bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ionospheric irregularities climatology over Svalbard from solar cycle 23
Authors: De Franceschi Giorgiana , Spogli Luca , Alfonsi Lucilla , Romano Vincenzo , Cesaroni Claudio , Hunstad Ingrid
Published: June 2019

The paper presents an unprecedented description of the climatology of ionospheric irregularities over the Arctic derived from the longest Global Navigation Satellite Systems data series ever collected for this specific aim. Two TEC and scintillation receivers are working at Ny-Ålesund (Svalbard, NO), the first of which has been installed in late September 2003. They sample the L1 and L2 signals at 50 Hz from all the GPS satellites in view. The receivers monitor an area of about 600 km radius that includes the auroral and cusp/cap regions in the European longitudinal sector. The length of the data series and the privileged site of observation allow describing the Arctic ionosphere along about two solar cycles, from the descending phase of cycle 23 to almost the end of cycle 24. Our analysis results into a detailed assessment of the long-term behaviour of the ionosphere under solar maximum and solar minimum conditions, including several periods of perturbed ionospheric weather caused by unfavourable helio-geophysical conditions. Since November 2015, a multi-constellation GNSS receiver has been deployed in Ny-Ålesund, providing the opportunity to perform the ionospheric climatology from Galileo signals. The results offer realistic features of the high latitude ionosphere that can substantially contribute to the necessary improvements of forecasting models, providing a broad spectrum of ionospheric reactions to different space weather conditions.
The impact of levodopa therapy-induced complications on quality of life in Parkinson’s disease patients in Singapore
Authors: Wu Jonathan , Lim Ee-Chien , Nadkarni Nivedita V. , Tan Eng-King , Kumar Prakash M.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of levodopa therapy-induced complications on the quality of life (QoL) of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients in Singapore over a 1-year follow-up period. 274 PD patients were prospectively recruited, of which 78 patients completed the follow-up. Patients were evaluated on: (1) motor symptoms, (2) non-motor symptoms, (3) levodopa therapy-induced complications and (4) QoL. Levodopa-induced complications including dyskinesia and OFF symptoms occurred in 13.5% and 55.9% of the study population, respectively. In patients who completed the 1-year follow-up, there was a trend suggestive of increasing dyskinesia duration, more disabling dyskinesia as well as longer, more sudden and unpredictable OFF periods. There was a significant decline in the overall QoL at follow-up, in particular, activities of daily living, emotional well-being, cognition and communication domains were the most affected. The multivariable analysis demonstrated that worsening of UPDRS IV total score over 1-year interval was associated with worsening in PDQ-Summary Index score (d = 0.671, p = 0.014). In conclusion, levodopa-induced complications had significant adverse impacts on QoL. This study substantiates the importance for clinicians to closely monitor and promptly manage levodopa therapy-induced complications that may arise in patients.
Live imaging of Aiptasia larvae, a model system for coral and anemone bleaching, using a simple microfluidic device
Authors: Van Treuren Will , Brower Kara K. , Labanieh Louai , Hunt Daniel , Lensch Sarah , Cruz Bianca , Cartwright Heather N. , Tran Cawa , Fordyce Polly M.
Published: June 2019

Coral reefs, and their associated diverse ecosystems, are of enormous ecological importance. In recent years, coral health has been severely impacted by environmental stressors brought on by human activity and climate change, threatening the extinction of several major reef ecosystems. Reef damage is mediated by a process called ‘coral bleaching’ where corals, sea anemones, and other cnidarians lose their photosynthetic algal symbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae) upon stress induction, resulting in drastically decreased host energy harvest and, ultimately, coral death. The mechanism by which this critical cnidarian-algal symbiosis is lost remains poorly understood. The larvae of the sea anemone, Exaiptasia pallida (commonly referred to as ‘Aiptasia’) are an attractive model organism to study this process, but they are large (∼100 mm in length, ∼75 mm in diameter), deformable, and highly motile, complicating long-term imaging and limiting study of this critical endosymbiotic relationship in live organisms. Here, we report ‘Traptasia’, a simple microfluidic device with multiple traps designed to isolate and image individual, live larvae of Aiptasia and their algal symbionts over extended time courses. Using a trap design parameterized via fluid flow simulations and polymer bead loading tests, we trapped Aiptasia larvae containing algal symbionts and demonstrated stable imaging for >10 hours. We visualized algae within Aiptasia larvae and observed algal expulsion under an environmental stressor. To our knowledge, this device is the first to enable time-lapsed, high-throughput live imaging of cnidarian larvae and their algal symbionts and, in further implementation, could provide important insights into the cellular mechanisms of cnidarian bleaching under different environmental stressors. The ‘Traptasia’ device is simple to use, requires minimal external equipment and no specialized training to operate, and can easily be adapted using the trap optimization data presented here to study a variety of large, motile organisms.
Characterization of Porcine Hepatic and Intestinal Drug Metabolizing CYP450: Comparison with Human Orthologues from A Quantitative, Activity and Selectivity Perspective
Authors: Schelstraete Wim , Clerck Laura De , Govaert Elisabeth , Millecam Joske , Devreese Mathias , Deforce Dieter , Bocxlaer Jan Van , Croubels Siska
Published: June 2019

Over the past two decades, the pig has gained attention as a potential model for human drug metabolism. Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450), a superfamily of biotransformation enzymes, are pivotal in drug metabolism. Porcine CYP450 has been demonstrated to convert typical substrates of human CYP450. Nevertheless, knowledge and insight into porcine CYP450 quantity and substrate selectivity is scant, especially regarding intestinal CYP450. The current study aimed to map the quantities of hepatic and intestinal CYP450 in the conventional pig by using a proteomic approach. Moreover, the selectivity of the six most common used probe substrates (phenacetin, coumarin, midazolam, tolbutamide, dextromethorphan, and chlorzoxazone) for drug metabolizing enzyme subfamilies (CYP1A, CYP2A, CYP3A, CYP2C, CYP2D and CYP2E respectively), was investigated. Hepatic relative quantities were 4% (CYP1A), 31% (CYP2A), 14% (CYP3A), 10% (CYP2C), 28% (CYP2D) and 13% (CYP2E), whereas for the intestine only duodenal CYP450 could be determined with 88% for CYP3A and 12% for CYP2C. Furthermore, the results indicate that coumarin (CYP2A), midazolam (CYP3A), tolbutamide (CYP2C), and dextromethorphan (CYP2D) are as selective for porcine as for human CYP450. However, phenacetin (CYP1A2) and chlorzoxazone (CYP2E1) are less selective for the specific enzyme, despite similarities in selectivity towards the different enzymes involved compared to humans.
Publisher Correction: MAOA variants differ in oscillatory EEG & ECG activities in response to aggression-inducing stimuli
Authors: Im SeungYeong , Jeong Jinju , Jin Gwonhyu , Yeom Jiwoo , Jekal Janghwan , Lee Sang-im , Cho Jung Ah , Lee Sukkyoo , Lee Youngmi , Kim Dae-Hwan , Bae Mijeong , Heo Jinhwa , Moon Cheil , Lee Chang-Hun
Published: June 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Effect of annealing on a pseudogap state in untwinned YBa2Cu3O7−δ single crystals
Authors: Solovjov A. L. , Petrenko E. V. , Omelchenko L. V. , Vovk R. V. , Goulatis I. L. , Chroneos A.
Published: June 2019

The effect of annealing both in the oxygen atmosphere and at room temperatures on physical properties such as the pseudogap (Δ*(T)) and excess conductivity (σ′(T)) of untwined YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) single crystal with a small deviation from oxygen stoichiometry is studied. It was revealed that as the charge carrier density, nf, increases, Тс also slightly increases, whereas the temperature of the pseudogap opening, T*, decreases noticeably, which is consistent with the phase diagram (PD) of cuprates. The excess conductivity in the vicinity of Tc is represented by the Aslamazov-Larkin and Hikami-Larkin fluctuation theories, illustrating the three-dimensional to two-dimensional (i.e. 3D-2D) crossover with an increase in temperature. The crossover temperature T0 determines the coherence length along the c axis is ξc(0) = 0.86 Å, that is 2.6 times larger than for optimally doped YBCO single crystals with defects. Taking into account the short coherence length in high-temperature superconductors, in the model of free charge carriers the phase relaxation time of fluctuating Cooper pairs is determined, τφ (100 K) = (4.55 ± 0.4) · 10−13 s, which is slightly (1.2 times) larger than in well-structured YBCO films, and as in films, does not depend on nf. It is shown that Δ*(T) at different annealing stages practically does not change its shape. As in the well-structured YBCO films, Δ*(T) demonstrates maximum at Tpair~124 K which depends weakly on nf. However, the maximum value of Δ*(Tpair) increases with increasing nf, as it follows from the PD of cuprates. Comparing the experimental data with the Peters-Bauer theory we estimated the density of local pairs  ≈ 0.3 near Tc that is a common value for high-temperature superconductors.
Fuzzy petrology in the origin of carbonatitic/pseudocarbonatitic Ca-rich ultrabasic magma at Polino (central Italy)
Authors: Lustrino Michele , Luciani Natascia , Stagno Vincenzo
Published: June 2019

The small upper Pleistocene diatreme of Polino (central Italy) is known in literature as one of the few monticellite alvikites (volcanic Ca-carbonatite) worldwide. This outcrop belongs to the Umbria-Latium Ultra-alkaline District (ULUD), an area characterized by scattered and small-volume strongly SiO2-undersaturated ultrabasic igneous rocks located in the axial sector of the Apennine Mts. in central Italy. Petrographic and mineralogical evidences indicate that Polino olivine and phlogopite are liquidus phases rather than mantle xenocrysts as instead reported in literature. The presence of monticellite as rim of olivine phenocrysts and as groundmass phase indicates its late appearance in magma chambers at shallow depths, as demonstrated by experimental studies too. The absence of plagioclase and clinopyroxene along with the extremely MgO-rich composition of olivine (Fo92–94) and phlogopite (average Mg# ~93) suggest for Polino magmas an origin from a carbonated H2O-bearing mantle source at depths at least of 90–100 km, in the magnesite stability field. In contrast with what reported in literature, the ultimate strongly ultrabasic Ca-rich whole-rock composition (~15–25 wt% SiO2, ~31–40 wt% CaO) and the abundant modal groundmass calcite are not pristine features of Polino magma. We propose that the observed mineral assemblage and whole-rock compositions result mostly from the assimilation of limestones by an ultrabasic melt at a depth of ~5 km. A reaction involving liquidus olivine + limestone producing monticellite + CO2 vapour + calcite is at the base of the origin of the Polino pseudocarbonatitic igneous rocks.
Cockade structures as a paleo-earthquake proxy in upper crustal hydrothermal systems
Authors: Berger Alfons , Herwegh Marco
Published: June 2019

Cockades are clasts completely surrounded by spheroidal hydrothermal overgrowth rims. They are observed inside hydrothermal fault breccias and can provide insights into fault dynamics. The formation of cockades with spheroidal hydrothermal overgrowth rims is related to fast fracturing and dilation, and requires primary clasts to be suspended in a fluid. The rim growth is driven by drops in fluid pressure and related oversaturation. We use descriptions of cockades, their rims and cements in a fault breccia. Geometrical data are combined with mechano-chemical calculations to gain insights into seismic processes and estimate seismic magnitudes. Fast rates for formation of cockade cores and first rim growth are interpreted to be the result of an earthquake’s main shock. Younger growth rims represent subsequent aftershocks, while cemented cockades record interseismic periods. We propose that by considering growth rates of hydrothermal precipitates and cements, paleo-earthquake cycles can be unraveled and a link between geophysics and fault structures can be established.
Accommodation, slip inversion, and fault segmentation in a province-scale shear zone from high-resolution, densely spaced wide-aperture seismic profiling, Centennial Valley, MT, USA
Authors: Bruno Pier Paolo G. , Berti Claudio , Pazzaglia Frank J.
Published: June 2019

We acquired a ~9-km long, high-resolution reflection seismic profile in the Centennial Valley, Montana, to better understand the kinematics of basin bounding faults and their role in accommodating proposed right-lateral shear in the Northern Basin and Range adjacent to the Yellowstone hotspot. In pursuing these goals, our findings have also shed light on the development of hanging wall stratigraphy and seismic hazards for this part of the SW Montana seismic belt. Here we present the profile and a working interpretation that identifies fault inversion, and an oblique, anticlinal accommodation zone linking the Centennial and Lima Reservoir faults in the Centennial Valley. These interpretations are consistent with seismicity and GPS-geodetically observed right-lateral shear aligned with the Centennial Valley north of the Yellowstone hotspot. Data were acquired using dense, wide-aperture arrays and illuminate the subsurface stratigraphy and faults down to ~1200 m, showing that the basin is a half-graben with a southern depocenter driven by the listric geometry of the north-dipping Centennial fault. Reflectors onlap basement highs with growth geometry against these faults. Our interpretation of a bright basal reflection as the Timber Hill Basalt (~6 Ma) or related flow, is consistent with a late Miocene – Pliocene inception of the basin proposed by other research. We also note a small inversion structure that we interpret as local evidence of transpression in the shear zone. This transpression is part of the accommodation zone and seismogenic faults including the Lima Reservoir fault that has well-expressed Holocene surface ruptures a few kilometres west of the seismic line along the northern edge of the Centennial basin.
EGF receptor (EGFR) inhibition promotes a slow-twitch oxidative, over a fast-twitch, muscle phenotype
Authors: Ciano Margherita , Mantellato Giada , Connolly Martin , Paul-Clark Mark , Willis-Owen Saffron , Moffatt Miriam F. , Cookson William O. C. M. , Mitchell Jane A. , Polkey Michael I. , Hughes Simon M. , Kemp Paul R. , Natanek S. Amanda
Published: June 2019

A low quadriceps slow-twitch (ST), oxidative (relative to fast-twitch) fiber proportion is prevalent in chronic diseases such Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and is associated with exercise limitation and poor outcomes. Benefits of an increased ST fiber proportion are demonstrated in genetically modified animals. Pathway analysis of published data of differentially expressed genes in mouse ST and FT fibers, mining of our microarray data and a qPCR analysis of quadriceps specimens from COPD patients and controls were performed. ST markers were quantified in C2C12 myotubes with EGF-neutralizing antibody, EGFR inhibitor or an EGFR-silencing RNA added. A zebrafish egfra mutant was generated by genome editing and ST fibers counted. EGF signaling was (negatively) associated with the ST muscle phenotype in mice and humans, and muscle EGF transcript levels were raised in COPD. In C2C12 myotubes, EGFR inhibition/silencing increased ST, including mitochondrial, markers. In zebrafish, egfra depletion increased ST fibers and mitochondrial content. EGF is negatively associated with ST muscle phenotype in mice, healthy humans and COPD patients. EGFR blockade promotes the ST phenotype in myotubes and zebrafish embryos. EGF signaling suppresses the ST phenotype, therefore EGFR inhibitors may be potential treatments for COPD-related muscle ST fiber loss.
Ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier opening enhances delivery of therapeutically relevant formats of a tau-specific antibody
Authors: Janowicz Phillip W. , Leinenga Gerhard , Götz Jürgen , Nisbet Rebecca M.
Published: June 2019

The microtubule-associated protein tau is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies as its aggregation strongly correlates with disease progression and is considered a key mediator of neuronal toxicity. Delivery of most therapeutics to the brain is, however, inefficient, due to their limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therapeutic ultrasound is an emerging non-invasive technology which transiently opens the BBB in a focused manner to allow peripherally delivered molecules to effectively enter the brain. In order to open a large area of the BBB, we developed a scanning ultrasound (SUS) approach by which ultrasound is applied in a sequential pattern across the whole brain. We have previously shown that delivery of an anti-tau antibody in a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) format to the brain is increased with SUS allowing for an enhanced therapeutic effect. Here we compared the delivery of an anti-tau antibody, RN2N, in an scFv, fragment antigen-binding (Fab) and full-sized immunoglobulin G (IgG) format, with and without sonication, into the brain of pR5 tau transgenic mice, a model of tauopathy. Our results revealed that the full-sized IgG reaches a higher concentration in the brain compared with the smaller formats by bypassing renal excretion. No differences in either the ultrasound-mediated uptake or distribution in the brain from the sonication site was observed across the different antibody formats, suggesting that ultrasound can be used to successfully increase the delivery of therapeutic molecules of various sizes into the brain for the treatment of neurological diseases.
Early alterations in a mouse model of Rett syndrome: the GABA developmental shift is abolished at birth
Authors: Lozovaya N. , Nardou R. , Tyzio R. , Chiesa M. , Pons-Bennaceur A. , Eftekhari S. , Bui T.-T. , Billon-Grand M. , Rasero J. , Bonifazi P. , Guimond D. , Gaiarsa J.-L. , Ferrari D. C. , Ben-Ari Y.
Published: June 2019

Genetic mutations of the Methyl-CpG-binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene underlie Rett syndrome (RTT). Developmental processes are often considered to be irrelevant in RTT pathogenesis but neuronal activity at birth has not been recorded. We report that the GABA developmental shift at birth is abolished in CA3 pyramidal neurons of Mecp2−/ymice and the glutamatergic/GABAergic postsynaptic currents (PSCs) ratio is increased. Two weeks later, GABA exerts strong excitatory actions, the glutamatergic/GABAergic PSCs ratio is enhanced, hyper-synchronized activity is present and metabotropic long-term depression (LTD) is impacted. One day before delivery, maternal administration of the NKCC1 chloride importer antagonist bumetanide restored these parameters but not respiratory or weight deficits, nor the onset of mortality. Results suggest that birth is a critical period in RTT with important alterations that can be attenuated by bumetanide raising the possibility of early treatment of the disorder.
Purkinje cell number-correlated cerebrocerebellar circuit anomaly in the valproate model of autism
Authors: Spisák Tamás , Román Viktor , Papp Edit , Kedves Rita , Sághy Katalin , Csölle Cecília Katalin , Varga Anita , Gajári Dávid , Nyitrai Gabriella , Spisák Zsófia , Kincses Zsigmond Tamás , Lévay György , Lendvai Balázs , Czurkó András
Published: June 2019

While cerebellar alterations may play a crucial role in the development of core autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms, their pathophysiology on the function of cerebrocerebellar circuit loops is largely unknown. We combined multimodal MRI (9.4 T) brain assessment of the prenatal rat valproate (VPA) model and correlated immunohistological analysis of the cerebellar Purkinje cell number to address this question. We hypothesized that a suitable functional MRI (fMRI) paradigm might show some altered activity related to disrupted cerebrocerebellar information processing. Two doses of maternal VPA (400 and 600 mg/kg, s.c.) were used. The higher VPA dose induced 3% smaller whole brain volume, the lower dose induced 2% smaller whole brain volume and additionally a focal gray matter density decrease in the cerebellum and brainstem. Increased cortical BOLD responses to whisker stimulation were detected in both VPA groups, but it was more pronounced and extended to cerebellar regions in the 400 mg/kg VPA group. Immunohistological analysis revealed a decreased number of Purkinje cells in both VPA groups. In a detailed analysis, we revealed that the Purkinje cell number interacts with the cerebral BOLD response distinctively in the two VPA groups that highlights atypical function of the cerebrocerebellar circuit loops with potential translational value as an ASD biomarker.
Automatic classification of IgA endomysial antibody test for celiac disease: a new method deploying machine learning
Authors: Caetano dos Santos Florentino Luciano , Michalek Irmina Maria , Laurila Kaija , Kaukinen Katri , Hyttinen Jari , Lindfors Katri
Published: June 2019

Widespread use of endomysial autoantibody (EmA) test in diagnostics of celiac disease is limited due to its subjectivity and its requirement of an expert evaluator. The study aimed to determine whether machine learning can be applied to create a new observer-independent method of automatic assessment and classification of the EmA test for celiac disease. The study material comprised of 2597 high-quality IgA-class EmA images collected in 2017–2018. According to standard procedure, highly-experienced professional classified samples into the following four classes: I - positive, II - negative, III - IgA deficient, and IV - equivocal. Machine learning was deployed to create a classification model. The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 82.84% and 99.40%, respectively. The accuracy was 96.80%. The classification error was 3.20%. The area under the curve was 99.67%, 99.61%, 100%, and 99.89%, for I, II, III, and IV class, respectively. The mean assessment time per image was 16.11 seconds. This is the first study deploying machine learning for the automatic classification of IgA-class EmA test for celiac disease. The results indicate that using machine learning enables quick and precise EmA test analysis that can be further developed to simplify EmA analysis.
A comprehensive, multiscale framework for evaluation of arrhythmias arising from cell therapy in the whole post-myocardial infarcted heart
Authors: Yu Joseph K. , Franceschi William , Huang Qinwen , Pashakhanloo Farhad , Boyle Patrick M. , Trayanova Natalia A.
Published: June 2019

Direct remuscularization approaches to cell-based heart repair seek to restore ventricular contractility following myocardial infarction (MI) by introducing new cardiomyocytes (CMs) to replace lost or injured ones. However, despite promising improvements in cardiac function, high incidences of ventricular arrhythmias have been observed in animal models of MI injected with pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (PSC-CMs). The mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis remain unclear. Here, we present a comprehensive framework for computational modeling of direct remuscularization approaches to cell therapy. Our multiscale 3D whole-heart modeling framework integrates realistic representations of cell delivery and transdifferentiation therapy modalities as well as representation of spatial distributions of engrafted cells, enabling simulation of clinical therapy and the prediction of emergent electrophysiological behavior and arrhythmogenensis. We employ this framework to explore how varying parameters of cell delivery and transdifferentiation could result in three mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis: focal ectopy, heart block, and reentry.
The CYPome of the model xenobiotic-biotransforming fungus Cunninghamella elegans
Authors: Palmer-Brown William , Miranda-CasoLuengo Raúl , Wolfe Kenneth H. , Byrne Kevin P. , Murphy Cormac D.
Published: June 2019

The fungus Cunninghamella elegans is recognised as a microbial model of mammalian drug metabolism owing to its ability to catabolise xenobiotic compounds in an analogous fashion to animals. Its ability to produce phase I (oxidative) metabolites of drugs is associated with cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity; however, almost nothing is known about these enzymes in the fungus. In this paper we report the in silico analysis of the genome sequence of C. elegans B9769, which contains 32 genes putatively coding for CYPs. Based on their predicted amino acid sequences these were classified as belonging to CYP509, 5203, 5208, 5313, 5210, 61 and 51 families. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed that the gene coding for CYP5313D1 was significantly upregulated when C. elegans DSM1908 was cultivated in sabouraud dextrose in contrast to its expression in cells grown in Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium. This corresponded to the fungus’ xenobiotic biotransformation ability when grown in the two media. Heterologous expression of cyp5313D1 in Pichia pastoris resulted in a recombinant strain that biotransformed flurbiprofen to 4′-hydroxyflurbiprofen, the same metabolite generated by C. elegans cultures. This is the first report of a xenobiotic-biotransforming CYP from this biotechnologically important fungus.
A 3-D Projection Model for X-ray Dark-field Imaging
Authors: Felsner Lina , Hu Shiyang , Maier Andreas , Bopp Johannes , Ludwig Veronika , Anton Gisela , Riess Christian
Published: June 2019

The X-ray dark-field signal can be measured with a grating-based Talbot-Lau interferometer. It measures small angle scattering of micrometer-sized oriented structures. Interestingly, the signal is a function not only of the material, but also of the relative orientation of the sample, the X-ray beam direction, and the direction of the interferometer sensitivity. This property is very interesting for potential tomographically reconstructing structures below the imaging resolution. However, tomographic reconstruction itself is a substantial challenge. A key step of the reconstruction algorithm is the inversion of a forward projection model. In this work, we propose a very general 3-D projection model. We derive the projection model under the assumption that the observed scatter distribution has a Gaussian shape. We theoretically show the consistency of our model with existing, more constrained 2-D models. Furthermore, we experimentally show the compatibility of our model with simulations and real dark-field measurements. We believe that this 3-D projection model is an important step towards more flexible trajectories and, by extension, dark-field imaging protocols that are much better applicable in practice.
Production of Fungal Phytases from Agroindustrial Byproducts for Pig Diets
Authors: Pires Elizabeth Bárbara Epalanga , de Freitas Anderson Junior , Souza Fernanda França e , Salgado Rafael Locatelli , Guimarães Valéria Monteze , Pereira Francisco Alves , Eller Monique Renon
Published: June 2019

The application of phytases for animal feed in developing countries is limited due to the high cost of these enzymes, determined by the importation fees and the expensive substrates used for their production. In this work, we have used agroindustrial byproducts for the production of extracts containing phytases, which were accessed for their stability focusing on the conditions found in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs. The fungus Acremonim zeae presented higher phytase production in medium containing cornmeal, while the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus produced 10-fold more phytase when cultivated on rice bran. Process optimization increased the difference in productivity to more than 300 fold. The phytase from A. zeae was thermostable, with higher activity at neutral pH and 50 °C, but was inhibited at pH 2.5 and by various ions. The phytase activity in the K. marxianus extract was stable at a wide range of conditions, which indicates the presence of at least two enzymes. As far as we know, this manuscript describes for the first time the phytase production and the characteristics of the extracts produced by both these microbial species. These enzymes could be produced at low cost and have potential to replace enzymes currently imported for this purpose.
Conformational changes influence clogging behavior of micrometer-sized microgels in idealized multiple constrictions
Authors: Bouhid de Aguiar Izabella , Meireles Martine , Bouchoux Antoine , Schroën Karin
Published: June 2019

Clogging of porous media by soft particles has become a subject of extensive research in the last years and the understanding of the clogging mechanisms is of great importance for process optimization. The rise in the utilization of microfluidic devices brought the possibility to simulate membrane filtration and perform in situ observations of the pore clogging mechanisms with the aid of high speed cameras. In this work, we use microfluidic devices composed by an array of parallel channels to observe the clogging behavior of micrometer sized microgels. It is important to note that the microgels are larger than the pores/constrictions. We quantify the clog propensity in relation to the clogging position and particle size and find that the majority of the microgels clog at the first constriction independently of particle size and constriction entrance angle. We also quantify the variations in shape and volume (2D projection) of the microgels in relation to particle size and constriction entrance angle. We find that the degree of deformation increases with particle size and is dependent of constriction entrance angle, whereas, changes in volume do not depend on entrance angle.
Recent changes in the South America low-level jet
Authors: Jones Charles
Published: June 2019

The South America Low-level Jet (SALLJ) is a climatological feature with a critical role in the spatiotemporal distribution of precipitation in South America. While previous studies have focused on the mechanisms and variability of the SALLJ in the central Andes (i.e., southeast Peru, Bolivia, and Paraguay), the occurrence of the low-level jet in the eastern slopes of the northern Andes (i.e., northeast Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela) and its linkages to the central region have not been previously explored. This study shows that the SALLJ in the northern branch exceeds 10 m s−1 during September–February and the frequency can be as high as in the central region. Moreover, the SALLJ can occur simultaneously or separately in both regions. When the SALLJ is active only in the northern branch, wind speeds are very low from Bolivia towards southeast South America (SESA) and precipitation is significantly reduced (1–4 mm day−1) from climatology. In contrast, precipitation increases over eastern Bolivia by 2–4 mm day−1. Composites suggest that the SALLJ northern branch is forced by a large-scale circulation pattern with the enhancement of the North Atlantic Subtropical High driving northeasterly winds over the northern Andes. Further analysis shows that the frequency and intensity of the SALLJ in the northern Andes has substantially increased in the last 39 years.
Nanoscale transfer of angular momentum mediated by the Casimir torque
Authors: Sanders Stephen , Kort-Kamp Wilton J. M. , Dalvit Diego A. R. , Manjavacas Alejandro
Published: June 2019

Casimir interactions play an important role in the dynamics of nanoscale objects. Here, we investigate the noncontact transfer of angular momentum at the nanoscale through the analysis of the Casimir torque acting on a chain of rotating nanoparticles. We show that this interaction, which arises from the vacuum and thermal fluctuations of the electromagnetic field, enables an efficient transfer of angular momentum between the elements of the chain. Working within the framework of fluctuational electrodynamics, we derive analytical expressions for the Casimir torque acting on each nanoparticle in the chain, which we use to study the synchronization of chains with different geometries and to predict unexpected dynamics, including a “rattleback”-like behavior. Our results provide insights into the Casimir torque and how it can be exploited to achieve efficient noncontact transfer of angular momentum at the nanoscale, and therefore have important implications for the control and manipulation of nanomechanical devices.
Repair activity and crystal adhesion inhibition of polysaccharides with different molecular weights from red algae Porphyra yezoensis against oxalate-induced oxidative damage in renal epithelial cells
Authors: Sun Xin-Yuan , Zhang Hui , Liu Jie , Ouyang Jian-Ming
Published: June 2019

Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide repaired oxalate-injured renal epithelial cells and decreased COM crystal adhesion on the cell surface.
Mn-Doping level dependence on the magnetic response of MnxFe3−xO4 ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Lasheras Xabier , Insausti Maite , de la Fuente Jesús Martínez , Gil de Muro Izaskun , Castellanos-Rubio Idoia , Marcano Lourdes , Fernández-Gubieda Maria Luisa , Serrano Aida , Martín-Rodríguez Rosa , Garaio Eneko , García Jose Angel , Lezama Luis
Published: June 2019

Manganese/iron ferrite nanoparticles with different Mn2+/3+ doping grades have been prepared by a thermal decomposition optimized approach so as to ascertain the doping effect on the magnetic hyperthermia response.
A new proton-conducting Bi-carboxylate framework
Authors: Vilela Sérgio M. F. , Devic Thomas , Várez Alejandro , Salles Fabrice , Horcajada Patricia
Published: June 2019

A new robust Bi-carboxylate metal–organic framework (MOF) IEF-2 was hydrothermally prepared, acting as a proton carrier (σ ∼ 1.1 × 10−4 S cm−1).
Differential toxicity of anatase and rutile TiO2nanoparticles to the antioxidant enzyme system and metabolic activities of freshwater biofilms based on microelectrodes and fluorescencein situhybridization
Authors: Wang Peifang , Li Kun , Qian Jin , Wang Chao , Lu Bianhe , Tian Xin , Jin Wen , He Xixian
Published: June 2019

A first attempt to compare the eco-toxicities of An-NPs and Ru-NPs to freshwater biofilms in terms of the spatiotemporal microenvironment.
Emerging modes-of-action in drug discovery
Authors: Valeur Eric , Narjes Frank , Ottmann Christian , Plowright Alleyn T.
Published: June 2019

An increasing focus on complex biology to cure diseases rather than merely treat symptoms is transforming how drug discovery can be approached, and expands the arsenal of drug modalities and modes-of-actions that can be leveraged to modify diseases.
Correction: From linked open data to molecular interaction: studying selectivity trends for ligands of the human serotonin and dopamine transporter
Authors: Zdrazil Barbara , Hellsberg Eva , Viereck Michael , Ecker Gerhard F.
Published: June 2019

Correction for 'From linked open data to molecular interaction: studying selectivity trends for ligands of the human serotonin and dopamine transporter’ by Barbara Zdrazil et al., Med. Chem. Commun., 2016, 7, 1819–1831.
Suppression of electron trapping by quantum dot emitters using a grafted polystyrene shell
Authors: Khodabakhshi Elham , Klöckner Benjamin , Zentel Rudolf , Michels Jasper J. , Blom Paul W. M.
Published: June 2019

Reduced electron trapping by a quantum dot using a thin polystyrene (PS) insulating shell with controllable thickness.
Generalized way to make temperature tunable conductor–insulator transition liquid metal composites in a diverse range
Authors: Chen Sen , Wang Hong-Zhang , Sun Xu-Yang , Wang Qian , Wang Xiang-Jiang , Chen Liu-Biao , Zhang Lun-Jia , Guo Rui , Liu Jing
Published: June 2019

Liquid materials with the ability to transit between conductor and insulator are of great scientific and practical significance.
Optomagnetic plasmonic nanocircuits
Authors: Al-Baiaty Zahraa , Cumming Benjamin P. , Gan Xiaosong , Gu Min
Published: June 2019

Optomagnetic plasmonic nanocircuitry for directing and processing the readout of electron spins of nitrogen vacancy centres in nanodiamonds.
Improved synthesis of the bifunctional chelator p-SCN-Bn-HOPO
Authors: Bhupathiraju N. V. S. Dinesh K. , Younes Ali , Cao Minhua , Ali Jafar , Cicek Huseyin T. , Tully Kathryn M. , Ponnala Shashikanth , Babich John W. , Deri Melissa A. , Lewis Jason S. , Francesconi Lynn C. , Drain Charles Michael
Published: June 2019

An improved high yield synthesis of bifunctional HOPO ligand that enables diverse applications in biomedicine including 89Zr PET imaging.
Improvement of the versatility of an arabinofuranosidase against galactofuranose for the synthesis of galactofuranoconjugates
Authors: Pavic Quentin , Pillot Aline , Tasseau Olivier , Legentil Laurent , Tranchimand Sylvain
Published: June 2019

A new performant biocatalyst was developed for the synthesis ofO-,S- and acyl-galactofuranoconjugates.
Copper-catalyzed borylation of cycloalkylsilyl peroxides via radical C–C bond cleavage
Authors: Yang Jun-Cheng , Chen Lei , Yang Fan , Li Pengfei , Guo Li-Na
Published: June 2019

A mild copper-catalyzed radical C–C bond cleavage/borylation of cycloalkylsilyl peroxides is described. A range of four to eight, and even twelve-membered substrates were compatible, offering rapid access to keto-functionalized alkyl boronic esters.
Isolation, structure elucidation, and synthesis of (±)-millpuline A with a suppressive effect in miR-144 expression
Authors: Wang Wenli , Tang Yingzhan , Liu Yongxiang , Yuan Lei , Wang Jian , Lin Bin , Zhou Di , Sun Lu , Huang Renbin , Chen Gang , Li Ning
Published: June 2019

A pair of natural biflavone enantiomers stereo-selectively inhibit pre-miR-144 dicing to modulate the miR-144-3p/Nrf2 pathway.
Sequential therapy for pancreatic cancer by losartan- and gemcitabine-loaded magnetic mesoporous spheres
Authors: Li Yanjun , Tang Yuxia , Chen Sui , Liu Ying , Wang Shouju , Tian Ying , Wang Chunyan , Teng Zhaogang , Lu Guangming
Published: June 2019

Sequential therapy has attracted increasing attention for cancer treatment, in which multiple drugs can be used to enhance the therapeutic efficacy.
Toward heterostructured transition metal hybrids with highly promoted electrochemical hydrogen evolution
Authors: Gao Guanhui , Xie Xiaobin , Kang Shendong , Lei Yanhua , Trampert Achim , Cai Lintao
Published: June 2019

Low-cost and sustainable transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures are developed via a hydrothermal approach, which could greatly promote their electrochemical properties for HER performance as electrocatalysts.
A two-dimensional MoS2/C3N broken-gap heterostructure, a first principles study
Authors: Yang Yaxiao , Wang Zhiguo
Published: June 2019

van der Waals (vdW) heterojunctions are of interest in two-dimensional electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Green process to regenerate keratin from feathers with an aqueous deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Nuutinen Emmi-Maria , Willberg-Keyriläinen Pia , Virtanen Tommi , Mija Alice , Kuutti Lauri , Lantto Raija , Jääskeläinen Anna-Stiina
Published: June 2019

In the present study, waste feathers were processed into uniform keratin feedstock using an aqueous, inexpensive and non-toxic deep eutectic solvent.
Preparation and antimicrobial activity of thyme essential oil microcapsules prepared with gum arabic
Authors: Cai Chenchen , Ma Ruijia , Duan Mengwen , Lu Dengjun
Published: June 2019

The gum arabic was, for the first time, used as an emulsifier for microcapsulation of essential oil.
Effects of deacetylation of konjac glucomannan on the physico-chemical properties of surimi gels from silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
Authors: Yuan Li , Yu Jiamei , Mu Jianlou , Shi Tong , Sun Quancai , Jin Wengang , Gao Ruichang
Published: June 2019

This work studied the effects of KGM with different degrees of deacetylation (DDs) on the physicochemical properties of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) surimi gels.
Notoamide-type alkaloid induced apoptosis and autophagyviaa P38/JNK signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Hu Likun , Zhang Ting , Liu Dong , Guan Guiwen , Huang Jian , Proksch Peter , Chen Xiangmei , Lin Wenhan
Published: June 2019

Eleven notoamides including four new congeners were isolated fromAspergillus ochraceus. Notoamide G inhibited the viability of hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines by regulation of apoptosis and autophagy through P38/JNK signaling pathway.
Metastable monoclinic [110] layered perovskite Dy2Ti2O7 thin films for ferroelectric applications
Authors: Pravarthana D. , Lebedev O. I. , David A. , Fouchet A. , Trassin M. , Rohrer G. S. , Salvador P. A. , Prellier W.
Published: June 2019

Using the Combinatorial Substrate Epitaxy (CSE) approach, we report the stabilization of Dy2Ti2O7 epitaxial monoclinic, layered-perovskite phase Dy2Ti2O7 thin films.
Adhesion strength and viscoelastic properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based elastomeric nanocomposites with embedded electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Deshpande Tushar D. , Singh Yogesh R. G. , Patil Sandip , Joshi Yogesh M. , Sharma Ashutosh
Published: June 2019

In the present study, the adhesive and viscoelastic properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based nanocomposite pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) with embedded electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers as fillers were investigated.
Investigation of the influence of pressurized CO2 on the crystal growth of poly(l-lactic acid) by using an in situ high-pressure optical system
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhao Guoqun , Wang Guilong
Published: June 2019

The rhythmic growth of the bamboo-like branch of PLLA crystals under pressurized CO2.
Relative contributions of chain density and topology to the elasticity of two-dimensional polymer networks
Authors: Alamé Ghadeer , Brassart Laurence
Published: June 2019

Discrete networks simulations are conducted to decorrelate the effects of density and topology on the elasticity of near-ideal random networks.
In situ formed polymer gel electrolytes for lithium batteries with inherent thermal shutdown safety features
Authors: Zhou Hongyao , Liu Haodong , Li Yejing , Yue Xiujun , Wang Xuefeng , Gonzalez Matthew , Meng Ying Shirley , Liu Ping
Published: June 2019

An in situ formed poly(vinylene carbonate)–lithium iodide gel electrolyte enables stable cycling of lithium metal and a thermal shutdown function.
Heterostructured Sn/SnO2−x nanotube peapods with a strong plasmonic effect for photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Li Yueying , Wang Jian-Gan , Hua Wei , Liu Huanyan , Wei Bingqing
Published: June 2019

The strong plasmonic effect of non-precious metallic Sn embedded within SnO2−x nanotubes is applied to enhance the PEC performance of SnO2.
Electron distribution tuning of fluorine-doped carbon for ammonia electrosynthesis
Authors: Yuan Di , Wei Zengxi , Han Peng , Yang Chao , Huang Linsong , Gu Zhengxiang , Ding Yu , Ma Jianmin , Zheng Gengfeng
Published: June 2019

Fluorine-doped carbon enables the tuning of electron distribution, providing positively charged carbon sites with enhanced N2 adsorption and subsequent electroreduction.
Flexible solvent-free supercapacitors with high energy density enabled by electrical-ionic hybrid polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Chi Cheng , Li Yang , Li Dezhao , Huang He , Wang Qi , Yang Yuewang , Huang Baoling
Published: June 2019

The incorporation of polymer solid electrolytes into GO/CNT electrodes significantly improves interfacial contact, boosting the performance of the solvent-free flexible supercapacitor.
Engineering FeCo alloy@N-doped carbon layers by directly pyrolyzing Prussian blue analogue: new peroxidase mimetic for chemiluminescence glucose biosensing
Authors: Lu Yuwan , Zhang Xiaodan , Mao Xuanxiang , Huang Yuming
Published: June 2019

Direct pyrolysis of a Prussian blue analogue produced FeCo@NC with high and stable peroxidase-like activity, which catalyzes luminol oxidation by H2O2 to generate strong CL emission, and this finding results in a new CL biosensor for glucose.
A flexible, adhesive and self-healable hydrogel-based wearable strain sensor for human motion and physiological signal monitoring
Authors: Xia Shan , Song Shixin , Jia Fei , Gao Guanghui
Published: June 2019

A flexible and wearable sensor is prepared to monitor human motions such as joint motion, speaking, breathing, and slight blood pulsation.
Catalyst free N-doped carbon nanotube arrays based on a ZnO nanorod template with high performance field emission
Authors: Li Mengjie , Luo Haijun , Qian Weijin , Huang Weijun , Wan Li , Dong Changkun
Published: June 2019

Nitrogen doped carbon nanotube arrays (NCNTA) were synthesized by a catalyst-free chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method using ZnO nanorod arrays as a template.
Tuning the emissive characteristics of TADF emitters by fusing heterocycles with acridine as donors: highly efficient orange to red organic light-emitting diodes with EQE over 20%
Authors: Chen Tianheng , Lu Chen-Han , Huang Chih-Wei , Zeng Xuan , Gao Jie , Chen Zhanxiang , Xiang Yepeng , Zeng Weixuan , Huang Zhongyan , Gong Shaolong , Wu Chung-Chih , Yang Chuluo
Published: June 2019

Regulated by the fused heterocyclic units on the frame of acridine, two TADF emitters showed very different emissions from orange to pure red and excellent OLED performances.
Heterozygous RHO p.R135W missense mutation in a large Han-Chinese family with retinitis pigmentosa and different refractive errors
Authors: Wu Yuan , Guo Yi , Yi Junhui , Xu Hongbo , Yuan Lamei , Yang Zhijian , Deng Hao
Published: June 2019

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), the most common type of inherited retinal degeneration causing blindness, initially manifests as severely impaired rod function followed by deteriorating cone function. Mutations in the rhodopsin gene (RHO) are the most common cause of autosomal dominant RP (adRP). The present study aims to identify the disease-causing mutation in a numerous, four-generation Han-Chinese family with adRP detected by whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Afflicted family members present classic adRP along with heterogeneous clinical phenotypes including differing refractive errors, cataracts, astigmatism and epiretinal membranes. A missense mutation, c.403C>T (p.R135W), in the RHO gene was identified in nine subjects and it co-segregated with family members. The mutation is predicted to be disease-causing and results in rhodopsin protein abnormalities. The present study extends the genotype–phenotype relationship between RHO gene mutations and adRP clinical findings. The results have implications for familial genetic counseling, clinical management and developing RP target gene therapy strategies.