bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell‐Penetrating Peptides: Correlation between Peptide‐Lipid Interaction and Penetration Efficiency
Authors: Her Choong Fei , Keat Yap Beow 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCell‐penetrating peptides are used in the delivery of peptides and biologics, with some cell‐penetrating peptides found to be more efficient than others. The exact mechanism of how they interact with the cell membrane and penetrate it, however, remains unclear. This study attempts to investigate the difference in free energy profiles of three cell‐penetrating peptides (TAT, CPP1 and CPP9) with a model lipid bilayer (DOPC) using molecular dynamics pulling simulations with umbrella sampling. Potential mean force (PMF) and free energy barrier between the peptides and DOPC are determined using WHAM analysis and MM‐PBSA analysis, respectively. CPP9 is found to have the smallest PMF value, followed by CPP1 and TAT, consistent with the experimental data. YDEGE peptide, however, does not give the highest PMF value, although it is a non‐cell‐permeable peptide. YDEGE is also found to form water pores, alongside with TAT and CPP9, suggesting that it is difficult to distinguish true water pore formation from artefacts arising from pulling simulations. On the contrary, free energy analysis of the peptide‐DOPC complex at the lipid‐water interface with MM‐PBSA provides results consistent with experimental data with CPP9 having the least interaction with DOPC and lowest free energy barrier, followed by CPP1, TAT and YDEGE. These findings suggest that peptide‐lipid interaction at the lipid‐water interface has a direct correlation with the penetration efficiency of peptides across the lipid bilayer.
Linear‐Nonlinear Optical and Quantum Chemical Studies on Quinolinium 4‐Aminobenzoate: A Third Order Non‐Linear Optical Material for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Ravi Sarath , Sreedharan Rakhi , Raghi Kottoly Ravindran , Kumar Thanathu Krishnan Manoj , Naseema Kooliyankal 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGood quality single crystals of a non‐linear optical (NLO) material, quinolinium 4‐aminobenzoate (ABAQ), are grown by employing solution growth technique. The crystal structure is confirmed via single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Grown crystals of the ABAQ compound are characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, thermal analysis, and mechanical studies. Ultraviolet–vis–near infrared (UV–vis–NIR) and photoluminescence spectra reflect the optical transmission range of the obtained compound. Dielectric studies and laser damage threshold measurement are carried out to verify the non‐linear activity and surface resistance of the grown crystal. From the Kurtz Perry powder technique, the second harmonic generation efficiency of the ABAQ compound is estimated to be 90% that of the standard potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Z‐Scan technique is performed to investigate the non‐linear behavior of ABAQ crystal. The suitability of ABAQ material for optical limiting and switching applications is also verified. Computational analysis performed upon the stable geometry of ABAQ molecule using density functional theory strongly supports the experimental findings with a significant chemical background. The non‐linear behavior of the title compound is determined by investigating various non‐linear optical (NLO) parameters of electric dipole moment, polarizability, and hyperpolarizability. Based on these inferences, the ABAQ material can be declared as a promising material for optical limiting and switching applications in optoelectronics regime.
Public disclosure of mine closures by listed South African mining companies
Authors: Crous Cornelie , Owen John R. , Marais Lochner , Khanyile Samkelisiwe , Kemp Deanna 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe demand for transparency in the mining sector has increased since the 1980s. Our study focused on the public reporting of four South African mining corporations and their disclosures on mine closure. South Africa was identified based on its history of mine abandonment. We found that reporting on mainstream environmental and financial matters, companies disclose little about the social aspects of mine closure. External reporting norms have evolved, with a widening scope of reporting themes presented in strategically parsimonious language. Reporting themes speak to where companies, and transparency initiatives, receive greatest external interest and much of the content in company sustainability reports appear to service this demand. This pattern is manifestly challenging for the social aspects of mine closure, where reporting is minimal and reveals little about the timing of proposed changes to the mine lifecycle, the anticipated societal effects, and how the company will address these.
Forensic application and evaluation of a commercially available pregabalin immunoassay test in serum on an Olympus AU480
Authors: Hess Cornelius , Zeidler Sandra , Roehrich Joerg 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMisuse of pregabalin and its forensic relevance is steadily increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability of the commercially available ARKTM Pregabalin II Assay (ARK Diagnostics) for serum analysis of forensic samples. Overall, 156 samples were tested by both the immunoassay and a validated liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric (LC‐MS/MS) method. Sensitivity was 100%, and specificity was 98.7% (n = 79 positive cases confirmed by LC‐MS/MS in a range of 380–37,000 ng/mL). A good correlation (R2 = 0.73) could also be shown between quantitative immunoassay and LC‐MS/MS results. In conclusion, the assay shows excellent reliability for screening of forensic serum samples.
Predator size affects the intensity of mutual interference in a predatory mirid
Authors: Papanikolaou Nikos E. , Dervisoglou Sofia , Fantinou Argyro , Kypraios Theodore , Giakoumaki Valmari , Perdikis Dionysios 
Published: December 2020

AbstractInterference competition occurs when access to an available resource is negatively affected by interactions with other individuals, where mutual interference involves individuals of the same species. The interactive phenomena among individuals may be size‐dependent, since body size is a major factor that may alter prey consumption rates and ultimately the dynamics and structure of food webs.A study was initiated in order to evaluate the effect of mutual interference in the prey‐specific attack rates and handling times of same size class predators, incorporating variation in consumer size. For this purpose, laboratory functional response experiments were conducted using same age predators, that is, newly hatched (first instar) or mature (fifth instar) nymphs of the polyphagous mirid predatorMacrolophus pygmaeuspreying onEphestia kuehniella(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs.The experiments involved four predator density treatments, that is, one, two, three, or four predators of same age, that is, either first‐ or fifth‐instar nymphs, which were exposed to several prey densities. The Crowley–Martin model, which allows for interference competition between foraging predators, was used to fit the data.The results showed that mutual interference between predator's nymphs may occur that affect their foraging efficiency. The values of the attack rate coefficient were dependent on the predator density and for the first‐instar nymphs were significantly lower at the highest predator density than the lower predator densities, whereas for the fifth‐instar nymphs in all density treatments were significantly lower to that of the individual foragers' ones.These results indicate that mutual interference is more intense for larger predators and is more obvious at low prey densities where the competition level is higher. The wider use of predator‐dependent functional response models will help toward a mechanistic understanding of intraspecific interactions and its consequences on the stability and structure of food webs.
Metal‐free Photochemical Atom Transfer Radical Addition (ATRA) of BrCCl3 to Alkenes
Authors: Nikitas Nikolaos F. , Voutyritsa Errika , Gkizis Petros L. , Kokotos Christoforos G. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA simple, photochemical, and metal‐free protocol for the atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) of bromotrichloromethane onto various alkenes is described. Among a range of organic molecules, phenylglyoxylic acid proved to be the most suitable photoinitiator to promote a sustainable process for the addition of bromotrichloromethane to olefins. This photochemical atom transfer radical protocol can be expanded into a wide substrate scope of aliphatic olefins bearing various functional groups, leading to the corresponding products in good to excellent yields.
Systemic and cerebrospinal fluid immune and complement activation in Ugandan children and adolescents with long‐standing nodding syndrome: A case‐control study
Authors: Ogwang Rodney , Muhanguzi Dennis , Mwikali Kioko , Anguzu Ronald , Kubofcik Joe , Nutman Thomas B. , Taylor Mark , Newton Charles R. , Vincent Angela , Conroy Andrea L. , Marsh Kevin , Idro Richard 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveNodding syndrome is a poorly understood epileptic encephalopathy characterized by a unique seizure type—head nodding—and associated with Onchocerca volvulus infection. We hypothesized that altered immune activation in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of children with nodding syndrome may yield insights into the pathophysiology and progression of this seizure disorder.MethodWe conducted a case‐control study of 154 children (8 years or older) with long‐standing nodding syndrome and 154 healthy age‐matched community controls in 3 districts of northern Uganda affected by nodding syndrome. Control CSF samples were obtained from Ugandan children in remission from hematological malignancy during routine follow‐up. Markers of immune activation and inflammation (cytokines and chemokines) and complement activation (C5a) were measured in plasma and CSF using ELISA or Multiplex Luminex assays. O volvulus infection was assessed by serology for anti–OV‐16 IgG levels.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the population was 15.1 (SD: 1.9) years, and the mean duration of nodding syndrome from diagnosis to enrollment was 8.3 (SD: 2.7) years. The majority with nodding syndrome had been exposed to O volvulus (147/154 (95.4%)) compared with community children (86/154 (55.8%)), with an OR of 17.04 (95% CI: 7.33, 45.58), P < .001. C5a was elevated in CSF of children with nodding syndrome compared to controls (P < .0001). The levels of other CSF markers tested were comparable between cases and controls after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Children with nodding syndrome had lower plasma levels of IL‐10, APRIL, CCL5 (RANTES), CCL2, CXCL13, and MMP‐9 compared with community controls (P < .05 for all; multiple comparisons). Plasma CRP was elevated in children with nodding syndrome compared to community children and correlated with disease severity.SignificanceNodding syndrome is associated with exposure to O. volvulus. Compared to controls, children with long‐standing symptoms of nodding syndrome show evidence of complement activation in CSF and altered immune activation in plasma.
Comprehensive assessment of hydrogen production in argon‐water vapors plasmolysis
Authors: El‐Shafie Mostafa , Kambara Shinji , Hayakawa Yukio 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA simultaneous investigation of simulation and experimental analysis of hydrogen production from argon‐water vapor mixture as a function in DBD plasma applied voltage were studied. The H2 concentration results of two Ar‐H2O simulation kinetics models were compared with the experimental results. The simulation analysis was implemented for Ar‐H2O models with and without the dissociative attachment reaction (H−). The effects of argon flow rate, input water vapor temperature, and water vapor flow rate on the H2 concentration from the Ar‐H2O mixture were investigated. Furthermore, the effect of argon addition and reactor temperature on the hydrogen production from water vapor plasmolysis was performed. It was found that the hydrogen concentration was enhanced with the argon gas flow rate and plasma voltage increase. Moreover, the H2 concentration results of the water vapor simulation model selecting the dissociative attachment reaction (H−) were nearly the same as that obtained from the experimental results. Also, it was observed that the energy efficiency was enhanced with the plasma input power increased. Moreover, the comparison showed that the hydrogen concentration of argon gas addition was lower than that obtained from water vapor plasmolysis at PTR heating temperature of 90°C.
Formation of asymmetrical loess gullies in the northeastern loess plateau of China
Authors: Chen Si‐Ming , Xiong Li‐Yang , Duan Jia‐Zhen , Tang Guo‐An 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLoess gullies are the most active and changeable landform unit on the Loess Plateau of China. Under the influence of inhomogeneous internal and external forces, various gully morphologies have been identified as specific forms of asymmetrical loess gullies in the northeastern Loess Plateau. Thus, the formation mechanisms of asymmetrical gullies should be examined to better understand the gully evolution processes in this area. In this study, a typical asymmetrical gully area and its geological background in the northeastern Loess Plateau are investigated. Then, the asymmetrical gullies are extracted and ordered under different watershed hierarchies using 5 m horizontal resolution digital elevation models. The asymmetrical gullies are characterized using the gully deviation index and gully asymmetrical coefficient to quantitatively and qualitatively describe the gully formation from the perspective of gully morphology. Subsequently, environmental factors, such as the bedrock, climate, vegetation and interactions with neighbouring watersheds, are combined to achieve an in‐depth understanding of the mechanisms of asymmetrical gully formation. The results show that most watersheds shift to the right side of the watershed geometric centre line, thereby forming a specific asymmetrical gully morphology. The phenomenon in which the asymmetrical degree characteristics decrease with the increase in drainage area suggests evident morphological differences on both sides of the main channel on a small scale, and relatively weak morphological differences on both sides of the main channel on a large scale. The degree of loess gully asymmetry appears higher in the area where only the windward slope is covered by loess than in areas where all slopes are covered by loess. The interaction between adjacent watersheds also influences the formation of asymmetrical gullies. These results support the understanding of asymmetrical gully formation in relation to the underlying bedrock structure and gully reorganization, thereby contributing to the development of process‐based gully evolution models.
A review on pump‐hydro storage for renewable and hybrid energy systems applications
Authors: Das Pronob , Das Barun K. , Mustafi Nirendra N. , Sakir Md. Takmil 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe integration of storage technologies into the hybrid energy system (HES) offers significant stability in delivering electricity to a remote community. In addition, the benefits of using storage devices for achieving high renewable energy (RE) contribution to the total energy supply are also paramount. The present study provides a detailed review on the utilization of pump‐hydro storage (PHS) related to the RE‐based stand‐alone and grid‐connected HESs. The PHS‐based HESs have been analyzed considering the technical details, including reliability, cost‐effectiveness, and environmental indicators. The optimization techniques are critically employed to the PHS‐based systems, including metaheuristics intelligent techniques, commercially available optimization and simulation tools, and recent advanced optimization tools. A comparative analysis of PHS integration to the stand‐alone and grid‐connected systems based on techno‐economic and environmental indicators over other storage technologies is also presented. The key technical and environmental challenges related to the PHS‐based HES are identified. Results from the recent research studies indicate that the PHS‐based HESs offer significant cost and environmental benefits over battery storage technologies. The study identifies that the particle swarm optimization is the mostly appreciated optimizing technique for cost‐effective energy supply and environmental aspects followed by hybrid optimization model for electric renewables and genetic algorithm.
Three‐dimensional electrostatic capacitors as futuristic miniaturized energy storage component for energy autonomous systems
Authors: Ali Faizan , Kim Ki‐Hyun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFor the integration of ambient energy sources into implantable/wearable microelectronics, the development of efficient and high‐power energy storage devices is essential (such as electrostatic or dielectric capacitors). In light of the general need for small components for energy storage devices, the development of fluorite‐based three‐dimensional structured electrostatic capacitors is expected to open new paths for the future development of on‐chip energy storage, especially because of their enhanced capacity at low deposition thicknesses (in nanometers).
Privacy‐preserving multilevel obfuscation scheme for vehicular network
Authors: Ullah Ikram , Shah Munam A. , Khan Abid , Jeon Gwanggil 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFor accessing various location‐based services (LBS), a device needs to update its location frequently. The vehicle requires to exchange location messages with LBS while moving on the road network. These messages contain sensitive information of vehicles, that is, location, identity, direction, and other contents. LBS is not trusted and may conspire with an adversary to capture the location messages and based on the location information the adversary tracks the future location spots of the vehicle driver. Existing location privacy schemes require the collaboration of neighbor vehicles to anonymize their location. However, such collaboration needs the consent of the neighbor vehicles. In addition, the messages exchanged with LBS contain the real identity of a vehicle and the vehicle is exposed to identity threat. In this article, we propose a multilevel location privacy scheme (MLPS) for a vehicle using location services. The vehicle generates duplicate messages by taking location positions of transmission range vehicles to anonymize its location and identity. We simulate the proposed scheme for various vehicle traffic densities. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme MLPS is more efficient than the existing scheme in terms of anonymity set size, location obfuscation, and location traceability. The MLPS reduces the vehicle location traceability from 50% to 1% compared with the existing scheme.
Transcriptomic analysis of Chlorella sp. HS2 suggests the overflow of acetyl‐CoA and NADPH cofactor induces high lipid accumulation and halotolerance
Authors: Yun Jin‐Ho , Pierrelée Michaël , Cho Dae‐Hyun , Kim Urim , Heo Jina , Choi Dong‐Yun , Lee Yong Jae , Lee Bongsoo , Kim HyeRan , Habermann Bianca , Chang Yong Keun , Kim Hee‐Sik 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPreviously, we isolated Chlorella sp. HS2 (referred hereupon as HS2) from a local tidal rock pool and demonstrated its halotolerance and high biomass productivity under different salinity conditions. To further understand acclimation responses of this alga under high salinity stress, we performed transcriptome analysis of triplicated culture samples grown in freshwater and marine conditions at both exponential and stationary growth phases. The results indicated that the transcripts involved in photosynthesis, TCA, and Calvin cycles were downregulated, whereas the upregulation of DNA repair mechanisms and an ABCB subfamily of eukaryotic type ABC transporter was observed at high salinity condition. In addition, while key enzymes associated with glycolysis pathway and triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis were determined to be upregulated from early growth phase, salinity stress seemed to reduce the carbohydrate content of harvested biomass from 45.6 dw% to 14.7 dw% and nearly triple the total lipid content from 26.0 dw% to 62.0 dw%. These results suggest that the reallocation of storage carbon toward lipids played a significant role in conferring the viability of this alga under high salinity stress by remediating high level of cellular stress partially resulted from ROS generated in oxygen‐evolving thylakoids as observed in a direct measure of photosystem activities.
Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction by Juniperus communis extract in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through activation of p53‐induced apoptosis pathway
Authors: Li Chia‐Yu , Lee Shan‐Chih , Lai Wen‐Lin , Chang Kai‐Fu , Huang Xiao‐Fan , Hung Peng‐Yun , Lee Chi‐Pin , Hsieh Ming‐Chang , Tsai Nu‐Man 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers. It has a high mortality rate and requires novel effective drugs and therapeutic approaches. Juniperus communis (JCo), used to flavor gin and food, has been documented to have anti‐tumor activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor activity of JCo extract against ESCC and its possible mechanisms. JCo extract suppressed cell growth in ESCC and showed higher selection for ESCC cells than normal cells compared to the clinical drug 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). JCo extract induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase by regulating the expression of p53/p21 and CDKs/cyclins, triggering cell apoptosis by activating both the extrinsic (Fas/FasL/Caspase 8) and intrinsic (Bcl‐2/Bax/Caspase 9) apoptosis pathways. Moreover, a combination treatment of JCo and 5‐FU synergistically inhibited proliferation of ESCC cells. These results suggest that JCo extract is a potential natural therapeutic agent for esophageal cancer, as it could induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ESCC cells.
The hepatoprotective effects of fennel seeds extract and trans‐Anethole in streptozotocin‐induced liver injury in rats
Authors: Samadi‐Noshahr Zahra , Hadjzadeh Mousa‐Al‐Reza , Moradi‐Marjaneh Reyhaneh , Khajavi‐Rad Abolfazl 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHypoglycemic, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of fennel have been recorded in numerous investigations. The study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of fennel or its active component trans‐Anethole (TA) on streptozotocin‐induced liver injury in rats. Rats were injected with a single dose of STZ (65 mg/kg) and treated with fennel (200 and 400 mg/kg), TA (80 mg/kg), or metformin (300 mg/kg) for 35 days. Serum lipid profile and liver enzyme activity (aminotransferases), oxidative stress markers, and the degree of fibrosis in the liver tissue were assessed. Both fennel and TA decreased blood glucose levels, reduced liver enzyme activity, food, and water intake, and intensity of weight loss, reduced serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c), and increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c). Additionally, fennel and TA significantly reduced MDA concentration while increased CAT activity and thiol content and reduced the degree of injury and fibrosis in the liver of diabetic rats. Our results suggest that fennel seed extract and its active compound TA are able to protect the liver against diabetes‐induced hepatic injury in rats, probably via hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects.