bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development of Subject Position in Dutch-Dominant Heritage Speakers of Spanish: From Age 9 to Adulthood
Authors: van Osch Brechje , García González Elisabet , Hulk Aafke , Sleeman Petra , Aalberse Suzanne
Published: November 2019

This exploratory study investigates the knowledge of word order in intransitive sentences by heritage speakers of Spanish of different age groups: 9-year-olds, 13-year-olds and adults. In doing so, we aim to fill a gap in the heritage language literature, which, to date, has mainly focused on adult heritage speakers and preschool bilingual children. The results from a judgment task reveal that child- and adolescent heritage speakers do not entirely resemble monolingual age-matched children in the acquisition of subjects in Spanish, nor do they assimilate adult heritage speakers. The data suggest that several different processes can occur simultaneously in the acquisition of word order in heritage speakers: monolingual-like acquisition, delayed acquisition, and attrition. An analysis of the influence of extraneous variables suggests that most of these effects are likely to be the consequence of quantitatively reduced input in the heritage language and increased input in the majority language.
Verification of the Influence of Loading and Mortar Coating Thickness on Resistance to High Temperatures Due to Fire on Load-Bearing Masonries with Clay Tiles
Authors: de Souza Rodrigo P. , Pacheco Fernanda , Prager Gustavo L. , Gil Augusto M. , Christ Roberto , de Mello Vinícius Muller , Tutikian Bernardo F.
Published: November 2019

Masonry has been widely used as a construction method. However, there is a lack of information on its fire behavior due to the multitude of variables that could influence this method. This paper aimed to identify the influence of loading and mortar coating thickness on the fire behavior of masonry. Hence, six masonries made of clay tiles laid with mortar were evaluated. The mortar coating had a thickness of 25 mm on the face not exposed to high temperatures, while the fire-exposed face had thicknesses of 0, 15, and 25 mm. For each mortar coating thickness, two specimens were tested, with and without loading of 10 tf/m. The real-scale specimens were subjected to the standard ISO 834 fire curve for four hours, during which the properties of stability, airtightness, and thermal insulation were assessed. Results showed that loaded specimens yielded smaller deformations than unloaded ones. Samples that lacked mortar coating on the fire-exposed face underwent fire resistance decrease of 27.5%, while the ones with 15 mm decreased by 58.1%, and the ones with 25 mm decreased by 41.0%. As mortar coating thickness increased, the plane deformations decreased from 40 mm to 29 mm and the thermal insulation properties of the walls improved significantly. For specimens with mortar coating thickness of 25 mm, the load application resulted in a reduction of 23.8% of the thermal insulation, while the unloaded specimen showed a decrease of 43.3%, as well as a modification of its fire-resistance rating.
Influence of Carrier Gases on the Quality of Epitaxial Corundum-Structured α-Ga2O3 Films Grown by Mist Chemical Vapor Deposition Method
Authors: Xu Yu , Zhang Chunfu , Cheng Yaolin , Li Zhe , Cheng Ya’nan , Feng Qian , Chen Dazheng , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue
Published: November 2019

This report systematically investigates the influence of different carrier gases (O2, N2, and air) on the growth of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) thin films on c-plane sapphire substrates by using the mist-CVD method. Although XRD and Raman measurements show that the pure corundum-structured α-Ga2O3 with single (0006) plane orientation was successfully obtained for all three different carrier gases, the crystal quality could be greatly affected by the carrier gas. When O2 is used as the carrier gas, the smallest full-width at half maximum (FWHM), the very sharp absorption cutoff edge, the perfect lattice structure, the highest growth rate, and the smooth surface can be obtained for the epitaxial α-Ga2O3 film as demonstrated by XRD, UV-VIS, TEM, AFM (Atomic Force Microscope), and SEM measurements. It is proposed that the oxygen content in carrier gas should be responsible for all of these results. XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) analysis also confirms that more oxygen elements can be included in epitaxial film when O2 is used as the carrier gas and thus help improve the crystal quality. The proper carrier gas is essential for the high quality α-Ga2O3 growth.
Generalized Integral Inequalities for Hermite–Hadamard-Type Inequalities via s-Convexity on Fractal Sets
Authors: Almutairi Ohud , Kılıçman Adem
Published: November 2019

In this article, we establish new Hermite–Hadamard-type inequalities via Riemann–Liouville integrals of a function ψ taking its value in a fractal subset of R and possessing an appropriate generalized s-convexity property. It is shown that these fractal inequalities give rise to a generalized s-convexity property of ψ . We also prove certain inequalities involving Riemann–Liouville integrals of a function ψ provided that the absolute value of the first or second order derivative of ψ possesses an appropriate fractal s-convexity property.
Iterative Methods with Memory for Solving Systems of Nonlinear Equations Using a Second Order Approximation
Authors: Cordero Alicia , Maimó Javier G. , Torregrosa Juan R. , Vassileva María P.
Published: November 2019

Iterative methods for solving nonlinear equations are said to have memory when the calculation of the next iterate requires the use of more than one previous iteration. Methods with memory usually have a very stable behavior in the sense of the wideness of the set of convergent initial estimations. With the right choice of parameters, iterative methods without memory can increase their order of convergence significantly, becoming schemes with memory. In this work, starting from a simple method without memory, we increase its order of convergence without adding new functional evaluations by approximating the accelerating parameter with Newton interpolation polynomials of degree one and two. Using this technique in the multidimensional case, we extend the proposed method to systems of nonlinear equations. Numerical tests are presented to verify the theoretical results and a study of the dynamics of the method is applied to different problems to show its stability.
On the Wiener Complexity and the Wiener Index of Fullerene Graphs
Authors: Dobrynin Andrey A. , Vesnin Andrei Yu
Published: November 2019

Fullerenes are molecules that can be presented in the form of cage-like polyhedra, consisting only of carbon atoms. Fullerene graphs are mathematical models of fullerene molecules. The transmission of a vertex v of a graph is a local graph invariant defined as the sum of distances from v to all the other vertices. The number of different vertex transmissions is called the Wiener complexity of a graph. Some calculation results on the Wiener complexity and the Wiener index of fullerene graphs of order n ≤ 232 and IPR fullerene graphs of order n ≤ 270 are presented. The structure of graphs with the maximal Wiener complexity or the maximal Wiener index is discussed, and formulas for the Wiener index of several families of graphs are obtained.
Topologies on Z n that Are Not Homeomorphic to the n-Dimensional Khalimsky Topological Space
Authors: Han Sang-Eon , Jafari Saeid , Kang Jeong
Published: November 2019

The present paper deals with two types of topologies on the set of integers, Z : a quasi-discrete topology and a topology satisfying the T 1 2 -separation axiom. Furthermore, for each n ∈ N , we develop countably many topologies on Z n which are not homeomorphic to the typical n-dimensional Khalimsky topological space. Based on these different types of new topological structures on Z n , many new mathematical approaches can be done in the fields of pure and applied sciences, such as fixed point theory, rough set theory, and so on.
On Diophantine Equations Related to Order of Appearance in Fibonacci Sequence
Authors: Trojovský Pavel
Published: November 2019

Let F n be the nth Fibonacci number. Order of appearance z ( n ) of a natural number n is defined as smallest natural number k, such that n divides F k . In 1930, Lehmer proved that all solutions of equation z ( n ) = n ± 1 are prime numbers. In this paper, we solve equation z ( n ) = n + ℓ for | ℓ | ∈ { 1 , … , 9 } . Our method is based on the p-adic valuation of Fibonacci numbers.
Correction: Kunc, O.; Fritzen, F. Finite Strain Homogenization Using a Reduced Basis and Efficient Sampling. Math. Comput. Appl. 2019, 24, 56
Authors: Kunc Oliver , Fritzen Felix
Published: November 2019

The authors wish to make a correction to Formula (42) of the paper [...]
Effect of the High-Pressure Torsion (HPT) and Subsequent Isothermal Annealing on the Phase Transformation in Biomedical Ti15Mo Alloy
Authors: Bartha Kristína , Stráský Josef , Veverková Anna , Barriobero-Vila Pere , Lukáč František , Doležal Petr , Sedlák Petr , Polyakova Veronika , Semenova Irina , Janeček Miloš
Published: November 2019

Ti15Mo metastable beta Ti alloy was solution treated and subsequently deformed by high-pressure torsion (HPT). HPT-deformed and benchmark non-deformed solution-treated materials were annealed at 400 °C and 500 °C in order to investigate the effect of UFG microstructure on the α-phase precipitation. Phase evolution was examined using laboratory X-ray diffraction (XRD) and by high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction (HEXRD), which provided more accurate measurements. Microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microhardness was measured for all conditions. HPT deformation was found to significantly enhance the α phase precipitation due the introduction of lattice defects such as dislocations or grain boundaries, which act as preferential nucleation sites. Moreover, in HPT-deformed material, α precipitates are small and equiaxed, contrary to the α lamellae in the non-deformed material. ω phase formation is suppressed due to massive α precipitation and consequent element partitioning. Despite that, HPT-deformed material after ageing exhibits the high microhardness exceeding 450 HV.
The Nucleation and the Intrinsic Microstructure Evolution of Martensite from

332

〈
113
〉

β

Twin Boundary in β Titanium: First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Chen Qiu-Jie , Ma Shang-Yi , Wang Shao-Qing
Published: November 2019

A clear understanding on the inter-evolution behaviors between 332 ⟨ 113 ⟩ β twinning and stress-induced martensite (SIM) α″ in β-Ti alloys is vital for improving its strength and ductility concurrently. As the preliminary step to better understand these complex behaviors, the nucleation and the intrinsic microstructure evolution of martensite α″ from 332 ⟨113⟩ β twin boundary (TB) were investigated in pure β-Ti at atomic scale using first-principles calculations in this work. We found the α″ precipitation prefers to nucleate and grow at 332 ⟨ 113 ⟩ β TB, with the transformation of 332 ⟨113⟩ β TB→ 130 ⟨ 3 ¯ 10⟩ α ″ TB. During this process, α″ precipitation firstly nucleates at 332 ⟨113⟩ β TB and, subsequently, it grows inwards toward the grain interiors. This easy transition may stem from the strong crystallographic correspondence between 332 ⟨113⟩ β and 130 ⟨ 3 ¯ 10⟩ α ″ TBs, and the region close to the 332 ⟨113⟩ β TB presents the characteristics of intermediate structure between β and α″ phases. Kinetics calculations indicate the α″ phase barrierlessly nucleates at 332 ⟨113⟩ β TB rather than in grain interior, where there is higher critical driving energy. Our calculations provide a unique perspective on the “intrinsic” microstructure evolution of martensite α″ from 332 ⟨113⟩ β TB, which may deepen our understanding on the precipitation of martensite α″ and the inter-evolution behaviors between 332 ⟨113⟩ β twinning and martensite α″ in β-Ti alloys at atomic scale.
Heat Stress-Induced Metabolic Remodeling in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Pan Daqiang , Wiedemann Nils , Kammerer Bernd
Published: November 2019

Yeast cells respond to heat stress by remodeling their gene expression, resulting in the changes of the corresponding proteins and metabolites. Compared to the intensively investigated transcriptome and proteome, the metabolic response to heat stress is not sufficiently characterized. Mitochondria have been recognized to play an essential role in heat stress tolerance. Given the compartmentalization of the cell, it is not clear if the heat stress-induced metabolic response occurs in mitochondria or in the cytosol. Therefore, a compartment-specific metabolite analysis was performed to analyze the heat stress-induced metabolic response in mitochondria and the cytoplasm. In this work, the isolated mitochondria and the cytoplasm of yeast cells grown at permissive temperature and cells adapting to heat stress were subjected to mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. Over a hundred metabolites could be identified, covering amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, arginine metabolism, purine and pyrimidine metabolism, and others. Highly accumulated citrulline and reduced arginine suggested remodeled arginine metabolism. A stable isotope-labeled experiment was performed to analyze the heat stress-induced metabolic remodeling of the arginine metabolism, identifying activated de novo ornithine biosynthesis to support arginine and spermidine synthesis. The short-term increased spermidine and trehalose suggest their important roles as heat stress markers. These data provide metabolic clues of heat stress-induced metabolic remodeling, which helps in understanding the heat stress response.
Optimization of Islet Microencapsulation with Thin Polymer Membranes for Long-Term Stability
Authors: Toda Shota , Fattah Artin , Asawa Kenta , Nakamura Naoko , N. Ekdahl Kristina , Nilsson Bo , Teramura Yuji
Published: November 2019

Microencapsulation of islets can protect against immune reactions from the host immune system after transplantation. However, sufficient numbers of islets cannot be transplanted due to the increase of the size and total volume. Therefore, thin and stable polymer membranes are required for the microencapsulation. Here, we undertook the cell microencapsulation using poly(ethylene glycol)-conjugated phospholipid (PEG-lipid) and layer-by-layer membrane of multiple-arm PEG. In order to examine the membrane stability, we used different molecular weights of 4-arm PEG (10k, 20k and 40k)-Mal to examine the influence on the polymer membrane stability. We found that the polymer membrane made of 4-arm PEG(40k)-Mal showed the highest stability on the cell surface. Also, the polymer membrane did not disturb the insulin secretion from beta cells.
Replenishment of Hepatitis B Virus cccDNA Pool Is Restricted by Baseline Expression of Host Restriction Factors In Vitro
Authors: Brezgin Sergey , Kostyusheva Anastasiia , Bayurova Ekaterina , Gordeychuk Ilya , Isaguliants Maria , Goptar Irina , Nikiforova Anastasiia , Smirnov Valery , Volchkova Elena , Glebe Dieter , Kostyushev Dmitry , Chulanov Vladimir
Published: November 2019

Background: Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the major cause of viral persistence in patients with chronic HBV infection. Understanding the mechanisms underlying stability and persistence of HBV cccDNA in hepatocytes is critical for developing novel therapeutics and managing chronic hepatitis B. In this study, we observed an unexpected increase in HBV cccDNA levels upon suppression of transcription by de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A and uncovered additional mechanisms potentially involved in HBV cccDNA maintenance. Methods: HBV-expressing cell lines were transfected with a DNMT3A-expressing plasmid. Real-time PCR and HBsAg assays were used to assess the HBV replication rate. Cell cycling was analyzed by fluorescent cell sorting. CRISPR/Cas9 was utilized to abrogate expression of APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B. Alterations in the expression of target genes were measured by real-time PCR. Results: Similar to previous studies, HBV replication induced DNMT3A expression, which in turn, led to reduced HBV transcription but elevated HBV cccDNA levels (4- to 6-fold increase). Increased levels of HBV cccDNA were not related to cell cycling, as DNMT3A accelerated proliferation of infected cells and could not contribute to HBV cccDNA expansion by arresting cells in a quiescent state. At the same time, DNMT3A suppressed transcription of innate immunity factors including cytidine deaminases APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated silencing of APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B transcription had minor effects on HBV transcription, but significantly increased HBV cccDNA levels, similar to DNMT3A. In an attempt to further analyze the detrimental effects of HBV and DNMT3A on infected cells, we visualized γ-H2AX foci and demonstrated that HBV inflicts and DNMT3A aggravates DNA damage, possibly by downregulating DNA damage response factors. Additionally, suppression of HBV replication by DNMT3A may be related to reduced ATM/ATR expression. Conclusion: Formation and maintenance of HBV cccDNA pools may be partially suppressed by the baseline expression of host inhibitory factors including APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B. HBV inflicts DNA damage both directly and by inducing DNMT3A expression.
Determining the Virulence Properties of Escherichia coli ST131 Containing Bacteriocin-Encoding Plasmids Using Short- and Long-Read Sequencing and Comparing Them with Those of Other E. coli Lineages
Authors: da Cruz Campos Ana Carolina , Cavallo Francis M. , Andrade Nathália L. , van Dijl Jan Maarten , Couto Natacha , Zrimec Jan , Lo Ten Foe Jerome R. , Rosa Ana C. P. , Damasco Paulo V. , Friedrich Alex W. , Chlebowicz-Flissikowska Monika A. , Rossen John W. A.
Published: November 2019

Escherichia coli ST131 is a clinical challenge due to its multidrug resistant profile and successful global spread. They are often associated with complicated infections, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bacteriocins play an important role to outcompete other microorganisms present in the human gut. Here, we characterized bacteriocin-encoding plasmids found in ST131 isolates of patients suffering from a UTI using both short- and long-read sequencing. Colicins Ia, Ib and E1, and microcin V, were identified among plasmids that also contained resistance and virulence genes. To investigate if the potential transmission range of the colicin E1 plasmid is influenced by the presence of a resistance gene, we constructed a strain containing a plasmid which had both the colicin E1 and blaCMY-2 genes. No difference in transmission range was found between transformant and wild-type strains. However, a statistically significantly difference was found in adhesion and invasion ability. Bacteriocin-producing isolates from both ST131 and non-ST131 lineages were able to inhibit the growth of other E. coli isolates, including other ST131. In summary, plasmids harboring bacteriocins give additional advantages for highly virulent and resistant ST131 isolates, improving the ability of these isolates to compete with other microbiota for a niche and thereby increasing the risk of infection.
Uncovering Bifidobacteria via Targeted Sequencing of the Mammalian Gut Microbiota
Authors: Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Duranti Sabrina , Milani Christian , Mancabelli Leonardo , Turroni Francesca , Sinderen Douwe van , Ventura Marco
Published: November 2019

Bifidobacteria are among the most prevalent gut commensals in mammals, playing crucial functional roles that start from their early colonization of the infant gastrointestinal tract and last throughout the life span of their host. Metagenomic approaches have been employed to unveil the genetic features of bifidobacteria in order to understand how they participate in the correct development of a healthy microbiome. Nevertheless, their low relative abundance in many environmental samples may represent a major limitation for metagenomics approaches. To overcome this restriction, we applied an enrichment method that allows amplification of bifidobacterial DNA obtained from human or animal fecal samples for up to 26,500-fold, resulting in the metagenomic reconstruction of genomes belonging to bifidobacterial strains, present at very low abundance in collected samples. Functional predictions of the genes from these reconstructed genomes allows us to identify unique signatures among members of the same bifidobacterial species, highlighting genes correlated with the uptake of nutrients and adhesion to the intestinal mucosa.
Risk Comparison of the Diarrheal and Emetic Type of Bacillus cereus in Tofu
Authors: Kwon Mi Jin , Lee Chae Lim , Yoon Ki Sun
Published: November 2019

We investigated the ability of biofilm formation, survival, and behavior of diarrheal and emetic Bacillus cereus vegetative cells and spores in tofu. Both diarrheal and emetic B. cereus did not proliferate at a temperature below 9 °C in tofu. However, the emetic B. cereus grew faster than diarrheal B. cereus at 11 °C and had better survival ability at low temperatures. Both diarrheal and emetic B. cereus were able to form a biofilm on stainless steel. These biofilm cells were transferred to tofu in live state. The transferred biofilm cells could not grow at a temperature below 9 °C but grew over 11 °C, like planktonic cells. B. cereus contamination in tofu at a high concentration (>6 logs CFU/g) was not entirely killed by heating at 80, 85, or 90 °C for 2 h. Spores and emetic B. cereus had higher resistance to heat than vegetative cells and diarrheal B. cereus, respectively.
A Pyrrhic Victory: The PMN Response to Ocular Bacterial Infections
Authors: Livingston Erin T. , Mursalin Md Huzzatul , Callegan Michelle C.
Published: November 2019

Some tissues of the eye are susceptible to damage due to their exposure to the outside environment and inability to regenerate. Immune privilege, although beneficial to the eye in terms of homeostasis and protection, can be harmful when breached or when an aberrant response occurs in the face of challenge. In this review, we highlight the role of the PMN (polymorphonuclear leukocyte) in different bacterial ocular infections that invade the immune privileged eye at the anterior and posterior segments: keratitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, and endophthalmitis. Interestingly, the PMN response from the host seems to be necessary for pathogen clearance in ocular disease, but the inflammatory response can also be detrimental to vision retention. This “Pyrrhic Victory” scenario is explored in each type of ocular infection, with details on PMN recruitment and response at the site of ocular infection. In addition, we emphasize the differences in PMN responses between each ocular disease and its most common corresponding bacterial pathogen. The in vitro and animal models used to identify PMN responses, such as recruitment, phagocytosis, degranulation, and NETosis, are also outlined in each ocular infection. This detailed study of the ocular acute immune response to infection could provide novel therapeutic strategies for blinding diseases, provide more general information on ocular PMN responses, and reveal areas of bacterial ocular infection research that lack PMN response studies.
Mitochondria-Mediated Programmed Cell Death in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Induced by Betulinic Acid is Accelerated by the Deletion of PEP4 Gene
Authors: Lu Hongyun , Shu Qin , Lou Hanghang , Chen Qihe
Published: November 2019

In this work, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model, we showed that BetA could inhibit cell proliferation and lead to lethal cytotoxicity accompanying programmed cell death (PCD). Interestingly, it was found that vacuolar protease Pep4p played a pivotal role in BetA-induced S. cerevisiae PCD. The presence of Pep4p reduced the damage of BetA-induced cells. This work implied that BetA may induce cell death of S. cerevisiae through mitochondria-mediated PCD, and the deletion of Pep4 gene possibly accelerated the effect of PCD. The present investigation provided the preliminary research for the complicated mechanism of BetA-induced cell PCD regulated by vacular protease Pep4p and lay the foundation for understanding of the Pep4p protein in an animal model.
Phlogopite-Forming Reactions as Indicators of Metasomatism in the Lithospheric Mantle
Authors: Safonov Oleg , Butvina Valentina , Limanov Evgenii
Published: November 2019

Phlogopite is widely accepted as a major mineral indicator of the modal metasomatism in the upper mantle within a very wide P–T range. The paper reviews data on various phlogopite-forming reactions in upper-mantle peridotites. The review includes both descriptions of naturally occurring reactions and results of experiments that model some of these reactions. Relations of phlogopite with other potassic phases, such as K-richterite, sanidine and K-titanates, are discussed. These data are taken as a basis for thermodynamic modeling of the phlogopite-forming reactions for specific mantle rocks in terms of log(aH2O) − log(aK2O) diagrams (pseudosections) using the Gibbs free energy minimization. These diagrams allow estimation of potassium-water activity relations during metasomatic transformations of mantle rocks, prediction sequences of mineral assemblages with respect to these parameters and comparison of metasomatic processes in the rocks of different composition. This approach is illustrated by examples from peridotite xenoliths from kimberlites.
Geochemical Footprint of Megacities on River Sediments: A Case Study of the Fourth Most Populous Area in India, Chennai
Authors: Saravanan Sukkampatti Palanisamy , Desmet Marc , Neelakanta Pillai Kanniperumal Ambujam , Ramasamy Saravanan , Shumskikh Nikita , Grosbois Cécile
Published: November 2019

An intensive surface sediment survey was carried out over 24 locations from the upstream to downstream sections of two large rivers (Adyar and Cooum) in Chennai (India) during the February dry season of 2015. Trace element concentrations were assessed on a <63 µm fraction using the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) and the newly proposed Geochemical Urban Footprint Index (GUFI), which can be performed to determine the pollution status of any megacity river influenced by urban development. The sediment quality of Chennai’s rivers was also compared to worldwide megacity pollution using sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), and a new megacity pollution ranking was determined. The Igeo results indicate that the Chennai rivers studied are strongly to extremely polluted regarding trace element content of sediment. Silver (Ag), Cadmium (Cd) and Mercury (Hg) are the most significant tracers of urban contamination. Chromium (Cr) concentrations show an industrial contamination gradient in relation to levels of other trace elements (As, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) at the Chennai megacity scale. The GUFI ranges from moderate to extreme contamination, particularly in the downstream stretches of the two rivers. This spatial trend is related to various point sources and identified at specific sampling stations, with a lack of identifiable buffer zones. According to the worldwide comparison of megacity pollution, Chennai is ranked in fifth position. The present position can be attributed to a number of explanations: a population explosion associated with the unplanned growth of the city and non-controlled point sources of pollution in Chennai’s waterways.
A Novel Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complex Bearing 1,8-Naphthyridine as a High Selectivity and Sensitivity Fluorescent Chemosensor for Cu2+ and Fe3+ Ions
Authors: He Chixian , Yu Shiwen , Ma Shuye , Liu Zining , Yao Lifeng , Cheng Feixiang , Liu Pinhua
Published: November 2019

A novel ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complex bearing 1,8-naphthyridine was successfully designed and synthesized. This complex was fully characterized by EI-HRMS, NMR, and elemental analyses. The recognition properties of the complex for various metal ions were investigated. The results suggested that the complex displayed high selectivity and sensitivity for Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions with good anti-interference in the CH3CN/H2O (1:1, v/v) solution. The fluorescent chemosensor showed obvious fluorescence quenching when the Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions were added. The detection limits of Cu2+ and Fe3+ were 39.9 nmol/L and 6.68 nmol/L, respectively. This study suggested that this Ru(II) polypyridyl complex can be used as a high selectivity and sensitivity fluorescent chemosensor for Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions.
CuInS2/Mg(OH)2 Nanosheets for the Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline
Authors: Zheng Xiaogang , Mao Yiting , Wen Jing , Fu Xiaojin , Liu Xinhui
Published: November 2019

CuInS2/Mg(OH)2 (CIS/Mg(OH)2) nanosheets have been prepared for the visible light activated photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). The introduction of CuInS2 has proven to enhance the photocatalytic activity of Mg(OH)2 nanosheets. It’s ascribed to the enhanced transfer and separation of charge carriers at the junction interface between CuInS2 and Mg(OH)2. The photocatalytic activity of obtained CIS/Mg(OH)2 is greatly affected by CuInS2 content, pH value, and inorganic ions. Among these samples, 2-CIS/Mg(OH)2 exhibits the excellent photocatalytic activity and durability for the visible light driven removal of TCH after five cycle times. Atomic force microscope (AFM) images indicate that the surface roughness of 2-CIS/Mg(OH)2 is intensively influenced in adsorption-photocatalysis process. The •O2− and •OH radicals are vital for the visible light driven photocatalytic activity of 2-CIS/Mg(OH)2 for TCH removal.
Hyaluronate Functionalized Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Filled with Carboplatin as a Novel Drug Nanocarrier against Murine Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Salas-Treviño Daniel , Saucedo-Cárdenas Odila , Loera-Arias María de Jesús , Rodríguez-Rocha Humberto , García-García Aracely , Montes-de-Oca-Luna Roberto , Piña-Mendoza Edgar I. , Contreras-Torres Flavio F. , García-Rivas Gerardo , Soto-Domínguez Adolfo
Published: November 2019

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged in recent years as a potential option for drug delivery, due to their high functionalization capacity. Biocompatibility and selectivity using tissue-specific biomolecules can optimize the specificity, pharmacokinetics and stability of the drug. In this study, we design, develop and characterize a drug nanovector (oxCNTs-HA-CPT) conjugating oxidated multi-wall carbon nanotubes (oxCNTs) with hyaluronate (HA) and carboplatin (CPT) as a treatment in a lung cancer model in vitro. Subsequently, we exposed TC–1 and NIH/3T3 cell lines to the nanovectors and measured cell uptake, cell viability, and oxidative stress induction. The characterization of oxCNTs-HA-CPT reveals that on their surface, they have HA. On the other hand, oxCNTs-HA-CPT were endocytosed in greater proportion by tumor cells than by fibroblasts, and likewise, the cytotoxic effect was significantly higher in tumor cells. These results show the therapeutic potential that nanovectors possess; however, future studies should be carried out to determine the death pathways involved, as well as their effect on in vivo models.
Tumor Targeting by Monoclonal Antibody Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Oltolina Francesca , Colangelo Donato , Miletto Ivana , Clemente Nausicaa , Miola Marta , Verné Enrica , Prat Maria , Follenzi Antonia
Published: November 2019

Tumor-targeted drug-loaded nanocarriers represent innovative and attractive tools for cancer therapy. Several magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were analyzed as potential tumor-targeted drug-loaded nanocarriers after functionalization with anti-Met oncogene (anti-Met/HGFR) monoclonal antibody (mAb) and doxorubicin (DOXO). Their cytocompatibility, stability, immunocompetence (immunoprecipitation), and their interactions with cancer cells in vitro (Perl’s staining, confocal microscopy, cytotoxic assays: MTT, real time toxicity) and with tumors in vivo (Perl’s staining) were evaluated. The simplest silica- and calcium-free mAb-loaded MNPs were the most cytocompatible, the most stable, and showed the best immunocompetence and specificity. These mAb-functionalized MNPs specifically interacted with the surface of Met/HGFR-positive cells, and not with Met/HGFR-negative cells; they were not internalized, but they discharged in the targeted cells DOXO, which reached the nucleus, exerting cytotoxicity. The presence of mAbs on DOXO-MNPs significantly increased their cytotoxicity on Met/HGFR-positive cells, while no such effect was detectable on Met/HGFR-negative cells. Bare MNPs were biocompatible in vivo; mAb presence on MNPs induced a better dispersion within the tumor mass when injected in situ in Met/HGFR-positive xenotumors in NOD/SCID-γnull mice. These MNPs may represent a new and promising carrier for in vivo targeted drug delivery, in which applied gradient and alternating magnetic fields can enhance targeting and induce hyperthermia respectively.
A Diamond Temperature Sensor Based on the Energy Level Shift of Nitrogen-Vacancy Color Centers
Authors: Yang Mingyang , Yuan Qilong , Gao Jingyao , Shu Shengcheng , Chen Feiyue , Sun Huifang , Nishimura Kazuhito , Wang Shaolong , Yi Jian , Lin Cheng-Te , Jiang Nan
Published: November 2019

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color center in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond has been widely investigated in quantum information and quantum biosensors due to its excellent photon emission stability and long spin coherence time. However, the temperature dependence of the energy level of NV color centers in diamond is different from other semiconductors with the same diamond cubic structure for the high Debye temperature and very small thermal expansion coefficient of diamond. In this work, a diamond sensor for temperature measurement with high precision was fabricated based on the investigation of the energy level shifts of NV centers by Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The results show that the intensity and linewidth of the zero-phonon line of NV centers highly depend on the environmental temperature, and the energy level shifts of NV centers in diamond follow the modified Varshni model very well, a model which is better than the traditional version. Accordingly, the NV color center shows the ability in temperature measurement with a high accuracy of up to 98%. The high dependence of NV centers on environmental temperature shows the possibility of temperature monitoring of NV center-based quantum sensors in biosystems.
A Mechanics Based Surface Image Interpretation Method for Multifunctional Nanocomposites
Authors: Blinzler Brina J. , Larsson Ragnar , Gaska Karolina , Kádár Roland
Published: November 2019

Graphene nanosheets and thicker graphite nanoplatelets are being used as reinforcement in polymeric materials to improve the material properties or induce new functional properties. By improving dispersion, de-agglomerating the particles, and ensuring the desired orientation of the nano-structures in the matrix, the microstructure can be tailored to obtain specific material properties. A novel surface image assisted modeling framework is proposed to understand functional properties of the graphene enhanced polymer. The effective thermal and mechanical responses are assessed based on computational homogenization. For the mechanical response, the 2-D nanoplatelets are modeled as internal interfaces that store energy for membrane actions. The effective thermal response is obtained similarly, where 2-D nanoplatelets are represented using regions of high conductivity. Using the homogenization simulation, macroscopic stiffness properties and thermal conductivity properties are modeled and then compared to the experimental data. The proposed surface image assisted modeling yields reasonable effective mechanical and thermal properties, where the Kapitza effect plays an important part in effective thermal properties.
Ag/H-ZIF-8 Nanocomposite as an Effective Antibacterial Agent Against Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Zhang Yanmei , Zhang Xin , Song Jie , Jin Liming , Wang Xiaotong , Quan Chunshan
Published: November 2019

Development of antimicrobial nanomaterials is one of the most attractive strategies for eliminating the major threat of pathogenic bacteria to public health. In this work, we developed a simple impregnation-reduction method for the synthesis of Ag-doped hierarchical ZIF-8 (Ag/H-ZIF-8) nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was characterized by several techniques and its antibacterial activity was investigated. The Ag nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in the porous ZIF-8 with narrow size distribution. Consequently, the resulting Ag/H-ZIF-8 nanocomposite showed significantly enhanced antibacterial activities compared to the single ZIF-8 or Ag nanoparticles. Furthermore, the composite is biocompatible, because no obvious toxicity was observed on Hepatic epithelial cells. This study offers a new approach for the design of hybrid antimicrobial nanomaterials that have great potentials in practical disinfections
Assembly and Function of Gonad-Specific Non-Membranous Organelles in Drosophila piRNA Biogenesis
Authors: Hirakata Shigeki , Siomi Mikiko C.
Published: November 2019

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that repress transposons in animal germlines. This protects the genome from the invasive DNA elements. piRNA pathway failures lead to DNA damage, gonadal development defects, and infertility. Thus, the piRNA pathway is indispensable for the continuation of animal life. piRNA-mediated transposon silencing occurs in both the nucleus and cytoplasm while piRNA biogenesis is a solely cytoplasmic event. piRNA production requires a number of proteins, the majority of which localize to non-membranous organelles that specifically appear in the gonads. Other piRNA factors are localized on outer mitochondrial membranes. In situ RNA hybridization experiments show that piRNA precursors are compartmentalized into other non-membranous organelles. In this review, we summarize recent findings about the function of these organelles in the Drosophila piRNA pathway by focusing on their assembly and function.
Older Adults’ Awareness and Knowledge of Beans in Relation to Their Nutrient Content and Role in Chronic Disease Risk
Authors: Doma Katarina M. , Farrell Emily L. , Leith-Bailey Erin R. , Soucier Victoria D. , Duncan Alison M.
Published: November 2019

Awareness and knowledge of nutrient-dense foods are important for older adults to help them make dietary choices that support a food-first approach to healthy aging. This is especially important since age is a major risk factor for chronic disease and the proportion of older adults in North America is increasing. Beans can contribute to a food-first approach to healthy aging as they are nutrient-dense and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, studies exploring awareness and knowledge of beans in older adults are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore older adults’ awareness of beans in relation to their nutrient content and role in chronic disease risk. Community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years old) were recruited and completed a validated researcher-administered questionnaire (n = 250), which was followed by 10 focus groups (n = 49). Results showed that the majority of older adults considered beans as a healthy food and thought consuming them could improve their health (99.2% and 98.0%, respectively); however, only 51.2% were bean consumers. While the majority (83.6%) of older adults were aware that a serving of beans is high in dietary fibre, bean consumers were significantly more likely to think that consuming beans could improve health areas related to dietary fibre including body weight management and constipation. Furthermore, most (84.8%) older adults thought consuming beans could improve heart health; however, bean consumers were significantly more likely to be aware that one serving of beans is low in nutrients relevant to heart health including total fat, saturated and trans fat as well as cholesterol. This research can help to inform healthcare professionals and public health agencies to create specific dietary strategies focusing on increasing older adults’ awareness and knowledge of beans in relation to their nutrient profile and role in promoting health.
Relationship of Excess Weight with Clinical Activity and Dietary Intake Deficiencies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Authors: Meza-Meza Mónica R. , Vizmanos-Lamotte Barbara , Muñoz-Valle José Francisco , Parra-Rojas Isela , Garaulet Marta , Campos-López Bertha , Montoya-Buelna Margarita , Cerpa-Cruz Sergio , Martínez-López Erika , Oregon-Romero Edith , De la Cruz-Mosso Ulises
Published: November 2019

Obesity and nutrients intake deficiencies may contribute to the clinical manifestations and inflammatory processes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between nutritional status and dietary intake with clinical variables in Mexican-mestizo SLE patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 130 female SLE patients, classified by the 1997 SLE American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria; the clinical activity was evaluated by the Mexican-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Disease Activity Index (Mex-SLEDAI); body mass index (BMI) by the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria; the energy calculation and nutritional intake were performed by Nutritionist Pro Diet software. SLE patients with excess weight (BMI > 25 kg/m2) showed a higher score of clinical activity (Mex-SLEDAI = 2; p = 0.003), higher clinical activity prevalence (40.9%; p = 0.039) and a significant association for high clinical activity (odds ratio (OR) = 2.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08–5.9; p = 0.033), in comparison with patients without excess weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2). In particular, the excess weight increased the Mex-SLEDAI score (β coefficient = 1.82; R2 = 0.05; p = 0.005). Also, the SLE patients presented a high prevalence (%) of deficient consumption (cut-off point: <67% of dietary adequacy) of vitamin E (100%), iodine (96%), omega 3 (93.44%), biotin (78%), vitamin K (73.33%), iron (67%), vitamin D (63.3%), potassium (59%), folic acid (56.67%), pantothenic acid (43.3%), vitamin A (41.67%) and zinc (32%). In conclusion, in SLE patients the excess weight was associated with increased clinical activity and to the presence of deficiencies in some essential nutrients ingested.
Flavonoid-Rich Mixed Berries Maintain and Improve Cognitive Function Over a 6 h Period in Young Healthy Adults
Authors: Whyte Adrian R. , Cheng Nancy , Butler Laurie T. , Lamport Daniel J. , Williams Claire M.
Published: November 2019

Research with young adults has previously indicated flavonoid-rich berry interventions facilitate improved executive function (EF) and positive affect 20 min–2 h post-dosing. There has been little consideration of the impact of a berry intervention over a working day and interventions have also tended to consider only a single berry type. This study investigated the temporal profile of EF and mood changes over a 6 h period following a mixed-berry intervention. We hypothesized berry-related benefits would be most evident when participants were cognitively compromised on demanding elements of the task or during periods of fatigue. The study employed a single-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, between-subjects design. Forty participants aged 20–30 years consumed a 400 mL smoothie containing equal blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry (n = 20) or matched placebo (n = 20). Mood was assessed using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule; EF was tested using the Modified Attention Network (MANT) and Task Switching (TST) Tasks. Testing commenced at baseline then 2, 4 and 6 h post-dosing. As expected, following placebo intervention, performance decreased across the day as participants became cognitively fatigued. However, following berry intervention, participants maintained accuracy on both cognitive tasks up to and including 6 h, and demonstrated quicker response times on the MANT at 2 and 4 h, and TST at 6 h. This study demonstrates the efficacy of flavonoid rich berries in maintaining or improving cognitive performance across the 6 h day.
Associations of Circadian Eating Pattern and Diet Quality with Substantial Postpartum Weight Retention
Authors: Loy See Ling , Cheung Yin Bun , Colega Marjorelee T. , Chia Airu , Han Chad Yixian , Godfrey Keith M. , Chong Yap-Seng , Shek Lynette Pei-Chi , Tan Kok Hian , Lek Ngee , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Chong Mary Foong-Fong , Yap Fabian
Published: November 2019

Besides food quantity and quality, food timing and frequency may contribute to weight regulation. It is unclear if these factors during pregnancy can influence maternal weight retention after childbirth. We thus aimed to examine the associations of maternal circadian eating pattern and diet quality in pregnancy with substantial postpartum weight retention (PPWR) at 18 months in an Asian cohort. We assessed circadian eating pattern and diet quality of 687 women using 24-h dietary recalls at 26–28 weeks’ gestation. We calculated PPWR by subtracting maternal weight in the first trimester from weight at 18-month postpartum and defined substantial PPWR as ≥5 kg weight retention. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed. Overall, 16% of women had substantial PPWR. After the confounders adjustment, night eating, defined by greater night-time caloric intake (odds ratio 1.95; 95% confidence interval 1.05, 3.62), and lower diet quality, classified by median score of the Healthy Eating Index (1.91; 1.17, 3.10), were independently associated with higher odds of substantial PPWR. No associations with substantial PPWR were observed for night fasting duration and number of eating episodes. In conclusion, alignment of eating time with day–night cycles and diet quality during pregnancy may play a role in PPWR, with possible implications for long-term obesity risk.
Associations between 100% Orange Juice Consumption and Dietary, Lifestyle and Anthropometric Characteristics in a Cross-Sectional Study of U.S. Children and Adolescents
Authors: Sakaki Junichi R. , Melough Melissa M. , Li Jing , Tamimi Rulla M. , Chavarro Jorge E. , Chen Ming-Hui , Chun Ock K.
Published: November 2019

Concerns about orange juice’s sugar content have spurred discussions regarding its potential contributions to childhood obesity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between 100% orange juice (OJ) consumption and dietary, lifestyle and anthropometric characteristics in children and adolescents. Baseline anthropometric, dietary and lifestyle data from the Growing Up Today Study I (GUTS I) and GUTS II were collected via self-reported questionnaires from 26,554 participants. The mean values of these variables were then computed for children grouped by categories of OJ consumption, and linear trend testing was used to determine whether OJ consumption was linearly related to these variables. Multivariate adjustment modeling was used to calculate odds ratios of being obese or overweight/obese by OJ consumption. Among both boys and girls, OJ intake was positively associated with height, height-for-age z-score (HAZ), intakes of total energy, total energy excluding OJ, fruits and non-starchy vegetables and physical activity. BMI, BMI z-score and BMI-for-age percentile did not differ by OJ consumption. After adjustment for cohort, age, race, total energy intake without OJ, physical activity and screen time, prevalence of overweight/obesity significantly decreased by OJ intake in boys compared to non-consumers (odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI)): 1.17 (1.02, 1.33) for 1–3 glasses per month, 1.11 (0.98, 1.26) for 1–6 glasses per week, 1.00 (0.85, 1.18) for 1 glass per day, 0.91 (0.73, 1.13) for ≥1 glass per day, p-trend = 0.0403). Prevalence of obesity similarly decreased by OJ intake in boys. Prevalence of overweight/obesity and obesity did not significantly differ by OJ intake in girls. The results indicate that children consuming more OJ tended to practice healthier dietary and lifestyle habits without increased prevalence or odds of obesity or overweight.