bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRESCIENCE AND AN EARLY DEATH
Authors: Oberg Andrew
Published: September 2019

Death's inevitability is not in question, but its mystery is one that is equally unavoidable and the questions we are likely to have about what then unanswerable. Traditionally we have tended to be concerned with what – if anything – might happen to us personally after we pass away, but that is not our question here. Rather we wish to contemplate what a knowledge of what will happen to the others in our lives may do to us while we are yet living. If we could know before we die the events that will befall our loved ones and/or our communities how might we react? Would that knowing be a comfort or a curse? Moreover, what might our contemplation on this query teach us about death more generally? Such is our concern in the discussion below.
CAN SCIENTISTS TEST THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PRAYER?
Authors: Rauser Randal
Published: September 2019

Over the last few decades, several scientific studies have attempted to measure the effectiveness of prayer in bringing about healing. But can we really test the therapeutic effect of prayer in the same way that we test conventional medicinal treatments? On the contrary, in this article, I present three arguments in support of the conclusion that such attempts to measure the effectiveness of prayer are based on flawed assumptions. One implication of this is that the failure to draw a positive statistical relationship between prayer and healing does not constitute good evidence against the value of prayer.
Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the short version of Family Sense of Coherence Scale in a sample of persons with cancer in the palliative stage and their family members
Authors: Möllerberg Marie-Louise , Årestedt Kristofer , Sandgren Anna , Benzein Eva , Swahnberg Katarina
Published: September 2019

Objectives

For patients’ entire families, it can be challenging to live with cancer during the palliative stage. However, a sense of coherence buffers stress and could help health professionals identify families that require support. Therefore, the short version of the Family Sense of Coherence Scale (FSOC-S) was translated, culturally adapted, and validated in a Swedish sample.

Methods

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the FSOC-S into Swedish was conducted in accordance with the World Health Organization's Process for Translation and Adaptation of Research Instruments guidelines. Participants were recruited from two oncology clinics and two palliative centers in Sweden.

Results

Content validity was supported by experts (n = 7), persons with cancer (n = 179), and family members (n = 165). Homogeneity among items was satisfactory for persons with cancer and family members (item-total correlations were 0.45‒0.70 and 0.55‒0.72, respectively) as well as internal consistency (ordinal alpha = 0.91 and 0.91, respectively). Factor analyses supported unidimensionality. FSOC-S correlated (rs> 0.3) with hope, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, which supported convergent validity. The test-retest reliability for items ranged between fair and good (kw= 0.37‒0.61).

Significance of Results

The FSOC-S has satisfactory measurement properties to assess family sense of coherence in persons with cancer and their family members. FSOC-S could be used to identify family members who experience low levels of perceived family sense of coherence which provides health care professionals with insight into families’ needs and ability to live with cancer in the palliative stage.
Working alliance does not mediate the relation between outcome expectancy and symptom improvement following cognitive behavioural therapy for social anxiety disorder
Authors: Draheim Amanda A. , Anderson Page L.
Published: September 2019

A small body of research shows that the working alliance mediates the relation between outcome expectancy and treatment response, but this model has not been applied to the treatment of social anxiety disorder. The present study tests the hypothesis that the working alliance mediates the relation between outcome expectancy and symptom improvement within a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder. A sample of 54 individuals diagnosed with social anxiety disorder completed eight sessions of virtual reality exposure therapy or exposure group therapy. Participants completed standardized self-report measures of outcome expectancy at the first session, of the working alliance at each session, and three measures of social anxiety symptoms at pre- and post-treatment. The working alliance did not mediate the relation between outcome expectancy and symptom improvement across time points, dependent measures, and treatment type. Bayes factors were calculated for the relation between the working alliance and symptom reduction, while controlling for outcome expectancy and therapist effects. Results were inconclusive. These null findings are intriguing and urge further study of the mechanisms through which common factors relate to treatment response. Utilization of Bayesian analyses may help to clarify the nature of these relations.

Key learning aims

(1)

Readers will consider the role of common factors in treatment for social anxiety disorder.

(2)

Readers will learn about how different common factors may interact with each other.

(3)

Readers will be encouraged to consider how the therapeutic relationship may manifest in a unique manner in treatment for social anxiety.
Ultra-compact quasi-elliptic bandpass filter based on capacitive-loaded eighth-mode SIW cavities
Authors: Liu Qing , Zhou Dongfang , Zhang Dewei , Bian Chenge , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2019

This paper reports a novel fourth-order quasi-elliptic bandpass filter (BPF) based on capacitive-loaded eighth-mode substrate integrated waveguide (CLEMSIW) cavities. The CLEMSIW cavity is constructed by the conventional eighth-mode SIW with two dielectric substrates and three metal layers; a metal via is employed to connect the middle and bottom metal layers. The middle metal layer achieves a large loading capacitance to shift the resonance frequency. The proposed filter is designed in a quadruple scheme, and two controllable finite-transmission zeros can be realized. For the demonstration, a prototype with a center frequency of 1 GHz and a fractional bandwidth of 10% was designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured results agree well with simulated ones. The proposed filter has advantages of ultra-compact size, high selectivity, and good stopband performances.
Open for Politics? Globalization, Economic Growth, and Responsibility Attribution
Authors: Jensen Nathan M. , Rosas Guillermo
Published: September 2019

Previous literature suggests that economic performance affects government approval asymmetrically, either because voters are quicker to blame incompetence than to credit ability (grievance asymmetry) or because they understand that the degree to which policy-makers can affect the economy varies depending on economic openness (clarity of responsibility asymmetry). We seek to understand whether these asymmetries coexist, arguing that these theories conjointly imply that globalization may have the capacity to mitigate blame for bad outcomes but should neither promote nor reduce credit to policy-makers for good economic outcomes. We look for evidence of these asymmetries in three survey experiments carried out in the USA and Canada in 2014 and 2015. We find ample experimental evidence in support of the grievance asymmetry, but our results are mixed on the impact of economic openness on blame mitigation, with some evidence of this phenomenon in the USA, but not in Canada.
Immuntherapie – Nebenwirkungen und -management
Authors: Petrausch Ulf
Published: September 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die Checkpointblockade ist eine wichtige therapeutische Säule in der Behandlung von Patienten mit Krebserkrankungen geworden. Im Rahmen dieser Entwicklung der letzten 10 Jahre wurde klar, dass diese neue Substanzklasse aufgrund seiner immunmodulatorischen Eigenschaften ein ganz besonderes Nebenwirkungsprofil aufweist, dass ein spezielles Management der unerwünschten Wirkungen zur Folge haben muss. Nur das Wissen um diese unerwünschten Wirkungen erlaubt den therapeutischen und damit auch erfolgreichen Einsatz dieser Substanzklasse. Da die unerwünschten Wirkungen sehr unterschiedlich und zeitlich sehr versetzt auftreten können, muss das Wissen um diese unerwünschten Nebenwirkungen breit in den Behandlungsteams verteilt sein, damit Symptome der unerwünschten Nebenwirkungen rasch erkannt werden können und die entsprechenden Massnahmen in koordinierte Weise ergriffen werden können. Dieser Artikel möchte einen Beitrag zum besseren Erkennen und Management der unerwünschten Nebenwirkungen von Checkpoint-Inhibitoren leisten.
Entwicklung in der integrierten psychoonkolgischen Versorgung
Authors: Zwahlen Diana
Published: September 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die standardisierte Erfassung der psychosozialen Belastung von Krebspatienten mit Kurzfragebogen, einem sogenannten Belastungsscreening, ist ein bedeutender Fortschritt in der psychoonkologischen Versorgung, um belastete Patienten besser zu erkennen. Allerdings soll das Gespräch über psychosoziale Belastung sowie über den Unterstützungsbedarf durch den Einsatz von Screeningfragebogen nicht ersetzt, sondern unterstützt werden. Denn der Einsatz eines Screeningfragebogens ist nur wirkungsvoll, wenn die Angaben des Patienten auch mit ihm besprochen werden, er mit Informationen versorgt und die Massnahmen entsprechend den Bedürfnissen des Patienten eingeleitet werden. Tatsächlich führt eine hohe Belastung nicht immer zu einer Inanspruchnahme von Unterstützungsangeboten. Es gilt von Seiten des Betreuungsteams diese Ablehnung zu akzeptieren, was je nach Situation schwierig sein kann. Jedoch besteht die Handlungsmöglichkeit des Behandlungsteams darin, im Gespräch mit den Betroffenen die Diskrepanz von hoher Belastung und fehlendem Unterstützungswunsch einzuordnen und darauf zu reagieren. Das Gespräch über psychosoziale Belastung hat die Funktion, eine Brücke zwischen standardisierten Angaben und dem subjektiven Erleben und Bedürfnissen des Patienten zu schlagen. Ein solches Gespräch muss nicht zwingend lange dauern, sondern es muss vor allem strukturiert und professionell geführt werden. Hierfür sind die Kommunikationsregeln der arzt- und patientenzentrierten Gesprächsführung hilfreich. Beispielhaft wird im Text aufgezeigt, was sich für die Besprechung des Belastungsthermometers, einem häufig verwendeten und validierten Kurzfragebogen, bewährt hat.
Atmosphere‐Ocean CO2 Exchange Across the Last Deglaciation From the Boron Isotope Proxy
Authors: Shao Jun , Stott Lowell D. , Gray William R. , Greenop Rosanna , Pecher Ingo , Neil Helen L. , Coffin Richard B. , Davy Bryan , Rae James W.B.
Published: September 2019

Identifying processes within the Earth System that have modulated atmospheric pCO2 during each glacial cycle of the late Pleistocene stands as one of the grand challenges in climate science. The growing array of surface ocean pH estimates from the boron isotope proxy across the last glacial termination may reveal regions of the ocean that influenced the timing and magnitude of pCO2 rise. Here we present two new boron isotope records from the subtropical‐subpolar transition zone of the Southwest Pacific that span the last 20 kyr, as well as new radiocarbon data from the same cores. The new data suggest this region was a source of carbon to the atmosphere rather than a moderate sink as it is today. Significantly higher outgassing is observed between ~16.5 and 14 kyr BP, associated with increasing δ13C and [CO3]2− at depth, suggesting loss of carbon from the intermediate ocean to the atmosphere. We use these new boron isotope records together with existing records to build a composite pH/pCO2 curve for the surface oceans. The pH disequilibrium/CO2 outgassing was widespread throughout the last deglaciation, likely explained by upwelling of CO2 from the deep/intermediate ocean. During the Holocene, a smaller outgassing peak is observed at a time of relatively stable atmospheric CO2, which may be explained by regrowth of the terrestrial biosphere countering ocean CO2 release. Our stack is likely biased toward upwelling/CO2 source regions. Nevertheless, the composite pCO2 curve provides robust evidence that various parts of the ocean were releasing CO2 to the atmosphere over the last 25 kyr.
Including Plastic Strain Into the Discrete Preisach‐Mayergoyz Space: Application to Granular Media
Authors: Sajeva A. , Capaccioli S.
Published: September 2019

The Preisach‐Mayergoyz (PM) model describes hysteretic behavior in several fields. For fractured rocks, a discretized version of the PM model successfully models nonlinear hysteretic elasticity under multiple loading cycles. In addition to hysteresis, granular media are subjected to large irreversible (plastic) deformation. To account for plastic deformation, we propose a modification of the PM density matrix, in which we include negative opening pressure. We associate negative opening pressure with rearrangements of the contact network. We apply the model to three sand samples undergoing multiple isotropic loading cycles. Calibrating the model parameters from quasi‐static measurements of volumetric deformation, we estimate the quality of prediction of the dynamic bulk modulus. When this elastoplastic PM model is compared to the classic PM model, strong improvements are found both in matching the strain path and in the estimation of the dynamic bulk modulus.
Atmospheric Blocking and Other Large‐Scale Precursor Patterns of Landfalling Atmospheric Rivers in the North Pacific: A CESM2 Study
Authors: Benedict James J. , Clement Amy C. , Medeiros Brian
Published: September 2019

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) manifest as transient filaments of intense water vapor transport that contribute to synoptic‐scale extremes and interannual variability of precipitation. Despite these influences, the synoptic‐ to planetary‐scale processes that lead to ARs remain inadequately understood. In this study, North Pacific ARs within the November–April season are objectively identified in both reanalysis data and the Community Earth System Model Version 2, and atmospheric patterns preceding AR landfalls beyond 1 week in advance are examined. Latitudinal dependence of the AR processes is investigated by sampling events near the Oregon (45°N, 230°E) and southern California (35°N, 230°E) coasts. Oregon ARs exhibit a pronounced anticyclone emerging over Alaska 1–2 weeks before AR landfall that migrates westward into Siberia, dual midlatitude cyclones developing over southeast coastal Asia and the northeast Pacific, and a zonally elongated band of enhanced water vapor transport spanning the entire North Pacific basin that guides anomalous moisture toward the North American west coast. The precursor high‐latitude anticyclone corresponds to a significant increase in atmospheric blocking probability, suppressed synoptic eddy activity, and an equatorward‐shifted storm track. Southern California ARs also exhibit high‐latitude blocking but have an earlier‐developing and more intense northeast Pacific cyclone. Compared to reanalysis, Community Earth System Model Version 2 underestimates Northeast Pacific AR frequencies by 5–20% but generally captures AR precursor patterns well, particularly for Oregon ARs. Collectively, these results indicate that the identified precursor patterns represent physical processes that are central to ARs and are not simply an artifact of statistical analysis.
Mechanisms, Upscaling, and Prediction of Anomalous Dispersion in Heterogeneous Porous Media
Authors: Comolli Alessandro , Hakoun Vivien , Dentz Marco
Published: September 2019

We study the upscaling and prediction of large‐scale solute dispersion in heterogeneous porous media with focus on preasymptotic or anomalous features such as tailing in breakthrough curves and spatial concentration profiles as well as nonlinear evolution of the spatial variance of the concentration distribution. Spatial heterogeneity in the hydraulic medium properties is represented in a stochastic modeling approach. Direct numerical Monte Carlo simulations of flow and advective particle motion combined with a Markov model for streamwise particle velocities give insight in the mechanisms of preasymptotic and asymptotic solute transport in terms of the statistical signatures of the medium and flow heterogeneity. Based on the representation of equidistantly sampled particle velocities as a Markov process, we derive an upscaled continuous time random walk approach that can be conditioned on the flow velocities and thus hydraulic conductivity in the injection region. In this modeling framework, we identify the Eulerian velocity distribution, advective tortuosity, and the correlation length of particle velocities as the key quantities for large‐scale transport prediction. Thus, the upscaled model predicts the spatial concentration profiles, their first and second centered moments, and the breakthrough curves obtained from direct numerical Monte Carlo simulations in spatially heterogeneous conductivity fields. The presented approach allows to relate the medium and flow properties to large‐scale preasymptotic and asymptotic solute dispersion.
Using Information Flow for Whole System Understanding From Component Dynamics
Authors: Jiang Peishi , Kumar Praveen
Published: September 2019

Complex systems that exhibit emergent behaviors arise as a result of nonlinear interdependencies among multiple components. Characterizing how such whole system dynamics are sustained through multivariate interaction remains an open question. In this study, we propose an information flow‐based framework to investigate how the present state of any component arises as a result of the past interactions among interdependent variables, which is termed as causal history. Using a partitioning time lag, we divide this into immediate and distant causal history components and then characterize the information flow‐based interactions within these as self‐ and cross‐feedbacks. Such a partition allows us to characterize the information flow from the two feedbacks in both histories by using partial information decomposition as unique, synergistic, or redundant interactions. We employ this casual history analysis approach to investigate the information flows in a short‐memory coupled logistic model and a long‐memory observed stream chemistry dynamics. While the dynamics of the short‐memory system are mainly maintained by its recent historical states, the current state of each stream solute is sustained by self‐feedback‐dominated recent dynamics and cross‐dependency‐dominated earlier dynamics. The analysis suggests that the observed 1/fsignature of each solute is a result of the interactions with other variables in the stream. Based on high‐density data streams, the approach developed here for investigating multivariate evolutionary dynamics provides an effective way to understand how components of dynamical system interact to create emergent whole system behavioral patterns such as long‐memory dependency.
TM4SF5-mediated CD44v8-10 splicing variant promotes survival of type II alveolar epithelial cells during idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Kim Ji Eon , Kim Hye-Jin , Jung Jae Woo , Song Dae-Geun , Park Dasomi , Lee Haesong , Um Hyejin , Park Jinsoo , Nam Seo Hee , Cho Moonjae , Lee Jung Weon
Published: September 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate cell fate, although signaling molecules that regulate ROS hormesis remain unclear. Here we show that transmembrane 4 L six family member 5 (TM4SF5) in lung epithelial cells induced the alternatively spliced CD44v8-10 variant via an inverse ZEB2/epithelial splicing regulatory proteins (ESRPs) linkage. TM4SF5 formed complexes with the cystine/glutamate antiporter system via TM4SF5- and CD44v8-10-dependent CD98hc plasma-membrane enrichment. Dynamic TM4SF5 binding to CD98hc required CD44v8-10 under ROS-generating inflammatory conditions. TM4SF5 and CD44v8-10 upregulated cystine/glutamate antiporter activity and intracellular glutathione levels, leading to ROS modulation for cell survival. Tm4sf5-null mice exhibited attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis with lower CD44v8-10 and ESRPs levels than wild-type mice. Primary mouse alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) revealed type II AECs (AECII), but not type I, to adapt the TM4SF5-mediated characteristics, suggesting TM4SF5-mediated AECII survival following AECI injury during idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Thus, the TM4SF5-mediated CD44v8-10 splice variant could be targeted against IPF.
Direct neuronal reprogramming of olfactory ensheathing cells for CNS repair
Authors: Sun Xiu , Tan Zijian , Huang Xiao , Cheng Xueyan , Yuan Yimin , Qin Shangyao , Wang Dan , Hu Xin , Gu Yakun , Qian Wen-Jing , Wang Zhongfeng , He Cheng , Su Zhida
Published: September 2019

Direct conversion of readily available non-neural cells from patients into induced neurons holds great promise for neurological disease modeling and cell-based therapy. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) is a unique population of glia in olfactory nervous system. Based on the regeneration-promoting properties and the relative clinical accessibility, OECs are attracting increasing attention from neuroscientists as potential therapeutic agents for use in neural repair. Here, we report that OECs can be directly, rapidly and efficiently reprogrammed into neuronal cells by the single transcription factor Neurogenin 2 (NGN2). These induced cells exhibit typical neuronal morphologies, express multiple neuron-specific markers, produce action potentials, and form functional synapses. Genome-wide RNA-sequencing analysis shows that the transcriptome profile of OECs is effectively reprogrammed towards that of neuronal lineage. Importantly, these OEC-derived induced neurons survive and mature after transplantation into adult mouse spinal cords. Taken together, our study provides a direct and efficient strategy to quickly obtain neuronal cells from adult OECs, suggestive of promising potential for personalized disease modeling and cell replacement-mediated therapeutic approaches to neurological disorders.
The fine-tuning of endoplasmic reticulum stress response and autophagy activation during trophoblast syncytialization
Authors: Bastida-Ruiz Daniel , Yart Lucile , Wuillemin Christine , Ribaux Pascale , Morris Nolwenn , Epiney Manuella , Martinez de Tejada Begoña , Cohen Marie
Published: September 2019

The syncytiotrophoblast (STB) is a multinuclear layer forming the outer surface of the fetal part of the placenta deriving from villous cytotrophoblastic cell (vCTB) fusion and differentiation. This syncytialization process is characterized by morphological and biochemical alterations of the trophoblast, which probably require removal of pre-existing structures and proteins to maintain cell homeostasis and survival. Interestingly, autophagy, which allows degradation and recycling of cellular components, was shown to be activated in syncytiotrophoblast. Here we examined the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) response in autophagy activation during vCTB syncytialization. We first demonstrated the activation of ERS response and autophagy during the time course of trophoblastic cell fusion and differentiation. Alteration of autophagy activation in vCTB by chemical treatments or Beclin-1 expression modulation leads to a decrease in trophoblastic syncytialization. Furthermore, ERS response inhibition by chemical treatment or siRNA strategy leads to a default in syncytialization, associated with alteration of autophagy markers and cell survival. From these data, we suggest that ERS response, by fine regulation of autophagy activation, may serve as an adaptive mechanism to promote cell survival during trophoblastic syncytialization.
Association of breast milk gamma-linolenic acid with infant anthropometric outcomes in urban, low-income Bangladeshi families: a prospective, birth cohort study
Authors: Mychaleckyj Josyf C. , Zhang Dadong , Nayak Uma , Ross Colgate E. , Carmolli Marya , Dickson Dorothy , Ahmed Tahmeed , Alam Masud , Kirkpatrick Beth D. , Haque Rashidul , Petri William A.
Published: September 2019

Background/Objectives

Infant linear-growth faltering remains a major public health issue in low- and middle-income countries and suboptimal breast milk composition may be a local, population-specific risk factor. The relationship between early post-natal breast milk fatty acid (FA) composition and infant growth at 1 and 2 years of age was investigated prospectively in 563 families in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Subjects/Methods

A maternal breast milk sample drawn before infant age 6 weeks was analyzed for percentage composition of 26 FAs, and infant length for ageZscore (LAZ) was measured longitudinally to infant age 2 years. Individual FAs were tested as predictors of the infant growth outcomes.

Results

Of 26 tested FAs, %gamma-linolenic acid (%GLA) was mostly significantly associated with increase in LAZ from 6 to 52 weeks (ΔLAZ(52−6w)), and also to 104 weeks. The association was consistent over all breast milk stages with estimated effect size of +0.05 ΔLAZ(52−6w) per 20% change in %GLA (pvalue = 3 × 10−6), and stronger for ΔLAZ(104−6w) at +0.06 (pvalue = 8 × 10−7), explaining 1% of the outcome variance. Infant serum zinc measurements at 6 and 18 weeks of age were included in adjusted analyses, suggesting at least partial independence of infant zinc levels. The association was strongest in 417/563 (74.1%) families with %GLA <0.2%. Breast milk arachidonic acid fraction was within normal range with weaker evidence of association in early breast milk stages.

Conclusions

This study found that %GLA in breast milk was independently associated with infant linear growth, albeit with small effect size, in a predominantly slum-dwelling, low-income, Bangladeshi cohort.
Discharge performance and dynamic behavior of refuellable zinc-air battery
Authors: Lao-atiman Woranunt , Olaru Sorin , Arpornwichanop Amornchai , Kheawhom Soorathep
Published: September 2019

Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are considered a promising energy storage system. A model-based analysis is one of the effective approaches for the study of ZABs. This technique, however, requires reliable discharge data as regards parameter estimation and model validation. This work, therefore, provides the data required for the modeling and simulation of ZABs. Each set of data includes working time, cell voltage, current, capacity, power, energy, and temperature. The data can be divided into three categories: discharge profiles at different constant currents, dynamic behavior at different step changes of discharge current, and dynamic behavior at different random step changes of discharge current. Constant current discharge profile data focus on the evolution of voltage through time. The data of step changes emphasize the dynamic behavior of voltage responding to the change of discharge current. Besides, the data of random step changes are similar to the data of step changes, but the patterns of step changes are random. Such data support the modeling of a zinc-air battery for both theoretical and empirical approaches.
Author Correction: Domestic cats (Felis catus) discriminate their names from other words
Authors: Saito Atsuko , Shinozuka Kazutaka , Ito Yuki , Hasegawa Toshikazu
Published: September 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Compton imaging with 99mTc for human imaging
Authors: Sakai Makoto , Kubota Yoshiki , Parajuli Raj Kumar , Kikuchi Mikiko , Arakawa Kazuo , Nakano Takashi
Published: September 2019

We have been developing a medical imaging system using a Compton camera and demonstrated the imaging ability of Compton camera for 99mTc-DMSA accumulated in rat kidneys. In this study, we performed imaging experiments using a human body phantom to confirm its applicability to human imaging. Preliminary simulations were conducted using a digital phantom with varying activity ratios between the kidney and body trunk regions. Gamma rays (141 keV) were generated and detected by a Compton camera based on a silicon and cadmium telluride (Si/CdTe) detector. Compton images were reconstructed with the list mode median root prior expectation maximization method. The appropriate number of iterations of the condition was confirmed through simulations. The reconstructed Compton images revealed two bright points in the kidney regions. Furthermore, the numerical value calculated by integrating pixel values inside the region of interest correlated well with the activity of the kidney regions. Finally, experimental studies were conducted to ascertain whether the results of the simulation studies could be reproduced. The kidneys could be successfully visualised. In conclusion, considering that the conditions in this study agree with those of typical human bodies and imaginable experimental setup, the Si/CdTe Compton camera has a high probability of success in human imaging. In addition, our results indicate the capability of (semi-) quantitative analysis using Compton images.
Plumage iridescence is associated with distinct feather microbiota in a tropical passerine
Authors: Javůrková Veronika Gvoždíková , Enbody Erik D. , Kreisinger Jakub , Chmel Kryštof , Mrázek Jakub , Karubian Jordan
Published: September 2019

Birds present a stunning diversity of plumage colors that have long fascinated evolutionary ecologists. Although plumage coloration is often linked to sexual selection, it may impact a number of physiological processes, including microbial resistance. At present, the degree to which differences between pigment-based vs. structural plumage coloration may affect the feather microbiota remains unanswered. Using quantitative PCR and DGGE profiling, we investigated feather microbial load, diversity and community structure among two allopatric subspecies of White-shouldered Fairywren, Malurus alboscapulatus that vary in expression of melanin-based vs. structural plumage coloration. We found that microbial load tended to be lower and feather microbial diversity was significantly higher in the plumage of black iridescent males, compared to black matte females and brown individuals. Moreover, black iridescent males had distinct feather microbial communities compared to black matte females and brown individuals. We suggest that distinctive nanostructure properties of iridescent male feathers or different investment in preening influence feather microbiota community composition and load. This study is the first to point to structural plumage coloration as a factor that may significantly regulate feather microbiota. Future work might explore fitness consequences and the role of microorganisms in the evolution of avian sexual dichromatism, with particular reference to iridescence.
Fungal succession during mammalian cadaver decomposition and potential forensic implications
Authors: Fu Xiaoliang , Guo Juanjuan , Finkelbergs Dmitrijs , He Jing , Zha Lagabaiyila , Guo Yadong , Cai Jifeng
Published: September 2019

The necrobiome is the postmortem community that includes bacteria, fungi, arthropods, and other cadaver-associated organisms. It has been suggested as biological evidence for forensic investigation. Fungi form distinctive mildew spots in colonizing decomposing bodies, converting them into moldy cadavers. However, the postmortem fungal community consists of more than these visible species. Characterizing the succession pattern of the fungal community during decomposition is valuable not only for understanding the ecosystem composition of the cadaver decomposition islands but also for contributing to forensic investigations. In the present study, the fungal composition of pig cadavers and succession patterns during decomposition were investigated with high-throughput sequencing. The succession patterns were easier to discern in outdoor cadavers, compared with those that were placed indoors. The metabarcoding approach revealed trends linking particular fungal taxa with specific postmortem intervals (PMIs). Dominant species increased notably in cadavers and soil. Furthermore, the succession of the soil community was driven by the cadaver decomposition. Significant mycoflora differences were observed between environmental and cadaveric soil. The results obtained suggested that postputrefaction mycoflora have considerable potential for PMI estimation, particularly in cases that involve heavily decomposed bodies. In addition, the diversity of fungal communities revealed by the metabarcoding approach allowed us to discriminate the sites of cadaver decomposition, implying that postputrefaction mycoflora may be helpful in identifying the environment in which a cadaver has been placed, or the original location from which a cadaver has been moved. Our results provide an important step towards developing fungal evidence for use in forensic science and add to the growing body of work on postmortem microbial communities.
A graphene oxide-based fluorescence assay for the sensitive detection of DNA exonuclease enzymatic activity
Authors: Liu Xiao , Wu Yingfen , Wu Xu , Zhao Julia Xiaojun
Published: September 2019

A simple and ultra-sensitive fluorescent sensor was developed to detect the enzymatic activity of Exo III with a limit of detection of 0.001 U mL−1.
Furin substrate as a novel cell-penetrating peptide: combining a delivery vector and an inducer of cargo release
Authors: Cao Chunyan , Sheng Danli , Li Xiang , Xue Fengfeng , Liu Lingyan , Zhong Yaping , Wei Peng , Li Ruohan , Yi Tao
Published: September 2019

A furin substrate was developed as a cell-penetrating peptide that could combine a delivery vector and an inducer of cargo release.
“Turn-on” fluorescence sensing of volatile organic compounds using a 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide Tröger's base functionalised triazine organic polymer
Authors: Shanmugaraju Sankarasekaran , Umadevi Deivasigamani , González-Barcia Luis M. , Delente Jason M. , Byrne Kevin , Schmitt Wolfgang , Watson Graeme W. , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: September 2019

The 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide Tröger's base functionalized triazine covalent organic polymer was synthesised and employed as a “turn-on” fluorescent sensor for the discriminative sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Photofuel cell coupling with redox cycling as a highly sensitive and selective self-powered sensing platform for the detection of tyrosinase activity
Authors: Yan Kai , Ji Weihao , Zhu Yuhan , Chen Fang , Zhang Jingdong
Published: September 2019

Redox cycling is successfully integrated in a photofuel cell to provide an amplified self-powered sensing signal for the specific detection of tyrosinase activity.
Visible-light-induced radical cascade cyclization of oxime esters and aryl isonitriles: synthesis of cyclopenta[b]quinoxalines
Authors: Yuan Yao , Dong Wu-Heng , Gao Xiao-Shuang , Xie Xiao-Min , Zhang Zhao-Guo
Published: September 2019

The in situ-formed nitrile produced by oxime esters was taken into a visible-light-induced radical cascade cyclization with aryl isonitriles.
A ruthenium-catalyzed free amine directed (5+1) annulation of anilines with olefins: diverse synthesis of phenanthridine derivatives
Authors: Chowdhury Deepan , Dana Suman , Mandal Anup , Baidya Mahiuddin
Published: September 2019

A ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed cross-ring (5+1) annulation between 2-aminobiphenyls and activated olefins is disclosed for succinct synthesis of valuable phenanthridine scaffolds.
Long-term stabilized high-density CuBi2O4/NiO heterostructure thin film photocathode grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Lee Jongmin , Yoon Hongji , Kim Seungkyu , Seo Sehun , Song Jaesun , Choi Byeong-Uk , Choi Seung Yo , Park Hyunwoong , Ryu Sangwoo , Oh Jihun , Lee Sanghan
Published: September 2019

Reliable CuBi2O4/NiO heterostructure thin film photocathodes with high density and sharp interface are demonstrated via pulsed laser deposition.
An enzyme-free DNA circuit for the amplified detection of Cd2+based on hairpin probe-mediated toehold binding and branch migration
Authors: Pan Jiafeng , Zeng Lingwen , Chen Junhua
Published: September 2019

A sensitive Cd2+biosensor was fabricated on a DNA circuit using an aptamer as the recognition probe and a G-quadruplex as the reporter.
Accordion and layer-sliding motion to produce anomalous thermal expansion behaviour in 2D-coordination polymers
Authors: Lama Prem , Hazra Arpan , Barbour Leonard J.
Published: September 2019

Solvent free (1) and solvated (2) 2D-coordination polymers have been synthesised where 1 shows the coexistence of linear NTE, PTE and ZTE owing to accordion motion and in 2, lateral sliding of the 2D layers leads to uniaxial NTE.
UiO-type metal–organic frameworks with NHC or metal–NHC functionalities for N-methylation using CO2 as the carbon source
Authors: Zhang Xu , Jiang Yilin , Fei Honghan
Published: September 2019

We demonstrate the first metal–organic framework (MOF) that catalyzes N-methylation of amines using 1 atm CO2 and phenylsilane under ambient conditions.
Hydrothermal synthesis of Sm-doped Bi2WO6 flower-like microspheres for photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B
Authors: Zhang Xianghui , Zhang Mingming , Cao Kaixuan
Published: September 2019

Sm-doped Bi2WO6 with 3D flower-like microspheres structure shows extremely high photodegradation activity and superior stability and reusability because of the optimum optical absorption activity and the larger specific surface area.
Ligand stabilization of manganocene dianions – in defiance of the 18-electron rule
Authors: Yadav Monalisa , Fang Hong , Giri Santanab , Jena Puru
Published: September 2019

Di-anions of manganocene derivatives complexes, in spite of being a 19-electron system, are found to be more stable than their mono-anions. This defiance of the 18-electron rule is linked to the geometrical distortion of the di-anion, akin to the Jahn-Teller-like mechanism.
Computational analysis of the orientation persistence length of the polymer chain orientation
Authors: Niefind Falk , Neff Andreas , Mannsfeld Stefan C. B. , Kahnt Axel , Abel Bernd
Published: September 2019

Analyzing and interpreting the nanoscale morphology of semiconducting polymers is one of the key challenges for advancing in organic electronics.
Time-resolved observation of transient precursor state of CO on Ru(0001) using carbon K-edge spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Hsin-Yi , Schreck Simon , Weston Matthew , Liu Chang , Ogasawara Hirohito , LaRue Jerry , Perakis Fivos , Dell’Angela Martina , Capotondi Flavio , Giannessi Luca , Pedersoli Emanuele , Naumenko Denys , Nikolov Ivaylo , Raimondi Lorenzo , Spezzani Carlo , Beye Martin , Cavalca Filippo , Liu Boyang , Gladh Jörgen , Koroidov Sergey , Miedema Piter S. , Costantini Roberto , Pettersson Lars G. M. , Nilsson Anders
Published: September 2019

The transient dynamics of carbon monoxide (CO) molecules on a Ru(0001) surface following femtosecond optical laser pump excitation has been studied by monitoring changes in the unoccupied electronic structure using an ultrafast X-ray free-electron laser (FEL) probe.
Introducing novel electronic and magnetic properties in C3N nanosheets by defect engineering and atom substitution
Authors: Bafekry Asadollah , Farjami Shayesteh Saber , Peeters Francois M.
Published: September 2019

Using first-principles calculations the effects of topological defects, vacancies, Stone–Wales and anti-site and substitution of atoms, on the structure and electronic properties of monolayer C3N are investigated.
Detailed mechanism and kinetics of the reaction of Criegee intermediate CH2OO with HCOOH investigatedviainfrared identification of conformers of hydroperoxymethyl formate and formic acid anhydride
Authors: Chung Chen-An , Su Jou Wei , Lee Yuan-Pern
Published: September 2019

Infrared spectra of hydroperoxymethyl formate indicate that the open-form conformer decomposes to formic-acid anhydride, but the hydrogen-bonded one does not.
Effects of the preparation method of Pt/g-C3N4 photocatalysts on their efficiency for visible-light hydrogen production
Authors: Zhou Xuanbo , Li Yunfeng , Xing Yan , Li Junsong , Jiang Xin
Published: September 2019

Pt NPs have been loaded on ultrathin porous g-C3N4 nanosheets (CNS) by either a chemical reduction (CR) or a photoreduction (PR) method. The Pt/CNS-CR photocatalyst shows a much higher efficiency for H2 evolution than that of the Pt/CNS-PR.
A paradigm of storage batteries
Authors: Ji Xiulei
Published: September 2019

There are multiple dimensions of considerations for constructing the new paradigm of storage batteries in the search for market-winning storage solutions.
A new model with serial hydrolysis reactions for the anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge under thermophilic conditions
Authors: Hirmiz Yousif , Hong Youngseck , Kim Younggy
Published: September 2019

Hydrolysis is one of the rate-limiting reactions in the anaerobic digestion (AD) of wastewater sludge; thus, reliable kinetic models for hydrolysis reactions are essential in numerical simulations of AD.
Waste activated sludge disintegration by hydroxyl and sulfate radical-based oxidation: a comparative study
Authors: Sari Erkan Hanife
Published: September 2019

To the best of my knowledge, this is the first study in the literature where hydrogen peroxide, calcium hypochlorite, peroxymonosulfate and peroxydisulfate were comparatively investigated in a study.
Influence of sample temperature on the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of a molybdenum–tungsten alloy
Authors: Hai Ran , He Zhonglin , Wu Ding , Tong Weina , Sattar Harse , Imran Muhammad , Ding Hongbin
Published: September 2019

During laser ablation, the spectral emission intensity, plasma temperature and electron density increased significantly with increasing sample temperature.
Building a microfluidic cell culture platform with stiffness control using Loctite 3525 glue
Authors: Vázquez-Victorio Genaro , Peto-Gutiérrez Cindy , Díaz-Bello Beatriz , Cano-Jorge Mariel , Pérez-Calixto Daniel , Jiménez-Escobar Alejandra , Espinosa-Matías Silvia , Lara Martínez Reyna , Courson Rémi , Malaquin Laurent , Zamarrón-Hernández Diego , Hautefeuille Mathieu
Published: September 2019

The study of cell response to mechanotransduction signals requires designing culture substrates offering biocompatibility and adhesion, stiffness control and dynamics, patternability at microscale and integration in microfluidics chips.
Interaction of 5-S-cysteinyl-dopamine with graphene oxide: an experimental and theoretical study for the detection of a Parkinson's disease biomarker
Authors: Badillo-Ramírez Isidro , Landeros-Rivera Bruno , de la O-Cuevas Emmanuel , Vargas Rubicelia , Garza Jorge , Saniger José M.
Published: September 2019

Spectroscopic and theoretical analysis in the adsorption of 5-S-Cys-DA over GO for the development of platform biosensors with Raman spectroscopy.
A novel and ultrasensitive yellow to taupe brown colorimetric sensing and removal method for Hg(ii) based on the thermosensitive poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) stabilized silver nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Chenxue , Bian Jie , Li Yuxi , Liu Junshen , Liu Xunyong , Gao Xuezhen , Li Guiying , Liu Yi
Published: September 2019

AgNP/PNIPAm was developed as a dual-functional colorimetric probe and removal system for Hg2+.
Bovine serum albumin assisted preparation of ultra-stable gold nanoflowers and their selective Raman response to charged dyes
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Han Yandong , Xing Zihao , Huang Zhenzhen , Xie Renguo , Yang Wensheng
Published: September 2019

In this work, we demonstrated a facile, one-pot approach for preparation of gold nanoflowers by using tetrachloroauric acid as a gold precursor, ascorbic acid as a reductant, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a ligand.
Preparation and applications of peptide-based injectable hydrogels
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhang Qingguo , Zhu Song , Liu Hong , Chen Jie
Published: September 2019

The recent progress of peptide-based injectable hydrogels for biomedical applications is extensively summarized.
Electroporation for microalgal biofuels: a review
Authors: Chen Zhenzhong , Lee Won Gu
Published: September 2019

This review reports recent advances in microscale electroporation for the development of algal biofuel production for the past decade.
Enhanced carbon dioxide removal from coupled direct air capture–bioenergy systems
Authors: Sagues William J. , Park Sunkyu , Jameel Hasan , Sanchez Daniel L.
Published: September 2019

Synergistic integration of BECCS and DAC systems decreases costs, increases carbon removal, and extends the impact of scarce biomass resources.
Rational synthesis of Pt-based dandelion-like yolk–shell nanoparticles with enhanced oxygen reduction properties
Authors: Li Chunjie , Yin Shuli , Yu Hongjie , Wang Ziqiang , Xu You , Li Xiaonian , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing
Published: September 2019

Pd@PtPd dandelion-like yolk–shell nanoparticles (Pd@PtPd DYSNs) with uniform morphology and size are fabricated with excellent oxygen reduction activity.
A general way to fabricate transition metal dichalcogenide/oxide-sandwiched MXene nanosheets as flexible film anodes for high-performance lithium storage
Authors: Wang Chuang , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Wang Ke-Xin , Gu Liang-Liang , Qiu Sheng-You , Gao Xiao-Tian , Zuo Peng-Jian , Zhang Nai-Qing
Published: September 2019

Composite films comprising MXene nanosheets sandwiched by transition metal dichalcogenides/oxides are constructed as flexible lithium-ion battery anodes through vacuum-assisted filtration.
MiR-31 promotes Th22 differentiation through targeting Bach2 in coronary heart disease
Authors: Huang Rimao , Chen Xuliang , Long Yadong , Chen Ri
Published: September 2019

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR-31 in Th22 differentiation in coronary heart disease (CHD). Th22 frequencies in peripheral blood of CHD patients and controls as well as in CD4+ T cells were detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of Th22-associated transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and Th22-effector cytokine interleukin (IL)-22, as well as miR-31 were examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The protein level of BTB domain and CNC homolog 2 (Bach2) was measured by Western blotting. The interaction between miR-31 and Bach2 was verified using dual luciferase reporter assay. The results showed that Th22 frequency and miR-31 expression were elevated in CHD patients. Furthermore, miR-31 mimic and Bach2 silencing significantly promoted Th22 frequency and the levels of AHR and IL-22 in CD4+ T cells from CHD patients. Further studies showed that miR-31 facilitated Th22 cell differentiation by targeting and inhibiting Bach2. Our data indicate that miR-31 promotes Th22 differentiation through targeting Bach2 in CHD.
Dynamic programming and optimal control for vector-valued functions: A state-of-the-art review
Authors: Ben Abdelaziz Fouad , La Torre Davide , Alaya Houda
Published: September 2019

This paper aims to present a state-of-the-art review of recent development within the areas of dynamic programming and optimal control for vector-valued functions.
Elektroneurografische und elektromyografische Diagnostik in der
Neuropädiatrie
Authors: Broser Philip J. , Lütschg Jürg
Published: September 2019

Die elektromyografische und elektroneurografische Untersuchung des peripheren
Nervensystems ist integraler Bestandteil der neuropädiatrischen und
neurologischen Diagnostik. In diesem Artikel wollen wir zeigen, wie durch
den systematischen und strukturierten Einsatz von neurophysiologischen
Methoden gewisse neuropädiatrische Krankheitsbilder erkannt und
diagnostiziert werden können oder die Richtung der weiteren
Abklärungen festgelegt werden kann.

Es werden zunächst die gängigen Methoden der
Elektroneurografie und Elektromyografie beschrieben und dann in einer Serie
von 6 Patienten mit neuromuskulären Erkrankungen respektive
zentralen motorischen Störungen der Einsatz der neurophysiologischen
Funktionsdiagnostik dargestellt. Dabei werden Patienten aus dem ganzen
Altersspektrum der Neuropädiatrie vorgestellt.