophylline/imidazolium bis-NHC precursors using a combination of deprotonation-metallation and oxidative addition reactions.
Producing methylcyclopentadiene dimer and trimer based high-performance jet fuels using 5-methyl furfural
Authors: Nie Genkuo , Shi Chengxiang , Dai Yiying , Liu Yanan , Liu Yakun , Ma Chi , Liu Qing , Pan Lun , Zhang Xiangwen , Zou Ji-Jun
Published: October 2020

The synthesis of methylcyclopentadiene dimer/trimer fuels using 5-methyl furfural: an efficient and scale-up feasible route to synthesize high-performance jet fuels from biomass.
LixSiON (x = 2, 4, 6): a novel solid electrolyte system derived from agricultural waste
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Temeche Eleni , Laine Richard M.
Published: October 2020

A novel solid electrolyte system, LixSiON (x = 2, 4, and 6), derived from agricultural waste, rice hull ash, by polymer precursor syntheses.
Artificial intelligence: the silver bullet for sustainable materials development
Authors: Hardian Rifan , Liang Zhenwen , Zhang Xiangliang , Szekely Gyorgy
Published: October 2020

Artificial intelligence in combination with design of experiments for sustainable process development achieving high quality metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with minimal environmental effect.
Accuracy improvement in XRF analysis for the quantification of elements ranging from tenths to thousands μg g−1 in human tissues using different matrix reference materials
Authors: Machado Jorge , Carvalho Patrícia Miguel , Félix Ana , Doutel Delfin , Santos José Paulo , Carvalho Maria Luísa , Pessanha Sofia
Published: October 2020

In this work, we aim at achieving the most accurate quantitative determination of elements in human tissues by means of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry using the external calibration approach.
Effect of silver nanospheres and nanowires on human airway smooth muscle cells: role of sulfidation
Authors: Michaeloudes Charalambos , Seiffert Joanna , Chen Shu , Ruenraroengsak Pakatip , Bey Leo , Theodorou Ioannis G. , Ryan Mary , Cui Xiaoxing , Zhang Jim , Shaffer Milo , Tetley Terry , Porter Alexandra E. , Chung Kian Fan
Published: October 2020

Sulfidation by biogenic H2S outcompetes dissolution of silver nanostructures, thus reducing their toxicity in airway smooth muscle cells.
Synthesis of novel allylamine-fluorene based benzoxazine and its copolymerization with typical benzoxazine: curing behavior and thermal properties
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Zhi-cheng , Pan Zhong-cheng , Dayo Abdul Qadeer , Liu Wen-bin , Wang Jun
Published: October 2020

Poly(t-BF-sa-a) showed much better thermal properties and glass transition temperatures than traditional fluorene-based benzoxazine monomers.
An optimized protocol for the synthesis of N-2-hydroxybenzyl-cysteine peptide crypto-thioesters
Authors: Abboud Skander A. , Aucagne Vincent
Published: October 2020

Deciphering the formation of side-products during the synthesis of N-Hnb-Cys crypto-thioesters led to the development of an automatable optimized protocol.
Novel enantiomorphic Pb-coordination polymers dictated by the corresponding chiral ligands, [Pb((R,R)-TBA)(H2O)]·1.7H2O and [Pb((S,S)-TBA)(H2O)]·1.7H2O [TBA = 1,3,5-triazin-2(1H)-one-4,6-bis(alanyl)]
Authors: Kuk Yunseung , Ok Kang Min
Published: October 2020

Two enantiomorphic Pb-coordination polymers dictated by the corresponding chiral ligands reveal high chemical stability and a selective uptake of Congo red dye through the hydrogen bonds.
Effects of spatially-varying substrate anchoring on instabilities and dewetting of thin nematic liquid crystal films
Authors: Lam Michael-Angelo Y.-H. , Kondic Lou , Cummings Linda J.
Published: October 2020

We investigate (theoretically and numerically) free surface evolution of nematic liquid crystal films in the presence of variable substrate anchoring.
Understanding the extraocular muscles: connective tissue, motor endplates and the cytoskeleton
Authors: Liu Jing-Xia , Dennhag Nils , Domellöf Fatima Pedrosa
Published: October 2020

We constantly direct our eyes to the object of interest with the help of the extraocular muscles, and thereby use foveal fixation to attain the best possible visual acuity. The muscles around the eye are rather different from other skeletal muscles, being, for example, simultaneously the fastest muscles in the body and impossible to exhaust. The most exciting property of the extraocular muscles is their unique response to disease, as they often remain unaffected in muscle conditions which lead to severe handicap and premature death. Understanding the coping strategies that allow the extraocular muscles to remain unaffected may provide clues for the future treatment of severe diseases such as muscle dystrophies.
Shedding light on dark adaptation
Authors: Weiss Ellen
Published: October 2020

The retina is famous for its ability to operate under a broad range of light intensities. This is partly due to the presence of two types of photoreceptor cells, rods and cones. Rods are used mostly for dim light vision, and cones are used for bright light and colour vision. These cells are also able to adapt to a broad range of light intensities using light- and dark-adaptation mechanisms. Dark adaptation is used by the vertebrate retina to increase its visual sensitivity when moving from a brightly lit environment to a dark environment. The brighter the surrounding light, the longer it takes for the retina to adapt to the dark. Most retina biologists have studied dark adaptation by exposing animals to a 90% bleach, meaning that 90% of the light-sensing proteins in these photoreceptor cells have been activated, followed by transfer of these animals to a dark room and analysis of their light sensitivity using electrophysiological methods. In this report, we introduce the basic elements of the visual system and describe how the system might operate during dark adaptation. We also introduce a novel role for cAMP-mediated phosphorylation of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 1 (GRK1), a major kinase in visual signalling.
LINC00636 promotes lymph node metastasis and cervical cancer through targeting NM23
Authors: Zhong Yue , Lu Qiang , Qiu Wei , Luo Yan
Published: October 2020

Background: Metastasis is a major obstacle in treatment of cervical cancer, and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) mediated regulatory effect on associated genes expression is found to be involved in metastasis. However, its mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.

Materials and methods: Specimens from patients with cervical cancer metastasis and non-metastasis were used to screen out candidate non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and possible downstream targets. And then, effects were determined in vitro and in vivo through knockdown and overexpression techniques.

Results: LINC00636 was significantly higher in serum and solid tumor cells of metastatic cervical cancer patients than non-metastatic patients. And knockdown of LINC00636 significantly suppressed invasion, proliferation of cervical cancer cells. NM23 expression was negatively regulated by LINC00636 and it mediated anti-tumor effects was partially blocked by overexpression of LINC00636.

Conclusion: LINC00636 might promote metastasis of cervical cancer cells through inhibiting NM23 expression.
Enhancer RNA: biogenesis, function, and regulation
Authors: Ye Rong , Cao Changchang , Xue Yuanchao
Published: October 2020

Enhancers are noncoding DNA elements that are present upstream or downstream of a gene to control its spatial and temporal expression. Specific histone modifications, such as monomethylation on histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me1) and H3K27ac, have been widely used to assign enhancer regions in mammalian genomes. In recent years, emerging evidence suggests that active enhancers are bidirectionally transcribed to produce enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). This finding not only adds a new reliable feature to define enhancers but also raises a fundamental question of how eRNAs function to activate transcription. Although some believe that eRNAs are merely transcriptional byproducts, many studies have demonstrated that eRNAs execute crucial tasks in regulating chromatin conformation and transcription activation. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of eRNAs from their biogenesis, functions, and regulation to their pathological significance. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and possible mechanisms of eRNAs in regulated transcription.
Genetic variations associated with long noncoding RNAs
Authors: Luo Jianjun , Chen Runsheng
Published: October 2020

Genetic variations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and structural variations, are widely distributed in the genome, including the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) regions. The changes at locus might produce numerous effects in a variety of aspects. Multiple bioinformatics resources and tools were also developed for systematically dealing with genetic variations associated with lncRNAs. Moreover, correlation of the genetic variations in lncRNAs with immune disease, cancers, and other disease as well as development process were all included for discussion. In this essay, we summarized how and in what aspects these changes would affect lncRNA functions.
Sensorless non‐linear position‐stabilising control for magnetic levitation systems
Authors: Kim Seok‐Kyoon , Ahn Choon Ki
Published: October 2020

This study presents a solution to the position stabilisation problem for non‐linear magnetic levitation systems using the only position measurement. This considers parameter and load variations without the use of current and velocity feedback. The features are given as follows: (i) the removal of current and velocity feedback by the proposed first‐order state estimators without system parameters, (ii) securing of improved closed‐loop robustness from the combination of active damping and specified feedback gain with the closed‐loop system order reduced to 1 and (iii) proof of performance recovery and offset‐free in the absence of regulation error integral actions. The numerical simulations verify the performance and robustness improvements through realistic scenarios.
Asynchronously switching control for a class of switched neutral systems: a novel discontinuous Lyapunov function approach
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Li Huan , Zhang Mengqi
Published: October 2020

In this study, a sampling control problem is investigated for a class of switched linear neutral systems under asynchronous switching. By developing a novel edge‐dependent discontinuous Lyapunov function (EDDLF) approach, new exponential stability conditions are established for the considered switched system with sampled‐data partitioned feedback controllers. In addition, the switching rule characterised by admissible edge‐dependent average dwell time (AED‐ADT) is first explored for sampling asynchronous switching studies of switched systems, and tighter bounds of AED‐ADT are obtained by the EDDLF strategy. By properly assigning the sampling period and the number of segments, the proposed controller gains and smaller AED‐ADT are followed, which can guarantee the exponential stability of the closed‐loop switched system. Finally, some simulation results show the advantages of the developed control strategy.