bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards bio-inspired artificial muscle: a mechanism based on electro-osmotic flow simulated using dissipative particle dynamics
Authors: Zakeri Ramin
Published: January 2021

One of the unresolved issues in physiology is how exactly myosin moves in a filament as the smallest responsible organ for contracting of a natural muscle. In this research, inspired by nature, a model is presented consisting of DPD (dissipative particle dynamics) particles driven by electro-osmotic flow (EOF) in micro channel that a thin movable impermeable polymer membrane has been attached across channel width, thus momentum of fluid can directly transfer to myosin stem. At the first, by validation of electro-osmotic flow in micro channel in different conditions with accuracy of less than 10 percentage error compared to analytical results, the DPD results have been developed to displacement of an impermeable polymer membrane in EOF. It has been shown that by the presence of electric field of 250 V/m and Zeta potential − 25 mV and the dimensionless ratio of the channel width to the thickness of the electric double layer or kH = 8, about 15% displacement in 8 s time will be obtained compared to channel width. The influential parameters on the displacement of the polymer membrane from DPD particles in EOF such as changes in electric field, ion concentration, zeta potential effect, polymer material and the amount of membrane elasticity have been investigated which in each cases, the radius of gyration and auto correlation velocity of different polymer membrane cases have been compared together. This simulation method in addition of probably helping understand natural myosin displacement mechanism, can be extended to design the contraction of an artificial muscle tissue close to nature.
Best influential spreaders identification using network global structural properties
Authors: Namtirtha Amrita , Dutta Animesh , Dutta Biswanath , Sundararajan Amritha , Simmhan Yogesh
Published: January 2021

Influential spreaders are the crucial nodes in a complex network that can act as a controller or a maximizer of a spreading process. For example, we can control the virus propagation in an epidemiological network by controlling the behavior of such influential nodes, and amplify the information propagation in a social network by using them as a maximizer. Many indexing methods have been proposed in the literature to identify the influential spreaders in a network. Nevertheless, we have notice that each individual network holds different connectivity structures that we classify as complete, incomplete, or in-between based on their components and density. These affect the accuracy of existing indexing methods in the identification of the best influential spreaders. Thus, no single indexing strategy is sufficient from all varieties of network connectivity structures. This article proposes a new indexing methodNetwork Global Structure-based Centrality(ngsc) which intelligently combines existing kshell and sum of neighbors’ degree methods with knowledge of the network’s global structural properties, such as the giant component, average degree, and percolation threshold. The experimental results show that our proposed method yields a better spreading performance of the seed spreaders over a large variety of network connectivity structures, and correlates well with ranking based on an SIR model used as ground truth. It also out-performs contemporary techniques and is competitive with more sophisticated approaches that are computationally cost.
Transmission of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana to adults of Kuschelorhynchus macadamiae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from infected adults and conidiated cadavers
Authors: Khun Kim Khuy , Ash Gavin J. , Stevens Mark M. , Huwer Ruth K. , Wilson Bree A. L.
Published: January 2021

Kuschelorhynchus macadamiae is a major pest of macadamias in Australia, causing yield losses of up to 15%. Our previous studies have shown the weevil is susceptible to Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. The aim of this study was to investigate horizontal transmission of both fungal species to healthy weevils from both infected adults and weevil cadavers. In a confined environment the mortality of healthy adults caused by the transmission of conidia from live fungus-infected adults was < 50%. Under similar experimental conditions, the mortality of healthy adults reached 100% when exposed to conidiated cadavers. However, when conidiated cadavers were used in more spacious environments (insect cages), the mortality of adults was < 80%. Using scanning electron microscopy, it was observed that all healthy adults had conidia attached to all external parts of the body. This suggests that although the conidia were readily transferred to the adults, the lower mortality in the larger insect cages could be the result of an unfavourable environmental factor such as low humidity. The presence of conidia attached to all the adults indicated that they did not show any discriminatory behaviour such as avoidance of conidiated cadavers infected by these two fungal species. The results from this study show that there is potential for enhanced control of adult K. macadamiae via transmission from either fungus-infected adults or conidiated cadavers and this could strengthen sustainable pest management in macadamias.
Impact on genetic differences among various chicken breeds on free amino acid contents of egg yolk and albumen
Authors: Goto Tatsuhiko , Shimamoto Saki , Takaya Masahiro , Sato Shun , Takahashi Kanna , Nishimura Kenji , Morii Yasuko , Kunishige Kyoko , Ohtsuka Akira , Ijiri Daichi
Published: January 2021

Eggs play important roles as food resources and nutraceuticals, to alleviate malnutrition and to improve health status in the world. Since free amino acids contribute to the nutritional values and food tastes, we investigated a total of 81 eggs from five chicken breeds, which are Australorp, Nagoya (NGY), Rhode Island Red (RIR), Shamo (SHA), Ukokkei, and two F1 hybrids (NGYxRIR and SHAxRIR) to test impact on genetic differences in 10 egg traits, 20 yolk amino acid traits, and 18 albumen amino acid traits. One-way ANOVA revealed significant breed effects on 10 egg traits, 20 yolk amino acid traits, and 15 albumen amino acid traits. Moreover, a significant heterosis effect on yolk aspartic acid was identified. In addition, positive correlations were found broadly among traits within each trait category (egg traits, yolk amino acid traits, and albumen amino acid traits), whereas there were basically no or weak correlations among the trait categories. These results suggest that almost all traits can be dramatically modified by genetic factor, and there will be partially independent production systems of amino acids into yolk and albumen. Since there will be typical quantitative genetic architecture of egg contents, further genetic analyses will be needed.
Rapid learning of object names in dogs
Authors: Fugazza Claudia , Andics Attila , Magyari Lilla , Dror Shany , Zempléni András , Miklósi Ádám
Published: January 2021

Learning object names after few exposures, is thought to be a typically human capacity. Previous accounts of similar skills in dogs did not include control testing procedures, leaving unanswered the question whether this ability is uniquely human. To investigate the presence of the capacity to rapidly learn words in dogs, we tested object-name learning after four exposures in two dogs with knowledge of multiple toy-names. The dogs were exposed to new object-names either while playing with the objects with the owner who named those in a social context or during an exclusion-based task similar to those used in previous studies. The dogs were then tested on the learning outcome of the new object-names. Both dogs succeeded after exposure in the social context but not after exposure to the exclusion-based task. Their memory of the object-names lasted for at least two minutes and tended to decay after retention intervals of 10 min and 1 h. This reveals that rapid object-name learning is possible for a non-human species (dogs), although memory consolidation may require more exposures. We suggest that rapid learning presupposes learning in a social context. To investigate whether rapid learning of object names in a social context is restricted to dogs that have already shown the ability to learn multiple object-names, we used the same procedure with 20 typical family dogs. These dogs did not demonstrate any evidence of learning the object names. This suggests that only a few subjects show this ability. Future studies should investigate whether this outstanding capacity stems from the exceptional talent of some individuals or whether it emerges from previous experience with object name learning.
Systemic oxidative stress is associated with lower aerobic capacity and impaired skeletal muscle energy metabolism in heart failure patients
Authors: Yokota Takashi , Kinugawa Shintaro , Hirabayashi Kagami , Yamato Mayumi , Takada Shingo , Suga Tadashi , Nakano Ippei , Fukushima Arata , Matsushima Shouji , Okita Koichi , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: January 2021

Oxidative stress plays a role in the progression of chronic heart failure (CHF). We investigated whether systemic oxidative stress is linked to exercise intolerance and skeletal muscle abnormalities in patients with CHF. We recruited 30 males: 17 CHF patients, 13 healthy controls. All participants underwent blood testing, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS; lipid peroxides) were significantly higher (5.1 ± 1.1 vs. 3.4 ± 0.7 μmol/L, p < 0.01) and the serum activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant, were significantly lower (9.2 ± 7.1 vs. 29.4 ± 9.7 units/L, p < 0.01) in the CHF cohort versus the controls. The oxygen uptake (VO2) at both peak exercise and anaerobic threshold was significantly depressed in the CHF patients; the parameters of aerobic capacity were inversely correlated with serum TBARS and positively correlated with serum SOD activity. The phosphocreatine loss during plantar-flexion exercise and intramyocellular lipid content in the participants' leg muscle measured by 31phosphorus- and 1proton-MRS, respectively, were significantly elevated in the CHF patients, indicating abnormal intramuscular energy metabolism. Notably, the skeletal muscle abnormalities were related to the enhanced systemic oxidative stress. Our analyses revealed that systemic oxidative stress is related to lowered whole-body aerobic capacity and skeletal muscle dysfunction in CHF patients.
Multi-Q 2 software facilitates isobaric labeling quantitation analysis with improved accuracy and coverage
Authors: Chen Ching-Tai , Wang Jen-Hung , Cheng Cheng-Wei , Hsu Wei-Che , Ko Chu-Ling , Choong Wai-Kok , Sung Ting-Yi
Published: January 2021

Mass spectrometry-based proteomics using isobaric labeling for multiplex quantitation has become a popular approach for proteomic studies. We present Multi-Q 2, an isobaric-labeling quantitation tool which can yield the largest quantitation coverage and improved quantitation accuracy compared to three state-of-the-art methods. Multi-Q 2 supports identification results from several popular proteomic data analysis platforms for quantitation, offering up to 12% improvement in quantitation coverage for accepting identification results from multiple search engines when compared with MaxQuant and PatternLab. It is equipped with various quantitation algorithms, including a ratio compression correction algorithm, and results in up to 336 algorithmic combinations. Systematic evaluation shows different algorithmic combinations have different strengths and are suitable for different situations. We also demonstrate that the flexibility of Multi-Q 2 in customizing algorithmic combination can lead to improved quantitation accuracy over existing tools. Moreover, the use of complementary algorithmic combinations can be an effective strategy to enhance sensitivity when searching for biomarkers from differentially expressed proteins in proteomic experiments. Multi-Q 2 provides interactive graphical interfaces to process quantitation and to display ratios at protein, peptide, and spectrum levels. It also supports a heatmap module, enabling users to cluster proteins based on their abundance ratios and to visualize the clustering results. Multi-Q 2 executable files, sample data sets, and user manual are freely available at http://ms.iis.sinica.edu.tw/COmics/Software_Multi-Q2.html.
Topological impact of negative links on the stability of resting-state brain network
Authors: Saberi Majid , Khosrowabadi Reza , Khatibi Ali , Misic Bratislav , Jafari Gholamreza
Published: January 2021

Stability is a physical attribute that stands opposite the change. However, it is still unclear how the arrangement of links called topology affects network stability. In this study, we tackled this issue in the resting-state brain network using structural balance. Structural balance theory employs the quality of triadic associations between signed links to determine the network stability. In this study, we showed that negative links of the resting-state network make hubs to reduce balance-energy and push the network into a more stable state compared to null-networks with trivial topologies. In this regard, we created a global measure entitled ‘tendency to make hub’ to assess the hubness of the network. Besides, we revealed nodal degrees of negative links have an exponential distribution that confirms the existence of negative hubs. Our findings indicate that the arrangement of negative links plays an important role in the balance (stability) of the resting-state brain network.
An efficient simulation for quantum secure multiparty computation
Authors: Sutradhar Kartick , Om Hari
Published: January 2021

The quantum secure multiparty computation is one of the important properties of secure quantum communication. In this paper, we propose a quantum secure multiparty summation (QSMS) protocol based on (t, n) threshold approach, which can be used in many complex quantum operations. To make this protocol secure and realistic, we combine both the classical and quantum phenomena. The existing protocols have some security and efficiency issues because they use (n, n) threshold approach, where all the honest players need to perform the quantum multiparty summation protocol. We however use a (t, n) threshold approach, where only t honest players need to compute the quantum summation protocol. Compared to other protocols our proposed protocol is more cost-effective, realistic, and secure. We also simulate it using the IBM corporation’s online quantum computer, or quantum experience.
Realization of structural transformation for the enhancement of magnetic and magneto capacitance effect in BiFeO3–CoFe2O4 ceramics for energy storage application
Authors: Muneeswaran Muniyandi , Akbari-Fakhrabadi Ali , Gracia-Pinilla Miguel Angel , Denardin Juliano C. , Giridharan Nambi Venkatesan
Published: January 2021

In this study, (1 − x) BFO-xCFO (CFO, x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.30) ceramics were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method; their compositions were driven by structural, microstructural, vibrational, electrical, magnetic properties; their enhanced magneto capacitance (MC) effect have also been carried out. Reitveld refinement studies of X-ray diffraction data shows composition-driven structural phase transformation from rhombohedral (R3c) to tetragonal (P4mm). Two phonon scattering Raman modes were observed for the higher wavenumber which supports the crystal structural transition in the BFO-CFO. Ferroelectric polarization shows that the polarization increased with increasing CFO concentration, which describes the changes of the polar symmetry of the crystal structure from rhombohedral (R3c) to tetragonal (P4mm). In Further, the maximum efficiency of energy density (η = 68.65%), reversible energy density of 0.138 J/cm3 and the strong magneto capacitance was observed in 0.9BFO-0.1CFO, which belongs to the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) region near to the BiFeO3-rich region. The magnetic response analysis has shown, the saturation magnetization (Ms) values of 83 emu/gm and 139 emu/gm for pure CFO and 0.7BFO-0.3CFO composite, respectively, and their magnetic behaviours were also confirmed with Arrott–Belov–Kouvel (ABK) plot.
Layer-selective magnetization switching in the chirped photonic crystal with GdFeCo
Authors: Borovkova O. V. , Ignatyeva D. O. , Belotelov V. I.
Published: January 2021

Here we propose a magnetophotonic structure for the layer-selective magnetization switching with femtosecond laser pulses of different wavelengths. It is based on a chirped magnetophotonic crystal (MPC) containing magnetic GdFeCo and nonmagnetic dielectric layers. At each operating wavelength the laser pulses heat up to necessary level only one GdFeCo layer that leads to its magnetization reversal without any impact on the magnetization of the other layers. Moreover, magneto-optical reading of the MPC magnetization state is discussed. Lateral dimensions of the considered MPC can be made small enough to operate as a unit cell for data storage.
Sex steroids and steroidogenesis-related genes in the sea cucumber, Holothuria scabra and their potential role in gonad maturation
Authors: Thongbuakaew Tipsuda , Suwansa-ard Saowaros , Chaiyamoon Arada , Cummins Scott F. , Sobhon Prasert
Published: January 2021

The sea cucumberHolothuria scabrais an economically valuable marine species which is distributed throughout the Asia–Pacific region. With the natural population declining due to over fishing, aquaculture of this species is deemed necessary. Hence, it is essential to understand the mechanisms regulating the reproduction in order to increase their populations. Sex steroids, including estrogens, androgens and progestogens, play an important role in reproduction in most vertebrates and several invertebrates. It has been proposed that sea cucumbers have the same sex steroids as vertebrates but the steroidogenic pathway in the sea cucumbers is still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) that sex steroids (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) were present inH. scabraneural and gonadal tissues.In silico searches of available sea cucumber transcriptome data identified 26 steroidogenesis-related genes. Comparative analysis of encoded proteins for the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (HscStAR), CYP P450 10, 17 and 3A (HscCYP10, HscCYP17, HscCYP3A) and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (Hsc3β-HSD, Hsc17β-HSD) with other species was performed to confirm their evolutionary conservation. Gene expression analyses revealed widespread tissue expression. Real-time PCR analysis revealed thatHscStAR,HscCYP10,Hsc3β-HSD,andHsc17β-HSDgene expressions were similar to those in ovaries and testes, which increased during the gonad maturation.HscCYP17mRNA was increased during ovarian development and its expression declined at late stages in females but continued high level in males. The expression of theHscCYP3Awas high at the early stages of ovarian development, but not at other later stages in ovaries, however it remained low in testes. Moreover, a role for steroids in reproduction was confirmed following the effect of sex steroids on vitellogenin (Vtg) expression in ovary explant culture, showing upregulation of Vtg level. Collectively, this study has confirmed the existence of steroids in an echinoderm, as well as characterizing key genes associated with the steroidogenic pathway. We propose that sex steroids might also be associated with the reproduction ofH. scabra, and the identification of biosynthetic genes enables future functional studies to be performed.
Inflammation predicts new onset of depression in men, but not in women within a prospective, representative community cohort
Authors: Ernst Mareike , Brähler Elmar , Otten Daniëlle , Werner Antonia M. , Tibubos Ana N. , Reiner Iris , Wicke Felix , Wiltink Jörg , Michal Matthias , Nagler Markus , Münzel Thomas , Wild Philipp S. , König Jochem , Pfeiffer Norbert , Borta Andreas , Lackner Karl J. , Beutel Manfred E.
Published: January 2021

Depression has been associated with increased inflammation. However, only few large-scale, prospective studies have evaluated whether inflammation leads to new cases of depression and whether this association can be found in men and women. Longitudinal data of N = 10,357 adult participants with no evidence of depression at baseline (based on Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), lifetime diagnoses, and current antidepressant medication) were evaluated for depression 5 years later. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to predict the onset of depression based on C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC). We used interaction terms and separate analyses in men and women to investigate gender-dependent associations. Based on both markers, inflammation was predictive of new cases of depression 5 years later, even when adjusting for sociodemographic, physical health, health behavior variables, and baseline depression symptoms. As established by interaction terms and separate analyses, inflammatory markers were predictive of depression in men, but not in women. Additional predictors of new onset of depression were younger age, loneliness, smoking (only in men), cancer and less alcohol consumption (only in women). The study indicates gender differences in the etiology of depressive disorders within the community, with a greater role of physical factors in men.
Genomic analysis of WD40 protein family in the mango reveals a TTG1 protein enhances root growth and abiotic tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Tan Lin , Salih Haron , Htet Nwe Ni Win , Azeem Farrukh , Zhan Rulin
Published: January 2021

WD40 domain-containing proteins constitute one of the most abundant protein families in all higher plants and play vital roles in the regulation of plant growth and developmental processes. To date, WD40 protein members have been identified in several plant species, but no report is available on the WD40 protein family in mango (Mangifera indica L.). In this study, a total of 315 WD40 protein members were identified in mango and further divided into 11 subgroups according to the phylogenetic tree. Here, we reported mango TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA 1 (MiTTG1) protein as a novel factor that functions in the regulation of Arabidopsis root growth and development. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay in tobacco leaves revealed that MiTTG1 protein physically interacts with MiMYB0, MiTT8 and MibHLH1, implying the formation of a new ternary regulatory complex (MYB-bHLH-WD40) in mango. Furthermore, the MiTTG1 transgenic lines were more adapted to abiotic stresses (mannitol, salt and drought stress) in terms of promoted root hairs and root lengths. Together, our findings indicated that MiTTG1 functions as a novel factor to modulate protein–protein interactions and enhance the plants abilities to adjust different abiotic stress responses.
A PCR amplicon-based SARS-CoV-2 replicon for antiviral evaluation
Authors: Kotaki Tomohiro , Xie Xuping , Shi Pei-Yong , Kameoka Masanori
Published: January 2021

The development of specific antiviral compounds to SARS-CoV-2 is an urgent task. One of the obstacles for the antiviral development is the requirement of biocontainment because infectious SARS-CoV-2 must be handled in a biosafety level-3 laboratory. Replicon, a non-infectious self-replicative viral RNA, could be a safe and effective tool for antiviral evaluation. Herein, we generated a PCR-based SARS-CoV-2 replicon. Eight fragments covering the entire SARS-CoV-2 genome except S, E, and M genes were amplified with HiBiT-tag sequence by PCR. The amplicons were ligated and in vitro transcribed to RNA. The cells electroporated with the replicon RNA showed more than 3000 times higher luminescence than MOCK control cells at 24 h post-electroporation, indicating robust translation and RNA replication of the replicon. The replication was drastically inhibited by remdesivir, an RNA polymerase inhibitor for SARS-CoV-2. The IC50 of remdesivir in this study was 0.29 μM, generally consistent to the IC50 obtained using infectious SARS-CoV-2 in a previous study (0.77 μM). Taken together, this system could be applied to the safe and effective antiviral evaluation without using infectious SARS-CoV-2. Because this is a PCR-based and transient replicon system, further improvement including the establishment of stable cell line must be achieved.
An origami paper-based nanoformulated immunosensor detects picograms of VEGF-C per milliliter of blood
Authors: Sun Shuai , Wang Yang , Ming Tao , Luo Jinping , Xing Yu , Liu Juntao , Xiong Ying , Ma Yuanyuan , Yan Shi , Yang Yue , Cai Xinxia
Published: January 2021

Detecting vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), a kind of tumor biomarker, is of significant clinical importance in evaluating the prognosis of patients with cancer. However, laboratory analyses are usually not suitable for point-of-care testing because they are expensive and time consuming. In response to these challenges, we fabricated an origami paper-based microfluidic electrochemical device. To improve the specificity of VEGF-C detection, nanocomposites, synthesized by new methylene blue (NMB), amino-functional single-walled carbon nanotubes (NH2-SWCNTs), and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), were used to modify the surface of working electrodes. Results of electrochemical detection showed that the immunosensor had excellent linearity, ranging from 0.01 to 100 ng mL−1 (R2 = 0.988), and the limit of detection was 10 pg mL−1. To confirm the high specificity of the device under real-world conditions, we evaluated the device using clinical serum samples from our hospital. The results demonstrated that the device had an excellent performance and could provide a platform for real-time detection of cancers.
Publisher Correction: A dopamine metabolite stabilizes neurotoxic amyloid-β oligomers
Authors: Cataldi Rodrigo , Chia Sean , Pisani Katarina , Ruggeri Francesco S. , Xu Catherine K. , Šneideris Tomas , Perni Michele , Sarwat Sunehera , Joshi Priyanka , Kumita Janet R. , Linse Sara , Habchi Johnny , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Mannini Benedetta , Dobson Christopher M. , Vendruscolo Michele
Published: January 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-01680-7.
Brief survey on organometalated antibacterial drugs and metal-based materials with antibacterial activity
Authors: Biegański Przemysław , Szczupak Łukasz , Arruebo Manuel , Kowalski Konrad
Published: January 2021

Recent developments in the field of organometalated antibacterial drugs and metal-based materials with antibacterial activity are reviewed. They emerge as attractive candidates for combating pathogenic bacteria including drug resistant strains.
The role of Se content in improving anti-tumor activities and its potential mechanism for selenized Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharides
Authors: Liu Shuang , Hu Jiahuan , Li Min , Zhu Shengyong , Guo Shujuan , Guo Hongyun , Wang Tao , Zhang Yongdong , Zhang Ji , Wang Junlong
Published: January 2021

Potent Se content-dependent anti-tumor activities of selenized Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharides by inhibition of tumor cell growth, and induction of mitochondria and death receptor-mediated apoptosis.
Photoredox catalysis over semiconductors for light-driven hydrogen peroxide production
Authors: Zeng Xiangkang , Liu Yue , Hu Xiaoyi , Zhang Xiwang
Published: January 2021

This critical review presents recent advances in light-driven H2O2 production from the viewpoint of H2O2 generation pathways.
Continuous-flow step-economical synthesis of thiuram disulfides via visible-light photocatalytic aerobic oxidation
Authors: Xu Hao-Xing , Zhao Ze-Run , Patehebieke Yeersen , Chen Qian-Qian , Fu Shun-Guo , Chang Shuai-Jun , Zhang Xu-Xu , Zhang Zhi-Liang , Wang Xiao
Published: January 2021

A continuous-flow photocatalytic synthesis of the industrially important thiuram disulfides has been developed, utilizing O2 as the oxidant and Eosin Y as the photoredox catalyst.
Hybridization of MOFs and ionic POFs: a new strategy for the construction of bifunctional catalysts for CO2 cycloaddition
Authors: Liu Kang , Jiao Shaoshao , Zhao Huihui , Cao Fan , Ma Dingxuan
Published: January 2021

A new strategy toward constructing a bifunctional catalyst for CO2 cycloaddition has been developed on the basis of post-synthetic modification of CUS-based MOFs with ionic POFs to form MOF@iPOF core–shell hybrid materials.
Bimetallic nanocatalysts supported on graphitic carbon nitride for sustainable energy development: the shape-structure–activity relation
Authors: Kuna Ewelina , Mrdenovic Dusan , Jönsson-Niedziółka Martin , Pieta Piotr , Pieta Izabela S.
Published: January 2021

The catalytic performance of metal nanoparticles (NPs), including activity, selectivity, and durability, depends on their chemical composition, shape and structure at the molecular level, where reaction rates are determined by the facet exposed.
Photocatalytic hydrogen generation using mesoporous silicon nanoparticles: influence of magnesiothermic reduction conditions and nanoparticle aging on the catalytic activity
Authors: Curtis Isabel S. , Wills Ryan J. , Dasog Mita
Published: January 2021

High crystallinity, low oxide content, and low sintering lead to optimally performing mesoporous Si photocatalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production.
Graphene glial-interfaces: challenges and perspectives
Authors: Fabbri Roberta , Saracino Emanuela , Treossi Emanuele , Zamboni Roberto , Palermo Vincenzo , Benfenati Valentina
Published: January 2021

This work provides an overview of the emerging literature on the interaction of graphene-based materials with glial cells, aiming to define the challenges and perspectives of graphene glial-interfaces.
Construction of a Z-scheme heterojunction for high-efficiency visible-light-driven photocatalytic CO2reduction
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang , Wang Zhiqi , Wu Jinhu
Published: January 2021

This review concisely reports the photoreduction mechanism of CO2, construction, application, and upgrade strategies for Z-scheme heterostructures.
Synthesis of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide/cobalt–zinc ferrite composite aerogels with superior compression recovery and electromagnetic wave absorption performance
Authors: Shu Ruiwen , Zhang Jiabin , Wu Yue , Wan Zongli , Li Xiaohui
Published: January 2021

Nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide/cobalt–zinc ferrite composite aerogels with a three-dimensional porous netlike structure, low density, good compressive strength and recovery, and excellent electromagnetic absorption performance were synthesized.
Simultaneously improved transparency, photochromic contrast and Curie temperatureviarare-earth ion modification in KNN-based ceramics
Authors: Lin Jinfeng , Zhai Jiwei , Wu Xiao , Shen Bo , Ye Huihua , Wang Huajing
Published: January 2021

Higher temperature sintering and donor doping caused a series of changes, such as vacancy defects, microstructure and relaxor-feature, which led to the simultaneous improvement of optical transparency, PC contrast andTcof the KNNLB-RE ceramics.
Theoretical study of rhodium- and cobalt-catalyzed decarboxylative transformations of isoxazolones: origin of product selectivity
Authors: Rong Wei , Zhang Tian , Li Ting , Li Juan
Published: January 2021

DFT calculations were performed to elucidate the origins of catalyst-controlled product selectivity in the decarboxylative transformations of isoxazolones.
Electrodynamic assisted self-assembled fibrous hydrogel microcapsules: a novel 3Din vitroplatform for assessment of nanoparticle toxicity
Authors: Bhattarai Shanta R. , Saudi Sheikh , Khanal Shalil , Aravamudhan Shyam , Rorie Checo J. , Bhattarai Narayan
Published: January 2021

Electrohydrodynamic-assisted fabrication of novel nano-net-nanofibrous 3D-SAF hydrogel microcapsules leads to them having tunable mechanical and cell adhesive properties that are applicable to diverse biomedical fields.
Single-atom nickel terminating sp2 and sp3 nitride in polymeric carbon nitride for visible-light photocatalytic overall water splitting
Authors: Li Yanrui , Wang Yiqing , Dong Chung-Li , Huang Yu-Cheng , Chen Jie , Zhang Zhen , Meng Fanqi , Zhang Qinghua , Huangfu Yiliang , Zhao Daming , Gu Lin , Shen Shaohua
Published: January 2021

Single-atom Ni terminating agent is introduced to coordinate with sp2 or sp3 N atoms in the heptazine units of PCN, realizing visible-light photocatalytic overall water splitting to H2O2 and H2 without additional cocatalyst.
Treating anisotropic artefacts in circular dichroism spectroscopy enables investigation of lyotropic liquid crystalline polyaspartate solutions
Authors: Hirschmann Max , Merten Christian , Thiele Christina M.
Published: January 2021

Specifically designed cuvette holders enable the artefact-free measurement of circular dichroism of thin layer and volatile anisotropic solutions by averaging of 4 sample orientations. The setup further allows for the insertion of permanent magnets.
Vanadium-based cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries: from crystal structures, diffusion channels to storage mechanisms
Authors: Ding Junwei , Gao Hongge , Ji Dongfang , Zhao Kang , Wang Shiwen , Cheng Fangyi
Published: January 2021

The developments, challenges and solutions of vanadium-based aqueous zinc ion battery cathodes are reviewed, focusing on the intrinsic connections of ion diffusion channels, mechanisms, and battery performances.
Retraction: Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 accelerates cell progression in cervical cancer by regulating the miR-889-3p/E2F7 axis through the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 accelerates cell progression in cervical cancer by regulating the miR-889-3p/E2F7 axis through the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway’ by Hongmei Zhou et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 34627–34625, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA07039G.
Absence of interleukin-10 reduces progression of shiga toxin-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Pineda Gonzalo Ezequiel , Rearte Bárbara , Todero María Florencia , Bruballa Andrea Cecilia , Bernal Alan Mauro , Fernandez-Brando Romina Jimena , Isturiz Martin Amadeo , Zotta Elsa , Alba-Soto Catalina Dirney , Palermo Marina Sandra , Ramos María Victoria
Published: January 2021

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a disease triggered by Shiga toxin (Stx), is characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and renal failure. The inflammatory response mediated by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and monocytes is essential to HUS onset. Still, the role of anti-inflammatory cytokines is less clear. The deficiency of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, leads to severe pathology in bacterial infections but also to beneficial effects in models of sterile injury. The aim of this work was to analyze the role of IL-10 during HUS. Control and IL-10 lacking mice (IL-10−/−) were intravenously injected with Stx type 2 (Stx2) and survival rate was evaluated. PMN and circulating and renal pro- and anti-inflammatory factors were analyzed by FACS and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. IL-10−/− mice showed a higher survival associated with lower renal damage reflected by reduced plasma urea and creatinine levels than control mice. Circulating PMN increased at 72 h in both mouse strains accompanied by an up-regulation of CD11b in control mice. In parallel, renal PMN were significantly increased only in control mice after toxin. Plasma TNF-α, IL-6 and corticosterone levels were higher increased in IL-10−/− than control mice. Simultaneously renal TNF-α raised constantly but was accompanied by increased TGF-β levels in IL-10−/− mice. These results demonstrate that the profile of circulating and renal cytokines after Stx2 differed between strains suggesting that balance of these factors could participate in renal protection. We conclude that IL-10 absence has a protective role in an experimental model of HUS by reducing PMN recruitment into kidney and renal damage, and increasing mice survival.
ATLASGAL-selected massive clumps in the inner Galaxy
Authors: Wienen M. , Wyrowski F. , Walmsley C. M. , Csengeri T. , Pillai T. , Giannetti A. , Menten K. M.
Published: January 2021

Context. Deuteration has been used as a tracer of the evolutionary phases of low- and high-mass star formation. The APEX Telescope Large Area Survey (ATLASGAL) provides an important repository for a detailed statistical study of massive star-forming clumps in the inner Galactic disc at different evolutionary phases.

Aims. We study the amount of deuteration using NH2D in a representative sample of high-mass clumps discovered by the ATLASGAL survey covering various evolutionary phases of massive star formation. The deuterium fraction of NH3 is derived from the NH2D 111−101 ortho transition at ~86 GHz and NH2D 111−101 para line at ~110 GHz. This is refined for the first time by measuring the NH2D excitation temperature directly with the NH2D 212–202 para transition at ~74 GHz. Any variation of NH3 deuteration and ortho-to-para ratio with the evolutionary sequence is analysed.

Methods. Unbiased spectral line surveys at 3 mm were conducted towards ATLASGAL clumps between 85 and 93 GHz with the Mopra telescope and from 84 to 115 GHz using the IRAM 30m telescope. A subsample was followed up in the NH2D transition at 74 GHz with the IRAM 30m telescope. We determined the deuterium fractionation from the column density ratio of NH2D and NH3 and measured the NH2D excitation temperature for the first time from the simultaneous modelling of the 74 and 110 GHz line using MCWeeds. We searched for trends in NH3 deuteration with the evolutionary sequence of massive star formation. We derived the column density ratio from the 86 and 110 GHz transitions as an estimate of the NH2D ortho-to-para ratio.

Results. We find a large range of the NH2D to NH3 column density ratio up to 1.6 ± 0.7 indicating a high degree of NH3 deuteration in a subsample of the clumps. Our analysis yields a clear difference between NH3 and NH2D rotational temperatures for a fraction. We therefore advocate observation of the NH2D transitions at 74 and 110 GHz simultaneously to determine the NH2D temperature directly. We determine a median ortho-to-para column density ratio of 3.7 ± 1.2.

Conclusions. The high detection rate of NH2D confirms a high deuteration previously found in massive star-forming clumps. Using the excitation temperature of NH2D instead of NH3 is needed to avoid an overestimation of deuteration. We measure a higher detection rate of NH2D in sources at early evolutionary stages. The deuterium fractionation shows no correlation with evolutionary tracers such as the NH3 (1,1) line width, or rotational temperature.
Persistent homology in cosmic shear: Constraining parameters with topological data analysis
Authors: Heydenreich Sven , Brück Benjamin , Harnois-Déraps Joachim
Published: January 2021

In recent years, cosmic shear has emerged as a powerful tool for studying the statistical distribution of matter in our Universe. Apart from the standard two-point correlation functions, several alternative methods such as peak count statistics offer competitive results. Here we show that persistent homology, a tool from topological data analysis, can extract more cosmological information than previous methods from the same data set. For this, we use persistent Betti numbers to efficiently summarise the full topological structure of weak lensing aperture mass maps. This method can be seen as an extension of the peak count statistics, in which we additionally capture information about the environment surrounding the maxima. We first demonstrate the performance in a mock analysis of the KiDS+VIKING-450 data: We extract the Betti functions from a suite of N-body simulations and use these to train a Gaussian process emulator that provides rapid model predictions; we next run a Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis on independent mock data to infer the cosmological parameters and their uncertainties. When comparing our results, we recover the input cosmology and achieve a constraining power on S8 ≡ σ8Ωm/0.3 that is 3% tighter than that on peak count statistics. Performing the same analysis on 100 deg2 of Euclid-like simulations, we are able to improve the constraints on S8 and Ωm by 19% and 12%, respectively, while breaking some of the degeneracy between S8 and the dark energy equation of state. To our knowledge, the methods presented here are the most powerful topological tools for constraining cosmological parameters with lensing data.
Switchbacks: statistical properties and deviations from Alfvénicity
Authors: Larosa A. , Krasnoselskikh V. , Dudok de Wit T. , Agapitov O. , Froment C. , Jagarlamudi V. K. , Velli M. , Bale S. D. , Case A. W. , Goetz K. , Harvey P. , Kasper J. C. , Korreck K. E. , Larson D. E. , MacDowall R. J. , Malaspina D. , Pulupa M. , Revillet C. , Stevens M. L.
Published: January 2021

Context.Parker Solar Probe’s first solar encounter has revealed the presence of sudden magnetic field deflections in the slow Alfvénic solar wind. These structures, which are often called switchbacks, are associated with proton velocity enhancements.

Aims.We study their statistical properties with a special focus on their boundaries.

Methods.Using data from SWEAP and FIELDS, we investigate particle and wavefield properties. The magnetic boundaries are analyzed with the minimum variance technique.

Results.Switchbacks are found to be Alfvénic in 73% of cases and compressible in 27%. The correlations between magnetic field magnitude and density fluctuations reveal the existence of both positive and negative correlations, and the absence of perturbations in the magnetic field magnitude. Switchbacks do not lead to a magnetic shear in the ambient field. Their boundaries can be interpreted in terms of rotational or tangential discontinuities. The former are more frequent.

Conclusions.Our findings provide constraints on the possible generation mechanisms of switchbacks, which have to be able to also account for structures that are not purely Alfvénic. One of the possible candidates, among others, manifesting the described characteristics is the firehose instability.
First near-relativistic solar electron events observed by EPD onboard Solar Orbiter
Authors: Gómez-Herrero R. , Pacheco D. , Kollhoff A. , Espinosa Lara F. , Freiherr von Forstner J. L. , Dresing N. , Lario D. , Balmaceda L. , Krupar V. , Malandraki O. E. , Aran A. , Bučík R. , Klassen A. , Klein K.-L. , Cernuda I. , Eldrum S. , Reid H. , Mitchell J. G. , Mason G. M. , Ho G. C. , Rodríguez-Pacheco J. , Wimmer-Schweingruber R. F. , Heber B. , Berger L. , Allen R. C. , Janitzek N. P. , Laurenza M. , De Marco R. , Wijsen N. , Kartavykh Y. Y. , Dröge W. , Horbury T. S. , Maksimovic M. , Owen C. J. , Vecchio A. , Bonnin X. , Kruparova O. , Píša D. , Souček J. , Louarn P. , Fedorov A. , O’Brien H. , Evans V. , Angelini V. , Zucca P. , Prieto M. , Sánchez-Prieto S. , Carrasco A. , Blanco J. J. , Parra P. , Rodríguez-Polo O. , Martín C. , Terasa J. C. , Boden S. , Kulkarni S. R. , Ravanbakhsh A. , Yedla M. , Xu Z. , Andrews G. B. , Schlemm C. E. , Seifert H. , Tyagi K. , Lees W. J. , Hayes J.
Published: January 2021

Context. Solar Orbiter, launched in February 2020, started its cruise phase in June 2020, in coincidence with its first perihelion at 0.51 au from the Sun. The in situ instruments onboard, including the Energetic Particle Detector (EPD), operate continuously during the cruise phase enabling the observation of solar energetic particles.

Aims. In situ measurements of the first near-relativistic solar electron events observed in July 2020 by EPD are analyzed and the solar origins and the conditions for the interplanetary transport of these particles investigated.

Methods. Electron observations from keV energies to the near-relativistic range were combined with the detection of type III radio bursts and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) observations from multiple spacecraft in order to identify the solar origin of the electron events. Electron anisotropies and timing as well as the plasma and magnetic field environment were evaluated to characterize the interplanetary transport conditions.

Results. All electron events were clearly associated with type III radio bursts. EUV jets were also found in association with all of them except one. A diversity of time profiles and pitch-angle distributions was observed. Different source locations and different magnetic connectivity and transport conditions were likely involved. The July 11 event was also detected by Wind, separated 107 degrees in longitude from Solar Orbiter. For the July 22 event, the Suprathermal Electron and Proton sensor of EPD allowed for us to not only resolve multiple electron injections at low energies, but it also provided an exceptionally high pitch-angle resolution of a very anisotropic beam. This, together with radio observations of local Langmuir waves suggest a very good magnetic connection during the July 22 event. This scenario is challenged by a high-frequency occultation of the type III radio burst and a nominally non-direct connection to the source; therefore, magnetic connectivity requires further investigation.
Blue extreme disk-runaway stars with Gaia EDR3
Authors: Irrgang Andreas , Dimpel Markus , Heber Ulrich , Raddi Roberto
Published: January 2021

Since the discovery of hypervelocity stars in 2005, it has been widely believed that only the disruption of a binary system by a supermassive black hole at the Galactic center (GC), that is, the so-called Hills mechanism, is capable of accelerating stars to beyond the Galactic escape velocity. In the meantime, however, driven by the Gaia space mission, there is mounting evidence that many of the most extreme high-velocity early-type stars at high Galactic latitudes do originate in the Galactic disk and not in the GC. Moreover, the ejection velocities of these extreme disk-runaway stars exceed the predicted limits of the classical scenarios for the production of runaway stars. Based on proper motions from the Gaia early data release 3 and on recent and new spectrophotometric distances, we studied the kinematics of 30 such extreme disk-runaway stars, allowing us to deduce their spatial origins in and their ejection velocities from the Galactic disk with unprecedented precision. Only three stars in the sample have past trajectories that are consistent with an origin in the GC, most notably S5-HVS 1, which is the most extreme object in the sample by far. All other program stars are shown to be disk runaways with ejection velocities that sharply contrast at least with classical ejection scenarios. They include HVS 5 and HVS 6, which are both gravitationally unbound to the Milky Way. While most stars originate from within a galactocentric radius of 15 kpc, which corresponds to the observed extent of the spiral arms, a group of five stars stems from radii of about 21−29 kpc. This indicates a possible link to outer Galactic rings and a potential origin from infalling satellite galaxies.