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Grazing‐incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS) patterns have multiple superimposed contributions from the shape of the nanoscale structure, the coupling between the particles, the partial pair correlation, and the layer geometry. Therefore, it is not easy to identify the model manually from the huge amounts of combinations. The convolutional neural network (CNN), which is one of the artificial neural networks, can find regularities to classify patterns from large amounts of combinations. CNN was applied to classify GISAXS patterns, focusing on the shape of the nanoparticles. The network found regularities from the GISAXS patterns and showed a success rate of about 90% for the classification. This method can efficiently classify a large amount of experimental GISAXS patterns according to a set of model shapes and their combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the structures of two Se chains confined inside single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), which were denoted as Se@SWCNT, were investigated by extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The Se chains were linear and parallel to each other in the SWCNTs. The covalent bond length of Se@SWCNT was shorter than that of trigonal Se (t-Se), whereas the force constant was larger, thereby suggesting that the covalent bond was stronger for Se@SWCNT than that for t-Se. The interchain interaction originated from the overlap of lone-pair and antibonding orbitals on adjacent chains, so the disappearance of the overlap in the encapsulated Se chains strengthened the covalent bonds. • Structures of Se chains encapsulated (Se@SWCNT) in single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were investigated. • Extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis and transmission electron microscopy were carried out. • Two linear Se chains were parallel to each other in SWCNTs. • Interchain interaction in Se@SWCNT disappeared in contrast to trigonal Se (t-Se). • Covalent bond was shorter and stronger for Se@SWCNT than that for t-Se. • Effect of the interchain interaction on the covalent bond was weaker for Se than Te. • The relative strength of the interchain interactions causes the difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tl LII and In K X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements were performed on a TlInSe2 thermoelectric material in the temperature range of 25–300 K including the incommensurate–commensurate phase transition temperature of about 135 K. Most of the bond lengths obtained from the present XAFS measurements are in good agreement with existing X‐ray diffraction data at room temperature, while only the Tl‐Tl correlation shows inconsistent values indicating the commensurate properties of the Tl chains expected from the thermodynamic properties. The present XAFS data clearly support positional fluctuations of the Tl atoms found in three‐dimensional atomic images reconstructed from X‐ray fluorescence holography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local structure around the Tl atoms in TlInSe [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study was performed to investigate the immune-modulating activities of extracts from green soybean (Glycine max) in a 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-inducing guinea pig rhinitis model and a human trial study for allergic rhinitis. Hot water extracts of green soybean were chosen for animal experimentation on the basis of their ability to regulate the production of B cell-activating factor of the TNF family and a proliferation-inducing ligand in mouse spleen cells. Green soybean extracts significantly decreased the levels of ovalubumin (OVA)-specific IgE in mice and significantly suppressed the TDI-induced nasal mucosa secretion. An open-label human pilot study was performed on 16 subjects, using Japanese cedar pollinosis. The symptom scores for Japanese cedar pollinosis were better in the long-term green soybean extracts intake group than in the withdrawal short-term intake group. Green soybean extracts had great potential as an orally active immune modulator for the treatment of various allergic diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ω3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids are currently obtained mainly from fisheries; thus, sustainable alternative sources such as oleaginous microorganisms are required. Here, we describe the isolation, characterization, and application of 3 novel ω3 desaturases with ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid–producing activity at ordinary temperatures (28 °C). First, we selected Pythium sulcatum and Plectospira myriandra after screening for oomycetes with high eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratios and isolated the genes psulω3 and pmd17 , respectively, which encode ω3 desaturases. Subsequent characterization showed that PSULω3 exhibited ω3 desaturase activity on both C18 and C20 ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids while PMD17 exhibited ω3 desaturase activity exclusively on C20 ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Expression of psulω3 and pmd17 in the arachidonic acid–producer Mortierella alpina resulted in transformants that produced eicosapentaenoic acid/total fatty acid values of 38% and 40%, respectively, at ordinary temperatures. These ω3 desaturases should facilitate the construction of sustainable ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testosterone plays an important role in male sexual characteristics and maturation, and decreased testosterone levels increase the risk of several diseases. Recently, onion extract rich in cysteine sulfoxides, which are amino acids unique to onions, has been reported to alleviate age-related symptoms resulting from decreased testosterone levels in males. However, the mechanism underlying the suppression of low testosterone levels by cysteine sulfoxides has not been elucidated. In this study, we found that onion extract containing cysteine sulfoxides enhanced progesterone, a precursor of testosterone, in mouse testis-derived I-10 tumor cells. Furthermore, cysteine sulfoxides activated protein kinase A (PKA) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein, which are key factors in steroidogenesis. These results suggest that cysteine sulfoxides enhance steroid hormone production via activation of the PKA signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local structure of Tellurium nanoparticles synthesized by arc plasma were studied by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Nanoparticles were characterized by using different techniques to reveal particles size, morphology and composition. Te K-edge EXAFS spectra reveal a structure similar to trigonal Te, where both the inter-chain and intra-chain bonds, typical of Te crystal structure, are present. Evolution of the Debye-Waller factor with temperature reveals an increased static disorder in the nanoparticles respect to the trigonal material. • Size of Te nanoparticles created by plasma processing is around 100 nm. • Inter-chain interactions are preserved. • Increase of static disorder respect to crystal Te. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]