bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids the Link between the Immune System and the Microbiome towards Modulating Cancer?
Authors: Ilag Leodevico
Published: September 2018

Three recent studies revealed synergy between immune-checkpoint inhibitors and the microbiome as a new approach in the treatment of cancer. Incidentally, there has been significant progress in understanding the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in modulating cancer and the immune system, as well as in regulating the microbiome. Inflammation seems to be the common denominator among these seemingly unrelated biological entities—immune system, the microbiome, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs). This commentary presents a hypothesis proposing the existence of an optimal level of LC-PUFAs that nurtures the suitable gut microbiota preventing dysbiosis. This synergy between optimal LC-PUFAs and gut microbiota helps the immune system overcome the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment including enhancing the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. A model on how LC-PUFAs (such as omega(n)-3 and n-6 fatty acids) forms a synergistic triad with the immune system and the microbiome in regulating inflammation to maintain homeostasis is presented. The principles underlying the hypothesis provide a basis in managing and even preventing cancer and other chronic diseases associated with inflammation.
Interrogation Techniques and Interface Circuits for Coil-Coupled Passive Sensors
Authors: Demori Marco , Baù Marco , Ferrari Marco , Ferrari Vittorio
Published: September 2018

Coil-coupled passive sensors can be interrogated without contact, exploiting the magnetic coupling between two coils forming a telemetric proximity link. A primary coil connected to the interface circuit forms the readout unit, while a passive sensor connected to a secondary coil forms the sensor unit. This work is focused on the interrogation of sensor units based on resonance, denoted as resonant sensor units, in which the readout signals are the resonant frequency and, possibly, the quality factor. Specifically, capacitive and electromechanical piezoelectric resonator sensor units are considered. Two interrogation techniques, namely a frequency-domain technique and a time-domain technique, have been analyzed, that are theoretically independent of the coupling between the coils which, in turn, ensure that the sensor readings are not affected by the interrogation distance. However, it is shown that the unavoidable parasitic capacitance in parallel to the readout coil introduces, for both techniques, an undesired dependence of the readings on the interrogation distance. This effect is especially marked for capacitance sensor units. A compensation circuit is innovatively proposed to counteract the effects of the parasitic input capacitance, and advantageously obtain distance-independent readings in real operating conditions. Experimental tests on a coil-coupled capacitance sensor with resonance at 5.45 MHz have shown a deviation within 1.5 kHz, i.e., 300 ppm, for interrogation distances of up to 18 mm. For the same distance range, with a coil-coupled quartz crystal resonator with a mechanical resonant frequency of 4.432 MHz, variations of less than 1.8 Hz, i.e., 0.5 ppm, have been obtained.
Correction: Bernardin E.K.; et al. Demonstration of a Robust All-Silicon-Carbide Intracortical Neural Interface. Micromachines, 2018, 9, 412
Authors: Bernardin Evans , Frewin Christopher , Everly Richard , Ul Hassan Jawad , Saddow Stephen
Published: September 2018

The authors would like to indicate the following financial support they received to the Acknowledgement Section of their published paper [...]
Striving Toward a Circular Economy for Phosphorus: The Role of Phosphate Rock Mining
Authors: Geissler Bernhard , Hermann Ludwig , Mew Michael C. , Steiner Gerald
Published: September 2018

As an element, phosphorus (P) is one of a kind. While it is essential for all life on Earth, phosphorus is neither substitutable nor infinite especially in terms of highly concentrated phosphate rock deposits. Society as a whole—and key stakeholders in particular—must build on and extend the idea of a linear system that begins with exploration, continues with extraction and processing, and ends with the application of fertilizers, by applying mechanisms of circularity. The efficient and sustainable utilization of P including intra-generational and intergenerational fairness requires the recognition of its dissipative structure as an important first step. With its Manifesto for a Resource-Efficient Europe, the European Commission acknowledged the inevitability of the transition toward a regenerative Circular Economy (CE). The concept of a CE evolves around the avoidance of losses, which can be found all along the P supply chain in varying degrees of magnitude and leads to total nutrient-use efficiencies as low as 5% to 10%. This makes P a prime target for moving toward a circular economy. While common state-of-the-art work addresses mostly the loop (i.e., production, use, collection, and recycling) itself, we are discussing the current role of raw materials “feeding” the loop with respect to the mining phase. From a resilience perspective, the aim must be to keep every P atom flowing and circulating within our economy for as long as possible. Hereby, every measure needs to be considered under the principle of proportionality in terms of sustainable development. Therefore, changes to the current approach in the form of multidimensional innovation (e.g., products, processes, and structures) must be considered from various perspectives including technological, geological, and economic aspects. The economic framework conditions, in particular, determine the cut-off between valuable product and “waste”. We build our arguments on the “Phosphate Rock Mining–Innovation Nexus” and illustrate potential best-practice examples.
Tectonic Control, Reconstruction and Preservation of the Tiegelongnan Porphyry and Epithermal Overprinting Cu (Au) Deposit, Central Tibet, China
Authors: Song Yang , Yang Chao , Wei Shaogang , Yang Huanhuan , Fang Xiang , Lu Hongtao
Published: September 2018

The newly discovered Tiegelongnan Cu (Au) deposit is a giant porphyry deposit overprinted by a high-sulfidation epithermal deposit in the western part of the Bangong–Nujiang metallogenic belt, Duolong district, central Tibet. It is mainly controlled by the tectonic movement of the Bangong–Nujiang Oceanic Plate (post-subduction extension). After the closure of the Bangong–Nujiang Ocean, porphyry intrusions emplaced at around 121 Ma in the Tiegelongnan area, which might be the result of continental crust thickening and the collision of Qiangtang and Lhasa terranes, based on the crustal radiogenic isotopic signature. Epithermal overprinting on porphyry alteration and mineralization is characterized by veins and fracture filling, and replacement textures between two episodes of alteration and sulfide minerals. Alunite and kaolinite replaced sericite, accompanied with covellite, digenite, enargite, and tennantite replacing chalcopyrite and bornite. This may result from extension after the Qiangtang–Lhasa collision from 116 to 112 Ma, according to the reopened quartz veins filled with later epithermal alteration minerals and sulfides. The Tiegelongnan deposit was preserved by the volcanism at ~110 Ma with volcanic rocks covering on the top before the orebody being fully weathered and eroded. The Tiegelongnan deposit was then probably partly dislocated to further west and deeper level by later structures. The widespread post-mineral volcanic rocks may conceal and preserve some unexposed deposits in this area. Thus, there is a great potential to explore porphyry and epithermal deposit in the Duolong district, and also in the entire Bangong–Nujiang metallogenic belt.
New Occurrence of Rusinovite, Ca10(Si2O7)3Cl2: Composition, Structure and Raman Data of Rusinovite from Shadil-Khokh Volcano, South Ossetia and Bellerberg Volcano, Germany
Authors: Środek Dorota , Juroszek Rafał , Krüger Hannes , Krüger Biljana , Galuskina Irina , Gazeev Viktor
Published: September 2018

Rusinovite, Ca10(Si2O7)3Cl2, was found at two new localities, including Shadil-Khokh volcano, South Ossetia and Bellerberg volcano, Caspar quarry, Germany. At both of these localities, rusinovite occurs in altered carbonate-silicate xenoliths embedded in volcanic rocks. The occurrence of this mineral is connected to specific zones of the xenolith characterized by a defined Ca:Si < 2 ratio. Chemical compositions, as well as the Raman spectra of the investigated rusinovite samples, correspond to the data from the locality of rusinovite holotype—Upper Chegem Caldera, Northern Caucasus, Russia. The most intense bands of the Raman spectra are related to vibrations of (Si2O7) groups. Unit cell parameters of rusinovite from South Ossetia are: a = 3.76330(4) Å, b = 16.9423(3) Å, c = 17.3325(2) Å, V = 1105.10(4) Å3, Z = 2. The performed synchrotron radiation diffraction experiments did not confirm a doubling of c as reported for the synthetic phase, Ca10(Si2O7)3Cl2. However, one-dimensional diffuse scattering parallel to b* has been observed. This can be interpreted with an ordered arrangement of Si2O7 groups creating layers with a doubled a parameter. Consequently, the two different displacements of neighbouring layers allow random stacking faults to occur.
Electronic Effect on the Molecular Motion of Aromatic Amides: Combined Studies Using VT-NMR and Quantum Calculations
Authors: Kim Sungsoo , Kim Jungyu , Kim Jieun , Won Daeun , Chang Suk-Kyu , Cha Wansik , Jeong Keunhong , Ahn Sangdoo , Kwak Kyungwon
Published: September 2018

Rotational barrier energy studies to date have focused on the amide bond of aromatic compounds from a kinetic perspective using quantum calculations and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). These studies provide valuable information, not only regarding the basic conformational properties of amide bonds but also the molecular gear system, which has recently gained interest. Thus, we investigate the precise motion of the amide bonds of two aromatic compounds using an experimental rotational barrier energy estimation by NMR experiments and a theoretical evaluation of the density functional theory calculation. The theoretical potential energy surface scan method combined with the quadratic synchronous transit 3 method and consideration of additional functional group rotation with optimization and frequency calculations support the results of the variable temperature 1H NMR, with deviations of less than 1 kcal/mol. This detailed experimental and theoretical research strongly supports molecular gear motion in the aromatic amide system, and the difference in kinetic energy indicates that the electronic effect from the aromatic structure has a key role in conformational movements at different temperatures. Our study provides an enhanced basis for future amide structural dynamics research.
Molybdenum Trioxide: Efficient Nanosorbent for Removal of Methylene Blue Dye from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Rakass Souad , Oudghiri Hassani Hicham , Abboudi Mostafa , Kooli Fethi , Mohmoud Ahmed , Aljuhani Ateyatallah , Al Wadaani Fahd
Published: September 2018

Nano Molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO3) was synthesized in an easy and efficient approach. The removal of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solutions was studied using this material. The effects of various experimental parameters, for example contact time, pH, temperature and initial MB concentration on removal capacity were explored. The removal of MB was significantly affected by pH and temperature and higher values resulted in increase of removal capacity of MB. The removal efficiency of Methylene blue was 100% at pH = 11 for initial dye concentrations lower than 150 ppm, with a maximum removal capacity of 152 mg/g of MB as gathered from Langmuir model. By comparing the kinetic models (pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order and intraparticle diffusion model) at various conditions, it has been found that the pseudo second-order kinetic model correlates with the experimental data well. The thermodynamic study indicated that the removal was endothermic, spontaneous and favorable. The thermal regeneration studies indicated that the removal efficiency (99%) was maintained after four cycles of use. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the presence of the MB dye on the α-MoO3 nanoparticles after adsorption and regeneration. The α-MoO3 nanosorbent showed excellent removal efficiency before and after regeneration, suggesting that it can be used as a promising adsorbent for removing Methylene blue dye from wastewater.
Strong Coupling of Folded Phonons with Plasmons in 6H-SiC Micro/Nanocrystals
Authors: Huang Yao , Yang Run , Xiong Shijie , Chen Jian , Wu Xinglong
Published: September 2018

Silicon carbide (SiC) has a large number of polytypes of which 3C-, 4H-, 6H-SiC are most common. Since different polytypes have different energy gaps and electrical properties, it is important to identify and characterize various SiC polytypes. Here, Raman scattering is performed on 6H-SiC micro/nanocrystal (MNC) films to investigate all four folded transverse optic (TO) and longitudinal optic (LO) modes. With increasing film thickness, the four folded TO modes exhibit the same frequency downshift, whereas the four folded LO modes show a gradually-reduced downshift. For the same film thickness, all the folded modes show larger frequency downshifts with decreasing MNC size. Based on plasmons on MNCs, these folded modes can be attributed to strong coupling of the folded phonons with plasmons which show different strengths for the different folded modes while changing the film thickness and MNC size. This work provides a useful technique to identify SiC polytypes from Raman scattering.
Three New Iridoid Derivatives Have Been Isolated from the Stems of Neonauclea reticulata (Havil.) Merr. with Cytotoxic Activity on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Chang Fang-Pin , Chao Wei , Wang Sheng-Yang , Huang Hui-Chi , Sung Ping-Jyun , Chen Jih-Jung , Cheng Ming-Jen , Huang Guan-Jhong , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung
Published: September 2018

Three new iridoids, namely neonanin A (1), neonanin B (2) and neoretinin A (3), as well as twelve known compounds, 6-hydroxy-7-methyl-1-oxo-4-carbomethoxyoctahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran (4), 4-epi-alyxialactone (5), loganetin (6), loganin (7), phenylcoumaran-α′-aldehyde (8), cleomiscosin A (9), ficusal (10), balanophonin (11), vanillic acid (12), p-coumaric acid (13), cis,trans-abscisic acid (14), and trans,trans-abscisic acid (15) were isolated from the stems of Neonauclea reticulata (Havil.) Merr. These new structures were determined by the detailed analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison with the data of known analogues. Compounds 1–13 were evaluated using an in-vitro MTT cytotoxic assay for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, and the preliminary results showed that ficusal (10), balanophonin (11), and p-coumaric acid (13) exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity, with EC50 values of 85.36 ± 4.36, 92.63 ± 1.41, and 29.18 ± 3.48 µg/mL against Hep3B cells, respectively.
Mediterranean Wild Edible Plants: Weeds or “New Functional Crops”?
Authors: Ceccanti Costanza , Landi Marco , Benvenuti Stefano , Pardossi Alberto , Guidi Lucia
Published: September 2018

The Mediterranean basin is a biodiversity hotspot of wild edible species, and their therapeutic and culinary uses have long been documented. Owing to the growing demand for wild edible species, there are increasing concerns about the safety, standardization, quality, and availability of products derived from these species collected in the wild. An efficient cultivation method for the species having promising nutraceutical values is highly desirable. In this backdrop, a hydroponic system could be considered as a reproducible and efficient agronomic practice to maximize yield, and also to selectively stimulate the biosynthesis of targeted metabolites. The aim of this report is to review the phytochemical and toxic compounds of some potentially interesting Mediterranean wild edible species. Herein, after a deep analysis of the literature, information on the main bioactive compounds, and some possibly toxic molecules, from fifteen wild edible species have been compiled. The traditional recipes prepared with these species are also listed. In addition, preliminary data about the performance of some selected species are also reported. In particular, germination tests performed on six selected species revealed that there are differences among the species, but not with crop species. “Domestication” of wild species seems a promising approach for exploiting these “new functional foods”.
Dietary Natural N-Acetyl-d-Glucosamine Prevents Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Rat Model of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Jiang Zhiwen , Li Zhe , Zhang Wei , Yang Yan , Han Baoqin , Liu Wanshun , Peng Yanfei
Published: September 2018

Postmenopausal osteoporosis has seriously affected the life quality of elderly women. A natural polymer, chitin, obtained from shells of crab and shrimp, has been widely used in the biomedical field owing to its nontoxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this study, natural N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (NAG) was prepared from liquefied chitin. The protective activities of NAG in postmenopausal osteoporosis were evaluated on Sprague Dawley rats and osteoblast-based models. Results showed that oral administration of NAG boosted trabecular bone volume and trabecular numbers. Additionally, the calcium content in the femur and tibia increased, and femoral biomechanical properties improved. Furthermore, NAG supplementation significantly lowered alkaline phosphatase levels and increased calcium content in the serum of ovariectomized rats. In vitro studies showed that NAG markedly promoted cell proliferation and stimulated osteoblast differentiation of mouse calvaria origin MC3T3-E1 cells with increased alkaline phosphatase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, NAG effectively protected osteoblasts from oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. In conclusion, our data provide an additional foundation for dietary supplementation of NAG, which could protect and reverse osteopenia in postmenopausal women.
New Coordination Complexes Based on the 2,6-bis[1-(Phenylimino)ethyl] Pyridine Ligand: Effective Catalysts for the Synthesis of Propylene Carbonates from Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides
Authors: Xia Li , Wang Wen-Zhen , Liu Shuang , Jia Xin-Gang , Zhang Ying-Hui , Li Lei-Lei , Wu Ya , Su Bi-Yun , Geng Shu-Bo , Fan Wei
Published: September 2018

We aimed to develop new effective catalysts for the synthesis of propylene carbonate from propylene oxide and carbon dioxide. A kind of Mx+LClx coordination complex was fabricated based on the chelating tridentate ligand 2,6-bis[1-(phenylimino)ethyl] pyridine (L). The obtained products were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It was found that the catalytic activity of the complexes with different metal ions, the same ligand differed and co-catalyst, where the order of greatest to least catalytic activity was 2 > 3 > 1. The catalytic system composed of complex 2 and DMAP proved to have the better catalytic performance. The yields for complex 2 systems was 86.7% under the reaction conditions of 100 °C, 2.5 MPa, and 4 h. The TOF was 1026 h−1 under the reaction conditions of 200 °C, 2.5 MPa, and 1 h. We also explored the influence of time, pressure, temperature, and reaction substrate concentration on the catalytic reactions. A hypothetical catalytic reaction mechanism is proposed based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations and the catalytic reaction results.
Walnut Protein Hydrolysates Play a Protective Role on Neurotoxicity Induced by d-Galactose and Aluminum Chloride in Mice
Authors: Feng Li , Wang Xiaojing , Peng Fei , Liao Jianqiao , Nai Yifan , Lei Hongjie , Li Mei , Xu Huaide
Published: September 2018

In recent years, with an increase in the aging population, neurodegenerative diseases have attracted more and more attention. This study aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of defatted walnut meal protein hydrolysates (DWMPH) on neurotoxicity induced by d-galactose (d-gal) and aluminum chloride (AlCl3) in mice. The animal models were established by combining treatments with d-gal (200 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously) and AlCl3 (100 mg/kg in drinking water) for 90 days. During the 90 days, 1 g/kg of DWMPH was administrated orally every day. The results indicated that DWMPH treatment alleviated oxidative stress, reversed cholinergic dysfunction, and suppressed the release of proinflammatory cytokines in the brains of d-gal + AlCl3-treated mice, and thus improving the learning and memory functions of these mice, which was closely correlated with the strong antioxidant activity of DWMPH. This finding suggests that DWMPH might be a promising dietary supplement in improving neuronal dysfunctions of the brain.
Synthesis of Bis(1,2,3-Triazole) Functionalized Quinoline-2,4-Diones
Authors: Milićević David , Kimmel Roman , Gazvoda Martin , Urankar Damijana , Kafka Stanislav , Košmrlj Janez
Published: September 2018

Derivatives of 3-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)quinoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione unsubstituted on quinolone nitrogen atom, which are available by the previously described four step synthesis starting from aniline, were exploited as intermediates in obtaining the title compounds. The procedure involves the introduction of propargyl group onto the quinolone nitrogen atom of mentioned intermediates by the reaction of them with propargyl bromide in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in presence of a potassium carbonate and the subsequent formation of a second triazole ring by copper catalyzed cyclisation reaction with azido compounds. The products were characterized by 1H, 13C and 15N NMR spectroscopy. The corresponding resonances were assigned on the basis of the standard 1D and gradient selected 2D NMR experiments (1H–1H gs-COSY, 1H–13C gs-HSQC, 1H–13C gs-HMBC) with 1H–15N gs-HMBC as a practical tool to determine 15N NMR chemical shifts at the natural abundance level of 15N isotope.
Two-Step Concentration of Complex Water Samples for the Detection of Viruses
Authors: Farkas Kata , McDonald James E. , Malham Shelagh K. , Jones Davey L.
Published: September 2018

The accurate detection and quantification of pathogenic viruses in water is essential to understand and reduce the risk of human infection. This paper describes a two-step method suitable for concentrating viruses in water and wastewater samples. The method involves a tangential flow ultrafiltration step that reduces the sample volume of 1–10 L to approximately 50 mL, followed by secondary precipitation using polyethylene glycol 6000, which reduces the volume to 1–4 mL. For method validation, water samples were spiked with different concentrations of enteric viruses, and viral recovery in the concentrates exceeded 10% in all experiments. The method is suitable for water samples with high and low salinity and turbidity, allowing an accurate comparison of viral titers in a diverse range of water types. Furthermore, the method has the potential to concentrate other pathogens, e.g., bacteria or protozoa. Hence, the use of this method can improve the holistic assessment of risks associated with wastewater-contaminated environments.
Ag@SiO2 Core-shell Nanoparticles Embedded in a TiO2 Mesoporous Layer Substantially Improve the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Bao , Zhu Xiangyu , Li Shuhan , Chen Mengwei , Lu Haifei , Yang Yingping
Published: September 2018

In this study, Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a modified Stöber method for preparing the TiO2 mesoporous layer of carbon counter electrode-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) without a hole transporting layer. Compared with normal PSCs (without Ag@SiO2 incorporated in the TiO2 mesoporous layer), PSCs with an optimal content of Ag@SiO2 (0.3 wt. % Ag@SiO2-TiO2) show a 19.46% increase in their power conversion efficiency, from 12.23% to 14.61%, which is mainly attributed to the 13.89% enhancement of the short-circuit current density, from 20.23 mA/cm2 to 23.04 mA/cm2. These enhancements mainly contributed to the localized surface Plasmon resonance effect and the strong scattering effect of Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles. However, increasing the Ag@SiO2 concentration in the mesoporous layer past the optimum level cannot further increase the short-circuit current density and incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency of the devices, which is primarily ascribed to the electron transport pathways being impeded by the insulating silica shells inside the TiO2 network.
High Performance of Covalently Grafting onto Collagen in The Presence of Graphene Oxide
Authors: Bazrafshan Zahra , Stylios George K.
Published: September 2018

A collagen-based copolymer, ASC-g-Poly(methyl methacrylate-co-Ethyl Acrylate), was synthesized in the presence of Graphene Oxide (GO) via an in-situ polymerization. The presence of GO that increased the accessible surface area for initiated collagen chains allowed for an accelerated polymerization with highly improved grafting performance and efficiency. This was conducted from two polymerization systems with varied comonomer feed ratios, in which two distinguished GO loadings were used. The processability of the achieved nanocomposite was then evaluated through casting and electrospinning processing methods. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and tensile analysis were conducted to characterize the GO-ASC-g-P(MMA-co-EA). The nanocomposite films showed a unique morphology, multilayer nanostructure of the grafted GO monolayers that deposited simultaneously one on top of another. The morphology of the electrospun fibers was affected by the addition of GO loadings in which the increase in fiber diameter was observed while the surface of the nanofibers was decorated by the GO nanolayers. To modify the collagen, this research highlights the importance of introducing functional groups of GO and the substitution of GO loadings as an active nanostructure filler to highly monomer feed ratios improving the physiochemical properties of collagen. This easy-to-apply approach is suggested for applications intending the mechanical properties and deterred degradation of Collagen-based materials.
InPBi Quantum Dots for Super-Luminescence Diodes
Authors: Zhang Liyao , Song Yuxin , Chen Qimiao , Zhu Zhongyunshen , Wang Shumin
Published: September 2018

InPBi thin film has shown ultra-broad room temperature photoluminescence, which is promising for applications in super-luminescent diodes (SLDs) but met problems with low light emission efficiency. In this paper, InPBi quantum dot (QD) is proposed to serve as the active material for future InPBi SLDs. The quantum confinement for carriers and reduced spatial size of QD structure can improve light emission efficiently. We employ finite element method to simulate strain distribution inside QDs and use the result as input for calculating electronic properties. We systematically investigate different transitions involving carriers on the band edges and the deep levels as a function of Bi composition and InPBi QD geometry embedded in InAlAs lattice matched to InP. A flat QD shape with a moderate Bi content of a few percent over 3.2% would provide the optimal performance of SLDs with a bright and wide spectrum at a short center wavelength, promising for future optical coherence tomography applications.
Gold Rod-Polyethylene Glycol-Carbon Dot Nanohybrids as Phototheranostic Probes
Authors: Niu Yuefang , Ling Guo , Wang Li , Guan Shanyue , Xie Zheng , Barnoy Eran A. , Zhou Shuyun , Fixler Dror
Published: September 2018

Emphasis using phototheranostics has been placed on the construction of multifunctional nanoplatforms for simultaneous tumor diagnosis and therapy. Herein, we put forth a novel nanosized luminescent material using the incorporation of red emissive carbon dots on gold nanorods through polyethylene glycol as a covalent linkage for dual-modal imaging and photothermal therapy. The novel nanohybrids, not only retain the optical properties of the gold nanorod and carbon dots, but also possess superior imaging performance in both confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. The nanohybrids also exhibit excellent photothermal performance as phototheranostic nanohybrid probes for in vitro assays. This study promises a new multifunctional nanoplatform for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Effects of Angular Dependency of Particulate Light Scattering Intensity on Determination of Samples with Bimodal Size Distributions Using Dynamic Light Scattering Methods
Authors: Kato Haruhisa , Nakamura Ayako , Kinugasa Shinichi
Published: September 2018

The angular dependency of light scattering intensity from differently sized particles strongly influences the apparent particle size distribution, as determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods. Manufactured nanomaterials have size distributions more or less; therefore, the effect of detecting the angular dependency of the apparent size distribution by DLS is crucial. Commercial DLS instruments typically have two different types of detector angular position. The first is a detector angled at 90°, and the other is a backscattering angle detector. We therefore investigated the coverage and angular dependency when determining the relative concentrations of nanoparticles in polystyrene latex samples with a bimodal size distribution, using DLS methods both experimentally and theoretically. We used five differently sized polystyrene latex particles (one was a 70-nm nanoparticle and the others were various submicron-sized particles) in a variety of mixtures (the ratio of the difference of particle sizes ranged from approximately 2 to 7) to investigate the coverage and angular dependency of the recognition of the relative concentration ratio. In the case of size difference of approximately a factor of 2 or 3 between the two mixed particles (one was fixed at 70 nm), for DLS measurements at light scattering detector angles ranging from 60° to 150°, the homodyne photon correlation functions were approximately straight lines for mixtures of two differently sized polystyrene latex particles. The straight homodyne photon correlation functions were caused by the relatively strong light scattering from larger submicron particles masking the weaker light scattering from the smaller nanoparticles. As a result, DLS analysis could not recognize the relative concentration of nanoparticles in the mixture. In contrast to these samples, for mixtures of two differently sized polystyrene latex particles (one was 70 nm in size) with a size difference of a factor of 5, the homodyne correlation functions displayed an obvious curve for angles larger than 120°. This curve reflected an appropriate relative concentration ratio for the two differently sized polystyrene latex particles. Furthermore, for a mixture of two differently sized particles (one was again 70 nm) with size differences of a factor of 7, the homodyne correlation functions showed a clearly curved shape for detector angles larger than 90°, and yielded appropriate relative concentration ratios for the two different sizes of polystyrene latex particles. These observations were supported by theoretical investigation using Mie theory and asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation measurements with a multi-angle light scattering detector. Our investigation is crucial for achieving some degree of concordance on the determination of the size distribution of particles using DLS methods in industrial and academic fields.
A High-Throughput Study of the Electronic Structure and Physical Properties of Short-Period (GaAs)m(AlAs)n (m, n ≤ 10) Superlattices Based on Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Liu Qing-Lu , Zhao Zong-Yan , Yi Jian-Hong , Zhang Zi-Yang
Published: September 2018

As important functional materials, the electronic structure and physical properties of (GaAs)m(AlAs)n superlattices (SLs) have been extensively studied. However, due to limitations of computational methods and computational resources, it is sometimes difficult to thoroughly understand how and why the modification of their structural parameters affects their electronic structure and physical properties. In this article, a high-throughput study based on density functional theory calculations has been carried out to obtain detailed information and to further provide the underlying intrinsic mechanisms. The band gap variations of (GaAs)m(AlAs)n superlattices have been systematically investigated and summarized. They are very consistent with the available reported experimental measurements. Furthermore, the direct-to-indirect-gap transition of (GaAs)m(AlAs)n superlattices has been predicted and explained. For certain thicknesses of the GaAs well (m), the band gap value of (GaAs)m(AlAs)n SLs exponentially increases (increasing n), while for certain thicknesses of the AlAs barrier (n), the band gap value of (GaAs)m(AlAs)n SLs exponentially decreases (increasing m). In both cases, the band gap values converge to certain values. Furthermore, owing to the energy eigenvalues at different k-points showing different variation trends, (GaAs)m(AlAs)n SLs transform from a Γ-Γ direct band gap to Γ-M indirect band gap when the AlAs barrier is thick enough. The intrinsic reason for these variations is that the contributions and positions of the electronic states of the GaAs well and the AlAs barrier change under altered thickness conditions. Moreover, we have found that the binding energy can be used as a detector to estimate the band gap value in the design of (GaAs)m(AlAs)n devices. Our findings are useful for the design of novel (GaAs)m(AlAs)n superlattices-based optoelectronic devices.
Enhanced Magnetic Properties of BiFeO3 Thin Films by Doping: Analysis of Structure and Morphology
Authors: Zhang Yilin , Wang Yuhan , Qi Ji , Tian Yu , Sun Mingjie , Zhang Junkai , Hu Tingjing , Wei Maobin , Liu Yanqing , Yang Jinghai
Published: September 2018

The improvement of ferromagnetic properties is critical for the practical application of multiferroic materials, to be exact, BiFeO3 (BFO). Herein, we have investigated the evolution in the structure and morphology of Ho or/and Mn-doped thin films and the related diversification in ferromagnetic behavior. BFO, Bi0.95Ho0.05FeO3 (BHFO), BiFe0.95Mn0.05O3 (BFMO) and Bi0.95Ho0.05Fe0.95Mn0.05O3 (BHFMO) thin films are synthesized via the conventional sol-gel method. Density, size and phase structure are crucial to optimize the ferromagnetic properties. Specifically, under the applied magnetic field of 10 kOe, BHFO and BFMO thin films can produce obvious magnetic properties during magnetization and, additionally, doping with Ho and Mn (BHFMO) can achieve better magnetic properties. This enhancement is attributed to the lattice distortions caused by the ionic sizes difference between the doping agent and the host, the generation of the new exchange interactions and the inhibition of the antiferromagnetic spiral modulated spin structure. This study provides key insights of understanding the tunable ferromagnetic properties of co-doped BFO.
The Gut-Brain Axis in Alzheimer’s Disease and Omega-3. A Critical Overview of Clinical Trials
Authors: La Rosa Francesca , Clerici Mario , Ratto Daniela , Occhinegro Alessandra , Licito Anna , Romeo Marcello , Iorio Carmine Di , Rossi Paola
Published: September 2018

Despite intensive study, neurodegenerative diseases remain insufficiently understood, precluding rational design of therapeutic interventions that can reverse or even arrest the progressive loss of neurological function. In the last decade, several theories investigating the causes of neurodegenerative diseases have been formulated and a condition or risk factor that can contribute is described by the gut-brain axis hypothesis: stress, unbalanced diet, and drugs impact altering microbiota composition which contributes to dysbiosis. An altered gut microbiota may lead to a dysbiotic condition and to a subsequent increase in intestinal permeability, causing the so-called leaky-gut syndrome. Herein, in this review we report recent findings in clinical trials on the risk factor of the gut-brain axis in Alzheimer’s disease and on the effect of omega-3 supplementation, in shifting gut microbiota balance towards an eubiosis status. Despite this promising effect, evidences reported in selected randomized clinical trials on the effect of omega-3 fatty acid on cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease are few. Only Mild Cognitive Impairment, a prodromal state that could precede the progress to Alzheimer’s disease could be affected by omega-3 FA supplementation. We report some of the critical issues which emerged from these studies. Randomized controlled trials in well-selected AD patients considering the critical points underlined in this review are warranted.
Impact of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels on Portion Size Selection: An Experimental Study in a French Cohort
Authors: Egnell Manon , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Galan Pilar , Touvier Mathilde , Rayner Mike , Jewell Jo , Breda João , Hercberg Serge , Julia Chantal
Published: September 2018

In the European Union (EU) three coloured graded Front-of-Pack labels (FoPLs), two endorsed by governments (Nutri-Score and Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL)) and one designed by industry (Evolved Nutrition Label (ENL)) are currently being discussed. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these FoPLs on portion size selection, specifically for less healthy products. In 2018, participants from the French NutriNet-Santé cohort study (N = 25,772) were exposed through a web-based self-administered questionnaire to products from three food categories (sweet biscuits, cheeses, and sweet spreads), with or without FoPLs, and were invited to select the portion they would consume (in size and number). Kruskall-Wallis tests, and mixed ordinal logistic regression models, were used to investigate the effects of FoPLs on portion size selection. Compared to no label, Nutri-Score consistently lowered portion sizes (OR = 0.76 (0.74–0.76)), followed by MTL (OR = 0.83 (0.82–0.84)). For ENL, the effects differed depending on the food group: It lowered portion size selection for cheeses (OR = 0.84 (0.83–0.87)), and increased it for spreads (OR = 1.19 (1.15–1.22)). Nutri-Score followed by MTL appear efficient tools to encourage consumers to decrease their portion size for less healthy products, while ENL appears to have inconsistent effects depending on the food category.
Maternal Iodine Status is Associated with Offspring Language Skills in Infancy and Toddlerhood
Authors: Markhus Maria , Dahl Lisbeth , Moe Vibeke , Abel Marianne , Brantsæter Anne , Øyen Jannike , Meltzer Helle , Stormark Kjell , Graff Ingvild , Smith Lars , Kjellevold Marian
Published: September 2018

Inadequate iodine status affects the synthesis of the thyroid hormones and may impair brain development in fetal life. The aim of this study was to explore the association between maternal iodine status in pregnancy measured by urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and child neurodevelopment at age 6, 12 and 18 months in a population-based cohort. In total, 1036 families from nine locations in Norway were enrolled in the little in Norway cohort. The present study includes n = 851 mother-child pairs with singleton pregnancies, no use of thyroid medication in pregnancy, no severe genetic disorder, data on exposure (UIC) in pregnancy and developmental outcomes (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition). Data collection also included general information from questionnaires. We examined associations between UIC (and use of iodine-containing supplements) and repeated measures of developmental outcomes using multivariable mixed models. The median UIC in pregnancy was 78 µg/L (IQR 46–130), classified as insufficient iodine intake according to the WHO. Eighteen percent reported use of iodine-containing multisupplements. A UIC below ~100 was associated with reduced receptive (p = 0.025) and expressive language skills (p = 0.002), but not with reduced cognitive or fine- and gross motor skills. Maternal use of iodine-containing supplements was associated with lower gross motor skills (b = −0.18, 95% CI = −0.33, −0.03, p = 0.02), but not with the other outcome measures. In conclusion, an insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy, reflected in a UIC below ~100 µg/L, was associated with lower infant language skills up to 18 months. The use of iodine-containing supplements was not associated with beneficial effects.
The Prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency and Associated Factors in Pregnant Women Receiving Prenatal Care at a Reference Maternity Hospital in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Bastos Maia Sabina , Costa Caminha Maria de Fátima , Lins da Silva Suzana , Rolland Souza Alex Sandro , Carvalho dos Santos Camila , Batista Filho Malaquias
Published: September 2018

Vitamin A is essential for mother and child; however, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a public health issue in various countries, affecting around 19 million pregnant women. In Brazil, the scarcity and inconsistency of data have prevented the prevalence and epidemiological status of VAD from being established. This study aimed to analyze vitamin A nutritional status in women receiving prenatal care at a reference center in northeastern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 676 women. Serum retinol was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Subclinical infection was detected by measuring C-reactive protein (CRP). The World Health Organization criteria were used in the prevalence analysis, VAD classification level, and CRP effect evaluation. The prevalence of VAD (serum retinol <0.70 μmol/L) was 6.2% (95% confidence interval 4.5–8.3). In the univariate analysis, the variables significantly associated with VAD (p < 0.05) were having <12 years of schooling, being in the third trimester of pregnancy, and anemia. In the final multivariate model, the variables that remained significantly associated (p < 0.05) were being in the third trimester of pregnancy and anemia. VAD constituted a mild public health problem in this sample of pregnant women and was associated with the third trimester of pregnancy and maternal anemia.
Gluten-Free Diet: From Development to Assessment of a Check-List Designed for the Prevention of Gluten Cross-Contamination in Food Services
Authors: Farage Priscila , Puppin Zandonadi Renata , Cortez Ginani Verônica , Gandolfi Lenora , Yoshio Nakano Eduardo , Pratesi Riccardo
Published: September 2018

Gluten cross-contamination in gluten-free food may jeopardize treatment of celiac patients. Considering the deficit of appropriate instruments to enable the implementation of safe production practices for gluten-free food, this study aimed to evaluate the application of a check-list elaborated for gluten cross-contamination prevention in food services. The instrument was applied in 60 Brazilian food services. Interobserver reproducibility and internal consistency of the check-list were tested. A score classification was created for establishments according to the food contamination risk assessment. Subsequent to the application and statistical analysis, the original instrument was reduced to a 30-item check-list. In the reproducibility analysis, none of the 30 items showed significant divergence among the evaluators (p > 0.05 in the Cochran Q test). The 30-item version of the check-list presented Kuder–Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20) = 0.771, indicating good internal consistency. The proposed classification score is obtained by adding 1 point for each item with an “adequate” response; therefore, the final score may vary between 0 and 30 points. Establishments with up to 15 points exhibit risk of gluten contamination, while establishments with a score above 16 points exhibit low risk of contamination. The check-list displayed good reproducibility and internal consistency, suggesting that it could be a useful gluten contamination control instrument in food services.
Constructing Continuous Proton-Conducting Highways within Sulfonated Poly(Arylene Ether Nitrile) Composite Membrane by Incorporating Amino-Sulfo-Bifunctionalized GO
Authors: Cheng Tao , Zhang Xuechun , Ma Yan , Huang Yumin , Liu Xiaobo
Published: September 2018

To obtain a proton exchange membrane (PEM) with high proton conductivity and low methanol permeability, a novel amino-sulfo-bifunctionalized GO (NSGO) was synthesized and explored as a filler for sulfonated poly(arylene ether nitrile) (SPEN). The result indicated that the microstructure of composite membranes was rearranged by NSGO and strong acid–base interactions were formed between fillers and the SPEN matrix, affording enhanced thermal, mechanical, and dimensional stabilities. Moreover, it was found that NSGO fillers were uniformly dispersed in the SPEN matrix, generating efficient proton-conducting paths along the SPEN/NSGO interface. Meanwhile, the sulfonic and amino groups of NSGO served as additional proton hopping sites to connect the ionic clusters in the SPEN matrix, creating interconnected and long-range ionic pathways. In such a way, proton-conducting highways with low energy barriers are constructed, which enhance the proton conductivity of the composite membranes via the Grotthuss mechanism. Furthermore, the composite membranes also effectively prevent methanol permeation, and therefore high selectivity (the ratio of proton conductivity and methanol permeability) is endowed. Compared to SPEN membrane, a 3.6-fold increase in selectivity is obtained for the optimal composite membrane. This study will provide a new strategy for the preparation of high-performance PEM.
Performing the Bible in the Korean Context: Korean Ways of Reading, Singing, and Dramatizing the Scriptures
Authors: Lim Sung Uk
Published: September 2018

The present study explores the performative nature of the Bible as a sacred text in the Korean context. Drawing on the theory of scriptural performance advocated by James W. Watts, I investigate its character as words and contents. First, I delve into the scriptural performance of thoroughly reading (and listening to) the Bible at the level of words. Second, I scrutinize the scriptural performance of singing and dramatizing the Bible at the level of contents. The specific context of South Korea—whether religious, cultural, or social—alerts us to the performed transformation of the semantic range of the long-standing Christian tradition. Given the cultural differences between Western and Eastern Christianity, I contend that the adaptation of Christianity to Korean soil renders the performative dimension of the scriptures all the more semantic. In other words, the Korean ways of performing the Bible are essentially deeply rooted in those of signifying it. In the long term, Christianity turns out to be such a global religion that it provokes a more complex analysis of its scriptural performance in its widely differing range of semantics.