bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional reconstruction of individual helical nano-filament structures from atomic force microscopy topographs
Authors: Lutter Liisa , Serpell Christopher J. , Tuite Mick F. , Serpell Louise C. , Xue Wei-Feng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAtomic force microscopy, AFM, is a powerful tool that can produce detailed topographical images of individual nano-structures with a high signal-to-noise ratio without the need for ensemble averaging. However, the application of AFM in structural biology has been hampered by the tip-sample convolution effect, which distorts images of nano-structures, particularly those that are of similar dimensions to the cantilever probe tips used in AFM. Here we show that the tip-sample convolution results in a feature-dependent and non-uniform distribution of image resolution on AFM topographs. We show how this effect can be utilised in structural studies of nano-sized upward convex objects such as spherical or filamentous molecular assemblies deposited on a flat surface, because it causes ‘magnification’ of such objects in AFM topographs. Subsequently, this enhancement effect is harnessed through contact-point based deconvolution of AFM topographs. Here, the application of this approach is demonstrated through the 3D reconstruction of the surface envelope of individual helical amyloid filaments without the need of cross-particle averaging using the contact-deconvoluted AFM topographs. Resolving the structural variations of individual macromolecular assemblies within inherently heterogeneous populations is paramount for mechanistic understanding of many biological phenomena such as amyloid toxicity and prion strains. The approach presented here will also facilitate the use of AFM for high-resolution structural studies and integrative structural biology analysis of single molecular assemblies.
Comparison of kinetic and enzymatic properties of intracellular phosphoserine aminotransferases from alkaliphilic and neutralophilic bacteria
Authors: Koivulehto Marianne , Battchikova Natalia , Korpela Saara , Khalikova Elvira , Zavialov Anton , Korpela Timo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntracellular pyridoxal 5´-phosphate (PLP) -dependent recombinant phosphoserine aminotransferases (PSATs; EC 2.6.1.52) from two alkaliphilicBacillusstrains were overproduced inEscherichia coli, purified to homogeneity and their enzymological characteristics were compared to PSAT from neutralophilicE. coli. Some of the enzymatic characteristics of the PSATs from the alkaliphiles were unique, showing high and sharp pH optimal of the activity related to putative internal pH inside the microbes. The specific activities of all of the studied enzymes were similar (42-44 U/mg) as measured at the pH optima of the enzymes. The spectrophotometric acid-base titration of the PLP chromophore of the enzymes from the alkaliphiles showed that the pH optimum of the activity appeared at the pH wherein the active sites were half-protonated. Detachment of PLP from holoenzymes did not take place even at pH up to 11. The kinetics of the activity loss at acid and alkaline pHs were similar in all three enzymes and followed similar kinetics. The available 3-D structural data is discussed as well as the role of protons at the active site of aminotransferases.
Green Organic Solvent-Free Oxidation of Alkylarenes with tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide Catalyzed by Water-Soluble Copper Complex
Authors: Ajjou Abdelaziz Nait , Rahman Ateeq 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDifferent benzylic compounds were efficiently oxidized to the corresponding ketones with aqueous 70% tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) and the catalytic system composed of CuCl2.2H2O and 2,2’-biquinoline-4,4’-dicarboxylic acid dipotassium salt (BQC). The catalytic system CuCl2/BQC/TBHP allows obtaining high yields at room temperature under organic solvent-free conditions. The interest of this system lies in its cost effectiveness and its benign nature towards the environment. Benzylic tertbutylperoxy ethers and benzylic alcohols were observed and suggested as the reaction intermediates. Analysis of organic products by atomic absorption did not show any contamination with copper metal. In terms of efficiency, CuCl2/BQC system is comparable or superior to the most of the catalytic systems described in the literature and which are based on toxic organic solvent.
Studies on the Anti-Gouty Arthritis and Anti-hyperuricemia Properties of Astilbin in Animal Models
Authors: Yan Han , Li Lanzhou , Jiang Xue , Li Shaopeng , Chang Zecheng , Fei Xiaofang , Li Zhiping 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate potential anti-gouty effect of astilbin (AS) and its possible mechanisms. In mice with hyperuricemia induced by potassium oxonate (OXO) and yeast extract powder (YEP), AS and febuxostat (FB) reduced the serum uric acid (UA) and xanthine oxidase (XO). Moreover, AS and FB reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species and increased the content of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase and catalase present in the serum. In acute gouty arthritis rats induced by intraarticular monosodium urate crystal injection, AS and Colchicine (COL) alleviated the ankle joints swelling, and reduced the inflammatory cell infiltration. AS also reduced the levels of interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 in liver. The present study first confirmed the anti-gouty effect of AS in mice with hyperuricemia and rats with acute gouty arthritis, which provides the experimental evidence for further evaluation of AS as a candidate for gout treatment.
Functionalization of Congo red dye as a light harvester on solar cell
Authors: Setyawati Harsasi , Darmokoesoemo Handoko , Murwani Irmina Kris , Permana Ahmadi Jaya , Rochman Faidur 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe demands of ecofriendly technologies to produce a reliable supply of renewable energy on a large scale remains a challenge. A solar cell based on DSSC (Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell) technology is environmentally friendly and holds the promise of a high efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. This manuscript describes the development of a light harvester system as a main part of a DSSC. Congo red dye has been functionalized with metals (Fe, Co, Ni), forming a series of complexes that serve as a novel light harvester on the solar cell. Metal-congo red complexes have been characterized by UV-VIS and FTIR spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. The performance of metal complexes in capturing photons from sunlight has been investigated in a solar cell device. The incorporation of metals to congo red successfully improved of the congo red efficiency as follows: Fe(II)-congo red, Co(II)-congo red and Ni(II)-congo red had efficiencies of 8.17%, 6.13% and 2.65%, respectively. This research also discusses the effect of metal ions on the ability of congo red to capture energy from sunlight.
Hydrogen-Free Deoxygenation of Bio-Oil Model Compounds over Sulfur-Free Polymer Supported Catalysts
Authors: Stepacheva Antonina A. , Markova Mariia E. , Lugovoy Yury V. , Chalov Kirill V. , Sulman Mikhail G. , Matveeva Valentina G. , Panfilov Viktor I. , Sulman Esther M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHydrotreatment of bio-oil oxygen compounds allows the final product to be effectively used as a liquid transportation fuel from biomass. Deoxygenation is considered to be one of the most promising ways for bio-oil upgrading. In the current work, we describe a novel approach for the deoxygenation of bio-oil model compounds (anisole, guaiacol) using supercritical fluids as both the solvent and hydrogen-donors. We estimated the possibility of the use of complex solvent consisting of non-polar n-hexane with low critical points (Tc = 234.5 ºC, Pc = 3.02 MPa) and propanol-2 used as H-donor. The experiments were performed without catalysts and in the presence of noble and transition metals hydrothermally deposited on the polymeric matrix of hypercrosslinked polystyrene (HPS). The experiments showed that the presence of 20 vol. % of propanol-2 in n-hexane results in the highest (up to 99%) conversion of model compounds. When the process was carried out without a catalyst, phenols were found to be a major product yielding up to 95 %. The use of Pd- and Co-containing catalyst yielded 90 % of aromatic compounds (benzene and toluene) while in the presence of Ru and Ni cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane (up to 98 %) were the main products.
Evaluation of stabiliser material using a waste additive mixture
Authors: Aziz Hussein Yousif , Maula Baydaa Hussain , Abbas Basim Jabbar 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
To eliminate problems caused by gypsum soil in Iraq (due to gypsum salt under building foundations and projects), this study evaluates the effect of using the proposed stabiliser additives (vehicle waste oil and asphalt powder) to produce a composite enhancement material as a novel solution by examining the shear strength of the gypseous soil using the direct shear and constant head permeability tests. Three burned-oil weights were used (3%, 5%, and 7% by dry soil weight), which were mixed with a constant quantity of asphalt powder (10% of the sample weight) to investigate the shear strength of the composite material. Several factors were considered in this study, including soaking time and moisture content.
The main findings reveal that composite material could improve the strength of the gypseous soil. The stabiliser reduces water leakage and percolation by forming an impermeable layer with a very fine texture, causing a significant reduction in the permeability coefficient, which improves the gypseous soil and reduces the collapse phenomenon.
Optimisation of stress distribution in a highly loaded radial-axial gas microturbine using FEM
Authors: Zych Paweł , Żywica Grzegorz 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The article discusses the stress optimisation process of the highly loaded disc of a high-speed radial-axial microturbine. At the design stage, the strength optimisation is vitally important for these types of devices because they must withstand very high temperatures (600∘C in this case) and be capable of operating at high rotational speeds (96,000 rpm in this case). Calculations were made using a three dimensional FE numerical model. The optimisation process is strictly connected with the choice of materials — which in this case are Inconel 738 (nickel-cobalt super alloy) and silicon nitride. Several stress reduction methods were developed, which took into account the mass of the disc, the rotational speed of the rotor and the complex shape of the rear part of the disc. Numerical computations helped to choose the best optimisation method, which decreased maximum reduced von Mises stresses by about 45% (from 1,288 MPa to 705 MPa). The methods proposed in this article are universal and can be implemented in the design process of various high-speed radial-axial microturbines. This article could be of interest to scientists and engineers who deal with highly loaded microturbines, which are increasingly used in many industrial sectors.
Behavior and properties of tin slag polyester polymer concrete confined with FRP composites under compression
Authors: Shakil Usaid Ahmed , Hassan Shukur Bin Abu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Polymer concrete (PC) has acquired niche in construction industry due to superior mechanical properties, recyclability and adoption of variety of aggregates. This workpresents compressive behavior and properties of one such novel PC i.e. tin slag/polyester polymer concrete. Comparable siliceous content of tin slag was considered promising to provide better mechanical strength as in natural aggregates. Cylindrical short column specimens were fabricated to be tested under quasi-isostatic loading rate of 1 mm/min. Three different aggregate sizes in gap-graded configuration were tested to assess influence on mechanical properties. In addition, specimens were confined with GFRP and CFRP to determine and compare mechanical behavior with Portland Cement Concrete (PCC). Coarsest size (4+2 mm) aggregate offered the highest strength of 37.71 MPa for unconfined sample. This performance of coarsest size persisted in confined condition with compressive strength increment of 69.68 MPa (84.7%) and 98.36 MPa (160.8%) for one and two layers GFRP; 86 MPa (128.05%) and 125.07 MPa (231.66)% for one and two-layer CFRP, respectively. It was concluded that both increment in aggregate size and number of layers improved the compressive strength.
A new approach on lithium-induced neurotoxicity using rat neuronal cortical culture: Involvement of oxidative stress and lysosomal/mitochondrial toxic Cross-Talk
Authors: Yousefsani Bahareh Sadat , Askian Romina , Pourahmad Jalal 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Lithium (Li) is a widely-used medication for the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. Li causes different complications. One of the most important adverse effects of Li is neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicity is usually irreversible which may lead to very important complications. The symptoms of Li-induced neurotoxicity include tremor, delirium, seizures, coma, and death. In this study, we wanted to evaluate the exact sub-cellular mechanisms of Li-induced neurotoxicity.
For this purpose, we used primary neuronal cortical culture for investigating lithium-induced neurotoxicity. We applied the postnatal rat pups for isolating the cortical neurons. After that, we evaluated neural viability, neural reactive oxygen specious (ROS), lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lysosomal membrane integrity (LMI), and reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione.
Our results demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect of Li has mediated through lysosomal membrane leakage associated with ROS formation and reduction of MMP. Furthermore, the incubation of isolated neurons with Li caused rapid GSH depletion (as GSSG efflux) as another marker of cellular oxidative stress.
We concluded that Li causes neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, Li-induced neurotoxicity is a result of the generation of ROS and LP, which leads to mitochondrial/lysosomal toxic cross-talk.
Mitigation of environmental noise in urban streets through lightweight transparent screens
Authors: Gagliano Antonio , Nocera Francesco , Cicero Andrea , Marletta Luigi , Evola Gianpiero 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Noise pollution is one of the main environmental stressors in urban areas. In particular, strong noise pollution can be experienced at nighttime in downtown areas with intense anthropic activities: here, dwellers may suffer from disturbance to their rest, which induces stress and – in turn – adverse effects on health.
Usually, local authorities implement actions to tackle noise pollution, e.g. limiting the time allowed for outdoor events. However, these measures are often inadequate because the noise annoyance comes directly by the shouting of people spending time outdoors till late night.
In this framework, this study proposes a procedure to optimize the shape of customized lightweight transparent noise screens that can be applied to façades in order to reduce noise disturbance in urban canyons. The case study of the “movida” area in the downtown of Marina di Ragusa (Southern Italy) is discussed to test the applicability of the proposed procedure.
The results of this analysis allow defining the shape and the size of the noise screens that minimize the noise annoyance perceived by residents. The proposed mitigation approach can be applied in cities affected by significant noise pollution.
Cenospheres and their application advantages in biomedical engineering - a systematic review
Authors: Nakonieczny Damian S. , Antonowicz Magdalena , Paszenda Zbigniew K. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Aluminum-silicate cenospheres are the most valuable residue present in fly ashes after combusting stone coal. Cenospheres are hollow bodies with desirable engineering properties, such as hardness, low bulk density and complete chemical inertness, thanks to which they can be used in biomedical engineering. The following review presents data on obtaining and processing the material, as well as potential biomedical applications.
Pollutant Levels Comparison in Tofu Industrial and Domestic Wastewater in Ternate City
Authors: Muliyadi Muliyadi , Safrudin Danti Juniarsi 
Published: May 2020

Tofu industry wastewater have become important issues that arise in line with the increasing in human population and the development progress. Tofu industry is one of the fast growing industries in Indonesia, this causes an increase in the amount of waste of tofu industry in Indonesia, especially in Ternate (Asadiya & Karnaningroem, 2018). The purpose of this study was to determine Comparison of pollutant levels in tofu industrial wastewater and Domestic Wastewater in Ternate City. The sample of this research was 1 litre of tofu industrial wastewater and 1 litre domestic wastewater. This type of research is analytic descriptive. This research was conducted at Chemistry laboratory at health polytechnic of ternate and university of unkhair. The test results of tofu wastewater showed that the TSS parameters were 416 mg / L, TDS 1,389 mg / L, DO 4 ppm, pH 7 and BOD 62.8 mg / L. Meanwhile, Tests result of domestic wastewater shows that TDS 839 mg / L, TSS 379 mg / L DO 5.4 ppm, pH 10 and BOD 49.6 mg / L. in conclusion, tofu wastewater has worse quality compared to domestic wastewater. It is recommended that the tofu industry can take the initiative in treating the wastewater produced before disposing it into the environment
Análisis del Costo-Beneficio, para el tránsito de cultivos de carácter ilícito, a cultivos lícitos para facilitar el desarrollo de los agronegocios en la región del Catatumbo
Authors: Jiménez-Rodríguez Luís-Alfredo , Gamboa-Suarez Ramiro , Vergel-Pérez Denys-Maria 
Published: May 2020

Objetivo: Contrastar el Costo/Beneficio del cultivo ilegal versus el cultivo legal, producto de la erradicación voluntaria en el Municipio de Hacarí, Norte de Santander. Método: La investigación se cimento en el paradigma positivista, metodología cuantitativa y enfoque correlacional. La población objeto de estudio se circunscribe a los encargados de las juntas de acción comunal del municipio y los cultivadores quienes abordaron la sustitución voluntaria del cultivo de la coca. La técnica de recolección de información aplicada, fue la encuesta a través de la aplicación de un cuestionario. Resultados: Se encontró que no existe información sobre las hectáreas, las rotaciones de cultivo e inversiones en insumos, además se pudo evidenciar el número de hectáreas sembradas con coca crecieron y que los cultivadores quienes sustituyeron no han recibido ayuda por parte del gobierno, asimismo, se evidenció que están aún hay presiones indebidas, con el agravante de que la sustitución ha sido voluntaria y con costos elevados. Discusiones: Pese a que existen programas del estado, todavía hay poca credibilidad en la solución al problema, los costos de insumos son cada vez elevados y se siente el descuido social de la región y la presión de los fuerzas al margen de la ley. Conclusiones: El cultivo por hectáreas de cultivos ilícitos genera más jornales que una de lícito, los cultivos ilícitos son más rentables en el tiempo. Las rastras del proceso investigativo asumido han arrojado respuestas esperanzadoras donde se demuestra técnicamente que existe un potencial agrícola aun no explotado en su totalidad, que es de uso legal y que resulta más atractivo que los cultivos de uso ilícito.
Fiona’s FVII footprint
Authors: Mulders Greta , Tuinhout Mirjam 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Factor VII deficiency is a rare inheritable bleeding disorder that can be challenging to manage. Blood activity levels do not correlate with bleeding risk, and prophylaxis is a more difficult treatment option than for people with haemophilia due to the short half-life of factor VII. Acute bleeding manifestations and long-term complications are similar to those associated with haemophilia. This case study illustrates the psychological and physical impact of severe factor VII deficiency on a woman with impaired mobility due to haemarthropathy who must retain her independence to provide care for her elderly parents. She self-manages her joint pain and bleeding risk, but her life is limited by the need to avoid injury and her reluctance to engage fully with health services.
Factores que afectan el proceso de vigilancia epidemiológica de la mortalidad materna en el departamento del Cauca
Authors: Delgado Noguera Mario , Daza Córdoba Carmen 
Published: May 2020

ANTECEDENTES: En el departamento del Cauca la tasa de mortalidad materna se ha incrementado. En el periodo 1991-1996 ha pasado de 1.5 a 2.3 muertes por 1000 nacidos vivos. Esta tasa se sitúa por encima de la nacional. La vigilancia en salud pública se ha visto afectada por el cambio de régimen de seguridad social.DISEÑO: Investigación cualitativa por medio de grupos localesCONTEXTO: Grupos encargados de la vigilancia epidemiológica de la mortalidad materna en hospitales locales de 14 municipios del departamento del CaucaPARTICIPANTES: 14 grupos de Vigilancia reunidos en 4 grupos locales, muestreados por convenienciaPRINCIPALES MEDICIONES: Los grupos de vigilancia se reunieron en 4 grupos locales agrupados por vecindad geográfica y cultural por medio de grabación de audio y video. El análisis se realizó por medio de las técnicas de identificación de temas y densidad de incidencia.RESULTADOS: Los principales factores identificados por los grupos: Falta de continuidad del personal a cargo, Influencia negativa del proceso de aplicación de la nueva ley de seguridad social, Registro de datos de la mortalidad materna sin análisis, déficit de un sistema estructurado de Vigilancia en salud pública.CONCLUSIONES: Los grupos locales permitieron identificar debilidades en la aplicación de una política estructurada de la dirección departamental de salud con respecto a la vigilancia de la mortalidad materna. Los intentos de aplicación de una política y un sistema de información en este aspecto han encontrado dificultades por la implementación del nuevo régimen de seguridad social en Colombia.