bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocean acidification affects microbial community and invertebrate settlement on biofilms
Authors: Nelson Katie S. , Baltar Federico , Lamare Miles D. , Morales Sergio E.
Published: February 2020

Increased atmospheric CO2 is driving ocean acidification (OA), and potential changes in marine ecosystems. Research shows that both planktonic and benthic communities are affected, but how these changes are linked remains unresolved. Here we show experimentally that decreasing seawater pH (from pH 8.1 to 7.8 and 7.4) leads to reduced biofilm formation and lower primary producer biomass within biofilms. These changes occurred concurrently with a re-arrangement of the biofilm microbial communities. Changes suggest a potential shift from autotrophic to heterotrophic dominated biofilms in response to reduced pH. In a complimentary experiment, biofilms reared under reduced pH resulted in altered larval settlement for a model species (Galeolaria hystrix). These findings show that there is a potential cascade of impacts arising from OA effects on biofilms that may drive important community shifts through altered settlement patterns of benthic species.
Oleuropein Reverses Repeated Corticosterone-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior in mice: Evidence of Modulating Effect on Biogenic Amines
Authors: Badr Amira M. , Attia Hala A. , Al-Rasheed Nouf
Published: February 2020

Depression is still one of challenging, and widely encountered disorders with complex etiology. The role of healthy diet and olive oil in ameliorating depression has been claimed. This study was designed to explore the effects of oleuropein; the main constituent of olive oil; on depression-like behaviors that are induced by repeated administration of corticosterone (40 mg/kg, i.p.), once a day for 21 days, in mice. Oleuropein (8, 16, and 32 mg/kg, i.p.) or fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, positive control, i.p.1) was administered 30 minutes prior to corticosterone injection. Sucrose consumption test, open-field test (OFT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swimming test (FST) were performed. Reduced Glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation, and biogenic amines; serotonin, dopamine, and nor-epinephrine; levels were also analyzed in brain homogenates. Corticosterone treatment induced depression-like behaviors, it increased immobility time in the TST, OFT, and FST, decreased the number of movements in OFT, and decreased sucrose consumption. Corticosterone effect was associated with depletion of reduced glutathione and increase of lipid peroxidation, in addition to modification of biogenic amines; decreased serotonin and dopamine. Oleuropein or fluoxetine administration counteracted corticosterone-induced changes. In conclusion, oleuropein showed a promising antidepressant activity, that is evident by improving corticosterone-induced depression-like behaviors, and normalizing levels of biogenic amines.
Parathyroid hormone-producing cells exist in adipose tissues surrounding the parathyroid glands in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Kakuta Takatoshi , Sawada Kaichiro , Kanai Genta , Tatsumi Ryoko , Miyakogawa Takayo , Ishida Mari , Nakazawa Raima , Fukagawa Masafumi
Published: February 2020

Possible ectopic parathyroid hormone (PTH) production in adipose tissues surrounding hyperplastic parathyroid glands was examined in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). In vitro culture of adipose tissues from 31 patients excised during parathyroidectomy showed PTH secretion in 23 (74.2%) patients. In vitro PTH secretion was detected in adipose tissues adhered to the parathyroid glands from 22 (71.0%) patients, in not-adhered adipose from 11 (35.5%) and in the thymus from four (28.6%) patients. Immunohistochemistry revealed colonies of PTH- and GCM2-positive cells intricately intertwined with adipocytes in excised adipose tissues prior to culture. When pieces of parathyroid parenchyma from SHPT patients were transplanted into the thyroid of immunodeficient nude rats with induced SHPT, the transplants secreted human PTH for one to three-and-half months after transplantation and expressed adipocyte markers, PPARγ2 and perilipin A, that the transplants did not express prior to transplantation. These findings indicate the importance of thoroughly removing adipose tissues surrounding the parathyroid glands when performing parathyroidectomy. We speculate that these ectopic PTH-producing cells are parathyroid parenchymal cells pushed out from the glands along with adipocyte progenitors during nodular growth of hyperplastic parenchymal cells and that these cells proliferate in SHPT, forming colonies PTH-producing cells intricately intertwined with adipocytes.
Human primary endothelial label-free biochip assay reveals unpredicted functions of plasma serine proteases
Authors: Debreczeni Márta Lídia , Szekacs Inna , Kovacs Boglarka , Saftics Andras , Kurunczi Sándor , Gál Péter , Dobó József , Cervenak László , Horvath Robert
Published: February 2020

Tissue-on-a-chip technologies are more and more important in the investigation of cellular function and in the development of novel drugs by allowing the direct screening of substances on human cells. Constituting the inner lining of vessel walls, endothelial cells are the key players in various physiological processes, moreover, they are the first to be exposed to most drugs currently used. However, to date, there is still no appropriate technology for the label-free, real-time and high-throughput monitoring of endothelial function. To this end, we developed an optical biosensor-based endothelial label-free biochip (EnLaB) assay that meets all the above requirements. Using our EnLaB platform, we screened a set of plasma serine proteases as possible endothelial cell activators, and first identified the endothelial cell activating function of three important serine proteases – namely kallikrein, C1r and mannan-binding lectin-associated serine-protease 2 (MASP-2) – and verified these results in well-established functional assays. EnLaB proved to be an effective tool for revealing novel cellular mechanisms as well as for the high-throughput screening of various compounds on endothelial cells.
Cryptogenic stroke and atrial fibrillation in a real-world population: the role of insertable cardiac monitors
Authors: De Angelis Maria Vittoria , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Franciotti Raffaella , Furia Nanda , Di Girolamo Enrico , Onofrj Marco , Faustino Massimiliano
Published: February 2020

The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients has been studied in carefully controlled clinical trials, but real-world data are limited. We investigated the incidence of AF in clinical practice among CS patients with an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) placed for AF detection. Patients with CS admitted to our Stroke Unit were included in the study; they received an ICM and were monitored for up to 3 years for AF detection. All detected AF episodes of at least 120 sec were considered. From March 2016 to March 2019, 58 patients (mean age 68.1 ± 9.3 years, 67% male) received an ICM to detect AF after a CS. No patients were lost to follow-up. AF was detected in 24 patients (41%, AF group mean age 70.8 ± 9.4 years, 62% male) after a mean time of 6 months from ICM (ranging from 2 days to 2 years) and 8 months after CS (ranging from 1 month to 2 years). In these AF patients, anticoagulant treatment was prescribed and nobody had a further stroke. In conclusion, AF episodes were detected via continuous monitoring with ICMs in 41% of implanted CS patients. AF in CS patients is asymptomatic and difficult to diagnose by strategies based on intermittent short-term recordings. Therefore, we suggest that ICMs should be part of daily practice in the evaluation of CS patients.
Ramped pulse shapes are more efficient for cochlear implant stimulation in an animal model
Authors: Navntoft Charlotte Amalie , Marozeau Jeremy , Barkat Tania Rinaldi
Published: February 2020

In all commercial cochlear implant (CI) devices, the electric stimulation is performed with a rectangular pulse that generally has two phases of opposite polarity. To date, developing new stimulation strategies has relied on the efficacy of this shape. Here, we investigate the potential of a novel stimulation paradigm that uses biophysically-inspired electrical ramped pulses. Using electrically-evoked auditory brainstem response (eABR) recordings in mice, we found that less charge, but higher current level amplitude, is needed to evoke responses with ramped shapes that are similar in amplitude to responses obtained with rectangular shapes. The most charge-efficient pulse shape had a rising ramp over both phases, supporting findings from previous in vitro studies. This was also true for longer phase durations. Our study presents the first physiological data on CI-stimulation with ramped pulse shapes. By reducing charge consumption ramped pulses have the potential to produce more battery-efficient CIs and may open new perspectives for designing other efficient neural implants in the future.
Transcriptome and Parasitome Analysis of Beet Cyst Nematode Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Elashry Abdelnaser M. , Habash Samer S. , Vijayapalani Paramasivan , Brocke-Ahmadinejad Nahal , Blümel Roman , Seetharam Arun , Schoof Heiko , Grundler Florian M. W.
Published: February 2020

Beet cyst nematodes depend on a set of secretory proteins (effectors) for the induction and maintenance of their syncytial feeding sites in plant roots. In order to understand the relationship between the beet cyst nematode H. schachtii and its host, identification of H. schachtii effectors is crucial and to this end, we sequenced a whole animal pre-infective J2-stage transcriptome in addition to pre- and post-infective J2 gland cell transcriptome using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and identified a subset of sequences representing putative effectors. Comparison between the transcriptome of H. schachtii and previously reported related cyst nematodes and root-knot nematodes revealed a subset of esophageal gland related sequences and putative effectors in common across the tested species. Structural and functional annotation of H. schachtii transcriptome led to the identification of nearly 200 putative effectors. Six putative effector expressions were quantified using qPCR and three of them were functionally analyzed using RNAi. Phenotyping of the RNAi nematodes indicated that all tested genes decrease the level of nematodes pathogenicity and/or the average female size, thereby regulating cyst nematode parasitism. These discoveries contribute to further understanding of the cyst nematode parasitism.
Innate T-αβ lymphocytes as new immunological components of anti-tumoral “off-target” effects of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib
Authors: Barbarin Alice , Abdallah Myriam , Lefèvre Lucie , Piccirilli Nathalie , Cayssials Emilie , Roy Lydia , Gombert Jean-Marc , Herbelin André
Published: February 2020

Kinase inhibitors hold great potential as targeted therapy against malignant cells. Among them, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib is known for a number of clinically relevant off-target actions, attributed in part to effects on components of the immune system, especially conventional T-cells and natural killer (NK)-cells. Here, we have hypothesized that dasatinib also influences non-conventional T-αβ cell subsets known for their potential anti-tumoral properties, namely iNKT cells and the distinct new innate CD8 T-cell subset. In mice, where the two subsets were originally characterized, an activated state of iNKT cells associated with a shift toward an iNKT cell Th1-phenotype was observed after dasatinib treatment in vivo. Despite decreased frequency of the total memory CD8 T-cell compartment, the proportion of innate-memory CD8 T-cells and their IFNγ expression in response to an innate-like stimulation increased in response to dasatinib. Lastly, in patients administered with dasatinib for the treatment of BCR-ABL-positive leukemias, we provided the proof of concept that the kinase inhibitor also influences the two innate T-cell subsets in humans, as attested by their increased frequency in the peripheral blood. These data highlight the potential immunostimulatory capacity of dasatinib on innate T-αβ cells, thereby opening new opportunities for chemoimmunotherapy.
Preparation of a magnetic polystyrene nanocomposite for dispersive solid-phase extraction of copper ions in environmental samples
Authors: Mehdinia Ali , Salamat Maede , Jabbari Ali
Published: February 2020

The core shell nanostructure of magnetic polystyrene (PS@Fe3O4) was prepared and its physic-chemical properties were studied FT-IR, SEM, TEM, VSM and BET + BJH. The new adsorbent was applied in the dispersive solid phase extraction technique for measuring copper ions in water, Soil and Oyster samples. Analysis is carried out using a flame atomic absorption spectrometry system. Effective parameters on extraction efficiency, such as pH of extraction solution, sorbent dosage, contact time, concentration and volume of desorption eluent and desorption time were optimized using one at a time method. N2 adsorption-desorption experiment resulted in high BET surface area (32.002 m2 g−1) and large pore volume (0.1794 cm3 g−1) for PS@ Fe3O4 nanocomposite. Under the optimum conditions, a calibration curve within the range of 5–40 ng mL−1 with an appropriate coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9946 was obtained. Preconcentration factor (PF) and limit of detection (LOD) were found to be 55 and 1.6 ng mL−1, respectively. The repeatability and reproducibility for three replicate measurements at the concentration of 25 ng mL−1 were 2.5%–1.4%, respectively. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model were consistent to experimental data in adsorption mechanism study. The maximum adsorption capacity was 19.56 mg g−1 for Cu (II). Finally, the efficiency of the method was investigated for analysis of the copper in environmental samples and good relative recoveries (RR%) were obtained within the range of 99.2% to 101.2%.
Wideband Miniaturized Design of Complementary Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons Waveguide Based on Interdigital Structures
Authors: Pan Bai Cao , Luo Guo Qing , Liao Zhen , Cai Jia Lin , Cai Ben Geng
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we present to achieve a broadband miniaturized transmission waveguide based on complementary spoof surface plasmon polaritons (CSSPPs). For this purpose, a novel SSPP design that consists of a corrugated slot line and a group of additional interdigital structures (ISs) is proposed, which brings in an extra solution to control the cut-off property of CSSPPs. The transmission cut-off frequency of the proposed design decreases with the increasing of the number of the ISs. Since the width of CSSPP waveguide is directly related to the operating frequency, the degree of miniaturization can be modulated freely by carefully choosing the number of the ISs. A prototype of device with four-ISs introduced is designed and fabricated. And the cut-off frequency of the design decreases from 10 GHz to 5.3 GHz, when the ISs are added. Experimental results agree well with the numerical simulations. The proposed design illustrates great potentials in modern plasmonic integrated circuits.
Large-scale assessment of human navigation ability across the lifespan
Authors: van der Ham Ineke J. M. , Claessen Michiel H. G. , Evers Andrea W. M. , van der Kuil Milan N. A.
Published: February 2020

Navigation ability is particularly sensitive to aging. Evidence of aging patterns is largely restricted to comparing young adults and elderly and limited in the variety of navigation tasks used. Therefore, we designed a novel task battery to assess navigation ability in a very large, representative sample (N = 11,887, 8–100 years). The main aim was to measure navigation ability across the lifespan in a brief, yet comprehensive manner. Tasks included landmark knowledge, egocentric and allocentric location knowledge, and path knowledge for a route and survey perspective. Additionally, factors that potentially contribute to navigation ability were considered; gender, spatial experience and spatial anxiety. Increase in performance with age in children was found for allocentric location knowledge and for route-based path knowledge. Age related decline was found for all five tasks, each with clearly discernible aging patterns, substantiated the claim that each task distinctively contributes to the assessment of navigation ability. This study provides an in depth examination of navigation ability across dissociable functional domains and describes cognitive changes across the lifespan. The outcome supports the use of this task battery for brief assessment of navigation for experimental and clinical purposes.
Irritable bowel, chronic widespread pain, chronic fatigue and related syndromes are prevalent and highly overlapping in the general population: DanFunD
Authors: Petersen Marie Weinreich , Schröder Andreas , Jørgensen Torben , Ørnbøl Eva , Meinertz Dantoft Thomas , Eliasen Marie , Benros Michael Eriksen , Fink Per
Published: February 2020

Prevalence of functional somatic syndromes (FSS) in the general population varies with observed overlap between syndromes. However, studies including a range of FSS are sparse. We investigated prevalence and characteristics of various FSS and the unifying diagnostic construct bodily distress syndrome (BDS), and identified mutual overlap of the FSS and their overlap with BDS. We included a stratified subsample of 1590 adults from a randomly selected Danish general population sample (n = 7493). Telephonic diagnostic interviews performed by three trained physicians were used to identify individuals with FSS and BDS. Prevalence of overall FSS was 9.3%; 3.8% for irritable bowel, 2.2% for chronic widespread pain, 6.1% for chronic fatigue, 1.5% for whiplash associated disorders, and 0.9% for multiple chemical sensitivity. Prevalence of BDS was 10.7% where 2.0% had the multi-organ type. FSS were highly overlapping with low likelihood of having a “pure” type. Diagnostic agreement of FSS and BDS was 92.0%. Multi-syndromatic FSS and multi-organ BDS were associated with female sex, poor health, physical limitations, and comorbidity. FSS are highly prevalent and overlapping, and multi-syndromatic cases are most affected. BDS captured the majority of FSS and may improve clinical management, making the distinction between multi- and mono-syndromatic patients easier.
Homalomena pineodora essential oil nanoparticle inhibits diabetic wound pathogens
Authors: Rozman Nur Amiera Syuhada , Tong Woei Yenn , Leong Chean Ring , Anuar Mohd Razealy , Karim Sabrina , Ong Siew Kooi , Yusof Fahmi Asyadi Md , Tan Wen-Nee , Sulaiman Baharuddin , Ooi Mei Lee , Lee Kok Chang
Published: February 2020

Essential oil of Homalomena pineodora inhibits diabetic pathogens; however, the activity was not sustainable when applied as wound dressing. This study aims to synthesise the essential oil nanoparticle using chitosan. The nanoparticles were synthesised with ion gelation method, confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. The spherical nanoparticles display a size of 70 nm, with strong surface charge of +24.10 mV. The nanoparticles showed an initial burst release followed by a slow release pattern for 72 h, following the first order of kinetic. The release behaviour was ideal for wound dressing. The antimicrobial activity was broad spectrum. The formation of nanoparticle enhanced the antimicrobial efficacy of the essential oil. The nanoparticle also showed a concentration-dependent killing behaviour on time–kill assay. In the 3D collagen wound models, the nanoparticles reduced the microbial growth by 60–80%. In conclusion, H. pineodora nanoparticles showed pharmaceutical potential in inhibiting microbial growth on diabetic ulcers.
Resistive switching studies in VO2 thin films
Authors: Rana Abhimanyu , Li Chuan , Koster Gertjan , Hilgenkamp Hans
Published: February 2020

The hysteretic insulator-to-metal transition of VO2 is studied in detail for pulsed laser deposition grown thin films on TiO2 substrates, under variation of temperature and applied bias currents. This system is of interest for novel electronics based on memristive concepts, in particular as the resistive transition in these films occurs close to room temperature. Multiple, stable resistance states can be set controllably in the temperature range of the hysteretic phase transition by tailored temperature sweeps or by Joule heating induced by current pulses.
Droplet-based digital antibiotic susceptibility screen reveals single-cell clonal heteroresistance in an isogenic bacterial population
Authors: Scheler Ott , Makuch Karol , Debski Pawel R. , Horka Michal , Ruszczak Artur , Pacocha Natalia , Sozański Krzysztof , Smolander Olli-Pekka , Postek Witold , Garstecki Piotr
Published: February 2020

Since antibiotic resistance is a major threat to global health, recent observations that the traditional test of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is not informative enough to guide effective antibiotic treatment are alarming. Bacterial heteroresistance, in which seemingly susceptible isogenic bacterial populations contain resistant sub-populations, underlies much of this challenge. To close this gap, here we developed a droplet-based digital MIC screen that constitutes a practical analytical platform for quantifying the single-cell distribution of phenotypic responses to antibiotics, as well as for measuring inoculum effect with high accuracy. We found that antibiotic efficacy is determined by the amount of antibiotic used per bacterial colony forming unit (CFU), not by the absolute antibiotic concentration, as shown by the treatment of beta-lactamase-carrying Escherichia coli with cefotaxime. We also noted that cells exhibited a pronounced clustering phenotype when exposed to near-inhibitory amounts of cefotaxime. Overall, our method facilitates research into the interplay between heteroresistance and antibiotic efficacy, as well as research into the origin and stimulation of heterogeneity by exposure to antibiotics. Due to the absolute bacteria quantification in this digital assay, our method provides a platform for developing reference MIC assays that are robust against inoculum-density variations.
Comment on “Monitoring fast chemical processes by reaction-interrupted excitation transfer (ExTra) NMR spectroscopy” by G. E. Wagner, S. Tassoti, S. Glanzer, E. Stadler, R. Herges, G. Gescheidt, K. Zangger, Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 12575
Authors: Babailov Sergey P.
Published: February 2020

Concerning NMR at reversible photochemistry under photostationary conditions.
Energy-resolved distribution of electron traps for O/S-doped carbon nitrides by reversed double-beam photoacoustic spectroscopy and the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(vi)
Authors: Chuaicham Chitiphon , Karthikeyan Sekar , Pawar Radheshyam R. , Xiong Yihuang , Dabo Ismaila , Ohtani Bunsho , Kim Yoonyoung , Song Jun Tae , Ishihara Tatsumi , Sasaki Keiko
Published: February 2020

ERDT patterns with the CBB position of undoped and O/S-doped C3N4.
Ambient electrochemical NH3 synthesis from N2 and water enabled by ZrO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Tong , Ma Dongwei , Li Chengbo , Liu Qian , Lu Siyu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Yang Chun , Sun Xuping
Published: February 2020

ZrO2 nanoparticles act as an efficient electrocatalyst for ambient N2-to-NH3 fixation. In 0.1 M HCl, it attains a large NH3 yield rate of 24.74 μg h−1 mgcat.−1 with a faradaic efficiency of 5.0% at −0.45 V vs. RHE.
Kraft lignin derived S and O co-doped porous graphene for metal-free benzylic alcohol oxidation
Authors: Zhu Shanhui , Chen Yanyan , Gao Xiaoqing , Lv Zexiang , He Yue , Wang Jianguo , Fan Weibin
Published: February 2020

S and O co-doped graphene derived from lignin carbonization achieved 95.9% yield of benzaldehyde in metal-free oxidation of benzyl alcohol.
The rise of the nanomaterial metabolite corona, and emergence of the complete corona
Authors: Chetwynd Andrew J. , Lynch Iseult
Published: February 2020

Metabolites present in the corona may play a key role in biological recognition of nanomaterials yet remain a much-overlooked aspect of the corona.
The effect of taste and taste perception on satiation/satiety: a review
Authors: Li Ting , Zhao Mu , Raza Ali , Guo Junrui , He Tianpeng , Zou Tingting , Song Huanlu
Published: February 2020

As the prevalence of being overweight and obesity has increased worldwide, there is an increasing concern about satiation/satiety that can be achieved by eating.
A new approach to large scale production of dimethyl sulfone: a promising and strong recyclable solvent for ligand-free Cu-catalyzed C–C cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Cheng Shen , Wei Wei , Zhang Xingyu , Yu Hewei , Huang Mingming , Kazemnejadi Milad
Published: February 2020

Dimethyl sulfone (DMSN or MSM) was preparedviaefficient oxidation of dimethyl sulfoxide and used and developed as an efficient, viscose, and recyclable solvent for ligand-free CuI-catalyzed Heck, Suzuki, and Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions.
PRESCIENT: platform for the rapid evaluation of antibody success using integrated microfluidics enabled technology
Authors: Wippold Jose A. , Wang Han , Tingling Joseph , Leibowitz Julian L. , de Figueiredo Paul , Han Arum
Published: February 2020

Identifying antibodies (Abs) that neutralize infectious agents is the first step for developing therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostic tools for these infectious agents.
TiO2 microsphere impregnated alginate: a novel hybrid sorbent for uranium removal from aquatic bodies
Authors: Basu Hirakendu , Pimple Mehzabin Vivek , Saha Sudeshna , Patel Asha , Dansena Chhatravijay , Singhal Rakesh Kumar
Published: February 2020

This study presents a simple method of synthesizing TiO2 microspheres and their impregnation into an alginate matrix.
Lyotropic liquid crystal to measure residual dipolar couplings in dimethyl sulfoxide based on modified cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Ma Zong-Kai , Han Xiao-Yang , Liu Han , Ji Jia-Cheng , Qin Si-Yong , Li Xiang-Dan , Lei Xinxiang
Published: February 2020

A novel lyotropic liquid crystal was developed for the measurement of RDCs of organic molecules with no background signals.
Ab initio diabatic and adiabatic calculations for francium hydride FrH
Authors: Souissi Hanen , Mejrissi Leila , Habli Hela , Alsahhaf Maarib , Oujia Brahim , Xavier Gadéa et Florent
Published: February 2020

Explicit ab initio diabatic and adiabatic calculations of potential energy curves (PECs) of the states 1,3Σ+, 1,3Π, and 1,3Δ of francium hydride FrH have been carried out with several approaches.
Realization of high-quality optical nanoporous gradient-index filters by optimal combination of anodization conditions
Authors: Law Cheryl Suwen , Lim Siew Yee , Liu Lina , Abell Andrew D. , Marsal Lluis F. , Santos Abel
Published: February 2020

High-quality nanoporous anodic alumina gradient-index filters are realized by sinusoidal pulse anodization under optimized anodization conditions.
Magneto-ionic control of magnetism in two-oxide nanocomposite thin films comprising mesoporous cobalt ferrite conformally nanocoated with HfO2
Authors: Robbennolt Shauna , Yu Pengmei , Nicolenco Aliona , Mercier Fernandez Pau , Coll Mariona , Sort Jordi
Published: February 2020

Enhanced magneto-ionic effects in nanoporous cobalt ferrite films conformally coated with HfO2 (i.e., two-oxide nanoporous composite films) are demonstrated.
The inhibition of H1N1 influenza induced apoptosis by sodium selenite through ROS-mediated signaling pathways
Authors: Gong Guifang , Li Yinghua , He Kunyan , Yang Qiumei , Guo Min , Xu Tiantian , Wang Changbing , Zhao Mingqi , Chen Yi , Du Miaomiao , Li Bingyuan , Huang Yanqing , Zhu Bing
Published: February 2020

The high variability of influenza viruses has made it more difficult for people to cope with influenza.
Structure and dynamics of ionic liquid tolerant hyperthermophilic endoglucanase Cel12A from Rhodothermus marinus
Authors: Manna Bharat , Ghosh Amit
Published: February 2020

Understanding the behavior of ionic liquid tolerant hyperthermophilic endoglucanase Cel12A from Rhodothermus marinus in different concentrations of EmimAc.
Self-assembled supramolecular structures of O,N,N′ tridentate imidazole–phenol Schiff base compounds
Authors: Barry Kristy-Lyn , Grimmer Craig D. , Munro Orde Q. , Akerman Matthew P.
Published: February 2020

Three imidazole-derived Schiff base compounds comprising an N-methyl imidazole group coupled to a phenol ring through an imine bond were synthesised. The solid state and solution state supramolecular structures as well as energetics are explored.
The role of reactive oxygen species in tumor treatment
Authors: Jia Pengpeng , Dai Chenyu , Cao Penghui , Sun Dong , Ouyang Ruizhuo , Miao Yuqing
Published: February 2020

This review provides a clear understanding of the ROS role in tumor treatment and some thoughts for potential cancer prevention.
Fractal self-assembly and aggregation of human amylin
Authors: Khatun Suparna , Singh Anurag , Maji Somnath , Maiti Tapas Kumar , Pawar Nisha , Gupta Amar Nath
Published: February 2020

pH and solvent sensitive fractal self-assembly of human amylin and fractal characteristics of its aggregates are investigated using different microscopy, laser light scattering, and molecular docking techniques.
Theoretical identification of layered MXene phase NaxTi4C2O4 as superb anodes for rechargeable sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Xiangdan , Wang Zhuo , Shao Guosheng
Published: February 2020

Alternative sodium-rich and non-reactive anode is essential for safe high-performance sodium ion batteries.
Nanostructure stabilization by low-temperature dopant pinning in multiferroic BiFeO3-based thin films produced by aqueous chemical solution deposition
Authors: Gumiel Carlos , Jardiel Teresa , Calatayud David G. , Vranken Thomas , Van Bael Marlies K. , Hardy An , Calzada María Lourdes , Jiménez Ricardo , García-Hernández Mar , Mompeán Federico J. , Caballero Amador C. , Peiteado Marco
Published: February 2020

BiFeO3single-phase thin films with an effective and tuneable multiferroic response are obtained in aqueous media by using mild processing conditions.
Self-optimizing parallel millifluidic reactor for scaling nanoparticle synthesis
Authors: Wang Lu , Karadaghi Lanja R. , Brutchey Richard L. , Malmstadt Noah
Published: February 2020

A parallel millifluidic reactor for automated scaled-up syntheses of photoluminescent nanoparticles with self-optimizing feedback and throughput around 1 L h−1.
Palladium-catalysed dearomative aryl/cycloimidoylation of indoles
Authors: Wang Jian , Liu Yuan , Xiong Zhuang , Zhong Ling , Ding Shumin , Li Lianjie , Zhao Haixia , Chen Chen , Shang Yongjia
Published: February 2020

Efficient access to cyclic imine-containing indoline derivatives through palladium-catalysed dearomative aryl/cycloimidoylation of indoles using functionalized isocyanides has been developed.
Embedding a boroxazine ring into a nanographene scaffold by a concise bottom-up synthetic strategy
Authors: Fingerle Michael , Bettinger Holger F.
Published: February 2020

The stepwise synthesis of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with an internalized boroxazine ring provides an unusual heterocycle with emitter properties.
Cation–π binding ability of BN indole
Authors: Boknevitz Katherine , Darrigan Clovis , Chrostowska Anna , Liu Shih-Yuan
Published: February 2020

A BN indole-containing aromatic scaffold has been synthesized and the cation–π binding ability characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) monitored titrations.
Enhanced photocurrent in heterostructures formed between CH3NH3PbI3perovskite films and graphdiyne
Authors: Bi Fuzhen , Yam ChiYung , Zhao Chengjie , Liu Le , Zhao Min , Zheng Xiao , Jiu Tonggang
Published: February 2020

Graphdiyne can significantly enhance the photocurrent of perovskites in the near infrared region and yield a polarization-sensitive photocurrent.
Interplay among work function, electronic structure and stoichiometry in nanostructured VOx films
Authors: D’Elia Alessandro , Cepek Cinzia , de Simone Monica , Macis Salvatore , Belec Blaž , Fanetti Mattia , Piseri Paolo , Marcelli Augusto , Coreno Marcello
Published: February 2020

The work function is the parameter of greatest interest in many technological applications involving charge exchange mechanisms at the surface.
Insight into the potential application of polyphenol-rich dietary intervention in degenerative disease management
Authors: Quero Javier , Mármol Inés , Cerrada Elena , Rodríguez-Yoldi María Jesús
Published: February 2020

In recent times, a great number of plants have been studied in order to identify new components with nutraceutical properties, among which are polyphenols.
One-step facile synthesis of SnO2@Nd2O3 nanocomposites for selective amidol detection in aqueous phase
Authors: Rahman Mohammed M. , Wahid Abdul , Asiri Abdullah M. , Awual Md. Rabiul , Karim Mohammad Razaul
Published: February 2020

In this approach, amidol, a toxic organic chemical, is used as a staining developer electrochemically detected by using binary SnO2@Nd2O3 nanocomposites (NCs) by deposition onto a flat glassy carbon electrode (GCE).
Fluorescent dye nano-assemblies by thiol attachment directed to the tips of gold nanorods for effective emission enhancement
Authors: Botequim David , Silva Inês I. R. , Serra Sofia G. , Melo Eduardo P. , Prazeres Duarte M. F. , Costa Sílvia M. B. , Paulo Pedro M. R.
Published: February 2020

Conjugation of fluorescently-labelled DNA onto gold nanorods produces strongly emitting nano-assemblies, but only tip-selective functionalization affords an effective emission enhancement.
Efficient synthesis of SCF3-substituted tryptanthrins by a radical tandem cyclization
Authors: Guo Jincheng , Hao Yanan , Li Gang , Wang Ziwen , Liu Yuxiu , Li Yongqiang , Wang Qingmin
Published: February 2020

An efficient strategy for synthesis of SCF3-substituted tryptanthrin derivatives was developed with AgSCF3/K2S2O8-promoted radical trifluoromethylthiolation/cyclization cascade reaction as key step.
Aerobic photooxidative hydroxylation of boronic acids catalyzed by anthraquinone-containing polymeric photosensitizer
Authors: Chen Yang , Hu Jianhua , Ding Aishun
Published: February 2020

We report herein the synthesis of a polymeric photosensitizer and its application in aerobic photooxidative hydroxylation of boronic acids.
Cellulose particles capture aldehyde VOC pollutants
Authors: Bravo Isaac , Figueroa Freddy , Swasy Maria I. , Attia Mohamed F. , Ateia Mohamed , Encalada Domenica , Vizuete Karla , Galeas Salome , Guerrero Victor H. , Debut Alexis , Whitehead Daniel C. , Alexis Frank
Published: February 2020

Cellulose particles isolated from biodiverse sources are capable of capturing aldehyde VOCs.
Ameliorative effect of urolithin A ond-gal-induced liver and kidney damage in aging miceviaits antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties
Authors: Chen Peng , Lei Jiexin , Chen Fuchao , Zhou Benhong
Published: February 2020

Urolithin A, a metabolite produced by human colon microflora from ellagic acid and related compounds, has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties.
Continuous flow synthesis of 2,2′-diselenobis(benzoic acid) and derivatives
Authors: Begini Francesca , Krasowska Dorota , Jasiak Aleksandra , Drabowicz Jozef , Santi Claudio , Sancineto Luca
Published: February 2020

The continuous flow synthesis of the key building block 2,2′-diselenobis(benzoic acid) (DSBA) and its analogues is herein reported.
Activation of the IL-1β/KLF2/HSPH1 pathway promotes STAT3 phosphorylation in alveolar macrophages during LPS-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Liang Yafeng , Luo Jiaqi , Yang Nengli , Wang Shufen , Ye Mingwei , Pan Guoquan
Published: February 2020

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a lethal disease with diffuse lung inflammation, in which JAK/STAT3 signaling has been well recognized for its role in initiating and amplifying inflammatory processes. However, the mechanism for the enhancement and maintenance of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation has not yet been clearly demonstrated in ALI. In the present work, we established a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI rat model through intratracheal instillation and isolated the alveolar macrophages (AMs) from the rats in the model. We demonstrated that the expression of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) significantly decreased in the AMs from LPS-induced ALI rats (LPS-AMs) as compared with the AMs from control rats (NC-AMs). Overexpressing KLF2 in LPS-AMs inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 and reduced the levels of STAT3 target genes, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9 (MMP-2/9). Further investigation indicated that KLF2 trans-inhibited heat shock protein H1 (HSPH1), which interacted with STAT3 and enhanced its phosphorylation. As a crucial inflammatory mediator in ALI, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induced the down-regulation of KLF2 in LPS-AMs, as interrupting IL-1β signaling in LPS-AMs by antibody neutralization or IL1R1 knockdown rescued the expression of KLF2. Consistently, stimulating NC-AMs with IL-1β decreased KLF2 and increased HSPH1, while overexpression of KLF2 suppressed IL-1β-induced HSPH1. Additionally, in vivo studies showed that treatment with an IL-1β antibody or HSPH1 inhibitor alleviated lung injury in ALI rats, as well as decreased the levels of p-STAT3 and MMP-2/9. In conclusion, activation of the IL-1β/KLF2/HSPH1 pathway facilitated STAT3 phosphorylation in AMs, which exacerbated pulmonary inflammation in ALI.
Quantifying the latitudinal representivity of in situ solar wind observations
Authors: Owens Mathew J. , Lang Matthew , Riley Pete , Lockwood Mike , Lawless Amos S.
Published: February 2020

Advanced space-weather forecasting relies on the ability to accurately predict near-Earth solar wind conditions. For this purpose, physics-based, global numerical models of the solar wind are initialized with photospheric magnetic field and coronagraph observations, but no further observation constraints are imposed between the upper corona and Earth orbit. Data assimilation (DA) of the available in situ solar wind observations into the models could potentially provide additional constraints, improving solar wind reconstructions, and forecasts. However, in order to effectively combine the model and observations, it is necessary to quantify the error introduced by assuming point measurements are representative of the model state. In particular, the range of heliographic latitudes over which in situ solar wind speed measurements are representative is of primary importance, but particularly difficult to assess from observations alone. In this study we use 40+ years of observation-driven solar wind model results to assess two related properties: the latitudinal representivity error introduced by assuming the solar wind speed measured at a given latitude is the same as that at the heliographic equator, and the range of latitudes over which a solar wind measurement should influence the model state, referred to as the observational localisation. These values are quantified for future use in solar wind DA schemes as a function of solar cycle phase, measurement latitude, and error tolerance. In general, we find that in situ solar wind speed measurements near the ecliptic plane at solar minimum are extremely localised, being similar over only 1° or 2° of latitude. In the uniform polar fast wind above approximately 40° latitude at solar minimum, the latitudinal representivity error drops. At solar maximum, the increased variability of the solar wind speed at high latitudes means that the latitudinal representivity error increases at the poles, though becomes greater in the ecliptic, as long as moderate speed errors can be tolerated. The heliospheric magnetic field and solar wind density and temperature show very similar behaviour.
Betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung am Universitätsklinikum Erlangen
Authors: Schmidt Elke , Schmid Klaus
Published: February 2020

Seit über 15 Jahren bietet das Uniklinikum Erlangen gesundheitsfördernde Maßnahmen speziell für Mitarbeitende im Pflegedienst an. Das Angebot umfasst Präventionskurse und Vorträge zu den Themen Ernährung, Bewegung und Entspannung, außerdem gibt es einen warmen Mittagsimbiss im OP. Wie es gelungen ist, eine nachhaltige gesundheitsfördernde Kultur im Klinikum zu initiieren, schildern unsere Autoren.
Operationen und akute Erkrankungen bei Typ-1-Diabetes
Authors: Thiele Alena Gerlinde , Heckenmüller Maren , Bartelt Heike , Klamt Sabine , Kapellen Thomas Michael
Published: February 2020

Eine kontinuierliche intravenöse Insulininfusionstherapie minimiert Blutzucker (BZ)-Schwankungen und damit das Risiko für Stoffwechselentgleisungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 (T1D), während einer Operation oder einer akuten Zweiterkrankung. Die Datenlage hinsichtlich sicherer BZ-Zielbereiche, adäquater Flüssigkeit- und Insulindosierungen während einer Insulininfusion bei pädiatrischen Patienten ist jedoch spärlich. Das hauseigene Schema zur Insulinfusionstherapie wurde nun hinsichtlich seiner Effektivität und Sicherheit in 124 Fällen bei 62 Patienten (n = 78 chirurgische Eingriffe, n = 46 akute Zweiterkrankung, mittleres Alter 9,6 ± 5,4 Jahre) evaluiert. In > 60 % der Infusionszeit lagen die BZ-Werte im Zielbereich, in nur 6 % der Zeit kam es zu kritischen Hypo- und Hyperglykämien. Damit erwies sich das Protokoll als effektiv und sicher. Allerdings erlebten Kinder < 12 Jahre signifikant mehr kritische Hypoglykämien im Vergleich zu Jugendlichen (Hypoglykämie/Fall 2,4 ± 2,7 vs. 0,9 ± 2,0; p < 0,001). Daher erscheint das Schema für Jugendliche geeigneter zu sein. Wir haben folglich das Protokoll für jüngeren Patienten durch Reduktion der Insulindosierung angepasst.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of 2-Substituted 2-Thiazolines and 5,6-Dihydro-4H-1,3-thiazines
Authors: Orelli Liliana R. , Mollo María C. , Bisceglia Juan A. , Kilimciler Natalia B. , Mancinelli Michele
Published: February 2020

An efficient and general method for the synthesis of 2-substituted thiazolines and 5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3-thiazines is developed via microwave-assisted ring closure of ω-thioamidoalcohols promoted by ethyl polyphosphate (PPE). The cyclization reaction involves an SN2-type mechanism and features the advantages of very short reaction times, high yields and a predictable stereochemical outcome. The acyclic precursors are prepared in high overall yields by an improved diacylation–thionation–saponification sequence from commercially available ω-amino­alcohols. The whole process is metal-free and operationally simple.
Spatial behavior of the solution to the linearized Boltzmann equation with hard potentials
Authors: Lin Yu-Chu , Wang Haitao , Wu Kung-Chien
Published: February 2020

The main goal is to understand the quantitative spatial decay of the solution to the linearized Boltzmann equation for hard potentials with cutoff. We obtain the quantitative space-time behavior of the linearized Boltzmann equation under some slow velocity decay assumption but without any regularity assumption on the initial data. This result extends the classical results of Liu and Yu [Commun. Pure Appl. Math. 57, 1543–1608 (2004); Bull. Inst. Math. Acad. Sin. 1, 1–78 (2006); and ibid. 6, 151–243 (2011)] from hard sphere to hard potential under the same assumption on the initial condition [compactly support in the space variable and polynomial decay in the velocity variable with power β = (3/2)+].
Stationary Langmuir structures in a relativistic current carrying cold plasma
Authors: Rajawat Roopendra Singh , Sengupta Sudip , Chakrabarti Nikhil
Published: February 2020

Nonlinear stationary structures formed in a cold plasma with immobile ions in the presence of a relativistic electron current beam have been investigated analytically in the collisionless limit. The structure profile is governed by the ratio of maximum electrostatic field energy density to the kinetic energy density of the electron beam, i.e., κ=Em/(4πn0m0v02)1/2, where Em is the maximum electric field associated with the nonlinear structure and v0 is the electron beam velocity. It is found that, in the linear limit, i.e., κ≪2γ0/(1+γ0), the fluid variables, viz., density, electric field, and velocity vary harmonically in space, where γ0 is the Lorentz factor associated with beam velocity (v0). In the range 0<κ≤κc(=2γ0/(1+γ0)), the fluid variables exhibit an-harmonic behavior. For values of κc<κ<+∞, the electric field shows finite discontinuities at specific spatial locations indicating the formation of negatively charged planes at these locations.
A versatile microwave source for cold atom experiments controlled by a field programmable gate array
Authors: Morgenstern Isaiah , Zhong Shan , Zhang Qimin , Baker Logan , Norris Jeremy , Tran Bao , Schwettmann Arne
Published: February 2020

We present a microwave source that is controlled by a commercially available field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Using an FPGA allows for precise control of the time dependent microwave-dressing applied to a sample of trapped cold atoms. We test our microwave source by exciting Rabi oscillations in a Na spinor Bose–Einstein condensate. We include, as supplements, the complete source code, parts’ lists, pin connection diagrams, and schematics to make it easy for any group to build and use this device.
Digital holography for non-invasive quantitative imaging of two-dimensional materials
Authors: Ghosh Atriya , Noble Josh , Sebastian Amritanand , Das Saptarshi , Liu Zhiwen
Published: February 2020

Digital holography has found applications in many walks of life, from medicine to metrology, due to its ability to measure complex fields. Here, we use the power of digital holography to quantitatively image two-dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as MoS2 and WS2 placed on a SiO2/Si substrate and determine their complex refractive indices or layer thicknesses. By considering the different refractive indices of the TMDs as they are thinned down from bulk to monolayers and by holographically capturing both the amplitude and the phase of reflected light, single atomic layers of TMDs, about 0.7 nm thick, can be resolved. Using holography, we also predict the number of layers contained within a thick TMD flake, which shows agreement with results obtained using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). A Bland–Altman analysis was performed to compare our experimental results with the standard AFM measurements, yielding a limit of agreement <5 nm for samples with thicknesses ranging from 15 to 60 nm. Our technique is non-contact, non-invasive, does not require scanning, and produces a field of view of a few hundred micrometers by a few hundred micrometers in a single capture. To further our study, we also perform simulations to demonstrate how the thickness of the SiO2 layer and the laser wavelength are critical in optimizing the amplitude and phase response of a two-dimensional material. These simulations can be used as a roadmap to determine the ideal wavelength and SiO2 layer thickness that should be used to accurately determine the refractive index or thickness of any given sample.