bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between the scaffold proteins CBP by IQGAP1 provides an interface between gene expression and cytoskeletal activity
Authors: Kosol Simone , Contreras-Martos Sara , Piai Alessandro , Varadi Mihaly , Lazar Tamas , Bekesi Angela , Lebrun Pierre , Felli Isabella C. , Pierattelli Roberta , Tompa Peter
Published: April 2020

Crosstalk between cellular pathways is often mediated through scaffold proteins that function as platforms for the assembly of signaling complexes. Based on yeast two-hybrid analysis, we report here the interaction between two complex scaffold proteins, CREB-binding protein (CBP) and the Ras GTPase-activating-like protein 1 (IQGAP1). Dissection of the interaction between the two proteins reveals that the central, thus far uncharacterized, region of IQGAP1 interacts with the HAT domain and the C-terminal intrinsically disordered region of CBP (termed ID5). Structural analysis of ID5 by solution NMR spectroscopy and SAXS reveals the presence of two regions with pronounced helical propensity. The ID5 region(s) involved in the interaction of nanomolar affinity were delineated by solution NMR titrations and pull-down assays. Moreover, we found that IQGAP1 acts as an inhibitor of the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity of CBP. In in vitro assays, the CBP-binding region of IQGAP1 positively and negatively regulates the function of HAT proteins of different families including CBP, KAT5 and PCAF. As many signaling pathways converge on CBP and IQGAP1, their interaction provides an interface between transcription regulation and the coordination of cytoskeleton. Disruption or alteration of the interaction between these scaffold proteins may lead to cancer development or metastatic processes, highlighting the importance of this interaction.
Author Correction: Validating a breast cancer score in Spanish women. The MCC-Spain study
Authors: Dierssen-Sotos Trinidad , Gómez-Acebo Inés , Palazuelos Camilo , Fernández-Navarro Pablo , Altzibar Jone M. , González-Donquiles Carmen , Ardanaz Eva , Bustamante Mariona , Alonso-Molero Jessica , Vidal Carmen , Bayo-Calero Juan , Tardón Adonina , Salas Dolores , Marcos-Gragera Rafael , Moreno Víctor , Rodriguez-Cundin Paz , Castaño-Vinyals Gemma , Ederra María , Vilorio-Marqués Laura , Amiano Pilar , Pérez-Gómez Beatriz , Aragonés Nuria , Kogevinas Manolis , Pollán Marina , Llorca Javier
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Heterogeneity at the invasion front of triple negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Aw Yong Koh Meng , Ulintz Peter J. , Caceres Sara , Cheng Xu , Bao Liwei , Wu Zhifen , Jiagge Evelyn M. , Merajver Sofia D.
Published: April 2020

Identifying better predictive and prognostic biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is complicated by tumor heterogeneity ranging from responses to therapy, mutational burden, and clonal evolution. To overcome the gap in our understanding of tumor heterogeneity, we hypothesized that isolating and studying the gene expression profile of invasive tumor cell subpopulations would be a crucial step towards achieving this goal. In this report, we utilized a fluidic device previously reported to be capable of supporting long-term three-dimensional growth and invasion dynamics of cancer cells. Live invading and matched non-invading SUM149 inflammatory breast cancer cells were enriched using this device and these two functionally distinct subpopulations were tested for differences in gene expression using a gene expression microarray. 305 target genes were identified to have altered expression in the invading cells compared to the non-invading tumoroid cells. Gene ontology analysis of the gene panel identified multiple biological roles ranging from extracellular matrix reorganization to modulation of the immune response and Rho signaling. Interestingly, the genes associated with the invasion front differ between different samples, consistent with inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity. This work suggests the impact of heterogeneity in biomarker discovery should be considered as cancer therapy increasingly heads towards a personalized approach.
Water Polishing improved controlled-release characteristics and fertilizer efficiency of castor oil-based polyurethane coated diammonium phosphate
Authors: Lu Hao , Tian Hongyu , Zhang Min , Liu Zhiguang , Chen Qi , Guan Rui , Wang Huaili
Published: April 2020

The production cost of controlled-release fertilizers is an important factoring limiting their applications. To reduce the coating cost of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and improve its nutrition release characteristics, the fertilizer cores were modified by water polishing with three dosages at 1, 2, and 3%. The effects of modification were evaluated in terms of particle hardness, size distribution, angle of repose and specific surface area. Castor oil-based polyurethane was used as coating material for fertilizer performance evaluation. A pot experiment was conducted to verify the fertilizer efficiency of coated diammonium phosphate (CDAP) with maize. The results showed that polishing with 2% water reduced the angle of repose by 2.48–10.57% and specific surface area by 5.70–48.76%, making it more suitable for coating. The nutrient release period of CDAP was significantly prolonged by 5.36 times. Soil available phosphorous, enzyme activities, maize grain yield, and phosphorous use efficiency were all improved through the blending application of coated and normal phosphate fertilizer. This study demonstrated that water-based surface modification is a low-cost and effective method for improvement and promotion of controlled release P fertilizers.
The molecular etiology of deafness and auditory performance in the postlingually deafened cochlear implantees
Authors: Lee Sang-Yeon , Shim Ye Ji , Han Jin-Hee , Song Jae-Jin , Koo Ja-Won , Oh Seung Ha , Lee Seungmin , Oh Doo-Yi , Choi Byung Yoon
Published: April 2020

Recent advances in molecular genetic testing (MGT) have improved identification of genetic aetiology of candidates for cochlear implantation (CI). However, whether genetic information increases CI outcome predictability in post-lingual deafness remains unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the outcomes of CI with respect to genetic aetiology and clinical predictors by comparing the data of study subjects; those with an identified genetic aetiology (GD group), and those without identifiable variants (GUD group). First, we identified the genetic aetiology in 21 of 40 subjects and also observed genetic etiologic heterogeneity. The GD group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in speech perception scores over a 1-year period than did the GUD group. Further, inverse correlation between deafness duration and the 1-year improvement in speech perception scores was tighter in the GD group than in the GUD group. The weak correlation between deafness duration and CI outcomes in the GUD group might suggest the pathophysiology underlying GUD already significantly involves the cortex, leading to lesser sensitivity to further cortex issues such as deafness duration. Under our MGT protocol, the correlation between deafness duration and CI outcomes were found to rely on the presence of identifiable genetic aetiology, strongly advocating early CI in individual with proven genetic aetiologies.
Health-related quality of life analysis in differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients after thyroidectomy
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Bo , Bai Yang , Liu Yonghong , Zhang Buyong , Jin Jian
Published: April 2020

Although differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) has a good prognosis and survival rate, long-term medication and recurrence monitoring might be needed. The factors that affect postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with DTC in different regions remain unclear or conflicting. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors that influence the HRQoL of DTC patients after surgery. This study selected 174 patients with DTC who underwent thyroidectomy. Additionally, 174 participants who were matched by age, gender, and socioeconomic status were recruited from the population as the control group. Both the DTC and control population groups were invited to answer the HRQoL questionnaire SF-36. Scores on seven domains of the HRQoL including role-physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), social functioning (SF), role-emotional (RE), and mental health (MH), were significantly lower for DTC patients than for the control population. The patients with no comorbidities had much higher scores on the 8 domains of the SF-36 than DTC patients with two or more comorbidities (all P < 0.05). Hypertension, diabetes and depression were the predictive factors of a poor Physical Component Summary (PCS) score and diabetes and depression were predictive factors of the Mental Component Summary (MCS) score at one year of follow-up (all P < 0.05). HRQoL is significantly influenced by many sociodemographic and clinical factors. Hypertension, diabetes and depression had a negative impact on HRQoL in DTC patients. More attention and targeted intervention should be given to DTC patients after surgery to improve quality of life.
The Breakup of a Helium Cluster After Removing Attractive Interaction Among a Significant Number of Atoms in the Cluster
Authors: Pang Tao
Published: April 2020

The breakup of a quantum liquid droplet is examined through a4He cluster by removing the attractive tail in the interaction between some of the atoms in the system with the diffusion quantum Monte Carlo simulation. The ground-state energy, kinetic energy, cluster size, and density profile of the cluster are evaluated against the percentage of the atoms without the attractive tail. The condition for the cluster to lose its ability to form a quantum liquid droplet at zero temperature is found and analyzed. The cluster is no longer able to form a quantum liquid droplet when about two-thirds of pairs of attractive interaction are removed. The findings are helpful to the current studies on the formation of quantum liquid droplets from cold atoms.
Reversible Photoalignment of Liquid Crystals: a Path toward the Creation of Rewritable Lenses
Authors: Quiroga Juan Antonio , Canga Ignacio , Alonso José , Crespo Daniel
Published: April 2020

In this work, we describe a new reversible photoalignment effect for the director in nematic liquid crystals that provides an approach for the creation of lenses whose optical power can be recorded and erased. The possibility of creating a rewritable lens has very important practical implications, for example, in the ophthalmic lens industry. A rewritable ophthalmic lens could be a convenient solution for patients whose compensation needs change over time due to age-related physiological changes, such as the onset and progression of presbyopia. Using rewritable lenses, small lens power corrections could be implemented through a rewriting procedure on the mounted lens without resurfacing or manufacturing and mounting a new lens. More generally, this new effect multiple potential applications in the creation of rewritable optical systems, such as reconfigurable optical networks, index-tunable antireflective coatings and optically rewritable phase gratings.
Cerebrospinal beta-amyloid peptides(1-40) and (1-42) in severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome – a pilot study
Authors: Lederer Wolfgang , Schaffenrath Helene , Alomar-Dominguez Cristina , Thaler Julia , Fantin Raffaella , Dostal Lucie , Putz Guenther , Humpel Christian
Published: April 2020

During pregnancy, substantial alterations in cerebral plasticity, vascular remodeling and neuronal growth occur in the maternal brain. We investigated whether concentrations of selected neurodiagnostic biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid of women with preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome differ from those in healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. We found that tau protein concentrations (p = 0.016) and phospho-tau/tau ratio (p < 0.001) in cerebrospinal fluid were significantly lower in 39 preeclamptic women compared to 44 healthy controls during third trimester of pregnancy. Beta-amyloid(1-40)/(1-42) ratio was significantly higher in HELLP syndrome than in severe preeclampsia (8.49 + 2.73 vs. 4.71 + 1.65; p = 0.007). We conclude that beta-amyloid(1-40)/(1-42) ratio in cerebrospinal fluid can discriminate severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. High beta-amyloid peptide and low tau protein concentrations are associated with impaired development of the materno-feto-placental unit and correlate with placental dysfunction.
Effect of Bacillus subtilis on corrosion behavior of 10MnNiCrCu steel in marine environment
Authors: Wang Y. S. , Liu L. , Fu Q. , Sun J. , An Z. Y. , Ding R. , Li Y. , Zhao X. D.
Published: April 2020

Bacillus widely exists in wet natural environment such as soil, water and air, and is often studied as one of representative microorganisms for microbiologically influenced corrosion(MIC) research. In this paper, the growth curve of Bacillus subtilis isolated from marine environment was determined by turbidimetry and its effect on corrosion behavior of 10MnNiCrCu steel was studied by open circuit potential, AC impedance, polarization curve and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The results showed that with the change of the growth curve of Bacillus subtilis(BS), the open circuit potential(Eocp) shifted positively and then negatively, and the charge transfer resistance shown by AC impedance was much lower than that of the sterile system, increasing first and then decreasing. The polarization curves showed that the corrosion current density in BS medium was obviously higher than that in sterile system. The corrosion morphology observation showed that although a biofilm by BS developed on the steel surface, the localized corrosion of 10MnNiCrCu steel was aggravated due to the acidness of the metabolite itself and the biofilm with access for electrolyte ions.
Synthesis of Conductive Carbon Aerogels Decorated with β-Tricalcium Phosphate Nanocrystallites
Authors: Tevlek Atakan , Atya Abdulraheem M. N. , Almemar Muhannad , Duman Memed , Gokcen Dincer , Ganin Alexey Y. , Yiu Humphrey H. P. , Aydin Halil M.
Published: April 2020

There has been substantial interest in research aimed at conductive carbon-based supports since the discovery that the electrical stimulus can have dramatic effect on cell behavior. Among these carbon-aerogels decorated with biocompatible polymers were suggested as future materials for tissue engineering. However, high reaction temperatures required for the synthesis of the aerogels tend to impair the stability of the polymeric networks. Herein, we report a synthetic route towards carbon-aerogel scaffolds decorated with biocompatible ceramic nanoparticles of tricalcium phosphate. The composites can be prepared at temperature as high as 1100 °C without significant effect on the morphology of the composite which is comparable with the original aerogel framework. Although the conductivity of the composites tends to decrease with the increasing ceramic content the measured conductivity values are similar to those previously reported on polymer-functionalized carbon-aerogels. The cell culture study revealed that the developed constructs support cell proliferation and provide good cell attachment suggesting them as potentially good candidates for tissue-engineering applications.
Nucleobase-involved native chemical ligation: a novel reaction between an oxanine nucleobase and N-terminal cysteine for oligonucleotide–peptide conjugation
Authors: Jang Eui Kyoung , Koike Yohei , Ide Yuko , Tajima Kunihiko , Kanaori Kenji , Pack Seung Pil
Published: April 2020

A novel nucleobase-involved native chemical ligation (NbCL) that allows a site–specific oligonucleotide–peptide conjugation via a new S–N acyl transfer reaction between an oxanine nucleobase and N-terminal cysteine.
Novel two-dimensional silicon–carbon binaries by crystal structure prediction
Authors: Borlido Pedro , Huran Ahmad W. , Marques Miguel A. L. , Botti Silvana
Published: April 2020

A theoretical study of the phase diagram of two-dimensional silicon–carbon binaries unveils a large variety of electronic properties.
Computational investigation of the ligand effect on the chemo/regioselectivity and reactivity of cobalt-catalysed hydroformylation
Authors: Li Pan , Shen Chaoren , Min Jie , Mei Jing-Yuan , Zheng Huan , He Lin , Tian Xinxin
Published: April 2020

The ligand effect on the chemo/regioselectivity and reactivity of cobalt-catalysed hydroformylation has been discussed.
Monitoring the two-dimensional concentration profile of toluene vapors by using polymer-stabilized nematic liquid crystals in microchannels
Authors: Liu Zongdai , Luo Dan , Yang Kun-Lin
Published: April 2020

The concentration of toluene vapor is obtained based on polymer-stabilized liquid crystals by viewing a colourful gamut under a polarized optical microscope.
Support morphology-dependent catalytic activity of the Co/CeO2 catalyst for the aqueous-phase hydrogenation of phenol
Authors: Lu Jinzhi , Ma Zhanwei , Wei Xuemei , Zhang Qinsheng , Hu Bin
Published: April 2020

The less hydrophilic Co/r-CeO2 catalyst inhibits the adsorption of water and further promotes the adsorption and activation of phenol.
Influence of pressure on the transport, magnetic, and structural properties of superconducting Cr0.0009NbSe2 single crystal
Authors: Manikandan K. , Pervin Rukshana , Saravanan C. , Sathiskumar M. , Chakraborty Nirman , Shirage Parasharam M. , Mondal Swastik , Srihari Velaga , Poswal Himanshu Kumar , Arumugam S.
Published: April 2020

We investigate the superconducting and vortex dynamics properties on Cr intercalated NbSe2 single crystal by the application of external pressure.
Synthesis of Pd–Ru solid-solution nanoparticles by pulsed plasma in liquid method
Authors: Mashimo Tsutomu , Tamura Shota , Yamamoto Kenta , Kelgenbaeva Zhazgul , Ma Weijan , Tokuda Makoto , Koinuma Michio , Isobe Hiroshi , Yoshiasa Akira
Published: April 2020

We have synthesized solid-solution nanoparticles (Pd : Ru = 1 : 3, 1 : 1 and 3 : 1) in an immiscible Pd–Ru system by the pulsed plasma in liquid method using Pd–Ru mixture bulk electrodes.
Oleanolic acid administration alleviates neuropathic pain after a peripheral nerve injury by regulating microglia polarization-mediated neuroinflammation
Authors: Li Xuyang , Wu Guangzhi , Li Miyang , Zhang Zhan
Published: April 2020

Neuropathic pain caused by a peripheral nerve injury constitutes a great challenge in clinical treatments due to the unsatisfactory efficacy of the current strategy.
Synthesis of three-dimensional hierarchical furball-like tungsten trioxide microspheres for high performance supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: He Xu , Wang Xiangyue , Sun Bangning , Wan Junning , Wang Yu , He Dong , Suo Hui , Zhao Chun
Published: April 2020

Furball-like tungsten trioxide microspheres with significant specific capacitance and remarkable cycle stability.
Synthesis of a binary alloy nanoparticle catalyst with an immiscible combination of Rh and Cu assisted by hydrogen spillover on a TiO2 support
Authors: Masuda Shinya , Shun Kazuki , Mori Kohsuke , Kuwahara Yasutaka , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: April 2020

This work demonstrates the use of TiO2 as a promising platform for the synthesis of non-equilibrium binary solid solution alloy nanoparticles with a combination of immiscible Rh and Cu assisted by the hydrogen spillover.
In situ sulfidation for controllable hetero-interface engineering of α-Ni(OH)2–Ni3S4 hybrid structures realizing robust electrocatalytic methanol oxidation
Authors: Hou Changmin , Yang Wenlong , Yang Xianpeng , Li Bijun , Gao Hongtao , Luo Xiliang
Published: April 2020

α-Ni(OH)2–Ni3S4 hybrid nanostructures showing robust electrocatalytic MOR activity were prepared through a microwave-assisted in situ sulfidation strategy.
O–H vibrational motions promote sub-50 fs nonadiabatic dynamics in 3-hydroxypyran-4-one: interplay between internal conversion and ESIPT
Authors: Anand Neethu , Nag Probal , Kanaparthi Ravi Kumar , Vennapusa Sivaranjana Reddy
Published: April 2020

The OH out-of-plane bend vibration induces an extremely rapid S2 to S1 internal conversion in 3-hydroxypyran-4-one.
Main and secondary relaxations of non-polymeric high-Tg glass formers as revealed by dielectric spectroscopy
Authors: Körber Thomas , Krohn Felix , Neuber Christian , Schmidt Hans-Werner , Rössler Ernst A.
Published: April 2020

Manifestation of β-relaxation depends on the position of the polar nitrile group, its distribution of activation energy varies along 19 < E/Tg < 35.
Coinage metal tris(dialkylamido)imidophosphorane complexes as transmetallation reagents for cerium complexes
Authors: Aguirre Quintana Luis M. , Jiang Ningxin , Bacsa John , La Pierre Henry S.
Published: April 2020

The synthesis of coinage metal tris(dialkylamido)imidophosphorane complexes is reported, and the use of the silver(i) salt as an oxidative transmetallation reagent for the formation of a cerium(iv) complex is described.
Improving process efficiency of gold-catalyzed hydration of alkynes: merging catalysis with membrane separation
Authors: A. C. A. Bayrakdar Tahani , Nahra Fady , Zugazua Oihane , Eykens Lies , Ormerod Dominic , Nolan Steven P.
Published: April 2020

In this report, we investigate the integration of a membrane separation protocol in line with the gold-catalyzed hydration of alkynes.
The reaction of oxidorhenium(v) with dipodal and tripodal aroylhydrazines: formation of dinuclear and trinuclear aroylhydrazone-bridged rhenium(v) complexes
Authors: Mukiza Janvier , Blacque Olivier , Habarurema Gratien , Kampire Edwige
Published: April 2020

The chemistry of aroylhydrazines has been attracting attention mainly due to the residual functional group, –CONH–NH2, which has important effects on hydrophilicity and has the potential to provide special interaction sites for targeting molecules.
Model development and design criteria of hypergolic imidazolium ionic liquids from ignition delay time and viscosity viewpoints
Authors: Zohari Narges , Fareghi-Alamdari Reza , Sheibani Nasser
Published: April 2020

The relationships between ID time, viscosity and molecular structure of hypergolic imidazolium ILs are discussed to specify ideal structural characteristics.
Construction of hierarchical nickel/cobalt iron-hydroxide and nickel/cobalt selenide nanotubes for efficient electrocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Feng Xiaojuan , Hu Zhongai , Shi Yanlong , Wang Xiaotong , Hou Lijie , Zhang Yulong , Ma Weixia
Published: April 2020

Hierarchical Ni/CoFeOH and Ni/CoSe2 nanotube arrays were fabricated via a three-step strategy, and exhibited enhanced electrochemical performance for OER and HER, respectively.
Copper(i) halide polymers derived from tris[2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl]phosphine: halogen-tunable colorful luminescence spanning from deep blue to green
Authors: Artem’ev Alexander V. , Baranov Andrey Yu. , Rakhmanova Mariana I. , Malysheva Svetlana F. , Samsonenko Denis G.
Published: April 2020

A series of isostructural 1D coordination polymers bearing stair-step [Cu4X4] modules is reported. At ambient temperature, they feature bright halogen-modulated colorful luminescence spanning from deep blue to green.
Molecularly imprinted QCM sensor based on delaminated MXene for chlorpyrifos detection and QCM sensor validation
Authors: Kadirsoy Selcen , Atar Necip , Yola Mehmet Lütfi
Published: April 2020

Chlorpyrifos (CHL) is one of the most frequently used broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticides.
Investigating lattice strain impact on the alloyed surface of small Au@PdPt core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Williams Benjamin P. , Yaguchi Momo , Lo Wei-Shang , Kao Chen-Rui , Lamontagne Leo K. , Sneed Brian T. , Brodsky Casey N. , Chou Lien-Yang , Kuo Chun-Hong , Tsung Chia-Kuang
Published: April 2020

We investigated lattice strain on alloyed surfaces using ∼10 nm core–shell nanoparticles with controlled size, shape, and composition.
Enhanced ion binding by the benzocrown receptor and a carbonyl of the aminonaphthalimide fluorophore in water-soluble logic gates
Authors: Diacono Andreas , Aquilina Marie Claire , Calleja Andrej , Agius Godfrey , Gauci Gabriel , Szaciłowski Konrad , Magri David C.
Published: April 2020

Fluorescent logic gates with benzocrown ethers attached at the imide naphthalimide exhibit synergistic binding of Na+and K+in aqueous methanol and water.
Correction: A facile PEG/thiol-functionalized nanographene oxide carrier with an appropriate glutathione-responsive switch
Authors: Hao Bingjie , Li Wei , Zhang Sen , Zhu Ying , Li Yongjun , Ding Aishun , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: April 2020

Correction for ‘A facile PEG/thiol-functionalized nanographene oxide carrier with an appropriate glutathione-responsive switch’ by Bingjie Hao et al., Polym. Chem., 2020, 11, 2194–2204.
Data-driven prediction and control of wastewater treatment process through the combination of convolutional neural network and recurrent neural network
Authors: Guo Zhiwei , Du Boxin , Wang Jianhui , Shen Yu , Li Qiao , Feng Dong , Gao Xu , Wang Heng
Published: April 2020

This work proposes a novel data-driven mechanism for prediction of wastewater treatment results through mixture of two neural network models.
The implementation of artificial neural networks for the multivariable optimization of mesoporous NiO nanocrystalline: biodiesel application
Authors: Soltani Soroush , Shojaei Taha Roodbar , Khanian Nasrin , Yaw Choong Thomas Shean , Rashid Umer , Nehdi Imededdine Arbi , Yusoff Rozita Binti
Published: April 2020

In the present research, artificial neural network (ANN) modelling was utilized to determine the relative importance of effective variables to achieve optimum specific surface areas of a synthesized catalyst.
Release kinetics study and anti-corrosion behaviour of a pH-responsive ionic liquid-loaded halloysite nanotube-doped epoxy coating
Authors: Yap Jen Yang , Mat Yaakob Sarini , Rabat Nurul Ekmi , Shamsuddin Muhammad Rashid , Man Zakaria
Published: April 2020

Enhanced corrosion resistance was obtained for steel coated with epoxy resin doped with pH-responsive halloysite nanotubes loaded with ionic liquid.
Effects of alkali and transition metal-doped TiO2 hole blocking layers on the perovskite solar cells obtained by a two-step sequential deposition method in air and under vacuum
Authors: Nwankwo U. , Ngqoloda Siphelo , Nkele Agnes C. , Arendse Christopher J. , Ozoemena Kenneth I. , Ekwealor A. B. C. , Jose Rajan , Maaza Malik , Ezema Fabian I.
Published: April 2020

Planar perovskite solar cells (PPSCs) have received great attention in recent years due to their intriguing properties, which make them a good choice for photovoltaic applications.
The degradation mechanism of vanadium oxide-based aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Gongzheng , Li Qian , Ma Kaixuan , Hong Cheng , Wang Chengxin
Published: April 2020

The degradation of vanadium oxide-based aqueous zinc-ion batteries can be attributed to the irreversible byproduct formation and material dissolution.
Subsequent outbursts of the same EXor source possibly present similar features
Authors: Giannini T. , Giunta A. , Lorenzetti D. , Altavilla G. , Antoniucci S. , Strafella F. , Testa V.
Published: April 2020

Context. V1118 Ori is a classical EXor source whose light curve has been monitored, although not continuously, over the past 30 years. This source underwent a powerful outburst in 2005, followed by 10 years of quiescence and a less intense outburst in 2015. In 2019, a new intense brightness increase was observed (Δg ∼ 3 mag).

Aims. This new accretion episode offers the opportunity to compare the photometric and spectroscopic properties of multiple outbursts of the same source. This allows us to highlight the differences and similarities among various events by removing any possible bias related to the intrinsic properties of the star-disk system.

Methods. We discovered the 2019 V1118 Ori outburst by examining the g-band light curve acquired by the Zwicky Transient Facility and followed the declining phase with the Rapid Eye Mount telescope in the griz bands. Two near-infrared spectra were also acquired at different brightness stages with the Large Binocular Telescope.

Results. The last event shows the following characteristics: (1) an amplitude similar to that of 2015 and lower than that of 2005; (2) a duration of less than one year as in previous events; (3) a increasing (decreasing) speed of 0.018 (0.031) mag day−1, which is different from previous cases; (4) a gradually blueing of the [g − r] color is observed over time, while the [r − i] color remains roughly unchanged; (5) with few exceptions, the near-infrared lines (mainly H I recombination) are the same as those observed in 2015; and (6) the mass accretion rate peaks at Ṁacc ∼ 10−7 M⊙ yr−1 and decreases in about a month down to a few 10−8 M⊙ yr−1.

Conclusions. Our analysis shows that the comparison of data from different outbursts of the same source is a nontrivial exercise, which allows us to obtain important clues that are useful to drive theoretical efforts toward a better understanding of the EXor phenomenon.
The second u-band extension of the WINGS cluster survey
Authors: D’Onofrio M. , Grado A. , Bettoni D. , Fritz J. , Gullieuszik M. , Moretti A. , Omizzolo A. , Poggianti B. M.
Published: April 2020

Context. This is the second u-band extension of the WIde-field Nearby Galaxy-cluster Survey (WINGS) whereby 39 clusters were imaged with the ESO-VLT survey telescope. This follows the first part of the survey which was performed with several telescopes of the northern hemisphere in the U Cousin–Bessel filter band covering 17 clusters.

Aims. The u-band data, in combination with those already collected by the WINGS survey, permit a detailed multi-wavelength investigation of the properties of the member galaxies from the cluster center out to the periphery.

Methods. We used SExtractor to derive the main properties of the galaxies in the observed fields and measure the u − V colors on circular apertures of increasing radius. The photometric accuracy of the magnitudes was calibrated with the standard stars and was tested by means of comparisons with the u-band data of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS).

Results. We present the catalogs of the photometric analysis performed by SExtractor. We also provide a brief analysis of the u − V versus V color–magnitude diagram of our clusters, the plots of the color as a function of the cluster-centric distance (for cluster members only), the mass–color relation and the correlation of the current star formation rate (SFR) with the absolute V and u magnitudes for the galaxies in the observed fields.
Optimal control for a mathematical model for chemotherapy with pharmacometrics
Authors: Leszczyński Maciej , Ledzewicz Urszula , Schättler Heinz
Published: April 2020

An optimal control problem for an abstract mathematical model for cancer chemotherapy is considered. The dynamics is for a single drug and includes pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) models. The aim is to point out qualitative changes in the structures of optimal controls that occur as these pharmacometric models are varied. This concerns (i) changes in the PD-model for the effectiveness of the drug (e.g., between a linear log-kill term and a non-linear Michaelis-Menten type Emax-model) and (ii) the question how the incorporation of a mathematical model for the pharmacokinetics of the drug effects optimal controls. The general results will be illustrated and discussed in the framework of a mathematical model for anti-angiogenic therapy.
Characterization of two Moroccan watermelon seeds oil varieties by three different extraction methods
Authors: Ouassor Ihssane , Aqil Younes , Belmaghraoui Walid , El Hajjaji Souad
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to assess and evaluate the physicochemical properties of the seed oils of two Moroccan varieties of watermelon “Citrullus lanatus” extracted by three different techniques, a mechanical process using cold press, and two chemical processes using a Soxhlet apparatus and a sonotrode ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) using n-hexane. The total phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant properties against the DPPH radicals (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) were also studied. The seed oils of both varieties of watermelon exhibited high concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids with the predominance of linoleic and oleic fatty acids. The primary sterol was β-sitosterol, and high levels of total tocopherols were observed. Ɣ-tocopherol was the predominant tocopherol in all tested oils. TheCitrullus lanatus var. lanatusvariety seeds oil exhibited the highest TPC value (89.5 ± 0.06 mg EGA/100 g; EGA: gallic acid equivalent), with 82.4 ± 0.03% DPPH free radical inhibition efficiency. Nevertheless, all tested seeds oils showed a significant amount of total phenolic compounds and a good inhibition against DPPH radicals ranging from 51.1 ± 0.1% to 84.8 ± 0.04%. In addition, the influence of the ultrasonic extraction parameters was studied using two different solvents (n-hexane and the methanol-chloroform mixture), with different particle sizes (500–300 µm), duration (10 and 20 minutes), cycle (1–0.5), amplitude (80–100%) and solvent/seed ratios (1:5 and 1:10), and the seed roasting parameter was also studied. The oil yield was mainly affected by the extraction solvent, then the solvent/seed ratio and the duration, respectively.
Asymmetric propagation of spoof surface plasmons along doubly corrugated metal surfaces
Authors: Liu Yong-Qiang , Sun Jinhai , Li Liangsheng , Yin Hongcheng
Published: April 2020

Spoof surface plasmons (SSPs) on the doubly corrugated metal surfaces can find a variety of applications, such as waveguides, filters, sensors, communications, and other high-performance active devices in terahertz (THz) and microwave bands. However, these studies so far are mostly on the perfect symmetric structure. In this paper, the asymmetric doubly corrugated metal surfaces are proposed to support and propagate SSP modes, which is inherently free from the conventional structure. The analytical dispersion theory of SSP modes on the structure is presented by a simplified field expansion method, which is also verified by a finite integration method. Based on the given modal analysis, the dispersion relations, propagation losses, and field profiles of the SSP modes with various geometric parameters for both 2D and 3D structures are investigated and analyzed in THz frequencies. By introducing an asymmetry of different upper and lower groove depths, the asymptotical frequency of the symmetric SSP mode at the Brillouin boundary can be largely tuned compared with the conventional symmetric structure. However, the asymptotical frequency of anti-symmetric SSPs on the structure is almost unmovable for the given structural parameters. The symmetric SSP mode demonstrates a larger propagation loss on the structure with the increased degree of asymmetry, while the anti-symmetric mode is inversely lower. By increasing the gap size between these two asymmetric corrugated metal surfaces, the propagation losses decrease for both symmetric and anti-symmetric SSP modes. SSP modes experience a larger distance on the asymmetric structure with an increased unit period and, thus, the damping losses are also enlarged. The effect of 3D structure parameters on the propagation characteristics of SSP modes with a closed sidewall is also considered for practical applications. The presented studies on the SSP modes of the asymmetric doubly corrugated metal surfaces provide new avenues to develop plenty of devices such as low-loss waveguides and filters and many other compact active devices at THz frequencies.
Gyrokinetic investigation of the damping channels of Alfvén modes in ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Vannini F. , Biancalani A. , Bottino A. , Hayward-Schneider T. , Lauber P. , Mishchenko A. , Novikau I. , Poli E. ,   ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: April 2020

The linear destabilization and nonlinear saturation of energetic-particle driven Alfvénic instabilities in tokamaks strongly depend on the damping channels. In this work, the collisionless damping mechanisms of Alfvénic modes are investigated within a gyrokinetic framework by means of global simulations with the particle-in-cell code ORB5 and compared with the eigenvalue code LIGKA and reduced models. In particular, the continuum damping and the Landau damping (of ions and electrons) are considered. The electron Landau damping is found to be dominant compared to the ion Landau damping for experimentally relevant cases. As an application, the linear and nonlinear dynamics of toroidicity induced Alfvén eigenmodes and energetic-particle driven modes in ASDEX Upgrade is investigated theoretically and compared with experimental measurements.
Superior thermal stability in Ag/Nb multilayers by different interfacial structures
Authors: Wei M. Z. , Huo J. Z. , Ye C. Z. , Cao Z. H.
Published: April 2020

In this work, the thermal stability of annealed Ag/Nb multilayers was investigated as the individual layer thickness (h) varies from 1 nm to 100 nm. The lamellar structures remain unchanged after annealing at 500 °C for 1 h, and the hardness at all scales remains undiminished after annealing. The results show that two low energy interfaces are responsible for the superior thermal stabilities. The coherent interface is formed when h < 20 nm, and the amorphous interface is formed when h ≥ 20 nm, respectively. The evolution of interfacial structures and the process of solid state amorphization are discussed accordingly.
Kinetic theory of parametric instabilities of lower hybrid waves in tokamaks in the electromagnetic framework
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Gao Zhe , Zhao Aihui
Published: April 2020

Parametric instabilities during the injection of lower hybrid waves into tokamak edge plasmas have received considerable attention for affecting the current drive at high density, mainly through spectral broadening. Here, kinetic theory of parametric instabilities was revisited in the electromagnetic framework. From Vlasov–Maxwell equations in the guiding center formalism, the theory of parametric instabilities in the electromagnetic framework is presented with appropriate nonlinearity treatment. Numerical calculations are performed under realistic lower hybrid current drive experimental parameters. Comparison between the electrostatic and electromagnetic results shows that the electromagnetic corrections have a stabilizing effect on the parametric process in all decay channels. The quantitative differences in growth rates, as well as in the most unstable regions, might have a non-negligible impact on the amplification factor of the parametric instabilities. However, with the dependence of parametric instabilities on the local plasma parameters, calculations show the same tendency between the electromagnetic and electrostatic model in a wide parameter range.
Pulsed laser deposition of antimony selenosulfide thin film for efficient solar cells
Authors: Chen Chao , Yin Yiwei , Lian Weitao , Jiang Lifeng , Tang Rongfeng , Jiang Chenhui , Wu Chunyan , Gao Di , Wang Xiaomin , Fang Fang , Zhu Changfei , Chen Tao
Published: April 2020

Antimony selenosulfide, Sb2(SxSe1−x)3, has been considered as a promising light harvesting material for low-cost, non-toxic, and stable solar cell applications. However, current preparation methods of Sb2(SxSe1−x)3 suffer from low-quality films, which hampers the performance improvement in Sb2(SxSe1−x)3-based solar cells. Herein, we develop a pulsed laser deposition technique to fabricate antimony selenosulfide films with flat and compact surface morphology and high crystallinity. The composition of the as-obtained films can be conveniently tuned via varying molar ratios of Sb2S3 and Se in targets. At optimized conditions, we fabricate planar heterojunction solar cells and then obtain a significantly improved power conversion efficiency of 7.05%. Our research offers a facile and robust preparation method for Sb2(SxSe1−x)3 films with enhanced photovoltaic properties.
Parameter space validation through OOPS simulations of plasma burnthrough and discharge evolution in the SST-1 tokamak
Authors: Singh Amit K. , Banerjee Santanu , Bandyopadhyay I. , Srinivasan R. , Nagora U. C. , Raval Jayesh , Tahiliani K.
Published: April 2020

Plasma burnthrough and current ramp-up phases in an SST-1 superconducting tokamak are simulated by the OOPS code. The main purpose of this study is to optimize the operation regime in SST-1 through the input parameter scan for OOPS for both successful and failed shots from the SST-1 database. SST-1 is now equipped with carbon plasma facing components (PFCs). Hence, PFCs are expected to offer a carbon dominated impurity environment. An electrically continuous vacuum vessel and cryostat hinder sufficient loop voltage during start-up, thereby rendering electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) pre-ionization an absolute requirement. OOPS simulation is optimized for the essential plasma initiation parameters like the seed electron density ne = 3 × 1017/m3 and the initial neutral density n0 = 1–4 × 1018/m3 (corresponding to a tailored pre-fill pressure) and for an error magnetic field Berr ≤ 20 G. The simulation shows that the ECRH pre-ionization threshold power required for the successful plasma start-up under low available loop voltage conditions is ≥180 kW.
Characteristics of transition metal dichalcogenides in optical pumped modulator of terahertz wave
Authors: Fan Zhiyuan , Geng Zhaoxin , Fang Weihao , Lv Xiaoqing , Su Yue , Wang Shicai , Liu Jian , Chen Hongda
Published: April 2020

To study the characteristics of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) in the THz regime, several kinds of terahertz modulators based on TMDCs were fabricated. The properties of these terahertz modulators were measured on a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system. An 808-nm laser was used as the controller of the THz modulator. Briefly, as the power of the pumping laser increased, the amplitude of the transmission THz wave decreased. To explain these results, an analysis based on photoconductivity was presented. Additionally, the influence of the boundary defects was pointed out to give further explanation about the working mechanism of the TMDC-based THz modulator. Based on this analysis, most of the behavior of TMDCs in THz modulators could be understood.
A simple generalization of Prandtl–Tomlinson model to study nanoscale rolling friction
Authors: Sircar Avirup , Patra Puneet Kumar
Published: April 2020

Prandtl–Tomlinson (PT) model can be used to explain nanoscale friction in a variety of situations, except when a nanoscale object undergoes rolling. To alleviate this problem, we generalize the PT model as a collection of interacting point particles arranged on a ring of radius R. The center of mass of the ring is connected to a spring of stiffness k, whose other end is attached to a fictitious mass that moves with a constant velocity v. The entire assembly is driven in a composite force field, which is a product of (i) the familiar sinusoidal function used in the PT model and (ii) a parametrically controlled (λ) exponentially varying function that is dependent on the vertical coordinates of the particles. Our generalized model degenerates to the standard PT model if R≪1 and λ→0. With increasing k, for R≪1 and λ≠0, the ring undergoes a transition from sticky to smooth dynamics for both x and y directions. The dynamics, investigated numerically for the general case of R∼1 and λ≠0, reveals several interesting aspects of nanoscale tribology including the regimes where energy dissipation due to friction is minimum. Furthermore, the results from our proposed model are in agreement with those from molecular dynamics simulations as well. We believe that the simplicity of our model along with its similarity to the PT model may make it a popular tool for analyzing complicated nanotribological regimes.
W/B short period multilayer structures for soft x-rays
Authors: Medvedev R. V. , Zameshin A. A. , Sturm J. M. , Yakshin A. E. , Bijkerk F.
Published: April 2020

X-ray W/B multilayer mirrors with a period of 2.5 nm were deposited by dc magnetron sputtering and studied in comparison with W/Si multilayer systems of the same period. Transmission electron microscopy, grazing incidence X-Ray reflectivity, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that the layer quality and interfaces of the W/B multilayers are not better than those of the W/Si multilayers. Strong intermixing between W and B is present, which leads to compound formation with little or no pure W left after the interaction: an optically unfavorable boride formation and an increased roughness result in a reduced reflectivity. The deposited W/B multilayer mirrors showed a reflectivity of 34.5% at 0.84 nm and angle of incidence 9.7°, compared to 40% obtained for W/Si multilayers. Ion polishing applied on the boron layers did not result in improvements of the reflectivity.
Honeycomb pattern removal for fiber bundle endomicroscopy based on a two-step iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm
Authors: Liu Jialin , Zhou Wei , Xu Baoteng , Yang Xibin , Xiong Daxi
Published: April 2020

Fiber bundle endomicroscopy has potential for facilitating high-resolution (HR) in vivo imaging. One of the main challenges of this technique is the improvement of image restoration for better visualization. In this paper, we propose to reconstruct a HR image without a fixed honeycomb pattern from a noisy observation image, which can be formulated as an inverse problem. We use the obtained fixed honeycomb pattern as a prior image and use a two-step iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm with a total variation regularization to solve this problem. In addition to the fixed honeycomb pattern removal, our method can also improve spatial resolution. The feasibility of our method is demonstrated by the images obtained from the USAF target and spider silks. In each ease, our method recovers more details than that recovered by the conventional method. The proposed theoretical framework for the removal of the honeycomb pattern in this paper shows promising and wide applications for fiber bundle imaging.
Study on generation characteristics of jet plasma with an auxiliary floating potential electrode in a pulsed vacuum arc discharge
Authors: Liu Wenzheng , Gao Yongjie , Tian Jia , Zhang Wenjun , Zhao Luxiang
Published: April 2020

To improve the directional ejection performance of jet plasma in a pulsed vacuum arc discharge, an insulated anode electrode structure with an auxiliary floating potential electrode (IAES-AFPE) is proposed in this paper. The differences in discharge characteristics and generation characteristics of plasma between IAES-AFPE and traditional insulated anode electrode structures (IAESs) were compared and analyzed. The influences that the thickness of the auxiliary floating potential electrode (AFPE) and the capacitance of a capacitor connected between the AFPE and the anode had on generation and propagation characteristics of plasma were also discussed. The results show that the AFPE induces vast numbers of positive charges on its inner surface by electrostatic induction at the early stage of the discharge, and electrons in the plasma generated near the cathode were accelerated to escape. Accordingly, the directional ejection performance of jet plasma was improved obviously. In addition, the AFPE's ability to attract electrons was improved by adopting a thicker AFPE and a capacitor with larger capacity, further improving the directional ejection performance of jet plasma.