bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of the eukaryotic plankton community to the cyanobacterial biomass cycle over 6 years in two subtropical reservoirs
Authors: Liu Lemian , Chen Huihuang , Liu Min , Yang Jun R , Xiao Peng , Wilkinson David M , Yang Jun
Published: May 2019

Although it is widely recognized that cyanobacterial blooms have substantial influence on the plankton community in general, their correlations with the whole community of eukaryotic plankton at longer time scales remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the temporal dynamics of eukaryotic plankton communities in two subtropical reservoirs over a 6-year period (2010–2015) following one cyanobacterial biomass cycle—the cyanobacterial bloom (middle 2010), cyanobacteria decrease (late 2010–early 2011), non-bloom (2011–2014), cyanobacteria increase, and second bloom (late 2014–2015). The eukaryotic community succession that strongly correlated with this cyanobacterial biomass cycle was divided into four periods, and each period had distinct characteristics in cyanobacterial biomass and environments in both reservoirs. Integrated co-occurrence networks of eukaryotic plankton based on the whole study period revealed that the cyanobacterial biomass had remarkably high network centralities, and the eukaryotic OTUs that had stronger correlations with the cyanobacterial biomass exhibited higher centralities. The integrated networks were also modularly responded to different eukaryotic succession periods, and therefore correlated with the cyanobacterial biomass cycle. Moreover, sub-networks based on the different eukaryotic succession periods indicated that the eukaryotic co-occurrence patterns were not constant but varied largely associating with the cyanobacterial biomass. Based on these long-term observations, our results reveal that the cyanobacterial biomass cycle created distinct niches between persistent bloom, non-bloom, decrease and increase of cyanobacteria, and therefore associated with distinct eukaryotic plankton patterns. Our results have important implications for understanding how complex aquatic plankton communities respond to cyanobacterial blooms under the changing environments.
M2 receptors activation modulates cell growth, migration and differentiation of rat Schwann-like adipose-derived stem cells
Authors: Piovesana Roberta , Faroni Alessandro , Magnaghi Valerio , Reid Adam J. , Tata Ada Maria
Published: May 2019

Schwann cells (SCs) play a central role in peripheral nervous system physiology and in the response to axon injury. The ability of SCs to proliferate, secrete growth factors, modulate immune response, migrate and re-myelinate regenerating axons has been largely documented. However, there are several restrictions hindering their clinical application, such as the difficulty in collection and a slow in vitro expansion. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) present good properties for peripheral nerve regenerative medicine. When exposed to specific growth factors in vitro, they can acquire a SC-like phenotype (dASCs) expressing key SCs markers and assuming spindle-shaped morphology. Nevertheless, the differentiated phenotype is unstable and several strategies, including pharmacological stimulation, are being studied to improve differentiation outcomes. Cholinergic receptors are potential pharmacological targets expressed in glial cells. Our previous work demonstrated that muscarinic cholinergic receptors, in particular M2 subtype, are present in SCs and are able to modulate several physiological processes. In the present work, muscarinic receptors expression was characterised and the effects mediated by M2 muscarinic receptor were evaluated in rat dASCs. M2 receptor activation, by the preferred agonist arecaidine propargyl ester (APE), caused a reversible arrest of dASCs cell growth, supported by the downregulation of proteins involved in the maintenance of cell proliferation and upregulation of proteins involved in the differentiation (i.e., c-Jun and Egr-2), without affecting cell survival. Moreover, M2 receptor activation in dASCs enhances a pronounced spindle-shaped morphology, supported by Egr2 upregulation, and inhibits cell migration. Our data clearly demonstrate that rat dASCs express functional muscarinic receptors, in particular M2 subtype, which is able to modulate their physiological and morphological processes, as well as SCs differentiation. These novel findings could open new opportunities for the development of combined cell and pharmacological therapies for peripheral nerve regeneration, harnessing the potential of dASCs and M2 receptors.
Topological superconducting phase in high-Tc superconductor MgB2 with Dirac–nodal-line fermions
Authors: Jin Kyung-Hwan , Huang Huaqing , Mei Jia-Wei , Liu Zheng , Lim Lih-King , Liu Feng
Published: May 2019

Topological superconductors are an intriguing and elusive quantum phase, characterized by topologically protected gapless surface/edge states residing in a bulk superconducting gap, which hosts Majorana fermions. Unfortunately, all currently known topological superconductors have a very low transition temperature, limiting experimental measurements of Majorana fermions. Here we discover the existence of a topological Dirac–nodal-line state in a well-known conventional high-temperature superconductor, MgB2. First-principles calculations show that the Dirac–nodal-line structure exhibits a unique one-dimensional dispersive Dirac–nodal line, protected by both spatial-inversion and time-reversal symmetry, which connects the electron and hole Dirac states. Most importantly, we show that the topological superconducting phase can be realized with a conventional s-wave superconducting gap, evidenced by the topological edge mode of the MgB2 thin films showing chiral edge states. Our discovery may enable the experimental measurement of Majorana fermions at high temperature.
Author Correction: Large spontaneous exchange bias in a weak ferromagnet Pb6Ni9(TeO6)5
Authors: Koteswararao B. , Chakrabarty Tanmoy , Basu Tathamay , Hazra Binoy Krishna , Srinivasarao P. V. , Paulose P. L. , Srinath S.
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
A longitudinal characterization of the Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis airway microbiome
Authors: Woo T. E. , Lim R. , Heirali A. A. , Acosta N. , Rabin H. R. , Mody C. H. , Somayaji R. , Surette M. G. , Sibley C. D. , Storey D. G. , Parkins M. D.
Published: May 2019

A diverse microbiota exists within the airways of individuals with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (nCFB). How the lung microbiome evolves over time, and whether changes within the microbiome correlate with future disease progression is not yet known. We assessed the microbial community structure of 133 serial sputa and subsequent disease course of 29 nCFB patients collected over a span of 4–16 years using 16S rRNA paired-end sequencing. Interestingly, no significant shifts in the microbial community of individuals were observed during extended follow-up suggesting the microbiome remains relatively stable over prolonged periods. Samples that were Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture positive displayed markedly different microbial community structures compared to those that were positive for Haemophilus influenzae. Importantly, patients with sputum of lower microbial community diversity were more likely to experience subsequent lung function decline as defined by annual change in ≥−1 FEV1% predicted. Shannon diversity values <1 were more prevalent in patients with FEV1 decline (P = 0.002). However, the relative abundance of particular core microbiota constituents did not associate with risk of decline. Here we present data confirming that the microbiome of nCFB individuals is generally stable, and that microbiome-based measurements may have a prognostic role as biomarkers for nCFB.
Assessment of Dapagliflozin Effectiveness as Add-on Therapy for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Qatari Population
Authors: Al AdAwi Rana Moustafa , Jassim Zainab , Elgaily Dina , Abdelaziz Hani , Sree Bhagya , Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Izham
Published: May 2019

The effectiveness of dapagliflozin in the management of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2-DM) is an essential issue for establishing a basis for prescribing dapagliflozin. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of dapagliflozin in combination with other hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) in reducing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. This retrospective observational study included all patients who visited the endocrine clinics at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and were treated with dapagliflozin. Demographics and laboratory data were obtained retrospectively from computerized patient medical profiles (eMR-viewer). The main outcome measures were the differences in HbA1c and FBG from baseline at different months. Eighty-one Qatari patients were found to have received dapagliflozin during the study period; 72% of them (n = 58) were males, with a mean age of 57.0 ± 9.0 years and a mean baseline HbA1c of 9.0 ± 1.4%. Administration of dapagliflozin as an add-on therapy was found to decrease HbA1c significantly by 0.8 percentage point after 6 months (P = 0.006) and by 1.5 percentage point after 12 months (P = 0.062). FBG was significantly reduced at 6 months and 9 months (P = 0.001 and P = 0.03, respectively). Dapagliflozin effectively reduced the HbA1c level and FBG when used in combination with other OHAs or insulin within 6 to 12 months.
ALK4/5-dependent TGF-β signaling contributes to the crosstalk between neurons and microglia following axonal lesion
Authors: Raffo-Romero Antonella , Arab Tanina , Van Camp Christelle , Lemaire Quentin , Wisztorski Maxence , Franck Julien , Aboulouard Soulaimane , Le Marrec-Croq Francoise , Sautiere Pierre-Eric , Vizioli Jacopo , Salzet Michel , Lefebvre Christophe
Published: May 2019

Neuronal activity is closely influenced by glia, especially microglia which are the resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia in medicinal leech are the only cells able to migrate to the injury site within the 24 hours post-lesion. The microglia-neuron interactions constitute an important mechanism as there is neither astrocyte nor oligodendrocyte in the leech CNS. Given that axonal sprouting is impaired when microglia recruitment is inhibited, the crosstalk between microglia and neurons plays a crucial role in neuroprotection. The present results show that neurons and microglia both use ALK4/5 (a type of TGF-β receptor) signaling in order to maintain mutual exchanges in an adult brain following an axonal injury. Indeed, a TGF-β family member (nGDF) is immediately released by injured axons contributing to the early recruitment of ALK4/5+microglia to the lesion site. Surprisingly, within the following hours, nGDF from microglia activates ALK4/5+neurons to maintain a later microglia accumulation in lesion. Taken together, the results demonstrate that ALK4/5 signaling is essential throughout the response to the lesion in the leech CNS and gives a new insight in the understanding of this pathway. This latter is an important signal contributing to a correct sequential mobilization over time of microglia recruitment leading to axon regeneration.
Early Proteome Shift and Serum Bioactivity Precede Diesel Exhaust-induced Impairment of Cardiovascular Recovery in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Thompson Leslie C. , Shannahan Jonathan H. , Perez Christina M. , Haykal-Coates Najwa , King Charly , Hazari Mehdi S. , Brown Jared M. , Farraj Aimen K.
Published: May 2019

Single circulating factors are often investigated to explain air pollution-induced cardiovascular dysfunction, yet broader examinations of the identity and bioactivity of the entire circulating milieu remain understudied. The purpose of this study was to determine if exposure-induced cardiovascular dysfunction can be coupled with alterations in both serum bioactivity and the circulating proteome. Two cohorts of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs) were exposed to 150 or 500 μg/m3 diesel exhaust (DE) or filtered air (FA). In Cohort 1, we collected serum 1 hour after exposure for proteomics analysis and bioactivity measurements in rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs). In Cohort 2, we assessed left ventricular pressure (LVP) during stimulation and recovery from the sympathomimetic dobutamine HCl, one day after exposure. Serum from DE-exposed rats had significant changes in 66 serum proteins and caused decreased NOS activity and increased VCAM-1 expression in RAECs. While rats exposed to DE demonstrated increased heart rate at the start of LVP assessments, heart rate, systolic pressure, and double product fell below baseline in DE-exposed rats compared to FA during recovery from dobutamine, indicating dysregulation of post-exertional cardiovascular function. Taken together, a complex and bioactive circulating milieu may underlie air pollution-induced cardiovascular dysfunction.
Phycosynthesis and Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Toward Organosulfur Pollutants
Authors: Khalafi Tariq , Buazar Foad , Ghanemi Kamal
Published: May 2019

A novel eco-friendly procedure was developed to produce safer, stable and highly pure zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using microalgae Chlorella extract. The ZnO NPs were synthesized simply using zinc nitrate and microalgae Chlorella extract which conducted at ambient conditions. In this recipe, microalgae Chlorella extract acted as the reducing agent and a stabilizing layer on fresh ZnO NPs. UV–visible spectrum was confirmed the formation of ZnO NPs showing an absorption peak at 362 nm. XRD results demonstrated that prepared ZnO NPs has a high-crystalline hexagonal (Wurtzite) structure, with average size about 19.44 nm in diameter. FT-IR spectral analysis indicated an active contribution of algae-derived biomolecules in zinc ions bioreduction. According to SEM and TEM observations, ZnO NPs are well dispersed and has a hexagonal shape with the average size of 20 ± 2.2 nm, respectively. Based on gas chromatography analyses, the optimum 0.01 g/L dosage of ZnO catalyst revealed an effective photocatalytic activity toward the degradation (97%) of Dibenzothiophene (DBT) contaminant as an organosulfur model in the neutral pH at the mild condition. Rapid separation and facile recyclability at five consecutive runs were demonstrated high efficiency and durability of green ZnO nanophotocatalyst. The possible mechanisms of green ZnO NPs formation and the photo-desulfurization of DBT were also proposed.
rs2267531, a promoter SNP within glypican-3 gene in the X chromosome, is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptians
Authors: Motawi Tarek Mohamed Kamal , Sadik Nermin Abdel Hamid , Sabry Dina , Shahin Nancy Nabil , Fahim Sally Atef
Published: May 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern in Egypt owing to the high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCC incidence is characterized by obvious male predominance, yet the molecular mechanisms behind this gender bias are still unidentified. Functional variations in X-linked genes have more impact on males than females. Glypican-3 (GPC3) gene, located in the Xq26 region, has lately emerged as being potentially implicated in hepatocellular carcinogenesis. The current study was designed to examine the association of −784 G/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in GPC3 promoter region (rs2267531) with HCC susceptibility in male and female Egyptian HCV patients. Our results revealed a significant association between GPC3 and HCC risk in both males and females, evidenced by higher C allele and CC/C genotype frequencies in HCC patients when compared to controls. However, no such association was found when comparing HCV patients to controls. Moreover, GPC3 gene and protein expression levels were significantly higher in CC/C than in GG/G genotype carriers in males and females. The CC/C genotype exhibited a significant shorter overall survival than GG/G genotype in HCC patients. In conclusion, GPC3 rs2267531 on the X chromosome is significantly associated with HCC, but not with HCV infection, in the Egyptian population.
Avenanthramide C from germinated oats exhibits anti-allergic inflammatory effects in mast cells
Authors: Dhakal Hima , Yang Eun-Ju , Lee Soyoung , Kim Min-Jong , Baek Moon-Chang , Lee Byungheon , Park Pil-Hoon , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Khang Dongwoo , Song Kyung-Sik , Kim Sang-Hyun
Published: May 2019

Mast cells play a crucial role in allergic diseases via the release of inflammatory mediators, particularly histamine and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Avenanthramide (Avn) C, a polyphenol found mainly in oats, is known to exhibit various biological properties. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Avn C from germinated oats against mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation. For the in vitro study, RBL-2H3, mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells and rat peritoneal mast cells were used. Avn C (1–100 nM) inhibited the immunoglobulin (Ig)E-stimulated mast cells degranulation by suppressing phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and phospholipase Cγ1 and decreasing intracellular calcium levels. It inhibited IgE-stimulated secretion of inflammatory cytokines via suppression of FcεRI-mediated signaling proteins Lyn, Syk, Akt, and nuclear factor-κB. To verify the effects of Avn C in vivo, ovalbumin-induced active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) and IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) models were used. Oral administration of Avn C dose-dependently attenuated the ASA reactions, as evidenced by the inhibition of hypothermia and reduction of elevated serum histamine, IgE, and interleukin-4 levels. Avn C also inhibited the PCA reactions, such as ear swelling and plasma extravasation. Our results suggested that Avn C from germinated oats might be a possible therapeutic candidate for mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation.
A calculator based on prostate imaging reporting and data system version 2 (PI-RADS V2) is a promising prostate cancer predictor
Authors: Wang Hui , Tai Sheng , Zhang Li , Zhou Jun , Liang Chaozhao
Published: May 2019

This research is to develop a new tool to improve the performance of predicting prostate cancer (PCa) and reducing unnecessary biopsies. The clinical data of patients who were definitely diagnosed by prostate biopsy were retrospectively analyzed. PCa risks that include age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density (PSAD), free-PSA (fPSA), the ratio of fPSA to PSA (%fPSA), prostate volume (PV), digital rectal examination (DRE) and multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) were selected by univariate and multivariate analysis. The satisfactory risks were used to establish predictor (Prostate Biopsy Rating Scale, PBRS). The total score (TS) that was obtained from PBRS was performed to forecast PCa. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the net reclassification index (NRI) were used to compare the predictive ability. A total of 1078 cases were recruited. The mean values of TS in PCa and non-PCa were 15.94 ± 3.26 and 10.49 ± 3.36 points respectively. The AUC of PBRS was higher than PSA, PSAD and MP-MRI (0.87 vs. 0.75, 0.78, 0.80, respectively). PBRS can reduce unnecessary biopsies compared with PSA, PSAD and MP-MRI by up to 63%, 54% and 44%, respectively. In brief, PBRS is a promising predictor of forecasting PCa.
Author Correction: Linking drug target and pathway activation for effective therapy using multi-task learning
Authors: Yang Mi , Simm Jaak , Lam Chi Chung , Zakeri Pooya , van Westen Gerard J. P. , Moreau Yves , Saez-Rodriguez Julio
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Pharmacological systems analysis defines EIF4A3 functions in cell-cycle and RNA stress granule formation
Authors: Mazloomian Alborz , Araki Shinsuke , Ohori Momoko , El-Naggar Amal M. , Yap Damian , Bashashati Ali , Nakao Shoichi , Sorensen Poul H. , Nakanishi Atsushi , Shah Sohrab , Aparicio Samuel
Published: May 2019

The RNA helicase EIF4A3 regulates the exon junction complex and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay functions in RNA transcript processing. However, a transcriptome-wide network definition of these functions has been lacking, in part due to the lack of suitable pharmacological inhibitors. Here we employ short-duration graded EIF4A3 inhibition using small molecule allosteric inhibitors to define the transcriptome-wide dependencies of EIF4A3. We thus define conserved cellular functions, such as cell cycle control, that are EIF4A3 dependent. We show that EIF4A3-dependent splicing reactions have a distinct genome-wide pattern of associated RNA-binding protein motifs. We also uncover an unanticipated role of EIF4A3 in the biology of RNA stress granules, which sequester and silence the translation of most mRNAs under stress conditions and are implicated in cell survival and tumour progression. We show that stress granule induction and maintenance is suppressed on the inhibition of EIF4A3, in part through EIF4A3-associated regulation of G3BP1 and TIA1 scaffold protein expression.
Multi-flow channel bioreactor enables real-time monitoring of cellular dynamics in 3D engineered tissue
Authors: Zohar Barak , Blinder Yaron , Epshtein Mark , Szklanny Ariel A. , Kaplan Ben , Korin Netanel , Mooney David J. , Levenberg Shulamit
Published: May 2019

The key to understanding, harnessing, and manipulating natural biological processes for the benefit of tissue engineering lies in providing a controllable dynamic environment for tissue development in vitro while being able to track cell activity in real time. This work presents a multi-channel bioreactor specifically designed to enable on-line imaging of fluorescently labeled cells embedded in replicated 3D engineered constructs subjected to different flow conditions. The images are acquired in 3D using a standard upright confocal microscope and further analyzed and quantified by computer vision. The platform is used to characterize and quantify the pace and directionality of angiogenic processes induced by flow. The presented apparatus bears considerable potential to advance scientific research, from basic research pursuing the effect of flow versus static conditions on 3D scaffolds and cell types, to clinically oriented modeling in drug screening and cytotoxicity assays.
Direct monitoring of light mediated hyperthermia induced within mammalian tissues using surface enhanced spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (T-SESORS)
Authors: Gardner Benjamin , Matousek Pavel , Stone Nick
Published: May 2019

Here we demonstrate light mediated heating of nanoparticles confined deep inside mammalian tissue, whilst directly monitoring their temperature non-invasively using a form of deep Raman spectroscopy, T-SESORS.
Using optical resonances to control heat generation and propagation in silicon nanostructures
Authors: Danesi Stefano , Alessandri Ivano
Published: May 2019

Integrated electronics, photonics and optoelectronics need full control of lattice reconstruction processes in silicon nanostructures at the nanoscale level.
A flexible back-contact perovskite solar micro-module
Authors: Wong-Stringer Michael , Routledge Thomas J. , McArdle Trevor , Wood Christopher J. , Game Onkar S. , Smith Joel A. , Bishop James E. , Vaenas Naoum , Coles David M. , Buckley Alastair R. , Lidzey David G.
Published: May 2019

Back-contact PSCs are fabricated by depositing charge-selective electrodes and MAPbI3 into micron-sized polymeric grooves, micro-modules are formed by serially-connecting grooves.
Vitamin B12 inhibits α-synuclein fibrillogenesis and protects against amyloid-induced cytotoxicity
Authors: Jia Longgang , Wang Ying , Wei Wei , Zhao Wenping , Lu Fuping , Liu Fufeng
Published: May 2019

VB12, a necessary micronutrient, is a potential functional factor to ameliorate PD by inhibiting α-synuclein fibrillogenesis and reducing cytotoxicity.
Effect of donor modification on the photo-physical and photo-voltaic properties of N-alkyl/aryl amine based chromophores
Authors: Jadhav Manoj , Vaghasiya Jayraj V. , Patil Dinesh , Soni Saurabh S. , Sekar Nagaiyan
Published: May 2019

Six push–pull sensitizers (MD1 to MD6) having rhodanine-3-acetic acid acting as an electron withdrawing group and N-alkyl/aryl amine as a donor moiety were planned and prepared to rationalize the influence of donor alteration on absorption/emission properties and photon to current conversion efficiency (η).
Ultrasensitive detection of lung cancer-associated miRNAs by multiple primer-mediated rolling circle amplification coupled with a graphene oxide fluorescence-based (MPRCA-GO) sensor
Authors: Khoothiam Krissana , Treerattrakoon Kiatnida , Iempridee Tawin , Luksirikul Patraporn , Dharakul Tararaj , Japrung Deanpen
Published: May 2019

MPRCA-GO sensor can detect low amount of miRNAs, which are biomarkers in cancer diagnosis.
Nanocarriers responsive to a hypoxia gradient facilitate enhanced tumor penetration and improved anti-tumor efficacy
Authors: Zhen Jingru , Tian Shuang , Liu Qi , Zheng Chunxiong , Zhang Zhanzhan , Ding Yuxun , An Yingli , Liu Yang , Shi Linqi
Published: May 2019

Strategy for prolonged circulation and enhanced tumor penetration in response to hypoxia gradient.
Solvent-slaved protein motions accompany proton coupled electron transfer reactions catalysed by copper nitrite reductase
Authors: Hedison Tobias M. , Heyes Derren J. , Shanmugam Muralidharan , Iorgu Andreea I. , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: May 2019

A novel approach to study PCET reactions illustrates the importance of solvent-slaved protein motions in copper nitrite reductase catalysis.
Photoswitchable catalysis based on the isomerisation of double bonds
Authors: Dorel Ruth , Feringa Ben L.
Published: May 2019

Photoswitchable catalysis is a young but rapidly evolving field that offers great potential for non-invasive dynamic control of both activity and selectivity in catalysis. This Feature Article summarises the key developments accomplished over the past years through the incorporation of photoswitchable double bonds into the structure of catalytically competent molecules.
Boosting the antitumor efficacy over a nanoscale porphyrin-based covalent organic polymer via synergistic photodynamic and photothermal therapy
Authors: Liu Sainan , Liu Ying , Hu Chunling , Zhao Xueyan , Ma Ping'an , Pang Maolin
Published: May 2019

Enhanced antitumor efficacy was achieved for porphyrin-based covalent organic polymer nanoparticles via synergistic photodynamic and photothermal therapy.
Ultralong micro-belts of luminescent lead halide-based perovskites
Authors: Bansal Parul , Kar Prasenjit
Published: May 2019

Ultralong micro-belts of MAPbI3 show bright and stable fluorescence in solution.
Room temperature N-heterocyclic carbene manganese catalyzed selective N-alkylation of anilines with alcohols
Authors: Huang Ming , Li Yukui , Li Yinwu , Liu Jiahao , Shu Siwei , Liu Yan , Ke Zhuofeng
Published: May 2019

The first example of room temperature homogeneous non-noble metal catalyzed selective N-alkylation of anilines with alcohols using bis-NHC manganese.
Allylation of aldehydes by dual photoredox and nickel catalysis
Authors: Gualandi Andrea , Rodeghiero Giacomo , Faraone Adriana , Patuzzo Filippo , Marchini Marianna , Calogero Francesco , Perciaccante Rossana , Jansen Thomas Paul , Ceroni Paola , Cozzi Pier Giorgio
Published: May 2019

Here we report the application of dual nickel/photoredox catalysis to the allylation of aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes by using commercially available reagents.
Interplay of exciton–excimer dynamics in 9,10-diphenylanthracene nanoaggregates and thin films revealed by time-resolved spectroscopic studies
Authors: Nandi Amitabha , Manna Biswajit , Ghosh Rajib
Published: May 2019

Effect of morphology and influence of two phenyl rings at 9 and 10 position of anthracene on exciton and excimer relaxation dynamics in solid state has been presented.
Furthering the reaction mechanism of cationic vanadium clusters towards oxygen
Authors: Zhang Hanyu , Wu Haiming , Geng Lijun , Jia Yuhan , Yang Mengzhou , Luo Zhixun
Published: May 2019

We prepared well-resolved Vn+ clusters and clarified the reactivity with oxygen involving both etching effect and building block addition.
Improved phase stability of the CsPbI3 perovskite via organic cation doping
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Yang Lei , Zhong Yu , Hao Hequn , Yang Mei , Liu Renyong
Published: May 2019

We have studied the effect of organic cation doping with dimethylammonium (DMA+), ethylammonium (EA+), and guanidinium (GA+) on the properties of the CsPbI3 perovskite by performing first-principles calculations.
Ferroelectric field manipulated nonvolatile resistance switching in Al:ZnO/Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.7Ti0.3O3 heterostructures at room temperature
Authors: Liu Shasha , Jin Chao , Zheng Dongxing , Pang Xin , Wang Yuchen , Wang Ping , Zheng Wanchao , Bai Haili
Published: May 2019

The accumulation/depletion of charge at the Al:ZnO/PMN-PT interface results in a reversible and nonvolatile resistance state.
More than oxygen vacancies: a collective crystal-plane effect of CeO2 in gas-phase selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol
Authors: Zhou Qiuyue , Zhou Chongyuan , Zhou Yuheng , Hong Wei , Zou Shihui , Gong Xue-Qing , Liu Juanjuan , Xiao Liping , Fan Jie
Published: May 2019

A collective crystal-plane effect of CeO2 involves oxygen vacancies and the ability to abstract H, adsorb O2 and remove water.
Molybdenum(ii) complexes with p-substituted BIAN ligands: synthesis, characterization, biological activity and computational study
Authors: Quintal Susana , Pires da Silva Maria João , Martins Soraia R. M. , Sales Rita , Félix Vítor , Drew Michael G. B. , Meireles Margarida , Mourato Ana C. , Nunes Carla D. , Saraiva Marta S. , Machuqueiro Miguel , Calhorda Maria José
Published: May 2019

These complexes crystallize as the less common axial isomer and reach EC50 < 1.8 μM against HeLa cell lines.
Holmium, thulium and lutetium-octamolybdate [Mo8O28]8− 1D chains: luminescence investigation of europium doped lutetium-octamolybdate
Authors: Kaczmarek Anna M. , Van Deun Rik , Van Hecke Kristof
Published: May 2019

A purely inorganic polymer built from [Mo8O28]8− units alternately linked by lanthanide ions (Ho3+, Tm3+ and Lu3+) is reported.
2,6-Bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine complexes of group 14 elements
Authors: Swidan Ala'aeddeen , St. Onge P. Blake J. , Binder Justin F. , Suter Riccardo , Burford Neil , Macdonald Charles L. B.
Published: May 2019

Variants of the 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine ligand are used to synthesize novel group 14 complexes of germanium and tin. The salts are characterized by X-ray crystallography, NMR, UV-vis, and the Lewis acidity of some examples are probed.
Two novel metal–organic frameworks based on pyridyl-imidazole-carboxyl multifunctional ligand: selective CO2 capture and multiresponsive luminescence sensor
Authors: Feng Dou-Dou , Zhao Yu-Di , Wang Xiao-Qing , Fang Dong-Dong , Tang Jing , Fan Li-Ming , Yang Jie
Published: May 2019

Two novel metal–organic frameworks exhibited excellent CO2 selective absorption and multiresponsive fluorescent sensing for Fe3+, CrO42−/Cr2O72− and the pesticide 2,6-Dich-4-nitroaniline.
Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens leaves (red rubin basil): a source of bioactive compounds and natural pigments for the food industry
Authors: Fernandes Filipa , Pereira Eliana , Círić Ana , Soković Marina , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Barros Lillian , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: May 2019

Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens leaves are a rich source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity, which could be considered as an excellent ingredient for the food industry.
Direct hydroxyethylation of amines by carbohydrates via ruthenium catalysis
Authors: Jia Le , Makha Mohamed , Du Chen-Xia , Quan Zheng-Jun , Wang Xi-Cun , Li Yuehui
Published: May 2019

A halogen-free catalytic methodology for the synthesis of β-amino alcohols from aromatic amines and biomass-related carbohydrates is demonstrated for the first time.
A [3+2] cycloaddition reaction for the synthesis of spiro[indoline-3,3′-pyrrolidines] and evaluation of cytotoxicity towards cancer cells
Authors: Huang Ying , Huang Yi-Xin , Sun Jing , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: May 2019

A new type of azomethine ylides, which was in situ generated by the reaction of ethyl glycinate hydrochloride and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, reacted with 3-phenacylideneoxindoline-2-ones in ethanol to give polysubstituted spiro[indoline-3,3′-pyrrolidines] in good yields.
Preparation of functionalized star polymer nanoparticles by RAFT polymerization and their application in positionally assembled enzymes for cascade reactions
Authors: Chen Zhiwu , Cao Hui , Tan Tianwei
Published: May 2019

A novel multienzyme nanoreactor with excellent substrate affinity – functionalized star polymer nanoparticles was prepared by RAFT polymerization as a scaffold.
Detection of uric acid based on doped ZnO/Ag2O/Co3O4nanoparticle loaded glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Alam M. M. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Uddin M. T. , Islam M. A. , Awual Md. Rabiul , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: May 2019

Highly sensitive and selective uric acid sensor was fabricated using facile wet-chemically prepared ternary doped ZnO/Ag2O/Co3O4nanoparticles onto glassy carbon electrode by electrochemical approach, which introduced a prospective and reliable route to the future development of enzyme-free sensor by doped nanomaterials in broad scales.
Pulse electrodeposited nickel with structure directing agents as an electrocatalyst for oxidation of glycerol
Authors: Sivasakthi P. , Sangaranarayanan M. V.
Published: May 2019

Electrodeposition of Ni, Ni–CA and Ni–TBr on mild steel using a pulse technique for electro-oxidation of glycerol.
An aspirated in-syringe device fixed with ionic liquid and β-cyclodextrin-functionalized CNTs/TiO2 for rapid adsorption and visible-light-induced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhang Yuheng , Li Qi , Gao Qing , Li Jiawei , Shen Yongxuan , Zhu Xiashi
Published: May 2019

Dual-functional photocatalyst, IL–CD-CNTs/TiO2, was fabricated through a facile one-pot solvothermal strategy coupled with an aspirated in-syringe device.
The easy synthesis of new N-substituted 5-oxindoline-rhodanines and their sensing ability: the recognition of acetate ions in aqueous solution
Authors: Bayindir Sinan , Yararli Kemal
Published: May 2019

Recently, there has been increasing interest in developing innovative synthetic strategies for the decoration of rhodanine-cores.
Electrostatics of metal–graphene interfaces: sharp p–n junctions for electron-optical applications
Authors: Chaves Ferney A. , Jiménez David , Santos Jaime E. , Bøggild Peter , Caridad José M.
Published: May 2019

Electrostatics of metal-induced lateral p–n junctions in graphene devices for electron optics applications.
Highly regioselective α-formylation and α-acylation of BODIPY dyes via tandem cross-dehydrogenative coupling with in situ deprotection
Authors: Lv Fan , Yu Yang , Hao Erhong , Yu Changjiang , Wang Hua , Boens Noёl , Jiao Lijuan
Published: May 2019

An efficient protocol for the regioselective C–H α-formylation and α-acylation of BODIPY dyes using dioxolane derivatives as aldehyde equivalents is reported.
Norbornene polymerization and copolymerization with 1-alkenes by neutral palladium complexes bearing aryloxide imidazolin-2-imine ligand
Authors: Li Mingyuan , Zhang Hu , Cai Zhengguo , Eisen Moris S.
Published: May 2019

A series of novel aryloxide imidazolin-2-imine bidentate neutral Pd(ii) complexes with different substituents on the imidazolin-2-imine ligand were synthesized and characterized.
The poly(propylene oxide-co-ethylene oxide) gradient is controlled by the polymerization method: determination of reactivity ratios by direct comparison of different copolymerization models
Authors: Blankenburg Jan , Kersten Erik , Maciol Kamil , Wagner Manfred , Zarbakhsh Sirus , Frey Holger
Published: May 2019

An investigation of the copolymerization of EO and PO by in situ1H NMR spectroscopy reveals striking differences in the monomer gradient, depending on the polymerization method.
Promotional effect of silver nanoparticle embedded Ga–Zr-codoped TiO2 as an alternative anode for efficient blue, green and red PHOLEDs
Authors: Jayabharathi Jayaraman , Nethaji Pavadai , Thanikachalam Venugopal
Published: May 2019

Efficient blue, green and red phosphorescent OLEDs have been harvested from silver nanoparticles embedded at a glass:Ga–Zr-codoped TiO2 interface.
Health effects of kiwi wine on rats: an untargeted metabolic fingerprint study based on GC-MS/TOF
Authors: Zeng Qi , Song Hongjin , Xu Xinyi , Mao Wenjie , Xie Hui , Liang Jimin , Chen Xueli , Chen Dan , Zhan Yonghua
Published: May 2019

In vivoconsumption assays on ratsviaa metabonomics-based approach provide a positive view of the nutritional function of kiwi wine.
Multi-stimuli-responsive hydrogels of gluconamide-tailored anthracene
Authors: Zhang Xun , Liu Jinguo , Gao Yuxia , Hao Jie , Hu Jun , Ju Yong
Published: May 2019

Two gluconamide-tailored anthracene gelators 1 and 2 were found to form stable hydrogels which exhibited multiple responsive behaviours upon exposure to temperature, anions, light, electron-deficient chemicals and external stress.
Highly permeable and oriented AlPO-18 membranes prepared using directly synthesized nanosheets for CO2/CH4separation
Authors: Wang Bin , Gao Feng , Zhang Feng , Xing Weihong , Zhou Rongfei
Published: May 2019

Oriented AlPO-18 membranes with super high CO2permeance were prepared for the first time by single secondary hydrothermal synthesis using directly synthesized nanosheet seeds.
Greatly enhanced anticorrosion of Al–AlNxOynanocermet films with self-passivated Al nanoparticles for enduring solar-thermal energy harvesting
Authors: Wang Chengbing , Li Zhengtong , Wang Weike , Xia Rongbin , Ling Xiaoming
Published: May 2019

Unprecedented anticorrosive Al–AlNxOyselective solar absorption coatings (SSACs) are fabricated on an industrial scaleviaa self-developed air-to-air continuous sputtering technique.
Climate change impacts on marine ecosystems through the lens of the size spectrum
Authors: Heneghan Ryan F. , Hatton Ian A. , Galbraith Eric D.
Published: May 2019

Climate change is a complex global issue that is driving countless shifts in the structure and function of marine ecosystems. To better understand these shifts, many processes need to be considered, yet they are often approached from incompatible perspectives. This article reviews one relatively simple, integrated perspective: the abundance-size spectrum. We introduce the topic with a brief review of some of the ways climate change is expected to impact the marine ecosystem according to complex numerical models while acknowledging the limits to understanding posed by complex models. We then review how the size spectrum offers a simple conceptual alternative, given its regular power law size-frequency distribution when viewed on sufficiently broad scales. We further explore how anticipated physical aspects of climate change might manifest themselves through changes in the elevation, slope and regularity of the size spectrum, exposing mechanistic questions about integrated ecosystem structure, as well as how organism physiology and ecological interactions respond to multiple climatic stressors. Despite its application by ecosystem modellers and fisheries scientists, the size spectrum perspective is not widely used as a tool for monitoring ecosystem adaptation to climate change, providing a major opportunity for further research.
F distribution in FFH/binary FSK system with dividing combining receiver
Authors: Deng Li , Chen Qian , Sui Xiubao , He Yuanhua , Liu Quanyi
Published: May 2019

Fast frequency hopping (FFH) is a useful anti‐jamming method. Many diversity combining methods are used to combat partial‐band interference in FFH systems, including linear and non‐linear combining receivers. In fifth‐generation scenarios, FFH technique may take an important role in OFDM mode. In early works, a non‐linear combining receiver in FFH/binary FSK system named division‐combining receiver (DCR) was proposed. It was found that the random variables for decision in the DCR are F‐distributed under partial‐band noise jamming over additive white Gaussian noise channel, which could be used for performance analysis and the probability computation of bit error. In this Letter, the specific presentations of DCR and its F‐distribution characteristics are investigated. Simulations show that DCR receiver has a light advantage among non‐linear receivers.
Modified SEPIC converter with high boosting capability
Authors: Navamani J. Divya , Lavanya A. , Vijayakumar K.
Published: May 2019

A new configuration for the high boosting dc–dc converter is proposed in this Letter. This configuration is derived by modifying the conventional SEPIC converter. It is also feasible to extend the voltage gain of the topology using a diode–capacitor cell. The key features of the derived topology are high gain and low voltage stress. The suggested converter is analysed in continuous conduction mode. Considering the inductor current and capacitor voltage ripple, the components’ of the proposed converter are designed. The losses and efficiency of the converter are calculated. Furthermore, the chief performance indices such as voltage gain, total component count and switch voltage stress are compared with other configurations in the literature. Finally, 50 W prototype is implemented to validate the exactness of the steady‐state analysis and the experimental result.
Urban area classification with polarimetric statistical features of simulated data in PolSAR images
Authors: Zheng Junsheng , Zhang Hai
Published: May 2019

A new scheme for pixel‐based polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) classification of the urban area was proposed. First, the characteristic of urban backscattering was analysed and it was found that the backscattering of buildings is very sensitive to the orientation of buildings. Second, by utilising Euler rotation to the polarimetric coherency matrix, a sequence of data with different rotation angles was simulated. Then a polarimetric statistical feature vector would be extracted from the simulated data. At last, the feature vector together with four components decomposition result would be put into a multiple layer perceptron neural network to get the classification result. The proposed scheme can improve the accuracy of urban area classification in a PolSAR image and be verified by using AIRSAR image data of San Francisco.
On dissipativity‐based filtering for discrete‐time switched singular systems with sensor failures: a persistent dwell‐time scheme
Authors: Xing Mengping , Xia Jianwei , Huang Xia , Shen Hao
Published: May 2019

The work is interested in the extended dissipative filtering issue for switched singular discrete‐time systems with sensor failures. The persistent dwell‐time switching regularity is utilised to describe the successive occurrence of slow switching and fast switching in a switched singular system. A set of variables, which take values in a fixed interval, are utilised for the quantitative analysis of the sensor failures. The main objective is centred on designing a reliable mode‐dependent filter which can ensure that the resulting filtering error system is exponentially admissible and simultaneously satisfies the extended dissipative property in the presence of sensor failures. By adopting suitable decoupling methods and introducing reasonable matrix transformation techniques, some relaxed sufficient conditions are derived. The filter gains can be obtained by solving a convex optimisation problem in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, an illustrative example is presented to verify the applicability of the designed filter.
ITU‐T standardisation activities on smart sustainable cities
Authors: Sang Ziqin , Li Keng
Published: May 2019

This study highlights the standardisation activities that are being carried out by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) via its Study Group 20, the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) initiative and other venues, in supporting the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in smart sustainable cities (SSCs). These standards include common terminologies for the Internet of Things (IoT) and SSCs, the requirements for high performing ICT infrastructures, and the interoperability between different ICT or IoT networks. The work of ITU has encouraged the integration of ICTs into SSC, promoted sustainable and inclusive growth, and supported cities worldwide in reaching the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
State of smart cities in UK and beyond
Authors: Wilson Paul
Published: May 2019

The smart city movement has been growing internationally, but it will take another couple of decades for smart cities to realise their game‐changing potential. At that point, empowered by data, a political tipping point will begin, giving cities around the world an exalted role in the leadership of society, creating the ‘century of the city’. This study reviews progress in the UK using the four foundations of smart cities: information and communication technology; data; governance; and citizen engagement, and what to look out for in the next two decades.
Efficient proxy ring signature for VANET
Authors: Liu Lianhai , Wang Yujue , Zhang Jingwei , Yang Qing
Published: May 2019

The messages in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANET) are vulnerable to attack in the open wireless environment. Group communication in VANET is receiving more attention, which confronts many security issues. First, only users who have passed legal authentication can communicate in the group. The ring signature is an effective solution. In addition, the group membership in the vehicular self‐organising network changes rapidly, which leads to dynamic adjustment of group members. It is necessary to consider the computing power and communication capability of each node in the group members. To speed up the authentication process, a roadside unit with more computing power and communication capability than vehicles is selected as the signature agent, which effectively reduces the computational load of vehicles and accelerates the communication throughput. Meanwhile, the computational task and communication overhead have not been well‐solved. To address these issues, this paper proposed an efficient proxy ring signature scheme for VANET to achieve higher signature efficiency and lower transmission overhead. The scheme allows both privacy protection and original signer tracing. Security analysis shows that the proposed scheme meets the security requirements of VANET.
GRB 190114C: from prompt to afterglow?
Authors: Ravasio M. E. , Oganesyan G. , Salafia O. S. , Ghirlanda G. , Ghisellini G. , Branchesi M. , Campana S. , Covino S. , Salvaterra R.
Published: May 2019

GRB 190114C is the first gamma-ray burst detected at very high energies (VHE, i.e., > 300 GeV) by the MAGIC Cherenkov telescope. The analysis of the emission detected by theFermisatellite at lower energies, in the 10 keV–100 GeV energy range, up to ∼50 s (i.e., before the MAGIC detection) can hold valuable information. We analyze the spectral evolution of the emission of GRB 190114C as detected by theFermiGamma-Ray Burst Monitor (GBM) in the 10 keV–40 MeV energy range up to ∼60 s. The first 4 s of the burst feature a typical prompt emission spectrum, which can be fit by a smoothly broken power-law function with typical parameters. Starting on ∼4 s post-trigger, we find an additional nonthermal component that can be fit by a power law. This component rises and decays quickly. The 10 keV–40 MeV flux of the power-law component peaks at ∼6 s; it reaches a value of 1.7 × 10−5erg cm−2s−1. The time of the peak coincides with the emission peak detected by the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on boardFermi. The power-law spectral slope that we find in the GBM data is remarkably similar to that of the LAT spectrum, and the GBM+LAT spectral energy distribution seems to be consistent with a single component. This suggests that the LAT emission and the power-law component that we find in the GBM data belong to the same emission component, which we interpret as due to the afterglow of the burst. The onset time allows us to estimate that the initial jet bulk Lorentz factor Γ0is about 500, depending on the assumed circum-burst density.