bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen-rich covalent organic frameworks with multiple carbonyls for high-performance sodium batteries
Authors: Shi Ruijuan , Liu Luojia , Lu Yong , Wang Chenchen , Li Yixin , Li Lin , Yan Zhenhua , Chen Jun
Published: January 2020

Covalent organic frameworks with designable periodic skeletons and ordered nanopores have attracted increasing attention as promising cathode materials for rechargeable batteries. However, the reported cathodes are plagued by limited capacity and unsatisfying rate performance. Here we report a honeycomb-like nitrogen-rich covalent organic framework with multiple carbonyls. The sodium storage ability of pyrazines and carbonyls and the up-to twelve sodium-ion redox chemistry mechanism for each repetitive unit have been demonstrated by in/ex-situ Fourier transform infrared spectra and density functional theory calculations. The insoluble electrode exhibits a remarkably high specific capacity of 452.0 mAh g−1, excellent cycling stability (~96% capacity retention after 1000 cycles) and high rate performance (134.3 mAh g−1 at 10.0 A g−1). Furthermore, a pouch-type battery is assembled, displaying the gravimetric and volumetric energy density of 101.1 Wh kg−1cell and 78.5 Wh L−1cell, respectively, indicating potentially practical applications of conjugated polymers in rechargeable batteries.
Pain-free resting-state functional brain connectivity predicts individual pain sensitivity
Authors: Spisak Tamas , Kincses Balint , Schlitt Frederik , Zunhammer Matthias , Schmidt-Wilcke Tobias , Kincses Zsigmond T. , Bingel Ulrike
Published: January 2020

Individual differences in pain perception are of interest in basic and clinical research as altered pain sensitivity is both a characteristic and a risk factor for many pain conditions. It is, however, unclear how individual sensitivity to pain is reflected in the pain-free resting-state brain activity and functional connectivity. Here, we identify and validate a network pattern in the pain-free resting-state functional brain connectome that is predictive of interindividual differences in pain sensitivity. Our predictive network signature allows assessing the individual sensitivity to pain without applying any painful stimulation, as might be valuable in patients where reliable behavioural pain reports cannot be obtained. Additionally, as a direct, non-invasive readout of the supraspinal neural contribution to pain sensitivity, it may have implications for translational research and the development and assessment of analgesic treatment strategies.
The RNA-binding protein HuR is a negative regulator in adipogenesis
Authors: Siang Diana Teh Chee , Lim Yen Ching , Kyaw Aung Maung Maung , Win Khaing Nwe , Chia Sook Yoong , Degirmenci Ufuk , Hu Xiang , Tan Bryan C. , Walet Arcinas Camille Esther , Sun Lei , Xu Dan
Published: January 2020

Human antigen R (HuR) is an essential regulator of RNA metabolism, but its function in metabolism remains unclear. This study identifies HuR as a major repressor during adipogenesis. Knockdown and overexpression of HuR in primary adipocyte culture enhances and inhibits adipogenesis in vitro, respectively. Fat-specific knockout of HuR significantly enhances adipogenic gene program in adipose tissues, accompanied by a systemic glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. HuR knockout also results in depot-specific phenotypes: it can repress myogenesis program in brown fat, enhance inflammation program in epidydimal white fat and induce browning program in inguinal white fat. Mechanistically, HuR may inhibit adipogenesis by recognizing and modulating the stability of hundreds of adipocyte transcripts including Insig1, a negative regulator during adipogenesis. Taken together, our work establishes HuR as an important posttranscriptional regulator of adipogenesis and provides insights into how RNA processing contributes to adipocyte development.
Graded intrafillable architecture-based iontronic pressure sensor with ultra-broad-range high sensitivity
Authors: Bai Ningning , Wang Liu , Wang Qi , Deng Jue , Wang Yan , Lu Peng , Huang Jun , Li Gang , Zhang Yuan , Yang Junlong , Xie Kewei , Zhao Xuanhe , Guo Chuan Fei
Published: January 2020

Sensitivity is a crucial parameter for flexible pressure sensors and electronic skins. While introducing microstructures (e.g., micro-pyramids) can effectively improve the sensitivity, it in turn leads to a limited pressure-response range due to the poor structural compressibility. Here, we report a strategy of engineering intrafillable microstructures that can significantly boost the sensitivity while simultaneously broadening the pressure responding range. Such intrafillable microstructures feature undercuts and grooves that accommodate deformed surface microstructures, effectively enhancing the structural compressibility and the pressure-response range. The intrafillable iontronic sensor exhibits an unprecedentedly high sensitivity (Smin > 220 kPa−1) over a broad pressure regime (0.08 Pa-360 kPa), and an ultrahigh pressure resolution (18 Pa or 0.0056%) over the full pressure range, together with remarkable mechanical stability. The intrafillable structure is a general design expected to be applied to other types of sensors to achieve a broader pressure-response range and a higher sensitivity.
A scalable method for parameter-free simulation and validation of mechanistic cellular signal transduction network models
Authors: Romers Jesper , Thieme Sebastian , Münzner Ulrike , Krantz Marcus
Published: January 2020

The metabolic modelling community has established the gold standard for bottom-up systems biology with reconstruction, validation and simulation of mechanistic genome-scale models. Similar methods have not been established for signal transduction networks, where the representation of complexes and internal states leads to scalability issues in both model formulation and execution. While rule- and agent-based methods allow efficient model definition and execution, respectively, model parametrisation introduces an additional layer of uncertainty due to the sparsity of reliably measured parameters. Here, we present a scalable method for parameter-free simulation of mechanistic signal transduction networks. It is based on rxncon and uses a bipartite Boolean logic with separate update rules for reactions and states. Using two generic update rules, we enable translation of any rxncon model into a unique Boolean model, which can be used for network validation and simulation—allowing the prediction of system-level function directly from molecular mechanistic data. Through scalable model definition and simulation, and the independence of quantitative parameters, it opens up for simulation and validation of mechanistic genome-scale models of signal transduction networks.
Publisher Correction: Pupil dilation tracks the dynamics of mnemonic interference resolution
Authors: Johansson Roger , Pärnamets Philip , Bjernestedt Amanda , Johansson Mikael
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Laser-wakefield accelerators for high-resolution X-ray imaging of complex microstructures
Authors: Hussein A. E. , Senabulya N. , Ma Y. , Streeter M. J. V. , Kettle B. , Dann S. J. D. , Albert F. , Bourgeois N. , Cipiccia S. , Cole J. M. , Finlay O. , Gerstmayr E. , González I. Gallardo , Higginbotham A. , Jaroszynski D. A. , Falk K. , Krushelnick K. , Lemos N. , Lopes N. C. , Lumsdon C. , Lundh O. , Mangles S. P. D. , Najmudin Z. , Rajeev P. P. , Schlepütz C. M. , Shahzad M. , Smid M. , Spesyvtsev R. , Symes D. R. , Vieux G. , Willingale L. , Wood J. C. , Shahani A. J. , Thomas A. G. R.
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Streptomyces monashensis sp. nov., a novel mangrove soil actinobacterium from East Malaysia with antioxidative potential
Authors: Law Jodi Woan-Fei , Ser Hooi-Leng , Ab Mutalib Nurul-Syakima , Saokaew Surasak , Duangjai Acharaporn , Khan Tahir Mehmood , Chan Kok-Gan , Goh Bey-Hing , Lee Learn-Han
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Humans judge faces in incomplete photographs as physically more attractive
Authors: Orghian Diana , Hidalgo César A.
Published: January 2020

Attractive people are perceived to be healthier, wealthier, and more sociable. Yet, people often judge the attractiveness of others based on incomplete and inaccurate facial information. Here, we test the hypothesis that people fill in the missing information with positive inferences when judging others’ facial beauty. To test this hypothesis, we conducted seven experiments where participants judged the attractiveness of human faces in complete and incomplete photographs. Our data shows that—relative to complete photographs—participants judge faces in incomplete photographs as physically more attractive. This positivity bias is replicated for different types of incompleteness; is mostly specific to aesthetic judgments; is stronger for male participants; is specific to human faces when compared to pets, flowers, and landscapes; seems to involve a holistic processing; and is stronger for atypical faces. These findings contribute to our understanding of how people perceive and make inferences about others’ beauty.
Added value recyclability of glass fiber waste as photo-oxidation catalyst for toxic cytostatic micropollutants
Authors: Nechifor Gheorghe , Totu Eugenia Eftimie , Nechifor Aurelia Cristina , Constantin Lucian , Constantin Alina Mirela , Cărăuşu Mihaela Elena , Isildak Ibrahim
Published: January 2020

There is an increased interest in recycling valuable waste materials for usage in procedures with high added values. Silica microparticles are involved in the processes of catalysis, separation, immobilization of complexants, biologically active compounds, and different nanospecies, responding to restrictive requirements for selectivity of various chemical and biochemical processes. This paper presents the surface modification of accessible and dimensionally controlled recycled silica microfiber with titanium dioxide. Strong base species in organic solvents: methoxide, ethoxide, propoxide, and potassium butoxide in corresponding alcohol, activated the glass microfibres with 12–13 µm diameter. In the photo-oxidation process of a toxic micro-pollutant, cyclophosphamide, the new composite material successfully proved photocatalytic effectiveness. The present work fulfills simultaneously two specific objectives related to the efforts directed towards a sustainable environment and circular economy: recycling of optical glass microfibers resulted as waste from the industry, and their usage for the photo-oxidation of highly toxic emerging micro-pollutants.
The AHR pathway represses TGFβ-SMAD3 signalling and has a potent tumour suppressive role in SHH medulloblastoma
Authors: Sarić Nemanja , Selby Matthew , Ramaswamy Vijay , Kool Marcel , Stockinger Brigitta , Hogstrand Christer , Williamson Daniel , Marino Silvia , Taylor Michael D. , Clifford Steven C. , Basson M. Albert
Published: January 2020

Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastomas are brain tumours that arise in the posterior fossa. Cancer-propagating cells (CPCs) provide a reservoir of cells capable of tumour regeneration and relapse post-treatment. Understanding and targeting the mechanisms by which CPCs are maintained and expanded in SHH medulloblastoma could present novel therapeutic opportunities. We identified the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway as a potent tumour suppressor in a SHH medulloblastoma mouse model. Ahr-deficient tumours and CPCs grown in vitro, showed elevated activation of the TGFβ mediator, SMAD3. Pharmacological inhibition of the TGFβ/SMAD3 signalling axis was sufficient to inhibit the proliferation and promote the differentiation of Ahr-deficient CPCs. Human SHH medulloblastomas with high expression of the AHR repressor (AHRR) exhibited a significantly worse prognosis compared to AHRRlow tumours in two independent patient cohorts. Together, these findings suggest that reduced AHR pathway activity promotes SHH medulloblastoma progression, consistent with a tumour suppressive role for AHR. We propose that TGFβ/SMAD3 inhibition may represent an actionable therapeutic approach for a subset of aggressive SHH medulloblastomas characterised by reduced AHR pathway activity.
Non-invasive and label-free 3D-visualization shows in vivo oligomerization of the staphylococcal alkaline shock protein 23 (Asp23)
Authors: Petersen Inga , Schlüter Rabea , Hoff Katharina J. , Liebscher Volkmar , Bange Gert , Riedel Katharina , Pané-Farré Jan
Published: January 2020

Fluorescence-tags, commonly used to visualize the spatial distribution of proteins within cells, can influence the localization of the tagged proteins by affecting their stability, interaction with other proteins or the induction of oligomerization artifacts. To circumvent these obstacles, a protocol was developed to generate 50 nm thick serial sections suitable for immunogold labeling and subsequent reconstruction of the spatial distribution of immuno-labeled native proteins within individual bacterial cells. Applying this method, we show a cellular distribution of the staphylococcal alkaline shock protein 23 (Asp23), which is compatible with filament formation, a property of Asp23 that we also demonstratein vitro.
Iron acquisition in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the siderophore pyoverdine: an intricate interacting network including periplasmic and membrane proteins
Authors: Bonneau Anne , Roche Béatrice , Schalk Isabelle J.
Published: January 2020

Pyoverdine (PVDI) has been reported to act both as a siderophore for scavenging iron (a key nutrient) and a signaling molecule for the expression of virulence factors. This compound is itself part of a core set of virulence factors produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa during infections. Once secreted into the bacterial environment and having scavenged ferric iron, PVDI-Fe3+ is taken back into the P. aeruginosa periplasm via the outer membrane transporters FpvAI and FpvB. Iron release from PVDI in the bacterial periplasm involves numerous proteins encoded by the fpvGHJKCDEF genes and a mechanism of iron reduction. Here, we investigated the global interacting network between these various proteins using systematic bacterial two-hybrid screening. We deciphered a network of five interacting proteins composed of two inner-membrane proteins, FpvG (iron reductase) and FpvH (unknown function), and three periplasmic proteins, FpvJ (unknown function), FpvF (periplasmic PVDI-binding protein), and FpvC (iron periplasmic-binding protein). This interacting network strongly suggests the existence of a large protein machinery composed of these five proteins, all playing a role in iron acquisition by PVDI. Furthermore, we discovered an interaction between the periplasmic siderophore binding protein FpvF and the PvdRT-OpmQ efflux pump, also suggesting a role for FpvF in apo-PVDI recycling and secretion after iron delivery. These results highlight a multi-protein complex that drives iron release from PVDI in the periplasm of P. aeruginosa.
Disruption of CXCR6 Ameliorates Kidney Inflammation and Fibrosis in Deoxycorticosterone Acetate/Salt Hypertension
Authors: Wu Yuanbo , An Changlong , Jin Xiaogao , Hu Zhaoyong , Wang Yanlin
Published: January 2020

Circulating cells have a pathogenic role in the development of hypertensive nephropathy. However, how these cells infiltrate into the kidney are not fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of CXCR6 in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)/salt-induced inflammation and fibrosis of the kidney. Following uninephrectomy, wild-type and CXCR6 knockout mice were treated with DOCA/salt for 3 weeks. Blood pressure was similar between wild-type and CXCR6 knockout mice at baseline and after treatment with DOCA/salt. Wild-type mice develop significant kidney injury, proteinuria, and kidney fibrosis after three weeks of DOCA/salt treatment. CXCR6 deficiency ameliorated kidney injury, proteinuria, and kidney fibrosis following treatment with DOCA/salt. Moreover, CXCR6 deficiency inhibited accumulation of bone marrow–derived fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the kidney following treatment with DOCA/salt. Furthermore, CXCR6 deficiency markedly reduced the number of macrophages and T cells in the kidney after DOCA/salt treatment. In summary, our results identify a critical role of CXCR6 in the development of inflammation and fibrosis of the kidney in salt-sensitive hypertension.
Germline polymorphisms in the Von Hippel-Lindau and Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha genes, gene-environment and gene-gene interactions and renal cell cancer
Authors: van de Pol Jeroen A. A. , van den Brandt Piet A. , van Engeland Manon , Godschalk Roger W. L. , van Schooten Frederik-Jan , Hogervorst Janneke G. F. , Schouten Leo J.
Published: January 2020

We investigated the relationship between germline single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) and Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1A), and their gene-environment and gene-gene interactions, and clear-cell RCC (ccRCC) risk. Furthermore, we assessed the relationship between VHL SNPs and VHL promoter methylation. Three VHL polymorphisms and one HIF1A polymorphism were genotyped in the Netherlands Cohort Study. In 1986, 120,852 participants aged 55–69 completed a self-administered questionnaire on diet and lifestyle and toenail clippings were collected. Toenail DNA was genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. After 20.3 years, 3004 subcohort members and 406 RCC cases, of which 263 ccRCC cases, were eligible for multivariate case-cohort analyses. VHL_rs779805 was associated with RCC (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.53; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.07–2.17) and ccRCC risk (HR 1.88; 95% CI 1.25–2.81). No associations were found for other SNPs. Potential gene-environment interactions were found between alcohol consumption and selected SNPs. However, none remained statistically significant after multiple comparison correction. No gene-gene interactions were observed between VHL and HIF1A. VHL promoter methylation was not associated with VHL SNPs. VHL SNPs may increase (cc)RCC susceptibility. No associations were found between gene-environment and gene-gene interactions and (cc)RCC risk and between VHL promoter methylation and VHL SNPs.
Wave-shaped temperature dependence characteristics of the electroluminescence peak energy in a green InGaN-based LED grown on silicon substrate
Authors: Li Changfu , Li Jianfei , Xu Mingsheng , Ji Ziwu , Shi Kaiju , Li Hongbin , Wei Yehui , Xu Xiangang
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to investigate temperature dependencies at different injection currents (ICs) of the electroluminescence (EL) spectra from a green InGaN/GaN light-emitting diode (LED) based on multiple quantum wells (MQWs) grown on a Si substrate in a wide range of ICs (0.001–350 mA) and temperatures (6–350 K). The results show that the temperature-changing characteristic of the EL peak energy gradually evolves from an approximately V-shaped temperature dependence into a wave-shaped (three-step blueshift) dependence with increasing IC. Finally, it emerges as an approximately inverted V-shaped temperature dependence. The behavior reflects the fact that the emission related to InGaN is significantly influenced by the changing recombination dynamics of carriers with rising temperature or IC. This is attributed to the presence in the MQW active region of a stronger carrier localization effect across three zones with different average In contents. Moreover, with the decline of the temperature at lower ICs, the temperature behavior of the external quantum efficiency (EQE) value is dominated by the deactivated non-radiative centers. This phenomenon occurs not only in the higher temperature range but also at lower temperatures due to more In-content-induced structural defects, which are confirmed by measurements of the integrated EL intensity as well as the EQE dependence on IC.
Impact of advanced radiotherapy techniques and dose intensification on toxicity of salvage radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Tomita Natsuo , Uchiyama Kaoru , Mizuno Tomoki , Imai Mikiko , Sugie Chikao , Ayakawa Shiho , Niwa Masanari , Matsui Tooru , Otsuka Shinya , Manabe Yoshihiko , Nomura Kento , Kondo Takuhito , Kosaki Katsura , Miyakawa Akifumi , Miyamoto Akihiko , Takemoto Shinya , Kitagawa Yuto , Yasui Takahiro , Shibamoto Yuta
Published: January 2020

The safety and efficacy of dose-escalated radiotherapy with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) remain unclear in salvage radiotherapy (SRT) after radical prostatectomy. We examined the impact of these advanced radiotherapy techniques and dose intensification on the toxicity of SRT. This multi-institutional retrospective study included 421 patients who underwent SRT at the median dose of 66 Gy in 2-Gy fractions. IMRT and IGRT were used for 225 (53%) and 321 (76%) patients, respectively. At the median follow-up of 50 months, the cumulative incidence of late grade 2 or higher gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities was 4.8% and 24%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the non-use of either IMRT or IGRT, or both (hazard ratio [HR] 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8–5.4, p < 0.001) and use of whole-pelvic radiotherapy (HR 7.6, CI 1.0–56, p = 0.048) were associated with late GI toxicity, whereas a higher dose ≥68 Gy was the only factor associated with GU toxicities (HR 3.1, CI 1.3–7.4, p = 0.012). This study suggested that the incidence of GI toxicities can be reduced by IMRT and IGRT in SRT, whereas dose intensification may increase GU toxicity even with these advanced techniques.
A supramolecular probe of cyanine dye for Pb2+ detection based on the recognition of a G-quadruplex from DNA duplexes
Authors: Yu Lijia , Zhao Han , Jing Nannan , Shi Xiaodong , Zhang Yinglin , Ding Chunguang , Zhang Yansong , Fan Jingguang , Tang Yalin
Published: January 2020

The supramolecular self-assembly of MTC transformation between duplex DNA and G-quadruplex for the recognition of Pb2+ ions via UV-vis spectroscopy.
Complete identification of all 20 relevant epimeric peptides in β-amyloid: a new HPLC-MS based analytical strategy for Alzheimer's research
Authors: Du Siqi , Readel Elizabeth R. , Wey Michael , Armstrong Daniel W.
Published: January 2020

Although the underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not known, detection of racemization/isomerization of Asp and Ser in β-amyloid (Aβ) may be crucial.
Mechanism of upconversion luminescence enhancement in Yb3+/Er3+ co-doped Y2O3 through Li+ incorporation
Authors: Yang Xiongfeng , Liu Min , Liu Jiandang , Xia Yuanhua , Ji Weiwei , Li Zhiang , Chen Jifang , Liu Liu , Hao Luyuan , Dong Bingbing , Agathopoulos Simeon , Xu Xin
Published: January 2020

Li+ doping is a well-known, simple, yet efficient strategy to optimize the properties of upconverting materials.
Fatty acid epoxidation byCollariella virescensperoxygenase and heme-channel variants
Authors: González-Benjumea Alejandro , Carro Juan , Renau-Mínguez Chantal , Linde Dolores , Fernández-Fueyo Elena , Gutiérrez Ana , Martínez Angel T.
Published: January 2020

A new unspecific peroxygenase (UPO) generating a variety of epoxidized derivatives of unsaturated fatty acids has been discovered and engineered by heterologous expression of a putativeupogene.
Development of potent CPP6–gemcitabine conjugates against human prostate cancer cell line (PC-3)
Authors: Correia Cristiana , Xavier Cristina P. R. , Duarte Diana , Ferreira Abigail , Moreira Sara , Vasconcelos M. Helena , Vale Nuno
Published: January 2020

Gemcitabine conjugation with CPP6 significantly enhanced cell growth inhibitory activity on PC-3 cells, with IC50 between 14 and 15 nM.
The facile co-precipitation synthesis of strontium tungstate anchored on a boron nitride (SrWO4/BN) composite as a promising electrocatalyst for pharmaceutical drug analysis
Authors: Muthukutty Balamurugan , Krishnapandi Alagumalai , Chen Shen-Ming
Published: January 2020

Strontium tungstate/boron nitride (SrWO4/BN) composite considered efficient electrocatalysts in the area of electrochemical sensors.
CoNi-based metal–organic framework nanoarrays supported on carbon cloth as bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient water-splitting
Authors: Bai Xiao-Jue , Chen Huan , Li Yu-Nong , Shao Lei , Ma Jun-Chao , Li Lin-Lin , Chen Jun-Yi , Wang Tie-Qiang , Zhang Xue-Min , Zhang Li-Ying , Fu Yu , Qi Wei
Published: January 2020

CoNi-based metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoarrays supported on carbon cloth can be used as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.
Anisotropic thermal expansion of black phosphorus from nanoscale dynamics of phosphorene layers
Authors: Henry Laura , Svitlyk Volodymyr , Mezouar Mohamed , Sifré David , Garbarino Gaston , Ceppatelli Matteo , Serrano-Ruiz Manuel , Peruzzini Maurizio , Datchi Frédéric
Published: January 2020

Nanoscale dynamics of phosphorene layers.
Novel method to identify group-specific non-catalytic pockets of human kinome for drug design
Authors: Wang Huiwen , Guan Zeyu , Qiu Jiadi , Jia Ya , Zeng Chen , Zhao Yunjie
Published: January 2020

Kinase proteins have been intensively investigated as drug targets for decades because of their crucial involvement in many biological pathways. We developed hybrid approach to identify non-catalytic pockets and will benefit the kinome drug design.
Collagen–curcumin nanocomposites showing an enhanced neuroprotective effect against short term focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Rathore Pankaj , Arora Indu , Rastogi Shweta , Akhtar Mohd. , Singh Shruti , Samim Mohammed
Published: January 2020

A synthetic collagen–curcumin nanocomposite enhanced drug efficacy by increasing its bioavailability and showing slow and sustained drug release in the treatment against focal cerebral ischemia.
Reduced graphene oxide-based highly sensitive pressure sensor for wearable electronics via an ordered structure and enhanced interlayer interaction mechanism
Authors: Zhou Kemeng , Chen Changzhou , Lei Min , Gao Qian , Nie Shuangxi , Liu Xinliang , Wang Shuangfei
Published: January 2020

Compressible carbon materials have promising applications in various wearable devices.
Aggregation-induced emission compounds based on 9,10-diheteroarylanthracene and their applications in cell imaging
Authors: Wang Renjie , Liang Yunfei , Liu Gang , Pu Shouzhi
Published: January 2020

Four centrosymmetric 9,10-diheteroarylanthracene (DHA) derivatives, including 9,10-dithienylanthracene (DTA), 9,10-difurylanthracene (DFA), 9,10-di-(N-t-butyloxycarboryl-2-pyrryl)anthracene (DBPA), and 9,10-dipyrrylanthracene (DPA) have been synthesized and characterized.
Ultrasound-assisted leaching of vanadium from fly ash using lemon juice organic acids
Authors: Rahimi G. , Rastegar S. O. , Rahmani Chianeh F. , Gu T.
Published: January 2020

In this work, vanadium (V) was selectively extracted from fuel-oil fly ash using a leaching process utilizing organic acids extracted from lemon juice with assistance from ultrasound and H2O2.
Facile Au-assisted epitaxy of nearly strain-free GaN films on sapphire substrates
Authors: Li Pengkun , Xiong Tinghui , Wang Lilin , Sun Shujing , Chen Chenlong
Published: January 2020

The nearly strain-free GaN films are epitaxially grown on Au-coated c-plane sapphire substrates via a self-patterned process.
Synthesis of poly(ionic liquid) for trifunctional epoxy resin with simultaneously enhancing the toughness, thermal and dielectric performances
Authors: Yin Bingyan , Xu Wenqing , Liu Chengjun , Kong Miqiu , Lv Yadong , Huang Yajiang , Yang Qi , Li Guangxian
Published: January 2020

This work will provide a strategy to obtain epoxy with relatively high toughness, thermal and dielectric properties.
Structure characterization and anticoagulant activity of a novel polysaccharide from Leonurus artemisia (Laur.) S. Y. Hu F
Authors: Hu Cheng , Li Hao-Xuan , Zhang Meng-Ting , Liu Li-Fang
Published: January 2020

An acidic polysaccharide, denoted LAP-1 was extracted, isolated and purified from Leonurus artemisia (Laur.), in addition to its structure and anticoagulant activity were explored.
Direct cyclopropanation of activated N-heteroarenes via site- and stereoselective dearomative reactions
Authors: Lee Jiyoun , Ko Donguk , Park Hyunju , Yoo Eun Jeong
Published: January 2020

A divergent cyclopropanation reaction has been accomplished via the dearomative addition of sulfur ylides to activated N-heteroarenes.
Continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis of blue-luminescent, excitation-independent nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots as nanosensors
Authors: Baragau Ioan-Alexandru , Power Nicholas P. , Morgan David J. , Heil Tobias , Lobo Richard Alvarez , Roberts Christopher Simon , Titirici Maria-Madgalena , Dunn Steven , Kellici Suela
Published: January 2020

We present the first report of continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis of N-doped carbon quantum dots, with excitation-independent optical properties. They display high selectivity and sensitivity for Cr(vi), and are thus suitable for environmental applications and beyond.
Covalent organic framework-based ultrathin crystalline porous film: manipulating uniformity of fluoride distribution for stabilizing lithium metal anode
Authors: Zhao Zedong , Chen Wuji , Impeng Sarawoot , Li Mengxiong , Wang Rong , Liu Yicheng , Zhang Long , Dong Lei , Unruangsri Junjuda , Peng Chengxin , Wang Changchun , Namuangruk Supawadee , Lee Sang-Young , Wang Yonggang , Lu Hongbin , Guo Jia
Published: January 2020

In situ formed LiF grains are confined and evenly distributed throughout a covalent organic framework (COF) film, which exhibits cooperative effectiveness to greatly stabilize the lithium metal.
Beyond Fmoc: a review of aromatic peptide capping groups
Authors: Martin Adam D. , Thordarson Pall
Published: January 2020

Self-assembling short peptides have widespread applications in energy materials, tissue engineering, sensing and drug delivery. In this review we discuss the effect of functional N-terminal capping groups on peptide structure and function.
A memory nanodevice based on Zn-MOF-74: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Suyetin Mikhail , Heine Thomas
Published: January 2020

C60−@Zn-MOF-74 operated by an electric field exhibits a combined high switching speed of 27 GB s−1 and a high memory element density of 106 Tb per inch2.
Proximity enforced oxidative addition of a strong unpolar σ-Si–Si bond at rhodium(i)
Authors: Holsten Sebastian , Hupf Emanuel , Lork Enno , Mebs Stefan , Beckmann Jens
Published: January 2020

After the oxidative addition, the two Si atoms are still engaged in weak, non-covalent, London dispersion type interactions.
Characterization and applications of Type I CRISPR-Cas systems
Authors: Hidalgo-Cantabrana Claudio , Barrangou Rodolphe
Published: January 2020

CRISPR-Cas constitutes the adaptive immune system of bacteria and archaea. This RNA-mediated sequence-specific recognition and targeting machinery has been used broadly for diverse applications in a wide range of organisms across the tree of life. The compact class 2 systems, that hinge on a single Cas effector nuclease have been harnessed for genome editing, transcriptional regulation, detection, imaging and other applications, in different research areas. However, most of the CRISPR-Cas systems belong to class 1, and the molecular machinery of the most widespread and diverse Type I systems afford tremendous opportunities for a broad range of applications. These highly abundant systems rely on a multi-protein effector complex, the CRISPR associated complex for antiviral defense (Cascade), which drives DNA targeting and cleavage. The complexity of these systems has somewhat hindered their widespread usage, but the pool of thousands of diverse Type I CRISPR-Cas systems opens new avenues for CRISPR-based applications in bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes. Here, we describe the features and mechanism of action of Type I CRISPR-Cas systems, illustrate how endogenous systems can be reprogrammed to target the host genome and perform genome editing and transcriptional regulation by co-delivering a minimal CRISPR array together with a repair template. Moreover, we discuss how these systems can also be used in eukaryotes. This review provides a framework for expanding the CRISPR toolbox, and repurposing the most abundant CRISPR-Cas systems for a wide range of applications.
Protein import into chloroplasts and its regulation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system
Authors: Thomson Simon M. , Pulido Pablo , Jarvis R. Paul
Published: January 2020

Chloroplasts are photosynthetic plant organelles descended from a bacterial ancestor. The vast majority of chloroplast proteins are synthesized in the cytosol and then imported into the chloroplast post-translationally. Translocation complexes exist in the organelle's outer and inner envelope membranes (termed TOC and TIC, respectively) to facilitate protein import. These systems recognize chloroplast precursor proteins and mediate their import in an energy-dependent manner. However, many unanswered questions remain regarding mechanistic details of the import process and the participation and functions of individual components; for example, the cytosolic events that mediate protein delivery to chloroplasts, the composition of the TIC apparatus, and the nature of the protein import motor all require resolution. The flux of proteins through TOC and TIC varies greatly throughout development and in response to specific environmental cues. The import process is, therefore, tightly regulated, and it has emerged that the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a key role in this regard, acting at several different steps in the process. The UPS is involved in: the selective degradation of transcription factors that co-ordinate the expression of chloroplast precursor proteins; the removal of unimported chloroplast precursor proteins in the cytosol; the inhibition of chloroplast biogenesis pre-germination; and the reconfiguration of the TOC apparatus in response to developmental and environmental signals in a process termed chloroplast-associated protein degradation. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of protein import into chloroplasts and how this process is regulated by the UPS.
In Vivo
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Rat Vocal Folds After Systemic Dehydration and Rehydration
Authors: Oleson Steven , Cox Abigail , Liu Zhongming , Sivasankar M. Preeti , Lu Kun-Han
Published: January 2020

Objective

Consuming less water (systemic dehydration) has long been thought to dehydrate the vocal folds. An
in vivo
, repeated measures study tested the assumption that systemic dehydration causes vocal fold dehydration. Proton density (PD)–weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of rat vocal folds was employed to investigate (a) whether varying magnitudes of systemic dehydration would dehydrate the vocal folds and (b) whether systemic rehydration would rehydrate the vocal folds.

Method

Male (
n =
25) and female (
n =
14) Sprague Dawley rats were imaged with 7T MRI, and normalized PD-weighted signal intensities were obtained at predehydration, following dehydration, and following rehydration. Animals were dehydrated to 1 of 3 levels by water withholding to induce body weight loss: mild (< 6% body weight loss), moderate (6%–10% body weight loss), and marked (> 10% body weight loss).

Results

There was a significant decrease in vocal fold signal intensities after moderate and marked dehydration (
p
< .0167). Rehydration increased the normalized signal intensity to predehydration levels for only the moderate group (
p
< .0167). Normalized signal intensity did not significantly change after mild dehydration or when the mildly dehydrated animals were rehydrated. Additionally, there were no significant differences in PD-weighted MRI normalized signal intensity between male and female rats (
p
> .05).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence supporting clinical voice recommendations for rehydration by increasing water intake after an acute, moderate systemic dehydration event. However, acute systemic dehydration of mild levels did not dehydrate the vocal folds as observed by PD-weighted MRI. Future programmatic research will focus on chronic, recurring systemic dehydration.
Ergodic capacity of antenna selection aided massive multi‐user MIMO systems with imperfect CSI in correlated time‐varying channels
Authors: Zhang Peichang , Xu Jiajun , Huang Lei , Zhao Bo , Zhong Shida
Published: January 2020

In this study, the authors address antenna selection (AS)‐aided massive multi‐user multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MU‐MIMO) system based on maximum signal‐to‐noise ratio, where imperfect channel state information (CSI), time‐varying channel and antenna spatial correlation are considered. More explicitly, a computationally simple training‐based channel estimator is firstly employed for obtaining the imperfect down‐link CSI. Channel quantisation (CQ) is subsequently introduced by the feedback link which is used for feeding back so‐obtained CSI to base station. Time varying coefficient is utilised to characterise channel time variety and antenna spatial correlation is modelled by Kronecker model. Furthermore, the authors derive closed‐form ergodic channel capacity of the AS‐aided MU‐MIMO system with channel estimation error, CQ error and delay feedback, which has not yet been addressed in the state‐of‐the‐art approaches. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the tightness of their theoretical computations of the ergodic channel capacity.
PWM‐based dimmable hybrid optical OFDM for visible‐light communications
Authors: Zhu Jiran , Mu Longhua , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2020

In visible‐light communication (VLC) system, hybrid asymmetrically clipped optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (HACO‐OFDM) is an attractive multi‐carrier modulation to achieve high power and spectrum efficiency. Dimming control is deemed to be an essential technique in VLC since it can meet diverse luminance demands. However, severe non‐linear distortion occurs when dimming the HACO‐OFDM VLC system, especially with the pulse‐width modulation (PWM) dimming technique. In this work, a novel PWM‐based dimmable hybrid optical OFDM (DHO‐OFDM) scheme is proposed to simultaneously support different illumination requirements and realise a spectral‐efficient VLC link. The transmitted symbols in the authors' proposed DHO‐OFDM can be readily estimated by the standard HACO‐OFDM receiver without requiring the additional detecting the PWM signal, thus reducing the receiver complexity compared to the other PWM‐based dimmable schemes. Moreover, the proposed DHO‐OFDM scheme can support a broad dimming range with a relatively stable communication performance, which makes it more suitable for broadband data transmission. Numerical results have verified the superiorities of DHO‐OFDM over the conventional OFDM schemes in terms of achievable spectral efficiency and bit‐error rate.
Construction of new codes in term‐rank metric
Authors: Loc Pham Huu
Published: January 2020

This study investigates codes in the term‐rank metric. These codes can be used to correct crisscross errors in a () matrix. These errors can be found in memory chip arrays, in magnetic tape recordings, or in the parallel‐channel system with interference. In this study, the authors will build an algorithm for computing term‐rank of a matrix and new construction of term‐rank codes. Single error‐correcting codes in the term‐rank metric are considered and help us build a generator matrix and parity‐check matrix for term‐rank codes. Research results derived from this study show that the term‐rank metric is suitable for correcting crisscross errors.
Performance‐based service‐level agreement in cloud computing to optimise penalties and revenue
Authors: Badshah Afzal , Ghani Anwar , Shamshirband Shahaboddin , Aceto Giuseppe , Pescapè Antonio
Published: January 2020

Cost, performance, and penalties are the key factors to revenue generation and customer satisfaction. They have a complex correlation, that gets more complicated when missing a proper framework that unambiguously defines these factors. Service‐level agreement (SLA) is the initial document discussing selected parameters as a precondition to business initialisation. The clear definition and application of the SLA is of paramount importance as for modern as a Service online businesses no direct communication between provider and consumer is expected. For the proper implementation of SLA, there should be a satisfactory approach for measuring and monitoring quality of service metrics. This study investigated these issues and proposed performance‐based SLA (PerSLA) framework for cost, performance, penalties and revenue optimisation. PerSLA optimises these parameters and maximises both provider revenue and customers satisfaction. Simulation results confirm that the proposed framework is adequate in revenue generation and customers satisfaction. Customers and providers monitor the business with respect to agreed terms and conditions. On violation, the provider is penalised. This agreement increases the trust in relationship between provider and consumer.
ICI analysis of hyperbolic FRFT‐FBMC based on optimal order of transform for Internet of Things applications
Authors: Mousavi Mohammad Reza , Shahzadi Ali , Orouji Ali Asghar
Published: January 2020

This study aimed at analysing intercarrier interference (ICI) of filter bank multicarrier signals which are made by hyperbolic fractional Fourier transform, depend on optimum order of transform for the Internet of Things applications. Calculation of ICI power based on joint time and frequency selective fading channel has been derived. The upper bound of ICI power has been found as an applicable equation for the system design, which has been mathematically calculated. In order to minimise the amount of ICI power which is relative to the order of transform, the optimum order of transform with almost accurate formula has been computed. Simulations demonstrate the proposed signal is so robust to the frequency offset and by selecting the optimum order of transform, the acceptable amount of ICI is generated.
Design and analysis of E‐core PM‐assisted switched reluctance motor
Authors: Bouiabadi Mohammad Mahdi , Damaki Aliabad Aliakbar , Mousavi Seyyed Morteza , Amiri Ebrahim
Published: January 2020

This study proposes a modified structure of the E‐core permanent magnet (PM) assist switched reluctance motor by relocating the PM blades inside the stator core. For this purpose, the PMs are removed from the stator poles and placed slantwise inside the yoke. The proposed yoke‐PM assist structure is characterised with higher average torque and a lower torque ripple with respect to the conventional pole‐PM assist structure. An analytical approach based on the magnetic equivalent circuit is applied at the preliminary design stage to predict the performance of the motor. Based on the presented analytical modelling, the physical dimensions of the motor are optimised via a genetic algorithm to maximise the motor torque and the overall steady state performance. For further verifications, the finite‐element analysis simulation results are verified by the experimental tests on the motor prototype.
MobileNet‐SSD MicroScope using adaptive error correction algorithm: real‐time detection of license plates on mobile devices
Authors: Hu Xun , Li Hong , Li Xinrong , Wang Chiyu
Published: January 2020

At present, many deep learning methods have been applied widely in the field of vehicle and license plate detection. These methods are quite effective in detecting large objects (like vehicles, pedestrians etc.). However, detection for small objects, such as license plates, is not ideal, especially in complex scenes such as license plate occlusion, so that it is difficult to meet the real‐time requirements of the industry. To realise efficient real‐time detection of small license plates on mobile devices, this study proposes a lightweight model for small object detection, named MobileNet‐SSD MicroScope (MSSD MS). This model improves the accuracy of license plate detection, enhances the anti‐interference capability and can be implemented in real time on the mobile device RK3399. Besides, for false detection objects, an adaptive error correction algorithm is proposed to reduce the false detection rate, which improves the precision rate of license plate detection and is adaptive to various scenes. The experimental results show that compared with MobileNet‐SSD, MSSD MS using the adaptive error correction algorithm has stronger robustness, which can significantly improve the effect of small license plate detection and meet the requirements of real‐time detection on mobile devices.
Optimal voltage vector in current control of PMSM considering torque ripple and reduction of the number of switching operations
Authors: Zanma Tadanao , Tozawa Satoshi , Takagi Yu , Koiwa Kenta , Liu Kang‐Zhi
Published: January 2020

This study presents a model predictive‐based current control for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). In the authors' proposed approach, a reference voltage to an inverter can be strictly treated as a discrete voltage vector so that the output saturation of the inverter is avoided. Various constraints can be also taken into consideration in their approach. Designing the band of frequency is incorporated into a single objective function. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through simulations and experiments.
Design, control and comparative analysis of an LCLC coupling hybrid active power filter
Authors: Xiang Zeng , Pang Ying , Wang Lei , Wong Chi‐Kong , Lam Chi‐Seng , Wong Man‐Chung
Published: January 2020

This study provides the design, control and comparative analysis of the proposed LCLC coupling hybrid active power filter (LCLC‐HAPF). Compared with the conventional L filter coupling active power filters (APFs), LC filter and LCL filter coupling HAPFs (LC‐HAPFs and LCL‐HAPFs), the proposed LCLC‐HAPF provides better switching frequency harmonics elimination, lower dc‐link voltage rating and switching loss. Although the LCLC‐HAPF has some advantages, two main challenges will still be confronted in practical implementations. Those are stability problems caused by resonance of LCLC filter, and parameter design for the LCLC filter. In this study, a new active damping method is proposed to overcome the high order resonance problem existing in the proposed LCLC‐HAPF. After that, the stability analysis and parameter design are given for the proposed LCLC‐HAPF. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed LCLC‐HAPF topology is validated through both simulation and experimental studies in comparison with the conventional APFs and HAPFs.
Hybrid mode‐hopping modulation for LLC resonant converter achieving high efficiency and linear behaviour
Authors: Fang Zhijian , Huang Zhicong , Jing Hang , Liu Fei
Published: January 2020

Frequency modulation (FM) has been widely used in the inductor–inductor–capacitor (LLC) resonant converter due to excellent soft switching features. However, low power efficiency in light load conditions and complex control due to the nonlinear converter behaviour are common concerns for the FM method. In this study, a hybrid mode‐hopping modulation method is proposed for the LLC resonant converter to address these challenges. The LLC resonant converter operates at any two of three power‐efficient operating modes for a different amount of time within a single modulation period. By determining the mode hopping time and combining different mode‐hopping modulations, the LLC resonant converter can achieve a wide range of output power and maintain high efficiency at the same time. Besides, since the switching frequencies are fixed, the relationships between the duty cycle and the output power are linear, which can significantly simplify the control design. Compared with the existing modulation methods, the proposed hybrid mode‐hopping modulation makes the LLC resonant converter behaves linear, simplifies the control design, achieves wide operation range and ensures high efficiency even in light load condition.