bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-protozoal activity of extracts from chicory (Cichorium intybus) against Cryptosporidium parvum in cell culture
Authors: Woolsey Ian David , Valente Angela H. , Williams Andrew R. , Thamsborg Stig M. , Simonsen Henrik T. , Enemark Heidi L.
Published: December 2019

Cryptosporidium spp. are responsible for severe public health problems and livestock production losses. Treatment options are limited to only one drug available for human and bovine cryptosporidiosis, respectively, and both drugs exhibit only partial efficacy. Sesquiterpene lactones (SL) are plant bioactive compounds that function as a defence mechanism against herbivores. SL have demonstrated anti-parasitic properties against a range of parasitic taxa but knowledge about their anti-Cryptosporidium efficacy is limited. The effect of SL-rich leaf and root extracts from chicory (Cichorium intybus cv. Spadona) was investigated using human colon adenocarcinoma (HCT-8) cells infected with Cryptosporidium parvum. C. parvum oocysts were inoculated onto the cell monolayer and i) incubated for 4 hours with extracts (leaf and root extracts 300, 150, 75, 37.5, 18.75 and 9.375 μg/mL) in triplicates followed by incubation in bioactive free media (sporozoite invasion assays) or ii) incubated for 4 hours in bioactive free media followed by 48-hours incubation with extracts (growth inhibition assays). Extract toxicity on HCT-8 cells was assessed via water-soluble tetrazolium (WST)-1 assay prior to quantifying parasitic growth via immunofluorescence. Both extracts demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition in the growth inhibition assays (p = < 0.0001 for both extracts) but not in the invasion assays. Anti-parasitic activity did not appear to be solely related to SL content, with the extract with lower SL content (leaf) exhibiting higher inhibition at 300 μg/ml. However, given the limited treatment options available for Cryptosporidium spp., our study encourages further investigation into the use of chicory extracts to identify novel active compound(s) inhibiting these protozoa.
Detection of Potato ring rot Pathogen Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus by Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay
Authors: Sagcan Hasan , Turgut Kara Neslihan
Published: December 2019

Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus (CMS) is an important bacterial plant pathogen causing potato ring rot disease. Rapid diagnosis of CMS is crucial because of the economic losses caused by serious harvest losses. Although there are serological tests used in the rapid diagnosis of CMS, they are not widely used because of their low sensitivity. The DNA-based PCR methods, which are highly sensitive, do not have the possibility of on-site diagnosis, especially since they require serious laboratory infrastructure. In recent years, scientists have been working on alternative amplification methods to develop DNA-based point of care (POC) diagnostic methods. Accordingly, the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method, which was developed in the early 2000s, provides an important convenience for DNA-based tests to use in the field. Due to the unique design of primers, more amplification products could be create in a shorter time than conventional amplification methods without needing a temperature cycle, and it can be applied with the aid of a simple heater without requiring a laboratory environment. In this study, efficient LAMP method for the detection of CMS has optimized. For device-independent detection of LAMP products, colorimetric method and LFD has used.
Aluminum Matrix Composites Manufactured using Nitridation-Induced Self-Forming Process
Authors: Lee Kon-Bae , Kim Sung-Hoon , Kim Dae-Young , Cha Pil-Ryung , Kim Hae-Sung , Choi Hyun-Joo , Ahn Jae-Pyong
Published: December 2019

Conventional manufacturing processes for aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) involve complex procedures that require unique equipment and skills at each stage. This increases the process costs and limits the scope of potential applications. In this study, a simple and facile route for AMC manufacturing is developed, a mixture of Al powder and the ceramic reinforcement is simply heated under nitrogen atmosphere to produce the composite. During heating under nitrogen atmosphere, the surface modification of both Al and the reinforcement is induced by nitridation. When the oxide layer covering Al powder surface is transformed to nitrides, temperature in the local region increases rapidly, resulting in a partial melt of Al powder. The molten Al infiltrates into the empty space among Al powder and reinforcement, thereby enabling consolidation of powders without external forces. It is possible to fabricate AMCs with various types, sizes, volume fractions, and morphologies of the reinforcement. Furthermore, the manufacturing temperature can be lowered below the melting point of Al (or the solidus temperature for alloys) because of the exothermic nature of the nitridation, which prevents formation of un-wanted reactants. The relative simplicity of this process will not only provide sufficient price competitiveness for the final products but also contribute to the expansion of the application scope of AMCs.
Culture-independent and culture-dependent analyses of the bacterial community in the phycosphere of cyanobloom-forming Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Kim Minkyung , Shin Bora , Lee Jaebok , Park Hye Yoon , Park Woojun
Published: December 2019

Confocal and scanning electron microscopic observations have previously shown the strong bacterial association ofMicrocystis aeruginosacells on their surfaces. DNA-based analyses of the associated bacterial communities were carried out using twoM. aeruginosastrains grown in the laboratory and eight newly collected cyanobacterial bloom samples.M. aeruginosawas the most predominant species (66–100%) within the phylum Cyanobacteria.Rhizobium, HydrogenophagaandBrevundimonasspecies were commonly found, andFlavobacteriumspecies were present in all the cyanobacterial bloom samples. In total, 396 colonies from various samples were screened, revealing that most culturable bacteria belonged to the classAlphaproteobacteria(19%) includingRhizobium,Brevundimonas, andPorphyrobacterspecies. The genetic variation among theM. aeruginosastrains and different habitat conditions may have led to the presence of distinct bacterial populations among the tested samples. Among all the tested seven culturable isolates,Rhizobiumsp. MK23 showed the best growth-promotion effect on the axenicM. aeruginosastrains. H2O2was observed to be produced during the growth ofM. aeruginosaPCC7806 under light conditions, this strain was more resistant to H2O2when associated withRhizobiumsp. MK23. Our data suggested thatRhizobiumspecies along with other associated bacteria might help the growth ofM. aeruginosaby decomposing H2O2under the aerobic growing conditions.
Innate immune responses through Toll-like receptor 3 require human-antigen-R-mediated Atp6v0d2 mRNA stabilization
Authors: Zainol Mohd Izwan Bin , Kawasaki Takumi , Monwan Warunthorn , Murase Motoya , Sueyoshi Takuya , Kawai Taro
Published: December 2019

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) recognizes double-stranded RNA derived from virus and its synthetic analogue, polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)]. Upon poly(I:C) binding, TLR3 activates transcription factors to express inflammatory cytokines and type I interferon. TLR3 is located in the endosomes and its recognition of poly(I:C) and activation of downstream signaling is regulated by endosomal acidification. However, the mechanism of post-transcriptional regulation in TLR3-mediated innate responses remains unclear. Here, we focused on Human antigen R (HuR, also known as ELAVL1) that recognizes and binds to the 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of target mRNAs, thereby protecting them from mRNA degradation, and found that HuR-deficient murine macrophage cells showed significantly reduced Ifnb1 mRNA expression after poly(I:C) stimulation. HuR-deficient cells also showed a marked reduction in the expression of Atp6v0d2 mRNA, which encodes a subunit of vacuolar-type H+ ATPase (V-ATPase), and therefore reduced endosomal acidification. HuR associated with the 3′UTR of Atp6v0d2 mRNA and the stability of Atp6v0d2 mRNA was maintained by its association with HuR. Taken together, our results suggest that HuR stabilizes Atp6v0d2 mRNA, which is required for the TLR3-mediated innate immune responses.
Defining the root endosphere and rhizosphere microbiomes from the World Olive Germplasm Collection
Authors: Fernández-González Antonio J. , Villadas Pablo J. , Gómez-Lama Cabanás Carmen , Valverde-Corredor Antonio , Belaj Angjelina , Mercado-Blanco Jesús , Fernández-López Manuel
Published: December 2019

The bacterial and fungal communities from the olive (Olea europaeaL.) root systems have not yet been simultaneously studied. We show in this work that microbial communities from the olive root endosphere are less diverse than those from the rhizosphere. But more relevant was to unveil that olive belowground communities are mainly shaped by the genotype of the cultivar when growing under the same environmental, pedological and agronomic conditions. Furthermore,Actinophytocola,StreptomycesandPseudonocardiaare the most abundant bacterial genera in the olive root endosphere,Actinophytocolabeing the most prevalent genus by far. In contrast,Gp6,Gp4,RhizobiumandSphingomonasare the main genera in the olive rhizosphere.Canalisporium,Aspergillus,MinimelanolocusandMacrophominaare the main fungal genera present in the olive root system. Interestingly enough, a large number of as yet unclassified fungal sequences (class level) were detected in the rhizosphere. From the belowground microbial profiles here reported, it can be concluded that the genusActinophytocolamay play an important role in olive adaptation to environmental stresses. Moreover, the huge unknown fungal diversity here uncovered suggests that fungi with important ecological function and biotechnological potential are yet to be identified.
Transcription factor Tlx1 marks a subset of lymphoid tissue organizer-like mesenchymal progenitor cells in the neonatal spleen
Authors: Ueno Yuta , Fujisaki Keiko , Hosoda Shoko , Amemiya Yusuke , Okazaki Shogo , Notsu Chihiro , Nishiyama Chiharu , Mabuchi Yo , Matsuzaki Yumi , Oda Akihisa , Goitsuka Ryo
Published: December 2019

The spleen is comprised of spatially distinct compartments whose functions, such as immune responses and removal of aged red blood cells, are tightly controlled by the non-hematopoietic stromal cells that provide regionally-restricted signals to properly activate hematopoietic cells residing in each area. However, information regarding the ontogeny and relationships of the different stromal cell types remains limited. Here we have used in vivo lineage tracing analysis and in vitro mesenchymal stromal cell assays and found that Tlx1, a transcription factor essential for embryonic spleen organogenesis, marks neonatal stromal cells that are selectively localized in the spleen and retain mesenchymal progenitor potential to differentiate into mature follicular dendritic cells, fibroblastic reticular cells and marginal reticular cells. Furthermore, by establishing a novel three-dimensional cell culture system that enables maintenance of Tlx1-expressing cells in vitro, we discovered that signals from the lymphotoxin β receptor and TNF receptor promote differentiation of these cells to express MAdCAM-1, CCL19 and CXCL13, representative functional molecules expressed by different subsets of mature stromal cells in the spleen. Taken together, these findings indicate that mesenchymal progenitor cells expressing Tlx1 are a subset of lymphoid tissue organizer-like cells selectively found in the neonatal spleen.
Ferric Carboxymaltose in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anaemia: an effective, safe and cost- sparing alternative to blood transfusion
Authors: Marinho Joana , Leão Inês , Custódio Sandra , Dias Enrique , Moreira Pinto António , Costa Telma , Capela Andreia , Dias Margarida , Coelho Henrique , Cunha Ângela , Macedo Ana , Amarelo Anabela , Joaquim Ana
Published: December 2019

Anaemia is highly prevalent in cancer patients, adversely affects quality of life and impacts survival. The pathogenesis is multifactorial, with iron deficiency being a major and potentially treatable contributor. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and economic impact of ferric carboxymaltose in chemotherapy-induced anaemia. This prospective cohort study between 2015–2016 of chemotherapy-treated patients for solid tumours, grade ≥2 anaemia and iron deficiency evaluated hematopoietic response four weeks after ferric carboxymaltose treatment. Transfusion rate of all cancer patients treated at our ambulatory unit during the two-year study period (2015–2016) was compared to a retrospective cohort (2013–2014) who received blood transfusion only. Between 2015–2016, 99 patients were included and treated with ferric carboxymaltose, the majority of whom (n = 81) had relative iron deficiency. Mean haemoglobin concentrations improved from 9.2 [6.7–10.8] g/dL to 10.6 [7.8–14.2] g/dL four weeks after treatment. A 26% reduction in the transfusion rate was observed from control retrospective to the prospective study group including ferric carboxymaltose treated patients [relative risk 0.74 (95% CI:0.66–0.83)]. The cost analysis showed a benefit for the use of ferric carboxymaltose in chemotherapy-induced anaemia. This study shows that ferric carboxymaltose is an effective, cost-saving support treatment, reducing the need for allogeneic transfusions saving blood units which are a limited resource.
Short- and medium-term impact of bariatric surgery on the activities of CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP1A2 in morbid obesity
Authors: Rodríguez-Morató Jose , Goday Albert , Langohr Klaus , Pujadas Mitona , Civit Ester , Pérez-Mañá Clara , Papaseit Esther , Ramon Jose Manuel , Benaiges David , Castañer Olga , Farré Magí , de la Torre Rafael
Published: December 2019

Morbid obesity and bariatric surgery induce anatomical, physiological and metabolic alterations that may alter the body’s disposition of drugs. Current literature on this topic is limited and sometimes inconsistent. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) is a superfamily of enzymes that metabolize around 75% of all marketed drugs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of body mass index and bariatric surgery on CYP activities. Firstly, we evaluated the in vivo activity of 4 major CYP isoenzymes (CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP1A2) in normal weight, overweight, and morbidly obese individuals. Secondly, we assessed the short- (1 month) and medium-term (6 month) effects of the most commonly employed bariatric surgery techniques (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) on the activity of these enzymes. CYP3A4 activity was lower in morbidly obese individuals, compared to normal-weight controls. Interestingly, bariatric surgery normalized CYP3A4 activity. In comparison with normal-weight controls, morbidly obese individuals had higher CYP2D6 activity, which was only observed in individuals with two functional alleles for this isoenzyme. Neither body mass index nor surgery had significant effects on CYP2C9 and CYP1A2 activities. Overall, no relevant differences in CYP activities were found between surgical techniques. In conclusion, further studies should evaluate whether the observed alterations in CYP3A4 activity will require dose adjustments for CYP3A4 substrates especially in morbidly obese individuals before and after bariatric surgery.
Effect of high energy electron beam on proteolysis and antioxidant activity of rice proteins
Authors: Zhang Xinxia , Wang Li , Chen Zhengxing , Li Yongfu , Luo Xiaohu , Li Yanan
Published: December 2019

This research focused on the effects of electron beam irradiation (EBI) on the hydrolysis and antioxidant activity of rice proteins (RPs).
Optimization of gold–palladium core–shell nanowires towards H2O2 reduction by adjusting shell thickness
Authors: Dong Yongdi , Chen Qiaoli , Cheng Xiqing , Li Huiqi , Chen Jiayu , Zhang Xibo , Kuang Qin , Xie Zhaoxiong
Published: December 2019

AurichPd@AuPdrich core–shell nanowires with tunable shell-thickness are successfully synthesized via a one-pot route and they show optimized H2O2 detection activity.
Ultra-low thermal conductivity and high thermoelectric performance of two-dimensional triphosphides (InP3, GaP3, SbP3 and SnP3): a comprehensive first-principles study
Authors: Sun Zhehao , Yuan Kunpeng , Chang Zheng , Bi Shipeng , Zhang Xiaoliang , Tang Dawei
Published: December 2019

By performing first-principles calculations combined with the Boltzmann transport equation, we report a comprehensive study of the thermal and thermoelectric properties of monolayer triphosphides InP3, GaP3, SbP3 and SnP3.
Trace fluorinated-carbon-nanotube-induced lithium dendrite elimination for high-performance lithium–oxygen cells
Authors: Cheng Hao , Mao Yangjun , Lu Yunhao , Zhang Peng , Xie Jian , Zhao Xinbing
Published: December 2019

Trace fluorinated-CNT-modified metallic lithium enables in situ LiF-rich SEI formation and effectively eliminates lithium dendrite growth.
Stable group 8 metal porphyrin mono- and bis(dialkylcarbene) complexes: synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity
Authors: Wang Hai-Xu , Wan Qingyun , Low Kam-Hung , Zhou Cong-Ying , Huang Jie-Sheng , Zhang Jun-Long , Che Chi-Ming
Published: December 2019

We report the isolation, X-ray crystal structures, reactivity and DFT calculations of iron- and ruthenium-mono(dialkylcarbene) and osmium-bis(dialkylcarbene) porphyrins and diarylcarbene transfer/insertion reactions catalyzed by iron-mono(dialkylcarbene) porphyrin.
Assembly of cerium-based coordination polymer into variant polycrystalline 2D–3D CeO2−x nanostructures
Authors: S. Mofarah Sajjad , Adabifiroozjaei Esmaeil , Wang Yuan , Arandiyan Hamidreza , Pardehkhorram Raheleh , Yao Yin , Assadi M. Hussein N. , Mehmood Rashid , Chen Wen-Fan , Tsounis Constantine , Scott Jason , Lim Sean , Webster Richard , Zhong Vicki , Xu Yuwen , Koshy Pramod , Sorrell Charles C.
Published: December 2019

The present work reports a simple and rapid disassembly/reassembly approach at room temperature to tailor functional metal oxides of 2D and 3D architectures.
Bioinspired polynorepinephrine nanoparticles as an efficient vehicle for enhanced drug delivery
Authors: Lu Zhenzhen , Douek Alon M. , Rozario Ashley M. , Tabor Rico F. , Kaslin Jan , Follink Bart , Teo Boon Mian
Published: December 2019

Biocompatible polynorepinephrine based particles with excellent biocompatibility for efficient delivery of therapeutics to cancer cells.
A supramolecule based fluorescence turn-on and ratiometric sensor for ATP in aqueous solution
Authors: Singh Vidya R. , Singh Prabhat K.
Published: December 2019

We report a fluorescence turn-on ratiometric sensor for the detection of ATP which operates by the dissociation of Thioflavin-T-sulphated-β-cyclodextrin supramolecular assembly by Zn2+followed by ATP induced re-association of the same.
New constraints on the structure of the nuclear stellar cluster of the Milky Way from star counts and MIR imaging
Authors: Gallego-Cano E. , Schödel R. , Nogueras-Lara F. , Dong H. , Shahzamanian B. , Fritz T. K. , Gallego-Calvente A. T. , Neumayer N.
Published: December 2019

Context. The Milky Way nuclear star cluster (MWNSC) is a crucial laboratory for studying the galactic nuclei of other galaxies, but its properties have not been determined unambiguously until now.

Aims. We aim to study the size and spatial structure of the MWNSC.

Methods. This study uses data and methods that address potential shortcomings of previous studies on the topic. We use 0.2″ angular resolution Ks data to create a stellar density map in the central 86.4 pc × 21 pc at the Galactic center. We include data from selected adaptive-optics-assisted images obtained for the inner parsecs. In addition, we use Spitzer/IRAC mid-infrared (MIR) images. We model the Galactic bulge and the nuclear stellar disk in order to subtract them from the MWNSC. Finally, we fit a Sérsic model to the MWNSC and investigate its symmetry.

Results. Our results are consistent with previous work. The MWNSC is flattened with an axis ratio of q = 0.71 ± 0.10, an effective radius of Re = (5.1 ± 1.0) pc, and a Sérsic index of n = 2.2 ± 0.7. Its major axis may be tilted out of the Galactic plane by up to −10°. The distribution of the giants brighter than the Red Clump (RC) is found to be significantly flatter than the distribution of the faint stars. We investigate the 3D structure of the central stellar cusp using our results on the MWNSC structure on large scales to constrain the deprojection of the measured stellar surface number density, obtaining a value of the 3D inner power law of γ = 1.38 ± 0.06sys ± 0.01stat.

Conclusions. The MWNSC shares its main properties with other extragalactic NSCs found in spiral galaxies. The differences in the structure between bright giants and RC stars might be related to the existence of not completely mixed populations of different ages. This may hint at recent growth of the MWNSC through star formation or cluster accretion.
Systematic survey of the dynamics of Uranus Trojans
Authors: Zhou Lei , Zhou Li-Yong , Dvorak Rudolf , Li Jian
Published: December 2019

Context. The discovered Uranus Trojan (UT) 2011 QF99 and several candidate UTs have been reported to be in unstable orbits. This implies that the stability region around the triangular Lagrange points L4 and L5 of Uranus should be very limited.

Aims. In this paper, we aim to locate the stability region for UTs and find out the dynamical mechanisms responsible for the structures in the phase space. The null detection of primordial UTs also needs to be explained.

Methods. Using the spectral number as the stability indicator, we constructed the dynamical maps on the (a0, i0) plane. The proper frequencies of UTs were determined precisely with a frequency analysis method that allows us to depict the resonance web via a semi-analytical method. We simulated radial migration by introducing an artificial force acting on planets to mimic the capture of UTs.

Results. We find two main stability regions: a low-inclination (0° −14°) and a high-inclination regime (32° −59°). There is also an instability strip in each of these regions at 9° and 51°, respectively. These strips are supposed to be related with g − 2g5 + g7 = 0 and ν8 secular resonances. All stability regions are in the tadpole regime and no stable horseshoe orbits exist for UTs. The lack of moderate-inclined UTs is caused by the ν5 and ν7 secular resonances, which could excite the eccentricity of orbits. The fine structures in the dynamical maps are shaped by high-degree secular resonances and secondary resonances. Surprisingly, the libration centre of UTs changes with the initial inclination, and we prove it is related to the quasi 1:2 mean motion resonance (MMR) between Uranus and Neptune. However, this quasi-resonance has an ignorable influence on the long-term stability of UTs in the current planetary configuration. About 36.3% and 0.4% of the pre-formed orbits survive fast and slow migrations with migrating timescales of 1 and 10 Myr, respectively, most of which are in high inclination. Since low-inclined UTs are more likely to survive the age of the solar system, they make up 77% of all such long-life orbits by the end of the migration, making a total fraction up to 4.06 × 10−3 and 9.07 × 10−5 of the original population for fast and slow migrations, respectively. The chaotic capture, just like depletion, results from secondary resonances when Uranus and Neptune cross their mutual MMRs. However, the captured orbits are too hot to survive until today.

Conclusions. About 3.81% UTs are able to survive the age of the solar system, among which 95.5% are on low-inclined orbits with i0 <  7.5°. However, the depletion of planetary migration seems to prevent a large fraction of such orbits, especially for the slow migration model. Based on the widely adopted migration models, a swarm of UTs at the beginning of the smooth outward migration is expected and a fast migration is favoured if any primordial UTs are detected.
Realistic collisional water transport during terrestrial planet formation
Authors: Burger C. , Bazsó Á. , Schäfer C. M.
Published: December 2019

Context. According to the latest theoretical and isotopic evidence, Earth’s water content originates mainly from today’s asteroid belt region, or at least from the same precursor material. This suggests that water was transported inwards to Earth, and to similar planets in their habitable zone, via (giant) collisions of planetary embryos and planetesimals during the chaotic final phase of planet formation.

Aims. In current dynamical simulations water delivery to terrestrial planets is still studied almost exclusively by assuming oversimplified perfect merging, even though water and other volatiles are particularly prone to collisional transfer and loss. To close this gap we have developed a computational framework to model collisional water transport by direct combination of long-term N-body computations with dedicated 3D smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) collision simulations of differentiated, self-gravitating bodies for each event.

Methods. Post-collision water inventories are traced self-consistently in the further dynamical evolution, in accretionary or erosive as well as hit-and-run encounters with two large surviving bodies, where besides collisional losses, water transfer between the encountering bodies has to be considered. This hybrid approach enables us for the first time to trace the full dynamical and collisional evolution of a system of approximately 200 bodies throughout the whole late-stage accretion phase (several hundred Myr). As a first application we choose a Solar System-like architecture with already formed giant planets on either circular or eccentric orbits and a debris disk spanning the whole terrestrial planet region (0.5–4 au).

Results. Including realistic collision treatment leads to considerably different results than simple perfect merging, with lower mass planets and water inventories reduced regularly by a factor of two or more. Due to a combination of collisional losses and a considerably lengthened accretion phase, final water content, especially with giant planets on circular orbits, is strongly reduced to more Earth-like values, and closer to results with eccentric giant planets. Water delivery to potentially habitable planets is dominated by very few decisive collisions, mostly with embryo-sized or larger objects and only rarely with smaller bodies, at least if embryos have formed throughout the whole disk initially. The high frequency of hit-and-run collisions and the differences to predominantly accretionary encounters, such as generally low water (and mass) transfer efficiencies, are a crucial part of water delivery, and of system-wide evolution in general.
Seeds of Life in Space (SOLIS)
Authors: Codella C. , Ceccarelli C. , Bianchi E. , Balucani N. , Podio L. , Caselli P. , Feng S. , Lefloch B. , López-Sepulcre A. , Neri R. , Spezzano S. , De Simone M.
Published: December 2019

Context.It is nowadays clear that a rich organic chemistry takes place in protostellar regions. However, the processes responsible for it, that is, the dominant formation routes to interstellar complex organic molecules, are still a source of debate. Two paradigms have been evoked: the formation of these molecules on interstellar dust mantles and their formation in the gas phase from simpler species previously synthesised on the dust mantles.

Aims.In the past, observations of protostellar shocks have been used to set constraints on the formation route of formamide (NH2CHO), exploiting its observed spatial distribution and comparison with astrochemical model predictions. In this work, we follow the same strategy to study the case of acetaldehyde (CH3CHO).

Methods.To this end, we used the data obtained with the IRAM-NOEMA interferometer in the framework of the Large Program SOLIS to image the B0 and B1 shocks along the L1157 blueshifted outflow in methanol (CH3OH) and acetaldehyde line emission.

Results.We imaged six CH3OH and eight CH3CHO lines which cover upper-level energies up to ~30 K. Both species trace the B0 molecular cavity as well as the northern B1 portion, that is, the regions where the youngest shocks (~1000 yr) occurred. The CH3OH and CH3CHO emission peaks towards the B1b clump, where we measured the following column densities and relative abundances: 1.3 × 1016cm−2and 6.5 × 10−6(methanol), and 7 × 1013cm−2and 3.5 × 10−8(acetaldehyde). We carried out a non-LTE (non-Local Thermodinamic Equilibrium) Large Velocity Gradient (LVG) analysis of the observed CH3OH line: the average kinetic temperature and density of the emitting gas areTkin~ 90 K andnH2~ 4 × 105cm−3, respectively. The CH3OH and CH3CHO abundance ratio towards B1b is 190, varying by less than a factor three throughout the whole B0–B1 structure.

Conclusions.Comparison of astrochemical model predictions with the observed methanol and acetaldehyde spatial distribution does not allow us to distinguish whether acetaldehyde is formed on the grain mantles or in the gas phase, as its gas-phase formation, which is dominated by the reaction of ethyl radical (CH3CH2) with atomic oxygen, is very fast. Observations of acetaldehyde in younger shocks, for example those of ~102yr old, and/or of the ethyl radical, whose frequencies are not presently available, are necessary to settle the issue.
High reddening patches in Gaia DR2
Authors: Beitia-Antero Leire , Gómez de Castro Ana Inés , de la Fuente Marcos Raúl
Published: December 2019

Context. Deep GALEX UV data show that the extreme outskirts of some spiral galaxies are teeming with star formation. Such young stellar populations evolving so far away from the bulk of their host galaxies challenge our overall understanding of how star formation proceeds at galactic scales. It is at present unclear whether our own Milky Way may also exhibit ongoing and recent star formation beyond the conventional edge of the disk (∼15 kpc).

Aims. Using Gaia DR2 data, we aim to determine if such a population is present in the Galactic halo, beyond the nominal radius of the Milky Way disk.

Methods. We studied the kinematics of Gaia DR2 sources with parallax values between 1/60 and 1/30 milliarcseconds towards two regions that show abnormally high values of extinction and reddening; the results are compared with predictions from GALAXIA Galactic model. We also plotted the color–magnitude (CM) diagrams with heliocentric distances computed inverting the parallaxes, and studied the effects of the large parallax errors by Monte Carlo sampling.

Results. The kinematics point towards a Galactic origin for one of the regions, while the provenance of the stars in the other is not clear. A spectroscopic analysis of some of the sources in the first region confirms that they are located in the halo. The CM diagram of the sources suggests that some of them are young.
Current Trends in Practice of Residents in the Saudi Board of Endodontics Program
Authors: AlRahabi Mothanna K. , AlKady Ayman M.
Published: December 2019

Objectives The purpose of the current study was to collect information about some techniques and armamentarium currently used by the Saudi Board of Endodontics residents in relation to the technical steps of root canal therapy.

Materials and Methods A web-based survey was sent to the Saudi Board of Endodontics residents, based in the western area of Saudi Arabia. The survey assessed controversial concepts, and collected information regarding new instruments and materials, used in the technical steps of nonsurgical root canal treatment. A one-sample chi-square test, with a 95% level of significance, was applied to determine whether there were significant differences between respondents’ answers.

Results A total of 45 out of 50 residents (90%) responded to the questionnaire. The majority of Saudi Board residents of Endodontics, who participated in this survey, used the mean of working length (ML) measured by periapical X-Ray and apex locator in the presence of a radiographic lesion (63.3%), and maintained apical patency in all cases (80.0%). ProTaper Universal (40%) and ProTaper Next (41.2%) were the most common NiTi rotary systems used for root canal instrumentation. Thirty percent of respondents used adjunct device with irrigation, and 80% advocated smear layer removal. Zinc oxide–eugenol-based sealers were the most common used sealers (70%), and most residents (86.6%) did not advocate sealer extrusion.

Conclusions This study revealed that residents of the Saudi Board of Endodontics program adopt new endodontic technologies. There is, however, a need for more investigations regarding this objective, including responses from all residents in Saudi Arabia.
A Case of Giant Cell Tumour of Bone in a Dog
Authors: Blondel Margaux , Gros Lucile , Semin Marie-Odile , Delverdier Maxence , Palierne Sophie , Autefage André
Published: December 2019

Case Description A 9-year-old neutered female mixed-breed dog was presented for the assessment of right pelvic limb lameness of 1-week duration. The lameness had progressed to non-weight bearing the day before presentation.

Diagnostic Findings Radiographic examination of the right stifle joint revealed a large purely lytic lesion affecting the proximal metaphysis and epiphysis of the right tibia associated with a pathological fracture of the tibial plateau. These findings, combined with histological evaluation of a bone biopsy performed under ultrasound-guidance, were suggestive of a giant cell tumour of bone.

Treatment and Outcome A limb-sparing procedure was attempted as first-line treatment. Curettage of the tumour was followed by coblation, and the defect was filled with polymethyl methacrylate bone cement. Physical and radiographic follow-up examinations 1, 2 and 3 months after surgery revealed improved functional outcome and minor progression of osteolysis. However, local recurrence was apparent 5 months after initial surgery and the limb was therefore amputated.

Clinical Relevance Giant cell tumour of bone is rare in dogs. In humans, the traditional surgical management is curettage. This treatment was attempted here for the first time in a dog and the short-term outcome was satisfactory. However, in this particular case, local control of the tumour was unsuccessful.
Effect of Fe doping concentration on photocatalytic performance of CeO2 from DFT insight into analysis
Authors: Xue Yufei , Tian Dong , Zeng Chunhua , Fu Yunchang , Li Kongzhai
Published: December 2019

A series of CeO2 based materials are analyzed using first-principles calculation. After geometry optimization, the calculated parameter of Ce32O64 is in good agreement with the experimental and theoretical results. The lattice constant of doped materials becomes increasingly smaller with the introduction of more Fe doping into the lattice owing to the small radii of impurity atoms. Other data relate to increase or decrease to some extent. As for electronic property, the energy band structure and partial density of states are explored and discussed. Due to the enhancement of the degree of hybridization between O atoms and metal atoms, there is a narrower band gap in Fe doped materials, indicating that lower energy can promote and achieve electronic transition from the valence band to the conduction band. Through the complex dielectric function composed of the real part and the imaginary part, the extinction coefficient, it is observed that they are responsive to light and electronic transition under visible light irradiation. On the other hand, we predict the photocatalytic behavior by discussing the extinction coefficient. Besides, the optical absorption spectrum and optical band gap are analyzed to further observe performance in photocatalysis. It is found that doping causes first the red shift of the absorption edge and then results in the red shift and enhancement of photocatalytic performance, which is consistent with our prediction. In addition, Eopt indicates that Fe is beneficial for the activity of CeO2. The atomic number ratio of 3:1 (Fe:Ce) shows superior behavior compared to other materials.
Numerical study on nanofluids natural convection heat transfer inside power transformer windings
Authors: Zhang Yunpeng , Ho Siu-lau , Fu Weinong , Yang Xinsheng , Wu Huihuan , Yang Hui , Jie Yufei
Published: December 2019

As an innovative approach to improve the cooling efficiency of fluid, the use of nanofluids has attracted increasing attention in engineering applications. In this paper, the impact on the natural convective heat transfer in disc-type transformer windings due to transformer oil-based nanofluids is studied numerically. A low-voltage winding using nanofluid (SiC/oil) as the coolant is modelled two-dimensionally and simulated by computational fluid dynamics and the multi-phase mixture model. The numerical method is validated with the existing results of transformers using conventional oil cooling, and grid-independence study is carried out for the nanofluid flow. Compared with transformer oil cooling, the temperature of nanofluid cooled winding is significantly reduced, while the temperature trend along the flow direction remains essentially the same. Moreover, the effects of nanofluid on the mass flow rate and the coolant temperature have been taken into consideration in the heat transfer analysis.
Performance of sheep systems grazing perennial pastures. 2. Wool quality and lamb growth
Authors: Robertson Susan M. , Friend Michael A.
Published: December 2019

This study evaluated wool quality and lamb production from four management systems with Merino ewes grazing a perennial pasture between 2006 and 2010, using different combinations of lambing time, ram breed and percentage of summer-active pasture species. All systems were stocked at a similar midwinter rate (dry-sheep equivalents per hectare of 8, 10.2, 13, 11.2 and 11.2 in the successive seasons 2006–2010). Liveweight, condition score, C fat and eye muscle depth at weaning of both Merino and crossbred lambs were always higher (P < 0.05) for lambs born in July than those born in September. Similarly, the sale weight of lambs born in July was always higher (P < 0.05) than of lambs born in September, partly because these lambs were usually retained for longer before sale. When lambs were born in September, sheep systems that carried higher numbers of ewes per hectare at the same midwinter stocking rate produced sale weights of lambs similar to those with fewer ewes, except where systems with fewer lambs per hectare enabled lambs to be retained for longer in favourable seasons. A higher percentage of lucerne (Medicago sativa, 40% cf. 20%) increased lamb sale weights only in favourable seasons. Clean fleece weights per ewe and staple strength were similar among systems in most years (2008–2010), although mean fibre diameter was lower (P < 0.05) in both late lambing systems (with 40% and 20% lucerne). The results indicate that choice of lambing time, ram breed and the flexibility to alter lamb sale date with seasonal conditions will have a larger impact on the performance of individuals than number of ewes per hectare where systems are grazed at the same midwinter stocking rate.
Performance of sheep systems grazing perennial pastures. 3. Fertility, fecundity and lamb survival
Authors: Robertson Susan M. , Friend Michael A.
Published: December 2019

Management system has the potential to alter the reproductive output of sheep flocks and thereby farm profit. A study was conducted between 2006 and 2010 to evaluate the reproductive performance of four management systems with differing combinations of time of lambing, stocking rate and ram breed, while grazing at a similar midwinter stocking rate (dry-sheep equivalents per hectare of 8, 10.2, 13, 11.2 and 11.2 in the successive seasons 2006–2010). Three systems, winter lambing Merino (WLM), split lambing (SL) and later lambing (LL), grazed replicated farmlets comprising pastures that were 20% lucerne (Medicago sativa), 20% tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and 60% phalaris (Phalaris aquatica). A fourth system (high lucerne (HL)) grazed farmlets of 40% lucerne, 15% tall fescue and 45% phalaris. All systems used Merino ewes: in WLM mated to Merino rams, lambing in July; in SL half of the ewes lambing to terminal-breed rams in July, the other half lambing to Merino rams in September; and in LL and HL lambed in September, half to terminal-breed and half to Merino rams. The number of lambs weaned per ewe joined was 10% higher (P < 0.05) in the WLM system (0.99 ± 0.03) than in the September-lambing systems LL and HL, largely a result of a higher number of fetuses per ewe and despite lower (P < 0.05) lamb survival to marking in some years. The SL system weaned a similar (P > 0.05) number of lambs per ewe (0.95 ± 0.03) to all other systems. However, the number of lambs weaned per hectare was least in WLM (4.6 ± 0.2), lower than in the HL and LL systems by 2.7 lambs/ha because of a lower stocking rate. The ranking of systems for fetal number and lamb survival was not consistent among years. Spring-lambing systems produced more lambs per hectare because of a higher stocking rate but fewer lambs per ewe than the WLM system. System differences in pregnancy rate, fecundity and lamb survival were not consistent between years.
A carbonate-rich lake solution to the phosphate problem of the origin of life
Authors: Toner Jonathan D. , Catling David C.
Published: December 2019

Significance

Phosphate is crucial for the origin of life because it is ubiquitous in key biomolecules. A major issue is that prebiotic syntheses use concentrated phosphate to incorporate phosphate into biomolecules, whereas natural waters are generally phosphate-poor because phosphate reacts with calcium to form low-solubility apatite minerals. Here we show that carbonate-rich lakes can concentrate phosphate to >1 molal levels by locking up calcium in carbonate minerals, which prevents phosphate removal by apatite precipitation. Phosphate-rich lakes may have preferentially formed on the prebiotic Earth because of carbonic acid weathering under CO
2
-rich atmospheres and the absence of microbial phosphate consumption. This specifically points to an origin of life in carbonate-rich lakes, and so defines aqueous conditions that prebiotic chemists should consider.
Upstate, Downstate, and Outstate Across the United States
Authors: Sublett Michael D.
Published: December 2019

Upstate, downstate, and outstate are informal place names, informal in that they do not have locational coordinates or defined dimensions. They are, however, useful designators for the peripheral areas of US American states with dominant urban population cores. Beginning with upstate, this study focuses on the earliest known printed uses of each peripheral term in connection with the 50 states. It looks at how core area newspapers and other critics have deprecated the rural aspect of these peripherals, leading rural residents in some states to argue against further use of the informal name. The study also reports on the results of promotional efforts to capitalize on upstate, downstate, or outstate in naming of enterprises.
Inhibition of stress corrosion cracking in 304 stainless steel through titanium ion implantation
Authors: Liu Ming , Li ChenYu , Liu Lin , Ye Youjun , Dastan Davoud , Garmestani Hamid
Published: December 2019

The effects of titanium ion implantation on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviour of 304 austenitic stainless steel were studied. Slow strain rate tests (SSRTs) were conducted on 304 steel in air and in 5 wt-% NaCl solution. The microscopic effects of ion implantation were evaluated by Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter Procedures (SRIM). Fracture morphologies and microstructures were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The fracture surfaces illustrate that ion implantation significantly inhibits the corrosion pits that initiate SCC. A dense passive film, which inhibits SCC, was formed during the ion implantation process. SCC initiation was restrained due to the dense dislocation nets that were generated by titanium ion implantation.

Highlights Ion implantation inhibits SCC susceptibility. The lack of Cr at the grain boundary leads to the expansion of SCC along the grain boundary. Implantation-induced damage leads to high-density dislocations. The surface was amorphised due to high-density dislocations.
Estimation of homogenisation time for superalloys based on a new diffusional model
Authors: Sohrabi Mohammad Javad , Mirzadeh Hamed
Published: December 2019

The inter-diffusion of segregating elements (Nb, Mo, and Ti) in the cast ingot of Inconel 718 superalloy during homogenisation at elevated temperature was studied by a new model based on the characteristic diffusion length. The proposed simple method was used for obtaining the homogenisation time required for back-diffusion of each element. Therefore, the developed model can be used for both studying the diffusion of alloying elements and estimation of homogenisation time, where the latter is important from the industrial standpoint.
Emotional identity and pragmatic citizenship: being Palestinian in Sweden
Authors: Lindholm Helena
Published: December 2019

How is identity claimed and created in communities that have experienced multiple processes of refugeeness and patterns of mixed migration? This article explores how Palestinian national identity is moulded, influenced, experienced and lived in a context of protracted refugeeness, exile and diaspora in Sweden. Departing from literature on diaspora and Palestinian identity formation and based on the collection of narratives from Palestinians residing in Sweden, the article sheds light on the processes through which Palestinian identity is strongly related to a moral and political commitment to the homeland lost and to issues of solidarity. Palestinians in Sweden also reveal a strong embracement of Swedish citizenship related to aspects such as the passport, the right to vote, security, liberalism and the welfare system. As Palestinians have arrived to Sweden from different instabilities in the Middle East and in different times, there are also affiliations and links to other spatial surroundings such as refugee camps in Lebanon and Syria. The paper also illuminates how multiple refugeeness create both a shared understanding of identity, but also internal rifts and contradictions, relating to former places of residence, to increasing racism and enforced social boundaries in Sweden, and to the different processes of displacement that have brought them to Sweden.
Application of Multi-variable Grey Model Method in Power Load Forecasting
Authors: Tong Linghua
Published: December 2019

Electric power has become one of the most important energy sources in today’s society. It is of great significance for power grid enterprises and people’s livelihood to accurately grasp the historical data of power load and to mine the potential value of data. In this paper, by making using of the multi-variable grey model, the power load forecasting is studied. Firstly, this paper establishes the multi-variable grey model with grey system theory. Secondly, the correlation between four temperature factors and load is analyzed, which shows that four temperature factors should be considered as the influencing factors of load. Finally, multi-variable grey model is applied to forecast the summer load of some region in Ningbo. The results show that the prediction has better fitting and prediction accuracy.