bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of an external magnetic field on microbial functional genes and metabolism of activated sludge based on metagenomic sequencing
Authors: Geng Shuying , Fu Weizhang , Chen Weifeng , Zheng Shulian , Gao Qi , Wang Jing , Ge Xiaohong
Published: June 2020

This study explored the effect of 70-mT magnetic field on wastewater treatment capacity for activated sludge in long-term laboratory-scale experiments. Metagenomic sequencing were conducted based on Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform after DNA extraction of the activated sludge. Then the effect of the magnetic field on the microbial unigene and metabolic pathways in activated sludge was investigated. As a result, higher pollutant removal was observed at 70 mT, with which the elimination of total nitrogen (TN) was the most effective. Functional genes annotated based on eggNOG database showed that unigenes related to information storage and processing were enhanced by the magnetic field. For CAZy classification, category such as glycosyl transferases was more abundant in the reactor with magnetic field, which has been shown to promote the entire energy supply pathway. Additionally, in the KEGG categories, unigenes related to signaling molecules and interaction were significantly inhibited. Through the enrichment analysis of the nitrogen metabolism pathway, the magnetic field inhibited anabolic nitrate reduction by significantly inhibiting enzymes such as [EC:1.7.7.2], [EC:1.7.7.1], [EC:3.5.5.1], [EC:1.4.1.2] and [EC:4.2.1.1], which are related to the improvement of the denitrification ability. This study can provide insight for future research on the response mechanism of activated sludge to magnetic fields.
Chemical composition, antibacterial activity and action mechanism of different extracts from hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.)
Authors: Zhang Liang-Liang , Zhang Li-Fang , Xu Jian-Guo
Published: June 2020

Present study was designed to compared the total flavonoids and polyphenols contents and antibacterial activity of hawthorn extracts with different polarities as well as the underlying antibacterial mechanisms. The results showed that among all hawthorn extracts, methanol and ethanol extracts (ME and EE) exhibited high levels of total flavonoids and polyphenols contents, followed by acetone, ethyl acetate, trichloromethane and petroleum ether extracts. ME exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity against tested bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus with a 1.25 μg/mL of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericide concentration (MBC). Further analysis revealed that the main phenolic compounds from ME were epicatechin (281.6 mg/100 g DW), procyanidin B2 (243.5 mg/100 g DW), chlorogenic acid (84.2 mg/100 g DW) and quercetin (78.4 mg/100 g DW). The action mechanism of ME against S. aureus could be ascribed to ME damaging cell wall and cell membrane integrity, inhibiting intracellular enzyme activity, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), also changing expression of associated genes and then inducing apoptosis of S. aureus. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of ME against S. aureus has also been demonstrated to be efficient in the food matrix (whole milk).
Internal Mammary Vein Valves: A Histological Study
Authors: Kubota Yoshitaka , Yamaji Yoshihisa , Kosaka Kentaro , Tokumoto Hideki , Tezuka Takafumi , Akita Shinsuke , Kuriyama Motone , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki
Published: June 2020

It is widely accepted that the internal mammary vein (IMV) is valveless. However, few anatomical studies are available on the presence or absence of IMV valves. To test the hypothesis that the IMV is valveless, we performed microscopic histological examination of the IMV. IMV samples were collected from 10 human fresh frozen cadavers. For a control, the small saphenous vein (SSV) was obtained. Histological stains were performed. Microscopic examination showed that a venous valve was found in 8 of 20 IMVs. The structure of the valve leaflet consisted of two parts. There was a “thick part” located near the wall of the vein that consisted of smooth muscle cells and fibers. There was also a “thin part” located near the center of the venous lumen that lacked smooth muscle cells. The size of the thick part of the IMV valve was smaller than the SSV valve, whereas there was no difference in the size of the thin part between the IMV and SSV. IMV valves exist. Our results that an IMV valve was present in less than half of IMVs and there was a small-sized valve leaflet suggest that the IMV valve may be rudimentary.
Tailoring the Spectral Absorption Coefficient of a Blended Plasmonic Nanofluid Using a Customized Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Seo Junyong , Qin Caiyan , Lee Jungchul , Lee Bong Jae
Published: June 2020

Recently, plasmonic nanofluids (i.e., a suspension of plasmonic nanoparticles in a base fluid) have been widely employed in direct-absorption solar collectors because the localized surface plasmon supported by plasmonic nanoparticles can greatly improve the direct solar thermal conversion performance. Considering that the surface plasmon resonance frequency of metallic nanoparticles, such as gold, silver, and aluminum, is usually located in the ultraviolet to visible range, the absorption coefficient of a plasmonic nanofluid must be spectrally tuned for full utilization of the solar radiation in a broad spectrum. In the present study, a modern design process in the form of a genetic algorithm (GA) is applied to the tailoring of the spectral absorption coefficient of a plasmonic nanofluid. To do this, the major components of a conventional GA, such as the gene description, fitness function for the evaluation, crossover, and mutation function, are modified to be suitable for the inverse problem of tailoring the spectral absorption coefficient of a plasmonic nanofluid. By applying the customized GA, we obtained an optimal combination for a blended nanofluid with the desired spectral distribution of the absorption coefficient, specifically a uniform distribution, solar-spectrum-like distribution, and a step-function-like distribution. The resulting absorption coefficient of the designed plasmonic nanofluid is in good agreement with the prescribed spectral distribution within about 10% to 20% of error when six types of nanoparticles are blended. Finally, we also investigate how the inhomogeneous broadening effect caused by the fabrication uncertainty of the nanoparticles changes their optimal combination.
The atorvastatin metabolic phenotype shift is influenced by interaction of drug-transporter polymorphisms in Mexican population: results of a randomized trial
Authors: León-Cachón Rafael B. R. , Bamford Aileen-Diane , Meester Irene , Barrera-Saldaña Hugo Alberto , Gómez-Silva Magdalena , Bustos María F. García
Published: June 2020

Atorvastatin (ATV) is a blood cholesterol-lowering drug used to prevent cardiovascular events, the leading cause of death worldwide. As pharmacokinetics, metabolism and response vary among individuals, we wanted to determine the most reliable metabolic ATV phenotypes and identify novel and preponderant genetic markers that affect ATV plasma levels. A controlled, randomized, crossover, single-blind, three-treatment, three-period, and six-sequence clinical study of ATV (single 80-mg oral dose) was conducted among 60 healthy Mexican men. ATV plasma levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Genotyping was performed by real-time PCR with TaqMan probes. Four ATV metabolizer phenotypes were found: slow, intermediate, normal and fast. Six gene polymorphisms, SLCO1B1-rs4149056, ABCB1-rs1045642, CYP2D6-rs1135840, CYP2B6-rs3745274, NAT2-rs1208, and COMT- rs4680, had a significant effect on ATV pharmacokinetics (P < 0.05). The polymorphisms in SLCO1B1 and ABCB1 seemed to have a greater effect and were especially important for the shift from an intermediate to a normal metabolizer. This is the first study that demonstrates how the interaction of genetic variants affect metabolic phenotyping and improves understanding of how SLCO1B1 and ABCB1 variants that affect statin metabolism may partially explain the variability in drug response. Notwithstanding, the influence of other genetic and non-genetic factors is not ruled out.
Intention to learn modulates the impact of reward and punishment on sequence learning
Authors: Steel Adam , Baker Chris I. , Stagg Charlotte J.
Published: June 2020

In real-world settings, learning is often characterised as intentional: learners are aware of the goal during the learning process, and the goal of learning is readily dissociable from the awareness of what is learned. Recent evidence has shown that reward and punishment (collectively referred to as valenced feedback) are important factors that influence performance during learning. Presently, however, studies investigating the impact of valenced feedback on skill learning have only considered unintentional learning, and therefore the interaction between intentionality and valenced feedback has not been systematically examined. The present study investigated how reward and punishment impact behavioural performance when participants are instructed to learn in a goal-directed fashion (i.e. intentionally) rather than unintentionally. In Experiment 1, participants performed the serial response time task with reward, punishment, or control feedback and were instructed to ignore the presence of the sequence, i.e., learn unintentionally. Experiment 2 followed the same design, but participants were instructed to intentionally learn the sequence. We found that punishment significantly benefitted performance during learning only when participants learned unintentionally, and we observed no effect of punishment when participants learned intentionally. Thus, the impact of feedback on performance may be influenced by goal of the learner.
Experimental evaluation of the cross-protection between Sheeppox and bovine Lumpy skin vaccines
Authors: Hamdi Jihane , Bamouh Zahra , Jazouli Mohammed , Boumart Zineb , Tadlaoui Khalid Omari , Fihri Ouafaa Fassi , EL Harrak Mehdi
Published: June 2020

The Capripoxvirus genus includes three agents: Sheeppox virus, Goatpox virus and Lumpy skin disease virus. Related diseases are of economic importance and present a major constraint to animals and animal products trade in addition to mortality and morbidity. Attenuated vaccines against these diseases are available, but afforded cross-protection is controversial in each specie. In this study, groups of sheep, goats and cattle were vaccinated with Romania SPPV vaccine and challenged with corresponding virulent strains. Sheep and cattle were also vaccinated with Neethling LSDV vaccine and challenged with both virulent SPPV and LSDV strains. Animals were monitored by clinical observation, rectal temperature as well as serological response. The study showed that sheep and goats vaccinated with Romania SPPV vaccine were fully protected against challenge with virulent SPPV and GTPV strains, respectively. However, small ruminants vaccinated with LSDV Neethling vaccine showed only partial protection against challenge with virulent SPPV strain. Cattle showed also only partial protection when vaccinated with Romania SPPV and were fully protected with Neethling LSDV vaccine. This study showed that SPPV and GTPV vaccines are closely related with cross-protection, while LSDV protects only cattle against the corresponding disease, which suggests that vaccination against LSDV should be carried out with homologous strain.
Bioplastic (poly-3-hydroxybutyrate) production by the marine bacterium Pseudodonghicola xiamenensis through date syrup valorization and structural assessment of the biopolymer
Authors: Mostafa Yasser S. , Alrumman Sulaiman A. , Alamri Saad A. , Otaif Kholod A. , Mostafa Mohamed S. , Alfaify Abdulkhaleg M.
Published: June 2020

Biobased degradable plastics have received significant attention owing to their potential application as a green alternative to synthetic plastics. A dye-based procedure was used to screen poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB)-producing marine bacteria isolated from the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. Among the 56 bacterial isolates, Pseudodonghicola xiamenensis, identified using 16S rRNA gene analyses, accumulated the highest amount of PHB. The highest PHB production by P. xiamenensis was achieved after 96 h of incubation at pH 7.5 and 35 °C in the presence of 4% NaCl, and peptone was the preferred nitrogen source. The use of date syrup at 4% (w/v) resulted in a PHB concentration of 15.54 g/L and a PHB yield of 38.85% of the date syrup, with a productivity rate of 0.162 g/L/h, which could substantially improve the production cost. Structural assessment of the bioplastic by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed the presence of methyl, hydroxyl, methine, methylene, and ester carbonyl groups in the extracted polymer. The derivative products of butanoic acid estimated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry [butanoic acid, 2-amino-4-(methylseleno), hexanoic acid, 4-methyl-, methyl ester, and hexanedioic acid, monomethyl ester] confirmed the structure of PHB. The present results are the first report on the production of a bioplastic by P. xiamenensis, suggesting that Red Sea habitats are a potential biological reservoir for novel bioplastic-producing bacteria.
Strong, tough and bio-degradable polymer-based 3D-ink for fused filament fabrication (FFF) using WS2 nanotubes
Authors: Shalom Hila , Kapishnikov Sergey , Brumfeld Vlad , Naveh Naum , Tenne Reshef , Lachman Noa
Published: June 2020

WS2 inorganic nanotubes (WS2-NT) have been incorporated into Polylactic Acid (PLA) by melt mixing to create a bio-degradable, mechanically reinforced nanocomposite filament. The filament was then processed by Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D-printer, and the morphology and characteristics before and after printing were compared. We found that addition of WS2-NT to PLA by extrusion mixing increases the elastic modulus, yield strength and strain-at-failure by 20%, 23% and 35%, respectively. Moreover, we found that the printing process itself improves the dispersion of WS2-NT within the PLA filament, and does not require changing of the printing parameters compared to pure PLA. The results demonstrate the advantage of WS2-NT as reinforcement specifically in 3D-printable polymers, over more traditional nano-reinforcements such as graphene and carbon nanotubes. WS2-NT based 3D-printable nanocomposites can be used for variety of applications from custom-made biodegradable scaffold of soft implants such as cartilage-based organs and biodegradable soft stents to the more general easy-to-apply nano-reinforced polymers.
Bacteriophage K1F targets Escherichia coli K1 in cerebral endothelial cells and influences the barrier function
Authors: Møller-Olsen Christian , Ross Toby , Leppard Keith N. , Foisor Veronica , Smith Corinne , Grammatopoulos Dimitris K. , Sagona Antonia P.
Published: June 2020

Bacterial neonatal meningitis results in high mortality and morbidity rates for those affected. Although improvements in diagnosis and treatment have led to a decline in mortality rates, morbidity rates have remained relatively unchanged. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics in this clinical setting further underlines the need for developing other technologies, such as phage therapy. We exploited an in vitro phage therapy model for studying bacterial neonatal meningitis based on Escherichia coli (E. coli) EV36, bacteriophage (phage) K1F and human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs). We show that phage K1F is phagocytosed and degraded by constitutive- and PAMP-dependent LC3-assisted phagocytosis and does not induce expression of inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-6, IL-8 or IFNβ. Additionally, we observed that phage K1F temporarily decreases the barrier resistance of hCMEC cultures, a property that influences the barrier permeability, which could facilitate the transition of immune cells across the endothelial vessel in vivo. Collectively, we demonstrate that phage K1F can infect intracellular E. coli EV36 within hCMECs without themselves eliciting an inflammatory or defensive response. This study illustrates the potential of phage therapy targeting infections such as bacterial neonatal meningitis and is an important step for the continued development of phage therapy targeting antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections generally.
Clearing method for 3-dimensional immunofluorescence of osteoarthritic subchondral human bone reveals peripheral cholinergic nerves
Authors: Courties Alice , Belle Morgane , Senay Simge , Cambon-Binder Adeline , Sautet Alain , Chédotal Alain , Berenbaum Francis , Sellam Jérémie
Published: June 2020

The cholinergic system plays a major anti-inflammatory role in many diseases through acetylcholine (Ach) release after vagus nerve stimulation. Osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with local low-grade inflammation, but the regulatory mechanisms are unclear. Local Ach release could have anti-inflammatory activity since articular cells express Ach receptors involved in inflammatory responses. Using the 3DISCO clearing protocol that allows whole-sample 3-dimensional (3D) analysis, we cleared human OA cartilage-subchondral bone samples to search for cholinergic nerve fibres able to produce Ach locally. We analysed 3 plugs of knee cartilage and subchondral bone from 3 OA patients undergoing arthroplasty. We found no nerves in the superficial and intermediate articular cartilage layers, as evidenced by the lack of Peripherin staining (a peripheral nerves marker). Conversely, peripheral nerves were found in the deepest layer of cartilage and in subchondral bone. Some nerves in the subchondral bone samples were cholinergic because they coexpressed peripherin and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), a specific marker of cholinergic nerves. However, no cholinergic nerves were found in the cartilage layers. It is therefore feasible to clear human bone to perform 3D immunofluorescence. Human OA subchondral bone is innervated by cholinergic fibres, which may regulate local inflammation through local Ach release.
Triple-wide-band Ultra-thin Metasheet for transmission polarization conversion
Authors: Fahad Ayesha Kosar , Ruan CunJun , Ali Shafaat A. K. M. , Nazir Rabia , Haq Tanveer Ul , Ullah Shahid , He Wenlong
Published: June 2020

Polarization converters play an important role in modern communication systems, but their wide and multiple band operation to facilitate volume and size reduction is quite challenging. In this paper, a triple-band Linear Polarization to Circular Polarization (LP-to-CP) converter is presented using a novel design procedure based on geometric parameters optimization of a metasheet. The proposed converter is ultrathin, wideband, stable over a wide range of incident angles, and polarization diverse. The conductor layer of metasheet is patterned with a square ring and five square-patches diagonally intersecting each other. To validate the proposed method, an LP-to-CP convertor in X-band (7.3~9.6 GHz) and dual Ka-bands (25.4~31.4 GHz, 35.4~42.2 GHz) is presented. The performance is quite stable in wide range of frequencies and against the variation of incident angles from −25° to 25°. After performing model-based theoretical paradigm analysis, and full-wave simulation and optimization, the converter is fabricated and the measurements are performed inside the anechoic chamber. The measured results, close to simulation results, depict the validity and reliability of the proposed design.
Effect of congenital adrenal hyperplasia treated by glucocorticoids on plasma metabolome: a machine-learning-based analysis
Authors: Nguyen Lee S. , Prifti Edi , Ichou Farid , Leban Monique , Funck-Brentano Christian , Touraine Philippe , Salem Joe-Elie , Bachelot Anne
Published: June 2020

Background. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency leads to impaired cortisol biosynthesis. Treatment includes glucocorticoid supplementation. We studied the specific metabolomics signatures in CAH patients using two different algorithms. Methods. In a case-control study of CAH patients matched on sex and age with healthy control subjects, two metabolomic analyses were performed: one using MetaboDiff, a validated differential metabolomic analysis tool and the other, using Predomics, a novel machine-learning algorithm. Results. 168 participants were included (84 CAH patients). There was no correlation between plasma cortisol levels during glucocorticoid supplementation and metabolites in CAH patients. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase enzyme activity was correlated with ACTH (rho coefficient = −0.25, p-value = 0.02), in CAH patients but not in controls subjects. Overall, 33 metabolites were significantly altered in CAH patients. Main changes came from: purine and pyrimidine metabolites, branched aminoacids, tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites and associated pathways (urea, glucose, pentose phosphates). MetaboDiff identified 2 modules that were significantly different between both groups: aminosugar metabolism and purine metabolism. Predomics found several interpretable models which accurately discriminated the two groups (accuracy of 0.86 and AUROC of 0.9). Conclusion. CAH patients and healthy control subjects exhibit significant differences in plasma metabolomes, which may be explained by glucocorticoid supplementation.
Influence of the detection of parent-of-origin on the pregnancy outcomes of fetuses with copy number variation of unknown significance
Authors: Chen Lin , Wang Li , Yin Daishu , Zeng Yang , Tang Feng , Wang Jing
Published: June 2020

The widespread application of high-resolution chromosome detection technology in clinical practice has identified many variants of unknown significance (VOUS) in prenatal diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to prospectively analyze the chromosomal results of parents and the follow-up information of pregnancy outcomes of prenatal samples with VOUS, so as to determine the influence of the detection of parent-of-origin on the pregnancy outcomes of fetuses with VOUS. The present study analyzed amniotic fluid samples obtained from women with different risk indications between February 2017 and December 2018. The samples were subjected to copy number variation sequencing, and detection of parent-of-origin was suggested in cases of samples with VOUS. The pregnancy outcome was followed up. In a total of 14073 amniotic fluid samples, 729 cases of VOUS were detected (5.2%, 729/14073) and 721 cases were followed up successfully. Among the 721 cases, 525 patients agreed to detect the parent-of-origin (72.8%, 525/721). It was revealed that the VOUS in 460 of the fetuses were hereditary (87.6%, 460/525). The percentages of abnormal pregnancy outcomes (included pregnancy loss, fetal pathological abnormality, preterm delivery, neonatal death, birth defects) in the inherited, de novo, and refusal to detect the parent-of-origin (i.e. unknown origin) groups were 4.3% (20/460), 6.2% (4/65), and 6.6% (13/196), respectively. There was no significant difference among the three groups (P > 0.05). The rate of voluntary termination of pregnancy (TOP) in the unknown origin group was significantly higher than that in the group that had determined the parent-of-origin (14.3% vs 7.4%, P = 0.005). There is currently no evidence that suggests that the proportion of abnormal pregnancy outcomes is higher in fetuses with VOUS than in other fetuses. However, the present study revealed that determining the parent-of-origin affects the decision to undergo voluntary TOP, as the rate of voluntary TOP in the group that refused detection was higher than that in the group that consented.
Alterations of transcriptome signatures in head trauma-related neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Cho Hyesun , Hyeon Seung Jae , Shin Jong-Yeon , Alvarez Victor E. , Stein Thor D. , Lee Junghee , Kowall Neil W. , McKee Ann C. , Ryu Hoon , Seo Jeong-Sun
Published: June 2020

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease that is associated with repetitive traumatic brain injury (TBI). CTE is known to share similar neuropathological features with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but little is known about the molecular properties in CTE. To better understand the neuropathological mechanism of TBI-related disorders, we conducted transcriptome sequencing analysis of CTE including AD and CTE with AD (CTE/AD) post-mortem human brain samples. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and principal component analysis (PCA), we characterized common and unique transcriptome signatures among CTE, CTE/AD, and AD. Interestingly, synapse signaling-associated gene signatures (such as synaptotagmins) were commonly down-regulated in CTE, CTE/AD, and AD. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot analyses confirmed that the levels of synaptotagmin 1 (SYT1) were markedly decreased in CTE and AD compared to normal. In addition, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and AMPA receptor genes that play a pivotal role in memory function, were down-regulated in head trauma-related disorders. On the other hand, up-regulation of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) associated genes was only found in CTE. Our results indicate that dysregulation of synaptic transmission- and memory function-related genes are closely linked to the pathology of head injury-related disorder and AD. Alteration of CAMs-related genes may be specific pathological markers for the CTE pathology.
Successful selection of mouse sperm with high viability and fertility using microfluidics chip cell sorter
Authors: Nakao Satohiro , Takeo Toru , Watanabe Hitomi , Kondoh Gen , Nakagata Naomi
Published: June 2020

Cell sorting via flow cytometry is a powerful tool to select subpopulations of cells in many biological fields. Selection of fertilisation-prone sperm is a critical step to ensure a stable and high fertilisation rate inin vitrofertilisation (IVF). However, a combination of conventional cell sorting and IVF system has not been established because of severe mechanical damages to the sperm during the sorting process. A cell sorter with microfluidics chip technology that lessens cell damage during cell sorting may address this problem. We evaluated the effects of microfluidics chip cell sorting on the sperm using the parameters, such as motility and fertility, and found this cell sorting method had minimal harmful effect on the sperm. Then, sperm were selected by a marker for acrosome reaction and showed higher fertilisation rate than that of the population of acrosome-intact sperm. Embryo derived from these sperm developed normally. These results indicated that microfluidics chip cell sorting can select fertile sperm to improve IVF technique.
SrNbO3 as a transparent conductor in the visible and ultraviolet spectra
Authors: Park Yoonsang , Roth Joseph , Oka Daichi , Hirose Yasushi , Hasegawa Tetsuya , Paul Arpita , Pogrebnyakov Alexej , Gopalan Venkatraman , Birol Turan , Engel-Herbert Roman
Published: June 2020

Few materials have been identified as high-performance transparent conductors in the visible regime (400–700 nm). Even fewer conductors are known to be transparent in ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, especially at wavelengths below 320 nm. Doped wide-bandgap semiconductors employed currently as UV transparent conductors have insufficient electrical conductivities, posing a significant challenge for achieving low resistance electrodes. Here, we propose SrNbO3 as an alternative transparent conductor material with excellent performance not only in the visible, but also in the UV spectrum. The high transparency to UV light originates from energetic isolation of the conduction band, which shifts the absorption edge into the UV regime. The standard figure of merit measured for SrNbO3 in the UV spectral range of 260–320 nm is on par with indium tin oxide in the visible, making SrNbO3 an ideal electrode material in high-performance UV light emitting diodes relevant in sanitation application, food packaging, UV photochemotherapy, and biomolecule sensing.
Anti-hyperuricemic potential of stevia (Stevia rebaudianaBertoni) residue extract in hyperuricemic mice
Authors: Mehmood Arshad , Zhao Liang , Ishaq Muhammad , Xin Wang , Zhao Lei , Wang Chengtao , Hossen Imam , Zhang Huimin , Lian Yunhe , Xu Meili
Published: June 2020

STVRE has strong potential in combating HUA through following possible mechanisms; (1), inhibited XOD enzyme (2), exhibited uricosuric effect, (3) improved UA mediated oxidative stress, (4) remarkably reduced renal inflammation caused by UA.
The shape evolution process of two-dimensional CdSe nanocrystals altered by seed concentration
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Zhenrong , Wang Huifang , Wang Fang , Wu Hao , Qin Xiufang , Yang Ming , Xu Xiaohong
Published: June 2020

The content of CdSe quantum dots induced a change of shape and lattice defect content in CdSe 2D nanocrystals.
A green liquid chromatography method for rapid determination of ergosterol in edible fungi based on matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction and a core–shell column
Authors: Qian Zhengming , Wu Zi , Li Chunhong , Tan Guoying , Hu Hankun , Li Wenjia
Published: June 2020

A green and rapid matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction-liquid chromatography analytical method for the determination of ergosterol in edible fungi was established.
Cholesterol moieties as building blocks for assembling nanoparticles to achieve effective oral delivery of insulin
Authors: Ding Yu , Wang Qiaochu , Liu Guangqu , Feng Yaqian , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2020

The amphiphilic cholesterol-phosphate conjugate can fabricate into cholesterol-coated nanoparticles by reverse emulsion method. The nanoparticles generated a rapid-onset and long-lasting hypoglycemic effect following gavage in T1DM rats.
Electrochemical dehydrogenative cross-coupling of xanthenes with ketones
Authors: Yang Yong-Zheng , Wu Yan-Chen , Song Ren-Jie , Li Jin-Heng
Published: June 2020

An oxidant-free electrochemical dehydrogenative cross-coupling of xanthenes and ketones for the preparation of functionalized 9-alkyl-9H-xanthenes was developed.
Colloidal stability of nanoparticles stabilized with mixed ligands in solvents with varying polarity
Authors: Zhu Hu , Prince Elisabeth , Narayanan Pournima , Liu Kun , Nie Zhihong , Kumacheva Eugenia
Published: June 2020

For gold nanoparticles stabilized with cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and polymer ligands, increase in solvent polarity leads to stabilization–aggregation–stabilization–aggregation transitions.
Advances in catalytic and protecting-group-free total synthesis of natural products: a recent update
Authors: Fernandes Rodney A. , Kumar Praveen , Choudhary Priyanka
Published: June 2020

This feature article highlights the recently achieved efficient total syntheses of many natural products based on catalytic steps and protecting-group-free strategies, leading to overall economy and efficiency in synthesis.
Selective thiolation and photoswitching mechanism of Cy5 studied by time-dependent density functional theory
Authors: Lim Eunhak , Kwon Jiwoong , Park Jaewan , Heo Jiyoung , Kim Seong Keun
Published: June 2020

Excited Cy5 undergoes internal rotation at certain dihedral angle to form a dark state Cy5 upon thiolation.
Multimode binding and stimuli responsive displacement of acridine orange dye complexed with p-sulfonatocalix[4/6]arene macrocycles
Authors: Sayed Mhejabeen , Tom Dona M. , Pal Haridas
Published: June 2020

Pictorial presentation of the different aspects as displayed by the AOH+–SCXn systems in regard to multi-mode binding, dynamic quenching and stimuli responsive fluorescence “turn ON”, demonstrating very rich supramolecular photochemistry.
Benchmarking a new segmented K-band chirped-pulse microwave spectrometer and its application to the conformationally rich amino alcohol isoleucinol
Authors: Fatima Mariyam , Pérez Cristóbal , Arenas Benjamin E. , Schnell Melanie , Steber Amanda L.
Published: June 2020

Isoleucinol, a potential precursor to the essential α-amino acid isoleucine, has been studied using microwave spectroscopy from 2–26 GHz, with the measurements between 18–26 GHz taking place on a newly designed spectrometer.
Exploration of the potential energy surfaces of small ethanol clusters
Authors: Malloum Alhadji , Fifen Jean Jules , Conradie Jeanet
Published: June 2020

The potential energy surfaces of small ethanol clusters, from dimer to pentamer, have been thoroughly explored using two different levels of theory. There is a clear relative energy gap between cyclic, linear and branched cyclic structures.
On the order problem in construction of unitary operators for the variational quantum eigensolver
Authors: Izmaylov Artur F. , Díaz-Tinoco Manuel , Lang Robert A.
Published: June 2020

We propose an approach based on the Lie algebra – Lie group connection that reduces the order dependence in unitary transformations used in quantum computing.
Catalytic performance and stability of Fe-doped CeO2 in propane oxidative dehydrogenation using carbon dioxide as an oxidant
Authors: Wang Hedun , Tsilomelekis George
Published: June 2020

Propane oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) in the presence of CO2 was investigated over a series of Fe-doped CeO2 catalysts.
Structural analysis of and selective CO2 adsorption in mixed-ligand hydroxamate-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Sugamata Koh , Takagi Chikaze , Awano Keiko , Iihama Teruyuki , Minoura Mao
Published: June 2020

Two mixed-ligand metal–organic frameworks using benzene-1,4-dihydroxamic acid and isonicotinic acid were synthesized and fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography as well as N2, H2, and CO2 gas-sorption measurements.
Pd(ii)-Complexes of a novel pyridinone based tripeptide conjugate: solution and solid state studies
Authors: Ozsváth András , Diószegi Róbert , Bényei Attila Csaba , Buglyó Péter
Published: June 2020

The combined use of various techniques reveals the binding preference of Pd(ii) to the N donors of the title ligand paving the way for the synthesis of heterobimetallic Co/Pd(Pt) complexes with anticancer potential.
Solvent-triggered stereoselectivity of α,α-cyclopropanation of amino acids in the Ni(ii) chiral coordination environment
Authors: Levitskiy Oleg A. , Aglamazova Olga I. , Grishin Yuri K. , Paseshnichenko Ksenia A. , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Moriwaki Hiroki , Magdesieva Tatiana V.
Published: June 2020

Unexpected solvent-controlled increase in stereoselectivity of glycine cyclopropanation within chiral Ni(ii) coordination environment was observed and rationalized. Cyclopropanated diastereomeric complexes exhibit stereodependent redox-activity.
Phosphane-functionalized heavier tetrylenes: synthesis of silylene- and germylene-decorated phosphanes and their reactions with Group 10 metal complexes
Authors: Cabeza Javier A. , García-Álvarez Pablo , Laglera-Gándara Carlos J. , Pérez-Carreño Enrique
Published: June 2020

The silylene- and germylene-decorated phosphanes1Siand2Gehave been prepared and their coordination abilities have been proven by reactions with transition-metal complexes.
Conical epidermal cells cause velvety colouration and enhanced patterning in Mandevilla flowers
Authors: Stavenga Doekele G. , Staal Marten , van der Kooi Casper J.
Published: June 2020

Conical epidermal cells of Mandevilla sanderi flowers enhance colour contrast by decreasing surface gloss and increasing long-wavelength reflectance.
Tea polyphenols as a strategy to control starch digestion in bread: the effects of polyphenol type and gluten
Authors: Kan Lijiao , Capuano Edoardo , Fogliano Vincenzo , Oliviero Teresa , Verkerk Ruud
Published: June 2020

Mechanisms to slow down starch digestion – tea polyphenols interact with α-amylase and starch during co-digestion of tea extract and bread.
Biocatalytic reduction of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids to allylic alcohols
Authors: Aleku Godwin A. , Roberts George W. , Leys David
Published: June 2020

Robustin vitroandin vivocarboxylic acid reductase (CAR)-based biocatalytic systems have been developed that enable hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids to allylic alcohols and their saturated analogues.
Coupling the liquid sampling – atmospheric pressure glow discharge, a combined atomic and molecular (CAM) ionization source, to a reduced-format mass spectrometer for the analysis of diverse species
Authors: Williams Tyler J. , Marcus R. Kenneth
Published: June 2020

Coupling of a combined atomic and molecular (CAM) ionization source with a reduced-format mass spectrometer for the analysis of diverse species provides unique capabilities that can be implemented in diverse laboratory and in-field situations.
A nanoscale, biocompatible and amphiphilic prodrug of cabazitaxel with improved anticancer efficacy against 3D spheroids of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Jangid Ashok Kumar , Pooja Deep , Jain Poonam , Rompicharla Sri Vishnu Kiran , Ramesan Shwathy , Kulhari Hitesh
Published: June 2020

pH-reponsive and amphiphilic prodrug of cabazitaxel causes greater damages to human prostate cancer cells than free cabazitaxel.
Microstructure, properties and applications of Zr-carbide, Zr-nitride and Zr-carbonitride coatings: a review
Authors: Ul-Hamid Anwar
Published: June 2020

Series of XRD spectra obtained for ZrNxfilms produced with RF DC magnetron sputtering with various nitrogen flux levels.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6 for the degradation of TC by synergistic effects between amorphous Ti and Ni as hole–electron cocatalysts
Authors: Sun Chenjing , Wang Rui
Published: June 2020

The possible mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of TC by Ni/Ti-Bi2WO6 under visible light.
Improved low-temperature catalytic oxidation performance of Pt-based catalysts by modulating the electronic and size effects
Authors: Liang Yanli , Ding Xinmei , Wang Jianli , Zhao Ming , Dan Yi , Jiang Long , Chen Yaoqiang
Published: June 2020

The electronic effect between PVA and platinum could be modulated though reaction time, restraining the chain movement and affecting the platinum dispersion, both of which closely affects the low-temperature performance of the Pt-based catalyst.
Synthesis, structure and characterization of new dithiocarbazate-based mixed ligand oxidovanadium(iv) complexes: DNA/HSA interaction, cytotoxic activity and DFT studies
Authors: Banerjee Atanu , Mohanty Monalisa , Lima Sudhir , Samanta Rajib , Garribba Eugenio , Sasamori Takahiro , Dinda Rupam
Published: June 2020

The synthesis, structure and characterization of mixed ligand oxidovanadium(iv) complexes [VIVOL1–2(LN–N)] (1–3) are reported. With a view to evaluating their biological activity, their DNA/HSA interaction and cytotoxicity activity have been explored.
An experimental study on the Co–C3N4/BiPO4 composite for efficient photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Liu Xuecheng , Yan Linjie , He Linxin , Yao Zurun , You Linfeng , Liu Lin , Zhou Guilin , Huang Hongyu
Published: June 2020

The photocatalytic water-splitting activity is enhanced by the Co–C3N4/BiPO4 photocatalyst without the use of a noble metal.
Ru–g-C3N4 as a highly active heterogeneous catalyst for transfer hydrogenation of α-keto amide into β-aminol or α-hydroxyl amide
Authors: Mishra Ashish A. , Chaurasia Shivkumar R. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: June 2020

This work reports a sustainable route for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of α-keto amide into β-aminol via an efficient heterogeneous catalyst wherein ruthenium is incorporated on an active graphite sheet of a carbon nitride support (Ru–g-C3N4).
Light/inductive effect induced isomerization of chromeno-5-methyl-2,6,9-trioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonadienes
Authors: Vyasamudri Sameer , Yang Ding-Yah
Published: June 2020

An efficient rearrangement of coumarin-based trioxabicycles and the effect of UV light and electron-withdrawing substituents on this transformation are reported.
Highly luminescent and ultrastable cesium lead bromide perovskite patterns generated in phosphate glass matrices
Authors: Konidakis Ioannis , Brintakis Konstantinos , Kostopoulou Athanasia , Demeridou Ioanna , Kavatzikidou Paraskevi , Stratakis Emmanuel
Published: June 2020

A simple and low temperature post-glass quenching encapsulation method for the formation of highly luminescent and ultrastable perovskite patterns within phosphate glass.
Tailoring the nanostructures of electrochemical actuators for fast response and large deformation
Authors: Ji Liang , Yu Yiwen , Deng Qian , Shen Shengping
Published: June 2020

A 3D nanoporous structure formed by aggregating spherical MoS2 nanoparticles is reported. This nanostructure not only provides a fast ions-migration process but also ensures a strong mechanical strength of electrochemical actuators.
Correction: Modulated podosome patterning in osteoclasts by fullerenol nanoparticles disturbs the bone resorption for osteoporosis treatment
Authors: Chen Kui , Geng Huan , Liang Wei , Liang Haojun , Wang Yujiao , Kong Jianglong , Zhang Jiaxin , Liang Yuelan , Chen Ziteng , Li Jiacheng , Chang Ya-nan , Li Juan , Xing Gengyan , Xing Gengmei
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Modulated podosome patterning in osteoclasts by fullerenol nanoparticles disturbs the bone resorption for osteoporosis treatment’ by Kui Chen et al., Nanoscale, 2020, 12, 9359–9365, DOI: 10.1039/D0NR01625J.
3D printing and growth induced bending based on PET-RAFT polymerization
Authors: Bainbridge Chris William Anderson , Engel Kyle Edward , Jin Jianyong
Published: June 2020

We demonstrated a method for PET-RAFT growth induced bending of a 3D printed strip using visible light, where the growth on one side of the strip causes stress and the strip bends accordingly to reach a more comfortable position.
Thermoresponsive cationic dendronized copolymers and their corresponding nanogels as smart gene carriers
Authors: Wu Di , Wu Jianhui , Tao Pei , Yao Yi , Wang Jing , Liu Dongfei , Chen Fuxue , Xu Biyi , Li Wen , Zhang Afang
Published: June 2020

Thermoresponsive dendronized copolymer nanogels show unique condensation, protection and controlled release of siRNA due to dendritic topology and spherical morphology.
Bismuth–iron-based precursor: preparation, phase composition, and two methods of thermal treatment
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Wang Hao , Qian Lixiong , Zhao Xiaoyi , Yao Lei , Wang Jiayi , Xing Xueqing , Mo Guang , Chen Zhongjun , Wu Zhonghua
Published: June 2020

Preparation and phase composition study of bismuth–iron-based precursor, and its thermal treatment by calcination and hydrothermal processes, which can be used to control the synthesis of pure BiFeO3.
Amino acid-modified PAMAM dendritic nanocarriers as effective chemotherapeutic drug vehicles in cancer treatment: a study using zebrafish as a cancer model
Authors: Wu Szu-Yuan , Chou Hsiao-Ying , Tsai Hsieh-Chih , Anbazhagan Rajeshkumar , Yuh Chiou-Hwa , Yang Jen Ming , Chang Yen-Hsiang
Published: June 2020

The use of nanomaterials for drug delivery offers many advantages including the controlled release and their targeted delivery.
Mechanism analysis of Au, Ru noble metal clusters modified on TiO2 (101) to intensify overall photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Yang Libin , Gao Peng , Lu Jinghao , Guo Wei , Zhuang Zhuang , Wang Qingqing , Li Wenjing , Feng Zhiying
Published: June 2020

Enhancement mechanism of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) attributed to the synergistic effect of electron-traps and surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
Synergistic lubrication of a porous MoS2-POSS nanohybrid
Authors: Xu Xiaoxuan , Jiao Songlong , Liu Zhengquan , Liu Lei
Published: June 2020

A porous MoS2-POSS nanohybrid is used as a lubricating additive, and synergistic lubrication is propitious for reducing the friction coefficient.
Solvent influence on molecular interactions in the bulk of fluorene copolymer films
Authors: Dias Karina da Silva , Savedra Ranylson Marcello Leal , de Magalhães Carlos Eduardo Tavares , Siqueira Melissa Fabíola
Published: June 2020

The effect of intermolecular interactions between the chains of the amorphous PFO–MEH-PPV films built from toluene and tetrahydrofuran (THF) were studied by atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, applying a successive solvent removal procedure.
Synthesis and insight into the structure–activity relationships of 2-phenylbenzimidazoles as prospective anticancer agents
Authors: Huynh Thi-Kim-Chi , Nguyen Thi-Hong-An , Nguyen Thi-Cam-Thu , Hoang Thi-Kim-Dung
Published: June 2020

Three series of 2-phenylbenzimidazoles obtained under simple and convenient pathways, were used to elucidate their SARs against three cancer cell lines: A549, MDA-MB-231 and PC3.
A composite carbon-based solid acid-supported palladium catalyst (Pd/C-SO3H) for hydrogenolysis of plant-derived polymeric proanthocyanidins
Authors: Zhu Hongfei , Ni Liwen , Ren Shixue , Fang Guizhen , Li Shujun
Published: June 2020

A composite catalyst, Pd/C-SO3H, has been prepared to depolymerize plant-derived polymeric proanthocyanidins (PPC).
Metal-free electrochemical fluorodecarboxylation of aryloxyacetic acids to fluoromethyl aryl ethers
Authors: Berger Michael , Herszman John D. , Kurimoto Yuji , de Kruijff Goswinus H. M. , Schüll Aaron , Ruf Sven , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: June 2020

Electrochemical decarboxylation of aryloxyacetic acids followed by fluorination provides easy access to fluoromethyl aryl ethers.
On the effects of membrane viscosity on transient red blood cell dynamics
Authors: Guglietta Fabio , Behr Marek , Biferale Luca , Falcucci Giacomo , Sbragaglia Mauro
Published: June 2020

Computational Fluid Dynamics is currently used to design and improve the hydraulic properties of biomedical devices, wherein the large scale blood circulation needs to be simulated by accounting for the mechanical response of RBCs at the mesoscale.
Exceptional interfacial electrochemistry of few-layered 2D MoS2 quantum sheets for high performance flexible solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Nardekar Swapnil Shital , Krishnamoorthy Karthikeyan , Pazhamalai Parthiban , Sahoo Surjit , Mariappan Vimal Kumar , Kim Sang-Jae
Published: June 2020

Extracting the hidden knowledge behind the exception charge storage mechanism involved in the MoS2 quantum sheets electrode material.
Nanoscale depth and lithiation dependence of V2O5 band structure by cathodoluminescence spectroscopy
Authors: Walker Mitchell J. , Jarry Angelique , Pronin Nick , Ballard Jake , Rubloff Gary W. , Brillson Leonard J.
Published: June 2020

V2O5 electronic band structure from cathodoluminescence reveals how lithiation creates octahedral distortion and not oxygen vacancies or conversion reactions.
An amorphous lanthanum–iridium solid solution with an open structure for efficient water splitting
Authors: Sun Wei , Ma Chenglong , Tian Xinlong , Liao Jianjun , Yang Ji , Ge Chengjun , Huang Weiwei
Published: June 2020

The first time a lanthanum–iridium amorphous solid solution with a novel nano flute-like morphology was synthesized for high activity for water splitting.
Self-driven membrane filtration by core–shell polymer composites
Authors: Dou Zeou , Wang Ting , Chen Wensi , Lin Beichen , Dong Hai , Sun Wei , Xie Xing
Published: June 2020

A self-driven filtration process based on dynamic core–shell hydrogel absorbers of both high water absorbency and selectivity.
An ‘antifouling’ porous loofah sponge with internal microchannels as solar absorbers and water pumpers for thermal desalination
Authors: Liu Chao , Hong Kevin , Sun Xiao , Natan Avi , Luan Pengcheng , Yang Yang , Zhu Hongli
Published: June 2020

We found that a type of fruiting body, the loofah, can enable efficient solar-driven steam generation based on the integrated bilayers and microchannels. Under illumination of one Sun, the steam generation rate and efficiency achieved 1.42 kg m−2 h−1 and 89.9%, respectively.
Spiro-OMeTAD or CuSCN as a preferable hole transport material for carbon-based planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yang Yang , Hoang Minh Tam , Yao Disheng , Pham Ngoc Duy , Tiong Vincent Tiing , Wang Xiaoxiang , Wang Hongxia
Published: June 2020

Carbon electrode-based planar PSCs demonstrated higher device performance and reduced hysteresis using a CuSCN based HTL owing to its favourable energy level alignment with the perovskite compared to conventional spiro-OMeTAD based HTL.