bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser sintering of gravure printed indium tin oxide films on polyethylene terephthalate for flexible electronics
Authors: Serkov A. A. , Snelling H. V. , Heusing S. , Amaral T. Martins
Published: February 2019

Tin doped indium oxide (ITO) thin films provide excellent transparency and conductivity for electrodes in displays and photovoltaic systems. Current advances in producing printable ITO inks are reducing the volume of wasted indium during thin film patterning. However, their applicability to flexible electronics is hindered by the need for high temperature processing that results in damage to conventional polymer substrates. Here, we detail the conditions under which laser heating can be used as a replacement for oven and furnace treatments. Measurements of the optical properties of both the printed ITO film and the polymer substrate (polyethylene terephthalate, PET) identify that in the 1.5–2.0 μm wavelength band there is absorption in the ITO film but good transparency in PET. Hence, laser light that is not absorbed in the film does not go on to add a deleterious energy loading to the substrate. Localization of the energy deposition in the film is further enhanced by using ultrashort laser pulses (~1 ps) thus limiting heat flow during the interaction. Under these conditions, laser processing of the printed ITO films results in an improvement of the conductivity without damage to the PET.
Atypical biological features of a new cold seep site on the Lofoten-Vesterålen continental margin (northern Norway)
Authors: Sen Arunima , Himmler Tobias , Hong Wei Li , Chitkara Cheshtaa , Lee Raymond W. , Ferré Benedicte , Lepland Aivo , Knies Jochen
Published: February 2019

A newly discovered cold seep from the Lofoten-Vesterålen margin (Norwegian Sea) is dominated by the chemosymbiotrophic siboglinidOligobrachia haakonmosbiensislike other high latitude seeps, but additionally displays uncharacteristic features. Sulphidic bottom water likely prevents colonization by cnidarians and sponges, resulting in fewer taxa than deeper seeps in the region, representing a deviation from depth-related trends seen among seeps elsewhere.O. haakonmosbiensiswas present among carbonate and barite crusts, constituting the first record of frenulates among hard substrates. The presence of both adults and egg cases indicate thatAmbylraja hyperboreaskates use the site as an egg case nursery ground. Due to sub-zero ambient temperatures (−0.7 °C), we hypothesize that small, seepage related heat anomalies aid egg incubation and prevent embryo mortality. We place our results within the context of high–latitude seeps and suggest they exert evolutionary pressure on benthic species, thereby selecting for elevated exploitation and occupancy of high-productivity habitats.
Modeling the Effects of Multiple Myeloma on Kidney Function
Authors: Walk Julia C. , Ayati Bruce P. , Holstein Sarah A.
Published: February 2019

Multiple myeloma (MM), a plasma cell cancer, is associated with many health challenges, including damage to the kidney by tubulointerstitial fibrosis. We develop a mathematical model which captures the qualitative behavior of the cell and protein populations involved. Specifically, we model the interaction between cells in the proximal tubule of the kidney, free light chains, renal fibroblasts, and myeloma cells. We analyze the model for steady-state solutions to find a mathematically and biologically relevant stable steady-state solution. This foundational model provides a representation of dynamics between key populations in tubulointerstitial fibrosis that demonstrates how these populations interact to affect patient prognosis in patients with MM and renal impairment.
Piwi-like 1 protein expression is a prognostic factor for renal cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Stöhr Christine G. , Steffens Sandra , Polifka Iris , Jung Rudolf , Kahlmeyer Andreas , Ivanyi Philipp , Weber Florian , Hartmann Arndt , Wullich Bernd , Wach Sven , Taubert Helge
Published: February 2019

The Piwi-like genes belong to the Argonaute gene family and are conserved in plants, animals and humans. In addition to their essential role in the germ line and as stem cell-associated genes, Piwi-like proteins play a role in different cancer types but have yet to be studied in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We investigated tissue micro arrays (TMAs) with tumor samples of two independent cohorts of RCC patients (N = 265 and N = 345); we used immunohistochemistry to assess the protein expression of Piwi-like 1. Applying an immunoreactive score (IRS), we found Piwi-like 1 positivity (IRS > 0) in 28.3% and 14.8% of the tumors in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. Piwi-like 1 positivity was correlated with Fuhrman grade, tumor stage and the presence of distant metastasis (P < 0.005). Moreover, in univariate and multivariate analyses (adjusted to Fuhrman grade and tumor stage), Piwi-like 1 positivity was associated with a shorter cancer-specific survival in the patients in the second cohort. In addition, Piwi-like 1 expression allowed to further distinguish the RCC patients with high Fuhrman grade, high tumor stage, distant metastasis or high pre-operative levels of C-reactive protein, as Piwi-like 1 positivity was associated with a shorter cancer-specific survival in both cohorts. Our data encourage further investigations to enlighten the role of Piwi-like 1 and its function as a marker of poor prognosis in RCC patients.
Increasing trends in fecundity and calf survival of bottlenose dolphins in a marine protected area
Authors: Cheney Barbara J. , Thompson Paul M. , Cordes Line S.
Published: February 2019

Estimates of temporal variation in demographic rates are critical for identifying drivers of population change and supporting conservation. However, for inconspicuous wide-ranging species, births may be missed and fecundity rates underestimated. We address this issue using photo-identification data and a novel robust design multistate model to investigate changes in bottlenose dolphin fecundity and calf survival. The model allows for uncertainty in breeding status, and seasonal effects. The best model estimated an increase in the proportion of females with newborn calves from 0.16 (95% CI = 0.11–0.24) in 2001 to 0.28 (95% CI = 0.22–0.36) in 2016. First year calf survival also increased over this period from 0.78 (95% CI = 0.53–0.92) to 0.93 (95% CI = 0.82–0.98). Second year calf survival remained lower, but also showed an increase from 0.32 (95% CI = 0.19–0.48) to 0.55 (95% CI = 0.44–0.65). Females with newborn calves had a slightly higher mortality than those with older calves, but further work is required to evaluate potential costs of reproduction. This study presents a rare example of empirical evidence of a positive trend in reproduction and survival for a cetacean population using a Marine Protected Area.
Fabricating Paper Based Devices Using Correction Pens
Authors: Mani Naresh Kumar , Prabhu Anusha , Biswas Sujay Kumar , Chakraborty Suman
Published: February 2019

We present a rapid (<10 s), cost-effective, unique single-step method for fabricating paper-based devices without necessitating any expensive instrumentation, simply by deploying correction pens that are otherwise commonly used for masking typos in printed or written matters. The marked regions formed by deposits from the correction pen demonstrate ubiquitous flow resistances to typical aqueous solutions and organic solvents in the transverse direction, resulting in a preferential bulk flow along the axial direction of the paper channels ‘fabricated’ in the process. Considering the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of this platform, it is deemed to be ideal for (bio) chemical sensing and point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited settings.
Lamina Cribrosa Curvature in Healthy Korean Eyes
Authors: Lee Seung Hyen , Kim Tae-Woo , Lee Eun Ji , Girard Michaël J. A. , Mari Jean Martial
Published: February 2019

Given that posterior bowing of the lamina cribrosa (LC) is a principle event in the development of glaucomatous damage, assessment of the LC morphology may have clinical utility in diagnosing and managing glaucoma patients. LC curvature has been suggested as an index to evaluate the LC morphology. To apply LC morphology in clinical practice, it is necessary to know normal profiles of LC curvature in healthy population. This study was performed to investigate the characteristics of LC curvature in healthy eyes using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in a total of 250 eyes of 125 healthy Korean subjects. The lamina cribrosa curvature index (LCCI) values at seven locations spaced equidistantly across the vertical optic disc diameter were measured on serial horizontal B-scan images. The mean value of the seven measurements was defined as the average LCCI. The average LCCI was 7.46 ± 1.22 (range, 4.29–10.48) and did not differ significantly between the right and left eyes. There was a strong inter-eye correlation within subjects. LCCI was significantly larger in eyes with shorter axial length (P < 0.001). The observed range of LCCI in healthy subjects may be used as a reference for evaluating LC curvature in glaucomatous eyes.
Molecular interaction studies of Deguelin and its derivatives with Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E in cancer cell signaling pathway: The computational approach
Authors: Lokhande Kiran Bharat , Nagar Shuchi , Swamy K. Venkateswara
Published: February 2019

Deguelin is a major active ingredient and principal component in several plants and it is a potential molecule to target proteins of cancer cell signaling pathway. As a complex natural extract, deguelin interacts with various molecular targets to exert its anti-tumor properties at nanomolar level. It induces cell apoptosis by blocking anti-apoptotic pathways, while inhibiting tumor cell multiplication and malignant transformation through p27-cyclin-E-pRb-E2F1- cell cycle control and HIF-1alphaVEGF antiangiogenic pathways. In silico studies of deguelin and its derivatives is performed to explore interactions with Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E to understand the molecular insights of derivatives with the receptors. Deguelin and its derivatives are minimized by Avogadro to achieve stable conformation. All docking simulation are performed with AutoDockVina and virtual screening of docked ligands are carried out based on binding energy and number of hydrogen bonds. Molecular dynamics (MD) and Simulation of Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E1 is performed for 100 ns and stable conformation is obtained at 78 ns and 19 ns respectively. Ligands thus obtained from docking studies may be probable target to inhibit cancer cell signaling pathways.
Phytochemical characterization and comparative studies of four Cecropia species collected in Panama using multivariate data analysis
Authors: Rivera-Mondragón Andrés , Bijttebier Sebastiaan , Tuenter Emmy , Custers Deborah , Ortíz Orlando O. , Pieters Luc , Caballero-George Catherina , Apers Sandra , Foubert Kenn
Published: February 2019

Plant species of the genusCecropia(Urticaceae) are used as traditional medicine in Latin-America, and are commercially available as food supplements. The aim of this study was to characterize and compare the phytochemical constituents of fourCecropiaspecies collected in Panama. The structures of 11 compounds isolated from leaves ofC. obtusifoliawere elucidated based on high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis; the polyphenolic constituents of leaves of all fourCecropiaspecies and commercial products were characterized using high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-quadrupole time of flight-tandem high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-QTOF). Forty-seven compounds were fully identified or tentatively characterized. Thirty-nine of these have not been previously reported for the species under investigation. Multivariate analysis revelead thatC. obtusifoliaandC. insignisare the most related species, whileC. hispidissimais the most segregated one. Considering the importance of the description of novel chemical entities and the increasing interest and use of natural products, this study may be of great help for chemotaxonomic purposes, the interpretation of medicinal properties and for quality assessment of herbal supplements containingCecropialeaves.
Spatial distribution of prokaryotic communities in hypersaline soils
Authors: Vera-Gargallo Blanca , Chowdhury Taniya Roy , Brown Joseph , Fansler Sarah J. , Durán-Viseras Ana , Sánchez-Porro Cristina , Bailey Vanessa L. , Jansson Janet K. , Ventosa Antonio
Published: February 2019

Increasing salinization in wetland systems is a major threat to ecosystem services carried out by microbial communities. Thus, it is paramount to understand how salinity drives both microbial community structures and their diversity. Here we evaluated the structure and diversity of the prokaryotic communities from a range of highly saline soils (EC1:5 from 5.96 to 61.02 dS/m) from the Odiel Saltmarshes and determined their association with salinity and other soil physicochemical features by analyzing 16S rRNA gene amplicon data through minimum entropy decomposition (MED). We found that these soils harbored unique communities mainly composed of halophilic and halotolerant taxa from the phyla Euryarchaeota, Proteobacteria, Balneolaeota, Bacteroidetes and Rhodothermaeota. In the studied soils, several site-specific properties were correlated with community structure and individual abundances of particular sequence variants. Salinity had a secondary role in shaping prokaryotic communities in these highly saline samples since the dominant organisms residing in them were already well-adapted to a wide range of salinities. We also compared ESV-based results with OTU-clustering derived ones, showing that, in this dataset, no major differences in ecological outcomes were obtained by the employment of one or the other method.
Leaf-associated microbiomes of grafted tomato plants
Authors: Toju Hirokazu , Okayasu Koji , Notaguchi Michitaka
Published: February 2019

Bacteria and fungi form complex communities (microbiomes) in above- and below-ground organs of plants, contributing to hosts’ growth and survival in various ways. Recent studies have suggested that host plant genotypes control, at least partly, plant-associated microbiome compositions. However, we still have limited knowledge of how microbiome structures are determined in/on grafted crop plants, whose above-ground (scion) and below-ground (rootstock) genotypes are different with each other. By using eight varieties of grafted tomato plants, we examined how rootstock genotypes could determine the assembly of leaf endophytic microbes in field conditions. An Illumina sequencing analysis showed that both bacterial and fungal community structures did not significantly differ among tomato plants with different rootstock genotypes: rather, sampling positions in the farmland contributed to microbiome variation in a major way. Nonetheless, a further analysis targeting respective microbial taxa suggested that some bacteria and fungi could be preferentially associated with particular rootstock treatments. Specifically, a bacterium in the genus Deinococcus was found disproportionately from ungrafted tomato individuals. In addition, yeasts in the genus Hannaella occurred frequently on the tomato individuals whose rootstock genotype was “Ganbarune”. Overall, this study suggests to what extent leaf microbiome structures can be affected/unaffected by rootstock genotypes in grafted crop plants.
Phosphate binding by sucroferric oxyhydroxide ameliorates renal injury in the remnant kidney model
Authors: Nemoto Yoshikazu , Kumagai Takanori , Ishizawa Kenichi , Miura Yutaka , Shiraishi Takeshi , Morimoto Chikayuki , Sakai Kazuhiro , Omizo Hiroki , Yamazaki Osamu , Tamura Yoshifuru , Fujigaki Yoshihide , Kawachi Hiroshi , Kuro-o Makoto , Uchida Shunya , Shibata Shigeru
Published: February 2019

Recent clinical studies indicate that the disturbed phosphate metabolism in chronic kidney disease (CKD) may facilitate kidney injury; nonetheless, the causal role of phosphate in CKD progression remains to be elucidated. Here, we show that intestinal phosphate binding by sucroferric oxyhydroxide (SF) ameliorates renal injury in the rat remnant kidney model. Sprague-Dawley rats received 5/6 nephrectomy (RK) and had a normal chow or the same diet containing SF (RK + SF). RK rats showed increased plasma FGF23 and phosphate levels, which were suppressed by SF administration. Of note, albuminuria in RK rats was significantly ameliorated by SF at both 4 and 8 weeks. SF also attenuated glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial injury. Moreover, several different approaches confirmed the protective effects on podocytes, explaining the attenuation of glomerulosclerosis and albuminuria observed in this study. As a possible mechanism, we found that SF attenuated renal inflammation and fibrosis in RK rats. Interestingly, von Kossa staining of the kidney revealed calcium phosphate deposition in neither RK nor RK + SF rats; however, plasma levels of calciprotein particles were significantly reduced by SF. These data indicate that latent positive phosphate balance accelerates CKD progression from early stages, even when overt ectopic calcification is absent.
Characterization of highly conserved G-quadruplex motifs as potential drug targets in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Mishra Subodh Kumar , Jain Neha , Shankar Uma , Tawani Arpita , Sharma Tarun Kumar , Kumar Amit
Published: February 2019

Several G-quadruplex forming motifs have been reported to be highly conserved in the regulatory regions of the genome of different organisms and influence various biological processes like DNA replication, recombination and gene expression. Here, we report the highly conserved and three potentially G-quadruplex forming motifs (SP-PGQs) in the essential genes (hsdS, recD, and pmrA) of the Streptococcus pneumoniae genome. These genes were previously observed to play a vital role in providing the virulence to the bacteria, by participating in the host-pathogen interaction, drug-efflux system and recombination- repair system. However, the presence and importance of highly conserved G-quadruplex motifs in these genes have not been previously recognized. We employed the CD spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay to confirm the adaptation of the G-quadruplex structure by the SP-PGQs. Further, ITC and CD melting analysis revealed the energetically favorable and thermodynamically stable interaction between a candidate G4 binding small molecule TMPyP4 and SP-PGQs. Next, TFP reporter based assay confirmed the regulatory role of SP-PGQs in the expression of PGQ harboring genes. All these experiments together characterized the SP-PGQs as a promising drug target site for combating the Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.
Fourth finger dependence of high-functioning autism spectrum disorder in multi-digit force coordination
Authors: Togo Shunta , Itahashi Takashi , Hashimoto Ryuichiro , Cai Chang , Kanai Chieko , Kato Nobumasa , Imamizu Hiroshi
Published: February 2019

A number of studies have reported that the digit ratio 2D:4D (length of the second finger divided by length of the fourth finger) is smaller (longer fourth digit) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than in typically developed (TD) controls. Because form and function are closely related in biological systems, we hypothesized that the 4D dominance occurs in not only finger morphology but also physical performance in ASD. Individuals with ASD and TD controls participated in a multi-digit force-producing task. Individuals with ASD showed a significant 4D dependence compared to TD controls in the task. We found a significant correlation between 4D dependence and scores of the standard diagnostic instrument across individuals with ASD. Our analysis of functional connectivity in resting-state functional MRI suggests that connectivity between the visual cortex and the cerebellum contributes to the 4D dependence. Collectively, these results extend the 2D:4D ratio beyond being a morphological marker to being involved in motor functions in the form of 4D dependence in a multi-digit force task.
Illusion for Airborne Sound Source by a Closed Layer with Subwavelength Thickness
Authors: Fan Xu-Dong , Liang Bin , Yang Jing , Cheng Jian-Chun
Published: February 2019

The past decade witnesses considerable efforts to design acoustic illusion cloak that produces the desired scattered field for a specific object illuminated by an external field. Yet the possibility of generating acoustic illusion directly for a sound source still remains unexplored despite the great fundamental and practical significance, and previous transformation acoustics-based designs need to have bulky sizes in terms of working wavelength. Here we propose to produce arbitrary illusion for an airborne sound source with no need to resort to coordinate transformation method. Based on an inherently different mechanism that uses acoustic metasurface to provide azimuthally-dependent local phase delay to the radiated wavefront, we shrink the thickness of the single layer enclosing the source to subwavelength scale without modulating the shape of layer. The performance of our scheme is demonstrated via distinct phenomena of virtually shifting the source location and introducing angular momentum. Numerical results verify our theoretical predictions, showing the extraordinary capability of the presented device to freely manipulate the radiation pattern of a simplest point source, making it acoustically appearing like another arbitrarily complicated source. Our findings open new avenues to the design and application of acoustic illusion devices and may have deep implications in many diverse fields such as architectural acoustics and biomedical engineering.
Changes in tinnitus after vestibular schwannoma surgery
Authors: Wang Jing-Jing , Feng Yan-Mei , Wang Hui , Wu Ya-Qin , Shi Hai-Bo , Chen Zheng-Nong , Yin Shan-Kai
Published: February 2019

We designed a prospective study to evaluate changes in tinnitus after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. Subjects included 41 patients who were diagnosed with a VS and underwent translabyrinthine microsurgery (TLM) between January 2015 and May 2016. All patients underwent related examinations and were asked to answer the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) scale and a visual analog scale (VAS) of tinnitus severity both pre- and postoperatively. Of the 41 patients, 31 (75.6%) suffered from tinnitus before surgery. Microsurgery was associated with an overall decrease in tinnitus (p < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in THI and VAS scores after surgery (p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). The decrease in THI scores in the low-frequency group was significantly larger than that of the mid- and high-frequency groups after surgery (p = 0.034 and p = 0.001, respectively). The loudness of tinnitus decreased significantly after surgery (p = 0.031). Tinnitus in patients with VS improved after TLM. Patients with mid-/high-frequency tinnitus and louder tinnitus preoperatively seemed to have a worse prognosis than those with low-frequency and quieter tinnitus.
Absence of Stressful Conditions Accelerates Dexterous Skill Acquisition in Surgery
Authors: Pavlidis Ioannis , Zavlin Dmitry , Khatri Ashik R. , Wesley Amanveer , Panagopoulos George , Echo Anthony
Published: February 2019

The negative impact of strong sympathetic arousal on dexterous performance during formal surgical training is well-known. This study investigates how this relationship might change if surgical training takes place as a hobby in an informal environment. Fifteen medical students volunteered in a 5-week training regimen and weekly performed two standardized microsurgical tasks: circular cutting and simple interrupted suturing. Time was taken and two independent reviewers evaluated the surgical proficiency. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaires measured subjective anxiety and workload, respectively. A high-resolution thermal imaging camera recorded facial imagery, from which a computational algorithm extracted the perinasal perspiration signal as indicator of sympathetic arousal. Anxiety scores on STAI questionnaires were indifferent for all five sessions. The continuously measured arousal signal from the thermal facial imagery was moderate and did not correlate with surgical proficiency or speed. Progressive experience was the strongest contributor to improved skill and speed, which were attained in record time. It appears that dexterous skill acquisition is facilitated by the absence of strong arousals, which can be naturally eliminated in the context of informal education. Given the low cost and availability of surgical simulators, this result opens the way for re-thinking the current practices in surgical training and beyond.
Global Implications of Local Unfolding Phenomena, Probed by Cysteine Reactivity in Human Frataxin
Authors: Faraj Santiago E. , Noguera Martín E. , Delfino José María , Santos Javier
Published: February 2019

Local events that affect specific regions of proteins are of utmost relevance for stability and function. The aim of this study is to quantitatively assess the importance of locally-focused dynamics by means of a simple chemical modification procedure. Taking human Frataxin as a working model, we investigated local fluctuations of the C-terminal region (the last 16 residues of the protein) by means of three L → C replacement mutants: L98C, L200C and L203C. The conformation and thermodynamic stability of each variant was assessed. All the variants exhibited native features and high stabilities: 9.1 (wild type), 8.1 (L198C), 7.0 (L200C) and 10.0 kcal mol−1 (L203C). In addition, kinetic rates of Cys chemical modification by DTNB and DTDPy were measured, conformational dynamics data were extracted and free energy for the local unfolding of the C-terminal region was estimated. The analysis of these results indicates that the conformation of the C-terminal region fluctuates with partial independence from global unfolding events. Additionally, numerical fittings of the kinetic model of the process suggest that the local transition occurs in the seconds to minutes timescale. In fact, standard free energy differences for local unfolding were found to be significantly lower than those of the global unfolding reaction, showing that chemical modification results may not be explained in terms of the global unfolding reaction alone. These results provide unequivocal experimental evidence of local phenomena with global effects and contribute to understanding how global and local stability are linked to protein dynamics.
Boronic acid derivatized lanthanide–polyoxometalates with novel B–OH–Ln and B–O–Nb bridges
Authors: Li Shujun , Zhao Yue , Qi Huihui , Zhou Yanfang , Liu Shuxia , Ma Xiaoming , Zhang Jie , Chen Xuenian
Published: February 2019

Boronic acid derivatized Ln–POMs were synthesized by pH-controlled formation of B–OH–Ln and B–O–Nb bridges.
Hybridization chain reaction-based nanoprobe for cancer cell recognition and amplified photodynamic therapy
Authors: Xiong Mengyi , Rong Qiming , Kong Gezhi , Yang Chan , Zhao Yan , Qu Feng-Li , Zhang Xiao-Bing , Tan Weihong
Published: February 2019

We report a hybridization chain reaction-based nanoprobe for selective and sensitive cancer cell recognition and amplified photodynamic therapy.
Synthesis of coordination polymer thin films with conductance-response to mechanical stimulation
Authors: Chen Chunhua , Zhang Wei , Hong Yue , Le Zhikai , Li Qiang , Li Wenwu , Hu Ming
Published: February 2019

Synthesis of coordination polymer thin films which are tough and highly oriented is of vital importance for exploring electronic functions under mechanical stimulation.
A polymeric ionic liquid as a cathode interlayer of organic photovoltaics with improved reproducibility
Authors: Li Chunhua , Liu Xuan , Tu Dandan , Yang Qing , Chen Xuegang , Li Can , Guo Xin
Published: February 2019

As a cathode interlayer of OPV, a polymeric ionic liquid can afford higher efficiency and reproducibility than its monomeric analog.
Hydroxynitrile lyases covalently immobilized in continuous flow microreactors
Authors: van der Helm Michelle P. , Bracco Paula , Busch Hanna , Szymańska Katarzyna , Jarzębski Andrzej B. , Hanefeld Ulf
Published: February 2019

Enzymes are supreme catalysts when it comes to high enantiopurities and their immobilization will pave the way for continuous operation.
The regulation of reaction processes and rate-limiting steps for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction into methane over the tailored facets of TiO2
Authors: Yan Ping , Long Jun , Li Kanglu , Yuan Shandong , Liu Yongjun , Chen Yaoqiang
Published: February 2019

A design diagram for the complicated reaction processes of CO2 reduction into CH4 on tailored anatase TiO2 facets.
Morpholine-based buffers activate aerobic photobiocatalysisviaspin correlated ion pair formation
Authors: Gonçalves Leticia C. P. , Mansouri Hamid R. , Bastos Erick L. , Abdellah Mohamed , Fadiga Bruna S. , Sá Jacinto , Rudroff Florian , Mihovilovic Marko D.
Published: February 2019

MOPS acts as a Good buffer and electron donor and prevents the degradation of catalysts by reactive species in aerated photobiocatalysis.
Ce3+self-doped CeOx/FeOCl: an efficient Fenton catalyst for phenol degradation under mild conditions
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yang Mengxue , Lian Ye , Zhong Mingliang , Sha Jingquan , Liu Guodong , Zhao Xinfu , Liu Shaojie
Published: February 2019

Herein, a novel Ce3+self-doped CeOx/FeOCl composite was successfully prepared by a facile method for the first time, which showed remarkable catalytic activity as a Fenton catalyst in the degradation of phenol under the conditions of a neutral solution, room temperature and natural light.
Carbon-reduction as an easy route for the synthesis of VO2 (M1) and further Al, Ti doping
Authors: Guan Shian , Gaudon Manuel , Souquet-Basiège Mélanie , Viraphong Oudomsack , Penin Nicolas , Rougier Aline
Published: February 2019

A low-cost and facile method to synthesize highly crystallized VO2 (M1) particles is proposed, using carbon black as the reducing agent mixed with V2O5 nanopowders comparing two types of vacuum systems for the thermal activation.
Ionic liquid catalysed aerobic oxidative amidation and thioamidation of benzylic amines under neat conditions
Authors: Joshi Abhisek , Kumar Rahul , Semwal Rashmi , Rawat Deepa , Adimurthy Subbarayappa
Published: February 2019

Tetrabutylammonium hydroxide catalysed oxidative amidation and thioamidation of benzylamines with oxygen and elemental sulfur under solvent/metal/base-free conditions have been developed.
Fluorine substituted methoxyphenylalkyl amides as potent melatonin receptor agonists
Authors: Tsotinis Andrew , Kompogennitaki Rodanthi , Papanastasiou Ioannis , Garratt Peter J. , Bocianowska Alina , Sugden David
Published: February 2019

A series of fluorine substituted methoxyphenylalkyl amides were prepared with different orientations of the fluorine and methoxy groups with respect to the alkylamide side chain and with alkyl sides of differing lengths (n= 1–3).
Facile synthesis, characterization and DFT studies of a nanostructured nickel–molybdenum–phosphorous planar electrode as an active electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Zheng Jian , Gu Xundi , Tang Bin , Li Jinping , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: February 2019

Ni-based planar electrodes with Mo- or P-doping toward HER were evaluated not only experimentally but also by DFT calculations.
Hierarchically hydrogen-bonded graphene/polymer interfaces with drastically enhanced interfacial thermal conductance
Authors: Zhang Lin , Liu Ling
Published: February 2019

Hierarchically hydrogen-bonded interface was designed to drastically enhance the interfacial thermal conductance between materials of drastically different vibrational properties.
Photocatalytic performance of few-layer graphitic C3N4: enhanced by interlayer coupling
Authors: Niu Xianghong , Yi Yingwei , Bai Xiaowan , Zhang Jian , Zhou Zhaobo , Chu Liang , Yang Jianping , Li Xing'ao
Published: February 2019

The interlayer coupling interaction between few-layer g-C3N4 plays a key role in optimizing the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance.
Synthesis and cytotoxicity of novel simplified eleutherobin analogues as potential antitumour agents
Authors: Sosonyuk Sergey E. , Peshich Anita , Tutushkina Anastasia V. , Khlevin Dmitry A. , Lozinskaya Natalia A. , Gracheva Yulia A. , Glazunova Valeria A. , Osolodkin Dmitry I. , Semenova Marina N. , Semenov Victor V. , Palyulin Vladimir A. , Proskurnina Marina V. , Shtil Alexander A. , Zefirov Nikolay S.
Published: February 2019

Synthesis of title compounds based on adamantane and 8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane scaffolds and evaluation of their biological activity.
Cytosporins A–D, novel benzophenone derivatives from the endophytic fungus Cytospora rhizophorae A761
Authors: Liu Hong-Xin , Tan Hai-Bo , Chen Kai , Zhao Li-Yun , Chen Yu-Chan , Li Sai-Ni , Li Hao-Hua , Zhang Wei-Min
Published: February 2019

Cytosporins A–D (1–4), hemiterpene-conjugated phenolics with an unprecedented benzo[b][1,5]dioxocane skeleton, were isolated from Cytospora rhizophorae A761.
Construction of K+ responsive surface on SEBS to reduce the hemolysis of preserved erythrocytes
Authors: Luan Xingkun , Wang Haozheng , Xiang Zehong , Zhao Jiruo , Feng Ying , Shi Qiang , Baijun liu Baijun liu , Gong Yumei , Wong Shing-Chung , Yin Jinghua
Published: February 2019

A K+ responsive surface was constructed on a SEBS substrate to release anti-oxidants to reduce hemolysis of the preserved red blood cells.
Bacterial community mapping of the intestinal tract in acute pancreatitis rats based on 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis
Authors: Tao Xufeng , Guo Fangyue , Zhou Qi , Hu Fenglin , Xiang Hong , Xiao Gary Guishan , Shang Dong
Published: February 2019

Numerous studies have revealed that the status of intestinal microbiota has a marked impact on inflammation, which may progressively aggravate the systemic inflammatory response caused by acute pancreatitis (AP).
Nitrogen and sulfur-codoped porous carbon derived from a BSA/ionic liquid polymer complex: multifunctional electrode materials for water splitting and supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Yu Junrui , Song Honghong , Song Pengfei , Wang Rongming , Xiong Yubing
Published: February 2019

Nitrogen and sulfur codoped porous carbon (NSPC) is fabricated via pyrolyzing BSA and poly(ionic liquid) complex. NSPC is demonstrated to be excellent metal-free electrocatalyst for water splitting and electrode material for supercapacitor.
Isoquinoline gas-phase absorption spectrum in the vacuum ultraviolet between 3.7 and 10.7 eV. New valence and Rydberg electronic states
Authors: Leach Sydney , Jones Nykola C. , Hoffmann Søren V. , Un Sun
Published: February 2019

VUV photons from a synchrotron source were used to record the gas-phase absorption spectrum of isoquinoline over the range 3.5 to 10.7 eV.
A contact lens promising for non-invasive continuous intraocular pressure monitoring
Authors: Pang Yu , Li Yuxing , Wang Xuefeng , Qi Chenjie , Yang Yi , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: February 2019

A contact lens with a Wheatstone bridge circuit can achieve high-performance detection of IOP variation.
Engineering high reversibility and fast kinetics of Bi nanoflakes by surface modulation for ultrastable nickel–bismuth batteries
Authors: Zeng Yinxiang , Wang Mengying , He Wanyi , Fang Pingping , Wu Mingmei , Tong Yexiang , Chen Minghua , Lu Xihong
Published: February 2019

An efficient and facile surface partial oxidation strategy was demonstrated to significantly enhance the reversibility and durability of Bi nanoflakes.
Recent advances in separators to mitigate technical challenges associated with re-chargeable lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Rana Masud , Li Ming , Huang Xia , Luo Bin , Gentle Ian , Knibbe Ruth
Published: February 2019

Different classes of coating materials with their functional groups and mechanism of interaction with PSs.
Cyclopenta[hi]aceanthrylene-based dopant-free hole-transport material for organic–inorganic hybrid and all-inorganic perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Dongyang , Xu Peng , Wu Tai , Ou Yangmei , Yang Xiutao , Sun Anxin , Cui Bo , Sun Hanwen , Hua Yong
Published: February 2019

An efficient cyclopenta[hi]aceanthrylene-based D–A–D type dopant-free hole transport material termed YN3 showed impressive PCEs of 18.84% and 12.05% with very good stability in organic–inorganic hybrid and all-inorganic perovskite solar cells, respectively.
A highly stable metal–organic framework derived phosphorus doped carbon/Cu2O structure for efficient photocatalytic phenol degradation and hydrogen production
Authors: Dubale Amare Aregahegn , Ahmed Ibrahim Nasser , Chen Xia-Hui , Ding Cheng , Hou Gui-Hua , Guan Rong-Feng , Meng Xiangming , Yang Xiu-Li , Xie Ming-Hua
Published: February 2019

A MOF derived porous P-doped C/Cu2O composite for phenol degradation and H2 production was developed.
Microcapsule-embedded hydrogel patches for ultrasound responsive and enhanced transdermal delivery of diclofenac sodium
Authors: Huang Da , Sun Mi , Bu Yazhong , Luo Fang , Lin Cuiying , Lin Zhenyu , Weng Zuquan , Yang Fei , Wu Decheng
Published: February 2019

The hydrogel patches with embedded microcapsules could achieve ultrasound responsive and enhanced transdermal delivery of diclofenac sodium.
Synthetic poly(vinyl alcohol)–chitosan as a new type of highly efficient hemostatic sponge with blood-triggered swelling and high biocompatibility
Authors: Zhao Yi-Fan , Zhao Jing-Yu , Hu Wen-Zhi , Ma Kui , Chao Yong , Sun Peng-Jun , Fu Xiao-Bing , Zhang Hong
Published: February 2019

Synthetic poly(vinyl alcohol)–chitosan as a new type of highly efficient hemostatic sponge with blood-triggered swelling and high biocompatibility.
Dual-site functionalized NIR fluorescent material for a discriminative concentration-dependent response to SO2 in cells and mice
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Huo Fangjun , Zhang Yongbin , Yin Caixia
Published: February 2019

Sulfur dioxide (SO2), as an important anti-oxidant and gaseous signaling molecule, plays fundamental roles in the regulation of intracellular signaling and cell death cellular bioenergetics.
Systematic investigation of intracellular trafficking behavior of one-dimensional alumina nanotubes
Authors: Sun Xiangyu , Jiang Lijuan , Wang Chunnan , Sun Shuqing , Mei Lin , Huang Laiqiang
Published: February 2019

Intracellular trafficking, endosomal escape and lysosomal degradation of AANTs appeared to be highly interdependent phenomena, and they have significant implications on the development of optimized drug carriers.
Bridging exosome and liposome through zirconium–phosphate coordination chemistry: a new method for exosome detection
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Yucai , Liu Yunfei , Ning Limin , Xiang Yang , Li Genxi
Published: February 2019

An exosomes–zirconium–liposomes sandwich structure is proposed to detect exosomes by using zirconium–phosphate coordination chemistry with lower cost, no modified label, and simplicity.
Diluting europium spins – a magnetic and 151Eu Mössbauer spectroscopic investigation of the solid solution Eu1−xSrxPtIn2
Authors: Klenner Steffen , Heletta Lukas , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: February 2019

The indide EuPtIn2 (MgCuAl2 type, Cmcm, a = 448.23(4), b = 1068.64(11), c = 784.09(8) pm, wR2 = 0.0432, 466 F2 values, 16 variables) was synthesized by induction-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing.
Convenient access to 5-membered cyclic iminium ions: evidence for a stepwise [4 + 2] cycloaddition mechanism
Authors: Freeman Jared L. , Brimble Margaret A. , Furkert Daniel P.
Published: February 2019

In situ generation and reaction of novel 5-membered N-tosyl cyclic α,β-unsaturated iminium ions from readily prepared stable precursors is demonstrated.
A lottery draw machine-inspired movable air filter with high removal efficiency and low pressure drop at a high flow rate
Authors: Han Nara , Lee Yo Seph , Kaang Byung Kwon , Jang Wooree , Koo Hye Young , Choi Won San
Published: February 2019

A lottery draw machine-inspired novel movable air filter (MAF) system is presented in which MAFs are vigorously moved or rotated to form a high electric field and capture particulate matter (PM) particles.
Isolating hydrogen from oxygen in photocatalytic water splitting with a carbon-quantum-dot/carbon-nitride hybrid
Authors: Wang Xijun , Jiang Xiang , Sharman Edward , Yang Li , Li Xiyu , Zhang Guozhen , Zhao Jin , Luo Yi , Jiang Jun
Published: February 2019

The practical utilization of solar-driven water splitting is restricted by the difficulty of this type of splitting in producing hydrogen and oxygen products with the same photocatalyst.
Comparison of neutral outgassing of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko inbound and outbound beyond 3 AU from ROSINA/DFMS
Authors: Luspay-Kuti A. , Altwegg K. , Berthelier J. J. , Beth A. , Dhooghe F. , Fiethe B. , Fuselier S. A. , Gombosi T. I. , Hansen K. C. , Hässig M. , Livadiotis G. , Mall U. , Mandt K. E. , Mousis O. , Petrinec S. M. , Rubin M. , Trattner K. J. , Tzou C.-Y. , Wurz P.
Published: February 2019

Context.Pre-equinox measurements of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko with the mass spectrometer ROSINA/DFMS on board the Rosetta spacecraft revealed a strongly heterogeneous coma. The abundances of major and various minor volatile species were found to depend on the latitude and longitude of the nadir point of the spacecraft. The observed time variability of coma species remained consistent for about three months up to equinox. The chemical variability could be generally interpreted in terms of surface temperature and seasonal effects superposed on some kind of chemical heterogeneity of the nucleus.

Aims.We compare here pre-equinox (inbound) ROSINA/DFMS measurements from 2014 to measurements taken after the outbound equinox in 2016, both at heliocentric distances larger than 3 AU. For a direct comparison we limit our observations to the southern hemisphere.

Methods.We report the similarities and differences in the concentrations and time variability of neutral species under similar insolation conditions (heliocentric distance and season) pre- and post-equinox, and interpret them in light of the previously published observations. In addition, we extend both the pre- and post-equinox analysis by comparing species concentrations with a mixture of CO2and H2O.

Results.Our results show significant changes in the abundances of neutral species in the coma from pre- to post-equinox that are indicative of seasonally driven nucleus heterogeneity.

Conclusions.The observed pre- and post-equinox patterns can generally be explained by the strong erosion in the southern hemisphere that moves volatile-rich layers near the surface.
Spatial power spectrum of the photospheric magnetic field during solar minimum
Authors: Zieger B. , Virtanen I. , Mursula K.
Published: February 2019

Context. During solar minima the spatial power spectrum of the photospheric magnetic field is dominated by the low-degree zonal (axisymmetric; m = 0) harmonic components, reflecting the large polar coronal holes of unipolar magnetic field. However, measuring polar fields is difficult because of the unequal visibility of the two poles during most of the year and the small line-of-sight component of the roughly radial field at high solar latitudes.

Aims. In this paper we derive the spatial power spectrum of the photospheric magnetic field in terms of the harmonic coefficients of the radial component (Br) as well as in terms of the harmonic coefficients of the internal potential (known as Gauss coefficients). We calculate the zonal spatial power spectrum using Mount Wilson Observatory synoptic maps from 1995–1996, during the solar minimum between solar cycles 22 and 23, and investigate how filling or not filling the polar data gaps affects the zonal harmonic coefficients.

Methods. We eliminated the vantage point effect by removing the highest 5° of the measured magnetic field and calculating the latitudinal profile of the zonal median field over the two years, which ensured equal latitudinal data coverage of both solar hemispheres. We then derived the zonal harmonic coefficients using this latitudinal profile of Br.

Results. We find that when the polar data gaps are left unfilled, a strong artificial power above l = 8 is produced. Only the first five zonal harmonic coefficients can be considered reliable in this case. Therefore polar filling is essential to obtain a realistic spatial power spectrum. Filling the polar gap with a constant (non-zero) value yields zonal harmonics that are reliable up to l = 9. We find that the zonal octupole component contributes most to the total spatial power, more than the zonal dipole, even during the solar minimum conditions. This difference is seen more clearly in the case of polar filling. We also prove that the asymmetry of the polar fields during this solar minimum is statistically significant.

Conclusions. Our results emphasize the importance of filling the polar data gaps in order to obtain a correct estimate of the spatial power spectrum of the photospheric field. This helps in estimating the reliability of polar fields and the large-scale structure in synoptic maps of different origin. Our results also verify the asymmetric nature of the polar fields, which is important for the heliospheric magnetic field and for solar dynamo modeling.
Exploring the origin of clumpy dust clouds around cool giants
Authors: Höfner Susanne , Freytag Bernd
Published: February 2019

Context. Dust grains forming in the extended atmospheres of AGB stars are critical for the heavy mass loss of these cool luminous giants, as they provide radiative acceleration for the stellar winds. Characteristic mid-IR spectral features indicate that the grains consist mainly of silicates and corundum. The latter species seems to form in a narrow zone within about 2 stellar radii, preceding the condensation of silicate dust, which triggers the outflow. Recent high-angular-resolution observations show clumpy, variable dust clouds at these distances.

Aims. We explore possible causes for the formation of inhomogeneous dust layers, using 3D dynamical simulations.

Methods. We modeled the outer convective envelope and the dust-forming atmosphere of an M-type AGB star with the CO5BOLD radiation-hydrodynamics code. The simulations account for frequency-dependent gas opacities, and include a time-dependent description of grain growth and evaporation for corundum (Al2O3) and olivine-type silicates (Mg2SiO4).

Results. In the inner, gravitationally bound, and corundum-dominated layers of the circumstellar envelope, a patchy distribution of the dust emerges naturally, due to atmospheric shock waves that are generated by large-scale convective flows and pulsations. The formation of silicate dust at somewhat larger distances probably indicates the outer limit of the gravitationally bound layers. The current models do not describe wind acceleration, but the cloud formation mechanism should also work for stars with outflows. Timescales of atmospheric dynamics and grain growth are similar to observed values. In spherical averages of dust densities, more easily comparable to unresolved observations and 1D models, the variable 3D morphology manifests itself as cycle-to-cycle variations.

Conclusions. Grain growth in the wake of large-scale non-spherical shock waves, generated by convection and pulsations, is a likely mechanism for producing the observed clumpy dust clouds, and for explaining their physical and dynamical properties.