bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EGFR-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of integrin β4 is not required for downstream signaling events in cancer cell lines
Authors: te Molder Lisa , Kreft Maaike , Heemskerk Niels , Schuring Joyce , de Pereda Jose M. , Wilhelmsen Kevin , Sonnenberg Arnoud
Published: April 2021

In epithelial cancers, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and integrin α6β4 are frequently overexpressed and found to synergistically activate intracellular signaling pathways that promote cell proliferation and migration. In cancer cells, the β4 subunit is phosphorylated at tyrosine residues not normally recognized as kinase substrates; however, the function of these phosphotyrosine residues in cancer cells is a subject of much debate. In EGFR-overexpressing carcinoma cells, we found that the Src family kinase (SFK) inhibitor PP2 reduces β4 tyrosine phosphorylation following the activation of EGFR. However, siRNA mediated knockdown of the SFKs Src, Fyn, Yes and Lyn, individually or in combination, did not affect the EGF-induced phosphorylation of β4. Using phospho-peptide affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry, we found that PLCγ1 binds β4 at the phosphorylated residues Y1422/Y1440, but were unable to verify this interaction in A431 carcinoma cells that overexpress the EGFR. Furthermore, using A431 cells devoid of β4 or reconstituted with phenylalanine specific mutants of β4, the activation of several downstream signaling pathways, including PLCγ/PKC, MAPK and PI3K/Akt, were not substantially affected. We conclude that tyrosine-phosphorylated β4 does not enhance EGFR-mediated signaling in EGFR-overexpressing cells, despite the fact that this integrin subunit is highly tyrosine phosphorylated in these cells.
Age biases the judgment rather than the perception of an ambiguous figure
Authors: Brouwer Ambroos , Jin Xuxi , Waldi Aisha Humaira , Verheyen Steven
Published: April 2021

Older participants who are briefly presented with the ‘my wife/mother-in-law’ ambiguous figure estimate its age to be higher than young participants do. This finding is thought to be the result of a subconscious social group bias that influences participants’ perception of the figure. Because people are better able to recognize similarly aged individuals, young participants are expected to perceive the ambiguous figure as a young woman, while older participants are more likely to recognize an older lady. We replicate the difference in age estimates, but find no relationship between participants’ age and their perception of the ambiguous figure. This leads us to conclude that the positive relationship between participants’ age and their age estimates of the ambiguous ‘my wife/mother-in-law’ figure is better explained by the own-age anchor effect, which holds that people use their own age as a yard stick to judge the age of the figure, regardless of whether the young woman or the older lady is perceived. Our results disqualify the original finding as an example of cognitive penetrability: the participants’ age biases their judgment of the ambiguous figure, not its perception.
Fiber optic Fabry–Perot sensor that can amplify ultrasonic wave for an enhanced partial discharge detection
Authors: Li Haoyong , Bu Jian , Li Wenli , Lv Jiaming , Wang Xiejun , Hu Kejia , Yu Yiting
Published: April 2021

Ultrasonic wave is a powerful tool for many applications, such as structural health monitoring, medical diagnosis and partial discharges (PDs) detection. The fiber optic extrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometric (EFPI) sensor has become an ideal candidate for detecting weak ultrasonic signals due to its inherent advantages, and each time with a performance enhancement, it can bring great application potential in broadened fields. Herein, an EFPI ultrasonic sensor for PDs detection is proposed. The sensing diaphragm uses a 5-μm-thickness and beam-supported structure to improve the responsive sensitivity of the sensor at the resonant frequency. Furthermore, the ability of the sensor to detect characteristic ultrasonic signal of PDs is further enhanced by assembling a Fresnel-zone-plate (FZP)-based ultrasonic lens with the sensing probe to amplify the ultrasonic wave before it excites the sensing diaphragm. The final testing results show that the originally developed sensor owns the sensitivity of − 19.8 dB re. 1 V/Pa at resonant frequency. While, when the FZP is assembled with the probe, the sensitivity reaches to − 12.4 dB re. 1 V/Pa, and leads to a narrower frequency band, which indicates that the proposed method has a great potential to enhance the detection ability of sensor to characteristic ultrasonic wave of PDs.
Microwave resonator array with liquid metal selection for narrow band material sensing
Authors: Wiltshire Benjamin D. , Rafi Md Abdur , Zarifi Mohammad H.
Published: April 2021

A microwave resonator array is integrated with liquid metal to select an individual resonator response within a resonator array, enabling simple and accurate analysis for dielectric sensing. Galinstan, a liquid metal, acts as a multiplexer by inducing a capacitive load to the nearby resonator, lowering its resonant frequency, and thereby isolating its resonant response from other resonators in the array. The liquid metal could be positioned within a fluidic channel to be above any of the resonators, which tuned the resonant frequency from 3.9 to 3.3 GHz where it can be analyzed individually. The resonators showed a consistent response to liquid metal tuning, with tuning error measured below 30 MHz (5%). The sensor also exhibited stable sensitivity to test materials placed on the selected resonator, with a maximum resonant frequency shift of 300 MHz for a dielectric test material (ε = 10.2) and almost no variation in resonant amplitude. The selected resonant response was only sensitive to materials on the selected resonator, and was unaffected by test materials, even when placed on other resonators. The presented design enabled robust and accurate detection of materials using planar microwave resonators that can be controlled at a user’s convenience, specifically for use in systems where multiple parameters or system settings may need to be individually determined.
Development and evaluation of physiologically based pharmacokinetic drug-disease models for predicting captopril pharmacokinetics in chronic diseases
Authors: Rasool Muhammad F. , Ali Shazia , Khalid Sundus , Khalid Ramsha , Majeed Abdul , Imran Imran , Saeed Hamid , Usman Muhammad , Ali Mohsin , Alali Amer S. , AlAsmari Abdullah F. , Ali Nemat , Asiri Ali Mohammed , Alasmari Fawaz , Alqahtani Faleh
Published: April 2021

The advancement in the processing speeds of computing machines has facilitated the development of complex physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. These PBPK models can incorporate disease-specific data and could be used to predict pharmacokinetics (PK) of administered drugs in different chronic conditions. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate PBPK drug-disease models for captopril after incorporating relevant pathophysiological changes occurring in adult chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) populations. The population-based PBPK simulator Simcyp was used as a modeling and simulation platform. The visual predictive checks and mean observed/predicted ratios (ratio(Obs/pred)) of the PK parameters were used for model evaluation. The developed disease models were successful in predicting captopril PK in all three stages of CKD (mild, moderate, and severe) and CHF, as the observed and predicted PK profiles and the ratio(obs/pred) for the PK parameters were in close agreement. The developed captopril PBPK models can assist in tailoring captopril dosages in patients with different disease severity (CKD and CHF).
A three-feature prediction model for metastasis-free survival after surgery of localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Mattila Kalle E. , Laajala Teemu D. , Tornberg Sara V. , Kilpeläinen Tuomas P. , Vainio Paula , Ettala Otto , Boström Peter J. , Nisen Harry , Elo Laura L. , Jaakkola Panu M.
Published: April 2021

After surgery of localized renal cell carcinoma, over 20% of the patients will develop distant metastases. Our aim was to develop an easy-to-use prognostic model for predicting metastasis-free survival after radical or partial nephrectomy of localized clear cell RCC. Model training was performed on 196 patients. Right-censored metastasis-free survival was analysed using LASSO-regularized Cox regression, which identified three key prediction features. The model was validated in an external cohort of 714 patients. 55 (28%) and 134 (19%) patients developed distant metastases during the median postoperative follow-up of 6.3 years (interquartile range 3.4–8.6) and 5.4 years (4.0–7.6) in the training and validation cohort, respectively. Patients were stratified into clinically meaningful risk categories using only three features: tumor size, tumor grade and microvascular invasion, and a representative nomogram and a visual prediction surface were constructed using these features in Cox proportional hazards model. Concordance indices in the training and validation cohorts were 0.755 ± 0.029 and 0.836 ± 0.015 for our novel model, which were comparable to the C-indices of the original Leibovich prediction model (0.734 ± 0.035 and 0.848 ± 0.017, respectively). Thus, the presented model retains high accuracy while requiring only three features that are routinely collected and widely available.
The serotonin transporter gene and female personality variation in a free-living passerine
Authors: Thys Bert , Grunst Andrea S. , Staes Nicky , Pinxten Rianne , Eens Marcel , Grunst Melissa L.
Published: April 2021

Quantifying variation in behaviour-related genes provides insight into the evolutionary potential of repeatable among-individual variation in behaviour (i.e. personality). Yet, individuals typically also plastically adjust their behaviour in response to environmental conditions and/or age, thereby complicating the detection of genotype–phenotype associations. Here, using a population of free-living great tits (Parus major), we assessed the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the serotonin transporter gene (SERT) and two repeatable behavioural traits, i.e. female-female aggression and female hissing behaviour. For female-female aggression, a trait showing age-related plasticity, we found no evidence for associations withSERTSNPs, even when assessing potential age-dependent effects ofSERTgenotype on aggression. We also found no strong support for associations betweenSERTSNPs and hissing behaviour, yet we identified two synonymous polymorphisms (exon 13 SNP66 and exon 12 SNP144) of particular interest, each explaining about 1.3% of the total variation in hissing behaviour. Overall, our results contribute to the general understanding of the biological underpinning of complex behavioural traits and will facilitate further (meta-analytic) research on behaviour-related genes. Moreover, we emphasize that future molecular genetic studies should consider age-dependent genotype–phenotype associations for behavioural trait (co)variation, as this will vastly improve our understanding of the proximate causes and ultimate consequences of personality variation in natural populations.
Author Correction: Comparison of clinical outcomes between laparoscopic and open surgery for left-sided colon cancer: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Huang Yu-Min , Lee Yuan-Wen , Huang Yan-Jiun , Wei Po-Li
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Transcriptomic analysis of immune cells in a multi-ethnic cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus patients identifies ethnicity- and disease-specific expression signatures
Authors: Andreoletti Gaia , Lanata Cristina M. , Trupin Laura , Paranjpe Ishan , Jain Tia S. , Nititham Joanne , Taylor Kimberly E. , Combes Alexis J. , Maliskova Lenka , Ye Chun Jimmie , Katz Patricia , Dall’Era Maria , Yazdany Jinoos , Criswell Lindsey A. , Sirota Marina
Published: April 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which outcomes vary among different racial groups. We leverage cell-sorted RNA-seq data (CD14+ monocytes, B cells, CD4+ T cells, and NK cells) from 120 SLE patients (63 Asian and 57 White individuals) and apply a four-tier approach including unsupervised clustering, differential expression analyses, gene co-expression analyses, and machine learning to identify SLE subgroups within this multiethnic cohort. K-means clustering on each cell-type resulted in three clusters for CD4 and CD14, and two for B and NK cells. To understand the identified clusters, correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between the clusters and clinical parameters including disease activity as well as ethnicity. We then explored differentially expressed genes between Asian and White groups for each cell-type. The shared differentially expressed genes across cells were involved in SLE or other autoimmune-related pathways. Co-expression analysis identified similarly regulated genes across samples and grouped these genes into modules. Finally, random forest classification of disease activity in the White and Asian cohorts showed the best classification in CD4+ T cells in White individuals. The results from these analyses will help stratify patients based on their gene expression signatures to enable SLE precision medicine.
SARS-CoV-2 shifting transmission dynamics and hidden reservoirs potentially limit efficacy of public health interventions in Italy
Authors: Giovanetti Marta , Cella Eleonora , Benedetti Francesca , Rife Magalis Brittany , Fonseca Vagner , Fabris Silvia , Campisi Giovanni , Ciccozzi Alessandra , Angeletti Silvia , Borsetti Alessandra , Tambone Vittoradolfo , Sagnelli Caterina , Pascarella Stefano , Riva Alberto , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Marcello Alessandro , Azarian Taj , Wilkinson Eduan , de Oliveira Tulio , Alcantara Luiz Carlos Junior , Cauda Roberto , Caruso Arnaldo , Dean Natalie E. , Browne Cameron , Lourenco Jose , Salemi Marco , Zella Davide , Ciccozzi Massimo
Published: April 2021

We investigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in Italy, one of the countries hit hardest by the pandemic, using phylodynamic analysis of viral genetic and epidemiological data. We observed the co-circulation of multiple SARS-CoV-2 lineages over time, which were linked to multiple importations and characterized by large transmission clusters concomitant with a high number of infections. Subsequent implementation of a three-phase nationwide lockdown strategy greatly reduced infection numbers and hospitalizations. Yet we present evidence of sustained viral spread among sporadic clusters acting as “hidden reservoirs” during summer 2020. Mathematical modelling shows that increased mobility among residents eventually catalyzed the coalescence of such clusters, thus driving up the number of infections and initiating a new epidemic wave. Our results suggest that the efficacy of public health interventions is, ultimately, limited by the size and structure of epidemic reservoirs, which may warrant prioritization during vaccine deployment.
Enhanced energy harvesting near exceptional points in systems with (pseudo-)PT-symmetry
Authors: Fernández-Alcázar Lucas J. , Kononchuk Rodion , Kottos Tsampikos
Published: April 2021

Exceptional point degeneracies, occurring in non-Hermitian systems, have challenged many well established concepts and led to the development of remarkable technologies. Here, we propose a family of autonomous motors whose operational principle relies on exceptional points via the opportune implementation of a (pseudo-)PT-symmetry and its spontaneous or explicit violation. These motors demonstrate a parameter domain of coexisting high efficiency and maximum work. In the photonic framework, they can be propelled by thermal radiation from the ambient thermal reservoirs and utilized as autonomous self-powered microrobots, or as micro-pumps for microfluidics in biological environments. The same designs can be also implemented with electromechanical elements for harvesting ambient mechanical (e.g., vibrational) noise for powering a variety of auxiliary systems. We expect that our proposal will contribute to the research agenda of energy harvesting by introducing concepts from mathematical and non-Hermitian wave physics.
Tracking physical breakdown of rice- and wheat-based foods with varying structures during gastric digestion and its influence on gastric emptying in a growing pig model
Authors: Nadia Joanna , Olenskyj Alexander G. , Stroebinger Natascha , Hodgkinson Suzanne M. , Estevez Talia G. , Subramanian Parthasarathi , Singh Harjinder , Singh R. Paul , Bornhorst Gail M.
Published: April 2021

Novel aspects of the work: Solid food macrostructure affects its physical breakdown processes in the stomach and gastric emptying rate.
A review on photobioreactor design and modelling for microalgae production
Authors: Legrand Jack , Artu Arnaud , Pruvost Jérémy
Published: April 2021

From the cell to the photobioreactor and to the industrial exploitation of microalgae, through the controlled experiments and modelling.
A well-designed honeycomb Co3O4@CdS photocatalyst derived from cobalt foam for high-efficiency visible-light H2 evolution
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Baoquan , Li Weiping , Liu Xiangxue , Wang Ke , Deng Yifeng , Guo Zhenmei , Lv Zhiguo
Published: April 2021

A well-designed honeycomb Co3O4@CdS photocatalyst derived from cobalt foam was synthesized for high-efficiency visible-light H2 evolution (ca. 16 320 μmol h−1 g−1).
Giant and anisotropic second harmonic generation of V–V binary phosphorene derivative with permanent dipole
Authors: Wei Yadong , Wang Songsong , Pang Kaijuan , Xu Xiaodong , Ngeywo Tolbert Kaner , Ying Tao , Yang Jianqun , Li Xingji , Li Weiqi , Jiang Yongyuan , Tian Wei Quan
Published: April 2021

The record-high anisotropic SHG of puckled PAs has been predicted, close to the theoretical limit.
Necessity of regulatory guidelines for the development of amyloid based biomaterials
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Sinha Nabodita , Thakur Ashwani Kumar
Published: April 2021

The recent surge in amyloid-based biomaterial development needs regulatory guidelines and safety assessment to avoid adverse health effects.
Ultrasensitive homogeneous detection of microRNAs in a single cell with specifically designed exponential amplification
Authors: Gao Kejian , Zhang Pengbo , Wang Hui , Wang Honghong , Su Fengxia , Li Zhengping
Published: April 2021

An amplification-based method for the ultrasensitive homogeneous detection of miRNAs in a single cell.
Enhancing selectivity through decrypting the uncoordinated zirconium sites in MOF electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Xiang-Da , Huang Ling-Rui , Wu Jian-Xiang , Gu Zhi-Yuan
Published: April 2021

PCN-223-M are employed as the electrocatalysts to study the role of uncoordinated Zr sites in the CO2RR.
Cross β-arylmethylation of alcohols catalysed by recyclable Ti–Pd alloys not requiring pre-activation
Authors: Utsunomiya Masayoshi , Kondo Ryota , Oshima Toshinori , Safumi Masatoshi , Suzuki Takeyuki , Obora Yasushi
Published: April 2021

Recyclable and pre-activation free Ti–Pd alloy catalysts promote cross β-alkylation of primary alcohols via hydrogen autotransfer.
Correction: Enantioselective synthesis of functionalized 1,4-dihydropyrazolo-[4′,3′:5,6]pyrano[2,3-b]quinolines through ferrocenyl-phosphine-catalyzed annulation of modified MBH carbonates and pyrazolones
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Shao Bingxuan , Li Jingyi , Yang Zehui , Lu Yin-Jie , Ling Fei , Zhong Weihui
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘Enantioselective synthesis of functionalized 1,4-dihydropyrazolo-[4′,3′:5,6]pyrano[2,3-b]quinolines through ferrocenyl-phosphine-catalyzed annulation of modified MBH carbonates and pyrazolones’ by Xiao Xiao et al., Chem. Commun., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1cc00989c.
Growing a CdS flag from a wire within situcontrol of the catalyst
Authors: Dai Beibei , Fan Chao , Xu Xing , Qi Zhuodong , Xiao Qin , Wei Jinhui , Jiang Sha , Zhang Qinglin
Published: April 2021

The controllable growth of a flag-like CdS microstructure from a wire is realized byin situmanipulation of the catalyst.
Bandgap evolution in nanographene assemblies
Authors: Crasto de Lima F. , Fazzio A.
Published: April 2021

Recently, cycloarene has been experimentally obtained in graphene-like self-assembled structures. Here, we provide the energy gap evolution in those self-assemblies with a general extrapolation to other molecules.
Ni on graphene oxide: a highly active and stable alkaline oxygen evolution catalyst
Authors: Fruehwald Holly M. , Moghaddam Reza B. , Melino Peter D. , Ebralidze Iraklii I. , Zenkina Olena V. , Easton E. Bradley
Published: April 2021

A novel oxygen evolution catalyst was prepared by reacting NiCl2·6H2O with electrochemically exfoliated graphene oxide (EGO) using mild reaction conditions, leading to the simultaneous formation and deposition of Ni oxide nanoparticles onto EGO.
Tandem synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines and identification of the reaction network by operando NMR
Authors: Chen Jingwen , Qi Long , Zhang Biying , Chen Minda , Kobayashi Takeshi , Bao Zongbi , Yang Qiwei , Ren Qilong , Huang Wenyu , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: April 2021

Bifunctional MOF supported Pd nanoparticles for the one-pot tandem synthesis of substituted tetrahydroquinolines were developed, and operando high-pressure MAS-NMR were performed to understand the complex reaction network.
Theoretical investigation of the side-chain mechanism of the MTO process over H-SSZ-13 using DFT and ab initio calculations
Authors: Fečík Michal , Plessow Philipp N. , Studt Felix
Published: April 2021

The side-chain mechanism of the methanol-to-olefins process over the H-SSZ-13 acidic zeolite was investigated using periodic density functional theory with corrections from highly accurate ab intio calculations on large cluster models.
Structural and proton conductivity studies of fibrous π-Ti2O(PO4)2·2H2O: application in chitosan-based composite membranes
Authors: Babaryk Artem A. , Adawy Alaa , García Inés , Trobajo Camino , Amghouz Zakariae , P. Colodrero Rosario M. , Cabeza Aurelio , Olivera-Pastor Pascual , Bazaga-García Montse , dos Santos-Gómez Lucía
Published: April 2021

The structure of π-Ti2O(PO4)2·2H2O was determined by the SR-PXRD method. The proton conductivity of chitosan/π-TiP membranes reached 4.5 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 95%-RH.
Enhanced optical limiting and hydrogen evolution of graphene oxide nanohybrids covalently functionalized by covalent organic polymer based on porphyrin
Authors: Wang Aijian , Shen Xiaoliang , Wang Qi , Cheng Laixiang , Zhu Weihua , Shang Danhong , Song Yinglin
Published: April 2021

An enhanced hydrogen evolution and optical limiting performance are observed for graphene oxide nanohybrids covalently functionalized by covalent organic polymer based on porphyrin, due to a combination of mechanisms.
Origin of the low conversion efficiency in Cu2ZnSnS4 kesterite solar cells: the actual role of cation disorder
Authors: Chen Wei , Dahliah Diana , Rignanese Gian-Marco , Hautier Geoffroy
Published: April 2021

The role of cation disorder in the persistently low efficiency of CZTS kesterite solar cells is elucidated.
Characterization of insoluble dietary fiber from three food sources and their potential hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects
Authors: Yang Xiao , Dai Juan , Zhong Yan , Wei Xuelin , Wu Mengxia , Zhang Yuexin , Huang Ai , Wang Lijun , Huang YuKun , Zhang Chisong , Chen Xianggui , Xiao Hang
Published: April 2021

Dietary fiber is an important nutrient for improving human health and controlling calorie intake, and is used to produce functional foods.
Correction: Lactic acid bacteria alleviate polycystic ovarian syndrome by regulating sex hormone related gut microbiota
Authors: He Yufeng , Wang Qianqian , Li Xiu , Wang Gang , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘Lactic acid bacteria alleviate polycystic ovarian syndrome by regulating sex hormone related gut microbiota’ by Yufeng He et al., Food Funct., 2020, 11, 5192–5204, DOI: 10.1039/C9FO02554E.
A practical and sustainable protocol for direct amidation of unactivated esters under transition-metal-free and solvent-free conditions
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yao Wei-Zhong , Qian Liang , Sang Wei , Yuan Ye , Du Min-Chen , Cheng Hua , Chen Cheng , Qin Xin
Published: April 2021

An environmentally friendly and scalable protocol was developed for direct amidation of unactivated esters under transition-metal-free, solvent-free and chromatography-free conditions.
Sitosterol-fabricated chitosan nanocomplex induces apoptotic cell death through mitochondrial dysfunction in lung cancer animal model: an enhanced synergetic drug delivery system for lung cancer therapy
Authors: Kavithaa Krishnamoorthy , Paulpandi Manickam , Ramya Sennimalai , Ramesh Mathan , Balachandar Vellingiri , Ramasamy Karthikeyan , Narayanasamy Arul
Published: April 2021

Lung carcinoma is an aggressive form of cancer, with an increasing rate of morbidity, dismal outlook, poor prognosis and limited therapeutic approaches.
PMO12@ZIF-8/ZnO-derived hierarchical porous molybdenum carbide as efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Jiao , Li Xiao , Sun Jing , Hu Xiaoli , Su Zhongmin
Published: April 2021

MoC@NC is an N-doped hierarchical porous graphite carbon-coated MoC nanoparticles with outstanding HER activity.
Alloying Cs+ into Rb2ZrCl6:Te4+ toward highly efficient and stable perovskite variants
Authors: Zhou Jun , Rong Ximing , Molokeev Maxim S. , Wang Yulong , Yun Xiangyan , Xu Denghui , Li Xiong
Published: April 2021

Doping or alloying in perovskites and perovskite variants provides a promising way for modulating the electronic and photoluminescence properties and the structural stability.
Two-step deposition of Ag nanowires/Zn2SnO4 transparent conductive films for antistatic coatings
Authors: Li Jing , Cheng Fengmei , Li Haidong , Zhang Hongwen , Wang Gang , Pan Daocheng
Published: April 2021

Robust and stable AgNWs/Zn2SnO4 hybrid thin films with a sheet resistance of 5–15 ohm sq−1 and transmittance of 85–80% are fabricated.
Rationally designed structure of mesoporous carbon hollow microspheres to acquire excellent microwave absorption performance
Authors: Qin Yuxuan , Wang Muqun , Gao Wei , Liang Shaofeng
Published: April 2021

In this study, we used a novel and facile hard-template etching method to manufacture mesoporous carbon hollow microspheres (MCHMs).
Stereoselective synthesis of spirocyclic pyrrolidines/pyrrolizidines/pyrrolothiazolidines using l-proline functionalized manganese ferrite nanorods as a novel heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Akhavan Malihe , Bekhradnia Ahmadreza
Published: April 2021

An efficient, green, one-pot, and three-component protocol has been reported for the stereoselective synthesis of a new class of spiro thiazolidines.
Towards a highly efficient air purifier using annular photonic crystals in UV regimes
Authors: Ameen Ayman A. , ElSayed H. , Aly Arafa H.
Published: April 2021

Air purifiers play a vital role in fighting the spread of airborne transmitted diseases like COVID-19, rubeola, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and varicella-zoster, which represent a fundamental challenge.
Novel poly(arylene ether ketone)/poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted poly(arylene ether ketone) composite microporous polymer electrolyte for electrical double-layer capacitors with efficient ionic transport
Authors: Hu Fangyuan , Liu Yiting , Shao Wenlong , Zhang Tianpeng , Liu Siyang , Liu Dongming , Zhang Shouhai , Jian Xigao
Published: April 2021

Polymer electrolytes have attracted considerable research interest due to their advantages of shape control, excellent safety, and flexibility.
Copper(i) pyrimidine-2-thiolate cluster-based polymers as bifunctional visible-light-photocatalysts for chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyls
Authors: Zhang Meng Juan , Young David James , Ma Ji Long , Shao Guo Quan
Published: April 2021

The photoinduced chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of unsaturated carbonyls to allylic alcohols has been accomplished using cluster-based MOFs as bifunctional visible photocatalysts.
Insights into antimicrobial agent sulfacetamide transformation during chlorination disinfection process in aquaculture water
Authors: Guo Yaoguang , Liu Zhiyuan , Lou Xiaoyi , Fang Changling , Wang Pu , Wu Genying , Guan Jie
Published: April 2021

A systematic study for degradation kinetics and transformation mechanism of sulfacetamide antibiotic, and the potential formation of H-DBPs represented by HAAs in the chlorination process is explored.
A novel catalytic two-step process for the preparation of rigid polyurethane foams: synthesis, mechanism and computational studies
Authors: Maiuolo Loredana , Olivito Fabrizio , Ponte Fortuna , Algieri Vincenzo , Tallarida Matteo Antonio , Tursi Antonio , Chidichimo Giuseppe , Sicilia Emilia , De Nino Antonio
Published: April 2021

Synthesis of polyurethane foams catalyzed by sodium chloride both in prepolymer preparation and elongation step. The reaction mechanism involves the role of a proton shuttle between two terminal OH groups of PEG 400.
Synthesis of an AIEgen functionalized cucurbit[7]uril for subcellular bioimaging and synergistic photodynamic therapy and supramolecular chemotherapy
Authors: Chen Jia , Li Shengke , Wang Zeyu , Pan Yating , Wei Jianwen , Lu Siyu , Zhang Qing-Wen , Wang Lian-Hui , Wang Ruibing
Published: April 2021

An AIEgen-functionalized cucurbit[7]uril was synthesized for the first time and spontaneously self-assembled into nanoaggregates in aqueous solutions and allowed subcellular imaging of the lysosome and photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy of cancer.
Time-programmable pH: decarboxylation of nitroacetic acid allows the time-controlled rising of pH to a definite value
Authors: Del Giudice Daniele , Spatola Emanuele , Valentini Matteo , Bombelli Cecilia , Ercolani Gianfranco , Di Stefano Stefano
Published: April 2021

Predictable and time-programmable sequences of the kind pH1(high)–pH2(low)–pH3(high) in water solution are obtained by a judicious choice of the concentration of nitroacetic acid undergoing decarboxylation.
Combined spectroscopic studies on post-functionalized Au25 cluster as an ATR-FTIR sensor for cations
Authors: Baghdasaryan Ani , Brun Elodie , Wang Yuming , Salassa Giovanni , Lacour Jérôme , Bürgi Thomas
Published: April 2021

Using ligand exchange reactions an atomically precise gold cluster was functionalized with a di-thiolated crown ether. Using in situ infrared spectroscopy films of the resulting composite were shown to incorporate metal cations.
Hysteresis in spreading and retraction of liquid droplets on parallel fiber rails
Authors: Wang Fang , Schiller Ulf D.
Published: April 2021

This paper presents lattice Boltzmann simulations of spreading and retraction of liquid on two parallel cylindrical fibers. Transitions between stable liquid configurations are analyzed revealing metastable shapes and hysteresis effects.
Chiral phase-coexistence in compressed double-twist elastomers
Authors: Leighton Matthew P. , Kreplak Laurent , Rutenberg Andrew D.
Published: April 2021

We model elastomeric double-twist cylinders under axial strain. We find straightening of molecular tilt with extension, and coexistence of high and low tilts under compression.
Enabling highly reversible sodium metal cycling across a wide temperature range with dual-salt electrolytes
Authors: Thenuwara Akila C. , Shetty Pralav P. , Kondekar Neha , Wang Chuanlong , Li Weiyang , McDowell Matthew T.
Published: April 2021

A new dual-salt liquid electrolyte is developed that enables the reversible operation of high-energy sodium-metal-based batteries over a wide range of temperatures down to −50 °C.
Current perspectives on 3D ZIFs incorporated with 1D carbon matrices as fibers via electrospinning processes towards electrocatalytic water splitting: a review
Authors: Sankar Selvasundarasekar Sam , Karthick Kannimuthu , Sangeetha Kumaravel , Karmakar Arun , Madhu Ragunath , Kundu Subrata
Published: April 2021

In this review, 3D ZIFs incorporated into 1D carbon matrices as fibers via ES processes. The structures, mechanisms, challenges, and future perspectives on the material towards OER, HER, and total water splitting are highlighted as very first time.
An advanced necklace-like metal organic framework with an ultrahighly continuous structure in the membrane for superior butanol/water separation
Authors: Xu Li-Hao , Li Shen-Hui , Mao Heng , Zhang Ao-Shuai , Cai Wei-Wei , Wang Tao , Zhao Zhi-Ping
Published: April 2021

Inspired by a pearl necklace worn by his “crush girl”, a “MOF man” dreamed of a novel MOF configuration. This ultrahighly continuous arrangement with a “small world” inside provides efficient molecular transfer channels for butanol/water separation.
Localized vibration and avoided crossing in SrTi11O20 for oxide thermoelectrics with intrinsically low thermal conductivity
Authors: Li Yi , Yamamoto Shinya , Ahmad Kaleem , Almutairi Zeyad , Koumoto Kunihito , Wan Chunlei
Published: April 2021

The localized vibration in SrTi11O20 forms low-lying optical phonon bands that distort acoustic phonon branches through the avoided crossing effect. The electrical and thermal transport are decoupled to achieve phonon-glass electron-crystal behaviour.
Functional two-dimensional black phosphorus nanostructures towards next-generation devices
Authors: Wang Mengke , Zhu Jun , Zi You , Wu Zheng-Guang , Hu Haiguo , Xie Zhongjian , Zhang Ye , Hu Lanping , Huang Weichun
Published: April 2021

This review summarizes the synthetic routes of functional 2D BP nanostructures, highlights the recent progresses of the diverse applications of functional 2D BP nanostructures, and presents the challenges and perspectives in the emerging fields.
Localized electron density modulation in conjugated polymer nanosheets for boosting photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Liu Yaoyao , Yu Haifeng , Shi Chong , Xiang Zhonghua
Published: April 2021

The localized electron density modulation strategy endows an as-synthesized conjugated polymer with improved intrinsic surface catalytic activity with an AQY of 33.5% at 400 nm, which exceeds that of the state-of-the-art CMP materials. state-of-the-art CMP materials.
Slow surface diffusion on Cu substrates in Li metal batteries
Authors: Røe Ingeborg Treu , Schnell Sondre Kvalvåg
Published: April 2021

Li adatom SDBs are affected by the local crystal structure of the surroundings. Cu substrates introduce vacancies and disorder in the Li metal anode, which increases the adatom SDB and therefore the tendency to form Li dendrites on the surface.
Anomalous piezoelectricity and conductivity in aligned carbon nanotubes
Authors: Il’ina Marina V. , Il’in Oleg I. , Guryanov Andrey V. , Osotova Olga I. , Blinov Yuriy F. , Fedotov Alexander A. , Ageev Oleg A.
Published: April 2021

Using PFM, it is shown that aligned carbon nanotubes have abnormally large piezoelectric strain coefficient of 203 ± 18 pm V−1. The piezoelectric properties of CNTs can cause a significant decrease in conductivity and a hysteresis in I–V characteristics.
2D hybrid CrCl2(N2C4H4)2 with tunable ferromagnetic half-metallicity
Authors: Hu Wentao , Yang Ke , Stroppa Alessandro , Continenza Alessandra , Wu Hua
Published: April 2021

CrCl2(N2C4H4) monolayer: an appealing 2D ferromagnetic half-metal.
Air stable conductivity of black phosphorous/graphitic carbon nitride blends
Authors: Leydecker Tim , Zhang Qingzhe , Eryilmaz Ilknur Hatice , Wang Zhiming M. , Ma Dongling , Orgiu Emanuele
Published: April 2021

Black phosphorous nanosheets are combined with carbon nitride to fabricate 2-terminal devices featuring high environmental stability lasting for over four months of storage in air when the devices contained at least 50% carbon nitride.
Probing the beam‐induced heating effect inside a transmission electron microscope by nanoparticle labels
Authors: Zhang Lei , He Longbing , Yang Yufeng , Hong Hua , Tang Luping , Sun Litao
Published: April 2021

Beam‐induced heating effect on nanoscale samples is a crucial question, as it strongly influences the interpretation of observed unusual behaviours. This question is currently under debate without a convincing conclusion. Here, using silver nitride (Ag3N) nanoparticles as temperature labels, we perform an investigation on this heating effect inside a transmission electron microscope (TEM) under normal imaging conditions. Combined with experimental measurements and semi‐quantitative calculations, a temperature increase of more than 100 K is estimated and confirmed in the graphite carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) films. Strong temperature gradients are found to exist in the single‐end fixed g‐C3N4 films. The influencing factors of heat accumulation are also investigated and discussed. Findings in this study may shed some light on the understanding of the abnormal behaviours of nano‐objects observed inside TEM.
Facile and simple synthesis of silver‐doped hydroxyapatite porous microspheres with good sphericity
Authors: Mei Fengce , Yao Shengkun , Xu Wei‐li , Wu Yanling , Wang Yanmin , Qi Mei‐li
Published: April 2021

Silver‐doped hydroxyapatite (Ag‐HA) porous microspheres were synthesized by one‐step hydrothermal route at 180 °C for 10 h in the presence of l‐glutamic acid (Glu) as a growth regulator. The effects of Glu concentration and silver ion doping on the phase and morphology of the products were thoroughly characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Results show that the presence of Glu induces the growth of hydroxyapatite crystals from flower‐like aggregates to porous microspheres, and the addition of silver ions can maintain the roundness of hydroxyapatite microspheres. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, particle dispersity and antibacterial property were also conducted. The optimal parameters for porous silver‐doped hydroxyapatite microspheres with uniform morphology was obtained with the atomic molar ratio n(Ag)/n[Ag + Ca] = 0.01 and Glu concentration at 0.06 M.
Non‐local effect on the frequency analysis of chiral single‐walled carbon nanotubes using wave propagation approach
Authors: Hussain Muzamal , Khadimallah Mohamed A. , Naeem Muhammad Nawaz
Published: April 2021

In the current study, the non‐local elasticity theory is utilized for the vibration analysis of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Frequency spectra have been demonstrated for different non‐local parameters and bending rigidity for three sort of SWCNTs. It has been investigated that, by increasing the non‐local parameter, frequencies decreases. The frequencies increase on increasing the aspect ratio. Throughout, the computation frequencies of clamped–free are lower than that of clamped–clamped. On increasing the bending rigidity, frequencies of chiral SWCNTs increase. Subsequently, the validation study has been performed through the available published literature. To discretize the governing equations of these models into frequency equations of SWCNTs, wave propagation approach is used. The complex exponential form with the number of axial modes depends on the boundary conditions indicated at the edges of the carbon nanotubes.
Hydrangea‐like ZnS/ZnIn2S4 microspheres with outstanding photocatalytic degradation of xylenol orange and thymol blue under vis irradiation
Authors: Fa Dejuan , Miao Yuqing
Published: April 2021

By hydrothermal reaction, the hydrangea‐like ZnS/ZnIn2S4 microspheres were prepared in the presence of thioacetamide. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the ultra‐long nanowires are composed of ZnS and ZnIn2S4. Scanning electron microscopy showed the morphology of ultra‐thin nanosheets with an average thickness of 8.5 nm cross from inside to outside, forming ZnS/ZnIn2S4 microspheres with a porous diameter of about 2.8 μm. Nitrogen adsorption desorption isotherm determined that the BET specific surface area of the microspheres was 109.19 m2/g which showed that they have a large specific surface area. The obtained ZnS/ZnIn2S4 microspheres showed broad absorbance ranging from UV (200 nm) to visible (520 nm) with low indirect band gaps of 2.08 eV. It leads to outstanding visible‐light‐driven photocatalysis for the degradation of xylenol orange (XO) and thymol blue (TB) in water, and the two dyes were almost completely degraded after 60 and 135 min, respectively. This provides new potential to explore nanomaterials for efficient photo‐driven degradation of organic dyes under visible light irradiation.
A graphical approach for controller design with desired stability margins for a DC–DC boost converter
Authors: Kalim Md. Imran , Ali Ahmad
Published: April 2021

A novel graphical tuning method of PID controller for output voltage regulation of a DC–DC boost converter is proposed. The advantage of the presented method is that the desired robustness level in terms of gain and phase margins can be pre‐specified. A technique to limit the noise level in the control signal to a pre‐specified value by selecting the derivative gain (), is also discussed. Simplicity of the technique is an added advantage. Concept of root crossing boundaries along with the gain phase margin tester is applied to compute constant gain and phase margin boundaries in the controller parameters plane. The overlapping area of constant gain and phase margin boundaries within the all stability region is the desired gain and phase margin region (DGPMR). Controller parameters are obtained by computing the centroid of the triangular convex region of the DGPMR. Effectiveness of the proposed tuning strategy is illustrated by simulation and hardware experimental results. Furthermore, the proposed method yields improved closed‐loop performance compared to a recently reported tuning strategy in nominal as well as perturbed scenarios.
A novel common‐ground switched‐capacitor five‐level inverter with adaptive hysteresis current control for grid‐connected applications
Authors: Barzegarkhoo Reza , Mojallali Hamed , Shahalami Seyed Hamid , Siwakoti Yam P.
Published: April 2021

The aim of this paper is to present a new topology of single‐phase transformerless inverters, which can be tied to the local grid as a low‐scaled ac module system. The proposed topology offers a common ground between the neutral point of the ac grid and the negative terminal of the dc supply, and can properly alleviate the concern of variable common mode voltage and leakage current problems. This promising feature is acquired by the aim of both the switched‐capacitor and charge pumped circuit cells. In order to inject a tightly controlled ac current to the grid, an adaptive hysteresis current controller scheme is also presented, which can guarantee almost fixed switching frequency operation of the involved power switches. A complete theoretical analysis, comparative study, and the relevant experimental results are also given to confirm the superior performance of the proposed topology.
An energy balancing strategy for modular multilevel converter based grid‐connected photovoltaic systems
Authors: Elsanabary Ahmed , Mekhilef Saad , Seyedmahmoudian Mehdi , Stojcevski Alex
Published: April 2021

Modular multilevel converters (MMC)s are promising candidates for large‐scale grid‐connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. Due to their modular structure, MMCs provide a direct connection of the PV arrays to the converter submodules. They also offer scalability, independent maximum power point tracking, and enhanced power quality with internal power flow capabilities. However, the intermittent nature of PV arrays introduces a power unbalance inside the converter, which affects its operation. This paper addresses the issue and proposes an energy balancing strategy for the grid‐connected MMC‐based PV system. It uses the internally generated leg currents to control the power flow inside the converter and inject a three‐phase balanced current to the grid with low total harmonic distortion. Compared to the existing strategies, the proposed strategy can overcome any condition of the power unbalance with minimal submodule voltage fluctuations. A 162‐kW, 9‐kV PV grid‐connected system is modelled and simulated in MATLAB Simulink environment. The corresponding results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy for grid‐connected PV systems.
Multi‐functional commercial solar photovoltaic plant integrated to three‐phase low voltage AC network
Authors: Modi Gaurav , Singh Bhim
Published: April 2021

This study presents the commercial solar PV plant (SPVP) operation, integrated into the low voltage (LV) AC network. The SPVP has the multi‐functional operational capability. It feeds the PV array generated power to loads and the AC network, while ensuring the power quality improvement at the point of common coupling (PCC) as per the IEEE std. 519, irrespective of the load characteristic (linear/nonlinear and balanced/unbalanced). The SPVP minimises the line losses in the AC network by recouping the load reactive power requirement locally. Moreover, the SPVP operates in either maximum power extraction (MPE) mode or constant power generation (CPG) mode, depending upon the rise in PCC voltage amplitude during the peak PV array power generation and low load demand condition. The SPVP switches between the MPE and the CPG modes during the high rise in PCC voltage amplitude and regulates the PV array generated power to protect itself and the load connected at PCC. In this study, an adaptive filter technique based on maximum correntropy criterion is used for the PQI, and the perturb and observe based algorithm is used for MPE. A simulation model and reduced rating hardware prototype are developed to validate the system's performance.
Co‐optimisation and settlement of power‐gas coupled system in day‐ahead market under multiple uncertainties
Authors: Zheng Xiaodong , Xu Yan , Li Zhengmao , Chen Haoyong
Published: April 2021

The interdependency of power systems and natural gas systems is being reinforced by the emerging power‐to‐gas facilities (PtGs), and the existing gas‐fired generators. To jointly improve the efficiency and security under diverse uncertainties from renewable energy resources and load demands, it is essential to co‐optimise these two energy systems for day‐ahead market clearance. A data‐driven integrated electricity‐gas system stochastic co‐optimisation model is proposed in tis work. The model is accurately approximated by sequential mixed integer second‐order cone programming, which can then be solved in parallel and decentralised manners by leveraging generalised Benders decomposition. Since the price formation and settlement issues have rarely been investigated for integrated electricity–gas systems in an uncertainty setting, a novel concept of expected locational marginal value is proposed to credit the flexibility of PtGs that helps hedging uncertainties. By comparing with a deterministic model and a distributionally robust model, the advantage of the proposed stochastic model and the efficiency of the proposed solution method are validated. Detailed results of pricing and settlement for PtGs are presented, showing that the expected locational marginal value can fairly credit the contribution of PtGs and reflect the system deficiency of capturing uncertainties.