bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual dimorphism of detrusor function demonstrated by urodynamic studies in rhesus macaques
Authors: Biscola Natalia P. , Christe Kari L. , Rosenzweig Ephron S. , Tuszynski Mark H. , Havton Leif A.
Published: September 2020

The lower urinary tract (LUT) and micturition reflexes are sexually dimorphic across mammals. Sex as a biological variable is also of critical importance for the development and translation of new medical treatments and therapeutics interventions affecting pelvic organs, including the LUT. However, studies of LUT function with comparisons between the sexes have remained sparse, especially for larger mammals. Detrusor function was investigated by filling cystometry and pressure flow studies in 16 male and 22 female rhesus macaques. By filling cystometry, male subjects exhibited a significantly larger bladder capacity and compliance compared to females. Pressure flow studies showed a significantly higher bladder pressure at voiding onset, peak pressure, and elevation in detrusor-activated bladder pressure from the end of bladder filling to peak pressure in the male subjects. The activation of reflex micturition, with associated detrusor contractions, resulted in voiding in a significantly larger proportion of female compared to male subjects. A higher urethral outlet resistance is suggested in the male subjects. We conclude that sexual dimorphism of detrusor function is prominent in rhesus macaques, shares many features with the human, and merits consideration in translational and pre-clinical research studies of micturition and LUT function in non-human primates.
Late attentional processes potentially compensate for early perceptual multisensory integration deficits in children with autism: evidence from evoked potentials
Authors: Stefanou Maria Elena , Dundon Neil M. , Bestelmeyer Patricia E. G. , Ioannou Chara , Bender Stephan , Biscaldi Monica , Smyrnis Nikolaos , Klein Christoph
Published: September 2020

Sensory processing deficits and altered long-range connectivity putatively underlie Multisensory Integration (MSI) deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The present study set out to investigate non-social MSI stimuli and their electrophysiological correlates in young neurotypical adolescents and adolescents with ASD. We report robust MSI effects at behavioural and electrophysiological levels. Both groups demonstrated normal behavioural MSI. However, at the neurophysiological level, the ASD group showed less MSI-related reduction of the visual P100 latency, greater MSI-related slowing of the auditory P200 and an overall temporally delayed and spatially constrained onset of MSI. Given the task design and patient sample, and the age of our participants, we argue that electro-cortical indices of MSI deficits in ASD: (a) can be detected in early-adolescent ASD, (b) occur at early stages of perceptual processing, (c) can possibly be compensated by later attentional processes, (d) thus leading to normal MSI at the behavioural level.
Distinct lung microbiota associate with HIV-associated chronic lung disease in children
Authors: Bhadriraju Sudha , Fadrosh Douglas W. , Shenoy Meera K. , Lin Din L. , Lynch Kole V. , McCauley Kathryn , Ferrand Rashida A. , Majonga Edith D. , McHugh Grace , Huang Laurence , Lynch Susan V. , Metcalfe John Z.
Published: September 2020

Chronic lung disease (CLD) is a common co-morbidity for HIV-positive children and adolescents on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa. In this population, distinct airway microbiota may differentially confer risk of CLD. In a cross-sectional study of 202 HIV-infected children aged 6–16 years in Harare, Zimbabwe, we determined the association of sputum microbiota composition (using 16S ribosomal RNA V4 gene region sequencing) with CLD defined using clinical, spirometric, or radiographic criteria. Forty-two percent of children were determined to have CLD according to our definition. Dirichlet multinomial mixtures identified four compositionally distinct sputum microbiota structures. Patients whose sputum microbiota was dominated by Haemophilus, Moraxella or Neisseria (HMN) were at 1.5 times higher risk of CLD than those with Streptococcus or Prevotella (SP)-dominated microbiota (RR = 1.48, p = 0.035). Cell-free products of HMN sputum microbiota induced features of epithelial disruption and inflammatory gene expression in vitro, indicating enhanced pathogenic potential of these CLD-associated microbiota. Thus, HIV-positive children harbor distinct sputum microbiota, with those dominated by Haemophilus, Moraxella or Neisseria associated with enhanced pathogenesis in vitro and clinical CLD.
Association of mprF mutations with cross-resistance to daptomycin and vancomycin in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Authors: Thitiananpakorn Kanate , Aiba Yoshifumi , Tan Xin-Ee , Watanabe Shinya , Kiga Kotaro , Sato’o Yusuke , Boonsiri Tanit , Li Feng-Yu , Sasahara Teppei , Taki Yusuke , Azam Aa Haeruman , Zhang Yuancheng , Cui Longzhu
Published: September 2020

We first reported a phenomenon of cross-resistance to vancomycin (VCM) and daptomycin (DAP) in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in 2006, but mechanisms underlying the cross-resistance remain incompletely understood. Here, we present a follow-up study aimed to investigate genetic determinants associated with the cross-resistance. Using 12 sets of paired DAP susceptible (DAPS) and DAP non-susceptible (DAPR) MRSA isolates from 12 patients who had DAP therapy, we (i) assessed susceptibility to DAP and VCM, (ii) compared whole-genome sequences, (iii) identified mutations associated with cross-resistance to DAP and VCM, and (iv) investigated the impact of altered gene expression and metabolic pathway relevant to the cross-resistance. We found that all 12 DAPR strains exhibiting cross-resistance to DAP and VCM carried mutations in mprF, while one DAPR strain with reduced susceptibility to only DAP carried a lacF mutation. On the other hand, among the 32 vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) strains isolated from patients treated with VCM, five out of the 18 strains showing cross-resistance to DAP and VCM carried a mprF mutation, while 14 strains resistant to only VCM had no mprF mutation. Moreover, substitution of mprF in a DAPS strain with mutated mprF resulted in cross-resistance and vice versa. The elevated lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol (L-PG) production, increased positive bacterial surface charges and activated cell wall (CW) synthetic pathways were commonly found in both clinical isolates and laboratory-developed mutants that carry mprF mutations. We conclude that mprF mutation is responsible for the cross-resistance of MRSA to DAP and VCM, and treatment with DAP is more likely to select for mprF-mediated cross-resistance than is with VCM.
Photovoltaic and flexible deep ultraviolet wavelength detector based on novel β-Ga2O3/muscovite heteroepitaxy
Authors: Tak Bhera Ram , Yang Ming-Min , Lai Yu-Hong , Chu Ying-Hao , Alexe Marin , Singh Rajendra
Published: September 2020

Flexible and self-powered deep ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors are pivotal for next-generation electronic skins to enrich human life quality. The fabrication of epitaxial β-Ga2O3thin films is challenging on flexible substrates due to high-temperature growth requirements. Herein, β-Ga2O3($$\stackrel{-}{2}$$2-0 1) films are hetero-epitaxially grown on ultra-thin and environment-friendly muscovite mica which is the first time β-Ga2O3epitaxy growth on any flexible substrate. Integration of Gallium oxide with muscovite enables high-temperature processing as well as excellent flexibility compared to polymer substrates. Additionally, the metal–semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetector on β-Ga2O3layer shows an ultra-low dark current of 800 fA at zero bias. The photovoltaic peak responsivity of 11.6 µA/W is obtained corresponding to very weak illumination of 75 μW/cm2of 265 nm wavelength. Thermally stimulated current (TSC) measurements are employed to investigate the optically active trap states. Among these traps, trap with an activation energy of 166 meV dominates the persistence photocurrent in the devices. Finally, photovoltaic detectors have shown excellent photocurrent stability under bending induced stress up to 0.32%. Hence, this novel heteroepitaxy opens the new way for flexible deep UV photodetectors.
Comparing blood pressure measurements between a photoplethysmography-based and a standard cuff-based manometry device
Authors: Nachman Dean , Gepner Yftach , Goldstein Nir , Kabakov Eli , Ishay Arik Ben , Littman Romi , Azmon Yuval , Jaffe Eli , Eisenkraft Arik
Published: September 2020

Repeated blood pressure (BP) measurements allow better control of hypertension. Current measurements rely on cuff-based devices. The aim of the present study was to compare BP measurements using a novel cuff-less photoplethysmography-based device to a standard sphygmomanometer device. Males and females were recruited from within the general population who arrived at a public BP screening station. One to two measurements were taken from each using a sphygmomanometer-based and the photoplethysmography-based devices. Devices were considered equal if the mean difference between paired measurements was below 5 mmHg and the Standard Deviation (SD) was no greater than 8 mmHg. Agreement and reliability analyses were also performed. 1057 subjects were included in the study analysis. There were no adverse events during the study. The mean (± SD) difference between paired measurements for all subjects was -0.1 ± 3.6 mmHg for the systolic and 0.0 ± 3.5 mmHg for the diastolic readings. We found 96.31% agreement in identifying hypertension and an Interclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.99 and 0.97 for systolic and diastolic measurements, respectively. The photoplethysmography-based device was found similar to the gold-standard sphygmomanometer-based device with high agreement and reliability levels. The device might enable a reliable, more convenient method for repeated BP monitoring.
Effects of varying the standard deviation of the luminance on the appearance of food, flavour expectations, and taste/flavour perception
Authors: Ueda Junya , Spence Charles , Okajima Katsunori
Published: September 2020

What we taste is affected by what we see, and that includes the colour, opacity, and shape of the food we consume. We report two experiments designed to investigate how the standard deviation (SD) of the luminance distribution of food images influences the perceived visual texture and the taste/flavour experience by using the latest Augmented Reality (AR) technology. We developed a novel AR system capable of modifying the luminance distribution of foods in real-time using dynamic image processing for simulating actual eating situations. Importantly, this form of dynamic image manipulation does not change the colour on the food (which has been studied extensively previously). Instead, the approach outlined here was used to change the SD of the luminance distribution of the food while keeping the chromaticity, the average luminance, and the skewness constant. We investigated the effects of changing the luminance SD distribution of Baumkuchen (a German baked cake) and tomato ketchup on visual perception, flavour expectations, and the ensuing taste experience. Participants looked at a piece of Baumkuchen (Experiment 1) or a spoonful of tomato ketchup (Experiment 2) having different luminance distributions and evaluated the taste on sampling the food. Manipulating the SD of the luminance distribution affected not only the expected taste/flavour of the food (e.g. expected moistness, wateriness and deliciousness), but also the actual taste properties on sampling the food itself. The novel food modification method and system outlined here can therefore potentially be used to control the taste/flavour of different foods crossmodally by means of modifying their appearance properties (specifically the SD of the luminance distribution while keeping other aspects of image statistics constant), and can do so in real time, without the need for food markers.
Liver and spleen elastography of dogs affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and its correlation with clinical biomarkers
Authors: Facin Andréia Coutinho , Uscategui Ricardo Andres Ramirez , Maronezi Marjury Cristina , Pavan Letícia , Menezes Mareliza Possa , Montanhim Gabriel Luiz , Camacho Aparecido Antonio , Feliciano Marcus Antônio Rossi , Moraes Paola Castro
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is correlated to alterations in liver and spleen elasticity. Forty-eight brachycephalic and 22 mesocephalic dogs were submitted to a BOAS functional assessment, laboratory tests, abdominal ultrasound and liver and spleen Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography. Dogs clinically affected by BOAS had higher values of liver stiffness (p < 0.001) than healthy dogs: medial lobes (1.57 ± 0.37 m/s), left and right lateral lobes (1.54 ± 0.50 m/s, 1.23 ± 0.28 m/s, respectively) and caudate lobe (1.28 ± 0.42 m/s). Compared to the mesocephalic group, the brachycephalic group (BOAS clinically affected and unaffected dogs) had higher spleen (2.51 ± 0.45 m/s; p < 0.001) and liver stiffness (p < 0.001): medial lobes (1.53 ± 0.37 m/s), left and right lateral lobes (1.47 ± 0.47 m/s, 1.20 ± 0.30 m/s, respectively) and caudate lobe (1.23 ± 0.40 m/s). Principal component analysis explained 70% of the variances composed by liver stiffness increase, erythrocytes and alanine aminotransferase reduction. Brachycephalic dogs had higher spleen and liver stiffness and a subacute inflammatory state, which represent another BOAS systemic effect. Consequently, these dogs can be at higher risk of hepatic disorders compared with mesocephalic dogs, similarly to humans affected by sleep apnea syndrome.
Rajyoga meditation induces grey matter volume changes in regions that process reward and happiness
Authors: Babu M. G. Ramesh , Kadavigere Rajagopal , Koteshwara Prakashini , Sathian Brijesh , Rai Kiranmai S.
Published: September 2020

Studies provide evidence that practicing meditation enhances neural plasticity in reward processing areas of brain. No studies till date, provide evidence of such changes in Rajyoga meditation (RM) practitioners. The present study aimed to identify grey matter volume (GMV) changes in reward processing areas of brain and its association with happiness scores in RM practitioners compared to non-meditators. Structural MRI of selected participants matched for age, gender and handedness (n = 40/group) were analyzed using voxel-based morphometric method and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) scores were correlated. Significant increase in OHQ happiness scores were observed in RM practitioners compared to non-meditators. Whereas, a trend towards significance was observed in more experienced RM practitioners, on correlating OHQ scores with hours of meditation experience. Additionally, in RM practitioners, higher GMV were observed in reward processing centers—right superior frontal gyrus, left inferior orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and bilateral precuneus. Multiple regression analysis showed significant association between OHQ scores of RM practitioners and reward processing regions right superior frontal gyrus, left middle OFC, right insula and left anterior cingulate cortex. Further, with increasing hours of RM practice, a significant positive association was observed in bilateral ventral pallidum. These findings indicate that RM practice enhances GMV in reward processing regions associated with happiness.
Azure-winged magpies’ decisions to share food are contingent on the presence or absence of food for the recipient
Authors: Massen Jorg J. M. , Haley Sofia M. , Bugnyar Thomas
Published: September 2020

Helping others is a key feature of human behavior. However, recent studies render this feature not uniquely human, and describe discoveries of prosocial behavior in non-human primates, other social mammals, and most recently in some bird species. Nevertheless, the cognitive underpinnings of this prosociality; i.e., whether animals take others’ need for help into account, often remain obscured. In this study, we take a first step in investigating prosociality in azure-winged magpies by presenting them with the opportunity to share highly desired food with their conspecifics i) in a situation in which these conspecifics had no such food, ii) in a situation in which they too had access to that highly desired food, and iii) in an open, base-line, situation where all had equal access to the same food and could move around freely. We find that azure-winged magpies regularly share high-value food items, preferably with, but not restricted to, members of the opposite sex. Most notably, we find that these birds, and specifically the females, seem to differentiate between whether others have food or do not have food, and subsequently cater to that lack. Begging calls by those without food seem to function as cues that elicit the food-sharing, but the response to that begging is condition-dependent. Moreover, analyses on a restricted dataset that excluded those events in which there was begging showed exactly the same patterns, raising the possibility that the azure-winged magpies might truly notice when others have access to fewer resources (even in the absence of vocal cues). This sharing behavior could indicate a high level of social awareness and prosociality that should be further investigated. Further studies are needed to establish the order of intentionality at play in this system, and whether azure-winged magpies might be able to attribute desire states to their conspecifics.
Author Correction: Children avoid inefficient but fair partners in a cooperative game
Authors: Prétôt Laurent , Gonzalez Gorana , McAuliffe Katherine
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Regulatory gene function handoff allows essential gene loss in mosquitoes
Authors: Cheatle Jarvela Alys M. , Trelstad Catherine S. , Pick Leslie
Published: September 2020

Regulatory genes are often multifunctional and constrained, which results in evolutionary conservation. It is difficult to understand how a regulatory gene could be lost from one species’ genome when it is essential for viability in closely related species. The genepairedis a classicDrosophilapair-rule gene, required for formation of alternate body segments in diverse insect species. Surprisingly,pairedwas lost in mosquitoes without disrupting body patterning. Here, we demonstrate that apairedfamily member,gooseberry, has acquiredpaired-like expression in the malaria mosquitoAnopheles stephensi.Anopheles-gooseberryCRISPR-Cas9 knock-out mutants display pair-rule phenotypes and alteration of target gene expression similar to what is seen inDrosophilaand beetlepairedmutants. Thus,pairedwas functionally replaced by the related gene,gooseberry, in mosquitoes. Our findings document a rare example of a functional replacement of an essential regulatory gene and provide a mechanistic explanation of how such loss can occur.
Micromanipulation of prophase I chromosomes from mouse spermatocytes reveals high stiffness and gel-like chromatin organization
Authors: Biggs Ronald J. , Liu Ning , Peng Yiheng , Marko John F. , Qiao Huanyu
Published: September 2020

Meiosis produces four haploid cells after two successive divisions in sexually reproducing organisms. A critical event during meiosis is construction of the synaptonemal complex (SC), a large, protein-based bridge that physically links homologous chromosomes. The SC facilitates meiotic recombination, chromosome compaction, and the eventual separation of homologous chromosomes at metaphase I. We present experiments directly measuring physical properties of captured mammalian meiotic prophase I chromosomes. Mouse meiotic chromosomes are about ten-fold stiffer than somatic mitotic chromosomes, even for genetic mutants lacking SYCP1, the central element of the SC. Meiotic chromosomes dissolve when treated with nucleases, but only weaken when treated with proteases, suggesting that the SC is not rigidly connected, and that meiotic prophase I chromosomes are a gel meshwork of chromatin, similar to mitotic chromosomes. These results are consistent with a liquid- or liquid-crystal SC, but with SC-chromatin stiff enough to mechanically drive crossover interference.
Comprehensive genetic analysis of pediatric germ cell tumors identifies potential drug targets
Authors: Kubota Yasuo , Seki Masafumi , Kawai Tomoko , Isobe Tomoya , Yoshida Misa , Sekiguchi Masahiro , Kimura Shunsuke , Watanabe Kentaro , Sato-Otsubo Aiko , Yoshida Kenichi , Suzuki Hiromichi , Kataoka Keisuke , Fujii Yoichi , Shiraishi Yuichi , Chiba Kenichi , Tanaka Hiroko , Hiwatari Mitsuteru , Oka Akira , Hayashi Yasuhide , Miyano Satoru , Ogawa Seishi , Hata Kenichiro , Tanaka Yukichi , Takita Junko
Published: September 2020

To elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of pediatric germ cell tumors (GCTs), we performed DNA methylation array analysis, whole transcriptome sequencing, targeted capture sequencing, and single-nucleotide polymorphism array analysis using 51 GCT samples (25 female, 26 male), including 6 germinomas, 2 embryonal carcinomas, 4 immature teratomas, 3 mature teratomas, 30 yolk sac tumors, and 6 mixed germ cell tumors. Among the 51 samples, 11 were from infants, 23 were from young children, and 17 were from those aged ≥10 years. Sixteen of the 51 samples developed in the extragonadal regions. Germinomas showed upregulation of pluripotent genes and global hypomethylation. Pluripotent genes were also highly expressed in embryonal carcinomas. These genes may play essential roles in embryonal carcinomas given that their binding sites are hypomethylated. Yolk sac tumors exhibited overexpression of endodermal genes, such as GATA6 and FOXA2, the binding sites of which were hypomethylated. Interestingly, infant yolk sac tumors had different DNA methylation patterns from those observed in older children. Teratomas had higher expression of ectodermal genes, suggesting a tridermal nature. Based on our results, we suggest that KIT, TNFRSF8, and ERBB4 may be suitable targets for the treatment of germinoma, embryonal carcinomas, and yolk sac tumors, respectively.
DNA folds threaten genetic stability and can be leveraged for chemotherapy
Authors: Zell Joanna , Rota Sperti Francesco , Britton Sébastien , Monchaud David
Published: September 2020

Alternative DNA structures (including G-quadruplexes and DNA junctions) represent promising targets for combinatorial chemotherapeutic treatments aiming at fostering genomic instability and impeding DNA repair.
In situ studies of the cathodic stability of single-crystalline IrO2(110) ultrathin films supported on RuO2(110)/Ru(0001) in an acidic environment
Authors: Weber Tim , Abb Marcel J. S. , Evertsson Jonas , Sandroni Martina , Drnec Jakub , Vonk Vedran , Stierle Andreas , Lundgren Edvin , Over Herbert
Published: September 2020

Upon cathodic polarization of a sophisticated IrO2(110)–RuO2(110)/Ru(0001) model electrode a loss of adhesion of the IrO2(110) film to the RuO2(110)/Ru(0001) template is observed.
Critical phenomenon in the room-temperature ferromagnet Ce0.65Mg0.35Co3 prepared by high-pressure annealing
Authors: Zhang Zhengming , Guan Weizheng , Wang Dunhui , Du Youwei
Published: September 2020

Critical parameters were determined independently to describe the critical behavior of a high-pressure annealed Ce0.65Mg0.35Co3 compound.
Electronegativity equalization: taming an old problem with new tools
Authors: Casals-Sainz J. Luis , Francisco E. , Martín Pendás A.
Published: September 2020

Electronegativity equalization is examined after understanding an atom-in-a-molecule as an open quantum system, characterized by a variable fluctuating number of electrons whose average is set through charge-constrained electronic structure calculations.
Correction: Activity enhancement of Pt/MnOx catalyst by novel β-MnO2 for low-temperature CO oxidation: study of the CO–O2 competitive adsorption and active oxygen species
Authors: Zhang Ningqiang , Li Lingcong , Wu Rui , Song Liyun , Zheng Lirong , Zhang Guizhen , He Hong
Published: September 2020

Correction for ‘Activity enhancement of Pt/MnOx catalyst by novel β-MnO2 for low-temperature CO oxidation: study of the CO–O2 competitive adsorption and active oxygen species’ by Ningqiang Zhang et al., Catal. Sci. Technol., 2019, 9, 347–354, DOI: 10.1039/C8CY01879K.
Nanostructured amorphous gallium phosphide on silica for nonlinear and ultrafast nanophotonics
Authors: Tilmann Benjamin , Grinblat Gustavo , Berté Rodrigo , Özcan Mehmet , Kunzelmann Viktoria F. , Nickel Bert , Sharp Ian D. , Cortés Emiliano , Maier Stefan A. , Li Yi
Published: September 2020

A system of amorphous gallium phosphide nanopatches is shown to be a flexible, cheap and efficient platform for ultrafast and nonlinear nanophotonics.
Sunlight mediated degradation of spent wash using hydrothermally synthesized orthorhombic shaped Cu–TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Takle Shrikant P. , Apine Onkar A. , Bankar Digambar B. , Tarlekar Aarti S. , Bhujbal Namdeo N. , Kale Bharat B. , Sonawane Ravindra S.
Published: September 2020

This method is suitable for the selective growth of orthorhombic shaped Cu–TiO2, which shows an excellent performance for the degradation of sugar industry waste.
A potential naphthyl-thiazole-based organic dye and a ditopic chromogenic probe for CN− and Fe3+ with molecular logic functions
Authors: Uahengo Veikko , Hamukwaya Eunike N. , Endjala Paulina T. , Naimhwaka Johannes H.
Published: September 2020

Dye sensitizers are entities designed primarily to serve the function of harvesting light photons in the functional wavelength, which is centered on charge transfer mechanisms.
Porphyrin structure carbon dots under red light irradiation for bacterial inactivation
Authors: Feng Ji , Yu Yong-Liang , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: September 2020

Porphyrin structure carbon dots were synthesized and applied for bacterial inactivation under red light irradiation.
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis over the Fe–Mn/Al2O3 catalyst: modeling and optimization of light olefins using the RSM method
Authors: Arsalanfar Maryam
Published: September 2020

The effect of various preparation parameters on the catalytic performance and physico-chemical properties of a supported Fe–Mn catalyst was investigated using the RSM method.
A 2D-SnSe film with ferroelectricity and its bio-realistic synapse application
Authors: Wang Hong , Lu Wanheng , Hou Shuaihang , Yu Bingxu , Zhou Zhenyu , Xue Yuli , Guo Rui , Wang Shufang , Zeng Kaiyang , Yan Xiaobing
Published: September 2020

Catering to the general trend of artificial intelligence development, simulating humans' learning and thinking behavior has become the research focus.
Nickel nanocrystal/nitrogen-doped carbon composites as efficient and carbon monoxide-resistant electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reactions
Authors: Wu Na , Zhai Meixu , Chen Fei , Zhang Xue , Guo Ruihong , Hu Tuoping , Ma Mingming
Published: September 2020

Owing to its facile synthesis, outstanding activity and high stability, Ni/N–C@500 composite is promising as a low-cost, efficient and CO-resistant electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR).
An AIE luminogen-based electropolymerized film: an ultrasensitive fluorescent probe for TNP and Fe3+ in water
Authors: Hao Hongmin , Xu Chao , Luo Haiyuan , Yang Jinglian , Liu Cong , Xu Bingjia , Shi Guang , Xing Xiaobo , Chi Zhenguo
Published: September 2020

A fluorescent POP film (polyPhTPECz) which acted as an excellent multifunctional and reusable fluorescent probe was prepared by using an electropolymerization (EP) method.
Copper-catalyzed alkynylation/annulation cascades of N-allyl ynamides: regioselective access to medium-sized N-heterocycles
Authors: Yang Xu-Heng , Huang Jian , Wang Fang , Liu Zhuoliang , Li Yujiao , Tao Cheng-an , Wang Jianfang
Published: September 2020

A synthetic strategy based on sequential application of aza-Claisen rearrangement, C–H functionalization, C–N coupling and cyclization as key steps has been developed for the synthesis of 6-, 7-, 8-, and 9-membered rings N-heterocycles.
The fabrication of a covalent triazine-based organic framework for the solid-phase extraction of fourteen kinds of sulfonamides from meat samples
Authors: Wang Guanhua , Hong Zhikai , Lei Yongqian
Published: September 2020

A novel triazine-based CTF and a comparison CTF were synthesized; both CTFs showed excellent extraction efficiencies towards fourteen kinds of sulfonamides in meat and could be promising materials for food sample pretreatment.
Effect of micro-aerobic process on improvement of anaerobic digestion sewage sludge treatment: flow cytometry and ATP assessment
Authors: Barati rashvanlou Reza , Rezaee Abbas , Farzadkia Mahdi , Gholami Mitra , Kermani Majid
Published: September 2020

Micro-aeration as a pretreatment method improves the efficiency of anaerobic digestion of municipal sewage sludge and consequently promotes the methane production.
Preparation of biochar by mango peel and its adsorption characteristics of Cd(ii) in solution
Authors: Zhang Liming , Ren Yanfang , Xue Yuhao , Cui Zhiwen , Wei Qihang , Han Chuan , He Junyu
Published: September 2020

Biochars were prepared by pyrolyzing mango peel waste at 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 °C.
Electrical properties of Ca12Al14O33synthesised through polymer assisted deposition and glass crystallization routes
Authors: Lv Yun , Yi Huaibo , Wei Tianjie , Liu Junwei , Xu Xiangyu , Xu Jungu
Published: September 2020

Ca12Al14O33material was prepared by two new methods with optimized microstructures and improved electrical properties compared to the solid-reaction method.
Characterization of reaction enthalpy and kinetics in a microscale flow platform
Authors: Ładosz Agnieszka , Kuhnle Christina , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: September 2020

We report an isothermal flow calorimeter for characterization of reaction enthalpy and kinetics.
Modeling the response characteristics of photo-sensitive hydrogel electrolytes in Hofmeister salt solution for the development of smart energy storage devices
Authors: Chen Xiao , Zhan Zhixin , Liu Qimin , Wu Tao
Published: September 2020

A fascinating feature of photo-sensitive hydrogels with dissolved salts is their light-adjustable ability to conduct electricity.
Layered electrides as fluoride intercalation anodes
Authors: Hartman Steven T. , Mishra Rohan
Published: September 2020

We predict that layered electrides, such as Ca2N and Y2C, can serve as good hosts for fluoride intercalation.
Elucidation of the high-voltage phase in the layered sodium ion battery cathode material P3–Na0.5Ni0.25Mn0.75O2
Authors: Liu Jiatu , Didier Christophe , Sale Matthew , Sharma Neeraj , Guo Zaiping , Peterson Vanessa K. , Ling Chris D.
Published: September 2020

This research work reveals a fully desodiated phase, which might lead to higher voltage/capacity for sodium ion battery.
High valence transition metal-doped olivine cathodes for superior energy and fast cycling lithium batteries
Authors: Pagot Gioele , Bandiera Marco , Vezzù Keti , Migliori Andrea , Bertoncello Renzo , Negro Enrico , Morandi Vittorio , Di Noto Vito
Published: September 2020

High-valence transition metals are inserted into the olivine structure, thus enhancing the specific capacity and rate capability of cathodic materials.
Phosphoric acid and thermal treatments reveal the peculiar role of surface oxygen anions in lithium and manganese-rich layered oxides
Authors: He Jiarong , Hua Weibo , Missiul Aleksandr , Melinte Georgian , Das Chittaranjan , Tayal Akhil , Bergfeldt Thomas , Mangold Stefan , Liu Xinyang , Binder Joachim R. , Knapp Michael , Ehrenberg Helmut , Indris Sylvio , Schwarz Björn , Maibach Julia
Published: September 2020

The peculiar role of surface oxygen anions and surface reconstruction in Co-free layered Li[Li0.2Ni0.2Mn0.6]O2 is discovered by dilute phosphoric acid and thermal treatments.
A review of advanced metal-free carbon catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions towards the selective generation of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Zhou Yue , Chen Ge , Zhang Jiujun
Published: September 2020

Recent progress in the development of metal-free carbon catalysts for ORR to H2O2.
Highly stretchable, recyclable, notch-insensitive, and conductive polyacrylonitrile-derived organogel
Authors: Guo Xiwei , Zhang Changgeng , Shi Lei , Zhang Qi , Zhu He
Published: September 2020

Polyacrylonitrile-derived organogel with excellent stretchability, ionic conductivity and anti-crack property can be recycled and used as a wearable sensor.
Conjugation of biphenyl groups with poly(ethylene glycol) to enhance inhibitory effects on the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint interaction
Authors: Kim Eun-Hye , Ning Boyang , Kawamoto Masuki , Miyatake Hideyuki , Kobatake Eiry , Ito Yoshihiro , Akimoto Jun
Published: September 2020

Inhibitory effect of small molecule immune checkpoint inhibitors on the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint interaction was enhanced by the multivalent effect through the conjugation of branched PEG.
Assessment of mutual influence of groundings in close proximity to each other through estimation of safety parameters
Authors: Bhatia Krishnav , Darji Pranav B. , Jariwala Hitesh R.
Published: September 2020

This work presents the mutual influence of nearby grounding structures on each other in terms of safety parameters. To epitomise mutual influence, primarily a mathematical model of the double circuit transmission line, cling to the tower, close by a substation is considered. The model estimates the ground fault current venting into the encompassing soil, in case of single‐phase to ground fault at the tower, when mutual resistive effects of both groundings are taken into account and when they are ignored. Neglecting these effects leads to a false estimation of safety parameters such as ground‐fault current and touch voltages, which are frequently used in grounding design. It may lead to unnecessary expenditures on the safety design of the grounding system. For verification purposes, the practical application of the model is exhibited. Also, an interactive model between substation grounding (grid model) and nearby tower grounding (rod model) is examined in terms of safety parameters. To further validate, an experimental set up is built for two nearby groundings. Experimental results obtained through it are compared with the results of the finite‐element method and analytical method and are found to be favourable. Touch, step, and ground potential distribution profiles with and without considering nearby grounding are also presented.
About the base problems of the geomechanics of strong compressed rock and rock masses
Authors: Makarov Vladimir , Guzev Mikhail , Odintsev Vladimir
Published: September 2020

Some approaches to the simulation of hierarchically-block geomedia are considered. The idea of mesomechanics with allocation of mesovolume of representative scale level is used. It is offered to describe within the frame of geomechanics a rock mass four scale levels considering the conforming hierarchy of structural blocks. On each of these levels the rock mass is presented by non-Euclidian model of a continuous medium with the cracking defects, thus models of different scale levels differ only with values of parametres entering into them.
Static and dynamic testing of tendons
Authors: Aziz Naj , Khaleghparast Saman , Anzanpour Sina , Remennikov Alex , Mirzaghorbanali Ali
Published: September 2020

Underground support system using tendons has been one of the significant achievements in Civil and Mining engineering endeavours in facing challenges of ground control. However, shear failure of rock bolts is still one of the least monitored phenomenon in underground excavations with respect to seismic events. The understanding of the performance of rock bolts under dynamic loading condition requires a great deal of research. A series of tests were undertaken utilising a drop hammer mass of 600 Kg from a maximum height of 3.7 m over concrete blocks in the double shear box with chemical resin encapsulated a rock bolt to investigate the performance of rock bolts under dynamic shear load. Load cells, displacement laser and high speed camera were used to monitor the test. Results from the data analyses are presented in the form of displacement, hammer mass drop velocity, acceleration and force variation with time for all components involved in each test. The time factor was found to contribute 30 % of the shear load in static testing in comparison with dynamic; In particular, the force-displacement curve and energy absorption for the reinforcement system are presented to examine the performance of rock bolts and conclusion drawn.
Features of schemes of the explosive loosening, with big slowdowns
Authors: Leshchinskiy Alexandr , Shevkun Evgeniy , Lysak Yuriy , Plotnikov Andrey
Published: September 2020

The task of the article is to determine the influence of the blasting charge power on the intensity of preliminary destruction of the blasting block mass at long delays. Increase of the destruction radius r from the blasthole charges action at diagonal pattern of hole-by-hole blasting, caused by change of explosive charge energy or rock properties, decreases the number of stress waves passing in the vicinity of specific blast holes. They cause the rock disturbance in the pre-destruction area due to increasing of explosion energy absorption in the area of blasthole charges destruction. However, at the same time, the value of the predestruction factor increases. The calculation shows that 3.5 times increase of the blasthole charge destruction radius, reduces in 1.36 times the number of stress waves passing through the vicinity of specific blasthole charges, but the factor of pre-destruction intensity increases tenfold and the total impact of these factors – by a factor of 8.
Investigation of stress field parameters at deep horizons of the Gayskoye field**
Authors: Sentyabov Sergey , Zubkov Albert
Published: September 2020

The extraction of solid minerals is associated with the penetration of man into the subsoil by creating either relatively simple or extremely complex structures. All mining operations can be safely and efficiently carried out only on the basis of calculating the stability of these structures, which is based on knowledge of the physical and mechanical properties, the stress state of the rock mass and the patterns of their redistribution and formation in mountain structures. The presented studies confirmed the regularities of the formation of natural stresses in the rock mass, which is the sum of gravitational, static tectonic and variable components, which are formed as a result of uniform periodic volumetric expansion and contraction of the Earth. The problem of shaft stability is due to the need to solve problems to determine the level of stress-strain state and strength properties in concrete lining. The parameters of stresses in the shaft lining and monitoring of their changes were determined using the method of measuring unloading deformations. When analyzing the stresses obtained experimentally by analytical means in the concrete lining of mine shafts, a connection was established with the results of measurements in the rock mass on the basis of 50 meters. Based on the experiment, it was confirmed that theoretical and experimental studies prove that a hierarchically blocky massif of magmatic and metamorphic rocks behaves as an elastic and isotropic medium and changes in natural stresses in the massif Δ on the basis of 5-7 ranks of geoblocks, on the contour of the trunk based on 2 –3 ranks of geoblocks and in the concrete lining of mine shafts Δσb obey this law.
Prospects for using combined (traditional and physical-chemical) mining technologies in the development of large gold-copper ore deposits
Authors: Sekisov Artur , Korolev Slava
Published: September 2020

The article deals with the problems of development of large gold-copper ore deposits, which have prospects for the development of mining and processing complexes based on them, which produce refined metals as final products. The article substantiates the feasibility of using combined traditional and physical-chemical geotechnologies in the development of these deposits, including geotechnologies in mining, using innovative processes of activation of heap and underground leaching of copper, fine and dispersed gold from complex ores. At the initial stage of development of the large deposits of complex ores, in parallel with traditional schemes open-pit mining and ore processing at the processing plant, it is advisable to use the activation heap leaching of valuable components from poor and refractory ores and flotation tailings from ordinary and rich ore. At the second stage, when switching to the underground method of field development, it is proposed to use blockhole leaching with explosion-injection ore preparation with combination with it. The proposed schemes for combined development of complex gold-copper ore and copper-ore deposits with precious metal mineralization are based on data obtained during many years of experimental research and pilot tests.
Substantiation of the effective geotechnological parameters of activation heap leaching of gold from refractory ores
Authors: Rasskazova Anna , Korpi Paul
Published: September 2020

The difficulties associated with the hydrometallurgical processing of refractory ores and some methods of their solution are discussed in the article. Difficulties associated with leaching of goldcopper ores are characterized. Gold and copper content is 0.5 ppm and 0.37 % respectively in the primary ores of the Malmyzh deposit. The ore is characterized as low grade. The geotechnology method of heap leaching is feasible for low grade ores processing. The characteristics of ore material favorable for heap leaching are listed in the paper. The current trends in ore preparation for heap leaching are briefly described. Hydrodynamic parameters of spraying are one of the important aspects influencing the process result. The hydrodynamic regimes implemented in the processes of heap leaching are listed and methods for determining the rational irrigation regime and the method of feeding the solution are given. Technological studies are required for any type of ore to assess the feasibility of heap leaching. Typically, technological studies begin with laboratory stage, then large-scale research are performed and the pilot-plant tests allows assessing the feasibility of the technology on the industrial scale. In this study, laboratory scale column leaching research were carried out. A method of activation chloride leaching with sulfuric acid-peroxide pre-oxidation was developed and tested. The leaching solutions were activated by the method of electro-photo-chemical activation with sequential electrolysis and ultraviolet irradiation. As a result of the experiment, 68-80% copper recovery was achieved.
Extraction of gold in a centrifugal field of fluid rotation
Authors: Salomatova Svetlana
Published: September 2020

With the samples of the gold-antimony ore processing products of the Sentachan deposit, flotation experiments were carried out on a laboratory centrifugal flotation machine with peripheral concentrate discharge (CFM) and on a laboratory mechanical flotation machine (FM). The selectivity of falling of mineral particles from the flotation mineralized foam flowing along the inclined plane after flotation under different modes (with and without the use of a collector) was investigated; it was shown that the use of a collector can regulate the intensity and selectivity of the falling of material from the foam layer. It was found that the combination of the effect of the centrifugal force of fluid rotation and the hydrophobic properties of minerals makes it possible to enhance the selectivity of the separation of minerals; during flotation in a centrifugal flotation machine, it is possible to carry out cleaning operations in order to improve the quality of the concentrate.
Hydrophobization of the surface of mineral forms during cryogenic treatment of highly clayey sands
Authors: Shirman Grigoriy , Matveyev Andrey , Salomatova Svetlana
Published: September 2020

The results of experiments in a laboratory flotation device for assessing the effect of cryogenic treatment on the surface properties of natural highly dispersed mineral mixtures, such are high-clay sands, are presented. Experiments have shown that cryogenic treatment of sands significantly increases their hydrophobic properties, which is confirmed by an increase in the yield of the flotation foam product without using collecting reagents, and there is also an increase in the yield of the foam product depending on the number of freeze-thaw cycles. This phenomenon confirms the effect of increased disintegration of highly clayey sands in an air-water environment after cryogenic treatment. An X-ray phase analysis of samples of foam (hydrophobic) and chamber (hydrophilic) products of flotation studies was carried out on an X-ray diffractometer D8 DISCOVER. Analyzes have shown that the separation products contain the same mineral phases, slightly differing in quantity, judging by the intensity of the peaks.
Features of choosing the schemes for selective mining of ores and justifying their rational parameters while using heap leaching schemes for processing
Authors: Sekisov Gennady , Sobolev Aleksei , Ashimbaev Abdakim
Published: September 2020

The article presents data from theoretical and experimental studies related to the search for a solution to an urgent geotechnological problem - selective mining of standard quality ore, substandard and diluted ores, taking into account the peculiarities of their processing by heap leaching. For complex-structural large-scale ore deposits of the stockwork morphological-structural type, multilevel heterogeneity is typical. The morphology and structure of the objects of direct extraction - ore bodies within the production blocks - vary significantly. The expediency of selective mining and separate heap leaching (or heap oxidation and leaching) of gold and copper from conditioned ores of various geological and technological types and grades is justified. In addition, it is advisable to selectively extract and separately process by heap leaching or flux in a controlled manner before it off-balance and diluted ores, as well as mineralized overburden and tailings of high-grade ores.
Research on modeling the technology of processing anthropogenic old tailings of Primorsky Concentrating Factory
Authors: Shepeta Elena , Litvinova Natalia , Bubnova Marina , Bilen Mehmet
Published: September 2020

The possibility of processing old tailings of the Primorsky Concentrating Factory (PCF) has been assessed. The average mass fraction of WO3 is 0.08%, Cu is 0.052%, the average content of Au is 0.38 ppm, Ag is 1.1 ppm. The grain size of scheelite and chalcopyrite is from 0.03 mm and below. Basically, intergrowths of scheelite are in quartz, less often is in pyroxene, chalcopyrite is in pyrrhotite, less often is in quartz. The results of experimental studies of the washability of secondary mineral material using flotation and gravity beneficiation methods are presented. The possibility of intensifying the flotation process of concentration using a Pneuflot® flotation machine was investigated. The recovery of scheelite at the same degree of concentration using a Pneuflot® flotation machine is 16.5% higher compared to the standard mechanical flotation machine, mainly due to the more efficient flotation (1.5 times) of sludge (-15+0 μm). Flotation of the sand fraction of old tailings (SFOT) in a Pneuflot® flotation machine showed an opportunity of scheelite recovery into enriched concentrate of rough flotation from -44+15 microns material by 82%, and -15+0 microns (from sludge) by 75% of those classes, the case being for the mechanical machine (volume 3 l) – 77% and 49% of those classes, respectively. The content of the obtained flotation concentrate corresponds to the quality of the feed of rough scheelite flotation at PCF (at a concentration degree of 8.5 in the enriched product, the scheelite recovery was 69%), enabling to integrate it to the technological scheme of PFC. According to the combined gravity-flotation concentration scheme, a conditioned scheelite concentrate with a mass fraction of 70.9% WO3 was obtained, throughout recovery being 57.3%.