bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residents' and family members' perceptions of care quality and self-determination in palliative phase in residential care
Authors: Schenell Ramona , Ozanne Anneli , Strang Susann , Henoch Ingela
Published: April 2019

Objective

Dependency on others can compromise self-determination for older persons in the palliative phase in residential care. Family members can support the residents' self-determination but may also jeopardize it. Quality of care (QoC) is linked to respecting the autonomy of the residents and providing opportunities to participate in decision-making. The aim of the study was to provide knowledge about residents' and family members' perceptions of QoC and self-determination and to detect possible differences between their experiences.

Method

This cross-sectional study used an abbreviated version of the questionnaire, Quality from the Patients' Perspective, with additional items about decision-making. Wilcoxon's signed rank test was used to analyze the perception of QoC and to detect differences between residents' and family members' perceptions.

Result

QoC was perceived as lower than preferred in the majority of items and there was a high level of agreement between residents and family members. Lowest mean values in QoC were found in: support when feeling lonely; support when feeling worry, anxiety or fear; and staff's time to talk to the residents. Decision-making in everyday life and in life-changing situations showed that neither residents nor family members trusted staff to know about the residents' preferences.

Significance of results

Broad improvements are needed, especially in psychosocial care. Several of the negative outcomes on QoC and self-determination seem to derive from a focus on practical tasks and the lack of trustful relationships between residents and staff. An early implementation of palliative care, with a focus on what brings quality to each resident's life, could facilitate QoC and self-determination, in both everyday life and at the end of life.
Impact of a brief worry-based cognitive therapy group in psychosis: a study of feasibility and acceptability
Authors: Courtney Helen , White Lucy , Richardson Thomas , Dasyam Ben , Tedbury Jo , Butt Jane
Published: April 2019

Previous research suggests that CBT focusing on worry in those with persecutory delusions reduces paranoia, severity of delusions and associated distress. This preliminary case series aimed to see whether it is feasible and acceptable to deliver worry-focused CBT in a group setting to those with psychosis. A secondary aim was to examine possible clinical changes. Two groups totalling 11 participants were run for seven sessions using the Worry Intervention Trial manual. Qualitative and quantitative data about the experience of being in the group was also collected via questionnaires, as was data on number of sessions attended. Measures were delivered pre- and post-group and at 3-month follow-up. These included a worry scale, a measure of delusional belief and associated distress and quality of life measures. Of the 11 participants who started the group, nine completed the group. Qualitative and quantitative feedback indicated that most of the participants found it acceptable and helpful, and that discussing these issues in a group setting was not only tolerable but often beneficial. Reliable Change Index indicated that 6/7 of the group members showed reliable reductions in their levels of worry post-group and 5/7 at follow-up. There were positive changes on other measures, which appeared to be more pronounced at follow-up. Delivering a worry intervention in a group format appears to be acceptable and feasible. Further research with a larger sample and control group is indicated to test the clinical effectiveness of this intervention.

Key learning aims

(1)

To understand the role of worry in psychosis.

(2)

To learn about the possible feasibility of working on worry in a group setting.

(3)

To be aware of potential clinical changes from the group.

(4)

To consider acceptability for participants of working on worries in a group setting.
TheInternational Review of the Red Crossand the protection of civilians, c. 1919–1939
Authors: Holmes Ben
Published: April 2019

This article will use past issues of theInternational Review of the Red Crossto examine how the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement) has engaged with the issue of civilian protection over the course of its history. Although founded to organize humanitarian relief and legal protection for wounded and sick combatants, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the wider Movement have increasingly incorporated civilian war victims into their remit since their establishment. Yet, as this article will highlight, this process has not been straightforward. Focussing on the critical period between the two World Wars, the article will use theReviewto illustrate why the Red Cross began engaging with the “civilianization” of conflicts in response to the threat of new technologies like gas and aerial bombardment. Using articles from theReviewto highlight the key challenges faced by the Movement in protecting civilians over this period, it will also consider the gaps in the Red Cross's initial conceptions of who “the civilian” was, why belligerents attacked them, and what was the best means of protecting them.
Mesoscale Signature of the North Atlantic Oscillation and Its Interaction With the Ocean
Authors: Cobb A. , Czaja A.
Published: April 2019

This observational study uses high‐resolution data to investigate mesoscale signatures of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in the atmosphere and ocean. The production of spatially high‐pass (“mesoscale”) filtered kinetic energy by buoyancy and shear effects in the atmosphere, along with sea surface temperature and surface currents in the ocean is described, and a difference with NAO phase is found. In positive NAO winters, an extension of the Gulf Stream warm core is observed, along with a displacement and acceleration of surface currents. Mesoscale activity in the atmosphere appears to follow this extension of the warm core of the Gulf Stream. This, we suggest, is a new feature of NAO air‐sea interactions which is embedded within the basin‐scale NAO patterns discussed previously in the literature. Further downstream, mesoscale activity seems to reflect more passively the general poleward migration of synoptic activity in positive NAO conditions.
Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of Dense GPS Data and Examination of the Nature of the Clusters Associated With Regional Tectonics in Taiwan
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Hashimoto Manabu , Hu Jyr‐Ching , Takeuchi Koh , Tsai Min‐Chien , Fukahata Yukitoshi
Published: April 2019

Collision of the Luzon Volcanic Arc is the primary causative factor behind the creation of Taiwan Island. Additionally, the indention of the Peikang basement highs in the Taiwan Strait and the back arc spreading of the Okinawa Trough are responsible for the characteristic tectonics in Taiwan. Identification of active tectonic boundaries is important for understanding neotectonics in Taiwan. We analyzed Global Positioning System (GPS) horizontal velocity data in Taiwan with a hierarchical cluster analysis method. We also developed a statistical scheme introducing information entropy to quantitatively assess the fuzziness of the obtained cluster boundaries, which enables us to distinguish a trustworthy discontinuity. The hierarchical representation, which is expressed by a dendrogram, suggests the relative importance of tectonic sources in this region. The major clusters, which appear at higher hierarchy, are likely to represent major tectonic features such as the Longitudinal Valley fault and lateral extrusion in southwest Taiwan. Those at lower hierarchy suggest velocity discontinuities associated with local geological structures such as active faults. For example, boundaries in east offshore Taiwan and southern Taiwan are identified without using geological information by this analysis. In addition to the identification of these clear tectonic boundaries, our statistical cluster assessment shows the existence of fuzzy cluster boundaries along the Coastal Plain and the Western Foothills, reflecting continuum deformation in west Taiwan.
Dystrophy-associated caveolin-3 mutations reveal that caveolae couple IL6/STAT3 signaling with mechanosensing in human muscle cells
Authors: Dewulf Melissa , Köster Darius Vasco , Sinha Bidisha , Viaris de Lesegno Christine , Chambon Valérie , Bigot Anne , Bensalah Mona , Negroni Elisa , Tardif Nicolas , Podkalicka Joanna , Johannes Ludger , Nassoy Pierre , Butler-Browne Gillian , Lamaze Christophe , Blouin Cedric M.
Published: April 2019

Caveolin-3 is the major structural protein of caveolae in muscle. Mutations in the CAV3 gene cause different types of myopathies with altered membrane integrity and repair, expression of muscle proteins, and regulation of signaling pathways. We show here that myotubes from patients bearing the CAV3 P28L and R26Q mutations present a dramatic decrease of caveolae at the plasma membrane, resulting in abnormal response to mechanical stress. Mutant myotubes are unable to buffer the increase in membrane tension induced by mechanical stress. This results in impaired regulation of the IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway leading to its constitutive hyperactivation and increased expression of muscle genes. These defects are fully reversed by reassembling functional caveolae through expression of caveolin-3. Our study reveals that under mechanical stress the regulation of mechanoprotection by caveolae is directly coupled with the regulation of IL6/STAT3 signaling in muscle cells and that this regulation is absent in Cav3-associated dystrophic patients.
Structural basis for the promiscuous PAM recognition by Corynebacterium diphtheriae Cas9
Authors: Hirano Seiichi , Abudayyeh Omar O. , Gootenberg Jonathan S. , Horii Takuro , Ishitani Ryuichiro , Hatada Izuho , Zhang Feng , Nishimasu Hiroshi , Nureki Osamu
Published: April 2019

The RNA-guided DNA endonuclease Cas9 cleaves double-stranded DNA targets bearing a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and complementarity to an RNA guide. Unlike other Cas9 orthologs, Corynebacterium diphtheriae Cas9 (CdCas9) recognizes the promiscuous NNRHHHY PAM. However, the CdCas9-mediated PAM recognition mechanism remains unknown. Here, we report the crystal structure of CdCas9 in complex with the guide RNA and its target DNA at 2.9 Å resolution. The structure reveals that CdCas9 recognizes the NNRHHHY PAM via a combination of van der Waals interactions and base-specific hydrogen bonds. Moreover, we find that CdCas9 exhibits robust DNA cleavage activity with the optimal 22-nucleotide length guide RNAs. Our findings highlight the mechanistic diversity of the PAM recognition by Cas9 orthologs, and provide a basis for the further engineering of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editor nucleases.
Nickel-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-couplings of aldehydes
Authors: Guo Lin , Srimontree Watchara , Zhu Chen , Maity Bholanath , Liu Xiangqian , Cavallo Luigi , Rueping Magnus
Published: April 2019

Transition-metal-catalyzed cross-couplings have been extensively used in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries for the construction of diverse C–C bonds. Conventional cross-coupling reactions require reactive electrophilic coupling partners, such as organohalides or sulfonates, which are not environmentally friendly and not naturally abundant. Another disadvantage associated with these transformations is the need for an exogenous base to facilitate the key transmetalation step, and this reagent inevitably induces side reactions and limits the substrate scope. Here, we report an unconventional Suzuki-type approach to the synthesis of biaryls, through nickel-catalyzed deformylative cross coupling of aldehydes with organoboron reagents under base-free conditions. The transformation tolerates structurally diverse (hetero)aryl substituents on both coupling partners and shows high reactivity and excellent functional group tolerance. Furthermore, the protocol was carried out on gram scale and successfully applied to the functionalization of complex biologically active molecules. Mechanistic investigations support a catalytic cycle involving the oxidative addition of the nickel into the aldehyde C(acyl)–H bond with subsequent hydride transfer, transmetalation, decarbonylation and reductive elimination processes.
Unique structural features of a bacterial autotransporter adhesin suggest mechanisms for interaction with host macromolecules
Authors: Paxman Jason J. , Lo Alvin W. , Sullivan Matthew J. , Panjikar Santosh , Kuiper Michael , Whitten Andrew E. , Wang Geqing , Luan Chi-Hao , Moriel Danilo G. , Tan Lendl , Peters Kate M. , Phan Minh-Duy , Gee Christine L. , Ulett Glen C. , Schembri Mark A. , Heras Begoña
Published: April 2019

Autotransporters are the largest family of outer membrane and secreted proteins in Gram-negative bacteria. Most autotransporters are localised to the bacterial surface where they promote colonisation of host epithelial surfaces. Here we present the crystal structure of UpaB, an autotransporter that is known to contribute to uropathogenicE. coli(UPEC) colonisation of the urinary tract. We provide evidence that UpaB can interact with glycosaminoglycans and host fibronectin. Unique modifications to its core β-helical structure create a groove on one side of the protein for interaction with glycosaminoglycans, while the opposite face can bind fibronectin. Our findings reveal far greater diversity in the autotransporter β-helix than previously thought, and suggest that this domain can interact with host macromolecules. The relevance of these interactions during infection remains unclear.
Sustainability-inspired cell design for a fully recyclable sodium ion battery
Authors: Liu Tiefeng , Zhang Yaping , Chen Chao , Lin Zhan , Zhang Shanqing , Lu Jun
Published: April 2019

Large-scale applications of rechargeable batteries consume nonrenewable resources and produce massive amounts of end-of-life wastes, which raise sustainability concerns in terms of manufacturing, environmental, and ecological costs. Therefore, the recyclability and sustainability of a battery should be considered at the design stage by using naturally abundant resources and recyclable battery technology. Herein, we design a fully recyclable rechargeable sodium ion battery with bipolar electrode structure using Na3V2(PO4)3 as an electrode material and aluminum foil as the shared current collector. Such a design allows exceptional sodium ion battery performance in terms of high-power correspondence and long-term stability and enables the recycling of ∼100% Na3V2(PO4)3 and ∼99.1% elemental aluminum without the release of toxic wastes, resulting in a solid-component recycling efficiency of >98.0%. The successful incorporation of sustainability into battery design suggests that closed-loop recycling and the reutilization of battery materials can be achieved in next-generation energy storage technologies.
Near physiological spectral selectivity of cochlear optogenetics
Authors: Dieter Alexander , Duque-Afonso Carlos J. , Rankovic Vladan , Jeschke Marcus , Moser Tobias
Published: April 2019

Cochlear implants (CIs) electrically stimulate spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and partially restore hearing to half a million CI users. However, wide current spread from intracochlear electrodes limits spatial selectivity (i.e. spectral resolution) of electrical CIs. Optogenetic stimulation might become an alternative, since light can be confined in space, promising artificial sound encoding with increased spectral selectivity. Here we compare spectral selectivity of optogenetic, electric, and acoustic stimulation by multi-channel recordings in the inferior colliculus (IC) of gerbils. When projecting light onto tonotopically distinct SGNs, we observe corresponding tonotopically ordered IC activity. An activity-based comparison reveals that spectral selectivity of optogenetic stimulation is indistinguishable from acoustic stimulation for modest intensities. Moreover, optogenetic stimulation outperforms bipolar electric stimulation at medium and high intensities and monopolar electric stimulation at all intensities. In conclusion, we demonstrate better spectral selectivity of optogenetic over electric SGN stimulation, suggesting the potential for improved hearing restoration by optical CIs.
Enantiomer-selective magnetization of conglomerates for quantitative chiral separation
Authors: Ye Xichong , Cui Jiaxi , Li Bowen , Li Na , Wang Rong , Yan Zijia , Tan Junyan , Zhang Jie , Wan Xinhua
Published: April 2019

Selective crystallization represents one of the most economical and convenient methods to provide large-scale optically pure chiral compounds. Although significant development has been achieved since Pasteur’s separation of sodium ammonium tartrate in 1848, this method is still fundamentally low efficient (low transformation ratio or high labor). Herein, we describe an enantiomer-selective-magnetization strategy for quantitatively separating the crystals of conglomerates by using a kind of magnetic nano-splitters. These nano-splitters would be selectively wrapped into the S-crystals, leading to the formation of the crystals with different physical properties from that of R-crystals. As a result of efficient separation under magnetic field, high purity chiral compounds (99.2 ee% for R-crystals, 95.0 ee% for S-crystals) can be obtained in a simple one-step crystallization process with a high separation yield (95.1%). Moreover, the nano-splitters show expandability and excellent recyclability. We foresee their great potential in developing chiral separation methods used on different scales.
Device-independent certification of non-classical joint measurements via causal models
Authors: Lee Ciarán M.
Published: April 2019

Quantum measurements are crucial for quantum technologies and give rise to some of the most classically counter-intuitive quantum phenomena. As such, the ability to certify the presence of genuinely non-classical joint measurements in a device-independent fashion is vital. However, previous work has either been non-device-independent, or has relied on post-selection—the ability to discard all runs of an experiment in which a specific event did not occur. In the case of entanglement, the post-selection approach applies an entangled measurement to independent states and post-selects the outcome, inducing non-classical correlations between the states that can be device-independently certified using a Bell inequality. That is, it certifies measurement non-classicality not by what it is, but by what it does. This paper remedies this discrepancy by providing a novel notion of what measurement non-classicality is, which, in analogy with Bell’s theorem, corresponds to measurement statistics being incompatible with an underlying classical causal model. It is shown that this provides a more fine-grained notion of non-classicality than post-selection, as it certifies the presence of non-classicality that cannot be revealed by examining post-selected outcomes alone.
Selection of high affinity aptamer-ligand for dexamethasone and its electrochemical biosensor
Authors: Mehennaoui Somia , Poorahong Sujittra , Jimenez Gaston Contreras , Siaj Mohamed
Published: April 2019

A high specificity aptamer-ligand biorecognition and binding system to monitor of dexamethasone (DXN) was developed. The detection principle was based on a label-free electrochemical aptasensor. The selection of the aptamer was successfully performed by the systematic evolution of ligands through exponential enrichment technique (SELEX). From a random library of 1.08 × 1015 single-stranded DNA, an aptamer designated as DEX04 showed a highest affinity with a dissociation constant of 18.35 nM. It also showed a good conformational change when binding with DXN. In addition, the aptamer DEX04 did not show any cross-reactivity with other commonly used hormones. An impedimetric aptasensor for DXN was then developed by immobilizing DEX04 on a gold electrode. The binding upon to DXN was monitored by following the change in the charge transfer resistance (Rct) of the [Fe(CN)6]4−/3− redox couple. The aptasensor exhibited a linear range from 2.5 to 100 nM with a detection limit of 2.12 nM. When applied aptasensor to test in water samples, it showed good recovery percentages. The new DXN aptamer can be employed in other biosensing applications for food control and the diagnosis of some diseases in medicine as a cost-effective, sensitive and rapid detection method.
Assessing the human footprint on the sea-floor of coastal systems: the case of the Venice Lagoon, Italy
Authors: Madricardo Fantina , Foglini Federica , Campiani Elisabetta , Grande Valentina , Catenacci Elena , Petrizzo Antonio , Kruss Aleksandra , Toso Carlotta , Trincardi Fabio
Published: April 2019

Coastal systems are among the most studied, most vulnerable, and economically most important ecosystems on Earth; nevertheless, little attention has been paid, so far, to the consequences of human activities on the shallow sea-floor of these environments. Here, we present a quantitative assessment of the effects of human actions on the floor of the tidal channels from the Venice Lagoon using 2500 kilometres of full coverage multibeam bathymetric mapping. Such extended dataset provides unprecedented evidence of pervasive human impacts, which extend far beyond the well known shrinking of salt marshes and artificial modifications of inlet geometries. Direct and indirect human imprints include dredging marks and fast-growing scours around anthropogenic structures built to protect the historical city of Venice from flooding. In addition, we document multiple effects of ship traffic (propeller-wash erosion, keel ploughing) and diffuse littering on the sea-floor. Particularly relevant, in view of the ongoing interventions on the lagoon morphology, is the evidence of the rapid morphological changes affecting the sea-floor and threatening the stability of anthropogenic structures.
Large Scale Solid-state Synthesis of Catalytically Active Fe3O4@M (M = Au, Ag and Au-Ag alloy) Core-shell Nanostructures
Authors: Nalluri Srinivasa Rao , Nagarjuna Ravikiran , Patra Dinabandhu , Ganesan Ramakrishnan , Balaji Gopalan
Published: April 2019

Solvent-less synthesis of nanostructures is highly significant due to its economical, eco-friendly and industrially viable nature. Here we report a solid state synthetic approach for the fabrication of Fe3O4@M (where M = Au, Ag and Au-Ag alloy) core-shell nanostructures in nearly quantitative yields that involves a simple physical grinding of a metal precursor over Fe3O4 core, followed by calcination. The process involves smooth coating of low melting hybrid organic-inorganic precursor over the Fe3O4 core, which in turn facilitates a continuous shell layer post thermolysis. The obtained core-shell nanostructures are characterized using, XRD, XPS, ED-XRF, FE-SEM and HR-TEM for their phase, chemical state, elemental composition, surface morphology, and shell thickness, respectively. Homogeneous and continuous coating of the metal shell layer over a large area of the sample is ascertained by SAXS and STEM analyses. The synthesized catalysts have been studied for their applicability towards a model catalytic hydrogen generation from NH3BH3 and NaBH4 as hydrogen sources. The catalytic efficacy of the Fe3O4@Ag and Ag rich alloy shell materials are found to be superior to the corresponding Au counterparts. The saturation magnetization studies reveal the potential of the core-shell nanostructured catalysts to be magnetically recoverable and recyclable.
Yeast expression of mammalian Onzin and fungal FCR1 suggests ancestral functions of PLAC8 proteins in mitochondrial metabolism and DNA repair
Authors: Daghino Stefania , Di Vietro Luigi , Petiti Luca , Martino Elena , Dallabona Cristina , Lodi Tiziana , Perotto Silvia
Published: April 2019

The cysteine-rich PLAC8 domain of unknown function occurs in proteins found in most Eukaryotes. PLAC8-proteins play important yet diverse roles in different organisms, such as control of cell proliferation in animals and plants or heavy metal resistance in plants and fungi. Mammalian Onzin can be either pro-proliferative or pro-apoptotic, depending on the cell type, whereas fungal FCR1 confers cadmium tolerance. Despite their different role in different organisms, we hypothesized common ancestral functions linked to the PLAC8 domain. To address this hypothesis, and to investigate the molecular function of the PLAC8 domain, murine Onzin and fungal FCR1 were expressed in the PLAC8-free yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The two PLAC8-proteins localized in the nucleus and induced almost identical phenotypes and transcriptional changes when exposed to cadmium stress. Like FCR1, Onzin also reduced DNA damage and increased cadmium tolerance by a DUN1-dependent pathway. Both proteins activated transcription of ancient mitochondrial pathways such as leucine and Fe-S cluster biosynthesis, known to regulate cell proliferation and DNA repair in yeast. These results strongly suggest a common ancestral function of PLAC8 proteins and open new perspectives to understand the role of the PLAC8 domain in the cellular biology of Eukaryotes.
Monitoring and early warning method for a rockfall along railways based on vibration signal characteristics
Authors: Yan Yan , Li Ting , Liu Jie , Wang Wubin , Su Qian
Published: April 2019

Rockfall disasters occur frequently in mountainous areas of western China, and the rockfall disasters along a railway line will seriously affect the safety and normal operation of railways, causing great economic and property losses. Existing rockfall monitoring and early warning methods still have shortcomings, such as accurate warning of single-point disasters and vulnerability to the natural environment. In this study, a rockfall test of a flexible safety protection net along the slope of a railway and a rockfall test of the railway track were carried out, and the vibration signals of the falling rock hitting the different sites of the protective net and hitting different positions of the rails were obtained. Using the signal analysis methods such as Fast Fourier Transformation and Short-Time Fourier Transform, the basic characteristics of the rockfall vibration signal and the vibration signal when the train passes and the propagation law of the rockfall vibration signal are obtained. Finally, a set of monitoring and early warning systems for rockfall disasters along the railway based on the analysis of vibration signal characteristics is established. The monitoring and early warning method has the advantages of all-weather, high-time, semi-automatic and high efficiency performance.
Improved Expression and Optimization of Trehalose Synthase by Regulation of Pglv in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Liu Hongling , Liu Hao , Yang Shaojie , Wang Ruiming , Wang Tengfei
Published: April 2019

Trehalose synthase (TreS) converts maltose to trehalose, which has several important functions; therefore, enhancing TreS expression is desirable. Here, a recombinant Bacillus subtilis W800N (ΔamyE)-Pglv strain was constructed to achieve enhanced expression of TreS. Process optimization strategies were developed to improve the expression level of TreS in B. subtilis W800N (ΔamyE)-Pglv. Intracellular activity of TreS was induced using 60 g/L of maltose in shake flask culture. The protein activity reached 5211 ± 134 U/g at 33 °C and pH 7.0 in Luria-Bertani medium. A fed-batch fermentation strategy was applied in a 30 L fermenter containing 18 L terrific broth to achieve high cell density by replacing glycerol with high maltose syrup as a carbon source and an inducer. After 32 h of fermentation, recombinant B. subtilis W800N (ΔamyE)-Pglv activity reached 6850 ± 287 U/g dry cell weight. Our results demonstrate the efficiency of the Pglv promoter in increasing the expression of TreS in B. subtilis W800N (ΔamyE)-Pglv.
PulmoBind Imaging Measures Reduction of Vascular Adrenomedullin Receptor Activity with Lack of effect of Sildenafil in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Merabet Nassiba , Nsaibia Mohamed Jalloul , Nguyen Quang Trinh , Shi Yan Fen , Letourneau Myriam , Fournier Alain , Tardif Jean-Claude , Harel François , Dupuis Jocelyn
Published: April 2019

Endothelial dysfunction is a core pathophysiologic process in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We developed PulmoBind (PB), a novel imaging biomarker of the pulmonary vascular endothelium. 99mTechnetium (99mTc)-labelled PB binds to adrenomedullin receptors (AM1) densely expressed in the endothelium of alveolar capillaries. We evaluated the effect of sildenafil on AM1 receptors activity using 99mTc-PB. PAH was induced in rats using the Sugen/hypoxia model and after 3 weeks, animals were allocated to sildenafil (25 or 100 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. 99mTc-PB uptake kinetics was assessed by single-photon emission computed tomography. PAH caused right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy that was decreased by low and high sildenafil doses. Sildenafil low and high dose also improved RV function measured from the tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion. Mean integrated pulmonary uptake of 99mTc-PB was reduced in PAH (508% · min ± 37, p < 0.05) compared to controls (630% · min ± 30), but unchanged by sildenafil at low and high doses. Lung tissue expressions of the AM1 receptor components were reduced in PAH and also unaffected by sildenafil. In experimental angio-proliferative PAH, sildenafil improves RV dysfunction and remodeling, but does not modify pulmonary vascular endothelium dysfunction assessed by the adrenomedullin receptor ligand 99mTc-PB.
Long-term surveillance defines spatial and temporal patterns implicating Culex tarsalis as the primary vector of West Nile virus
Authors: Dunphy Brendan M. , Kovach Kristofer B. , Gehrke Ella J. , Field Eleanor N. , Rowley Wayne A. , Bartholomay Lyric C. , Smith Ryan C.
Published: April 2019

West Nile virus (WNV) has become the most epidemiologically important mosquito-borne disease in the United States, causing ~50,000 cases since its introduction in 1999. Transmitted primarily by Culex species, WNV transmission requires the complex interplay between bird reservoirs and mosquito vectors, with human cases the result of epizootic spillover. To better understand the intrinsic factors that drive these interactions, we have compiled infection data from sentinel chickens, mosquito vectors, and human cases in Iowa over a 15 year period (2002–2016) to better understand the spatial and temporal components that drive WNV transmission. Supplementing these findings with mosquito abundance, distribution, and host preferences data, we provide strong support that Culex tarsalis is the most important vector of human WNV infections in the region. Together, our analysis provides new insights into WNV infection patterns in multiple hosts and highlights the importance of long-term surveillance to understand the dynamics of mosquito-borne-disease transmission.
The role of pH, metal ions and their hydroxides in charge reversal of protein-coated nanoparticles
Authors: Schubert Jonas , Radeke Carmen , Fery Andreas , Chanana Munish
Published: April 2019

In this study, we investigated charge inversion of protein-coated Au nanoparticles caused by the addition of metal ions. Adsorbed metal hydroxides were identified to cause the charge inversion of the NPs by using a combination of cryo-TEM, EFTEM andζ-potential measurements.
DFT calculations reveal pronounced HOMO–LUMO spatial separation in polypyrrole–nanodiamond systems
Authors: Matunová Petra , Jirásek Vít , Rezek Bohuslav
Published: April 2019

Spatial separation and variable energy gap between the HOMO and LUMO at the polypyrrole–nanodiamond interface were calculated by DFT.
Near-atomically flat, chemically homogeneous, electrically conductive optical metasurface
Authors: Kim Jong Uk , Jeon Suwan , Heo Minsung , Kim Hwi-Min , Kim Reehyang , Kim Nayoung , Lee Yong-Hee , Shin Jonghwa
Published: April 2019

Near atomically flat, chemically homogeneous, and electrically conductive surfaces with hidden dielectric cavities functioning as new type of optical metasurfaces.
Experimental and theoretical study for CO2 activation and chemical fixation with epoxides
Authors: Gao Jinwei , Li Liuyi , Cui Caiyan , Ziaee Muhammad Asad , Gong Yaqiong , Sa Rongjian , Zhong Hong
Published: April 2019

NEt3/NBu4Br works as an excellent metal-free catalyst for CO2 cycloaddition with epoxides and the detailed process of CO2 activation by NEt3 is first studied by theoretical calculation.
Interplay of Coriolis effect with rheology results in unique blood dynamics on a compact disc
Authors: Agarwal Rahul , Sarkar Arnab , Chakraborty Suman
Published: April 2019

We investigate the influence of rotational forces on blood dynamics in a microfluidic device.
Synthesis of catalytically active peroxidase-like Fe-doped carbon dots and application in ratiometric fluorescence detection of hydrogen peroxide and glucose
Authors: Zhu Dan , Zhuo Shujuan , Zhu Changqing , Zhang Ping , Shen Weili
Published: April 2019

Fe-CDs with peroxidase-like activities have been fabricated and applied for H2O2 and glucose detection.
Synthesis of germanium nanocrystals from solid-state disproportionation of a chloride-derived germania glass
Authors: Wang Yujie , Ramesh Utkarsh , Nyamekye Charles K. A. , Ryan Bradley J. , Nelson Rainie D. , Alebri Abdulla M. , Hamdeh Umar H. , Hadi Atefe , Smith Emily A. , Panthani Matthew G.
Published: April 2019

Germanium nanocrystals (Ge NCs) have potential to be used in several optoelectronic applications such as photodetectors and light-emitting diodes.
A stable Cerberus tris(maloNHC) and its coinage metal complexes
Authors: Hooper Reagan , Mason Alexander , Montgomery Maleek , Clinebell Braden , Gaynor Ryan , McMillen Colin , Tapu Daniela
Published: April 2019

The first stable trisanionic Cerberus-type tris(maloNHC) was synthesized and incorporated into two different zwitterionic coinage metal complexes (Au(i) and Ag(i)).
Planarization of tetracarboxamides: tuning the self-assembly of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Dorca Yeray , Naranjo Cristina , Delgado-Martínez Patricia , Gómez Rafael , Sánchez Luis
Published: April 2019

The geometry-dependent self-assembling features of two PAHs, 1 and 2, is reported. The more planar 1 forms H-type supramolecular polymers, in a highly cooperative fashion by combination of H-bonding and π-stacking, with rod-like morphology. However, the highly distorted 2 interacts only by means of H-bonding yielding lamellar supramolecular structures.
Control over the macrocyclisation pathway and product topology in a copper-templated catenane synthesis
Authors: Yee Chi-Chung , Ng Antony Wing Hung , Au-Yeung Ho Yu
Published: April 2019

Strategies to control building block intertwining and the efficient assembly of a linear [4]catenane are presented.
Coordination-driven assembly of a supramolecular square and oxidation to a tetra-ligand radical species
Authors: Herasymchuk Khrystyna , Miller Jessica J. , MacNeil Gregory A. , Sergeenko Ania S. , McKearney Declan , Goeb Sébastien , Sallé Marc , Leznoff Daniel B. , Storr Tim
Published: April 2019

The design and synthesis of a supramolecular square was achieved by coordination-driven assembly of redox-active nickel(ii) salen linkers and (ethylenediamine)palladium(ii) nodes.
Size dependent selectivity of Cu nano-octahedra catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CH4
Authors: Iyengar Pranit , Huang Jianfeng , De Gregorio Gian Luca , Gadiyar Chethana , Buonsanti Raffaella
Published: April 2019

Octahedral Cu nanocrystals in the size range of 75–310 nm are synthesized and investigated for electrochemical CO2 reduction.
Correction: Room-temperature phosphorescent γ-cyclodextrin-cucurbit[6]uril-cowheeled [4]rotaxanes for specific sensing of tryptophan
Authors: Yu Xingke , Liang Wenting , Huang Qinfei , Wu Wanhua , Chruma Jason J. , Yang Cheng
Published: April 2019

Correction for ‘Room-temperature phosphorescent γ-cyclodextrin-cucurbit[6]uril-cowheeled [4]rotaxanes for specific sensing of tryptophan’ by Xingke Yu et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 3156–3159.
Efficient as-cast semi-transparent organic solar cells with efficiency over 9% and a high average visible transmittance of 27.6%
Authors: Su Wenyan , Fan Qunping , Guo Xia , Wu Jingnan , Zhang Maojie , Li Yongfang
Published: April 2019

Efficient as-cast ST-OSCs based on a trifluorinated polymer donor PBFTT and a tetrachlorinated NF-acceptor IT-4Cl were fabricated and a high efficiency of 9.1% was achieved under a high AVT of 27.6% in the photopic region.
Synthesis of functionalized tetrahydrofuran derivatives from 2,5-dimethylfuran through cascade reactions
Authors: Li J. , Muller E. , Pera-Titus M. , Jérôme F. , De Oliveira Vigier K.
Published: April 2019

Convenient catalytic route for selectively functionalizing the methyl group of an important bio-based furanic derivatives (DMF).
Determining Ba isotopes of barite using the Na2CO3 exchange reaction and double-spike method by MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Tian Lan-Lan , Zeng Zhen , Nan Xiao-Yun , Yu Hui-Min , Huang Fang
Published: April 2019

This study presents a practical method for high precision Ba isotope measurement of barite using a Na2CO3 exchange reaction and 135Ba–136Ba double-spike method by MC-ICP-MS.
Mechanistic insights and computational design of half-sandwich iridium and rhodium complexes for hydrogenation of quinoline
Authors: Yan Xiuli , Yang Xinzheng
Published: April 2019

DFT calculations reveal a stepwise proton and hydride transfer mechanism for the hydrogenation of quinoline to 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline catalysed by half-sandwich Cp*Ir(NHC) complexes.
Confined growth of Co–Pi co-catalyst by organic semiconductor polymer for boosting the photoelectrochemical performance of BiVO4
Authors: Gao Yang , Fan Weiqiang , Qu Konggang , Wang Fagen , Guan Peng , Xu Dongbo , Bai Hongye , Shi Weidong
Published: April 2019

The significant recombination of carriers and low OER kinetics depress the solar to chemical energy conversion efficiency over BiVO4.
Ultrasound-assisted two-step water-bath synthesis of g-C3N4/BiOBr composites: visible light-driven photocatalysis, sterilization, and reaction mechanism
Authors: Liu Xuanwen , Ni Zhiyuan , He Yan , Su Na , Guo Rui , Wang Qing , Yi Tingfeng
Published: April 2019

g-C3N4/BiOBr photocatalysts with different weight ratios were prepared by a two-step ultrasound-assisted water-bath deposition method.
SERS-active carboxymethyl cellulose-based gold nanoparticles: high-stability in hypersaline solution and selective response in the Hofmeister series
Authors: de Melo Fernando Menegatti , Fante Allef Soares , Zamarion Vitor de M. , Toma Henrique Eisi
Published: April 2019

Gold nanoparticles were synthesized with carboxymethyl cellulose by a simple one-pot procedure, exhibiting surprising SERS-active performance towards thiol ligands.
Formation of hierarchical porosity in oxidation of Ag films by reactive sputtering deposition of metal oxides via the Kirkendall effect
Authors: Xu W. , Li C. X. , Zhang Q. Y. , Ma C. Y. , Wang Q. , Wen D. H. , Li X. N.
Published: April 2019

Reactive sputtering deposition of metal oxides onto Ag films for fabrication of hierarchically structured silver oxide films with rich porosity.
PEGylated (NH4)xWO3nanorod mediated rapid photonecrosis of breast cancer cells
Authors: Hou Jin , Du Yong , Zhang Tao , Mohan Chandra , Varghese Oomman K.
Published: April 2019

Destruction of breast cancer cells by photothermal therapy using (NH4)xWO3/PEG nanorods (green – live; red – dead cells).
Efficient photocatalytic nitrogen fixation under ambient conditions enabled by the heterojunctions of n-type Bi2MoO6 and oxygen-vacancy-rich p-type BiOBr
Authors: Xue Xiaolan , Chen Renpeng , Yan Changzeng , Hu Yi , Zhang Wenjun , Yang Songyuan , Ma Lianbo , Zhu Guoyin , Jin Zhong
Published: April 2019

Bi2MoO6/OV-BiOBr heterojunctions are synthesized and show good photocatalytic activities for nitrogen reduction to ammonia under ambient conditions.
Highly efficient & stable Bi & Sb anodes using lithium borohydride as solid electrolyte in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Kumari Pooja , Sharma Khushbu , Pal Pratibha , Kumar Manoj , Ichikawa Takayuki , Jain Ankur
Published: April 2019

All solid-state Li-ion batteries using commercial Bi and Sb as negative electrodes with a high coulombic efficiency (90–99%) and high capacity retention of 82 and 95%, respectively.
Strain vs. charge mediated magnetoelectric coupling across the magnetic oxide/ferroelectric interfaces
Authors: Paudel Binod , Vasiliev Igor , Hammouri Mahmoud , Karpov Dmitry , Chen Aiping , Lauter Valeria , Fohtung Edwin
Published: April 2019

We utilize polarized neutron reflectometry in consort with ab initio based density functional theory calculations to study interface magnetoelectric coupling across a ferroelectric PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 and magnetic La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 heterostructure.
An all organic redox flow battery with high cell voltage
Authors: Huo Yongjie , Xing Xueqi , Zhang Cuijuan , Wang Xiang , Li Yongdan
Published: April 2019

An all organic redox flow battery shows a high OCV of 2.97 V and average coulombic efficiency 72% over 95 cycles.
Intra-nanogap controllable Au plates as efficient, robust, and reproducible surface-enhanced Raman scattering-active platforms
Authors: Yang Siyeong , Kim Minjin , Park Sanghyeok , Kim Hongki , Jeong Jinyoung , Jung Juyeon , Lim Eun-Kyung , Seo Min-Kyo , Kim Bongsoo , Kang Taejoon
Published: April 2019

A gold plate with uniform and controllable intra-nanogaps was synthesized by the chemical vapor reaction of AgI vapor and Au nanoplate and subsequent etching and the nanoporous plate exhibited excellent SERS activity.
Highly-chemoselective step-down reduction of carboxylic acids to aromatic hydrocarbons via palladium catalysis
Authors: Liu Chengwei , Qin Zhi-Xin , Ji Chong-Lei , Hong Xin , Szostak Michal
Published: April 2019

Herein, we describe a highly selective method for the direct decarbonylative step-down reduction of carboxylic acids to arenes, proceeding via well defined Pd(0)/(II) catalytic cycle.
Generalizing metallocene mechanochemistry to ruthenocene mechanophores
Authors: Sha Ye , Zhang Yudi , Xu Enhua , McAlister C. Wayne , Zhu Tianyu , Craig Stephen L. , Tang Chuanbing
Published: April 2019

This work establishes ruthenocene as new metallocene-based mechanophores that exhibit an intriguing combination of force-free thermal stability and mechanical lability.
Dye-sensitized photocathodes for oxygen reduction: efficient H2O2 production and aprotic redox reactions
Authors: Sun Jiaonan , Yu Yongze , Curtze Allison E. , Liang Xichen , Wu Yiying
Published: April 2019

Efficient dye sensitized photocathode for oxygen reduction reaction with high current density in both aqueous and aprotic electrolyte.
Laser illumination-induced dramatic catalytic activity change on Au nanospheres
Authors: Ye Zhongju , Wei Lin , Xiao Lehui , Wang Jianfang
Published: April 2019

In this work, the distinct catalytic properties of a single gold nanoparticle (GNP) after symmetry breaking were disclosed at the single-particle level for the first time.
Correction: β-Cyclodextrin modified graphitic carbon nitride for the removal of pollutants from aqueous solution: experimental and theoretical calculation study
Authors: Zou Yidong , Wang Xiangxue , Ai Yuejie , Liu Yunhai , Ji Yongfei , Wang Hongqing , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hu Wenping , Wang Xiangke
Published: April 2019

Correction for ‘β-Cyclodextrin modified graphitic carbon nitride for the removal of pollutants from aqueous solution: experimental and theoretical calculation study’ by Yidong Zou et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, 4, 14170–14179.
An acetylation mimicking mutation, K274Q, in tau imparts neurotoxicity by enhancing tau aggregation and inhibiting tubulin polymerization
Authors: Rane Jitendra S. , Kumari Anuradha , Panda Dulal
Published: April 2019

In Alzheimer's disease, tau is predominantly acetylated at K174, K274, K280, and K281 residues. The acetylation of K274-tau is linked with memory loss and dementia. In this study, we have examined the molecular mechanism of the toxicity of acetylated K274-tau. We incorporated an acetylation mimicking mutation at K274 (K→Q) residue of tau. The mutation (K274Q) strongly reduced the ability of tau to bind to tubulin and also to polymerize tubulin while K274R mutation did not reduce the ability of tau either to bind or polymerize tubulin. In addition, K274Q-tau displayed a higher aggregation propensity than wild-type tau as evident from thioflavin S fluorescence, tryptophan fluorescence, and electron microscopic images. Furthermore, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and dot blot analysis using an oligomer-specific antibody suggested that K274Q mutation enhanced the oligomerization of tau. The K274Q mutation also strongly decreased the critical concentration for the liquid–liquid phase separation of tau. The oligomeric forms of K274Q-tau were found to be more toxic than wild tau to neuroblastoma cells. Using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy, we provide evidence indicating that the acetylation mimicking mutation (K274Q) induced conformational changes in tau. The results suggested that the acetylation of tau at 274 residues can increase tau aggregation and enhance the cytotoxicity of tau oligomers.
Phosphatase of regenerating liver sensitizes MET to functional activation by hepatocyte growth factor
Authors: Kojima Takuya , Funato Yosuke , Miki Hiroaki
Published: April 2019

Phosphatase of regenerating liver (PRL) is overexpressed in metastatic cancers and actively drives their malignant progression. Many studies on cultured cancer cells have implied PRL overexpression as a stimulant for cellular signaling involved in cell proliferation. However, its role in the tightly adhered and polarized epithelial cells remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, we show that inducible expression of PRL in MDCK normal epithelial cells sensitized MET, the receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), to functional activation by HGF. We found that PRL expression amplified tyrosine phosphorylation levels of various proteins, among which MET was identified to be the most abundant. This phosphorylation occurred selectively at Y1234/1235 in the activation loop of MET, whereas phosphorylation of Y1349 in the effector-binding site, which is directly involved in downstream signaling, was almost undetectable. Consistently, PRL overexpression by itself did not cause observable alterations at the cellular level. However, when cells were stimulated with HGF, phosphorylation of Y1349 was much more strongly induced in PRL-expressing cells than in control cells. This resulted in robust cell scattering and tubulogenesis, even with low levels of HGF. Collectively, these results demonstrate a unique role of PRL in regulating MET function, which is known to be crucial for remodeling of epithelial tissues and malignant progression of cancers.