bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Platinum Complexes Featuring an Anthracenyl Moiety: Anti-Cancer Activity and DNA Interaction
Authors: Harlepp Sébastien , Chardon Edith , Bouché Mathilde , Dahm Georges , Maaloum Mounir , Bellemin-Laponnaz Stéphane
Published: August 2019

A platinum (II) complex stabilized by a pyridine and an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand featuring an anthracenyl moiety was prepared. The compound was fully characterized and its molecular structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound demonstrated high in vitro antiproliferative activities against cancer cell lines with IC50 ranging from 10 to 80 nM. The presence of the anthracenyl moiety on the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) Pt complex was used as a luminescent tag to probe the metal interaction with the nucleobases of the DNA through a pyridine-nucleobase ligand exchange. Such interaction of the platinum complex with DNA was corroborated by optical tweezers techniques and liquid phase atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results revealed a two-state interaction between the platinum complex and the DNA strands. This two-state behavior was quantified from the different experiments due to contour length variations. At 24 h incubation, the stretching curves revealed multiple structural breakages, and AFM imaging revealed a highly compact and dense structure of platinum complexes bridging the DNA strands.
Hydrogen Sulfide Prevents Elastin Loss and Attenuates Calcification Induced by High Glucose in Smooth Muscle Cells through Suppression of Stat3/Cathepsin S Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhou Ye-Bo , Zhou Hong , Li Li , Kang Ying , Cao Xu , Wu Zhi-Yuan , Ding Lei , Sethi Gautam , Bian Jin-Song
Published: August 2019

Vascular calcification can be enhanced by hyperglycemia. Elastin loss in tunica media promotes the osteogenic transformation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and involves arterial medial calcification (AMC) that is associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes. Here, we tested whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gaseous mediator, can prevent elastin loss and attenuate calcification induced by high glucose in SMCs. Calcification was induced by high glucose (4500 mg/L) in human aortic SMCs (HASMCs) under the condition of calcifying medium containing 10 mM β-glycerophosphate (β-GP). The experiments showed that NaHS (an H2S donor, 100 μM) mitigated the calcification of HASMCs treated with high glucose by decreasing calcium and phosphorus levels, calcium deposition and ALP activity and inhibited osteogenic transformation by increasing SMα-actin and SM22α, two phenotypic markers of smooth muscle cells, and decreasing core binding factor α-1 (Cbfα-1), a key factor in bone formation, protein expressions in HASMCs. Moreover, NaHS administration inhibited the activation of Stat3, cathepsin S (CAS) activity and its expression, but increased the level of elastin protein. Pharmacological inhibition or gene silencing Stat3 not only reversed elastin loss, but also attenuated CAS expression. Inhibition of CAS alleviated, while CAS overexpression exacerbated, elastin loss. Interestingly, overexpression of wild type (WT)-Stat3, but not its mutant C259S, elevated CAS protein expression and reduced elastin level. Moreover, NaHS induced S-sulfhydration in WT, but not in the C259S Stat3. These data suggest that H2S may directly regulate Cys259 residue in Stat3 and then impair its signaling function. Our data indicate that H2S may attenuate vascular calcification by upregulating elastin level through the inhibition of Stat3/CAS signaling.
Electroantennographic Responses of Aromia bungii (Faldermann, 1835) (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) to a Range of Volatile Compounds
Authors: Germinara Giacinto S. , Pistillo Marco , Griffo Raffaele , Garonna Antonio P. , Di Palma Antonella
Published: August 2019

Background: The red-necked longhorn beetle, Aromia bungii, is one of the most damaging pests of stone fruit trees. Native to the south-eastern Palearctic and Oriental regions, it invaded and is established to some extent in the Campania Region (Southern Italy). In several cerambycid species, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been shown to play a role in mate and host plant location. Methods: The electroantennographic (EAG) technique was employed to explore the antennal chemoreceptivity of male and female A. bungii antennae to 90 VOCs. Results: Increasing EAG amplitudes from the basal to the distal antennal segments were recorded in response to six selected plant volatiles. From the distal flagellomeres, the largest EAG responses (>0.8 mV) were elicited by 2-hexanol, octanal, sulcatone, guaiacol, sulcatol, 2,4-dimethyl-3-hexanol, 2,4-dimethyl-2-hexanone, heptanal, nonanal, (Z)-3-hexenol, and 1-heptanol in both sexes, and by linalool, (E)-2-heptenal, 1-octen-3-ol, (E)-2-octenal, 3-octanol, (E)-2-octen-1-ol, α-phellandrene, and α-terpinene in males. The olfactory system of both sexes proved to be sensitive to changes in stimulus concentration and compound structure. Conclusions: this study demonstrates the capability of A. bungii males and females to detect and discriminate among a wide range of VOCs and provides a basis for further olfactometer and field trapping experiments aimed at identifying behaviorally-active compounds useful for the implementation of semiochemical-based control strategies for this pest.
Wear Resistant Coatings with a High Friction Coefficient Produced by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation of Al Alloys in Electrolytes with Basalt Mineral Powder Additions
Authors: Terleeva Olga P. , Slonova Aleksandra I. , Rogov Aleksey B. , Matthews Allan , Yerokhin Aleksey
Published: August 2019

To achieve a better performance of engineering components, modern design approaches consider the replacement of steel with lightweight metals, such as aluminum alloys. However, bare aluminum cannot satisfy requirements for surface properties in situations where continuous friction is needed. Among the various surface modification techniques, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is considered as promising for structural applications, owing to its hard and well-adhered ceramic coatings. In this work, the surfaces of two Al alloys (2024 and 6061) have been modified by PEO coating (~180 µm) reinforced with basalt minerals, in order to increase the coefficient of friction and wear resistance. A slurry electrolyte, including a silicate-alkaline solution with addition of basalt mineral powder (<5 µm) has been used. The coating composition, surface morphology, and microstructure were studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron, and optical microscopy. Linear reciprocating wear tests were employed for the evaluation of the friction and wear behavior. It was found that the coatings reinforced with basalt mineral showed that the wear and friction coefficients reached values 10−6–10−7 (mm3 N−1 m−1) and 0.7–0.85, correspondingly (sliding distance of 100 m). In comparison with the characteristics of resin-based materials (10−5–10−4 (mm3 N−1 m−1) and 0.3–0.5, respectively), the employment of thin inorganic frictional composites may bring considerable improvement in the thermal stability, durability, and compactness, as well as a reduction in the weight of the final product. These coatings are considered an alternative to the reinforced resin composite materials on steel used in frictional components, for example, clutch disks and braking pads. It is expected that the smaller thickness of the active frictional material (180 μm) reduces the volume of the wear products, extending the service intervals associated with filter and lubricant maintenance.
Adhesion Behaviour of Primary Human Osteoblasts and Fibroblasts on Polyether Ether Ketone Compared with Titanium under In Vitro Lipopolysaccharide Incubation
Authors: Benz Korbinian , Schöbel Andreas , Dietz Marisa , Maurer Peter , Jackowski Jochen
Published: August 2019

The aim of this in vitro pilot study was to analyse the adhesion behaviour of human osteoblasts and fibroblasts on polyether ether ketone (PEEK) when compared with titanium surfaces in an inflammatory environment under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) incubation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of primary human osteoblasts/fibroblasts on titanium/PEEK samples were created. The gene expression of the LPS-binding protein (LBP) and the LPS receptor (toll-like receptor 4; TLR4) was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunocytochemistry was used to obtain evidence for the distribution of LBP/TLR4 at the protein level of the extra-cellular-matrix-binding protein vinculin and the actin cytoskeleton. SEM images revealed that the osteoblasts and fibroblasts on the PEEK surfaces had adhesion characteristics comparable to those of titanium. The osteoblasts contracted under LPS incubation and a significantly increased LBP gene expression were detected. This was discernible at the protein level on all the materials. Whereas no increase of TLR4 was detected with regard to mRNA concentrations, a considerable increase in the antibody reaction was detected on all the materials. As is the case with titanium, the colonisation of human osteoblasts and fibroblasts on PEEK samples is possible under pro-inflammatory environmental conditions and the cellular inflammation behaviour towards PEEK is lower than that of titanium.
Neuromorphic Spiking Neural Networks and Their Memristor-CMOS Hardware Implementations
Authors: Camuñas-Mesa Luis , Linares-Barranco Bernabé , Serrano-Gotarredona Teresa
Published: August 2019

Inspired by biology, neuromorphic systems have been trying to emulate the human brain for decades, taking advantage of its massive parallelism and sparse information coding. Recently, several large-scale hardware projects have demonstrated the outstanding capabilities of this paradigm for applications related to sensory information processing. These systems allow for the implementation of massive neural networks with millions of neurons and billions of synapses. However, the realization of learning strategies in these systems consumes an important proportion of resources in terms of area and power. The recent development of nanoscale memristors that can be integrated with Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor (CMOS) technology opens a very promising solution to emulate the behavior of biological synapses. Therefore, hybrid memristor-CMOS approaches have been proposed to implement large-scale neural networks with learning capabilities, offering a scalable and lower-cost alternative to existing CMOS systems.
Solvent and HEMA Increase Adhesive Toxicity and Cytokine Release from Dental Pulp Cells
Authors: Massaro Helder , Zambelli Lígia , Britto Auriléia , Vieira Rodolfo , Ligeiro-de-Oliveira Ana , Andia Denise , Oliveira Marcelo , Lima Adriano
Published: August 2019

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the hydroxyethyl-methacrylate (HEMA) concentration and solvent content of dental adhesives on cell viability and cytokine (IL-1b, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) release by human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). HDPCs were obtained from fresh extracted human third molars. Experimental adhesives were prepared containing different concentrations of HEMA (0%, 10%, and 20%) with and without solvent (ethanol 10%). Cylindrical specimens were immersed on culture medium during 24 h to obtain the extracts. The cells were incubated with extracts (culture medium + components leached from the adhesives) of different adhesives, and cell viability and cytokine release were evaluated after 6 and 24 h of exposure. Adhesives containing HEMA promoted high cell viability reduction after 6 h of exposure; but after 24 h, the results were similar to the ones found among control group cells. These effects on cell viability were prominently increased with the addition of solvent. Although IL-1b release was not affected by exposure to eluates, other cytokines (IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α) were modulated by the different experiment conditions, directly influenced by the HEMA concentration and presence of solvent. Higher HEMA concentrations, combined with the presence of solvent, can promote significant reduction on HDPC viability, increasing the release of anti- and pro-inflammatory mediators.
Influence of Shot Peening Treatment in Erosion Wear Behavior of High Chromium White Cast Iron
Authors: González Juan , Peral Luis Borja , Zafra Alfredo , Fernández-Pariente Inés
Published: August 2019

High alloy white cast irons (WCI) play an important role in many industrial fields such as mining, cement industry, or grinding due to their high hardness and wear resistance. In all these processes, white cast iron components must work under erosion and abrasion conditions. Many investigations have been carried out with the aim of improving the mechanical properties of this type of alloys. Wear resistance depends on the mechanical properties, mainly hardness. Thus, the WCI are typically heat treated in order to modify its microstructure, improving its tribological and wear behavior. The aim of this study is to propose a mechanical surface treatment, shot peening, as an alternative to global heat treatments, due to its capacity to induce phase transformation and microstructural modification, at the same time that it improves the mechanical properties of materials. Characterization of different treated samples was performed by means of microstructural characterization, X-ray diffraction analysis, SEM observation, hardness and roughness measurements, and erosion tests. The results show that shot peening treatment is able to transform residual austenite and increase hardness in the top surface layer of the material. Both effects contribute to improve the erosion wear behavior of the WCI.
Investigation of Mechanical Tests for Hydrogen Embrittlement in Automotive PHS Steels
Authors: Valentini Renzo , Tedesco Michele Maria , Corsinovi Serena , Bacchi Linda , Villa Michele
Published: August 2019

The problem of hydrogen embrittlement in ultra-high-strength steels is well known. In this study, slow strain rate, four-point bending, and permeation tests were performed with the aim of characterizing innovative materials with an ultimate tensile strength higher than 1000 MPa. Hydrogen uptake, in the case of automotive components, can take place in many phases of the manufacturing process: during hot stamping, due to the presence of moisture in the furnace atmosphere, high-temperature dissociation giving rise to atomic hydrogen, or also during electrochemical treatments such as cataphoresis. Moreover, possible corrosive phenomena could be a source of hydrogen during an automobile’s life. This series of tests was performed here in order to characterize two press-hardened steels (PHS)—USIBOR 1500® and USIBOR 2000®—to establish a correlation between ultimate mechanical properties and critical hydrogen concentration.
Mathematical Model and Verification of Residual Stress Induced by Water Jet Peening
Authors: He Zhanshu , Li Chao , Zhao Shusen , Cui Beibei , Li Dalei , Yu Huixin , Chen Lei , Fu Ting
Published: August 2019

The water jet peening (WJP) technology can induce compressive residual stress (RS) in metal surfaces and, thus, improve the fatigue life of components. In this paper, a mathematical model is proposed for calculating the RS induced by WJP. To validate the proposed mathematical model, experimental and finite element simulation verifications were carried out on Al6061-T6. The distribution of RS along the depth direction, the maximum compressive RS, and the depth of the compressive RS layer were also investigated based on the mathematical model. Results showed that the error of maximum compressive RS between the mathematical model and experiment was within 9% under a jet pressure of 60 MPa, and the error of depth of the compressive RS layer between the mathematical model and experiment was within 13% under a jet diameter of 0.3 mm. Hence, the mathematical model is reliable and accurate. The maximum compressive RS increases with the increase in jet pressure, and the depth of the compressive RS layer approximately linearly increases with the increase in jet diameter.
Spatial Distribution of Wettability in Aluminum Surfaces Treated with an Atmospheric-Pressure Remote-Plasma
Authors: Muñoz José , Rincón Rocío , Calzada María Dolores
Published: August 2019

The use of atmospheric-pressure remote plasmas (postdischarge) sustained in argon and argon–nitrogen for the treatment of aluminum surfaces has been studied to better understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for cleaning and activating the surfaces. The effect of the gas composition, treatment distance, and speed on the hydrophilicity of commercial aluminum samples has been studied using the sessile drop method to build spatial profiles of the treated zones. In the case of argon–nitrogen postdischarges, neither the distance to the plasma end (2 < z < 6 cm) nor the treatment speed (2500 < v < 7500 μm/s) had a significant impact in the spot radius of the treatment, remaining approximately constant around 6–7 mm. This result seems to indicate that the postdischarge experiments a little expansion at the exit of the tube in which the discharge was created but its action can be considered highly-directional. This fact is essential for the possible industrial implementation of the procedure described in this research. These results have been analyzed together with the composition of active species in the postdischarge by using optical emission spectroscopy, revealing that long lived nitrogen species are required to significantly increase the wettability of the aluminum surfaces.
Time-Dependent Anisotropic Wetting Behavior of Deterministic Structures of Different Strut Widths on Ti6Al4V
Authors: Schnell Georg , Jagow Christopher , Springer Armin , Frank Marcus , Seitz Hermann
Published: August 2019

This study investigated the wetting behavior of Ti6Al4V surfaces that were groove-structured by means of femtosecond laser irradiation. The material was treated under ambient air conditions by use of a laser wavelength of 1030 nm and a pulse duration of 300 fs. Highly accurate structures with a gap width of 20 µm, a gap depth of 10 µm, and varying strut widths (1–300 µm) were generated and the contact angles in parallel and perpendicular direction were determined using sessile drop method with ultrapure water 1, 8, and 15 days after irradiation. All deterministic surfaces exhibited a pronounced contact angle change over time. The structures showed a strong anisotropic wetting behavior with a maximum contact angle aspect ratio of 2.47 at a strut width of 40 µm and a maximum difference between the parallel and perpendicular contact angle of 47.9° after 1 day.
Experimental Microwave Complex Conductivity Extraction of Vertically Aligned MWCNT Bundles for Microwave Subwavelength Antenna Design
Authors: Tripon-Canseliet Charlotte , Xavier Stephane , Fu Yifeng , Martinaud Jean-Paul , Ziaei Afshin , Chazelas Jean
Published: August 2019

This paper reports the extraction of electrical impedance at microwave frequencies of vertically aligned multi-wall carbon nanotubes (VA MWCNT) bundles/forests grown on a silicon substrate. Dedicated resonating devices were designed for antenna application, operating around 10 GHz and benefiting from natural inductive/capacitive behavior or complex conductivity in the microwave domain. As obtained from S-parameters measurements, the capacitive and inductive behaviors of VA MWCNT bundles were deduced from device frequency resonance shift.
A 7-Hydroxybenzoxazinone-Containing Fluorescence Turn-On Probe for Biothiols and Its Bioimaging Applications
Authors: Li Bin , Zhang Datong , An Ruibing , Zhu Yaling
Published: August 2019

In this work, a novel 7-hydroxybenzoxazinone-based fluorescent probe (PBD) for the selective sensing of biothiols is reported. Upon treatment with biothiols, PBD shows a strong fluorescence enhancement (up to 70-fold) and a large Stokes shift (155 nm). Meanwhile, this probe exhibits high resistance to interference from other amino acids and competing species. PBD features good linearity ranges with a low detection limit of 14.5 nM for glutathione (GSH), 17.5 nM for cysteine (Cys), and 80.0 nM for homocysteine (Hcy), respectively. Finally, the potential utility of this probe for biothiol sensing in living HeLa cells is demonstrated.
The Influence of Essential Oil Compounds on Antibacterial Activity of Mupirocin-Susceptible and Induced Low-Level Mupirocin-Resistant MRSA Strains
Authors: Kwiatkowski Paweł , Pruss Agata , Wojciuk Bartosz , Dołęgowska Barbara , Wajs-Bonikowska Anna , Sienkiewicz Monika , Mężyńska Monika , Łopusiewicz Łukasz
Published: August 2019

Because of the bacterial drug resistance development, it is reasonable to investigate chemical compounds capable of preventing the spread of resistance to mupirocin (MUP), commonly used in staphylococcal eradication. The objective of the study was to verify the influence of essential oil compounds (EOCs) on the antibacterial activity of MUP against mupirocin-susceptible (MupS) and induced low-level mupirocin-resistant (MupRL) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. The following parameters were examined: MRSAMupS and MRSAMupRL susceptibility to EOCs (1,8-cineole, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, (-)-menthone, linalyl acetate, and trans-anethole), the bacterial cell size distribution, and chemical composition by the use of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies. The MRSAMupS and MRSAMupRL strains were susceptible to all tested EOCs. 1,8-cineole and (-)-menthone showed synergistic activity against MRSAMupS in combination with mupirocin, whereas 1,8-cineole exhibited synergistic activity against MRSAMupRL as well. In-depth analysis showed that both MRSAMupS and MRSAMupRL displayed similar distributions of the bacterial cell size. The FTIR and Raman spectra of the MRSAMupS and MRSAMupRL strains showed differences in some regions. New bands in the MRSAMupRL Raman spectrum were observed. It was concluded that the use of 1,8-cineole in combination with mupirocin can increase the mupirocin activity against the MRSAMupS and MRSAMupRL strains.
Morphology-Tailored Gold Nanoraspberries Based on Seed-Mediated Space-Confined Self-Assembly
Authors: Yu Yan , Xie Yujun , Zeng Pan , Zhang Dai , Liang Rongqing , Wang Wenxing , Ou Qiongrong , Zhang Shuyu
Published: August 2019

Raspberry-like structure, providing a high degree of symmetry and strong interparticle coupling, has received extensive attention from the community of functional material synthesis. Such structure constructed in the nanoscale using gold nanoparticles has broad applicability due to its tunable collective plasmon resonances, while the synthetic process with precise control of the morphology is critical in realizing its target functions. Here, we demonstrate a synthetic strategy of seed-mediated space-confined self-assembly using the virus-like silica (V-SiO2) nanoparticles as the templates, which can yield gold nanoraspberries (AuNRbs) with uniform size and controllable morphology. The spikes on V-SiO2 templates serve dual functions of providing more growth sites for gold nanoseeds and activating the space-confined effect for gold nanoparticles. AuNRbs with wide-range tunability of plasmon resonances from the visible to near infrared (NIR) region have been successfully synthesized, and how their geometric configurations affect their optical properties is thoroughly discussed. The close-packed AuNRbs have also demonstrated huge potential in Raman sensing due to their abundant “built-in” hotspots. This strategy offers a new route towards synthesizing high-quality AuNRbs with the capability of engineering the morphology to achieve target functions, which is highly desirable for a large number of applications.
Efficient, Stable, and Low-Cost PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells with Cr–Ag Electrodes
Authors: Khanam Jobeda J. , Foo Simon Y. , Yu Zhibin , Liu Tianhan , Mao Pengsu
Published: August 2019

PbS quantum dots (QDs) are a promising nanostructured material for solar cells. However, limited works have been done to explore the active layer thickness, layer deposition techniques, stability improvement, and cost reduction for PbS QD solar cells. We address those issues of device fabrication herein and suggest their possible solutions. In our work, to get the maximum current density from a PbS QD solar cell, we estimated the optimized active layer thickness using Matlab simulation. After that, we fabricated a high-performance and low-cost QD photovoltaic (PV) device with the simulated optimized active layer thickness. We implemented this low-cost device using a 10 mg/mL PbS concentration. Here, spin coating and drop-cast layer deposition methods were used and compared. We found that the device prepared by the spin coating method was more efficient than that by the drop cast method. The spin-coated PbS QD solar cell provided 6.5% power conversion efficiency (PCE) for the AM1.5 light spectrum. Besides this, we observed that Cr (chromium) interfaced with the Ag (Cr–Ag) electrode can provide a highly air-stable electrode.
Mode Splitting Induced by Mesoscopic Electron Dynamics in Strongly Coupled Metal Nanoparticles on Dielectric Substrates
Authors: Kluczyk-Korch Katarzyna , Jacak Lucjan , Jacak Witold Aleksander , David Christin
Published: August 2019

We study strong optical coupling of metal nanoparticle arrays with dielectric substrates. Based on the Fermi Golden Rule, the particle–substrate coupling is derived in terms of the photon absorption probability assuming a local dipole field. An increase in photocurrent gain is achieved through the optical coupling. In addition, we describe light-induced, mesoscopic electron dynamics via the nonlocal hydrodynamic theory of charges. At small nanoparticle size (<20 nm), the impact of this type of spatial dispersion becomes sizable. Both absorption and scattering cross sections of the nanoparticle are significantly increased through the contribution of additional nonlocal modes. We observe a splitting of local optical modes spanning several tenths of nanometers. This is a signature of semi-classical, strong optical coupling via the dynamic Stark effect, known as Autler–Townes splitting. The photocurrent generated in this description is increased by up to 2%, which agrees better with recent experiments than compared to identical classical setups with up to 6%. Both, the expressions derived for the particle–substrate coupling and the additional hydrodynamic equation for electrons are integrated into COMSOL for our simulations.
Probing the Field-Effect Transistor with Monolayer MoS2 Prepared by APCVD
Authors: Han Tao , Liu Hongxia , Wang Shulong , Chen Shupeng , Xie Haiwu , Yang Kun
Published: August 2019

The two-dimensional materials can be used as the channel material of transistor, which can further decrease the size of transistor. In this paper, the molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is grown on the SiO2/Si substrate by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD), and the MoS2 is systematically characterized by the high-resolution optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and the field emission scanning electron microscopy, which can confirm that the MoS2 is a monolayer. Then, the monolayer MoS2 is selected as the channel material to complete the fabrication process of the back-gate field effect transistor (FET). Finally, the electrical characteristics of the monolayer MoS2-based FET are tested to obtain the electrical performance. The switching ratio is 103, the field effect mobility is about 0.86 cm2/Vs, the saturation current is 2.75 × 10−7 A/μm, and the lowest gate leakage current is 10−12 A. Besides, the monolayer MoS2 can form the ohmic contact with the Ti/Au metal electrode. Therefore, the electrical performances of monolayer MoS2-based FET are relatively poor, which requires the further optimization of the monolayer MoS2 growth process. Meanwhile, it can provide the guidance for the application of monolayer MoS2-based FETs in the future low-power optoelectronic integrated circuits.
Biomarkers of Micronutrients in Regular Follow-Up for Tyrosinemia Type 1 and Phenylketonuria Patients
Authors: van Vliet Kimber , Rodenburg Iris L. , van Ginkel Willem G. , Lubout Charlotte M.A. , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H.R. , van der Klauw Melanie M. , Heiner-Fokkema M. Rebecca , van Spronsen Francjan J.
Published: August 2019

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is treated with dietary restrictions and sometimes tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). PKU patients are at risk for developing micronutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid, likely due to their diet. Tyrosinemia type 1 (TT1) is similar to PKU in both pathogenesis and treatment. TT1 patients follow a similar diet, but nutritional deficiencies have not been investigated yet. In this retrospective study, biomarkers of micronutrients in TT1 and PKU patients were investigated and outcomes were correlated to dietary intake and anthropometric measurements from regular follow-up measurements from patients attending the outpatient clinic. Data was analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis, Fisher’s exact and Spearman correlation tests. Furthermore, descriptive data were used. Overall, similar results for TT1 and PKU patients (with and without BH4) were observed. In all groups high vitamin B12 concentrations were seen rather than B12 deficiencies. Furthermore, all groups showed biochemical evidence of vitamin D deficiency. This study shows that micronutrients in TT1 and PKU patients are similar and often within the normal ranges and that vitamin D concentrations could be optimized.
Maternal Creatine Supplementation Positively Affects Male Rat Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity in Adult Offspring
Authors: Sartini Stefano , Lattanzi Davide , Di Palma Michael , Savelli David , Eusebi Silvia , Sestili Piero , Cuppini Riccardo , Ambrogini Patrizia
Published: August 2019

Creatine plays a crucial role in developing the brain, so much that its genetic deficiency results in mental dysfunction and cognitive impairments. Moreover, creatine supplementation is currently under investigation as a preventive measure to protect the fetus against oxidative stress during difficult pregnancies. Although creatine use is considered safe, posing minimal risk to clinical health, we found an alteration in morpho-functional maturation of neurons when male rats were exposed to creatine loads during brain development. In particular, increased excitability and enhanced long-term potentiation (LTP) were observed in the hippocampal pyramidal neurons of weaning pups. Since these effects were observed a long time after creatine treatment had been terminated, long-lasting modifications persisting into adulthood were hypothesized. Such modifications were investigated in the present study using morphological, electrophysiological, and calcium imaging techniques applied to hippocampal Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) neurons of adult rats born from dams supplemented with creatine. When compared to age-matched controls, the treated adult offspring were found to retain enhanced neuron excitability and an improved LTP, the best-documented neuronal substrate for memory formation. While translating data from rats to humans does have limitations, our findings suggest that prenatal creatine supplementation could have positive effects on adult cognitive abilities.
Multiple Dimensions of Sweet Taste Perception Altered after Sleep Curtailment
Authors: Szczygiel Edward J. , Cho Sungeun , Tucker Robin M.
Published: August 2019

Short sleep duration increases preferences for high-carbohydrate and high-fat foods. It is unclear if insufficient sleep-induced changes in food preference are mediated by changes in taste perception and if these changes are related to sweetener type (sucrose or sucralose) or sweet liking phenotype. The primary objective of this study was to determine if sleep curtailment results in changes in sweet taste perception after sleep curtailment. Forty participants used a single-channel electroencephalograph to record both a habitual and curtailed night (33% reduction) of sleep at home. The following morning, multiple dimensions of sweet taste perception were measured, including preferred sweetener concentrations, patterns of sweet liking, and intensity perception over a range of concentrations. After curtailment, a significant increase in preferred concentration for both sucrose and sucralose (p < 0.001 for both) was observed. The slope of sucrose sweet liking increased after curtailment (p = 0.001). The slope of sucralose liking also increased, but this was not significant (p = 0.129). Intensity perception of the sweeteners was not altered by curtailment. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify participants by sweet liking phenotype. Phenotypes were found to predict preferred sweetener concentration. These findings illustrate a possible need to control for sleep in food sensory studies and suggest a potential mechanism by which insufficient sleep can lead to excess energy intake.
Design and Implementation of an Integrated Competency-Focused Pharmacy Programme: A Case Report
Authors: Ryan Theo J. , Grimes Tamasine , Henman Martin C. , Sheachnasaigh Eimear Ní , O’Dwyer Máire , Roche Cicely , Ryder Sheila A. , Sasse Astrid , Walsh John J. , D’Arcy Deirdre M.
Published: August 2019

This paper describes the design and implementation of elements of an integrated competency-focused pharmacy programme in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SoPPS), Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Ireland. Following a national review of pharmacy education and training in Ireland in 2010, and subsequent publication of legislation in 2014, the School has implemented a five-year integrated programme of pharmacy education and training, leading to the award of a Master’s degree in Pharmacy (M. Pharm.). Curricular integration has been achieved by underpinning the new programme with a national competency framework for pharmacists and through the utilisation of curricular integration themes. Programme integration also encompasses embedded experiential learning placements in Years 2, 4 and 5 of the five-year programme. The new five-year integrated pharmacy programme, which commenced in 2015, replaced the 4 + 1 model of education and training where a four-year Bachelor’s degree was followed by a one-year internship, which was a distinct and separate element of the students’ training.
Light Intensity Modulates the Efficiency of Virus Seed Transmission through Modifications of Plant Tolerance
Authors: Montes Nuria , Pagán Israel
Published: August 2019

Increased light intensity has been predicted as a major consequence of climate change. Light intensity is a critical resource involved in many plant processes, including the interaction with viruses. A central question to plant–virus interactions is understanding the determinants of virus dispersal among plants. However, very little is known on the effect of environmental factors on virus transmission, particularly through seeds. The fitness of seed-transmitted viruses is highly dependent on host reproductive potential, and requires higher virus multiplication in reproductive organs. Thus, environmental conditions that favor reduced virus virulence without controlling its level of within-plant multiplication (i.e., tolerance) may enhance seed transmission. We tested the hypothesis that light intensity conditions that enhance plant tolerance promote virus seed transmission. To do so, we challenged 18 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions with Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) under high and low light intensity. Results indicated that higher light intensity increased TuMV multiplication and/or plant tolerance, which was associated with more efficient seed transmission. Conversely, higher light intensity reduced plant tolerance and CMV multiplication, and had no effect on seed transmission. This work provides novel insights on how environmental factors modulate plant virus transmission and contributes to understand the underlying processes.
High-Temperature Performance of Polymer-Modified Asphalt Mixes: Preliminary Evaluation of the Usefulness of Standard Technical Index in Polymer-Modified Asphalt
Authors: Yan Kezhen , You Lingyun , Wang Daocheng
Published: August 2019

The objectives of this study are to evaluate the high-temperature performance of polymer-modified asphalt and asphalt mixtures, and to investigate if the standard technical indexes are useful in the performance evaluation of the polymer-modified asphalt. There are four typically used polymer-modified asphalt types employed in the study. The standard high-temperature rheological test, such as the temperature sweep test, was used to express the high-temperature performance of the polymer-modified asphalt. Also, considering the non-Newtonian fluid properties of the polymer-modified asphalt, the multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) and zero-shear viscosity (ZSV) tests were employed for the characterizations. Besides, based on the mixture design of SMA-13, the high temperature of the polymer-modified asphalt mixture was evaluated via Marshall stability and rutting tests. The test results concluded that the ranking of the four kinds of polymer-modified asphalt was different in various laboratory tests. The TB-APAO has the best technical indexes in MSCR and ZSV tests, while the WTR-APAO performed best in the temperature sweep test. In addition, the correlation between the polymer-modified asphalt and the asphalt mixture was very poor. Thus, the present standard technical indexes for the profoundly polymer-modified asphalt mixtures are no longer suitable.
Determine Mesh Size through Monomer Mean-Square Displacement
Authors: Hou Ji-Xuan
Published: August 2019

A dynamic method to determine the main parameter of the tube theory through monomer mean-square displacement is discussed in this paper. The tube step length can be measured from the intersection of the slope- 1 2 line and the slope- 1 4 line in log-log plot, and the tube diameter can be obtained by recording the time at which g 1 data start to leave the slope- 1 2 regime. According to recent simulation data, the ratio of the tube step length to the tube diameter was found to be about 2 for different entangled polymer systems. Since measuring the tube diameter does not require g 1 data to reach the slope- 1 4 regime, this could be the best way to find the entanglement length from microscopic consideration.
Network Analysis of a Membrane-Enriched Brain Proteome across Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Higginbotham Lenora , Dammer Eric , Duong Duc , Modeste Erica , Montine Thomas , Lah James , Levey Allan , Seyfried Nicholas
Published: August 2019

Previous systems-based proteomic approaches have characterized alterations in protein co-expression networks of unfractionated asymptomatic (AsymAD) and symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains. However, it remains unclear how sample fractionation and sub-proteomic analysis influences the organization of these protein networks and their relationship to clinicopathological traits of disease. In this proof-of-concept study, we performed a systems-based sub-proteomic analysis of membrane-enriched post-mortem brain samples from pathology-free control, AsymAD, and AD brains (n = 6 per group). Label-free mass spectrometry based on peptide ion intensity was used to quantify the 18 membrane-enriched fractions. Differential expression and weighted protein co-expression network analysis (WPCNA) were then used to identify and characterize modules of co-expressed proteins most significantly altered between the groups. We identified a total of 27 modules of co-expressed membrane-associated proteins. In contrast to the unfractionated proteome, these networks did not map strongly to cell-type specific markers. Instead, these modules were principally organized by their associations with a wide variety of membrane-bound compartments and organelles. Of these, the mitochondrion was associated with the greatest number of modules, followed by modules linked to the cell surface compartment. In addition, we resolved networks with strong associations to the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and other membrane-bound organelles. A total of 14 of the 27 modules demonstrated significant correlations with clinical and pathological AD phenotypes. These results revealed that the proteins within individual compartments feature a heterogeneous array of AD-associated expression patterns, particularly during the preclinical stages of disease. In conclusion, this systems-based analysis of the membrane-associated AsymAD brain proteome yielded a unique network organization highly linked to cellular compartmentalization. Further study of this membrane-associated proteome may reveal novel insight into the complex pathways governing the earliest stages of disease.
Nash Bargaining Over Margin Loans to Kelly Gamblers
Authors: Garivaltis Alex
Published: August 2019

I derive practical formulas for optimal arrangements between sophisticated stock market investors (continuous-time Kelly gamblers or, more generally, CRRA investors) and the brokers who lend them cash for leveraged bets on a high Sharpe asset (i.e., the market portfolio). Rather than, say, the broker posting a monopoly price for margin loans, the gambler agrees to use a greater quantity of margin debt than he otherwise would in exchange for an interest rate that is lower than the broker would otherwise post. The gambler thereby attains a higher asymptotic capital growth rate and the broker enjoys a greater rate of intermediation profit than would be obtained under non-cooperation. If the threat point represents a complete breakdown of negotiations (resulting in zero margin loans), then we get an elegant rule of thumb: r L * = 3 / 4 r + 1 / 4 ν − σ 2 / 2 , where r is the broker’s cost of funds, ν is the compound-annual growth rate of the market index, and σ is the annual volatility. We show that, regardless of the particular threat point, the gambler will negotiate to size his bets as if he himself could borrow at the broker’s call rate.
RSS Indoor Localization Based on a Single Access Point
Authors: Kokkinis Akis , Kanaris Loizos , Liotta Antonio , Stavrou Stavros
Published: August 2019

This research work investigates how RSS information fusion from a single, multi-antenna access point (AP) can be used to perform device localization in indoor RSS based localization systems. The proposed approach demonstrates that different RSS values can be obtained by carefully modifying each AP antenna orientation and polarization, allowing the generation of unique, low correlation fingerprints, for the area of interest. Each AP antenna can be used to generate a set of fingerprint radiomaps for different antenna orientations and/or polarization. The RSS fingerprints generated from all antennas of the single AP can be then combined to create a multi-layer fingerprint radiomap. In order to select the optimum fingerprint layers in the multilayer radiomap the proposed methodology evaluates the obtained localization accuracy, for each fingerprint radio map combination, for various well-known deterministic and probabilistic algorithms (Weighted k-Nearest-Neighbor—WKNN and Minimum Mean Square Error—MMSE). The optimum candidate multi-layer radiomap is then examined by calculating the correlation level of each fingerprint pair by using the “Tolerance Based—Normal Probability Distribution (TBNPD)” algorithm. Both steps take place during the offline phase, and it is demonstrated that this approach results in selecting the optimum multi-layer fingerprint radiomap combination. The proposed approach can be used to provide localisation services in areas served only by a single AP.
Sensitivity of Vegetation Indices for Estimating Vegetative N Status in Winter Wheat
Authors: Prey Lukas , Schmidhalter Urs
Published: August 2019

Precise sensor-based non-destructive estimation of crop nitrogen (N) status is essential for low-cost, objective optimization of N fertilization, as well as for early estimation of yield potential and N use efficiency. Several studies assessed the performance of spectral vegetation indices (SVI) for winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), often either for conditions of low N status or across a wide range of the target traits N uptake (Nup), N concentration (NC), dry matter biomass (DM), and N nutrition index (NNI). This study aimed at a critical assessment of the estimation ability depending on the level of the target traits. It included seven years’ data with nine measurement dates from early stem elongation until flowering in eight N regimes (0–420 kg N ha−1) for selected SVIs. Tested across years, a pronounced date-specific clustering was found particularly for DM and NC. While for DM, only the R900_970 gave moderate but saturated relationships (R2 = 0.47, p < 0.001) and no index was useful for NC across dates, NNI and Nup could be better estimated (REIP: R2 = 0.59, p < 0.001 for both traits). Tested within growth stages across N levels, the order of the estimation of the traits was mostly Nup ≈ NNI > NC ≈ DM. Depending on the number (n = 1–3) and characteristic of cultivars included, the relationships improved when testing within instead of across cultivars, with the relatively lowest cultivar effect on the estimation of DM and the strongest on NC. For assessing the trait estimation under conditions of high–excessive N fertilization, the range of the target traits was divided into two intervals with NNI values < 0.8 (interval 1: low N status) and with NNI values > 0.8 (interval 2: high N status). Although better estimations were found in interval 1, useful relationships were also obtained in interval 2 from the best indices (DM: R780_740: average R2 = 0.35, RMSE = 567 kg ha−1; NC: REIP: average R2 = 0.40, RMSE = 0.25%; NNI: REIP: average R2 = 0.46, RMSE = 0.10; Nup: REIP: average R2 = 0.48, RMSE = 21 kg N ha−1). While in interval 1, all indices performed rather similarly, the three red edge-based indices were clearly better suited for the three N-related traits. The results are promising for applying SVIs also under conditions of high N status, aiming at detecting and avoiding excessive N use. While in canopies of lower N status, the use of simple NIR/VIS indices may be sufficient without losing much precision, the red edge information appears crucial for conditions of higher N status. These findings can be transferred to the configuration and use of simpler multispectral sensors under conditions of contrasting N status in precision farming.
Self-Powered Portable Electronic Reader for Point-of-Care Amperometric Measurements
Authors: Montes-Cebrián Yaiza , Álvarez-Carulla Albert , Colomer-Farrarons Jordi , Puig-Vidal Manel , Miribel-Català Pere Ll.
Published: August 2019

In this work, we present a self-powered electronic reader (e-reader) for point-of-care diagnostics based on the use of a fuel cell (FC) which works as a power source and as a sensor. The self-powered e-reader extracts the energy from the FC to supply the electronic components concomitantly, while performing the detection of the fuel concentration. The designed electronics rely on straightforward standards for low power consumption, resulting in a robust and low power device without needing an external power source. Besides, the custom electronic instrumentation platform can process and display fuel concentration without requiring any type of laboratory equipment. In this study, we present the electronics system in detail and describe all modules that make up the system. Furthermore, we validate the device’s operation with different emulated FCs and sensors presented in the literature. The e-reader can be adjusted to numerous current ranges up to 3 mA, with a 13 nA resolution and an uncertainty of 1.8%. Besides, it only consumes 900 µW in the low power mode of operation, and it can operate with a minimum voltage of 330 mV. This concept can be extended to a wide range of fields, from biomedical to environmental applications.