bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft genome and description of Merdibacter massiliensis gen.nov., sp. nov., a new bacterium genus isolated from the human ileum
Authors: Anani Hussein , Abou Abdallah Rita , Chelkha Nisrine , Fontanini Anthony , Ricaboni Davide , Mailhe Morgane , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard
Published: May 2019

We used phenotypic, genomic and phylogenetic information following the taxono-genomics approach to demonstrate that strain Marseille–P3254, isolated from an ileal sample of a 76-year old woman who underwent upper and lower digestive tract endoscopy for esophagitis and colonic polyp, is representative of a novel bacterial genus within the family Erysipelotrichaceae in the phylum Firmicutes. It is an anaerobic Gram-negative bacterium without catalase and oxidase activities. The genome of strain Marseille–P3254 is 2,468,496-bp long with a 40.1% G + C content. This new bacterium is most closely related to Eubacterium dolichum, with which it shares 90.7% 16S rRNA sequence similarity. In addition, genomic comparison using the digital DNA–DNA hybridization and OrthoANI analyses between the novel organism and the E. dolichum type strain revealed identities of 25.2 and 68.91%, respectively. The major fatty acids were C16: 0, C18: 1n9 and C18: 0. Based on these data, we propose the creation of the new genus Merdibacter gen. nov., with strain Marseille-P3254T (=CSUR P3254 = DSM 103534) being the type strain of the new species Merdibacter massiliensis gen. nov., sp. nov.
Gastric bypass surgery in lean adolescent mice prevents diet-induced obesity later in life
Authors: Mumphrey Michael B. , Hao Zheng , Leigh Townsend R. , Qualls-Creekmore Emily , Yu Sangho , Lutz Thomas A. , Münzberg Heike , Morrison Christopher D. , Berthoud Hans-Rudolf
Published: May 2019

Gastric bypass surgery is the most effective treatment and is often the only option for subjects with severe obesity. However, investigation of critical molecular mechanisms involved has been hindered by confounding of specific effects of surgery and side effects associated with acute surgical trauma. Here, we dissociate the two components by carrying out surgery in the lean state and testing its effectiveness to prevent diet-induced obesity later in life. Body weight and composition of female mice with RYGB performed at 6 weeks of age were not significantly different from sham-operated and age-matched non-surgical mice at the time of high-fat diet exposure 12 weeks after surgery. These female mice were completely protected from high-fat diet-induced obesity and accompanying metabolic impairments for up to 50 weeks. Similar effects were seen in male mice subjected to RYGB at 5–6 weeks, although growth was slightly inhibited and protection from diet-induced obesity was less complete. The findings confirm that RYGB does not indiscriminately lower body weight but specifically prevents excessive diet-induced obesity and ensuing metabolic impairments. This prevention of obesity model should be crucial for identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying gastric bypass surgery.
Activation of the unfolded protein response in high glucose treated endothelial cells is mediated by methylglyoxal
Authors: Irshad Zehra , Xue Mingzhan , Ashour Amal , Larkin James R. , Thornalley Paul J. , Rabbani Naila
Published: May 2019

Metabolic dysfunction of endothelial cells in hyperglycemia contributes to the development of vascular complications of diabetes where increased reactive glycating agent, methylglyoxal (MG), is involved. We assessed if increased MG glycation induced proteotoxic stress, identifying related metabolic drivers and protein targets. Human aortal endothelial cells (HAECs) were incubated in high glucose concentration (20 mM versus 5 mM control) in vitro for 3–6 days. Flux of glucose metabolism, MG formation and glycation and changes in cytosolic protein abundances, MG modification and proteotoxic responses were assessed. Similar studies were performed with human microvascular endothelial HMEC-1 cells where similar outcomes were observed. HAECs exposed to high glucose concentration showed increased cellular concentration of MG (2.27 ± 0.21 versus 1.28 ± 0.03 pmol/106 cells, P < 0.01) and formation of MG-modified proteins (24.0 ± 3.7 versus 14.1 ± 3.2 pmol/106 cells/day; P < 0.001). In proteomics analysis, high glucose concentration increased proteins of the heat shock response – indicating activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) with downstream inflammatory and pro-thrombotic responses. Proteins susceptible to MG modification were enriched in protein folding, protein synthesis, serine/threonine kinase signalling, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. MG was increased in high glucose by increased flux of MG formation linked to increased glucose metabolism mediated by proteolytic stabilisation and increase of hexokinase-2 (HK-2); later potentiated by proteolytic down regulation of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) - the major enzyme of MG metabolism. Silencing of Glo1, selectively increasing MG, activated the UPR similarly. Silencing of HK-2 prevented increased glucose metabolism and MG formation. trans-Resveratrol and hesperetin combination (tRES-HESP) corrected increased MG and glucose metabolism by increasing expression of Glo1 and decreasing expression of HK-2. Increased MG glycation activates the UPR in endothelial cells and thereby may contribute to endothelial cell dysfunction in diabetic vascular disease where tRES-HESP may provide effective therapy.
A repetitive acidic region contributes to the extremely rapid degradation of the cell-context essential protein TRIM52
Authors: Hacker Kathrin , Benke Stefan , Agerer Benedikt , Scinicariello Sara , Budroni Valentina , Versteeg Gijs A.
Published: May 2019

Tripartite motif protein 52 (TRIM52) is a non-canonical TRIM family member harbouring the largest RING domain encoded in the human genome. In humans TRIM52 is conserved and has been under positive selection pressure, yet it has been lost in many non-primates. Competitive cell fitness assays demonstrated that TRIM52 ablation reduces cellular fitness in multiple different cell types. To better understand how this cell-essential factor is controlled, we investigated how expression of this non-canonical protein is regulated. Here, we show that TRIM52 mRNA is constitutively expressed from an intergenic region preceding the TRIM52 gene. Yet, TRIM52 protein is rapidly turned-over by the proteasome with a 3.5-minute half-life, one of the shortest in the human proteome. Consistent with this extremely rapid degradation rate, all three TRIM52 domains were identified to contribute to its instability. Intriguingly, a repetitive acidic loop in the RING domain was identified as one of the main destabilizing regions, which was unexpected given the prevailing notion that these sequences are poor proteasome substrates. This work indicates that the effect of such repetitive acidic regions on proteasomal degradation depends on the protein context, and it identifies TRIM52 as an attractive model protein to study what these contextual properties are.
Estimating global ocean heat content from tidal magnetic satellite observations
Authors: Irrgang Christopher , Saynisch Jan , Thomas Maik
Published: May 2019

Ocean tides generate electromagnetic (EM) signals that are emitted into space and can be recorded with low-Earth-orbiting satellites. Observations of oceanic EM signals contain aggregated information about global transports of water, heat, and salinity. We utilize an artificial neural network (ANN) as a non-linear inversion scheme and demonstrate how to infer ocean heat content (OHC) estimates from magnetic signals of the lunar semi-diurnal (M2) tide. The ANN is trained using monthly OHC estimates based on oceanographic in-situ data from 1990–2015 and the corresponding computed tidal magnetic fields at satellite altitude. We show that the ANN can closely recover inter-annual and decadal OHC variations from simulated tidal magnetic signals. Using the trained ANN, we present the first OHC estimates from recently extracted tidal magnetic satellite observations. Such space-borne OHC estimates can complement the already existing in-situ measurements of upper ocean temperature and can also allow insights into abyssal OHC, where in-situ data are still very scarce.
Wound fluids collected postoperatively from patients with breast cancer induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition but intraoperative radiotherapy impairs this effect by activating the radiation-induced bystander effect
Authors: Kulcenty Katarzyna , Piotrowski Igor , Zaleska Karolina , Wichtowski Mateusz , Wróblewska Joanna , Murawa Dawid , Suchorska Wiktoria Maria
Published: May 2019

Wound fluids (WF) are believed to play a role in the local recurrences by inducing an inflammatory process in scar tissue area. Given that most local relapse in primary breast cancer patients occur within the scar tissue area, researchers have investigated whether localized radiotherapy, such as intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), could be more effective than postoperative RT in inhibiting local tumor recurrence. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program plays a critical role in promoting metastasis in epithelium-derived carcinoma. Given this background the main aim of the present study was to determine the mechanisms by which IORT decreases the tumorigenic potential of WF. We assumed that postoperative fluids from patients would activate the radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE) in treated cells, thus altering the tumor microenvironment. To confirm this hypothesis, WF collected from patients after breast conserving surgery (BCS) alone, after BCS followed by IORT treatment or WF from BCS patients together with RIBE medium were incubated with MCF7 and MDA-MB-468 cells. Changes in the CSC phenotype, in EMT program and potential to migrate were performed to determine the possible role of WF on the migration of breast cancer cells. Our findings show that wound fluids stimulate the CSC phenotype and EMT program in breast cancer cell lines. This effect was partially abrogated when the cells were incubated in wound fluids collected from patients after breast-conserving surgery followed by IORT. Additionally, we confirmed the role of radiation-induced bystander effect in altering the properties of the WF to induce the CSC phenotype and EMT program.
Deep Learning Convolutional Neural Networks for the Automatic Quantification of Muscle Fat Infiltration Following Whiplash Injury
Authors: Weber Kenneth A. , Smith Andrew C. , Wasielewski Marie , Eghtesad Kamran , Upadhyayula Pranav A. , Wintermark Max , Hastie Trevor J. , Parrish Todd B. , Mackey Sean , Elliott James M.
Published: May 2019

Muscle fat infiltration (MFI) of the deep cervical spine extensors has been observed in cervical spine conditions using time-consuming and rater-dependent manual techniques. Deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) models have demonstrated state-of-the-art performance in segmentation tasks. Here, we train and test a CNN for muscle segmentation and automatic MFI calculation using high-resolution fat-water images from 39 participants (26 female, average = 31.7 ± 9.3 years) 3 months post whiplash injury. First, we demonstrate high test reliability and accuracy of the CNN compared to manual segmentation. Then we explore the relationships between CNN muscle volume, CNN MFI, and clinical measures of pain and neck-related disability. Across all participants, we demonstrate that CNN muscle volume was negatively correlated to pain (R = −0.415, p = 0.006) and disability (R = −0.286, p = 0.045), while CNN MFI tended to be positively correlated to disability (R = 0.214, p = 0.105). Additionally, CNN MFI was higher in participants with persisting pain and disability (p = 0.049). Overall, CNN’s may improve the efficiency and objectivity of muscle measures allowing for the quantitative monitoring of muscle properties in disorders of and beyond the cervical spine.
Author Correction: Changes in separate renal function in patients who underwent minimally invasive renal stone surgery according to the preoperative functional deterioration
Authors: Choo Min Soo , Park Juhyun , Cho Min Chul , Son Hwancheol , Jeong Hyeon , Cho Sung Yong
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Reduced Plasma Orexin-A Concentrations are Associated with Cognitive Deficits in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Steward Trevor , Mestre-Bach Gemma , Granero Roser , Sánchez Isabel , Riesco Nadine , Vintró-Alcaraz Cristina , Sauchelli Sarah , Jiménez-Murcia Susana , Agüera Zaida , Fernández-García Jose C. , Garrido-Sánchez Lourdes , Tinahones Francisco J. , Casanueva Felipe F. , Baños Rosa M. , Botella Cristina , Crujeiras Ana B. , Torre Rafael de la , Fernández-Real Jose M. , Frühbeck Gema , Ortega Francisco J. , Rodríguez Amaia , Menchón José M. , Fernández-Aranda Fernando
Published: May 2019

Orexins/hypocretins are neuropeptides implicated in numerous processes, including food intake and cognition. The role of these peptides in the psychopathology of anorexia nervosa (AN) remains poorly understood. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the associations between plasma orexin-A (OXA) concentrations and neuropsychological functioning in adult women with AN, and a matched control group. Fasting plasma OXA concentrations were taken in 51 females with AN and in 51 matched healthy controls. Set-shifting was assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), whereas decision making was measured using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). The AN group exhibited lower plasma OXA levels than the HC group. Lower mean scores were obtained on the IGT in AN patients. WCST perseverative errors were significantly higher in the AN group compared to HC. In both the AN and HC group, OXA levels were negatively correlated with WCST non-perseverative errors. Reduced plasma OXA concentrations were found to be associated with set-shifting impairments in AN. Taking into consideration the function of orexins in promoting arousal and cognitive flexibility, future studies should explore whether orexin partly underpins the cognitive impairments found in AN.
Fabrication of laser printed microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (LP-µPADs) for point-of-care applications
Authors: Ghosh Rajesh , Gopalakrishnan Saranya , Savitha Rangasamy , Renganathan Thiruvengadam , Pushpavanam Subramanium
Published: May 2019

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) have provided a breakthrough in portable and low-cost point-of-care diagnostics. Despite their significant scope, the complexity of fabrication and reliance on expensive and sophisticated tools, have limited their outreach and possibility of commercialization. Herein, we report for the first time, a facile method to fabricate µPADs using a commonly available laser printer which drastically reduces the cost and complexity of fabrication. Toner ink is used to pattern the µPADs by printing, without modifying any factory configuration of the laser printer. Hydrophobic barriers are created by heating the patterned paper which melts the toner ink, facilitating its wicking into the cross-section of the substrate. Further, we demonstrate the utilization of the fabricated device by performing two assays. The proposed technique provides a versatile platform for rapid prototyping of µPADs with significant prospect in both developed and resource constrained region.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its determinants among Iranian adults: evidence of IraPEN survey on a bi-ethnic population
Authors: Jahangiry Leila , Khosravi-far Leila , Sarbakhsh Parvin , Kousha Ahmad , EntezarMahdi Rasool , Ponnet Koen
Published: May 2019

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing public health concern worldwide. It has been demonstrated that individuals with MetS are at an increased risk of cardiovascular events and diabetes. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of MetS and its components among Turkic and Kurds ethnic groups in a bi-ethnic (Turk and Kurd) population. This cross-sectional study is part of the national health transformation plan created in response to the emerging epidemic of non-communicable diseases (Iran’s Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease study), launched in 2014 in Naqadeh, Iran. In total, 3506 participants aged 30–70 years were randomly included in the study from urban and rural regions. Cardio-metabolic risk factors related to MetS diagnosis and other related sociodemographic factors were assessed for men and women in both the Turk and the Kurd population. Multivariate logistic regressions were applied to identify MetS -associated factors among both the Turk and the Kurd population. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 49.6 (12.3) years. Of the participants, 56.2% (n = 1969) were women, and 43.8% (n = 1537) were men. Three-fifths of the participants were Turk (60.3%, n = 1751). The overall prevalence of MetS was 37.05%, with a higher prevalence in women (49.8% versus 24.3% in men). The prevalence of MetS and its components among Turk people (41.6%) were significantly higher than that among Kurd people (33.9%) (p < 0.0001). In addition, the prevalence of MetS was higher among women, urban, and older people for both ethnicities. Strong associations were found between MetS prevalence and being older, being female, being overweight, being obese, having a higher waist-to-hip ratio, and having a history of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the family for both Turks and Kurds. The raised waist circumference (WC) is the most prevalent MetS component for Turk men and women. Meanwhile, the most prevalent MetS component for Kurd participants is low high-density lipoprotein for women and a raised WC for men. Significant differences were found between Kurdish men and women for all components, except for a raised WC and a raised fasting blood glucose (p < 0.05). Because the Iranian population features multiple ethnicities, the recognition of the prevalence of MetS components is a major step in establishing intervention strategies for modifying cardio-metabolic risk factors based on the population ethnicities and their socio-demographic, cultural, and lifestyle factors. We recommend future studies for planning an efficient and sustainable health education and promotion program to halt MetS prevalence.
Synthesis of corannulene-based nanographenes
Authors: Muzammil Ezzah M. , Halilovic Dzeneta , Stuparu Mihaiela C.
Published: May 2019

Corannulene (C20H10) is a polycyclic hydrocarbon in which five six-membered rings surround a central five-membered ring to construct a bowl-like aromatic structure. Here we examine the development of synthetic strategies that allow for the growth of the peripheral aromatic rings as a means to extend the aromatic area of the central corannulene nucleus and provide access to unique nanocarbon molecules.
In situ growth of a CaAl-NO3−-layered double hydroxide film directly on an aluminum alloy for corrosion resistance
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Ahsan , Sun Luyi , LaChance Anna Marie , Ding Hao , Fedel Michele
Published: May 2019

In this study, a calcium–aluminum-layered double hydroxide (CaAl-LDH) thin film was grown on an AA6082 aluminum alloy, for the very first time, by using a facile in situ growth method in an effort to investigate the CaAl-LDH structural geometry and corresponding corrosion resistance properties.
A novel and simple method for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoparticle production
Authors: Rodríguez-Hernández Ana G. , Muñoz-Tabares J. Alejandro , Aguilar-Guzmán J. Cristobal , Vazquez-Duhalt Rafael
Published: May 2019

Common plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), as pollutants in aquatic environments in the form of micro/nanoparticles are of environmental and public health concern.
Movement-reactor oven and wire mesh filter for large-scale solvothermal preparation and purification of silver nanowires with high uniformity in length and diameter for the fabrication of low and high haze transparent conductive films
Authors: Azani Mohammad-Reza , Hassanpour Azin , Plaia Nicoló , Meshkat-Mamalek Mojtaba
Published: May 2019

Large scale synthesis and purification of highly uniform silver nanowires to fabricate transparent conductive films are reported.
Manipulating acoustic and plasmonic modes in gold nanostars
Authors: Chatterjee Sharmistha , Ricciardi Loredana , Deitz Julia I. , Williams Robert E. A. , McComb David W. , Strangi Giuseppe
Published: May 2019

In this contribution experimental evidence of plasmonic edge modes and acoustic breathing modes in gold nanostars (AuNSs) is reported. AuNSs are synthesized by a surfactant-free, one-step wet-chemistry method.
Syntheses and NMR and XRD studies of carbohydrate–ferrocene conjugates
Authors: Peigneguy Fanny , Allain Magali , Cougnon Charles , Frère Pierre , Siegler Benjamin , Bressy Christine , Gohier Frédéric
Published: May 2019

Carbohydrate–ferrocene conjugates show a splitting of all the 1H NMR signals of the substituted cyclopentadienyl. XRD of crystals seems to indicate that the R group could be responsible for the splitting of the NMR signals.
Stirring revealed new functions of ethylenediamine and hydrazine in the morphology control of copper nanowires
Authors: Zhang Juan , Li Xiaona , Liu Dongmei , Wang Shuai , Yan Jiaxu , Lu Min , Xie Xiaoji , Huang Ling , Huang Wei
Published: May 2019

New roles of ethylenediamine and hydrazine in synthesizing Cu nanowires are identified under the inspiration of stirring-based morphology control.
The underestimated charge storage capability of carbon cathodes for advanced alkali metal-ion capacitors
Authors: Tan Hong , Lin Xiuyi , Huang Jianqiu , Huang Jiaqiang , Shi Maijia , Du Xiaoqiong , Zhang Biao
Published: May 2019

The synergistic storage of anions and cations results in exceptionally high energy density.
Self-assemblies of nucleolipid supramolecular synthons show unique self-sorting and cooperative assembling process
Authors: Nuthanakanti Ashok , Walunj Manisha B. , Torris Arun , Badiger Manohar V. , Srivatsan Seergazhi G.
Published: May 2019

Cocktails of nucleolipids and nucleosides serve as powerful supramolecular synthons to build unique architectures and gels with remarkably enhanced mechanical strengthviaa self-sorting and cooperative self-assembling process.
A combined transient photovoltage and impedance spectroscopy approach for a comprehensive study of interlayer degradation in non-fullerene acceptor organic solar cells
Authors: Pockett Adam , Lee Harrison Ka Hin , Coles Brendan L. , Tsoi Wing C. , Carnie Matthew J.
Published: May 2019

Transient photovoltage and impedance spectroscopy measurements reveal how degradation affects both the active layer and the interlayer in OPV devices.
Color tunable room temperature phosphorescent carbon dot based nanocomposites obtainable from multiple carbon sources via a molten salt method
Authors: Wang Chan , Chen Yueyue , Hu Tantan , Chang Yong , Ran Guoxia , Wang Mei , Song Qijun
Published: May 2019

The structural confinement and charge density engineering of molten salt endorsed CD-based room temperature phosphorescent (RTP) nanocomposites with long-lifetime, long-wavelength and excitation-dependent RTP.
Probing the interaction of nanoparticles with small molecules in real timeviaquartz crystal microbalance monitoring
Authors: Yang Ye , Poss Guillaume , Weng Yini , Qi Runzhang , Zheng Hanrui , Nianias Nikolaos , Kay Euan R. , Guldin Stefan
Published: May 2019

We report on a novel screening route to obtain quantitative measures for nanoparticle binding affinities to target analytes.
In Operando analysis of the charge storage mechanism in a conversion ZnCo2O4 anode and the application in flexible Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Zijian , Tian Guiying , Trouillet Vanessa , Zhu Lihua , Zhu Jiangong , Missiul Aleksandr , Welter Edmund , Dsoke Sonia
Published: May 2019

Intermediate phases of LiCo2O3, CoO and ZnO are evidenced during the 1st lithiation of a ZnCo2O4 anode.
Tailored phase transition temperature and negative thermal expansion of Sc-substituted Al2Mo3O12synthesized by a co-precipitation method
Authors: Liu Hongfei , Sun Weikang , Zhang Zhiping , Zhang Xiuyun , Zhou Yuxue , Zhu Jun , Zeng Xianghua
Published: May 2019

Sc3+substitution reduces theTcof Al2Mo3O12and makes it show stable negative thermal expansion in a wider temperature range.
Soft nanohand grabs a growing nanoparticle
Authors: Leung Ken Cham-Fai , Li Xiao-Bo , Li Xuan , Lee Siu-Fung , Yu Jimmy C. , Mendes Paula M. , Hermann Klaus E. , Van Hove Michel A.
Published: May 2019

Artificial, organic, and soft four-finger nanohands can selectively pick up growing nanogold of a particular size. Their structures were characterized and modelled by theoretical calculations. This prototype nanomachine provides the fundamental understanding needed to sort out nanosized products.
ortho-Amide-directed 2,4-dibromohydration of conjugated enynes
Authors: Wang Yu-Chao , Wang Rui-Xiang , Qiu Guanyinsheng , Zhou Hongwei , Xie Wenlin , Liu Jin-Biao
Published: May 2019

A NBS-mediated and ortho-amide-directed 2,4-dibromohydration of enynes is described in this paper.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed tandem annulation reaction to build polycyclic benzothiazine derivatives
Authors: Li Yang , Liu Xin-Yang , Xu Yan-Jun , Dong Lin
Published: May 2019

An efficient rhodium(iii)-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization to construct polycyclic benzothiazine derivatives has been well developed.
Nitrogen–sulfur dual-doped porous carbon spheres/sulfur composites for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhao Liping , Liu Gang , Zhang Peng , Sun Liqun , Cong Lina , Wu Tong , Zhang Bohao , Lu Wei , Xie Haiming , Wang Hongyu
Published: May 2019

Simultaneously introduced nitrogen–sulfur through one reagent. The as-prepared PCS-NS/S composites exhibited excellent electrochemical performance as positive electrode for Li–S battery.
Highly stable binder free CNTs/rGO aerogel electrode for decolouration of methylene blue & palm oil mill effluent via electro-Fenton oxidation process
Authors: Nazhif Mohd Nohan Muhammad Amirul , Chia Chin Hua , Hashimi Aina Shasha , Chin Siew Xian , Khiew Poi Sim , Zakaria Sarani , Azmi Azima , Lau Kam Sheng , Razali Nur Fazlinda
Published: May 2019

In this study, single wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/reduced graphene oxides (rGO) aerogels were prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal process without using a binder.
Molecular chains of coordinated dimolybdenum isonicotinate paddlewheel clusters
Authors: Li Minyuan M. , Claire F. James , Solomos Marina A. , Tenney Stephanie M. , Ivanov Sergei A. , Siegler Maxime A. , Kempa Thomas J.
Published: May 2019

Linear molecular chains of coordinated dimolybdenum isonicotinate clusters.
Very short highly enantioselective Grignard synthesis of 2,2-disubstituted tetrahydrofurans and tetrahydropyrans
Authors: Monasterolo Claudio , Müller-Bunz Helge , Gilheany Declan G.
Published: May 2019

Direct asymmetric Grignard synthesis of THFs/THPs via chiral non-racemic tertiary alcohols, applied for very short syntheses of six biological targets.
Ligand and counteranion enabled regiodivergent C–H bond functionalization of naphthols with α-aryl-α-diazoesters
Authors: Yu Zhunzhun , Li Yongfeng , Zhang Peichao , Liu Lu , Zhang Junliang
Published: May 2019

An unprecedented ligand- and counteranion-controlled and site-selectivity switchable direct C–H bond functionalization of unprotected naphthols with α-aryl-α-diazoesters was developed.
Site-selective C–H activation and regiospecific annulation using propargylic carbonates
Authors: Lu Qingquan , Mondal Shobhan , Cembellín Sara , Greßies Steffen , Glorius Frank
Published: May 2019

Herein we describe an unprecedented RuII-catalyzed site-selective and regiospecific annulation of benzoic acids with propargylic carbonates. The weakly coordinating carboxylic acid moiety outperformed other typically used directing groups in C–H activation, including ketone, nitrile, sulfonamide, amide and strongly coordinating nitrogen heterocycles.
Microwave-assisted pyrolysis and analytical fast pyrolysis of macroalgae: product analysis and effect of heating mechanism
Authors: Gautam Ribhu , Shyam S. , Reddy B. Rajasekhar , Govindaraju Kasivelu , Vinu R.
Published: May 2019

The potential of macroalgae species to produce high value chemicals and bio-oil is evaluated using microwave-assisted and conventional fast pyrolysis.
ExPRES: an Exoplanetary and Planetary Radio Emissions Simulator
Authors: Louis C. K. , Hess S. L. G. , Cecconi B. , Zarka P. , Lamy L. , Aicardi S. , Loh A.
Published: May 2019

Context. Earth and outer planets are known to produce intense non-thermal radio emissions through a mechanism known as cyclotron maser instability (CMI), requiring the presence of accelerated electrons generally arising from magnetospheric current systems. In return, radio emissions are a good probe of these current systems and acceleration processes. The CMI generates highly anisotropic emissions and leads to important visibility effects, which have to be taken into account when interpreting the data. Several studies have shown that modelling the radio source anisotropic beaming pattern can reveal a wealth of physical information about the planetary or exoplanetary magnetospheres that produce these emissions.

Aims. We present a numerical tool, called ExPRES (Exoplanetary and Planetary Radio Emission Simulator), which is able to reproduce the occurrence in a time-frequency plane of R−X CMI-generated radio emissions from planetary magnetospheres, exoplanets, or star–planet interacting systems. Special attention is given to the computation of the radio emission beaming at and near its source.

Methods. We explain what physical information about the system can be drawn from such radio observations, and how it is obtained. This information may include the location and dynamics of the radio sources, the type of current system leading to electron acceleration and their energy, and, for exoplanetary systems, the orbital period of the emitting body and the strength, rotation period, tilt, and the offset of the planetary magnetic field. Most of these parameters can only be remotely measured via radio observations.

Results. The ExPRES code provides the proper framework of analysis and interpretation for past, current, and future observations of planetary radio emissions, as well as for future detection of radio emissions from exoplanetary systems (or magnetic, white dwarf–planet or white dwarf–brown dwarf systems). Our methodology can be easily adapted to simulate specific observations once effective detection is achieved.
Leaching kinetics of gold mine tailings: the removal of manganese and iron by sodium carbonate
Authors: Mashifana Tebogo , Sithole Nastassia
Published: May 2019

South Africa is a mineral-rich country with numerous metals and minerals such as gold, copper, and platinum group metals which are exploited to a significant extent. In this study the leaching of heavy metals from gold tailings was studied using sodium carbonate using gold tailings from Sibanye gold. The effect of the key leaching parameters were studied: solvent concentration, temperature, leaching time and the kinetic models were used. Leaching is a hydrometallurgical process where metals are extracted by chemical dissolution, leaving behind a residue of inert minerals originally present as well as insoluble decomposition products of the reacted mineral. The effect of concentration and temperature was tested and it was found that highest Fe extracted(39%) was at 0.5 M and for Mn (46.3%) was at 0.25 M, both at 25 ºC. it was also found that an increase in metal extraction depends on leaching time. The data obtained was modelled to determine whether the kinetic model follows the chemical controlled process or controlled diffusion process and it was found that the controlled diffusion model best fits the kinetic model at all temperatures.
Distributed optimal control models in environmental economics: a review
Authors: Augeraud-Véron Emmanuelle , Boucekkine Raouf , Veliov Vladimir M.
Published: May 2019

We review the most recent advances in distributed optimal control applied to Environmental Economics, covering in particular problems where the state dynamics are governed by partial differential equations (PDEs). This is a quite fresh application area of distributed optimal control, which has already suggested several new mathematical research lines due to the specificities of the Environmental Economics problems involved. We enhance the latter through a survey of the variety of themes and associated mathematical structures beared by this literature. We also provide a quick tour of the existing tools in the theory of distributed optimal control that have been applied so far in Environmental Economics.
Dose calculations in heterogeneous volumes with the GATE Monte Carlo software for radiological protection
Authors: Deschler T. , Arbor N. , Carbillet F. , Nourreddine A.
Published: May 2019

Monte Carlo methods have become widespread in the field of radiation protection and in particular in medical physics where the use of voxelized volumes for the reconstruction of dosimetric quantities is increasing. Changing the resolution of a dose map can be useful to compare dosimetric results coming from voxelized volumes with different resolutions, or to reduce computation time. This can be done by superimposing a dosel grid with a different resolution than that of the voxelized volume. In this case, each dosel will cover several voxels, leading the Monte Carlo code to calculate the dose in heterogeneous volumes. Two algorithms are available in GATE to perform these calculations, the Volume-Weighting (V-W) and the Mass-Weighting (M-W) algorithms, the latter being the subject of this work. In a general way, the M-W algorithm tends to reconstruct a higher dose than that the V-W one. In dosels involving heavy and lightweight materials (air-skin, bone-tissue), the M-W reconstructed dose is better estimated than the V-W one (up to 10% better at the air-skin interface). Moreover, the statistical uncertainty of the M-W dose can be up to 80% lower than the V-W one at air-skin interfaces. These results show that the M-W algorithm is more suitable for radiological protection applications and must be preferentially used in GATE for dose calculations in heterogeneous volumes.
Admission blood glucose as a predictor of shock and mortality in multiply injured patients
Authors: Winkelmann Marcel , Butz Ada Luise , Clausen Jan-Dierk , Blossey Richard David , Zeckey Christian , Weber-Spickschen Sanjay , Mommsen Philipp
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Reliable diagnosis of shock in multiply injured patients is still challenging in emergency care. Point-of-care tests could have the potential to improve shock diagnosis. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the impact of admission blood glucose on predicting shock in multiply injured patients.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of patients with an injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16 who were treated in a level I trauma center from 01/2005 to 12/2014 was performed. Shock was defined by systolic blood pressure ≤ 90 mmHg and/or shock index ≥ 0.9 at admission. Laboratory shock parameters including glucose were measured simultaneously. Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results: Seven hundred and seventy-two patients were analyzed of whom 93 patients (12.0%) died. Two hundred and fifty-nine patients (33.5%) were in shock at admission. Mortality was increased if shock was present at admission (18.1% vs. 9.0%,p < 0.001). Mean glucose was 9.6 ± 4.0 mmol/L if shock was present compared to 8.0 ± 3.0 mmol/L (p < 0.001). Admission glucose positively correlated with shock (Spearman rho = 0.2,p < 0.001). Glucose showed an AUC of 0.62 (95% CI [0.58–0.66],p < 0.001) with an optimal cut off value of 11.5 mmol/L. Patients with admission glucose of > 11.5 mmol/L had a 2.2-fold risk of shock (95% CI [1.4–3.4],p = 0.001). Admission blood glucose of > 11.5 mmol/L positively correlated with mortality too (Spearman rho = 0.65,p < 0.001). Patients had a 2.5-fold risk of dying (95% CI [1.3–4.8],p = 0.004).

Discussion: Admission blood glucose was proven as an independent indicator of shock and mortality and, therefore, might help to identify multiply injured patients at particular risk.
Stellungnahme zu den Leserbriefen von Jens Alm, Hamburg, und Karsten Hartmann, Freiburg
Authors: Mumme Achim
Published: May 2019

Um allen Missverständnissen vorzubeugen möchten wir den folgenden Ausführungen ausdrücklich vorausschicken, dass wir eine Methodenvielfalt befürworten, in der die endovenöse Hitzeablation auch in unseren Augen einen großen Stellenwert hat. Jedes der phlebologischen Verfahren – Sklerosierung, Hitzeablation, Operation- ist aber mit seinen spezifischen Vor- und Nachteilen behaftet, die es im Sinne des Patienten abzuwägen gilt. Neben den unbestreitbaren Vorteilen der endovenösen Lasertherapie hat sich aber für diese Therapieoption der Nachteil vergleichsweise hoher Leistenrezidivraten gezeigt. Die sich daraus ergebenden Konsequenzen müssen diskutiert werden und wir freuen uns, dass mit Karsten Hartmann und Jens Alm zwei der namhaftesten Vertreter der endovenösen Therapie mit Leserbriefen Stellung bezogen haben.
MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound in Fibroid Treatment – Results of the 4th Radiological-Gynecological Expert Meeting
Authors: Kröncke Thomas , David Matthias
Published: May 2019

Magnetic Resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS; Syn.: HIFU = high intensity focused ultrasound) is a safe and effective thermoablative technique to treat fibroid-related symptoms. The evidence is limited due to a lack of randomized trials. The indication for treatment by MRgFUS are symptomatic uterine fibroids. This consensus paper covers criteria to measure success, contraindications, side effects and complications of MRgFUS treatment. The role of MRgFUS in the setting of family planning is part of this publication.
The Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase TT677 Genotype Is Associated with Venous Thrombosis Independently of the Coexistence of the FV Leiden and the Prothrombin
Authors: Margaglione Maurizio , D’Andrea Giovanna , d’Addedda Marina , Giuliani Nicola , Cappucci Giuseppe , Iannaccone Luigi , Vecchione Gennaro , Grandone Elvira , Brancaccio Vincenzo , Minno Giovanni Di
Published: May 2019

A polymorphism, C→T677, in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene has been identified as a cause of mild hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor for venous thrombosis. We have investigated the frequency of the TT genotype in 277 consecutive patients with confirmed deep venous thrombosis and 431 healthy subjects. The TT MTHFR genotype was more frequent in patients than in controls (25.6% vs. 18.1%; p = 0.016). The risk of thrombosis among carriers of this genotype was significantly increased [odds ratio: 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1-2.3)]. The estimated risk associated with the TT genotype was 2.0 (95% CI: 1.3-3.1) in subjects with (n = 122), and 1.3 (95% CI: 0.8-2.0) in those without (n = 155) predisposing (hereditary, acquired or circumstantial) risk factors for venous thrombosis. Factor V Leiden and prothrombin G→A20210 are known risk factors for venous thrombosis. After stratification for FV Leiden and prothrombin A20210 mutations, a significant association was also observed. After adjustment for sex, FV Leiden and prothrombin A20210 mutation, the estimated risk of venous thrombosis among carriers of the TT MTHFR genotype was 1.7 (95% CI: 1.2-2.6). The TT MTHFR genotype is independently associated with venous thrombosis, mainly among individuals with a high risk profile.
Factor V Leiden (G1691A), the Prothrombin 3’-Untranslated Region Variant (G20210A) and Thermolabile Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (C677T): A Single Genetic Test Genotypes all Three Loci – Determination of Frequencies in the S. Wales Population of the UK
Authors: Bowen D. J. , Bowley S. , John M. , Collins P. W.
Published: May 2019

Simultaneous genetic diagnosis of factor V (FV) Leiden (G1691A), the prothrombin variant (G20210A) and the thermolabile methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) variant (C677T) has been achieved using multiplex heteroduplex analysis. All three loci are amplified in a single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) containing test DNA and three heteroduplex generators, respectively detecting the three nucleotide substitutions. After PCR, the products are analysed directly without further manipulation and the resulting heteroduplex profiles permit straightforward interpretation of the respective genotypes. The multiplex test has been used to assess the prevalence and allele frequency of each of the three nucleotide substitutions in 300 individuals (150 males and 150 females) from the local (S. Wales) population. A prevalence of 8% and an allele frequency of 0.040 ± 0.015 (95% confidence interval) was obtained for FV Leiden; the prothrombin variant showed a prevalence of 1% and an allele frequency of 0.007 ± 0.006 (95% confidence interval); the MTHFR mutation showed a prevalence of 60% and an allele frequency of 0.377 ± 0.039 (95% confidence interval). This method is applicable to investigation of large cohorts of patients with arterial or venous thrombotic disease.
The 4G/5G Sequence Polymorphism in the Promoter of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) Gene: Relationship to Plasma PAI-1 Level in Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Stegnar Mojca , Uhrin Pavel , Peternel Polona , Mavri Alenka , Salobir-Pajnič Barbara , Stare Janez , Binder Bernd R.
Published: May 2019

Impaired fibrinolysis due to increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is observed in up to 40% of patients with venous thromboembolism and might be causally related to the disease. There is evidence that genetic variations in the promoter of the PAI-1 gene and metabolic factors contribute to increased plasma PAI-1 levels.

A single nucleotide insertion/deletion (4G/5G) polymorphism in the promoter region of the PAI-1 gene and metabolic factors were studied in 158 unrelated patients below the age of 61 years (43 ± 11 years, mean ± standard deviation) with history of objectively confirmed venous thromboembolism and in 145 apparently healthy controls.

Patients had on average two times higher PAI activity (11.9 vs. 6.1 IU/ml) and by 40% higher PAI-1 antigen (14.8 vs. 10.7 ng/ml) than healthy controls, and also higher body mass index, lipid levels, fasting glucose and insulin. Patients differed significantly from healthy controls neither in the frequency of the 4G and 5G alleles (0.57/0.43 in patients and 0.52/0.48 in controls) nor in the distribution of the 4G/5G genotypes. Possession of the 4G/4G or the 4G/5G genotype did not increase relative risk for venous thromboembolic disease and the distribution of the 4G/5G genotypes was neither associated with recurrent nor with spontaneous disease. In patients association between the 4G/5G genotypes and PAI activity (adjusted for body mass index, triglyceride and glucose level) was observed, with the highest PAI activity values in the 4G/4G genotype (14.6 IU/ml), intermediate in the 4G/5G genotype (13.3 IU/ml) and the lowest in the 5G/5G genotype (5.2 IU/ml, all values means). Association between PAI activity and triglyceride level was the strongest in the 4G/4G genotype (correlation coefficient r = 0.47, p <0.01) and the weakest in the 5G/5G genotype (r = -0.04, not significant).

In conclusion, the present case-control study shows an association between the 4G/5G polymorphism in the promoter of the PAI-1 gene and plasma PAI-1 levels in patients with venous thromboembolism. Similar distribution of the 4G/5G genotypes in patients and healthy controls suggests that this genetic variation by itself is not a major risk factor for venous thromboembolism.
Glottal Closure in Women with No Voice Complaints or Laryngeal Disorders
Authors: Cielo Carla Aparecida , Schwarz Karine , Finger Leila Susana , Lima Joziane Moraes , Christmann Mara Keli
Published: May 2019

Introduction The understanding of normal vocal production is essential to guide any voice professional as it is fundamental to understand the effects of the posterior glottal gap on the vocal quality.

Objective The aim of the present study was to verify the association between glottic closure, acoustic parameters, and some characteristics of the videolaryngostroboscopy of young women without vocal complaints nor laryngeal disorders.

Methods This is a cross-sectional study with 56 women between 20 and 30 years old who underwent videolaryngostroboscopy. The acoustic parameters of the vowel /a:/ were analyzed using the Praat software, Release 4.6.10 (Paul Boersman and David Weenik, Amsterdam, Netherlands).

Statistical Analysis The chi-squared, Fischer, and Kruskall-Wallis tests were applied, with 5% significance.

Results Significant occurrence of posterior glottal gap (85.71%, p < 0.001), of normal vocal folds vibration amplitude (82.14%, p < 0.001), and of absence of significant constriction of the laryngeal vestibule (98.21%, p < 0.001); no significant association of the glottic closure with the vocal acoustic parameters; no significant association of glottic closure, vocal folds vibration amplitude, and constriction of the laryngeal vestibule.

Conclusion There was a predominance of posterior glottal gap, normal vocal folds vibration amplitude, and absence of laryngeal vestibule constriction, and no relation with the acoustic parameters, suggesting that the posterior glottal gap did not generate impact on the vocal production of the young adult women studied.
Swallowing Analyses of Neonates and Infants in Breastfeeding and Bottle-feeding: Impact on Videofluoroscopy Swallow Studies
Authors: Hernandez Ana Maria , Bianchini Esther Mandelbaum Gonçalves
Published: May 2019

Introduction Dysphagia, when left untreated, can result in an increase in morbidity and mortality rates, especially among infants with history of life-threatening neonatal diseases. The videofluoroscopy swallowing study (VFSS) is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of dysphagia. There are few imaging studies of infant swallowing based on videofluoroscopy, none of which were performed during breast-feeding.

Objective To analyze the similarities and differences in infant swallowing function –regarding the feeding method – breast or bottle – and the impact on videofluoroscopy findings.

Methods A retrospective study of 25 VFSSs of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding infants was performed. The studied variables were: oral capture and control; tongue versus mandible movement coordination; sucking pattern; mandible excursion; liquid flow; bolus retention; laryngeal penetration; tracheal aspiration; clearing of material collected in the pharynx; and gastroesophageal reflux (GER).

Results The study showed a statistically significant association between nipple/areole capture; oral control; sucking pattern; mandibular excursion; liquid flow and feeding method. The velar sealing deficit, the place that trigger the pharyngeal swallow, food retention in the pharyngeal recesses, laryngeal penetration and GER were also factors associated with the feeding method.

Conclusion The analysis of the swallowing characteristics of both feeding methods revealed significant differences between them, with an impact on the diagnosis in the VFSSs, especially regarding velar function.