bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abdominal surgery prior to chronic psychosocial stress promotes spleen cell (re)activity and glucocorticoid resistance
Authors: Foertsch Sandra , Langgartner Dominik , Reber Stefan O.
Published: April 2020

There is convincing evidence from different mouse models that chronic psychosocial stress promotes splenomegaly, basal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced in vitro splenocyte activation and insensitivity towards glucocorticoids (GC) in in vitro LPS-treated splenocytes. However, we just recently showed, employing the chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC) paradigm, that bite wounds received during stressor exposure drive these stress-induced spleen changes. As skin wounds induced by planned surgery or physical trauma are more adequately reflecting what chronically stressed humans are likely to experience, it was the objective of the present study to investigate whether abdominal surgery prior to stressor exposure also promotes respective stress-induced spleen effects in the absence of any bite wounds. In line with our hypothesis, abdominal surgery prior to CSC induced splenomegaly, increased in vitro cell viability under basal and LPS conditions as well as the delta response to LPS (LPS – basal), and promoted the inability of isolated splenocytes to respond with a decreased cell viability to increasing concentrations of corticosterone following LPS-stimulation in vitro. Together with previous data, these findings demonstrate that physical injury, either in form of received bite wounds during stressor exposure or in form of abdominal surgery prior to stressor exposure, promotes the development of splenic immune activation and GC resistance.
Abscisic Acid and Glycine Betaine Mediated Tolerance Mechanisms under Drought Stress and Recovery in Axonopus compressus: A New Insight
Authors: Nawaz Mohsin , Wang Zhiyong
Published: April 2020

Changing climatic scenarios affect plant growth and consequences are more malicious in drought conditions. This study was performed for better understanding of tolerance mechanisms under prevailing drought stress and succeeding recovery in Axonopus compressus by exogenously applied abscisic acid (ABA) and glycine betaine (GB). Three A. compressus accessions (A-38, A-58 and A-59) were subjected to well-watered (100% field capacity) and drought (40% field capacity) conditions. Two weeks later, plants were recovered from drought by re-watering. Water (control), GB, ABA and their combination were foliar applied on plants under drought twice a week until recovery. Drought stress decreased photosynthetic pigments and increased reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, osmolytes and antioxidants in all accessions of A. compressus. Nonetheless, exogenous ABA and GB alone or in combination improved drought tolerance in all accessions which was maintained even after recovery. Maximum decrease in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, and increase in soluble sugars, proteins, proline, phenolics and chlorophyll contents, and superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase activity was recorded when GB was applied alone under drought. Order of improvement in drought tolerance among accessions was A-58 > A-59 > A-38. In conclusion, improved drought tolerance mechanisms by ABA and GB in A. compressus were retained even after recovery.
Reduced methane-bearing fluids as a source for diamond
Authors: Matjuschkin Vladimir , Woodland Alan B. , Frost Daniel J. , Yaxley Gregory M.
Published: April 2020

Diamond formation in the Earth has been extensively discussed in recent years on the basis of geochemical analysis of natural materials, high-pressure experimental studies, or theoretical aspects. Here, we demonstrate experimentally for the first time, the spontaneous crystallization of diamond from CH4-rich fluids at pressure, temperature and redox conditions approximating those of the deeper parts of the cratonic lithospheric mantle (5–7 GPa) without using diamond seed crystals or carbides. In these experiments the fluid phase is nearly pure methane, even though the oxygen fugacity was significantly above metal saturation. We propose several previously unidentified mechanisms that may promote diamond formation under such conditions and which may also have implications for the origin of sublithospheric diamonds. These include the hydroxylation of silicate minerals like olivine and pyroxene, H2 incorporation into these phases and the “etching” of graphite by H2 and CH4 and reprecipitation as diamond. This study also serves as a demonstration of our new high-pressure experimental technique for obtaining reduced fluids, which is not only relevant for diamond synthesis, but also for investigating the metasomatic origins of diamond in the upper mantle, which has further implications for the deep carbon cycle.
Pharmacologic targeting of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury using a normothermic machine perfusion platform
Authors: Hameed Ahmer M. , Lu David B. , Burns Heather , Byrne Nicole , Chew Yi Vee , Julovi Sohel , Ghimire Kedar , Zanjani Negar Talaei , P’ng Chow H. , Meijles Daniel , Dervish Suat , Matthews Ross , Miraziz Ray , O’Grady Greg , Yuen Lawrence , Pleass Henry C. , Rogers Natasha M. , Hawthorne Wayne J.
Published: April 2020

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is an emerging modality for kidney preservation prior to transplantation. NMP may allow directed pharmacomodulation of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) without the need for systemic donor/recipient therapies. Three proven anti-IRI agents not in widespread clinical use, CD47-blocking antibody (αCD47Ab), soluble complement receptor 1 (sCR1), and recombinant thrombomodulin (rTM), were compared in a murine model of kidney IRI. The most effective agent was then utilized in a custom NMP circuit for the treatment of isolated porcine kidneys, ascertaining the impact of the drug on perfusion and IRI-related parameters. αCD47Ab conferred the greatest protection against IRI in mice after 24 hours. αCD47Ab was therefore chosen as the candidate agent for addition to the NMP circuit. CD47 receptor binding was demonstrated by immunofluorescence. Renal perfusion/flow improved with CD47 blockade, with a corresponding reduction in oxidative stress and histologic damage compared to untreated NMP kidneys. Tubular and glomerular functional parameters were not significantly impacted by αCD47Ab treatment during NMP. In a murine renal IRI model, αCD47Ab was confirmed as a superior anti-IRI agent compared to therapies targeting other pathways. NMP enabled effective, direct delivery of this drug to porcine kidneys, although further efficacy needs to be proven in the transplantation setting.
A Bio-Economic Crop Yield Response (BECYR) Model for Corn and Soybeans in Ontario, Canada for 1959–2013
Authors: Xu Qin , Fox Glenn , McKenney Daniel W. , Parkin Gary , Li Zhenyi
Published: April 2020

This paper presents estimates of the effects of changing climate on crop yields for grain corn and soybeans in Ontario, Canada, for 1959–2013. We were able to use a database that is more comprehensive with respect to explanatory variables than some previous efforts had available. Our model includes climate variables, prices, land quality, groundwater level, CO2 concentration, and a time trend. Our results indicate that trends in temperature and precipitation during our study period have not yet resulted in appreciable threats to crop yields in the region.
Circularity in fisheries data weakens real world prediction
Authors: Giron-Nava Alfredo , Munch Stephan B. , Johnson Andrew F. , Deyle Ethan , James Chase C. , Saberski Erik , Pao Gerald M. , Aburto-Oropeza Octavio , Sugihara George
Published: April 2020

The systematic substitution of direct observational data with synthesized data derived from models during the stock assessment process has emerged as a low-cost alternative to direct data collection efforts. What is not widely appreciated, however, is how the use of such synthesized data can overestimate predictive skill when forecasting recruitment is part of the assessment process. Using a global database of stock assessments, we show that Standard Fisheries Models (SFMs) can successfully predict synthesized data based on presumed stock-recruitment relationships, however, they are generally less skillful at predicting observational data that are either raw or minimally filtered (denoised without using explicit stock-recruitment models). Additionally, we find that an equation-free approach that does not presume a specific stock-recruitment relationship is better than SFMs at predicting synthesized data, and moreover it can also predict observational recruitment data very well. Thus, while synthesized datasets are cheaper in the short term, they carry costs that can limit their utility in predicting real world recruitment.
Novel Variations in Native Ethiopian Goat breeds PRNP Gene and Their Potential Effect on Prion Protein Stability
Authors: Teferedegn Eden Yitna , Yaman Yalçın , Ün Cemal
Published: April 2020

Scrapie is a lethal neurodegenerative disease of sheep and goats caused by the misfolding of the prion protein. Variants such as M142, D145, S146, H154, Q211, and K222 were experimentally found to increase resistance or extend scrapie incubation period in goats. We aimed to identify polymorphisms in the Afar and Arsi-Bale goat breeds of Ethiopia and computationally assess the effect of variants on prion protein stability. In the present study, four non-synonymous novel polymorphisms G67S, W68R, G69D, and R159H in the first octapeptide repeat and the highly conserved C-terminus globular domain of goat PrP were detected. The resistant genotype, S146, was detected in >50% of the present population. The current study population showed a genetic diversity in Ethiopian goat breeds. In the insilico analysis, the R68 variant was predicted to increase stability while S67, D69, and H159 decrease the stability of prion protein. The new variants in the octapeptide repeat motif were predicted to decrease amyloidogenicity but H159 increased the hotspot sequence amyloidogenic propensity. These novel variants could be the source of conformational flexibility that may trigger the gain or loss of function by prion protein. Further experimental study is required to depict the actual effects of variants on prion protein stability.
Bridging repair of the abdominal wall in a rat experimental model. Comparison between uncoated and polyethylene oxide-coated equine pericardium meshes
Authors: Pasculli Alessandro , Gurrado Angela , De Luca Giuseppe Massimiliano , Mele Antonietta , Marzullo Andrea , Mangone Annarosa , Cellamare Saverio , Ferraro Valentina , Maqoud Fatima , Caggiani Maria Cristina , Rana Francesco , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Prete Francesco Paolo , Tricarico Domenico , Altomare Cosimo Damiano , Testini Mario
Published: April 2020

Biological meshes improve the outcome of incisional hernia repairs in infected fields but often lead to recurrence after bridging techniques. Sixty male Wistar rats undergoing the excision of an abdominal wall portion and bridging mesh repair were randomised in two groups: Group A (N = 30) using the uncoated equine pericardium mesh; Group B (N = 30) using the polyethylene oxide (PEO)-coated one. No deaths were observed during treatment. Shrinkage was significantly less common in A than in B (3% vs 53%, P < 0.001). Adhesions were the most common complication and resulted significantly higher after 90 days in B than in A (90% vs 30%, P < 0.01). Microscopic examination revealed significantly (P < 0.05) higher mesh integrity, fibrosis and calcification in B compared to A. The enzymatic degradation, as assessed with Raman spectroscopy and enzyme stability test, affected A more than B. The PEO-coated equine pericardium mesh showed higher resistance to biodegradation compared to the uncoated one. Understanding the changes of these prostheses in a surgical setting may help to optimize the PEO-coating in designing new biomaterials for the bridging repair of the abdominal wall.
Liposomal drug delivery of Aphanamixis polystachya leaf extracts and its neurobehavioral activity in mice model
Authors: Shariare Mohammad H. , Rahman Mahbubur , Lubna Shamshad R. , Roy Reeti S. , Abedin Joynal , Marzan Akbar L. , Altamimi Mohammad A. , Ahamad Syed Rizwan , Ahmad Ajaz , Alanazi Fars K. , Kazi Mohsin
Published: April 2020

Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s etc.) causes brain cell damage leading to dementia. The major restriction remains in delivering drug to the central nervous system is blood brain barrier (BBB). The aim of this study was to develop a liposomal drug delivery system of Aphanamixis polystachya leaf extract for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. In this study GC-MS analysis is used to determine major constituents of Aphanamixis polystachya leaf extract. Liposomal batches of Aphanamixis polystachya leaf extract was prepared using design of experiment (DoE) and characterized using Malvern zetasizer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and FT-IR. Stability study of blank and leaf extract loaded liposome were performed in gastric media. In-vivo neurobehavioral and anti-inflammatory studies were performed on mice and rat model respectively. GC-MS data showed that major constituents of Aphanamixis polystachya leaf extract are 2-Pentanone, different acids (Octadec-9-enoic acid, 5-Hydroxypipeloic acid etc.), and Beta-Elemene etc. Malvern Zetasizer and TEM data showed that liposome batches of Aphanamixis polystachya leaf extract were in the range of 120 - 180 nm. Interactions between process parameters and material attributes found to have more impact on the average particle size and polydispersity of liposome batches compared to the impact of each parameter in isolation. Stability studies data suggest that blank and leaf extract loaded liposomes were stable at gastric conditions after 4 hours. In-vivo neurobehavioural study data indicated that significant improvement in the memory function, locomotor activity and ambulatory performance of dementia induced mice was observed for the liposomal batches compared to merely A. polystachya leaf extract.
Breaking conversational rules matters to captive gorillas: A playback experiment
Authors: Pougnault Loïc , Levréro Florence , Mulot Baptiste , Lemasson Alban
Published: April 2020

Across human cultures, conversations are regulated by temporal and social rules. The universality of conversational rules suggests possible biological bases and encourages comparisons with the communicative interactions of nonhuman animals. Unexpectedly, few studies have focused on other great apes despite evidence of proto-conversational rules in monkeys, thus preventing researchers from drawing conclusions on potential evolutionary origins of this behaviour. A previous study showed however that western lowland gorillas engage in soft call interactions that seem temporally- and socially-ruled. Indeed, interactions occurred mainly between individuals close in age who followed a preset response delay, thus preventing call overlap. Here, we experimentally investigated the presence of these rules in a captive gorilla group, using a violation-of-expectation paradigm. Head orientation responses suggest that the respect of response delay matters to subjects, but the importance of the interlocutors’ age proximity appeared less clear. The intensity of the response varied with subjects’ age in a context-dependent way, supporting a possible role of learning. Our findings support the growing number of studies highlighting the importance of vocal turn-taking in animals and a possible sociogenesis of this ability. The capacity to “converse” might have been a key step in the co-evolution of communication and complex sociality.
Decline of the boreal willow grouse (Lagopus lagopus) has been accelerated by more frequent snow-free springs
Authors: Melin Markus , Mehtätalo Lauri , Helle Pekka , Ikonen Katja , Packalen Tuula
Published: April 2020

Climate change has influenced a range of species across the globe. Yet, to state a noted decline in the abundance of a given species as a consequence of a specific environmental change, for instance, spatially explicit long-term data are a prerequisite. This study assessed the extent to which prolonged snow-free periods in autumn and spring have contributed to the decline of the willow grouse, the only forest grouse changing into a white winter plumage. Time-series data of willow grouse numbers from summer surveys across the study area were integrated with local data on weather (snow cover), mammalian predator abundance and hunting intensity. Modelling was conducted with a hierarchical Bayesian Poisson model, acknowledging year-, area- and location-specific variability. The results show that while willow grouse numbers had decreased continuously across the study landscapes, the decrease was accelerated at the sites where, and during the years when the preceding April was the most snow-free. This indicates a mismatch between the change into a white winter plumage and the presence of snow, turning the bird into an ill-camouflaged prey. The results thus also confirm past hypotheses where local declines of the species have been attributed to prolonged snow-free periods. Across our study area, autumns and springs have become more snow-free, and the trend has been predicted to continue. Thus, in addition to conservation actions, the future of a species such as the willow grouse is also dependent on its ability to adapt to the changed environmental conditions.
Unprovoked Stabilization and Nuclear Accumulation of the Naked Mole-Rat p53 Protein
Authors: Deuker Marian M. , Lewis Kaitlyn N. , Ingaramo Maria , Kimmel Jacob , Buffenstein Rochelle , Settleman Jeff
Published: April 2020

The naked mole-rat is a subterranean rodent, approximately the size of a mouse, renowned for its exceptional longevity (>30 years) and remarkable resistance to cancer. To explore putative mechanisms underlying the cancer resistance of the naked mole-rat, we investigated the regulation and function of the most commonly mutated tumor suppressor, TP53, in the naked mole-rat. We found that the p53 protein in naked mole-rat embryonic fibroblasts (NEFs) exhibits a half-life more than ten times in excess of the protein’s characterized half-life in mouse and human embryonic fibroblasts. We determined that the long half-life of the naked mole-rat p53 protein reflects protein-extrinsic regulation. Relative to mouse and human p53, a larger proportion of naked mole-rat p53 protein is constitutively localized in the nucleus prior to DNA damage. Nevertheless, DNA damage is sufficient to induce activation of canonical p53 target genes in NEFs. Despite the uniquely long half-life and unprecedented basal nuclear localization of p53 in NEFs, naked mole-rat p53 retains its canonical tumor suppressive activity. Together, these findings suggest that the unique stabilization and regulation of the p53 protein may contribute to the naked mole-rat’s remarkable resistance to cancer.
Ni endoscopic classification for Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES) endoscopy in the detection of upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) tumours
Authors: Abdullah Baharudin , Rasid Nurul Syeha Abdull , Lazim Norhafiza Mat , Volgger Veronika , Betz Christian Stephan , Mohammad Zahiruddin Wan , Hassan Nik Fariza Husna Nik
Published: April 2020

The diagnostic procedure for upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) tumours is by white light endoscopy (WLE) combined with biopsy. However, WLE has difficulty identifying minute epithelial changes which hinders early diagnosis. Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES) is designed to enhance the visualization of microvasculature on the mucosal surface and detect any epithelial changes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the use of Ni endoscopic classification with SPIES endoscopy in the detection of UADT tumours. Fifty-nine patients with suspected UADT tumours underwent WLE followed by SPIES endoscopy. All the tumours were biopsied and sent for histopathological examination (HPE). The kappa index (κ) was used to evaluate the agreement between the methods. The level of agreement between SPIES using Ni classification and HPE showed almost perfect agreement as compared to moderate agreement between WLE and HPE. The sensitivity and specificity for WLE and HPE were 77.5% and 84.2% respectively with positive predictive value (PPV) of 91.2% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 64%. The sensitivity and specificity for SPIES endoscopy using Ni classification and HPE were 97.5% and 94.7% respectively with PPV of 97.5% and NPV of 94.7%. SPIES endoscopy using Ni classification is a valid tool for earlier tumour detection.
Author Correction: Anak Krakatau triggers volcanic freezer in the upper troposphere
Authors: Prata A. T. , Folch A. , Prata A. J. , Biondi R. , Brenot H. , Cimarelli C. , Corradini S. , Lapierre J. , Costa A.
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Targeting the interaction between RNA-binding protein HuR and FOXQ1 suppresses breast cancer invasion and metastasis
Authors: Wu Xiaoqing , Gardashova Gulhumay , Lan Lan , Han Shuang , Zhong Cuncong , Marquez Rebecca T. , Wei Lanjing , Wood Spencer , Roy Sudeshna , Gowthaman Ragul , Karanicolas John , Gao Fei P. , Dixon Dan A. , Welch Danny R. , Li Ling , Ji Min , Aubé Jeffrey , Xu Liang
Published: April 2020

Patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer have a dismal 5-year survival rate of only 24%. The RNA-binding protein Hu antigen R (HuR) is upregulated in breast cancer, and elevated cytoplasmic HuR correlates with high-grade tumors and poor clinical outcome of breast cancer. HuR promotes tumorigenesis by regulating numerous proto-oncogenes, growth factors, and cytokines that support major tumor hallmarks including invasion and metastasis. Here, we report a HuR inhibitor KH-3, which potently suppresses breast cancer cell growth and invasion. Furthermore, KH-3 inhibits breast cancer experimental lung metastasis, improves mouse survival, and reduces orthotopic tumor growth. Mechanistically, we identify FOXQ1 as a direct target of HuR. KH-3 disrupts HuR–FOXQ1 mRNA interaction, leading to inhibition of breast cancer invasion. Our study suggests that inhibiting HuR is a promising therapeutic strategy for lethal metastatic breast cancer.
Quantum cascade laser based hybrid dual comb spectrometer
Authors: Consolino Luigi , Nafa Malik , De Regis Michele , Cappelli Francesco , Garrasi Katia , Mezzapesa Francesco P. , Li Lianhe , Davies A. Giles , Linfield Edmund H. , Vitiello Miriam S. , Bartalini Saverio , De Natale Paolo
Published: April 2020

Four-wave-mixing-based quantum cascade laser frequency combs (QCL-FC) are a powerful photonic tool, driving a recent revolution in major molecular fingerprint regions, i.e. mid- and far-infrared domains. Their compact and frequency-agile design, together with their high optical power and spectral purity, promise to deliver an all-in-one source for the most challenging spectroscopic applications. Here, we demonstrate a metrological-grade hybrid dual comb spectrometer, combining the advantages of a THz QCL-FC with the accuracy and absolute frequency referencing provided by a free-standing, optically-rectified THz frequency comb. A proof-of-principle application to methanol molecular transitions is presented. The multi-heterodyne molecular spectra retrieved provide state-of-the-art results in line-center determination, achieving the same precision as currently available molecular databases. The devised setup provides a solid platform for a new generation of THz spectrometers, paving the way to more refined and sophisticated systems exploiting full phase control of QCL-FCs, or Doppler-free spectroscopic schemes.
Imaging shape and strain in nanoscale engineered semiconductors for photonics by coherent x-ray diffraction
Authors: Berenguer Felisa , Pettinari Giorgio , Felici Marco , Balakrishnan Nilanthy , Clark Jesse N. , Ravy Sylvain , Patané Amalia , Polimeni Antonio , Ciatto Gianluca
Published: April 2020

Coherent x-ray diffractive imaging is a nondestructive technique that extracts three-dimensional electron density and strain maps from materials with nanometer resolution. It has been utilized for materials in a range of applications, and has significant potential for imaging buried nanostructures in functional devices. Here, we show that coherent x-ray diffractive imaging is able to bring new understanding to a lithography-based nanofabrication process for engineering the optical properties of semiconducting GaAs1-yNy on a GaAs substrate. This technique allows us to test the process reliability and the manufactured patterns quality. We demonstrate that regular and sharp geometrical structures can be produced on a few-micron scale, and that the strain distribution is uniform even for highly strained sub-microscopic objects. This nondestructive study would not be possible using conventional microscopy techniques. Our results pave the way for tailoring the optical properties of emitters with nanometric precision for nanophotonics and quantum technology applications.
Ribosomal incorporation of cyclic β-amino acids into peptides using in vitro translation
Authors: Lee Joongoo , Torres Rafael , Kim Do Soon , Byrom Michelle , Ellington Andrew D. , Jewett Michael C.
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate in vitro incorporation of cyclic β-amino acids into peptides by the ribosome through genetic code reprogramming.
Au/MoS2/Ti3C2 composite catalyst for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhang Juhui , Liu Mengting , Wang Yuying , Shi Feng
Published: April 2020

The Au/MoS2/Ti3C2 composite catalyst has efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance.
Modulating the solubility and pharmacokinetic properties of 5-fluorouracil via cocrystallization
Authors: Dai Xia-Lin , Wu Chao , Li Jin-Hui , Liu Lian-Chao , He Xin , Lu Tong-Bu , Chen Jia-Mei
Published: April 2020

The solubility and pharmacokinetic properties of 5-fluorouracil were modified by cocrystallization with dihydroxybenzoic acids.
Inter-protein interactions govern protein loading into porous vaterite CaCO3 crystals
Authors: Feoktistova Natalia A. , Balabushevich Nadezhda G. , Skirtach Andre G. , Volodkin Dmitry , Vikulina Anna S.
Published: April 2020

Loading of therapeutic proteins into mesoporous vaterite crystals is driven by inter-protein interactions in bulk solution and inside the crystals.
Generalised magnetisation-to-singlet-order transfer in nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Bengs Christian , Sabba Mohamed , Jerschow Alexej , Levitt Malcolm H.
Published: April 2020

A variety of pulse sequences have been described for converting nuclear spin magnetisation into long-lived singlet order for nuclear spin-1/2 pairs.
Revealing the effect of structure curations on the simulated CO2 separation performances of MOFs
Authors: Velioglu Sadiye , Keskin Seda
Published: April 2020

The CO2 separation performances of MOFs significantly change depending on the structure curation used in computation-ready databases.
Inkjet printed mesoscopic perovskite solar cells with custom design capability
Authors: Verma Anand , Martineau David , Abdolhosseinzadeh Sina , Heier Jakob , Nüesch Frank
Published: April 2020

Drop on demand inkjet printing of monolithic mesoscopic carbon-based perovskite solar cells is demonstrated, highlighting the potential of customizable solar cells for aesthetic indoor and outdoor photovoltaic deployment.
Gold nanoclusters cause selective light-driven biochemical catalysis in living nano-biohybrid organisms
Authors: Bertram John R. , Ding Yuchen , Nagpal Prashant
Published: April 2020

We describe selective light-driven biochemical catalysis in living nano-biohybrid organisms made from different atomically-precise gold nanoclusters.
One-step facile synthesis of nickel–chromium layered double hydroxide nanoflakes for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Zuo , Deng Hao , Zhang Man , Yang Zhiyu , Hu Di , Wang Yuchen , Yan Kai
Published: April 2020

Rational design and synthesis of efficient electrodes with pronounced energy storage properties are crucial for supercapacitors.
Synthesis, characterization and bioactivity studies of new dithiocarbazate complexes
Authors: Yekke-ghasemi Zahra , Ramezani Mohammad , Mague Joel T. , Takjoo Reza
Published: April 2020

Six new dithiocarbazate compounds are synthesized and characterized. HSA interaction and MTT assay are evaluated for all compounds.
Aerosol synthesis of TiO2:Er3+/Yb3+ submicron-sized spherical particles and upconversion optimization for application as anti-counterfeiting materials
Authors: Jung Kyeong Youl
Published: April 2020

TiO2:Er/Yb spherical particles were synthesized by spray pyrolysis and their luminescence was optimized for application as anti-counterfeiting materials.
Bullet-like microstructured nickel ammonium phosphate/graphene foam composite as positive electrode for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Mahmoud Badr A. , Mirghni Abdulmajid A. , Fasakin Oladepo , Oyedotun Kabir O. , Manyala Ncholu
Published: April 2020

Unique morphology of (Ni(NH4)2(PO3)4·4H2O/60GF) as a positive electrode for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors.
Hexahydrofarnesyl as an original bio-sourced alkyl chain for the preparation of glycosides surfactants with enhanced physicochemical properties
Authors: Lemahieu Guillaume , Aguilhon Julie , Strub Henri , Molinier Valérie , Ontiveros Jesús F. , Aubry Jean-Marie
Published: April 2020

The novelty of this work lies in the valorization of an original by-product into new sugar-based surfactants presenting effective properties.
Expected and unexpected photoreactions of 9-(10-)substituted anthracene derivatives in cucurbit[n]uril hosts
Authors: Hu Xianchen , Liu Fengbo , Zhang Xiongzhi , Zhao Zhiyong , Liu Simin
Published: April 2020

The photodimerization of 9-substituted anthracene derivative was tremendously promoted by a catalytic amount of cucurbit[10]uril (CB[10]) in water. While CB[8] exclusively induced the photosolvolysis of the anthracene derivative.
A step-economic and one-pot access to chiral Cα-tetrasubstituted α-amino acid derivatives via a bicyclic imidazole-catalyzed direct enantioselective C-acylation
Authors: Wang Mo , Zhou Muxing , Zhang Lu , Zhang Zhenfeng , Zhang Wanbin
Published: April 2020

The first four-step sequential reaction for the synthesis of Cα-tetrasubstituted chiral α-amino acid derivatives via auto-tandem catalysis has been developed.
Effect of miR-195-5p on cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats with heart failure by regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway
Authors: Xie Chun , Qi Huaxin , Huan Lei , Yang Yan
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The present study set out to investigate the effect of miR-195-5p on cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats with heart failure (HF) and its mechanism.

Methods: HF rat model and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) cardiomyocyte model were established. miR-195-5p expression and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/signal transduction protein (Smad)3 signaling pathway in HF rats and H/R cardiomyocytes were interfered. miR-195-5p expression was tested by Rt-PCR, TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway related proteins were detected by Western Blot, apoptosis of HF rat cardiomyocytes was tested by TUNEL, and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by H/R was checked by flow cytometry.

Results: miR-195-5p was lowly expressed in myocardium of HF rats, while TGF-β1 and Smad3 proteins were high-expressed. Up-regulating miR-195-5p expression could obviously inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis of HF rats, improve their cardiac function, and inhibit activation of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Up-regulation of miR-195-5p expression or inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway could obviously inhibit H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Dual-luciferase reporter enzyme verified the targeted relationship between miR-195-5p and Smad3.

Conclusion: miR-195-5p can inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improve cardiac function in HF rats by regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which may be a potential target for HF therapy.
“Undating” and “Quarter Ponies”: Comparing the Use of Derived Words and Compounds Across Discourse Types and Age Groups
Authors: Squires Bonita , Bird Elizabeth Kay-Raining , Cahill Peter
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Derivational morphology and compounds are important aspects of academic vocabulary. However, investigation of the development of expressive derivational and compound morphology using language sampling is sparse. This cross-sectional study used three types of language samples to investigate quantitative and qualitative changes in the spontaneous production of derived words and compounds in early and late elementary–age children as a function of age and discourse type.

Method

Twenty-three children in two age groups (early elementary,
n
= 12; late elementary,
n
= 11) participated. Three types of language samples were elicited: conversational (10-min conversation with an adult examiner), narrative (“I tell–you tell” narrative with single picture stimulus combined with a story stem narrative), and expository (explanation of how to play a favorite game or sport with text-based topic prompts). Language samples were transcribed using Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (Miller & Chapman, 2012) conventions with the addition of researcher-created codes to identify derived words and compounds. Quantitative measures (number of derived words, different derived words, number of compounds, and different compounds) were calculated as percentages of total words or number of different words to control for differing sample length. The types of derivational morphemes and compounds produced by children in each age group were listed and qualitatively analyzed for evidence of a sequential development of specific morpheme types, variation in complexity, and productivity.

Results

Developmental change in quantitative and qualitative measures of derivational and compound morphology was evident across early and late elementary–age children in the language samples. Lists of derived words and compounds produced provided a rich source for analyzing developmental patterns in expressive morphology. Conversational and, to a lesser extent, expository discourse generated the greatest number and diversity of multimorphemic words.

Conclusions

This research provided new insights into academic vocabulary development in elementary school–age children. The clinical usefulness of language sampling to quantitatively and qualitatively assess derivational morphology and compounds was demonstrated.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12170373
LoRa mesh architecture for automation of rural electricity distribution networks
Authors: Prade L.R. , Uberti V.A. , Abaide A.R. , Pereira P.R.S. , de Figueiredo R.M. , Both C.B.
Published: April 2020

The current transformation scenario in power distribution networks forecasts the need for alternative solutions in communication systems employed in the process of making them intelligent. As a premise, these alternatives should be easy to implement and affordable to allow their adoption in rural distribution networks, where, often, the use of technologies, such as mobile, is not available. This Letter proposes a new communication architecture with mesh topology, based on LoRa technology. The architecture adapts packet prioritisation and MIMO mechanisms to ensure the communication requirements necessary for the services. In this sense, several applications and protocols of a smart grid can coexist in the same communication system. The deployment of the architecture gave rise to a routing protocol adapted to the limitations of the radio technology used. The benefits of the proposed architecture can be observed when compared to the use of traditional low power wide area network networks and cellular technologies. The robustness of the system has been proven with average latency measurement within the acceptable range for DNP3 Modbus and NBR14522 applications. The results have shown its potential employment in the management of intelligent rural distribution systems.
Reconstruction of multi‐balloon copying curved surface based on linear distance field function optimisation
Authors: Lv XiaoMin , Lin JianWei , Gu HanJie
Published: April 2020

Aiming at the problems of low precision of three‐dimensional (3D) curved surface reconstruction and poor surface smoothness of the reconstruction result, a method based on linear distance field function optimisation is proposed for the reconstruction of multi‐balloon copying curved surface. First, curvature weighting is conducted for the curved surface point cloud model constructed with the Poisson's equation (PE), and the boundary value limiting condition of average curvature is used to conduct the smoothness processing of the curved surface; second, due to the dynamic deformation characteristic of multi‐balloon copying curved surface, the linear distance field function is used to globally register the non‐deformable area and the deformable area, and the distance field gradient is used to estimate the non‐deformable area. Moreover, self‐adaptive weight optimisation is conducted with the matching confidence level for deformable regions, thus to improve the registration accuracy of 3D point clouds. The simulation results show that the method proposed in this study improves the registration accuracy and surface reconstruction smoothness of standard PE.
Decision‐making of product‐service system solution selection based on integrated weight and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution
Authors: Li Lianhui , Mao Chunlei , Lei Bingbing , Gao Yang , Liu Yang , Huang George Q.
Published: April 2020

Product‐service system (PSS) solution selection is of great significance to better meet the personalised needs of customers and ensure the subsequent implementation. The problems of incomplete index system, difficulty to obtain the value of the qualitative index and unreasonable single index weighting have a significant impact on the decision‐making of PSS solution selection. In response to these problems, a decision‐making framework of PSS solution selection is constructed. A comprehensive index system is established from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Expert evaluating with the fuzzy number and multi‐expert evaluation opinion combination is adopted for index value solving. Integration of objective and subjective weights is achieved based on the multi‐weight information consistency model and the candidate PSS solutions are ranked by technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution finally. An application case of automobile PSS solution selection is given to verify the effectiveness and rationality of the constructed decision‐making framework.
T-ReX: a graph-based filament detection method
Authors: Bonnaire Tony , Aghanim Nabila , Decelle Aurélien , Douspis Marian
Published: April 2020

Numerical simulations and observations show that galaxies are not uniformly distributed in the universe but, rather, they are spread across a filamentary structure. In this large-scale pattern, highly dense regions are linked together by bridges and walls, all of them surrounded by vast, nearly-empty areas. While nodes of the network are widely studied in the literature, simulations indicate that half of the mass budget comes from a more diffuse part of the network, which is made up of filaments. In the context of recent and upcoming large galaxy surveys, it becomes essential that we identify and classify features of the Cosmic Web in an automatic way in order to study their physical properties and the impact of the cosmic environment on galaxies and their evolution. In this work, we propose a new approach for the automatic retrieval of the underlying filamentary structure from a 2D or 3D galaxy distribution using graph theory and the assumption that paths that link galaxies together with the minimum total length highlight the underlying distribution. To obtain a smoothed version of this topological prior, we embedded it in a Gaussian mixtures framework. In addition to a geometrical description of the pattern, a bootstrap-like estimate of these regularised minimum spanning trees allowed us to obtain a map characterising the frequency at which an area of the domain is crossed. Using the distribution of halos derived from numerical simulations, we show that the proposed method is able to recover the filamentary pattern in a 2D or 3D distribution of points with noise and outliers robustness with a few comprehensible parameters.
Enhancement of performance and biodegradability kinetics of aerobic-anaerobic sludge digestion
Authors: Wichitsathian Boonchai , Yimratanabovorn Jareeya , Wonglertarak Watcharapol
Published: April 2020

The excess sludge problem from a wastewater treatment plant is a great concerned due to the high cost of sludge management accounting for about 20% to 50% of the total operating cost. Therefore, sludge reduction is critical. Currently, aerobic and/or anaerobic sludge digestions are widely used in the industries for treating the excess sludge. The objective of this research was to study the effects of aeration rate and temperature on the excess sludge reduction by using the aerobic-anaerobic digestion system in the laboratory. The aeration rates of 1.0, 0.5, and 0.1 volume air per volume slurry per minute (vvm) at the room temperature and the thermophilic temperature (55 ± 2°C) were investigated. The results showed that the highest removal efficiency of aerobic sludge digestion was obtained at the thermophilic temperature and aeration rate of 1.0 vvm. The removal efficiency of organic matter in terms of COD, total solids (TS) and volatile solids (VS) were 34.76%, 33.01% and 43.45%, respectively. Consequently, the highest specific growth rate of microorganisms was 0.39 per hour and the substrate removal rate was 0.55 milligram CODremoved per milligram VSS per hour. Furthermore, slowly biodegradable organic matter was hydrolyzed to readily biodegradable organic matter and inert soluble organic matter. When the sludge effluent from aerobic sludge digestion was feed to the anaerobic sludge digestion, the removal efficiency of organic matter in terms of COD, TS and VS were increased by 25%, 17% and 28%, respectively. Moreover, the obtained methane production rate in the anaerobic sludge digestion was approximate 0.234 m3/kg COD removed.
Temporal assessment of the GPM satellite rainfall products across extremely arid regions
Authors: Mahmoud Mohammed , Mohammed Safa , Hamouda Mohamed , Mohamed Mohamed
Published: April 2020

Measuring rainfall precisely is always challenging due to its high variability, particularly in arid regions. Arid regions such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), suffer from rainfall scarcity and high variability of rainfall distribution. Thus, accurate monitoring and management of rainfall are one of the countries’ priority to ensure proficient water resources management. This study validates the accuracy of the GPM IMERG rainfall products over the KSA and UAE to detect the large rainfall events over the period from 2015 to 2017 (two seasons). A temporal assessment was carried out to evaluate the performance of the GPM satellite to detect the rainfall events. The results showed that, for satellite detection, all of the three IMERG near real-time and post-real-time products had a significant detection accuracy. On the other hand, the error indicators showed that the final-run-product had a relatively low estimation error and bias compared with the other IMERG products. Overall, the results revealed that the IMERG final-run-product have the potential to serve as a consistent product to supplement ground measurements, particularly in regions with insufficient coverage by rain gauges. This study is considered one of the earliest evaluations of the GPM IMERG products in the region. Thus, the findings could be used to enhance the upcoming IMERG algorithms associated with the arid regions.
Estimation of surface runoff using NRCS curve number in some areas in northwest coast, Egypt
Authors: Mohamed E.S. , Abdellatif M.A. , Abd-Elmabod Sameh Kotb , Khalil M.M.N.
Published: April 2020

The sustainable agricultural development in the northwest coast of Egypt suffers constantly from the effects of surface runoff. Moreover, there is an urgent need by decision makers to know the effects of runoff. So the aim of this work is to integrate remote sensing and field data and the natural resource conservation service curve number model (NRCS-CN).using geographic information systems (GIS) for spatial evaluation of surface runoff .CN approach to assessment the effect of patio-temporal variations of different soil types as well as potential climate change impact on surface runoff. DEM was used to describe the effects of slope variables on water retention and surface runoff volumes. In addition the results reflects that the magnitude of surface runoff is associated with CN values using NRCS-CN model . The average of water retention ranging between 2.5 to 3.9m the results illustrated that the highest value of runoff is distinguished around the urban area and its surrounding where it ranged between 138 - 199 mm. The results show an increase in the amount of surface runoff to 199 mm when rainfall increases 200 mm / year. The north of the area may be exposed to erosion hazards more than the south and a change in the soil quality may occur in addition to the environmental imbalance in the region.
A case study on solar, wind and hydro energy resource potential of Prizren region in Kosovo
Authors: Sarker Shiplu , Pecani Goneta , Vula Dijon , Gebremedhin Alemayehu
Published: April 2020

Prizren is a city located in the south part of Kosovo with approximately 90,000 inhabitants and land area of 640 km2. The region is covered with distinct geographical features, that favor penetration and deployment of various forms of renewable energy. Particularly, solar, wind and hydro energy potential are considered to be the most available options here. In this study, the potential of these renewable energy sources and their viability for energy production are evaluated using a computational modeling tool. The potential investment opportunities are analyzed based on a 50-year life time project. The results suggest that integrating renewable energy to the existing energy system will enable Prizren region and partly the entire Kosovo for coping with load fluctuations in energy demand. Also, it is expected that the added renewable energy in the existing energy mix will, in a broad perspective, lead to meet the European Union’s target of accelerated renewable energy penetration by the year 2030, and in turn to reduce the greenhouse gas emission to the environment.
An OpenFOAM simulation of the natural ventilation system in a university chemical laboratory
Authors: Córdova-Suárez M , Tene-Salazar O. , Tigre-Ortega F. , Carrillo-Ríos S. , Córdova-Suárez D. , TapiaVasco L. , Quesada-Revelo D
Published: April 2020

The indoor airflow with a natural ventilation system was numerically calculated using the laminar and turbulent approach. In the chemical laboratory of the Technical University of Ambato, the computational code OpenFoam demonstrated an ability to numerically predict flow patterns. The design contemplated the natural ventilation system considering the laboratories’ working conditions not only in summer, but also in a winter week. These two operating conditions are calculated on a fully open and closed environment. For a room with a capacity of 20 people, the climate data average values were recorded at 14.0 ° C, 81.7%, 1.7 m /s for temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed, respectively. Furthermore, the demonstration has shown that the homogeneous occupancy air speed average is was 0.7 m / s with a facade air intake of 1.0 m / s 0.6 m / s in the room valid for the exchange of air and evacuation of pollutants. The maximum pressures were found in the lower part of the laboratory. This prevents the modification of the thermo-hygrometric conditions.