bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct DNA repair pathways cause genomic instability at alternative DNA structures
Authors: McKinney Jennifer A. , Wang Guliang , Mukherjee Anirban , Christensen Laura , Subramanian Sai H. Sankara , Zhao Junhua , Vasquez Karen M.
Published: January 2020

Alternative DNA structure-forming sequences can stimulate mutagenesis and are enriched at mutation hotspots in human cancer genomes, implicating them in disease etiology. However, the mechanisms involved are not well characterized. Here, we discover that Z-DNA is mutagenic in yeast as well as human cells, and that the nucleotide excision repair complex, Rad10-Rad1(ERCC1-XPF), and the mismatch repair complex, Msh2-Msh3, are required for Z-DNA-induced genetic instability in yeast and human cells. Both ERCC1-XPF and MSH2-MSH3 bind to Z-DNA-forming sequences, though ERCC1-XPF recruitment to Z-DNA is dependent on MSH2-MSH3. Moreover, ERCC1-XPF−dependent DNA strand-breaks occur near the Z-DNA-forming region in human cell extracts, and we model these interactions at the sub-molecular level. We propose a relationship in which these complexes recognize and process Z-DNA in eukaryotes, representing a mechanism of Z-DNA-induced genomic instability.
Osteoprotegerin-dependent M cell self-regulation balances gut infection and immunity
Authors: Kimura Shunsuke , Nakamura Yutaka , Kobayashi Nobuhide , Shiroguchi Katsuyuki , Kawakami Eiryo , Mutoh Mami , Takahashi-Iwanaga Hiromi , Yamada Takahiro , Hisamoto Meri , Nakamura Midori , Udagawa Nobuyuki , Sato Shintaro , Kaisho Tsuneyasu , Iwanaga Toshihiko , Hase Koji
Published: January 2020

Microfold cells (M cells) are responsible for antigen uptake to initiate immune responses in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) is essential for M cell differentiation. Follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) covers the GALT and is continuously exposed to RANKL from stromal cells underneath the FAE, yet only a subset of FAE cells undergoes differentiation into M cells. Here, we show that M cells express osteoprotegerin (OPG), a soluble inhibitor of RANKL, which suppresses the differentiation of adjacent FAE cells into M cells. Notably, OPG deficiency increases M cell number in the GALT and enhances commensal bacterium-specific immunoglobulin production, resulting in the amelioration of disease symptoms in mice with experimental colitis. By contrast, OPG-deficient mice are highly susceptible toSalmonellainfection. Thus, OPG-dependent self-regulation of M cell differentiation is essential for the balance between the infectious risk and the ability to perform immunosurveillance at the mucosal surface.
Direct asymmetric N-propargylation of indoles and carbazoles catalyzed by lithium SPINOL phosphate
Authors: Wang Yingcheng , Wang Sheng , Shan Wenyu , Shao Zhihui
Published: January 2020

Catalytic asymmetric functionalization of the N–H groups of indoles and carbazoles constitutes an important but less developed class of reactions. Herein, we describe a propargylation protocol involving the use of a lithium SPINOL phosphate as the chiral catalyst and our recently developed C-alkynyl N,O-acetals as propargylating reagents. The direct asymmetric N-propargylation of indoles and carbazoles provides hitherto inaccessible N-functionalized products. Notably, the efficiency of the system allows reactions to be run at a very low catalyst loading (as low as 0.1 mol%). Mechanistic information about the titled reaction is also disclosed. This study represents an advance in the direct asymmetric functionalization of the N–H bonds of indoles and carbazoles, and additionally expands on the application of chiral alkali metal salts of chiral phosphoric acids in asymmetric catalysis.
Structural basis for the adaptation and function of chlorophyll f in photosystem I
Authors: Kato Koji , Shinoda Toshiyuki , Nagao Ryo , Akimoto Seiji , Suzuki Takehiro , Dohmae Naoshi , Chen Min , Allakhverdiev Suleyman I. , Shen Jian-Ren , Akita Fusamichi , Miyazaki Naoyuki , Tomo Tatsuya
Published: January 2020

Chlorophylls (Chl) play pivotal roles in energy capture, transfer and charge separation in photosynthesis. Among Chls functioning in oxygenic photosynthesis, Chl f is the most red-shifted type first found in a cyanobacterium Halomicronema hongdechloris. The location and function of Chl f in photosystems are not clear. Here we analyzed the high-resolution structures of photosystem I (PSI) core from H. hongdechloris grown under white or far-red light by cryo-electron microscopy. The structure showed that, far-red PSI binds 83 Chl a and 7 Chl f, and Chl f are associated at the periphery of PSI but not in the electron transfer chain. The appearance of Chl f is well correlated with the expression of PSI genes induced under far-red light. These results indicate that Chl f functions to harvest the far-red light and enhance uphill energy transfer, and changes in the gene sequences are essential for the binding of Chl f.
Climate econometric models indicate solar geoengineering would reduce inter-country income inequality
Authors: Harding Anthony R. , Ricke Katharine , Heyen Daniel , MacMartin Douglas G. , Moreno-Cruz Juan
Published: January 2020

Exploring heterogeneity in the economic impacts of solar geoengineering is a fundamental step towards understanding the risk tradeoff associated with a geoengineering option. To evaluate impacts of solar geoengineering and greenhouse gas-driven climate change on equal terms, we apply macroeconomic impact models that have been widely applied to climate change impacts assessment. Combining historical evidence with climate simulations of mean annual temperature and precipitation, we project socio-economic outcomes under high anthropogenic emissions for stylized climate scenarios in which global temperatures are stabilized or over-cooled by blocking solar radiation. We find impacts of climate changes on global GDP-per-capita by the end of the century are temperature-driven, highly dispersed, and model dependent. Across all model specifications, however, income inequality between countries is lower with solar geoengineering. Consistent reduction in inter-country inequality can inform discussions of the distribution of impacts of solar geoengineering, a topic of concern in geoengineering ethics and governance debates.
Antimicrobial resistant enteric bacteria are widely distributed amongst people, animals and the environment in Tanzania
Authors: Subbiah Murugan , Caudell Mark A. , Mair Colette , Davis Margaret A. , Matthews Louise , Quinlan Robert J. , Quinlan Marsha B. , Lyimo Beatus , Buza Joram , Keyyu Julius , Call Douglas R.
Published: January 2020

Antibiotic use and bacterial transmission are responsible for the emergence, spread and persistence of antimicrobial-resistant (AR) bacteria, but their relative contribution likely differs across varying socio-economic, cultural, and ecological contexts. To better understand this interaction in a multi-cultural and resource-limited context, we examine the distribution of antimicrobial-resistant enteric bacteria from three ethnic groups in Tanzania. Household-level data (n = 425) was collected and bacteria isolated from people, livestock, dogs, wildlife and water sources (n = 62,376 isolates). The relative prevalence of different resistance phenotypes is similar across all sources. Multi-locus tandem repeat analysis (n = 719) and whole-genome sequencing (n = 816) of Escherichia coli demonstrate no evidence for host-population subdivision. Multivariate models show no evidence that veterinary antibiotic use increased the odds of detecting AR bacteria, whereas there is a strong association with livelihood factors related to bacterial transmission, demonstrating that to be effective, interventions need to accommodate different cultural practices and resource limitations.
The role of artificial intelligence in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Vinuesa Ricardo , Azizpour Hossein , Leite Iolanda , Balaam Madeline , Dignum Virginia , Domisch Sami , Felländer Anna , Langhans Simone Daniela , Tegmark Max , Fuso Nerini Francesco
Published: January 2020

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and its progressively wider impact on many sectors requires an assessment of its effect on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Using a consensus-based expert elicitation process, we find that AI can enable the accomplishment of 134 targets across all the goals, but it may also inhibit 59 targets. However, current research foci overlook important aspects. The fast development of AI needs to be supported by the necessary regulatory insight and oversight for AI-based technologies to enable sustainable development. Failure to do so could result in gaps in transparency, safety, and ethical standards.
SUMOylation inhibitors synergize with FXR agonists in combating liver fibrosis
Authors: Zhou Jiyu , Cui Shuang , He Qingxian , Guo Yitong , Pan Xiaojie , Zhang Pengfei , Huang Ningning , Ge Chaoliang , Wang Guangji , Gonzalez Frank J. , Wang Hong , Hao Haiping
Published: January 2020

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a promising target for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. Although various FXR agonists have shown anti-fibrotic effects in diverse preclinical animal models, the response rate and efficacies in clinical trials were not optimum. Here we report that prophylactic but not therapeutic administration of obeticholic acid (OCA) prevents hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and fibrogenesis. Activated HSCs show limited response to OCA and other FXR agonists due to enhanced FXR SUMOylation. SUMOylation inhibitors rescue FXR signaling and thereby increasing the efficacy of OCA against HSC activation and fibrosis. FXR upregulates Perilipin-1, a direct target gene of FXR, to stabilize lipid droplets and thereby prevent HSC activation. Therapeutic coadministration of OCA and SUMOylation inhibitors drastically impedes liver fibrosis induced by CCl4, bile duct ligation, and more importantly NASH. In conclusion, we propose a promising therapeutic approach by combining SUMOylation inhibitors and FXR agonists for liver fibrosis.
Assembly and substrate recognition of curli biogenesis system
Authors: Yan Zhaofeng , Yin Meng , Chen Jianan , Li Xueming
Published: January 2020

A major component of bacterial biofilms is curli amyloid fibrils secreted by the curli biogenesis system. Understanding the curli biogenesis mechanism is critical for developing therapeutic agents for biofilm-related infections. Here we report a systematic study of the curli biogenesis system, highlighted by structural, biochemical and functional analysis of the secretion channel complexes (CsgF-CsgG) with and without the curli substrate. The dual-pore architecture of the CsgF-CsgG complex was observed and used to develop an approach to inhibit the curli secretion by physically reducing the size of the CsgF pore. We further elucidated the assembly of the CsgFG complex with curli components (CsgA and CsgB) and curli-cell association through CsgF. Importantly, the recognition of the CsgA substrate by CsgG was uncovered. Nine crevices outside of the CsgG channel provide specific and highly-conserved recognition sites for CsgA N-terminus. Together with analysis of CsgE, our study provides comprehensive insights into curli biogenesis.
PIC, a paediatric-specific intensive care database
Authors: Zeng Xian , Yu Gang , Lu Yang , Tan Linhua , Wu Xiujing , Shi Shanshan , Duan Huilong , Shu Qiang , Li Haomin
Published: January 2020

PIC (Paediatric Intensive Care) is a large paediatric-specific, single-centre, bilingual database comprising information relating to children admitted to critical care units at a large children’s hospital in China. The database is deidentified and includes vital sign measurements, medications, laboratory measurements, fluid balance, diagnostic codes, length of hospital stays, survival data, and more. The data are publicly available after registration, which includes completion of a training course on research with human subjects and signing of a data use agreement mandating responsible handling of the data and adherence to the principle of collaborative research. Although the PIC can be considered an extension of the widely used MIMIC (Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care) database in the field of paediatric critical care, it has many unique characteristics and can support database-based academic and industrial applications such as machine learning algorithms, clinical decision support tools, quality improvement initiatives, and international data sharing.
A database for global soil health assessment
Authors: Jian Jinshi , Du Xuan , Stewart Ryan D.
Published: January 2020

Field studies have been performed for decades to analyze effects of different management practices on agricultural soils and crop yields, but these data have never been combined together in a way that can inform current and future cropland management. Here, we collected, extracted, and integrated a database of soil health measurements conducted in the field from sites across the globe. The database, named SoilHealthDB, currently focuses on four main conservation management methods: cover crops, no-tillage, agro-forestry systems, and organic farming. These studies represent 354 geographic sites (i.e., locations with unique latitudes and longitudes) in 42 countries around the world. The SoilHealthDB includes 42 soil health indicators and 46 background indicators that describe factors such as climate, elevation, and soil type. A primary goal of this effort is to enable the research community to perform comprehensive analyses, e.g., meta-analyses, of soil health changes related to cropland conservation management. The database also provides a common framework for sharing soil health, and the scientific research community is encouraged to contribute their own measurements.
Rapid Response High Temperature Oxygen Sensor Based on Titanium Doped Gallium Oxide
Authors: Manandhar Sandeep , Battu Anil K. , Devaraj Arun , Shutthanandan V. , Thevuthasan S. , Ramana C. V.
Published: January 2020

Real-time monitoring of combustion products and composition is critical to emission reduction and efficient energy production. The fuel efficiency in power plants and automobile engines can be dramatically improved by monitoring and controlling the combustion environment. However, the development of novel materials for survivability of oxygen sensors at extreme environments and demonstrated rapid response in chemical sensing is a major hindrance for further development in the field. Gallium oxide (Ga2O3), one among the wide band gap oxides, exhibit promising oxygen sensing properties in terms of reproducibility and long term stability. However, the oxygen sensors based on β-Ga2O3 and other existing materials lack in response time and stability at elevated temperatures. In this context, we demonstrate an approach to design materials based on Ti-doped Ga2O3, which exhibits a rapid response and excellent stability for oxygen sensing at elevated temperatures. We demonstrate that the nanocrystalline β-Ga2O3 films with 5% Ti significantly improves the response time (~20 times) while retaining the stability and repeatability in addition to enhancement in the sensitivity to oxygen. These extreme environment oxygen sensors with a rapid response time and sensitivity represent key advancement for integration into combustion systems for efficient energy conversion and emission reduction.
Revealing the mechanism of extraordinary hardness without compensating the toughness in a low alloyed high carbon steel
Authors: Hossain Rumana , Pahlevani Farshid , Sahajwalla Veena
Published: January 2020

There is a continuous quest for discovery of a steel grade which has better properties and lower production cost. To design steel with superior properties for industrial application, it is essential to understand the effect of microstructure and engineer it to fit the purpose. In this study, a counter intuitive strategy has used to reveal the mechanism of high carbon steel with ultrahard structure. High compact force has been used to produce a structure which has ceramic-like hardness without compensating the toughness significantly. The behaviour of high carbon low-alloy steel as the starting material under different stages of deformation has been studied to differentiate various deformation paths and microstructural transformation processes. Microscopy investigation by secondary electron microscopy, high-resolution electron backscattered diffraction (HR-EBSD) analysis and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the key point to achieve ~75% increased hardness in this steel is through generation of nano-structured martensite of less than 50 nm grains size which can be formed due to high impact force. In this paper, we reveal a nano grained steel structure with excellent mechanical properties resulting from phase transformation, uniform dislocation distribution, grain refinement and recrystallization.
Blind information reconciliation with variable step sizes for quantum key distribution
Authors: Liu Zhihong , Wu Zhihao , Huang Anqi
Published: January 2020

Quantum key distribution (QKD) generates symmetric keys between two authenticated parties with the guarantee of information-theoretically security. A vital step in QKD to obtain fully-matched key between two parties is information reconciliation. The blind reconciliation protocol provides a useful tool that corrects the mismatch in a wide range of qubit error rate (QBER) but without a prior error estimation. However, there is a contradiction between the reconciliation efficiency and the processing time in this protocol. In this work, we propose a blind reconciliation protocol with variable step sizes to relieve this contradiction. The analysis and simulation results show that the improved protocol inherits all the advantages of the original blind reconciliation protocol and can obtain better reconciliation efficiency with less operation time. The improved blind reconciliation protocol enhances the final secret key rate and accelerates the processing speed of a QKD system.
Newly emerged enterovirus-A71 C4 sublineage may be more virulent than B5 in the 2015–2016 hand-foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in northern Vietnam
Authors: Chu Son T. , Kobayashi Kyousuke , Bi Xiuqiong , Ishizaki Azumi , Tran Tu T. , Phung Thuy T. B. , Pham Chung T. T. , Nguyen Lam V. , Ta Tuan A. , Khu Dung T. K. , Agoh Masanobu , Pham An N. , Koike Satoshi , Ichimura Hiroshi
Published: January 2020

Enterovirus-A71 (EV-A71) is a common cause of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) and, rarely, causes severe neurological disease. This study aimed to elucidate the epidemiological and genetic characteristics and virulence of EV-A71 strains isolated from children diagnosed with HFMD. Rectal and throat swabs were collected from 488 children with HFMD in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2015–2016. From 391 EV-positive patients, 15 EVs, including coxsackievirus A6 (CV-A6; 47.1%) and EV-A71 (32.5%, n = 127), were identified. Of the 127 EV-A71 strains, 117 (92.1%) were the B5 subgenotype and 10 (7.9%) were the C4 subgenotype. A whole-genome analysis of EV-A71 strains showed that seven of the eight C4a strains isolated in 2016 formed a new lineage, including two possible recombinants between EV-A71 C4 and CV-A8. The proportion of inpatients among C4-infected children was higher than among B5-infected children (80.0% vs. 27.4%; P = 0.002). The virulence of EV-A71 strains was examined in human scavenger receptor class B2 (hSCARB2)-transgenic mice, and EV-A71 C4 strains exhibited higher mortality than B5 strains (80.0% vs. 30.0%, P = 0.0001). Thus, a new EV-A71 C4a-lineage, including two possible recombinants between EV-A71 C4 and CV-A8, appeared in 2016 in Vietnam. The EV-A71 C4 subgenotype may be more virulent than the B5 subgenotype.
Construction of the gene regulatory network identifies MYC as a transcriptional regulator of SWI/SNF complex
Authors: Srikanth Srimari , Ramachandran Srimathy , Mohan S Suma
Published: January 2020

Precise positioning of nucleosomes at the gene regulatory elements mediated by the SWI/SNF family of remodelling complex is important for the transcriptional regulation of genes. A wide set of genes are either positively or negatively regulated by SWI/SNF. In higher eukaryotes, around thirty genes were found to code for SWI/SNF subunits. The construction of a gene regulatory network of SWI/SNF subunits identifies MYC as a common regulator for many of the SWI/SNF subunit genes. A meta-analysis study was conducted to investigate the MYC dependent regulation of SWI/SNF remodelling complex. Subunit information and the promoter sequences of the subunit genes were used to find the canonical E-box motif and its variants. Detailed analysis of mouse and human ChIP-Seq at the SWI/SNF subunit loci indicates the presence of MYC binding peaks overlapping with E-boxes. The co-expression correlation and the differential expression analysis of wt vs. MYC perturbed MEFs indicate the MYC dependent regulation of some of the SWI/SNF subunits. The extension of the analysis was done on MYC proficient and MYC deficient embryonic fibroblast cell lines, TGR1 and HO15, and in one of the MYC amplified cancer types, Medulloblastoma. A transcriptional regulatory feedback loop between MYC and SWI/SNF could be a major factor contributing to the aggressiveness of MYC dependent cancers.
Does the structure of light influence the speckle size?
Authors: Hu Xiao-Bo , Dong Meng-Xuan , Zhu Zhi-Han , Gao Wei , Rosales-Guzmán Carmelo
Published: January 2020

It is well known that when a laser is reflected from a rough surface or transmitted through a diffusive medium, a speckle pattern will be formed at a given observation plane. An important parameter of speckle is its size, which for the case of homogeneous illumination, well-known relations for its computation have been derived. This is not the case for structured light beams of non-homogeneous intensity and phase distribution. Here, we propose and demonstrate, using Hermite- and Laguerre-Gaussian light modes, that the mean size of the speckle generated by these structured light beams can be measured assuming a homogeneous illumination. We further provide with mathematical expressions that relate the speckle size to the generalised definition of "spot size". To reinforce our assessment, we compare the mean speckle size generated by structured light modes with that generated by wave fronts of constant phase and amplitude and show that in both cases the mean speckle size is almost identical. Our findings reveal a fundamental property of speckle, which will be of great relevance in many speckle-based applications and will pave the way towards the development of novel applications.
NLRP6 self-assembles into a linear molecular platform following LPS binding and ATP stimulation
Authors: Leng Fangwei , Yin Hang , Qin Siying , Zhang Kai , Guan Yukun , Fang Run , Wang Honglei , Li Guohui , Jiang Zhengfan , Sun Fei , Wang Da-Cheng , Xie Can
Published: January 2020

NOD-like receptors (NLRs) localize in the cytosol to recognize intracellular pathogen products and initialize the innate immune response. However, the ligands and ligand specificity of many NLRs remain unclear. One such NLR, NLRP6, plays an important role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and protecting against various intestinal diseases such as colitis and intestinal tumorigenesis. Here, we show that the major component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), binds NLRP6 directly and induces global conformational change and dimerization. Following stimulation by ATP, the NLRP6 homodimer can further assemble into a linear molecular platform, and ASC is recruited to form higher molecular structures, indicative of a step-by-step activation mechanism. Our study sheds light on the mystery of LPS-induced inflammasome initiation, reveals the architecture and structural basis of potential pre-inflammasome, and suggests a novel molecular assembly pattern for immune receptors.
Interface engineering of microelectrodes toward ultrasensitive monitoring of β-amyloid peptides in cerebrospinal fluid in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ding Shushu , Xu Yunxia , Liu Qi , Gu Hui , Zhu Anwei , Shi Guoyue
Published: January 2020

Aβ monomers directed the assembly of Cu2+-PEI/AuNPs-hemin nanoprobes into network aggregates on a microelectrode interface for enhanced electrochemical analysis.
COvalent monolayer patterns in Microfluidics by PLasma etching Open Technology – COMPLOT
Authors: Willems Stan B. J. , Zegers Jaccoline , Bunschoten Anton , Wagterveld R. Martijn , van Leeuwen Fijs W. B. , Velders Aldrik H. , Saggiomo Vittorio
Published: January 2020

Plasma microcontact patterning (PμCP) and replica molding were combined to make PDMS/glass microfluidic devices with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) patterns attached covalently on the glass surface inside microchannels.
Facile synthesis of a cyclodextrin-metal organic framework decorated with Ketjen Black and platinum nanoparticles and its application in the electrochemical detection of ofloxacin
Authors: Luan Feng , Wang Yunfei , Zhang Shuang , Zhuang Xuming , Tian Chunyuan , Fu Xiuli , Chen Lingxin
Published: January 2020

An electrochemical sensor for ofloxacin detection based on cyclodextrin-metal organic framework, Ketjen Black, and platinum nanoparticles.
Janus bis(NHCs) tuned by heteroatom-bridge oxidation states
Authors: Naz Nabila Rauf , Schnakenburg Gregor , Mikeházi Antal , Kelemen Zsolt , Nyulászi László , Boeré René T. , Streubel Rainer
Published: January 2020

Synthesis of the first tricyclic bis(carbenes) with facially opposed imidazole-2-ylidenes and two linking phosphorus centres in different oxidation states is presented using a modular, high-yield synthetic route. The formation of homo bimetallic coinage metal(i) complexes provides a first glimpse on their potential use.
A 3D-printed modularized purification system for rapid, high-throughput MALDI-MS analysis of small-volume biological samples
Authors: Huang Xiu , Wang Dingyi , He Bin , Liu Qian , Hu Ligang , Jiang Guibin
Published: January 2020

A modularized sample purification system was 3D printed for rapid, high-throughput analysis of small-volume biological samples.
Homogeneous and universal transduction of various nucleic acids to an off-shelf device based on programmable toehold switch sensing
Authors: Tang Yidan , Li Huan , Li Bingling
Published: January 2020

Through a rational construction of an RNA toehold switch sensor, the glucometer-based detection of nucleic acids was innovatively simplified into a completely homogeneous and label-free process.
Target-modulated sensitization of upconversion luminescence by NIR-emissive quantum dots: a new strategy to construct upconversion biosensors
Authors: Yu Tianyu , Wei Dong-Mei , Li Zhen , Pan Liang-Jun , Zhang Zhi-Ling , Tian Zhi-Quan , Liu Zhihong
Published: January 2020

We herein used Ag2Se QDs as a target-modulated sensitizer for UCNPs and the target thrombin as the sensitizing switch to construct a biosensor with enhanced SBR and assay sensitivity, circumventing the limited LRET efficiency of UCNPs.
Enzymatic biofuel cells based on protective hydrophobic carbon paste electrodes: towards epidermal bioenergy harvesting in the acidic sweat environment
Authors: Sempionatto Juliane R. , Raymundo-Pereira Paulo A. , B. Azeredo Nathalia F. , N. De Loyola e Silva Andre , Angnes Lúcio , Wang Joseph
Published: January 2020

Encapsulation of lactate-oxidase within a hydrophobic protective carbon-paste biofuel cell anode imparts high stability and continuous bioenergy harvesting under dynamically changing sweat pH conditions.
Capturing an amorphous BaSO4 intermediate precursor to barite
Authors: Ruiz-Agudo Cristina , McDonogh David , Avaro Jonathan Thomas , Schupp David Joshua , Gebauer Denis
Published: January 2020

In the work presented here, free-barium activity was monitored during the barium sulfate crystallization and we identified for the first time (in the absence of additives) a metastable BaSO4 amorphous phase that precedes barite formation.
Methyl substitution effects on the non-adiabatic dynamics of benzene: lifting three-state quasi-degeneracy at conical intersections
Authors: Adachi Shunsuke , Suzuki Toshinori
Published: January 2020

Time-resolved photoelectron spectra of benzene and its methyl-derivatives (toluene and o-xylene) measured with a vacuum-UV laser clearly reveal both fast (A → B → C → D) and slow (B → C′ → D) relaxation channels from the S2 state.
Enhanced photovoltaic response of lead-free ferroelectric solar cells based on (K,Bi)(Nb,Yb)O3 films
Authors: Li Chuanqing , Jiang Kai , Jiang Jinchun , Hu Zhigao , Liu Aiyun , Hu Gujin , Shi Wangzhou , Chu Junhao
Published: January 2020

A large depolarization field promotes the desirable separation of photon-generated carriers, thus boosting the device JSC and FF.
Combined strategies in structure-based virtual screening
Authors: Wang Zhe , Sun Huiyong , Shen Chao , Hu Xueping , Gao Junbo , Li Dan , Cao Dongsheng , Hou Tingjun
Published: January 2020

The identification and optimization of lead compounds are inalienable components in drug design and discovery pipelines.
Facile synthesis of tellurium nano- and microstructures by trace HCl in ionic liquids
Authors: Zhang Tao , Doert Thomas , Schwedtmann Kai , Weigand Jan J. , Ruck Michael
Published: January 2020

3D complex Te microstructures are obtained from the reaction of trace HCl containing Te solution in trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride ([P66614]Cl) with a protic solvent.
Chemical looping beyond combustion – a perspective
Authors: Zhu Xing , Imtiaz Qasim , Donat Felix , Müller Christoph R. , Li Fanxing
Published: January 2020

Facilitated by redox catalysts capable of catalytic reactions and reactive separation, chemical looping offers exciting opportunities for intensified chemical production.
An unconventional sulfur-to-selenium-to-carbon radical transfer: chemo-and regioselective cyclization of yne-ynamides
Authors: Dutta Shubham , Prabagar B. , Vanjari Rajeshwer , Gandon Vincent , Sahoo Akhila K.
Published: January 2020

An uncommon sulfur → selenium → carbon radical transfer process is employed to develop an unprecedented selenyl radical-mediated regioselective cyclization of yne-tethered-ynamides.
Photocatalyst- and transition-metal-free α-allylation of N-aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines mediated by visible light
Authors: Li Zhuohua , Ma Pengju , Tan Yongzhu , Liu Yufei , Gao Min , Zhang Yujun , Yang Bo , Huang Xuan , Gao Yuan , Zhang Junmin
Published: January 2020

A convenient and efficient α-allylation of N-aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines has been achieved. This transformation can be realized under only visible light irradiation without the aid of transition metals or photocatalysts.
Kinetic analysis of sequential metabolism of triazolam and its extrapolation to humans using an entero-hepatic two-organ microphysiological system
Authors: Arakawa Hiroshi , Sugiura Shinji , Kawanishi Takumi , Shin Kazumi , Toyoda Hiroko , Satoh Taku , Sakai Yasuyuki , Kanamori Toshiyuki , Kato Yukio
Published: January 2020

We have constructed a mechanism-based pharmacokinetic model for triazolam and its metabolites in the entero-hepatic two-organ MPS, and extrapolated the kinetic information obtained with the MPS to the plasma concentration profiles in humans.
The adsorption and growth of Agn (n = 1–4) clusters on cubic, monoclinic, and tetragonal ZrO2 surfaces: a first-principles study
Authors: Liu Tingting , Li Yan , Liang Changhai
Published: January 2020

The adsorption and growth of silver clusters on different zirconia surfaces.
Highly sensitive detection for cocaine using an aptamer–cocaine–aptamer method
Authors: Gao Li , Wang Huixing , Deng Zebin , Xiang Wenwen , Shi Haifeng , Xie Bing , Shi Haixia
Published: January 2020

In this study, a thiol-modified aptamer was immobilized on a gold nanoparticle-modified molybdenum disulfide composite material (MoS2@AuNPs), which could remove the interference of physical adsorption and reduce false positive signals.
Praseodymium(iii) anchored on CoFe2O4 MNPs: an efficient heterogeneous magnetic nanocatalyst for one-pot, multi-component domino synthesis of polyhydroquinoline and 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives
Authors: Tamoradi Taiebeh , Mousavi Seyedeh Masoumeh , Mohammadi Masoud
Published: January 2020

CoFe2O4@Pr as highly efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalyst prepared by a simple procedure for the synthesis of polyhydroquinoline and 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives.
Three new heterometallic ZnII–LnIII complexes with a windmill-like framework and field-induced SMM behavior
Authors: Fan Xiao-Tian , Yang Hua , Li Da-Cheng , Tian Hai-Quan , Cao Fan , Dou Jian-Min
Published: January 2020

We have prepared three 3d–4f heterometallic complexes by the reaction of o-vanillin oxime (H2L) with Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and Ln(NO3)3·6H2O salts in the presence of triethylamine.
In situ decorated MOF-derived Mn–Fe oxides on Fe mesh as novel monolithic catalysts for NOx reduction
Authors: Yao Heyan , Cai Sixiang , Yang Bo , Han Lupeng , Wang Penglu , Li Hongrui , Yan Tingting , Shi Liyi , Zhang Dengsong
Published: January 2020

In situ decorated MOF-derived Mn–Fe oxides on Fe mesh were developed as novel monolithic catalysts for NOx reduction.
Nanoparticles modified by triple single chain antibodies for MRI examination and targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zou Jinmao , Chen Shangxiang , Li Yaqing , Zeng Linjuan , Lian Guoda , Li Jiajia , Chen Shaojie , Huang Kaihong , Chen Yinting
Published: January 2020

Precise diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial to the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
Mechanisms of mechanical reinforcement by graphene and carbon nanotubes in polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Papageorgiou Dimitrios G. , Li Zheling , Liu Mufeng , Kinloch Ian A. , Young Robert J.
Published: January 2020

This in-depth review deals with the subject of how mechanical reinforcement takes place in polymer nanocomposites containing graphene and carbon nanotubes and offers guidelines for the maximization of the performance of such systems.
FeNi3-modified Fe2O3/NiO/MoO2 heterogeneous nanoparticles immobilized on N, P co-doped CNT as an efficient and stable electrocatalyst for water oxidation
Authors: Zhang Xiaojuan , Chen Yuanfu , Chen Minglong , Wang Bin , Yu Bo , Wang Xinqiang , Zhang Wanli , Yang Dongxu
Published: January 2020

FeNi3-modified Fe2O3/NiO/MoO2 on N, P-doped CNT is synthesized by a novel method. Due to its unique nanostructure, it delivers better OER performance than RuO2. This work provides a strategy to design and controllably synthesize MOF-based materials.
The effect of phenylalanine ligands on the chiral-selective oxidation of glucose on Au(111)
Authors: Cheng Ping , Wang Hui , Shi Xinghua
Published: January 2020

It is shown that l-Phe-capped Au(111) prefers to adsorb d-glucose and, similarly, d-Phe-capped Au(111) prefers to adsorb l-glucose.
N-Doped carbon coated bismuth nanorods with a hollow structure as an anode for superior-performance potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Hang , Zhao Chunxia , Yin Yameng , Zou Yujie , Xia Yang , An Qinyou , Jian Zelang , Chen Wen
Published: January 2020

We designed the Bi nanorods encapsulated in N-doped carbon tubes with hollow structure, which can limit the large volume change during the potassiation process. The composite exhibits superior electrochemical performance as anode for K-ion batteries.
Crystal reconstruction of binary oxide hexagonal nanoplates: monocrystalline formation mechanism and high rate lithium-ion battery applications
Authors: Sun Qujiang , Sun Lianshan , Ming Hai , Zhou Lin , Xue Hongjin , Wu Yingqiang , Wang Limin , Ming Jun
Published: January 2020

A crystal reconstruction strategy towards monocrystalline binary oxide hexagonal nanoplates with graphitized carbon is presented for high rate lithium-ion batteries.
Water-induced fluorescence enhancement of lead-free cesium bismuth halide quantum dots by 130% for stable white light-emitting devices
Authors: Ma Zhuang-Zhuang , Shi Zhi-Feng , Wang Lin-Tao , Zhang Fei , Wu Di , Yang Dong-Wen , Chen Xu , Zhang Yu , Shan Chong-Xin , Li Xin-Jian
Published: January 2020

We proposed a strategy of employing water-induced Cs3Bi2Br9/BiOBr nanocomposites to achieve a substantial enhancement in photoluminescence quantum yield by ∼130%.
Three dimensional spatiotemporal nano-scale position retrieval of the confined diffusion of nano-objects inside optofluidic microstructured fibers
Authors: Jiang Shiqi , Zhao Jiangbo , Förster Ronny , Weidlich Stefan , Plidschun Malte , Kobelke Jens , Fatobene Ando Ron , Schmidt Markus A.
Published: January 2020

Fiber-based 3D tracking of nano-scale objects with high spatiotemporal resolution is demonstrated for exploring dynamics at the nanoscale levels.
Synthetic approaches towards avibactam and other diazabicyclooctane β-lactamase inhibitors
Authors: Peilleron Laure , Cariou Kevin
Published: January 2020

The synthetic strategies to obtain avibactam and other diazabicyclooctane β-lactamase inhibitors such as ETX2514 are presented.
Water-soluble conjugated polymeric micelles as a carrier for studying Pt(iv) release and imaging in living cells
Authors: Yang Ting , Liu Jilin , Hu Zhiru , Jiang Jie , Yan Fei , Feng Guodong
Published: January 2020

Here, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was fixed on the side chains of a poly(p-phenyleneethynylene) (PPE) core via an esterification reaction, thus forming hydrophilic conjugated polymeric micelles (CPMs).
Preparing two-dimensional crystalline conjugated polymer films by synergetic polymerization and self-assembly at air/water interface
Authors: Shu Zhibin , Zhang Qing , Zhang Pan , Qin Zhengsheng , Liu Dan , Gao Xiong , Guan Bo , Qi Haoyuan , Xiao Mengqi , Wei Zhongming , Dong Huanli , Hu Wenping
Published: January 2020

Conjugated polymer (CP) films with high molecular order are attractive in polymeric optoelectronics, but challenging.
A dielectric and spectrophotometric study of the tautomerization of 2-hydroxypyridine and 2-mercaptopyridine in water
Authors: Bomzon Biswadeep , Khunger Yashita , Subramanian Ranga
Published: January 2020

The basic ionization (pk1) and acidic ionization (pk2) constants and equilibrium constant (KT) of 2HPy and 2MPy were determined.
Molecular probe dynamics and free volume heterogeneities in n-propanol confined in a regular MCM-41 matrix by ESR and PALS
Authors: Bartoš Josef , Švajdlenková Helena , Šauša Ondrej
Published: January 2020

A combined investigation of the spin probe TEMPO mobility and the free volume holes in n-propanol (n-PrOH) confined in a regular virgin MCM-41 matrix by means of ESR or PALS techniques, respectively, is reported.
Continuous droplet reactor for the production of millimeter sized spherical aerogels
Authors: Thoni Lukas , Klemmed Benjamin , Georgi Maximilian , Benad Albrecht , Klosz Stefan , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: January 2020

In order to enable future use of aerogels in heterogeneous solid or fluidized bed catalysis a method of production of millimeter sized monolithic Au/Al2O3aerogel spheres by a continuous flow reactor is developed.
Open-circuit-voltage shift of over 0.5 V in organic photovoltaic cells induced by a minor structural difference in alkyl substituents
Authors: Suzuki Mitsuharu , Terai Kengo , Quinton Cassandre , Hayashi Hironobu , Aratani Naoki , Yamada Hiroko
Published: January 2020

The cause of a large shift in open-circuit voltage induced by a minor difference in end-alkyl groups of p-type small molecules is examined via X-ray diffraction and computation, revealing a critical impact of molecular packing.
A self-assembling amphiphilic peptide nanoparticle for the efficient entrapment of DNA cargoes up to 100 nucleotides in length
Authors: Tarvirdipour Shabnam , Schoenenberger Cora-Ann , Benenson Yaakov , Palivan Cornelia G.
Published: January 2020

To overcome the low efficiency and cytotoxicity associated with most non-viral DNA delivery systems we developed a purely peptidic self-assembling system that is able to entrap single- and double-stranded DNA of up to 100 nucleotides in length.
A stimuli-responsive gel impregnated surface with switchable lipophilic/oleophobic properties
Authors: Li Zhenghong , Liu Yingzhi , Lei Ming , Sun Ansu , Sridhar Sreepathy , Li Yifan , Liu Xuqing , Lu Haibao , Fu Yong Qing , Xu Ben Bin
Published: January 2020

A stimuli-responsive gel impregnated surface with switchable lipophilic/oleophobic properties driven by the swelling effect of a hydrogel with controllable morphology.
Effectively suppressing lithium dendrite growth via an es-LiSPCE single-ion conducting nano fiber membrane
Authors: He Yang , Wang Jiaying , Zhang Yunfeng , Huo Shikang , Zeng Danli , Lu Yun , Liu Zhihong , Wang Deli , Cheng Hansong
Published: January 2020

Lithium metal is a potential candidate for next-generation anode materials.
A high energy efficiency and long life aqueous Zn–I2 battery
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Kangli , Jiang Kai
Published: January 2020

The long life of an aqueous Zn–I2 battery is enabled by an SEI on Zn and by the strong adsorption of I2.
From design to applications of stimuli-responsive hydrogel strain sensors
Authors: Zhang Dong , Ren Baiping , Zhang Yanxian , Xu Lijian , Huang Qinyuan , He Yi , Li Xuefeng , Wu Jiang , Yang Jintao , Chen Qiang , Chang Yung , Zheng Jie
Published: January 2020

Stimuli-responsive hydrogel strain sensors that synergize the advantages of both hydrogel and smart functional materials have attracted increasing interest from material design to emerging applications in health monitors and human–machine interfaces.
Soft ionic devices by perfusable all-hydrogel microfluidics
Authors: Liu Zhou , Zhang Yuyan , Yang Tiyun , Liu Yaming , Zhou Wen , Wang Zhi , Liu Yang , Kong Tiantian
Published: January 2020

We present an ultra-stretchable all-hydrogel electronic device with microfluidic patterns perfused with ionic liquids for skin-conformed sensing under large stretches.
Wide range bandgap modulation in strained SrSnO3 epitaxial films
Authors: Gao Qiang , Li Kaifeng , Zhao Li , Lv Kai , Li Hong , Zhang Jinfeng , Du Wenhan , Liu Qinzhuang
Published: January 2020

The bandgap of SrSnO3 films increases with IP strains on both LAO and MgO substrates, which are consistent with theory calculation results.
Diverse structure and reactivity of pentamethylcyclopentadienyl antimony(iii) cations
Authors: Coughlin Omar , Krämer Tobias , Benjamin Sophie L.
Published: January 2020

Rare examples of Sb(iii) cations which are not supported by coordinative bonds demonstrate Lewis acidic reactivity.
Contribution from stars stripped in binaries to cosmic reionization of hydrogen and helium
Authors: Götberg Y. , de Mink S. E. , McQuinn M. , Zapartas E. , Groh J. H. , Norman C.
Published: January 2020

Massive stars are often found in binary systems, and it has been argued that binary products boost the ionizing radiation of stellar populations. Accurate predictions for binary products are needed to understand and quantify their contribution to cosmic reionization. We investigate the contribution of stars stripped in binaries because (1) they are, arguably, the best-understood products of binary evolution, (2) we recently produced the first radiative transfer calculations for the atmospheres of these stripped stars that predict their ionizing spectra, and (3) they are very promising sources because they boost the ionizing emission of stellar populations at late times. This allows stellar feedback to clear the surroundings such that a higher fraction of their photons can escape and ionize the intergalactic medium. Combining our detailed predictions for the ionizing spectra with a simple cosmic reionization model, we estimate that stripped stars contributed tens of percent of the photons that caused cosmic reionization of hydrogen, depending on the assumed escape fractions. More importantly, stripped stars harden the ionizing emission. We estimate that the spectral index for the ionizing part of the spectrum can increase to −1 compared to ≲ − 2 for single stars. At high redshift, stripped stars and massive single stars combined dominate the He II-ionizing emission, but we expect that active galactic nuclei drive cosmic helium reionization. Further observational consequences we expect are (1) high ionization states for the intergalactic gas surrounding stellar systems, such as C IV and Si IV, and (2) additional heating of the intergalactic medium of up to a few thousand Kelvin. Quantifying these warrants the inclusion of accurate models for stripped stars and other binary products in full cosmological simulations.
Neutron-capture elements in dwarf galaxies
Authors: Skúladóttir Á. , Hansen C. J. , Choplin A. , Salvadori S. , Hampel M. , Campbell S. W.
Published: January 2020

The slow (s) and intermediate (i) neutron (n) capture processes occur both in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, and in massive stars. To study the build-up of the s- and i-products at low metallicity, we investigate the abundances of Y, Ba, La, Nd, and Eu in 98 stars, at −2.4 <  [Fe/H] <  −0.9, in the Sculptor dwarf spheroidal galaxy. The chemical enrichment from AGB stars becomes apparent at [Fe/H] ≈ −2 in Sculptor, and causes [Y/Ba], [La/Ba], [Nd/Ba] and [Eu/Ba] to decrease with metallicity, reaching subsolar values at the highest [Fe/H] ≈ −1. To investigate individual nucleosynthetic sites, we compared three n-rich Sculptor stars with theoretical yields. One carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP-no) star with high [Sr, Y, Zr] >  +0.7 is best fit with a model of a rapidly-rotating massive star, the second (likely CH star) with the i-process, while the third has no satisfactory fit. For a more general understanding of the build-up of the heavy elements, we calculate for the first time the cumulative contribution of the s- and i-processes to the chemical enrichment in Sculptor, and compare with theoretical predictions. By correcting for the r-process, we derive [Y/Ba]s/i = −0.85 ± 0.16, [La/Ba]s/i = −0.49 ± 0.17, and [Nd/Ba]s/i = −0.48 ± 0.12, in the overall s- and/or i-process in Sculptor. These abundance ratios are within the range of those of CEMP stars in the Milky Way, which have either s- or i-process signatures. The low [Y/Ba]s/i and [La/Ba]s/i that we measure in Sculptor are inconsistent with them arising from the s-process only, but are more compatible with models of the i-process. Thus we conclude that both the s- and i-processes were important for the build-up of n-capture elements in the Sculptor dwarf spheroidal galaxy.
Evidence for ≳4 Gyr timescales of neutron star mergers from Galactic archaeology
Authors: Skúladóttir Á. , Salvadori S.
Published: January 2020

The nucleosynthetic site of the rapid (r) neutron-capture process is currently being debated. The direct detection of the neutron star merger GW170817, through gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation, has confirmed such events as important sources of ther-process elements. However, chemical evolution models are not able to reproduce the observed chemical abundances in the Milky Way when neutron star mergers are assumed to be the onlyr-process site and realistic time distributions of such events are taken into account. Now for the first time, we combine all the available observational evidence of the Milky Way and its dwarf galaxy satellites to show that the data can only be explained if there are (at least) two distinctr-process sites: a quick source with timescales comparable to core-collapse supernovae,tquick ≲ 108yr, and a delayed source with characteristic timescalestdelayed ≳ 4 Gyr. The delayedr-process source most probably originates in neutron star mergers, as the timescale fits well with that estimated for GW170817. Given the short timescales of the quick source, it is likely associated with massive stars, though a specific fast-track channel for compact object mergers cannot be excluded at this point. Our approach demonstrates that only by looking at all the available data will we be able to solve the puzzle that is ther-process.