bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment patterns and adherence to antihypertensive combination therapies in Japan using a claims database
Authors: Ishida Takayuki , Oh Akinori , Hiroi Shinzo , Shimasaki Yukio , Nishigaki Nobuhiro , Tsuchihashi Takuya
Published: November 2018

Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) for blood pressure control can simplify prescribing, improve medication adherence, and be cost-effective. In Japan, real-world data about the class effects of antihypertensive drugs on medication adherence are limited. Using the nationwide database of medical health claims from Diagnosis Procedure Combination hospitals, treatment patterns and adherence were analyzed for 47,891 patients prescribed antihypertensive medication between April 2014 and March 2015. Adherence was assessed by the proportion of days covered (expressed as % PDC). Patients were prescribed a mean of 2.0 ± 1.0 antihypertensive drugs and 2.4 ± 1.7 pills for their index prescription. Mean adherence overall was 91.5% PDC and was inversely correlated with the number of antihypertensive drugs or pills prescribed on the index date. Mean % PDC was significantly higher (all P < 0.0001) for CCB + ARB versus ARB + thiazide diuretic combinations and for CCB + ARB + β-blocker versus CCB + ARB + thiazide diuretic combinations. Adherence was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) for FDC (CCB + ARB) versus corresponding single-drug combinations, but not for other comparisons of FDCs versus single-drug combinations. On the other hand, FDCs were not always used effectively; specifically, FDCs were frequently used concomitantly with a single agent(s) from the same drug class(es) as the FDC. From the results of our study, no clear differences were observed in medication adherence according to the presence or absence of FDC formulations, and there were cases in which FDCs were not being utilized effectively to simplify prescribing.
Chromatin conformation analysis of primary patient tissue using a low input Hi-C method
Authors: Díaz Noelia , Kruse Kai , Erdmann Tabea , Staiger Annette M. , Ott German , Lenz Georg , Vaquerizas Juan M.
Published: November 2018

Chromatin conformation constitutes a fundamental level of eukaryotic genome regulation. However, our ability to examine its biological function and role in disease is limited by the large amounts of starting material required to perform current experimental approaches. Here, we present Low-C, a Hi-C method for low amounts of input material. By systematically comparing Hi-C libraries made with decreasing amounts of starting material we show that Low-C is highly reproducible and robust to experimental noise. To demonstrate the suitability of Low-C to analyse rare cell populations, we produce Low-C maps from primary B-cells of a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patient. We detect a common reciprocal translocation t(3;14)(q27;q32) affecting the BCL6 and IGH loci and abundant local structural variation between the patient and healthy B-cells. The ability to study chromatin conformation in primary tissue will be fundamental to fully understand the molecular pathogenesis of diseases and to eventually guide personalised therapeutic strategies.
Author Correction: Non-collinear spin states in bottom-up fabricated atomic chains
Authors: Steinbrecher Manuel , Rausch Roman , That Khai Ton , Hermenau Jan , Khajetoorians Alexander A. , Potthoff Michael , Wiesendanger Roland , Wiebe Jens
Published: November 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in Fig. 3 in which Fig. 3b and Fig. 3e incorrectly duplicated Fig. 2a and Fig.2d, respectively. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Alleles of a gene differ in pleiotropy, often mediated through currency metabolite production, in E. coli and yeast metabolic simulations
Authors: Alzoubi Deya , Desouki Abdelmoneim Amer , Lercher Martin J.
Published: November 2018

A major obstacle to the mapping of genotype-phenotype relationships is pleiotropy, the tendency of mutations to affect seemingly unrelated traits. Pleiotropy has major implications for evolution, development, ageing, and disease. Except for disease data, pleiotropy is almost exclusively estimated from full gene knockouts. However, most deleterious alleles segregating in natural populations do not fully abolish gene function, and the degree to which a polymorphism reduces protein function may influence the number of traits it affects. Utilizing genome-scale metabolic models for Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that most fitness-reducing full gene knockouts of metabolic genes in these fast-growing microbes have pleiotropic effects, i.e., they compromise the production of multiple biomass components. Alleles of the same metabolic enzyme-encoding gene with increasingly reduced enzymatic function typically affect an increasing number of biomass components. This increasing pleiotropy is often mediated through effects on the generation of currency metabolites such as ATP or NADPH. We conclude that the physiological effects observed in full gene knockouts of metabolic genes will in most cases not be representative for alleles with only partially reduced enzyme capacity or expression level.
Indoxyl Sulphate is Associated with Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence after Catheter Ablation
Authors: Yamagami Fumi , Tajiri Kazuko , Doki Kosuke , Hattori Masayuki , Honda Junya , Aita Satoshi , Harunari Tomohiko , Yamasaki Hiro , Murakoshi Nobuyuki , Sekiguchi Yukio , Homma Masato , Takahashi Naohiko , Aonuma Kazutaka , Nogami Akihiko , Ieda Masaki
Published: November 2018

Renal dysfunction results in the accumulation of various uremic toxins, including indoxyl sulphate (IS), and is a major risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). Experimental studies have demonstrated that IS exacerbates atrial remodelling via oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. However, its clinical impact on AF-promoting cardiac remodelling has not been described. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between basal IS levels and the 1-year outcomes after catheter ablation for the treatment of AF. Our prospective observational study included data from 125 patients with AF who underwent catheter ablation. Over a 1-year follow-up period, AF recurrence was identified in 21 patients. The 1-year AF-free survival was significantly lower in patients with high serum IS levels (≥0.65 μg/mL) than in those with low IS levels (60.1 ± 10.4% versus 85.2 ± 3.9%, P = 0.007). Univariable analysis identified that an IS concentration ≥ 0.65 μg/mL was associated with AF recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.10 [1.26–7.32], P = 0.015), and this association was maintained in multivariate analysis (HR = 3.67 [1.13–11.7], P = 0.031). Thus, in patients undergoing AF ablation, serum IS levels at baseline independently predict the recurrence of arrhythmia.
The prevalence and transcriptional activity of the mucosal microbiota of ulcerative colitis patients
Authors: Moen Aina E. Fossum , Lindstrøm Jonas Christoffer , Tannæs Tone Møller , Vatn Simen , Ricanek Petr , Vatn Morten H. , Jahnsen Jørgen ,   The IBD-Character Consortium, Frengen Anna B. , Dahl Fredrik A. , You Panpan , Sølvernes Janne , Ekeland Gunn S. , Detlie Trond E. , Olbjørn Christine , O’Leary Kate R. , Ventham Nicholas T. , Kennedy Nicholas A. , Kalla Rahul , Adams Alex , Drummond Hazel E. , Boyapati Ray , Nimmo Elaine R. , Wilson David C. , Satsangi Jack , Heath Simon C. , Gut Marta , Merkel Angelika , Bayes Monica , Gut Ivo G. , Keita Åsa V. , Söderholm Johan D. , Hjortswang Henrik , Carstens Adam , Bergemalm Daniel , Halfvarson Jonas , Andersson Erik , Lindqvist Mårten , Repsilber Dirk , Pierik Marieke , Jonkers Daisy , Gomollón Fernando , D’Amato Mauro , Törkvist Leif , Hjelm Fredrik , Gullberg Mats , Nordberg Niklas , Ocklind Anette , Pettersson Erik , Ekman Daniel , Sundell Mikael , Modig Eddie , Bonfiglio Ferdinando , Veillard Anne-Clémence , Schoemans Renaud , Poncelet Dominique , Sabatel Céline , Lindahl Torbjørn , Ciemniejewska Ewa , Casén Christina , Lees Charles , Noble Colin L. , Arnott Ian , Ho Gwo-Tzer , Shand Alan G.
Published: November 2018

Active microbes likely have larger impact on gut health status compared to inactive or dormant microbes. We investigate the composition of active and total mucosal microbiota of treatment-naïve ulcerative colitis (UC) patients to determine the microbial picture at the start-up phase of disease, using both a 16S rRNA transcript and gene amplicon sequencing. DNA and RNA were isolated from the same mucosal colonic biopsies. Our aim was to identify active microbial members of the microbiota in early stages of disease and reveal which members are present, but do not act as major players. We demonstrated differences in active and total microbiota of UC patients when comparing inflamed to non-inflamed tissue. Several taxa, among them the Proteobacteria phyla and families therein, revealed lower transcriptional activity despite a high presence. The Bifidobacteriaceae family of the Actinobacteria phylum showed lower abundance in the active microbiota, although no difference in presence was detected. The most abundant microbiota members of the inflamed tissue in UC patients were not the most active. Knowledge of active members of microbiota in UC patients could enhance our understanding of disease etiology. The active microbial community composition did not deviate from the total when comparing UC patients to non-IBD controls.
The influence of surface chemistry on the kinetics and thermodynamics of bacterial adhesion
Authors: Oh Jun Kyun , Yegin Yagmur , Yang Fan , Zhang Ming , Li Jingyu , Huang Shifeng , Verkhoturov Stanislav V. , Schweikert Emile A. , Perez-Lewis Keila , Scholar Ethan A. , Taylor T. Matthew , Castillo Alejandro , Cisneros-Zevallos Luis , Min Younjin , Akbulut Mustafa
Published: November 2018

This work is concerned with investigating the effect of substrate hydrophobicity and zeta potential on the dynamics and kinetics of the initial stages of bacterial adhesion. For this purpose, bacterial pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 were inoculated on the substrates coated with thin thiol layers (i.e., 1-octanethiol, 1-decanethiol, 1-octadecanethiol, 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid, and 2-aminoethanethiol hydrochloride) with varying hydrophobicity and surface potential. The time-resolved adhesion data revealed a transformation from an exponential dependence to a square root dependence on time upon changing the substrate from hydrophobic or hydrophilic with a negative zeta potential value to hydrophilic with a negative zeta potential for both pathogens. The dewetting of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by E. coli O157:H7 was more noticeable on hydrophobic substrates, compared to that of S. aureus, which is attributed to the more amphiphilic nature of staphylococcal EPS. The interplay between the timescale of EPS dewetting and the inverse of the adhesion rate constant modulated the distribution of E. coli O157:H7 within microcolonies and the resultant microcolonial morphology on hydrophobic substrates. Observed trends in the formation of bacterial monolayers rather than multilayers and microcolonies rather than isolated and evenly spaced bacterial cells could be explained by a colloidal model considering van der Waals and electrostatic double-layer interactions only after introducing the contribution of elastic energy due to adhesion-induced deformations at intercellular and substrate-cell interfaces. The gained knowledge is significant in the context of identifying surfaces with greater risk of bacterial contamination and guiding the development of novel surfaces and coatings with superior bacterial antifouling characteristics.
In-depth validation of total HIV-1 DNA assays for quantification of various HIV-1 subtypes
Authors: Rutsaert Sofie , De Spiegelaere Ward , Van Hecke Clarissa , De Scheerder Marie-Angélique , Kiselinova Maja , Vervisch Karen , Trypsteen Wim , Vandekerckhove Linos
Published: November 2018

HIV-1 DNA quantification serves as an important reservoir biomarker in HIV cure trials. However, the high genetic diversity of HIV-1 represented by different subtypes may bring inaccuracy in quantifying HIV-1 DNA and a sensitive and validated assay covering diverse HIV-1 subtypes is lacking. Therefore, we cross-validated total HIV-1 DNA assays described in literature using a three-step comparative analysis. First, a bioinformatics tool was developed in-house to perform an in silico evaluation of 67 HIV-1 DNA assays. Secondly, these selected assays were in vitro validated using a panel of different HIV-1 subtypes and, finally, ex vivo assessed on selected patient samples with different HIV-1 subtypes. Our results show that quantification of HIV-1 DNA substantially differs between assays and we advise five best performing HIV-1 DNA assays for ddPCR and qPCR (Schvachsa_2007, Viard_2004, Heeregrave_2009, Van_der_Sluis_2013, Yu_2008 and Yun_2002). This in-depth analysis of published HIV-1 DNA assays indicates that not all assays guarantee an optimal measurement of HIV-1 DNA, especially when looking across subtypes. Using an in-depth cross-validation, we were able to validate HIV-1 DNA assays that are suitable for quantification of HIV-1 DNA in a wide variety of HIV-1 infected patients.
Proximity-induced supercurrent through topological insulator based nanowires for quantum computation studies
Authors: Bhattacharyya Biplab , Awana V. P. S. , Senguttuvan T. D. , Ojha V. N. , Husale Sudhir
Published: November 2018

Proximity-induced superconducting energy gap in the surface states of topological insulators has been predicted to host the much wanted Majorana fermions for fault-tolerant quantum computation. Recent theoretically proposed architectures for topological quantum computation via Majoranas are based on large networks of Kitaev’s one-dimensional quantum wires, which pose a huge experimental challenge in terms of scalability of the current single nanowire based devices. Here, we address this problem by realizing robust superconductivity in junctions of fabricated topological insulator (Bi2Se3) nanowires proximity-coupled to conventional s-wave superconducting (W) electrodes. Milling technique possesses great potential in fabrication of any desired shapes and structures at nanoscale level, and therefore can be effectively utilized to scale-up the existing single nanowire based design into nanowire based network architectures. We demonstrate the dominant role of ballistic topological surface states in propagating the long-range proximity induced superconducting order with high IcRN product in long Bi2Se3 junctions. Large upper critical magnetic fields exceeding the Chandrasekhar-Clogston limit suggests the existence of robust superconducting order with spin-triplet cooper pairing. An unconventional inverse dependence of IcRN product on the width of the nanowire junction was also observed.
Identifying the region responsible for Brucella abortus MucR higher-order oligomer formation and examining its role in gene regulation
Authors: Pirone Luciano , Pitzer Joshua Edison , D’Abrosca Gianluca , Fattorusso Roberto , Malgieri Gaetano , Pedone Emilia Maria , Pedone Paolo Vincenzo , Roop Roy Martin , Baglivo Ilaria
Published: November 2018

MucR is a member of the Ros/MucR family of prokaryotic zinc-finger proteins found in the α-proteobacteria which regulate the expression of genes required for the successful pathogenic and symbiotic interactions of these bacteria with the eukaryotic hosts. The structure and function of their distinctive zinc-finger domain has been well-studied, but only recently the quaternary structure of the full length proteins was investigated demonstrating their ability to form higher-order oligomers. The aim of this study was to identify the region of MucR involved in higher-order oligomer formation by analysing deletion and point mutants of this protein by Light Scattering, and to determine the role that MucR oligomerization plays in the regulatory function of this protein. Here we demonstrate that a conserved hydrophobic region at the N-terminus of MucR is responsible for higher-order oligomer formation and that MucR oligomerization is essential for its regulatory function in Brucella. All these features of MucR are shared by the histone-like nucleoid structuring protein, (H-NS), leading us to propose that the prokaryotic zinc-finger proteins in the MucR/Ros family control gene expression employing a mechanism similar to that used by the H-NS proteins, rather than working as classical transcriptional regulators.
The timing and widespread effects of the largest Holocene volcanic eruption in Antarctica
Authors: Antoniades Dermot , Giralt Santiago , Geyer Adelina , Álvarez-Valero Antonio M. , Pla-Rabes Sergi , Granados Ignacio , Liu Emma J. , Toro Manuel , Smellie John L. , Oliva Marc
Published: November 2018

The caldera collapse of Deception Island Volcano, Antarctica, was comparable in scale to some of the largest eruptions on Earth over the last several millennia. Despite its magnitude and potential for far-reaching environmental effects, the age of this event has never been established, with estimates ranging from the late Pleistocene to 3370 years before present. Here we analyse nearby lake sediments in which we identify a singular event produced by Deception Island’s caldera collapse that occurred 3980 ± 125 calibrated years before present. The erupted tephra record the distinct geochemical composition of ejecta from the caldera-forming eruption, whilst an extreme seismic episode is recorded by lake sediments immediately overlying the collapse tephra. The newly constrained caldera collapse is now the largest volcanic eruption confirmed in Antarctica during the Holocene. An examination of palaeorecords reveals evidence in marine and lacustrine sediments for contemporaneous seismicity around the Antarctic Peninsula; synchronous glaciochemical volcanic signatures also record the eruption in ice cores spread around Antarctica, reaching >4600 km from source. The widespread footprint suggests that this eruption would have had significant climatic and ecological effects across a vast area of the south polar region.
Non-contact Quantification of Jugular Venous Pulse Waveforms from Skin Displacements
Authors: Lam Po Tang Emily J. , HajiRassouliha Amir , Nash Martyn P. , Nielsen Poul M. F. , Taberner Andrew J. , Cakmak Yusuf O.
Published: November 2018

The jugular venous (JV) pressure waveform is a non-invasive, proven indicator of cardiovascular disease. Conventional clinical methods for assessing these waveforms are often overlooked because they require specialised expertise, and are invasive and expensive to implement. Recently, image-based methods have been used to quantify JV pulsation waveforms on the skin as an indirect way of estimating the pressure waveforms. However, these existing image-based methods cannot explicitly measure skin deformations and rely on the use of photoplethysmography (PPG) devices for identification of the pulsatile waveforms. As a result, they often have limited accuracy and robustness and are unsuitable in the clinical environment. Here, we propose a technique to directly measure skin deformations caused by the JV pulse using a very accurate subpixel registration algorithm. The method simply requires images obtained from the subject’s neck using a commodity camera. The results show that our measured waveforms contained all of the essential features of diagnostic JV waveforms in all of 19 healthy subjects tested in this study, indicating a significantly important capability for a potential future diagnostic device. The shape of our measured JV displacement waveforms was validated using waveforms measured with a laser displacement sensor, where the average correlation score between the two waveforms was 0.93 ± 0.05. In addition, synchronously recorded ECG signals were used to verify the timings of diagnostic features of the measured waveforms. To our knowledge, this is the first use of image registration for direct measurement of JV displacement waveforms. Significant advantages of our novel method include the high precision of our measurements, and the ability to use ordinary cameras, such as those in modern mobile phones. These advantages will enable the development of affordable and accessible devices to measure JV waveforms for cardiac diagnostics in the clinical environment. Future devices based on this technology may provide viable options for telemedicine applications, point of care diagnostics, and mobile-based cardiac health monitoring systems.
A high-density genetic linkage map and QTL mapping for growth and sex of yellow drum (Nibea albiflora)
Authors: Qiu Changliang , Han Zhaofang , Li Wanbo , Ye Kun , Xie Yangjie , Wang Zhiyong
Published: November 2018

A high-density genetic linkage map is essential for the studies of comparative genomics and gene mapping, and can facilitate assembly of reference genome. Herein, we constructed a high-density genetic linkage map with 8,094 SNPs selected from 113 sequenced fish of a F1 family. Ultimately, the consensus map spanned 3818.24 cM and covered nearly the whole genome (99.4%) with a resolution of 0.47 cM. 1,457 scaffolds spanning 435.15 Mb were anchored onto 24 linkage groups, accounting for 80.7% of the draft genome assembly of the yellow drum. Comparative genomic analyses with medaka and zebrafish genomes showed superb chromosome-scale synteny between yellow drum and medaka. QTL mapping and association analysis congruously revealed 22 QTLs for growth-related traits and 13 QTLs for sex dimorphism. Some important candidate genes such as PLA2G4A, BRINP3 and P2RY1 were identified from these growth-related QTL regions. A gene family including DMRT1, DMRT2 and DMRT3 was identified from these sex-related QTL regions on the linkage group LG9. We demonstrate that this linkage map can facilitate the ongoing marker-assisted selection and genomic and genetic studies for yellow drum.
In-depth analysis of Bacillus subtilis proteome identifies new ORFs and traces the evolutionary history of modified proteins
Authors: Ravikumar Vaishnavi , Nalpas Nicolas C. , Anselm Viktoria , Krug Karsten , Lenuzzi Maša , Šestak Martin Sebastijan , Domazet-Lošo Tomislav , Mijakovic Ivan , Macek Boris
Published: November 2018

Bacillus subtilis is a sporulating Gram-positive bacterium widely used in basic research and biotechnology. Despite being one of the best-characterized bacterial model organism, recent proteomics studies identified only about 50% of its theoretical protein count. Here we combined several hundred MS measurements to obtain a comprehensive map of the proteome, phosphoproteome and acetylome of B. subtilis grown at 37 °C in minimal medium. We covered 75% of the theoretical proteome (3,159 proteins), detected 1,085 phosphorylation and 4,893 lysine acetylation sites and performed a systematic bioinformatic characterization of the obtained data. A subset of analyzed MS files allowed us to reconstruct a network of Hanks-type protein kinases, Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphatases and their substrates. We applied genomic phylostratigraphy to gauge the evolutionary age of B. subtilis protein classes and revealed that protein modifications were present on the oldest bacterial proteins. Finally, we performed a proteogenomic analysis by mapping all MS spectra onto a six-frame translation of B. subtilis genome and found evidence for 19 novel ORFs. We provide the most extensive overview of the proteome and post-translational modifications for B. subtilis to date, with insights into functional annotation and evolutionary aspects of the B. subtilis genome.
BET Inhibition Improves NASH and Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Middleton Sarah A. , Rajpal Neetu , Cutler Leanne , Mander Palwinder , Rioja Inmaculada , Prinjha Rab K. , Rajpal Deepak , Agarwal Pankaj , Kumar Vinod
Published: November 2018

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading form of chronic liver disease with large unmet need. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a progressive variant of NAFLD, can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. To identify potential new therapeutics for NASH, we used a computational approach based on Connectivity Map (CMAP) analysis, which pointed us to bromodomain and extra-terminal motif (BET) inhibitors for treating NASH. To experimentally validate this hypothesis, we tested a small-molecule inhibitor of the BET family of proteins, GSK1210151A (I-BET151), in the STAM mouse NASH model at two different dosing timepoints (onset of NASH and progression to fibrosis). I-BET151 decreased the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS), a clinical endpoint for assessing the severity of NASH, as well as progression of liver fibrosis and interferon-γ expression. Transcriptional characterization of these mice through RNA-sequencing was consistent with predictions from the CMAP analysis of a human NASH signature and pointed to alterations in molecular mechanisms related to interferon signaling and cholesterol biosynthesis, as well as reversal of gene expression patterns linked to fibrotic markers. Altogether, these results suggest that inhibition of BET proteins may present a novel therapeutic opportunity in the treatment of NASH and liver fibrosis.
Seabird-affected taluses are denitrification hotspots and potential N2O emitters in the High Arctic
Authors: Hayashi Kentaro , Tanabe Yukiko , Ono Keisuke , Loonen Maarten J. J. E. , Asano Maki , Fujitani Hirotsugu , Tokida Takeshi , Uchida Masaki , Hayatsu Masahito
Published: November 2018

In High Arctic tundra ecosystems, seabird colonies create nitrogen cycling hotspots because of bird-derived labile organic matter. However, knowledge about the nitrogen cycle in such ornithocoprophilous tundra is limited. Here, we determined denitrification potentials and in-situ nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions of surface soils on plant-covered taluses under piscivorous seabird cliffs at two sites (BL and ST) near Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in the European High Arctic. Talus soils at both locations had very high denitrification potentials at 10 °C (2.62–4.88 mg N kg−1 dry soil h−1), near the mean daily maximum air temperature in July in Ny-Ålesund, with positive temperature responses at 20 °C (Q10 values, 1.6–2.3). The talus soils contained abundant denitrification genes, suggesting that they are denitrification hotspots. However, high in-situ N2O emissions, indicating the presence of both active aerobic nitrification and anaerobic denitrification, were observed only at BL (max. 16.6 µg N m−2 h−1). Rapid nitrogen turnover at BL was supported by lower carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, higher nitrate content, and higher δ15N values in the soils at BL compared with those at ST. These are attributed to the 30-fold larger seabird density at BL than at ST, providing the larger organic matter input.
Author Correction: Agricultural landscapes and the Loire River influence the genetic structure of the marbled newt in Western France
Authors: Costanzi Jean-Marc , Mège Pascal , Boissinot Alexandre , Isselin-Nondedeu Francis , Guérin Sandra , Lourdais Olivier , Trochet Audrey , Le Petitcorps Quentin , Legrand Agathe , Varenne François , Grillet Pierre , Morin-Pinaud Sophie , Picard Damien
Published: November 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Conductive diamond: synthesis, properties, and electrochemical applications
Authors: Yang Nianjun , Yu Siyu , Macpherson Julie V. , Einaga Yasuaki , Zhao Hongying , Zhao Guohua , Swain Greg M. , Jiang Xin
Published: November 2018

This review summarizes systematically the growth, properties, and electrochemical applications of conductive diamond.
Phosphirenium borate betaines from alkynylphosphanes and the halogeno-B(C6F5)2 reagents
Authors: Ueno Atsushi , Möricke Jennifer , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: November 2018

A series of phosphanyl substituted alkynes R12P–CC–R2 [R12P: Mes2P or tBu2P; R2: SiMe3, Ph, tBu] reacts with the X–B(C6F5)2 reagents [X: Cl, Br] to give thermally rather stable neutral zwitterionic phosphirenium borate products.
Symmetry-breaking induced large piezoelectricity in Janus tellurene materials
Authors: Chen Yu , Liu Junyi , Yu Jiabing , Guo Yaguang , Sun Qiang
Published: November 2018

A 2D Janus tellurene monolayer with symmetry-breaking can exhibit a large in-plane and an additional out-of-plane piezoelectric polarization.
Interplay of orbital hopping and perpendicular magnetic field in anisotropic phase transitions for Bernal bilayer graphene and hexagonal boron-nitride
Authors: T. T. Le P. , Davoudiniya M. , Yarmohammadi M.
Published: November 2018

We theoretically address the perpendicular magnetic field effects on the orbital electronic phase of Bernal bilayer graphene and hexagonal boron-nitride (h-BN).
Delocalized excitons and interaction effects in extremely dilute thermal ensembles
Authors: Bruder Lukas , Eisfeld Alexander , Bangert Ulrich , Binz Marcel , Jakob Max , Uhl Daniel , Schulz-Weiling Markus , Grant Edward R. , Stienkemeier Frank
Published: November 2018

Long-range interparticle interactions are revealed in extremely dilute thermal atomic ensembles using highly sensitive nonlinear femtosecond spectroscopy.
Alumina: discriminative analysis using 3D correlation of solid-state NMR parameters
Authors: Chandran C. Vinod , Kirschhock Christine E. A. , Radhakrishnan Sambhu , Taulelle Francis , Martens Johan A. , Breynaert Eric
Published: November 2018

This review showcases how27Al MQMAS NMR in combination with 3D correlation of the chemical shift and quadrupolar parameters, enables unambiguously identifying and assigning alumina phases (e.g.transition alumina's α, χ, κ, θ, γ, δ, η, ρ), independent of their crystallinity, even in physical mixtures.
Tuning the photophysical properties of carboranyl luminophores by closo- to nido-carborane conversion and application to OFF–ON fluoride sensing
Authors: Nghia Nguyen Van , Oh Jihun , Sujith Surendran , Jung Jaehoon , Lee Min Hyung
Published: November 2018

Conversion of poorly emissive closo-carboranyl luminophores to nido-derivatives gave rise to strong emission, allowing the selective OFF–ON fluorescence sensing of fluoride.
Template-free synthesis of nanoparticle-built MgO and Zn-doped MgO hollow microspheres with superior performance for Congo red adsorption from water
Authors: Dai Dan , Ma Qian , Pei Yanyan , Zheng Zhong , Yuan Liangjie
Published: November 2018

A template-free route was developed to synthesize MgO and Zn-doped MgO hollow microspheres with ultrahigh adsorption performances and excellent reusability.
Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic application in aldehyde hydrosilylation of half-sandwich nickel complexes bearing (κ1-C)- and hemilabile (κ2-C,S)-thioether-functionalised NHC ligands
Authors: Ulm Franck , Poblador-Bahamonde Amalia I. , Choppin Sabine , Bellemin-Laponnaz Stéphane , Chetcuti Michael J. , Achard Thierry , Ritleng Vincent
Published: November 2018

Ni complexes bearing thioether-functionalised NHCs; hemilabile ligands for catalytic aldehyde hydrosilylation.
Broadband near-IR absorbing Au-dithiolene complexes bearing redox-active oligothiophene ligands
Authors: Wright Iain A. , Wilson Claire , Coles Simon J. , Skabara Peter J.
Published: November 2018

Oligothiophene chains bound to metal dithiolene centres display hybrid optoelectronic properties including tunable energy levels and broadband absorption across the visible spectrum.
Multiple coordination modes of a new ditopic bis(pyrazolyl)methane-based ligand
Authors: Coulton John B. , Smith Aramis C. , Wheeler Kraig A. , Semeniuc Radu F.
Published: November 2018

A new ditopic bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligand can coordinate to two metallic centers in either a κ2–μ–κ2 or a κ3–μ–κ2 mode.
Fast continuous alcohol amination employing a hydrogen borrowing protocol
Authors: Labes Ricardo , Mateos Carlos , Battilocchio Claudio , Chen Yiding , Dingwall Paul , Cumming Graham R. , Rincón Juan A. , Nieves-Remacha Maria José , Ley Steven V.
Published: November 2018

A continuous flow method for the direct conversion of alcohols to amines via a hydrogen borrowing approach is reported.
Effect of chloride substitution on interfacial charge transfer processes in MAPbI3perovskite thin film solar cells: planarversusmesoporous
Authors: Li Zhongguo , Kolodziej Charles , McCleese Christopher , Wang Lili , Kovalsky Anton , Samia Anna Cristina , Zhao Yixin , Burda Clemens
Published: November 2018

Electron injection from perovskite to planar TiO2accelerates with chloride addition, in mesoporous TiO2carrier recombination is slowed.
Electrochemical exfoliation of graphene-like two-dimensional nanomaterials
Authors: Yang Yingchang , Hou Hongshuai , Zou Guoqiang , Shi Wei , Shuai Honglei , Li Jiayang , Ji Xiaobo
Published: November 2018

Electrochemical exfoliation of graphene-like two-dimensional nanomaterials such as monoelemental Xenes, TMDs, MOFs, and MXene is introduced in detail.
Total synthesis of the potent anti-inflammatory natural product solomonamide A along with structural revision and biological activity evaluation
Authors: Jachak Gorakhnath R. , Athawale Paresh R. , Agarwal Heena , Barthwal Manoj Kumar , Lauro Gianluigi , Bifulco Giuseppe , Reddy D. Srinivasa
Published: November 2018

Herein, we report the total synthesis of solomonamide A along with its structural revision for the first time.
A novel analytical method based on HPLC-PDA coupled post-column derivatization to evaluate the ability to inhibit tyrosine nitration in lotus leaf extracts
Authors: Qian Yin , Chen Xi , Qi Jin , Liu Xuming
Published: November 2018

A novel analytical method based on HPLC-PDA coupled post-column derivatization to evaluate the inhibitory activity of tyrosine nitration in lotus leaf extracts.
Enhanced mechanical, thermal, and UV-shielding properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/metal–organic framework nanocomposites
Authors: Dai Yibo , Tang Qun , Zhang Ziang , Yu Caili , Li Heping , Xu Lin , Zhang Shufen , Zou Zhiming
Published: November 2018

PVA/HKUST-1 nanocomposites prepared by a simple solution casting method displayed significantly enhanced thermal stability, mechanical and UV-shielding properties.
Enhanced properties of Pd/CeO2-nanorods modified with alkaline-earth metals for catalytic oxidation of low-concentration methane
Authors: Guo Tianyu , Nie Xiaorong , Du Jianping , Li Jinping
Published: November 2018

A series of Pd/CeO2-nanorods catalysts modified with alkaline-earth metals were prepared by the incipient impregnation method.
Simultaneous adsorption of SO2 and CO2 in an Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5 metal–organic framework
Authors: Son Do Ngoc , Thuy Huong Ta Thi , Chihaia Viorel
Published: November 2018

SO2 performs much better than CO2 during co-adsorption due to the d-band of Ni atoms.
Activatable cell–biomaterial interfacing with photo-caged peptides
Authors: Lin Yiyang , Mazo Manuel M. , Skaalure Stacey C. , Thomas Michael R. , Schultz Simon R. , Stevens Molly M.
Published: November 2018

We report an effective strategy to design activatable cell–material interfacing systems enabling photo-modulated cellular entry of cargoes and cell adhesion towards surfaces.
Realizing solution-processed monolithic PbS QDs/perovskite tandem solar cells with high UV stability
Authors: Zhang Yannan , Gu Mengfan , Li Ning , Xu Yalong , Ling Xufeng , Wang Yongjie , Zhou Sijie , Li Fangchao , Yang Fan , Ji Kang , Yuan Jianyu , Ma Wanli
Published: November 2018

Among solution-processed photovoltaic materials, lead sulfide (PbS) colloidal quantum dots (QDs) possess a highly tunable bandgap and strong infrared absorption, while perovskites show extraordinary external quantum efficiency (EQE) in the visible region, which offers the opportunity to construct an ideal tandem cell of PbS QDs/perovskite.
Urotensin-II gene rs228648 polymorphism associated with the risk of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhao Yawei , Fang Shuhua , Que Kerong , Xu Guangli , Zhang Heng , Qi Cong , Yang Nian
Published: November 2018

Background: Urotensin-II (UII) rs228648 polymorphism has been reported to be associated with the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) with inconsistent results. The present study sought to reassess the relationship between this polymorphism and susceptibility to DM by meta-analysis.

Methods: Relevant eligible studies and whole genome association study (GWAS) data electronically searched were pooled to evaluate the strength of the association with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Seven case–control studies involving 894 cases and 1186 controls were finally included in the meta-analysis. Overall analyses indicated that UII gene rs228648 variant was significantly associated with reduced risk of DM (allele, A vs. G: OR = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.56–0.82; dominant, AA+GA vs. GG: OR = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.53–0.91; homozygote, AA vs. GG: OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.28–0.61; recessive, AA vs. GA+GG: OR = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.19–0.71). In subgroup analyses based on ethnicity, the results showed a significant association of rs228648 polymorphism with decreased risk of DM in Chinese population under all five genetic models as well as in non-Chinese population under heterozygote and recessive models. Stratified analyses by specific type of DM also presented a significant association for common diabetes mellitus (CDM) under allele and homozygote as well as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) under all genetic models except for homozygote model. However, the synthetic analysis with GWAS data suggested an increased risk of DM with rs228648 effect allele in European population (OR = 1.01, 95%CI = 1.00–1.02).

Conclusion: The present meta-analysis preliminarily suggested a potentially opposite role of rs228648 polymorphism associated with DM risk in the Chinese and European population. Further studies are in great request to verify the results.
MiR-384 induces apoptosis and autophagy of non-small cell lung cancer cells through the negative regulation of Collagen α-1(X) chain gene
Authors: Guo Qingkui , Zheng Min , Xu Ye , Wang Ning , Zhao Wen
Published: November 2018

The present study aims to investigate the mechanism of miR-384 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell apoptosis and autophagy by regulating Collagen α-1(X) chain (COL10A1). Bioinformatics methods were applied to evaluate potential miRNAs and genes that might correlate with NSCLC. Tumor tissues and adjacent tissues from 104 NSCLC patients were collected and human NSCLC A549 cell line was selected for subsequent experiments. A549 cells were treated with miR-384 mimic, miR-384 inhibitor, or knockdown of COL10A1. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were utilized to detect the levels of miR-384, COL10A, Survivin, Bcl-2, Bax, Bcl-xl, Beclin 1, and LC3 in tissues and cells. A series of biological assays including MTT assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI (propidium iodide) staining, immunofluorescence, monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining were conducted to investigate the effects of miR-384 and COL10A1 on NSCLC cells. Tumorigenicity assay for nude rats was applied. Results obtained from the present study indicated that miR-384 down-regulated COL10A1 by targetting it. Compared with adjacent tissues, miR-384 expression was obviously reduced while COL10A1 expression was significantly enhanced in NSCLC tissues (all P<0.05). Outcomes in vivo and in vitro suggested that cell proliferation and tumorigenicity were inhibited while cell apoptosis and autophagy were induced in NSCLC cells treated with up-regulation of miR-384 or silence of COL10A1. In miR-384 inhibitor group, cell proliferation was improved, while cell apoptosis was reduced and cell autophagy was decreased whereas tumorigenicity of cells was strengthened. Based on the findings of our study, it was established that miR-384 could down-regulate COL10A1 levels, subsequently inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting cell apoptosis and autophagy in NSCLC cells.
First principles study of ground-state properties of Laves phase ZrMn2 and its hydride
Authors: Nong Zhi-Sheng , Lei Yu-Nong , Zhu Jing-Chuan
Published: November 2018

The structural stability, elastic properties and bonding behavior of Laves phase ZrMn2 with C14, C15 and C36 structures as well as its hydride ZrMn2-H3 considering ferromagnetic (FM) ordering state were investigated by the first principles calculations. The calculated formation enthalpies and mechanical stability confirmed C14 structure is the stable crystal for ZrMn2 in FM ground state. A better hydrogen storage behavior of C14 phase ZrMn2 was predicted due to the obtained lower binding energy of hydrogen in ZrMn2-H3. In addition, there would be transformation of elastic behavior from ductility to brittleness, and increasing isotropy for ZrMn2 when H atoms are absorbed into 12k sites of crystal structure to form hydride ZrMn2-H3. The calculated density of states, charge density distributions and Mulliken populations revealed that additional hybridizations and covalent interaction between Zr and H atoms would be introduced with the absorption of H atoms in C14-phase ZrMn2.
Method for the simulation and reconstruction of 3D particle size distributions in metal structures
Authors: Danilenko Tetiana
Published: November 2018

The stereological method for studying grain structures is presented, it determines the interrelation between the size distributions of three-dimensional grains and their planar and linear sections. Method is applicable for both reconstruction and simulation of the 3D structures. The polyhedral shape of the grains is taken into account by means of the shape factors established for them. An original method to determine the distribution of plane sections from the certain grain-polyhedron to calculate the shape factors is presented. This method can be used to describe the shape of different structural components in many materials: steels, cast irons, concretes, rocks, ceramics, open-porosity materials, biofilms, foams, etc. The stereological method is also applicable to structures with spherical particles, for which the shape factors are equal to unity. The method makes it possible to create the standards of plane sections of grain structures and other structures with a previously known size distribution of 3D grains or particles.
Specific feature of the restoration of operability of KPP-5 fasteners by using PRP-3.2 and PRP-3.2.1 rail pads
Authors: Fast Denis , Bugaets Natalia , Vitolberg Volodymir , Lichodey Alexandr , Stefanov Volodymyr
Published: November 2018

Areas of rational use of the track construction with reinforced concrete sleepers have been defined, however, it requires improving and the problem of intermediate rail fastenings is particularly serious here. The most common intermediate rail fasteners used in Ukrzaliznytsya are lining terminal-bolted fasteners of KB type and direct fixation boltless fastening type KPP-5. Calculations have been made for the restoration of operability of KPP-5 fasteners using PRP-3.2 repair pads with a thickness of 9 mm and PRP-3.2.1 with a thickness of 10 mm. It has been established that in the sections with the traffic load of more than 15 million ton km/km in year, restoration works should be performed after 13 years of operation. Using 10 mm thick PRP-3.2.1 rail pads will provide the necessary pressing force of the rail base against the sleeper until the expiration of the standard service life – no more than 30 years. When the traffic load is less than or equal to 15 million ton km/km in year, recovery can be performed after 22 years of operation. The use of both types of pads will ensure the reliable functioning of KPP-5 fasteners until the expiration of its service life.
Technical solutions for working elements of machines for efficient compaction of soil
Authors: Glavatsky Kazimir , Cherkudinov Volodymyr , Posmitiuha Olexandr
Published: November 2018

The modernization of machines for compaction of soil on a modular basis has the following advantages: some of their structural elements (working equipment and working elements) can be performed as unified modular units, from which, depending on the technological requirements, it is possible to assemble the required configuration of the sealing machine; the initial state of the machine does not deteriorate, to which it is easy to return; the nomenclature of structural elements and machines in general decreases, as the machine can be completed with variable modules, which leads to an improvement in their quality. When consolidating the soil massive use static, dynamic and combined action on the soil in the form of rollers, vibro-and ramboards. Machines of the boottype are classified into light, medium and heavy, which determines the order of its application. It is obvious that the reduction of technology for the process of soil compaction is possible due to the creation of machines that can change the intensity of the impact on the soil in a wide range.
Construction of the simulation model “car-railway track” for modeling the dynamic loading process of the boot node
Authors: Martinov Igor , Trufanova Alyona , Shovkun Vadim
Published: November 2018

Using of software systems in the design of new samples is increasingly important, but there is a problem in adapting computer models to obtain adequate results of calculations. The modern development of the IT systems gives the opportunity to significantly reduce the timing of the introduction of new equipment into production by reducing the number of field experimental test samples of the design technology. Every year using of complexes software in designing new samples is becoming increasingly important, but there is a problem in adapting computer models to obtain adequate results of calculations. UM Universal Mechanism complex was used to simulate the dynamic loading process of the boot node. Modelling of dynamic loadings on the running gears of freight cars showed a sufficient convergence with the results of running tests, about 87%. Therefore, the proposed model can be used for assessing of disturbing loads when the calculating of the reliability of the bucket units of freight cars was done.
Determination of equivalent and optimal sizes of wedge tip from flange for the static perforation of soil
Authors: Posmituha Olexander , Kravets Svyatoslav , Suponyev Volodymyr , Glavatsky Kazimir
Published: November 2018

The purpose of the study is to create a new design of the working tip for the perforation of the soil when laying two or more buildings trenchless way and determine its rational parameters. Method. It is known that for static perforation in the formation of cavities in the soil for communication is traditionally used cone-shaped working elements, which is the most common, cheap and reliable. However, the study revealed inefficiency. The design of the working elements of the soil perforation for trenchless laying of two or more buildings simultaneously in the form of a tip, which consists of a wedge-shaped part and a control part in the form of a rectangle with half-cylinders. The basic principles and mathematical dependences of determining the size of the working body are described. Scientific novelty. Regularities of changes in soil pressure on the lateral, conical and wedge surface, flat and cylindrical part of the tip, allowed to obtain an analytical dependence for the calculation of the resistance force depending on the physical and mechanical properties of the soil, the diameter and the number of cases established simultaneously. Also, when comparing the cone-cylindrical and flat tips, it can be argued that the breakdown force of the flat tip decreases from 1.2 to 1.7 times.