bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of a newly isolated SVCV strain in Ukraine
Authors: Rud Yuriy , Matvienko Natalia , Buchatskiy Leonid
Published: November 2019

Spring Viraemia of Carp Virus (SVCV) has been well documented since the 1960s. This virus infection generally results in an acute haemorrhagic syndrome with septicaemia and associated high mortality. During a fish health inspection in carp farms in the Eastern region of Ukraine, SVCV was isolated from yearlings of the common carp Cyprinus carpio. For virus isolation and characterisation, methods of cell culture, EM, PCR, and sequencing were used. Preliminary examination of infected fish revealed a range of lesions, particularly in spleen and kidney tissues. The virus grew in fish cell lines of FHM and EPC with infectious titre of 106.2–6.5 and 106.9–7.4 TCID50/ml, respectively. Investigation by electron microscopy demonstrated that ultrastructurally the isolated virus was similar to rhabdoviruses. Virions were non-enveloped with a typical bullet profile, approximately 80 to 180 nm in length and 60 to 90 nm in diameter. In addition, the nucleotide sequence of the glycoprotein gene G fragment in size of 579 base pairs was analysed. The nucleotide sequence was registered at GenBank under the accession number MH043331. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship of East Ukrainian isolates of SVCV with sequences that represent the strains from genogroup Ib.
Rotinas de atendimento em um hospital veterinário universitário: um estudo de caso
Authors: Melo Tuane Ferreira , Silva Sheldon William
Published: November 2019

O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever as rotinas de atendimento a pacientes de um hospital universitário veterinário. Desse modo, esse trabalho possui natureza qualitativa, pois vale-se de um ambiente natural com fonte direta de dados, no qual o pesquisador é instrumento fundamental. O estudo de caso foi realizado no Setor de Clínica Médica de Cães e Gatos e no Setor de Anestesiologia do Hospital Veterinário Universitário Alfa no período de 01 de setembro a 24 de novembro de 2017. Foram acompanhados 169 quadros clínicos e 52 procedimentos anestésicos, no total de 205 cães e 16 gatos. Como resultados, percebeu-se que as rotinas de atendimento a pacientes no HVUA são bem definidas com destaque para o acompanhamento em tempo real do paciente por meio do software de gestão. Constatou-se, com a pesquisa, que o fluxo de atendimento descrito não estava representado graficamente, ainda que os funcionários e colaboradores mais antigos do hospital os conhecesse bem. Desse modo, o presente estudo contribui para a orientação de novos funcionários e posterior aplicação em outras unidades.
Tendance des précipitations et évolution des écoulements dans un cadre de changement climatique : bassin versant de l’oued Mina en Algérie
Authors: Hallouz Faiza , Meddi Mohamed , Mahe Gil , Karahacane Hafsa , Ali Rahmani Salah Eddine
Published: November 2019

Cette étude porte sur l’analyse de la variabilité spatiale et temporelle des indices de précipitation, température et débit dans le bassin versant de l’oued Mina (6 048 km2) dans le Nord-Ouest algérien pendant la période de 1979 à 2013. L’application du test non paramétrique de Kruskal-Wallis sur les indices de pluies a révélé que le total annuel des pluies et le nombre maximal de jours consécutifs pluvieux présentent une grande variabilité spatiale. Le nombre de jours de forts débits diminue du nord vers le sud du bassin. Quant au test de Mann-Kendall, il a révélé une tendance décroissante du total annuel des pluies. En revanche, les températures maximales et minimales ont significativement augmenté dans le temps. Il en est de même des séquences des jours secs consécutifs, des intensités des pluies et des jours extrêmement pluvieux. Aussi, la fréquence des jours avec des forts débits a diminué alors que celle avec des faibles débits a augmenté dans les trois oueds de Mina, Haddad et El Abd. Enfin, la baisse de pluies et l’augmentation de la température ont généré une diminution des ressources en eau.
Arsenic(v) removal from aqueous solutions using ferromagnetic activated carbon: equilibrium and kinetic studies
Authors: Sanou Yacouba , Phuong Nguyen Thi Thanh , Pare Samuel , Phuoc Nguyen Van
Published: November 2019

Arsenic pollution is one of the global issues which affect the drinking water supply in Burkina Faso, mainly in rural areas. To mitigate this water pollution, ferromagnetic activated carbon (FAC) has been prepared by chemical activation using rice husk and iron chloride solution to be used as an adsorbent of arsenic. Characterization with some analytical techniques revealed this carbon is microporous with a specific surface area of 150 m2∙g-1 and ferromagnetic properties. This work aims to evaluate the equilibrium conditions of As(V) removal and the adsorption capacity of FAC. Batch experiments were undertaken to evaluate the performance of FAC for arsenic removal under various operating conditions and the mechanism of the removal process. Results showed an increase of the removal percentage with the increase of the contact time, indicating a saturation during 60 min. The removal of As(V) is influenced by the increase of the initial arsenic concentration causing an increase of the adsorption capacity of FAC. The increase of pH showed a variation of the removal percentage indicating a maximum removal at pH 7 which corresponds to an adsorption capacity of 153 µg∙g-1. Both monolayer adsorption and ion exchange constitute the mechanism of removal of As(V) using FAC. The kinetics of the process is described by a pseudo-second order model.
Determination and Application of Improved Kinetic Parameters for Simulation of Maleic Anhydride Synthesis in Industrial Fixed- Bed Reactor
Authors: Karić Ervin , Petric Ivan , Mićić Vladan
Published: November 2019

The aims of this study were to determine improved kineticparameters in five kinetic models for oxidation of n-butane intomaleic anhydride in an industrial fixed-bed reactor, and tosimulate the reactor performance. On the basis of the measuredprocess parameters, inlet and outlet concentrations of n-butanewere calculated and then used to fit the kinetic models. Theindustrial fixed-bed reactor was approximated by 10 continuousstirred tank reactors (CSTR) connected in series. Based on thecalculated outlet concentration of n-butane from the industrialreactor, the outlet concentration of n-butane from thepenultimate reactor was calculated. Then the concentrations ofn-butane were calculated until the inlet concentration of nbutanein the first reactor was obtained. Kinetic parameterswere determined by comparing the inlet concentrations of nbutanein the first reactor with the inlet concentration of nbutaneobtained on the basis of the measured processparameters in the industrial fixed-bed reactor. Kinetic modelswith improved kinetic parameters showed better simulationresults compared to kinetic models with the existing kineticparameters. The best agreement of simulation results andmeasured values was achieved with application of the kineticmodel 2 (Equations (2a-c)). The smallest deviations ofnumerical simulation in comparison with measured values of theoutlet pressure of reaction mixture were 0.45, 0.75 and 0.75%for application of the kinetic model 3 (Equations (3a-c)). Thepercentage deviations of numerical simulation with improvedkinetic parameters and the existing kinetic parameters incomparison with measured values of inside reactor temperaturewere in the range 0.90-5.36% and in the range 4.17-9.78%(kinetic model 2, Equations (2a-c)), respectively.
Adsorption of phenol on polycrystalline gold from aqueous solutions
Authors: Chamovska Dragica , Porjazoska Kujundziski Aleksandra
Published: November 2019

The presence of phenolic compounds as one of the most common organic pollutants in natural water (surface and ground waters) has been detected as a worldwide problem. Very small concentrations of phenols affect the quality of both environmental and household waters, and directly or indirectly impact lives in aquatic systems and humans, as well. Most of the organic compounds, containing certain functional groups, such as amino, amines, carbonyl, hydroxyl, groups containing sulfur and others, have shown ability of adsorption on metal surfaces from aqueous solutions. Cyclic voltammetry (dE/dt = 100 mV s-1) with simultaneous monitoring of the double layer (dl) capacitance (at 100 Hz and 1 mV ac signal) was used for an adsorption study of phenol on polycrystalline gold from 0.5 mol dm-3 aqueous solutions of NaHCO3. Thus, in this study an effort was made to establish a fast method, an electrochemical procedure for qualitative and quantitative determination of phenols in natural water systems.
Análise espacial e espaço-temporal das anomalias congênitas do sistema nervoso no Estado da Paraíba entre os anos de 2010 a 2016
Authors: Lima Luciana Moura Mendes de , Vianna Rodrigo Pinheiro de Toledo , Moraes Ronei Marcos de
Published: November 2019

Introduction: In Brazil, congenital malformation anomaly of the nervous system has been the most frequent among the anomalies. Knowledge of your geographical distribution both in space as throughout the time, can assist public managers in the decision-making process about the areas that must be prioritized for the monitoring of this disease. Objective: Detecting spatial and spatio-temporal clusters of congenital malformations of nervous system. Methods: An ecological study based on secondary data from the National Information System on Live Births in the period from 2010 to 2016 in the state of Paraíba. We estimated the spatial incidence ratios and applied circular and spatio-temporal Scan statistics to detect clusters with of abovementioned malformations. Results: The spatial pattern was different throughout the years of the occurrence of these malformations, since the spatial clusters were detected on different regions of the state, except in the years 2013 and 2015, which revealed a higher concentration in the central-west and northwest regions of the state. The retrospective spatio-temporal analysis revealed three clusters that persisted during the years of 2015 and 2016. Conclusion: The findings indicated the regions that must be prioritized for the monitoring of congenital malformations of nervous system in the state of Paraíba in time and space.
Dinâmica de uso de psicofármacos e a relação com a psicoterapia psicanalítica na interface da saúde mental: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Damasceno Marcio Rocha , Bezerra Italla Maria Pinheiro , Nazaré Lídia Maria , Mendes Andréia Almeida , Abreu Luiz Carlos de
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Drug use has been discussed by various authorities and health professionals, and a change in attitude. Among them, psychoanalysts and psychotherapists recognize the importance that the theme has been having in recent decades, considering the rational use of psychotropic drugs as supporting psychoanalytic treatment. Objective: To analyze the use of psychotropic drugs and their relationship with psychoanalytic psychotherapy in the interface of mental health. Methods: This is an integrative review of the MEDLINE Database based on a statement of preferred reports for systematic methods and meta-analyzes (PRISMA) through the descriptors: Psychotropic Drugs and Psychoanalysis Drug Therapy and Drug Misuse and Drug Use and Signs and Symptoms, filtering the results by title and summary specificity and only studies available in their full version and conducted in humans were detected. Results: 42 articles were selected for final analysis. The object of article analysis was submitted to the analyst who treats his patients and conducts clinical trials with drug interaction, as well as therapeutic transfer complement as a clinical resource for treatment of psychoanalytic sessions. In addition, the results of this drug interaction were evidenced as supporting factors in the clinical treatment of clients exposed to the clinical session. Final considerations: The use of psychoactive drugs and psychoanalytic psychotherapy Shows as an association capable of proving interaction and integration of the personality aspects and the psychological structure of the individual. It is a clinical condition that can be stimulated in the mental health treatment of individuals suffering from mental / emotional distress.
Single-cell transcriptomic evidence for dense intracortical neuropeptide networks
Authors: Smith Stephen J , Sümbül Uygar , Graybuck Lucas T , Collman Forrest , Seshamani Sharmishtaa , Gala Rohan , Gliko Olga , Elabbady Leila , Miller Jeremy A , Bakken Trygve E , Rossier Jean , Yao Zizhen , Lein Ed , Zeng Hongkui , Tasic Bosiljka , Hawrylycz Michael
Published: November 2019

Seeking new insights into the homeostasis, modulation and plasticity of cortical synaptic networks, we have analyzed results from a single-cell RNA-seq study of 22,439 mouse neocortical neurons. Our analysis exposes transcriptomic evidence for dozens of molecularly distinct neuropeptidergic modulatory networks that directly interconnect all cortical neurons. This evidence begins with a discovery that transcripts of one or more neuropeptide precursor (NPP) and one or more neuropeptide-selective G-protein-coupled receptor (NP-GPCR) genes are highly abundant in all, or very nearly all, cortical neurons. Individual neurons express diverse subsets of NP signaling genes from palettes encoding 18 NPPs and 29 NP-GPCRs. These 47 genes comprise 37 cognate NPP/NP-GPCR pairs, implying the likelihood of local neuropeptide signaling. Here, we use neuron-type-specific patterns of NP gene expression to offer specific, testable predictions regarding 37 peptidergic neuromodulatory networks that may play prominent roles in cortical homeostasis and plasticity.
Cryo electron tomography with volta phase plate reveals novel structural foundations of the 96-nm axonemal repeat in the pathogen Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Imhof Simon , Zhang Jiayan , Wang Hui , Bui Khanh Huy , Nguyen Hoangkim , Atanasov Ivo , Hui Wong H , Yang Shun Kai , Zhou Z Hong , Hill Kent L
Published: November 2019

The 96-nm axonemal repeat includes dynein motors and accessory structures as the foundation for motility of eukaryotic flagella and cilia. However, high-resolution 3D axoneme structures are unavailable for organisms among the Excavates, which include pathogens of medical and economic importance. Here we report cryo electron tomography structures of the 96-nm repeat from Trypanosoma brucei, a protozoan parasite in the Excavate lineage that causes African trypanosomiasis. We examined bloodstream and procyclic life cycle stages, and a knockdown lacking DRC11/CMF22 of the nexin dynein regulatory complex (NDRC). Sub-tomogram averaging yields a resolution of 21.8 Å for the 96-nm repeat. We discovered several lineage-specific structures, including novel inter-doublet linkages and microtubule inner proteins (MIPs). We establish that DRC11/CMF22 is required for the NDRC proximal lobe that binds the adjacent doublet microtubule. We propose that lineage-specific elaboration of axoneme structure in T. brucei reflects adaptations to support unique motility needs in diverse host environments.
The Journey for Survival
Authors: Mohammed Larry Ibrahim
Published: November 2019

It has been recorded that about two-thirds of those persecuted, tortured and killed in the European witchcraft hunt in the 17th century were women. In northern Ghana were about six witchcamps exist, almost all of the inhabitants who either run away from their villages or are sent to the various witchcamps as alleged witches are women. A witchcamp is a designated settlement within a community where people who are accused or found to be witches are made to live with each other.

There have been various efforts from different governments to shut down the witchcamps, but this effort has yielded no success. Accused witches and other stakeholders opine that the solution to their predicament does not emanate from the presence of the witchcamps but rather from socio-cultural practices from their various communities.

For some of the women in Gambaga who believe in the existence of witchcraft and do not explicitly profess to be witches themselves, my presentation would engage two questions. Firstly, to discuss the question of what accounts for the majority of women in the Gambaga witchcamp? And secondly, to understand what the concept of empowerment means to these accused women?

This presentation employs a post-colonial indigenous research paradigm where amongst other things the value systems, community beliefs and experiences of colonized peoples are given much prominence. At the same time, this paradigm calls to questions some features of African traditional cultures which are problematic. Discussions on the above questions will draw from the interviews I conducted with some of the accused women in the Gambaga witchcamp, A traditional diviner and some members of the community. I conducted fieldwork in the summer of 2019.

As this is a work in progress, my ideas are not fully developed. My presentation will therefore, benefit immensely from feedback especially on the gender perspectives, feminism and gender theories.
Blind normalization of public high-throughput databases
Authors: Ohse Sebastian , Boerries Melanie , Busch Hauke
Published: November 2019

The rise of high-throughput technologies in the domain of molecular and cell biology, as well as medicine, has generated an unprecedented amount of quantitative high-dimensional data. Public databases at present make a wealth of this data available, but appropriate normalization is critical for meaningful analyses integrating different experiments and technologies. Without such normalization, meta-analyses can be difficult to perform and the potential to address shortcomings in experimental designs, such as inadequate replicates or controls with public data, is limited. Because of a lack of quantitative standards and insufficient annotation, large scale normalization across entire databases is currently limited to approaches that demand ad hoc assumptions about noise sources and the biological signal. By leveraging detectable redundancies in public databases, such as related samples and features, we show that blind normalization without constraints on noise sources and the biological signal is possible. The inherent recovery of confounding factors is formulated in the theoretical framework of compressed sensing and employs efficient optimization on manifolds. As public databases increase in size and offer more detectable redundancies, the proposed approach is able to scale to more complex confounding factors. In addition, the approach accounts for missing values and can incorporate spike-in controls. Our work presents a systematic approach to the blind normalization of public high-throughput databases.
Computational methods for the ab initio identification of novel microRNA in plants: a systematic review
Authors: Manuweera Buwani , Reynolds Gillian , Kahanda Indika
Published: November 2019

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role as post-transcriptional regulators in gene expression. Experimental determination of miRNA sequence and structure is both expensive and time consuming. The next-generation sequencing revolution, which facilitated the rapid accumulation of biological data has brought biology into the “big data” domain. As such, developing computational methods to predict miRNAs has become an active area of inter-disciplinary research.

Objective

The objective of this systematic review is to focus on the developments of ab initio plant miRNA identification methods over the last decade.

Data sources

Five databases were searched for relevant articles, according to a well-defined review protocol.

Study selection

The search results were further filtered using the selection criteria that only included studies on novel plant miRNA identification using machine learning.

Data extraction

Relevant data from each study were extracted in order to carry out an analysis on their methodologies and findings.

Results

Results depict that in the last decade, there were 20 articles published on novel miRNA identification methods in plants of which only 11 of them were primarily focused on plant microRNA identification. Our findings suggest a need for more stringent plant-focused miRNA identification studies.

Conclusion

Overall, the study accuracies are of a satisfactory level, although they may generate a considerable number of false negatives. In future, attention must be paid to the biological plausibility of computationally identified miRNAs to prevent further propagation of biologically questionable miRNA sequences.
Genomic analyses provide insights into breed-of-origin effects from purebreds on three-way crossbred pigs
Authors: Lin Yu , Tang Qianzi , Li Yan , He Mengnan , Jin Long , Ma Jideng , Wang Xun , Long Keren , Huang Zhiqing , Li Xuewei , Gu Yiren , Li Mingzhou
Published: November 2019

Crossbreeding is widely used aimed at improving crossbred performance for poultry and livestock. Alleles that are specific to different purebreds will yield a large number of heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in crossbred individuals, which are supposed to have the power to alter gene function or regulate gene expression. For pork production, a classic three-way crossbreeding system of Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) (DLY) is generally used to produce terminal crossbred pigs with stable and prominent performance. Nonetheless, little is known about the breed-of-origin effects from purebreds on DLY pigs. In this study, we first estimated the distribution of heterozygous SNPs in three kinds of three-way crossbred pigs via whole genome sequencing data originated from three purebreds. The result suggested that DLY is a more effective strategy for three-way crossbreeding as it could yield more stably inherited heterozygous SNPs. We then sequenced a DLY pig family and identified 95, 79, 132 and 42 allele-specific expression (ASE) genes in adipose, heart, liver and skeletal muscle, respectively. Principal component analysis and unrestricted clustering analyses revealed the tissue-specific pattern of ASE genes, indicating the potential roles of ASE genes for development of DLY pigs. In summary, our findings provided a lot of candidate SNP markers and ASE genes for DLY three-way crossbreeding system, which may be valuable for pig breeding and production in the future.
Alien species as a potential threat for Natura 2000 habitats: a national survey
Authors: Perzanowska Joanna , Korzeniak Joanna , Chmura Damian
Published: November 2019

Invasion by alien species (AS) is one of the most serious threats to ecosystems. In Europe, the Natura 2000 habitats network was established to protect habitats vital for the conservation of biodiversity and function of ecosystems. Therefore, the appearance of AS in Natura 2000 habitats is a warning signal that the most valuable European habitats may be endangered. However, quantitative studies encompassing a wide spectrum of habitats are lacking, and there is no insight into the differences in the level of invasion among habitats. Our survey is based on the State Monitoring of Natura 2000 data and aimed at an assessment of the level of invasion in natural habitat types in Poland. The percentage of invaded locations, number and frequency of alien plant species was assessed in 79 Natura 2000 habitats, both terrestrial and water, investigated on 5,941 locations. The most invaded habitats (with the highest percentage of invaded plots) were dunes withHippophaë rhamnoides(habitat code 2160), rivers with muddy banks (habitat code 3270), and alpine rivers and herbaceous and ligneous vegetation along their banks (habitat codes: 3220, 3230, 3240). Grassland, forest and most of the bog, mire and fen habitats and also some habitats on a rock were invaded by a relatively large number of AS, but their frequency was comparatively low. In contrast, a high frequency of AS was found in the majority of dune and costal habitats and calaminarian grasslands. Compared with the period 2000–2010, the number of AS in some riparian, grassland and forest habitats rose noticeably. The occurrence of AS showed a negative correlation with conservation status of the habitats. This study has demonstrated that standard monitoring of Natura 2000 habitats provides the basis for the detection of AS, including invasive ones, in all types of habitats, and can be used for development rapid and effective response programs.
Spoken Dialogue System: Its Applications in the Developing Countries and a Technology for Bridging the Digital Divide and Augmenting Scarce Services in those Countries
Authors: Olufemi Moses Oyelami
Published: November 2019

Aims: This article reports the various application areas of the spoken dialogue system in the developing world to determine if the system could be used to bridge the digital divide prevalent in these regions of the world. The work also aims to identify in which developing nations is the system currently being put to use.

Study Design:  A survey of twenty articles on the subject matter was carried out and their domains of the application were identified. The different forms of the evaluation carried out on them were also identified towards determining their outcomes positivity for bridging the digital divide. Various comments made of the different evaluations were also considered in determining the suitability of spoken dialogue systems in bridging the digital divide.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria, between February 2013 and October 2019.

Methodology: The different domains of the works, the different forms of the evaluation carried out on the systems, the various comments consequent upon the testing of the systems by the participants and the developing countries where those works were carried out were identified. A position was now taken based on the results obtained.  

Results: Nine of the works are in the healthcare domain, three in agriculture, one in banking, one in aviation, one in secretarial work, one in the accuracy of recognition, one in education and three having multiple domains. The various comments and results from the evaluations all point towards the system’s suitability for bridging the digital divide. The spoken dialogue system is currently being used in only six developing nations of the world.

Conclusion: Consequent upon the results obtained, it is clear that spoken dialogue systems can be used to bridge the digital divide in the developing world and that other application areas not yet covered could be explored for the benefits of the citizens of these regions, especially the digitally disadvantaged ones.
Avaliação micro e macroscópica de escovas dentais
Authors: Oliveira Gabriella Cordeiro , Soares Maria Carolina Valdivino , Laureano Isla Camilla Carvalho , Farias Lunna , Fernandes Liege Helena Freitas , Nonaka Cassiano Francisco Weege , Calvalcanti Alessandro Leite
Published: November 2019

Introdução: As escovas dentais possuem como principal função a limpeza dos tecidos bucais. Objetivo: Analisar as características micro e macroscópicas de escovas dentais de uso infantil e adulto. Metodologia: Foram selecionadas 11 escovas dentais (cinco de uso infantil e seis de uso adulto). Dois pesquisadores treinados analisaram aspectos microcoscópicos e macroscópicos, de acordo com os parâmetros da Portaria n° 97/SVS (ANVISA). Os dados foram tabulados e analisados utilizando-se o Microsoft Excel, sendo apresentados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: Foram encontradas cerdas arredondadas em 40% das escovas de uso infantil e em 66,7% de uso adulto, com farpas em 60% das escovas de uso infantil e em 50% de uso adulto, com a parte ativa ovalada em 60% das escovas de uso infantil e em 50% de uso adulto e com as cerdas macias em 80% das escovas de uso infantil e em 50% de uso adulto. O comprimento e a largura da parte ativa das de uso infantil variaram de 19,14 a 25,03 mm e de 8,82 a 13,98 mm respectivamente, enquanto, nas de uso adulto, o comprimento variou de 25,77 a 37,02 mm e a largura de 12,57 a 15,40 mm. As escovas de uso infantil possuíam comprimento total entre 137,91 e 163,82 mm e as de uso adulto entre 180,08 mm e 195,42 mm. Conclusão: A maioria das escovas dentais analisadas não estão adequadas aos parâmetros estabelecidos na legislação brasileira, sendo essencial que o cirurgião-dentista oriente individualmente o paciente acerca de qual escova é a mais indicada.
Plasma urate concentrations and possible REM sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Shen Yun , Li Junjuan , Schwarzschild Michael , Pavlova Milena , He Songbin , Ascherio Alberto , Wu Shouling , Cui Liufu , Gao Xiang
Published: November 2019

Objective

To examine how urate concentrations are related to the risk of having possible REM sleep behavior disorder (pRBD) in a community‐based cohort.

Methods

The study included 12,923 Chinese adults of the Kailuan Study, free of Parkinson disease (PD) and dementia. Plasma urate concentrations were measured in 2006, 2008, and 2010. Cumulative average urate concentration was used as primary exposure. In 2012, we determined pRBD status using a validated RBD questionnaire‐Hong Kong (RBDQ‐HK). Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between urate concentrations during 2006–2010 and odds of having pRBD in 2012 or pRBD case with symptom onset within 1 year.

Results

Higher average urate concentrations were associated with a lower odds of pRBD (P‐trend <0.001). The adjusted odds ratio (OR), for the highest versus lowest urate quintiles, was 0.43 (95% confidence intervals (CIs) 0.32–0.57). Significant association was consistently observed when we examined the association of a single urate assessment (2006 or 2010) or the rate of change in urate concentrations during 2006–2010 with pRBD (P‐trend <0.001 for all). However, restricting to pRBD onset during 2011–2012, we observed a nonsignificant trend between high urate concentration and high odds of pRBD (P‐trend = 0.09).

Interpretation

Higher average urate concentrations were associated with a lower likelihood of having pRBD, but not new‐onset pRBD. Because of its observational study design, the result should be interpreted with caution due to the possibility of residual confounding.
A machine learning algorithm successfully screens for Parkinson's in web users
Authors: Youngmann Brit , Allerhand Liron , Paltiel Ora , Yom‐Tov Elad , Arkadir David
Published: November 2019

Objective

To develop, apply, and evaluate, a novel web‐based classifier for screening for Parkinson disease among a large cohort of search engine users.

Methods

A supervised machine learning classifier learned to distinguish web users with self‐reported Parkinson's disease from controls based on their interactions with a search engine (Bing, Microsoft). It was then applied to groups of web users with low or high risk for actual Parkinson's disease. Textual content of web queries was used to sort surfers into the different risk groups, but not for classifying users as negative or positive for Parkinson's disease. Disease detection was unsolicited. Researchers did not have access to any identifying data on users.

Results

Applying the classifier (with an estimated positive predictive value of 25%) resulted in 17,843/1,490,987 (1.2%) web users over the age of 40 years screened positive for Parkinson's disease. This percentile was higher in at‐risk groups (Fisher exact P < 0.00001), including users who searched for information regarding the disease (518/804, 64.4%), and users with non‐motor Parkinson's symptom or with an affected relative (57/1064, 5.3%). Longitudinal follow‐up revealed that in all studied groups individuals classified as having the disease showed a higher mean rate of progression in disease‐related features (t‐test P < 0.05).

Interpretation

An automatic classifier, based on mouse and keyboard interactions with a search engine, is able to reliably trace individuals at high risk for actual Parkinson's disease as well as to demonstrate more rapid progression of disease‐related signs in those who screened positive. This ability raises novel ethical issues.
Mechanical Synthesis and Hydrogen Storage Characterization of MgVCr and MgVTiCrFe High‐Entropy Alloy
Authors: de Marco Marcelo Orpinelli , Li Yongtao , Li Hai-Wen , Edalati Kaveh , Floriano Ricardo
Published: November 2019

Body‐centered cubic (BCC) and high‐entropy alloys are being investigated as potential hydrogen storage materials due to their ability to absorb high amounts of hydrogen at moderate temperatures. Herein, the synthesis and hydrogen storage behavior of new MgVCr BCC and MgTiVCrFe high‐entropy alloys are studied. The alloys are initially synthesized by mechanical alloying via high‐energy ball milling (HEBM) under hydrogen atmosphere followed by high‐pressure torsion (HPT) processing to improve activation. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) in combination with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows a very refined nanostructure in both samples with the presence of a BCC solid solution phase for MgVCr, whereas the crystalline and amorphous phases coexist in MgTiVCrFe. The MgVCr alloy exhibits fast kinetics but with a low reversible hydrogen storage capacity (up to 0.9 wt%), whereas MgTiVCrFe shows low affinity to absorb hydrogen. Moreover, MgTiVCrFe demonstrates a partial decomposition from the initial structure by hydrogen storage cycling, whereas MgVcr exhibits reasonable stability.
Hierarchical Bimetallic Hydroxides Built by Porous Nanowire‐Lapped Bundles with Ultrahigh Areal Capacity for Stable Hybrid Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Zhiwei , He Shixue , Ji Chenchen , Mi Hongyu , Lei Chenchen , Li Zhan , Pang Huan , Fan Zuizui , Yu Chang , Qiu Jieshan
Published: November 2019

Exploring advanced electrode materials with superb energy/power densities and long lifetime as well as low cost is the recent focus of hybrid solid‐state supercapacitor (HSSC). This study reports a novel hierarchical bimetallic hydroxide (Ni1Co1‐OH) built by nanowire‐lapped bonfire‐like bundles through a facile and scalable method, and provides thorough insights into possible formation mechanism and structural merits of the interesting hierarchical architecture. Benefiting from multistep redox reactions, high accessible surface area and fast kinetics contributed by the unique structure, Ni1Co1‐OH using 2 m KOH electrolyte can achieve highly improved gravimetric capacity/capacitance of 876.8 C g−1/1753.6 F g−1 at active mass loading of 3 mg cm−2 at 1 A g−1, and especially deliver a record‐high areal capacity of 7.6 C cm−2 at 1 A g−1 under a commercial loading of 15 mg cm−2. 1.5 V Ni1Co1‐OH based HSSC with the poly(vinyl alcohol)/KOH gel electrolyte verifies the intriguing performance including high energy/power densities of 27.9 Wh kg−1/13812.9 W kg−1, a long life over 10 000 cycles, and a low self‐discharge rate with a voltage decline of 20% after 24 h. The findings identify the scalable production of high‐performance bimetal compounds, which will boost the development of highly demanding HSSC devices.
Access to 2‐Amino‐3‐Arylthiophenes by Base‐Catalyzed Redox Condensation Reaction Between Arylacetonitriles, Chalcones, and Elemental Sulfur
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu Tram , Le Van Anh , Retailleau Pascal , Nguyen Thanh Binh
Published: November 2019

A straightforward access to 2‐amino‐3‐arylthiophenes has been developed via one‐pot two‐step three‐component reaction of arylacetonitriles, chalcones and elemental sulfur. The first step consists of a DBU‐catalyzed formation of Michael adduct between arylacetonitriles and chalcones. The second step is a cascade of DABCO‐catalyzed sulfuration of the Michael adduct with elemental sulfur followed by an oxidative cyclization to afford thiophenes. Compared to the Gewald reactions and related transformations which are limited in acetonitriles bearing a methylene group activated by an α‐substituted electron withdrawing group as substrates, our method can be applied to a wide range of arylacetonitriles and requires only catalytic amounts of DBU and DABCO. The developed reaction opens an access to 3‐aryl‐2‐aminothiophenes complementary to classical Gewald reactions with high degree of structural diversity and atom efficiency.

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Electrochemically Stable Sodium Metal‐Tellurium/Carbon Nanorods Batteries
Authors: Wang Hui , Tong Zhongqiu , Yang Rui , Huang Zhongming , Shen Dong , Jiao Tianpeng , Cui Xiao , Zhang Wenjun , Jiang Yang , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: November 2019

Electrochemical metal cells utilizing tellurium and sodium chemistry are being extensively explored for developing advanced high‐performance batteries. The daunting challenges, however, still remain with low rate capability/volumetric capacity, unclear redox reaction processes, and the notorious sodium dendrites. Here, a cell design that features a novel Te/carbon nanorods cathode and a tailored ether‐based electrolyte is reported. It is the first report of Na metal‐Te full batteries with performance comparable to those of reported Na‐S and Na‐Se batteries at low ratings. By using the semimetal Te instead of the insulating S or Se, the Na‐Te batteries actually outperform reported Na‐S and Na‐Se batteries at high ratings. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, UV–vis spectrum, ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy results clearly reveal a three‐step redox process and stability of the Na metal‐Te cells. These comprehensive results demonstrate the feasibility of practical Na metal‐Te batteries with high volumetric energy density and a viable cell fabrication cost.
An Efficient Sequential One‐Pot Approach for the Synthesis of C3‐Functionalized Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines under Transition‐Metal Free Conditions
Authors: Reddy Raju Jannapu , Shankar Angothu , Kumari Arram Haritha
Published: November 2019

A metal‐free sequential one‐pot three‐component protocol is described for the synthesis of C3‐functionalized imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines. A successive construction of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine followed by iodine‐catalysed sulfenylation has been achieved in a one‐pot operation from readily available α‐bromomethyl ketones, 2‐aminopyridines and thiosulfonates. An immense array of 3‐sulfenylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines were obtained in good to high yields. Also, the method extended for the synthesis of C3‐halogenated imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines using sodium halides in the presence of K2S2O8. Notably, the reaction between α‐bromomethyl ketones and 2‐aminopyridines in the presence of K2S2O8 to yield 3‐bromo‐2‐aryl‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines, thus implies α‐bromomethyl ketones also served as brominating agent. Overall, the present sequential one‐pot protocol is straightforward, operationally simple, tolerates a broad range of functional groups, and is reliable for gram‐scale experiments.
Analysis of Powders Containing Illicit Drugs Using Magnetic Levitation
Authors: Abrahamsson Christoffer K. , Nagarkar Amit , Fink Michael J. , Preston Daniel J. , Ge Shencheng , Bozenko Joseph S. , Whitesides George M.
Published: November 2019

Magneto‐Archimedes levitation (MagLev) enables the separation of powdered mixtures of illicit drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and its analogues), adulterants, and diluents based on density, and allows the presumptive identification of individual components. Small samples (mass <50 mg), with low concentrations of illicit drugs, present a particular challenge to analysis for forensic chemists. The MagLev device, a cuvette containing a solution of paramagnetic gadolinium(III) chelate in a non‐polar solvent, placed between two like‐poles‐facing NdFeB magnets, allowed separation of seven relevant compounds simultaneously. In particular, initial separation with MagLev, followed by characterization by FTIR‐ATR, enabled identification of fentanyl in a sample of fentanyl‐laced heroin (1.3 wt % fentanyl, 2.6 wt % heroin, and 96.1 wt % lactose). MagLev allows identification of unknown powders in mixtures and enables confirmatory identification based on structure‐specific techniques.
Carbon Dots with Dual‐Emissive, Robust, and Aggregation‐Induced Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence Characteristics
Authors: Jiang Kai , Gao Xiaolu , Feng Xiangyu , Wang Yuhui , Li Zhongjun , Lin Hengwei
Published: November 2019

Carbon dots (CDs) with dual‐emissive, robust, and aggregation‐induced RTP characteristics are reported for the first time. The TA‐CDs are prepared via hydrothermal treatment of trimellitic acid and exhibit unique white prompt and yellow RTP emissions in solid state under UV excitation (365 nm) on and off, respectively. The yellow RTP emission of TA‐CDs powder should be resulted from the formation of a new excited triplet state due to their aggregation, and the white prompt emission is due to their blue fluorescence and yellow RTP dual‐emissive nature. The RTP emission of TA‐CDs powder was highly stable under grinding, which is very rare amongst traditional pure organic RTP materials. To employ the unique characteristics of TA‐CDs, advanced anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption methodologies (water‐stimuli‐response producing RTP) were preliminarily investigated.
Tunable Thermoelastic Anisotropy in Hybrid Bragg Stacks with Extreme Polymer Confinement
Authors: Wang Zuyuan , Rolle Konrad , Schilling Theresa , Hummel Patrick , Philipp Alexandra , Kopera Bernd A. F. , Lechner Anna M. , Retsch Markus , Breu Josef , Fytas George
Published: November 2019

Controlling thermomechanical anisotropy is important for emerging heat management applications such as thermal interface and electronic packaging materials. Whereas many studies report on thermal transport in anisotropic nanocomposite materials, a fundamental understanding of the interplay between mechanical and thermal properties is missing, due to the lack of measurements of direction‐dependent mechanical properties. In this work, exceptionally coherent and transparent hybrid Bragg stacks made of strictly alternating mica‐type nanosheets (synthetic hectorite) and polymer layers (polyvinylpyrrolidone) were fabricated at large scale. Distinct from ordinary nanocomposites, these stacks display long‐range periodicity, which is tunable down to angstrom precision. A large thermal transport anisotropy (up to 38) is consequently observed, with the high in‐plane thermal conductivity (up to 5.7 W m−1 K−1) exhibiting an effective medium behavior. The unique hybrid material combined with advanced characterization techniques allows correlating the full elastic tensors to the direction‐dependent thermal conductivities. We, therefore, provide a first analysis on how the direction‐dependent Young's and shear moduli influence the flow of heat.
Carbazole‐Based Tetrapodal Anchor Groups for Gold Surfaces: Synthesis and Conductance Properties
Authors: O'Driscoll Luke J. , Wang Xintai , Jay Michael , Batsanov Andrei S. , Sadeghi Hatef , Lambert Colin J. , Robinson Benjamin J. , Bryce Martin R.
Published: November 2019

As the field of molecular‐scale electronics matures and the prospect of devices incorporating molecular wires becomes more feasible, it is necessary to progress from the simple anchor groups used in fundamental conductance studies to more elaborate anchors designed with device stability in mind. This study presents a series of oligo(phenylene‐ethynylene) wires with one tetrapodal anchor and a phenyl or pyridyl head group. The new anchors are designed to bind strongly to gold surfaces without disrupting the conductance pathway of the wires. Conductive probe atomic force microscopy (cAFM) was used to determine the conductance of self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of the wires in Au–SAM–Pt and Au–SAM–graphene junctions, from which the conductance per molecule was derived. For tolane‐type wires, mean conductances per molecule of up to 10−4.37 G0 (Pt) and 10−3.78 G0 (graphene) were measured, despite limited electronic coupling to the Au electrode, demonstrating the potential of this approach. Computational studies of the surface binding geometry and transport properties rationalise and support the experimental results.
Structure and Properties of Violet Phosphorus and Its Phosphorene Exfoliation
Authors: Zhang Lihui , Huang Hongyang , Zhang Bo , Gu Mengyue , Zhao Dan , Zhao Xuewen , Li Longren , Zhou Jun , Wu Kai , Cheng Yonghong , Zhang Jinying
Published: November 2019

Black phosphorene has attracted much attention as a semiconducting two‐dimensional material. Violet phosphorus is another layered semiconducting phosphorus allotrope with unique electronic and optoelectronic properties. However, no confirmed violet crystals or reliable lattice structure of violet phosphorus had been obtained. Now, violet phosphorus single crystals were produced and the lattice structure has been obtained by single‐crystal x‐ray diffraction to be monoclinic with space group of P2/n (13) (a=9.210, b=9.128, c=21.893 Å, β=97.776°). The lattice structure obtained was confirmed to be reliable and stable. The optical band gap of violet phosphorus is around 1.7 eV, which is slightly larger than the calculated value. The thermal decomposition temperature was 52 °C higher than its black phosphorus counterpart, which was assumed to be the most stable form. Violet phosphorene was easily obtained by both mechanical and solution exfoliation under ambient conditions.
Enantioselective Alkynylation of Trifluoromethyl Ketones Catalyzed by Cation‐Binding Salen Nickel Complexes
Authors: Park Dongseong , Jette Carina I. , Kim Jiyun , Jung Woo‐Ok , Lee Yongmin , Park Jongwoo , Kang Seungyoon , Han Min Su , Stoltz Brian M. , Hong Sukwon
Published: November 2019

Cation‐binding salen nickel catalysts were developed for the enantioselective alkynylation of trifluoromethyl ketones in high yield (up to 99 %) and high enantioselectivity (up to 97 % ee). The reaction proceeds with substoichiometric quantities of base (10–20 mol % KOt‐Bu) and open to air. In the case of trifluoromethyl vinyl ketones, excellent chemo‐selectivity was observed, generating 1,2‐addition products exclusively over 1,4‐addition products. UV‐vis analysis revealed the pendant oligo‐ether group of the catalyst strongly binds to the potassium cation (K+) with 1:1 binding stoichiometry (Ka=6.6×105 m−1).
Photochemical Carbopyridylation of Alkenes UsingN‐Alkenoxypyridinium Salts as Bifunctional Reagents
Authors: Mathi Gangadhar Rao , Jeong Yujin , Moon Yonghoon , Hong Sungwoo
Published: November 2019

N‐Alkenoxypyridinium salts have been used as synthons for the umpolung reaction of enolates for the preparation of α‐functionalized carbonyl compounds. In contrast, we found that the photoreduction of N‐alkenoxypyridinium salts generates α‐carbonyl radicals after cleavage of the N−O bond, thereby allowing simultaneous incorporation of α‐keto and pyridyl groups across unactivated alkenes. In the process, the formed α‐carbonyl radicals engage unactivated alkenes to afford alkyl radical intermediates poised for subsequent addition to pyridinium salts, which ultimately affords a variety of γ‐pyridyl ketones under mild reaction conditions. This transformation is characterized by a broad substrate scope and good functional‐group compatibility, and the utility of this transformation was further demonstrated by the late‐stage functionalization of complex biorelevant molecules.
Prospect of Sulfurized Pyrolyzed Poly(acrylonitrile) (S@pPAN) Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Yang Huijun , Chen Jiahang , Yang Jun , Wang Jiulin
Published: November 2019

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are one of the most promising next‐generation batteries owing to their ultra‐high theoretical energy density and that sulfur is an abundant resource. During the past 20 years, various sulfur materials have been reported. As a molecular‐scale sulfur‐composite cathode, sulfurized pyrolyzed poly(acrylonitrile) (S@pPAN) exhibits several competitive advantages in terms of its electrochemical behavior. Although it was first reported in 2002 S@pPAN is currently attracting increasing attention. In this Minireview, we summarize its molecular model and explore the correlation between its structure and its exceptional electrochemical performance. We classify the modification strategies into three types, including material improvement, binder, and electrolyte screening. Several research and development directions are also suggested.