bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precision cancer monitoring using a novel, fully integrated, microfluidic array partitioning digital PCR platform
Authors: Dueck Megan E. , Lin Robert , Zayac Andrew , Gallagher Steve , Chao Alexander K. , Jiang Lingxia , Datwani Sammy S. , Hung Paul , Stieglitz Elliot
Published: December 2019

A novel digital PCR (dPCR) platform combining off-the-shelf reagents, a micro-molded plastic microfluidic consumable with a fully integrated single dPCR instrument was developed to address the needs for routine clinical diagnostics. This new platform offers a simplified workflow that enables: rapid time-to-answer; low potential for cross contamination; minimal sample waste; all within a single integrated instrument. Here we showcase the capability of this fully integrated platform to detect and quantify non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) rare genetic mutants (EGFR T790M) with precision cell-free DNA (cfDNA) standards. Next, we validated the platform with an established chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) fusion gene (BCR-ABL1) assay down to 0.01% mutant allele frequency to highlight the platform’s utility for precision cancer monitoring. Thirdly, using a juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) patient-specific assay we demonstrate the ability to precisely track an individual cancer patient’s response to therapy and show the patient’s achievement of complete molecular remission. These three applications highlight the flexibility and utility of this novel fully integrated dPCR platform that has the potential to transform personalized medicine for cancer recurrence monitoring.
Optimization of double diffusive mixed convection in a BFS channel filled with Alumina nanoparticle using Taguchi method and utility concept
Authors: Nath Ratnadeep , Krishnan Murugesan
Published: December 2019

This research work focuses on the implementation of Taguchi method and utility concept for optimization of flow, geometrical and thermo-physical parameters for mixed convective heat and mass transfer in a backward facing step (BFS) channel filled with Alumina nanoparticle doped in water-ethylene glycol mixture. Mass, momentum, energy and solutal conservation equations for the flow field are cast in velocity-vorticity form of Navier-Stokes equations, which are solved using Galerkin’s weighted residual finite element method through isoparametric formulation. The following six parameters, expansion ratio of the BFS channel (H/h), Reynolds number (Re), buoyancy ratio (N), nanoparticle volume fraction (χ), shape of nanoparticles and thermal Grashof number (GrT) at three levels are considered as controlling parameters for optimization using Taguchi method. An L27 orthogonal array has been chosen to get the levels of the six parameters for the 27 trial runs. Simulation results were obtained for 27 trial runs from which three different sets of optimum levels of the control parameters were obtained for maximum Nu and Sh and minimum wall shear stress during double diffusive mixed convection in the channel. Then, in order to obtain a single set of optimum levels of the control parameters to achieve maximum heat and mass transfer and minimum wall shear stress concurrently, utility concept has been implemented. Taguchi results indicate that expansion ratio and volume fraction of nanoparticles are the significant contributing parameters to achieve maximum heat and mass transfer and minimum wall shear stress. Utility concept predicts the average Nusselt number less by 2% and Sherwood number less by 3% compared to the Taguchi method with equal weightage of 40% assumed for Nusselt and Sherwood numbers and 20% for wall shear stress.
Reaction rate of pyruvate and hydrogen peroxide: assessing antioxidant capacity of pyruvate under biological conditions
Authors: Guarino Victoria A. , Oldham William M. , Loscalzo Joseph , Zhang Ying-Yi
Published: December 2019

Pyruvate, a pivotal glucose metabolite, is an α-ketoacid that reacts with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Its pharmacological precursor, ethyl pyruvate, has shown anti-inflammatory/anti-tissue injury effects in various animal models of disease, but failed in a multicenter clinical trial. Since rodents, but not humans, can convert ethyl pyruvate to pyruvate in blood plasma, this additional source of extracellular pyruvate may have contributed to the discrepancy between the species. To examine this possibility, we investigated the kinetics of the reaction under biological conditions and determined the second order rate constant k as 2.360 ± 0.198 M−1 s−1. We then calculated the time required for H2O2 elimination by pyruvate. The results show that, with an average intracellular concentration of pyruvate (150 µM), elimination of 95% H2O2 at normal to pathological concentrations (0.01–50 µM) requires 141–185 min (2.4–3 hour). With 1,000 µM pyruvate, a concentration that can only exist extracellularly or in cell culture media, 95% elimination of H2O2 at 5–200 µM requires 21–25 min. We conclude that intracellular pyruvate, or other α-ketoacids, whose endogenous concentration is controlled by metabolism, have little role in H2O2 clearance. An increased extracellular concentration of pyruvate, however, does have remarkable peroxide scavenging effects, considering minimal peroxidase activity in this space.
Patterns of diverse gene functions in genomic neighborhoods predict gene function and phenotype
Authors: Mihelčić Matej , Šmuc Tomislav , Supek Fran
Published: December 2019

Genes with similar roles in the cell cluster on chromosomes, thus benefiting from coordinated regulation. This allows gene function to be inferred by transferring annotations from genomic neighbors, following the guilt-by-association principle. We performed a systematic search for co-occurrence of >1000 gene functions in genomic neighborhoods across 1669 prokaryotic, 49 fungal and 80 metazoan genomes, revealing prevalent patterns that cannot be explained by clustering of functionally similar genes. It is a very common occurrence that pairs of dissimilar gene functions – corresponding to semantically distant Gene Ontology terms – are significantly co-located on chromosomes. These neighborhood associations are often as conserved across genomes as the known associations between similar functions, suggesting selective benefits from clustering of certain diverse functions, which may conceivably play complementary roles in the cell. We propose a simple encoding of chromosomal gene order, the neighborhood function profiles (NFP), which draws on diverse gene clustering patterns to predict gene function and phenotype. NFPs yield a 26–46% increase in predictive power over state-of-the-art approaches that propagate function across neighborhoods, thus providing hundreds of novel, high-confidence gene function inferences per genome. Furthermore, we demonstrate that copy number-neutral structural variation that shapes gene function distribution across chromosomes can predict phenotype of individuals from their genome sequence.
Analysis of free radical production capacity in mouse faeces and its possible application in evaluating the intestinal environment: a pilot study
Authors: Wakita Yoshihisa , Saiki Asako , Kaneda Hirotaka , Segawa Shuichi , Tsuchiya Youichi , Kameya Hiromi , Okamoto Susumu
Published: December 2019

Complex interplay between the intestinal environment and the host has attracted considerable attention and has been well studied with respect to the gut microbiome and metabolome. Oxygen free radicals such as superoxide and the hydroxyl radical (•OH) are generated during normal cellular metabolism. They are toxic to both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and might thus affect intestinal homeostasis. However, the effect of oxygen free radicals on the intestinal environment has not been widely studied. Herein, we applied electron spin resonance spectroscopy with spin trapping reagents to evaluate oxygen free radical production capacity in the intestinal lumen and the faeces of mice. •OH was generated in faeces and lumens of the small and large intestines. There were no remarkable differences in •OH levels between faeces and the large intestine, suggesting that faeces can be used as alternative samples to estimate the •OH production capacity in the colonic contents. We then compared free radical levels in faecal samples among five different mouse strains (ddY, ICR, C57BL/6, C3H/HeJ, and BALB/c) and found that strain ddY had considerably higher levels than the other four strains. In addition, strain ddY was more susceptible to dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis. These differences were possibly related to the relative abundance of the gut bacterial group Candidatus Arthromitus, which is known to modulate the host immune response. From these results, we suggest that the production capacity of oxygen free radicals in mouse faeces is associated with intestinal homeostasis.
Empathy and compassion toward other species decrease with evolutionary divergence time
Authors: Miralles Aurélien , Raymond Michel , Lecointre Guillaume
Published: December 2019

Currently the planet is inhabited by several millions of extremely diversified species. Not all of them arouse emotions of the same nature or intensity in humans. Little is known about the extent of our affective responses toward them and the factors that may explain these differences. Our online survey involved 3500 raters who had to make choices depending on specific questions designed to either assess their empathic perceptions or their compassionate reactions toward an extended photographic sampling of organisms. Results show a strong negative correlation between empathy scores and the divergence time separating them from us. However, beyond a certain time of divergence, our empathic perceptions stabilize at a minimum level. Compassion scores, although based on less spontaneous choices, remain strongly correlated to empathy scores and time of divergence. The mosaic of features characterizing humans has been acquired gradually over the course of the evolution, and the phylogenetically closer a species is to us, the more it shares common traits with us. Our results could be explained by the fact that many of these traits may arouse sensory biases. These anthropomorphic signals could be able to mobilize cognitive circuitry and to trigger prosocial behaviors usually at work in human relationships.
Ab initio Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of Dissociation Electron Attachment to Lactic Acid and Isomer
Authors: Zhang Ying , Xu Zhongfeng , Zhao Yongtao , Zhang Xiaoan
Published: December 2019

Dissociation processes of lactic acid and its isomer formed by low-energy dissociation electron attachment (DEA) in the gas phase are investigated by using ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The ab initio MD simulations using an atom-centered density matrix propagation (ADMP) method are carried out to investigate the DEA dissociation process of lactic acid and its isomer. The analysis of the simulated dissociation trajectories of lactic acid and its isomer indicates that the C-C, C-H, and C-O bonds are cleaved within femtoseconds of the simulation time scale in the DEA dissociation process, and the difference in dissociation trajectory depends on the size of the three basis sets. The simulation results enable us to gain insights into the DEA dissociation process of lactic acid and its isomer. In this work, we present a comparative study of the 6-31 + G(d,p), 6-311++G(2d,2p), and Aug-cc-pVDZ basis sets of the DEA dissociation simulation of lactic acid and its isomer. The comparative study results indicate that the 6-311++G(2d,2p) is an excellent basis set for the ADMP trajectory simulation of lactic acid and its isomer in the DEA dissociation process. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis is carried out to characterize variation in the charge population and charge transfer accompanied by the C-C, C-H, and C-O bond dissociation processes for lactic acid and its isomer in the ADMP trajectory simulation. ADMP simulation and NBO analysis of the dissociation trajectory is considered an important initial and decisive step in DEA dissociation dynamics for lactic acid and its isomer.
Controlling properties of human neural progenitor cells using 2D and 3D conductive polymer scaffolds
Authors: Song Shang , Amores Danielle , Chen Cheng , McConnell Kelly , Oh Byeongtaek , Poon Ada , George Paul M.
Published: December 2019

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) are a promising cell source for stem cell transplantation to treat neurological diseases such as stroke and peripheral nerve injuries. However, there have been limited studies investigating how the dimensionality of the physical and electrical microenvironment affects hNPC function. In this study, we report the fabrication of two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D respectively) constructs composed of a conductive polymer to compare the effect of electrical stimulation of hydrogel-immobilized hNPCs. The physical dimension (2D vs 3D) of stimulating platforms alone changed the hNPCs gene expression related to cell proliferation and metabolic pathways. The addition of electrical stimulation was critical in upregulating gene expression of neurotrophic factors that are important in regulating cell survival, synaptic remodeling, and nerve regeneration. This study demonstrates that the applied electrical field controls hNPC properties depending on the physical nature of stimulating platforms and cellular metabolic states. The ability to control hNPC functions can be beneficial in understanding mechanistic changes related to electrical modulation and devising novel treatment methods for neurological diseases.
Identification and ecology of alternative insect vectors of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ to grapevine
Authors: Quaglino Fabio , Sanna Francesco , Moussa Abdelhameed , Faccincani Monica , Passera Alessandro , Casati Paola , Bianco Piero Attilio , Mori Nicola
Published: December 2019

Bois noir, a disease of the grapevine yellows complex, is associated with ‘CandidatusPhytoplasma solani’ and transmitted to grapevines in open fields by the cixiidsHyalesthes obsoletusandReptalus panzeri. In vine-growing areas where the population density of these vectors is low within the vineyard, the occurrence of bois noir implies the existence of alternative vectors. The aim of this study was to identify alternative vectors through screening of the Auchenorrhyncha community, phytoplasma typing bystampgene sequence analyses, and transmission trials. During field activities, conducted in Northern Italy in a vineyard where the bois noir incidence was extremely high, nine potential alternative insect vectors were identified according to high abundance in the vineyard agro-ecosystem, high infection rate, and harbouring phytoplasma strains characterized bystampgene sequence variants found also in symptomatic grapevines. Transmission trials coupled with molecular analyses showed that at least eight species (Aphrodes makarovi,Dicranotropis hamata,Dictyophara europaea,Euscelis incisus,Euscelidius variegatus,Laodelphax striatella,Philaenus spumarius, andPsammotettix alienus/confinis) are alternative vectors of ‘CandidatusPhytoplasma solani’ to grapevines. These novel findings highlight that bois noir epidemiology in vineyard agro-ecosystems is more complex than previously known, opening up new perspectives in the disease management.
Biochemical response of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Cladosporium herbarum isolated from aquatic environment on iron(III) ions
Authors: Cudowski A. , Pietryczuk A.
Published: December 2019

The objective of the paper was to determine the influence of iron(III) ions on the growth and metabolism of fungi commonly occurring in waters: the yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and filamentous fungus Cladosporium herbarum. Cells of R. mucilaginosa were shown to absorb the most iron(III) ions at a concentration of 1 mg/L iron(III) ions. Yeast cells showed a considerable increase in the content of proteins and monosaccharides, as well as biomass growth. At higher concentrations of iron(III) ions, the yeast limited the intake of iron(III) ions, and a decrease in the basic metabolites in cells was observed, as well as an increase in the secretion of such metabolites into the medium. Moreover, the activity of antioxidant enzymes increased in the fungal cells, suggesting that iron(III) ions have a toxic effect. Simultaneously, even at high concentrations of iron(III) ions in the medium, no decrease in the yeast biomass was recorded. It seems therefore that the potentially pathogenic R. mucilaginosa will likely be present in waters moderately contaminated with iron(III) ions. It can be useful as a water quality bioindicator. A considerably higher capacity for the biosorption of iron(III) ions was recorded for the filamentous fungus C. herbarum. Defensive mechanisms were observed for C. herbarum, which were manifested in a substantial increase in the content of proteins and monosaccharides, as well as an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, particularly under the influence of high concentrations of iron(III) ions. Moreover, it was evidenced that in the filamentous fungus, iron(III) ions limited the extracellular secretion of metabolites. These results suggest that the fungus can actively accumulate iron(III) ions and therefore eliminate them from the aquatic environment. It can be useful in water treatment processes, which has a significant impact on water ecology.
Smoking and risk of incident end-stage kidney disease in general population: A Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study from Korea
Authors: Choi Hong Sang , Han Kyung-Do , Oh Tae Ryom , Kim Chang Seong , Bae Eun Hui , Ma Seong Kwon , Kim Soo Wan
Published: December 2019

We analyzed data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) to investigate whether smoking increases the risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This retrospective nationwide population-based cohort study included the data of 23,232,091 participants who underwent at least one health examination between 2009 and 2012. Smoking status was recorded at baseline. The incidence of ESKD was identified via ICD-10 codes and special medical aid codes from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database till December 2016. A Cox proportional-hazards model with multivariable adjustment was used to evaluate the association between smoking and ESKD incidence. Overall, 24.6% of participants were current smokers; 13.5% and 61.9%, were ex- and non-smokers, respectively. Overall, 45,143 cases of ESKD developed during the follow-up period. Current smokers (hazard ratio [HR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35–1.43) and ex-smokers (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06–1.12) demonstrated a significant increase in the adjusted risk of ESKD compared to non-smokers. The risk of ESKD was directly proportional to the smoking duration, number of cigarettes smoked daily, and pack-years. In conclusion, smoking is associated with a greater risk of ESKD in the general Korean population; the risk increases with an increase in the smoking duration, number of cigarettes smoked daily, and pack-years.
Spatial variations and controls of carbon use efficiency in China’s terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Chen Zhi , Yu Guirui
Published: December 2019

Carbon use efficiency (CUE), one of the most important eco-physiological parameters, represents the capacity of plants to transform carbon into new biomass. Understanding the variations and controls of CUE is crucial for regional carbon assessment. Here, we used 15-years of continuous remote sensing data to examine the variations of CUE across broad geographic and climatic gradients in China. The results showed that the vegetation CUE was averaged to 0.54 ± 0.11 with minor interannual variation. However, the CUE greatly varied with geographic gradients and ecosystem types. Forests have a lower CUE than grasslands and croplands. Evergreen needleleaf forests have a higher CUE than other forest types. Climate factors (mean annual temperature (MAT), precipitation (MAP) and the index of water availability (IWA)) dominantly regulated the spatial variations of CUE. The CUE exhibited a linear decrease with enhanced MAT and MAP and a parabolic response to the IWA. Furthermore, the responses of CUE to environmental change varied with individual ecosystem type. In contrast, precipitation exerted strong control on CUE in grassland, while in forest and cropland, the CUE was mainly controlled by the available water. This study identifies the variations and response of CUE to environmental drivers in China, which will be valuable for the regional assessment of carbon cycling dynamics under future climate change.
Factors associated with the duration of action of dexamethasone intravitreal implants in diabetic macular edema patients
Authors: Park Young Gun , Choi Moon Young , Kwon Jin-woo
Published: December 2019

We designed this study to determine the association between the duration of action of intravitreal dexamethasone implants and aqueous humor biomarkers or optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of diabetic macular edema (DME) patients. We measured the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, -8, -10, -17; placental growth factor; and vascular endothelial growth factor in the aqueous humor, and identified the number of hyperreflective foci (HF), grades of ellipsoid zone disruptions, and baseline central subfield thicknesses (CSTs) using OCT of patients with DME. The average duration of action of dexamethasone implants was 4.32 ± 1.18 months. In multivariate linear regression analyses, the duration of action was associated with aqueous IL-8 levels and the number of HF (β = −0.016, p = 0.037 and β = −0.073, p = 0.035, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the number of HF (>10) was significantly associated with a shorter duration (<4 months) of action (odds ratio: 17.17, p = 0.010). The duration of action of intravitreal dexamethasone implants in DME patients was associated with the level of aqueous IL-8 and the number of HF using OCT. Specifically, higher number of HF in the OCT was associated with a shorter duration of action.
PtomtAPX, a mitochondrial ascorbate peroxidase, plays an important role in maintaining the redox balance of Populus tomentosa Carr
Authors: Yin Bin , Zhang Jiaxue , Liu Yadi , Pan Xiang , Zhao Zhijing , Li Hui , Zhang Chong , Li Conghui , Du Xihua , Li Yinjun , Liu Di , Lu Hai
Published: December 2019

Plant mitochondria are important energy-producing structure and ROS are generated as byproducts. APX is one enzyme of the AsA-GSH cycle to reduces H2O2 to water. We identified both PtomtAPX and PtosAPX are located in mitochondria of Populus tomentosa Carr. PtomtAPX is specifically targeted to mitochondria, while PtosAPX is dual targeted to both chloroplast and mitochondria. The expression of PtomtAPX in mitochondria was 60-fold that of PtosAPX by ELISA and qPCR analysis. Under high light stress, the expression levels of PtosAPX increased, while that of PtomtAPX only slightly changed. Compared to the WT, the antisense transgenic PtomtAPX cell lines showed slowed growth, smaller cells impaired mitochondria in MS medium under normal growth. RNA-seq results showed 3121 genes significantly altered expression in the antisense cells, and most of them are important for mitochondrial function, particularly in oxidative phosphorylation. Our findings demonstrates a mitochondrial location for one APX isoform, and provide valuable insight into the mechanism which ROS balance is modulated by AsA-GSH cycle in mitochondria.
Substrate-dependent allosteric regulation by switchable catalytic molecular tweezers
Authors: Benda Lorien , Doistau Benjamin , Rossi-Gendron Caroline , Chamoreau Lise-Marie , Hasenknopf Bernold , Vives Guillaume
Published: December 2019

Allosteric regulation is exploited by biological systems to regulate the activity and/or selectivity of enzymatic reactions but remains a challenge for artificial catalysts. Here we report switchable terpy(Zn-salphen)2 molecular tweezers and their metal-dependent allosteric regulation of the acetylation of pyridinemethanol isomers. Zinc-salphen moieties can both act as a Lewis acid to activate the anhydride reagents and provide a binding site for pyridinemethanol substrates. The tweezers’ conformation can be reversibly switched between an open and a closed form by a metal ion stimulus. Both states offer distinct catalytic profiles, with closed tweezers showing superior catalytic activity towards ortho substrates, while open tweezers presenting higher rate for the acetylation of meta and para substrates. This notable substrate dependent allosteric response is rationalized by a combination of experimental results and calculations supporting a bimetallic reaction in the closed form for ortho substrate and an inhibition of the cavity for meta and para substrates.
Understanding of carrier dynamics, heterojunction merits and device physics: towards designing efficient carrier transport layer-free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Liao Jin-Feng , Wu Wu-Qiang , Jiang Yong , Zhong Jun-Xing , Wang Lianzhou , Kuang Dai-Bin
Published: December 2019

This review summarizes recent advances in the carrier transport layer-free perovskite solar cells and elucidates the fundamental carrier dynamics, heterojunction merits and device physics towards mysterious high performance.
Ratiometric fluorescent sensing of the parallel G-quadruplex produced by PS2.M: implications for K+detection
Authors: Deore Prashant S. , Manderville Richard A.
Published: December 2019

A ratiometric coumarin–hemicyanine hybrid (BnBtC) displays parallel GQ topology-specific binding to the PS2.M aptamer and further optimized for selective detection of K+over other metal ions. These results highlight the utility of BnBtC for biosensor applications.
Highlighting extraction and derivatization method comparisons for optimal sample preparation of Nannochloropsis sp. algal oils prior to FAME determination
Authors: Brennan Brian , Regan Fiona , Fernández Raquel , Amor José I. , Delaure Yan , Mangini Silvio , Jacobs Matthew R.
Published: December 2019

Microwave assisted extraction derivatization (MAED) was investigated for preparing fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) derivatives to analyse the fatty acid (FA) composition of Nannochloropsis sp. algae.
Rh(iii)-Catalyzed tandem indole C4-arylamination/annulation with anthranils: access to indoloquinolines and their application in photophysical studies
Authors: Biswas Aniruddha , Bera Satabdi , Poddar Puja , Dhara Dibakar , Samanta Rajarshi
Published: December 2019

An efficient Rh(iii)-catalyzed straightforward strategy was developed for the site-selective tandem C4 arylamination/annulation of indole derivatives with anthranil to provide indoloquinoline moieties.
Isolable cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene–phosphonyl radical adducts
Authors: Livshits-Kritsman Yulia , Tumanskii Boris , Ménard Gabriel , Dobrovetsky Roman
Published: December 2019

Isolable cAAC–phosphonyl radical adducts were prepared; interestingly, some of them show typical phosphorus-centered radical reactivity under UV irradiation.
Direct synthesis of 2-arylazulenes by [8+2] cycloaddition of 2H-cyclohepta[b]furan-2-ones with silyl enol ethers
Authors: Shoji Taku , Sugiyama Shuhei , Kobayashi Yoshiaki , Yamazaki Akari , Ariga Yukino , Katoh Ryuzi , Wakui Hiroki , Yasunami Masafumi , Ito Shunji
Published: December 2019

We have developed a procedure for the direct synthesis of 2-arylazulenes. The 2-arylazulenes are formed in moderate to excellent yields by [8+2] cycloaddition of 2H-cyclohepta[b]furan-2-one derivatives with aryl-substituted silyl enol ethers.
Reductive amidation of alkyl tosylates with isocyanates by a Ni/Co-dual catalytic system
Authors: Michiyuki Takuya , Osaka Itaru , Komeyama Kimihiro
Published: December 2019

Reductive amidation of alkyl tosylates using a Ni/Co-dual catalytic system is disclosed. The method proceeds efficiently and can discriminate the steric environment of two tosylate moieties, enabling regioselective amidation at the less-bulky site.
CO2 reactivity with Mg2NiH4 synthesized by in situ monitoring of mechanical milling
Authors: Grasso M. L. , Puszkiel J. , Gennari F. C. , Santoru A. , Dornheim M. , Pistidda C.
Published: December 2019

CO2 capture and conversion are a key research field for the transition towards an economy only based on renewable energy sources.
Effects of surface tension time-evolution for CCN activation of a complex organic surfactant
Authors: Lin Jack J. , Kristensen Thomas B. , Calderón Silvia M. , Malila Jussi , Prisle Nønne L.
Published: December 2019

Time-evolving partitioning effects on surface tension and bulk water activity cancel out in Köhler predictions of CCN activation of mixed NAFA–NaCl particles.
Transfer and transformation of CeO2 NPs along a terrestrial trophic food chain
Authors: Dai Yanhui , Wang Zhenyu , Zhang Lei , Jiang Zhixiang , Pu Shengyan , Fan Qiaohui , Zhao Jian , Xing Baoshan
Published: December 2019

CeO2 NPs could be transferred along a lettuce–hornworm–chicken terrestrial food chain, and the transformation of CeO2 NPs depended on the organisms within food chains.
Nanostructured manganese oxides: natural/artificial formation and their induced catalysis for wastewater remediation
Authors: Zhu Shishu , Ho Shih-Hsin , Jin Chao , Duan Xiaoguang , Wang Shaobin
Published: December 2019

Manganese oxides, with low toxicity and wide adaptability, have been demonstrated as promising catalysts for substituting noble metals/oxides in a diversity of chemical reactions.
When robotics met fluidics
Authors: Zhong Junjie , Riordon Jason , Wu Tony C. , Edwards Harrison , Wheeler Aaron R. , Pardee Keith , Aspuru-Guzik Alán , Sinton David
Published: December 2019

The marriage of robotics and fluidics provides a route to AI-guided high-throughput synthesis and testing in two modalities: integrated centralized facilities that produce data, and distributed systems that synthesize products and conduct disease surveillance.
A unique pathway of PtNi nanoparticle formation observed with liquid cell transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Zheng Liyun , Zhao Lixin , Zhao Songhao , Zhang Xiaowei , Bustillo Karen C. , Yao Yuan , Yi Xiaofei , Zhu Minggang , Li Wei , Zheng Haimei
Published: December 2019

An understanding of nanoparticle growth is significant for controlled synthesis of nanomaterials with desired physical and chemical properties.
Mitochondrion-targeted selenium nanoparticles enhance reactive oxygen species-mediated cell death
Authors: Zhuang Yuan , Li Longjie , Feng Liandong , Wang Shuangshuang , Su Huimin , Liu Haijuan , Liu Hongmei , Wu Yuzhou
Published: December 2019

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with mitochondria targeting ability can significantly enhance the reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced cell death in cancer cells, while remaining less toxic in healthy cells.
Remarkable quality improvement of as-grown monolayer MoS2 by sulfur vapor pretreatment of SiO2/Si substrates
Authors: Yang Peng , Shan Yabing , Chen Jing , Ekoya Garel , Han Jinkun , Qiu Zhi-Jun , Sun Junjie , Chen Fei , Wang Haomin , Bao Wenzhong , Hu Laigui , Zhang Rong-Jun , Liu Ran , Cong Chunxiao
Published: December 2019

High quality monolayer MoS2 with greatly improved optical and electrical performances can be directly grown by pretreating the growth SiO2/Si substrates with sulfur vapor.
SERS-based nanostrategy for rapid anemia diagnosis
Authors: Muhammad Pir , Hanif Sumaira , Yan Jiliang , Rehman Fawad Ur , Wang Jiefei , Khan Maqbool , Chung Roger , Lee Albert , Zheng Meng , Wang Yuling , Shi Bingyang
Published: December 2019

A novel multimodal anemia diagnosis assay was developed using the SERS and compared with the routinely used clinical assays. The dual-target (iron ion/metalloprotein) capturing efficiencyviastrong organic cyanide affinity was utilized for whole blood analyses.
Enhancing the adsorption capability of areca leaf biochar for methylene blue by K2FeO4-catalyzed oxidative pyrolysis at low temperature
Authors: Yin Zhibing , Liu Nian , Bian Siyao , Li Jihui , Xu Shuying , Zhang Yucang
Published: December 2019

A K2FeO4-catalyzed pyrolysis was developed for improving the adsorption capability of areca leaf biochar for methylene blue.
The antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition properties of essential oil from the peel of Chinese Torreya grandis Fort.
Authors: Feng Tao , Hu Zhongshan , Song Shiqing , Yao Lingyun , Sun Min , Zhu Xiao , Lu Jun
Published: December 2019

The antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition properties of essential oil from the peel of Chinese Torreya grandis Fort. (CTGF oil) were investigated.
Bio-based cyclized Eucommia ulmoides gum elastomer for promising damping applications
Authors: Qi Xin , Xie Fei , Zhang Jichuan , Zhang Liqun , Yue Dongmei
Published: December 2019

A cyclized Eucommia ulmoides gum (CEUG) elastomer with various degrees of cyclization for promising damping applications.
Roll-to-roll solvent annealing of printed P3HT : ICXA devices
Authors: Hart Andrew S. , Andersen Thomas R. , Griffith Matthew J. , Fahy Adam , Vaughan Ben , Belcher Warwick J. , Dastoor Paul C.
Published: December 2019

We have developed a new way to control crystallinity in roll-to-roll printed polymer materials for improved device performance.
Ultrasensitive detection of Staphylococcal enterotoxin B in milk based on target-triggered assembly of the flower like nucleic acid nanostructure
Authors: Xiong Xiaohui , Luo Yun , Lu Yichen , Xiong Xiong , Li Yi , Liu Yuanjian , Lu Lixia
Published: December 2019

A rapid and ultrasensitive method is described for the detection of Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB).
Graphene as a nanofiller for enhancing the tribological properties and thermal conductivity of base grease
Authors: Fu Hui , Yan Guoping , Li Meng , Wang Hao , Chen Yapeng , Yan Chao , Lin Cheng-Te , Jiang Nan , Yu Jinhong
Published: December 2019

The addition of graphene-reinforced grease to the mechanical friction surface can effectively reduce the friction coefficient and accelerate heat transportation.
Effects of storage condition on the physicochemical characteristics of sunflower seed oil
Authors: Xu Wei , Yao Juan , Yi Yang , Wang Hong-Xun , Wang Li-Mei
Published: December 2019

Sunflowerseed oil needs a low-temperature and dark condition to remain flavor by reducing the changes of 3-methyl-2,5-furandione, hexanal and 2-heptenal.
MoS2/carbon composites prepared by ball-milling and pyrolysis for the high-rate and stable anode of lithium ion capacitors
Authors: Wang Chong , Zhan Changzhen , Ren Xiaolong , Lv Ruitao , Shen Wanci , Kang Feiyu , Huang Zheng-Hong
Published: December 2019

MoS2/carbon composites prepared by ball-milling and pyrolysis for the high-rate anode of lithium ion capacitors.
Sandwich-structure hydrogels implement on-demand release of multiple therapeutic drugs for infected wounds
Authors: Zheng Tao , Huang Jinjian , Jiang Yungang , Tang Qinqing , Liu Ye , Xu Ziyan , Wu Xiuwen , Ren Jianan
Published: December 2019

Wound infections bring huge challenges to clinical practice.
Methyl N-phenyl carbamate synthesis over Zn/Al/Ce mixed oxide derived from hydrotalcite-like precursors
Authors: Kang Min , Zhou Hai , Tang Dajiang , Chen Xiaomei , Guo Ying , Zhao Ning
Published: December 2019

Zn/Al/Ce mixed oxides derived from hydrotalcite-like precursors were employed as effective and recoverable heterogeneous catalyst for MPC synthesis via DMC aminolysis.
Cs4PbBr6/CsPbBr3perovskite composites for WLEDs: pure white, high luminous efficiency and tunable color temperature
Authors: Huang Shangxuan , Yang Sen , Wang Qi , Wu Ruirui , Han Qiuju , Wu Wenzhi
Published: December 2019

WLED devices are designed with high luminous efficiency of 65.33 lm W−1and excellent CIE chromaticity coordinates of (0.3392, 0.3336). The properties of material and the luminous performance of device are calculated and discussed comprehensively.
The intrinsic volumetric capacitance of conducting polymers: pseudo-capacitors or double-layer supercapacitors?
Authors: Sahalianov Ihor , Singh Sandeep Kumar , Tybrandt Klas , Berggren Magnus , Zozoulenko Igor
Published: December 2019

Using the density functional theory, the intrinsic volumetric capacitance of conducting polymers is calculated. It is shown that conducting polymers operate as double-layer supercapacitors rather than pseudo-capacitors.
Photocatalytic hydrogels for removal of organic contaminants from aqueous solution in continuous flow reactors
Authors: Katzenberg Adlai , Raman Akash , Schnabel Nicole L. , Quispe Andrea L. , Silverman Andrea I. , Modestino Miguel A.
Published: December 2019

We present soft-lithography patterned photocatalyst-embedded hydrogel reactors with tunable material properties for removal of organic contaminants from wastewater.
The non-receptor tyrosine kinase ACK: regulatory mechanisms, signalling pathways and opportunities for attACKing cancer
Authors: Fox Millie , Crafter Claire , Owen Darerca
Published: December 2019

Activated Cdc42-associated kinase or ACK, is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and an effector protein for the small G protein Cdc42. A substantial body of evidence has accumulated in the past few years heavily implicating ACK as a driver of oncogenic processes. Concomitantly, more is also being revealed regarding the signalling pathways involving ACK and molecular details of its modes of action. Some details are also available regarding the regulatory mechanisms of this kinase, including activation and regulation of its catalytic activity, however, a full understanding of these aspects remains elusive. This review considers the current knowledge base concerning ACK and summarizes efforts and future prospects to target ACK therapeutically in cancer.
Stochastic framework for planning studies of energy systems: a case of EHs
Authors: Taheri Saman , Ghoraani Rahim , Pasban Ali , Moeini‐Aghtaie Moein , Safdarian Amir
Published: December 2019

The substantial presence of different uncertainties in energy systems highlights the need for probabilistic analysis of operational and planning studies. Motivated by this fact, a new stochastic planning framework for energy hubs (EHs) is presented in this study based on the probability transformation concept. In the proposed framework, a measure of relative‐likelihood impact is developed to estimate the importance of uncertainty sources in the studies, which, in turn, can remarkably reduce the overall complexity of stochastic problems. Step‐by‐step algorithm for implementation of the proposed framework on planning studies of an EH is also addressed in this study. Three different case studies are introduced, and the results provide some insightful information regarding the impact of different uncertainty sources in the system.
A plethora of new R Coronae Borealis stars discovered from a dedicated spectroscopic follow-up survey
Authors: Tisserand P. , Clayton G. C. , Bessell M. S. , Welch D. L. , Kamath D. , Wood P. R. , Wils P. , Wyrzykowski Ł. , Mróz P. , Udalski A.
Published: December 2019

Context. It is more and more suspected that R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars – rare hydrogen-deficient and carbon-rich supergiant stars – are the products of mergers of CO/He white-dwarf binary systems in the intermediate mass regime (0.6 <  MTot <  1.2 M⊙). Following the merger, a short-lived cool supergiant phase starts. RCB stars are extremely rare as only 77 have hitherto been known in the Galaxy, while up to 1000 have been predicted from population synthesis models.

Aims. The goal is to significantly increase the number of known RCB stars in order to better understand their evolutionary paths, their spatial distribution, and their formation rate in the context of population synthesis results. A list of 2356 RCB star candidates was selected using infrared colours from the all-sky 2MASS and WISE surveys. The objective is to follow them up spectroscopically to classify the candidates and, thus, to distinguish RCB stars from other dust-producing stars.

Methods. A series of brightness and colour-colour cuts that were used as selection criteria were then tested using the sample of known Galactic and Magellanic RCB stars. RCB spectral energy distribution models were also used to understand the effects of each selection criterion in terms of circumstellar shell temperature. Optical, low-resolution spectra were obtained for nearly 500 of the candidate stars. These spectra were compared to synthetic spectra from a new grid of MARCs hydrogen-deficient atmospheric models. This allowed us to define a spectroscopic classification system for RCB stars depending on their effective temperature and photometric status.

Results. This programme has found 45 new RCB stars, including 30 Cold (4000 <  Teff <  6800 K), 14 Warm (6800 <  Teff <  8500 K), and one Hot (Teff >  15 000 K). Forty of these belong to the Milky Way and five are located in the Magellanic Clouds. We also confirmed that the candidate KDM 5651 is indeed a new RCB star, increasing the total number of Magellanic RCB stars to 30.

Conclusions. We increased the total number of RCB stars known by ∼50%, bringing it up to 147. In addition, we compiled a list of 14 strong RCB candidates, most certainly observed during a dust obscuration phase. From the detection efficiency and success rate so far, we estimate that there should be no more than 500 RCB stars existing in the Milky Way, all HdC stars included.
Multiple black hole system in 4C31.61 (2201+315)
Authors: Roland J. , Gattano C. , Lambert S. B. , Taris F.
Published: December 2019

Modeling trajectories of radio components ejected by the nucleus of 4C31.61 (2201+315) and observed by very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) in the frame of the MOJAVE survey suggests that they are ejected from three different origins that possibly host three different supermassive black holes. These origins correspond to three stationary components, one of which one is the VLBI core. Most of the mass of the nucleus is associated with a supermassive binary black hole system whose separation is ≈0.3 milliarc second, that is, a distance of ≈1.3 parsec and the mass ratio is ≈2. In contrast, the mass ratio with respect to the third black hole is ≈1/100. The three origins lie within 0.6 milliarc second, or a distance of ≈2.6 parsec. Based in this structure of the nucleus, we explain the variations observed in the astrometric coordinate time series obtained from VLBI geodetic surveys. This study shows that it is possible to exploit large MOJAVE-like VLBI databases to propose more insights into the structure of the extragalactic radio sources that are targeted by VLBI in geodetic and astrometry programs.
Search for Galactic Pevatron candidates in a population of unidentifiedγ-ray sources
Authors: Spengler Gerrit
Published: December 2019

Aims.A list of Pevatron candidates is presented to enable deeper observations and dedicated analyses.

Methods.Lower limits on the energy cutoff for unidentifiedγ-ray sources detected in the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) Galactic plane survey were derived. Additional public data from the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System, HESS, and Milagro experiments were used for MGRO J1908+06 to confirm the limit derived from the HESS Galactic plane survey data and to enable further conclusions on the presence of spectral breaks.

Results.Five Pevatron candidates are identified in the HESS Galactic plane survey. The cutoff of theγ-ray spectrum for these sources is larger than 20 TeV at 90% confidence level. Theγ-ray sources MGRO J1908+06 and HESS J1641−463, found to be Pevatron candidates in the analysis of the HESS Galactic plane survey catalog, have already been discussed as Pevatron candidates. For MGRO J1908+06, the lower limit on theγ-ray energy cutoff is 30 TeV at 90% confidence level. This is a factor of almost two larger than previous results. Additionally, a break in theγ-ray spectrum at energies between 1 TeV and 10 TeV with an index change ΔΓ >  0.5 can be excluded at 90% confidence level for MGRO J1908+06. The energy cutoff of accelerated particles is larger than 100 TeV at 90% confidence level in a hadronic scenario for all five Pevatron candidates. A hadronic scenario is plausible for at least three of the Pevatron candidates, based on the presence of nearby molecular clouds and supernova remnants.
Dermatomyosites Nouveaux anticorps, nouvelle classification
Authors: Bolko Loïs , Gitiaux Cyril , Allenbach Yves
Published: December 2019

Les dermatomyosites (DM) sont des maladies auto-immunes rares du groupe des myopathies inflammatoires idiopathiques, définies par une atteinte cutanée caractéristique. Elles peuvent survenir dans l’enfance, ou chez l’adulte. Il existe des variations phénotypiques entre les DM concernant la présentation cutanéomusculaire (ex: amyopathique) mais aussi la présentation extra-cutanéomusculaire (ex: atteinte pulmonaire ou articulaire associée). Le caractère auto-immun de ces pathologies est souligné dans 60 % des cas par la présence d’anticorps spécifique de myosite. Ces derniers sont associés à la présence de caractéristiques cliniques, histologiques, mais aussi pronostiques. Ils sont au nombre de cinq, les anti-Mi2, anti-Tif1-γ, anti-NXP2, anti-MDA5 et anti-SAE. Les anti-Mi2 sont associées à une forme clinique cutanée classique, une atteinte musculaire souvent sévère au diagnostic et une bonne évolution sous traitement. Les deux suivants, fréquents chez l’enfant et l’adulte, sont associés à des formes récidivantes cutanées et sont fortement associés aux cancers chez l’adulte. Les anti-MDA5 sont les anticorps associés aux formes les plus systémiques avec une atteinte pulmonaire interstitielle rapidement progressive pouvant être très grave. Enfin, les anti-SAE n’ont été décrits que chez l’adulte, avec une atteinte classique.
Les oligonucléotides anti-sens dans la SMA
Authors: Gargaun Elena
Published: December 2019

Une révolution est actuellement en cours dans le domaine des maladies neuromusculaires avec l’arrivée de nouvelles thérapies. L’amyotrophie spinale (SMA ou spinal muscular atrophy) est parmi les maladies pionnières de ce bouleversement thérapeutique. Le premier traitement approuvé et mis sur le marché en Europe et aux États-Unis est un oligonucléotide antisens dénommé nusinersen et commercialisé par le laboratoire Biogen sous le nom de Spinraza®. Il a comme indication les SMA de types 1, 2 et 3. La première injection de Spinraza® dans le cadre d’une ATU/EAP (Autorisation Temporaire d’Utilisation/Expanded Access Program ou programmes d’accès étendu) a été réalisée en France par le centre d’essais l-Motion. Les résultats des essais cliniques et des données de la littérature sur l’utilisation du nusinersen dans la SMA infantile sont discutés dans cette revue. Ces études rapportent une amélioration de la fonction motrice chez les patients SMA tous types confondus y compris les patients de type 3 [1, 2]. Une administration précoce du traitement s’accompagne d’une meilleure réponse clinique. Une meilleure compréhension de l’hétérogénéité génétique et clinique devient indispensable dans le monitoring et le suivi à long terme de ces patients.
Des fibres optiques pour les environnements radiatifs extrêmes
Authors: Morana Adriana , Boukenter Aziz , Ouerdane Youcef , Marin Emmanuel , Girard Sylvain , Melin Gilles , Lablonde Laurent , Laurent Arnaud , Robin Thierry , Cadier Benoît
Published: December 2019

Durant la dernière décennie, les besoins en fibres optiques et en capteurs à fibres optiques aptes à opérer dans les environnements radiatifs les plus extrêmes ont connu une forte augmentation : pouvoir anticiper et/ou monitorer les conditions d’exploitation et leurs évolutions est devenu une absolue nécessité dans une multitude de domaines que sont l’espace, l’industrie nucléaire, le stockage des déchets radioactifs, ou encore la physique des hautes énergies et installations dévolues à l’étude de la fusion (Laser Mégajoule, ITER).
Des féminismes du ressentiment ?
Authors: Selim Monique
Published: December 2019

Cet article examine les changements idéologiques qui touchent le statut social des femmes, en particulier la maternité et la sexualité. Il analyse la pluralisation des féminismes en articulation avec les mobilisations actuelles contre les violences sexuelles et montre les injonctions paradoxales qui s’exercent sur les femmes. Dans une perspective épistémologique il relie ces évolutions à des mutations conceptuelles significatives qui s’observent dans les sciences humaines et sociales et aussi dans l’espace public.