bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of n,γ-irradiation on organic complexes of rare earth metals
Authors: Balashova Tatyana V. , Obolensky Sergey V. , Trufanov Alexey N. , Ivin Mikhail N. , Ilichev Vasily A. , Kukinov Andrey A. , Baranov Eugeny V. , Fukin Georgy K. , Bochkarev Mikhail N.
Published: September 2019

The complexes of La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb and Yb with benzoxazolyl-phenolate, benzothiazolyl-phenolate, benzoxazolyl-naphtholate, benzothiazolyl-naphtholate and 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedione ligands were treated with n,γ-irradiation upon a sustained (45 h, absorbed dose of 120 krad, flux of neutrons 5·1013 n/cm2) and a pulse mode (3 ms, absorbed dose of 130 krad, flux of neutrons 3.6·1013 n/cm2). It was found that main characteristics of the compounds (shape of substance, color, IR absorption and photoluminescent spectra) have not changed. With an example of cerium complex [Ce(OON)3]2 it was revealed that the molecular structure of compounds after strong pulse irradiation also does not changed. However, computer simulations of neutron exposure on the same complexes showed significant shift of metal atoms and ligands. Possible reasons for the detected discrepancy between experimental and calculated data are discussed.
Modification of spintronic terahertz emitter performance through defect engineering
Authors: Nenno Dennis M. , Scheuer Laura , Sokoluk Dominik , Keller Sascha , Torosyan Garik , Brodyanski Alexander , Lösch Jörg , Battiato Marco , Rahm Marco , Binder Rolf H. , Schneider Hans C. , Beigang René , Papaioannou Evangelos Th.
Published: September 2019

Spintronic ferromagnetic/non-magnetic heterostructures are novel sources for the generation of THz radiation based on spin-to-charge conversion in the layers. The key technological and scientific challenge of THz spintronic emitters is to increase their intensity and frequency bandwidth. Our work reveals the factors to engineer spintronic Terahertz generation by introducing the scattering lifetime and the interface transmission for spin polarized, non-equilibrium electrons. We clarify the influence of the electron-defect scattering lifetime on the spectral shape and the interface transmission on the THz amplitude, and how this is linked to structural defects of bilayer emitters. The results of our study define a roadmap of the properties of emitted as well as detected THz-pulse shapes and spectra that is essential for future applications of metallic spintronic THz emitters.
Lead immobilization assisted by fungal decomposition of organophosphate under various pH values
Authors: Zhang Lin , Song Xinwei , Shao Xiaoqing , Wu Yiling , Zhang Xinyu , Wang Shimei , Pan Jianjun , Hu Shuijin , Li Zhen
Published: September 2019

Organic phosphates (OP) account for approximately 30–90% of total soil P. However, it is too stable to be utilized by plants as available P source. Aspergillus niger (A. niger) has considerable ability to secret phytase to decompose OP. Meanwhile, mineralization of lead (Pb) is efficient to achieve its remediation. This study hence investigated Pb immobilization by A. niger assisted decomposition of OP under variable acidic environments. A. niger can survive in the acidic environment as low as pH = 1.5. However, alternation of environmental pH within 3.5–6.5 significantly changed fungal phytase secretion. In particular, weakly acidic stimulation (pH of ~5.5) increased phytase activity secreted by A. niger to 0.075 µmol/min/mL, hence elevating P release to a maximal concentration of ~20 mg/L. After Pb addition, ATR-IR and TEM results demonstrated the formation of abundant chloropyromorphite [Pb5(PO4)3Cl] mineral on the surface of mycelium at pH = 5.5. Anglesite, with a higher solubility than pyromorphite, was precipitated massively in other treatments with pH lower or higher than 5.5. This study elucidated the great potential of applying OP for Pb immobilization in contaminated water.
Thermal properties of thin films made from MoS2 nanoflakes and probed via statistical optothermal Raman method
Authors: Gertych Arkadiusz P. , Łapińska Anna , Czerniak-Łosiewicz Karolina , Dużyńska Anna , Zdrojek Mariusz , Judek Jarosław
Published: September 2019

A deep understanding of the thermal properties of 2D materials is crucial to their implementation in electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this study, we investigated the macroscopic in-plane thermal conductivity (κ) and thermal interface conductance (g) of large-area (mm2) thin film made from MoS2nanoflakes via liquid exfoliation and deposited on Si/SiO2substrate. We found κ and g to be 1.5 W/mK and 0.23 MW/m2K, respectively. These values are much lower than those of single flakes. This difference shows the effects of interconnections between individual flakes on macroscopic thin film parameters. The properties of a Gaussian laser beam and statistical optothermal Raman mapping were used to obtain sample parameters and significantly improve measurement accuracy. This work demonstrates how to address crucial stability issues in light-sensitive materials and can be used to understand heat management in MoS2and other 2D flake-based thin films.
Elusive super-hard B6C accessible through the laser-floating zone method
Authors: Moshtaghioun Bibi Malmal , Cumbrera Francisco L. , Gómez-García Diego , Peña Jose I.
Published: September 2019

Boron carbide is among the most promising ceramic materials nowadays: their mechanical properties are outstanding, and they open potential critical applications in near future. Since sinterability is the most critical drawback to this goal, innovative and competitive sintering procedures are attractive research topics in the science and technology of this carbide. This work reports the pioneer use of the laser-floating zone technique with this carbide. Crystallographic, microstructural and mechanical characterization of the so-prepared samples is carefully analysed. One unexpected output is the fabrication of a B6C composite when critical conditions of growth rate are adopted. Since this is one of the hardest materials in Nature and it is achievable only under extremely high pressures and temperatures in hot-pressing, the use of this technique offers a promising alternative for the fabrication. Hardness and elastic modulus of this material reached to 52 GPa and 600 GPa respectively, which is close to theoretical predictions reported in literature.
Touchscreen typing pattern analysis for remote detection of the depressive tendency
Authors: Mastoras Rafail-Evangelos , Iakovakis Dimitrios , Hadjidimitriou Stelios , Charisis Vasileios , Kassie Seada , Alsaadi Taoufik , Khandoker Ahsan , Hadjileontiadis Leontios J.
Published: September 2019

Depressive disorder (DD) is a mental illness affecting more than 300 million people worldwide, whereas social stigma and subtle, variant symptoms impede diagnosis. Psychomotor retardation is a common component of DD with a negative impact on motor function, usually reflected on patients’ routine activities, including, nowadays, their interaction with mobile devices. Therefore, such interactions constitute an enticing source of information towards unsupervised screening for DD symptoms in daily life. In this vein, this paper proposes a machine learning-based method for discriminating between subjects with depressive tendency and healthy controls, as denoted by self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) compound scores, based on typing patterns captured in-the-wild. The latter consisted of keystroke timing sequences and typing metadata, passively collected during natural typing on touchscreen smartphones by 11/14 subjects with/without depressive tendency. Statistical features were extracted and tested in univariate and multivariate classification pipelines to reach a decision on subjects’ status. The best-performing pipeline achieved an AUC = 0.89 (0.72–1.00; 95% Confidence Interval) and 0.82/0.86 sensitivity/specificity, with the outputted probabilities significantly correlating (>0.60) with the respective PHQ-9 scores. This work adds to the findings of previous research associating typing patterns with psycho-motor impairment and contributes to the development of an unobtrusive, high-frequency monitoring of depressive tendency in everyday living.
FGF5 methylation is a sensitivity marker of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma to definitive chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Iwabu Jun , Yamashita Satoshi , Takeshima Hideyuki , Kishino Takayoshi , Takahashi Takamasa , Oda Ichiro , Koyanagi Kazuo , Igaki Hiroyasu , Tachimori Yuji , Daiko Hiroyuki , Nakazato Hidetsugu , Nishiyama Kazuhiro , Lee Yi-Chia , Hanazaki Kazuhiro , Ushijima Toshikazu
Published: September 2019

Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) is the major treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and prediction of the response to dCRT is important so as not to miss an opportunity to cure an ESCC. Nevertheless, few validated markers are available. Here, we aimed to identify a highly reproducible marker using multi-layer omics analysis. 117 ESCC samples from 67 responders and 50 non-responders were divided into screening, validation, and re-validation sets. In the screening cohort (n = 41), somatic mutations in 114 genes showed no association with dCRT response. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis using Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array identified four genic regions significantly associated with dCRT response. Among them, FGF5 methylation was validated to be associated with dCRT response (n = 34; P = 0.001), and further re-validated (n = 42; P = 0.020) by bisulfite-pyrosequencing. The sensitivity and specificity in the combined validation and re-validation sets (n = 76) were 45% and 90%, respectively, by using the cut-off value established in the screening set, and FGF5 methylation had predictive power independent from clinicopathological parameters. In ESCC cell lines, FGF5 promoter methylation repressed its expression. FGF5 expression was induced by cisplatin (CDDP) treatment in three unmethylated cell lines, but not in two methylated cell lines. Exogenous FGF5 overexpression in a cell line with its methylation conferred resistance to CDDP. In non-cancerous esophageal tissues, FGF5 was not expressed, and its methylation was present in a small fraction of cells. These results showed that FGF5 methylation is a validated marker for ESCC sensitivity to dCRT.
Prediction of MAYV peptide antigens for immunodiagnostic tests by immunoinformatics and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Rodrigues Roger Luiz , Menezes Gabriela De Lima , Saivish Marielena Vogel , Costa Vivaldo Gomes Da , Pereira Maristela , Moreli Marcos Lázaro , Silva Roosevelt Alves Da
Published: September 2019

The Mayaro virus is endemic to South America, and the possible involvement of Aedes spp. mosquitoes in its transmission is a risk factor for outbreaks of greater proportions. The virus causes a potentially disabling illness known as Mayaro fever, which is similar to that caused by the chikungunya virus. The cocirculation of both viruses, with their clinical and structural similarities, and the absence of prophylactic and therapeutic measures highlight the need for studies that seek to understand the Mayaro virus. Using approaches in silico, we identified an antigenic and specific epitope (p_MAYV4) in domain A of the E2 glycoprotein of the Mayaro virus. This epitope was theoretically predicted to be stable and exposed on the surface of the protein, where it showed key properties that enable its interaction with neutralizing antibodies. These characteristics make it an interesting target for the development of immunodiagnostic platforms. Molecular dynamics simulation-based structural analysis showed that the PHE95 residue in the E1 fusion loop region is conserved among Alphavirus family members. PHE95 interacts with the hydrophobic residues of the E2 glycoprotein to form a cage-shaped structure that is critical to assemble and stabilize the E1/E2 heterodimer. These results provide important insights useful for the advancement of diagnostic platforms and the study of therapeutic alternatives.
Tunable subwavelength ultrasound focusing in mesoscale spherical lenses using liquid mixtures
Authors: Pérez-López Sergio , Fuster José Miguel , Minin Igor V. , Minin Oleg V. , Candelas Pilar
Published: September 2019

In this work, we present a configurable spherical lens for underwater focusing applications, which consists on a hollow ABS container filled with a liquid mixture. Two miscible liquids with different sound speeds are required to implement this novel configurable lens. We show that by adjusting the mixing ratio between the volumes of both liquids, the sound speed of the liquid mixture can be accurately selected. This results in a modification of the acoustic jet properties and a continuous tuning on the lens focal length. This procedure can be fully automatized providing a dynamic control mechanism that can shift the lens focal length to any desired value inside a continuous range in both directions. Depending on the acoustic properties of the selected liquids, subwavelength resolution or even beyond the diffraction limit resolution can be achieved. We provide experimental measurements for ethanol-water mixtures achieving subwavelength resolution for a certain focal length ranging between 34.6 and 42.8 mm.
On–off switching of cell cycle and melanogenesis regulation of melanocytes by non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma-activated medium
Authors: Lee Jin-Woo , Han Se Jik , Kang Hye Young , Wi Sung-Suk , Jung Min-Hyung , Kim Kyung Sook
Published: September 2019

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure (NAP) plasma has demonstrated potential in biomedical applications, such as cancer treatment, bactericidal sterilization, and cell growth promotion or inhibition. In this study, for the first time, we demonstrated on–off switching of cell cycle progression and regulated melanogenesis in normal human skin melanocytes by NAP plasma-activated medium (PAM). The melanocytes were exposed to NAP plasma at durations varying from 0 to 20 min, and the effects of PAM on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and melanogenesis were investigated. Although PAM showed no cytotoxicity, the proliferation of melanocytes was inhibited. The melanocyte cell cycle was arrested by PAM for a relatively short period (48 h), after which it recovered slowly. PAM promoted melanogenesis through the activation of the enzymes tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1, and tyrosinase-related protein-2. These effects seem to be related to reactive oxygen species induced by PAM. Our finding that PAM modulates the cell cycle may provide insight into the recurrence of cancer. The regulation of the melanogenesis of melanocytes may facilitate the control of skin tone without incurring negative side effects.
Transgenerational inheritance of shuffled symbiont communities in the coral Montipora digitata
Authors: Quigley Kate M. , Willis Bette L. , Kenkel Carly D.
Published: September 2019

Adult organisms may “prime” their offspring for environmental change through a number of genetic and non-genetic mechanisms, termed parental effects. Some coral species may shuffle the proportions of Symbiodiniaceae within their endosymbiotic communities, subsequently altering their thermal tolerance, but it is unclear if shuffled communities are transferred to offspring. We evaluated Symbiodiniaceae community composition in tagged colonies of Montipora digitata over two successive annual spawning seasons and the 2016 bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef. ITS2 amplicon sequencing was applied to four families (four maternal colonies and 10–12 eggs per family) previously sampled and sequenced the year before to characterize shuffling potential in these M. digitata colonies and determine if shuffled abundances were preserved in gametes. Symbiont densities and photochemical efficiencies differed significantly among adults in 2016, suggesting differential responses to increased temperatures. Low-abundance (“background”) sequence variants differed more among years than between maternal colonies and offspring. Results indicate that shuffling can occur in a canonically ‘stable’ symbiosis, and that the shuffled community is heritable. Hence, acclimatory changes like shuffling of the Symbiodiniaceae community are not limited to the lifetime of an adult coral and that shuffled communities are inherited across generations in a species with vertical symbiont transmission. Although previously hypothesized, to our knowledge, this is the first evidence that shuffled Symbiodiniaceae communities (at both the inter- and intra- genera level) can be inherited by offspring and supports the hypothesis that shuffling in microbial communities may serve as a mechanism of rapid coral acclimation to changing environmental conditions.
Autoregulation assessment by direct visualisation of pial arterial blood flow in the piglet brain
Authors: Klein S. P. , De Sloovere V. , Meyfroidt G. , Depreitere B.
Published: September 2019

Impairment of cerebrovascular autoregulation (CAR) is common after brain injury, although the pathophysiology remains elusive. The mechanisms of vascular dysregulation, their impact on brain function, and potential therapeutic implications are still incompletely understood. Clinical assessment of CAR remains challenging. Observational studies suggest that CAR impairment is associated with worse outcomes, and that optimization of cerebral blood flow (CBF) by individual arterial blood pressure (ABP) targets could potentially improve outcome. We present a porcine closed cranial window model that measures the hemodynamic response of pial arterioles, the main site of CBF control, based on changes in their diameter and red blood cell velocity. This quantitative direct CAR assessment is compared to laser Doppler flow (LDF). CAR breakpoints are determined by segmented regression analysis and validated using LDF and brain tissue oxygen pressure. Using a standardized cortical impact, CAR impairment in traumatic brain injury can be studied using our method of combining pial arteriolar diameter and RBC velocity to quantify RBC flux in a large animal model. The model has numerous potential applications to investigate CAR physiology and pathophysiology of CAR impairment after brain injury, the impact of therapeutic interventions, drugs, and other confounders, or to develop personalized ABP management strategies.
ECM alterations in Fndc3a (Fibronectin Domain Containing Protein 3A) deficient zebrafish cause temporal fin development and regeneration defects
Authors: Liedtke Daniel , Orth Melanie , Meissler Michelle , Geuer Sinje , Knaup Sabine , Köblitz Isabell , Klopocki Eva
Published: September 2019

Fin development and regeneration are complex biological processes that are highly relevant in teleost fish. They share genetic factors, signaling pathways and cellular properties to coordinate formation of regularly shaped extremities. Especially correct tissue structure defined by extracellular matrix (ECM) formation is essential. Gene expression and protein localization studies demonstrated expression of fndc3a (fibronectin domain containing protein3a) in both developing and regenerating caudal fins of zebrafish (Danio rerio). We established a hypomorphic fndc3a mutant line (fndc3awue1/wue1) via CRISPR/Cas9, exhibiting phenotypic malformations and changed gene expression patterns during early stages of median fin fold development. These developmental effects are mostly temporary, but result in a fraction of adults with permanent tail fin deformations. In addition, caudal fin regeneration in adult fndc3awue1/wue1 mutants is hampered by interference with actinotrichia formation and epidermal cell organization. Investigation of the ECM implies that loss of epidermal tissue structure is a common cause for both of the observed defects. Our results thereby provide a molecular link between these developmental processes and foreshadow Fndc3a as a novel temporal regulator of epidermal cell properties during extremity development and regeneration in zebrafish.
18F-FDG uptake in PET/CT is a potential predictive biomarker of response to anti-PD-1 antibody therapy in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Takada Kazuki , Toyokawa Gouji , Yoneshima Yasuto , Tanaka Kentaro , Okamoto Isamu , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Wakasu Sho , Haro Akira , Osoegawa Atsushi , Tagawa Tetsuzo , Oda Yoshinao , Nakanishi Yoichi , Mori Masaki
Published: September 2019

To examine the association between 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and the response to anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, 89 patients with advanced or recurrent NSCLC were retrospectively analysed. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in 18F-FDG PET/CT and the response to anti-PD-1 antibodies were recorded. A cut-off value of SUVmax was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for patient stratification. Among the 89 patients evaluated, 24 were classified as responders (all partial response), and 65 as non-responders. The average SUVmax of the responders was 15.60 (range, 6.44–51.10), which was significantly higher than that of the non-responders (11.61; range, 2.13–32.75; P = 0.0168, Student’s t-test). The cut-off SUVmax value selected for stratification was 11.16 (sensitivity and specificity, 0.792 and 0.585, respectively). The response rate of patients with SUVmax value ≥ 11.16 (41.3% [19/46]) was significantly higher than that of patients with SUVmax < 11.16 (11.6% [5/43], P = 0.0012, Chi-squared test). The SUVmax in 18F-FDG PET/CT is a potential predictive marker of response to anti-PD-1 antibody therapy in NSCLC patients. Further prospective studies of large populations are necessary to validate these results.
Ultimate Photo-Thermo-Acoustic Efficiency of Graphene Aerogels
Authors: Nicola Francesco De , Tenuzzo Lorenzo Donato , Viola Ilenia , Zhang Rujing , Zhu Hongwei , Marcelli Augusto , Lupi Stefano
Published: September 2019

The ability to generate, amplify, mix, and modulate sound with no harmonic distortion in a passive opto-acoustic device would revolutionize the field of acoustics. The photo-thermo-acoustic (PTA) effect allows to transduce light into sound without any bulk electro-mechanically moving parts and electrical connections, as for conventional loudspeakers. Also, PTA devices can be integrated with standard silicon complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication techniques. Here, we demonstrate that the ultimate PTA efficiency of graphene aerogels, depending on their particular thermal and optical properties, can be experimentally achieved by reducing their mass density. Furthermore, we illustrate that the aerogels behave as an omnidirectional pointsource throughout the audible range with no harmonic distortion. This research represents a breakthrough for audio-visual consumer technologies and it could pave the way to novel opto-acoustic sensing devices.
Lactulose drives a reversible reduction and qualitative modulation of the faecal microbiota diversity in healthy dogs
Authors: Ferreira Marisa da Fonseca , Salavati Schmitz Silke , Schoenebeck Jeffrey Joseph , Clements Dylan Neil , Campbell Susan Mary , Gaylor Donna Elaine , Mellanby Richard J. , Gow Adam George , Salavati Mazdak
Published: September 2019

Hepatic encephalopathy is a frequent and debilitating complication of liver disorders. Lactulose is an established and reasonably effective treatment, yet with incompletely understood mechanisms of action. The aims of this study were to examine how the faecal microbiota composition changed before, during and after lactulose treatment in a large animal model. Healthy, privately owned dogs (n = 18) completed a prospective cohort study. Faecal samples were collected weekly, while the subjects were either on their usual diet (week 1), or a standardised diet (weeks 2–9), with added oral lactulose in weeks 6–7. DNA extraction and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were undertaken. Faecal samples from week 7 had a significantly lower microbiota richness/diversity, based on observed operational taxonomic units, Shannon/Chao1 indexes and Pielou’s Evenness. Beta diversity based on UniFrac distances was significantly different in week 7 compared to weeks 1, 5 and 9. At the phylum level, week 7 was associated with a significant increase of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, and a decrease of Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria, when compared to weeks 5 and 9. In summary, we have shown that lactulose induces a reversible qualitative and quantitative change of the faecal microbiota, which may explain its clinical efficacy in the management of hepatic encephalopathy.
Total ankle arthroplasty and ankle arthrodesis affect the biomechanics of the inner foot differently
Authors: Wang Yan , Wong Duo Wai-chi , Tan Qitao , Li Zengyong , Zhang Ming
Published: September 2019

Ankle arthrodesis and total ankle arthroplasty are the two primary surgeries for treatment of end-stage degenerative ankle arthritis. The biomechanical effects of them on the inner foot are insufficient to identify which is superior. This study compared biomechanical parameters among a foot treated by ankle arthrodesis, a foot treated by total ankle arthroplasty, and an intact foot using computational analysis. Validated finite element models of the three feet were developed and used to simulate the stance phase of gait. The results showed total ankle arthroplasty provides a more stable plantar pressure distribution than ankle arthrodesis. The highest contact pressure, 3.17 MPa, occurred in the medial cuneonavicular joint in the total ankle arthroplasty foot. Neither of the surgeries resulted in contact pressure increase in the subtalar joint. The peak stress in the metatarsal bones was increased in both surgical models, especially the second and third metatarsals. This study enables us to get visual to the biomechanics inside of an intact foot, and feet treated by total ankle arthroplasty and ankle arthrodesis during walking.
Distinct gene expression profiles between primary breast cancers and brain metastases from pair-matched samples
Authors: Iwamoto Takayuki , Niikura Naoki , Ogiya Rin , Yasojima Hiroyuki , Watanabe Ken-ichi , Kanbayashi Chizuko , Tsuneizumi Michiko , Matsui Akira , Fujisawa Tomomi , Iwasa Tsutomu , Shien Tadahiko , Saji Shigehira , Masuda Norikazu , Iwata Hiroji
Published: September 2019

Our objectives were to determine whether clinic-pathological markers and immune-related gene signatures in breast cancer exhibit any change upon brain metastasis and whether previously reported genes significantly associated with brain metastases and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were reproducible and consistent in our dataset. Sixteen pair-matched samples from primary breast cancers and brain metastases diagnosed were collected from the Japan Clinical Oncology Group Breast Cancer Study Group. Gene expression profiles for immune-, brain metastases-, and EMT-related genes were compared between primary breast cancers and brain metastases. Potential therapeutic target genes of 41 FDA-approved or under-investigation agents for brain metastases were explored. Immune-related signatures exhibited significantly lower gene expression in brain metastases than in primary breast cancers. No significant differences were detected for the majority of genes associated with brain metastases and EMT in the two groups. Among 41 therapeutic target candidates, VEGFA and DNMT3A demonstrated significantly higher gene expression in brain metastases. We found that distinct patterns of gene expression exist between primary breast cancers and brain metastases. Further studies are needed to explore whether these distinct expression profiles derive from or underlie disease status and compare these features between metastases to the brain and other sites.
Berberine inhibits adipocyte differentiation, proliferation and adiposity through down-regulating galectin-3
Authors: Wang Can , Wang Yan , Ma Shu-Rong , Zuo Zeng-Yan , Wu Yan-Bin , Kong Wei-Jia , Wang Ai-Ping , Jiang Jian-Dong
Published: September 2019

This study is designed to investigate the effects of berberine (BBR) on galectin-3 (Gal-3) and the relationships to its suppressive activities on adipocyte differentiation, proliferation and adiposity. Our results showed that BBR greatly suppressed the differentiation and proliferation of mouse primary preadipocytes isolated from epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), during which the expression level of Gal-3 was down-regulated significantly. Overexpression of Gal-3 totally abolished the suppressive activities of BBR on Gal-3 expression, preadipocyte differentiation and proliferation. BBR reduced Gal-3 promoter activity, destabilized its mRNA and inhibited firefly luciferase activity of a recombinant plasmid containing the Gal-3 3′ untranslated region (UTR). Furthermore, BBR up-regulated microRNA (miRNA) let-7d expression and the suppressive activity on Gal-3 3′UTR was abolished by point mutation on the let-7d binding site. In mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), BBR up-regulated let-7d and down-regulated Gal-3 expression in eWAT; it also suppressed adipocyte differentiation and proliferation and reduced adiposity greatly. In summary, our study proves that BBR inhibits the differentiation and proliferation of adipocytes through down-regulating Gal-3, which is closely associated with its anti-obesity effect. Our results may support the future clinical application of BBR for the treatment of obesity or related diseases.
Solute-solvent electronic interaction is responsible for initial charge separation in ruthenium complexes [Ru(bpy)3]2+ and [Ru(phen)3]2+
Authors: Stark Charles W. , Trummal Aleksander , Uudsemaa Merle , Pahapill Juri , Rammo Matt , Petritsenko Katrin , Sildoja Meelis-Mait , Rebane Aleksander
Published: September 2019

Origin of the initial charge separation in optically-excited Ruthenium(II) tris(bidentate) complexes of intrinsic D3 symmetry has remained a disputed issue for decades. Here we measure the femtosecond two-photon absorption (2PA) cross section spectra of [Ru(2,2′-bipyridine)3]2 and [Ru(1,10-phenanthroline)3]2 in a series of solvents with varying polarity and show that for vertical transitions to the lower-energy 1MLCT excited state, the permanent electric dipole moment change is nearly solvent-independent, Δμ = 5.1–6.3 D and 5.3–5.9 D, respectively. Comparison of experimental results with quantum-chemical calculations of complexes in the gas phase, in a polarizable dielectric continuum and in solute-solvent clusters containing up to 18 explicit solvent molecules indicate that the non-vanishing permanent dipole moment change in the nominally double-degenerate E-symmetry state is caused by the solute-solvent interaction twisting the two constituent dipoles out of their original opposite orientation, with average angles matching the experimental two-photon polarization ratio.
Unique acrylic resins with aromatic side chains by homopolymerization of cinnamic monomers
Authors: Imada Motosuke , Takenaka Yasumasa , Hatanaka Hidehito , Tsuge Takeharu , Abe Hideki
Published: September 2019

Cinnamic monomers, which are useful chemicals derived from biomass, contain α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups with an aromatic ring at the β-position. Homopolymers synthesized by addition polymerization of these compounds are expected to be innovative bio-based polymer materials, as they have both polystyrene and polyacrylate structures. However, polymerization of these compounds by many methods is challenging, including by radical methods, owing to steric hindrance of the substituents and delocalization of electrons throughout the molecule via unsaturated π-bonding. Herein we report that homopolymers of these compounds with molecular weights (Mn) of ~18,100 g mol−1 and controlled polymer backbones can be synthesized by the group-transfer polymerization technique using organic acid catalysts. Additionally, these homopolymers are shown to have high heat resistance comparable to that of engineering plastics. Overall, these findings may open up possibilities for the convenient homopolymerization of cinnamic monomers to produce high-performance polymer materials.
Interfacial width and phase equilibrium in polymer-fullerene thin-films
Authors: Hynes E. L. , Cabral J. T. , Parnell A. J. , Gutfreund P. , Welbourn R. J. L. , Dunbar A. D. F. , Môn D. , Higgins A. M.
Published: September 2019

Domain composition and interfacial structure are critical factors in organic photovoltaic performance. Here, we report neutron reflectivity, grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy measurements of polymer/fullerene thin-films to test a hypothesis that these partially miscible blends rapidly develop composition profiles consisting of co-existing phases in liquid-liquid equilibrium. We study a range of polymer molecular weights between 2 and 300 kg mol−1, annealing temperatures between 120 and 170 oC, and timescales up to 10 min, yielding over 50 distinct measurement conditions. Model bilayers of fullerene-derivatives and polystyrene enable a rigorous examination of theoretical predictions of the effect of polymer mass and interaction parameter on the compositions,ϕ,and interfacial width,w, of the coexistent phases. We independently measureϕandwand find that both Flory-Huggins mean-field-theory and key aspects of self-consistent-field-theory are remarkably consistent with experiment. Our findings pave the way for predictive composition and interface design in organic photovoltaics based on simple experimental measurements and equilibrium thermodynamic theory.
Multipolar terahertz absorption spectroscopy ignited by graphene plasmons
Authors: Ciattoni Alessandro , Conti Claudio , Marini Andrea
Published: September 2019

Terahertz absorption spectroscopy plays a key role in physical, chemical and biological systems as a powerful tool to identify molecular species through their rotational spectrum fingerprint. Owing to the sub-nanometer scale of molecules, radiation-matter coupling is typically dominated by dipolar interaction. Here we show that multipolar rotational spectroscopy of molecules in proximity of localized graphene structures can be accessed through the extraordinary enhancement of their multipolar transitions provided by terahertz plasmons. In particular, specializing our calculations to homonuclear diatomic molecules, we demonstrate that a micron-sized graphene ring with a nano-hole at the core combines a strong near-field enhancement and an inherently pronounced field localization enabling the enhancement of the dipole-forbidden terahertz absorption cross-section of $${{\rm{H}}}_{2}^{+}$$

H

2

+

by 8 orders of magnitude. Our results shed light on the strong potential offered by nano-structured graphene as a robust and electrically tunable platform for multipolar terahertz absorption spectroscopy at the nanoscale.
Pharmacokinetics study of rosamultin, a major bioactive component from the root of Potentilla anserina L. (Rosaceae) by HPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Wu Yuqiang , Wei Jinxia , Yu Yingying , Chen Fei , Li Xia , Li Yaxiao , Li Jianyu , Li Lingzhi , Zhang Yongliang
Published: September 2019

Rosamultin is a major active pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin isolated from the root of Potentilla anserina L., which has various pharmacological activities.
High-temporal-range drug-induced cardiac side-effect evaluation using simultaneous HL-1-based impedance and long-term electrophysiology recording systems
Authors: Gu Chenlei , Wei Xinwei , Pan Yuxiang , Liang Tao , Gan Ying , Gao Keqiang , Qiu Yong , Wan Hao , Wang Ping
Published: September 2019

With HL-1 cardiomyocytes used as the cardiac model, the proposed multifunctional method can achieve high-temporal-range drug-induced cardiac side-effect assessment.
Determination of tocopherols and tocotrienols in cereals and nuts by dispersive solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Lu Dan , Yang Yi , Sun Chengjun , Wang Sicen
Published: September 2019

We developed a rapid and effective method based on dSPME for the determination of tocopherols and tocotrienols in food samples.
Dispersive solid phase extraction of copper and lead from water and lichen samples with an activated carbon@Fe/Mn/O composite derived from sucrose-based activated carbon
Authors: Berkdemir Veysel , Tokalıoğlu Şerife , Yıldız Süleyman , Patat Şaban
Published: September 2019

In this study, an activated carbon@Fe/Mn/O composite was synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller surface area and zeta potential measurements.
Efficient photocatalytic reactions of Cr(vi) reduction and ciprofloxacin and RhB oxidation with Sn(ii)-doped BiOBr
Authors: Xu Ling , Chen Wen-qian , Ke Shu-qiang , Zhu Min , Qiu Wen-hui , Liu Ning , Namuangruk Supawadee , Maitarad Phornphimon , Impeng Sarawoot , Tang Liang
Published: September 2019

Efficient photocatalytic reactions of Cr(VI) reduction, ciprofloxacin and RhB oxidation with Sn(II) doped BiOBr.
Study on the catalytic performance of different crystal morphologies of HZSM-5 zeolites for the production of biodiesel: a strategy to increase catalyst effectiveness
Authors: Fawaz Elyssa G. , Salam Darine A. , Pinard L. , Daou T. Jean
Published: September 2019

Strategies to improve molecular transport and accessibility of ZSM-5 zeolites were investigated for the model reaction of esterification of linoleic acid with methanol for biodiesel production.
How the acido-basic properties of Mg silicates and clays govern the catalytic mechanism of transesterification reactions
Authors: Lin Longfei , Silva Gomes Elisa , Payan François , Jaber Maguy , Krafft Jean-Marc , Laugel Guillaume , Lauron-Pernot Hélène
Published: September 2019

Choosing acido-basic properties of magnesium silicates to tune the transesterification mechanism in the liquid phase.
Switching acidic and basic catalysis through supramolecular functionalization in a porous 3D covalent imine-based material
Authors: Luis-Barrerra Javier , Cano Rafael , Imani-Shakibaei Ghazaleh , Heras-Domingo Javier , Pérez-Carvajal Javier , Imaz Inhar , Maspoch Daniel , Solans-Monfort Xavier , Alemán José , Mas-Ballesté Rubén
Published: September 2019

Non-covalent inclusion of small acid and base molecules in an imine structure based on COF-300 nanoparticles is presented.
Towards practical earth abundant reduction catalysis: design of improved catalysts for manganese catalysed hydrogenation
Authors: Widegren Magnus B. , Clarke Matthew L.
Published: September 2019

Rational design using kinetic studies has led to a 3-fold-increase in the reaction-rates compared to an already-promising lead catalyst for the reduction of ketones and esters.
Synthesis of Ge4Se9 nano plates and a reduced graphene oxide composite of Ge4Se9 for electrochemical energy storage application
Authors: Das Jiban K. , Samantara Aneeya K. , K. A. Sree Raj , Rout Chandra Sekhar , Behera J. N.
Published: September 2019

A facile and single step hydrothermal method for scalable synthesis of tetra germanium nonaselenide (Ge4Se9) and composite with reduced graphene oxide (RG) is reported and optimized the energy storage performance by manipulating synthesis conditions.
Broadband white-light emission from supramolecular piperazinium-based lead halide perovskites linked by hydrogen bonds
Authors: Jung Mi-Hee , Ko Kyoung Chul , Lee Woo Ram
Published: September 2019

We demonstrate white-light emission using the piperazine-based perovskites, (pip)2PbBr6, (pip)2Pb4Cl12, (1mpz)2PbBr6, and (2,5-dmpz)0.5PbBr3, in which the inorganic frameworks were connected by piperazinium dications through hydrogen bonds.
Towards the development of a standardized method for extraction and analysis of PFAS in biological tissues
Authors: Point Adam D. , Holsen Thomas M. , Fernando Sujan , Hopke Philip K. , Crimmins Bernard S.
Published: September 2019

Identification and minimization of factors associated with poor per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) analytical reproducibility enabled the development of a robust methodology for the extraction and analysis of PFAS in biological tissues.
Dietary cranberry suppressed colonic inflammation and alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis in dextran sodium sulfate-treated mice
Authors: Cai Xiaokun , Han Yanhui , Gu Min , Song Mingyue , Wu Xian , Li Zhengze , Li Fang , Goulette Timothy , Xiao Hang
Published: September 2019

Oral administration of freeze-dried whole cranberry powderviadiet inhibited colitis in dextran sodium sulfate-treated mice, which was associated with modification of gut microbiota.
Dose–response relationship between cocoa flavanols and human endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Sun Ye , Zimmermann Diane , De Castro Carlos Antonio , Actis-Goretta Lucas
Published: September 2019

This systematic review with meta-analysis provides evidence that cocoa flavanols could significantly improve endothelial function, with an optimal effect observed with 710 mg total flavanols, 95 mg (−)-epicatechin or 25 mg (+)-catechin.
Recent development of covalent organic frameworks (COFs): synthesis and catalytic (organic-electro-photo) applications
Authors: Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Yadav Priya , Yadav Manavi , Gupta Radhika , Rana Pooja , Srivastava Anju , Zbořil Radek , Varma Rajender S. , Antonietti Markus , Gawande Manoj B.
Published: September 2019

The review focuses on recent developments in the synthetic methodologies of COFs and their applications in the field of organocatalysis, electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. Future scope of COFs in the field are also described.
Self-assembly of dipeptide Boc-diphenylalanine nanotubes inside electrospun polymeric fibers with strong piezoelectric response
Authors: Baptista Rosa M. F. , de Matos Gomes Etelvina , Raposo M. Manuela M. , Costa Susana P. G. , Lopes Paulo E. , Almeida Bernardo , Belsley Michael S.
Published: September 2019

Dipeptide electrospun biomaterials are strong piezoelectric materials that can convert applied mechanical forces into electricity.
Multifunctional biomimetic nanoparticles loading baicalin for polarizing tumor-associated macrophages
Authors: Han Shulan , Wang Wenjie , Wang Shengfang , Wang Shuo , Ju Ruijun , Pan Zihao , Yang Tingyuan , Zhang Guifeng , Wang Huimei , Wang Lianyan
Published: September 2019

Immunosuppression and immune tolerance lead tumor cells to evade immune system surveillance and weaken drug efficacy.
Silver-mediated temperature-controlled selective deposition of Pt on hexoctahedral Au nanoparticles and the high performance of Au@AgPt NPs in catalysis and SERS
Authors: Song Chunyuan , Sun Youzhi , Li Jinxiang , Dong Chen , Zhang Jingjing , Jiang Xinyu , Wang Lianhui
Published: September 2019

A facile silver-mediated temperature-controlled method for selectively depositing Pt on hexoctahedral Au nanoparticles was proposed to prepare Au@AgPt nanoparticles with high performance in catalysis and SERS.
Fluoride-capped nanoceria as a highly efficient oxidase-mimicking nanozyme: inhibiting product adsorption and increasing oxygen vacancies
Authors: Zhao Yilin , Wang Yawen , Mathur Avi , Wang Yaoqiang , Maheshwari Vivek , Su Haijia , Liu Juewen
Published: September 2019

Fluoride capping prevents the oxidation product from inhibiting the CeO2 nanozyme, and increases the oxygen vacancy concentration for more efficient catalysis.
Template-confined growth of Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite micro-wire arrays for stable polarized photodetectors
Authors: Li Shun-Xin , Zhang Guo-Ping , Xia Hong , Xu Yi-Shi , Lv Chao , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: September 2019

Highly ordered 2D layered perovskite micro-wire arrays were fabricated by the template-confined growth method. Based on this, a high-performance, stable and polarization-sensitive photodetector was achieved.
Identification of peptide coatings that enhance diffusive transport of nanoparticles through the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Mohanty Rashmi P. , Liu Xinquan , Kim Jae Y. , Peng Xiujuan , Bhandari Sahil , Leal Jasmim , Arasappan Dhivya , Wylie Dennis C. , Dong Tony , Ghosh Debadyuti
Published: September 2019

High throughput phage display screening to identify peptides that enhances diffusive transport of nanoparticles through tumor microenvironment.
Programmable, electroforming-free TiOx/TaOx heterojunction-based non-volatile memory devices
Authors: Srivastava Saurabh , Thomas Joseph Palathinkal , Leung Kam Tong
Published: September 2019

A TiOx/TaOx heterojunction sandwiched between a pair of Pt electrodes provides an electroforming-free non-volatile memory device with a remarkably low programming voltage (+0.5 V), high endurance (104 cycles) and data retention (105 s).
Construction of CPs@MnO2–AgNPs as a multifunctional nanosensor for glutathione sensing and cancer theranostics
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Chunyan , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Yuan , Wu Yuehuan , Dong Chuan , Shuang Shaomin
Published: September 2019

A scheme of the construction of a CPs@MnO2–AgNP nanocomposite for GSH sensing and cancer theranostics.
Tumor self-responsive upconversion nanomedicines for theranostic applications
Authors: Xu Jiating , Gulzar Arif , Yang Dan , Gai Shili , He Fei , Yang Piaoping
Published: September 2019

This review summarizes the recent progress in UCNP-based nanotherapeutics by highlighting the increasingly developing trend of TME-responsive UCNMs.
Structurally ordered PtSn intermetallic nanoparticles supported on ATO for efficient methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Chen Wei , Lei Zhao , Zeng Tang , Wang Liang , Cheng Niancai , Tan Yangyang , Mu Shichun
Published: September 2019

The ordered PtSn intermetallic nanoparticles demonstrate remarkably enhanced MOR activity and durability compared with the disordered PtSn alloy and Pt/C.
Combining polybenzoxazines and polybutadienes via simultaneous inverse and direct vulcanization for flexible and recyclable thermosets by polysulfide dynamic bonding
Authors: Akkus Buket , Kiskan Baris , Yagci Yusuf
Published: September 2019

Simultaneous inverse and direct vulcanization of a benzoxazine and a polybutadiene gave recyclable films through dynamic S–S bonding.
Controlling the supramolecular polymerization and metallogel formation of Pt(ii) complexes via delicate tuning of non-covalent interactions
Authors: Li Lihong , Zhou Na , Kong Hao , He Xiaoming
Published: September 2019

Direct influence of noncovalent ionic and hydrogen bonding interactions on supramolecular polymerization mechanisms and their impact on gel formation of luminescent platinum complexes have been comprehensively investigated.
Flux crystal growth of uranium(v) containing oxyfluoride perovskites
Authors: Juillerat Christian A. , Kocevski Vancho , Morrison Gregory , Karakalos Stavros G. , Patil Deepak , Misture Scott T. , Besmann Theodore M. , zur Loye Hans-Conrad
Published: September 2019

Crystals of three new uranium(v) containing oxyfluorides were grown out of an alkali fluoride flux and adopt a perovskite-type structure and are examined by SXRD, PXRD, XANES, XPS, EDS, magnetic susceptibility measurements, DFT calculations, and UV-vis spectroscopy.
5-Carboxylcytosine is resistant towards phosphodiesterase I digestion: implications for epigenetic modification quantification by mass spectrometry
Authors: Yuan Fang , Bi Ying , Zhang Jia-Yuan , Zhou Ying-Lin , Zhang Xin-Xiang , Song Chun-Xiao
Published: September 2019

5-Carboxylcytosine is found to be resistant to snake venom phosphodiesterase I (PDE1), a 3′ to 5′ exonuclease commonly used in several DNA hydrolysis protocols.
Unusual rearrangement of imidazo[1,5-a]imidazoles and imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoles into imidazo[1,5-a]pyrimidines and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines
Authors: Gambouz Khadija , Driowya Mohsine , Loubidi Mohammed , Tber Zahira , Allouchi Hassan , El Kazzouli Saïd , Akssira Mohamed , Guillaumet Gérald
Published: September 2019

A multicomponent reaction giving easy and cheap access to a variety of bicyclic 5,5-fused hetero-rings has been developed.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of potent benzoselenophene and heteroaromatic analogues of (S)-1-(chloromethyl)-8-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[e]indol-5-ol (seco-MCBI)
Authors: Mhetre Amol B. , Sreedhar Eppakayala , Dubey Rashmi , Sable Ganesh A. , Lee Hangeun , Yang Heekyoung , Lee Kyoungmin , Nam Do-Hyun , Lim Dongyeol
Published: September 2019

Incorporation of a methoxy substituent at the C-7 position of CBI and N-amido substitution at the C-5 position of benzoselenophene significantly enhances the anticancer activity of duocarmycin analogs.