bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolomics Deciphered Metabolic Reprogramming Required for Biofilm Formation
Authors: Lu Haitao , Que Yumei , Wu Xia , Guan Tianbing , Guo Hao
Published: September 2019

Biofilm formation plays a key role in many bacteria causing infections, which mostly accounts for high-frequency infectious recurrence and antibiotics resistance. In this study, we sought to compare modified metabolism of biofilm and planktonic populations with UTI89, a predominant agent of urinary tract infection, by combining mass spectrometry based untargeted and targeted metabolomics methods, as well as cytological visualization, which enable us to identify the driven metabolites and associated metabolic pathways underlying biofilm formation. Surprisingly, our finding revealed distinct differences in both phenotypic morphology and metabolism between two patterns. Furthermore, we identified and characterized 38 differential metabolites and associated three metabolic pathways involving glycerolipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism that were altered mostly during biofilm formation. This discovery in metabolic phenotyping permitted biofilm formation shall provide us a novel insight into the dissociation of biofilm, which enable to develop novel biofilm based treatments against pathogen causing infections, with lower antibiotic resistance.
Identification of transcriptome-wide, nut weight-associated SNPs in Castanea crenata
Authors: Kang Min-Jeong , Shin Ah-Young , Shin Younhee , Lee Sang-A , Lee Hyo-Ryeon , Kim Tae-Dong , Choi Mina , Koo Namjin , Kim Yong-Min , Kyeong Dongsoo , Subramaniyam Sathiyamoorthy , Park Eung-Jun
Published: September 2019

Nut weight is one of the most important traits that can affect a chestnut grower’s returns. Due to the long juvenile phase of chestnut trees, the selection of desired characteristics at early developmental stages represents a major challenge for chestnut breeding. In this study, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in transcriptomic regions, which were significantly associated with nut weight in chestnuts (Castanea crenata), using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data were generated from large and small nut-bearing trees, using an Illumina HiSeq. 2000 system, and 3,271,142 SNPs were identified. A total of 21 putative SNPs were significantly associated with chestnut weight (false discovery rate [FDR] < 10−5), based on further analyses. We also applied five machine learning (ML) algorithms, support vector machine (SVM), C5.0,k-nearest neighbour (k-NN), partial least squares (PLS), and random forest (RF), using the 21 SNPs to predict the nut weights of a second population. The average accuracy of the ML algorithms for the prediction of chestnut weights was greater than 68%. Taken together, we suggest that these SNPs have the potential to be used during marker-assisted selection to facilitate the breeding of large chestnut-bearing varieties.
Substitution of cysteines in the yeast viral killer toxin K1 precursor reveals novel insights in heterodimer formation and immunity
Authors: Gier Stefanie , Lermen Matthias , Schmitt Manfred J. , Breinig Frank
Published: September 2019

The killer toxin K1 is a virally encoded fungal A/B toxin acting by disrupting plasma membrane integrity. The connection of α and β constitutes a critical feature for toxin biology and for decades the formation of three disulphide bonds linking the major toxin subunits was accepted as status quo. Due to the absence of experimental evidence, the involvement of each cysteine in heterodimer formation, K1 lethality and immunity was systematically analysed. Substitution of any cysteine in α led to a complete loss of toxin dimer secretion and toxicity, whereas K1 toxin derivatives carrying mutations of C248, C312 or the double mutation C248-312 were active against spheroplasted cells. Importantly, substitution of the C95 and C107 in the toxin precursor completely abolished the mediation of functional immunity. In contrast, K1 toxicity, i.e. its ionophoric effect, does not depend on the cysteine residues at all. In contrast to the literature, our data imply the formation of a single disulphide bond involving C92 in α and C239 in β. This finding not only refines the current model stated for decades but also provides new opportunities to elucidate the mechanisms underlying K1 toxicity and immunity at the molecular level.
Selective distant electrostimulation by synchronized bipolar nanosecond pulses
Authors: Gianulis Elena C. , Casciola Maura , Zhou Carol , Yang Enbo , Xiao Shu , Pakhomov Andrei G.
Published: September 2019

A unique aspect of electrostimulation (ES) with nanosecond electric pulses (nsEP) is the inhibition of effects when the polarity is reversed. This bipolar cancellation feature makes bipolar nsEP less efficient at biostimulation than unipolar nsEP. We propose to minimize stimulation near pulse-delivering electrodes by applying bipolar nsEP, whereas the superposition of two phase-shifted bipolar nsEP from two independent sources yields a biologically-effective unipolar pulse remotely. This is accomplished by electrical compensation of all nsEP phases except the first one, resulting in the restoration of stimulation efficiency due to cancellation of bipolar cancellation (CANCAN-ES). We experimentally proved the CANCAN-ES paradigm by measuring YO-PRO-1 dye uptake in CHO-K1 cells which were permeabilized by multiphasic nsEP (600 ns per phase) from two generators; these nsEP were synchronized either to overlap into a unipolar pulse remotely from electrodes (CANCAN), or not to overlap (control). Enhancement of YO-PRO-1 entry due to CANCAN was observed in all sets of experiments and reached ~3-fold in the center of the gap between electrodes, exactly where the unipolar pulse was formed, and equaled the degree of bipolar cancellation. CANCAN-ES is promising for non-invasive deep tissue stimulation, either alone or combined with other remote stimulation techniques to improve targeting.
Nanodiamond-supported silver nanoparticles as potent and safe antibacterial agents
Authors: Chang Be-Ming , Pan Lei , Lin Hsin-Hung , Chang Huan-Cheng
Published: September 2019

Since its discovery nearly a century ago, antibiotics has been one of the most effective methods in treating infectious diseases and limiting pathogen spread. However, pathogens often build up antibiotic resistance over time, leading to serious failure of the treatment. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) is an appealing alternative, but successful treatment of the bacterial infection requires a plentiful supply of AgNP, which can negatively impact human health if people are excessively exposed to the particles. Here, we present a method to overcome this challenge by synthesizing nanodiamond-supported AgNP noncovalently conjugated with albumin molecules to achieve enhanced antibacterial activity and strengthened biocompatibility. Using Escherichia coli as a model bacterium, we found that the albumin-conjugated silver-diamond nanohybrids showed a long-term bactericidal effect after 36 days of the treatment at the AgNP concentration of 250 µg mL−1. Moreover, the toxicity of the nanohybrids to human cells (including human fibroblasts, lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells, and breast adenocarcinoma cells) is low even at the particle concentration of 500 µg mL−1. The method provides a general and practical solution to the concerns of bacterial resistance against AgNP and issues associated with the size, shape, aggregation, and toxicity of AgNP are largely resolved. Finally, we demonstrate that the nanohybrids can be readily incorporated into natural polysaccharides (such as guar gum) to form three-in-one hydrogels, showing promising applications in nanomedicine.
Oxygen-Cluster-Modified Anatase with Graphene Leads to Efficient and Recyclable Photo-Catalytic Conversion of CO2 to CH4 Supported by the Positron Annihilation Study
Authors: Ahmed Gulzar , Raziq Fazal , Hanif Muddasir , Khan Javid , Munawar Khurram Shahzad , Wu Mingmei , Cao Xingzhong , Liu Zhongwu
Published: September 2019

Anatase TiO2 hollow nanoboxes were synthesized and combined with the graphene oxide to get nanocomposite of TiO2/rGO (TG). Graphene oxide was used to modify the Oxygen-Clusters and bulk to surface defects. Anatase and TG composite were characterized with the positron annihilation, XPS, EPR, EIS and photocurrent response analysis. The relative affects of defects on the photocatalytic reduction (CO2 to CH4) were studied. The TG composites showed highest photo-catalytic activity after GO coupling (49 µmol g−1 h−1), 28.6 times higher photocurrent yields much higher quantum efficiency (3.17%@400 nm) when compared to the TiO2 nanoboxes. The mechanism of enhanced photo-catalytic CO2 conversion to CH4 elucidated through electrochemical and photo-catalytic experiments with traceable isotope containing carbon dioxide (13CO2). For the first time we discovered that diminishing the comparative concentration ratio of anatase from the bulk to surface defects could significantly increase the conversion of CO2 to CH4.
Evaluation of (−)-epicatechin metabolites as recovery biomarker of dietary flavan-3-ol intake
Authors: Ottaviani Javier I. , Fong Reedmond , Kimball Jennifer , Ensunsa Jodi L. , Gray Nicola , Vogiatzoglou Anna , Britten Abigail , Lucarelli Debora , Luben Robert , Grace Philip B. , Mawson Deborah H. , Tym Amy , Wierzbicki Antonia , Smith A. David , Wareham Nicholas J. , Forouhi Nita G. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Schroeter Hagen , Kuhnle Gunter G. C.
Published: September 2019

Data from dietary intervention studies suggest that intake of (−)-epicatechin mediates beneficial vascular effects in humans. However, population-based investigations are required to evaluate associations between habitual intake and health and these studies rely on accurate estimates of intake, which nutritional biomarkers can provide. Here, we evaluate a series of structurally related (−)-epicatechin metabolites (SREM), particularly (−)-epicatechin-3′-glucuronide, (−)-epicatechin-3′-sulfate and 3′-O-methyl-(−)-epicatechin-5-sulfate (SREMB), as flavan-3-ol and (−)-epicatechin intake. SREMB in urine proved to be a specific indicator of (−)-epicatechin intake, showing also a strong correlation with the amount of (−)-epicatechin ingested (R2: 0.86 (95% CI 0.8l; 0.92). The median recovery of (−)-epicatechin as SREMB in 24 h urine was 10% (IQR 7–13%) and we found SREMB in the majority of participants of EPIC Norfolk (83% of 24,341) with a mean concentration of 2.4 ± 3.2 µmol/L. Our results show that SREMB are suitable as biomarker of (−)-epicatechin intake. According to evaluation criteria from IARC and the Institute of Medicine, the results obtained support use of SREMB as a recovery biomarker to estimate actual intake of (−)-epicatechin.
Role of Body Mass Index and gestational weight gain on preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes
Authors: Pigatti Silva Fabia , Souza Renato T. , Cecatti Jose G. , Passini Renato , Tedesco Ricardo P. , Lajos Giuliane J. , Nomura Marcelo L. , Rehder Patricia M. , Dias Tabata Z. , Oliveira Paulo F. , Silva Cleide M. ,   Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth (EMIP) study group, Costa Maria L. , Pacagnella Rodolfo C. , Haddad Samira M. , Zotarelli Vilma , Gurgel Lucio T. , Maia Filho Nelson L. , Mathias Jacinta P. , Marba Sergio T. , Guinsburg Ruth , Martinez Francisco E. , Quintana Silvana M. , Melli Patrícia P. S. , Feitosa Francisco E. , Chaves George N. , Porto Ana M. , Coutinho Isabela C. , Barbosa Lima Antonio C. , Melo Elias F. , Leite Débora F. , Amorim Melania M. , Melo Adriana S. O. , Melo Fabiana O. , Martins Marília G. , Nunes Marinea V. , Paiva Cláudio S. , Lima Moises D. , Freire Djacyr M. , Tristão Edson G. , Nascimento Denis J. , Menezes Carlos A. , Aquino Marcelo , Vettorazzi Janete , Senger Cintia E. , Assumpção Augusta M. B. , Guedes Marcela A. F. , Moreira Maria E. L. , Borges Vera T. , Souza Eduardo , Zamarian Ana C. P. , Lotufo Fátima A. , Uzilin Kaliane , Zanette Elvira A. , Andreucci Carla B. , Oliveira Tenilson A. , Oliveira Laércio R. , Santos Marcos A. N. , Sass Nelson , Silveira Mirian R. F. , Coutinho Pedro R. , Siqueira Luciana
Published: September 2019

The association of body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) with preterm birth (PTB) remains controversial in the literature. To evaluate different maternal BMI and GWG categories, according to the initial BMI, in relation to different PTB subtypes and perinatal outcomes, we conducted a secondary analysis of a multicentre cross-sectional study, along with a nested case-control study including PTB from 20 centers in Brazil. Pre-pregnancy underweight was associated with a lower risk of provider-initiated PTB, while overweight and obesity were associated with a higher risk of provider-initiated PTB and a lower risk of spontaneous preterm birth. Insufficient gestational weight gain was associated with a higher prevalence of spontaneous PTB and preterm premature rupture of membranes. Excessive GWG correlated with a higher prevalence of provider-initiated PTB or preterm premature rupture of membranes. Irrespective of the initial BMI, the greater the rate of GWG, the higher the predicted probability of all PTB subtypes, except for spontaneous PTB in underweight women and those with normal BMI. On multivariate analysis, the initial BMI was shown to be the only factor associated with pi-PTB. Briefly, further studies evaluating the risk for PTB should consider that GWG may have a different role depending on the initial BMI and PTB subtype.
The effect of surface electromyography biofeedback on the activity of extensor and dorsiflexor muscles in elderly adults: a randomized trial
Authors: Gámez Ana Belén , Hernandez Morante Juan José , Martínez Gil José Luis , Esparza Francisco , Martínez Carlos Manuel
Published: September 2019

Surface electromyography-biofeedback (sEMG-B) is a technique employed for the rehabilitation of patients with neurological pathologies, such as stroke-derived hemiplegia; however, little is known about its effectiveness in the rehabilitation of the extension and flexion of several muscular groups in elderly patients after a stroke. Therefore, this research was focused on determining the effectiveness of sEMG-B in the muscles responsible for the extension of the hand and the dorsiflexion of the foot in post-stroke elderly subjects. Forty subjects with stroke-derived hemiplegia were randomly divided into intervention or control groups. The intervention consisted of 12 sEMG-B sessions. The control group underwent 12 weeks (24 sessions) of conventional physiotherapy. Muscle activity test and functionality (Barthel index) were determined. Attending to the results obtained, the intervention group showed a higher increase in the average EMG activity of the extensor muscle of the hand and in the dorsal flexion of the foot than the control group (p < 0.001 in both cases), which was associated with an increase in the patients’ Barthel index score (p = 0.006); In addition, Fugl-Meyer test revealed higher effectiveness in the lower limb (p = 0.007). Thus, the sEMG-B seems to be more effective than conventional physiotherapy, and the use of this technology may be essential for improving muscular disorders in elderly patients with physical disabilities resulting from a stroke.
Extreme Coastal Water Levels Exacerbate Fluvial Flood Hazards in Northwestern Europe
Authors: Ganguli Poulomi , Merz Bruno
Published: September 2019

Compound flooding, such as the co-occurrence of fluvial floods and extreme coastal water levels (CWL), may lead to significant impacts in densely-populated Low Elevation Coastal Zones. They may overstrain disaster management owing to the co-occurrence of inundation from rivers and the sea. Recent studies are limited by analyzing joint dependence between river discharge and either CWL or storm surges, and little is known about return levels of compound flooding, accounting for the covariance between drivers. Here, we assess the compound flood severity and identify hotspots for northwestern Europe during 1970–2014, using a newly developed Compound Hazard Ratio (CHR) that compares the severity of compound flooding associated with extreme CWL with the unconditional T-year fluvial peak discharge. We show that extreme CWL and stronger storms greatly amplify fluvial flood hazards. Our results, based on frequency analyses of observational records during 2013/2014’s winter storm Xaver, reveal that the river discharge of the 50-year compound flood is up to 70% larger, conditioned on the occurrence of extreme CWL, than that of the at-site peak discharge. For this event, nearly half of the stream gauges show increased flood hazards, demonstrating the importance of including the compounding effect of extreme CWL in river flood risk management.
Comment on ‘Solution growth and thermal treatment of crystals lead to two new forms of 2-((2,6-dimethylphenyl)amino)benzoic acid’ by R. Hu, Y. Zhoujin, M. Liu, M. Zhang, S. Parkin, P. Zhou, J. Wang, F. Yu and S. Long, RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 15459
Authors: Salbego Paulo R. S. , Orlando Tainára , Martins Marcos A. P.
Published: September 2019

The two polymorphs reported by Long et al. are discussed point by point, suggesting that the newly reported crystal structure is in fact the same structure previously reported, differing in how the structure refinement was performed.
DNA and RNA telomeric G-quadruplexes: what topology features can be inferred from ion mobility mass spectrometry?
Authors: D'Atri Valentina , Gabelica Valérie
Published: September 2019

Besides strand and cation stoichiometry, IM-MS reports on folding, but ion mobility interpretation must consider gas-phase compaction in native conditions.
Stabilization of a 4.5 V Cr4+/Cr3+ redox reaction in NASICON-type Na3Cr2(PO4)3 by Ti substitution
Authors: Kawai Kosuke , Asakura Daisuke , Nishimura Shin-ichi , Yamada Atsuo
Published: September 2019

NASICON-type Na2CrTi(PO4)3 offers a stable redox reaction of Cr4+/Cr3+ at 4.5 V vs. Na/Na+.
Coating of polydopamine on polyurethane open cell foams to design soft structured supports for molecular catalysts
Authors: Ait Khouya Ahmed , Mendez Martinez Miguel L. , Bertani Philippe , Romero Thierry , Favier Damien , Roland Thierry , Guidal Valentin , Bellière-Baca Virginie , Edouard David , Jierry Loïc , Ritleng Vincent
Published: September 2019

A covalent grafting strategy of molecular catalysts onto a polydopamine-coated flexible three dimensional macroscopic support is presented.
Chemical biology suggests pleiotropic effects for a novel hexanuclear copper(ii) complex inducing apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhang Junshuai , Hu Jiyong , Peng Kun , Song Wei , Zhi Shuangcheng , Yang Endian , Zhao Jin’an , Hou Hongwei
Published: September 2019

A new hexanuclear copper(ii) complex proved potential chemotherapeutic applicability in inducing apoptosis in cancer calls by acting on multiple targets and signaling pathways.
Probing the functional conformations of an atypical proline-rich fusion peptide
Authors: Dutta Nivedita , Dutta Chowdhury Saikat , Lahiri Ansuman
Published: September 2019

Simulations confirm a propensity for extended and solvent exposed conformations of the p15 fusion peptide capable of membrane targeting.
Ultrafast polaron-pair dynamics in a poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) device influenced by a static electric field: insights into electric-field-related charge loss
Authors: Rana Debkumar , Donfack Patrice , Jovanov Vladislav , Wagner Veit , Materny Arnulf
Published: September 2019

Photogenerated polaron-pair ultrafast dynamics in poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based devices are found to be influenced by external electric fields via delayed field-induced singlet exciton dissociation, yielding a bimolecular decay contribution.
Neutron spin echo monitoring of segmental-like diffusion of water confined in the cores of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Parmentier Alexandra , Maccarini Marco , De Francesco Alessio , Scaccia Luisa , Rogati Giovanna , Czakkel Orsolya , De Luca Francesco
Published: September 2019

An unexpected formal similarity to the segmental dynamics of entangled polymers is found for the subdiffusional behavior of water axially confined inside single-wall carbon nanotubes of average diameter d = 1.4 nm.
MOF-derived metal oxide composite Mn2Co1Ox/CN for efficient formaldehyde oxidation at low temperature
Authors: Wang Xi , Ying Jiawei , Mai Yuliang , Zhang Junjie , Chen Jiazhi , Wen Mingtong , Yu Lin
Published: September 2019

A novel MOF-derived MnCoOx nanoparticles embedded in porous N-doped carbon catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity for the low-temperature oxidation of formaldehyde.
Effect of the cobalt and zinc ratio on the preparation of zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIFs): synthesis, characterization and supercapacitor applications
Authors: Chul Ha Dong , Vinodh Rajangam , Muralee Gopi Chandu V. V. , Deviprasath Chinnadurai , Kim Hee-Je , Yi Moonsuk
Published: September 2019

The effect of the cobalt nitrate hexahydrate/zinc nitrate hexahydrate molar ratio on the physicochemical features of the zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF) was studied.
Nitrogen ligands
Authors: Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: September 2019

This special web collection of Dalton Transactions focuses on nitrogen ligands, as a tribute to the 150th anniversary of the development of the periodic table.
Anthocyanins from black peanut skin protect against UV-B induced keratinocyte cell and skin oxidative damage through activating Nrf 2 signaling
Authors: Li Kaikai , Zhang Mengying , Chen Haoze , Peng Jinming , Jiang Fan , Shi Xin , Bai Yilin , Jian Min , Jia Yangyang
Published: September 2019

Anthocyanins from black peanut skin could improve the UV-B induced skin damage mainly through the MAPK/Nrf2/HO-1- NQO1-GCLC signaling axis.
Contactless, programmable acoustofluidic manipulation of objects on water
Authors: Zhang Peiran , Chen Chuyi , Guo Feng , Philippe Julien , Gu Yuyang , Tian Zhenhua , Bachman Hunter , Ren Liqiang , Yang Shujie , Zhong Zhanwei , Huang Po-Hsun , Katsanis Nicholas , Chakrabarty Krishnendu , Huang Tony Jun
Published: September 2019

Immersed interdigital transducer array enables contactless, programmable manipulation floating objects on water via acoustofluidics.
Behavioral analysis of simultaneous photo-electro-catalytic degradation of antibiotic resistantE. coliand antibioticviaZnO/CuI: a kinetic and mechanistic study
Authors: Gupta Rimzhim , Modak Jayant M. , Madras Giridhar
Published: September 2019

Photoelectrocatalytic mechanism of ZnO/CuI for antibiotic resistant bacterial disinfection.
Synthesis and comparison of linear and hyperbranched multivalent glycosides for C-type lectin binding
Authors: Kiran Pallavi , Kumari Shalini , Dernedde Jens , Haag Rainer , Bhatia Sumati
Published: September 2019

Hyperbranched and linear polyglycerol-based mannoside and fucosyllactoside residues with different ligand densities showed nanomolar binding affinities for MBL and DC-SIGN proteins.
A simple and generalized heat-up method for the synthesis of metal sulfide nanocrystals
Authors: Cui Jiayi , Wang Lin , Yu Xuelian
Published: September 2019

Well-defined metal sulfide nanomaterials exhibit many unique properties and are thus attractive for numerous applications.
Functionalization of [Re6Q8(CN)6]4− clusters by methylation of cyanide ligands
Authors: Mikhaylov Maksim A. , Mironova Alina D. , Brylev Konstantin A. , Sukhikh Taisiya S. , Eltsov Ilia V. , Stass Dmitri V. , Gushchin Artem L. , Kitamura Noboru , Sokolov Maxim N.
Published: September 2019

Methylation of anionic cluster complexes [Re6Q8(CN)6]4− with ((CH3)3O)BF4 or CF3SO3CH3 afforded homoleptic isonitrile cluster complexes [Re6Q8(CH3NC)6]2+ (Q = S, Se, Te).
Vibrational spectra, hydrogen bonding interactions and chemical reactivity analysis of nicotinamide–citric acid cocrystals by an experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Verma Priya , Srivastava Anubha , Shukla Anuradha , Tandon Poonam , Shimpi Manishkumar R.
Published: September 2019

The hydrogen bond interactions in the cocrystal lead to spatial arrangements enhancing the physicochemical properties.
Facile synthesis of oligo anilines as permanent hair dyes: how chemical modifications impart colour and avoid toxicity
Authors: Venkatesan Gopalakrishnan , Dancik Yuri , Sinha Arup , Bigliardi Mei , Srinivas Ramasamy , Dawson Thomas , Valiyaveettil Suresh , Bigliardi Paul , Pastorin Giorgia
Published: September 2019

Chemical modification of the hair dye para-phenylenediamine results in colors that avoid in situ oxidation and toxicity.
An acid-responsive all-in-one signal amplification strategy for the ultrasensitive prostate-specific antigen detection
Authors: Wang Yan , Chen Lijuan , Wu Qingxia , Wen Zejun , Ren Yujing , Wang Meiyun
Published: September 2019

A one-pot strategy for the preparation of all-in-one signal tags for the colorimetric immunoassay of prostate-specific antigen.
Two new tin(iv)-containing phosphate fluorides with two types of Sn(iv)–P–O–F frameworks and short cutoff edges
Authors: Hu Shuaishuai , Su Zhi
Published: September 2019

Two new [SnOF] groups connect with the [P–O] group to form interesting structures.
Different platinum crystal surfaces show very distinct protein denaturation capabilities
Authors: Liu Shengtang , Yin Xiuhua , Zhou Hong , Zhou Bo , Shao Qiwen , Yang Zaixing , Zhou Ruhong
Published: September 2019

This article shows that the structure of protein HP35 is well preserved on the Pt(100) crystal surface, whereas it is severely disrupted on Pt(111), due to a distinct water behavior in the first solvation shell of the two Pt crystal surfaces.
ssDNA-amphiphile architecture used to control dimensions of DNA nanotubes
Authors: Kuang Huihui , Gartner III Thomas E. , Dorneles de Mello Matheus , Guo Jun , Zuo Xiaobing , Tsapatsis Michael , Jayaraman Arthi , Kokkoli Efrosini
Published: September 2019

The ssDNA secondary structure and tail length of ssDNA-amphiphiles are used to control the length and diameter of ssDNA nanotubes.
Designing superior solid electrolyte interfaces on silicon anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Yaguang , Du Ning , Yang Deren
Published: September 2019

The solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is a passivation layer formed on the surface of lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode materials produced by electrolyte decomposition.
Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of siRNA into zebrafish heart: a cell-level investigation on the biodistribution and gene silencing effects
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang Xi , Gao Lu , Meng Liu-Yi , Xie Jing-Ming , Xiong Jing-Wei , Luo Ying
Published: September 2019

The biodistribution and gene silencing of siRNA nanoparticles in specific group of cells in the injured heart were analyzed to understand the interactions of nanoparticles with complicated environment in vivo.
Colloidal plasmonic nanostar antennas with wide range resonance tunability
Authors: Tsoulos Ted V. , Atta Supriya , Lagos Maureen J. , Beetz Michael , Batson Philip E. , Tsilomelekis George , Fabris Laura
Published: September 2019

Gold nanostars with six branches and high shape anisotropy can be optically modeled and synthesized with high monodispersity providing a truly tridimensional plasmonic nanoantenna.
Recent advances in flexible aqueous zinc-based rechargeable batteries
Authors: Li Xuejin , Tang Yongchao , Lv Haiming , Wang Wenlong , Mo Funian , Liang Guojin , Zhi Chunyi , Li Hongfei
Published: September 2019

Recent advances in flexible Zn batteries are reviewed in terms of cathode, anode, electrolyte, scaffold and assembly technology.
Rapid synthesis of quantum-confined CsPbBr3 perovskite nanowires using a microfluidic reactor
Authors: Zhang Zizhen , Liu Yixuan , Geng Chong , Shi Shuangshuang , Zhang Xinsu , Bi Wengang , Xu Shu
Published: September 2019

Rapid synthesis and growth mechanism study of quantum-confined CsPbBr3 perovskite nanowires using a microfluidic reactor are reported.
A study on graphene composites for peripheral nerve injury repair under electrical stimulation
Authors: Huang Zhiqiang , Guo Zhenzhao , Sun Manman , Fang Shaomao , Li Hong
Published: September 2019

Electrical stimulation (ES) provides an effective alternative to peripheral nerve repairviaconductive scaffolds.
Molecular orientation and stability of poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanogratings affected by the fabricated solvent vapor
Authors: Qian Menxiang , Song Zhanhua , Ding Guangzhu , Hu Zhijun , Liu Jieping
Published: September 2019

Nanoimprinting-induced orientation of poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanogratings and their stability dependence on fabrication solvent.
Feasibility of advancing the development of compact energy systems
Authors: Gunukula Sampath , Lee Ivan C. , Tran Dat T.
Published: September 2019

It is necessary to advance the development of compact energy systems for making energy from biomass like wood or switchgrass, as an alternative to the construction of highly capital-intensive large scale biorefineries.
Unusual near infrared (NIR) fluorescent palladium(ii) macrocyclic complexes containing M–C bonds with bioimaging capability
Authors: Yao Yuhang , Hou Chun-Liang , Yang Zi-Shu , Ran Guangliu , Kang Lei , Li Cuicui , Zhang Wenkai , Zhang Jing , Zhang Jun-Long
Published: September 2019

NIR fluorescent palladium(ii) complexes were firstly achieved by the formation of M–C bonds and reducing the π-conjugation of macrocyclic ligands. The capability of in vitro and in vivo bioimaging has been demonstrated.
Hydrides of early transition metals as catalysts and grain growth inhibitors for enhanced reversible hydrogen storage in nanostructured magnesium
Authors: Rizo-Acosta Pavel , Cuevas Fermin , Latroche Michel
Published: September 2019

Different contributions to the gravimetric capacity of MgH2–ETMHx nanocomposites are presented. TiH2 is the best catalyst for reversible Mg hydrogenation.
Long-term stable perovskite solar cells with room temperature processed metal oxide carrier transporters
Authors: Lei Lei , Yang Songwang , Yu Yu , Li Ming , Xie Junjie , Bao Shanhu , Jin Ping , Huang Aibin
Published: September 2019

A hydrophobic electron transporter is introduced to enhance the moisture stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The calcine-free deposition of carrier transporters contributes to achieving stable, scalable and reproducible PSCs with low cost.
Si-based materials derived from biomass: synthesis and applications in electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Yuan Meijuan , Guo Xiaotian , Liu Yong , Pang Huan
Published: September 2019

The attractive theoretical specific capacity of silicon (Si) makes it a strong candidate for use in electrochemical energy storage materials.
Polyethyleneimine-functionalized carbon nanotubes as an interlayer to bridge perovskite/carbon for all inorganic carbon-based perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yang Yinglong , Chen Haining , Hu Chen , Yang Shihe
Published: September 2019

A bifunctional PEI/CNT interlayer was designed to bridge the perovskite/carbon interface and passivate trap states for high-performance all inorganic CsPbI3-based C-PSCs.
Theoretical formulation of Na3AO4X (A = S/Se, X = F/Cl) as high-performance solid electrolytes for all-solid-state sodium batteries
Authors: Yu Yuran , Wang Zhuo , Shao Guosheng
Published: September 2019

It is very important and yet extremely challenging to develop solid state electrolytes to make sodium ion batteries (SIBs) safer, since the much larger size of Na+ than that of Li+ makes transport of Na+ rather difficult.
Antiferromagnetic semiconductor Eu3Sn2P4 with Sn–Sn dimer and crown-wrapped Eu
Authors: Blawat Joanna , Swatek Przemyslaw , Gui Xin , Jin Rongying , Xie Weiwei
Published: September 2019

A novel antiferromagnetic semiconductor, Eu3Sn2P4, is discovered and prepared using Sn-flux method. The crystal structure shows that the six Sn–Sn dimers connected by P atoms form Sn12P24 crown-shape cluster with Eu atoms located in the center.
Charge separation, charge recombination, long-lived charge transfer state formation and intersystem crossing in organic electron donor/acceptor dyads
Authors: Hou Yuqi , Zhang Xue , Chen Kepeng , Liu Dongyi , Wang Zhijia , Liu Qingyun , Zhao Jianzhang , Barbon Antonio
Published: September 2019

The recent developments in charge separation, long-lived charge transfer state formation and charge recombination-induced intersystem crossing are summarized.
Prevention of Intraoperative Hypothermia in Laparoscopy by the Use of Body-Temperature and Humidified CO2: a Pilot Study
Authors: Wittenborn Julia , Clausen Annika , Zeppernick Felix , Stickeler Elmar , Meinhold-Heerlein Ivo
Published: September 2019

Introduction Hypothermia is defined as a decrease in body core temperature to below 36 °C. If intraoperative heat-preserving measures are omitted, a patientʼs temperature will fall by 1 – 2 °C. Even mild forms of intraoperative hypothermia can lead to a marked increase in morbidity and mortality. The temperature of the insufflation gas is usually disregarded in the treatment and prevention of hypothermia. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of body-temperature and humidified CO2 on the intraoperative temperature profile and avoidance of hypothermia in laparoscopic surgery.

Material and Methods In this retrospective, non-randomised case control study, 110 patients whose planned operation lasted at least 60 minutes were identified from 376 patients by means of an algorithm. Dry (20% humidity) CO2 at room temperature was insufflated in 51 patients (control group). 59 patients were insufflated with humidified (98% humidity) CO2 at body temperature (37 °C) (study group). These conditions were achieved with the HumiGard MR860 Surgical Humidification System (Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited, Auckland, New Zealand). The intraoperative temperature profile was evaluated by measurements every 10 minutes. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM® SPSS® Statistics 23.0.0.

Results The intraoperative temperature in the control group fell steadily, while a continuous rise in temperature was observed in the study group. Warming was demonstrated in the study group with a start-end temperature difference of 0.09 °C, which differed significantly from the control group, in which it was − 0.09 °C (p = 0.011). The middle-end difference of 0.11 °C showed even higher significance in favour of the warmed gas (p = 0.003). The rate of hypothermia at the start of the operation fell from 50 to 36% in the study group and increased from 36 to 42% in the control group.

Conclusion These results show that the use of body-temperature and humidified insufflation gas for laparoscopy can help to prevent intraoperative hypothermia.
Ultraschallassistierte Tumorresektion beim Mammakarzinom – eine prospektive, randomisierte, monozentrische Studie (MAC 001)
Authors: Hoffmann Jürgen , Marx Mario , Hengstmann Andreas , Seeger Harald , Oberlechner Ernst , Helms Gisela , Röhm Carmen , Ott Claudia , Wallwiener Diethelm , Stäbler Annette , Wiesinger Benjamin , Hartkopf Andreas D. , Brucker Sara Y. , Hahn Markus
Published: September 2019

Ziel Die brusterhaltende Therapie des Mammakarzinoms unterliegt dem Risiko der R1-Resektion. Zur intraoperativen Orientierung werden nicht oder unsicher palpable Tumoren vor der Operation mittels Drahts markiert. Mittels der ultraschallassistierten Tumorchirurgie kann die Rate an R1-Resektionen reduziert werden. Die MAC-001-Studie verglich die ultraschallassistierte Tumorresektion mit der konventionellen drahtmarkierten Operation und untersuchte dabei die R0-Resektionsrate, die Operationszeit und das Resektionsvolumen.

Material und Methode Patientinnen mit einem invasiven duktalen Mammakarzinom wurden in die prospektive, randomisierte, unizentrische Studie eingeschlossen und entweder in den ultraschallassistierten oder drahtmarkierten Arm randomisiert und ausgewertet. Die Studie war unter ClinicalTrial.gov NCT02 222 675 registriert worden.

Ergebnisse 56 Patientinnen erfüllten die Einschlusskriterien, von denen 47 ausgewertet werden konnten. 93 % (25/27) der Patientinnen im ultraschallassistierten Arm hatten im Vergleich zu 65 % (13/20) im drahtmarkierten Kontrollarm eine R0-Resektion. Das Ergebnis war statistisch signifikant (p = 0,026). In Bezug auf das entnommene Resektionsvolumen und die Operationsdauer wurde kein signifikanter Unterschied beobachtet. Revisionspflichtige Komplikationen traten nicht auf.

Schlussfolgerung Die ultraschallassistierte Tumorresektion kann im Vergleich zur konventionellen drahtmarkierten Operation die R0-Rate bei brusterhaltender Operation signifikant erhöhen. Aus unserer Sicht sollten Brustchirurgen im Ultraschall ausgebildet sein. Ein Ultraschallgerät sollte Bestandteil jedes Brustoperationssaals sein.
Stellenwert der optischen Kohärenztomografie-Angiografie bei neuroophthalmologischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Brücher Viktoria Constanze , Alnawaiseh Maged , Eter Nicole , Biermann Julia
Published: September 2019

Die optische Kohärenztomografie-Angiografie (OCTA) ist eine der am intensivsten untersuchten Neuentwicklungen in der bildgebenden Ophthalmologie der letzten Jahre. Dabei fand diese nicht invasive Bildgebung von retinalem, chorioidalem und peripapillärem Blutfluss initial Anklang in der Retinologie und neuerdings auch zunehmend Beachtung in der neuroophthalmologischen Diagnostik. Besonderes Interesse wurde auf Erkrankungen gelegt, bei denen eine vaskuläre Pathogenese diskutiert wird, wie die nicht arteriitische und die arteriitische anteriore ischämische Optikusneuropathie (NAION und AAION). Zahlreiche Studien demonstrierten eine Rarefizierung des peripapillären Gefäßnetzes und einen reduzierten Blutfluss in NAION- und in AAION-Patienten im Vergleich zu gesunden Patienten. Dabei korreliert das Ausmaß des Gefäßschadens mit der Schwere der Optikusatrophie. Ähnliche Ergebnisse treffen auch für Optikusatrophien anderer Ursachen zu (z. B. Drusenpapille, hereditäre Optikusatrophien usw.). Die genauen Kausalzusammenhänge zwischen Optikusneuropathie und Blutflussminderung bleiben vorerst jedoch unklar und müssen in zukünftigen Untersuchungen adressiert werden. Bei einigen Erkrankungen scheint die OCTA auch von differenzialdiagnostischem Wert zu sein. Bei Hämangioblastomen lieferte sie besonders bei großen und breitbasigen Befunden relevante Mehrinformationen im Vergleich zur Fluoreszenzangiografie und kann die hämangioblastomtypischen Gefäßnetze und die zuführenden Gefäße darstellen. Diese Übersicht fasst die neuen Informationen der OCTA-Studien zu neuroophthalmologischen Erkrankungen zusammen und hinterfragt diese bez. Relevanz und Mehrwert in der klinischen Anwendung. Zukünftig ist zu erwarten, dass die OCTA durch longitudinale Studien mit größeren Fallzahlen Normwerte liefert, relevante Durchblutungsveränderungen bei verschiedensten Krankheitsbildern tiefgreifender analysiert und möglicherweise zu differenzialdiagnostischen und therapeutischen Zwecken beitragen wird.
Intrauterine Wachstumsrestriktion: Transsektorale, interdisziplinäre und multiprofessionelle Betreuung von Schwangeren und Neugeborenen im Feto-Neonat-Pfad: Ein Projekt des Innovationsfonds
Authors: Mense Lars , Birdir Cahit , Reichert Jörg , Schleußner Ekkehard , Proquitté Hans , Schmitt Jochen , Müller Gabriele , Rüdiger Mario
Published: September 2019

Eine intrauterine Wachstumsrestriktion (IUGR) betrifft Feten, die ihr intrauterines Wachstumspotenzial nicht nutzen können. Überschneidungen bestehen dabei zur Gruppe der small-for-gestational age (SGA) Kinder, doch sind speziell IUGR-Kinder von kurz- und langfristigen Folgen betroffen. IUGR-Feten haben ein deutlich erhöhtes Frühgeburtlichkeits-Risiko und ein spezielles Risikoprofil im Vergleich zu altersentsprechend gewachsenen Frühgeborenen. Dies umfasst das häufigere Auftreten typischer Komplikationen wie Bronchopulmonale Dysplasie, intraventrikuläre Hämorrhagie und Mekonium-Ileus. Neugeborene mit IUGR scheinen langfristig ein erhöhtes Risiko für Folgeprobleme, wie Zerebralparesen, eingeschränkte Lungenfunktion und Sprachentwicklungsverzögerungen zu haben. Eine transsektorale, interdisziplinäre und multiprofessionelle Betreuung der Schwangeren, Neugeborenen und Säuglinge im Rahmen eines Versorgungspfades ist eine aussichtsreiche neue Versorgungsform. Sie umfasst die frühe Identifizierung von Schwangeren mit einem erhöhten Risiko für eine fetale Wachstumsrestriktion, ggf. die Therapie mit Acetylsalicylsäure, die Risiko-adaptierte Anbindung an die Perinatalzentren mit psychologischen Interventionen und neonatologischen Gesprächen. Ziel des Pfades ist die Vermeidung von Verlegungen in die Perinatologie und Totgeburten. Postnatal steht eine umfassende Betreuung mit besonderem Augenmerk auf die Eltern-Kind-Bindung und Ernährungsoptimierung im Mittelpunkt. Vertiefende Vorsorgeuntersuchungen der ambulanten Kinderärzte dienen dem frühen Aufdecken von Entwicklungsproblemen. Die Wirkungen, Akzeptanz und Kosteneffizienz dieses Pfades werden im Rahmen eines Projektes des Innovationsfonds getestet.
Update Regarding Imaging of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Figiel Jens Holger , Viniol Simon G. , Görlach Jannis , Rinke Anja , Librizzi Damiano , Mahnken Andreas H.
Published: September 2019

Background Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are a heterogeneous group of tumors characterized by the expression of typical proteins. A wide range of morphological and functional imaging methods is required in order to adequately assess the course of the disease and to optimally treat the patient. The spectrum of indications ranges from the detection of small primary tumors to the documentation of the metastasis pattern and the assessment of the suitability for certain invasive or noninvasive therapy methods. The exact recording and quantification of findings is indispensable.

Methods This article is based on a comprehensive literature search on the different aspects of neuroendocrine neoplasm imaging.

Results This article is intended to provide an overview of the available imaging procedures with their respective advantages and disadvantages for diagnostics and their value for the follow-up of neuroendocrine neoplasms. Recommendations for examination protocols, typical image findings, and an outlook regarding future developments are presented.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
Pan-European Data Harmonization for Biobanks in ADOPT BBMRI-ERIC
Authors: Mate Sebastian , Kampf Marvin , Rödle Wolfgang , Kraus Stefan , Proynova Rumyana , Silander Kaisa , Ebert Lars , Lablans Martin , Schüttler Christina , Knell Christian , Eklund Niina , Hummel Michael , Holub Petr , Prokosch Hans-Ulrich
Published: September 2019

Background High-quality clinical data and biological specimens are key for medical research and personalized medicine. The Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure-European Research Infrastructure Consortium (BBMRI-ERIC) aims to facilitate access to such biological resources. The accompanying ADOPT BBMRI-ERIC project kick-started BBMRI-ERIC by collecting colorectal cancer data from European biobanks.

Objectives To transform these data into a common representation, a uniform approach for data integration and harmonization had to be developed. This article describes the design and the implementation of a toolset for this task.

Methods Based on the semantics of a metadata repository, we developed a lexical bag-of-words matcher, capable of semiautomatically mapping local biobank terms to the central ADOPT BBMRI-ERIC terminology. Its algorithm supports fuzzy matching, utilization of synonyms, and sentiment tagging. To process the anonymized instance data based on these mappings, we also developed a data transformation application.

Results The implementation was used to process the data from 10 European biobanks. The lexical matcher automatically and correctly mapped 78.48% of the 1,492 local biobank terms, and human experts were able to complete the remaining mappings. We used the expert-curated mappings to successfully process 147,608 data records from 3,415 patients.

Conclusion A generic harmonization approach was created and successfully used for cross-institutional data harmonization across 10 European biobanks. The software tools were made available as open source.
The new near-field approach for microwave tomography of absorbing media
Authors: Yakubov Vladimir P. , Belichenko Victor P. , Shipilov Sergey E. , Mironchev Aleksandr S. , Klokov Andrey V. , Zapasnoy Andrey S.
Published: September 2019

It is shown theoretically and experimentally that in the field of an electromagnetic radiator located in an absorbing medium, there exists a virtual surface that encompasses the near-field zone and is referred to as causal in the present study at which the field undergoes a second order phase transition. This transition is characterized by a rapidly changing phase and conversion of the energy of the quasistatic/reactive field into the energy of the field in the state of radiation. Behind the causal surface, the law of phase change sufficiently quickly acquires a linear character, and the field strength decreases with an increase in the distance following either an inverse-square law or an exponential function depending on the absorption coefficient of the medium, which is manifested through the formation of an intensively absorbing layer. Within the near zone, exponential attenuation is not observed. The size of the near zone depends on the frequency and the refractive index of the medium. Based on the studies performed, a new approach to the problem of sensing of absorbing media is suggested.
Thermal evolution of the indentation-induced phases of silicon
Authors: Wong S. , Johnson B. C. , Haberl B. , Mujica A. , McCallum J. C. , Williams J. S. , Bradby J. E.
Published: September 2019

Novel phases of Si that are predicted to have industrially desirable properties can be recovered after indentation-induced pressure. However, the thermal stability of these phases is not well understood. Furthermore, in the past, different methods of annealing have resulted in conflicting reports on annealing stability and transformation pathways. This study investigates the thermal stability of several metastable Si phases called r8-Si, bc8-Si, hd-Si, and Si-XIII under furnace annealing, incremental annealing, and laser annealing using Raman microspectroscopy and electron diffraction. The temperature range of stability for these metastable phases is thus determined. Of particular interest, hd-Si is stable to a much higher temperature than previously reported, being the predominant phase observed in this study after annealing at 450 °C. This finding was enabled through a new method for confirming the presence of hd-Si by detailed electron diffraction. This high thermal stability generates renewed interest in exploiting this phase for industrial applications, such as strain-tailored solar absorption.
Size effects in the formation of an uncompensated ferromagnetic moment in NiO nanoparticles
Authors: Popkov S. I. , Krasikov A. A. , Dubrovskiy A. A. , Volochaev M. N. , Kirillov V. L. , Martyanov O. N. , Balaev D. A.
Published: September 2019

The magnetic properties of samples of NiO nanoparticles with average sizes of 23, 8.5, and 4.5 nm were investigated. Using the magnetization curves measured in strong (up to 250 kOe) pulsed magnetic fields, the contributions of the free spin and ferromagnetic subsystems were extracted. It has been found that the ferromagnetic contribution increases with a decrease in the nanoparticle size and is proportional to the fraction of uncompensated exchange-coupled spins. It is demonstrated that the uncompensated spins form in the antiferromagnetic NiO oxide due to an increase in the fraction of surface atoms in the nanoparticles with decreasing particle size and defects in the bulk of particles.