bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Russian Strategic Narratives on R2P in the ‘Near Abroad’
Authors: Pupcenoks Juris , Seltzer Eric James
Published: August 2020

This article assesses Russian strategic narratives towards its interventions in Georgia (2008) and Ukraine (2014–16) based on a new database of 50 statements posted on the websites of the Russian Mission to the United Nations and the President of Russia homepage. By looking more broadly at Russian strategic narratives aimed at persuading other global actors and publics abroad and at home, this article identifies how Russia attempted to develop a story that could win global acceptance. This analysis shows that contrary to traditional Russian emphasis on sovereign responsibility and non-intervention, Russia supported claims for self-determination by separatist groups in Georgia and Ukraine. Russia used deception and disinformation in its strategic narratives as it mis-characterized these conflicts using Responsibility to Protect (R2P) language, yet mostly justified its own interventions through references to other sources of international law. Russian strategic narratives focused on delegitimizing the perceived opponents, making the case for the appropriateness of its own actions, and projecting what it proposed as the proper solution to the conflicts. It largely avoided making any references to its own involvement in the Donbas at all. Additionally, Russia’s focus on the protection of co-ethnics and Russian-speakers is reminiscent of interventions in the pre-R2P era.
Continuous flows generate few homeomorphisms
Authors: Bonomo Wescley , Varandas Paulo
Published: August 2020

We describe topological obstructions (involving periodic points, topological entropy and rotation sets) for a homeomorphism on a compact manifold to embed in a continuous flow. We prove that homeomorphisms in a$C^{0}$-open and dense set of homeomorphisms isotopic to the identity in compact manifolds of dimension at least two are not the time-1 map of a continuous flow. Such property is also true for volume-preserving homeomorphisms in compact manifolds of dimension at least five. In the case of conservative homeomorphisms of the torus$\mathbb {T}^{d} (d\ge 2)$isotopic to identity, we describe necessary conditions for a homeomorphism to be flowable in terms of the rotation sets.
The DSM-5 Clinical and Public Health Committee (CPHC): operations, mechanics, controversies and recommendations
Authors: McIntyre John S. , Yager Joel , Everett Anita , Galanter Cathryn A. , Lyness Jeffrey M. , Nininger James , Reus Victor I. , Vergare Michael
Published: August 2020

Background

For DSM – 5, the American Psychiatric Association Board of Trustees established a robust vetting and review process that included two review committees that did not exist in the development of prior DSMs, the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) and the Clinical and Public Health Committee (CPHC). The CPHC was created as a body that could independently review the clinical and public health merits of various proposals that would fall outside of the strictly defined scientific process.

Methods

This article describes the principles and issues which led to the creation of the CPHC, the composition and vetting of the committee, and the processes developed by the committee – including the use of external reviewers.

Results

Outcomes of some of the more involved CPHC deliberations, specifically, decisions concerning elements of diagnoses for major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, catatonia, and substance use disorders, are described. The Committee's extensive reviews and its recommendations regarding Personality Disorders are also discussed.

Conclusions

On the basis of our experiences, the CPHC membership unanimously believes that external review processes to evaluate and respond to Work Group proposals is essential for future DSM efforts. The Committee also recommends that separate SRC and CPHC committees be appointed to assess proposals for scientific merit and for clinical and public health utility and impact.
The dynamics of healthscaping: mapping communal hygiene in Bologna, 1287–1383
Authors: Zaneri Taylor , Geltner G.
Published: August 2020

This article traces how urban communities operating with a humoral or Galenic medical paradigm understood and confronted the health challenges facing them, using the extraordinarily well-documented case of Bologna, Italy. Working within a GIS environment, the authors spatially analyse over 3,500 events recorded by theUfficio del fangoconcerning violations of the city's health-related ordinances, augmented by other demographic and material data. As such, the study not only adds specificity to recent attempts to enrich the field of pre-modern public health, but also demonstrates that the Bolognese administration had a sophisticated and evolving understanding of communal health risks, and exposes several discrepancies between policy and practice.
Dispatcher Triage Accuracy in the Western Cape Government Emergency Medical Services System, Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Alshehri Mohammed F. , Pigoga Jennifer L. , Wallis Lee A.
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Triage - the sorting of patients according to urgency of need for clinical care - is an essential part of delivering effective and efficient emergency care. But when frequent over- or under-triaging occurs, finite time and resources are diverted away from those in greatest need of care and the entire Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system is strained. In resource-constrained settings, such as South Africa, poor triage in EMS only serves to compound other contextual challenges. This study examined the accuracy of dispatcher triage over a one-year period in the Western Cape Government (WCG) EMS system in South Africa.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of existing dispatch and EMS data to assess the accuracy of dispatch-assigned priorities was conducted. The mismatch between dispatcher-assigned call priority and triage levels determined by EMS personnel was analyzed via over- and under-triage rates, sensitivity and specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPVs and NPVs, respectively).

Results:

A total of 185,166 records from December 2016 through November 2017 were analyzed. Across all dispatch complaints, the over-triage rate was 67.6% (95% CI, 66.34-68.76) and the under-triage rate was 16.2% (95% CI, 15.44-16.90). Dispatch triage sensitivity for all included records was 49.2% (95% CI, 48.10-50.38), specificity 71.9% (95% CI, 71.00-72.92), PPV 32.5% (95% CI, 30.02-34.88), and NPV 83.8% (95% CI, 81.93-85.73).

Conclusion:

This study provides the first evaluation of dispatch triage accuracy in the WCG EMS system, identifying that the system is suffering from both under- and over-triage. Despite variance across dispatch complaints, both under- and over-triage remained higher than widely accepted norms, and all rates were significantly above acceptable target metrics described in similar studies. Results of this study will be used to motivate the development of more rigorous training programs and resources for WCG EMS dispatchers, including improved dispatch protocols for conditions suffering from high over- and under-triage.
BAYESIAN ESTIMATION OF A SMALL-SCALE NEW KEYNESIAN MODEL WITH HETEROGENEOUS EXPECTATIONS
Authors: Elias Christopher J.
Published: August 2020

This paper uses Bayesian methods to estimate a small-scale New Keynesian model with heterogeneous expectations (HE). Agents form expectations via Euler equation adaptive learning (AL) and differ by the model they use to forecast. Type A agents use a correctly specified model, while type B and type C agents use misspecified models. Quarterly US data from the pre-Great Moderation and Great Moderation periods are used to jointly estimate the degree of agent heterogeneity, the AL parameters, and the deep model parameters. Results show that the data exhibit significant expectational heterogeneity, and that the HE model fits the data better than a model with homogeneous agent AL.
Family function and eating behaviours among Hispanic/Latino youth: results from the Hispanic Community Children’s Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth)
Authors: Colón-Ramos U , Monge-Rojas R , Smith-Castro V , Wang J , Cheng YI , Perreira KM , Van Horn L , Sotres-Alvarez D , Isasi CR , Gallo LC
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To elucidate mechanisms across family function, home environment and eating behaviours within sociocultural context among Hispanic youth.

Design:

Two models tested via path analysis (youth fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption; empty energy consumption) using data from the Study of Latino Youth (2011–2013).

Setting:

Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; Bronx, NY; San Diego, CA.

Participants:

Youth (8–16-year-olds),n1466.

Results:

Youth ate 2·4 servings of FV per d and received 27 % of total energy from empty energies. Perceiving higher acculturative stress was indirectly associated with lower FV consumption via a pathway of low family function and family support for FV (β= −0·013,P< 0·001) and via lower family closeness and family support (β= −0·004,P= 0·004). Being >12-year-olds was indirectly associated with lower FV consumption via lower family closeness and family support (β= −0·006,P< 0·001). Household food security was indirectly associated with greater FV consumption via family closeness and family support (β= 0·005,P= 0·003). In contrast, perceiving higher acculturative stress was indirectly associated with higher empty energy consumption (via family closeness and family support:β= 0·003,P= 0·028 and via low family function and low family support:β= 0·008,P= 0·05). Being older was associated with higher consumption of empty energies via family closeness (related to family support:β= 0·04,P= 0·016; parenting strategies for eating:β= 0·002,P= 0·049).

Conclusions:

Findings suggest pathways of influence across demographic and sociocultural context, family dynamics and home environment. The directionality of these associations needs confirmation using longitudinal data.
Nutritional breakfast quality and cardiometabolic risk factors: Health Survey of São Paulo, a population-based study
Authors: Félix Paula Victória , Pereira Jaqueline Lopes , Leme Ana Carolina Barco , de Castro Michelle Alessandra , Fisberg Regina Mara
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the association between nutritional quality of breakfast and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Design:

Cross-sectional study, 2015 Health Survey of São Paulo (2015 ISA-Capital) with Focus on Nutrition Study (2015 ISA-Nutrition).

Settings:

Population-based study, with a representative sample of adults and elderlies living in São Paulo, Brazil.

Participants:

The sample included 606 adults (aged 20–59 years) and 537 elderlies (aged ≥60 years) from the 2015 Health Survey of São Paulo. Dietary intake was assessed by at least one 24-h recall. Breakfast quality was evaluated using the proposed Brazilian Breakfast Quality Index (BQI), ranging scores from 0 to 10. BQI associations with sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietetic and cardiometabolic variables were estimated using survey-weighted multiple logistic regression models.

Results:

Being ≥60 years of age, self-identifying as White or Asian, having a per capita family income with ≥1 minimum wage, being sufficiently active at leisure time and non-smoker were associated with better scores of BQI. A higher BQI score was inversely associated with elevated blood pressure (OR 0·81, 95 % CI 0·70, 0·94), fasting glucose (OR 0·85, 95 % CI 0·73, 0·98), HOMA-IR (OR 0·86, 95 % CI 0·74, 0·98), total cholesterol (OR 0·87, 95 % CI 0·76, 0·99), LDL-C (OR 0·85, 95 % CI 0·74, 0·97), metabolic syndrome (OR 0·82, 95 % CI 0·72, 0·93) and being overweight (OR 0·87, 95 % CI 0·76, 0·99).

Conclusions:

Breakfast quality of Brazilian adults needs improvement with disparities across some sociodemographic factors. BQI was associated with lower odds of cardiometabolic risk factors, suggesting a beneficial effect in this population and emphasising the role of breakfast in reducing the risk of CVD.
THE POTENTIAL IN FREGE’S THEOREM
Authors: STAFFORD WILL
Published: August 2020

Is a logicist bound to the claim that as a matter of analytic truth there is an actual infinity of objects? If Hume’s Principle is analytic then in the standard setting the answer appears to be yes. Hodes’s work pointed to a way out by offering a modal picture in which only a potential infinity was posited. However, this project was abandoned due to apparent failures of cross-world predication. We re-explore this idea and discover that in the setting of the potential infinite one can interpret first-order Peano arithmetic, but not second-order Peano arithmetic. We conclude that in order for the logicist to weaken the metaphysically loaded claim of necessary actual infinities, they must also weaken the mathematics they recover.
Lateral Particle Supply as a Key Vector in the Oceanic Carbon Cycle
Authors: Kim Minkyoung , Hwang Jeomshik , Eglinton Timothy I. , Druffel Ellen R. M.
Published: August 2020

The export of particulate organic carbon (POC) from surface waters to the ocean interior via the biological carbon pump is largely envisioned as a vertical process. However, several lines of evidence suggest that lateral supply of aged organic matter hosted on lithogenic particles derived from sediment resuspension may also be a significant process. Despite its potential importance, lateral POC supply has not been systematically examined on a global scale. Here, we assess the contribution of resuspended sediment to sinking particulate matter in the ocean using literature data of sediment trap studies. Proportions and absolute fluxes of lithogenic material at 158 sites and available radiocarbon contents are compiled to develop a global‐scale assessment. We find that lithogenic material accounts for 25 ± 20% of sinking particulate matter, comprising a mean flux of 67 mg m−2d−1. Lithogenic material flux generally decreased with increasing distance from the coast and with increasing height above the seafloor. The Δ14C values of POC exhibited a linear relationship with a wt/wt ratio of lithogenic material to POC. Loadings of aged POC to lithogenic material obtained from this relationship were similar to or higher than POC content of the surface sediment in the vicinity. Based on this relationship, and the global mean of lithogenic material content of sinking particulate matter, we calculate that aged POC from sediment resuspension comprises 0.2–0.7% of sinking particles and 4–11% of sinking POC intercepted by sediment traps.
Geomagnetic Effects in Spatial Distributions of Particle Precipitation in Terms of Particle Energy Channels
Authors: Shen Han‐Wen , Shue Jih‐Hong , Dombeck John , Li Hsien‐Ming
Published: August 2020

This study examines the spatial distributions of precipitation during active and quiet times. Most previous studies commonly classified precipitation into different energy spectral types, but we utilized a classification according to particle energy channels. A general conclusion derived from these distributions suggests that regardless of active and quiet times, low‐energy (<1 keV) and high‐energy precipitating particles are mostly on the dayside and nightside, respectively. A comparison with past results reveals that the high‐energy electron precipitation during quiet times is mostly due to wave scattering and that during active times is mainly produced by quasi‐static potential structures (QSPS) and Alfvénic acceleration, while low‐energy electron precipitation is mostly caused by QSPS and Alfvénic acceleration regardless of quiet and active times. For both high‐energy proton and electron precipitation, the nightside dawn‐dusk asymmetry of their distributions during active times is found to be opposite of that during quiet times. We infer that the distribution of high‐energy precipitation during quiet times is dominated by the curvature and gradient drifts, while during active times it is mainly due to the physical processes or phenomena related to substorms in the magnetotail. Empirical orthogonal function analysis has been applied in this study to derive where the flux has the maximum enhancement as the geomagnetic activity increases. The results further demonstrate that low‐energy and high‐energy protons mainly increase in the noon and postmidnight sectors, respectively. The highest enhancements of low‐energy and high‐energy electrons are in the prenoon and premidnight sectors, respectively.
The proapoptotic gene interferon regulatory factor-1 mediates the antiproliferative outcome of paired box 2 gene and tamoxifen
Authors: Wang Shixiong , Somisetty Venkata S. , Bai Baoyan , Chernukhin Igor , Niskanen Henri , Kaikkonen Minna U. , Bellet Meritxell , Carroll Jason S. , Hurtado Antoni
Published: August 2020

Tamoxifen is the most prescribed selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator in patients with ER-positive breast cancers. Tamoxifen requires the transcription factor paired box 2 protein (PAX2) to repress the transcription of ERBB2/HER2. Now, we identified that PAX2 inhibits cell growth of ER+/HER2− tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we have identified that cell growth inhibition can be achieved by expressing moderate levels of PAX2 in combination with tamoxifen treatment. Global run-on sequencing of cells overexpressing PAX2, when coupled with PAX2 ChIP-seq, identified common targets regulated by both PAX2 and tamoxifen. The data revealed that PAX2 can inhibit estrogen-induced gene transcription and this effect is enhanced by tamoxifen, suggesting that they converge on repression of the same targets. Moreover, PAX2 and tamoxifen have an additive effect and both induce coding genes and enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). PAX2–tamoxifen upregulated genes are also enriched with PAX2 eRNAs. The enrichment of eRNAs is associated with the highest expression of genes that positivity regulate apoptotic processes. In luminal tumors, the expression of a subset of these proapoptotic genes predicts good outcome and their expression are significantly reduced in tumors of patients with relapse to tamoxifen treatment. Mechanistically, PAX2 and tamoxifen coexert an antitumoral effect by maintaining high levels of transcription of tumor suppressors that promote cell death. The apoptotic effect is mediated in large part by the gene interferon regulatory factor 1. Altogether, we conclude that PAX2 contributes to better clinical outcome in tamoxifen treated ER-positive breast cancer patients by repressing estrogen signaling and inducing cell death related pathways.
Pharmacogenomics cascade testing (PhaCT): a novel approach for preemptive pharmacogenomics testing to optimize medication therapy
Authors: Roosan Don , Hwang Angela , Roosan Moom R.
Published: August 2020

The implementation of pharmacogenomics (PGx) has come a long way since the dawn of utilizing pharmacogenomic data in clinical patient care. However, the potential benefits of sharing PGx results have yet to be explored. In this paper, we explore the willingness of patients to share PGx results, as well as the inclusion of family medication history in identifying potential family members for pharmacogenomics cascade testing (PhaCT). The genetic similarities in families allow for identifying potential gene variants prior to official preemptive testing. Once a candidate patient is determined, PhaCT can be initiated. PhaCT recognizes that further cascade testing throughout a family can serve to improve precision medicine. In order to make PhaCT feasible, we propose a novel shareable HIPAA-compliant informatics platform that will enable patients to manage not only their own test results and medications but also those of their family members. The informatics platform will be an external genomics system with capabilities to integrate with patients’ electronic health records. Patients will be given the tools to provide information to and work with clinicians in identifying family members for PhaCT through this platform. Offering patients the tools to share PGx results with their family members for preemptive testing could be the key to empowering patients. Clinicians can utilize PhaCT to potentially improve medication adherence, which may consequently help to distribute the burden of health management between patients, family members, providers, and payers.
The BCL-2 selective inhibitor ABT-199 sensitizes soft tissue sarcomas to proteasome inhibition by a concerted mechanism requiring BAX and NOXA
Authors: Muenchow Alina , Weller Sandra , Hinterleitner Clemens , Malenke Elke , Bugl Stefanie , Wirths Stefan , Müller Martin R. , Schulze-Osthoff Klaus , Aulitzky Walter E. , Kopp Hans-Georg , Essmann Frank
Published: August 2020

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies predominantly affecting children and young adults. Despite improvements in multimodal therapies, 5-year survival rates are only 50% and new treatment options in STS are urgently needed. To develop a rational combination therapy for the treatment of STS we focused on ABT-199 (Venetoclax), a BCL-2 specific BH3-mimetic, in combination with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BZB). Simultaneous inhibition of BCL-2 and the proteasome resulted in strongly synergistic apoptosis induction. Mechanistically, ABT-199 mainly affected the multidomain effector BAX by liberating it from BCL-2 inhibition. The combination with BZB additionally resulted in the accumulation of BOK, a BAX/BAK homologue, and of the BH3-only protein NOXA, which inhibits the anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1. Thus, the combination of ABT-199 and BZB sensitizes STS cells to apoptosis by simultaneously releasing several defined apoptotic restraints. This synergistic mechanism of action was verified by CRISPR/Cas9 knock-out, showing that both BAX and NOXA are crucial for ABT-199/BZB-induced apoptosis. Noteworthy, efficient induction of apoptosis by ABT-199/BZB was not affected by the p53 status and invariably detected in cell lines and patient-derived tumor cells of several sarcoma types, including rhabdomyo-, leiomyo-, lipo-, chondro-, osteo-, or synovial sarcomas. Hence, we propose the combination of ABT-199 and BZB as a promising strategy for the treatment of STS, which should warrant further clinical investigation.
KIN10 promotes stomatal development through stabilization of the SPEECHLESS transcription factor
Authors: Han Chao , Liu Yue , Shi Wen , Qiao Yan , Wang Lingyan , Tian Yanchen , Fan Min , Deng Zhiping , Lau On Sun , De Jaeger Geert , Bai Ming-Yi
Published: August 2020

Stomata are epidermal structures that modulate gas exchanges between plants and the atmosphere. The formation of stomata is regulated by multiple developmental and environmental signals, but how these signals are coordinated to control this process remains unclear. Here, we showed that the conserved energy sensor kinase SnRK1 promotes stomatal development under short-day photoperiod or in liquid culture conditions. Mutation of KIN10, the catalytic α-subunit of SnRK1, results in the decreased stomatal index; while overexpression of KIN10 significantly induces stomatal development. KIN10 displays the cell-type-specific subcellular location pattern. The nuclear-localized KIN10 proteins are highly enriched in the stomatal lineage cells to phosphorylate and stabilize SPEECHLESS, a master regulator of stomatal formation, thereby promoting stomatal development. Our work identifies a module links connecting the energy signaling and stomatal development and reveals that multiple regulatory mechanisms are in place for SnRK1 to modulate stomatal development in response to changing environments.
Single cell transcriptomics of human epidermis identifies basal stem cell transition states
Authors: Wang Shuxiong , Drummond Michael L. , Guerrero-Juarez Christian F. , Tarapore Eric , MacLean Adam L. , Stabell Adam R. , Wu Stephanie C. , Gutierrez Guadalupe , That Bao T. , Benavente Claudia A. , Nie Qing , Atwood Scott X.
Published: August 2020

How stem cells give rise to epidermis is unclear despite the crucial role the epidermis plays in barrier and appendage formation. Here we use single cell-RNA sequencing to interrogate basal stem cell heterogeneity of human interfollicular epidermis and find four spatially distinct stem cell populations at the top and bottom of rete ridges and transitional positions between the basal and suprabasal epidermal layers. Cell-cell communication modeling suggests that basal cell populations serve as crucial signaling hubs to maintain epidermal communication. Combining pseudotime, RNA velocity, and cellular entropy analyses point to a hierarchical differentiation lineage supporting multi-stem cell interfollicular epidermal homeostasis models and suggest that transitional basal stem cells are stable states essential for proper stratification. Finally, alterations in differentially expressed transitional basal stem cell genes result in severe thinning of human skin equivalents, validating their essential role in epidermal homeostasis and reinforcing the critical nature of basal stem cell heterogeneity.
DEPS-1 is required for piRNA-dependent silencing and PIWI condensate organisation in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Suen Kin Man , Braukmann Fabian , Butler Richard , Bensaddek Dalila , Akay Alper , Lin Chi-Chuan , Milonaitytė Dovilė , Doshi Neel , Sapetschnig Alexandra , Lamond Angus , Ladbury John Edward , Miska Eric Alexander
Published: August 2020

Membraneless organelles are sites for RNA biology including small non-coding RNA (ncRNA) mediated gene silencing. How small ncRNAs utilise phase separated environments for their function is unclear. We investigated how the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway engages with the membraneless organelle P granule in Caenorhabditis elegans. Proteomic analysis of the PIWI protein PRG-1 reveals an interaction with the constitutive P granule protein DEPS-1. DEPS-1 is not required for piRNA biogenesis but piRNA-dependent silencing: deps-1 mutants fail to produce the secondary endo-siRNAs required for the silencing of piRNA targets. We identify a motif on DEPS-1 which mediates a direct interaction with PRG-1. DEPS-1 and PRG-1 form intertwining clusters to build elongated condensates in vivo which are dependent on the Piwi-interacting motif of DEPS-1. Additionally, we identify EDG-1 as an interactor of DEPS-1 and PRG-1. Our study reveals how specific protein-protein interactions drive the spatial organisation and piRNA-dependent silencing within membraneless organelles.
Human transcription factor and protein kinase gene fusions in human cancer
Authors: Salokas Kari , Weldatsadik Rigbe G. , Varjosalo Markku
Published: August 2020

Oncogenic gene fusions are estimated to account for up-to 20% of cancer morbidity. Recently sequence-level studies have established oncofusions throughout all tissue types. However, the functional implications of the identified oncofusions have often not been investigated. In this study, identified oncofusions from a fusion detection approach (DEEPEST) were analyzed in detail. Of the 28,863 oncofusions, we found almost 30% are expected to produce functional proteins with features from both parent genes. Kinases and transcription factors were the main gene families of the protein producing fusions. Considering their role as initiators, actors, and termination points of cellular signaling pathways, we focused our in-depth analyses on them. Domain architecture of the fusions and their wild-type interactors suggests that abnormal molecular context of protein domains caused by fusion events may unlock the oncogenic potential of the wild type counterparts of the fusion proteins. To understand overall oncofusion effects, we performed differential expression analysis using TCGA cancer project samples. Results indicated oncofusion-specific alterations in gene expression levels, and lower expression levels of components of key cellular pathways, in particular signal transduction and transcription regulation. The sum of results suggests that kinase and transcription factor oncofusions deregulate cellular signaling, possibly via acquiring novel functions.
Discovery of chemical markers for improving the quality and safety control of Sinomenium acutum stem by the simultaneous determination of multiple alkaloids using UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS
Authors: Huang Yu-Feng , He Fan , Wang Can-Jian , Xie Ying , Zhang Yan-Yu , Sang Zhen , Qiu Ping , Luo Pei , Xiao Sheng-Yuan , Li Jing , Wu Fei-Ci , Liu Liang , Zhou Hua
Published: August 2020

Sinomenium acutum stem is a popular traditional Chinese medicine used to treat bone and joint diseases. Sinomenine is considered the only chemical marker for the quality control of S. acutum stem in mainstream pharmacopeias. However, higenamine in S. acutum stem is a novel stimulant that was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2017. Therefore, enhancing the quality and safety control of S. acutum stem to avoid potential safety risks is of utmost importance. In this study, a fast, sensitive, precise, and accurate method for the simultaneous determination of 11 alkaloids in S. acutum stem by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) was established. This method successfully analyzed thirty-five batches of S. acutum stem samples. The average contents of sinomenine, magnoflorine, coclaurine, acutumine, higenamine, sinoacutine, palmatine, magnocurarine, columbamine, 8-oxypalmatine, and jatrorrhizine were 24.9 mg/g, 6.35 mg/g, 435 μg/g, 435 μg/g, 288 μg/g, 44.4 μg/g, 22.5 μg/g, 21.1 μg/g, 15.8 μg/g, 9.30 μg/g, and 8.75 μg/g, respectively. Multivariate analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least square method-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), were performed to characterize the importance and differences among these alkaloids in S. acutum stem samples. As a result, sinomenine, magnoflorine, coclaurine, acutumine, and higenamine are proposed as chemical markers for quality control. Higenamine and coclaurine are also recommended as chemical markers for safety control. This report provides five alkaloids that can be used as chemical markers for improving the quality and safety control of S. acutum stem. It also alerts athletes to avoid the risks associated with consuming S. acutum stem.
The small compound, TD-198946, protects against intervertebral degeneration by enhancing glycosaminoglycan synthesis in nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Kushioka Junichi , Kaito Takashi , Chijimatsu Ryota , Okada Rintaro , Ishiguro Hiroyuki , Bal Zeynep , Kodama Joe , Yano Fumiko , Saito Taku , Chung Ung-il , Tanaka Sakae , Yoshikawa Hideki
Published: August 2020

Degeneration of the nucleus pulposus (NP) might serve as a trigger for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). A recent drug screening study revealed that the thienoindazole derivative, TD-198946, is a novel drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Because of the environmental and functional similarities between articular cartilage and intervertebral disc, TD-198946 is expected to prevent IDD. Herein, we sought to evaluate the effects of TD-198946 on IDD. TD-198946 enhanced glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production and the related genes in mouse NP cells and human NP cells (hNPCs). Further, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis using the mRNA sequence of hNPCs suggested that the mechanism of action of TD-198946 primarily occurred via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. The Akt inhibitor suppressed the enhancement of GAG production induced by TD-198946. The effects of TD-198946 on IDD at two different time points (immediate treatment model, immediately after the puncture; latent treatment model, 2 weeks after the puncture) were investigated using a mouse tail-disc puncture model. At both time points, TD-198946 prevented a loss in disc height. Histological analysis also demonstrated the preservation of the NP structures. TD-198946 exhibited therapeutic effects on IDD by enhancing GAG production via PI3K/Akt signaling.
Molecular mechanism of mitochondrial phosphatidate transfer by Ups1
Authors: Lu Jiuwei , Chan Chun , Yu Leiye , Fan Jun , Sun Fei , Zhai Yujia
Published: August 2020

Cardiolipin, an essential mitochondrial physiological regulator, is synthesized from phosphatidic acid (PA) in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). PA is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and transferred to the IMM via the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) under mediation by the Ups1/Mdm35 protein family. Despite the availability of numerous crystal structures, the detailed mechanism underlying PA transfer between mitochondrial membranes remains unclear. Here, a model of Ups1/Mdm35-membrane interaction is established using combined crystallographic data, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, extensive structural comparisons, and biophysical assays. The α2-loop, L2-loop, and α3 helix of Ups1 mediate membrane interactions. Moreover, non-complexed Ups1 on membranes is found to be a key transition state for PA transfer. The membrane-bound non-complexed Ups1/ membrane-bound Ups1 ratio, which can be regulated by environmental pH, is inversely correlated with the PA transfer activity of Ups1/Mdm35. These results demonstrate a new model of the fine conformational changes of Ups1/Mdm35 during PA transfer.
Chiral lanthanide lumino-glass for a circularly polarized light security device
Authors: Kitagawa Yuichi , Wada Satoshi , Islam M. D. Jahidul , Saita Kenichiro , Gon Masayuki , Fushimi Koji , Tanaka Kazuo , Maeda Satoshi , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: August 2020

Artificial light plays an essential role in information technologies such as optical telecommunications, data storage, security features, and the display of information. Here, we show a chiral lanthanide lumino-glass with extra-large circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) for advanced photonic security device applications. The chiral lanthanide glass is composed of a europium complex with the chiral (+)-3-(trifluoroacetyl)camphor ligand and the achiral glass promoter tris(2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)phosphine oxide ligand. The glass phase transition behavior of the Eu(III) complex is characterized using differential scanning calorimetry. The transparent amorphous glass shows CPL with extra-large dissymmetry factor of gCPL = 1.2. The brightness of the lumino-glass is one thousand times larger than that of Eu(III) luminophores embedded in polymer films of the same thickness at a Eu(III) concentration of 1 mM. The application of the chiral lanthanide lumino-glass in an advanced security paint is demonstrated.
Diagnosis of inaccessible infections using infrared microscopy of white blood cells and machine learning algorithms
Authors: Agbaria Adam H. , Beck Guy , Lapidot Itshak , Rich Daniel H. , Kapelushnik Joseph , Mordechai Shaul , Salman Ahmad , Huleihel Mahmoud
Published: August 2020

Rapid and objective diagnosis of the etiology of inaccessible infections by analyzing WBCs spectra, measured by FTIR spectroscopy, using machine-learning.
Low frequency stimulation induces polarization-based capturing of normal, cancerous and white blood cells: a new separation method for circulating tumor cell enrichment or phenotypic cell sorting
Authors: Jahangiri Mojtaba , Ranjbar-Torkamani Mina , Abadijoo Hamed , Ghaderinia Mohammadreza , Ghafari Hadi , Mamdouh Amir , Abdolahad Mohammad
Published: August 2020

Separation of cancerous cells from normal cells is of broad importance in a large number of cancer diagnosis and treatment methods.
A quantitative assay to study the lipid selectivity of membrane-associated systems using solution NMR
Authors: Medina-Carmona Encarnacion , Varela Lorena , Hendry Alex C. , Thompson Gary S. , White Lisa J. , Boles Jessica E. , Hiscock Jennifer R. , Ortega-Roldan Jose L.
Published: August 2020

We present a simple methodology to assess the phospholipid selectivity of membrane-associated compounds in natural membranes.
Synthesis of lead halide perovskite nanocrystals by melt crystallization in halide salts
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhang Congyang , Zheng Weilin , Zhang Qinggang , Wan Qun , Kong Long , Li Liang
Published: August 2020

A melt crystallization process was proposed to synthesize CsPbBr3 NCs by confined growth inside SrBr2 particles.
Deoxygenation of nitrosoarene by N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC): an elusive Breslow-type intermediate bridging carbene and nitrene
Authors: B. S. Anju , Bhattacharjee Rameswar , Gupta Shourya , Ahammad Soniya , Datta Ayan , Kundu Subrata
Published: August 2020

Interaction of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) with nitrosoarene (ArNO) affords arylnitrene (ArN) through the deoxygenation of ArNO.
Palladium(ii)-catalyzed asymmetric C–H carbonylation to diverse isoquinoline derivatives bearing all-carbon quaternary stereocenters
Authors: Li Yan , Cheng Xiu-Fen , Fei Fan , Wu Tian-Rui , Bian Kang-Jie , Zhou Xin , Wang Xi-Sheng
Published: August 2020

Enantioselective synthesis of isoquinoline derivatives bearing an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter in one stepviaasymmetric Pd(ii)-catalyzed C–H activation and multiple late-stage derivatizations.
Reversible photo/thermal solid-state transformation of a coordination polymer
Authors: Qiu Sheng-En , Yang Shi-Yao
Published: August 2020

A 2D coordination polymer, 1, was synthesized, characterized, and investigated with single-crystal-to-single-crystal photoreaction and thermal pyrolysis.
Four novel Zn(ii)/Cu(ii) coordination polymers containing hydroxyl groups: synthesis, crystal structure, luminescence sensing and photocatalysis properties
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Shang Lu , Cui Huali , Yang Hua , Liu Ling , Ren Yixia , Wang Jijiang
Published: August 2020

CPs 1, 3 and 4 show a 2D network, while 2 possesses a 3D network. 1 is a highly selective and sensitive bifunctional luminescent sensor towards Cu2+ and Cr2O72− ions. 3 and 4 exhibit photocatalytic activities for degradation of dyes (MB/MO).
Electronic structure-based rate rules for Ḣ ipso addition–elimination reactions on mono-aromatic hydrocarbons with single and double OH/CH3/OCH3/CHO/C2H5 substituents: a systematic theoretical investigation
Authors: Pratali Maffei Luna , Faravelli Tiziano , Cavallotti Carlo , Pelucchi Matteo
Published: August 2020

Systematic theoretical investigation of ipso substitution by H on mono-aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs), bio-oils components relevant to the pyrolysis and combustion kinetics of MAHs for the prediction of PAHs growth and surrogate fuels formulation.
How Parkinson's disease-related mutations disrupt the dimerization of WD40 domain in LRRK2: a comparative molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Li Xinyi , Ye Mingyu , Wang Yue , Qiu Ming , Fu Tingting , Zhang Jian , Zhou Bin , Lu Shaoyong
Published: August 2020

The multidomain kinase enzyme leucine-rich-repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), activated through a homodimerization manner, is identified as an important pathogenic factor in Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease wordwide.
Mechanistic insights into potential dependence of CO electrochemical reduction into C1 products based on a H coverage-dependent Cu(111)/H2O interface model
Authors: Ou Lihui , He Zixi , Chen Yuandao , Jin Junling
Published: August 2020

A high overpotential led to the formation of CH4, and CH3OH may be produced via a CH3O intermediate.
Impact of improvements in mesoporous titania layers on ultrafast electron transfer dynamics in perovskite and dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Pydzińska-Białek Katarzyna , Glinka Adam , Drushliak Viktoriia , Nowaczyk Grzegorz , Florczak Patryk , Ziółek Marcin
Published: August 2020

Faster electron transfer is responsible for the higher photocurrent in PSC. Slower recombination is observed in DSSC with diluted titania paste.
Competition between the hydrogen bond and the halogen bond in a [CH3OH–CCl4] complex: a matrix isolation IR spectroscopy and computational study
Authors: Pal Dhritabrata , Agrawal Sumit Kumar , Chakraborty Amrita , Chakraborty Shamik
Published: August 2020

Halogen bonding interaction (X-Bond) is prevalent over hydrogen bonding (H-Bond) interaction in [CH3OH–CCl4] mixtures/clusters: consequence in polar/non-polar mixtures and/or corresponding complexes in atmosphere needs to be investigated.
Transition metal-based catalysts for the electrochemical CO2reduction: from atoms and molecules to nanostructured materials
Authors: Franco Federico , Rettenmaier Clara , Jeon Hyo Sang , Roldan Cuenya Beatriz
Published: August 2020

An overview of the main strategies for the rational design of transition metal-based catalysts for the electrochemical conversion of CO2, ranging from molecular systems to single-atom and nanostructured catalysts.
Selenite bromide nonlinear optical materials Pb2GaF2(SeO3)2Br and Pb2NbO2(SeO3)2Br: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Zhao Huanke , Gong Pifu , Zhang Xinyuan , Lin Zheshuai , Hu Zhanggui , Wu Yicheng
Published: August 2020

Two new isomorphic NLO materials of Pb2GaF2(SeO3)2Br (4.5 × KDP) and Pb2NbO2(SeO3)2Br (1.4 × KDP) were successfully designed and synthesized.
A spinel ferrite catalyst for efficient electroreduction of dinitrogen to ammonia
Authors: Tian Ye , Shao Xuehui , Zhu Menghan , Liu Wuming , Wei Zhen , Chu Ke
Published: August 2020

The spinel ferrite NiFe2O4delivers high NRR activity and selectivity which is attributed to the surface Fe atoms that act as key NRR active sites for favorable N2adsorption and H+suppression.
Poly(carbazole)-based anion-conducting materials with high performance and durability for energy conversion devices
Authors: Cha Min Suc , Park Ji Eun , Kim Sungjun , Han Seung-Hui , Shin Sang-Hun , Yang Seok Hwan , Kim Tae-Ho , Yu Duk Man , So Soonyong , Hong Young Taik , Yoon Sang Jun , Oh Seong-Geun , Kang Sun Young , Kim Ok-Hee , Park Hyun S. , Bae Byungchan , Sung Yung-Eun , Cho Yong-Hun , Lee Jang Yong
Published: August 2020

An aryl ether-free less-phenyl adsorbing poly-carbazole-based polymer shows superior performance and durability for anion exchange membrane fuel cells and electrolyzers.
Assessing the defect tolerance of kesterite-inspired solar absorbers
Authors: Crovetto Andrea , Kim Sunghyun , Fischer Moritz , Stenger Nicolas , Walsh Aron , Chorkendorff Ib , Vesborg Peter C. K.
Published: August 2020

Band tails and defect tolerance in various I2–II–IV–V4 photovoltaic materials can be predicted using computationally-accessible properties and chemical intuition.
Sustainable electroorganic synthesis of lignin-derived dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Rauen Anna Lisa , Weinelt Frank , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: August 2020

Electrosynthesis provides access to substituted adipic acids using lignin-derived cyclohexanols.
Quantitative verification of 1 : 100 diluted fused glass beads for X-ray fluorescence analysis of geological specimens
Authors: Xue Ding-Shuai , Su Ben-Xun , Zhang Dan-Ping , Liu Yan-Hong , Guo Ju-Jie , Guo Qian , Sun Jie-Fang , Zhang Shu-Ying
Published: August 2020

This paper proposed a semi-automated small sample (30 mg) preparation method. The accuracy and precision of this new method were verified by measuring two CRMs among XRF, ICP-OES (fusion), and ICP-OES (acid attack) tools.
8-Hydroxyquinoline complexes (Alq3) on Al(111): atomic scale structure, energetics and charge distribution
Authors: Bulteau Yann , Tarrat Nathalie , Pébère Nadine , Lacaze-Dufaure Corinne
Published: August 2020

8-Hydroxyquinoline (8Hq) is known to efficiently inhibit the corrosion of aluminium by forming metal–organic layers (8Hq forms complexes with aluminium atoms).
Role of the complement cascade in the biological fate of liposomes in rodents
Authors: Viana Iara Maíra de Oliveira , Grenier Philippe , Defrêne Joan , Barabé Frédéric , Lima Eliana Martins , Bertrand Nicolas
Published: August 2020

The complement cascade plays a minor role in the circulation kinetics of liposomes but affects their distribution to splenic cells.
Interface engineering of Ag-Ni3S2 heterostructures toward efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution
Authors: Liu Caichi , Wang Fangqing , Jia Dongbo , Zhang Jingqian , Zhang Jingyu , Hao Qiuyan , Zhang Jun , Li Ying , Liu Hui
Published: August 2020

Ag-decorated Ni3S2 nanosheet arrays grown on Ni Foam (NF) (Ag-Ni3S2/NF) as an efficient heterostructure electrocatalyst for HER in alkaline media. This heterostructure catalyst exhibits an excellent HER performance.
Revealing the origin of dislocations in Pb1−xSb2x/3Se (0 < x ≤ 0.07)
Authors: Nan Pengfei , Chang Yunjie , Chen Zhiwei , Pei Yanzhong , Zhang Yongsheng , Wang Yumei , Ge Binghui
Published: August 2020

Dislocations could be originated from the nanostructures in Pb1−xSb2x/3Se (0 < x ≤ 0.07), which is important to defect engineering in thermoelectrics.
Correction: SERS- and luminescence-active Au–Au–UCNP trimers for attomolar detection of two cancer biomarkers
Authors: Qu Aihua , Wu Xiaoling , Xu Liguang , Liu Liqiang , Ma Wei , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: August 2020

Correction for ‘SERS- and luminescence-active Au–Au-UCNP trimers for attomolar detection of two cancer biomarkers’ by Aihua Qu et al., Nanoscale, 2017, 9, 3865–3872, DOI: 10.1039/C6NR09114H.
Organic synthesis of fixed CO2 using nitrogen as a nucleophilic center
Authors: Xiong Ting-Kai , Li Xue-Jun , Zhang Min , Liang Ying
Published: August 2020

With nitrogen as the nucleophilic center, CO2 is fixed by using metal catalysis, non-metal catalysis, photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.
Joint action of Hall and ambipolar effects in 3D magneto-convection simulations of the quiet Sun
Authors: González-Morales P. A. , Khomenko E. , Vitas N. , Collados M.
Published: August 2020

The partial ionization of the solar plasma causes several nonideal effects such as the ambipolar diffusion, the Hall effect, and the Biermann battery effect. Here we report on the first three-dimensional realistic simulations of solar local dynamo where all three effects were taken into account. The simulations started with a snapshot of already saturated battery-seeded dynamo, where two new series were developed: one with solely ambipolar diffusion and another one also taking into account the Hall term in the generalized Ohm’s law. The simulations were then run for about 4 h of solar time to reach the stationary regime and improve the statistics. In parallel, a purely MHD dynamo simulation was also run for the same amount of time. The simulations are compared in a statistical way. We consider the average properties of simulation dynamics, the generation and dissipation of compressible and incompressible waves, and the magnetic Poynting flux. The results show that, with the inclusion of the ambipolar diffusion, the amplitudes of the incompressible perturbations related to Alfvén waves are reduced, and the Poynting flux is absorbed, with a frequency dependence. The Hall effect causes the opposite action: significant excess of incompressible perturbations is generated and an excess of the Poynting flux is observed in the chromospheric layers. The model with ambipolar diffusion shows, on average, sharper current sheets and slightly more abundant fast magneto-acoustic shocks in the chromosphere. The model with the Hall effect has higher temperatures at the lower chromosphere and stronger and more vertical magnetic field concentrations all over the chromosphere. The study of high-frequency waves reveals that significant power of incompressible perturbations is associated with areas with intense and more vertical magnetic fields and larger temperatures. This behavior explains the large Poynting fluxes in the simulations with the Hall effect and provides confirmation as to the role of Alfvén waves in chromospheric heating in internetwork regions, under the action of both Hall and ambipolar effects. We find a positive correlation between the magnitude of the ambipolar heating and the temperature increase at the same location after a characteristic time of 102 s.