bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mid-upper arm circumference and body mass index as different screening tools of nutritional and weight status in Polish schoolchildren across socio-political changes
Authors: Nowak-Szczepanska Natalia , Gomula Aleksandra , Koziel Slawomir
Published: August 2019

Intergenerational changes in many biological traits are indicators of environmental conditions. One of such anthropometric measures is the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) which estimates nutritional status. Likewise, Body Mass Index (BMI) is widely used as an anthropometric indicator of relative weight. The aim of this study was to reveal secular trends in MUAC and BMI, as biological indicators of changing living conditions, between 1966 and 2012 among Polish children from different socioeconomic groups. Total sample involved 64 393 schoolchildren aged 7–18 years, investigated in 4 Surveys (1966, 1978, 1988, 2012). Overall socioeconomic status (SES) was divided into two categories: lower and higher (including: urbanization, family size, parental education). Results showed that MUAC and BMI differed significantly with respect to the year of survey, sex and SES category. Both measures were higher within higher SES group compared to the lower one until 1988, while in 2012 convergence of these indicators in both SES categories was observed. Both the year of survey, sex, SES category and interactions between them had higher impact on MUAC than BMI (measured by effect size). Our findings revealed that long-term socioeconomic changes affect MUAC more noticeably than BMI. Therefore MUAC may be a more accurate screening tool.
The complex structure of bile salt hydrolase from Lactobacillus salivarius reveals the structural basis of substrate specificity
Authors: Xu Fuzhou , Hu Xiao-Jian , Singh Warispreet , Geng Wenjing , Tikhonova Irina G. , Lin Jun
Published: August 2019

The gut bacterial bile salt hydrolase (BSH) plays a critical role in host lipid metabolism and energy harvest. Therefore, BSH is a promising microbiome target to develop new therapies to regulate obesity in humans and novel non-antibiotic growth promoters for food animals. We previously reported the 1.90 Å apo crystal structure of BSH from Lactobacillus salivarius (lsBSH). In this study, we soaked the lsBSH crystal with glycocholic acid (GCA), a substrate, and obtained a 2.10 Å structure containing complex of lsBSH bound to GCA and cholic acid (CA), a product. The substrate/product sits in the water-exposed cavity molded by Loops 2 and 3. While the glycine moiety of GCA is exposed into a highly polar pocket, the sterane core of GCA is stabilized by aromatic and hydrophobic interactions. Comparison of product binding with BSH from Clostridium perfringenes reveals a distinct orientation of the sterane core in the binding site. The stability of the substrate-lsBSH complex and the putative catalytic mechanism were explored with molecular dynamics simulations. Site-directed mutagenesis of lsBSH demonstrated that Cys2 and Asn171 are critical for enzymatic activity, while Tyr24, Phe65 and Gln257 contribute to the substrate specificity. Together, this study provides structural insights into BSH-substrate interaction, the mechanism of catalysis and substrate specificity, which facilitate rational design of BSH inhibitors.
Acute Physical Exercise Can Influence the Accuracy of Metacognitive Judgments
Authors: Palmer Matthew A. , Stefanidis Kayla , Turner Ashlee , Tranent Peter J. , Breen Rachel , Kucina Talira , Brumby Laura , Holt Glenys A. , Fell James W. , Sauer James D.
Published: August 2019

Acute exercise generally benefits memory but little research has examined how exercise affects metacognition (knowledge of memory performance). We show that a single bout of exercise can influence metacognition in paired-associate learning. Participants completed 30-min of moderate-intensity exercise before or after studying a series of word pairs (cloud-ivory), and completed cued-recall (cloud-?; Experiments 1 & 2) and recognition memory tests (cloud-?spoon; ivory;drill;choir; Experiment 2). Participants made judgments of learning prior to cued-recall tests (JOLs; predicted likelihood of recalling the second word of each pair when shown the first) and feeling-of-knowing judgments prior to recognition tests (FOK; predicted likelihood of recognizing the second word from four alternatives). Compared to no-exercise control conditions, exercise before encoding enhanced cued-recall in Experiment 1 but not Experiment 2 and did not affect recognition. Exercise after encoding did not influence memory. In conditions where exercise did not benefit memory, it increased JOLs and FOK judgments relative to accuracy (Experiments 1 & 2) and impaired the relative accuracy of JOLs (ability to distinguish remembered from non-remembered items; Experiment 2). Acute exercise seems to signal likely remembering; this has implications for understanding the effects of exercise on metacognition, and for incorporating exercise into study routines.
The generalized Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman equation for describing the dynamics of relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Levit Rafael , Martinez-Garcia Julio C. , Ochoa Diego A. , García José E.
Published: August 2019

Relaxor ferroelectrics (RF) are outstanding materials owing to their extraordinary dielectric, electromechanical, and electro-optical properties. Although their massive applications, they remain to be one of the most puzzling solid-state materials because understanding their structural local order and relaxation dynamics is being a long-term challenge in materials science. The so-called Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman (VFT) relation has been extensively used to parameterize the relaxation dynamics in RF, although no microscopic description has been firmly established for such empirical relation. Here, we show that VFT equation is not always a proper approach for describing the dielectric relaxation in RF. Based on the Adam-Gibbs model and the Grüneisen temperature index, a more general equation to disentangle the relaxation kinetic is proposed. This approach allows to a new formulation for the configurational entropy leading to a local structural heterogeneity related order parameter for RF. A new pathway to disentangle relaxation phenomena in other relaxor ferroics could have opened.
Antibody response against koala retrovirus (KoRV) in koalas harboring KoRV-A in the presence or absence of KoRV-B
Authors: Olagoke O. , Quigley B. L. , Eiden M. V. , Timms P.
Published: August 2019

Koala retrovirus (KoRV) is in the process of endogenization into the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) genome and is currently spreading through the Australian koala population. Understanding how the koala’s immune system responds to KoRV infection is critical for developing an efficacious vaccine to protect koalas. To this end, we analyzed the antibody response of 235 wild koalas, sampled longitudinally over a four-year period, that harbored KoRV-A, and with or without KoRV-B. We found that the majority of the sampled koalas were able to make anti-KoRV antibodies, and that there was a linear increase in anti-KoRV IgG levels in koalas up to approximately seven years of age and then a gradual decrease thereafter. Koalas infected with both KoRV-A and KoRV-B were found to have slightly higher anti-KoRV IgG titers than koalas with KoRV-A alone and there was an inverse relationship between anti-KoRV IgG levels and circulating KoRV viral load. Finally, we identified distinct epitopes on the KoRV envelope protein that were recognized by antibodies. Together, these findings provide insight into the koala’s immune response to KoRV and may be useful in the development of a therapeutic KoRV vaccine.
Proteasome subunit α1 overexpression preferentially drives canonical proteasome biogenesis and enhances stress tolerance in yeast
Authors: Howell Lauren A. , Peterson Anna K. , Tomko Robert J.
Published: August 2019

The 26S proteasome conducts the majority of regulated protein catabolism in eukaryotes. At the heart of the proteasome is the barrel-shaped 20S core particle (CP), which contains two β-rings sandwiched between two α-rings. Whereas canonical CPs contain α-rings with seven subunits arranged α1-α7, a non-canonical CP in which a second copy of the α4 subunit replaces the α3 subunit occurs in both yeast and humans. The mechanisms that control canonical versus non-canonical CP biogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we have repurposed a split-protein reporter to identify genes that can enhance canonical proteasome assembly in mutant yeast producing non-canonical α4-α4 CPs. We identified the proteasome subunit α1 as an enhancer of α3 incorporation, and find that elevating α1 protein levels preferentially drives canonical CP assembly under conditions that normally favor α4-α4 CP formation. Further, we demonstrate that α1 is stoichiometrically limiting for α-ring assembly, and that enhancing α1 levels is sufficient to increase proteasome abundance and enhance stress tolerance in yeast. Together, our data indicate that the abundance of α1 exerts multiple impacts on proteasome assembly and composition, and we propose that the limited α1 levels observed in yeast may prime cells for alternative proteasome assembly following environmental stimuli.
A label-free optical whole-cell Escherichia coli biosensor for the detection of pyrethroid insecticide exposure
Authors: Riangrungroj Pinpunya , Bever Candace Spier , Hammock Bruce D. , Polizzi Karen M.
Published: August 2019

There is a growing need for low-cost, portable technologies for the detection of threats to the environment and human health. Here we propose a label-free, optical whole-cell Escherichia coli biosensor for the detection of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), a biomarker for monitoring human exposure to synthetic pyrethroid insecticides. The biosensor functions like a competitive ELISA but uses whole-cells surface displaying an anti-3-PBA VHH as the detection element. When the engineered cells are mixed with 3-PBA-protein conjugate crosslinking that can be visually detected occurs. Free 3-PBA in samples competes with these crosslinks, leading to a detectable change in the output. The assay performance was improved by coloring the cells via expression of the purple-blue amilCP chromoprotein and the VHH expression level was reduced to obtain a limit of detection of 3 ng/mL. The optimized biosensor exhibited robust function in complex sample backgrounds such as synthetic urine and plasma. Furthermore, lyophilization enabled storage of biosensor cells for at least 90 days without loss of functionality. Our whole-cell biosensor is simple and low-cost and therefore has potential to be further developed as a screening tool for monitoring exposure to pyrethroids in low-resource environments.
Glaucoma incidence risk in a cohort of Mayak PA workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation
Authors: Bragin Evgeny V. , Azizova Tamara V. , Bannikova Maria V. , Grigoryeva Evgeniya S. , Hamada Nobuyuki
Published: August 2019

Glaucoma is a major cause of visual impairment, and secondary glaucoma manifested as neovascular glaucoma has long been known to occur following high-dose fractionated radiation therapy. In contrast, little is known as to whether ionizing radiation exposure causes primary glaucoma, except that a single study in Japanese atomic bomb survivors has reported a significantly increase risk. Therefore, the effect of lower dose and lower dose rate remains unclear. Here we report that in Russian Mayak Production Association workers occupationally exposed to chronic radiation for prolonged periods, incidence of total primary glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma is significantly associated with various non-radiation factors (sex, attained age, and cataract diagnosed prior to glaucoma), but neither with cumulative dose from external γ-rays nor with cumulative neutron dose nor with the unweighted sum of cumulative γ and neutron doses. The present results suggest for the first time that chronic radiation exposure does not cause primary glaucoma, although the analyses need to be made in other cohorts exposed at various dose and dose rate.
On the unusual amber coloration of nanoporous sol-gel processed Al-doped silica glass: An experimental study
Authors: Chang Alvin , He Yujuan , Arango Maria A. Torres , Wang Maoyu , Ren Yang , Feng Zhenxing , Chang Chih-Hung , Sierros Konstantinos A.
Published: August 2019

Silica is the most abundant component on the earth’s surface. It plays an important role in many natural processes. Silica is also a critical material for a wide range of technical applications such as in optics and electronics. In this work, we discuss our recent experimental observation of the unusual amber coloration of aluminum doped sol-gel glass that has not been reported in the past. We characterized Al-doped sol-gel glasses, prepared at different sintering temperature, using a plethora of techniques to investigate the origin of this unusual coloration and to understand their structural and chemical properties. We used these experimental results to test a number of possible coloring mechanisms. The results suggested this coloring is likely caused by temperature-dependent aluminum-associated defect centers associated with different amorphous-to-crystalline ratios of the annealed sol-gel silica glass structures.
Post-training TMS abolishes performance improvement and releases future learning from interference
Authors: Bang Ji Won , Milton Diana , Sasaki Yuka , Watanabe Takeo , Rahnev Dobromir
Published: August 2019

The period immediately after the offset of visual training is thought to be critical for memory consolidation. Nevertheless, we still lack direct evidence for the causal role of this period to perceptual learning of either previously or subsequently trained material. To address these issues, we had human subjects complete two consecutive trainings with different tasks (detecting different Gabor orientations). We applied continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to either the visual cortex or a control site (vertex) immediately after the offset of the first training. In the vertex cTBS condition, subjects showed improvement on the first task but not on the second task, suggesting the presence of anterograde interference. Critically, cTBS to the visual cortex abolished the performance improvement on the first task and released the second training from the anterograde interference. These results provide causal evidence for a role of the immediate post-training period in the consolidation of perceptual learning.
Experimental and finite element method studies for femtomolar cobalt ion detection using a DHI modified nanochannel
Authors: Liu Xuye , Zeng Qiang , Liu Cheng , Yang Jie , Wang Lishi
Published: August 2019

In this work, a sensing nanochannel based on a N-[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]-4,5-dihydroimidazole (DHI) modified nanopipette was prepared and characterized for the ultrasensitive detection of cobalt ions (Co2+) in aqueous solutions.
Enhanced antitumour effect for hepatocellular carcinoma in the advanced stage using a cyclodextrin-sorafenib-chaperoned inclusion complex
Authors: Phan Chiuyen , Zheng Ziyang , Wang Jianwei , Wang Qiwen , Hu Xiurong , Tang Guping , Bai Hongzhen
Published: August 2019

We have proposed and classified the HCC tumor of HCC tumor-bearing BALB/c nude mice to four stages. Cyclodextrin-sorafenib-chaperoned inclusion complexes were prepared and applied to treat advanced HCC tumor-bearing mice.
A versatile and accessible polymer coating for functionalizable zwitterionic quantum dots with high DNA grafting efficiency
Authors: Grazon Chloé , Chern Margaret , Ward Katherine , Lecommandoux Sébastien , Grinstaff Mark W. , Dennis Allison M.
Published: August 2019

An accessible method to produce a click chemistry-ready, zwitterionic polymer from commercially available reagents facilitates efficient DNA grafting to quantum dots.
Pyrophosphate ion-responsive alginate hydrogel as an effective fluorescent sensing platform for alkaline phosphatase detection
Authors: Li Yong , Huang Zhen-Zhong , Weng Yuhao , Tan Hongliang
Published: August 2019

A Cu2+-crosslinked alginate hydrogel can encapsulate fluorescent carbon dots for visually monitoring PPi-stimulated gel–sol transition and the further detection of ALP.
Water-mediated C–H activation of arenes with secure carbene precursors: the reaction and its application
Authors: Nie Ruifang , Lai Ruizhi , Lv Songyang , Xu Yingying , Guo Li , Wang Qiantao , Wu Yong
Published: August 2019

A water-mediated C–H activation using sulfoxonium ylides is reported, providing a general, green and step-economic approach to construct a C–C bond and varieties of useful N-heterocycle scaffolds.
Visible light photocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles via intermolecular [3+2] cycloaddition
Authors: Casado-Sánchez Antonio , Domingo-Legarda Pablo , Cabrera Silvia , Alemán José
Published: August 2019

The asymmetric synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles is developed through a [3+2] cycloaddition between silyl-indole derivatives and α,β-unsaturated N-acyl oxazolidinones by merging photocatalysis and Lewis acid catalysis.
Organocatalytic diastereoselective [3+2] cyclization of MBH carbonates with dinucleophiles: synthesis of bicyclic imidazoline derivatives that inhibit MDM2–p53 interaction
Authors: Zhu Hong-Ping , Xie Ke , He Xiang-Hong , Huang Wei , Zeng Rong , Fan Yang , Peng Cheng , He Gu , Han Bo
Published: August 2019

MBH carbonates were successfully applied to a stereoselective [3+3] annulation with N,C-dinucleophiles for the first time, yielding a collection of pharmacologically interesting bicyclic imidazolines which were found to inhibit MDM2–p53 binding.
Reversing C2H2–CO2 adsorption selectivity in an ultramicroporous metal–organic framework platform
Authors: Wen Hui-Min , Liao Caijun , Li Libo , Yang Ling , Wang Jing , Huang Liang , Li Bin , Chen Banglin , Hu Jun
Published: August 2019

Fine-tuning the pore sizes, metrics, and binding sites within a MOF platform can reverse the adsorption selectivity between C2H2 and CO2 at will.
Methods for estimating supersaturation in antisolvent crystallization systems
Authors: Schall Jennifer M. , Capellades Gerard , Myerson Allan S.
Published: August 2019

Common simplifying assumptions to the thermodynamic expression of supersaturation can impose large errors on kinetics, yield, and process design.
The effect of the orientation of the Jahn–Teller distortion on the magnetic interactions of trinuclear mixed-valence Mn(ii)/Mn(iii) complexes
Authors: Bikas Rahman , Shahmoradi Elaheh , Reinoso Santiago , Emami Marzieh , Lezama Luis , Sanchiz Joaquín , Noshiranzadeh Nader
Published: August 2019

The effect of the orientation of the Jahn–Teller distortion on the magnetic interactions in two new mixed-valence trinuclear Mn(iii)–Mn(ii)–Mn(iii) complexes has been investigated.
New examples of triangular terbium(iii) and holmium(iii) and hexagonal dysprosium(iii) single molecule toroics
Authors: Langley Stuart K. , Vignesh Kuduva R. , Gupta Tulika , Gartshore Christopher J. , Rajaraman Gopalan , Forsyth Craig M. , Murray Keith S.
Published: August 2019

The synthesis, structures, magnetism and ab initio calculations are presented for three new triangular Ln3 single molecule toroidal species, Ln = Tb, Dy and Ho, and for a new hexagonal Dy6 wheel compound.
Proteomic, gene and metabolite characterization reveal the uptake and toxicity mechanisms of cadmium sulfide quantum dots in soybean plants
Authors: Majumdar Sanghamitra , Pagano Luca , Wohlschlegel James A. , Villani Marco , Zappettini Andrea , White Jason C. , Keller Arturo A.
Published: August 2019

Cadmium sulfide quantum dots regulate nanomaterial-specific unique transmembrane transport system and metabolic processes in soybean plants.
Maqui berry exhibited therapeutic effects against DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Zhou Gao , Chen Ling , Sun Qing , Mo Qi-Gui , Sun Wan-Chun , Wang You-Wei
Published: August 2019

The effective extract fraction of maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) plays a therapeutic role in ulcerative colitis through its anti-inflammatory effect, reducing immune stress, and regulating gut microbiota.
Metallophores associated with Trichodesmium erythraeum colonies from the Gulf of Aqaba
Authors: Gledhill Martha , Basu Subhajit , Shaked Yeala
Published: August 2019

Trichodesmium is a globally important marine nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria which forms colonies and utilizes atmospherically derived dust as a source for the limiting micro-nutrient iron. Here we report the identification of metallophores isolated from incubations of natural Trichodesmium colonies collected from the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea. Three of our compounds were identified as the ferrioxamine siderophores B, E, and G. The remaining fifteen metallophores had mass to charge ratios that, to our knowledge, are not common to known siderophores. Putative sum formulas suggest most of these compounds were not structurally related to each other. We also found that the novel metallophores readily formed complexes with aluminium and were less specific for iron than the ferrioxamines. In our incubations of Trichodesmium colonies, the abundance of ten of the novel metallophores positively correlated with Trichodesmium biomass, but not with bacterial biomass, whilst ferrioxamine siderophores were more strongly associated with bacterial biomass. We identified ferrioxamines and our novel metallophores in filtered surface seawater samples from the Gulf of Aqaba. However, our novel metallophores were only observed in the surface seawater sample collected at the time of highest Trichodesmium abundance, while ferrioxamines were observed even when Trichodesmium was not present. We hypothesize that the novel metallophores were specifically associated with Trichodesmium colonies. Together with the bacterially produced ferrioxamines they likely contribute to a distinctive “ligandosphere” surrounding the Trichodesmium colonies, with potential implications for metal homeostasis within the colony environment.
Anticancer drug delivery to cancer cells using alkyl amine-functionalized nanodiamond supraparticles
Authors: Yu Yue , Yang Xi , Liu Ming , Nishikawa Masahiro , Tei Takahiro , Miyako Eijiro
Published: August 2019

Nanocarriers have attracted increasing interest due to their potential applications in anticancer drug delivery.
Effect of new asymmetrical Zn(ii) phthalocyanines on the photovoltaic performance of a dye-sensitized solar cell
Authors: Tunç Gülenay , Güzel Emre , Şişman İlkay , Ahsen Vefa , Cárdenas-Jirón Gloria , Gürek Ayşe Gül
Published: August 2019

Theoretical and experimental examinations of novel asymmetric Zn(ii) phthalocyanine derivatives substituted with peripherally one carboxyl and six alkylsulfanyl groups have been successfully investigated from the point of view of DSSC performance.
New nitroindazolylacetonitriles: efficient synthetic accessviavicarious nucleophilic substitution and tautomeric switching mediated by anions
Authors: Eddahmi Mohammed , Moura Nuno M. M. , Bouissane Latifa , Gamouh Ahmed , Faustino Maria A. F. , Cavaleiro José A. S. , Paz Filipe A. A. , Mendes Ricardo F. , Lodeiro Carlos , Santos Sérgio M. , Neves Maria G. P. M. S. , Rakib El Mostapha
Published: August 2019

Efficient synthesis of newN-methylnitroindazolylacetonitriles and their ability to switch between tautomeric forms in the presence of anionic species.
Tuning lipophilicity for optimizing the H2S sensing performance of coumarin–merocyanine derivatives
Authors: Fang Hongbao , Chen Yuncong , Shi Xiangchao , Bai Yang , Chen Zhongyan , Han Zhong , Zhang Yuming , He Weijiang , Guo Zijian
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a series of coumarin-merocyanine derivatives with different lipophilicities were synthesized to investigate the relationship between structural lipophilicity and reactivity as well as mitochondrial targeting ability.
Electrostatic-driven self-sorting and nanostructure speciation in self-assembling tetrapeptides
Authors: Sahoo Jugal Kishore , VandenBerg Michael A. , Ruiz Bello Edgar E. , Nazareth Calvin D. , Webber Matthew J.
Published: August 2019

The self-assembly of oppositely charged oligopeptide mixtures is evaluated, observing self-sorting into distinct, yet still interacting, nanostructures.
Enthalpy-driven self-assembly of amphiphilic Janus dendrimers into onion-like vesicles: a Janus particle model
Authors: Hu Fang-Fang , Sun Yu-Wei , Zhu You-Liang , Huang Yi-Neng , Li Zhan-Wei , Sun Zhao-Yan
Published: August 2019

The characteristics of concentration-dependent self-assembly of compact dendrimers into onion-like dendrimersomes are investigated using computer simulations.
Impact of metal cations on the thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of telechelic sulfonated polyetherimides
Authors: Cao Ke , Serrano Joel M. , Liu Tianyu , Stovall Benjamin J. , Xu Zhen , Arrington Clay B. , Long Timothy E. , Odle Roy R. , Liu Guoliang
Published: August 2019

The glass transition temperature, thermal degradation temperature, and complex viscosity of metal sulfonated polyetherimides decrease with an increase in metal cation size.
A practical and effective method for the N–N bond cleavage of N-amino-heterocycles
Authors: Mari Giacomo , Favi Gianfranco , Santeusanio Stefania , Mantellini Fabio , De Crescentini Lucia
Published: August 2019

An innovative, robust, regioselective, metal- and oxidant-free method to cleave the N–N bond of N-amino heterocycles, promoted by 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes is here presented. The process involves a Michael type addition/E1cb elimination sequence.
Modifications of the CZTSe/Mo back-contact interface by plasma treatments
Authors: Chen Wenjian , Taskesen Teoman , Nowak David , Mikolajczak Ulf , Sayed Mohamed H. , Pareek Devendra , Ohland Jörg , Schnabel Thomas , Ahlswede Erik , Hauschild Dirk , Weinhardt Lothar , Heske Clemens , Parisi Jürgen , Gütay Levent
Published: August 2019

Molybdenum (Mo) is the most commonly used back-contact material for copper zinc tin selenide (CZTSe)-based thin-film solar cells. The effect of a pure Ar plasma and a mixed Ar–N2 plasma on the back-contact interface of CZTSe solar cells is reported in this study.
Detection of nucleic acids and other low abundance components in native bone and osteosarcoma extracellular matrix by isotope enrichment and DNP-enhanced NMR
Authors: Goldberga Ieva , Li Rui , Chow Wing Ying , Reid David G. , Bashtanova Ulyana , Rajan Rakesh , Puszkarska Anna , Oschkinat Hartmut , Duer Melinda J.
Published: August 2019

Towards elucidating their biological roles in intact tissue, DNP NMR reveals nucleic acids, and other important low abundance biomolecules in a complex biomaterial, bone, and in cancer extracellular matrix.
Calcined chicken eggshell electrode for battery and supercapacitor applications
Authors: Minakshi Manickam , Higley Stephen , Baur Christian , Mitchell David R. G. , Jones Robert T. , Fichtner Maximilian
Published: August 2019

Biowaste eggshell can be used as a cathode while in its calcined form and it is found to be suitable as an anode in an electrochemical cell.
Evaluation of the performance and emission and spectroscopic analysis of an improved soy methyl ester
Authors: Hasnain S. M. Mozammil , Sharma R. P.
Published: August 2019

SME with MO at higher blended percentages was used in the emission performance test in an advance developed CRDI engine without any engine modification.
Photoelectrochemical detection of ultra-trace fluorine ion using TiO2 nanorod arrays as a probe
Authors: Su Yongzhao , Chen Duotian , Yang Siyuan , Zhang Shengsen , Liu Yingju , Fang Yueping , Zhang Qiao , Peng Feng
Published: August 2019

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) method based on the etching reaction on TiO2 nanorod arrays is proposed for detection of F ions.
Recent progress of solution-processed Cu nanowires transparent electrodes and their applications
Authors: Ding Su , Tian Yanhong
Published: August 2019

This review summarizes the recent progress on the synthesis methods of long Cu nanowires, fabrication techniques, protection measures and applications for Cu nanowire transparent electrodes.
A study on the properties and working mechanism of a waterborne polyurethane-modified silicate-based coating
Authors: Yuan Hui , Wang Yushuai , Liu Zhiyong , Li Shiyu
Published: August 2019

Herein, the effects of the amount of waterborne polyurethane, silica sol and fillers on the compressive and bending strength, temperature resistance and acid resistance of waterborne polyurethane-modified silicate-based coatings were investigated.
Lipid-lowering and antioxidative effects ofApium graveolensL. root flavonoid extracts
Authors: He Yuan , Shi Yang , Zhang Airong , Zhang Xiaoxia , Sun Jing , Tian Li
Published: August 2019

Apium graveolensL. root flavone extract can improve hyperlipidemia induced by high-fat emulsion diet in rats.
Inhibition of miR-16 enhances the sensitivity of fibroblast-like synovial cells to methotrexate by restraining MDR1/P-gp expressionviaNF-κB pathway
Authors: Wang Jing , Mao Ni , Liu Yiming , Xie Xi , Tian Jing , Li Fen , Chen Jinwei
Published: August 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are demonstrated to contribute to the regulation of drug resistance in a number of diseases.
A model for the chemomechanical coupling of myosin-V molecular motors
Authors: Xie Ping
Published: August 2019

The paper presents a model of chemomechanical coupling of myosin-V motor, explaining the dynamics under varying force and ATP concentrations.
X-ray powder diffraction to analyse bimetallic core–shell nanoparticles (gold and palladium; 7–8 nm)
Authors: Rostek A. , Loza K. , Heggen M. , Epple M.
Published: August 2019

A comparative X-ray powder diffraction study on poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP)-stabilized palladium and gold nanoparticles and bimetallic Pd–Au nanoparticles (both types of core–shell nanostructures) was performed.
Enhanced fungicidal efficacy onGanoderma boninenseby simultaneous co-delivery of hexaconazole and dazomet from their chitosan nanoparticles
Authors: Maluin Farhatun Najat , Hussein Mohd Zobir , Yusof Nor Azah , Fakurazi Sharida , Abu Seman Idris , Zainol Hilmi Nur Hailini , Jeffery Daim Leona Daniela
Published: August 2019

Dual encapsulation of fungicides into the chitosan was synthesized and proven to prolong the release time and enhance the antifungal activity.
PPEGMEMA-based cationic copolymers designed for layer-by-layer assembly
Authors: Jiang Tao , Zajforoushan Moghaddam Saeed , Thormann Esben
Published: August 2019

PPEGMEMA-based cationic copolymers were synthesized and utilized in a layer-by-layer assembly process to prepare a multilayered film. Film properties were tuned with systematic variation in the average length of the PEG side chains.
Reaction induced morphology changes of tetracene and pentacene surfaces
Authors: Li Feifei , Ciszek Jacob W.
Published: August 2019

Morphology plays a critical role in determining the properties of solid-state molecular materials, which necessitates a better understanding of its evolution when exposed to reactive conditions.
Titanium complex with an [OSSO]-type bis(phenolate) ligand for ethylene copolymerization with vinyl polar monomer based on group protection
Authors: Zhu Yuqiong , Li Sihan , Liang Huaqing , Xie Xiuli , Zhu Fangming
Published: August 2019

The [OSSO]-type bis(phenolate) titanium complex 1 activated by methylaluminoxane was used for the copolymerization of ethylene and protected vinyl polar monomer.
Expedient access to saturated nitrogen heterocycles by photoredox cyclization of imino-tethered dihydropyridines
Authors: Bissonnette Noah B. , Ellis J. Michael , Hamann Lawrence G. , Romanov-Michailidis Fedor
Published: August 2019

This work describes an expedient access to sp3-rich nitrogen heterocycles via mild photoredox cleavage of 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines followed by cyclization of the resultant carbon-centered radicals with tethered imines.
In situ formation of a renewable cellulose hydrogel electrolyte for high-performance flexible all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Hongfei , Wu Juan , Qiu Jun , Zhang Kefu , Shao Jingwen , Yan Lifeng
Published: August 2019

Renewable cellulose hydrogels have been fabricated as the electrolyte for high-performance flexible all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors.
Unsteady peeling accompanied by oscillations of adhesive tape from a soft adherend
Authors: Sugizaki Yoshiki , Suzuki Atsushi
Published: August 2019

Unsteady peeling of PSA tape from a soft adherend is induced by breaking the shear and the compressive force balance.
Wormlike micelles with a unique ladder shape formed by a C22-tailed zwitterionic surfactant bearing a bulky piperazine group
Authors: Han Yugui , Wang Yefei , Meng Xianghai , Wang Qiuxia , Han Xiaodong
Published: August 2019

The unique ladder shape structure of the assembled EDPS WLMs would change with the increase of the shear rate, which was responsible for the abnormal rheological behavior.
Theoretical search for novel Au or Ag bimetallic alloys capable of transforming CO2 into hydrocarbons
Authors: Wu Nian , Xiao Li , Zhuang Lin
Published: August 2019

Designing efficient catalysts with a high selectivity toward hydrocarbons at a relatively low overpotential is of great significance for the application of the CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction (CO2RR).
Highly sensitive and wearable gel-based sensors with a dynamic physically cross-linked structure for strain-stimulus detection over a wide temperature range
Authors: Xia Shan , Song Shixin , Li Yi , Gao Guanghui
Published: August 2019

A highly sensitive wearable gel-based sensor with a dynamic physically cross-linked structure is prepared for strain-stimuli detection over a wide temperature range.
Synthetic organelles
Authors: Simmel Friedrich C.
Published: August 2019

One approach towards the creation of bottom-up synthetic biological systems of higher complexity relies on the subcompartmentalization of synthetic cell structures using artificially generated organelles — roughly mimicking the architecture of eukaryotic cells. Organelles create dedicated chemical environments for specific synthesis tasks — they separate incompatible processes from each other and help to create or maintain chemical gradients that drive other chemical processes. Artificial organelles have been used to compartmentalize enzyme reactions, to generate chemical fuels via photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation, and they have been utilized to spatially organize cell-free gene expression reactions. In this short review article, we provide an overview of recent developments in this field, which involve a wide variety of compartmentalization strategies ranging from lipid and polymer membrane systems to membraneless compartmentalization via coacervation.
Threshold Estimation Using “Chained Stimuli” for Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials in Individuals With Normal Hearing and Hearing Impairment
Authors: Kalaiah Mohan Kumar , Poovaiah Sanjana , Shastri Usha
Published: August 2019

Purpose

We investigated the utility of chained stimuli for threshold estimation using cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) in individuals with normal hearing sensitivity and hearing loss. The effect of the order of frequency in chained stimuli on CAEPs was also studied.

Method

Seventeen individuals with normal hearing and 17 individuals with mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss participated in the study. In individuals with normal hearing, CAEPs were recorded at 80 dB nHL for 4 chained stimuli with different orders of frequencies within them (Chained Stimuli 1 [CS1]: 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz; Chained Stimuli 2: 4000, 2000, 1000, 500 Hz; Chained Stimuli 3: 500, 2000, 1000, 4000 Hz; Chained Stimuli 4: 4000, 1000, 2000, 500 Hz). CAEP threshold estimation was carried out using CS1 in both groups and was compared with behavioral pure-tone thresholds.

Results

CS1 elicited the largest amplitude responses at low and mid frequencies, whereas all 4 stimuli elicited similar amplitude responses at high frequencies. CAEP thresholds were generally within 10–20 dB above the participants' behavioral threshold in both groups. The difference between CAEP threshold and behavioral threshold was less for individuals with hearing loss compared to individuals with normal hearing. There was a significant positive correlation between CAEP threshold and behavioral threshold at all the frequencies.

Conclusions

CS1 could be used to elicit CAEPs for threshold estimation in adult participants with normal hearing and hearing loss of varied degrees with theoretically reduced testing time. The actual time reduction using chained stimuli and the correction factor to be applied to estimate behavioral threshold can be studied in future investigations.
HST spectra reveal accretion in MY Lupi
Authors: Alcalá J. M. , Manara C. F. , France K. , Schneider C. P. , Arulanantham N. , Miotello A. , Günther H. M. , Brown A.
Published: August 2019

The mass accretion rate is a crucial parameter for the study of the evolution of accretion discs around young low-mass stellar and substellar objects (YSOs). We revisit the case of MY Lup, an object where VLT/X-shooter data suggested a negligible mass accretion rate, and show it to be accreting on a level similar to other Class II YSOs in Lupus based on Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations. In our HST-Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (HST-COS) and -Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (HST-STIS) spectra, we find many emission lines, as well as substantial far-ultraviolet (FUV) continuum excess emission, which can be ascribed to active accretion. The total luminosity of the C IV λ1549 Å doublet is 4.1 × 10−4 L⊙. Using scalings between accretion luminosity, Lacc, and C IV luminosity from the literature, we derive Lacc ~2 × 10−1 L⊙, which is more than an order of magnitude higher than the upper limit estimated from the X-shooter observations. We discuss possible reasons for the X-shooter-HST discrepancy, the most plausible being that the low contrast between the continuum excess emission and the photospheric+chromospheric emission at optical wavelengths in MY Lup hampered detection of excess emission. The luminosity of the FUV continuum and C IV lines, strong H2 fluorescence, and a “1600 A Bump” place MY Lup in the class of accreting objects with gas-rich discs. So far, MY Lup is the only peculiar case in which a significant difference between the HST and X-shooter Ṁacc estimates exists that is not ascribable to variability. The mass accretion rate inferred from the revisited Lacc estimate is Ṁacc ~ 1(−0.5+1.5) × 10−8 M⊙ yr−1. This value is consistent with the typical value derived for accreting YSOs of similar mass in Lupus and points to less clearing of the inner disc than indicated by near- and mid-infrared observations. This is confirmed by Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) data, which show that the gaps and rings seen in the sub-millimetre are relatively shallow.
The physical and chemical structure of Sagittarius B2
Authors: Meng F. , Sánchez-Monge Á. , Schilke P. , Padovani M. , Marcowith A. , Ginsburg A. , Schmiedeke A. , Schwörer A. , DePree C. , Veena V. S. , Möller Th.
Published: August 2019

Context. The giant molecular cloud Sagittarius B2 (hereafter Sgr B2) is the most massive region with ongoing high-mass star formation in the Galaxy. In the southern region of the 40-pc large envelope of Sgr B2, we encounter the Sgr B2(DS) region, which hosts more than 60 high-mass protostellar cores distributed in an arc shape around an extended H II region. Hints of non-thermal emission have been found in the H II region associated with Sgr B2(DS).

Aims. We seek to characterize the spatial structure and the spectral energy distribution of the radio continuum emission in Sgr B2(DS). We aim to disentangle the contribution from the thermal and non-thermal radiation, as well as to study the origin of the non-thermal radiation.

Methods. We used the Very Large Array in its CnB and D configurations, and in the frequency bands C (4–8 GHz) and X (8–12 GHz) to observe the whole Sgr B2 complex. Continuum and radio recombination line maps are obtained.

Results. We detect radio continuum emission in Sgr B2(DS) in a bubble-shaped structure. From 4 to 12 GHz, we derive a spectral index between − 1.2 and − 0.4, indicating the presence of non-thermal emission. We decomposed the contribution from thermal and non-thermal emission, and find that the thermal component is clumpy and more concentrated, while the non-thermal component is more extended and diffuse. The radio recombination lines in the region are found to be not in local thermodynamic equilibrium but stimulated by the non-thermal emission.

Conclusions. Sgr B2(DS) shows a mixture of thermal and non-thermal emission at radio wavelengths. The thermal free–free emission is likely tracing an H II region ionized by an O 7 star, while the non-thermal emission can be generated by relativistic electrons created through first-order Fermi acceleration. We have developed a simple model of the Sgr B2(DS) region and found that first-order Fermi acceleration can reproduce the observed flux density and spectral index.
Particle acceleration in a nearby galaxy cluster pair: the role of cluster dynamics
Authors: Botteon A. , Cassano R. , Eckert D. , Brunetti G. , Dallacasa D. , Shimwell T. W. , van Weeren R. J. , Gastaldello F. , Bonafede A. , Brüggen M. , Bîrzan L. , Clavico S. , Cuciti V. , de Gasperin F. , De Grandi S. , Ettori S. , Ghizzardi S. , Rossetti M. , Röttgering H. J. A. , Sereno M.
Published: August 2019

Context. Diffuse radio emission associated with the intracluster medium (ICM) is observed in a number of merging galaxy clusters. It is currently believed that a fraction of the kinetic energy in mergers is channeled into nonthermal components, such as turbulence, cosmic rays, and magnetic fields, which may lead to the formation of giant synchrotron sources in the ICM.

Aims. Studying merging galaxy clusters in different evolutionary phases is fundamental for understanding the origin of radio emission in the ICM.

Methods. We observed the nearby galaxy cluster pair RXC J1825.3+3026 (z ∼ 0.065) and CIZA J1824.1+3029 (z ∼ 0.071) at 120 − 168 MHz with the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) and made use of a deep (240 ks) XMM-Newton dataset to study the nonthermal and thermal properties of the system. RXC J1825.3+3026 is in a complex dynamical state, with a primary ongoing merger in the E-W direction and a secondary later stage merger with a group of galaxies in the SW, while CIZA J1824.1+3029 is dynamically relaxed. These two clusters are in a pre-merger phase.

Results. We report the discovery of a Mpc-scale radio halo with a low surface brightness extension in RXC J1825.3+3026 that follows the X-ray emission from the cluster center to the remnant of a galaxy group in the SW. This is among the least massive systems and the faintest giant radio halo known to date. In contrast to this, no diffuse radio emission is observed in CIZA J1824.1+3029, nor in the region between the pre-merger cluster pair. The power spectra of the X-ray surface brightness fluctuations of RXC J1825.3+3026 and CIZA J1824.1+3029 are in agreement with the findings for clusters exhibiting a radio halo and clusters where no radio emission has been detected, respectively.

Conclusions. We provide quantitative support to the idea that cluster mergers play a crucial role in the generation of nonthermal components in the ICM.
The full infrared spectrum of molecular hydrogen
Authors: Roueff E. , Abgrall H. , Czachorowski P. , Pachucki K. , Puchalski M. , Komasa J.
Published: August 2019

Context. The high spectral resolution R ∼ 45 000 provided by IGRINS (Immersion Grating INfrared Spectrometer) at MacDonald Observatory and R ∼ 100 000 achieved by CRIRES (CRyogenic high-resolution InfraRed Echelle Spectrograph) at VLT (Very Large Telescope) challenges the present knowledge of infrared spectra.

Aims. We aim to predict the full infrared spectrum of molecular hydrogen at a comparable accuracy.

Methods. We take advantage of the recent theoretical ab initio studies on molecular hydrogen to compute both the electric quadrupole and magnetic dipole transitions taking place within the ground electronic molecular state of hydrogen.

Results. We computed the full infrared spectrum of molecular hydrogen at an unprecedented accuracy and derive for the first time the emission probabilities including both electric quadrupole (ΔJ = 0, ±2) and magnetic dipole transitions (ΔJ = 0) as well as the total radiative lifetime of each rovibrational state. Inclusion of magnetic dipole transitions increases the emission probabilities by factors of a few for highly excited rotational levels, which occur in the 3–20 μ range.
Probing X-ray emission in different modes of PSR J1023+0038 with a radio pulsar scenario
Authors: Campana S. , Miraval Zanon A. , Coti Zelati F. , Torres D. F. , Baglio M. C. , Papitto A.
Published: August 2019

Transitional pulsars provide us with a unique laboratory to study the physics of accretion onto a magnetic neutron star. PSR J1023+0038 (J1023) is the best studied of this class. We investigate the X-ray spectral properties of J1023 in the framework of a working radio pulsar during the active state. We modelled the X-ray spectra in three modes (low, high, and flare) as well as in quiescence, to constrain the emission mechanism and source parameters. The emission model, formed by an assumed pulsar emission (thermal and magnetospheric) plus a shock component, can account for the data only adding a hot dense absorber covering ∼30% of the emitting source in high mode. The covering fraction is similar in flaring mode, thus excluding total enshrouding, and decreases in the low mode despite large uncertainties. This provides support to the recently advanced idea of a mini-pulsar wind nebula (PWN), where X-ray and optical pulsations arise via synchrotron shock emission in a very close (∼100 km, comparable to a light cylinder), PWN-like region that is associated with this hot absorber. In low mode, this region may expand, pulsations become undetectable, and the covering fraction decreases.
Instant performance verification after electrochemical chloride extraction by enhanced corrosion testing
Authors: Schneck Ulrich
Published: August 2019

Electrochemical chloride extraction (ECE) is meant to re-establish the corrosion protection of concrete for the embedded reinforcement by removing chloride non-destructively and by enhancing the alkalinity of the rebar surrounding concrete. Both effects depend on various parameters, such as concrete cover, rebar spacing, chloride profile (especially if chloride ingress is deeper than the outside rebar layer) and concrete permeability. Often these parameters require long or multi-stage treatments, which basically can achieve any desired target level of chloride profile and impressed charge, but become a costly solution after a while. The acceptance criteria mentioned in CEN TS 14038-2 clause 8.6 refer to the achieved chloride content and to the amount of impressed charge, which are the conventional, easy measurable, but not direct parameters for evaluating the corrosion activity. A third parameter – the re-measurement of potentials for assessing (intended) low potential gradients and more positive average potentials – requires some weeks to months of depolarization and evaporation of water, before such a measurement can be applied successfully. A promising approach for an instant performance testing after an ECE treatment has been made on several occasions with follow-up measurements of electrolyte resistance, polarization resistance and corrosion current. Convincing changes towards significantly lower corrosion activity could be obtained (and compared to known classified values) – regardless of sometimes high residual chloride and very wet concrete. These data could be verified when re-assessed after some weeks, so enhanced corrosion measurements seem to be a useful tool for either establishing that the designed treatment time has been sufficient or to check on possible earlier termination of the treatment during a running ECE.