bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CNspector: a web-based tool for visualisation and clinical diagnosis of copy number variation from next generation sequencing
Authors: Markham John F. , Yerneni Satwica , Ryland Georgina L. , Leong Huei San , Fellowes Andrew , Thompson Ella R. , De Silva Wasanthi , Kumar Amit , Lupat Richard , Li Jason , Ellul Jason , Fox Stephen , Dickinson Michael , Papenfuss Anthony T. , Blombery Piers
Published: April 2019

Next Generation Sequencing is now routinely used in the practice of diagnostic pathology to detect clinically relevant somatic and germline sequence variations in patient samples. However, clinical assessment of copy number variations (CNVs) and large-scale structural variations (SVs) is still challenging. While tools exist to estimate both, their results are typically presented separately in tables or static plots which can be difficult to read and are unable to show the context needed for clinical interpretation and reporting. We have addressed this problem with CNspector, a multi-scale interactive browser that shows CNVs in the context of other relevant genomic features to enable fast and effective clinical reporting. We illustrate the utility of CNspector at different genomic scales across a variety of sample types in a range of case studies. We show how CNspector can be used for diagnosis and reporting of exon-level deletions, focal gene-level amplifications, chromosome and chromosome arm level amplifications/deletions and in complex genomic rearrangements. CNspector is a web-based clinical variant browser tailored to the clinical application of next generation sequencing for CNV assessment. We have demonstrated the utility of this interactive software in typical applications across a range of tissue types and disease contexts encountered in the context of diagnostic pathology. CNspector is written in R and the source code is available for download under the GPL3 Licence from https://github.com/PapenfussLab/CNspector.
Spiking Neural Network Modelling Approach Reveals How Mindfulness Training Rewires the Brain
Authors: Doborjeh Zohreh , Doborjeh Maryam , Taylor Tamasin , Kasabov Nikola , Wang Grace Y. , Siegert Richard , Sumich Alex
Published: April 2019

There has been substantial interest in Mindfulness Training (MT) to understand how it can benefit healthy individuals as well as people with a broad range of health conditions. Research has begun to delineate associated changes in brain function. However, whether measures of brain function can be used to identify individuals who are more likely to respond to MT remains unclear. The present study applies a recently developed brain-inspired Spiking Neural Network (SNN) model to electroencephalography (EEG) data to provide novel insight into: i) brain function in depression; ii) the effect of MT on depressed and non-depressed individuals; and iii) neurobiological characteristics of depressed individuals who respond to mindfulness. Resting state EEG was recorded from before and after a 6 week MT programme in 18 participants. Based on self-report, 3 groups were formed: non-depressed (ND), depressed before but not after MT (responsive, D+) and depressed both before and after MT (unresponsive, D−). The proposed SNN, which utilises a standard brain-template, was used to model EEG data and assess connectivity, as indicated by activation levels across scalp regions (frontal, frontocentral, temporal, centroparietal and occipitoparietal), at baseline and follow-up. Results suggest an increase in activation following MT that was site-specific as a function of the group. Greater initial activation levels were seen in ND compared to depressed groups, and this difference was maintained at frontal and occipitoparietal regions following MT. At baseline, D+ had great activation than D−. Following MT, frontocentral and temporal activation reached ND levels in D+ but remained low in D−. Findings support the SNN approach in distinguishing brain states associated with depression and responsiveness to MT. The results also demonstrated that the SNN approach can be used to predict the effect of mindfulness on an individual basis before it is even applied.
Insights into protein sequencing with an α-Hemolysin nanopore by atomistic simulations
Authors: Di Muccio Giovanni , Rossini Aldo Eugenio , Di Marino Daniele , Zollo Giuseppe , Chinappi Mauro
Published: April 2019

Single molecule protein sequencing would represent a disruptive burst in proteomic research with important biomedical impacts. Due to their success in DNA sequencing, nanopore based devices have been recently proposed as possible tools for the sequencing of peptide chains. One of the open questions in nanopore protein sequencing concerns the ability of such devices to provide different signals for all the 20 standard amino acids. Here, using equilibrium all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we estimated the pore clogging in α-Hemolysin nanopore associated to 20 different homopeptides, one for each standard amino acid. Our results show that pore clogging is affected by amino acid volume, hydrophobicity and net charge. The equilibrium estimations are also supported by non-equilibrium runs for calculating the current blockades for selected homopeptides. Finally, we discuss the possibility to modify the α-Hemolysin nanopore, cutting a portion of the barrel region close to the trans side, to reduce spurious signals and, hence, to enhance the sensitivity of the nanopore.
A novel series of high-efficiency vectors for TA cloning and blunt-end cloning of PCR products
Authors: Motohashi Ken
Published: April 2019

An efficient PCR cloning method is indispensable in modern molecular biology, as it can greatly improve the efficiency of DNA cloning processes. Here, I describe the development of three vectors for TA cloning and blunt-end cloning. Specifically, pCRT and pCRZeroT were designed to improve the efficiency of TA cloning. pCRZeroT can also be used with pCRZero to facilitate blunt-end cloning using the ccdB gene. Using pCRZero and pCRZeroT and applying the Golden Gate reaction, I developed a direct PCR cloning protocol with non-digested circular vectors and PCR products. This direct PCR cloning protocol yielded colony-formation rates and cloning efficiencies that are comparable with those obtained by conventional PCR cloning with pre-digested vectors and PCR products. The three plasmids I designed are available from Addgene (https://www.addgene.org/).
Modelling Highly Biodiverse Areas in Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Ubirajara , Soares-Filho Britaldo Silveira , Santos Adalberto J. , Paglia Adriano Pereira , Brescovit Antonio D. , de Carvalho Claudio J. B. , Silva Daniel Paiva , Rezende Daniella T. , Leite Felipe Sá Fortes , Batista João Aguiar Nogueira , Barbosa João Paulo Peixoto Pena , Stehmann João Renato , Ascher John S. , Vasconcelos Marcelo F. , Marco Paulo De , Löwenberg-Neto Peter , Ferro Viviane Gianluppi
Published: April 2019

Traditional conservation techniques for mapping highly biodiverse areas assume there to be satisfactory knowledge about the geographic distribution of biodiversity. There are, however, large gaps in biological sampling and hence knowledge shortfalls. This problem is even more pronounced in the tropics. Indeed, the use of only a few taxonomic groups or environmental surrogates for modelling biodiversity is not viable in mega-diverse countries, such as Brazil. To overcome these limitations, we developed a comprehensive spatial model that includes phylogenetic information and other several biodiversity dimensions aimed at mapping areas with high relevance for biodiversity conservation. Our model applies a genetic algorithm tool for identifying the smallest possible region within a unique biota that contains the most number of species and phylogenetic diversity, as well as the highest endemicity and phylogenetic endemism. The model successfully pinpoints small highly biodiverse areas alongside regions with knowledge shortfalls where further sampling should be conducted. Our results suggest that conservation strategies should consider several taxonomic groups, the multiple dimensions of biodiversity, and associated sampling uncertainties.
Treatment of Common Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) Seeds with Radio-frequency Electromagnetic Field and Cold Plasma Induces Changes in Seed Phytohormone Balance, Seedling Development and Leaf Protein Expression
Authors: Mildažienė Vida , Aleknavičiūtė Vesta , Žūkienė Rasa , Paužaitė Giedrė , Naučienė Zita , Filatova Irina , Lyushkevich Veronika , Haimi Perttu , Tamošiūnė Inga , Baniulis Danas
Published: April 2019

Treatment of plant seeds with electromagnetic fields or non-thermal plasmas aims to take advantage of plant functional plasticity towards stimulation of plant agricultural performance. In this study, the effects of pre-sowing seed treatment using 200 Pa vacuum (7 min), 5.28 MHz radio-frequency cold plasma (CP −2, 5, and 7 min) and electromagnetic field (EMF −5, 10, 15 min) on seed germination kinetics, content of phytohormones, morphometric parameters of seedlings and leaf proteome were assessed. CP 7 min and EMF 15 min treatments caused 19–24% faster germination in vitro; germination in the substrate was accelerated by vacuum (9%) and EMF 15 min (17%). The stressors did not change the seed germination percentage, with exception of EMF 5 min treatment that caused a decrease by 7.5%. Meanwhile both CP 7 min and EMF 15 min treatments stimulated germination, but the EMF treatment resulted in higher weight of leaves. Stressor-specific changes in phytohormone balance were detected in seeds: vacuum treatment decreased zeatin amount by 39%; CP treatments substantially increased gibberellin content, but other effects strongly varied with the treatment duration; the abscisic acid content was reduced by 55–60% after the EMF treatment. Analysis of the proteome showed that short exposure of seeds to the EMF or CP induced a similar long-term effect on gene expression in leaves, mostly stimulating expression of proteins involved in photosynthetic processes and their regulation.
Levodopa does not affect expression of reinforcement learning in older adults
Authors: Grogan J. P. , Isotalus H. K. , Howat A. , Irigoras Izagirre N. , Knight L. E. , Coulthard E. J.
Published: April 2019

Dopamine has been implicated in learning from rewards and punishment, and in the expression of this learning. However, many studies do not fully separate retrieval and decision mechanisms from learning and consolidation. Here, we investigated the effects of levodopa (dopamine precursor) on choice performance (isolated from learning or consolidation). We gave 31 healthy older adults 150 mg of levodopa or placebo (double-blinded, randomised) 1 hour before testing them on stimuli they had learned the value of the previous day. We found that levodopa did not affect the overall accuracy of choices, nor the relative expression of positively or negatively reinforced values. This contradicts several studies and suggests that overall dopamine levels may not play a role in the choice performance for values learned through reinforcement learning in older adults.
Habitat-dependent composition of bacterial and fungal communities in biological soil crusts from Oman
Authors: Abed Raeid M. M. , Tamm Alexandra , Hassenrück Christiane , Al-Rawahi Ahmed N. , Rodríguez-Caballero Emilio , Fiedler Sabine , Maier Stefanie , Weber Bettina
Published: April 2019

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) occur within drylands throughout the world, covering ~12% of the global terrestrial soil surface. Their occurrence in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula has rarely been reported and their spatial distribution, diversity, and microbial composition remained largely unexplored. We investigated biocrusts at six different locations in the coastal and central deserts of Oman. The biocrust types were characterized, and the bacterial and fungal community compositions of biocrusts and uncrusted soils were analysed by amplicon sequencing. The results were interpreted based on the environmental parameters of the different sites. Whereas at lowland sites, mainly cyanobacteria-dominated biocrusts were observed, both cyanobacteria- and lichen-dominated biocrusts occurred at mountain sites. The majority of bacterial sequences (32–83% of total sequences) belonged to Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, whereas fungal sequences belonged to Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Chytridiomycota (>95%). With biocrust development, a notable increase in cyanobacterial and decrease in actinobacterial proportions was observed for cyanobacteria-dominated crusts. In coastal areas, where salinity is high, biocrusts were replaced by a unique marine mat-like microbial community, dominated by halotolerant taxa. Redundancy analysis revealed a significant contribution of soil texture, cover type, carbon content, and elevation to the variations in bacterial and fungal communities. Multivariate analysis placed microbial communities in significantly separated clusters based on their carbon content, elevation and electrical conductivity. We conclude that Oman hosts a variety of cyanobacteria- and lichen-dominated crusts with their bacterial and fungal communities being largely dictated by soil properties and environmental parameters.
Binding studies of a putative C. pseudotuberculosis target protein from Vitamin B12 Metabolism
Authors: Peinado Rafaela dos S. , Olivier Danilo S. , Eberle Raphael J. , de Moraes Fabio R. , Amaral Marcos S. , Arni Raghuvir K. , Coronado Monika A.
Published: April 2019

Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor for various metabolic reactions important in living organisms. The Vitamin B12 biosynthesis is restricted to prokaryotes, which means, all eukaryotic organisms must acquire this molecule through diet. This study presents the investigation of Vitamin B12 metabolism and the characterization of precorrin-4 C(11)-methyltransferase (CobM), an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of Vitamin B12 in Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The analysis of the C. pseudotuberculosis genome identified two Vitamin B12-dependent pathways, which can be strongly affected by a disrupted vitamin metabolism. Molecular dynamics, circular dichroism, and NMR-STD experiments identified regions in CobM that undergo conformational changes after s-adenosyl-L-methionine binding to promote the interaction of precorrin-4, a Vitamin B12 precursor. The binding of s-adenosyl-L-methionine was examined along with the competitive binding of adenine, dATP, and suramin. Based on fluorescence spectroscopy experiments the dissociation constant for the four ligands and the target protein could be determined; SAM (1.4 ± 0.7 µM), adenine (17.8 ± 1.5 µM), dATP (15.8 ± 2.0 µM), and Suramin (6.3 ± 1.1 µM). The results provide rich information for future investigations of potential drug targets within the C. pseudotuberculosis’s Vitamin B12 metabolism and related pathways to reduce the pathogen’s virulence in its hosts.
The combination of neoantigen quality and T lymphocyte infiltrates identifies glioblastomas with the longest survival
Authors: Zhang Jing , Caruso Francesca P. , Sa Jason K. , Justesen Sune , Nam Do-Hyun , Sims Peter , Ceccarelli Michele , Lasorella Anna , Iavarone Antonio
Published: April 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is resistant to multimodality therapeutic approaches. A high burden of tumor-specific mutant peptides (neoantigens) correlates with better survival and response to immunotherapies in selected solid tumors but how neoantigens impact clinical outcome in GBM remains unclear. Here, we exploit the similarity between tumor neoantigens and infectious disease-derived immune epitopes and apply a neoantigen fitness model for identifying high-quality neoantigens in a human pan-glioma dataset. We find that the neoantigen quality fitness model stratifies GBM patients with more favorable clinical outcome and, together with CD8+ T lymphocytes tumor infiltration, identifies a GBM subgroup with the longest survival, which displays distinct genomic and transcriptomic features. Conversely, neither tumor neoantigen burden from a quantitative model nor the isolated enrichment of CD8+ T lymphocytes were able to predict survival of GBM patients. This approach may guide optimal stratification of GBM patients for maximum response to immunotherapy.
Exploring and mapping the universe of evolutionary graphs identifies structural properties affecting fixation probability and time
Authors: Möller Marius , Hindersin Laura , Traulsen Arne
Published: April 2019

Population structure can be modeled by evolutionary graphs, which can have a substantial influence on the fate of mutants. Individuals are located on the nodes of these graphs, competing to take over the graph via the links. Applications for this framework range from the ecology of river systems and cancer initiation in colonic crypts to biotechnological search for optimal mutations. In all these applications, both the probability of fixation and the associated time are of interest. We study this problem for all undirected and unweighted graphs up to a certain size. We devise a genetic algorithm to find graphs with high or low fixation probability and short or long fixation time and study their structure searching for common themes. Our work unravels structural properties that maximize or minimize fixation probability and time, which allows us to contribute to a first map of the universe of evolutionary graphs.
Computational modeling of the olfactory receptor Olfr73 suggests a molecular basis for low potency of olfactory receptor-activating compounds
Authors: Yuan Shuguang , Dahoun Thamani , Brugarolas Marc , Pick Horst , Filipek Slawomir , Vogel Horst
Published: April 2019

The mammalian olfactory system uses hundreds of specialized G-protein-coupled olfactory receptors (ORs) to discriminate a nearly unlimited number of odorants. Cognate agonists of most ORs have not yet been identified and potential non-olfactory processes mediated by ORs are unknown. Here, we used molecular modeling, fingerprint interaction analysis and molecular dynamics simulations to show that the binding pocket of the prototypical olfactory receptor Olfr73 is smaller, but more flexible, than binding pockets of typical non-olfactory G-protein-coupled receptors. We extended our modeling to virtual screening of a library of 1.6 million compounds against Olfr73. Our screen predicted 25 Olfr73 agonists beyond traditional odorants, of which 17 compounds, some with therapeutic potential, were validated in cell-based assays. Our modeling suggests a molecular basis for reduced interaction contacts between an odorant and its OR and thus the typical low potency of OR-activating compounds. These results provide a proof-of-principle for identifying novel therapeutic OR agonists.
Adhesive supramolecular polymeric materials constructed from macrocycle-based host–guest interactions
Authors: Ji Xiaofan , Ahmed Mehroz , Long Lingliang , Khashab Niveen M. , Huang Feihe , Sessler Jonathan L.
Published: April 2019

This review describes recent progress in adhesive supramolecular polymeric materials constructed from macrocycle-based host–guest interactions.
Photoelectron-photofragment coincidence studies of I3− using an electrospray ionization source and a linear accelerator
Authors: Gibbard J. A. , Continetti R. E.
Published: April 2019

New insights into the dissociative photodetachment and the charge-symmetric three-body photodissociation of I3− are provided by photoelectron-photofragment coincidence spectroscopy.
Synthesis of 2-anilinopyridyl linked benzothiazole hydrazones as apoptosis inducing cytotoxic agents
Authors: Sultana Faria , Saifi Mohd Aslam , Syed Riyaz , Mani Geeta Sai , Shaik Siddiq Pasha , Osas Egharevba God'shelp , Godugu Chandraiah , Shahjahan Syeda , Kamal Ahmed
Published: April 2019

A series of 2-anilinopyridyl linked benzothiazole-hydrazone conjugates (5a-aa) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer potential.
A sustainable resistive switching memory device based on organic keratin extracted from hair
Authors: Guo Bolin , Sun Bai , Hou Wentao , Chen Yuanzheng , Zhu Shouhui , Mao Suangsuo , Zheng Liang , Lei Ming , Li Bing , Fu Guoqiang
Published: April 2019

This study suggests that keratin is a potential biomaterial for the preparation of memory devices with non-toxicity, degradability and sustainability.
Perfect blackbody sheets from nano-precision microtextured elastomers for light and thermal radiation management
Authors: Amemiya Kuniaki , Koshikawa Hiroshi , Imbe Masatoshi , Yamaki Tetsuya , Shitomi Hiroshi
Published: April 2019

Microtextured polydimethylsiloxane sheets exhibit an exceptionally low reflectance of ≲0.0005 across the entire thermal infrared wavelengths while maintaining high resilience.
A novel extraction method for simultaneous determination of neonicotinoid insecticides and their metabolites in human urine
Authors: Song Shiming , He Yuan , Zhang Bo , Gui Mingwei , Ouyang Jiping , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2019

An LLME-LC-MS/MS method for the detection of trace levels of six neonicotinoid insecticides and their metabolites in human urine samples.
A new class of electrolytes based on magnesium bis(diisopropyl)amide for magnesium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhao Xinghe , Yang Yuanying , NuLi Yanna , Li Dongyu , Wang Yurui , Xiang Xuelin
Published: April 2019

A new class of electrolytes for Mg–S batteries prepared by a facile in situ reaction of magnesium bis(diisopropyl)amide (MBA) with AlCl3, which show reasonable ionic conductivity and relatively high anodic stability on stainless steel, close to 100% Mg deposition–dissolution efficiency and high cycling reversibility and compatibility with the S cathode.
Efficient and scalable high-quality graphene nanodot fabrication through confined lattice plane electrochemical exfoliation
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhu Kaiyi , Yan Liwei , Wei Can , Zhang Yu , Gong Chunhong , Guo Jianhui , Zhang Jiwei , Zhang Dongmao , Zhang Jingwei
Published: April 2019

An innovative confined lattice plane electrochemical exfoliation method for efficient and scalable fabrication of graphene nanodots with uniform size distribution.
Novel dehydropeptide-based magnetogels containing manganese ferrite nanoparticles as antitumor drug nanocarriers
Authors: Veloso Sérgio R. S. , Magalhães Carlos A. B. , Rodrigues Ana Rita O. , Vilaça H. , Queiroz Maria-João R. P. , Martins J. A. , Coutinho Paulo J. G. , Ferreira Paula M. T. , Castanheira Elisabete M. S.
Published: April 2019

Novel peptide-based magnetogels, containing MnFe2O4nanoparticles of 20 nm size, were developed and successfully tested as nanocarriers for antitumor drugs.
Covalent capture of supramolecular species in an aqueous solution of water-miscible small organic molecules
Authors: Yao Yongchao , Li Chuanqi , Liu Fangqin , Zhao Pengxiang , Gu Zhongwei , Zhang Shiyong
Published: April 2019

Covalent capture was used to study the structure of the supramolecular species formed in an aqueous solution of water-miscible organic molecules.
Role of Sn promoter in Ni/Al2O3 catalyst for the deoxygenation of stearic acid and coke formation: experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Reangchim Promporn , Saelee Tinnakorn , Itthibenchapong Vorranutch , Junkaew Anchalee , Chanlek Narong , Eiad-ua Apiluck , Kungwan Nawee , Faungnawakij Kajornsak
Published: April 2019

The effect of Sn promoter on a Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst towards the deoxygenation of stearic acid has been investigated.
Temperature-programmed reduction with NO as a characterization of active Cu in Cu-CHA catalysts for NH3-SCR
Authors: Hammershøi Peter S. , Negri Chiara , Berlier Gloria , Bordiga Silvia , Beato Pablo , Janssens Ton V. W.
Published: April 2019

The NH3-SCR activity of Cu-CHA catalysts is related to the ability to form [CuII(NO3)]+.
Synergistic catalysis of N vacancies and ∼5 nm Au nanoparticles promoted the highly sensitive electrochemical determination of lead(ii) using an Au/N-deficient-C3N4 nanocomposite
Authors: Xiao Xiang-Yu , Chen Shi-Hua , Li Shan-Shan , Wang Jian , Zhou Wen-Yi , Huang Xing-Jiu
Published: April 2019

The synergistic catalysis effect of N vacancies and ∼5 nm Au nanoparticles greatly enhances the electrochemical sensitivity to Pb(ii).
Experimental and geochemical simulation of nickel carbonate mineral precipitation by carbonate-laden ureolytic fungal culture supernatants
Authors: Li Qianwei , Liu Daoqing , Chen Chunmao , Shao Zhiguo , Wang Huazhen , Liu Jicheng , Zhang Qiangbin , Gadd Geoffrey Michael
Published: April 2019

In the biomineralization of NiCO3, the secondary structure of extracellular proteins changed from α-helices to β structures.
Ultrahigh hydrogen-sorbing palladium metallic-glass nanostructures
Authors: Sarac Baran , Ivanov Yurii P. , Karazehir Tolga , Mühlbacher Marlene , Kaynak Baris , Greer A. Lindsay , Sarac A. Sezai , Eckert Jürgen
Published: April 2019

The hydrogenation mechanism in a Pd–Si–Cu metallic glass nanofilm, and its post-characterization by chronoamperometry/cyclic voltammetry and HR(S)TEM analyses.
Novel small-molecule electron donor for solution-processed ternary exciplex with 24% external quantum efficiency in organic light-emitting diode
Authors: Zhao Juewen , Zheng Caijun , Zhou Yu , Li Chuan , Ye Jun , Du Xiaoyang , Li Wan , He Zeyu , Zhang Ming , Lin Hui , Tao Silu , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: April 2019

Efficient solution-processed exciplex OLEDs were developed by incorporating a novel small molecule electron-donor and utilizing the strategy of ternary exciplexes.
Raman spectroscopy to unravel the magnetic properties of iron oxide nanocrystals for bio-related applications
Authors: Testa-Anta Martín , Ramos-Docampo Miguel A. , Comesaña-Hermo Miguel , Rivas-Murias Beatriz , Salgueiriño Verónica
Published: April 2019

Raman spectroscopy is a very valuable and fast-performance tool to gain insight first into the different iron oxide phases present in nanoparticles, to correlate then the magnetic properties with potential bio-related applications.
Flexible sandwich-shaped composite film with simultaneous double electrically conductive anisotropy, magnetism and dual-color fluorescence
Authors: Chen Hetian , Ma Qianli , Tian Jiao , Li Xiaobing , Li Dan , Dong Xiangting , Yu Wensheng , Wang Jinxian , Liu Guixia
Published: April 2019

Flexible sandwich-shaped composite film with simultaneous double electrically conductive anisotropy, magnetism and dual-color fluorescence was successfully constructed via electrospinning.
Thulium doped LaF3 for nanothermometry operating over 1000 nm
Authors: Ximendes Erving C. , Pereira Alexsandro F. , Rocha Uéslen , Silva Wagner F. , Jaque Daniel , Jacinto Carlos
Published: April 2019

The use and applications of infrared emitting rare-earth luminescent nanoparticles as nanothermometers have attracted a great deal of attention during the last few years.
Adsorption-assisted transport of water vapour in super-hydrophobic membranes filled with multilayer graphene platelets
Authors: Gontarek E. , Macedonio F. , Militano F. , Giorno L. , Lieder M. , Politano A. , Drioli E. , Gugliuzza A.
Published: April 2019

Graphene-assisted water vapour transport for water desalination.
Tuning photosensitized singlet oxygen production from microgels synthesized by polymerization in aqueous dispersed media
Authors: Petrizza Luca , Le Bechec Mickael , Decompte Emile , El Hadri Hind , Lacombe Sylvie , Save Maud
Published: April 2019

Miniemulsion copolymerization of vinyl acetate, N-vinylcaprolactam, vinyl benzyl Rose Bengal and divinyl adipate to synthesize switchable photosensitizer-grafted polymer colloids for interfacial photooxygenation reactions.
Synthesis and solution behaviour of dual light- and temperature-responsive poly(triethylene glycol-co-spiropyran) copolymers and block copolymers
Authors: Grimm Oliver , Maßmann Sarina C. , Schacher Felix H.
Published: April 2019

We herein report on the synthesis and characterization of materials featuring a dual-responsive copolymer segment consisting of photo-responsive spiropyran (SPA) and temperature-responsive triethylene glycol acrylate (TEGA).
High dispersions of nano zero valent iron supported on biochar by one-step carbothermal synthesis and its application in chromate removal
Authors: Li Shifeng , You Tingting , Guo Yang , Yao Shuhua , Zang Shuyan , Xiao Min , Zhang Zhigang , Shen Yanming
Published: April 2019

A one-step carbothermal synthesis and characterization of biochar-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI/BC) was performed for the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(vi)) from aqueous solution.
Helically-driven granular mobility and gravity-variant scaling relations
Authors: Thoesen Andrew , McBryan Teresa , Marvi Hamidreza
Published: April 2019

This study discusses the role and function of helical design as it relates to slippage during translation of a vehicle in glass bead media.
Simple and efficient dual-wavelength spectroscopy for the determination of organic matter in sewage sludge from wastewater treatment
Authors: Tu Xiaojie , Hu Zhanbo , Chai Xin-Sheng , Su Yuting
Published: April 2019

In this study, a dual-wavelength spectroscopic method for rapid determination of organic matter in sludge was developed.
Construction of anisotropic fluorescent nanofibers assisted by electro-spinning and its optical sensing applications
Authors: Zhang Fa-Heng , Jiang Rui-Xue , Cao Wei , Du Bin , Cao Ding-Yuan , Ding Zhi-Jun , Li Zhi-Jun
Published: April 2019

Anisotropic fluorescent nanofibers constructed from the self-assembled perylene bisimide derivative and poly(vinylidene fluoride) show high sensitivity and short response time to aniline vapor.
Dielectric relaxation of the double perovskite oxide Ba2PrRuO6
Authors: Chen Jenq-Wei , Chiou Kuan Ru , Hsueh An-Chih , Chang Ching-Ray
Published: April 2019

Complex plane impedance plots for Ba2PrRuO6 sample at different temperatures. The solid lines represent the fitting from the equivalent circuits.
Philic–phobic chemical dynamics of a 1st tier dendrimer dispersed o/w nanoemulsion
Authors: Kumari Naveen , Singh Man , Om Hari , Sachin K. M.
Published: April 2019

Stable nanoemulsions of a TTDMM dendrimer have been successfully prepared with different surfactants.
Insight into the DNA adsorption on nitrogen-doped positive carbon dots
Authors: Li Fenglan , Cai Qianqian , Hao Xiaoli , Zhao Chengfei , Huang Zhengjun , Zheng Yanjie , Lin Xinhua , Weng Shaohuang
Published: April 2019

With the reference of DNA adsorption on GO, the adsorption capacity, kinetics of N-CDs to DNA were investigated.
Layered photochromic films stacked from spiropyran-modified montmorillonite nanosheets
Authors: Gan Mengke , Xiao Tianliang , Liu Zhaoyue , Wang Yao
Published: April 2019

Stable layered photochromic films with visual color switching were developed by stacking spiropyran-modified montmorillonite nanosheets.
PEGylated rhenium nanoclusters: a degradable metal photothermal nanoagent for cancer therapy
Authors: Miao Zhaohua , Chen Sheng , Xu Cheng-Yan , Ma Yan , Qian Haisheng , Xu Yunjun , Chen Huajian , Wang Xianwen , He Gang , Lu Yang , Zhao Qingliang , Zha Zhengbao
Published: April 2019

PEGylated rhenium nanoclusters were developed as a degradable and renal-clearable metallic photothermal nanoagent for CT imaging and tumor therapy.
1-Titanacyclobuta-2,3-diene – an elusive four-membered cyclic allene
Authors: Reiß Fabian , Reiß Melanie , Bresien Jonas , Spannenberg Anke , Jiao Haijun , Baumann Wolfgang , Arndt Perdita , Beweries Torsten
Published: April 2019

The synthesis and characterisation of a 1-titanacyclobuta-2,3-diene complex, an organometallic analog of elusive 1,2-cyclobutadiene, is presented.
Enhanced CO2 electroreduction performance over Cl-modified metal catalysts
Authors: Fu Huai Qin , Zhang Le , Zheng Li Rong , Liu Peng Fei , Zhao Huijun , Yang Hua Gui
Published: April 2019

Cl-modified metal catalysts exhibit excellent CO2 electroreduction performance, attributed to efficient electron transfer to CO2 on Cl− sites.
High Li+ transference gel interface between solid-oxide electrolyte and cathode for quasi-solid lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Subramani Ramesh , Tseng Yu-Hsien , Lee Yuh-Lang , Chiu Chi-Cheng , Hou Sheng-Shu , Teng Hsisheng
Published: April 2019

A gel electrolyte outperforms liquid electrolytes in conveying Li+ across the pellet–cathode interface by eliminating solvent–ion clusters and immobilizing anions.
Photothermal coupling electrolysis on Ni–W–B toward practical overall water splitting
Authors: Hao Weiju , Wu Renbing , Yang Hongyuan , Guo Yanhui
Published: April 2019

An overall water splitting device assembled using a photothermal effect coupled Ni–W–B/carbon cloth electrode could deliver a current density of 25 mA cm−2 at an ultralow cell voltage of 1.524 V without heating the whole system, which is comparable to its performance at an elevated cell temperature of 50 °C.
Effect of proton irradiation on electrocatalytic properties of MnO2 for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Choi Yeji , Lim Dongwook , Oh Euntaek , Lim Chaewon , Baeck Sung-Hyeon
Published: April 2019

Oxygen-deficient MnO2 nanoparticles prepared by proton beam irradiation exhibited outstanding electrocatalytic performance for ORR.
Expression of chirality amplification in self-assembled achiral/chiral polyfluorene blends
Authors: Zanlorenzi Cristiano , Nowacki Bruno , Akcelrud Leni
Published: April 2019

Chirality amplification in pristine and annealed thin films was evidenced in chiral/achiral polymer blends, promoting highly ordered self-assembled morphologies.
Enhanced thermally activated delayed fluorescence through bridge modification in sulfone-based emitters employed in deep blue organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Rajamalli Pachaiyappan , Chen Dongyang , Li Wenbo , Samuel Ifor D. W. , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Zysman-Colman Eli
Published: April 2019

Two thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters bearing a new dipyridylsulfone core as the electron-accepting unit and di-tert-butyl carbazoles as electron-donating units are reported.
EPAS 1, congenital heart disease, and high altitude: disclosures by genetics, bioinformatics, and experimental embryology
Authors: Sergi Consolato
Published: April 2019

The high-altitude environment is a challenge for human settlement. Low oxygen concentrations, extreme cold, and a harsh arid climate are doubtlessly challenges for the colonization of the Tibetan plateau. I am delighted to comment on the article of Pan et al. (2018) on mutations in endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 (EPAS1) in congenital heart disease in Tibetans. In humans, the EPAS1 gene is responsible for coding EPAS1 protein, an alias of which is HIF2α, an acronym for hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha. EPAS1 is a type of hypoxia-inducible factors, which are collected as a group of transcription factors involved in body response to oxygen level. EPAS1 gene is active under hypoxic conditions and plays an essential role in the development of the heart and in the management of the catecholamine balance, mutations of which have been identified in neuroendocrine tumors. In this article, Pan et al. investigated Tibetan patients with and without non-syndromic congenital heart disease. They identified two novel EPAS1 gene mutations, of which N203H mutation significantly affected the transcription activity of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promoter, particularly in situations of hypoxia. VEGF is a downstream target of HIF-2 (other than HIF-1), and the expression levels of either HIF-1α or HIF-2α correlate positively to VEGF expression. Pan et al.’s data may be of incitement to further evaluate protein–protein interaction and using experimental animal models. Moreover, it may also be a stimulus for setting up genetic epidemiologic studies for other populations living at high altitudes.
Punicalagin protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes from doxorubicin-induced toxicity through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling
Authors: Ye Mingfang , Zhang Linlin , Yan Yuanming , Lin Huizhong
Published: April 2019

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a wide-spectrum antitumor agent, but its clinical application is largely limited by its cardiotoxicity. Therefore, identification of effective agents against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity is of critical importance. The present study aimed to determine the beneficial role of punicalagin (PUN), a polyphenol isolated from pomegranate, in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in vitro and explored the underlying mechanisms. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were pretreated with different concentrations (50, 100 and 200 μM) of PUN prior to DOX exposure. The results showed that PUN pretreatment significantly increased cell viability, inhibited lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and suppressed cell apoptosis induced by DOX. Additionally, PUN pretreatment attenuated the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release. Besides, PUN further enhanced the expression of nuclear Nrf2 and HO-1 in DOX-treated H9c2 cells, and the aforementioned beneficial effects of PUN were partially abolished by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated Nrf2 knockdown. Hence, our findings clearly revealed that PUN might be a promising agent for alleviating the cardiotoxicity of DOX, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling might serve a critical role during this process.
The nucleosomes that mark centromere location on chromosomes old and new
Authors: Gambogi Craig W. , Black Ben E.
Published: April 2019

Proper segregation of chromosomes is an essential component of cell division. The centromere is the locus at which the kinetochore—the proteinaceous complex that ties chromosomes to microtubules—forms during mitosis and meiosis. Thus, the centromere is critical for equal segregation of chromosomes. The centromere is characterized by both protein and DNA elements: the histone H3 variant CENP-A epigenetically defines the location of the centromere while centromeric DNA sequences are neither necessary nor sufficient for centromere function. Paradoxically, the DNA sequences play a critical role in new centromere formation. In this essay, we discuss the contribution of both epigenetics and genetics at the centromere. Understanding these contributions is vital to efforts to control centromere formation on synthetic/artificial chromosomes and centromere strength on natural ones.
Robust bi-level risk-based optimal scheduling of microgrid operation against uncertainty
Authors: Golpîra Hêriș , Bahramara Salah , Khan Syed Abdul Rehman , Zhang Yu
Published: April 2019

The model introduced in this paper is the first to propose a decentralized robust optimal scheduling of MG operation under uncertainty and risk. The power trading of the MG with the main grid is the first stage variable and power generation of DGs and power charging/discharging of the battery are the second stage variables. The uncertain term of the initial objective function is transformed into a constraint using robust optimization approach. Addressing the Decision Maker’s (DMs) risk aversion level through Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) leads to a bi-level programming problem using a data-driven approach. The model is then transformed into a robust single-level using Karush–Kahn–Tucker (KKT) conditions. To investigate the effectiveness of the model and its solution methodology, it is applied on a MG. The results clearly demonstrate the robustness of the model and indicate a strong almost linear relationship between cost and the DMs various levels of risk aversion. The analysis also outlines original characterization of the cost and the MGs behavior using three well-known goodness-of-fit tests on various Probability Distribution Functions (PDFs), Beta, Gumbel Max, Normal, Weibull, and Cauchy. The Gumbel Max and Normal PDFs, respectively, exhibit the most promising goodness-of-fit for the cost, while the power purchased from the grid are well fitted by Weibull, Beta, and Normal PDFs, respectively. At the same time, the power sold to the grid is well fitted by the Cauchy PDF.
Chirurgische Entfernung eines untypischen follikulären
Schilddrüsenkarzinoms bei einem Schlangenkopffisch (Channa barca,
HAMILTON, 1822)
Authors: Lange Christine , Fischer Dominik , Eskens Hans Ulrich , Wüst Elisa , Nilz Joachim , Lierz Michael
Published: April 2019

Zubildungen im Bereich der Kiemen können auf verschiedene Ursachen wie
entzündliche Prozesse, Neoplasien und selten auf dysontogenetische Missbildungen
zurückzuführen sein. Im vorliegenden Fall wird von einem Schilddrüsenkarzinom
und dessen operativer Entfernung bei einem Schlangenkopffisch berichtet und auf
die Einordnung dieser Neoplasie bei Fischen eingegangen. Nach Durchführung von
klinischen, röntgenologischen, zytologischen und sonografischen Untersuchungen
wurde die im Bereich der Kiemen befindliche teils zystische Umfangsvermehrung
unvollständig entfernt. Histologisch wurde die Zubildung als follikuläres
Schilddrüsenkarzinom identifiziert. Da der größte Anteil der Gewebszubildung
nicht neoplastischer Natur war, wird das Auftreten eines seltenen Hamartoms als
Ausgangspunkt des Schilddrüsenkarzinoms für möglich erachtet. Bakteriologische
und mykologische Sekundärinfektionen wurden nicht festgestellt. Dies ist der
erste Bericht über das Auftreten und die chirurgische Entfernung eines malignen
Tumors bei Schlangenkopffischen.
Wie Babylotsen Eltern gezielt Unterstützungsangebote machen
Authors: Schöning Elaine
Published: April 2019

Experten-Interview | Eine Schwangerschaft und die ersten Monate mit dem Säugling stellen Eltern vor viele Fragen. Noch größer ist die Herausforderung, wenn Familien in Belastungssituationen leben und über wenig externe Ressourcen verfügen. Elaine Schöning ist Babylotsin am St. Joseph Krankenhaus in Berlin und erklärt, wie sie in dieser Rolle betroffenen Paaren gezielt Unterstützungsangebote vermitteln kann. Die koordinierte interdisziplinäre Vernetzung von Fachpersonen und Hilfesystemen soll u. a. den Kinderschutz optimieren. Hebammen unterstützen die Babylotsen beim Erkennen von Risiken für die frühkindliche Entwicklung bzw. Gesundheit und stärken Paare auf ihrem Weg in Geburt und Elternschaft.
Current Insights into the Potential Misuse of Platelet-based Applications for Doping in Sports
Authors: Scully David , Matsakas Antonios
Published: April 2019

Platelet-based applications are currently used for the delivery of growth factors and other biomolecules as autologous biomaterials in regenerative medicine and cosmetic therapies. Many studies have revealed that platelet-based applications such as platelet-rich plasma and platelet releasate exhibit beneficial biological effects after a sports injury or trauma when administered locally by intramuscular injections. At present, treatment of the public, patients and athletes with platelet-based applications is permitted and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and the World Anti-Doping Agency. Since 2011 the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma is permitted in competitive sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency, due to the lack of evidence in performance enhancement and anabolic effects. However, accumulating research has recently shed light on the role of platelet-derived growth factors in wound healing, skeletal myogenesis, muscle stem cell function and tissue regeneration. Although any ergogenic potential of platelet-rich plasma and platelet releasate on intact skeletal muscle and human sports performance remain to be established, novel evidence suggests that platelet-derived growth factors can modulate muscle, tendon, ligament, protein synthesis/degradation, vascularization, energy utilization and regenerative capacity in various experimental settings. Since platelet-based applications are currently not prohibited, they constitute a tool for potential abuse and doping in sports. The aim of this review is to critically discuss and assimilate current insights and biological evidence that set the ground for exploitation and misuse in competitive sports, and develop strategies to combat these activities.
Epicondylopathie Therapie myofaszialer Triggerpunkte
Authors: Irnich Dominik
Published: April 2019

Die Epicondylopathie, medial und lateral, gehört zu den häufigsten Erkrankungen des Ellbogens. Der Verlauf ist oft langwierig, dabei ist die zugrundeliegende Pathophysiologie noch weitgehend ungeklärt. Die in der Praxis angewendeten Verfahren sind nicht langfristig evidenzbasiert, Therapiestandards existieren nicht. In diesem Beitrag wird eine häufig unterschätzte Pathologie bei Ellbogenbeschwerden vorgestellt, nämlich die Beteiligung myofaszialer Triggerpunkte an Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung der Epicondylopathie. Es zeigt sich, dass insbesondere der M. supinator, der M. brachioradialis und der M. extensor carpi radialis longus mit dem M. extensor carpi radialis brevis myofasziale Triggerpunkte ausbilden können, die an den Epicondylus ausstrahlen. Werden diese nicht mit behandelt kann es zu therapieresistenten Beschwerden und unnötigen invasiven Maßnahmen kommen.
Thirty Years of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children: Analysis of Meta-Analyses
Authors: Kuebler Joachim F. , Dingemann Jens , Ure Benno M. , Schukfeh Nagoud
Published: April 2019

Introduction In the last three decades, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been widely used in pediatric surgery. Meta-analyses (MAs) showed that studies comparing minimally invasive with the corresponding open operations are available only for selected procedures. We evaluated all available MAs comparing MIS with the corresponding open procedure in pediatric surgery.

Materials and Methods A literature search was performed on all MAs listed on PubMed. All analyses published in English, comparing pediatric minimally invasive with the corresponding open procedures, were included. End points were advantages and disadvantages of MIS. Results of 43 manuscripts were included. MAs evaluating the minimally invasive with the corresponding open procedures were available for 11 visceral, 4 urologic, and 3 thoracoscopic types of procedures. Studies included 34 randomized controlled trials. In 77% of MAs, at least one advantage of MIS was identified. The most common advantages of MIS were a shorter hospital stay in 20, a shorter time to feeding in 11, and a lower complication rate in 7 MAs. In 53% of MAs, at least one disadvantage of MIS was found. The most common disadvantages were longer operation duration in 16, a higher recurrence rate of diaphragmatic hernia in 4, and gastroesophageal reflux in 2 MAs. A lower native liver survival rate after laparoscopic Kasai-portoenterostomy was reported in one MA.

Conclusion In the available MAs, the advantages of MIS seem to outnumber the disadvantages. However, for some types of procedures, MIS may have considerable disadvantages. More randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the advantage of MIS for most procedures.
Optimization of the magnetic field homogeneity of circular and conical coil pairs
Authors: Nieves F. J. , Bayón A. , Gascón F.
Published: April 2019

The magnetic field generated by a pair of coaxial circular loops is analyzed in order to find the optimum separation between the loops for each value of a prescribed homogeneity. For the maximum heterogeneities considered here, 0.1%, 1%, and 10%, the optimum loop spacing is obtained following a graphical procedure so that the length of the homogeneous field region along the axis is the longest possible. This study is extended to regions near the axis and to the entire region surrounding the center, calculating the loop separation that produces the largest homogeneous volume. The field homogeneity of a pair of “Helmholtz” coaxial conical coils is also investigated to obtain the optimum spacing between the conical coils; the volumes calculated with the desired homogeneity are compared with those obtained with a single pair of optimum coaxial loops. A new arrangement is hereby proposed based on double conical coils with optimum separation between the coils and optimum aperture of the cones. Some of the proposed arrangements are carried out in the laboratory where the experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.