bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antarctic Topographic Realizations and Geostatistical Modeling Used to Map Subglacial Lakes
Authors: MacKie E. J. , Schroeder D. M. , Caers J. , Siegfried M. R. , Scheidt C.
Published: March 2020

Antarctic subglacial lakes can play an important role in ice sheet dynamics, biology, geology, and oceanography, but it is difficult to definitively constrain their character and locations. Subglacial lake locations are related to factors including heat flux, ice surface slope, ice thickness, and bed topography, though these relationships are not fully quantified. Bed topography is particularly important for determining where water flows and accumulates, but digital elevation models of the ice sheet bed rely on interpolation and are unrealistically smooth, biasing estimates of subglacial lake location and surface area. To address this issue, we use geostatistical methods to simulate realistically rough bed topography. We use our simulated topography to predict subglacial lake distribution across the continent using a binomial logistic regression, which uses physical parameters and known lake locations to calculate the probabilities of lake occurrences. Our results suggest that topography models interpolated without appropriate geostatistics overestimate subglacial lake surface area and that total lake surface area is lower than previously predicted. We find that radar‐detected lakes are more likely to occur in the interior of East Antarctica, while altimetry‐detected (active) lakes are expected to be found in West Antarctica and near the grounding line. We observe that radar‐detected lakes have a high correlation with heat flux and ice thickness, while active lakes are associated with higher ice velocity.
Factors Controlling O+ and H+ Outflow in the Cusp During a Geomagnetic Storm: FAST/TEAMS Observations
Authors: Zhao K. , Kistler L .M. , Lund E. J. , Nowrouzi N. , Kitamura N. , Strangeway R. J.
Published: March 2020

Factors related to two sources of energy input to the ionosphere, the Poynting flux associated with both quasistatic fields (Sdc) and Alfvénic fluctuations (Sac), and the soft electron precipitation, are investigated to evaluate their correlations with the O+ and the H+ outflows in the dayside cusp region by using recalibrated FAST/Time‐of‐Flight Energy, Angle, and Mass Spectrograph (TEAMS) data during the 24–25 September 1998 geomagnetic storm studied by Strangeway et al. (2005, https://doi.org/10.1029/2004JA010829). The Poynting flux and the soft electron precipitation are well correlated with ion outflow flux in the dayside cusp region. Sdc shows the highest correlation with the O+ outflows, while it is the electron number flux that correlates best with the H+ outflows. The Alfvénic waves play an essential role in accelerating outflows. The averaged O+/H+ flux ratio is 3.0 and is positively correlated to the Poynting flux, suggesting that the O+ flux increases more strongly with the energy input.
Using physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling to assess the efficacy of glove materials in reducing internal doses and potential hazards of N-methylpyrrolidone during paint stripping
Authors: Kirman C. R.
Published: March 2020

A refined risk assessment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different glove materials in reducing the potential hazards associated with using paint strippers containing N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under the scenarios defined by USEPA’s TSCA risk assessment. Three categories of gloves were identified based on measured permeation rates for NMP: (1) minimal protection; (2) moderate protection; and (3) maximal protection. Simulations for eight acute and chronic occupational exposure scenarios identified by USEPA as having a potential hazard (i.e., margins of exposure, MOE, <30) were reassessed for each glove category using PBPK modeling to predict peak (Cmax) and cumulative (AUC) internal doses of NMP. For the acute assessment, the refined MOE values were ≥30 for half of the scenarios for gloves from the moderate protection group category, and all of the scenarios for gloves from the maximal protection category. For the chronic assessment, the refined MOE values were ≥30 for all scenarios except one for gloves from the maximal protection category. The results of this assessment indicate that: (1) the degree of protection provided by gloves from NMP permeation can vary widely depending upon the glove material, NMP formulation, and internal dose measure (with calculated glove protection factors ranging from 1.1 to 1900); and (2) NMP-containing paint strippers can be used safely when appropriate PPE are used. As such, these results can be used to support risk-reduction methods (e.g., product labeling, MSDS instructions on use of appropriate glove materials) as alternatives to banning NMP use under TSCA.
Learning to synthesize: robust phase retrieval at low photon counts
Authors: Deng Mo , Li Shuai , Goy Alexandre , Kang Iksung , Barbastathis George
Published: March 2020

The quality of inverse problem solutions obtained through deep learning is limited by the nature of the priors learned from examples presented during the training phase. Particularly in the case of quantitative phase retrieval, spatial frequencies that are underrepresented in the training database, most often at the high band, tend to be suppressed in the reconstruction. Ad hoc solutions have been proposed, such as pre-amplifying the high spatial frequencies in the examples; however, while that strategy improves the resolution, it also leads to high-frequency artefacts, as well as low-frequency distortions in the reconstructions. Here, we present a new approach that learns separately how to handle the two frequency bands, low and high, and learns how to synthesize these two bands into full-band reconstructions. We show that this “learning to synthesize” (LS) method yields phase reconstructions of high spatial resolution and without artefacts and that it is resilient to high-noise conditions, e.g., in the case of very low photon flux. In addition to the problem of quantitative phase retrieval, the LS method is applicable, in principle, to any inverse problem where the forward operator treats different frequency bands unevenly, i.e., is ill-posed.
Detection and extraction of heavy metal ions using paper-based analytical devices fabricated via atom stamp printing
Authors: Guan Yanfang , Sun Baichuan
Published: March 2020

As a promising concept, microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) have seen rapid development in recent years. In this study, a new method of fabricating μPADs by atom stamp printing (ASP) is proposed and studied. The advantages of this new method compared to other methods include its low cost, ease of operation, high production efficiency, and high resolution (the minimum widths of the hydrophilic channels and hydrophobic barriers are 328 and 312 μm, respectively). As a proof of concept, μPADs fabricated with the ASP method were used to detect different concentrations of Cu2+via a colorimetric method. Moreover, combined with a distance-based detection method, these devices achieved a Cu2+detection limit of down to 1 mg/L. In addition, a new paper-based solid–liquid extraction device (PSED) based on a three-dimensional (3D) μPAD with a “3 + 2” structure and a recyclable extraction mode was developed. Specifically, using the characteristics of paper filtration and capillary force, the device completed multiple extraction and filtration steps from traditional solid–liquid extraction processes with high efficiency. The developed PSED platform allows the detection of heavy metal ions much more cheaply and simply and with a faster response time at the point of care, and it has great promise for applications in food safety and environmental pollution in resource-limited areas.
Bacterial vitamin B12 production enhances nematode predatory behavior
Authors: Akduman Nermin , Lightfoot James W , Röseler Waltraud , Witte Hanh , Lo Wen-Sui , Rödelsperger Christian , Sommer Ralf J
Published: March 2020

Although the microbiota is known to affect host development, metabolism, and immunity, its impact on host behavior is only beginning to be understood. In order to better characterize behavior modulation by host-associated microorganisms, we investigated how bacteria modulate complex behaviors in the nematode model organism Pristionchus pacificus. This nematode is a predator that feeds on the larvae of other nematodes, including Caenorhabditis elegans. By growing P. pacificus on different bacteria and testing their ability to kill C. elegans, we reveal large differences in killing efficiencies, with a Novosphingobium species showing the strongest enhancement. This enhanced killing was not accompanied by an increase in feeding, which is a phenomenon known as surplus killing, whereby predators kill more prey than necessary for sustenance. Our RNA-seq data demonstrate widespread metabolic rewiring upon exposure to Novosphingobium, which facilitated screening of bacterial mutants with altered transcriptional responses. We identified bacterial production of vitamin B12 as an important cause of such enhanced predatory behavior. Although vitamin B12 is an essential cofactor for detoxification and metabolite biosynthesis, shown previously to accelerate development in C. elegans, supplementation with this enzyme cofactor amplified surplus killing in P. pacificus, whereas mutants in vitamin B12-dependent pathways reduced surplus killing. By demonstrating that production of vitamin B12 by host-associated microbiota can affect complex host behaviors, we reveal new connections between animal diet, microbiota, and nervous system.
Mitochondrial division inhibitor (mdivi-1) decreases oxidative metabolism in cancer
Authors: Dai Wenting , Wang Guan , Chwa Jason , Oh Myung Eun , Abeywardana Tharindumala , Yang Yanzhong , Wang Qiong A. , Jiang Lei
Published: March 2020

Background

Previous studies suggested that mdivi-1 (mitochondrial division inhibitor), a putative inhibitor of dynamin-related protein (DRP1), decreased cancer cell proliferation through inducing mitochondrial fusion and altering oxygen consumption. However, the metabolic reprogramming underlying the DRP1 inhibition is still unclear in cancer cells.

Methods

To better understand the metabolic effect of DRP1 inhibition, [U-13C]glucose isotope tracing was employed to assess mdivi-1 effects in several cancer cell lines, DRP1-WT (wild-type) and DRP1-KO (knockout) H460 lung cancer cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs).

Results

Mitochondrial staining confirmed that mdivi-1 treatment and DRP1 deficiency induced mitochondrial fusion. Surprisingly, metabolic isotope tracing found that mdivi-1 decreased mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in the lung cancer cell lines H460, A549 and the colon cancer cell line HCT116. [U-13C]glucose tracing studies also showed that the TCA cycle intermediates had significantly lower enrichment in mdivi-1-treated cells. In comparison, DRP1-WT and DRP1-KO H460 cells had similar oxidative metabolism, which was decreased by mdivi-1 treatment. Furthermore, mdivi-1-mediated effects on oxidative metabolism were independent of mitochondrial fusion.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that, in cancer cells, mdivi-1, a putative inhibitor of DRP1, decreases oxidative metabolism to impair cell proliferation.
Perinatal inflammation influences but does not arrest rapid immune development in preterm babies
Authors: Kamdar S. , Hutchinson R. , Laing A. , Stacey F. , Ansbro K. , Millar M. R. , Costeloe K. , Wade W. G. , Fleming P. , Gibbons D. L.
Published: March 2020

Infection and infection-related complications are important causes of death and morbidity following preterm birth. Despite this risk, there is limited understanding of the development of the immune system in those born prematurely, and of how this development is influenced by perinatal factors. Here we prospectively and longitudinally follow a cohort of babies born before 32 weeks of gestation. We demonstrate that preterm babies, including those born extremely prematurely (<28 weeks), are capable of rapidly acquiring some adult levels of immune functionality, in which immune maturation occurs independently of the developing heterogeneous microbiome. By contrast, we observe a reduced percentage of CXCL8-producing T cells, but comparable levels of TNF-producing T cells, from babies exposed to in utero or postnatal infection, which precedes an unstable post-natal clinical course. These data show that rapid immune development is possible in preterm babies, but distinct identifiable differences in functionality may predict subsequent infection mediated outcomes.
Full-length human GLP-1 receptor structure without orthosteric ligands
Authors: Wu Fan , Yang Linlin , Hang Kaini , Laursen Mette , Wu Lijie , Han Gye Won , Ren Qiansheng , Roed Nikolaj Kulahin , Lin Guangyao , Hanson Michael A. , Jiang Hualiang , Wang Ming-Wei , Reedtz-Runge Steffen , Song Gaojie , Stevens Raymond C.
Published: March 2020

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is a class B G protein-coupled receptor that plays an important role in glucose homeostasis and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Structures of full-length class B receptors were determined in complex with their orthosteric agonist peptides, however, little is known about their extracellular domain (ECD) conformations in the absence of orthosteric ligands, which has limited our understanding of their activation mechanism. Here, we report the 3.2 Å resolution, peptide-free crystal structure of the full-length human GLP-1R in an inactive state, which reveals a unique closed conformation of the ECD. Disulfide cross-linking validates the physiological relevance of the closed conformation, while electron microscopy (EM) and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations suggest a large degree of conformational dynamics of ECD that is necessary for binding GLP-1. Our inactive structure represents a snapshot of the peptide-free GLP-1R and provides insights into the activation pathway of this receptor family.
Strong metal-support interaction promoted scalable production of thermally stable single-atom catalysts
Authors: Liu Kaipeng , Zhao Xintian , Ren Guoqing , Yang Tao , Ren Yujing , Lee Adam Fraser , Su Yang , Pan Xiaoli , Zhang Jingcai , Chen Zhiqiang , Yang Jingyi , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhou Tong , Xi Wei , Luo Jun , Zeng Chaobin , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Liu Wei , Jiang Qike , Wilson Karen , Wang Aiqin , Qiao Botao , Li Weizhen , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2020

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have demonstrated superior catalytic performance in numerous heterogeneous reactions. However, producing thermally stable SACs, especially in a simple and scalable way, remains a formidable challenge. Here, we report the synthesis of Ru SACs from commercial RuO2 powders by physical mixing of sub-micron RuO2 aggregates with a MgAl1.2Fe0.8O4 spinel. Atomically dispersed Ru is confirmed by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Detailed studies reveal that the dispersion process does not arise from a gas atom trapping mechanism, but rather from anti-Ostwald ripening promoted by a strong covalent metal-support interaction. This synthetic strategy is simple and amenable to the large-scale manufacture of thermally stable SACs for industrial applications.
Complexation-induced resolution enhancement of 3D-printed hydrogel constructs
Authors: Gong Jiaxing , Schuurmans Carl C. L. , Genderen Anne Metje van , Cao Xia , Li Wanlu , Cheng Feng , He Jacqueline Jialu , López Arturo , Huerta Valentin , Manríquez Jennifer , Li Ruiquan , Li Hongbin , Delavaux Clément , Sebastian Shikha , Capendale Pamela E. , Wang Huiming , Xie Jingwei , Yu Mengfei , Masereeuw Rosalinde , Vermonden Tina , Zhang Yu Shrike
Published: March 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) hydrogel printing enables production of volumetric architectures containing desired structures using programmed automation processes. Our study reports a unique method of resolution enhancement purely relying on post-printing treatment of hydrogel constructs. By immersing a 3D-printed patterned hydrogel consisting of a hydrophilic polyionic polymer network in a solution of polyions of the opposite net charge, shrinking can rapidly occur resulting in various degrees of reduced dimensions comparing to the original pattern. This phenomenon, caused by complex coacervation and water expulsion, enables us to reduce linear dimensions of printed constructs while maintaining cytocompatible conditions in a cell type-dependent manner. We anticipate our shrinking printing technology to find widespread applications in promoting the current 3D printing capacities for generating higher-resolution hydrogel-based structures without necessarily having to involve complex hardware upgrades or other printing parameter alterations.
Food sources for the Ediacara biota communities
Authors: Bobrovskiy Ilya , Hope Janet M. , Golubkova Elena , Brocks Jochen J.
Published: March 2020

The Ediacara biota represents the first complex macroscopic organisms in the geological record, foreshadowing the radiation of eumetazoan animals in the Cambrian explosion. However, little is known about the contingencies that lead to their emergence, including the possible roles of nutrient availability and the quality of food sources. Here we present information on primary producers in the Ediacaran based on biomarker molecules that were extracted from sediments hosting Ediacaran macrofossils. High relative abundances of algal steranes over bacterial hopanes suggest that the Ediacara biota inhabited nutrient replete environments with an abundance of algal food sources comparable to Phanerozoic ecosystems. Thus, organisms of the Ediacara biota inhabited nutrient-rich environments akin to those that later fuelled the Cambrian explosion.
Histone variant H3.3 residue S31 is essential for Xenopus gastrulation regardless of the deposition pathway
Authors: Sitbon David , Boyarchuk Ekaterina , Dingli Florent , Loew Damarys , Almouzni Geneviève
Published: March 2020

Vertebrates exhibit specific requirements for replicative H3 and non-replicative H3.3 variants during development. To disentangle whether this involves distinct modes of deposition or unique functions once incorporated into chromatin, we combined studies inXenopusearly development with chromatin assays. Here we investigate the extent to which H3.3 mutated at residues that differ from H3.2 rescue developmental defects caused by H3.3 depletion. Regardless of the deposition pathway, only variants at residue 31—a serine that can become phosphorylated—failed to rescue endogenous H3.3 depletion. Although an alanine substitution fails to rescue H3.3 depletion, a phospho-mimic aspartate residue at position 31 rescues H3.3 function. To explore mechanisms involving H3.3 S31 phosphorylation, we identified factors attracted or repulsed by the presence of aspartate at position 31, along with modifications on neighboring residues. We propose that serine 31-phosphorylated H3.3 acts as a signaling module that stimulates the acetylation of K27, providing a chromatin state permissive to the embryonic development program.
Publisher Correction: Northern forest tree populations are physiologically maladapted to drought
Authors: Isaac-Renton Miriam , Montwé David , Hamann Andreas , Spiecker Heinrich , Cherubini Paolo , Treydte Kerstin
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Activating low-temperature diesel oxidation by single-atom Pt on TiO2 nanowire array
Authors: Hoang Son , Guo Yanbing , Binder Andrew J. , Tang Wenxiang , Wang Sibo , Liu Jingyue , Tran Huan , Lu Xingxu , Wang Yu , Ding Yong , Kyriakidou Eleni A. , Yang Ji , Toops Todd J. , Pauly Thomas R. , Ramprasad Rampi , Gao Pu-Xian
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Deep Learning to Predict Protein Backbone Structure from High-Resolution Cryo-EM Density Maps
Authors: Si Dong , Moritz Spencer A. , Pfab Jonas , Hou Jie , Cao Renzhi , Wang Liguo , Wu Tianqi , Cheng Jianlin
Published: March 2020

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has become a leading technology for determining protein structures. Recent advances in this field have allowed for atomic resolution. However, predicting the backbone trace of a protein has remained a challenge on all but the most pristine density maps (<2.5 Å resolution). Here we introduce a deep learning model that uses a set of cascaded convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to predict Cα atoms along a protein’s backbone structure. The cascaded-CNN (C-CNN) is a novel deep learning architecture comprised of multiple CNNs, each predicting a specific aspect of a protein’s structure. This model predicts secondary structure elements (SSEs), backbone structure, and Cα atoms, combining the results of each to produce a complete prediction map. The cascaded-CNN is a semantic segmentation image classifier and was trained using thousands of simulated density maps. This method is largely automatic and only requires a recommended threshold value for each protein density map. A specialized tabu-search path walking algorithm was used to produce an initial backbone trace with Cα placements. A helix-refinement algorithm made further improvements to the α-helix SSEs of the backbone trace. Finally, a novel quality assessment-based combinatorial algorithm was used to effectively map protein sequences onto Cα traces to obtain full-atom protein structures. This method was tested on 50 experimental maps between 2.6 Å and 4.4 Å resolution. It outperformed several state-of-the-art prediction methods including Rosetta de-novo, MAINMAST, and a Phenix based method by producing the most complete predicted protein structures, as measured by percentage of found Cα atoms. This method accurately predicted 88.9% (mean) of the Cα atoms within 3 Å of a protein’s backbone structure surpassing the 66.8% mark achieved by the leading alternate method (Phenix based fully automatic method) on the same set of density maps. The C-CNN also achieved an average root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of 1.24 Å on a set of 50 experimental density maps which was tested by the Phenix based fully automatic method. The source code and demo of this research has been published at https://github.com/DrDongSi/Ca-Backbone-Prediction.
Reconstruction of composite oral and maxillofacial defects by free flaps based on a new classification
Authors: Yao Xi Yu , Liu Hui , Liu Wei Wei
Published: March 2020

Reconstruction of composite oral and maxillofacial defects using free flaps is challenging. The key to such delicate reconstruction lies in the evaluation of the defect. However, few reports have described the clinical classification of these difficult defects. In this study, we proposed a classification method and developed different reconstructive solutions using free flap techniques according to this classification. This classification method was established based on two parameters (the elements and distribution of the missing tissues). Among the 17 patients with composite oral and maxillofacial defects included in this study, 8 patients presented with type A defects, one patient presented with a type B defect, and the other 8 patients presented with type C defects. No type D defects were observed in this study. Three types of free flaps were used to reconstruct the respective types of composite defects. Perforator-based ALT flaps were used to reconstruct Type A defects. Branch-based ALT flaps were used to reconstruct Type B defects. For Type C defects, two reconstructive solutions were used, including a well-designed fibular flap and a perforator-based ALT flap with or without a metal plate for bony reconstruction. All flaps survived after surgery. This classification system may help select and design specific free flaps for reconstructing composite oral and maxillofacial defects.
Model development for predicting in vitro bio-capacity of green rooibos extract based on composition for application as screening tool in quality control
Authors: Viraragavan Amsha , Hlengwa Nokulunga , de Beer Dalene , Riedel Sylvia , Miller Neil , Bowles Sandra , Walczak Beata , Muller Christo , Joubert Elizabeth
Published: March 2020

Evolution program-PLS models based on 12 compounds in green rooibos extract predicted extract bio-capacity related to anti-diabetic effects.
Effect of thermal treatments on in vitro starch digestibility of sorghum dried noodles
Authors: Liu Fei-Yan , Guo Xiao-Na , Xing Jun-Jie , Zhu Ke-Xue
Published: March 2020

Sorghum grains were pretreated by roasting, microwave, stir-frying and heat moisture treatment, which were effective to reduce the starch digestibility of cooked noodles.
Extracts from Vaccinium myrtillus L. fruits as a source of natural colorants: chemical characterization and incorporation in yogurts
Authors: Pires Tânia C. S. P. , Dias Maria Inês , Carocho Márcio , Barreira João C. M. , Santos-Buelga Celestino , Barros Lillian , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: March 2020

Bilberry extracts showed colouring capacity with bioactive properties, due to their high content in phenolic compounds.
Studies on the bioactivities and molecular mechanism of antioxidant peptides by 3D-QSAR,in vitroevaluation and molecular dynamic simulations
Authors: Yan Wenli , Lin Guimei , Zhang Rong , Liang Zhen , Wu Wenjuan
Published: March 2020

The bioactivities and molecular mechanism of two novel antioxidant peptides were investigated by 3D-QSAR,in vitroevaluation and MD simulations.
The role of necroptosis and apoptosis through the oxidative stress pathway in the liver of selenium-deficient swine
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Yu Dahai , Zhang Jiuli , Bao Jun , Tang Chaohua , Zhang Ziwei
Published: March 2020

Necroptosis is regarded as a new paradigm of cell death that plays a key role in the liver damage observed with selenium (Se) deficiency. Se deficiency has a significant impact on the livestock and poultry industries. Previous studies have confirmed that Se deficiency causes serious injury to the swine liver; however, it is unclear whether this liver damage is the result of necroptosis and apoptosis. To understand the damage induced by Se deficiency, swine were divided into a control group and Se-deficient group. The results showed that in the liver of swine, Se deficiency initiated apoptosis by increasing the expression of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (caspase-3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 9 (caspase-9) and BCL-2 antagonist/killer (BAK) at both the mRNA and protein levels and by decreasing the B cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 (BCL-2) levels compared with the levels in the control group. Meanwhile, compared with the control group, necroptosis was confirmed in the liver of Se-deficient swine through increased the expression of mixed lineage kinase domain like pseudokinase (MLKL) and receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 1 (RIPK1) at both the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, the activities of catalase (CAT), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) were clearly increased (P < 0.05), and the activities of OH- and total nitric oxide synthase (TNOS) were obviously decreased (P < 0.05), whereas in the Se-deficient group, the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were obviously increased (P < 0.05) compared with those in the control group. Moreover, the number of apoptotic cells was increased significantly in the Se-deficient group, and the liver tissues showed obvious necroptosis damage. These results show that Se deficiency induces apoptosis and necroptosis through the oxidative stress pathway in the swine liver.
Synergistically coupling ultrasmall PtCu nanoalloys with highly porous CoP nanosheets as an enhanced electrocatalyst for electrochemical hydrogen evolution
Authors: Gao Jiaojiao , Tang Xiaowei , Du Peng , Li Huanglong , Yuan Qunhui , Xie Guoqiang , Qiu Hua-Jun
Published: March 2020

Platinum (Pt) is recognized as one of the most effective catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), but its large-scale application still suffers from high cost and unsatisfactory performance in alkaline solution.
Application of a magnetic nanocomposite of cross-linked poly(styrene/divinylbenzene) as an adsorbent for the magnetic dispersive solid phase extraction-dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction of atrazine in soil and aqueous samples
Authors: Kermani Mansoure , Sereshti Hassan , Nikfarjam Nasser
Published: March 2020

Magnetic polymeric nanocomposite particles were used as an adsorbent for the extraction of atrazine in soil and water samples.
Effect of the distant substituent on the slow magnetic relaxation of the mononuclear Co(ii) complex with pincer-type ligands
Authors: Rajnák Cyril , Titiš Ján , Moncol' Ján , Boča Roman
Published: March 2020

A hexacoordinated complex [Co(pydm)2](mdnbz)2 from the family of pincer complexes was prepared and structurally characterized.
A binder free hierarchical mixed capacitive deionization electrode based on a polyoxometalate and polypyrrole for brackish water desalination
Authors: Liu Ning , Zhang Yi , Xu Xinxin , Wang Yi
Published: March 2020

A binder free hierarchical CDI electrode is synthesized by co-deposition of a POM and polypyrrole on a 3D exfoliated graphite matrix and it exhibits promising brackish water desalination performance.
Regioselectivity of hyoscyamine 6β-hydroxylase-catalysed hydroxylation as revealed by high-resolution structural information and QM/MM calculations
Authors: Kluza Anna , Wojdyla Zuzanna , Mrugala Beata , Kurpiewska Katarzyna , Porebski Przemyslaw J. , Niedzialkowska Ewa , Minor Wladek , Weiss Manfred S. , Borowski Tomasz
Published: March 2020

Crystal structures and computational results reveal how Hyoscyamine 6β-hydroxylase targets its oxidative power at the C6 position of the tropane ring while sparing the nearby C7 site.
Central-radial bi-porous nanocatalysts with accessible high unit loading and robust magnetic recyclability for 4-nitrophenol reduction
Authors: Ao Lijiao , Hu Xinjia , Xu Meng , Zhang Qiqing , Huang Liang
Published: March 2020

Multifunctional bi-porous nanocatalysts derived from dendritic templates were synthesized and applied for efficient, stable and recyclable heterogeneous catalysis.
The rational design of carbon coated Fe2(MoO4)3nanosheets for lithium-ion storage with high initial coulombic efficiency and long cycle life
Authors: Liang Chennan , Tao Yuanxue , Huang Dekang , Li Shu , Cao Feifei , Luo Yanzhu , Chen Hao
Published: March 2020

The facile synthesis of Fe2(MoO4)3/C nanosheets with high initial coulombic efficiency, excellent rate performance, and long cycle life is demonstrated.
Wafer-size growth of 2D layered SnSe films for UV-Visible-NIR photodetector arrays with high responsitivity
Authors: Hao Lanzhong , Du Yongjun , Wang Zegao , Wu Yupeng , Xu Hanyang , Dong Shichang , Liu Hui , Liu Yunjie , Xue Qingzhong , Han Zhide , Yan Keyou , Dong Mingdong
Published: March 2020

Wafer-size SnSe thin films with high uniformity and high crystal quality were grown by magnetron sputtering technique, and exhibit a highly sensitive to a broadband wavelength with high responsivity of 277.3 AW−1 and detectivity of 7.6 × 1011 Jones.
Enhanced IR-driven photoelectrochemical responses of CdSe/ZnO heterostructures by up-conversion UV/visible light irradiation
Authors: Lee Joo-Won , Cho Ki-Hyun , Yoon Joon-Soo , Sung Yun-Mo
Published: March 2020

IR-driven photoelectrochemical cells were developed using up-conversion glass-ceramics as substrates.
Permanent photodoping of plasmonic gallium-ZnO nanocrystals
Authors: Zukuls Anzelms , Eglītis Raivis , Käämbre Tanel , Ignatans Reinis , Šmits Krišjānis , Rubenis Kristaps , Začs Dzintars , Šutka Andris
Published: March 2020

The concentration of delocalized electrons in plasmonic metal oxide nanocrystals can be increased permanently by photodoping because the electron compensation becoming the dominant compensation mechanism for the aliovalent donor dopant.
Rational design of dual-metal-site catalysts for electroreduction of carbon dioxide
Authors: Luo Gan , Jing Yu , Li Yafei
Published: March 2020

Dual-metal-site catalysts could exhibit superior activity for CO2 electroreduction to CO due to the breaking of scaling relationship.
A thermodynamically stable quasi-liquid interface for dendrite-free sodium metal anodes
Authors: Zhang Qi , Hu Min , He Jia , Liu Xizheng , He Guang , Ding Yi
Published: March 2020

A novel quasi-liquid interface is developed to enable dendrite-free Na anodes at high current rates.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) as a multifactorial disease and its causal correlations with multiple signaling pathways
Authors: Wan Mao-lin , Wang Yu , Zeng Zhi , Deng Bo , Zhu Bi-sheng , Cao Ting , Li Yu-kun , Xiao Jiao , Han Qi , Wu Qing
Published: March 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among men worldwide. CRC is a multifactor digestive pathology, which is a huge problem faced not only by clinicians but also by researchers. Importantly, a unique feature of CRC is the dysregulation of molecular signaling pathways. To date, a series of reviews have indicated that different signaling pathways are disordered and have potential as therapeutic targets in CRC. Nevertheless, an overview of the function and interaction of multiple signaling pathways in CRC is needed. Therefore, we summarized the pathways, biological functions and important interactions involved in CRC. First, we investigated the involvement of signaling pathways, including Wnt, PI3K/Akt, Hedgehog, ErbB, RHOA, Notch, BMP, Hippo, AMPK, NF-κB, MAPK and JNK. Subsequently, we discussed the biological function of these pathways in pathophysiological aspects of CRC, such as proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. Finally, we summarized important interactions among these pathways in CRC. We believe that the interaction of these pathways could provide new strategies for the treatment of CRC.
The GAPS Programme at TNG
Authors: Carleo I. , Malavolta L. , Lanza A. F. , Damasso M. , Desidera S. , Borsa F. , Mallonn M. , Pinamonti M. , Gratton R. , Alei E. , Benatti S. , Mancini L. , Maldonado J. , Biazzo K. , Esposito M. , Frustagli G. , González-Álvarez E. , Micela G. , Scandariato G. , Sozzetti A. , Affer L. , Bignamini A. , Bonomo A. S. , Claudi R. , Cosentino R. , Covino E. , Fiorenzano A. F. M. , Giacobbe P. , Harutyunyan A. , Leto G. , Maggio A. , Molinari E. , Nascimbeni V. , Pagano I. , Pedani M. , Piotto G. , Poretti E. , Rainer M. , Redfield S. , Baffa C. , Baruffolo A. , Buchschacher N. , Billotti V. , Cecconi M. , Falcini G. , Fantinel D. , Fini L. , Galli A. , Ghedina A. , Ghinassi F. , Giani E. , Gonzalez C. , Gonzalez M. , Guerra J. , Hernandez Diaz M. , Hernandez N. , Iuzzolino M. , Lodi M. , Oliva E. , Origlia L. , Perez Ventura H. , Puglisi A. , Riverol C. , Riverol L. , San Juan J. , Sanna N. , Scuderi S. , Seemann U. , Sozzi M. , Tozzi A.
Published: March 2020

Context. The existence of hot Jupiters is still not well understood. Two main channels are thought to be responsible for their current location: a smooth planet migration through the protoplanetary disk or the circularization of an initial highly eccentric orbit by tidal dissipation leading to a strong decrease in the semimajor axis. Different formation scenarios result in different observable effects, such as orbital parameters (obliquity and eccentricity) or frequency of planets at different stellar ages.

Aims. In the context of the GAPS Young Objects project, we are carrying out a radial velocity survey with the aim of searching and characterizing young hot-Jupiter planets. Our purpose is to put constraints on evolutionary models and establish statistical properties, such as the frequency of these planets from a homogeneous sample.

Methods. Since young stars are in general magnetically very active, we performed multi-band (visible and near-infrared) spectroscopy with simultaneous GIANO-B + HARPS-N (GIARPS) observing mode at TNG. This helps in dealing with stellar activity and distinguishing the nature of radial velocity variations: stellar activity will introduce a wavelength-dependent radial velocity amplitude, whereas a Keplerian signal is achromatic. As a pilot study, we present here the cases of two known hot Jupiters orbiting young stars: HD 285507 b and AD Leo b.

Results. Our analysis of simultaneous high-precision GIARPS spectroscopic data confirms the Keplerian nature of the variation in the HD 285507 radial velocities and refines the orbital parameters of the hot Jupiter, obtaining an eccentricity consistent with a circular orbit. Instead, our analysis does not confirm the signal previously attributed to a planet orbiting AD Leo. This demonstrates the power of the multi-band spectroscopic technique when observing active stars.
Economic aspects of biomass market development in Ukraine
Authors: Kucher Oleg , Prokopchuk Liliia
Published: March 2020

The article considers the state and prospects of bioenergetics development in the context of rationalization of the use of available natural resource potential of Ukraine. It is determined that one of the most perspective renewable energy sources is biomass, the main component of which is by-product of plant growing. It is noted that the use of by-products of crop production for receiving heat energy is a rational way to utilize their surpluses that are not used for other purposes of agriculture. The existing resource potential of this agricultural biomass and source of its obtainment were characterized. An estimation of the potential of this type of biomass up to 2025, which can be used for thermal power engineering was made. It was noted that the effective use of biomass potential of agricultural enterprises is possible in case of creation of the appropriate mechanism, a set of management decisions aimed at solving the energy issue. The structure of the formation of the economic model of the influence of factors on the state of the use of by-products of crop production in thermal power engineering was proposed.
The effect of the ratio of excess air and the process time on CO and NOx emissions from the combustion of alternative fuel in a grate furnace
Authors: Kozioł Michał
Published: March 2020

One of the basic problems of environmental protection is the problem of municipal waste management. As the experience of the richest developed countries shows, it is possible to achieve a zero-landfill level of economy. However, such a level can only be achieved if several dozen percent of municipal waste generated is subjected to processes of energy utilisation. At the same time, at present, the EU countries are moving away from waste incineration processes towards the processes of energetic use of fuels based on them. In the first part of the article, the problem of thermal utilisation of municipal waste in Poland is highlighted. The results of analyses of selected fuel parameters of municipal waste and formed fuels have been presented. The second part of the paper outlines the issue of fuel combustion in grate furnaces. In the further part of the article the methodology and results of laboratory tests of combustion of formed fuel are presented. The research has been carried out on a test stand enabling simulation of processes occurring in furnaces with mechanical grates. Within the framework of the presented studies, the influence of total process duration and excess air ratio on the amount of CO and NOx emissions was taken into account. The paper presents both the changes in the emissions of the abovementioned gases over time and the total emissions related to the unit of the formed fuel burnt.
Finite element modeling of geothermal source of heat pump in long-term operation
Authors: Hałaj Elżbieta
Published: March 2020

Heat pumps become more and more popular heat source. They can be an alternative choice for obsolete coal fired boilers which are emissive and not ecological. During heat pump installation designing process, especially for heat pumps with higher heating capacity (for example those suppling larger buildings), a simulation of heat balance of ground heat source must be provided.

A 3D heat transport model and groundwater flow in the geothermal heat source for heat pump (GSHP) installation was developed in FEFLOW according to Finite Element Modelling Method. The model consists of 25 borehole heat exchangers, arranged with spacing recommended by heat pump branch guidelines. The model consists of both a homogeneous, non-layered domain and a layered domain, which reflected differences in thermal properties of the ground and hydrogeological factors. The initial temperature distribution in the ground was simulating according to conditions typical for Europe in steady state heat flow. Optimal mesh refinement for nodes around borehole heat exchangers were calculated according to Nillert method.

The aim of this work is to present influence of geological, hydrogeological factors and borehole arrangement in the energy balance and long term sustainability of the ground source. The thermal changes in the subsurface have been determined for a long term operation (30 years of operation period). Some thermal energy storage applications have also been considered.
Phytomonitoring in the Phytometrics of the Plants
Authors: Lysenko Vitalii , Zhyltsov Andrii , Bolbot Ihor , Lendiel Taras , Nalyvaiko Vitalii
Published: March 2020

Phytomonitoring in the greenhouse using non-contact, visual assessment of plants is considered. The basis of the developed visual assessment is the implementation of plant photography by a special electrotechnical complex, after which the stored images are to be recognized by means of applying the technology of wavelet analysis. The use of technology of wavelet analysis of photographs as a means of contactless information acquisition will allow to assess the growth and condition of plants in the greenhouse and predict their development through the mathematical transformations laid down in its basis. This approach will provide an assessment of future yields. When recognizing plant photo images it is also possible to estimate the impression of plants that will detect the disease and then inform the staff about the condition of the a certain plant. The developed algorithm of recognition is also used to recognize biomass in the greenhouse space. The above will allow you to predict the amount of biomass for further use in bioreactors.
Methodological aspects of evaluating the effectiveness of using local energy systems with renewable sources
Authors: Dudnikov Sergij , Miroshnyk Oleksandr , Kovalyshyn Stepan , Ptashnyk Vadym , Mudryk Krzysztof
Published: March 2020

A method is presented for justifying the construction of a mathematical model of the process of supplying consumers from local sources, taking into account deterministic input information. The target function of the mathematical model is to minimize financial investments in the construction and operation of the local energy supply system using renewable energy sources. Presented activities are aimed at assessing the efficiency of use of fuel and energy resources by local power supply systems, determining the conditions for a positive economic effect, substantiating the composition and main technical parameters of power plants and devices of the local power supply system. At the same time, the conditions of competitiveness of the local power supply system relative to the centralized one should be observed. Sources of local power supply systems should be built on the basis of biogas plants that are capable of producing biogas with long-term storage in gas storages and at the same time are energy storage batteries for other renewable sources. The presented analysis of the energy balance of a biogas plant, taking into account the synergistic effects of interaction between centralized and local energy systems, will make it possible to make optimal decisions for creating a bioenergy complex.
Fabrication of alloy foam-supported solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) for hydrogen production
Authors: Visvanichkul Ramin , Puengjinda Pramote , Jiwanuruk Tara , Peng-Ont Saranya , Sirimungkalakul Nichaporn , Ngampuengpis Watcharin , Sornchamni Thana , Kim-Lohsoontorn Pattaraporn
Published: March 2020

Alloy foam-supported SOEC is fabricated. Nickel-iron (Ni-Fe) alloy foam (Porosity: 5-130 ppi) is used for cell support. Single thin-cell composed of Ni- Sc0.1Ce0.05Gd0.05Zr0.89O2 (SCGZ) cathode, SCGZ electrolyte and Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3- δ (BSCF) anode is fabricated. Electrode powders are mixed with additives forming as slurry for wet chemical coating. 70%weight content of cermet provides smooth surface and sufficient viscosity to prevent slurry sweep through the porous foam. However, severe cracking is clearly seen on the surface of the cell because of mismatching of thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) during sintering. Therefore, the cell with three cathode layers having TEC gradient (13.83, 13.62 and 13.40 ppmK-1) and %weight content of cermet gradient (70%, 60% and 50%weight) is fabricated. Heating rate and steps are controlled at 0.5˚C/min (600 ˚C), 3˚C/min (800 ˚C) and 1˚C/min (1,300˚C, 4 h) to burn off additives before sintering.
Effect of impurity on thermally self-sustained double reactor coupling hydrogen production from glycerol reforming and methanol production from carbon dioxide and hydrogen
Authors: Thirabunjongcharoen Sasinun , Kim-Lohsoontorn Pattaraporn
Published: March 2020

Thermally self-sustained double reactor (TSSDR) operating without external heat source consists of dual channels for endothermic and exothermic reactions. Hydrogen (H2) is produced from wasted glycerol by aqueous-phase glycerol reforming (APGR) at 200-250 ºC and 20-25 bar while carbon dioxide (CO2) is a by-product. Produced H2 and CO2 are used as raw materials for methanol synthesis (MS) at 200-250 ºC and 50-80 bar. Methanol synthesis and glycerol reforming occur at inner and outer channels of TSSDR, respectively. The TSSDR is fully packed with catalyst. Generated heat of exothermic reaction is sufficient for endothermic reaction. Main products of glycerol reforming in gas phase are H2 and CO2 while CO and CH4 are by-products. All products in gas phase are totally recycled as a feed stream for exothermic channel. CO and CH4 in feed reduce CO2 conversion and methanol yield in MS. The effect of impurities in glycerol feed stream also influences with hydrogen production in APGR. Especially, methanol, which is an impurity in glycerol feed obtained from biodiesel production, significantly reduces glycerol conversion in TSSDR.
Formation and evolution of porosity during high temperature creep of a nickel-based single crystal superalloy
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Guo Yuanyuan , Zhang Mai , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2020

A Re-containing single-crystal superalloy was used to research the high temperature low stress creep behavior. Transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope and some other research methods are employed. The results and analysis are summarized below: Two mechanisms for the steady creep are found in this experiment. The volume fraction of pores after creep test at 1100°C increased more than 2 times compared with that before test, but the increasing at 1000°C is relatively small, which reveals that temperature has an great influence on the formation of pore during creep; There are two types of pores associated with fracture during the creep process. One is the casting shrinkage located between the interdentritic, which is formed in the solidification of the alloy. Another type of pore is nucleated and growing during the creep deformation.