bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E3-ligase knock down revealed differential titin degradation by autophagy and the ubiquitin proteasome system
Authors: Müller Erik , Salcan Senem , Bongardt Sabine , Barbosa David Monteiro , Krüger Martina , Kötter Sebastian
Published: October 2021

The sarcomere protein titin is a major determinant of cardiomyocyte stiffness and ventricular distensibility. The constant mechanical stress on titin requires well-controlled protein quality control, the exact mechanisms of which have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we analyzed E3-ligases potentially responsible for cardiac titin ubiquitination and specifically studied the involvement of the autophagosomal system in titin degradation. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy and the proteasome in cultured primary rat cardiomyocytes significantly elevated titin ubiquitination and increased titin degradation. Using in-vitro pull down assays we identified binding of E3-ligases MuRF1-3, CHIP and Fbx32 to several titin domains. Immunofluorescence analysis showed sarcomeric localization of the E3-ligases. siRNA-mediated knock-down of the E3-ligases MuRF-1, -3 and a combination of CHIP/Fbx32 significantly reduced autophagy-related titin ubiquitination, whereas knock-down of MuRF-2 and -3 reduced proteasome-related titin ubiquitination. We demonstrated that the proteasomal and the autophagosomal-lysosomal system participate in degradation of the titin filament. We found that ubiquitination and degradation of titin are partially regulated by E3-ligases of the MuRF family. We further identified CHIP and Fbx32 as E3-ligases involved in titin ubiquitination.
Keratoconus enlargement as a predictor of keratoconus progression
Authors: Cunha Ana Maria , Correia Paulo Jorge , Alves Hélio , Torrão Luís , Moreira Raúl , Falcão-Reis Fernando , Pinheiro-Costa João
Published: October 2021

Numerous approaches have been designated to document progression in keratoconus, nevertheless there is no consistent or clear definition of ectasia progression. In this present study, we aim to evaluate Keratoconus Enlargement (KCE) as a parameter to document ectasia progression. We define KCE as an increase of more than 1D in the anterior curvature of non-apical corneal areas. We have designed a longitudinal study in 113 keratoconic eyes to assess keratoconus progression. KCE was compared with variables commonly used for detection of keratoconus progression like Kmax, Km, K2, PachyMin, D-Index, Corneal Astigmatism and PRC of 3.0 mm centered on the thinnest point. The variations of keratometric readings, D-index and ELEBmax showed positive associations with KCE. Evaluating the performance of Kmax, D-index and KCE as isolated parameters to document keratoconus progression we found a sensitivity of 49%, 82% and 77% and a specificity of 100%, 95% and 66% to detect keratoconus progression (p < 0.001 for all). This difference in sensitivity can be explained by the changes in keratoconus outside the small area represented by Kmax. The inclusion of KCE should be considered in the evaluation of keratoconus progression in conjunction with other variables to increase the reliability of our clinical evaluation.
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase as a biomarker for the diagnosis of infectious pleural effusions
Authors: Huang Jing , Guo Lun , Kang Hong-Wei , Lv Dan , Lin Wei , Li Chao-Fen , Huang Xue-Qin , Ding Qun-Li
Published: October 2021

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) has been reported to be involved in infectious diseases, but it is unknown whether it plays a role in infectious pleural effusions (IPEs). We observed the levels of NAMPT in pleural effusions of different etiologies and investigated the clinical value of NAMPT in the differential diagnosis of infectious pleural effusions. A total of 111 patients with pleural effusion were enrolled in the study, including 25 parapneumonic effusions (PPEs) (17 uncomplicated PPEs, 3 complicated PPEs, and 5 empyemas), 30 tuberculous pleural effusions (TPEs), 36 malignant pleural effusions (MPEs), and 20 transudative effusions. Pleural fluid NAMPT levels were highest in the patients with empyemas [575.4 (457.7, 649.3) ng/ml], followed by those with complicated PPEs [113.5 (103.5, 155.29) ng/ml], uncomplicated PPEs [24.9 (20.2, 46.7) ng/ml] and TPEs [88 (19.4, 182.6) ng/ml], and lower in patients with MPEs [11.5 (6.5, 18.4) ng/ml] and transudative effusions [4.3 (2.6, 5.1) ng/ml]. Pleural fluid NAMPT levels were significantly higher in PPEs (P < 0.001) or TPEs (P < 0.001) than in MPEs. Moreover, Pleural fluid NAMPT levels were positively correlated with the neutrophil percentage and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and inversely correlated with glucose levels in both PPEs and TPEs, indicating that NAMPT was implicated in the neutrophil-associated inflammatory response in infectious pleural effusion. Further, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed pleural fluid NAMPT was a significant predictor distinguishing PPEs from MPEs [odds ratio (OR) 1.180, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.052–1.324, P = 0.005]. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that NAMPT was a promising diagnostic factor for the diagnosis of infectious effusions, with the areas under the curve for pleural fluid NAMPT distinguishing PPEs from MPEs, TPEs from MPEs, and IPEs (PPEs and TPEs) from NIPEs were 0.92, 0.85, and 0.88, respectively. In conclusion, pleural fluid NAMPT could be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of infectious pleural effusions.
Sleep deprivation affects gait control
Authors: Umemura Guilherme S. , Pinho João Pedro , Duysens Jacques , Krebs Hermano Igo , Forner-Cordero Arturo
Published: October 2021

Different levels of sleep restriction affect human performance in multiple aspects. However, it is unclear how sleep deprivation affects gait control. We applied a paced gait paradigm that included subliminal rhythm changes to analyze the effects of different sleep restriction levels (acute, chronic and control) on performance. Acute sleep deprivation (one night) group exhibited impaired performance in the sensorimotor synchronization gait protocol, such as a decrease in the Period Error between the footfalls and the auditory stimulus as well as missing more frequently the auditory cues. The group with chronic sleep restriction also underperformed when compared to the control group with a tendency to a late footfall with respect to the RAC sound. Our results suggest that partial or total sleep deprivation leads to a decrease in the performance in the sensorimotor control of gait. The superior performance of the chronic sleep group when compared to the acute group suggests that there is a compensatory mechanism that helps to improve motor performance.
Periostin secreted by activated fibroblasts in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis promotes tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yamato Hiroyuki , Kimura Kenji , Fukui Eriko , Kanou Takashi , Ose Naoko , Funaki Soichiro , Minami Masato , Shintani Yasushi
Published: October 2021

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) show poor prognosis. Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein highly expressed in the lung tissues of IPF. This study aimed to investigate the possibility that periostin secreted by fibroblasts derived from IPF lung might affect proliferation of NSCLC cells. Periostin was more highly expressed and secreted by fibroblasts from diseased human lung with IPF (DIPF) than by normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF). Cocultivation of NSCLC cells with conditioned media (CM) from DIPF increased proliferation of NSCLC cells through pErk signaling, with this proliferation attenuated by periostin-neutralizing antibodies. Knockdown of integrin β3, a subunit of the periostin receptor, in NSCLC cells suppressed proliferation of NSCLC cells promoted by recombinant human periostin and CM of DIPF. On in vivo examination, DIPF promoted tumor progression more than NHLF, and knockdown of integrin β3 in NSCLC cells suppressed tumor progression promoted by DIPF. Fibroblasts derived from surgical specimens from IPF patients also increased secretion of periostin compared to those from non-IPF patients. Periostin secreted from IPF-activated fibroblasts plays critical roles in the proliferation of NSCLC cells. The present study provides a solid basis for considering periostin-targeted therapy for NSCLC patients with IPF.
Parental methyl-enhanced diet and in ovo corticosterone affect first generation Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) development, behaviour and stress response
Authors: Boulton Kay , Wilson Peter W. , Bishop Valerie R. , Perez Jonathan H. , Wilkinson Toby , Hogan Kris , Homer Natalie Z. M. , Robert Christelle , Smith Jacqueline , Meddle Simone L. , Dunn Ian C. , Watson Kellie
Published: October 2021

The role of maternal investment in avian offspring has considerable life history implications on production traits and therefore potential for the poultry industry. A first generation (G1) of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were bred from a 2 × 2 factorial design. Parents were fed either a control or methyl-enhanced (HiBET) diet, and their eggs were treated with a vehicle or corticosterone injection during day 5 of incubation. A subset of G1 birds were subjected to an open field trial (OFT) and capture-restraint stress protocol. Significant effects of HiBET diet were found on parental egg and liver weights, G1 hatch, liver and female reproductive tract weights, egg productivity, latency to leave the OFT central zone, male baseline 11-dehydrocorticosterone, and female androstenedione plasma concentrations. In ovo treatment significantly affected latency to return to the OFT, male baseline testosterone and androstenedione, and change in androstenedione plasma concentration. Diet by treatment interactions were significant for G1 liver weight and male baseline plasma concentrations of corticosterone. These novel findings suggest significant positive effects on reproduction, growth, precociousness, and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function from enhanced methyl diets, and are important in understanding how in ovo stressors (representing maternal stress), affect the first offspring generation.
A subpopulation of arenavirus nucleoprotein localizes to mitochondria
Authors: Baggio Francesca , Hetzel Udo , Nufer Lisbeth , Kipar Anja , Hepojoki Jussi
Published: October 2021

Viruses need cells for their replication and, therefore, ways to hijack cellular functions. Mitochondria play fundamental roles within the cell in metabolism, immunity and regulation of homeostasis due to which some viruses aim to alter mitochondrial functions. Herein we show that the nucleoprotein (NP) of arenaviruses enters the mitochondria of infected cells, affecting the mitochondrial morphology. Reptarenaviruses cause boid inclusion body disease (BIBD) that is characterized, especially in boas, by the formation of cytoplasmic inclusion bodies (IBs) comprising reptarenavirus NP within the infected cells. We initiated this study after observing electron-dense material reminiscent of IBs within the mitochondria of reptarenavirus infected boid cell cultures in an ultrastructural study. We employed immuno-electron microscopy to confirm that the mitochondrial inclusions indeed contain reptarenavirus NP. Mutations to a putative N-terminal mitochondrial targeting signal (MTS), identified via software predictions in both mamm- and reptarenavirus NPs, did not affect the mitochondrial localization of NP, suggesting that it occurs independently of MTS. In support of MTS-independent translocation, we did not detect cleavage of the putative MTSs of arenavirus NPs in reptilian or mammalian cells. Furthermore, in vitro translated NPs could not enter isolated mitochondria, suggesting that the translocation requires cellular factors or conditions. Our findings suggest that MTS-independent mitochondrial translocation of NP is a shared feature among arenaviruses. We speculate that by targeting the mitochondria arenaviruses aim to alter mitochondrial metabolism and homeostasis or affect the cellular defense.
Evaluation of a custom QIAseq targeted DNA panel with 164 ancestry informative markers sequenced with the Illumina MiSeq
Authors: Truelsen D. , Freire-Aradas A. , Nazari M. , Aliferi A. , Ballard D. , Phillips C. , Morling N. , Pereira V. , Børsting C.
Published: October 2021

Introduction of new methods requires meticulous evaluation before they can be applied to forensic genetic case work. Here, a custom QIAseq Targeted DNA panel with 164 ancestry informative markers was assessed using the MiSeq sequencing platform. Concordance, sensitivity, and the capability for analysis of mixtures were tested. The assay gave reproducible and nearly concordant results with an input of 10 and 2 ng DNA. Lower DNA input led to an increase in both locus and allele drop-outs, and a higher variation in heterozygote balance. Locus or allele drop-outs in the samples with less than 2 ng DNA input were not necessarily associated with the overall performance of a locus. Thus, the QIAseq assay will be difficult to implement in a forensic genetic setting where the sample material is often scarce and of poor quality. With equal or near equal mixture ratios, the mixture DNA profiles were easily identified by an increased number of imbalanced heterozygotes. For more skewed mixture ratios, the mixture DNA profiles were identified by an increased noise level. Lastly, individuals from Great Britain and the Middle East were investigated. The Middle Eastern individuals showed a greater affinity with South European populations compared to North European populations.
Associations of kidney tests at medical facilities and health checkups with incidence of end-stage kidney disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yoshimura Ryuichi , Yamamoto Ryohei , Shinzawa Maki , Kataoka Rie , Ahn Mina , Ikeguchi Nami , Wakida Natsuki , Toki Hiroshi , Moriyama Toshiki
Published: October 2021

No study has assessed the association between no health checkup and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This retrospective cohort study, including 69,147 adults aged ≥ 40 years in Japan who were insured by the National Health Insurance and the Late-Stage Medical Care System for the Elderly, assessed the associations of kidney tests at medical facilities and health checkups with incident ESKD. The main exposure was the histories of kidney tests using dipstick urinalysis and/or serum creatinine measurement at medical facilities and checkups in the past year: “checkups,” “no kidney test (without checkup),” and “kidney tests (without checkup)” groups. During the median observational period of 5.0 years, ESKD was observed in 246 (0.8%) men and 124 (0.3%) women. The “no kidney test” group was associated with ESKD in men (adjusted subhazard ratio of “no kidney test” vs. “checkups”: 1.66 [95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.65], but not in women. Age-specific subgroup analyses identified the “no kidney test” group as a high-risk population of ESKD in elderly men (1.30 [0.70–2.41] and 2.72 [1.39–5.33] in men aged 40–74 and ≥ 75 years, respectively). Elderly men with no kidney test at medical facilities and no health checkup were at higher risk of ESKD.
Nanocatalyst-enabled Persulfate Activation for Water Decontamination and Purification
Authors: Sun Meng
Published: October 2021

Advanced oxidation processes enabled by persulfate have recently become a research thrust in water decontamination. The persulfates serve as oxidants, generating sulfate radicals (SO4˙−) and hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) to oxidize contaminants. The catalytic activation of persulfates by catalysts is critical for the production of radicals. The superior activity that emerges as catalysts are engineered from the bulk to the nanoscale has been essential in activating persulfates. This chapter reviews state-of-the-art nanocatalysts for persulfate activation and their underlying mechanisms. We first introduce materials categories, synthesis methods, and catalytic performance. Strategies of enhancing persulfate oxidation by downsizing the nanocatalysts and tuning the crystalline structures and morphologies of the nanocatalysts are also discussed. We highlight the potential implementation of nanoreactors assembled from nanocatalysts for practical water treatment. Lastly, we discuss challenges and propose new research avenues for the design of high-performance nanocatalysts for persulfate catalysis.
Functional Carbon Nanomaterials for Advanced Oxidation Processes
Authors: Hu Kunsheng , Yang Yangyang , Duan Xiaoguang , Wang Shaobin
Published: October 2021

Nanocarbons can be fabricated into different dimensions with well-designed functionality and morphology. These carbocatalysts can drive persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes (PS-AOPs) to evolve diverse reactive oxygen species (ROS) for pollutant degradation. As promising materials for green environmental remediation, carbocatalysts demonstrate great stability and outstanding catalytic activity compared to traditional metal-based catalysts for persulfate activation. Both radical and nonradical reaction pathways are discovered, and the carbon-based AOPs systems exhibit a wider applicable pH range and a higher redox potential. This chapter first provides a comprehensive introduction of the physical and chemical properties, synthesis approaches, and modification strategies of various carbonaceous materials in different dimensions and composites. Then, we will showcase different AOPs techniques and present the properties of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peroxymonosulfate (PMS), and peroxydisulfate (PDS) as the knowledge base. Last but not least, we will overview the applications of different carbon allotropes in the PS-AOPs, the catalytic mechanism and reaction pathways, especially for heteroatom-doped and metal-encapsulated carbocatalysts. This chapter is expected to provide a systematic overview of the development of carbocatalysts in PS-AOPs, affording a comprehensive understanding of green oxidation and the rational design of state-of-the-art functional nanomaterials for environmental applications.
Zero Valent Iron-induced Fenton-like Oxidation Towards Water Treatment
Authors: Zhou Peng , Liu Yang , Xiong Zhaokun , Zhang Heng , Lai Bo
Published: October 2021

Due to increasingly serious water pollution problems, scientific researchers are constantly seeking state-of-the-art techniques for high-efficiency, cheap, user-friendly controlled, non-toxic water remediation. As a category of promising water treatment technology, Fenton-like oxidation is strongly limited by the sluggish kinetics of Fe(ii) recovery, however, zero valent iron (ZVI and Fe0) is an ideal sacrificial component to incessantly release Fe(ii) gauging the true potential of ZVI for continuable Fenton-like oxidation. This critical review systematically analyzes the reactivity of ZVI for oxidizing organic contaminants from the viewpoint of Fenton-like oxidation, involving coupling with peroxides (hydrogen peroxide, peroxydisulfate, and peroxymonosulfate), pH-dependent reactivity, the properties of various reactive oxygen species, simultaneous removal of heavy metals and organic contaminants, and application of ZVI-based Fenton-like systems to industrial wastewaters. Overall, the primary issue in promoting practical use of ZVI is the search for sustainable strategies to continuously corrode ZVI to release Fe(ii). In addition, we propose the technical and theoretical obstacles of ZVI-based Fenton-like oxidation for future studies. Although the current knowledge roadblocks were not totally removed, ZVI should be fearlessly used for water treatment, especially for industrial wastewater treatment.
The Potential Applications of MOF-based Materials in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Wang Chong-Chen , Wang Fu-Xue
Published: October 2021

The applications of metal–organic frameworks (MOF)-based materials like pristine MOFs, MOF composites and MOF derivatives in water treatment have attracted increasing attention due to their unique structures and corresponding properties. This review highlights the research progress of MOF-based material applications in water treatment including but not limited to fluorescent sensing detection and adsorptive removal of organic pollutants and heavy metals, organic pollutant degradation with the aid of advanced oxidation process reactions like photocatalysis, photo-Fenton and sulfate radical advanced oxidation process, as well as photocatalytic Cr(vi) reduction. Also, the research trends of MOF-based material applications in water treatment are presented.
High performance benzene vapor sensor based on three-dimensional photonic crystals of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8@graphene quantum dots
Authors: Wang Zhaolong , Zhan Kuo , Zhu Yabin , Yan Jun , Liu Bin , Chen Yunlin
Published: October 2021

A unique benzene sensor based on 3-D photonic crystals consisting of ZIF-8@GQDs that exhibits excellent selectivity and sensitivity toward benzene vapor was proposed.
Open-shell extensions to closed-shell pCCD
Authors: Boguslawski Katharina
Published: October 2021

The proposed inexpensive open-shell extensions of the closed-shell pCCD model facilitate an accurate description of open-shell molecules.
1,1-Diaminoazines as organocatalysts in phospha-Michael addition reactions
Authors: Wani Aabid A. , Chourasiya Sumit S. , Kathuria Deepika , Bharatam Prasad V.
Published: October 2021

1,1-Diaminoazines can act as effective organocatalysts for the formation of phosphorus–carbon bonds between biphenylphosphine oxide and an activated alkene (Michael acceptor).
Macrocyclic complexes based on [N⋯I⋯N]+ halogen bonds
Authors: Yu Shilin , Kalenius Elina , Frontera Antonio , Rissanen Kari
Published: October 2021

Macrocyclic iodine(i) complexes with 5–10 Å cavity act as host molecules and encapsulate hexafluorophosphate anions in the gas phase confirmed by ion-mobility spectrometry and DFT calculations.
Transfer learned potential energy surfaces: accurate anharmonic vibrational dynamics and dissociation energies for the formic acid monomer and dimer
Authors: Käser Silvan , Meuwly Markus
Published: October 2021

Neural network based PESs are constructed for formic acid monomer and dimer at the MP2 and transfer learned to the CCSD(T) level of theory. The PESs are used to study the vibrational dynamics and dissociation energy of the molecules.
Electrostatic effects in N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis: revealing the nature of catalysed decarboxylation
Authors: Pei Zhipeng , Qiao Qinyu , Gong Cunxi , Wei Donghui , Coote Michelle L.
Published: October 2021

Quantum-chemical calculations show that protonated N-heterocyclic carbenes catalyse decarboxylation via electrostatic effects.
Single atom catalysis for electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis
Authors: Wan Jieying , Zheng Jiageng , Zhang Hao , Wu Angjian , Li Xiaodong
Published: October 2021

This review points out major challenges and outlook of NH3 synthesis via SACs. Summarizing the deficiencies of existing research can help researchers to continuously innovate and improve, and explore new research approaches.
Atmospheric mercury sources in a coastal-urban environment: a case study in Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Authors: Angot Hélène , Rutkowski Emma , Sargent Maryann , Wofsy Steven C. , Hutyra Lucy R. , Howard Dean , Obrist Daniel , Selin Noelle E.
Published: October 2021

Fugitive emissions of mercury from unknown point and/or nonpoint sources are underestimated in current inventories.
Dietary plant sterols prevented cholesterol gallstone formation in mice
Authors: Shen Weiyi , Wang Yixing , Shao Wentao , Wang Qihan , Jiang Zhaoyan , Hu Hai
Published: October 2021

Dietary plant sterols prevented cholesterol gallstone formation.
A facile ligand-free route to calcium carbonate superstructures
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Yukun , Chen Wujun , Li Qian , Wu Yudong , Jiang Hongfei , Xing Dongming
Published: October 2021

By capturing the inherent transition behavior, CaCO3 superstructures with well-defined morphologies and amorphous-to-vaterite polymorph nature were obtained in a large scale and ligand-free manner.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of green synthesised ZnO/N doped carbon quantum dot nanocomposites
Authors: Tadesse Aschalew , Hagos Mebrahtu , Belachew Neway , Murthy H. C. Ananda , Basavaiah K.
Published: October 2021

In order to explore an alternative photocatalyst for environmental remediation, we report a two-step process for the synthesis of zinc oxide/nitrogen doped carbon quantum dot nanocomposites (ZnO@NCQD NCs).
Broad-spectrum nanoparticles against bacteriophage infections
Authors: Richter Łukasz , Paszkowska Karolina , Cendrowska Urszula , Olgiati Francesca , Silva Paulo Jacob , Gasbarri Matteo , Guven Zekiye Pelin , Paczesny Jan , Stellacci Francesco
Published: October 2021

Gold nanoparticles allow for the unsupervised protection against bacteriophage infections of bacterial processes in the biotechnology industry. Nanoparticles are harmless for bacteria and are effective in the environment of the bioreactor.
Potential interference of graphene nanosheets in immune response via disrupting the recognition of HLA-presented KK10 by TCR: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Ye Rui , Song Wei , Feng Mei , Zhou Ruhong
Published: October 2021

This article demonstrated that graphene nanosheets could disrupt the critical protein–protein interactions between TCR and peptide-HLA and impair the antigen recognition by TCR.
Microwave aided conversion of cellulose to glucose using polyoxometalate as catalyst
Authors: Nakamura Manami , Islam Md. Saidul , Rahman Mohammad Atiqur , Nahar Rabin Nurun , Fukuda Masahiro , Sekine Yoshihiro , Beltramini Jorge N. , Kim Yang , Hayami Shinya
Published: October 2021

The polyoxometalate (POM) catalysed conversion of cellulose to glucose is demonstrated. A remarkably high cellulose conversion of 90.1% with a glucose yield of 77.2% were achieved.
Reversible adsorption and desorption of PFAS on inexpensive graphite adsorbents via alternating electric field
Authors: Shrestha Bishwash , Ezazi Mohammadamin , Ajayan Sanjay , Kwon Gibum
Published: October 2021

In this study, a reversible adsorption and desorption upon alternating electric field for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using inexpensive graphite is reported.
Experimental review of PEI electrodeposition onto copper substrates for insulation of complex geometries
Authors: Zirignon J.-C. , Capezza A. J. , Xiao X. , Andersson R. L. , Forslund M. , Dinér P. , Olsson R. T.
Published: October 2021

Electrophoretic deposition relying on electrodeposition of charged polymers via modulated electrical fields is reported. Superior surface finishes that could pass a dielectric withstand test at 10 kV mm−1 were obtained for pulsed potentials at 20 V.
Confinement of molecular materials using a solid-state loading method: a route for exploring new physical states and their subsequent transformation highlighted by caffeine confined to SBA-15 pores
Authors: Guinet Yannick , Paccou Laurent , Danède Florence , Hédoux Alain
Published: October 2021

A new nanocrystalline orientationally disordered form I′ melts and recrystallizes in pores of 6 nm diameter.
Anti-bacterial activity of gold nanocomposites as a new nanomaterial weapon to combat photogenic agents: recent advances and challenges
Authors: Mobed Ahmad , Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Seidi Farzad
Published: October 2021

Gold nanocomposites are being widely used in numerous biomedical applications owing to their excellent stability and miniaturization.
Optimized preparation of gastric acid-response sulfhydryl functionalized chitosan/alginate/tilapia peptide hydrogel and its protective effects on alcohol-induced liver and brain injury
Authors: Lu Sitong , Zhang Lingyu , Hu Zhang , Kong Songzhi , Zhang Zhaoyu , Li Guangfa
Published: October 2021

Long-term alcohol intake or drinking large quantities of alcohol at one time can cause organ damage, which in turn can lead to chronic diseases.
Completely green synthesis of rose-shaped Au nanostructures and their catalytic applications
Authors: Jeong Jae Hwan , Pradyast Astrini , Shim Hyeonbo , Woo Hee-Chul , Kim Mun Ho
Published: October 2021

A novel protocol for the one-pot, template/seed-free, and completely green synthesis of rose-shaped Au nanostructures with unique three-dimensional hierarchical structures was developed.
The role of sp-hybridized boron atoms in the highly efficient photocatalytic N2 reduction activity of boron-doped triphenylene–graphdiyne
Authors: Fan Yingcai , Yu Jingping , Song Xiaohan , Liu Yang , Qi Siyun , Li Weifeng , Zhao Mingwen
Published: October 2021

A highly active and selective photocatalytic system for N2 fixation based on a boron-doped TP–GDY monolayer.
Modulated growth of high-quality CsPbI3perovskite film using a molybdenum modified SnO2layer for highly efficient solar cells
Authors: Gong Xiu , Wang Ting , Yin Guilin , Peng Qiong , Chen Yanli , Wang Xu , Qi Xiaosi , Jiang Yurong , Liu Zonghao , Shen Yan , Wang Mingkui
Published: October 2021

High-quality β-CsPbI3film was grown using an efficient electron transport layer of low temperature Mo-doped SnO2nanocrystals. This work provides a simple strategy to simultaneously modulate CsPbI3perovskite growth and the interfaces in devices.
Fabrication of high-efficiency Cu2(Zn,Cd)SnS4 solar cells by a rubidium fluoride assisted co-evaporation/annealing method
Authors: Wang Shijin , Huang Lan , Ye Zi , Zhong Lan , Chen Guilin , Li Jianmin , Xiao Xudong
Published: October 2021

CCZTS solar cells with high efficiency over 10.6% are fabricated by a Rb-assisted thermal co-evaporation method.
Solid additives in organic solar cells: progress and perspectives
Authors: Ma Yi-Fan , Zhang Yamin , Zhang Hao-Li
Published: October 2021

The use of solid additives in organic solar cells has drawn great attention owing to its great morphology-tuning ability. Here we review both organic and inorganic solid additives, which could provide useful guidance for the design of solid additives.
Unified left eigenvector (ULEV) for blind source separation
Authors: Naghsh Erfan , Danesh Mohammad , Beheshti Soosan
Published: October 2021

A joint analysis method is proposed for source separation from multiple datasets. In this method, sources with the greatest impact on the multiple datasets are identified and then are sequentially separated. The method utilizes the advantage of structure singular value decomposition through a novel approach that extracts only one unified left eigenvector. The Lagrangian multipliers are determined in two steps. In the first step, a projection procedure on optimal subspaces provides dimension reduction through singular value decomposition. In the second step, the number of main sources is automatically derived by minimizing the mean square error between the desired noiseless eigenvalues and estimated eigenvalues of the observations. The results show that the highest accuracy in source separation belongs to the proposed unified left eigenvector (ULEV) method compared to some of most popular approaches including ICA, jICA, MCCA and jICA+MCCA.
A non‐intrusive load state identification method considering non‐local spatiotemporal feature
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Li Yong , Duan Jing , Duan Yilong , Guo Yixiu , Cao Yijia , Rehtanz Christian
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a non‐intrusive method for identifying the load state of a distribution network. The method focuses on continuously varying loads. By considering the load on‐off state switching points and the continuous features at on state, a deep convolutional method considering non‐local spatiotemporal features is proposed. The addition of an attention component to the convolutional network enhances the non‐local feature extraction capability of the convolutional network. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the method is demonstrated in an experimental setting. In addition, this paper demonstrates that the proposed method can effectively integrate switching point features as well as persistent features through neural network visualization techniques.
SF6 decomposition and insulation condition monitoring of GIE: A review
Authors: Zeng Fuping , Li Haotian , Cheng Hongtu , Tang Ju , Liu Yilu
Published: October 2021

The statistics of the Conference International des Grands Reseaux Electriques (CIGRE) indicate that the operational reliability of SF6 gas‐insulated equipment (GIE) is very high; however, the failure rate of the GIE in operation is much higher than that of the IEC standard, and the fault occurs frequently in the GIE at a high voltage level. The reason is due to the complex and strong on‐site electromagnetic interference environment and fully enclosed structure of GIE. The key method and technology for effective on‐line monitoring and fault diagnosis of GIE are still lacking. Given the partial strong electromagnetic energy and high temperature induced by early latent insulation faults in the equipment, SF6 gas insulation presents different degrees of decomposition. The decomposition products mainly include SO2F2, SOF2, SO2, HF, and H2S. The decomposition characteristics of SF6 are closely related to the property of insulation faults. At present, this area is attracting attention from the power industry and research institutes. This study summarises the current research on SF6 decomposition component analysis (DCA). The content mainly includes the latest progress of SF6 decomposition characteristics and mechanism under fault conditions, and fault diagnosis methods based on decomposition components.
Integrated busbar protection scheme utilizing a numerical technique based on coherence method
Authors: Mahmoud R. A.
Published: October 2021

A Busbar (BB) is one of the most important elements of a power system, which links a variety of elements such as generators, power transformers, transmission lines and loads. The BB fault current magnitude is very large, which has to be immediately cleared in order to minimize the failure in the power system, and to avoid the CT saturation effects. This paper presents a novel BB protection scheme based on closed‐tripping characteristics of coherence coefficients computed for BB current signals. Three‐phase current signals of each circuit connected to the protected busbar are measured for calculating nine cross‐coherence coefficients. These coefficients are compared with each other and with a pre‐determined threshold value to identify the fault location, classification and direction discrimination, as well as to differentiate the internal and external faults with CT saturation extent. The scheme is tested under different types of external and internal faults with variations of faulty phase(s), fault locations, fault resistances, fault inception angles, and power flow angles. ATP platform is used for power system simulation, and MATLAB software is applied to validate the proposed protection algorithm. The simulation results prove that the scheme is fast, where its operating time is within a sub‐cycle time range, and it has the ability to discriminate between internal and external faults with/without CT saturation condition. Moreover, the numerical technique is immune to CT saturation effect, and it is simple, effective, secure, reliable, stable and feasible.
Planetary nebulae in Gaia EDR3: Central star identification, properties, and binarity
Authors: González-Santamaría I. , Manteiga M. , Manchado A. , Ulla A. , Dafonte C. , López Varela P.
Published: October 2021

Context. The Gaia Early Data Release 3 (EDR3), published in December 2020, features improved photometry and astrometry compared to that published in the previous DR2 file and includes a substantially larger number of sources, of the order of 2000 million, making it a paradigm of big data astronomy. Many of the central stars of planetary nebulae (CSPNe) are inherently faint and difficult to identify within the field of the nebula itself. Gaia measurements may be relevant not only in identifying the ionising source of each nebula, but also in the study their physical and evolutionary properties.

Aims. We demonstrate how Gaia data mining can effectively help to solve the issue of central star misidentification, a problem that has plagued the field since its origin. As we did for DR2, our objective is to present a catalogue of CSPNe with astrometric and photometric information in EDR3. From that catalogue, we selected a sample of stars with high-quality astrometric parameters, on which we carried out a more accurate analysis of CSPNe properties.

Methods.GaiaGBP − GRP colours allow us to select the sources with sufficient temperatures to ionise the nebula. In order to estimate the real colour of a source, it is important to take into account interstellar extinction and, in the case of compact nebulae, nebular extinction when available. In addition, distances derived from EDR3 parallaxes (combined with consistent literature values) can be used to obtain nebular intrinsic properties from those observed. With this information, CSPNe can be plotted in an Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. From information on the spectral classification of the CS (from the literature) and evolutionary models for post-AGB stars, their evolutionary state can then be analysed. Furthermore, EDR3 high-quality astrometric data enable us to search for objects comoving with CSs in the field of each nebula by detecting sources with parallaxes and proper motions similar to those of the CS.

Results. We present a catalogue of 2035 PNe with their corresponding CS identification from among Gaia EDR3 sources. We obtain the distances for those with known parallaxes in EDR3 (1725 PNe). In addition, for a sub-sample (405 PNe) with the most accurate distances, we obtain different nebular properties such as their Galactic distribution, radius, kinematic age, and morphology. Furthermore, for a set of 74 CSPNe, we present the evolutionary state (mass and age) derived from their luminosities and effective temperatures from evolutionary models. Finally, we highlight the detection of several wide binary CSPNe through an analysis of the EDR3 astrometric parameters, and we contribute to shedding some light on the relevance of close binarity in CSPNe.
The impact of climate change on water inflow of the three largest dams in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region
Authors: El Baki Yousra , Boutoial Khalid , Medaghri-Alaoui Abdelouahid
Published: October 2021

Drought and water scarcity are resulting from the effects of climate change during recent decades. The region of Beni Mellal Khenifra, by the nature of its economic activities based particularly on agriculture and the availability of water resources, is considered among the most vulnerable regions to the effects of climate change in Morocco. In this paper, we analyzed the impact of climate change on the three largest dams in the region (Hassan first, Bin El Ouidane and Ahmed El Hansali), based on statistical data from five stations over 1990-2020. We used Normalized Precipitation Index (SPI) to characterize climatic drought, the Mann-Kendall test to assess the trend of temperature changes, Kendall’s tau and linear regression to detect the relationship between climatic parameters (temperature and precipitation) and water supplies from the three dams. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) results showed that the region underwent a significant rainfall deficit between 19911995, 2000-2003, 2005-2008, and 2017-2020. Their intensity varies from moderate to severe type. Moreover, temperature values obtained by Mann– Kendall test showed an increasing trend for all stations. Correlation analysis of rainfall and temperature with inflow dams showed that the mean annual inflows dams are directly proportional to the yearly average SPI increase.
Study of the mortality and exploitation parameters of Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Al Massira Reservoir
Authors: Bousseba Meriem , Ferraj Loubna , Ouahb Sara , Droussi Mohammed , Hasnaoui Mustapha
Published: October 2021

The mortality parameters and exploitation of Sander lucioperca were studied for the first time in the reservoir of Al-Massira Dam. These parameters were estimated based on sizefrequency data processed by FISAT II software. Parameters such as total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), fishing mortality (F), and exploitation rate (E) obtained are respectively 1.71 year-1; 0.42 year-1; 1.29 year-1 and 0.75. This study thus shows that this species undergoes fishing mortality (1.29 year-1) much higher than natural mortality (M = 0.42 year-1). Furthermore, Sander lucioperca is found in a state of overexploitation with an exploitation rate (E = 0.75) higher than the estimated maximum exploitation rate (Emax = 0.65).
Equilibrium beach profile on sandy beach of the Mehdya coast of Morocco
Authors: Azidane Hind , Benmohammad Aïcha , Michel Boko , El Bouhaddioui Mohamed
Published: October 2021

The world’s coastlines are shaped by mean sea level, wave conditions and storm surge. Climate change driven variations in these environmental forcing’s will inevitably have a profound effect on the coastal zone. They will result in unprecedented coastal recession, threatening billions of dollars worth of coastal developments and infrastructure. Coastal erosion is observed in some locations along Atlantic alluvial plain (Kenitra coastal (Morocco)) and is an important factor to consider for the coastal zone management. Therefore, for coastal recession estimates are obtained via the simple, deterministic method (Bruun rule) especially, that has been widely used over the last 50 years. It is in widespread contemporary use at a global scale both as a management tool and as a scientific concept. We investigated the potential erosion at the site and the result was very important. The result shows a severe erosion of the 21st century.
Influence of DEM resolution on the RUSLE model: Case of abandoned quarries in Settat province (Morocco)
Authors: Aouichaty Nabil , Bouslihim Yassine , Hilali Said , Zouhri Abdeljalil , Koulali Yahya
Published: October 2021

Topographic slope information is one of the critical variables, which governs soil erosion. This topographic slope can be derived from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Significant discrepancies are found in the estimation of soil erosion using different DEMs of different resolutions. In the present study, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was used for soils in the Settat province (Morocco) to assess the risk of water erosion caused by abandoned quarries. The soil erosion rate was divided into five classes to illustrate the erosion rate variability using two DEMs (30m and 90m). The impact of topography on erosion was determined by calculating the value of the LS factors. In this case, the values obtained vary between 0 - 120.623 for ASTER DEM (30m) and 0 - 10.225 for DEM SRTM (90m). The results also show that most quarries have a soil loss rate that varies between 0 t/ha/year and 8.1 t/ha/year for ASTER DEM (30 m). However, for DEM SRTM (90 m), the soil loss rate is zero. This suggests that RUSLE model users should use high-resolution input data for a close representation of reality and capture the maximum results with reasonable accuracy.
Justification criteria for Inter-Basin Water Transfer Projects
Authors: Laassilia Oussama , Ouazar Driss , Bouziane Ahmed , Hasnaoui Moulay Driss
Published: October 2021

When implemented on a large scale, Interbasin Water Transfer (IBWT) projects are one of the most significant human interventions in natural environmental processes. Although water transfer might have considerable beneficial impacts, it produces inevitably other adverse effects on different levels. The present work aims to assess the phenomenon of IBWT to answer the question of whether such transfers are justified or not. To this end, this paper is first introduced by reviewing criteria proposed by some international organizations and epistemic communities for assessing IBWT. Then, a coherent set of IBWT evaluation criteria are proposed. Afterward, the authors have applied the chosen criteria to the North-South Water Transfer Project (NSWTP) in Morocco to provide a global assessment. The results show that the NSWTP, in its current version, is not justified. To remedy the negative sides of this project, the authors propose to limit the water transfer only between Sebou (donor) and Bouregreg (recipient), all in increasing the storage capacity of the recipient reservoir. On the other hand, studies related to the legal and institutional sides, and the ecological impacts are to be finalized.
Physicochemical characterization of the unconfined water-table aquifer of the Fez-Meknes basin
Authors: El Fakir Rabia , Mili El Mostafa , Essahlaoui Ali , El Hafyani Mohammed , Ammari Zakaria
Published: October 2021

This paper aims to determine the hydrogeochemical characteristics of the Fez-Meknes free water table thought the monitoring of the physicochemical analyses of nine samples during the year of 2013, 2016, and 2019. This water table, which circulates in the plio-quaternary formations, is generally supplied by rainfall infiltration, irrigation water returns and also the lateral inflow of the unconfined liasic water table of the Middle Atlas Tabular. Analyses were performed for electrical conductivity (EC), potential hydrogen (pH), temperature and major elements: Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, HCO3⁻, K+. The results of the projection of the samples on the Piper diagram for the three companies showed a hydrochemical carbonate, calcic and magnesian facies for the majority of the samples with the exception of samples 1161/15 and 352/21 for the year 2013. Then, to understand the origin of the mineralization, as well as the processes related to the dissolution of the carbonate country rock, a principal component analysis (PCA) was performed.
Contribution to the study of the hydro-chemical characteristics of the lake ecosystem Dayet Er-Roumi, Morocco
Authors: El Ghizi Sara , Sadik Mohamed , El bouch Mohamed , Hasnaoui Mustapha
Published: October 2021

The protection of the Freshwater ecosystem is necessary for the ecosystem equilibrium of the aquatic fauna and a healthy diet for the local community. Lake Dayet Er-Roumi (SIBE) is under the pressure of various pollution forms that are, most of the time, a result of human activities. The purpose of this study is to assess the various forms of pollution as well as pollution’s degree and evaluate the quality of the water’s lake and its tributaries through spatio-temporal monitoring of diverse physicochemical parameters during two seasons, autumn (low water period) and spring (high water period), of the year 2019. The variations of physicochemical parameters such as pH, EC, and significant anions, namely: NO3⁻, NO2, NH4+, PO43–, SO4-, and Cl⁻ had been studying at seven stations (five stations at lake level and two stations representing the tributaries). The Results revealed wide variations in the concentrations of different physicochemical parameters between the different samples during the two seasons; the data set indicated high concentrations of chlorides in both seasons, with average nitrates and orthophosphates concentrations during the spring season. The results obtained show a very high electrical conductivity with a pH of the water is very basic, which shows that the lake’s water is immensely loaded with different minerals. These results greatly exceed the standards of fish water quality and also surface water quality.
Treatment of the uncontrolled landfill of Casablanca city by naturals materials
Authors: Ghazali Sara , Laamyem Abdelghani
Published: October 2021

This work treats the leachate from the uncontrolled landfill of Casablanca city using the infiltration-percolation technique. To do this, we carried out a comparative study of the filtrations on different matrices to choose the best filtering medium. We used silt, fly ash, bottom ash, agricultural soil and sea sands from the Casablanca coast.

The parameters studied are: Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pH and heavy metals. The results obtained from adsorption technique show that these matrices used can be an effective adsorbent for the reduction of physicochemical parameters and the elimination of heavy metals.

A revaluation of the filtering sludge made in the field of pottery. The results observed are satisfactory at all levels, whether in the reuse of this liquid waste, in the field of irrigation or the recycling of filter matrices.