bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Sight to Wheat Bran: High Value-Added Products
Authors: Katileviciute Agne , Plakys Gediminas , Budreviciute Aida , Onder Kamil , Damiati Samar , Kodzius Rimantas
Published: December 2019

Recently more consideration has been given to the use of renewable materials and agricultural residues. Wheat production is increasing yearly and correspondingly, the volume of by-products from the wheat process is increasing, as well. It is important to find the use of the residuals for higher value-added products, and not just for the food industry or animal feed purposes as it is happening now. Agricultural residue of the roller milled wheat grain is a wheat bran description. The low-cost of wheat bran and its composition assortment provides a good source of substrate for various enzymes and organic acids production and other biotechnological applications. The main purpose of this review article is to look into recent trends, developments, and applications of wheat bran.
Protective Effect of Panaxynol Isolated from Panax vietnamensis against Cisplatin-Induced Renal Damage: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Lee Dahae , Lee Jaemin , Vu-Huynh Kim Long , Van Le Thi Hong , Tuoi Do Thi Hong , Hwang Gwi Seo , Park Jeong Hill , Kang Ki Sung , Nguyen Minh Duc , Yamabe Noriko
Published: December 2019

Polyacetylenic compounds isolated from Panax species are comprised of non-polar C17 compounds, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antifungal activities. Panaxynol represents the major component of the essential oils of ginseng. We investigated whether panaxynol isolated from Panax vietnamensis (Vietnamese ginseng, VG) could prevent cisplatin-induced renal damage induced in vitro and in vivo. Cisplatin-induced apoptotic cell death was observed by staining with annexin V conjugated with Alexa Fluor 488, and western blotting evaluated the molecular mechanism. Panaxynol at concentrations above 0.25 μM prevented cisplatin-induced LLC-PK1 porcine renal proximal tubular cell death. LLC-PK1 cells treated with cisplatin demonstrated an increase in apoptotic cell death, whereas pretreatment with 2 and 4 μM panaxynol decreased this effect. Cisplatin demonstrated a marked increase in the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), P38, and cleaved caspase-3. However, pretreatment with 2 and 4 μM panaxynol reversed the upregulated phosphorylation of JNK, P38, and the expression of cleaved caspase-3. We confirmed that the protective effect of panaxynol isolated from P. vietnamensis in LLC-PK1 cells was at least partially mediated by reducing the cisplatin-induced apoptotic damage. In the animal study, panaxynol treatment ameliorated body weight loss and blood renal function markers and downregulated the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators.
Preclinical Evaluation of the Antimicrobial-Immunomodulatory Dual Action of Xenohormetic Molecules against Haemophilus influenzae Respiratory Infection
Authors: Fernández-Calvet Ariadna , Euba Begoña , Caballero Lucía , Díez-Martínez Roberto , Menéndez Margarita , Ortiz de Solórzano Carlos , Leiva José , Micol Vicente , Barrajón-Catalán Enrique , Garmendia Junkal
Published: December 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by abnormal inflammation and impaired airway immunity, providing an opportunistic platform for nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) infection. In this context, therapies targeting not only overactive inflammation without significant adverse effects, but also infection are of interest. Increasing evidence suggests that polyphenols, plant secondary metabolites with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, may be protective. Here, a Cistus salviifolius plant extract containing quercetin, myricetin, and punicalagin was shown to reduce NTHi viability. Analysis of these polyphenols revealed that quercetin has a bactericidal effect on NTHi, does not display synergies, and that bacteria do not seem to develop resistance. Moreover, quercetin lowered NTHi airway epithelial invasion through a mechanism likely involving inhibition of Akt phosphorylation, and reduced the expression of bacterially-induced proinflammatory markers il-8, cxcl-1, il-6, pde4b, and tnfα. We further tested quercetin’s effect on NTHi murine pulmonary infection, showing a moderate reduction in bacterial counts and significantly reduced expression of proinflammatory genes, compared to untreated mice. Quercetin administration during NTHi infection on a zebrafish septicemia infection model system showed a bacterial clearing effect without signs of host toxicity. In conclusion, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of the xenohormetic molecule quercetin against NTHi infection.
N-Acetylcysteine Protects against the Anxiogenic Response to Cisplatin in Rats
Authors: Vukovic Rade , Kumburovic Igor , Joksimovic Jovic Jovana , Jovicic Nemanja , Katanic Stankovic Jelena S. , Mihailovic Vladimir , Djuric Milos , Velickovic Stefan , Arnaut Aleksandra , Selakovic Dragica , Rosic Gvozden
Published: December 2019

Since cisplatin therapy is usually accompanied with numerous toxicities, including neurotoxicity, that involve tissue oxidative damage, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the anxiogenic response to cisplatin (CIS). Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats divided into four groups (control, cisplatin, NAC, and CIS + NAC). All treatments were delivered intraperitoneally. On day one, the control and cisplatin groups received saline while the NAC and CIS + NAC groups were administered with NAC (500 mg/kg). On the fifth day, the control group received saline while the CIS group was treated with cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg), the NAC group again received NAC (500 mg/kg), and the CIS + NAC group was simultaneously treated with cisplatin and NAC (7.5 and 500 mg/kg, respectively). Behavioral testing, performed on the tenth day in the open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests, revealed the anxiogenic effect of cisplatin that was significantly attenuated by NAC. The hippocampal sections evaluation showed increased oxidative stress (increased lipid peroxidation and decline in antioxidant enzymes activity) and proapoptotic action (predominantly by diminished antiapoptotic gene expression) following a single dose of cisplatin. NAC supplementation along with cisplatin administration reversed the prooxidative and proapoptotic effects of cisplatin. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study confirmed that antioxidant supplementation with NAC may attenuate the cisplatin-induced anxiety. The mechanism of anxiolytic effect achieved by NAC may include the decline in oxidative damage that down regulates increased apoptosis and reverses the anxiogenic action of cisplatin.
Neurologic Injury and Brain Growth in the Setting of Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia Perioperative Critical Care: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rudisill Samuel , Wang Jue , Jaimes Camilo , Mongerson Chandler , Hansen Anne , Jennings Russell , Bajic Dusica
Published: December 2019

We previously showed that infants born with long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) demonstrate clinically significant brain MRI findings following repair with the Foker process. The current pilot study sought to identify any pre-existing (PRE-Foker process) signs of brain injury and to characterize brain and corpus callosum (CC) growth. Preterm and full-term infants (n = 3/group) underwent non-sedated brain MRI twice: before (PRE-Foker scan) and after (POST-Foker scan) completion of perioperative care. A neuroradiologist reported on qualitative brain findings. The research team quantified intracranial space, brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and CC volumes. We report novel qualitative brain findings in preterm and full-term infants born with LGEA before undergoing Foker process. Patients had a unique hospital course, as assessed by secondary clinical end-point measures. Despite increased total body weight and absolute intracranial and brain volumes (cm3) between scans, normalized brain volume was decreased in 5/6 patients, implying delayed brain growth. This was accompanied by both an absolute and relative CSF volume increase. In addition to qualitative findings of CC abnormalities in 3/6 infants, normative CC size (% brain volume) was consistently smaller in all infants, suggesting delayed or abnormal CC maturation. A future larger study group is warranted to determine the impact on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants born with LGEA.
Parents of Children with Developmental Difficulties and Parents of Typically Developed Children: What Happens in a Year?
Authors: Lučić Lana
Published: December 2019

Parents of children with developmental difficulties (DD) face many challenges on an everyday basis and, compared to a parent of a typically developed child (TD), are at risk to experience lower well-being. Earlier, as a part of the CRO-WELL project, we explored differences in the well-being of parents of children with DD and a matching group of parents of TD children. Results showed that both groups of parents were equally happy and satisfied with their lives in general, with only a difference in satisfaction with free time. The aim of the current study was to explore what happened in one-year’s time. Out of the initial sample of 41 parents by group, the second wave was completed by 19 parents of DD children and 27 parents of TD children. Results showed that parents of children with DD were less satisfied with life in general, as well as less happy and less satisfied with health, family, friends, and safety compared to parents of TD children. They also experienced three times more negative events than parents of TD children. Having a child with developmental difficulties reflects on many life domains and these results could serve as a guidepost in the design of support for families of children with developmental difficulties. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Routes for Specialization in Psychology throughout Europe
Authors: Dias Neto David , Figueiredo Sónia , Biscaia Constança , Barros Maria João , Barroso Ricardo , Fernandes Filipa
Published: December 2019

The specialization of psychology helps to delineate fields in the practice of psychology. When establishing professional qualification criteria, associations seek to promote, in their members, scientific skills and knowledge considered fundamental for the practice of psychology in a given area. The present study reports on a survey of the member associations of the European Federation of Psychologists Associations (EFPA). The survey inquired about: (a) the initial requisites for entering the profession and (b) additional requisites for specialization. Of the 37 associations contacted, 14 replied and we retrieved the information of 12 associations from their official websites. The results indicate that specialization is widespread throughout Europe and is independent of the regulation of the profession. In almost half of the countries considered, the specialization process is completed in universities—it is frequently associated with the postgraduate level of the EuroPsy—and relies on conventional learning methods. The number of existing specialties in psychology is very high, but the traditional areas (clinical and health, education, and social/organizational) are more prevalent. The results are discussed in light of the advantages, but also the challenges posed by the specialization in psychology. A continuous model of the specialization of psychology is proposed with two stages: broad and advanced psychology areas.
Why Do We Watch? The Role of Emotion Gratifications and Individual Differences in Predicting Rewatchability and Movie Recommendation
Authors: Arriaga Patrícia , Alexandre Joana , Postolache Octavian , Fonseca Manuel J. , Langlois Thibault , Chambel Teresa
Published: December 2019

Background: The present study’s main aim was to determine the predictors of movie rewatchability and recommendations. Methods: Using a sample of 318 participants, we first tested the structure of a gratification scale from watching a movie. Then, we examined the role of age, need for cognition, need for affect, extraversion, and emotional gratifications, in predicting individuals’ interest in rewatching the movie and in making recommendations. Results: As in the original proposal of the emotional gratification scale, the following dimensions were identified: fun, thrill, empathic sadness, release of emotions, social sharing, contemplative experiences, and character engagement, with acceptable model fit and reliability, convergent and divergent validity. Social sharing, contemplate experiences, need for affect and age were significant predictors of movie recommendation; whereas social sharing, thrill, extraversion, and age contributed most to explaining rewatching interest. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of considering distinct gratifications and individual differences in predicting rewatching and movie recommendation.
Relationship Between Satisfaction and Concern with Own Appearance and Subjective Estimation of Economic Status
Authors: Labunskaya Vera
Published: December 2019

This study is aimed to scrutinize the relationship between satisfaction and concern with an individual’s physical appearance and the subjective estimation of economic status, which is considered as one of main predictors of life satisfaction. Recent research has focused on the role of real economic status on different aspects of human life, including satisfaction and concern with own appearance. In contrast with such studies, our investigation is focused on a subjective-comparative approach to economic status evaluation. According to this approach, the participants have to identify themselves either with the group “rather poor than rich” or with the group “rather rich than poor”. We hypothesize that satisfaction and concern with own appearance in youth varies as a factor of subjective evaluation of economic status. The participants were 41 male and 82 female undergraduate and graduate students of different majors, aged 20–35. Of the subjects, 62% estimated their economic status as “rather poor than rich” and 38% of participants identified themselves with the group “rather rich than poor”. The paper-pencil questionnaires “Attitudes towards Own Appearance: Satisfaction and Concern” and “Subjective Evaluation of Economic Status” were administered. Results indicates that subjective evaluation of economic status has a stronger association with satisfaction with one’s own physical appearance in comparison with concern over one’s own appearance.
On the Search of Models for Early Cost Estimates of Bridges: An SVM-Based Approach
Authors: Juszczyk Michał
Published: December 2019

The completion of a bridge construction project within budget is one of the project’s key factors of success. This prerequisite is more likely to be achieved if the cost estimates, especially those provided in the early stage of a project, are realistic and close to the actual costs. The paper presents the research results on the development of a cost prediction model based on machine learning, namely the support vector machines (SVM) method, for which the input represents basic information and parameters of bridges, available in the early stage of projects. Several SVM-based regression models were investigated with the use of data collected for a number of bridge construction projects completed in Poland. Having finished the machine learning and testing processes, five of the models, of satisfying knowledge generalization ability and comparable performance, were preselected. The final selection of the best model was based on the comparison and analysis ability to predict bridge construction costs with accuracy appropriate for the early stage of projects. The general testing metrics of the finally selected model, named BCCPMSVR2, were as follows: root mean square error: 1.111; correlation coefficient of real-life bridge construction costs and costs predicted by the model: 0.980; and mean absolute percentage error: 10.94%. The research resulted in the development and introduction of an original model capable of providing early estimates of bridge construction costs with satisfactory accuracy.
Hydroalkoxylation of Terminal and Internal Alkynes Catalyzed by Dinuclear Gold(I) Complexes with Bridging Di(N-Heterocyclic Carbene) Ligands
Authors: Marcheggiani Elena , Tubaro Cristina , Biffis Andrea , Graiff Claudia , Baron Marco
Published: December 2019

A series of six dinuclear gold(I) complexes with bridging bidentate N-heterocycic carbene ligands (NHCs) of general formula Au2Br2LX (L = diNHC, X = 1–6) have been studied as catalysts in the intermolecular hydroalkoxylation of terminal and internal alkynes. The best catalytic results have been obtained by using Au2Br2L4, characterized by 2,6-diisopropylphenyl wingtip substituents and a methylene bridging group between the two NHC donors. Complex Au2Br2L4 has been structurally characterized for the first time in this work, showing the presence of intramolecular aurophiclic interaction in the solid state. In the adopted reaction conditions Au2Br2L4 is able to convert challenging substrates such as diphenylacetylene. Comparative catalytic tests by using the mononuclear gold(I) complexes AuIL7 and IPrAuCl have been performed in order to determine the possible presence of cooperative effects in the catalytic process.
Sustainability in Catalytic Cyclohexane Oxidation: The Contribution of Porous Support Materials
Authors: Andrade Marta A. , Martins Luísa M.D.R.S.
Published: December 2019

The development of green and sustainable protocols for synthetic routes is a growing area of research in chemistry worldwide. The development of sustainable processes and products through innovative catalytic materials and technologies, that allow a better use of resources, is undoubtedly a very important issue facing research chemists today. Environmentally and economically advanced catalytic processes for selective alkane oxidations reactions, as is the case of cyclohexane oxidation, are now focused on catalysts’ stability and their reuse, intending to overcome the drawbacks posed by current homogeneous systems. The aim of this short review is to highlight recent contributions in heterogeneous catalysis regarding porous support materials to be applied to cyclohexane oxidation reaction. Different classes of porous materials are covered, from carbon nanomaterials to zeolites, mesoporous silicas, and metal organic frameworks. The role performed by the materials to be used as supports towards an enhancement of the activity/selectivity of the catalytic materials and the ability of recycling and reuse in consecutive catalytic cycles is highlighted.
Biodegradation of 1,2,3-Trichloropropane to Valuable (S)-2,3-DCP Using a One-Pot Reaction System
Authors: Bogale Tadesse Fantaye , Gul Ijaz , Wang Le , Deng Jiao , Chen Yong , Majerić-Elenkov Maja , Tang Lixia
Published: December 2019

1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) being one of the important environmental pollutants, has drawn significant concern due to its highly toxic and carcinogenic effects. In this study, we built a one-pot reaction system in which immobilized haloalkane dehalogenase (DhaA31) and halohydrin dehalognase (HheC) were used to catalyze the recalcitrant TCP to produce 2,3-dichloro-1-propanol (2,3-DCP) by removing epichlorohydrin (ECH). Since HheC displays a high R enantiopreference toward 2,3-DCP, the production of enantiopure (S)-2,3-DCP was expected. However, the enantioselective resolution of (R,S)-2,3-DCP by HheC was greatly inhibited by the circular reaction occurring between the product ECH and 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1.3-DCP). To resolve this problem, HZD-9 resin-based in situ product removal was implemented. Under the optimized conditions, TCP was completely consumed, resulting in optically pure (S)-2,3-DCP with enantiomer excess (e.e) > 99% and 40% yield (out of the 44% theoretical maximum). The scale-up resin-integrated reaction system was successfully carried out in 0.5 L batch reactor. Moreover, the system could be reused for 6 rounds with 64% of original activity retained, showing that it could be applied in the treatment of large volumes of liquid waste and producing enantiopure (S)-2,3-DCP.
Microwave-Assisted Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions: Generation of Carbon–Carbon Bond
Authors: Salih Kifah S. M. , Baqi Younis
Published: December 2019

Cross-coupling reactions furnishing carbon–carbon (C–C) bond is one of the most challenging tasks in organic syntheses. The early developed reaction protocols by Negishi, Heck, Kumada, Sonogashira, Stille, Suzuki, and Hiyama, utilizing palladium or its salts as catalysis have, for decades, attracted and inspired researchers affiliated with academia and industry. Tremendous efforts have been paid to develop and achieve more sustainable reaction conditions, such as the reduction in energy consumption by applying the microwave irradiation technique. Chemical reactions under controlled microwave conditions dramatically reduce the reaction time and therefore resulting in increase in the yield of the desired product by minimizing the formation of side products. In this review, we mainly focus on the recent advances and applications of palladium catalyzed cross-coupling carbon–carbon bond formation under microwave technology.
Glycerol Acetylation Mediated by Thermally Hydrolysed Biosolids-Based Material
Authors: Bartoli Mattia , Zhu Chengyong , Chae Michael , Bressler David C.
Published: December 2019

Crude glycerol is the main by-product of many renewable diesel production platforms. However, the process of refining glycerol from this crude by-product stream is very expensive, and thus does not currently compete with alternative processes. The acetylation of glycerol provides an intriguing strategy to recover value-added products that are employable as fuel additives. In this work, the conversion of glycerol to acetyl derivatives was facilitated by a heterogeneous catalyst generated from the thermal hydrolysis of biosolids obtained from a municipal wastewater treatment facility. The reaction was studied using several conditions including temperature, catalyst loading, acetic acid:glycerol molar ratio, and reaction time. The data demonstrate the potential for using two distinct by-product streams to generate fuel additives that can help improve the process economics of renewable diesel production.
Ab Initio-Based Structural and Thermodynamic Aspects of the Electrochemical Lithiation of Silicon Nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Seung-Eun , Lim Hyung-Kyu , Lee Sangheon
Published: December 2019

We reported the theoretical understandings of the detailed structural and thermodynamic mechanism of the actual lithiation process of silicon nanoparticle systems based on atomistic simulation approaches. We found that the rearrangement of the Si bonding network is the key mechanism of the lithiation process, and that it is less frequently broken by lithiation in the smaller sizes of Si nanoparticles. The decreased lithiation ability of the Si nanoparticles results in the lithiation potential being significantly lower than that of crystalline silicon phases, which impedes the full usage of the theoretical maximum capacity. Thus, nanosized Si materials could have a negative effect on performance if they become too fine-sized. These findings provide a detailed view of the electrochemical lithiation process of silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) and engineering guidelines for designing new Si-based nanostructured materials.
Nanocatalysts Containing Direct Electron Transfer-Capable Oxidoreductases: Recent Advances and Applications
Authors: Ratautas Dalius , Dagys Marius
Published: December 2019

Direct electron transfer (DET)-capable oxidoreductases are enzymes that have the ability to transfer/receive electrons directly to/from solid surfaces or nanomaterials, bypassing the need for an additional electron mediator. More than 100 enzymes are known to be capable of working in DET conditions; however, to this day, DET-capable enzymes have been mainly used in designing biofuel cells and biosensors. The rapid advance in (semi) conductive nanomaterial development provided new possibilities to create enzyme-nanoparticle catalysts utilizing properties of DET-capable enzymes and demonstrating catalytic processes never observed before. Briefly, such nanocatalysts combine several cathodic and anodic catalysis performing oxidoreductases into a single nanoparticle surface. Hereby, to the best of our knowledge, we present the first review concerning such nanocatalytic systems involving DET-capable oxidoreductases. We outlook the contemporary applications of DET-capable enzymes, present a principle of operation of nanocatalysts based on DET-capable oxidoreductases, provide a review of state-of-the-art (nano) catalytic systems that have been demonstrated using DET-capable oxidoreductases, and highlight common strategies and challenges that are usually associated with those type catalytic systems. Finally, we end this paper with the concluding discussion, where we present future perspectives and possible research directions.
Capping Agent Effect on Pd-Supported Nanoparticles in the Hydrogenation of Furfural
Authors: Alijani Shahram , Capelli Sofia , Cattaneo Stefano , Schiavoni Marco , Evangelisti Claudio , Mohammed Khaled M. H. , Wells Peter P. , Tessore Francesca , Villa Alberto
Published: December 2019

The catalytic performance of a series of 1 wt % Pd/C catalysts prepared by the sol-immobilization method has been studied in the liquid-phase hydrogenation of furfural. The temperature range studied was 25–75 °C, keeping the H2 pressure constant at 5 bar. The effect of the catalyst preparation using different capping agents containing oxygen or nitrogen groups was assessed. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) were chosen. The catalysts were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The characterization data suggest that the different capping agents affected the initial activity of the catalysts by adjusting the available Pd surface sites, without producing a significant change in the Pd particle size. The different activity of the three catalysts followed the trend: PdPVA/C > PdPDDA/C > PdPVP/C. In terms of selectivity to furfuryl alcohol, the opposite trend has been observed: PdPVP/C > PdPDDA/C > PdPVA/C. The different reactivity has been ascribed to the different shielding effect of the three ligands used; they influence the adsorption of the reactant on Pd active sites.
Mesoporous Silica Nanosheets with Tunable Pore Lengths Supporting Metal Nanoparticles for Enhanced Hydrogenation Reactions
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Ding Xin , Zou Houbing
Published: December 2019

The channel lengths of mesoporous materials have a crucial impact on the catalytic performances of as-loaded active components. However, it remains a challenge to precisely tune the mesochannel length in a wide range from ≤50 nm to 200 nm. In this paper, we developed a top-down strategy, that is to say, crushing hollow microspheres, for preparing mesoporous silica nanosheets (MSSs) with perpendicular mesochannels and tunable thicknesses. Owing to the heterogeneous growth of the mesoporous silica layer on the surfaces of polystyrene microspheres (hard template), it was achieved to regulate the mesochannel length continuously in the range of 20–200 nm. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen sorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of channel lengths on the catalytic activity of metal nanoparticles was then investigated in the selective hydrogenation reaction of nitroarenes. It was found that a short channel not only favored dispersing metal nanoparticles uniformly and then avoiding pore blocking, but also improved the accessibility of metal nanoparticles largely during reactions.
Structural Evolution of Ni-Based Co-Catalysts on [Ca2Nb3O10]− Nanosheets during Heating and Their Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Zhang Siyuan , Diehl Leo , Wrede Sina , Lotsch Bettina V. , Scheu Christina
Published: December 2019

Nickel compounds are among the most frequently used co-catalysts for photocatalytic water splitting. By loading Ni(II) precursors, submonolayer Ni(OH)2 was uniformly distributed onto photocatalytic [Ca2Nb3O10]− nanosheets. Further heating of the nanocomposite was studied both ex situ in various gas environments and in situ under vacuum in the scanning transmission electron microscope. During heating in non-oxidative environments including H2, argon and vacuum, Ni nanoparticles form at ≥200 °C, and they undergo Ostwald ripening at ≥500 °C. High resolution imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy revealed a NiO shell around the Ni core. Ni loading of up to 3 wt% was demonstrated to enhance the rates of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. After heat treatment, a further increase in the reaction rate can be achieved thanks to the Ni core/NiO shell nanoparticles and their large separation.
Syntaxin 16’s Newly Deciphered Roles in Autophagy
Authors: Tang Bor Luen
Published: December 2019

Syntaxin 16, a Qa-SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor activating protein receptor), is involved in a number of membrane-trafficking activities, particularly transport processes at the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Recent works have now implicated syntaxin 16 in the autophagy process. In fact, syntaxin 16 appears to have dual roles, firstly in facilitating the transport of ATG9a-containing vesicles to growing autophagosomes, and secondly in autolysosome formation. The former involves a putative SNARE complex between syntaxin 16, VAMP7 and SNAP-47. The latter occurs via syntaxin 16’s recruitment by Atg8/LC3/GABARAP family proteins to autophagosomes and endo-lysosomes, where syntaxin 16 may act in a manner that bears functional redundancy with the canonical autophagosome Qa-SNARE syntaxin 17. Here, I discuss these recent findings and speculate on the mechanistic aspects of syntaxin 16’s newly found role in autophagy.
Epigenetic Control of Autophagy in Cancer Cells: A Key Process for Cancer-Related Phenotypes
Authors: Peixoto Paul , Grandvallet Céline , Feugeas Jean-Paul , Guittaut Michaël , Hervouet Eric
Published: December 2019

Although autophagy is a well-known and extensively described cell pathway, numerous studies have been recently interested in studying the importance of its regulation at different molecular levels, including the translational and post-translational levels. Therefore, this review focuses on the links between autophagy and epigenetics in cancer and summarizes the. following: (i) how ATG genes are regulated by epigenetics, including DNA methylation and post-translational histone modifications; (ii) how epidrugs are able to modulate autophagy in cancer and to alter cancer-related phenotypes (proliferation, migration, invasion, tumorigenesis, etc.) and; (iii) how epigenetic enzymes can also regulate autophagy at the protein level. One noteable observation was that researchers most often reported conclusions about the regulation of the autophagy flux, following the use of epidrugs, based only on the analysis of LC3B-II form in treated cells. However, it is now widely accepted that an increase in LC3B-II form could be the consequence of an induction of the autophagy flux, as well as a block in the autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Therefore, in our review, all the published results describing a link between epidrugs and autophagy were systematically reanalyzed to determine whether autophagy flux was indeed increased, or inhibited, following the use of these potentially new interesting treatments targeting the autophagy process. Altogether, these recent data strongly support the idea that the determination of autophagy status could be crucial for future anticancer therapies. Indeed, the use of a combination of epidrugs and autophagy inhibitors could be beneficial for some cancer patients, whereas, in other cases, an increase of autophagy, which is frequently observed following the use of epidrugs, could lead to increased autophagy cell death.
The Phenotype and Secretory Activity of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ASCs) of Patients with Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Kuca-Warnawin Ewa , Skalska Urszula , Janicka Iwona , Musiałowicz Urszula , Bonek Krzysztof , Głuszko Piotr , Szczęsny Piotr , Olesińska Marzena , Kontny Ewa
Published: December 2019

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have immunosuppressive and regenerative properties. Adipose tissue is an alternative source of MSCs, named adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). Because the biology of ASCs in rheumatic diseases (RD) is poorly understood, we performed a basic characterization of RD/ASCs. The phenotype and expression of adhesion molecules (intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1) on commercially available healthy donors (HD), ASC lines (n = 5) and on ASCs isolated from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, n = 16), systemic sclerosis (SSc, n = 17) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS, n = 16) were analyzed by flow cytometry. The secretion of immunomodulatory factors by untreated and cytokine-treated ASCs was measured by ELISA. RD/ASCs have reduced basal levels of CD90 and ICAM-1 expression, correlated with interleukin (IL)-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 release, respectively. Compared with HD/ASCs, untreated and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) + interferon (IFN)-γ (TI)-treated RD/ASCs produced similar amounts of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), IL-6, leukemia inhibiting factor (LIF), and TGF-β1, more IL-1Ra, soluble human leukocyte antigen G (sHLA-G) and tumor necrosis factor-inducible gene (TSG)-6, but less kynurenines and galectin-3. Basal secretion of galectin-3 was inversely correlated with the patient’s erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) value. IFN-α and IL-23 slightly raised galectin-3 release from SLE/ASCs and AS/ASCs, respectively. TGF-β1 up-regulated PGE2 secretion by SSc/ASCs. In conclusion, RD/ASCs are characterized by low basal levels of CD90 and ICAM-1 expression, upregulated secretion of IL-1Ra, TSG-6 and sHLA-G, but impaired release of kynurenines and galectin-3. These abnormalities may modify biological activities of RD/ASCs.
Economic and Ecological Impacts of Increased Drought Frequency in the Edwards Aquifer
Authors: Ding Jinxiu , McCarl Bruce A.
Published: December 2019

This paper examines how increased drought frequency impacts water management in arid region, namely the Edwards Aquifer (EA) region of Texas. Specifically, we examine effects on the municipal, industrial, and agricultural water use; land allocation; endangered species supporting springflows and welfare. We find that increases in drought frequency causes agriculture to reduce irrigation moving land into grassland for livestock with a net income loss. This also increases water transfer from irrigation uses to municipal and industrial uses. Additionally, we find that regional springflows and well elevation will decline under more frequent drought condition, which implicates the importance of pumping limits and/or minimum springflow limits. Such developments have ecological implications and the springflows support endangered species and a switch from irrigated land use to grasslands would affect the regional ecological mix.
Room Temperature Reactive Deposition of InGaZnO and ZnSnO Amorphous Oxide Semiconductors for Flexible Electronics
Authors: Prušáková Lucie , Hubík Pavel , Aijaz Asim , Nyberg Tomas , Kubart Tomas
Published: December 2019

Amorphous oxide semiconductors (AOSs) are interesting materials which combine optical transparency with high electron mobility. AOSs can be prepared at low temperatures by high throughput deposition techniques such as magnetron sputtering and are thus suitable for flexible transparent electronics such as flexible displays, thin-film transistors, and sensors. In magnetron sputtering the energy input into the growing film can be controlled by the plasma conditions instead of the substrate temperature. Here, we report on magnetron sputtering of InGaZnO (IGZO) and ZnSnO (ZTO) with a focus on the effect of deposition conditions on the film properties. IGZO films were deposited by radio-frequency (RF) sputtering from an oxide target while for ZTO, reactive sputtering from an alloy target was used. All films were deposited without substrate heating and characterized with respect to microstructure, electron mobility, and resistivity. The best as-deposited IGZO films exhibited a resistivity of about 2 × 10−2 Ohm∙cm and an electron mobility of 18 cm2∙V−1∙s−1. The lateral distribution of the electrical properties in such films is mainly related to the activity and amount of oxygen reaching the substrate surface as well as its spatial distribution. The lateral uniformity is strongly influenced by the composition and energy of the material flux towards the substrate.
Functionalization of Silk Fibers by PDGF and Bioceramics for Bone Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Wöltje Michael , Brünler Ronny , Böbel Melanie , Ernst Sabrina , Neuss Sabine , Aibibu Dilbar , Cherif Chokri
Published: December 2019

Bone regeneration is a complex, well-organized physiological process of bone formation observed during normal fracture healing and involved in continuous remodeling throughout adult life. An ideal medical device for bone regeneration requires interconnected pores within the device to allow for penetration of blood vessels and cells, enabling material biodegradation and bone ingrowth. Additional mandatory characteristics include an excellent resorption rate, a 3D structure similar to natural bone, biocompatibility, and customizability to multiple patient-specific geometries combined with adequate mechanical strength. Therefore, endless silk fibers were spun from native silk solution isolated from silkworm larvae and functionalized with osteoconductive bioceramic materials. In addition, transgenic silkworms were generated to functionalize silk proteins with human platelet-derived growth factor (hPDGF). Both, PDGF-silk and bioceramic modified silk were then assembled into 3D textile implants using an additive manufacturing approach. Textile implants were characterized in terms of porosity, compressive strength, and cyclic load. In addition, osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells was evaluated. Silk fiber-based 3D textile implants showed good cytocompatibility and stem cells cultured on bioceramic material functionalized silk implants were differentiating into bone cells. Thus, functionalized 3D interconnected porous textile scaffolds were shown to be promising biomaterials for bone regeneration.
Surface Properties of Retrieved Cementless Femoral Hip Endoprostheses Produced from a Ti6Al7Nb Alloy
Authors: Avsec Klemen , Jenko Monika , Conradi Marjetka , Kocijan Aleksandra , Vesel Alenka , Kovač Janez , Godec Matjaž , Belič Igor , Šetina Batič Barbara , Donik Črtomir , Gorenšek Matevž , Kocjančič Boštjan , Dolinar Drago
Published: December 2019

We have investigated new and retrieved cementless hip endoprostheses that prematurely failed due to (i) aseptic loosening, (ii) infection and (iii) latent infection. The aim was to better understand the physico-chemical phenomena on the surfaces and sub-surfaces of the Ti6Al7Nb alloy implant. The results of our studies should enable us to distinguish the causes of premature failure, optimize the surface modification, achieve optimal osseointegration and extend the useful lifetime of the implants. The surface properties of the Ti6Al7Nb alloys of the hip-stem endoprostheses (30 retrieved and 2 new) were determined by contact-angle measurements and the average surface roughness. The surface chemistry and microstructure were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for the chemistry, and electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) for the phase analysis; Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for the surface chemistry; and electrochemical measurements for the corrosion. The improved wettability of the grit-blasted surface of the Ti6Al7Nb stems after autoclaving was measured, as was the super wettability after oxygen-plasma sterilization. The secondary-electron images showed that the morphology and microstructure of the new and retrieved stems (prematurely failed due to aseptic loosening, infection and latent infection) differ slightly, while the EDS analysis revealed corundum contamination of the grit-blasted surface. We found corundum-contaminated Ti6Al7Nb stem surfaces and sub-surfaces for all the investigated new and retrieved implants. These residues are a potential problem, i.e., third-body wear particles, and probably induce the osteolysis and aseptic loosening.
New Mathblocks-Based Feistel-Like Ciphers for Creating Clone-Resistant FPGA Devices
Authors: Mulhem Saleh , Adi Wael
Published: December 2019

The Secret Unknown Cipher (SUC) concept was introduced a decade ago as a promising technique for creating pure digital clone-resistant electronic units as alternatives to the traditional non-consistent Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs). In this work, a very special unconventional cipher design is presented. The design uses hard-core FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) -Mathblocks available in modern system-on-chip (SoC) FPGAs. Such Mathblocks are often not completely used in many FPGA applications; therefore, it seems wise to make use of such dead (unused) modules to fabricate usable physical security functions for free. Standard cipher designs usually avoid deploying multipliers in the cipher mapping functions due to their high complexity. The main target of this work is to design large cipher classes (e.g., cipher class size >2600) by mainly deploying the FPGA specific mathematical cores. The proposed cipher designs are novel hardware-oriented and new in the public literature, using fully new unusual mapping functions. If a random unknown selection of one cipher out of 2600 ciphers is self-configured in a device, then a Secret Unknown Cipher module is created within a device, making it physically hard to clone. We consider the cipher module for free (for zero cost) if the major elements in the cipher module are making use of unused reanimated Mathblocks. Such ciphers are usable in many future mass products for protecting vehicular units against cloning and modeling attacks. The required self-reconfigurable devices for that concept are not available now; however, they are expected to emerge in the near future.
Pressure-Tuned Interactions in Frustrated Magnets: Pathway to Quantum Spin Liquids?
Authors: Biesner Tobias , Uykur Ece
Published: December 2019

Quantum spin liquids are prime examples of strongly entangled phases of matter with unconventional exotic excitations. Here, strong quantum fluctuations prohibit the freezing of the spin system. On the other hand, frustrated magnets, the proper platforms to search for the quantum spin liquid candidates, still show a magnetic ground state in most of the cases. Pressure is an effective tuning parameter of structural properties and electronic correlations. Nevertheless, the ability to influence the magnetic phases should not be forgotten. We review experimental progress in the field of pressure-tuned magnetic interactions in candidate systems. Elaborating on the possibility of tuned quantum phase transitions, we further show that chemical or external pressure is a suitable parameter in these exotic states of matter.
Synergetic Impact of Secondary Metal Oxides of Cr-M/MCM41 Catalyst Nanoparticles for Ethane Oxidative Dehydrogenation Using Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Al-Awadi Abdulrhman S. , El-Toni Ahmed Mohamed , Alhoshan Mansour , Khan Aslam , Shar Muhammad Ali , Abasaeed Ahmed E. , Al-Zahrani Saeed M.
Published: December 2019

Oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes to alkenes by a mild oxidant such as carbon dioxide is an active area of research. A series of MCM41-supported bimetallic oxide catalysts containing chromium oxide in addition to metal oxides (Ce, Co, Zn, V, Nb, and Mo) has been prepared. The binary catalysts have Cr metal oxide incorporated into MCM41 structure while the other oxides are either incorporated with Cr or impregnated on the MCM41 surface. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 sorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hydrogen temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), and Diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy (DRS). The catalytic activity of Cr(4)-M(4)/MCM-41 catalysts in the dehydrogenation of ethane with CO2 was investigated. The textural properties of the synthesized samples showed that the addition of the bimetallic oxides did not disturb the mesoporous structure of MCM41 and the prepared catalysts exhibited a high BET surface area; however, the lowest surface area was recorded for Cr(4)-Mo(4)/MCM41 catalyst at 701 m2/g. Among the prepared catalysts, H2-TPR profile of Cr(4)-Ce(4)/MCM41 revealed the increase in the concentration of Cr6+ species which interacted with the framework of siliceous support. On the other hand, H2-TPR profiles of Cr(4)-Co(4)/MCM41 showed wide reduction peaks centered at 400 °C which is ascribed to reduction of Cr6+ to Cr3+ species and Co3O4 to metallic Co. At the same time, Cr(4)-Mo(4)/MCM41 and Cr(4)-V(4)/MCM41 exhibited higher temperature reduction peaks, indicating these two catalysts require higher activation temperatures. The synergy between the Cr with Zn or Nb metals reduced the concentration of Cr6+ species which is reflected in their catalytic performance. Cr(4)-Ce(4)/MCM41 recorded the highest catalytic activity toward ethylene production where the ethane conversion and ethylene yield were 37.9% and 35.1%, respectively.
Oxidation of High Yield Strength Metals Tungsten and Rhenium in High-Pressure High-Temperature Experiments of Carbon Dioxide and Carbonates
Authors: Chuliá-Jordán Raquel , Santamaría-Pérez David , Marqueño Tomás , Ruiz-Fuertes Javier , Daisenberger Dominik
Published: December 2019

The laser-heating diamond-anvil cell technique enables direct investigations of materials under high pressures and temperatures, usually confining the samples with high yield strength W and Re gaskets. This work presents experimental data that evidences the chemical reactivity between these refractory metals and CO2 or carbonates at temperatures above 1300 °Ϲ and pressures above 6 GPa. Metal oxides and diamond are identified as reaction products. Recommendations to minimize non-desired chemical reactions in high-pressure high-temperature experiments are given.
Investigating the Efficiency Droop of Nitride-Based Blue LEDs with Different Quantum Barrier Growth Rates
Authors: Wang C. K. , Chiou Y. Z. , Chang H. J.
Published: December 2019

In this study, GaN-based blue InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with different growth rates of the quantum barriers were fabricated and investigated. The LEDs with quantum barriers grown with a higher growth rate exhibit a lower leakage current and less non-radiative recombination centers in the multiple quantum wells (MQWs). Therefore, the LED with a higher barrier growth rate achieves a better light output power by 18.4% at 120 mA, which is attributed to weaker indium fluctuation effect in the QWs. On the other hand, the localized states created by indium fluctuation lead to a higher local carrier density, and Auger recombination in the QWs. Thus, the efficiency droop ratio of the LEDs with a higher barrier growth rate was only 28.6%, which was superior to that with a lower barrier growth rate (39.3%).