bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Degradability of Plastics in Mangrove Soil from Eco-Mangrove Reserve in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro Philippines
Authors: Marquez Jermaine Ritzchelle 
Published: August 2018

Mangrove forests are indigenous to tropical as well as subtropical regions worldwide. Mangrove soil is a rich source of plastic-degrading bacteria but no local study has been done to support its potential benefits. This study was conducted to assess the suitability of an improvised nutrient medium for the isolation of plastic-degrading bacteria from mangrove soil obtained from Silonay Eco-Mangrove Reserve, Calapan City, Philippines. Forty-Two (42) Winogradsky column WC), the first 21 WC contain mineral salt medium and the remaining 21 contain sea salt medium. Plastic samples were observed for 36 days by comparing the initial and final weights. WC with mineral salt medium showed the most changes in the final plastic weight while the seawater medium Winogradsky column showed less plastic weight changes. Laboratory test showed that plastic degrading bacteria that were gram-negative were Citrobacter fruendii, Enterobacter agglomerans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Arizona spp. The study showed that mangrove soil in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro is a rich source of biodegrading bacteria. The use of improvised nutrient medium solves the unavailability of expensive materials and can be used in exploring the potential use of identified bacteria for future work in biotechnology. Further studies need to be done to investigate other bacterial species aside from identified bacteria that can biodegrade plastics.
On Generalized Solutions of Linear Congruence ax = b (mod n) for Large Modulus n
Authors: Cuarto Polemer M. 
Published: August 2018

Number Theory, a branch of Pure Mathematics, is crucial in cryptographic algorithms. Many cryptographic systems depend heavily on some topics of Number Theory. One of these topics is the linear congruence. In cryptography, the concept of linear congruence is used to directly underpin public key cryptosystems during the process of ciphering and deciphering codes. Thus, linear congruence plays a very important role in cryptography. This paper aims to develop an alternative method and generalized solutions for solving linear congruence axb (mod n). This study utilized expository-developmental research method. As a result, the alternative method considered two cases: (1) when (a,n) = 1 and (2) when (a,n) > 1. The basic idea of the method is to convert the given congruence ax â‰¡ b (mod n) to ax b + kn for some k, reduce modulus n by interchanging a and n, simplify the new congruence and perform the process recursively until obtaining a congruence that is trivial to solve. The advantage of this method over the existing approaches is that it can solve congruence even for large modulus n with much more efficiency. Generalized solution of linear congruence axb (mod n) considering both cases was obtained in this study.
Recent Progress in Applications of the Cold Sintering Process for Ceramic–Polymer Composites
Authors: Guo Jing , Zhao Xuetong , Herisson De Beauvoir Thomas , Seo Joo‐Hwan , Berbano Seth S. , Baker Amanda L. , Azina Clio , Randall Clive A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCeramic–polymer composites are of interest for designing enhanced and unique properties. However, the processing temperature windows of sintering ceramics are much higher than that of compaction, extrusion, or sintering of polymers, and thus traditionally there has been an inability to cosinter ceramic–polymer composites in a single step with high amounts of ceramics. The cold sintering process is a low‐temperature sintering technology recently developed for ceramics and ceramic‐based composites. A wide variety of ceramic materials have now been demonstrated to be densified under the cold sintering process and therefore can be all cosintered with polymers from room temperature to 300 °C. Here, the status, understanding, and application of cold cosintering, with different examples of ceramics and polymers, are discussed. One has to note that these types of cold sintering processes are yet new, and a full understanding will only emerge after more ceramic–polymer examples emerge and different research groups build upon these early observations. The general processing, property designs, and an outlook on cold sintering composites are outlined. Ultimately, the cold sintering process could open up a new multimaterial design space and impact the field of ceramic–polymer composites.
Dynamically Actuated Liquid‐Infused Poroelastic Film with Precise Control over Droplet Dynamics
Authors: Oh Inkyu , Keplinger Christoph , Cui Jiaxi , Chen Jiehao , Whitesides George M. , Aizenberg Joanna , Hu Yuhang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTraditional dynamic adaptive materials rely on an atomic/molecular mechanism of phase transition to induce macroscopic switch of properties, but only a small number of these materials and a limited responsive repertoire are available. Here, liquid as the adaptive component is utilized to realize responsive functions. Paired with a porous matrix that can be put in motion by an actuated dielectric elastomer film, the uncontrolled global flow of liquid is broken down to well‐defined reconfigurable localized flow within the pores and conforms to the network deformation. A detailed theoretical and experimental study of such a dynamically actuated liquid‐infused poroelastic film is discussed. This system demonstrates its ability to generate tunable surface wettability that can precisely control droplet dynamics from complete pinning, to fast sliding, and even more complex motions such as droplet oscillation, jetting, and mixing. This system also allows for repeated and seamless switch among these different droplet manipulations. These are desired properties in many applications such as reflective display, lab‐on‐a‐chip, optical device, dynamic measurements, energy harvesting, and others.
Difference‐Frequency Generation in Polaritonic Intersubband Nonlinear Metasurfaces
Authors: Liu Yingnan , Lee Jongwon , March Stephen , Nookala Nishant , Palaferri Daniele , Klem John F. , Bank Seth R. , Brener Igal , Belkin Mikhail A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA nonlinear intersubband polaritonic metasurface designed for difference‐frequency generation that provides a practical level of nonlinear response under continuous wave illumination is reported. An effective nonlinear susceptibility of up to 340 nm V−1 is measured experimentally. Approximately 0.3% of λ = 5.4 µm photons are downconverted to λ = 12.9 µm photons at the focal spot in the experiment. This work indicates that the ultrathin metasurface devices may provide a versatile nonlinear element for frequency down‐ and upconversion in a relatively broad spectral range and without phase‐matching constrains of traditional bulk nonlinear crystals.
Optical Gaps of Organic Solar Cells as a Reference for Comparing Voltage Losses
Authors: Wang Yuming , Qian Deping , Cui Yong , Zhang Huotian , Hou Jianhui , Vandewal Koen , Kirchartz Thomas , Gao Feng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe voltage loss, determined by the difference between the optical gap (Eg) and the open‐circuit voltage (VOC), is one of the most important parameters determining the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the variety of different methods used to determine Eg makes it hard to fairly compare voltages losses among different material systems. In this paper, the authors discuss and compare various Eg determination methods and show how they affect the detailed calculation of voltage losses, as well as predictions of the maximum achievable power conversion efficiency. The aim of this paper is to make it possible for the OSC community to compare voltage losses in a consistent and reasonable way. It is found that the voltage losses for strongly absorbed photons in state‐of‐the‐art OSCs are not much less than 0.6 V, which still must be decreased to further enhance efficiency.
Dithiafulvenyl‐Naphthalenediimide‐based Small Molecules as efficient Non‐Fullerene Electron‐Transport Layer for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shaikh Dada B. , Said Ahmed Ali , Bhosale Rajesh S. , Chen Wangqiao , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Puyad Avinash L. , Bhosale Sheshanath V. , Zhang Qichun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNovel dithiafulvenyl (DTF)‐naphthalenediimide (NDI) derivatives DS1 and DS2 has been designed, synthesized and characterized. To replace the costly PCBM in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), we here propose these materials. DS1 and DS2 were employed as electron transport layers (ETL) to fabricate inverted PSCs based on CH3NH3PbI3‐xClx. The best power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of inverted PSCs based on DS1 and DS2 exhibit 9.6% and 11.4%, respectively. The difference in PCE values revealed that DS2 bearing two DTF moieties on NDI core could enhance the PCE compared to DS1 containing one DTF moiety. Our results suggest that NDI‐based small molecules could be employed as a promising ETL in inverted PSCs to achieve high efficiency.
Dendrimer–N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine modulates monophagocytic response in adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Turk Bela R. , Nemeth Christina L. , Marx Joel S. , Tiffany Carol , Jones Richard , Theisen Benjamin , Kambhampati Siva , Ramireddy Raj , Singh Sarabdeep , Rosen Melissa , Kaufman Miriam L. , Murray Connor F. , Watkins Paul A. , Kannan Sujatha , Kannan Rangaramanujam , Fatemi Ali 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveX‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a neurodegenerative disorder due to mutations in the peroxisomal very long‐chain fatty acyl‐CoA transporter, ABCD1, with limited therapeutic options. ALD may manifest in a slowly progressive adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) phenotype, or switch to rapid inflammatory demyelinating cerebral disease (cALD), in which microglia have been shown to play a pathophysiological role. The aim of this study was to determine the role of patient phenotype in the immune response of ex vivo monophagocytic cells to stimulation, and to evaluate the efficacy of polyamidoamine dendrimer conjugated to the antioxidant precursor N‐acetyl‐cysteine (NAC) in modulating this immune response.MethodsHuman monophagocytic cells were derived from fresh whole blood, from healthy (n = 4), heterozygote carrier (n = 4), AMN (n = 7), and cALD (n = 4) patients. Cells were exposed to very long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFAs; C24:0 and C26:0) and treated with dendrimer‐NAC (D‐NAC).ResultsEx vivo exposure to VLCFAs significantly increased tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and glutamate secretion from cALD patient macrophages. Additionally, a significant reduction in total intracellular glutathione was observed in cALD patient cells. D‐NAC treatment dose‐dependently reduced TNFα and glutamate secretion and replenished total intracellular glutathione levels in cALD patient macrophages, more efficiently than NAC. Similarly, D‐NAC treatment decreased glutamate secretion in AMN patient cells.InterpretationALD phenotypes display unique inflammatory profiles in response to VLCFA stimulation, and therefore ex vivo monophagocytic cells may provide a novel test bed for therapeutic agents. Based on our findings, D‐NAC may be a viable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cALD. Ann Neurol 2018;84:452–462
Chemoselektive Aktivierung von Diethylphosphonaten: modulare Synthese von biologisch relevanten phosphonylierten Grundgerüsten
Authors: Adler Pauline , Pons Amandine , Li Jing , Heider Jörg , Brutiu Bogdan R. , Maulide Nuno 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPhosphonate haben wegen ihrer einzigartigen biologischen Aktivitäten und ihres Synthesepotentials seit Jahren beachtliche Aufmerksamkeit erhalten. Modernste Methoden für die Herstellung von gemischten Phosphonaten, Phosphonamidaten, Phosphonothioaten und Phosphinaten beruhen auf harschen und wenig selektiven Reaktionsbedingungen. Hier wird eine milde Methode zur modularen Herstellung von phosphorylierten Derivaten, viele davon mit interessanten biologischen Aktivitäten, über chemoselektive Aktivierung mittels Trifluormethansulfonsäure‐Anhydrid beschrieben. Diese Vorgehensweise ermöglicht eine flexible und sogar iterative Substitution mit einem breiten Spektrum an O‐, S‐, N‐ und C‐Nukleophilen.
Nanoskopische Bildgebung der Vernetzungsdichte in Polymernetzwerken mittels Diarylethen‐Photoschaltern
Authors: Siemes Eric , Nevskyi Oleksii , Sysoiev Dmytro , Turnhoff Sarah K. , Oppermann Alex , Huhn Thomas , Richtering Walter , Wöll Dominik 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDie nanoskopische In‐situ‐Bildgebung weicher Polymerstrukturen ist für das Verständnis der Zusammenhänge von Struktur, Eigenschaften und Funktionalität im nm‐Bereich entscheidend. Die Vernetzung von Polymerketten legt die viskoelastischen Eigenschaften eines Gels fest, und die Korrelation zwischen mechanischen Eigenschaften und der Verteilung und Menge an Vernetzern ist für Anwendungen und ein elementares Verständnis von Polymeren auf der molekularen Ebene relevant. Hier wird eine auf superauflösender Fluoreszenzmikroskopie basierende Methodik zur Visualisierung und Quantifizierung von Vernetzungspunkten in Polymersystemen vorgestellt. Ein neuartiger Diarylethen‐Photoschalter mit stark fluoreszierender geschlossener und nicht‐fluoreszierender offener Form wird als photoschaltbarer Vernetzer in ein Polymernetzwerk eingebaut. Seine photophysikalischen Eigenschaften, sein Schaltverhalten und seine hohe Photostabilität machen ihn zu einem idealen Kandidaten für photoaktivierte Lokalisationsmikroskopie. Als Anwendungsbeispiel wurden pNIPAM‐Mikrogele untersucht, die bekanntlich hohe Variationen in ihrer internen Vernetzungsdichte aufweisen.
Molecular Engineering of Free‐Base Porphyrins as Ligands—The N−H⋅⋅⋅X Binding Motif in Tetrapyrroles
Authors: Kielmann Marc , Senge Mathias O. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe core N−H units of planar porphyrins are often inaccessible to forming hydrogen‐bonding complexes with acceptor molecules. This is due to the fact that the amine moieties are “shielded” by the macrocyclic system, impeding the formation of intermolecular H‐bonds. However, methods exist to modulate the tetrapyrrole conformations and to reshape the vector of N−H orientation outwards, thus increasing their availability and reactivity. Strategies include the use of porpho(di)methenes and phlorins (calixphyrins), as well as saddle‐distorted porphyrins. The former form cavities due to interruption of the aromatic system. The latter are highly basic systems and capable of binding anions and neutral molecules via N−H⋅⋅⋅X‐type H‐bonds. This Review discusses the role of porphyrin(oid) ligands in various coordination‐type complexes, means to access the core for hydrogen bonding, the concept of conformational control, and emerging applications, such as organocatalysis and sensors.
Iron Scavenging in Aspergillus Species: Structural and Biochemical Insights into Fungal Siderophore Esterases
Authors: Ecker Felix , Haas Hubertus , Groll Michael , Huber Eva M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFungi utilize high‐affinity chelators termed siderophores with chemically diverse structures to scavenge the essential nutrient iron from their surroundings. Since they are among the strongest known Fe3+ binding agents, intracellular release of the heavy metal atom is facilitated by the activity of specific hydrolases. In this work, we report the characterization and X‐ray crystal structures of four siderophore esterases: AfEstB and AfSidJ from Aspergillus fumigatus, as well as AnEstB and AnEstA from Aspergillus nidulans. Even though they all display the conserved α/β‐hydrolase fold, we found significant structural and enzymatic discrepancies in their adaption to both related and chemically diverse substrates. A structure of AfEstB in complex with its substrate triacetylfusarinine C gives insight into the active enzyme and shows tetrahedral coordination between the catalytic serine and the scissile ester bond.
Early Detection of Silent Myocardial Impairment in Drug‐Naive Patients With New‐Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Guo Qiang , Wu Lian‐Ming , Wang Zi , Shen Jia‐Yan , Su Xuan , Wang Chang‐Qian , Gong Xing‐Rong , Yan Qing‐Ran , He Qing , Zhang Wei , Xu Jian‐Rong , Jiang Meng , Pu Jun 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveCardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has enabled the assessment of myocardial features, from tissue characteristics to functional changes, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Echocardiography, however, detects cardiac decompensation. This study was undertaken to investigate the use of cardiac MRI to explore early warning signs of silent cardiac involvement and determine treatment timing in SLE.MethodsClinical assessment and cardiac MRI studies were performed in 50 drug‐naive patients with new‐onset SLE, 60 patients with longstanding SLE, and 50 healthy subjects in a 3‐center prospective study.ResultsAnalysis of cardiac enzymes, the presence and size of regional myocardial fibrosis as indicated by late gadolinium enhancement, strain changes, and biventricular ejection fraction did not indicate cardiac impairment in the patients with new‐onset SLE. Native myocardial T1 and extracellular volume (ECV), which are extracellular matrix indices, were elevated in the patients with new‐onset SLE (mean ± SD 1,369 ± 79 msec versus 1,092 ± 57 msec in the control group for native T1; 32 ± 5% versus 24 ± 3% in the control group for ECV; P < 0.001 for both). The elevation was independent of SLE disease activity.ConclusionThis is the first study to indicate that drug‐naive patients with new‐onset SLE, even those with inactive disease, are likely to have silent cardiac impairment. Structural and functional changes in the myocardium are related to SLE disease stage; this finding indicates the value of early detection of myocardial involvement. Native myocardial T1 values and ECV, rather than currently used clinical rheumatic and cardiac indices, could serve as early detection markers of myocardial injury before the presence of visual fibrosis and functional decompensation.
Quarzmehlfreier UHPC mit Kalkstein‐ oder Basaltmehl
Authors: Wetzel Alexander , Piotrowski Siemon , Reinhardt Lena , Middendorf Bernhard 
Published: August 2018

AbstractUltrahochfester Beton wird aktuell in Deutschland insbesondere im Bereich der Betonfertigteile eingesetzt. Seine besonderen Eigenschaften resultieren aus einem geringen Wasser/Bindemittel‐Wert von ca. 0,2 und dem Einsatz von Hochleistungsfließmitteln sowie Feinstoffen zur Optimierung der Packungsdichte. Neben der Verwendung von reaktivem Silikastaub als feinste Komponente ist ferner der Einsatz von Quarzmehl für die optimale Packungsdichte und somit neben weiteren Effekten für die besonders hohe Dauerhaftigkeit und die hohe Druckfestigkeit entscheidend. Da Quarzmehl lungengängig und nachgewiesen karzinogen ist, wird mit Hochdruck nach Alternativen gesucht. In dieser Arbeit wurde auf Basis einer bestehenden UHPC‐Formulierung das Quarzmehl durch Kalkstein‐ und Basaltmehl substituiert. Nach der Optimierung der Frischbetoneigenschaften wurden die Eigenschaften des Festbetons charakterisiert. Die Kriterien eines UHPC können sowohl mit Kalkstein‐ als auch mit Basaltmehl erfüllt werden. Es ergeben sich im Falle von Basaltmehl sogar noch weitere Vorteile bezüglich der mechanischen Eigenschaften.
Ternary Acceptor–Donor–Acceptor Asymmetrical Phenanthroimidazole Molecule for Highly Efficient Near‐Ultraviolet Electroluminescence with External Quantum Efficiency (EQE) >4 %
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhu Ze‐Lin , Zhao Jue‐Wen , He Dan , Wang Zhong‐Yi , Luo Cheng‐Yuan , Tong Qing‐Xiao , Lee Chun‐Sing , Tao Si‐Lu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA new ternary acceptor (A)–donor (D)–acceptor (A) asymmetrically twisted deep‐blue emitting molecule, PPI‐2BI, was synthesized by attaching two electrophilic benzimidazole (BI) units to the C2 and N1 positions of a phenanthroimidazole (PI) donor unit. Profiting from the enhanced D–A electronic coupling, the electron injecting and transporting abilities of the new triangle‐shaped A–D–A molecule are considerably improved and the molecule shows high photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) efficiencies. By using PPI‐2BI as a non‐doped emitting layer (EML), the resulting organic light‐emitting device exhibits emission with color coordinates of (0.158, 0.124) and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE), current efficiency (CE), and power efficiency (PE) of 4.63 %, 4.98 cd A−1, and 4.82 lm W−1, respectively. Additionally, a simple bilayer device using PPI‐2BI as both the EML and the electron‐transporting layer (ETL) also shows an EQE of 3.81 % with little changes to the color purity. Remarkably, a PPI‐2BI‐based doped device emits efficient near‐ultraviolet EL with color coordinates of (0.154, 0.047) and an EQE of 4.12 %, which is comparable to that of the best reported near‐UV emitting devices.
In vivo analyses of radial spoke transport, assembly, repair and maintenance
Authors: Lechtreck Karl F. , Mengoni Ilaria , Okivie Batare , Hilderhoff Kiersten B. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRadial spokes (RSs) are multiprotein complexes that regulate dynein activity. In the cell body, RS proteins (RSPs) are present in a 12S precursor, which enters the flagella and converts into the axoneme‐bound 20S spokes consisting of a head and stalk. To study RS dynamics in vivo, we expressed fluorescent protein (FP)‐tagged versions of the head protein RSP4 and the stalk protein RSP3 to rescue the corresponding Chlamydomonas mutants pf1, lacking spoke heads, and pf14, lacking RSs entirely. RSP3 and RSP4 mostly co‐migrated by intraflagellar transport (IFT). The transport was elevated during flagellar assembly and IFT of RSP4‐FP depended on RSP3. To study RS assembly independently of ciliogenesis, strains expressing FP‐tagged RSPs were mated to untagged cells with, without, or with partial RSs. Tagged RSPs were incorporated in a spotted fashion along wild‐type‐derived flagella indicating an exchange of RSs. During the repair of pf1‐derived axonemes, RSP4‐FP is added onto the preexisting spoke stalks with little exchange of RSP3. Thus, RSP3 and RSP4 are transported together but appear to separate inside flagella during the repair of RSs. The 12S RS precursor encompassing both proteins could represent a transport form to ensure stoichiometric delivery of RSPs into flagella by IFT.
A single GABA neuron receives contacts from myelinated primary afferents of two adjacent peripheral nerves. A possible role in neuropathic pain
Authors: Shehab Safa , Rehmathulla Sumisha , Javed Hayate 
Published: August 2018

AbstractGAD67‐EGFP mice were used in a series of experiments to provide anatomical evidence for the role of the reduction in myelinated primary afferent input to GABA spinal neurons in the production of neuropathic pain following peripheral L5 nerve injury. First, we confirmed that L5 injury in these mice produced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral foot. Second, we injected a mixture of cholera toxin subunit‐B (CTb) and isolectin B4 (IB4) in the sciatic nerve to selectively label its myelinated and unmyelinated primary afferents. Results showed that primary afferents of sciatic nerve extend from L2‐L6 spinal segments. Third, we determined the central terminations of myelinated primary afferents of L4 and L5 spinal nerves following CTb injection in either nerve. The myelinated primary afferents of both nerves terminated in the corresponding and two to three rostral spinal segments with some fibers descending to terminate in the segment caudal to the level at which they entered indicating an intermingling of their terminals at the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Fourthly, we injected CTb in L5 nerve and CTb HRP‐conjugate in L4 nerve. Confocal microscopy and subsequent image analyses showed that individual EGFP‐labeled neurons in L4 segment receive myelinated primary afferent contacts from both L4 and L5 nerves. Eliminating inputs from L5 nerve following its injury would result in less involvement of spinal GABA neurons which would very likely initiate neuronal sensitization in L4 segment. This could lead to the development of hyperalgesia in response to the stimulation of the adjacent uninjured L4 nerve.