bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the ocular microbiome between chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome patients and healthy subjects
Authors: Kittipibul Thanachaporn , Puangsricharern Vilavun , Chatsuwan Tanittha
Published: March 2020

Stevens - Johnson syndrome (SJS) has manifestation through the exfoliation of epidermis and mucosal tissue. Ocular surface is usually affected in acute and chronic stage. The patients are usually suffered from chronic ocular sequelae including symblepharon, limbal stem cell deficiency, etc. Furthermore, ocular microbiome may also be altered in SJS. This is prospective, age and sex matched analytical study which including 20 chronic SJS patients and 20 healthy subjects for specimen collection from inferior conjunctiva for microbiome analysis by conventional cultures and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods. Significant higher proportion of positive-cultured specimen was demonstrated in SJS group (SJS group 60%, healthy 10%, p-value = 0.001). In addition, NGS which providing high-throughput sequencing has demonstrated the greater diversity of microbial species. The higher proportion of pathogenic microorganisms including Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Acinetobacter spp. was shown in SJS group. Ocular surface in SJS is usually occupied by more diverse microorganisms with increased proportion of pathogenic species. This condition may affect chronic inflammation and opportunistic infections in SJS group. In order to prevent and treat infection in these patients, appropriate antibiotics based on bacterial examination should be considered as the first-line treatment in the SJS patients.
Cardioprotective medication adherence in Western Australians in the first year after myocardial infarction: restricted cubic spline analysis of adherence-outcome relationships
Authors: Greenland Melanie , Knuiman Matthew W. , Hung Joseph , Nedkoff Lee , Arnet Isabelle , Rankin Jamie M. , Kilkenny Monique F. , Sanfilippo Frank M.
Published: March 2020

Adherence to cardioprotective medications following myocardial infarction (MI) is commonly assessed using a binary threshold of 80%. We investigated the relationship between medication adherence as a continuous measure and outcomes in MI survivors using restricted cubic splines (RCS). We identified all patients aged ≥65 years hospitalised for MI from 2003–2008 who survived one-year post-discharge (n = 5938). Adherence to statins, beta-blockers, renin angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) and clopidogrel was calculated using proportion of days covered to one-year post-discharge (landmark date). Outcomes were 1-year all-cause death and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after the landmark date. Adherence-outcome associations were estimated from RCS Cox regression models. RCS analyses indicated decreasing risk for both outcomes above 60% adherence for statins, RASI and clopidogrel, with each 10% increase in adherence associated with a 13.9%, 12.1% and 18.0% decrease respectively in adjusted risk of all-cause death (all p < 0.02). Similar results were observed for MACE (all p < 0.03). Beta-blockers had no effect on outcomes at any level of adherence. In MI survivors, increasing adherence to statins, RASI, and clopidogrel, but not beta blockers, is associated with a decreasing risk of death/MACE with no adherence threshold beyond 60%. Medication adherence should be considered as a continuous measure in outcomes analyses.
An empirical comparison of neural networks and machine learning algorithms for EEG gait decoding
Authors: Nakagome Sho , Luu Trieu Phat , He Yongtian , Ravindran Akshay Sujatha , Contreras-Vidal Jose L.
Published: March 2020

Previous studies of Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI) based on scalp electroencephalography (EEG) have demonstrated the feasibility of decoding kinematics for lower limb movements during walking. In this computational study, we investigated offline decoding analysis with different models and conditions to assess how they influence the performance and stability of the decoder. Specifically, we conducted three computational decoding experiments that investigated decoding accuracy: (1) based on delta band time-domain features, (2) when downsampling data, (3) of different frequency band features. In each experiment, eight different decoder algorithms were compared including the current state-of-the-art. Different tap sizes (sample window sizes) were also evaluated for a real-time applicability assessment. A feature of importance analysis was conducted to ascertain which features were most relevant for decoding; moreover, the stability to perturbations was assessed to quantify the robustness of the methods. Results indicated that generally the Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Quasi Recurrent Neural Network (QRNN) outperformed other methods in terms of decoding accuracy and stability. Previous state-of-the-art Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) still outperformed other decoders when using smaller tap sizes, with fast convergence in performance, but occurred at a cost to noise vulnerability. Downsampling and the inclusion of other frequency band features yielded overall improvement in performance. The results suggest that neural network-based decoders with downsampling or a wide range of frequency band features could not only improve decoder performance but also robustness with applications for stable use of BCIs.
Sex is determined by XX/XY sex chromosomes in Australasian side-necked turtles (Testudines: Chelidae)
Authors: Mazzoleni Sofia , Augstenová Barbora , Clemente Lorenzo , Auer Markus , Fritz Uwe , Praschag Peter , Protiva Tomáš , Velenský Petr , Kratochvíl Lukáš , Rovatsos Michail
Published: March 2020

Turtles demonstrate variability in sex determination and, hence, constitute an excellent model for the evolution of sex chromosomes. Notably, the sex determination of the freshwater turtles from the family Chelidae, a species-rich group with wide geographical distribution in the southern hemisphere, is still poorly explored. Here we documented the presence of an XX/XY sex determination system in seven species of the Australasian chelid genera Chelodina, Emydura, and Elseya by conventional (karyogram reconstruction, C-banding) and molecular cytogenetic methods (comparative genome hybridization, in situ hybridization with probes specific for GATA microsatellite motif, the rDNA loci, and the telomeric repeats). The sex chromosomes are microchromosomes in all examined species of the genus Chelodina. In contrast, the sex chromosomes are the 4th largest pair of macrochromosomes in the genera Emydura and Elseya. Their X chromosomes are submetacentric, while their Y chromosomes are metacentric. The chelid Y chromosomes contain a substantial male-specific genomic region with an accumulation of the GATA microsatellite motif, and occasionally, of the rDNA loci and telomeric repeats. Despite morphological differences between sex chromosomes, we conclude that male heterogamety was likely already present in the common ancestor of Chelodina, Emydura and Elseya in the Mesozoic period.
Combining short and long read sequencing to characterize antimicrobial resistance genes on plasmids applied to an unauthorized genetically modified Bacillus
Authors: Berbers Bas , Saltykova Assia , Garcia-Graells Cristina , Philipp Patrick , Arella Fabrice , Marchal Kathleen , Winand Raf , Vanneste Kevin , Roosens Nancy H. C. , De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J.
Published: March 2020

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat. Plasmids are able to transfer AMR genes among bacterial isolates. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a powerful tool to monitor AMR determinants. However, plasmids are difficult to reconstruct from WGS data. This study aimed to improve the characterization, including the localization of AMR genes using short and long read WGS strategies. We used a genetically modified (GM) Bacillus subtilis isolated as unexpected contamination in a feed additive, and therefore considered unauthorized (RASFF 2014.1249), as a case study. In GM organisms, AMR genes are used as selection markers. Because of the concern of spread of these AMR genes when present on mobile genetic elements, it is crucial to characterize their location. Our approach resulted in an assembly of one chromosome and one plasmid, each with several AMR determinants of which five are against critically important antibiotics. Interestingly, we found several plasmids, containing AMR genes, integrated in the chromosome in a repetitive region of at least 53 kb. Our findings would have been impossible using short reads only. We illustrated the added value of long read sequencing in addressing the challenges of plasmid reconstruction within the context of evaluating the risk of AMR spread.
Constraining size-dependence of vegetation respiration rates
Authors: Ito Akihiko
Published: March 2020

Plant autotrophic respiration is responsible for the atmospheric release of about half of all photosynthetically fixed carbon and responds to climate change in a manner different from photosynthesis. The plant mass-specific respiration rate (rA), a key parameter of the carbon cycle, has not been sufficiently constrained by observations at ecosystem or broader scales. In this study, a meta-analysis revealed a global relationship with vegetation biomass that explains 67–77% of the variance of rA across plant ages and biomes. rA decreased with increasing vegetation biomass such that annual rA was two orders of magnitude larger in fens and deserts than in mature forests. This relationship can be closely approximated by a power-law equation with a universal exponent and yields an estimated global autotrophic respiration rate of 64 ± 12 Pg C yr−1. This finding, which is phenomenologically and theoretically consistent with metabolic scaling and plant demography, provides a way to constrain the carbon-cycle components of Earth system models.
Identifying the dominant mode of moisture transport during drying of unsaturated soils
Authors: Rao Sudhakar M. , Rekapalli Monica
Published: March 2020

Diffusion of capillary water and water vapor during moisture loss in an unsaturated soil is impeded by the chemical and geometrical interactions between water molecules/vapor and the soil structure. A reduction in moisture content contracts the diffuse and adsorbed water layers in the partly saturated soil and disturbs the connected capillary network for flow of liquid water. With further drying, the dry soil layer expands and moisture is predominantly lost as vapor through continuous air-flow channels. The water-filled capillary network and air-filled channels are moisture conduits during different stages of soil drying. It is important to identify zones of dominant moisture transport and to select appropriate tortuosity equations for correct prediction of moisture flux. Laboratory experiments were performed to determine moisture flux from compacted soil specimens at environmental relative humidity of 33, 76 and 97% respectively. Analysis of the resultant τ - θ (tortuosity - volumetric water content) relations, illustrated the existence of a critical water content (θcr), that delineates the dominant zones of capillary liquid flow and vapor diffusion. At critical water content, the pore-size occupied by the capillary water is governed by the generated soil suction. Generalized equations are proposed to predict tortuosity factor in zones of dominant capillary liquid flow and vapor transport over a wide range of relative humidity (33 to 97%).
Impairments in face discrimination and emotion recognition are related to aging and cognitive dysfunctions in Parkinson’s disease with dementia
Authors: Ho Mary Wen-Reng , Chien Sarina Hui-Lin , Lu Ming-Kuei , Chen Jui-Cheng , Aoh Yu , Chen Chun-Ming , Lane Hsien-Yuan , Tsai Chon-Haw
Published: March 2020

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) suffer from motor and non-motor symptoms; 40% would develop dementia (PD-D). Impaired face and emotion processing in PD has been reported; however, the deficits of face processing in PD-D remain unclear. We investigated three essential aspects of face processing capacity in PD-D, and the associations between cognitive, neuropsychiatric assessments and task performances. Twenty-four PD-D patients (mean age: 74.0 ± 5.55) and eighteen age-matched healthy controls (HC) (mean age: 71.0 ± 6.20) received three computerized tasks, morphing-face discrimination, dynamic facial emotion recognition, and expression imitation. Compared to HC, PD-D patients had lower sensitivity (d’) and greater neural internal noises in discriminating faces; responded slower and had difficulties with negative emotions; imitated some expressions but with lower strength. Correlation analyses revealed that patients with advancing age, slow mentation, and poor cognition (but not motor symptoms) showed stronger deterioration in face perception. Importantly, these correlations were absent in the age-matched HC. The present study is among the first few examined face processing in patients with PD-D, and found consistent deficits correlated with advancing age and slow mentation. We propose that face discrimination task could be included as a potential test for the early detection of dementia in PD.
Isolation, characterisation, and genome sequencing of Rhodococcus equi: a novel strain producing chitin deacetylase
Authors: Ma Qinyuan , Gao Xiuzhen , Bi Xinyu , Tu Linna , Xia Menglei , Shen Yanbing , Wang Min
Published: March 2020

Chitin deacetylase (CDA) can hydrolyse the acetamido group of chitin polymers to produce chitosans, which are used in various fields including the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, food production, agriculture, and water treatment. CDA represents a more environmentally-friendly and easier to control alternative to the chemical methods currently utilised to produce chitosans from chitin; however, the majority of identified CDAs display activity toward low-molecular-weight oligomers and are essentially inactive toward polymeric chitin or chitosans. Therefore, it is important to identify novel CDAs with activity toward polymeric chitin and chitosans. In this study, we isolated the bacterium Rhodococcus equi F6 from a soil sample and showed that it expresses a novel CDA (ReCDA), whose activity toward 4-nitroacetanilide reached 19.20 U/mL/h during fermentation and was able to deacetylate polymeric chitin, colloidal chitin, glycol-chitin, and chitosan. Whole genome sequencing revealed that ReCDA is unique to the R. equi F6 genome, while phylogenetic analysis indicated that ReCDA is evolutionarily distant from other CDAs. In conclusion, ReCDA isolated from the R. equi F6 strain expands the known repertoire of CDAs and could be used to deacetylate polymeric chitosans and chitin in industrial applications.
Assessment of the applicability of wood anatomy and DNA barcoding to detect the timber adulterations in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kannangara Sachithrani , Karunarathne Sachinthani , Ranaweera Lahiru , Ananda Kalpani , Ranathunga Disnie , Jayarathne Hashan , Weebadde Cholani , Sooriyapathirana Suneth
Published: March 2020

The wood adulteration is a common problem and under-studied aspect in the timber industry of Sri Lanka. Hence we conducted a survey to assess the status of timber adulteration and check the applicability of morphometric parameters and DNA barcoding to detect the adulterated timber sources. We interviewed the stakeholders of the timber industry to collect information regarding timber adulterations. We measured the morphometric parameters; wood density and sizes of the xylem elements of the standard and adulterant species. For DNA barcoding, DNA was extracted from the wood of the selected standard and adulterant species and subjected to PCR using the markers, matK-trnT and atpB-rbcL. The PCR products were subjected to DNA sequencing. According to the survey, 92.5% of patrons, 73.7% of manufacturers and 96.7% of carpenters said timber adulteration is taking place in the country. The respondents said that the standard timber species; Tectona grandis, Artocarpus heterophyllus, and Swietenia macrophylla, profoundly undergo adulteration in Sri Lanka. The morphometric parameters did not discriminate the adulterant species from the standard species. The DNA barcodes matK-trnT and atpB-rbcL provided unique polymorphic DNA sequences with specific lengths for each species permitting the precise establishment of species identity and enabling the accurate detection of timber adulterations.
Hydrodynamic accumulation of small molecules and ions into cell-sized liposomes against a concentration gradient
Authors: Sugiyama Hironori , Osaki Toshihisa , Takeuchi Shoji , Toyota Taro
Published: March 2020

In investigations of the emergence of protocells at the origin of life, repeatable and continuous supply of molecules and ions into the closed lipid bilayer membrane (liposome) is one of the fundamental challenges. Demonstrating an abiotic process to accumulate substances into preformed liposomes against the concentration gradient can provide a clue. Here we show that, without proteins, cell-sized liposomes under hydrodynamic environment repeatedly permeate small molecules and ions, including an analogue of adenosine triphosphate, even against the concentration gradient. The mechanism underlying this accumulation of the molecules and ions is shown to involve their unique partitioning at the liposomal membrane under forced external flow in a constrained space. This abiotic mechanism to accumulate substances inside of the liposomal compartment without light could provide an energetically up-hill process for protocells as a critical step toward the contemporary cells.
Hydrophilic titanium surfaces reduce neutrophil inflammatory response and NETosis
Authors: Abaricia Jefferson O. , Shah Arth H. , Musselman Ryan M. , Olivares-Navarrete Rene
Published: March 2020

Neutrophils are sensitive to biomaterial surface properties, controlling activation and inflammatory microenvironment, revealing a novel target for enhancing biomaterial integration.
Suppressing triplet decay in quinoidal singlet fission materials: the role of molecular planarity and rigidity
Authors: Duan Ruihong , Han Guangchao , Zeng Yan , Peng Qian , Yi Yuanping
Published: March 2020

The nonradiative decay of the lowest triplet state for quinoidal singlet fission materials can be effectively suppressed by increasing molecular planarity and rigidity.
A core–shell Y zeolite with a mono-crystalline core and a loosely aggregated polycrystalline shell: a hierarchical cracking catalyst for large reactants
Authors: Liu Yanchao , Qin Bo , Gao Hexin , Ning Weiwei , Zhang Lichen , Zheng Jiajun , Du Yanze , Wang Yan , Li Wenlin , Li Ruifeng
Published: March 2020

Increased external surface areas promote the pre-cracking of reactants, and the core–shell structure guarantees that reactants undergo a hierarchical cracking process.
The effect of organic cations on the electronic, optical and luminescence properties of 1D piperidinium, pyridinium, and 3-hydroxypyridinium lead trihalides
Authors: Selivanov N. I. , Rozhkova Yu. A. , Kevorkyants R. , Emeline A. V. , Bahnemann D. W.
Published: March 2020

We present a structural and optoelectronic study of 1D piperidinium, pyridinium, and 3-hydroxypyridinium lead trihalides.
l-Glutamate drives porcine intestinal epithelial renewal by increasing stem cell activity via upregulation of the EGFR-ERK-mTORC1 pathway
Authors: Zhu Min , Qin Ying-chao , Gao Chun-qi , Yan Hui-chao , Wang Xiu-qi
Published: March 2020

Glu drives intestinal epithelial renewal by increasing porcine ISC activity via activation of the EGFR-ERK-mTORC1 pathway.
Biogenic silver and silver oxide hybrid nanoparticles: a potential antimicrobial against multi drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: D’Lima Lynn , Phadke Manju , Ashok Vishal Dev
Published: March 2020

Ag/Ag2O NPs synthesized using K. abolonga exhibited antimicrobial activity along with carbenicillin against MDR P. aeruginosa.
Analysis of the structures, stabilities and electronic properties of MB16−(M = V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) clusters and assemblies
Authors: Li Cheng-Gang , Shen Zi-Gang , Zhang Jie , Cui Ying-Qi , Li Jing-Jie , Xue Hui-Yang , Li Hong-Fei , Ren Bao-Zeng , Hu Yan-Fei
Published: March 2020

Stacking of lowest-energy structures of Fe2B24−and Co2B24−dimers.
Effects of a Ni cocatalyst on the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction of anatase TiO2 by first-principles calculations
Authors: Zhuang Ping , Yue Haiying , Dong Hao , Zhou Xin
Published: March 2020

Loading Nin clusters on anatase TiO2 surfaces remarkably reduces the Gibbs free energy of the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction.
A nano-photosensitizer based on covalent organic framework nanosheets with high loading and therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Tong Xiaoning , Gan Shaoju , Wu Jinhui , Hu Yiqiao , Yuan Ahu
Published: March 2020

Covalent organic framework nanosheets were fabricated to disperse organic fluorescent phthalocyanines. The nano-photosensitizer exhibited high loading capacity of phthalocyanines, alleviated self-aggregation, and excellent photooxidation activity.
Semisolid Al–Ga composites fabricated at room temperature for hydrogen generation
Authors: Yu Yang , Wang Shunqi , Wang Xuelin , Wang Qian , Liu Jing
Published: March 2020

A semisolid Al–Ga composite fabricated at room temperature is used as a novel material to generate hydrogen from pure water.
Numerical simulations of self-diffusiophoretic colloids at fluid interfaces
Authors: Peter T. , Malgaretti P. , Rivas N. , Scagliarini A. , Harting J. , Dietrich S.
Published: March 2020

The dynamics of active colloids is very sensitive to the presence of boundaries and interfaces which therefore can be used to control their motion.
Structure and tensile properties of the forewing costal vein of the honeybeeApis mellifera
Authors: Ma Yun , Ma Tianbao , Ning Jianguo , Gorb Stanislav
Published: March 2020

Our paper reveals the functional morphology and tensile properties of the forewing costal vein of honeybees, reviews studies on wings and discusses outlooks for future research.
Non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensors based on polyaniline/reduced-graphene-oxide nanocomposites functionalized with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Deshmukh Megha A. , Kang Byeong-Cheol , Ha Tae-Jun
Published: March 2020

We demonstrate silver (Ag) nanoparticle decorated polyaniline (PANI) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as Ag–PANI/rGO nanocomposites to realize non-enzymatic glucose sensors.
Sulfur dioxide signaling molecule-responsive polymeric nanoparticles
Authors: Li Ruru , Huang Xiaoyu , Lu Guolin , Feng Chun
Published: March 2020

A PEG45-b-PVPOP14 diblock copolymer with pendant levulinate-protected phenol groups exhibited a highly specific response toward sulfites.
With metal or not? a computationally predicted rule for a dirhodium catalyst in [3+3] cycloadditions of triazole with thiirane
Authors: Li Shi-Jun , Li Xue , Mo Huilin , Qu Ling-Bo , Wei Donghui , Lan Yu
Published: March 2020

Three possible pathways were explored to determine the inherent role of dirhodium in triazole transformation/functionalization.
C@Fe3O4 nanoparticles anchored on carbon nanotubes with enhanced reversible lithium storage
Authors: Zhang Yang , Tang Yakun , Liu Lang , Yang Tongyu , Wang Xuzhen , Zhao Zongbin
Published: March 2020

Porous CNT@Fe3O4@C was synthesized by a microwave-assisted method, which achieved the double fixation of nanoparticles and exhibited favorable electrochemical performances.
Clarifying the impacts of surface hydroxyls on CO oxidation on CeO2(100) surfaces: a DFT+U study
Authors: Zhou Hui , Wang Dong , Gong Xue-Qing
Published: March 2020

In heterogeneous catalysis, surface hydroxylation is well recognized as a common phenomenon under realistic reaction conditions.
Chirality of a rhodamine heterodimer linked to a DNA scaffold: an experimental and computational study
Authors: Rukin P. S. , Komarova K. G. , Fresch B. , Collini E. , Remacle F.
Published: March 2020

The relative orientation of monomers in a rhodamine heterodimer tethered on DNA governs the sign sequence of the circular dichroism spectrum.
Electronic properties of bare and functionalized two-dimensional (2D) tellurene structures
Authors: Wines Daniel , Kropp Jaron A. , Chaney Gracie , Ersan Fatih , Ataca Can
Published: March 2020

H, O, and F functionalized 2D Te. H-β-Te becomes indirect semiconductor, O-β-Te becomes metallic (both stable). Investigated binding to substrate.
A tri-metallic palladium complex with breast cancer stem cell potency
Authors: Eskandari Arvin , Kundu Arunangshu , Johnson Alice , Karmakar Sanjib , Ghosh Sushobhan , Suntharalingam Kogularamanan
Published: March 2020

A multi-nuclear, triangular-shaped palladium(ii) complex is shown to equipotently kill bulk cancer cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the micromolar range.
Biogenic selenium nanoparticles synthesized by Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 alleviate diquat-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in C57BL/6 mice through their antioxidant activity
Authors: Qiao Lei , Dou Xina , Yan Shuqi , Zhang Baohua , Xu Chunlan
Published: March 2020

Biogenic SeNPs synthesized by Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 reversed diquat-induced oxidative damage to the epithelium by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Auto-affitech: an automated ligand binding affinity evaluation platform using digital microfluidics with a bidirectional magnetic separation method
Authors: Guo Jingjing , Lin Li , Zhao Kaifeng , Song Yanling , Huang Mengjiao , Zhu Zhi , Zhou Leiji , Yang Chaoyong
Published: March 2020

An automated ligand binding affinity evaluation platform using digital microfluidics with a bidirectional magnetic separation method that reduces the bead loss.
Excellent catalysis of Mn3O4 nanoparticles on the hydrogen storage properties of MgH2: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Zhang Liuting , Sun Ze , Yao Zhendong , Yang Lei , Yan Nianhua , Lu Xiong , Xiao Beibei , Zhu Xinqiao , Chen Lixin
Published: March 2020

Metallic Mn reduced from Mn3O4 coated on the surface of MgH2/Mg weakened the Mg–H bond and helped to preserve the cycling properties.
Polytypism in few-layer gallium selenide
Authors: Lim Soo Yeon , Lee Jae-Ung , Kim Jung Hwa , Liang Liangbo , Kong Xiangru , Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong , Lee Zonghoon , Cho Sunglae , Cheong Hyeonsik
Published: March 2020

Different stacking sequences due to polytypism in 2-dimensional few-layer GaSe were identified by Raman spectroscopy, HR-S/TEM, and theoretical calculations.
Switchable reinforced streptavidin
Authors: Schendel Leonard C. , Sedlak Steffen M. , Gaub Hermann E.
Published: March 2020

Introducing a disulfide bridge within monovalent streptavidin's N-terminal β-sheet structure significantly increases the mechanical stability of the biotin/streptavidin complex.
The role of PN-like junction effects in energy storage performances for Ag2O nanoparticle dispersed lead-free K0.5Na0.5NbO3-BiMnO3 films
Authors: Guo Fei , Shi Zhifeng , Yang Bo , Zhao Shifeng
Published: March 2020

This work designs a PN-like junction structure by introducing Ag2O nanoparticles into lead-free 0.92K0.5Na0.5NbO3-0.08BiMnO3 solid solution films to investigate the role of PN-like junction effects in energy storage performances.
A self-healing polyurethane elastomer with excellent mechanical properties based on phase-locked dynamic imine bonds
Authors: Hu Jin , Mo Ruibin , Sheng Xinxin , Zhang Xinya
Published: March 2020

The rigidity and the dynamic nature of the CN double bond ensure the effectiveness of the phase-locking strategy for robust self-healing materials.
A novel CoFe2O4@Cr-MIL-101/Y zeolite ternary nanocomposite as a magnetically separable sonocatalyst for efficient sonodegradation of organic dye contaminants from water
Authors: Sadeghi Meysam , Farhadi Saeed , Zabardasti Abedin
Published: March 2020

A novel magnetically separable CoFe2O4@Cr-MIL-101/Y zeolite ternary nanocomposite was prepared and applied as a sonocatalyst for efficient degradation of organic contaminants.
Rapid no-wash labeling of PYP-tag proteins with reactive fluorogenic ligands affords stable fluorescent protein conjugates for long-term cell imaging studies
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Hori Yuichiro , Nishiura Miyako , Kikuchi Kazuya
Published: March 2020

Dimethylaminocoumarin (DMAC) based ligands have been developed that enable selective labeling of PYP-tag proteins through a stable covalent thioether linkage.
Hierarchically porous nickel–iridium–ruthenium–aluminum alloys with tunable compositions and electrocatalytic activities towards the oxygen/hydrogen evolution reaction in acid electrolyte
Authors: Liu Na , Yin Kuibo , Si Conghui , Kou Tianyi , Zhang Ying , Ma Wensheng , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: March 2020

Bifunctional NiIrRuAl nanoporous nanowires obtained by a two-step dealloying method exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance towards the oxygen/hydrogen evolution reaction in an acid electrolyte.
A novel post-processed surface modified double-network polymer layer for a triboelectric nanogenerator
Authors: Liu Yaqian , Wang Xiumei , Yan Yujie , Rao Zhichao , Chen Huipeng , Guo Tailiang
Published: March 2020

A high output performance triboelectric nanogenerator with a novel low-cost, rapidly yielding, post-processed micro-patterned double-network PDMS film.
Enzyme assisted peptide self-assemblies trigger cell adhesion in high density oxime based host gels
Authors: Criado-Gonzalez Miryam , Loftin Breyinn , Rodon Fores Jennifer , Vautier Dominique , Kocgozlu Leyla , Jierry Loïc , Schaaf Pierre , Boulmedais Fouzia , Harth Eva
Published: March 2020

Studying the influence of hydrogel matrices on the self-assembly behavior of peptides and interaction with cells guides the future development of engineered biomaterials.
The Single-mode Complex Amplitude Refinement (SCAR) coronagraph
Authors: Haffert S. Y. , Por E. H. , Keller C. U. , Kenworthy M. A. , Doelman D. S. , Snik F. , Escuti M. J.
Published: March 2020

We present the monochromatic lab verification of the newly developed SCAR coronagraph that combines a phase plate (PP) in the pupil with a microlens-fed single-mode fiber array in the focal plane. The two SCAR designs that have been measured, create respectively a 360 degree and 180 degree dark region from 0.8–2.4λ∕D around the star. The 360 SCAR has been designed for a clear aperture and the 180 SCAR has been designed for a realistic aperture with central obscuration and spiders. The 360 SCAR creates a measured stellar null of 2–3 × 10−4, and the 180 SCAR reaches a null of 1 × 10−4. Their monochromatic contrast is maintained within a range of ±0.16λ∕D peak-to-valley tip-tilt, which shows the robustness against tip-tilt errors. The small inner working angle and tip-tilt stability makes the SCAR coronagraph a very promising technique for an upgrade of current high-contrast instruments to characterize and detect exoplanets in the solar neighborhood.
A new method for predicting the shale distribution of the Wufeng Formation in the Upper Yangtze Region, China
Authors: Sun Shasha , Zhang Linna , Wang Hongyan , Dong Dazhong , Zhang Rong
Published: March 2020

Taking the Late Ordovician Wufeng Formation (WFF) shale in the Upper Yangtze region as an example, we conducted a lithofacies distribution, thickness quantification, and paleo-topographic reconstruction of the Late Ordovician graptolite zones. Specifically, we focused on the Late Katian Dicellograptus complexus and the Early Hirnantian Metabolograptus extraordinarius within a chronostratigraphic framework, using the Geographic Information System (GIS) and 310 stratigraphic sections (incl. drilling) obtained from the Geobiodiversity Database (GBDB). Reconstruction of the geographic distribution indicates that the WFF and the synchronous sediments in the Upper Yangtze region contain 8 litho-stratigraphic units, which are geographically distributed across 7 provinces/municipalities and do not exhibit significant variations in lithofacies. The black graptolite shale extends in a broad swath from east to west within the basin, while the other lithofacies deposited during the same period are present on the periphery of the basin. All these strata were deposited in a normal neritic epicontinental sea environment, except for the flysch sediments in the southern Hunan area. The thickness reconstruction involves a comparison of three spatial interpolation methods, including Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), Kriging, and the Radial Basis Function (RBF). Based on a general verification, IDW is considered to be the optimal method since it has the minimum standard deviation and variance. Based on the contours obtained from the IDW model, the WFF black shale is estimated to have an overall area of 0.67 × 106 km2, an average thickness of 6.2 m, and a total volume of 3902 km3. This shale was deposited over a 2.83 Ma period. Therefore, the volume of shale deposited per million years is estimated to be 1379 km3/my and the average thickness of shale deposited per million years is 2.37 m/my. The Hirnantian paleo-water-depth values obtained using 275 sections were used to infer the Late Katian paleo-topography. These results suggest that the Yangtze platform was surrounded by ancient highlands to the west, south, and north, exhibiting a paleo-geographic framework characterized by one uplift and four depressions. This setting blocked water circulation, causing the water to be contained and forming a closed and restricted marine environment, which was one of the major factors controlling the deposition of the organic-rich WFF shale. With the advent of the big data era of geology, the methodology of GIS-based technology is readily exportable to any resource play having spatial distribution pattern. Results can be provided rapidly and efficiently generated from geological data.
Profitability of biomass production in relation to harvesting technology
Authors: Kwaśniewski Dariusz , Kuboń Maciej , Malaga-Toboła Urszula
Published: March 2020

The aim of the paper was to determine the production costs and profitability of biomass production from Virginia mallow including various harvesting technologies. The paper covered theoretical calculation of the production costs of biomass form Virginia mallow with the use of the computer application “Biocalculator”. Calculations were made for a plantation with the surface area of 5 ha and four technologies of harvesting and the product form (pressed straw, chaff). The paper determines the profitability of production of biomass from Virginia mallow for four variants of sale prices of biomass at the level of 100, 120, 140 and 150 PLN∙t-1. In case of T1 technology all assumed prices of sale of Virginia mallow biomass with the obtained production costs were profitable. On the other hand, in T3 and T4 technology, the scope of sale prices from 120 to 150 PLN∙t-1 caused that the biomass production was profitable. While, the least profitable was application of T2 technology where only at the assessment of biomass sale 150 PLN∙t-1 production was profitable and in the remaining price options the profit was not obtained.
Analysis of the bioethanol production process control
Authors: Lis Stanisław , Tomasik Marcin , Kurpaska Sławomir , Knaga Jarosław , Łyszczarz Piotr
Published: March 2020

The article presents the analysis of the automatic control of the bioethanol production process intended for biofuel. It presents the formulated general concept of the system and the method of designing a closed control system based on the iterative prototyping procedure. The modeling and the simulation were carried out in the Matlab®-Simulink environment. The simulation model of the object was developed based on the experimentally registered characteristics. It has been adjusted, i.e. the compatibility of its behavior with the object it reproduces has been confirmed. Based on the tuned model of the object, a control system model was created, which was the basis for computer simulation which enabled the control algorithm parameters to be established. The final verification of the correct operation of the system was performed with the use of hardware simulation. It was based on entering a negative feedback loop of the virtual control system of the real object elements into the loop. The results of the simulation confirmed the correctness of the adopted design.
Systemic Efficiency Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Management in the Suburban Municipality
Authors: Przydatek Grzegorz , Basta Emilia
Published: March 2020

A comparative analysis of municipal waste generated in a selected suburban municipality in the mountain area of the European Union showed a collection of mixed and segregated waste, taking into account 10 fractions out of which 6 fractions were collected irregularly. The mass of waste generated was dominated by mixed waste with the highest amount of 50.50 Mg and an average value of 32.96 Mg. The highest result of the amount of collected waste in the municipality of 158.32 Mg fell at bulky waste, which was collected irregularly. Within 48 months a favorable increase in the mass of collected segregated waste was noted, and thus their recovery with the highest average close to 30 Mg. Despite the increase of segregated waste accumulation rate per capita it was lower of 0.56 kg than mixed waste accumulation rate per month, which confirms the need to deepen ecological awareness.
Analysis of thermal properties of coffee grounds left over from coffee percolation
Authors: Głowacki Szymon , Tulej Weronika , Sojak Mariusz , Bryś Andrzej , Pietrzyk Karol
Published: March 2020

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. The goal of this work is an estimation of the qualities of waste coffee grounds as a material used in biofuel production. There were selected two most popular coffee beans mixtures: arabica and arabica with robusta, as well as chocolate-flavoured coffee and green coffee (unroasted coffee beans). All types of coffee had approximately the same ash value its average oscillating between 2,59-3,21%. Calorific value of the dried waste coffee grounds after coffee percolation places it among very good energy materials
The assessing of the quality of geothermal reservoirs on the example of the Lower Triassic aquifer in the Mogilno-Łódź Trough (Polish Lowlands)
Authors: Kasztelewicz Aleksandra , Tomaszewska Barbara
Published: March 2020

Petrographic and petrophysical investigations of the aquifers allow to estimate their productivity and infectivity, as well as allow for better recognition of the origin of the chemical composition of geothermal waters. Deep deposition of the Lower Triassic sediments in the analysed area (locally above 5000 m b.s.l.) is conducive to high temperatures (above 90°C) within the reservoir and causes deterioration of reservoir parameters. The Lower Triassic geothermal reservoir consists of fine and mixed grain- size sands and sandstones layers from 10 to 650 m thick; depending on the depth. The water within the reservoir exhibits mineralization ranging from 2 to over 100 g L-1 and its temperature ranges from 30 to 100°C. The mineralization of waters varies from 140 g/dm3 (Warsaw basin) to over 350 g/dm3 in the deep zones of the basin (axial fragments of the Mogileńsko-Łódź trough). The average permeability of reservoir layers in the Polish Lowlands is 145.5 mD.
Initial recognition of the possibilities of use abandoned oil and gas wells to desalinate produced water
Authors: Tyszer Magdalena , Chmielowska Anna , Tomaszewska Barbara
Published: March 2020

Diminishing water resources, population growth and utilization energy intense processes for drinking water production lead to seek new methods of water acquisition. Desalination of seawater or/and geothermal water and also water acquisition with the utilization of abandoned oil and gas wells potentially represents promising new production method of freshwater streams. Abandoned oil and gas wells potentially can be a source of geothermal heat which can be used as a heat source for water desalination. In many countries, among others in Poland area, there are hundreds, and even thousands of abandoned exploration, research or oil/gas wells which can be adapted for other purposes, including water desalination. The aim of this paper is to conduct preliminary recognition of current world knowledge on the possibility of using abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal purposes, including desalination of produced waters (also for drinking purposes) based on selected examples (Iran and USA). This technique is environmental-friendly and provides enough amount of energy for high-energy desalination processes (e.g. reverse osmosis), along with reducing gas emissions and consumption of conventional fuels. Based on world experience, a comprehensive assessment of the possibility of using abandoned wells for geothermal purposes in Poland should be carried out.
Analysis of the cooling of PV modules with water on their efficiency
Authors: Luboń Wojciech , Janowski Mirosław , Pełka Grzegorz , Reczek Paweł
Published: March 2020

The article presents the results of research on the efficiency of photovoltaic modules cooled by water. The purpose of the experiment was to improve the working conditions of the solar cells. Lowering the cell temperature increases the power generated by the device. The decrease in the temperature of the PV module was obtained by pouring water on the upper surface of the cells, as rain imitation or a water film. The power of the cooled and non-cooled devices were compared. The best results were achieved by cooling cells with a water film since there were no water splashes. The continuous cooling of cells surface causes a 20% increase of device's power. During the test, the non-cooled module reached the maximum power of 172 W, while the cooled one - 205 W. Cooling the module resulted in an increase in power by 33 W. In addition, the temperature of the cells dropped to almost 25°C. At this time, the temperature of the non-cooled module was 45°C. The presented solution may be an interesting proposition for small installations. The solution can also be an alternative for cleaning the modules due to the improvement in the power of the module after the test in terms of their power before.
Analysis of thermal states of a flat-solar collector using state variables
Authors: Obstawski Paweł , Bakoń Tomasz , Kozikowska Anna
Published: March 2020

This paper analyses the thermal states of the flat solar collector using the state variable method. The knowledge of the transient states describing the state of the solar heating installation under operating conditions enables the analysis of the heat exchange process and the development of control strategies. The analysis of variable states under operating conditions requires the development of a mathematical model describing the dynamic properties of the whole solar heating installation and the definition of the variables describing the state of the system from the energy balance perspective. The paper presents a method enabling the analysis of variables in the condition of a solar heating installation and a single solar collector based on the comparison of two models: an analogue model developed by the Equivalent Thermal Network method and a digital model, developed on the basis of performance data by the Parametric Identification method.
Current state and prospects of wind energy development in Ukraine
Authors: Pantsyr Yuriy , Garasymchuk Іhor , Duganets Vasyl , Melnyk Mariia , Yurchenko Oksana
Published: March 2020

The analysis of the development of alternative energy sources in the developed countries of the world was carried out, as well as the strategy of the implementation of wind energy in Ukraine was considered. The emphasis was on the design and operation of wind power units and the investment of investment funds in modernizing existing wind power plants and building new ones. The most attractive regions for wind power use in Ukraine was presented. The advantages and disadvantages of using nontraditional energy sources and the features of operation of wind power plants were substantiated.
A Review of Fault Diagnosis Research on On-Load Tap-Changers
Authors: Jin Liang , Cai Yuqi
Published: March 2020

As the core component of transformer voltage regulation, on-load tap changer plays an important role in ensuring voltage stability of power system. With the increase of times of voltage regulation, the failure rate also increases correspondingly. In view of the common faults of on-load tap changer, this paper introduces several existing fault diagnosis methods and summarizes their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the problems in fault diagnosis of on-load tap-changer and the future research focus are analysed.
The multiscale simulation of apical myocardial infarction and shape variation of the left ventricle of the heart
Authors: Syomin Fyodor , Khabibullina Albina , Osepyan Anna , Tsaturyan Andrey
Published: March 2020

A multiscale model of the cardiovascular system (CVS) in which the left ventricle (LV) of the heart was approximated by an axisymmetrical thick-wall body made of transversely isotropic incompressible material was used to simulate the performance of the heart with apical myocardial infarction (MI). The material model reproduced mechanical properties and calcium regulation of active tension in cardiac muscle. The changes in the LV strain and the reduction of the LV stroke volume and arterial blood pressure obtained in the MI simulations were similar to those observed in patients with the apical MI. In contrast to the decrease in heart performance in the MI simulations, the simulation of changes in the LV shape from “normal” to a spherical or conical one revealed only slight changes in haemodynamics provided that the LV preload and the mass of the LV wall were kept constant.
Algorithm of optimization of fractionated radiotherapy within its combination with antiangiogenic therapy by means of mathematical modeling
Authors: Kuznetsov Maxim , Kolobov Andrey
Published: March 2020

Antiangiogenic therapy is the anti-tumor treatment, that leads to the cessation of blood vessels formation and subsequent nutrient deprivation of the tumor. One of its frequently occurring effects is the transient improvement of tumor oxygenation, which lasts several days and leads to increased efficiency of successive exposure to radiation. It is followed by an escalation of hypoxia, and therefore the addition of antiangiogenic therapy to the whole course of fractionated radiotherapy has an ambiguous effect. Previously we have developed a mathematical model of such combined anti-tumor treatment. Herein we present an algorithm of optimization of radiotherapy fractionation, which aim is to find the most optimal distribution of irradiation doses in order to increase the efficiency of such combined treatment. We demonstrate an example of its work and discuss its further application.
Viruses competition in the genotype space
Authors: Leon Cristina , Popov Vladimir , Volpert Vitaly
Published: March 2020

This paper is devoted to the study of persistence and evolution of two viruses taking into account virus mutation, reproduction, and genotype dependent mortality, either natural or determined by an antiviral treatment. The model describes the virus density distribution u(x; t) for the first virus and v(y; t) for the second one as functions of genotypes x and y considered as continuous variables and of time t. The model consists of a system of reaction-diffusion equations with integral terms characterizing virus competition for host cells. The analysis of the model shows the conditions of the existence of virus strains.
Modeling the dynamics of population immunity to influenza in Russian cities
Authors: Leonenko Vasiliy N. , Danilenko Daria M.
Published: March 2020

Prediction models which will explicitly include the immunity levels of the population are required to plan effective measures for the containment of seasonal epidemics of influenza. The aim of the current work is to develop an approach to herd immunity dynamics modeling, with the long–term goal of employing it as a part of multicomponent model of influenza incidence dynamics. Based on serological studies performed for 52 Russian cities and 2 virus strains (A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2)) in 11 years period, we propose statistical models which allow to analyze and predict the strain–specific immunity dynamics.