bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of diet on CVD and diabetes mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean: a comparative risk assessment analysis
Authors: Sisa Ivan , Abeyá-Gilardon Enrique , Fisberg Regina M , Jackson Maria D , Mangialavori Guadalupe L , Sichieri Rosely , Cudhea Frederick , Bannuru Raveendhara R , Ruthazer Robin , Mozaffarian Dariush , Singh Gitanjali M
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To quantify diet-related burdens of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) by country, age and sex in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Design:

Intakes of eleven key dietary factors were obtained from the Global Dietary Database Consortium. Aetiologic effects of dietary factors on CMD outcomes were obtained from meta-analyses. We combined these inputs with cause-specific mortality data to compute country-, age- and sex-specific absolute and proportional CMD mortality of eleven dietary factors in 1990 and 2010.

Setting:

Thirty-two countries in LAC.

Participants:

Adults aged 25 years and older.

Results:

In 2010, an estimated 513 371 (95 % uncertainty interval (UI) 423 286–547 841; 53·8 %) cardiometabolic deaths were related to suboptimal diet. Largest diet-related CMD burdens were related to low intake of nuts/seeds (109 831 deaths (95 % UI 71 920–121 079); 11·5 %), low fruit intake (106 285 deaths (95 % UI 94 904–112 320); 11·1 %) and high processed meat consumption (89 381 deaths (95 % UI 82 984–97 196); 9·4 %). Among countries, highest CMD burdens (deaths per million adults) attributable to diet were in Trinidad and Tobago (1779) and Guyana (1700) and the lowest were in Peru (492) and The Bahamas (504). Between 1990 and 2010, greatest decline (35 %) in diet-attributable CMD mortality was related to greater consumption of fruit, while greatest increase (7·2 %) was related to increased intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages.

Conclusions:

Suboptimal intakes of commonly consumed foods were associated with substantial CMD mortality in LAC with significant heterogeneity across countries. Improved access to healthful foods, such as nuts and fruits, and limits in availability of unhealthful factors, such as processed foods, would reduce diet-related burdens of CMD in LAC.
The Impact of ISO22000 Standard Diffusion on Agricultural Exports
Authors: Kim Nayung
Published: June 2020

The WTO SPS Agreement sets a framework of rules that encourages harmonization through international standards. However, there is a lack of empirical research at the macro-level on how such international standards affect trade flows. This study conducts a general impact analysis on one of the most widely used food-related international standards in the world, the ISO22000, accounting for the different product types and country groups. The Codex Alimentarius Commission, one of three sister organizations of the SPS Agreement, notably participated in developing this standard that is based on its Food Code, harmonizing the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). This study employs recent developments in using the gravity model, along with uniquely employed additional specifications to enhance further the reliability of the estimates. Results show that ISO22000 diffusion negatively affects the exports of processed products that are the major export goods of developed countries. Primary and semi-processed products that compose the majority of developing country exports are not significantly affected, providing evidence against the concerns for the compliance burdens of developing countries when being certified to the standard. The burdens may depend more on the degree of processing of the exported goods rather than on a country's development status.
The Federal Elections Bill of 1890: The Continuation of Reconstruction in America
Authors: McConarty Colin
Published: June 2020

Between May 1890 and January 1891, members of Congress debated a bill whose sponsors claimed it would shore up voting rights throughout the nation, especially in the South. The Federal Elections Bill of 1890 never became law, but the debate over it drew Americans’ beliefs about voting, race, and the South back to the forefront of U.S. politics. Historians have relied mostly on two types of sources in their explorations of how Americans viewed the bill: newspapers and the words of political leaders. But 202 letters that individuals around the nation sent to Senator George Frisbie Hoar (R-MA) during the bill's nine-month life in Congress open a new window into the debate. These letters challenge the traditional history of the Federal Elections Bill and the late nineteenth century by revealing that issues historians traditionally have limited to the Reconstruction Era, in fact, still mattered profoundly to Americans in 1890.
Civil War in El Salvador and the origins of rights-based humanitarianism
Authors: O’Sullivan Kevin
Published: June 2020

This article traces the global humanitarian sector’s late twentieth-century embrace of human rights to the brutal civil conflict in El Salvador in the 1980s. Drawing on evidence from NGOs in three Anglophone states (Britain, Canada, and Ireland), it examines the moral and political debates that accompanied the breakthrough for human rights activism in that period, and how they conditioned contemporaneous understandings of ‘aid’. From that foundation, the article makes two claims. First, it argues that the ‘triumph’ of human rights in the late twentieth century was the product of a complex set of diplomatic, intellectual, and ideological factors that were of global, rather than simply of Western, origin. Second, by tracing what could and could not be done in the name of humanitarianism, the article brings us closer to understanding how even the most outwardly progressive vision of intervention was produced within a very specific – hierarchical and paternalistic – imagining of the Global South.
Does early weaning shape future endocrine and metabolic disorders? Lessons from animal models
Authors: Souza Luana Lopes , de Moura Egberto Gaspar , Lisboa Patricia Cristina
Published: June 2020

Obesity and its complications occur at alarming rates worldwide. Epidemiological data have associated perinatal conditions, such as malnutrition, with the development of some disorders, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, in childhood and adulthood. Exclusive breastfeeding has been associated with protection against long-term chronic diseases. However, in humans, the interruption of breastfeeding before the recommended period of 6 months is a common practice and can increase the risk of several metabolic disturbances. Nutritional and environmental changes within a critical window of development, such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, can induce permanent changes in metabolism through epigenetic mechanisms, leading to diseases later in life via a phenomenon known as programming or developmental plasticity. However, little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms by which precocious weaning can result in adipose tissue dysfunction and endocrine profile alterations. Here, the authors give a comprehensive report of the different animal models of early weaning and programming that can result in the development of metabolic syndrome. In rats, for example, pharmacological and nonpharmacological early weaning models are associated with the development of overweight and visceral fat accumulation, leptin and insulin resistance, and neuroendocrine and hepatic changes in adult progeny. Sex-related differences seem to influence this phenotype. Therefore, precocious weaning seems to be obesogenic for offspring. A better understanding of this condition seems essential to reducing the risk for diseases. Additionally, this knowledge can generate new insights into therapeutic strategies for obesity management, improving health outcomes.
Anhydrite‐Assisted Hydrothermal Metal Transport to the Ocean Floor—Insights From Thermo‐Hydro‐Chemical Modeling
Authors: Guo Zhikui , Rüpke Lars H. , Fuchs Sebastian , Iyer Karthik , Hannington Mark D. , Chen Chao , Tao Chunhui , Hasenclever Jörg
Published: June 2020

High‐temperature hydrothermal venting has been discovered on all modern mid‐ocean ridges at all spreading rates. Although significant strides have been made in understanding the underlying processes that shape such systems, several first‐order discrepancies between model predictions and observations remain. One key paradox is that numerical experiments consistently show entrainment of cold ambient seawater in shallow high permeability ocean crust causing a temperature drop that is difficult to reconcile with high vent temperatures. We investigate this conundrum using a thermo‐hydro‐chemical model that couples hydrothermal fluid flow with anhydrite‐ and pyrite‐forming reactions in the shallow subseafloor. The models show that precipitation of anhydrite in warming seawater and in cooling hydrothermal fluids during mixing results in the formation of a chimney‐like subseafloor structure around the upwelling, high‐temperature plume. The establishment of such anhydrite‐sealed zones reduces mixing between the hydrothermal fluid and seawater and results in an increase in vent temperature. Pyrite subsequently precipitates close to the seafloor within the anhydrite chimney. Although anhydrite thus formed may be dissolved when colder seawater circulates through the crust away from the spreading axis, the inside pyrite walls would be preserved as veins in present‐day metal deposits, thereby preserving the history of hydrothermal circulation through shallow oceanic crust.
Late Paleozoic Chingiz and Saur Arc Amalgamation in West Junggar (NW China): Implications for Accretionary Tectonics in the Southern Altaids
Authors: Song Shuaihua , Xiao Wenjiao , Windley Brian F. , Collins A. S. , Chen Yichao , Zhang Ji'en , Schulmann Karel , Han Chunming , Wan Bo , Ao Songjian , Zhang Zhiyong , Song Dongfang , Li Rui
Published: June 2020

The Saur‐Chingiz Belt (SCB) in northern West Junggar is regarded as the amalgamation zone of the Saur and Chingiz arcs. It contains diagnostic rocks of accretionary origin, providing critical information about the evolution of the southern Paleo‐Asian Ocean. We recognize various lithologies in the SCB, including an ophiolitic mélange, turbidites, conglomerates, rhyolites, breccias, and diorites, and investigate the structures of the Hebukesaier ophiolitic mélange. Kinematic analysis indicates top‐to‐the‐N thrusting. A coarse‐grained gabbro (ca. 490 Ma) and a fine‐grained gabbro (ca. 318 Ma) have normal mid‐ocean ridge basalt (N‐MORB)‐type geochemical signatures, and three groups of pillow basalts exhibit N‐MORB, enriched mid‐ocean ridge basalt (E‐MORB), and ocean island basalts (OIB) fingerprints, respectively. Detrital zircons in tuffs, conglomerates, and turbidites associated with the Hebukesaier mélange display predominant ages of 410–440 Ma, which are consistent with the age of the Chingiz Arc. This suggests that the mafic rocks (ophiolitic components) in the Hebukesaier mélange were generated at a mid‐ocean ridge and were later accreted to the Chingiz Arc, which formed above a southward‐dipping subduction zone that consumed the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. The predominant zircon age peaks of turbidites from the Saur area, north of the Hebukesaier mélange, range from 326 to 360 Ma, which areconsistent with a provenance from the Saur Arc. The distinctive detrital zircons of the Chingiz and Saur arcs indicate that the northern boundary of the Hebukesaier mélange is the tectonic boundary between the Chingiz and Saur arcs. We suggest that Paleo‐Asian Ocean closed before Late Triassic as indicated by a diorite vein (ca. 218 Ma) that intruded the Hebukesaier mélange.
Comment on “Tectono Metamorphic Evolution of the Central Ribeira Belt, Brazil: A Case of Late Neoproterozoic Intracontinental Orogeny and Flow of Partially Molten Deep Crust During the Assembly of West by Meira et al.
Authors: Heilbron Monica , de Morisson Valeriano Claudio
Published: June 2020

The commented article contributes with new metamorphic petrology and U‐Pb geochronology data concerning the sin‐collisional stage of two terranes (Embu and Costeiro) belonging to the southern Ribeira orogen (not Central Ribeira belt, as the title suggests), in order to propose an intracontinental evolution for the Ribeira‐Araçuaí orogenic system. Several issues regarding their review of the literature and interpretation of data should be considered in face of the proposition for an intracontinental evolution of an orogenic system that has long been considered as having developed through a Wilsonian sequence of events, involving continental rifting and ocean development, subduction and building of magmatic arc, terrane accretion, and continental collision in the context of amalgamation of Gondwana. In order to contribute to a comprehensive discussion of the tectonic evolution of the Ribeira‐Araçuaí orogenic system, we bring forward the following points that have not been properly acknowledged by the authors in their proposed tectonic scheme. Without substantial new data set and without integrating all the available age, petrologic and deformational data, there seems not to be commented enough evidence for the proposal of an intracontinental evolution for the Ribeira‐Araçuaí orogenic system. In contrary, an accretionary to collisional model is preferred because it in fact integrates all the documented tectonic features: subduction of passive São Francisco paleocontinental margin, generation of magmatic arcs with typical signatures of modern ones elsewhere in the world, three accretionary‐collisional episodes, and an episode of orogenic collapse in the Cambro‐Ordovician transition, associated to slab breakoff and upwelling of asthenosphere.
Depth-dependent mycoplankton glycoside hydrolase gene activity in the open ocean—evidence from the Tara Oceans eukaryote metatranscriptomes
Authors: Chrismas Nathan , Cunliffe Michael
Published: June 2020

Mycoplankton are widespread components of marine ecosystems, yet the full extent of their functional role remains poorly known. Marine mycoplankton are likely functionally analogous to their terrestrial counterparts, including performing saprotrophy and degrading high-molecular weight organic substrates using carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). We investigated the prevalence of transcribed oceanic fungal CAZyme genes using the Marine Atlas of Tara Ocean Unigenes database. We revealed an abundance of unique transcribed fungal glycoside hydrolases in the open ocean, including a particularly high number that act upon cellulose in surface waters and the deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM). A variety of other glycoside hydrolases acting on a range of biogeochemically important polysaccharides including β-glucans and chitin were also found. This analysis demonstrates that mycoplankton are active saprotrophs in the open ocean and paves the way for future research into the depth-dependent roles of marine fungi in oceanic carbon cycling, including the biological carbon pump.
Resistance training and total and site-specific cancer risk: a prospective cohort study of 33,787 US men
Authors: Rezende Leandro F. M. , Lee Dong Hoon , Keum NaNa , Wu Kana , Eluf-Neto José , Tabung Fred K. , Giovannucci Edward L.
Published: June 2020

Background

Muscle-strengthening activities have been recommended for health benefits. However, it is unclear whether resistance training is associated with cancer risk, independent of total physical activity.

Methods

A prospective cohort study followed 33,787 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1992–2014). Cumulative average of resistance training (hours/week) was assessed through biennial questionnaires up to 2 years before cancer diagnosis. Cox regression model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

During 521,221 person-years of follow-up, we documented 5,158 cancer cases. Resistance training was not associated with total cancer risk (HR per 1-h/week increase: 1.01; 95% CI 0.97, 1.05). We found an inverse association between resistance training and bladder cancer (HR per 1-h/week increase: 0.80; 95% CI 0.66, 0.96) and kidney cancer (HR per 1-h/week increase 0.77; 95% CI 0.58, 1.03; Ptrend = 0.06), but the association was marginal for the latter after adjustment for confounders and total physical activity. Compared to participants engaging in aerobic activities only, combined resistance training and aerobic activities showed stronger inverse associations with kidney cancer risk.

Conclusions

Resistance training was associated with lower risk of bladder and kidney cancers. Future studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
Activation of JUN in fibroblasts promotes pro-fibrotic programme and modulates protective immunity
Authors: Cui Lu , Chen Shih-Yu , Lerbs Tristan , Lee Jin-Wook , Domizi Pablo , Gordon Sydney , Kim Yong-hun , Nolan Garry , Betancur Paola , Wernig Gerlinde
Published: June 2020

The transcription factor JUN is highly expressed in pulmonary fibrosis. Its induction in mice drives lung fibrosis, which is abrogated by administration of anti-CD47. Here, we use high-dimensional mass cytometry to profile protein expression and secretome of cells from patients with pulmonary fibrosis. We show that JUN is activated in fibrotic fibroblasts that expressed increased CD47 and PD-L1. Using ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq, we found that activation of JUN rendered promoters and enhancers of CD47 and PD-L1 accessible. We further detect increased IL-6 that amplified JUN-mediated CD47 enhancer activity and protein expression. Using an in vivo mouse model of fibrosis, we found two distinct mechanisms by which blocking IL-6, CD47 and PD-L1 reversed fibrosis, by increasing phagocytosis of profibrotic fibroblasts and by eliminating suppressive effects on adaptive immunity. Our results identify specific immune mechanisms that promote fibrosis and suggest a therapeutic approach that could be used alongside conventional anti-fibrotics for pulmonary fibrosis.
Photon deceleration in plasma wakes generates single-cycle relativistic tunable infrared pulses
Authors: Nie Zan , Pai Chih-Hao , Zhang Jie , Ning Xiaonan , Hua Jianfei , He Yunxiao , Wu Yipeng , Su Qianqian , Liu Shuang , Ma Yue , Cheng Zhi , Lu Wei , Chu Hsu-Hsin , Wang Jyhpyng , Zhang Chaojie , Mori Warren B. , Joshi Chan
Published: June 2020

Availability of relativistically intense, single-cycle, tunable infrared sources will open up new areas of relativistic nonlinear optics of plasmas, impulse IR spectroscopy and pump-probe experiments in the molecular fingerprint region. However, generation of such pulses is still a challenge by current methods. Recently, it has been proposed that time dependent refractive index associated with laser-produced nonlinear wakes in a suitably designed plasma density structure rapidly frequency down-converts photons. The longest wavelength photons slip backwards relative to the evolving laser pulse to form a single-cycle pulse within the nearly evacuated wake cavity. This process is called photon deceleration. Here, we demonstrate this scheme for generating high-power (~100 GW), near single-cycle, wavelength tunable (3–20 µm), infrared pulses using an 810 nm drive laser by tuning the density profile of the plasma. We also demonstrate that these pulses can be used to in-situ probe the transient and nonlinear wakes themselves.
Publisher Correction: Accurate estimation of cell composition in bulk expression through robust integration of single-cell information
Authors: Jew Brandon , Alvarez Marcus , Rahmani Elior , Miao Zong , Ko Arthur , Garske Kristina M. , Sul Jae Hoon , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Pajukanta Päivi , Halperin Eran
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A glioneuronal tumor with CLIP2-MET fusion
Authors: Chowdhury Tamrin , Lee Yeajina , Kim Sojin , Yu Hyeon Jong , Ji So Young , Bae Jeong Mo , Won Jae Kyung , Shin Joo Heon , Weinberger Daniel R. , Choi Seung Hong , Park Chul-Kee , Kim Jong-Il , Park Sung-Hye
Published: June 2020

We report a case of glioneuronal tumor (GNT) with a discovery of novel gene fusion of CLIP2-MET resulting from aberrant chromosome 7 abnormalities. We executed an elaborate genomic study on this case including whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing. Genomic analysis of the tumor revealed aberrations in chromosomes 1 and 7 and a CLIP2-MET fusion. Further analysis of the upregulated genes revealed substantial connections with MAPK pathway activation. We concluded that the chromosome 7 abnormalities prompted CLIP2-MET gene fusion which successively leads to MAPK pathway activation. We deliberated that MAPK pathway activation is one of the driver pathways responsible for the oncogenesis of GNT.
Observations of enhanced internal waves in an area of strong mesoscale variability in the southwestern East Sea (Japan Sea)
Authors: Noh Suyun , Nam SungHyun
Published: June 2020

Oceanic internal waves near the local inertial frequency or near-inertial internal waves and internal waves of tidal origin or internal tides are two types of low-frequency internal waves. Their interactions, interaction with background field, and resulting internal waves at higher frequencies beyond the near-inertial and tidal frequencies have rarely been reported despite its importance on ocean mixing and circulation of energy and materials. Here, we present five episodic enhancements of the high-frequency or continuum frequency waves (CFWs) observed in the southwestern East Sea (Japan Sea) and discuss causes for the enhanced CFWs in relation to near-inertial waves (NIWs), semidiurnal internal tides (SDITs), mesoscale flow fields, and their interactions. The NIWs were amplified due to local surface wind forcing, significantly interacting with mesoscale strain via wave capture. The SDITs were generated in a remote place and propagated into the observational site, largely depending on the mesoscale fields. The observational results suggest that the five episodes of CFWs are results of enhanced NIWs or SDITs, or their wave-wave interaction, rather than locally generated lee-waves. Our study suggests the significant impact of mesoscale circulation on the variability of internal waves from near-inertial to buoyancy frequencies through multiple pathways.
Multi-sulfonated ligands on gold nanoparticles as virucidal antiviral for Dengue virus
Authors: Zacheo Antonella , Hodek Jan , Witt Dariusz , Mangiatordi Giuseppe Felice , Ong Quy K. , Kocabiyik Ozgun , Depalo Nicoletta , Fanizza Elisabetta , Laquintana Valentino , Denora Nunzio , Migoni Danilo , Barski Piotr , Stellacci Francesco , Weber Jan , Krol Silke
Published: June 2020

Dengue virus (DENV) causes 390 million infections per year. Infections can be asymptomatic or range from mild fever to severe haemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome. Currently, no effective antivirals or safe universal vaccine is available. In the present work we tested different gold nanoparticles (AuNP) coated with ligands ω-terminated with sugars bearing multiple sulfonate groups. We aimed to identify compounds with antiviral properties due to irreversible (virucidal) rather than reversible (virustatic) inhibition. The ligands varied in length, in number of sulfonated groups as well as their spatial orientation induced by the sugar head groups. We identified two candidates, a glucose- and a lactose-based ligand showing a low EC50 (effective concentration that inhibit 50% of the viral activity) for DENV-2 inhibition, moderate toxicity and a virucidal effect in hepatocytes with titre reduction of Median Tissue Culture Infectious Dose log10TCID50 2.5 and 3.1. Molecular docking simulations complemented the experimental findings suggesting a molecular rationale behind the binding between sulfonated head groups and DENV-2 envelope protein.
Navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as preoperative assessment in patients with brain tumors
Authors: Motomura Kazuya , Takeuchi Hiroki , Nojima Ippei , Aoki Kosuke , Chalise Lushun , Iijima Kentaro , Wakabayashi Toshihiko , Natsume Atsushi
Published: June 2020

We aimed to investigate clinical parameters that affected the results of navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (nrTMS) language mapping by comparing the results of preoperative nrTMS language mapping with those of direct cortical stimulation (DCS) mapping. In the prospective, non-randomized study, patients had to meet all of the following inclusion criteria: the presence of left- or right-side brain tumors in the vicinity of or inside the areas anatomically associated with language functions; awake brain surgery scheduled; and age >18 years. Sixty one patients were enrolled, and this study included 42 low-grade gliomas and 19 high-grade gliomas (39 men, 22 women; mean age, 41.1 years, range 18–72 years). The tumor was located in the left and right hemisphere in 50 (82.0%) and 11 (18.0%) patients, respectively. In the 50 patients with left-side gliomas, nrTMS language mapping showed 81.6% sensitivity, 59.6% specificity, 78.5% positive predictive value, and 64.1% negative predictive value when compared with the respective DCS values for detecting language sites in all regions. We then investigated how some parameters, including age, tumor type, tumor volume, and the involvement of anatomical language-related regions, affected different subpopulations. Based on the receiver operating curve statistics, subgroup analysis showed that the non-involvement of language-related regions afforded significantly better the area under the curve (AUC) values (AUC = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74–0.88) than the involvement of language-related regions (AUC = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.50–0.67; p < 0.0001). Our findings suggest that nrTMS language mapping could be a reliable method, particularly in obtaining responses for cases without tumor-involvement of classical perisylvian language areas.
Pterostilbene complexed with cyclodextrin exerts antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects
Authors: Lim Yi Rong Ivan , Preshaw Philip M. , Lim Lum Peng , Ong Marianne Meng Ann , Lin Hai-Shu , Tan Kai Soo
Published: June 2020

Resveratrol (RES) is a natural polyphenol with potential as an adjunctive therapeutic modality for periodontitis. However, its inferior pharmacokinetics and toxicity concerns about its commonly used solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) hinder translation to clinical applicability. Our study aimed to investigate the comparative antimicrobial properties of RES and its analogues (pterostilbene [PTS], oxyresveratrol [OXY] and piceatannol [PIC]), utilizing 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) as a solubiliser, which has a well-documented safety profile and FDA approval. These properties were investigated againstFusobacterium nucleatum, a key periodontal pathogen. PTS demonstrated the most potent antibacterial effects in HPβCD, with MIC > 60-fold lower than that of RES, OXY and PIC. In addition, PTS inhibitedF. nucleatumbiofilm formation. PTS exerted antimicrobial effects by eliciting leakage of cellular contents, leading to loss of bacterial cell viability. PTS also conferred immunomodulatory effects onF. nucleatum-challenged macrophages via upregulation of antioxidant pathways and inhibition of NF-κB activation. Given the superior antimicrobial potency of PTS againstF. nucleatumcompared to RES and other analogues, and coupled with its immunomodulatory properties, PTS complexed with HPβCD holds promise as a candidate nutraceutical for the adjunctive treatment of periodontitis.
Low temperature SiC die-attach bonding technology by hillocks generation on Al sheet surface with stress self-generation and self-release
Authors: Chen Chuantong , Suganuma Katsuaki
Published: June 2020

This paper introduced an approach of die-attach bonding technology based on a low-cost high-purity aluminum (99.99%) sheet in a silicon carbide (SiC)/direct bonded aluminum (DBA) power module. Both sides of an Al sheet were sputtered by a thin Ti and Ag layer, which generated a tensile stress of 166 MPa on the Al surface. After heating, the Al surface displayed a large quantity of Ag hillocks by stress self-release due to the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch among Al, Ti, and Ag. The SiC/Al sheet/DBA substrate interfaces were bridged by the generation of these hillocks, which correspond to a robust shear strength of 33.4 MPa in a low-temperature process. Hillocks generation and the interface bonding mechanism by surface stress self-generation and self-release were systematically analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The shear strength remains constant at 32.1 MPa after high-temperature storage at 250 °C for 500 h, which suggests that the Al sheet possesses excellent high-heat resistance and thermal stability. This novel approach of die-attach bonding technology serves as an attractive alternative for SiC power devices that require high-temperature performance.
Development of a lateral flow immunoassay strip for rapid detection of IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2 virus
Authors: Wen Tian , Huang Chao , Shi Feng-Juan , Zeng Xiao-Yan , Lu Tian , Ding Shou-Nian , Jiao Yong-Jun
Published: June 2020

Rapid and simple LFIA strips based on Au NPs provide a preliminary test result for physicians to make the correct diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections along with alternative testing methods.
A simple and rapid technique for the determination of copper based on air-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction and image colorimetric analysis
Authors: Khoshmaram Leila , Saadati Masoud , Karimi Ali
Published: June 2020

In this study, a new, cheap, simple and rapid method for the determination of copper in water and food samples using air-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction and digital image decomposition into the primary colors Red, Green and Blue is introduced.
Synthesis of large two-dimensional lead-free bismuth–silver double perovskite microplatelets and their application for field-effect transistors
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Li Kai , Xu Hanlun , Ali Nasir , Wang Yao , Shen Qibin , Wu Huizhen
Published: June 2020

Two-dimensional double perovskite (PEA)4BiAgX8 microplatelets are synthesized for the first time with application in field-effect transistors.
Major advances in the development of ordered mesoporous materials
Authors: Szczęśniak Barbara , Choma Jerzy , Jaroniec Mietek
Published: June 2020

This feature article presents the main developments in the area of ordered mesoporous materials (OMMs) since their discovery in 1992, which is considered one of the milestones in the history of porous materials.
Crystal engineering of nutraceutical phytosterols: new cocrystal solid solutions
Authors: Barbas Rafael , Bofill Lídia , de Sande Dafne , Font-Bardia Mercè , Prohens Rafel
Published: June 2020

A cocrystal screening of solid solutions of three phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol) reveals that cocrystal solid solutions are enriched with β-sitosterol with respect to stigmasterol, a natural product with cytotoxicity concerns.
Crystallographic structure and crystal field parameters in the [AnIV(DPA)3]2− series, An = Th, U, Np, Pu
Authors: Autillo Matthieu , Islam Md. Ashraful , Jung Julie , Pilmé Julien , Galland Nicolas , Guerin Laetitia , Moisy Philippe , Berthon Claude , Tamain Christelle , Bolvin Hélène
Published: June 2020

The [AnIV(DPA)3]2− series with An = Th, U, Np, Pu has been synthesized and characterized using SC-XRD, vibrational spectroscopy, and first principles calculations.
New polymorphism for BaTi(IO3)6 with two polymorphs crystallizing in the same space group
Authors: Qian Zhen , Wu Hongping , Yu Hongwei , Hu Zhanggui , Wang Jiyang , Wu Yicheng
Published: June 2020

New polymorphic α- and β-BaTi(IO3)6 have been synthesized. They crystallize in the same space group and exhibit similar structures, but the powder XRD and crystal morphologies show their phase transition belongs to the first-order phase transition.
Temperature selectivity for single phase hydrothermal synthesis of PEG-400 coated magnetite nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Khanduri H. , Pathak Saurabh , Singh Arjun , Basheed G. A. , Pant R. P.
Published: June 2020

Temperature plays a vital role in the hydrothermal synthesis of the nanoparticles. Herein, we have provided a very detailed spin dynamic investigation on the varying size Fe3O4 nanoparticles using FMR technique.
Coordination polymers of Ag(i) and Hg(i) ions with 2,2′-azobispyridine: synthesis, characterization and enhancement of conductivity in the presence of Cu(ii) ions
Authors: Maity Suvendu , Naskar Kaushik , Bhowmik Tanmay , Bera Amalendu , Weyhermüller Thomas , Sinha Chittaranjan , Ghosh Prasanta
Published: June 2020

Two cationic coordination polymers of Hg(i) and Ag(i) containing 2,2′-azobispyridine, those in crystalline form are conductor of electricity were isolated. The conductivity of the mercury analogue increases sensibly upon reacting with Cu(ii) ions.
Accelerating role of deaggregation agents in lithium-catalysed hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds
Authors: Ruiz Cristina , Raya-Barón Álvaro , Ortuño Manuel A. , Fernández Ignacio
Published: June 2020

A combined computational and experimental approach demonstrates the accelerating role of deaggregation agents, especially HMPA, in the Li-catalysed hydrosilylation of acetophenone in THF solution under very mild conditions.
Ursolic acid alleviates hypercholesterolemia and modulates the gut microbiota in hamsters
Authors: Hao Wangjun , Kwek Erika , He Zouyan , Zhu Hanyue , Liu Jianhui , Zhao Yimin , Ma Ka Ying , He Wen-Sen , Chen Zhen-Yu
Published: June 2020

Ursolic acid exhibited the cholesterol-lowering activity via suppressing the cholesterol absorption and altering the gut microbiota.
Catalytic strategy for conversion of fructose to organic dyes, polymers, and liquid fuels
Authors: Chang Hochan , Bajaj Ishan , Huber George W. , Maravelias Christos T. , Dumesic James A.
Published: June 2020

Catalytic pathway for supplying sustainable organic dyes, polymers, and liquid fuels from fructose by production of a versatile platform chemical.
Clinical decision support tool and rapid point-of-care platform for determining disease severity in patients with COVID-19
Authors: McRae Michael P. , Simmons Glennon W. , Christodoulides Nicolaos J. , Lu Zhibing , Kang Stella K. , Fenyo David , Alcorn Timothy , Dapkins Isaac P. , Sharif Iman , Vurmaz Deniz , Modak Sayli S. , Srinivasan Kritika , Warhadpande Shruti , Shrivastav Ravi , McDevitt John T.
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 Severity Score combines multiplex biomarker measurements and risk factors in a statistical learning algorithm to predict mortality.
Optimal geometry for plasmonic sensing with non-interacting Au nanodisk arrays
Authors: Michieli Niccolò , Balasa Ionut Gabriel , Kalinic Boris , Cesca Tiziana , Mattei Giovanni
Published: June 2020

Non-interacting, disordered plasmonic nanodisk arrays have competitive performances for local and bulk sensing and a large stability basin around the maximum sensitivities.
Synergetic effects of thymoquinone-loaded porous PVPylated Fe3O4nanostructures for efficient pH-dependent drug release and anticancer potential against triple-negative cancer cells
Authors: Kumar Selvaraj Rajesh , Thangam Ramar , Vivek Raju , Srinivasan Sivasubramanian , Ponpandian Nagamony
Published: June 2020

Porous iron oxide nanostructures have attracted increasing attention due to their potential biomedical applications as nanocarriers for cancer and many other therapies as well as minimal toxicity.
H3PW12O40/Co3O4–Cu2S as a low-cost counter electrode catalyst for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhang Qiu , Li Fengyan , Xia Zhinan , Xu Lin
Published: June 2020

The PW12/Co3O4–Cu2S composite film shows excellent electrocatalytic performance and achieves a high photoelectric conversion efficiency of 4.67%, which is 46%, 55.6%, and 72%, respectively, higher than those of Cu2S, PW12/Co3O4 and Co3O4 CEs.
Efficient growth and characterization of one-dimensional transition metal tellurides inside carbon nanotubes
Authors: Kanda Naoyuki , Nakanishi Yusuke , Liu Dan , Liu Zheng , Inoue Tsukasa , Miyata Yasumitsu , Tománek David , Shinohara Hisanori
Published: June 2020

Confinement of van der Waals materials inside 1D carbon nanotubes leads to properties not observed in the bulk.
Lewis acid-promoted site-selective cyanation of phenols
Authors: Zhang Wu , Yang Wen , Zhao Wanxiang
Published: June 2020

An efficient Lewis acid-promoted site-selective C–H ortho cyanation of 3-substituted and 3,4-disubstituted phenols with MeSCN has been developed.
Cross-linking of aromatic phenolate groups by cytochrome P450 enzymes: a model for the biosynthesis of vancomycin by OxyB
Authors: Ali Hafiz Saqib , Henchman Richard H. , de Visser Sam P.
Published: June 2020

Aromatic cross-linking by cytochrome P450 enzymes was studied computationally. P450 Compound I rapidly abstracts two weak phenolic H-atoms that link upviaa rate-determining C–O bond formation.
Characterization and minimization of band broadening in DNA electrohydrodynamic migration for enhanced size separation
Authors: Teillet Jeffrey , Martinez Quentin , Tijunelyte Inga , Chami Bayan , Bancaud Aurélien
Published: June 2020

We report a detailed study of band broadening in a microfluidic chip for DNA separation by means of electrohydrodynamic viscoelatic migration.
Single-cell biophysical study reveals deformability and internal ordering relationship in T cells
Authors: González-Bermúdez Blanca , Kobayashi Hikaru , Navarrete Álvaro , Nyblad César , González-Sánchez Mónica , de la Fuente Mónica , Fuentes Gonzalo , Guinea Gustavo V. , García Claudio , Plaza Gustavo R.
Published: June 2020

This single-cell technology allows understanding the relationships between internal ordering and mechanical properties of cells.
A flexible, electrochromic, rechargeable Zn-ion battery based on actiniae-like self-doped polyaniline cathode
Authors: Wang Yi , Jiang Hedong , Zheng Rongzong , Pan Jianbo , Niu Junlong , Zou Xinlei , Jia Chunyang
Published: June 2020

A flexible, electrochromic, rechargeable Zn-ion battery, with a monitoring function of the energy storage according to color variation, has been prepared and characterized.
Robust hydrogen evolution reaction activity catalyzed by ultrasmall Rh–Rh2P nanoparticles
Authors: Luo Fang , Guo Long , Xie Yuhua , Xu Jingxiang , Cai Weiwei , Qu Konggang , Yang Zehui
Published: June 2020

Rh–Rh2P@C exhibits 4 fold better HER mass activity than commercial Pt/C in both alkaline and acidic mediums.
Origin and diversification of the cardiolipin biosynthetic pathway in the Eukarya domain
Authors: Luévano-Martínez Luis Alberto , Duncan Anna L.
Published: June 2020

Cardiolipin (CL) and its precursor phosphatidylglycerol (PG) are important anionic phospholipids widely distributed throughout all domains of life. They have key roles in several cellular processes by shaping membranes and modulating the activity of the proteins inserted into those membranes. They are synthesized by two main pathways, the so-called eukaryotic pathway, exclusively found in mitochondria, and the prokaryotic pathway, present in most bacteria and archaea. In the prokaryotic pathway, the first and the third reactions are catalyzed by phosphatidylglycerol phosphate synthase (Pgps) belonging to the transferase family and cardiolipin synthase (Cls) belonging to the hydrolase family, while in the eukaryotic pathway, those same reactions are catalyzed by unrelated homonymous enzymes: Pgps of the hydrolase family and Cls of the transferase family. Because of the enzymatic arrangement found in both pathways, it seems that the eukaryotic pathway evolved by convergence to the prokaryotic pathway. However, since mitochondria evolved from a bacterial endosymbiont, it would suggest that the eukaryotic pathway arose from the prokaryotic pathway. In this review, it is proposed that the eukaryote pathway evolved directly from a prokaryotic pathway by the neofunctionalization of the bacterial enzymes. Moreover, after the eukaryotic radiation, this pathway was reshaped by horizontal gene transfers or subsequent endosymbiotic processes.
Resilient co‐expansion planning between gas and electric distribution networks against natural disasters
Authors: Zou Bo , Wang Cheng , Zhou Ying , Wang Jianhui , Chen Chen , Wen Fushuan
Published: June 2020

Resiliently designed and constructed integrated gas‐electric distribution networks (GEDNs) against natural disasters are crucial to social welfare. In this study, a two‐stage robust optimisation‐based co‐expansion planning model is proposed to attain an integrated GEDN with a given resilience level, by optimising the investment strategies of hardening and selective expansion of power distribution feeders and natural gas pipelines, as well as the location and capacity of natural‐gas‐fired distributed generation. In the first stage, the overall annual investment and operation cost is minimised under normal operation conditions while in the second stage, the feasibility of the investment decisions under the identified worst‐case natural disaster scenario is checked with an adjustable load shedding cost criterion. The proposed model is formulated as a mixed integer second‐order cone programming problem with the column and constraint generation algorithm employed to seek the optimal solution. Case studies on two integrated GEDNs demonstrate the performance of the proposed methodology.
High voltage underground cable bonding optimisation to prevent cable termination faults in mixed high‐voltage lines
Authors: Akbal Bahadır
Published: June 2020

Cable termination fault (CTF) generally occurs due to increasing of electrical force (EF) and thermal effect (TE) in mixed line. EF increases due to sheath voltage (SV), and TE increases due to harmonic distortion (HD) on cable terminations (CTs). Also, SV and HD increase due to zero‐sequence current (ZC). In the literature, different bonding methods are used to prevent CTF, but these methods are not sufficient to prevent CTF that is based on ZC. In this study, the modified sectional solid bonding (MSSB) is suggested to prevent CTF. The aims of MSSB method are to restrict EF and TE on CT. Thus, MSSB parameters are optimised to restrict SV and HD, but SV and HD on CT should be known for optimisation of MSSB parameters. Thus, SV and HD are forecasted by using adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (Anfis), artificial neural networks (ANNs) and hybrid ANN. Training and forecasting errors of hybrid ANN are less than Anfis and the other ANN methods. Thus, hybrid ANN methods are used as fitness function of optimisation algorithms in MSSB optimisation. When the optimised MSSB method is used for cable bonding, HD and SV on CT are restricted the determined limits to prevent CTF in long mixed line.
Probabilistic decomposition‐based security constrained transmission expansion planning incorporating distributed series reactor
Authors: Yuan Zhi , Wang Weiqing , Wang Haiyun , Ghadimi Noradin
Published: June 2020

This study presents a probabilistic transmission expansion planning model incorporating distributed series reactors, which are aimed at improving network flexibility. Although the whole problem is a mixed‐integer non‐linear programming problem, this study proposes an approximation method to linearise it in the structure of the Benders decomposition (BD) algorithm. In the first stage of the BD algorithm, optimal number of new transmission lines and distributed series reactors are determined. In the second stage, the developed optimal power flow problem, as a linear sub‐problem, is performed for different scenarios of uncertainties and a set of probable contingencies. The Benders cuts are iteratively added to the first stage problem to decrease the optimality gap below a given threshold. The proposed model utilises the Monte Carlo simulation method to take into account uncertainty of wind generations and demands. Several case studies on three test systems are presented to validate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Probabilistic cost‐benefit analysis‐based spare transformer strategy incorporating condition monitoring information
Authors: Ren Zhouyang , Jiang Yunpeng , Li Hui , Gu Yingzhong , Jiang Zhuohan , Lei Wenhao
Published: June 2020

Determining an economical and reliable spare transformer strategy is an essential and challenging task for power utility companies. This study proposes a probabilistic cost‐benefit analysis‐based spare transformer strategy incorporating condition monitoring information. Not only the actual wearing condition of each transformer, but also the impacts of a transformer ageing process on spare transformer strategy are considered by the proposed method. First, the actual wearing condition and functional age of each transformer are estimated based on condition monitoring information. Secondly, the ageing process and ageing failure rate of each transformer are modelled by combining a Weibull distribution and its functional age. Thirdly, based on probabilistic cost‐benefit analysis, the outage costs, as well as economic benefits under different inventory sizes, are estimated. The transformer's ageing process is modelled and considered in the determination of the optimal number and the acquisition timing of spare transformers. Finally, a transformer substation group and its condition monitoring information, and the real spare transformer strategy collected from a regional power grid in China were used to demonstrate an application of the proposed method. The results indicate that the spare transformer strategy determined by the proposed method not only enables the power utilities to avoid economic losses but also guarantees a high cost‐benefit ratio of spare transformer strategy.
Impact of wideband interference coupling path dispersion on performance of radio‐frequency interference adaptive cancellation system
Authors: Qin Huanding , He Fangmin , Meng Jin , Lu Qiaran , Zhao Zhihua
Published: June 2020

As the interference bandwidth increases, the impact of interference coupling path dispersion on the cancellation performance can no longer be ignored in open space. Especially for the radio frequency interference adaptive cancellation system (RFIACS), the impact will be more serious. In response to this problem, this study establishes the time‐domain model of a wideband RFIACS considering interference coupling path dispersion characteristics, and analyses the stability, convergence speed, interference cancellation ratio (ICR), and cancellation bandwidth of RFIACS considering dispersion characteristics. And the authors define the speed factor to characterise the convergence speed. The analysis shows that the dispersion of the interference coupling path will not affect the stability of the system, but will reduce the convergence speed and ICR. The larger the interference coupling path dispersion, the lower the convergence speed, and the larger the cancellation bandwidth, the lower the ICR. The experimental results verify the theoretical analysis.
Planar LTE/sub‐6 GHz 5G MIMO antenna integrated with mmWave 5G beamforming phased array antennas for V2X applications
Authors: Ko Minbeom , Lee Hojoo , Choi Jaehoon
Published: June 2020

A planar LTE/sub‐6 GHz 5G multiple‐input and multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna integrated with mmWave 5G beamforming phased array antennas for future vehicle‐to‐everything (V2X) applications is proposed. The proposed antenna consists of two multi‐band elements for LTE and sub‐6 GHz 5G bands, two single‐band elements for the sub‐6 GHz 5G band, and four mmWave 5G beamforming phased array antennas. Two compact multi‐band antennas are located on the opposite side of the ground plane and are arranged orthogonally to each other. Four mmWave 5G beamforming phased array antennas are located at the four sides of the ground plane for 360° coverage in the azimuth plane. All antennas are optimised for loading with a polycarbonate dielectric housing. The proposed antenna satisfies the −10 dB reflection coefficient (S11) requirement from 0.84 to 0.96 GHz, 1.22 to 2.04 GHz, 2.42 to 4.62 GHz, 25.1 to 31.4 GHz, and 33 to 34.8 GHz. A high isolation level of >20 dB is achieved. The realised gains of the low band antennas are higher than 2.51 dBi, while those of the mmWave 5G array antennas are higher than 15.6 and 11.3 dBi at 0° and 45° scan angles, respectively.