bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asc-1 Transporter (SLC7A10): Homology Models And Molecular Dynamics Insights Into The First Steps Of The Transport Mechanism
Authors: Mikou Afaf , Cabayé Alexandre , Goupil Anne , Bertrand Hugues-Olivier , Mothet Jean-Pierre , Acher Francine C.
Published: February 2020

The alanine-serine-cysteine transporter Asc-1 regulates the synaptic availability of d-serine and glycine (the two co-agonists of the NMDA receptor) and is regarded as an important drug target. To shuttle the substrate from the extracellular space to the cytoplasm, this transporter undergoes multiple distinct conformational states. In this work, homology modeling, substrate docking and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to learn more about the transition between the “outward-open” and “outward-open occluded” states. We identified a transition state involving the highly-conserved unwound TM6 region in which the Phe243 flips close to the d-serine substrate without major movements of TM6. This feature and those of other key residues are proposed to control the binding site and substrate translocation. Competitive inhibitors ACPP, LuAE00527 and SMLC were docked and their binding modes at the substrate binding site corroborated the key role played by Phe243 of TM6. For ACPP and LuAE00527, strong hydrophobic interactions with this residue hinder its mobility and prevent the uptake and the efflux of substrates. As for SMLC, the weaker interactions maintain the flexibility of Phe243 and the efflux process. Overall, we propose a molecular basis for the inhibition of substrate translocation of the Asc-1 transporter that should be valuable for rational drug design.
High-resolution profiling of human cytomegalovirus cell-free DNA in human plasma highlights its exceptionally fragmented nature
Authors: Peddu Vikas , Bradley Benjamin T. , Casto Amanda M. , Shree Raj , Colbert Brice G. , Xie Hong , Santo Tracy K. , Huang Meei-Li , Cheng Edith Y. , Konnick Eric , Salipante Stephen J. , Jerome Keith R. , Lockwood Christina M. , Greninger Alexander L.
Published: February 2020

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections comprise a leading cause of newborn impairments worldwide and are pervasive concerns among the immunocompromised. Quantification of CMV viral loads is increasingly used to guide definitions of CMV disease but standardization of CMV quantitation remains problematic, mostly due to differences in qPCR amplicon sizes between clinical laboratories. Here, we used plasma cfDNA sequencing data from 2,208 samples sent for non-invasive prenatal aneuploidy screening to detect CMV and precisely measure the length of CMV fragments in human plasma. CMV reads were identified in 120 (5.4%) samples. Median cfDNA fragment size derived from CMV was significantly shorter than cfDNA derived from human chromosomes (103 vs 172 bp, p < 0.0001), corresponding to the 3rdpercentile of human cfDNA. Sequencing of cfDNA from seven plasma samples from transplant patients positive for CMV confirmed the extraordinarily short nature of CMV cfDNA fragment size with a median length of 149 bp. We further show that these high-resolution measurements of CMV DNA fragment size accurately predict measured discrepancies in serum viral load measurements by different qPCR assays. These results highlight the exceptionally fragmented nature of CMV cfDNA and illustrate the promise of plasma cfDNA sequencing for quantitating viral loads through detection of fragments that would be unrecoverable by qPCR.
Quality comparison of “Laba” garlic processed by High Hydrostatic Pressure and High Pressure Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Tao Dandan , Li Fangwei , Hu Xiaosong , Liao Xiaojun , Zhang Yan
Published: February 2020

The production of “Laba” garlic is limited to the homemade method with long processing time and non-uniform color quality. Innovative food processing technologies including high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and high pressure carbon dioxide (HPCD) were applied to the processing of “Laba” garlic. Products prepared at different treatment pressures (200, 350 and 500 MPa of HHP; 4, 7 and 10 MPa of HPCD) were compared by evaluating the texture, color, flavor and sensory qualities. The results indicated that HHP treatment at 200 MPa was optimal for retaining the textural quality of “Laba” garlic, which was mainly attributed to the compacted cells and the increased Ca2+-cross linked cell-cell adhesion. HHP had greater effect on facilitating the formation of the attractive green color of “Laba” garlic than HPCD. The flavor profiles of “Laba” garlic were modified after treatments, with pungent compounds decreased to non-detectable. The results from sensory study confirmed that “Laba” garlic treated by HHP at 200 MPa was most acceptable to consumers. Moreover, considering the treatment capacity and feasibility of commercialization, HHP would be a promising technology in production of “Laba” garlic with improved quality and efficiency.
Epidemiology of Anosmia in South Korea: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Kang Jeong Wook , Lee Young Chan , Han Kyungdo , Kim Sung Wan , Lee Kun Hee
Published: February 2020

Research about the epidemiology of olfactory dysfunction in Asians was not enough. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and incidence rate of olfactory disorders in Koreans and to evaluate demographic risk factors. We analyzed clinical data of patients with anosmia using Korean National Health Insurance Service data from 2006 to 2016. The data includes medical insurance claim data and medical records of almost 50,000,000 people in Korea. The 30-39 age group showed the highest prevalence (19.25 per 10,000 per year). Their incidence rate was also high comparing other age groups (13.30 per 10,000 per year). The prevalence and the incidence increased from 7.10 to 13.74 and from 5.66 to 9.54 between 2006 and 2016. In the seasonal analysis, the incidence rate was high in spring and autumn. The high-income population showed about 1.4-folds higher incidence rate than the low-income population. We thought that the socioeconomic status could generally affect the rate of hospital visit in the anosmia population. Anosmia can be frequently underdiagnosed in the clinical environment because the elderly and the low-income people easily underestimate their anosmia symptom and ignore the severity due to their economic problem. Therefore careful attention and further studies for anosmia are needed.
The hemodynamic complexities underlying transient ischemic attacks in early-stage Moyamoya disease: an exploratory CFD study
Authors: Rashad Sherif , Saqr Khalid M. , Fujimura Miki , Niizuma Kuniyasu , Tominaga Teiji
Published: February 2020

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebro-occlusive disease with unknown etiology that can cause both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. MMD is characterized by progressive stenosis of the terminal internal carotid artery (ICA) and development of basal brain collaterals. Early-stage MMD is known to cause hemodynamic insufficiency despite mild or moderate stenosis of the intracranial arteries, but the exact mechanism underlying this pathophysiological condition is undetermined. We used high-resolution Large Eddy Simulations to investigate multiple complex hemodynamic phenomena that led to cerebral ischemia in five patients with early-stage MMD. The effects of transitional flow, coherent flow structures and blood shear-thinning properties through regions of tortuous and stenosed arteries were explored and linked to symptomatology. It is evidently shown that in some cases complex vortex structures, such as Rankine-type vortices, redirects blood flow away from some arteries causing significant reduction in blood flow. Moreover, partial blood hammer (PBH) phenomenon was detected in some cases and led to significant hemodynamic insufficiency. PBH events were attributed to the interaction between shear-thinning properties, transitional flow structures and loss of upstream pressure-velocity phase lag. We clearly show that the hemodynamic complexities in early-stage MMD could induce ischemia and explain the non-responsiveness to antiplatelet therapy.
Impact of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plastidial lipoyl synthases genes expression in glycerolipids composition of transgenic Arabidopsis plants
Authors: Martins-Noguerol Raquel , Moreno-Pérez Antonio Javier , Sebastien Acket , Troncoso-Ponce Manuel Adrián , Garcés Rafael , Thomasset Brigitte , Salas Joaquín J. , Martínez-Force Enrique
Published: February 2020

Lipoyl synthases are key enzymes in lipoic acid biosynthesis, a co-factor of several enzyme complexes involved in central metabolism. Plant pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH), located in mitochondria and plastids, catalyses the first step of fatty acid biosynthesis in these organelles. Among their different components, the E2 subunit requires the lipoic acid prosthetic group to be active. De novo lipoic acid biosynthesis is achieved by the successive action of two enzymes on octanoyl-ACP: octanoyltransferase (LIP2) and lipoyl synthase (LIP1). In this study, two plastidial lipoyl synthase genes from sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) were identified (HaLIP1p1 and HaLIP1p2), sequenced and cloned in a heterologous production system (Escherichia coli). Gene expression studies revealed similar expression patterns for both isoforms, with a slight predominance of HaLIP1p1 in vegetative tissues and mature seeds. Tertiary structural models for these enzymes indicate they both have the same theoretical catalytic sites, using lipoyl-lys and 5-deoxyadenosine as docking substrates. The fatty acid profile of E. coli cells overexpressing HaLIP1p1 and HaLIP1p2 did not present major differences, and the in vivo activity of both proteins was confirmed by complementation of an E. coli JW0623 mutant in which lipoyl synthase is defective. Although no significant differences were detected in the total fatty acid composition of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seeds overexpressing any of both proteins, a lipidomic analysis revealed a redistribution of the glycerolipid species, accompanied with increased phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) content and a decrease in diacyglycerols (DAG) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). Depletion of the SAM co-factor caused by HaLIP1p1 and HaLIP1p2 overexpression in transgenic plants could explain this remodelling through its effects on PC synthesis.
Impact of acute kidney injury in elderly versus young deceased donors on post-transplant outcomes: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Park Woo Yeong , Kim Jeong Ho , Ko Eun Jung , Min Ji-Won , Ban Tae Hyun , Yoon Hye-Eun , Kim Young Soo , Jin Kyubok , Han Seungyeup , Yang Chul Woo , Chung Byung Ha
Published: February 2020

We investigated the impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) in elderly deceased-donors (DDs) vs. AKI in young DDs on post-transplant clinical outcomes. A total of 709 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) from 602 DDs at four transplant centers were enrolled. KTRs were divided into young-DDKT and elderly-DDKT groups according to the age of DD of 60 years. Both groups were subdivided into non-AKI-KT and AKI-KT subgroups according to AKI in DDs. We investigated short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of non-AKI-DDKT and AKI-DDKT subgroups within young-DDKT and elderly-DDKT groups. The incidence of DGF in the AKI-DDKT subgroup was higher and the allograft function within 12 months after KT in the AKI-DDKT subgroup was lower than those in the non-AKI-DDKT subgroup in both young-DDKT and elderly-DDKT groups. Death-censored allograft survival rate was significantly lower in the AKI-elderly-DDKT subgroup than that in the non-AKI-elderly-DDKT subgroup, but it did not differ between AKI-young-DDKT and non-AKI-young-DDKT subgroup. In multivariable analysis, AKI-elderly-DDKT was an independent risk factor for allograft failure (hazard ratio: 2.648, 95% CI: 1.170–5.994, p = 0.019) and a significant interaction between AKI and old age in DDs on allograft failure was observed (p = 0.001). AKI in elderly DDs, but not in young DDs, can significantly affect long-term allograft outcomes of KTRs.
In situ identification of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-accumulating microorganisms in mixed microbial cultures under feast/famine conditions
Authors: Sruamsiri Donhatai , Thayanukul Parinda , Suwannasilp Benjaporn Boonchayaanant
Published: February 2020

The accumulation of plastic waste in the environment has become a serious environmental problem worldwide. Biodegradable plastics, such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), could serve as green alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. In this study, a mixed microbial culture was enriched under feast/famine conditions using a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with acetate as a carbon source. The enrichment could accumulate a maximum PHA concentration of 32.3% gPHA/g mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) in the 12th cycle of SBR operation. The microbial community in this sludge sample was analyzed using 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (MiSeq). The results showed the dominance of Proteobacteria, represented by Alphaproteobacteria (13.26% of total sequences), Betaproteobacteria (51.37% of total sequences), and Gammaproteobacteria (23.44% of total sequences). Thauera (Betaproteobacteria) had the highest relative abundance, accounting for 48.88% of the total sequences. PHA-accumulating microorganisms in the enrichment were detected using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and a fluorescent dye, Nile blue A. Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria were capable of accumulating PHA, while no Gammaproteobacteria were detected. Thauera spp. from Betaproteobacteria constituted 80.3% of the total PHA accumulating cells.
Ultrasensitive detection of saccharides using terahertz sensor based on metallic nano-slits
Authors: Qin Jianyuan , Cheng Wei , Han Baojuan , Du Yong , Han Zhanghua , Zhao Zongshan
Published: February 2020

Unambiguous identification of trace amounts of biochemical molecules in a complex background using terahertz spectroscopy is extremely challenging owing to the extremely small absorption cross sections of these molecules in the terahertz regime. Herein, we numerically propose a terahertz nonresonant nano-slits structure that serves as a powerful sensor. The structure exhibits strongly enhanced electric field in the slits (five orders of magnitude), as well as high transmittance over an extra-wide frequency range that covers the characteristic frequencies of most molecules. Fingerprint features of lactose and maltose are clearly detected using this slits structure, indicating that this structure can be used to identify different saccharides without changing its geometrical parameters. The absorption signal strengths of lactose and maltose with a thickness of 200 nm are strongly enhanced by factors of 52.5 and 33.4, respectively. This structure is very sensitive to thin thickness and is suitable for the detection of trace sample, and the lactose thickness can be predicted on the basis of absorption signal strength when the thickness is less than 250 nm. The detection of a mixture of lactose and maltose indicates that this structure can also achieve multi-sensing which is very difficult to realize by using the resonant structures.
Neuronal contact guidance and YAP signaling on ultra-small nanogratings
Authors: Tonazzini Ilaria , Masciullo Cecilia , Savi Eleonora , Sonato Agnese , Romanato Filippo , Cecchini Marco
Published: February 2020

Contact interaction of neuronal cells with extracellular nanometric features can be exploited to investigate and modulate cellular responses. By exploiting nanogratings (NGs) with linewidth from 500 nm down to 100 nm, we here study neurite contact guidance along ultra-small directional topographies. The impact of NG lateral dimension on the neuronal morphotype, neurite alignment, focal adhesion (FA) development and YAP activation is investigated in nerve growth factor (NGF)-differentiating PC12 cells and in primary hippocampal neurons, by confocal and live-cell total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, and at molecular level. We demonstrate that loss of neurite guidance occurs in NGs with periodicity below 400 nm and correlates with a loss of FA lateral constriction and spatial organization. We found that YAP intracellular localization is modulated by the presence of NGs, but it is not sensitive to their periodicity. Nocodazole, a drug that can increase cell contractility, is finally tested for rescuing neurite alignment showing mild ameliorative effects. Our results provide new indications for a rational design of biocompatible scaffolds for enhancing nerve-regeneration processes.
Knowledge status and sampling strategies to maximize cost-benefit ratio of studies in landscape genomics of wild plants
Authors: Santos Alesandro Souza , Gaiotto Fernanda Amato
Published: February 2020

To avoid local extinction due to the changes in their natural ecosystems, introduced by anthropogenic activities, species undergo local adaptation. Landscape genomics approach, through genome–environment association studies, has helped evaluate the local adaptation in natural populations. Landscape genomics, is still a developing discipline, requiring refinement of guidelines in sampling design, especially for studies conducted in the backdrop of stark socioeconomic realities of the rainforest ecologies, which are global biodiversity hotspots. In this study we aimed to devise strategies to improve the cost-benefit ratio of landscape genomics studies by surveying sampling designs and genome sequencing strategies used in existing studies. We conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the importance of sampling designs, in terms of (i) number of populations sampled, (ii) number of individuals sampled per population, (iii) total number of individuals sampled, and (iv) number of SNPs used in different studies, in discerning the molecular mechanisms underlying local adaptation of wild plant species. Using the linear mixed effects model, we demonstrated that the total number of individuals sampled and the number of SNPs used, significantly influenced the detection of loci underlying the local adaptation. Thus, based on our findings, in order to optimize the cost-benefit ratio of landscape genomics studies, we suggest focusing on increasing the total number of individuals sampled and using a targeted (e.g. sequencing capture) Pool-Seq approach and/or a random (e.g. RAD-Seq) Pool-Seq approach to detect SNPs and identify SNPs under selection for a given environmental cline. We also found that the existing molecular evidences are inadequate in predicting the local adaptations to climate change in tropical forest ecosystems.
Rapid transit in the left-sided colon is related to poor defecatory function at early period after stoma closure
Authors: Yoo Ri Na , Cho Hyeon-Min , Kye Bong-Hyeon , Kim Hyung Jin , Shin Sukhyun , Kim Gun
Published: February 2020

Sphincter-saving surgery (SSS) is the gold standard for rectal cancer surgery but results in a wide spectrum of bowel dysfunction. This study investigated the impact of colonic dysmotility on the incontinent form of bowel dysfunction. Bowel function of patients who received SSS with loop ileostomy for treating rectal cancer was reviewed retrospectively from June 2013 two August 2015 at a single hospital. Immediately after closure of a diverting stoma, patients were tested for the colonic transit time (CTT) using radiopaque markers. Bowel dysfunction at 6 and 12 months after SSS was measured as the severity of fecal incontinence according to the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) and the use of an anti-diarrheal drug. A short CTT for the left colonic segment was significantly associated with the high CCIS and use of an antidiarrheal agent at 6 months after sphincter preservation. However, the CTT didn’t correlate with the CCIS at 12 months after SSS. Rather, age and surgical method demonstrated a significant association. Colonic dysmotility after SSS appears to intensify fecal incontinence for a relatively short period. Its impact abates within a year.
Publisher Correction: A comparative analysis using flowmeter, laser-Doppler spectrophotometry, and indocyanine green-videoangiography for detection of vascular stenosis in free flaps
Authors: Mücke Thomas , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Schmidt Leonard H. , Fichter Andreas M. , Kanatas Anastasios , Wolff Klaus-Dietrich , Ritschl Lucas M.
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: Effect of Cutaneous Feedback on the Perception of Virtual Object Weight during Manipulation
Authors: Park Jaeyoung , Son Bukun , Han Ilhwan , Lee Woochan
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Hypoosmotic stress induces flagellar biosynthesis and swimming motility in Escherichia albertii
Authors: Ikeda Tetsuya , Shinagawa Toshie , Ito Takuya , Ohno Yuta , Kubo Akiko , Nishi Junichiro , Gotoh Yasuhiro , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Ooka Tadasuke , Hayashi Tetsuya
Published: February 2020

Bacteria use flagella as propellers to move to favorable environments. Escherichia albertii, a growing cause of foodborne illness and diarrhea, is reportedly non-motile and lacks flagella on its surface. Here, we report that 27 out of 59 E. albertii strains, collected mainly from humans and birds, showed swimming motility when cultured at low osmotic pressure. The biosynthesis of flagella in E. albertii cells was induced under ambient temperature and hypoosmotic pressure: conditions which resemble aquatic environments. Flagellar induction increased E. albertii survival in the intestinal epithelial cell culture containing gentamicin. Although genes involved in chemotaxis are not present in the E. albertii genome, the addition of glutamic acid, an amino acid known to regulate the internal cell osmolarity, augmented the proportion of swimming cells by 35-fold. These results suggest that flagellar biosynthesis and motility in E. albertii cells are controlled by their internal and external osmolarity.
Single-molecule imaging of PI(4,5)P2 and PTEN in vitro reveals a positive feedback mechanism for PTEN membrane binding
Authors: Yoshioka Daisuke , Fukushima Seiya , Koteishi Hiroyasu , Okuno Daichi , Ide Toru , Matsuoka Satomi , Ueda Masahiro
Published: February 2020

PTEN, a 3-phosphatase of phosphoinositide, regulates asymmetric PI(3,4,5)P3 signaling for the anterior-posterior polarization and migration of motile cells. PTEN acts through posterior localization on the plasma membrane, but the mechanism for this accumulation is poorly understood. Here we developed an in vitro single-molecule imaging assay with various lipid compositions and use it to demonstrate that the enzymatic product, PI(4,5)P2, stabilizes PTEN’s membrane-binding. The dissociation kinetics and lateral mobility of PTEN depended on the PI(4,5)P2 density on artificial lipid bilayers. The basic residues of PTEN were responsible for electrostatic interactions with anionic PI(4,5)P2 and thus the PI(4,5)P2-dependent stabilization. Single-molecule imaging in living Dictyostelium cells revealed that these interactions were indispensable for the stabilization in vivo, which enabled efficient cell migration by accumulating PTEN posteriorly to restrict PI(3,4,5)P3 distribution to the anterior. These results suggest that PI(4,5)P2-mediated positive feedback and PTEN-induced PI(4,5)P2 clustering may be important for anterior-posterior polarization.
Development of smart anti-glycan reagents using immunized lampreys
Authors: McKitrick Tanya R. , Goth Christoffer K. , Rosenberg Charles S. , Nakahara Hirotomo , Heimburg-Molinaro Jamie , McQuillan Alyssa M. , Falco Rosalia , Rivers Nicholas J. , Herrin Brantley R. , Cooper Max D. , Cummings Richard D.
Published: February 2020

Studies on the expression of cellular glycans are limited by a lack of sensitive tools that can discriminate specific structural features. Here we describe the development of a robust platform using immunized lampreys (Petromyzon marinus), which secrete variable lymphocyte receptors called VLRBs as antibodies, for generating libraries of anti-glycan reagents. We identified a wide variety of glycan-specific VLRBs detectable in lamprey plasma after immunization with whole fixed cells, tissue homogenates, and human milk. The cDNAs from lamprey lymphocytes were cloned into yeast surface display (YSD) libraries for enrichment by multiple methods. We generated VLRB-Ig chimeras, termed smart anti-glycan reagents (SAGRs), whose specificities were defined by microarray analysis and immunohistochemistry. 15 VLRB antibodies were discovered that discriminated between linkages, functional groups and unique presentations of the terminal glycan motif. The development of SAGRs will enhance future studies on glycan expression by providing sequenced, defined antibodies for a variety of research applications.
Ultra-trace determination of domoic acid in the Ebro Delta estuary by SPE-HILIC-HRMS
Authors: Bosch-Orea Cristina , Sanchís Josep , Barceló Damiá , Farré Marinella
Published: February 2020

Marine phytoplankton, such as diatoms, are responsible for a considerable part of carbon fixation and form the basis of the marine food web.
Bifunctionally active nanosized spinel cobalt nickel sulfides for sustainable secondary zinc–air batteries: examining the effects of compositional tuning on OER and ORR activity
Authors: Xu Yijie , Sumboja Afriyanti , Zong Yun , Darr Jawwad A.
Published: February 2020

Nanosized cobalt nickel sulfides were preparedviaa continuous hydrothermal method and evaluated as electrocatalysts, with the catalytic activity being linked to the cationic composition.
Raspberry extract promoted longevity and stress toleranceviathe insulin/IGF signaling pathway and DAF-16 inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Song Bingbing , Zheng Bisheng , Li Tong , Liu Rui Hai
Published: February 2020

Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of age-related functional decline and chronic diseases, which is primarily attributed to phytochemicals.
Spin filtering with Mn-doped Ge-core/Si-shell nanowires
Authors: Aryal Sandip , Pati Ranjit
Published: February 2020

Incorporating spin functionality into a semiconductor core–shell nanowire that offers immunity from the substrate effect is a highly desirable step for its application in next generation spintronics.
The chemical effect goes resonant – a full quantum mechanical approach on TERS
Authors: Fiederling Kevin , Abasifard Mostafa , Richter Martin , Deckert Volker , Gräfe Stefanie , Kupfer Stephan
Published: February 2020

The lately postulated Å resolution induced by (non-)resonant chemical interaction as well as by charge-transfer phenomena in plasmon-enhanced spectroscopies, i.e. in tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, was evaluated by a full quantum chemical approach.
Degradable polycaprolactone nanoparticles stabilized via supramolecular host–guest interactions with pH-responsive polymer-pillar[5]arene conjugates
Authors: Wei Peng , Sobotta Fabian H. , Kellner Carolin , Bandelli Damiano , Hoeppener Stephanie , Schubert Stephanie , Brendel Johannes C. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: February 2020

Smart nano-carriers such as micelles, vesicles or nanoparticles constructed from amphiphilic polymers promise a new generation of drug delivery systems featuring localized and controlled release.
Spectroscopic demonstration of sinapic acid methyl ester complexes with serum albumins
Authors: Kasparek Adam , Smyk Bogdan
Published: February 2020

Known antioxidant, methyl ester of sinapic acid (MESA) can interact with serum albumins.
Core size does not affect blinking behavior of dye-doped Ag@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles for super-resolution microscopy
Authors: Thompson S. , Pappas Dimitri
Published: February 2020

Dye-doped nanoparticles have been investigated as bright, luminescent labels for super-resolution microscopy via localization methods.
Three-dimensional hierarchical porous carbon structure derived from pinecone as a potential catalyst support in catalytic remediation of antibiotics
Authors: Sanni S. O. , Viljoen E. L. , Ofomaja A. E.
Published: February 2020

Three-dimensional hierarchical porous carbon prepared from microwave pyrolysis of pinecone. The carbon material aid Ag–AgBr photocatalytic attributes and enhanced the activity on removal of tetracycline.
Ex situ gas generation for lab scale organic synthesis
Authors: Demaerel Joachim , Veryser Cedrick , De Borggraeve Wim M.
Published: February 2020

This review discusses recent examples of ex situ generated gaseous reagents, and their use in organic synthesis.
In situ self-assembly of zirconium metal–organic frameworks onto ultrathin carbon nitride for enhanced visible light-driven conversion of CO2 to CO
Authors: Wang Yanan , Zhen Wenlong , Zeng Yiqing , Wan Shipeng , Guo Haiwei , Zhang Shule , Zhong Qin
Published: February 2020

A series of Zr-porphyrin metal–organic framework (Zr-PMOF)/ultrathin g-C3N4 (UCN) heterostructure photocatalysts, as stable and efficient catalysts for the photoreduction of CO2, have been fabricated via a facile in situ hydrothermal self-assembly method.
A freestanding hierarchically structured cathode enables high sulfur loading and energy density of flexible Li–S batteries
Authors: Liu Jianpeng , Li Zhong , Jia Beibei , Zhu Juncheng , Zhu Wenliang , Li Jianping , Pan Hao , Zheng Bowen , Chen Liangyin , Pezzotti Giuseppe , Zhu Jiliang
Published: February 2020

Due to sulfur agglomeration and drastic volume expansion during charging, a significant challenge for lithium–sulfur battery applications is to achieve favorable energy densities while realizing substantial sulfur loading.
Modulation of nearly free electron states in hydroxyl-functionalized MXenes: a first-principles study
Authors: Zhou Jiaqi , Khazaei Mohammad , Ranjbar Ahmad , Wang Vei , Kühne Thomas D. , Ohno Kaoru , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Liang Yunye
Published: February 2020

Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (named as MXenes) and their functionalized ones exhibit various physical and chemical characteristics.
Correction: A hexagonal Ni6 cluster protected by 2-phenylethanethiol for catalytic conversion of toluene to benzaldehyde
Authors: Pembere Anthony M. S. , Cui Chaonan , Anumula Rajini , Wu Haiming , An Pan , Liang Tongling , Luo Zhixun
Published: February 2020

Correction for ‘A hexagonal Ni6 cluster protected by 2-phenylethanethiol for catalytic conversion of toluene to benzaldehyde’ by Anthony M. S. Pembere et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2019, 21, 17933–17938.
Photoactive preorganized subphthalocyanine-based molecular tweezers for selective complexation of fullerenes
Authors: Zango Germán , Krug Marcel , Krishna Swathi , Mariñas Víctor , Clark Timothy , Martinez-Diaz M. Victoria , Guldi Dirk M. , Torres Tomás
Published: February 2020

A tweezer-like subphthalocyanine-based ensemble has been developed for the selective recognition of fullerenes. The physicochemical properties of both the photoactive receptor and its inclusion complexes with fullerenes have been investigated.
Surfaces immobilized with oligo-prolines prevent protein adsorption and cell adhesion
Authors: Noguchi Yuri , Iwasaki Yasuhiko , Ueda Masato , Kakinoki Sachiro
Published: February 2020

In this study, oligo-prolines, (Pro)n (n = 6 and 9) inspired by the backbone structure of collagen, were evaluated as a novel non-ionic anti-fouling peptide.
Tailoring sensing behavior of Cu@multi-wall carbon nanotubes/polydimethylsiloxane strain sensors through surface Cu geometrical structures
Authors: Bai Yao-Yao , Zhang Bin , Wang Zhe-Xuan , Yang Yu-Jia , Wu Xu-Ping , Zhang Guang-Ping
Published: February 2020

A new kind of Cu@multi-wall carbon nanotubes/polydimethylsiloxane hybrid strain sensors with excellent tailorable sensing behavior were fabricated successfully by adjusting the surface Cu geometrical structures.
GaAs wafers possessing facet-dependent electrical conductivity properties
Authors: Hsieh Pei-Lun , Wu Shi-Hong , Liang Ting-Yu , Chen Lih-Juann , Huang Michael H.
Published: February 2020

Current-rectifying I–V curves have been recorded for {110}/{111} facet combination of a GaAs wafer, suggesting the fabrication of facet-controlled transistors.
Schizandrin A exhibits potent anticancer activity in colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting heat shock factor 1
Authors: Chen Bing-chen , Tu Shi-liang , Zheng Bo-an , Dong Quan-jin , Wan Zi-ang , Dai Qiao-qiong
Published: February 2020

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is a powerful multifaceted oncogenic modifier that plays a role in maintaining the protein balance of cancer cells under various stresses. In recent studies, there have been reports of increased expression of HSF1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, and the depletion of the HSF1 gene knockdown has inhibited colon cancer growth both in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, HSF1 is a promising target for colon cancer treatment and chemoprevention. In the present study, we found that Schizandrin A (Sch A) significantly inhibited the growth of CRC cell lines by inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and death. Through HSE luciferase reporter assay and quantitative PCR (qPCR), we identified Sch A as a novel HSF1 inhibitor. In addition, Sch A could effectively inhibit the induction of HSF1 target proteins such as heat-shock protein (HSP) 70 (HSP70) and HSP27, whether in heat shock or normal temperature culture. In the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) experiment, Sch A showed moderate affinity with HSF1, further confirming that Sch A might be a direct HSF1 inhibitor. The molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation results of HSF1/Sch A suggested that Sch A formed key hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions with HSF1, which may contribute to its potent HSF1 inhibition. These findings provide clues for the design of novel HSF1 inhibitors and drug candidates for colon cancer treatment.
Integration of digital twin and deep learning in cyber‐physical systems: towards smart manufacturing
Authors: Lee Jay , Azamfar Moslem , Singh Jaskaran , Siahpour Shahin
Published: February 2020

Digital twin (DT) is gaining popularity due to its significant impacts on bridging the gap between the physical and cyber worlds. As reported by Grand View Research, Inc., the global market of DT is expected to reach $26.07 billion by 2025 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 38.2%. The growing adoption of cyber‐physical system (CPS), Internet of Things, big data analytics, and cloud computing in manufacturing sector has paved the way for low cost and systematic implementation of DT, with promising impacts on (a) product design and development, (b) machine and equipment health monitoring, and (c) product support and services. Successful implementation of DT would increase transparency, cooperation, flexibility, resilience, production speed, scalability, and manufacturing efficiency. Realisation of smart manufacturing requires collaborative and autonomous interactions between sensing, networking, and computational resources across manufacturing assets where data is gathered from physical systems is utilised for the extraction of actionable insights and provision of predictive services. In this study, a reference architecture based on deep learning, DT, and 5C‐CPS is proposed to facilitate the transformation towards smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0.
UHF pure near‐field RFID reader antenna based on CSRR
Authors: Zhang Ning , Zhu Hua , Li Xiuping , Gao Gege , Qi Zhenguo
Published: February 2020

An ultra‐high frequency (UHF) travelling wave antenna based on complementary split ring resonator (CSRR) element is investigated in this study for pure near‐field radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The proposed antenna consists of a T‐type power divider, phase shifter, two microstrip transmission lines ended with two resistors and the metal ground loaded CSRR elements. The CSRR elements are loaded on the metal floor corresponding to the minimum current points and middle of the two transmission lines. The CSRR elements resonate at the centre frequency and introduce coupling to enhance the magnetic field. The measured  dB impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna is 46 MHz (889–935 MHz), which covers the standards of Chinese and American bands. The reading regions for near‐field tag, far‐field tag and anti‐metal tag are , and , respectively. The far‐field gain is less than  dBi, which makes the antenna suitable for the pure near‐field application.
A search for strong magnetic fields in massive and very massive stars in the Magellanic Clouds
Authors: Bagnulo S. , Wade G. A. , Nazé Y. , Grunhut J. H. , Shultz M. E. , Asher D. J. , Crowther P. A. , Evans C. J. , David-Uraz A. , Howarth I. D. , Morrell N. , Munoz M. S. , Neiner C. , Puls J. , Szymański M. K. , Vink J. S.
Published: February 2020

Despite their rarity, massive stars dominate the ecology of galaxies via their strong, radiatively-driven winds throughout their lives and as supernovae in their deaths. However, their evolution and subsequent impact on their environment can be significantly affected by the presence of a magnetic field. While recent studies indicate that about 7% of OB stars in the Milky Way host strong, stable, organised (fossil) magnetic fields at their surfaces, little is known about the fields of very massive stars, nor the magnetic properties of stars outside our Galaxy. We aim to continue searching for strong magnetic fields in a diverse set of massive and very massive stars (VMS) in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC/SMC), and we evaluate the overall capability of FORS2 to usefully search for and detect stellar magnetic fields in extra-galactic environments. We have obtained FORS2 spectropolarimetry of a sample of 41 stars, which principally consist of spectral types B, O, Of/WN, WNh, and classical WR stars in the LMC and SMC. Four of our targets are Of?p stars; one of them was just recently discovered. Each spectrum was analysed to infer the longitudinal magnetic field. No magnetic fields were formally detected in our study, although Bayesian statistical considerations suggest that the Of?p star SMC 159-2 is magnetic with a dipolar field of the order of 2.4–4.4 kG. In addition, our first constraints of magnetic fields in VMS provide interesting insights into the formation of the most massive stars in the Universe.
Passive modelling of the electrodynamic loudspeaker: from the Thiele–Small model to nonlinear port-Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Falaize Antoine , Hélie Thomas
Published: February 2020

The electrodynamic loudspeaker couples mechanical, magnetic, electric and thermodynamic phenomena. The Thiele/Small (TS) model provides a low frequency approximation, combining passive linear (multiphysical or electric-equivalent) components. This is commonly used by manufacturers as a reference to specify basic parameters and characteristic transfer functions. This paper presents more refined nonlinear models of electric, magnetic and mechanical phenomena, for which fundamental properties such as passivity and causality are guaranteed. More precisely, multiphysical models of the driver are formulated in the core class of port-Hamiltonian systems (PHS), which satisfies a power balance decomposed into conservative, dissipative and source parts. First, the TS model is reformulated as a linear PHS. Then, refinements are introduced, step-by-step, benefiting from the component-based approach allowed by the PHS formalism. Guaranteed-passive simulations are proposed, based on a numerical scheme that preserves the power balance. Numerical experiments that qualitatively comply with measured behaviors available in the literature are presented throughout the paper.
Application of fertilizers and growth stimulants for growing chickpeas in the dry steppe zone of the Middle Volga region
Authors: Novikov Anton V. , Prosandeev Nikolai A. , Burunov Alexey N.
Published: February 2020

The results of the 2016–2017 studies are presented. Indicators of the crop structure, productivity and fodder values of chickpea varieties (Privo 1, Volgogradsky 10, Volzhanin) are determined. Different methods of crops treatment with growth stimulants Growth matrix, Megamix Profi, Aminokat + Raikat Development are described. The multifactorial experiment included two options of mineral nutrition (without and with fertilizers N12P52 (factor A); three varieties of chickpeas: “Privo 1”, “Volzhanin”, “Volgogradsky 10” (factor B); two options of vegetation treatment: without and with treatment using Growth Matrix, Megamix Profi, Aminokat + Raikat Development (factor C). The studies have shown that all treatment options f increased productivity of chickpeas and crops quality. The maximum yield was obtained by applying N12P52 for Volzhanin variety treated with Megamix Profi and Aminokat + Raikat Development (2.19 t/ha and 2.16 t/ha with a dry matter of 1.97-1.95 t/ha, digestible protein of 0.36-0.33 t/ ha and an exchange energy yield of 27.10-26.90 GJ/ha, respectively).
Economic and statistical research of development of rural areas in Samara region
Authors: Pyatova O. F. , Shumilina T.V. , Kupryaeva M. N. , Alekseeva O. V. , Dvorskiy L.
Published: February 2020

Rural development is often analyzed in isolation from agricultural production. The article analyzes the dynamics of dairy cattle breeding indicators in Samara region. The purpose is to link the development of dairy farming with the development of rural areas.
Technical devices used for differential fertilizer application
Authors: Petrov Alexander M. , Kanaev Mikhail A. , Kirov Vladimir A. , Kuznetsov Konstantin A. , Petrov Mikhail A.
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this article is to describe new technical devices for differential application of fertilizers taking into account heterogeneity of the thickness of the humus horizon. Modern fertilizer application technologies are based on information obtained from agrochemical soil surveys, space monitoring data and the NDVI index. At the same time, all these technologies do not take into account physical and mechanical properties of the soil which influence soil fertility and productivity. The article presents data on the relationship between soil hardness and thickness of the humus horizon which have a strong inverse correlation of the -0.7-0.85 order. Based on these data, technical devices used for differential fertilizer application were designed taking into account power of the humus horizon.
The use of wild medicinal raw materials in food production
Authors: Volkova Alla V. , Sysoev Vladimir N. , Makushin Andrey N.
Published: February 2020

Research on the composition of new types of food products, including those enriched with physiologically functional ingredients, is relevant and promising, since it allows us to organize public nutrition on a scientific and hygienic basis. The aim is experimental justification of the use of wild medicinal raw materials in food production. The methodological basis is a systematic analysis of the technology for the production of bakery products, non-alcoholic carbonated drinks and poultry sausages enriched with wild medicinal raw materials. In accordance with the chosen method, the problem of choosing and justifying the use of wild-growing phyto-enrichment agents of different species has been solved. It has been established that the introduction of phyto-enrichment agents has a positive effect on maturation processes of the dough. The use of wild medicinal raw materials is more justified in the form of herbal infusions. In the production of non-alcoholic carbonated drinks, drinks containing hawthorn, echinacea grass, linden flowers, lingonberry leaves, rose hips and thyme herbs have the most harmonious taste. In the production of sausages, wild-growing medicinal raw materials can be used as water-alcohol infusions and crushed raw materials. A water-alcohol infusion of fireweed narrow-leaved has the greatest inhibitory effect on the development of bacteria.
Results of studying the effects of biological products on accelerating the decomposition of the crop tailings
Authors: Bogdanchikov I. Yu. , Byshov N.V. , Bachurin A.N. , Esenin MA. , Tkacheva MA.
Published: February 2020

The article presents investigations aimed at addressing issues of utilization of the tailings of the crop as a fertilizer. It is known that the by-products of crop production left on the field interfere with the subsequent agricultural operations, and when used as a fertilizer it has a long decomposition period, which is accompanied by putrefactive processes with the release of phenolic compounds which inhibit subsequent plants. To accelerate the process of humification of plant residues, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are used, but recently biological preparations have become widespread, allowing the grain to be completely decomposed in 3–4 months. The authors propose a design of the machine that allows combining the operations of grinding the tailings of the crop with the introduction of bio preparations to speed up the decomposition process. The article presents the results of this machine field tests using various bio preparations: Agrinos 1, Sterniphag SP, humic preparation Ecorost and Biocomplex BTU. According to the linen method, the effect of the preparations on the activity of cellulose-decomposing bacteria was assessed. The dynamics of the activity of biological preparations was not linear and was largely dependent on weather conditions. The hotter temperature and the absence of abundant precipitation in August – September 2018 did not contribute to the active work of the soil biota and in the first report period the best decomposition of linen was in the variant with Biocomplex BTU and Sterniphag, respectively 3.6 and 3.3 %. On the 236th day of the experiment, the picture changed and the variants with Agrinos 1 and Ecorost showed the best performance, the decomposition was 21.2 and 21.9 %, respectively.
Investment management in the dairy industry
Authors: Konkina Vera
Published: February 2020

Modern economic conditions are characterized by difficulties in the dairy industry. To solve the problem of import substitution and food security, serious financial investments are required by both the government and economic entities. The article presents the algorithm for investing in the dairy cattle industry. To account for uncertainty and risk, the process of investment design and management adoption should be based on a scenario approach based on the circumstances.
Soil fertility – the only possible foundation for more sustainable agriculture
Authors: Boincean Boris , Dent David
Published: February 2020

The reductionist approach to intensification of agriculture has created unanticipated economic, ecological and social consequences. Across the steppes, elimination of perennial legumes from the crop rotation and even elimination of crop rotation, large areas under black fallow, and the demise of crop and animal husbandry are draining soil fertility – and in many places loss of the soil itself. Data from long-term field experiments demonstrate the importance of perennial legumes in crop rotation for nitrogen- and water-use efficiency, accumulation of soil organic matter in deeper soil layers, and resilience in the face of drought.
Non-traditional fertilizers as soil ameliorants: the study of usefulness
Authors: Malyuta Olga , Gordeeva Tatiana , Yatmanova Nadezhda
Published: February 2020

The research studies the chemical, agrochemical, biological and toxicological impacts of non-traditional fertilizers (compost based on sewage sludge and the sawdust of hardwood and softwood trees) on soil and ecological conditions of a recultivated site (a sand quarry). It is indicated that it will be feasible to use non-traditional fertilizers with a 5-year composting period as an ameliorant for sandy soils.