bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstructing vapor pressure deficit from leaf wax lipid molecular distributions
Authors: Eley Yvette L. , Hren Michael T.
Published: February 2018

Estimates of atmospheric moisture are critical for understanding the links and feedbacks between atmospheric CO2 and global climate. At present, there are few quantitative moisture proxies that are applicable to deep time. We present a new proxy for atmospheric moisture derived from modern climate and leaf biomarker data from North and Central America. Plants have a direct genetic pathway to regulate the production of lipids in response to osmotic stress, which is manifested in a change in the distribution of simple aliphatic lipids such as n-alkanes. The Average Chain Length (ACL) of these lipids is therefore statistically related to mean annual vapor pressure deficit (VPDav), enabling quantitative reconstruction of VPD from sedimentary n-alkanes. We apply this transfer function to the Armantes section of the Calatayud-Daroca Basin in Central Spain, that spans the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum (MMCO) and the Middle Miocene Climate Transition (MMCT). Reconstructed VPDav rises from 0.13 to 0.92 kPa between 16.5 and 12.4 Ma, indicating a substantial drying through the MMCT. These data are consistent with fossil assemblages and mammalian stable isotope data, highlighting the utility of this new organic molecular tool for quantifying hydrologic variability over geologic timescales.
Development of an Injectable Slow-Release Metformin Formulation and Evaluation of Its Potential Antitumor Effects
Authors: Baldassari Sara , Solari Agnese , Zuccari Guendalina , Drava Giuliana , Pastorino Sara , Fucile Carmen , Marini Valeria , Daga Antonio , Pattarozzi Alessandra , Ratto Alessandra , Ferrari Angelo , Mattioli Francesca , Barbieri Federica , Caviglioli Gabriele , Florio Tullio
Published: February 2018

Metformin is an antidiabetic drug which possesses antiproliferative activity in cancer cells when administered at high doses, due to its unfavorable pharmacokinetics. The aim of this work was to develop a pharmacological tool for the release of metformin in proximity of the tumor, allowing high local concentrations, and to demonstrate the in vivo antitumor efficacy after a prolonged metformin exposition. A 1.2% w/w metformin thermoresponsive parenteral formulation based on poloxamers P407 and P124, injectable at room temperature and undergoing a sol-gel transition at body temperature, has been developed and optimized for rheological, thermal and release control properties; the formulation is easily scalable, and proved to be stable during a 1-month storage at 5 °C. Using NOD/SCID mice pseudo-orthotopically grafted with MDA-MB-231/luc+ human breast cancer cells, we report that multiple administrations of 100 mg of the optimized metformin formulation close to the tumor site cause tissue accumulation of the drug at levels significantly higher than those observed in plasma, and enough to exert antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities. Our results demonstrate that this formulation is endowed with good stability, tolerability, thermal and rheological properties, representing a novel tool to be pursued in further investigations for adjuvant cancer treatment.
Long-lasting ergot lipids as new biomarkers for assessing the presence of cereals and cereal products in archaeological vessels
Authors: Lucejko Jeannette J. , La Nasa Jacopo , Porta Francesca , Vanzetti Alessandro , Tanda Giuseppa , Mangiaracina Claudio Filippo , Corretti Alessandro , Colombini Maria Perla , Ribechini Erika
Published: February 2018

Cereals were very important in ancient diets, however evidence from archaeological sites of the vessels used for processing or storing cereals is comparatively rare. Micro-organisms, as well as chemical-physical effects can easily degrade cereals during the burial period. This can lead to a complete cereal decay and to serious difficulties in estimating the intensity of use of the cereals by ancient populations. Here, we present a novel biomarker approach entailing the detection of secondary lipid metabolites produced by ergot fungi (genusClaviceps), which are common cereal pests. The aim was to identify the original presence ofGramineaeand to indirectly establish if vessels were used for cereal storage/processing. The fatty acid and TAG-estolide profiles of the remains from more than 30 archaeological vessels were investigated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and high performance liquid chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-Q-ToF). The detection of lipids derived from ergot in archaeological and historic contexts rests on its complex chemistry, providing a unique and relatively recalcitrant chemical signature for cereals. This research demonstrated that the combination of our innovative biomarker approach along with environmental and archaeological evidence can provide unprecedented insights into the incidence of cereals and related processing activities in ancient societies.
The effects of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibition by sacubitril/valsartan on adipose tissue transcriptome and protein expression in obese hypertensive patients
Authors: Stinkens R. , van der Kolk B. W. , Jordan J. , Jax T. , Engeli S. , Heise T. , Jocken J. W. , May M. , Schindler C. , Havekes B. , Schaper N. , Albrecht D. , Kaiser S. , Hartmann N. , Letzkus M. , Langenickel T. H. , Goossens G. H. , Blaak E. E.
Published: February 2018

Increased activation of the renin-angiotensin system is involved in the onset and progression of cardiometabolic diseases, while natriuretic peptides (NP) may exert protective effects. We have recently demonstrated that sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696), a first-in-class angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor, which blocks the angiotensin II type-1 receptor and augments natriuretic peptide levels, improved peripheral insulin sensitivity in obese hypertensive patients. Here, we investigated the effects of sacubitril/valsartan (400 mg QD) treatment for 8 weeks on the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) phenotype compared to the metabolically neutral comparator amlodipine (10 mg QD) in 70 obese hypertensive patients. Abdominal subcutaneous AT biopsies were collected before and after intervention to determine the AT transcriptome and expression of proteins involved in lipolysis, NP signaling and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. Both sacubitril/valsartan and amlodipine treatment did not significantly induce AT transcriptional changes in pathways related to lipolysis, NP signaling and oxidative metabolism. Furthermore, protein expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) (Ptime*group = 0.195), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) (Ptime*group = 0.458), HSL-ser660 phosphorylation (Ptime*group = 0.340), NP receptor-A (NPRA) (Ptime*group = 0.829) and OXPHOS complexes (Ptime*group = 0.964) remained unchanged. In conclusion, sacubitril/valsartan treatment for 8 weeks did not alter the abdominal subcutaneous AT transcriptome and expression of proteins involved in lipolysis, NP signaling and oxidative metabolism in obese hypertensive patients.
A cascading nonlinear magneto-optical effect in topological insulators
Authors: Mondal Richarj , Saito Yuta , Aihara Yuki , Fons Paul , Kolobov Alexander V. , Tominaga Junji , Murakami Shuichi , Hase Muneaki
Published: February 2018

Topological insulators (TIs) are characterized by possessing metallic (gapless) surface states and a finite band-gap state in the bulk. As the thickness of a TI layer decreases down to a few nanometers, hybridization between the top and bottom surfaces takes place due to quantum tunneling, consequently at a critical thickness a crossover from a 3D-TI to a 2D insulator occurs. Although such a crossover is generally accessible by scanning tunneling microscopy, or by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, such measurements require clean surfaces. Here, we demonstrate that a cascading nonlinear magneto-optical effect induced via strong spin-orbit coupling can examine such crossovers. The helicity dependence of the time-resolved Kerr rotation exhibits a robust change in periodicity at a critical thickness, from which it is possible to predict the formation of a Dirac cone in a film several quintuple layers thick. This method enables prediction of a Dirac cone using a fundamental nonlinear optical effect that can be applied to a wide range of TIs and related 2D materials.
On the design of a MEMS piezoelectric accelerometer coupled to the middle ear as an implantable sensor for hearing devices
Authors: Gesing A. L. , Alves F. D. P. , Paul S. , Cordioli J. A.
Published: February 2018

The presence of external elements is a major limitation of current hearing aids and cochlear implants, as they lead to discomfort and inconvenience. Totally implantable hearing devices have been proposed as a solution to mitigate these constraints, which has led to challenges in designing implantable sensors. This work presents a feasibility analysis of a MEMS piezoelectric accelerometer coupled to the ossicular chain as an alternative sensor. The main requirements of the sensor include small size, low internal noise, low power consumption, and large bandwidth. Different designs of MEMS piezoelectric accelerometers were modeled using Finite Element (FE) method, as well as optimized for high net charge sensitivity. The best design, a 2 × 2 mm2 annular configuration with a 500 nm thick Aluminum Nitride (AlN) layer was selected for fabrication. The prototype was characterized, and its charge sensitivity and spectral acceleration noise were found to be with good agreement to the FE model predictions. Weak coupling between a middle ear FE model and the prototype was considered, resulting in equivalent input noise (EIN) lower than 60 dB sound pressure level between 600 Hz and 10 kHz. These results are an encouraging proof of concept for the development of MEMS piezoelectric accelerometers as implantable sensors for hearing devices.
A Mathematical Model of the Phosphoinositide Pathway
Authors: Olivença Daniel V. , Uliyakina Inna , Fonseca Luis L. , Amaral Margarida D. , Voit Eberhard O. , Pinto Francisco R.
Published: February 2018

Phosphoinositides are signalling lipids that constitute a complex network regulating many cellular processes. We propose a computational model that accounts for all species of phosphoinositides in the plasma membrane of mammalian cells. The model replicates the steady-state of the pathway and most known dynamic phenomena. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates model robustness to alterations in the parameters. Model analysis suggest that the greatest contributor to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) production is a flux representing the direct transformation of PI into PI(4,5)P2, also responsible for the maintenance of this pool when phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI(4)P) is decreased. PI(5)P is also shown to be a significant source for PI(4,5)P2 production. The model was validated with siRNA screens that knocked down the expression of enzymes in the pathway. The screen monitored the activity of the epithelium sodium channel (ENaC), which is activated by PI(4,5)P2. While the model may deepen our understanding of other physiological processes involving phosphoinositides, we highlight therapeutic effects of ENaC modulation in Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The model suggests control strategies where the activities of the enzyme phosphoinositide 4-phosphate 5-kinase I (PIP5KI) or the PI4K + PIP5KI + DVL protein complex are decreased and cause an efficacious reduction in PI(4,5)P2 levels while avoiding undesirable alterations in other phosphoinositide pools.
Antimycobacterial drug discovery using Mycobacteria-infected amoebae identifies anti-infectives and new molecular targets
Authors: Trofimov Valentin , Kicka Sébastien , Mucaria Sabrina , Hanna Nabil , Ramon-Olayo Fernando , Del Peral Laura Vela-Gonzalez , Lelièvre Joël , Ballell Lluís , Scapozza Leonardo , Besra Gurdyal S. , Cox Jonathan A. G. , Soldati Thierry
Published: February 2018

Tuberculosis remains a serious threat to human health world-wide, and improved efficiency of medical treatment requires a better understanding of the pathogenesis and the discovery of new drugs. In the present study, we performed a whole-cell based screen in order to complete the characterization of 168 compounds from the GlaxoSmithKline TB-set. We have established and utilized novel previously unexplored host-model systems to characterize the GSK compounds, i.e. the amoeboid organisms D. discoideum and A. castellanii, as well as a microglial phagocytic cell line, BV2. We infected these host cells with Mycobacterium marinum to monitor and characterize the anti-infective activity of the compounds with quantitative fluorescence measurements and high-content microscopy. In summary, 88.1% of the compounds were confirmed as antibiotics against M. marinum, 11.3% and 4.8% displayed strong anti-infective activity in, respectively, the mammalian and protozoan infection models. Additionally, in the two systems, 13–14% of the compounds displayed pro-infective activity. Our studies underline the relevance of using evolutionarily distant pathogen and host models in order to reveal conserved mechanisms of virulence and defence, respectively, which are potential “universal” targets for intervention. Subsequent mechanism of action studies based on generation of over-expresser M. bovis BCG strains, generation of spontaneous resistant mutants and whole genome sequencing revealed four new molecular targets, including FbpA, MurC, MmpL3 and GlpK.
Enhanced insulin receptor, but not PI3K, signalling protects podocytes from ER stress
Authors: Garner Kathryn L. , Betin Virginie M. S. , Pinto Vanda , Graham Mark , Abgueguen Emmanuelle , Barnes Matt , Bedford David C. , McArdle Craig A. , Coward Richard J. M.
Published: February 2018

Disruption of the insulin-PI3K-Akt signalling pathway in kidney podocytes causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to podocyte apoptosis and proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy. We hypothesised that by improving insulin sensitivity we could protect podocytes from ER stress. Here we use established activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6)- and ER stress element (ERSE)-luciferase assays alongside a novel high throughput imaging-based C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) assay to examine three models of improved insulin sensitivity. We find that by improving insulin sensitivity at the level of the insulin receptor (IR), either by IR over-expression or by knocking down the negative regulator of IR activity, protein tyrosine-phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), podocytes are protected from ER stress caused by fatty acids or diabetic media containing high glucose, high insulin and inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-6. However, contrary to this, knockdown of the negative regulator of PI3K-Akt signalling, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN), sensitizes podocytes to ER stress and apoptosis, despite increasing Akt phosphorylation. This indicates that protection from ER stress is conferred through not just the PI3K-Akt pathway, and indeed we find that inhibiting the MEK/ERK signalling pathway rescues PTEN knockdown podocytes from ER stress.
Temperature- and field-driven spin reorientations in triple-layer ruthenate Sr4Ru3O10
Authors: Zhu M. , Li P. G. , Wang Y. , Cao H. B. , Tian W. , Zhang H. D. , Phelan B. D. , Mao Z. Q. , Ke X.
Published: February 2018

Sr4Ru3O10, the n = 3 member of the Ruddlesden-Popper type ruthenate Srn+1Ru
n
O3n+1, is known to exhibit a peculiar metamagnetic transition in an in-plane magnetic field. However, the nature of both the temperature- and field-dependent phase transitions remains as a topic of debate. Here, we have investigated the magnetic transitions of Sr4Ru3O10 via single-crystal neutron diffraction measurements. At zero field, we find that the system undergoes a ferromagnetic transition with both in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic components at Tc ≈ 100 K. Below T * = 50 K, the magnetic moments incline continuously toward the out-of-plane direction. At T = 1.5 K, where the spins are nearly aligned along the c axis, a spin reorientation occurs above a critical field Bc, giving rise to a spin component perpendicular to the plane defined by the field direction and the c axis. We suggest that both the temperature- and field-driven spin reorientations are associated with a change in the magnetocrystalline anisotropy, which is strongly coupled to the lattice degrees of freedom. This study elucidates the long-standing puzzles on the zero-field magnetic orders of Sr4Ru3O10 and provides new insights into the nature of the field-induced metamagnetic transition.
A machine learning approach for automated assessment of retinal vasculature in the oxygen induced retinopathy model
Authors: Mazzaferri Javier , Larrivée Bruno , Cakir Bertan , Sapieha Przemyslaw , Costantino Santiago
Published: February 2018

Preclinical studies of vascular retinal diseases rely on the assessment of developmental dystrophies in the oxygen induced retinopathy rodent model. The quantification of vessel tufts and avascular regions is typically computed manually from flat mounted retinas imaged using fluorescent probes that highlight the vascular network. Such manual measurements are time-consuming and hampered by user variability and bias, thus a rapid and objective method is needed. Here, we introduce a machine learning approach to segment and characterize vascular tufts, delineate the whole vasculature network, and identify and analyze avascular regions. Our quantitative retinal vascular assessment (QuRVA) technique uses a simple machine learning method and morphological analysis to provide reliable computations of vascular density and pathological vascular tuft regions, devoid of user intervention within seconds. We demonstrate the high degree of error and variability of manual segmentations, and designed, coded, and implemented a set of algorithms to perform this task in a fully automated manner. We benchmark and validate the results of our analysis pipeline using the consensus of several manually curated segmentations using commonly used computer tools. The source code of our implementation is released under version 3 of the GNU General Public License (https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/65699-javimazzaf-qurva).
Noise Source and Individual Physiology Mediate Effectiveness of Bird Songs Adjusted to Anthropogenic Noise
Authors: Curry Claire M. , Des Brisay Paulson G. , Rosa Patricia , Koper Nicola
Published: February 2018

Anthropogenic noise is a pervasive pollutant altering behaviour of wildlife that communicates acoustically. Some species adjust vocalisations to compensate for noise. However, we know little about whether signal adjustments improve communication in noise, the extent to which effectiveness of adjustments varies with noise source, or how individual variation in physiology varies with response capacity. We played noise-adjusted and unadjusted songs to wild Passerculus sandwichensis (Savannah Sparrows) after measurements of adrenocortical responsiveness of individuals. Playbacks using songs adjusted to noisy environments were effective in restoring appropriate conspecific territorial aggression behaviours in some altered acoustic environments. Surprisingly, however, levels of adrenocortical responsiveness that reduced communication errors at some types of infrastructure were correlated with increased errors at others. Song adjustments that were effective in communicating for individuals with lower adrenocortical responsiveness at pumpjacks were not effective at screwpumps and vice versa. Our results demonstrate that vocal adjustments can sometimes allow birds to compensate for disruptions in communication caused by anthropogenic noise, but that physiological variation among receivers may alter effectiveness of these adjustments. Thus mitigation strategies to minimize anthropogenic noise must account for both acoustic and physiological impacts of infrastructure.
Acceleration of phenological advance and warming with latitude over the past century
Authors: Post Eric , Steinman Byron A. , Mann Michael E.
Published: February 2018

In the Northern Hemisphere, springtime events are frequently reported as advancing more rapidly at higher latitudes, presumably due to an acceleration of warming with latitude. However, this assumption has not been investigated in an analytical framework that simultaneously examines acceleration of warming with latitude while accounting for variation in phenological time series characteristics that might also co-vary with latitude. We analyzed 743 phenological trend estimates spanning 86 years and 42.6 degrees of latitude in the Northern Hemisphere, as well as rates of Northern Hemisphere warming over the same period and latitudinal range. We detected significant patterns of co-variation in phenological time series characteristics that may confound estimates of the magnitude of variation in trends with latitude. Notably, shorter and more recent time series tended to produce the strongest phenological trends, and these also tended to be from higher latitude studies. However, accounting for such variation only slightly modified the relationship between rates of phenological advance and latitude, which was highly significant. Furthermore, warming has increased non-linearly with latitude over the past several decades, most strongly since 1998 and northward of 59°N latitude. The acceleration of warming with latitude has likely contributed to an acceleration of phenological advance along the same gradient.
Origin, Maintenance and Variability of the Asian Tropopause Aerosol Layer (ATAL): The Roles of Monsoon Dynamics
Authors: Lau William K. M. , Yuan Cheng , Li Zhanqing
Published: February 2018

Using NASA MERRA2 daily data, we investigated the origin, maintenance and variability of the Asian Tropopause Aerosol Layer (ATAL) in relation to variations of the Asia Monsoon Anticyclone (AMA) during the summer of 2008. During May-June, abundant quantities of carbon monoxide (CO), carbonaceous aerosols (CA) and dusts are found in the mid- and upper troposphere over India and China, arising from enhanced biomass burning emissions, as well as westerly transport from the Middle East deserts. During July-August, large quantities of dusts transported from the deserts are trapped and accumulate over the southern and eastern foothills of the Tibetan Plateau. Despite strong precipitation washout, ambient CO, CA and dust are lofted by orographically forced deep convection to great elevations, 12–16 km above sea level, via two key pathways over heavily polluted regions: a) the Himalayas-Gangetic Plain, and b) the Sichuan Basin. Upon entering the upper-troposphere-lower-stratosphere, the pollutants are capped by a stable layer near the tropopause, advected and dispersed by the anticyclonic circulation of AMA, forming the ATAL resembling a planetary-scale “double-stem chimney cloud”. The development and variability of the ATAL are strongly linked to the seasonal march and intraseasonal (20–30 days and higher frequency) oscillations of the Asian monsoon.
A CREB2-targeting microRNA is required for long-term memory after single-trial learning
Authors: Korneev Sergei A. , Vavoulis Dimitris V. , Naskar Souvik , Dyakonova Varvara E. , Kemenes Ildikó , Kemenes György
Published: February 2018

Although single-trial induced long-term memories (LTM) have been of major interest in neuroscience, how LTM can form after a single episode of learning remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that the removal of molecular inhibitory constraints by microRNAs (miRNAs) plays an important role in this process. To test this hypothesis, first we constructed small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) cDNA libraries from the CNS ofLymnaea stagnalissubjected to a single conditioning trial. Then, by next generation sequencing of these libraries, we identified a specific pool of miRNAs regulated by training. Of these miRNAs, we focussed on Lym-miR-137 whose seed region shows perfect complementarity to a target sequence in the 3’ UTR of the mRNA for CREB2, a well-known memory repressor. We found that Lym-miR-137 was transiently up-regulated 1 h after single-trial conditioning, preceding a down-regulation ofLym-CREB2mRNA. Furthermore, we discovered that Lym-miR-137 is co-expressed withLym-CREB2mRNA in an identified neuron with an established role in LTM. Finally, using anin vivoloss-of-function approach we demonstrated that Lym-miR-137 is required for single-trial induced LTM.
Geotechnology in the analysis of forest fragments in northern Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Sergio Guedes , Spletozer Aline Gonçalves , Roque Mariane Paulina Batalha , Ferreira Neto José Ambrosio , Dias Herly Carlos Teixeira , Ramos Marcony Paulo , Bonilla Michael Alejandro Castro , Ribeiro Wellington Souto , Alcántara-de la Cruz Ricardo , Zanuncio José Cola
Published: February 2018

Pasture implantation fragments and reduces the Amazonian forest area. The objective was to quantify landscape changes in 1985, 2000 and 2015 in northern Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study was carried out in three scenes obtained by the LANDSAT satellite of a microbasin (2742.33 ha) in the municipality of Alta Floresta. Forest, water bodies, pasture and exposed soil were the thematic classes determined to e mapping the land use evolution. The edge, density and shape indexes of the fragments were measured. Normalized vegetation difference (NDVI) values were high in 1985. Land use and occupation over 15 years (1985–2000) reduced forest cover by 69.8%, but it increased by 1.7% over the next 15 years (2000–2015). The number of exposed soil patches increased between the periods, but the total area and number of the patches of the forest fragments decreased. The high values of NDVI in 1985 showed vegetated areas with high density. Reducing forest cover decreases the size of the fragments, increases the isolation and the number of soil patches exposed. The mapping of land use showed a reduction of the Amazon forest in the microbasin in the north of Mato Grosso, in the years 2000 and 2015 compared to 1985.
Assembly, growth and conductive properties of tellurium nanorods produced by Rhodococcus aetherivorans BCP1
Authors: Presentato Alessandro , Piacenza Elena , Darbandi Ali , Anikovskiy Max , Cappelletti Martina , Zannoni Davide , Turner Raymond J.
Published: February 2018

Tellurite (TeO32−) is a hazardous and toxic oxyanion for living organisms. However, several microorganisms can bioconvert TeO32− into the less toxic form of elemental tellurium (Te0). Here, Rhodococcus aetherivorans BCP1 resting (non-growing) cells showed the proficiency to produce tellurium-based nanoparticles (NPs) and nanorods (NRs) through the bioconversion of TeO32−, depending on the oxyanion initial concentration and time of cellular incubation. Te-nanostructures initially appeared in the cytoplasm of BCP1 cells as spherical NPs, which, as the exposure time increased, were converted into NRs. This observation suggested the existence of an intracellular mechanism of TeNRs assembly and growth that resembled the chemical surfactant-assisted process for NRs synthesis. The TeNRs produced by the BCP1 strain showed an average length (>700 nm) almost doubled compared to those observed in other studies. Further, the biogenic TeNRs displayed a regular single-crystalline structure typically obtained for those chemically synthesized. The chemical-physical characterization of the biogenic TeNRs reflected their thermodynamic stability that is likely derived from amphiphilic biomolecules present in the organic layer surrounding the NRs. Finally, the biogenic TeNRs extract showed good electrical conductivity. Thus, these findings support the suitability of this strain as eco-friendly biocatalyst to produce high quality tellurium-based nanomaterials exploitable for technological purposes.
Production and Characterization of Superhydrophobic and Antibacterial Coated Fabrics Utilizing ZnO Nanocatalyst
Authors: Shaban Mohamed , Mohamed Fatma , Abdallah Semsem
Published: February 2018

Dirt and microorganisms are the major problems in textiles which can generate unpleasant odor during their growth. Here, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel method were loaded on the cotton fabrics using spin coating technique to enhance their antimicrobial properties and water repellency. The effects of ZnO precursor concentration, precursor solution pH, number of coating runs, and Mg doping percent on the structures, morphologies, and water contact angles (WCA) of the ZnO-coated fabrics were addressed. At 0.5 M concentration and pH7, more homogeneous and smaller ZnO nanoparticles were grown along the preferred (0 0 2) direction and uniformly distributed on the fabric with a crystallite size 17.98 nm and dislocation density 3.09 × 10−3 dislocation/nm2. The substitution of Zn
2+
with Mg
2+
ions slightly shifted the (002) peak position to a higher angle. Also, the zeta potential and particle size distribution were measured for ZnO nanoparticle suspension. A superhydrophobic WCA = 154° was measured for the fabric that coated at 0.5 M precursor solution, pH 7, 20 runs and 0% Mg doping. Moreover, the antibacterial activities of the ZnO-coated fabric were investigated against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria such as Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis.
Culture-free Antibiotic-susceptibility Determination From Single-bacterium Raman Spectra
Authors: Novelli-Rousseau A. , Espagnon I. , Filiputti D. , Gal O. , Douet A. , Mallard F. , Josso Q.
Published: February 2018

Raman spectrometry appears to be an opportunity to perform rapid tests in microbiological diagnostics as it provides phenotype-related information from single bacterial cells thus holding the promise of direct analysis of clinical specimens without any time-consuming growth phase. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of a rapid antibiotic-susceptibility determination based on the use of Raman spectra acquired on single bacterial cells. After a two-hour preculture step, one susceptible and two resistant E. coli strains were incubated, for only two hours, in the presence of different bactericidal antibiotics (gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin) in a range of concentrations that included the clinical breakpoints used as references in microbial diagnostic. Spectra were acquired and processed to isolate spectral modifications associated with the antibiotic effect. We evidenced an “antibiotic effect signature” which is expressed with specific Raman peaks and the coexistence of three spectral populations in the presence of antibiotic. We devised an algorithm and a test procedure that overcome single-cell heterogeneities to estimate the MIC and determinate the susceptibility phenotype of the tested bacteria using only a few single-cell spectra in four hours only if including the preculture step.
Development of small particle speciation for nuclear forensics by soft X-ray scanning transmission spectromicroscopy
Authors: Pacold J. I. , Altman A. B. , Knight K. B. , Holliday K. S. , Kristo M. J. , Minasian S. G. , Tyliszczak T. , Booth C. H. , Shuh D. K.
Published: February 2018

Synchrotron radiation spectromicroscopy provides a combination of submicron spatial resolution and chemical sensitivity that is well-suited to analysis of heterogeneous nuclear materials.
Combined analysis of 1,3-benzodioxoles by crystalline sponge X-ray crystallography and laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Hayashi Yukako , Ohara Kazuaki , Taki Rika , Saeki Tomomi , Yamaguchi Kentaro
Published: February 2018

The combination of X-ray analysis and laser desorption ionization by using crystalline sponge will be a promising method to determine guest structures.
Comment on “Methanol dimer formation drastically enhances hydrogen abstraction from methanol by OH at low temperature” by W. Siebrand, Z. Smedarchina, E. Martínez-Núñez and A. Fernández-Ramos, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 22712
Authors: Shannon R. J. , Gómez Martín J. C. , Caravan R. L. , Blitz M. A. , Plane J. M. C. , Heard D. E. , Antiñolo M. , Agúndez M. , Jiménez E. , Ballesteros B. , Canosa A. , El Dib G. , Albaladejo J. , Cernicharo J.
Published: February 2018

A low fraction of methanol dimers is formed in the Laval nozzle used for kinetics studies at very low temperatures.
Spatiotemporal coke formation over zeolite ZSM-5 during the methanol-to-olefins process as studied with operando UV-vis spectroscopy: a comparison between H-ZSM-5 and Mg-ZSM-5
Authors: Goetze Joris , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: February 2018

In this work, during the methanol-to-olefins (MTO) reaction, the formation of hydrocarbon pool species as well as the accumulation of coke and coke precursor molecules were monitored with operando UV-vis spectroscopy.
The impact of lactation and gestational age on the composition of branched-chain fatty acids in human breast milk
Authors: Jie Liang , Qi Ce , Sun Jin , Yu Renqiang , Wang Xiangyu , Korma Sameh A. , Xiang Jingying , Jin Qingzhe , Akoh Casimir C. , Xiao Hang , Wang Xingguo
Published: February 2018

The main BCFAs in preterm breast milk wereiso-14:0,iso-15:0,anteiso-15:0,iso-16:0,iso-17:0, andanteiso-17:0, which were low than that in term breast milk. They were mainly located in the sn-2 position of TAGs and concentration in colostrum.
Lattice induced crystallization of nanodroplets: the role of finite-size effects and substrate properties in controlling polymorphism
Authors: Lam Julien , Lutsko James F.
Published: February 2018

Freezing a nanodroplet deposited on a solid substrate leads to the formation of crystalline structures. We study the inherent mechanisms underlying this general phenomenon by means of molecular dynamics simulations.
Synergistic effects of plasmon induced Ag@Ag3VO4/ZnCr LDH ternary heterostructures towards visible light responsive O2 evolution and phenol oxidation reactions
Authors: Sahoo Dipti Prava , Patnaik Sulagna , Rath Dharitri , Parida K. M.
Published: February 2018

The SPR effect of monodisperse Ag nanoparticles in Ag@Ag3VO4/ZnCr LDH heterostructures exhibits high photocatalytic activity towards evolution of O2 and oxidation of phenol.
Influence of alkyl chain length in S,N-heteropentacenes on the performance of organic solar cells
Authors: Leitner Tanja D. , Vogt Astrid , Popović Duško , Mena-Osteritz Elena , Walzer Karsten , Pfeiffer Martin , Bäuerle Peter
Published: February 2018

Acceptor-substituted S,N-heteropentacenes with systematically varied alkyl side chains were prepared and implemented as donors in vacuum-processed OSCs giving devices with efficiencies in the range of 4–6%. An odd–even effect with respect to the length of the alkyl side chains is noted.
Angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy via modulation of nitric oxide and neurotransmitter levels in the paraventricular nucleus in salt-sensitive hypertensive rats
Authors: Liang Bin , Zhao Ya-Nan , Wang Xin , Yu Xiao-Jing , Li Ying , Yang Hui-Yu , Su Qing , Kang Yu-Ming , Yang Zhi-Ming
Published: February 2018

Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is a multifunctional bioactive angiotensin peptide which exerts a cardiovascular protective function mainly by opposing the effects of angiotensin II.
Effects of oxygen functional groups and FeCl3 on the evolution of physico-chemical structure in activated carbon obtained from Jixi bituminous coal
Authors: Liu Dongdong , Jia Boyin , Liu Xiujuan , Zhao Bojun , Gao Jihui , Cao Qingxi , Wu Shaohua , Qin Yukun
Published: February 2018

Effects of oxygen functional groups and FeCl3 on evolution of physico-chemical structure in activated carbon to increase its value SBET/burn-off.
Eco-friendly reactions in PEG-400: a highly efficient and green approach for stereoselective access to multisubstituted 3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinazolines using 2-aminobenzylamines
Authors: Sharma Nutan , Sharma Pankaj , Bhagat Sunita
Published: February 2018

An efficient, green and stereoselective synthesis of multisubstituted 3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinazolines using PEG-400 as an inexpensive and non-toxic reaction medium is reported.
Monte Carlo simulations of weak polyelectrolyte microgels: pH-dependence of conformation and ionization
Authors: Hofzumahaus C. , Hebbeker P. , Schneider S.
Published: February 2018

A Monte Carlo study of the pH-dependent ionization and swelling behavior of weak polyelectrolyte microgels.
Mixed halide hybrid perovskites: a paradigm shift in photovoltaics
Authors: Zarick Holly F. , Soetan Naiya , Erwin William R. , Bardhan Rizia
Published: February 2018

This review gives a comprehensive overview of recent progress made in mixed-halide hybrid perovskite materials, focusing in particular on the impact of halide substitution on optoelectronic properties and trends in carrier dynamics.
Identification and characterisation of high energy density P2-type Na2/3[Ni1/3−y/2Mn2/3−y/2Fey]O2 compounds for Na-ion batteries
Authors: Somerville J. W. , House R. A. , Tapia-Ruiz N. , Sobkowiak A. , Ramos S. , Chadwick A. V. , Roberts M. R. , Maitra U. , Bruce P. G.
Published: February 2018

The Nax[Ni(x−y)/2Mn(2−x−y)/2Fey]O2 composition space was explored, and two compositions were identified as P2 compounds that can deliver high energy densities.
High-performance nonpolar a-plane GaN-based metal–semiconductor–metal UV photo-detectors fabricated on LaAlO3 substrates
Authors: Wang Wenliang , Zheng Yulin , Li Xiaochan , Li Yuan , Huang Liegen , Li Guoqiang
Published: February 2018

High-performance nonpolar a-plane GaN-based metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) ultraviolet (UV) photo-detectors are fabricated based on high-quality nonpolar a-plane GaN epitaxial films grown on LaAlO3(100) substrates.
Construction of α-methoxyimidoyl ketonitrones via phosphite-mediated addition of α-keto N-tert-butanesulfinyl imidates to nitrosoarenes
Authors: Feng Jie , Ma Peng-Ju , Zeng Yong-Ming , Xu Yan-Jun , Lu Chong-Dao
Published: February 2018

A dimethyl phosphite-mediated addition of α-keto N-tert-butanesulfinyl imidates to nitrosoarenes leads to efficient construction of α-methoxyimidoyl ketonitrones with excellent (Z)-geometries.
An MS-CASPT2 study of the photodecomposition of 4-methoxyphenyl azide: role of internal conversion and intersystem crossing
Authors: Aranda Daniel , Avila Francisco J. , López-Tocón Isabel , Arenas Juan F. , Otero Juan C. , Soto Juan
Published: February 2018

Photoexcitation of 4-methoxyphenyl azide at 266 nm yields triplet nitrene after decaying through an intersystem crossing (ISC1, 21A′/23A′′) in a first step followed by internal conversion (CI2, 23A′′/13A′′).
Substituent influence in phenanthroline-derived ancillary ligands on the excited state nature of novel cationic Ir(iii) complexes
Authors: González Iván , Natali Mirco , Cabrera Alan R. , Loeb Bárbara , Maze Jerónimo , Dreyse Paulina
Published: February 2018

Influence of ancillary ligands derived from phenanthroline on the nature of the deactivation pathways of novel cationic Ir(iii) cyclometalated complexes.
The downside of dispersity: why the standard deviation is a better measure of dispersion in precision polymerization
Authors: Harrisson Simon
Published: February 2018

Dispersity gives a deceptively rosy picture of the extent of dispersion in molecular weight distributions. For complex structures or relatively narrow molecular weight distributions, the standard deviation of the number distribution is a better choice.
Copper-catalyzed asymmetric hydroboration of 1,3-enynes with pinacolborane to access chiral allenylboronates
Authors: Sang Hui Leng , Yu Songjie , Ge Shaozhong
Published: February 2018

A wide range of functionalized 1,3-enynes undergo hydroboration with pinacolborane to produce enantiomerically enriched allenylboronates in the presence of a chiral copper catalyst.
One-pot synthesis of CoFe2O4/rGO hybrid hydrogels with 3D networks for high capacity electrochemical energy storage devices
Authors: Zheng Lingxia , Guan Lingtong , Yang Guang , Chen Sanming , Zheng Huajun
Published: February 2018

CoFe2O4/reduced graphene oxide (CoFe2O4/rGO) hydrogel was synthesized in situ via a facile one-pot solvothermal approach.
The evolution of selenium cathodes: from infusion melts to particle synthesis
Authors: Bucur Claudiu B. , Bonnick Patrick , Jones Michael , Muldoon John
Published: February 2018

Safe, aqueous synthetic routes for obtaining selenium and sulfur–selenium hybrid particles, with controlled shapes and sizes.
Enhancement of thermoelectric performance via weak disordering of topological crystalline insulators and band convergence by Se alloying in Pb0.5Sn0.5Te1 − xSex
Authors: Ginting Dianta , Lin Chan-Chieh , Kim Gareoung , Yun Jae Hyun , Yu Byung-Kyu , Kim Sung-Jin , Ahn Kyunghan , Rhyee Jong-Soo
Published: February 2018

This research proposes a new strategy for exploring high-performance thermoelectric materials by weak disordering of topological crystalline Dirac semimetals.
A beryllium-free deep-UV nonlinear optical material CsNaMgP2O7with honeycomb-like topological layers
Authors: Zhao Sangen , Yang Yi , Shen Yaoguo , Wang Xiaodong , Ding Qingran , Li Xianfeng , Li Yanqiang , Li Lina , Lin Zheshuai , Luo Junhua
Published: February 2018

Beryllium-free deep-UV nonlinear optical CsNaMgP2O7consists of honeycomb-like topological layers, which should be attributable to an enhanced second harmonic generation response.
Magnetic behaviour of bent-core mesogens derived from the 1,4-dihydrobenzo[e][1,2,4]triazin-4-yl
Authors: Kapuściński Szymon , Gardias Anita , Pociecha Damian , Jasiński Marcin , Szczytko Jacek , Kaszyński Piotr
Published: February 2018

A series of bent-core mesogens 2[m,n] and 3[4,6][6,n] derived from the 1,4-dihydrobenzo[e][1,2,4]triazin-4-yl radical and containing two partially fluorinated alkyl tails and the non-fluorinated derivative 1[12] were prepared and investigated by optical, thermal, XRD and magnetic methods.
New applications of solid-state NMR in structural biology
Authors: van der Wel Patrick C.A.
Published: February 2018

Various recent developments in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy have enabled an array of new insights regarding the structure, dynamics, and interactions of biomolecules. In the ever more integrated world of structural biology, ssNMR studies provide structural and dynamic information that is complementary to the data accessible by other means. ssNMR enables the study of samples lacking a crystalline lattice, featuring static as well as dynamic disorder, and does so independent of higher-order symmetry. The present study surveys recent applications of biomolecular ssNMR and examines how this technique is increasingly integrated with other structural biology techniques, such as (cryo) electron microscopy, solution-state NMR, and X-ray crystallography. Traditional ssNMR targets include lipid bilayer membranes and membrane proteins in a lipid bilayer environment. Another classic application has been in the area of protein misfolding and aggregation disorders, where ssNMR has provided essential structural data on oligomers and amyloid fibril aggregates. More recently, the application of ssNMR has expanded to a growing array of biological assemblies, ranging from non-amyloid protein aggregates, protein–protein complexes, viral capsids, and many others. Across these areas, multidimensional magic angle spinning (MAS) ssNMR has, in the last decade, revealed three-dimensional structures, including many that had been inaccessible by other structural biology techniques. Equally important insights in structural and molecular biology derive from the ability of MAS ssNMR to probe information beyond comprehensive protein structures, such as dynamics, solvent exposure, protein–protein interfaces, and substrate–enzyme interactions.
Wearable in‐the‐ear EEG system for SSVEP‐based brain–computer interface
Authors: Ahn J.W. , Ku Y. , Kim D.Y. , Sohn J. , Kim J.‐H. , Kim H.C.
Published: February 2018

Steady‐state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) has been widely used in electroencephalogram (EEG)‐based brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) due to its high information transfer rate (ITR) and short training time. Current methods usually measure SSVEP from electrodes on the scalp, which is an uncomfortable and time‐consuming method. Furthermore, most research relies on expensive and non‐portable EEG devices. To utilise BCIs in daily life, however, these are critical issues to address. Hence, a wearable EEG device for in‐ear SSVEP detection is proposed. The system is 40 × 21 × 10.5 mm3 and weighs 14.2 g, thus being light weight and wearable. Moreover, the system has a noise level of 0.11 µVrms, which is comparable with commercial EEG systems. Six subjects participated in an offline BCI experiment that consisted of six visual targets using the developed in‐the‐ear EEG system. The results showed a highest ITR of 11.03 ± 4.18 bits/min with an accuracy of 79.9 ± 13.1%, and the experiments demonstrated that the system can be utilised for unobtrusive monitoring of SSVEP in BCI applications.
Theoretical analysis and design of a compact analogue phase shifter with constant low insertion loss
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Lin Xian Qi , Wang Bao , Tang Cong
Published: February 2018

An analogue phase shifter with a constant low insertion loss (IL) and compact size is proposed. It consists of two quarter wavelength transmission lines and three tunable reflective loads. The theoretical analysis to maximise the relative phase shift, reduce the IL and the IL variation of the phase shifter is presented explicitly, which provides performance estimation and design guidance for this class phase shifter. A circuit with a size of 0.12λg × 0.21λg is designed and fabricated to verify the theory. The simulated and measured results are in good agreement. The measurement shows that the relative phase shift of the proposed phase shifter is 186° at 1.97 GHz. The average IL is 0.79 dB with a very small IL variation which is just 0.02 dB.
Multi‐scale document image rectification utilising text‐features
Authors: Sun Riming , Wang Shengfa , Ji Lin , Wang Zhenyu
Published: February 2018

A multi‐scale document image rectification method based on text‐features is presented. In contrast to most used text‐lines, the text‐features are more robust to depict the distortions of document images with multi‐column layouts, multi‐type fonts or non‐textural objects. Then, the rectification problem is formulated utilising a reverse strategy according to the text‐features. The experiments have demonstrated the flexibility and high performance of the approach.
New SRRC receiver filter design with reduced number of filter taps for wireless communication systems
Authors: Kang Hoon , No Jong‐Seon
Published: February 2018

In wireless communication systems, it is well known that inter‐symbol interference (ISI) can be avoided by using a pair of matched square‐root‐raised‐cosine (SRRC) filters in the transmitter and receiver. In an effort to find methods which minimise the number of filter taps in the matched filter, numerous studies have been done. However, in practise, when the communication specification is fixed by the standard, it is not possible to change the coefficients of the transmit filter. In this study, the authors propose a new SRRC filter design with the reduced number of filter taps for a receiver of a wireless communication system. The proposed design utilises a recursive steepest‐descent algorithm when the filter coefficients of the transmitter are fixed. That is, relaxing the ISI criterion while maintaining the stopband attenuation, the proposed receiver filter has fewer filter taps than that in the conventional case without undergoing bit error rate performance degradation. The proposed receiver filter design with the reduced number of filter taps reduces the computational complexity and the detection delay in the receiver.
Nearly perfect Gaussian integer sequences with arbitrary degree
Authors: Li Yubo , Tian Liying , Liu Tao
Published: February 2018

Based on p‐ary pseudorandom sequences, this study proposes a construction of degree‐k Gaussian integer sequences of period by utilising kth power residue symbol satisfying , where p is an odd prime and positive integers . The periodic autocorrelation values are 0 at shifts of the resultant sequences. Specially, there is exactly one non‐zero out‐of‐phase periodic autocorrelation value of the resultant sequences for . The non‐zero elements of the sequences are balanced and can be predefined flexibly. Moreover, the maximum energy efficiency of the proposed sequences is close to for sufficiently large m.