bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compassionate use of JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib for severe COVID-19: a prospective observational study
Authors: Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Sordi Benedetta , Morettini Alessandro , Nozzoli Carlo , Poggesi Loredana , Pieralli Filippo , Bartoloni Alessandro , Atanasio Alessandro , Miselli Filippo , Paoli Chiara , Loscocco Giuseppe G. , Fanelli Andrea , Para Ombretta , Berni Andrea , Tassinari Irene , Zammarchi Lorenzo , Maggi Laura , Mazzoni Alessio , Scotti Valentina , Falchetti Giorgia , Malandrino Danilo , Luise Fabio , Millotti Giovanni , Bencini Sara , Capone Manuela , Piccinni Marie Pierre , Annunziato Francesco , Guglielmelli Paola ,   for the RUXO-COVID Study Group, Mannelli Francesco , Coltro Giacomo , Fantoni Duccio , Borella Miriam , Ravenda Enrica , Peruzzi Benedetta , Caporale Roberto , Cosmi Lorenzo , Liotta Francesco , Lombardelli Letizia , Logiodice Federica , Vanni Anna , Salvati Lorenzo , Lazzeri Chiara , Bonizzoli Manuela , Peris Adriano , Cianchi Giovanni , Bosi Alberto , Pucatti Michela , Fontanari Paolo , Benemei Silvia , Matucci Cerinic Marco , Turco Lucia
Published: August 2020

Overwhelming inflammatory reactions contribute to respiratory distress in patients with COVID-19. Ruxolitinib is a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor with potent anti-inflammatory properties. We report on a prospective, observational study in 34 patients with COVID-19 who received ruxolitinib on a compassionate-use protocol. Patients had severe pulmonary disease defined by pulmonary infiltrates on imaging and an oxygen saturation ≤ 93% in air and/or PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≤ 300 mmHg. Median age was 80.5 years, and 85.3% had ≥ 2 comorbidities. Median exposure time to ruxolitinib was 13 days, median dose intensity was 20 mg/day. Overall survival by day 28 was 94.1%. Cumulative incidence of clinical improvement of ≥2 points in the ordinal scale was 82.4% (95% confidence interval, 71–93). Clinical improvement was not affected by low-flow versus high-flow oxygen support but was less frequent in patients with PaO2/FiO2 < 200 mmHg. The most frequent adverse events were anemia, urinary tract infections, and thrombocytopenia. Improvement of inflammatory cytokine profile and activated lymphocyte subsets was observed at day 14. In this prospective cohort of aged and high-risk comorbidity patients with severe COVID-19, compassionate-use ruxolitinib was safe and was associated with improvement of pulmonary function and discharge home in 85.3%. Controlled clinical trials are necessary to establish efficacy of ruxolitinib in COVID-19.
Direct observation of photonic Landau levels and helical edge states in strained honeycomb lattices
Authors: Jamadi Omar , Rozas Elena , Salerno Grazia , Milićević Marijana , Ozawa Tomoki , Sagnes Isabelle , Lemaître Aristide , Le Gratiet Luc , Harouri Abdelmounaim , Carusotto Iacopo , Bloch Jacqueline , Amo Alberto
Published: August 2020

We report the realization of a synthetic magnetic field for photons and polaritons in a honeycomb lattice of coupled semiconductor micropillars. A strong synthetic field is induced in both the s and p orbital bands by engineering a uniaxial hopping gradient in the lattice, giving rise to the formation of Landau levels at the Dirac points. We provide direct evidence of the sublattice symmetry breaking of the lowest-order Landau level wavefunction, a distinctive feature of synthetic magnetic fields. Our realization implements helical edge states in the gap between n = 0 and n = ±1 Landau levels, experimentally demonstrating a novel way of engineering propagating edge states in photonic lattices. In light of recent advances in the enhancement of polariton–polariton nonlinearities, the Landau levels reported here are promising for the study of the interplay between pseudomagnetism and interactions in a photonic system.
Lensless light-field imaging through diffuser encoding
Authors: Cai Zewei , Chen Jiawei , Pedrini Giancarlo , Osten Wolfgang , Liu Xiaoli , Peng Xiang
Published: August 2020

Microlens array-based light-field imaging has been one of the most commonly used and effective technologies to record high-dimensional optical signals for developing various potential high-performance applications in many fields. However, the use of a microlens array generally suffers from an intrinsic trade-off between the spatial and angular resolutions. In this paper, we concentrate on exploiting a diffuser to explore a novel modality for light-field imaging. We demonstrate that the diffuser can efficiently angularly couple incident light rays into a detected image without needing any lens. To characterize and analyse this phenomenon, we establish a diffuser-encoding light-field transmission model, in which four-dimensional light fields are mapped into two-dimensional images via a transmission matrix describing the light propagation through the diffuser. Correspondingly, a calibration strategy is designed to flexibly determine the transmission matrix, so that light rays can be computationally decoupled from a detected image with adjustable spatio-angular resolutions, which are unshackled from the resolution limitation of the sensor. The proof-of-concept approach indicates the possibility of using scattering media for lensless four-dimensional light-field recording and processing, not just for two- or three-dimensional imaging.
Trophic cooperation promotes bacterial survival of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Camus Laura , Briaud Paul , Bastien Sylvère , Elsen Sylvie , Doléans-Jordheim Anne , Vandenesch François , Moreau Karen
Published: August 2020

In the context of infection, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are frequently co-isolated, particularly in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Within lungs, the two pathogens exhibit a range of competitive and coexisting interactions. In the present study, we explored the impact of S. aureus on the physiology of P. aeruginosa in the context of coexistence. Transcriptomic analyses showed that S. aureus significantly and specifically affects the expression of numerous genes involved in P. aeruginosa carbon and amino acid metabolism. In particular, 65% of the strains presented considerable overexpression of the genes involved in the acetoin catabolic (aco) pathway. We demonstrated that acetoin is (i) produced by clinical S. aureus strains, (ii) detected in sputa from CF patients and (iii) involved in P. aeruginosa’s aco system induction. Furthermore, acetoin is catabolized by P. aeruginosa, a metabolic process that improves the survival of both pathogens by providing a new carbon source for P. aeruginosa and avoiding the toxic accumulation of acetoin on S. aureus. Due to its beneficial effects on both bacteria, acetoin catabolism could testify to the establishment of trophic cooperation between S. aureus and P. aeruginosa in the CF lung environment, thus promoting their persistence.
Suspended scattering particles in motion using OCT angiography in branch retinal vein occlusion disease cases with cystoid macular edema
Authors: Choi Kwang-Eon , Han Sangheon , Yun Cheolmin , Kim Seong-Woo , Oh Jaeryung
Published: August 2020

We aimed to investigate the clinical implication of suspended scattering particles in motion (SSPiM) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) among branch retinal vein occlusion disease (BRVO) cases with macular edema (ME). Medical records of BRVO patients were reviewed. Central retinal thickness (CRT), ME type, and cyst size on optical coherence tomography images were evaluated before and after intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Nonperfusion area, SSPiM, and microvascular abnormalities in OCTA images were evaluated using a Heidelberg machine. SSPiM was identified in 24 of 56 cases. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between groups with and without SSPiM. Disease duration, disease-free duration, previous injection number, microaneurysms in the superficial vascular complex, and microaneurysms in the deep vascular complex (DVC) (p = 0.003, 0.013, 0.028, 0.003, < 0.001, respectively) differed significantly between the two groups. After multivariate logistic analysis, microaneurysms in the DVC were the only different factor between the two groups (odds ratio [OR]: 0.091; p = 0.001). Furthermore, SSPiM in the DVC (OR 10.908; p = 0.002) and nonperfusion grade (OR 0.039; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with cyst response after intravitreal injection. SSPiM may be correlated with microaneurysms in the DVC and a poor anatomical response after intravitreal injection.
Comparisons of sampling methods for assessing intra- and inter-accession genetic diversity in three rice species using genotyping by sequencing
Authors: Gouda Arnaud Comlan , Ndjiondjop Marie Noelle , Djedatin Gustave L. , Warburton Marilyn L. , Goungoulou Alphonse , Kpeki Sèdjro Bienvenu , N’Diaye Amidou , Semagn Kassa
Published: August 2020

To minimize the cost of sample preparation and genotyping, most genebank genomics studies in self-pollinating species are conducted on a single individual to represent an accession, which may be heterogeneous with larger than expected intra-accession genetic variation. Here, we compared various population genetics parameters among six DNA (leaf) sampling methods on 90 accessions representing a wild species (O. barthii), cultivated and landraces (O. glaberrima, O. sativa), and improved varieties derived through interspecific hybridizations. A total of 1,527 DNA samples were genotyped with 46,818 polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using DArTseq. Various statistical analyses were performed on eleven datasets corresponding to 5 plants per accession individually and in a bulk (two sets), 10 plants individually and in a bulk (two sets), all 15 plants individually (one set), and a randomly sampled individual repeated six times (six sets). Overall, we arrived at broadly similar conclusions across 11 datasets in terms of SNP polymorphism, heterozygosity/heterogeneity, diversity indices, concordance among genetic dissimilarity matrices, population structure, and genetic differentiation; there were, however, a few discrepancies between some pairs of datasets. Detailed results of each sampling method, the concordance in their outputs, and the technical and cost implications of each method were discussed.
Hedgehog-GLI signalling promotes chemoresistance through the regulation of ABC transporters in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Po Agnese , Citarella Anna , Catanzaro Giuseppina , Besharat Zein Mersini , Trocchianesi Sofia , Gianno Francesca , Sabato Claudia , Moretti Marta , De Smaele Enrico , Vacca Alessandra , Fiori Micol Eleonora , Ferretti Elisabetta
Published: August 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death. Chemoresistance is a pivotal feature of cancer cells leading to treatment failure and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are responsible for the efflux of several molecules, including anticancer drugs. The Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) pathway is a major signalling in CRC, however its role in chemoresistance has not been fully elucidated. Here we show that the HH-GLI pathway favours resistance to 5-fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin in CRC cells. We identified potential GLI1 binding sites in the promoter region of six ABC transporters, namely ABCA2, ABCB1, ABCB4, ABCB7, ABCC2 and ABCG1. Next, we investigated the binding of GLI1 using chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments and we demonstrate that GLI1 transcriptionally regulates the identified ABC transporters. We show that chemoresistant cells express high levels of GLI1 and of the ABC transporters and that GLI1 inhibition disrupts the transporters up-regulation. Moreover, we report that human CRC tumours express high levels of the ABCG1 transporter and that its expression correlates with worse patients’ prognosis. This study identifies a new mechanism where HH-GLI signalling regulates CRC chemoresistance features. Our results indicate that the inhibition of Gli1 regulates the ABC transporters expression and therefore should be considered as a therapeutic option in chemoresistant patients.
Emerging predictors of femoral artery occlusion after pediatric cardiac catheterization
Authors: Kou Lei , Wang Qian , Long Whitney Annie , Tang Feng , Li Lei
Published: August 2020

The Objective was to review the prevalence of femoral artery occlusion (FAO) after cardiac catheterization in children up to 12 years old from two centers in China and identify its related risk factors. After collecting clinical data from patients who had undergone pediatric cardiac catheterization, univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the correlations between FAO and clinical factors, including sex, age, height, weight, sheath size, operation time, therapeutic strategy, sheath/age, sheath/height and sheath/weight. The ROC curve was also used to assess the influence of risk factors to predict FAO. FAO occurred in 19 (0.9%) out of 2,084 children following cardiac catheterization. Patients with younger age, lower height, longer operation time, electrophysiological (EP) diagnosis or/and therapy for arrhythmias, higher Sheath/Age, higher Sheath/Height and higher Sheath/Weight ratios had higher risk for FAO compared to their respective control groups (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, sheath/age and operation time were independent risk factors for FAO. Patients with operation time > 77.5 min or sheath/age > 0.5334 had a significantly higher risk for FAO. Operation time and sheath/age were confirmed as significant and independent risk factors associated with FAO. Operation time > 77.5 min and sheath/age > 0.5334 could effectively predict high risk of FAO after pediatric cardiac catheterization.
Hkakabo Razi landscape as one of the last exemplar of large contiguous forests
Authors: Suarez-Rubio Marcela , Connette Grant , Aung Thein , Kyaw Myint , Renner Swen C.
Published: August 2020

Deforestation and forest degradation around the world endanger the functioning of ecosystems, climate stability, and conservation of biodiversity. We assessed the spatial and temporal dynamics of forest cover in Myanmar’s Hkakabo Razi Landscape (HRL) to determine its integrity based on forest change and fragmentation patterns from 1989 to 2016. Over 80% of the HRL was covered by natural areas, from which forest was the most prevalent (around 60%). Between 1989 and 2016, forest cover declined at an annual rate of 0.225%. Forest degradation occurred mainly around the larger plains of Putao and Naung Mung, areas with relatively high human activity. Although the rate of forest interior loss was approximately 2 to 3 times larger than the rate of total forest loss, forest interior was prevalent with little fragmentation. Physical and environmental variables were the main predictors of either remaining in the current land-cover class or transitioning to another class, although remaining in the current land cover was more likely than land conversion. The forests of the HRL have experienced low human impact and still constitute large tracts of contiguous forest interior. To ensure the protection of these large tracts of forest, sustainable forest policies and management should be implemented.
Neurotoxicity of HIV-1 Tat is attributed to its penetrating property
Authors: Tang Xiaoli , Lu Huafei , Ramratnam Bharat
Published: August 2020

We have recently engineered an exosomal Tat (Exo-Tat) which can activate latent HIV-1 in resting CD4+ T lymphocytes from antiretroviral treated HIV-1 infected patients. HIV-1 Tat protein can penetrate cell membrane freely and secrete into extracellular medium. Exo-Tat loses this penetrating property. HIV-1 Tat protein can damage the synaptic membranes contributing to the development of dementia in HIV-1 infected patients. To investigate whether the penetrating property attributes to synaptic damage in vivo, we have generated adeno-associated viruses AAV-Tat and AAV-Exo-Tat viruses. Vehicle control or AAV viruses (1 × 1012 GC/mouse in 200 μl PBS) were injected into Balb/cj mice via tail veins. The mRNA and protein expression levels in blood, brain, heart, intestine, kidney, liver, lung, muscle and spleen were determined on day 21. Intravenously injected AAV-Tat or AAV-Exo-Tat mainly infects liver and heart. Short-term expression of Tat or Exo-Tat doesn’t change the expression levels of neuronal cytoskeletal marker β3-tubulin and synaptic marker postsynaptic density 95 protein (PSD-95). Wild-type Tat, but not Exo-Tat, reduces the expression level of synaptic marker synaptophysin significantly in mice, indicating that penetrating property of HIV-1 Tat protein attributes to synaptic damage.
Identification of the hypertension drug niflumic acid as a glycine receptor inhibitor
Authors: Ito Daishi , Kawazoe Yoshinori , Sato Ayato , Uesugi Motonari , Hirata Hiromi
Published: August 2020

Glycine is one of the major neurotransmitters in the brainstem and the spinal cord. Glycine binds to and activates glycine receptors (GlyRs), increasing Cl− conductance at postsynaptic sites. This glycinergic synaptic transmission contributes to the generation of respiratory rhythm and motor patterns. Strychnine inhibits GlyR by binding to glycine-binding site, while picrotoxin blocks GlyR by binding to the channel pore. We have previously reported that bath application of strychnine to zebrafish embryos causes bilateral muscle contractions in response to tactile stimulation. To explore the drug-mediated inhibition of GlyRs, we screened a chemical library of ~ 1,000 approved drugs and pharmacologically active molecules by observing touch-evoked response of zebrafish embryos in the presence of drugs. We found that exposure of zebrafish embryos to nifedipine (an inhibitor of voltage-gated calcium channel) or niflumic acid (an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase 2) caused bilateral muscle contractions just like strychnine-treated embryos showed. We then assayed strychnine, picrotoxin, nifedipine, and niflumic acid for concentration-dependent inhibition of glycine-mediated currents of GlyRs in oocytes and calculated IC50s. The results indicate that all of them concentration-dependently inhibit GlyR in the order of strychnine > picrotoxin > nifedipine > niflumic acid.
Transcriptomic and proteomic signatures of stemness and differentiation in the colon crypt
Authors: Habowski Amber N. , Flesher Jessica L. , Bates Jennifer M. , Tsai Chia-Feng , Martin Kendall , Zhao Rui , Ganesan Anand K. , Edwards Robert A. , Shi Tujin , Wiley H. Steven , Shi Yongsheng , Hertel Klemens J. , Waterman Marian L.
Published: August 2020

Intestinal stem cells are non-quiescent, dividing epithelial cells that rapidly differentiate into progenitor cells of the absorptive and secretory cell lineages. The kinetics of this process is rapid such that the epithelium is replaced weekly. To determine how the transcriptome and proteome keep pace with rapid differentiation, we developed a new cell sorting method to purify mouse colon epithelial cells. Here we show that alternative mRNA splicing and polyadenylation dominate changes in the transcriptome as stem cells differentiate into progenitors. In contrast, as progenitors differentiate into mature cell types, changes in mRNA levels dominate the transcriptome. RNA processing targets regulators of cell cycle, RNA, cell adhesion, SUMOylation, and Wnt and Notch signaling. Additionally, global proteome profiling detected >2,800 proteins and revealed RNA:protein patterns of abundance and correlation. Paired together, these data highlight new potentials for autocrine and feedback regulation and provide new insights into cell state transitions in the crypt.
A colorful approach towards developing new nano-based imaging contrast agents for improved cancer detection
Authors: Salinas Helen R. , Miyasato Dominie L. , Eremina Olga E. , Perez Rodolfo , Gonzalez Karen L. , Czaja Alexander T. , Burkitt Sean , Aron Arjun , Fernando Augusta , Ojeda Lauro S. , Larson Kimberly N. , Mohamed Ahmed W. , Campbell Jos L. , Goins Beth A. , Zavaleta Cristina
Published: August 2020

Coloring dyes reveal potential as optical imaging contrast agents for cancer detection. Tattoo and Design created by artist Adam Sky.
Low temperature glass/crystal transition in ionic liquids determined by H-bond vs. coulombic strength
Authors: López-Bueno Carlos , Bittermann Marius R. , Dacuña-Mariño Bruno , Llamas-Saiz Antonio Luis , del Carmen Giménez-López María , Woutersen Sander , Rivadulla Francisco
Published: August 2020

Self-assembled ionic liquid crystals are anisotropic ionic conductors, with potential applications in areas as important as solar cells, battery electrolytes and catalysis. We show that the type of crystal formed depend on the strength of H-bonds.
Hydrogen peroxide assisted photorelease of an anthraquinone-based ligand from [Ru(2,2′-bipyridine)2(9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-1-olate)]Cl in aqueous solution
Authors: Zeng L. , Sirbu D. , Waddell P. G. , Tkachenko N. V. , Probert M. R. , Benniston A. C.
Published: August 2020

Hydrogen peroxide reacts with the photo excited state of the ruthenium(ii) anthraquinone-based complex to slowly release the ligand.
Correction: Three-dimensional numerical simulation and experimental investigation of boundary-driven streaming in surface acoustic wave microfluidics
Authors: Chen Chuyi , Zhang Steven Peiran , Mao Zhangming , Nama Nitesh , Gu Yuyang , Huang Po-Hsun , Jing Yun , Guo Xiasheng , Costanzo Francesco , Huang Tony Jun
Published: August 2020

Correction for ‘Three-dimensional numerical simulation and experimental investigation of boundary-driven streaming in surface acoustic wave microfluidics’ by Chuyi Chen et al., Lab Chip, 2018, 18, 3645–3654, DOI: 10.1039/C8LC00589C.
Correction: High-throughput cell focusing and separation via acoustofluidic tweezers
Authors: Wu Mengxi , Chen Kejie , Yang Shujie , Wang Zeyu , Huang Po-Hsun , Mai John , Li Zeng-Yao , Huang Tony Jun
Published: August 2020

Correction for ‘High-throughput cell focusing and separation via acoustofluidic tweezers’ by Mengxi Wu et al., Lab Chip, 2018, 18, 3003–3010, DOI: 10.1039/C8LC00434J.
Simple chemical synthesis of intermetallic Pt2Y bulk nanopowder
Authors: Kobayashi Yasukazu , Tada Shohei , Kikuchi Ryuji
Published: August 2020

Intermetallic Pt2Y bulk nanopowder (2.9 m2 g−1, 28 nm) was chemically synthesized with approachable common chemicals and facilities.
Bimetallic tungstate nanoparticle-decorated-lignin electrodes for flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Jha Swarn , Mehta Siddhi , Chen Eugene , Sankar Selvasundarasekar Sam , Kundu Subrata , Liang Hong
Published: August 2020

Bimetallic tungstate nanoparticle functionalization enables the design of high performance lignin based flexible supercapacitors.
Continuous flow synthesis of lipophilic cations derived from benzoic acid as new cytotoxic chemical entities in human head and neck carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Catalán Mabel , Castro-Castillo Vicente , Gajardo-de la Fuente Javier , Aguilera Jocelyn , Ferreira Jorge , Ramires-Fernandez Ricardo , Olmedo Ivonne , Molina-Berríos Alfredo , Palominos Charlotte , Valencia Marcelo , Domínguez Marta , Souto José A. , Jara José A.
Published: August 2020

Continuous flow chemistry improves the yield of the synthesis of a series of delocalized lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cations that induce mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in head and neck tumor cells.
Core–shell Au@AuAg nano-peanuts for the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol: critical role of hollow interior and broken shell structure
Authors: Thambi Varsha , Gautam Abhay Raj Singh , Khatua Saumyakanti
Published: August 2020

We report the synthesis and enhanced catalytic activity of broken-shell nano-peanuts with variable hole size.
Plasmene nanosheets as optical skin strain sensors
Authors: Fu Runfang , Warnakula Tharindu , Shi Qianqian , Yap Lim Wei , Dong Dashen , Liu Yiyi , Premaratne Malin , Cheng Wenlong
Published: August 2020

A plasmonic skin has been demonstrated with an elastomer-supported, highly ordered, and closely packed plasmonic nanocrystal array (plasmene).
Conversion of biomass-derived levulinate esters to γ-valerolactone with a robust CuNi bimetallic catalyst
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Li Jie , Shang Ning-Zhao , Gao Shu-Tao , Wang Chun , Wang Zhi
Published: August 2020

A high-performance Cu–Ni bimetallic catalyst supported on Zr–Al oxides was fabricated for catalyzing the transfer hydrogenation of levulinate esters to γ-valerolactone (GVL) under mild conditions.
Improved water solubility and photodynamic activity of hydroxy-modified porphyrins by complexation with cyclodextrin
Authors: Yumoto Takehiro , Satake Shuhei , Hino Shodai , Sugikawa Kouta , Kawasaki Riku , Ikeda Atsushi
Published: August 2020

TMe-β-CDx-complexed porphyrins with hydroxyphenyl moieties in the meso-position showed higher photodynamic activities than TMe-β-CDx-complexed porphyrins with dihydroxyphenyl moieties and porphyrins injected in a dimethyl sulfoxide solution.
Spiromyrrhenes A–D: unprecedented diterpene–sesquiterpene heterodimers as intermolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition products from Resina Commiphora that inhibit tumor stemness in esophageal cancer
Authors: Hu Bin-Yuan , Wang Shao-Xiang , Yan Yong-Ming , Liu Jia-Wang , Qin Da-Peng , Cheng Yong-Xian
Published: August 2020

The structures and stereochemistry of spiromyrrhenes A–D (1–4), isolated from Commiphora exudates, were elucidated using NMR and ECD methods.
An energetic composite formed of wrinkled rGO sheets wrapped around copper azide nanowires with higher electrostatic safety as a green primary explosive
Authors: Liu Xuwen , Hu Yan , Li Tingting , Ye Yinghua , Shen Ruiqi
Published: August 2020

A green primary explosive with high energy density and electrostatic safety based on copper azide and rGO was designed.
The sensitive surface chemistry of Co-free, Ni-rich layered oxides: identifying experimental conditions that influence characterization results
Authors: Mu Linqin , Yang Zhenzhong , Tao Lei , Waters Crystal K. , Xu Zhengrui , Li Luxi , Sainio Sami , Du Yingge , Xin Huolin L. , Nordlund Dennis , Lin Feng
Published: August 2020

Co-free, Ni-rich layered cathodes suffer from surface instability during various stages of the sample history, creating challenges for obtaining statistically representative characterization results and achieving stable battery performance.
2D hydrogenated boride as a reductant and stabilizer for in situ synthesis of ultrafine and surfactant-free carbon supported noble metal electrocatalysts with enhanced activity and stability
Authors: Gao Saisai , Zhang Yang , Bi Jinglei , Wang Bin , Li Chao , Liu Jiamei , Kong Chuncai , Yang Sen , Yang Shengchun
Published: August 2020

Ultrafine, surfactant-free and high dispersed noble metal nanoparticles synthesized on carbon black with hydrogenated boride as reductant and stabilizer, which presented enhanced activity and durability relative to the commercial counterparts.
Promising nanomaterials in the fight against malaria
Authors: Neves Borgheti-Cardoso Livia , San Anselmo María , Lantero Elena , Lancelot Alexandre , Serrano José Luis , Hernández-Ainsa Silvia , Fernàndez-Busquets Xavier , Sierra Teresa
Published: August 2020

Nanomaterials can offer customized tools for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes that bring new solutions in different stages of malaria infection.
Protein-mediated wool-ball-like copper sulfide as a multifunctional nanozyme for dual fluorescence “turn-on” sensors of cysteine and silver ions
Authors: Liu Yan , Jin Haijia , Zou Wenting , Guo Rong
Published: August 2020

Protein-mediated wool-ball-like copper sulfide as a multifunctional nanozyme for dual fluorescence “turn on” sensors of cysteine and silver ions.
Trinitarian quantitative analysis of the continuous organic phase and built-in tags as internal standards for two-liquid interfacial surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Yue , He Shengnan , Zhang Wuji , Xu Min , Zhou Baomei , Liu Honglin
Published: August 2020

The quantitative capability of trinitarian internal standards for surface-enhanced Raman scattering analysis by assembling core–shell nanostructures at the liquid–liquid interface (LLI).
Kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations as probes of the X-ray color-color diagram and neutron star accretion-disk structure for Z sources
Authors: Wang De-Hua , Zhang Cheng-Min , Qu Jin-Lu , Jia Shu-Mei
Published: August 2020

Based on the detected kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations (kHz QPOs) in neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries (NS-LMXBs), we investigate the evolution of the NS magnetosphere-disk structure along the Z track in the X-ray color-color diagram (CCD) for luminous Z sources, such as Cyg X-2, GX 5-1, GX 17+2, and Sco X-1. We find that the magnetosphere-disk radiusrinferred by kHz QPOs for all the sources shows a monotonically decreasing trend along the Z track from the horizontal branch (HB) to the normal branch (NB), implying that the dominated radiation components may dramatically change as the accretion disk moves toward the NS surface. In addition, the specific radius that corresponds to the HB/NB vertex is found to be aroundr ∼ 20 km, implying a potential characteristic position of transiting for the X-ray radiation mode. Furthermore, we find that the NBs that occur near the NS surface have a radius ofr ∼ 16−20 km, which is systematically smaller than those of HBs that have radii ofr ∼ 20−29 km. To interpret the relation between the CCD properties and the special magnetosphere-disk radii of Z sources, we suggest that the magnetic field lines corresponding to NB are “frozen-in” to the plasma, and move further inward with the shrinking of the NS magnetosphere-disk radius and pile up near the NS surface. They then form a strong magnetic field region aroundr ∼ 16−20 km, where the high magnetic energy density and high plasma mass density may dominate the radiation process in NB.
FEDReD
Authors: Hottier C. , Babusiaux C. , Arenou F.
Published: August 2020

Aims. We aim to map the 3D distribution of the interstellar extinction of the Milky Way disc up to distances larger than those probed with the Gaia parallax alone.

Methods. We applied the FEDReD (Field Extinction-Distance Relation Deconvolver) algorithm to the 2MASS near-infrared photometry together with the Gaia DR2 astrometry and photometry. This algorithm uses a Bayesian deconvolution approach, based on an empirical HR-diagram representative of the local thin disc, in order to map the extinction as a function of distance of various fields of view.

Results. We analysed more than 5.6 million stars to obtain an extinction map of the entire Galactic disc within |b| < 0.24°. This map provides information up to 5 kpc in the direction of the Galactic centre and more than 7 kpc in the direction of the anticentre. This map reveals the complete shape of structures that are known locally, such as the Vela complex and the split of the local arm. Furthermore, our extinction map shows many large “clean bubbles”, especially the one in the Sagittarius-Carina complex, and four others, which define a structure that we nickname the butterfly.
Magnetic field transport in compact binaries
Authors: Scepi N. , Lesur G. , Dubus G. , Jacquemin-Ide J.
Published: August 2020

Context. Dwarf novæ (DNe) and low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) show eruptions that are thought to be due to a thermal-viscous instability in their accretion disk. These eruptions provide constraints on angular momentum transport mechanisms.

Aims. We explore the idea that angular momentum transport could be controlled by the dynamical evolution of the large-scale magnetic field. We study the impact of different prescriptions for the magnetic field evolution on the dynamics of the disk. This is a first step in confronting the theory of magnetic field transport with observations.

Methods. We developed a version of the disk instability model that evolves the density, the temperature, and the large-scale vertical magnetic flux simultaneously. We took into account the accretion driven by turbulence or by a magnetized outflow with prescriptions taken, respectively, from shearing box simulations or self-similar solutions of magnetized outflows. To evolve the magnetic flux, we used a toy model with physically motivated prescriptions that depend mainly on the local magnetization β, where β is the ratio of thermal pressure to magnetic pressure.

Results. We find that allowing magnetic flux to be advected inwards provides the best agreement with DNe light curves. This leads to a hybrid configuration with an inner magnetized disk, driven by angular momentum losses to an MHD outflow, sharply transiting to an outer weakly-magnetized turbulent disk where the eruptions are triggered. The dynamical impact is equivalent to truncating a viscous disk so that it does not extend down to the compact object, with the truncation radius dependent on the magnetic flux and evolving as Ṁ−2/3.

Conclusions. Models of DNe and LMXB light curves typically require the outer, viscous disk to be truncated in order to match the observations. There is no generic explanation for this truncation. We propose that it is a natural outcome of the presence of large-scale magnetic fields in both DNe and LMXBs, with the magnetic flux accumulating towards the center to produce a magnetized disk with a fast accretion timescale.
Disc-binary interactions in depleted post-AGB binaries
Authors: Oomen Glenn-Michael , Pols Onno , Van Winckel Hans , Nelemans Gijs
Published: August 2020

Binary post-asymptotic giant branch (post-AGB) stars have orbital periods in the range of 100−2500 days in eccentric orbits. They are surrounded by circumbinary dusty discs. They are the immediate result of unconstrained binary interaction processes. Their observed orbital properties do not correspond to model predictions: Neither the periods nor the high eccentricities are expected. Indeed, many orbits are eccentric despite the strong tidal interaction when the primary had giant dimensions on the red giant branch and AGB. Our goal is to investigate if interactions between a binary and its circumbinary disc during the post-AGB phase can result in their eccentric orbits, while simultaneously explaining the chemical anomaly known as depletion. For this paper, we selected three binaries (EP Lyr, RU Cen, HD 46703) with well-constrained orbits, luminosities, and chemical abundances. We used theMESAcode to evolve post-AGB models, while including the accretion of metal-poor gas. This allows us to constrain the evolution of the stars and study the impact of circumbinary discs on the orbital properties of the models. We investigate the effect of torques produced by gas inside the binary cavity and the effect of Lindblad resonances on the orbit, while also including the tidal interaction following the equilibrium tide model. We find that none of our models are able to explain the high orbital eccentricities of the binaries in our sample. The accretion torque does not significantly impact the binary orbit, while Lindblad resonances can pump the eccentricity up to onlye ≈ 0.2. At higher eccentricities, the tidal interaction becomes too strong, so the high observed eccentricities cannot be reproduced. However, even if we assume tides to be ineffective, the eccentricities in our models do not exceed ≈0.25. Finally, the orbit of RU Cen is too wide to reproduce with disc-binary interactions by starting from a circular orbit. We conclude that either our knowledge of disc-binary interactions is still incomplete, or the binaries must have left their phase of strong interaction in an eccentric orbit.
A multi-chord stellar occultation by the large trans-Neptunian object (174567) Varda
Authors: Souami D. , Braga-Ribas F. , Sicardy B. , Morgado B. , Ortiz J. L. , Desmars J. , Camargo J. I. B. , Vachier F. , Berthier J. , Carry B. , Anderson C. J. , Showers R. , Thomason K. , Maley P. D. , Thomas W. , Buie M. W. , Leiva R. , Keller J. M. , Vieira-Martins R. , Assafin M. , Santos-Sanz P. , Morales N. , Duffard R. , Benedetti-Rossi G. , Gomes-Júnior A. R. , Boufleur R. , Pereira C. L. , Margoti G. , Pavlov H. , George T. , Oesper D. , Bardecker J. , Dunford R. , Kehrli M. , Spencer C. , Cota J. M. , Garcia M. , Lara C. , McCandless K. A. , Self E. , Lecacheux J. , Frappa E. , Dunham D. , Emilio M.
Published: August 2020

Context.We present results from the first recorded stellar occultation by the large trans-Neptunian object (174567) Varda that was observed on September 10, 2018. Varda belongs to the high-inclination dynamically excited population, and has a satellite, Ilmarë, which is half the size of Varda.

Aims.We determine the size and albedo of Varda and constrain its 3D shape and density.

Methods.Thirteen different sites in the USA monitored the event, five of which detected an occultation by the main body. A best-fitting ellipse to the occultation chords provides the instantaneous limb of the body, from which the geometric albedo is computed. The size and shape of Varda are evaluated, and its bulk density is constrained using Varda’s mass as is known from previous works.

Results.The best-fitting elliptical limb has semi-major (equatorial) axis of (383 ± 3) km and an apparent oblateness of 0.066 ± 0.047, corresponding to an apparent area-equivalent radiusR′equiv = (370±7) km and geometric albedopv= 0.099 ± 0.002 assuming a visual absolute magnitudeHV= 3.81 ± 0.01. Using three possible rotational periods for the body (4.76, 5.91, and 7.87 h), we derive corresponding MacLaurin solutions. Furthermore, given the low-amplitude (0.06 ± 0.01) mag of the single-peaked rotational light-curve for the aforementioned periods, we consider the double periods. For the 5.91 h period (the most probable) and its double (11.82 h), we find bulk densities and true oblateness ofρ= (1.78 ± 0.06) g cm−3,ɛ= 0.235 ± 0.050, andρ= (1.23 ± 0.04) g cm−3,ɛ= 0.080 ± 0.049. However, it must be noted that the other solutions cannot be excluded just yet.
The LOFAR view of FR 0 radio galaxies
Authors: Capetti A. , Brienza M. , Baldi R. D. , Giovannini G. , Morganti R. , Hardcastle M. J. , Rottgering H. J. A. , Brunetti G. F. , Best P. N. , Miley G.
Published: August 2020

We explore the low-frequency radio properties of the sources in the Fanaroff-Riley class 0 catalog (FR0CAT) as seen by the Low-Frequency ARray (LOFAR) observations at 150 MHz. This sample includes 104 compact radio active galactic nuclei (AGN) associated with nearby (z <  0.05) massive early-type galaxies. Sixty-six FR0CAT sources are in the sky regions observed by LOFAR and all of them are detected, usually showing point-like structures with sizes of ≲3–6 kpc. However, 12 FR 0s present resolved emission of low surface brightness, which contributes between 5% and 40% of the total radio power at 150 MHz, usually with a jetted morphology extending between 15 and 50 kpc. No extended emission is detected around the other FR 0s, with a typical luminosity limit of ≲5  ×  1022 W Hz−1 over an area of 100 kpc × 100 kpc. The spectral slopes of FR 0s between 150 MHz and 1.4 GHz span a broad range (−0.7 ≲ α ≲ 0.8) with a median value of ᾱ ∼ 0.1; 20% of them have a steep spectrum (α ≳ 0.5), which is an indication of the presence of substantial extended emission confined within the spatial resolution limit. The fraction of FR 0s showing evidence for the presence of jets, by including both spectral and morphological information, is at least ∼40%. This study confirms that FR 0s and FR Is can be interpreted as two extremes of a continuous population of jetted sources, with the FR 0s representing the low end in size and radio power.
Formation of Multiple Phase Microstructure and Wear Investigation on Treated AISI 904L SS by Low Temperature Ion Nitriding Process
Authors: Subbiah Ram. , Sateesh N. , Singh S.K , Sekhar S. Ravi , Tanya B. , Lakshmi A. Anitha
Published: August 2020

In industries, components have to operate under extreme prerequisites such as high load, speed, temperature and at a chemical environment. The materials are selected by commercial availability, cost and by considering by their properties like strength, hardness etc. AISI 904L is a high alloy stainless steel with low carbon content material having poor hardness on the surface and negative wear properties. Many of the engineering failures are due to fatigue, corrosion and poor wear resistance which are initiated in its surface. This causes cracks in the surface which reduces the life of the material. Also the surfaces of the materials are caused by severe thermal, chemical and shock loads. Chosen for this work, AISI 904L materials were subjected to plasma or ion - nitriding process and were treated to 3 different timing parameters like 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 72 hrs respectively, maintaining constant temperature of 650oC. Among the availability of other nitriding process like gas and liquid nitriding, plasma nitriding gives good dimensional stability, uniform treatment, less distortion, uniform case depth irrespective towards size and shape of the specimen. For analyzing the wear properties, a pin on disc machine is utilized making the pin to get weared on disc against a load of 100N at a speed of 1000 rpm. Finally the metallographic studies were done by Scanning Electron Microscopic analysis.
Anisotropy Study of Inconel 718 alloy at Sub-Zero temperatures
Authors: Jayahari L , Nagachary K , Sharath Chandra Ch , Hussaini SM
Published: August 2020

There is an increase in demand for new alloys in aerospace, power generation and nuclear industries. Nickel Based super alloys are known for having distinctive properties which are best suitable for these industries. In this study Nickel based super alloy Inconel 718, is used. Over the many years of intense research and development, these alloys have seen considerable evolution in their properties and efficiency. Behaviour of materials and its forming characteristics can be precisely analysed by determining anisotropic behaviour and mechanical properties. In the present study, tried to analyse the mechanical properties of Inconel 718 like yield strength (Ys), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), strain hardening exponent (n) and strain hardening coefficient (k). Uni-axial tensile tests were conducted on specimens with various parameters such as orientations, temperature and Strain rate. Anisotropy of Inconel 718 alloy was measured based on measurable parameters. The normal anisotropy parameter (f) and planer anisotropy (Δr) were measured and observed that the anisotropy parametres are incresed with the decrease in temperature.
Investigation of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Austenite Stainless Steel 304 during Tempering and Cryogenic Heat Treatment
Authors: Lakshmi Anitha , Swathi  , Buddi Tanya , Bandhavi Ch. , Subbiah Ram
Published: August 2020

In the present study, the influence of heat treatment (tempering & cryogenic) on the grain orientation and few important mechanical properties of Austenite Stainless Steel 304 (ASS 304) are examined. The significant mechanical properties like ultimate strength, elongation percentage and surface hardness etc., of the experimented and untreated specimens are computed using pre standard methods and the micrographs of the specimens was conducted using metallurgical microscope. The effect of strain rate ranging from lower to higher strain rates 0.001s-1 to 0.1s-1, on true stress - true strain behaviour of tempered austenitic stainless steel 304 is investigated. Experimental results exhibited that the mechanical behaviour of ASS 304 can be reformed and improvised by several heat treatment procedures for a specific application. The results showed that the cryogenic treated specimens indicate lowest tensile strength, hardness and highest percent of elongation value compared with tempered specimen gave the maximum tensile strength, hardness and minimum percent of elongation in length value.
Impact of Nano additives on optimized Mahua Bio-diesel Performance
Authors: Jyothi U. S. , Jeevan Kumar G.
Published: August 2020

In both industrial and transportation sectors, petroleum consumption has been increasing tremendously. It is known that increase in demand of fossil fuels leads to exhaust of petroleum products in future. Biofuel is a fuel made by chemically reacting alcohol with vegetable oils, fats, or greases, such as recycled restaurant greases. The metal-based additives are used in order to improve the quality of fuel by reducing the unburn hydrocarbons in IC engines, to minimize the exhaust gas harmful emissions. In the present experimental work, an attempt is made at investigating the effect of Aluminum oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles addition in Mahua biodiesel in a single cylinder water cooled direct injection four stroke diesel engine. Initially experiments are conducted to optimize the blend of transeterified Mahua oil with diesel fuel with respect to Combustion, performance and emission parameters. The nano fluids have been prepared from 50 ppm concentrations of Aluminum oxide and copper oxide separately, through an ultra-sonication process. For optimized biodiesel of Mahua oil, the effect of nano additives on Combustion characteristics viz cylinder pressure, Heat release rate, performance parameters such as BTE, BSFC and emission parameters HC, CO, CO2, NOx emissions were evaluated and compared. In CI engines, with biodiesel usage reduces the emission particulates to the significant extent. Due to the presence of oxygen content in bio diesel, which causes increase in NOx formation. In this work there is significant reduction in emission oxides of nitrogen is noticed with nano additives due to control of in-cylinder temperature.Key words: Combustion, Nano fluids, Heat release rate, Cylinder pressure, Emissions
Improving the Mechanical Properties of AISI 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel by Cryogenic Treatment Process
Authors: Koppula Shivani , Rajkumar Aakula , Krishna Siram Hari , Prudhvi Reddi Sai , Aparna S. , Subbiah Ram
Published: August 2020

The Duplex stainless steel AISI 2205 is well known for its corrosion resistance, applicable to high pitting and stress resistance. Cryogenic treatment is chosen to boost the mechanical properties of AISI 2205 Stainless Steel. The specimens undergo cryogenic treatment, one of them being treated to the saturated limit. For comparison purpose, one specimen is kept as untreated. Wear test will be conducted at a constant speed and variable load by a pin on disc wear testing apparatus. Wear test is completed to assess the capability of utilizing a specific surface building innovation to diminish wear for a particular application and to research the impact of treatment conditions on the wear execution, so upgraded surface treatment conditions can be figured it out. Eventually, all specimens were undergone with Scanning Electron Microscope analysis.
Assessment of Properties on AISI430 Ferritic Stainless Steel by Nitriding process
Authors: Tadepalli Lakshmi Deepak , Gosala Ananda Mithra , Kondamuru Lokesh , Bairi Sai Chandra , Anitha Lakshmi A. , Subbiah Ram
Published: August 2020

AISI 430 Ferritic Stainless Steel is well known for its good corrosion resistance applicable for high resistance to pitting and stresses. But it lacks in its wear resistance and hardness in order to improve the mechanical properties of AISI 430 Ferritic Stainless-Steel materials Nitriding Heat Treatment is chosen in this project. The samples are taken in the form of cylindrical shapes with diameter 10mm and length 40mm respectively. The specimen is subjected 4 numbers being the highest treated to saturated limit. One specimen is kept as untreated for comparison purpose. Wear test will be carried out under constant speed and with variable load by pin on disk wear testing apparatus. Finally, all the specimens are subjected to various metallographic tests like SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and EDAX (X-ray Despresive Analysis) or XRD (X-ray Diffraction) and the results are compared.