bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STAT3 is activated in multicellular spheroids of colon carcinoma cells and mediates expression of IRF9 and interferon stimulated genes
Authors: Edsbäcker Elin , Serviss Jason T. , Kolosenko Iryna , Palm-Apergi Caroline , De Milito Angelo , Tamm Katja Pokrovskaja
Published: January 2019

Three-dimensional cell cultures, such as multicellular spheroids (MCS), reflect the in vivo architecture of solid tumours and multicellular drug resistance. We previously identified interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9) to be responsible for the up-regulation of a subset of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) in MCS of colon carcinoma cells. This set of ISGs closely resembled a previously identified IFN-related DNA-damage resistance signature (IRDS) that was correlated to resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. In this study we found that transcription factor STAT3 is activated upstream of IRF9 and binds to the IRF9 promoter in MCS of HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells. Transferring conditioned media (CM) from high cell density conditions to non-confluent cells resulted in STAT3 activation and increased expression of IRF9 and a panel of IRDS genes, also observed in MCS, suggesting the involvement of a soluble factor. Furthermore, we identified gp130/JAK signalling to be responsible for STAT3 activation, IRF9, and IRDS gene expression in MCS and by CM. Our data suggests a novel mechanism where STAT3 is activated in high cell density conditions resulting in increased expression of IRF9 and, in turn, IRDS genes, underlining a mechanism by which drug resistance is regulated.
Spectral photoacoustic imaging to estimate in vivo placental oxygenation during preeclampsia
Authors: Lawrence Dylan J. , Escott Megan E. , Myers Leann , Intapad Suttira , Lindsey Sarah H. , Bayer Carolyn L.
Published: January 2019

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder accounting for 14% of global maternal deaths annually. Preeclampsia — maternal hypertension and proteinuria — is promoted by placental ischemia resulting from reduced uteroplacental perfusion. Here, we assess longitudinal changes in placental oxygenation during preeclampsia using spectral photoacoustic imaging. Spectral photoacoustic images were acquired of the placenta of normal pregnant (NP) and preeclamptic reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) Sprague Dawley rats on gestational days (GD) 14, 16, and 18, corresponding to mid- to late gestation (n = 10 per cohort). Two days after implementation of the RUPP surgical model, placental oxygen saturation decreased 12% in comparison with NP. Proteinuria was determined from a 24-hour urine collection prior to imaging on GD18. Blood pressure measurements were obtained on GD18 after imaging. Placental hypoxia in the RUPP was confirmed with histological staining for hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, a cellular transcription regulator which responds to local oxygen levels. Using in vivo, longitudinal imaging methods we determined that the placenta in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure rat model of preeclampsia is hypoxic, and that this hypoxia is maintained through late gestation. Future work will utilize these methods to assess the impact of novel therapeutics on placental ischemia and the progression of preeclampsia.
RGB Magnetophotonic Crystals for High-contrast Magnetooptical Spatial Light Modulators
Authors: Kharratian Soheila , Urey Hakan , Onbaşlı Mehmet C.
Published: January 2019

Magnetooptical spatial light modulators (MOSLMs) are photonic devices that encode information in photonic waveforms by changing their amplitude and phase using magnetooptical Faraday or Kerr rotation. Despite the progress on both MO materials and switching methods, significant improvements on materials engineering and SLM design are needed for demonstrating low-power, multicolor, analog and high-contrast MOSLM devices. In this study, we present design rules and example designs for a high-contrast and large figure-of-merit MOSLM using three-color magnetophotonic crystals (MPC). We demonstrate for the first time, a three-defect MPC capable of simultaneously enhancing Faraday rotation, and high-contrast modulation at three fundamental wavelengths of red, green and blue (RGB) within the same pixel. We show using 2D finite-difference time-domain simulations that bismuth-substituted yttrium iron garnet films are promising for low-loss and high Faraday rotation MOSLM device in the visible band. Faraday rotation and loss spectra as well as figure-of-merit values are calculated for different magnetophotonic crystals of the form (H/L)p/(D/L)q/(H/L)p. After an optimization of layer thicknesses and MPC configuration, Faraday rotation values were found to be between 20–55° for losses below 20 dB in an overall thickness less than 1.5 µm including three submicron garnet defect layers. The experimental demonstration of our proposed 3-color MOSLM devices can enable bistable photonic projectors, holographic displays, indoor visible light communication devices, photonic beamforming for 5 G telecommunications and beyond.
Fractional topological phase measurement with a hyperentangled photon source
Authors: Matoso A. A. , Ribeiro R. A. , Oxman L. E. , Khoury A. Z. , Pádua S.
Published: January 2019

Pairs of photons simultaneously entangled in their path and polarization degrees of freedom are used to measure the topological phase acquired by bipartite entangled states. Conditional phase local unitary operations having the polarization degree of freedom as the control variable are applied. Qudits of arbitrary dimensions are encoded on the photons transverse positions while polarization entanglement is used as an auxiliary resource for quantum interference measurements. With this scheme the fractional phases predicted for dimensions d = 2, 3 and 4 could be measured with visibilities for the interference curves beyond the limit allowed for classical sources, which is expected for a source of quantum correlated photons. The strategy of perform a quantum interferometry experiment with photons entangled in an auxiliary degree of freedom and apply unitary local operations conditioned to this auxiliary variable shows an increase to the signal to noise ratio, simplifies alignment and can be used in different applications. This offers an interesting perspective for the efficient implementation of phase gates in quantum computing with hyperentangled photon sources in polarization and path degrees of freedom. Furthermore, one can conjecture whether the measured phase can serve as a dimensionality identifier of the Hilbert space dimension for an unknown state preparation.
Publisher Correction: Low-level light therapy reduces platelet destruction during extracorporeal circulation
Authors: Drohomirecka Anna , Iwaszko Alicja , Walski Tomasz , Pliszczak-Król Aleksandra , Wąż Grzegorz , Graczyk Stanisław , Gałecka Katarzyna , Czerski Albert , Bujok Jolanta , Komorowska Małgorzata
Published: January 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Analogues of ERβ ligand chloroindazole exert immunomodulatory and remyelinating effects in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Karim Hawra , Kim Sung Hoon , Lauderdale Kelli , Lapato Andrew S. , Atkinson Kelley , Yasui Norio , Yamate-Morgan Hana , Sekyi Maria , Katzenellenbogen John A. , Tiwari-Woodruff Seema K.
Published: January 2019

Pharmaceutical agents currently approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis reduce relapse rates, but do not reverse or prevent neurodegeneration nor initiate myelin repair. The highly selective estrogen receptor (ER) β ligand chloroindazole (IndCl) shows particular promise promoting both remyelination while reducing inflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. To optimize these benefits, we developed and screened seven novel IndCl analogues for their efficacy in promoting primary oligodendrocyte (OL) progenitor cell survival, proliferation, and differentiationin vitroby immunohistochemistry. Two analogues, IndCl-o-chloro and IndCl-o-methyl, induced proliferation and differentiation equivalent to IndCl and were selected for subsequentin vivoevaluation for their impact on clinical disease course, white matter pathology, and inflammation. Both compounds ameliorated disease severity, increased mature OLs, and improved overall myelination in the corpus callosum and white matter tracts of the spinal cord. These effects were accompanied by reduced production of the OL toxic molecules interferon-γ and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand, CXCL10 by splenocytes with no discernable effect on central nervous system-infiltrating leukocyte numbers, while IndCl-o-methyl also reduced peripheral interleukin (IL)−17. In addition, expression of the chemokine CXCL1, which is associated with developmental oligodendrogenesis, was upregulated by IndCl and both analogues. Furthermore, callosal compound action potential recordings from analogue-treated mice demonstrated a larger N1 component amplitude compared to vehicle, suggesting more functionally myelinated fibers. Thus, theo-Methyl ando-Chloro IndCl analogues represent a class of ERβ ligands that offer significant remyelination and neuroprotection as well as modulation of the immune system; hence, they appear appropriate to consider further for therapeutic development in multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases.
Transport of Anthocyanins and other Flavonoids by the Arabidopsis ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter AtABCC2
Authors: Behrens Claire E. , Smith Kaila E. , Iancu Cristina V. , Choe Jun-yong , Dean John V.
Published: January 2019

Flavonoids have important developmental, physiological, and ecological roles in plants and are primarily stored in the large central vacuole. Here we show that both an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter(s) and an H+-antiporter(s) are involved in the uptake of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (C3G) by Arabidopsis vacuolar membrane-enriched vesicles. We also demonstrate that vesicles isolated from yeast expressing the ABC protein AtABCC2 are capable of MgATP-dependent uptake of C3G and other anthocyanins. The uptake of C3G by AtABCC2 depended on the co-transport of glutathione (GSH). C3G was not altered during transport and a GSH conjugate was not formed. Vesicles from yeast expressing AtABCC2 also transported flavone and flavonol glucosides. We performed ligand docking studies to a homology model of AtABCC2 and probed the putative binding sites of C3G and GSH through site-directed mutagenesis and functional studies. These studies identified residues important for substrate recognition and transport activity in AtABCC2, and suggest that C3G and GSH bind closely, mutually enhancing each other’s binding. In conclusion, we suggest that AtABCC2 along with possibly other ABCC proteins are involved in the vacuolar transport of anthocyanins and other flavonoids in the vegetative tissue of Arabidopsis.
Profiling and activity screening of Dammarane-type triterpen saponins from Gynostemma pentaphyllum with glucose-dependent insulin secretory activity
Authors: Lundqvist Lena C. E. , Rattigan Darren , Ehtesham Emad , Demmou Camila , Östenson Claes-Göran , Sandström Corine
Published: January 2019

The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly; consequently there is great need for new and novel therapeutic options. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) is a traditional medicinal plant, mainly present in Southeast Asian countries, that has been reported to exert antidiabetic effects, by stimulating insulin secretion. The specific compound responsible for this effect is however as yet unidentified. Screening for discovery and identification of bioactive compounds of an herbal GP extract, was performed in isolated pancreatic islets from spontaneously diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, a model of type 2 diabetes, and from non-diabetic control Wistar rats. From this herbal extract 27 dammarane-type saponins, including two novel compounds, were isolated and their structure was elucidated by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. One of the dammarane-type triterpenoid showed a glucose-dependent insulin secretion activity. This compound, gylongiposide I, displays unique abilities to stimulate insulin release at high glucose levels (16.7 mM), but limited effects at a low glucose concentration (3.3 mM). Further studies on this compound, also in vivo, are warranted with the aim of developing a novel anti-diabetic therapeutic with glucose-dependent insulinogenic effect.
Age-dependent changes in cardiac performance, motor function, QoL, and mental status in metoprolol-treated chronic heart failure patients
Authors: Shu Qiuhong , Wu Liyong , Zhang Ran , Zhang Qian , Huang Jingjing , Meng Yong
Published: January 2019

No previous study reports the effect of age on cardiac performance, motor function and quality of life (QoL) in Chinese chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. This single-center, prospective study enrolled CHF patients with resting heart rate (RHR) > 80 bpm, who were treated with metoprolol and were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Changes in cardiac, motor, and QoL parameters between patients aged ≥60 years and those aged <60 years were compared at all time points.P < 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 154 patients were enrolled (median age: 66.39 years; 116 aged ≥60 years, 38 aged <60 years; 95% New York Heart Association class III-IV). RHR decreased significantly in both patient groups (P < 0.0001 for both groups). Patients aged ≥60 years had a significant improvement in both ejection fraction (EF) at 6 and 12 months and in cardiac index (CI) at 3, 6, and 12 months. However, no major difference was observed in motor function in both groups. Significantly higher SF-8 scores showed greater improvement in QoL in the <60 age group at 12 months (P = 0.0008). Metoprolol demonstrated improvement in cardiac performance, motor function, QoL, and anxiety with increase in depression and burnout in both genders; however, the findings were independent of age.
Hippocampal gamma predicts associative memory performance as measured by acute and chronic intracranial EEG
Authors: Henin Simon , Shankar Anita , Hasulak Nicholas , Friedman Daniel , Dugan Patricia , Melloni Lucia , Flinker Adeen , Sarac Cansu , Fang May , Doyle Werner , Tcheng Thomas , Devinsky Orrin , Davachi Lila , Liu Anli
Published: January 2019

Direct recordings from the human brain have historically involved epilepsy patients undergoing invasive electroencephalography (iEEG) for surgery. However, these measurements are temporally limited and affected by clinical variables. The RNS System (NeuroPace, Inc.) is a chronic, closed-loop electrographic seizure detection and stimulation system. When adapted by investigators for research, it facilitates cognitive testing in a controlled ambulatory setting, with measurements collected over months to years. We utilized an associative learning paradigm in 5 patients with traditional iEEG and 3 patients with chronic iEEG, and found increased hippocampal gamma (60–100 Hz) sustained at 1.3–1.5 seconds during encoding in successful versus failed trials in surgical patients, with similar results in our RNS System patients (1.4–1.6 seconds). Our findings replicate other studies demonstrating that sustained hippocampal gamma supports encoding. Importantly, we have validated the RNS System to make sensitive measurements of hippocampal dynamics during cognitive tasks in a chronic ambulatory research setting.
Single-step isolation of carbon nanotubes with narrow-band light emission characteristics
Authors: Turek Edyta , Shiraki Tomohiro , Shiraishi Tomonari , Shiga Tamehito , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko , Janas Dawid
Published: January 2019

Lack of necessary degree of control over carbon nanotube (CNT) structure has remained a major impediment factor for making significant advances using this material since it was discovered. Recently, a wide range of promising sorting methods emerged as an antidote to this problem, all of which unfortunately have a multistep nature. Here we report that desired type of CNTs can be targeted and isolated in a single step using modified aqueous two-phase extraction. We achieve this by introducing hydration modulating agents, which are able to tune the arrangement of surfactants on their surface, and hence make selected CNTs highly hydrophobic or hydrophilic. This allows for separation of minor chiral species from the CNT mixture with up to 99.7 ± 0.02% selectivity without the need to carry out any unnecessary iterations. Interestingly, our strategy is also able to enrich the optical emission from CNTs under selected conditions.
Tandem ion mobility spectrometry at ambient pressure and field decomposition of mobility selected ions of explosives and interferences
Authors: Chiluwal Umesh , Lee Gyoungil , Rajapakse Maneeshin Y. , Willy Timothy , Lukow Stefan , Schmidt Hartwig , Eiceman Gary A.
Published: January 2019

A tandem ion mobility spectrometer at ambient pressure included a thermal desorption inlet, two drift regions, dual ion shutters, and a wire grid assembly in the second drift region.
Raman spectroscopy for the evaluation of the radiobiological sensitivity of normal human breast cells at different time points after irradiation by a clinical proton beam
Authors: Lasalvia M. , Perna G. , Pisciotta P. , Cammarata F. P. , Manti L. , Capozzi V.
Published: January 2019

Radiobiological effects occurring in normal human breast cells exposed to a low dose of a clinical proton beam are detectable by means of Raman spectra and the ratiometric analysis of Raman peak intensities.
Facile synthesis of boronic acid-decorated carbon nanodots as optical nanoprobes for glycoprotein sensing
Authors: Zhang Xianfeng , Chai Liucheng , Nie Shanshan , Lv Changpeng , Wang Qiuqin , Li Zongqun
Published: January 2019

Synthesis-modification-doping-integration: one-step synthesis of boronic acid-decorated carbon nanodots for glycoprotein sensing.
Determination of the graphene–graphite ratio of graphene powder by Raman 2D band symmetry analysis
Authors: Roscher Sarah , Hoffmann René , Ambacher Oliver
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a method to distinguish graphene from graphite in powdered samples by analysing the Raman 2D band symmetry.
A hybrid adhesive bonding of PMMA and PCB with an application on microchip electrophoresis
Authors: Chang Yongjia , You Hui
Published: January 2019

A low-cost hybrid bonding of integrated PMMA and a PCB with successful application of ion detection by ME-C4D is proposed.
A hydrogel directly assembled from a copper metal–organic polyhedron for antimicrobial application
Authors: Qin Yu , Chen Lin-Lin , Pu Wei , Liu Peng , Liu Shi-Xi , Li Yuan , Liu Xiao-Lan , Lu Zhi-Xiang , Zheng Li-Yan , Cao Qiu-E
Published: January 2019

A hydrogel was directly assembled from a Cu-MOP by a facile procedure without adding any polymers for the first time, and it exhibited excellent antibacterial activity towards both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Functional polymers for growth and stabilization of CsPbBr3 perovskite nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Hyunki , So Soonyong , Ribbe Alexander , Liu Yao , Hu Weiguo , Duzhko Volodimyr V. , Hayward Ryan C. , Emrick Todd
Published: January 2019

Functional polymer ligands are used to prepare perovskite nanoparticles that disperse in polymer matrices.
Additive-free synthesis of house-of-card faujasite zeolite by utilizing aluminosilicate gel memory
Authors: Gaber Safa , Gaber Dina , Ismail Issam , Alhassan Saeed , Khaleel Maryam
Published: January 2019

The gel “memory” effect of aluminosilicate sols was used to tune the mesopore size of hierarchical house-of-card faujasite in the absence of additives, following earlier findings by Khaleel et al. demonstrating the use of pre- and post-nucleation trajectories for the synthesis of high FAU content faujasite nanocrystals.
Understanding the charging dynamics of an ionic liquid electric double layer capacitor via molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Noh Chanwoo , Jung YounJoon
Published: January 2019

We investigate the charging phenomena of an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) by conducting both equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Cage fusion from bi-cages to tri-cages during nucleation of methane hydrate: a DFT-D simulation
Authors: Li Keyao , Shi Ruili , Tang Lingli , Huang Yingying , Cao Xiaoxiao , Su Yan
Published: January 2019

Water-cages tend to form dense accumulation configurations; and 512 and 4151062 cages are abundant in the early nucleation stage of CH4 hydrates.
Multistage dynamics of Hg2+–DNA interactions: a single-molecule study
Authors: Liu Kang-Tao , Ran Shi-Yong
Published: January 2019

Single-molecule measurements revealed that the Hg2+–DNA binding process comprises three stages.
Multifunctional porous hydrogen-bonded organic framework materials
Authors: Lin Rui-Biao , He Yabing , Li Peng , Wang Hailong , Zhou Wei , Chen Banglin
Published: January 2019

This review provides an overview of development in the design, synthesis, and application of multifunctional porous hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) materials.
Comparison of molybdenum and rhenium oxo bis-pyrazine-dithiolene complexes – in search of an alternative metal centre for molybdenum cofactor models
Authors: Chrysochos Nicolas , Ahmadi Mohsen , Wahlefeld Stefan , Rippers Yvonne , Zebger Ingo , Mroginski Maria Andrea , Schulzke Carola
Published: January 2019

Strictly analogous complexes of molybdenum and rhenium were investigated experimentally and computationally.
Synthesis of sub-micrometric SAPO-34 by a morpholine assisted two-step hydrothermal route and its excellent MTO catalytic performance
Authors: Bakhtiar Syed ul Hasnain , Ali Sher , Wang Xiaotong , Yuan Fulong , Li Zhibin , Zhu Yujun
Published: January 2019

SAPO-34 with a sub-micrometer crystal size was synthesized by a double hydrothermal treatment employing cost-effective morpholine as a structure directing agent, which presented an enhanced catalytic lifetime (nearly 3 times the conventional one) in the reaction of methanol to olefins with a higher light olefin selectivity (total selectivity of 97.1%).
Dansyl-appended CuII-complex-based nitroxyl (HNO) sensing with living cell imaging application and DFT studies
Authors: Maiti Debjani , Islam Abu Saleh Musha , Dutta Ananya , Sasmal Mihir , Prodhan Chandraday , Ali Mahammad
Published: January 2019

We introduce herein, a novel copper complex-based fluorescent probe[CuII(DQ468)Cl]+that exhibits a significant fluorescence turn-on response towards nitroxyl with high selectivity over other biological reactive oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur species, including nitric oxide.
Physical properties, ligand substitution reactions, and biological activity of Co(iii)-Schiff base complexes
Authors: King A. Paden , Gellineau Hendryck A. , MacMillan Samantha N. , Wilson Justin J.
Published: January 2019

A subset of fluorinated Co(iii) Schiff base complexes was synthesized, and their structural, ligand exchange, and anticancer properties were investigated.
Methoxy-substituted tetrakisquinoline analogs of EGTA and BAPTA for fluorescence detection of Cd2+
Authors: Mikata Yuji , Kaneda Minori , Konno Hideo , Matsumoto Arimasa , Sato Shin-ichiro , Kawamura Masaya , Iwatsuki Satoshi
Published: January 2019

A 5,6,7-trimethoxyquinoline-based octadentate ligand with a BAPTA (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid) structure exhibits Cd2+-specific fluorescence enhancement.
Synthesis, structure and DFT calculations of 1,2-N-substituted o-carboranes
Authors: Pang Ronglin , Li Junxia , Cui Zhongzheng , Zheng Cheng , Li Zhifang , Chen Weifeng , Qi Fan , Su Li , Xiao Xu-Qiong
Published: January 2019

A series of 1,2-N-substituted o-carboranes were obtained. Ultra-long C–C distances were found in the secondary-amino o-carboranes 3. The relationship between C–C bond lengths and the electron effects of the benzyl groups was discussed.
Live sperm trap microarray for high throughput imaging and analysis
Authors: You Jae Bem , Wang Yihe , McCallum Christopher , Tarlan Farhang , Hannam Thomas , Lagunov Alexander , Jarvi Keith , Sinton David
Published: January 2019

We demonstrate a live sperm trap microarray for imaging and analysis of single sperm tail beating, DNA integrity and/or mitochondrial activity.
Conformationally restricted quinazolone derivatives as PI3Kδ-selective inhibitors: the design, synthesis and biological evaluation
Authors: Ma Xiaodong , Fang Fang , Tao Qiangqiang , Shen Li , Zhong Guochen , Qiao Tao , Lv Xiaoqing , Li Jiaming
Published: January 2019

A series of structurally novel quinazolone-based PI3Kδ-selective inhibitors were designed and synthesized via the approach of conformational restriction.
Enhanced photocatalytic performance of V2O5–TiO2 nanocomposites synthesized by mechanical alloying with morphological hierarchy
Authors: Mandal Rajib Kumar , Kundu Samapti , Sain Sumanta , Pradhan Swapan Kumar
Published: January 2019

Photocatalytic mechanism of V2O5–TiO2 nanocomposites with a leaf like morphology synthesized for the first time by mechanical alloying.
Probing a dipeptide-based supramolecular assembly as an efficient camptothecin delivering carrier for cancer therapy: computational simulations and experimental validations
Authors: Sun Mengchi , Zhang Xiangyu , Gao Zisen , Liu Tian , Luo Cong , Zhao Yongshan , Liu Yun , He Zhonggui , Wang Jian , Sun Jin
Published: January 2019

Short peptide-based supramolecular assemblies have drawn much attention in the field of drug delivery.
Location-selective growth of two-dimensional metallic/semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures
Authors: Gong Xue , Zhao Xiaoxu , Pam Mei Er , Yao Huizhen , Li Zibo , Geng Dechao , Pennycook Stephen J. , Shi Yumeng , Yang Hui Ying
Published: January 2019

An electrical contact between metallic electrodes and semiconductors is critical for the performance of electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Exploring the sodium ion storage mechanism of gallium sulfide (Ga2S3): a combined experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Wang Pei , Liu Miao , Mo Fangjie , Long Ziyao , Fang Fang , Sun Dalin , Zhou Yong-ning , Song Yun
Published: January 2019

Developing sodium ion battery (SIB) anode materials of a low-cost and high-capacity nature for future large-scale applications still involves challenges.
Enhancing charge transport in an organic photoactive layer via vertical component engineering for efficient perovskite/organic integrated solar cells
Authors: Wang Chenyun , Bai Yiming , Guo Qiang , Zhao Chunyan , Zhang Jin , Hu Siqian , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed , Tan Zhan'ao
Published: January 2019

Efficient perovskite/organic integrated solar cells were fabricated via vertical component engineering to enhance charge transport in an organic photoactive layer.
Fluorinated bisbenzimidazoles: a new class of drug-like anion transporters with chloride-mediated, cell apoptosis-inducing activity
Authors: Yu Xi-Hui , Hong Xiao-Qiao , Chen Wen-Hua
Published: January 2019

Fluorinated bisbenzimidazoles were synthesized as a new class of drug-like anion transporters with chloride-mediated, cell apoptosis-inducing activity.
A protecting group-free divergent synthesis of natural benzofurans via one-pot synthesis of 2-bromo-6-hydroxybenzofurans
Authors: Sivaraman Aneesh , Harmalkar Dipesh S. , Kang Jiyoon , Choi Yongseok , Lee Kyeong
Published: January 2019

One-pot synthesis of 2-bromo-6-hydroxybenzofurans and their applications in the divergent synthesis of bioactive benzofurans are successfully established.
Rh-Catalyzed tandem C–C/C–N bond formation of quinoxalines with alkynes leading to heterocyclic ammonium salts
Authors: Talukdar Kangkan , Roy Subhasish , Bag Raghunath , Punniyamurthy Tharmalingam
Published: January 2019

Rh-Catalyzed oxidative C–H annulation of 2-arylquinoxalines with alkynes is described to furnish a diverse variety of quinoxalinium salts at room temperature. The substrate scope, isolation of the rhodacycle and photophysical properties are the important features.
Synthesis of block copolymer nano-assemblies via ICAR ATRP and RAFT dispersion polymerization: how ATRP and RAFT lead to differences
Authors: Qu Shuwen , Wang Ke , Khan Habib , Xiong Weifeng , Zhang Wangqing
Published: January 2019

Block copolymer nano-assemblies were synthesized via ICAR ATRP dispersion polymerization employing the CuBr2/tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine catalyst in an alcoholic solvent at a relatively low temperature of 45 °C.
High-throughput metabolic profiling, combined with chemometrics and bioinformatic analysis reveals functional alterations in myocardial dysfunction
Authors: Liang Qun , Liu Han , Li Xiuli , Hairong Panguo , Sun Peiyang , Yang Yang , Du Chunpeng
Published: January 2019

High-throughput metabolic profiling technology has been used for biomarker discovery and to reveal underlying metabolic mechanisms.
Growth mechanism of SnC2H4O2 nanowires prepared by the polyol process as SnO2 precursor nanowires
Authors: Park DongKook , Lee Man Sig
Published: January 2019

Tin oxide (SnO2) nanowires are produced by the calcination of tin glycolate (SnC2H4O2) nanowires, which are synthesized with tin oxalate (SnC2O4) and ethylene glycol via the so-called polyol process.
Intense-pulsed-UV-converted perhydropolysilazane gate dielectrics for organic field-effect transistors and logic gates
Authors: Back Han Sol , Kim Min Je , Baek Jeong Ju , Kim Do Hwan , Shin Gyojic , Choi Kyung Ho , Cho Jeong Ho
Published: January 2019

We fabricated a high-quality perhydropolysilazane (PHPS)-derived SiO2 film by intense pulsed UV irradiation and applied it as a gate dielectric layer in high-performance organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and complementary inverters.
Enhanced catalytic activity over palladium supported on ZrO2@C with NaOH-assisted reduction for decomposition of formic acid
Authors: Wang Tong , Li Fang , An Hualiang , Xue Wei , Wang Yanji
Published: January 2019

Pd/ZrO2@C was prepared employing UiO-66-derived ZrO2@C as the support and showed high catalytic activity for formic acid decomposition.
Pressure-induced effects in the inorganic halide perovskite CsGeI3
Authors: Liu Diwen , Li Qiaohong , Jing Huijuan , Wu Kechen
Published: January 2019

Perovskite photovoltaic materials are gaining significant attention due to their excellent photovoltaic properties.
Molecular multifunctionality preservation upon surface deposition for a chiral single-molecule magnet
Authors: Mitcov Dmitri , Pedersen Anders H. , Ceccato Marcel , Gelardi Rikke M. , Hassenkam Tue , Konstantatos Andreas , Reinholdt Anders , Sørensen Mikkel A. , Thulstrup Peter W. , Vinum Morten G. , Wilhelm Fabrice , Rogalev Andrei , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Brechin Euan K. , Piligkos Stergios
Published: January 2019

Simultaneous retention of SMM behaviour and of optical activity is demonstrated upon surface deposition for a chiral SMM.
Direct sequencing of 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoroarabinonucleic acid (FANA) using nanopore-induced phase-shift sequencing (NIPSS)
Authors: Yan Shuanghong , Li Xintong , Zhang Panke , Wang Yuqin , Chen Hong-Yuan , Huang Shuo , Yu Hanyang
Published: January 2019

The first demonstration of direct sequencing of 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoroarabinonucleic acid (FANA) using Nanopore-Induced Phase-Shift Sequencing (NIPSS).
Transition metal catalyzed stereodivergent synthesis of syn- and anti-δ-vinyl-lactams: formal total synthesis of (−)-cermizine C and (−)-senepodine G
Authors: Schmidt Johannes Philipp , Breit Bernhard
Published: January 2019

A stereodivergent and diastereoselective transition-metal-catalyzed intramolecular hydroamidation of allenes and alkynes furnishing δ-vinyl-lactams is reported.
The dual role of viscosity in capillary rise
Authors: Delannoy Joachim , Lafon Suzanne , Koga Yukina , Reyssat Étienne , Quéré David
Published: January 2019

At short time, the rise of a viscous meniscus in a capillary tube is opposed by viscous dissipation at the contact line, which leads to a progression linear in time instead of the classical Washburn dynamics only observed later, when the liquid is high enough.
The OH−-driven synthesis of Pt–Ni nanocatalysts with atomic segregation for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Cong , Chen Biaohua , Mei Donghai , Liang Xin
Published: January 2019

The Pt–Ni heterostructure with enhanced alkaline HER activity was synthesized by introducing OH−.
Development of dual-component protein microparticles in all-aqueous systems for biomedical applications
Authors: Deng Yi , Ma Qingming , Yuan Hao , Lum Galen Chit , Shum Ho Cheung
Published: January 2019

Protein microparticles assisted by an emulsion droplet template have shown great promise in drug/cell delivery and tissue engineering, as well as diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Retracted Article: 3D printed highly flexible strain sensor based on TPU–graphene composite for feedback from high speed robotic applications
Authors: Gul Jahan Zeb , Sajid Memoon , Choi Kyung Hyun
Published: January 2019

A novel, highly flexible and electrically resistive-type strain sensor with a special three-dimensional conductive network was 3D printed using a composite of conductive graphene pellets and flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) pellets.
A rapid and highly selective paper-based device for high-throughput detection of cysteine with red fluorescence emission and a large Stokes shift
Authors: Zhou Jia , Yu Changmin , Li Zheng , Peng Pingping , Zhang Duoteng , Han Xun , Tang Hezhou , Wu Qiong , Li Lin , Huang Wei
Published: January 2019

A paper-based device for high-throughput detection of cysteine with red fluorescent emission and large Stokes shift has been developed.
Colored semitransparent polymer solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of 9.36% achieved by controlling the optical Tamm state
Authors: Shen Ping , Yao Mengnan , Liu Junshi , Long Yongbing , Guo Wenbin , Shen Liang
Published: January 2019

Herein, 9.36% PCE of ST-PSCs was achieved by controlling the OTS formed at the interface between thin Ag and EAL/1DPCs.
Ku‐ and K‐band high‐efficiency GaN MMIC HPA chipset for satellite communications
Authors: Fong A. , Srisathapat J. , Chin C. , Telvin F. , Grebliunas J. , Wu G.
Published: January 2019

A GaN monolithic microwave‐integrated circuit (MMIC) driver and high power amplifier (HPA) chipset solution are presented for two commonly utilised satellite communications frequency bands. The MMICs represent first pass designs utilising Qorvo's recently released 0.15 µm GaN on SiC process featuring slot via devices.
Revising regularisation with linear approximation term for compressive sensing improvement
Authors: Chen Zan , Hou Xingsong , Shao Ling , Wang Shidong
Published: January 2019

In this Letter, the authors propose a novel revised regularisation to improve the performance of compressive sensing (CS) reconstruction. They suppose that a specific regularisation term is insufficient to accommodate the prior information of CS while it can be improved by further imposing a linear approximation term. They also prove that the revised regularisation is substantially equivalent to the CS preprocessing methods. They conduct extensive experiments on various CS algorithms, which show the effectiveness of their revised regularisation.
Separable Lyapunov‐like functions for switched positive non‐linear systems via a contractive approach
Authors: Liu Qian
Published: January 2019

This study presents a result on constructing separable Lyapunov‐like functions for the switched positive non‐linear system. Firstly, the contraction theory has been introduced to the stability analysis of the switched positive non‐linear system. Secondly, the specific forms of a set of separable Lyapunov‐like functions have been demonstrated for stable subsystems and unstable subsystems to achieve the asymptotic stability for any switching signal satisfying an average dwell time constraint. Additionally, an algorithm is provided to compute the set of separable Lyapunov‐like functions based on the sum of squares programming. Finally, three simulation examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of their result.
Cooperative adaptive finite‐time control for stochastic multi‐agent systems with input quantisation
Authors: Zhang Yan‐hui , Sun Jian , He Wei , Li Hong‐yi
Published: January 2019

In this study, the finite‐time cooperative tracking issue for non‐linear multi‐agent systems with stochastic disturbances is addressed. Different from the existing asymptotical stable control, the finite‐time cooperative control can ensure the outputs of agents reach agree in finite time by raising a novel finite‐time stability criterion. The radial basis function neural networks are employed to cope with the unknown non‐linearities caused by the non‐linear non‐strict feedback form. Moreover, this study designs a new adaptive quantised control strategy to reduce communication burden. With such a control scheme, the tracking errors converge to a small area of the origin in finite time. Finally, some numerical simulation results are presented to testify the effectiveness of the approach proposed in this study.
Partially coupled gradient estimation algorithm for multivariable equation‐error autoregressive moving average systems using the data filtering technique
Authors: Liu Qinyao , Ding Feng , Xu Ling , Yang Erfu
Published: January 2019

System identification provides many convenient and useful methods for engineering modelling. This study targets the parameter identification problems for multivariable equation‐error autoregressive moving average systems. To reduce the influence of the coloured noises on the parameter estimation, the data filtering technique is adopted to filter the input and output data, and to transform the original system into a filtered system with white noises. Then the filtered system is decomposed into several subsystems and a filtering‐based partially‐coupled generalised extended stochastic gradient algorithm is developed via the coupling concept. In contrast to the multivariable generalised extended stochastic gradient algorithm, the proposed algorithm can give more accurate parameter estimates. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is well demonstrated by simulation examples.
Finite‐time multi‐switching sliding mode synchronisation for multiple uncertain complex chaotic systems with network transmission mode
Authors: Chen Xiangyong , Huang Tingwen , Cao Jinde , Park Ju H. , Qiu Jianlong
Published: January 2019

This study mainly investigates finite‐time multi‐switching synchronisation of multiple uncertain complex chaotic systems with network transmission mode. Both the unknown parameters and disturbances are considered. By establishing the desired multi‐switching rules, the definition of finite‐time hybrid synchronisation for multi‐systems is first given. Then, sliding mode control approach is used to design the synchronisation controllers, which guarantee that any states of each drive system can synchronise the expected states of every response system in finite time. Simultaneously, the adaptive laws effectively estimate the unknown parameters and the unknown constants of disturbances. Finally, simulation example and analysis display the correctness and effectiveness of all innovations.
Image denoising by low‐rank approximation with estimation of noise energy distribution in SVD domain
Authors: Fan Linwei , Meng Ran , Guo Qiang , Shi Miaowen , Zhang Caiming
Published: January 2019

Low‐rank approximation has shown great potential in various image tasks. It is found that there is a specific functional relationship about singular values between the original image and a series of noisy images, which can be used to construct the singular values of a noise‐free image. In this study, the authors propose a novel denoising method based on the above facts and low‐rank approximation theory. Firstly, they estimate the noise energy distribution of the group matrix in the singular value decomposition (SVD) domain using the energy characteristics of the image with different noise levels. The energy distribution of the noise is shrunk to obtain the energy distribution of the true signal. Then, based on the optimal energy compaction property of SVD, the low‐rank property of matrix is constrained in the SVD domain to obtain the low‐rank approximation of the matrix. Moreover, an iterative back projection method is adopted in this study to suppress residual noise. A new noise standard deviation estimation approach, targeted at the back projection process, is proposed to effectively optimise the denoising results during the iteration. Experimental results show that the authors’ method efficiently decreases the noise and achieves comparable denoising performance to the state‐of‐the‐art methods regarding both quantitative measurement and visual effect.
Fast surrogate‐assisted frequency scaling of planar antennas with circular polarisation
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Bekasiewicz Adrian
Published: January 2019

In this work, the problem of computationally efficient frequency scaling (re‐design) of circular polarisation antennas is addressed using surrogate‐assisted techniques. The task is challenging and requires the identification of the optimum geometry parameters to enable the operation of the re‐designed structure at a selected (required) centre frequency. This involves handling several performance figures such as the antenna gain, the impedance bandwidth, as well as the axial ratio bandwidth. The design technique described here involves two types of surrogate models: an inverse surrogate (utilised to find the initial design) and a forward surrogate of the structure response sensitivities, necessary to realise post‐scaling design correction. The entire re‐design process is fast and only requires a few full‐wave electromagnetic simulations of the antenna. The proposed dimension scaling method is demonstrated using a patch antenna with circular polarisation fed through a branch‐line coupler. The structure is re‐designed within the operating frequency range of 4.5–6.5 GHz. Numerical results are validated experimentally.
Ionospheric tomography for the study of relative X‐ and O‐mode power over low‐ and mid‐latitude ionosphere
Authors: Nandi Sandip , Bandyopadhyay Bijoy , Khatua Soumen
Published: January 2019

Realising the importance of the ionospheric effects on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite signals, tomographic reconstruction method has been applied to study the relative X‐ and O‐mode power distribution at an altitude of LEO satellites over the low‐ and mid‐latitude regions of the Earth. Eight regions of the ionosphere in Northern and Southern Hemisphere have been reconstructed tomographically based on the Ionex TEC data and direct measurement TEC data over West Bengal, India and subsequently ray tracing of very high frequency waves has been performed. Then, based on the magnetoionic theory, the relative X‐mode power distribution has been investigated. Evaluation of the results and observations related to the existence of X‐mode only band and narrow O‐mode only band ensures the possibility of application of ionospheric tomography technique for study of relative absorption in the ionosphere. The outcome of this research will greatly assists the researchers to interpret the ionospheric effects on radio waves.
WCIP method for multiple‐loop antennas around a spherical media
Authors: Ammar Noemen , Baudrand Henri
Published: January 2019

In this study, the wave concept iterative process method is developed in a spherical coordinate system in order to investigate the characteristic of multiple‐loop antennas around a multilayer sphere. The analysis method is based on the incoming and outgoing waves defined from the tangential electromagnetic fields at the interfaces of the layers. The iterative process is governed by two systems of equations linking the waves in spectral and spatial domains. The toggling between the two domains is insured by the Legendre transformation. Numerical results consider single and multiple loops (both activated and parasitic loops) around a metallic sphere coated by one or several dielectric layers. The mutual coupling and the radiation characteristic of a loop excited by two feeding sources are analysed. The influence of parasitic loops on the return loss of the activated loop is extensively investigated including the number and the position of the loops on the sphere. The coupling sensitivity between two activated feeding sources is also investigated. The presented results agree very well with the simulation and the literature.
Ultraviolet detection by Cr doped In2O3 TF
Authors: Ghosh Anupam , Kannoje Prakhar , Mondal Aniruddha
Published: January 2019

Synthesis of indium (III) oxide (In2O3) and chromium (Cr)‐doped In2O3 thin film (TF) by spin‐on technique was reported. The device showed the Schottky nature under dark and light illumination condition. The ideality factor of the diode showed an exponential increase with the decrease in temperature. The low ideality factor of ∼4 was calculated at 300 K. The barrier height of the device increased with temperature. The Cr‐doped In2O3 TF device possessed high sensitivity compared with undoped In2O3 TF at −2 V all over the temperature range from 10 to 300 K. The Cr‐doped In2O3 TF‐based device showed extremely high sensitivity toward ultraviolet (320 nm) light as compared with visible light.
Tuning optical properties of metasurface via piezoelectric effect
Authors: Mekawy Ahmed , Khalifa Mohammad , Ali Tamer A. , Badawi Ashraf H.
Published: January 2019

The authors theoretically propose a design for electrically tuning a metasurface based on piezoelectric actuation. The design comprises 2D gap‐plasmon elements arranged periodically on a piezoelectric substrate which controls the period between them. The technique is numerically studied for a metasurface that anomalously reflects an incident p‐polarised wave by 30° at the optical communication wavelength, 1550 nm. The dynamic behaviour of the system is investigated for two main applications; (a) steering the reflection angle and (b) retrieving the reflection angle for an incident wave of a shifted wavelength. It is demonstrated that a reflected beam can cover an angle of ∼3° upon a strain of <3.3%. It is also shown that at the same strain value, the reflection angle is retrieved for a wavelength error of ±50 nm. These results suggest a potential to design large‐bandwidth, reconfigurable metasurfaces that are integrable with planar opto‐electromechanical devices.
Research on hydraulic–electric interference and optimisation of multi‐turbine hydropower system based on the dual control mode
Authors: Duan Chen , Minglu Zhang , Changbing Zhang , Mengjiao Yang , Cheng Mao , Chunhe Shen
Published: January 2019

Aiming at the complex hydraulic and electrical interference, as well as the stability of the hydropower plant that one diversion tunnel supplies water to multiple turbines, a high‐order coupling model based on the dual control mode of the speed and excitation regulation is developed. Some scenarios, involving the hydraulic interference law, the effect of partial load rejection on the stability and dynamic characteristics of the units, and the optimisation of the power system stabiliser (PSS), are investigated. It is found that the change of the guide vane opening (or power) of one of the units causes the water hammer in its spiral case and penstock, and the water level fluctuation in the surge chamber. Besides, hydraulic disturbances suffered by other units are mainly caused by water level fluctuation in the surge chamber, rather than directly from the water hammer. The results demonstrate that the unit wiring of the generator and transformer is better than the expansion unit wiring in terms of the dynamic characteristics. In addition, PSS not only can suppress low‐frequency oscillations, but also affect the hydraulic transition process, and the improved PSS2B‐proportional–integral–derivative can increase the positive damping, and more effective in suppressing system oscillations.