bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The binding of Borealin to microtubules underlies a tension independent kinetochore-microtubule error correction pathway
Authors: Trivedi Prasad , Zaytsev Anatoly V. , Godzi Maxim , Ataullakhanov Fazly I. , Grishchuk Ekaterina L. , Stukenberg P. Todd
Published: February 2019

Proper chromosome segregation depends upon kinetochore phosphorylation by the Chromosome Passenger Complex (CPC). Current models suggest the activity of the CPC decreases in response to the inter-kinetochore stretch that accompanies the formation of bi-oriented microtubule attachments, however little is known about tension-independent CPC phosphoregulation. Microtubule bundles initially lie in close proximity to inner centromeres and become depleted by metaphase. Here we find these microtubules control kinetochore phosphorylation by the CPC in a tension independent manner via a microtubule-binding site on the Borealin subunit. Disruption of Borealin-microtubule interactions generates reduced phosphorylation of prometaphase kinetochores, improper kinetochore-microtubule attachments and weakened spindle checkpoint signals. Experimental and modeling evidence suggests that kinetochore phosphorylation is greatly stimulated when the CPC binds microtubules that lie near the inner centromere, even if kinetochores have high inter-kinetochore stretch. We propose the CPC senses its local environment through microtubule structures to control phosphorylation of kinetochores.
Electrically pumped photonic integrated soliton microcomb
Authors: Raja Arslan S. , Voloshin Andrey S. , Guo Hairun , Agafonova Sofya E. , Liu Junqiu , Gorodnitskiy Alexander S. , Karpov Maxim , Pavlov Nikolay G. , Lucas Erwan , Galiev Ramzil R. , Shitikov Artem E. , Jost John D. , Gorodetsky Michael L. , Kippenberg Tobias J.
Published: February 2019

Microcombs provide a path to broad-bandwidth integrated frequency combs with low power consumption, which are compatible with wafer-scale fabrication. Yet, electrically-driven, photonic chip-based microcombs are inhibited by the required high threshold power and the frequency agility of the laser for soliton initiation. Here we demonstrate an electrically-driven soliton microcomb by coupling a III–V-material-based (indium phosphide) multiple-longitudinal-mode laser diode chip to a high-Q silicon nitride microresonator fabricated using the photonic Damascene process. The laser diode is self-injection locked to the microresonator, which is accompanied by the narrowing of the laser linewidth, and the simultaneous formation of dissipative Kerr solitons. By tuning the laser diode current, we observe transitions from modulation instability, breather solitons, to single-soliton states. The system operating at an electronically-detectable sub-100-GHz mode spacing requires less than 1 Watt of electrical power, can fit in a volume of ca. 1 cm3, and does not require on-chip filters and heaters, thus simplifying the integrated microcomb.
Light sheet microscopy with acoustic sample confinement
Authors: Yang Zhengyi , Cole Katy L. H. , Qiu Yongqiang , Somorjai Ildikó M. L. , Wijesinghe Philip , Nylk Jonathan , Cochran Sandy , Spalding Gabriel C. , Lyons David A. , Dholakia Kishan
Published: February 2019

Contactless sample confinement would enable a whole host of new studies in developmental biology and neuroscience, in particular, when combined with long-term, wide-field optical imaging. To achieve this goal, we demonstrate a contactless acoustic gradient force trap for sample confinement in light sheet microscopy. Our approach allows the integration of real-time environmentally controlled experiments with wide-field low photo-toxic imaging, which we demonstrate on a variety of marine animal embryos and larvae. To illustrate the key advantages of our approach, we provide quantitative data for the dynamic response of the heartbeat of zebrafish larvae to verapamil and norepinephrine, which are known to affect cardiovascular function. Optical flow analysis allows us to explore the cardiac cycle of the zebrafish and determine the changes in contractile volume within the heart. Overcoming the restrictions of sample immobilisation and mounting can open up a broad range of studies, with real-time drug-based assays and biomechanical analyses.
Effect of the Great Recession on regional mortality trends in Europe
Authors: Ballester Joan , Robine Jean-Marie , Herrmann François R. , Rodó Xavier
Published: February 2019

Previous studies have consistently shown the recurrent relationship between macroeconomic cycles and changes in mortality trends, so that recessions are generally associated with periods of faster life expectancy rise, and periods of economic growth with slower reductions or even increases in mortality trends. Here we analyze the link between annual per capita estimates of gross domestic product and daily atmospheric temperatures and standardized death rates for a large ensemble of European regions to describe the effect of the Great Recession on annual and seasonal changes in all-cause human mortality trends. Results show that the countries and regions with the largest (smallest) economic slowdown were also those with the largest (smallest) strengthening of the declining mortality trend. This procyclical evolution of mortality rates is found to be stronger during the cold part of the year, showing that it also depends on the seasonal timing of the underlying causes of death.
Megahertz-wave-transmitting conducting polymer electrode for device-to-device integration
Authors: Kim Taehoon , Kim Gwangmook , Kim Hyeohn , Yoon Hong-Jib , Kim Taeseong , Jun Yohan , Shin Tae-Hyun , Kang Shinill , Cheon Jinwoo , Hwang Dosik , Min Byung-wook , Shim Wooyoung
Published: February 2019

The ideal combination of high optical transparency and high electrical conductivity, especially at very low frequencies of less than the gigahertz (GHz) order, such as the radiofrequencies at which electronic devices operate (tens of kHz to hundreds of GHz), is fundamental incompatibility, which creates a barrier to the realization of enhanced user interfaces and ‘device-to-device integration.’ Herein, we present a design strategy for preparing a megahertz (MHz)-transparent conductor, based on a plasma frequency controlled by the electrical conductivity, with the ultimate goal of device-to-device integration through electromagnetic wave transmittance. This approach is verified experimentally using a conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), the microstructure of which is manipulated by employing a solution process. The use of a transparent conducting polymer as an electrode enables the fabrication of a fully functional touch-controlled display device and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible biomedical monitoring device, which would open up a new paradigm for transparent conductors.
Coherent spin dynamics of electrons and holes in CsPbBr3 perovskite crystals
Authors: Belykh Vasilii V. , Yakovlev Dmitri R. , Glazov Mikhail M. , Grigoryev Philipp S. , Hussain Mujtaba , Rautert Janina , Dirin Dmitry N. , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Bayer Manfred
Published: February 2019

The lead halide perovskites demonstrate huge potential for optoelectronic applications, high energy radiation detectors, light emitting devices and solar energy harvesting. Those materials exhibit strong spin-orbit coupling enabling efficient optical orientation of carrier spins in perovskite-based devices with performance controlled by a magnetic field. Here we show that elaborated time-resolved spectroscopy involving strong magnetic fields can be successfully used for perovskites. We perform a comprehensive study of high-quality lead halide perovskite CsPbBr3 crystals by measuring the exciton and charge carrier g-factors, spin relaxation times and hyperfine interaction of carrier and nuclear spins by means of coherent spin dynamics. Owing to their ‘inverted’ band structure, perovskites represent appealing model systems for semiconductor spintronics exploiting the valence band hole spins, while in conventional semiconductors the conduction band electrons are considered for spin functionality.
Author Correction: Chlorination disadvantages and alternative routes for biofouling control in reverse osmosis desalination
Authors: Al-Abri Mohammed , Al-Ghafri Buthayna , Bora Tanujjal , Dobretsov Sergey , Dutta Joydeep , Castelletto Stefania , Rosa Lorenzo , Boretti Albert
Published: February 2019

In the original version of this Review Article the affiliation and address for Lorenzo Rosa were incorrectly given as “University of Parma, Department of Information Engineering, Parma 43121, Italy”.
A new high-resolution melting analysis for the detection and identification of Plasmodium in human and Anopheles vectors of malaria
Authors: Murillo Enderson , Muskus Carlos , Agudelo Luz A. , Vélez Iván D. , Ruiz-Lopez Freddy
Published: February 2019

Among vector-borne diseases malaria is the leading cause of morbidity in the world, with more than 200 million cases per year and a large number of deaths. The techniques traditionally used for the detection of Plasmodium in humans and Anopheles mosquitoes include microscopy, IRMA, ELISA, antibody or molecular assays, and anopheline dissection. However, these techniques are limited by their requirement of skilled personnel, low sensitivity or long processing times. A PCR-based high-resolution melting (PCR-HRM) analysis was developed for the detection and identification of P. falciparum, P. vivax and P. malariae that infect humans and Anopheles. In 41 human samples PCR-HRM detected 14 samples positive for P. vivax, 17 for P. falciparum, three for P. malariae, three mixed infections for P. vivax/P. malariae and four negative samples. Whereas benchmarking assays of microscopy and nested PCR had false positive detections. Additionally, PCR-HRM was able to detect natural infection with Plasmodium spp. in An. darlingi and An. mattogrossensis. The PCR-HRM presented is the first single assay developed for the detection and identification of P. vivax, P. falciparum and/or P. malariae in human and Anopheles. This method improves on currently available assays as it is easy-to-use, rapid, sensitive and specific with a low risk of contamination.
Alkali treated antioxidative crude polysaccharide from Russula alatoreticula potentiates murine macrophages by tunning TLR/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Khatua Somanjana , Acharya Krishnendu
Published: February 2019

In our previous research, Russula alatoreticula was demonstrated as a novel species, ethnic myco-food and reservoir of hot water extractable polysaccharides. However, residue after the hydrothermal process still offer plenty of medicinal carbohydrates that could easily be extracted by using alkali solvent. Thus, the present work was attempted to prepare crude polysaccharide using remainder of the conventional method and subsequently a β-glucan enriched fraction, RualaCap, was isolated. The bio-polymers displayed pronounced therapeutic efficacy as evident by radical scavenging, chelating ability, reducing power and total antioxidant capacity. In addition, strong immune-enhancing potential was also observed indicated by augmentation in macrophage viability, phagocytic uptake, nitric oxide (NO) production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis. Alongside, the polysaccharides effectively triggered transcriptional activation of Toll like receptor (TLR)-2, TLR-4, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Iκ-Bα, interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10 genes explaining mode of action. Taken together, our results signify possibility of RualaCap as a potent nutraceutical agent and enhance importance of R. alatoreticula especially in the field of innate immune stimulation.
Circulating Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells are Associated with Coronary Stenoses in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Zhu Fu-Li , Zhang Ning , Ma Xiao-Juan , Yang Jing , Sun Wei-Ping , Shen Yi-Qing , Wen Yu-Mei , Yuan Sha-Sha , Zhao Dong , Zhang Hai-Bin , Feng Ying-Mei
Published: February 2019

Inflammatory cells in atherosclerotic plaque exclusively originate from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). In this study, we investigated whether circulating HSPCs frequency related to coronary stenosis in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Coronary angiography was performed in 468 participants who were recruited at Cardiology Centre in LuHe Hospital from March 2016 to May 2017. Among these subjects, 344 underwent echocardiography. Mononuclear cells isolated from peripheral blood were stained with an antibody cocktail containing anti-human CD34, anti-human lineage, anti-human CD38, and anti-human CD45RA. Lineage−CD38−CD45RAdimCD34+HSPCs were quantified by flow cytometry. CHD was defined as coronary stenosis ≥50% and the extent of CHD was further categorised by coronary stenosis ≥70%. A p < 0.0031 was regarded statistically significant by the Bonferroni correction. Circulating HSPCs frequency was 1.8-fold higher in CHD patients than non-CHD participants (p = 0.047). Multivariate-adjusted logistic analysis demonstrated that HSPCs was the only marker that was associated with the odds ratio of having mild vs. severe coronary stenosis (2.08 (95% CI, 1.35–3.21), p = 0.0009). Left ventricular ejection fraction was inversely correlated with HSPCs frequency and CRP in CHD patients (p < 0.05 for both). In conclusion, HSPCs frequency in circulation is intimately related to coronary stenoses in CHD patients.
Low-power phonon lasing through position-modulated Kerr-type nonlinearity
Authors: Djorwe P. , Pennec Y. , Djafari-Rouhani B.
Published: February 2019

We demonstrate low-power amplification process in cavity optomechanics (COM). This operation is based on the nonlinear position-modulated self-Kerr interaction. Owing to this nonlinear term, the effective coupling highly scales with the photon number, resulting in a giant enhancement of the cooperativity. Even for small nonlinearity, the system reaches the amplification threshold for weak driving strength, leading to low-power phonon lasing. This amplifier can be phase-preserving and provides a practical advantage related to the power consumption issues. This work opens up new avenues to perform low-power and efficient amplifiers in optomechanics and related fields.
Antisense Technology: Liver Targeting and Beyond for Drug Discovery
Authors: Geary Richard S. , Baker Brenda F. , Monia Brett P.
Published: February 2019

Single-stranded phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) represent the most advanced RNA therapeutic technology today. The extensive characterization of the bio-distribution of systemically administered ASOs has established the hepatocyte as the most exploited cell type for antisense therapeutics to date for a broad range of human diseases. Beyond this initial cornerstone, further characterization of ASO subcellular trafficking has led to ligand–receptor targeting strategies and continued development of novel medicinal chemistries has supported the opportunity for ASO therapeutics across a broader range of tissue and cell compartments. Validation of novel routes of delivery has resulted also in the opening up of many new organ systems and cell types for human therapeutics.
Oligonucleotide-based Toll-like Receptor Antagonists and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Kandimalla Ekambar R. , Agrawal Sudhir
Published: February 2019

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7, 8, and 9 are expressed in the endosomes of immune cells, recognize nucleic acid molecular patterns of viruses and bacteria, and induce innate and adaptive immune responses to the infections. While this immune surveillance is important for host protection under normal physiological conditions, under certain pathological conditions these TLRs have been shown to recognize immune complexes containing self nucleic acids, leading to aberrant TLR activation, and to contribute to the progression of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This indicates that antagonism of TLRs could be a novel approach for potential treatment of autoimmune diseases. During the development of therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), it was observed that certain oligonucleotide sequences in combination with certain ASO chemical modifications acted as antagonists of specific TLRs, thereby inhibiting the TLR-mediated immune cascade. In this chapter, we have described studies of these novel synthetic oligonucleotides that act as antagonists of TLR7, 8, and 9, as well as potential therapeutic applications.
Targeting Toxic Repeats
Authors: Leontien van der Bent M. , van Cruchten Remco T. P. , Wansink Derick G.
Published: February 2019

Repetitive sequences in the genome may become unstable above a certain length and elicit distinct pathological cascades. Prominent examples of diseases caused by these types of repeats are C9orf72-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD), Huntington's disease, myotonic dystrophy and several forms of spinocerebellar ataxia. These diseases share the presence of an expanded repeat, but differ in the sequence or in the mutated gene in which the repeat is located. Expanded CAG repeats, such as in Huntington's disease and most spinocerebellar ataxias, result in the synthesis of toxic polyglutamine-containing proteins. The CUG and GGGGCC repeats in myotonic dystrophy and C9orf72-ALS/FTD, respectively, form aberrant structures that sequester cellular factors and direct the production of toxic polymeric polypeptides via repeat-associated non-AUG translation. Despite the diversity in molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases, they have in common repetitive DNA and RNA segments that can serve as molecular targets for therapy. Here, we will discuss differences and similarities between repeat-expansion diseases, review the higher-order structures that can be formed by expanded repeats and provide an overview of how small molecules, antisense strategies and gene-editing strategies against toxic repeats have shaped a solid foundation for future therapy.
Advances and Challenges of RNAi-Based Anti-HIV Therapeutics
Authors: Zhou J. , Rossi J. J.
Published: February 2019

Rapid progress in sequencing technology has revealed a number of disease-related genes that are “undruggable” by conventional pharmaceuticals. Nucleic acid-based therapeutics offer an exclusive power to target the undruggable human and viral genomes specifically with unique pharmacophores capable of attacking cancer or evading viral mutation. In particular, the notion that RNA interference (RNAi) could lead to a new class of therapeutics triggered an explosion of interest in academia and industry. Given the capacity for specific silencing of a number of viral or cellular genes, RNAi can function as a gene-specific therapeutic option for controlling HIV-1 replication. Although there are indications that viruses have evolved ways to escape from the RNAi mechanism, RNAi-based therapeutics can be multiplexed to prevent escape by combining multiple small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting various viral and cellular mRNAs, or by combining siRNAs with other RNA therapeutics (e.g. aptamers, ribozymes, antisense oligonucleotides). This chapter focuses on the use of RNAi for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. We discuss here the current advances and potential challenges in the development of RNAi-based anti-HIV-1 therapeutics, as well as some representative examples of their application.
CRISPR-based Technologies for Genome Engineering: Properties, Current Improvements and Applications in Medicine
Authors: Geny Sylvain , Hosseini Elaheh Sadat , Concordet Jean-Paul , Giovannangeli Carine
Published: February 2019

Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) systems have contributed to a technological breakthrough in all fields of life sciences, making it possible to edit and functionally investigate genomes in a large variety of biological systems. In this chapter we summarize CRISPR-based technologies, describing fundamental properties of CRISPR systems and highlighting some recent developments and improvements as well as future directions. We also describe advances in therapeutics science that this technology has already enabled.
Therapeutic Potential of Ribozymes
Authors: Balke Darko , Müller Sabine
Published: February 2019

Recent advances in RNA engineering during the last two decades have supported the development of RNA-based therapeutics targeting a variety of human diseases. The broad scope of these emerging drugs clearly demonstrates the versatility of RNA. Ribozymes have been seen as promising candidates in this area. However, efficient intracellular application of ribozymes remains challenging, and other strategies appear to have outperformed ribozymes as molecular drugs. Nevertheless, trans-cleaving ribozymes have been applied for specific cleavage of target mRNAs in order to inhibit undesired gene expression. Furthermore, ribozymes have been engineered to allow site-directed RNA sequence alterations, enabling the correction of genetic misinformation at the RNA level. This chapter provides an overview of ribozyme-based strategies, highlighting the promises and pitfalls for potential therapeutic applications.
Selective fluorination of perovskite iron oxide/ruthenium oxide heterostructures via a topotactic reaction
Authors: Chikamatsu Akira , Suzuki Yusuke , Maruyama Takahiro , Onozuka Tomoya , Katayama Tsukasa , Ogawa Daisuke , Hasegawa Tetsuya
Published: February 2019

SrFeO2F/SrRuO3 epitaxial bilayer films were fabricated via a topotactic reaction with polyvinylidene difluoride while maintaining the epitaxial relationship.
Equilibrium structures of the tetramezine diastereomers and their ratio: joint analysis of gas phase electron diffraction, quantum chemistry, and spectroscopic data
Authors: Khaikin Leonid S. , Kochikov Igor V. , Rykov Anatoliy N. , Grikina Olga E. , Ageev Georgiy G. , Shishkov Igor F. , Kuznetsov Vladimir V. , Makhova Nina N.
Published: February 2019

We applied a gas-phase electron diffraction (GED) method together with vibrational spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations to investigate the equilibrium geometries of achiralmesoandenantiomericdiastereomers of tetramezine and their ratio in the mixture.
Bioactive and luminescent indole and isatin based gold(i) derivatives
Authors: Fernández-Moreira Vanesa , Val-Campillo Cynthia , Ospino Isaura , Herrera Raquel P. , Marzo Isabel , Laguna Antonio , Gimeno M. Concepción
Published: February 2019

Combination of bioactive indole and isatin derivatives with Au(i) affords highly cytotoxic metallic species even for cisplatin resistant leukemia cells (Jurkat-shBak).
A high-entropy B4(HfMo2TaTi)C and SiC ceramic composite
Authors: Zhang Hanzhu , Hedman Daniel , Feng Peizhong , Han Gang , Akhtar Farid
Published: February 2019

A composite of high entropy ceramic B4(HfMo2TiTa)C and SiC was fabricated from refractory metallic carbides and B4C with superior mechanical properties.
Utilizing the adaptive precursor [As2W19O67(H2O)]14– to support three hexanuclear lanthanoid-based tungstoarsenate dimers
Authors: Li Huafeng , Wu Hechen , Wan Rong , Wang Yuan , Ma Pengtao , Li Suzhi , Wang Jingping , Niu Jingyang
Published: February 2019

The photoluminescence properties and polyanionic structures of hexanuclear lanthanoid-based tungstoarsenate dimers.
DHA-PC protects kidneys against cisplatin-induced toxicity and its underlying mechanisms in mice
Authors: Shi Hao-Hao , Wang Cheng-Cheng , Guo Ying , Xue Chang-Hu , Zhang Tian-Tian , Wang Yu-Ming
Published: February 2019

DHA-PC protected the kidney against cisplatin-induced toxicity through sirtuin 1 activation, the inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Facilein situpreparation of high-performance epoxy vitrimer from renewable resources and its application in nondestructive recyclable carbon fiber composite
Authors: Wang Sheng , Ma Songqi , Li Qiong , Xu Xiwei , Wang Binbo , Yuan Wangchao , Zhou Shenghua , You Shusen , Zhu Jin
Published: February 2019

A high-performance epoxy vitrimer was facilely prepared from a renewable lignin derivative vanillin, and its carbon-fiber composites were nondestructively recycled.
Strategy towards one-step preparation of carboxylic cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibrils with high yield, carboxylation and highly stable dispersibility using innocuous citric acid
Authors: Ji Hui , Xiang Zhouyang , Qi Haisong , Han Tingting , Pranovich Andrey , Song Tao
Published: February 2019

Highly efficient preparation and carboxylation of nanocelluloses were achieved simultaneously using innocuous and recyclable citric acid with the assistance of ultrasonication.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using one-pot and microwave-assisted methods and their subsequent embedment on PVDF nanofibre membranes for growth inhibition of mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria
Authors: Nthunya Lebea N. , Derese Sebastiaan , Gutierrez Leonardo , Verliefde Arne R. , Mamba Bhekie B. , Barnard Tobias G. , Mhlanga Sabelo D.
Published: February 2019

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a greener approach and subsequently embedded on PVDF nanofibre membranes for growth inhibition of mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria.
Tetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]pyrrole: a versatile synthetic receptor for electron-deficient planar and spherical guests
Authors: Bähring Steffen , Root Harrison D. , Sessler Jonathan L. , Jeppesen Jan O.
Published: February 2019

The chemistry of tetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]pyrrole is reviewed with focus on conformational behavior, receptor properties and ionically controlled electron transfer processes.
Applications of chiral naphthyloxycyclohexanols in deracemization of α-substituted carboxylic acids by dynamic thermodynamic resolution
Authors: Khanvilkar Aditya N. , Samanta Sudeep G. , Bedekar Ashutosh V.
Published: February 2019

Synthesis of chiral naphthyloxycyclohexanols and their applications in the preparation of optically pure α-substituted carboxylic acids by dynamic thermodynamic resolution.
Ruthenium catalyzes the synthesis of γ-butenolides fused with cyclohexanones
Authors: Thombal Raju S. , Kim Seoung-Tae , Baik Mu-Hyun , Lee Yong Rok
Published: February 2019

A combined experimental and computational study for Ru(ii)-catalyzed reactions of cyclic diazodicarbonyl compounds with β-ketoamides for cyclohexanone-fused γ-butenolides is described.
New Pt→M (M = Ag or Tl) complexes based on anionic cyclometalated Pt(ii) complexes
Authors: Campillo David , Belío Úrsula , Martín Antonio
Published: February 2019

Anionic cyclometalated complexes (NBu4)[Pt(CNC)X] (X = Cl, CN, or S-2py) react with Ag(i) and Tl(i) salts to give complexes containing Pt→M donor–acceptor intermetallic bonds. These complexes show a wide range of structural dispositions depending on M and the bridging characteristics of the ligand X.
Efficient and irreversible capture of strontium ions from aqueous solution using metal–organic frameworks with ion trapping groups
Authors: Mu Wanjun , Du Shenzhen , Li Xingliang , Yu Qianhong , Hu Rui , Wei Hongyuan , Yang Yuchuan , Peng Shuming
Published: February 2019

Efficient and irreversible capture of radioactive nuclides is an important environmental protection task when disposing of nuclear wastewater.
Retraction: Organocatalytic stereoselective synthesis of passifloricin A
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Pandey Menaka , Gupta Priti , Dhavale Dilip D.
Published: February 2019

Retraction of ‘Organocatalytic stereoselective synthesis of passifloricin A’ by Pradeep Kumar et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2012, 10, 1820–1825.
Visible-light-mediated, additive-free, and open-to-air controlled radical polymerization of acrylates and acrylamides
Authors: Lamb Jessica R. , Qin K. Peter , Johnson Jeremiah A.
Published: February 2019

Polymerizing through oxygen in open vials without any additional additives expands the utility of photocontrolled iniferter polymerization.
Alamandine attenuates arterial remodelling induced by transverse aortic constriction in mice
Authors: de Souza-Neto Fernando Pedro , Silva Mario de Morais e , Santuchi Melissa de Carvalho , de Alcântara-Leonídio Thaís Cristina , Motta-Santos Daisy , Oliveira Aline Cristina , Melo Marcos Barrouin , Canta Giovanni Naves , de Souza Leandro Eziquiel , Irigoyen Maria Cláudia Costa , Campagnole-Santos Maria José , Guatimosim Silvia , Santos Robson Augusto Souza , da Silva Rafaela Fernandes
Published: February 2019

Aims: The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases, especially as a mediator of inflammation and tissue remodelling. Alamandine (Ala1-angiotensin-(1-7)) is a new biologically active peptide from the RAS, interacting with Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptor member D. Although a growing number of studies reveal the cardioprotective effects of alamandine, there is a paucity of data on its participation in vascular remodelling associated events. In the present study, we investigated the effects of alamandine on ascending aorta remodelling after transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in mice. Methods and results: C57BL/6J male mice were divided into the following groups: Sham (sham-operated), TAC (operated) and TAC+ALA (operated and treated with alamandine-HPβCD (2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin), 30 μg/kg/day, by gavage). Oral administration of alamandine for 14 days attenuated arterial remodelling by decreasing ascending aorta media layer thickness and the cells density in the adventitia induced by TAC. Alamandine administration attenuated ascending aorta fibrosis induced by TAC, through a reduction in the following parameters; total collagen deposition, expression collagen III and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) transcripts, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity and vascular expression of MMP-2. Importantly, alamandine decreased vascular expression of proinflammatory genes as CCL2, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and was able to increase expression of MRC1 and FIZZ1, pro-resolution markers, after TAC surgery. Conclusion: Alamandine treatment attenuates vascular remodelling after TAC, at least in part, through anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, this work opens new avenues for the use of this heptapeptide also as a therapeutic target for vascular disease.
Comparative Validity of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's National Outcomes Measurement System, Functional Oral Intake Scale, and G-Codes to Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability Scores for Dysphagia
Authors: Dungan Sarah , Gregorio David , Abrahams Theodore , Harrison Baylee , Abrahams Julia , Brocato Destinee , Davis Catherine , Espana Emily , Garcia Rachel , Smith Shanara , Taylor Bryn , Higgins Tiphanie , Daley Leon , Carnaby Giselle
Published: February 2019

Background

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) advocates using the National Outcomes Measurement System (NOMS) scales to assist speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the mandated assigning of “functional limitation levels” and G-Code for Medicare Part B claims. Unfortunately, not all SLPs have access to this tool, and it is unclear how other common outcome measurement scales relate to ASHA NOMS or G-Codes. To explore the utility of other scales in reporting Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services G-Codes, we conducted a comparative validity study comparing ASHA NOMS Dysphagia Scale, Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), and Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability to G-Codes on a sample of 105 patients who had stroke.

Method

Nine SLP student researchers trained to criterion on the NOMS and FOIS blindly and independently scored 105 stroke cases with dysphagia de-identified from a past study. Three graduate SLP clinicians independently assigned G-Codes. Data from the student researchers and Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability scores were compared for admission and discharge from subacute rehabilitation. Analysis included intraclass correlation for reliability, Spearman correlation for comparative validity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to compare the validity and discriminatory utility of measures in classifying dysphagia.

Results

Strong correlations (> .6) were noted between all measures at baseline, particularly FOIS and NOMS coding (
r
= .919). At discharge, superior performance by the FOIS (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.819) was demonstrated. Code missingness was higher for the NOMS than the other scales.

Discussion

All 3 clinical dysphagia tools demonstrate acceptable validity in supporting G-Code designation to stroke cases. The FOIS demonstrated superior validity and utility across time points. The NOMS Dysphagia Scale was significantly affected by data missingness due to the multiconstruct nature of the tool.
Wind power plant level testing of inertial response with optimised recovery behaviour
Authors: Godin Patrice , Fischer Markus , Röttgers Heiko , Mendonca Angelo , Engelken Sönke
Published: February 2019

This study presents and assesses the outcomes of inertial response tests performed on a transmission system‐connected wind power plant in the Canadian province of Quebec. Frequency signals representing a response to a typical loss of generation event were injected into the wind turbines’ control systems to artificially trigger an active power increase. The measurement campaign aimed to fulfil two main objectives. First, to validate the performance of a wind turbine control algorithm designed to optimise the active power behaviour after inertial response activation. Second, to study the correlation between individual wind turbine and wind power plant behaviours during, and immediately after, an inertial response event. This publication offers an update on the capabilities and limitations of type 4 wind turbines for providing inertial response functionalities. Furthermore, it underlines the importance of understanding the various parameters that have an impact on the aggregate inertial response of a wind power plant in reality as well as in dynamic simulations. This publication also addresses how simulations can be used to predict the behaviour of inertial response from wind power plants. Final results suggest that current approaches for integrating and evaluating inertial response from wind power plants in system planning studies should be revisited.
Abundances and kinematics of carbon-enhanced metal-poor stars in the Galactic halo
Authors: Hansen C. J. , Hansen T. T. , Koch A. , Beers T. C. , Nordström B. , Placco V. M. , Andersen J.
Published: February 2019

Carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars span a wide range of stellar populations, from bona fide second-generation stars to later-forming stars that provide excellent probes of binary mass transfer and stellar evolution. Here we analyse 11 metal-poor stars (8 of which are new to the literature), and demonstrate that 10 are CEMP stars. Based on high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) X-shooter spectra, we derive abundances of 20 elements (C, N, O, Na, Mg, Ca, Sc, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Sr, Y, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Eu). From the high-S/N spectra, we were able to trace the chemical contribution of the rare earth elements (REE) from various possible production sites, finding a preference for metal-poor low-mass asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars of 1.5 M⊙ in CEMP-s stars, while CEMP-r/s stars may indicate a more massive AGB contribution (2–5 M⊙). A contribution from the r-process – possibly from neutron star–neutron star mergers (NSM) – is also detectable in the REE stellar abundances, especially in the CEMP-r/s sub-group rich in both slow(s) and rapid(r) neutron-capture elements. Combining spectroscopic data with Gaia DR2 astrometric data provides a powerful chemodynamical tool for placing CEMP stars in the various Galactic components, and classifying CEMP stars into the four major elemental-abundance sub-groups, which are dictated by their neutron-capture element content. The derived orbital parameters indicate that all but one star in our sample (and the majority of the selected literature stars) belong to the Galactic halo. These stars exhibit a median orbital eccentricity of 0.7, and are found on both prograde and retrograde orbits. We find that the orbital parameters of CEMP-no and CEMP-s stars are remarkably similar in the 98 stars we study. A special case is the CEMP-no star HE 0020−1741, with very low Sr and Ba content, which possesses the most eccentric orbit among the stars in our sample, passing close to the Galactic centre. Finally, we propose an improved scheme to sub-classify the CEMP stars, making use of the Sr/Ba ratio, which can also be used to separate very metal-poor stars from CEMP stars. We explore the use of [Sr/Ba] versus [Ba/Fe] in 93 stars in the metallicity range −4.2 ≲ [Fe/H] <  −2. We show that the Sr/Ba ratio can also be successfully used for distinguishing CEMP-s, CEMP-r/s, and CEMP-no stars. Additionally, the Sr/Ba ratio is found to be a powerful astro-nuclear indicator, since the metal-poor AGB stars exhibit very different Sr/Ba ratios compared to fast-rotating massive stars and NSM, and is also reasonably unbiased by NLTE and 3D corrections.
Age determination for 269 Gaia DR2 open clusters
Authors: Bossini D. , Vallenari A. , Bragaglia A. , Cantat-Gaudin T. , Sordo R. , Balaguer-Núñez L. , Jordi C. , Moitinho A. , Soubiran C. , Casamiquela L. , Carrera R. , Heiter U.
Published: February 2019

Context. The Gaia Second Data Release provides precise astrometry and photometry for more than 1.3 billion sources. This catalog opens a new era concerning the characterization of open clusters and test stellar models, paving the way for better understanding of the disk properties.

Aims. The aim of the paper is to improve the knowledge of cluster parameters, using only the unprecedented quality of the Gaia photometry and astrometry.

Methods. We have made use of the membership determination based on the precise Gaia astrometry and photometry. We applied an automated Bayesian tool, BASE-9, to fit stellar isochrones on the observed G, GBP, GRP magnitudes of the high probability member stars.

Results. We derive parameters such as age, distance modulus, and extinction for a sample of 269 open clusters, selecting only low reddening objects and discarding very young clusters, for which techniques other than isochrone-fitting are more suitable for estimating ages.
Modeling of gas–surface interface for paraffin-based hybrid rocket fuels in computational fluid dynamics simulations
Authors: Bianchi D. , Nasuti F. , Delfini D.
Published: February 2019

Numerical simulations of the flowfield in a hybrid rocket engine are carried out with a multispecies chemically reacting Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solver which includes detailed gas–surface interaction (GSI) modeling based on surface mass and energy balances. The oxidizer is gaseous oxygen which is homogeneously fed into single-port cylindrical grains. The modeling of GSI already developed and validated for pyrolyzing fuels such as hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), is extended to the case of liquefying fuels, such as paraffin wax. A simplified two-step global reaction mechanism is considered for the gas-phase chemistry to model the combustion process inside the chamber. Numerical simulations performed at different gas/melt-layer interface temperatures and oxygen mass fluxes show a considerable increase of fuel regression rate, in the range of 3 up to 5 times, for the liquefying fuel with respect to the pyrolyzing one. Results show that the regression rate enhancement is significant only when the gas/melt-layer interface of the liquefying fuel is close to the melting temperature. At increasing gas/melt-layer interface temperatures, the regression rate decreases following an inverse power law and gets close to that of a pyrolyzing fuel for the same operating conditions. Finally, regression rate behavior at varying oxygen mass flux of liquefying fuels is not substantially altered from that of pyrolyzing fuels as the oxidizer flux exponent remains rather constant.
Numerical analysis of combustion for droplet of hydrazine
Authors: Motoe M.
Published: February 2019

Several simulations of evaporation and combustion of a fuel droplet are performed as preliminary stage for the combustion simulation in the chamber of bipropellant thrusters. First, the evaporation simulation without chemical reaction for single droplets of water andn-heptane are performed. Two evaporation models such as classical equilibrium and nonequilibrium Langmuir–Knudsen models are used for the simulation, and their characteristics are studied in order to investigate the difference between the two models. Then, the accuracy of the numerical code using this study is confirmed by means of comparison with existing experimental results. Next, the evaporation simulation with chemical reaction for single droplets of hydrazine is performed and the accuracy of the numerical code is confirmed by the same way. From these simulations, it is considered that the code and the scheme using this simulation have reasonable accuracy for droplet simulation with evaporation and combustion.
Eulerian coupling of two-phase flow models for the large eddy simulation of the atomization in cryogenic combustion chamber
Authors: Murrone A. , Le Touze C.
Published: February 2019

A Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of the primary atomization in cryogenic combustion chamber is proposed. To reach this crucial challenge, different two-phase flow models are necessary because the simulation includes multiscale phenomena. A fully Eulerien coupling strategy has been implemented in a multiphysics platform and a primary atomization model has been suggested. This strategy combines a diffuse interface model for the atomization of the liquid jet and a kinetic based model for the combustion of the spray. Concerning numerical methods, a time splitting and a new specific Monotonic Upstream-centered Scheme for Conservation Laws (MUSCL) technique have been used for robustness and precision of the computation. The configuration of the simulation is a test cryogenic facility corresponding to one coaxial injector.
Modeling of a coaxial liquid oxygen/gaseous hydrogen injection element under high-frequency acoustic disturbances
Authors: Beinke S. , Banuti D. , Hardi J. , Oschwald M. , Dally B.
Published: February 2019

An experimental combustor, designated BKH, is operated at DLR Lampoldshausen to investigate high-frequency combustion instability phenomena. The combustor operates with liquid oxygen (LOx) and gaseous or liquid hydrogen propellants at supercritical conditions analogous to real rocket engines. An externally imposed acoustic disturbance interacts with a series of 5 coaxial injection elements in the center of the chamber. A combination of experimental analysis and numerical modeling is used to provide further insight and understanding of the BKH experiments. Optical data from the BKH experiments are analyzed to extract the response of the flame at the excitation frequency. A new method for reconstructing the acoustic field inside the chamber from dynamic pressure sensor data is used to describe the evolution of the acoustic mode and the local disturbance in the flame zone. An Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) model of a single BKH injection element subjected to representative transverse acoustic velocity excitation has been computed using a specialized release of the DLR TAU code. The single-element model reproduces the retraction of the dense LOx core during transverse velocity excitation as observed experimentally. The model also provides further insight into the flattening and flapping of the flame. The flapping is identified as the oxygen core being transported by the transverse acoustic velocity.
Nonlinear analysis of low-frequency combustion instabilities in liquid rocket engines
Authors: Leonardi M. , Di Matteo F. , Steelant J. , Nasuti F. , Onofri M.
Published: February 2019

Low-frequency combustion instabilities are here studied taking advantage of the software EcosimPro. A specific module has been implemented based on the double time lag model and the coupling of combustion chamber and feed line oscillations were investigated by using a complete set of nonlinear equations. The characteristic time lags have been identified following two approaches: (i) a constant time lag approach; and (ii) a variable time lag approach based on correlations available in open literature. To prove the module capabilities, an experimental setup was reproduced and a stability map was generated, comparing the obtained results with literature data from both experiments and a linear double time lag model. The stability boundaries obtained with the chugging module are in good agreement with those obtained in open literature and the first characteristic frequency of the engine is well predicted. Furthermore, the model proves its capability in reconstructing the reversal in the slope of the stability boundary at low fuel injector pressure drops and in detecting the high-frequency content typically observed in presence of multimode oscillations. However, in the calculations, the higher frequency does not dominate the instabilities, that is, in the unstable regime, the model diverges with a frequency equal to the first characteristic frequency. In the last part of the paper, the variable time lag approach is used to investigate a portion of the aforementioned stability map. Thanks to the semiempirical correlations, the present authors managed to improve the prediction of the first characteristic frequency, whereas the stability boundary does not change significantly and remains comparable with the one predicted by the constant double time lag approach.
Development of LM10-MIRA liquid oxygen – liquid natural gas expander cycle demonstrator engine
Authors: Bellomi P. , Rudnykh M. , Carapellese S. , Liuzzi D. , Caggiano G. , Arione L. , Gurtovoy A.A. , Lobov S.D. , Rachuk V. S. , D'Aversa E. , De Lillis A. , Pellegrini R. C.
Published: February 2019

This article contains results of joint works by Konstruktorskoe Buro Khimavtomatiki (KBKhA, Russia) and AVIO Company (Italy) on creation of the LM10-MIRA liquid-propellant rocket demonstrator engine for the third stage of the upgraded “Vega” launcher. Scientific and research activities conducted by KBKhA and AVIO in 2007–2014 in the frame of the LYRA Program, funded by the Italian Space Agency, with ELV as Prime contractor, and under dedicated ASI-Roscosmos interagencies agreement, were aimed at development and testing of a 7.5-ton thrust expander cycle demonstrator engine propelled by oxygen and liquid natural gas (LNG).
Hot workability of V-Ti microalloyed steel for forging
Authors: Zhou Ningbo , Zhao Fan , Wu Meng , Jiang Bo , Zhang Chaolei , Liu Yazheng
Published: February 2019

The hot compression and the hot tensile experiments were carried out on a Gleeble3800 thermal-mechanical simulator at different deformation conditions. The relationship between the flow stress and Zener-Hollomon parameter was established by the hyperbolic sine function. The hot deformation apparent activation energy is about 371 kJ/mol. There are two peak regions of m-value in the m maps with true strain of 0.2. One peak corresponds to the temperature of 1050 °C and the strain rate of 0.01 s−1, the other one corresponds to the temperature of 1200 °C and the strain rates within range of 0.1 s−1 ∼ 1 s−1. There is only one peak region (1150 °C ∼ 1200 °C, 0.1 s−1 ∼ 1 s−1) of m-value, when true strain is 0.4 or 0.9. The reduction of area increases from 65% to 98% with the temperature increases from 800 °C to 1200 °C. In temperature range of 1000 °C ∼ 1200 °C, the reduction of area is always over 90%, which means that the plasticity of the steel is fine. According to the results of the research, it can be proved that the optimal deformation conditions with different strain correspond to the peak regions of m-value. The optimum deformation conditions is the temperature of 1200 °C and the strain rates within range of 0.1 s−1 ∼ 1 s−1, which were suitable for the true strain with 0.2, 0.4 and 0.9 at the same time.