bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metformin induces lipid changes on sphingolipid species and oxidized lipids in polycystic ovary syndrome women
Authors: Pradas Irene , Rovira-Llopis Susana , Naudí Alba , Bañuls Celia , Rocha Milagros , Hernandez-Mijares Antonio , Pamplona Reinald , Victor Victor M. , Jové Mariona
Published: November 2019

Metformin is one of the treatments used for PCOS pathology decreasing body weight, plasma androgen, FSH and glucose levels. Unfortunately, there is little known about metformin’s effects on lipid metabolism, a crucial process in PCOS pathology. We have employed a lipidomic approach to explore alterations in the plasma lipid profile of patients with PCOS following metformin treatment. The aim is to offer new insights about the effect of metformin in PCOS patients. Plasma samples were obtained from 27 subjects prior to and following 12 weeks of metformin treatment. A detailed biochemical characterization and lipidomic profile was performed. Metformin reduces BMI, HOMA-IR, FSH and androstenedione and increases DHEA-S but no changes were found in glucose levels after treatment. Multivariate statistics revealed a specific lipidomic signature due to the effect of 12 weeks of metformin treatment in PCOS patients. This signature includes changes in sphingolipid metabolism suggesting a crosstalk between these lipid species and the androgenic metabolism and a decrease in oxidized lipids reinforcing that metformin treatment improves oxidative stress status. Our study confirms the specific effect of metformin in lipid metabolism on women with PCOS after 12 weeks of treatment.
Cannabinoids Exacerbate Alcohol Teratogenesis by a CB1-Hedgehog Interaction
Authors: Fish Eric W. , Murdaugh Laura B. , Zhang Chengjin , Boschen Karen E. , Boa-Amponsem Oswald , Mendoza-Romero Haley N. , Tarpley Michael , Chdid Lhoucine , Mukhopadhyay Somnath , Cole Gregory J. , Williams Kevin P. , Parnell Scott E.
Published: November 2019

We tested whether cannabinoids (CBs) potentiate alcohol-induced birth defects in mice and zebrafish, and explored the underlying pathogenic mechanisms on Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling. The CBs, Δ9-THC, cannabidiol, HU-210, and CP 55,940 caused alcohol-like effects on craniofacial and brain development, phenocopying Shh mutations. Combined exposure to even low doses of alcohol with THC, HU-210, or CP 55,940 caused a greater incidence of birth defects, particularly of the eyes, than did either treatment alone. Consistent with the hypothesis that these defects are caused by deficient Shh, we found that CBs reduced Shh signaling by inhibiting Smoothened (Smo), while Shh mRNA or a CB1 receptor antagonist attenuated CB-induced birth defects. Proximity ligation experiments identified novel CB1-Smo heteromers, suggesting allosteric CB1-Smo interactions. In addition to raising concerns about the safety of cannabinoid and alcohol exposure during early embryonic development, this study establishes a novel link between two distinct signaling pathways and has widespread implications for development, as well as diseases such as addiction and cancer.
Disruption of the mouse Shmt2 gene confers embryonic anaemia via foetal liver-specific metabolomic disorders
Authors: Tani Haruna , Mito Takayuki , Velagapudi Vidya , Ishikawa Kaori , Umehara Moe , Nakada Kazuto , Suomalainen Anu , Hayashi Jun-Ichi
Published: November 2019

In a previous study, we proposed that age-related mitochondrial respiration defects observed in elderly subjects are partially due to age-associated downregulation of nuclear-encoded genes, including serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2), which is involved in mitochondrial one-carbon (1C) metabolism. This assertion is supported by evidence that the disruption of mouse Shmt2 induces mitochondrial respiration defects in mouse embryonic fibroblasts generated from Shmt2-knockout E13.5 embryos experiencing anaemia and lethality. Here, we elucidated the potential mechanisms by which the disruption of this gene induces mitochondrial respiration defects and embryonic anaemia using Shmt2-knockout E13.5 embryos. The livers but not the brains of Shmt2-knockout E13.5 embryos presented mitochondrial respiration defects and growth retardation. Metabolomic profiling revealed that Shmt2 deficiency induced foetal liver-specific downregulation of 1C-metabolic pathways that create taurine and nucleotides required for mitochondrial respiratory function and cell division, respectively, resulting in the manifestation of mitochondrial respiration defects and growth retardation. Given that foetal livers function to produce erythroblasts in mouse embryos, growth retardation in foetal livers directly induced depletion of erythroblasts. By contrast, mitochondrial respiration defects in foetal livers also induced depletion of erythroblasts as a consequence of the inhibition of erythroblast differentiation, resulting in the manifestation of anaemia in Shmt2-knockout E13.5 embryos.
Dynamics of spin and density fluctuations in strongly interacting few-body systems
Authors: Barfknecht Rafael Emilio , Foerster Angela , Zinner Nikolaj Thomas
Published: November 2019

The decoupling of spin and density dynamics is a remarkable feature of quantum one-dimensional many-body systems. In a few-body regime, however, little is known about this phenomenon. To address this problem, we study the time evolution of a small system of strongly interacting fermions after a sudden change in the trapping geometry. We show that, even at the few-body level, the excitation spectrum of this system presents separate signatures of spin and density dynamics. Moreover, we describe the effect of considering additional internal states with SU(N) symmetry, which ultimately leads to the vanishing of spin excitations in a completely balanced system.
Metabolite Profiling and Quantitation of Cucurbitacins in Cucurbitaceae Plants by Liquid Chromatography coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ul Haq Faraz , Ali Arslan , Khan Muhammad Noman , Shah Syed Muhammad Zaki , Kandel Ram Chandra , Aziz Nudrat , Adhikari Achyut , Choudhary M. Iqbal , ur-Rahman Atta- , El-Seedi Hesham R. , Musharraf Syed Ghulam
Published: November 2019

Cucurbitaceae is an important plant family because many of its species are consumed as food, and used in herbal medicines, cosmetics, etc. It comprises annual vines and is rich in various bioactive principles which include the cucurbitacins. These steroidal natural products, derived from the triterpene cucurbitane, are mainly the bitter principles of the family Cucurbitaceae. Their biological activities include anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anti-cancer activities. A total of 10 species belonging to 6 genera of the Cucurbitaceae family along with Cissampelos pareira (Menispermaceae) were included in this study. A comprehensive profiling of certain natural products was developed using HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis and a distribution profile of several major natural products in this family was obtained. A total of 51 natural products were detected in both positive and negative ionization modes, based on accurate masses and fragmentation patterns. Along with this, quantitation of four bioactive cucurbitacins, found in various important plants of the Cucurbitaceae family, was carried out using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) approach on an ion trap mass spectrometer. Cucurbitacin Q was found to be the most abundant in C. pareira, while Citrullus colocynthis contained all four cucurbitacins in abundant quantities. The developed quantitation method is simple, rapid, and reproducible.
Reconstructing Foveola by Foveolar Internal Limiting Membrane Non-Peeling and Tissue Repositioning for Lamellar Hole-Related Epiretinal Proliferation
Authors: Ho Tzyy-Chang , Ho Allen Yi-Lun , Chen Muh-Shy
Published: November 2019

Differences in the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics between lamellar macular hole (LMH) with and without LMH-associated epiretinal proliferation (LHEP) can have surgical implications. This study investigated the effects of treating LHEP by foveolar internal limiting membrane (ILM) non-peeling and epiretinal proliferative (EP) tissue repositioning on visual acuity and foveolar architecture. Consecutive patients with LHEP treated at our institution were enrolled. The eyes were divided into a conventional total ILM peeling group (group 1, n = 11) and a foveolar ILM non-peeling group (group 2, n = 22). In group 2, a doughnut-shaped ILM was peeled, leaving a 400-μm-diameter ILM without elevated margin over the foveola after EP tissue repositioning. The EP tissue was elevated, trimmed, and inverted into the LMH. Postoperatively, the LMH was sealed in all eyes in group 2, with significantly better best-corrected visual acuity (−0.26 vs −0.10 logMAR; p = 0.002). A smaller retinal defect (p = 0.003), a more restored ellipsoid zone (p = 0.002), and a more smooth foveal depression (p < 0.001) were achieved in group 2. Foveolar ILM non-peeling and EP tissue repositioning sealed the LMH, released the tangential traction, and achieved better visual acuity. The presumed foveolar architecture may be reconstructed surgically. LMH with LHEP could have a combined degenerative and tractional mechanism.
Effects of blood lead on coronary artery disease and its risk factors: a Mendelian Randomization study
Authors: Schooling C. Mary , Johnson Glen D. , Grassman Jean
Published: November 2019

Lead is pervasive, although lead exposure has fallen in response to public health efforts. Observationally, lead is positively associated with cardiovascular disease and hypertension. We used separate-sample instrumental variable analysis with genetic instruments (Mendelian randomization) based on 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), from a genome wide association study, strongly (p-value < 5 × 10−6) and independently associated with blood lead. These SNPs were applied to a large extensively genotyped coronary artery disease (CAD) study (cases = <76014, controls = <264785) largely based on CARDIoGRAPMplusC4D 1000 Genomes and the UK Biobank SOFT CAD, to the UK Biobank (n = 361,194) for blood pressure and to the DIAGRAM 1000 genomes diabetes case (n = 26,676)-control (n = 132,532) study. SNP-specific Wald estimates were combined using inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO. Genetically instrumented blood lead was not associated with CAD (odds ratio (OR) 1.01 per effect size of log transformed blood lead, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97, 1.05), blood pressure (systolic −0.18 mmHg, 95% CI −0.44 to 0.08 and diastolic −0.03 mmHg, 95% CI −0.09 to 0.15) or diabetes (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.03) using MR-PRESSO estimates corrected for an outlier SNP (rs550057) from the highly pleiotropic gene ABO. Exogenous lead may have different effects from endogenous lead; nevertheless, this study raises questions about the role of blood lead in CAD.
Risk assessment of Ebola virus disease spreading in Uganda using a two-layer temporal network
Authors: Riad Mahbubul H. , Sekamatte Musa , Ocom Felix , Makumbi Issa , Scoglio Caterina M.
Published: November 2019

Network-based modelling of infectious diseases apply compartmental models on a contact network, which makes the epidemic process crucially dependent on the network structure. For highly contagious diseases such as Ebola virus disease (EVD), interpersonal contact plays the most vital role in human-to-human transmission. Therefore, for accurate representation of EVD spreading, the contact network needs to resemble the reality. Prior research has mainly focused on static networks (only permanent contacts) or activity-driven networks (only temporal contacts) for Ebola spreading. A comprehensive network for EVD spreading should include both these network structures, as there are always some permanent contacts together with temporal contacts. Therefore, we propose a two-layer temporal network for Uganda, which is at risk of an Ebola outbreak from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) epidemic. The network has a permanent layer representing permanent contacts among individuals within the family level, and a data-driven temporal network for human movements motivated by cattle trade, fish trade, or general communications. We propose a Gillespie algorithm with the susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) compartmental model to simulate the evolution of EVD spreading as well as to evaluate the risk throughout our network. As an example, we applied our method to a network consisting of 23 districts along different movement routes in Uganda starting from bordering districts of the DRC to Kampala. Simulation results show that some regions are at higher risk of infection, suggesting some focal points for Ebola preparedness and providing direction to inform interventions in the field. Simulation results also show that decreasing physical contact as well as increasing preventive measures result in a reduction of chances to develop an outbreak. Overall, the main contribution of this paper lies in the novel method for risk assessment, which can be more precise with an increasing volume of accurate data for creating the network model.
IgA nephropathy is associated with elevated urinary mitochondrial DNA copy numbers
Authors: Yu Byung Chul , Cho Nam-Jun , Park Samel , Kim Hyoungnae , Choi Soo Jeong , Kim Jin Kuk , Hwang Seung Duk , Gil Hyo-Wook , Lee Eun Young , Jeon Jin Seok , Noh Hyunjin , Han Dong Cheol , Kim Yon Hee , Jin So-Young , Park Moo Yong , Kwon Soon Hyo
Published: November 2019

Mitochondrial injury plays important roles in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases. However, mitochondrial injury in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) remains largely unexplored. Here, we examined the associations among mitochondrial injury, IgAN, and treatment outcomes. We prospectively enrolled patients with IgAN and age-/sex-matched healthy volunteers (HVs) as controls (n = 31 each). Urinary copy numbers of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes cytochrome-c oxidase-3 (COX3) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit-1 (ND1) were measured. Urinary mtDNA levels were elevated in the IgAN group compared with that in HVs (p < 0.001). Urinary ND1 levels were significantly higher in the low proteinuria group than in the high proteinuria group (p = 0.027). Changes in urinary levels of ND1 and COX3 were positively correlated with changes in proteinuria (p = 0.038 and 0.024, respectively) and inversely correlated with changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.033 and 0.017, respectively) after medical treatment. Mitochondrial injury played important roles in IgAN pathogenesis and may be involved in early-stage glomerular inflammation, prior to pathological changes and increased proteinuria. The correlation between changes in urinary mtDNA and proteinuria suggest that these factors may be promising biomarkers for treatment outcomes in IgAN.
Trpc1 as the Missing Link Between the Bmp and Ca2+ Signalling Pathways During Neural Specification in Amphibians
Authors: Néant Isabelle , Leung Ho Chi , Webb Sarah E. , Miller Andrew L. , Moreau Marc , Leclerc Catherine
Published: November 2019

In amphibians, the inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in the dorsal ectoderm has been proposed to be responsible for the first step of neural specification, called neural induction. We previously demonstrated that in Xenopus laevis embryos, the BMP signalling antagonist, noggin, triggers an influx of Ca2+ through voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs), mainly via CaV1.2, and we showed that this influx constitutes a necessary and sufficient signal for triggering the expression of neural genes. However, the mechanism linking the inhibition of BMP signalling with the activation of LTCCs remained unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the transient receptor potential canonical subfamily member 1, (Trpc1), is an intermediate between BMP receptor type II (BMPRII) and the CaV1.2 channel. We show that noggin induces a physical interaction between BMPRII and Trpc1 channels. This interaction leads to the activation of Trpc1 channels and to an influx of cations, which depolarizes the plasma membrane up to a threshold sufficient to activate Cav1.2. Together, our results demonstrate for the first time that during neural induction, Ca2+ entry through the CaV1.2 channel results from the noggin-induced interaction between Trpc1 and BMPRII.
Reactivation of Notch signaling is required for cardiac valve regeneration
Authors: Kefalos Panagiotis , Agalou Adamantia , Kawakami Koichi , Beis Dimitris
Published: November 2019

Cardiac Valve Disease is one of the most common heart disorders with an emerging epidemic of cardiac valve degeneration due to aging. Zebrafish can regenerate most of their organs, including their heart. We aimed to explore the regenerative potential of cardiac valves and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. We used an inducible, tissue-specific system of chemogenetic ablation and showed that zebrafish can also regenerate their cardiac valves. Upon valvular damage at larval stages, the intracardiac flow pattern becomes reminiscent of the early embryonic stages, exhibiting an increase in the retrograde flow fraction through the atrioventricular canal. As a result of the altered hemodynamics, notch1b and klf2a expression are ectopically upregulated, adopting the expression pattern of earlier developmental stages. We find that Notch signaling is re-activated upon valvular damage both at larval and adult stages and that it is required during the initial regeneration phase of cardiac valves. Our results introduce an animal model of cardiac valve specific ablation and regeneration.
Myofascial trigger points alter the modular control during the execution of a reaching task: a pilot study
Authors: Geri Tommaso , Gizzi Leonardo , Di Marco Anna , Testa Marco
Published: November 2019

Myofascial trigger points (TP) constitute a conundrum in research and clinical practice as their etiopathogenesis is debated. Several studies investigating one or few muscles have shown that both active and latent TP causes an increased muscle activity, however the influence of TP on modular motor control during a reaching task is still unclear. Electromyographic signals, recorded from the muscles of the shoulder girdle and upper arm during a reaching task, were decomposed with Non-Negative Matrix Factorization algorithm. The extracted matrices of motor modules and activation signals were used to label the muscles condition as dominant or non-dominant. The presence of latent and active TP was detected in each muscle with manual examination. Despite a similar muscle activity was observed, we found that muscles with active TP had increased weighting coefficients when labeled in the dominant condition. No influences were found when muscles were in the non-dominant condition. These findings suggest that TP altered the motor control without co-contraction patterns. As a preliminary evidence, the present results suggest that the increased weighting coefficients in presence of TPs are associated with an alteration of the modular motor control without affecting the dimensionality of motor modules for each individual and reciprocal inhibition.
Programming effects of maternal and gestational obesity on offspring metabolism and metabolic inflammation
Authors: Chang E. , Hafner H. , Varghese M. , Griffin C. , Clemente J. , Islam M. , Carlson Z. , Zhu A. , Hak L. , Abrishami S. , Gregg B. , Singer K.
Published: November 2019

With the increasing prevalence of obesity in women of reproductive age there is a need to understand the ramifications of this on offspring. The purpose of this study is to investigate the programming effects of maternal obesity during preconception and the preconception/gestational period on adiposity and adipose tissue inflammation in offspring using an animal model. Adult female C57Bl/6J mice were assigned either normal diet, high fat diet (HFD) prior to pregnancy, or HFD prior to and through pregnancy. Some offspring were maintained on normal diet while others started HFD later in life. Offspring were assessed for body composition and metabolic responses. Lipid storing tissues were evaluated for expansion and inflammation. Male offspring from the preconception group had the greatest weight gain, most subcutaneous adipose tissue, and largest liver mass when introduced to postnatal HFD. Male offspring of the preconception/gestation group had worsened glucose tolerance and an increase in resident (CD11c−) adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) when exposed to postnatal HFD. Female offspring had no significant difference in any parameter between the diet treatment groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that prenatal and pregnancy windows have independent programming effects on offspring. Preconception exposure affects body composition and adiposity while gestation exposure affects metabolism and tissue immune cell phenotypes.
Publisher Correction: Identification of new DNA-associated proteins from Waddlia chondrophila
Authors: de Barsy Marie , Herrgott Lucas , Martin Virginie , Pillonel Trestan , Viollier Patrick H. , Greub Gilbert
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Cucurbit[n]uril-type Receptors: Influence of Building Block Exchange, Deletion, and Augmentation
Authors: Murkli Steven , Isaacs Lyle D.
Published: November 2019

The tight CB[n]·guest binding affinities prompted us to perform mechanistic studies of the CB[n]-forming reaction to enable the creation of new CB[n]-type receptors and assess how the structural changes impacted their molecular recognition properties. Exchanging glycolurils for aromatic walls imparted selectivity toward aromatic cations and UV/Vis and fluorescence activity. Flexible CB[n]-type receptors (e.g., glycoluril oligomers (1–6) and nor-seco-CB[n]) obtained by deletion of CH2 groups) display chiral recognition, homotropic allostery, and metal-ion-promoted folding and maintain high aqueous Ka values. Hexamer 6 is a synthon for (mono)functionalized CB[6] and CB[7] derivatives, which allows a merger of CB[n] with complex systems. For example, CB[7] can be augmented with biotin to create a targeted version of oxaliplatin, dyes for cellular imaging, PEG to non-covalently modify insulin, and appended to metal organic polyhedra to create stimuli-responsive hydrophobic nanospaces. CB[n] can be tailored for biomedical applications (e.g., as a solubilizing excipient for insoluble drugs or as an in vivo reversal agent) by deleting CH2 groups and exchanging glycolurils for o-xylylene walls bearing sulfonate groups to enhance solubility, promote clearance, and enhance binding affinity toward pharmaceuticals. Given the advances in CB[n] synthetic chemistry (Chapters 2, 18, 20), the potential applications of CB[n]-based systems are now virtually unlimited.
Two isomeric and distinguishable H2S fluorescence probes for monitoring spoilage of eggs and visualizing exogenous and endogenous H2S in living cells
Authors: He Yuqian , Zhao Bing , Kan Wei , Ding Limin , Yu Zhaochuan , Wang Mingyue , Song Bo , Wang Liyan
Published: November 2019

Accurate fabrication of fluorescence probes to efficiently monitor and detect H2S levels in the fields of foodstuffs and physiology is crucial.
Silica-polydopamine hybrids as light-induced oxidase mimics for colorimetric detection of pyrophosphate
Authors: Lin Zhen , Luo Shu , Xu Dafen , Liu Shijun , Wu Namei , Yao Wensong , Zhang Xiaomin , Zheng Linlin , Lin Xinhua
Published: November 2019

Fluorescent silica-polydopamine hybrids have the light-induced oxidase-mimicking activity. The activity was quenched by Cu2+and recovered by pyrophosphate ion (PPi), based on which, a colorimetric PPi detection method was established.
Development of a novel UHPLC-UV combined with UHPLC-QTOF/MS fingerprint method for the comprehensive evaluation of Nao-Luo-Xin-Tong: multi-wavelength setting based on traditional Chinese medicinal prescription composition
Authors: Wang Lina , Wang Yanling , Tong Guangyun , Li Yu , Lei Mengnan , Wu Huan , Wang Bin , Hu Rongfeng
Published: November 2019

UHPLC fingerprint profiles based on four characteristic wavelengths and thirty-six common peaks were established for comprehensive evaluation of NLXTD.
3D spheroids generated on carbon nanotube-functionalized fibrous scaffolds for drug metabolism and toxicity screening
Authors: Wei Jiaojun , Lu Jinfu , Chen Maohua , Xie Songzhi , Wang Tao , Li Xiaohong
Published: November 2019

The mechanical and electrical stimuli have a profound effect on the cellular behavior and function.
Palladium-catalyzed enol/enolate directed oxidative annulation: functionalized naphthofuroquinone synthesis and bioactivity evaluation
Authors: Lv Shuaipeng , Liu Haitao , Kang Jie , Luo Yun , Gong Ting , Dong Zhengqi , Sun Guibo , He Chunnian , Sun Xiaobo , Wang Lei
Published: November 2019

Diverse naphthoquinone-containing heterocycle synthesis has been developed via enol/enolate-directed palladium catalytic processes together with late-stage functionalization and lead compound development.
A high performance tungsten bronze electrode in a mixed electrolyte and applications in supercapacitors
Authors: Sun Zhen , Sang Xiao-Guang , Song Yu , Guo Di , Feng Dong-Yang , Sun Xiaoqi , Liu Xiao-Xia
Published: November 2019

A Na2SO4/H2SO4 mixed electrolyte is demonstrated to provide an excellent potential window and cycle life for a tungsten bronze pseudocapacitive electrode.
Triple hydrogen atom abstraction from Mn–NH3 complexes results in cyclophosphazenium cations
Authors: Cook Brian J. , Johnson Samantha I. , Chambers Geoffrey M. , Kaminsky Werner , Bullock R. Morris
Published: November 2019

All three H atoms of the NH3 ligand of [Mn(depe)2(CO)(NH3)]+ are abstracted by an organic radical, giving a rare cyclophosphazenium cation; computations suggest that insertion of NHx into a Mn–P bond provides a strong thermodynamic driving force.
Divergent synthesis of N-heterocyclic 1,6-enynes through a zinc-catalyzed decarboxylative A3 reaction
Authors: Mao Zhuo-Ya , Liu Yi-Wen , Ma Rui-Jun , Ye Jian-Liang , Si Chang-Mei , Wei Bang-Guo , Lin Guo-Qiang
Published: November 2019

A zinc-catalyzed decarboxylative A3 reaction of cyclic amino acids, α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and terminal alkynes has been developed.
Silver-promoted regioselective [4+2] annulation reaction of indoles with alkenes to construct dihydropyrimidoindolone scaffolds
Authors: Zhang Lin-Bao , Zhu Ming-Hui , Du Wu-Bo , Ni Shao-Fei , Wen Li-Rong , Li Ming
Published: November 2019

An AgI-promoted regioselective [4+2] annulation reaction of indoles with alkenes has been established.
Cooperative enhancement of antibacterial activity of sanguinarine drug through p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene functionalized silver nanoparticles
Authors: Mehra Chahat , Gala Ravisha , Kakatkar Aarti , Kumar Vivekanand , Khurana Raman , Chatterjee Suchandra , Kumar N. Naveen , Barooah Nilotpal , Bhasikuttan Achikanath C. , Mohanty Jyotirmayee
Published: November 2019

The amelioration of antibacterial efficacy along with the reduced minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of sanguinarine (SGR) drug have been demonstrated through the uptake of SGR by p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene functionalized silver nanoparticles.
Fe ions modulated formation of hollow NiFe oxyphosphide spheres with enhanced oxygen evolution performance
Authors: Jia Yu , Cai Wei , Li Xiaoyu , Yu Xin-Yao , Hong Zhanglian
Published: November 2019

Hollow NiFe oxyphosphide spheres are synthesized based on a facile template-engaged strategy with different Fe ions as modulators and exhibit excellent alkaline OER performance.
The hydrophobically-tagged MDM2–p53 interaction inhibitor Nutlin-3a-HT is more potent against tumor cells than Nutlin-3a
Authors: Nietzold Florian , Rubner Stefan , Berg Thorsten
Published: November 2019

The hydrophobically-tagged MDM2–p53-interaction inhibitor Nutlin-3a-HT reduces MDM2 levels upon p53 reactivation, and is more potent against tumor cells than Nutlin-3a.
Hydrophilicity and oxophilicity of the isolated CaMn4O5 cationic cluster modeling inorganic core of the oxygen-evolving complex
Authors: Zhang Yufei , Masuzaki Daigo , Mafuné Fumitaka
Published: November 2019

Isolated CaMn4O5+ was hardly formed in the presence of oxygen, whereas CaMn4O4(OH)2+ was formed stably in the presence of water.
A hyaluronidase/ATP tandem stimuli-responsive supramolecular assembly
Authors: Gao Jie , Yu Huijuan , Chen Fang-Yuan , Hu Xin-Yue , Wang Yuefei , Guo Dong-Sheng
Published: November 2019

We designed a hyaluronidase/ATP tandem stimuli-responsive assembly based on a guanidinium-modified calix[5]arene and eosin Y modified hyaluronic acid.
Pressure-induced metallicity and piezoreductive transition of metal-centres in conductive 2-dimensional metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Le Khoa N. , Hendon Christopher H.
Published: November 2019

The electronic structure of two electrically conductive metal–organic frameworks are dependent on external pressure.
Surface core level BE shifts for CaO(100): insights into physical origins
Authors: Bagus Paul S. , Nelin Connie J. , Levchenko Sergey V. , Zhao Xunhua , Davis Earl M. , Kuhlenbeck Helmut , Freund Hans-Joachim
Published: November 2019

The relationship between the electronic structure of CaO and the binding energies of surface and bulk atoms is examined.
The in situ electrochemical detection of microbubble oscillations during motion through a channel
Authors: Birkin Peter R. , Linfield Steven , Denuault Guy
Published: November 2019

Microbubbles skate over a surface then through a microchannel where they continue to oscillate in response to the sound field.
Driving interference control by side carbon chains in molecular and two-dimensional nano-constrictions
Authors: Kang Dawei , Ju Weiwei , Zhang Shuai , Xia Caijuan
Published: November 2019

Interference pattern modulation by side carbon chains is a general phenomenon, which is demonstrated in a benzene molecular device, a zigzag graphene nanoribbon device and a SiC nanoribbon device.
Dipole reorientation and local density of optical states influence the emission of light-emitting electrochemical cells
Authors: Jiménez-Solano Alberto , Martínez-Sarti Laura , Pertegás Antonio , Lozano Gabriel , Bolink Henk J. , Míguez Hernán
Published: November 2019

The joint effect of dipole reorientation and optical environment of the generation zone in LECs determines both the brightness and the directionality of the device.
Transformations of FCC catalysts and carbonaceous deposits during repeated reaction-regeneration cycles
Authors: Almas Qandeel , Naeem Muhammad Awais , Baldanza Maria Auxiliadora S. , Solomon Jessica , Kenvin Jeffery C. , Müller Christoph R. , Teixeira da Silva Victor , Jones Christopher W. , Sievers Carsten
Published: November 2019

Transformations of an industrial zeolite-based fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst and its coke deposits during regeneration following FCC reactions of a representative refinery stream are investigated.
A triple-triangle cluster derived from a simple tridentate ligand
Authors: Shiga Takuya , Okawa Natsumi , Oshio Hiroki
Published: November 2019

An iron(iii) complex [Fe7] with a corner-shared triple-triangle core structure shaped like a three-leaf clover has S = 19/2 spin ground state.
Molecular squares, coordination polymers and mononuclear complexes supported by 2,4-dipyrazolyl-6H-1,3,5-triazine and 4,6-dipyrazolylpyrimidine ligands
Authors: Capel Berdiell Izar , Farmiloe Sarah E. , Kulmaczewski Rafal , Halcrow Malcolm A.
Published: November 2019

The title compounds include the [BF4⊂{Fe(L)}4(μ-L)4]7+molecular square shown; [Ag4(μ-L)4]4+metallacycles with encapsulated ClO4−or SbF6−ions; and families of iron(ii) and silver(i) coordination polymers.
Synthesis of a dinuclear europium(iii) complex through deprotonation and oxygen-atom transfer of trimethylamine N-oxide
Authors: Li Yangjuan , Chen Xiuting , Gong Yu
Published: November 2019

A dinuclear europium complex was synthesized via unprecedented deprotonation and oxygen-atom transfer of Me3NO.
Anthropogenic gadolinium in lakes and rivers near metrocities in Korea
Authors: Kim Intae , Kim Suk Hyun , Kim Guebuem
Published: November 2019

This study presents that gadolinium (Gd) is noticeably enhanced in the lake and river water near big cities where over 10 million people live, due to the medical use of Gd, such as the Gd-based contrast agents for MRI tests surrounding big cities.
Au–Pd alloy cooperates with covalent triazine frameworks for the catalytic oxidative cleavage of β-O-4 linkages
Authors: Zhao Li , Shi Song , Zhu Guozhi , Liu Meng , Gao Jin , Xu Jie
Published: November 2019

Au–Pd alloy cooperates with CTFs resulting in highly efficient catalytic oxidative C–C/C–O bond cleavage of β-O-4 linkages in lignin.
Virtual screening and experimental validation of eEF2K inhibitors by combining homology modeling, QSAR and molecular docking from FDA approved drugs
Authors: Ye Wen-Ling , Zhang Liu-Xia , Guan Yi-Di , Xue Wei-Wei , Chen Alex F , Cao Qian , Cheng Yan , Cao Dong-Sheng
Published: November 2019

Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF2K), a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, is a potential target for treating cancer.
A Z-scheme ZnIn2S4/Nb2O5 nanocomposite: constructed and used as an efficient bifunctional photocatalyst for H2 evolution and oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Wang Yuwei , Kong Xianggui , Jiang Meihong , Zhang Fazhi , Lei Xiaodong
Published: November 2019

A bifunctional Z-scheme ZnIn2S4/Nb2O5 photocatalyst was fabricated, which can be used both for hydrogen evolution and HMF oxidation.
C–F bond arylation of fluoroarenes catalyzed by Pd0 phosphine complexes: theoretical insight into regioselectivity, reactivity, and prediction of ligands
Authors: Zhong Rong-Lin
Published: November 2019

C3-Regioselective arylation of pentafluorobenzene arises from a lower σ* orbital energy of C3–F that stabilizes the transition state further.
Enhanced osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells on electrospun cellulose nanocrystals/poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofibers on graphene oxide substrates
Authors: Patel Dinesh K. , Seo Yu-Ri , Dutta Sayan Deb , Lim Ki-Taek
Published: November 2019

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have received a great amount of attention to the production of micro/nano-platforms for tissue engineering applications.
Modulating interfacial charge distribution and compatibility boosts high energy density and discharge efficiency of polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang Tao , Guo Mengfan , Jiang Jianyong , Zhang Xueyou , Lin Yuanhua , Nan Ce-Wen , Shen Yang
Published: November 2019

Fluoro-polymer shells concomitantly enhance the energy density and discharge efficiency by active interactions with BTO cores and P(VDF-HFP).
Insight into the active site nature of zeolite H-BEA for liquid phase etherification of isobutylene with ethanol
Authors: Vlasenko Nina V. , Kochkin Yuri N. , Telbiz German M. , Shvets Oleksiy V. , Strizhak Peter E.
Published: November 2019

The active sites of H-BEA zeolites for ETBE synthesis are the weak Brønsted acid sites representing internal silanol groups.
Nanoceria-modified platinum supported on hierarchical zeolites for selective alcohol oxidation
Authors: Ketkaew Marisa , Suttipat Duangkamon , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Witoon Thongthai , Wattanakit Chularat
Published: November 2019

Illustration of Pt/CeO2 supported on hierarchical zeolites promoting the highly selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde.
The effect of size-scale on the kinematics of elastic energy release
Authors: Ilton Mark , Cox S. M. , Egelmeers Thijs , Sutton Gregory P. , Patek S. N. , Crosby Alfred J.
Published: November 2019

The size-scaling of elastically-driven motion is determined using a material that efficiently cycles mechanical energy. The scaling is consistent with the performance of organisms and engineered devices which utilize elastic elements to power motion.
Superlattice assembly by interpolymer complexation
Authors: Horst Nathan , Nayak Srikanth , Wang Wenjie , Mallapragada Surya , Vaknin David , Travesset Alex
Published: November 2019

We present a coarse-grained computational model that describes superlattice assembly via interpolymer complexation.
Droplet leaping governs microstructured surface wetting
Authors: Yada Susumu , Bagheri Shervin , Hansson Jonas , Do-Quang Minh , Lundell Fredrik , van der Wijngaart Wouter , Amberg Gustav
Published: November 2019

Microstructured surfaces that control the direction of liquid transport are not only ubiquitous in nature, but they are also central to technological processes such as fog/water harvesting, oil–water separation, and surface lubrication.
Ultrathin nickel hydroxide nanosheets with a porous structure for efficient electrocatalytic urea oxidation
Authors: Yang Wenlong , Yang Xianpeng , Li Bijun , Lin Jiehua , Gao Hongtao , Hou Changmin , Luo Xiliang
Published: November 2019

Porous β-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets with ultrathin thickness are prepared through a microwave-assisted synthesis strategy and used as a platform to promote the electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction.
Direct emission from quartet excited states triggered by upconversion phenomena in solid-phase synthesized fluorescent lead-free organic–inorganic hybrid compounds
Authors: Jana Atanu , Zhumagali Shynggys , Ba Qiankai , Nissimagoudar Arun S. , Kim Kwang S.
Published: November 2019

We report, for the first time, the solid-phase gram-scale synthesis of two lead-free, zero-dimensional (0D) fluorescent organic–inorganic hybrid compounds, [Bu4N]2[MnBr4] (1) and [Ph4P]2[MnBr4] (2).
Preparation of Fe–N–C catalysts with FeNx (x = 1, 3, 4) active sites and comparison of their activities for the oxygen reduction reaction and performances in proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Li Yongcheng , Liu Xiaofang , Zheng Lirong , Shang Jiaxiang , Wan Xin , Hu Riming , Guo Xu , Hong Song , Shui Jianglan
Published: November 2019

The active sites of Fe–N–C catalysts are nitrogen coordinated iron atoms, FeNx(x = 1–5), that have five possible coordination numbers, corresponding to different ORR activities and PEMFC performances.
A Setaria-inflorescence-structured catalyst based on nickel–cobalt wrapped silver nanowire conductive networks for highly efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhou Kailing , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Zelin , Wang Changhao , Han Changbao , Ke Xiaoxing , Zheng Zilong , Wang Hao , Liu Jingbing , Yan Hui
Published: November 2019

A Setaria-inflorescence-structured catalytic system with unique structural features and strong intrinsic dynamics is developed for highly efficient hydrogen evolution.
Unveiling the role of tetragonal BiVO4 as a mediator for dual phase BiVO4/g-C3N4 composite photocatalysts enabling highly efficient water oxidation via Z-scheme charge transfer
Authors: Kong Hyung Jun , Kim Keon-Han , Kim Sangjun , Lee Heebin , Kang Jeung Ku
Published: November 2019

We present the dual phase photocatalysts enabling 3-fold longer charge carrier lifetime and 3-fold enhanced photocatalytic water oxidation by integrating a tetragonal zircon-type BiVO4 as an electron mediator for Z-scheme charge transfer.
Coherent acoustic phonons and ultrafast carrier dynamics in hetero-epitaxial BaTiO3–BiFeO3 films and nanorods
Authors: Mudiyanselage Rathsara R. H. H. , Magill Brenden A. , Burton John , Miller Moira , Spencer Joseph , McMillan Kiara , Khodaparast Giti A. , Kang Han Byul , Kang Min Gyu , Maurya Deepam , Priya Shashank , Holleman Jade , McGill Steve , Stanton Christohper J.
Published: November 2019

The desire for multifunctional devices has driven significant research toward exploring multiferroics, where the coupling between electric, magnetic, optical, and structural order parameters can provide new functionality.
Electrospinning-induced elastomeric properties of conjugated polymers for extremely stretchable nanofibers and rubbery optoelectronics
Authors: Chen Jung-Yao , Hsieh Hui-Ching , Chiu Yu-Cheng , Lee Wen-Ya , Hung Chih-Chien , Chueh Chu-Chen , Chen Wen-Chang
Published: November 2019

A universal method for lowering the intrinsic modulus of conjugated polymers has been realized through an electrospinning technique.
Optical sensing in condition monitoring of gas insulated apparatus: a review
Authors: Zhou Hong‐yang , Ma Guo‐ming , Wang Yuan , Qin Wei‐qi , Jiang Jun , Yan Chao , Li Cheng‐rong
Published: November 2019

Health monitoring of gas insulated apparatus is critical to improve the reliability and to reduce the life cycle cost. Among the various methods for monitoring, optical sensing developed fast in recent years due to their highly sensitive and anti‐electromagnetic interference behaviour. This study reviews the optical monitoring methods for partial discharge, gas concentration and temperature of gas insulted apparatus. In addition, the challenges of sensor development are carefully discussed here. The future prospects of optical monitoring of gas insulated apparatus are also analysed to inspire new ideas.
Distributed load management scheme to increase PV hosting capacity in LV feeders
Authors: Mahroo‐Bakhtiari Reza , Izadi Milad , Safdarian Amir , Lehtonen Matti
Published: November 2019

Proliferation of photovoltaic (PV) panels may cause voltage increases in low voltage (LV) distribution feeders. This issue confines PV hosting capacity of the feeders. To overcome this issue and enable higher PV hosting capacity, a model to manage the operation cycles of the domestic electric water heater and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning loads in order to avoid the voltage rise, thereby increasing PV hosting capacity in LV feeders is presented in this study. The model respects users’ thermal comfort by setting the associated temperatures within allowed ranges. To preserve customers’ privacy, the presented model is then decomposed into a master problem and several sub‐problems using the Dantzig–Wolfe decomposition algorithm. Thereafter, an effective scheme is designed to solve the decomposed problem in a distributed fashion. In the scheme, the master problem is solved by the system‐wide module and the sub‐problems are solved by house‐wide modules. The problems are all in linear format which can be easily solved with affordable computation. Importantly, the proposed model can reach the optimal solution while minimal data is shared between houses and control centre.
Enhancement of distribution network performance in the presence of uncertain parameters
Authors: Pakdel Danial , Ramezani Maryam
Published: November 2019

In distribution networks, different methods are used to reduce power loss, improve voltage profile, and release the capacity of lines. Among them, methods related to capacitor placement and conductor selection have common objectives and can result in significant improvements in distribution networks if implemented simultaneously. By using these methods, in addition to achieving the abovementioned objectives, the load supply capability of distribution networks, which indicates the amount of allowable increase in load, can also be improved. In this study, optimisation algorithms are implemented to solve optimal capacitor placement and conductor selection in a radial distribution network including renewable power generations. These algorithms consider different goals such as improving load supply capability. Furthermore, due to the existence of uncertainties such as load variations and fluctuations in output power, a probabilistic evaluation needs to be performed on the distribution network. To do so, the probabilistic and efficient approach of spherical unscented transformation is used. The most important feature of this approach is that it takes the correlation between the random input variables of the problem into consideration. The results of this probabilistic evaluation are used for conductor selection and capacitor placement by means of a radial 30‐bus distribution network.
Peculiarities of soft gamma-radiation variations in the atmosphere
Authors: Germanenko Aleksei , Mikhalko Evgenya , Maurchev Evgeny , Gvozdevsky Boris , Yankovsky Igor
Published: November 2019

Soft gamma-radiation (20-400 keV) arriving from the atmosphere is being monitored by Polar Geophysical Institute (PGI), Apatity, Russia, at several stations located between Spitsbergen and the Causases. In Apatity and Spitsbergen, it has been carried out for ten years already. Detectors of the same type with output integral channels > 20 keV and > 100 keV are used. All the stations record increases in the gammaradiation flux, which are sometimes as high as 100%. These increases occur all the year round, in winter and summer and are recorded at all the stations. A great database on these increases has been used to analyze their characteristics. The detector used in Apatity, is integrated into a complex set carrying out monitoring over the main components of the secondary cosmic rays. According to the earlier experiments, no radioactive contamination has been found in precipitation. The integral and differential data have been analyzed to reveal the peculiarities of the phenomenon studied.
Interaction of electromagnetic waves in an ice layer
Authors: Korochentsev Vladimir , Xue Wei , Shabanov Gennadiy , Em Artem , Shpak Yuliya
Published: November 2019

A mathematical model for spherical wave propagation near an ice layer has been developed. The proposed mathematical model is based on the directed Green’s functions with boundary conditions with irregular angles. Based on the suggested model, we analyzed a field of a point directed source radiating electromagnetic waves in two cases: the source is in the air and is radiating waves along the marine ice surface; the source is in the ice layer and radiating waves. Results of the modeling for different frequencies and different ice thickness are described. It was shown that wave amplitude increases by about two times inside the ice if compared to free space. Electromagnetic wave propagating along marine ice surface increases by 50% compared to the wave propagating in free space.
Results of atmospheric-lithospheric observations of acoustic radiation in Kamchatka
Authors: Larionov Igor , Marapulets Yuriy , Mishchenko Mikhail
Published: November 2019

Simultaneous atomspheric-lithospheric acoustic observations have been carried out during autumn-spring periods of 2017-2019 in Kamchatka at “Karymshina” observation site located in the zone of different-rank tectonic faults. A laser strainmeter-interferometer, a seismoacoustic receiver and a microbarometer were installed to realize the observations. It was detected that during deformation disturbances, geoacoustic signals are generated in rocks with relative deformations of 10-5 – 10-7 at the place of recording. These signals pass the Earth-atmosphere boundary and are recorded in the air by the ground surface.
Structural features of complex hydrochemical systems
Authors: Shevtsova Olga
Published: November 2019

The set of non-conservative hydrochemical parameters is considered as a complex system, which displays collective behavior. It is found that the collective behavior is described by the power relation between the time variability (the standard deviations) and the average concentrations of different hydrochemical parameters in the scale range 100 – 0:0001 mg/kg. The exponent can be 0:7 – 0:9. Power law scaling is the mathematical expression of self similarity and fractality. The complex systems of nonconservative chemical parameters have a structure that can be characterized by exponent, normalization coefficient, standard error, correlation coefficient, and by sharp deviations of the individual parameters from the regression line and from the most probable average and standard deviation values, if any. It is shown with specific examples that changes in the hydrochemical systems structure are the result of the manifestation of biogeochemical processes and the dynamics of water. Regression analysis of collective behavior of complex hydrochemical systems is one of the examples of the use of modern information technologies based on the methods of system analysis.
Estimation of the power of geoacoustic emission sources registered in Mikizha Lake, Kamchatka region
Authors: Shcherbina Albert , Solodchuk Alexandra
Published: November 2019

A method for estimating the power of geoacoustic emission sources recorded by a combined hydroacoustic receiver in Mikizha lake (Kamchatka region) is proposed. The results of the method application at different stages of seismic activity are presented.