bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of the Tomato Fruit Metabolome by LED Light
Authors: Ntagkas Nikolaos , de Vos Ric C. H. , Woltering Ernst J. , Nicole Celine C. S. , Labrie Caroline , Marcelis Leo F. M.
Published: June 2020

Metabolic profiles of tomatoes change during ripening and light can modulate the activity of relevant biochemical pathways. We investigated the effects of light directly supplied to the fruits on the metabolome of the fruit pericarp during ripening. Mature green tomatoes were exposed to well-controlled conditions with light as the only varying factor; control fruits were kept in darkness. In experiment 1 the fruits were exposed to either white light or darkness for 15 days. In experiment 2, fruits were exposed to different light spectra (blue, green, red, far-red, white) added to white background light for seven days. Changes in the global metabolome of the fruit pericarp were monitored using LCMS and GCMS (554 compounds in total). Health-beneficial compounds (carotenoids, flavonoids, tocopherols and phenolic acids) accumulated faster under white light compared to darkness, while alkaloids and chlorophylls decreased faster. Light also changed the levels of taste-related metabolites including glutamate and malate. The light spectrum treatments indicated that the addition of blue light was the most effective treatment in altering the fruit metabolome. We conclude that light during ripening of tomatoes can have various effects on the metabolome and may help with shaping the levels of key compounds involved in various fruit quality characteristics.
Multifactorial Analysis of Environmental Metabolomic Data in Ecotoxicology: Wild Marine Mussel Exposed to WWTP Effluent as a Case Study
Authors: Dumas Thibaut , Boccard Julien , Gomez Elena , Fenet Hélène , Courant Frédérique
Published: June 2020

Environmental metabolomics is a powerful approach to investigate the response of organisms to contaminant exposure at a molecular scale. However, metabolomic responses to realistic environmental conditions can be hindered by factors intrinsic to the environment and the organism. Hence, a well-designed experimental exposure associated with adequate statistical analysis could be helpful to better characterize and relate the observed variability to its different origins. In the current study, we applied a multifactorial experiment combined to Analysis of variance Multiblock Orthogonal Partial Least Squares (AMOPLS), to assess the metabolic response of wild marine mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis, exposed to a wastewater treatment plant effluent, considering gender as an experimental factor. First, the total observed variability was decomposed to highlight the contribution of each effect related to the experimental factors. Both the exposure and the interaction gender × exposure had a statistically significant impact on the observed metabolic alteration. Then, these metabolic patterns were further characterized by analyzing the individual variable contributions to each effect. A main change in glycerophospholipid levels was highlighted in both males and females as a common response, possibly caused by oxidative stress, which could lead to reproductive disorders, whereas metabolic alterations in some polar lipids and kynurenine pathway were rather gender-specific. This may indicate a disturbance in the energy metabolism and immune system only in males. Finally, AMOPLS is a useful tool facilitating the interpretation of complex metabolomic data and is expected to have a broad application in the field of ecotoxicology.
Serum Metabolomic Alterations Associated with Cesium-137 Internal Emitter Delivered in Various Dose Rates
Authors: Li Heng-Hong , Lin Yun-Tien , Laiakis Evagelia C. , Goudarzi Maryam , Weber Waylon , Fornace Albert J.
Published: June 2020

Our laboratory and others have use radiation metabolomics to assess responses in order to develop biomarkers reflecting exposure and level of injury. To expand the types of exposure and compare to previously published results, metabolomic analysis has been carried out using serum samples from mice exposed to 137Cs internal emitters. Animals were injected intraperitoneally with 137CsCl solutions of varying radioactivity, and the absorbed doses were calculated. To determine the dose rate effect, serum samples were collected at 2, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after injection. Based on the time for each group receiving the cumulative dose of 4 Gy, the dose rate for each group was determined. The dose rates analyzed were 0.16 Gy/day (low), 0.69 Gy/day (medium), and 1.25 Gy/day (high). The results indicated that at a cumulative dose of 4 Gy, the low dose rate group had the least number of statistically significantly differential spectral features. Some identified metabolites showed common changes for different dose rates. For example, significantly altered levels of oleamide and sphingosine 1-phosphate were seen in all three groups. On the other hand, the intensity of three amino acids, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine and Arginine, significantly decreased only in the medium dose rate group. These findings have the potential to be used in assessing the exposure and the biological effects of internal emitters.
Suppression of Surface Waviness Error of Fresnel Micro-Structured Mold by Using Non-Integer Rotation Speed Ratio in Parallel Grinding Process
Authors: Pan Yongcheng , Zhao Qingliang , Guo Bing , Chen Bing , Wang Jinhu
Published: June 2020

Fresnel micro-structured lenses are widely used in the field of modern optoelectronic technology. High-precision Fresnel micro-structured mold is the key technology to achieve its large-scale replication production. Focusing on the surface waviness error of Fresnel micro-structured mold machined by parallel grinding process, this paper conducted theoretical modeling and experiment research. Based on the grinding kinematics theory, the simulation models of the surface waviness topography and the circular waviness profiles of the ground Fresnel micro-structured mold were developed, considering the combined influence of the non-integer rotation speed ratio and other grinding parameters. A series of grinding experiments were carried out to verify the proposed simulation models. The influence of a non-integer rotation speed ratio and a wave-shift value upon the surface waviness error of the ground Fresnel micro-structured molds were analyzed. Both the simulation and experimental results proved that choosing the non-integer rotation speed ratio and a proper wave-shift value could greatly reduce the surface waviness error and improve the surface quality and uniformity.
Dielectrophoretic Microfluidic Device for Separating Microparticles Based on Size with Sub-Micron Resolution
Authors: Krishna Salini , Alnaimat Fadi , Hilal-Alnaqbi Ali , Khashan Saud , Mathew Bobby
Published: June 2020

This article details the mathematical model of a microfluidic device aimed at separating any binary heterogeneous sample of microparticles into two homogeneous samples based on size with sub-micron resolution. The device consists of two sections, where the upstream section is dedicated to focusing of microparticles, while the downstream section is dedicated to separation of the focused stream of microparticles into two samples based on size. Each section has multiple planar electrodes of finite size protruding into the microchannel from the top and bottom of each sidewall; each top electrode aligns with a bottom electrode and they form a pair leading to multiple pairs of electrodes on each side. The focusing section subjects all microparticles to repulsive dielectrophoretic force, from each set of the electrodes, to focus them next to one of the sidewalls. This separation section pushes the big microparticles toward the interior, away from the wall, of the microchannel using repulsive dielectrophoretic force, while the small microparticles move unaffected to achieve the desired degree of separation. The operating frequency of the set of electrodes in the separation section is maintained equal to the cross-over frequency of the small microparticles. The working of the device is demonstrated by separating a heterogeneous mixture consisting of polystyrene microparticles of different size (radii of 2 and 2.25 μm) into two homogeneous samples. The mathematical model is used for parametric study, and the performance is quantified in terms of separation efficiency and separation purity; the parameters considered include applied electric voltages, electrode dimensions, outlet widths, number of electrodes, and volumetric flowrate. The separation efficiencies and separation purities for both microparticles are 100% for low volumetric flow rates, a large number of electrode pairs, large electrode dimensions, and high differences between voltages in both sections.
Correlated Time-0 and Hot-Carrier Stress Induced FinFET Parameter Variabilities: Modeling Approach
Authors: Makarov Alexander , Roussel Philippe , Bury Erik , Vandemaele Michiel , Spessot Alessio , Linten Dimitri , Kaczer Ben , Tyaginov Stanislav
Published: June 2020

We identify correlation between the drain currents in pristine n-channel FinFET transistors and changes in time-0 currents induced by hot-carrier stress. To achieve this goal, we employ our statistical simulation model for hot-carrier degradation (HCD), which considers the effect of random dopants (RDs) on HCD. For this analysis we generate a set of 200 device instantiations where each of them has its own unique configuration of RDs. For all “samples” in this ensemble we calculate time-0 currents (i.e., currents in undamaged FinFETs) and then degradation characteristics such as changes in the linear drain current and device lifetimes. The robust correlation analysis allows us to identify correlation between transistor lifetimes and drain currents in unstressed devices, which implies that FinFETs with initially higher currents degrade faster, i.e., have more prominent linear drain current changes and shorter lifetimes. Another important result is that although at stress conditions the distribution of drain currents becomes wider with stress time, in the operating regime drain current variability diminishes. Finally, we show that if random traps are also taken into account, all the obtained trends remain the same.
Powder-Based 3D Printing for the Fabrication of Device with Micro and Mesoscale Features
Authors: Chin Seow Yong , Dikshit Vishwesh , Meera Priyadarshini Balasankar , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2020

Customized manufacturing of a miniaturized device with micro and mesoscale features is a key requirement of mechanical, electrical, electronic and medical devices. Powder-based 3D-printing processes offer a strong candidate for micromanufacturing due to the wide range of materials, fast production and high accuracy. This study presents a comprehensive review of the powder-based three-dimensional (3D)-printing processes and how these processes impact the creation of devices with micro and mesoscale features. This review also focuses on applications of devices with micro and mesoscale size features that are created by powder-based 3D-printing technology.
Microbial Diversity Associated with Gwell, a Traditional French Mesophilic Fermented Milk Inoculated with a Natural Starter
Authors: von Gastrow Lucas , Madec Marie-Noëlle , Chuat Victoria , Lubac Stanislas , Morinière Clémence , Lé Sébastien , Santoni Sylvain , Sicard Delphine , Valence Florence
Published: June 2020

Gwell is a traditional mesophilic fermented milk from the Brittany region of France. The fermentation process is based on a back-slopping method. The starter is made from a portion of the previous Gwell production, so that Gwell is both the starter and final product for consumption. In a participatory research framework involving 13 producers, Gwell was characterized from both the sensory and microbial points of view and was defined by its tangy taste and smooth and dense texture. The microbial community of typical Gwell samples was studied using both culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches. Lactococcus lactis was systematically identified in Gwell, being represented by both subspecies cremoris and lactis biovar diacetylactis which were always associated. Geotrichum candidum was also found in all the samples. The microbial composition was confirmed by 16S and ITS2 metabarcoding analysis. We were able to reconstruct the history of Gwell exchanges between producers, and thus obtained the genealogy of the samples we analyzed. The samples clustered in two groups which were also differentiated by their microbial composition, and notably by the presence or absence of yeasts identified as Kazachstania servazii and Streptococcus species.
Elemental and Mineral Composition of the Barents Sea Recent and Late Pleistocene−Holocene Sediments: A Correlation with Environmental Conditions
Authors: Demina Liudmila L. , Dara Olga , Aliev Ramiz , Alekseeva Tatiana , Budko Dmitry , Novichkova Ekaterina , Politova Nadezhda , Solomatina Aleksandra , Bulokhov Anton
Published: June 2020

A comprehensive examination of the elemental (including radionuclides and heavy metals), mineral, and grain-size composition of sediments from different areas of the Barents Sea was performed. Sediment cores were sampled in the Central Deep, Cambridge Strait (Franz Josef Land Archipelago), Russkaya Gavan’ Bay (Novaya Zemlya Archipelago), and Bear Island Trough. We aim to evaluate how the modern and more ancient environmental conditions are reflected in the elemental and mineral composition, as well as to test indicative elemental ratios. The applied methods include elemental analysis using gamma-ray spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and X-Ray Difractometry XRD analysis of minerals. Difference in sedimentation rates, grain-size composition, and sources of material, are reflected in downcore variation of Si/Al, Mn/Fe, P/Al, Ti/K, and quartz-feldspar ratios. At boundary Early Holocene/Late Deglaciation, intensive bottom currents from the West-Southern shelf areas contributed to increase of Si/Al and Zr/Ca ratios. Distinct growth of the Si/Fe ratio within the sediments deposited over Late Pleistocene to Mid Holocene may be caused by increased contents of the coarse sand material, as well as by abundant fluxes of clay-mineral-loaded glacial meltwater during the main deglaciation phase. The Mn/Fe ratio used as redox proxy, displayed peaks at different depths related to oxygen concentration growth in bottom water.
Hydrogeochemical Behavior of Reclaimed Highly Reactive Tailings, Part 1: Characterization of Reclamation Materials
Authors: Kalonji-Kabambi Alex , Bussière Bruno , Demers Isabelle
Published: June 2020

The production of solid mine wastes is an integral part of the extraction and metallurgical processing of ores. The reclamation of highly reactive mine waste, with low neutralizing potential, is still a significant challenge for the mining industry, particularly when natural soils are not available close to the site. Some solid mine wastes present interesting hydro-geotechnical properties which can be taken advantage of, particularly for being used in reclamation covers to control acid mine drainage. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the use of mining materials (i.e., tailings and waste rock) in a cover with capillary barrier effects (CCBE) to prevent acid mine drainage (AMD) from highly reactive tailings. The first part of the project reproduced in this article involves context and laboratory validation of mining materials as suitable for a CCBE, while the companion paper reports laboratory and field results of cover systems made with mining materials. The main conclusions of the Part 1 of this study were that the materials studied (low sulfide tailings and waste rocks) had the appropriate geochemical and hydrogeological properties for use as cover materials in a CCBE. Results also showed that the cover mining materials are not acid-generating and that the LaRonde tailings are highly reactive with pH close to 2, with high concentrations of metals and sulfates.
Optimising the Hydraulic Retention Time in a Pilot-Scale Microbial Electrolysis Cell to Achieve High Volumetric Treatment Rates Using Concentrated Domestic Wastewater
Authors: Leicester Daniel D. , Amezaga Jaime M. , Moore Andrew , Heidrich Elizabeth S.
Published: June 2020

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have the potential to deliver energy-neutral wastewater treatment. Pilot-scale tests have proven that they can operate at low temperatures with real wastewaters. However, volumetric treatment rates (VTRs) have been low, reducing the ability for this technology to compete with activated sludge (AS). This paper describes a pilot-scale microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) operated in continuous flow for 6 months. The reactor was fed return sludge liquor, the concentrated filtrate of anaerobic digestion sludge that has a high chemical oxygen demand (COD). The use of a wastewater with increased soluble organics, along with optimisation of the hydraulic retention time (HRT), resulted in the highest VTR achieved by a pilot-scale MEC treating real wastewater. Peak HRT was 0.5-days, resulting in an average VTR of 3.82 kgCOD/m3∙day and a 55% COD removal efficiency. Finally, using the data obtained, a direct analysis of the potential savings from the reduced loading on AS was then made. Theoretical calculation of the required tank size, with the estimated costs and savings, indicates that the use of an MEC as a return sludge liquor pre-treatment technique could result in an industrially viable system.
Mechanochemical Preparation of Pd(II) and Pt(II) Composites with Carbonaceous Materials and Their Application in the Suzuki-Miyaura Reaction at Several Energy Inputs
Authors: M.A. Soliman Mohamed , F. Peixoto Andreia , P.C. Ribeiro Ana , Kopylovich Maximilian N. , C.B.A. Alegria Elisabete , Pombeiro Armando J.L.
Published: June 2020

Pd(II) and Pt(II) composites with activated carbon (AC), graphene oxide, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes were prepared by ball milling and used as catalysts for the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction, under several energy inputs (mechanical grinding, conventional heating, and microwave irradiation). The catalytic composites were characterized by ICP-MS, BET, XPS analyses, TEM, and SEM. The average particle size of the prepared composites was estimated to be in the range of 6–30 nm, while the loadings of Pd and Pt did not significantly affect the surface area of the AC support due to the tendency to agglomerate as observed by the TEM analysis. The Pd/AC composites exhibit high mechanochemical catalytic activity in cross-coupling of bromobenzene and phenylboronic acid with molar yields up to 80% with TON and TOF of 222 and 444 h−1, respectively, achieved with Pd(4.7 wt%)-AC catalyst under the liquid assisted grinding for 0.5 h at ambient conditions, using cyclohexene as an additive.
Metabolomics of Myrcia bella Populations in Brazilian Savanna Reveals Strong Influence of Environmental Factors on Its Specialized Metabolism
Authors: Saldanha Luiz Leonardo , Allard Pierre-Marie , Afzan Adlin , de Melo Fernanda Pereira de Souza Rosa , Marcourt Laurence , Queiroz Emerson Ferreira , Vilegas Wagner , Furlan Cláudia Maria , Dokkedal Anne Lígia , Wolfender Jean-Luc
Published: June 2020

Environmental conditions influence specialized plant metabolism. However, many studies aiming to understand these modulations have been conducted with model plants and/or under controlled conditions, thus not reflecting the complex interaction between plants and environment. To fully grasp these interactions, we investigated the specialized metabolism and genetic diversity of a native plant in its natural environment. We chose Myrcia bella due to its medicinal interest and occurrence in Brazilian savanna regions with diverse climate and soil conditions. An LC-HRMS-based metabolomics approach was applied to analyze 271 samples harvested across seven regions during the dry and rainy season. Genetic diversity was assessed in a subset of 40 samples using amplified fragment length polymorphism. Meteorological factors including rainfall, temperature, radiation, humidity, and soil nutrient and mineral composition were recorded in each region and correlated with chemical variation through multivariate analysis (MVDA). Marker compounds were selected using a statistically informed molecular network and annotated by dereplication against an in silico database of natural products. The integrated results evidenced different chemotypes, with variation in flavonoid and tannin content mainly linked to soil conditions. Different levels of genetic diversity and distance of populations were found to be correlated with the identified chemotypes. These observations and the proposed analytical workflow contribute to the global understanding of the impact of abiotic factors and genotype on the accumulation of given metabolites and, therefore, could be valuable to guide further medicinal exploration of native species.
Production of Lactic Acid from Carob, Banana and Sugarcane Lignocellulose Biomass
Authors: Azaizeh Hassan , Abu Tayeh Hiba N. , Schneider Roland , Klongklaew Augchararat , Venus Joachim
Published: June 2020

Lignocellulosic biomass from agricultural residues is a promising feedstock for lactic acid (LA) production. The aim of the current study was to investigate the production of LA from different lignocellulosic biomass. The LA production from banana peduncles using strain Bacillus coagulans with yeast extract resulted in 26.6 g LA·L−1, and yield of 0.90 g LA·g−1 sugars. The sugarcane fermentation with yeast extract resulted in 46.5 g LA·L−1, and yield of 0.88 g LA·g−1 sugars. Carob showed that addition of yeast extract resulted in higher productivity of 3.2 g LA·L−1·h−1 compared to without yeast extract where1.95 g LA·L−1·h−1 was obtained. Interestingly, similar LA production was obtained by the end where 54.8 and 51.4 g·L−1 were obtained with and without yeast extract, respectively. A pilot scale of 35 L using carob biomass fermentation without yeast extract resulted in yield of 0.84 g LA·g−1 sugars, and productivity of 2.30 g LA·L−1·h−1 which indicate a very promising process for future industrial production of LA.
The Effect of Deposition Time on the Surface Coverage of Sublimation Deposited Solid-Phase Glycine and Proline Molecules Measured by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Youn Young-Sang
Published: June 2020

The effect of deposition time on the surface coverage of sublimation deposited solid-phase glycine and proline molecules onto a Ge(100) surface was studied at room temperature using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The STM images obtained at various coverages of glycine and proline adsorbed on the Ge(100) surface showed that (i) the adsorption rate for both molecules gradually decreased with increasing deposition time, obeying the Langmuir adsorption model, and (ii) the coverage of glycine on the Ge(100) surface is higher than that of proline under the same deposition conditions, which may be due to the differences in their molecular weight or molecular sticking probability.
Poly-arginine-18 (R18) Confers Neuroprotection through Glutamate Receptor Modulation, Intracellular Calcium Reduction, and Preservation of Mitochondrial Function
Authors: MacDougall Gabriella , Anderton Ryan S. , Trimble Amy , Mastaglia Frank L. , Knuckey Neville W. , Meloni Bruno P.
Published: June 2020

Recent studies have highlighted that a novel class of neuroprotective peptide, known as cationic arginine-rich peptides (CARPs), have intrinsic neuroprotective properties and are particularly effective anti-excitotoxic agents. As such, the present study investigated the mechanisms underlying the anti-excitotoxic properties of CARPs, using poly-arginine-18 (R18; 18-mer of arginine) as a representative peptide. Cortical neuronal cultures subjected to glutamic acid excitotoxicity were used to assess the effects of R18 on ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR)-mediated intracellular calcium influx, and its ability to reduce neuronal injury from raised intracellular calcium levels after inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum calcium uptake by thapsigargin. The results indicate that R18 significantly reduces calcium influx by suppressing iGluR overactivation, and results in preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and ATP production, and reduced ROS generation. R18 also protected cortical neurons against thapsigargin-induced neurotoxicity, which indicates that the peptide helps maintain neuronal survival when intracellular calcium levels are elevated. Taken together, these findings provide important insight into the mechanisms of action of R18, supporting its potential application as a neuroprotective therapeutic for acute and chronic neurological disorders.
Stereodivergent Synthesis of Camphor-Derived Diamines and Their Application as Thiourea Organocatalysts
Authors: Ričko Sebastijan , Požgan Franc , Štefane Bogdan , Svete Jurij , Golobič Amalija , Grošelj Uroš
Published: June 2020

A series of 18 regio- and stereo-chemically diverse chiral non-racemic 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-diamines have been synthesized from commercial (1S)-(+)-ketopinic acid and (1S)-(+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid. The structures of the diamines are all based on the d-(+)-camphor scaffold and feature isomeric diversity in terms of regioisomeric attachment of the primary and the tertiary amine function and the exo/endo-isomerism. Diamines were transformed into the corresponding noncovalent bifunctional thiourea organocatalysts, which have been evaluated for catalytic activity in the conjugative addition of 1,3-dicarbonyl nucleophiles (dimethyl malonate, acetylacetone, and dibenzoylmethane) to trans-β-nitrostyrene. The highest enantioselectivity was achieved in the reaction with acetylacetone as nucleophile using endo-1,3-diamine derived catalyst 52 (91.5:8.5 er). All new organocatalysts 48–63 have been fully characterized. The structures and the absolute configurations of eight intermediates and thiourea derivative 52 were also determined by X-ray diffraction.
Novel South African Rare Actinomycete Kribbella speibonae Strain SK5: A Prolific Producer of Hydroxamate Siderophores Including New Dehydroxylated Congeners
Authors: Acquah Kojo Sekyi , Beukes Denzil R. , Warner Digby F. , Meyers Paul R. , Sunassee Suthananda N. , Maglangit Fleurdeliz , Deng Hai , Jaspars Marcel , Gammon David W.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we report on the chemistry of the rare South African Actinomycete Kribbella speibonae strain SK5, a prolific producer of hydroxamate siderophores and their congeners. Two new analogues, dehydroxylated desferrioxamines, speibonoxamine 1 and desoxy-desferrioxamine D1 2, have been isolated, together with four known hydroxamates, desferrioxamine D1 3, desferrioxamine B 4, desoxy-nocardamine 5 and nocardamine 6, and a diketopiperazine (DKP) 7. The structures of 1–7 were characterized by the analysis of HRESIMS and 1D and 2D NMR data, as well as by comparison with the relevant literature. Three new dehydroxy desferrioxamine derivatives 8–10 were tentatively identified in the molecular network of K. speibonae strain SK5 extracts, and structures were proposed based on their MS/MS fragmentation patterns. A plausible spb biosynthetic pathway was proposed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the isolation of desferrioxamines from the actinobacterial genus Kribbella.
Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity of Novel Derivatives of 3-[(4-Methoxyphenyl)amino]propanehydrazide
Authors: Tumosienė Ingrida , Kantminienė Kristina , Klevinskas Arnas , Petrikaitė Vilma , Jonuškienė Ilona , Mickevičius Vytautas
Published: June 2020

Series of novel 3-[(4-methoxyphenyl)amino]propanehydrazide derivatives bearing semicarbazide, thiosemicarbazide, thiadiazole, triazolone, triazolethione, thiophenyltriazole, furan, thiophene, naphthalene, pyrrole, isoindoline-1,3-dione, oxindole, etc. moieties were synthesized and their molecular structures were confirmed by IR, 1H-, 13C-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry data. The antioxidant activity of the synthesized compounds was screened by DPPH radical scavenging method. The antioxidant activity of N-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-3-((4-methoxyphenyl)amino)propanamide and 3-((4-methoxyphenyl)amino)-N’-(1-(naphthalen-1-yl)-ethylidene)propanehydrazide has been tested to be ca. 1.4 times higher than that of a well-known antioxidant ascorbic acid. Anticancer activity was tested by MTT assay against human glioblastoma U-87 and triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell lines. In general, the tested compounds were more cytotoxic against U-87 than MDA-MB-231 cell line. 1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-((5-(2-((4-methoxyphenyl)amino)ethyl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)ethanone has been identified as the most active compound against the glioblastoma U-87 cell line.
Determination of the Best Empiric Method to Quantify the Amplified Spontaneous Emission Threshold in Polymeric Active Waveguides
Authors: Milanese Stefania , De Giorgi Maria Luisa , Anni Marco
Published: June 2020

Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) threshold represents a crucial parameter often used to establish if a material is a good candidate for applications to lasers. Even if the ASE properties of conjugated polymers have been widely investigated, the specific literature is characterized by several methods to determine the ASE threshold, making comparison among the obtained values impossible. We quantitatively compare 9 different methods employed in literature to determine the ASE threshold, in order to find out the best candidate to determine the most accurate estimate of it. The experiment has been performed on thin films of an homopolymer, a copolymer and a host:guest polymer blend, namely poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO), poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-cobenzothiadiazole) (F8BT) and F8BT:poly(3- hexylthiophene) (F8BT:rrP3HT), applying the Variable Pump Intensity (VPI) and the Variable Stripe Length (VSL) methods. We demonstrate that, among all the spectral features affected by the presence of ASE, the most sensitive is the spectral linewidth and that the best way to estimate the ASE threshold is to determine the excitation density at the beginning of the line narrowing. We also show that the methods most frequently used in literature always overestimate the threshold up to more than one order of magnitude.
Biocatalysis of d,l-Peptide Nanofibrillar Hydrogel
Authors: Carlomagno Tiziano , Cringoli Maria C. , Kralj Slavko , Kurbasic Marina , Fornasiero Paolo , Pengo Paolo , Marchesan Silvia
Published: June 2020

Self-assembling peptides are attracting wide interest as biodegradable building blocks to achieve functional nanomaterials that do not persist in the environment. Amongst the many applications, biocatalysis is gaining momentum, although a clear structure-to-activity relationship is still lacking. This work applied emerging design rules to the heterochiral octapeptide sequence His–Leu–DLeu–Ile–His–Leu–DLeu–Ile for self-assembly into nanofibrils that, at higher concentration, give rise to a supramolecular hydrogel for the mimicry of esterase-like activity. The peptide was synthesized by solid-phase and purified by HPLC, while its identity was confirmed by 1H-NMR and electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS. The hydrogel formed by this peptide was studied with oscillatory rheometry, and the supramolecular behavior of the peptide was investigated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, thioflavin T amyloid fluorescence assay, and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The biocatalytic activity was studied by monitoring the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate (pNPA) at neutral pH, and the reaction kinetics followed an apparent Michaelis–Menten model, for which a Lineweaver–Burk plot was produced to determine its enzymatic parameters for a comparison with the literature. Finally, LC–MS analysis was conducted on a series of experiments to evaluate the extent of, if any, undesired peptide acetylation at the N-terminus. In conclusion, we provide new insights that allow gaining a clearer picture of self-assembling peptide design rules for biocatalysis.
Correction: Frid, E. Accessible Digital Musical Instruments—A Review of Musical Interfaces in Inclusive Music Practice. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction 2019, Vol. 3, Page 57
Authors: Frid Emma
Published: June 2020

Unfortunately, some errors and imprecise descriptions were made in the final proofreading phase, and the author, therefore, wishes to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Mn-Induced Thermal Stability of L10 Phase in Fept Magnetic Nanoscale Ribbons
Authors: Crisan Alina Daniela , Leca Aurel , Pantelica Dan , Dan Ioan , Crisan Ovidiu
Published: June 2020

Magnetic nanoscale materials exhibiting the L10 tetragonal phase such as FePt or ternary alloys derived from FePt show most promising magnetic properties as a novel class of rare earth free permanent magnets with high operating temperature. A granular alloy derived from binary FePt with low Pt content and the addition of Mn with the nominal composition Fe57Mn8Pt35 has been synthesized in the shape of melt-spun ribbons and subsequently annealed at 600 °C and 700 °C for promoting the formation of single phase, L10 tetragonal, hard magnetic phase. Proton-induced X-ray emission spectroscopy PIXE has been utilized for checking the compositional effect of Mn addition. Structural properties were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and diffractograms were analyzed using full profile Rietveld-type analysis with MAUD (Materials Analysis Using Diffraction) software. By using temperature-dependent synchrotron X-ray diffraction, the disorder–order phase transformation and the stability of the hard magnetic L10 phase were monitored over a large temperature range (50–800 °C). A large interval of structural stability of the L10 phase was observed and this stability was interpreted in terms of higher ordering of the L10 phase promoted by the Mn addition. It was moreover found that both crystal growth and unit cell expansion are inhibited, up to the highest temperature investigated (800 °C), proving thus that the Mn addition stabilizes the formed L10 structure further. Magnetic hysteresis loops confirmed structural data, revealing a strong coercive field for a sample wherein single phase, hard, magnetic tetragonal L10 exists. These findings open good perspectives for use as nanocomposite, rare earth free magnets, working in extreme operation conditions.
Correlation between Crystal Structure, Surface/Interface Microstructure, and Electrical Properties of Nanocrystalline Niobium Thin Films
Authors: Nivedita L. R. , Haubert Avery , Battu Anil K. , Ramana C. V.
Published: June 2020

Niobium (Nb) thin films, which are potentially useful for integration into electronics and optoelectronics, were made by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering by varying the substrate temperature. The deposition temperature (Ts) effect was systematically studied using a wide range, 25–700 °C, using Si(100) substrates for Nb deposition. The direct correlation between deposition temperature (Ts) and electrical properties, surface/interface microstructure, crystal structure, and morphology of Nb films is reported. The Nb films deposited at higher temperature exhibit a higher degree of crystallinity and electrical conductivity. The Nb films’ crystallite size varied from 5 to 9 (±1) nm and tensile strain occurs in Nb films as Ts increases. The surface/interface morphology of the deposited Nb films indicate the grain growth and dense, vertical columnar structure at elevated Ts. The surface roughness derived from measurements taken using atomic force microscopy reveal that all the Nb films are characteristically smooth with an average roughness <2 nm. The lowest electrical resistivity obtained was 48 µΩ cm. The correlations found here between growth conditions electrical properties as well as crystal structure, surface/interface morphology, and microstructure, could provide useful information for optimum conditions to produce Nb thin films for utilization in electronics and optoelectronics.
Synthesis and Characterization of a NiCo2O4@NiCo2O4 Hierarchical Mesoporous Nanoflake Electrode for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Chen Xin , Li Hui , Xu Jianzhou , Jaber F. , Musharavati F. , Zalnezhad Erfan , Bae S. , Hui K.S. , Hui K.N. , Liu Junxing
Published: June 2020

In this study, we synthesized binder-free NiCo2O4@NiCo2O4 nanostructured materials on nickel foam (NF) by combined hydrothermal and cyclic voltammetry deposition techniques followed by calcination at 350 °C to attain high-performance supercapacitors. The hierarchical porous NiCo2O4@NiCo2O4 structure, facilitating faster mass transport, exhibited good cycling stability of 83.6% after 5000 cycles and outstanding specific capacitance of 1398.73 F g−1 at the current density of 2 A·g−1, signifying its potential for energy storage applications. A solid-state supercapacitor was fabricated with the NiCo2O4@NiCo2O4 on NF as the positive electrode and the active carbon (AC) was deposited on NF as the negative electrode, delivering a high energy density of 46.46 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 269.77 W kg−1. This outstanding performance was attributed to its layered morphological characteristics. This study explored the potential application of cyclic voltammetry depositions in preparing binder-free NiCo2O4@NiCo2O4 materials with more uniform architecture for energy storage, in contrast to the traditional galvanostatic deposition methods.
Associations between Subjective and Objective Measures of the Community Food Environment and Executive Function in Early Childhood
Authors: Bryant Lindsey M. , Eicher-Miller Heather A. , Korucu Irem , Schmitt Sara A.
Published: June 2020

The present study utilized a cross-sectional design to assess whether two indicators of the community food environment, parent perceptions of the community food environment (i.e., as assessed by parent reports of access to, availability, and affordability of foods) and limited food access (via census data), were related to executive function in preschool children. Children were recruited during the 2014–2015 academic year from Head Start and community-based preschools (N = 102) and children’s executive function ability was tested using the Head–Toes–Knees–Shoulders task. Multiple linear regression analysis was used, as well as adjusted standard errors to account for clustering at the classroom level. Parent reports of their food environment were significantly related to children’s executive function, such that children living in higher quality community food environments had better executive function. In contrast, limited food access using census data was not significantly related to executive function. The results suggest that parent reports of the community food environment in early childhood may contribute to young children’s cognitive outcomes more so than being in a limited food access area, as these data may not represent individual behaviors or capture the variability of the accessibility and affordability of healthy foods. Policy makers should consider correlations between the food environment and early executive functioning when developing new community health/wellness legislation.
Wheat Sensitivity and Functional Dyspepsia: A Pilot, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Dietary Crossover Trial with Novel Challenge Protocol
Authors: Potter Michael D. E. , Duncanson Kerith , Jones Michael P. , Walker Marjorie M. , Keely Simon , Talley Nicholas J.
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Functional dyspepsia (FD), characterised by symptoms of epigastric pain or early satiety and post prandial distress, has been associated with duodenal eosinophilia, raising the possibility that it is driven by an environmental allergen. Non-coeliac gluten or wheat sensitivity (NCG/WS) has also been associated with both dyspeptic symptoms and duodenal eosinophilia, suggesting an overlap between these two conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of wheat (specifically gluten and fructans) in symptom reduction in participants with FD in a pilot randomized double-blind, placebo controlled, dietary crossover trial. Methods: Patients with Rome III criteria FD were recruited from a single tertiary centre in Newcastle, Australia. All were individually counselled on a diet low in both gluten and fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) by a clinical dietitian, which was followed for four weeks (elimination diet phase). Those who had a ≥30% response to the run-in diet, as measured by the Nepean Dyspepsia Index, were then re-challenged with ‘muesli’ bars containing either gluten, fructan, or placebo in randomised order. Those with symptoms which significantly reduced during the elimination diet, but reliably reappeared (a mean change in overall dyspeptic symptoms of ≥30%) with gluten or fructan re-challenge were deemed to have wheat induced FD. Results: Eleven participants were enrolled in the study (75% female, mean age 43 years). Of the initial cohort, nine participants completed the elimination diet phase of whom four qualified for the rechallenge phase. The gluten-free, low FODMAP diet led to an overall (albeit non-significant) improvement in symptoms of functional dyspepsia in the diet elimination phase (mean NDI symptom score 71.2 vs. 47.1, p = 0.087). A specific food trigger could not be reliably demonstrated. Conclusions: Although a gluten-free, low-FODMAP diet led to a modest overall reduction in symptoms in this cohort of FD patients, a specific trigger could not be identified. The modified Salerno criteria for NCG/WS identification trialled in this dietary rechallenge protocol was fit-for-purpose. However, larger trials are required to determine whether particular components of wheat induce symptoms in functional dyspepsia.
Lifestyle Changes Observed among Adults Participating in a Family- and Community-Based Intervention for Diabetes Prevention in Europe: The 1st Year Results of the Feel4Diabetes-Study
Authors: Manios Yannis , Lambrinou Christina-Paulina , Mavrogianni Christina , Cardon Greet , Lindström Jaana , Iotova Violeta , Tankova Tsvetalina , Rurik Imre , Van Stappen Vicky , Kivelä Jemina , Mateo-Gallego Rocío , Moreno Luis A. , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Androutsos Odysseas
Published: June 2020

The Feel4Diabetes intervention was a school and community-based intervention aiming to promote healthy lifestyle and tackle obesity and obesity-related metabolic risk factors for the prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among families at risk of developing this disease. The current study aims to present the results on lifestyle behaviors obtained from parents during the first year of the Feel4Diabetes intervention. This multicomponent intervention had a cluster randomized design and was implemented in Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, Greece, Hungary and Spain over two years (2016–2018). Standardized protocols and procedures were used by the participating centers in all countries to collect data on parents’ lifestyle behaviors (diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior). The Feel4Diabetes intervention was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (registration number: NCT02393872). In total, 2110 high-risk parents participated in the baseline and 12-month follow-up examination measurements. Participants allocated to the intervention group reduced their daily consumption of sugary drinks (p = 0.037) and sweets (p = 0.031) and their daily screen time (p = 0.032), compared with the control group. In addition, participants in the intervention group in Greece and Spain increased their consumption of breakfast (p = 0.034) and fruits (p = 0.029), while in Belgium and Finland they increased their water intake (p = 0.024). These findings indicate that the first year of the Feel4Diabetes intervention resulted in the improvement of certain lifestyle behaviors in parents from high-risk families.
Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Hyperandrogenism Mediate the Link between Poor Diet Quality and Ovarian Dysmorphology in Reproductive-Aged Women
Authors: Kazemi Maryam , Jarrett Brittany Y. , Vanden Brink Heidi , Lin Annie W. , Hoeger Kathleen M. , Spandorfer Steven D. , Lujan Marla E.
Published: June 2020

The relationship between diet quality and ovarian morphology has biological plausibility yet remains unclear and was therefore evaluated. In a multicenter cross-sectional analysis, four dietary patterns were scored for 111 consecutive reproductive-aged women (18–45 years) using (1) Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015); (2) alternative HEI-2010; (3) alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED); (4) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) indices. Ovarian volume (OV) and follicle number per ovary (FNPO) were evaluated on transvaginal ultrasonography. Relationships between dietary and ovarian morphology indices were evaluated by linear regression and mediation analyses. Associations between aMED and DASH scores and OV/FNPO were completely mediated by obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism (All: p < 0.05), unlike direct associations (All: p ≥ 0.89). Namely, a 1-standard deviation [SD] increase in aMED score was associated with decreases in OV (0.09 SD; 0.4 mL) through reducing waist circumference. Likewise, a 1 SD increase in aMED and DASH score was associated with decreases in OV (0.07 SD; 0.3 mL) by reducing glucose response to a 75 g glucose tolerance test. A 1 SD increase in DASH score was associated with decreased FNPO (0.07 SD; 2 follicles) by reducing free androgen index (All: p < 0.05). Adherence to aMED and DASH eating plans was indirectly associated with significant improvements in ovarian form, providing novel mechanistic insights for future interventions about contributions of diet quality on ovarian function.
Ultra-Processed Foods and Health Outcomes: A Narrative Review
Authors: Elizabeth Leonie , Machado Priscila , Zinöcker Marit , Baker Phillip , Lawrence Mark
Published: June 2020

The nutrition literature and authoritative reports increasingly recognise the concept of ultra-processed foods (UPF), as a descriptor of unhealthy diets. UPFs are now prevalent in diets worldwide. This review aims to identify and appraise the studies on healthy participants that investigated associations between levels of UPF consumption and health outcomes. This involved a systematic search for extant literature; integration and interpretation of findings from diverse study types, populations, health outcomes and dietary assessments; and quality appraisal. Of 43 studies reviewed, 37 found dietary UPF exposure associated with at least one adverse health outcome. Among adults, these included overweight, obesity and cardio-metabolic risks; cancer, type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases; irritable bowel syndrome, depression and frailty conditions; and all-cause mortality. Among children and adolescents, these included cardio-metabolic risks and asthma. No study reported an association between UPF and beneficial health outcomes. Most findings were derived from observational studies and evidence of plausible biological mechanisms to increase confidence in the veracity of these observed associations is steadily evolving. There is now a considerable body of evidence supporting the use of UPFs as a scientific concept to assess the ‘healthiness’ of foods within the context of dietary patterns and to help inform the development of dietary guidelines and nutrition policy actions.