bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alkaline Phosphatase Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury in an Infant Piglet Model of Cardiopulmonary Bypass with Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest
Authors: Davidson Jesse A. , Khailova Ludmila , Treece Amy , Robison Justin , Soranno Danielle E. , Jaggers James , Ing Richard J. , Lawson Scott , Lujan Suzanne Osorio
Published: October 2019

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with prolonged hospitalization and mortality following infant cardiac surgery, but therapeutic options are limited. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) infusion reduced AKI in phase 2 sepsis trials but has not been evaluated for cardiac surgery-induced AKI. We developed a porcine model of infant cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) to investigate post-CPB/DHCA AKI, measure serum/renal tissue AP activity with escalating doses of AP infusion, and provide preliminary assessment of AP infusion for prevention of AKI. Infant pigs underwent CPB with DHCA followed by survival for 4 h. Groups were treated with escalating doses of bovine intestinal AP (1, 5, or 25U/kg/hr). Anesthesia controls were mechanically ventilated for 7 h without CPB. CPB/DHCA animals demonstrated histologic and biomarker evidence of AKI as well as decreased serum and renal tissue AP compared to anesthesia controls. Only high dose AP infusion significantly increased serum or renal tissue AP activity. Preliminary efficacy evaluation demonstrated a trend towards decreased AKI in the high dose AP group. The results of this dose-finding study indicate that AP infusion at the dose of 25U/kg/hr corrects serum and tissue AP deficiency and may prevent AKI in this piglet model of infant CPB/DHCA.
Characterization of CYP71AX36 from Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., Asteraceae)
Authors: Frey Maximilian , Klaiber Iris , Conrad Jürgen , Bersch Aylin , Pateraki Irini , Ro Dae-Kyun , Spring Otmar
Published: October 2019

Sesquiterpene lactones (STL) are a subclass of isoprenoids with many known bioactivities frequently found in the Asteraceae family. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made regarding the biochemistry of STL, and today the biosynthetic pathway of the core backbones of many STLs has been elucidated. Consequently, the focus has shifted to the discovery of the decorating enzymes that can modify the core skeleton with functional hydroxy groups. Using in vivo pathway reconstruction assays in heterologous organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Nicotiana benthamiana, we have analyzed several cytochrome P450 enzyme genes of the CYP71AX subfamily from Helianthus annuus clustered in close proximity to one another on the sunflower genome. We show that one member of this subfamily, CYP71AX36, can catalyze the conversion of costunolide to 14-hydroxycostunolide. The catalytic activity of CYP71AX36 may be of use for the chemoenzymatic production of antileukemic 14-hydroxycostunolide derivatives and other STLs of pharmaceutical interest. We also describe the full 2D-NMR assignment of 14-hydroxycostunolide and provide all 13C chemical shifts of the carbon skeleton for the first time.
Expression Of Intracellular Components of the NF-κB Alternative Pathway (NF-κB2, RelB, NIK and Bcl3) is Associated With Clinical Outcome of NSCLC Patients
Authors: Dimitrakopoulos Foteinos-Ioannis D. , Antonacopoulou Anna G. , Kottorou Anastasia E. , Panagopoulos Nikolaos , Kalofonou Fotini , Sampsonas Fotios , Scopa Chrisoula , Kalofonou Melpomeni , Koutras Angelos , Makatsoris Thomas , Dougenis Dimitrios , Papadaki Helen , Brock Malcolm , Kalofonos Haralabos P.
Published: October 2019

A growing number of studies has shed light on the role of the NF-κΒ in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To address the significance of major effectors of the NF-κΒ alternative pathway, we investigated the relationship between NF-κΒ2, RelB, NIK and Bcl3 expression (mRNA and protein) and the clinical outcome of NSCLC patients. NF-κΒ2, RelB, NIK and Bcl3 protein expression levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry in tissue samples from 151 NSCLC patients who had curative resection. mRNA levels were also evaluated in 69 patients using quantitative real-time PCR. Although all studied proteins were overexpressed in NSCLC (P < 0.001 for all), only RelB mRNA levels were strongly increased in cancerous specimens compared to tumor-adjacent non-neoplastic tissues (P = 0.009). Moreover, NF-κB2, RelB and Bcl3 expression was associated with overall survival (OS). In particular, cytoplasmic and mRNA expression of RelB was related to 5-year OS (P = 0.014 and P = 0.006, respectively). Multivariate analysis also showed that Bcl3 expression (nuclear and cytoplasmic) was associated with increased 5-year OS (P = 0.002 and P = 0.036, respectively). In addition, higher Bcl3 mRNA levels were associated with inferior OS in stages I & II and improved OS in stages III and IV after 5-year follow-up (P = 0.004 and P = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, stage I patients with lower NF-κB2 mRNA levels had better 5-year survival in univariate and multivariate analysis (P = 0.031 and P = 0.028, respectively). Interestingly, RelB expression (cytoplasmic and mRNA) was inversely associated with relapse rates (P = 0.027 and P = 0.015, respectively), while low NIK cytoplasmic expression was associated with lower relapse rates (P = 0.019). Cytoplasmic NIK expression as well as NF-κB2/ Bcl3 detection was associated with lymph node infiltration (P = 0.039 and P = 0.014, respectively). The present study confirms the deregulation of the NF-κB alternative pathway in NSCLC and also demonstrates the importance of this pathway in prognosis, recurrence and infiltration of regional lymph nodes.
Stability of selected reference genes in Sf9 cells treated with extrinsic apoptotic agents
Authors: Shu Benshui , Zhang Jingjing , Zeng Jie , Cui Gaofeng , Zhong Guohua
Published: October 2019

As a tightly controlled cell death process, apoptosis eliminates unwanted cells and plays a vital role in multicellular organisms. Previous study have demonstrated that apoptosis occurred in Spodoptera frugiperda cultured Sf9 cells, which triggered by diverse apoptotic stimuli, including azadirachtin, camptothecin and ultraviolet. Due to its simplicity, high sensitivity and reliable specificity, RT-qPCR has been used widespread for analyzing expression levels of target genes. However, the selection of reference genes influences the accuracy of results profoundly. In this study, eight genes were selected for analyses of their suitability as references for normalizing RT-PCR data in Sf9 cells treated with apoptotic agents. Five algorithms, including NormFinder, BestKeeper, Delta Ct method, geNorm, and RefFinder, were used for stability ranking. Based on comprehensively analysis, the expression stability of selected genes varied in cells with different apoptotic stimuli. The best choices for cells under different apoptosis conditions were listed: EF2 and EF1α for cells treated with azadirachtin; RPL13 and RPL3 for cells treated with camptothecin; EF1α and β-1-TUB for cells irradiated under ultraviolet; and EF1α and EF2 for combinational analyses of samples. Our results not only facilitate a more accurate normalization for RT-qPCR data, but also provide the reliable assurance for further studies of apoptotic mechanisms under different stimulus in Sf9 cells.
Temperature dependences of surface tension, density and viscosity study of Sn-Ag-Cu with Bi additions using theoretical models
Authors: M’chaar Rachida , Sabbar Abdelaziz , El Moudane Mouloud
Published: October 2019

In this work, the kohler, Muggianu,Toop and Hillert geometric models were used to calculate the surface tension, molar volume and density of the liquid Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi quaternary alloys along three selected sections xSn:xAg:xCu = 1:1:1, 1:1:2 and 1:2:1 in the temperature range of 923 K–1423 K. The choice of this temperature range was made on the basis of the calculation results of the liquidus line of the alloys belonging to the three sections. The same properties have been estimated for five selected Sn2.7Ag0.86Cu3.86Bi, Sn3.13Ag0.48Cu4.02Bi, Sn2.95Ag0.53Cu6.81Bi, Sn2.68Ag1.01Cu6.62Bi and Sn3.24Ag0.75Cu1.76Bi quaternary alloys between 623 K and 1123 K for comparison with the available experimental data. Moreover, the surface tension and density of these five alloys have also been calculated on the basis of Guggenheim and theoretical equation, respectively. In addition, the Seetharaman-sichen and Kaptay equations were extended to estimate the viscosity of SAC + Bi alloys. We also discussed the influence of Bismuth addition in liquid Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi. Estimated values show that Bi increases molar volume and density but decreases the surface tension and viscosity. On the other hand, the surface tensions diminish with the temperature for the all studied models, with the exception of some concentration of Bismuth; an inverse tendency is observed (dσ/dT) > 0. While, the density diminishes with increasing temperature for all alloys (dσ/dT) < 0. These models have been shown to be a great alternative for calculating the thermo-physical properties of quaternary systems.
Efficient production of large-size optical Schrödinger cat states
Authors: Mikheev Evgeny V. , Pugin Alexander S. , Kuts Dmitry A. , Podoshvedov Sergey A. , An Nguyen Ba
Published: October 2019

We present novel theory of effective realization of large-size optical Schrödinger cat states, which play an important role for quantum communication and quantum computation in the optical domain using laser sources. The treatment is based on the α-representation in infinite Hilbert space which is the decomposition of an arbitrary quantum state in terms of displaced number states characterized by the displacement amplitude α. We find analytical form of the α-representation for both even and odd Schrödinger cat states which is essential for their generation schemes. Two schemes are proposed for generating even/odd Schrödinger cat states of large size |β| (|β| ≥ 2) with high fidelity F (F ≈ 0.99). One scheme relies on an initially offline prepared two-mode entangled state with a fixed total photon number, while the other scheme uses separable photon Fock states as the input. In both schemes, generation of the desired states is heralded by the corresponding measurement outcomes. Conditions for obtaining states useful for quantum information processing are established and success probabilities for their generation are evaluated.
Mice deficient in the lysosomal enzyme palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) display a complex retinal phenotype
Authors: Atiskova Yevgeniya , Bartsch Susanne , Danyukova Tatyana , Becker Elke , Hagel Christian , Storch Stephan , Bartsch Udo
Published: October 2019

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) type 1 (CLN1) is a neurodegenerative storage disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1). CLN1 patients suffer from brain atrophy, mental and motor retardation, seizures, and retinal degeneration ultimately resulting in blindness. Here, we performed an in-depth analysis of the retinal phenotype of a PPT1-deficient mouse, an animal model of this condition. Reactive astrogliosis and microgliosis were evident in mutant retinas prior to the onset of retinal cell loss. Progressive accumulation of storage material, a pronounced dysregulation of various lysosomal proteins, and accumulation of sequestosome/p62-positive aggregates in the inner nuclear layer also preceded retinal degeneration. At advanced stages of the disease, the mutant retina was characterized by a significant loss of ganglion cells, rod and cone photoreceptor cells, and rod and cone bipolar cells. Results demonstrate that PPT1 dysfunction results in early-onset pathological alterations in the mutant retina, followed by a progressive degeneration of various retinal cell types at relatively late stages of the disease. Data will serve as a reference for future work aimed at developing therapeutic strategies for the treatment of retinal degeneration in CLN1 disease.
Radio-enhancement effects by radiolabeled nanoparticles
Authors: Gholami Yaser Hadi , Maschmeyer Richard , Kuncic Zdenka
Published: October 2019

In cancer radiation therapy, dose enhancement by nanoparticles has to date been investigated only for external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Here, we report on an in silico study of nanoparticle-enhanced radiation damage in the context of internal radionuclide therapy. We demonstrate the proof-of-principle that clinically relevant radiotherapeutic isotopes (i.e. 213Bi, 223Ra, 90Y, 177Lu, 67Cu, 64Cu and 89Zr) labeled to clinically relevant superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles results in enhanced radiation damage effects localized to sub-micron scales. We find that radiation dose can be enhanced by up to 20%, vastly outperforming nanoparticle dose enhancement in conventional EBRT. Our results demonstrate that in addition to the favorable spectral characteristics of the isotopes and their proximity to the nanoparticles, clustering of the nanoparticles results in a nonlinear collective effect that amplifies nanoscale radiation damage effects by electron-mediated inter-nanoparticle interactions. In this way, optimal radio-enhancement is achieved when the inter-nanoparticle distance is less than the mean range of the secondary electrons. For the radioisotopes studied here, this corresponds to inter-nanoparticle distances <50 nm, with the strongest effects within 20 nm. The results of this study suggest that radiolabeled nanoparticles offer a novel and potentially highly effective platform for developing next-generation theranostic strategies for cancer medicine.
Female reproductive factors and risk of external causes of death among women: The Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study (JPHC Study)
Authors: Tanaka Shiori , Abe Sarah K. , Sawada Norie , Yamaji Taiki , Shimazu Taichi , Goto Atsushi , Iwasaki Motoki , Iso Hiroyasu , Mizoue Tetsuya , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: October 2019

Although empirical data suggest a possible link between female reproductive events and risk of nonfatal accidents and suicidal behaviors, evidence to determine these effects on mortality is scarce. This study investigated the association between female reproductive factors and the risk of external causes of death among middle-aged Japanese women. We used a population-based cohort study consisting of 71 698 women residing in 11 public health center areas across Japan between 1990 and 1994. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of the risk of all external causes, suicide, and accidents according to female reproductive factors at the baseline survey. During 1 028 583 person-years of follow-up for 49 279 eligible subjects (average 20.9 years), we identified 328 deaths by all injuries. Among parous women, ever versus never breastfeeding [0.67 (95% CI: 0.49–0.92)] was associated with a decreased risk of all injuries. Risk of suicide was inversely associated with ever versus never parity [0.53 (95% CI: 0.32–0.88)]. A lower risk of death by accidents was seen in ever breastfeeding [0.63 (95% CI: 0.40–0.97)] compared to never breastfeeding. This study suggests that parity and breastfeeding are associated with reduced risk of death by all external causes, suicide and/or accidents among Japanese women.
High-throughput amperometric determination of tetracycline residues in milk and quality control of pharmaceutical formulations: flow-injection versus batch-injection analysis
Authors: Faria Lucas V. , Lima Ana P. , Araújo Fausto M. , Lisboa Thalles P. , Matos Maria A. C. , Munoz Rodrigo A. A. , Matos Renato C.
Published: October 2019

This paper demonstrates a potential use of the reduced graphene-oxide modified electrode associated with FIA and BIA systems for rapid, simple and sensitive determination of tetracycline in milk and pharmaceutical formulations samples.
Bicyclic (amino)(borata)carbene derived from diazadiborinine and isonitrile
Authors: Wang Baolin , Koshino Kota , Kinjo Rei
Published: October 2019

The reaction of 1,4,2,5-diazadiborinine (1) with an aryl isonitrile afforded a bicyclic product containing an indole unit (2) or ketenimine moiety (3), suggesting the generation of a B,N-carbene intermediate formed in the initial step.
Correction: Cascade alkylation and deuteration with aryl iodides via Pd/norbornene catalysis: an efficient method for the synthesis of congested deuterium-labeled arenes
Authors: Guo Lei , Xu Chen , Wu Ding-Chuan , Hu Guang-Qi , Zhang Hong-Hai , Hong Kunlun , Chen Su , Liu Xiang
Published: October 2019

Correction for ‘Cascade alkylation and deuteration with aryl iodides via Pd/norbornene catalysis: an efficient method for the synthesis of congested deuterium-labeled arenes’ by Lei Guo et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 8567–8570.
Construction of In2O3 hierarchical microstructures consisting of single crystalline octahedral particles and polycrystalline fibers for detection of low concentration HCHO
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Yingzi , Ma Qian , Chu Shushu , Li Hang , Wang Yi , Yang Ping
Published: October 2019

In2O3 hierarchical microstructures composed of single crystalline octahedral particles and polycrystalline fibers can efficiently detect low concentration HCHO at 160 °C.
Hydrogen bonding vs. stacking interaction in the crystals of the simplest coumarin derivatives: a study from the energetic viewpoint
Authors: Shishkina Svitlana V. , Konovalova Irina S. , Kovalenko Sergiy M. , Trostianko Pavlo V. , Geleverya Anna O. , Bunyatyan Natalya D.
Published: October 2019

Hydrogen bonded and stacked dimers have very close interaction energies in the crystals of the simplest coumarin derivatives according to the data of the crystal structure analysis based on the comparison of pairwise interaction energies.
A dithiocarbamate anchoring group as a flexible platform for interface engineering
Authors: Sauter Eric , Nascimbeni Giulia , Trefz Daniel , Ludwigs Sabine , Zojer Egbert , von Wrochem Florian , Zharnikov Michael
Published: October 2019

The molecular organization and electrostatic properties of dithiocarbamate-anchored self-assembled monolayers on Au(111) are studied by spectroscopic experiments and theoretical simulations.
Brownian dynamics simulations of one-patch inverse patchy particles
Authors: Cerbelaud Manuella , Lebdioua Khaoula , Tran Công Tâm , Crespin Benoît , Aimable Anne , Videcoq Arnaud
Published: October 2019

92 bead colloids are used to study the self-assembly of large surface anistropic particles.
Effect of the Si/Al ratio in Ga/mesoporous HZSM-5 on the production of benzene, toluene, and xylene via coaromatization of methane and propane
Authors: Gim Min Yeong , Song Changyeol , Lim Yong Hyun , Lee Kwan-Young , Kim Do Heui
Published: October 2019

In this work, a series of GaOy supported on mesoporous HZSM-5 (GaOy/meso-XHZSM-5; Si/Al (X), X = 10, 20, 30, and 40) catalysts with different Si/Al molar ratios were prepared for use in the coaromatization of methane and propane.
Structural isomerism in the [(Ni@Sn9)In(Ni@Sn9)]5− Zintl ion
Authors: Zhang Chao , Morgan Harry W. T. , Wang Zi-Chuan , Liu Chao , Sun Zhong-Ming , McGrady John E.
Published: October 2019

A new Zintl cluster, [(Ni@Sn9)In(Ni@Sn9)]5−, has been isolated in two distinct isomeric forms, one where both Ni@Sn9 units are coordinated to the bridging indium atom in an η3- mode, the other where one is η3- and the other η4-.
Synthesis and structural characterization of arsinoamides – early transition metal (Zr and Hf) and main group metal (Al, In, Sn, and Pb) complexes
Authors: Chen Xiao , Gamer Michael T. , Roesky Peter W.
Published: October 2019

The following complexes were synthesized: [(Mes2AsNPh)2MCl2(THF)], [(Mes2AsNPh)2M(NMe2)2] (M = Zr, Hf), [(Mes2AsNPh)AlCl2(THF)], [(Mes2AsNPh)InCl3][Li(THF)4], [(Mes2AsNPh)2E] (E = Sn, Pb).
Phenolic content and potential bioactivity of apple juice as affected by thermal and ultrasound pasteurization
Authors: Alongi Marilisa , Verardo Giancarlo , Gorassini Andrea , Lemos M. Adilia , Hungerford Graham , Cortella Giovanni , Anese Monica
Published: October 2019

Thermal (T) and ultrasound (US) pasteurization processes were applied to apple juice and the phenolic compounds (TPC) were quantified before and after in vitro digestion by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn, with their bioaccessibility ascertained.
A ZIF-8 derived nitrogen-doped porous carbon and nitrogen-doped graphene nanocomposite modified electrode for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid, dopamine and uric acid
Authors: Luo Guiling , Deng Ying , Zhang Xiaoping , Zou Ruyi , Sun Wei , Li Binghang , Sun Bi , Wang Yubao , Li Guangjiu
Published: October 2019

Simultaneous electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid, dopamine and uric acid by a nanocomposite modified electrode was realized.
Impact of substituents on the crystal structures and anti-leishmanial activity of new homoleptic Bi(iii) dithiocarbamates
Authors: Anamika Anamika , Singh Rajan , Manar Krishna K. , Yadav Chote Lal , Kumar Akhilesh , Singh Rakesh K. , Drew Michael. G. B. , Singh Nanhai
Published: October 2019

Anti-leishmanial activity of six structurally characterised new functionalised homoleptic Bi(iii) dithiocarbamate complexes having monomeric, dimeric and rare polymeric structures has been explored.
Magnetic skyrmions in FePt nanoparticles having Reuleaux 3D geometry: a micromagnetic simulation study
Authors: Stavrou Vasileios D. , Kourounis Drosos , Dimakopoulos Konstantinos , Panagiotopoulos Ioannis , Gergidis Leonidas N.
Published: October 2019

The magnetization reversal in magnetic FePt nanoelements having Reuleaux 3D geometry is studied using Finite Element micromagnetic simulations. Multiple skyrmions are formed for a range of external fields and magnetocrystalline anisotropy values.
Long-term in vivo CT tracking of mesenchymal stem cells labeled with Au@BSA@PLL nanotracers
Authors: Ning Xinyu , Bao Hongying , Liu Xiaoyun , Fu Han , Wang Weizhi , Huang Jie , Zhang Zhijun
Published: October 2019

Au@BSA@PLL nanotracers were developed for long-term CT tracking of hMSCs in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis injury.
β-Cyclodextrin-based hollow nanoparticles with excellent adsorption performance towards organic and inorganic pollutants
Authors: Liu Yinli , Liu Miao , Jia Jie , Wu Dequn , Gao Tingting , Wang Xueli , Yu Jianyong , Li Faxue
Published: October 2019

β-CD-based hollow nanoparticles (β-CDHN) were first fabricated through a facile one-step method, which presented extraordinary adsorption performance towards pollutants.
Bifunctional semi-closed YF3-doped 1D carbon nanofibers with 3D porous network structure including fluorinating interphases and polysulfide confinement for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Hao Yan , Wang Liyuan , Liang Yueyao , He Benqiao , Zhang Yaofang , Cheng Bowen , Kang Weimin , Deng Nanping
Published: October 2019

In this study, semi-closed YF3-doped 1D carbon nanofibers with 3D porous networks (SC-YF3-doped 3D in 1D CNFs) are fabricated for the first time via electro-blown spinning technology and regarded as cathodes for high performance lithium sulfur cells.
The mechanism and structure–activity relationship of amide bond formation by silane derivatives: a computational study
Authors: Hu Ben , Jiang Yuan-Ye , Liu Peng , Zhang Rui-Xue , Zhang Qi , Liu Tian-Tian , Bi Siwei
Published: October 2019

The detailed reaction mechanism and structure–activity relationship of substrates in silane reagent-mediated amide bond formation reactions are clarified.
Understanding the effects of solvate ionic liquids as solvents on substitution processes
Authors: Schaffarczyk McHale Karin S. , Wong Michaela J. , Evans Alicia K. , Gilbert Alyssa , Haines Ronald S. , Harper Jason B.
Published: October 2019

The solvent effects of solvate ionic liquids have been compared to the effects of previously studied ‘typical’ ionic liquids for the SN2 reaction between pyridine and benzyl bromide and the SNAr reaction between ethanol and 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene.
Hydrolytically degradable poly(β-thioether ester ketal) thermosets via radical-mediated thiol–ene photopolymerization
Authors: Alameda Benjamin M. , Palmer Travis C. , Sisemore Jonathan D. , Pierini Nicholas G. , Patton Derek L.
Published: October 2019

Poly(β-thioether ester ketal) networks are reported that undergo complete degradation with tuneable degradation profiles under acid and/or basic conditions.
Near-infrared light-responsive hydrogels via peroxide-decorated MXene-initiated polymerization
Authors: Tao Na , Zhang Depan , Li Xilong , Lou Dongyang , Sun Xiaoyi , Wei Chuanwan , Li Juan , Yang Junliang , Liu You-Nian
Published: October 2019

Peroxide-decorated Ti3C2Tx plays a role as an initiator for free-radical polymerization and leads to new opportunities for intelligent optoelectronic devices.
Analysis of the effect of catalyst layer thickness on the performance and durability of platinum group metal-free catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Authors: Baricci Andrea , Bisello Andrea , Serov Alexey , Odgaard Madeleine , Atanassov Plamen , Casalegno Andrea
Published: October 2019

A simple approach based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement is adopted to elucidate the effect of mixed ion and electron transport limitations during materials aging in platinum group metal-free catalysts for PEMFC.
Interaction of the mononucleotide UMP with a fluid phospholipid bilayer
Authors: Sasidharan Sreeja , Pochinda Simon , Elgaard-Jørgensen Paninnguaq Naja , Rajamani Sudha , Khandelia Himanshu , Raghunathan V. A.
Published: October 2019

Interaction between mononucleotides and lipid membranes is believed to have played an important role in the origin of life on Earth.
A blob model to parameterize polymer hole free volumes and solute diffusion
Authors: Zhu Yan , Welle Frank , Vitrac Olivier
Published: October 2019

Solute diffusion in solid polymers has tremendous applications but remained poorly understood: (i) general solute blob model, (ii) hole-free volume parameterization and diffusivity D model, (iii) example of parameterization and D predictions in PET.
Prescribing patterns in growing tubular soft matter by initial residual stress
Authors: Du Yangkun , Lü Chaofeng , Liu Congshan , Han Zilong , Li Jian , Chen Weiqiu , Qu Shaoxing , Destrade Michel
Published: October 2019

Initial residual stress is omnipresent in biological tissues and soft matter, and can affect growth-induced pattern selection significantly.
The influence of fractional surface coverage on the core–core separation in ordered monolayers of thiol-ligated Au nanoparticles
Authors: Reik Morgan , Calabro Melanie , Griesemer Sean , Barry Edward , Bu Wei , Lin Binhua , Rice Stuart A.
Published: October 2019

This study examines the way in which fractional surface coverage on a nanoparticle surface affects nanoparticle interactions and the long-range order of Langmuir monolayers.
Creating gradients of amyloid fibrils from the liquid–liquid interface
Authors: Smith Kathleen Beth , Fernandez-Rodriguez Miguel Ángel , Isa Lucio , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: October 2019

We report a method to deposit amyloid fibrils on a substrate creating gradients in orientation and coverage on demand.
Post-synthesis of a covalent organic framework nanofiltration membrane for highly efficient water treatment
Authors: Liu Chuanyao , Jiang Yunzhe , Nalaparaju Anjaiah , Jiang Jianwen , Huang Aisheng
Published: October 2019

A novel covalent organic framework (COF) IISERP-COOH-COF1 membrane with both high water permeance and high ions rejection was developed for desalination through post-modification, which shows superior ions rejection based on size exclusion.
A mimotope peptide-based dual-signal readout competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay for non-toxic detection of zearalenone
Authors: Chen Yanjie , Zhang Shupei , Hong Zhensheng , Lin Yanyu , Dai Hong
Published: October 2019

In this study, a mimotope peptide-based non-toxic photoelectrochemical (PEC) competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was established for ultrasensitive detection of zearalenone (ZEN) with dual-signal readout.
Designing iridate-based superlattice with large magnetoelectric coupling
Authors: Dasa Tamene R. , Hao Lin , Liu Jian , Xu Haixuan
Published: October 2019

The coupling between ferroelectric and magnetic order provides a powerful means to control magnetic properties with electric fields.
Stellar populations of galaxies in the ALHAMBRA survey up to z ∼ 1
Authors: Díaz-García L. A. , Cenarro A. J. , López-Sanjuan C. , Peralta de Arriba L. , Ferreras I. , Cerviño M. , Márquez I. , Masegosa J. , del Olmo A. , Perea J.
Published: October 2019

Aims. We perform a comprehensive study of the stellar population properties (formation epoch, age, metallicity, and extinction) of quiescent galaxies as a function of size and stellar mass to constrain the physical mechanism governing the stellar mass assembly and the likely evolutive scenarios that explain their growth in size.

Methods. After selecting all the quiescent galaxies from the ALHAMBRA survey by the dust-corrected stellar mass–colour diagram, we built a shared sample of ∼850 quiescent galaxies with reliable measurements of sizes from the HST. This sample is complete in stellar mass and luminosity, I ≤ 23. The stellar population properties were retrieved using the fitting code for spectral energy distributions called MUlti-Filter FITting for stellar population diagnostics (MUFFIT) with various sets of composite stellar population models. Age, formation epoch, metallicity, and extinction were studied on the stellar mass–size plane as function of size through a Monte Carlo approach. This accounted for uncertainties and degeneracy effects amongst stellar population properties.

Results. The stellar population properties of quiescent galaxies and their stellar mass and size since z ∼ 1 are correlated. At fixed stellar mass, the more compact the quiescent galaxy, the older and richer in metals it is (1 Gyr and 0.1 dex, respectively). In addition, more compact galaxies may present slight lower extinctions than their more extended counterparts at the same stellar mass (< 0.1 mag). By means of studying constant regions of stellar population properties across the stellar mass–size plane, we obtained empirical relations to constrain the physical mechanism that governs the stellar mass assembly of the form M⋆ ∝ rcα, where α amounts to 0.50–0.55 ± 0.09. There are indications that support the idea that the velocity dispersion is tightly correlated with the stellar content of galaxies. The mechanisms driving the evolution of stellar populations can therefore be partly linked to the dynamical properties of galaxies, along with their gravitational potential.
A cosmic collider: Was the IceCube neutrino generated in a precessing jet-jet interaction in TXS 0506+056?
Authors: Britzen S. , Fendt C. , Böttcher M. , Zajaček M. , Jaron F. , Pashchenko I. N. , Araudo A. , Karas V. , Kurtanidze O.
Published: October 2019

Context. The neutrino event IceCube−170922A appears to originate from the BL Lac object TXS 0506+056. To understand the neutrino creation process and to localize the emission site, we studied the radio images of the jet at 15 GHz.

Aims. Other BL Lac objects show properties similar to those of TXS 0506+056, such as multiwavelength variability or a curved jet. However, to date only TXS 0506+056 has been identified as neutrino emitter. The aim of this paper is to determine what makes the parsec-scale jet of TXS 0506+056 specific in this respect.

Methods. We reanalyzed and remodeled 16 VLBA 15 GHz observations between 2009 and 2018. We thoroughly examined the jet kinematics and flux-density evolution of individual jet components during the time of enhanced neutrino activity between September 2014 and March 2015, and in particular before and after the neutrino event.

Results. Our results suggest that the jet is very strongly curved and most likely observable under a special viewing angle of close to zero. We may observe the interaction between jet features that cross each other’s paths. We find subsequent flux-density flaring of six components passing the likely collision site. In addition, we find a strong indication for precession of the inner jet, and model a precession period of about 10 yr via the Lense-Thirring effect. We discuss an alternative scenario, which is the interpretation of observing the signature of two jets within TXS 0506+056, again hinting toward a collision of jetted material. We essentially suggest that the neutrino emission may result from the interaction of jetted material in combination with a special viewing angle and jet precession.

Conclusions. We propose that the enhanced neutrino activity during the neutrino flare in 2014–2015 and the single EHE neutrino IceCube-170922A could have been generated by a cosmic collision within TXS 0506+056. Our findings seem capable of explaining the neutrino generation at the time of a low gamma-ray flux and also indicate that TXS 0506+056 might be an atypical blazar. It seems to be the first time that a potential collision of two jets on parsec scales has been reported and that the detection of a cosmic neutrino might be traced back to a cosmic jet-collision.
From the stellar properties of HD 219134 to the internal compositions of its transiting exoplanets
Authors: Ligi R. , Dorn C. , Crida A. , Lebreton Y. , Creevey O. , Borsa F. , Mourard D. , Nardetto N. , Tallon-Bosc I. , Morand F. , Poretti E.
Published: October 2019

Context. The harvest of exoplanet discoveries has opened the area of exoplanet characterisation. But this cannot be achieved without a careful analysis of the host star parameters.

Aims. The system of HD 219134 hosts two transiting exoplanets and at least two additional non-transiting exoplanets. We revisit the properties of this system using direct measurements of the stellar parameters to investigate the composition of the two transiting exoplanets.

Methods. We used the VEGA/CHARA interferometer to measure the angular diameter of HD 219134. We also derived the stellar density from the transits light curves, which finally gives a direct estimate of the mass. This allowed us to infer the mass, radius, and density of the two transiting exoplanets of the system. We then used an inference model to obtain the internal parameters of these two transiting exoplanets.

Results. We measure a stellar radius, density, and mass of R⋆ = 0.726 ± 0.014 R⊙, ρ⋆ = 1.82 ± 0.19 ρ⊙, and M⋆ = 0.696 ± 0.078 M⊙, respectively; there is a correlation of 0.46 between R⋆ and M⋆. This new mass is lower than that derived from the C2kSMO stellar evolutionary model, which provides a mass range of 0.755−0.810 (±0.040) M⊙. Moreover, we find that planet b and c have smaller radii than previously estimated of 1.500 ± 0.057 and 1.415 ± 0.049 R⊕ respectively; this clearly puts these planets out of the gap in the exoplanetary radii distribution and validates their super-Earth nature. Planet b is more massive than planet c, but the former is possibly less dense. We investigate whether this could be caused by partial melting of the mantle and find that tidal heating due to non-zero eccentricity of planet b may be powerful enough.

Conclusions. The system of HD 219134 constitutes a very valuable benchmark for both stellar physics and exoplanetary science. The characterisation of the stellar hosts, and in particular the direct determination of the stellar density, radius, and mass, should be more extensively applied to provide accurate exoplanets properties and calibrate stellar models.
Abundances of disk and bulge giants from high-resolution optical spectra
Authors: Forsberg R. , Jönsson H. , Ryde N. , Matteucci F.
Published: October 2019

Context. Observations of the Galactic bulge suggest that the disk formed through secular evolution rather than gas dissipation and/or mergers, as previously believed. This would imply very similar chemistry in the disk and bulge. Some elements, such as the α-elements, are well studied in the bulge, but others like the neutron-capture elements are much less well explored. Stellar mass and metallicity are factors that affect the neutron-capture process. Due to this, the enrichment of the ISM and the abundance of neutron-capture elements vary with time, making them suitable probes for Galactic chemical evolution.

Aims. In this work, we make a differential comparison of neutron-capture element abundances determined in the local disk(s) and the bulge, focusing on minimising possible systematic effects in the analysis, with the aim of finding possible differences/similarities between the populations.

Methods. Abundances are determined for Zr, La, Ce, and Eu in 45 bulge giants and 291 local disk giants, from high-resolution optical spectra. The abundances are determined by fitting synthetic spectra using the SME-code. The disk sample is separated into thin- and thick-disk components using a combination of abundances and kinematics.

Results. We find flat Zr, La, and Ce trends in the bulge, with a ~0.1 dex higher La abundance compared with the disk, possibly indicating a higher s-process contribution for La in the bulge. [Eu/Fe] decreases with increasing [Fe/H], with a plateau at around [Fe/H] ~−0.4, pointing at similar enrichment to α-elements in all populations.

Conclusions. We find that the r-process dominated the neutron-capture production at early times both in the disks and bulge. Further, [La/Eu] ratios for the bulge are systematically higher than for the thick disk, pointing to either a) a different amount of SN II or b) a different contribution of the s-process in the two populations. Considering [(La+Ce)/Zr], the bulge and the thick disk follow each other closely, suggesting a similar ratio of high-to-low-mass asymptotic giant branch stars.
The highly inflated giant planet WASP-174b
Authors: Mancini L. , Sarkis P. , Henning Th. , Bakos G. Á. , Bayliss D. , Bento J. , Bhatti W. , Brahm R. , Csubry Z. , Espinoza N. , Hartman J. , Jordán A. , Penev K. , Rabus M. , Suc V. , de Val-Borro M. , Zhou G. , Chen G. , Damasso M. , Southworth J. , Tan T. G.
Published: October 2019

Context. The transiting exoplanetary system WASP-174 was reported to be composed by a main-sequence F star (V = 11.8 mag) and a giant planet, WASP-174b (orbital period Porb = 4.23 days). However only an upper limit was placed on the planet mass (<1.3 MJup), and a highly uncertain planetary radius (0.7−1.7 RJup) was determined.

Aims. We aim to better characterise both the star and the planet and precisely measure their orbital and physical parameters.

Methods. In order to constrain the mass of the planet, we obtained new measurements of the radial velocity of the star and joined them with those from the discovery paper. Photometric data from the HATSouth survey and new multi-band, high-quality (precision reached up to 0.37 mmag) photometric follow-up observations of transit events were acquired and analysed for getting accurate photometric parameters. We fit the model to all the observations, including data from the TESS space telescope, in two different modes: incorporating the stellar isochrones into the fit, and using an empirical method to get the stellar parameters. The two modes resulted to be consistent with each other to within 2σ.

Results. We confirm the grazing nature of the WASP-174b transits with a confidence level greater than 5σ, which is also corroborated by simultaneously observing the transit through four optical bands and noting how the transit depth changes due to the limb-darkening effect. We estimate that ≈76% of the disk of the planet actually eclipses the parent star at mid-transit of its transit events. We find that WASP-174b is a highly-inflated hot giant planet with a mass of Mp = 0.330 ± 0.091 MJup and a radius of Rp = 1.435 ± 0.050 RJup, and is therefore a good target for transmission-spectroscopy observations. With a density of ρp = 0.135 ± 0.042 g cm−3, it is amongst the lowest-density planets ever discovered with precisely measured mass and radius.
Microbial community with the ability to biodegradation perchlorate in a bio-electrochemical reactor
Authors: Zhong Yu , He Li , Fu Guangyi , Xu Youze , Xie Lixia , Cheng Yingxiang , Zhao YuanYuan , Qiu Yaqun , Xiang Renjun , Gao Xian
Published: October 2019

In this study, the sediments from the Liuyang River (Hunan Province, China) were used as an inoculum to bio-reduction perchlorate in a bio-electrochemical reactor (BER). The efficient degradation of perchlorate was found in the BER by utilizing the hydrogen as electron donor. When the current intensity was 10 mA and HRT was 72 h, the removal rate of perchlorate (initial concentration was 5 mg/L) reached 84.13% and a removal flux of 178.68 mg/m2·d was achieved. High-throughput sequencing analysis confirmed that the biofilm in the reactor had been successfully acclimated, and the system could achieve perchlorate reduction effectively. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla during inoculation phase, and Actinobacteriria, Proteobacteria, and Tenericutes also constituted a low proportion in the biofilm. Bacilli and Clostridia were dominant at class-level both in inoculum and biofilm, with the relative abundance about 56%-72% and 17%-23%, respectively. These results confirmed that the biofilm in the BER system had been successfully formed, and the BER system could biodegradation perchlorate effectively.
Experimental Study of the Thermal Effect of the Dissolution Reaction for Some Alkalis and Salts with Natural Mixing and Forced Stirring
Authors: Bespalko Sergii , Halychyi Oleksii , Roha Mykhailo , Poliakov Sviatoslav , Kaleinikov Genadiy , Naumenko Taisiia
Published: October 2019

The paper presents the results of an experimental study of the exothermal and endothermal effects occurring on the dissolution of potassium nitrate KNO3, ammonium nitrate NH4NO3, potassium hydroxide KOH and sodium hydroxide NaOH, in distilled water with natural mixing and forced stirring. It is shown that for natural mixing, NH4NO3 and KOH are the most appropriate working substances for cooling and heat generation respectively, while for forced stirring, NH4NO3 and NaOH display better performance. The optimal concentrations of the liquid solutions for achieving extreme temperatures and maximal enthalpy changes are also defined. In addition, the regression function and regression coefficients describing correlations between the total enthalpy change of the calorimetric system and the solution concentration are found, for the most suitable liquid solutions. The experimental results obtained can be used to develop generating reactors for exothermal heating and endothermal cooling for a thermochemical seasonal storage system able to store solar heat or heat from combined heat and power (CHP) units of biogas plants in summer, for heating purposes in winter, while generating cooling to support air conditioning systems in summer.
One-pot synthesis of polyaniline/Fe3O4 nanocomposite in ionicliquid: electrical conductivity and magnetic studies
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , Zhang Genwang , Wang Binwei , Lin Tan , Wang Guo , Feng Huixia
Published: October 2019

One-pot synthesis of polyaniline/Fe3O4 nanocomposite in 1-methyl-3-alkylcarboxylic acid imidazolium chloride ([CMMIm]Cl) ionic liquid (IL) was introduced for the first time in this work. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), four probes method and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were used to explore the influence of IL on the structure, conductivity and magnetic properties of polyaniline/Fe3O4 composite. Compared with Fe3O4 particles prepared in water, the results show that Fe3O4 particles prepare in imidazolium-based ionic liquid were more regular in shape and dispersed uniformly. So the Fe3O4 nanoparticles prepared in IL can easier serve as cores to form the polyaniline/Fe3O4 nanocomposite via in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline molecule. The saturation magnetization of polyaniline/Fe3O4 nanocomposite prepared in ionic liquid shows about 2 times higher than polyaniline/Fe3O4 composite prepared in water. And the conductivities of PANI/Fe3O4 composite prepared in IL decreased and the saturated magnetization increased with the increasing amount of Fe3O4.
Comparative environmental impacts of Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles with Hybrid Vehicles and Electric Vehicles in China—Based on Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Ha Ningning
Published: October 2019

In China, the growth of new energy vehicles is especially rapid and the explosive growth of the automobile brought an increasing impact on the environment. This paper selected Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles of the same model of BYD as the object. We established a Life Cycle Assessment with GaBi6 software and CML2001 model. The results show that in the whole life cycle, the influences of ADP, GWP and ODP of Electric Vehicles are less than that of Hybrid Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles. The impact of Electric Vehicles are 39%, 50%, and 4% of the Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles and the Hybrid Vehicles’ impact are 65%, 78% and 85% of the Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles. Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Vehicles have a clear improvement in these three types of impacts. The comparison results of AP, EP, FAETP, MAETP and POCP show that the potential impact of Electric Vehicles is greater than that of Hybrid Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles. At present, improving production technology and reducing the consumption of energy during production phase are effective measures to reduce the environmental impact of Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles and Hybrid Vehicles of China.
Maximum Power Control of Gyroscopic Wave Energy Converter
Authors: Chen Lisheng , Pei Zhongcai , Tang Zhiyong
Published: October 2019

A new type of wave energy converter device, gyroscopic wave energy converter (GWEC) based on gyroscopic precession principle, is proposed in this paper. The dynamic model of the device is established, and a variable load maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method is adopted to achieve the goal of keeping the system near the maximum power when the wave amplitude changes. The maximum power point of the circuit is found by perturbation and observation method and incremental conductance method to form a specified PWM wave, which can control the switching on and off, then change the load of the circuit, and realizes the maximum power tracking of the system. Compared with the simulation results, the two methods have their own characteristics, but they can basically adjust the equivalent load adaptively with the change of wave amplitude, and achieve the maximum power output of the circuit.
Failure Analysis and Research of Key Auxiliaries in Thermal Power Plant
Authors: Ma Guangyao , Zhang shuai , Meng Fanyang
Published: October 2019

The key equipment of thermal power plants such as feed pump, condensate pump, circulating pump and induced draft fan, blower fan, oxidation fan, air preheater’s vibration information are monitored and tracked. Bearing failure accounted for the largest proportion. Problems such as misalignment and unbalance are still very common. Attention should be paid to the fault diagnosis and maintenance work.
Rittigkeitsprobleme – Möglichkeiten und Grenzen
Authors: Blum Nadine
Published: October 2019

Physio- und manualtherapeutischen Behandlungsmethoden wird vermehrt Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt und von Seiten der Tierhalter nicht selten der Vorzug gegenüber einer tiermedizinischen Erstuntersuchung gegeben. Zur Vermeidung von Fehlbehandlungen und Rechtsansprüchen stellt sich in der Praxis daher häufig die Frage: Unter welchen Voraussetzungen sollte die manual- und physiotherapeutische Behandlung eingeleitet werden und wann ist der Kontakt zum Tierarzt zwingend erforderlich? Ein Fallbeispiel.