bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imperial Diversity, Fractured Sovereignty, and Legal Universals: Hans Kelsen and Eugen Ehrlich in their Habsburg Context
Authors: Fillafer Franz Leander
Published: February 2021

This essay places Eugen Ehrlich and Hans Kelsen afresh in their common context, the late Habsburg Empire. It reframes Ehrlich's legal sociology and Kelsen's pure theory of law as co-original and connected responses to the problem of legal universals under conditions of fractured sovereignty and imperial diversity. At first glance, Kelsen and Ehrlich seem antipodes, an impression apparently confirmed by their prickly exchange in the 1910s: while Kelsen made universality reside in the formal features and sequences of imputation that held the normative order together, Ehrlich claimed that every normative system which purported to be meta-social and meta-cultural merely camouflaged its local conditions of emergence. Once resituated in their Habsburg environment, these strategies can be read as articulations of a broader set of common proclivities. Ehrlich's and Kelsen's proficiency in the empire's techniques of plurality management enabled them to demystify the state and to dismantle the nation: both perceived the state as a juristic construction, hence they unmasked its alleged social, cultural, and ontological unity as a delusion. The same held true for the nation: Ehrlich challenged its supremacy by showing that social relationships—“associations”—cut across national divides, while Kelsen delegitimized the nation's status as a rights-bearing collective and blurred the distinction between citizens and alien residents, working toward the civic enfranchisement of the latter. This dovetailed with Ehrlich's and Kelsen's unmaking of the distinction between private and public law: the false belief in the latter's superiority over the former served to license arbitrary rule. Both jurists deterritorialized state sovereignty by highlighting the brittleness of spatial dominion and the artificiality of political boundaries: Ehrlich and Kelsen discovered a gamut of sovereign authorities with overlapping spatial areas of jurisdiction that coexisted within the Habsburg polity. This in turn permitted them to effectively transcend the distinction between domestic and international law: while, according to Ehrlich, the state fizzled out on the local level, Kelsen redescribed it from a global perspective, turning it into a mere subordinate organ of world law. Ehrlich's legal pluralism and Kelsen's pure theory were the two most successful juristic legacies of the Habsburg polity whose imprint they bore. Both creatively reworked Habsburg constitutional reality into templates of legal order that survived the empire's demise.
Diversity study among Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximusJacq.) (Poales: Poaceae) genotypes and development of a core germplasm set
Authors: Roy A. K. , Malaviya D. R. , Kaushal P. , Mahanta S. K. , Tewari R. , Chauhan R. , Chandra A.
Published: February 2021

Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximusJacq.) is an important forage species in vast rangelands/grasslands of India and several tropical countries owing to its high biomass yield, good nutritional quality and wide adaptation. Evaluation of the existing natural variation and selection of desirable genotypes is the most plausible breeding method for this apomictic and polyploid grass. Developing a core sub-set to narrow down the number of germplasm required for future genetic studies is also pertinent. The present study involved characterization of 152 diverseM. maximusgermplasm representing collections from different agro-ecological zones of India as well as those procured from Africa and Brazil; and development of a core sub-set. Nineteen metric, seven non-metric and nine nutritive traits together established the presence of wide variability among the genotypes. Clustering of the genotypes resulted in eight distinct clusters. The largest cluster included genotypes from Ethiopia, north India, north-western India, south India and north-eastern hill region, thus represented the highest diversity. Eleven of the total 26 Ethiopian genotypes clustered together. Non-metric morphological traits effectively differentiated the genotypes, and were associated with nutritional quality also. Genotypes which flowered once in a year showed slightly better crude protein and digestibility. The clusters were further sub-clustered and representatives were selected to develop the core sub-set of 23 genotypes comprising 20 indigenous and three exotic accessions. Comparison of the range of diversity and mean value for traits as obtained in the core sub-set and that in the total germplasm indicated successful capturing of maximum diversity in the core sub-set.
Effect of emergence time on growth and fecundity of redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) and slender amaranth (Amaranthus viridis): emerging problem weeds in Australian summer crops
Authors: Khan Asad M. , Mobli Ahmadreza , Werth Jeff A. , Chauhan Bhagirath S.
Published: February 2021

Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and slender amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L.) are considered emerging problematic weeds in summer crops in Australia. An outdoor pot experiment was conducted to examine the effects of planting time on two populations of A. retroflexus and A. viridis at the research farm of the University of Queensland, Australia. Both species were planted every month from October to January (2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2019), and their growth and seed production were recorded. Although both weeds matured at a similar number of growing degree days (GDD), they required a different number of days to complete their life cycles depending on planting date. The growth period was reduced and flowering occurred sooner as both species experienced cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Both species exhibited increased height, biomass, and seed production for the October-sown plants compared with other planting times, and these parameters were reduced by delaying the planting time. The shoot and root biomass of A. retroflexus and A. viridis (averaged over both populations) was reduced by more than 70% and 65%, respectively, when planted in January, in comparison to planting in October. When planted in October, A. retroflexus and A. viridis produced 11,350 and 5,780 seeds plant−1, but these were reduced to 770 and 365 seeds plant−1 for the January planting date, respectively. Although the growth and fecundity of these species were dependent on planting time, these weeds could emerge throughout the late spring to summer growing season (October to March) in southeast Australia and could produce a significant number of seeds. The results showed that when these species emerged in the late spring (October), they grew vigorously and produced more biomass in comparison with the other planting dates. Therefore, any early weed management practice for these species could be beneficial for minimizing the subsequent cost and energy inputs toward their control.
Kurzpausen und Konzentrationsleistung
Authors: Schröter Alina , Paridon Hiltraut
Published: February 2021

Zusammenfassung. Zahlreiche Erkenntnisse der Neurowissenschaften sind eher im Bereich der Grundlagenforschung einzuordnen, so dass sie sich nicht direkt auf praktische Anwendungen im Unterricht übertragen lassen. Genau dies ist aber für das Lehrerhandeln essenziell. Der folgende Beitrag verknüpft kognitionswissenschaftliche Forschungsergebnisse und praktisches Unterrichtshandeln im Bereich der Aufmerksamkeit, die eine wichtige Voraussetzung für effektives Lernen darstellt. Es geht um die Frage, inwiefern verschiedene Übungen die Konzentrationsleistung steigern können.
Noten und Zeugnisse während der Ausbildung nach dem Pflegeberufegesetz
Authors: Kostorz Peter
Published: February 2021

Zusammenfassung. Noten und Zeugnisse gehören zur Schule wie der Wind zum Meer. An den Schulen des Gesundheitswesens gilt dies bislang allerdings nur bedingt: So sind etwa die Pflegeschulen in der Ausbildung nach dem Krankenpflegegesetz – anders als in der Altenpflegeausbildung – derzeit nicht verpflichtet, den Lernerfolg der Auszubildenden während der Lehrzeit zu überprüfen und mit Noten zu bewerten. Mit der Reform der Pflegeausbildung zum Ausbildungsjahr 2020 gilt nun einheitlich § 6 PflAPrV, nach dem die Pflegeschulen allen Auszubildenden sogenannte Jahreszeugnisse zu erteilen haben. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt die wichtigsten Aspekte dieser Neuregelung dar.
Reflexionsfähigkeit stärken
Authors: Himml Luisa-Maria , Kerres Andrea
Published: February 2021

Zusammenfassung. Auszubildende in der Pflege werden bereits sehr früh mit kritischen Situationen wie beispielsweise mit Scham und Ekel, mit Tod und Sterben konfrontiert, die tiefgehende belastende Emotionen auslösen. Die damit erforderlichen Lern- und Reflexionsprozesse stellen wesentliche Aspekte zur Zufriedenheit bis zum Verbleib im Pflegeberuf dar. Wie kann nun im Unterricht diese Reflexionsfähigkeit ausgebildet und gefördert werden.
Was brauchen Praxisanleitungen?
Authors: Stahl Hendrik
Published: February 2021

Zusammenfassung. „Kontinuierliche, insbesondere berufspädagogische Fortbildung im Umfang von mindestens 24 Stunden jährlich“ sollen Praxisanleitungen seit 01.01.2020 absolvieren (BMFSFJ, PflAPrV § 3, Abs. 3). Für Bildungsträger ergibt sich die Möglichkeit auf Grundlage dieser sehr allgemein gehaltenen Vorgabe entsprechende Angebote auf dem Markt zu platzieren. Eine Befragung von Praxisanleitungen, Lehrenden, Leitungskräften und Auszubildenden gibt Aufschluss über mögliche inhaltliche und organisatorische Ausrichtung dieser Fortbildungen.
The Thermal Evolution of Planetesimals During Accretion and Differentiation: Consequences for Dynamo Generation by Thermally‐Driven Convection
Authors: Dodds K. H. , Bryson J. F. J. , Neufeld J. A. , Harrison R. J.
Published: February 2021

The meteorite paleomagnetic record indicates that differentiated (and potentially, partially differentiated) planetesimals generated dynamo fields in the first 5–40 Myr after the formation of calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs). This early period of dynamo activity has been attributed to thermal convection in the liquid cores of these planetesimals during an early period of magma ocean convection. To better understand the controls on thermal dynamo generation in planetesimals, we have developed a one dimensional model of the thermal evolution of planetesimals from accretion through to the shutdown of convection in their silicate magma oceans for a variety of accretionary scenarios. The heat source of these bodies is the short‐lived radiogenic isotope 26Al. During differentiation, 26Al partitions into the silicate portion of these bodies, causing their magma oceans to heat up and introducing stable thermal stratification to the top of their cores, which inhibits dynamo generation. In “instantaneously” accreting bodies, this effect causes a delay on the order of >10 Myr to whole core convection and dynamo generation while this stratification is eroded. However, gradual core formation in bodies that accrete over >0.1 Myr can minimize the development of this stratification, allowing dynamo generation from ∼4 Myr after CAI formation. Our model also predicts partially differentiated planetesimals with a core and mantle overlain by a chondritic crust for accretion timescales >1.2 Myr, although none of these bodies generate a thermal dynamo field. We compare our results from thousands of model runs to the meteorite paleomagnetic record to constrain the physical properties of their parent bodies.
Six-month changes in ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide-1 with weight loss are unrelated to long-term weight regain in obese older adults
Authors: Rejeski Jared J. , Fanning Jason , Nicklas Barbara J. , Rejeski W. Jack
Published: February 2021

Background and objective

Weight loss (WL) and subsequent regain are complex physiologic processes, and our understanding of the hormonal changes associated with these processes continues to evolve. We aimed to examine the effects of behavioral WL on 6-month changes in ghrelin and GLP-1 and evaluate the effects of these changes in gut hormones on weight regain among older adults.

Subjects and methods

One hundred seventy-seven obese (BMI: 33.5 (3.5) kg/m2) older adults (66.9 ± 4.7 years, 71.2% female, 67.6% white) were randomized to WL (WL; n = 68), WL plus aerobic training (n = 79), or WL plus resistance training (n = 75) for 18 months. Ghrelin, GLP-1, power of food scale (PFS), and weight were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months.

Results

There was no differential treatment effect on change in either gut hormone, however, there was a significant time effect across all groups (p < 0.001), with increases in ghrelin (∆ = +106.77 pg/ml; 95% CI = + 84.82, +128.71) and decreases in GLP-1 (∆ = −4.90 pM; 95% CI = −6.27, −3.51) at 6-month. Ratings on the PFS decreased from baseline to 6-month and there was significant loss of weight from baseline to either 6- or 18-month, ∆ = −7.96 kg; 95% CI = −7.95, −8.78 and ∆ = −7.80 kg; 95% CI = −8.93, −6.65, respectively (p < 0.001). Changes in ghrelin and GLP-1 at 6-month did not predict weight regain from 6- to 18-month.

Discussion and conclusion

Among older adults with obesity and cardiometabolic disease, the intensive phase of dietary WL results in increasing levels of ghrelin and decreasing levels of GLP-1 that are unrelated to weight regain a year later. Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01547182).
BTK gatekeeper residue variation combined with cysteine 481 substitution causes super-resistance to irreversible inhibitors acalabrutinib, ibrutinib and zanubrutinib
Authors: Estupiñán H. Yesid , Wang Qing , Berglöf Anna , Schaafsma Gerard C. P. , Shi Yuye , Zhou Litao , Mohammad Dara K. , Yu Liang , Vihinen Mauno , Zain Rula , Smith C. I. Edvard
Published: February 2021

Irreversible inhibitors of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), pioneered by ibrutinib, have become breakthrough drugs in the treatment of leukemias and lymphomas. Resistance variants (mutations) occur, but in contrast to those identified for many other tyrosine kinase inhibitors, they affect less frequently the “gatekeeper” residue in the catalytic domain. In this study we carried out variation scanning by creating 11 substitutions at the gatekeeper amino acid, threonine 474 (T474). These variants were subsequently combined with replacement of the cysteine 481 residue to which irreversible inhibitors, such as ibrutinib, acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib, bind. We found that certain double mutants, such as threonine 474 to isoleucine (T474I) or methionine (T474M) combined with catalytically active cysteine 481 to serine (C481S), are insensitive to ≥16-fold the pharmacological serum concentration, and therefore defined as super-resistant to irreversible inhibitors. Conversely, reversible inhibitors showed a variable pattern, from resistance to no resistance, collectively demonstrating the structural constraints for different classes of inhibitors, which may affect their clinical application.
Thermally stable and highly efficient red-emitting Eu3+-doped Cs3GdGe3O9 phosphors for WLEDs: non-concentration quenching and negative thermal expansion
Authors: Dang Peipei , Li Guogang , Yun Xiaohan , Zhang Qianqian , Liu Dongjie , Lian Hongzhou , Shang Mengmeng , Lin Jun
Published: February 2021

Red phosphor materials play a key role in improving the lighting and backlit display quality of phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (pc-WLEDs). However, the development of a red phosphor with simultaneous high efficiency, excellent thermal stability and high colour purity is still a challenge. In this work, unique non-concentration quenching in solid-solution Cs3Gd1 − xGe3O9:xEu3+ (CGGO:xEu3+) (x = 0.1–1.0) phosphors is successfully developed to achieve a highly efficient red-emitting Cs3EuGe3O9 (CEGO) phosphor. Under the optimal 464 nm blue light excitation, CEGO shows a strong red emission at 611 nm with a high colour purity of 95.07% and a high internal quantum efficiency of 94%. Impressively, this red-emitting CEGO phosphor exhibits a better thermal stability at higher temperatures (175–250 °C, >90%) than typical red K2SiF6:Mn4+ and Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphors, and has a remarkable volumetric negative thermal expansion (coefficient of thermal expansion, α = −5.06 × 10−5/°C, 25–250 °C). By employing this red CEGO phosphor, a fabricated pc-WLED emits warm white light with colour coordinates (0.364, 0.383), a high colour rendering index (CRI = 89.7), and a low colour coordinate temperature (CCT = 4508 K). These results indicate that this highly efficient red-emitting phosphor has great potential as a red component for pc-WLEDs, opening a new perspective for developing new phosphor materials.
The role of MET in chemotherapy resistance
Authors: Wood Georgina E. , Hockings Helen , Hilton Danielle M. , Kermorgant Stéphanie
Published: February 2021

Chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment in the majority of solid and haematological malignancies. Resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy is a major clinical problem and substantial research is ongoing into potential methods of overcoming this resistance. One major target, the receptor tyrosine kinase MET, has generated increasing interest with multiple clinical trials in progress. Overexpression of MET is frequently observed in a range of different cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. Studies have shown that MET promotes resistance to targeted therapies, including those targeting EGFR, BRAF and MEK. More recently, several reports suggest that MET also contributes to cytotoxic chemotherapy resistance. Here we review the preclinical evidence of MET’s role in chemotherapy resistance, the mechanisms by which this resistance is mediated and the translational relevance of MET inhibitor therapy for patients with chemotherapy resistant disease.
Combined effects of genotype and childhood adversity shape variability of DNA methylation across age
Authors: Czamara Darina , Tissink Elleke , Tuhkanen Johanna , Martins Jade , Awaloff Yvonne , Drake Amanda J. , Khulan Batbayar , Palotie Aarno , Winter Sibylle M. , Nemeroff Charles B. , Craighead W. Edward , Dunlop Boadie W. , Mayberg Helen S. , Kinkead Becky , Mathew Sanjay J. , Iosifescu Dan V. , Neylan Thomas C. , Heim Christine M. , Lahti Jari , Eriksson Johan G. , Räikkönen Katri , Ressler Kerry J. , Provençal Nadine , Binder Elisabeth B.
Published: February 2021

Lasting effects of adversity, such as exposure to childhood adversity (CA) on disease risk, may be embedded via epigenetic mechanisms but findings from human studies investigating the main effects of such exposure on epigenetic measures, including DNA methylation (DNAm), are inconsistent. Studies in perinatal tissues indicate that variability of DNAm at birth is best explained by the joint effects of genotype and prenatal environment. Here, we extend these analyses to postnatal stressors. We investigated the contribution of CA, cis genotype (G), and their additive (G + CA) and interactive (G × CA) effects to DNAm variability in blood or saliva from five independent cohorts with a total sample size of 1074 ranging in age from childhood to late adulthood. Of these, 541 were exposed to CA, which was assessed retrospectively using self-reports or verified through social services and registries. For the majority of sites (over 50%) in the adult cohorts, variability in DNAm was best explained by G + CA or G × CA but almost never by CA alone. Across ages and tissues, 1672 DNAm sites showed consistency of the best model in all five cohorts, with G × CA interactions explaining most variance. The consistent G × CA sites mapped to genes enriched in brain-specific transcripts and Gene Ontology terms related to development and synaptic function. Interaction of CA with genotypes showed the strongest contribution to DNAm variability, with stable effects across cohorts in functionally relevant genes. This underscores the importance of including genotype in studies investigating the impact of environmental factors on epigenetic marks.
c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 suppresses pancreatic cancer growth and invasion and is opposed by c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1
Authors: Tian Xiaodong , Traub Benno , Shi Jingwei , Huber Nadine , Schreiner Stefan , Chen Guowei , Zhou Shaoxia , Henne-Bruns Doris , Knippschild Uwe , Kornmann Marko
Published: February 2021

The c-Jun N-terminal protein kinases (JNKs) JNK1 and JNK2 can act as either tumor suppressors or pro-oncogenic kinases in human cancers. The isoform-specific roles for JNK1 and JNK2 in human pancreatic cancer are still unclear, the question which should be addressed in this project. Human pancreatic cancer cell lines MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 clones were established either expressing either JNK1 or -2 shRNA in a stable manner. Basal anchorage-dependent and –independent cell growth, single-cell movement, and invasion using the Boyden chamber assay were analyzed. Xenograft growth was assessed using an orthotopic mouse model. All seven tested pancreatic cancer cell lines expressed JNKs as did human pancreatic cancer samples determined by immunohistochemistry. Pharmacological, unspecific JNK inhibition (SP600125) reduced cell growth of all cell lines but PANC-1. Especially inhibition of JNK2 resulted in overall increased oncogenic potential with increased proliferation and invasion, associated with alterations in cytoskeleton structure. Specific inhibition of JNK1 revealed opposing functions. Overall, JNK1 and JNK2 can exert different functions in human pancreatic cancer and act as counter players for tumor invasion. Specifically modulating the activity of JNKs may be of potential therapeutic interest in the future.
ZbAGL11, a class D MADS-box transcription factor of Zanthoxylum bungeanum, is involved in sporophytic apomixis
Authors: Fei Xitong , Shi Qianqian , Qi Yichen , Wang Shujie , Lei Yu , Hu Haichao , Liu Yulin , Yang Tuxi , Wei Anzhi
Published: February 2021

Apomixis is a reproductive model that bypasses sexual reproduction, so it does not require the combination of paternal and maternal gametes but instead results in the production of offspring directly from maternal tissues. This reproductive mode results in the same genetic material in the mother and the offspring and has significant applications in agricultural breeding. Molecular and cytological methods were used to identify the reproductive type ofZanthoxylum bungeanum(ZB). Fluorescence detection of the amplified products of 12 pairs of polymorphic SSR primers showed consistent fluorescence signals for mother and offspring, indicating that no trait separation occurred during reproduction. In addition, the cytological observation results showed differentiation of ZB embryos (2n) from nucellar cells (2n) to form indefinite embryonic primordia and then form adventitious embryos (2n), indicating that the apomictic type of ZB is sporophytic apomixis. The MADS-box transcription factorZbAGL11was highly expressed during the critical period of nucellar embryo development in ZB. UnpollinatedZbAGL11-OEArabidopsisproduced fertile offspring and exhibited an apomictic phenotype. The overexpression ofZbAGL11increased the callus induction rate of ZB tissue. In addition, the results of the yeast two-hybrid experiment showed that ZbAGL11 could interact with the ZbCYP450 and ZbCAD11 proteins. Our results demonstrate thatZbAGL11can cause developmental disorders ofArabidopsisflower organs and result in apomixis-like phenotypes.
Tomato SlPUB24 enhances resistance to Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans race T3
Authors: Liu Xin , Meng Ge , Wang Mengrui , Qian Zilin , Zhang Yaxian , Yang Wencai
Published: February 2021

Solanum lycopersicumvar.cerasiformeaccession PI 114490 has broad-spectrum resistance to bacterial spot caused by several species ofXanthomonas. Resistance is quantitatively inherited, and a common quantitative trait locusQTL-11Bon chromosome 11 has been identified previously. In this study, theSlPub24gene was characterized inQTL-11B.SlPub24in PI 114490 was upregulated by infection withX.euvesicatoriapv.perforansrace T3, but its transcription was low in the susceptible line OH 88119 whether or not it was infected by the pathogen. The differential expression ofSlPub24between PI 114490 and OH 88119 was due to great sequence variation in the promoter region. The promoter ofSlPub24in OH 88119 had very low activity and did not respond to pathogen infection. Transgenic lines of OH 88119 overexpressingSlPub24isolated from PI 114490 showed significantly enhanced resistance, while mutants ofSlpub24generated by CRISPR/Cas9 editing showed more susceptibility to race T3 and to other races. The mutants also showed spontaneous cell death in leaves. The expression of the salicylic acid (SA) pathway gene phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and signaling-related genes pathogenesis-related (PR1)and nonexpresser ofPR1 (NPR1) were influenced bySlPub24. The content of SA in tomato plants was consistent with the level ofSlPub24expression. Furthermore, SlPUB24 interacted with the cell wall protein SlCWP and could regulate the degradation of SlCWP. The expression levels ofSlCWPandSlCWINV1, a cell wall invertase gene, showed opposite patterns during pathogen infection. The activity of SlCWINV1 was lower in mutants than in PI 114490. The results are discussed in terms of the roles of the abovementioned genes, and a potential model for SlPUB24-mediated resistance to bacterial spot is proposed.
Palladium-catalyzed allene synthesis enabled by β-hydrogen elimination from sp2-carbon
Authors: Zhang Ge , Song Yi-Kang , Zhang Fang , Xue Ze-Jian , Li Meng-Yao , Zhang Gui-Shan , Zhu Bin-Bin , Wei Jing , Li Chunsen , Feng Chen-Guo , Lin Guo-Qiang
Published: February 2021

The rational design based on a deep understanding of the present reaction mechanism is an important, viable approach to discover new organic transformations. β-Hydrogen elimination from palladium complexes is a fundamental reaction in palladium catalysis. Normally, the eliminated β-hydrogen has to be attached to a sp3-carbon. We envision that the hydrogen elimination from sp2-carbon is possible by using thoroughly designed reaction systems, which may offer a new strategy for the preparation of allenes. Here, we describe a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of 2,2-diarylvinyl bromides and diazo compounds, where a β-vinylic hydrogen elimination from allylic palladium intermediate is proposed to be the key step. Both aryl diazo carbonyl compounds and N-tosylhydrazones are competent carbene precursors in this reaction. The reaction mechanism is explored by control experiments, KIE studies and DFT calculations.
Prevalence and characteristics of mitral valve prolapse in military young adults in Taiwan of the CHIEF Heart Study
Authors: Liu Pang-Yen , Tsai Kun-Zhe , Lin Yen-Po , Lin Chin-Sheng , Zeng Huan-Chang , Takimoto Eiki , Lin Gen-Min
Published: February 2021

The prevalence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) among middle- and older-aged individuals is estimated to be 2–4% in Western countries. However, few studies have been conducted among Asian individuals and young adults. This study included a sample of 2442 consecutive military adults aged 18–39 years in Hualien, Taiwan. MVP was defined as displacement of the anterior or posterior leaflet of the mitral valve to the mid portion of the annular hinge point > 2 mm in the parasternal long-axis view of echocardiography. Cardiac chamber size and wall thickness were measured based on the latest criteria of the American Society of Echocardiography. The clinical features of participants with MVP and those without MVP were compared using a two-sample t test, and the cardiac structures were compared using analysis of covariance with adjustment for body surface area (BSA). Eighty-two participants were diagnosed with MVP, and the prevalence was 3.36% in the overall population. Compared with those without MVP, participants with MVP had a lower body mass index (kg/m2) (24.89 ± 3.70 vs. 23.91 ± 3.45, p = 0.02) and higher prevalence of somatic symptoms related to exercise (11.0% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.02) and systolic click in auscultation (18.3% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.01). In addition, participants with MVP had greater left ventricular mass (gm) and smaller right ventricular wall thickness (mm) and dimensions (mm) indexed by BSA than those without MVP (149.12 ± 35.76 vs. 155.38 ± 36.26; 4.66 ± 0.63 vs. 4.40 ± 0.68; 26.57 ± 3.99 vs. 25.41 ± 4.35, respectively, all p-values < 0.01). In conclusion, the prevalence and clinical features of MVP in military young adults in Taiwan were in line with those in Western countries. Whether the novel MVP phenotype found in this study has any pathological meaning needs further investigation.
Beyond the traditional NDVI index as a key factor to mainstream the use of UAV in precision viticulture
Authors: Matese Alessandro , Di Gennaro Salvatore Filippo
Published: February 2021

In the last decade there has been an exponential growth of research activity on the identification of correlations between vegetational indices elaborated by UAV imagery and productive and vegetative parameters of the vine. However, the acquisition and analysis of spectral data require costs and skills that are often not sufficiently available. In this context, the identification of geometric indices that allow the monitoring of spatial variability with low-cost instruments, without spectral analysis know-how but based on photogrammetry techniques with high-resolution RGB cameras, becomes extremely interesting. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of new canopy geometry-based indices for the characterization of vegetative and productive agronomic parameters compared to traditional NDVI based on spectral response of the canopy top. Furthermore, considering grape production as a key parameter directly linked to the economic profit of farmers, this study provides a deeper analysis focused on the development of a rapid yield forecast methodology based on UAV data, evaluating both traditional linear and machine learning regressions. Among the yield assessment models, one of the best results was obtained with the canopy thickness which showed high performance with the Gaussian process regression models (R2 = 0.80), while the yield prediction average accuracy of the best ML models reached 85.95%. The final results obtained confirm the feasibility of this research as a global yield model, which provided good performance through an accurate validation step realized in different years and different vineyards.
Alterations in cellular and organellar phospholipid compositions of HepG2 cells during cell growth
Authors: Tsuji Tokuji , Morita Shin-ya , Nakamura Yoshinobu , Ikeda Yoshito , Kambe Taiho , Terada Tomohiro
Published: February 2021

The human hepatoblastoma cell line, HepG2, has been used for investigating a wide variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes. However, less information is available about the phospholipid metabolism in HepG2 cells. In the present report, to clarify the relationship between cell growth and phospholipid metabolism in HepG2 cells, we examined the phospholipid class compositions of the cells and their intracellular organelles by using enzymatic fluorometric methods. In HepG2 cells, the ratios of all phospholipid classes, but not the ratio of cholesterol, markedly changed with cell growth. Of note, depending on cell growth, the phosphatidic acid (PA) ratio increased and phosphatidylcholine (PC) ratio decreased in the nuclear membranes, the sphingomyelin (SM) ratio increased in the microsomal membranes, and the phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) ratio increased and the phosphatidylserine (PS) ratio decreased in the mitochondrial membranes. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of enzymes related to PC, PE, PS, PA, SM and cardiolipin syntheses changed during cell growth. We suggest that the phospholipid class compositions of organellar membranes are tightly regulated by cell growth. These findings provide a basis for future investigations of cancer cell growth and lipid metabolism.
Enhancement of the ionoacoustic effect through ultrasound and photoacoustic contrast agents
Authors: Lascaud Julie , Dash Pratik , Würl Matthias , Wieser Hans-Peter , Wollant Benjamin , Kalunga Ronaldo , Assmann Walter , Clevert Dirk-André , Ferrari Alfredo , Sala Paola , Savoia Alessandro Stuart , Parodi Katia
Published: February 2021

The characteristic depth dose deposition of ion beams, with a maximum at the end of their range (Bragg peak) allows for local treatment delivery, resulting in better sparing of the adjacent healthy tissues compared to other forms of external beam radiotherapy treatments. However, the optimal clinical exploitation of the favorable ion beam ballistic is hampered by uncertainties in the in vivo Bragg peak position. Ionoacoustics is based on the detection of thermoacoustic pressure waves induced by a properly pulsed ion beam (e.g., produced by modern compact accelerators) to image the irradiated volume. Co-registration between ionoacoustics and ultrasound imaging offers a promising opportunity to monitor the ion beam and patient anatomy during the treatment. Nevertheless, the detection of the ionoacoustic waves is challenging due to very low pressure amplitudes and frequencies (mPa/kHz) observed in clinical applications. We investigate contrast agents to enhance the acoustic emission. Ultrasound microbubbles are used to increase the ionoacoustic frequency around the microbubble resonance frequency. Moreover, India ink is investigated as a possible mean to enhance the signal amplitude by taking advantage of additional optical photon absorption along the ion beam and subsequent photoacoustic effect. We report amplitude increase of up to 200% of the ionoacoustic signal emission in the MHz frequency range by combining microbubbles and India ink contrast agents.
Seismic rate variations prior to the 2010 Maule, Chile MW 8.8 giant megathrust earthquake
Authors: Derode Benoit , Madariaga Raúl , Campos Jaime
Published: February 2021

The MW8.8 Maule earthquake is the largest well-recorded megathrust earthquake reported in South America. It is known to have had very few foreshocks due to its locking degree, and a strong aftershock activity. We analyze seismic activity in the area of the 27 February 2010, MW8.8 Maule earthquake at different time scales from 2000 to 2019. We differentiate the seismicity located inside the coseismic rupture zone of the main shock from that located in the areas surrounding the rupture zone. Using an original spatial and temporal method of seismic comparison, we find that after a period of seismic activity, the rupture zone at the plate interface experienced a long-term seismic quiescence before the main shock. Furthermore, a few days before the main shock, a set of seismic bursts of foreshocks located within the highest coseismic displacement area is observed. We show that after the main shock, the seismic rate decelerates during a period of 3 years, until reaching its initial interseismic value. We conclude that this megathrust earthquake is the consequence of various preparation stages increasing the locking degree at the plate interface and following an irregular pattern of seismic activity at large and short time scales.
Function of cone and cone-related pathways in CaV1.4 IT mice
Authors: Zanetti Lucia , Kilicarslan Irem , Netzer Michael , Babai Norbert , Seitter Hartwig , Koschak Alexandra
Published: February 2021

CaV1.4 L-type calcium channels are predominantly expressed in photoreceptor terminals playing a crucial role for synaptic transmission and, consequently, for vision. Human mutations in the encoding gene are associated with congenital stationary night blindness type-2. Besides rod-driven scotopic vision also cone-driven photopic responses are severely affected in patients. The present study therefore examined functional and morphological changes in cones and cone-related pathways in mice carrying the CaV1.4 gain-of function mutation I756T (CaV1.4-IT) using multielectrode array, patch-clamp and immunohistochemical analyses. CaV1.4-IT ganglion cell responses to photopic stimuli were seen only in a small fraction of cells indicative of a major impairment in the cone pathway. Though cone photoreceptors underwent morphological rearrangements, they retained their ability to release glutamate. Our functional data suggested a postsynaptic cone bipolar cell defect, supported by the fact that the majority of cone bipolar cells showed sprouting, while horizontal cells maintained contacts with cones and cone-to-horizontal cell input was preserved. Furthermore a reduction of basal Ca2+ influx by a calcium channel blocker was not sufficient to rescue synaptic transmission deficits caused by the CaV1.4-IT mutation. Long term treatments with low-dose Ca2+ channel blockers might however be beneficial reducing Ca2+ toxicity without major effects on ganglion cells responses.
Author Correction: Exosomes secreted by human adipose mesenchymal stem cells promote scarless cutaneous repair by regulating extracellular matrix remodelling
Authors: Wang Lu , Hu Li , Zhou Xin , Xiong Zehuan , Zhang Chenguang , Shehada Hassan M. A. , Hu Bo , Song Jinlin , Chen Lili
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Events associated with susceptibility to invasive Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi in BALB/c mice previously infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA
Authors: Moreira Yasmin Cabral , Jordão Maele , da Costa Oscar Tadeu Ferreira , Farias Elizangela , Costa Alysson Guimaraes , de Farias Viviane , Coimbra Dorval Antonio Mafra , Cardoza Tatiana Bacry , Chaves Yury Oliveira , Orlandi Patricia Puccinelli , Costa Fabio Trindade Maranhão , Nogueira Paulo Afonso
Published: February 2021

Numerous mechanisms have been proposed to explain why patients with malaria are more susceptible to bloodstream invasions by Salmonella spp., however there are still several unknown critical factors regarding the pathogenesis of coinfection. From a coinfection model, in which an S. enterica serovar Typhi (S_Typhi) was chosen to challenge mice that had been infected 24 h earlier with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (P.b_ANKA), we evaluated the influence of malaria on cytokine levels, the functional activity of femoral bone marrow-derived macrophages and neutrophils, and intestinal permeability. The cytokine profile over eight days of coinfection showed exacerbation in the cytokines MCP-1, IFNγ and TNFα in relation to the increase seen in animals with malaria. The cytokine profile was associated with a considerably reduced neutrophil and macrophage count and a prominent dysfunction, especially in ex vivo neutrophils in coinfected mice, though without bacterial modulation that could influence the invasion capacity of ex vivo S_Typhi obtained from liver macerate in non-phagocyte cells. Finally, irregularities in the integrity of intestinal tissue evidenced ruptures in the enterocyte layer, a presence of mononuclear leukocytes in the enterocyte layer, an increase of goblet cells in the enterocyte layer and a high volume of leukocyte infiltrate in the sub-mucosa were greatly increased in coinfected animals. Increases of mononuclear leukocytes in the enterocyte layer and volume of leukocyte infiltrate in the sub-mucosa were also seen in monoinfected animals with P. berghei ANKA. Our findings suggest malaria causes a disarrangement of intestinal homeostasis, exacerbation of proinflammatory cytokines and dysfunction in neutrophils that render the host susceptible to bacteremia by Salmonella spp.
Publisher Correction: Rabies Vaccine Characterization by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Authors: Navarro Sanchez M. E. , Soulet D. , Bonnet E. , Guinchard F. , Marco S. , Vetter E. , Nougarede N.
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Fluorescence sensing of cyanide anions based on Au-modified upconversion nanoassemblies
Authors: Sun Chunning , Gradzielski Michael
Published: February 2021

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based upconversion nanoprobes were designed by assembling Au nanoparticles on core–shell-structured upconversion nanoparticles, showing excellent sensitivity and selectivity toward cyanide ions sensing.
Comparison of sample preparation methodologies towards optimisation of Raman spectroscopy for peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Chaudhary Neha , Que Nguyen Thi Nguyet , Maguire Adrian , Wynne Claire , Meade Aidan D.
Published: February 2021

Optimised protocols for treatment of peripheral blood monocytic cells for elimination of RBCs and separation of leukocyte components for Raman microspectroscopy.
CNT/VS2-MoS2 with multi-interface structure for improved hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Ren Xianpei , Wei Qingbo , Wu Fei , Wang Yonghua , Zhao Liangjun
Published: February 2021

CNT/VS2-MoS2 composites with a multi-interface structure were prepared for the high-efficiency hydrogen evolution reaction.
A large, square-shaped, DNA origami nanopore with sealing function on a giant vesicle membrane
Authors: Iwabuchi Shoji , Kawamata Ibuki , Murata Satoshi , Nomura Shin-ichiro M.
Published: February 2021

DNA origami nanopore with large size of a 10 nm square, equipping a tunable lid, enables size-selective molecular transportation through the lipid membrane of giant vesicle.
A tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive nanoplatform for systemic saporin delivery and effective breast cancer therapy
Authors: Shen Qian , Xu Lei , Li Rong , Wu Guang , Li Senlin , Saw Phei Er , Zhou Yusheng , Xu Xiaoding
Published: February 2021

A robust TME pH-responsive nanoplatform was herein developed. This nanoplatform could significantly improve intracellular delivery of cytotoxic saporin to achieve an effective inhibition of tumor growth of breast cancer.
Diverse diaryl sulfide synthesis through consecutive aryne reactions
Authors: Nakajima Hana , Hazama Yuki , Sakata Yuki , Uchida Keisuke , Hosoya Takamitsu , Yoshida Suguru
Published: February 2021

An efficient method to synthesize diaryl sulfides with structural diversity is disclosed. Demethylative hydrothiolation of arynes and further aryne reactions afford diverse diaryl sulfides.
A selective cocrystallization separation method based on non-covalent interactions and its application
Authors: Wang Na , Wang Jingkang , Huang Xin , Wang Ting , Li Xin , Yang Jinyue , Bao Ying , Yin Qiuxiang , Hao Hongxun
Published: February 2021

A selective cocrystallization technology based on non-covalent interactions between the target compound and cocrystal conformers was developed to effectively separate isomer mixtures.
Stochastic and network analysis of polycyclic aromatic growth in a coflow diffusion flame
Authors: Saldinger Jacob C. , Elvati Paolo , Violi Angela
Published: February 2021

An important step in predicting the growth of soot nanoparticles is understanding how gas phase variations affect the formation of their aromatic precursors.
Molecular insights into the Patched1 drug efflux inhibitory activity of panicein A hydroquinone: a computational study
Authors: Kovachka Sandra , Malloci Giuliano , Vargiu Attilio Vittorio , Azoulay Stéphane , Mus-Veteau Isabelle , Ruggerone Paolo
Published: February 2021

Human Hedgehog receptor Patched1 is able to efflux chemotherapeutics of different chemical structure out of cancer cells thus contributing to multidrug resistance phenomena in tumor treatment.
Towards redox-switchable organocatalysts based on bidentate halogen bond donors
Authors: Engelage E. , Hijazi H. , Gartmann M. , Chamoreau L.-M. , Schöllhorn B. , Huber S. M. , Fave C.
Published: February 2021

Novel redox-switchable halogen bond donors were synthesized. Thermodynamic affinity constants towards anions have been determined by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. The compounds were successfully employed as effective organocatalysts.
Copper sulfide nano-globules reinforced electrodes for high-performance electrochemical determination of toxic pollutant hydroquinone
Authors: Maheshwaran Selvarasu , Balaji Ramachandran , Chen Shen-Ming , Biswadeep Ray , Renganathan Vengudusamy , Narendhar Chandrasekar , Kao C. R.
Published: February 2021

A high-performance electrochemical sensing platform based on CuS nano-globules is efficiently developed.
Strong increase in the effective two-photon absorption cross-section of excitons in quantum dots due to the nonlinear interaction with localized plasmons in gold nanorods
Authors: Krivenkov Victor , Samokhvalov Pavel , Sánchez-Iglesias Ana , Grzelczak Marek , Nabiev Igor , Rakovich Yury
Published: February 2021

The effective two-photon absorption in the hybrid material comprising quantum dots (QDs) in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix and gold nanorods (GNRs) was increased 12-fold due to nonlinear energy transfer from GNR plasmons to QD excitons.
Synthesis and structural characterization of bio-based bis(cyclic carbonate)s for the preparation of non-isocyanate polyurethanes
Authors: Błażek Kamila , Beneš Hynek , Walterová Zuzana , Abbrent Sabina , Eceiza Arantxa , Calvo-Correas Tamara , Datta Janusz
Published: February 2021

Full chemical structure characterization of cyclic carbonates from diepoxides synthesized using sustainable bio-based polyols with different molecular weights and carbon dioxide.
Porous calcium–manganese oxide/carbon nanotube microspheres as efficient oxygen reduction catalysts for rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Tham Nguk Neng , Ge Xiaoming , Yu Aishui , Li Bing , Zong Yun , Liu Zhaolin
Published: February 2021

CaMnO3−δ/carbon nanotubes show excellent oxygen reduction reaction activity benefitting from their unique porous structure and synergistic coupling between CaMnO3−δand carbon nanotubes.
Expeditious synthesis of aromatic-free piperidinium-functionalized polyethylene as alkaline anion exchange membranes
Authors: You Wei , Ganley Jacob M. , Ernst Brian G. , Peltier Cheyenne R. , Ko Hsin-Yu , DiStasio Robert A. , Knowles Robert R. , Coates Geoffrey W.
Published: February 2021

Piperidinium-functionalized polyethylene-based alkaline anion exchange membranes that show high hydroxide conductivities and good alkaline stabilities are easily prepared using photocatalytic hydroamination reactions.
Rapid, selective capture of toxic oxo-anions of Se(iv), Se(vi) and As(v) from water by an ionic metal–organic framework (iMOF)
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Let Sumanta , Desai Aamod V. , Dutta Subhajit , Karuppasamy Gopalsamy , Shirolkar Mandar M. , Babarao Ravichandar , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: February 2021

Fast, selective capture of oxoanions of selenium [Se(iv), Se(vi)] and arsenic [As(v)] by a chemically stable cationic MOF, viz. iMOF-3C, is reported. The compound successfully yields drinking quality water from complicated matrix including river water.
Highly stable interface formation in onsite coagulation dual-salt gel electrolyte for lithium-metal batteries
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsing , Subramani Ramesh , Huang Yu-Ting , Lee Yuh-Lang , Jan Jeng-Shiung , Chiu Chi-Cheng , Hou Sheng-Shu , Teng Hsisheng
Published: February 2021

A polymeric framework of PVDF-co-HFP incorporated with PHEMA allows uniform Li plating/stripping on the anode.
Robust lanthanide metal–organic frameworks with “all-in-one” multifunction: efficient gas adsorption and separation, tunable light emission and luminescence sensing
Authors: Li Bo , Dong Jian-Peng , Zhou Zhe , Wang Rui , Wang Li-Ya , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: February 2021

A robust lanthanide MOF platform displays all-in-one multifunction, including excellent gas uptake and separation, tunable light emission and efficient luminescence sensing.
Electrochemical rearrangement protocols towards the construction of diverse molecular frameworks
Authors: Saha Debarshi , Taily Irshad Maajid , Kumar Rakesh , Banerjee Prabal
Published: February 2021

Rearrangement reactions constitute a critical facet of synthetic organic chemistry and demonstrate an attractive way to take advantage of existing structures to access various important molecular frameworks.
Difluorocarbene-based cyanodifluoromethylation of alkenes induced by a dual-functional Cu-catalyst
Authors: Zhang Min , Lin Jin-Hong , Jin Chuan-Ming , Xiao Ji-Chang
Published: February 2021

Described herein is a Cu-catalyzed difluorocarbene-based cyanodifluoromethylation of alkenes. BrCF2CO2Et and NH4HCO3 serve as a carbon source and a nitrogen source of the nitrile group, respectively. The Cu-complex plays a dual role.