bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of EURODAC in EU Migration Law: The Era of Crimmigration?
Authors: Queiroz Benedita Menezes
Published: October 2019

Counter-terrorism and public security measures have significantly altered EU immigration law. Under the premise that EU instruments which regulate EU immigration databases influence the legal regime of irregularity of migrants’ statuses, the present article argues that the latest developments in the area of data technology contribute to the phenomenon of “crimmigration”. This is so not only because they may generate a sort of “digital illegality” due to their impact on the categorisation of migrants, but also because they enable a conflation of treatment of irregularity, asylum seeking and criminality. This article focuses on the recent amendments and proposals for amendments to the EURODAC Regulation, a database that regulates the asylum fingerprint system in the EU. This is revealing of the ongoing broadening of the purpose of that data and law enforcement access to the collected information. The argument finds its basis in three main trends common to these databases: the erosion of the principle of purpose limitation, the widening of access to data by law enforcement authorities, and the digitalisation of borders through biometrics. Ultimately, this article claims that the level of surveillance of certain categories of migrants that may cross the borders of the EU puts at risk the distinction between illegally staying irregular migrants and criminals, given that the treatment of their personal data is insufficiently clear in practice.
R-DECO: an open-source Matlab based graphical user interface for the detection and correction of R-peaks
Authors: Moeyersons Jonathan , Amoni Matthew , Van Huffel Sabine , Willems Rik , Varon Carolina
Published: October 2019

Many of the existing electrocardiogram (ECG) toolboxes focus on the derivation of heart rate variability features from RR-intervals. By doing so, they assume correct detection of the QRS-complexes. However, it is highly likely that not all detections are correct. Therefore, it is recommended to visualize the actual R-peak positions in the ECG signal and allow manual adaptations. In this paper we present R-DECO, an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) for the detection and correction of R-peaks. Within R-DECO, the R-peaks are detected by using a detection algorithm which uses an envelope-based procedure. This procedure flattens the ECG and enhances the QRS-complexes. The algorithm obtained an overall sensitivity of 99.60% and positive predictive value of 99.69% on the MIT/BIH arrhythmia database. Additionally, R-DECO includes support for several input data formats for ECG signals, three basic filters, the possibility to load other R-peak locations and intuitive methods to correct ectopic, wrong, or missed heartbeats. All functionalities can be accessed via the GUI and the analysis results can be exported as Matlab or Excel files. The software is publicly available. Through its easy-to-use GUI, R-DECO allows both clinicians and researchers to use all functionalities, without previous knowledge.
The distribution and mitochondrial genotype of the hydroid Aglaophenia latecarinata is correlated with its pelagic Sargassum substrate type in the tropical and subtropical western Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Govindarajan Annette F. , Cooney Laura , Whittaker Kerry , Bloch Dana , Burdorf Rachel M. , Canning Shalagh , Carter Caroline , Cellan Shannon M. , Eriksson Fredrik A.A. , Freyer Hannah , Huston Grayson , Hutchinson Sabrina , McKeegan Kathleen , Malpani Megha , Merkle-Raymond Alex , Ouellette Kendra , Petersen-Rockney Robin , Schultz Maggie , Siuda Amy N.S.
Published: October 2019

The pelagic brown macroalga Sargassum supports rich biological communities in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic region, including a variety of epiphytic invertebrates that grow on the Sargassum itself. The thecate hydroid Aglaophenia latecarinata is commonly found growing on some, but not all, Sargassum forms. In this study, we examined the relationship between A. latecarinata and its pelagic Sargassum substrate across a broad geographic area over the course of 4 years (2015–2018). The distribution of the most common Sargassum forms that we observed (Sargassum fluitans III and S. natans VIII) was consistent with the existence of distinct source regions for each. We found that A. latecarinata hydroids were abundant on both S. natans VIII and S. fluitans III, and also noted a rare observation of A. latecarinata on S. natans I. For the hydroids on S. natans VIII and S. fluitans III, hydroid mitochondrial genotype was strongly correlated with the Sargassum substrate form. We found significant population genetic structure in the hydroids, which was also consistent with the distributional patterns of the Sargassum forms. These results suggest that hydroid settlement on the Sargassum occurs in type-specific Sargassum source regions. Hydroid species identification is challenging and cryptic speciation is common in the Aglaopheniidae. Therefore, to confirm our identification of A. latecarinata, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis that showed that while the genus Aglaophenia was not monophyletic, all A. latecarinata haplotypes associated with pelagic Sargassum belonged to the same clade and were likely the same species as previously published sequences from Florida, Central America, and one location in Brazil (São Sebastião). A nominal A. latecarinata sequence from a second Brazilian location (Alagoas) likely belongs to a different species.
Determining the optimal maximal and submaximal voluntary contraction tests for normalizing the erector spinae muscles
Authors: Biviá-Roig Gemma , Lisón Juan Francisco , Sánchez-Zuriaga Daniel
Published: October 2019

Background

This study aimed to identify which maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and sub-MVIC tests produce the highest activation of the erector spinae muscles and the greatest reduction in inter-individual variability, to put them forward as reference normalization maneuvers for future studies.

Methods

Erector spinae EMG activity was recorded in 38 healthy women during five submaximal and three maximal exercises.

Results

None of the three MVIC tests generated the maximal activation level in all the participants. The maximal activation level was achieved in 68.4% of cases with the test performed on the roman chair in the horizontal position (96.3 ± 7.3; p < 0.01). Of the five submaximal maneuvers, the one in the horizontal position on the roman chair produced the highest percentage of activation (61.1 ± 16.7; p < 0.01), and one of the lowest inter-individual variability values in the normalized signal of a trunk flexion-extension task.

Conclusions

A modified Sorensen MVIC test in a horizontal position on a roman chair and against resistance produced the highest erector spinae activation, but not in 100% of participants, so the execution of several normalization maneuvers with the trunk at different inclinations should be considered to normalize the erector spinae EMG signal. A modified Sorensen test in a horizontal position without resistance is the submaximal maneuver that produces the highest muscle activation and the greatest reduction in inter-individual variability, and could be considered a good reference test for normalization.
Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) rafting behaviour revealed by GPS tracking and behavioural observations
Authors: Richards Cerren , Padget Oliver , Guilford Tim , Bates Amanda E.
Published: October 2019

Before visiting or leaving their remote island colonies, seabirds often engage in a behaviour termed ‘rafting’, where birds sit, often in groups, on the water close to the colony. Despite rafting being a widespread behaviour across many seabird taxa, the functional significance of rafting remains unknown. Here we combine global positioning system (GPS) tracks, observational and wind condition data to investigate correlates of rafting behaviour in Manx shearwaters (Puffinus puffinus) at a large colony on Skomer Island, Wales. We test (1) the influence of wind direction on rafting location and (2) whether raft size changes with respect to wind speed. Our approach further allows us to describe day-night trends in (3) raft distance from shore through time; (4) the number of birds present in the nearshore waters through time; and (5) spatial patterns of Manx shearwater rafts in marine waters adjacent to the breeding colony. We find no evidence that wind direction, for our study period, influences Manx shearwater rafting location, yet raft size marginally increases on windier days. We further find rafting birds closer to the shore at night than during the day. Thus, before sunset, birds form a “halo” around Skomer Island, but this halo disappears during the night as more individuals return from foraging trips and raft nearer the colony on Skomer Island. The halo pattern reforms before sunrise as rafts move away from land and birds leave for foraging. Our results suggest that wind conditions may not be as ecologically significant for rafting locations as previously suspected, but rafting behaviour may be especially important for avoiding predators and cleaning feathers.
RNA-seq transcriptome profiling of porcine lung from two pig breeds in response to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection
Authors: Ni Ligang , Song Chengyi , Wu Xinsheng , Zhao Xuting , Wang Xiaoyan , Li Bichun , Gan Yuan
Published: October 2019

Background

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) is the main pathogen causing respiratory disease in the swine industry. Mhp infection rates differ across pig breeds, with Chinese native pig breeds that exhibit high fecundity (e.g., Jiangquhai, Meishan, Erhualian) more sensitive than Duroc, Landrace, and other imported pig breeds. However, the genetic basis of the immune response to Mhp infection in different pig breeds is largely unknown.

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the relative Mhp susceptibility of the Chinese native Jiangquhai breed compared to the Duroc breed, and identify molecular mechanisms of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using an RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) approach.

Methods

Jiangquhai and Duroc pigs were artificially infected with the same Mhp dose. The entire experiment lasted 28 days. Daily weight gain, Mhp-specific antibody levels, and lung lesion scores were measured to evaluate the Mhp infection susceptibility of different breeds. Experimental pigs were slaughtered on the 28th day. Lung tissues were collected for total RNA extraction. RNA-seq was performed to identify DEGs, which were enriched by gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia annotation of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. DEGs were validated with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results

Infection with the same Mhp dose produced a more serious condition in Jiangquhai pigs than in Duroc pigs. Jiangquhai pigs showed poorer growth, higher Mhp antibody levels, and more serious lung lesions compared with Duroc pigs. RNA-seq identified 2,250 and 3,526 DEGs in lung tissue from Jiangquhai and Duroc pigs, respectively. The two breeds shared 1,669 DEGs, which were involved in immune-relevant pathways including cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and chemokine signaling pathway. Compared to Jiangquhai pigs, more chemokines, interferon response factors, and interleukins were specifically activated in Duroc pigs; CXCL10, CCL4, IL6 and IFNG genes were significantly up-regulated, which may help Duroc pigs enhance immune response and reduce Mhp susceptibility.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated differential immune-related DEGs in lung tissue from the two breeds, and revealed an important role of genetics in the immune response to Mhp infection. The biological functions of these important DEGs should be further confirmed and maybe applied as molecular markers that improve pig health.
Effects of particle size of ground alfalfa hay on caecal bacteria and archaea populations of rabbits
Authors: Yuan Mei , Liu Siqiang , Wang Zhisheng , Wang Lizhi , Xue Bai , Zou Huawei , Tian Gang , Cai Jingyi , Peng Quanhui
Published: October 2019

This work was aimed to investigate the effects of the different particle size of ground alfalfa hay on caecal microbial and archeal communities of rabbits. One hundred-twenty New Zealand rabbits (950.3 ± 8.82 g) were allocated into four treatments, with five replicates in each treatment and six rabbits in each replicate. The particle sizes of the alfalfa meal in the four treatment diets were 2,500, 1,000, 100 and 10 µm respectively, while the other ingredients were ground through a 2.5 mm sieve. High-throughput sequencing technology was applied to examine the differences in bacteria and methanogenic archaea diversity in the caecum of the four treatment groups of rabbits. A total of 745,946 bacterial sequences (a mean of 31,081 ± 13,901 sequences per sample) and 539,227 archaeal sequences (a mean of 22,468 ± 2,443 sequences per sample) were recovered from twenty-four caecal samples, and were clustered into 9,953 and 2,246 OTUs respectively. A total of 26 bacterial phyla with 465 genera and three archaeal phyla with 10 genera were identified after taxonomic summarization. Bioinformatic analyses illustrated that Firmicutes (58.69% ∼ 68.50%) and Bacteroidetes (23.96% ∼ 36.05%) were the two most predominant bacterial phyla and Euryarchaeota (over 99.9%) was the most predominant archaeal phyla in the caecum of all rabbits. At genus level, as the particle size of alfalfa decreased from 2,500 to 10 µm, the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 (P < 0.001) and Lactobacillus (P = 0.043) were increased and Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 (P = 0.012) was increased first and then decreased when the alfalfa particle size decreased, while Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group (P = 0.016), Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 (P = 0.044), Christensenellaceae R-7 group (P = 0.019), Lachnospiraceae other (Family) (P = 0.011) and Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 (P = 0.021) were decreased. The relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter was increased from 62.48% to 90.40% (P < 0.001), whereas the relative abundance of Methanosphaera was reduced from 35.47% to 8.62% (P < 0.001). In conclusion, as the particle size of alfalfa meal decreased, both the bacterial and archaeal population in the caecum of rabbit experienced alterations, however archaea response earlier than bacteria to the decrease of alfalfa meal particle size.
Évaluation d’une formation québécoise fondée sur des données probantes pour améliorer le dépistage des troubles du comportement alimentaire
Authors: Plouffe Laurence , Dagenais Christian , Monthuy-Blanc Johana
Published: October 2019

Une formation pour le dépistage des troubles du comportement alimentaire (TCA) destinée à des intervenant(e)s des services de santé généraux du Québec a été évaluée dans le but de cerner ses effets sur l’utilisation de données probantes dans les pratiques. L’analyse des réponses aux questionnaires complétés par les intervenant(e)s révèle une acquisition de connaissances, des réactions positives envers la formation et une intention d’utiliser les connaissances acquises. Lors d’entretiens semi-structurés postformation (3 mois), les intervenant(e)s rapportent avoir utilisé les connaissances sous diverses formes et ont identifié des facteurs influençant l’adoption des pratiques enseignées. L’importance d’adapter les pratiques au contexte québécois est discutée.
Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) Curve and the Most Suitable Method to Determine Flood Peak Discharge in Upper Werba Sub-Watershed
Authors: Kusumastuti Cilcia , Sudjarwo Prasetio , Christhie Marvin , Krisna Timotius
Published: October 2019

Design flood is one of the important factors for flood risk assessment and water infrastructures planning and development in a certain location. There are several methods to estimate it, one method which has been commonly and widely use is using flood frequency analysis. This research aims to develop Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves in Upper Werba Sub-Watershed, West Papua Province, Indonesia, to estimate design rainfall intensity. The design rainfall intensity is used to estimate peak of flood discharge using Rational Formula in the sub-watershed. Other methods, i.e. Soil Conservation Service and Nakayasu Synthetic Unit Hydrograph are also presented in this paper to provide comparison of the estimated peak of flood discharge. The result shows that the Rational method provide the closest magnitude of estimated flood discharge in Upper Werba Sub-Watershed to the observed streamflow. Therefore, it is suggested that the Rational method can be used for water infrastructure planning and development in the sub-watershed.
Antagonistic coevolution between multiple quantitative traits: Matching dynamics can arise from difference interactions
Authors: Yamamichi Masato , Lyberger Kelsey , Patel Swati
Published: October 2019

Coevolution is one of the major drivers of complex dynamics in population ecology. Historically, antagonistic coevolution in victim‐exploiter systems has been a topic of special interest, and involves traits with various genetic architectures (e.g., the number of genes involved) and effects on interactions. For example, exploiters may need to have traits that “match” those of victims for successful exploitation (i.e., a matching interaction), or traits that exceed those of victims (i.e., a difference interaction). Different models exist which are appropriate for different types of traits, including Mendelian (discrete) and quantitative (continuous) traits. For models with multiple Mendelian traits, recent studies have shown that antagonistic coevolutionary patterns that appear as matching interactions can arise due to multiple difference interactions with costs of having large trait values. Here we generalize their findings to quantitative traits and show, analogously, that the multidimensional difference interactions with costs sometimes behave qualitatively the same as matching interactions. While previous studies in quantitative genetics have used the dichotomy between matching and difference frameworks to explore coevolutionary dynamics, we suggest that exploring multidimensional trait space is important to examine the generality of results obtained from one‐dimensional traits.
A missense mutation in the catalytic domain of O‐GlcNAc transferase links perturbations in protein O‐GlcNAcylation to X‐linked intellectual disability
Authors: Pravata Veronica M. , Gundogdu Mehmet , Bartual Sergio G. , Ferenbach Andrew T. , Stavridis Marios , Õunap Katrin , Pajusalu Sander , Žordania Riina , Wojcik Monica H. , van Aalten Daan M. F.
Published: October 2019

X‐linked intellectual disabilities (XLID) are common developmental disorders. The enzyme O‐GlcNAc transferase encoded by OGT, a recently discovered XLID gene, attaches O‐GlcNAc to nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. As few missense mutations have been described, it is unclear what the aetiology of the patient phenotypes is. Here, we report the discovery of a missense mutation in the catalytic domain of OGT in an XLID patient. X‐ray crystallography reveals that this variant leads to structural rearrangements in the catalytic domain. The mutation reduces in vitro OGT activity on substrate peptides/protein. Mouse embryonic stem cells carrying the mutation reveal reduced O‐GlcNAcase (OGA) and global O‐GlcNAc levels. These data suggest a direct link between changes in the O‐GlcNAcome and intellectual disability observed in patients carrying OGT mutations.
Voltage‐gated sodium channels β3 subunit promotes tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma by facilitating p53 degradation
Authors: Li Shuai , Han Jiadi , Guo Guili , Sun Yudi , Zhang Tingting , Zhao Mingyi , Xu Yijia , Cui Yong , Liu Yanfeng , Zhang Jinghai
Published: October 2019

The voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are aberrantly expressed in a variety of tumors and play an important role in tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we show that VGSCs auxiliary β3 subunit, encoded by the SCN3B gene, promotes proliferation and suppresses apoptosis in HepG2 cells by promoting p53 degradation. β3 significantly increases HepG2 cell proliferation, promotes tumor growth in mouse xenograft models, and suppresses senescence and apoptosis. We found that β3 knockdown stabilizes p53 protein, leading to potentiation of p53‐induced cell cycle arrest, senescence, and apoptosis. Mechanistic studies revealed that β3 could bind to p53, promoting p53 ubiquitination and degradation by stabilizing the p53/MDM2 complex. Our results suggest that β3 is a novel negative regulator of p53 and a potential oncogenic factor.
Second 42 CFR Part 2 SAMHSA proposal comment deadline this week
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2019

The second of two proposals by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to weaken the confidentiality of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records under 42 CFR Part 2 has a comment period deadline of Oct. 25. This is the longer Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which has one provision that is alarming to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and their patients: One would remove the ban against giving OTP patient data to prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs).
SAMHSA guidelines for recovery housing emphasize MAT
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2019

If there's any question about the appropriateness of medication‐assisted treatment (MAT) using methadone and buprenorphine for recovery housing residents, it has been settled by the most recent report from the federal government: Don't ban it, and, furthermore, do it.
Thermoregeneration of Plastrons on Superhydrophobic Coatings for Sustained Antifouling Properties
Authors: Simovich Tomer , Rosenhahn Axel , Lamb Robert N.
Published: October 2019

A popular and desirable function of superhydrophobic coatings is their remarkable ability to retain an entrapped layer of air, called a plastron, when submerged underwater. The drawback is that the air layer is short‐lived due to solvation into the surrounding liquid. While manipulating the solubility of gases using temperature is a possible approach, it generally requires inefficiently heating large volumes of water. Following the demonstrated ability to maintain air bubbles on superhydrophobic surfaces for drag reduction, this article introduces a novel method of extracting gas from water to replenish and stabilize the plastron on superhydrophobic surfaces for sustained antifouling abilities. This method involves locally heating the liquid surrounding a superhydrophobic coating, reducing gas solubility, and causing the gas to nucleate at the liquid–air interface. The approach requires a relatively low energy input, due to the small volume of locally heated water. With a constant supply of equilibrated water and minimal energy input, the plastron can survive indefinitely without the need for a mechanical delivery of air. The thermoregenerating superhydrophobic samples were shown to exhibit excellent antifouling behavior and inhibited diatom attachment over a period of 5 days.
Texture Evolution and Dislocation Behavior in a Nickel‐Based Superalloy during Hot Compression
Authors: Gao Zexi , Jia Zhi , Ji Jinjin , Liu Dexue , Guo Tingbiao , Ding Yutian
Published: October 2019

Texture evolution and dislocation behavior of Ni‐based superalloys at various temperatures and strain rate of 1 s−1 are studied using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique and transmission electron microscope (TEM). It can be concluded that no significant texture is formed at high deformation temperature, especially for the occurrence of completed dynamic recrystallization (DRX). In addition, texture weakening is easy to realize by conducting DRX process on the Ni‐based superalloys, whereas a slight strengthening is observed during grain growth. Based on the TEM images, the original grain boundary with high orientation gradient at low temperature provides an excellent position for DRX nuclei, which is strongly related with the dislocation motion. Moreover, it is concluded that the dislocation behavior plays a significant role in the plastic deformation of the Ni‐based superalloys. Herein, theoretical guidance for the application of nickel‐based superalloys and furthermore enhancement of their plastic deformation properties is provided.
Constitutive Model and Processing Maps for a Ti‐55511 Alloy in β Region
Authors: Jiang Yu-Qiang , Lin Y.C. , Pang Guo-Dong , He Dao-Guang , Kotkunde Nitin
Published: October 2019

The flow behavior of a high‐strength Ti alloy (Ti‐55511) in the β region is studied by hot compressive experiments. A dislocation density–based constitutive equation, together with processing maps, is established to describe the flow behavior and hot workability of the studied Ti alloy. It is found that the strain rate () and temperature (T) distinctly influence the hot compressive deformation behavior. The flow stress increases distinctly with a rising or reducing T. The main softening mechanism in the β region is dynamic recovery (DRV). The established constitutive equation based on the work hardening (WH) and DRV mechanisms has the desired prediction accuracy, and the correlation coefficient between the predicted and experimental results is 0.9912. The processing maps indicate that a high strain rate (0.4–10 s−1) easily causes unstable deformation, whereas low and medium strain rates (0.001–0.2 s−1) are suitable for hot compressive deformation of the studied alloy.
Effect of Plasmonic Ag Nanoparticles on the Performance of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ali Azmat , Kang Ju Hwan , Seo Jung Hwa , Walker Bright
Published: October 2019

Recently, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted phenomenal research interest due to their potential as the next‐generation photovoltaics. Despite rapid development in this field, further increasing their power conversion efficiency (PCE) remains a critical issue for the commercialization of PSCs. Herein, the application of Ag nanoparticle (NP) layers via vapor‐phase deposition onto perovskite active layers is investigated. The formation of unique, crescent‐shaped Ag NPs is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which shows that the NPs self‐assemble along the grain boundaries of perovskite, leading to their unique shape. The PCE for devices incorporating an optimized size of Ag NPs of 79 ± 6 nm increase from 11.63% to 13.46% with an improvement factor of 15.74%. The increase in PCE is can be attributed to an increase in short‐circuit current density (Jsc) that is assigned to an increase in optical path length and absorption. NPs exhibit the ability to increase the optical path length of photons in the device due to the near‐field and far‐field enhancement (plasmonic scattering) and consequently may act to improve the photon‐to‐electron conversion efficiency (ΔIPCE) and PCE of PSCs. Moreover, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy reveals a decrease in hole injection barrier (ϕh), which also contributes to enhanced performance.
Improvement of the Layer Adhesion of Composite Cardiac Patches
Authors: Ruther Florian , Zimmermann Anne , Engel Felix B. , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: October 2019

The major purpose of cardiac patches is to deliver healthy cells to infarcted tissues. Such cardiac patches must fulfill specific mechanical as well as chemical requirements. Herein, bi‐component cardiac patches are investigated with regard to their layer adhesion. Combinations of salt‐leached porous poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) films with a layer of electrospun‐gelatin fibers are produced. Gelatin fibers are fabricated by solution electrospinning using 20 wt% gelatin in 98 v% formic acid. Fibers are attached to PGS films either via direct electrospinning on top of the film or via combining as spun fiber mats with PGS using gelatin as glue. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that fiber mats adapt to the rough surface of the porous PGS film. In contrast, fibers spun directly onto films show poor adhesion and only a few fibers are attached to the PGS substrate. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, contact‐angle measurements, and pull‐off adhesion tests of the bi‐component patches confirm these results. Modified pull‐off adhesion tests of the two layers show that combining as spun gelatin fiber mats with porous PGS substrates by gluing leads to excellent material adhesion before and after incubation for up to 14 days.
A Beam Network Model Approach to Strength Optimization of Disordered Fibrous Materials
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed Ahmad , Moretti Paolo , Zaiser Michael
Published: October 2019

A beam network model is used to study the nucleation and propagation of cracks in uniaxially loaded materials consisting of randomly cross‐linked fibers with statistically distributed failure thresholds. The failure behavior of such materials is investigated and, for different degrees of disorder, the fraction of cross links required to achieve an optimal strength‐to‐weight ratio is determined. In the absence of disorder, this problem has a trivial analytical solution (no cross links), which however turns out the worst possible arrangement for strongly disordered materials and/or for large system sizes.
Low Dose of X‐Ray‐Excited Long‐Lasting Luminescent Concave Nanocubes in Highly Passive Targeting Deep‐Seated Hepatic Tumors
Authors: Chen Zheng‐Zhe , Wang Liu‐Chun , Manoharan Divinah , Lee Chin‐Lai , Wu Lai‐Chin , Huang Wan‐Ting , Huang Eng‐Yen , Su Chia‐Hao , Sheu Hwo‐Shuenn , Yeh Chen‐Sheng
Published: October 2019

Chromium‐doped zinc gallate, ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ (ZGC), is viewed as a long‐lasting luminescence (LLL) phosphor that can avoid tissue autofluorescence interference for in vivo imaging detection. ZGC is a cubic spinel structure, a typical agglomerative or clustered morphology lacking a defined cubic shape, but a sphere‐like feature is commonly obtained for the nanometric ZGC. The substantial challenge remains achieving a well‐defined cubic feature in nanoscale. The process by which dispersed and well‐defined concave cubic ZGC is obtained is described, exhibiting much stronger LLL in UV and X‐ray excitation for the dispersed cubic ZGC compared with the agglomerative form that cannot be excited using X‐rays with a low dose of 0.5 Gy. The cubic ZGC reveals a specific accumulation in liver and 0.5 Gy used at the end of X‐ray excitation is sufficient for imaging of deep‐seated hepatic tumors. The ZGC nanocubes show highly passive targeting of orthotopic hepatic tumors.
Laser Controlled 65 Micrometer Long Microrobot Made of Ni‐Ti Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Kim Min‐Soo , Lee Hyun‐Taek , Ahn Sung‐Hoon
Published: October 2019

Microrobotics has many potential applications, such as environmental remediation, in the biomedical arena. However, existing microrobots exhibit practical limitations including inadequate biocompatibility and imprecise control. Here, a microrobot made of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator which can be driven by laser scanning to perform microscale motions is introduced. The 65 µm long microrobot having crawling‐like motion can demonstrate the movement with 10.0 µm s−1 of the maximum speed. The microrobot is controlled by a laser affording wireless, spatiotemporally selective capabilities. During actuation, the robot exhibits crawling‐like motions including trigger via the SMA as removal of adhesion to surface, propulsion induced by optothermal and optical trapping effects. Both theoretical predictions and experimental results confirm that the SMA microrobot can be actuated and controlled via laser scanning. The principle of SMA microrobots, and the optical actuation method, can be broadened to other applications that require deformable microscale structures suitable for mass production.
Night work is related to higher global and central adiposity in Brazil: National Health Survey, 2013
Authors: Correia Francisco G. S. , Ferreira Marcelo J. M. , Giatti Luana , Camelo Lidyane V. , Araújo Larissa F.
Published: October 2019

Background

Night work can disturb the natural circadian rhythm, leading to disruptions in metabolic rate and subsequent overall gain weight or even more harmful abdominal adiposity. Our aims were to investigate the associations between night work frequency and markers of overall and central obesity.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of data from the Brazilian National Health Survey on over 35 500 current workers. Exposure to current night work was composed of three categories: daytime work (reference category), less than one night per week, and more than two nights per week. The body mass index and waist circumference were used as adiposity markers. Logistic and multinomial regression models were used, with adjustment for demographic characteristics, work conditions, self‐related health, and health‐related behaviors.

Results

After complete adjustment, individuals who worked two or more nights a week had higher odds of overweight (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04‐1.38), obesity (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.17‐1.64) and increased waist circumference (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.10‐1.46) than daytime workers.

Conclusions

Night work was significantly associated with measures of adiposity. Changes in working conditions, such as controlling the numbers of nights worked per week or promoting workplaces with healthy meals and the opportunity to perform physical exercise at work, could be suggested.
Palladium–Borane Cooperation: Evidence for an Anionic Pathway and Its Application to Catalytic Hydro‐/Deutero‐dechlorination
Authors: Kameo Hajime , Yamamoto Jun , Asada Ayaka , Nakazawa Hiroshi , Matsuzaka Hiroyuki , Bourissou Didier
Published: October 2019

Metal–Lewis acid cooperation provides new opportunities in catalysis. In this work, we report a new type of palladium–borane cooperation involving anionic Pd0 species. The air‐stable DPB palladium complex 1 (DPB=diphosphine‐borane) was prepared and reacted with KH to give the Pd0 borohydride 2, the first monomeric anionic Pd0 species to be structurally characterized. The boron moiety acts as an acceptor towards Pd in 1 via Pd→B interaction, but as a donor in 2 thanks to B‐H‐Pd bridging. This enables the activation of C−Cl bonds and the system is amenable to catalysis, as demonstrated by the hydro‐/deutero‐dehalogenation of a variety of (hetero)aryl chlorides (20 examples, average yield 85 %).
Cu‐Mediated Amination of (Hetero)Aryl C−H bonds with NH Azaheterocycles
Authors: Yu Jin‐Feng , Li Jian‐Jun , Wang Peng , Yu Jin‐Quan
Published: October 2019

Direct synthesis of N‐(hetero)arylated heteroarenes has been realized through Cu‐mediated C−N coupling of NH azaheterocycles with aryl C−H bonds under aerobic conditions. This method features a broad scope of both heterocyclic arenes (pyridine, quinoline, pyrazole, imidazole, furan, thiophene, benzofuran, and indole) and NH azaheterocycles (imidazole, pyrazole, indole, azindole, purine, indazole, benzimidazole, pyridone, carbazole), providing a versatile method for the synthesis of pharmaceutically important N‐(hetero)arylated heteroarenes. The versatility of this reaction was further demonstrated through late‐stage modification of marketed drugs and the synthesis of a key intermediate for accessing a class of angiotensin II receptor 1 antagonists.
Engineered C–N Lyase: Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Synthons for Artificial Dipeptide Sweeteners
Authors: Zhang Jielin , Grandi Eleonora , Fu Haigen , Saravanan Thangavelu , Bothof Laura , Tepper Pieter G. , Thunnissen Andy‐Mark W. H. , Poelarends Gerrit J.
Published: October 2019

Aspartic acid derivatives with branched N‐alkyl or N‐arylalkyl substituents are valuable precursors to artificial dipeptide sweeteners such as neotame and advantame. The development of a biocatalyst to synthesize these compounds in a single asymmetric step is an as yet unmet challenge. Reported here is an enantioselective biocatalytic synthesis of various difficult N‐substituted aspartic acids, including N‐(3,3‐dimethylbutyl)‐l‐aspartic acid and N‐[3‐(3‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxyphenyl)propyl]‐l‐aspartic acid, precursors to neotame and advantame, respectively, using an engineered variant of ethylenediamine‐N,N′‐disuccinic acid (EDDS) lyase from Chelativorans sp. BNC1. This engineered C–N lyase (mutant D290M/Y320M) displayed a remarkable 1140‐fold increase in activity for the selective hydroamination of fumarate compared to that of the wild‐type enzyme. These results present new opportunities to develop practical multienzymatic processes for the more sustainable and step‐economic synthesis of an important class of food additives.
Bor in energiebezogenen Prozessen und Anwendungen
Authors: Huang Zhenguo , Wang Suning , Dewhurst Rian D. , Ignat'ev Nikolai V. , Finze Maik , Braunschweig Holger
Published: October 2019

Direkt an der Grenze zwischen Metallen und Nichtmetallen angesiedelt, nimmt das Element Bor eine einzigartige Position im Periodensystem ein. Diese besondere Stellung ermöglicht eine enorme Vielfalt an chemischen Reaktionen und Anwendungen. Auch in Hinblick auf die stetig steigende Nachfrage an erneuerbaren und sauberen Energien bzw. energieeffizienten Prozessen ist das Element Bor mehr und mehr in den Fokus der energiebezogenen Forschung gerückt und umfasst mittlerweile Bereiche wie 1) die Aktivierung und Synthese kleiner energiereicher Moleküle, 2) die Speicherung von chemischer und elektrischer Energie und 3) die Umwandlung von elektrischer Energie zu Licht. Diese Anwendungen basieren hierbei auf den besonderen Eigenschaften des Elements Bor, d. h. vor allem auf dessen Elektronenmangel in Verbindung mit der Gegenwart eines unbesetzten p‐Orbitals, was die Ausbildung unzähliger Verbindungen mit gezielt beeinflussbaren chemischen und physikalischen Eigenschaften ermöglicht. So erreicht Bor beispielsweise mit vier kovalenten Bindungen und einer negativen Ladung relativ einfach ein Elektronenoktett, wodurch die Verbindungsklasse der Boratanionen zugänglich wird, welche eine außergewöhnlich hohe chemische und elektrochemische Stabilität aufweisen. Besonders hervorzuheben ist in diesem Zusammenhang die synthetisch wertvolle Klasse der schwach‐koordinierenden Anionen. Dieser Aufsatz soll die Bedeutung von Borverbindungen für energiebezogene Prozesse und Anwendungen verdeutlichen und fasst die Fortschritte der letzten Jahre auf diesem Gebiet zusammen.
A Novel Long‐Range n to π* Interaction Secures the Smallest known α‐Helix in Water
Authors: Hoang Huy N. , Wu Chongyang , Hill Timothy A. , Dantas de Araujo Aline , Bernhardt Paul V. , Liu Ligong , Fairlie David P.
Published: October 2019

The introduction of an amide bond linking side chains of the first and fifth amino acids forms a cyclic pentapeptide that optimally stabilizes the smallest known α‐helix in water. The origin of the stabilization is unclear. The observed dependence of α‐helicity on the solvent and cyclization linker led us to discover a novel long‐range n to π* interaction between a main‐chain amide oxygen and a uniquely positioned carbonyl group in the linker of cyclic pentapeptides. CD and NMR spectra, NMR and X‐ray structures, modelling, and MD simulations reveal that this first example of a synthetically incorporated long‐range n to π* CO⋅⋅⋅Cγ=Ο interaction uniquely enforces an almost perfect and remarkably stable peptide α‐helix in water but not in DMSO. This unusual interaction with a covalent amide bond outside the helical backbone suggests new approaches to synthetically stabilize peptide structures in water.
Phosphorylation Reduces the Mechanical Stability of the α‐Catenin/ β‐Catenin Complex
Authors: Le Shimin , Yu Miao , Yan Jie
Published: October 2019

The α‐catenin/β‐catenin complex serves as a critical molecular interface involved in cadherin–catenin‐based mechanosensing at the cell–cell adherence junction that plays a critical role in tissue integrity, repair, and embryonic development. This complex is subject to tensile forces due to internal actomyosin contractility and external mechanical micro‐environmental perturbation. However, the mechanical stability of this complex has yet to be quantified. Here, we directly quantified the mechanical stability of the α‐catenin/β‐catenin complex and showed that it has enough mechanical stability to survive for tens to hundreds of seconds within physiological level of forces up to 10 pN. Phosphorylation or phosphotyrosine‐mimetic mutations (Y142E or/and T120E) on β‐catenin shorten the mechanical lifetime of the complex by tens of fold over the same force range. These results provide insights into the regulation of the α‐catenin/β‐catenin complex by phosphorylation.
Molecular Engineering of a 3D Self‐Supported Electrode for Oxygen Electrocatalysis in Neutral Media
Authors: Xie Lisi , Li Xialiang , Wang Bin , Meng Jia , Lei Haitao , Zhang Wei , Cao Rui
Published: October 2019

Electrodes for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are required in energy conversion and storage technologies. An assembly strategy involves covalently grafting Co corrole 1 onto Fe3O4 nanoarrays grown on Ti mesh. The resulted electrode shows significantly improved activity and durability for OER and ORR in neutral media as compared to Fe3O4 alone and with directly adsorbed 1. It also displays higher atom efficiency (at least two magnitudes larger turnover frequency) than reported electrodes. Using this electrode in a neutral Zn‐air battery, a small charge–discharge voltage gap of 1.19 V, large peak power density of 90.4 mW cm−2, and high rechargeable stability for >100 h are achieved, opening a promising avenue of molecular electrocatalysis in a metal–air battery. This work shows a molecule‐engineered electrode for electrocatalysis and demonstrates their potential applications in energy conversion and storage.
An Organic Crystal with High Elasticity at an Ultra‐Low Temperature (77 K) and Shapeability at High Temperatures
Authors: Liu Huapeng , Ye Kaiqi , Zhang Zuolun , Zhang Hongyu
Published: October 2019

Organic single crystals with elastic bending capability and potential applications in flexible devices and sensors have been elucidated. Exploring the temperature compatibility of elasticity is essential for defining application boundaries of elastic materials. However, related studies have rarely been reported for elastic organic crystals. Now, an organic crystal displays elasticity even in liquid nitrogen (77 K). The elasticity can be maintained below ca. 150 °C. At higher temperatures, the heat setting property enables us to make various shapes of crystalline fibers based on this single kind of crystal. Through detailed crystallographic analyses and contrast experiments, the mechanisms behind the unusual low‐temperature elasticity and high‐temperature heat setting are disclosed.
Bottom‐Up Assembly of DNA–Silica Nanocomposites into Micrometer‐Sized Hollow Spheres
Authors: Hu Yong , Grösche Maximilian , Sheshachala Sahana , Oelschlaeger Claude , Willenbacher Norbert , Rabe Kersten S. , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: October 2019

Although DNA nanotechnology has developed into a highly innovative and lively field of research at the interface between chemistry, materials science, and biotechnology, there is still a great need for methodological approaches for bridging the size regime of DNA nanostructures with that of micrometer‐ and millimeter‐sized units for practical applications. We report on novel hierarchically structured composite materials from silica nanoparticles and DNA polymers that can be obtained by self‐assembly through the clamped hybridization chain reaction. The nanocomposite materials can be assembled into thin layers within microfluidically generated water‐in‐oil droplets to produce mechanically stabilized hollow spheres with uniform size distributions at high throughput rates. The fact that cells can be encapsulated in these microcontainers suggests that our concept not only contributes to the further development of supramolecular bottom‐up manufacturing, but can also be exploited for applications in the life sciences.
Dynamic Open Coordination Cage from Nonsymmetrical Imidazole–Pyridine Ditopic Ligands for Turn‐On/Off Anion Binding
Authors: Ogata Daiji , Yuasa Junpei
Published: October 2019

This work demonstrates a new nonconventional ligand design, imidazole/pyridine‐based nonsymmetrical ditopic ligands (1 and 1S), to construct a dynamic open coordination cage from nonsymmetrical building blocks. Upon complex formation with Pd2+ at a 1:4 molar ratio, 1 and 1S initially form mononuclear PdL4 complexes (Pd2+(1)4 and Pd2+(1S)4) without formation of a cage. The PdL4 complexes undergo a stoichiometrically controlled structural transition to Pd2L4 open cages ((Pd2+)2(1)4 and (Pd2+)2(1S)4) capable of anion binding, leading to turn‐on anion binding. The structural transitions between the Pd2L4 open cage and the PdL4 complex are reversible. Thus, stoichiometric addition (2 equiv) of free 1S to the (Pd2+)2(1S)4 open cage holding a guest anion ((Pd2+)2(1S)4⋅G−) enables the structural transition to the Pd2+(1S)4 complex, which does not have a cage and thus causes the release of the guest anion (Pd2+(1S)4+G−).
Boron: Its Role in Energy‐Related Processes and Applications
Authors: Huang Zhenguo , Wang Suning , Dewhurst Rian D. , Ignat'ev Nikolai V. , Finze Maik , Braunschweig Holger
Published: October 2019

Boron's unique position in the Periodic Table, that is, at the apex of the line separating metals and nonmetals, makes it highly versatile in chemical reactions and applications. Contemporary demand for renewable and clean energy as well as energy‐efficient products has seen boron playing key roles in energy‐related research, such as 1) activating and synthesizing energy‐rich small molecules, 2) storing chemical and electrical energy, and 3) converting electrical energy into light. These applications are fundamentally associated with boron's unique characteristics, such as its electron‐deficiency and the availability of an unoccupied p orbital, which allow the formation of a myriad of compounds with a wide range of chemical and physical properties. For example, boron's ability to achieve a full octet of electrons with four covalent bonds and a negative charge has led to the synthesis of a wide variety of borate anions of high chemical and electrochemical stability—in particular, weakly coordinating anions. This Review summarizes recent advances in the study of boron compounds for energy‐related processes and applications.
The Core Fucose on an IgG Antibody is an Endogenous Ligand of Dectin‐1
Authors: Manabe Yoshiyuki , Marchetti Roberta , Takakura Yohei , Nagasaki Masahiro , Nihei Wataru , Takebe Tomoyuki , Tanaka Katsunori , Kabayama Kazuya , Chiodo Fabrizio , Hanashima Shinya , Kamada Yoshihiro , Miyoshi Eiji , Dulal Hari Prasad , Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Adachi Yoshiyuki , Ohno Naohito , Tanaka Hiroshi , Silipo Alba , Fukase Koichi , Molinaro Antonio
Published: October 2019

The core fucose, a major modification of N‐glycans, is implicated in immune regulation, such as the attenuation of the antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity of antibody drugs and the inhibition of anti‐tumor responses via the promotion of PD‐1 expression on T cells. Although the core fucose regulates many biological processes, no core fucose recognition molecule has been identified in mammals. Herein, we report that Dectin‐1, a known anti‐β‐glucan lectin, recognizes the core fucose on IgG antibodies. A combination of biophysical experiments further suggested that Dectin‐1 recognizes aromatic amino acids adjacent to the N‐terminal asparagine at the glycosylation site as well as the core fucose. Thus, Dectin‐1 appears to be the first lectin‐like molecule involved in the heterovalent and specific recognition of characteristic N‐glycans on antibodies.