bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cluster-formula-embedded machine learning for design of multicomponent β-Ti alloys with low Young’s modulus
Authors: Yang Fei , Li Zhen , Wang Qing , Jiang Beibei , Yan Biaojie , Zhang Pengcheng , Xu Wei , Dong Chuang , Liaw Peter K.
Published: July 2020

The present work formulated a materials design approach, a cluster-formula-embedded machine learning (ML) model, to search for body-centered-cubic (BCC) β-Ti alloys with low Young’s modulus (E) in the Ti–Mo–Nb–Zr–Sn–Ta system. The characteristic parameters, including the Mo equivalence and the cluster-formula approach, are implemented into the ML to ensure the accuracy of prediction, in which the former parameter represents the BCC-β structural stability, and the latter reflects the interactions among elements expressed with a composition formula. Both auxiliary gradient-boosting regression tree and genetic algorithm methods were adopted to deal with the optimization problem in the ML model. This cluster-formula-embedded ML can not only predict alloy property in the forward design, but also design and optimize alloy compositions with desired properties in multicomponent systems efficiently and accurately. By setting different objective functions, several new β-Ti alloys with either the lowest E (E = 48 GPa) or a specific E (E = 55 and 60 GPa) were predicted by ML and then validated by a series of experiments, including the microstructural characterization and mechanical measurements. It could be found that the experimentally obtained E of predicted alloys by ML could reach the desired objective E, which indicates that the cluster-formula-embedded ML model can make the prediction and optimization of composition and property more accurate, effective, and controllable.
Exon-focused targeted oligonucleotide microarray design increases detection of clinically relevant variants across multiple NHS genomic centres
Authors: Jezkova Jana , Heath Jade , Williams Angharad , Barrell Deborah , Norton Jessica , Collinson Morag N. , Beal Sarah J. , Corrin Sian , Morgan Sian
Published: July 2020

In recent years, chromosomal microarrays have been widely adopted by clinical diagnostic laboratories for postnatal constitutional genome analysis and have been recommended as the first-line test for patients with intellectual disability, developmental delay, autism and/or congenital abnormalities. Traditionally, array platforms have been designed with probes evenly spaced throughout the genome and increased probe density in regions associated with specific disorders with a resolution at the level of whole genes or multiple exons. However, this level of resolution often cannot detect pathogenic intragenic deletions or duplications, which represent a significant disease-causing mechanism. Therefore, new high-resolution oligonucleotide comparative genomic hybridisation arrays (oligo-array CGH) have been developed with probes targeting single exons of disease relevant genes. Here we present a retrospective study on 27,756 patient samples from a consortium of state-funded diagnostic UK genomic centres assayed by either oligo-array CGH of a traditional design (Cytosure ISCA v2) or by an oligo-array CGH with enhanced exon-level coverage of genes associated with developmental disorders (CytoSure Constitutional v3). The new targeted design used in Cytosure v3 array has been designed to capture intragenic aberrations that would have been missed on the v2 array. To assess the relative performance of the two array designs, data on a subset of samples (n = 19,675), generated only by laboratories using both array designs, were compared. Our results demonstrate that the new high-density exon-focused targeted array design that uses updated information from large scale genomic studies is a powerful tool for detection of intragenic deletions and duplications that leads to a significant improvement in diagnostic yield.
Biological system energy algorithm reflected in sub-system joint work distribution movement strategies: influence of strength and eccentric loading
Authors: McBride Jeffrey M. , Nimphius Sophia
Published: July 2020

To better understand and define energy algorithms during physical activity as it relates to strength and movement strategy of the hip, knee and ankle, a model of increasing eccentric load was implemented in the current investigation utilizing a countermovement jump and a series of drop jumps from different heights (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 cm). Twenty-one participants were grouped by sex (men, n = 9; women, n = 12) and muscle strength (higher strength, n = 7; moderate strength, n = 7; lower strength, n = 7) as determined by a maximal squat test. Force plates and 3D motion capture were utilized to calculate work for the center of mass (COM) of the whole body and individually for the hip, knee and ankle joints. Statistically significant lower net work of the COM was observed in women and lower strength participants in comparison to men and moderate strength and higher strength participants respectively (p ≤ 0.05). This was primarily due to higher negative to positive work ratios of the COM in women and lower strength participants during all jumps. Furthermore, the COM negative work was primarily dissipated at the knee joint in women and in the lower strength group, particularly during the higher drop jump trials, which are representative of a demanding eccentric load task. A definitive energy algorithm was observed as a reflection of altering joint work strategy in women and lower strength individuals, indicating a possible role in knee joint injury and modulation of such by altering muscular strength.
Sheep feeding preference as a tool to control pine invasion in Patagonia: influence of foliar toughness, terpenoids and resin content
Authors: Zamora-Nasca Lucía B. , Dimarco Romina D. , Nassini Daniela , Alvear Pablo A. , Mayoral Ariel , Nuñez Martin A. , Relva M. Andrea
Published: July 2020

Herbivores modulate the structure and composition of plant communities, including plant invasions. This is conditioned by plant palatability which can be reduced by its chemical or physical traits. The effects that ungulates browsing has on pine invasions are variable and the empirical evidence on the causes of this variability is scarce. We experimentally explored how sheep browsing preference varies between seedlings of pine species with different invasiveness; Pinus contorta (high invasiveness), P. ponderosa (medium invasiveness), P. radiata (medium invasiveness) and P. jeffreyi (low invasiveness). Secondly, we quantified anti-herbivory chemical compounds and physical traits of these species and related them with sheep preference observed. The browsing incidence of P. contorta was 68%, P. ponderosa 58%, P. radiata 29%, and P. jeffreyi 84%. Among anti-herbivory traits analyzed, α-pinene concentration had a negative effect on the probability of a terminal bud being browsed and on browsing intensity. Meanwhile, foliar toughness was negatively related to browsing intensity and water concentration was positively related to browsing intensity. Also, the most invasive species, P. contorta, was highly damaged. Thus, sheep herbivory could be slowing pine invasion rate; suggesting that could be considered a tool to control early invasions, especially for this particular species.
Accommodation is unrelated to myopia progression in Chinese myopic children
Authors: Chen Yunyun , Drobe Björn , Zhang Chuanchuan , Singh Nisha , Spiegel Daniel P. , Chen Hao , Bao Jinhua , Lu Fan
Published: July 2020

This study shows accommodative accuracy and distance accommodation facility in myopic children do not play a role in myopia progression. In 144 subjects, the monocular distance accommodative facility (DAF) and continuous accommodative stimulus–response curves (ASRCs) were measured at the enrolment. Retrospective and prospective refraction with regard to the enrolment visit were obtained from the outpatient database system based on noncycloplegic subjective spherical equivalent refraction (SER). The rate of myopic progression at enrolment was the first derivative of the Gompertz function, which was fitted with each subject's longitudinal refractive error data, including at least four records of SER with an interval of more than 6 months between each visit. A mixed linear model for multilevel repeated-measures data was used to explore the associations between the rate of myopia progression and accommodative parameters. The mean rate of myopia progression at enrolment was -0.61 ± 0.31 D/y with a mean age of 12.27 ± 1.61 years. By adjusting for age and SER, it was shown that the myopic progression rate was not associated with the accommodative lag (F = 0.269, P = 0.604), accommodative lag area (F = 0.086, P = 0.354), slope of ASRC (F = 0.711, P = 0.399), and DAF (F = 0.619, P = 0.432).
Molecular detection and phylogenetic analyses of Wolbachia in natural populations of nine galling Aphid species
Authors: Ren Weibin , Wei Hongyuan , Yang Ying , Shao Shuxia , Wu Haixia , Chen Xiaoming , Yang Zixiang
Published: July 2020

Wolbachia is one of the most abundant facultative intracellular symbionts in arthropods. It alters host biology in diverse ways, including the induction of reproductive manipulation, association of nutrient supplier and protection against pathogens. Aphids are a group of insects which exhibit interesting biological characteristics such as complex life cycles, alteration of sexual and asexual reproduction and shifts between two different hosts. Wolbachia is widely present in many orders of insects, but so far limited studies on Wolbachia in aphids have been carried out. Galling aphids are a group of aphids that induce galls on their primary host plants at specific life stage. In this study, 15 natural populations representing nine galling aphid species were analyzed for the presence of Wolbachia using species-specific primer pairs. Wolbachia presence in galling aphids was quite low and varied significantly among aphid populations. Only three of the 15 populations we analyzed had detectable Wolbachia and the overall infection rate was 20%. Two Wolbachia strains, O and B, were identified from the galling aphids Kaburagia rhusicola and Schlechtendalia chinensis. Strain O was for the first time to be found in aphids, and it is likely involved with the life stages of galling aphids living in closed microenvironments with specific survival strategies that are different from free-living aphids.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 is expressed in the horizontal pathway of the vervet monkey retina
Authors: Bouskila Joseph , Micaelo-Fernandes Catarina , Palmour Roberta M. , Bouchard Jean-François , Ptito Maurice
Published: July 2020

The ubiquitous distribution of the classic endocannabinoid system (cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2) has been demonstrated within the monkey nervous system, including the retina. Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) is a cannabinoid-like non-selective cation channel receptor that is present in the retina and binds to endovannilloids and endocannabinoids, like anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol and N-arachidonoyl dopamine. Retinal expression patterns of TRPV1 are available for rodents and data in higher mammals like humans and monkeys are scarce. We therefore thoroughly examined the expression and localization of TRPV1 in the retina, at various eccentricities, of the vervet (Chlorocebus sabeus) monkey, using Western blots and immunohistochemistry. Our results demonstrate that TRPV1 is found mainly in the outer and inner plexiform layers, and in the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer with a higher density in the periphery. Co-immunolabeling of TRPV1 with parvalbumin, a primate horizontal cell marker, revealed a clear overlap of expression throughout the entire cell structure with most prominent staining in the cell body membrane and synaptic terminals. Furthermore, double labeling of TRPV1 and syntaxin was found throughout amacrine cells in the inner plexiform layer. Finally, double staining of TRPV1 and Brn3a allowed us to confirm its previously reported expression in the cell bodies and dendrites of RGCs. The presence of TRPV1 in the horizontal pathway suggests a function of this receptor in lateral inhibition between photoreceptors through the horizontal cells, and between bipolar cells through amacrine cells.
SiNx/(Al,Ga)N interface barrier in N-polar III-nitride transistor structures studied by modulation spectroscopy
Authors: Janicki Ł. , Li H. , Keller S. , Mishra U. K. , Kudrawiec R.
Published: July 2020

Contactless electroreflectance studies coupled with numerical calculations are performed on in-situ SiNx capped N-polar III-nitride high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) structures with a scaled channel thickness in order to analyse the built-in electric field in the GaN channel layer. The experimentally obtained field values are compared with the calculated field versus channel thickness curves. Furthermore, the experimental and theoretical sheet carrier densities, ns, are evaluated. While a gradual decrease in carrier concentration with decreasing channel thickness is expected for N-polar structures, experimentally a sudden drop in the ns values is observed for samples with very thin channels. The additional loss in charge was associated with a change in the SiNx/AlGaN interface Fermi level at very thin channel thicknesses.
Exploiting phage receptor binding proteins to enable endolysins to kill Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Zampara Athina , Sørensen Martine C. Holst , Grimon Dennis , Antenucci Fabio , Vitt Amira Ruslanovna , Bortolaia Valeria , Briers Yves , Brøndsted Lone
Published: July 2020

Bacteriophage-encoded endolysins degrading the bacterial peptidoglycan are promising antibacterials for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, endolysins have limited use against Gram-negative bacteria, since the outer membrane prevents access to the peptidoglycan. Here, we present Innolysins, an innovative concept for engineering endolysins to exert antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Innolysins combine the enzymatic activity of endolysins with the binding capacity of phage receptor binding proteins (RBPs). As proof-of-concept, we constructed 12 Innolysins by fusing phage T5 endolysin and RBP Pb5 in different configurations. One of these, Innolysin Ec6 displayed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli only in the presence of Pb5 receptor FhuA, leading to 1.22 ± 0.12 log reduction in cell counts. Accordingly, other bacterial species carrying FhuA homologs such as Shigella sonnei and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were sensitive to Innolysin Ec6. To enhance the antibacterial activity, we further constructed 228 novel Innolysins by fusing 23 endolysins with Pb5. High-throughput screening allowed to select Innolysin Ec21 as the best antibacterial candidate, leading to 2.20 ± 0.09 log reduction in E. coli counts. Interestingly, Innolysin Ec21 also displayed bactericidal activity against E. coli resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, reaching a 3.31 ± 0.53 log reduction in cell counts. Overall, the Innolysin approach expands previous endolysin-engineering strategies, allowing customization of endolysins by exploiting phage RBPs to specifically target Gram-negative bacteria.
A benzimidazole inhibitor attenuates sterile inflammation induced in a model of systemic autoinflammation in female mice
Authors: Agliano Federica , Karlinsey Keaton S. , Ragazzi Michael , Ménoret Antoine , Vella Anthony T.
Published: July 2020

Sterile stimuli can trigger inflammatory responses, and in some cases can lead to a variety of acute or chronic diseases. In this study, we hypothesize that a benzimidazole inhibitor may be used as a therapeutic in the treatment of sterile inflammation. In vitro, this inhibitor blocks TLR signalling and inflammatory responses. The benzimidazole inhibitor does not prevent mouse macrophage activation after stimulation with 2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane (TMPD, also known as pristane), a hydrocarbon oil that mimics features of sterile inflammation when injected in vivo. However, C57BL/6J female mice treated with the benzimidazole inhibitor exhibited a significant reduction of pristane-dependent induction of splenocyte number and weight. Conversely, no significant difference was observed in males. Using mass spectrometry, we found that the urine of pristane-injected mice contained increased levels of putative markers for several inflammatory diseases, which were reduced by the benzimidazole inhibitor. To study the mechanism, we showed that pristane-injected mice had increased cell free DNA in serum, which was not impacted by inhibitor treatment. However, chemokine release (e.g. MCP-1, RANTES and TARC) was significantly reduced in inhibitor-treated mice. Thus, the benzimidazole inhibitor might be used as a new drug to block the recruitment of immune cells during sterile inflammatory diseases in humans.
Association between hemoglobin variability and incidence of hypertension over 40 years: a Korean national cohort study
Authors: Son Minkook , Park Junyong , Park Kyungil , Yang Sung
Published: July 2020

Hemoglobin level determines blood viscosity and as hemoglobin level rises, blood pressure rises. However, hemoglobin level in individuals is not fixed and change in hemoglobin is affected by various clinical conditions. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the hemoglobin variability affects the development of hypertension using Korean cohort database. This study was conducted with 94,798 adults (age ≥ 40 years) who visited the health screening in 2006 or 2007 (index year) and had at least 3 health screenings from 2002 to 2007. Hemoglobin variability was assessed by 3 indices of coefficient of variation (CV), standard deviation, and variability independent of the mean. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed for each index of quartile groups (Q1–Q4). A total of 29,145 participants (30.7%) had the incidence of hypertension during a median follow-up of 7.4 ± 2.5 years. In the multivariable adjusted model, the hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval for incidence of hypertension of Q2, Q3, and Q4 compared with Q1 of hemoglobin variability CV were 1.014 [0.981–1.047], 1.064 [1.030–1.099] and 1.094 [1.059–1.131] respectively. The results were consistent in various sensitivity and subgroup analyses. This study showed that hemoglobin variability could be associated with hypertension development.
Miocene cladocera from Poland
Authors: Dumont Henri J. , Pociecha Agnieszka , Zawisza Edyta , Szeroczyńska Krystyna , Worobiec Elżbieta , Worobiec Grzegorz
Published: July 2020

The Bełchatów Lignite Mine of Poland is a treasure-cove for mid-to late Miocene plant and animal fossils, deposited in a slow-flowing river valley with swamps and oxbow lakes. Here, we report the finding of abundant fossil anomopod cladocerans. Some are three-dimensionally preserved, including the taxonomically important trunk limbs. They pertain to the families Chydoridae and Bosminidae, with species similar to but distinct from modern ones. All are members of the zooplankton, though some are littoral while others are pelagic in nature. Morphological stasis in these families is not outspoken as in the Daphniidae and the stasis hypothesis, based on ephippia only, is challenged. The absence of Daphnia is conspicuous and ascribed to a combination of fish predation and local water chemistry. Its place in the oxbow lakes is taken by at least two Bosmina species, one of which is undescribed. We consider this a case of paleo-competitive release. For Bosminidae, these are the first certified fossils predating the Pleistocene.
Simultaneous FDG-PET/MRI detects hippocampal subfield metabolic differences in AD/MCI
Authors: Carlson Mackenzie L. , DiGiacomo Phillip S. , Fan Audrey P. , Goubran Maged , Khalighi Mohammad Mehdi , Chao Steven Z. , Vasanawala Minal , Wintermark Max , Mormino Elizabeth , Zaharchuk Greg , James Michelle L. , Zeineh Michael M.
Published: July 2020

The medial temporal lobe is one of the most well-studied brain regions affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although the spread of neurofibrillary pathology in the hippocampus throughout the progression of AD has been thoroughly characterized and staged using histology and other imaging techniques, it has not been precisely quantified in vivo at the subfield level using simultaneous positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Here, we investigate alterations in metabolism and volume using [18F]fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) and simultaneous time-of-flight (TOF) PET/MRI with hippocampal subfield analysis of AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and healthy subjects. We found significant structural and metabolic changes within the hippocampus that can be sensitively assessed at the subfield level in a small cohort. While no significant differences were found between groups for whole hippocampal SUVr values (p = 0.166), we found a clear delineation in SUVr between groups in the dentate gyrus (p = 0.009). Subfield analysis may be more sensitive for detecting pathological changes using PET-MRI in AD compared to global hippocampal assessment.
Standardized treatment and determinants on 9,059 syphilis-infected pregnant women during 2015–2018 in Hunan, China
Authors: Li Huixia , Tan Jingjing , Luo Zhongwen , Zheng Jianfei , Huang Guangwen , Xiao Juan , Huang Qun , Feng Na
Published: July 2020

This study was aimed to describe the standardized treatment rate of syphilis-infected pregnant women in Hunan province and to explore the determinants for standardized treatment. All syphilis-infected pregnant women registered in the Information System of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Syphilis Management (IPMTCT) in Hunan between January 2015 and December 2018 were included in this study. Among 9,059 pregnant women with syphilis, 7,797 received syphilis treatment, with a treatment rate of 86.1%, and 4,963 underwent standardized syphilis treatment, with an average standardized treatment rate of 54.8%. The facilitators for the standardized treatment included abnormal reproductive histories (aOR = 1.15, 95%CI:1.03–1.28), time of first prenatal care within 1–12 weeks (aOR = 5.17, 95%CI:4.19–6.37) or within 13–27 weeks (aOR = 5.56, 95%CI:4.46–6.92), previous syphilis infection (aOR = 1.64, 95%CI: 1.48–1.81), and definite syphilis infection status of sexual partner (negative: aOR = 1.73, 95%CI:1.57–1.91; positive: aOR = 1.62, 95%CI:1.34–1.95). The barriers included marital status being unmarried/divorced/widowed (aOR = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.65–0.99), pluripara (aOR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.46–0.74), number of children ≥ 2 (aOR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.35–0.57), and syphilis clinical stage being primary/secondary/tertiary (aOR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.58–0.88) or unclear (aOR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.70–0.86). Though the treatment rate of syphilis-infected pregnant women was high, the standardized treatment rate was low. The facilitators and barriers on standardized treatment of gestational syphilis were identified at the patient level.
Publisher Correction: Interactive Effects of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Inoculation and Nitrogen Fertilization on Soybean Yield in Unfavorable Edaphoclimatic Environments
Authors: Cordeiro Carlos Felipe dos Santos , Echer Fábio Rafael
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Interferon-Dependent and Respiratory Virus-Specific Interference in Dual Infections of Airway Epithelia
Authors: Essaidi-Laziosi Manel , Geiser Johan , Huang Song , Constant Samuel , Kaiser Laurent , Tapparel Caroline
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Carbon dioxide adsorption in open nanospaces formed by overlap of saponite clay nanosheets
Authors: Sato Kiminori , Hunger Michael
Published: July 2020

Nanoscale open spaces formed by partial overlap of two-dimensional nanosheets in clays, abundantly and ubiquitously available, possess reactive molecular sites such as nanosheet edges in their interior. Here, the capture and storage of CO2 molecules in open spaces within saponite clay are explored by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance coupled with open space analysis using positronium. CO2 physisorption occurs on the nanosheet surfaces inside the open spaces under ambient conditions. Thereby, CO2 molecules are activated by picking off weakly-bound oxygen from octahedral sites at the nanosheet edges and carbonate species are stabilized on the nanosheet surfaces. This instantaneous mineral carbonation and CO2 physisorption occurs in the absence of an energy-consumption process or chemical solution enhancement. This finding is of potential significance for CO2 capture and storage and presents an approach of environmentally friendly recycling of low contaminated soil in Fukushima.
High-temperature short-range order in Mn3RhSi
Authors: Yamauchi Hiroki , Sari Dita Puspita , Watanabe Isao , Yasui Yukio , Chang Lieh-Jeng , Kondo Keietsu , Ito Takashi U. , Ishikado Motoyuki , Hagihara Masato , Frontzek Matthias D. , Chi Songxue , Fernandez-Baca Jaime A. , Lord James S. , Berlie Adam , Kotani Atsuhiro , Mori Shigeo , Shamoto Shin-ichi
Published: July 2020

Conventional phase transitions are well understood in terms of the order parameter, based on the Landau–Ginzburg–Wilson theory. However, unconventional magnetic orders have been observed in clean systems such as MnSi. The unconventional magnetic orders of conduction electrons in the metallic phase has been observed for high-temperature superconductors and heavy fermion compounds. However, these unconventional magnetic orders have been limited to relatively low temperatures as quantum phase transitions. Here high-temperature magnetic short-range order is observed as one of the unconventional magnetic orders at temperatures up to 720 K in a noncentrosymmetric intermetallic antiferromagnet Mn3RhSi with a well-ordered lattice. The magnetic Mn ions form a hyperkagome network of corner-sharing triangles, where the spins are geometrically frustrated. The spin network is equivalent to that of a spin liquid and non-Fermi-liquid material, β-Mn. Our observation indicates that a metallic phase with magnetic short-range order exists at high temperatures.
The potential of d6 non-noble metal NHC catalysts for carbon dioxide hydrogenation: group and row effects
Authors: Jing Yaru , Ye Zongren , Su Jiaqi , Feng Yishun , Qu Ling-Bo , Liu Yan , Ke Zhuofeng
Published: July 2020

Group VIB NHC-complexes as promising non-noble catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation benefiting by the weak electronegativity and low oxidation state.
Highly durable fuel cell catalysts using crosslinkable block copolymer-based carbon supports with ultralow Pt loadings
Authors: Choi Juhyuk , Lee Young Jun , Park Dongmin , Jeong Hojin , Shin Sangyong , Yun Hongseok , Lim Jinkyu , Han Junghun , Kim Eun Ji , Jeon Sun Seo , Jung Yousung , Lee Hyunjoo , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: July 2020

The catalyst in which carbon shells encapsulate PtFe nanoparticles shows superior activity and durability for proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
Simultaneous interfacial chemistry and inner Helmholtz plane regulation for superior alkaline hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhang Bao , Zhang Lishang , Tan Qiuyang , Wang Jinsong , Liu Jia , Wan Houzhao , Miao Ling , Jiang Jianjun
Published: July 2020

Developing highly efficient and durable alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts composed of earth-abundant materials is crucial for large-scale electrochemical hydrogen production.
Vapor phase infiltration of zinc oxide into thin films of cis-polyisoprene rubber
Authors: Pilz Julian , Coclite Anna Maria , Losego Mark D.
Published: July 2020

Vapor phase infiltration (VPI) of ZnO into the elastomeric polymer polyisoprene creates an organic-inorganic hybrid material. Inorganic loading and hybrid structure depend upon the initial polymer free volume and the extent of polymer oxidation.
On the shape-dependent propulsion of nano- and microparticles by traveling ultrasound waves
Authors: Voß Johannes , Wittkowski Raphael
Published: July 2020

We address the propulsion mechanism of ultrasound-propelled nano- and microparticles that are exposed to a traveling ultrasound wave.
Combined DFT and geometrical–topological analysis of Li-ion conductivity in complex hydrides
Authors: Gulino Valerio , Wolczyk Anna , Golov Andrey A. , Eremin Roman A. , Palumbo Mauro , Nervi Carlo , Blatov Vladislav A. , Proserpio Davide M. , Baricco Marcello
Published: July 2020

This work suggests that topological analysis can adequately explain the ion conductivity in complex hydrides.
Efficient adsorption and full spectrum photocatalytic degradation of low concentration PPCPs promoted by graphene/TiO2 nanowires hybrid structure in 3D hydrogel networks
Authors: Hu Yajie , Yang Yanan , Zhang Jiejing , Jin Shengnan , Zheng Hong
Published: July 2020

A 3D rGO/GNW hydrogel exhibits efficient adsorption, full spectrum photocatalytic performance and significant potential for low concentration PPCP removal from water.
Insights on the structure-performance relationship of polyphthalamide (PPA) composites reinforced with high-temperature produced biocarbon
Authors: Gonzalez de Gortari Mateo , Rodriguez-Uribe Arturo , Misra Manjusri , Mohanty Amar K.
Published: July 2020

Biocarbon-filled polyphthalamide composites were made, achieving comparable mechanical and thermal characteristics to talc-filled ones, at a lower density.
Residue-based propensity of aggregation in the Tau amyloidogenic hexapeptides AcPHF6* and AcPHF6
Authors: Dangi Abha , Balmik Abhishek Ankur , Ghorpade Archana Kisan , Gorantla Nalini Vijay , Sonawane Shweta Kishor , Chinnathambi Subashchandrabose , Marelli Udaya Kiran
Published: July 2020

In the alanine mutant peptides of AcPHF6* and AcPHF6, only the peptides with glutamine to alanine substitution show aggregation akin to that of the parent peptides.
Barrier-promoting efficiency of two bioactive flavonols quercetin and myricetin on rat intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) cellsviasuppressing Rho activation
Authors: Fan Jing , Li Tie-Jing , Zhao Xin-Huai
Published: July 2020

Quercetin and myricetin have a barrier-promoting effect on IEC-6 cellsviathe RhoA/ROCK pathway but heated quercetin and myricetin show decreased barrier-promoting efficiency.
Effect of C-terminus amidation of Aβ39–42fragment derived peptides as potential inhibitors of Aβ aggregation
Authors: Kapadia Akshay , Patel Aesan , Sharma Krishna K. , Maurya Indresh Kumar , Singh Varinder , Khullar Madhu , Jain Rahul
Published: July 2020

Amidated C-terminal fragment, Aβ39–42derived non-cytotoxic β-sheet breaker peptides exhibit excellent potency, enhanced bioavailability and improved proteolytic stability.
Preparing 3D-printable silk fibroin hydrogels with robustness by a two-step crosslinking method
Authors: Gong Dafei , Lin Qinrui , Shao Zhengzhong , Chen Xin , Yang Yuhong
Published: July 2020

Schematic showing the fabrication process of the 3D-printed robust double-network RSF hydrogels.
Understanding the relevance of protein corona in nanoparticle-based therapeutics and diagnostics
Authors: Chakraborty Debolina , Ethiraj K. R. , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: July 2020

Protein corona and its applications.
Investigating the biosynthesis of Sch-642305 in the fungus Phomopsis sp. CMU-LMA
Authors: Trenti Francesco , Lebe Karen E. , Adelin Emilie , Ouazzani Jamal , Schotte Carsten , Cox Russell J.
Published: July 2020

The biosynthetic pathway of the fungal metabolite Sch-642305 was determined by a series of knockout and heterologous expression experiments.
The use of fluorescent protein-tagged carbohydrate-binding modules to evaluate the influence of drying on cellulose accessibility and enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Mboowa Drake , Khatri Vinay , Saddler Jack N.
Published: July 2020

Drying restricts cellulose accessibility at macro- and micro-scale of fiber structure with restriction at macro-fiber significantly limiting accessibility to micro-fibrils.
New insights into the beneficial roles of dispersants in reducing negative influence of Mg2+ on molybdenite flotation
Authors: Li Yubiao , Yang Xu , Fu Jiali , Li Wanqing , Hu Chenglong
Published: July 2020

Due to the shortage of freshwater, seawater has been widely considered for mineral flotation.
Recent advances in vanadium-based nanomaterials and their composites for supercapacitors
Authors: Qin Huizhen , Liang Shunfei , Chen Lingyun , Li Yang , Luo Ziyang , Chen Shaowei
Published: July 2020

A summary of recent advances in V-based nanomaterials and their composites for SCs.
SERS-fluorescence-superresolution triple-mode nanoprobe based on surface enhanced Raman scattering and surface enhanced fluorescence
Authors: Zong Shenfei , Tang Hailong , Yang Kuo , Wang Hong , Wang Zhuyuan , Cui Yiping
Published: July 2020

A SERS-fluorescence and superresolution triple-mode nanoprobe is presented for the imaging of cancer cells.
Evolution of exploding granules from coordinated observations by THEMIS, IRIS, SDO/HMI, and HINODE, and a simulation
Authors: Roudier T. , Malherbe J. M. , Gelly B. , Douet R. , Frank Z. , Dalmasse K.
Published: July 2020

Exploding granules constitute the strongest horizontal flows on the quiet Sun and contribute to the structure of the surface horizontal velocity fields which build the large-scale organization of the discrete magnetic field. In this work we explore exploding granule expansion through the observations of the ground-based THEMIS telescope, IRIS, SDO, and the Hinode space-borne instruments, and finally with the magnetohydrodynamics simulation. We evaluate the detection and the expansion of exploding granules at several wavelengths and at various spatial and temporal resolutions. To analyze the different temporal sequences, two methods of image segmentation are applied to select the granules. The first allows us to follow individually the exploding granules observed simultaneously by THEMIS, IRIS, and SDO. The second uses long time independent sequences from THEMIS, IRIS, SDO, Hinode, and a simulation. In the first method (called manual) the segmentation isolates the cell of the granules (bright granules and intergranular parts), while in the second method (called statistical) only the bright part of the granules are isolated. The results obtained with simultaneous or distinct temporal observations using the two methods of segmentation are in good agreement. The granule area evolves linearly with an expansion velocity that decreases with the radius. A rapid decrease in the velocity expansion in the first two minutes is observed. The detection and measurement of the dynamics of the explosive granules can be performed from ground- and space-based instruments. Our work reveals the usefulness of SDO data, with low spatial resolution, to study the dynamics of the exploding granules all over the solar surface.
Neoproterozoic magmatic evolution of the southern Ouaddaï Massif (Chad)
Authors: Djerossem Félix , Berger Julien , Vanderhaeghe Olivier , Isseini Moussa , Ganne Jérôme , Zeh Armin
Published: July 2020

This paper presents new petrological, geochemical, isotopic (Nd) and geochronological data on magmatic rocks from the poorly known southern Ouaddaï massif, located at the southern edge of the so-called Saharan metacraton. This area is made of greenschist to amphibolite facies metasediments intruded by large pre- to syn-tectonic batholiths of leucogranites and an association of monzonite, granodiorite and biotite granite forming a late tectonic high-K calc-alkaline suite. U-Pb zircon dating yields ages of 635 ± 3 Ma and 613 ± 8 Ma on a peraluminous biotite-leucogranite (containing numerous inherited Archean and Paleoproterozoic zircon cores) and a muscovite-leucogranite, respectively. Geochemical fingerprints are very similar to some evolved Himalayan leucogranites suggesting their parental magmas were formed after muscovite and biotite dehydration melting of metasedimentary rocks. A biotite-granite sample belonging to the late tectonic high-K to shoshonitic suite contains zircon rims that yield an age of 540 ± 5 Ma with concordant inherited cores crystallized around 1050 Ma. Given the high-Mg# (59) andesitic composition of the intermediate pyroxene-monzonite, the very similar trace-element signature between the different rock types and the unradiogenic isotopic signature for Nd, the late-kinematic high-K to shoshonitic rocks formed after melting of the enriched mantle and further differentiation in the crust. These data indicate that the southern Ouaddaï was part of the Pan-African belt. It is proposed that it represents a continental back-arc basin characterized by a high-geothermal gradient during Early Ediacaran leading to anatexis of middle to lower crustal levels. After tectonic inversion during the main Pan-African phase, late kinematic high-K to shoshonitic plutons emplaced during the final post-collisional stage.
Pressure-temperature conditions and significance of Upper Devonian eclogite and amphibolite facies metamorphisms in southern French Massif central
Authors: Benmammar Anissa , Berger Julien , Triantafyllou Antoine , Duchene Stéphanie , Bendaoud Abderrahmane , Baele Jean-Marc , Bruguier Olivier , Diot Hervé
Published: July 2020

The southwestern French Massif central in western Rouergue displays an inverted metamorphic sequence with eclogite and amphibolite facies units forming the top of the nappe stack. They are often grouped into the leptyno-amphibolite complex included, in this area, at the base of the Upper Gneiss Unit. We sampled garnet micaschists and amphibolites to investigate their metamorphic history with isochemical phase diagrams, thermobarometry and U-Pb zircon dating. Our results demonstrate that two different tectono-metamorphic units can be distinguished. The Najac unit consists of biotite-poor phengite-garnet micaschists, a basic-ultrabasic intrusion containing retrogressed eclogites and phengite orthogneisses. Pressure and temperature estimates on micaschists with syn-kinematic garnets yield a prograde with garnet growth starting at 380 °C/6–7 kbar, peak pressure at 16 kbar for 570 °C, followed by retrogression in the greenschist facies. The age of high pressure metamorphism has been constrained in a recent publication between ca. 383 and 369 Ma. The Laguépie unit comprises garnet-free and garnet-bearing amphibolites with isolated lenses, veins or dykes of leucotonalitic gneiss. Thermobarometry and phase diagram calculation on a garnet amphibolite yield suprasolidus peak P-T conditions at 710 °C, 10 kbar followed by retrogression and deformation under greenschist and amphibolite facies conditions. New U-Pb analyses obtained on igneous zircon rims from a leucotonalitic gneiss yield an age of 363 ± 3 Ma, interpreted as the timing of zircon crystallization after incipient partial melting of the host amphibolite. The eclogitic Najac unit records the subduction of a continental margin during Upper Devonian. It is tentatively correlated to a Middle Allochthon, sandwiched between the Lower Gneiss Unit and the Upper Gneiss Unit. Such an intermediate unit is still poorly defined in the French Massif central but it can be a lateral equivalent of the Groix blueschists in the south Armorican massif. The Uppermost Devonian, amphibolite facies Laguépie unit correlates in terms of P-T-t evolution to the Upper Gneiss Unit in the Western French Massif central. This Late Devonian metamorphism is contemporaneous with active margin magmatism and confirms that the French Massif central belonged to the continental upper plate of an ocean-continent subduction system just before the stacking of Mississippian nappes.
A consensus-based global optimization method for high dimensional machine learning problems
Authors: Carrillo José A. , Jin Shi , Li Lei , Zhu Yuhua
Published: July 2020

We improve recently introduced consensus-based optimization method, proposed in [R. Pinnau, C. Totzeck, O. Tse, S. Martin, Math. Models Methods Appl. Sci. 27 (2017) 183–204], which is a gradient-free optimization method for general non-convex functions. We first replace the isotropic geometric Brownian motion by the component-wise one, thus removing the dimensionality dependence of the drift rate, making the method more competitive for high dimensional optimization problems. Secondly, we utilize the random mini-batch ideas to reduce the computational cost of calculating the weighted average which the individual particles tend to relax toward. For its mean-field limit – a nonlinear Fokker-Planck equation – we prove, in both time continuous and semi-discrete settings, that the convergence of the method, which is exponential in time, is guaranteed with parameter constraints independent of the dimensionality. We also conduct numerical tests to high dimensional problems to check the success rate of the method.
Exact boundary controllability and exact boundary synchronization for a coupled system of wave equations with coupled Robin boundary controls
Authors: Li Tatsien , Lu Xing , Rao Bopeng
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we consider the exact boundary controllability and the exact boundary synchronization (by groups) for a coupled system of wave equations with coupled Robin boundary controls. Owing to the difficulty coming from the lack of regularity of the solution, we confront a bigger challenge than that in the case with Dirichlet or Neumann boundary controls. In order to overcome this difficulty, we use the regularity results of solutions to the mixed problem with Neumann boundary conditions by Lasiecka and Triggiani [J. Differ. Equ. 94 (1991) 112–164] to get the regularity of solutions to the mixed problem with coupled Robin boundary conditions. Thus we show the exact boundary controllability of the system, and by a method of compact perturbation, we obtain the non-exact boundary controllability of the system with fewer boundary controls on some special domains. Based on this, we further study the exact boundary synchronization (by groups) for the same system, the determination of the exactly synchronizable state (by groups), as well as the necessity of the compatibility conditions of the coupling matrices.
Magnetization reduction by varying normal field in stacks of composite superconductors in an electrical motor
Authors: Smara Anis , Reis Thomas , Climente-Alarcon Vicente , Glowacki Bartek A.
Published: July 2020

Trapped field magnets of superconducting stacks could be an alternative to conventional magnets in electrical machine applications. A conceptual design of an electrical motor using these stacks was proposed in [1,2]. Superconducting stacks offer many advantages; however, they can be demagnetized when exposed to the varying field present in electrical motors during operation. This varying field can be generated by salient magnetic circuit or generated from the armature winding as harmonics. To study this demagnetization effect, we carried out an experiment on a superconducting stack in an electrical machine, exposing it to different levels of varying cross and normal fields. The experimental measurements recorded a demagnetization of the stack. In this work, the analyses of the reduction of magnetization of the superconducting stack by an alternating normal field and the comparison of the results with experimental measurements in the electrical motor are presented.
Impact of anthropogenic transformations on the vegetation of selected abiotic types of rivers in two ecoregions (Southern Poland)
Authors: Halabowski Dariusz , Lewin Iga
Published: July 2020

The quality of water in rivers is declining worldwide due to anthropogenic activities. This phenomenon may be exacerbated by climate change and population growth. We hypothesised that both physical and chemical parameters of water, which reflect the differences in the underlying geology and anthropogenic transformations, are the most important characteristics to explain the distribution of macrophytes in rivers. In the present study, we analysed the effect of anthropogenic transformation on the structure of macrophytes in eight rivers within the river basins of the Vistula and Oder Rivers (Southern Poland). A canonical correspondence analysis showed that conductivity, altitude, natural features of rivers and adjacent land use, which are indicated by the values of the Hydromorphological Diversity Index (WRH), and medium sand were the most important factors that affected the distribution of macrophytes. The eurytopic species, including invasive alien species, were negatively correlated with the WRH index and positively correlated with high conductivity. An increase in the conductivity led to a loss of vegetation diversity and caused the replacement of freshwater species with brackish or salt-resistant species. Salinity of 2.96–5.16 PSU decreased the number of macrophyte taxa by over 30% in the rivers as compared to salinity of 0.45–0.64 PSU. Because very few studies have investigated the effect of salinity on macrophytes, further research is needed to explain this phenomenon. We therefore suggest extensive use of hydromorphological indices in studies on the distribution of macrophytes in rivers.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy or hepaticojejunostomy without dilation using a stent with a thinner delivery system
Authors: Maehara Kosuke , Hijioka Susumu , Nagashio Yoshikuni , Ohba Akihiro , Maruki Yuta , Suzuki Hiromi , Sone Miyuki , Okusaka Takuji , Saito Yutaka
Published: July 2020

Background and study aim Use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has recently increased. In EUS-BD, after puncturing the bile duct, dilation is performed and the stent is deployed. Due to adverse events (AEs) such as unexpected displacement of the guidewire, simplified procedures are required. Currently, stents with small-diameter delivery systems are being rapidly developed, expanding the possibilities for of EUS-BD without dilation. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the success rates and AEs in patients who underwent EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) or EUS-guided hepaticojejunostomy (EUS-HJS) without dilation.

Patients and methods Six consecutive patients with malignant biliary obstruction and failed transpapillary BD underwent EUS-HGS or EUS-HJS without dilation, deploying a 6-mm fully-covered self-expandable metallic stent with a 6-Fr delivery system.

Results The technical and clinical success rates were 100 %. There was one case each of stent migration and stent occlusion, and no other AEs were noted.

Conclusions EUS-HGS or EUS-HJS without dilation using a stent with a 6-Fr delivery system had high technical and clinical success rates; however, additional cases are required to validate the study findings.