bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Modification of KF Immobilized on Spherical Magnetite Nanoparticle with CTAB for Glycerol Carbonate Production
Authors: Zhu Mengnan , Yue Chengguang , Zhang Pingbo , Fan Mingming , Jiang Pingping , Dong Yuming , Sun Wenjuan
Published: January 2019

Catalytic transesterification, with high conversion and selectivity, promoted by supported KF in glycerol and dimethyl carbonate under mild condition, is reported. In the present study, KF immobilized on hydroxyapatite encapsulated spherical γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized and the catalyst was modified on the surface with CTAB. KF/HAP‐γ‐Fe2O3 was characterized by a series of techniques including CO2‐TPD, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, VSM, FTIR and the contact angle measurement of glycerol. It was demonstrated that the use of CTAB improved the surface wettability of the catalyst and facilitated the contact of the catalyst with the reactants. KF/HAP‐γ‐Fe2O3 exhibited highly efficient catalytic activity with 97.5% yield. With magnetism, the solid base catalyst was easily recovered and reused for five times without significant loss of activity (up to 90%) for the transesterification reaction.
Ciprofloxacin‐Loaded Ceramic/Polymer Composite Coatings on Ti with Improved Antibacterial and Corrosion Resistance Properties for Orthopedic Applications
Authors: Sasireka Asokan , Rajendran Renji , Priya Palanisamy , Raj Vairamuthu
Published: January 2019

Past few decades witnessed the upcoming of osteomyelitis which is a challenging infectious bone disease. Complications related to this infection is encountered by local drug delivery via orthopedic surgery. In this work, TiO2‐SiO2 based bioceramics coatings were fabricated on Ti alloy by anodization method using sulphuric acid and Sodium silicofluoride (SSF) as an electrolyte. Plasma polymerized ethylenediamine (PPEDA) thin film deposited on composites by inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition and followed by ciprofloxacin were used as a model drug by electrodeposition method. The resultant coatings were characterized by FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDAX and AFM techniques. The mechanical behavior of the composite coatings was evaluated using thickness and hardness tester and electrochemical properties were studied in Ringer's solution. Similarly, CIP@PPEDA/TiO2‐SiO2 composite coating on Ti alloy shows good corrosion resistance and better antibacterial efficacy as well as L929 fibroblast cell line, which exhibited a high cell adhesion and high cell viability compared than TiO2‐SiO2 and PPEDA/TiO2‐SiO2 coatings. All these results suggest that, this newly developed composite coating exhibits superior bioactivity and improved anticorrosion performance on Ti specimen and can be a potential candidate for orthopedic applications.
The early history of Annonaceae (Magnoliales) in Southeast Asia suggests floristic exchange between India and Pan‐Indochina by the late Oligocene
Authors: Li Qijia , Shi Gongle , Liu Yusheng , Fu Qiongyao , Jin Jianhua , Quan Cheng
Published: January 2019

The collision between India and Eurasia in the mid‐Palaeogene facilitated terrestrial floristic exchange. However, due to the complexity of this geological event and scarcity of fossil record, the plant migration patterns between the two plates are still highly debated. In this study, we focus on the Oligocene floristic exchange between India and Pan‐Indochina mainly based on a carpological study of Annonaceae, an emblematic family unique in its pantropical distribution and frugivore‐based dispersal strategy. A new seed species, Anonaspermum orientalis sp. nov., is described from the upper Oligocene Yongning Formation of Guangxi, southern China. The species represents the earliest known occurrence of this family in Pan‐Indochina. The specimens are characterized by ovate–elliptic seed shape, thicker seed testa, two‐lobed organization, lamelliform rumination and an obvious cone‐like plug. The palaeobiogeographical reconstruction of Annonaceae indicates that the most parsimonious dispersal scenario for the annonaceous taxon from the late Oligocene of China is the Out‐of‐India route, in parallel with other plant genera inferred to have migrated between India and Pan‐Indochina during that period.
Type-II seesaw scalar triplet model at a 100 TeV pp collider: discovery and higgs portal coupling determination
Authors: Du Yong , Dunbrack Aaron , Ramsey-Musolf Michael J. , Yu Jiang-Hao
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We investigate the collider phenomenology of the scalar triplet particles in the Type-II seesaw model at a 100 TeV pp collider. Depending on triplet vacuum expectation value v
Δ, the dominant discovery channels could be H
++
H
−− and H
±±
H
∓. We find the H
±±
H
∓ → W
±
W
±
hW
∓
/ℓ
±
ℓ
±
hW
∓ channels are promising for both model discovery at relatively large v
Δ and determination of the Higgs portal couplings λ
4 and λ
5. We also find that these two channels are complementary to indirect determination of λ
4 from future precise measurements on h → γγ decay rate. Together with pair production of the doubly-charged Higgs subsequently decaying into same-sign di-leptons, the H
±±
H
∓ channels have the potential to cover a significant portion of the parameter space of the Type-II seesaw complex scalar triplet model.
International capital asset pricing model: the case of asymmetric information and short-sale
Authors: Bellalah Makram , Dammak Fredj Amine
Published: January 2019

We develop an international capital asset pricing model in the presence of shadow costs of incomplete information and short sales. Our model shows the direct effect of exchange rate risk, information costs and short sales costs on asset prices. At equilibrium, this model gives an explicit expression of two systematic risk premium. The first one is linked to the exchange rate. The second one is related to international market risk. Our model explains in part the well-known home bias equity by market segmentation. This model, which is proposed for the first time in the literature, can be seen as an international version of Wu et al. (Rev Quant Finance Account 7:119–136, 1996) and Merton (J Finance 42:483–511, 1987) models of capital market equilibrium in international markets. Our analysis shows that the dispersion in beliefs increases the market inefficiency, and that short sale constraints can reduce the cost of ignorance and the magnitude of the home bias equity. Our model provides an operational approach in asset pricing to take account of previous important costs.
“Portray cultures other than ours”: How children’s literature is being used to support the diversity goals of the Australian Early Years Learning Framework
Authors: Adam Helen , Barratt-Pugh Caroline , Haig Yvonne
Published: January 2019

Catering for diversity within birth to 5-year-old settings continues to be an on-going concern for policy makers and educators worldwide. This research contributes to discussion on the value of children’s literature in achieving international principles of diversity and, in particular, the Principles, Practice and Outcomes outlined in the Australian Early Years Learning Framework. The article considers the selection and use of children’s literature related to diversity, as well as what influences these processes. Seventeen educators from five long day care centres located in or near the Perth metropolitan area participated in the study. Data were drawn from interviews and a book audit. The findings revealed educators had limited understandings of the role of literature in acknowledging and valuing diversity and rarely used it to promote the diversity-related outcomes of the EYLF. The key challenges which emerged from the findings concerned beliefs of educators, professional learning and the application of the EYLF in practice.
Maternal dyslipidaemic diet induces sex-specific alterations in intestinal function and lipid metabolism in rat offspring
Authors: Pinheiro Rafael Oliveira , Lins Priscilla Paulo , de Carvalho Jader Luciano Pinto , de Araújo Emmanuel Veríssimo , Alves Adriano Francisco , de Alencar Pereira Ramon , Toscano Lydiane Tavares , Silva Alexandre Sérgio , de Souza Evandro Leite , de Brito Alves José Luiz , de Souza Aquino Jailane
Published: January 2019

This study investigated the effects of a maternal dyslipidaemic (DLP) diet on lipid metabolism, microbial counts in faeces and hepatic and intestinal morphology in rat offspring with respect to sex during different phases of life. Wistar rats (dams) were fed a control (CTL) or DLP during gestation and lactation. After weaning, CTL and DLP offspring were fed a standard diet. The effects of a maternal DLP on body composition, biochemical parameters, faecal microbiota and intestinal and hepatic histomorphometric characteristics in rat offspring were evaluated at 30 and 90 d of age. The DLP diet during gestation and lactation caused lower birth weight and a greater weight gain percentage at the end of the 90-d period in both male and female offspring. Female pups from DLP dams had higher liver fat levels compared with CTL (P≤0·001) at 90 d of age. Males from DLP dams had greater visceral fat weight and lowerLactobacillusspp. faecal counts at 90 d of age (P≤0·001) as well as lower faecal fat excretion (P≤0·05) andBacteroidesspp. faecal counts (P≤0·001) at 30 d of age when compared with pups from CTL dams. However, both dams and DLP pups showed damage to intestinal villi. A maternal DLP alters intestinal function and lipid metabolism in a sex-specific manner and is a potential predisposing factor for health complications in offspring from the juvenile period to the adult period.
Reviewing the reablement approach to caring for older people
Authors: Doh Daniel , Smith Ricki , Gevers Paula
Published: January 2019

In this paper we tell of our critical review of reablement – an emerging global practice model in community- and home-based care for older people. Whereas the reablement approach is gaining global acceptance, there are questions and concerns among researchers and policy makers about what reablement means and how it is used in practice. We examined the literature on reablement between 2005 and 2017 using clearly defined inclusion criteria. We focused on identifying within authors’ accounts its essential features and how it is practised. In our examination of conceptualisation, we found nine essential features of reablement, the most predominant being the wish to improve the functionality of clients so they can continue to live in their own homes. Of course, we found variability in policy and geographic contexts, but we were not perturbed by this. Rather, we found the under-representation of social connectivity for clients to be regrettable. We constructed a typology of four theoretical types of reablement to help us reflect on the current state of research and practice, and we tentatively offer this for the consideration of the research, practice and policy communities.
Upscaling urban data science for global climate solutions
Authors: Creutzig Felix , Lohrey Steffen , Bai Xuemei , Baklanov Alexander , Dawson Richard , Dhakal Shobhakar , Lamb William F. , McPhearson Timon , Minx Jan , Munoz Esteban , Walsh Brenna
Published: January 2019

Non-technical summary

Manhattan, Berlin and New Delhi all need to take action to adapt to climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While case studies on these cities provide valuable insights, comparability and scalability remain sidelined. It is therefore timely to review the state-of-the-art in data infrastructures, including earth observations, social media data, and how they could be better integrated to advance climate change science in cities and urban areas. We present three routes for expanding knowledge on global urban areas: mainstreaming data collections, amplifying the use of big data and taking further advantage of computational methods to analyse qualitative data to gain new insights. These data-based approaches have the potential to upscale urban climate solutions and effect change at the global scale.
Überprüfung der Gütekriterien der deutschen Version der Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale in einer klinischen und einer Schülerstichprobe Jugendlicher
Authors: Gutzweiler Raphael , In-Albon Tina
Published: January 2019

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Viele psychische Störungen gehen mit Emotionsregulationsdefiziten einher. Fragestellung: Ziel ist die Überprüfung der Gütekriterien der deutschsprachigen Übersetzung der Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) bei Jugendlichen. Methode: Die DERS und weitere Fragebögen zur Validierung wurden in einer Schülerstichprobe von 324 Jugendlichen ( M = 15.15 Jahre, SD = 1.14, 57 % weiblich) und einer klinischen Stichprobe von 97 Jugendlichen ( M = 16.25 Jahre, SD = 1.28, 83 % weiblich) erhoben. Die Faktorenstruktur wurde mit einer Konfirmatorischen Faktorenanalyse und dem ESEM-Ansatz (Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling) überprüft. Ergebnisse: Die Reliabilität der DERS war in der Schülerstichprobe und in der klinischen Stichprobe sehr gut. Der ESEM-Ansatz ergab eine Sechs-Faktoren-Lösung mit einem zusätzlichen Methodenfaktor. Schlussfolgerungen: Zusammengefasst zeigt sich die DERS als ein geeignetes Verfahren zur Erfassung von Emotionsregulationsschwierigkeiten bei Jugendlichen.
Is Shallow Convection Sensitive to Environmental Heterogeneities?
Authors: Kurowski Marcin J. , Suselj Kay , Grabowski Wojciech W.
Published: January 2019

The key assumption underlying convection parameterizations is that rising plumes develop in a horizontally homogeneous environment. With this in mind, we investigate the impact of environmental cloud layer heterogeneities on shallow convection using large‐eddy simulation that applies a driver‐piggybacker methodology. In this approach, two independent sets of thermodynamic variables (primary and secondary) are driven by one dynamics (coupled with the driver) to remove the impact of internal variability of the dynamical system considered. The two thermodynamic sets include either a realistic heterogeneous environment or an environment that is homogenized outside clouds. The key is that homogenization also excludes subsiding shells surrounding cumulus clouds. The results show a small impact of the homogenization on cloud field properties. The physical explanation highlights the role of the subsiding shell shielding a shallow cumulus cloud from its environment.
Paleogeotherms of a Midcrustal to Upper‐Crustal Profile Across the Northern North China Block: Implications for the Thermal Structure of Continental Arcs
Authors: Zhang Shuan‐Hong , Zhao Yue , Pei Jun‐Ling , Zhang Qi‐Qi , Miggins Daniel P. , Koppers Anthony A. P.
Published: January 2019

The Inner Mongolia Paleo‐uplift along the northern margin of the North China Block represents an exhumed midcrustal to upper‐crustal root of a Late Carboniferous‐Permian Andean‐type continental arc. Here we present the new zircon U‐Pb and hornblende/biotite 40Ar/39Ar ages of seven samples from the exhumed midcrustal to upper‐crustal basement rocks and arc plutons across the northern North China arc, with an aim to examine the thermal structure and paleogeothermal gradients of the arc and its retroarc foreland basin. Our results indicate that the midcrust to upper crust (approx. 14 to 19‐km depth) beneath the northern North China arc remained warm (>530 °C) during arc construction at 320–260 Ma and the average paleogeothermal gradients in midcrustal to upper‐crustal levels in the central part of the arc are 37.0–44.5 °C/km. This warm continental crust and high paleogeothermal gradients resulted in widespread thermal disturbance of the Archean‐Paleoproterozoic basement rocks and slow cooling rates of arc batholiths and may have played dominant roles in the deformation and crustal thickening of the North China arc and other continental arcs around the world. In contrast, the midcrust to upper crust beneath the retroarc foreland basin remained cold (<280 °C) during arc construction, and the average paleogeothermal gradients in midcrustal to upper‐crustal levels are <21.5 °C/km. Our results also show that the average paleogeothermal gradients in midcrustal to upper‐crustal levels during arc construction decrease significantly from the central part to the southern margin of the arc, which was most likely related to the northward migration of the continental arc due to the rollback of the Paleo‐Asian oceanic slab.
Highly twisted supercoils for superelastic multi-functional fibres
Authors: Son Wonkyeong , Chun Sungwoo , Lee Jae Myeong , Lee Yourack , Park Jeongmin , Suh Dongseok , Lee Duck Weon , Jung Hachul , Kim Young-Jin , Kim Younghoon , Jeong Soon Moon , Lim Sang Kyoo , Choi Changsoon
Published: January 2019

Highly deformable and electrically conductive fibres with multiple functionalities may be useful for diverse applications. Here we report on a supercoil structure (i.e. coiling of a coil) of fibres fabricated by inserting a giant twist into spandex-core fibres wrapped in a carbon nanotube sheath. The resulting supercoiled fibres show a highly ordered and compact structure along the fibre direction, which can sustain up to 1,500% elastic deformation. The supercoiled fibre exhibits an increase in resistance of 4.2% for stretching of 1,000% when overcoated by a passivation layer. Moreover, by incorporating pseudocapacitive-active materials, we demonstrate the existence of superelastic supercapacitors with high linear and areal capacitance values of 21.7 mF cm-1and 92.1 mF cm-2, respectively, that can be reversibly stretched by 1,000% without significant capacitance loss. The supercoiled fibre can also function as an electrothermal artificial muscle, contracting 4.2% (percentage of loaded fibre length) when 0.45 V mm-1is applied.
Loss-of-function mutations in QRICH2 cause male infertility with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella
Authors: Shen Ying , Zhang Feng , Li Fuping , Jiang Xiaohui , Yang Yihong , Li Xiaoliang , Li Weiyu , Wang Xiang , Cheng Juan , Liu Mohan , Zhang Xueguang , Yuan Guiping , Pei Xue , Cai Kailai , Hu Fengyun , Sun Jianfeng , Yan Lanzhen , Tang Li , Jiang Chuan , Tu Wenling , Xu Jinyan , Wu Haojuan , Kong Weiqi , Li Shuying , Wang Ke , Sheng Kai , Zhao Xudong , Yue Huanxun , Yang Xiaoyu , Xu Wenming
Published: January 2019

Aberrant sperm flagella impair sperm motility and cause male infertility, yet the genes which have been identified in multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) can only explain the pathogenic mechanisms of MMAF in a small number of cases. Here, we identify and functionally characterize homozygous loss-of-function mutations of QRICH2 in two infertile males with MMAF from two consanguineous families. Remarkably, Qrich2 knock-out (KO) male mice constructed by CRISPR-Cas9 technology present MMAF phenotypes and sterility. To elucidate the mechanisms of Qrich2 functioning in sperm flagellar formation, we perform proteomic analysis on the testes of KO and wild-type mice. Furthermore, in vitro experiments indicate that QRICH2 is involved in sperm flagellar development through stabilizing and enhancing the expression of proteins related to flagellar development. Our findings strongly suggest that the genetic mutations of human QRICH2 can lead to male infertility with MMAF and that QRICH2 is essential for sperm flagellar formation.
Structure of the error-prone DNA ligase of African swine fever virus identifies critical active site residues
Authors: Chen Yiqing , Liu Hehua , Yang Chun , Gao Yanqing , Yu Xiang , Chen Xi , Cui Ruixue , Zheng Lina , Li Suhua , Li Xuhang , Ma Jinbiao , Huang Zhen , Li Jixi , Gan Jianhua
Published: January 2019

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is contagious and can cause highly lethal disease in pigs. ASFV DNA ligase (AsfvLIG) is one of the most error-prone ligases identified to date; it catalyzes DNA joining reaction during DNA repair process of ASFV and plays important roles in mutagenesis of the viral genome. Here, we report four AsfvLIG:DNA complex structures and demonstrate that AsfvLIG has a unique N-terminal domain (NTD) that plays critical roles in substrate binding and catalytic complex assembly. In combination with mutagenesis, in vitro binding and catalytic assays, our study reveals that four unique active site residues (Asn153 and Leu211 of the AD domain; Leu402 and Gln403 of the OB domain) are crucial for the catalytic efficiency of AsfvLIG. These unique structural features can serve as potential targets for small molecule design, which could impair genome repair in ASFV and help combat this virus in the future.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of CKIN/SnRK gene family in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Colina Francisco , Amaral Joana , Carbó María , Pinto Gloria , Soares Amadeu , Cañal María Jesús , Valledor Luis
Published: January 2019

The SnRK (Snf1-Related protein Kinase) gene family plays an important role in energy sensing and stress-adaptive responses in plant systems. In this study, Chlamydomonas CKIN family (SnRK in Arabidopsis) was defined after a genome-wide analysis of all sequenced Chlorophytes. Twenty-two sequences were defined as plant SnRK orthologs in Chlamydomonas and classified into two subfamilies: CKIN1 and CKIN2. While CKIN1 subfamily is reduced to one conserved member and a close protein (CKIN1L), a large CKIN2 subfamily clusters both plant-like and algae specific CKIN2s. The responsiveness of these genes to abiotic stress situations was tested by RT-qPCR. Results showed that almost all elements were sensitive to osmotic stress while showing different degrees of sensibility to other abiotic stresses, as occurs in land plants, revealing their specialization and the family pleiotropy for some elements. The regulatory pathway of this family may differ from land plants since these sequences shows unique regulatory features and some of them are sensitive to ABA, despite conserved ABA receptors (PYR/PYL/RCAR) and regulatory domains are not present in this species. Core Chlorophytes and land plant showed divergent stress signalling, but SnRKs/CKINs share the same role in cell survival and stress response and adaption including the accumulation of specific biomolecules. This fact places the CKIN family as well-suited target for bioengineering-based studies in microalgae (accumulation of sugars, lipids, secondary metabolites), while promising new findings in stress biology and specially in the evolution of ABA-signalling mechanisms.
Deciphering the Potential Pharmaceutical Mechanism of GUI-ZHI-FU-LING-WAN on Systemic Sclerosis based on Systems Biology Approaches
Authors: Wang Qiao , Shi Guoshan , Zhang Yun , Lu Feilong , Xie Duoli , Wen Chengping , Huang Lin
Published: January 2019

Systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) is a complicated idiopathic connective tissue disease with seldom effective treatment. GUI-ZHI-FU-LING-WAN (GFW) is a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula widely used for the treatment of SSc. However, the mechanism of how the GFW affects SSc remains unclear. In this study, the system biology approach was utilized to analyze herb compounds and related targets to get the general information of GFW. The KEGG enrichment analysis of 1645 related targets suggested that the formula is involved in the VEGF signaling pathway, the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, etc. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the relationship among the 3 subsets (formula targets, drug targets and disease genes) showed that the formula targets overlapped with 38.0% drug targets and 26.0% proteins encoded by disease genes. Through the analysis of SSc related microarray statistics from the GEO database, we also validated the consistent expression behavior among the 3 subsets before and after treatment. To further reveal the mechanism of prescription, we constructed a network among 3 subsets and decomposed it into 24 modules to decipher how GFW interfere in the progress of SSc. The modules indicated that the intervention may come into effect through following pathogenic processes: vasculopathy, immune dysregulation and tissue fibrosis. Vitro experiments confirmed that GFW could suppress the proliferation of fibroblasts and decrease the Th1 cytokine (TNF-α, MIP-2 and IL-6) expression for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and bleomycin (BLM) stimulation in macrophages, which is consistent with previous conclusion that GFW is able to relieve SSc. The systems biology approach provides a new insight for deepening understanding about TCM.
Graphene Oxide as a Multifunctional Platform for Intracellular Delivery, Imaging, and Cancer Sensing
Authors: Campbell E. , Hasan Md. Tanvir , Pho Christine , Callaghan K. , Akkaraju G. R. , Naumov A. V.
Published: January 2019

Graphene oxide (GO), the most common derivative of graphene, is an exceptional nanomaterial that possesses multiple physical properties critical for biomedical applications. GO exhibits pH-dependent fluorescence emission in the visible/near-infrared, providing a possibility of molecular imaging and pH-sensing. It is also water soluble and has a substantial platform for functionalization, allowing for the delivery of multiple therapeutics. GO physical properties are modified to enhance cellular internalization, producing fluorescent nanoflakes with low (<15%) cytotoxicity at the imaging concentrations of 15 μg/mL. As a result, at lower flake sizes GO rapidly internalizes into HeLa cells with the following 70% fluorescence based clearance at 24 h, assessed by its characteristic emission in red/near-IR. pH-dependence of GO emission is utilized to provide the sensing of acidic extracellular environments of cancer cells. The results demonstrate diminishing green/red (550/630 nm) fluorescence intensity ratios for HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cells in comparison to HEK-293 healthy cells suggesting a potential use of GO as a non-invasive optical sensor for cancer microenvironments. The results of this work demonstrate the potential of GO as a novel multifunctional platform for therapeutic delivery, biological imaging and cancer sensing.
Structural Changes and Operational Deterioration of the Uf Polyethersulfone (Pes) Membrane Due to Chemical Cleaning
Authors: Malczewska Beata , Żak Andrzej
Published: January 2019

Microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes are capable of rejecting most of particulate and colloidal matter from natural water. The major impediment to their applications is fouling caused by contaminants that accumulate on and/or inside the membrane. Therefore, most membranes are subjected to chemical cleaning procedures as one of the methods to control fouling. Exposure to chemical cleaning agents can reduce the performance and lead to the degradation of polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of cleaning agents on the properties of the PES membranes during exposure to short-term foulant and a cleaning agent. The cleaning agents evaluated were NaOH, HCl and NaOCl. The accelerated static cleaning conditions showed significant changes in PES flat sheet membrane properties in case of cleaning with NaOCl. These changes were analyzed using SEM microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, contact angle measurement and hydraulic membrane performance evaluation.
An integrative modeling approach to the age-performance relationship in mammals at the cellular scale
Authors: Berthelot Geoffroy , Bar-Hen Avner , Marck Adrien , Foulonneau Vincent , Douady Stéphane , Noirez Philippe , Zablocki-Thomas Pauline B. , da Silva Antero Juliana , Carter Patrick A. , Di Meglio Jean-Marc , Toussaint Jean-François
Published: January 2019

Physical and cognitive performances change across lifespan. Studying cohorts of individuals in specific age ranges and athletic abilities remains essential in assessing the underlying physiological mechanisms that result in such a drop in performance. This decline is now viewed as a unique phenotypic biomarker and a hallmark of the aging process. The rates of decline are well documented for sets of traits such as running or swimming but only a limited number of studies have examined the developmental and senescent phases together. Moreover, the few attempts to do so are merely descriptive and do not include any meaningful biological features. Here we propose an averaged and deterministic model, based on cell population dynamics, replicative senescence and functionality loss. It describes the age-related change of performance in 17 time-series phenotypic traits, including human physical and cognitive skills, mouse lemur strength, greyhound and thoroughbred speed, and mouse activity. We demonstrate that the estimated age of peak performance occurs in the early part of life (20.5% ± 6.6% of the estimated lifespan) thus emphasizing the asymmetrical nature of the relationship. This model is an initial attempt to relate performance dynamics to cellular dynamics and will lead to more sophisticated models in the future.
Temporal and demographic variation in partial migration of the North Atlantic right whale
Authors: Gowan Timothy A. , Ortega-Ortiz Joel G. , Hostetler Jeffrey A. , Hamilton Philip K. , Knowlton Amy R. , Jackson Katharine A. , George R. Clay , Taylor Cynthia R. , Naessig Patricia J.
Published: January 2019

Animal movement plays a fundamental role in the ecology of migratory species, and understanding migration patterns is required for effective management. To evaluate intrinsic and environmental factors associated with probabilities of endangered North Atlantic right whalesEubalaena glacialismigrating to a wintering ground off the southeastern United States (SEUS), we applied a multistate temporary emigration capture-recapture model to 22 years of photo-identification data. Migration probabilities for juveniles were generally higher yet more variable than those for adults, and non-calving adult females were the least likely group to migrate. The highest migration probabilities for juveniles and adult males coincided with years of relatively high calving rates, following years of higher prey availability in a fall feeding ground. Right whale migration to the SEUS can be classified as condition-dependent partial migration, which includes skipped breeding partial migration for reproductive females, and is likely influenced by tradeoffs among ecological factors such as reproductive costs and foraging opportunities that vary across individuals and time. The high variability in migration reported in this study provides insight into the ecological drivers of migration but presents challenges to right whale monitoring and conservation strategies.
3D printing of sacrificial templates into hierarchical porous materials
Authors: Alison Lauriane , Menasce Stefano , Bouville Florian , Tervoort Elena , Mattich Iacopo , Ofner Alessandro , Studart André R.
Published: January 2019

Hierarchical porous materials are widespread in nature and find an increasing number of applications as catalytic supports, biological scaffolds and lightweight structures. Recent advances in additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies have enabled the digital fabrication of porous materials in the form of lattices, cellular structures and foams across multiple length scales. However, current approaches do not allow for the fast manufacturing of bulk porous materials featuring pore sizes that span broadly from macroscopic dimensions down to the nanoscale. Here, ink formulations are designed and investigated to enable 3D printing of hierarchical materials displaying porosity at the nano-, micro- and macroscales. Pores are generated upon removal of nanodroplets and microscale templates present in the initial ink. Using particles to stabilize the droplet templates is key to obtain Pickering nanoemulsions that can be 3D printed through direct ink writing. The combination of such self-assembled templates with the spatial control offered by the printing process allows for the digital manufacturing of hierarchical materials exhibiting thus far inaccessible multiscale porosity and complex geometries.
N-glycans of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris are of the oligomannosidic type but highly methylated
Authors: Mócsai Réka , Figl Rudolf , Troschl Clemens , Strasser Richard , Svehla Elisabeth , Windwarder Markus , Thader Andreas , Altmann Friedrich
Published: January 2019

Microalgae of the genus Chlorella vulgaris are candidates for the production of lipids for biofuel production. Besides that, Chlorella vulgaris is marketed as protein and vitamin rich food additive. Its potential as a novel expression system for recombinant proteins inspired us to study its asparagine-linked oligosaccharides (N-glycans) by mass spectrometry, chromatography and gas chromatography. Oligomannosidic N-glycans with up to nine mannoses were the structures found in culture collection strains as well as several commercial products. These glycans co-eluted with plant N-glycans in the highly shape selective porous graphitic carbon chromatography. Thus, Chlorella vulgaris generates oligomannosidic N-glycans of the structural type known from land plants and animals. In fact, Man5 (Man5GlcNAc2) served as substrate for GlcNAc-transferase I and a trace of an endogenous structure with terminal GlcNAc was seen. The unusual more linear Man5 structure recently found on glycoproteins of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii occurred - if at all - in traces only. Notably, a majority of the oligomannosidic glycans was multiply O-methylated with 3-O-methyl and 3,6-di-O-methyl mannoses at the non-reducing termini. This modification has so far been neither found on plant nor vertebrate N-glycans. It’s possible immunogenicity raises concerns as to the use of C. vulgaris for production of pharmaceutical glycoproteins.
Modifying the transition temperature, 120 K ≤ Tc ≤ 1150 K, of amorphous Fe90−xCoxSc10 with simultaneous alteration of fluctuation of exchange integral up to zero
Authors: Fang Y. N. , Hahn H. , Kobe S. , Witte R. , Singh S. P. , Feng T. , Ghafari M.
Published: January 2019

Amorphous (a-) Fe90−xCoxSc10 alloys have been produced by rapid quenching from the melt. The Curie temperature, TC, was determined using both mean field theory and Landau’s theory of second-order phase transitions in zero and non-zero external fields. The dependence of TC on the atomic spacing can be explained by the empirical Bethe-Slater curve. The value of TC of a- Fe5Co85Sc10, determined by the above theoretical approaches is 1150 K, which is the highest TC ever measured for amorphous alloys. The flattening of the measured normalized magnetization, M(T)/M(0), as a function of the reduced temperature, T/TC, is explained within the framework of the Handrich- Kobe model. According to this model the fluctuation of the exchange integral is the main reason for the flattening of M(T)/M(0). In the case of a-Fe90Sc10 without Co, however, the fluctuation of the exchange integral is dominant only at zero external field, Bex = 0. At Bex = 9 T, however, the fluctuation of the exchange integral has no conspicuous effect on the reduction of the magnetization. It is shown that at Bex = 9 T the frozen magnetic clusters control the behaviour of the reduced magnetization as function of T/TC. In contrast to other ferromagnetic alloys, where the flattening of M(T)/M(0) is characteristic for an amorphous structure, the a- Fe5Co85Sc10 does not exhibit any trace of the fluctuation of the exchange integral.
Explaining Evaporation-Triggered Wetting Transition Using Local Force Balance Model and Contact Line-Fraction
Authors: Annavarapu Rama Kishore , Kim Sanha , Wang Minghui , Hart A. John , Sojoudi Hossein
Published: January 2019

Understanding wettability and mechanisms of wetting transition are important for design and engineering of superhydrophobic surfaces. There have been numerous studies on the design and fabrication of superhydrophobic and omniphobic surfaces and on the wetting transition mechanisms triggered by liquid evaporation. However, there is a lack of a universal method to examine wetting transition on rough surfaces. Here, we introduce force zones across the droplet base and use a local force balance model to explain wetting transition on engineered nanoporous microstructures, utilizing a critical force per unit length (FPL) value. For the first time, we provide a universal scale using the concept of the critical FPL value which enables comparison of various superhydrophobic surfaces in terms of preventing wetting transition during liquid evaporation. In addition, we establish the concept of contact line-fraction theoretically and experimentally by relating it to area-fraction, which clarifies various arguments about the validity of the Cassie-Baxter equation. We use the contact line-fraction model to explain the droplet contact angles, liquid evaporation modes, and depinning mechanism during liquid evaporation. Finally, we develop a model relating a droplet curvature to conventional beam deflection, providing a framework for engineering pressure stable superhydrophobic surfaces.
Patho- physiological role of BDNF in fibrin clotting
Authors: Amadio Patrizia , Porro Benedetta , Sandrini Leonardo , Fiorelli Susanna , Bonomi Alice , Cavalca Viviana , Brambilla Marta , Camera Marina , Veglia Fabrizio , Tremoli Elena , Barbieri Silvia S.
Published: January 2019

Circulating levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) are lower in coronary heart disease (CHD) than in healthy subjects and are associated with coronary events and mortality. However, the mechanism(s) underling this association is not fully understood. We hypothesize that BDNF may influence fibrin fiber structure and clot stability, favoring clot lysis and thrombus resolution. We showed that recombinant BDNF (rh-BDNF) influenced with clot formation in a concentration-dependent manner in both purified fibrinogen and plasma from healthy subjects. In particular, rh-BDNF reduced the density of fibrin fibers, the maximum clot firmness (MCF) and the maximum clot turbidity, and affected the lysis of clot. In addition, both thrombin and reptilase clotting time were prolonged by rh-BDNF, despite the amount of thrombin formed was greater. Intriguingly, CHD patients had lower levels of BDNF, greater fibrin fibers density, higher MCF than control subjects, and a negative correlation between BDNF and MCF was found. Of note, rh-BDNF markedly modified fibrin clot profile restoring physiological clot morphology in CHD plasma. In conclusion, we provide evidence that low levels of BDNF correlate with the formation of bigger thrombi (in vitro) and that this effect is mediated, at least partially, by the alteration of fibrin fibers formation.
An improved yeast surface display platform for the screening of nanobody immune libraries
Authors: Uchański Tomasz , Zögg Thomas , Yin Jie , Yuan Daopeng , Wohlkönig Alexandre , Fischer Baptiste , Rosenbaum Daniel M. , Kobilka Brian K. , Pardon Els , Steyaert Jan
Published: January 2019

Fusions to the C-terminal end of the Aga2p mating adhesion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been used in many studies for the selection of affinity reagents by yeast display followed by flow cytometric analysis. Here we present an improved yeast display system for the screening of Nanobody immune libraries where we fused the Nanobody to the N-terminal end of Aga2p to avoid steric hindrance between the fused Nanobody and the antigen. Moreover, the display level of a cloned Nanobody on the surface of an individual yeast cell can be monitored through a covalent fluorophore that is attached in a single enzymatic step to an orthogonal acyl carrier protein (ACP). Additionally, the displayed Nanobody can be easily released from the yeast surface and immobilised on solid surfaces for rapid analysis. To prove the generic nature of this novel Nanobody discovery platform, we conveniently selected Nanobodies against three different antigens, including two membrane proteins.
Asymmetric total synthesis of rotenoids via organocatalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution
Authors: Perveen Saima , Yang Shuang , Meng Miao , Xu Weici , Zhang Guoxiang , Fang Xinqiang
Published: January 2019

Increasing effort has been made towards the asymmetric total synthesis of rotenoid natural products owing to their impressive biological and pharmaceutical activities. Here we report the modular asymmetric total synthesis of rotenoid natural products. The concise construction of the cis-fused tetrahydrochromeno[3,4-b]chromene core structure of rotenoids through N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution is achieved, and a series of annulation products containing rotenoid key structures are rapidly assembled using this method. More importantly, the protocol enables the modular synthesis of a variety of rotenoid natural products in a highly convergent fashion, and the concise asymmetric total synthesis of tephrosin, the first asymmetric total synthesis of 12a-hydroxymunduserone, milletosin, and 12a-hydroxyrotenone, and the formal synthesis of deguelin are accomplished.
Single-labeled peptide substrates for detection of protease activity based on the inherent fluorescence quenching ability of Cu2+
Authors: Deng Dehua , Hao Yuanqiang , Yang Ping , Xia Ning , Yu Wenxue , Liu Xiuhua , Liu Lin
Published: January 2019

Single-labeled peptides for protease detection based on the strong ATCUN–Cu2+ interaction and the inherent quenching ability of Cu2+.
Unveiling dual-linkage 3D hexaiminobenzene metal–organic frameworks towards long-lasting advanced reversible Zn–air batteries
Authors: Shinde Sambhaji S. , Lee Chi Ho , Jung Jin-Young , Wagh Nayantara K. , Kim Sung-Hae , Kim Dong-Hyung , Lin Chao , Lee Sang Uck , Lee Jung-Ho
Published: January 2019

Advanced reversible aqueous and flexible ZABs were achieved with 3D dual-linked hexaiminobenzene MOFs.
Highly stable zinc–iodine single flow batteries with super high energy density for stationary energy storage
Authors: Xie Congxin , Liu Yun , Lu Wenjing , Zhang Huamin , Li Xianfeng
Published: January 2019

A zinc–iodine single flow battery with super high energy density was designed and fabricated.
Energy scavenging from ultra-low temperature gradients
Authors: Kishore Ravi Anant , Davis Brenton , Greathouse Jake , Hannon Austin , Emery Kennedy David , Millar Alec , Mittel Daniel , Nozariasbmarz Amin , Kang Min Gyu , Kang Han Byul , Sanghadasa Mohan , Priya Shashank
Published: January 2019

Thermal energy harvesting from natural resources and waste heat is becoming critical due to ever-increasing environmental concerns.
Advances in controlled gas-releasing nanomaterials for therapeutic applications
Authors: Manoharan Divinah , Li Wei-Peng , Yeh Chen-Sheng
Published: January 2019

The use of gases as therapeutic tools for various disease conditions is a hot topic under exploration in the nanomedicine field.
Hybrid carbon nanostructured fibers: stepping stone for intelligent textile-based electronics
Authors: Dhanabalan Sathish Chander , Dhanabalan Balaji , Chen Xing , Ponraj Joice Sophia , Zhang Han
Published: January 2019

The journey of smart textile-based wearable technologies first started with the attachment of sensors to fabrics, followed by embedding sensors in apparels.
A nano-reactor based on PtNi@metal–organic framework composites loaded with polyoxometalates for hydrogenation–esterification tandem reactions
Authors: Chen Luning , Zhang Xibo , Zhou Jinhong , Xie Zhaoxiong , Kuang Qin , Zheng Lansun
Published: January 2019

A nano-reactor based on PtNi@metal–organic framework composites loaded with polyoxometalates were successfully constructed and applied to hydrogenation–esterification tandem reactions.
Identifying a novel anticancer agent with microtubule-stabilizing effects through computational cell-based bioactivity prediction models and bioassays
Authors: Luo Yao , Zeng Ranran , Guo Qingqing , Xu Jianrong , Sun Xiaoou , Wang Ling
Published: January 2019

G03 is a novel anticancer agent with unusual microtubule-stabilizing effects.
Continuous-flow protocol for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure intermediates of anti epilepsy and anti tuberculosis active pharmaceutical ingredients
Authors: Aguiar Renata M. , Leão Raquel A. C. , Mata Alejandro , Cantillo David , Kappe C. Oliver , Miranda Leandro S. M. , de Souza Rodrigo O. M. A.
Published: January 2019

Continuous-flow production of chiral intermediates plays an important role in the development of building blocks for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), being α-amino acids and their derivatives widely applied as building blocks.
Intracellular processing of silica-coated superparamagnetic iron nanoparticles in human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Harrison Richard P. , Chauhan Veeren M. , Onion David , Aylott Jonathan W. , Sottile Virginie
Published: January 2019

Elucidating the intracellular fate of silica-coated superparamagnetic iron nanoparticles (SiMAGs) using fluorescent pH-sensitive nanosensors, super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and particle counting flow cytometry.
Hierarchical TiO2 microspheres composed with nanoparticle-decorated nanorods for the enhanced photovoltaic performance in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: He Xiong , Zhang Jingyu , Guo Yan , Liu Jinghua , Li Xin
Published: January 2019

Hierarchical NP-MS combines the beneficial properties of improved scattering capability, dye loading ability, electron transport and inhibited charge recombination. The photoelectric conversion efficiency up to 7.32% has been obtained.
Hydrothermal synthesis of MoS2 nanosheet loaded TiO2 nanoarrays for enhanced visible light photocatalytic applications
Authors: Zhang Miao , Wang Shun , Li Ziliang , Liu Chunwang , Miao Rui , He Gang , Zhao Min , Xue Jun , Xia Zhiyuan , Wang Yongqi , Sun Zhaoqi , Lv Jianguo
Published: January 2019

A molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheet-decorated titanium dioxide (TiO2) NRA heterojunction composite was fabricated successfully through a two-step hydrothermal approach.
Modification of bio-based β-diketone from wheat straw wax: synthesis of polydentate lipophilic super-chelators for enhanced metal recovery
Authors: Asemave Kaana , Byrne Fergal P. , Clark James H. , Farmer Thomas J. , Hunt Andrew J.
Published: January 2019

Bio-derived lipophilic polydentate chelators have been synthesized and tested for their chelating ability using a range of metal salts of Cu, Co, Ni, Fe, and Cr.
Electrochemical sensor based on a three dimensional nanostructured MoS2 nanosphere-PANI/reduced graphene oxide composite for simultaneous detection of ascorbic acid, dopamine, and uric acid
Authors: Li Shuaihui , Ma Yashen , Liu Yongkang , Xin Gu , Wang Minghua , Zhang Zhihong , Liu Zhongyi
Published: January 2019

A three dimensional (3D) nanostructured composite based on the self-assembly of MoS2 nanospheres and polyaniline (PANI) loaded on reduced graphene oxide (denoted by 3D MoS2-PANI/rGO) was prepared via a feasible one-pot hydrothermal process.
Controlling the shear thickening behavior of suspensions by changing the surface properties of dispersed microspheres
Authors: Chen Yi. , Zhou Yueyun , Pi Hejie , Zeng Guangsheng
Published: January 2019

Investigation of the effect of the surface properties of dispersed particles on the shear thickening behavior of their corresponding suspensions.
Experimental and theoretical evaluation on the antioxidant activity of a copper(ii) complex based on lidocaine and ibuprofen amide-phenanthroline agents
Authors: Tabrizi Leila , Dao Duy Quang , Vu Thuy An
Published: January 2019

The copper(ii) complex of lidocaine and ibuprofen amide-phenanthroline was synthesized and characterized in order to study antioxidant activity by experimental and theoretical evaluations.
Synthesis, crystal structure, self-assembly of C60 derivatives bearing rigid pyridine substituents
Authors: Ai Min , Li Jie , Ji Zijuan , Wang Chuanhui , Li Rui , Dai Wei , Chen Muqing
Published: January 2019

Microstructures of fullerene derivatives formed via self-assembly strategy facilitate the versatile applications of these zero-dimensional molecules.
New high-pressure phases of Fe7N3 and Fe7C3 stable at Earth's core conditions: evidences for carbon–nitrogen isomorphism in Fe-compounds
Authors: Sagatov Nursultan , Gavryushkin Pavel N. , Inerbaev Talgat M. , Litasov Konstantin D.
Published: January 2019

We carried out ab initio calculations on the crystal structure prediction and determination of P–T diagrams within the quasi-harmonic approximation for Fe7N3 and Fe7C3.