bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficiency limits of concentrating spectral-splitting hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) solar collectors and systems
Authors: Huang Gan , Wang Kai , Markides Christos N. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSpectral splitting is an approach to the design of hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collectors that promises significant performance benefits. However, the ultimate efficiency limits, optimal PV cell materials and optical filters of spectral-splitting PVT (SSPVT) collectors remain unclear, with a lack of consensus in the literature. We develop an idealized model of SSPVT collectors and use this to determine their electrical and thermal efficiency limits, and to uncover how these limits can be approached through the selection of optimal PV cell materials and spectral-splitting filters. Assuming that thermal losses can be minimized, the efficiency limit, optimal PV material and optimal filter all depend strongly on a coefficient w, which quantifies the value of the delivered thermal energy relative to that of the generated electricity. The total (electrical plus thermal) efficiency limit of SSPVT collectors increases at higher w and at higher optical concentrations. The optimal spectral-splitting filter is defined by sharp lower- and upper-bound energies; the former always coincides with the bandgap of the cell, whereas the latter decreases at higher w. The total effective efficiency limit of SSPVT collectors is over 20% higher than those of either standalone PV modules or standalone ST collectors when w is in the range from 0.35 to 0.50 and up to 30% higher at w ≈ 0.4. This study provides a method for identifying the efficiency limits of ideal SSPVT collectors and reports these limits, along with guidance for selecting optimal PV materials and spectral-splitting filters under different conditions and in different applications.
Confocal-based fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy with a SPAD array detector
Authors: Slenders Eli , Castello Marco , Buttafava Mauro , Villa Federica , Tosi Alberto , Lanzanò Luca , Koho Sami Valtteri , Vicidomini Giuseppe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe combination of confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) and fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (FFS) is a powerful tool in studying fast, sub-resolution biomolecular processes in living cells. A detector array can further enhance CLSM-based FFS techniques, as it allows the simultaneous acquisition of several samples–essentially images—of the CLSM detection volume. However, the detector arrays that have previously been proposed for this purpose require tedious data corrections and preclude the combination of FFS with single-photon techniques, such as fluorescence lifetime imaging. Here, we solve these limitations by integrating a novel single-photon-avalanche-diode (SPAD) array detector in a CLSM system. We validate this new implementation on a series of FFS analyses: spot-variation fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, pair-correlation function analysis, and image-derived mean squared displacement analysis. We predict that the unique combination of spatial and temporal information provided by our detector will make the proposed architecture the method of choice for CLSM-based FFS.
Rictor/mTORC2 involves mitochondrial function in ES cells derived cardiomyocytes via mitochondrial Connexin 43
Authors: Wang Jia-dan , Shao Ying , Liu Dan , Liu Nuo-ya , Zhu Dan-yan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRictor is a key component of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) and is required for Akt phosphorylation (Ser473). Our previous study shows that knockdown of Rictor prevents cardiomyocyte differentiation from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and induces abnormal electrophysiology of ES cell-derived cardiomyocytes (ESC-CMs). Besides, knockdown of Rictor causes down-expression of connexin 43 (Cx43), the predominant gap junction protein, that is located in both the sarcolemma and mitochondria in cardiomyocytes. Mitochondrial Cx43 (mtCx43) plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function. In this study, we used the model of cardiomyocyte differentiation from mouse ES cells to elucidate the mechanisms for the mitochondrial damage in ESC-CMs after knockdown of Rictor. We showed swollen and ruptured mitochondria were observed after knockdown of Rictor under transmission electron microscope. ATP production and mitochondrial transmembrane potential were significantly decreased in Rictor-knockdown cells. Furthermore, knockdown of Rictor inhibited the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex. The above-mentioned changes were linked to inhibiting the translocation of Cx43 into mitochondria by knockdown of Rictor. We revealed that knockdown of Rictor inactivated the mTOR/Akt signalling pathway and subsequently decreased HDAC6 expression, resulted in Hsp90 hyper-acetylation caused by HDAC6 inhibition, thus, inhibited the formation of Hsp90-Cx43-TOM20 complex. In conclusion, the mitochondrial Cx43 participates in shRNA-Rictor-induced mitochondrial function damage in the ESC-CMs.
Sympathetic activity in breast cancer and metastasis: partners in crime
Authors: Conceição Francisco , Sousa Daniela M. , Paredes Joana , Lamghari Meriem 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe vast majority of patients with advanced breast cancer present skeletal complications that severely compromise their quality of life. Breast cancer cells are characterized by a strong tropism to the bone niche. After engraftment and colonization of bone, breast cancer cells interact with native bone cells to hinder the normal bone remodeling process and establish an osteolytic “metastatic vicious cycle”. The sympathetic nervous system has emerged in recent years as an important modulator of breast cancer progression and metastasis, potentiating and accelerating the onset of the vicious cycle and leading to extensive bone degradation. Furthermore, sympathetic neurotransmitters and their cognate receptors have been shown to promote several hallmarks of breast cancer, such as proliferation, angiogenesis, immune escape, and invasion of the extracellular matrix. In this review, we assembled the current knowledge concerning the complex interactions that take place in the tumor microenvironment, with a special emphasis on sympathetic modulation of breast cancer cells and stromal cells. Notably, the differential action of epinephrine and norepinephrine, through either α- or β-adrenergic receptors, on breast cancer progression prompts careful consideration when designing new therapeutic options. In addition, the contribution of sympathetic innervation to the formation of bone metastatic foci is highlighted. In particular, we address the remarkable ability of adrenergic signaling to condition the native bone remodeling process and modulate the bone vasculature, driving breast cancer cell engraftment in the bone niche. Finally, clinical perspectives and developments on the use of β-adrenergic receptor inhibitors for breast cancer management and treatment are discussed.
Spectroscopic trace of the Lifshitz transition and multivalley activation in thermoelectric SnSe under high pressure
Authors: Biesner Tobias , Li Weiwu , Tsirlin Alexander A. , Roh Seulki , Wei Pai-Chun , Uykur Ece , Dressel Martin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMultivalley systems offer not only exciting physical phenomena but also the possibility of broad utilization. Identifying an important platform and understanding its physics are paramount tasks to improve their capability for application. Here, we investigate a promising candidate, the semiconductor SnSe, by optical spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. Upon applying pressure to lightly doped SnSe, we directly monitored the phase transition from semiconductor to semimetal. In addition, heavily doped SnSe exhibited a successive Lifshitz transition, activating multivalley physics. Our comprehensive study provides insight into the effects of pressure and doping on this system, leading to promising routes to tune the material properties for advanced device applications, including thermoelectrics and valleytronics.
Fast amplitude modulation up to 1.5 GHz of mid-IR free-space beams at room-temperature
Authors: Pirotta Stefano , Tran Ngoc-Linh , Jollivet Arnaud , Biasiol Giorgio , Crozat Paul , Manceau Jean-Michel , Bousseksou Adel , Colombelli Raffaele 
Published: February 2021

AbstractApplications relying on mid-infrared radiation (λ ~ 3-30 μm) have progressed at a very rapid pace in recent years, stimulated by scientific and technological breakthroughs like mid-infrared cameras and quantum cascade lasers. On the other side, standalone and broadband devices allowing control of the beam amplitude and/or phase at ultra-fast rates (GHz or more) are still missing. Here we show a free-space amplitude modulator for mid-infrared radiation (λ ~ 10 μm) that can operate at room temperature up to at least 1.5 GHz (−3dB cutoff at ~750 MHz). The device relies on a semiconductor heterostructure enclosed in a judiciously designed metal–metal optical resonator. At zero bias, it operates in the strong light-matter coupling regime up to 300 K. By applying an appropriate bias, the device transitions towards the weak-coupling regime. The large change in reflectance is exploited to modulate the intensity of a mid-infrared continuous-wave laser up to 1.5 GHz.
Deep learning to infer eddy heat fluxes from sea surface height patterns of mesoscale turbulence
Authors: George Tom M. , Manucharyan Georgy E. , Thompson Andrew F. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMesoscale eddies have strong signatures in sea surface height (SSH) anomalies that are measured globally through satellite altimetry. However, monitoring the transport of heat associated with these eddies and its impact on the global ocean circulation remains difficult as it requires simultaneous observations of upper-ocean velocity fields and interior temperature and density properties. Here we demonstrate that for quasigeostrophic baroclinic turbulence the eddy patterns in SSH snapshots alone contain sufficient information to estimate the eddy heat fluxes. We use simulations of baroclinic turbulence for the supervised learning of a deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to predict up to 64% of eddy heat flux variance. CNNs also significantly outperform other conventional data-driven techniques. Our results suggest that deep CNNs could provide an effective pathway towards an operational monitoring of eddy heat fluxes using satellite altimetry and other remote sensing products.
Impaired eIF5A function causes a Mendelian disorder that is partially rescued in model systems by spermidine
Authors: Faundes Víctor , Jennings Martin D. , Crilly Siobhan , Legraie Sarah , Withers Sarah E. , Cuvertino Sara , Davies Sally J. , Douglas Andrew G. L. , Fry Andrew E. , Harrison Victoria , Amiel Jeanne , Lehalle Daphné , Newman William G. , Newkirk Patricia , Ranells Judith , Splitt Miranda , Cross Laura A. , Saunders Carol J. , Sullivan Bonnie R. , Granadillo Jorge L. , Gordon Christopher T. , Kasher Paul R. , Pavitt Graham D. , Banka Siddharth 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe structure of proline prevents it from adopting an optimal position for rapid protein synthesis. Poly-proline-tract (PPT) associated ribosomal stalling is resolved by highly conserved eIF5A, the only protein to contain the amino acid hypusine. We show that de novo heterozygous EIF5A variants cause a disorder characterized by variable combinations of developmental delay, microcephaly, micrognathia and dysmorphism. Yeast growth assays, polysome profiling, total/hypusinated eIF5A levels and PPT-reporters studies reveal that the variants impair eIF5A function, reduce eIF5A-ribosome interactions and impair the synthesis of PPT-containing proteins. Supplementation with 1 mM spermidine partially corrects the yeast growth defects, improves the polysome profiles and restores expression of PPT reporters. In zebrafish, knockdown eif5a partly recapitulates the human phenotype that can be rescued with 1 µM spermidine supplementation. In summary, we uncover the role of eIF5A in human development and disease, demonstrate the mechanistic complexity of EIF5A-related disorder and raise possibilities for its treatment.
An unknown source of reactor radionuclides in the Baltic Sea revealed by multi-isotope fingerprints
Authors: Qiao Jixin , Zhang Haitao , Steier Peter , Hain Karin , Hou Xiaolin , Vartti Vesa-Pekka , Henderson Gideon M. , Eriksson Mats , Aldahan Ala , Possnert Göran , Golser Robin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe present an application of multi-isotopic fingerprints (i.e., 236U/238U, 233U/236U, 236U/129I and 129I/127I) for the discovery of previously unrecognized sources of anthropogenic radioactivity. Our data indicate a source of reactor 236U in the Baltic Sea in addition to inputs from the two European reprocessing plants and global fallout. This additional reactor 236U may come from unreported discharges from Swedish nuclear research facilities as supported by high 236U levels in sediment nearby Studsvik, or from accidental leakages of spent nuclear fuel disposed on the Baltic seafloor, either reported or unreported. Such leakages would indicate problems with the radiological safety of seafloor disposal, and may be accompanied by releases of other radionuclides. The results demonstrate the high sensitivity of multi-isotopic tracer systems, especially the 233U/236U signature, to distinguish environmental emissions of unrevealed radioactive releases for nuclear safeguards, emergency preparedness and environmental tracer studies.
Facile electron delivery from graphene template to ultrathin metal-organic layers for boosting CO2 photoreduction
Authors: Wang Jia-Wei , Qiao Li-Zhen , Nie Hao-Dong , Huang Hai-Hua , Li Yi , Yao Shuang , Liu Meng , Zhang Zhi-Ming , Kang Zhen-Hui , Lu Tong-Bu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMetal-organic layers with ordered structure and molecular tunability are of great potential as heterogeneous catalysts due to their readily accessible active sites. Herein, we demonstrate a facile template strategy to prepare metal-organic layers with a uniform thickness of three metal coordination layers (ca. 1.5 nm) with graphene oxide as both template and electron mediator. The resulting hybrid catalyst exhibits an excellent performance for CO2 photoreduction with a total CO yield of 3133 mmol g–1MOL (CO selectivity of 95%), ca. 34 times higher than that of bulky Co-based metal-organic framework. Systematic studies reveal that well-exposed active sites in metal-organic layers, and facile electron transfer between heterogeneous and homogeneous components mediated by graphene oxide, greatly contribute to its high activity. This work highlights a facile way for constructing ultrathin metal-organic layers and demonstrates charge transfer pathway between conductive template and catalyst for boosting photocatalysis.
Replacing conventional battery electrolyte additives with dioxolone derivatives for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Park Sewon , Jeong Seo Yeong , Lee Tae Kyung , Park Min Woo , Lim Hyeong Yong , Sung Jaekyung , Cho Jaephil , Kwak Sang Kyu , Hong Sung You , Choi Nam-Soon 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSolid electrolyte interphases generated using electrolyte additives are key for anode-electrolyte interactions and for enhancing the lithium-ion battery lifespan. Classical solid electrolyte interphase additives, such as vinylene carbonate and fluoroethylene carbonate, have limited potential for simultaneously achieving a long lifespan and fast chargeability in high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Here we report a next-generation synthetic additive approach that allows to form a highly stable electrode-electrolyte interface architecture from fluorinated and silylated electrolyte additives; it endures the lithiation-induced volume expansion of Si-embedded anodes and provides ion channels for facile Li-ion transport while protecting the Ni-rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathodes. The retrosynthetically designed solid electrolyte interphase-forming additives, 5-methyl-4-((trifluoromethoxy)methyl)-1,3-dioxol-2-one and 5-methyl-4-((trimethylsilyloxy)methyl)-1,3-dioxol-2-one, provide spatial flexibility to the vinylene carbonate-derived solid electrolyte interphase via polymeric propagation with the vinyl group of vinylene carbonate. The interface architecture from the synthesized vinylene carbonate-type additive enables high-energy-density LIBs with 81.5% capacity retention after 400 cycles at 1 C and fast charging capability (1.9% capacity fading after 100 cycles at 3 C).
Quantifying the effects of antibiotic treatment on the extracellular polymer network of antimicrobial resistant and sensitive biofilms using multiple particle tracking
Authors: Powell Lydia C. , Abdulkarim Muthanna , Stokniene Joana , Yang Qiu E. , Walsh Timothy R. , Hill Katja E. , Gumbleton Mark , Thomas David W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNovel therapeutics designed to target the polymeric matrix of biofilms requires innovative techniques to accurately assess their efficacy. Here, multiple particle tracking (MPT) was developed to characterize the physical and mechanical properties of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacterial biofilms and to quantify the effects of antibiotic treatment. Studies employed nanoparticles (NPs) of varying charge and size (40–500 nm) inPseudomonas aeruginosaPAO1 and methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) biofilms and also in polymyxin B (PMB) treatedEscherichia colibiofilms of PMB-sensitive (PMBSens) IR57 and PMB-resistant (PMBR) PN47 strains. NP size-dependent and strain-related differences in the diffusion coefficient values of biofilms were evident between PAO1 and MRSA. Dose-dependent treatment effects induced by PMB in PMBSensE.colibiofilms included increases in diffusion and creep compliance (P < 0.05), not evident in PMB treatment of PMBRE. colibiofilms. Our results highlight the ability of MPT to quantify the diffusion and mechanical effects of antibiotic therapies within the AMR biofilm matrix, offering a valuable tool for the pre-clinical screening of anti-biofilm therapies.
Enzyme mediated synthesis of hybrid polyedric gold nanoparticles
Authors: Arib Célia , Spadavecchia Jolanda , de la Chapelle Marc Lamy 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLarge protein complexes carry out some of the most complex activities in biology1,2. Such structures are often assembled spontaneously through the process of self-assembly and have characteristic chemical or biological assets in the cellular mechanisms3. Gold-based nanomaterials have attracted much attention in many areas of chemistry, physics and biosciences because of their size- and shape-dependent optic, electric, and catalytic properties. Here we report for the first time a one step synthesis in which Manganese Superoxide Dismutase protein plays a key role in the reduction of gold salts via the use of a Good's buffer (HEPES) to produce gold nanoparticles, compared to other proteins as catalase (CAT) and bovine serum albumin (BSA).We prove that this effect is directly related with the biological activities of the proteins that have an effect on the gold reduction mechanisms. Such synthesis route also induces the integration of proteins directly in the AuNPs that are intrinsically safe by design using a one-step production method. This is an important finding that will have uses in various applications, particularly in the green synthesis of novel nanomaterials.
PACIFIC: a lightweight deep-learning classifier of SARS-CoV-2 and co-infecting RNA viruses
Authors: Acera Mateos Pablo , Balboa Renzo F. , Easteal Simon , Eyras Eduardo , Patel Hardip R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractViral co-infections occur in COVID-19 patients, potentially impacting disease progression and severity. However, there is currently no dedicated method to identify viral co-infections in patient RNA-seq data. We developed PACIFIC, a deep-learning algorithm that accurately detects SARS-CoV-2 and other common RNA respiratory viruses from RNA-seq data. Using in silico data, PACIFIC recovers the presence and relative concentrations of viruses with > 99% precision and recall. PACIFIC accurately detects SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections in 63 independent in vitro cell culture and patient datasets. PACIFIC is an end-to-end tool that enables the systematic monitoring of viral infections in the current global pandemic.
Assessment of cytotoxicity and antioxidant properties of berry leaves as by-products with potential application in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products
Authors: Ziemlewska Aleksandra , Zagórska-Dziok Martyna , Nizioł-Łukaszewska Zofia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVaccinum myrtillus L., Ribes nigrum L., Rubus fruticosus L., Fragaria vesca L.leaves are considered an agro-waste of the berry industry. Although numerous studies indicate fruit is a rich source of bioactive compounds, the authors prove leaves can also be a valuable source of compounds used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The study attempts to assess and compare the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of berry leaves extracts. The total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins and procyanidins content were determined. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging method. Cytotoxicity studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of the extracts on the metabolism and proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in vitro. The effect on the migration capacity of these cells was also assessed. The obtained results show that the examined extracts are a source of valuable bioactive agents. All tested extracts show significant ability to remove free radicals in higher concentrations. Cytotoxicity assessments have shown that leaf extracts of the analyzed plants differ in cytotoxicity, both for keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The results of the assessment of cell migration capacity correlate with cytotoxicity tests, because the concentration of extracts showing cytotoxic activity towards the tested cells also inhibited their migration.
Robotic agricultural instrument for automated extraction of nematode cysts and eggs from soil to improve integrated pest management
Authors: Legner Christopher M. , Tylka Gregory L. , Pandey Santosh 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSoybeans are an important crop for global food security. Every year, soybean yields are reduced by numerous soybean diseases, particularly the soybean cyst nematode (SCN). It is difficult to visually identify the presence of SCN in the field, let alone its population densities or numbers, as there are no obvious aboveground disease symptoms. The only definitive way to assess SCN population densities is to directly extract the SCN cysts from soil and then extract the eggs from cysts and count them. Extraction is typically conducted in commercial soil analysis laboratories and university plant diagnostic clinics and involves repeated steps of sieving, washing, collecting, grinding, and cleaning. Here we present a robotic instrument to reproduce and automate the functions of the conventional methods to extract nematode cysts from soil and subsequently extract eggs from the recovered nematode cysts. We incorporated mechanisms to actuate the stage system, manipulate positions of individual sieves using the gripper, recover cysts and cyst-sized objects from soil suspended in water, and grind the cysts to release their eggs. All system functions are controlled and operated by a touchscreen interface software. The performance of the robotic instrument is evaluated using soil samples infested with SCN from two farms at different locations and results were comparable to the conventional technique. Our new technology brings the benefits of automation to SCN soil diagnostics, a step towards long-term integrated pest management of this serious soybean pest.