Pineapple Lectin AcmJRL Binds SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in a Carbohydrate-Dependent Fashion**

The highly glycosylated spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is essential for infection and constitutes a prime target for antiviral agents and vaccines. The pineapple-derived jacalin-related lectin AcmJRL is present in the medication bromelain in significant quantities and has previously been described to bind mannosides. Here, we performed a large ligand screening of AcmJRL by glycan array analysis, quantified the interaction with carbohydrates and validated high-mannose glycans as preferred ligands. Because the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was previously reported to carry a high proportion of high-mannose N-glycans, we tested the binding of AcmJRL to the recombinantly produced extraviral domain of spike protein. We could demonstrate that AcmJRL binds the spike protein with a low-micromolar K_D in a carbohydrate-dependent fashion.     

Constructing a Thin Disordered Self-Protective Layer on the LiNiO2 Primary Particles Against Oxygen Release

One of the major challenges facing the application of layered LiNiO₂ (LNO) cathode materials is the oxygen release upon electrochemical cycling. Here it is shown that tailoring the provided lithium content during synthesis process can create a disordered layered Li_1-xNi_1+xO₂ phase at the primary particle surface. The disordered surface, which serves as a self-protective layer to alleviate the oxygen loss, possesses the same layered rhombohedral structure (R$\overline{3}$m) as the inner core of primary particles of the Li_1-xNi_1+xO₂ (x ≈ 0). With advanced synchrotron-based x-ray 3D imaging and spectroscopic techniques, a macroporous architecture within the agglomerates of LNO with ordered surface (LNO-OS) is revealed after only 40 cycles, concomitant with the reduction of nickel on the primary particle surface throughout the whole secondary particles. Such chemomechanical degradation accelerates the deterioration of LNO-OS cathodes. Comparably, there are only slight changes in the nickel valence state and interior architecture of LNO with a thin disordered surface layer (LNO-DS) after cycling, mainly arising from an improved robustness of the oxygen framework on the surface. More importantly, the disordered surface can suppress the detrimental H2 ⇋ H3 phase transition upon cycling compared to the ordered one.     

On the Performance of Various 5G Signals Sensing Based on Hybrid Filter

International Journal of Wireless Information Networks - The 5G wireless communication system is promised to exploit many kinds of waveform for satisfying various requirements to transmit huge size...     

In-situ monitoring of decane-in-water emulsion during microwave irradiation

Microwave (MW)-assisted de-emulsification has been attractive in processes of petroleum production and refining. However, the mechanism and optimal operation remain poorly understood. In this study, the behaviour of decane-in-water emulsion under MW irradiation was monitored in-situ through a size measurement system equipped with the reactor and surface tension profiles. The results indicated that the bubble was formed around the oil droplet during MW irradiation. The MW-induced bubbles can enhance de-emulsification in a similar mechanism as the flotation column. The efficiency of MW de-emulsification depends on emulsion content and MW power. Although a higher MW power is more effective, boiling caused by excessive energy must be considered due to the higher local heating. As a result, moderate power is more desirable. For the decane-in-water emulsions in this study, the optimal condition was determined to be around 500 W.     

Severe hypertriglyceridemia in an infant on chronic hemodialysis

Severe hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Children with chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease are at risk for development of hyperlipidemia. In this report, we describe a 7-month-old male infant with Denys–Drash syndrome who was found to have a “milky-layer” floating on the deaerator of the hemodialysis machine. Investigations showed severe hypertriglyceridemia of >1000 mg/dl. The patient had been on chronic continuous manual peritoneal dialysis until 6 months of age and recently had been switched to hemodialysis. Management included lowering of caloric intake and addition of medium chain triglyceride with reduction of the serum triglyceride levels to 300–400 mg/dl. Close monitoring of serum lipids and timely intervention is important to prevent serious complications associated with dyslipidemia. Observation of the “milky layer” in the deaerator of the hemodialysis machine may be an interesting visual clue of underlying severe hypertriglyceridemia.     

Agglomeration effects and unemployment to work: Evidence from French data

In this work, we explore the role of agglomeration economies on unemployment-to-work transition rates in French employment areas. Mobilizing administrative exhaustive data files from individuals registered at the employment agency, we estimate local transition rates that are independent of differences in local characteristics of job seekers. Then, observed disparities between areas are explained by population density, our measure for agglomeration effects, and some demographic and labor market characteristics. We retain econometrics models considering spatial dependency for our dependent variable but also endogeneity of our main variable of interest. We find a negative relationship between population density and unemployment to work.     

A hybrid multiscale filter along with an improved adaptive SVR technique for fault diagnosis and machine learning modeling: forecasting the octane number of gasoline in isomerization reactor

Neural Computing and Applications - Using a reliable predictive model is important for modeling, controlling, and optimization of the isomerization process. This process has a significant impact on...