bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive analysis of metastasis-related genes reveals a gene signature predicting the survival of colon cancer patients
Authors: Wei Haotang , Li Jilin , Xie Minzhi , Lei Ronger , Hu Bangli
Published: August 2018

Objective

The mechanism underlying colon cancer metastasis remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the genes alteration during the metastasis of colon cancer and identify genes that crucial to the metastasis and survival of colon cancer patients.

Methods

The dataset of primary and metastasis tissue of colon cancer, and dataset of high and low metastasis capability of colon cancer cells were selected as training cohort, and the overlapped differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from the training cohort. The functional enrichment analysis for the overlapped DEGs was performed. The prognostic value of overlapped DEGs were analyzed in The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset, and a gene signature was developed using genes that related to the overall survival (OS). The prognostic value of the gene signature was further confirmed in a validation cohort.

Results

A total of 184 overlapped DEGs were screened from the training cohort. Functional enrichment analysis revealed the significant gene functions and pathways of the overlapped DEGs. Four hub genes (3-oxoacid CoA-transferase 1, actinin alpha 4, interleukin 8, integrin subunit alpha 3) were identified using protein–protein network analysis. Six genes (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally down-regulated 9, filamin A, lamin B receptor, twinfilin actin binding protein 1, serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1) were closely related to the OS of colon cancer patients. A gene signature was developed using these six genes based on their risk score, and the validation cohort indicated that the prognostic value of this gene signature was high in the prediction of colon cancer patients.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates a gene profiles related to the metastasis of colon cancer, and identify a six-gene signature that acts as an independent biomarker on the prognosis of colon cancer.
Poisson-Lie duals of the η-deformed AdS2 × S2 × T6 superstring
Authors: Hoare Ben , Seibold Fiona K.
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We investigate Poisson-Lie duals of the η-deformed AdS2 ×S2 ×T6 superstring. The η-deformed background satisfies a generalisation of the type II supergravity equations. We discuss three Poisson-Lie duals, with respect to (i) the full

$$ \mathfrak{p}\mathfrak{s}\mathfrak{u}\left(1,\left.1\right|2\right) $$

p
s
u

1
,

1

2

superalgebra, (ii) the full bosonic subalgebra and (iii) the Cartan subalgebra, for which the corresponding backgrounds are expected to satisfy the standard type II supergravity equations. The metrics and B-fields for the first two cases are the same and given by an analytic continuation of the λ-deformed model on AdS2 × S2 × T6 with the torus undeformed. However, the RR fluxes and dilaton will differ. Focusing on the second case we explicitly derive the background and show agreement with an analytic continuation of a known embedding of the λ-deformed model on AdS2 × S2 in type II supergravity.
Twist-field representations of W-algebras, exact conformal blocks and character identities
Authors: Bershtein M. , Gavrylenko P. , Marshakov A.
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We study the twist-field representations of W-algebras and generalize construction of the corresponding vertex operators to D- and B-series. It is shown, how the computation of characters of these representations leads to nontrivial identities involving lattice theta-functions. We also propose a way to calculate their exact conformal blocks, expressing them for D-series in terms of geometric data of the corresponding Prym variety for covering curve with involution.
General Thoracic Surgery in Rwanda: An Assessment of Surgical Volume and of Workforce and Material Resource Deficits
Authors: Ramirez Adriana G. , Nuradin Nebil , Byiringiro Fidele , Ntakiyiruta Georges , Giles Andrew E. , Riviello Robert
Published: August 2018

Background

Benchmarking operative volume and resources is necessary to understand current efforts addressing thoracic surgical need. Our objective was to examine the impact on thoracic surgery volume and patient access in Rwanda following a comprehensive capacity building program, the Human Resources for Health (HRH) Program, and thoracic simulation training.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of operating room registries between 2011 and 2016 at three Rwandan referral centers: University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, University Teaching Hospital of Butare, and King Faisal Hospital. A facility‐based needs assessment of essential surgical and thoracic resources was performed concurrently using modified World Health Organization forms. Baseline patient characteristics at each site were compared using a Pearson Chi‐squared test or Kruskal–Wallis test. Comparisons of operative volume were performed using paired parametric statistical methods.

Results

Of 14,130 observed general surgery procedures, 248 (1.76%) major thoracic cases were identified. The most common indications were infection (45.9%), anatomic abnormalities (34.4%), masses (13.7%), and trauma (6%). The proportion of thoracic cases did not increase during the HRH program (2.07 vs 1.78%, respectively, p = 0.22) or following thoracic simulation training (1.95 2013 vs 1.44% 2015; p = 0.15). Both university hospitals suffer from inadequate thoracic surgery supplies and essential anesthetic equipment. The private hospital performed the highest percentage of major thoracic procedures consistent with greater workforce and thoracic‐specific material resources (0.89% CHUK, 0.67% CHUB, and 5.42% KFH; p < 0.01).

Conclusions and relevance

Lack of specialist providers and material resources limits thoracic surgical volume in Rwanda despite current interventions. A targeted approach addressing barriers described is necessary for sustainable progress in thoracic surgical care.
A Single Trial May Be Used for Measuring Muscle Strength With Dynamometers in Individuals With Stroke: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Aguiar Larissa Tavares , Martins Júlia Caetano , Quintino Ludmylla Ferreira , de Brito Sherindan Ayessa Ferreira , Teixeira‐Salmela Luci Fuscaldi , de Morais Faria Christina Danielli Coelho
Published: August 2018

Background

The mean of 3 trials is commonly employed to report measures of muscle strength after a stroke. However, consistent and reliable results have been found for single trial dynamometric measures of grip, pinch, and trunk strength in individuals with stroke. Nevertheless, no studies were found that investigated whether only a single trial could be used for the assessment of the strength of both the upper and lower limb muscles.

Objective

To determine the best scoring method (one vs the means of 2 or 3 trials) to measure the strength of the upper and lower limb muscles in individuals with sub‐acute and chronic stroke.

Design

Cross‐sectional observational study.

Setting

Research laboratory, participants' homes, and community‐based settings.

Participants

Fifty‐five individuals at the sub‐acute (mean age: 61 ± 13 years; 3.7 ± 0.7 months poststroke) and 59 at the chronic poststroke phases (mean age: 57 ± 130 years; 90 ± 71 months poststroke).

Main Outcome Measurements

Bilateral maximum isometric strength measures of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist flexors/extensors; shoulder abductors; hip, knee, and ankle flexors/extensors; and hip abductors were obtained with a hand‐held dynamometer.

Methods

After familiarization, 3 trials of maximal isometric strength were obtained for all evaluated muscle groups. One‐way analysis of variance was used to compare the results obtained with the first vs the means of 2 and 3 trials for all the assessed muscle groups.

Results

The values provided by the different scoring methods were similar for all evaluated muscle groups in individuals with sub‐acute (.68 ≤ P ≤ .99) and chronic (.69 ≤ P ≤ .99) stroke.

Conclusions

A single trial, after familiarization, may be used for measuring the strength of the upper and lower limb muscles with hand‐held dynamometers in individuals with sub‐acute and chronic stroke. This increases the clinical applicability of hand‐held dynamometers for strength measurement, as it reduces the assessment burden placed on the participants and therapists.

Level of Evidence

III
Kant’s Deduction of the Sublime
Authors: Moore Thomas
Published: August 2018

In the third Critique, Kant collapses his deduction of the universal validity of judgements of sublimity into his exposition of such judgements, a decision called into question by commentators. I defend Kant on this score, explaining how the exposition of judgements of sublimity serves as their deduction. Kant’s key move is his claim that natural objects are not, strictly speaking, sublime. I argue that ideas of reason, on Kant’s view, are the only truly sublime objects and show how this allows him to establish that the imaginations of all observers operate in the same way in experiences of sublimity.
Comment on Jens Timmermann, ‘Autonomy, Progress and Virtue: Why Kant Has Nothing to Fear from the Overdemandingness Objection’
Authors: Skorupski John
Published: August 2018

Jens Timmermann’s scholarship illuminates the nuances and contexts of Kant’s thought. I have learned a great deal from reading his article. His question is whether Kant’s ethics is overdemanding, in something like the way that ‘classical utilitarianism’ has been thought to be. He is aware that this is not a clear-cut question, however he is inclined to reply that the answer is ‘no’. I too think the question is not clear-cut, but I am inclined to answer ‘yes’.
When Do the Dispossessed Protest? Informal Leadership and Mobilization in Syrian Refugee Camps
Authors: Clarke Killian
Published: August 2018

Refugees are often considered to be among the world’s most powerless groups; they face significant structural barriers to political mobilization, often including extreme poverty and exposure to repression. Yet despite these odds refugee groups do occasionally mobilize to demand better services and greater rights. In this paper I examine varying levels of mobilization among Syrian refugees living in camps and informal settlements in Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan in order to explain how marginalized and dispossessed groups manage to develop autonomous political strength. I explain the surprisingly high levels of mobilization in Jordan’s Za’atari Camp compared to the relative quiescence of refugees in Turkish camps and Lebanese informal settlements as the product of a set of strong informal leadership networks. These networks emerged due to two unique facets of the refugee management regime in Jordan: the concentration of refugees in the camp, and a fragmented governance system. In Turkey and Lebanon, where these two conditions were absent, refugees did not develop the strong leadership networks necessary to support mobilization. I develop this argument through structured comparison of three cases and within-case process tracing, using primary source documents from humanitarian agencies, contentious event data, and 87 original interviews conducted in the summer of 2015.
Domination and Disobedience: Protest, Coercion and the Limits of an Appeal to Justice
Authors: Aitchison Guy
Published: August 2018

I offer a conceptual framework for assessing the normative legitimacy of coercive disobedience—involving threats, disruption, force, and deceit—by social movements. A standard liberal view is that while coercion may be required to resist authoritarian regimes, it is illegitimate in a democratic state since it conflicts with majority rule and mutual respect. In restricting disobedience to a form of moral persuasion, this perspective neglects how social power and material interests can distort the conditions for open, fair deliberation. I offer a principled defense of coercive disobedience, not only in repressive states but in plausibly democratic societies. I argue that coercion can be justified on democratic republican grounds as a means to collectively contest objectionable forms of political domination. The use of coercion can be justified as asurrogatetool of political action for those who lack effective participation rights; as aremedialtool to counteract the dominating influence of powerful actors over the process of democratic will formation, and as amobilizationaltool to maintain participation and discipline in collective action. I conclude by proposing democratic constraints on the use of coercive tactics designed to offset the potential movements themselves become a source of arbitrary power.
What Is a Nuisance Flood, Exactly?
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: August 2018

A more precise definition could help cities and governments prepare and respond to hazards.
Single photon emission from graphene quantum dots at room temperature
Authors: Zhao Shen , Lavie Julien , Rondin Loïc , Orcin-Chaix Lucile , Diederichs Carole , Roussignol Philippe , Chassagneux Yannick , Voisin Christophe , Müllen Klaus , Narita Akimitsu , Campidelli Stéphane , Lauret Jean-Sébastien
Published: August 2018

Graphene being a zero-gap material, considerable efforts have been made to develop semiconductors whose structure is compatible with its hexagonal lattice. Size reduction is a promising way to achieve this objective. The reduction of both dimensions of graphene leads to graphene quantum dots. Here, we report on a single-emitter study that directly addresses the intrinsic emission properties of graphene quantum dots. In particular, we show that they are efficient and stable single-photon emitters at room temperature and that their emission wavelength can be modified through the functionalization of their edges. Finally, the investigation of the intersystem crossing shows that the short triplet lifetime and the low crossing yield are in agreement with the high brightness of these quantum emitters. These results represent a step-forward in performing chemistry engineering for the design of quantum emitters.
Addressing human-tiger conflict using socio-ecological information on tolerance and risk
Authors: Struebig Matthew J. , Linkie Matthew , Deere Nicolas J. , Martyr Deborah J. , Millyanawati Betty , Faulkner Sally C. , Le Comber Steven C. , Mangunjaya Fachruddin M. , Leader-Williams Nigel , McKay Jeanne E. , St. John Freya A. V.
Published: August 2018

Tigers are critically endangered due to deforestation and persecution. Yet in places, Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) continue to coexist with people, offering insights for managing wildlife elsewhere. Here, we couple spatial models of encounter risk with information on tolerance from 2386 Sumatrans to reveal drivers of human–tiger conflict. Risk of encountering tigers was greater around populated villages that neighboured forest or rivers connecting tiger habitat; geographic profiles refined these predictions to three core areas. People’s tolerance for tigers was related to underlying attitudes, emotions, norms and spiritual beliefs. Combining this information into socio-ecological models yielded predictions of tolerance that were 32 times better than models based on social predictors alone. Pre-emptive intervention based on these socio-ecological predictions could have averted up to 51% of attacks on livestock and people, saving 15 tigers. Our work provides further evidence of the benefits of interdisciplinary research on conservation conflicts.
Acetylation state of RelA modulated by epigenetic drugs prolongs survival and induces a neuroprotective effect on ALS murine model
Authors: Schiaffino Lorenzo , Bonafede Roberta , Scambi Ilaria , Parrella Edoardo , Pizzi Marina , Mariotti Raffaella
Published: August 2018

Dysregulation in acetylation homeostasis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. It is known that the acetylation of transcriptional factors regulates their activity. The acetylation state of NF-kB RelA has been found to dictate the neuroprotective versus the neurotoxic effect of p50/RelA. Here we showed that the pro-apoptotic acetylation mode of RelA, involving a general lysine deacetylation of the subunit with the exclusion of the lysine 310, is evident in the lumbar spinal cord of SOD1(G93A) mice, a murine model of ALS. The administration of the HDAC inhibitor MS-275 and the AMPK/sirtuin 1 activator resveratrol restored the normal RelA acetylation in SOD1(G93A) mice. The SOD1(G93A) mice displayed a 3 weeks delay of the disease onset, associated with improvement of motor performance, and 2 weeks increase of lifespan. The epigenetic treatment rescued the lumbar motor neurons affected in SOD1(G93A) mice, accompanied by increased levels of protein products of NF-kB-target genes, Bcl-xL and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. In conclusion, we here demonstrate that MS-275 and resveratrol restore the acetylation state of RelA in the spinal cord, delaying the onset and increasing the lifespan of SOD1(G93A) mice.
Simple and reliable direct patterning method for carbon-free solution-processed metal oxide TFTs
Authors: Miyakawa Masashi , Nakata Mitsuru , Tsuji Hiroshi , Fujisaki Yoshihide
Published: August 2018

Metal oxide TFT fabrication based on a solution-processing method is considered a promising alternative to conventional vacuum processing and has a number of advantages such as low cost, large-area fabrication, and process simplicity. A simple and reliable, direct patterning method for obtaining a carbon-free aqueous metal oxide film is presented herein. Patterning, which is achieved by selective photoreaction of water molecules under ultraviolet irradiation and by a safe, environment-friendly chemical etching process using a non-toxic organic acid, is followed by an annealing process at a temperature of 350 °C to obtain carbon-free metal oxide TFTs. In–Ga–Zn oxide (IGZO), TFTs on SiO2 dielectrics that were fabricated with a direct patterning method exhibited an average mobility of 4.3 cm2/V·s with good uniformity, which is comparable to TFTs formed by conventional photolithography. The TFTs exhibited stable performance with small (within 0.5 V) shifts in switch-on voltage under positive and negative bias stress. Fabrication of flexible IGZO TFTs by direct patterning was also achieved.
New Insight into Pseudo-Thermal Convection in Vibrofluidised Granular Systems
Authors: Windows-Yule C. R. K. , Lanchester E. , Madkins D. , Parker D. J.
Published: August 2018

Utilising a combination of experimental results obtained via positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) and numerical simulations, we study the influence of a system’s geometric and elastic properties on the convective behaviours of a dilute, vibrofluidised granular assembly. Through the use of a novel, ‘modular’ system geometry, we demonstrate the existence of several previously undocumented convection-inducing mechanisms and compare their relative strengths across a broad, multi-dimensional parameter space, providing criteria through which the dominant mechanism within a given system – and hence its expected dynamics – may be predicted. We demonstrate a range of manners through which the manipulation of a system’s geometry, material properties and imposed motion may be exploited in order to induce, suppress, strengthen, weaken or even invert granular convection. The sum of our results demonstrates that boundary-layer effects due to wall (in)elasticity or directional impulses due to ‘rough’ boundaries exert only a secondary influence on the system’s behaviour. Rather, the direction and strength of convective motion is predominantly determined by the energy flux in the vicinity of the system’s lateral boundaries, demonstrating unequivocally that pseudo-thermal granular convection is decidedly a collective phenomenon.
Additive neuroprotective effects of 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol and allopregnanolone in an ex vivo rat glaucoma model
Authors: Ishikawa Makoto , Yoshitomi Takeshi , Covey Douglas F. , Zorumski Charles F. , Izumi Yukitoshi
Published: August 2018

In a rat ex vivo acute glaucoma model, high pressure (75 mmHg) causes swelling of ganglion cell axons and elevates levels of the endogenous steroids 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24SH) and allopregnanolone (AlloP). Furthermore, 24SH (0.1 µM) alone elevates AlloP levels via NMDA receptors. With this model, we now investigate possible interactions between 24SH and AlloP. We found that inhibition of AlloP synthesis with dutasteride under high pressure results in severe excitotoxicity in addition to axonal swelling. The excitotoxicity is prevented by exogenous AlloP but not 24SH, indicating that endogenous AlloP is crucial for protection. However, inhibition of 24SH synthesis with voriconazole induces severe excitotoxicity under normal pressure. Paradoxically, the excitotoxicity by voriconazole is better prevented by AlloP than 24SH. These findings suggest that inhibition of 24SH synthesis becomes excitotoxic in the absence of AlloP. We also observed that co-administration of sub-micromolar 24SH (0.1 µM) and AlloP (0.1 µM), concentrations that are only partially effective when administered alone, prevents axonal swelling under high pressure. This apparent enhanced protection indicates strong interaction between the two neurosteroids to preserve neuronal integrity, with 24SH contributing to AlloP synthesis via NMDA receptors and with AlloP playing an essential role in neuroprotection via GABAA receptors.
Sexual difference of small RNA expression in Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Wang Bo , Shi Guocheng , Zhu Zhongqun , Chen Huiwen , Fu Qihua
Published: August 2018

Small RNAs, especially the microRNAs, have been revealed to play great roles in heart development and congenital heart defects. Several studies have shown dysregulated miRNAs in ventricular tissues of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patients. In the present study, we conducted high throughput sequencing to obtain the global profiling of small RNA transcriptome in heart right ventricular samples from 10 age -matched TOF patients. These samples showed dominant composition of miRNA and mitochondrial associated RNAs. By sRNA cluster identification and differential gene expression analysis, significant sexual difference was discovered for sRNA expression in TOF patients. miR-1/miR-133, which have been identified as essential for cardiac development, account for the most variance of sRNA expression between sexes in TOF hearts.
Deciding for others as a neutral party recruits risk-neutral perspective-taking: Model-based behavioral and fMRI experiments
Authors: Ogawa Akitoshi , Ueshima Atsushi , Inukai Keigo , Kameda Tatsuya
Published: August 2018

Risky decision making for others is ubiquitous in our societies. Whereas financial decision making for oneself induces strong concern about the worst outcome (maximin concern) as well as the expected value, behavioral and neural characteristics of decision making for others are less well understood. We conducted behavioral and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments to examine the neurocognitive underpinnings of risky decisions for an anonymous other, using decisions for self as a benchmark. We show that, although the maximin concern affected both types of decisions equally strongly, decision making for others recruited a more risk-neutral computational mechanism than decision making for self. Specifically, participants exhibited more balanced information search when choosing a risky option for others. Activity of right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ, associated with cognitive perspective taking) was parametrically modulated by options’ expected values in decisions for others, and by the minimum amounts in decisions for self. Furthermore, individual differences in self-reported empathic concern modified these attentional and neural processes. Overall, these results indicate that the typical maximin concern is attenuated in a risk-neutral direction in decisions for others as compared to self. We conjecture that, given others’ diverse preferences, deciding as a neutral party may cognitively recruit such risk-neutrality.
Single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse brain and lung vascular and vessel-associated cell types
Authors: He Liqun , Vanlandewijck Michael , Mäe Maarja Andaloussi , Andrae Johanna , Ando Koji , Del Gaudio Francesca , Nahar Khayrun , Lebouvier Thibaud , Laviña Bàrbara , Gouveia Leonor , Sun Ying , Raschperger Elisabeth , Segerstolpe Åsa , Liu Jianping , Gustafsson Sonja , Räsänen Markus , Zarb Yvette , Mochizuki Naoki , Keller Annika , Lendahl Urban , Betsholtz Christer
Published: August 2018

Vascular diseases are major causes of death, yet our understanding of the cellular constituents of blood vessels, including how differences in their gene expression profiles create diversity in vascular structure and function, is limited. In this paper, we describe a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset that defines vascular and vessel-associated cell types and subtypes in mouse brain and lung. The dataset contains 3,436 single cell transcriptomes from mouse brain, which formed 15 distinct clusters corresponding to cell (sub)types, and another 1,504 single cell transcriptomes from mouse lung, which formed 17 cell clusters. In order to allow user-friendly access to our data, we constructed a searchable database (http://betsholtzlab.org/VascularSingleCells/database.html). Our dataset constitutes a comprehensive molecular atlas of vascular and vessel-associated cell types in the mouse brain and lung, and as such provides a strong foundation for future studies of vascular development and diseases.
A global yield dataset for major lignocellulosic bioenergy crops based on field measurements
Authors: Li Wei , Ciais Philippe , Makowski David , Peng Shushi
Published: August 2018

Reliable data on biomass produced by lignocellulosic bioenergy crops are essential to identify sustainable bioenergy sources. Field studies have been performed for decades on bioenergy crops, but only a small proportion of the available data is used to explore future land use scenarios including bioenergy crops. A global dataset of biomass production for key lignocellulosic bioenergy crops is thus needed to disentangle the factors impacting biomass production in different regions. Such dataset will be also useful to develop and assess bioenergy crop modelling in integrated assessment socio-economic models and global vegetation models. Here, we compiled and described a global biomass yield dataset based on field measurements. We extracted 5,088 entries of data from 257 published studies for five main lingocellulosic bioenergy crops: eucalypt, Miscanthus, poplar, switchgrass, and willow. Data are from 355 geographic sites in 31 countries around the world. We also documented the species, plantation practices, climate conditions, soil property, and managements. Our dataset can be used to identify productive bioenergy species over a large range of environments.
Layered Double Hydroxides-derived Intermediate-temperature CO2 Adsorbents
Authors: Wang Junya , Zhang Yu , Altaf Naveed , O'Hare Dermot , Wang Qiang
Published: August 2018

CO2 capture, storage and utilization (CSU) have become worldwide concerns due to an increasing awareness of the link between CO2 accumulation in the atmosphere and global warming. Layered double hydroxide (LDH)-derived compounds (LDOs) are recognized as important intermediate-temperature (200–400 °C) CO2 adsorbents for pre-combustion CO2 capture, particularly for the sorption enhanced water gas shift (SEWGS) and sorption enhanced steam reforming (SESR) processes. LDOs have been investigated for decades as CO2 adsorbents and great efforts have been devoted to improving their CO2 capture capacities and long-term stability. In this chapter, the research progress on the performance of LDH-derived CO2 adsorbents will be critically reviewed, including influence of the chemical composition of LDHs, synthetic conditions and methods, LDH-based composites, doping with alkali metals, other co-existing gases, the adsorption mechanism and kinetics, and techno-economic assessment. In addition, new research directions for further study will be proposed. We hope this critical chapter will not only summarize the main research activities in this area, but also shed light on future developments and possible links between fundamental studies and industrial applications, as well as give suggestions for future research efforts.
CaO-based High-temperature CO2 Sorbents
Authors: Courson C. , Gallucci K.
Published: August 2018

Calcium oxide (CaO)-based materials were recognized as promising high temperature CO2 sorbents and have often been studied since the 1950s in the field of coal gasification and more recently in the field of hydrogen production. Interest in these materials is associated with their high theoretical sorption capacity (below 650 °C) and low cost, and also the exothermic character of the carbonation reaction. CaO is used in several industries and more particularly in the cleaning of flue gases, in biomass gasification and in sorption enhanced steam reforming (SESR) processes. It permits the reduction of CO emissions, the promotion of steam reforming and water gas shift reactions, and separation of CO2 to produce a H2-rich gas. The impurities present in natural calcite have led researchers to be inventive when producing CaO-based sorbents. Their weakness lies in the sintering that occurs during the regeneration step at higher temperatures (>800 °C) and leads to a large and continued decrease of their sorption capacity. This phenomenon was extensively studied and simulated by several models (mainly based on grain models and random pore approaches) depending on the conditions of their use as CO2 sorbents. The improvement of sintering resistance can rely on these studies to propose some solutions to limit CaO-based sorbent decay, which is inevitable in multi-cyclic processes. This can include the CaO precursor choice, the sorbent pre-treatment, the improvement of the synthesis method associated with the change of morphology, structure, and surface, and the synthesis of CaO-based mixed oxides. Attrition resistance increases, degraded sorbents’ reactivation, and the influence of sulfur compounds are also to be studied depending on the use conditions.
Nano-engineered hierarchical porous silicas for enhanced catalytic efficiency in the liquid phase
Authors: Zaki A. , Wastiaux M. , Casale S. , Mussi A. , Dhenin J. F. , Lancelot C. , Dacquin J. P. , Granger P.
Published: August 2018

By tailoring the pore properties (size, morphology and orientation) of hierarchical catalysts, we show experimentally the importance of active phase accessibility on catalytic efficiency.
Solid-state 45Sc NMR studies of Cp*2Sc–X and Cp*2ScX(THF)
Authors: Huynh Winn , Culver Damien B. , Tafazolian Hosein , Conley Matthew P.
Published: August 2018

A systematic study showing how the Sc–X bond affects solid-state 45Sc NMR quadrupolar coupling constants in Cp*2Sc–X.
Nickel-catalysed radical tandem cyclisation/arylation: practical synthesis of 4-benzyl-3,3-difluoro-γ-lactams
Authors: Mai Wen-Peng , Wang Fei , Zhang Xiao-Feng , Wang Shi-Min , Duan Qun-Peng , Lu Kui
Published: August 2018

Enabled by nickel catalysis, the first radical tandem cyclization–arylation for the synthesis of 4-benzyl-3,3-difluoro-γ-lactams has been developed.
Synthesis and characterization of various 5′-dye-labeled ribonucleosides
Authors: De Schutter Coralie , Roy Vincent , Favetta Patrick , Pavageau Corentin , Maisonneuve Stéphane , Bogliotti Nicolas , Xie Juan , Agrofoglio Luigi A.
Published: August 2018

A novel set of visibly coloured dye-labeled 5′-nucleosides, including s-tetrazine (orange), dicyanomethylene-4H-pyran (yellow), benzophenoxazinone (pink), 9,10-anthraquinone (blue) and azobenzene (red) chromophores, were prepared, and their absorption and fluorescence spectra recorded.
Achieving photocatalytic hydrogen production from alkaline solution upon a designed mesoporous TiO2–Ni hybrid employing commonly used paper as a sacrificial electron donor
Authors: Wei Yi , Xiong Jinyan , Li Weijie , Kollarigowda Ravichandran H. , Cheng Gang
Published: August 2018

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water splitting, using paper as an electron donor, was achieved upon use of a hybrid photocatalyst of mesoporous TiO2 decorated with Ni nanoparticles.
Photometric redshifts for the Kilo-Degree Survey
Authors: Bilicki M. , Hoekstra H. , Brown M. J. I. , Amaro V. , Blake C. , Cavuoti S. , de Jong J. T. A. , Georgiou C. , Hildebrandt H. , Wolf C. , Amon A. , Brescia M. , Brough S. , Costa-Duarte M. V. , Erben T. , Glazebrook K. , Grado A. , Heymans C. , Jarrett T. , Joudaki S. , Kuijken K. , Longo G. , Napolitano N. , Parkinson D. , Vellucci C. , Verdoes Kleijn G. A. , Wang L.
Published: August 2018

We present a machine-learning photometric redshift (ML photo-z) analysis of the Kilo-Degree Survey Data Release 3 (KiDS DR3), using two neural-network based techniques: ANNz2 and MLPQNA. Despite limited coverage of spectroscopic training sets, these ML codes provide photo-zs of quality comparable to, if not better than, those from the Bayesian Photometric Redshift (BPZ) code, at least up tozphot≲ 0.9 andr≲ 23.5. At the bright end ofr≲ 20, where very complete spectroscopic data overlapping with KiDS are available, the performance of the ML photo-zs clearly surpasses that of BPZ, currently the primary photo-zmethod for KiDS. Using the Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA) spectroscopic survey as calibration, we furthermore study how photo-zs improve for bright sources when photometric parameters additional to magnitudes are included in the photo-zderivation, as well as when VIKING and WISE infrared (IR) bands are added. While the fiducial four-bandugrisetup gives a photo-zbias 〈δz/(1 +z)〉 = −2 × 10−4and scatterσδz/(1+z)< 0.022 at mean 〈z〉 = 0.23, combining magnitudes, colours, and galaxy sizes reduces the scatter by ~7% and the bias by an order of magnitude. Once theugriand IR magnitudes are joined into 12-band photometry spanning up to 12μm, the scatter decreases by more than 10% over the fiducial case. Finally, using the 12 bands together with optical colours and linear sizes gives 〈δz/(1 +z)〉 < 4 × 10−5andσδz/(1+z)< 0.019. This paper also serves as a reference for two public photo-zcatalogues accompanying KiDS DR3, both obtained using the ANNz2 code. The first one, of general purpose, includes all the 39 million KiDS sources with four-bandugrimeasurements in DR3. The second dataset, optimised for low-redshift studies such as galaxy-galaxy lensing, is limited tor≲ 20, and provides photo-zs of much better quality than in the full-depth case thanks to incorporating optical magnitudes, colours, and sizes in the GAMA-calibrated photo-zderivation.
Traces of exomoons in computed flux and polarization phase curves of starlight reflected by exoplanets
Authors: Berzosa Molina J. , Rossi L. , Stam D. M.
Published: August 2018

Context.Detecting moons around exoplanets is a major goal of current and future observatories. Moons are suspected to influence rocky exoplanet habitability, and gaseous exoplanets in stellar habitable zones could harbor abundant and diverse moons to target in the search for extraterrestrial habitats. Exomoons contribute to exoplanetary signals but are virtually undetectable with current methods.

Aims.We identify and analyze traces of exomoons in the temporal variation of total and polarized fluxes of starlight reflected by an Earth-like exoplanet and its spatially unresolved moon across all phase angles, with both orbits viewed in an edge-on geometry.

Methods.We compute the total and linearly polarized fluxes, and the degree of linear polarizationPof starlight that is reflected by the exoplanet with its moon along their orbits, accounting for the temporal variation of the visibility of the planetary and lunar disks, and including the effects of mutual transits and mutual eclipses. Our computations pertain to a wavelength of 450 nm.

Results.Total fluxFshows regular dips due to planetary and lunar transits and eclipses. PolarizationPshows regular peaks due to planetary transits and lunar eclipses, andPcan increase and/or slightly decrease during lunar transits and planetary eclipses. Changes inFandPwill depend on the radii of the planet and moon, on their reflective properties, and their orbits, and are about one magnitude smaller than the smooth background signals. The typical duration of a transit or an eclipse is a few hours.

Conclusions.Traces of an exomoon due to planetary and lunar transits and eclipses show up in theFandPof sunlight reflected by planet–moon systems and could be searched for in exoplanet flux and/or polarization phase functions.
The CARMENES search for exoplanets around M dwarfs
Authors: Baroch D. , Morales J. C. , Ribas I. , Tal-Or L. , Zechmeister M. , Reiners A. , Caballero J. A. , Quirrenbach A. , Amado P. J. , Dreizler S. , Lalitha S. , Jeffers S. V. , Lafarga M. , Béjar V. J. S. , Colomé J. , Cortés-Contreras M. , Díez-Alonso E. , Galadí-Enríquez D. , Guenther E. W. , Hagen H.-J. , Henning T. , Herrero E. , Kürster M. , Montes D. , Nagel E. , Passegger V. M. , Perger M. , Rosich A. , Schweitzer A. , Seifert W.
Published: August 2018

Context. The CARMENES spectrograph is surveying ∼300 M dwarf stars in search for exoplanets. Among the target stars, spectroscopic binary systems have been discovered, which can be used to measure fundamental properties of stars.

Aims. Using spectroscopic observations, we determine the orbital and physical properties of nine new double-line spectroscopic binary systems by analysing their radial velocity curves.

Methods. We use two-dimensional cross-correlation techniques to derive the radial velocities of the targets, which are then employed to determine the orbital properties. Photometric data from the literature are also analysed to search for possible eclipses and to measure stellar variability, which can yield rotation periods.

Results. Out of the 342 stars selected for the CARMENES survey, 9 have been found to be double-line spectroscopic binaries, with periods ranging from 1.13 to ∼8000 days and orbits with eccentricities up to 0.54. We provide empirical orbital properties and minimum masses for the sample of spectroscopic binaries. Absolute masses are also estimated from mass-luminosity calibrations, ranging between ∼0.1 and ∼0.6 M⊙.

Conclusions. These new binary systems increase the number of double-line M dwarf binary systems with known orbital parameters by 15%, and they have lower mass ratios on average.
Effect of a biogenic silica and green-teaflavonoids-based mechanocomposite on Fragaria × ananassa Duch. leaf anatomy in in vitro conditions
Authors: Ambros Elena , Batrakova Victoria , Krasnikov Alexander , Zaytseva Yulianna , Trofimova Elena , Novikova Tatyana
Published: August 2018

For the first time light and scanning electron microscopy have been to reveal changes in the anatomical structure of leaf blades of Fragaria × ananassa Duch. regenerants cultivated in nutrient media supplemented with biogenic silica and green-tea-flavonoids-based mechanocomposite. An increase in the density of stomata per unit area of the leaf, size of the stomatal gaps, thickness of the epidermis and mesophyll have been noted. The revealed changes in the leaf blade structure under mechanocomposite treatment contribute to the further successful acclimatization of regenerants to ex vitro conditions.
Influence of salinity (NaCl) on the photosynthetic pigments content of some sweet sorghum varieties
Authors: Baiseitova Gulnaz , Sarsenbayev Batyrbek , Kirshibayev Erlan , Kamunur Madiar
Published: August 2018

Identification and introduction of crops into the production that are sufficiently adapted to drought and salinization of soils capable of providing high productivity with limited water consumption is becoming increasingly important currently, and in particular in prospect under the circumstances of aggravating of climate aridization and desertification processes in the Central Asian region. These requirements are met by sorghum, the main economic features of which are universality of use, exceptional heat,- drought,- and salt tolerance, as well as high productivity. The article presents the results of studying the effect of a saline nutrient medium on the content of photosynthetic pigments in some varieties of sweet sorghum to identify the most resistant varieties to chloride salinity. It was shown that the concentration of a and b chlorophylls, as well as carotinoids in leaves decreases with increasing NaCl concentration. The content of photosynthetic pigments under conditions of salinity was higher in resistant varieties than in unstable varieties. The quantitative content of photosynthetic pigments affects the intensity and productivity of photosynthesis which determines the yield of agricultural crops.
Naturalization of Prunus pensylvanica L.f. (Rosaceae) in Novosibirsk
Authors: Belanova Anastasiya , Chindyaeva Ludmila
Published: August 2018

Naturalization of the North American species Prunus pensylvanica has been revealed in Novosibirsk for the first time. This species was introduced in the city in the middle of the last century. It naturally regenerates vegetatively in the area of landscape objects and in dedrological collections and gives self-seeding. In local conditions it is characterized by fast growth, short pregenerative period, presence of abundant uneven-aged progeny, high vegetative mobility, and local population-forming ability.
Application of phytoncidal plants for improvement of ecological parameters of the air of library interiors
Authors: Fershalova Tatiana , Baikova Elena , Ushakova Alina
Published: August 2018

The results of the experiments on optimization of library room air with the help of the biological method are presented. Living tropical plants, volatile biologically active substances of which possess distinct antimicrobic properties are used for air sanitation. Their influence on change of the qualitative and quantitative microorganism composition in the air is shown. After plant placement the total number of colonies forming units (CFU) decreases by 3 times, that of staphylococcus – by 4.5 times. Air humidity increases insignificantly reaching the low limit of the comfort range for a person.
Features of development of the clonal plant Scutellaria scordiifolia Fischer ex Schrank (Lamiaceae) in Siberia
Authors: Guseva Alexandra
Published: August 2018

Ontomorphogenesis of individuals of the clonal stoloniferous vegetative annual plant Scutellaria scordiifolia was studied in natural habitats. Ramets are represented by partial dicyclic shoots with an adventious root system. The ontogenesis of S. scordiifolia can be expressed by a sequence of phases of morphogenesis: [a partial shoot – a branched partial shoot] (v–g3) – a system of partial shoots (g2–g3) – a partial shoot (g2–ss). Individuals annually die off completely, regeneration takes place due to formation of tuberous stolons which are formed on the maternal stolon.
Anatomical structure of leaves, stems and roots of hemiparasitic plants Thesium ebracteatum Hayne (Santalacea R. Br.) from the Urals
Authors: Kiseleva Olga , Trofimova Ludmila
Published: August 2018

The paper presents the results of structure researches ofThesium ebracteatumHayne. plants from the Ural populations. The anatomic description includes the characteristic of leaves and roots, the stems structure in its top, middle and lower part. Some stomatografic parameters of leaves are calculated. This is the fist anatomical report on the important diagnostics signs ofThesium ebracteatumHayne plants.
Seasonal rhythm of development of Allium trautvetterianum in the Kulyab Botanical Garden
Authors: Kullaev Shomurod , Cheryomushkina Vera , Boboev Mariyo
Published: August 2018

The article deals with the seasonal rhythm of development of the bulbaceous acrosympodially accreting polycarpic Allium trautvetterianum Regel (the subgenus Melanocrommyum) when growing in the Kulyab Botanical Garden of the Khatlon Scientific Center, Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan in 2010-2015. Duration of vegetation and phenological phases is described. The species is characterized on the phenorhytmotype as a shortgrowing ephemeroid. Influence of weather conditions on duration of phenological pahses is shown. It is established that the rhythm of development completely corresponds to the eastern variant of Mediterranean climate.
Soil and vegetal shifts in meadows under conditions of alluvial lithogenic matrix on islands in the delta of the Northern Dvina River
Authors: Parinova Tatyana , Amosova Irina , Nakvasina Elena
Published: August 2018

In this paper we represent the results of our research: a scheme of plant and soil succession changes on the alluvial lithogenic matrix in the zone of river and marine accumulation in the delta of the Northern Dvina river. We used more than 1000 geobotanical and 200 soil descriptions. The succession scheme of the transformation of meadow communities in the river accumulation zone is represented in this work. This scheme occurs both in the natural processes of phytocenosis and soil development, as well as in agrogenic influence, as well as a number of successional changes during formation of meadows in the zone of marine accumulation.
Species composition dynamics in successive plant assemblages on the northern slopes of the coal mining spoils in the arid areas of Khakassia
Authors: Safronova Olga , Lamanova Tatiana , Sheremet Natalia , Doronkin Vladimir
Published: August 2018

The results of the study of the species composition dynamics in successive plant communities developing on the northern slopes of the coal mining spoils dating back to the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s years in the arid areas of Khakassia, are presented for the first time. During the first 10-15 years of revegetation there was an increase in taxonomic diversity in the successive plant assemblages. Endemic species of the Fabaceae family, common for the bunch grasses steppes and stony steppes of Khakassia, were not found on the northern spoil slopes. Mesoxerophytes were the most abundant ecological group. Drastic increase in the complexity of the successive plant assemblages in the arid areas of Khakassia was found to take place after 25-30 years of revegetation.
Physiological and biochemical characteristics of Populus tremula leaves in anthropogenic disturbed habitats
Authors: Zagurskaya Yulia V. , Siromlya Tatyana I. , Kotsupiy Olga V. , Babaeva Elena Yu. , Ufimtsev Vladimir I.
Published: August 2018

The main morphological, anatomical, physiological and biochemical characteristics of Populus tremula undergrowth leaves as resistance indicators under conditions of coal pit waste dump are considered. There has been established high variability of morphological parameters and chemical elements composition and anatomical structure peculiarities. There are reported the differences in the content of photosynthetic pigments and phenol compounds.
On the time discretization of stochastic optimal control problems: The dynamic programming approach
Authors: Bonnans Joseph Frédéric , Gianatti Justina , Silva Francisco J.
Published: August 2018

In this work, we consider the time discretization of stochastic optimal control problems. Under general assumptions on the data, we prove the convergence of the value functions associated with the discrete time problems to the value function of the original problem. Moreover, we prove that any sequence of optimal solutions of discrete problems is minimizing for the continuous one. As a consequence of the Dynamic Programming Principle for the discrete problems, the minimizing sequence can be taken in discrete time feedback form.