bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WDR76 mediates obesity and hepatic steatosis via HRas destabilization
Authors: Park Jong-Chan , Jeong Woo-Jeong , Seo Seol Hwa , Choi Kang-Yell
Published: December 2019

Ras/MAPK (mitogen active protein kinase) signaling plays contradictory roles in adipocyte differentiation and is tightly regulated during adipogenesis. However, mechanisms regulating adipocyte differentiation involving Ras protein stability regulation are unknown. Here, we show that WD40 repeat protein 76 (WDR76), a novel Ras regulating E3 linker protein, controls 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation through HRas stability regulation. The roles of WDR76 in obesity and metabolic regulation were characterized using a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model using Wdr76−/− mice and liver-specific Wdr76 transgenic mice (Wdr76Li−TG). Wdr76−/− mice are resistant to HFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia with an increment of HRas levels. In contrast, Wdr76Li-TG mice showed increased HFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance with reduced HRas levels. Our findings suggest that WDR76 controls HFD-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis via HRas destabilization. These data provide insights into the links between WDR76, HRas, and obesity.
Exploring the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in cancer
Authors: Howard Rachel , Kanetsky Peter A. , Egan Kathleen M.
Published: December 2019

In cancer patients, a high pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with poorer survival outcomes. Significant variation in the magnitude of this association has been observed between studies, but sources of this variation are poorly understood. Here, we explore differences in the prognostic potential of NLR between patient subgroups stratified by demographic and clinical characteristics using a retrospective cohort of 5,363 patients treated at Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, FL). We identify patients for whom NLR has maximum prognostic potential via adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) calculated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and area under the curve analysis. NLR demonstrates stronger associations (HRs > 2) with survival among African-American patients, patients receiving radiation therapy, stage IV patients, and melanoma patients when compared with the overall study population (HR = 1.58). Sensitivity and specificity of NLR as a prognostic marker are also higher in these patient subgroups, and increase further with combinations of multiple “high-risk” demographic or clinical characteristics. In summary, NLR may have greater prognostic value in patients with certain demographic and clinical features. Future prospective studies could validate this hypothesis, after further characterization of populations in which NLR has maximum prognostic potential and the identification of meaningful thresholds for risk stratification.
Higuchi’s fractal dimension, but not frontal or posterior alpha asymmetry, predicts PID-5 anxiousness more than depressivity
Authors: Kawe Tame N. J. , Shadli Shabah M. , McNaughton Neil
Published: December 2019

Depression is a major cause of health disability. EEG measures may provide one or more economical biomarkers for the diagnosis of depression. Here we compared frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA), posterior alpha asymmetry (PAA), and Higuchi’s fractal dimension (HFD) for their capacity to predict PID-5 depressivity and for the specificity of these predictions relative to PID-5 anxiousness. University students provided 8 or 10 minutes of resting EEG and PID-5 depressivity and PID-5 anxiousness questionnaire scores. FAA and PAA had no significant correlations with the measures at any electrode pair. There were distinct frontal and posterior factors underlying HFD that correlated significantly with anxiousness and with each other. Posterior HFD also correlated significantly with depressivity, though this was weaker than the correlation with anxiousness. The portion of depressivity variance accounted for by posterior HFD was not unique but shared with anxiousness. Inclusion of anxiety disorder patients into the sample rendered the frontal factor somewhat more predictive than the posterior one but generally strengthened the prior conclusions. Contrary to our predictions, none of our measures specifically predicted depressivity. Previous reports of links with depression may involve confounds with concurrent anxiety. Indeed, HFD may be a better measure of anxiety than depression; and its previous linkage to depression may be due to a confound between the two, given the high incidence of depression in cases of severe anxiety.
Identification of circulating microRNA signatures as potential biomarkers in the serum of elk infected with chronic wasting disease
Authors: Slota Jessy A. , Medina Sarah J. , Klassen Megan , Gorski Damian , Mesa Christine M. , Robertson Catherine , Mitchell Gordon , Coulthart Michael B. , Pritzkow Sandra , Soto Claudio , Booth Stephanie A.
Published: December 2019

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an emerging infectious prion disorder that is spreading rapidly in wild populations of cervids in North America. The risk of zoonotic transmission of CWD is as yet unclear but a high priority must be to minimize further spread of the disease. No simple diagnostic tests are available to detect CWD quickly or in live animals; therefore, easily accessible biomarkers may be useful in identifying infected animals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non-coding RNA molecules that circulate in blood and are promising biomarkers for several infectious diseases. In this study we used next-generation sequencing to characterize the serum miRNA profiles of 35 naturally infected elk that tested positive for CWD in addition to 35 elk that tested negative for CWD. A total of 21 miRNAs that are highly conserved amongst mammals were altered in abundance in sera, irrespective of hemolysis in the samples. A number of these miRNAs have previously been associated with prion diseases. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the discriminative potential of these miRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis of CWD. We also determined that a subgroup of 6 of these miRNAs were consistently altered in abundance in serum from hamsters experimentally infected with scrapie. This suggests that common miRNA candidate biomarkers could be selected for prion diseases in multiple species. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses pointed to a strong correlation for 3 of these miRNAs, miR-148a-3p, miR-186-5p, miR-30e-3p, with prion disease.
Effects of Caffeine and Acute Aerobic Exercise on Working Memory and Caffeine Withdrawal
Authors: Morava Anisa , Fagan Matthew James , Prapavessis Harry
Published: December 2019

Studies show that a single bout of exercise confers cognitive benefits. However, many individuals use psychoactive substances such as caffeine to enhance cognitive performance. The effects of acute exercise in comparison to caffeine on cognition remain unknown. Furthermore, caffeine use is associated with withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Whether acute exercise can reduce withdrawal symptoms also remains unknown. The objectives of this study were to compare the effects of acute moderate intensity aerobic exercise to caffeine on working memory (WM) and caffeine withdrawal symptoms (CWS). In Phase I, non-caffeine (n = 29) and caffeine consumers (n = 30) completed a WM assessment, followed by acute exercise and caffeine. In Phase II, caffeine consumers (n = 25) from Phase I underwent the WM assessment and reported CWS following a 12-hour deprivation period. Acute moderate intensity aerobic exercise and caffeine (1.2 mg/kg) significantly improved WM accuracy and reduced CWS comparably. WM performance was not reduced following caffeine deprivation.
Associations of ACE I/D polymorphism with the levels of ACE, kallikrein, angiotensin II and interleukin-6 in STEMI patients
Authors: Dai Shuhong , Ding Mei , Liang Na , Li Zhuo , Li Daqing , Guan Lianyue , Liu Hongyu
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to compare the plasma levels of angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE), Angiotensin II (AngII), kallikrein (KLK1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with different ACE Insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms in a Chinese population. The ACE genotypes were determined in the 199 STEMI patients and 216 control subjects. STEMI patients were divided into three groups based on the ACE genotypes. Single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to characterize ACE I/D polymorphisms. Plasma levels of ACE, AngII, KLK1 and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that the DD or ID genotype was significantly independently associated with high ACE (OR = 4.697; 95% CI = 1.927–11.339), KLK1 (3.339; 1.383–8.063) and IL-6 levels (OR = 2.10; 1.025–4.327) in STEMI patients. However, there was no statistical significance between the ACE I/D polymorphism and AngII plasma levels whether in univariate or multivariate logistic regression. Additionally, we detected a significantly positive correlation between plasma KLK1 levels and IL-6 levels in STEMI patients (r = 0.584, P < 0.001). The study showed high levels of ACE, KLK1 and IL-6 were detected when the D allele was present, but AngII plasma levels was not influenced by the ACE I/D polymorphism.
Functional impact of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) missense variants in cattle
Authors: Giantin Mery , Rahnasto-Rilla Minna , Tolosi Roberta , Lucatello Lorena , Pauletto Marianna , Guerra Giorgia , Pezzato Francesca , Lopparelli Rosa M. , Merlanti Roberta , Carnier Paolo , Capolongo Francesca , Honkakoski Paavo , Dacasto Mauro
Published: December 2019

Cytochrome P450 3A is the most important CYP subfamily in humans, and CYP3A4/CYP3A5 genetic variants contribute to inter-individual variability in drug metabolism. However, no information is available for bovine CYP3A (bCYP3A). Here we described bCYP3A missense single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and evaluated their functional effects. CYP3A28, CYP3A38 and CYP3A48 missense SNVs were identified in 300 bulls of Piedmontese breed through targeted sequencing. Wild-type and mutant bCYP3A cDNAs were cloned and expressed in V79 cells. CYP3A-dependent oxidative metabolism of testosterone (TST) and nifedipine (NIF) was assessed by LC-MS/MS. Finally, SNVs functional impact on TST hydroxylation was measured ex vivo in liver microsomes from individually genotyped animals. Thirteen missense SNVs were identified and validated. Five variants showed differences in CYP3A catalytic activity: three CYP3A28 SNVs reduced TST 6β-hydroxylation; one CYP3A38 variant increased TST 16β-hydroxylation, while a CYP3A48 SNV showed enhanced NIF oxidation. Individuals homozygous for rs384467435 SNV showed a reduced TST 6β-hydroxylation. Molecular modelling showed that most of SNVs were distal to CYP3A active site, suggesting indirect effects on the catalytic activity. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the importance of pharmacogenetics studies in veterinary species and suggest bCYP3A genotype variation might affect the fate of xenobiotics in food-producing species such as cattle.
Thermal Management of GaN-on-Si High Electron Mobility Transistor by Copper Filled Micro-Trench Structure
Authors: Mohanty Srikant Kumar , Chen Yu-Yan , Yeh Ping-Hung , Horng Ray-Hua
Published: December 2019

Self-heating effect is a major limitation in achieving the full performance potential of high power GaN power devices. In this work, we reported a micro-trench structure fabricated on the silicon substrate of an AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) via deep reactive ion etching, which was subsequently filled with high thermal conductive material, copper using the electroplating process. From the current-voltage characteristics, the saturation drain current was improved by approximately 17% with the copper filled micro-trench structure due to efficient heat dissipation. The IDS difference between the pulse and DC bias measurement was about 21% at high bias VDS due to the self-heating effect. In contrast, the difference was reduced to approximately 8% for the devices with the implementation of the proposed structure. Using Micro-Raman thermometry, we showed that temperature near the drain edge of the channel can be lowered by approximately ~22 °C in a HEMT operating at ~10.6 Wmm−1 after the implementation of the trench structure. An effective method for the improvement of thermal management to enhance the performance of GaN-on-Silicon HEMTs was demonstrated.
A Comparison Study of Vitamin D Deficiency among Older Adults in China and the United States
Authors: Wei Jia , Zhu Anna , Ji John S.
Published: December 2019

Vitamin D deficiency is a common health concern worldwide. We aim to compare the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among older adults (65+) in China and the United States (US). We used data from the 2011 wave of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in China (n = 2180), and 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the US (n = 2283). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured and a level of under 30/50 nmol/L was defined as vitamin D severe deficiency/deficiency. Risk factors of vitamin D deficiency were examined by multivariate regression models. We found that the mean 25(OH)D concentration was lower in China than in the US (45.1 vs. 83.5 nmol/L), with Chinese elderly lower than American elderly for every age group. 70.3% in China and 17.4% in the US were considered as vitamin D deficiency (30.6% and 3.4% were considered as severe deficiency). Older age, females, ethnic minorities, higher household income, self-rated “very bad” health, and never drinkers, were statistically significant in predicting lower serum 25(OH)D levels in China. In the US, males, ethnic minorities, lower income, self-rated “very bad” health, physically inactive, overweight, and obese were related to lower serum 25(OH)D levels. Our findings suggest that different interventional strategies are needed to improve vitamin D deficiency and its associated negative health outcomes in China and the US.
The detection of cannabinoids in veterinary feeds by microNIR/chemometrics: a new analytical platform
Authors: Risoluti Roberta , Gullifa Giuseppina , Battistini Alfredo , Materazzi Stefano
Published: December 2019

In this work, the capabilities of a novel miniaturized and portable microNIR spectrometer were investigated in order to propose a practical and intelligible test allowing the rapid and easy screening of cannabinoids in veterinary feeds.
Virus-based SELEX (viro-SELEX) allows development of aptamers targeting knotty proteins
Authors: Narayan Chandan , Kwon Junyoung , Kim Chonsaeng , Kim Seong-Jun , Jang Sung Key
Published: December 2019

We developed a novel viro-SELEX that overcomes false-positive aptamer selection issue of protein-based SELEX.
Regio- and chemoselective synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles via the oxidative cascade cyclization of unactivated 1,n-enynes
Authors: Mutra Mohana Reddy , Dhandabani Ganesh Kumar , Li Jing , Wang Jeh-Jeng
Published: December 2019

The development of a method for performing radical initiated intramolecular cascade cyclization of 1,n-enynes provided a competent protocol for producing structurally diverse complex heterocycles.
In situ formation and solid-state oxidation of a triselenane NSeN-pincer MOF
Authors: He Shichao , Allemond Laynee L. , Dunning Samuel G. , Reynolds Joseph E. , Lynch Vincent M. , Humphrey Simon M.
Published: December 2019

Controlled partial decomposition of 2-selenonicotinic acid in the presence of Co2+ or Ni2+ resulted in the in situ formation of an unusual MOF based on triselenane ligands (RSeSeSeR) coordinated to M2+ centers as NSeN-pincers.
Hydride, chloride, and bromide show similar electronic effects in the Au9(PPh3)83+ nanocluster
Authors: Cirri Anthony , Hernández Hanna Morales , Johnson Christopher J.
Published: December 2019

Hydride and halide ligands in gold nanoclusters exhibit an unexpected similar electronic relationship, suggesting an underlying chemical linkage between them.
Tuning of cross-Glaser products mediated by substrate–catalyst polymeric backbone interactions
Authors: Kaur Sharanjeet , Mukhopadhyaya Aritra , Selim Abdul , Gowri Vijayendran , Neethu K. M. , Dar Arif Hassan , Sartaliya Shaifali , Ali Md. Ehesan , Jayamurugan Govindasamy
Published: December 2019

Tuneable selectivity in cross-Glaser products is achieved by tweaking the catalyst-backbone. The interaction responsible for this is unravelled.
An indole-derived porous organic polymer for the efficient visual colorimetric capture of iodine in aqueous media via the synergistic effects of cation–π and electrostatic forces
Authors: Huang Min , Yang Li , Li Xiuyun , Chang Guanjun
Published: December 2019

A recyclable indole-based POP was successfully achieved, which was capable of visual colorimetric iodine capture in water via cation–π and electrostatic interactions.
Macrocyclic cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) as a homogeneous electrocatalyst for water oxidation under neutral conditions
Authors: Shahadat Hossain M. , Younus Hussein A. , Ahmad Nazir , Zhang Shiguo , Zhuiykov Serge , Verpoort Francis
Published: December 2019

Homogeneous electrochemical water oxidation under neutral conditions using impressively stable vitamin B12.
Cobaltaelectro-catalyzed oxidative allene annulation by electro-removable hydrazides
Authors: Mei Ruhuai , Fang Xinyue , He Liang , Sun Junmei , Zou Liang , Ma Wenbo , Ackermann Lutz
Published: December 2019

A sustainable and highly efficient cobaltaelectro-catalyzed C–H/N–H functionalization with allenes was developed featuring electro-reductive hydrazide cleavage.
A conjugated microporous polymer as a recyclable heterogeneous ligand for highly efficient regioselective hydrosilylation of allenes
Authors: Jiang Ya-Nan , Zeng Jia-Hao , Yang Ying , Liu Zhi-Kai , Chen Jun-Jia , Li Ding-Chang , Chen Li , Zhan Zhuang-Ping
Published: December 2019

Pyridines containing adjacent CC bonds were utilized as ligand units and integrated into the skeleton of conjugated microporous polymers.
The role of ultramicropores in the CO2 adsorption capacity of Fe–BTC crystallites synthesized with a perturbation-assisted nanofusion synthesis strategy
Authors: Yurduşen Aysu , Yürüm Alp , Yürüm Yuda
Published: December 2019

This study provides experimental proof of the remarkable effect of ultramicropores on the CO2 adsorption capacity of Fe–BTC.
New two-dimensional Cd(ii) coordination networks bearing benzimidazolyl-based linkers as bifunctional chemosensors for the detection of acetylacetone and Fe3+
Authors: Shi Yong-Sheng , Li Yue-Hua , Cui Guang-Hua , Dong Gui-Ying
Published: December 2019

Two new CPs, namely {[Cd(L)(1,4-PDA)]·0.7(C2H5OH)}n (1) and {[Cd(L)0.5(1,8-NDC)·H2O]}n (2) were fabricated. 1 shows a sql 2D network. 2 shows a 2D 3,4L83 network. Both 1 and 2 were highly selective and sensitive fluorescent chemosensors toward acetylacetone and Fe3+.
Calculation of salt-dependent free energy of binding of β-lactoglobulin homodimer formation and mechanism of dimer formation using molecular dynamics simulation and three-dimensional reference interaction site model (3D-RISM): diffuse salt ions and non-polar interactions between the monomers favor the dimer formation
Authors: Srivastava Rakesh , Chattopadhyaya Mausumi , Bandyopadhyay Pradipta
Published: December 2019

Salt dependent free energy of binding and mechanism of homodimer formation of a charged protein with molecular dynamics and statistical mechanical theory.
Low temperature dielectric properties and NTCR behavior of the BaFe0.5Nb0.5O3 double perovskite ceramic
Authors: Khopkar Vijay , Sahoo Balaram
Published: December 2019

The microstructure and low-temperature dielectric properties of lead-free BaFe0.5Nb0.5O3 ceramics exhibiting a negative temperature coefficient of resistance behavior.
Evidence for the influence of polaron delocalization on the electrical transport in LiNi0.4+xMn0.4−xCo0.2O2
Authors: Feng Tao , Li Liping , Shi Quan , Dong Shengde , Li Baoyun , Li Ke , Li Guangshe
Published: December 2019

The intrinsic electronic conductivity of layered LiNixMnyCozO2 (x + y + z = 1) is significantly improved by the enhancement of polaron delocalization.
Correlation between mobility and the hydrogen bonding network of water at an electrified-graphite electrode using molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Imai Masaya , Yokota Yasuyuki , Tanabe Ichiro , Inagaki Kouji , Morikawa Yoshitada , Fukui Ken-ichi
Published: December 2019

Mobility and hydrogen bonding network of water at a graphite electrode: effects of dissolved ions and applied potential.
Anomalous proton conduction behavior across a nanoporous two-dimensional conjugated aromatic polymer membrane
Authors: Shi Le , Ying Zhixuan , Xu Ao , Cheng Yonghong
Published: December 2019

The unique atomic structure of 2D-CAP can induce the formation of a stable local hydrogen bond network, thus restraining the motion of involved water molecules and impeding proton penetration.
Rotationally inelastic scattering of O3–Ar: state-to-state rates with the multiconfigurational time dependent Hartree method
Authors: Sur Sangeeta , Ndengué Steve A. , Quintas-Sánchez Ernesto , Bop Cheikh , Lique François , Dawes Richard
Published: December 2019

The rates of state-changing collisions are compared for different isotopologues of ozone from quantum scattering calculations with the MCTDH method.
Global and target analysis of relaxation processes of the collapsed state of P3HT polymer nanoparticles
Authors: Ghosh Arnab , Ghosh Srijon , Ghosh Goutam , Jana Bikash , Patra Amitava
Published: December 2019

Organic–inorganic hetero-structures composed of P3HT PNPs and Au NPs have been designed for efficient light harvesting systems. Here electron transfer occurs from vibrationally hot S1 state and delocalized collective state (CLS) of PNPs to Au NPs.
Buchwald–Hartwig cross-coupling of amides (transamidation) by selective N–C(O) cleavage mediated by air- and moisture-stable [Pd(NHC)(allyl)Cl] precatalysts: catalyst evaluation and mechanism
Authors: Li Guangchen , Zhou Tongliang , Poater Albert , Cavallo Luigi , Nolan Steven P. , Szostak Michal
Published: December 2019

We report a combined experimental and computational study of the Buchwald–Hartwig cross-coupling of amides by N–C(O) cleavage (transamidation) using well-defined, air- and moisture-stable [Pd(NHC)(allyl)Cl] precatalysts.
Oxygen-tolerant electroproduction of C2 products from simulated flue gas
Authors: Xu Yi , Edwards Jonathan P. , Zhong Junjie , O’Brien Colin P. , Gabardo Christine M. , McCallum Christopher , Li Jun , Dinh Cao-Thang , Sargent Edward H. , Sinton David
Published: December 2019

A hydrated ionomer catalyst support layer, capable of slowing oxygen transport, enables the generation of multi-carbon products from pressurized, oxygen-containing, dilute carbon dioxide feedstocks.
Preferential interactions of primary amine-terminated quantum dots with membrane domain boundaries and lipid rafts revealed with nanometer resolution
Authors: Mensch Arielle C. , Melby Eric S. , Laudadio Elizabeth D. , Foreman-Ortiz Isabel U. , Zhang Yongqian , Dohnalkova Alice , Hu Dehong , Pedersen Joel A. , Hamers Robert J. , Orr Galya
Published: December 2019

Primary amine-terminated Qdots preferentially interact with liquid-ordered domain boundaries in bilayers and with lipid rafts in intact cells.
Selective imaging of diamond nanoparticles within complex matrices using magnetically induced fluorescence contrast
Authors: Jones Zachary R. , Niemuth Nicholas J. , Robinson Margaret E. , Shenderova Olga A. , Klaper Rebecca D. , Hamers Robert J.
Published: December 2019

The unique properties of NV centers in diamond nanoparticles enable selective identification within organisms and other complex environmental matrices.
TiO2 nanoparticle exposure on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.): dose-dependent deterioration of nutritional quality
Authors: Hu Jing , Wu Xinyi , Wu Fan , Chen Weixiao , Zhang Xinyu , White Jason C. , Li Junli , Wan Yi , Liu Junfeng , Wang Xilong
Published: December 2019

50–400 mg L−1 TiO2 NPs negatively impacted the nutritional quality of lettuce in a dose-dependent fashion.
Microbial community and antibiotic resistance profiles of biomass and effluent are distinctly affected by antibiotic addition to an anaerobic membrane bioreactor
Authors: Zarei-Baygi Ali , Harb Moustapha , Wang Phillip , Stadler Lauren B. , Smith Adam L.
Published: December 2019

A bench-scale AnMBR was operated for the treatment of domestic wastewater containing antibiotics and evaluated microbial community structure and antibiotic resistance gene dynamics in both the biomass and effluent.
Effects of electrolytic oxidation for mitigating ultrafiltration membrane fouling caused by different natural organic matter fractions
Authors: Xu Tao , Cui Li , Li Honghan , Zou Peng , Liang Jiyan
Published: December 2019

Membrane fouling is a challenging issue in terms of ultrafiltration application.
Graphitic carbon nitrides as platforms for single-atom photocatalysis
Authors: Colombari Felippe M. , da Silva Marcos A. R. , Homsi Mauricio S. , de Souza Beatriz R. L. , Araujo Milenny , Francisco Juliana L. , da Silva Gelson T. S. T. , Silva Ingrid F. , de Moura André F. , Teixeira Ivo F.
Published: December 2019

Adding single metal atoms to graphitic carbon nitrides alters their properties, impacting their use in photocatalysis.
The effect of bound polyphenols on the fermentation and antioxidant properties of carrot dietary fiber in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Liu Shuai , Yu Qiang , Huang Hairong , Hou Kunyou , Dong Ruihong , Chen Yi , Xie Jianhua , Nie Shaoping , Xie Mingyong
Published: December 2019

Growing attention has been paid to the importance of bound polyphenols in dietary fiber.
Fabrication of high internal phase Pickering emulsions with calcium-crosslinked whey protein nanoparticles for β-carotene stabilization and delivery
Authors: Yi Jiang , Gao Luyu , Zhong Guitian , Fan Yuting
Published: December 2019

WPI nanoparticles were fabricated with Ca2+induced cross-linking and used as an effective particle stabilizer for HIPPE formulation aiming to improve the chemical stability and bioaccessibility of β-carotene.
Ball milling: an efficient and green approach for asymmetric organic syntheses
Authors: Egorov Ilya N. , Santra Sougata , Kopchuk Dmitry S. , Kovalev Igor S. , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Majee Adinath , Ranu Brindaban C. , Rusinov Vladimir L. , Chupakhin Oleg N.
Published: December 2019

Mechanochemical approaches in an organic synthesis have received increased interest because of their wide applications in green methodologies.
Solid state thermomechanical engineering of high-quality pharmaceutical salts via solvent free continuous processing
Authors: Mithu Md Sadeque Hossain , Ross Steven A. , Alexander Bruce D. , Douroumis Dennis
Published: December 2019

Solvent-free, continuous processing of high-quality pharmaceutical salts through via hot-melt extrusion as an alternative to solvent based approaches.
Salt template-assisted in situ construction of Ru nanoclusters and porous carbon: excellent catalysts toward hydrogen evolution, ammonia-borane hydrolysis, and 4-nitrophenol reduction
Authors: Ding Rong , Chen Qian , Luo Qian , Zhou Lingxi , Wang Yi , Zhang Yun , Fan Guangyin
Published: December 2019

Porous carbon supported Ru nanoclusters developed by a salt template-assisted strategy show excellent performances for multiple catalytic applications.
Dual-modality microfluidic biosensor based on nanoengineered mesoporous graphene hydrogels
Authors: Singh Nawab , Ali Md. Azahar , Rai Prabhakar , Ghori Inayathullah , Sharma Ashutosh , Malhotra B. D. , John Renu
Published: December 2019

A dual-modality microfluidic biosensor is fabricated using a mesoporous nanostructured cysteine–graphene hydrogel for the quantification of human cardiac myoglobin (cMb).
Understanding and designing one-dimensional assemblies of ligand-protected metal nanoclusters
Authors: Hossain Sakiat , Imai Yukari , Motohashi Yuichi , Chen Zhaoheng , Suzuki Daiki , Suzuki Taiyo , Kataoka Yuki , Hirata Momoko , Ono Tasuku , Kurashige Wataru , Kawawaki Tokuhisa , Yamamoto Takahiro , Negishi Yuichi
Published: December 2019

This study demonstrates that controlling intra-cluster ligand interactions is important to obtain an assembled structure with the desired connecting structures.
Probing mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of fibrils of self-assembling peptides
Authors: Fontana Federico , Gelain Fabrizio
Published: December 2019

Nano-mechanical characterization of SAPs described in this work combines steered molecular dynamics simulations and Morphoscanner, elucidating failure mechanisms of SAPs fibrils.
Ferroelastic domains drive charge separation and suppress electron–hole recombination in all-inorganic halide perovskites: time-domain ab initio analysis
Authors: Shi Ran , Zhang Zhaosheng , Fang Wei-hai , Long Run
Published: December 2019

CsPbBr3 perovskites containing ferroelastic domains inhibit non-radiative charge recombination by facilitating charge separation and decreasing nonadiabatic coupling.
Large-scale surfactant-free synthesis of WS2 nanosheets: an investigation into the detailed reaction chemistry of colloidal precipitation and their application as an anode material for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Sharma Poonam , Kumar Ananya , Bankuru Siresha , Chakraborty Jayanta , Puravankara Sreeraj
Published: December 2019

Novel detailed chemistry of WS2 synthesis.
Improvement of HER activity for MoS2: insight into the effect and mechanism of phosphorus post-doping
Authors: Ren Xianpei , Yang Fan , Chen Rong , Ren Pinyun , Wang Yonghua
Published: December 2019

The phosphorus-doped MoS2 nanosheets were prepared by a post-doping method and exhibited good catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction.
MnO2–GO-scroll–TiO2–ITQ2 as a low-temperature NH3-SCR catalyst with a wide SO2-tolerance temperature range
Authors: Sun Liwei , Zhang Zeshu , Tian Heyuan , Liu Peng , Zhang Yibo , Yang Xiangguang
Published: December 2019

GO-scroll–TiO2–ITQ2 improved the steam-resistance and SO2-resistance of the low-temperature manganese-based NH3-SCR catalyst.
Size-dependence of the electrochemical performance of Fe–N–C catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction and cathodes of direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Xu Xinlong , Xia Zhangxun , Zhang Xiaoming , Li Huanqiao , Wang Suli , Sun Gongquan
Published: December 2019

The size effect of Fe–N–C catalysts on the oxygen reduction reaction was investigated by both half-cell electrochemical measurements and direct methanol fuel cell tests and a correlation among size, porous structure and performance was proposed.
Generation of Ni3S2 nanorod arrays with high-density bridging S22− by introducing a small amount of Na3VO4·12H2O for superior hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Yang Dan , Cao Liyun , Huang Jianfeng , Kajiyoshi Koji , Feng Li , Kou Lingjiang , Liu Qianqian , Feng Liangliang
Published: December 2019

A novel Ni3S2 nanorod array with high-density bridging S22− sites is prepared and it exhibits superior hydrogen evolution performance.
The role of electrostatic potential polarization in the translocation of graphene quantum dots across membranes
Authors: Tang Xiaofeng , Zhang Shitong , Zhou Hong , Zhou Bo , Liu Shengtang , Yang Zaixing
Published: December 2019

With GQDs changed from non-polarized to highly polarized, the favorable location of GQDs in the simulation system translocated from the inner membrane region to the membrane–water interface.
Immobilization of catalytic sites on quantum dots by ligand bridging for photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Bao Yipeng , Wang Jin , Wang Qi , Cui Xiaofeng , Long Ran , Li Zhengquan
Published: December 2019

Harvesting solar energy to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into fossil fuels shows great promise to solve the current global problems of energy crisis and climate change.
Modeling generation and growth of iron oxide nanoparticles from representative precursors through ReaxFF molecular dynamics
Authors: Barcaro Giovanni , Monti Susanna
Published: December 2019

A fast computational protocol based on classical reactive MD simulations to disclose the growth mechanism of FeOx nanoparticles in a complex environment.
Iron-catalyzed regioselective alkylation of 1,4-quinones and coumarins with functionalized alkyl bromides
Authors: Li Dengke , Shen Xianfu
Published: December 2019

A simple and efficient Fe-catalyzed regioselective alkylation of 1,4-quinones and coumarins, using functionalized alkyl bromides as alkylating reagents, has been developed.
Multicomponent polymerization toward biodegradable polymers with diverse responsiveness in tumor microenvironments
Authors: He Junnan , Zheng Nan , Xie Dan , Zheng Yubin , Song Wangze
Published: December 2019

Multicomponent polymerization (MCP), as a powerful synthetic tool, has been widely utilized to prepare diverse functional polymers for optical, electronic, and biomedical applications.
Self-assembly of luminescent triblock bottlebrush copolymers in solution
Authors: Shao Feng , Wang Yonghui , Tonge Christopher M. , Sauvé Ethan R. , Hudson Zachary M.
Published: December 2019

Self-assembly presents bottom-up strategies for the construction of complex micelles from luminescent bottlebrush copolymers.
Domino synthesis of fully substituted pyridines by silver-catalyzed chemoselective hetero-dimerization of isocyanides
Authors: Hu Zhongyan , Zhang Mingyue , Zhou Qinghua , Xu Xianxiu , Tang Bo
Published: December 2019

A silver-catalyzed hetero-dimerization of various vinyl isocyanides with isocyanoacetamides has been developed for the efficient and practical synthesis of fully substituted pyridines in a single operation.
Rotaxanes comprising cyclic phenylenedioxydiacetamides and secondary mono- and bis-dialkylammonium ions: effect of macrocyclic ring size on pseudorotaxane formation
Authors: Nakamura Takanori , Mori Yuka , Naito Masaya , Okuma Yukari , Miyagawa Shinobu , Takaya Hikaru , Kawasaki Tsuneomi , Tokunaga Yuji
Published: December 2019

[2]Rotaxanes, stabilized through multiple and cooperative hydrogen bonding system, were synthesized from dialkylammonium ions and macrocycle possessing two phenylenedioxydiacetamide units and appropriate spacers.
Disposal of high-arsenic waste acid by the stepwise formation of gypsum and scorodite
Authors: Qi Xianjin , Li Yongkui , Wei Longhua , Hao Fengyan , Zhu Xing , Wei Yonggang , Li Kongzhai , Wang Hua
Published: December 2019

Arsenic is removed from high arsenic waste acidviathe stepwise formation of gypsum and scorodite.
Boronate sol–gel method for one-step fabrication of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel coatings by simple cast- and dip-coating techniques
Authors: Nishiyabu Ryuhei , Takahashi Yuki , Yabuki Taro , Gommori Shoji , Yamamoto Yuki , Kitagishi Hiroaki , Kubo Yuji
Published: December 2019

The self-assembly of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and benzene-1,4-diboronic acid (DBA) is employed as a sol–gel method for one-step fabrication of hydrogel coatings with versatile functionalities.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of geldanamycin–ferulic acid conjugate as a potent Hsp90 inhibitor
Authors: Li Zhenyu , Jia Lejiao , Tang Hui , Shen Yuemao , Shen Chengwu
Published: December 2019

Compared to 17-AAG, LZY228 exhibited higher Hsp90 inhibitory activityin vitroand better antitumor activity in human breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-231) xenograft nude mice.
A carbon-rich nanofiber framework based on a conjugated arylacetylene polymer for photocathodic enzymatic bioanalysis
Authors: Tang Junyan , Liu Xiaoya , Yang Chengwei , Zhang Zhening , Sun Rui , Li Hongmei , Li Caolong , Wang Fei
Published: December 2019

The metal-free photocathode fabricated by porous carbon-rich nanofiber framework of PTEB film realized “signal-off” photocathodic bioanalysis of glucose.
Globular protein stabilized nanoparticles for delivery of disulfiram: fabrication, characterization, in vitro toxicity, and cellular uptake
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Asim , Li Lei , Parveen Amna , Wang Bo
Published: December 2019

Disulfiram (DSF), an FDA-approved anti-alcoholic drug, has recently shown that it possesses anti-cancer effects.
The hunt for reactive alkynes in bio-orthogonal click reactions: insights from mechanochemical and conceptual DFT calculations
Authors: Bettens Tom , Alonso Mercedes , Geerlings Paul , De Proft Frank
Published: December 2019

The force required to bend alkynes increases linearly with the angle and depends on the substituent pattern. The reactivity of the triple bond does not readily increase and is less influenced by the substituent pattern for larger bends.
From 1,2-difunctionalisation to cyanide-transfer cascades – Pd-catalysed cyanosulfenylation of internal (oligo)alkynes
Authors: Bürger Marcel , Loch Maximilian N. , Jones Peter G. , Werz Daniel B.
Published: December 2019

The intra- and intermolecular Pd-catalysed cyanosulfenylation of internal alkynes enables the formation of tetrasubstituted thioacrylonitriles and is extended to oligoyne systems leading to oligoenes and a cyanide transfer over four or six atoms.
Localized surface plasmon effects on the photophysics of perovskite thin films embedding metal nanoparticles
Authors: Bayles Aaron , Carretero-Palacios Sol , Calió Laura , Lozano Gabriel , Calvo Mauricio E. , Míguez Hernán
Published: December 2019

Herein we provide direct experimental evidence that proves that the photophysical properties of thin methylammonium lead iodide perovskite films are significantly enhanced by localized surface plasmon resonances (SPRs).
Towards supramolecular nanostructured materials: control of the self-assembly of ionic bent-core amphiphiles
Authors: Castillo-Vallés Martín , Cano Miguel , Bermejo-Sanz Ana , Gimeno Nélida , Ros M. Blanca
Published: December 2019

Bottom-up self-assembly: the formation of mesophases and nanostructures in solution from ionic bent-core dendrimers has been systematically studied by molecular design.
Liquid metal-supported synthesis of cupric oxide
Authors: Li Hongzhe , Abbasi Roozbeh , Wang Yifang , Allioux Francois M. , Koshy Pramod , Idrus-Saidi Shuhada A. , Rahim Md Arifur , Yang Jiong , Mousavi Maedehsadat , Tang Jianbo , Ghasemian Mohammad B. , Jalili Rouhollah , Kalantar-Zadeh Kourosh , Mayyas Mohannad
Published: December 2019

Facile synthesis of a copper oxide–liquid metal composite.
Cyclic-di-GMP and ADP bind to separate domains of PilB as mutual allosteric effectors
Authors: Dye Keane J. , Yang Zhaomin
Published: December 2019

PilB is the assembly ATPase for the bacterial type IV pilus (T4P), and as a consequence, it is essential for T4P-mediated bacterial motility. In some cases, PilB has been demonstrated to regulate the production of exopolysaccharide (EPS) during bacterial biofilm development independently of or in addition to its function in pilus assembly. While the ATPase activity of PilB resides at its C-terminal region, the N terminus of a subset of PilBs forms a novel cyclic-di-GMP (cdG)-binding domain. This multi-domain structure suggests that PilB binds cdG and adenine nucleotides through separate domains which may influence the functionality of PilB in both motility and biofilm development. Here, Chloracidobacterium thermophilum PilB is used to investigate ligand binding by its separate domains and by the full-length protein. Our results confirm the specificity of these individual domains for their respective ligands and demonstrate communications between these domains in the full-length protein. It is clear that when the N- and the C-terminal domains of PilB bind to cdG and ADP, respectively, they mutually influence each other in conformation and in their binding to ligands. We propose that the interactions between these domains in response to their ligands play critical roles in modulating or controlling the functions of PilB as a regulator of EPS production and as the T4P assembly ATPase.
Effects of Visual Aids for End-of-Life Care on Decisional Capacity of People With Dementia
Authors: Chang Wan-Zu D. , Bourgeois Michelle S.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This study evaluated the decision-making capacity of persons with mild and moderate dementia on end-of-life care when using visual aids. A secondary purpose was to learn whether the judges naive to the experimental conditions would rate participants' decisional abilities as better when augmented by visual aids, thereby validating the behavioral changes due to the use of these external support.

Method

Twenty older adults with mild and moderate dementia demonstrated Understanding, Expressing a Choice, Reasoning, and Appreciation of 2 medical vignettes under 2 counterbalanced conditions: verbal alone or verbal with visual aids. Transcripts were analyzed and scored to measure decisional skills. Twelve judges rated participants' decisional abilities using a 7-point Likert scale.

Results

Participants demonstrated significantly better overall decisional capacity in Understanding, Reasoning, and Appreciation when supported by visual aids during the decision-making process. No significant differences between conditions were found in Expressing a Choice, the decisional skill Logical Sequence under Reasoning, and Acknowledgment under Appreciation. Overall, the judges' ratings validated these outcomes; the judges' ratings reflected greater agreement in the visual condition than in the verbal condition.

Conclusions

Findings indicated that visual aids (a) improved the decision-making capacity of individuals with dementia in comprehending medical information, employing supportive reasons, and relating this information to his or her own situation and (b) contain the potential for judges who majored or are majoring in speech-language pathology to reach a stronger consensus when determining the decision-making capacity of individuals with dementia.
An ultra-short period rocky super-Earth orbiting the G2-star HD 80653
Authors: Frustagli G. , Poretti E. , Milbourne T. , Malavolta L. , Mortier A. , Singh V. , Bonomo A. S. , Buchhave L. A. , Zeng L. , Vanderburg A. , Udry S. , Andreuzzi G. , Collier-Cameron A. , Cosentino R. , Damasso M. , Ghedina A. , Harutyunyan A. , Haywood R. D. , Latham D. W. , López-Morales M. , Lorenzi V. , Martinez Fiorenzano A. F. , Mayor M. , Micela G. , Molinari E. , Pepe F. , Phillips D. , Rice K. , Sozzetti A.
Published: December 2019

Ultra-short period (USP) planets are a class of exoplanets with periods shorter than one day. The origin of this sub-population of planets is still unclear, with different formation scenarios highly dependent on the composition of the USP planets. A better understanding of this class of exoplanets will, therefore, require an increase in the sample of such planets that have accurate and precise masses and radii, which also includes estimates of the level of irradiation and information about possible companions. Here we report a detailed characterization of a USP planet around the solar-type star HD 80653 ≡EP 251279430 using the K2 light curve and 108 precise radial velocities obtained with the HARPS-N spectrograph, installed on the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo. From the K2 C16 data, we found one super-Earth planet (Rb = 1.613 ± 0.071 R⊕) transiting the star on a short-period orbit (Pb = 0.719573 ± 0.000021 d). From our radial velocity measurements, we constrained the mass of HD 80653 b to Mb = 5.60 ± 0.43 M⊕. We also detected a clear long-term trend in the radial velocity data. We derived the fundamental stellar parameters and determined a radius of R⋆ = 1.22 ± 0.01 R⊙ and mass of M⋆ = 1.18 ± 0.04 M⊙, suggesting that HD 80653 has an age of 2.7 ± 1.2 Gyr. The bulk density (ρb = 7.4 ± 1.1 g cm−3) of the planet is consistent with an Earth-like composition of rock and iron with no thick atmosphere. Our analysis of the K2 photometry also suggests hints of a shallow secondary eclipse with a depth of 8.1 ± 3.7 ppm. Flux variations along the orbital phase are consistent with zero. The most important contribution might come from the day-side thermal emission from the surface of the planet at T ~ 3480 K.
A dusty benchmark brown dwarf near the ice line of HD 72946
Authors: Maire A.-L. , Baudino J.-L. , Desidera S. , Messina S. , Brandner W. , Godoy N. , Cantalloube F. , Galicher R. , Bonnefoy M. , Hagelberg J. , Olofsson J. , Absil O. , Chauvin G. , Henning T. , Langlois M.
Published: December 2019

Context. HD 72946 is a bright and nearby solar-type star hosting a low-mass companion at long period (P ∼ 16 yr) detected with the radial velocity (RV) method. The companion has a minimum mass of 60.4 ± 2.2 MJ and might be a brown dwarf. Its expected semi-major axis of ∼243 mas makes it a suitable target for further characterization with high-contrast imaging, in particular to measure its inclination, mass, and spectrum and thus definitely establish its substellar nature.

Aims. We aim to further characterize the orbit, atmosphere, and physical nature of HD 72946B.

Methods. We present high-contrast imaging data in the near-infrared with the Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch (SPHERE) instrument. We also use proper motion measurements of the star from HIPPARCOS and Gaia.

Results. The SPHERE data reveal a point source with a contrast of ∼9 mag at a projected separation of ∼235 mas. No other point sources are detected in the field of view. By jointly fitting the RV, imaging, and proper motion data, we constrain all the orbital parameters of HD 72946B and assess a dynamical mass of 72.4 ± 1.6 MJ and a semi-major axis of 6.456.45+0.08−0.07 au. Empirical comparison of its SPHERE spectrum to template dwarfs indicates a spectral type of L5.0 ± 1.5. The J–H3 color is close to the expectations of the DUSTY models and suggests a cloudy atmosphere. Comparison with atmospheric models of the spectrophotometry suggests an effective temperature of ∼1700 K. The bolometric luminosity (log(L/L⊙) = −4.11 ± 0.10 dex) and dynamical mass of HD 72946B are more compatible with evolutionary models for an age range of ∼0.9−3 Gyr. The formation mechanism of the companion is currently unclear as the object appears slightly away from the bulk of model predictions. HD 72946B is currently the closest benchmark brown dwarf companion to a solar-type star with imaging, RV, and proper motion measurements.
Factors influencing the recurrence of keratocysts: monocentric study
Authors: Giovacchini Francesco , Bensi Caterina , Paradiso Daniele , Belli Stefano , Mitro Valeria , Tullio Antonio
Published: December 2019

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to retrospectively analyse the recurrence rate of odontogenic keratocysts and to identify eventual features of the lesions that may influence recurrence. Material and methods: This was a retrospective study carried out for a period of 3 years. The medical records of patients treated in our institution were analysed to identify all the cases of odontogenic keratocysts. Results: A total of 16 odontogenic keratocysts were recorded. These lesions were treated with simple enucleation with or without adjuvant Carnoy's solution. The relapse occurred in 4 patients treated with simple enucleation and in none of the patients that underwent enucleation and Carnoy's solution application. The kind of treatment appeared not to influence recurrence rate at statistical analysis. Conclusions: Odontogenic keratocyst is a lesion with a locally aggressive behavior and a high tendency to relapse. This tendency of recurrence may be greater with syndromic presentation of odontogenic keratocyst, with soft tissue involvement, and with teeth proximity to the lesion. The application of Carnoy's solution may be useful to minimize recurrence rate in those odontogenic keratocysts with an aggressive clinical behavior and secondly may be used for all the other lesions treated with simple enucleation that experienced relapse.