bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annual estimates of occupancy for bryophytes, lichens and invertebrates in the UK, 1970–2015
Authors: Outhwaite Charlotte L. , Powney Gary D. , August Tom A. , Chandler Richard E. , Rorke Stephanie , Pescott Oliver L. , Harvey Martin , Roy Helen E. , Fox Richard , Roy David B. , Alexander Keith , Ball Stuart , Bantock Tristan , Barber Tony , Beckmann Björn C. , Cook Tony , Flanagan Jim , Fowles Adrian , Hammond Peter , Harvey Peter , Hepper David , Hubble Dave , Kramer John , Lee Paul , MacAdam Craig , Morris Roger , Norris Adrian , Palmer Stephen , Plant Colin W. , Simkin Janet , Stubbs Alan , Sutton Peter , Telfer Mark , Wallace Ian , Isaac Nick J. B.
Published: November 2019

Here, we determine annual estimates of occupancy and species trends for 5,293 UK bryophytes, lichens, and invertebrates, providing national scale information on UK biodiversity change for 31 taxonomic groups for the time period 1970 to 2015. The dataset was produced through the application of a Bayesian occupancy modelling framework to species occurrence records supplied by 29 national recording schemes or societies (n = 24,118,549 records). In the UK, annual measures of species status from fine scale data (e.g. 1 × 1 km) had previously been limited to a few taxa for which structured monitoring data are available, mainly birds, butterflies, bats and a subset of moth species. By using an occupancy modelling framework designed for use with relatively low recording intensity data, we have been able to estimate species trends and generate annual estimates of occupancy for taxa where annual trend estimates and status were previously limited or unknown at this scale. These data broaden our knowledge of UK biodiversity and can be used to investigate variation in and drivers of biodiversity change.
Kinetic Control of Parallel versus Antiparallel Amyloid Aggregation via Shape of the Growing Aggregate
Authors: Zanjani Ali Asghar Hakami , Reynolds Nicholas P. , Zhang Afang , Schilling Tanja , Mezzenga Raffaele , Berryman Joshua T.
Published: November 2019

By combining atomistic and higher-level modelling with solution X-ray diffraction we analyse self-assembly pathways for the IFQINS hexapeptide, a bio-relevant amyloid former derived from human lysozyme. We verify that (at least) two metastable polymorphic structures exist for this system which are substantially different at the atomistic scale, and compare the conditions under which they are kinetically accessible. We further examine the higher-level polymorphism for these systems at the nanometre to micrometre scales, which is manifested in kinetic differences and in shape differences between structures instead of or as well as differences in the small-scale contact topology. Any future design of structure based inhibitors of the IFQINS steric zipper, or of close homologues such as TFQINS which are likely to have similar structures, should take account of this polymorphic assembly.
Artificial covalent linkage of bacterial acyl carrier proteins for fatty acid production
Authors: Rullán-Lind Carlos , Ortiz-Rosario Melissa , García-González Andrea , Stojanoff Vivian , Chorna Nataliya E. , Pietri Ruth B. , Baerga-Ortiz Abel
Published: November 2019

Acyl carrier proteins (ACPs) are essential to the production of fatty acids. In some species of marine bacteria, ACPs are arranged into tandem repeats joined by peptide linkers, an arrangement that results in high fatty acid yields. By contrast, Escherichia coli, a relatively low producer of fatty acids, uses a single-domain ACP. In this work, we have engineered the native E. coli ACP into tandem di- and tri-domain constructs joined by a naturally occurring peptide linker from the PUFA synthase of Photobacterium profundum. The size of these tandem fused ACPs was determined by size exclusion chromatography to be higher (21 kDa, 36 kDa and 141 kDa) than expected based on the amino acid sequence (12 kDa, 24 kDa and 37 kDa, respectively) suggesting the formation of a flexible extended conformation. Structural studies using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), confirmed this conformational flexibility. The thermal stability for the di- and tri-domain constructs was similar to that of the unfused ACP, indicating a lack of interaction between domains. Lastly, E. coli cultures harboring tandem ACPs produced up to 1.6 times more fatty acids than wild-type ACP, demonstrating the viability of ACP fusion as a method to enhance fatty acid yield in bacteria.
Diurnal variations of cloud and relative humidity profiles across the tropics
Authors: Chepfer H. , Brogniez H. , Noel V.
Published: November 2019

Even though the diurnal cycle of solar forcing on the climate system is well defined, the diurnal evolutions of water vapor and clouds induced by the solar forcing are not yet established across the tropics. Here we combine recent satellite observations of clouds profiles and relative humidity profiles to document the diurnal variations of the water vapor and clouds vertical distributions over all the tropics in June-July-August. While the daily mean water vapor and cloud profiles are different between land and ocean, their diurnal variations with respect to their daily means exhibit similar features. Relative humidity profiles and optically thin cloud fraction profiles vary together which maximize during night-time in the entire troposphere and a minimize in day-time. The fraction of optically opaque clouds peak in the free troposphere in the early afternoon, transforms into a high altitude positive anomaly of optically thin clouds from nightfall to sunrise. In addition, land regions exhibit a daily low thin cloud positive anomaly, while oceanic regions exposed to subsidence air motions exhibit positive anomalies of opaque clouds in the lower atmosphere during the second half of the night, which grow until sunrise.
Impact of humanised isolation and culture conditions on stemness and osteogenic potential of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Suliman Salwa , Ali Hassan R. W. , Karlsen Tommy A. , Amiaud Jerome , Mohamed-Ahmed Samih , Layrolle Pierre , Costea Daniela E. , Brinchmann Jan E. , Mustafa Kamal
Published: November 2019

Therapeutic potential of human bone marrow stromal/stem cells (hBMSC) must be developed using well defined xenogenic-free conditions. hBMSC were isolated from healthy donors (n = 3) using different isolation and expansion methods. Donor I was isolated and expanded by either bone marrow directly seeded and cells expanded in 10% AB human serum (AB) +5 ng/ml fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) [Direct(AB + FGFlow)] or Ammonium-Chloride-Potassium Lysing Buffer was used before the cells were expanded in 10% AB +5 ng/ml FGF-2 [ACK(AB + FGFlow)] or Lymphoprep density gradient medium was used before the cells were expanded in 10% AB +5 ng/ml FGF2 [Lympho(AB + FGFlow)] or bone marrow directly seeded and cells expanded in 10% pooled platelet lysate plasma (PL) + heparin (2 I/U/mL) [Direct(PL)]. Groups for donors II and III were: Direct(AB + FGFlow) or 10% AB +10 ng/ml FGF2 [Direct(AB + FGFhigh)] or Direct(PL). HBMSCs were assessed for viability, multi-potency, osteogenic, inflammatory response and replicative senescence in vitro after 1 and 3 weeks. Pre-selected culture conditions, Direct(AB + FGFhigh) or Direct(PL), were seeded on biphasic calcium phosphate granules and subcutaneously implanted in NOD/SCID mice. After 1 and 11 weeks, explants were analysed for inflammatory and osteogenic response at gene level and histologically. To identify implanted human cells, in situ hybridisation was performed. hBMSC from all conditions showed in vitro multi-lineage potency. hBMSCs expanded in PL expressed stemness markers in vitro at significantly higher levels. Generally, cells expanded in AB + FGF2 conditions expressed higher osteogenic markers after 1 week both in vitro and in vivo. After 11 weeks in vivo, Direct(AB + FGFhigh) formed mature ectopic bone, compared to immature mineralised tissues formed by Direct(PL) implants. Mouse responses showed a significant upregulation of IL-1α and IL-1β expression in Direct(PL). After 1 week, human cells were observed in both groups and after 11 weeks in Direct(AB + FGFhigh) only. To conclude, results showed a significant effect of the isolation methods and demonstrated a relatively consistent pattern of efficacy from all donors. A tendency of hBMSC expanded in PL to retain a more stem-like phenotype elucidates their delayed differentiation and different inflammatory expressions.
Demonstration of facilitation between microalgae to face environmental stress
Authors: Krichen Emna , Rapaport Alain , Le Floc’h Emilie , Fouilland Eric
Published: November 2019

Positive interactions such as facilitation play an important role during the biological colonization and species succession in harsh or changing environments. However, the direct evidence of such ecological interaction in microbial communities remains rare. Using common freshwater microalgae isolated from a High Rate Algal Pond HRAP treating wastewaters, we investigated with both experimental and modeling approaches the direct facilitation between two algal strains during the colonization phase. Our results demonstrate that the first colonization by microalgae under a severe chemical condition arose from the rapid growth of pioneer species such as Chlorella sorokiniana, which facilitated the subsequent colonization of low growth specialists such as Scenedesmus pectinatus. The pioneer species rapidly depleted the total available ammonia nitrogen favoring the specialist species initially inhibited by free ammonia toxicity. This latter species ultimately dominated the algal community through competitive exclusion under low nutrient conditions. We show that microbial successions are not only regulated by climatic conditions but also by interactions between species based on the ability to modify their growth conditions. We suggest that facilitation within the aquatic microbial communities is a widespread ecological interaction under a vast range of environmental stress.
NmrLineGuru: Standalone and User-Friendly GUIs for Fast 1D NMR Lineshape Simulation and Analysis of Multi-State Equilibrium Binding Models
Authors: Feng Chao , Kovrigin Evgenii L. , Post Carol Beth
Published: November 2019

The ability of high-resolution NMR spectroscopy to readout the response of molecular interactions at multiple atomic sites presents a unique capability to define thermodynamic equilibrium constants and kinetic rate constants for complex, multiple-step biological interactions. Nonetheless, the extraction of the relevant equilibrium binding and rate constants requires the appropriate analysis of not only a readout that follows the equilibrium concentrations of typical binding titration curves, but also the lineshapes of NMR spectra. To best take advantage of NMR data for characterizing molecular interactions, we developed NmrLineGuru, a software tool with a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) to model two-state, three-state, and four-state binding processes. Application of NmrLineGuru is through stand-alone GUIs, with no dependency on other software and no scripted input. NMR spectra can be fitted or simulated starting with user-specified input parameters and a chosen kinetic model. The ability to both simulate and fit NMR spectra provides the user the opportunity to not only determine the binding parameters that best reproduce the measured NMR spectra for the selected kinetic model, but to also query the possibility that alternative models agree with the data. NmrLineGuru is shown to provide an accurate, quantitative analysis of complex molecular interactions.
Dynamic Quantitative Iodine Myocardial Perfusion Imaging with Dual-Layer CT using a Porcine Model
Authors: Scherer Kai , Hammel Johannes , Sellerer Thorsten , Mechlem Korbinian , Renger Bernhard , Bähr Andrea , Kupatt Christian , Hinkel Rabea , Herzen Julia , Pfeiffer Franz , Rummeny Ernst , Pfeiffer Daniela
Published: November 2019

Ischemic heart disease is the globally leading cause of death. When using coronary CT angiography, the functional hemodynamics within the myocardium remain uncertain. In this study myocardial CT perfusion imaging using iodine contrast agent demonstrated to strongly improve the assessment of myocardial disorders. However, a retrieval of such dynamics using Hounsfield units from conventional CT poses concerns with respect to beam-hardening effects and low contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Dual-energy CT offers novel approaches to overcome aforementioned limitations. Quantitative peak enhancement, perfusion, time to peak and iodine volume measurements inside the myocardium were determined resulting in 0.92 mg/ml, 0.085 mg/ml/s 17.12 s and 29.89 mg/ml*s, respectively. We report on the first extensive quantitative and iodine-based analysis of myocardial dynamics in a healthy porcine model using a dual-layer spectral CT. We further elucidate on the potential of reducing the radiation dose from 135 to 18 mGy and the contrast agent volume from 60 to 30 mL by presenting a two-shot acquisition approach and measuring iodine concentrations in the myocardiumin-vivodown to 1 mg/ml, respectively. We believe that dynamic quantitative iodine perfusion imaging may be a highly sensitive tool for the precise functional assessment and monitoring of early myocardial ischemia.
Decomposition characteristics of indigenous organic fertilisers and introduced quick compost and their short-term nitrogen availability in the semi-arid Ethiopian Rift Valley
Authors: Mukai Shiro , Oyanagi Wataru
Published: November 2019

Case studies on the assessment of local organic fertilisers (OFs) in their quality (decomposition characteristics and nutrient availability for crops) are few in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study assessed the quality of local OFs from the Ethiopian Rift Valley. The decomposition characteristics were assessed by acid detergent fibre analysis methods, while the short-term nitrogen availability was assessed by a combination of laboratory incubations and inorganic nitrogen and acid detergent soluble nitrogen determinations. A commercial hand-held reflectometer (RQFlex) was used for determining nitrogen components. The mean acid detergent soluble organic matter contents exceeded 250 mg g−1, indicating the OF feedstock contained much of the readily decomposable organic matter. Some of the indigenous compost (kosi) samples showed net nitrogen immobilisation during the initial period of incubation, followed by net nitrogen mineralisation in one month of incubation with 4% of the nitrogen mineralisation rate. Kosi should be applied to a field one month before seeding. Short-term nitrogen availability from kosi was too low to substitute for inorganic fertilisers. The combination of the simple analysis methods shown in this study is a quick, cost-saving, and accurate quality assessment approach for OFs, which can be useful in the field and at experimental stations in SSA.
Rectal swabs are a reliable proxy for faecal samples in infant gut microbiota research based on 16S-rRNA sequencing
Authors: Reyman Marta , van Houten Marlies A. , Arp Kayleigh , Sanders Elisabeth A. M. , Bogaert Debby
Published: November 2019

Rectal swabs are potentially a valuable method for monitoring the gut microbiome in research and clinical settings, where it is important to adhere to strict timing, or where acute sampling is needed. It is currently unknown whether rectal swabs give comparable results to faecal samples regarding microbiota community composition in neonates and infants. To study how well the two sampling methods correlate in infants, we compared the 16S-rRNA-based sequencing results of 131 paired rectal swabs and faecal samples collected from 116 infants at two timepoints in early life. The paired samples were highly comparable regarding both diversity and overall community composition, and strongly correlated on taxonomical level. We observed no significant nor relevant contribution of sampling method to the variation in overall gut microbiota community composition in a multivariable model. Our study provides evidence supporting the use of rectal swabs as a reliable proxy for faecal samples in infant gut microbiota research.
Fengycin induces ion channels in lipid bilayers mimicking target fungal cell membranes
Authors: Zakharova Anastasiia A. , Efimova Svetlana S. , Malev Valery V. , Ostroumova Olga S.
Published: November 2019

The one-sided addition of fengycin (FE) to planar lipid bilayers mimicking target fungal cell membranes up to 0.1 to 0.5 μM in the membrane bathing solution leads to the formation of well-defined and well-reproducible single-ion channels of various conductances in the picosiemens range. FE channels were characterized by asymmetric conductance-voltage characteristic. Membranes treated with FE showed nonideal cationic selectivity in potassium chloride bathing solutions. The membrane conductance induced by FE increased with the second power of the lipopeptide aqueous concentration, suggesting that at least FE dimers are involved in the formation of conductive subunits. The pore formation ability of FE was not distinctly affected by the molecular shape of membrane lipids but strongly depended on the presence of negatively charged species in the bilayer. FE channels were characterized by weakly pronounced voltage gating. Small molecules known to modify the transmembrane distribution of electrical potential and the lateral pressure profile were used to modulate the channel-forming activity of FE. The observed effects of membrane modifiers were attributed to changes in lipid packing and lipopeptide oligomerization in the membrane.
Publisher Correction: Generation of a Jurkat-based fluorescent reporter cell line to evaluate lipid antigen interaction with the human iNKT cell receptor
Authors: Humeniuk Piotr , Geiselhart Sabine , Battin Claire , Webb Tonya , Steinberger Peter , Paster Wolfgang , Hoffmann-Sommergruber Karin
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Inkjet-printed CMOS-integrated graphene–metal oxide sensors for breath analysis
Authors: Wu Tien-Chun , De Luca Andrea , Zhong Qinyu , Zhu Xiaoxi , Ogbeide Osarenkhoe , Um Doo-Seung , Hu Guohua , Albrow-Owen Tom , Udrea Florin , Hasan Tawfique
Published: November 2019

Early diagnosis in exhaled breath is a key technology for next-generation personal healthcare monitoring. Current chemiresistive sensors, primarily based on metal oxide (MOx) thin films, have limited applicability in such portable systems due to their high power consumption, long recovery time, poor device-to-device consistency, and baseline drifts. To address these challenges for ammonia ($${{\rm{NH}}}_{3}$$

NH

3

) detection in exhaled breath, a critical biomarker for a variety of kidney and liver problems, we present a formulation of a graphene–MOx functional ink-based sensing platform. We integrate our sensing layer directly onto miniaturized CMOS microhotplates (μHP) via inkjet printing, potentially enabling scalability and device-to-device performance repeatability. Using stage-by-stage temporal analysis, and a temperature-pulsed modulation (TM) strategy, we achieve ultrahigh responsivity (1500% at 10 ppm pure $${{\rm{NH}}}_{3}$$

NH

3

), fast response and recovery time (28 and 43 s), ultralow power consumption (~6 mW), negligible baseline drift (<0.67%), excellent cross-device and cross-cycle consistency (<0.5% and <0.41% variation in responsivity) and long-term stability (<1% variation) in our graphene–zinc oxide (ZnO) formulation, outperforming conventional MOx chemiresistive sensors. We further mitigate the effect of humidity through our measurement protocols, while interference from acetone is compensated through the parallel deployment of an additional inkjet printed graphene–tungsten oxide ($${{\rm{WO}}}_{3}$$

WO

3

) device as part of the sensor array. Our dual graphene–MOx formulations and their integration with ultralow power CMOS through inkjet printing represent a significant step towards reliable and portable multi-analyte breath diagnostics.
Cucurbiturils as Reaction Vessels
Authors: Barbero H. , Masson E.
Published: November 2019

This chapter is an overview of organic reactions carried out inside the cavity of cucurbiturils and at their carbonylated rims. The macrocycles are used to promote or inhibit reactions by bringing reactants together or keeping them apart, and by stabilizing or destabilizing reactants and transition states of rate-determining steps. Redox processes, isomerizations, [2+2], [3+2], [4+2] and [4+4] cycloadditions, as well as various nucleophilic additions, are among the reactions discussed in this chapter.
Cucurbit[8]uril-based Polymeric Materials
Authors: Hoogland D. , Liu J. , Scherman O. A.
Published: November 2019

In this chapter, a review of the use of cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) host–guest interactions in polymeric systems is presented. As CB[8] is the only analogue of CB[n] produced on a reasonable scale that is capable of binding two guests inside its cavity (thereby accommodating two molecular entities), the majority of the content in this chapter on polymeric materials will be dedicated to CB[8]. Various research groups have utilized the unique properties of CB[n], particularly CB[8], to either construct supramolecular polymers from small building blocks, or create polymeric materials on the micro- to macro-scale through guest-functionalized polymers. Here, the use of CB[8]-mediated host–guest chemistry in supramolecular polymers, single chain nanoparticles, vesicles and micelles, microcapsules, and hydrogels is discussed, while some examples based on other CB[n] homologues are also mentioned.
Immunosensing of prostate cancer in human plasma samples using immobilization of antibody on the surface of mesoporous silica-modified silver nanoparticles and its immunocomplex with prostate-specific antigen
Authors: Farshchi Fatemeh , Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Solhi Elham
Published: November 2019

An innovative screening method for the early stage diagnosis of prostate cancer in human plasma samples is proposed in this study.
Selective mild oxidation of methane to methanol or formic acid on Fe–MOR catalysts
Authors: Fang Zhihao , Murayama Haruno , Zhao Qi , Liu Bing , Jiang Feng , Xu Yuebing , Tokunaga Makoto , Liu Xiaohao
Published: November 2019

Selective oxidation of methane to methanol or formic acid was achieved using mordenite (MOR)-supported iron catalysts with H2O2 as the oxidant.
A Bpp-based dinuclear ruthenium photocatalyst for visible light-driven oxidation reactions
Authors: Hennessey Seán , Farràs Pau , Benet-Buchholz Jordi , Llobet Antoni
Published: November 2019

The photocatalytic oxidation of organic substrates in water using a diruthenium chromophore-catalyst dyad molecule can be tuned by the nature of the bridging ligand.
Plasmon Ag and CdS quantum dot co-decorated 3D hierarchical ball-flower-like Bi5O7I nanosheets as tandem heterojunctions for enhanced photothermal–photocatalytic performance
Authors: Wang Ke , Xing Zipeng , Du Meng , Zhang Shiyu , Li Zhenzi , Pan Kai , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2019

Bi5O7I/Ag/CdS tandem heterojunction photocatalysts show excellent photothermal and photocatalytic performance, which is attributed to the formation of tandem heterojunctions, surface plasmon resonance, and 3D hierarchical structure.
Enhanced Heck reaction on flower-like Co(Mg or Ni)Al layered double hydroxide supported ultrafine PdCo alloy nanocluster catalysts: the promotional effect of Co
Authors: Li Jin , Song Ying , Wang Yajuan , Zhang Hui
Published: November 2019

A series of PdCo alloy nanocluster (NC) catalysts x-PdCor/Co(Mg or Ni)Al-LDH (x: Pd loading, r: Co/Pd molar ratio) were synthesized by immobilizing ultrafine PdCor-PVP NCs on flower-like layered double hydroxide (LDH) supports.
The impact of metal cations on the photochemical properties of hybrid heterostructures with infinite alkaline-earth metal oxide clusters
Authors: You Ming-Hua , Li Meng-Hua , Li Hao-Hong , Chen Yong , Lin Mei-Jin
Published: November 2019

Two hybrid heterostructures with infinite alkaline-earth metal oxide clusters exhibited diametrically opposite photochromic sensitivities and photocatalytic activities, which are mainly related to the HOMO levels of inorganic clusters.
Electrical decoupling of microbial electrochemical reactions enables spontaneous H2 evolution
Authors: Chen Xi , Lobo Fernanda Leite , Bian Yanhong , Lu Lu , Chen Xiaowen , Tucker Melvin P. , Wang Yuxi , Ren Zhiyong Jason
Published: November 2019

The uphill reaction of H2 evolution was made possible by harvesting wastewater energy using electrical circuiting.
MXene and MXene-based composites: synthesis, properties and environment-related applications
Authors: Zhan Xiaoxue , Si Chen , Zhou Jian , Sun Zhimei
Published: November 2019

This review highlights recent advances of MXenes and their composites in the environment-related applications including catalysis, water purification and sensors.
State-of-the-art iron-based nanozymes for biocatalytic tumor therapy
Authors: Li Menghuan , Zhang Hui , Hou Yanhua , Wang Xuan , Xue Chencheng , Li Wei , Cai Kaiyong , Zhao Yanli , Luo Zhong
Published: November 2019

Iron-based artificial enzyme nanomimics show promise for biocatalytic tumor therapy.
Recent advances in soft functional materials: preparation, functions and applications
Authors: Li Jun , Wong Wai-Yeung , Tao Xiao-ming
Published: November 2019

This review discusses the recent progress of three kinds of soft materials, namely gels, foams and elastomers, with emphasis on materials, properties and applications in flexible sensors, soft actuators, energy convention and storage.
N-Doped yolk–shell carbon nanotube composite for enhanced electrochemical performance in a supercapacitor
Authors: Du Juan , Liu Lei , Wu Haixia , Chen Aibing
Published: November 2019

An ionic liquid is used for the preparation of yolk–shell CNTs with a mesoporous carbon shell and excellent supercapacitor performance.
Catalytic enantioselective cross dehydrogenative coupling of sp3 C–H of heterocycles
Authors: Gandhi Shikha
Published: November 2019

The recent developments in the asymmetric functionalization of heterocycles via the catalytic enantioselective cross dehydrogenative coupling reactions of heterocyclic sp3 C–H bonds are highlighted in this review.
Temperature and salt responsive zwitterionic polysulfamide-based nanogels with surface regeneration ability and controlled drug release
Authors: Yu Xiangrong , Liu Jiansheng , Xin Yongjie , Zhan Meixiao , Xiao Jing , Lu Ligong , Peng Shaojun
Published: November 2019

A novel zwitterionic polysulfamide-based nanogel was developed with UCST-type thermo-responsiveness and salt-responsiveness, which showed surface regeneration ability and controlled drug release.
Light-triggered nitric oxide (NO) release from photoresponsive polymersomes for corneal wound healing
Authors: Duan Yutian , Wang Yong , Li Xiaohu , Zhang Guozhen , Zhang Guoying , Hu Jinming
Published: November 2019

Nitric oxide-releasing amphiphiles are successfully synthesized through direct polymerization and are engineered as photoresponsive polymersomes for biomedical applications.
Novel four-disulfide insulin analog with high aggregation stability and potency
Authors: Xiong Xiaochun , Blakely Alan , Karra Prasoona , VandenBerg Michael A. , Ghabash Gabrielle , Whitby Frank , Zhang Yi Wolf , Webber Matthew J. , Holland William L. , Hill Christopher P. , Chou Danny Hung-Chieh
Published: November 2019

A novel four-disulfide insulin analog was designed with retained bioactivity and increased fibrillation stability.
Accurate cancer cell identification and microRNA silencing induced therapy using tailored DNA tetrahedron nanostructures
Authors: Su Juan , Wu Fubing , Xia Hongping , Wu Yafeng , Liu Songqin
Published: November 2019

DNA tetrahedron nanostructures (DTNSs) were prepared to improve the accuracy of cancer diagnosis through real-time monitoring and imaging three intracellular miRNAs, as well as to realize cancer therapy induced by miRNA silencing.
CsAlB3O6F: a beryllium-free deep-ultraviolet nonlinear optical material with enhanced thermal stability
Authors: Liu Hongkun , Wang Ying , Zhang Bingbing , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: November 2019

A new potential deep-ultraviolet nonlinear optical material CsAlB3O6F was designed by a rational selection of fundamental structural units. This material does not require toxic raw materials and can be grown in an open system.
Anisotropic hydrogels formed by magnetically-oriented nanoclay suspensions for wound dressings
Authors: Yook Sungho , Shams Es-haghi Siamak , Yildirim Armen , Mutlu Zeynep , Cakmak Mukerrem
Published: November 2019

Anisotropic hydrogels are produced, by magnetic alignment of magnetically sensitized nanoclays followed by polymerization of the hydrogel to freeze the developed oriented structure.
Engineering Rhynchostylis retusa-like heterostructured α-nickel molybdate with enhanced redox properties for high-performance rechargeable asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Rama Raju Ganji Seeta , Pavitra Eluri , Nagaraju Goli , Chodankar Nilesh R. , Vishwanath Sujaya Kumar , Park Jin Young , Huh Yun Suk , Han Young-Kyu
Published: November 2019

Rhynchostylis retusa-like α-NiMoO4 was synthesized using a simple, single-step, and cost-effective wet-chemistry approach, and it exhibited the superior electrochemical properties.
Tellurene based chemical sensor
Authors: Wang Dawei , Yang Aijun , Lan Tiansong , Fan Chengyu , Pan Jianbin , Liu Zhu , Chu Jifeng , Yuan Huan , Wang Xiaohua , Rong Mingzhe , Koratkar Nikhil
Published: November 2019

Chemiresistive sensor devices using two-dimensional (2D) materials have been extensively studied.
Light-driven visualization of endogenous cysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione using a near-infrared fluorescent probe
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Yingzhe , Feng Yan , Cao Chen , Song Xuerui , Zhang Guolin , Liu Weisheng
Published: November 2019

Light-driven visualization of endogenous cysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione using a near-infrared fluorescent probe.
Donor–acceptor copolymers with 1,7-regioisomers of N,N′-dialkylperylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxydiimide as materials for photonics
Authors: Cimrová Věra , Výprachtický Drahomír , Pokorná Veronika , Babičová Petra
Published: November 2019

Interesting photophysical, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties of donor–acceptor copolymer series show effects of side chains and potential photonic applications.
Speech-Language Pathologists' Perceptions of Nonnative Accent: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chakraborty Rahul , Schwarz Amy Louise , Vaughan Phillip
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Considering the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA) global influence and continued emphasis on heightening multicultural receptivity, a major consideration for ASHA is to cultivate cultural sensitivity and competence in its largely female (95.30%), monolingual (93.46%), and White (92.10%) workforce. ASHA's 32-year transition from no formal multicultural education to mandatory multicultural education infusion provokes to enquire whether multicultural education in speech-language pathologists (SLPs) has modified SLPs' perceptions toward multicultural issues. In this article, we explored an aspect of such sensitivity. We want to know whether there exists a linear relationship between SLPs' age, as an index of their exposure to formal multicultural education, and SLPs' bias toward nonnative accent, as an index of their multicultural sensitivity.

Method

Two hundred sixty-eight SLP ASHA members completed a web-based pilot survey testing whether SLPs made biased associations based on personality traits, sociocultural factors, professional attire, and physical appearance of persons with nonnative accent and whether the SLPs thought they had an accent. Logistic regression tested whether age predicts explicit biased associations for these five outcomes.

Results

ASHA SLPs made biased associations with accent for all outcomes, but age only predicted the likelihood of explicit accent-based biases for physical appearance. The relationship was curvilinear, with 40- to 45-year-olds making the most biased associations and older SLPs making progressively fewer biased associations.

Conclusion

Clearly, the specific psychosocial attributes associated with perception of nonnative accent need to be explored from a dynamical systems perspective to discover potential variables that might directly or indirectly influence accent perception and potential biases.
Experimental investigation of an optimised pitch control for a vertical‐axis turbine
Authors: Abbaszadeh Shokoofeh , Hoerner Stefan , Maître Thierry , Leidhold Roberto
Published: November 2019

This study reports on an experimental method to obtain the motion law of a pitch system required for maximising the power output of a vertical‐axis water turbine (VAWT). In order to allow for the close monitoring of blade forces, the turbine is modelled with a single oscillating hydrofoil in a water channel. The pitch motion is controlled numerically, and the pitch angle and forces are measured as a function of time. The objective of the optimisation is to maximise the time integral of the thrust coefficient. The optimisation is based on a hardware‐in‐the‐loop method and uses a multi‐scale, full‐factorial approach. The optimal motion law is found through successive improvements with an adaptive parameter step refinement, while the integral of the driving force coefficient is used as a target function. An optimal pitch trajectory with a significant improvement in the thrust coefficient was obtained for a single operating point. The benefit of this methodology is the possibility to study a complete range of turbine designs through the variation of two dimensionless parameters (tip–speed ratio and reduced frequency k), within very short runtime, minimising time and costs investigation, compared to more common numerical methods, or experiments on a complete VAWT.
Load–frequency control in microgrids using target‐adjusted MPC
Authors: Banis Frederik , Guericke Daniela , Madsen Henrik , Poulsen Niels Kjølstad
Published: November 2019

Model predictive control (MPC) has been applied in multiple ways to the load–frequency control problem. In this study, the authors illustrate and compare a target‐adjusted MPC to a classical MPC formulation. The target‐adjusted approach is also posed as optimal control law. The target‐adjusted MPC is an alternative formulation that incorporates the system equilibrium into the control objective. The alternative derived controller can be used as substitute for classical MPCs.
Winter thunderstorms in Kamchatka
Authors: Smirnov Sergey , Mikhailov Yury , Mikhailova Galina , Kapustina Olga
Published: November 2019

Winter thunderstorms in Kamchatka are rare meteorological phenomena. To investigate the nature of this phenomenon, time variations of quasistatic electric field and meteorological quantities at «Paratunka» observatory, IKIR FEB RAS (φ = 52:97° N; λ = 158:25° E), and the data on solar, seismic and cyclonic activities available in INTERNET were used as a thunderstorm activity indicator. It was shown that powerful solar flares accompanied by radiation increases in visible and infra-red spectra as well as the Earth infra-red radiation entering the atmosphere before powerful earthquakes with magnitude M > 8 may be additional sources of heat in the near-ground atmosphere of Kamchatka. The impact of tropical cyclones on the processes of thunderstorm activity formation in Kamchatka during weak seismic activity has been determined insufficiently and requires further detailed investigation.
Analysis of geomagnetic disturbances dynamics during increased solar activity and magnetic storms (according to the measurements of INTERMAGNET station network)
Authors: Mandrikova Oksana , Rodomanskay Anastasia , Zaitsev Alexander
Published: November 2019

We present and describe an automated method for analysis of magnetic data and for detection of geomagnetic disturbances based on wavelet transformation. The parameters of the computational algorithms allow us to estimate the characteristics of non-uniformly scaled peculiar properties in the variations of geomagnetic field that arise during increasing geomagnetic activity. The analysis of geomagnetic data before and during magnetic storms was carried out on the basis of the method according to ground station network. Periods of increasing geomagnetic activity, which precede and accompany magnetic storms, are highlighted. The dynamic of geomagnetic field variation in the auroral zone is considered in detail.
Auto clustering of the variety of pulse signals based on their symbolic description
Authors: Senkevich Yury
Published: November 2019

In a number of applied studies of geophysics, medicine, cosmophysics, atomic physics and other fields of knowledge, useful information is often hidden in the character of the behavior of a stream of frequency modulated pulses, which are represented by a large variety of forms, significantly different from each other up to several orders value of magnitude amplitude and durations. Noise is often present in the signal. Under these conditions, the problem arises of identifying both individual pulses and groups of pulses to assess the connection between their dynamic characteristics and the state of system. To solve the problem by a method is proposed that includes signal cleaning from interference, the operation of extracting and converting pulses into a code representing a sequence of invariant amplitude and time transformations of similar pulses combined by a single graphic pattern called “symbol”. All symbols extracted from the signal make up the alphabet. A procedure for narrowing the dimension of the alphabet is shown, which allows you to automatically divide it into clusters according to the degree of coincidence of the code. The results of the practical application of the developed method for the selection of base classes of the geoacoustic emission (GAS) signals related to the objective data of the state of the signal-generating medium are presented. The study used data from the archives of observations IKIR FEB RAS.
Dynamo effects in gravity
Authors: Shevtsov Boris
Published: November 2019

Nonlinear oscillations in the dynamic system of gravitational and material fields are considered. The problems of singularities and caustics in gravity, expansion and baryon asymmetry of the Universe, wave prohibition of collapse into black holes, and failure of the Big Bang concept are discussed. It is assumed that the effects of the expansion of the Universe are coupling with the reverse collapse of dark matter. This hypothesis is used to substantiate the vortex and fractal structures in the distribution of matter. A system of equations is proposed for describing turbulent and fluctuation processes in gravitational and material fields. Estimates of the di usion parameters of such a system are made in comparison with the gravitational constant.
Modes of magnetic field generation in models of a αΩ-dynamo with a power type α-generator
Authors: Godomskaya Anna , Sheremetyeva Olga
Published: November 2019

In the dynamic model αΩ-dimensions are simulated reversions of the magnetic field with a varying intensity of the α-generator. The change of the α-generator intensity as a result of synchronization of higher modes of the velocity field and the magnetic field is regulated by a function Z(t) with a power kernel. Dynamo modes are obtained for two types of radial component in the scalar parameterization of the α-effect. The results were analyzed depending on the change in the exponent of the kernel of the function Z(t) and the type of the power kernel, also a comparative analysis with the results of the study [9], where the exponential kernel of the function Z(t) was used.
Nonlinear acoustics methods in the investigations of elastic wave interactions in the ocean
Authors: Tarasov Sergei , Pivnev Petr , Chen Wenjian , Durov Dmitry
Published: November 2019

Hydroacoustic parametric systems and methods of nonlinear acoustics in the investigation of the Ocean and the Arctic shelf are considered. A short description of the most promising directions of development of hydroacoustic systems with parametric radiating antennas is given. Characteristics of parametric devices are given, and the results of their applications to solve various problems of hydroacoustics are considered. We discuss new opportunities, which appear when applying parametric antennas, to illuminate underwater environment by autonomous underwater vehicles, and to ensure their navigation along the paths. The results of studies demonstrating single-mode excitation of a waveguide in a wide frequency band, of a parametric antenna, are presented. The possibility of broadband signal compression during its propagation in the result of waveguide dispersion, which leads to intensity increase, is shown. The ways of modernization and the prospective of application of the hydroacoustic means, using nonlinear acoustics methods, are discussed.
On the possibility of disturbance of the Earth’s dynamic balance by the technogenic impact
Authors: Vilayev Andrey , Stikharny Alexander
Published: November 2019

The article describes the possible disturbance of the Earth’s dynamic balance due to climate changes throughout the last 150 years and technogenic impact. An accident occurred on an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010 is taken as an example of such impact. It is assumed that the accident may have accelerated the slowdown of the Gulf Stream and changed its path, which led to a change in temperature, salinity and density of significant ocean masses. Variations of ocean mass density in some areas could cause a shift of the Earth’s center of mass by 10–5 m and a deviation of its rotation axis by 2.9∙10–6 arcsec. It is shown that the process of disturbance of the Earth’s dynamic balance can be accompanied by an increase in the number of relatively weak earthquakes (in a range of magnitudes 4.2–4.8 by 41.5%) and the intensity of seismic noise (tremor), as shown by broadband seismic networks and satellite GPS navigation data.
Stochastic model of 6-jet kinematic dynamo
Authors: Vodinchar Gleb , Feshchenko Liubov
Published: November 2019

The low-moded stochastic model of kinematic geodynamo is studied. The model is based on the indirect data about the large-scale structure of convection. The intensities of large-scale and turbulent field generators are affected by pulsed multiplicative noises. These random pulses are interpreted as the formation and destruction of coherent structures from small-scale modes of velocity and magnetic field. The perturbation of this control parameters by stochastic influence leads to switching between different dynamo regimes.
Researching of quasiperiodic variations in the amplitude of VLF electromagnetic signals from lightning discharges passing over strong earthquakes
Authors: Argunov Vyacheslav , Gotovtsev Mikhail
Published: November 2019

The specific features of a method for radiosounding the lower ionosphere over earthquake epicenters using LF electromagnetic signals of thunderstorm sources (atmospherics) have been considered. The effects of shallow-focus earthquakes with magnitudes larger than 4.0 and their precursors manifest themselves in amplitude characteristics of atmospherics. It has been assumed that variations in the signal characteristics are related to disturbances in the lower ionosphere. According to the results of azimuthal scanning, cross sectional dimensions of disturbed regions, as a rule, correspond to the dimensions of the first two Fresnel zones for signals at a frequency of 10 kHz. Azimuthal scanning also indicated that the positions of disturbed regions during and before earthquakes could have a certain dynamics and differ from the projection onto the earthquake epicenter. Quasi-periodic variations of signal amplitude of lightning discharges passing over earthquake epicenters are in details considered. It has been obtained that the period of amplitude modulation makes up 2-3 hours, i.e. in the ionosphere D-layer the same values of the periods of wave phenomena are registered as which are observed in a higher F-region of the ionosphere. The results obtained during the work specify that, at least, in the part of events the seismic disturbances in the ionosphere can be caused by AGW, propagating upwards from the epicentral area.
Transient electromagnetic radiation of the lithosphere in a seismically active region
Authors: Luo Yiyang , An Nguyen Xuan , Lutsenko Vladislav , Uvarov Vladimir
Published: November 2019

To study the electromagnetic radiation of the lithosphere associated with seismic waves, we used the recordings of the natural electromagnetic radiation obtained under conditions of weak industrial noise and a high level of microseismicity in the ELF-VLF wave bands. It is shown that these data contain information about the surface waves of the Earth’s crust and are accompanied by a frequency close to the first harmonic of the Schumann resonance. The distribution of spikes over thresholds is obtained, which can be indicators of the activity in the processes of the Earth’s crust. The averaged form of the spikes for different components of the electromagnetic field is obtained. Attention is drawn to the differences in the various components of the electromagnetic field and their diurnal differences are analyzed. The possibility of using the approach to predict the short-term movement of the Earth’s crust is considered.
Evaluation of cobalt free coatings as hardfacing material candidates in sodium-cooled fast reactor and effect of oxygen in sodium on the tribological behaviour
Authors: Rouillard Fabien , Duprey Brigitte , Courouau Jean-Louis , Robin Raphaël , Aubry Pascal , Blanc Cécile , Tabarant Michel , Maskrot Hicham , Nicolas Laetitia , Blat-Yrieix Martine , Rolland Gilles , Marlaud Thorsten
Published: November 2019

The feedback produced by operating Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors (SFRs) has shown the importance of material tribological properties. Where galling or adhesive wear cannot be allowed, hardfacing alloys, known to be galling-resistant coatings, are usually applied on rubbing surfaces. The most used coating is the cobalt-base alloy named Stellite 6® because of its outstanding friction and wear behaviour. Nevertheless, cobalt is an element which activates in the reactor leading to complex management of safety during reactor maintenance and mainly decommissioning. As a consequence, a collaborative work between CEA, EDF and FRAMATOME has been launched for selecting promising cobalt-free hardfacing alloys for the 600 MWe Sodium-cooled Fast breeder reactor project named ASTRID. Several nickel-base alloys have been selected from literature review then deposited by Plasma Transferred Arc or Laser Cladding on 17Cr austenitic stainless steel 316L(N) according to RCC-MRx Code (AFCEN Code). Among the numerous properties required for qualifying their use as hardfacing alloys in SFR, good corrosion behaviour and good friction and wear behaviour in sodium are essential. First results on these properties are shown in this article. Firstly, the corrosion behaviour of all coatings was evaluated through exposure tests in purified sodium for 5000 h at 400 °C. All coatings showed an acceptable corrosion behaviour in sodium. Finally, the friction and wear properties of one alloy candidate, NiCrBSi alloy, were studied in sodium in a dedicated designed facility. The influence of the oxygen concentration in sodium on the friction and wear properties was evaluated.