bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of crop production losses in West Africa due to historical global warming in two crop models
Authors: Sultan Benjamin , Defrance Dimitri , Iizumi Toshichika
Published: September 2019

Achieving food security goals in West Africa will depend on the capacity of the agricultural sector to feed the rapidly growing population and to moderate the adverse impacts of climate change. Indeed, a number of studies anticipate a reduction of the crop yield of the main staple food crops in the region in the coming decades due to global warming. Here, we found that crop production might have already been affected by climate change, with significant yield losses estimated in the historical past. We used a large ensemble of historical climate simulations derived from an atmospheric general circulation model and two process-based crop models, SARRA-H and CYGMA, to evaluate the effects of historical climate change on crop production in West Africa. We generated two ensembles of 100 historical simulations of yields of sorghum and millet corresponding to two climate conditions for each crop model. One ensemble is based on a realistic simulation of the actual climate, while the other is based on a climate simulation that does not account for human influences on climate systems (that is, the non-warming counterfactual climate condition). We found that the last simulated decade, 2000–2009, is approximately 1 °C warmer in West Africa in the ensemble accounting for human influences on climate, with more frequent heat and rainfall extremes. These altered climate conditions have led to regional average yield reductions of 10–20% for millet and 5–15% for sorghum in the two crop models. We found that the average annual production losses across West Africa in 2000–2009 associated with historical climate change, relative to a non-warming counterfactual condition (that is, pre-industrial climate), accounted for 2.33–4.02 billion USD for millet and 0.73–2.17 billion USD for sorghum. The estimates of production losses presented here can be a basis for the loss and damage associated with climate change to date and useful in estimating the costs of the adaptation of crop production systems in the region.
Palaeoproteomic identification of breast milk protein residues from the archaeological skeletal remains of a neonatal dog
Authors: Tsutaya Takumi , Mackie Meaghan , Koenig Claire , Sato Takao , Weber Andrzej W. , Kato Hirofumi , Olsen Jesper V. , Cappellini Enrico
Published: September 2019

Accurate postmortem estimation of breastfeeding status for archaeological or forensic neonatal remains is difficult. Confident identification of milk-specific proteins associated with these remains would provide direct evidence of breast milk consumption. We used liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS) to confidently identify beta-lactoglobulin-1 (LGB1) and whey acidic protein (WAP), major whey proteins associated with a neonatal dog (Canis lupus familiaris) skeleton (430–960 cal AD), from an archaeological site in Hokkaido, Japan. The age at death of the individual was estimated to be approximately two weeks after birth. Protein residues extracted from rib and vertebra fragments were analyzed and identified by matching tandem MS spectra against the dog reference proteome. A total of 200 dog protein groups were detected and at least one peptide from canine LGB1 and two peptides from canine WAP were confidently identified. These milk proteins most probably originated from the mother’s breast milk, ingested by the neonate just before it died. We suggest the milk diffused outside the digestive apparatus during decomposition, and, by being absorbed into the bones, it partially preserved. The result of this study suggests that proteomic analysis can be used for postmortem reconstruction of the breastfeeding status at the time of death of neonatal mammalian, by analyzing their skeletal archaeological remains. This method is also applicable to forensic and wildlife studies.
Applications of New Rhizobacteria Pseudomonas Isolates in Agroecology via Fundamental Processes Complementing Plant Growth
Authors: Qessaoui R. , Bouharroud R. , Furze J. N. , El Aalaoui M. , Akroud H. , Amarraque A. , Vaerenbergh J. Van , Tahzima R. , Mayad E. H. , Chebli B.
Published: September 2019

Pseudomonas isolates have frequently been isolated from the rhizosphere of plants, and several of them have been reported as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. In the present work, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seeds were germinated in greenhouse conditions, and the seedling height, length of plants, collar diameter and number of leaves were measured from plants grown in soil inoculated by bacterial isolates. Pseudomonas isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere. We used the Newman-Keuls test to ascertain pairwise differences. Isolates were identified as a new Pseudomonas species by rpoD gene sequencing. The results showed that isolates of Pseudomonas sp. (Q6B) increased seed germination (P = 0.01); Pseudomonas sp. (Q6B, Q14B, Q7B, Q1B and Q13B) also promoted seedling height (P = 0.01). All five isolates promoted plant length and enlarged the collar diameter (P = 0.01). Pseudomonas sp. (Q1B) also increased leaf number (P = 0.01). The investigation found that Pseudomonas isolates were able to solubilize phosphate, produce siderophores, ammonia, and indole-3-acetic acid and colonize the roots of tomato plants. This study shows that these five novel Pseudomonas sp. isolates can be effective new plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.
Whole-genome sequencing-based epidemiological analysis of anti-tuberculosis drug resistance genes in Japan in 2007: Application of the Genome Research for Asian Tuberculosis (GReAT) database
Authors: Takii Takemasa , Seki Kouhei , Wakabayashi Yasutaka , Morishige Yuta , Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Yamashita Akifumi , Kato Kengo , Uchimura Kazuhiro , Ohkado Akihiro , Keicho Naoto , Mitarai Satoshi , Kuroda Makoto , Kato Seiya
Published: September 2019

We investigated the lineages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolates from the RYOKEN study in Japan in 2007 and the usefulness of genotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) using the Genome Research for Asian Tuberculosis (GReAT) database. In total, 667 isolates were classified into lineage 1 (4.6%), lineage 2 (0.8%), lineage 2/Beijing (72.1%), lineage 3 (0.5%), and lineage 4 (22.0%). The nationality, gender, and age groups associated with the isolates assigned to lineage 1 were significantly different from those associated with other lineages. In particular, isolates of lineage 1.2.1 (EAI2) formed sub-clusters and included a 2,316-bp deletion in the genome. The proportion of the isolates resistant to at least one anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug was 10.8%, as determined by either the genotypic or phenotypic method of DST. However, the sensitivities to isoniazid, streptomycin, and ethambutol determined by the genotypic method were low. Thus, unidentified mutations in the genome responsible for drug resistance were explored, revealing previously unreported mutations in the katG, gid, and embB genes. This is the first nationwide report of whole-genome analysis of TB in Japan.
Prediction of soil available water-holding capacity from visible near-infrared reflectance spectra
Authors: Blaschek Michael , Roudier Pierre , Poggio Matteo , Hedley Carolyn B.
Published: September 2019

Sustainable land management requires reliable information about soil hydraulic properties. Among these properties, available water-holding capacity (AWC) is a key attribute, as it quantifies the amount of water available for plants that the soil can hold. Since direct measurements of AWC are costly, pedotransfer functions (PTF) are often used to estimate AWC, leveraging statistical relationships with properties that are easier to measure, such as texture, bulk density, and organic carbon content. This study evaluates visible near-infrared spectroscopy (vis-NIR) as an alternative approach to predict volumetric water content at field capacity (FC) and permanent wilting point (PWP) — AWC being the difference between PWP and FC. A suite of 970 vis-NIR soil spectra, recorded from air-dried, 2-mm, sieved soil samples, were associated with FC and PWP analytical data obtained from New Zealand’s National Soils Database. Partial least squares (PLS) regression and support vector machines on PLS latent variables (PLS-SVM) were used for spectroscopic modelling. With root mean squared errors below 7% and 5% for FC and PWP, respectively, our results indicate that vis-NIR spectroscopy can be used to quantitatively predict volumetric water content at FC and PWP.
Integrating SpyCatcher/SpyTag covalent fusion technology into phage display workflows for rapid antibody discovery
Authors: Fierle Julie K. , Abram-Saliba Johan , Brioschi Matteo , deTiani Mariastella , Coukos George , Dunn Steven M.
Published: September 2019

An early bottleneck in the rapid isolation of new antibody fragment binders usingin vitrolibrary approaches is the inertia encountered in acquiring and preparing soluble antigen fragments. In this report, we describe a simple, yet powerful strategy that exploits the properties of the SpyCatcher/SpyTag (SpyC/SpyT) covalent interaction to improve substantially the speed and efficiency in obtaining functional antibody clones of interest. We demonstrate that SpyC has broad utility as a protein-fusion tag partner in a eukaryotic expression/secretion context, retaining its functionality and permitting the direct, selective capture and immobilization of soluble antigen fusions using solid phase media coated with a synthetic modified SpyT peptide reagent. In addition, we show that the expressed SpyC-antigen format is highly compatible with downstream antibody phage display selection and screening procedures, requiring minimal post-expression handling with no sample modifications. To illustrate the potential of the approach, we have isolated several fully human germline scFvs that selectively recognize therapeutically relevant native cell surface tumor antigens in variousin vitrocell-based assay contexts.
Supramolecular super-helix formation via self-assembly of naphthalene diimide functionalised with bile acid derivatives
Authors: Wagalgave Sopan M. , Padghan Sachin D. , Burud Mahesh D. , Kobaisi Mohammad Al , La Duong Duc , Bhosale Rajesh S. , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: September 2019

The design of chiral chromophores that lead to self-assembly of higher order helical structures is a powerful tool to understand the hierarchical helical structures of molecules of nature. In this work, we present a self-assembled helical super-structure produced via facial stacking of a bile acid bolaamphiphile derivative with a naphthalene diimide core (NDI-DCA), driven by solvophobic effects in THF–H2O solvent mixtures. The chirality of the helical microstructure is directed by the multiple chiral centres in the precursor molecule. The chirality of the hierarchical assemblies was observed using circular dichroism (CD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. We propose that the NDI-DCA super-structures are formed via similar interactions and mechanisms to those observed in biological molecules such as proteins and DNA.
Brain responses to social punishment: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zinchenko Oksana
Published: September 2019

Many studies suggest that social punishment is beneficial for cooperation and consequently maintaining the social norms in society. Neuroimaging and brain stimulation studies show that the brain regions which respond to violations of social norms, the understanding of the mind of others and the executive functions, are involved during social punishment. Despite the rising number of studies on social punishment, the concordant map of activations - the set of key regions responsible for the general brain response to social punishment - is still unknown. By using coordinate-based fMRI meta-analysis, the present study examined the concordant map of neural activations associated with various social punishment tasks. A total of 17 articles with 18 contrasts including 383 participants, equalling 191 foci were included in activation likelihood estimation (ALE) analysis. The majority of the studies (61%) employed the widely used neuroeconomic paradigms, such as fairness-related norm tasks (Ultimatum Game, third-party punishment game), while the remaining tasks reported criminal scenarios evaluation and social rejection tasks. The analysis revealed concordant activation in the bilateral claustrum, right interior frontal and left superior frontal gyri. This study provides an integrative view on brain responses to social punishment.
SPOT3D: Spatial positioning toolbox for head markers using 3D scans
Authors: Taberna Gaia Amaranta , Guarnieri Roberto , Mantini Dante
Published: September 2019

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of an accurate individual head model for reliably using high-density electroencephalography (hdEEG) as a brain imaging technique. Correct identification of sensor positions is fundamental for accurately estimating neural activity from hdEEG recordings. We previously introduced a method of automated localization and labelling of hdEEG sensors using an infrared colour-enhanced 3D scanner. Here, we describe an extension of this method, the spatial positioning toolbox for head markers using 3D scans (SPOT3D), which integrates a graphical user interface (GUI). This enables the correction of imprecisions in EEG sensor positioning and the inclusion of additional head markers. The toolbox was validated using 3D scan data collected in four participants wearing a 256-channel hdEEG cap. We quantified the misalignment between the 3D scan and the head shape, and errors in EEG sensor locations. We assessed these parameters after using the automated approach and after manually adjusting its results by means of the GUI. The GUI overcomes the main limitations of the automated method, yielding enhanced precision and reliability of head marker positioning.
Cerium oxide nanoparticles display antilipogenic effect in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Carvajal Silvia , Perramón Meritxell , Oró Denise , Casals Eudald , Fernández-Varo Guillermo , Casals Gregori , Parra Marina , González de la Presa Bernardino , Ribera Jordi , Pastor Óscar , Morales-Ruíz Manuel , Puntes Víctor , Jiménez Wladimiro
Published: September 2019

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, ranging from steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Recently, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) have emerged as a new antioxidant agent with hepatoprotective properties in experimental liver disease. The aim of the current investigation was to elucidate whether CeO2NPs display beneficial effects in an experimental model of NAFLD.Therefore, fifteen Wistar rats were subjected to a methionine and choline deficient diet (MCDD) for 6 weeks and intravenously treated with CeO2NP or vehicle during the weeks three and four of the diet. The effect of CeO2NPs on serum biochemistry, hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fatty acid content and expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid metabolism related genes was assessed. MCDD fed rats showed increased inflammation, enhanced hepatic lipid accumulation of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) and overexpression of genes related to fatty liver and ROS metabolism. Treatment with CeO2NPs was able to reduce the size and content of hepatocyte lipid droplets, the hepatic concentration of triglyceride- and cholesterol ester-derived FAs and the expression of several genes involved in cytokine, adipokine and chemokine signaling pathways. These findings suggest that CeO2NPs could be of beneficial value in NAFLD.
Pharmacological mTOR targeting enhances the antineoplastic effects of selective PI3Kα inhibition in medulloblastoma
Authors: Eckerdt Frank , Clymer Jessica , Bell Jonathan B. , Beauchamp Elspeth M. , Blyth Gavin T. , Goldman Stewart , Platanias Leonidas C.
Published: September 2019

Despite recent advances in the treatment of medulloblastoma, patients in high-risk categories still face very poor outcomes. Evidence indicates that a subpopulation of cancer stem cells contributes to therapy resistance and tumour relapse in these patients. To prevent resistance and relapse, the development of treatment strategies tailored to target subgroup specific signalling circuits in high-risk medulloblastomas might be similarly important as targeting the cancer stem cell population. We have previously demonstrated potent antineoplastic effects for the PI3Kα selective inhibitor alpelisib in medulloblastoma. Here, we performed studies aimed to enhance the anti-medulloblastoma effects of alpelisib by simultaneous catalytic targeting of the mTOR kinase. Pharmacological mTOR inhibition potently enhanced the suppressive effects of alpelisib on cancer cell proliferation, colony formation and apoptosis and additionally blocked sphere-forming ability of medulloblastoma stem-like cancer cells in vitro. We identified the HH effector GLI1 as a target for dual PI3Kα and mTOR inhibition in SHH-type medulloblastoma and confirmed these results in HH-driven Ewing sarcoma cells. Importantly, pharmacologic mTOR inhibition greatly enhanced the inhibitory effects of alpelisib on medulloblastoma tumour growth in vivo. In summary, these findings highlight a key role for PI3K/mTOR signalling in GLI1 regulation in HH-driven cancers and suggest that combined PI3Kα/mTOR inhibition may be particularly interesting for the development of effective treatment strategies in high-risk medulloblastomas.
Juxta-membrane S-acylation of plant receptor-like kinases is likely fortuitous and does not necessarily impact upon function
Authors: Hurst Charlotte H. , Wright Kathryn M. , Turnbull Dionne , Leslie Kerry , Jones Susan , Hemsley Piers A.
Published: September 2019

S-acylation is a common post-translational modification of membrane protein cysteine residues with many regulatory roles. S-acylation adjacent to transmembrane domains has been described in the literature as affecting diverse protein properties including turnover, trafficking and microdomain partitioning. However, all of these data are derived from mammalian and yeast systems. Here we examine the role of S-acylation adjacent to the transmembrane domain of the plant pathogen perceiving receptor-like kinase FLS2. Surprisingly, S-acylation of FLS2 adjacent to the transmembrane domain is not required for either FLS2 trafficking or signalling function. Expanding this analysis to the wider plant receptor-like kinase family we find that S-acylation adjacent to receptor-like kinase domains is common, affecting ~25% of Arabidopsis receptor-like kinases, but poorly conserved between orthologues through evolution. This suggests that S-acylation of receptor-like kinases at this site is likely the result of chance mutation leading to cysteine occurrence. As transmembrane domains followed by cysteine residues are common motifs for S-acylation to occur, and many S-acyl transferases appear to have lax substrate specificity, we propose that many receptor-like kinases are fortuitously S-acylated once chance mutation has introduced a cysteine at this site. Interestingly some receptor-like kinases show conservation of S-acylation sites between orthologues suggesting that S-acylation has come to play a role and has been positively selected for during evolution. The most notable example of this is in the ERECTA-like family where S-acylation of ERECTA adjacent to the transmembrane domain occurs in all ERECTA orthologues but not in the parental ERECTA-like clade. This suggests that ERECTA S-acylation occurred when ERECTA emerged during the evolution of angiosperms and may have contributed to the neo-functionalisation of ERECTA from ERECTA-like proteins.
Dynamic Remodeling of the Host Cell Membrane by Virulent Mycobacterial Sulfoglycolipid-1
Authors: Mishra Manjari , Adhyapak Pranav , Dadhich Ruchika , Kapoor Shobhna
Published: September 2019

Lipids dictate membrane properties to modulate lateral membrane organization, lipid/protein diffusion and lipid-protein interactions, thereby underpinning proper functioning of cells. Mycobacterium tuberculosis harnesses the power of its atypical cell wall lipids to impact immune surveillance machinery centered at the host cell membrane. However, the role of specific virulent lipids in altering host cellular functions by modulating membrane organization and the associated signaling response are still pertinent unresolved questions. Here, combining membrane biophysics and cell biology, we elucidate how virulent Mtb sulfoglycolipids hijack the host cell membrane, affecting its order, fluidity, and stiffness along with manipulating the linked cytoskeleton. The functional outcome of this perturbation was assayed by monitoring membrane-associated autophagy signaling. These actions form a part of the overall response to commandeer host membrane-associated immune processes during infection. The findings on the mechanism of action of Mtb lipids on host cell membrane structure and downstream signaling will deepen the collective understanding of their functional aspects in membrane-dictated bacterial survival, pathogenesis and drug resistance and reveal suitable membrane driven-therapeutic intervention points and diagnostic tools.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of the Anticancer and Anti-inflammatory Activities of 2-Himachelen-7-ol isolated from Cedrus Libani
Authors: Elias Andree , Shebaby Wassim N. , Nehme Bilal , Faour Wissam , Bassil Bassem S. , Hakim Joelle El , Iskandar Rita , Dib-Jalbout Nahia , Mroueh Mohamad , Daher Costantine , Taleb Robin I.
Published: September 2019

Cedrus libani is a majestic evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean mountains of Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. In this study, the tree heart wood was extracted using hexane to produce C. libani oil extract (CLOE) as a dark oil. GCMS analysis of CLOE identified up to 30 compounds whereby 2-himachalen-7-ol (7-HC) was the most abundant (40%). 7-HC was isolated using column chromatography and the identity of the white crystalline solid was confirmed via NMR spectroscopy and X-Ray Crystallography. 7-HC demonstrated potent cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines including brain (SF-268, IC50 8.1 μg/mL) and colon (HT-29, IC50 10.1 μg/mL; Caco-2, IC50 9.9 μg/mL) with ovarian (Sk-OV-3, IC50 > 50 μg/mL) cells being the most resistant. However, while HT-29 displayed resistance to Cisplatin, 7-HC was 8–10 folds more potent. Co-treatment with 7-HC and Cisplatin showed a significant synergistic anti-proliferative effect against SF-268, HT-29 and Caco-2 cells. 7-HC also exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effect in formalin-induced paw edema in rats. Western blot analysis revealed that 7-HC displayed dose dependent inhibition of LPS-induced COX-2 protein expression in isolated rat monocytes. The present study demonstrates that 7-HC possesses promising anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities, and may serve as a lead molecule in cancer therapy.
pathCHEMO, a generalizable computational framework uncovers molecular pathways of chemoresistance in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Epsi Nusrat J. , Panja Sukanya , Pine Sharon R. , Mitrofanova Antonina
Published: September 2019

Despite recent advances in discovering a wide array of novel chemotherapy agents, identification of patients with poor and favorable chemotherapy response prior to treatment administration remains a major challenge in clinical oncology. To tackle this challenge, we present a generalizable genome-wide computational framework pathCHEMO that uncovers interplay between transcriptomic and epigenomic mechanisms altered in biological pathways that govern chemotherapy response in cancer patients. Our approach is tested on patients with lung adenocarcinoma who received adjuvant standard-of-care doublet chemotherapy (i.e., carboplatin-paclitaxel), identifying seven molecular pathway markers of primary treatment response and demonstrating their ability to predict patients at risk of carboplatin-paclitaxel resistance in an independent patient cohort (log-rankp-value = 0.008, HR = 10). Furthermore, we extend our method to additional chemotherapy-regimens and cancer types to demonstrate its accuracy and generalizability. We propose that our model can be utilized to prioritize patients for specific chemotherapy-regimens as a part of treatment planning.
Crystal structure and chemical inhibition of essential schistosome host-interactive virulence factor carbonic anhydrase SmCA
Authors: Da’dara Akram A. , Angeli Andrea , Ferraroni Marta , Supuran Claudiu T. , Skelly Patrick J.
Published: September 2019

The intravascular parasitic worm Schistosoma mansoni is a causative agent of schistosomiasis, a disease of great global public health significance. Here we identify an α-carbonic anhydrase (SmCA) that is expressed at the schistosome surface as determined by activity assays and immunofluorescence/immunogold localization. Suppressing SmCA expression by RNAi significantly impairs the ability of larval parasites to infect mice, validating SmCA as a rational drug target. Purified, recombinant SmCA possesses extremely rapid CO2 hydration kinetics (kcat: 1.2 × 106 s-1; kcat/Km: 1.3 × 108 M-1s-1). The enzyme’s crystal structure was determined at 1.75 Å resolution and a collection of sulfonamides and anions were tested for their ability to impede rSmCA action. Several compounds (phenylarsonic acid, phenylbaronic acid, sulfamide) exhibited favorable Kis for SmCA versus two human isoforms. Such selective rSmCA inhibitors could form the basis of urgently needed new drugs that block essential schistosome metabolism, blunt parasite virulence and debilitate these important global pathogens.
Introduction and Overview
Authors: Goosey Emma , Goosey Martin
Published: September 2019

Despite advances in our thinking and practices on sustainability issues, electronic and electrical products still need to be considered in a more holistic way, with a ‘cradle to cradle’ rather than a ‘cradle to grave’ approach. Producers of electrical and electronic products will need to be even more aware of their material requirements and energy resource consumption. Better data tracking systems are required for all major flows of resources such as energy and materials, through supply chains and through society as a whole. The effects of producer responsibility legislation will also continue to have a growing and noticeable impact. The challenges of electronic waste recycling are increasingly influenced by consideration of the entire product lifecycle, and they will continue to require serious attention. There will need to be a greater convergence between the electronics industry and the waste sector. Strategic partnerships with reprocessors must be further developed and strengthened in order to close the product-waste loop. Although legislation can undoubtedly make a significant contribution to enforcing the recycling of more materials from electronic waste, designers, material suppliers and consumers also have a role to play at key points along the supply and management chain, influencing factors such as material choice, product service life and the efficacy of recycling.
Materials Used in Manufacturing Electrical and Electronic Products
Authors: Goosey Martin , Goosey Emma
Published: September 2019

Since the last decade there have been many changes to legislation impacting the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), proscribing a wider range of input materials. The cases of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium and brominated flame retardants in particular are examined. Product innovations have increasingly been made possible owing to the application of novel materials containing elements that are sometimes rare, expensive and in limited supply, so-called critical raw materials. This chapter discusses the issues surrounding the use of gallium, cobalt, tantalum, indium, antimony and silicon in EEE and in batteries. Along with the common thermoplastics, opportunities for closed loop or in-sector recycling exist but are currently not adequately exploited. The strengthening of key European Union Directives has required industry to adopt a more holistic approach to manufacture, with the emphasis being placed on all aspects of a product's lifecycle, from design to the end-of-life, with legislation and the economics of materials supply and lifecycle management being the key drivers for change. Applying ecodesign principles, which include materials selection, will lead to further integration of environmental considerations during the design and materials selection phases of a product. This will require changes in thinking and practice within the electronic and recycling industries which will address the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) challenge.
Traceability of Electronic Waste Using Blockchain Technology
Authors: Dindarian Azadeh , Chakravarthy Sid
Published: September 2019

This chapter explores cases involving the use of blockchain-enabled technology in the waste management industry, particularly electronic waste management. In order to achieve the goals of a circular economy, adequate investment in waste management is important globally. However, little is known or understood about the role of blockchain technology within the waste management industry. In this chapter, a review of the application of blockchain in the waste management supply chain is presented, and its impact in terms of achieving sustainability goals, in particular the traceability of waste within the closed loop supply chain, is identified. In addition, an overview is provided of companies such as Provenance, Minespider and Bundel, among others applying these technologies. It is recommended that in order to benefit from blockchain technology within the waste management industry, all stakeholders will need to help create ecosystems that can make more effective use of emerging technologies in this sector.
Genetic fabrication of functional silk mats with improved cell proliferation activity for medical applications
Authors: Wang Yuancheng , Xu Sheng , Wang Riyuan , Chen Wenjing , Hou Kai , Tian Chi , Ji Yanting , Yang Qianqian , Yu Ling , Lu Zhisong , Zhao Ping , Xia Qingyou , Wang Feng
Published: September 2019

Functional silk mats with improved cell proliferation activity are promising medical materials to accelerate damaged wound healing and tissue repair.
Nitrogen substitutional defects in silicon. A quantum mechanical investigation of the structural, electronic and vibrational properties
Authors: Platonenko Alexander , Gentile Francesco Silvio , Pascale Fabien , Ferrari Anna Maria , D’Amore Maddalena , Dovesi Roberto
Published: September 2019

The vibrational Infrared (IR) and Raman spectra of seven substitutional defects in bulk silicon are computed, by using the quantum mechanical CRYSTAL code, the supercell scheme, an all electron Gaussian type basis set and the B3LYP functional.
Mechanistic insight into photocrosslinking reaction between triplet state 4-thiopyrimidine and thymine
Authors: Zou Xiaoran , Sun Zhonghua , Zhao Hongmei , Zhang Chun-yang
Published: September 2019

Multiple nonadiabatic pathways greatly facilitate the proceeding of photocrosslinking reactions between 4-thiopyrimidine and thymine.
Atmospheric oxidation mechanism and kinetics of 2-bromo-4,6-dinitroaniline by OH radicals – a theoretical study
Authors: Gnanaprakasam M. , Saranya G. , Bandaru S. , English N. J. , Senthilkumar K.
Published: September 2019

2-Bromo-4,6-dinitroaniline (BNA) is identified as a domestic-dust pollutant in urban environments, with deleterious atmospheric effects.
Rate dependent structural transition and cycling stability of a lithium-rich layered oxide material
Authors: Kaewmala Songyoot , Yordsri Visittapong , Limphirat Wanwisa , Nash Jeffrey , Srilomsak Sutham , Limthongkul Pimpa , Meethong Nonglak
Published: September 2019

Lithium-rich layered oxide materials, xLi2MnO3·(1 − x)LiMO2 (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, etc.), are a promising candidate for use as cathode materials in the batteries of electric vehicles (EVs).
Molecular design of chiral zirconium metal–organic frameworks for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of imines
Authors: Li Xu , Jiang Jianwen
Published: September 2019

Two chiral zirconium metal–organic frameworks are designed with high enantioselectivity for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of imines.
Synthesis, structure and properties of a calcium oxonitridosilicate phosphor showing green or red luminescence upon doping with Eu2+ or Ce3+
Authors: Schmidt Robert , Ströbele Markus , Romao Carl P. , Enseling David , Jüstel Thomas , Meyer Hans-Jürgen
Published: September 2019

The new phase LixCa16−xSi17N32−xO2+x is an easy to make derivative of the so-called Ca16Si17N34 and a promising phosphor when doped with Eu2+ or Ce3+.
Theory and modelling approaches to passive sampling
Authors: Salim Faten , Górecki Tadeusz
Published: September 2019

Understanding the theory behind passive sampling is essential for proper development of sampling methods and for accurate interpretation of the results.
Urea recovery from fresh human urine by forward osmosis and membrane distillation (FO–MD)
Authors: Ray Hannah , Perreault Francois , Boyer Treavor H.
Published: September 2019

This proof-of-concept study illustrated that FO–MD provides a technology platform for urea recovery from fresh human urine, which currently does not have an established method for recovery.
Green tea extract inhibits early oncogenic responses in mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Dey Priyankar , Kim Joshua B. , Chitchumroonchokchai Chureeporn , Li Jinhui , Sasaki Geoffrey Y. , Olmstead Bryan D. , Stock Katie L. , Thomas-Ahner Jennifer M. , Clinton Steven K. , Bruno Richard S.
Published: September 2019

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) increases hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk.
Processed Aloe vera gel attenuates non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced small intestinal injury by enhancing mucin expression
Authors: Kim Min Woo , Kang Ju-Hee , Shin Eunju , Shim Kyu-Suk , Kim Min Jung , Lee Chong-Kil , Yoon Yeo Sung , Oh Seung Hyun
Published: September 2019

NSAIDs-induced intestinal damage is one of the most common adverse effects by medication. Here, we suggest processed Aloe vera gel treatment as a potential strategy to attenuate NSAID-induced intestinal damage via enhancing mucin expression.
Liposome co-encapsulation as a strategy for the delivery of curcumin and resveratrol
Authors: Huang Meigui , Liang Cuiping , Tan Chen , Huang Shuai , Ying Ruifeng , Wang Yaosong , Wang Zhenjiong , Zhang Yifan
Published: September 2019

Liposomal co-encapsulation was developed as a strategy to improve the antioxidant effects of curcumin and resveratrol.
A glycated whey protein isolate–epigallocatechin gallate nanocomplex enhances the stability of emulsion delivery of β-carotene during simulated digestion
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Wanrong , Liu Pei , Hu Zhongze , Qin Xinguang , Liu Gang
Published: September 2019

A glycated whey protein isolate–epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) nanocomplex-stabilized emulsion was used to encapsulate β-carotene.
Food-borne nanocarriers from roast beef patties for iron delivery
Authors: Wang Nanying , Wu Yanyang , Zhao Xue , Lai Bin , Sun Na , Tan Mingqian
Published: September 2019

Fluorescent nanoparticles (FNs) from roast beef patties were characterized and used as nanocarriers for ferrous ions.
A review of the advanced developments of electrochemical sensors for the detection of toxic and bioactive molecules
Authors: Ramachandran Rasu , Chen Tse-Wei , Chen Shen-Ming , Baskar Thangaraj , Kannan Ramanjam , Elumalai Perumal , Raja Paulsamy , Jeyapragasam Tharini , Dinakaran Kannaiyan , Gnana kumar George peter
Published: September 2019

The recent developments made regarding the novel, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly nanocatalysts for the electrochemical sensing of biomolecules, pesticides, nitro compounds and heavy metal ions are discussed in this review article.
Mimicking 2,2′:6′,2′′:6′′,2′′′-quaterpyridine complexes for the light-driven hydrogen evolution reaction: synthesis, structural, thermal and physicochemical characterizations
Authors: Rajak Sanil , Schott Olivier , Kaur Prabhjyot , Maris Thierry , Hanan Garry S. , Duong Adam
Published: September 2019

Facile synthesis of three novel –NH2 functionalized qtpy-like complexes, their characterizations and study of their photocatalytic properties for hydrogen evolution reaction.
Immobilized copper-layered nickel ferrite on acid-activated montmorillonite, [(NiFe2O4@Cu)(H+-Mont)], as a superior magnetic nanocatalyst for the green synthesis of xanthene derivatives
Authors: Zeynizadeh Behzad , Rahmani Soleiman
Published: September 2019

In this study, the catalytic activity of the prepared (NiFe2O4@Cu)(H+-Mont) MNPs was studied towards the synthesis of dibenzo[b,i]xanthene tetraones 3(a–k) and hexahydroxanthene diones 5(a–k).
Effect of graphene oxide coatings on the structure of polyacrylonitrile fibers during pre-oxidation process
Authors: Qiao Mengmeng , Kong Haijuan , Ding Xiaoma , Zhang Luwei , Yu Muhuo
Published: September 2019

In this paper, GO is mainly applied in the pre-oxidation experiment process of PAN fibers, and the exothermic heat in the PAN fiber pre-oxidation process is taken away by the GO with super-high thermal conductivity to accelerate the pre-oxidation progress.
Kinetics of fluoride-catalysed synthesis of organosilica colloids in aqueous solutions of amphiphiles
Authors: Hu Teh-Min , Lin Chien-Yu , Wu Meng-Ju
Published: September 2019

Systematic real-time ATR-FTIR studies reveal ultrafast two-phase kinetics of sodium fluoride-catalysed synthesis of organosilica colloids in purely aqueous, amphiphile-assisted systems.
Supramolecular structures of terbium(iii) porphyrin double-decker complexes on a single-walled carbon nanotube surface
Authors: Abd El-Mageed Ahmed I. A. , Ogawa Takuji
Published: September 2019

For the first time, using scanning probe microscopy, the supramolecular structures of terbium porphyrin double-decker complexes were observed on single-walled carbon nanotubes surfaces, where the molecules formed a well-ordered self-assembled array.
Interactions between β-cyclodextrin and tea catechins, and potential anti-osteoclastogenesis activity of the (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate–β-cyclodextrin complex
Authors: Xu Huanhuan , Liu Titi , Xu Jing , Li Jin , Chen Fei , Xiang Zemin , Huang Yewei , Zhang Dongying , Hu Lihong , Zhang Banglei , Zi Chengting , Wang Xuanjun , Sheng Jun
Published: September 2019

The EGCG–β-CD complex inhibited osteoclastogenesis significantly more than EGCG, and the molecular mechanism was closely associated with the downregulation of NFATc1.
Photochemical ring expansion reactions: synthesis of tetrahydrofuran derivatives and mechanism studies
Authors: Jana Sripati , Yang Zhen , Pei Chao , Xu Xinfang , Koenigs Rene M.
Published: September 2019

We have shown light mediated ring-expansion reactions of 4-membered ring heterocycles. The reaction proceeds via a diradical mechanism and bond length play a key role in the stereodetermining step.
Imine and metal–ligand dynamic bonds in soft polymers for autonomous self-healing capacitive-based pressure sensors
Authors: Pignanelli Julia , Billet Blandine , Straeten Matthew , Prado Michaela , Schlingman Kory , Ahamed Mohammed Jalal , Rondeau-Gagné Simon
Published: September 2019

In this work, a facile and simple yet effective method to generate intrinsic autonomous self-healing polymers was developed, leading to new materials that can be easily fine-tuned both mechanically and chemically.
Rapid fabrication of a dual-scale micro-nanostructured superhydrophobic aluminum surface with delayed condensation and ice formation properties
Authors: Barthwal Sumit , Lim Si-Hyung
Published: September 2019

Aluminum (Al) is widely used in all forms of industry, including automobile, aerospace, transmission lines, and exchangers, and in general household appliances.
Advances in solar evaporator materials for freshwater generation
Authors: Cao Sisi , Jiang Qisheng , Wu Xuanhao , Ghim Deoukchen , Gholami Derami Hamed , Chou Ping-I. , Jun Young-Shin , Singamaneni Srikanth
Published: September 2019

To alleviate the scarcity of clean water, solar steam generation, which utilizes the green and abundant resources of Earth, has attracted considerable attention and been recognized as a sustainable technology to purify seawater and wastewater.
Labyrinthine transport of hydrocarbons through grafted laminar CdTe nanosheet membranes
Authors: Petukhov Dmitrii , Sadilov Ilia , Vasiliev Roman , Kozina Larisa , Eliseev Andrei
Published: September 2019

A novel concept for the preparation of 2D membranes consisting of grafted non-permeable flakes, demonstrating a specific sorption selectivity is reported.
An alkali metal–selenium battery with a wide temperature range and low self-discharge
Authors: Zhao Xiaosen , Yin Lichang , Yang Zhenzhen , Chen Gang , Yue Huijuan , Zhang Dong , Sun Zhenhua , Li Feng
Published: September 2019

A high performance alkali metal–selenium battery with a wide temperature range was obtained by the synergistic effect of microporous fixation and heteroatom adsorption.
Molten ionic oxides for CO2 capture at medium to high temperatures
Authors: Harada Takuya , Halliday Cameron , Jamal Aqil , Hatton T. Alan
Published: September 2019

Molten ionic oxides based on sodium borate and mixed alkali-metal borates show remarkably fast sorption kinetics and intrinsic regenerability as liquid absorbents for CO2 capture at medium to high temperatures
Hydrogenated PtP2 monolayer: theoretical predictions on the structure and charge carrier mobility
Authors: Pu Chunying , Yu Jiahui , Yu Rongmei , Tang Xin , Zhou Dawei
Published: September 2019

Schematic illustration of two dimensional PtP2H2 with its 3D electronic band structure.
Increasing electron transporting properties and horizontal molecular orientation via meta-position of nitrogen for “(A)n–D–(A)n” structured terpyridine electron-transporting material
Authors: Guo Xuan , Bian Mengying , Lv Fang , Wang Yuanxun , Zhao Zifeng , Bian Zuqiang , Qu Bo , Xiao Lixin , Chen Zhijian
Published: September 2019

An “(A)n–D–(A)n” structured terpyridine electron-transporting material with a nitrogen atom in the meta-position for long-lived and highly efficient TADF-PhOLEDs.
Comparison of type 5d autotransporter phospholipases demonstrates a correlation between high activity and intracellular pathogenic lifestyle
Authors: Trunk Thomas , Casasanta Michael A. , Yoo Christopher C. , Slade Daniel J. , Leo Jack C.
Published: September 2019

Autotransporters, or type 5 secretion systems, are widespread surface proteins of Gram-negative bacteria often associated with virulence functions. Autotransporters consist of an outer membrane β-barrel domain and an exported passenger. In the poorly studied type 5d subclass, the passenger is a patatin-like lipase. The prototype of this secretion pathway is PlpD of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic human pathogen. The PlpD passenger is a homodimer with phospholipase A1 (PLA1) activity. Based on sequencing data, PlpD-like proteins are present in many bacterial species. We characterized the enzymatic activity, specific lipid binding and oligomeric status of PlpD homologs from Aeromonas hydrophila (a fish pathogen), Burkholderia pseudomallei (a human pathogen) and Ralstonia solanacearum (a plant pathogen) and compared these with PlpD. We demonstrate that recombinant type 5d-secreted patatin domains have lipase activity and form dimers or higher-order oligomers. However, dimerization is not necessary for lipase activity; in fact, by making monomeric variants of PlpD, we show that enzymatic activity slightly increases while protein stability decreases. The lipases from the intracellular pathogens A. hydrophila and B. pseudomallei display PLA2 activity in addition to PLA1 activity. Although the type 5d-secreted lipases from the animal pathogens bound to intracellular lipid targets, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol phosphates, hydrolysis of these lipids could only be observed for FplA of Fusobacterium nucleatum. Yet, we noted a correlation between high lipase activity in type 5d autotransporters and intracellular lifestyle. We hypothesize that type 5d phospholipases are intracellularly active and function in modulation of host cell signaling events.
Adaptive optimal output feedback tracking control for unknown discrete‐time linear systems using a combined reinforcement Q‐learning and internal model method
Authors: Sun Weijie , Zhao Guangyue , Peng Yunjian
Published: September 2019

This study addresses the novel output feedback‐based reinforcement Q‐learning algorithms for optimal linear quadratic tracking problem of unknown discrete‐time systems. An augmented system composed of the original controlled system and the reference trajectory dynamic is first constructed. Then, learning algorithms including on‐policy and off‐policy approaches are both developed to solve the optimal tracking control problem with unknown augmented system dynamics. In both the optimal tracking control policies, a two‐stage framework is proposed composed of two controllers, where the internal model controller is used to collect some data for the next process, and then the output feedback Q‐learning scheme is able to learn the optimal tracking controller online by using the past input, output, and reference trajectory data of the augmented system. Finally, simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Low‐cost RF 802.11g telemetry for flight guidance system development
Authors: Catherwood Philip A. , Hughes Paul , McLaughlin James
Published: September 2019

This work investigates the potential for off‐the‐shelf hardware to be used as a very low‐cost replacement to the expensive missile test telemetry currently used by military equipment suppliers to develop flight guidance systems. Missile tests are essential to create highly accurate simulation models of the missile flight controls to ensure accuracy of live missile fire and fully controlled stability throughout the flight to ensure the missile only strikes intended targets. Since test missiles are expensive one‐shot devices the telemetry gathered must be transmitted robustly over the full flight. Development of bespoke telemetry units is expensive; thus the potential for using off‐the‐shelf components and sub‐assemblies to provide telemetry based on the Wi‐Fi communications standard is investigated. Over the course of missile development, this would create remarkable financial savings. This work details the design, development, and testing of a Wi‐Fi missile telemetry system with the solution being evaluated against required performance requirements. Received signal strength and packet error rate, indicators of communication link quality, were investigated for increasing distance and for multi‐frequency vibration. These tests replicate in‐flight parameters for the transmitter's operation. Conclusions are presented along with recommendations for future development work.
Caractérisation des massifs rocheux pour le dimensionnement de pieux forés en mer
Authors: Puech Alain , Quiterio-Mendoza Bibiana
Published: September 2019

Les pieux forés et cimentés sont une solution envisagée comme fondations de structures marines dans les roches tendres à dures rencontrées au large des côtes françaises. Le dimensionnement des pieux au rocher est un exercice délicat. L’exécution de séries d’essais de cisaillement d’interface à rigidité constante (dits essais CNS) est considérée comme une approche réaliste pour estimer la résistance au cisaillement de l’interface roche-ciment sous chargements statiques et cycliques. Les essais CNS sont conditionnés par deux paramètres clés qui sont liés aux caractéristiques du massif rocheux : la rigidité du massif et la géométrie de l’interface roche-ciment. Cet article propose une approche méthodologique pour estimer ces paramètres.