bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous lancet-free monitoring of alcohol and glucose from low-volumes of perspired human sweat
Authors: Bhide Ashlesha , Muthukumar Sriram , Saini Amreek , Prasad Shalini 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA lancet-free, label-free biosensor for simultaneous detection of sweat glucose and alcohol was demonstrated using zinc oxide thin films integrated into a nanoporous flexible electrode system. Sensing was achieved from perspired human sweat at low volumes (1–3 μL), comparable to ambient conditions without external stimulation. Zinc oxide thin film electrodes were surface functionalized with alcohol oxidase enzyme and with glucose oxidase enzyme towards developing an affinity biosensor specific to the physiological relevant range of alcohol comprising of 0–2 drinks (0–50 mg/dl) and physiologically relevant range of glucose ranging from hypo- to hyper-glycaemia (50–130 mg/dl) in perspired human sweat. Sensing was achieved by measuring impedance changes associated with alcohol and glucose binding onto the sensor interface using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with a dynamic range from 0.01–200 mg/dl and a limit of detection of 0.01 mg/dl for alcohol in human sweat. Sensor calibration in synthetic sweat containing interferents (25–200 mg/dl) and comparison using regression and Bland-Altman analysis of sweat sensor performance was done with BACtrack®. Combinatorial detection of glucose and ethanol in perspired human sweat and comparison of sweat sensor performance with Accu-Chek® blood glucose monitoring system that we expect would be relevant for pre-diabetics and diabetics for monitoring their glucose levels and alcohol consumption.
Functional and Morphological Changes in the Deep Lumbar Multifidus Using Electromyography and Ultrasound
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Xu Yi , Han Xiulan , Wu Wen , Tang Yan , Wang Chuhuai 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSurface electromyography (sEMG) studies have indicated that chronic low back pain (cLBP) involves altered electromyographic activity and morphological structure of the lumbar multifidus (LM) beyond pain perception; however, most studies have evaluated the superficial lumbar multifidus. It is difficult to record electromyography (EMG) signals from the deep multifidus (DM) to determine the neuromuscular activation patterns, making it difficult to determine the relationship between functional and structural changes in cLBP. We developed a novel method to record intramuscular EMG signals in the DM based on the sEMG system and fine-wire electrodes. We measured EMG signals of the DM in 24 cLBP patients and 26 pain-free healthy controls to identify changes in neuromuscular activation. We also used ultrasound to measure DM muscle thickness, cross-sectional area, and contraction activity to identify potential relationships between EMG activity and structural damage. cLBP patients had decreased average EMG and root mean square, but increased median frequency and mean power frequency. Average EMG was positively correlated with contractile activity, but not statistically correlated with noncontractile anatomical abnormalities. Our results suggest that cLBP alters the neuromuscular activation patterns and morphological structure of the contractile activity of the DM, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying pain perception.
East Asian Winter Monsoon Impacts the ENSO-related Teleconnections and North American Seasonal Air Temperature Prediction
Authors: Ma Tianjiao , Chen Wen , Nath Debashis , Graf Hans-F. , Wang Lin , Huangfu Jingliang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractEl Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a key feature for seasonal weather and climate prediction in the extra-tropics since related sea surface temperature anomalies induce precipitation anomalies that generate poleward propagating Rossby waves and teleconnections. The East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) is driven by processes originating over the Asian continent and, to a lesser degree, by ENSO-related tropical convection. EAWM also strongly affects convection and precipitation patterns over the western tropical Pacific by cold air outbreaks reaching equatorial latitudes. Hence, one can expect a modulating effect of EAWM on the generation of Rossby wave trains related to ENSO. By increasing the convective heating over the western Pacific, strong EAWM strengthens the Pacific Walker circulation, and weakens (strengthens) the El Niño (La Niña) related effects on the extra-tropics via a modulation of the Pacific North America teleconnection pattern. Our results indicate that, for seasonal prediction over North America, along with ENSO the variability of EAWM should also be taken into account. The climate anomalies over the North America for the same phase of ENSO are significantly different for strong and weak EAWM.
The Bexsero Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B vaccine antigen NHBA is a high-affinity chondroitin sulfate binding protein
Authors: Mubaiwa Tsitsi D. , Hartley-Tassell Lauren E. , Semchenko Evgeny A. , Day Christopher J. , Jennings Michael P. , Seib Kate L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractNeisseria meningitidisis a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen that causes life threatening meningitis and septicemia. Neisseria Heparin Binding Antigen (NHBA) is an outer membrane protein that binds heparin and heparan sulfate and DNA. This protein is one of the four antigens in the meningococcal serogroup B vaccine Bexsero. In the current study, we sought to define the full glycan-binding repertoire of NHBA to better understand its role in meningococcal pathogenesis and vaccine efficacy. Glycan array analysis revealed binding to 28 structures by recombinant NHBA. Surface plasmon resonance was used to confirm the binding phenotype and to determine the affinity of the interactions. These studies revealed that the highest affinity binding of NHBA was with chondroitin sulfate (KD = 5.2 nM). This affinity is 10-fold higher than observed for heparin. Analysis of binding with well-defined disaccharides of the different chondroitin sulfate types demonstrated that the most preferred ligand has a sulfate at the 2 position of the GlcA/IdoA and 6 position of the GalNAc, which is an equivalent structure to chondroitin sulfate D. Chondroitin sulfate is widely expressed in human tissues, while chondroitin sulfate D is predominantly expressed in the brain and may constitute a new receptor structure for meningococci.
CsrA and its regulators control the time-point of ColicinE2 release in Escherichia coli
Authors: Götz Alexandra , Lechner Matthias , Mader Andreas , von Bronk Benedikt , Frey Erwin , Opitz Madeleine 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe bacterial SOS response is a cellular reaction to DNA damage, that, among other actions, triggers the expression of colicin - toxic bacteriocins in Escherichia coli that are released to kill close relatives competing for resources. However, it is largely unknown, how the complex network regulating toxin expression controls the time-point of toxin release to prevent premature release of inefficient protein concentrations. Here, we study how different regulatory mechanisms affect production and release of the bacteriocin ColicinE2 in Escherichia coli. Combining experimental and theoretical approaches, we demonstrate that the global carbon storage regulator CsrA controls the duration of the delay between toxin production and release and emphasize the importance of CsrA sequestering elements for the timing of ColicinE2 release. In particular, we show that ssDNA originating from rolling-circle replication of the toxin-producing plasmid represents a yet unknown additional CsrA sequestering element, which is essential in the ColicinE2-producing strain to enable toxin release by reducing the amount of free CsrA molecules in the bacterial cell. Taken together, our findings show that CsrA times ColicinE2 release and reveal a dual function for CsrA as an ssDNA and mRNA-binding protein, introducing ssDNA as an important post-transcriptional gene regulatory element.
Deletion at the 5’-end of Estonian ASFV strains associated with an attenuated phenotype
Authors: Zani Laura , Forth Jan Hendrik , Forth Leonie , Nurmoja Imbi , Leidenberger Simone , Henke Julia , Carlson Jolene , Breidenstein Christiane , Viltrop Arvo , Höper Dirk , Sauter-Louis Carola , Beer Martin , Blome Sandra 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAfrican swine fever (ASF) was introduced into the Eastern European Union in 2014 and led to considerable mortality among wild boar. In contrast, unexpected high antibody prevalence was reported in hunted wild boar in north-eastern Estonia. One of the causative virus strains was recently characterized. While it still showed rather high virulence in the majority of experimentally infected animals, one animal survived and recovered completely. Here, we report on the follow-up characterization of the isolate obtained from the survivor in the acute phase of infection. As a first step, three in vivo experiments were performed with different types of pigs: twelve minipigs (trial A), five domestic pigs (trial B), and five wild boar (trial C) were inoculated. 75% of the minipigs and all domestic pigs recovered after an acute course of disease. However, all wild boar succumbed to infection within 17 days. Representative samples were sequenced using NGS-technologies, and whole-genomes were compared to ASFV “Georgia 2007/1”. The alignments indicated a deletion of 14560 base pairs at the 5’ end, and genome reorganization by duplication. The characteristic deletion was confirmed in all trial samples and local field samples. In conclusion, an ASFV variant was found in Estonia that showed reduced virulence.
Associations of obstructive sleep apnea with truncal skeletal muscle mass and density
Authors: Matsumoto Takeshi , Tanizawa Kiminobu , Tachikawa Ryo , Murase Kimihiko , Minami Takuma , Inouchi Morito , Handa Tomohiro , Oga Toru , Hirai Toyohiro , Chin Kazuo 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSarcopenia has been associated with several conditions relevant to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), such as aging and obesity, but a direct relationship between OSA and skeletal muscle alterations has not been identified. This study investigated associations between computed tomography (CT)-measured skeletal muscle indices and OSA severity. Analyzed were 334 patients who underwent polysomnography to diagnose OSA. Lumbar skeletal muscles were assessed with CT for the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI, cross-sectional area, normalized for height squared) and skeletal muscle density (SMD, fat infiltration). The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) correlated positively with the SMI and negatively with SMD in both men and women. The AHI was weakly associated with SMI only in men (β = 0.11, P = 0.017) after adjustment for the body mass index (BMI) (BMI: β = 0.61, P < 0.001 in men, β = 0.65, P < 0.001 in women). The association of AHI and SMD was not significant after adjustment for BMI (BMI: β = −0.42, P < 0.001 in men, β = −0.64, P < 0.001 in women). Severity of OSA correlated with increases in skeletal muscle mass rather than muscle depletion and skeletal muscle adiposity. These associations were limited compared with the stronger associations between obesity and skeletal muscles.
Rigid and concave, 2,4-cis-substituted azetidine derivatives: A platform for asymmetric catalysis
Authors: Yoshizawa Akina , Feula Antonio , Male Louise , Leach Andrew G. , Fossey John S. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA series of single enantiomer, 2,4-cis-disubstituted amino azetidines were synthesised and used as ligands for copper-catalysed Henry reactions of aldehydes with nitromethane. Optimisation of ligand substituents and the reaction conditions was conducted. The enantiomeric excess of the formed products was highest when alkyl aldehydes were employed in the reaction (>99% e.e.). The absolute stereochemistry of one representative azetidine derivative salt was determined by analysis of the Flack parameter of an XRD single crystal structure. The origin of selectivity in catalysis was investigated computationally, revealing the importance of the amino-substituent in determining the stereochemical outcome. A racemic platinum complex of a cis-disubstituted azetidine is examined by XRD single crystal structure analysis with reference to its steric parameters, and analogies to the computationally determined copper complex catalyst are drawn. A preliminary example of the use of a cis-disubstituted azetidine scaffold in thiourea H-bonding catalyst is noted in the supporting information.
Cerebral oxygen saturation and peripheral perfusion in the extremely premature infant with intraventricular and/or pulmonary haemorrhage early in life
Authors: Beausoleil Thierry P. , Janaillac Marie , Barrington Keith J. , Lapointe Anie , Dehaes Mathieu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractExtremely preterm infants are at higher risk of pulmonary (PH) and intraventricular (IVH) haemorrhage during the transitioning physiology due to immature cardiovascular system. Monitoring of haemodynamics can detect early abnormal circulation that may lead to these complications. We described time-frequency relationships between near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) cerebral regional haemoglobin oxygen saturation (CrSO2) and preductal peripheral perfusion index (PI), capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR) in extremely preterm infants in the first 72 h of life. Patients were sub-grouped in infants with PH and/or IVH (N
H
= 8) and healthy controls (N
C
= 11). Data were decomposed in wavelets allowing the analysis of localized variations of power. This approach allowed to quantify the percentage of time of significant cross-correlation, semblance, gain (transfer function) and coherence between signals. Ultra-low frequencies (<0.28 mHz) were analyzed as slow and prolonged periods of impaired circulation are considered more detrimental than transient fluctuations. Cross-correlation between CrSO2 and oximetry (PI, SpO2 and HR) as well as in-phase semblance and gain between CrSO2 and HR were significantly lower while anti-phase semblance between CrSO2 and HR was significantly higher in PH-IVH infants compared to controls. These differences may reflect haemodynamic instability associated with cerebrovascular autoregulation and hemorrhagic complications observed during the transitioning physiology.
Magnetic carboxyl functional nanoporous polymer: synthesis, characterization and its application for methylene blue adsorption
Authors: Su Hongxin , Li Weiwei , Han Yide , Liu Ningning 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMagnetic carboxyl functional nanoporous polymer (MCFNP) was chemically fabricated by incorporation of magnetic Fe3O4 precursor into the carboxyl functional nanoporous polymer (CFNP). The as-synthesized MCFNP was characterized and used as an adsorbent for rapid adsorption removal of methylene blue (MB) from wastewater. Several experimental parameters affecting the adsorption efficiency were investigated including initial pH, adsorbent dosage, initial MB concentration, contact time and temperature. The adsorption behavior of MCFNP displayed that adsorption kinetics and isotherms could be well fitted to the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively. The experimental results showed that MCFNP was an effective adsorbent with a maximum adsorption capacity of 57.74 mg g−1 for MB at 298 K. The negative free energy (ΔG) and positive enthalpy change (ΔH) confirmed that the adsorption reaction was a spontaneous and endothermic process. In addition, ethanol was used as an effective extractant for the regeneration of MCFNP, and the adsorption efficiency could remain 80% after the ninth regeneration cycle.
Chiral self-sorting process in the self-assembly of homochiral coordination cages from axially chiral ligands
Authors: Tateishi Tomoki , Kojima Tatsuo , Hiraoka Shuichi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractChiral self-sorting is a phenomenon wherein racemic components are spontaneously sorted into homo- or heterochiral molecular assemblies through chiral discrimination between the components. Chiral self-sorting may be related to biological molecular systems where chiral biomolecules are concerned, but the detail of this sorting process has been unclear. Here we show the chiral self-sorting process in the formation of a homochiral Pd2L4 coordination cage from a racemic mixture of a binaphthol-based ditopic ligand by quantitative analysis of self-assembly process (QASAP). The self-assembly of the cage mainly takes place through two pathways that branch off from the intermolecular reaction of mononuclear complexes. Even though the homochiral cages are thermodynamically the most stable, heterochiral intermediates were preferentially produced at first under kinetic control, which were eventually converted into the homochiral cages. Our results reveal complicated pathways in chiral self-sorting.
Synthesis of pyrroles via ruthenium-catalyzed nitrogen-transfer [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition of α,ω-diynes using sulfoximines as nitrene surrogates
Authors: Matsui Kazuma , Shibuya Masatoshi , Yamamoto Yoshihiko 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPyrrole is a privileged five-membered aromatic nitrogen heterocycle, which is ubiquitous in natural products, drug molecules, and functional materials. Therefore, numerous synthetic routes to substituted pyrroles have been extensively developed. Nevertheless, the efficient and short-step synthesis of highly substituted and/or fused pyrroles has remained a significant challenge in organic chemistry. Here we report a ruthenium-catalyzed nitrogen-transfer [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition of α,ω-diynes involving cyclic biscarbenoid intermediates. To achieve the key nitrogen transfer to carbenoid carbons, sulfoximines are employed as nitrene surrogates. Consequently, diverse fused pyrroles are successfully synthesized in good yields with wide functional group compatibility. Moreover, this method allows the synthesis of N-alkyl, N-aryl, and even N-H pyrroles, which are difficult to obtain using previous [2 + 2 + 1]-type reactions. Nitrogen transfer from sulfoximines to cyclic biscarbenoid intermediates is supported by density functional theory calculations and control experiments.
Two new magnetic cataclysmic variables discovered in the 3XMM catalogue
Authors: Webb N. A. , Schwope A. , Zolotukhin I. , Lin D. , Rosen S. R. 
Published: April 2018

Context. X-ray catalogues provide a wealth of information on many source types, ranging from compact objects to galaxies, clusters of galaxies, stars, and even planets. Thanks to the huge volume of X-ray sources provided in the 3XMM catalogue, along with many source specific products, many new examples from rare classes of sources can be identified.Aims. Through visualising spectra and lightcurves from about 80 observations included in the incremental part of the 3XMM catalogue, 3XMM-DR5, as part of the quality control of the catalogue, we identified two new X-ray sources, 3XMM J183333.1+225136 and 3XMM J184916.1+652943, that were highly variable. This work aims to investigate their nature.Methods. Through simple model fitting of the X-ray spectra and analysis of the X-ray lightcurves of 3XMM J183333.1+225136 and 3XMM J184916.1+652943, along with complementary photometry from theXMM-NewtonOptical Monitor, Pan-STARRS and the Stella/WiFSIP and Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) spectra, we suggest that the two sources might be magnetic cataclysmic variables (CVs) of the polar type and we determine some of their properties.Results. Both CVs have very hard spectra, showing no soft excess. They are both situated in the local neighbourhood, located within ~1 kpc. 3XMM J183333.1+225136 has an orbital period of 2.15 h. It shows features in the lightcurve that may be a total eclipse of the white dwarf. 3XMM J184916.1+652943 has an orbital period of 1.6 h. Given that only a small sky area was searched to identify these CVs, future sensitive all sky surveys such as the eROSITA project should be very successful at uncovering large numbers of such sources.
Mikroalgen in der Humanernährung – eine sinnvolle Zukunftsperspektive?
Authors: Neumann Ulrike , Bischoff Stephan 
Published: April 2018

ZusammenfassungUnter Mikroalgen fasst man mikroskopisch kleine, Fotosynthese betreibende Organismen zusammen, die in aquatischen Umgebungen vorkommen. Sie enthalten eine Vielzahl von Nährstoffen, darunter auch Proteine, Kohlenhydrate, Carotinoide, Vitamine, Mineralstoffe und Fettsäuren. In Lebensmitteln verarbeitet findet man heutzutage vor allem die Grünalge Chlorella und das Cyanobakterium Arthrospira.
Die steigende Weltbevölkerung bei gleichzeitig begrenztem Ackerland wird in den nächsten Jahren zu einer noch stärkeren Nahrungsmittelknappheit führen. Aus diesem Grund sind Mikroalgen in den vergangenen Jahren in den Fokus der Wissenschaft gerückt. Neben einem guten Nährstoffprofil sind sie nämlich nicht auf landwirtschaftliche Nutzflächen angewiesen, sondern können in Ponds oder Fotobioreaktoren gezüchtet werden.Allerdings sind Mikroalgen bisher noch wenig in der menschlichen Ernährung verbreitet. Dies könnte zum einen daran liegen, dass bislang nur wenige der über 200 000 Arten für den menschlichen Konsum zugelassen sind. Des Weiteren spielen vor allem die Geschmacksveränderungen, die mit einem erhöhten Mikroalgenanteil einhergehen, und die hohen Produktionskosten eine große Rolle.Nichtsdestotrotz weisen Mikroalgen eine Vielzahl von bioaktiven Komponenten auf, die potenzielle gesundheitliche Vorteile besitzen. Neben immunmodulatorischen und antioxidativen Effekten weisen sie präbiotische, antivirale und entgiftende Wirkungen auf. Außerdem sind Mikroalgen eine vegane Quelle für Omega-3-Fettsäuren, was zum Schutz der Ressource Fisch beitragen könnte.Mikroalgen besitzen ein großes Potenzial als nachhaltiges Nahrungsmittel, das über Makro- und Mikronährstoffe verfügt, sowie als gesundheitsfördernde Nutraceuticals, die einen positiven Mehrwert für die menschliche Gesundheit liefern können. Dennoch steckt die Forschung zu ihnen noch in den Kinderschuhen und die nahe Zukunft wird Aufschluss darüber geben, ob sie auch in Zukunft fester Bestandteil unserer Ernährung werden.
Minimally Invasive, Isolated Tricuspid Valve Redo Surgery: A Safety and Outcome Analysis
Authors: Färber Gloria , Tkebuchava Sophie , Dawson Rodolfo , Kirov Hristo , Diab Mahmoud , Schlattmann Peter , Doenst Torsten 
Published: April 2018

Background Isolated tricuspid valve (TV) surgery is considered a high risk-procedure. The optimal surgical approach is controversial. We analyzed our experience with isolated TV redo surgery performed either minimally invasively (redo-MITS) or through sternotomy.
Methods We retrospectively analyzed all patients with previous cardiac surgery who underwent redo-MITS (n = 26) and compared them to redo-Sternotomy (n = 17). A group of primary-MITS (n = 61) served as control.
Results The redo-MITS approach consisted of a right anterolateral mini-thoracotomy, transpericardial right atrial access, and beating heart TV surgery without caval occlusion. Redo-MITS patients were oldest and had the most comorbidities (EuroScore II: 9.83 ± 6.05% versus redo-Sternotomy: 8.42 ± 7.33% versus primary-MITS: 4.15 ± 4.84%). There were no intraoperative complications or conversions to sternotomy in both MITS groups. Redo-Sternotomy had the highest 30-day mortality (24%), the poorest long-term survival, and the highest perioperative complication rate. Redo-MITS did not differ in perioperative outcome from primary-MITS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified redo-Sternotomy (odds ratio [OR] = 9.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.88–63.26), liver cirrhosis (OR = 9.88; 95% CI 2.20–54.20), and body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.02–1.35) as independent predictors of 30-day mortality. The Cox model revealed redo-Sternotomy (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.67; 95% CI 1.18–6.03), liver cirrhosis (HR = 3.31; 95% CI 1.45–7.58), and pulmonary hypertension (HR = 2.26; 95% CI 1.04–4.92) as risk factors for poor long-term survival. TV surgery significantly reduces NYHA class.
Conclusion Minimally invasive, isolated TV surgery as reoperation without caval occlusion and on the beating heart can be safe and may improve clinical outcome.