bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of an analytical framework for multivariate mediation analysis of environmental data
Authors: Aung Max T. , Song Yanyi , Ferguson Kelly K. , Cantonwine David E. , Zeng Lixia , McElrath Thomas F. , Pennathur Subramaniam , Meeker John D. , Mukherjee Bhramar
Published: November 2020

Diverse toxicological mechanisms may mediate the impact of environmental toxicants (phthalates, phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and metals) on pregnancy outcomes. In this study, we introduce an analytical framework for multivariate mediation analysis to identify mediation pathways (q = 61 mediators) in the relationship between environmental toxicants (p = 38 analytes) and gestational age at delivery. Our analytical framework includes: (1) conducting pairwise mediation for unique exposure-mediator combinations, (2) exposure dimension reduction by estimating environmental risk scores, and (3) multivariate mediator analysis using either Bayesian shrinkage mediation analysis, population value decomposition, or mediation pathway penalization. Dimension reduction demonstrates that a one-unit increase in phthalate risk score is associated with a total effect of 1.07 lower gestational age (in weeks) at delivery (95% confidence interval: 0.48–1.67) and eicosanoids from the cytochrome p450 pathway mediated 26% of this effect (95% confidence interval: 4–63%). Eicosanoid products derived from the cytochrome p450 pathway may be important mediators of phthalate toxicity.
High precision epidermal radio frequency antenna via nanofiber network for wireless stretchable multifunction electronics
Authors: Zhang Yufei , Huo Zhihao , Wang Xiandi , Han Xun , Wu Wenqiang , Wan Bensong , Wang Hui , Zhai Junyi , Tao Juan , Pan Caofeng , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2020

Recently, stretchable electronics combined with wireless technology have been crucial for realizing efficient human-machine interaction. Here, we demonstrate highly stretchable transparent wireless electronics composed of Ag nanofibers coils and functional electronic components for power transfer and information communication. Inspired by natural systems, various patterned Ag nanofibers electrodes with a net structure are fabricated via using lithography and wet etching. The device design is optimized by analyzing the quality factor and radio frequency properties of the coil, considering the effects of strain. Particularly, the wireless transmission efficiency of a five-turn coil drops by approximately only 50% at 10 MHz with the strain of 100%. Moreover, various complex functional wireless electronics are developed using near-field communication and frequency modulation technology for applications in content recognition and long-distance transmission (>1 m), respectively. In summary, the proposed device has considerable potential for applications in artificial electronic skins, human healthcare monitoring and soft robotics.
Historical and projected future range sizes of the world’s mammals, birds, and amphibians
Authors: Beyer Robert M. , Manica Andrea
Published: November 2020

Species’ vulnerability to extinction is strongly impacted by their geographical range size. Formulating effective conservation strategies therefore requires a better understanding of how the ranges of the world’s species have changed in the past, and how they will change under alternative future scenarios. Here, we use reconstructions of global land use and biomes since 1700, and 16 possible climatic and socio-economic scenarios until the year 2100, to map the habitat ranges of 16,919 mammal, bird, and amphibian species through time. We estimate that species have lost an average of 18% of their natural habitat range sizes thus far, and may lose up to 23% by 2100. Our data reveal that range losses have been increasing disproportionately in relation to the area of destroyed habitat, driven by a long-term increase of land use in tropical biodiversity hotspots. The outcomes of different future climate and land use trajectories for global habitat ranges vary drastically, providing important quantitative evidence for conservation planners and policy makers of the costs and benefits of alternative pathways for the future of global biodiversity.
Nonreciprocal superconducting NbSe2 antenna
Authors: Zhang Enze , Xu Xian , Zou Yi-Chao , Ai Linfeng , Dong Xiang , Huang Ce , Leng Pengliang , Liu Shanshan , Zhang Yuda , Jia Zehao , Peng Xinyue , Zhao Minhao , Yang Yunkun , Li Zihan , Guo Hangwen , Haigh Sarah J. , Nagaosa Naoto , Shen Jian , Xiu Faxian
Published: November 2020

The rise of two-dimensional (2D) crystalline superconductors has opened a new frontier of investigating unconventional quantum phenomena in low dimensions. However, despite the enormous advances achieved towards understanding the underlying physics, practical device applications like sensors and detectors using 2D superconductors are still lacking. Here, we demonstrate nonreciprocal antenna devices based on atomically thin NbSe2. Reversible nonreciprocal charge transport is unveiled in 2D NbSe2 through multi-reversal antisymmetric second harmonic magnetoresistance isotherms. Based on this nonreciprocity, our NbSe2 antenna devices exhibit a reversible nonreciprocal sensitivity to externally alternating current (AC) electromagnetic waves, which is attributed to the vortex flow in asymmetric pinning potentials driven by the AC driving force. More importantly, a successful control of the nonreciprocal sensitivity of the antenna devices has been achieved by applying electromagnetic waves with different frequencies and amplitudes. The device’s response increases with increasing electromagnetic wave amplitude and exhibits prominent broadband sensing from 5 to 900 MHz.
Enhanced fish production during a period of extreme global warmth
Authors: Britten Gregory L. , Sibert Elizabeth C.
Published: November 2020

Marine ecosystem models predict a decline in fish production with anthropogenic ocean warming, but how fish production equilibrates to warming on longer timescales is unclear. We report a positive nonlinear correlation between ocean temperature and pelagic fish production during the extreme global warmth of the Early Paleogene Period (62-46 million years ago [Ma]). Using data-constrained modeling, we find that temperature-driven increases in trophic transfer efficiency (the fraction of production passed up trophic levels) and primary production can account for the observed increase in fish production, while changes in predator-prey interactions cannot. These data provide new insight into upper-trophic-level processes constrained from the geological record, suggesting that long-term warming may support more productive food webs in subtropical pelagic ecosystems.
Dermal IRF4+ dendritic cells and monocytes license CD4+ T helper cells to distinct cytokine profiles
Authors: Hilligan Kerry L. , Tang Shiau-Choot , Hyde Evelyn J. , Roussel Elsa , Mayer Johannes U. , Yang Jianping , Wakelin Kirsty A. , Schmidt Alfonso J. , Connor Lisa M. , Sher Alan , MacDonald Andrew S. , Ronchese Franca
Published: November 2020

Antigen (Ag)-presenting cells (APC) instruct CD4+ helper T (Th) cell responses, but it is unclear whether different APC subsets contribute uniquely in determining Th differentiation in pathogen-specific settings. Here, we use skin-relevant, fluorescently-labeled bacterial, helminth or fungal pathogens to track and characterize the APC populations that drive Th responses in vivo. All pathogens are taken up by a population of IRF4+ dermal migratory dendritic cells (migDC2) that similarly upregulate surface co-stimulatory molecules but express pathogen-specific cytokine and chemokine transcripts. Depletion of migDC2 reduces the amount of Ag in lymph node and the development of IFNγ, IL-4 and IL-17A responses without gain of other cytokine responses. Ag+ monocytes are an essential source of IL-12 for both innate and adaptive IFNγ production, and inhibit follicular Th cell development. Our results thus suggest that Th cell differentiation does not require specialized APC subsets, but is driven by inducible and pathogen-specific transcriptional programs in Ag+ migDC2 and monocytes.
The smfBox is an open-source platform for single-molecule FRET
Authors: Ambrose Benjamin , Baxter James M. , Cully John , Willmott Matthew , Steele Elliot M. , Bateman Benji C. , Martin-Fernandez Marisa L. , Cadby Ashley , Shewring Jonathan , Aaldering Marleen , Craggs Timothy D.
Published: November 2020

Single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) is a powerful technique capable of resolving both relative and absolute distances within and between structurally dynamic biomolecules. High instrument costs, and a lack of open-source hardware and acquisition software have limited smFRET’s broad application by non-specialists. Here, we present the smfBox, a cost-effective confocal smFRET platform, providing detailed build instructions, open-source acquisition software, and full validation, thereby democratising smFRET for the wider scientific community.
Client proximity enhancement inside cellular membrane-less compartments governed by client-compartment interactions
Authors: Song Daesun , Jo Yongsang , Choi Jeong-Mo , Jung Yongwon
Published: November 2020

Membrane-less organelles or compartments are considered to be dynamic reaction centers for spatiotemporal control of diverse cellular processes in eukaryotic cells. Although their formation mechanisms have been steadily elucidated via the classical concept of liquid–liquid phase separation, biomolecular behaviors such as protein interactions inside these liquid compartments have been largely unexplored. Here we report quantitative measurements of changes in protein interactions for the proteins recruited into membrane-less compartments (termed client proteins) in living cells. Under a wide range of phase separation conditions, protein interaction signals were vastly increased only inside compartments, indicating greatly enhanced proximity between recruited client proteins. By employing an in vitro phase separation model, we discovered that the operational proximity of clients (measured from client–client interactions) could be over 16 times higher than the expected proximity from actual client concentrations inside compartments. We propose that two aspects should be considered when explaining client proximity enhancement by phase separation compartmentalization: (1) clients are selectively recruited into compartments, leading to concentration enrichment, and more importantly, (2) recruited clients are further localized around compartment-forming scaffold protein networks, which results in even higher client proximity.
Scalable continuous evolution for the generation of diverse enzyme variants encompassing promiscuous activities
Authors: Rix Gordon , Watkins-Dulaney Ella J. , Almhjell Patrick J. , Boville Christina E. , Arnold Frances H. , Liu Chang C.
Published: November 2020

Enzyme orthologs sharing identical primary functions can have different promiscuous activities. While it is possible to mine this natural diversity to obtain useful biocatalysts, generating comparably rich ortholog diversity is difficult, as it is the product of deep evolutionary processes occurring in a multitude of separate species and populations. Here, we take a first step in recapitulating the depth and scale of natural ortholog evolution on laboratory timescales. Using a continuous directed evolution platform called OrthoRep, we rapidly evolve the Thermotoga maritima tryptophan synthase β-subunit (TmTrpB) through multi-mutation pathways in many independent replicates, selecting only on TmTrpB’s primary activity of synthesizing l-tryptophan from indole and l-serine. We find that the resulting sequence-diverse TmTrpB variants span a range of substrate profiles useful in industrial biocatalysis and suggest that the depth and scale of evolution that OrthoRep affords will be generally valuable in enzyme engineering and the evolution of biomolecular functions.
A non-classical route of efficient plant uptake verified with fluorescent nanoparticles and root adhesion forces investigated using AFM
Authors: Sharma Sandeep , Muddassir Mohd. , Muthusamy Saraladevi , Vaishnav Pardeep Kumar , Singh Manish , Sharma Deepak , Kanagarajan Selvaraju , Shanmugam Vijayakumar
Published: November 2020

Classical plant uptake is limited to hydrophilic or water-dispersible material. Therefore, in order to test the uptake behaviour of hydrophobic particles, here, we tested the fate of hydrophobic particles (oleylamine coated Cu2-xSe NPs (CS@OA)) in comparison to hydrophilic particles (chitosan-coated Cu2-xSe NPs (CS@CH)) by treatment on the plant roots. Surprisingly, hydrophobic CS@OA NPs have been found to be ~ 1.3 times more efficient than hydrophilic CS@CH NPs in tomato plant root penetration. An atomic force microscopy (AFM) adhesion force experiment confirms that hydrophobic NPs experience non-spontaneous yet energetically favorable root trapping and penetration. Further, a relative difference in the hydrophobic vs. hydrophilic NPs movement from roots to shoots has been observed and found related to the change in protein corona as identified by two dimensional-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) analysis. Finally, the toxicity assays at the give concentration showed that Cu2-xSe NPs lead to non-significant toxicity as compared to control. This technology may find an advantage in fertilizer application.
Tamoxifen induces hypercoagulation and alterations in ERα and ERβ dependent on breast cancer sub-phenotype ex vivo
Authors: Pather K. , Augustine T. N.
Published: November 2020

Tamoxifen shows efficacy in reducing breast cancer-related mortality but clinically, is associated with increased risk for thromboembolic events. We aimed to determine whether breast tumour sub-phenotype could predict propensity for thrombosis. We present two ex vivo Models of Tamoxifen-therapy, Model 1 in which treatment recapitulates accumulation within breast tissue, by treating MCF7 and T47D cells directly prior to exposure to blood constituents; and Model 2 in which we recreate circulating Tamoxifen by treating blood constituents prior to exposure to cancer cells. Blood constituents included whole blood, platelet-rich plasma and platelet-poor plasma. Hypercoagulation was assessed as a function of thrombin activity, expression of CD62P and CD63 activation markers defined as an index of platelet activation, and platelet morphology; while oestrogen receptor expression was assessed using immunocytochemistry with quantitative analysis. We determined, in concert with clinical studies and contrary to selected laboratory investigations, that Tamoxifen induces hypercoagulation, dependent on sub-phenotypes, with the T47D cell line capacity most enhanced. We determined a weak positive correlation between oestrogen receptor expression, and CD62P and CD63; indicating an association between tumour invasion profiles and hypercoagulation, however, other yet unknown factors may play a predictive role in defining hypercoagulation.
Results from an 18 country cross-sectional study examining experiences of nature for people with common mental health disorders
Authors: Tester-Jones Michelle , White Mathew P. , Elliott Lewis R. , Weinstein Netta , Grellier James , Economou Theo , Bratman Gregory N. , Cleary Anne , Gascon Mireia , Korpela Kalevi M. , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , O’Connor Aisling , Ojala Ann , van den Bosch Matilda , Fleming Lora E.
Published: November 2020

Exposure to natural environments is associated with a lower risk of common mental health disorders (CMDs), such as depression and anxiety, but we know little about nature-related motivations, practices and experiences of those already experiencing CMDs. We used data from an 18-country survey to explore these issues (n = 18,838), taking self-reported doctor-prescribed medication for depression and/or anxiety as an indicator of a CMD (n = 2698, 14%). Intrinsic motivation for visiting nature was high for all, though slightly lower for those with CMDs. Most individuals with a CMD reported visiting nature ≥ once a week. Although perceived social pressure to visit nature was associated with higher visit likelihood, it was also associated with lower intrinsic motivation, lower visit happiness and higher visit anxiety. Individuals with CMDs seem to be using nature for self-management, but ‘green prescription’ programmes need to be sensitive, and avoid undermining intrinsic motivation and nature-based experiences.
Lactobacillus casei extracellular vesicles stimulate EGFR pathway likely due to the presence of proteins P40 and P75 bound to their surface
Authors: Bäuerl Christine , Coll-Marqués José M. , Tarazona-González Carmen , Pérez-Martínez Gaspar
Published: November 2020

In the complex interplay of beneficial bacteria with the host, there are few examples of bacterial metabolites and effector molecules that have been consistently identified. Protective effects on the intestinal epithelium have been ascribed to P40 and P75, two well characterized cell wall muramidases, present in the culture supernatant of strains belonging to the taxon Lactobacillus casei/paracasei/rhamnosus. This work reports that Lactobacillus casei BL23 extracellular vesicles (BL23 EVs) have a small size (17–20 nm or 24–32 nm, depending on the method used) and contain lipoteichoic acid (LTA). Interestingly, all detected P40 and most of P75 were associated to EVs and possibly located at their external surface, as shown by proteinase K digestion. Biosensor assays showed that both proteins bind LTA and vesicles, suggesting that they could bind to ligands like LTA present on BL23 EVs. Native BL23 EVs have a moderate proinflammatory effect and they were able to induce phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), showing an effect similar to purified P40 and P75 and leading to the conclusion that the activity described in the supernatant (postbiotic) of these bacteria would be mainly due to P40 and P75 bound to EVs.
Effects of intense storm events on dolphin occurrence and foraging behavior
Authors: Fandel Amber D. , Garrod A. , Hoover A. L. , Wingfield J. E. , Lyubchich V. , Secor D. H. , Hodge K. B. , Rice A. N. , Bailey H.
Published: November 2020

As storms become increasingly intense and frequent due to climate change, we must better understand how they alter environmental conditions and impact species. However, storms are ephemeral and provide logistical challenges that prevent visual surveys commonly used to understand marine mammal ecology. Thus, relatively little is known about top predators’ responses to such environmental disturbances. In this study, we utilized passive acoustic monitoring to characterize the response of bottlenose dolphins to intense storms offshore Maryland, USA between 2015 and 2017. During and following four autumnal storms, dolphins were detected less frequently and for shorter periods of time. However, dolphins spent a significantly higher percentage of their encounters feeding after the storm than they did before or during. This change in foraging may have resulted from altered distributions and behavior of their prey species, which are prone to responding to environmental changes, such as varied sea surface temperatures caused by storms. It is increasingly vital to determine how these intense storms alter oceanography, prey movements, and the behavior of top predators.
Genetic diversity and population structure in Nothofagus pumilio, a foundation species of Patagonian forests: defining priority conservation areas and management
Authors: Mattera M. Gabriela , Pastorino Mario J. , Lantschner M. Victoria , Marchelli Paula , Soliani Carolina
Published: November 2020

Patagonian forests are the southernmost temperate forests in the world, andNothofagus pumiliois one of their most ecologically important tree species (i.e., a foundation species). It presents great adaptability and a wide distribution range, making it a suitable model for predicting the performance of trees facing global climate change.N. pumilioforests are increasingly threatened by extreme climatic events and anthropogenic activities. This study aims to identify priority conservation areas and Genetic Zones (GZs) forN. pumilio, promoting the implementation of specific practices to ensure its management and long-term preservation. Thirty-five populations (965 trees) sampled across its distribution (more than 2200 km latitudinally) were genotyped with SSRs, and geographical patterns of genetic variation were identified using Bayesian approaches. The phylogeographic patterns of the species and geomorphological history of the region were also considered. Six priority conservation areas were identified, which hold high allelic richness and/or exclusive allelic variants. Eighteen GZs were delineated based on the genetic structure of this species, and maps showing their distributional range were drawn up. Overall, this study defines management units based on genetic data forN. pumiliofor the first time, which will facilitate the establishment of sustainable practices and highlight priorities for investment of conservation funding.
Facile preparation and adsorption performance of low-cost MOF@cotton fibre composite for uranium removal
Authors: Yang Aili , Wang Zhijun , Zhu Yukuan
Published: November 2020

A novel composite MOF@cotton fibre (HCF) was prepared and characterized by FTIR, SEM, XPS and TGA. The effect of various parameters on the adsorption efficiency, such as the solution pH, contact time, initial U(VI) concentration and temperature, was studied. The maximal sorption capacity (Qm) is 241.28 mg g−1at pH 3.0 for U(VI) according to the Langmuir isotherm adsorption model, and the kinetic and thermodynamic data reveal a relatively fast entropy-driven process (ΔH0 = 13.47 kJ mol−1and ΔS0 = 75.47 J K−1 mol−1). The removal efficiency of U(VI) by HCF is comparable with that of pure cotton fibre and as-prepared MOF (noted as HST). However, the HST composite with cotton fibre significantly improved the treatment process of U(VI) from aqueous solutions in view of higher removal efficiency, lower cost and faster solid–liquid separation. Recycling experiments showed that HCF can be used up to five times with less than 10% efficiency loss.
Exercise reverses learning deficits induced by hippocampal injury by promoting neurogenesis
Authors: Codd Lavinia N. , Blackmore Daniel G. , Vukovic Jana , Bartlett Perry F.
Published: November 2020

Hippocampal atrophy and cognitive decline are common sequelae of many neurodegenerative disorders, including stroke. To determine whether cognitive decline can be ameliorated by exercise-induced neurogenesis, C57BL/6 mice in which a unilateral hippocampal injury had been induced by injecting the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 into their right hippocampus, were run voluntarily for 21 days on a running-wheel. We found the severe deficits in spatial learning, as detected by active place-avoidance task, following injury were almost completely restored in animals that ran whereas those that did not run showed no improvement. We show the increase in neurogenesis found in both the injured and contralateral hippocampi following running was responsible for the restoration of learning since bilateral ablation of newborn doublecortin (DCX)-positive neurons abrogated the cognitive improvement, whereas unilateral ablations of DCX-positive neurons did not prevent recovery, demonstrating that elevated neurogenesis in either the damaged or intact hippocampus is sufficient to reverse hippocampal injury-induced deficits.
Modeling cross-field demagnetization of superconducting stacks and bulks for up to 100 tapes and 2 million cycles
Authors: Dadhich Anang , Pardo Enric
Published: November 2020

Superconducting stacks and bulks can act as very strong magnets (more than 17 T), but they lose their magnetization in the presence of alternating (or ripple) transverse magnetic fields, due to the dynamic magneto-resistance. This demagnetization is a major concern for applications requiring high run times, such as motors and generators, where ripple fields are of high amplitude and frequency. We have developed a numerical model based on dynamic magneto-resistance that is much faster than the conventional Power-Law-resistivity model, enabling us to simulate high number of cycles with the same accuracy. We simulate demagnetization behavior of superconducting stacks made of 10–100 tapes for up to 2 million cycles of applied ripple field. We found that for high number of cycles, the trapped field reaches non-zero stationary values for both superconducting bulks and stacks; as long as the ripple field amplitudes are below the parallel penetration field, being determined by the penetration field for a single tape in stacks. Bulks keep substantial stationary values for much higher ripple field amplitudes than the stacks, being relevant for high number of cycles. However, for low number of cycles, stacks lose much less magnetization as compared to bulks.
Determination of mercury thermospecies in South African coals in the enhancement of mercury removal by pre-combustion technologies
Authors: Mathebula Mpho Wendy , Panichev Nikolai , Mandiwana Khakhathi
Published: November 2020

Samples of South African bituminous coals were analysed for total mercury (Hg) and Hg thermospecies concentrations using an RA-915 + Zeeman Mercury Analyser. Total mercury concentrations in samples of coals (n = 57) ranged between 10 ng g−1 and 493 ng g−1 with a mean value of 150 ± 53 ng g−1. Thermospecies of Hg were determined by monitoring Hg response as a function of sample temperature, increasing at 0.8 °C/s from ambient to 720 °C. This approach provides important information on thermal release of Hg species, as indicated by their appearance over specific temperature intervals. This permits identification of the presence of Hg thermospecies in coal and their quantification in each time (temperature) interval. It was found that 76% of tested bituminous coal samples release Hg species within low temperature intervals (20–180 °C and180–360 °C). The information generated in this study will aid in the selection of suitable coals for pre-combustion treatment that can lead to significant reduction of atmospheric Hg emission during coal combustion at power stations. This analytical approach can also be used for the creation of a system of coal classification based on the temperature of release of various Hg thermospecies.
Photocatalytic amidation and esterification with perfluoroalkyl iodide
Authors: Xiao Yelan , Chun Yuen-Kiu , Cheng Shun-Cheung , Ng Chi-On , Tse Man-Kit , Lei Ngai-Yu , Liu Ruoyang , Ko Chi-Chiu
Published: November 2020

Effect of excited-state properties and mechanistic study on visible-light induced photocatalytic amidation and esterification with perfluoroalkyl halides under mild conditions.
A mild and chemoselective CALB biocatalysed synthesis of sulfoxides exploiting the dual role of AcOEt as solvent and reagent
Authors: Anselmi Silvia , Liu Siyu , Kim Seong-Heun , Barry Sarah M. , Moody Thomas S. , Castagnolo Daniele
Published: November 2020

Sulfoxides have been synthesised from various sulfide substrates under mild conditions exploiting CALB biocatalyst in the presence of urea hydrogen peroxide and AcOEt which acts with the dual role of solvent and reagent.
Catalyst-free, visible-light-promoted S–H insertion reaction between thiols and α-diazoesters
Authors: Yang Jingya , Wang Ganggang , Chen Shuwen , Ma Ben , Zhou Hongyan , Song Menghui , Liu Cai , Huo Congde
Published: November 2020

A catalyst- and additive-free, visible-light-promoted S–H insertion reaction between thiols and α-diazoesters has been developed under mild conditions.
Post-synthetic transamination at position N4 of cytosine in oligonucleotides assembled with routinely used phosphoramidites
Authors: Lartia Rémy , Vallée Coelio , Defrancq Eric
Published: November 2020

A novel strategy for the efficient and cheap post-modification of oligonucleotides at internal position.
Self-assembly of rod-coil block copolymers on a substrate into micrometer-scale ordered stripe nanopatterns
Authors: Tang Zhengmin , Li Da , Lin Jiaping , Zhang Liangshun , Cai Chunhua , Yao Yuan , Yang Chunming , Tian Xiaohui
Published: November 2020

Micrometer-scale ordered stripe nanopatterns are readily constructed through an adsorption-assembly of rod-coil block copolymers on the substrate.
Structural, electronic and optical properties of pristine and functionalized MgO monolayers: a first principles study
Authors: Hoat D. M. , Van On Vo , Nguyen Duy Khanh , Naseri Mosayeb , Ponce-Pérez R. , Vu Tuan V. , Rivas-Silva J. F. , Hieu Nguyen N. , Cocoletzi Gregorio H.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we present a detailed investigation of the structural, electronic, and optical properties of pristine, nitrogenated, and fluorinated MgO monolayers using ab initio calculations.
Improved conversion of bamboo shoot shells to furfuryl alcohol and furfurylamine by a sequential catalysis with sulfonated graphite and biocatalysts
Authors: Feng Xiao-Qing , Li Yuan-Yuan , Ma Cui-Luan , Xia Yan , He Yu-Cai
Published: November 2020

Furfurylamine and furfuryl alcohol are known as important furfural-upgrading derivatives in the production of pharmaceuticals, fibers, additives, polymers, etc.
Divergent reactivity of divinylsilanes toward sulfonamides in different oxidative systems
Authors: Moskalik Mikhail Yu. , Astakhova Vera V. , Shainyan Bagrat A.
Published: November 2020

The products of NBS-induced halosulfonamidation of divinylsilanes undergo base-induced cyclization providing new heterocycles including the hitherto unknown 1,3,5-diazasilinanes in up to quantitative yield.
Acyclic nitronate olefin cycloaddition (ANOC): regio- and stereospecific synthesis of isoxazolines
Authors: Ma Liang , Kou Luyao , Jin Feng , Cheng Xionglve , Tao Suyan , Jiang Gangzhong , Bao Xiaoguang , Wan Xiaobing
Published: November 2020

A novel acyclic nitronate olefin cycloaddition (ANOC) reaction was successfully established, which enabled facile construction of various isoxazolines.
Anisotropic alloying of Re1−xMoxS2 nanosheets to boost the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Kwak In Hye , Debela Tekalign Terfa , Kwon Ik Seon , Seo Jaemin , Yoo Seung Jo , Kim Jin-Gyu , Ahn Jae-Pyoung , Park Jeunghee , Kang Hong Seok
Published: November 2020

Anisotropic atomic distribution of Re1−xMoxS2 alloy nanosheets enhanced their electrocatalytic performance toward the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Blockversusrandom: effective molecular configuration of copolymer gelators to obtain high-performance gel electrolytes for functional electrochemical devices
Authors: Choi Won Young , Kim Yong Min , Ahn Hyungju , Moon Hong Chul
Published: November 2020

In this work, we investigate the correlation between the molecular configuration of copolymer gelators and the resulting gel performance.
Robust risk‐averse unit commitment with solar PV systems
Authors: Raygani Saeid Veysi , Forbes Michael , Martin Daniel
Published: November 2020

A challenge for energy market operators (EMOs) is to render a cost‐effective generation schedule, known as unit commitment (UC), for the power system with intermittent renewable power generations. Consolidating the risk management concept and robustness into the UC not only helps EMO to maintain the secure operation of power systems but also informs the EMO about the tail‐risk cost. Based on this motivation, the authors have proposed a model for UC with worst‐case conditional value‐at‐risk (UC‐WCVaR) with intermittent solar generations and loads. Unlike intractable risk‐averse stochastic UC models, this model minimises the worst‐case CVaR of the dispatch cost over an ambiguity set of the probability distributions. This robust tractable model relies on the historical data that can partially characterise the underlying probability distributions of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and loads. They solved this model by its equivalent tractable robust counterpart using linear decision rules. The tests conducted on the IEEE 118‐bus test system demonstrate that: (i) UC‐WCVaR solution matches the results derived from normally distributed solar samples; (ii) the UC‐WCVaR is less conservative than the classic robust unit commitment. Also, the computation time is directly proportional to the number of uncertain resources and inversely proportional to the number of stages.
Measuring and characterizing the line profile of HARPS with a laser frequency comb
Authors: Zhao F. , Lo Curto G. , Pasquini L. , González Hernández J. I. , De Medeiros J. R. , Canto Martins B. L. , Leão I. C. , Rebolo R. , Suárez Mascareño A. , Esposito M. , Manescau A. , Steinmetz T. , Udem T. , Probst R. , Holzwarth R. , Zhao G.
Published: November 2020

Aims. We study the 2D spectral line profile of the High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS), measuring its variation with position across the detector and with changing line intensity. The characterization of the line profile and its variations are important for achieving the precision of the wavelength scales of 10−10 or 3.0 cm s−1 necessary to detect Earth-twins in the habitable zone around solar-like stars.

Methods. We used a laser frequency comb (LFC) with unresolved and unblended lines to probe the instrument line profile. We injected the LFC light – attenuated by various neutral density filters – into both the object and the reference fibres of HARPS, and we studied the variations of the line profiles with the line intensities. We applied moment analysis to measure the line positions, widths, and skewness as well as to characterize the line profile distortions induced by the spectrograph and detectors. Based on this, we established a model to correct for point spread function distortions by tracking the beam profiles in both fibres.

Results. We demonstrate that the line profile varies with the position on the detector and as a function of line intensities. This is consistent with a charge transfer inefficiency effect on the HARPS detector. The estimate of the line position depends critically on the line profile, and therefore a change in the line amplitude effectively changes the measured position of the lines, affecting the stability of the wavelength scale of the instrument. We deduce and apply the correcting functions to re-calibrate and mitigate this effect, reducing it to a level consistent with photon noise.
Testing cosmic anisotropy with Pantheon sample and quasars at high redshifts
Authors: Hu J. P. , Wang Y. Y. , Wang F. Y.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we investigate the cosmic anisotropy from the SN-Q sample, consisting of the Pantheon sample and quasars, by employing the hemisphere comparison (HC) method and the dipole fitting (DF) method. Compared to the Pantheon sample, the new sample has a larger redshift range, a more homogeneous distribution, and a larger sample size. For the HC method, we find that the maximum anisotropy level is ALmax = 0.142 ± 0.026 in the direction (l, b) = (316.08°−129.48+27.41, 4.53°−64.06+26.29). The magnitude of anisotropy is A = (−8.46−5.51+4.34) × 10−4 and the corresponding preferred direction points toward (l, b) = (29.31°−30.54+30.59, 71.40°−9.72+9.79) for the quasar sample from the DF method. The combined SN and quasar sample is consistent with the isotropy hypothesis. The distribution of the dataset might impact the preferred direction from the dipole results. The result is weakly dependent on the redshift from the redshift tomography analysis. There is no evidence of cosmic anisotropy in the SN-Q sample. Though some results obtained from the quasar sample are not consistent with the standard cosmological model, we still do not find any distinct evidence of cosmic anisotropy in the SN-Q sample.
Yebes 40 m radio telescope and the broad band Nanocosmos receivers at 7 mm and 3 mm for line surveys
Authors: Tercero F. , López-Pérez J. A. , Gallego J. D. , Beltrán F. , García O. , Patino-Esteban M. , López-Fernández I. , Gómez-Molina G. , Diez M. , García-Carreño P. , Malo I. , Amils R. , Serna J. M. , Albo C. , Hernández J. M. , Vaquero B. , González-García J. , Barbas L. , López-Fernández J. A. , Bujarrabal V. , Gómez-Garrido M. , Pardo J. R. , Santander-García M. , Tercero B. , Cernicharo J. , de Vicente P.
Published: November 2020

Context. Yebes 40 m radio telescope is the main and largest observing instrument at Yebes Observatory and is devoted to very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) and single-dish observations since 2010. It has been covering frequency bands between 2 GHz and 90 GHz in discontinuous and narrow windows in most cases in order to match the current needs of the European VLBI Network (EVN) and the Global Millimeter VLBI Array (GMVA).

Aims. The Nanocosmos project, a European Union-funded synergy grant, has enabled an increase in the instantaneous frequency coverage of the Yebes 40 m radio telescope, making it possible to observe many molecular transitions with single tunings in single-dish mode. This reduces the observing time and maximises the output from the telescope.

Methods. We present technical specifications of the recently installed 31.5−50 GHz (Q band) and 72−90.5 GHz (W band) receivers along with the main characteristics of the telescope at these frequency ranges. We observed IRC+10216, CRL 2688, and CRL 618, which harbour a rich molecular chemistry, to demonstrate the capabilities of the new instrumentation for spectral observations in single-dish mode.

Results. Our results show the high sensitivity of the telescope in the Q band. The spectrum of IRC+10126 offers an unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio for this source in this band. On the other hand, the spectrum normalised by the continuum flux towards CRL 618 in the W band demonstrates that the 40 m radio telescope produces comparable results to those from the IRAM 30 m radio telescope, although with a lower sensitivity. The new receivers fulfil one of the main goals of Nanocosmos and open up the possibility to study the spectrum of different astrophysical media with unprecedented sensitivity.
HADES RV programme with HARPS-N at TNG
Authors: Maldonado J. , Micela G. , Baratella M. , D’Orazi V. , Affer L. , Biazzo K. , Lanza A. F. , Maggio A. , González Hernández J. I. , Perger M. , Pinamonti M. , Scandariato G. , Sozzetti A. , Locci D. , Di Maio C. , Bignamini A. , Claudi R. , Molinari E. , Rebolo R. , Ribas I. , Toledo-Padrón B. , Covino E. , Desidera S. , Herrero E. , Morales J. C. , Suárez-Mascareño A. , Pagano I. , Petralia A. , Piotto G. , Poretti E.
Published: November 2020

Context. Most of our current knowledge on planet formation is still based on the analysis of main sequence, solar-type stars. Conversely, detailed chemical studies of large samples of M dwarfs hosting planets are still missing.

Aims. Correlations exist between the presence of different types of planets around FGK stars and metallicity, individual chemical abundance, and stellar mass. We aim to test whether or not these correlations still hold for the less-massive M dwarf stars. Methods to determine stellar abundances of M dwarfs from high-resolution optical spectra in a consistent way are still missing. The present work is a first attempt to fill this gap.

Methods. We analyse a large sample of M dwarfs with and without known planetary companions in a coherent and homogeneous way. We develop for the first time a methodology to determine stellar abundances of elements other than iron for M dwarf stars from high-resolution optical spectra. Our methodology is based on the use of a principal component analysis and sparse Bayesian methods. We made use of a set of M dwarfs orbiting around an FGK primary with known abundances to train our methods. We applied our methods to derive stellar metalliticies and abundances of a large sample of M dwarfs observed within the framework of current radial-velocity surveys. We then used a sample of nearby FGK stars to cross-validate our technique by comparing the derived abundance trends in the M dwarf sample with those found on the FGK stars.

Results. The metallicity distribution of the different subsamples reveals a correlation between the metallicities of M dwarfs and their probability of hosting giant planets. We also find a correlation between this latter probability and stellar mass. M dwarfs hosting low-mass planets do not seem to follow the so-called planet–metallicity correlation. We also find that the frequency of low-mass planets does not depend on the mass of the stellar host. These results appear to be in agreement with those of previous works. However, we note that for giant-planet hosts our metallicities predict a weaker planet–host metallicity correlation but a stronger mass-dependency than corresponding values derived from photometric results. We show for the first time that there seems to be no differences between M dwarfs with and without known planets in terms of their abundance distributions of elements different from iron.

Conclusions. Our data show that low-mass stars with planets follow the same metallicity, mass, and abundance trends as their FGK counterparts, which are usually explained within the framework of core-accretion models.
Transdisciplinary methods of the future physical culture teacher’s soft skills competencies formation
Authors: Zhabakov Vladislav , Zhabakova Tatiana , Kravtsova Larisa
Published: November 2020

The article substantiates the urgency of transdisciplinary methods of soft skills competencies formation. As a result of theoretical summarizing of psychological-pedagogical literature, concerning the problem of the research, we revealed attributive features of “soft skills competencies” notion: universality, situatedness, cooperativity, longitudness, directivity. As transdisciplinary methods of the future physical culture teacher’s soft skills competencies formation the authors of the article use the methods of transdisciplinary consulting, transdisciplinary tutorship, methods of transdisciplinary supervision, “shadowing”, “in-basket”; “secondment”; “buddying” methods modification. The forming experiment was held in natural conditions and was directed toward studying the effectiveness of competencies soft skills formation transdisciplinary methods. During the experimental work the authors formed CG (control group), EG-1(methods of transdisciplinary consulting, transdisciplinary tutorship); EG-2 (methods of transdisciplinary supervision); EG-3 (“shadowing”, “in-basket”; “secondment”; “buddying” methods). For statistical results handling the authors used “SPSS v 17.0” software program, Fischer test φ*. It was underlined that transdisciplinary methods of competencies soft skills introduction conditioned statistically significant changes in modified competencies concentration, priority, tension and support in the future physical culture teachers’ notions in the experimental groups.
The need to change the organization of athletes psychological training for competitions
Authors: Nikolaev Alexey , Shlat Natalia , Kolbasova Irina , Timofeeva Julia
Published: November 2020

The article considers the arguments about the need to rethink the concept of athletes’ psychological training for the competition. The idea of the article is the shift to the teaching the means of individual psychological training of athletes for the competition. The accuracy of this concept is grounded on the empirical data. The article presents the data of the comparative analysis of employing by athletes the means of psychological training for the competition and opinion of coaches about it. The authors explain the reasons why coaches do not prepare football players psychologically in the process of physical, technical, and tactical training. 5 reasons to explain it are considered in the article. In the process of coaches’ training they are taught to regulate the psychological condition and behavior of athletes, but they are not taught how to train the athletes to do that themselves. The necessity of training football players in the means of self-regulation of their psychological condition for the matches has been proved.
Efficiency application of running exercises with skandinavian sticks in the complex strength training of young biathletes
Authors: Sagiev Talgat , Gibadullin Ildus
Published: November 2020

The authors of the article based on the systematization of data from scientific and methodological literature and analysis of training young biathletes practice developed a block-modular technology of complex strength training in the snow-free period, and also modified scandinavsky walking as a type of active activity to running exercises with Scandinavian sticks in order to develop strength endurance of the shoulder girdle muscles. Based on the conducted pedagogical experiment, the authors came to the conclusion that it is advisable to reduce cross-country training by 30-40% in the snow-free period due to the use of running exercises with Scandinavian sticks. The combination of block-modular complex strength training with Scandinavian sticks exercises allows us to most effectively increase the indicators of the shoulder girdle muscles power endurance and functional readiness of biathletes aged 13-16 years.
Teaching football-players the techniques of dribbling and stroke using digital technologies in terms of interactive training complex
Authors: Afonshin Vladimir , Drandrov Gerold , Burtsev Vladimir , Polevchikov Mikhail
Published: November 2020

Russian football players are inferior to football players from the leading European clubs in the level of dribbling and stroke mastering techniques. This drawback overcoming demands scientific search for the ways of teaching process development, taking into consideration modern achievements in the sphere of digital technologies. The aim of the research work is to create the methodology of teaching young football players the technique of dribbling and stroke using digital technologies. They are realized on the basis of an interactive training complex (ITC). The work presents the description of created by us ITC. It provides the following: an active polymedia information environment creation, which defines the direction and speed of an athlete’s movements with the ball and without a ball at a training ground; an athlete’s functional state characteristics and the training activity parameters registration. We created the methodology of ITC use. It includes the amount of new training exercises and the ways of the training activity organization. We present the results of testing the methodology. They prove its practical effectiveness. It is conditioned by the opportunities in the methodology: realization of methodical techniques of repeated, adjacent, closed up, contrast and variative tasks; control over the process and results of the training tasks fulfillment; regulating the difficulty of the tasks; training tasks fulfillment organization in terms of competitive method.
Adaptive physical education and health protection analysis methodology
Authors: Popova Elena , Popova Anastasia , Bazelyuk Vladimir , Demin Aleksandr
Published: November 2020

From the standpoint of methodological analysis, an algorithmic representation of educational management effectiveness in the field of adaptive physical education and health protection is presented in the article. Special attention is paid to the innovative aspect of educational activity in the University of physical culture. It determines students’ psychophysiological attitude to personal life safety in self-knowledge coordinates.
Gender characteristics of self-concept among students-athletes
Authors: Popova Yulia , Petkov Valery , Balyk Anna , Bulakh Ksenia , Glushchenko Irina
Published: November 2020

Self-concept is the base for personal activity demonstration, stimulation, goal-setting and achievements. Athletes’ Self-concept study helps to estimate significant factors and characteristics. They are important from the point of view of sports activity effectiveness. The article presents the results of Self-concept study among students-athletes. The results reflect partial content similarity of girls’ and boys’ Self-concept. It is in identification through professional roles and Self-concept differences. They are demonstrated in more vivid desire of girls to realize self-actualization. Self-concept gender characteristics study among students-athletes helps to explain the necessity to create gender-specific conditions of athletes’ sportsmanship development.