bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility of Listeria monocytogenes isolates from invasive infections in Poland (1997–2013)
Authors: Kuch Alicja , Goc Anna , Belkiewicz Katarzyna , Filipello Virginia , Ronkiewicz Patrycja , Gołębiewska Agnieszka , Wróbel Izabela , Kiedrowska Marlena , Waśko Izabela , Hryniewicz Waleria , Lomonaco Sara , Skoczyńska Anna
Published: September 2018

The epidemiology of invasive listeriosis in humans appears to be weakly characterized in Poland, the sixth most populous member state of the European Union. We obtained antimicrobial susceptibility data, PCR-serogroups and genotypic profiles for 344 invasive isolates of Listeria monocytogenes, collected between 1997 and 2013 in Poland. All isolates were susceptible to the 10 tested antimicrobials, except one that was resistant to tetracycline and minocycline and harbored the tet(M), tet(A) and tet(C) genes. Overall, no increasing MIC values were observed during the study period. Four PCR-serogroups were observed: IVb (55.8%), IIa (34.3%), IIb (8.1%) and IIc (1.8%). We identified clonal complexes (CCs) and epidemic clones (ECs) previously involved in outbreaks worldwide, with the most prevalent CCs/ECs being: CC6/ECII (32.6%), CC1/ECI (17.2%), CC8/ECV (6.1%) and CC2/ECIV (5.5%). The present study is the first extensive analysis of Polish L. monocytogenes isolates from invasive infections.
The complexity of hemodynamic response to the tilt test with and without nitroglycerine provocation in patients with vasovagal syncope
Authors: Buszko Katarzyna , Piątkowska Agnieszka , Koźluk Edward , Fabiszak Tomasz , Opolski Grzegorz
Published: September 2018

The paper presents a comparison of vasovagal syndrome occurrence in a head up tilt table test between patients with a positive result of passive tilt test and those with a positive result after pharmacological provocation. The study group consisted of 80 patients: 57 patients who experienced syncope in the passive phase of the test (43 women (aged: 35.6 ± 16.2) and 14 men (aged: 41.7 ± 15.6) and 23 patients who experienced syncope after pharmacological provocation (17 women (age: 32.3 ± 12) and 6 men (age: 43 ± 15). The main investigation was based on the assessment of monitored signals complexity: heart rate, blood pressure and stroke volume. The analysis of complexity in chosen measurement phases was performed with Sample Entropy. The investigation showed that the reactions of autonomic nervous system during tilt test and before syncope are similar for positive result of passive tilt test and positive result of tilt test with provocation. The differences in supine position occurred only in analysis based on impedance measurement (SV: p = 0.01). Significant differences were denoted for all signals just before the syncope (RRI, sBP, dBP: p = 0,00001 and SV: p = 0.01). In analysis of signals complexity the significant differences occurred just before the syncope for Sample Entropy of blood pressure (SampEn (sBP): p = 0.0008, SampEn (dBP): p = 0,0001).
High interleukin-8 level in aqueous humor is associated with poor prognosis in eyes with open angle glaucoma and neovascular glaucoma
Authors: Chono Ikuyo , Miyazaki Dai , Miyake Hitomi , Komatsu Naoki , Ehara Fumie , Nagase Daisuke , Kawamoto Yukimi , Shimizu Yumiko , Ideta Ryuichi , Inoue Yoshitsugu
Published: September 2018

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Purpose of this study was to identify molecular markers that were significantly correlated with presence of glaucoma and outcome of glaucoma surgery. To accomplish this, we determined the profiles of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humor of 101 glaucoma patients; 31 primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), 38 pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG), and 32 neovascular glaucoma (NVG). We also studied 100 normal subjects as controls. In eyes with POAG or PEG, the level of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-23, and CCL2 were significantly elevated. In the NVG eyes, many inflammatory cytokines were also highly elevated. IL-8 had the highest odds ratio, and levels of IL-8 and CCL2 were significantly correlated with preoperative IOP or visual field defects in PEG eyes. Principal component analysis showed that IL-8 had the highest association to the IOP-cytokine component, and Cox proportional hazard model indicated that an elevation of IL-8 was a significant risk of filtering surgery failure. Together with modeling of their interactions and prognosis, IL-8 elevation is a significant risk factor both for detecting and managing glaucoma and may serve as a therapeutic target candidate to improve the prognosis of glaucoma surgery.
Overcoming Carrier Concentration Limits in Polycrystalline CdTe Thin Films with In Situ Doping
Authors: McCandless Brian E. , Buchanan Wayne A. , Thompson Christopher P. , Sriramagiri Gowri , Lovelett Robert J. , Duenow Joel , Albin David , Jensen Søren , Colegrove Eric , Moseley John , Moutinho Helio , Harvey Steve , Al-Jassim Mowafak , Metzger Wyatt K.
Published: September 2018

Thin film materials for photovoltaics such as cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper-indium diselenide-based chalcopyrites (CIGS), and lead iodide-based perovskites offer the potential of lower solar module capital costs and improved performance to microcrystalline silicon. However, for decades understanding and controlling hole and electron concentration in these polycrystalline films has been extremely challenging and limiting. Ionic bonding between constituent atoms often leads to tenacious intrinsic compensating defect chemistries that are difficult to control. Device modeling indicates that increasing CdTe hole density while retaining carrier lifetimes of several nanoseconds can increase solar cell efficiency to 25%. This paper describes in-situ Sb, As, and P doping and post-growth annealing that increases hole density from historic 1014 limits to 1016–1017 cm−3 levels without compromising lifetime in thin polycrystalline CdTe films, which opens paths to advance solar performance and achieve costs below conventional electricity sources.
Circulating Pro-Uroguanylin Levels In Children And Their Relation To Obesity, Sex And Puberty
Authors: Folgueira Cintia , Barja-Fernández Silvia , Gonzalez-Saenz Patricia , Castelao Cecilia , Vázquez-Cobela Rocío , Pena-Leon Veronica , Ruiz-Piñon Manuel , Casanueva Felipe F. , Dieguez Carlos , Leis Rosaura , Nogueiras Rubén , Seoane Luisa M.
Published: September 2018

Uroguanylin is a 16 amino acid peptide that constitutes a key component of the gut- brain axis with special relevance in body weight regulation. In childhood and adolescence, periods of life with notable metabolic changes; limited data exist, with measurements of pro-uroguanylin in adolescence but not in prepubertal children. This study investigates pro-uroguanylin circulating levels in children with obesity and its relationship with obesity, sex and pubertal development. We analyzed circulating prouroguanylin levels in 117 children (62) and adolescents (55), including 73 with obesity and 44 with normal weight. The pro-uroguanylin concentration is higher in lean girls during pre-puberty versus lean boys (1111 vs 635, p < 0.001). During puberty, pro-uroguanylin levels are higher in lean males with respect to lean females (1060 vs 698, p < 0.01). In girls, a negative correlation exists between pro-uroguanylin and age, Tanner stage, weight, height, BMI (body mass index), waist circumference and plasma levels of leptin and testosterone; a positive correlation was found between pro-uroguanylin and free triiodothyronine. In boys, a positive correlation was found between pro-uroguanylin and BMI and waist circumference and a negative correlation was found with high density lipoprotein-cholesterol. We conclude that a sexual dimorphism exists in circulating pro-uroguanylin levels with respect to BMI. Uroguanylin presents also an opposed circulating pattern during puberty in both sexes.
Excitability regulation in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex during sustained instructed fear responses: a TMS-EEG study
Authors: Gonzalez-Escamilla Gabriel , Chirumamilla Venkata C. , Meyer Benjamin , Bonertz Tamara , von Grotthus Sarah , Vogt Johannes , Stroh Albrecht , Horstmann Johann-Philipp , Tüscher Oliver , Kalisch Raffael , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Groppa Sergiu
Published: September 2018

Threat detection is essential for protecting individuals from adverse situations, in which a network of amygdala, limbic regions and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) regions are involved in fear processing. Excitability regulation in the dmPFC might be crucial for fear processing, while abnormal patterns could lead to mental illness. Notwithstanding, non-invasive paradigms to measure excitability regulation during fear processing in humans are missing. To address this challenge we adapted an approach for excitability characterization, combining electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the dmPFC during an instructed fear paradigm, to dynamically dissect its role in fear processing. Event-related (ERP) and TMS-evoked potentials (TEP) were analyzed to trace dmPFC excitability. We further linked the excitability regulation patterns to individual MRI-derived gray matter structural integrity of the fear network. Increased cortical excitability was demonstrated to threat (T) processing in comparison to no-threat (NT), reflected by increased amplitude of evoked potentials. Furthermore, TMS at dmPFC enhanced the evoked responses during T processing, while the structural integrity of the dmPFC and amygdala predicted the excitability regulation patterns to fear processing. The dmPFC takes a special role during fear processing by dynamically regulating excitability. The applied paradigm can be used to non-invasively track response abnormalities to threat stimuli in healthy subjects or patients with mental disorders.
Non-invasive nanosecond electroporation for biocontrol of surface infections: an in vivo study
Authors: Novickij Vitalij , Zinkevičienė Auksė , Perminaitė Emilija , Čėsna Robertas , Lastauskienė Eglė , Paškevičius Algimantas , Švedienė Jurgita , Markovskaja Svetlana , Novickij Jurij , Girkontaitė Irutė
Published: September 2018

Invasive infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria are frequently responsible for fatal sepsis, morbidity and mortality rates. In this work, we propose a new methodology based on nanosecond high frequency electric field bursts, which enables successful eradication of bacteria in vivo. High frequency (15 kHz) 15–25 kV/cm 300–900 ns pulsing bursts were used separately and in combination with acetic acid (0.1–1%) to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a murine model. Acetic acid 1% alone was effective resulting in almost 10-fold reduction of bacteria viability, however combination of nanosecond electric field and acetic acid 1% treatment was the most successful showing almost full eradication (0.01% survival compared to control) of the bacteria in the contaminated area. The short duration of the pulses (sub-microsecond) and high frequency (kHz range) of the burst enabled reduction of the muscle contractions to barely detectable level while the proposed applicators ensured predominantly topical treatment, without electroporation of deeper tissues. The results of our study have direct application for treatment of wounds and ulcers when chemical treatment is no longer effective.
Revisiting Partial Hepatectomy of Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Older Patients
Authors: Chen Guoyong , Zhang Jiabin , Sun Jianjun , Wei Sidong , Chen Jianbin , Ren Hui , Zhou Shaotang
Published: September 2018

Hepatectomy of large hepatocellular carcinomas (>10 cm) in over 70 year-old patients is presumed futile. We retrospectively reviewed 5970 patients with liver tumors Jan 2010 through Dec 2016 in our institute, of them, 37 older patients with large hepatocellular carcinomas staged I-III and Child-Pugh A liver functions receiving conservative treatments (conservative group, n = 37) and 16 older patients with large hepatocellular carcinomas staged I- III who underwent partial hepatectomy (resection group, n = 16) were included, the risk factors for poor survival were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Compared with the conservative treatments, Partial hepatectomy achieved better median survival time (25.5 months versus 11 months, log-rank = 0.0001) and better median performance status (1 versus 3, p = 0.023), there was different in Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.019). For the conservative group, the 3-month, 1, 2, 3-year survival rate was 78.4%, 43.2%, 5.4%, 0%; for the resection group, The 3-month, 1, 2, 3-year survival rate was 100%, 93.7.2%, 56.3%, 12.5%; Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed the Charlson comorbidity index and the performance status associated with poor outcomes of those patients (p = 0.001, 0.018, respectively). Resections of large hepatocellular carcinomas in older patients can be performed safely to prolong life expectancy and improve life quality with or without cancer recurrence.
Experimental simulations of volcanic ash resuspension by wind under the effects of atmospheric humidity
Authors: Del Bello E. , Taddeucci J. , Merrison J. P. , Alois S. , Iversen J. J. , Scarlato P.
Published: September 2018

Ash deposited during volcanic eruptions can be resuspended by wind and become hazardous for health and infrastructure hours to decades after an eruption. Accurate resuspension forecasting requires accurate modelling of the threshold friction velocity of the volcanic particles (Uth*), which is the key parameter controlling volcanic ash detachment by wind. Using an environmental wind tunnel facility this study provides much needed experimental data on volcanic particle resuspension, with the first systematic parameterization of Uth* for ash from the regions Campi Flegrei in Italy and also Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland. In this study atmospheric relative humidity (and related ash moisture content) was systematically varied, from <10% to >90%, which in the case of the Eyjafjallajökull fine ash (<63 μm) produced a twofold increase in Uth*. Using the Campi Flegrei fine ash (<63 μm) an increase in Uth* of only around a factor of 1.5 was observed. Reasonable agreement with force balance resuspension models was seen, which implied an increase in interparticle adhesion force of up to a factor of six due to high humidity. Our results imply that, contrary to dry conditions, one single modelling scheme may not satisfy the resuspension of volcanic ash from different eruptions under wet conditions.
Influence of enhanced ultraviolet-B radiation during rice plant growth on rice straw decomposition with nitrogen deposition
Authors: Zhou Guixiang , Wei Feng , Qiu Xiuwen , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhang Jiabao , Guo Xiaomin
Published: September 2018

Although straw decomposition is important for ecosystem fertility and carbon balance, influence of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation and nitrogen (N) deposition on this process is unclear. In this study, UV-B-exposed rice straw was decomposed under different N addition treatments for 15 months to investigate the indirect effects of UV-B radiation on straw chemistry and direct effects of N deposition on decomposition. UV-B exposure during rice plant growth changed the rice straw chemical composition, increasing the concentrations of acid-insoluble fraction (AIF), acid-soluble fraction, and UV-B-absorbing compounds. High N content had a negative effect on decomposition of rice straw exposed to enhanced and ambient UV-B radiation. Both AIF concentration and FTIR peak intensities indicated that lignin in rice straw was selectively preserved following N addition and UV-B radiation, reducing straw decomposition rate, which corresponded to lower activities of lignin-degrading enzymes in the later stage of decomposition. Thus, enhanced UV-B radiation during rice plant growth produced more recalcitrant substrates (lignin) and N reacted with lignin to produce more resistant compounds, further decreasing straw decomposition rate. UV-B radiation during plant growth and N deposition inhibit litter decomposition in agroecosystem, and their effects should be considered when establishing biogeochemical models in response to global changes.
Inhibition-excitation balance in the parietal cortex modulates volitional control for auditory and visual multistability
Authors: Kondo Hirohito M. , Pressnitzer Daniel , Shimada Yasuhiro , Kochiyama Takanori , Kashino Makio
Published: September 2018

Perceptual organisation must select one interpretation from several alternatives to guide behaviour. Computational models suggest that this could be achieved through an interplay between inhibition and excitation across competing types of neural population coding for each interpretation. Here, to test for such models, we used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure non-invasively the concentrations of inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and excitatory glutamate-glutamine (Glx) in several brain regions. Human participants first performed auditory and visual multistability tasks that produced spontaneous switching between percepts. Then, we observed that longer percept durations during behaviour were associated with higher GABA/Glx ratios in the sensory area coding for each modality. When participants were asked to voluntarily modulate their perception, a common factor across modalities emerged: the GABA/Glx ratio in the posterior parietal cortex tended to be positively correlated with the amount of effective volitional control. Our results provide direct evidence implicating that the balance between neural inhibition and excitation within sensory regions resolves perceptual competition. This powerful computational principle appears to be leveraged by both audition and vision, implemented independently across modalities, but modulated by an integrated control process.
Transcriptomics and co-expression networks reveal tissue-specific responses and regulatory hubs under mild and severe drought in papaya (Carica papaya L.)
Authors: Gamboa-Tuz Samuel David , Pereira-Santana Alejandro , Zamora-Briseño Jesús Alejandro , Castano Enrique , Espadas-Gil Francisco , Ayala-Sumuano Jorge Tonatiuh , Keb-Llanes Miguel Ángel , Sanchez-Teyer Felipe , Rodríguez-Zapata Luis Carlos
Published: September 2018

Plants respond to drought stress through the ABA dependent and independent pathways, which in turn modulate transcriptional regulatory hubs. Here, we employed Illumina RNA-Seq to analyze a total of 18 cDNA libraries from leaves, sap, and roots of papaya plants under drought stress. Reference and de novo transcriptomic analyses identified 8,549 and 6,089 drought-responsive genes and unigenes, respectively. Core sets of 6 and 34 genes were simultaneously up- or down-regulated, respectively, in all stressed samples. Moreover, GO enrichment analysis revealed that under moderate drought stress, processes related to cell cycle and DNA repair were up-regulated in leaves and sap; while responses to abiotic stress, hormone signaling, sucrose metabolism, and suberin biosynthesis were up-regulated in roots. Under severe drought stress, biological processes related to abiotic stress, hormone signaling, and oxidation-reduction were up-regulated in all tissues. Moreover, similar biological processes were commonly down-regulated in all stressed samples. Furthermore, co-expression network analysis revealed three and eight transcriptionally regulated modules in leaves and roots, respectively. Seventeen stress-related TFs were identified, potentially serving as main regulatory hubs in leaves and roots. Our findings provide insight into the molecular responses of papaya plant to drought, which could contribute to the improvement of this important tropical crop.
Shape-Controlled Synthesis of Luminescent Hemoglobin Capped Hollow Porous Platinum Nanoclusters and their Application to Catalytic Oxygen Reduction and Cancer Imaging
Authors: Molaabasi Fatemeh , Sarparast Morteza , Shamsipur Mojtaba , Irannejad Leila , Moosavi-Movahedi Ali Akbar , Ravandi Abouzar , Hajipour Verdom Behnam , Ghazfar Reza
Published: September 2018

Engineering hollow and porous platinum nanostructures using biomolecular templates is currently a significant focus for the enhancement of their facet-dependent optical, electronic, and electrocatalytic properties. However, remains a formidable challenge due to lack of appropriate biomolecules to have a structure-function relationship with nanocrystal facet development. Herein, human hemoglobin found to have facet-binding abilities that can control the morphology and optical properties of the platinum nanoclusters (Pt NCs) by regulation of the growth kinetics in alkaline media. Observations revealed the growth of unusual polyhedra by shape-directed nanocluster attachment along a certain orientation accompanied by Ostwald ripening and, in turn, yield well-dispersed hollow single-crystal nanotetrahedrons, which can easily self-aggregated and crystallized into porous and polycrystalline microspheres. The spontaneous, biobased organization of Pt NCs allow the intrinsic aggregation-induced emission (AIE) features in terms of the platinophilic interactions between Pt(II)-Hb complexes on the Pt(0) cores, thereby controlling the degree of aggregation and the luminescent intensity of Pt(0)@Pt(II)−Hb core−shell NCs. The Hb-Pt NCs exhibited high-performance electrocatalytic oxygen reduction providing a fundamental basis for outstanding catalytic enhancement of Hb-Pt catalysts based on morphology dependent and active site concentration for the four-electron reduction of oxygen. The as-prepared Hb-Pt NCs also exhibited high potential to use in cellular labeling and imaging thanks to the excellent photostability, chemical stability, and low cytotoxicity.
On-chip spatiotemporal electrophysiological analysis of human stem cell derived cardiomyocytes enables quantitative assessment of proarrhythmia in drug development
Authors: Asahi Yumiko , Hamada Tomoyo , Hattori Akihiro , Matsuura Kenji , Odaka Masao , Nomura Fumimasa , Kaneko Tomoyuki , Abe Yasuyuki , Takasuna Kiyoshi , Sanbuissho Atsushi , Yasuda Kenji
Published: September 2018

We examined a simultaneous combined spatiotemporal field potential duration (FPD) and cell-to-cell conduction time (CT) in lined-up shaped human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) using an on-chip multielectrode array (MEA) system to evaluate two origins of lethal arrhythmia, repolarization and depolarization. The repolarization index, FPD, was prolonged by E-4031 and astemizole, and shortened by verapamil, flecainide and terfenadine at 10 times higher than therapeutic plasma concentrations of each drug, but it did not change after lidocaine treatment up to 100 μM. CT was increased by astemizol, flecainide, terfenadine, and lidocaine at equivalent concentrations of Nav1.5 IC50, suggesting that CT may be an index of cardiac depolarization because the increase in CT (i.e., decrease in cell-to-cell conduction speed) was relevant to Nav1.5 inhibition. Fluctuations (short-term variability; STV) of FPD and CT, STVFPD and STVCT also discriminated between torsadogenic and non-torsadogenic compounds with significant increases in their fluctuation values, enabling precise prediction of arrhythmogenic risk as potential new indices.
Hard and crack resistant carbon supersaturated refractory nanostructured multicomponent coatings
Authors: Fritze S. , Malinovskis P. , Riekehr L. , von Fieandt L. , Lewin E. , Jansson U.
Published: September 2018

The combination of ceramic hardness with high crack resistance is a major challenge in the design of protective thin films. High entropy alloys have shown in earlier studies promising mechanical properties with a potential use as thin film materials. In this study, we show that small amounts of carbon in magnetron-sputtered multicomponent CrNbTaTiW films can lead to a significant increase in hardness. The film properties were strongly dependent on the metal composition and the most promising results were observed for TaW-rich films. They crystallised in a bcc structure with a strong (110) texture and coherent grain boundaries. It was possible to deposit films with 8 at.% C in a supersaturated solid-solution into the bcc structure without carbide formation. A major effect of carbon was a significant grain refinement, reducing the column diameter from approximately 35 to 10 nm. This resulted in an increase in hardness from 14.7 to 19.1 GPa while the reduced E-modulus stayed constant at 322 GPa. The carbon-containing films exhibited extremely little plastic deformation around the indent and no cracks were observed. These results show that supersaturation of carbon into high entropy films can be a promising concept to combine superior hardness with high crack resistance.
Comprehensive intravascular imaging of atherosclerotic plaque in vivo using optical coherence tomography and fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Lee Min Woo , Song Joon Woo , Kang Woo Jae , Nam Hyeong Soo , Kim Tae Shik , Kim Sunwon , Oh Wang-Yuhl , Kim Jin Won , Yoo Hongki
Published: September 2018

Comprehensive imaging of both the structural and biochemical characteristics of atherosclerotic plaque is essential for the diagnosis and study of coronary artery disease because both a plaque’s morphology and its biochemical composition affect the level of risk it poses. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) are promising optical imaging methods for characterizing coronary artery plaques morphologically and biochemically, respectively. In this study, we present a hybrid intravascular imaging device, including a custom-built OCT/FLIm system, a hybrid optical rotary joint, and an imaging catheter, to visualize the structure and biochemical composition of the plaque in an atherosclerotic rabbit artery in vivo. Especially, the autofluorescence lifetime of the endogenous tissue molecules can be used to characterize the biochemical composition; thus no exogenous contrast agent is required. Also, the physical properties of the imaging catheter and the imaging procedures are similar to those already used clinically, facilitating rapid translation into clinical use. This new intravascular imaging catheter can open up new opportunities for clinicians and researchers to investigate and diagnose coronary artery disease by simultaneously providing tissue microstructure and biochemical composition data in vivo without the use of exogenous contrast agent.
Identification of novel compounds, oleanane- and ursane-type triterpene glycosides, from Trevesia palmata: their biocontrol activity against phytopathogenic fungi
Authors: Kim Bora , Han Jae Woo , Thi Ngo Men , Le Dang Quang , Kim Jin-Cheol , Kim Hun , Choi Gyung Ja
Published: September 2018

Plants contain a number of bioactive compounds that exhibit antimicrobial activity, which can be recognized as an important source of agrochemicals for plant disease control. As part of our search for new antimicrobial agents from natural sources, we found that a crude methanol extract of Trevesia palmata exhibited a promising antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi, such as Magnaporthe oryzae and Botrytis cinerea. Furthermore, based on activity-guided fractionation, we isolated five antifungal compounds from the methanol extract of T. palmata: two new triterpene glycosides (TPGs), TPG1 (hederagenin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1  → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside) and TPG5 (3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl asiatic acid), along with three known TPGs (TPG2 [macranthoside A], TPG3 [α-hederin], and TPG4 [ilekudinoside D]). The chemical structures of the TPGs were determined by spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with literature data. An in vitro antifungal bioassay revealed that except for TPG4 (ilekudinoside D; IC50 >256 μg/ml), the other TPGs exhibited strong antifungal activities against the rice blast pathogen M. oryzae with IC50 values ranging from 2–5 μg/ml. In particular, when the plants were treated with compound TPG1 (500 μg/ml), disease control values against rice blast, tomato grey mold, tomato late blight, and wheat leaf rust were 84, 82, 88, and 70%, respectively, compared to the non-treatment control. Considering the in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities of the TPGs and the T. palmata methanol extracts, our results suggest that T. palmata can be a useful source to develop new natural fungicides.
Defects on carbons for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction
Authors: Yan Xuecheng , Jia Yi , Yao Xiangdong
Published: September 2018

A general defect promoted catalysis mechanism is established to reveal the active sites of various defective carbon based ORR electrocatalysts.
Regio- and chemoselective rearrangement of terminal epoxides into methyl alkyl and aryl ketones
Authors: Tian Yingying , Jürgens Eva , Kunz Doris
Published: September 2018

The efficient and selective isomerisation of terminal epoxides into methyl ketones applying the nucleophilic Rh-catalyst 2LiX under mild conditions is reported.
Constructing reduction-sensitive PEGylated NIRF mesoporous silica nanoparticles via a one-pot Passerini reaction for photothermal/chemo-therapy
Authors: Zhu Yu , Lin Wenhai , Wang Xin , Zhang Wei , Chen Li , Xie Zhigang
Published: September 2018

For the first time, we have obtained a multifunctional nanoplatform (MSN-BDP-PEG) containing disulfide bonds, BODIPY 5 and PEG-CHO via a one-pot Passerini reaction for chemotherapy, phototherapy and NIRF imaging.
Concave structure of Cu2O truncated microcubes: PVP assisted {100} facet etching and improved facet-dependent photocatalytic properties
Authors: Li Pengwei , Li Dingding , Liu Lina , Li Anli , Luo Cuixian , Xiao Yue , Hu Jie , Jiang Huabei , Zhang Wendong
Published: September 2018

Concave structure of Cu2O truncated microcubes with {100} facets etched with the assistance of air and PVP.
Proton transfer triggered proton transfer: a self-assisted twin excited state intramolecular proton transfer
Authors: Sahu Saugata , Das Minati , Bharti Aditya Kumar , Krishnamoorthy G.
Published: September 2018

The double excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) of 3,5-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole (bis-HPTA) has been investigated and found to undergo a new type of proton transfer.
Conformation of bis-nitroxide polarizing agents by multi-frequency EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Soetbeer Janne , Gast Peter , Walish Joseph J. , Zhao Yanchuan , George Christy , Yang Chen , Swager Timothy M. , Griffin Robert G. , Mathies Guinevere
Published: September 2018

Multi-frequency EPR is successfully implemented to determine the conformation of bis-nitroxide radicals in a frozen solvent matrix. This structural information is highly relevant for the future design and synthesis of polarizing agents for cross-effect DNP/MAS NMR.
Isofraxidin targets the TLR4/MD-2 axis to prevent osteoarthritis development
Authors: Jin Jialei , Yu Xingfang , Hu Zhichao , Tang Shangkun , Zhong Xinyang , Xu Jianchen , Shang Ping , Huang Yixing , Liu Haixiao
Published: September 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of joint pain and disability, resulting in large socioeconomic costs worldwide.
Vitexin alleviates ER-stress-activated apoptosis and the related inflammation in chondrocytes and inhibits the degeneration of cartilage in rats
Authors: Xie Cheng-Long , Li Jun-Li , Xue En-Xing , Dou Hai-Cheng , Lin Jin-Ti , Chen Kai , Wu Hong-Qiang , Wu Long , Xuan Jun , Huang Qi-Shan
Published: September 2018

Excessive extracellular matrix degradation and chondrocyte apoptosis are the pathological features of osteoarthritis (OA).
A bio-based route to the carbon-5 chemical glutaric acid and to bionylon-6,5 using metabolically engineeredCorynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Rohles Christina Maria , Gläser Lars , Kohlstedt Michael , Gießelmann Gideon , Pearson Samuel , del Campo Aránzazu , Becker Judith , Wittmann Christoph
Published: September 2018

Here, we present a green route to glutaric acid, a chemical of recognized industrial value, using a tailor-made cell factory.
Metal-dependent hormone function: the emerging interdisciplinary field of metalloendocrinology
Authors: Stevenson Michael J. , Uyeda Kylie S. , Harder Nathaniel H. O. , Heffern Marie C.
Published: September 2018

Advances in understanding of hormones and metal micronutrients show critical interactions between the two in a newly-termed field of metalloendocrinology.
Interaction of Cu(i) with the Met-X3-Met motif of alpha-synuclein: binding ligands, affinity and structural features
Authors: Gentile Iñaki , Garro Hugo A , Delgado Ocaña Susana , Gonzalez Nazareno , Strohäker Timo , Schibich Daniela , Quintanar Liliana , Sambrotta Luis , Zweckstetter Markus , Griesinger Christian , Menacho Márquez Mauricio , Fernández Claudio O
Published: September 2018

The identity of the Cu(i) binding ligands at Met-X3-Met site of AcαS and its role into the affinity and structural properties of the interaction were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy. We provide evidence that the source of ligands for Cu(i) binding to the Met-X3-Met site comes from the N-terminal acetyl group and the Met-1, Asp-2 and Met-5 residues. From the study of site-directed mutants and synthetic peptide models of αS we demonstrated the critical role played by Met-1 and Met-5 residues on the binding affinity of the Cu(i) complex, acting as the main metal anchoring residues. While having a more modest impact in the affinity features of Cu(i) binding, as compared to the Met residues, the N-terminal acetyl group and Asp-2 are important in promoting local helical conformations, contributing to the stabilization of these structures by favoring Cu(i) binding.
Metal–organic framework sorbents for the removal of perfluorinated compounds in an aqueous environment
Authors: Sini Karima , Bourgeois Damien , Idouhar Madjid , Carboni Michaël , Meyer Daniel
Published: September 2018

A hydrophobic metal–organic framework has revealed high and fast sorption capacity for fluorine pollutants.
Tunable porous silver nanostructures for efficient surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of trace pesticide residues
Authors: Jiang Ruoxuan , Xu Wei , Wang Yifang , Yu Shaoming
Published: September 2018

Silver porous nanostructures with tunable porosity were fabricated as an excellent enhancing substrate for SERS detection of trace pesticide residues.
Challenges in the configuration assignment of natural products. A case-selective perspective
Authors: Menna Marialuisa , Imperatore Concetta , Mangoni Alfonso , Della Sala Gerardo , Taglialatela-Scafati Orazio
Published: September 2018

An overview by a case study approach on the currently available methods for the configurational analysis of natural products.
Porous Co3O4 nanoplates with pH-switchable peroxidase- and catalase-like activity
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Chen Jinxing , Zhang He , Wu Weiwei , Zhang Zhiquan , Dong Shaojun
Published: September 2018

The as-prepared porous Co3O4 nanoplates possessed both peroxidase and catalase mimetic activities, which could be switched by pH.
DNA-encircled lipid bilayers
Authors: Iric Katarina , Subramanian Madhumalar , Oertel Jana , Agarwal Nayan P. , Matthies Michael , Periole Xavier , Sakmar Thomas P. , Huber Thomas , Fahmy Karim , Schmidt Thorsten L.
Published: September 2018

We describe a method to harness the programmability of DNA nanotechnology to create DNA-encircled lipid bilayers.
Preparation of polysubstituted dihydrofurans through a PhI(OAc)2-promoted haloenolcyclization of olefinic dicarbonyl compounds
Authors: Liu Ji , Liu Qing-Yun , Fang Xing-Xiao , Liu Gong-Qing , Ling Yong
Published: September 2018

A direct synthesis of highly functionalized dihydrofurans and furans from olefinic dicarbonyl compounds is reported herein.
Electrospun metal and metal alloy decorated TiO2 nanofiber photocatalysts for hydrogen generation
Authors: Ligon Courtney , Latimer Kaniece , Hood Zachary D. , Pitigala Sanuja , Gilroy Kyle D. , Senevirathne Keerthi
Published: September 2018

Photocatalytic hydrogen generation by electrospun TiO2 nanofibers decorated with various co-catalysts (Pt2Pd, PtCu, Cu, Pt, Pd) was explored.
Synthesis of coaxial carbon@NiMoO4 composite nanofibers for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Teng Changqing , Gao Xuehui , Zhang Ning , Jia Yu , Li Xiaoyu , Shi Zhengyu , Wu Zongxiao , Zhi Mingjia , Hong Zhanglian
Published: September 2018

This work reports the synthesis of coaxial carbon@NiMoO4 nanofibers for supercapacitor electrode applications.
Waste solidification/stabilization of lead–zinc slag by utilizing fly ash based geopolymers
Authors: Li Shan , Huang Xiao , Muhammad Faheem , Yu Lin , Xia Ming , Zhao Jian , Jiao Binquan , Shiau YanChyuan , Li Dongwei
Published: September 2018

The toxicity of lead–zinc slag was significantly reduced by chemical and physical ways during immobilization.
Self-curing triphenol A-based phthalonitrile resin precursor acts as a flexibilizer and curing agent for phthalonitrile resin
Authors: Hu Yue , Weng Zhihuan , Qi Yu , Wang Jinyan , Zhang Shouhai , Liu Cheng , Zong Lishuai , Jian Xigao
Published: September 2018

Major problems currently limiting the widespread application of phthalonitrile resins are the high precursor melting point and volatility of the curing agent.
Bubble formation in catalyst pores; curse or blessing?
Authors: Brunet Espinosa Roger , Duits Michel H. G. , Wijnperlé Daniel , Mugele Frieder , Lefferts Leon
Published: September 2018

H2O2 decomposition experiments on Pt were performed in a glass microreactor, simulating arrays of catalyst pores. Both suppression as well as enhancement of the catalytic reaction is observed.
Charge carrier injection and transport engineering in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Durán Retamal José Ramón , Periyanagounder Dharmaraj , Ke Jr-Jian , Tsai Meng-Lin , He Jr-Hau
Published: September 2018

This review intertwines current engineering strategies tailoring the carrier injection and carrier transport of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides toward efficient electronic devices.
Highly effective photoreduction of CO2 to CO promoted by integration of CdS with molecular redox catalysts through metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Chen Chunjun , Wu Tianbin , Wu Haihong , Liu Huizhen , Qian Qingli , Liu Zhimin , Yang Guanying , Han Buxing
Published: September 2018

CdS/UiO-bpy/Co composites showed outstanding performance for photoreduction of CO2 to CO via integrating CdS with a Co complex through MOFs.
A high performance lithium-ion–sulfur battery with a free-standing carbon matrix supported Li-rich alloy anode
Authors: Zhang Tao , Hong Min , Yang Jun , Xu Zhixin , Wang Jiulin , Guo Yongsheng , Liang Chengdu
Published: September 2018

A high-performance lithium-ion–sulfur battery has been built by using a carbon supported Li-rich alloy anode and sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (S@pPAN) cathode.
Cs3VO(O2)2CO3: an exceptionally thermostable carbonatoperoxovanadate with an extremely large second-harmonic generation response
Authors: Zou Guohong , Lin Zhien , Zeng Hongmei , Jo Hongil , Lim Seong-Ji , You Tae-Soo , Ok Kang Min
Published: September 2018

A highly thermostable carbonatoperoxovanadate, Cs3VO(O2)2CO3, exhibits a remarkably strong SHG response of approximately 23.0 times that of KDP, which is the largest among those of the reported NLO carbonate materials.
Improved stability and high thermoelectric performance through cation site doping in n-type La-doped Mg3Sb1.5Bi0.5
Authors: Imasato Kazuki , Wood Max , Kuo Jimmy Jiahong , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: September 2018

n-Type conduction in a Mg3Sb1.5Bi0.5 system is achieved with La-doping at cation sites with a peak zT > 1.
Biopanning of allergens from wasp sting patients
Authors: Chai Lin , Yang Xianyi , Liu Mei , Liu Chunyan , Han Limei , Guo Hui , Li Changsheng , Sun Yuwen , Li Xiaoyan , Xiao Min , Fang Zhicheng
Published: September 2018

Objective: Wasp venom is a potentially important natural drug, but it can cause hypersensitivity reactions. The purpose of the present study was to systematically study the epitopes of wasp venom. Methods: Using a random 12-peptide phage library, we performed antibody-binding epitope panning on ten serum samples from wasp sting victims at 3 h and 4 days after the sting. The panning epitopes were identified by high-throughput sequencing and matched with wasp venom proteins by BLAST. The panned antibody-binding epitopes were verified by ELISA. Results: A total of 35 specific potential wasp venom epitopes in 4 days were identified. Amongst them, twelve peptide epitopes were matched with nine wasp venom proteins, namely, vitellogenin precursor, hexamerin 70b precursor, venom carboxylesterase-6 precursor, MRJP5, major royal jelly protein 8 precursor, venom acid phosphatase Acph-1 precursor, phospholipase A2, venom serine protease 34 precursor, and major royal jelly protein 9 precursor. The changes in serum IgM antibodies induced by wasp venom were confirmed by ELISA based on the 12 peptide epitopes. Conclusion: The nine wasp venom proteins are potential allergens, which should be excluded or modified in the potential biomedical applications of wasp venom.
Modelling the disc atmosphere of the low mass X-ray binary EXO 0748-676
Authors: Psaradaki I. , Costantini E. , Mehdipour M. , Díaz Trigo M.
Published: September 2018

Low mass X-ray binaries exhibit ionized emission from an extended disc atmosphere that surrounds the accretion disc. However, the atmosphere’s nature and geometry is still unclear. In this work we present a spectral analysis of the extended atmosphere of EXO 0748-676 using high-resolution spectra from archival XMM-Newton observations. We model the spectrum that is obtained during the eclipses. This enables us to model the emission lines that come only from the extended atmosphere of the source, and study its physical structure and properties. The RGS spectrum reveals a series of emission lines consistent with transitions of OVIII, OVII, NeIX and NVII. We perform both Gaussian line fitting and photoionization modelling. Our results suggest that there are two photoionization gas components that are out of pressure equilibrium with respect to each other. One has an ionization parameter of log ξ ∼ 2.5 and a large opening angle, and one has log ξ ∼ 1.3. The second component possibly covers a smaller fraction of the source. From the density diagnostics of the OVII triplet using photoionization modelling, we detect a rather high density plasma of > 1013 cm−3 for the lower ionization component. This latter component also displays an inflow velocity. We propose a scenario where the high ionization component constitutes an extended upper atmosphere of the accretion disc. The lower ionization component may instead be a clumpy gas created from the impact of the accretion stream with the disc.
Why do protoplanetary disks appear not massive enough to form the known exoplanet population?
Authors: Manara C. F. , Morbidelli A. , Guillot T.
Published: September 2018

When and how planets form in protoplanetary disks is still a topic of discussion. Exoplanet detection surveys and protoplanetary disk surveys are now providing results that are leading to new insights. We collect the masses of confirmed exoplanets and compare their dependence on stellar mass with the same dependence for protoplanetary disk masses measured in ∼1–3 Myr old star-forming regions. We recalculated the disk masses using the new estimates of their distances derived fromGaiaDR2 parallaxes. We note that single and multiple exoplanetary systems form two different populations, probably pointing to a different formation mechanism for massive giant planets around very low-mass stars. While expecting that the mass in exoplanetary systems is much lower than the measured disk masses, we instead find that exoplanetary systems masses are comparable or higher than the most massive disks. This same result is found by converting the measured planet masses into heavy element content (core masses for the giant planets and full masses for the super-Earth systems) and by comparing this value with the disk dust masses. Unless disk dust masses are heavily underestimated, this is a big conundrum. An extremely efficient recycling of dust particles in the disk cannot solve this conundrum. This implies that either the cores of planets have formed very rapidly (<0.1–1 Myr) and a large amount of gas is expelled on the same timescales from the disk, or that disks are continuously replenished by fresh planet-forming material from the environment. These hypotheses can be tested by measuring disk masses in even younger targets and by better understanding if and how the disks are replenished by their surroundings.
Temperature impact on dusty and cleaned photovoltaic module exposed in sub-Saharan outdoor conditions
Authors: Kata N'detigma , Soro Y. Moussa , Diouf Djicknoum , Darga Arouna , Maiga A. Seidou
Published: September 2018

In this work, impacts of temperature and dust cleaning on photovoltaic module performance operating in sub-Saharan's climate are investigated. Two single junction technologies, monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon, and one micromorph (amorphous/micrystalline) thin film silicon tandem technology are considered. We have recorded at the same time under real operating conditions, the module temperature and the current versus voltage characteristics of each module, and the local solar irradiation. All the measurements were performed with the outdoor monitoring and test facility located at Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. The results show the drop of generated power of dusty modules for the same irradiation level. Between April and June (where temperatures are higher) a significant drop of output power is observed, despite a daily cleaning. Furthermore, performance losses are observed for all technologies compared to that under standard test conditions. However, the micromorph silicon tandem technology with low temperature sensitivity present the less losses in performance compared to the monocrystalline and the polycrystalline single junction modules, even if the modules are not cleaned.
Resistance to dehydration and positive hygrotaxis in the invasive red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Piersanti Silvana , Pallottini Matteo , Salerno Gianandrea , Goretti Enzo , Elia Antonia Concetta , Dörr Ambrosius Josef Martin , Rebora Manuela
Published: September 2018

The red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii is the most cosmopolitan invasive freshwater crayfish species in the world. High tolerance to a wide range of environmental conditions, among which its great ability to survive drought conditions, and the economic importance are the main factors of its spreading success.

The present study tests for the first time the survival of this species to different relative humidity (RH) conditions (plastic boxes with humidity controlling salt solutions at 30%, 50%, 70%, 100% RH) and its ability to orient in humidity gradients (dual-choice chambers 50–78% RH, 60–75% RH). P. clarkii shows a great ability to survive out of water, positively related to the RH conditions, surviving more than two days at very low humidity (30% RH) and more than one month at 100% RH. In addition the crayfish showed a positive hygrotaxis spending most of their time in the area of the choice chambers with a higher RH.

The results of the present investigation are particularly relevant considering that one of the major challenges to predict and control biological invasion lies in understanding which biological and ecological features might favor the colonization of alien invasive species in new areas.