bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of voluntary head movements on postural kinetics in the standing cat
Authors: Song Yang , Wang Meizi , Baker Julien Steven , Gu Yaodong 
Published: December 2019

Background
Although the postural instability accompanying bilateral vestibular loss in human and quadrupeds during lateral head movements are well-known, it is still unclear whether or not lateral head turns would indeed activate the postural control system to maintain balance. This study aimed to examine the kinetic parameters in freely standing intact cats during head movements in order to further answer the above question.

Methods
Six intact cats were trained to stand, unrestrained on a force plate and perform voluntary head movements to the left and right positions in response to visual cues. Each trial was divided into two phases, quiet standing with the cat’s head maintaining a straight forward and lateral head position after voluntary head movements. Kinetic parameters including peak pressure and contact area under each limb as well as center of pressure (COP) displacements of the whole body were measured.

Results
Compared to the neutral head position, peak pressure and contact area of the left head position were significantly smaller for the left forelimb while greatly larger for the right forelimb. An exact opposite case of peak pressure and contact area in the forelimbs was found between the right and neutral head positions. In addition, the COP displacements altered oppositely to the head movements, and presented a significantly right shift in the left position and a significantly left shift in the right position.

Conclusion
These results demonstrate that the lateral displacement of the head in standing intact cats does activate the postural adjustment to maintain balance, which is consistent with the concept that vestibular input can contribute to postural balance during voluntary head turns.
Identification of key genes in non-small cell lung cancer by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zhang Li , Peng Rui , Sun Yan , Wang Jia , Chong Xinyu , Zhang Zheng 
Published: December 2019

Background
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and it has become the leading cause of death of malignant tumors. However, its mechanisms are not fully clear. The aim of this study is to investigate the key genes and explore their potential mechanisms involving in NSCLC.

Methods
We downloaded gene expression profiles GSE33532, GSE30219 and GSE19804 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed them by using GEO2R. Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were used for the functional and pathway enrichment analysis. We constructed the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network by STRING and visualized it by Cytoscape. Further, we performed module analysis and centrality analysis to find the potential key genes. Finally, we carried on survival analysis of key genes by GEPIA.

Results
In total, we obtained 685 DEGs. Moreover, GO analysis showed that they were mainly enriched in cell adhesion, proteinaceous extracellular region, heparin binding. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that transcriptional misregulation in cancer, ECM-receptor interaction, cell cycle and p53 signaling pathway were involved in. Furthermore, PPI network was constructed including 249 nodes and 1,027 edges. Additionally, a significant module was found, which included eight candidate genes with high centrality features. Further, among the eight candidate genes, the survival of NSCLC patients with the seven high expression genes were significantly worse, including CDK1, CCNB1, CCNA2, BIRC5, CCNB2, KIAA0101 and MELK. In summary, these identified genes should play an important role in NSCLC, which can provide new insight for NSCLC research.
C-Reactive Protein as an Inflammatory Biomarker for the Assessment of Malaria Parasitemia in a Tertiary Health Care Facility in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Emmanuel Dada A. , Chinwe Eze N. , Ayodeji Akawa B. 
Published: December 2019

Aim: To use C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in assessing` malaria and malaria parasitemia among out-patients in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Out Patients Department (OPD) of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. It was conducted between November 2017 and April 2018.
Methodology: This study was done on 400 subjects between the ages of 11 and 60 years which consisted of 254 falciparum malaria infected patients and 164 non-infected patients. Quantitative analysis of Serum CRP was done using the High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (HsCRP) enzyme immunoassay test kit (Biocheck©) while malaria diagnosis was done using microscopy Giemsa thick and thin film prepared on separate slides, slides were observed under the ×10 and ×100 objectives of the light microscope. Slides viewed under a high power field with parasite density less than three (<3), between 3 and 10 (3-10), from eleven to nineteen (11-19) and greater or equal to 20 (≥20) were classified as scanty, one plus (+), two pluses (++) and three pluses (+++) respectively. Data analysis was done using statistical packages for social science (SPSS) version 21.
Results: The results showed a significant (p<0.001) overall mean high serum CRP concentration (25.63±14.40 mg/l) in the malaria infected patients compared to 3.74±1.02 mg/l in the non-infected group, with a direct increment of the CRP level from the scanty to the three pluses with 9.50±0.37 mg/l, 13.51±1.6 mg/l, 44.19±2.62 mg/l and 53.84±1.75 mg/l recorded for scanty, one plus, two pluses and three pluses respectively. CRP correlated positively and significantly with malaria parasitemia (r = 0.89; p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The abnormally elevated level of CRP in the infected patients showed that CRP is a positive biomarker for Plasmodium falciparum malaria and can be used as an indicator of the disease coupled with other febrile symptoms.
A Dual‐Functional Conductive Framework Embedded with TiN‐VN Heterostructures for Highly Efficient Polysulfide and Lithium Regulation toward Stable Li–S Full Batteries
Authors: Yao Yu , Wang Haiyun , Yang Hai , Zeng Sifan , Xu Rui , Liu Fanfan , Shi Pengcheng , Feng Yuezhan , Wang Kai , Yang Wenjin , Wu Xiaojun , Luo Wei , Yu Yan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are strongly considered as next‐generation energy storage systems because of their high energy density. However, the shuttling of lithium polysulfides (LiPS), sluggish reaction kinetics, and uncontrollable Li‐dendrite growth severely degrade the electrochemical performance of Li–S batteries. Herein, a dual‐functional flexible free‐standing carbon nanofiber conductive framework in situ embedded with TiN‐VN heterostructures (TiN‐VN@CNFs) as an advanced host simultaneously for both the sulfur cathode (S/TiN‐VN@CNFs) and the lithium anode (Li/TiN‐VN@CNFs) is designed. As cathode host, the TiN‐VN@CNFs can offer synergistic function of physical confinement, chemical anchoring, and superb electrocatalysis of LiPS redox reactions. Meanwhile, the well‐designed host with excellent lithiophilic feature can realize homogeneous lithium deposition for suppressing dendrite growth. Combined with these merits, the full battery (denoted as S/TiN‐VN@CNFs || Li/TiN‐VN@CNFs) exhibits remarkable electrochemical properties including high reversible capacity of 1110 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C and ultralong cycle life over 600 cycles at 2 C. Even with a high sulfur loading of 5.6 mg cm−2, the full cell can achieve a high areal capacity of 5.5 mAh cm−2 at 0.1 C. This work paves a new design from theoretical and experimental aspects for fabricating high‐energy‐density flexible Li–S full batteries.
A Multifunctional Separator Enables Safe and Durable Lithium/Magnesium–Sulfur Batteries under Elevated Temperature
Authors: Zhou Zhenfang , Chen Bingbing , Fang Tingting , Li Yue , Zhou Zhongfu , Wang Qingjie , Zhang Jiujun , Zhao Yufeng 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRechargeable metal–sulfur batteries encounter severe safety hazards and fast capacity decay, caused by the flammable and shrinkable separator and unwanted polysulfide dissolution under elevated temperatures. Herein, a multifunctional Janus separator is designed by integrating temperature endurable electrospinning polyimide nonwovens with a copper nanowire‐graphene nanosheet functional layer and a rigid lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide‐polyethylene oxide matrix. Such architecture offers multifold advantages: i) intrinsically high dimensional stability and flame‐retardant capability, ii) excellent electrolyte wettability and effective metal dendritic growth inhibition, and iii) powerful physical blockage/chemical anchoring capability for the shuttled polysulfides. As a consequence, the as constructed lithium–sulfur battery using a pure sulfur cathode displays an outstandingly high discharge capacity of 1402.1 mAh g−1and a record high cycling stability (approximately average 0.24% capacity decay per cycle within 300 cycles) at 80 °C, outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art results in the literature. Promisingly, a high sulfur mass loading of ≈3.0 mg cm−2and a record low electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 6.0 are achieved. This functional separator also performs well for a high temperature magnesium–sulfur battery. This work demonstrates a new concept for high performance metal–sulfur battery design and promises safe and durable operation of the next generation energy storage systems.
Simulated pollinator declines intensify selection on floral traits that facilitate selfing and outcrossing in Impatiens capensis
Authors: Panique Hazel , Caruso Christina M. 
Published: December 2019

PremiseAnthropogenic environmental change is causing pollinator populations to decline. These declines should intensify selection for floral traits that facilitate outcrossing by making plants more attractive to pollinators and/or for floral traits that facilitate selfing in the absence of pollinators. However, the effect of pollinator declines on selection on floral traits could be modified by other environmental factors such as herbivores.MethodsWe studied the effect of simulated pollinator declines on selection on floral traits of Impatiens capensis, a mixed‐mating species that produces both obligately selfing cleistogamous flowers and primarily outcrossing chasmogamous flowers. We measured directional selection differentials via seeds per plant on two traits that facilitate outcrossing (chasmogamous flower size and number) and one trait that facilitates selfing (cleistogamous flower number) in ambient, reduced pollinator access, and reduced pollinator access combined with increased foliar herbivory treatments.ResultsReduced pollinator access intensified selection for larger chasmogamous flowers and more cleistogamous flowers. In contrast, increased herbivory did not affect selection on any floral trait.ConclusionsReduced pollinator access intensified selection for a trait that facilitates outcrossing, suggesting that even species such as I. capensis that can autonomously self‐pollinate have the potential to respond to pollinator declines by evolving floral traits that reinforce interactions between plants and pollinators. However, reduced pollinator access also intensified selection for a trait that facilitates selfing, suggesting that I. capensis could adapt to pollinator declines by evolving floral traits that maintain the production of both selfed and outcrossed seeds.
Exploring the Condensation Reaction between Aromatic Nitriles and Amino Thiols To Optimize In Situ Nanoparticle Formation for the Imaging of Proteases and Glycosidases in Cells
Authors: Chen Zixin , Chen Min , Cheng Yunfeng , Kowada Toshiyuki , Xie Jinghang , Zheng Xianchuang , Rao Jianghong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe condensation reaction between 6‐hydroxy‐2‐cyanobenzothiazole (CBT) and cysteine has been shown for various applications such as site‐specific protein labelling and in vivo cancer imaging. This report further expands the substrate scope of this reaction by varying the substituents on aromatic nitriles and amino thiols and testing their reactivity and ability to form nanoparticles for cell imaging. The structure–activity relationship study leads to the identification of the minimum structural requirement for the macrocyclization and assembly process in forming nanoparticles. One of the scaffolds made of 2‐pyrimidinecarbonitrile and cysteine joined by a benzyl linker was applied to design fluorescent probes for imaging caspase‐3/7 and β‐galactosidase activity in live cells. These results demonstrate the generality of this system for imaging hydrolytic enzymes.
Directed Evolution of a Tryptophan 2,3‐Dioxygenase for the Diastereoselective Monooxygenation of Tryptophans
Authors: Wei Yanxin , Lu Chen , Jiang Shengsheng , Zhang Yanyan , Li Qiuchun , Bai Wen‐Ju , Wang Xiqing 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHerein, we report an engineered enzyme that can monooxygenate unprotected tryptophan into the corresponding 3a‐hydroxyhexahydropyrrolo[2,3‐b]indole‐2‐carboxylic acid (HPIC) in a single, scalable step with excellent turnover number and diastereoselectivity. Taking advantage of directed evolution, we analyzed the stepwise oxygen‐insertion mechanism of tryptophan 2,3‐dioxygenases, and transformed tryptophan 2,3‐dioxygenase from Xanthomonas campestris into a monooxygenase for oxidative cyclization of tryptophans. It was revealed that residue F51 is vital in determining the product ratio of HPIC to N′‐formylkynurenine. Our reactions and purification procedures use no organic solvents, resulting in an eco‐friendly method to prepare HPICs for further applications.
Fluorescence Self‐Reporting Precipitation Polymerization Based on Aggregation‐Induced Emission for Constructing Optical Nanoagents
Authors: Wang Guan , Zhou Liangyu , Zhang Pengfei , Zhao Engui , Zhou Lihua , Chen Dong , Sun Jiangman , Gu Xinggui , Yang Wantai , Tang Ben Zhong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPrecipitation polymerization is becoming increasingly popular in energy, environment and biomedicine. However, its proficient utilization highly relies on the mechanistic understanding of polymerization process. Now, a fluorescence self‐reporting method based on aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) is used to shed light on the mechanism of precipitation polymerization. The nucleation and growth processes during the copolymerization of a vinyl‐modified AIEgen, styrene, and maleic anhydride can be sensitively monitored in real time. The phase‐separation and dynamic hardening processes can be clearly discerned by tracking fluorescence changes. Moreover, polymeric fluorescent particles (PFPs) with uniform and tunable sizes can be obtained in a self‐stabilized manner. These PFPs exhibit biolabeling and photosensitizing abilities and are used as superior optical nanoagents for photo‐controllable immunotherapy, indicative of their great potential in biomedical applications.
Quantum‐Chemical Study of the FeNCN Conversion‐Reaction Mechanism in Lithium‐ and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Kaixuan , Fehse Marcus , Laurita Angelica , Arayamparambil Jeethu Jiju , Sougrati Moulay Tahar , Stievano Lorenzo , Dronskowski Richard 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe report a computational study on 3d transition‐metal (Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co) carbodiimides in Li‐ and Na‐ion batteries. The obtained cell voltages semi‐quantitatively fit the experiments, highlighting the practicality of PBE+U as an approach for modeling the conversion‐reaction mechanism of the FeNCN archetype with lithium and sodium. Also, the calculated voltage profiles agree satisfactorily with experiment both for full (Li‐ion battery) and partial (Na‐ion battery) discharge, even though experimental atomistic knowledge is missing up to now. Moreover, we rationalize the structural preference of intermediate ternaries and their characteristic lowering in the voltage profile using chemical‐bonding and Mulliken‐charge analysis. The formation of such ternary intermediates for the lithiation of FeNCN and the contribution of at least one ternary intermediate is also confirmed experimentally. This theoretical approach, aided by experimental findings, supports the atomistic exploration of electrode materials governed by conversion reactions.
Synthesis of new α‐aminophosphonates using nanoscale nickel‐based metal–organic framework as a heterogeneous catalyst and their antibacterial activity
Authors: Rasal Sarika A. , Dhavan Pratik P. , Jadhav Bhaskar L. , Shimpi Navinchandra G. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAn elegant approach was presented for the synthesis of novel α‐aminophosphonates: a three‐component one‐pot condensation of 3‐(trifluoromethyl)aniline, substituted aromatic aldehydes, and diethyl phosphite using a nickel‐based metal–organic framework (Ni‐MOF). The Ni‐MOF was synthesized using 4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylic acid and further characterized using various techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared, thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy analyses. Ni‐MOF seems to be an eco‐friendly, an easily recyclable, and heterogeneous catalyst up to the eighth run with minimal reduction in its catalytic activity. The synthesized α‐aminophosphonates were also investigated for antibacterial and antioxidant activities. In few cases, compounds 4a–4x show similar as well as higher antibacterial activity. Among the synthesized α‐aminophosphonates, 4a–4x had more potent antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria while compounds 4h, 4m, 4n, 4q, 4u, 4v, and 4w exhibited significant antioxidant activity.
Die Gänstorbrücke in Ulm – Untersuchung, Probebelastung und Brückenmonitoring
Authors: Müller Andreas , Sodeikat Christian , Schänzlin Jörg , Knab Franz , Albrecht Lukas , Groschup Robin , Obermeier Philipp 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBei der 1950 in Ulm über die Donau errichteten Gänstorbrücke handelt es sich um eine der ältesten Spannbetonbrücken in Deutschland. Bereits bei Untersuchungen in den 1980er Jahren zeigte sich, dass Spanngliedhüllrohre unvollständig verpresst wurden, der Spannstahl Korrosionserscheinungen aufweist und lokal Chlorideintragungen in den Beton stattgefunden haben. Im Jahr 2018 wurden bei umfangreichen Bauwerksuntersuchungen erhebliche standsicherheitsrelevante Korrosionsschäden an Spanngliedern vorgefunden. Da eine vollumfängliche Zustandsprüfung aufgrund der großen Anzahl an Spanngliedern nicht mit vertretbarem Aufwand möglich ist und nicht ausgeschlossen werden kann, dass sich der Bauwerkszustand bis zur Realisierung eines Ersatzneubaus weiter verschlechtert, wurde ein Monitoringsystem installiert. Zur Kalibrierung des Messsystems und zur Festlegung von Warn‐ und Alarmwerten wurde eine Probebelastung mit definierten Verkehrslasten durchgeführt. Die Vorgehensweise bei den Untersuchungen, die Konzeptionierung der Probebelastung und des Monitoringsystems sowie wesentliche Ergebnisse werden im Rahmen des vorliegenden Beitrags vorgestellt.
Development and validation of a rapid and sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the determination of polyphyllin II in rat plasma and its application in a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Yang Qiaoling , Li Hongjing , Gui Mingzhu , Li Zhiling , Sun Huajun 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPolyphyllin II, a major steroidal saponin isolated from Paris polyphylla, exhibits significant pharmacological activities. In this study, a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was established and validated for the determination of polyphyllin II in plasma. Polyphyllin II and polyphyllin VII (internal standard) were separated on a Waters Acquity™ HSS T3 column and the mass analysis was performed in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization ion source. Results showed that the method was sensitive (lower limit of quantitation 0.5 ng/ml), precise (<15%) and linear in the range of 0.5–500 ng/ml (r > 0.99). Interestingly, the sensitivity in current study was ~10 times higher than that in the previous study. The results of the pharmacokinetic study of polyphyllin II in rats suggested that polyphyllin II was poorly absorbed into blood and reached its highest concentration at ~3.67–5.00 h with a slow elimination half‐life of 8.34–13.37 h. The bioavailability was 6.1–8.2%. The results indicated that the absorption of polyphyllin II may primarily occur via passive diffusion in rats. This study provides valuable information that can be used as a reference for the pharmacokinetic investigation of other steroidal saponins.
Hepatitis E virus‐associated Guillain–Barre syndrome: Revision of the literature
Authors: Liu Hang , Ma Ying 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe association between preceding infection of hepatitis E virus (HEV) and Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) has been found for more than a decade, while hepatitis E virus‐associated Guillain–Barre syndrome (HEV‐associated GBS) still remains poorly understood. Initially discovered in 2000, the association between GBS and HEV has been focused by neurologists increasingly. Five percent of patients with GBS had preceding acute HEV infection in the Netherlands and higher rate was found in Bangladesh (11%) where HEV is endemic.MethodAn extensive review of relevant literature was undertaken.ResultsHepatitis E virus infection may induce GBS via direct viral damage according to recent research findings. On the other hand, the presence of antiganglioside GM1 or GM2 antibodies in serum of some HEV‐associated GBS patients indicates that HEV infection may trigger GBS by activating autoimmune response to destroy myelin or axon mistakenly. Management of HEV‐associated GBS has no obvious difference from GBS. It mainly consists of supportive therapy and immunotherapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange (PLEX) was used in most reported cases, which is the main strategy for clinical treatment of HEV‐associated GBS. Whether antiviral therapy could be additional strategy other than the routine therapy to shorten the length of disease course is one of the most urgent problems and requires further study.ConclusionsAn overview of possible pathogenesis will gain a first insight into why HEV, traditionally recognized as only hepatotropic, can induce many neurological disorders represented by GBS. Moreover, understanding of the underlying mechanisms may contribute to development of a novel therapeutic strategy. This review also summarizes management and clinical characteristics of HEV‐associated GBS, aiming to achieve early recognition and good recovery.