bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerated fibrin clot degradation is associated with arterial thromboembolism in patients following venous thrombosis: a cohort study
Authors: Mrozinska Sandra , Wypasek Ewa , Broniatowska Elżbieta , Undas Anetta
Published: October 2021

Several lines of evidence have suggested that patients following venous thromboembolism (VTE) are at higher risk of arterial thromboembolism (ATE). Prothrombotic fibrin clot characteristics were reported in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. We investigated whether specific fibrin clot properties measured after 3–4 months of anticoagulation characterize VTE patients with subsequent ATE. We enrolled 320 patients following VTE aged below 70 years (median age, 46). Ten patients were lost to follow-up. ATE occurred in 21 individuals after a median 54 (31–68) months during a follow-up of 87.5 months (incidence 0.94%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59–1.4 per patient-year). Patients with ATE had faster fibrin clot degradation, reflected by maximum rate of D-dimer increase during plasma clot lysis induced by tissue-type plasminogen activator (D-Drate) at baseline. Clot permeability, turbidimetric variables, clot lysis time, and thrombin generation were unrelated to ATE. Univariable Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that age, diabetes, and D–Dratewere risk factors for subsequent ATE. Increased D–Drate(by 0.001 mg/L/min; hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% CI 1.02–1.14) was an independent predictor of ATE after adjustment for potential confounders. Faster fibrin clot degradation at 3 months since VTE may increase the risk of ATE among VTE patients during follow-up.
Accurate prediction of protein torsion angles using evolutionary signatures and recurrent neural network
Authors: Xu Yong-Chang , ShangGuan Tian-Jun , Ding Xue-Ming , Cheung Ngaam J.
Published: October 2021

The amino acid sequence of a protein contains all the necessary information to specify its shape, which dictates its biological activities. However, it is challenging and expensive to experimentally determine the three-dimensional structure of proteins. The backbone torsion angles play a critical role in protein structure prediction, and accurately predicting the angles can considerably advance the tertiary structure prediction by accelerating efficient sampling of the large conformational space for low energy structures. Here we first time propose evolutionary signatures computed from protein sequence profiles, and a novel recurrent architecture, termed ESIDEN, that adopts a straightforward architecture of recurrent neural networks with a small number of learnable parameters. The ESIDEN can capture efficient information from both the classic and new features benefiting from different recurrent architectures in processing information. On the other hand, compared to widely used classic features, the new features, especially the Ramachandran basin potential, provide statistical and evolutionary information to improve prediction accuracy. On four widely used benchmark datasets, the ESIDEN significantly improves the accuracy in predicting the torsion angles by comparison to the best-so-far methods. As demonstrated in the present study, the predicted angles can be used as structural constraints to accurately infer protein tertiary structures. Moreover, the proposed features would pave the way to improve machine learning-based methods in protein folding and structure prediction, as well as function prediction. The source code and data are available at the website https://kornmann.bioch.ox.ac.uk/leri/resources/download.html.
Modulation of circadian clock by crude drug extracts used in Japanese Kampo medicine
Authors: Zhang Manhui , Kobayashi Kohei , Atsumi Haruki , Katada Yuma , Nakane Yusuke , Chen Junfeng , Nagano Ryo , Kadofusa Naoya , Nishiwaki-Ohkawa Taeko , Kon Naohiro , Hirota Tsuyoshi , Sato Ayato , Makino Toshiaki , Yoshimura Takashi
Published: October 2021

Circadian rhythm is an approximately 24 h endogenous biological rhythm. Chronic disruption of the circadian clock leads to an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Hence, it is important to develop circadian clock modulators. Natural organisms are a good source of several medicines currently in use. Crude drugs used in Japanese traditional Kampo medicine or folk medicines are an excellent source for drug discovery. Furthermore, identifying new functions for existing drugs, known as the drug repositioning approach, is a popular and powerful tool. In this study, we screened 137 crude drug extracts to act as circadian clock modulators in human U2OS cells stably expressing the clock reporter Bmal1-dLuc, and approximately 12% of these modulated the circadian rhythm. We further examined the effects of several crude drugs in Rat-1 fibroblasts stably expressing Per2-luc, explant culture of lung from Per2::Luciferase knockin mice, and zebrafish larvae in vivo. Notably, more than half of the major ingredients of these crude drugs were reported to target AKT and its relevant signaling pathways. As expected, analysis of the major ingredients targeting AKT signaling confirmed the circadian clock-modulating effects. Furthermore, activator and inhibitor of AKT, and triple knockdown of AKT isoforms by siRNA also modulated the circadian rhythm. This study, by employing the drug repositioning approach, shows that Kampo medicines are a useful source for the identification of underlying mechanisms of circadian clock modulators and could potentially be used in the treatment of circadian clock disruption.
Brain connectivity dynamics in cisgender and transmen people with gender incongruence before gender affirmative hormone treatment
Authors: Uribe Carme , Junque Carme , Gómez-Gil Esther , Díez-Cirarda María , Guillamon Antonio
Published: October 2021

Large-scale brain network interactions have been described between trans- and cis-gender binary identities. However, a temporal perspective of the brain's spontaneous fluctuations is missing. We investigated the functional connectivity dynamics in transmen with gender incongruence and its relationship with interoceptive awareness. We describe four states in native and meta-state spaces: (i) one state highly prevalent with sparse overall connections; (ii) a second with strong couplings mainly involving components of the salience, default, and executive control networks. Two states with global sparse connectivity but positive couplings (iii) within the sensorimotor network, and (iv) between salience network regions. Transmen had more dynamical fluidity than cismen, while cismen presented less meta-state fluidity and range dynamism than transmen and ciswomen. A positive association between attention regulation and fluidity and meta-state range dynamism was found in transmen. There exist gender differences in the temporal brain dynamism, characterized by distinct interrelations of the salience network as catalyst interacting with other networks. We offer a functional explanation from the neurodevelopmental cortical hypothesis of a gendered-self.
pCLE highlights distinctive vascular patterns in early gastric cancer and in gastric diseases with high risk of malignant complications
Authors: Fornasarig Mara , Capuano Alessandra , Maiero Stefania , Pivetta Eliana , Guarnieri Giovanni , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Zucchetto Antonella , Mongiat Maurizio , Cannizzaro Renato , Spessotto Paola
Published: October 2021

Endoscopy is widely used to detect and diagnose precancerous lesions and gastric cancer (GC). The probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (pCLE) is an endoscopic technique suitable for subcellular resolution and for microvasculature analyses. The aim of this study was to use pCLE to identify specific vascular patterns in high-risk and early stage GC. Mucosal architecture, vessel tortuosity, enlargements and leakage were assessed in patients with autoimmune gastritis and early gastric cancer (EGC). We were able to stratify gastritis patients by identifying distinct vascular profiles: gastritis was usually associated with increased vascularization characterized by a high number of tortuous vessels, which were also found in atrophic autoimmune disease. Leaky and tortuous vessels, distributed in a spatially irregular network, characterized the atrophic metaplastic mucosa. The mucosal vasculature of EGC patients displayed tortuous vessels, but unlike what detected in atrophic gastritis, they appeared patchy, as is in neoplastic gastric tissue. Very importantly, we detected vascular changes even in areas without lesions, supporting the contention that vascular alterations may provide a favorable microenvironment for carcinogenesis. This report confirms that pCLE is a valid endoscopic approach to improve the definition of patients with malignant lesions or at increased risk for GC by assessing vascular changes.
Influence of Turkish origin on hematology reference intervals in the German population
Authors: Mayr Franz X. , Bertram Alexander , Cario Holger , Frühwald Michael C. , Groß Hans-Jürgen , Groening Arndt , Grützner Stefanie , Gscheidmeier Thomas , Hoffmann Reinhard , Krebs Alexander , Ruf Hans-Georg , Torge Antje , Woelfle Joachim , Razum Oliver , Rauh Manfred , Metzler Markus , Zierk Jakob
Published: October 2021

Reference intervals for laboratory test results have to be appropriate for the population in which they are used to be clinically useful. While sex and age are established partitioning criteria, patients’ origin also influences laboratory test results, but is not commonly considered when creating or applying reference intervals. In the German population, stratification for ethnicity is rarely performed, and no ethnicity-specific hematology reference intervals have been reported yet. In this retrospective study, we investigated whether specific reference intervals are warranted for the numerically largest group of non-German descent, individuals originating from Turkey. To this end, we analyzed 1,314,754 test results from 167,294 patients from six German centers. Using a name-based algorithm, 1.9% of patients were identified as originating from Turkey, in line with census data and the algorithm’s sensitivity. Reference intervals and their confidence intervals were calculated using an indirect data mining approach, and Turkish and non-Turkish reference limits overlapped completely or partially in nearly all analytes, regardless of age and sex, and only 5/144 (3.5%) subgroups’ reference limits showed no overlap. We therefore conclude that the current practice of using common reference intervals is appropriate and allows correct clinical decision-making in patients originating from Turkey.
Whole-exome analysis in Tunisian Imazighen and Arabs shows the impact of demography in functional variation
Authors: Lucas-Sánchez Marcel , Font-Porterias Neus , Calafell Francesc , Fadhlaoui-Zid Karima , Comas David
Published: October 2021

Human populations are genetically affected by their demographic history, which shapes the distribution of their functional genomic variation. However, the genetic impact of recent demography is debated. This issue has been studied in different populations, but never in North Africans, despite their relevant cultural and demographic diversity. In this study we address the question by analyzing new whole-exome sequences from two culturally different Tunisian populations, an isolated Amazigh population and a close non-isolated Arab-speaking population, focusing on the distribution of functional variation. Both populations present clear differences in their variant frequency distribution, in general and for putatively damaging variation. This suggests a relevant effect in the Amazigh population of genetic isolation, drift, and inbreeding, pointing to relaxed purifying selection. We also discover the enrichment in Imazighen of variation associated to specific diseases or phenotypic traits, but the scarce genetic and biomedical data in the region limits further interpretation. Our results show the genomic impact of recent demography and reveal a clear genetic differentiation probably related to culture. These findings highlight the importance of considering cultural and demographic heterogeneity within North Africa when defining population groups, and the need for more data to improve knowledge on the region’s health and disease landscape.
AA amyloid in human food chain is a possible biohazard
Authors: Rising Anna , Gherardi Paola , Chen Gefei , Johansson Jan , Oskarsson Marie E. , Westermark Gunilla T. , Westermark Per
Published: October 2021

AA amyloidosis can be transmitted experimentally in several mammalian and avian species as well as spontaneously between captive animals, even by oral intake of amyloid seeds. Amyloid seeding can cross species boundaries, and fibrils of one kind of amyloid protein may also seed other types. Here we show that meat from Swedish and Italian cattle for consumption by humans often contains AA amyloid and that bovine AA fibrils efficiently cross-seed human amyloid β peptide, associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Characteristic analysis of volatile avalanche diode threshold switching for bionic nerve synapse applications
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhong Zeyu , Jin Xiangliang , Peng Yan , Luo Jun
Published: October 2021

The combination of biological neurology and memristive theory has greatly promoted the development of neuromorphic computing. To build a large-scale artificial intelligence alert system, the exploration of bionic synapses compatible with standard processes has become an urgent problem to be solved in the next step. In response to the above application requirements, this paper proposes a volatile avalanche diode threshold switching (VADTS) that is fully compatible with standard semiconductor technology to simulate the various functions of the synapse. Technology computer-aided design device-level simulation can verify the bionic principle of VADTS. The function of VADTS's bionic synapse was verified by the experimental test platform. The results show that under the action of the excitation signal (11.25 V), the device can continuously change from a high-resistance state to a low-resistance state. When the excitation signal is lower than the threshold, VADTS presents a “no adaptation” state of nerve synapses. When the excitation signal is higher than the threshold and changes continuously, the current changes along with the amplitude of the excitation signal, similar to the “sensitization” state of the nerve synapse.
Optimizing the evaluation of gene-targeted panels for tumor mutational burden estimation
Authors: Li Yawei , Luo Yuan
Published: October 2021

Though whole exome sequencing (WES) is the gold-standard for measuring tumor mutational burden (TMB), the development of gene-targeted panels enables cost-effective TMB estimation. With the growing number of panels in clinical trials, developing a statistical method to effectively evaluate and compare the performance of different panels is necessary. The mainstream method uses R-squared value to measure the correlation between the panel-based TMB and WES-based TMB. However, the performance of a panel is usually overestimated via R-squared value based on the long-tailed TMB distribution of the dataset. Herein, we propose angular distance, a measurement used to compute the extent of the estimated bias. Our extensive in silico analysis indicates that the R-squared value reaches a plateau after the panel size reaches 0.5 Mb, which does not adequately characterize the performance of the panels. In contrast, the angular distance is still sensitive to the changes in panel sizes when the panel size reaches 6 Mb. In particular, R-squared values between the hypermutation-included dataset and the non-hypermutation dataset differ widely across many cancer types, whereas the angular distances are highly consistent. Therefore, the angular distance is more objective and logical than R-squared value for evaluating the accuracy of TMB estimation for gene-targeted panels.
Quantification of aniline and N-methylaniline in indigo
Authors: Cordin Michael , Bechtold Thomas , Pham Tung
Published: October 2021

Aniline and N-methylaniline are common contaminants in commercially produced indigo. It is known, that commercially produced indigo contains up to 0.6% aniline and 0.4% N-methylaniline by weight and indigo dye shows a small mutagenic effect, most probably due to the presence of these contaminants. The present work describes a new and powerful analytical method to determine the concentration of these contaminants in indigo. This method is based on the transformation of water insoluble indigo into soluble leucoindigo and allows therefore the acidic extraction of the aromatic contaminants. This transformation step is essential, because the main part of these contaminants are strongly included in the indigo crystals. The amount of extracted aniline and N-methylaniline from the leucoindigo solution was quantified with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC, combined with a photo diode array detector). A possible accumulation of the aromatic amines at the indigo crystal surface was investigated using FTIR and by adsorption studies. Therefore this method allows an accurate monitoring of these toxic by-products in the indigo dye, which is important for an economic and environmental assessment of the denim production.
The effect of solvent on reactivity of the Li2S–P2S5 system in liquid-phase synthesis of Li7P3S11 solid electrolyte
Authors: Gamo Hirotada , Nagai Atsushi , Matsuda Atsunori
Published: October 2021

Synthesis technology for sulfide-based solid electrolytes based on liquid-phase processing has attracted significant interest in relation to achieving the optimal design for all-solid-state batteries. Herein, guidelines to solvent selection for the liquid-phase synthesis of superionic conductor Li7P3S11 are described through systematic examination. 70Li2S–30P2S5 system, a source of Li7P3S11, is treated via a wet chemical reaction using eight organic solvents with different physical and chemical properties (i.e., dielectric constant, molecule structure, and boiling point). We reveal that the solvent’s polarity, characterized by the dielectric constant, plays an important role in the formation of crystalline Li7P3S11 via wet chemical reaction. In addition, acetonitrile (ACN) solvent with a high dielectric constant was found to lead to high-purity crystalline Li7P3S11 and intrinsically high ionic conductivity. Further, solvents with a high boiling point and ring structures that cause steric hindrance were found to be unfavorable for the wet chemical synthesis of Li7P3S11 solid electrolyte. Overall, we demonstrate that ACN solvent is the most suitable for the liquid-phase synthesis of a crystalline Li7P3S11 solid electrolyte with high purity based on its dielectric constant, molecular structure, and boiling point.
Predicting miRNA–disease associations using improved random walk with restart and integrating multiple similarities
Authors: Nguyen Van Tinh , Le Thi Tu Kien , Than Khoat , Tran Dang Hung
Published: October 2021

Predicting beneficial and valuable miRNA–disease associations (MDAs) by doing biological laboratory experiments is costly and time-consuming. Proposing a forceful and meaningful computational method for predicting MDAs is essential and captivated many computer scientists in recent years. In this paper, we proposed a new computational method to predict miRNA–disease associations using improved random walk with restart and integrating multiple similarities (RWRMMDA). We used a WKNKN algorithm as a pre-processing step to solve the problem of sparsity and incompletion of data to reduce the negative impact of a large number of missing associations. Two heterogeneous networks in disease and miRNA spaces were built by integrating multiple similarity networks, respectively, and different walk probabilities could be designated to each linked neighbor node of the disease or miRNA node in line with its degree in respective networks. Finally, an improve extended random walk with restart algorithm based on miRNA similarity-based and disease similarity-based heterogeneous networks was used to calculate miRNA–disease association prediction probabilities. The experiments showed that our proposed method achieved a momentous performance with Global LOOCV AUC (Area Under Roc Curve) and AUPR (Area Under Precision-Recall Curve) values of 0.9882 and 0.9066, respectively. And the best AUC and AUPR values under fivefold cross-validation of 0.9855 and 0.8642 which are proven by statistical tests, respectively. In comparison with other previous related methods, it outperformed than NTSHMDA, PMFMDA, IMCMDA and MCLPMDA methods in both AUC and AUPR values. In case studies of Breast Neoplasms, Carcinoma Hepatocellular and Stomach Neoplasms diseases, it inferred 1, 12 and 7 new associations out of top 40 predicted associated miRNAs for each disease, respectively. All of these new inferred associations have been confirmed in different databases or literatures.
Identification of two novel poleroviruses and the occurrence of Tobacco bushy top disease causal agents in natural plants
Authors: Tan Song-Tao , Liu Fang , Lv Jing , Liu Qin-Li , Luo Heng-Ming , Xu Yi , Ma Yan , Chen Xiao-Jiao , Lan Ping-Xiu , Chen Hai-Ru , Cao Meng-Ji , Li Fan
Published: October 2021

Tobacco bushy top disease (TBTD) is a devastating tobacco disease in the southwestern region of China. TBTD in the Yunnan Province is often caused by co-infections of several plant viruses: tobacco bushy top virus (TBTV), tobacco vein distorting virus (TVDV), tobacco bushy top virus satellite RNA (TBTVsatRNA) and tobacco vein distorting virus-associated RNA (TVDVaRNA). Through this study, two new poleroviruses were identified in two TBTD symptomatic tobacco plants and these two novel viruses are tentatively named as tobacco polerovirus 1 (TPV1) and tobacco polerovirus 2 (TPV2), respectively. Analyses of 244 tobacco samples collected from tobacco fields in the Yunnan Province through RT-PCR showed that a total of 80 samples were infected with TPV1 and/or TPV2, and the infection rates of TPV1 and TPV2 were 8.61% and 29.51%, respectively. Thirty-three TPV1 and/or TPV2-infected tobacco samples were selected for further test for TBTV, TVDV, TBTVsatRNA and TVDVaRNA infections. The results showed that many TPV1 and/or TPV2-infected plants were also infected with two or more other assayed viruses. In this study, we also surveyed TBTV, TVDV, TBTVsatRNA and TVDVaRNA infections in a total of 1713 leaf samples collected from field plants belonging to 29 plant species in 13 plant families and from 11 provinces/autonomous regions in China. TVDV had the highest infection rates of 37.5%, while TVDVaRNA, TBTV and TBTVsatRNA were found to be at 23.0%, 12.4% and 8.1%, respectively. In addition, TVDV, TBTV, TBTVsatRNA and TVDVaRNA were firstly detected of co-infection on 10 plants such as broad bean, pea, oilseed rape, pumpkin, tomato, crofton weed etc., and 1 to 4 of the TBTD causal agents were present in the samples collected from Guizhou, Hainan, Henan, Liaoning, Inner mongolia and Tibet autonomous regions. The results indicated that TBTD causal agents are expanding its host range and posing a risk to other crop in the field.
Analysis of viromes and microbiomes from pig fecal samples reveals that phages and prophages rarely carry antibiotic resistance genes
Authors: Billaud Maud , Lamy-Besnier Quentin , Lossouarn Julien , Moncaut Elisabeth , Dion Moira B , Moineau Sylvain , Traoré Fatoumata , Le Chatelier Emmanuelle , Denis Catherine , Estelle Jordi , Achard Caroline , Zemb Olivier , Petit Marie-Agnès
Published: October 2021

Understanding the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is critical for human health. For this, it is necessary to identify which type of mobile genetic elements is able to spread them from animal reservoirs into human pathogens. Previous research suggests that in pig feces, ARGs may be encoded by bacteriophages. However, convincing proof for phage-encoded ARGs in pig viromes is still lacking, because of bacterial DNA contaminating issues. We collected 14 pig fecal samples and performed deep sequencing on both highly purified viral fractions and total microbiota, in order to investigate phage and prophage-encoded ARGs. We show that ARGs are absent from the genomes of active, virion-forming phages (below 0.02% of viral contigs from viromes), but present in three prophages, representing 0.02% of the viral contigs identified in the microbial dataset. However, the corresponding phages were not detected in the viromes, and their genetic maps suggest they might be defective. We conclude that among pig fecal samples, phages and prophages rarely carry ARG. Furthermore, our dataset allows for the first time a comprehensive view of the interplay between prophages and viral particles, and uncovers two large clades, inoviruses and Oengus-like phages.
Control of Disinfection Byproduct (DBP) Formation by Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)
Authors: Huang Kuan , Zhang Huichun
Published: October 2021

The increasingly populated and diversified organics and halides as disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors in drinking water sources are raising concerns about the formation of DBPs. These precursors can have natural and anthropogenic origins, and a large number of DBP issues nowadays are associated with the elevated levels of anthropogenic occurrence of the precursors. Although many review papers and books have been published on DBP control using membrane, electrochemical, and adsorptive techniques, there is a lack of a review on the application of direct DBP oxidation or advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for DBP control, especially for halides and emerging organic precursors (e.g., emerging contaminants (ECs)). This work intends to fill the gap and document the most recent advances on such topics. The applicability, advantages, and disadvantages of these approaches are comprehensively discussed and compared with those based on other techniques. The removal of halides and ECs can be achieved by both radical and non-radical processes, while the direct removal of DBPs usually requires the participation of radicals. With the rapid advances of AOPs with respect to a large selection of oxidant types, activation approaches, and reaction mechanisms, one can easily formulate strategies to accommodate specific water treatment requirements.
Fenton-like Nanocatalysts for Water Purification
Authors: Xie Zhiqun , Juve Jan-Max Arana , Wei Zongsu
Published: October 2021

Fenton reactions working as one of the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are among the most popular for water purification and reuse technologies. However, many deficiencies, such as strict pH conditions and iron sludge, restrict the promotion and engineering of the Fenton treatment. In recent years, the booming development of Fenton-like catalytic processes has improved many shortcomings of the traditional Fenton technology, yet it still cannot overcome the limitations, e.g., speed limiting steps, in the Fenton reaction principle. This chapter first introduces the chemical principles of Fenton and Fenton-like reactions. Next, typical Fenton-like nanocatalysts are summarized, followed by some new designs of Fenton-like nanomaterials based on surface reactions. Finally, the hybrid process between Fenton treatment and AOPs is discussed. Prospects and guidelines of Fenton-like research are put forward in the last section. We hope that this review can provide a fundamental basis for novel Fenton-like catalysis design and cast a beam of light into its future research.
Photocatalysis for Water Treatment: From Nanoparticle to Single Atom, From Lab-scale to Industry-trial
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Hao , Duan Yingnan , Liu Jiajia , Shen Zhurui
Published: October 2021

Photocatalytic water treatment is an advanced oxidation process with the most potential for environmental remediation. In this chapter, the authors briefly summarize and discuss some basic concepts and recent progresses in this field, mainly about photocatalytic nanomaterials, the emerging single-atomic photocatalysts and some important application examples (devices and technology).
Cell morphology as a design parameter in the bioengineering of cell–biomaterial surface interactions
Authors: Frost Oliver G. , Owji Nazanin , Thorogate Richard , Kyriakidis Christos , Sawadkar Prasad , Mordan Nicola , Knowles Jonathan C. , Lali Ferdinand , Garcia-Gareta Elena
Published: October 2021

Identifying an optimal range of cell morphology characteristics to monitor cell–surface interactions, helping to screen biomaterial applications such as cell sheets, intelligent cell culture surfaces, or functional coatings.
Spectroscopic detection of gas-phase HOSO2
Authors: Nakajima Masakazu , Endo Yasuki
Published: October 2021

Microwave spectroscopy of gaseous HOSO2.
Constructed wetlands for polishing oil and gas produced water releases
Authors: McLaughlin Molly C. , McDevitt Bonnie , Miller Hannah , Amundson Kaela K. , Wilkins Michael J. , Warner Nathaniel R. , Blotevogel Jens , Borch Thomas
Published: October 2021

Produced water (PW) is the largest waste stream associated with oil and gas (O&G) operations and contains petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, salts, naturally occurring radioactive materials and any remaining chemical additives.
Beyond fluorine: sustainable ternary polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries
Authors: Hoffknecht Jan-Philipp , Atik Jaschar , Krause Christian , Thienenkamp Johannes , Brunklaus Gunther , Winter Martin , Paillard Elie
Published: October 2021

A non-fluorinated solid polymer electrolyte including an ionic liquid has achieved a higher transference number and similar lithium transport as compared to its fluorinated analog and allows the cycling of LiFePO4||Li metal cells for 300 cycles.
Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in the analysis of metals, chemicals and materials
Authors: Carter Simon , Clough Robert , Fisher Andy , Gibson Bridget , Russell Ben
Published: October 2021

This review covers advances in the analysis of advanced materials, metals, fuels and lubricants, nanostructures, ceramics, refractories, organic and inorganic chemicals, catalysts and nuclear materials by a range of techniques including X-ray, ICP, LIBS, mass spectrometry, synchrotron-based techniques, plus non-destructive and ablation surface techniques.
Erythrocyte-mediated delivery of bioorthogonal nanozymes for selective targeting of bacterial infections
Authors: Gupta Akash , Das Riddha , Makabenta Jessa Marie , Gupta Aarohi , Zhang Xianzhi , Jeon Taewon , Huang Rui , Liu Yuanchang , Gopalakrishnan Sanjana , Milán Roberto-Cao , Rotello Vincent M.
Published: October 2021

Hitchhiking bioorthogonal nanozymes on red blood cells for selective killing of pathogenic bacterial infections.
A novel dual-site ICT/AIE fluorescent probe for detecting hypochlorite and polarity in living cells
Authors: Li Mingrui , Fang Wangwang , Wang Bowei , Du Yuchao , Hou Yuqing , Chen Ligong , Cui Siqian , Li Yang , Yan Xilong
Published: October 2021

A novel dual-site fluorescent probe (CTPA) was rationally designed and synthesized for the detection of hypochlorite (ClO−) and polarity.
Effect of different imidazole derived moieties on the photo- and electro-luminescence properties of 2,7,12-trisubstituted triazatruxene derivatives
Authors: Liu Shiqiang , Zhou Yang , Wu Shaoguang , Ma Hailin , Qian Long , Zhao Yuling , Su Ruige , Su Wenming , Yu Tianzhi
Published: October 2021

Three 2,7,12-trisubstituted triazatruxene derivatives containing different imidazole derived moieties were synthesized for OLED applications.
Post-polymerization ‘click’ end-capping of polyglyoxylate self-immolative polymers
Authors: Maschmeyer Peter G. , Liang Xiaoli , Hung Allison , Ahmadzai Oksana , Kenny Annmaree L. , Luong Yuan C. , Forder Timothy N. , Zeng Haoxiang , Gillies Elizabeth R. , Roberts Derrick A.
Published: October 2021

Post-polymerization CuAAC reactions are used to ‘click’ stimuli-cleavable triazole end-caps onto self-immolative poly(ethyl glyoxylate).
Microbial transglutaminase nanoflowers as an alternative nanomedicine for breast cancer theranostics
Authors: Fatima Syeda Warisul , Imtiyaz Khalid , Alam Rizvi Mohammad M. , Khare Sunil K.
Published: October 2021

Development of a novel therapeutic nano-modality in the form of enzymatic transglutaminase nanoflowers; endowed with anti-cancerous action against breast cancers.
Block copolymer synthesis using free-radical polymerization and thiol–maleimide ‘click’ conjugation
Authors: Rambarran Talena , Sheardown Heather D.
Published: October 2021

A versatile method of making block copolymers using conventional radical polymerization of acrylic monomers from a functional radical initiator followed by ‘click’ ligation is described.
Dynamic metallopolymer networks: a protocol to quantify Pt(ii)⋯Pt(ii) and π–π stacking interactions
Authors: Qiu Xiandeng , Cao Xiao , Huang Huanting , He Qun , Chang Guanjun , Chen Quan , Bu Weifeng
Published: October 2021

Platinum(ii)-containing associative metallopolymers can self-assemble into dynamic reversible networks through Pt(ii)⋯Pt(ii) and/or π–π stacking interactions, providing a rheological protocol to quantify such noncovalent interactions.
Zero‐Sequence current measurement uncertainty in three‐phase power systems during normal operation
Authors: Nauta Sjoerd , Serra Ramiro
Published: October 2021

Zero‐sequence currents in high‐voltage power systems during normal operation can have a significant influence on nearby infrastructure. It is therefore necessary to gain insight into typical levels of zero‐sequence currents in a variety of operational situations. Measurements can provide this insight. When performing measurements, one needs to know the uncertainty associated with the measurement to draw accurate conclusions. The measurement uncertainty associated with three different practical strategies to measure zero‐sequence currents during normal operation are studied: a direct and indirect measurement strategy using current clamps and oscilloscopes and a measurement strategy using phasor measurement units (PMU). Measurement uncertainty is studied using two methods: by analytical expressions and by Monte Carlo simulations. Both methods give consistent outcomes for the measurement uncertainty and show the same tendencies of the zero‐sequence current measurement uncertainty as a function of the positive‐sequence current. This paper studies measurement strategies with error sources based on realistic measurement devices that could be used in practice. The following outcomes were found: in the direct strategy, the primary current transformers are the largest uncertainty sources; in the indirect strategy, the current clamps are the largest uncertainty sources; in the PMU strategy, the PMU total vector error is the largest uncertainty source.
The role of energy recovery from wastes in the decarbonization efforts of the EU power sector
Authors: Psomopoulos Constantinos S. , Kiskira Kyriaki , Kalkanis Konstantinos , Leligou Helen C. , Themelis Nickolas J.
Published: October 2021

Wastes contain large quantities of energy that can be extracted using a variety of methods. European Union has established a waste‐to‐energy initiative to minimize waste and increase recovery. Τhe EU Landfill Directive promotes more environmental friendly waste management options. Accordingly, EU member states are adopting mechanical‐biological treatment processes, bio‐methanization and waste‐derived fuels. Furthermore, EU is energy‐dependent, as its resources are insufficient to meet rising energy demands, and fossil fuels must be imported in large quantities. Wastes are increasingly produced and have a non‐negligible lower calorific value that are considered as a power source. Findings highlight the role of waste‐to‐energy facilities in meeting a portion of the European Union's energy needs and contributing to the achievement of renewable energy targets. The untapped potential, through specific actions, can increase capacity in EU without threatening the goals for recycling. This work presents the current status of energy recovery in EU and investigates the unutilized potential energy recovery from wastes, considering the currently landfilled quantities. The results showed that even in the worst scenario, the energy recovery and the renewable content are too high to be neglected, supporting the decarbonization efforts and enhance circular economy, in line with EU’s Energy Strategy and Paris agreement.
Modeling the remnants of core-collapse supernovae from luminous blue variable stars
Authors: Ustamujic S. , Orlando S. , Miceli M. , Bocchino F. , Limongi M. , Chieffi A. , Trigilio C. , Umana G. , Bufano F. , Ingallinera A. , Peres G.
Published: October 2021

Context. Luminous blue variable stars (LBVs) are massive evolved stars that suffer sporadic and violent mass-loss events. They have been proposed as the progenitors of some core-collapse supernovae (SNe), but this idea is still debated because of a lack of strong evidence. As supernova remnants (SNRs) can carry in their morphology the fingerprints of the progenitor stars as well as of the inhomogeneous circumstellar medium (CSM) sculpted by the progenitors, the study of SNRs from LBVs could help to place core-collapse SNe in context with the evolution of massive stars.

Aims. We investigate the physical, chemical, and morphological properties of the remnants of SNe originating from LBVs in order to search for signatures in the ejecta distribution and morphology of the remnants that could reveal the nature of the progenitors.

Methods. As a template of LBVs, we considered the LBV candidate Gal 026.47+0.02. We selected a grid of models that describe the evolution of a massive star with properties consistent with those of Gal 026.47+0.02 and its final fate as a core-collapse SN. We developed a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model that follows the post-explosion evolution of the ejecta from the breakout of the shock wave at the stellar surface to the interaction of the SNR with a CSM characterized by two dense nested toroidal shells, parametrized in agreement with multi-wavelength observations of Gal 026.47+0.02.

Results. Our models show a strong interaction of the blast wave with the CSM which determines an important slowdown of the expansion of the ejecta in the equatorial plane where the two shells lay, determining a high degree of asymmetry in the remnant. After ≈10 000 yr of evolution, the ejecta show an elongated shape forming a broad jet-like structure caused by the interaction with the shells and oriented along the axis of the toroidal shells. Models with high explosion energy show Fe-rich internal ejecta distributions surrounded by an elongated Si-rich structure with a more diffuse O-rich ejecta all around. Models with low explosion energy instead show a more homogeneous distribution of chemical elements with a very low presence of Fe-group elements.

Conclusions. The geometry and density distribution of the CSM where a LBV star goes SN are fundamental in determining the properties of the resulting SNR. For all the LBV-like progenitors explored here, we found that the remnants show a common morphology, namely elongated ejecta with an internal jet-like structure, which reflects the inhomogeneous and dense pre-SN CSM surrounding the star.
Guide for valuing mud extracted from dam reservoirs in Morocco
Authors: Mohafid Said , Stour Laila , Agoumi Ali , Ouassil Manar
Published: October 2021

All over the world, dam managers are constantly confronted with the siltation of dam reservoirs. This natural phenomenon represents a menace to the safety of the dam; because sediments deposited amplifies the load applied to the dam and shut off the dam’s bottom outlet. It also reduces the usable capacity of the reservoir and degrades the quality of the water stored (pollution, eutrophication, turbidity, etc.). In arid and semi-arid countries like Morocco, de-silting stays the best solution for silted dams. However, when we de-silt dam reservoirs, we produce enormous volumes of mud, which represent potential pollution for the environment and occupy immense terrains. Our research was carried out on the possible uses of these sediments. It has enabled us to develop a valuation guide in Civil Engineering, Agriculture, crafts, and the environment sectors. This guide provides a framework for performing tests and analyses to do on the sediments to compare them with the limit values required by regulations and standards in several economic sectors. The results of these evaluations help us to find the most appropriate uses of the sediments in the sectors mentioned above.
Technical Economic study for Electricity Production by Using (Tidal-Hydrogen) in Socotra Island, Yemen
Authors: Serag Saif , AL-Khawlani Amar , Echchleh Adil
Published: October 2021

The great need to use electricity at present and to ensure its continuity in future requires finding renewable and sustainable sources; the best of those sources are renewable energy sources such as wind energy, solar energy, and tides. All research focuses on studying those sources for each region to give the complete database that can rely upon in future to build projects generating electric power according to accurate scientific studies, specifically in areas far from the main electricity grid, such as remote islands, including Socotra Island, which, like other Yemeni cities, suffers from a severe crisis to access electricity. Energy storage is a natural thing when using renewable energy due to seasonal change, daily and hourly in these sources; one of the best ways of storing is the production and storage of hydrogen for use at peak periods or any other benefits. Economic information is still incomplete about the production of electricity by hydrogen, especially in the Middle East region, which considers that the primary source of electricity is only fossil fuels. This paper gives a study of the level of tides on Socotra island, and a technical study of the possibility of producing electricity using this renewable source according to its efficiency, and an economic assessment of electricity generation by (Tidal-Hydrogen) for this island.
Weight-length relationship and relative condition factor of Micropterus salmoides (Lacépède, 1802), Cyprinus carpio (Linneaus, 1758) and Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) caught in the Al-Massira Dam Lake
Authors: Ouahb Sara , Bousseba Meriem , Ferraj Loubna , El Moujtahid Aziz , Hasnaoui Mustapha
Published: October 2021

The current study describes the length-weight relationships and relative condition factors (Kr) of three species during the period (September 2020January 2021). For this purpose, 137 fish were sampled. The “size-weight”relationships thus established for each species are: Largemouth Bass: Tw = 0.0055Tl3.2816, Cyprinus carpio: Tw = 0.0148 Tl2.9417 and Oreochromis niloticus: Tw = 0.0304 Tl2.8386. These results showed positive allometry for the first species (Micropterus salmoides) and a negative one for the two other species. The relative condition factor (Kr) is higher than one, which shows that these species are in good conditions at the Al-Massira dam.
Assessment of agricultural drought in Morocco based on a composite of the Vegetation Health Index (VHI) and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI)
Authors: Moutia Sara , Sinan Mohamed , Lekhlif Brahim
Published: October 2021

According to IPCC, Morocco is a highly vulnerable country to extreme climate events, especially droughts; this will affect different socioeconomic sectors, mainly the agriculture sector. Droughts are controlled by the variability of precipitation and evapotranspiration but also not neglecting the effect of land surface conditions such as land surface temperature. In this present study, the remote sense observations MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and CMSAF Land Surface Temperature (LST) were used for calculating the Vegetation Health Index (VHI). The main advantage of remote sensing products is that they are reasonably efficient in terms of temporal and spatial coverage, and they are useful for the monitoring and assessment of drought in the near real-time. Furthermore, ERA5 Reanalysis-based SPEI is calculated. The goal of this study is to assess the spatial and temporal patterns of drought, this study offers the composite of SPEI and VHI drought monitoring obtained by plotting maps and graphs to show the monthly and annual variability of drought for the period 2000–2015 over the whole of Morocco. This monitoring can be used as a near real-time warning system in a changing climate.
Simultaneous adsorption behaviour of heavy metals from Oil Mill Wastewater onto natural clay
Authors: Ait Hmeid Hanane , Akodad Mustapha , Baghour Mourad , Moumen Abdelmajid , Skalli Ali , Guedarri Hicham , El Yousfi Yassine , Maach Mostapha , Riouchi Ouassila , Azizi Ghizlane
Published: October 2021

The present work reports the synergistic and inhibitory adsorption effects involved in the multicomponent adsorption of heavy metal ions (Fe (II), Pb (II)), and major elements from oil mill liquid waste (OMW) using natural bentonite as adsorbent cames from Nador (North-East Morocco). Morocco is one of the most olive oil producing Mediterranean countries. This industry, which is so beneficial to the national economy, leaves two toxic and non-biodegradable residues (liquid/solid). OMW or margin is a current liquid pollutant that has been listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The classical methods used for phenol removal are expensive or limited to large-scale applications such as biological and thermal decomposition methods. The margins used in the studies were collected from a semimodern oil mill (Nador-Morocco). The results of the physicochemical analyses showed that the effluents of the oil mills showed that they are highly polluted, in particular the suspended solids, COD, and iron contents of around 154.82 (mg/l) and copper 31.72 (mg/l). Samples of OMW mixed with raw bentonites at different percentages vary between 10 % and 80 %. Different interactions between bentonite and metal ions dealing with the decrease of the concentrations. This study proves that this bentonite is an effective adsorbent for the elimination of heavy metals from OMW.
Investigation of the Structure of Hard Alloys That Have Undergone Bulk Pulsed Laser Hardening Using X-Ray Structural Analysis
Authors: Pinahin Igor , Yagmurov Michael , Vrublevskaya Svetlana , Shpack Maria
Published: October 2021

The main principles of volumetric pulsed laser hardening method are presented in the article. The results of experiments based on tensometry with further processing using the LabVIEW system are shown. Obtained results confirm the appearance of the mechanical shock wave in materials due to the action of a single high-energy laser pulse. The received dependences were confirmed for hard alloys with different chemical compositions. Using of X-ray structural analysis allowed to establish that various hard alloys processed by pulsed laser hardening characterized by the third kind (nanostructure) changing the structure due to the accumulation of structural defects (sizes of mosaic blocks, crystal microscopic distortions, density of dislocations). It has been established that the third kind changing the structure increases the main service mechanical properties of hard alloys (microhardness, abrasive wear resistance, flexing strength). In addition, it was found that the change in the hard alloys properties is directly proportional to the change in the nanostructure of materials.
Composite Metal-Matrix Alloys Based on Ni-Al for Obtaining Wear-Resistant Coatings by Electric Spark Deposition
Authors: Khimukhin S.N. , Nikolenko S.V. , Konevtsov L.A. , Kim E.D.
Published: October 2021

The paper presents the research results on produsing by the method of liquid-phase self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) the composite metal-matrix alloys intended for the obtaining of wear-resistant coatings by electric spark deposition (ESD). Oxides NiO, Cr2O3 and mineral concentrate ZrO2 were used as a melting charge. Alloys based on the Ni-Al system with aluminides of complex composition containing Cr and Zr were obtained by means of the alumothermic SHS reaction. Wear-resistant coatings were formed on steel 45 by the ESD method by means of the newly obtained alloys,. The maximum wear resistance of the coatings was obtained using the alloys containing Cr (wt% 18) and Zr (wt% 1.9).