bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective analysis of the development history of the Chinese food additive standards system based on the CODEX principles
Authors: Liu Zhongdong , Liu Boxiang , Chen Gaowei
Published: December 2019

In 1984, China joined the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which was established by the United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which consists of 188 member states and one member organization. Since then, China has taken an active role in various initiatives organized by the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) and has shared resources and experience with its Codex member states, thus effectively promoting the development of the Chinese food additive standards system. Instead of a country where almost no systematic food additive standard were available, China has become the host country of the CCFA’s sessions. China’s food additive industry is the only one that is supported by international standards, out of the industries of the International Standard Industrial Classification and China’s national economy. Based on this case, four strategic milestones are summarized by retrospectively analyzing the history of the development of Chinese food additive standards from 1978 to the present. China is expected to share its valuable experience and provide references for the improvement of food additive standards systems in multiple developing countries, so promoting food safety and trade harmonization. With the advances in core technologies in the food industry, the future development of food additive standardization is also forecast in this review.
Unlocking latent kinetic information from label-free binding
Authors: Quinn John G. , Steffek Micah , Bruning John M. , Frommlet Alexandra , Mulvihill Melinda M.
Published: December 2019

Transient affinity binding interactions are central to life, composing the fundamental elements of biological networks including cell signaling, cell metabolism and gene regulation. Assigning a defined reaction mechanism to affinity binding interactions is critical to our understanding of the associated structure-function relationship, a cornerstone of biophysical characterization. Transient kinetics are currently measured using low throughput methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance, or stop-flow spectrometry-based techniques, which are not practical in many settings. In contrast, label-free biosensors measure reaction kinetics through direct binding, and with higher throughout, impacting life sciences with thousands of publications each year. Here we have developed a methodology enabling label-free biosensors to measure transient kinetic interactions towards providing a higher throughput approach suitable for mechanistic understanding of these processes. The methodology relies on hydrodynamic dispersion modeling of a smooth analyte gradient under conditions that maintain the quasi-steady-state boundary layer assumption. A transient peptide-protein interaction of relevance to drug discovery was analyzed thermodynamically using transition state theory and numerical simulations validated the approach over a wide range of operating conditions. The data establishes the technical feasibility of this approach to transient kinetic analyses supporting further development towards higher throughput applications in life science.
Real-time reconstruction and visualisation towards dynamic feedback control during time-resolved tomography experiments at TOMCAT
Authors: Buurlage Jan-Willem , Marone Federica , Pelt Daniël M. , Palenstijn Willem Jan , Stampanoni Marco , Batenburg K. Joost , Schlepütz Christian M.
Published: December 2019

Tomographic X-ray microscopy beamlines at synchrotron light sources worldwide have pushed the achievable time-resolution for dynamic 3-dimensional structural investigations down to a fraction of a second, allowing the study of quickly evolving systems. The large data rates involved impose heavy demands on computational resources, making it difficult to readily process and interrogate the resulting volumes. The data acquisition is thus performed essentially blindly. Such a sequential process makes it hard to notice problems with the measurement protocol or sample conditions, potentially rendering the acquired data unusable, and it keeps the user from optimizing the experimental parameters of the imaging task at hand. We present an efficient approach to address this issue based on the real-time reconstruction, visualisation and on-the-fly analysis of a small number of arbitrarily oriented slices. This solution, requiring only a single additional computing workstation, has been implemented at the TOMCAT beamline of the Swiss Light Source. The system is able to process multiple sets of slices per second, thus pushing the reconstruction throughput on the same level as the data acquisition. This enables the monitoring of dynamic processes as they occur and represents the next crucial step towards adaptive feedback control of time-resolved in situ tomographic experiments.
Visible light-induced thymine dimerisation based on large localised field gradient by non-uniform optical near-field
Authors: Tate Naoya , Yatsui Takashi
Published: December 2019

The localised excitations of several molecular reactions utilising optical irradiation have been studied in the field of molecular physics. In particular, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strands organise the genetic information of all living matter. Therefore, artificial methods for freely controlling reactions using only light irradiation are highly desirable for reactions of these strands; this in regard with artificial protein synthesis, regional genetic curing, and stochastic analysis of several genetic expressions. Generally, DNA strands have strong absorption features in the deep ultra-violet (DUV) region, which are related to the degradation and reconstruction of the strand bonding structures. However, irradiation by DUV light unavoidably induces unintended molecular reactions which can damage and break the DNA strands. In this paper, we report a photo-induced molecular reaction initiated by the irradiation of DNA strands with visible light. We utilised photo-dissociation from the vibrational levels induced by non-uniform optical near-fields surrounding nanometric Au particles to which DNA strands were attached. The results were experimentally observed by a reduction in the DUV absorbance of the DNA strands during irradiation. There was a much higher yield of molecular reactions than expected due to the absorbance of visible light, and no defects were caused in the DNA strands.
Heterotopic Ossification in Orthopaedic and Trauma surgery: A Histopathological Ossification Score
Authors: Ohlmeier M. , Krenn V. , Thiesen D. M. , Sandiford N. A. , Gehrke T. , Citak M.
Published: December 2019

Heterotopic Ossification (HO) is a potential long-term complication in orthopaedic surgery. It is commonly classified according to the Brooker classification, which is based on radiological findings. To our knowledge the correlation of histological features to the Brooker grade is unknown as is the association between HO and the indication for revision. The aim of this paper is to analyze the ossification grade of HO tissue in patients undergoing revision hip and knee arthroplasty and to propose a histologically based classification system for HO. We also assess the relationship between the grade of HO and the indication for revision (septic and aseptic revision). From January to May 2019 we collected 50 human HO samples from hip and knee revision arthroplasty cases. These tissue samples were double-blinded and sent for histopathological diagnostic. Based on these results, we developed a classification system for the progression of HO. The grade of ossification was based on three characteristics: Grade of heterotopic ossification (Grade 1–3), presence of necrosis (N0 or N1) and the presence of osteomyelitis (HOES-Score Type 1 to 5). Demographic data as well as surgical details and indication for surgery was prospectively collected from clinical records. Fifty tissue samples were harvested from 44 hips and 6 knee joints. Of these 33 exhibited Grade I ossifications (66%), followed by 11 Grade II (22%) and one Grade III (2%). Necrosis was noted in two tissue samples (4%) and 2 more had osteomyelitis findings according to HOES-Score. Six samples (12%) with radiologically suggestive of HO turned out to be wear-induced synovitis, SLIM Type 1. Of these cases 16 were septic (32%) and 34 aseptic (68%) revisions. Most of the HO tissue samples were classified as a low-grade. High-grade ossification-Score is rare. Higher grades of ossification seem to be associated with septic revision cases. Wear-induced synovitis potentially influences HO development. A histological scoring system for ossification grading can be derived from the data presented in this study.
Assessing the impact of global climate changes on irrigated wheat yields and water requirements in a semi-arid environment of Morocco
Authors: Bouras Elhoussaine , Jarlan Lionel , Khabba Said , Er-Raki Salah , Dezetter Alain , Sghir Fathallah , Tramblay Yves
Published: December 2019

The present work aims to quantify the impact of climate change (CC) on the grain yields of irrigated cereals and their water requirements in the Tensift region of Morocco. The Med-CORDEX (MEDiterranean COordinated Regional Climate Downscaling EXperiment) ensemble runs under scenarios RCP4.5 (Representative Concentration Pathway) and RCP8.5 are first evaluated and disaggregated using the quantile-quantile approach. The impact of CC on the duration of the main wheat phenological stages based on the degree-day approach is then analyzed. The results show that the rise in air temperature causes a shortening of the development cycle of up to 50 days. The impacts of rising temperature and changes in precipitation on wheat yields are next evaluated, based on the AquaCrop model, both with and without taking into account the fertilizing effect of CO2. As expected, optimal wheat yields will decrease on the order of 7 to 30% if CO2 concentration rise is not considered. The fertilizing effect of CO2 can counterbalance yield losses, since optimal yields could increase by 7% and 13% respectively at mid-century for the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Finally, water requirements are expected to decrease by 13 to 42%, mainly in response to the shortening of the cycle. This decrease is associated with a change in temporal patterns, with the requirement peak coming two months earlier than under current conditions.
Adherence to guideline recommendations for coronary angiography in a poor South-East Asian setting: Impact on short- and medium-term clinical outcomes
Authors: Qanitha Andriany , Uiterwaal Cuno S. P. M. , Henriques Jose P. S. , Mappangara Idar , Amir Muzakkir , Saing Sumarsono G. , de Mol Bastianus A. J. M.
Published: December 2019

In South-East Asian populations and particularly in Indonesia, access to coronary angiography (CAG) is limited. We aimed to assess the adherence for undergoing CAG for indicated patients, according to the guideline recommendations. We then examined whether this adherence would have an impact on patients’ short- and medium-term mortality and morbidity. We consecutively enrolled 474 patients with acute and stable coronary artery disease who had indication for CAG at Makassar Cardiac Center, Indonesia from February 2013 to December 2014. We found that adherence to CAG recommendation in poor South-East Asian setting is low. Of 474 recommended patients, only 273 (57.6%) underwent the procedure. Factors for not undergoing CAG were: older age, female gender, low educational and socio-economic status, and insurance type. While reasons for patients refusing CAG and subsequent intervention included fear, symptoms reduction, and lack of trust concerning the procedure benefit. During follow-up (median 19 (IQR 6–39.3) months), 155 (32.7%) patients died, and 259 (54.6%) experienced at least one adverse event. Adherence to CAG recommendation was associated with a significantly lower short- and medium-term mortality, independent of revascularization and other potential confounders. In sub-group analysis, adhered patients “with revascularization” had significantly better outcomes compared to the “non-revascularization” and “not adhere” groups.
Seismic surveys reduce cetacean sightings across a large marine ecosystem
Authors: Kavanagh A. S. , Nykänen M. , Hunt W. , Richardson N. , Jessopp M. J.
Published: December 2019

Noise pollution is increasing globally, and as oceans are excellent conductors of sound, this is a major concern for marine species reliant on sound for key life functions. Loud, impulsive sounds from seismic surveys have been associated with impacts on many marine taxa including mammals, crustaceans, cephalopods, and fish. However, impacts across large spatial scales or multiple species are rarely considered. We modelled over 8,000 hours of cetacean survey data across a large marine ecosystem covering > 880,000 km2to investigate the effect of seismic surveys on baleen and toothed whales. We found a significant effect of seismic activity across multiple species and habitats, with an 88% (82–92%) decrease in sightings of baleen whales, and a 53% (41–63%) decrease in sightings of toothed whales during active seismic surveys when compared to control surveys. Significantly fewer sightings of toothed whales also occurred during active versus inactive airgun periods of seismic surveys, although some species-specific response to noise was observed. This study provides strong evidence of multi-species impacts from seismic survey noise on cetaceans. Given the global proliferation of seismic surveys and large propagation distances of airgun noise, our results highlight the large-scale impacts that marine species are currently facing.
Acute thiamethoxam toxicity in honeybees is not enhanced by common fungicide and herbicide and lacks stress-induced changes in mRNA splicing
Authors: Decio Pâmela , Ustaoglu Pinar , Roat Thaisa C. , Malaspina Osmar , Devaud Jean-Marc , Stöger Reinhard , Soller Matthias
Published: December 2019

Securing food supply for a growing population is a major challenge and heavily relies on the use of agrochemicals to maximize crop yield. It is increasingly recognized, that some neonicotinoid insecticides have a negative impact on non-target organisms, including important pollinators such as the European honeybeeApis mellifera. Toxicity of neonicotinoids may be enhanced through simultaneous exposure with additional pesticides, which could help explain, in part, the global decline of honeybee colonies. Here we examined whether exposure effects of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam on bee viability are enhanced by the commonly used fungicide carbendazim and the herbicide glyphosate. We also analysed alternative splicing changes upon pesticide exposure in the honeybee. In particular, we examined transcripts of three genes: (i) the stress sensor geneX box binding protein-1(Xbp1), (ii) theDown Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule(Dscam)gene and iii) theembryonic lethal/abnormal visual system(elav)gene, which are important for neuronal function. Our results showed that acute thiamethoxam exposure is not enhanced by carbendazim, nor glyphosate. Toxicity of the compounds did not trigger stress-induced, alternative splicing in the analysed mRNAs, thereby leaving dormant a cellular response pathway to these man-made environmental perturbations.
Spatially Adjusted Time-varying Reproductive Numbers: Understanding the Geographical Expansion of Urban Dengue Outbreaks
Authors: Ng Ta-Chou , Wen Tzai-Hung
Published: December 2019

The basic reproductive number (R0) is a fundamental measure used to quantify the transmission potential of an epidemic in public health practice. However, R0 cannot reflect the time-varying nature of an epidemic. A time-varying effective reproductive number Rt can provide more information because it tracks the subsequent evolution of transmission. However, since it neglects individual-level geographical variations in exposure risk, Rt may smooth out interpersonal heterogeneous transmission potential, obscure high-risk spreaders, and hence hamper the effectiveness of control measures in spatial dimension. Therefore, this study proposes a new method for quantifying spatially adjusted (time-varying) reproductive numbers that reflects spatial heterogeneity in transmission potential among individuals. This new method estimates individual-level effective reproductive numbers (Rj) and a summarized indicator for population-level time-varying reproductive number (Rt). Data from the five most severe dengue outbreaks in southern Taiwan from 1998–2015 were used to demonstrate the ability of the method to highlight early spreaders contributing to the geographic expansion of dengue transmission. Our results show spatial heterogeneity in the transmission potential of dengue among individuals and identify the spreaders with the highest Rj during the epidemic period. The results also reveal that super-spreaders are usually early spreaders that locate at the edges of the epidemic foci, which means that these cases could be the drivers of the expansion of the outbreak. Therefore, our proposed method depicts a more detailed spatial-temporal dengue transmission process and identifies the significant role of the edges of the epidemic foci, which could be weak spots in disease control and prevention.
Modulation of the leptin receptors expression in breast cancer cell lines exposed to leptin and tamoxifen
Authors: Linares Rodolfo López , Benítez Jonnathan Guadalupe Santillán , Reynoso Mariana Ortiz , Romero Carlos González , Sandoval-Cabrera Antonio
Published: December 2019

One of the factors that has increased the incidence and worse prognosis of breast cancer is obesity. In this condition, high amounts of leptin are secreted, which have proliferative, mitogenic, antiapoptotic, and proinflammatory activity that may be antagonistic to treatment with tamoxifen, considered the first choice. The modulation evaluation of leptin receptor expression in the presence of leptin and tamoxifen stimuli was performed in breast cancer cell lines MCF 7, MDA MB 231 and HCC 1937 as a model of initial approach for the study of breast cancer subtypes and their behavior to the action response of adipokines and their possible relationship with the mechanism of resistance to chemotherapeutics such as tamoxifen in ER positive cell lines and triple negative marker. It was determined that leptin increases the proliferation of the three breast cancer cell lines and tamoxifen is able to exert an antiproliferative effect on them, however, it was identified that the ability of tamoxifen to decrease the proliferation of cancer cells is diminished in the presence of leptin, in addition to changes in the modulation of the expression of its receptor. It was determined that tamoxifen induces a greater modulation of the expression of ObRb in cell lines, which may be related to the decrease of its antiproliferative activity, while leptin generates a proliferative effect in the three cell lines and could participate in the tamoxifen treatment resistance mechanism.
Behavioral and neural evidence of enhanced long-term memory for untrustworthy faces
Authors: Weymar Mathias , Ventura-Bort Carlos , Wendt Julia , Lischke Alexander
Published: December 2019

In daily life, we automatically form impressions of other individuals on basis of subtle facial features that convey trustworthiness. Because these face-based judgements influence current and future social interactions, we investigated how perceived trustworthiness of faces affects long-term memory using event-related potentials (ERPs). In the current study, participants incidentally viewed 60 neutral faces differing in trustworthiness, and one week later, performed a surprise recognition memory task, in which the same old faces were presented intermixed with novel ones. We found that after one week untrustworthy faces were better recognized than trustworthy faces and that untrustworthy faces prompted early (350–550 ms) enhanced frontal ERP old/new differences (larger positivity for correctly remembered old faces, compared to novel ones) during recognition. Our findings point toward an enhanced long-lasting, likely familiarity-based, memory for untrustworthy faces. Even when trust judgments about a person do not necessarily need to be accurate, a fast access to memories predicting potential harm may be important to guide social behaviour in daily life.
Scoring disease in an animal model of multiple sclerosis using a novel infrared-based automated activity-monitoring system
Authors: Shahi Shailesh K. , Freedman Samantha N. , Dahl Rachel A. , Karandikar Nitin J. , Mangalam Ashutosh K.
Published: December 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). Its corresponding animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), is widely used to understand disease pathogenesis and test novel therapeutic agents. However, existing methods to score EAE disease severity are subjective and often vary between individual researchers, making it difficult to translate findings across different studies. An enhanced automated method of disease scoring would eliminate subjectivity and reduce operator-dependent errors. Here, we used an Infra-Red Activity Monitoring System (IRAMS) to measure murine locomotor activity as a surrogate measure of disease severity and compared it to standard EAE scoring methods. In mice immunized with CNS-specific myelin antigens, we observed an inverse correlation between disease severity and mouse activity, with the IRAMS showing enhanced disease scoring compared to standard EAE scoring methods. Relative to standard EAE scoring methods, IRAMS showed comparable measurement of disease relapses and remissions in the SJL/J-relapsing-remitting model of EAE, and could comparably assess the therapeutic efficiency of the MS drug, Copaxone (Glatiramer acetate-GA). Thus, the IRAMS is a method to measure disease severity in EAE without subjective bias and is a tool to consistently assess the efficacy of novel therapeutic agents for MS.
Postmenopause as a key factor in the composition of the Endometrial Cancer Microbiome (ECbiome)
Authors: Walsh Dana M. , Hokenstad Alexis N. , Chen Jun , Sung Jaeyun , Jenkins Gregory D. , Chia Nicholas , Nelson Heidi , Mariani Andrea , Walther-Antonio Marina R. S.
Published: December 2019

Incidence rates for endometrial cancer (EC) are rising, particularly in postmenopausal and obese women. Previously, we showed that the uterine and vaginal microbiome distinguishes patients with EC from those without. Here, we sought to examine the impact of patient factors (such as menopause status, body mass index, and vaginal pH) in the microbiome in the absence of EC and how these might contribute to the microbiome signature in EC. We find that each factor independently alters the microbiome and identified postmenopausal status as the main driver of a polymicrobial network associated with EC (ECbiome). We identified Porphyromas somerae presence as the most predictive microbial marker of EC and we confirm this using targeted qPCR, which could be of use in detecting EC in high-risk, asymptomatic women. Given the established pathogenic behavior of P. somerae and accompanying network in tissue infections and ulcers, future investigation into their role in EC is warranted.
A muscular hypotonia-associated STIM1 mutant at R429 induces abnormalities in intracellular Ca2+ movement and extracellular Ca2+ entry in skeletal muscle
Authors: Choi Jun Hee , Huang Mei , Hyun Changdo , Oh Mi Ri , Lee Keon Jin , Cho Chung-Hyun , Lee Eun Hui
Published: December 2019

Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) mediates extracellular Ca2+entry into the cytosol through a store-operated Ca2+entry (SOCE) mechanism, which is involved in the physiological functions of various tissues, including skeletal muscle. STIM1 is also associated with skeletal muscle diseases, but its pathological mechanisms have not been well addressed. The present study focused on examining the pathological mechanism(s) of a mutant STIM1 (R429C) that causes human muscular hypotonia. R429C was expressed in mouse primary skeletal myotubes, and the properties of the skeletal myotubes were examined using single-cell Ca2+imaging of myotubes and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) along with biochemical approaches. R429C did not interfere with the terminal differentiation of myoblasts to myotubes. Unlike wild-type STIM1, there was no further increase of SOCE by R429C. R429C bound to endogenous STIM1 and slowed down the initial rate of SOCE that were mediated by endogenous STIM1. Moreover, R429C increased intracellular Ca2+movement in response to membrane depolarization by eliminating the attenuation on dihydropyridine receptor-ryanodine receptor (DHPR-RyR1) coupling by endogenous STIM1. The cytosolic Ca2+level was also increased due to the reduction in SR Ca2+level. In addition, R429C-expressing myotubes showed abnormalities in mitochondrial shape, a significant decrease in ATP levels, and the higher expression levels of mitochondrial fission-mediating proteins. Therefore, serial defects in SOCE, intracellular Ca2+movement, and cytosolic Ca2+level along with mitochondrial abnormalities in shape and ATP level could be a pathological mechanism of R429C for human skeletal muscular hypotonia. This study also suggests a novel clue that STIM1 in skeletal muscle could be related to mitochondria via regulating intra and extracellular Ca2+movements.
Imaging of X-Ray-Excited Emissions from Quantum Dots and Biological Tissue in Whole Mouse
Authors: Ryan Sean G. , Butler Matthew N. , Adeyemi Segun S. , Kalber Tammy , Patrick P. Stephen , Zaw Thin May , Harrison Ian F. , Stuckey Daniel J. , Pule Martin , Lythgoe Mark F.
Published: December 2019

Optical imaging in clinical and preclinical settings can provide a wealth of biological information, particularly when coupled with targetted nanoparticles, but optical scattering and absorption limit the depth and resolution in both animal and human subjects. Two new hybrid approaches are presented, using the penetrating power of X-rays to increase the depth of optical imaging. Foremost, we demonstrate the excitation by X-rays of quantum-dots (QD) emitting in the near-infrared (NIR), using a clinical X-ray system to map the distribution of QDs at depth in whole mouse. We elicit a clear, spatially-resolved NIR signal from deep organs (brain, liver and kidney) with short (1 second) exposures and tolerable radiation doses that will permit future in vivo applications. Furthermore, X-ray-excited endogenous emission is also detected from whole mouse. The use of keV X-rays to excite emission from QDs and tissue represent novel biomedical imaging technologies, and exploit emerging QDs as optical probes for spatial-temporal molecular imaging at greater depth than previously possible.
R534C mutation in hERG causes a trafficking defect in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes from patients with type 2 long QT syndrome
Authors: Mesquita Fernanda C. P. , Arantes Paulo C. , Kasai-Brunswick Tais H. , Araujo Dayana S. , Gubert Fernanda , Monnerat Gustavo , Silva dos Santos Danúbia , Neiman Gabriel , Leitão Isabela C. , Barbosa Raiana A. Q. , Coutinho Jorge L. , Vaz Isadora M. , dos Santos Marcus N. , Borgonovo Tamara , Cruz Fernando E. S. , Miriuka Santiago , Medei Emiliano H. , Campos de Carvalho Antonio C. , Carvalho Adriana B.
Published: December 2019

Patient-specific cardiomyocytes obtained from induced pluripotent stem cells (CM-iPSC) offer unprecedented mechanistic insights in the study of inherited cardiac diseases. The objective of this work was to study a type 2 long QT syndrome (LQTS2)-associated mutation (c.1600C > T in KCNH2, p.R534C in hERG) in CM-iPSC. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from two patients with the R534C mutation and iPSCs were generated. In addition, the same mutation was inserted in a control iPSC line by genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9. Cells expressed pluripotency markers and showed spontaneous differentiation into the three embryonic germ layers. Electrophysiology demonstrated that action potential duration (APD) of LQTS2 CM-iPSC was significantly longer than that of the control line, as well as the triangulation of the action potentials (AP), implying a longer duration of phase 3. Treatment with the IKr inhibitor E4031 only caused APD prolongation in the control line. Patch clamp showed a reduction of IKr on LQTS2 CM-iPSC compared to control, but channel activation was not significantly affected. Immunofluorescence for hERG demonstrated perinuclear staining in LQTS2 CM-iPSC. In conclusion, CM-iPSC recapitulated the LQTS2 phenotype and our findings suggest that the R534C mutation in KCNH2 leads to a channel trafficking defect to the plasma membrane.
Addressing the presence of biogenic selenium nanoparticles in yeast cells: analytical strategies based on ICP-TQ-MS
Authors: Álvarez-Fernández García R. , Corte-Rodríguez M. , Macke M. , LeBlanc K. L. , Mester Z. , Montes-Bayón M. , Bettmer J.
Published: December 2019

Complementary analytical strategies based on ICP-TQ-MS were used for the detection and characterization of selenium-containing nanoparticles in selenized yeast.
The analysis of single cysteine molecules with an aerolysin nanopore
Authors: Yuan Bo , Li Shuang , Ying Yi-Lun , Long Yi-Tao
Published: December 2019

Biological nanopore technology has the advantages of high selectivity and high reproducibility for characterizing single biomolecules.
Facile one-pot synthesis of water-dispersible phosphate functionalized reduced graphene oxide toward high-performance energy storage devices
Authors: Tanguy Nicolas R. , N’Diaye Jeanne , Arjmand Mohammad , Lian Keryn , Yan Ning
Published: December 2019

A facile and one-pot hydrothermal methodology for producing phosphate functionalized reduced graphene oxide with enhanced volumetric capacitance is reported.
The mechanochemical conversion of potassium coordination polymer nanostructures to interpenetrated sodium coordination polymers with halogen bond, metal–carbon and metal–metal interactions
Authors: Kianimehr Ashkan , Akhbari Kamran , White Jonathan , Phuruangrat Anukorn
Published: December 2019

Two new Na and K coordination polymers with halogen bond, metallophilic and hydrogen bonding interactions were synthesized. These two compounds were synthesized sonochemically and solid-state conversions of them to each other were investigated.
Photodissociation dynamics of H2O and D2O via the D̃(1A1) electronic state
Authors: Chang Yao , Zhou Jiami , Luo Zijie , Chen Zhichao , He Zhigang , Yu Shengrui , Che Li , Wu Guorong , Wang Xingan , Yuan Kaijun , Yang Xueming
Published: December 2019

We report the state-to-state dynamical features of photolysis of H2O at 122.12 nm and that of D2O at 121.95 nm, which are excited to the electronically excited D̃ state.
Magnetic purification of non-precious metal fuel cell catalysts for obtaining atomically dispersed Fe centers
Authors: Nabae Yuta , Nagata Shinsuke , Kusaba Keizo , Aoki Tsutomu , Hayakawa Teruaki , Tanida Hajime , Imai Hideto , Hori Katsuaki , Yamamoto Yuta , Arai Shigeo , Ohyama Junya
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes a facile magnetic purification approach for obtaining atomically dispersed Fe centers in non-precious metal fuel cell catalysts, which has been evidenced by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and microscopy.
Potent trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylthio and pentafluorosulfanyl containing (1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)benzamides against drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Naclerio George A. , Abutaleb Nader S. , Onyedibe Kenneth I. , Seleem Mohamed N. , Sintim Herman O.
Published: December 2019

Switching from bacteriostatic against methicillin-resistant S. aureus to bactericidal via SCF3 or SF5 substitution.
Boron nitride aerogels consisting of varied superstructures
Authors: Pan Jingjing , Wang Jingyang
Published: December 2019

A multilevel assembly scheme is proposed for the elegant fabrication of boron nitride aerogels consisting of varied superstructures.
Sm2O3 nanorod-modified graphite paste electrode for trace level voltammetric determination of acetaminophen and ciprofloxacin
Authors: Biswas Sudip , Naskar Hemanta , Pradhan Susmita , Chen Yuling , Wang Yang , Bandyopadhyay Rajib , Pramanik Panchanan
Published: December 2019

Illustration of drug molecule electro-oxidation at Sm2O3 nanorods.
A new fluorescence probe comprising nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots for the selective and quantitative determination of cerium(iv)
Authors: Chu Xu , Wang Shengnan , Cao Yan
Published: December 2019

As a novel “turn-off” fluorescent probe for Ce4+, our N-GQD sensor exhibits a rapid, sensitive, stable and selective response towards Ce4+.
A lanthanide–organic crystalline framework material encapsulating 1,3,6,8-tetrakis(p-benzoic acid)pyrene: selective sensing of Fe3+, Cr2O72−and colchicine and white-light emission
Authors: Li Jin Xiao , Guan Qing Lin , Wang Yu , You Zi Xin , Xing Yong Heng , Bai Feng Ying , Sun Li Xian
Published: December 2019

A facile strategy was used to construct a series of composite materials with color-tunable and white light emission by encapsulating 1,3,6,8-tetrakis(p-benzoic acid)pyrene (H4TBAPy) into framework material [Eu(MCTCA)1.5(H2O)2]·1.75H2O.
Lipidomics as a tool of predicting progression from non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease to type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lin Min , Weng Si-Ying , Chai Ke-Fu , Mao Zhu-Jun
Published: December 2019

There are three subclasses of PC (phosphatidylcholine, dPC; pPC; and plasmanylcholine, aPC). Several species of pPC decreased significantly in NDM and DM patients and especially in DM patients, while dPC and aPC showed no significant change.
High residue bio-based structural–functional integration epoxy and intrinsic flame retardant mechanism study
Authors: Zhou Ji , Heng Zhengguang , Zhang Haoruo , Chen Yang , Zou Huawei , Liang Mei
Published: December 2019

Research on structural–functional integrated polymers has become an inevitable trend in modern materials science. An intrinsic flame-retardant epoxy with superior performance and reusability is of great application value in the near future.
Characterizing the CdSe nanodots in the vicinity of the monolayer covering range
Authors: Capitán María J. , Álvarez Jesús , Puebla Sergio , Spilsbury Michael J. , Conde Julio J. , Juárez Beatriz H. , Otero Roberto
Published: December 2019

We perform X-ray diffraction and AFM characterization of CdSe-nano-pyramids layers up to monolayer covering. The CdSe-particles are perfectly ordered growing with an axial and lateral matching with the HOPG substrate lattice in a hexagonal arrange.
Phase behaviour and dynamical features of a two-dimensional binary mixture of active/passive spherical particles
Authors: Rogel Rodriguez Diego , Alarcon Francisco , Martinez Raul , Ramírez Jorge , Valeriani Chantal
Published: December 2019

In this work we have characterized the phase behaviour and the dynamics of bidimensional mixtures of active and passive Brownian particles.
Efficient photocatalytic oxygen evolution using BaTaO2N obtained from nitridation of perovskite-type oxide
Authors: Jadhav Shraddha , Hasegawa Shuta , Hisatomi Takashi , Wang Zheng , Seo Jeongsuk , Higashi Tomohiro , Katayama Masao , Minegishi Tsutomu , Takata Tsuyoshi , Peralta-Hernández Juan M. , Serrano Torres Oracio , Domen Kazunari
Published: December 2019

Designing stoichiometric, isostructural precursor oxides opens opportunities for the development of (oxy)nitride photocatalysts.
Fabricating highly efficient heterostructured CuBi2O4 photocathodes for unbiased water splitting
Authors: Monny Sabiha Akter , Zhang Lei , Wang Zhiliang , Luo Bin , Konarova Muxina , Du Aijun , Wang Lianzhou
Published: December 2019

Efficient CuBi2O4 based photocathode with large onset potential (1.1 VSHE) and high photocurrent density (1.87 mA cm−2 at 0.6 VSHE) has been fabricated for constructing the unbiased water splitting system with the suitable photoanode.
An atomic-confined-space separator for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Cui Junya , Li Zhenhua , Li Jianbo , Li Sai , Liu Jun , Shao Mingfei , Wei Min
Published: December 2019

An LDH/GO ultrathin film with atomic-confined-space was constructed by a layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly approach; it exhibits superior performance for blocking polysulfides and promotes the uniform dispersion of Li ions.
Flexible coaxial fiber-shaped asymmetric supercapacitors based on manganese, nickel co-substituted cobalt carbonate hydroxides
Authors: Cao Xueying , Liu Ying , Zhong Yuxue , Cui Liang , Zhang Aitang , Razal Joselito M. , Yang Wenrong , Liu Jingquan
Published: December 2019

A wearable coaxial fiber-shaped asymmetric supercapacitor based on well-aligned Mn, Ni co-substituted Co carbonate hydroxide nanoneedle arrays on carbon fibers is successfully fabricated, and it exhibits excellent electrochemical performances.
Preparation of highly oriented single crystal arrays of C8-BTBT by epitaxial growth on oriented isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Li Mingliang , Jiang Tingcong , Wang Xiaoge , Chen Hongliang , Li Shuo , Wei Feng , Ren Zhongjie , Yan Shouke , Guo Xuefeng , Tu Hailing
Published: December 2019

Device arrays are fabricated with organic single crystals epitaxially grown on highly oriented iPP films by solvent vapor annealing.
Localizing the γ-ray emitting region in the blazar TXS 2013+370
Authors: Traianou E. , Krichbaum T. P. , Boccardi B. , Angioni R. , Rani B. , Liu J. , Ros E. , Bach U. , Sokolovsky K. V. , Lisakov M. M. , Kiehlmann S. , Gurwell M. , Zensus J. A.
Published: December 2019

Aims. The γ-ray production mechanism and its localization in blazars are still a matter of debate. The main goal of this paper is to constrain the location of the high-energy emission in the blazar TXS 2013+370 and to study the physical and geometrical properties of the inner jet region on sub-pc scales.

Methods. TXS 2013+370 was monitored during 2002–2013 with VLBI at 15, 22, 43, and 86 GHz, which allowed us to image the jet base with an angular resolution of ≥0.4 pc. By employing CLEAN imaging and Gaussian model-fitting, we performed a thorough kinematic analysis at multiple frequencies, which provided estimates of the jet speed, orientation, and component ejection times. Additionally, we studied the jet expansion profile and used the information on the jet geometry to estimate the location of the jet apex. VLBI data were combined with single-dish measurements to search for correlated activity between the radio, mm, and γ-ray emission. For this purpose, we employed a cross-correlation analysis, supported by several significance tests.

Results. The high-resolution VLBI imaging revealed the existence of a spatially bent jet, described by co-existing moving emission features and stationary features. New jet features, labeled as A1, N, and N1, are observed to emerge from the core, accompanied by flaring activity in radio/mm- bands and γ-rays. The analysis of the transverse jet width profile constrains the location of the mm core to lie ≤2 pc downstream of the jet apex, and also reveals the existence of a transition from parabolic to conical jet expansion at a distance of ∼54 pc from the core, corresponding to ∼1.5 × 106 Schwarzschild radii. The cross-correlation analysis of the broad-band variability reveals a strong correlation between the radio-mm and γ-ray data, with the 1 mm emission lagging ∼49 days behind the γ-rays. Based on this, we infer that the high energy emission is produced at a distance of the order of ∼1 pc from the jet apex, suggesting that the seed photon fields for the external Compton mechanism originate either in the dusty torus or in the broad-line region.
Ceres’ partial differentiation: undifferentiated crust mixing with a water-rich mantle
Authors: Neumann Wladimir , Jaumann Ralf , Castillo-Rogez Julie , Raymond Carol A. , Russell Christopher T.
Published: December 2019

Aims.We model thermal evolution and water-rock differentiation of small ice-rock objects that accreted at different heliocentric distances, while also considering migration into the asteroid belt for Ceres. We investigate how water-rock separation and various cooling processes influence Ceres’ structure and its thermal conditions at present. We also draw conclusions about the presence of liquids and the possibility of cryovolcanism.

Methods.We calculated energy balance in bodies heated by radioactive decay and compaction-driven water-rock separation in a three-component dust-water/ice-empty pores mixture, while also taking into consideration second-order processes, such as accretional heating, hydrothermal circulation, and ocean or ice convection. Calculations were performed for varying accretion duration, final size, surface temperature, and dust/ice ratio to survey the range of possible internal states for precursors of Ceres. Subsequently, the evolution of Ceres was considered in five sets of simulated models, covering different accretion and evolution orbits and dust/ice ratios.

Results.We find that Ceres’ precursors in the inner solar system could have been both wet and dry, while in the Kuiper belt, they retain the bulk of their water content. For plausible accretion scenarios, a thick primordial crust may be retained over several Gyr, following a slow differentiation within a few hundreds of Myr, assuming an absence of destabilizing impacts. The resulting thermal conditions at present allow for various salt solutions at depths of ≲10 km. The warmest present subsurface is obtained for an accretion in the Kuiper belt and migration to the present orbit.

Conclusions.Our results indicate that Ceres’ material could have been aqueously altered on small precursors. The modeled structure of Ceres suggests that a liquid layer could still be present between the crust and the core, which is consistent with Dawn observations and, thus, suggests accretion in the Kuiper belt. While the crust stability calculations indicate crust retention, the convection analysis and interior evolution imply that the crust could still be evolving.
Evaluati on of long-term start up costs impact on short-term price based operational optimization of a CCGT using MILP
Authors: Gotzman Sylwia , Ziόłkowski Paweł , Badur Janusz
Published: December 2019

An increasing share of the weather-dependent RES generation in the power system leads to the growing importance of flexibility of conventional power plants. They were usually designed for base load operation and it is a challenge to determine the actual long-term cycling costs, which account for an increase in maintenance and overhaul expenditures, increased forced outage rates and shortened life expectancy of the plant and components. In this paper, the overall impact of start up costs is evaluated by formulating and solving price based unit commitment problem (PBUC). The electricity spot market is considered as a measure for remunerating flexibility. This approach is applied to a real-life case study based on the 70 MWe PGE Gorzόw CCGT power plant. Different operation modes are calculated and results are used to derive a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model to optimize the operation of the plant. The developed mathematical model is implemented in Python within the frame of the PuLP library and solved using GUROBI. Results of the application of the method to a numerical example are presented.
Selecting optimal conditions for the turbine warm and hot start-up
Authors: Rusin Andrzej , Nowak Grzegorz , Łukowicz Henryk , Kosman Wojciech , Chmielniak Tadeusz
Published: December 2019

The changing role of coal-fired power units which are now used more and more often as sources balancing the demand for electricity in the power system calls for a change in the character of their operation. They have to be able to respond appropriately to rapid and substantial variations in loads and they must have the capacity for shortening the start-up time, especially after a few or several hours of downtime. The paper presents an analysis of changes in thermal states in the turbine main elements after short downtime periods and shows the possibilities and consequences of the turbine fast start-up from such states. Optimal warm and hot start-up characteristics are developed. Detailed deliberations are devoted to elements of200 MW turbines, most of which are and will be used as flexible sources of electricity generation in the power system.
Oily water emulsification as the method of its pre-treatment for utilization via co-combustion
Authors: Dzido Aleksandra , Krawczyk Piotr , Kurkus-Gruszecka Michalina , Badyda Krzysztof
Published: December 2019

Oily water can be the side product of many processes, like crude oil processing and transportation leakages, industries such as steel industry, machine industry, petroleum refinery, petrochemical industry, textile industry, metal industry, pyrolysis etc. It seems to be the difficult to dispose waste. Although several treatment methods have been developed, many times additional water disposal installation is required. When the main process consumes natural gas, to simplify oily water utilization, the method of its direct injection to the natural gas burner is suggested by the paper authors. To provide the proper combustion and the mixture homogenization, emulsification was proposed. The aim of the research was to find the optimal recipe from the stability point of view, taking into account technical and economic conditions. The article covers the variety of surfactants examination for the water-hydrocarbons mixture emulsification, including the surfactants concentration optimization.
Violation of traffic safety when using chloride dir in railway transport
Authors: Popov Vladimir , Churiukina Svetlana , Sukhov Philipp , Borovkov Yuri , Balandova Julia
Published: December 2019

This article experimentally proves the negative (destructive) effect of chloride DIR on railway transport facilities. The ways of chloride DIR getting of various objects of railway transport are shown. The relationship between the usage of chloride DIR and the violation of traffic safety in railway transport is being proven. Possible scenarios of the occurrence of a violation of traffic safety without taking into account the occurrence of human casualties are presented.
Research on destruction of oil-containing emulsion waste by hard solid demulsinators based on industry waste
Authors: Tarasova Galina , Grigoryeva E.
Published: December 2019

The article presents experimental data on the destruction of oil-containing emulsion effluents stabilized by solid emulsifiers, that were obtained by heat treatment of ore mining and processing enterprises (GOK) waste and sugar industry. The comparative characteristics on purification of oil emulsion effluents by solid demulsifiers when passing through a filtration layer consisting of solid demulsifiers particles and a layer of sand are given. As well as research into the practical application of oil sludge in the production of lightweight ceramic materials.