bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corrosion Resistance of Graphene oxide/Silver Coatings on Ni–Ti alloy and Expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in Human Oral Fibroblasts
Authors: Srimaneepong Viritpon , Rokaya Dinesh , Thunyakitpisal Pasutha , Qin Jiaqian , Saengkiettiyut Kanokwan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGraphene based materials (GBMs) have potentials for dental and medical applications. GBMs may cause changes in the levels of cytokine released in the body. This study aimed to study the corrosion resistance of graphene oxide (GO) and GO/silver (GO/Ag) nanocomposite coated nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy by electrophoretic deposition and to access the viability of human pulp fibroblasts, and the interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 expression level. The bare and coated NiTi samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, surface profilometry, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion resistance of the bare NiTi and coated NiTi samples were investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 3.5% NaCl solution. The cell viability of human pulp fibroblasts was accessed by the treated culture medium of the bare NiTi and coated NiTi alloys containing 1% fetal bovine serum. IL-6 and IL-8 expression levels were studied by human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA (α  =  0.05). Both the GO-coated NiTi and GO/Ag-coated NiTi alloys showed better corrosion resistance, a lower rate of corrosion, and higher protection efficiency than the bare NiTi alloy. The coated NiTi alloys were biocompatible to human pulp fibroblasts and showed upregulation of IL-6 and IL-8 levels.
Low Protein-High Carbohydrate Diets Alter Energy Balance, Gut Microbiota Composition and Blood Metabolomics Profile in Young Pigs
Authors: Spring Shelby , Premathilake Hasitha , DeSilva Udaya , Shili Cedrick , Carter Scott , Pezeshki Adel 
Published: February 2020

AbstractReducing dietary crude protein (CP) beyond a certain threshold leads to poor growth performance in pigs; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Following an adaption period, thirty-seven weaned pigs were weight matched (8.41 ± 0.14 kg), housed individually and randomly assigned into three groups with different dietary CP levels: 24% CP (CON; n = 12), 18% CP (n = 12) and 12% CP (n = 13) for 28 days. The body weight was not different between the CON and 18% CP diets, but 12% CP significantly decreased body weight after day 21. Compared to the CON, pigs fed with 12% CP decreased feed intake day 17 onwards. The 12% CP diet increased the energy expenditure during week 1 compared to the CON. The 12% CP influenced starch and sucrose, nitrogen, and branched-chain amino acids metabolism pathways. The feces of pigs fed with 12% CP were less enriched in Prevotella, but had higher relative abundance of Christensenedilaceae, Aligiphilus and Algoriphagus than CON and 18% CP. Overall, reducing dietary CP by 50%, but not by 25%, significantly influenced the physiological responses in nursery pigs. The pigs fed with low or standard protein diets had differential bacterial communities in their feces as well as serum metabolomics profile.
High and fast adsorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions by a waste biomass based hydrogel
Authors: Zhang Mingyue , Yin Quanyu , Ji Xiaoming , Wang Fangling , Gao Xia , Zhao Mingqin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA waste biomass based hydrogel soybean residue-poly(acrylic acid) (SR–PAA) was prepared through a fast one-step reaction by UV radiation technology. SR–PAA was used to remove Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions. Effect of pH value, temperature, initial concentration, contact time, competitive ions in the solutions on metal ions adsorption and desorption/regeneration capacity of SR–PAA was discussed in detailed. It was found that the adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 20 min, and maximum adsorption for Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions were 1.43 and 2.04 mmol g−1, respectively. Besides, adsorption thermodynamic analysis indicates that the process of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions adsorption was spontaneous, feasible and exothermic in nature. And experimental data fitted the pseudo-second-order and Freundlich isotherm model well. Moreover, XPS spectra analysis proves that the metal ions were adsorbed on SR–PAA due to the interaction of carboxyl, hydroxyl and amine with these ions as ionic bond, coordination bond and electrostatic interaction.
Macronutrient in soils and wheat from long-term agroexperiments reflects variations in residue and fertilizer inputs
Authors: Shiwakoti Santosh , Zheljazkov Valtcho D. , Gollany Hero T. , Kleber Markus , Xing Baoshan , Astatkie Tess 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPrevious studies in the long-term experiments at Pendleton, OR (USA), were focused on organic matter cycling, but the consequences of land management for nutrient status over time have received little attention. Soil and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) tissue samples were analyzed to determine the macronutrient dynamics associated with residue management methods and fertilizer rate under a dryland winter wheat-fallow rotation. The treatments included: no burn residue incorporation with farmyard manure (FYM) or pea vines, no burn or spring burn with application of N fertilizer (0, 45, and 90 kg ha−1), and fall burn wheat residue incorporation. The results revealed no differences on the effect of residue burning on macronutrient concentration over time. After receiving the same treatments for 84 years, the concentrations of soil organic C, total N and S, and extractable Mg, K, P in the 0–10 cm depth significantly increased in FYM plots compared to the rest of the plots. The N fertilization rate of 90 kg ha−1 reduced the accumulations of P, K, and Ca in grain compared to the 0 and 45 kg N ha−1 applications. The results indicate that residue incorporation with FYM can play vital role in reducing the macronutrient decline over time.
Evolved Fusarium oxysporum laccase expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kwiatos Natalia , Jędrzejczak-Krzepkowska Marzena , Krzemińska Agnieszka , Delavari Azar , Paneth Piotr , Bielecki Stanisław 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFusarium oxysporum laccase was functionally expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and engineered towards higher expression levels and higher reactivity towards 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, that could be used as a mediator for lignin modification. A combination of classical culture optimization and protein engineering led to around 30 times higher activity in the culture supernatant. The winner mutant exhibited three times lower Km, four times higher kcat and ten times higher catalytic efficiency than the parental enzyme. The strategy for laccase engineering was composed of a combination of random methods with a rational approach based on QM/MM MD studies of the enzyme complex with 2,6-dimethoxyphenol. Laccase mediator system with 2,6-dimethoxyphenol caused fulvic acids release from biosolubilized coal.
Comparison of Mendeliome exome capture kits for use in clinical diagnostics
Authors: Pengelly Reuben J. , Ward Daniel , Hunt David , Mattocks Christopher , Ennis Sarah 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNext generation sequencing has disrupted genetic testing, allowing far more scope in the tests applied. The appropriate sections of the genome to be tested can now be readily selected, from single mutations to whole-genome sequencing. One product offering within this spectrum are focused exomes, targeting ~5,000 genes know to be implicated in human disease. These are designed to offer a flexible platform offering high diagnostic yield with a reduction in sequencing requirement compared to whole exome sequencing. Here, we have undertaken sequencing of control DNA samples and compare two kits, the Illumina TruSight One and the Agilent SureSelect Focused Exome. Characteristics of the kits are comprehensively evaluated. Despite the larger design region of the Agilent kit, we find that the Illumina kit performs better in terms of gene coverage, as well as coverage of clinically relevant loci. We provide exhaustive coverage statistics for each kit to aid the assessment of their suitability and provide read data for control DNA samples to allow for bioinformatic benchmarking by users developing pipelines for these data.
Adaption of the ex vivo mycobacterial growth inhibition assay for use with murine lung cells
Authors: Painter Hannah , Prabowo Satria A. , Cia Felipe , Stockdale Lisa , Tanner Rachel , Willcocks Samuel , Reljic Rajko , Fletcher Helen A. , Zelmer Andrea 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn the absence of a correlate(s) of protection against human tuberculosis and a validated animal model of the disease, tools to facilitate vaccine development must be identified. We present an optimised ex vivo mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) to assess the ability of host cells within the lung to inhibit mycobacterial growth, including Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Erdman. Growth of BCG was reduced by 0.39, 0.96 and 0.73 log10 CFU following subcutaneous (s.c.) BCG, intranasal (i.n.) BCG, or BCG s.c. + mucosal boost, respectively, versus naïve mice. Comparatively, a 0.49 (s.c.), 0.60 (i.n.) and 0.81 (s.c. + mucosal boost) log10 reduction in MTB CFU was found. A BCG growth inhibitor, 2-thiophenecarboxylic acid hydrazide (TCH), was used to prevent quantification of residual BCG from i.n. immunisation and allow accurate MTB quantification. Using TCH, a further 0.58 log10 reduction in MTB CFU was revealed in the i.n. group. In combination with existing methods, the ex vivo lung MGIA may represent an important tool for analysis of vaccine efficacy and the immune mechanisms associated with vaccination in the organ primarily affected by MTB disease.
Genetic diversity of the intimin gene (eae) in non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains in China
Authors: Yang Xi , Sun Hui , Fan Ruyue , Fu Shanshan , Zhang Ji , Matussek Andreas , Xiong Yanwen , Bai Xiangning 
Published: February 2020

AbstractShiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important foodborne pathogen. The increasing incidence of non-O157 STEC has posed a great risk to public health. Besides the Shiga toxin (Stx), the adherence factor, intimin, coded by eae gene plays a critical role in STEC pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and polymorphisms of eae gene in non-O157 STEC strains isolated from different sources in China. Among 735 non-O157 STEC strains, eae was present in 70 (9.5%) strains. Eighteen different eae genotypes were identified in 62 eae-positive STEC strains with the nucleotide identities ranging from 86.01% to 99.97%. Among which, seven genotypes were newly identified in this study. The eighteen eae genotypes can be categorized into five eae subtypes, namely β1, γ1, ε1, ζ3 and θ. Associations between eae subtypes/genotypes and serotypes as well as origins of strains were observed in this study. Strains belonging to serotypes O26:H11, O103:H2, O111:H8 are associated with particular eae subtypes, i.e., β1, ε1, θ, respectively. Most strains from diarrheal patients (7/9, 77.8%) carried eae-β1 subtype, while most isolates from cattle (23/26, 88.5%) carried eae-ζ3 subtype. This study demonstrated a genetic diversity of eae gene in non-O157 STEC strains from different sources in China.
Examining Reproductive Health Outcomes in Females Exposed to Polychlorinated Biphenyl and Polybrominated Biphenyl
Authors: Neblett Michael F. , Curtis Sarah W. , Gerkowicz Sabrina A. , Spencer Jessica B. , Terrell Metrecia L. , Jiang Victoria S. , Marder M. Elizabeth , Barr Dana Boyd , Marcus Michele , Smith Alicia K. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn 1973, accidental contamination of Michigan livestock with polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) led to the establishment of a registry of exposed individuals that have been followed for > 40 years. Besides being exposed to PBBs, this cohort has also been exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a structurally similar class of environmental pollutants, at levels similar to average US exposure. In this study, we examined the association between current serum PCB and PBB levels and various female reproductive health outcomes to build upon previous work and inconsistencies. Participation in this cross-sectional study required a blood draw and completion of a detailed health questionnaire. Analysis included only female participants who had participated between 2012 and 2015 (N = 254). Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to identify associations between serum PCB and PBB levels with each gynecological and infertility outcome. Additionally, a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to evaluate each pregnancy and birth outcome in order to account for multiple pregnancies per woman. We controlled for age, body mass index, and total lipid levels in all analyses. A p-value of <0.05 was used for statistical significance. Among the women who reported ever being pregnant, there was a significant negative association with higher total PCB levels associating with fewer lifetime pregnancies ( β = −0.11, 95% CI = −0.21 to −0.005, p = 0.04). There were no correlations between serum PCB levels and the self-reported gynecological outcomes (pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or uterine fibroids). No associations were identified between serum PCB levels and the prevalence of female infertility in women reporting ever having sexual intercourse with a male partner. There were no associations identified between serum PCB levels and pregnancy outcomes (singleton live births or miscarriages) or birth outcomes (preterm birth, birth weight, birth defects, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, or gestational diabetes). PBB was not associated with any outcome. Further research is needed to determine if and how PCB may reduce pregnancy number.
Capture and light-induced release of antibiotics by an azo dye polymer
Authors: Atkins Stephen , Chueh Alysa , Barwell Taylor , Nunzi Jean-Michel , Seroude Laurent 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe isomerisation of azo dyes can induce conformational changes which have potential applications in medicine and environmental protection. We developed an agar diffusion assay to test the capture and release of biologically active molecules from an azo electro-optic polymer, Poly (Disperse Red 1 methacrylate) (DR1/PMMA). The assay monitors the growth of bacteria placed in soft agar under a glass coverslip. Antibiotics can then be applied on the coverslip resulting in the clearance of the area under the coverslip due to growth inhibition. This assay demonstrates that DR1/PMMA is able to capture either tetracycline or ampicillin and the relative amount of DR1/PMMA required for capture was determined. Finally, the active antibiotics can be released from DR1/PMMA by exposure to green laser light. Exposure to white light from a torch or to heat does not release the antibiotic.
Stainless steel bipolar plate coated with polyaniline/Zn-Porphyrin composites coatings for proton exchange membrane fuel cell
Authors: Deyab M. A. , Mele G. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe proton exchange membrane fuel cells are the promising sustainable energy sources. The present study focuses on the enhancement the fuel cell performance and the protection of the stainless steel bipolar plate from the corrosion using polyaniline/Zn-Porphyrin composites coatings. The electrochemical properties (polarization and impedance) of the coated 303 stainless steel in 1.0 M H2SO4 solution have been evaluated. The coated 303 stainless steel by new composites exhibits the excellent anti-corrosion activity towards corrosive fuel cell electrolyte. The polyaniline/Zn-Porphyrin composite gives an excellent performance by adding 1.0% of Zn-Porphyrin. This composite improves the output power of the fuel cell.
Short-term variability and mass loss in Be stars
Authors: Borre C. C. , Baade D. , Pigulski A. , Panoglou D. , Weiss A. , Rivinius Th. , Handler G. , Moffat A. F. J. , Popowicz A. , Wade G. A. , Weiss W. W. , Zwintz K. 
Published: February 2020

Context.Be stars are physically complex systems that continue to challenge theory to understand their rapid rotation, complex variability, and decretion disks.γCassiopeiae (γCas) is one such star but is even more curious because of its unexplained hard thermal X-ray emission.Aims.We aim to examine the optical variability ofγCas and thereby to shed more light on its puzzling behaviour.Methods.We analysed 321 archival Hαspectra from 2006 to 2017 to search for frequencies corresponding to the 203.5 day orbit of the companion. Space photometry from the SMEI satellite from 2003 to 2011 and the BRITE-Constellation of nano-satellites from 2015 to 2019 were investigated in the period range from a couple of hours to a few days.Results.The orbital period of the companion of 203.5 days is confirmed with independent measurements from the structure of the Hαline emission. A strong blue versus red asymmetry in the amplitude distribution across the Hαemission line could hint at a spiral structure in the decretion disk. With the space photometry, the known frequency of 0.82 d−1is confirmed in data from the early 2000s. A higher frequency of 2.48 d−1is present in the data from 2015 to 2019 and possibly in the early 2000s as well. A third frequency at 1.25 d−1is proposed to exist in both SMEI and BRITE data. Seemingly, only a non-radial pulsation interpretation can explain all three variations. The two higher frequencies are incompatible with rotation.
Planetary nebulae seen with TESS: Discovery of new binary central star candidates from Cycle 1
Authors: Aller A. , Lillo-Box J. , Jones D. , Miranda L. F. , Barceló Forteza S. 
Published: February 2020

Context. It has become clear in recent years that binarity plays a crucial role in many aspects of planetary nebulae (PNe), particularly with regard to the striking morphologies they exhibit. To date, there are nearly 60 known binary central stars of PNe (bCSPNe). However, both theory and observation indicate that this figure represents only the tip of the iceberg, with the Galactic PN population hosting orders of magnitude more stars.
Aims. We are involved in a search for new bCSPNe with the aim of enhancing the statistical validation of the key role of binarity in the formation and shaping of PNe. New discoveries of bCSPNe and their characterization carry important implications not only for understanding PN evolution, but also for studying binary evolution and the common-envelope phase, which is still poorly understood.
Methods. We used data from the TESS satellite to search for variability in the eight CSPNe that belong to the two-minute cadence of preselected targets in Cycle 1, with their available pipeline-extracted light curves. We identified strong periodicities and analysed them in the context of the binary scenario.
Results. All the CSPNe but one (Abell 15) show clear signs of periodic variability in TESS. The cause of this variability can be attributed to different effects, some of them requiring the presence of a companion star. We find simple sinusoidal modulations in several of the systems, compatible with irradiation effects. In addition, two of the central stars (PG 1034+001 and NGC 5189) also show photometric variations due to ellipsoidal variations and other signs of variability that are probably caused by star spots or relativistic Doppler-beaming. The case of the well-studied Helix Nebula is of particular interest; here we constructed a series of binary models to explain the modulations we see in the light curve. We find that the variability constrains the possible companion to be very low-mass main-sequence star or sub-stellar object. We also identify, in substantial detail, the individual pulsation frequencies of NGC 246.
Spectral and atmospheric characterisation of a new benchmark brown dwarf HD 13724 B
Authors: Rickman E. L. , Ségransan D. , Hagelberg J. , Beuzit J.-L. , Cheetham A. , Delisle J.-B. , Forveille T. , Udry S. 
Published: February 2020

Context. HD 13724 is a nearby solar-type star at 43.48 ± 0.06 pc hosting a long-period low-mass brown dwarf detected with the CORALIE echelle spectrograph as part of the historical CORALIE radial-velocity search for extra-solar planets. The companion has a minimum mass of 26.77−2.2+4.4 MJup and an expected semi-major axis of ~240 mas making it a suitable target for further characterisation with high-contrast imaging, in particular to measure its inclination, mass, and spectrum and thus establish its substellar nature.
Aims. Using high-contrast imaging with the SPHERE instrument on the Very Large Telescope (VLT), we are able to directly image a brown dwarf companion to HD 13724 and obtain a low-resolution spectrum.
Methods. We combine the radial-velocity measurements of CORALIE and HARPS taken over two decades and high-contrast imaging from SPHERE to obtain a dynamical mass estimate. From the SPHERE data we obtain a low-resolution spectrum of the companion from Y to J band, as well as photometric measurements from IRDIS in the J, H, and K bands.
Results. Using high-contrast imaging with the SPHERE instrument at the VLT, we report the first images of a brown dwarf companion orbiting the host star HD 13724. It has an angular separation of 175.6 ± 4.5 mas and an H-band contrast of 10.61 ± 0.16 mag, and using the age estimate of the star to be ~1 Gyr gives an isochronal mass estimate of ~44 MJup. By combining radial-velocity and imaging data we also obtain a dynamical mass of 50.5−3.5+3.3 MJup. Through fitting an atmospheric model, we estimate a surface gravity of logg = 5.5 and an effective temperature of 1000 K. A comparison of its spectrum with observed T dwarfs estimates a spectral type of T4 or T4.5, with a T4 object providing the best fit.
Asteroseismology of evolved stars to constrain the internal transport of angular momentum
Authors: den Hartogh J. W. , Eggenberger P. , Deheuvels S. 
Published: February 2020

Context. The internal characteristics of stars, such as their core rotation rates, are obtained via asteroseismic observations. A comparison of core rotation rates found in this way with core rotation rates as predicted by stellar evolution models demonstrate a large discrepancy. This means that there must be a process of angular momentum transport missing in the current theory of stellar evolution. A new formalism was recently proposed to fill in for this missing process, which has the Tayler instability as its starting point (by Fuller et al. 2019, MNRAS, 485, 3661, hereafter referred to as “Fuller-formalism”).
Aims. We investigate the effect of the Fuller-formalism on the internal rotation of stellar models with an initial mass of 2.5 M⊙.
Methods. Stellar evolution models, including the Fuller-formalism, of intermediate-mass stars were calculated to make a comparison between asteroseismically obtained core rotation rates in the core He burning phase and in the white dwarf phase.
Results. Our main results show that models including the Fuller-formalism can match the core rotation rates obtained for the core He burning phases. However, these models are unable to match the rotation rates obtained for white dwarfs. When we exclude the Fuller-formalism at the end of the core He burning phase, the white dwarf rotation rates of the models match the observed rates.
Conclusions. We conclude that in the present form, the Fuller-formalism cannot be the sole solution for the missing process of angular momentum transport in intermediate-mass stars.