bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The glycosylation in SARS-CoV-2 and its receptor ACE2
Authors: Gong Yanqiu , Qin Suideng , Dai Lunzhi , Tian Zhixin
Published: November 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has infected more than 235 million individuals and led to more than 4.8 million deaths worldwide as of October 5 2021. Cryo-electron microscopy and topology show that the SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes lots of highly glycosylated proteins, such as spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M), and ORF3a proteins, which are responsible for host recognition, penetration, binding, recycling and pathogenesis. Here we reviewed the detections, substrates, biological functions of the glycosylation in SARS-CoV-2 proteins as well as the human receptor ACE2, and also summarized the approved and undergoing SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics associated with glycosylation. This review may not only broad the understanding of viral glycobiology, but also provide key clues for the development of new preventive and therapeutic methodologies against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
Three-year outcomes of the randomized phase III SEIPLUS trial of extensive intraoperative peritoneal lavage for locally advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Guo Jing , Xu Aman , Sun Xiaowei , Zhao Xuhui , Xia Yabin , Rao Huamin , Zhang Yaming , Zhang Rupeng , Chen Li , Zhang Tao , Li Gang , Xu Hongtao , Xu Dazhi
Published: November 2021

Whether extensive intraoperative peritoneal lavage (EIPL) after gastrectomy is beneficial to patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (AGC) is not clear. This phase 3, multicenter, parallel-group, prospective randomized study (NCT02745509) recruits patients between April 2016 and November 2017. Eligible patients who had been histologically proven AGC with T3/4NxM0 stage are randomly assigned (1:1) to either surgery alone or surgery plus EIPL. The results of the two groups are analyzed in the intent-to-treat population. A total of 662 patients with AGC (329 patients in the surgery alone group, and 333 in the surgery plus EIPL group) are included in the study. The primary endpoint is 3-year overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints include 3-year disease free survival (DFS), 3-year peritoneal recurrence-free survival (reported in this manuscript) and 30-day postoperative complication and mortality (previously reported). The trial meets pre-specified endpoints. Estimated 3-year OS rates are 68.5% in the surgery alone group and 70.6% in the surgery plus EIPL group (log-rank p = 0.77). 3-year DFS rates are 61.2% in the surgery alone group and 66.0% in the surgery plus EIPL group (log-rank p = 0.24). The pattern of disease recurrence is similar in the two groups. In conclusion, EIPL does not improve the 3-year survival rate in AGC patients.
Finding positive meaning in memories of negative events adaptively updates memory
Authors: Speer Megan E. , Ibrahim Sandra , Schiller Daniela , Delgado Mauricio R.
Published: November 2021

Finding positive meaning in past negative memories is associated with enhanced mental health. Yet it remains unclear whether it leads to updates in the memory representation itself. Since memory can be labile after retrieval, this leaves the potential for modification whenever its reactivated. Across four experiments, we show that positively reinterpreting negative memories adaptively updates them, leading to the re-emergence of positivity at future retrieval. Focusing on the positive aspects after negative recall leads to enhanced positive emotion and changes in memory content during recollection one week later, remaining even after two months. Consistent with a reactivation-induced reconsolidation account, memory updating occurs only after a reminder and twenty four hours, but not a one hour delay. Multi-session fMRI showed adaptive updates are reflected in greater hippocampal and ventral striatal pattern dissimilarity across retrievals. This research highlights the mechanisms by which updating of maladaptive memories occurs through a positive emotion-focused strategy.
Deficiency of autism risk factor ASH1L in prefrontal cortex induces epigenetic aberrations and seizures
Authors: Qin Luye , Williams Jamal B. , Tan Tao , Liu Tiaotiao , Cao Qing , Ma Kaijie , Yan Zhen
Published: November 2021

ASH1L, a histone methyltransferase, is identified as a top-ranking risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, little is known about the biological mechanisms underlying the link of ASH1L haploinsufficiency to ASD. Here we show that ASH1L expression and H3K4me3 level are significantly decreased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of postmortem tissues from ASD patients. Knockdown of Ash1L in PFC of juvenile mice induces the downregulation of risk genes associated with ASD, intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy. These downregulated genes are enriched in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic function and have decreased H3K4me3 occupancy at their promoters. Furthermore, Ash1L deficiency in PFC causes the diminished GABAergic inhibition, enhanced glutamatergic transmission, and elevated PFC pyramidal neuronal excitability, which is associated with severe seizures and early mortality. Chemogenetic inhibition of PFC pyramidal neuronal activity, combined with the administration of GABA enhancer diazepam, rescues PFC synaptic imbalance and seizures, but not autistic social deficits or anxiety-like behaviors. These results have revealed the critical role of ASH1L in regulating synaptic gene expression and seizures, which provides insights into treatment strategies for ASH1L-associated brain diseases.
Impact of dose reduction and iterative model reconstruction on multi-detector CT imaging of the brain in patients with suspected ischemic stroke
Authors: Paprottka Karolin J. , Kupfer Karina , Riederer Isabelle , Zimmer Claus , Beer Meinrad , Noël Peter B. , Baum Thomas , Kirschke Jan S. , Sollmann Nico
Published: November 2021

Non-contrast cerebral computed tomography (CT) is frequently performed as a first-line diagnostic approach in patients with suspected ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of hybrid and model-based iterative image reconstruction for standard-dose (SD) and low-dose (LD) non-contrast cerebral imaging by multi-detector CT (MDCT). We retrospectively analyzed 131 patients with suspected ischemic stroke (mean age: 74.2 ± 14.3 years, 67 females) who underwent initial MDCT with a SD protocol (300 mAs) as well as follow-up MDCT after a maximum of 10 days with a LD protocol (200 mAs). Ischemic demarcation was detected in 26 patients for initial and in 64 patients for follow-up imaging, with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirming ischemia in all of those patients. The non-contrast cerebral MDCT images were reconstructed using hybrid (Philips “iDose4”) and model-based iterative (Philips “IMR3”) reconstruction algorithms. Two readers assessed overall image quality, anatomic detail, differentiation of gray matter (GM)/white matter (WM), and conspicuity of ischemic demarcation, if any. Quantitative assessment included signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) calculations for WM, GM, and demarcated areas. Ischemic demarcation was detected in all MDCT images of affected patients by both readers, irrespective of the reconstruction method used. For LD imaging, anatomic detail and GM/WM differentiation was significantly better when using the model-based iterative compared to the hybrid reconstruction method. Furthermore, CNR of GM/WM as well as the SNR of WM and GM of healthy brain tissue were significantly higher for LD images with model-based iterative reconstruction when compared to SD or LD images reconstructed with the hybrid algorithm. For patients with ischemic demarcation, there was a significant difference between images using hybrid versus model-based iterative reconstruction for CNR of ischemic/contralateral unaffected areas (mean ± standard deviation: SD_IMR: 4.4 ± 3.1, SD_iDose: 3.5 ± 2.3, P < 0.0001; LD_IMR: 4.6 ± 2.9, LD_iDose: 3.2 ± 2.1, P < 0.0001).  In conclusion, model-based iterative reconstruction provides higher CNR and SNR without significant loss of image quality for non-enhanced cerebral MDCT.
Heightened effort discounting is a common feature of both apathy and fatigue
Authors: Jurgelis Mindaugas , Chong Wei Binh , Atkins Kelly J. , Cooper Patrick S. , Coxon James P. , Chong Trevor T.-J.
Published: November 2021

Apathy and fatigue have distinct aetiologies, yet can manifest in phenotypically similar ways. In particular, each can give rise to diminished goal-directed behaviour, which is often cited as a key characteristic of both traits. An important issue therefore is whether currently available approaches are capable of distinguishing between them. Here, we examined the relationship between commonly administered inventories of apathy and fatigue, and a measure of goal-directed activity that assesses the motivation to engage in effortful behaviour. 103 healthy adults completed self-report inventories on apathy (the Dimensional Apathy Scale), and fatigue (the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, and/or Modified Fatigue Impact Scale). In addition, all participants performed an effort discounting task, in which they made choices about their willingness to engage in physically effortful activity. Importantly, self-report ratings of apathy and fatigue were strongly correlated, suggesting that these inventories were insensitive to the fundamental differences between the two traits. Furthermore, greater effort discounting was strongly associated with higher ratings across all inventories, suggesting that a common feature of both traits is a lower motivation to engage in effortful behaviour. These results have significant implications for the assessment of both apathy and fatigue, particularly in clinical groups in which they commonly co-exist.
Correlating heatwaves and relative humidity with suicide (fatal intentional self-harm)
Authors: Florido Ngu Fernando , Kelman Ilan , Chambers Jonathan , Ayeb-Karlsson Sonja
Published: November 2021

Empirical evidence suggests that the effects of anthropogenic climate change, and heat in particular, could have a significant impact on mental health. This article investigates the correlation between heatwaves and/or relative humidity and suicide (fatal intentional self-harm) on a global scale. The covariance between heat/humidity and suicide was modelled using a negative binomial Poisson regression with data from 60 countries between 1979–2016. Statistically significant increases and decreases in suicide were found, as well as many cases with no significant correlation. We found that relative humidity showed a more significant correlation with suicide compared to heatwaves and that both younger age groups and women seemed to be more significantly affected by changes in humidity and heatwave counts in comparison with the rest of the population. Further research is needed to provide a larger and more consistent basis for epidemiological studies; to understand better the connections among heat, humidity and mental health; and to explore in more detail which population groups are particularly impacted and why.
Reducing the mechanical wear of elbows and pipes due to solid particles flow by using nano coating technique
Authors: Al-Ithari Ali Sadiq , Al-Zurfi Nabeel , Kareem Laith Zbbal Abd U. L.
Published: November 2021

This work investigated reasons and factors that cause the failure due to mechanical wear (Erosion) for the inside surface of elbows and pipes used in cement transportation which manufactures from low carbon steel and finds out a method for reducing this failure. The technique of Nano-coating layers is used to coat the surface of samples with layers of nanoparticles of tungsten carbides of different thicknesses of (30, 40, and 50 μm). The test was done for these samples by placing them inside the elbow under the same operating conditions, pin on disc test. The results of the test under the same operation condition showed a decrease in erosion rate by 71% for the sample coated with 50 μm of layer, while the results of the pin on disc test showed a decrease in erosion rate by 97% for the thickness of 50 μm as this test is done under ideal testing conditions. The decrease in wear rate for elbow and pipes will increase their life work two times at least and that reduces the cost of maintenance by about 75%. The numerical simulation was also implemented to simulate the erosion profile inside the elbow, and the agreement with experimental results was 90%.
Intertemporal preference reversals are associated with early activation of insula and sustained preferential processing of immediate rewards in visual cortex
Authors: Sharma Sathya Narayana , Khan Azizuddin
Published: November 2021

Decision makers tend to give magnified significance to immediately available rewards which leads to intertemporal preference reversals, which is a form of self-control failure. The objective of the present study was to understand the cognitive and neural underpinnings of this phenomenon using event-related potentials (ERP) and their source localization using standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography analysis (sLORETA). Twenty-four participants performed a money choice task, where they made choices between a smaller-sooner and a larger-later reward, which included trials with and without an immediately available option, while their electroencephalography (EEG) activity was recorded. Trials with and without immediacy were identical except that the latter involved a front-end delay added to both the rewards. Results showed that presence of immediacy made the choices significantly more impulsive. Presence of immediate reward elicited larger visual P2 and late positive potential (LPP), indicating enhanced capture of automatic and sustained attention respectively, and smaller N2, indicative of diminished engagement of cognitive control processes. Source localization revealed increased activity in the visual cortex in the presence of immediacy, signifying higher valuation. Higher activation of areas of insula during P2—suggesting increased awareness of visceral signals—predicted larger impulsive preference reversals. The results suggest that presence of immediate reward biases the choice very early during the decision making process by precipitating visceral states that triggers approach behaviour, and highlight the need to adopt strategies like precommitment to counter the effect.
Fluid-Screen as a real time dielectrophoretic method for universal microbial capture
Authors: Weber Robert Emanuel , Petkowski Janusz Jurand , Michaels Brandye , Wisniewski Kamil , Piela Anna , Antoszczyk Slawomir , Weber Monika Urszula
Published: November 2021

Bacterial culture methods, e.g. Plate Counting Method (PCM), are a gold standard in the assessment of microbial contamination in multitude of human industries. They are however slow, labor intensive, and prone to manual errors. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) has shown great promise for particle separation for decades; however, it has not yet been widely applied in routine laboratory setting. This paper provides an overview of a new DEP microbial capture and separation method called Fluid-Screen (FS), that achieves very fast, efficient, reliable and repeatable capture and separation of microbial cells. Method verification experiments demonstrated that the FS system captured 100% of bacteria in test samples, a capture efficiency much higher than previously reported for similar technology. Data generated supports the superiority of the FS method as compared to the established Plate Counting Method (PCM), that is routinely used to detect bacterial contamination in healthcare, pharmacological and food industries. We demonstrate that the FS method is universal and can capture and separate different species of bacteria and fungi to viruses, from various sample matrices (i.e. human red blood cells, mammalian cells).
Recent tropical cyclone changes inferred from ocean surface temperature cold wakes
Authors: Wang Shuai , Toumi Ralf
Published: November 2021

It has been challenging to detect trends of tropical cyclone (TC) properties due to temporal heterogeneities and short duration of the direct observations. TCs impact the ocean surface temperature by creating cold wakes as a “fingerprint”. Here we infer changes of the lifetime maximum intensity (LMI), size and integrated kinetic energy from the cold wakes for the period 1982–2019. We find a globally enhanced local cold wake amplitude 3 days after the LMI of − 0.12 ± 0.04 °C per decade whereas the cold wake size does not show any significant change. Multivariate regression models based on the observed ocean cooling, the TC translation speed and the ocean mixed layer depth are applied to infer LMI and TC size. The inferred annual mean global LMI has increased by 1.0 ± 0.7 m s−1per decade. This inferred trend is between that found for two directly observed data sets. However, the TC size and the TC destructive potential measured by the integrated kinetic energy, have not altered significantly. This analysis provides new independent and indirect evidence of recent TC LMI increases, but a stable size and integrated kinetic energy.
CyFi-MAP: an interactive pathway-based resource for cystic fibrosis
Authors: Pereira Catarina , Mazein Alexander , Farinha Carlos M. , Gray Michael A. , Kunzelmann Karl , Ostaszewski Marek , Balaur Irina , Amaral Margarida D. , Falcao Andre O.
Published: November 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening autosomal recessive disease caused by more than 2100 mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, generating variability in disease severity among individuals with CF sharing the same CFTR genotype. Systems biology can assist in the collection and visualization of CF data to extract additional biological significance and find novel therapeutic targets. Here, we present the CyFi-MAP—a disease map repository of CFTR molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in CF. Specifically, we represented the wild-type (wt-CFTR) and the F508del associated processes (F508del-CFTR) in separate submaps, with pathways related to protein biosynthesis, endoplasmic reticulum retention, export, activation/inactivation of channel function, and recycling/degradation after endocytosis. CyFi-MAP is an open-access resource with specific, curated and continuously updated information on CFTR-related pathways available online at https://cysticfibrosismap.github.io/. This tool was developed as a reference CF pathway data repository to be continuously updated and used worldwide in CF research.
Clinical and molecular characterization of a large cohort of childhood onset hereditary spastic paraplegias
Authors: Giordani Gabriela Marchisio , Diniz Fabrício , Fussiger Helena , Gonzalez-Salazar Carelis , Donis Karina Carvalho , Freua Fernando , Ortega Roberta Paiva Magalhães , de Freitas Julian Letícia , Barsottini Orlando Graziani Povoas , Rosemberg Sergio , Kok Fernando , Pedroso José Luiz , França Marcondes Cavalcante , Saute Jonas Alex Morales
Published: November 2021

The present study aimed to characterize clinical and molecular data of a large cohort of subjects with childhood-onset hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs). A multicenter historical cohort was performed at five centers in Brazil, in which probands and affected relatives' data from consecutive families with childhood-onset HSP (onset < 12 years-old) were reviewed from 2011 to 2020. One hundred and six individuals (83 families) with suspicion of childhood-onset HSP were evaluated, being 68 (50 families) with solved genetic diagnosis, 6 (5 families) with candidate variants in HSP-related genes and 32 (28 families) with unsolved genetic diagnosis. The most common childhood-onset subtype was SPG4, 11/50 (22%) families with solved genetic diagnosis; followed by SPG3A, 8/50 (16%). Missense pathogenic variants in SPAST were found in 54.5% of probands, favoring the association of this type of variant to childhood-onset SPG4. Survival curves to major handicap and cross-sectional Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale progressions confirmed the slow neurological deterioration in SPG4 and SPG3A. Most common complicating features and twenty variants not previously described in HSP-related genes were reported. These results are fundamental to understand the molecular and clinical epidemiology of childhood-onset HSP, which might help on differential diagnosis, patient care and guiding future collaborative trials for these rare diseases.
Survey on security issues of routing and anomaly detection for space information networks
Authors: Zhuo Ming , Liu Leyuan , Zhou Shijie , Tian Zhiwen
Published: November 2021

Space information networks is network systems that can receive, transmit, and process spatial information lively. It uses satellites, stratosphere airships, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and other platforms as the carrier. It supports high-dynamic, real-time broadband transmission of earth observations and ultra-long-distance, long-delay reliable transmission of deep space exploration. The deeper the network integration, the higher the system’s security concerns and the more likely SINs will be controlled and destroyed in terms of cybersecurity. How to integrate new IT technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, and blockchain to diverse application scenarios of SINs while maintaining SIN cybersecurity will be a long-term critical technical issue. This study is a review of the security issues for space information networks. First, this paper examines space information networks’ security issues and figures out the relationship between the main security threats, services, and mechanisms. Then, this article selects secure routing and anomaly detection from many security technologies to conduct a detailed overview from two perspectives of traditional methods and artificial intelligence. Subsequently, this paper investigates anomaly detection schemes for spatial information networks and proposes a deep learning-based anomaly detection scheme. Finally, we suggest the potential research directions and opening problems of space information network security. Overall, this paper aims to give readers an overview of the newly emerging technologies in space information networks’ security issues and provide inspiration for future exploration.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Middle east pain syndrome is a pollution-induced new disease mimicking rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Elbeialy Adel A. , Bauomi Abdlnby M. , Elnaggar Basma M. , Elzomor Hala M.
Published: November 2021

Musculoskeletal pains are sometimes misdiagnosed in some diseases, like rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, erosive OA, etc. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was not considered a differential diagnosis for RA, despite the fact that it can cause arthralgia or arthritis. Also, fibromyalgia is a psychosomatic condition marked by widespread pain and tenderness. This study included 400 patients attended certain outpatient clinics of Rheumatology in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, who were not fulfilling criteria for RA diagnosis. Criteria for classification of fibromyalgia syndrome were applied to all patients. We did lab tests and radiological imaging modalities for diagnosis or exclusion of suspected diseases were applied. All patients were fulfilling both old and new criteria of fibromyalgia syndrome, and not fulfilling any RA criteria, and had vitamin D3 deficiency or insufficiency. 75% of patients had abnormally high levels of PTH, without parathyroid gland pathology. Radiology showed subperiosteal and subchondral resorption of mainly thumbs, subchondral osteopenia of proximal and middle phalanges, mild subperiosteal resorption along the radial aspect of the middle phalanx and mild tuft erosions, besides changes in the carpus closely resembling those of rheumatoid arthritis, of ulnar styloid resorption, radiocarpal and scapho-trapezoid joint arthritis. Of special interest, the presence of tuft spur-like excrescences.
Winter distribution of juvenile and sub-adult male Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) along the western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: March David , Drago Massimiliano , Gazo Manel , Parga Mariluz , Rita Diego , Cardona Luis
Published: November 2021

Detailed knowledge of habitat use by marine megafauna is critical to understand their ecological roles and for the adequate management of marine resources. Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) inhabiting the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean prey largely on Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and play a central role in managing the krill fishery. Here, we assessed the demographic structure of three post-mating, early moult male haul-outs in the South Shetland Islands in early March and calculated the relative contribution of juveniles (1–4 years old) and sub-adult males (5–6 years) to the population remaining in maritime Antarctica after the breeding season. We also satellite tagged 11 juvenile males and four sub-adult males to analyze their movements and develop a species distribution model including both age classes. Our results highlighted the dominance of young individuals in the male population, revealed that they do not behave as central place foragers and identified key environmental drivers that affected their distribution at-sea throughout winter. Predicted potential foraging habitat overlapped highly with the known distribution of Antarctic krill, and identified the waters off the western Antarctic Peninsula and the Scotia Sea as the core of the distribution area of juvenile and sub-adult male Antarctic fur seals in winter. This pattern is similar to that of adult males but totally different from that of adult females, as the latter overwinter in areas at latitude 45–55° S. This segregation has implications for the ecology and management of the krill fishery.
Cerebral and systemic hemodynamic effect of recurring seizures
Authors: Ferlini Lorenzo , Su Fuhong , Creteur Jacques , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Gaspard Nicolas
Published: November 2021

The increase in neuronal activity induced by a single seizure is supported by a rise in the cerebral blood flow and tissue oxygenation, a mechanism called neurovascular coupling (NVC). Whether cerebral and systemic hemodynamics are able to match neuronal activity during recurring seizures is unclear, as data from rodent models are at odds with human studies. In order to clarify this issue, we used an invasive brain and systemic monitoring to study the effects of chemically induced non-convulsive seizures in sheep. Despite an increase in neuronal activity as seizures repeat (Spearman’s ρ coefficient 0.31, P < 0.001), ictal variations of cerebral blood flow remained stable while it progressively increased in the inter-ictal intervals (ρ = 0.06, P = 0.44 and ρ = 0.22; P = 0.008). We also observed a progressive reduction in the inter-ictal brain tissue oxygenation (ρ =  − 0.18; P = 0.04), suggesting that NVC was unable to compensate for the metabolic demand of these closely repeating seizures. At the systemic level, there was a progressive reduction in blood pressure and a progressive rise in cardiac output (ρ =  − 0.22; P = 0.01 and ρ = 0.22; P = 0.01, respectively), suggesting seizure-induced autonomic dysfunction.
Assessing the impact of land surface temperature on urban net primary productivity increment based on geographically weighted regression model
Authors: Lu Xue-Yuan , Chen Xu , Zhao Xue-Li , Lv Dan-Jv , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2021

Urbanization had a huge impact on the regional ecosystem net primary productivity (NPP). Although the urban heat island (UHI) caused by urbanization has been found to have a certain promoting effect on urban vegetation NPP, the factors on the impact still are not identified. In this study, the impact of urbanization on NPP was divided into direct impact (NPPdir) and indirect impact (NPPind), taking Kunming city as a case study area. Then, the spatial heterogeneity impact of land surface temperature (LST) on NPPind was analyzed based on the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model. The results indicated that NPP, LST, NPPdir and NPPind in 2001, 2009 and 2018 had significant spatial autocorrelation in Kunming based on spatial analytical model. LST had a positive impact on NPPind in the central area of Kunming. The positively correlation areas of LST on NPPind increased by 4.56%, and the NPPind caused by the UHI effect increased by an average of 4.423 gC m−2 from 2009 to 2018. GWR model can reveal significant spatial heterogeneity in the impacts of LST on NPPind. Overall, our findings indicated that LST has a certain role in promoting urban NPP.
Spectral imaging of pharmaceutical materials with a compact terahertz difference-frequency generation semiconductor source
Authors: Nakanishi Atsushi , Akiyama Koichiro , Hayashi Shohei , Satozono Hiroshi , Fujita Kazuue
Published: November 2021

We demonstrated the ability to perform spectroscopic imaging of pharmaceutical material using a compact ultra-broadband THz DFG source.
Macromolecule sensing and tumor biomarker detection by harnessing terminal size and hydrophobicity of viral DNA packaging motor channels into membranes and flow cells
Authors: Zhang Long , Burns Nicolas , Jordan Michael , Jayasinghe Lakmal , Guo Peixuan
Published: November 2021

By manipulating insertion orientation, the nanopore can be used for macromolecule sensing and tumor biomarker detection.
Amino acid-derived bisphenolate palladium complexes as C–C coupling catalysts
Authors: Fazekas Eszter , Jenkins David T. , Forbes Andrew A. , Gallagher Brendan , Rosair Georgina M. , McIntosh Ruaraidh D.
Published: November 2021

Palladium complexes of amino acid-derived bisphenolate ligands show unprecedented pincer-like coordination and activity in C–C coupling reactions.
Association of acrylamide hemoglobin biomarkers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the general population in the US: NHANES 2013–2016
Authors: Liu Shan , Ben Xiaosong , Liang Huanzhu , Fei Qiaoyuan , Guo Xinrong , Weng Xueqiong , Wu Yingying , Wen Lin , Wang Ruihua , Chen Jingmin , Jing Chunxia
Published: November 2021

HbGA/HbAA was positively correlated with COPD, which was more concentrated in males, obese people, or people with a PIR < 1.85. HbGA/HbAA was expected to be a biomarker associated with AA exposure.
Understanding multiscale structure–property correlations in PVDF-HFP electrospun fiber membranes by SAXS and WAXS
Authors: Maurya Anjani K. , Mias Eloïse , Schoeller Jean , Collings Ines E. , Rossi René M. , Dommann Alex , Neels Antonia
Published: November 2021

Multiscale structure–property correlations in PVDF-HFP electrospun fiber membranes.
Radial ZnO nanorods decorating Co3O4 nanoparticles for highly selective and sensitive detection of the 3-hydroxy-2-butanone biomarker
Authors: Wang Chen , Du Lingling , Xing Xiaxia , Feng Dongliang , Tian Yingying , Li Zhenxu , Zhao Xinhua , Yang Dachi
Published: November 2021

Radial-architecture ZnO nanorods/Co3O4 nanoparticles have been developed for detecting 3-hydroxy-2-butanone biomarker, presenting ultrahigh response (Ra/Rg = 550, 5 ppm), low detection limit (10 ppb), preeminent selectivity and outstanding stability.
Cinnamoyl amide type chiral P,olefin ligands for Pd-catalyzed reactions
Authors: Mino Takashi , Fujisawa Yohei , Yoshida Shizuki , Hirama Mitsuru , Akiyama Takumu , Saito Ryo , Yoshida Yasushi , Kasashima Yoshio , Sakamoto Masami
Published: November 2021

We have synthesized cinnamoyl amide type chiral P,olefin ligand and obtained separable diastereomers of 4d and demonstrated Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions of indoles using this chiral ligand with high enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee).
A new approach for ultra-high adsorption of cationic methylene blue in a Zr-sulfonic-based metal–organic framework
Authors: Bui Thinh T. M. , Nguyen Linh T. , Pham Nha P. H. , Tran Cuong C. , Nguyen Loc T. , Nguyen Tien A. , Nguyen Hung N. , Nguyen My V.
Published: November 2021

A series of Zr-sulfonic-based metal–organic frameworks have been synthesized by the solvothermal method, namely VNU-17 and VNU-23.
Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 nanosheets with porous structure as a high-performance cathode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Gao Zhi , Sun Wenliang , Pan Xiaoliang , Xie Shikun , Liu Lijun , Xie Chengning , Yuan Huiling
Published: November 2021

Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 nanosheets with interconnected nanoparticles and open holes are prepared by co-precipitation and calcination processes, exhibiting improved electrochemical performance compared to agglomerated nanoparticles.
Development of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase enzyme peptide mimics as biocatalysts in direct asymmetric aldol reactions
Authors: Peme Thabo , Brady Dean , Juma Wanyama , Makatini Maya
Published: November 2021

Novel asymmetric aldol reaction catalysing fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase peptide mimics with secondary structural motifs.
Synthesis of a heterobimetallic actinide nitride and an analysis of its bonding
Authors: Staun Selena L. , Wu Guang , Lukens Wayne W. , Hayton Trevor W.
Published: November 2021

The heterobimetallic actinide nitride [(NR2)3UV(μ-N)ThIV(NR2)3] (R = SiMe3) has an mJ = 5/2 ground state and its highest energy 5f excited state is primarily 5f-Nnitride σ-antibonding in character.
Honeycomb-like carbon with doping of a transition-metal and nitrogen for highly efficient zinc–air battery and zinc-ion battery
Authors: Huang Qian , Zhuang Shuxian , You Xin , Zhang Jinpeng , Xie Ao , Chen Yu , Tang Yang , Chen Yongmei , Shao Mingfei , Yang Xiao Jin , Wan Pingyu
Published: November 2021

The hierarchical honeycomb-like transition-metal/nitrogen co-doped carbon materials were fabricated, and they acted as highly efficient electrocatalysts for the cathode of a zinc–air battery and the anode of a zinc-ion battery.
Hybrid palladium nanoparticles and nickel single atom catalysts for efficient electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation
Authors: Li Si , Guan Anxiang , Wang Huining , Yan Yaqin , Huang Haoliang , Jing Chao , Zhang Lijuan , Zhang Linjuan , Zheng Gengfeng
Published: November 2021

A Pd nanoparticle@Ni single-atomic catalyst (SAC) was developed for electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation. The Pd nanoparticles served as catalytic sites of ethanol, and the produced CO species adsorbed on Pd were electrochemically oxidized by Ni SAC.
Phase transition regulation and piezoelectric performance optimization of fresnoite crystals for high-temperature acceleration sensing
Authors: Jiang Chao , Zhang Caizi , Li Fangfei , Sun Li , Li Yanlu , Yu Fapeng , Zhao Xian
Published: November 2021

Sr substitution can significantly increase the phase transition temperature and weaken the effect of phase transition on the electrical properties.
Vacuum-deposited organic solar cells utilizing a low-bandgap non-fullerene acceptor
Authors: Yue Qihui , Liu Songjun , Xu Shengjie , Liu Guanhao , Jiang Yuanyuan , Wang Ying , Zhu Xiaozhang
Published: November 2021

A new low-bandgap D–A type non-fullerene acceptor is designed and synthesized, which is successfully applied in full-vacuum-deposited organic solar cells and realizes a PCE of 0.86%.
Type II supernovae from the Carnegie Supernova Project-I
Authors: Martinez L. , Bersten M. C. , Anderson J. P. , Hamuy M. , González-Gaitán S. , Stritzinger M. , Phillips M. M. , Gutiérrez C. P. , Burns C. , Contreras C. , de Jaeger T. , Ertini K. , Folatelli G. , Förster F. , Galbany L. , Hoeflich P. , Hsiao E. Y. , Morrell N. , Orellana M. , Pessi P. J. , Suntzeff N. B.
Published: November 2021

The present study is the first of a series of three papers where we characterise the type II supernovae (SNe II) from the Carnegie Supernova Project-I to understand their diversity in terms of progenitor and explosion properties. In this first paper, we present bolometric light curves of 74 SNe II. We outline our methodology to calculate the bolometric luminosity, which consists of the integration of the observed fluxes in numerous photometric bands (uBgVriYJH) and black-body (BB) extrapolations to account for the unobserved flux at shorter and longer wavelengths. BB fits were performed using all available broadband data except when line blanketing effects appeared. Photometric bands bluer thanrthat are affected by line blanketing were removed from the fit, which makes near-infrared (NIR) observations highly important to estimate reliable BB extrapolations to the infrared. BB fits without NIR data produce notably different bolometric light curves, and therefore different estimates of SN II progenitor and explosion properties when data are modelled. We present two methods to address the absence of NIR observations: (a) colour-colour relationships from which NIR magnitudes can be estimated using optical colours, and (b) new prescriptions for bolometric corrections as a function of observed SN II colours. Using our 74 SN II bolometric light curves, we provide a full characterisation of their properties based on several observed parameters. We measured magnitudes at different epochs, as well as durations and decline rates of different phases of the evolution. An analysis of the light-curve parameter distributions was performed, finding a wide range and a continuous sequence of observed parameters which is consistent with previous analyses using optical light curves.
An analysis of the unified formulation for the equilibrium problem of compositional multiphase mixtures
Authors: Ben Gharbia Ibtihel , Haddou Mounir , Tran Quang Huy , Vu Duc Thach Son
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we conduct a thorough mathematical analysis of the unified formulation advocated by Lauser et al. [Adv. Water Res. 34 (2011) 957–966] for compositional multiphase flows in porous media. The interest of this formulation lies in its potential to automatically handle the appearance and disappearance of phases. However, its practical implementation turned out to be not always robust for realistic fugacity laws associated with cubic equations of state, as shown by Ben Gharbia and Flauraud [Oil Gas Sci. Technol. 74 (2019) 43]. By focusing on the subproblem of phase equilibrium, we derive sufficient conditions for the existence of the corresponding system of equations. We trace back the difficulty of cubic laws to a deficiency of the Gibbs functions that comes into play due to the ``unifying’’ feature of the new formulation. We propose a partial remedy for this problem by extending the domain of definition of these functions in a natural way. Besides, we highlight the crucial but seemingly unknown fact that the unified formulation encapsulates all the properties known to physicists on phase equilibrium, such as the tangent plane criterion and the minimization of the Gibbs energy of the mixture.
Numerical evaluations of strain field modification induced by production flaws in loaded composite structures
Authors: Raška Jan , Vlach Jarmil , Horňas Jan
Published: November 2021

Structural health monitoring (SHM) involves observation and analysis of a system over time using periodically sampled response measurements to monitor the initiation and propagation of a flaw. The article is focused on finite element (FE) modelling of strain field modification induced by flaws in loaded composite structures. Shape of the current production flaw – delamination – was idealised as square with a side of 1 inch. One flaw per laminate in several positions in the layup was considered. The pristine structure was modelled with one element per thickness. For delaminated zone in the centre, the twin coincident elements per thickness were adopted: first element to simulate the lay-up from bottom to delamination, second from delamination to top. The loads and the boundary conditions of the FE model were issued from the tests, based on the ASTM standards: tension test – ASTM D3039, compression after impact test – ASTM D7137 and 4-point bending test – ASTM D7264. Generally, the strain modification is stronger for the delamination near the surface than for the delamination deep in the structure.
Investigation of hardness behavior after carburizing and hardening of 15CrNi6 steel
Authors: Dragatsis Arsenis , Fragkos-Livanios Leonidas , Papageorgiou Dimitris G. , Medrea Carmen
Published: November 2021

DIN 15CrNi6 is the most representative grade of the case-hardened steels. The present work analyses the influence of carburizing time on hardness of the specific steel. Specimens with similar chemical composition were heated at 900°C in liquid carbonaceous media for one, two, three and four hours, correspondingly. Then samples were oil quenched and tempered at 180°C for two hours. Microhardness was measured across the carburized zone and case profiles were acquired. The effective case depth was determined as function of carburizing holding time. Core macro hardness was carried out and the impact of holding time on the substrate hardness was discussed. The optimum case depth was defined and the carburizing parameters determined. The hardness control is critical in case hardening practice and results provide practical information to heat treaters, useful both to control the treatment parameters and to minimize the risk of failure.
Effect of the Small Punch Test sample geometry on the Liquid Metal Embrittlement of Cu-30 wt% Zn by the eGaIn
Authors: Ezequiel Marco , Proriol Serre Ingrid
Published: November 2021

Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) is the embrittlement or the modification of the fracture behaviour of a metal or alloy when it undergoes plastic deformation while in contact with a liquid metal or liquid alloy. LME occurrence depends strongly on the properties of the metals involved and on the conditions of the mechanical stresses applied to the solid. The Small Punch Test (SPT) on flat specimens is very sensitive to identify the conditions of LME occurrence. Moreover, there are alternative SPT notched specimen geometries that have the potential to screen solid/liquid couples for sensibility to LME in different conditions. To study the apparition of the LME on an alpha brass with 30 wt% Zn in contact with the eGaIn (Ga-In eutectic), SPT at room temperature were carried out at different displacement rates and using three specimen types: the standard flat geometry and two notched geometries. While the flat specimens did not present LME, the presence of a notch and a high strain rate induced LME on the other specimen geometries. For these last specimens, the eGaIn modifies the SPT load-displacement curves at the crack propagation stage and changes the fracture to a partially ductile fracture followed by a brittle fracture.
A customized electrical potential difference method for in situ monitoring of propagating cracks using a stochastic algorithm
Authors: Skrinis Evangelos , Kalligeros Christos , Tsolakis Antonios , Spitas Vasilios
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a modified direct current potential drop (DCPD) method for real-time measurement of the length, the inclination and the position of cracks is presented. Based on the proposed configuration, it is possible to process the data acquired by continuously measuring the change in the electrical resistance (potential drop) between specific points on the specimen in real time and correlate them with the propagation of the crack and thus identifying its crucial characteristics. Furthermore, many aspects that affect the electromagnetic field inside materials have been identified. In that way the influence of unwanted factors can be significantly reduced which has led to a better understanding of the relation between the implemented voltage values and the fracture itself. Therefore, conclusions are drawn about the structural integrity of any given specimen through a risk assessment after the crack characteristics have been calculated. In order to achieve this, a variety of techniques were implemented including the development of a stochastic algorithm along with a customized experimental layout so as to accomplish high accuracy for the prediction model as well as robustness towards other influencing parameters such as temperature and humidity.
On the phenomenon of impact
Authors: Kalapis Stephan , Dafnis Athanasios , Schröder Kai-Uwe
Published: November 2021

Aerostructures such as plates are commonly used in aircraft structures due to their advantageous weight to stiffness ratio. Plates are susceptible to lateral forces that occur during impact. Such impact events are caused by falling tools, bird strikes, collisions of objects, and more. Several researchers have studied impact events, but not yet the behaviour of the plate and impactor shortly after impact due to various factors. In this paper, the semi-analytical approach of Karas is used to calculate key parameters for the analysis of an impact. Karas derived this approach to calculate an impact for a simply supported plate that is impacted in the center. Here, this approach is extended to calculate the impact event at any location on the plate. The linear semi-analytical approach is written in a Python script to obtain fast results. In a code-to-code analysis, this Python code is verified with a commercial FE solver. Various parameters are varied and investigated to analyze and describe the impact phenomenon. In addition to the influence of the initial velocity of the impactor, the mass ratio of the two bodies and the impact location are also investigated. The analysis shows that the contact force and maximum displacement during an impact varies depending on the impact location, while all other parameters are kept constant. Depending on the impact location, the contact force between impactor and plate can be nine times higher than the lowest value.
The effect of diesel knock on a turbocharged diesel engine emissions and top compression ring friction
Authors: Zavos Anastasios , Nikolakopoulos Pantelis G. , Pesyridis Apostolos , Cairns Alasdair
Published: November 2021

Turbocharged engines with direct injection offer a significant contribution to engine downsizing technology. However, there remain many unsolved and ambitious issues concerning knocking and pre-ignition. Therefore, detailed understanding of the top compression ring lubrication and fuel economy is critical. This paper focuses on the tribological performance of the top compression ring under partially lubricated conditions caused by diesel knock in a turbocharged diesel engine. A mixed-hydrodynamics model was built including multi-phase flow and asperity interactions with realistic boundary conditions. The study shows that frictional power losses in the compression ring-liner contact increased owing to diesel knock and starved conditions in a turbocharged gasoline engine. This finding indicates that the control of knocking combined with the inlet flow conditions can help to mitigate fuel economy and emissions in ring-liner conjunction.
Development of a multipurpose test rig and validation of an innovative rotorcraft vertical tail - TAILTEST
Authors: Horak Vaclav
Published: November 2021

TAILTEST 9th call of the CS2 project started in the 2019 year is aimed at the development of a multipurpose test rig for validation of an innovative rotorcraft vertical tail. It is conducted in Czech Aerospace Research Centre (VZLU) as coordinator cooperating with the Greek Athena Research centre (Athena RC) as a participant. The project was initiated by Fokker Aerostructure Company and as part of the project chain is contributing to conceptual aircraft type of Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor with the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by lowering the structural weight of a rotorcraft tail through the application of thermoplastics. The paper summarized project objectives, concept and approach and main objectives of technical work packages.