bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fe azaphthalocyanine unimolecular layers (Fe AzULs) on carbon nanotubes for realizing highly active oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic electrodes
Authors: Abe Hiroya , Hirai Yutaro , Ikeda Susumu , Matsuo Yasutaka , Matsuyama Haruyuki , Nakamura Jun , Matsue Tomokazu , Yabu Hiroshi
Published: October 2019

A new class of Pt-free catalysts was designed that included molecular iron phthalocyanine (FePc) derivatives, namely, iron azaphthalocyanine (FeAzPc) unimolecular layers (Fe AzULs) adsorbed on oxidized multiwall carbon nanotubes (oxMWCNTs). FeAzPcs were dissolved in organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and catalytic electrodes modified with molecularly adsorbed FeAzPcs were successfully prepared. The optimized composition of the catalytic electrodes was determined, and the electrodes exhibited superior activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and better durability than conventional FePc catalytic electrodes and commercial Pt/C due to the electron-withdrawing properties of the pyridinic nitrogen in FeAzPcs. The catalytic electrodes that were molecularly modified with FeAzPcs have higher activities than those composed of FeAzPc crystals and oxMWCNTs. To the best of our knowledge, among all of the conventional catalysts based on modified MWCNTs and oxMWCNTs, this catalyst exhibits the highest activity. Unlike other Pt-free catalytic electrodes, the Fe AzUL catalytic electrodes can be prepared by low-cost processing without pyrolysis and are therefore promising catalytic electrode materials for applications, such as polymer electrolyte fuel cells and metal–air batteries.
Room temperature giant magnetostriction in single-crystal nickel nanowires
Authors: Pateras Anastasios , Harder Ross , Manna Sohini , Kiefer Boris , Sandberg Richard L. , Trugman Stuart , Kim Jong Woo , de la Venta Jose , Fullerton Eric E. , Shpyrko Oleg G. , Fohtung Edwin
Published: October 2019

Magnetostriction is the emergence of a mechanical deformation induced by an external magnetic field. The conversion of magnetic energy into mechanical energy via magnetostriction at the nanoscale is the basis of many electromechanical systems such as sensors, transducers, actuators, and energy harvesters. However, cryogenic temperatures and large magnetic fields are often required to drive the magnetostriction in such systems, rendering this approach energetically inefficient and impractical for room-temperature device applications. Here, we report the experimental observation of giant magnetostriction in single-crystal nickel nanowires at room temperature. We determined the average values of the magnetostrictive constants of a Ni nanowire from the shifts of the measured diffraction patterns using the 002 and 111 Bragg reflections. At an applied magnetic field of 600 Oe, the magnetostrictive constants have values of λ100 = −0.161% and λ111 = −0.067%, two orders of magnitude larger than those in bulk nickel. Using Bragg coherent diffraction imaging (BCDI), we obtained the three-dimensional strain distribution inside the Ni nanowire, revealing nucleation of local strain fields at two different values of the external magnetic field. Our analysis indicates that the enhancement of the magnetostriction coefficients is mainly due to the increases in the shape, surface-induced, and stress-induced anisotropies, which facilitate magnetization along the nanowire axis and increase the total magnetoelastic energy of the system.
Afternoon urine osmolality is equivalent to 24 h for hydration assessment in healthy children
Authors: Suh HyunGyu , Summers LynnDee G. , Seal Adam D. , Colburn Abigail T. , Mauromoustakos Andy , Perrier Erica T. , Bottin Jeanne H. , Kavouras Stavros A.
Published: October 2019

Background/Objectives

While daily hydration is best assessed in 24-h urine sample, spot sample is often used by health care professionals and researchers due to its practicality. However, urine output is subject to circadian variation, with urine being more concentrated in the morning. It has been demonstrated that afternoon spot urine samples are most likely to provide equivalent urine concentration to 24-h urine samples in adults. The aim of the present study was to examine whether urine osmolality (UOsm) assessed from a spot urine sample in specific time-windows was equivalent to 24-h UOsm in free-living healthy children.

Subjects/Methods

Among 541 healthy children (age: 3–13 years, female: 45%, 77% non-Hispanic white, BMI:17.7 ± 4.0 kg m−2), UOsm at specific time-windows [morning (0600–1159), early afternoon (1200–1559), late afternoon (1600–1959), evening (2000–2359), overnight (2400–0559), and first morning] was compared with UOsm from the corresponding pooled 24-h urine sample using an equivalence test.

Results

Late afternoon (1600–1959) spot urine sample UOsm value was equivalent to the 24-h UOsm value in children (P < 0.05; mean difference: 62 mmol kg−1; 95% CI: 45–78 mmol kg−1). The overall diagnostic ability of urine osmolality assessed at late afternoon (1600–1959) to diagnose elevated urine osmolality on the 24-h sample was good for both cutoffs of 800 mmol kg−1 [area under the curve (AUC): 87.4%; sensitivity: 72.6%; specificity: 90.5%; threshold: 814 mmol kg−1] and 500 mmol kg−1 (AUC: 83.5%; sensitivity: 75.0%; specificity: 80.0%; threshold: 633 mmol kg−1).

Conclusion

These data suggest that in free-living healthy children, 24-h urine concentration may be approximated from a late afternoon spot urine sample. This data will have practical implication for health care professionals and researchers.
A unified framework for analysis of individual-based models in ecology and beyond
Authors: Cornell Stephen J. , Suprunenko Yevhen F. , Finkelshtein Dmitri , Somervuo Panu , Ovaskainen Otso
Published: October 2019

Individual-based models, ‘IBMs’, describe naturally the dynamics of interacting organisms or social or financial agents. They are considered too complex for mathematical analysis, but computer simulations of them cannot give the general insights required. Here, we resolve this problem with a general mathematical framework for IBMs containing interactions of an unlimited level of complexity, and derive equations that reliably approximate the effects of space and stochasticity. We provide software, specified in an accessible and intuitive graphical way, so any researcher can obtain analytical and simulation results for any particular IBM without algebraic manipulation. We illustrate the framework with examples from movement ecology, conservation biology, and evolutionary ecology. This framework will provide unprecedented insights into a hitherto intractable panoply of complex models across many scientific fields.
Single-cell transcriptomics of human T cells reveals tissue and activation signatures in health and disease
Authors: Szabo Peter A. , Levitin Hanna Mendes , Miron Michelle , Snyder Mark E. , Senda Takashi , Yuan Jinzhou , Cheng Yim Ling , Bush Erin C. , Dogra Pranay , Thapa Puspa , Farber Donna L. , Sims Peter A.
Published: October 2019

Human T cells coordinate adaptive immunity in diverse anatomic compartments through production of cytokines and effector molecules, but it is unclear how tissue site influences T cell persistence and function. Here, we use single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) to define the heterogeneity of human T cells isolated from lungs, lymph nodes, bone marrow and blood, and their functional responses following stimulation. Through analysis of >50,000 resting and activated T cells, we reveal tissue T cell signatures in mucosal and lymphoid sites, and lineage-specific activation states across all sites including distinct effector states for CD8+ T cells and an interferon-response state for CD4+ T cells. Comparing scRNA-seq profiles of tumor-associated T cells to our dataset reveals predominant activated CD8+ compared to CD4+ T cell states within multiple tumor types. Our results therefore establish a high dimensional reference map of human T cell activation in health for analyzing T cells in disease.
A fast and sensitive room-temperature graphene nanomechanical bolometer
Authors: Blaikie Andrew , Miller David , Alemán Benjamín J.
Published: October 2019

Bolometers are a powerful means of detecting light. Emerging applications demand that bolometers work at room temperature, while maintaining high speed and sensitivity, properties which are inherently limited by the heat capacity of the detector. To this end, graphene has generated interest, because it has the lowest mass per unit area of any material, while also possessing extreme thermal stability and an unmatched spectral absorbance. Yet, due to its weakly temperature-dependent electrical resistivity, graphene has failed to challenge the state-of-the-art at room temperature. Here, in a departure from conventional bolometry, we use a graphene nanoelectromechanical system to detect light via resonant sensing. In our approach, absorbed light heats and thermally tensions a suspended graphene resonator, thereby shifting its resonant frequency. Using the resonant frequency as a readout for photodetection, we achieve a room-temperature noise-equivalent power (2 pW Hz−1/2) and bandwidth (from 10 kHz up to 1.3 MHz), challenging the state-of-the-art.
De novo and recessive forms of congenital heart disease have distinct genetic and phenotypic landscapes
Authors: Watkins W. Scott , Hernandez E. Javier , Wesolowski Sergiusz , Bisgrove Brent W. , Sunderland Ryan T. , Lin Edwin , Lemmon Gordon , Demarest Bradley L. , Miller Thomas A. , Bernstein Daniel , Brueckner Martina , Chung Wendy K. , Gelb Bruce D. , Goldmuntz Elizabeth , Newburger Jane W. , Seidman Christine E. , Shen Yufeng , Yost H. Joseph , Yandell Mark , Tristani-Firouzi Martin
Published: October 2019

The genetic architecture of sporadic congenital heart disease (CHD) is characterized by enrichment in damaging de novo variants in chromatin-modifying genes. To test the hypothesis that gene pathways contributing to de novo forms of CHD are distinct from those for recessive forms, we analyze 2391 whole-exome trios from the Pediatric Cardiac Genomics Consortium. We deploy a permutation-based gene-burden analysis to identify damaging recessive and compound heterozygous genotypes and disease genes, controlling for confounding effects, such as background mutation rate and ancestry. Cilia-related genes are significantly enriched for damaging rare recessive genotypes, but comparatively depleted for de novo variants. The opposite trend is observed for chromatin-modifying genes. Other cardiac developmental gene classes have less stratification by mode of inheritance than cilia and chromatin-modifying gene classes. Our analyses reveal dominant and recessive CHD are associated with distinct gene functions, with cilia-related genes providing a reservoir of rare segregating variation leading to CHD.
Cell competition corrects noisy Wnt morphogen gradients to achieve robust patterning in the zebrafish embryo
Authors: Akieda Yuki , Ogamino Shohei , Furuie Hironobu , Ishitani Shizuka , Akiyoshi Ryutaro , Nogami Jumpei , Masuda Takamasa , Shimizu Nobuyuki , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Ishitani Tohru
Published: October 2019

Morphogen signalling forms an activity gradient and instructs cell identities in a signalling strength-dependent manner to pattern developing tissues. However, developing tissues also undergo dynamic morphogenesis, which may produce cells with unfit morphogen signalling and consequent noisy morphogen gradients. Here we show that a cell competition-related system corrects such noisy morphogen gradients. Zebrafish imaging analyses of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling gradient, which acts as a morphogen to establish embryonic anterior-posterior patterning, identify that unfit cells with abnormal Wnt/β-catenin activity spontaneously appear and produce noise in the gradient. Communication between unfit and neighbouring fit cells via cadherin proteins stimulates apoptosis of the unfit cells by activating Smad signalling and reactive oxygen species production. This unfit cell elimination is required for proper Wnt/β-catenin gradient formation and consequent anterior-posterior patterning. Because this gradient controls patterning not only in the embryo but also in adult tissues, this system may support tissue robustness and disease prevention.
Mice with hyper-long telomeres show less metabolic aging and longer lifespans
Authors: Muñoz-Lorente Miguel A. , Cano-Martin Alba C. , Blasco Maria A.
Published: October 2019

Short telomeres trigger age-related pathologies and shorter lifespans in mice and humans. In the past, we generated mouse embryonic (ES) cells with longer telomeres than normal (hyper-long telomeres) in the absence of genetic manipulations, which contributed to all mouse tissues. To address whether hyper-long telomeres have deleterious effects, we generated mice in which 100% of their cells are derived from hyper-long telomere ES cells. We observe that these mice have longer telomeres and less DNA damage with aging. Hyper-long telomere mice are lean and show low cholesterol and LDL levels, as well as improved glucose and insulin tolerance. Hyper-long telomere mice also have less incidence of cancer and an increased longevity. These findings demonstrate that longer telomeres than normal in a given species are not deleterious but instead, show beneficial effects.
Epigenetic modifiers DNMT3A and BCOR are recurrently mutated in CYLD cutaneous syndrome
Authors: Davies Helen R. , Hodgson Kirsty , Schwalbe Edward , Coxhead Jonathan , Sinclair Naomi , Zou Xueqing , Cockell Simon , Husain Akhtar , Nik-Zainal Serena , Rajan Neil
Published: October 2019

Patients with CYLD cutaneous syndrome (CCS; syn. Brooke-Spiegler syndrome) carry germline mutations in the tumor suppressor CYLD and develop multiple skin tumors with diverse histophenotypes. Here, we comprehensively profile the genomic landscape of 42 benign and malignant tumors across 13 individuals from four multigenerational families and discover recurrent mutations in epigenetic modifiers DNMT3A and BCOR in 29% of benign tumors. Multi-level and microdissected sampling strikingly reveal that many clones with different DNMT3A mutations exist in these benign tumors, suggesting that intra-tumor heterogeneity is common. Integrated genomic, methylation and transcriptomic profiling in selected tumors suggest that isoform-specific DNMT3A2 mutations are associated with dysregulated methylation. Phylogenetic and mutational signature analyses confirm cylindroma pulmonary metastases from primary skin tumors. These findings contribute to existing paradigms of cutaneous tumorigenesis and metastasis.
Quadruple bonding between iron and boron in the BFe(CO)3− complex
Authors: Chi Chaoxian , Wang Jia-Qi , Hu Han-Shi , Zhang Yang-Yang , Li Wan-Lu , Meng Luyan , Luo Mingbiao , Zhou Mingfei , Li Jun
Published: October 2019

While main group elements have four valence orbitals accessible for bonding, quadruple bonding to main group elements is extremely rare. Here we report that main group element boron is able to form quadruple bonding interactions with iron in the BFe(CO)3- anion complex, which has been revealed by quantum chemical investigation and identified by mass-selected infrared photodissociation spectroscopy in the gas phase. The complex is characterized to have a B-Fe(CO)3− structure of C3v symmetry and features a B-Fe bond distance that is much shorter than that expected for a triple bond. Various chemical bonding analyses indicate that the complex involves unprecedented B≣Fe quadruple bonding interactions. Besides the common one electron-sharing σ bond and two Fe→B dative π bonds, there is an additional weak B→Fe dative σ bonding interaction. This finding of the new quadruple bonding indicates that there might exist a wide range of boron-metal complexes that contain such high multiplicity of chemical bonds.
Bile acids targeted metabolomics and medication classification data in the ADNI1 and ADNIGO/2 cohorts
Authors: St. John-Williams Lisa , Mahmoudiandehkordi Siamak , Arnold Matthias , Massaro Tyler , Blach Colette , Kastenmüller Gabi , Louie Gregory , Kueider-Paisley Alexandra , Han Xianlin , Baillie Rebecca , Motsinger-Reif Alison A. , Rotroff Daniel , Nho Kwangsik , Saykin Andrew J. , Risacher Shannon L. , Koal Therese , Moseley M. Arthur , Tenenbaum Jessica D. , Thompson J. Will , Kaddurah-Daouk Rima ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   Alzheimer’s Disease Metabolomics Consortium
Published: October 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. The mechanism of disease development and progression is not well understood, but increasing evidence suggests multifactorial etiology, with a number of genetic, environmental, and aging-related factors. There is a growing body of evidence that metabolic defects may contribute to this complex disease. To interrogate the relationship between system level metabolites and disease susceptibility and progression, the AD Metabolomics Consortium (ADMC) in partnership with AD Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is creating a comprehensive biochemical database for patients in the ADNI1 cohort. We used the Biocrates Bile Acids platform to evaluate the association of metabolic levels with disease risk and progression. We detail the quantitative metabolomics data generated on the baseline samples from ADNI1 and ADNIGO/2 (370 cognitively normal, 887 mild cognitive impairment, and 305 AD). Similar to our previous reports on ADNI1, we present the tools for data quality control and initial analysis. This data descriptor represents the third in a series of comprehensive metabolomics datasets from the ADMC on the ADNI.
Inhibition of CD44 intracellular domain production suppresses bovine articular chondrocyte de-differentiation induced by excessive mechanical stress loading
Authors: Sobue Yasumori , Takahashi Nobunori , Ohashi Yoshifumi , Suzuki Mochihito , Nishiume Tsuyoshi , Kobayakawa Tomonori , Terabe Kenya , Knudson Warren , Knudson Cheryl , Ishiguro Naoki , Kojima Toshihisa
Published: October 2019

CD44 fragmentation is enhanced in chondrocytes of osteoarthritis (OA) patients. We hypothesized that mechanical stress-induced enhancement of CD44-intracellular domain (CD44-ICD) production plays an important role in the de-differentiation of chondrocytes and OA. This study aimed to assess the relationship between CD44-ICD and chondrocyte gene expression. Monolayer cultured primary bovine articular chondrocytes (BACs) were subjected to cyclic tensile strain (CTS) loading. ADAM10 inhibitor (GI254023X) and γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) were used to inhibit CD44 cleavage. In overexpression experiments, BACs were electroporated with a plasmid encoding CD44-ICD. CTS loading increased the expression of ADAM10 and subsequent CD44 cleavage, while decreasing the expression of SOX9, aggrecan, and type 2 collagen (COL2). Overexpression of CD44-ICD also resulted in decreased expression of these chondrocyte genes. Both GI254023X and DAPT reduced the production of CD44-ICD upon CTS loading, and significantly rescued the reduction of SOX9 expression by CTS loading. Chemical inhibition of CD44-ICD production also rescued aggrecan and COL2 expression following CTS loading. Our findings suggest that CD44-ICD is closely associated with the de-differentiation of chondrocytes. Excessive mechanical stress loading promoted the de-differentiation of BACs by enhancing CD44 cleavage and CD44-ICD production. Suppression of CD44 cleavage has potential as a novel treatment strategy for OA.
Controls on Dissolved Organic Carbon Bioreactivity in River Systems
Authors: Soares Ana R. A. , Lapierre Jean-François , Selvam Balathandayuthabani P. , Lindström Göran , Berggren Martin
Published: October 2019

Inland waters transport, transform and retain significant amounts of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) that may be biologically reactive (bioreactive) and thus potentially degraded into atmospheric CO2. Despite its global importance, relatively little is known about environmental controls on bioreactivity of DOC as it moves through river systems with varying water residence time (WRT). Here we determined the influence of WRT and landscape properties on DOC bioreactivity in 15 Swedish catchments spanning a large geographical and environmental gradient. We found that the short-term bioreactive pools (0–6 d of decay experiments) were linked to high aquatic primary productivity that, in turn, was stimulated by phosphorus loading from forested, agricultural and urban areas. Unexpectedly, the percentage of long-term bioreactive DOC (determined in 1-year experiments) increased with WRT, possibly due to photo-transformation of recalcitrant DOC from terrestrial sources into long-term bioreactive DOC with relatively lower aromaticity. Thus, despite overall decreases in DOC during water transit through the inland water continuum, DOC becomes relatively more bioreactive on a long time-scale. This increase in DOC bioreactivity with increasing WRT along the freshwater continuum has previously been overlooked. Further studies are needed to explain the processes and mechanisms behind this pattern on a molecular level.
Downhill seed dispersal by temperate mammals: a potential threat to plant escape from global warming
Authors: Naoe Shoji , Tayasu Ichiro , Sakai Yoichiro , Masaki Takashi , Kobayashi Kazuki , Nakajima Akiko , Sato Yoshikazu , Yamazaki Koji , Kiyokawa Hiroki , Koike Shinsuke
Published: October 2019

Vertical seed dispersal, i.e. seed dispersal towards a higher or lower altitude, is considered a critical process for plant escape from climate change. However, studies exploring vertical seed dispersal are scarce, and thus, its direction, frequency, and mechanisms are little known. In the temperate zone, evaluating vertical seed dispersal of animal-dispersed plants fruiting in autumn and/or winter is essential considering the dominance of such plants in temperate forests. We hypothesized that their seeds are dispersed towards lower altitudes because of the downhill movement of frugivorous animals following the autumn-to-winter phenology of their food plants which proceeds from the mountain tops to the foot in the temperate zone. We evaluated the vertical seed dispersal of the autumn-fruiting wild kiwi,Actinidia arguta, which is dispersed by temperate mammals. We collected dispersed seeds from mammal faeces in the Kanto Mountains of central Japan and estimated the distance of vertical seed dispersal using the oxygen isotope ratios of the dispersed seeds. We found the intensive downhill seed dispersal of wild kiwi by all seed dispersers, except the raccoon dog (bear: mean −393.1 m; marten: −245.3 m; macaque: −98.5 m; and raccoon dog: +4.5 m). Mammals with larger home ranges dispersed seeds longer towards the foot of the mountains. Furthermore, we found that seeds produced at higher altitudes were dispersed a greater distance towards the foot of the mountains. Altitudinal gradients in autumn-to-winter plant phenology and other mountain characteristics, i.e. larger surface areas and more attractive human crops at lower altitudes compared to higher altitudes, were considered drivers of downhill seed dispersal via animal movement. Strong downhill seed dispersal by mammals suggests that populations of autumn-to-winter fruiting plants dispersed by animals may not be able to sufficiently escape from current global warming in the temperate zone.
Systematic study of resonant transmission effects in visible band using variable depth gratings
Authors: Ushkov Andrei A. , Shcherbakov Alexey A. , Verrier Isabelle , Kampfe Thomas , Jourlin Yves
Published: October 2019

The article focuses on depth-dependent visible band transmission effects in a symmetrical “insulator-metal-insulator” diffraction system based on a variable depth grating. These effects were studied both experimentally and theoretically in TM and TE polarizations. In particular, the existence of an optimized grating depth for plasmon-mediated resonant transmission was confirmed experimentally, and differences in TE and TM transmission behavior are discussed. We utilize a simple and flexible fabrication approach for rapid synthesis of apodized structures with adiabatically varying depth based on a beat pattern of two interferential lithography exposures. The present study can be useful in the fields of transmission-based optical security elements and biosensors.
Comparative evaluation of affibody- and antibody fragments-based CAIX imaging probes in mice bearing renal cell carcinoma xenografts
Authors: Garousi Javad , Huizing Fokko J. , Vorobyeva Anzhelika , Mitran Bogdan , Andersson Ken G. , Leitao Charles Dahlsson , Frejd Fredrik Y. , Löfblom John , Bussink Johan , Orlova Anna , Heskamp Sandra , Tolmachev Vladimir
Published: October 2019

Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a cancer-associated molecular target for several classes of therapeutics. CAIX is overexpressed in a large fraction of renal cell carcinomas (RCC). Radionuclide molecular imaging of CAIX-expression might offer a non-invasive methodology for stratification of patients with disseminated RCC for CAIX-targeting therapeutics. Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies and their fragments are actively investigated for imaging of CAIX expression. Promising alternatives are small non-immunoglobulin scaffold proteins, such as affibody molecules. A CAIX-targeting affibody ZCAIX:2 was re-designed with the aim to decrease off-target interactions and increase imaging contrast. The new tracer, DOTA-HE3-ZCAIX:2, was labeled with 111In and characterized in vitro. Tumor-targeting properties of [111In]In-DOTA-HE3-ZCAIX:2 were compared head-to-head with properties of the parental variant, [99mTc]Tc(CO)3-HE3-ZCAIX:2, and the most promising antibody fragment-based tracer, [111In]In-DTPA-G250(Fab’)2, in the same batch of nude mice bearing CAIX-expressing RCC xenografts. Compared to the 99mTc-labeled parental variant, [111In]In-DOTA-HE3-ZCAIX:2 provides significantly higher tumor-to-lung, tumor-to-bone and tumor-to-liver ratios, which is essential for imaging of CAIX expression in the major metastatic sites of RCC. [111In]In-DOTA-HE3-ZCAIX:2 offers significantly higher tumor-to-organ ratios compared with [111In]In-G250(Fab’)2. In conclusion, [111In]In-DOTA-HE3-ZCAIX:2 can be considered as a highly promising tracer for imaging of CAIX expression in RCC metastases based on our results and literature data.
Modeling Living Cells Within Microfluidic Systems Using Cellular Automata Models
Authors: Ballesteros Hernando Julia , Ramos Gómez Milagros , Díaz Lantada Andrés
Published: October 2019

Several computational models, both continuum and discrete, allow for the simulation of collective cell behaviors in connection with challenges linked to disease modeling and understanding. Normally, discrete cell modelling employs quasi-infinite or boundary-less 2D lattices, hence modeling collective cell behaviors in Petri dish-like environments. The advent of lab- and organ-on-a-chip devices proves that the information obtained from 2D cell cultures, upon Petri dishes, differs importantly from the results obtained in more biomimetic micro-fluidic environments, made of interconnected chambers and channels. However, discrete cell modelling within lab- and organ-on-a-chip devices, to our knowledge, is not yet found in the literature, although it may prove useful for designing and optimizing these types of systems. Consequently, in this study we focus on the establishment of a direct connection between the computer-aided designs (CAD) of microfluidic systems, especially labs- and organs-on-chips (and their multi-chamber and multi-channel structures), and the lattices for discrete cell modeling approaches aimed at the simulation of collective cell interactions, whose boundaries are defined directly from the CAD models. We illustrate the proposal using a quite straightforward cellular automata model, apply it to simulating cells with different growth rates, within a selected set of microsystem designs, and validate it by tuning the growth rates with the support of cell culture experiments and by checking the results with a real microfluidic system.
Vitamin D Supplementation for Premenstrual Syndrome-Related inflammation and antioxidant markers in students with vitamin D deficient: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Heidari Hajar , Amani Reza , Feizi Awat , Askari Gholamreza , Kohan Shahnaz , Tavasoli Parastoo
Published: October 2019

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder in the reproductive age that negatively significant impacts on women’s quality of life. This randomized clinical trial study was undertaken to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory and antioxidant markers in 44 vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) students with PMS. Participants received either 50,000 IU vitamin D3 or a placebo pearl fortnightly for 4 months. At the baseline and in the last 2 months of intervention, participants were asked to complete the PMS Daily Symptoms Rating form along with taking the pearls and their blood samples were collected to assess serum levels of 25(OH)D3, Interleukin10 and 12 (IL-10, IL-12) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). In vitamin D group, serum levels of IL-10 and IL-12 significantly decreased while TAC significantly increased post-intervention. There were significant differences regarding serum IL-12 and TAC levels between the two groups. Mean score of the total PMS symptoms showed significant improvement in 25(OH)D. Vitamin D supplementation seems to be an effective strategy to improve inflammation and antioxidant markers in vitamin D deficient women with PMS. This clinical trial was registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 20/06/2018 (IRCT20180525039822N1).
Food Structure Development in Cereal and Snack Products
Authors: Della Valle G. , Chiron H. , Le-Bail A. , Saulnier L.
Published: October 2019

The structure of cereals and snack foods during processing is developed according to structural changes at various levels of matter organization. At macroscopic scale, two main consecutive mechanisms rule these changes: (1) the transition from a powder (the flour) to a viscoelastic liquid (the dough, the paste) and (2) the transition from a liquid to a solid, soft or rigid. At mesoscopic scale, these changes can be first captured through state diagrams that represent the material rheological properties as functions of the composition. These diagrams and functions can be enriched with the paths followed by the food product along processing. All together, these representations, called basic knowledge models, can provide scientists and engineers with a comprehensive basis to predict the development of structure and final properties of the food. In this chapter, we will strive to apply basic knowledge models for predicting texture properties to several types of airy cereal and snack foods (bread, biscuits, cakes, and extruded snacks taken as examples). A specific effort is devoted to build a generic approach of structure development that can be applied to the design of cereal foods with targeted sensory and nutritional properties.
Development of Healthy Food Structures: Reduction of Sugar, Salt, and Fat
Authors: Wolf Bettina
Published: October 2019

Sugar, salt, and fat are health-sensitive nutrients widely added to processed foods. This may be as processing aide, for preservation, for flavour enhancement, or to develop the product-specific structure. While the reasons for their application are frequently interlinked, the primary focus of this chapter is on food structure. What is the structure functionality of sugar, salt, and fat? What are the healthy alternatives to these nutrients, and what is the impact on food structure? Are there food structure approaches for the reduction of sugar, salt, and fat? There are, and some of the approaches discussed in this chapter include particles with designed morphology (size, shape, internal microstructure), emulsion droplets with encapsulated water (fat reduction), or salt/sugar solution (salt/sugar reduction), bubbles as zero calorie as tastant-excluding fillers, and water-in-water emulsions mimicking the mouthfeel of water-in-oil emulsions (fat reduction). It is concluded that replacement strategies for health-compromising tastants have been exhausted, and levels of reduction are limited by their technological functions. Progress has been made with the food structure approach, ensuring an acceptable flavour profile; future efforts to achieve further reductions of sugar, salt, and fat need to consider the manufacturing paradigm as a variable.
Food Structure Development for Specific Population Groups
Authors: Alsanei W. A. , Chen J.
Published: October 2019

The world's population is ageing, and elderly people have become one of the most important target groups for the food industry due to their specific diet requirements. Reduced eating capability and even dysphagia are very common among elderly populations, and therefore appropriate texture design and modification of food and beverages are key for this category of consumers. However, to ensure safe swallowing through the selection of a controlled daily diet with correct consistency and texture is not always an easy task due to the lack of guidance. For this reason, various texture standards have been proposed in different countries in order to protect the health and well-being of these vulnerable populations. Such texture standards include the ones published in the United States, the UK, Australia, and Japan. While these standards serve well in their own countries and cultures, the global inconsistency of food texture becomes a big problem not only to the food industry but also to health care givers. The recently published International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) serves as a very practical global standard and has been implemented by professional bodies in many different countries. The last part of the chapter highlights some prominent approaches to texture modification for specific population groups, with special focus on the use of functional ingredients and innovative techniques.
Highly sensitive detection of an antidiabetic drug as illegal additives in health products using solvent microextraction combined with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Li Pan , He Huan , Lin Dongyue , Yang Liangbao
Published: October 2019

The combined SME-SERS approach realized the effective separation and sensitive detection of illegal drug additives spiked in different healthy products.
Surface engineering of ultrasmall supported PdxBi nanoalloys with enhanced electrocatalytic activity for selective alcohol oxidation
Authors: Hu Chenyao , Chen Zupeng , Han Fengyan , Lin Zixia , Yang Xiaofei
Published: October 2019

Ultrasmall and homogeneous bimetallic PdxBi nanoalloys anchored on Vulcan carbon demonstrate enhanced electrocatalytic activity for selective alcohol oxidation.
On-surface synthesis of polyazulene with 2,6-connectivity
Authors: Sun Qiang , Hou Ian Cheng-Yi , Eimre Kristjan , Pignedoli Carlo A. , Ruffieux Pascal , Narita Akimitsu , Fasel Roman
Published: October 2019

We report the on-surface synthesis and characterization of the homopolymer of azulene connected exclusively at the 2,6-positions.
Structural diversity in multinuclear tantalum polyhydrides formed via reductive hydrogenolysis of metal–carbon bonds
Authors: Fostvedt Jade I. , Lohrey Trevor D. , Bergman Robert G. , Arnold John
Published: October 2019

Put the methyl to the metal: hydrogenolysis of metal–carbon bonds offers controlled access to low-valent early metal complexes.
Effect of methyl and halogen substituents on the transmembrane movement of lipophilic ions
Authors: Rokitskaya Tatyana I. , Luzhkov Victor B. , Korshunova Galina A. , Tashlitsky Vadim N. , Antonenko Yuri N.
Published: October 2019

The introduction of a halogen or a methyl substituent changes the speed of the flip-flop of the penetrating cations and anions in the opposite way.
Reactive adsorption desulfurization of thiophene over NiMo/ZnO, a new adsorbent with high desulfurization performance and sulfur capacity at moderate temperature
Authors: Tang Mingxing , Wang Weixing , Zhou Ligong , Zhang Ye , Qin Zhangfeng , Han Wenpeng , Wang Jianguo , Ge Hui , Li Xuekuan
Published: October 2019

3Ni7Mo/ZnO adsorbent was synthesized by a two-step impregnation method for reactive adsorption desulfurization (RADS) experiments.
N-doped hierarchical porous metal-free catalysts derived from covalent triazine frameworks for the efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Cao Yaqi , Zhu Yuanzhi , Chen Xifan , Abraha Bahreselam Sielu , Peng Wenchao , Li Yang , Zhang Guoliang , Zhang Fengbao , Fan Xiaobin
Published: October 2019

The hierarchical structure enhances oxygen diffusion, improves electron transfer, and exposes more catalytic active sites for the ORR.
Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of xique–xique (Pilosocereus gounelleiA. Weber ex K. Schum. Bly. Ex Rowl) juice on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats
Authors: de Assis Paloma Oliveira Antonino , Guerra Gerlane Coelho Bernardo , Araújo Daline Fernandes de Souza , de Andrade Leylliane de Fátima Leal Interaminense , de Araújo Aurigena Antunes , de Araújo Raimundo Fernandes , de Carvalho Thaís Gomes , de Souza Maria de Fátima Vanderlei , Borges Graciele da Silva Campelo , Lima Marcos dos Santos , Rolim Fernanda Rodrigues Leite , Rodrigues Raphaela Araújo Veloso , Queiroga Rita de Cássia Ramos do Egypto
Published: October 2019

Xique–xique (Pilosocereus gounellei) cladode juice at the dose of 5 mL kg−1exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in the colitis model.
The formation mechanism of a sea cucumber ovum derived heptapeptide–calcium nanocomposite and its digestion/absorption behavior
Authors: Cui Pengbo , Lin Songyi , Han Weiwei , Jiang Pengfei , Zhu Beiwei , Sun Na
Published: October 2019

Calcium coordination induced the self-assembly of the sea cucumber ovum derived heptapeptide (NDEELNK), resulting in the formation of the nanocomposite with potential function to transport calcium through the gastrointestinal system.
Overcoming synthetic challenges in targeting coenzyme A biosynthesis with the antimicrobial natural product CJ-15,801
Authors: Domingo Riyad , van der Westhuyzen Renier , Hamann Anton R. , Mostert Konrad J. , Barnard Leanne , Paquet Tanya , Tjhin Erick T. , Saliba Kevin J. , van Otterlo Willem A. L. , Strauss Erick
Published: October 2019

Presenting an optimised synthesis of the fungus-derived antibiotic CJ-15,801 which shows selective activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Plasmodium falciparum.
Facile growth of carbon nanotubes using microwave ovens: the emerging application of highly efficient domestic plasma reactors
Authors: Liu Yang , Guo Naishun , Yin Pengfei , Zhang Chao
Published: October 2019

Carbon nanotubes are obtained using a domestic microwave oven in a few seconds at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
Hybrid nanovaccine for the co-delivery of the mRNA antigen and adjuvant
Authors: Yang Jingnan , Arya Smriti , Lung Pingsai , Lin Qiubin , Huang Jiandong , Li Quan
Published: October 2019

For efficient cancer vaccines, the antitumor function largely relies on cytotoxic T cells, whose activation can be effectively induced via antigen-encoding mRNA, making mRNA-based cancer vaccines an attractive approach for personalized cancer therapy.
Bioinspired surfaces with wettability for antifouling application
Authors: Li Zhihao , Guo Zhiguang
Published: October 2019

We summarize the research progress of wettable surfaces in the field of antifouling through bio-inspired superhydrophobic, underwater superoleophobic and slippery surfaces. We also discuss some areas for improvement in antifouling and the outlook for biomimetic materials.
A facile synthetic approach to nanostructured Li2S cathodes for rechargeable solid-state Li–S batteries
Authors: El-Shinawi Hany , Cussen Edmund J. , Corr Serena A.
Published: October 2019

We report a facile and scalable microwave approach to directly synthesize nanostructured Li2S which presents an ideal architecture for the construction of free-standing cathodes for all-solid-state Li–S batteries.
Self-assembled injectable biomolecular hydrogels towards phototherapy
Authors: Xing Ruirui , Liu Yamei , Zou Qianli , Yan Xuehai
Published: October 2019

Supramolecular injectable hydrogels assembled from biomolecules, such as proteins, peptides, and polysaccharides, are promising candidates for facilitating biomedical applications towards antitumor and antibacterial phototherapies.
pH-Responsive protein nanoparticlesviaconjugation of degradable PEG to the surface of cytochromec
Authors: Steiert Elena , Ewald Johannes , Wagner Annika , Hellmich Ute A. , Frey Holger , Wich Peter R.
Published: October 2019

A protein nanoparticle system based on cytochromecwas modified with acid-degradable polyethylene glycol (PEGylation). Vinyl ether moieties distributed in the polyether backbone, enabled particle degradation at slightly acidic pH.
Defect-mediated colloidal interactions in a nematic-phase discotic solvent
Authors: González-Martínez Aurora D. , Chávez-Rojo Marco A. , Sambriski Edward J. , Moreno-Razo José A.
Published: October 2019

Saturn ring dyads (left) mediate more stable colloidal interactions than Saturn ring triads (right) in nematic-phase discotic dispersions.
Ultra-small bimetallic iron–palladium (FePd) nanoparticle loaded macrophages for targeted tumor photothermal therapy in NIR-II biowindows and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Yang Yang , Lyu Mng , Li Jing-Hua , Zhu Dao-Ming , Yuan Yu-Feng , Liu Wei
Published: October 2019

Nanoparticles working in the NIR-II biowindows possess larger maximum permissible exposure (MPE) and desirable penetration depth to the laser.
Microfluidic synthesis of PLGA/carbon quantum dot microspheres for vascular endothelial growth factor delivery
Authors: Omidi Meisam , Hashemi Mohadeseh , Tayebi Lobat
Published: October 2019

In this study, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) loaded poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) – carbon quantum dot microspheres were produced using microfluidic platforms.
ZnBr2/Oxone-mediated ipso-cyclization of N-(3-phenylprop-2-yn-1-yl)aniline
Authors: Huang Keke , Li Jia-Ni , Qiu Guanyinsheng , Xie Wenlin , Liu Jin-Biao
Published: October 2019

1-Azaspiro[4.5]deca-3,6,9-trien-8-ones have been selectively synthesized from N-tosyl-N-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)anilines via a ZnBr2/Oxone-mediated radical ipso-cyclization pathway.
Detecting and identifying reversible changes in perovskite solar cells by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Klotz Dino , Tumen-Ulzii Ganbaatar , Qin Chuanjiang , Matsushima Toshinori , Adachi Chihaya
Published: October 2019

Reversible changes in perovskite solar cells (PSC) are detected and analysed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
Correction: Interactions between marmatite and bornite during the oxidative dissolution process in abiotic and biotic systems
Authors: Zhang Yanjun , Zhao Hongbo , Zhang Yisheng , Qian Lu , Zhang Luyuan , Meng Xiaoyu , Lv Xin , Abhilash Pillai , Janjua Hussnain Ahmed , Qiu Guanzhou
Published: October 2019

Correction for ‘Interactions between marmatite and bornite during the oxidative dissolution process in abiotic and biotic systems’ by Yanjun Zhang et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 26609–26618.
Mechanical properties of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Redfern Louis R. , Farha Omar K.
Published: October 2019

As the field of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) continues to grow, the physical stability and mechanical properties of these porous materials has become a topic of great interest.
Controlled scrambling reactions to polyphosphanes via bond metathesis reactions
Authors: Schoemaker Robin , Schwedtmann Kai , Franconetti Antonio , Frontera Antonio , Hennersdorf Felix , Weigand Jan J.
Published: October 2019

Dipyrazolylphosphanes RPpyr2 (5: R = Py; 6: R = BTz; pyr = 1,3-dimethylpyrazolyl) are established as powerful P1-building blocks in P–P bond forming reactions via condensation or P–N/P–P bond metathesis reactions with secondary phosphanes.
The controllable growth of ultrathin MnO2 on polydopamine nanospheres as a single nanoplatform for the MRI-guided synergistic therapy of tumors
Authors: Sun Yanhong , Chen Hongda , Liu Guifeng , Ma Lina , Wang Zhenxin
Published: October 2019

The integration of two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets with biocompatible photothermal nanoparticles may produce effective multifunctional nanotheranostic agents.
Positive Culture Change in Long-Term Care: A Procedure to Enhance Speech-Language Pathologist–Certified Nursing Assistant Collaboration
Authors: Page Christen , Howell Dana , Douglas Natalie
Published: October 2019

Background

The majority of residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities have cognitive communication impairments impacting their ability to communicate basic wants and needs to caregivers, particularly certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are the most qualified individuals to educate CNAs about residents' communication behaviors; however, there is limited literature that outlines specific, evidence-based procedures for CNAs and residents in the LTC environment. The purpose of this article is to describe such a procedure, including 2 case examples, within a framework of positive culture change.

Method

This clinical focus article aims to describe the details and benefits of providing professional support for CNAs during a communication plan intervention. Then, the article will discuss the association between professional support and positive culture change in LTC. Professional support involves valuing the experience and time CNAs spend with residents, consistently requesting feedback regarding trained communication strategies, educating, demonstrating, and problem-solving with CNAs, as well as acknowledging CNAs' use of communication strategies during daily care with residents.

Conclusions

SLPs can serve as trendsetters in establishing a positive, functional organizational culture in LTC by providing professional support to CNAs. This article outlined an evidence-based procedure designed for SLPs working in the LTC environment to contribute to such positive culture change.
Characterisation and implementation of high‐order backscatter modulation for IoT applications
Authors: Jordão Marina , Correia Ricardo , Carvalho Nuno Borges
Published: October 2019

The backscatter modulation has been used as an emerging technology in the Internet of Things (IoT), due to the hardware simplicity and low power consumption. Moreover, this technology is being combined with wireless power transfer scenarios in order to overcome a large number of batteries used. With recent development of backscatter systems for high bit‐rate communications, the design of a calibrated measurement system to characterise and calculate the optimum performance for M‐ary quadrature amplitude modulations, emerge as a requirement in IoT measurements. The main objective of this work is to characterise a backscatter modulation system, considering two characterisation approaches, a cable test measurement, and an Over‐The‐Air measurement. Thus, the characterisation of high‐order backscatter modulators can be executed to anticipate its performance in real scenarios. In this work, a dual‐band high‐order backscatter modulator will be presented and characterised for different modulations in free‐space, and the Error Vector Magnitude results will be computed.
High performance state‐flow based MPPT technique for micro WECS
Authors: Maher Rana A. , Abdelsalam Ahmed K. , Dessouky Yasser G. , Nouman Aziz
Published: October 2019

Wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) accommodate promising position in global energy market. Due to the dependency of the extracted wind power on various environmental aspects, as wind speed, the relation between the wind power and the turbine speed is highly non‐linear. Hence, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques are mandatory. Conventional perturb and observe MPPT technique suffers well‐known oscillation‐settling time trade‐off. In this study, a state‐flow based wind MPPT technique is proposed offering two degree of freedom, namely dedicated sample time and super‐stepping as WECS is considered to be multi‐rate multi‐input single‐output control system. In addition to being graphically user‐friendly and written‐code‐free, the presented technique offers enhanced operation, minimal oscillations and fast response. Simulations, in addition to experimental results, covering various operating conditions are presented to advocate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.