Thermodynamic quantities for the acid dissociation of alkylammonium ions in water over a wide temperature range

Enthalpies of protonation in aqueous solution have been determined from calorimetric measurements between 0 and 100°C for methylpentylamine, butyldimethylamine, and quinuclidine; between 0 and 125°C for di-iso-propylamine; and between 0 and 75°C for 1-azacycloheptane. Values ofpK_a at 25°C have been determined from pH measurements using a glass electrode for di-iso-propyl-, methylpentyl-, and butyldimethylamine. The calorimetric results are used together with values ofpK_a at 25°C to derive expressions which allow the calculation of accuratepK_a values over a large temperature range. The heat capacity and entropy changes for the protonation of aqueous alkylamines found in the present and in previous studies are discussed in terms of differences in hydrophobic solvation of the alkyl groups in the neutral amines and the ions.     

Role of the gut–brain axis in energy and glucose metabolism

The gastrointestinal tract plays a role in the development and treatment of metabolic diseases. During a meal, the gut provides crucial information to the brain regarding incoming nutrients to allow proper maintenance of energy and glucose homeostasis. This gut–brain communication is regulated by various peptides or hormones that are secreted from the gut in response to nutrients; these signaling molecules can enter the circulation and act directly on the brain, or they can act indirectly via paracrine action on local vagal and spinal afferent neurons that innervate the gut. In addition, the enteric nervous system can act as a relay from the gut to the brain. The current review will outline the different gut–brain signaling mechanisms that contribute to metabolic homeostasis, highlighting the recent advances in understanding these complex hormonal and neural pathways. Furthermore, the impact of the gut microbiota on various components of the gut–brain axis that regulates energy and glucose homeostasis will be discussed. A better understanding of the gut–brain axis and its complex relationship with the gut microbiome is crucial for the development of successful pharmacological therapies to combat obesity and diabetes.Subject terms: Obesity, Type 2 diabetes, Obesity     

Mural inspection by vibration measurements with TV-holography

A commonly encountered problem in the conservation of historical murals is the identification of sections in the plaster that have detached from the wall and thus threaten to fall off. Commonly, walls are inspected by the acoustic response to a gentle finger-tapping (percussion method). Since this is a costly and cumbersome technique, means for a more automatic inspection are searched for. A TV-holography system of increased sensitivity in combination with acoustic excitation of the object is shown to be a new and powerful tool for monitoring of loose areas. It has the advantage of non-contact and remote operation which, for example, is extremely useful in large buildings. Principles of the method, experimental results obtained at an artificial wall in the laboratory, and a thorough comparison of results from historical sites gained by the traditional percussion method and the new technique are presented. The latter shows very good agreement in the assessment of wall quality and thus is evidence of the suitability of the optical equipment for tasks in conservation.     

Laser‐Induced Self‐Assembled Nanostructures on Electron‐Transparent Substrates

Currently, one of the challenges in high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of nanomaterials is to make contamination‐free materials in a simple and time‐efficient way. Here, a method is demonstrated that combines nanosecond‐pulsed laser dewetting of thin films with a film float‐off technique to realize nanostructures (NSs) on electron‐transparent substrates in a robust and rapid manner. NSs of metal (Ag) and bimetals (AgCo, AuCo) ranging from 20 to 150 nm are synthesized on thin carbon film deposited on mica substrates. The NS/carbon system is subsequently transferred onto TEM grids by a float‐off process resulting from debonding of the carbon from mica due to their contrasting hydrophobic nature. This process enables the fabrication of different NSs on flexible and electron‐transparent substrates.