bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presentations, Causes and Outcomes of Drug-Induced Liver Injury in Egypt
Authors: Alhaddad Omkolthoum , Elsabaawy Maha , Abdelsameea Eman , Abdallah Ayat , Shabaan Ahmed , Ehsan Nermine , Elrefaey Ahmed , Elsabaawy Dalia , Salama Mohsen
Published: March 2020

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a frequent cause of liver injury and acute liver failure. We aimed to review all hospitalized DILI cases in a tertiary Egyptian center from January 2015 through January 2016. Cases with elevated alanine aminotransferase more than 3-fold and/or alkaline phosphatase more than 2-fold the upper limit of normal value were prospectively recruited and followed for one year. Drug history, liver biopsy whenever feasible and application of Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) were the diagnostic prerequisites after exclusion of other etiologies of acute liver injury. In order of frequency, the incriminated drugs were: Diclofenac (31 cases, 41.3%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (14 cases, 18.7%), halothane toxicity (8 cases, 10.7%), ibuprofen (4 cases, 5.3%), Khat (3 cases, 4%), tramadol (3 cases, 4%), Sofosbuvir with ribavirin (2 cases, 2.7%), and acetylsalicylic acid (2 cases, 2.7%) with one offending drug in 93.3% of cases. Forty-four cases (58.7%) were males; while 56 cases (74.7%) had HCV related chronic liver disease. Thirty-two cases (42.7%) presented with pattern of hepatocellular injury, while 23 cases (30.7%) were with cholestasis, and 20 cases (20.7%) with a mixed hepatocellular/cholestatic injury. One case received a transplant (0.75%), 7 cases died (9.3%), 23 cases (30.6%) developed liver decompensation (hepatic encephalopathy and ascites), and 44 cases completely resolved (58.7%). In conclusion, Diclofenac is the commonest offender in DILI occurrence in an Egyptian cohort. Age and prothrombin concentration were the only predictors of unfavorable outcomes of DILI.
Global proteomic analysis deciphers the mechanism of action of plant derived oleic acid against Candida albicans virulence and biofilm formation
Authors: Muthamil Subramanian , Prasath Krishnan Ganesh , Priya Arumugam , Precilla Pitchai , Pandian Shunmugiah Karutha
Published: March 2020

Candida albicansis a commensal fungus in humans, mostly found on the mucosal surfaces of the mouth, gut, vagina and skin. Incidence of ever increasing invasive candidiasis in immunocompromised patients, alarming occurrence of antifungal resistance and insufficient diagnostic methods demand more focused research intoC. albicanspathogenicity. Consequently, in the present study, oleic acid fromMurraya koenigiiwas shown to have the efficacy to inhibit biofilm formation and virulence ofCandidaspp. Results ofin vitrovirulence assays and gene expression analysis, impelled to study the protein targets which are involved in the molecular pathways ofC. albicanspathogenicity. Proteomic studies of differentially expressed proteins reveals that oleic acid induces oxidative stress responses and mainly targets the proteins involved in glucose metabolism, ergosterol biosynthesis, lipase production, iron homeostasis and amino acid biosynthesis. The current study emphasizes anti-virulent potential of oleic acid which can be used as a therapeutic agent to treatCandidainfections.
A New Method for Fibrin-Based Electrospun/Sprayed Scaffold Fabrication
Authors: Al Kayal Tamer , Losi Paola , Pierozzi Silvia , Soldani Giorgio
Published: March 2020

Fibrin is an optimal scaffold for tissue-engineering applications because it mimics the extracellular matrix. Despite this interesting feature, fibrin gel owns only poor mechanical properties that limit its applications. Different approaches have been used for fibrin electrospinning, however all the methods investigated required washing steps, cross-linking agent treatment or immersion. The aim of this work was to produce a bilayered fibrin/polyurethane scaffold by combination of the electrospun method and the spray, phase-inversion method for the preparation of a fibrin nanostructured layer to be attached onto a poly(ether)urethane microporous support layer. The synthetic layer was obtained by the spray, phase-inversion technique onto a rotating metallic collector, while fibrinogen was processed to obtain a nanofibrous structure by electrospinning. Finally, fibrin polymerization was obtained by thrombin solution spraying onto the electrospun nanofibers. SEM analysis showed the formation of filamentous structure with diameter in the range of μm attached onto the synthetic layer. This scaffold could be applied in soft tissue regeneration such as wound healing or as drug delivery system.
Visualization of Endogenous Type I TGF-β Receptor Baboon in the Drosophila Brain
Authors: Lai Yen-Wei , Chu Sao-Yu , Li Jian-Chiuan , Chen Po-Lin , Chen Chun-Hong , Yu Hung-Hsiang
Published: March 2020

The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is evolutionarily conserved and widely used in the animal kingdom to regulate diverse developmental processes. Prior studies have shown that Baboon (Babo), a Drosophila type I TGF-β receptor, plays essential roles in brain development and neural circuit formation. However, the expression pattern for Babo in the developing brain has not been previously reported. We generated a knock-in fly with a human influenza hemagglutinin (HA) tag at the C-terminus of Babo and assessed its localization. Babo::HA was primarily expressed in brain structures enriched with neurites, including the mushroom body lobe and neuropils of the optic lobe, where Babo has been shown to instruct neuronal morphogenesis. Since the babo 3' untranslated region contains a predicted microRNA-34 (miR-34) target sequence, we further tested whether Babo::HA expression was affected by modulating the level of miR-34. We found that Babo was upregulated by mir-34 deletion and downregulated by miR-34 overexpression, confirming that it is indeed a miR-34 target gene. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the baboHA fly permits accurate visualization of endogenous Babo expression during brain development and the construction of functional neural circuits.
Benchmarking the MinION: Evaluating long reads for microbial profiling
Authors: Leidenfrost Robert Maximilian , Pöther Dierk-Christoph , Jäckel Udo , Wünschiers Röbbe
Published: March 2020

Nanopore based DNA-sequencing delivers long reads, thereby simplifying the decipherment of bacterial communities. Since its commercial appearance, this technology has been assigned several attributes, such as its error proneness, comparatively low cost, ease-of-use, and, most notably, aforementioned long reads. The technology as a whole is under continued development. As such, benchmarks are required to conceive, test and improve analysis protocols, including those related to the understanding of the composition of microbial communities. Here we present a dataset composed of twelve different prokaryotic species split into four samples differing by nucleic acid quantification technique to assess the specificity and sensitivity of the MinION nanopore sequencer in a blind study design. Taxonomic classification was performed by standard taxonomic sequence classification tools, namely Kraken, Kraken2 and Centrifuge directly on reads. This allowed taxonomic assignments of up to 99.27% on genus level and 92.78% on species level, enabling true-positive classification of strains down to 25,000 genomes per sample. Full genomic coverage is achieved for strains abundant as low as 250,000 genomes per sample under our experimental settings. In summary, we present an evaluation of nanopore sequence processing analysis with respect to microbial community composition. It provides an open protocol and the data may serve as basis for the development and benchmarking of future data processing pipelines.
New embryological and palaeontological evidence sheds light on the evolution of the archosauromorph ankle
Authors: Blanco María Victoria Fernandez , Ezcurra Martín D. , Bona Paula
Published: March 2020

The homology and evolution of the archosaur ankle is a controversial topic that has been deeply studied using evidence from both extinct and extant taxa. In early stem archosaurs, the astragalus and calcaneum form the ancestral proximal tarsus and a single ossification composes the centrale series. In more recent stem archosaurs, the centrale is incorporated to the proximal row of tarsals laterally contacting the astragalus. This bone is subsequently lost as an independent ossification before the last common ancestor of birds and crocodilians, but the evolutionary fate of this element remains mostly unexplored. Here, we integrate embryological and palaeontological data with morphogeometric analyses to test the hypothesis of loss of the centrale or, alternatively, its incorporation into the archosaurian astragalus. Our results support the latter hypothesis, indicating that the astragalus developed ancestrally from two ossification centres in stem archosaurs and that the supposed tibiale of bird embryos represents a centrale. This conclusion agrees with previous embryological studies that concluded that the tibiale never develops in diapsids.
A simple method to monitor hemolysis in real time
Authors: Van Buren Tyler , Arwatz Gilad , Smits Alexander J.
Published: March 2020

Blood damage (hemolysis) can occur during clinical procedures, e.g. dialysis, due to human error or faulty equipment, and it can cause significant harm to the patient or even death. We propose a simple technique to monitor changes in hemolysis levels continuously and in real time. As red blood cells rupture, the overall conductivity of the blood increases. Here, we demonstrate that small changes in porcine blood hemolysis can be detected through a simple resistance measurement.
RANKL and OPG and their influence on breast volume changes during pregnancy in healthy women
Authors: Wunderle Marius , Ruebner Matthias , Häberle Lothar , Schwenke Eva , Hack Carolin C. , Bayer Christian M. , Koch Martin C. , Schwitulla Judith , Schulz-Wendtland Ruediger , Kozieradzki Ivona , Lux Michael P. , Beckmann Matthias W. , Jud Sebastian M. , Penninger Josef M. , Schneider Michael O. , Fasching Peter A.
Published: March 2020

Breast cancer risk is reduced by number of pregnancies and breastfeeding duration, however studies of breast changes during or after pregnancy are rare. Breast volume changes – although not linked to breast cancer risk – might be an interesting phenotype in this context for correlative studies, as changes of breast volume vary between pregnant women. Serum receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and its antagonist osteoprotegerin (OPG) were measured prospectively before gestational week 12, and three-dimensional breast volume assessments were performed. A linear regression model including breast volume at the start of pregnancy, RANKL, OPG, and other factors was used to predict breast volume at term. The mean breast volume was 413 mL at gestational week 12, increasing by a mean of 99 mL up to gestational week 40. In addition to body mass index and breast volume at the beginning of pregnancy, RANKL and OPG appeared to influence breast volume with a mean increase by 32 mL (P = 0.04) and a mean reduction by 27 mL (P = 0.04), respectively. Linking the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway with breast volume changes supports further studies aiming at analysing breast changes during pregnancy with regard to breast cancer risk.
Visuo-motor and interoceptive influences on peripersonal space representation following spinal cord injury
Authors: Scandola Michele , Aglioti Salvatore Maria , Lazzeri Giovanna , Avesani Renato , Ionta Silvio , Moro Valentina
Published: March 2020

Peripersonal space (PPS) representation is modulated by information coming from the body. In paraplegic individuals, whose lower limb sensory-motor functions are impaired or completely lost, the representation of PPS around the feet is reduced. However, passive motion can have short-term restorative effects. What remains unclear is the mechanisms underlying this recovery, in particular with regard to the contribution of visual and motor feedback and of interoception. Using virtual reality technology, we dissociated the motor and visual feedback during passive motion in paraplegics with complete and incomplete lesions and in healthy controls. The results show that in the case of paraplegics, the presence of motor feedback was necessary for the recovery of PPS representation, both when the motor feedback was congruent and when it was incongruent with the visual feedback. In contrast, visuo-motor incongruence led to an inhibition of PPS representation in the control group. There were no differences in sympathetic responses between the three groups. Nevertheless, in individuals with incomplete lesions, greater interoceptive sensitivity was associated with a better representation of PPS around the feet in the visuo-motor incongruent conditions. These results shed new light on the modulation of PPS representation, and demonstrate the importance of residual motor feedback and its integration with other bodily information in maintaining space representation.
Two paralogous EcfG σ factors hierarchically orchestrate the activation of the General Stress Response in Sphingopyxis granuli TFA
Authors: de Dios Rubén , Rivas-Marin Elena , Santero Eduardo , Reyes-Ramírez Francisca
Published: March 2020

Under ever-changing environmental conditions, the General Stress Response (GSR) represents a lifesaver for bacteria in order to withstand hostile situations. In α-proteobacteria, the EcfG-type extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factors are the key activators of this response at the transcriptional level. In this work, we address the hierarchical function of the ECF σ factor paralogs EcfG1 and EcfG2 in triggering the GSR in Sphingopyxis granuli TFA and describe the role of EcfG2 as global switch of this response. In addition, we define a GSR regulon for TFA and use in vitro transcription analysis to study the relative contribution of each EcfG paralog to the expression of selected genes. We show that the features of each promoter ultimately dictate this contribution, though EcfG2 always produced more transcripts than EcfG1 regardless of the promoter. These first steps in the characterisation of the GSR in TFA suggest a tight regulation to orchestrate an adequate protective response in order to survive in conditions otherwise lethal.
Using HJ-CCD image and PLS algorithm to estimate the yield of field-grown winter wheat
Authors: Zhang Peng-Peng , Zhou Xin-Xing , Wang Zhi-Xiang , Mao Wei , Li Wen-Xi , Yun Fei , Guo Wen-Shan , Tan Chang-Wei
Published: March 2020

Remote sensing has been used as an important means of estimating crop production, especially for the estimation of crop yield in the middle and late growth period. In order to further improve the accuracy of estimating winter wheat yield through remote sensing, this study analyzed the quantitative relationship between satellite remote sensing variables obtained from HJ-CCD images and the winter wheat yield, and used the partial least square (PLS) algorithm to construct and validate the multivariate remote sensing models of estimating the yield. The research showed a close relationship between yield and most remote sensing variables. Significant multiple correlations were also recorded between most remote sensing variables. The optimal principal components numbers of PLS models used to estimate yield were 4. Green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI), optimized soil-adjusted vegetation index (OSAVI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and plant senescence reflectance index (PSRI) were sensitive variables for yield remote sensing estimation. Through model development and model validation evaluation, the yield estimation model’s coefficients of determination (R2) were 0.81 and 0.74 respectively. The root mean square error (RMSE) were 693.9 kg ha−1 and 786.5 kg ha−1. It showed that the PLS algorithm model estimates the yield better than the linear regression (LR) and principal components analysis (PCA) algorithms. The estimation accuracy was improved by more than 20% than the LR algorithm, and was 13% higher than the PCA algorithm. The results could provide an effective way to improve the estimation accuracy of winter wheat yield by remote sensing, and was conducive to large-area application and promotion.
Anticancer effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate nanoemulsion on lung cancer cells through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Bing-Huei , Hsieh Chia-Hung , Tsai Su-Yun , Wang Chian-Yu , Wang Chi-Chung
Published: March 2020

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea–derived polyphenol, exhibits antitumor activities. An EGCG nanoemulsion (nano-EGCG) was prepared to improve the stability and reduce the side effects of EGCG for treatment of human lung cancer cells, and the antitumor effects were studied. The possible molecular mechanism underlying its antitumor effects on cultured human lung cancer cells was also elucidated. The antitumor effects of EGCG and nano-EGCG were determined using methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), colony formation, migration, and invasion assays. In addition, changes in the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway were investigated using Western blot analyses. AMPK inhibitors were used to determine the roles of the AMPK signaling pathway involved in the molecular mechanism of the nano-EGCG. Our results showed that both EGCG and nano-EGCG inhibited the growth of H1299 lung cancer cells, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of 36.03 and 4.71 μM, respectively. Additionally, nano-EGCG effectively suppressed lung cancer cell colony formation, migration, and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Nano-EGCG may inhibit lung cancer cell invasion through matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2- and MMP-9-independent mechanisms. Furthermore, the expression of several key regulatory proteins in the AMPK signaling pathway was modulated by nano-EGCG. Nano-EGCG may inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion through the activation of AMPK signaling pathways. This novel mechanism of nano-EGCG suggests its application in lung cancer prevention and treatment. Our results provide an experimental foundation for further research on its potential activities and effects in vivo.
Effects of modes of climate variability on wave power during boreal summer in the western North Pacific
Authors: Yang Sinil , Oh Jai-Ho
Published: March 2020

This study investigates extremes of wave climate in the western North Pacific (WNP) as significant responses to modes of climate variability: the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Few studies have explicitly investigated significant wave height in this context, and hence, the aim of the present study is to investigate and quantify the responses to a simulated wave data set over the WNP from 1979–2009 by focusing on the combined influences of the ENSO and PDO during the boreal summer. We conducted a composite analysis of sea surface temperatures, sea-level pressure, and extreme anomalies of wave power density (Pw) on different phase combinations of the ENSO and the PDO, and also analyzed the effects of a latitudinal shift of the ITCZ for composite samples with respect to simulated tropical storm (TS) activities. The results demonstrate that the ENSO played a primarily positive role in intensifying anomalous wave climate, while the PDO had the opposite effect. The responses of the peak wave-period were linked to a strengthened anomalous low-pressure and a cooling of sea surface temperature anomalies. The PDO played a significant role in strengthening or weakening of the effects of the ENSO on Pw, thus confirming the findings of previous studies. We found that responses were dependent on whether ENSO and PDO were in or out of phase. These responses can be described by a strengthening of the southeast trade winds that blow across the equator with respect to a latitudinal shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Our findings contribute to the understanding of a relationship between modes of climate variability and TS activities with respect to the status of the ITCZ over the WNP, which can be relevant factors in the lifetime of wave power and related wave parameters in the WNP during the boreal summer.
Improved Prediction of Surgical Resectability in Patients with Glioblastoma using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Marcus Adam P. , Marcus Hani J. , Camp Sophie J. , Nandi Dipankar , Kitchen Neil , Thorne Lewis
Published: March 2020

In managing a patient with glioblastoma (GBM), a surgeon must carefully consider whether sufficient tumour can be removed so that the patient can enjoy the benefits of decompression and cytoreduction, without impacting on the patient’s neurological status. In a previous study we identified the five most important anatomical features on a pre-operative MRI that are predictive of surgical resectability and used them to develop a simple, objective, and reproducible grading system. The objective of this study was to apply an artificial neural network (ANN) to improve the prediction of surgical resectability in patients with GBM. Prospectively maintained databases were searched to identify adult patients with supratentorial GBM that underwent craniotomy and resection. Performance of the ANN was evaluated against logistic regression and the standard grading system by analysing their Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves; Area Under Curve (AUC) and accuracy were calculated and compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test with a value of p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. In all, 135 patients were included, of which 33 (24.4%) were found to have complete excision of all contrast-enhancing tumour. The AUC and accuracy were significantly greater using the ANN compared to the standard grading system (0.87 vs. 0.79 and 83% vs. 80% respectively; p < 0.01 in both cases). In conclusion, an ANN allows for the improved prediction of surgical resectability in patients with GBM.
Ultrafast in-gel detection by fluorescent super-chelator probes with HisQuick-PAGE
Authors: Brüchert Stefan , Joest Eike F. , Gatterdam Karl , Tampé Robert
Published: March 2020

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and immunoblotting (Western blotting) are the most common methods in life science. In conjunction with these methods, the polyhistidine-tag has proven to be a superb fusion tag for protein purification as well as specific protein detection by immunoblotting, which led to a vast amount of commercially available antibodies. Nevertheless, antibody batch-to-batch variations and nonspecific binding complicate the laborious procedure. The interaction principle applied for His-tagged protein purification by metal-affinity chromatography using N-nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) was employed to develop small high-affinity lock-and-key molecules coupled to a fluorophore. These multivalent NTA probes allow specific detection of His-tagged proteins by fluorescence. Here, we report on HisQuick-PAGE as a fast and versatile immunoblot alternative, using such high-affinity fluorescent super-chelator probes. The procedure allows direct, fast, and ultra-sensitive in-gel detection and analysis of soluble proteins as well as intact membrane protein complexes and macromolecular ribonucleoprotein particles.
Large scale automated phylogenomic analysis of bacterial isolates and the Evergreen Online platform
Authors: Szarvas Judit , Ahrenfeldt Johanne , Cisneros Jose Luis Bellod , Thomsen Martin Christen Frølund , Aarestrup Frank M. , Lund Ole
Published: March 2020

Public health authorities whole-genome sequence thousands of isolates each month for microbial diagnostics and surveillance of pathogenic bacteria. The computational methods have not kept up with the deluge of data and the need for real-time results. We have therefore created a bioinformatics pipeline for rapid subtyping and continuous phylogenomic analysis of bacterial samples, suited for large-scale surveillance. The data is divided into sets by mapping to reference genomes, then consensus sequences are generated. Nucleotide based genetic distance is calculated between the sequences in each set, and isolates are clustered together at 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Phylogenetic trees are inferred from the non-redundant sequences and the clustered isolates are added back. The method is accurate at grouping outbreak strains together, while discriminating them from non-outbreak strains. The pipeline is applied in Evergreen Online, which processes publicly available sequencing data from foodborne bacterial pathogens on a daily basis, updating phylogenetic trees as needed.
Linear programs for entanglement and key distribution in the quantum internet
Authors: Bäuml Stefan , Azuma Koji , Kato Go , Elkouss David
Published: March 2020

Quantum networks will allow to implement communication tasks beyond the reach of their classical counterparts. A pressing and necessary issue for the design of quantum network protocols is the quantification of the rates at which these tasks can be performed. Here, we propose a simple recipe that yields efficiently computable lower and upper bounds on the maximum achievable rates. For this we make use of the max-flow min-cut theorem and its generalization to multi-commodity flows to obtain linear programs. We exemplify our recipe deriving the linear programs for bipartite settings, settings where multiple pairs of users obtain entanglement in parallel as well as multipartite settings, covering almost all known situations. We also make use of a generalization of the concept of paths between user pairs in a network to Steiner trees spanning a group of users wishing to establish Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states.
Surface design of photon-upconversion nanoparticles for high-contrast immunocytochemistry
Authors: Farka Zdeněk , Mickert Matthias J. , Mikušová Zuzana , Hlaváček Antonín , Bouchalová Pavla , Xu Wenshu , Bouchal Pavel , Skládal Petr , Gorris Hans H.
Published: March 2020

Streptavidin-PEG-neridronate-UCNP nanoconjugates enable the specific detection of tumor markers on the surface of cancer cells with outstanding signal-to-background ratio.
Ligand-centered reactivity of a pseudo-dearomatized phosphorus-nitrogen PN3P* rhodium complex towards molecular oxygen at room temperature
Authors: Zhou Chunhui , Munkerup Kristin , Wang Yuan , Das Pradip K. , Chakraborty Priyanka , Hu Jinsong , Yao Changguang , Huang Mei-Hui , Huang Kuo-Wei
Published: March 2020

The pseudo-dearomatized ligand of PN3P*Rh-CO reacts with O2 to form an α, β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety at room temperature, showcasing an unprecedented ligand-centered reactivity with the oxidation state of Rh(I) remaining untouched.
Purification of metallurgical-grade silicon combining Sn–Si solvent refining with gas pressure filtration
Authors: Li Tianyang , Guo Lei , Wang Zhe , Guo Zhancheng
Published: March 2020

In this study, the purification of metallurgical-grade silicon using a combination of solvent refining and gas pressure filtration was investigated in the Sn–Si alloy.
UV degradation of the interface between perovskites and the electron transport layer
Authors: Liu Ranran , Wang Li , Fan Yingping , Li Zhipeng , Pang Shuping
Published: March 2020

Using SnO2 as the ETL in perovskite solar cells can degrade the interface and cause device performance degradation under UV light.
Proton-coupled electron transfer across benzimidazole bridges in bioinspired proton wires
Authors: Odella Emmanuel , Mora S. Jimena , Wadsworth Brian L. , Goings Joshua J. , Gervaldo Miguel A. , Sereno Leonides E. , Groy Thomas L. , Gust Devens , Moore Thomas A. , Moore Gary F. , Hammes-Schiffer Sharon , Moore Ana L.
Published: March 2020

Experimental and theoretical methods characterize the thermodynamics of electrochemically driven proton-coupled electron transfer processes in bioinspired constructs involving multiple proton translocations over Grotthus-type proton wires.
Life cycle environmental analysis of ‘drop in’ alternative aviation fuels: a review
Authors: Kolosz B. W. , Luo Y. , Xu B. , Maroto-Valer M. M. , Andresen J. M.
Published: March 2020

Alternative aviation fuels possess significant potential to reduce the environmental burdens of the aviation industry.
Synthesis of chiral mesostructured titanium dioxide films
Authors: Zhang Fenping , Ai Jing , Ding Kun , Duan Yingying , Han Lu , Che Shunai
Published: March 2020

Chiral mesostructured TiO2 films (CMTFs) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method using l/d-mannitol as the symmetry-breaking agent and titanium foil as both the substrate and inorganic precursor.
C–F activation reactions at germylium ions: dehydrofluorination of fluoralkanes
Authors: Talavera Maria , Meißner Gisa , Rachor Simon G. , Braun Thomas
Published: March 2020

The germylium ions [GeR3]+ catalyze dehydrodefluorination reactions of fluorinated alkanes when germanes are used as hydrogen source.
Photoelectrochemical alcohol oxidation by mixed-linker metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Lin Shaoyang , Cairnie Daniel R. , Davis Dylan , Chakraborty Arnab , Cai Meng , Morris Amanda J.
Published: March 2020

This work showcases the first instance of cooperative photoelectrochemical oxidation within a chromophore/catalyst-incorporated metal–organic framework.
Controlled growth of large-scale uniform 1T′ MoTe2 crystals with tunable thickness and their photodetector applications
Authors: Wang Xiaojian , Shang Jing , Zhu Meijie , Zhou Xi , Hao Rui , Sun Lina , Xu Hua , Zheng Jianbang , Lei Xingfeng , Li Chun , Kou Liangzhi , Feng Qingliang
Published: March 2020

Large-scale uniform MoTe2 crystals with a wide range of photo-response from 532 nm to 1550 nm are controllably grown by a molecular sieve-assisted method.
A controlled nucleation and formation rate of self-assembled peptide nanofibers
Authors: Lu Lei , Morrison Devlin , Unsworth Larry D.
Published: March 2020

Specifically, this paper reports on the effect that engineered peptides have on the formation of effective nucleation sites for self-assembly into nanofibers upon exposure to enzymes.
Catalytic enantioselective decarboxylative nucleophilic addition reactions using chiral organocatalysts
Authors: Hyodo Kengo , Nakamura Shuichi
Published: March 2020

Catalytic decarboxylative reactions are attractive as biomimetic and environmentally friendly reaction processes. This review summarizes recent results for organocatalytic enantioselective decarboxylative reactions from October 2013 to December 2019.
Direct synthesis of ortho-methylthio allyl and vinyl ethers via three component reaction of aryne, activated alkene and DMSO
Authors: Hazarika Hemanta , Gogoi Pranjal
Published: March 2020

A transition-metal free synthetic strategy for the direct synthesis of ortho-methylthio allyl and vinyl ethers via cascade three-component coupling of aryne, activated alkene and DMSO.
Viscoelastic and thermoreversible networks crosslinked by non-covalent interactions between “clickable” nucleic acid oligomers and DNA
Authors: Anderson Alex J. , Culver Heidi R. , Bryant Stephanie J. , Bowman Christopher N.
Published: March 2020

An approach to efficient and scalable production of oligonucleotide-based gel networks is presented.
Synthesis of polyaniline-sulfur composites with different nanostructuresviaan interfacial emulsification method and a micelle template method and their properties
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Shichao
Published: March 2020

Herein, polyaniline (PANI)-S with a nano-microsphere structure was synthesizedviaan interfacial emulsification method using Triton X-100 as an emulsifier and hydrochloric acid (HCl) as a dopant and covering element sulfur.
Comparative study of atrazine degradation by magnetic clay activated persulfate and H2O2
Authors: Zong Shaoyan , Xu Ximeng , Ran Gang , Liu Jian
Published: March 2020

To effectively remove the EDCs in water, Fe3O4 was loaded on the surface of modified sepiolite clay by co-precipitation to catalyze K2S2O8 and H2O2 respectively to generate SO4˙− and ·OH for ATZ removal.
Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology ofLamiophlomis rotata(Benth.) Kudo: a review
Authors: Cui Zhan-Hu , Qin Shuang-Shuang , Zang Er-Huan , Li Chao , Gao Li , Li Quan-Chao , Wang Yun-Long , Huang Xian-Zhang , Zhang Zhong-Yi , Li Min-Hui
Published: March 2020

The useful information ofLamiophlomis rotata(Benth.) Kudo was summarized, which provided a basis for the development of new therapeutic drugs for this plant.
Phase junction enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ga2O3 nanorod arrays on flexible glass fiber fabric
Authors: Sun Hanlin , Zhang Liying , Yu Jingyan , Wang Shunli , Guo Daoyou , Li Chaorong , Wu Fengmin , Liu Aiping , Li Peigang , Tang Weihua
Published: March 2020

Ga2O3 nanostructures hold great potential applications in photocatalytic fields due to their stability, high efficiency and environmental friendliness.
Fabrication of resorcinol-based porous resin carbon material and its application in aqueous symmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Xiangjin , Shen Na , Yao Zongchen , Wu Ruoyu
Published: March 2020

Activated preparation of environmentally friendly and sustainable carbon materials and their successful application in supercapacitor devices.
Exploiting single-electron transfer in Lewis pairs for catalytic bond-forming reactions
Authors: Aramaki Yoshitaka , Imaizumi Naoki , Hotta Mao , Kumagai Jun , Ooi Takashi
Published: March 2020

Radical–ion pair generation from common Lewis pairs and its application to catalytic carbon–carbon bond formation.
Organic functional materials: recent advances in all-inorganic perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Lulu , Fan Bingbing , Zheng Bing , Yang Zhibing , Yin Penggang , Huo Lijun
Published: March 2020

Although the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is comparable to those of commercial solar cells, a challenging problem of instability hampers their further commercialization.
Redox signalling and ageing: insights from Drosophila
Authors: Lennicke Claudia , Cochemé Helena M.
Published: March 2020

Ageing and age-related diseases are major challenges for the social, economic and healthcare systems of our society. Amongst many theories, reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated as a driver of the ageing process. As by-products of aerobic metabolism, ROS are able to randomly oxidise macromolecules, causing intracellular damage that accumulates over time and ultimately leads to dysfunction and cell death. However, the genetic overexpression of enzymes involved in the detoxification of ROS or treatment with antioxidants did not generally extend lifespan, prompting a re-evaluation of the causal role for ROS in ageing. More recently, ROS have emerged as key players in normal cellular signalling by oxidising redox-sensitive cysteine residues within proteins. Therefore, while high levels of ROS may be harmful and induce oxidative stress, low levels of ROS may actually be beneficial as mediators of redox signalling. In this context, enhancing ROS production in model organisms can extend lifespan, with biological effects dependent on the site, levels, and specific species of ROS. In this review, we examine the role of ROS in ageing, with a particular focus on the importance of the fruit fly Drosophila as a powerful model system to study redox processes in vivo.
Visualizing protein structures — tools and trends
Authors: Martinez Xavier , Chavent Matthieu , Baaden Marc
Published: March 2020

Molecular visualization is fundamental in the current scientific literature, textbooks and dissemination materials. It provides an essential support for presenting results, reasoning on and formulating hypotheses related to molecular structure. Tools for visual exploration of structural data have become easily accessible on a broad variety of platforms thanks to advanced software tools that render a great service to the scientific community. These tools are often developed across disciplines bridging computer science, biology and chemistry. This mini-review was written as a short and compact overview for scientists who need to visualize protein structures and want to make an informed decision which tool they should use. Here, we first describe a few ‘Swiss Army knives’ geared towards protein visualization for everyday use with an existing large user base, then focus on more specialized tools for peculiar needs that are not yet as broadly known. Our selection is by no means exhaustive, but reflects a diverse snapshot of scenarios that we consider informative for the reader. We end with an account of future trends and perspectives.
Diversity of molecular mechanisms used by anti-CRISPR proteins: the tip of an iceberg?
Authors: Hardouin Pierre , Goulet Adeline
Published: March 2020

Bacteriophages (phages) and their preys are engaged in an evolutionary arms race driving the co-adaptation of their attack and defense mechanisms. In this context, phages have evolved diverse anti-CRISPR proteins to evade the bacterial CRISPR–Cas immune system, and propagate. Anti-CRISPR proteins do not share much resemblance with each other and with proteins of known function, which raises intriguing questions particularly relating to their modes of action. In recent years, there have been many structure–function studies shedding light on different CRISPR–Cas inhibition strategies. As the anti-CRISPR field of research is rapidly growing, it is opportune to review the current knowledge on these proteins, with particular emphasis on the molecular strategies deployed to inactivate distinct steps of CRISPR–Cas immunity. Anti-CRISPR proteins can be orthosteric or allosteric inhibitors of CRISPR–Cas machineries, as well as enzymes that irreversibly modify CRISPR–Cas components. This repertoire of CRISPR–Cas inhibition mechanisms will likely expand in the future, providing fundamental knowledge on phage–bacteria interactions and offering great perspectives for the development of biotechnological tools to fine-tune CRISPR–Cas-based gene edition.
Membrane-anchored serine proteases as regulators of epithelial function
Authors: Szabo Roman , Bugge Thomas H.
Published: March 2020

Cleavage of proteins in the extracellular milieu, including hormones, growth factors and their receptors, ion channels, and various cell adhesion and extracellular matrix molecules, plays a key role in the regulation of cell behavior. Among more than 500 proteolytic enzymes encoded by mammalian genomes, membrane-anchored serine proteases (MASPs), which are expressed on the surface of epithelial cells of all major organs, are excellently suited to mediate signal transduction across the epithelia and are increasingly being recognized as important regulators of epithelial development, function, and disease [ 1–3]. In this minireview, we summarize current knowledge of the in vivo roles of MASPs in acquisition and maintenance of some of the defining functions of epithelial tissues, such as barrier formation, ion transport, and sensory perception.
HST calculation of a 10 kV oil‐immersed transformer with 3D coupled‐field method
Authors: Ruan Jiangjun , Deng Yongqing , Huang Daochun , Duan Cihan , Gong Ruohan , Quan Yu , Hu Yuanchao , Rong Qingyu
Published: March 2020

Transformer winding hot‐spot temperature (HST) is one of the important factors affecting transformer oil–paper insulation deterioration. This study presents a three‐dimensional coupled electromagnetic‐fluid‐thermal analysis method for HST calculation in a 10 kV oil‐immersed distribution transformer, the influence of the transformer internal metal structure parts on the HST of the winding is considered in the simulation. Combining electromagnetic‐field calculation with no‐load test and load test of the transformer provides a more accurate method to determine internal losses of the transformer. Taking those power losses as heat sources, the transformer fluid‐thermal field analysis is conducted with the finite volume method. The variation of physical parameters of transformer oil with temperature is considered in the simulation. On the basis of the equivalent thermal resistance theory, the equivalent thermal conductivities of transformer windings are obtained. The simulation results deduced from the proposed method agree well with the experimental ones, which are obtained with fibre optic temperature sensors during the transformer temperature rise test, the maximum temperature difference is <3°C. The results validated the validity and accuracy of the proposed transformer HST calculation method.
Vision‐aided intelligent vehicle sideslip angle estimation based on a dynamic model
Authors: Liu Wei , Xiong Lu , Xia Xin , Lu Yishi , Gao Letian , Song Shunhui
Published: March 2020

The vehicle sideslip angle is an important state for vehicle dynamic control, which needs to be estimated as it could not be obtained directly by the vehicle. To improve the estimation accuracy of the sideslip angle based on the intelligent vehicle platform, this study proposes a novel vehicle sideslip angle estimation algorithm with the fusion of dynamic model and vision information. Firstly, to further improve the model accuracy of the vehicle during lateral acceleration conditions, a vehicle dynamic model is established considering the acceleration error compensation with the assistance of attitude information. In addition, based on the lane line information obtained from the equipped camera in intelligent vehicles, a visual geometric model is established. Owing to the measurement delay and low sampling frequency of the camera, a multi‐rate sideslip angle observer with delay compensation is designed to coordinate with the inter‐frequency signal of the vehicle chassis. Finally, the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by the slalom test.
Design and analysis of three‐level hybrid boost converter based on T‐type inverter for solar photovoltaic system
Authors: Osman Norhassanah , Mohamad Elias Mohamad Fathi , Rahim Nasrudin Abd.
Published: March 2020

This paper presents the design and analysis of a three‐level hybrid boost converter based on a single‐phase three‐level T‐type inverter. The proposed converter can provide high energy conversion efficiency and high voltage gain capability with reduced component count. The pulse‐width‐modulation signals of the proposed converter are generated by comparing two duty cycles and two triangular carrier signals. The proposed converter consists of four power switches, four diodes, an inductor, and two capacitors. Detailed converter operations at each switching state with the corresponding voltage and current waveforms of each component are discussed. The functionality and performance of the proposed converter are verified through simulation and experimental results.
Sensorless flux adaption DTFC of an IPMSM based on an active flux‐based MTPA and an adaptive second‐order sliding mode observer
Authors: Chen Junlei , Wu Xiang , Chen Shuo , Tan Guojun
Published: March 2020

This study proposes a sensorless flux adaption direct torque and flux control (DTFC) for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM), in which an maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) based on active flux and an adaptive second‐order sliding mode observer (SOSMO) are adopted. Flux adaption DTFC is proposed based on the existing active flux concept. Thus, the stator current amplitude can be minimised in both steady state and transient state. Furthermore, to realise the sensorless control of the IPMSM, an adaptive SOSMO is proposed. Compared with constant gains SOSMO, the gains of the adaptive SOSMO can be adjusted adaptively with the motor speed changing. Then, the precision of position estimation is enhanced effectively in a wide speed range. Numerical simulations and experiments with a 60 kW IPMSM are implemented. In addition, the results validate the capability of the proposed sensorless flux adaption DTFC scheme.
Robust beamforming for wideband array based on spectrum subspaces
Authors: Xie Zhuang , Fan Chongyi , Zhu Jiahua , Huang Xiaotao
Published: March 2020

This study proposes a robust wideband beamforming algorithm based on spectrum separation at divided subspaces to address the possible sensors array manifold deviations in practice. In this algorithm, an efficient sensors array manifold calibration approach based on subspace division is put forward and an improved interference‐noise covariance matrix reconstruction approach based on spectrum separation is derived. The algorithm first divides the spatial space into several subspaces by Capon spatial spectrum and then calibrates array manifold deviations in these subspaces. Subsequently, the noise and interference information is extracted accurately after spectrum separation. Based on the extracted information, the optimal beamformer can be finally designed. Simulation results prove the excellent performance of the proposed algorithm in the presence of various array manifold deviation types and extents.
Fe7S8 nanoparticles encapsulated in porous N, S co‐doped carbon as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for Zn‐air battery
Authors: Jiang Tongzhou , Dai Peng , Zhang Wen
Published: March 2020

The development of low‐cost and highly active bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great significance to promote the practical application of Zn‐air battery (ZAB). Herein, the authors report a facile strategy for the fabrication of Fe7S8 nanoparticles embedded in the N, S co‐doped porous carbon (NSC) network that served as an efficient bifunctional catalyst. The obtained Fe7S8/NSC shows remarkable oxygen electrocatalytic activity, in terms of superior ORR activity to commercial Pt/C as well as comparable OER capability to RuO2. Besides, when evaluated as the cathode catalyst for a homemade ZAB, Fe7S8/NSC also displays a superior peak power density of 135 mA cm−2 and high cycling stability over 65 h (195 cycles).
Synthesis of antibacterial flower‐like silver nanostructures by self‐assembly of diphenylalanine peptide on graphite
Authors: Allafchian Alireza , Mousavi Seyed Hosein , Jalali Seyed Amir Hossein
Published: March 2020

Preparation of silver nanoflowers (Ag NFs) was carried out through the self‐assembly process of diphenylalanine (FF) peptide on the graphite surface. Pencil graphite rods were used as a substrate for the self‐assembly process. A reduction reaction by hydrazine was employed in the synthesis procedure of the Ag NFs. scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to characterise the obtained Ag NFs. The morphological analysis of the Ag NFs revealed assemblies constructed by multiple sheet nanostructures designed as flower petals and positioned in the form of 3D semi‐spherical arrangements. The successful synthesis of Ag NFs was confirmed by FT‐IR characteristic bands of FF and Ag components. The cubic lattice structure of the Ag NFs was revealed by XRD. Standard Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion tests using Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial strains exhibited the promising antibacterial performance of the Ag NFs against all of the tested bacterial species.