bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of incorporating inorganic materials into quaternized polyacrylic polymer on its mechanical strength and adsorption behaviour for ibuprofen removal
Authors: Zhang Guang , Li Shuangshuang , Shuang Chendong , Mu Yunsong , Li Aimin , Tan Liang
Published: March 2020

Quaternized polyacrylic polymer has many applications in water treatment because of its ion exchange effects, but its further industrial applications are largely restricted because of its poor mechanical strength. In this work, a magnetic anion exchange resin with a polyacrylic matrix (MAP) was prepared by incorporation of Fe3O4 and subsequent modification with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) to improve the mechanical strength and adsorption performance. The incorporation of Fe3O4 significantly enhanced the mechanical strength of the polymer and improved the sphericity rate after ball milling of the polyacrylic resin from 80.1% to 97.2% as a result of hydrogen bonding between the -OH groups on Fe3O4 and the -NH- groups on the resin matrix. Further TEOS modification could effectively prevent Fe3O4 particles from dislodging from the resins. The adsorption performance was evaluated by using ibuprofen as a model compound. The adsorption kinetics showed that adsorption equilibrium was reached in 150 min. XPS analysis indicated that hydrogen bonding greatly contributed to the adsorption of ibuprofen onto the MAP. Adsorption isotherm analysis indicated that the adsorption was endothermic.
Author Correction: Personalized Risk Assessment in Never, Light, and Heavy Smokers in a prospective cohort in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Xifeng , Wen Chi Pang , Ye Yuanqing , Tsai MinKwang , Wen Christopher , Roth Jack A. , Pu Xia , Chow Wong-Ho , Huff Chad , Cunningham Sonia , Huang Maosheng , Wu Shuanbei , Tsao Chwen Keng , Gu Jian , Lippman Scott M.
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Comment on “Local, solvation pressures and conformational changes in ethylenediamine aqueous solutions probed using Raman spectroscopy” by M. Cáceres, A. Lobato, N. J. Mendoza, L. J. Bonales and V. G. Baonza, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 26192
Authors: Mukadam A. A. , Aravindakshan N. P. , East A. L. L.
Published: March 2020

Misconclusions are corrected on Raman peak assignment and gauche-vs.-trans conformer ratio of ethylenediamine in liquid and aqueous phases. Peaks lost upon aqueous dilution are due to lost NH⋯N interactions. Both conformers exist in both phases.
Predictive models for the phase behaviour and solution properties of weak electrolytes: nitric, sulphuric, and carbonic acids
Authors: Kohns Maximilian , Lazarou Georgia , Kournopoulos Spiros , Forte Esther , Perdomo Felipe A. , Jackson George , Adjiman Claire S. , Galindo Amparo
Published: March 2020

SAFT-VRE Mie allows for elucidating association and ion pairing in weak electrolyte systems.
Thermodynamical stability of substoichiometric plutonium monocarbide from first-principles calculations
Authors: Lai Chao , Hu Yin , Qiu Ruizhi
Published: March 2020

Substoichiometric monocarbide PuC1–x is investigated using first-principles calculation combined with special quasirandom structure. The substoichiometry of PuC1–x is attributed to the strengthened Pu–C bonds opposite to the carbon vacancies.
Adsorption-induced co-assembly of hairy and isotropic particles
Authors: Staszewski Tomasz , Borówko Małgorzata
Published: March 2020

We use coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to study the behavior of polymer-tethered particles immersed in fluids of isotropic particles.
Thermal decomposition of mixed calcium oxalate hydrates – kinetic deconvolution of complex heterogeneous processes
Authors: Svoboda Roman , Olmrová Zmrhalová Zuzana , Galusek Dušan , Brandová Daniela , Chovanec Jozef
Published: March 2020

Whereas thermogravimetry monitors only a single-step CaOx decomposition reaction, DSC in addition reveals the complex competing CO oxidation kinetics.
Coordination polymers of a bis-isophthalate bridging ligand with single molecule magnet behaviour of the CoIIanalogue
Authors: Chahine Ali Y. , Phonsri Wasinee , Murray Keith S. , Turner David R. , Batten Stuart R.
Published: March 2020

A Co(ii) coordination polymer shows SMM behaviour with an effective barrier height among the highest reported for such materials.
Spatial distribution of heavy metals in the West Dongting Lake floodplain, China
Authors: Peng Dong , Liu Ziyu , Su Xinyue , Xiao Yaqian , Wang Yuechen , Middleton Beth A. , Lei Ting
Published: March 2020

The protection of Dongting Lake is important because it is an overwintering and migration route for many rare and endangered birds of East Asia and Australasia, but an assessment of heavy metal contamination in West Dongting Lake is lacking.
A practical strategy for construction and regulation of multi-functional triazepinium salts via highly efficient I2-catalyzed cyclization
Authors: Liu Lang , She Mengyao , Zhang Jun , Wang Zhaohui , Liu Hua , Tang Mi , Liu Ping , Zhang Shengyong , Li Jianli
Published: March 2020

Developing a highly efficient I2-catalyzed cyclization for constructing triazepine derivatives, which have excellent solid-state fluorescence performances, and analyzing the structure–property relationship.
Monitoring tissue-level remodelling during inflammatory arthritis using a three-dimensional synovium-on-a-chip with non-invasive light scattering biosensing
Authors: Rothbauer Mario , Höll Gregor , Eilenberger Christoph , Kratz Sebastian R. A. , Farooq Bilal , Schuller Patrick , Olmos Calvo Isabel , Byrne Ruth A. , Meyer Brigitte , Niederreiter Birgit , Küpcü Seta , Sevelda Florian , Holinka Johannes , Hayden Oliver , Tedde Sandro F. , Kiener Hans P. , Ertl Peter
Published: March 2020

We demonstrate that the integration of complex human synovial organ cultures in a lab-on-a-chip provides reproducible and reliable information on how systemic stress factors affect synovial tissue architectures using light scatter biosensing.
Infrared spectroscopic detection of ketene formation from carbene and CO sources: an amide synthesis
Authors: Madarasi Packirisamy Kuzhalmozhi , Sivasankar Chinnappan
Published: March 2020

An effective methodology to detect the highly reactive ketene intermediate, which is formed in situ during the course of organic transformation.
Unravelling lithiation mechanisms of iron trifluoride by operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy and MCR-ALS chemometric tools
Authors: Eveillard F. , Gervillié C. , Taviot-Guého C. , Leroux F. , Guérin K. , Sougrati M. T. , Belin S. , Delbègue D.
Published: March 2020

The entire lithiation mechanism of two iron fluorides with excellent time resolution through XAS operando and chemometric tools MCR-ALS highlights their various electrochemical performances.
Electrolysis: What textbooks don’t tell us
Authors: Chang Hasok , Duncan Katherine , Kim Kihyang , Paik Seoung-Hey
Published: March 2020

We present a critical discussion of how chemistry textbooks treat the electrolysis of water and aqueous salt solutions, based on a survey of general chemistry textbooks in English and Korean at secondary and tertiary levels, also informed by the historical background of 19th-century debates. English-language textbooks present various and contradictory accounts of the electrolysis of water; a key point of disagreement is whether hydrogen and oxygen gases originate from pre-existing H+and OH−ions, or from the direct reduction and oxidation of H2O molecules. School textbooks in South Korea all present the same account, with no indication of alternative views. A vast majority of all texts ignore the possibility that H2and O2may result from secondary reactions, which was a standard view in the late 19th century following the works of Daniell and Miller. Concerning the electrolysis of aqueous salt solutions, all texts give oversimplified views of competing reactions based on standard reduction/oxidation potentials. It is understandable that textbooks try to present sufficiently simple pictures that students at each level can handle; however, this should not be done in a way that shuts down questions. We recommend that students should be made aware that textbook accounts are only models, and encouraged to extend their learning beyond the models. The plausibility of our recommendations is shown in a pilot study we conducted with secondary school students in South Korea.
Clustering and phase separation in mixtures of dipolar and active particles
Authors: Maloney Ryan C. , Liao Guo-Jun , Klapp Sabine H. L. , Hall Carol K.
Published: March 2020

Mixtures of dipolar and active colloidal particles display a variety of states including chains, string-fluids, and motility induced phase separation.
Colorimetric identification of lanthanide ions based on two carboxylic acids as an artificial tongue
Authors: Zhang Chi , Huang Juan , Wei Wei , Chen Zhengbo
Published: March 2020

We report a colorimetric array, which consists of two carboxylic acids (quinolinic acid (QA), tannic acid (TCA)) as the sensor element and Eriochrome Black T (EBT) as the colorimetric signal readout.
Raman micro-spectroscopy monitoring of cytochrome c redox state in Candida utilis during cell death under low-temperature plasma-induced oxidative stress
Authors: Chen Zhu , Liu Jinghua , Tian Lijiao , Zhang Qianqian , Guan Yong , Chen Liang , Liu Gang , Yu Han-qing , Tian Yangchao , Huang Qing
Published: March 2020

Low-temperature plasma may induce oxidative stress and result in different modes of cell death, such as necrosis, apoptosis and necroptosis, which can be monitored by Raman micro-spectroscopy based on the change of cellular cytochrome c redox state.
Correction: Towards normalization selection of Raman data in the context of protein glycation: application of validity indices to PCA processed spectra
Authors: Alsamad Fatima , Gobinet Cyril , Vuiblet Vincent , Jaisson Stéphane , Piot Olivier
Published: March 2020

Correction for ‘Towards normalization selection of Raman data in the context of protein glycation: application of validity indices to PCA processed spectra’ by Fatima Alsamad et al., Analyst, 2020, DOI: 10.1039/c9an02155h.
Gold nanomaterials functionalised with gadolinium chelates and their application in multimodal imaging and therapy
Authors: Perry Hannah L. , Botnar René M. , Wilton-Ely James D. E. T.
Published: March 2020

An overview of recent progress in the design of gadolinium-functionalised gold nanoparticles for use in MRI, multimodal imaging and theranostics.
Structural elucidation of the degradation mechanism of nickel-rich layered cathodes during high-voltage cycling
Authors: Lai Jing , Zhang Jun , Li Zuowei , Xiao Yao , Hua Weibo , Wu Zhenguo , Chen Yanxiao , Zhong Yanjun , Xiang Wei , Guo Xiaodong
Published: March 2020

A splitting of two O3 phases, rather than the often observed O1 phases in the conventional LiCoO2 electrode, was discovered in the LiNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 at high-voltage region (>4.6 V) by in situ high-resolution synchrotron radiation diffraction.
Non-template synthesis of porous carbon nanospheres coated with a DNA-cross-linked hydrogel for the simultaneous imaging of dual biomarkers in living cells
Authors: Ji Xiaoting , Wang Zhenbo , Niu Shuyan , Ding Caifeng
Published: March 2020

A fluorescent nanoprobe was designed based on porous-carbon nanospheres and DNA hybrid hydrogel for the simultaneous imaging of triphosadenine and biothiol in living cells.
Fe3Pt intermetallic nanoparticles anchored on N-doped mesoporous carbon for the highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Chen Danke , Li Zhuoyi , Zhou Yu , Ma Xu , Lin Hanqing , Ying Wen , Peng Xinsheng
Published: March 2020

N-Doped mesoporous carbon catalysts dispersed with Fe3Pt intermetallic nanoparticles, exhibiting excellent ORR performance, were synthesised by direct pyrolysis of Pt–Fe co-functionalized ZIF-8.
A one-pot route to stable Pickering emulsions featuring nanocrystalline Ag and Au
Authors: Armstrong Oliver L. , Baxter Sean N. , Deepak F. L. , Thomas P. John
Published: March 2020

A simple one-pot scheme yielding stable Pickering emulsions with Au or Ag nanoparticle surfactants is described. The dimensions and temporal stability of emulsion droplets as well the nanoparticle surfactants are studied.
Nitrosoarene-catalyzed regioselective aromatic C–H sulfinylation with thiols under aerobic conditions
Authors: Pradhan Suman , Patel Sandeep , Chatterjee Indranil
Published: March 2020

Aromatic amines and (hetero)arenes, such as indoles and pyrroles, are regioselectively sulfinylated under mild aerobic conditions using nitrosoarenes as a redox-catalyst.
Hydrogen bond-directed supramolecular polymorphism leading to soft and hard molecular ordering
Authors: Aizawa Takumi , Aratsu Keisuke , Datta Sougata , Mashimo Takaki , Seki Tomohiro , Kajitani Takashi , Silly Fabien , Yagai Shiki
Published: March 2020

Transformation of metastable supramolecular stacks of hydrogen-bonded rosettes composed of an ester-containing barbiturated naphthalene into crystalline nanosheets occurs through the rearrangement of hydrogen-bonding patterns.
Low energy (6–18 eV) electron scattering from condensed thymidine (dT) III: absolute electronic excitation cross sections
Authors: Lemelin V. , Bass A. D. , Sanche L.
Published: March 2020

We report for the first time the low-energy electron energy loss spectrum for electronic excitation of condensed thymidine measured by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy.
Synergies and compromises between charge and energy transfers in three-component organic solar cells
Authors: Sartorio Camillo , Giuliano Giuliana , Scopelliti Michelangelo , Vetri Valeria , Leone Maurizio , Pignataro Bruno
Published: March 2020

In a three-component OSC, proper interface design is crucial to reaching the right balance between charge and energy transfer when both processes occur. Highly transparent devices can be built by thinning the active layer without affecting the PCE.
Elucidating the role of structural fluctuations, and intermolecular and vibronic interactions in the spectroscopic response of a bacteriophytochrome
Authors: Macaluso Veronica , Cupellini Lorenzo , Salvadori Giacomo , Lipparini Filippo , Mennucci Benedetta
Published: March 2020

Molecular dynamics and a multiscale polarizable QM/MM strategy allow reproducing absorption, circular dichroism, and resonance Raman spectra of a bacteriophytochrome.
Gas-phase action and fluorescence spectroscopy of mass-selected fluorescein monoanions and two derivatives
Authors: Kjær Christina , Hansson Rikke F. , Hedberg Christinne , Jensen Frank , Jensen Henrik H. , Nielsen Steen Brøndsted
Published: March 2020

Gas-phase action and fluorescence spectroscopy of fluorescein anions and two derivatives reveal important information on what determines the Stokes shift.
γ-Graphyne nanotubes as defect-free catalysts of the oxygen reduction reaction: a DFT investigation
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Wu Si , Ai Hongqi , Lee Jin Yong , Kang Baotao
Published: March 2020

γGyNTs as excellent metal-free ORR catalysts without any defects.
Adsorption and oxidation of SO2 on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles: the role of terminal hydroxyl and oxygen vacancy–Ti3+ states
Authors: Wang Bing , Li Xue , Liang Shanshan , Chu Runxuan , Zhang Dan , Chen Hanqing , Wang Meng , Zhou Shuang , Chen Wei , Cao Xingzhong , Feng Weiyue
Published: March 2020

The absorption and oxidation reactions of SO2 on TiO2 nanoparticles were investigated by using a flow chamber, synchrotron X-ray absorption near-edge structure and high resolution synchrotron X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques.
Cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of ternary silver(i) complexes bearing 2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazones and 1,10-phenanthroline
Authors: Silva Débora E. S. , Becceneri Amanda B. , Solcia Mariana C. , Santiago João V. B. , Moreira Mariete B. , Gomes Neto José A. , Pavan Fernando R. , Cominetti Márcia R. , Pereira José C. M. , Netto Adelino V. G.
Published: March 2020

Ag(i) complexes induced apoptosis in triple negative breast cancer cells and were appreciably less cytotoxic against non-tumor cells.
Bright persistent green emitting water-dispersible Zn2GeO4:Mn nanorods
Authors: Srivastava Bhupendra B. , Gupta Santosh K. , Li Yang , Mao Yuanbing
Published: March 2020

This work reports on a green and facile approach for designing bright and persistent green luminescent Zn2GeO4:Mn2+ nano crystals with high quantum yield (∼52%) and water dispersibility designated for LEDs, security, and bio imaging.
Construction of a hierarchical-structured MgO-carbon nanocomposite from a metal–organic complex for efficient CO2 capture and organic pollutant removal
Authors: Li Ping , Lin Yunan , Chen Ran , Li Wenqin
Published: March 2020

A hierarchical-structured porous MgO/C nanocomposite derived from a metal–organic complex performs as a remarkable adsorbent for CO2 adsorption and organic pollutant removal.
Si–C(sp3) bond activation through oxidative addition at a Rh(i) centre
Authors: Azpeitia S. , Martínez-Martínez A. J. , Garralda M. A. , Weller A. S. , Huertos M. A.
Published: March 2020

Rhodium promoted a fast, quantitative and room temperature Si–CH3 bond activation.
Designing nanoparticle interfaces for inner-sphere catalysis
Authors: Ung David , Murphy Ian A. , Cossairt Brandi M.
Published: March 2020

Interfacial chemistry dramatically impacts the activity (performance) and reactivity (mechanism) of nanoparticle catalysts.
Mechanisms for degradation and transformation of β-blocker atenolol via electrocoagulation, electro-Fenton, and electro-Fenton-like processes
Authors: Govindan Kadarkarai , Sumanasekara Vimukthi D. W. , Jang Am
Published: March 2020

This study investigated the mechanism of atenolol degradation and transformation through ˙OH-based electro-Fenton (EF), SO4˙−-based EF-like, and electrocoagulation (EC) processes.
Base-mediated benzannulation of α-cyanocrotonates with ynones: facile synthesis of benzonitriles and fluorenes
Authors: Singam Maneesh Kumar Reddy , Nagireddy Attunuri , Maddi Sridhar Reddy
Published: March 2020

Benzonitriles and cyanofluorenes have been rapidly obtained via the [3 + 3] benzannulation of readily available alkynones and α-cyanocrotonates using KOtBu as the only reagent and EtOH (and CO2) is the only by-product.
Efficient iron catalyzed ligand-free access to acridines and acridinium ions
Authors: Mandal Susanta , Chhetri Karan , Bhuyan Samuzal , Roy Biswajit G.
Published: March 2020

A general synthesis of both acridines and acridinium ions is descried from inexpensive and commercially available aliphatic starting materials using iron as catalyst and aerobic oxygen as oxidant in alcoholic solvent to produce water as only by product.
Toxicity of three types of arsenolipids: species-specific effects in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Bornhorst Julia , Ebert Franziska , Meyer Sören , Ziemann Vanessa , Xiong Chan , Guttenberger Nikolaus , Raab Andrea , Baesler Jessica , Aschner Michael , Feldmann Jörg , Francesconi Kevin , Raber Georg , Schwerdtle Tanja
Published: March 2020

Although fish and seafood are well known for their nutritional benefits, they contain contaminants that might affect human health. Organic lipid-soluble arsenic species, so called arsenolipids, belong to the emerging contaminants in these food items; their toxicity has yet to be systematically studied. Here, we apply the in vivo model Caenorhabditis elegans to assess the effects of two arsenic-containing hydrocarbons (AsHC), a saturated arsenic-containing fatty acid (AsFA), and an arsenic-containing triacylglyceride (AsTAG) in a whole organism. Although all arsenolipids were highly bioavailable in Caenorhabditis elegans, only the AsHCs were substantially metabolized to thioxylated or shortened metabolic products and induced significant toxicity, affecting both survival and development. Furthermore, the AsHCs were several fold more potent as compared to the toxic reference arsenite. This study clearly indicates the need for a full hazard identification of subclasses of arsenolipids to assess whether they pose a risk to human health.
Triazole appending ruthenium(ii) polypyridine complex for selective sensing of phosphate anions through C–H–anion interaction and copper(ii) ions via cancer cells
Authors: Ramachandran Mohanraj , Anandan Sambandam
Published: March 2020

Selective fluorescence enhancement by H2PO4−/H2P2O72− anions and maximum fluorescence quenching by Cu2+ ions were attained upon treatment with different types of anions and cations, respectively.
9-Substituted acridines as effective corrosion inhibitors for mild steel: electrochemical, surface morphology, and computational studies
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Liu Ying , Zhang Yinlin , Wang Li-Juan , Wu Yan-Chao , Li Hui-Jing
Published: March 2020

The inhibition performance and mechanism of mild steel in hydrochloric acid for 9-substituted acridines were studied for the first time.
Dual potassium salt-assisted lyophilization of natural fibres for the high-yield synthesis of one-dimensional carbon microtubes for supercapacitors and the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Qi Jiawei , Zhang Wendu , Zhou Haozhi , Xu Lang
Published: March 2020

Natural fibre-derived carbon microtubes exhibit excellent performances as supercapacitor electrodes and oxygen reduction electrocatalysts via dual-potassium-salt-assisted freeze-drying and post-nitrogen doping.
Design and identification of poly(vinyl chloride)/layered double hydroxide@MnO2nanocomposite films and evaluation of the methyl orange uptake: linear and non-linear isotherm and kinetic adsorption models
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Naghdi Mina
Published: March 2020

In this work, an adsorbent based on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) for the removal of methyl orange (MO) dye is proposed.
The mechanism of the modulation of electronic anisotropy in two-dimensional ReS2
Authors: Wang Renyan , Xu Xiang , Yu Yiwei , Ran Meng , Zhang Qingfu , Li Aoju , Zhuge Fuwei , Li Huiqiao , Gan Lin , Zhai Tianyou
Published: March 2020

The electronic anisotropy in ReS2 is highly adjustable due to the angle-dependent scattering induced by defects/vacancies at a low carrier density.
Efficient diversification of GM3 gangliosides via late-stage sialylation and dynamic glycan structural studies with 19F solid-state NMR
Authors: Takahashi Maina , Shirasaki Junya , Komura Naoko , Sasaki Katsuaki , Tanaka Hide-Nori , Imamura Akihiro , Ishida Hideharu , Hanashima Shinya , Murata Michio , Ando Hiromune
Published: March 2020

GM3 gangliosides have been synthesized via late-stage α-sialylation using a macro-bicyclic sialyl donor. 19F solid-state NMR analysis of the C5-NHTFAc GM3 analog on a model membrane revealed the influence of cholesterol on glycan dynamics.
Synthesis of a side-chain hole transporting polymer through Mitsunobu post-functionalization for efficient inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Lan Liuyuan , Deng Xiang , Zhang Jie , Luo Jingdong , Jen Alex K.-Y.
Published: March 2020

Mitsunobu post-functionalization was utilized to construct a new efficient dopant-free side-chain hole transporting polymer for inverted perovskite solar cells, exhibiting a power conversion efficiency of 17.75% and a high fill factor over 81%.
Electrochemical behavior of NiCl2/Ni in acidic AlCl3-based ionic liquid electrolyte
Authors: Tu Jiguo , Kou Mingyin , Wang Mingyong , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: March 2020

The degradation mechanism of the Al-NiCl2 cell is confirmed to be mainly due to mass loss and electrode cracking caused by the dissolution of some Ni metal as the reduction product of NiCl2 during discharging in acidic AlCl3-based electrolyte.
Direct observation of charge transfer between molecular heterojunctions based on inorganic semiconductor clusters
Authors: Xue Chaozhuang , Fan Xing , Zhang Jiaxu , Hu Dandan , Wang Xiao-Li , Wang Xiang , Zhou Rui , Lin Haiping , Li Youyong , Li Dong-Sheng , Wei Xiao , Zheng Daoyuan , Yang Yang , Han Keli , Wu Tao
Published: March 2020

Charge transfer between inter-clusters is directly observed in inorganic molecular heterojunctions.
Synthesis of an oxygenated fuel additive from a waste biomass derived aldehyde using a green catalyst: an experimental and DFT study
Authors: Kumar Komal , Khatri Vikas , Parveen Firdaus , Kashyap Hemant K. , Upadhyayula Sreedevi
Published: March 2020

Herein, we report greener and sustainable synthesis of a green fuel additive using protic ionic liquid (PIL) catalysts from biomass derived 5-HMF and 1,3-propanediol.
Molecular detection of methicillin heat-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains in pasteurized camel milk in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljahani Amani H. , Alarjani Khaloud M. , Hassan Zeinab K. , Elkhadragy Manal F. , Ismail Elsayed A. , Al-Masoud Abdulrahman H. , Yehia Hany M.
Published: March 2020

Antibiotic- and heat-resistant bacteria in camel milk is a potential public health problem. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an opportunistic pathogen in humans, dairy cattle and camels. We characterized the phenotype and genotype of methicillin-resistant staphylococcal strains recovered from pasteurized and raw camel milk (as control) distributed in the retail markets of Saudi Arabia. Of the 100 samples assessed between March and May 2016, 20 S. aureus isolates were recovered from pasteurized milk, 10 of which were resistant to cefoxitin, and as such, were methicillin-resistant. However, raw camel milk did not contain methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed that the resistance ratio for other antibiotics was 60%. We performed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using primers for the methicillin-resistant gene mecA and nucleotide sequencing to detect and verify the methicillin-resistant strains. Basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) analysis of the gene sequences showed a 96–100% similarity between the resistant isolates and the S. aureus CS100 strain’s mecA gene. Ten of the methicillin-resistant isolates were heat-resistant and were stable at temperatures up to 85°C for 60 s, and three of these were resistant at 90°C for 60 or 90 s. The mean decimal reduction time (D85-value) was 111 s for the ten isolates. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) showed that there was no difference in the total protein profiles for the ten methicillin heat-resistant S. aureus (MHRSA) isolates and for S. aureus ATCC 29737. In conclusion, a relatively high percentage of the tested pasteurized camel milk samples contained S. aureus (20%) and MHRSA (10%).
Tumoral PD-1hiCD8+ T cells are partially exhausted and predict favorable outcome in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Guo Liang , Cao Chunmei , Goswami Shyamal , Huang Xiaoyan , Ma Linxiaoxi , Guo Yicheng , Yang Benlong , Li Teng , Chi Yayun , Zhang Xiaoming , Wu Jiong
Published: March 2020

Tumor-infiltrating PD-1hi dysfunctional CD8+ T cells have been identified in several tumors but largely unexplored in breast cancer (BC). Here we aimed to extensively explore PD-1hiCD8+ T cells in BC, focusing on the triple-negative BC (TNBC) subtype. Flow cytometry was used to study the phenotypes and functions of CD8+ T-cell subsets in peripheral blood and surgical specimens from treatment-naive BC patients. RNA-seq expression data generated to dissect the molecular features of tumoral PD-1neg, PD-1lo and PD-1hi CD8+ T cells. Further, the associations between tumoral PD-1hi CD8+ T cells and the clinicopathological features of 503 BC patients were explored. Finally, multiplexed immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was performed to evaluate in situ PD-1hiCD8+ T cells on the tissue microarrays (TMAs, n=328) for prognostic assessment and stratification of TNBC patients. PD-1hiCD8+ T cells found readily detectable in tumor tissues but rarely in peripheral blood. These cells shared the phenotypic and molecular features with exhausted and tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) with a skewed TCR repertoire involvement. Interestingly, PD-1hiCD8+ T cells are in the state of exhaustion characterized by higher T-BET and reduced EOMES expression. PD-1hiCD8+ T cells found preferentially enriched within solid tumors, but predominant stromal infiltration of PD-1hiCD8+ T subset was associated with improved survival in TNBC patients. Taken together, tumoral PD-1hiCD8+ T-cell subpopulation in BC is partially exhausted, and their abundance signifies ‘hot’ immune status with favorable outcomes. Reinvigorating this population may provide further therapeutic opportunities in TNBC patients.
Renal functional effects of the highly selective AT2R agonist, β-Pro7 Ang III, in normotensive rats
Authors: Krause Lucinda M. Hilliard , Kemp Brandon A. , Tan Amanda Suan Jui , Jones Emma S. , Del Borgo Mark P. , Aguilar Marie-Isabel , Denton Kate M. , Carey Robert M. , Widdop Robert E.
Published: March 2020

Recently, we designed a group of peptides by sequential substitution of the naturally occurring α-amino acid throughout the Ang III peptide sequence with the corresponding β-amino acid. β-Amino acid substitution at the proline residue of Ang III (β-Pro7-Ang III) resulted in a highly selective AT2R ligand, demonstrating remarkable selectivity for the AT2R in both binding and functional studies. To provide additional functional evidence for the suitability of β-Pro7 Ang III as a novel AT2R agonist, we tested effects of acute systemic administration of β-Pro7-Ang III on renal hemodynamic and excretory function in anesthetized normotensive male and female rats. We also compared the natriuretic effects of acute intrarenal administration of native Ang III and β-Pro7-Ang III in the presence of systemic AT1R blockade in anesthetized female rats to allow for the differentiation of systemic versus direct intrarenal natriuretic actions of β-Pro7-Ang III. In both male and female rats, acute systemic administration of β-Pro7-Ang III elicited renal vasodilatation and natriuresis. Notably, greater renal vasodilatory effects were observed in female versus male rats at the highest dose of β-Pro7-Ang III administered. Moreover, intra-renal administration of β-Pro7-Ang III produced significant natriuretic effects in female rats and, like Ang III, evoked AT2R translocation to the apical plasma membrane in renal proximal tubular cells. Taken together, our findings support the use of β-Pro7-Ang III as a novel AT2R agonist and experimental tool for exploring AT2R function and its potential as a therapeutic target. Furthermore, our findings provide further evidence of a sex-specific influence of AT2R stimulation on renal function.
Cortical cells are altered by factors including bone morphogenetic protein released from a placental barrier model under altered oxygenation
Authors: Leinster Veronica H.L. , Phillips Thomas J. , Jones Nicola , Sanderson Sharon , Simon Katja , Hanley Jon , Case Charles Patrick
Published: March 2020

Episodes of hypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation during foetal development have been associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental conditions presenting in later life.

The mechanism for this is not understood; however, several authors have suggested that the placenta plays an important role. Previously we found both placentas from a maternal hypoxia model and pre-eclamptic placentas from patients release factors lead to a loss of dendrite complexity in rodent neurons. Here to further explore the nature and origin of these secretions we exposed a simple in vitro model of the placental barrier, consisting of a barrier of human cytotrophoblasts, to hypoxia or hypoxia/reoxygenation. We then exposed cortical cultures from embryonic rat brains to the conditioned media (CM) from below these exposed barriers and examined changes in cell morphology, number, and receptor presentation.

The barriers released factors that reduced dendrite and astrocyte process lengths, decreased GABAB1 staining, and increased astrocyte number. The changes in astrocytes required the presence of neurons and were prevented by inhibition of the SMAD pathway and by neutralising Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) 2/4. Barriers exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation also released factors that reduced dendrite lengths but increased GABAB1 staining. Both oxygen changes caused barriers to release factors that decreased GluN1, GABAAα1 staining and increased GluN3a staining. We find that hypoxia in particular will elicit the release of factors that increase astrocyte number and decrease process length as well as causing changes in the intensity of glutamate and GABA receptor staining. There is some evidence that BMPs are released and contribute to these changes.
Oral and Oropharyngeal Sensory Function in Adults With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: da Rosa Fernanda Borowsky , Pasqualoto Adriane Schmidt , Steele Catriona M. , Mancopes Renata
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The oral cavity and pharynx have a rich sensory system composed of specialized receptors. The integrity of oropharyngeal sensation is thought to be fundamental for safe and efficient swallowing. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are at risk for oropharyngeal sensory impairment due to frequent use of inhaled medications and comorbidities including gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Objective

This study aimed to describe and compare oral and oropharyngeal sensory function measured using noninstrumental clinical methods in adults with COPD and healthy controls.

Method

Participants included 27 adults (18 men, nine women) with a diagnosis of COPD and a mean age of 66.56 years (
SD
= 8.68). The control group comprised 11 healthy adults (five men, six women) with a mean age of 60.09 years (
SD
= 11.57). Spirometry measures confirmed reduced functional expiratory volumes (% predicted) in the COPD patients compared to the control participants. All participants completed a case history interview and underwent clinical evaluation of oral and oropharyngeal sensation by a speech-language pathologist. The sensory evaluation explored the detection of tactile and temperature stimuli delivered by cotton swab to six locations in the oral cavity and two in the oropharynx as well as identification of the taste of stimuli administered in 5-ml boluses to the mouth. Analyses explored the frequencies of accurate responses regarding stimulus location, temperature and taste between groups, and between age groups (“≤ 65 years” and “> 65 years”) within the COPD cohort.

Results

We found significantly higher frequencies of reported use of inhaled medications (
p
< .001) and xerostomia (
p
= .003) in the COPD cohort. Oral cavity thermal sensation (
p
= .009) was reduced in the COPD participants, and a significant age-related decline in gustatory sensation was found in the COPD group (
p
= .018).

Conclusion

This study found that most of the measures of oral and oropharyngeal sensation remained intact in the COPD group. Oral thermal sensation was impaired in individuals with COPD, and reduced gustatory sensation was observed in the older COPD participants. Possible links between these results and the use of inhaled medication by individuals with COPD are discussed.
Implications of Compression Race Suit on Forced Vital Capacity: Assessment Considerations for Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion in Competitive Female Swimmers
Authors: Sandage Mary J. , Dunn Lauren A. , Edwards Ryleigh , Pope Sara Ann
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the extent to which forced vital capacity (FVC) in competitive swimmers may differ from nonswimmers and determine if compression race suits reduced FVC when compared to practice swimsuits. Identification of the differences in FVC between swimmers and nonswimmers as well as pulmonary function differences secondary to swimsuit construction may inform assessment of the competitive swimmer with paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM).

Method

Using a prospective, mixed within- and between-groups, repeated measures design with 10 female competitive swimmers and 13 female nonswimmers, FVC was measured and compared between the two groups. Further FVC assessment was completed with the swimmers to identify FVC differences between a practice suit and a compression racing suit.

Results

FVC in swimmers was significantly larger than FVC in nonswimmers by over 1 L. The predicted FVC volumes were significantly smaller than the actual FVC volumes for swimmers. No significant differences were identified between the practice swimsuit and the compression race suit or between the predicted and actual FVCs for the nonswimmer group.

Conclusions

Swimmers have unique pulmonary function and physiology that require consideration during the assessment for PVFM to ascertain the extent to which the pulmonary system may be compromised from PVFM, reduced exercise intensity, or both. Knowledge of differential diagnoses and adequate characterization of pulmonary volumes in swimmers will improve assessment processes.
The subsurface habitability of small, icy exomoons
Authors: Tjoa J. N. K. Y. , Mueller M. , van der Tak F. F. S.
Published: March 2020

Context. Assuming our Solar System as typical, exomoons may outnumber exoplanets. If their habitability fraction is similar, they would thus constitute the largest portion of habitable real estate in the Universe. Icy moons in our Solar System, such as Europa and Enceladus, have already been shown to possess liquid water, a prerequisite for life on Earth.

Aims. We intend to investigate under what thermal and orbital circumstances small, icy moons may sustain subsurface oceans and thus be “subsurface habitable”. We pay specific attention to tidal heating, which may keep a moon liquid far beyond the conservative habitable zone.

Methods. We made use of a phenomenological approach to tidal heating. We computed the orbit averaged flux from both stellar and planetary (both thermal and reflected stellar) illumination. We then calculated subsurface temperatures depending on illumination and thermal conduction to the surface through the ice shell and an insulating layer of regolith. We adopted a conduction only model, ignoring volcanism and ice shell convection as an outlet for internal heat. In doing so, we determined at which depth, if any, ice melts and a subsurface ocean forms.

Results. We find an analytical expression between the moon’s physical and orbital characteristics and the melting depth. Since this expression directly relates icy moon observables to the melting depth, it allows us to swiftly put an upper limit on the melting depth for any given moon. We reproduce the existence of Enceladus’ subsurface ocean; we also find that the two largest moons of Uranus (Titania and Oberon) could well sustain them. Our model predicts that Rhea does not have liquid water.

Conclusions. Habitable exomoon environments may be found across an exoplanetary system, largely irrespective of the distance to the host star. Small, icy subsurface habitable moons may exist anywhere beyond the snow line. This may, in future observations, expand the search area for extraterrestrial habitable environments beyond the circumstellar habitable zone.
Robustness of prediction for extreme adaptive optics systems under various observing conditions
Authors: van Kooten M. A. M. , Doelman N. , Kenworthy M.
Published: March 2020

Context. For high-contrast imaging systems, such as VLT/SPHERE, the performance of the system at small angular separations is contaminated by the wind-driven halo in the science image. This halo is a result of the servo-lag error in the adaptive optics (AO) system due to the finite time between measuring the wavefront phase and applying the phase correction. One approach to mitigating the servo-lag error is predictive control.

Aims. We aim to estimate and understand the potential on-sky performance that linear data-driven prediction would provide for VLT/SPHERE under various turbulence conditions.

Methods. We used a linear minimum mean square error predictor and applied it to 27 different AO telemetry data sets from VLT/SPHERE taken over many nights under various turbulence conditions. We evaluated the performance of the predictor using residual wavefront phase variance as a performance metric.

Results. We show that prediction always results in a reduction in the temporal wavefront phase variance compared to the current VLT/SPHERE AO performance. We find an average improvement factor of 5.1 in phase variance for prediction compared to the VLT/SPHERE residuals. When comparing to an idealised VLT/SPHERE, we find an improvement factor of 2.0. Under our 27 different cases, we find the predictor results in a smaller spread of the residual temporal phase variance. Finally, we show there is no benefit to including spatial information in the predictor in contrast to what might have been expected from the frozen flow hypothesis. A purely temporal predictor is best suited for AO on VLT/SPHERE.

Conclusions. Linear prediction leads to a significant reduction in phase variance for VLT/SPHERE under a variety of observing conditions and reduces the servo-lag error. Furthermore, prediction improves the reliability of the AO system performance, making it less sensitive to different conditions.
International observational campaign of the 2014 eclipse of EE Cephei
Authors: Pieńkowski D. , Gałan C. , Tomov T. , Gazeas K. , Wychudzki P. , Mikołajewski M. , Kubicki D. , Staels B. , Zoła S. , Pakońska P. , Dȩbski B. , Kundera T. , Ogłoza W. , Dróżdż M. , Baran A. , Winiarski M. , Siwak M. , Dimitrov D. , Kjurkchieva D. , Marchev D. , Armiński A. , Miller I. , Kołaczkowski Z. , Moździerski D. , Zahajkiewicz E. , Bruś P. , Pigulski A. , Smela T. , Conseil E. , Boyd D. , Conidis G. J. , Plauchu-Frayn I. , Heras T. A. , Kardasis E. , Biskupski M. , Kneip R. , Hambálek L. , Pribulla T. , Kundra E. , Garai Z. , Rodriguez D. , Kamiński T. , Dubois F. , Logie L. , Capetillo Blanco A. , Kankiewicz P. , Świerczyński E. , Martignoni M. , Sergey I. , Kare Trandem Qvam J. , Semkov E. , Ibryamov S. , Peneva S. , Gonzalez Carballo J.-L. , Ribeiro J. , Dean S. , Apostolovska G. , Donchev Z. , Corp L. , McDonald P. , Rodriguez M. , Sanchez A. , Wiersema K. , Conseil E. , Menke J. , Sergey I. , Richardson N.
Published: March 2020

Context. EE Cep is one of few eclipsing binary systems with a dark, dusty disc around an invisible object similar to ε Aur. The system is characterised by grey and asymmetric eclipses every 5.6 yr that have significant variations in their photometric depth, ranging from ∼0.m5 to ∼2.m0.

Aims. The main aim of the observational campaign of the EE Cep eclipse in 2014 was to test the model of disc precession. We expected that this eclipse would be one of the deepest with a depth of ∼2.m0.

Methods. We collected multicoloured observations from almost 30 instruments located in Europe and North America. These photometric data cover 243 nights during and around the eclipse. We also analyzed low- and high-resolution spectra from several instruments.

Results. The eclipse was shallow with a depth of 0.m71 in the V band. The multicoloured photometry illustrates small colour changes during the eclipse with a total amplitude of order ∼+0.m15 in the B − I colour index. We updated the linear ephemeris for this system by including new times of minima, measured from the three most recent eclipses at epochs E = 9, 10, and 11. We acquired new spectroscopic observations, covering orbital phases around the eclipse, which were not observed in the past and increased the data sample, filling some gaps and giving better insight into the evolution of the Hα and Na I spectral line profiles during the primary eclipse.

Conclusions. The eclipse of EE Cep in 2014 was shallower than expected, measuring 0.m71 instead of ∼2.m0. This means that our model of disc precession needs revision.
Investigating the connection between γ-ray activity and the relativistic jet in 3C 273 during 2015−2019
Authors: Kim Dae-Won , Trippe Sascha , Kravchenko Evgeniya V.
Published: March 2020

Context. The powerful radiation over the entire electromagnetic spectrum and its radio jet activity of the blazar 3C 273 offer the opportunity of studying the physics of γ-ray emission from active galactic nuclei. Since the historically strong outburst in 2009, 3C 273 showed relatively weak emission in the γ-ray band over several years. However, recent Fermi-Large Area Telescope observations indicate higher activity during 2015−2019.

Aims. We constrain the origin of the γ-ray outbursts toward 3C 273 and investigate their connection to the parsec-scale jet.

Methods. We generated Fermi-LAT γ-ray light curves with multiple binning intervals and studied the spectral properties of the γ-ray emission. Using a 3 mm ALMA light curve, we studied the correlation between radio and γ-ray emission. The relevant activity in the parsec-scale jet of 3C 273 was investigated with 7 mm VLBA observations that were obtained close in time to notable γ-ray outbursts.

Results. We find two prominent γ-ray outbursts in 2016 (MJD 57382) and 2017 (MJD 57883) accompanied by millimeter-wavelength flaring activity. The γ-ray photon index time series show a weak hump-like feature around the γ-ray outbursts. The monthly γ-ray flux–index plot indicates a transition from softer-when-brighter to harder-when-brighter states at 1.03 × 10−7 ph cm−2 s−1. A significant correlation between the γ-ray and millimeter-wavelength emission is found, and the radio lags the γ-rays by about 105−112 days. The 43 GHz jet images reveal the known stationary features (i.e., the core, S1, and S2) in a region upstream of the jet. We find an indication for a propagating disturbance and a polarized knot between the stationary components at about the times of the two γ-ray outbursts.

Conclusions. Our results support a parsec-scale origin for the observed higher γ-ray activity, which suggests that this is associated with standing shocks in the jet.
Optimal control of static contact in finite strain elasticity
Authors: Schiela Anton , Stoecklein Matthias
Published: March 2020

We consider the optimal control of elastic contact problems in the regime of finite deformations. We derive a result on existence of optimal solutions and propose a regularization of the contact constraints by a penalty formulation. Subsequential convergence of sequences of solutions of the regularized problem to original solutions is studied. Based on these results, a numerical path-following scheme is constructed and its performance is tested.
Impact of climate change on outdoor thermal comfort in cities in united states
Authors: Huang Yuqiao , Lai Dayi , Liu Yiqing , Xuan Huang
Published: March 2020

Since urban open spaces provide various benefits to the citizens, it is necessary to improve the outdoor thermal comfort in urban open spaces. However, global warming increases heat stress and at the same time decrease cold stress of outdoor spaces. The final impact of climate change on outdoor thermal comfort is not evident, and depends on the climate characteristics. This study investigated the influence of climate change on outdoor thermal comfort conditions of five selected cities (Minneapolis, New York City, San Francisco, Miami, and Las Vegas) with distinctive climate patterns in the United States. It is found that all cities suffered from deterioration in thermal comfort. This is because the increases in the heat stress rate were greater than the decreases in cold stress rate. In the 2080s, the greatest reduction in acceptable thermal stress rate happened in Miami from 44.7% to 21.3% under high emission scenario.