bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective oxidation of B800 bacteriochlorophyll a in photosynthetic light-harvesting protein LH2
Authors: Saga Yoshitaka , Kawano Kiyoshiro , Otsuka Yuji , Imanishi Michie , Kimura Yukihiro , Matsui Sayaka , Asakawa Hitoshi
Published: March 2019

Engineering chlorophyll (Chl) pigments that are bound to photosynthetic light-harvesting proteins is one promising strategy to regulate spectral coverage for photon capture and to improve the photosynthetic efficiency of these proteins. Conversion from the bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) skeleton (7,8,17,18-tetrahydroporphyrin) to the Chl skeleton (17,18-dihydroporphyrin) produces the most drastic change of the spectral range of absorption by light-harvesting proteins. We demonstrated in situ selective oxidation of B800 BChl a in light-harvesting protein LH2 from a purple bacterium Rhodoblastus acidophilus by 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone. The newly formed pigment, 3-acetyl Chl a, interacted with the LH2 polypeptides in the same manner as native B800. B850 BChl a was not oxidized in this reaction. CD spectroscopy indicated that the B850 orientation and the content of the α-helices were unchanged by the B800 oxidation. The nonameric circular arrangement of the oxidized LH2 protein was visualized by AFM; its diameter was almost the same as that of native LH2. The in situ oxidation of B800 BChl a in LH2 protein with no structural change will be useful not only for manipulation of the photofunctional properties of photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes but also for understanding the substitution of BChl to Chl pigments in the evolution from bacterial to oxygenic photosynthesis.
Amelogenic transcriptome profiling in ameloblast-like cells derived from adult gingival epithelial cells
Authors: Hyun Sun-Yi , Mun Seyoung , Kang Kyung-Jung , Lim Jong-Chan , Kim Shin-Young , Han Kyudong , Jang Young-Joo
Published: March 2019

Dental enamel is the highly mineralized tissue covering the tooth surface and is formed by ameloblasts. Ameloblasts have been known to be impossible to detect in adult tooth because they are shed by apoptosis during enamel maturation and tooth eruption. Owing to these, little was known about appropriate cell surface markers to isolate ameloblast-like cells in tissues. To overcome these problems, epithelial cells were selectively cultivated from the gingival tissues and used as a stem cell source for ameloblastic differentiation. When gingival epithelial cells were treated with a specified concentration of BMP2, BMP4, and TGFβ-1, the expression of ameloblast-specific markers was increased, and both the MAPK and Smad signaling pathways were activated. Gingival epithelial cells differentiated into ameloblast-like cells through epithelial-mesenchymal transition. By RNA-Seq analysis, we reported 20 ameloblast-specific genes associated with cell surface, cell adhesion, and extracellular matrix function. These cell surface markers might be useful for the detection and isolation of ameloblast-like cells from dental tissues.
Reliable resolution of ambiguous hepatitis C virus genotype 1 results with the Abbott HCV Genotype Plus RUO assay
Authors: Saludes V. , Antuori A. , Reinhardt B. , Viciana I. , Clavijo E. , Schreiber L. , Tenenbaum M. , Rodriguez-Frias F. , Quer J. , Matas L. , Martró E.
Published: March 2019

Accurate subtyping of hepatitis C virus genotype 1 (HCV-1) remains clinically and epidemiologically relevant. The Abbott HCV Genotype Plus RUO (GT Plus) assay, targeting the core region, was evaluated as a reflex test to resolve ambiguous HCV-1 results in a challenging sample collection. 198 HCV-1 specimens were analysed with GT Plus (38 specimens with and 160 without subtype assigned by the Abbott RealTime Genotype II (GT II) assay targeting the 5’NC and NS5B regions). Sanger sequencing of the core and/or NS5B regions were performed in 127 specimens without subtype assignment by GT II, with “not detected” results by GT Plus, or with mixed genotypes/subtypes. The remaining GT Plus results were compared to LiPA 2.0 (n = 45) or just to GT II results if concordant (n = 26). GT Plus successfully assigned the subtype in 142/160 (88.8%) samples. “Not detected” results indicated other HCV-1 subtypes/genotypes or mismatches in the core region in subtype 1b. The subtyping concordance between GT Plus and either sequencing or LiPA was 98.6% (140/142). Therefore, combined use of GT II and GT Plus assays represents a reliable and simple approach which considerably reduced the number of ambiguous HCV-1 results and enabled a successful subtyping of 98.9% of all HCV-1 samples.
Circatidal gene expression in the mangrove cricket Apteronemobius asahinai
Authors: Satoh Aya , Terai Yohey
Published: March 2019

The mangrove cricket Apteronemobius asahinai is endemic to mangrove forest floors. It shows circatidal rhythmicity, with a 12.6-h period of locomotor activity under constant conditions. Its free-running activity also has a circadian component; i.e. it is more active during the subjective night than during the day. In this study, we investigated rhythmic gene expression under constant darkness by RNA sequencing to identify genes controlled by the biological clock. Samples collected every 3 h for 48 h were analysed (one cricket per time-point). We identified 284 significant circatidal cycling transcripts (period length 12–15 h). Almost half of them were annotated with known genes in the NCBI nr database, including enzymes related to metabolic processes and molecular chaperones. There were less transcripts with circadian rhythmicity than with circatidal rhythmicity, and the expression of core circadian clock genes did not show significant rhythmicity. This may reflect the nature of the mangrove cricket or may be due to the paucity of the sampling repeats: only two periods for circadian cycle with no replications. We evaluated for the first time the rhythmic transcriptome of an insect that shows circatidal rhythmic activity; our findings will contribute to future studies of circatidal clock genes.
Diagnosing Zika virus infection against a background of other flaviviruses: Studies in high resolution serological analysis
Authors: Hansen Sören , Hotop Sven-Kevin , Faye Oumar , Ndiaye Oumar , Böhlken-Fascher Susanne , Pessôa Rodrigo , Hufert Frank , Stahl-Hennig Christiane , Frank Ronald , Czerny Claus-Peter , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Sanabani Sabri S. , Sall Amadou A. , Niedrig Matthias , Brönstrup Mark , Fritz Hans-Joachim , Abd El Wahed Ahmed
Published: March 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. Homologous proteins of different flaviviruses display high degrees of sequence identity, especially within subgroups. This leads to extensive immunological cross-reactivity and corresponding problems for developing a ZIKV-specific serological assay. In this study, peptide microarrays were employed to identify individual ZIKV antibody targets with promise in differential diagnosis. A total of 1643 overlapping oligopeptides were synthesized and printed onto glass slides. Together, they encompass the full amino acid sequences of ZIKV proteomes of African, Brazilian, USA, and French Polynesian origins. The resulting ZIKV scanning microarray chips were used to screen three pools of sera from recent Zika outbreaks in Senegal and Cape Verde, in Brazil, and from overseas travelers returning to the EU. Together with a mixed pool of well characterized, archived sera of patients suffering from infections by dengue, yellow fever, tick-borne encephalitis, and West Nile viruses, a total of 42 sera went into the study. Sixty-eight antibody target regions were identified. Most of which were hitherto unknown. Alignments and sequence comparisons revealed 13 of which could be classified as bona fide ZIKV-specific. These identified antibody target regions constitute a founding set of analytical tools for serological discrimination of ZIKV from other flaviviruses.
Engraftment and proliferation potential of embryonic lung tissue cells in irradiated mice with emphysema
Authors: Shiraishi Kazushige , Shichino Shigeyuki , Tsukui Tatsuya , Hashimoto Shinichi , Ueha Satoshi , Matsushima Kouji
Published: March 2019

Recently, there has been increasing interest in stem cell transplantation therapy, to treat chronic respiratory diseases, using lung epithelial cells or alveolospheres derived from endogenous lung progenitor cells. However, optimal transplantation strategy of these cells has not been addressed. To gain insight into the optimization of stem cell transplantation therapy, we investigated whether lung cell engraftment potential differ among different developmental stages. After preconditioning with irradiation and elastase to induce lung damage, we infused embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5) CAG-EGFP whole lung cells, and confirmed the engraftment of epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and mesenchymal cells. The number of EGFP-positive epithelial cells increased from day 7 to 28 after infusion. Among epithelial cells derived from E13.5, E15.5, E18.5, P7, P14, and P56 mice, E15.5 cells demonstrated the most efficient engraftment. In vitro, E15.5 epithelial cells showed high proliferation potential. Transcriptome analyses of sorted epithelial cells from E13.5, E15.5, E18.5, P14, and P56 mice revealed that cell cycle and cell-cell adhesion genes were highly enriched in E15.5 epithelial cells. Our findings suggest that cell therapy for lung diseases might be most effective when epithelial cells with transcriptional traits similar to those of E15.5 epithelial cells are used.
Effects of lifelong intake of lemon polyphenols on aging and intestinal microbiome in the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 1 (SAMP1)
Authors: Shimizu Chikako , Wakita Yoshihisa , Inoue Takashi , Hiramitsu Masanori , Okada Miki , Mitani Yutaka , Segawa Shuichi , Tsuchiya Youichi , Nabeshima Toshitaka
Published: March 2019

Polyphenols have been examined for their beneficial effects on health, particularly in rodents, but their lifelong effects are unclear. Lemons (Citrus limon), containing lemon polyphenols (LPP), are widely consumed but the effects of LPP on aging are unknown. Therefore, we examined the effects of LPP on aging such as aging-related scores, locomotor activity, cognitive functions, and intestinal microbiome using senescence-accelerated mouse prone 1 (SAMP1) and senescence-accelerated resistant mouse 1 (SAMR1). All mice had ad libitum access to water (P1_water group, SAMR1) or 0.1% LPP (P1_LPP group). In the P1_LPP group, LPP intake prolonged the lifespan by approximately 3 weeks and delayed increases in aging-related scores (e.g., periophthalmic lesions) and locomotor atrophy. The P1_water group showed large changes in the intestinal microbiome structure, while the R1 and P1_LPP groups did not. The phylum Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes, which is associated with obesity, in the P1_water group was significantly lower and higher than that in the P1_LPP and R1 groups, respectively. Although the relative abundance of Lactobacillus significantly increased in both P1 groups with aging, the P1_LPP group showed a significantly lower increase than the P1_water group. Thus, lifelong intake of LPP may have anti-aging effects on both phenotypes and the intestinal environment.
Poly-L-Lysine functionalised MWCNT-rGO nanosheets based 3-d hybrid structure for femtomolar level cholesterol detection using cantilever based sensing platform
Authors: Basu Aviru Kumar , Sah Amar Nath , Pradhan Asima , Bhattacharya Shantanu
Published: March 2019

In this work we have developed a novel rGO-MWCNT (reduced graphene oxide-multiwalled carbon nanotube) nanocomposite material with Poly-L-Lysine functionalization which can be used for detection of biomolecules with enhanced sensitivity. The reduced GO sheets are found to play a major role as a connector and helps in the assembly of bundles of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which may sometime play a role of upstanding nanostructures. The overall composite structure is further fully functionalized resulting in an overall high density of amino groups that can be used to capture biomolecules. The sensitivity of the as synthesized film is tested by the oxidation of cholesterol through cholesterol oxidase enzyme that is biochemically immobilized over these composite films. The test for the immobilization density of the novel films are carried out by mounting these films on sensitive thin section static micro/nano-cantilever platforms. The platforms have capability to measure cholesterol traces in blood upto an extent of 100 femto molar through deflection /bending of the cantilevers due to surface reaction. The films developed show a promise of high immobilization density which is further confirmed through fluorescence studies using FITC labeling of functionalized MWCNT-PLL and rGO-PLL films respectively.
Hybrid approach to sieve out natural compounds against dual targets in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Das Sucharita , Chakraborty Sandipan , Basu Soumalee
Published: March 2019

Excess Aβ production by the key protease BACE1, results in Aβ aggregation, forming amyloid plaques, all of which contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Besides the multi-factorial nature of the disease, the diversity in the size and shape of known ligands that bind to the active site of BACE1, that is the flexibility of the enzyme, pose a serious challenge for the identification of drug candidates. To address the issue of receptor flexibility we have carried out ensemble docking with multiple receptor conformations. Therein, two representative structures each from closed and semi-open BACE1 conformations were selected for virtual screening to identify compounds that bind to the active site of both the conformations. These outperformed compounds were ranked using pharmacophore models generated by a ligand-based approach, for the identification of BACE1 inhibitors. The inhibitors were further predicted for anti-amyloidogenic activity using a QSAR model already established by our group thus enlisting compounds with dual potency. BACE1 inhibitory and anti-amyloidogenic activity for the commercially available compounds were validated using in vitro studies. Thus, incorporation of receptor flexibility in BACE1 through ensemble docking in conjunction with structure and ligand-based approach for screening might act as an effective protocol for obtaining promising scaffolds against AD.
A fine-grained time course investigation of brain dynamics during conflict monitoring
Authors: Ruggeri Paolo , Meziane Hadj Boumediene , Koenig Thomas , Brandner Catherine
Published: March 2019

The conflict monitoring model predicting higher anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) neuronal activity on incongruent trials has been recently challenged by a model predicting longer neuronal activity in incongruent trials characterized by longer RTs. To clarify this issue, brain dynamics were explored through event-related-potential (ERP) recordings during a Stroop task. We assessed differences between experimental conditions by combining complementary methods sensitive to the temporality of events including microstate, TANOVA and source localization analysis. The analysis demonstrated the same electrical dynamics only differed in duration towards the end of information processing in the incongruent condition. Specifically, the activation strength of the ACC region did not differ significantly between congruent and incongruent conditions but lasted longer in the incongruent condition. Taken together, our results support the model predicting longer neuronal activity in incongruent trials characterized by longer RTs. They highlight that brain dynamics can dramatically change through periods of interest and that caution is required when interpreting fMRI results. To conclude, these results indicate how time-sensitive measures can contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying information processing, and thus offer new venues to explore conflict monitoring
Fiddler crab bioturbation determines consistent changes in bacterial communities across contrasting environmental conditions
Authors: Booth Jenny Marie , Fusi Marco , Marasco Ramona , Mbobo Tumeka , Daffonchio Daniele
Published: March 2019

Ecosystem functions are regulated by compositional and functional traits of bacterial communities, shaped by stochastic and deterministic processes. Biogeographical studies have revealed microbial community taxonomy in a given ecosystem to change alongside varying environmental characteristics. Considering that stable functional traits are essential for community stability, we hypothesize that contrasting environmental conditions affect microbial taxonomy rather than function in a model system, testing this in three geographically distinct mangrove forests subjected to intense animal bioturbation (a shared deterministic force). Using a metabarcoding approach combined with sediment microprofiling and biochemistry, we examined vertical and radial sediment profiles of burrows belonging to the pantropical fiddler crab (subfamily Gelasiminae) in three contrasting mangrove environments across a broad latitudinal range (total samples = 432). Each mangrove was environmentally distinct, reflected in taxonomically different bacterial communities, but communities consistently displayed the same spatial stratification (a halo effect) around the burrow which invariably determined the retention of similar inferred functional community traits independent of the local environment.
Fasting apolipoprotein B48 is associated with large artery atherosclerotic stroke: a case-control study
Authors: Tian Jing , Chen Hong , Liu Ping , Wang Chun , Chen Yong
Published: March 2019

Fasting Apolipoprotein B48 (ApoB48) is reported to be a well surrogate marker for postprandial lipidemia and have been repeatedly associated with cardiovascular disease. However, whether ApoB48 is also a risk factor for ischemic stroke have not been reported. In this study, our object is to explore the relationship between fasting plasma ApoB48 levels and the large artery atherosclerotic (LAA) stroke.A 1:1 age-(±2), gender-matched case-control study was conducted. LAA patients and healthy controls admitted to our center were prospectively recruited. Clinical data were collected and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the fasting plasma ApoB48 levels.A cohort of 234 LAA stroke patients and 234 controls were enrolled. Fasting plasma ApoB48 levels were significantly higher in LAA stroke patients than in controls (4.76(3.46) vs 4.00(2.4), P < 0.001). Conditional multivariable analyses indicated that fasting ApoB48 levels were associated with LAA stroke (odds ratio: 1.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.04–1.35; P = 0.014).Our study indicates that increased fasting plasma ApoB48 may be a risk factor for LAA stroke.
Energy landscape of the charge transfer reaction at the complex Li/SEI/electrolyte interface
Authors: Li Yunsong , Qi Yue
Published: March 2019

The charge transfer reaction is the fundamental reaction for rechargeable batteries.
In situTEM study on diversified martensitic transition behaviour in Ni50Mn35In15alloys
Authors: Zuo Shulan , Liu Yao , Zhang Ying , Xiong Jiefu , Liu Jun , Qiao Kaiming , Liang Feixiang , Zhao Tongyun , Hu Fengxia , Sun Jirong , Shen Baogen
Published: March 2019

The difference in magnetic structure is related to the crystal structure.
The activation of oxygen through oxygen vacancies in BiOCl/PPy to inhibit toxic intermediates and enhance the activity of photocatalytic nitric oxide removal
Authors: Zhao Ziyan , Cao Yuehan , Dong Fan , Wu Fan , Li Bangxin , Zhang Qian , Zhou Ying
Published: March 2019

Photocatalysis is regarded as a promising technology for indoor air purification.
Homogeneous hydroformylation of long chain alkenes catalyzed by water soluble phosphine rhodium complex in CH3OH and efficient catalyst cycling
Authors: Liu Yan-li , Zhao Jian-gui , Zhao Yuan-jiang , Liu Hui-Min , Fu Hai-yan , Zheng Xue-li , Yuan Mao-lin , Li Rui-xiang , Chen Hua
Published: March 2019

Hydroformylation of long-chain alkenes proceeded homogeneously in methanol efficiently. The catalyst could be separated heterogeneously when methanol was removed and recycled for four times without obvious loss in catalytic performance and rhodium.
Simultaneous ultraviolet and first near-infrared window absorption of luminescent carbon dots/PVA composite film
Authors: Taspika Melda , Permatasari Fitri Aulia , Nuryadin Bebeh Wahid , Mayangsari Tirta Rona , Aimon Akfiny Hasdi , Iskandar Ferry
Published: March 2019

The simultaneous UV and first NIR absorption of the CDs/PVA composite could be maintained up to 200 °C, with minimum PL changes.
Dinuclear HgII tetracarbene complex-triggered aggregation-induced emission for rapid and selective sensing of Hg2+ and organomercury species
Authors: Yuan Bin , Wang Dong-Xia , Zhu Li-Na , Lan Yan-Long , Cheng Meng , Zhang Li-Ming , Chu Jun-Qing , Li Xiao-Zeng , Kong De-Ming
Published: March 2019

Mercury-mediated chelate ring formation and subsequent aggregation gives strong fluorescence for rapid and selective sensing of Hg2+ and organomercury.
In vivoadhesion force measurements ofChlamydomonason model substrates
Authors: Kreis Christian Titus , Grangier Alice , Bäumchen Oliver
Published: March 2019

A universal adhesion mechanism allowsChlamydomonasto effectively colonize abiotic surfaces, as evidenced byin vivoadhesion force measurements.
Tailored polymer nanocomposite membranes based on carbon, metal oxide and silicon nanomaterials: a review
Authors: Sri Abirami Saraswathi Meenakshi Sundaram , Nagendran Alagumalai , Rana Dipak
Published: March 2019

Research into the structure, synthesis and properties of nanoscale materials has increased at an enormous pace over the past decades since they have a wide variety of applications ranging from adsorption to separation processes in water treatment.
Hierarchical MoS2–carbon porous nanorods towards atomic interfacial engineering for high-performance lithium storage
Authors: Li Zhenyou , Ottmann Alexander , Sun Qing , Kast Anne K. , Wang Kai , Zhang Ting , Meyer Hans-Peter , Backes Claudia , Kübel Christian , Schröder Rasmus R. , Xiang Junhui , Vaynzof Yana , Klingeler Rüdiger
Published: March 2019

Downsizing the building blocks of hierarchical structure towards molecular layer level helps to improve the Li storage performance significantly.
Operandodual beam FTIR spectroscopy unravels the promotional effect of Zn on HZSM-5 in iso-butane aromatization
Authors: Liu Jiaxu , He Ning , Zhou Wei , Shu Miao , Lin Long , Wang Jilei , Si Rui , Xiong Guang , Xin Qin , Guo Hongchen
Published: March 2019

Experimental and theoretical results showed that there are special interactions between olefins (as intermediate precursors) and the Zn modified HZSM-5 zeolites, which were absent in the parent HZSM-5.
Correction: A novel polymer containing phosphorus–nitrogen ligands for stabilization of palladium nanoparticles: an efficient and recyclable catalyst for Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions in neat water
Authors: Gholinejad M. , Hamed F. , Biji P.
Published: March 2019

Correction for ‘A novel polymer containing phosphorus–nitrogen ligands for stabilization of palladium nanoparticles: an efficient and recyclable catalyst for Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions in neat water’ by M. Gholinejad, et al., Dalton Trans., 2015, 44, 14293–14303.
Bacterial homoserine lactones as a nanocomposite fertilizer and defense regulator for chickpeas
Authors: Gupta Govind Sharan , Kumar Arun , Verma Nishith
Published: March 2019

AHL/Fe-CNF nanocomposites were effective in increasing germination rate and plant growth as well as developing resistance towards biotic and abiotic stresses.
Label-free detection of early oligomerization of α-synuclein and its mutants A30P/E46K through solid-state nanopores
Authors: Li Xiaoqing , Tong Xin , Lu Wenlong , Yu Dapeng , Diao Jiajie , Zhao Qing
Published: March 2019

Time-dependent kinetics of early oligomerization of Parkinson's disease-related α-synuclein and its mutants A30P/E46K have been studied through solid-state nanopores.
Scanning tunneling microscopy and Raman evidence of silicene nanosheets intercalated into graphite surfaces at room temperature
Authors: Kupchak I. , Fabbri F. , De Crescenzi M. , Scarselli M. , Salvato M. , Delise T. , Berbezier I. , Pulci O. , Castrucci P.
Published: March 2019

(a) STM image of a graphite (G) substrate after the Si deposition at RT. (b) Stable configuration of a silicene nanosheet intercalated under the outmost G layer and (c) this outmost G layer distribution of the tensile strain.
Insights into the synthesis of pillar[5]arene and its conversion into pillar[6]arene
Authors: Da Pian Marta , Schalley Christoph A. , Fabris Fabrizio , Scarso Alessandro
Published: March 2019

The synthesis of pillar[5]arenes from p-dialkoxybenzene and formaldehyde in the presence of iron(iii) chloride and tetramethylammonium chloride under mild reaction conditions was investigated in detail.
Design, synthesis and properties investigation of Nα-acylation lysine based derivatives
Authors: Shi Ting-Ting , Fang Zheng , Zeng Wen-Bo , Yang Zhao , He Wei , Guo Kai
Published: March 2019

A novel method has been developed for synthesizing Nα-acylation lysine based derivatives by introducing long chain acyl groups at the Nα position of lysine selectively.
Ethylammonium as an alternative cation for efficient perovskite solar cells from first-principles calculations
Authors: Liu Diwen , Li Qiaohong , Wu Kechen
Published: March 2019

Mixed-cation lead halide perovskites have emerged as a new class of promising photovoltaic materials for perovskite solar cells.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of overall energy deposition in surface-induced unfolding of protein ions
Authors: Donor Micah T. , Mroz Austin M. , Prell James S.
Published: March 2019

Overall energy deposition in surface-induced unfolding of protein ions is studied with a combination of experimental and theoretical methods.
Stringing MOF-derived nanocages: a strategy for the enhanced oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Xu Huajie , Yang Yiwei , Yang Xiaoxi , Cao Jing , Liu Weisheng , Tang Yu
Published: March 2019

In this work, we developed an effective strategy to construct lattice strain and high-energy interfaces by fabricating bunched MOF-derived CeOx/CoS along long CeO2nanorods (L-CeO2NRs), which can be used as efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts.
Asymmetric fused-ring electron acceptor with two distinct terminal groups for efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Ye Linglong , Xie Yuanpeng , Xiao Yiqun , Song Jiali , Li Chao , Fu Huiting , Weng Kangkang , Lu Xinhui , Tan Songting , Sun Yanming
Published: March 2019

An efficient asymmetric fused-ring electron acceptor IDTT-2F-Th with two distinct terminal groups was designed and synthesized.
Silver nanoparticle@DNA tetrahedron-based colorimetric detection of HIV-related DNA with cascade strand displacement amplification
Authors: Ma Xiaoyi , Miao Peng
Published: March 2019

DNA tetrahedron-modified silver nanoparticles were constructed for the colorimetric analysis of HIV-related DNA with strand displacement polymerization and nicking endonuclease-aided cycles.
Optimal bidding strategy with the inclusion of wind power supplier in an emerging power market
Authors: Singh Satyendra , Fozdar Manoj
Published: March 2019

In polistic electricity market structure, each power producers can maximise its profit through bidding strategy. Also, with the advent of renewable generation mostly wind has shaped a new prospect in the bidding process. Although, the wind power output uncertainty, wind power suppliers facing an inevitable uncertainty problem in an emerging power market. To alleviate the adverse impact of this uncertainty on wind power bidding, Weibull distribution is used to model wind power scenarios and the forward‐reduction algorithm is utilised to reduce scenarios. Furthermore, an overestimation and underestimation cost function is modelled to measure the deviation of wind power output. The bidding strategy with the inclusion of wind power is proposed in this study to maximise profit. However, the uncertainty of rival's behaviour affects the bidding process, which minimised by utilising the normal probability distribution function. The proposed problem is tested on the IEEE standard 30‐bus and 57‐bus systems and solved by the gravitational search algorithm (GSA). The results are obtained without and with wind power and shows that the effects of wind power on market clearing price and bidding strategy. Moreover, GSA gives higher market clearing price and net profit as compared with particle swarm optimisation and genetic algorithm.
Feature‐based detection and classification of moving objects using LiDAR sensor
Authors: Guo Ziming , Cai Baigen , Jiang Wei , Wang Jian
Published: March 2019

Detection and classification of moving objects is essential for autonomous driving. To tackle this problem, this paper proposes an object classification method at detection level using a single LiDAR sensor. The aim is to extract and classify all the moving vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians in front of the sensor. First, the point clouds are segmented to produce distinct groups of points representing different objects, where the line segments are extracted. A segmentation combination strategy is conducted to address the over‐segmentation caused by occlusion. Then, considering the object geometry and reflection intensity, several features for classification are defined and extracted from different hand‐labelled object classes. Reference ranges of all the features are generated on a set of experiment samples. Finally, the object class can be decided by checking if its features match with the existing feature reference ranges of a certain class. The proposed method was evaluated using datasets gathered by the vehicle demonstrator, and the experiment results show considerable improvement of classification performance compared to an existing object classification method based on the object matching framework.
Alkali‐dissolving hydrothermal synthesis of zeolite P from fly ash
Authors: Wang Peng , Sun Qi , Zhang Yujiao , Cao Jun
Published: March 2019

Zeolite P with the pseudo‐spherical form was successfully synthesised from low‐grade fly ash via alkali‐dissolving hydrothermal synthesis method. These samples were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray fluorescence, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry‐differential scanning calorimeter (TG‐DSC) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. The textural properties of zeolite P were further studied by N2 adsorption–desorption technique. In addition, the TG‐DSC study confirmed that the bound water content of zeolite P is 19.7% and the phase transition temperature of zeolite P is 400°C. Moreover, this thermal stability study approach not only extends the application of zeolite P but can be further extended to other zeolite materials as well.
Methylamine and other simple N-bearing species in the hot cores NGC 6334I MM1–3
Authors: Bøgelund Eva G. , McGuire Brett A. , Hogerheijde Michiel R. , van Dishoeck Ewine F. , Ligterink Niels F. W.
Published: March 2019

Context. In the search for the building blocks of life, nitrogen-bearing molecules are of particular interest since nitrogen-containing bonds are essential for the linking of amino acids and ultimately the formation of larger biological structures. The elusive molecule methylamine (CH3NH2) is thought to be a key pre-biotic species but has so far only been securely detected in the giant molecular cloud Sagittarius B2.

Aims. We identify CH3NH2 and other simple nitrogen-bearing species involved in the synthesis of biologically relevant molecules towards three hot cores associated with the high-mass star-forming region NGC 6334I, located at a distance of 1.3 kpc. Column density ratios are derived in order to investigate the relevance of the individual species as precursors of biotic molecules.

Methods. High sensitivity, high angular and spectral resolution observations obtained with the Atacama Large Millimeter/ submillimeter Array were used to study transitions of CH3NH2, CH2NH, NH2CHO, and the 13C- and 15N-methyl cyanide (CH3CN) isotopologues, detected towards NGC 6334I. Column densities are derived for each species assuming local thermodynamic equilibrium and excitation temperatures in the range 220–340 K for CH3NH2, 70–110 K for the CH3CN isotopologues and 120–215 K for NH2CHO and CH2NH.

Results. We report the first detections of CH3NH2 towards NGC 6334I with column density ratios with respect to CH3OH of 5.9 × 10−3, 1.5 × 10−3 and 5.4 × 10−4 for the three hot cores MM1, MM2, and MM3, respectively. These values are slightly lower than the values derived for Sagittarius B2 but higher by more than an order of magnitude as compared with the values derived for the low-mass protostar IRAS 16293–2422B. The column density ratios of NH2CHO, 13CH3CN, and CH3C15N with respect to CH3OH are (1.5 – 1.9) × 10−4, (1.0 – 4.6) × 10−3 and (1.7 – 3.0) × 10−3 respectively. Lower limits of 5.2, 1.2, and 3.0 are reported for the CH3NH2 to CH2NH column density ratio for MM1, MM2, and MM3 respectively. These limits are largely consistent with the values derived for Sagittarius B2 and higher than those for IRAS 16293–2422B.

Conclusions. The detections of CH3NH2 in the hot cores of NGC 6334I hint that CH3NH2 is generally common in the interstellar medium, albeit that high-sensitivity observations are essential forthe detection of the species. The good agreement between model predictions of CH3NH2 ratios and the observations towards NGC 6334I indicate a main formation pathway via radical recombination on grain surfaces. This process may be stimulated further by high grain temperatures allowing a lager degree of radical mobility. Further observations with ALMA will help evaluate the degree to which CH3NH2 chemistry depends on the temperature of the grains in high- and low-mass star-forming regions respectively.
Further dispersion of the invasive alien species Corbicula fluminea (O. F. Müller, 1774) in the Oder River
Authors: Cebulska Klaudia D. , Krodkiewska Mariola
Published: March 2019

Corbicula fluminea is recognised as being one of the worst alien species in Europe and one of the world's most widespread non-indigenous species in freshwater ecosystems. In Poland, it was detected in a heated water channel of the Lower Oder Power Station near Szczecin for the first time in 2003. In the following years, it continued its spread in the Oder River and the Vistula River. Our study uncovered new findings of C. fluminea in the Upper Oder River, which are its southernmost localities in the Oder River. Its record in the Gliwice Canal indicates that this may be a new dispersion route to the east for this species.
Congenital toxoplasmosis in the United States: clinical and serologic findings in infants born to mothers treated during pregnancy
Authors: Olariu Tudor Rares , Press Cindy , Talucod Jeanne , Olson Kjerstie , Montoya José Gilberto
Published: March 2019

We assessed clinical and serologic findings in 25 infants with congenital toxoplasmosis born to mothers treated during pregnancy in the United States. Results indicate a lower prevalence of eye findings and hydrocephalus in the group of infants born to treated mothers (62.5% and 38.5%, respectively) compared to results on the same pathologies reported in our previous cohort of infants born to untreated mothers (92.2% and 67.7%, respectively). The sensitivity of the IgM ISAGA and IgA ELISA in the present study were lower (44% and 60%, respectively) compared to sensitivity of these methods in our previously studied group of infants born to untreated mothers (86.6% and 76.5%, respectively). These findings provide further evidence that anti-parasitic treatment if administered during pregnancy can contribute to better clinical outcomes, even in countries where systematic screening and treatment have not been routinely implemented.
„Endlich spricht der Tod: Genug!“ – Umgang mit Tod und
Begrenzung in der Psychotherapie
Authors: Frede Ursula
Published: March 2019

In einer Gesellschaft, die vom Ideal der Machbarkeit bestimmt ist, werden offene
Auseinandersetzungen mit Themen wie Tod und Begrenzung eher vermieden – auch in
Medizin und Psychologie. Der Artikel will einer Psychotherapie mit alten und
sterbenden Menschen den Nimbus des Außergewöhnlichen nehmen. Anhand eines
Fallbeispiels werden Aspekte therapeutischen Handelns beschrieben, die
(unabhängig von einer bestimmten Grundorientierung) für die Begegnung mit
Betroffenen wichtig sind.
Trauer ist keine Krankheit, nicht durchlebte Trauer kann
aber krank machen
Authors: Titulaer P. Tobias
Published: March 2019

Der folgende Beitrag ist ein Erfahrungsbericht aus der 25-jährigen Begleitung
Trauernder in den sich ständig verändernden Aufgabenbereichen des Autors. Er
erhebt keinesfalls den Anspruch einer wissenschaftlich fundierten und
begründeten Studie, sondern basiert auf dem, was trauernde Menschen bewegt.
Zum Beitrag: Neuroendokrinologie – Körperliche Folgen von
Burnout
Authors: Kopka Eva
Published: March 2019

Die im Beitrag von Urs M. Nater 1 zitierten
neuroendokrinologischen Befunde legen nahe, dass eine chronische Aktivierung des
Stresshormonsystems mit einer Regulationsstörung der
Hypothalamus-Hypophysen-Nebennieren-Achse einhergeht. Die benannten Schwierigkeiten,
körperliche und psychische Symptome des als Burnout bezeichneten
Erschöpfungszustandes in ein einheitliches Konstrukt zu fassen, könnten damit zu
erklären sein, dass eine Beeinträchtigung dieses hormonellen Systems je nach
individueller Prädisposition an verschiedenen Stellen vorliegen kann.
Bullöses Pemphigoid unter Pembrolizumab-Therapie eines metastasierten malignen Melanoms
Authors: Troyanova-Slavkova Svetoslava , Schierle Katrin , Beloia Sava-Dorin , Kowalzick Lutz
Published: March 2019

Pembrolizumab ist ein monoklonaler Antikörper, der an den PD-1-Rezeptor auf T-Zellen bindet und die Interaktion mit den Liganden PD-L1 und PD-L2 auf Krebszellen hemmt. Pembrolizumab wird zunehmend für die Behandlung von fortgeschrittenen Tumorerkrankungen, v. a. für metastasierte maligne Melanome, aber auch für nichtkleinzelliges Lungenkarzinom, Urothelkarzinom und Nierenkarzinom angewendet. Trotz der beeindruckenden klinischen Wirkungen sind die Checkpoint-Inhibitoren mit einer Reihe von Nebenwirkungen verbunden, die als immunbezogene unerwünschte Ereignisse bekannt sind. Zu den bekannten Nebenwirkungen dieser Therapie gehören neben kutanen Nebenwirkungen wie Hautausschlag auch Müdigkeit, Schilddrüsendysfunktion, immunvermittelte Pneumonitis und Kolitis. Zu den kutanen unerwünschten Ereignissen gehören u. a. Pruritus, lichenoide Dermatitis, Psoriasis sowie blasenbildende Erkrankungen wie bullöses Pemphigoid. Die Nebenwirkungen werden durch die immunoregulatorischen Mechanismen des Medikaments erklärt. Hier berichten wir über den Fall eines 72-jährigen Patienten mit metastasiertem malignem Melanom und Prostatakarzinom als Zweittumor, der unter einer Therapie mit Pembrolizumab rasch sowohl eine stabile Erkrankung des Tumors hatte, aber auch zuerst eine immunvermittelte Pneumonitis und im Verlauf dann auch ein bullöses Pemphigoid entwickelte. Dieser Fall ergänzt die Liste möglicher kutaner Nebenwirkungen einer PD-1-Inhibitor-Therapie.
Herausforderungen in der Immunonkologie
Authors: Shimabukuro-Vornhagen Alexander , Subklewe Marion , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael
Published: March 2019

Mittlerweile haben mehrere unterschiedliche Immuntherapien Eingang in die klinische Routine gefunden – oft mit erstaunlichen Erfolgen. Infolgedessen hat sich die Immunonkologie innerhalb kürzester Zeit als Subspezialität der Onkologie fest etabliert. Damit sie aber ihr volles Potenzial für die Behandlung maligner Erkrankungen entfalten kann, müssen in Zukunft noch einige Hindernisse überwunden werden.
Management of epithelial precancerous conditions and lesions in the stomach (MAPS II): European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group (EHMSG), European Society of Pathology (ESP), and Sociedade Portuguesa de Endoscopia Digestiva (SPED) guideline update 2019
Authors: Pimentel-Nunes Pedro , Libânio Diogo , Marcos-Pinto Ricardo , Areia Miguel , Leja Marcis , Esposito Gianluca , Garrido Monica , Kikuste Ilze , Megraud Francis , Matysiak-Budnik Tamara , Annibale Bruno , Dumonceau Jean-Marc , Barros Rita , Fléjou Jean-François , Carneiro Fátima , van Hooft Jeanin , Kuipers Ernst , Dinis-Ribeiro Mario
Published: March 2019

Main Recommendations

Patients with chronic atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia (IM) are at risk for gastric adenocarcinoma. This underscores the importance of diagnosis and risk stratification for these patients. High definition endoscopy with chromoendoscopy (CE) is better than high definition white-light endoscopy alone for this purpose. Virtual CE can guide biopsies for staging atrophic and metaplastic changes and can target neoplastic lesions. Biopsies should be taken from at least two topographic sites (antrum and corpus) and labelled in two separate vials. For patients with mild to moderate atrophy restricted to the antrum there is no evidence to recommend surveillance. In patients with IM at a single location but with a family history of gastric cancer, incomplete IM, or persistent Helicobacter pylori gastritis, endoscopic surveillance with CE and guided biopsies may be considered in 3 years. Patients with advanced stages of atrophic gastritis should be followed up with a high quality endoscopy every 3 years. In patients with dysplasia, in the absence of an endoscopically defined lesion, immediate high quality endoscopic reassessment with CE is recommended. Patients with an endoscopically visible lesion harboring low or high grade dysplasia or carcinoma should undergo staging and treatment. H. pylori eradication heals nonatrophic chronic gastritis, may lead to regression of atrophic gastritis, and reduces the risk of gastric cancer in patients with these conditions, and it is recommended. H. pylori eradication is also recommended for patients with neoplasia after endoscopic therapy. In intermediate to high risk regions, identification and surveillance of patients with precancerous gastric conditions is cost-effective.
Neues Pflegeberufegesetz zwingt zur sorgfältigen Pflegeorganisation
Authors: Weimer Tobias
Published: March 2019

Nachdem die heiß diskutierte Verordnung für Pflegepersonaluntergrenzen (PpuGV) bereits seit Jahresbeginn in Kraft ist, werden die Anforderungen an eine sorgfältige Compliance in Kliniken nicht geringer. Nun muss bis Anfang 2020 auch das Pflegeberufegesetz umgesetzt werden.
Digitalisierung als Geschäftsmodell: Kampf um die Patientendaten
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: March 2019

Patientendaten werden im Zeitalter der digitalisierten Medizin immer mehr zu einem gefragten Wirtschaftsgut. Während in Deutschland Mediziner, Krankenhäuser und Medtechunternehmen über Überregulierung und eine überbordende Datenschutzdebatte klagen, entdecken Technikriesen und Pharmakonzerne das Geschäft mit den Daten für sich. Nun mischt auch Amazon kräftig mit.
Digitale Pathologie: Intelligente Arbeitsteilung
Authors: Rößing Sabine
Published: March 2019

Nach erfolgreichem Abschluss eines Pilotprojekts im Großraum Berlin bereitet sich der Münchener Krankenhauskonzern Sana Kliniken AG darauf vor, Strukturen zur Nutzung der virtuellen Mikroskopie konzernweit auszurollen. Beginnen soll das digitale Großprojekt noch in diesem Jahr im Nordosten (Berlin, Brandenburg, Sachsen-Anhalt und Sachsen).
Barrierefreies Bauen: Von Unklarheiten und Grauzonen
Authors: Rößing Sabine
Published: March 2019

Moderne Krankenhäuser sollen barrierefrei sein: Menschen im Rollstuhl oder Blinde sollen sich in ihnen ohne fremde Hilfe orientieren und fortbewegen können. Ein umfangreiches Regelwerk listet die Vorgaben auf, die Bauherren erfüllen müssen – und Heerscharen von Sachverständigen versuchen sich an der Interpretation. Kma spricht darüber mit dem Architekten Rainer Krämer.
Weniger Schmerzen bei Nadelstichen: Infrarotlicht macht Venen kleiner Patienten sichtbar
Authors: Schnürer Nina
Published: March 2019

Bei Kindern und Babys ist es oft selbst für geübte Ärzte und Pflegekräfte schwierig, Venen genau und auf Anhieb zu treffen. Um geeignete Adern besser zu finden und so Zugänge einfacher legen zu können, kommt in der Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin des Universitätsklinikums Ulm seit Dezember 2018 ein Venensuchgerät zum Einsatz.
Fachtagung „Technik im Krankenhaus“ 2019: Projektmanagement ist das Thema
Authors: Brüning Cord , Fouckhardt-Bradt Birgit
Published: March 2019

WGKT und FKT erstmals gemeinsam: Krankenhausmanager, Technische Leiter, weitere Entscheider aus dem Gesundheitswesen und Verantwortliche in Projekten sowie zahlreiche Anbieter von Techniken und Services für das Gesundheitswesen werden im Spätsommer in Gelsenkirchen zusammenkommen.
Sprechstunde in der PR-Ambulanz: Kann ich mich auf eine Krise wirklich vorbereiten?
Authors: Endele Kerstin
Published: March 2019

Kerstin Endele ist zur Hälfte Journalistin und zur Hälfte Biochemikerin. Seit mehr als 15 Jahren ist sie Expertin für Gesundheitskommunikation und war fünf Jahre Kommunikations chefin und Pressesprecherin der Charité. Wenn sie nicht Klinikvorstände aus Krisen rettet und Pressesprechern diverser Krankenhäuser dabei hilft, ein bisschen Strategie ins übliche Chaos zu bringen, betreibt sie mit der PR-Ambulanz (www.pr-ambulanz.com) einen der größten Blogs zur Klinikkommunikation in Deutschland.
Effect of Adjuvant Homeopathy with Usual Care in Management of Thrombocytopenia Due to Dengue: A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Nayak Debadatta , Chadha Vishal , Jain Shruti , Nim Priyanka , Sachdeva Jyoti , Sachdeva Garima , Vivekanand Kumar , Khurana Anil , Raheja Sunil M. , Manchanda Raj K.
Published: March 2019

Background Dengue is an emerging threat to public health. At present, no clear modalities are available for the prevention and management of thrombocytopenia due to dengue. This article reports the clinical outcomes of integrative homeopathic care in a hospital setting during a severe outbreak of dengue in New Delhi, India, during the period September to December 2015.

Methods Based on preference, 138 patients received a homeopathic medicine along with usual care (H+UC), and 145 patients received usual care (UC) alone. Assessment of thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100,000/mm3) was the main outcome measure. Kaplan–Meier analysis enabled comparison of the time taken to reach a platelet count of 100,000/mm3.

Results There was a statistically significantly greater rise in platelet count on day 1 of follow-up in the H+UC group compared with UC alone (mean difference = 12,337; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5,421 to 19,252; p = 0.001). This trend persisted until day 5 (mean difference = 14,809; 95% CI, 1,615 to 28,004; p = 0.02). The time taken to reach a platelet count of 100,000/mm3 was nearly 2 days earlier in the H+UC group compared with UC alone (H+UC: 3.44 days ± standard error of the mean [SEM] 0.18; 95% CI, 3.08 to 3.80; UC: 5.28 days ± SEM 0.29; 95% CI, 4.71 to 5.86; p < 0.001).

Conclusion These results suggest a positive role of adjuvant homeopathy in thrombocytopenia due to dengue. Randomized controlled trials may be conducted to obtain more insight into the comparative effectiveness of this integrative approach.