bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gemini quaternary ammonium compound PMT12-BF4 inhibits Candida albicans via regulating iron homeostasis
Authors: Hsu Li-Hang , Kwaśniewska Dobrawa , Wang Shih-Cheng , Shen Tang-Long , Wieczorek Daria , Chen Ying-Lien
Published: February 2020

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are classified as cationic surfactants, and are known for their biocidal activity. However, their modes of action are thus far not completely understood. In this study, we synthesized a gemini QAC, PMT12-BF4 and found that it exerted unsurpassed broad-spectrum antifungal activity against drug susceptible and resistant Candida albicans, and other pathogenic fungi, with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 1 or 2 μg/mL. These results indicated that PMT12-BF4 used a mode of action distinct from current antifungal drugs. In addition, fungal pathogens treated with PMT12-BF4 were not able to grow on fresh YPD agar plates, indicating that the effect of PMT12-BF4 was fungicidal, and the minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) against C. albicans isolates was 1 or 2 μg/mL. The ability of yeast-to-hyphal transition and biofilm formation of C. albicans was disrupted by PMT12-BF4. To investigate the modes of action of PMT12-BF4 in C. albicans, we used an RNA sequencing approach and screened a C. albicans deletion mutant library to identify potential pathways affected by PMT12-BF4. Combining these two approaches with a spotting assay, we showed that the ability of PMT12-BF4 to inhibit C. albicans is potentially linked to iron ion homeostasis.
Deregulated microRNAs in neurofibromatosis type 1 derived malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Authors: Amirnasr Azadeh , Verdijk Robert M. , van Kuijk Patricia F. , Kartal Pinar , Vriends Anne L. M. , French Pim J. , van Royen Martin E. , Taal Walter , Sleijfer Stefan , Wiemer Erik A. C.
Published: February 2020

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are aggressive cancers that occur spontaneously (sporadic MPNST) or from benign plexiform neurofibromas in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients. MPNSTs metastasize easily, are therapy resistant and are frequently fatal. The molecular changes underlying the malignant transformation in the NF1 setting are incompletely understood. Here we investigate the involvement of microRNAs in this process. MicroRNA expression profiles were determined from a series of archival, paired samples of plexiform neurofibroma and MPNST. Ninety differentially expressed microRNAs were identified between the paired samples. Three downregulated microRNAs (let-7b-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-145-5p) and two upregulated microRNAs (miR135b-5p and miR-889-3p) in MPNST were selected for functional characterization. In general, their differential expression was validated in a relevant cell line panel but only partly in a series of unpaired, fresh frozen tumor samples. As part of the validation process we also analyzed microRNA expression profiles of sporadic MPNSTs observing that microRNA expression discriminates NF1-associated and sporadic MPNSTs. The role of microRNAs in cancer progression was examined in NF1-derived MPNST cell lines by transiently modulating microRNA levels. Our findings indicate that some microRNAs affect migratory and invasive capabilities and Wnt signaling activity but the effects are distinct in different cell lines. We conclude that miRNAs play essential regulatory roles in MPNST facilitating tumor progression.
Infection in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease and Subsequent Adverse Outcomes after Dialysis Initiation: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Chang Chih-Hsiang , Fan Pei-Chun , Kuo George , Lin Yu-Sheng , Tsai Tsung-Yu , Chang Su-Wei , Tian Ya-Chung , Lee Cheng-Chia
Published: February 2020

It remains unclear whether infection events before entering end stage renal disease (ESRD) have a long-term negative impact on patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) who survive to permanent dialysis. We enrolled 62,872 patients with advanced CKD who transitioned to maintenance dialysis between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013. We used multivariable Cox as well as Fine and Gray models to determine the association of pre-dialysis infection exposure with all-cause mortality after starting dialysis. Compared with no infection during advanced CKD, the presence of infection exposure during that period was independently associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality in the first year of dialysis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–1.42) and also during the entire follow-up period (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.16–1.22). The increased risks of all-cause mortality increased incrementally with higher annual number of infections during advanced CKD. Similar results were found for all other adverse outcomes, e.g. post-ESRD infection-related hospitalization and major cardiac and cerebrovascular events. In conclusion, infection events during advanced CKD was associated with increased risks of adverse outcomes after dialysis has been started. Timely interventions in such a vulnerable group may help attenuate these risks.
Corticomuscular control of walking in older people and people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Roeder Luisa , Boonstra Tjeerd W. , Kerr Graham K.
Published: February 2020

Changes in human gait resulting from ageing or neurodegenerative diseases are multifactorial. Here we assess the effects of age and Parkinson’s disease (PD) on corticospinal activity recorded during treadmill and overground walking. Electroencephalography (EEG) from 10 electrodes and electromyography (EMG) from bilateral tibialis anterior muscles were acquired from 22 healthy young, 24 healthy older and 20 adults with PD. Event-related power, corticomuscular coherence (CMC) and inter-trial coherence were assessed for EEG from bilateral sensorimotor cortices and EMG during the double-support phase of the gait cycle. CMC and EMG power at low beta frequencies (13–21 Hz) was significantly decreased in older and PD participants compared to young people, but there was no difference between older and PD groups. Older and PD participants spent shorter time in the swing phase than young individuals. These findings indicate age-related changes in the temporal coordination of gait. The decrease in low-beta CMC suggests reduced cortical input to spinal motor neurons in older people during the double-support phase. We also observed multiple changes in electrophysiological measures at low-gamma frequencies during treadmill compared to overground walking, indicating task-dependent differences in corticospinal locomotor control. These findings may be affected by artefacts and should be interpreted with caution.
Diagnostic Value of C-reactive Protein and Interleukin-8 in Risk Stratification of Febrile Neutropenic Children with Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Jaing Tang-Her , Chang Chih-Chen , Chang Tsung-Yen , Chen Shih-Hsiang , Wen Yu-Chuan , Tsay Pei-Kwei
Published: February 2020

In this analysis, the levels of CRP and IL-8 were employed as a guide for designing the duration of antibiotics administration in the condition of febrile neutropenia. The importance of laboratory biomarkers is in the early diagnosis of critical illness and adjustment of further management. IL-8 is a useful biomarker for the early identification of critically ill patients, compared to CRP in FN.
Profile of patients with penile cancer in the region with the highest worldwide incidence
Authors: Vieira Ciro Bezerra , Feitoza Laisson , Pinho Jaqueline , Teixeira-Júnior Antonio , Lages Joyce , Calixto José , Coelho Ronald , Nogueira Leudivan , Cunha Isabela , Soares Fernando , Silva Gyl Eanes Barros
Published: February 2020

To determine the epidemiological, histopathological, and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with penile cancer in the Brazilian state of Maranhão, the region with the highest incidence worldwide. One hundred and sixteen penile cancer patients were interviewed from July 2016 to October 2018. The majority of patients lived in a rural area (57%), worked in farming (58%), had a low level of schooling or no schooling (90%), and were married or in a stable relationship (74%). The mean age was 60.4 ± 16.51 years (range, 23–93 years). Phimosis (66%), poor/moderate genital hygiene (73%), history of sexually transmitted infections (55%), and zoophilia (60%) were found in the majority of patients. Most patients had their first sexual encounter at 16.2 ± 2.8 years (range, 10–25 years), and 75% had >6 sexual partners. The most common initial symptom was pruritus (37%), and most patients waited to seek treatment (average time to treatment, 18.9 months; range, 2–84 months). Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related histologies were observed in 62% of patients. Most patients had histological grades II or III (87%), stage ≥T2 disease (84%), and lymphadenopathy at admission (42%). Penectomy was performed in 96% of patients. The population with penile cancer in the region of highest incidence in the world is marked by low socioeconomic status, high prevalence of HPV infection, and phimosis. The delay in seeking treatment is related to a very high rate of advanced cancer and aggressive surgical treatment. The high prevalence of young patients was also a striking feature.
Establishment of tetracycline-regulated bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay to detect protein-protein interactions in Candida albicans
Authors: Lai Wei-Chung , Sun H. Sunny , Shieh Jia-Ching
Published: February 2020

To visualize protein-protein interactions in Candida albicans with the bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) approach, we created a Tet-on system with the plasmids pWTN1 and pWTN2. Both plasmids bear a hygromycin B-resistant marker (CaHygB) that is compatible with the original Tet-on plasmid pNIM1, which carries a nourseothricin-resistant marker (CaSAT1). By using GFPmut2 and mCherry as reporters, we found that the two complementary Tet-on plasmids act synergistically in C. albicans with doxycycline in a dose-dependent manner and that expression of the fusion proteins, CaCdc11-GFPmut2 and mCherry-CaCdc10, derived from this system, is septum targeted. Furthermore, to allow detection of protein-protein interactions with the reassembly of a split fluorescent protein, we incorporated mCherry into our system. We generated pWTN1-RN and pNIM1-RC, which express the N-terminus (amino acids 1–159) and C-terminus (amino acids 160–237) of mCherry, respectively. To verify BiFC with mCherry, we created the pWTN1-CDC42-RN (or pWTN1-RN-CDC42) and pNIM1-RC-RDI1 plasmids. C. albicans cells containing these plasmids treated with doxycycline co-expressed the N- and C-terminal fragments of mCherry either N-terminally or C-terminally fused with CaCdc42 and CaRdi1, respectively, and the CaCdc42-CaRdi1 interaction reconstituted a functional form of mCherry. The establishment of this Tet-on-based BiFC system in C. albicans should facilitate the exploration of protein-protein interactions under a variety of conditions.
Plausible diagnostic value of urinary isomeric dimethylarginine ratio for diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Parmar Dharmeshkumar , Bhattacharya Nivedita , Kannan Shanthini , Vadivel Sangeetha , Pandey Gautam Kumar , Ghanate Avinash , Ragi Nagarjuna Chary , Prabu Paramasivam , Pramodkumar Thyparambil Aravindakshan , Manickam Nagaraj , Mohan Viswanathan , Sripadi Prabhakar , Kuppan Gokulakrishnan , Panchagnula Venkateswarlu
Published: February 2020

Altered circulatory asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginines have been independently reported in patients with end-stage renal failure suggesting their potential role as mediators and early biomarkers of nephropathy. These alterations can also be reflected in urine. Herein, we aimed to evaluate urinary asymmetric to symmetric dimethylarginine ratio (ASR) for early prediction of diabetic nephropathy (DN). In this cross-sectional study, individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), newly diagnosed diabetes (NDD), diabetic microalbuminuria (MIC), macroalbuminuria (MAC), and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) were recruited from Dr. Mohans’ Diabetes Specialties centre, India. Urinary ASR was measured using a validated high-throughput MALDI-MS/MS method. Significantly lower ASR was observed in MIC (0.909) and MAC (0.741) in comparison to the NGT and NDD groups. On regression models, ASR was associated with MIC [OR: 0.256; 95% CI: 0.158–0.491] and MAC [OR 0.146; 95% CI: 0.071–0.292] controlled for all the available confounding factors. ROC analysis revealed ASR cut-point of 0.95 had C-statistic of 0.691 (95% CI: 0.627-0.755) to discriminate MIC from NDD with 72% sensitivity. Whereas, an ASR cut-point of 0.82 had C-statistic of 0.846 (95% CI: 0.800 - 0.893) had 91% sensitivity for identifying MAC. Our results suggest ASR as a potential early diagnostic biomarker for DN among the Asian Indians.
Palladium supported on polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide
nanoparticles for simultaneous biosensing application of ascorbic acid, dopamine, and
uric acid
Authors: Demirkan Buse , Bozkurt Sait , Cellat Kemal , Arıkan Kubilay , Yılmaz Mustafa , Şavk Aysun , Çalımlı Mehmet Harbi , Nas Mehmet Salih , Atalar Mehmet Nuri , Alma Mehmet Hakkı , Sen Fatih
Published: February 2020

In this study, we report a facile and effective production process of
palladium nanoparticles supported on polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide (rGO/Pd@PPy
NPs). A novel electrochemical sensor was fabricated by incorporation of the prepared
NPs onto glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the simultaneous detection of ascorbic
acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). The electrodes modified with rGO/Pd@PPy
NPs were well decorated on the GCE and exhibited superior catalytic activity and
conductivity for the detection of these molecules with higher current and oxidation
peak intensities. Simultaneous detection of these molecules was achieved due to the
high selectivity and sensitivity of rGO/Pd@PPy NPs. For each biomolecule,
well-separated voltammetric peaks were obtained at the modified electrode in cyclic
voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements.
Additionally, the detection of these molecules was performed in blood serum samples
with satisfying results. The detection limits and calibration curves for AA, DA, and
UA were found to be 4.9 × 10−8,
5.6 × 10−8, 4.7 × 10−8 M
(S/N = 3) and ranging from 1 × 10−3 to
1.5 × 10−2 M (in 0.1 M PBS, pH 3.0), respectively.
Hereby, the fabricated rGO/Pd@PPy NPs can be used with high reproducibility,
selectivity, and catalytic activity for the development of electrochemical
applications for the simultaneous detection of these biomolecules.
Cost of wind energy generation should include energy storage allowance
Authors: Boretti Alberto , Castelletto Stefania
Published: February 2020

The statistic of wind energy in the US is presently based on annual average capacity factors, and construction cost (CAPEX). This approach suffers from one major downfall, as it does not include any parameter describing the variability of the wind energy generation. As a grid wind and solar only requires significant storage in terms of both power and energy to compensate for the variability of the resource, there is a need to account also for a parameter describing the variability of the power generation. While higher frequency data every minute or less is needed to design the storage, low-frequency monthly values are considered for different wind energy facilities. The annual capacity factors have an average of 0.34. They vary significantly from facility to facility, from a minimum of 0.15 to a maximum of 0.5. They also change year-by-year and are subjected to large month-by-month variability. It is concluded that a better estimation of performance and cost of wind energy facilities should include a parameter describing the variability, and an allowance for storage should be added to the cost. When high-frequency data will be eventually made available over a full year for all the wind and solar facilities connected to the same grid of given demand, then it will be possible to compute growth factors for wind and solar capacity, total power and energy of the storage, cost of the storage, and finally, attribute this cost to every facility inversely proportional to the annual mean capacity factor and directly proportional to the standard deviation about this value. The novelty of the present work is the recognition of the variability of wind power generation as a performance and cost parameter, and the proposal of a practical way to progress the design of the storage and its cost attribution to the generating facilities.
DNA extraction of microbial DNA directly from infected tissue: an optimized protocol for use in nanopore sequencing
Authors: Helmersen Karin , Aamot Hege Vangstein
Published: February 2020

Identification of bacteria causing tissue infections can be comprehensive and, in the cases of non- or slow-growing bacteria, near impossible with conventional methods. Performing shotgun metagenomic sequencing on bacterial DNA extracted directly from the infected tissue may improve time to diagnosis and targeted treatment considerably. However, infected tissue consists mainly of human DNA (hDNA) which hampers bacterial identification. In this proof of concept study, we present a modified version of the Ultra-Deep Microbiome Prep kit for DNA extraction procedure, removing additional human DNA. Tissue biopsies from 3 patients with orthopedic implant-related infections containing varying degrees of Staphylococcus aureus were included. Subsequent DNA shotgun metagenomic sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ (ONT) MinION platform and ONTs EPI2ME WIMP and ARMA bioinformatic workflows for microbe and antibiotic resistance genes identification, respectively. The modified DNA extraction protocol led to an additional ~10-fold reduction of human DNA while preserving S. aureus DNA. Including the DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses, the presented protocol has the potential of identifying the infection-causing pathogen in infected tissue within 7 hours after biopsy. However, due to low number of S. aureus reads, positive identification of antibiotic resistance genes was not possible.
Hidden treasure of the Gobi: understanding how water limits range use of khulan in the Mongolian Gobi
Authors: Payne John C. , Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar , Bowler Diana E. , Olson Kirk A. , Walzer Chris , Kaczensky Petra
Published: February 2020

Most large herbivores in arid landscapes need to drink which constrains their movements and makes them vulnerable to disturbance. Asiatic wild ass or khulan (Equus hemionus) were widespread and abundant throughout the arid landscapes of Central Asia and Mongolia, but have undergone dramatic population declines and range constrictions; denying khulan access to water is believed to have played a major role. Mongolia’s South Gobi Region now houses the world largest remaining khulan population, but is undergoing rapid land use changes. Khulan water use is poorly understood, largely due to the difficulty of mapping waterpoints used by khulan throughout their exceptionally large ranges, prone to high variations in precipitation. We used the special movement path characteristics of GPS tagged khulan to show us where water is located. We identified 367 waterpoints, 53 of which were of population importance, characterized the seasonal and circadian use, and identified snow cover as the most important variable predicting khulan visits during the non-growing season, and vegetation greenness during the growing season. Our results provide a data layer to help guide a regional khulan conservation strategy, allow predictions for other part of the global khulan range, and illustrates the overall importance of waterpoints for dryland herbivores.
Chrysin alleviates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation and reduces the release of CCL20 and antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Li Hsin-Ju , Wu Nan-Lin , Pu Chi-Ming , Hsiao Chien-Yu , Chang Der-Chen , Hung Chi-Feng
Published: February 2020

Psoriasis is a common non-contagious chronic inflammatory skin lesion, with frequent recurrence. It mainly occurs due to aberrant regulation of the immune system leading to abnormal proliferation of skin cells. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of psoriasis are not fully understood. Although most of the current therapies are mostly efficient, the side effects can result in therapy stop, which makes the effectiveness of treatment strategies limited. Therefore, it is urgent and necessary to develop novel therapeutics. Here, we investigated the efficacy of chrysin, a plant flavonoid, which we previously reported to possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, against psoriasis-like inflammation. Our results revealed that chrysin significantly attenuated imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice, and improved imiquimod-induced disruption of skin barrier. Moreover, the TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-22-induced phosphorylation of MAPK and JAK-STAT pathways, and activation of the NF-κB pathway were also attenuated by chrysin pretreatment of epidermal keratinocytes. Most importantly, chrysin reduced TNF-α-, IL-17A-, and IL-22-induced CCL20 and antimicrobial peptide release from epidermal keratinocytes. Thus, our findings indicate that chrysin may have therapeutic potential against inflammatory skin diseases. Our study provides a basis for further investigating chrysin as a novel pharmacologic agent and contributes to the academic advancement in the field of Chinese herbal medicine.
Author Correction: Human in vitro-induced regulatory T cells display Dlgh1 dependent and PKC-θ restrained suppressive activity
Authors: Zanin-Zhorov Alexandra , Kumari Sudha , Hippen Keli L. , Merkel Sarah C. , MacMillan Margaret L. , Blazar Bruce R. , Dustin Michael L.
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Transcript expression profiling in two contrasting cultivars and molecular cloning of a SKP-1 like gene, a component of SCF-ubiquitin proteasome system from mungbean Vigna radiate L.
Authors: Bharadwaj Nandita , Barthakur Sharmistha , Biswas Akash Deep , Das Monoj Kumar , Kour Manpreet , Ramteke Anand , Gogoi Nirmali
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Canadian bitumen is engineered for transport, but the type of product produced can affect spill contingency planning
Authors: King Thomas L. , Robinson Brian , Ryan Scott , Clyburne Jason A. C.
Published: February 2020

Canadian bitumen is too viscous to transport by rail and pipeline to markets.
Surface coating and particle size are main factors explaining the transcriptome-wide responses of the earthwormLumbricus rubellusto silver nanoparticles
Authors: Roelofs Dick , Makama Sunday , de Boer Tjalf E. , Vooijs Riet , van Gestel Cornelis A. M. , van den Brink Nico W.
Published: February 2020

We present transcriptome responses of earthworms exposed to differently sized and coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are used in important industrial and biomedical applications.
Organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using triarylsulfonium hexafluorophosphate salt (THS) as a photocatalyst
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Wang Sixuan , Li Feifei , Zhou Lin , Lei Lin
Published: February 2020

Triarylsulfonium hexafluorophosphate salt (THS), an organic and inexpensive compound, was employed as a photocatalyst for metal free atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methacrylate monomers.
Sustained delivery of PlGF-2123-144*-fused BMP2-related peptide P28 from small intestinal submucosa/polylactic acid scaffold material for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Xiong Zekang , Cui Wei , Sun Tingfang , Teng Yu , Qu Yanzhen , Yang Liang , Zhou Jinge , Chen Kaifang , Yao Sheng , Shao Zengwu , Guo Xiaodong
Published: February 2020

Sustained delivery of PlGF-2123-144*-fused BMP2-related peptide P28 from SIS/PLA scaffold facilitate the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells. This system effectively promotes segmental bone repair.
Biodegradation of carbon tetrachloride from groundwater in an upflow solid-phase biofilm system
Authors: Liu Benhua , Zhan Hao , Lu Xuchun , Liu Yiran , Huang Linxian , Wei Zhengrun
Published: February 2020

An US-DBR was applied for simultaneous carbon tetrachloride (CT) and nitrate removal from groundwater.
Grand canonical inverse design of multicomponent colloidal crystals
Authors: Mahynski Nathan A. , Mao Runfang , Pretti Evan , Shen Vincent K. , Mittal Jeetain
Published: February 2020

Inverse design methods are powerful computational approaches for creating colloidal systems which self-assemble into a target morphology by reverse engineering the Hamiltonian of the system.
Stable highly-efficient white-light emission from panchromatic luminescent aldehyde-based diphenylanthracene derivatives doped with triplet sensitizer
Authors: Zhu Lin , Dai Guoliang , Chen Jia , Ye Changqing , Wang Xiaomei , Tao Xutang
Published: February 2020

Aldehyde-based diphenylanthracene derivatives were found to be prominent panchromatic luminescent triplet annihilators.
Chirality-dependent supramolecular synthons based on the 1,3-oxazolidin-2-one framework: chiral drugs mephenoxalone, metaxalone and 114 other examples
Authors: Bredikhin Alexander A. , Bredikhina Zemfira A. , Gubaidullin Aidar T.
Published: February 2020

Analysis of the 119 crystal structures of 1,3-oxazolidin-2-one derivatives, including the chiral muscle relaxants mephenoxalone and metaxalone, showed that cyclic motifs dominate in racemic, and linear in single-enantiomeric, samples.
A facile PEG/thiol-functionalized nanographene oxide carrier with an appropriate glutathione-responsive switch
Authors: Hao Bingjie , Li Wei , Zhang Sen , Zhu Ying , Li Yongjun , Ding Aishun , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: February 2020

A novel nanographene oxide/PEG-based bioreduction-responsive smart drug delivery system with a GSH-responsive disulfide linker as the controlled release switch can selectively release anti-cancer drugs in cancer cells.
Construction of cyclopenta[b]pyran-2-ones via chemoselective (3 + 2) cycloaddition between 2-pyrones and vinyl cyclopropanes
Authors: Liang Xuefeng , Ye Weijian , Thor Waygen , Sun Lantian , Wang Bo , He Shuzhong , Cheng Yuen-Kit , Lee Chi-Sing
Published: February 2020

A chemoselective (3 + 2) cycloaddition of 2-pyrones and vinyl cyclopropanes for efficient and diastereoselective synthesis of cyclopenta[b]pyran-2-ones.
An NIF-doped ZIF-8 hybrid membrane for continuous antimicrobial treatment
Authors: Luo Dan , Wang Cuijuan , Tong Yan , Liu Cheng , Xiao Yumei , Zhu Zixin , Liu DongNing , Wang Yaoyu
Published: February 2020

A ZIF-8 hybrid film has shows continuous medical effects, with including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Hybrid low‐k spacer scheme for advanced FinFET technology parasitic capacitance reduction
Authors: Gu M. , Wang X. , Li W. , Aquilino M. , Peng J. , Wang H. , Jaeger D. , Tabakman K. , Carter R. , Hu O. , Ma W. , Joshi M. , Lee L.
Published: February 2020

Low‐dielectric constant (low‐k) material is critical for advanced FinFET technology parasitic capacitance reduction to enable low‐power and high‐performance applications. Silicon Oxycarbonnitride (SiOCN) is one of the most promising low‐k materials for FinFET gate sidewall spacer. The k value of SiOCN can be controlled in the range of 4.1–5.2 by modifying the chemical contents during the deposition process. However, the integration of SiOCN with k value lower than 5.2 for advanced FinFET technology faces substantial challenges associated with the material damage from subsequent manufacturing processes. Here, the authors demonstrate a hybrid low‐k spacer scheme on a fully integrated 7 nm FinFET technology platform, in which SiOCN with k value of 4.5 was successfully integrated along the sidewalls of the gate electrode as spacer while retaining the structural integrity and dielectric properties. Device characterisation on the hybrid low‐k spacer scheme (k = 4.5) demonstrated 12/11% reduction in P/NFET overlap capacitance (COV) and 3% reduction in ring oscillator effective capacitance (CEFF) in comparison to the baseline reference using SiOCN with k value of 5.2 as spacer. Furthermore, reliability characterisation confirmed the dielectric breakdown voltage (VBD) and leakage current (ILKG) of the hybrid low‐k spacer (k = 4.5) were comparable to the baseline reference (k = 5.2), meeting the technology requirements.
Towards systematic Luby transform codes: optimisation design over binary erasure channel
Authors: Mirrezaei S.M.
Published: February 2020

In this Letter, the authors introduce optimisation design technique of systematic Luby transform (SLT) codes over binary erasure channel (BEC). SLT codes are more efficient than Luby transform (LT) codes since the former ones can recover source symbols more quickly. There was some work about designing degree distribution in LT codes and it was shown that erasure probability barely impact performances of LT codes. Using degree distributions designed for LT codes directly in SLT codes does not provide satisfied performances. For the first time, they introduce erasure probability as a parameter to establish a linear programming model in SLT codes. By applying And–or Tree analysis, they propose the asymptotic analysis formulae of SLT codes over BEC. To achieve the goal of recovering source symbols as soon as possible, the authors' objective of optimisation is to minimise overhead. Simulations are offered to validate the performance of their optimisation result. Besides, their degree distribution outperforms other distributions with respect to bit error ratio.
Optimising models for prediction of tropospheric scintillation on satellite links
Authors: Pérez‐García N.A. , Rivas F.R. , Rujano L.M. , Pinto A.D. , Torres J.M. , Aguilar‐Castro J. , Ramírez E.J. , Vélez‐Zapata J.
Published: February 2020

A phenomenon that also causes impairment in the received signal strength of the RF signal in satellite links operating at frequencies above 10 GHz, especially in those systems that operate at higher frequencies with small fade margins, is the tropospheric scintillation that occurs in the lower layer of the troposphere. In order to estimate the intensity, i.e. the variance between the scintillation amplitude fluctuations, there are several models in the literature, whose accuracy depends on the locality in which the models are implemented. In this Letter, new models are developed for the prediction of tropospheric scintillation that adjusts to localities in Spain, specifically Madrid city, based on measurements of the aforementioned phenomenon reported from Spain and the bios‐inspired technique Cuckoo Search (CS). The results obtained, evaluated in terms of the root mean square error, were totally satisfactory, being the most outstanding cases the improved versions of the Ortgies‐T, Statistical Temperature and Humidity 2 and Statistical Temperature and Refractivity 2 models.
Modelling of large‐sized electrolysers for real‐time simulation and study of the possibility of frequency support by electrolysers
Authors: Tuinema Bart W. , Adabi Ebrahim , Ayivor Patrick K.S. , García Suárez Víctor , Liu Lian , Perilla Arcadio , Ahmad Zameer , Rueda Torres José Luis , van der Meijden Mart A.M.M. , Palensky Peter
Published: February 2020

Hydrogen as an energy carrier holds promising potential for future power systems. An excess of electrical power from renewables can be stored as hydrogen, which can be used at a later moment by industries, households or the transportation system. The stability of the power system could also benefit from electrolysers as these have the potential to participate in frequency and voltage support. Although some electrical models of small electrolysers exist, practical models of large electrolysers have not been described in literature yet. In this publication, a generic electrolyser model is developed in RSCAD, to be used in real‐time simulations on the real‐time digital simulator. This model has been validated against field measurements of a 1 MW pilot electrolyser installed in the northern part of The Netherlands. To study the impact of electrolysers on power system stability, various simulations have been performed. These simulations show that electrolysers have a positive effect on frequency stability, as electrolysers are able to respond faster to frequency deviations than conventional generators.
Retractation note: Development of the radiant heating facilities for the testing of ceramic materials with operating temperatures up to 2000 K
Authors: Baldzhiev Riza S. , Prosuntsov Pavel V. , Zabezhailov Maksim O.
Published: February 2020

Due to an unintentional misunderstanding between the authors and the guest editors of the conference, the above-mentioned article has been accidentally published in Web of Conferences. The publisher, the guest editors and the authors have therefore commonly decided to remove this article. Request approved on February 19, 2020.
Effect of sample size on anomalous Nernst effect in chiral antiferromagnetic Mn3Sn devices
Authors: Narita Hideki , Higo Tomoya , Ikhlas Muhammad , Nakatsuji Satoru , Otani YoshiChika
Published: February 2020

We investigate the effect of sample size on the anomalous Nernst effect (ANE) in a device formed from chiral antiferromagnetic Mn3Sn. We also investigate its magnetic domains by employing focused ion beam lithography. Mn3Sn is a suitable material for studying the thermoelectric effect in the presence of antiferromagnetic domains because it exhibits a large ANE. In the Mn3Sn device used in this study, a Ta layer acts as a heater; the heat produced via Joule heating diffuses through a sapphire substrate into the thin flake of Mn3Sn. The Nernst signal exhibits a stepwise hysteresis when the sample is subjected to a temperature gradient and magnetic field at 290 K. The stepwise hysteresis depends on the sample shape and size—which affect nucleation, pinning, and depinning processes—but the temperature difference also has a significant effect on the switching process. The domain ratios calculated using the ANE results indicate that the domain size is smaller than 20 μm2. This obtained domain size is in good agreement with the reported experimental values of 10–100 μm2 for the magneto-optical Kerr effect in bulk single-crystal Mn3Sn. Thus, the ANE is a powerful means of obtaining information about the magnetic domains in samples under a temperature gradient, thereby promising a reliable approach to study magnetic domains and spintronics using antiferromagnets.
On the stabilization of leading-edge vortices with different reduced frequencies over finite-aspect-ratio pitch-up wings
Authors: Zhang JiaoLong , Hu Jun , Yu Yong , Xuan HaiBin
Published: February 2020

An implicit large-eddy simulation method is used to numerically simulate the flowfield around a finite-span rectangular wing in pitch motion. The effect of the reduced frequency (k) on the stability of the leading-edge vortex (LEV) is studied. The stability of LEVs is considered to include adhesion and structural stability. The wing is pitched at a position of around 1/4c (chord length), and the flow has a Reynolds number of 9053. Reduced frequencies of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 are studied. For k = 0.2, the calculated results are in good agreement with experimental measurements, which demonstrates the reliability of the calculation method. The results show that the structural stability of LEVs can be significantly enhanced by increasing k. Larger values of k reduce the spatial scale of the LEVs, as well as prevent them from growing too fast and bursting. Moreover, a larger reduced frequency also delays the decrease in the LEV circulation, allowing the LEV structure to maintain stability at a larger angle of attack (α). In addition, a larger value of k also helps to enhance the adhesion stability of the LEVs. Numerical simulation results show that smaller values of k encourage the formation of secondary vortices. These accelerate the backflow between the LEVs and the wing, thus promoting the upward movement of the LEVs and reducing their adhesion stability. However, analysis of the convection terms in the vortex dynamic equations indicates that lower k is beneficial for the vorticity in the LEV to be transported outwards, but very small k will cause the reverse transport of vorticity, which is harmful to the stability of the LEV.
Three-dimensional modeling of alternating current triboelectric nanogenerator in the linear sliding mode
Authors: Shao Jiajia , Liu Di , Willatzen Morten , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: February 2020

Energy harvesting from mechanical motions has immense applications such as self-powered sensors and renewable energy sources powered by ocean waves. In this context, the triboelectric nanogenerator is the cutting-edge technology that can effectively convert ambient mechanical energy into electricity through the Maxwell's displacement current. While further improvements of the energy conversion efficiency of triboelectric nanogenerators critically depend on theoretical modeling of the energy conversion process, to date only models based on single-relative-motion processes have been explored. Here, we analyze energy harvesting of triboelectric nanogenerators using a three-dimensional model in a linear-sliding mode and demonstrate a design of triboelectric nanogenerators that have a 77.5% enhancement in the average power in comparison with previous approaches. Moreover, our model shows the existence of a DC-like bias voltage contained in the basic AC output from the energy conversion, which makes the triboelectric nanogenerators an energy source more pliable than the traditional AC power generation systems. The present work provides a framework for systematic modeling of triboelectric nanogenerators and reveals the importance of obtaining direct analytical insight in understanding the current output characteristics of the triboelectric nanogenerators. Incorporating our model analysis in future designs of triboelectric nanogenerators is beneficial for increasing the energy conversion power and may provide insights that can be used in engineering the profile of the output current of the nanogenerators.
Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Fe2Ta thin films
Authors: Shaji S. , Mucha Nikhil. R. , Giri P. , Binek C. , Kumar D.
Published: February 2020

A magnetocaloric effect (MCE) on rare-earth free Fe2Ta thin films is reported. The structural characterizations carried out using x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy have indicated the formation of a Laves phase in the Fe2Ta film in a MgZn2 type crystal structure. Applying the Maxwell relation to the magnetization (M) vs temperature (T) curves at various fields (H), ∂M/∂T vs H curves were integrated to indirectly obtain quantitative information about the isothermal entropy change. A positive MCE with an entropy change as high as 6.9 J/K m3 at 10 K and a negative MCE with an entropy change as high as −2.0 J/K m3 at 300 K were observed for the magnetic fields in the range of 0.05–0.5 T. The temperatures at which a crossover in the sign of the entropy change takes place were found to be a function of the field applied that ranged from 121 K at 5000 Oe to 159 K at 1000 Oe. The coexistence of the positive and negative MCE is attributed to a paramagnetic–antiferromagnetic transition in the Fe2Ta system.
An x-ray study of palladium hydrides up to 100 GPa: Synthesis and isotopic effects
Authors: Guigue Bastien , Geneste Grégory , Leridon Brigitte , Loubeyre Paul
Published: February 2020

The stable forms of palladium hydrides up to 100GPa were investigated using the direct reaction of palladium with hydrogen (deuterium) in a laser-heated diamond anvil cell. The structure and volume of PdH(D)x were measured using synchrotron x-ray diffraction. The Pd atoms remain on a fcc lattice. The stoichiometry of the hydride is inferred from the volume expansion due to the hydrogen solubility in the Pd lattice. No evidence for hydrogen to palladium ratio greater than 1 is observed for both isotopes. An inverse isotope effect on the formation enthalpy of the stoichiometric Pd hydride is disclosed by measuring the equilibrium formation pressure of PdH and of PdD, 1.9GPa and 2.7GPa, respectively. An isotopic shift between the compression curves of PdH and of PdD is also measured, in good agreement with ab initio calculations quantifying the contribution of the hydrogen zero-point vibrational energy.
Transmission behavior of dislocations against Σ3 twin boundaries in Si
Authors: Yonenaga Ichiro , Kutsukake Kentaro
Published: February 2020

Transmissions of dislocations across grown-in twin boundaries, i.e., Σ3 {111} boundaries, in multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) were investigated by direct observations using the etch-pit technique and x-ray topography. Dislocations were freshly generated from a scratch by three-point bending at 800 °C. The generated screw dislocations whose Burgers vector was parallel to the twin boundaries stopped their motion at the boundaries and piled up there. This result reveals that the resistance stress of twin boundaries against screw dislocations is greater than ∼18 MPa. Alternatively, nonscrew-type dislocations were generated from the twin boundaries into the adjacent twinned grain under the stress greater than ∼15 MPa. The results are discussed in terms of cross-slip of dissociated dislocations for transmission across the twin boundaries and stress concentration by piled-up dislocations in the interactions of dislocations with grain boundaries developed in metals.
Magnetostriction enhancement in ferromagnetic strain glass by approaching the crossover of martensite
Authors: Khan Patan Yousaf , Ren Shuai , Ma Tianyu , Ren Xiaobing
Published: February 2020

Owing to its unique nanostructure with nanosized strain domains embedded in the austenite matrix, ferromagnetic strain glass has recently been found to yield low-field large magnetostriction, providing an important principle for designing magnetostrictive materials. Considering that magnetostriction maximizes in the vicinity of the strain glass transition temperature, Tg that is usually below room temperature; it has inspired the search for a feasible approach to further enhance room temperature magnetostriction from an application point of view. Here, we report that approaching the martensite crossover through applying proper stress during annealing can effectively enhance room temperature magnetostriction of a random polycrystalline Fe67.7Pd32.3 strain glass alloy with Tg of 133 K from 73 to 95 ppm by ∼30%. The comparative results reveal that annealing with higher stress, e.g., 15 MPa, will deteriorate magnetostriction performance due to stress-induced martensites. Further transmission electron microscopy study reveals that enhanced magnetostriction is due to slightly enlarged strain nanodomains because the proper bias stress provides an extra driving force toward the martensite and helps to overcome the kinetic limitation, which may be a universal approach to achieve large magnetostriction in ferromagnetic strain glass.
Systematic investigation of the growth kinetics of
β
-Ga2O3 epilayer by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Wu C. , Guo D. Y. , Zhang L. Y. , Li P. G. , Zhang F. B. , Tan C. K. , Wang S. L. , Liu A. P. , Wu F. M. , Tang W. H.
Published: February 2020

β-Ga2O3 has attracted much attention due to its ultrawide-bandgap (∼4.9 eV) with a high breakdown field (8 MV/cm) and good thermal/chemical stability. In order for β-Ga2O3 to be used in electronic and optoelectronic devices, epitaxial growth technology of thin films should be given priority. However, challenges are associated with the trade-off growth rate with crystallization and surface roughness in conventional epitaxy. Herein, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition was used to grow the β-Ga2O3 epilayer, and the growth kinetics process has been systematically investigated. A high growth rate of ∼0.58 μm/h and a single 2¯01 plane orientation with a full width at half maximum value of 0.86° were obtained when grown on the c-plane sapphire substrate at the growth temperature of 820 °C. Then, a proposed model for the mechanism of nucleation and growth of β-Ga2O3 epitaxial films is established to understand the precursor transport and gas phase reaction process. This work provides a cheap, green, and efficient epitaxial growth method, which is indispensable for device applications of β-Ga2O3.
The temperature dependence of anomalous magnetoresistance and weak antilocalization in HgTe/CdTe (111) quantum wells
Authors: Zhang J. , Zhang S. X. , Qiu X. F. , Wu Y. , Kang T. T. , Li T. X. , Chen P. P.
Published: February 2020

The temperature dependence of anomalous magnetoresistance and weak antilocalization (WAL) is studied in HgTe/CdTe (111) quantum wells (QWs). An anomalous positive to negative magnetoresistance transformation dependent on temperature is observed in HgTe/CdTe QWs grown at 157 °C, but not in those grown at 160 °C. The Hikami–Larkin–Nagaoka model is employed to analyze the WAL effect. A high-resolution transmission electron microscopy investigation of the HgTe–CdTe interface supports the transport results. For HgTe topological insulators, the anomalous magnetoresistance may be caused by temperature-induced fluctuations in conduction, which could transform the inverted energy band to a normal energy band. At high temperature, the negative magnetoresistance may be due to scattering of the interface defective states under the normal energy band.
Heterogeneous catalysis at the surface of topological materials
Authors: Li Guowei , Felser Claudia
Published: February 2020

Intriguing properties are frequently reported in various topologically non-trivial materials. They include robust metallic surface states, high carrier mobility, chiral fermions, and ultralong Fermi arcs. An exciting recent finding is that these properties are strongly related to adsorption and electron transfer in various heterogeneous catalysis reactions, such as hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, oxygen reduction, enantiospecific adsorption, and hydrometallation. Thus, we expect that the introduction of non-trivial symmetry-protected topological order will offer important freedom for designing high-performance heterogeneous catalysts. To uncover the contribution of the topologically non-trivial electronic structure to the heterogeneous reactions, in situ techniques are urgently needed to detect the interaction between surface states, topological electrons, and reaction intermediates.
Affectivity in the #jesuisCharlie Twitter discussion
Authors: Johansson Marjut , Laippala Veronika
Published: February 2020

The Twitter discussion with the hashtag #jesuisCharlie was a large-scale social media event commenting on the
tragic terrorist attack that took place in Paris in 2015. In this paper, we analyze French tweets compiled with language
technology methods from a large dataset. Our qualitative approach determines what types of affectivity are expressed. According to
our results, first, core emotions are shared, and they are based on the identification with the internet meme je suis
Charlie (I am Charlie). In them, participants show their commitment to democratic values and freedom of speech, as
well as grief. They build up a we-agency and togetherness between the networked participants. Second, participants disalign from
those who do not share the same values or who are a threat to them. Here, the emotions range from irritation and doubt to anger
and disgrace, manifesting awayness. They contain protest against how democratic values are violated.