bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a miniaturized 96-Transwell air–liquid interface human small airway epithelial model
Authors: Bluhmki Teresa , Bitzer Sarah , Gindele Julia Anna , Schruf Eva , Kiechle Tobias , Webster Megan , Schymeinsky Jürgen , Ries Robert , Gantner Florian , Bischoff Daniel , Garnett James , Heilker Ralf
Published: August 2020

In order to overcome the challenges associated with a limited number of airway epithelial cells that can be obtained from clinical sampling and their restrained capacity to divide ex vivo, miniaturization of respiratory drug discovery assays is of pivotal importance. Thus, a 96-well microplate system was developed where primary human small airway epithelial (hSAE) cells were cultured at an air–liquid interface (ALI). After four weeks of ALI culture, a pseudostratified epithelium containing basal, club, goblet and ciliated cells was produced. The 96-well ALI cultures displayed a cellular composition, ciliary beating frequency, and intercellular tight junctions similar to 24-well conditions. A novel custom-made device for 96-parallelized transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) measurements, together with dextran permeability measurements, confirmed that the 96-well culture developed a tight barrier function during ALI differentiation. 96-well hSAE cultures were responsive to transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in a concentration dependent manner. Thus, the miniaturized cellular model system enables the recapitulation of a physiologically responsive, differentiated small airway epithelium, and a robotic integration provides a medium throughput approach towards pharmaceutical drug discovery, for instance, in respect of fibrotic distal airway/lung diseases.
Platypus predation has differential effects on aquatic invertebrates in contrasting stream and lake ecosystems
Authors: McLachlan-Troup Tanya A. , Nicol Stewart C. , Dickman Christopher R.
Published: August 2020

Predators can have strong impacts on prey populations, with cascading effects on lower trophic levels. Although such effects are well known in aquatic ecosystems, few studies have explored the influence of predatory aquatic mammals, or whether the same predator has similar effects in contrasting systems. We investigated the effects of platypus (Monotremata:Ornithorhynchus anatinus) on its benthic invertebrate prey, and tested predictions that this voracious forager would more strongly affect invertebrates—and indirectly, epilithic algae—in a mesotrophic lake than in a dynamic stream ecosystem. Hypotheses were tested using novel manipulative experiments involving platypus-exclusion cages. Platypuses had strongly suppressive effects on invertebrate prey populations, especially detritivores and omnivores, but weaker or inconsistent effects on invertebrate taxon richness and composition. Contrary to expectation, predation effects were stronger in the stream than the lake; no effects were found on algae in either ecosystem due to weak effects of platypuses on herbivorous invertebrates. Platypuses did not cause redistribution of sediment via their foraging activities. Platypuses can clearly have both strong and subtle effects on aquatic food webs that may vary widely between ecosystems and locations, but further research is needed to replicate our experiments and understand the contextual drivers of this variation.
A possible beneficial effect of Bacteroides on faecal lipopolysaccharide activity and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Yoshida Naofumi , Yamashita Tomoya , Kishino Shigenobu , Watanabe Hikaru , Sasaki Kengo , Sasaki Daisuke , Tabata Tokiko , Sugiyama Yuta , Kitamura Nahoko , Saito Yoshihiro , Emoto Takuo , Hayashi Tomohiro , Takahashi Tomoya , Shinohara Masakazu , Osawa Ro , Kondo Akihiko , Yamada Takuji , Ogawa Jun , Hirata Ken-ichi
Published: August 2020

Faecal lipopolysaccharides (LPS) have attracted attention as potent elements to explain a correlation between the gut microbiota and cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression. However, the underlying mechanism of how specific gut bacteria contribute to faecal LPS levels remains unclear. We retrospectively analysed the data of 92 patients and found that the abundance of the genus Bacteroides was significantly and negatively correlated with faecal LPS levels. The controls showed a higher abundance of Bacteroides than that in the patients with CVD. The endotoxin units of the Bacteroides LPS, as determined by the limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) tests, were drastically lower than those of the Escherichia coli LPS; similarly, the Bacteroides LPS induced relatively low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and did not induce sepsis in mice. Fermenting patient faecal samples in a single-batch fermentation system with Bacteroides probiotics led to a significant increase in the Bacteroides abundance, suggesting that the human gut microbiota could be manipulated toward decreasing the faecal LPS levels. In the clinical perspective, Bacteroides decrease faecal LPS levels because of their reduced LAL activity; therefore, increasing Bacteroides abundance might serve as a novel therapeutic approach to prevent CVD via reducing faecal LPS levels and suppressing immune responses.
Crossover from BKT-rough to KPZ-rough surfaces for interface-limited crystal growth/recession
Authors: Akutsu Noriko
Published: August 2020

The crossover from a Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) rough surface to a Kardar–Parisi–Zhang (KPZ) rough surface on a vicinal surface is studied using the Monte Carlo method in the non-equilibrium steady state in order to address discrepancies between theoretical results and experiments. The model used is a restricted solid-on-solid model with a discrete Hamiltonian without surface or volume diffusion (interface limited growth/recession). The temperature, driving force for growth, system size, and surface slope dependences of the surface width are calculated for vicinal surfaces tilted between the (001) and (111) surfaces. The surface velocity, kinetic coefficient of the surface, and mean height of the locally merged steps are also calculated. In contrast to the accepted theory for (2 + 1) surfaces, we found that the crossover point from a BKT (logarithmic) rough surface to a KPZ (algebraic) rough surface is different from the kinetic roughening point for the (001) surface. The driving force for crystal growth was found to be a relevant parameter for determining whether the system is in the BKT class or the KPZ class. It was also determined that ad-atoms, ad-holes, islands, and negative-islands block surface fluctuations, which contributes to making a BKT-rough surface.
Identification of resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae using excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy and multivariate analysis
Authors: Costa Fernanda S. L. , Bezerra Caio C. R. , Neto Renato M. , Morais Camilo L. M. , Lima Kássio M. G.
Published: August 2020

Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli are part of the Enterobacteriaceae family, being common sources of community and hospital infections and having high antimicrobial resistance. This resistance profile has become the main problem of public health infections. Determining whether a bacterium has resistance is critical to the correct treatment of the patient. Currently the method for determination of bacterial resistance used in laboratory routine is the antibiogram, whose time to obtain the results can vary from 1 to 3 days. An alternative method to perform this determination faster is excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy combined with multivariate classification methods. In this paper, Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA) and Support Vector Machines (SVM), coupled with dimensionality reduction and variable selection algorithms: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and the Successive Projections Algorithm (SPA) were used. The most satisfactory models achieved sensitivity and specificity rates of 100% for all classes, both for E. coli and for K. pneumoniae. This finding demonstrates that the proposed methodology has promising potential in routine analyzes, streamlining the results and increasing the chances of treatment efficiency.
A large-scale estimate on the relationship between language and motor lateralization
Authors: Packheiser Julian , Schmitz Judith , Arning Larissa , Beste Christian , Güntürkün Onur , Ocklenburg Sebastian
Published: August 2020

Human language is dominantly processed in the left cerebral hemisphere in most of the population. While several studies have suggested that there are higher rates of atypical right-hemispheric language lateralization in left-/mixed-handers, an accurate estimate of this association from a large sample is still missing. In this study, we comprised data from 1,554 individuals sampled in three previous studies in which language lateralization measured via dichotic listening, handedness and footedness were assessed. Overall, we found a right ear advantage indicating typical left-hemispheric language lateralization in 82.1% of the participants. While we found significantly more left-handed individuals with atypical language lateralization on the categorical level, we only detected a very weak positive correlation between dichotic listening lateralization quotients (LQs) and handedness LQs using continuous measures. Here, only 0.4% of the variance in language lateralization were explained by handedness. We complemented these analyses with Bayesian statistics and found no evidence in favor of the hypothesis that language lateralization and handedness are related. Footedness LQs were not correlated with dichotic listening LQs, but individuals with atypical language lateralization also exhibited higher rates of atypical footedness on the categorical level. We also found differences in the extent of language lateralization between males and females with males exhibiting higher dichotic listening LQs indicating more left-hemispheric language processing. Overall, these findings indicate that the direct associations between language lateralization and motor asymmetries are much weaker than previously assumed with Bayesian correlation analyses even suggesting that they do not exist at all. Furthermore, sex differences seem to be present in language lateralization when the power of the study is adequate suggesting that endocrinological processes might influence this phenotype.
A new novel method for assessing intracranial pressure using non-invasive fundus images: a pilot study
Authors: Andersen Mikkel Schou , Pedersen Christian Bonde , Poulsen Frantz Rom
Published: August 2020

Arteriole and venule diameter ratio (A/V-ratio) can be measured using fundus photography. In this pilot study, we correlated changes in the intracranial pressure with the diameter of vessels of the retina. We investigated whether increased intracranial pressure (ICP) was reflected in a measurable and quantifiable distention of the venule diameter, leading to a decreased A/V-ratio. This was demonstrated by assessment of the A/V-ratio in patients already undergoing conventional ICP monitoring with a cerebral intraparenchymal pressure monitor. Our method shows a correlation between A/V ratio and ICP and suggests an easily obtainable and usable point-of-care (POC), non-invasive method to estimate the intracranial pressure without the necessity of mydriatic drugs. Furthermore, the sensitivity/specificity analysis with a cut-off of < 0.8015 A/V-ratio, showed a sensitivity of 94% [85–98%] and a specificity of 50% [34–66%] with a positive likelihood ratio of 9.0. This means that in a clinical setting there is a 94% chance of correctly identifying individuals with ICP ≥ 20 mmHg.
Central recirculation zone induced by the DBD plasma actuation
Authors: Li Gang , Jiang Xi , Lei Zhijun , Liu Cunxi , Yang Jinhu , Xu Yanji , Xu Gang
Published: August 2020

Central recirculation zone (CRZ) is commonly formed in the near field of the injector exit by the vane swirler and used to stabilize the flame. In our experiment, a CRZ induced by the DBD plasma actuation was observed in the low swirl burner configuration for the first time, which clearly demonstrated that the mechanism of the combustion control by the plasma swirler is mainly through the aerodynamic effect. Three dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) actuators are placed in a circular array around the axis to generate ionic wind in the circumferential direction of the injector. Characteristics of the flow field have been measured using Laser Doppler Anemometry. It is found that a central recirculation zone with the shape of an ellipsoid is formed in the non-reacting flow field with the plasma actuation. The position of the upstream stagnation point was determined by the strength of the actuation. Although the CRZ disappears in the reacting flow field as the result of combustion heat release, the influence of the discharge on the flame lift-off height is noticeable. The results demonstrate that swirl enhancement by the plasma swirler is feasible, flexible and effective as a non-intrusive measure for flow control.
Author Correction: Freeform micropatterning of living cells into cell culture medium using direct inkjet printing
Authors: Park Ju An , Yoon Sejeong , Kwon Jimin , Now Hesung , Kim Young Kwon , Kim Woo-Jong , Yoo Joo-Yeon , Jung Sungjune
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Vaginal microbiota, genital inflammation, and neoplasia impact immune checkpoint protein profiles in the cervicovaginal microenvironment
Authors: Łaniewski Paweł , Cui Haiyan , Roe Denise J. , Chase Dana M. , Herbst-Kralovetz Melissa M.
Published: August 2020

Emerging evidence suggests that the vaginal microbiota play a role in HPV persistence and cervical neoplasia development and progression. Here we examine a broad range of immune checkpoint proteins in the cervicovaginal microenvironment across cervical carcinogenesis and explore relationships among these key immunoregulatory proteins, the microbiota composition, and genital inflammation. First, we demonstrate that immune checkpoint molecules can be measured in cervicovaginal lavages. Secondly, we identify CD40, CD27, and TIM-3 to specifically discriminate cervical cancer from other groups and CD40, CD28, and TLR2 to positively correlate to genital inflammation. Finally, PD-L1 and LAG-3 levels negatively, whereas TLR2 positively correlate to health-associated Lactobacillus dominance. Overall, our study identifies immune checkpoint signatures associated with cervical neoplasm and illuminates the multifaceted microbiota-host immunity network in the local microenvironment. This study provides a foundation for future mechanistic studies and highlights the utility of cervicovaginal lavage profiling for predicting and monitoring response to cancer therapy.
Non-contact vapor detection of illicit drugs via atmospheric flow tube-mass spectrometry
Authors: Morrison Kelsey A. , Valenzuela Blandina R. , Denis Elizabeth H. , Nims Megan K. , Atkinson David A. , Clowers Brian H. , Ewing Robert G.
Published: August 2020

Atmospheric flow tube-mass spectrometry (AFT-MS) enables real-time, non-contact detection of fentanyl, heroin, and other illicit drugs at parts-per-quadrillion vapor levels or from femtograms of residue.
Advancements in nanotechnology for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma
Authors: Zhong Wenhao , Zhang Xinyu , Zhao Meng , Wu Jun , Lin Dongjun
Published: August 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM), known as a tumor of plasma cells, is not only refractory but also has a high relapse rate, and is the second-most common hematologic tumor after lymphoma.
Isolated zirconium centres captured from aqueous solution: the structure of zirconium mandelate revealed from NMR crystallography
Authors: Crosland James M. , Corlett Emily K. , Scapens Dave , Guillou Nathalie , Brown Steven P. , Walton Richard I.
Published: August 2020

Zirconium tetramandelate forms from aqueous solution and unusually contains isolated cations; its structure is determined ab initio from a polycrystalline sample using a combined synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction and solid-state NMR approach.
A review of recent work on using metal–organic frameworks to grow carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wang Xian , Dong Anrui , Hu Yue , Qian Jinjie , Huang Shaoming
Published: August 2020

In this review, we summarize catalysts and synthetic strategies for the synthesis of MOF-derived CNT-based composite materials.
A novel lurasidone hydrochloride–shikimic acid co-amorphous system formed by hydrogen-bonding interaction with the retained pH-dependent solubility behavior
Authors: Hu Yi , Jiang Cuiping , Li Bin , Zhou Lijing , Xu Renjie , Guo Yujie , Cao Yan , Cao Guosheng , Lu Shan
Published: August 2020

The current study was aimed at investigating the lurasidone hydrochloride–shikimic acid co-amorphous system using a new type of organic acid.
Valley polarization of singlet and triplet trions in a WS2 monolayer in magnetic fields
Authors: Kapuściński Piotr , Vaclavkova Diana , Grzeszczyk Magda , Slobodeniuk Artur O. , Nogajewski Karol , Bartos Miroslav , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Faugeras Clément , Babiński Adam , Potemski Marek , Molas Maciej R.
Published: August 2020

Magnetic field induced valley polarization of carriers is substantially different for the absorption and emission response of a WS2 monolayer.
Livestock manure improved antibiotic resistance gene removal during co-treatment of domestic wastewater in an anaerobic membrane bioreactor
Authors: Lou Esther Ge , Harb Moustapha , Smith Adam L. , Stadler Lauren B.
Published: August 2020

First investigation of ARG and MGE removal in an anaerobic membrane bioreactor co-treating real wastewater and manure shows increased manure loading improves ARG and MGE removal.
Continuous gas-phase hydroformylation of but-1-ene in a membrane reactor by supported liquid-phase (SLP) catalysis
Authors: Logemann Morten , Marinkovic Jakob Maximilian , Schörner Markus , José García-Suárez Eduardo , Hecht Corinna , Franke Robert , Wessling Matthias , Riisager Anders , Fehrmann Rasmus , Haumann Marco
Published: August 2020

The development of a supported liquid phase (SLP) gas-phase hydroformylation catalyst combined with a monolithic membrane separation layer is reported.
tert-Butanol intervention enables chemoselective conversion of xylose to furfuryl alcohol over heteropolyacids
Authors: Peng Lincai , Wang Mengmeng , Li Hui , Wang Juan , Zhang Junhua , He Liang
Published: August 2020

tert-Butanol protection enables the chemoselective production of furfuryl alcohol directly from xylose over heteropolyacids using formic acid as a hydrogen honor.
End-grafted Cu-NNN pincer complexes on PAMAM dendrimers-SiO2: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Mohammadnezhad Gholamhossein , Esfandiari Mitra , Steiniger Frank
Published: August 2020

A triazine-derived Cu(ii)-NNN pincer complex was linked onto dendritic nanoparticle supports.
Preparation and properties of a biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/poly(trimethylene carbonate) porous composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Qi Jin , Zhang Yu , Liu Xiliang , Zhang Qianmao , Xiong Chengdong
Published: August 2020

New biodegradable PLGA/PTMC composite porous scaffold with high porosity, mechanical properties, significant homogeneous, interconnected pore network and good biocompatibility.
In situ unraveling of the effect of the dynamic chemical state on selective CO2 reduction upon zinc electrocatalysts
Authors: Chen Tai-Lung , Chen Hsiao-Chien , Huang Yen-Po , Lin Sheng-Chih , Hou Cheng-Hung , Tan Hui-Ying , Tung Ching-Wei , Chan Ting–Shan , Shyue Jing-Jong , Chen Hao Ming
Published: August 2020

Unraveling the reaction mechanism behind CO2RR via a series of in situ measurements is a crucial step for advancing the development of efficient and selective catalyst and relations between product selectivity.
Modified Co4N by B-doping for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Zonghua , Qu Guangmeng , Wang Chenggang , Zhang Xixi , Xiang Guotao , Hou Peiyu , Xu Xijin
Published: August 2020

High-performance energy storage systems are becoming essential to cope with the possible energy crisis in the future.
Tuning the synthesis of polymetallic-doped ZIF derived materials for efficient hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol
Authors: Fan Yafei , Li Shangjing , Wang Ying , Zhuang Changfu , Liu Xiaoteng , Zhu Guangshan , Zou Xiaoqin
Published: August 2020

CuCo/Zn@NPC is prepared using a polymetallic homogeneous doping and self-templating method as high performance non-noble metal catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol.
Aqueous copper-mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) utilizing polyetheramine derived initiators
Authors: Zhang Jirui , Liarou Evelina , Town James , Li Yongguang , Wemyss Alan M. , Haddleton David M.
Published: August 2020

Polyetheramines (Jeffamines™) are used in Copper-mediated reversible deactivation radical polymeriation (Cu-RDRP) in water for the synthesis of temperature-responsive block copolymers.
An experimental and theoretical study of LuNC@C76,82 revealing a cage-cluster selection rule
Authors: Shen Wangqiang , Hu Ziqi , Yu Pengwei , Wei Zhan , Jin Peng , Shi Zujin , Lu Xing
Published: August 2020

Four novel Lu-based monometallic cyanide clusterfullerenes were successfully obtained and characterized. X-ray and theoretical results demonstrated that the configuration of internal LuNC unit is governed by the Lu-cage coordination interactions.
Symmetry breaking of Au nanospheres confined in 1D nanocylinders: exploring helical assembly by 3D transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Jin Seon-Mi , Hwang Jun Ho , Wang Ke , Xu Jiangping , Kim Inhye , Zhu Jintao , Lee Eunji
Published: August 2020

The hybrid assemblies of polystyrene-tethered gold NPs are controlled by polymer chain stretching in a cylindrical confinement. The zigzag NP arrays observed in 2D TEM can be revealed into double- or triple-stranded helical NP arrays using 3D TEM.
Electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of full Heusler compounds Ca2YZ (Y = Au, Hg; Z = As, Sb, Bi, Sn and Pb)
Authors: Hu Yang , Jin Yurong , Zhang Guangbiao , Yan Yuli
Published: August 2020

We investigate the transport properties of bulk Ca2YZ (Y = Au, Hg; Z = As, Sb, Bi, Sn and Pb) by a combination method of first-principles and Boltzmann transport theory.
A neutron scattering perspective on the structure, softness and dynamics of the ligand shell of PbS nanocrystals in solution
Authors: Seydel Tilo , Koza Michael Marek , Matsarskaia Olga , André Alexander , Maiti Santanu , Weber Michelle , Schweins Ralf , Prévost Sylvain , Schreiber Frank , Scheele Marcus
Published: August 2020

Time-averaged and energy-resolved neutron and X-ray scattering reveal the structure of the ligand shell, temperature-dependent diffusion and the phonon spectrum of PbS nanocrystals functionalized with oleic acid in solution.
Nucleation mechanisms and speciation of metal oxide clusters
Authors: Petrus Enric , Segado Mireia , Bo Carles
Published: August 2020

The self-assembly mechanisms of polyoxometalates (POMs) are still a matter of discussion owing to the difficult task of identifying all the chemical species and reactions involved. The POMSimulator deals with that complexity in an automated manner.
Oriented thick films of block copolymer made by multiple successive coatings: perforated lamellae versus oriented lamellae
Authors: Yu Jian-Yuan , Landis Stefan , Fontaine Philippe , Daillant Jean , Guenoun Patrick
Published: August 2020

Layer by layer fabrication of lamellar perforated phases on top of substrates.
Origin of the extra capacity in nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanofibers for high-performance potassium ion batteries
Authors: Liu Fang , Meng Jiashen , Xia Fanjie , Liu Ziang , Peng Haoyang , Sun Congli , Xu Linhan , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Mai Liqiang , Wu Jinsong
Published: August 2020

The origin of the extra capacity of freestanding and porous N-doped carbon nanofibers was clearly revealed by systematic experimental analysis and theoretical calculations.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Unprecedented 30 K hysteresis across switchable dielectric and magnetic properties in a bright luminescent organic–inorganic halide (CH6N3)2MnCl4”’ by M. Szafrański, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2020, 8, 2594
Authors: Sen Abhijit , Swain Diptikanta , Guru Row Tayur N. , Sundaresan A.
Published: August 2020

In this response, we address the comments of Szafranski (J. Mater. Chem. C, 2020, DOI: 10.1039/c9tc03552d) on our paper on the thermal, dielectric and structural properties of (CH6N3)2MnCl4 (J. Mater. Chem. C, 2019, 7, 4838).
IR photoresponsive VO2thin films and electrically assisted transition prepared by single-step chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Rajeswaran Bharathi , Tadeo Inyalot Jude , Umarji Arun M.
Published: August 2020

The infrared photodetector fabricated with VO2thin films showed a good stable photoresponse with a field-assisted thermally induced phase transition.
The composition and turnover of the Arabidopsis thaliana 80S cytosolic ribosome
Authors: Salih Karzan Jalal , Duncan Owen , Li Lei , Trösch Josua , Millar A. Harvey
Published: August 2020

Cytosolic 80S ribosomes contain proteins of the mature cytosolic ribosome (r-proteins) as well as proteins with roles in ribosome biogenesis, protein folding or modification. Here, we refined the core r-protein composition in Arabidopsis thaliana by determining the abundance of different proteins during enrichment of ribosomes from cell cultures using peptide mass spectrometry. The turnover rates of 26 40S subunit r-proteins and 29 60S subunit r-proteins were also determined, showing that half of the ribosome population is replaced every 3–4 days. Three enriched proteins showed significantly shorter half-lives; a protein annotated as a ribosomal protein uL10 (RPP0D, At1g25260) with a half-life of 0.5 days and RACK1b and c with half-lives of 1–1.4 days. The At1g25260 protein is a homologue of the human Mrt4 protein, a trans-acting factor in the assembly of the pre-60S particle, while RACK1 has known regulatory roles in cell function beyond its role in the 40S subunit. Our experiments also identified 58 proteins that are not from r-protein families but co-purify with ribosomes and co-express with r-proteins; 26 were enriched more than 10-fold during ribosome enrichment. Some of these enriched proteins have known roles in translation, while others are newly proposed ribosome-associated factors in plants. This analysis provides an improved understanding of A. thaliana ribosome protein content, shows that most r-proteins turnover in unison in vivo, identifies a novel set of potential plant translatome components, and how protein turnover can help identify r-proteins involved in ribosome biogenesis or regulation in plants.
Bioinformatics method combined with logistic regression analysis reveal potentially important miRNAs in ischemic stroke
Authors: Wei Zhiqiang , Qi Xingdi , Chen Yan , Xia Xiaoshuang , Zheng Boyu , Sun Xugang , Zhang Guangming , Wang Ling , Zhang Qi , Xu Chen , Jiang Shihe , Li Xiulian , Xie Bingxin , Liao Xiaohui , Zhu Ai
Published: August 2020

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the comprehensive differential expression profile of microRNAs (miRNAs) by screening for miRNA expression in ischemic stroke and normal samples.

Methods: Differentially expressed miRNA (DEM) analysis was conducted using limma R Bioconductor package. Target genes of DEMs were identified from TargetScanHuman and miRTarBase databases. Functional enrichment analysis of the target genes was performed using clusterProfiler R Bioconductor package. The miRNA-based ischemic stroke diagnostic signature was constructed via logistic regression analysis.

Results: Compared with the normal cohort, a total of 14 DEMs, including 5 up-regulated miRNAs and 9 down-regulated miRNAs, were identified in ischemic stroke patients. These DEMs have 1600 regulatory targets. Using a logistic regression model, the top five miRNAs were screened for constructing an miRNA-based ischemic stroke diagnostic signature. Using the miRNA–mRNA interaction pairs, two target genes (specificity protein 1 (SP1) and Argonaute 1 (AGO1)) were speculated to be the primary genes of ischemic stroke.

Discussion and conclusion: Here, several potential miRNAs biomarkers were identified and an miRNA-based diagnostic signature for ischemic stroke was established, which can be a valuable reference for future clinical researches.
Pebbles versus planetesimals
Authors: Brügger N. , Burn R. , Coleman G. A. L. , Alibert Y. , Benz W.
Published: August 2020

Context. In the core accretion scenario of giant planet formation, a massive core forms first and then accretes a gaseous envelope. In the discussion of how this core forms, some divergences appear. The first scenarios of planet formation predict the accretion of kilometre-sized bodies called planetesimals, while more recent works suggest growth by the accretion of pebbles, which are centimetre-sized objects.

Aims. These two accretion models are often discussed separately and our aim here is to compare the outcomes of the two models with identical initial conditions.

Methods. The comparison is done using two distinct codes, one that computes the planetesimal accretion and the other the pebble accretion. All the other components of the simulated planet growth are computed identically in the two models: the disc, the accretion of gas, and the migration. Using a population synthesis approach, we compare planet simulations and study the impact of the two solid accretion models, focusing on the formation of single planets.

Results. We find that the outcomes of the populations are strongly influenced by the accretion model. The planetesimal model predicts the formation of more giant planets, while the pebble accretion model forms more super-Earth-mass planets. This is due to the pebble isolation mass (Miso) concept, which prevents planets formed by pebble accretion to accrete gas efficiently before reaching Miso. This translates into a population of planets that are not heavy enough to accrete a consequent envelope, but that are in a mass range where type I migration is very efficient. We also find higher gas mass fractions for a given core mass for the pebble model compared to the planetesimal model, caused by luminosity differences. This also implies planets with lower densities, which could be confirmed observationally.

Conclusions. We conclude that the two models produce different outputs. Focusing on giant planets, the sensitivity of their formation differs: for the pebble accretion model, the time at which the embryos are formed and the period over which solids are accreted strongly impact the results, while the population of giant planets formed by planetesimal accretion depends on the planetesimal size and on the splitting in the amount of solids available to form planetesimals.
Economic valuation of ecosystem services in Africa
Authors: Jamouli Aya , Allali Khali
Published: August 2020

Ecosystems provide vital services that improve and support livelihoods and human well-being. Consequently, scientific research on ecosystem services (ES) has increased, over the past two decades globally, as well as in Africa. This study provides an overview of existing economic ES valuation methods in Africa using the Web of Science databases. The results highlighted that South Africa recorded the high number of ES valuation publications. The most evaluated ES category was provisioning then regulating services. In terms of economic valuation methods, the market price was the most popular, followed by the contingent valuation and the choice experiment methods. Recommendations are provided for future research in this filed.
Conservation Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: Ecotourism Collapse Threatens Communities and Wildlife in Morocco
Authors: Cherkaoui SidiImad , Boukherouk Mohamed , Lakhal Tarik , Aghzar Adil , El Youssfi Lahcen
Published: August 2020

COVID-19 pandemic has had huge impacts on multiple industries and sectors, not just ecotourism and wildlife protection in Morocco. Ecological health and wildlife are a critical resource for the country’s tourism sector recovery. Conservation is considered as one of the industries that are hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the threats facing biodiversity and protected areas have been exacerbated during and following, the outbreak with practices such as poaching, wildlife trafficking, and forest logging activities resumed due to the country lockdown and ecotourism collapse. Conservationists should take emergency actions in the short-term to help rural communities and grassroots organizations and review waysto achieve conservation and sustainability goals in the post-pandemic era.
Impact of climate change on the phytoplankton community of the Aglou-Sidi Ifni coastline (Moroccan Atlantic coast)
Authors: Gallouli El mahjoub , Oulad Ali Hassan , Aamiri Ahmed
Published: August 2020

The objective of this study is to understand the evolution of the typologies (physicochemical and phytoplankton) in Aglou-Sidi Ifni coastline according to hydrometeorological and climatic hazards. To achieve this objective, monitoring of the phytoplankton community and water physicochemical parameters was conducted at three stations along this coastline and during the winter and fall seasons of two different annual cycles (2014-2016). The first cycle experienced heavy flooding while the second cycle experienced severe drought. This study revealed spatial and temporal variability in phytoplankton composition and the relative abundance of its major groups. Temporal variability may be due to changes in the physicochemical characteristics of water masses as a function of continental inputs and wave intensity, which differ from cycle to cycle and season to another. Whereas the spatial variability would be due to the modification of these physicochemical characteristics from one station to another under the influence of the morphology of the coast in this zone, which curves westwards and carries Cape Aglou at its northern end, thus making the station of Sidi Ifni more exposed to currents than the other two stations which are somewhat sheltered.
Agro-physiological response of potato to “sustainable” deficit irrigation in the plain of Saïs, Morocco
Authors: El Bergui Omnia , Abouabdillah Aziz , Bouabid Rachid , El Jaouhari Nabil , Brouziyne Youssef , Bourioug Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Morocco is one of the countries who’s facing an insufficient water supply for irrigation, therefore it is seeking for new technologies allowing irrigation management evolution. Deficit irrigation is for this reason one of the recommended approaches to deal with this alarming situation. This study deals with the assessment of Sustainable Deficit Irrigationon potatoes production (Var. Desiree). The experiment was conducted on an experimental plot in open field in Morocco. Three water regimes were applied: T1control (100%), T2 (75%) and T3 (50%) of crop evapotranspiration ETc. This is a complete random block device with four repetitions. Measurements focused on monitoring vegetative, ecophysiological and yield parameters. The results obtained show that: (i)the irrigation regime did not significantly affect the eco-physiological parameters nor the vegetative parameters, except for the height of the plants; (ii) in terms of yield, a deficit of less than 25% of ETc did not lead to a significant difference compared to the control treatment and reached 41, 17 tones/ha compared to the 100% ETc with 42, 51 t/ha; (iii) irrigated treatments at less than 50% of daily ETc revealed extreme yield loss (20, 96 Tonnes/ha);(iv) finally, the best agronomic water use efficiency was recorded for irrigated treatments at 75% of Etc.
Partition of rainfall variation effect on crop productivity into amount and distribution effects
Authors: Jlibene Mohammed
Published: August 2020

Rainfall is the most influential factor of rainfed agricultural production in semi-arid Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan environments. While effects of rainfall amount and distribution are confounded, their partition will help developing strategies to manage green water in these environments. A series of 39 years of country average cereal yield and rainfall data was used (1981-2019). Cumulated rainfall over months of November, Rainfall of the month of January, February and March of Central location of Marchouch (33.5613° N, 6.6919° W) taken as a representative of agricultural land, were used because of high correlations with yield. Regression of cereal yields on rainfall showed scattered points below a top frontier line representing highest water productivity (yield/rainfall), accounting for effect of amount independent from distribution. Regression of all 39 yields on rainfall accounts for both confounded effects of amount and distribution. Difference indicates effectofdistribution of rainfall. Cumulated rainfall over the 4 months, varied from 64.20 mm to 447 mm with an average of 219 mm. Yields ranged from 3.59 q/ha to 22.88 q/ha with an average of 12.29 q/ha. Top water productivity indicating effect of amount was 3.98 kg/mm. Distribution of rainfall reduced actual yields by 13% to50% depending on season and cereal crop. The model can be adapted to rainfed crops in semiarid environments.
Effect of the concentrate-based finishing on the proximate composition, organoleptic quality and fatty acids profile of the Beni-Guil sheep meat
Authors: Belhaj Kamal , Mansouri Farid , Sindic Marianne , Taaifi Yassine , Boukharta Mohamed , Serghini-Caid Hana , Elamrani Ahmed
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to compare two sheep farming practices (lamb farming with or without finishing period on concentrate), on carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile and organoleptic quality of the meat. The study was performed on 24 Beni-Guil lambs. Finished animals (F) had access to creep feeding until weaning and were fed a mixed ration of barley and alfalfa hay during a finishing period of 45 days; however, nonfinished animals (NF) remained on the pasture. This comparison was carried out by analyzing the carcass characteristics, proximate composition and fatty acids profile of the meat. Ultimate pH and meat lightness were lower for F-lambs than NF-lambs who didn’t go through the finishing period. The concentrate-based finished practice produced carcasses with better fatness state and conformation. The intramuscular fat content is more important in finished-lambs’ meats (3.81 vs 1.82) which show more juiciness and a high meat’s color lightness. However, meats of NF-lambs presented a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA: 20.70 vs 16.82), particularly the PUFA n-3 (3.97 vs 1.17) and consequently a low n-6/n-3 ratio (3.92 vs 12.72). Finally, we recommend, finished lamb meats for the large-scale market and meat of pasture-raised lamb for the niche market.
Effect of physicochemical parameters on magnetic treatment of water
Authors: Mghaiouini Redouane , Salah Mohammed , Monkad Mohamed , El Bouari Abdeslam
Published: August 2020

The main objective of this work is to offer a new knowledge of the water magnetism phenomenon, indeed the present study focused on the search of the most decisive parameters, which influence the process of magnetization of water. The main parameters studied in the present paper are the temperature, the salinity, the pH and the linear flow speed of the water. The increases of temperature, water velocity or salinity extend the magnetization time, however the variation of pH does not have any influence. The outcomes of this work will be very helpful for engineers in agriculture and other industrial fields to a better use of magnetized water (MW).
Synthesis of N-CNT/TiO2composites thin films: surface analysis and optoelectronic properties
Authors: Belkhanchi Hamza , Ziat Younes , Hammi Maryama , Laghlimi Charaf , Moutcine Abdelaziz , Benyounes Anas , Kzaiber Fouzia
Published: August 2020

In this study, we have investigated the surface analysis and optoelectronic properties on the synthesis of N-CNT/TiO2composites thin films, using sol gel method for a dye synthetized solar cell (DSSC) which is found to be simple and economical route. The titanium dioxide based solar cells are an exciting photovoltaic candidate; they are promising for the realization of large area devices. That can be synthetized by room temperature solution processing, with high photoactive performance. In the present work, we stated comparable efficiencies by directing our investigation on obtaining Sol Gel thin films based on N-CNT/TiO2, by dispersing nitrogen (N) doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) powders in titanium tetraisopropoxyde (TTIP). The samples were assessed in terms of optical properties, using UV—visible absorption spectroscopic techniques. After careful analysis of the results, we have concluded that the mentioned route is good and more efficient in terms of optoelectronic properties. The gap of “the neat” 0.00w% N-CNT/TiO2is of 3eV, which is in a good agreement with similar gap of semiconductors. The incorporated “w%NCNTs” led to diminishing theEgwith increasing N-CNTs amount. These consequences are very encouraging for optoelectronic field.
Introduction of a redundant actuator using planetary gear trains for human centred robotics
Authors: Crispel Stein , López-García Pablo , Verstraten Tom , Saerens Elias , Lefeber Dirk
Published: August 2020

Matching motor efficiency and performance with the load demands can significantly improve the overall efficiency of a driveline. Inspired by the automotive sector -with the high interest of hybrid and electric cars currently-, the authors have studied how state of the art technologies can be used in the relatively new field of collaborative and Human centred robotics. Multiple transmission systems have been considered, among others redundant actuators (both static and kinematic) and continuously variable transmissions. Based on these findings and the experience of the research group on customised planetary gear trains for Human Limb Assistance and Replication, an extensive review of existing redundant actuators is presented in combination with an alternative transmission system which does not need any auxiliary gear transmissions and hence can be lighter and more compact than state of the art drivelines for Human centred robotics. A calculation was performed -including the efficiency model presented by Müller- which shows the high potential of this type of dual-motor actuator.
Solving the problem of optimal design for a two-stage reducer by using a modified evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Ustynenko Oleksandr , Bondarenko Oleksiy , Serykov Volodymyr
Published: August 2020

The work is devoted to solving the problem of selecting optimal geometric parameters of gears of a two-stage cylindrical reducer using a modified evolutionary algorithm (EA).

The statement of the problem is considered, design parameters, objective functions, limitations on design parameters are determined. This allowed us to propose a modification of EA. To generate the initial test points, it was proposed to use the LP-τ sequence, this allowed us to reduce the initial population of test points and bring EA closer to a truly “random” process.

The scheme of the proposed algorithm is considered, which gives an idea of the sequence of operations that are carried out with populations of test points at each stage of the evolutionary process.

The solution of the specific problem of selecting optimal parameters for a serial reducer is given. The input data, numerical and functional limitations are determined, the objective functions are formed. The results of the solution are shown in several presentation formats: tabular and graphical, which allows to qualitatively interpret and analyze the results.

Conclusions are made about testing the proposed algorithm for solving a specific problem of optimal design. Further ways of improving this methodology are proposed.
Design solutions overview of single-stage universal gear reducers
Authors: Rackov Milan , Kuzmanović Siniša , Knežević Ivan , Čavić Maja , Penčić Marko , Algin Vladimir B. , Starzhinsky Victor E. , Shil’ko Sergey V.
Published: August 2020

Today, for almost all products, the appearance is very important. Thus, for example, the appearance of universal gear reducers was not given so much attention, but today there are many very interesting solutions of shape, colour and graphic design. It should have in mind that universal gear reducers have much complex construction comparing them with special gear reducers. In the same time, they have to provide different positions and way of mounting and different speeds with different powers (torques) at the output shaft. Particularly, it should be noticed, that within all universal gear reducers single-stage gear units are nowadays increasingly used because their gear ratio values are increased (values of gear ratio can go up to 15) so that these reducers largely cover most of the two-stage gear reducers with their gear ratio values, so thereby their exploitation is significantly increased. Single-stage gear reducers are very simple products, and today there is a large number of manufacturers of such product. However, their mounting dimensions and way of mounting are not defined by a standard, so there is a variety of units with different dimensions and way of mounting. Although, most manufacturers look up to dimensions of leading manufacturers (usually SEW) in order to ensure greater exchangeability of their gear units. It is interesting to note, that most manufacturers tend to adopt the design of housing that will be substantially different from competing solutions. The reason is probably to avoid the possibility of being accused of copying someone else’s solution. However, there are manufacturers that retain almost identical housing design as a competing solution (probably they bought the licence or the solution is copied without permission). This paper considers only the design solutions of single-stage gear reducer in order to indicate the expected directions of their further development.
Dynamic loading of friction disks in automotive transmissions
Authors: Taratorkin Alexander , Derzhanskii Victor , Taratorkin Igor
Published: August 2020

The article describes a refined method for design studies of friction disks that are integrated into automotive transmissions. A technique is presented to enable finding the natural frequency spectrum exhibited by disks as distributed mass multicomponent bodies. Grounds are given that explicate the necessity to evaluate the stability of oscillations when high-frequency dynamic processes evolve in a nonlinear system after friction clutches are disengaged and when friction clutches are being engaged and wavelike plastic deformations emerge giving rise to overheated spots. The article also sheds light on specific features inherent in the off-design behavior subsequent to the stopping of the clutch booster and pressure unbalance in the clutch booster plenums. The research studies have produced a number of technical solutions that reduce the amplitude of the high-frequency oscillations, which are generated after friction clutches are disengaged and result in plastic deformations of mating surfaces as well as disturbed axial movability of friction disks. They have substantiated the necessity that the relevant linear velocity should be restricted having determined the boundaries of tolerated linear velocities of revolving friction disks. The article presents results of researching into the processes consequent to pressure unbalance in the friction clutch booster plenums and proposes technical solutions to do away with its adverse effects.
Prospective model of the hybrid shunting diesel locomotive
Authors: Buriakovskyi Serhii , Maslii Artem , Pomazan Daniil , Pasko Olga
Published: August 2020

In the article, the studies are performed which confirm dependence of fuel consumption of the shunting locomotive on the train driving mode. Using a hybrid power plant in the shunting diesel locomotive is proposed, which can help significantly reduce fuel consumption, since shunting will mostly be powered by an alternative power source, and provide high environmental cleanliness of the locomotive both with the basic DC motor and the proposed new traction motor type – switched reluctance motor.