bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From iPS Cells to Rodents and Nonhuman Primates: Filling Gaps in Modeling Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Outeiro Tiago F. , Heutink Peter , Bezard Erwan , Cenci Angela M. 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTParkinson's disease (PD) is primarily known as a movement disorder because of typical clinical manifestations associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. However, it is now widely recognized that PD is a much more complex condition, with multiple and severe nonmotor features implicating additional brain areas and organs in the disease process. Pathologically, typical forms of PD are characterized by the accumulation of α‐synuclein‐rich protein inclusions known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, although other types of protein inclusions are also often present in the brain. Familial forms of PD have provided a wealth of information about molecular pathways leading to neurodegeneration, but only to add to the complexity of the problem and uncover new knowledge gaps. Therefore, modeling PD in the laboratory has become increasingly challenging. Here, we discuss knowledge gaps and challenges in the use of laboratory models for the study of a disease that is clinically heterogeneous and multifactorial. We propose that the combined use of patient‐derived cells and animal models, along with current technological tools, will not only expand our molecular and pathophysiological understanding of PD, but also assist in the identification of therapeutic strategies targeting relevant pathogenic pathways. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society.
Ground state solutions for a class of nonlocal regional Schrödinger equation with nonperiodic potentials
Authors: Ledesma César T. , Gutiérrez Hernán C. 
Published: November 2020

In this article, we deal with the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with nonlocal regional diffusion

where 0 < α < 1, n ≥ 2, and
is a continuous function. The operator
is a variational version of the nonlocal regional Laplacian defined as

where
be a positive function. Considering that ρ, V, and f(· , t) are periodic or asymptotically periodic at infinity, we prove the existence of ground state solution of (1) by using Nehari manifold and comparison method. Furthermore, in the periodic case, by combining deformation‐type arguments and Lusternik–Schnirelmann theory, we prove that problem (1) admits infinitely many geometrically distinct solutions.
Chromate ion removal by water‐soluble functionalized chitosan
Authors: Palacio Daniel A. , Vásquez Valentina , Rivas Bernabé L. 
Published: November 2020

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a highly toxic metal that has been accused to be carcinogen with prolonged inhalation by humans and is toxic to aquatic life even at low concentrations. The objective of this work was to use water‐soluble functionalized chitosan in the removal of chromate ions in aqueous solution. Functionalized chitosan was obtained by grafting molecules with quaternary ammonium groups in a heterogeneous process under alkaline conditions. Chitosan modified was characterized by FTIR, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy, and TGA. The retention tests were carried out using the liquid‐phase polymer‐based retention technique (LPR) by means of the washing method, studying the effects of the variation of pH, interfering ions, and variations of hydrodynamic flow. The results showed 94.0% retention with regard to the modification of chitosan. For the removal studies, a trend in the retention percentages was presented as the pH increased, obtaining a maximum retention of 92.0% at pH 9.0. In studies of interfering ions, a decrease was found as the concentrations of interferent increased, obtaining the highest retention >70.0%. In conclusion, the functionalization of chitosan with quaternary ammonium groups in conjunction with the LPR technique is a great alternative in the removal of chromate ions and is friendly to the environment.
Electrical percolation and electromagnetic properties of polydimethylsiloxane composites filled with Ag nanoparticles of different sizes
Authors: Palaimiene Edita , Schaefer Sebastien , Macutkevic Jan , Banys Juras , Selskis Algirdas , Fierro Vanessa , Celzard Alain 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper deals with the electrical properties of polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites filled with Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) of different sizes. The measurements were carried out over a very broad range of frequencies (20 Hz‐40 GHz), and the results showed that the percolation threshold in the composites is close to 20 vol% and that it is almost independent of particle size. The observed critical exponents reasonably agree with the theoretical values. Above the percolation threshold, the values of dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity are quite high, ε′ ≈ 107 and σ ≈ 1 S/cm at room temperature and frequency of 129 Hz (which is close to our low frequency limit). The dielectric permittivity of composites decreases strongly with frequency, especially in the microwave range, while the frequency behavior of conductivity strongly depends on the concentration of nanoparticles. Nevertheless, the electrical conductivity and the dielectric permittivity remain high at microwaves (0.1 S/m and 10, respectively), for composites with AgNPs of size 80 to 100 nm at a concentration of 30 vol%.
Small peptides inhibit gut trypsin‐like proteases and impairAnticarsia gemmatalis(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) survival and development
Authors: de Almeida Barros Rafael , Meriño‐Cabrera Yaremis , Vital Camilo E , da Silva Júnior Neilier R , de Oliveira Cauê N , Lessa Barbosa Samuel , Marques Gonçalves Assis João V , Ramos Humberto JO , de Almeida Oliveira Maria G 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnticarsia gemmatalislarvae are key defoliating pests of soybean plants. Inorganic insecticides, harmful to the environment and human health, are the main molecules used in the control of this pest. To apply more sustainable management methods, organic molecules with high specificities, such as proteinaceous protease inhibitors, have been sought. Thus, molecular docking studies, kinetics assays, and biological tests were performed to evaluate the inhibitory activity of two peptides (GORE1 and GORE2) rationally designed to inhibit trypsin‐like enzymes, which are the main proteases ofA. gemmatalismidgut.RESULTSThe molecular docking simulations revealed critical hydrogen bonding patterns of the peptides with key active site residues of trypsin‐like proteases ofA. gemmatalisand other Lepidopteran insects. The negative values of binding energy indicate that hydrogen bonds potentiate the tight binding of the peptides with trypsin‐like proteases, predicting an effective inhibition. The inhibition's rate constants (Ki) were 0.49 and 0.10 mM for GORE1 and GORE2, resulting in effective inhibition of the activity trypsin on the L‐BApNA substrate in thein vitrotests, indicating that the peptide GORE2 has higher inhibitory capacity on theA. gemmatalistrypsins. In addition, the two peptides were determined to be reversible competitive inhibitors. Thein vivotest demonstrated that the peptides harm the survival and development ofA. gemmatalislarvae.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that these peptides are potential candidates in the management ofA. gemmatalislarvae and provide baseline information for the design of new trypsin‐like inhibitors based on peptidomimetic tools. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
On the robustness of distributed proportional‐integral consensus protocols under channel uncertainties
Authors: Rong Lina , Jiang Guo‐Ping , Xu Shengyuan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article studies the robust consensus problem for uncertain multiagent systems under distributed proportional‐integral (PI) protocols. For both continuous‐time and discrete‐time multiagent systems, we allow additive channel uncertainties that are stable and bounded in norm. By exploiting the generalized network complementary sensitivity function (GNCSF), necessary and sufficient conditions under which the robust consensus with distributed PI protocols can be guaranteed are derived. For the continuous‐time case, it is shown that the robust consensus can be reached if and only if the uncertainty radius and the norm of the GNCSF satisfy certain constraint. For the discrete‐time case, it is shown that the robust consensus can be preserved under both the constraints on the parameters of the PI protocols and the relationship of the uncertainty radius and the norm of the GNCSF. Finally, numerical examples are provided to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
A Novel Regulation Strategy of Solid Electrolyte Interphase Based on Anion‐Solvent Coordination for Magnesium Metal Anode
Authors: Tang Kun , Du Aobing , Du Xiaofan , Dong Shanmu , Lu Chenglong , Cui Zili , Li Longshan , Ding Guoliang , Chen Fengxian , Zhou Xinhong , Cui Guanglei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMagnesium (Mg) metal anode is a highly desirable candidate among various high energy density metal anodes, possessing higher volumetric capacity and better safety characteristic compared to lithium metal. However, most Mg salts in conventional Mg electrolytes easily react with Mg metal to form blocking layers, leading to inferior reversibility of Mg plating/stripping. Here, a stable Mg2+‐conducting solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is successfully constructed on Mg metal anode by regulating the molecular‐orbital‐energy‐level toward an aluminum(III)‐centered anion Mg salt through anion‐solvent coordination. Of which, the LUMO energy level of perfluorinated pinacolatoaluminate (Al(O2C2(CF3)4)2−, abbreviated as FPA) anion has been adjusted by coordinating with solvent molecule (tetrahydrofuran) for facilitating the formation of advantageous SEI. The existence of SEI formed by FPA anion greatly improves the reversibility and long‐term stability of Mg plating/stripping process. More importantly, based on this aluminum(III)‐centered Mg electrolyte, the Mo6S8/Mg batteries can achieve a fantastic cycle performance of 9000 cycles, proving the beneficial effect of SEI on the cycling stability of Mg battery system. These findings open up a promising avenue to construct stable and compatible SEI on Mg metal anode, and lay significant foundations for the successful development of rechargeable Mg metal batteries.
Energy Transfer‐Induced Photoelectrochemical Improvement from Porous Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐Decorated BiVO4 Photoelectrodes
Authors: Ahn Cheol Hyoun , Deshpande Nishad G. , Lee Ho Seong , Cho Hyung Koun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBiVO4, which is a representative photoanode material for photoelectrochemical water splitting, intrinsically restricts high conversion efficiency, owing to faster recombination, low electron mobility, and short electron diffusion length. While the photocurrent density of typical BiVO4 corresponds to only 21.3% of the maximum photocurrent density (4.68 mA cm−2), decoration of the BiVO4 photoanode with zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) exhibits a synergetic effect to raise the overall photocatalytic ability at the BiVO4 surface region to a higher level via the energy‐transfer process from BiVO4 to ZIF‐67. The hybrid ZIF‐67/BiVO4 photoanode follows two convenient photoelectrochemical pathways: 1) energy‐transfer‐induced water oxidation reaction in ZIF‐67 and 2) water oxidation reaction by direct contact between the BiVO4 surface and electrolytes. Compared to the moderate photocurrent density (≈1 mA cm−2) of single‐layer BiVO4, the proposed ZIF‐67/BiVO4 photoanodes show a remarkably high photocurrent (2.25 mA cm−2) with high stability, despite the lack of hole scavengers in the electrolyte. Furthermore, the absorbed photon‐to‐current efficiency of the ZIF‐67/BiVO4 photoanode is ≈2.5 times greater than that of BiVO4. This work proposes a promising solution for efficient water oxidation that overcomes the intrinsic material limitations of BiVO4 photoelectrodes by using energy transfer‐induced photon recycling and the decoration of porous ZIFs.
The triple-isotope calibration approach: a universal and standard-free calibration approach for obtaining absolute isotope ratios of multi-isotopic elements
Authors: Vogl Jochen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe theory of a new calibration approach for obtaining absolute isotope ratios of multi-isotopic elements without the use of any standard has been developed. The calibration approach basically uses the difference in the instrumental isotope fractionation of two different types of mass spectrometers, leading to two different fractionation lines in a three-isotope diagram. When measuring the same sample with both mass spectrometers, the different fractionation lines have one point in common: this is the ‘true’ logarithmized isotope ratio pair of the sample. Thus, the intersection of both fractionation lines provides us with the absolute isotope ratios of the sample. This theory has been tested in practice by measuring Cd and of Pb isotope ratios in the certified reference materials BAM-I012 and NIST SRM 981 by thermal ionization mass spectrometry and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry while varying the ionization conditions for both mass spectrometers. With this experiment, the theory could be verified, and absolute isotope ratios were obtained, which were metrologically compatible with the certified isotope ratios. The so-obtained absolute isotope ratios are biased by − 0.5 % in average, which should be improved with further developments of the method. This calibration approach is universal, as it can be applied to all elements with three or more isotopes and it is not limited to the type of mass spectrometers applied; it can be applied as well to secondary ion mass spectrometry or others. Additionally, this approach provides information on the fractionation process itself via the triple-isotope fractionation exponent θ.
Serum 4β-hydroxycholesterol increases during fluconazole treatment
Authors: Lütjohann Dieter , Stellaard Frans , Kerksiek Anja , Lötsch Jörn , Oertel Bruno G 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The antifungal drugs ketoconazole and itraconazole reduce serum concentrations of 4β-hydroxycholesterol, which is a validated marker for hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 activity. We tested the effect of another antifungal triazole agent, fluconazole, on serum concentrations of different sterols and oxysterols within the cholesterol metabolism to see if this inhibitory reaction is a general side effect of azole antifungal agents.

Methods
In a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way crossover design, we studied 17 healthy subjects (nine men, eight women) who received 400 mg fluconazole or placebo daily for 8 days. On day 1 before treatment and on day 8 after the last dose, fasting blood samples were collected. Serum cholesterol precursors and oxysterols were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring and expressed as the ratio to cholesterol (R_sterol).

Results
Under fluconazole treatment, serum R_lanosterol and R_24,25-dihydrolanosterol increased significantly without affecting serum cholesterol or metabolic downstream markers of hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Serum R_4β-, R_24S-, and R_27-hydroxycholesterol increased significantly.

Conclusion
Fluconazole inhibits the 14α-demethylation of lanosterol and 24,25-dihydrolanosterol, regulated by CYP51A1, without reduction of total cholesterol synthesis. The increased serum level of R_4β-hydroxycholesterol under fluconazole treatment is in contrast to the reductions observed under ketoconazole and itraconazole treatments. The question, whether this increase is caused by induction of CYP3A4 or by inhibition of the catabolism of 4β-hydroxycholesterol, must be answered by mechanistic in vitro and in vivo studies comparing effects of various azole antifungal agents on hepatic CYP3A4 activity.
Do skeletal Mg/Ca ratios of Arctic rhodoliths reflect atmospheric CO2 concentrations?
Authors: Teichert Sebastian , Voigt Nora , Wisshak Max 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe rhodolith-forming coralline red algal species Lithothamnion glaciale is the key ecosystem engineer of rhodolith beds on the coast of Svalbard. Because it significantly increases local biodiversity in this high-Arctic environment, we investigate the potential impact of changing environmental parameters on its calcite skeleton. Using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and environmental data from the Norwegian government’s environmental monitoring, we show that the magnesium concentration within an analysed algal calcite skeleton decreases linearly and significantly over a 40-year time span (R2 = 0.267, pperm < 0.001). Mg/Ca ratios show the most significant correlation with atmospheric CO2 concentrations (R2 = 0.614, p < 0.001), and lower correlations to sea ice cover and seawater temperature. This raises the question of whether the Mg/Ca in the rhodolith skeleton is reflecting an increase in aqueous pCO2 that drives ongoing ocean acidification. Since such a change in geochemistry may alter the stability of the calcite skeleton, our results could imply an impact on the future role of the rhodoliths as ecosystem engineers and consequently on Arctic biodiversity.
Stellungnahme der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie e. V. (DGRh) zur Anwendung der Videosprechstunde in der Rheumatologie
Authors: Aries P. , Welcker M. , Callhoff J. , Chehab G. , Krusche M. , Schneider M. , Specker C. , Richter J. G. 
Published: November 2020

ZusammenfassungDie Durchführung von Videosprechstunden wird seit mehreren Jahren als ergänzende Form der medizinischen Versorgung in Ergänzung zu einem persönlichen Arzt-Patienten-Kontakt angesehen und teilweise auch gefördert. Die COVID-19-Pandemie hat der Nutzung von Videosprechstunden ungeahnte Aktualität und Aufmerksamkeit verschafft. Die Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung beschloss Sonderregelungen im Rahmen der COVID-19-Pandemie, die bisherige Hindernisse für den Einsatz von Telemedizin und Videosprechstunden (und auch teilweise der herkömmlichen Telefonie) reduziert. Die vorliegende Stellungnahme der DGRh zum Einsatz von Videosprechstunden soll einen Überblick darüber geben, in welcher Form und mit welchen Limitierungen die Videosprechstunde in der Rheumatologie in Deutschland anwendbar ist. Die Stellungnahme skizziert einen Ausblick, wie die Videosprechstunde welche Funktionen zukünftig in der rheumatologischen Versorgung übernehmen kann.
The first case of autochthonous subcutaneous dirofilariasis (Dirofilaria repens) in a dog from Białowieża (NE Poland) and possible threat posed to inhabitants of Białowieża Primeval Forest area
Authors: Kołodziej-Sobocińska Marta , Miniuk Mariusz , Tokarska Małgorzata 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe present the first case of dirofilariasis in a dog from Białowieża village located in the primeval European forest—Białowieża Primeval Forest (NE Poland). Molecular analysis of adult nematode specimens isolated from subcutaneous tissue confirmed the infection with Dirofilaria repens. An adult male dog has not travelled out of the Białowieża village for at least five years; therefore, we assume this is the autochthonous case of the disease. We discuss possible inter- and intra-species transmission routes of dirofilariasis on this territory, which is inhabited by diverse community of wild carnivores, domestic animals, and humans. We also discuss the likely sources of the disease in this, highly biodiverse unique European forest complex. We underline the lack of attention to this problem and its importance for veterinary, wildlife, and human health safety.
Investigation of the motion of magnetic nanoparticles in microfluidics with a micro domain model
Authors: Pálovics Péter , Rencz Márta 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this paper the magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) dynamics in a microfluidic device is investigated in the presence of an external magnetic field. The nanoparticles are used for enzyme-substrate reaction measurements, where the enzyme is immobilized to the surface of the nanoparticles. During the measurements the microreactors, called microchambers are filled up with the MNPs where the distribution of the nanoparticles significantly influences the results of the further reaction measurements. In this paper the procedure of the nanoparticle aggregation is investigated numerically in the microchamber in a micro domain simulation space. First the acting forces on the MNPs are examined from the different phenomena. An in-house numerical model is presented where the dynamics of several MNPs are simulated in the micro-size domain. This model is also embedded in the open source CFD software OpenFOAM. The theoretical calculations and the simulations show that the particle-particle interaction due to magnetization plays an important role during the aggregation procedure. The particles in the magnetic field cluster over the time into chains, which phenomenon is in good agreement with the literature. A theoretical model of the chain dynamics is also established, which is compared to the simulation results. The presented micro domain model was later used to improve an Eulerian-Eulerian based two-phase CFD model and solver, which is able to model the complete MNP aggregation procedure in the magnetic field in macroscopic domains.
An overview of cryptographic primitives for possible use in 5G and beyond
Authors: Yang Jing , Johansson Thomas 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis survey overviews the potential use of cryptographic primitives in the fifth-generation mobile communications system (aka 5G) and beyond. It discusses the new security challenges that come with 5G and presents the upcoming security architecture. It shows the use of current cryptographic algorithms and discusses new algorithms or modifications of existing ones, that can be relevant. It also discusses the need for lightweight algorithms to meet the new use cases as well as the general demand for algorithms secure even when large quantum computers are available.
Contraccezione ormonale e funzione tiroidea
Authors: Torre Francesco , Calogero Aldo E. , Condorelli Rosita A. , Cannarella Rossella , Aversa Antonio , La Vignera Sandro 
Published: November 2020

SommarioLe disfunzioni della ghiandola tiroidea rappresentano un gruppo di patologie rilevanti sotto il profilo epidemiologico, specie nel sesso femminile. La terapia ormonale contraccettiva è capace di influenzare la funzione tiroidea modulando i livelli di TBG e SHBG e, sebbene frequentemente prescritta, esistono poche evidenze riassuntive circa i limiti prescrittivi nelle donne con disfunzione tiroidea. Lo scopo di questo articolo è quello di rivedere gli effetti del trattamento con levo-tiroxina (LT4) nelle donne in terapia ormonale contraccettiva e come quest’ultima influenzi la funzione tiroidea. La componente estrogenica è responsabile dell’aumento di TBG, SHBG e dei fattori di coagulazione. Per contro, la componente progestinica, attraverso l’azione anti-androgenica, è utile per mantenere basso il rischio tromboembolico e cardiovascolare. Ciò assume particolare rilevanza nelle donne affette da ipotiroidismo subclinico e in quelle trattate con LT4. Infatti, l’ipotiroidismo subclinico è associato a un aumentato volume piastrinico medio, il quale aumenta, a sua volta, il rischio cardiovascolare a causa dell’iperattività piastrinica dovuta alla incompleta maturazione megacariocitica.
Semi-fast convergent sequences and k-sums of central Cantor sets
Authors: Bartoszewicz Artur , Filipczak Małgorzata , Prus-Wiśniowski Franciszek 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe study k-sums of central Cantor sets and present a full characterization of the case of positive measure for such k-sums. This generalizes the celebrated Sannami’s counterexample for the Palis hypothesis. Moreover, we find a characterization of all semi-fast convergent sequences generating central Cantor sets.