bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyrolysis Bio-oil and Bio-char Production from Firewood Tree Species for Energy and Carbon Storage in Rural Wooden Houses of Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Kedir Miftah F.
Published: November 2020

The need for emission reduction for climate management had triggered the application of pyrolysis technology on firewood that yield bio-oil, bio-char, and syngas. The purpose of present study was to select the best bio-oil and bio-char producing plants from 17 firewood tree species and to quantify the amount of carbon storage. A dried and 1 mm sieved sample of 150 g biomass of each species was pyrolyzed in assembled setup of tubular furnace using standard laboratory techniques. The bio-oil and bio-char yields were 21.1–42.87% (w/w) and 23.23–36.40% (w/w), respectively. The bio-oil yield of Acacia seyal, Dodonea angustifolia, Euclea schimperi, Eucalyptus globulus, Casuarina equisetifolia, and Grevillea robusta were over 36% (w/w), which make the total yield of bio-oil and bio-char over 62% (w/w) of the biomass samples instead of the 12% conversion efficiency in traditional carbonization. The calorific value of firewood was 16.31–19.66 MJ kg–1 and bio-oil was 23.3–33.37 MJ kg–1. The use of bio-oil for household energy and bio-char for carbon storage reduced end use emission by 71.48–118.06%, which could increase adaptation to climate change in comparison to open stove firewood by using clean fuel and reducing indoor pollution.
Materiality and literature: an introduction
Authors: Bremer Thomas
Published: November 2020

The field of materiality and literature can be differenciated in two directions. Materiality of literature refers to book design, printing formats and typography. Materialty in literature, however, analyzes the way, ‘things that speak’ are integrated in fictional and non-fictional texts. The introduction reflects the international critical discussion of the field in the last years and situates the contributions of this number in it.
ACCAPA: anomalous circumflex coronary artery origin from pulmonary artery
Authors: Veeram Reddy Surendranath R. , Herbert Carrie E. , Zellers Thomas M.
Published: November 2020

Anomalous circumflex coronary artery origin from pulmonary artery is a very rare congenital heart disease. Misdiagnosis of this condition may lead to inadequate myocardial protection during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.
Unusual combination of three types of interatrial communications in a child
Authors: Ramman Tarun R. , Azad Sushil , Iyer Krishna S.
Published: November 2020

An unusual combination of three types of interatrial communications – coronary sinus defect, primum defect, and secundum defect – occurring together in a 3-year-old child is presented.
Biomarkers and performance status as predictors of 30-day mortality in malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) Patients
Authors: Cameron Josie
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a serious condition requiring urgent palliative radiotherapy to alleviate symptoms and avoid permanent paralysis. The aim of this project was to analyse the 30-day mortality rate post-palliative radiotherapy for MSCC patients to identify if radiotherapy can be safely omitted or the fractionation reduced in the poor prognosis group (patients likely to die within 30 days) by biomarkers and performance status (PS).

Methods:

A retrospective audit was performed (July–December 2019) and data on treatment duration, date of death, biomarkers (C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin) and PS were collected using hospital patient management systems.

Results:

Hundred and one patients received palliative radiotherapy for MSCC in the 6-month period. The number of patients who died within 30 days was 17, representing 16·8% mortality rate. Rising CRP levels and poor PS indicated a poorer prognosis in this patient group.

Conclusion:

Monitoring biomarkers and PS as standard throughout patients’ treatment is recommended to assess disease progression. Worsening PS and high CRP is an indicator of poor prognosis and early death, and therefore omission of treatment or a single fraction of radiotherapy is recommended.
Researchers Produce First Artificial Icequakes
Authors: Lee Jack
Published: November 2020

Laboratory experiments show similarities between glacier beds and tectonic faults.
Structural Coupling Between the Qiman Tagh and the Qaidam Basin, Northern Tibetan Plateau: A Perspective From the Yingxiong Range by Integrating Field Mapping, Seismic Imaging, and Analogue Modeling
Authors: Huang Kai , Wu Lei , Zhang Junyong , Zhang Yongshu , Xiao Ancheng , Lin Xiubin , Wang Liqun , Chen Hanlin
Published: November 2020

The Qiman Tagh and the Qaidam Basin within the northern Tibetan Plateau are contrasting in geomorphological, geological, and geophysical features. The Yingxiong Range is the largest anticlinal belt in the SW Qaidam Basin and holds a key in understanding the relationship between the above two tectonic units. Herein, we investigated the geometry, shortening, timing and mechanism of the structural deformation across the Yingxiong Range by integrating field mapping, interpretation of 3‐D/2‐D seismic reflection data and analogue modeling. The structural interpretation demonstrates that the Yingxiong Range is primarily controlled by NE‐directed basement‐involved reverse faults. These faults likely sole into a décollement layer at depth of ~15 km through the excess area‐depth analysis. This pattern is complicated by the development of a local salt layer that decouples the deformation of underlying and overlying strata, as indicated by analogue modeling. Deformation initially occurred at ~8.1 Ma but strengthened at ~2.5 Ma, with total shortening up to ~5 km in the NW part but decreasing to <2 km to the SE. Together with published results, our findings revealed an NE‐directed thrust system involving the Qiman Tagh and the SW Qaidam Basin, with the Yingxiong Range as the front of this system. We further inferred that this NE‐directed thrust system in the upper crust, together with the previously identified SW‐directed deep reverse fault offsetting the Moho, may form a southwestward tapering tectonic wedge, which likely results from the heterogeneity of lithospheric mantle between the Qaidam Basin and the Qiman Tagh‐East Kunlun Shan.
Author Correction: Development and long-term evaluation of a new 68Ge/68Ga generator based on nano-SnO2 for PET imaging
Authors: Romero Eduardo , Martínez Alfonso , Oteo Marta , Ibañez Marta , Santos Mirentxu , Morcillo Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Inactivation of mediator complex protein 22 in podocytes results in intracellular vacuole formation, podocyte loss and premature death
Authors: Rodriguez Patricia Q. , Unnersjö-Jess David , Zambrano Sonia S. , Guo Jing , Möller-Hackbarth Katja , Blom Hans , Jahnukainen Timo , Ebarasi Lwaki , Patrakka Jaakko
Published: November 2020

Podocytes are critical for the maintenance of kidney ultrafiltration barrier and play a key role in the progression of glomerular diseases. Although mediator complex proteins have been shown to be important for many physiological and pathological processes, their role in kidney tissue has not been studied. In this study, we identified a mediator complex protein 22 (Med22) as a renal podocyte cell-enriched molecule. Podocyte-specific Med22 knockout mouse showed that Med22 was not needed for normal podocyte maturation. However, it was critical for the maintenance of podocyte health as the mice developed progressive glomerular disease and died due to renal failure. Detailed morphological analyses showed that Med22-deficiency in podocytes resulted in intracellular vacuole formation followed by podocyte loss. Moreover, Med22-deficiency in younger mice promoted the progression of glomerular disease, suggesting Med22-mediated processes may have a role in the development of glomerulopathies. This study shows for the first time that mediator complex has a critical role in kidney physiology.
Streptomyces sp. strain TOR3209: a rhizosphere bacterium promoting growth of tomato by affecting the rhizosphere microbial community
Authors: Hu Dong , Li Shuhong , Li Ying , Peng Jieli , Wei Xiaoyan , Ma Jia , Zhang Cuimian , Jia Nan , Wang Entao , Wang Zhanwu
Published: November 2020

Aiming at revealing the possible mechanism of its growth promoting effect on tomato, the correlations amongStreptomycessp. TOR3209 inoculation, rhizobacteriome, and tomato growth/production traits were investigated in this study. By analyses of Illumina sequencing and plate coating, differences in rhizosphere microbial communities were found in different growth stages and distinct inoculation treatments. The plant biomass/fruit yields and relative abundances of familiesFlavobacteriaceae,Sphingobacteriaceae,PolyangiaceaeandEnterobacteriaceaein treatments T (tomato inoculated with TOR3209) and TF (tomato inoculated with TOR3209 + organic fertilizer) were higher than that in the controls (CK and CK+ organic fertilizer), respectively. The analysis of Metastats and LEfSe revealed that the generaFlavobacteriumandSorangiumin seedling stage,Klebsiellain flowering stage,Collimonasin early fruit setting stage, and generaMicrococcaceae,PontibacteandAdhaeribacterin late fruit setting stage were the most representative rhizobacteria that positively responded to TOR3209 inoculation. By cultivation method, five bacterial strains positively correlated to TOR3209 inoculation were isolated from rhizosphere and root endosphere, which were identified as tomato growth promoters affiliated toEnterobactersp.,Arthrobactersp.,Bacillus subtilis, Rhizobiumsp. andBacillus velezensis. In pot experiment, TOR3209 andB. velezensisWSW007 showed joint promotion to tomato production, while the abundance of inoculated TOR3209 was dramatically decreased in rhizosphere along the growth of tomato. Conclusively, TOR3209 might promote the tomato production via changing of microbial community in rhizosphere. These findings provide a better understanding of the interactions among PGPR in plant promotion.
Morphological differentiation across the invasive range in Senecio madagascariensis populations
Authors: Dematteis Bruno , Ferrucci María S. , Coulleri Juan P.
Published: November 2020

Invasive species are characterized by their ability to colonize new habitats and establish populations away from their native range. In this sense, these plants are expected to have plastic responses to adapt to the environmental pressures during the invasion process. Hence, the role of natural selection is essential because it might favor the occurrence of advantageous traits. However, gene flow can counteract natural selection because immigrants introduce genes adapted to different conditions, with these introductions tending to homogenize allelic frequencies. In this work, we explore the effect of natural selection in invasive populations of S. madagascariensis in Argentina. We quantified leaf area, head number, and length of internodes and inflorescence from material spanning 54 years (1962–2016) and then compared between the edge versus established ranges. Our results show differences in all the measured plant traits among the sampled areas. However, only leaf area was statistically significant, which evidences different responses under the same environmental pressures in the areas located in the edge and established ranges. On the other hand, unlike homogeneous areas, the areas characterized by phenotypically diverse individuals were related to higher dispersal ability. In this sense, long-distance dispersal between neighboring areas may have had an important role in the recorded values. Furthermore, the implications of natural selection and founder effect in the invasion of S. madagascariensis are discussed.
Noise-induced transitions of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation in CMIP5 models
Authors: Castellana Daniele , Dijkstra Henk A.
Published: November 2020

By studying transition probabilities of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) in an ensemble of CMIP5 climate models, we revisit one of the stability indicators of the AMOC, i.e. the freshwater transport carried by the AMOC at the southern boundary of the Atlantic basin. A correction to this indicator, based on the transition probabilities, is suggested to measure whether an AMOC state is in a multiple equilibrium regime or not. As a consequence, the AMOC of all CMIP5 models considered is in a multiple equilibrium regime and hence, in principle, a collapsed AMOC state should exist in each of these models. The results further demonstrate the dependence of the Atlantic surface freshwater flux on the AMOC and the impact of extreme events in the AMOC on temperatures in the North Atlantic region.
New method to improve the quality of vision in cataractous keratoconus eyes
Authors: Miret Juan J. , Camps Vicente J. , García Celia , Caballero María T. , de Fez Dolores , Piñero David P.
Published: November 2020

To analyze using optical simulations if the proper use of a segmented intraocular lens (IOL) can improve the visual outcomes compared to the implantation of a spherical monofocal IOL. The wavefront profile of the Mplus (Oculentis) and a monofocal IOLs with the phase transformation introduced by each IOL were calculated using a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor. In addition, the wavefront profile of schematic eye models of various keratoconus conditions was obtained and was propagated to the IOLs. The optical performance of such combination was obtained after combining ray tracing and Fourier optics. A pre-clinical validation was also evaluated incorporating clinical data from three different keratoconus eyes of three patients. The implantation of the Mplus IOL can compensate or reduce the overall coma of the eye with keratoconus improving the quality of vision compared with a spherical monofocal IOL due to lower displacements of the retinal image or tilting in keratoconus. All theoretical simulations were confirmed afterwards by mean of a preclinical validation. The use of a standard toric segmented IOL with a proper orientation and selection of the addition can improve the optical quality of the keratoconus eye compared to the use of a monofocal spherical IOL.
Late Holocene droughts and cave ice harvesting by Ancestral Puebloans
Authors: Onac Bogdan P. , Baumann Steven M. , Parmenter Dylan S. , Weaver Eric , Sava Tiberiu B.
Published: November 2020

Water availability for Native Americans in the southwestern United States during periods of prolonged droughts is poorly understood as regional hydroclimate records are scant or contradicting. Here, we show that radiocarbon-dated charcoal recovered from an ice deposit accumulated in Cave 29, western New Mexico, provide unambiguous evidence for five drought events that impacted the Ancestral Puebloan society between ~ AD 150 and 950. The presence of abundant charred material in this cave indicates that they periodically obtained drinking water by using fire to melt cave ice, and sheds light on one of many human–environment interactions in the Southwest in a context when climate change forced growing Ancestral Puebloan populations to exploit water resources in unexpected locations. The melting of cave ice under current climate conditions is both uncovering and threatening a fragile source of paleoenvironmental and archaeological evidence of human adaptations to a seemingly marginal environment.
Protistan and fungal diversity in soils and freshwater lakes are substantially different
Authors: Sieber G. , Beisser D. , Bock C. , Boenigk J.
Published: November 2020

Freshwater and soil habitats hold rich microbial communities. Here we address commonalities and differences between both habitat types. While freshwater and soil habitats differ considerably in habitat characteristics organismic exchange may be high and microbial communities may even be inoculated by organisms from the respective other habitat. We analyze diversity pattern and the overlap of taxa of eukaryotic microbial communities in freshwater and soil based on Illumina HiSeq high-throughput sequencing of the amplicon V9 diversity. We analyzed corresponding freshwater and soil samples from 30 locations, i.e. samples from different lakes across Germany and soil samples from the respective catchment areas. Aside from principle differences in the community composition of soils and freshwater, in particular with respect to the relative contribution of fungi and algae, soil habitats have a higher richness. Nevertheless, community similarity between different soil sites is considerably lower as compared to the similarity between different freshwater sites. We show that the overlap of organisms co-occurring in freshwater and soil habitats is surprisingly low. Even though closely related taxa occur in both habitats distinct OTUs were mostly habitat–specific and most OTUs occur exclusively in either soil or freshwater. The distribution pattern of the few co-occurring lineages indicates that even most of these are presumably rather habitat-specific. Their presence in both habitat types seems to be based on a stochastic drift of particularly abundant but habitat-specific taxa rather than on established populations in both types of habitats.
Bilayer lead oxide X-ray photoconductor for lag-free operation
Authors: Grynko Oleksandr , Thibault Tristen , Pineau Emma , Juska Gytis , Reznik Alla
Published: November 2020

Polycrystalline Lead Oxide (poly-PbO) was considered one of the most promising photoconductors for the direct conversion X-ray medical imaging detectors due to its previous success in optical imaging, i.e., as an optical target in so-called Plumbicon video pick-up tubes. However, a signal lag which accompanies X-ray excitation, makes poly-PbO inapplicable as an X-ray-to-charge transducer in real-time X-ray imaging. In contrast, the recently synthesized Amorphous Lead Oxide (a-PbO) photoconductor is essentially lag-free. Here, we report on our approach to a PbO detector where a thin layer of a-PbO is combined with a thick layer of poly-PbO for lag-free operation. In the presented a-PbO/poly-PbO bilayer structure, the poly-PbO layer serves as an X-ray-to-charge transducer while the a-PbO acts as a lag prevention layer. The hole mobility in the a-PbO/poly-PbO bilayer structure was measured by photo-Charge Extraction by Linearly Increasing Voltage technique at different temperatures and electric fields to investigate charge transport properties. It was found that the hole mobility is similar to that in a-Se—currently the only commercially viable photoconductor for the direct conversion X-ray detectors. Evaluation of the X-ray temporal performance demonstrated complete suppression of signal lag, allowing operation of the a-PbO/poly-PbO detector in real-time imaging.
Anatomical and histological analyses reveal that tail repair is coupled with regrowth in wild-caught, juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Xu Cindy , Palade Joanna , Fisher Rebecca E. , Smith Cameron I. , Clark Andrew R. , Sampson Samuel , Bourgeois Russell , Rawls Alan , Elsey Ruth M. , Wilson-Rawls Jeanne , Kusumi Kenro
Published: November 2020

Reptiles are the only amniotes that maintain the capacity to regenerate appendages. This study presents the first anatomical and histological evidence of tail repair with regrowth in an archosaur, the American alligator. The regrown alligator tails constituted approximately 6–18% of the total body length and were morphologically distinct from original tail segments. Gross dissection, radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed that caudal vertebrae were replaced by a ventrally-positioned, unsegmented endoskeleton. This contrasts with lepidosaurs, where the regenerated tail is radially organized around a central endoskeleton. Furthermore, the regrown alligator tail lacked skeletal muscle and instead consisted of fibrous connective tissue composed of type I and type III collagen fibers. The overproduction of connective tissue shares features with mammalian wound healing or fibrosis. The lack of skeletal muscle contrasts with lizards, but shares similarities with regenerated tails in the tuatara and regenerated limbs inXenopusadult frogs, which have a cartilaginous endoskeleton surrounded by connective tissue, but lack skeletal muscle. Overall, this study of wild-caught, juvenile American alligator tails identifies a distinct pattern of wound repair in mammals while exhibiting features in common with regeneration in lepidosaurs and amphibia.
Improved magnetostriction in Galfenol alloys by aligning crystal growth direction along easy magnetization axis
Authors: Zhou Chao , Liu Yapeng , Chen Kaiyun , Dai Zhiyong , Ma Tianyu , Wang Yu , Ren Shuai , Deng Junkai , Zhang Rui , Tian Fanghua , Zhang Yin , Zeng Hao , Yang Sen
Published: November 2020

Galfenol (Iron-gallium) alloys have attracted significant attention as the promising magnetostrictive materials. However, the as-cast Galfenols exhibit the magnetostriction within the range of 20–60 ppm, far below the requirements of high-resolution functional devices. Here, based on the geometric crystallographic relationship, we propose to utilize the 90°-domain switching to improve the magnetostriction of Galfenols by tuning the crystal growth direction (CGD) along the easy magnetization axis (EMA). Our first-principles calculations demonstrate that Pt doping can tune the CGD of Galfenol from [110] to [100], conforming to the EMA. Then, it is experimentally verified in the (Fe0.83Ga0.17)100−xPtx (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) alloys and the magnetostriction is greatly improved from 39 ppm (x = 0, as-cast) to 103 ppm (x = 0.8, as-cast) and 188 ppm (x = 0.8, directionally solidified), accompanying with the increasing CGD alignment along [100]. The present study provides a novel approach to design and develop high-performance magnetostrictive materials.
Comparative lipidomic analysis of mammalian retinal ganglion cells and Müller glia in situ and in vitro using High-Resolution Imaging Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pereiro Xandra , Fernández Roberto , Barreda-Gómez Gabriel , Ruzafa Noelia , Acera Arantxa , Araiz Javier , Astigarraga Egoitz , Vecino Elena
Published: November 2020

In order to better understand retinal physiology, alterations to which underlie some ocular diseases, we set out to establish the lipid signature of two fundamental cell types in the retina, Müller Glia and Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs). Moreover, we compared the lipid signature of these cells in sections (in situ), as well as after culturing the cells and isolating their cell membranes (in vitro). The lipidome of Müller glia and RGCs was analyzed in porcine retinal sections using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-IMS). Isolated membranes, as well as whole cells from primary cell cultures of RGCs and Müller glia, were printed onto glass slides using a non-contact microarrayer (Nano Plotter), and a LTQ-Orbitrap XL analyzer was used to scan the samples in negative ion mode, thereafter identifying the RGCs and Müller cells immunohistochemically. The spectra acquired were aligned and normalized against the total ion current, and a statistical analysis was carried out to select the lipids specific to each cell type in the retinal sections and microarrays. The peaks of interest were identified by MS/MS analysis. A cluster analysis of the MS spectra obtained from the retinal sections identified regions containing RGCs and Müller glia, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry in the same sections. The relative density of certain lipids differed significantly (p-value ≤ 0.05) between the areas containing Müller glia and RGCs. Likewise, different densities of lipids were evident between the RGC and Müller glia cultures in vitro. Finally, a comparative analysis of the lipid profiles in the retinal sections and microarrays identified six peaks that corresponded to a collection of 10 lipids characteristic of retinal cells. These lipids were identified by MS/MS. The analyses performed on the RGC layer of the retina, on RGCs in culture and using cell membrane microarrays of RGCs indicate that the lipid composition of the retina detected in sections is preserved in primary cell cultures. Specific lipid species were found in RGCs and Müller glia, allowing both cell types to be identified by a lipid fingerprint. Further studies into these specific lipids and of their behavior in pathological conditions may well help identify novel therapeutic targets for ocular diseases.
Variation in biosynthesis of an effective anticancer secondary metabolite, mahanine in Murraya koenigii, conditional on soil physicochemistry and weather suitability
Authors: Kandimalla Raghuram , Das Momita , Barge Sagar R. , Sarma Partha Pratim , Koiri Dibya Jyoti , Devi Arundhuti , Karki Arjun Kumar , Kumar Anil , Devi Rajlakshmi , Pal Bikas C. , Talukdar Narayan C. , Samanta Suman Kumar
Published: November 2020

Murraya koenigii(MK) leaf being a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites has received inordinate attention in drug development research. Formation of secondary plant metabolite(s) in medicinal plants depends on several factors and in this study the cause of variation in bioavailability and content of a vital bioactive phytochemical, mahanine in the MK leaves from different geographical locations of varying soil properties and weather parameters was determined. Accordingly, MK leaves and soil samples around the plant base in quintuplicate from each site across five states of India at similar time point were collected. Mahanine content was determined and compared among samples from different regions. The quantitative analysis data comprised that MK-leaves of southern part of India contains highest amount of mahanine, which is 16.9 times higher than that of MK-leaves of north-eastern part of India (which measured as the lowest). The results suggested that pH, conductivity and bacterial populations of the soil samples were positively correlated with mahanine content in the MK-leaves. For examples, the average soil pH of the southern India sites was in basic range (8.8 ± 0.6); whereas that of the north-east India sites was in slightly acidic ranges (6.1 ± 0.5) and mean soil conductivity value for the north east India soils was 78.3 ± 16.3 µS/cm against mean value of 432.4 ± 204.5 µs/cm for south India soils. In conclusion, this study proclaims that higher level of bioactive phytochemical, mahanine in MK leaves depending upon geographical location, weather suitability and soil’s physiochemical and microbial parameters of its cultivation sites.
DCX+ neuronal progenitors contribute to new oligodendrocytes during remyelination in the hippocampus
Authors: Klein Barbara , Mrowetz Heike , Kreutzer Christina , Rotheneichner Peter , Zaunmair Pia , Lange Simona , Coras Roland , Couillard-Despres Sebastien , Rivera Francisco J. , Aigner Ludwig
Published: November 2020

A pool of different types of neural progenitor cells resides in the adult hippocampus. Apart from doublecortin-expressing (DCX+) neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs), the hippocampal parenchyma also contains oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), which can differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes. It is not clear yet to what extent the functions of these different progenitor cell types overlap and how plastic these cells are in response to pathological processes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hippocampal DCX+NPCs can generate new oligodendrocytes under conditions in which myelin repair is required. For this, the cell fate of DCX-expressing NPCs was analyzed during cuprizone-induced demyelination and subsequent remyelination in two regions of the hippocampal dentate gyrus of DCX-CreERT2/Flox-EGFP transgenic mice. In this DCX reporter model, the number of GFP+NPCs co-expressing Olig2 and CC1, a combination of markers typically found in mature oligodendrocytes, was significantly increased in the hippocampal DG during remyelination. In contrast, the numbers of GFP+PDGFRα+cells, as well as their proliferation, were unaffected by de- or remyelination. During remyelination, a higher portion of newly generated BrdU-labeled cells were GFP+NPCs and there was an increase in new oligodendrocytes derived from these proliferating cells (GFP+Olig2+BrdU+). These results suggest that DCX-expressing NPCs were able to contribute to the generation of mature oligodendrocytes during remyelination in the adult hippocampus.
Fluctuations in the detection of the HOM effect
Authors: Makarov Dmitry N.
Published: November 2020

Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) effect is known to be one of the main phenomena in quantum optics. It is believed that the effect occurs when two identical single-photon waves enter a 1:1 beam splitter, one in each input port. When the photons are identical, they will extinguish each other. In this work, it is shown that these fundamental provisions of the HOM interference may not always be fulfilled. One of the main elements of the HOM interferometer is the beam splitter, which has its own coefficients of reflection $$R = 1/2$$

R
=
1
/
2

and transmission $$ T = 1/2 $$

T
=
1
/
2

. Here we consider the general mechanism of the interaction of two photons in a beam splitter, which shows that in the HOM theory of the effect it is necessary to know (including when planning the experiment) not only $$ R = 1/2 $$

R
=
1
/
2

and $$ T = 1/2 $$

T
=
1
/
2

, but also their root-mean-square fluctuations $$ \Delta R ^ 2, \Delta T ^ 2 $$

Δ

R
2

,
Δ

T
2

, which arise due to the dependence of $$R = R(\omega _1, \omega _2) $$

R
=
R
(

ω
1

,

ω
2

)

and $$ T = T (\omega _1, \omega _2) $$

T
=
T
(

ω
1

,

ω
2

)

on the frequencies where $$\omega _1, \omega _2$$

ω
1

,

ω
2

are the frequencies of the first and second photons, respectively. Under certain conditions, specifically when the dependence of the fluctuations $$ \Delta R^2 $$

Δ

R
2

and $$ \Delta T^2 $$

Δ

T
2

can be neglected and $$ R=T=1/2 $$

R
=
T
=
1
/
2

is chosen, the developed theory coincides with previously known results.
The spatiotemporal estimation of the risk and the international transmission of COVID-19: a global perspective
Authors: Lin Yuan-Chien , Chi Wan-Ju , Lin Yu-Ting , Lai Chun-Yeh
Published: November 2020

An ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) started in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Currently, the spatiotemporal epidemic transmission, prediction, and risk are insufficient for COVID-19 but we urgently need relevant information globally. We have developed a novel two-stage simulation model to simulate the spatiotemporal changes in the number of cases and estimate the future worldwide risk. Simulation results show that if there is no specific medicine for it, it will form a global pandemic. Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, and the United States are the most vulnerable. The relationship between each country's vulnerability and days before the first imported case occurred shows an exponential decrease. We successfully predicted the outbreak of South Korea, Japan, and Italy in the early stages of the global pandemic based on the information before February 12, 2020. The development of the epidemic is now earlier than we expected. However, the trend of spread is similar to our estimation.
Smoking characteristics and lung functions among university athletes
Authors: Saiphoklang Narongkorn , Poachanukoon Orapan , Soorapan Suchada
Published: November 2020

Cigarette smoking has negative effects on the respiratory system, particularly pulmonary functions. This study aimed to determine smoking prevalence and characteristics among university athletes. We conducted a cross-sectional study of Thammasat University athletes in Thailand from July to October 2018. Demographic and smoking data were recorded. Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) levels and lung function data were analysed. A total of 433 subjects (56% men) were included. Mean age was 19.8 ± 1.3 years. Asthma was reported in 5.5%. The prevalence of current cigarette smoking was 23.8%. Tobacco use was 3.0 ± 3.2 cigarettes per day. The Fagerstrom score for nicotine dependence was 0.76 ± 1.47. Compared to non-smokers, smokers were predominately males (70.6% vs 29.4%, P < 0.001), had higher exhaled CO levels (3.75 ± 3.08 ppm vs 2.18 ± 0.73 ppm, P < 0.001), higher FVC (89.65 ± 17.61% vs 83.22 ± 15.72%, P = 0.001), higher FEV1 (92.60 ± 15.36% vs 87.77 ± 11.23%, P = 0.002), but lower FEV1/FVC (78.21 ± 5.38% vs 79.70 ± 5.60%, P = 0.015). Moreover, athletes who smoke, were more likely to: drink alcohol, have a family member who smokes, have a friend who smokes or have a university instructor who smokes. In conclusion, smoking prevalence among university athletes was relatively high, although low nicotine addiction level and good lung functions were found. Home and institute environments had important influences on cigarette use in students.

Trial registration: TCTR20180917001
Characterization of Peptides and Their Assemblies
Authors: Hamley I. W. , Castelletto V.
Published: November 2020

Methods to characterize the conformation and self-assembly or aggregation of peptides and peptide conjugates are reviewed. Spectroscopic methods to probe conformation, including circular dichroism, Fourier-transform infrared, Raman and NMR spectroscopy, are outlined. Aggregation can be detected by fluorescence probe and analytical ultracentrifugation methods, which are discussed. The analysis of structural information on assemblies from X-ray diffraction, light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is considered. Imaging methods are also summarized, including atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Peptide gel mechanical analysis using rheometry is also discussed. Selected examples from the literature are used to highlight the applicability of the methods.
Peptide Engineering Strategies
Authors: Wan Chuan , Zhou Ziyuan , Li Zigang
Published: November 2020

Over the past two decades, significant efforts have been invested in developing strategies to stabilize the α-helix structure of macrocyclic peptides by stapling their architectures. These strategies can be divided into two categories: side chain to side chain cross-linking and N-terminal helix nucleation. These stable macrocyclic peptides have been applied in proton pump inhibitors and self-assembly materials. Compared with unmodified short peptides, stable α-helix macrocyclic peptides have better biophysical properties, such as higher serum stability, better cell permeability and higher target affinity. This chapter will systematically introduce helical stabilization approaches for peptides, such as ring-closing metathesis, lactamisation, cycloadditions, reversible reactions, thioether formation and sulfonium center formation. Thereafter, the applications of helical stabilized peptide-based materials are discussed and presented with a view to encourage various translations for peptides.
Amyloid-Like Peptide Aggregates
Authors: Kokotidou C. , Tamamis P. , Mitraki A.
Published: November 2020

Self-assembly of proteins and peptides into the amyloid fold is a widespread phenomenon in the natural world. The structural hallmark of self-assembly into amyloid fibrillar assemblies is the cross-beta motif, which conveys distinct morphological and mechanical properties. The amyloid fibril formation has contrasting results depending on the organism, in the sense that it can bestow an organism with the advantages of mechanical strength and improved functionality or, on the contrary, could give rise to pathological states. In this chapter we review the existing information on amyloid-like peptide aggregates, which could either be derived from protein sequences, but also could be rationally or de novo designed in order to self-assemble into amyloid fibrils under physiological conditions. Moreover, the development of self-assembled fibrillar biomaterials that are tailored for the desired properties towards applications in biomedical or environmental areas is extensively analyzed. We also review computational studies predicting the amyloid propensity of the natural amino acid sequences and the structure of amyloids, as well as designing novel functional amyloid materials.
Glycosylated Peptide Materials
Authors: Olguin Juanpablo , Restuccia Antonietta , Seroski Dillon T. , Hudalla Gregory A.
Published: November 2020

Carbohydrate-modified peptides (i.e., “glycopeptides”) inspired by natural glycoproteins and proteoglycans are receiving increasing interest as the basis for biomaterials with advanced structural and functional properties. This chapter first introduces the reader to different chemical and enzymatic methods that are used to synthesize glycosylated peptides. Then, the chapter presents examples in which the structure of peptides and peptide-based materials can be varied through glycosylation. Finally, the chapter highlights the emerging use of glycosylated peptide materials for medical and biotechnology applications, including protein recognition, cell scaffolding, drug delivery, vaccines, and disease treatment. Collectively, the examples surveyed in this chapter demonstrate the enormous potential of carbohydrate conjugates to inform the structure of peptide-based biomaterials, as well as to endow them with new functional capabilities.
Peptide-based Biomaterials for Repair and Regeneration of the Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Varden Lara J. , Kraus Petra , Michalek Arthur J. , Lufkin Thomas , Sur Shantanu
Published: November 2020

Severe and chronic low back pain is the most common cause of disability and frequently results from degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD). Current management of IVD degeneration is aimed at symptomatic relief by supportive measures and surgical interventions, often with a limited amount of success. Bioengineering strategies to restore disc structure and function have emerged as attractive solutions; however, the low regenerative capacity of the IVD is a major impediment to the success of such approaches. The role of biomaterials is considered critical to overcome this challenge by serving as a cell carrier, providing an optimal microenvironment for implanted cells, and restoring disc biomechanics. In the past two decades, peptide materials have secured a distinct niche in the biomaterials space with high promise for tissue engineering and regenerative applications. In this chapter we will discuss the mechanisms of IVD degeneration, the challenges associated with the regeneration process, and the current advancement of peptide materials in this frontier.
Amorphous Co3S4 nanoparticle-modified tubular g-C3N4 forms step-scheme heterojunctions for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Wang Yuanpeng , Hao Xuqiang , Zhang Lijun , Jin Zhiliang , Zhao Tiansheng
Published: November 2020

An effective method to reduce the recombination rate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs was developed by the construction of heterojunctions with rationally designed photocatalysts having a matched band structure.
Synthesis and photophysical studies of an indigo derivative:N-octyl-7,7′-diazaindigo
Authors: de Miguel Gustavo , Garzón-Ruiz Andrés , Navarro Amparo , García-Frutos Eva M.
Published: November 2020

We report the synthesis, characterization, photophysical properties, and theoretical calculations of a novel indigo derivative,N-octyl-7,7′-diazaindigo.
Traditional uses, chemical components and pharmacological activities of the genus Ganoderma P. Karst.: a review
Authors: Wang Li , Li Jie-qing , Zhang Ji , Li Zhi-min , Liu Hong-gao , Wang Yuan-zhong
Published: November 2020

In recent years, some natural products isolated from the fungus of the genus Ganoderma have been found to have anti-tumor, liver protection, anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, anti-oxidation, anti-viral, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects.
Construction of fluorescence active MOFs with symmetrical and conformationally rigid N-2-aryl-triazole ligands
Authors: Li Jingyang , He Ying , Wang Li , Li Guanghua , Zou Yongcun , Yan Yan , Li Dandan , Shi Xinli , Song Zhiguang , Shi Xiaodong
Published: November 2020

1,4-Bis-triazole-substituted arene (NAT) was designed and synthesized for the construction of fluorescent metal organic frameworks.
Carbon-confined ultrasmall T-Nb2O5 nanocrystals anchored on carbon nanotubes by pyrolysing MLD-niobiumcone films for enhanced electrochemical applications
Authors: Zhu Shengyun , Yang Yuji , Liu Junqing , Sun Jiaming
Published: November 2020

T-Nb2O5 nanocrystals with ultrasmall size and uniform dispersion on carbon nanotubes for high-rate and long-lift lithium/sodium-ion storage.
Nanochannel-confined charge repulsion of ions in a reduced graphene oxide membrane
Authors: Guan Kecheng , Wang Shengyao , Ji Yufan , Jia Yuandong , Zhang Lei , Ushio Kai , Lin Yuqing , Jin Wanqin , Matsuyama Hideto
Published: November 2020

Pressure-driven transport of hydrated ions will be highly restrained in two-dimensional nanochannels featuring steady confinement and pore-wall decoration.
Oriented attachment and activated dipoles leading to anisotropic H-bond-free self-assembly of n-acene derivatives into organic nanoribbons emitting linearly polarised blue light
Authors: Schäfer Philip , Gartzia-Rivero Leire , Kao Min-Tzu , Schäfer Christian , Massip Stéphane , de Vet Christiaan , Raffy Guillaume , Del Guerzo André
Published: November 2020

Oriented attachment and activated distortion-induced dipoles determine the anisotropic self-assembly and polarized blue fluorescence of organic nanoribbons.
Experimental study on the characteristics of formation and dissociation of CO2 hydrates in porous media
Authors: Hosseini Zadeh Amin , Kim Ijung , Kim Seunghee
Published: November 2020

Geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) has been pursued as a feasible strategy to store the large amount of CO2 to curb its emission to the atmosphere in an effort to mitigate the greenhouse effects. CO2 hydrate, which can form when the pressure and temperature satisfy its stability condition, can provide a self-trapping mechanism for an offshore CO2 geologic storage. For example, direct sequestration of CO2 in the form of hydrate crystals can be achieved in the storage aquifer under the seafloor. Besides, the formation of CO2 hydrates in an upper layer of the CO2 storage zone can potentially provide a secondary caprock. These applications, however, require a thorough understanding of the formation and dissociation of CO2 hydrates in porous media, which are largely unknown yet. In this manuscript, a laboratory study on the formation and dissociation of CO2 hydrates in two different environments, a two- (CO2-water) or three-phase (CO2-water in glass beads) condition, is presented. Based on the experimental results, it can be anticipated that the pressure and temperature change will be negligible when the formation of CO2 hydrate is induced for GCS in the actual soil/rock layers. Besides, the formation of CO2 hydrate in porous media may be faster, compared to the two-phase bulk condition that has been typically used in many laboratory studies, as solid grains help accelerate the hydrate formation by providing nucleus sites of crystals. Further elaborations on the role of solid grains would bring a clear path for the feasible application in the subsea area.
Evaluating the impact of different pipe arrangements on the thermal performance of thermo-active piles
Authors: Liu Ryan Y. W. , Sailer Eleonora , Taborda David M. G. , Potts David M.
Published: November 2020

Thermo-active piles are widely utilised for low carbon heating and cooling, and their uses are further encouraged in cities where there are obligations for developments larger than a certain threshold to generate a portion of their estimated energy use on site in a renewable manner. It is therefore important to model accurately the thermal performance of the designed thermo-active piles to ensure that such obligations are complied with. In this paper, the thermal performance of a thermo-active pile is quantified by the evolution with time of the power that can be harnessed from the pile, obtained from 3D thermo-hydro-mechanically coupled finite element analyses which include the simulation of a hot fluid flowing through heat exchanger pipes. Different pipe arrangements are considered in this study, in order to demonstrate the potential gains in efficiency arising from the installation of multiple U-loops within the pile. Furthermore, detailed analysis of the heat fluxes resulting from pipe-pile-soil interaction is carried out, illustrating the contribution of the different components of the system (concrete, near-field and far-field) to the overall storage of thermal energy.
Numerical modelling of different applications in Energy Foundation Technology
Authors: Bui Tuan Anh , Casarella Angela , Di Donna Alice , Brinkgreve Ronald , Brasile Sandro
Published: November 2020

Energy foundation technology is expected to make a significant contribution to the use of renewable energy. In this context, this paper presents the use of Finite Element simulation using PLAXIS software for modelling different benchmark applications in Geothermal Foundations. An implicit fully-coupled numerical scheme with global adaptive time stepping are implemented to ensure computational efficiency and stability. Firstly, a transient simulation of thermal response tests [1], often used to estimate the thermal conductivity of ground and thermal resistance of pile, is presented. In the second part, a Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical analysis is performed to simulate the behavior of a single heat pile subject to a thermal load cycle [2]. Several ingredients (constitutive behavior, interface finite elements etc.) are employed to simulate soil-structure interactions. The obtained solutions are validated against available simulation and experimental data to demonstrate the applicability of the simulator to energy foundation analysis and design.
Performance of a bridge deck as solar collector in a thermal energy storage system
Authors: Wu Di , Kong Gangqiang , Liu Hanlong , Zhu Xi , Pu Hefu
Published: November 2020

Solar energy can be stored in subsurface and extracted to melt snow and deice in winter. In summer, the bridge deck heat element in a bridge deicing system could serve as a solar energy collector without additional cost. Numerical models were developed in this study to investigate the performance of a bridge deck solar collector. The effects of radiation intensity and wind speed on the solar energy collection efficiency of a bridge deck solar energy collector were discussed and analyzed. The results show that the temperature of the slab was decreased during the solar collection process, and the solar energy collection efficiency of the bridge deck solar collector was about 26~47%. The collection efficiency of solar energy at a given wind speed was increased with the decreasing of the radiation energy, and this effect was more pronounced when the wind speed was higher. The solar energy collection was beneficial to the durability of the top asphalt layer as well as the structural response of the bridge because the magnitude and gradient of the slab temperature were much lower when the bridge deck served as a solar energy collector.