bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycosinthetized Ag, CuO and ZnO nanoparticles from a promising Trichoderma harzianum strain and their antifungal potential against important phytopathogens
Authors: Consolo Verónica Fabiana , Torres-Nicolini Andrés , Alvarez Vera Alejandra
Published: November 2020

Fungal green biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is a promising eco-friendly method for mass-scale production. In the present study Ag, CuO and ZnO nanoparticles were biogenically synthetized using a cell filtrate of a strain of Trichoderma harzianum as a reducer and stabilizer agent. The structure, morphology and physicochemical properties of the NPs were characterized through transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, wide angle X-ray scattering and thermogravimetric analysis. Since nanotechnology could offer promising applications in agricultural area, we evaluated the ability of the NPs to reduce the growth of important fungal phytopathogens as Alternaria alternata, Pyricularia oryzae and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Silver and CuO NPs reduced significantly the mycelial growth of A. alternata and P. oryzae in a dose dependent manner. This is the first report of a multiple extracellular biosynthesis of NPs from T. harzianum and the first time that CuO and ZnO NPs were obtained from this fungus. In addition, we highlighted the rapid production of NPs, as well as, the potential of Ag and CuO for the control of phytopathogens. On the other hand, the three types of NPs could be easily and sustainably produced on a large scale with the chance of having multiple applications in biotechnological processes.
Radiation pressure measurement using a macroscopic oscillator in an ambient environment
Authors: Partanen Mikko , Lee Hyeonwoo , Oh Kyunghwan
Published: November 2020

In contrast to current efforts to quantify the radiation pressure of light using nano-micromechanical resonators in cryogenic conditions, we proposed and experimentally demonstrated the radiation pressure measurement in ambient conditions by utilizing a macroscopic mechanical longitudinal oscillator with an effective mass of the order of 20 g. The light pressure on a mirror attached to the oscillator was recorded in a Michelson interferometer and results showed, within the experimental accuracy of 3.9%, a good agreement with the harmonic oscillator model without free parameters.
Railway mortality for several mammal species increases with train speed, proximity to water, and track curvature
Authors: St. Clair Colleen Cassady , Whittington Jesse , Forshner Anne , Gangadharan Aditya , Laskin David N.
Published: November 2020

Railways are a major source of direct mortality for many populations of large mammals, but they have been less studied or mitigated than roads. We evaluated temporal and spatial factors affecting mortality risk using 646 railway mortality incidents for 11 mammal species collected over 24 years throughout Banff and Yoho National Parks, Canada. We divided species into three guilds (bears, other carnivores, and ungulates), compared site attributes of topography, land cover, and train operation between mortality and paired random locations at four spatial scales, and described temporal patterns or mortality. Mortality risk increased across multiple guilds and spatial scales with maximum train speed and higher track curvature, both suggesting problems with train detection, and in areas with high proximity to and amount of water, both suggesting limitations to animal movement. Mortality risk was also correlated, but more varied among guilds and spatial scales, with shrub cover, topographic complexity, and proximity to sidings and roads. Seasonally, mortality rates were highest in winter for ungulates and other carnivores, and in late spring for bears, respectively. Our results suggest that effective mitigation could address train speed or detectability by wildlife, especially at sites with high track curvature that are near water or attractive habitat.
Senescence of song revealed by a long-term study of the Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis)
Authors: Berg Mathew L. , Beebe Sarah C. , Komdeur Jan , Cardilini Adam P. A. , Ribot Raoul F. H. , Bennett Andrew T. D. , Buchanan Katherine L.
Published: November 2020

Senescence is widespread in nature, often resulting in diminishing survival or reproduction with age, but its role in age-dependent variation in sexual traits is often poorly understood. One reason is that few studies of sexual traits consider non-linear relationships with age, or only consider a narrow range of years relative to the life span of the species. Birdsong has evolved to allow assessment of conspecific quality in numerous bird species. Whilst theory and empirical work suggests that song may become more elaborate with age, there are a paucity of long-term studies testing whether song is associated with age or longevity. In particular, the occurrence of song senescence has rarely been demonstrated. Using an exceptional long-term dataset for the Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis), we analysed relationships between male song, age, survival, and longevity. This species is a long-lived songbird with early life increases, followed by senescent declines, in survival and reproduction. The study population (Cousin Island, Seychelles) is a closed population, with no depredation of adults, providing an excellent opportunity to study senescence in free-living animals. We tested whether song traits were related to age at recording, future survival, longevity, and territory quality. We found age-dependent changes in five song traits (duration, maximum frequency, peak frequency of songs, and duration and frequency bandwidth of trills). Relationships with age were quadratic, indicating reversal in the expression of song coinciding with the onset of senescence in reproduction and survival in this species. One song trait (trill bandwidth) had a quadratic relationship with future survival, but no song traits were related to longevity, suggesting age-related patterns were not the result of selective disappearance. Our study provides one of the first examples of functional senescence in song, offering new insights into avian senescence. Late-life declines in avian song, and possibly other sexual traits, may be more common than currently known, and may play a fundamental role in age-dependent changes in reproductive success.
Uncovering the pharmacological mechanism of the effects of the Banxia-Xiakucao Chinese Herb Pair on sleep disorder by a systems pharmacology approach
Authors: Guo Jing , Lou Meng-Ping , Hu Lin-Lin , Zhang Xin
Published: November 2020

Sleep disorder (SD) has a high incidence and seriously affects quality of life, mental health and even the manifestation of physical diseases. The combination of Pinellia ternata (Chinese name: banxia) and Prunella vulgaris (Chinese name: xiakucao), known as the Banxia–Xiakucao Chinese herb pair (BXHP), is a proven Chinese herbal medicine that has been used to treat SD for thousands of years due to its significant clinical effects. However, its active pharmacological components and sedative–hypnotic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Thus, the present study used a systematic pharmacological approach to develop pharmacokinetic screens and target predictions via construction of a protein–protein interaction network and annotation database for SD-related and putative BXHP-related targets. Visualization, screening and integrated discovery enrichment analyses were conducted. The BXHP chemical database contains 166 compounds between the two herbal ingredients, and of these, 22 potential active molecules were screened by pharmacokinetic evaluation. The targets of 114 of the active molecules were predicted, and 34 were selected for further analysis. Finally, gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses suggested that BXHP can reduce inflammatory responses. and mediate immune-related and central nervous system neurotransmitters via regulation of multiple targets and pathways. The use of a systematic pharmacology-based approach in the present study further elucidated the mechanisms of action underlying BXHP for the treatment of SD from a holistic perspective and sheds light on the systemic mechanisms of action of Chinese herbal medicines in general.
High CD45 expression of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells correlates with the size of HIV-1 reservoir in blood
Authors: Petkov Stefan , Bekele Yonas , Lakshmikanth Tadepally , Hejdeman Bo , Zazzi Maurizio , Brodin Petter , Chiodi Francesca
Published: November 2020

Using mass cytometry, we investigated the expression of 28 markers on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells from HIV-1 infected patients with a variable size of HIV-1 reservoir defined as high (HR) and low (LR) reservoir; we aimed at identifying phenotypic associations of T cells with size of HIV-1 reservoir. We showed that the frequency of CD45+ CD8+ and CD4+ T cells was directly proportional to the size of HIV-1 reservoir; HR patients had a significantly larger frequency of blood CD45high T cells and higher CD45 expression on both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. CD45 is a receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase essential in TCR signaling. Functional and phenotypical analysis of CD45high cells revealed that they express activation and proliferation markers (CD38 + HLA-DR + and Ki-67) and produce cytokines upon in vitro activation. CD45high T cells also expressed high levels of immune check-point PD-1. Our results link CD45 expression on T cells to HIV-1 reservoir; PD-1 expression on CD45high T cells may contribute to their exhaustion.
Addressing the challenges of E-cigarette safety profiling by assessment of pulmonary toxicological response in bronchial and alveolar mucosa models
Authors: Ganguly Koustav , Nordström Axel , Thimraj Tania A. , Rahman Mizanur , Ramström Malin , Sompa Shanzina I. , Lin Elizabeth Z. , O’Brien Fiona , Koelmel Jeremy , Ernstgård Lena , Johanson Gunnar , Pollitt Krystal J. Godri , Palmberg Lena , Upadhyay Swapna
Published: November 2020

Limited toxicity data on electronic cigarette (ECIG) impede evidence-based policy recommendations. We compared two popular mixed fruit flavored ECIG-liquids with and without nicotine aerosolized at 40 W (E-smoke) with respect to particle number concentrations, chemical composition, and response on physiologically relevant human bronchial and alveolar lung mucosa models cultured at air–liquid interface. E-smoke was characterized by significantly increased particle number concentrations with increased wattage (25, 40, and 55 W) and nicotine presence. The chemical composition of E-smoke differed across the two tested flavors in terms of cytotoxic compounds including p-benzoquinone, nicotyrine, and flavoring agents (for example vanillin, ethyl vanillin). Significant differences in the expression of markers for pro-inflammation, oxidative stress, tissue injury/repair, alarm anti-protease, anti-microbial defense, epithelial barrier function, and epigenetic modification were observed between the flavors, nicotine content, and/ or lung models (bronchial or alveolar). Our findings indicate that ECIG toxicity is influenced by combination of multiple factors including flavor, nicotine content, vaping regime, and the region of respiratory tree (bronchial or alveolar). Toxic chemicals and flavoring agents detected in high concentrations in the E-smoke of each flavor warrant independent evaluation for their specific role in imparting toxicity. Therefore, multi-disciplinary approaches are warranted for comprehensive safety profiling of ECIG.
Identification and validation of 174 COVID-19 vaccine candidate epitopes reveals low performance of common epitope prediction tools
Authors: Prachar Marek , Justesen Sune , Steen-Jensen Daniel Bisgaard , Thorgrimsen Stephan , Jurgons Erik , Winther Ole , Bagger Frederik Otzen
Published: November 2020

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV) virus has highlighted the need for fast and efficacious vaccine development. Stimulation of a proper immune response that leads to protection is highly dependent on presentation of epitopes to circulating T-cells via the HLA complex. SARS-CoV-2 is a large RNA virus and testing of all of its overlapping peptides in vitro to deconvolute an immune response is not feasible. Therefore HLA-binding prediction tools are often used to narrow down the number of peptides to test. We tested NetMHC suite tools' predictions by using an in vitro peptide-MHC stability assay. We assessed 777 peptides that were predicted to be good binders across 11 MHC alleles in a complex-stability assay and tested a selection of 19 epitope-HLA-binding prediction tools against the assay. In this investigation of potential SARS-CoV-2 epitopes we found that current prediction tools vary in performance when assessing binding stability, and they are highly dependent on the MHC allele in question. Designing a COVID-19 vaccine where only a few epitope targets are included is therefore a very challenging task. Here, we present 174 SARS-CoV-2 epitopes with high prediction binding scores, validated to bind stably to 11 HLA alleles. Our findings may contribute to the design of an efficacious vaccine against COVID-19.
Elucidating nanoscale mechanical properties of diabetic human adipose tissue using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Wenderott J. K. , Flesher Carmen G. , Baker Nicki A. , Neeley Christopher K. , Varban Oliver A. , Lumeng Carey N. , Muhammad Lutfiyya N. , Yeh Chen , Green Peter F. , O’Rourke Robert W.
Published: November 2020

Obesity-related type 2 diabetes (DM) is a major public health concern. Adipose tissue metabolic dysfunction, including fibrosis, plays a central role in DM pathogenesis. Obesity is associated with changes in adipose tissue extracellular matrix (ECM), but the impact of these changes on adipose tissue mechanics and their role in metabolic disease is poorly defined. This study utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) to quantify difference in elasticity between human DM and non-diabetic (NDM) visceral adipose tissue. The mean elastic modulus of DM adipose tissue was twice that of NDM adipose tissue (11.50 kPa vs. 4.48 kPa) to a 95% confidence level, with significant variability in elasticity of DM compared to NDM adipose tissue. Histologic and chemical measures of fibrosis revealed increased hydroxyproline content in DM adipose tissue, but no difference in Sirius Red staining between DM and NDM tissues. These findings support the hypothesis that fibrosis, evidenced by increased elastic modulus, is enhanced in DM adipose tissue, and suggest that measures of tissue mechanics may better resolve disease-specific differences in adipose tissue fibrosis compared with histologic measures. These data demonstrate the power of AFM nanoindentation to probe tissue mechanics, and delineate the impact of metabolic disease on the mechanical properties of adipose tissue.
Optical coherence tomography-based machine learning for predicting fractional flow reserve in intermediate coronary stenosis: a feasibility study
Authors: Cha Jung-Joon , Son Tran Dinh , Ha Jinyong , Kim Jung-Sun , Hong Sung-Jin , Ahn Chul-Min , Kim Byeong-Keuk , Ko Young-Guk , Choi Donghoon , Hong Myeong-Ki , Jang Yangsoo
Published: November 2020

Machine learning approaches using intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) to predict fractional flow reserve (FFR) have not been investigated. Both OCT and FFR data were obtained for left anterior descending artery lesions in 125 patients. Training and testing groups were partitioned in the ratio of 5:1. The OCT-based machine learning-FFR was derived for the testing group and compared with wire-based FFR in terms of ischemia diagnosis (FFR ≤ 0.8). The OCT-based machine learning-FFR showed good correlation (r = 0.853, P < 0.001) with the wire-based FFR. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the OCT-based machine learning-FFR for the testing group were 100%, 92.9%, 87.5%, 100%, and 95.2%, respectively. The OCT-based machine learning-FFR can be used to simultaneously acquire information on both image and functional modalities using one procedure, suggesting that it may provide optimized treatments for intermediate coronary artery stenosis.
Detecting quantum critical points in the t-$$t'$$ Fermi-Hubbard model via complex network theory
Authors: Bagrov Andrey A. , Danilov Mikhail , Brener Sergey , Harland Malte , Lichtenstein Alexander I. , Katsnelson Mikhail I.
Published: November 2020

A considerable success in phenomenological description of $$\text {high-T}_{\text{c}}$$

high-T
c

superconductors has been achieved within the paradigm of Quantum Critical Point (QCP)—a parental state of a variety of exotic phases that is characterized by dense entanglement and absence of well-defined quasiparticles. However, the microscopic origin of the critical regime in real materials remains an open question. On the other hand, there is a popular view that a single-band t-$$t'$$

t
′

Hubbard model is the minimal model to catch the main relevant physics of superconducting compounds. Here, we suggest that emergence of the QCP is tightly connected with entanglement in real space and identify its location on the phase diagram of the hole-doped t-$$t'$$

t
′

Hubbard model. To detect the QCP we study a weighted graph of inter-site quantum mutual information within a four-by-four plaquette that is solved by exact diagonalization. We demonstrate that some quantitative characteristics of such a graph, viewed as a complex network, exhibit peculiar behavior around a certain submanifold in the parametric space of the model. This method allows us to overcome difficulties caused by finite size effects and to identify precursors of the transition point even on a small lattice, where long-range asymptotics of correlation functions cannot be accessed.
Conserved epitopes with high HLA-I population coverage are targets of CD8+ T cells associated with high IFN-γ responses against all dengue virus serotypes
Authors: Adikari Thiruni N. , Di Giallonardo Francesca , Leung Preston , Grifoni Alba , Sette Alex , Weiskopf Daniela , Bull Rowena A. , Luciani Fabio
Published: November 2020

Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells are key for immune protection against viral infections. The breadth and cross-reactivity of these responses are important against rapidly mutating RNA viruses, such as dengue (DENV), yet how viral diversity affect T cell responses and their cross-reactivity against multiple variants of the virus remains poorly defined. In this study, an integrated analysis was performed to map experimentally validated CD8+ T cell epitopes onto the distribution of DENV genome sequences across the 4 serotypes worldwide. Despite the higher viral diversity observed within HLA-I restricted epitopes, mapping of 609 experimentally validated epitopes sequences on 3985 full-length viral genomes revealed 19 highly conserved epitopes across the four serotypes within the immunogenic regions of NS3, NS4B and NS5. These conserved epitopes were associated with a higher magnitude of IFN-γ response when compared to non-conserved epitopes and were restricted to 13 HLA class I genotypes, hence providing high coverage among human populations. Phylogeographic analyses showed that these epitopes are largely conserved in most of the endemic regions of the world, and with only some of these epitopes presenting distinct mutated variants circulating in South America and Asia.This study provides evidence for the existence of highly immunogenic and conserved epitopes across serotypes, which may impact design of new universal T-cell-inducing vaccine candidates that minimise detrimental effects of viral diversification and at the same time induce responses to a broad human population.
Dirty engineering data-driven inverse prediction machine learning model
Authors: Lee Jin-Woong , Park Woon Bae , Do Lee Byung , Kim Seonghwan , Goo Nam Hoon , Sohn Kee-Sun
Published: November 2020

Most data-driven machine learning (ML) approaches established in metallurgy research fields are focused on a build-up of reliable quantitative models that predict a material property from a given set of material conditions. In general, the input feature dimension (the number of material condition variables) is much higher than the output feature dimension (the number of material properties of concern). Rather than such a forward-prediction ML model, it is necessary to develop so-called inverse-design modeling, wherein required material conditions could be deduced from a set of desired material properties. Here we report a novel inverse design strategy that employs two independent approaches: a metaheuristics-assisted inverse reading of conventional forward ML models and an atypical inverse ML model based on a modified variational autoencoder. These two unprecedented approaches were successful and led to overlapped results, from which we pinpointed several novel thermo-mechanically controlled processed (TMCP) steel alloy candidates that were validated by a rule-based thermodynamic calculation tool (Thermo-Calc.). We also suggested a practical protocol to elucidate how to treat engineering data collected from industry, which is not prepared as independent and identically distributed (IID) random data.
Genetic mapping and candidate gene analysis for melon resistance to Phytophthora capsici
Authors: Wang Pingyong , Xu Xiaojun , Zhao Guangwei , He Yuhua , Hou Chong , Kong Weihu , Zhang Jian , Liu Shuimiao , Xu Yongyang , Xu Zhihong
Published: November 2020

Phytophthora blight is one of the most serious diseases affecting melon (Cucumis melo) production. Due to the lack of highly resistant germplasms, the progress on disease-resistant research is slow. To understand the genetics of melon resistance to Phytophthora capsici, an F2 population containing 498 individuals was developed by crossing susceptible line E31 to highly resistant line ZQK9. Genetic analysis indicated that the resistance in ZQK9 was controlled by a dominant gene, tentatively named MePhyto. Through bulked-segregant analysis (BSA-Seq) and chromosome walking techniques, the MePhyto gene was mapped to a 52.44 kb interval on chromosome 12. In this region, there were eight genes and their expression patterns were validated by qRT-PCR. Among them, one wall-associated receptor kinase (WAK) gene MELO3C002430 was significantly induced in ZQK9 after P. capsici inoculation, but not in E31. Based on the non-synonymous mutation site in MELO3C002430, a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker, CAPS2430, was developed and this maker was co-segregated with MePhyto in both F2 population and a collection of 36 melon accessions. Thus MELO3C002430 was considered as the candidate gene and CAPS2430 was a promising marker for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding. These results lay a foundation for revealing the resistance mechanism of melon to P. capsici.
Selective capture and non-invasive release of cells using a thermoresponsive polymer brush with affinity peptides
Authors: Nagase Kenichi , Shimura Masaki , Shimane Ruka , Hanaya Kengo , Yamada Sota , Akimoto Aya Mizutani , Sugai Takeshi , Kanazawa Hideko
Published: November 2020

Thermoresponsive block copolymer brush with cell affinity peptides was prepared via two steps of ATRP and subsequent click reaction. The prepared polymer brush can purify cells with high selectivity by simply changing temperature.
Cu(ii) and V(iv)O complexes with tri- or tetradentate ligands based on (2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-alanines reveal promising anticancer therapeutic potential
Authors: Ribeiro Nádia , Bulut Ipek , Cevatemre Buse , Teixeira Carlos , Yildizhan Yasemin , André Vânia , Adão Pedro , Pessoa João Costa , Acilan Ceyda , Correia Isabel
Published: November 2020

New CuII- and VIVO amino acid complexes show antiproliferative activity mediated by apoptosis and genomic damage.
Binding of anionic Pt(ii) complexes in a dedicated organic matrix: towards new binary crystalline composites
Authors: Kuzniak-Glanowska Emilia , Glosz Dorota , Niedzielski Grzegorz , Kobylarczyk Jedrzej , Srebro-Hooper Monika , Hooper James G. M. , Podgajny Robert
Published: November 2020

Square-planar [PtL4]2− (L = CN−, Cl−, Br−) anions are bound by π-acidic HAT(CN)6 in solution and in the solid state to provide the basis for the first epitaxially grown anion–π crystalline composites.
Bovine plasma hydrolysates’ iron chelating capacity and its potentiating effect on ferritin synthesis in Caco-2 cells
Authors: Gómez-Grimaldos Nathalia A. , Gómez-Sampedro Leidy J. , Zapata-Montoya José E. , López-García Gabriel , Cilla Antonio , Alegría-Torán Amparo
Published: November 2020

Bovine plasma hydrolysates with a degree of hydrolysis of 19.1% have an iron chelating capacity of 38.5 ± 0.4% and increase the synthesis of ferritin in Caco-2 cells five-fold compared to the control.
The galloyl moiety enhances the inhibitory activity of catechins and theaflavins against α-glucosidase by increasing the polyphenol–enzyme binding interactions
Authors: Sun Lijun , Song Yi , Chen Yujie , Ma Yilan , Fu Minghai , Liu Xuebo
Published: November 2020

Galloyl moiety plays an important role in binding of catechins and theaflavins with α-glucosidase.
Approaching “stainless magnesium” by Ca micro-alloying
Authors: Deng Min , Wang Linqian , Höche Daniel , Lamaka Sviatlana V. , Wang Cheng , Snihirova Darya , Jin Yiming , Zhang Yuhui , Zheludkevich Mikhail L.
Published: November 2020

Highly corrosion-resistant Mg is readily achievable by Ca micro-alloying, making “stainless Mg” possible. The designed lean Mg–Ca holds great promise in diverse applications, particularly biodegradable medical implants and aqueous batteries.
Plasmon-driven protodeboronation reactions in nanogaps
Authors: Huynh Ly Thi Minh , Trinh Hoa Duc , Lee Sungwoon , Yoon Sangwoon
Published: November 2020

Hot charge carriers created by plasmons break the C–B bond of 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid, transforming it into benzenethiol in nanogaps.
Atomic-scale visualization of metallic lead leak related fine structure in CsPbBr3 quantum dots
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Wang Jianlin , Ma Chaojie , Huang Xudan , Liu Kaihui , Xu Zhi , Wang Wenlong , Wang Lifen , Bai Xuedong
Published: November 2020

The fine atomic and electronic structure of Pb-leaked CsPbBr3 quantum dots have been revealed using atomic-resolution STEM.
Divergent synthesis of oxazolidines and morpholines via PhI(OAc)2-mediated difunctionalization of alkenes
Authors: Yang Shuang , Chen Yuhang , Yuan Zidan , Bu Feiyu , Jiang Cheng , Ding Zhenhua
Published: November 2020

Herein we describe the PhI(OAc)2-mediated 1,1- and 1,2-difunctionalization of alkenes with N-tosyl amino alcohols to form oxazolidine and morpholine derivatives.
Light-induced excited spin state trapping in iron(iii) complexes
Authors: Nakaya Manabu , Ohtani Ryo , Lindoy Leonard F. , Hayami Shinya
Published: November 2020

This review discusses the correlation of the local and whole molecular structure of iron(iii) complexes with the magnetic properties including the light-induced excited spin-state trapping (LIESST) effect.
Insight into the structure–property relationship of two-dimensional lead-free halide perovskite Cs3Bi2Br9 nanocrystals under pressure
Authors: Geng Ting , Wei Shuai , Zhao Wenya , Ma Zhiwei , Fu Ruijing , Xiao Guanjun , Zou Bo
Published: November 2020

Pressure-induced phase transformation and narrowed band gap of two-dimensional lead-free halide perovskite Cs3Bi2Br9 nanocrystals.
High-throughput morphology mapping of self-assembling ternary polymer blends
Authors: Toth Kristof , Osuji Chinedum O. , Yager Kevin G. , Doerk Gregory S.
Published: November 2020

Compositionally graded electrospray deposition combined with grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering forms a high-throughput approach for mapping phase behavior in ternary mixtures as demonstrated here using block copolymer blends.
Nitrogen-doped porous carbon with complicated architecture and superior K+ storage performance
Authors: Zhou Yongsheng , Zhu Yingchun , Xu Bingshe , Zhang Xueji
Published: November 2020

Benefiting from the synthetic effects of the hierarchically porous architecture, rich nitrogen functional groups, large surface area, and enlarged interlayer spacing, the obtained CHTT-N exhibited superior K+ storage performance.
Synchronized oscillations, traveling waves, and jammed clusters induced by steric interactions in active filament arrays
Authors: Chelakkot Raghunath , Hagan Michael F. , Gopinath Arvind
Published: November 2020

Arrays of clamped active filaments, interacting via steric forces, display traveling waves and jammed clusters.
Hydration influences on the phase heterogeneity of segmented copolymers
Authors: Edatholath Saji S. , Chandan Mohammed R. , Aswal Vinod K. , Rath Sangram K. , Harikrishnan G.
Published: November 2020

We elucidate the influences of hydration on the morphological heterogeneity of the broad class of segmented copolymers.
Engineering NiFe layered double hydroxide by valence control and intermediate stabilization toward the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Xu Zhenxing , Ying Yiran , Zhang Guoge , Li Kongzhe , Liu Yan , Fu Nianqing , Guo Xuyun , Yu Fei , Huang Haitao
Published: November 2020

The electronic structure of NiFe layered double hydroxide was engineered by valence control and intermediate stabilization for enhanced catalytic activity.
Enhanced doping efficiency and thermoelectric performance of diketopyrrolopyrrole-based conjugated polymers with extended thiophene donors
Authors: Kim Na Young , Lee Taek Seong , Lee Da Yeon , Oh Jong Gyu , Lee Keunjin , Kim Jae Young , An Tae Kyu , Jeong Yong Jin , Jang Jaeyoung , Kim Yun-Hi
Published: November 2020

The design of polymer backbones suitable for improving doping efficiency can provide a new direction in enhancing charge transport and thermoelectric performance.
Directly probing the charge transport in initial molecular layers of organic polycrystalline field effect transistors
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Wang Jiawei , Chen Jiezhi , Jiang Chao , Li Ling , Liu Ming
Published: November 2020

We report the charge transport in pentacene polycrystalline organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) with different active layer thicknesses, ranging from a sub-monolayer, bilayer, to tens of nanometers by employing a novel electrode-contact architecture.
Stability of organic thin-film transistors based on ultrathin films of dinaphtho[2,3-b:2′,3′-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DNTT)
Authors: Acharya Rachana , Günder Darius , Breuer Tobias , Schmitz Guido , Klauk Hagen , Witte Gregor
Published: November 2020

Ultrathin DNTT films are unstable due to rapid morphological changes. This work investigates the stability of ultrathin DNTT films and the fabrication of ultrathin DNTT organic transistors.
Pressure-mediated structural phase transitions and ultrawide indirect–direct bandgaps in novel rare-earth oxyhalides
Authors: Li Wei , Miao Naihua , Zhou Jian , Sun Zhimei
Published: November 2020

New trigonal YOBr and monolayered crystals with ultrawide bandgaps and exceptional properties are reported.
Novel therapies using cell sheets engineered from allogeneic mesenchymal stem/stromal cells
Authors: Kondo Makoto , Kameishi Sumako , Grainger David W. , Okano Teruo
Published: November 2020

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have long been recognized to help regenerate tissues, by exploiting their intrinsic potentials for differentiation and secretion of therapeutic paracrine factors together with feasibility for cell banking. These unique MSC properties are attractive to provide effective new cell-based therapies for unmet medical needs. Currently, the infusion of suspended MSCs is accepted as a promising therapy to treat systemic inflammatory diseases. However, low cell engraftment/retention in target organs and off-target entrapment using conventional cell infusion must be improved to provide reliable localized disease treatments. Cell sheet technology offers an alternative: three-dimensional (3D) tissue-like structures can be harvested from culture using mild temperature reduction, and transplanted directly onto target tissue sites without suturing, yielding stable cell engraftment and prolonged cell retention in situ without off-target losses. Engineered MSC sheets directly address two major cell therapy strategies based on their therapeutic benefits: (1) tissue replacements based on mult-ilineage differentiation capacities, focusing on cartilage regeneration in this review, and (2) enhancement of tissue recovery via paracrine signaling, employing their various secreted cytokines to promote neovascularization. MSCs also have production benefits as a promising allogeneic cell source by exploiting their reliable proliferative capacity to facilitate expansion and sustainable cell banking for off-the-shelf therapies. This article reviews the advantages of both MSCs as allogeneic cell sources in contrast with autologous cell sources, and allogeneic MSC sheets engineered on thermo-responsive cell dishes as determined in basic studies and clinical achievements, indicating promise to provide robust new cell therapies to future patients.
Fault diagnosis and identification of malfunctioning protection devices in a power system via time series similarity matching
Authors: Xu Bing , Wang Chongyu , Wen Fushuan , Palu Ivo , Pang Kaiyuan
Published: November 2020

Alarm messages uploaded to a dispatch centre following the failure of a power system contain extensive temporal information. The accuracy and speed of fault diagnosis can be improved upon taking full advantage of such temporal information contained in these messages. From this standpoint, a power system fault diagnosis model based on time series similarity matching is proposed herein. First, a set of suspected faulty components can be determined after the occurrence of a fault or a set of faults. Then, on the basis of the specifications of protection devices, including protective relays and circuit breakers, and the defined time series model, a set of alarm hypothesis time series is generated, containing action process information of the protection devices involved in these suspicious components. Meanwhile, the alarm messages received by the dispatch centre are pre‐processed, and the alarm information time series are obtained. Subsequently, the fault component is obtained by calculating the similarity between each series in the alarm hypothesis time series set and the alarm information time series. Finally, the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed fault diagnosis model are demonstrated via a real‐life scenario in a local power system in China.
Development of robust participation strategies for an aggregator of electric vehicles in multiple types of electricity markets
Authors: Liu Weijia , Wen Fushuan , Dong Zhaoyang , Palu Ivo
Published: November 2020

The flexible charging and discharging behaviours of electric vehicles (EVs) can provide a promising profit opportunity for EV owners or aggregators in deregulated market. However, a major barrier to overcome is the uncertain market prices. In this context, this study aims to establish a novel and robust model for EV aggregators to optimally participate in multiple types of electricity markets while considering the uncertainty of the prices in various markets. First, the electricity market framework and the obligation of an EV aggregator are introduced, and each EVaggregator is entitled to participate in day‐ahead, real‐time, and regulation service markets. To cope with forecasting errors of market prices and other uncertainties, a robust optimisation model is developed to schedule the charging/discharging of EVs in different markets. A stepwise bidding strategy is then proposed to formulate robust market bids, offering more flexibility in handling volatile market prices in actual electricity markets. After the clearing of multiple types of electricity markets, a real‐time dispatch model for EV aggregators is proposed for allocating the settlements and regulation orders to each EV. Finally, scenario‐based simulation is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed bidding strategy using actual market data and regulation signals.
Petri Net modelling approach for analysing the behaviour of Wnt/‐catenin and Wnt/Ca2+ signalling pathways in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Azim Nazia , Ahmad Jamil , Iqbal Nadeem , Siddiqa Amnah , Majid Abdul , Ashraf Javaria , Jalil Fazal
Published: November 2020

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart muscle disease that may result in arrhythmia, heart failure and sudden death. The hallmark pathological findings are progressive myocyte loss and fibro fatty replacement, with a predilection for the right ventricle. This study focuses on the adipose tissue formation in cardiomyocyte by considering the signal transduction pathways including Wnt/ ‐catenin and Wnt/Ca2+ regulation system. These pathways are modelled and analysed using stochastic petri nets (SPN) in order to increase our comprehension of ARVC and in turn its treatment regimen. The Wnt/ ‐catenin model predicts that the dysregulation or absence of Wnt signalling, inhibition of dishevelled and elevation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 along with casein kinase I are key cytotoxic events resulting in apoptosis. Moreover, the Wnt/Ca2+ SPN model demonstrates that the Bcl2 gene inhibited by c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase protein in the event of endoplasmic reticulum stress due to action potential and increased amount of intracellular Ca2+ which recovers the Ca2+ homeostasis by phospholipase C, this event positively regulates the Bcl2 to suppress the mitochondrial apoptosis which causes ARVC.
Tightening weak lensing constraints on the ellipticity of galaxy-scale dark matter haloes
Authors: Schrabback Tim , Hoekstra Henk , Van Waerbeke Ludovic , van Uitert Edo , Georgiou Christos , Asgari Marika , Côté Patrick , Cuillandre Jean-Charles , Erben Thomas , Ferrarese Laura , Gwyn Stephen D. J. , Heymans Catherine , Hildebrandt Hendrik , Kannawadi Arun , Kuijken Konrad , Leauthaud Alexie , Makler Martin , Mei Simona , Miller Lance , Raichoor Anand , Schneider Peter , Wright Angus
Published: November 2020

Cosmological simulations predict that galaxies are embedded into triaxial dark matter haloes, which appear approximately elliptical in projection. Weak gravitational lensing allows us to constrain these halo shapes and thereby test the nature of dark matter. Weak lensing has already provided robust detections of the signature of halo flattening at the mass scales of groups and clusters, whereas results for galaxies have been somewhat inconclusive. Here we combine data from five weak lensing surveys (NGVSLenS, KiDS/KV450, CFHTLenS, CS82, and RCSLenS, listed in order of most to least constraining) in order to tighten observational constraints on galaxy-scale halo ellipticity for photometrically selected lens samples. We constrainfh, the average ratio between the aligned component of the halo ellipticity and the ellipticity of the light distribution, findingfh= 0.303−0.079+0.080for red lens galaxies andfh= 0.217−0.159+0.160for blue lens galaxies when assuming elliptical Navarro-Frenk-White density profiles and a linear scaling between halo ellipticity and galaxy ellipticity. Our constraints for red galaxies constitute the currently most significant (3.8σ) systematics-corrected detection of the signature of halo flattening at the mass scale of galaxies. Our results are in good agreement with expectations from the Millennium Simulation that apply the same analysis scheme and incorporate models for galaxy–halo misalignment. Assuming these misalignment models and the analysis assumptions stated above are correct, our measurements imply an average dark matter halo ellipticity for the studied red galaxy samples of ⟨|ϵh|⟩ = 0.174 ± 0.046, where |ϵh| = (1 − q)/(1 + q) relates to the ratioq = b/aof the minor and major axes of the projected mass distribution. Similar measurements based on larger upcoming weak lensing data sets can help to calibrate models for intrinsic galaxy alignments, which constitute an important source of systematic uncertainty in cosmological weak lensing studies.
Assessment of climate change impacts on environmental sustainability in Afghanistan
Authors: Mehrad Ahmad Tamim
Published: November 2020

Climate change is a global phenomenon that became one of the most predominant environmental challenges facing our world today. Natural events and anthropogenic activities are responsible for increasing the negative impacts and risks associated with climate change. Developing countries in Asia and Africa are bearing much of the climate change burden due to rapid population growth, crop failures, and lack of required technological and financial resources to mitigate the risks. Afghanistan, like other developing countries, is highly vulnerable to the severe impacts of climate change. In Afghanistan, climate change is related to various adverse effects on water resources, agriculture, forests, biodiversity, increasing temperature, and changing the environmental landscape. This paper analyses the impact of climate change on environmental sustainability in Afghanistan.
Impact of the regional development specifics on the system of circular economy assessment
Authors: Guman Olga , Wegner-Kozlova Ekaterina
Published: November 2020

A circular economy (CE) is a sustainable development initiative aimed at reducing the linearity of social production and consumption systems. The degradation of environmental systems is quite an acute issue nowadays. The negative impact on the environment has a harmful effect even on economic indicators, as it reduces the quality of natural and human resources. At the same time, the country’s ability to compete in global markets directly depends on the development of high-tech industries, which does not consider the task of maintaining environmental stability to be of paramount importance. At first glance, the task of reconciling the economic and environmental needs of society seems to be contradictory, but it requires coordinated actions in all spheres of life and constructive repositioning towards norms of sustainable development of social, economic and environmental institutions. This determines that studying the aspects of the socio-economic system transition to a circular type of development is essential. The CE offers special opportunities for industrial regions: being the basis for competitiveness they are leading in the environmental system degradation. This study focuses on the analysis of the region’s ecological and industrial space and attempts to identify indicators that help integrate regional historical and economic specifics into the CE assessment.
Assessment of the ecological state of the territory by its population in the context of the formation of environmental awareness (on the example of a small town)
Authors: Zaitseva Irina , Krikunov Aleksander
Published: November 2020

The article analyzes the assessment of the ecological state of the territory by its population in a small town to study the state of public environmental awareness. According to official data, the city of Yelets and the Lipetsk region in general face a significant number of unresolved environmental problems against the background of a quite stable ecological situation. Given the general complex ecological situation in the region, the assessment of the ecological situation in specific settlements, rooted in the local agenda, can be radically different. This allows us to speak about the primary attention of the population to their local place of residence and the problems they face directly. The involvement of the population in the activities to preserve the environment of the region as a whole requires promoting public environmental awareness through a competent environmental policy by state and municipal authorities.
The global environmental problem of the XXI century, new realities
Authors: Frolova Natalya
Published: November 2020

The article analyzes the global environmental problem in its traditional aspects, such as a decrease in forest area, degradation of land resources, air pollution, as well as in its new features - a global pandemic. The article initially presents the concept of a global environmental problem from the perspective of foreign and domestic scientists, as well as international organizations. Further, the analysis of the manifestation of the global environmental problem is carried out in terms of quantitative indicators: reduction of forest area, land degradation, air pollution. The author outlines such an aspect of a global environmental problem as zoonotic infections, that is, the transfer of viruses from animals to humans. Under new conditions, the spread of viruses is accelerating, they easily overcome the species barrier, cause infection of the human body. The transmission of viruses on a global scale is becoming a new reality. At the same time, there are also “side” manifestations of the virus associated with its impact on the socio-economic development of individual countries, the impact on the policy of world economic relations. In conclusion, the author describes specific ways of solving the global environmental problem, both for individual countries and the world in general.
Digitalization of business processes of energy supply in a smart city
Authors: Petrova Irina , Zaripova Viktoriya , Zolina Tatiana , Lezhnina Yuliya
Published: November 2020

The key role in the energy supply efficiency of smart cities is played by the electric power industry. The article provides an overview of the challenges of the electricity market in Europe and Russia and its main trends and directions. Changes in the organizational structure of the market, the role and tasks of each body managing the selected area of activity in the energy market are determined. Particular attention is paid to new opportunities provided to end-users of electricity in the smart cities. The article deals with the use of renewable sources and energy storages in accordance with new strategic programs in the EU and Russia. The research results and forecasts for the development of the electricity market and the use of different primary energy sources are shown. The main areas of development of the electricity market in the European Union and Russia are identified.The conclusion is drawn on the need to develop information systems that meet market changes and the business functions of such systems are determined.
Method of determining gas storages volumes for settlements gas supply and analysis of energy indicators received in the result of the research
Authors: Petrosyan Artashes , Petrosyan Artak
Published: November 2020

In order to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to the population, there is a need for its underground storage under high pressures. The value of this pressure depends on the type of soil and its mechanical strength. The volume of storage depends on the number of people living in the area and for what purposes the gas is used. Because it is used for heating, local heat supply and domestic purposes, it is crucial to determine which sources of heat are used by individual and central sources of heat. Therefore, such heat sources have been considered, whose thermal loads have been determined according to the particular region’s heat specific expenses and for the provision of local heat supply. Gas consumption was also determined by electric energy indicators of heat sources, heat losses during the transformation and transportation of the heat pipe. Accordingly, it is introduced a method to determine the storage volumes of gas storage facilities of settlements with different quantities of populations, the amount of electric power consumed by compressors and by electric drives for air cooling, the required surfaces.