bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tectonics of the Papua‐Woodlark Region
Authors: Benyshek Elizabeth K. , Taylor Brian
Published: November 2020

The Papua‐Woodlark region exemplifies many plate tectonic processes, from active continental breakup to double plunging subduction zones. We present a synthesis of geological and geophysical data from the region and interpret these data to characterize the present plate boundaries. A subducted slab shown to underlie the Trobriand forearc is associated with the Papuan volcanic arc and the diapiric emplacement of felsic gneissic domes in the Woodlark rift from previously subducted continental materials in the mantle wedge. In contrast, the Suckling‐Dayman metamorphic core complex formed in the footwall of the Mai'iu extensional detachment, augmented by calc‐alkaline and high‐K magmatic intrusion and uplift. Utilizing Global Positioning System relative velocities, transform fault azimuths, ridge axis azimuths, and two fault slip directions, we derive a plate kinematic model for the Australia, Woodlark, Trobriand, and Solomon Sea plates to describe the neotectonics and provide insight to the past tectonics. We present two cases—with and without subduction at the Trobriand Trough—and favor the former based on our characterization of the plate boundaries. Our model estimates current Trobriand subduction rates of 4.5–4.7 mm/yr with obliquity increasing westwards, and full spreading rates, increasing eastwards along the Woodlark Basin spreading center, of 20–40 mm/yr. Based on seafloor morphology, we further estimate the time of the change in the pole of the Woodlark Basin opening at 450 Ka followed by a decrease in spreading rate and complete reorientation of the spreading axis fabric at 200 Ka.
Understanding the Spatial Organization of Simultaneous Heavy Precipitation Events Over the Conterminous United States
Authors: Najibi Nasser , Mazor Ariel , Devineni Naresh , Mossel Carolien , Booth James F.
Published: November 2020

We introduce the idea of simultaneous heavy precipitation events (SHPEs) to understand whether extreme precipitation has a spatial organization manifested as specified tracks or contiguous fields with inherent scaling relationships. For this purpose, we created a database of SHPEs using ground‐based precipitation observations recorded by the daily Global Historical Climatology Network across the conterminous United States during 1900–2014. SHPEs are examined for their seasonality, spatial manifestation, orientation, and areal extent. We quantified the spatial distribution of the centroids and principal axes of SHPEs and their quasi‐elliptical manifestations, azimuthal orientations, and areal extents on the ground. Four seasons, December‐January‐February (DJF), March‐April‐May (MAM), June‐July‐August (JJA), and September‐October‐November (SON) are considered to examine the spatial patterns and associated large‐scale atmospheric circulations. Results indicate that there are 54, 58, 103, and 204 SHPEs in DJF, MAM, JJA, and SON seasons, and their longest stretches range on average between 650 and 1,600, between 850 and 1,500, between 950 and 1,550, and between 750 and 1,450 km, respectively. SHPEs in the DJF, MAM, and JJA seasons occur mostly over the Pacific coast and central and midwestern United States, respectively. The atmospheric circulation patterns and mechanisms of precipitable water vapor and moisture transport in the atmosphere are also discussed in relation to these SHPEs. Power laws explain SHPEs' underlying area scaling behavior in all the four seasons, with stronger evidence in DJF and MAM. A seasonal spatial risk model is developed to predict the likelihood of SHPEs. Quantifying the characteristics of SHPEs and modeling their footprints can improve the projections of flood risk and understanding of damages to interconnected infrastructure systems.
Adding cetuximab to paclitaxel and carboplatin for first-line treatment of carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP): results of the Phase 2 AIO trial PACET-CUP
Authors:   Arbeitsgemeinschaft Internistische Onkologie (AIO) - CUP Group, Folprecht Gunnar , Trautmann Karolin , Stein Alexander , Huebner Gerdt , Stahl Michael , Kasper Stefan , Kretzschmar Albrecht , Köhne Claus-Henning , Grünwald Viktor , Hofheinz Ralf-Dieter , Schütte Katharina , Löffler Harald , Bokemeyer Carsten , Krämer Alwin
Published: November 2020

Background

Patients with carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) have a dismal prognosis, even when treated with multi-agent chemotherapy. We hypothesised that adding the epidermal growth-factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor cetuximab to standard first-line chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin would improve PFS and RR in unfavourable CUP.

Methods

This open-labelled, multicentre Phase 2 study included patients with unfavourable, untreated adeno- or undifferentiated CUP. Patients were randomised to receive either paclitaxel/carboplatin (group A) or paclitaxel/carboplatin plus cetuximab (group B) every 3 weeks for a maximum of 6 cycles followed by cetuximab maintenance in group B. The primary endpoint was PFS in the two groups. Secondary endpoints were RR, toxicity and overall survival (OS).

Results

One-hundred-and-fifty patients were randomised (group A = 72, group B = 78). The median PFS and OS for all patients were 3.8 and 8.1 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.9–4.8 and 6.8–9.5). There was no significant difference in PFS (3.7 vs 4.6 months, HR 0.98) or OS (8.1 vs 7.4, HR 1.1) between the two treatment groups. Response rate tended to be better for chemotherapy plus cetuximab compared to chemotherapy alone (22% vs 15%). Adverse events grade ≥3 were comparable between the two groups, except for significantly increased skin toxicity in the cetuximab arm.

Conclusions

Cetuximab plus paclitaxel/carboplatin did not improve PFS, OS and RR in metastatic CUP compared to paclitaxel/carboplatin alone. Addition of cetuximab resulted in additional skin toxicity.

Clinical trial registration

The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00894569.
The genetic architecture of sporadic and multiple consecutive miscarriage
Authors: Laisk Triin , Soares Ana Luiza G. , Ferreira Teresa , Painter Jodie N. , Censin Jenny C. , Laber Samantha , Bacelis Jonas , Chen Chia-Yen , Lepamets Maarja , Lin Kuang , Liu Siyang , Millwood Iona Y. , Ramu Avinash , Southcombe Jennifer , Andersen Marianne S. , Yang Ling , Becker Christian M. , Børglum Anders D. , Gordon Scott D. , Bybjerg-Grauholm Jonas , Helgeland Øyvind , Hougaard David M. , Jin Xin , Johansson Stefan , Juodakis Julius , Kartsonaki Christiana , Kukushkina Viktorija , Lind Penelope A. , Metspalu Andres , Montgomery Grant W. , Morris Andrew P. , Mors Ole , Mortensen Preben B. , Njølstad Pål R. , Nordentoft Merete , Nyholt Dale R. , Lippincott Margaret , Seminara Stephanie , Salumets Andres , Snieder Harold , Zondervan Krina , Werge Thomas , Chen Zhengming , Conrad Donald F. , Jacobsson Bo , Li Liming , Martin Nicholas G. , Neale Benjamin M. , Nielsen Rasmus , Walters Robin G. , Granne Ingrid , Medland Sarah E. , Mägi Reedik , Lawlor Deborah A. , Lindgren Cecilia M.
Published: November 2020

Miscarriage is a common, complex trait affecting ~15% of clinically confirmed pregnancies. Here we present the results of large-scale genetic association analyses with 69,054 cases from five different ancestries for sporadic miscarriage, 750 cases of European ancestry for multiple (≥3) consecutive miscarriage, and up to 359,469 female controls. We identify one genome-wide significant association (rs146350366, minor allele frequency (MAF) 1.2%, P = 3.2 × 10−8, odds ratio (OR) = 1.4) for sporadic miscarriage in our European ancestry meta-analysis and three genome-wide significant associations for multiple consecutive miscarriage (rs7859844, MAF = 6.4%, P = 1.3 × 10−8, OR = 1.7; rs143445068, MAF = 0.8%, P = 5.2 × 10−9, OR = 3.4; rs183453668, MAF = 0.5%, P = 2.8 × 10−8, OR = 3.8). We further investigate the genetic architecture of miscarriage with biobank-scale Mendelian randomization, heritability, and genetic correlation analyses. Our results show that miscarriage etiopathogenesis is partly driven by genetic variation potentially related to placental biology, and illustrate the utility of large-scale biobank data for understanding this pregnancy complication.
Vibrational couplings and energy transfer pathways of water’s bending mode
Authors: Yu Chun-Chieh , Chiang Kuo-Yang , Okuno Masanari , Seki Takakazu , Ohto Tatsuhiko , Yu Xiaoqing , Korepanov Vitaly , Hamaguchi Hiro-o , Bonn Mischa , Hunger Johannes , Nagata Yuki
Published: November 2020

Coupling between vibrational modes is essential for energy transfer and dissipation in condensed matter. For water, different O-H stretch modes are known to be very strongly coupled both within and between water molecules, leading to ultrafast dissipation and delocalization of vibrational energy. In contrast, the information on the vibrational coupling of the H-O-H bending mode of water is lacking, even though the bending mode is an essential intermediate for the energy relaxation pathway from the stretch mode to the heat bath. By combining static and femtosecond infrared, Raman, and hyper-Raman spectroscopies for isotopically diluted water with ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, we find the vibrational coupling of the bending mode differs significantly from the stretch mode: the intramode intermolecular coupling of the bending mode is very weak, in stark contrast to the stretch mode. Our results elucidate the vibrational energy transfer pathways of water. Specifically, the librational motion is essential for the vibrational energy relaxation and orientational dynamics of H-O-H bending mode.
Designed CXCR4 mimic acts as a soluble chemokine receptor that blocks atherogenic inflammation by agonist-specific targeting
Authors: Kontos Christos , El Bounkari Omar , Krammer Christine , Sinitski Dzmitry , Hille Kathleen , Zan Chunfang , Yan Guangyao , Wang Sijia , Gao Ying , Brandhofer Markus , Megens Remco T. A. , Hoffmann Adrian , Pauli Jessica , Asare Yaw , Gerra Simona , Bourilhon Priscila , Leng Lin , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Kempf Wolfgang E. , Pelisek Jaroslav , Gokce Ozgun , Maegdefessel Lars , Bucala Richard , Dichgans Martin , Weber Christian , Kapurniotu Aphrodite , Bernhagen Jürgen
Published: November 2020

Targeting a specific chemokine/receptor axis in atherosclerosis remains challenging. Soluble receptor-based strategies are not established for chemokine receptors due to their discontinuous architecture. Macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) is an atypical chemokine that promotes atherosclerosis through CXC-motif chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4). However, CXCR4/CXCL12 interactions also mediate atheroprotection. Here, we show that constrained 31-residue-peptides (‘msR4Ms’) designed to mimic the CXCR4-binding site to MIF, selectively bind MIF with nanomolar affinity and block MIF/CXCR4 without affecting CXCL12/CXCR4. We identify msR4M-L1, which blocks MIF- but not CXCL12-elicited CXCR4 vascular cell activities. Its potency compares well with established MIF inhibitors, whereas msR4M-L1 does not interfere with cardioprotective MIF/CD74 signaling. In vivo-administered msR4M-L1 enriches in atherosclerotic plaques, blocks arterial leukocyte adhesion, and inhibits atherosclerosis and inflammation in hyperlipidemic Apoe−/− mice in vivo. Finally, msR4M-L1 binds to MIF in plaques from human carotid-endarterectomy specimens. Together, we establish an engineered GPCR-ectodomain-based mimicry principle that differentiates between disease-exacerbating and -protective pathways and chemokine-selectively interferes with atherosclerosis.
The Hsp70-Hsp90 co-chaperone Hop/Stip1 shifts the proteostatic balance from folding towards degradation
Authors: Bhattacharya Kaushik , Weidenauer Lorenz , Luengo Tania Morán , Pieters Ellis C. , Echeverría Pablo C. , Bernasconi Lilia , Wider Diana , Sadian Yashar , Koopman Margreet B. , Villemin Matthieu , Bauer Christoph , Rüdiger Stefan G. D. , Quadroni Manfredo , Picard Didier
Published: November 2020

Hop/Stip1/Sti1 is thought to be essential as a co-chaperone to facilitate substrate transfer between the Hsp70 and Hsp90 molecular chaperones. Despite this proposed key function for protein folding and maturation, it is not essential in a number of eukaryotes and bacteria lack an ortholog. We set out to identify and to characterize its eukaryote-specific function. Human cell lines and the budding yeast with deletions of the Hop/Sti1 gene display reduced proteasome activity due to inefficient capping of the core particle with regulatory particles. Unexpectedly, knock-out cells are more proficient at preventing protein aggregation and at promoting protein refolding. Without the restraint by Hop, a more efficient folding activity of the prokaryote-like Hsp70-Hsp90 complex, which can also be demonstrated in vitro, compensates for the proteasomal defect and ensures the proteostatic equilibrium. Thus, cells may act on the level and/or activity of Hop to shift the proteostatic balance between folding and degradation.
Iceberg melting substantially modifies oceanic heat flux towards a major Greenlandic tidewater glacier
Authors: Davison B. J. , Cowton T. R. , Cottier F. R. , Sole A. J.
Published: November 2020

Fjord dynamics influence oceanic heat flux to the Greenland ice sheet. Submarine iceberg melting releases large volumes of freshwater within Greenland’s fjords, yet its impact on fjord dynamics remains unclear. We modify an ocean model to simulate submarine iceberg melting in Sermilik Fjord, east Greenland. Here we find that submarine iceberg melting cools and freshens the fjord by up to ~5 °C and 0.7 psu in the upper 100-200 m. The release of freshwater from icebergs drives an overturning circulation, resulting in a ~10% increase in net up-fjord heat flux. In addition, we find that submarine iceberg melting accounts for over 95% of heat used for ice melt in Sermilik Fjord. Our results highlight the substantial impact that icebergs have on the dynamics of a major Greenlandic fjord, demonstrating the importance of including related processes in studies that seek to quantify interactions between the ice sheet and the ocean.
Structural basis for inhibition of an archaeal CRISPR–Cas type I-D large subunit by an anti-CRISPR protein
Authors: Manav M. Cemre , Van Lan B. , Lin Jinzhong , Fuglsang Anders , Peng Xu , Brodersen Ditlev E.
Published: November 2020

A hallmark of type I CRISPR–Cas systems is the presence of Cas3, which contains both the nuclease and helicase activities required for DNA cleavage during interference. In subtype I-D systems, however, the histidine-aspartate (HD) nuclease domain is encoded as part of a Cas10-like large effector complex subunit and the helicase activity in a separate Cas3’ subunit, but the functional and mechanistic consequences of this organisation are not currently understood. Here we show that the Sulfolobus islandicus type I-D Cas10d large subunit exhibits an unusual domain architecture consisting of a Cas3-like HD nuclease domain fused to a degenerate polymerase fold and a C-terminal domain structurally similar to Cas11. Crystal structures of Cas10d both in isolation and bound to S. islandicus rod-shaped virus 3 AcrID1 reveal that the anti-CRISPR protein sequesters the large subunit in a non-functional state unable to form a cleavage-competent effector complex. The architecture of Cas10d suggests that the type I-D effector complex is similar to those found in type III CRISPR–Cas systems and that this feature is specifically exploited by phages for anti-CRISPR defence.
Prognostic value of texture analysis from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with Takotsubo syndrome: a machine learning based proof-of-principle approach
Authors: Mannil Manoj , Kato Ken , Manka Robert , von Spiczak Jochen , Peters Benjamin , Cammann Victoria L. , Kaiser Christoph , Osswald Stefan , Nguyen Thanh Ha , Horowitz John D. , Katus Hugo A. , Ruschitzka Frank , Ghadri Jelena R. , Alkadhi Hatem , Templin Christian
Published: November 2020

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has become an important technique for non-invasive diagnosis of takotsubo syndrome (TTS). The long-term prognostic value of CMR imaging in TTS has not been fully elucidated yet. This study sought to evaluate the prognostic value of texture analysis (TA) based on CMR images in patients with TTS using machine learning. In this multicenter study (InterTAK Registry), we investigated CMR imaging data of 58 patients (56 women, mean age 68 ± 12 years) with TTS. CMR imaging was performed in the acute to subacute phase (median time after symptom onset 4 days) of TTS. TA of the left ventricle was performed using free-hand regions-of-interest in short axis late gadolinium-enhanced and on T2-weighted (T2w) images. A total of 608 TA features adding the parameters age, gender, and body mass index were included. Dimension reduction was performed removing TA features with poor intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC ≤ 0.6) and those being redundant (correlation matrix with Pearson correlation coefficient r > 0.8). Five common machine-learning classifiers (artificial neural network Multilayer Perceptron, decision tree J48, NaïveBayes, RandomForest, and Sequential Minimal Optimization) with tenfold cross-validation were applied to assess 5-year outcome including major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Dimension reduction yielded 10 TA features carrying prognostic information, which were all based on T2w images. The NaïveBayes machine learning classifier showed overall best performance with a sensitivity of 82.9% (confidence interval (CI) 80–86.2), specificity of 83.7% (CI 75.7–92), and an area-under-the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.88 (CI 0.83–0.92). This proof-of-principle study is the first to identify unique T2w-derived TA features that predict long-term outcome in patients with TTS. These features might serve as imaging prognostic biomarkers in TTS patients.
Thymus algeriensis and Thymus fontanesii exert neuroprotective effect against chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain in rats
Authors: Rezq Samar , Alsemeh Amira E. , D’Elia Luigi , El-Shazly Assem M. , Monti Daria Maria , Sobeh Mansour , Mahmoud Mona F.
Published: November 2020

We have previously demonstrated that the Thymus algeriensis and Thymus fontanesii extracts have powerful anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effects against acute pain models. We profiled their chemical composition and found many phenolic acids, flavonoids, and phenolic diterpenes. In this work, we investigated their antioxidant properties on HaCaT cells exposed to UVA-induced oxidative stress and examined their effects against chronic neuropathic pain and the underlying mechanisms. Through a rat chronic constriction injury (CCI) model, we induced chronic neuropathic pain by placing 4 loose ligatures around the right sciatic nerve for 14 days. Thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia in addition to cold and dynamic allodynia were tested on the day before surgery and on the 7th and 14th post-surgery days. Key markers of the nitrosative and oxidative stresses, in addition to markers of inflammation, were measured at day 14 post surgery. Histopathological examination and immunostaining of both synaptophysin and caspase-3 of sciatic nerve and brain stem were also performed. Results of this study showed that T. algeriensis extract suppresses UVA oxidative stress in HaCaT cells via activation of the Nrf-2 pathway. Both extracts attenuated hyperalgesia and allodynia at 7- and 14-days post-surgery with more prominent effects at day 14 of surgery. Their protective effects against neuropathic pain were mediated by inhibiting NOX-1, iNOS, by increasing the enzyme activity of catalase, and inhibition of inflammatory mediators, NF-κB, TNF-α, lipoxygenase, COX-2 enzymes, and PGE2. Furthermore, they improved deleterious structural changes of the brainstem and sciatic nerve. They also attenuated the increased caspase-3 and synaptophysin. The data indicate that both extracts have neuroprotective effects against chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain. The observed protective effects are partially mediated through attenuation of oxidative and nitrosative stress and suppression of both neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis, suggesting substantial activities of both extracts in amelioration of painful peripheral neuropathy.
Nod2 protects mice from inflammation and obesity-dependent liver cancer
Authors: Gurses Serdar A. , Banskar Sunil , Stewart Cody , Trimoski Bill , Dziarski Roman , Gupta Dipika
Published: November 2020

Nod2 is a pattern recognition receptor that modulates host innate immune responses and protects from inflammation, steatosis, and obesity. Obesity and inflammation are risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma, however, the role of Nod2 in obesity-dependent hepatic tumorigenesis is not known. Here we tested the hypothesis that Nod2 protects from high fat diet (HFD)-dependent hepatic cancer. We used an obesity-dependent hepatic tumor model. WT and Nod2−/− mice were treated with the carcinogen dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and maintained on HFD. Nod2−/− mice treated with DMBA and maintained on HFD gain significantly more weight and develop more liver tumors than similarly treated WT mice. Livers of Nod2−/− tumorigenic mice had increased expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, immune responses, and cholesterol biosynthesis, increased infiltration of neutrophils, inflammatory monocytes, and T cells, and increased activation of STAT3 and ERK during the later stages of tumorigenesis. Bioinformatic analyses of genes with differential expression predicted an increase in cancer, immune, and cholesterol biosynthesis pathways. In summary, we have identified a novel role for Nod2 and demonstrate that Nod2 protects from HFD-dependent liver malignancy and this protection is accompanied by decreased cell proliferation, inflammation, steroid biosynthesis, neutrophils and macrophages infiltration, and STAT3 and MAPK signaling in the liver.
Interactions between coral propagules in aquarium and field conditions
Authors: Loo Poh Leong , Li Anqi , Tan Koh Siang
Published: November 2020

The effects of intraspecific and interspecific interactions between three species of scleractinian coral micro-colonies, namely Lithophyllon undulatum, Turbinaria mesenterina and Platygyra sinensis were evaluated for their survivorship, tissue loss and growth in both field (in-situ) and aquarium (ex-situ) conditions over 12 weeks. Regardless of environmental conditions and interactions, L. undulatum survived better (91.7 ± 6.2%) than T. mesenterina (75.0 ± 25.0%) and P. sinensis (60.4 ± 39.5%). Similarly, L. undulatum registered the lowest tissue loss (0.5 ± 0.7%) as compared to T. mesenterina (14.3 ± 19.4%) and P. sinensis (22.0 ± 30.0%). However, P. sinensis gained more weight (3.2 ± 5.2 g) than either T. mesenterina (2.7 ± 2.4 g) or L. undulatum (0.8 ± 1.1 g). In both environments, all three species in intraspecific interaction generally had higher survivorship, lower tissue loss and better growth than those in interspecific interaction except the latter in in-situ conditions had a twofold increase in growth (5.8 ± 3.7 g) than the former in-situ conditions (2.8 ± 3.7 g). Hence, all three species are potentially suitable for transplantation and mariculture except perhaps for P. sinensis which performed poorly in ex-situ conditions. Corals can be transplanted either with different colonies of the same species or together with other coral taxa. This study demonstrated that L. undulatum should be transplanted between T. mesenterina and P. sinensis for optimal growth and survival.
The outcomes of Ilizarov treatment in aseptic nonunions of the tibia stratified by treatment strategies and surgical techniques
Authors: Szelerski Łukasz , Pajchert-Kozłowska Andżelika , Żarek Sławomir , Górski Radosław , Małdyk Paweł , Morasiewicz Piotr
Published: November 2020

Nonunions of the tibia, particularly those located in the distal third of the bone, are relatively common in clinical practice. There is no gold standard for the treatment of nonunions of the tibia. The purpose of our study was to assess the results of treatment with the Ilizarov method in patients with aseptic nonunions of the tibia, depending on the employed treatment strategies and surgical techniques. A total of 75 patients with Ilizarov treatment of aseptic nonunions of the tibia were evaluated in the study. The patients’s mean age at the beginning of treatment was 46 years. The mean follow-up period was 10 years and 11 months. The evaluated patients underwent either closed technique or open technique. The operators used one of two treatment strategies: neutral fixation without compression or continued compression. The following were assessed: rates of union, ASAMI bone scores, ASAMI functional scores, treatment time, complications, duration of hospital stay. Bone union was achieved in all of the 75 evaluated patients. The results of most analyses showed no significant differences in the assessed variables, except for the ASAMI functional scores, which were higher in the group of patients who underwent closed surgery (Me = 6.00 vs. Me = 4.00). We observed better ASAMI functional score outcomes in the patients who underwent closed fixation than in the open fixation group. The different surgical techniques and treatment strategies had no effect on the number of complications, rates of bone union, length of hospital stay, duration of Ilizarov treatment, or ASAMI bone scores. For managing nonunions of the tibia we recommend the technique of closed fixation without continued compression. The Ilizarov method in the treatment of nonunions of the tibia gives good outcomes.
Introducing reticular chemistry into agrochemistry
Authors: Sun Da-Wen , Huang Lunjie , Pu Hongbin , Ma Ji
Published: November 2020

MOFs and COFs open up a new journey for agrochemistry evolution with the magic of reticular chemistry.
Green preparation of high-quality and low-cost graphene from discarded polyethylene plastic bags
Authors: Gu Jian , Pang Aimin , Guo Xiang , Li Lei , Huang Danchun , Li Fengyu
Published: November 2020

A green strategy was used to prepare high-quality and low-cost graphene from discarded polyethylene plastic bags.
Structure–direction towards the new large pore zeolite NUD-3
Authors: Chen Fei-Jian , Gao Zihao Rei , Li Jian , Gómez-Hortigüela Luis , Lin Cong , Xu Le , Du Hong-Bin , Márquez-Álvarez Carlos , Sun Junliang , Camblor Miguel A.
Published: November 2020

A subtle structure–direction allows the crystallization of the ordered and fully connected zeolite NUD-3 instead of disordered or interrupted versions.
Influence of ligand composition on crystal structure formation – isostructurality and morphotropism
Authors: Arhangelskis Mihails , Van Meervelt Luc , Dobrzańska Liliana
Published: November 2020

The replacement of an H-atom with a Me-group leads to the isostructurality of polymeric Ag(i) complexes, whereas it causes morphotropic adjustments in the parent ligands (discrete molecules).
Supramolecular Cu(ii)–dipyridyl frameworks featuring weakly coordinating dodecaborate dianions for selective gas separation
Authors: Wang Lingyao , Jiang Tao , Duttwyler Simon , Zhang Yuanbin
Published: November 2020

Several novel weakly coordinating dodecaborate anion hybrid supramolecular Cu(ii)–dipyridyl frameworks were synthesized and characterized by single crystal analysis with one potential for selective C2H2/C2H4 and C2H2/CO2 separation.
First-principles theoretical study on dry reforming of methane over perfect and boron-vacancy-containing h-BN sheet-supported Ni catalysts
Authors: Zhang Yan , Yao Yi-Fan , Qiao Yuan-Yuan , Wang Gui-Chang
Published: November 2020

The entire reaction mechanism of the dry reforming of methane (DRM) as well as the competition processes over perfect and boron-vacancy-containing h-BN sheet-supported Ni-catalysts (labeled Ni2/h-BN and Ni2/h-BN-B–D) was studied by density functional theory calculations in the present work.
Rational design of Co4N nanoparticle loaded porous carbon as a sulfur matrix for advanced lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yu Yuan , Zhen Shunying , Cao Shishi , Wu Peisen , Ma Guozheng , Li Aiju , Zhang Jiandong
Published: November 2020

Porous carbon loaded with Co4N nanoparticle is used as asulfur matrix of lithium-sulfur batteries for anchoring polysulfides.
Wheat germ glycoprotein regionally modulates immunosuppressed mouse intestinal immunity function from early life to adulthood
Authors: Yun Liyuan , Wu Tao , Li Wen , Zhang Min
Published: November 2020

Wheat germ glycoprotein (WGP) is widely used due to its nutritional benefits and biological activity.
Syntheses, spectral and chiral properties and DNA interactions of multi-heterocyclic di- and trinuclear boron complexes
Authors: Bilge Koçak Selen , Kaya Özgecan , Kılıç Zeynel , Coban Burak , Yildiz Ufuk , Çoşut Bünyemin
Published: November 2020

Stereoisomers of Salen-boron complexes with two equivalent stereogenic B-centers giving rise to diastereoisomers were assigned by CD and NMR spectra.
Alkali complexes of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit lung and oral cancers in vitro
Authors: Shah Syed Raza , Shah Zarbad , Khan Ajmal , Ahmed Ayaz , Khwaja Shariqa , Csuk Rene , Anwar Muhammad U. , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: November 2020

Alkali metal complexes (Li, K, and Cs) displayed excellent activities against oral and lung cancer cells with the least toxicity toward normal cells.
Electrochemically controlled cleavage of imine bonds on a graphene platform: towards new electro-responsive hybrids for drug release
Authors: Hou Hui-Lei , Cardo Lucia , Mancino Donato , Arnaiz Blanca , Criado Alejandro , Prato Maurizio
Published: November 2020

Graphene-based materials are particularly suitable platforms for the development of new systems able to release drugs upon the application of controlled electrochemical stimuli.
Substrate adhesion evolves non-monotonically with processing time in millimeter-scale aligned carbon nanotube arrays
Authors: Kaiser Ashley L. , Lidston Dale L. , Peterson Sophie C. , Acauan Luiz H. , Steiner Stephen A. , Guzman de Villoria Roberto , Vanderhout Amy R. , Stein Itai Y. , Wardle Brian L.
Published: November 2020

Aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) array adhesion strength evolves with CNT process time, decreasing and then increasing during growth and annealing, as captured by models relating CNT diameter, array effective modulus, and CNT–substrate work of adhesion.
Electrical and network properties of flexible silver-nanowire composite electrodes under mechanical strain
Authors: Glier Tomke E. , Betker Marie , Witte Maximilian , Matsuyama Toru , Westphal Lea , Grimm-Lebsanft Benjamin , Biebl Florian , Akinsinde Lewis O. , Fischer Frank , Rübhausen Michael
Published: November 2020

Flexible silver-nanowire polymer electrodes are studied under stretching leading to a model that considers the nanoscale physics of the tunneling junctions and explains the electrical behavior of nanowire composites under mechanical strain.
Thermal properties of lipid bilayers derived from the transient heating regime of upconverting nanoparticles
Authors: Bastos Ana R. N. , Brites Carlos D. S. , Rojas-Gutierrez Paola A. , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Longo Ricardo L. , DeWolf Christine , Capobianco John A. , Carlos Luís D.
Published: November 2020

An experimental approach and associated model to derive the nanoscale thermal properties of a conformal lipid bilayer supported on an upconverting nanoparticle, and which yields fundamental biophysical properties of the lipid bilayer.
In situ total scattering experiments of nucleation and crystallisation of tantalum-based oxides: from highly dilute solutions via cluster formation to nanoparticles
Authors: Onur Şahin Ezgi , Tüysüz Harun , Chan Candace K. , Moon Gun-hee , Dai Yitao , Schmidt Wolfgang , Lim Joohyun , Scheu Christina , Weidenthaler Claudia
Published: November 2020

The formation mechanism of amorphous tantalum oxides was studied by total scattering experiments starting from alkoxide precursors. Hydrolysed TaxOyHz clusters form in highly dilute solutions which were transformed into L-Ta2O5 by calcination.
Central zinc metal-controlled regioselective meso-bromination of zincated β-silylporphyrins—rapid access to meso,β-dual-functionalized porphyrins
Authors: Hayashi Satoshi , Takamatsu Rina , Takeda Shiori , Noji Masahiro , Takanami Toshikatsu
Published: November 2020

A convenient method for preparing meso,β-dual-functionalized porphyrin through a central zinc metal-controlled regioselective bromination of zincated β-silylporphyrin was developed.
Correction: Regioselective synthesis of substituted thiazoles via cascade reactions from 3-chlorochromones and thioamides
Authors: Dai Tianzi , Cui Chen , Qi Xueyu , Cheng Yanshu , He Qian , Zhang Xiaofei , Luo Xiaomin , Yang Chunhao
Published: November 2020

Correction for ‘Regioselective synthesis of substituted thiazoles via cascade reactions from 3-chlorochromones and thioamides’ by Tianzi Dai et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2020, 18, 6162–6170, DOI: 10.1039/d0ob01019g.
Pyridyl disulfide-based thiol–disulfide exchange reaction: shaping the design of redox-responsive polymeric materials
Authors: Altinbasak Ismail , Arslan Mehmet , Sanyal Rana , Sanyal Amitav
Published: November 2020

This review provides an overview of synthetic approaches utilized to incorporate the thiol-reactive pyridyl-disulfide motif into various polymeric materials, and briefly highlights its utilization to obtain functional materials.
Discovery of a size-record breaking green-emissive fluorophore: small, smaller, HINA
Authors: Kang Rui , Talamini Laura , D'Este Elisa , Estevão Bianca Martins , De Cola Luisa , Klopper Wim , Biedermann Frank
Published: November 2020

Astonishingly, 3-hydroxyisonicotinealdehyde (HINA) is despite its small size a green-emitting push–pull fluorophore in water (QY of 15%) and shows ratiometric emission response to biological relevant pH differences (pKa2 ∼ 7.1).
Processing of coding and non-coding RNAs in plant development and environmental responses
Authors: Si Fuyan , Cao Xiaofeng , Song Xianwei , Deng Xian
Published: November 2020

Precursor RNAs undergo extensive processing to become mature RNAs. RNA transcripts are subjected to 5′ capping, 3′-end processing, splicing, and modification; they also form dynamic secondary structures during co-transcriptional and post-transcriptional processing. Like coding RNAs, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) undergo extensive processing. For example, secondary small interfering RNA (siRNA) transcripts undergo RNA processing, followed by further cleavage to become mature siRNAs. Transcriptome studies have revealed roles for co-transcriptional and post-transcriptional RNA processing in the regulation of gene expression and the coordination of plant development and plant–environment interactions. In this review, we present the latest progress on RNA processing in gene expression and discuss phased siRNAs (phasiRNAs), a kind of germ cell-specific secondary small RNA (sRNA), focusing on their functions in plant development and environmental responses.
Letter to the Editor Concerning Skuk et al., “Parameter-Specific Morphing Reveals Contributions of Timbre and Fundamental Frequency Cues to the Perception of Voice Gender and Age in Cochlear Implant Users”
Authors: Meister Hartmut , Fuersen Katrin , Streicher Barbara , Lang-Roth Ruth , Walger Martin
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this letter is to compare results by Skuk et al. (2020) with Meister et al. (2016) and to point to a potential general influence of stimulus type.

Conclusion

Our conclusion is that presenting sentences may give cochlear implant recipients the opportunity to use timbre cues for voice perception. This might not be the case when presenting brief and sparse stimuli such as consonant–vowel–consonant or single words, which were applied in the majority of studies.
DSOGI with proportional resonance controlled CHB inverter based two‐stage exalted photovoltaic integration in power system with power quality enhancement
Authors: Nirmal Mukundan C.M. , Jayaprakash P.
Published: November 2020

This study presents a grid‐integrated solar photovoltaic system (SPVS). The objective of the work is to explore the scope of cascaded H‐bridge multilevel inverter (CHBMLI) in the high infiltration of photovoltaic (PV) in the distribution system. A five‐level CHBMLI is implemented with a balanced power‐sharing and equal switch stress mode, which increases the system power rating with longer life. The power conversion efficiency is elevated by reduced switching frequency, compared to two‐level inverters. The damped second‐order generalised integral (DSOGI) control‐based grid synchronisation is used to critically damp system oscillations and overshoots at dynamic operating conditions. Hence, safer service of lower rating power electronic switches at high power operation is ensured. It also has better bandpass filtering at the nominal grid frequency. A single‐input multiple‐output single‐ended primary inductance converter realises the isolated DC sources for the CHBMLI. It extracts maximum power from the PV array by using centralised incremental conductance algorithm. The SPVS also considers the nonlinear unbalanced loads at the bus of common coupling and provide shunt active filter functionality. A minimum number of voltage and current sensors are used in the configuration. An extensive analysis is carried out to validate the theoretical claims.
Sizing energy storage to reduce renewable power curtailment considering network power flows: a distributionally robust optimisation approach
Authors: Guo Zhongjie , Wei Wei , Chen Laijun , Xie Rui , Mei Shengwei
Published: November 2020

The limited reserve of fossil fuels and public awareness of environmental issues prompt the rapid development of renewable energy generation. However, the centralised utilisation of renewable energy in bulk power systems is impeded mainly by its volatile nature and transmission congestion, leading to the spillage of renewable power. The energy storage unit is expected to be a promising measure to smooth the output of renewable plants and reduce the curtailment rate. This study addresses the energy storage sizing problem in bulk power systems. To capture the operating status of the power system more accurately, the authors use a dedicated power flow model which involves voltage and reactive power. The uncertainty of renewable generation is described via inexact probability distributions encapsulated in a data‐driven Wasserstein‐metric based ambiguity set, based on which the renewable energy curtailment rate is formulated as a distributionally robust chance constraint. The objective is to minimise the total investment cost, and the optimal sizing problem gives rise to a distributionally robust chance‐constrained program, and is reformulated as a tractable linear program via conservative approximation. Case studies conducted on the modified IEEE 30‐bus and 118‐bus systems demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed approach.
X-ray study of Abell 3365 with XMM-Newton
Authors: Urdampilleta I. , Simionescu A. , Kaastra J. S. , Zhang X. , Di Gennaro G. , Mernier F. , de Plaa J. , Brunetti G.
Published: November 2020

We present an X-ray spectral analysis using XMM-Newton/EPIC observations (∼100 ks) of the merging galaxy cluster Abell 3365 (z = 0.093). Previous radio observations suggested the presence of a peripheral elongated radio relic to the east and a smaller radio relic candidate to the west of the cluster center. We find evidence of temperature discontinuities at the location of both radio relics, indicating the presence of a shock with a Mach number of ℳ = 3.5 ± 0.6 towards the east and a second shock with ℳ = 3.9 ± 0.8 towards the west. We also identify a cold front at r ∼ 1.6′ from the X-ray emission peak. Based on the shock velocities, we estimate that the dynamical age of the main merger along the east-west direction is ∼0.6 Gyr. We find that the diffusive shock acceleration scenario from the thermal pool is consistent with the electron acceleration mechanism for both radio relics. In addition, we studied the distribution of the temperature, iron (Fe) abundance, and pseudo-entropy along the merging axis. Our results show that remnants of a metal-rich cool-core can partially or entirely survive after the merging activity. Finally, we find that the merger can displace the metal-rich and low entropy gas from the potential well towards the cold front, as has been suggested via numerical simulations.
Comparative characteristics of world agricultural markets using contracting and state farm support development (Russian Agribusiness Case Study)
Authors: Zhichkin Kirill , Penkin Anatoly , Balashenko Vyacheslav , Zhichkina Lyudmila
Published: November 2020

Theoretical and methodological aspects of direct and indirect methods of farm regulation are being discussed. One of the most important goals is regulation of the agro-industrial complex. The volume production was optimized under ecological and economic conditions of business development. All countries have been optimizing their farm policy to satisfy the requirements of the national internal standards. The state farm policy changes according to the requirements of the environmental sector of the business ecosystem. It also depends on marketing and distribution development taking an intermediate position between internal and external markets.
The ecological cleanliness of milk and products of its processing when using the sorption-probiotic supplement in the diet of cows
Authors: Ulitko Vasily E. , Lifanova Svetlana P. , Pykhtina Lidia A. , Erisanova Oksana E.
Published: November 2020

In the study, in the conditions of the dairy complex of the agricultural Firm Tetyushskoe in the Ulyanovsk region, five groups of cows (26 heads per group) were fed according to detailed standards. Cows of groups II, III, IV and V were fed a new sorption-probiotic Supplement (SPD) Biopinnular at a dose of 0.25; 0.50; 0.75 and 1.00 % of dry matter. SPD was made from the natural mineral diatomite (sorbent) and probiotic microbiota (Bacillus subtilius). Such a formulation reduces impact on the body of endo- and exotoxins, in the digestive tract inhibits the development of pathogenic and stimulates the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, enhances the digestibility and assimilation of nutrients, for exceeds efficiency and productivity of cows, improve the sustainability of milk and its products. On 100 EKE fed, 7.88, 12.54, 3.73 and 3.48 % more milk was obtained from cows of the experimental groups than from control cows (63.86 kg). The highest efficiency of the diet was observed in group III. The SPD corrects the environmental friendliness of milk and its processing products. The concentration of Pb and Cd in them did not exceed the MPC and was dependent on the dose of the fed Supplement. The least effective dose for reducing ecotoxicants in products was 0.25 %. Therefore, to increase the efficiency of the diet and reduce ecotoxicants content in dairy products, it is advisable to use SPD in diets at a dose of 0.50 % of dry matter.
Detoxication agents and technologies for animal husbandry under conditions of anthropogenic pollution
Authors: Zakharova Lyubov L. , Zhorov Georgiy A. , Dorozhkin Vasiliy I. , Obryvin Viktor N. , Brichko Natalya A.
Published: November 2020

The impact of human economic activity on the environment is increasingly taking the form of combined pollution with various ecotoxicants including xenobiotics of radiation (caesium-137, strontium-90) and chemical (mercury, cadmium, lead and other toxic elements) nature. Today, this is one of the most urgent and insufficiently studied scientific problems. At current levels of systematic intake and accumulation of ecotoxicants in the body of productive animals, various anthropogenic and environmental organopathologies and diseases develop, and the risk of obtaining products that are dangerous to the consumer increases. In this regard, in the conditions of combined technogenic pollution of agroecosystems, it is necessary to solve the problem of ensuring the production of safe and biologically complete livestock products and maintaining the health and useful qualities of farm animals. The article presents the results of research on the development of compositions and technologies for the use of sorption-detoxifying complexes in the form of feed additives to reduce the accumulation and negative effects of ecotoxicants on the animal body and ensure the production of safe products.
Human resources in the context of digitalization of agriculture
Authors: Faskhutdinova Milyausha S. , Amirova Elmira F. , Safiullin Ilnur N. , Ibragimov Linar G.
Published: November 2020

The article discusses the concept of digitalization of agriculture which should significantly change the face of the industry. In addition to increasing production efficiency and revenues, the authors propose attracting new employees and creating high-tech industries. Over time, this will allow establishing interaction with digitalization programs in other sectors, in particular with logistics, and creating platforms to support such integrated digital solutions that will popularize domestic products actively introduced into agriculture. One of the significant challenges facing implementation is its substantial demand for staff with relevant digital knowledge. Moreover, if financial injections help remove technical and technological obstacles to digitalization, then staffing the expected changes, especially on the planned scale, will require not only material support but also active organizational and methodological work. The international component may be the most important aspect of upgrading agricultural education in Russia. Over the past decade, some steps have been taken to meaningfully modernize vocational education, improve its quality and integrate Russian education into the international educational space. Despite the undeniable benefits, farmers are faced with the problems of integrating new systems into existing business processes, the lack of a comprehensive solution to their automation, the lack of staff competent in modern IT technologies. Addressing these issues will enable the transition of agriculture to the digital economy at an accelerated pace.
Assessment of plasticity and stability of grain sorghum varieties on the basis of their grain yield
Authors: Antimonova O. , Syrkina L. , Antimonov A. , Kosykh L.
Published: November 2020

Assessment of adaptability, environmental plasticity and stability of crop varieties in different climatic conditions is an important direction of the selection process. The purpose of the research was to assess the ecological plasticity and stability of 5 varieties (Premiera, Slavyanka, Ros, Kinelskoye 63, Dershavnoe) and 3 lines (L-28/14, L-141/14, L 34/14) of grain sorghum, to identify the role of abiotic factors in the dynamics of its grain yield at the final stages of selection in the competitive testing of varieties. The studies were carried out in the forest-steppe of the Samara region in experimental fields and in the laboratories of the Volga Research Institute of Breeding and Seed Production in 2015-2018 according to the dispersion methods of A.V. Kilchevsky and L.V. Khotyleva, S.A. Eberhart and W.A. Russel. According to the ecological plasticity variety Ros and line L-34/14 were of intensive type. Varieties Derzhavhoe, Kinelskoye 63, Slavyanka and line L-28/14 belonged to the semi-intensive type. Variety Premiera and line L-141/14 were of extensive type. The combination of high productivity and stability was observed in varities Kinelskoye 63, Derzhavnoe, L-28/14 with high parameters of breeding value of genotype. Promising sample L-28/14 with high productivity and environmental stability is recommended for transfer to the state variety testing.