bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards programmable friction: control of lubrication with ionic liquid mixtures by automated electrical regulation
Authors: Gatti Felix , Amann Tobias , Kailer Andreas , Baltes Norman , Rühe Jürgen , Gumbsch Peter
Published: October 2020

For mechanical systems in relative motion it would be fascinating if a non-mechanical stimulus could be used to directly control friction conditions. Therefore, different combinations of lubricants and external triggers for tribological influence have already been investigated. We show that when two metallic friction partners are lubricated with ionic liquid mixtures (ILM), consisting of long-chain cation and two different high charge/mass ratio anion containing ILs, the application of an electric impulse induces a permanent change of the frictional response. Such mixtures are able to alter the coefficient of friction (COF) to a greater extent, more accurately and faster than the respective single-component ILs. This change in the frictional properties is presumably due to changes in the externally induced electrical polarization at the surface, which influences the molecular adsorption, the exchange of adsorbed ions and their molecular orientation. The correlation between surface charges and friction can be used to control friction. This is achieved by implementing an electric tribo-controller which can adjust preset friction values over time. Programming friction in this way is a first step towards tribosystems that automatically adapt to changing conditions.
Novel approach to quantify mitochondrial content and intrinsic bioenergetic efficiency across organs
Authors: McLaughlin Kelsey L. , Hagen James T. , Coalson Hannah S. , Nelson Margaret A. M. , Kew Kimberly A. , Wooten Ashley R. , Fisher-Wellman Kelsey H.
Published: October 2020

Human disease pathophysiology commonly involves metabolic disruption at both the cellular and subcellular levels. Isolated mitochondria are a powerful model for separating global cellular changes from intrinsic mitochondrial alterations. However, common laboratory practices for isolating mitochondria (e.g., differential centrifugation) routinely results in organelle preparations with variable mitochondrial purity. To overcome this issue, we developed a mass spectrometry-based method that quantitatively evaluates sample-specific percent mitochondrial enrichment. Sample-specific mitochondrial enrichment was then used to correct various biochemical readouts of mitochondrial function to a ‘fixed’ amount of mitochondrial protein, thus allowing for intrinsic mitochondrial bioenergetics, relative to the underlying proteome, to be assessed across multiple mouse tissues (e.g., heart, brown adipose, kidney, liver). Our results support the use of mitochondrial-targeted nLC-MS/MS as a method to quantitate mitochondrial enrichment on a per-sample basis, allowing for unbiased comparison of functional parameters between populations of mitochondria isolated from metabolically distinct tissues. This method can easily be applied across multiple experimental settings in which intrinsic shifts in the mitochondrial network are suspected of driving a given physiological or pathophysiological outcome.
Improve the roles of nature reserves in conservation of endangered pheasant in a highly urbanized region
Authors: Song Kai , Mi Chun-Rong , Yang Nan , Sun Lei , Sun Yue-Hua , Xu Ji-Liang
Published: October 2020

Nature reserves play an extraordinarily important role in conserving animal populations and their habitats. However, landscape change and unreasonable zoning designations often render these protected areas inadequate. Therefore, regular evaluation of the efficacy of protected lands is critical for maintaining and improving management strategies. Using species distribution models and GAP analysis, we assessed the changes in suitable habitat for the Brown Eared-pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) in two Chinese nature reserves between 1995 and 2013. Our results showed that the habitat suitability of Brown Eared-pheasant has changed dramatically during this period, and fragmentation analyses showed an increase in concentration area and decrease in patch area. In particular, our findings show that the national nature reserves need to adjust their ranges to ensure the conservation of this flagship species. Our study further provides a new viewpoint for evaluating the efficacy of protected lands, particularly in highly urbanized regions where conservation goals must be balanced with changing landscapes.
First approach to pod dehiscence in faba bean: genetic and histological analyses
Authors: Aguilar-Benitez David , Casimiro-Soriguer Inés , Torres Ana M.
Published: October 2020

Pod dehiscence causes important yield losses in cultivated crops and therefore has been a key trait strongly selected against in crop domestication. In spite of the growing knowledge on the genetic basis of dehiscence in different crops, no information is available so far for faba bean. Here we conduct the first comprehensive study for faba bean pod dehiscence by combining, linkage mapping, comparative genomics, QTL analysis and histological examination of mature pods. Mapping of dehiscence-related genes revealed conservation of syntenic blocks among different legumes. Three QTLs were identified in faba bean chromosomes II, IV and VI, although none of them was stable across years. Histological analysis supports the convergent phenotypic evolution previously reported in cereals and related legume species but revealed a more complex pattern in faba bean. Contrary to common bean and soybean, the faba bean dehiscence zone appears to show functional equivalence to that described in crucifers. The lignified wall fiber layer, which is absent in the paucijuga primitive line Vf27, or less lignified and vacuolated in other dehiscent lines, appears to act as the major force triggering pod dehiscence in this species. While our findings, provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying faba bean dehiscence, full understanding of the molecular bases will require further studies combining precise phenotyping with genomic analysis.
Genetic determinism of spontaneous masculinisation in XX female rainbow trout: new insights using medium throughput genotyping and whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Fraslin Clémence , Phocas Florence , Bestin Anastasia , Charles Mathieu , Bernard Maria , Krieg Francine , Dechamp Nicolas , Ciobotaru Céline , Hozé Chris , Petitprez Florent , Milhes Marine , Lluch Jérôme , Bouchez Olivier , Poncet Charles , Hocdé Philippe , Haffray Pierrick , Guiguen Yann , Quillet Edwige
Published: October 2020

Rainbow trout has a male heterogametic (XY) sex determination system controlled by a major sex-determining gene, sdY. Unexpectedly, a few phenotypically masculinised fish are regularly observed in all-female farmed trout stocks. To better understand the genetic determinism underlying spontaneous maleness in XX-rainbow trout, we recorded the phenotypic sex of 20,210 XX-rainbow trout from a French farm population at 10 and 15 months post-hatching. The overall masculinisation rate was 1.45%. We performed two genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on a subsample of 1139 individuals classified as females, intersex or males using either medium-throughput genotyping (31,811 SNPs) or whole-genome sequencing (WGS, 8.7 million SNPs). The genomic heritability of maleness ranged between 0.48 and 0.62 depending on the method and the number of SNPs used for the estimation. At the 31K SNPs level, we detected four QTL on three chromosomes (Omy1, Omy12 and Omy20). Using WGS information, we narrowed down the positions of the two QTL detected on Omy1 to 96 kb and 347 kb respectively, with the second QTL explaining up to 14% of the total genetic variance of maleness. Within this QTL, we detected three putative candidate genes, fgfa8, cyp17a1 and an uncharacterised protein (LOC110527930), which might be involved in spontaneous maleness of XX-female rainbow trout.
Exploring polar headgroup interactions between sphingomyelin and ceramide with infrared spectroscopy
Authors: de la Arada Igor , González-Ramírez Emilio J. , Alonso Alicia , Goñi Félix M. , Arrondo José-Luis R.
Published: October 2020

Ceramide is a major actor in the sphingolipid signaling pathway elicited by various kinds of cell stress. Under those conditions ceramide (Cer) is produced in the plasma membrane as a product of sphingomyelin (SM) hydrolysis, and this may lead to apoptosis. Thus, SM and Cer coexist in the membrane for some time, and they are known to separate laterally from the (more abundant) glycerolipids, giving rise to highly rigid domains or platforms. The properties of these domains/platforms are rather well understood, but the underlying SM:Cer molecular interactions have not been explored in detail. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique that provides information on all the chemical groupings in a molecule, and that can be applied to membranes and lipid bilayers in aqueous media. IR spectra can be conveniently retrieved as a function of temperature, thus revealing the thermotropic transitions of SM and its mixtures with Cer. Four regions of the IR spectrum of these sphingolipids have been examined, two of them dominated by the hydrophobic regions in the molecules, namely the C–H stretching vibrations (2800–3000 cm−1), and the CH2 scissoring vibrations (1455–1485 cm−1), and two others arising from chemical groups at the lipid-water interface, the sphingolipid amide I band (1600–1680 cm−1), and the phosphate vibrations in the 1000–1110 cm−1 region. The latter two regions have been rarely studied in the past. The IR data from the hydrophobic components show a gel (or ripple)-fluid transition of SM at 40 °C, that is shifted up to about 70 °C when Cer is added to the bilayers, in agreement with previous studies using a variety of techniques. IR information concerning the polar parts is more interesting. The amide I (carbonyl) band of pure SM exhibits a maximum at 1638 cm−1 at room temperature, and its position is shifted by about 10 cm−1 in the presence of Cer. Cer causes also a change in the overall band shape, but no signs of band splitting are seen, suggesting that SM and Cer carbonyl groups are interacting tightly, presumably through H-bonds. The 1086 cm−1 band, corresponding to PO2− vibrations, appears more stable in SM than in DPPC, and it is further stabilized by Cer, again suggesting an important role of H-bonds in the formation of SM:Cer clusters. Thus, SM and Cer can interact through their polar headgroups, in a way that is not accessible to other lipid classes.
Hair growth promotion by Necrostatin-1s
Authors: Zheng Mei , Choi Nahyun , Jang YaeJi , Kwak Da Eun , Kim YoungSoo , Kim Won-Serk , Oh Sang Ho , Sung Jong-Hyuk
Published: October 2020

Necrostatins (Necs) have been developed as a receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) inhibitor, thus inhibiting necroptosis. In this current study, we have investigated the possible involvement of necroptosis in the hair cycle regulation and further examined its underlying molecular mechanisms. Diverse RIPK1/3 inhibitors and siRNA were tested in the human outer-root sheath (ORS) cells and animal models. The expression and hair cycle-dependent expression of RIPK 1, respectively, were investigated in the hair follicles (HF) of human, pig, and the mouse. Resulting from the experiment, Nec-1s was most effective in the hair growth promotion among several inhibitors. Nec-1s induced the ORS cell proliferation and migration, and increased the HF length in mouse and pig organ cultures. In addition, it accelerated the telogen-to-anagen transition and elongated the anagen period in the mouse model. Both apoptosis and necroptosis were detected in hair cycle. RIPK1 and RIPK3 were highly expressed in ORS cells during the hair regression period. Nec-1s upregulated the mRNA expression of Wnt3a and Wnt5b, and the activity of β-catenin. Collectively, Nec-1s promotes hair growth through inhibiting necroptosis and activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Necroptosis is involved in hair cycle regression, and Nec-1s is a promising target for hair-loss treatment.
Pharmacological ascorbate inhibits pancreatic cancer metastases via a peroxide-mediated mechanism
Authors: O’Leary Brianne R. , Alexander Matthew S. , Du Juan , Moose Devon L. , Henry Michael D. , Cullen Joseph J.
Published: October 2020

Pharmacological ascorbate (P-AscH−, high-dose, intravenous vitamin C) is cytotoxic to tumor cells in doses achievable in humans. Phase I studies in pancreatic cancer (PDAC) utilizing P-AscH− have demonstrated increases in progression free survival, suggesting a reduction in metastatic disease burden. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of P-AscH− on metastatic PDAC. Several in vitro and in vivo mechanisms involved in PDAC metastases were investigated following treatment with P-AscH−. Serum from PDAC patients in clinical trials with P-AscH− were tested for the presence and quantity of circulating tumor cell-derived nucleases. P-AscH− inhibited invasion, basement membrane degradation, decreased matrix metalloproteinase expression, as well as clonogenic survival and viability during exposure to fluid shear stress. In vivo, P-AscH− significantly decreased formation of ascites, tumor burden over time, circulating tumor cells, and hepatic metastases. Both in vitro and in vivo findings were reversed with the addition of catalase suggesting that the effect of P-AscH− on metastatic disease is mediated by hydrogen peroxide. Finally, P-AscH− decreased CTC-derived nucleases in subjects with stage IV PDAC in a phase I clinical trial. We conclude that P-AscH− attenuates the metastatic potential of PDAC and may prove to be effective for treating advanced disease.
Evidence of protective role of Ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation in reducing COVID-19 deaths
Authors: Moozhipurath Rahul Kalippurayil , Kraft Lennart , Skiera Bernd
Published: October 2020

Prior studies indicate the protective role of Ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation in human health, mediated by vitamin D synthesis. In this observational study, we empirically outline a negative association of UVB radiation as measured by ultraviolet index (UVI) with the number of COVID-19 deaths. We apply a fixed-effect log-linear regression model to a panel dataset of 152 countries over 108 days (n = 6524). We use the cumulative number of COVID-19 deaths and case-fatality rate (CFR) as the main dependent variables and isolate the UVI effect from potential confounding factors. After controlling for time-constant and time-varying factors, we find that a permanent unit increase in UVI is associated with a 1.2 percentage points decline in daily growth rates of cumulative COVID-19 deaths [p < 0.01] and a 1.0 percentage points decline in the CFR daily growth rate [p < 0.05]. These results represent a significant percentage reduction in terms of daily growth rates of cumulative COVID-19 deaths (− 12%) and CFR (− 38%). We find a significant negative association between UVI and COVID-19 deaths, indicating evidence of the protective role of UVB in mitigating COVID-19 deaths. If confirmed via clinical studies, then the possibility of mitigating COVID-19 deaths via sensible sunlight exposure or vitamin D intervention would be very attractive.
Tracheal development after left pulmonary artery reimplantation: an individual study
Authors: Hong Xiaoyang , Li Ruijie , Zhao Zhe , Guan Jiangheng , Wang Hui , Wang Gang , Liu Xiaohong , Yu Qin , Li Jun , Zhou Gengxu , Feng Zhichun
Published: October 2020

Pulmonary artery sling (PA sling) often presents as a life-threatening condition requiring urgent surgical correction. We reported 32 cases of PA sling in children who were followed up postoperatively in the past 6 years. All patients with PA slings who were admitted to the hospital from January 2012 to December 2017 and underwent surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age of the 32 patients at repair was 16.97 months (range, 15 days to 128 months). Six patients required ventilator assistance for respiratory failure. All children underwent left pulmonary artery (LPA) reimplantation (n = 32), and 3 patients needed reimplantation slide tracheoplasty (n = 3) due to ventilation weaning failure. Four patients died, 27 patients survived until discharge, and 18 patients were followed up. Pulmonary computed tomography imaging and echocardiography were performed in 18 patients who were followed up. After LPA reimplantation, the tracheal carina area was significantly enlarged compared to that preoperation (p = 0.0002). In this follow-up cohort study, 75% of the patients who underwent LPA reimplantation survived until discharge. The survivors had subsequently well-developed pulmonary arteries and tracheas.
Retraction: Intracellular fluorescent thermometry and photothermal-triggered drug release developed from gold nanoclusters and doxorubicin dual-loaded liposomes
Authors: Kelly Richard
Published: October 2020

Retraction of ‘Intracellular fluorescent thermometry and photothermal-triggered drug release developed from gold nanoclusters and doxorubicin dual-loaded liposomes’ by Rijun Gui et al., Chem. Commun., 2014, 50, 1546–1548, DOI: 10.1039/C3CC47981A.
Seed-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Sn-Beta for conversion of glucose to methyl lactate: effects of the H2O amount in the gel and crystallization time
Authors: Yang Xiaomei , Wang Liuyong , Lu Tianliang , Gao Beibei , Su Yunlai , Zhou Lipeng
Published: October 2020

The crystallization rate, morphology, Sn state and microenvironment and catalytic performance for the conversion of glucose to methyl lactate of Sn-Beta are significantly affected by the water amount in the synthesis gel and the crystallization time.
Facile preparation of highly active and stable CuO–CeO2 catalysts for low-temperature CO oxidation via a direct solvothermal method
Authors: Liu Yanmin , Mao Dongsen , Yu Jun , Zheng Yuling , Guo Xiaoming
Published: October 2020

CuO–CeO2 catalysts prepared by a direct solvothermal method exhibit high activity and stability for low-temperature CO oxidation.
Electronic structures and bonding of the actinide halides An(TRENTIPS)X (An = Th–Pu; X = F–I): a theoretical perspective
Authors: Wu Qun-Yan , Wang Cong-Zhi , Lan Jian-Hui , Chai Zhi-Fang , Shi Wei-Qun
Published: October 2020

A series of the actinide halides An(TRENTIPS)X (An = Th–Pu; X = F, Cl, Br, and I) have been investigated using relativistic theoretical study.
Hexagonal Sr1−x/2Al2−xSixO4:Eu2+,Dy3+transparent ceramics with tuneable persistent luminescence properties
Authors: Castaing Victor , Monteiro Charlotte , Sontakke Atul D. , Asami Kazuki , Xu Jian , Fernández-Carrión Alberto J. , Brik Mikhail G. , Tanabe Setsuhisa , Allix Mathieu , Viana Bruno
Published: October 2020

Co-doped hexagonal Sr1−x/2Al2−xSixO4:Eu2+,Dy3+(0.1 ≤x≤ 0.5) transparent ceramics, elaborated by full glass crystallization, shows tuneable persistent luminescence excitable by visible light.
Aza-crown compounds synthesised by the self-condensation of 2-amino-benzyl alcohol over a pincer ruthenium catalyst and applied in the transfer hydrogenation of ketones
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Wang Zheng , Cao Qianrong , Yue Erlin , Liu Qingbin , Ma Yanping , Liang Tongling , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: October 2020

Three aza-crown compounds are synthesized through the self-condensation of 2-aminobenzyl alcohol, and their iron complexes conducted hydrogenation of ketones into alcohols.
Theoretical investigation of perfect fullerene-like borospherene Ih-B20 protected by alkaline earth metal: multi-layered spherical electride molecules as electric field manipulated second-order nonlinear optical switches
Authors: Chen Weihong , Li Jing , Liu Jiayuan , Sun Weiming , Li Zhiru , Li Ying
Published: October 2020

A perfect fullerene-like borospherene B20 with 12 B5 rings stabilized in the electride molecule (Mg2+)12&B2018− + 6e−.
Using pyrene to probe the effects of poloxamer stabilisers on internal lipid microenvironments in solid lipid nanoparticles
Authors: Taylor Jessica M. , Scale Kyle , Arrowsmith Sarah , Sharp Andy , Flynn Sean , Rannard Steve , McDonald Tom O.
Published: October 2020

Pyrene can be used to investigate the internal polarity inside solid lipid nanoparticles; small changes in the structure of the poloxamer surfactants can influence the polarity inside the core.
Photocatalyzed reductive fluoroalkylation of 2-acetoxyglycals towards the stereoselective synthesis of α-1-fluoroalkyl-C-glycosyl derivatives
Authors: Mora Flores Erwin W. , Uhrig María Laura , Postigo Al
Published: October 2020

A benign, efficient, regio- and stereoselective protocol for the syntheses of α-1-fluoroalkyl-C-glycosyl compounds bearing CF3, C4F9, and C6F13 substituents on the anomeric carbon has been developed.
Macromolecular design and preparation of polymersomes
Authors: Lefley James , Waldron Christopher , Becer C. Remzi
Published: October 2020

From drug delivery to nanoreactors and protocells, polymersomes have gained considerable interest from researchers due to their novel applications.
Temperature-activated PRP–cryogel for long-term osteogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells to promote bone repair
Authors: Zhao Xiaoliang , Xu Huiyong , Ye Genlan , Li Chuangkun , Wang Leyu , Hu Fang , Qiu Xiaozhong
Published: October 2020

A cryogel was used to encapsulate PRP for the temperature activation of PRP and long-term release of growth factors, which could further promote the osteogenesis of costless ADSCs. The smart integration resulted in efficient bone repair.
Study on inhibitors from acid pretreatment of corn stalk on ethanol fermentation by alcohol yeast
Authors: Wang Li-Qiong , Cai Ling-Yan , Ma Yu-Long
Published: October 2020

The inhibitory effects of the main inhibitors formed during acid pretreatment of corn stalk were studied through ethanol fermentations of model substrates and hydrolysates from corn stalk by alcohol yeast.
Improving the all-polymer solar cell performance by adding a narrow bandgap polymer as the second donor
Authors: Wang Kai , Dong Sheng , Chen Xudong , Zhou Ping , Zhang Kai , Huang Jun , Wang Ming
Published: October 2020

Ternary all-polymer solar cells are fabricated using an N2200 acceptor and two donor polymers (PF2 and PM2) with complementary absorption.
Preparation of Ag nanoparticles by spark ablation in gas as catalysts for electrocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Lu Junda , Guo Jia , Song Shihao , Yu Guangfa , Liu Hui , Yang Xiaojing , Lu Zunming
Published: October 2020

Spark ablation in gas (SAG) technology has the characteristics of being green, fast quenching, fast dynamics and specializes in producing metallic nanoparticles with a clean surface, small size, and abundant defects.
Opening the internal structure for transport of ions: improvement of the structural and chemical properties of single-walled carbon nanohorns for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Zieba Wojciech , Olejnik Piotr , Koter Stanislaw , Kowalczyk Piotr , Plonska-Brzezinska Marta E. , Terzyk Artur P.
Published: October 2020

The correlation between the oxidation of single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs) via acid treatment and the electrochemical properties of the SWCNH electrodes is presented.
Expression of concern: Layer-by-layer aqueous synthesis, characterization and fluorescence properties of type-II CdTe/CdS core/shell quantum dots with near-infrared emission
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: October 2020

Expression of concern for ‘Layer-by-layer aqueous synthesis, characterization and fluorescence properties of type-II CdTe/CdS core/shell quantum dots with near-infrared emission’ by Rijun Gui et al., RSC Adv., 2013, 3, 20959–20969. DOI: 1039/C3RA43120G
Retraction: Temperature-regulated polymerization and swelling/collapsing/flocculation properties of hybrid nanospheres with magnetic cores and thermo/pH-sensitive nanogel shells
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: October 2020

Retraction of ‘Temperature-regulated polymerization and swelling/collapsing/flocculation properties of hybrid nanospheres with magnetic cores and thermo/pH-sensitive nanogel shells’ by Rijun Gui et al., RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 2797–2806, DOI: 10.1039/C3RA43919D.
Data-driven activity reform: employing design research to improve scaffolding and concept development
Authors: Minshall Brianna L. , Yezierski Ellen J.
Published: October 2020

For six semesters, activities have been incorporated into first year general chemistry courses in an effort to build student conceptual chemistry knowledge. The activities follow a learning cycle pedagogy (similar to Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning or POGIL activities) and consist of guiding questions involving animations, models, simulations, or a data set and are completed by students working in groups. The efficacy of the learning cycle approach and learning outcomes from POGIL and other similar initiatives have been well studied; however, examining how scaffolding in chemistry learning cycles can improve learning outcomes has not been well studied. In Fall 2016, an activity was implemented in a first semester general chemistry course that focused on energy changes during bond breaking and bond making. The data showed that, even after working with the PhET Atomic Interactions simulation guided by the activity, about half of the students in the sample (N = 55) still thought bond-breaking was an exothermic process, even though they collected data from the simulation that indicated otherwise. After analyzing student answers, the activity was redesigned to increase scaffolding and improve concept development. Students’ performance improved greatly with the implementation of the second activity with 82% of students (N = 34) able to identify and distinguish between exothermic and endothermic processes. Results have implications for applying research-based techniques to activity development to improve students’ conceptual understanding in chemistry.
Chemical synthesis and immunological evaluation of entirely carbohydrate conjugate Globo H-PS A1
Authors: Ghosh Samir , Trabbic Kevin R. , Shi Mengchao , Nishat Sharmeen , Eradi Pradheep , Kleski Kristopher A. , Andreana Peter R.
Published: October 2020

An anticancer, entirely carbohydrate conjugate, Globo H-polysaccharide A1 (Globo H-PS A1), was chemically prepared and immunologically evaluated in C57BL/6 mice.
Directional asymmetry over multiple length scales in reticular porous materials
Authors: Legrand Alexandre , Wang Zaoming , Troyano Javier , Furukawa Shuhei
Published: October 2020

Design strategies for the controlled assembly of discrete and extended reticular materials with asymmetric configurations of pores or architectures.
Heterostructure design of Cu2O/Cu2S core/shell nanowires for solar-driven photothermal water vaporization towards desalination
Authors: Ying Liangri , Zhu Han , Li Huilin , Zhu Zhenfeng , Sun Shuhui , Wang Xiaofan , Lu Shuanglong , Du Mingliang
Published: October 2020

Solar-driven water evaporation has been considered as a promising strategy to solve the growing water shortage and water pollution problems.
The first normal stress difference of non-Brownian hard-sphere suspensions in the oscillatory shear flow near the liquid and crystal coexistence region
Authors: Lee Young Ki , Hyun Kyu , Ahn Kyung Hyun
Published: October 2020

The first normal stress difference (N1) as well as shear stress of non-Brownian hard-sphere suspensions in small to large amplitude oscillatory shear flow is investigated.
Metal-free photo- and electro-catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Tianhao , Hu Tao , Dai Liming , Li Chang Ming
Published: October 2020

Hydrogen production as very attractive clean energy technology has sparked the accelerated development of catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) towards efficient photo- and electrolytic water splitting.
The design of dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole organic photovoltaic materials for high-efficiency organic/perovskite solar cells
Authors: Cao Jinru , Du Fuqiang , Yang Linqiang , Tang Weihua
Published: October 2020

The design of dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole (DTP) based FREAs and dopant-free HTMs for record high power conversion efficiency and stable solar cells is updated to give insightful view on material design and device strategies to boast photovoltaic performance.
Constructing an interface synergistic effect from a SnS/MoS2 heterojunction decorating N, S co-doped carbon nanosheets with enhanced sodium ion storage performance
Authors: Cui Lisan , Tan Chunlei , Yang Guanhua , Li Yu , Pan Qichang , Zhang Man , Chen Zilu , Zheng Fenghua , Wang Hongqiang , Li Qingyu
Published: October 2020

Bimetallic sulfide SnS/MoS2 heterostructures decorating N, S co-doped carbon nanosheets have been synthesized, and evaluated as high performance anode materials for SIBs.
Chemical and physical chitosan hydrogels as prospective carriers for drug delivery: a review
Authors: Tian Bingren , Hua Shiyao , Tian Yu , Liu Jiayue
Published: October 2020

This review summarizes and discusses recent research progress in chemical and physical chitosan hydrogels for drug delivery.
In vitro exploration of the synergistic effect of alternating magnetic field mediated thermo–chemotherapy with doxorubicin loaded dual pH- and thermo-responsive magnetic nanocomposite carriers
Authors: Wang Lilin , Hervault Aziliz , Southern Paul , Sandre Olivier , Couillaud Franck , Thanh Nguyen Thi Kim
Published: October 2020

Nanoparticle induced hyperthermia has been considered as a promising approach for cancer treatment for decades.
Entrapment and release kinetics study of dyes from BSA microspheres forming a matrix and a reservoir system
Authors: Sharma Kusha , Saady Abed , Jacob Avi , Porat Ze’ev , Gedanken Aharon
Published: October 2020

Two kinds of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)-loaded microspheres were prepared in water-organic bilayer systems using ultrasonic irradiation.
miRNA-1183-targeted regulation of Bcl-2 contributes to the pathogenesis of rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Li Ni , Zhu Linwen , Zhou Hua , Zheng Dawei , Xu Guodong , Sun Lebo , Gao Jianqing , Shao Guofeng
Published: October 2020

To determine whether up-regulation of miR-1183 targeting the gene for anti-apoptotic factor, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) contributes to apoptosis in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Peripheral blood samples were isolated for miR-1183 characterization. The function of miRNA-1183 in RHD using miRNA mimic on PBMCs and THP-1 cell models. The binding of miR-1183 and Bcl-2 gene was confirmed by luciferase activity test. We also measured expression levels of BCL-2 in heart valve tissue from patients with RHD using ELISA and immunohistochemistry. In silico analysis and reporter gene assays indicated that miR-1183 directly targets the mRNA encoding BCL-2. It is found that miR-1183 binds directly to the 3′UTR of the BCL-2 mRNA and down-regulates the mRNA and protein levels of BCL-2. Overexpression of miR-1183 in RHD patients and cell lines down-regulated BCL-2 expression and induced apoptosis. With the progression of the disease, the expression of BCL-2 in the heart valve tissue of patients with RHD decreased. MiRNA-1183 is up-regulated in RHD and induces cardiac myocyte apoptosis through direct targeting and suppression of BCL-2, both of which might play important roles in RHD pathogenesis. During the compensatory period of RHD, up-regulated miR-1183 destroyed the balance of apoptosis proteins (Bax and BAK) in Bcl-2 family, enhance the apoptosis cascade reaction and reduce the anti apoptosis effect. The significantly higher expression levels of miR-1183 appear to play distinct roles in RHD pathogenesis by regulation BCL-2, possibly affecting myocardial apoptosis and remodeling in the context of RHD.
Characterizing galaxy clusters by their gravitational potential: Systematics of cluster potential reconstruction
Authors: Tchernin C. , Lau E. T. , Stapelberg S. , Hug D. , Bartelmann M.
Published: October 2020

Context. Biases in mass measurements of galaxy clusters are one of the major limiting systematics in constraining cosmology with clusters.

Aims. We aim to demonstrate that the systematics associated with cluster gravitational potentials are smaller than the hydrostatic mass bias and that cluster potentials could therefore be a good alternative to cluster masses in cosmological studies.

Methods. Using cosmological simulations of galaxy clusters, we compute the biases in the hydrostatic mass (HE mass) and those in the gravitational potential, reconstructed from measurements at X-ray and millimeter wavelengths. In particular, we investigate the effects of the presence of substructures and of nonthermal pressure support on both the HE mass and the reconstructed potential.

Results. We find that the bias in the reconstructed potential (6%) is less than that of the HE mass (13%) and that the scatter in the reconstructed potential decreases by ∼35% with respect to that in the HE mass.

Conclusions. This study shows that characterizing galaxy clusters by their gravitational potential is a promising alternative to using cluster masses in cluster cosmology.
Review of kinetic modulation experiments in low power nuclear reactors
Authors: Jiang Yifeng , Geslot Benoit , Lamirand Vincent , Leconte Pierre
Published: October 2020

The safety improvement of nuclear reactors requires continuous efforts in understanding the fundamental physical quantities related to the fission process. In neutronic models, the reactor dynamics is covered by the kinetic parameters to characterize the temporal behavior of the neutron population subject to perturbations. The reactor transfer function is a frequency domain analogy of this temporal description. It can be measured experimentally through transfer function analysis via noise analysis or kinetic modulation, for the study of reactor stability and kinetic parameters. This paper summarizes the experimental measurements of reactor transfer function through kinetic modulation. Extensive work have been conducted experimentally, starting from the beginning of reactor physics research. An overview is given regarding various experimental designs and conducted analyses. The concepts of the modulation system are also discussed. The current work is limited to online contents and internal archives of CEA Cadarache due to difficulties in accessing references traced back to 1950s.
Vergessene Heilpflanzen
Authors: Latté Klaus Peter
Published: October 2020

Pflanzen wurden zu allen Zeiten der Menschheit als Lebensmittel und als Arzneimittel angewendet. In der Antike und später im Mittelalter wurden zahlreiche Pflanzen und deren arzneiliche Verwendung beschrieben. Aus verschiedenen Gründen, u. a. das Aufkommen von synthetischen Wirkstoffen ab dem 19. Jahrhundert, ist das Wissen um pflanzliche Arzneimittel zum Teil verloren gegangen. In diesem Beitrag wird der Weg vom Altertum bis zur heutigen Zeit anhand von fünf Arzneipflanzen bzw. -drogen, Blutweiderichkraut, Tormentillwurzelstock, Alantwurzel, Leberblümchenkraut und den Knollen des Blauen Eisenhut verfolgt und deren derzeitige Anwendung betrachtet.
Enzyme im Fokus
Authors: Jung Carsten
Published: October 2020

An den Entgiftungsvorgängen in der Leber sind zahlreiche Prozesse beteiligt – Enzyme spielen dabei eine zentrale Rolle.
Mechanical and Metabolic Responses during High-intensity Training in Elite 800-m Runners
Authors: Bachero-Mena Beatriz , González-Badillo Juan José
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to describe the mechanical and metabolic
responses of a typical high-intensity training session in high-level 800-m
athletes. Nine male high-level 800-m athletes (personal best
1:43–1:56 min:ss) performed a typical high-intensity
interval training session consisting of 5×200 m with
4 min rest. Countermovement jump and blood lactate were measured at
rest and after each running bout. Running times, ground contact times, and
stride length were also measured. Running times and lactate (p<0.01)
progressively increased from the first to the last running bout. Jump height
(p<0.01) and stride length (p<0.05) progressively decreased
from the first running bout to the last. A significant negative relationship
(p<0.001; r =−0.83) was found between the individual
values of jumping height and blood lactate concentration; and a significant
positive relationship (p<0.01; r=0.67) was observed between
the time in the 200 m and the contact times. In conclusion, the
results demonstrated that the typical training session performed by 800-m
athletes produced a high level of fatigue as evidenced by significant
alterations in the mechanical and metabolic response. The impairments
observed in the mechanical and metabolic parameters may indirectly reflect a
state of energy deficit of the muscle contractile machinery and a reduction
of the force-generating capacity.
Re-Opening Exercise Science Laboratories and Testing During the Covid-19 Endemic Phase
Authors: Dengel Donald R , Evanoff Nicholas G
Published: October 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has forced primary/grade schools and university closings as well as forced the suspension of a number of medical and laboratory testing procedures. Exercise science laboratories whether in clinical, research or educational locations were also forced to pause testing procedures. As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to subside in some areas of the world, exercise science laboratories are contemplating how to create a safe environment to resume some laboratory testing activities. In this article, we present suggestions for how exercise science laboratories can open and create a safe environment for subjects, laboratory personnel and equipment upon reopening.
Procalcitonin Level at 24 Hours of Age May be Predictive for Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn
Authors: Tarakcı Nuriye , Altunhan Hüseyin , Sarı Eyüp , Uyar Mehmet
Published: October 2020

Objective It is an important problem to differentiate transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) from bacterial pneumonia or other conditions in patients admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of procalcitonin (PCT) for TTN.

Methods A total of 52 infants were contained in the study. The patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 consisted of patients with pronounced grunting at more than 2 hours postnatal age (n = 16). Group 2 consisted of patients whose grunt was reduced or gone at 2 hours postnatal age but in whom tachypnea persisted until 24 hours postnatal age (n = 18). Group 3 consisted of patients with minimal or no respiratory distress at 24 hours postnatal age (n = 18). In all groups, PCT concentrations were determined at birth and 24 hours postnatal age.

Results PCT concentrations at birth were significantly higher in Group 1 than other groups, but there was no difference between Groups 2 and 3. PCT concentrations at 24 hours postnatal age were significantly higher in Groups 1 and 2 than Group 3. No difference was found between Group 1 and Group 2 at 24 hours postnatal age. All PCT concentrations in Group 3 were significantly lower than other groups. PCT thresholds for the diagnosis of TTN were 0.44 ng/mL at birth (sensitivity 58%, specificity 50%) and 5.11 ng/mL at 24 hours postnatal age (sensitivity 79.4%, specificity 89.1%).

Conclusion Serial PCT measurements at birth and postnatal 24 hours may be helpful in differentiating between pneumonia and TTN. Further researches are needed to confirm this initial study.
Coherent Ising machines—Quantum optics and neural network Perspectives
Authors: Yamamoto Y. , Leleu T. , Ganguli S. , Mabuchi H.
Published: October 2020

A coherent Ising machine (CIM) is a network of optical parametric oscillators (OPOs), in which the “strongest” collective mode of oscillation at well above threshold corresponds to an optimum solution of a given Ising problem. When a pump rate or network coupling rate is increased from below to above threshold, however, the eigenvectors with the smallest eigenvalue of the Ising coupling matrix [Jij] appear near threshold and impede the machine to relax to true ground states. Two complementary approaches to attack this problem are described here. One approach is to utilize the squeezed/anti-squeezed vacuum noise of OPOs below threshold to produce coherent spreading over numerous local minima via quantum noise correlation, which could enable the machine to access either true ground states or excited states with eigen-energies close enough to that of ground states above threshold. The other approach is to implement a real-time error correction feedback loop so that the machine migrates from one local minimum to another during an explorative search for ground states. Finally, a set of qualitative analogies connecting the CIM and traditional computer science techniques are pointed out. In particular, belief propagation and survey propagation used in combinatorial optimization are touched upon.
Charging time scales and magnitudes of dust and spacecraft potentials in space plasma scenarios
Authors: Lhotka Christoph , Rubab Nazish , Roberts Owen W. , Holmes Justin C. , Torkar Klaus , Nakamura Rumi
Published: October 2020

We investigate the interaction of dust with space plasmas and spacecraft with a special focus on the typical values of equilibrium charge and the typical time scales required to reach them. It is well known that objects in space become charged through the combination of a number of different processes: the photoelectric effect, the collection of free electrons and ions from the plasma, and by secondary electron emission due to the impact of highly energetic particles. In the equilibrium state, currents between the plasma and the charged object are balanced. However, perturbations on the orbit of the charged body and perturbations of the distribution of plasma particles may lead to time dependent deviations in charge. In this study, we are interested in order of magnitude estimates of these deviations as well as the time scales on which a charged body in space recovers to the equilibrium charge. Our study includes Maxwellian and Kappa plasma particle distribution functions and the role of motion on charged dust, as well as the effect of dust impacts on time dependent spacecraft potentials. We derive simple relationships on order of magnitude estimates and on time scales of different charging processes and apply our results to charged dust in the heliosphere and spacecraft potential analysis of the Magnetospheric MultiScale Mission around the Earth.
Deep learning for Gaussian process soft x-ray tomography model selection in the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak
Authors: Matos F. , Svensson J. , Pavone A. , Odstrčil T. , Jenko F.
Published: October 2020

Gaussian process tomography (GPT) is a method used for obtaining real-time tomographic reconstructions of the plasma emissivity profile in tokamaks, given some model for the underlying physical processes involved. GPT can also be used, thanks to Bayesian formalism, to perform model selection, i.e., comparing different models and choosing the one with maximum evidence. However, the computations involved in this particular step may become slow for data with high dimensionality, especially when comparing the evidence for many different models. Using measurements collected by the Soft X-Ray (SXR) diagnostic in the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak, we train a convolutional neural network to map SXR tomographic projections to the corresponding GPT model whose evidence is highest. We then compare the network’s results, and the time required to calculate them, with those obtained through analytical Bayesian formalism. In addition, we use the network’s classifications to produce tomographic reconstructions of the plasma emissivity profile.
Natural granular pile as electromagnetic ground cloak
Authors: Cai Xiaobing , Liu Hui , Yang Jun
Published: October 2020

Rendering an object invisible through a cloaking device is an ongoing dream of human beings and material scientists. Recently, intensive theories and experiments have predicted and demonstrated that such a cloaking device can be realized based on transformation optics and metamaterials, in fields of electromagnetics, optics acoustics, or even heat transfer. Metamaterials enable precise control over the propagation of waves due to their delicate micro-structures and spatially tailorable properties. However, a simple and natural way to achieve cloaking without a delicate micro-structure remains unattainable. Here, we report that an electromagnetic quasi-cloaking device can be readily achieved by a granular pile, formed by the falling-off and cumulation of particles on the object to be cloaked. We show that natural particle size segregation during the formation of the granular pile imparts the pile with a spatially variable filling ratio and resultant gradient-distributed permittivity, which enables the realization of the electromagnetic cloaking device. This work may open the possibility that a complicated electromagnetic device may be alternately achieved from manipulation of particle movement or arrangement.
Experimental evidence of temperature dependent effective mass in AlGaN/GaN heterostructures observed via THz spectroscopy of 2D plasmons
Authors: Pashnev Daniil , Korotyeyev Vadym V. , Jorudas Justinas , Kaplas Tommi , Janonis Vytautas , Urbanowicz Andrzej , Kašalynas Irmantas
Published: October 2020

Temperature-dependent effective mass in AlGaN/GaN heterostructures was experimentally observed via THz time domain spectroscopy of 2D plasmons in the range of 80–300 K. Grating couplers with different periods and filling factors were developed in order to monitor the behavior of plasma resonances in transmission spectra in the frequency range of 0.5–3.5 THz. For the grating with a 50% filling factor, the fundamental modes were excited and observed at temperatures below 225 K. The change of the filling factor to 80% led to the excitation of the fundamental and second order plasma harmonics observable up to 300 K and 220 K, respectively. Moreover, with an increase in temperature, the 2D plasmons experienced the red-shift in transmission power and phase spectra of all samples. This phenomenon was explained by the renormalization of effective mass, which started distinctly to deviate at 134 K temperature and at 295 K increased up to 55% of its nominal value. The THz spectroscopy of 2D plasmons further confirms a temperature-dependent effective mass in AlGaN/GaN heterostructures as reported previously in optical Hall effect studies.
Modeling and optimization of radiative cooling based thermoelectric generators
Authors: Zhao Bin , Pei Gang , Raman Aaswath P.
Published: October 2020

Generating power at night has recently stimulated interest in using the radiative cooling mechanism with thermoelectric generators (TEGs). These low temperature and passive devices have been shown to generate electricity at night with no active input of heat needed. Here, we optimize both the geometry and operating conditions of radiative cooling driven thermoelectric (RC-TE) generators. We determine the optimal operating conditions, including the maximum power point and maximum efficiency point, by developing a combined thermal and electrical model. Our results show that the optimal operating condition results in larger power output than was previously expected. Moreover, we show that maximum power density occurs when the area ratio between the cooler and P or N element reaches an optimal value and can be improved to nearly 2.2 times larger than what has been achieved with commercial TEGs. Finally, we perform a parametric study that takes account of environmental and structural parameters to improve the performance of the RC-TE device, including enhancing heat transfer between the hot surface and ambient air, suppressing the cooling loss of the radiative cooler, and optimizing the geometry of individual thermocouples. In summary, our work identifies how to maximize the output of RC-TE devices, providing universal guidance for this passive power generation method.