bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of Barents Sea Wintertime Cyclone Variability by Large‐Scale Atmospheric Flow
Authors: Madonna Erica , Hes Gabriel , Li Camille , Michel Clio , Siew Peter Yu Feng
Published: September 2020

Extratropical cyclones transport heat and moisture into the Arctic, which can promote surface warming and sea ice melt. We investigate wintertime cyclone variability in the Barents Sea region to understand what controls the impacts, frequency, and path of cyclones at high latitudes. Large‐scale atmospheric conditions are found to be key, with the strongest surface warming from cyclones originating south of 60°N in the North Atlantic and steered northeastward by the upper‐level flow. Atmospheric conditions also control cyclone variability in the Barents proper: Months with many cyclones are characterized by an absence of high‐latitude blocking and enhanced local baroclinicity, due to the presence of strong upper‐level winds and a southwest‐northeast tilted jet stream more than changes in sea ice. This study confirms that Arctic cyclones exhibit large interannual variability, and accounting for this variability reveals that trends in Barents cyclone frequency are not robust over the 1979–2018 period.
Ionospheric Response at Conjugate Locations During the 7–8 September 2017 Geomagnetic Storm Over the Europe‐African Longitude Sector
Authors: Habarulema John Bosco , Katamzi‐Joseph Zama T. , Burešová Dalia , Nndanganeni Rendani , Matamba Tshimangadzo , Tshisaphungo Mpho , Buchert Stephan , Kosch Michael , Lotz Stefan , Cilliers Pierre , Mahrous Ayman
Published: September 2020

This paper focuses on unique aspects of the ionospheric response at conjugate locations over Europe and South Africa during the 7–8 September 2017 geomagnetic storm including the role of the bottomside and topside ionosphere and plasmasphere in influencing electron density changes. Analysis of total electron content (TEC) on 7 September 2017 shows that for a pair of geomagnetically conjugate locations, positive storm effect was observed reaching about 65% when benchmarked on the monthly median TEC variability in the Northern Hemisphere, while the Southern Hemisphere remained within the quiet time variability threshold of ±40%. Over the investigated locations, the Southern Hemisphere midlatitudes showed positive TEC deviations that were in most cases twice the comparative response level in the Northern Hemisphere on the 8 September 2017. During the storm main phase on 8 September 2017, we have obtained an interesting result of ionosonde maximum electron density of the F2 layer and TEC derived from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations showing different ionospheric responses over the same midlatitude location in the Northern Hemisphere. In situ electron density measurements from SWARM satellite aided by bottomside ionosonde‐derived TEC up to the maximum height of the F2 layer (hmF2) revealed that the bottomside and topside ionosphere as well as plasmasphere electron content contributions to overall GNSS‐derived TEC were different in both hemispheres especially for 8 September 2017 during the storm main phase. The differences in hemispheric response at conjugate locations and on a regional scale have been explained in terms of seasonal influence on the background electron density coupled with the presence of large‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances and low‐latitude‐associated processes. The major highlight of this study is the simultaneous confirmation of most of the previously observed features and their underlying physical mechanisms during geomagnetic storms through a multi–data set examination of hemispheric differences.
Soil moisture dominates dryness stress on ecosystem production globally
Authors: Liu Laibao , Gudmundsson Lukas , Hauser Mathias , Qin Dahe , Li Shuangcheng , Seneviratne Sonia I.
Published: September 2020

Dryness stress can limit vegetation growth and is often characterized by low soil moisture (SM) and high atmospheric water demand (vapor pressure deficit, VPD). However, the relative role of SM and VPD in limiting ecosystem production remains debated and is difficult to disentangle, as SM and VPD are coupled through land-atmosphere interactions, hindering the ability to predict ecosystem responses to dryness. Here, we combine satellite observations of solar-induced fluorescence with estimates of SM and VPD and show that SM is the dominant driver of dryness stress on ecosystem production across more than 70% of vegetated land areas with valid data. Moreover, after accounting for SM-VPD coupling, VPD effects on ecosystem production are much smaller across large areas. We also find that SM stress is strongest in semi-arid ecosystems. Our results clarify a longstanding question and open new avenues for improving models to allow a better management of drought risk.
Identification of a herpes simplex virus 1 gene encoding neurovirulence factor by chemical proteomics
Authors: Kato Akihisa , Adachi Shungo , Kawano Shuichi , Takeshima Kousuke , Watanabe Mizuki , Kitazume Shinobu , Sato Ryota , Kusano Hideo , Koyanagi Naoto , Maruzuru Yuhei , Arii Jun , Hatta Tomohisa , Natsume Tohru , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: September 2020

Identification of the complete set of translated genes of viruses is important to understand viral replication and pathogenesis as well as for therapeutic approaches to control viral infection. Here, we use chemical proteomics, integrating bio-orthogonal non-canonical amino acid tagging and high-resolution mass spectrometry, to characterize the newly synthesized herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) proteome in infected cells. In these infected cells, host cellular protein synthesis is shut-off, increasing the chance to preferentially detect viral proteomes. We identify nine previously cryptic orphan protein coding sequences whose translated products are expressed in HSV-1-infected cells. Functional characterization of one identified protein, designated piUL49, shows that it is critical for HSV-1 neurovirulence in vivo by regulating the activity of virally encoded dUTPase, a key enzyme that maintains accurate DNA replication. Our results demonstrate that cryptic orphan protein coding genes of HSV-1, and probably other large DNA viruses, remain to be identified.
Solution structure of the Hop TPR2A domain and investigation of target druggability by NMR, biochemical and in silico approaches
Authors: Darby John F. , Vidler Lewis R. , Simpson Peter J. , Al-Lazikani Bissan , Matthews Stephen J. , Sharp Swee Y. , Pearl Laurence H. , Hoelder Swen , Workman Paul
Published: September 2020

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone that plays an important role in tumour biology by promoting the stabilisation and activity of oncogenic ‘client’ proteins. Inhibition of Hsp90 by small-molecule drugs, acting via its ATP hydrolysis site, has shown promise as a molecularly targeted cancer therapy. Owing to the importance of Hop and other tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR)-containing cochaperones in regulating Hsp90 activity, the Hsp90-TPR domain interface is an alternative site for inhibitors, which could result in effects distinct from ATP site binders. The TPR binding site of Hsp90 cochaperones includes a shallow, positively charged groove that poses a significant challenge for druggability. Herein, we report the apo, solution-state structure of Hop TPR2A which enables this target for NMR-based screening approaches. We have designed prototype TPR ligands that mimic key native ‘carboxylate clamp’ interactions between Hsp90 and its TPR cochaperones and show that they block binding between Hop TPR2A and the Hsp90 C-terminal MEEVD peptide. We confirm direct TPR-binding of these ligands by mapping 1H–15N HSQC chemical shift perturbations to our new NMR structure. Our work provides a novel structure, a thorough assessment of druggability and robust screening approaches that may offer a potential route, albeit difficult, to address the chemically challenging nature of the Hop TPR2A target, with relevance to other TPR domain interactors.
Mg or Zn for Ca substitution improves the sintering of bioglass 45S5
Authors: Wetzel R. , Blochberger M. , Scheffler F. , Hupa L. , Brauer Delia S.
Published: September 2020

Bioglass 45S5 is well-known for its bioactivity, but it possesses poor sintering behaviour owing to viscous flow being inhibited by the crystallisation of sodium calcium silicate phases. Mg or Zn were partially (0, 25, 50, 75%) or fully (100%) substituted for Ca on a molar base, and thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry, dilatometry) and sintering (heating microscopy, SEM and X-ray diffraction) were investigated. Here we show that sintering can be improved significantly by partial or complete substitution of Mg or Zn for Ca, owing to a pronounced decrease in crystallisation tendency. Glass transition temperature and dilatometric softening point went through minima for mixed compositions, with random mixing of Mg/Ca or Zn/Ca ions in the glass structure and the resulting effect on configurational entropy being a likely explanation. As the onset of crystallisation did not vary much with substitution, substituted glasses possessed a wider temperature range for sintering, resulting in up to 57% and 27% sample height reduction for Mg and Zn substituted glasses, respectively, compared to only 3% height reduction for Bioglass 45S5. Taken together, these results suggest that using a combination of modifiers, particularly alkaline earths or zinc, may be a promising approach for improving the sintering of Bioglass 45S5.
Proteomic analysis of plasma proteins of high-flux haemodialysis and on-line haemodiafiltration patients reveals differences in transthyretin levels related with anaemia
Authors: Martínez-Alonso Emma , Alcázar Paula , Camafeita Emilio , Fernández-Lucas Milagros , Ruíz-Roso Gloria , Alcázar Alberto
Published: September 2020

A large proportion of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients under long-term haemodialysis, have persistent anaemia and require high doses of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO). However, the underlying mechanisms of renal anaemia have not been fully elucidated in these patients. In this study, we will be focusing on anaemia and plasma proteins in ESRD patients on high-flux haemodialysis (HF) and on-line haemodiafiltration (HDF), to investigate using two proteomic approaches if patients undergoing these treatments develop differences in their plasma protein composition and how this could be related to their anaemia. The demographic and biochemical data revealed that HDF patients had lower anaemia and much lower rhEPO requirements than HF patients. Regarding their plasma proteomes, HDF patients had increased levels of a protein highly similar to serotransferrin, trypsin-1 and immunoglobulin heavy constant chain alpha-1, and lower levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin, transthyretin, apolipoproteins E and C-III, and haptoglobin-related protein. Lower transthyretin levels in HDF patients were further confirmed by transthyretin-peptide quantification and western blot detection. Since ESRD patients have increased transthyretin, a protein that can aggregate and inhibit transferrin endocytosis and erythropoiesis, our finding that HDF patients have lower transthyretin and lower anaemia suggests that the decrease in transthyretin plasma levels would allow an increase in transferrin endocytosis, contributing to erythropoiesis. Thus, transthyretin could be a critical actor for anaemia in ESRD patients and a novel player for haemodialysis adequacy.
Emerging MDR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa in fish commonly harbor oprL and toxA virulence genes and blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and tetA antibiotic-resistance genes
Authors: Algammal Abdelazeem M. , Mabrok Mahmoud , Sivaramasamy Elayaraja , Youssef Fatma M. , Atwa Mona H. , El-kholy Ali W. , Hetta Helal F. , Hozzein Wael N.
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, antibiogram of Pseudomonasaeruginosa (P.aeruginosa), and the distribution of virulence genes (oprL,exoS, phzM, and toxA) and the antibiotic-resistance genes (blaTEM, tetA, and blaCTX-M). A total of 285 fish (165 Oreochromisniloticus and 120 Clariasgariepinus) were collected randomly from private fish farms in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. The collected specimens were examined bacteriologically. P. aeruginosa was isolated from 90 examined fish (31.57%), and the liver was the most prominent infected organ. The antibiogram of the isolated strains was determined using a disc diffusion method, where the tested strains exhibited multi-drug resistance (MDR) to amoxicillin, cefotaxime, tetracycline, and gentamicin. The PCR results revealed that all the examined strains harbored (oprL and toxA) virulence genes, while only 22.2% were positive for the phzM gene. On the contrary, none of the tested strains were positive for the exoS gene. Concerning the distribution of the antibiotic resistance genes, the examined strains harbored blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and tetA genes with a total prevalence of 83.3%, 77.7%, and 75.6%, respectively. Experimentally infected fish with P.aeruginosa displayed high mortalities in direct proportion to the encoded virulence genes and showed similar signs of septicemia found in the naturally infected one. In conclusion, P.aeruginosa is a major pathogen of O.niloticus and C.gariepinus.oprL and toxA genes are the most predominant virulence genes associated with P.aeruginosa infection. The blaCTX-M,blaTEM, and tetA genes are the main antibiotic-resistance genes that induce resistance patterns to cefotaxime, amoxicillin, and tetracycline, highlighting MDR P.aeruginosa strains of potential public health concern.
Structural refinement and electrochemical properties of one dimensional (ZnO NRs)1−x(CNs)x functional hybrids for serotonin sensing studies
Authors: Mullani Sajid B. , Dhodamani Ananta G. , Shellikeri Annadanesh , Mullani Navaj B. , Tawade Anita K. , Tayade Shivaji N. , Biscay Julien , Dennany Lynn , Delekar Sagar D.
Published: September 2020

Herein, the efficient serotonin (5-HT) sensing studies have been conducted using the (ZnO NRs)1−x(CNs)x nanocomposites (NCs) having appropriate structural and electrochemical properties. Initially, the different compositions of ZnO nanorods (NRs), with varying content of carbon nanostructures (CNs=MWCNTs and RGO), are prepared using simple in-situ wet chemical method and thereafter these NCs have been characterized for physico-chemical properties in correlation to the 5-HT sensing activity. XRD Rietveld refinement studies reveal the hexagonal Wurtzite ZnO NRs oriented in (101) direction with space group ‘P63mc’ and both orientation as well as phase of ZnO NRs are also retained in the NCs due to the small content of CNs. The interconnectivity between the ZnO NRs with CNs through different functional moieties is also studied using FTIR analysis; while phases of the constituents are confirmed through Raman analysis. FESEM images of the bare/NCs show hexagonal shaped rods with higher aspect ratio (4.87) to that of others. BET analysis and EIS measurements reveal the higher surface area (97.895 m2/g), lower charge transfer resistance (16.2 kΩ) for the ZCNT 0.1 NCs to that of other NCs or bare material. Thereafter, the prepared NCs are deposited on the screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) using chitosan as cross-linked agent for 5-HT sensing studies; conducted through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) measurements. Among the various composites, ZCNT0.1 NCs based electrodes exhibit higher sensing activity towards 5-HT in accordance to its higher surface area, lower particle size and lower charge transfer resistance. SWV measurements provide a wide linear response range (7.5–300 μM); lower limit of detection (0.66 μM), excellent limit of quantification (2.19 μM) and good reproducibility to ZCNT 0.1 NCs as compared to others for 5-HT sensing studies.
Uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine orchestrates the interaction of GlmR with either YvcJ or GlmS in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Foulquier Elodie , Pompeo Frédérique , Byrne Deborah , Fierobe Henri-Pierre , Galinier Anne
Published: September 2020

In bacteria, glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN6P) synthase, GlmS, is an enzyme required for the synthesis of Uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), a precursor of peptidoglycan. In Bacillus subtilis, an UDP-GlcNAc binding protein, GlmR (formerly YvcK), essential for growth on non-glycolytic carbon sources, has been proposed to stimulate GlmS activity; this activation could be antagonized by UDP-GlcNAc. Using purified proteins, we demonstrate that GlmR directly stimulates GlmS activity and the presence of UDP-GlcNAc (at concentrations above 0.1 mM) prevents this regulation. We also showed that YvcJ, whose gene is associated with yvcK (glmR), interacts with GlmR in an UDP-GlcNAc dependent manner. Strains producing GlmR variants unable to interact with YvcJ show decreased transformation efficiency similar to that of a yvcJ null mutant. We therefore propose that, depending on the intracellular concentration of UDP-GlcNAc, GlmR interacts with either YvcJ or GlmS. When UDP-GlcNAc concentration is high, this UDP-sugar binds to YvcJ and to GlmR, blocking the stimulation of GlmS activity and driving the interaction between GlmR and YvcJ to probably regulate the cellular role of the latter. When the UDP-GlcNAc level is low, GlmR does not interact with YvcJ and thus does not regulate its cellular role but interacts with GlmS to stimulate its activity.
Hyaluronan-carnosine conjugates inhibit Aβ aggregation and toxicity
Authors: Greco Valentina , Naletova Irina , Ahmed Ikhlas M. M. , Vaccaro Susanna , Messina Luciano , La Mendola Diego , Bellia Francesco , Sciuto Sebastiano , Satriano Cristina , Rizzarelli Enrico
Published: September 2020

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder. Finding a pharmacological approach that cures and/or prevents the onset of this devastating disease represents an important challenge for researchers. According to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, increases in extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) levels give rise to different aggregated species, such as protofibrils, fibrils and oligomers, with oligomers being the more toxic species for cells. Many efforts have recently been focused on multi-target ligands to address the multiple events that occur concurrently with toxic aggregation at the onset of the disease. Moreover, investigating the effect of endogenous compounds or a combination thereof is a promising approach to prevent the side effects of entirely synthetic drugs. In this work, we report the synthesis, structural characterization and Aβ antiaggregant ability of new derivatives of hyaluronic acid (Hy, 200 and 700 kDa) functionalized with carnosine (Car), a multi-functional natural dipeptide. The bioactive substances (HyCar) inhibit the formation of amyloid-type aggregates of Aβ42 more than the parent compounds; this effect is proportional to Car loading. Furthermore, the HyCar derivatives are able to dissolve the amyloid fibrils and to reduce Aβ-induced toxicity in vitro. The enzymatic degradation of Aβ is also affected by the interaction with HyCar.
Salvage of floral resources through re-absorption before flower abscission
Authors: Pyke Graham H. , Ren Zong-Xin , Trunschke Judith , Lunau Klaus , Wang Hong
Published: September 2020

Plants invest floral resources, including nectar and pigment, with likely consequent reproductive costs. We hypothesized that plants, whose flowers abscise with age, reabsorb nectar and pigment before abscission. This was tested with flowers of Rhododendron decorum, which has large, conspicuous white flowers that increasingly abscise corollas as flowers age. As this species is pollinated by bees, we also hypothesized that nectar concentration would be relatively high (i.e., > 30% wt/vol) and petals would contain UV-absorbing pigment. Floral nectar volume and concentration were sampled on successive days until abscission (up to ten days old, peak at five days) and for sub-sample of four-day-old flowers. Flowers just abscised were similarly sampled. Flower colours were measured using a modified camera, with recordings of spectral reflectance for abscised and open non-abscised flowers. Pigment content was summed values of red, green, blue channels of false color photos. As expected, flowers reabsorbed almost all nectar before abscission, separately reabsorbing nectar-sugar and nectar-water, and petals contained UV-absorbing pigment. However, flowers did not reabsorb pigment and nectar-concentration was < 30% wt/vol. That flowers reabsorb nectar, not pigment, remains unexplained, though possibly pigment reabsorption is uneconomical. Understanding floral resource reabsorption therefore requires determination of biochemical mechanisms, plus costs/benefits for individual plants.
The use of high resolution melting analysis of ITS-1 for rapid differentiation of parasitic nematodes Haemonchus contortus and Ashworthius sidemi
Authors: Skorpikova Lucie , Reslova Nikol , Magdalek Jan , Vadlejch Jaroslav , Kasny Martin
Published: September 2020

Among gastrointestinal nematodes, haematophagous strongylidsHaemonchus contortusandAshworthius sidemibelong to the most pathogenic parasites of both domestic and wild ruminants. Correct identification of parasitic taxa is of crucial importance in many areas of parasite research, including monitoring of occurrence, epidemiological studies, or testing of effectiveness of therapy. In this study, we identifiedH. contortusandA. sidemiin a broad range of ruminant hosts that occur in the Czech Republic using morphological/morphometric and molecular approaches. As an advanced molecular method, we employed qPCR followed by High Resolution Melting analysis, specifically targeting theinternal transcribed spacer 1(ITS-1) sequence to distinguish the two nematode species. We demonstrate that High Resolution Melting curves allow for taxonomic affiliation, making it a convenient, rapid, and reliable identification tool.
Plasticity in nest site choice behavior in response to hydric conditions in a reptile
Authors: Doody J. Sean , McGlashan Jessica , Fryer Harry , Coleman Lizzy , James Hugh , Soennichsen Kari , Rhind David , Clulow Simon
Published: September 2020

Natural selection is expected to select for and maintain maternal behaviors associated with choosing a nest site that promotes successful hatching of offspring, especially in animals that do not exhibit parental care such as reptiles. In contrast to temperature effects, we know little about how soil moisture contributes to successful hatching and particularly how it shapes nest site choice behavior in nature. The recent revelation of exceptionally deep nesting in lizards under extreme dry conditions underscored the potential for the hydric environment in shaping the evolution of nest site choice. But if deep nesting is an adaptation to dry conditions, is there a plastic component such that mothers would excavate deeper nests in drier years? We tested this hypothesis by excavating communal warrens of a large, deep-nesting monitor lizard (Varanus panoptes), taking advantage of four wet seasons with contrasting rainfall amounts. We found 75 nests during two excavations, including 45 nests after a 4-year period with larger wet season rainfall and 30 nests after a 4-year period with smaller wet season rainfall. Mothers nested significantly deeper in years associated with drier nesting seasons, a finding best explained as a plastic response to soil moisture, because differences in both the mean and variance in soil temperatures between 1 and 4 m deep are negligible. Our data are novel for reptiles in demonstrating plasticity in maternal behavior in response to hydric conditions during the time of nesting. The absence of evidence for other ground-nesting reptile mothers adjusting nest depth in response to a hydric-depth gradient is likely due to the tradeoff between moisture and temperature with changing depth; most ground-nesting reptile eggs are deposited at depths of ~ 2–25 cm—nesting deeper within or outside of that range of depths to achieve higher soil moisture would also generally create cooler conditions for embryos that need adequate heat for successful development. In contrast, extreme deep nesting in V. panoptes allowed us to disentangle temperature and moisture. Broadly, our data suggest that ground-nesting reptiles can assess soil moisture and respond by adjusting the depth of the nest, but may not, due to the cooling effect of nesting deeper. Our results, within the context of previous work, provide a more complete picture of how mothers can promote hatching success through adjustments in nest site choice behavior.
Electrocatalytic synthesis of organic carbonates
Authors: Anastasiadou Dimitra , Hensen Emiel J. M. , Figueiredo Marta C.
Published: September 2020

This article presents the latest research on electrosynthesis routes to organic carbonates. Different methods are discussed in an effort to understand the underlying processes and challenges.
Designing a Cr-catalyst bearing redox non-innocent phenalenyl-based ligand towards hydrosilylative CO2 functionalization
Authors: Chakraborty Soumi , Das Arpan , Ahmed Jasimuddin , Barman Sayani , Mandal Swadhin K.
Published: September 2020

A Cr(iii)-complex bearing a redox non-innocent ligand initiates SET mediated silylative functionalization of CO2.
Single-cell infrared phenomics: phenotypic screening with infrared microspectroscopy
Authors: Wang Yadi , Wang Yue , Qian Jiang , Pan Xiaohong , Li Xueling , Chen Feng , Hu Jun , Lü Junhong
Published: September 2020

Single-cell infrared phenomics was conceptually demonstrated as a novel strategy of phenotypic screening for drug discovery with infrared microspectroscopy.
Application of a tetrapyrimidyl cyclobutane synthesized in the organic solid state: a halogen-bonded supramolecular ladder
Authors: Sinnwell Michael A. , Santana Carlos L. , Bosch Eric , MacGillivray Leonard R. , Groeneman Ryan H.
Published: September 2020

A supramolecular ladder sustained by halogen bonds with rungs based upon a photoproduct, namely rctt-tetrakis(5′-pyrimidyl)cylcobutane, generated in the solid state is reported.
A silver-substituted phosphomolybdate prevents the growth of bacteria without affecting the balance of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Hua Jiai , Yuan Xin , Ma Xiang , Ma Pengtao , Wang Jingping , Niu Jingyang
Published: September 2020

A novel 2D nanoscale silver-substituted Strandberg-type phosphomolybdate shows good inhibitory effect on the growth of Escherichia coli.
Triangulenes and theirs ions: reaching the limits of Clar's rule
Authors: Rico-Sotomayor Eduardo Martín , Barquera-Lozada José Enrique
Published: September 2020

The triple product of the current density maps show that triangulenes and their ions are unique PAHs that do not follow Clar's rule.
Nanostructures in various Au ion-implanted ZnO facets modified using energetic O ions
Authors: Macková A. , Jagerová A. , Malinský P. , Cutroneo M. , Flaks J. , Nekvindová P. , Michalcová A. , Holý V. , Košutová T.
Published: September 2020

New polycrystalline phase has been created by 1 MeV Au ion implantation in non-polar ZnO facets and diminished after 10 MeV O-ion irradiation, hcp-Au nanoparticles of various sizes have been created in all ZnO facets.
A cobalt-substituted Keggin-type polyoxometalate for catalysis of oxidative aromatic cracking reactions in water
Authors: Shimoyama Yoshihiro , Tamura Satoru , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Hong Dachao , Kon Yoshihiro
Published: September 2020

Oxidative aromatic cracking reactions in water were achieved using a catalytic system with a cobalt-substituted Keggin-type polyoxometalate as a catalyst, an Oxone® as a sacrificial oxidant and sodium bicarbonate as an additive under mild conditions.
Potent cyclometallated Pd(ii) antitumor complexes bearing α-amino acids: synthesis, structural characterization, DNA/BSA binding, cytotoxicity and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Abedanzadeh Sedigheh , Karami Kazem , Rahimi Mostafa , Edalati Masoud , Abedanzadeh Mozhgan , Tamaddon Ali mohammad , Jahromi Maryam Dehdashti , Amirghofran Zahra , Lipkowski Janusz , Lyczko Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

Synthesis, characterization, spectroscopic, biological, and molecular modeling studies on the DNA/BSA binding interactions of new cyclometallated Pd(ii) complexes bearing α-amino acids were investigated.
Post-synthetic functionalization and ligand exchange reactions in gold(i) phenylthiolate-based coordination polymers
Authors: Okhrimenko Larysa , Cibaka Ndaya Cynthia , Fateeva Alexandra , Ledoux Gilles , Demessence Aude
Published: September 2020

Post-modification and ligand exchange reactions from 1D or 2D gold thiolate coordination polymers occur through a dissolution–recrystallization pathway.
Voltammetric responses at modified electrodes and aggregation effects of two anticancer molecules: irinotecan and sunitinib
Authors: Vercelli Barbara , Crotti Sara , Agostini Marco
Published: September 2020

Voltammetric analyses of two anticancer molecules at modified electrodes and influence of aggregate formation on their differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) responses.
Tuning the properties of boron-doped reduced graphene oxide by altering the boron content
Authors: Ngidi Nonjabulo P. D. , Ollengo Moses A. , Nyamori Vincent O.
Published: September 2020

Boron-doping enhanced the occurrence of the energy bandgap, the pore structure and interfacial charge transfer characteristics.
Hydrochloric acid corrosion induced bifunctional free-standing NiFe hydroxide nanosheets towards high-performance alkaline seawater splitting
Authors: Duan Shuo , Liu Zhen , Zhuo Haihua , Wang Tanyuan , Liu Jianyun , Wang Liang , Liang Jiashun , Han Jiantao , Huang Yunhui , Li Qing
Published: September 2020

Free-standing NiFe hydroxide nanosheets were prepared by a facile acid corrosion strategy as bifunctional electrocatalysts for alkaline seawater splitting, demonstrating outstanding stability and chloride tolerance.
Recent advances in RDRP-modified chitosan: a review of its synthesis, properties and applications
Authors: Bhattacharjee Madhabi , Pramanik Nabendu B. , Singha Nikhil K. , Haloi Dhruba J.
Published: September 2020

RDRP modified Chitosan exhibits improved hydrophobic, cationic and anionic properties, which make them more useful in diversified applications. This review delineates the recent advancement in RDRP-modified chitosan and their properties.
Hydrothermal synthesis and adsorption behavior of H4Ti5O12 nanorods along [100] as lithium ion-sieves
Authors: Zhao Bing , Guo Min , Qian Fangren , Qian Zhiqiang , Xu Naicai , Wu Zhijian , Liu Zhong
Published: September 2020

H4Ti5O12 nanorods were successfully prepared by hydrothermal methods followed by a calcination process. Batch experiments indicate that the nanorod adsorbent is a promising adsorbent to recover lithium from liquid lithium resources.
Solar thermochemical CO2 splitting with doped perovskite LaCo0.7Zr0.3O3: thermodynamic performance and solar-to-fuel efficiency
Authors: Wang Lei , Ma Tianzeng , Dai Shaomeng , Ren Ting , Chang Zheshao , Fu Mingkai , Li Xin , Li Yong
Published: September 2020

Thermodynamics analysis of two-step thermochemical CO2 splitting with LaCo0.7Zr0.3O3 with gas–gas, gas–solid phase heat recuperation is performed based on experiment.
The design of Mn2+&Co2+ co-doped CdTe quantum dot sensitized solar cells with much higher efficiency
Authors: Li Huazheng , Lu Wangwei , Song Bin , Zhou Jing , Zhao Gaoling , Han Gaorong
Published: September 2020

Mn2+&Co2+ co-doped CdTe QDs were successfully synthesized via aqueous phase method with mercaptopropanoic acid, which could generate different doping energy levels, and as sensitizers applied for QDSCs, showing a significantly enhanced efficiency.
Toluene adsorption on porous Cu–BDC@OAC composite at various operating conditions: optimization by response surface methodology
Authors: Khoshakhlagh Amir Hossein , Golbabaei Farideh , Beygzadeh Mojtaba , Carrasco-Marín Francisco , Shahtaheri Seyed Jamaleddin
Published: September 2020

The work presented here describes the synthesis of Cu–BDC MOF (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) based on oxidized activated carbon (microporous Cu–BDC@OAC composite) using an in situ method.
IoT-enabled dye-sensitized solar cells: an effective embedded tool for monitoring the outdoor device performance
Authors: Khamrang Themmila , Velusamy Marappan , Ramesh Mohan , Jhonsi Mariadoss Asha , Jaccob Madhavan , Ramasubramanian Kanagachidambaresan , Kathiravan Arunkumar
Published: September 2020

Herein, we have developed a tool for monitoring the outdoor performance of dye-sensitized solar cells.
Catalytic hydrogen atom transfer to alkenes: a roadmap for metal hydrides and radicals
Authors: Shevick Sophia L. , Wilson Conner V. , Kotesova Simona , Kim Dongyoung , Holland Patrick L. , Shenvi Ryan A.
Published: September 2020

Hydrogen atom transfer from metal hydrides to alkenes appears to underlie widely used catalytic methods – the mechanistic implications are fascinating.
CYP19A1 (aromatase) dominates female gonadal differentiation in chicken (Gallus gallus) embryos sexual differentiation
Authors: Jin Kai , Zuo Qisheng , Song Jiuzhou , Zhang Yani , Chen Guohong , Li Bichun
Published: September 2020

Cytochrome P450 Family 19 SubFamily A member 1 (CYP19A1) gene encodes an aromatase which regulates the sexual differentiation in vertebrates by initiating and maintaining 17β-Estradiol (E2) synthesis. Here, we described the spatiotemporal expression pattern of CYP19A1 and its functional role in the embryonic gonad development in amphoteric chickens (Gallus gallus). Results showed that CYP19A1 exhibited a sexually dimorphic expression pattern in female gonads early at embryonic day 5.5 (HH 28) and robustly expressed within the cytoplasm in ovarian medullas. Most importantly, we induced the gonadal sex reversal by ectopically delivering the aromatase inhibitor (AI) or estradiol (E2) into chicken embryos. To further explore the role of CYP19A1 in chicken embryonic sexual differentiation, we successfully developed an effective method to deliver lentiviral particles with CYP19A1 manipulation into chicken embryos via embryonic intravascular injection. The analysis of interference and overexpression of CYP19A1 provided solid evidences that CYP19A1 is both necessary and sufficient to initiate sex differentiation toward female in chicken embryos. Collectively, this work demonstrates that CYP19A1 is a crucial sex differentiation gene in the embryonic development, which provides a foundation for understanding the mechanism of sex determination and differentiation in chickens.
Automatic radio map creation in a fingerprinting‐based BLE/UWB localisation system
Authors: Kolakowski Marcin
Published: September 2020

One of the most popular localisation algorithms used in radio localisation systems is fingerprinting. The method has significant advantages: its implementation is easy and since it does not require any information on system infrastructure placement, it can be implemented in already deployed networks. However, it has a significant drawback, which is a high effort needed to create the radio map used for localisation. This study describes a low‐effort method for automatic radio map creation intended for use in hybrid Bluetooth low energy/ultra‐wideband (BLE/UWB) positioning systems. The proposed method adopts fingerprint crowdsourcing and radio map interpolation approaches. It consists in collecting signatures comprising user location calculated using an UWB subsystem and measured BLE signal levels. The recorded data is used to identify parameters of a log‐distance path loss model and a Gaussian process regressor and interpolate a complete radio map. The presented concept was experimentally tested. The results have shown that the method allows for more accurate localisation than conventional received signal strength ranging based solution.
Symmetric near‐field Schur's complement preconditioner for hierarchal electric field integral equation solver
Authors: Negi Yoginder Kumar , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy , Rao Sadasiva M.
Published: September 2020

In this study, a robust and effective preconditioner for the fast method of moments‐based hierarchal electric field integral equation solver is proposed using symmetric near‐field Schur's complement method. In this preconditioner, near‐field blocks are scaled to a diagonal block matrix and these near‐field blocks are replaced with the scaled diagonal block matrix which reduces the near‐field storage memory and the overall matrix–vector product time. Scaled diagonal block matrix is further used as a preconditioner and due to the block diagonal form of the final preconditioner, no additional fill‐ins are introduced in its inverse. The symmetric property of the near‐field blocks is exploited to reduce the preconditioner setup time. Near linear complexity of preconditioner set up and solve times is achieved by near‐field block ordering, using graph bandwidth reduction algorithms and compressing the fill‐in blocks in preconditioner computation. Preconditioner set up time is reduced to half by using the symmetric property and near‐field block ordering. It has been shown using a complexity analysis that the cost of preconditioner construction in terms of computation and memory is linear. Numerical experiments demonstrate an average of 1.5–2.3× speed‐up in the iterative solution time over null‐field‐based preconditioners.
Costas‐code‐based radar waveform design using adaptive weights with target scattering coefficients and optimal variable time spacing with improved ambiguity function
Authors: Eizdashire Ali Deep Ramez , Kastantin Radwan
Published: September 2020

Costas signals are widely used in modern radar systems as frequency coded. The Costas‐code‐based waveform can achieve a nearly thumbtack shape of the ambiguity function (AF). However, the highest AF's sidelobe levels (SLLs) of Costas waveform equals just 1/N times of its main lobe level height, where N is the length of the Costas code. In this study, the authors suggest a generalised Costas waveform as a ‘burst’ of weighted pulses having variable time spacing between them, calling it as weighted variable time spacing Costas (WVTSC). They computed the AF analytical formulas of the designed WVTSC. They developed an adaptation model to adapt the WVTSC to target scattering coefficients, using the interior‐point algorithm. The adaptive WVTSC yields much better Doppler cut and improved delay cut in the main lobe area of the AF, in the sense of SLL reduction. Moreover, they constructed an optimisation model resulting in optimal variable time spacing between the sub‐pulses. The optimised WVTSC also yields considerable improvement in the AF's recurrent SLLs, using the genetic algorithm. The adapted optimised WVTSC design is proven, through simulation, to have better sidelobe performance than that of the initial waveform, without influencing the original delay‐Doppler resolution, and without need to increase N.
Distortionless pseudo‐code tracking space–time adaptive processor based on the PI criterion for GNSS receiver
Authors: Wang Yaoding , Liu Wenxiang , Huang Long , Xiao Zhibin , Wang Feixue
Published: September 2020

Space–time adaptive processor based on power inversion (PI) criterion can effectively suppress interference for the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver when the steering vector of the GNSS signal is unknown. However, existing space–time PI processing methods will introduce meter‐level pseudo‐code tracking biases into the GNSS receiver measurements which cause several meter‐level position errors. A distortionless pseudo‐code tracking space–time PI algorithm is proposed. It could not only suppress interference, but also introduce no pseudo‐code tracking biases. The major novelty of the proposed method is ensuring the symmetry of the output signal's cross‐correlation function by constraining coefficients. Several experiments are implemented to test the performance of the proposed algorithm. For comparison, the results of the PI algorithm and the minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) algorithm are also shown. Results show that for the PI algorithm and the MVDR algorithm, pseudo‐code tracking biases are introduced in different experiments; however, for the proposed algorithm, there are no pseudo‐code tracking biases in those experiments. As a result, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified.
The influence of bulk composition on the long-term interior-atmosphere evolution of terrestrial exoplanets
Authors: Spaargaren Rob J. , Ballmer Maxim D. , Bower Dan J. , Dorn Caroline , Tackley Paul J.
Published: September 2020

Aims.The secondary atmospheres of terrestrial planets form and evolve as a consequence of interaction with the interior over geological time. We aim to quantify the influence of planetary bulk composition on the interior–atmosphere evolution for Earth-sized terrestrial planets to aid in the interpretation of future observations of terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres.

Methods.We used a geochemical model to determine the major-element composition of planetary interiors (MgO, FeO, and SiO2) following the crystallization of a magma ocean after planet formation, predicting a compositional profile of the interior as an initial condition for our long-term thermal evolution model. Our 1D evolution model predicts the pressure–temperature structure of the interior, which we used to evaluate near-surface melt production and subsequent volatile outgassing. Volatiles are exchanged between the interior and atmosphere according to mass conservation.

Results.Based on stellar compositions reported in the Hypatia catalog, we predict that about half of rocky exoplanets have a mantle that convects as a single layer (whole-mantle convection), and the other half exhibit double-layered convection due to the presence of a mid-mantle compositional boundary. Double-layered convection is more likely for planets with high bulk planetary Fe-content and low Mg/Si-ratio. We find that planets with low Mg/Si-ratio tend to cool slowly because their mantle viscosity is high. Accordingly, low-Mg/Si planets also tend to lose volatiles swiftly through extensive melting. Moreover, the dynamic regime of the lithosphere (plate tectonics vs. stagnant lid) has a first-order influence on the thermal evolution and volatile cycling. These results suggest that the composition of terrestrial exoplanetary atmospheres can provide information on the dynamic regime of the lithosphere and the thermo-chemical evolution of the interior.
Search and analysis of giant radio galaxies with associated nuclei (SAGAN)
Authors: Dabhade P. , Combes F. , Salomé P. , Bagchi J. , Mahato M.
Published: September 2020

Radio galaxies with jets of relativistic particles are usually hosted by massive elliptical galaxies with active nuclei powered by accretion of interstellar matter onto a supermassive black hole. In some rare cases (< 5%), their jets drive the overall structure to sizes larger than 700 kpc, and they are called giant radio galaxies (GRGs). A very small fraction of the population of such radio galaxies contains molecular and atomic gas in the form of rings or discs that can fuel star formation. The origin of this gas is not well known; it has sometimes been associated with a minor merger with a gas-rich disc galaxy (e.g. Centaurus A) or cooling of material from a hot X-ray atmosphere (e.g. cooling flows). The giant radio jets might be the extreme evolution of these objects, and they can teach us about the radio galaxy evolution. We selected 12 targets from a catalogue of 820 GRGs that are likely to be in a gas-accretion and star formation phase. The targets were selected from the mid-infrared to contain heated dust. We report here the results of IRAM-30m observations, the molecular gas content, and the star formation efficiency, and we discuss the origin of the gas and disc morphology. Three out of our 12 targets are detected, and for the others, we report significant upper limits. We combine our three detections and upper limits with four additional detected GRGs from the literature to discuss the results. Most of the GRG targets belong to the main sequence, and a large fraction are in the passive domain. Their star formation efficiency is comparable to normal galaxies, except for two galaxies that are deficient in molecular gas with a short (∼200 Myr) depletion time, and a quiescent gas-rich giant spiral galaxy. In general, the depletion time is much longer than the lifetime of the giant radio jet.
Umbau der Vergütung – ein Systemwechsel
Authors: Schanz Benno
Published: September 2020

Die Umstellung auf das neue Pflegebudget bedeutet für die Krankenhäuser veränderte Verhandlungen mit den Kassen. Dabei geht es um klinikindividuelle Pflegekosten – und damit um viel Geld. Ein Überblick über die Hintergründe.
Neuropsychological Functioning in Patients with Cushing’s Disease and Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Siegel Sonja , Kirstein Cedric Fabian , Grzywotz Agnieszka , Hütter Bernd Otto , Wrede Karsten Henning , Kuhna Victoria , Kreitschmann-Andermahr Ilonka
Published: September 2020

Purpose To present a systematic review of the presence and severity of neuropsychological impairment in the six main neuropsychological domains (attention, executive function, language, visuospatial processing, intelligence, and memory) in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) and/or Cushing’s Syndrome (CS) at various stages of the illness. The work aims to identify neuropsychological leverage points for focused diagnosis and rehabilitation in CS/CD patients.

Methods A pubmed literature search was performed and augmented by searching the reference lists of review articles identified by this search strategy. After excluding irrelevant hits, we systematically extracted data from 27 studies for each main neuropsychological domain, differentiating between active disease, short- and long-term remission.

Results The literature gives evidence for neuropsychological impairment in all domains in Cushing patients with active disease. The most consistent impairments concerned memory and visuo-spatial processing, whereas the data are discordant for all other domains. Significant improvement of neuropsychological function – although not returning to normal in all domains – is shown in short-term and long-term remission of the disease. However, the published literature is thin, suffering from repetitive subsample analyses publishing, methodological concerns as lack of control for confounders such as depression.

Conclusions Memory is the most extensively investigated domain in CS/CD patients and impairment is most prominent in active disease. Patients should be counseled that neuropsychological function will improve with normalization of hypercortisolism and over time. More studies with more stringent methodological criteria, larger patient samples and controlling for confounders are required to enhance our understanding of neuropsychological function in patients with CS/CD.