bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single and bundled carbon nanofibers as ultralightweight and flexible piezoresistive sensors
Authors: Sengupta Debarun , Chen Ssu-Han , Michael Aron , Kwok Chee Yee , Lim Sean , Pei Yutao , Kottapalli Ajay Giri Prakash
Published: May 2020

This work demonstrates the application of electrospun single and bundled carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as piezoresistive sensing elements in flexible and ultralightweight sensors. Material, electrical, and nanomechanical characterizations were conducted on the CNFs to understand the effect of the critical synthesis parameter—the pyrolyzation temperature on the morphological, structural, and electrical properties. The mechanism of conductive path change under the influence of external stress was hypothesized to explain the piezoresistive behavior observed in the CNF bundles. Quasi-static tensile strain characterization of the CNF bundle-based flexible strain sensor showed a linear response with an average gauge factor of 11.14 (for tensile strains up to 50%). Furthermore, conductive graphitic domain discontinuity model was invoked to explain the piezoresistivity originating in a single isolated electrospun CNF. Finally, a single piezoresistive CNF was utilized as a sensing element in an NEMS flow sensor to demonstrate air flow sensing in the range of 5–35 m/s.
Robust entanglement distribution via telecom fibre assisted by an asynchronous counter-propagating laser light
Authors: Miyanishi Koichiro , Tsujimoto Yoshiaki , Ikuta Rikizo , Miki Shigehito , Yabuno Masahiro , Yamashita Taro , Terai Hirotaka , Yamamoto Takashi , Koashi Masato , Imoto Nobuyuki
Published: May 2020

Distributing entangled photon pairs over noisy channels is an important task for various quantum information protocols. Encoding an entangled state in a decoherence-free subspace (DFS) formed by multiple photons is a promising way to circumvent the phase fluctuations and polarisation rotations in optical fibres. Recently, it has been shown that the use of a counter-propagating coherent light as an ancillary photon enables us to faithfully distribute entangled photon with success probability proportional to the transmittance of the optical fibres. Several proof-of-principle experiments have been demonstrated, in which entangled photon pairs from a sender side and the ancillary photon from a receiver side originate from the same laser source. In addition, bulk optics have been used to mimic the noises in optical fibres. Here, we demonstrate a DFS-based entanglement distribution over 1 km optical fibre using DFS formed by using fully independent light sources at the telecom band, and obtain a high-fidelity entangled state. This shows that the DFS-based scheme protects the entanglement against collective noise in 1 km optical fibre. In the experiment, we utilise an interference between asynchronous photons from continuous wave pumped spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) and mode-locked coherent light pulse. After performing spectral and temporal filtering, the SPDC photons and light pulse are spectrally indistinguishable. This property allows us to observe high-visibility interference without performing active synchronisation between fully independent sources.
Bitumen from the Dead Sea in Early Iron Age Nubia
Authors: Fulcher Kate , Stacey Rebecca , Spencer Neal
Published: May 2020

Bitumen has been identified for the first time in Egyptian occupied Nubia, from within the town of Amara West, occupied from around 1300 to 1050 BC. The bitumen can be sourced to the Dead Sea using biomarkers, evidencing a trade in this material from the eastern Mediterranean to Nubia in the New Kingdom or its immediate aftermath. Two different end uses for bitumen were determined at the site. Ground bitumen was identified in several paint palettes, and in one case can be shown to have been mixed with plant gum, which indicates the use of bitumen as a ground pigment. Bitumen was also identified as a component of a friable black solid excavated from a tomb, and a black substance applied to the surface of a painted and plastered coffin fragment. Both contained plant resin, indicating that this substance was probably applied as a ritual funerary liquid, a practice identified from this time period in Egypt. The use of this ritual, at a far remove from the royal Egyptian burial sites at Thebes, indicates the importance of this ritual as a component of the funeral, and the value attributed to the material components of the black liquid.
Infarct in new territory after endovascular stroke treatment: A diffusion-weighted imaging study
Authors: Kaesmacher Johannes , Kurmann Christoph , Jungi Noel , Breiding Philipe , Lang Matthias F. , Meier Raphael , Dobrocky Tomas , Piechowiak Eike , Zibold Felix , Bellwald Sebastian , Meinel Thomas R. , Heldner Mirjam R. , Mordasini Pasquale , Arnold Marcel , Mosimann Pascal J. , Goyal Mayank , Gralla Jan , Fischer Urs
Published: May 2020

Data on infarcts in new territory (INT) in patients undergoing endovascular stroke treatment for acute large-vessel occlusions are sparse. Aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical relevance of INT. For this purpose, all patients in a single-center prospective registry who underwent endovascular stroke treatment and received pre- and post-interventional diffusion-weighted imaging were included (N = 259). Using an established scoring system, INT were classified according to size (I-III, ≤2 mm, >2 mm ≤20 mm, >20 mm) and likelihood of being related to the intervention (A, high likelihood; B, low likelihood). Additionally, a new type of infarct, that occurred in a territory distal to the occlusion, but was initially not hypoperfused, was defined as an infarct in initially not hypoperfused territory (IINHT). A total of 180 INT and 38 IINHT were observed in 32.8% (N = 85/259) of patients. In most patients, INT were angiographically occult (90.2%), and 13 patients had INT/IINHT larger than 2 cm (type III). Absence of protection during stent-retrieval and a cardio-embolic stroke origin were associated with higher incidence of INT/IINHT, whereas pretreatment with IV tPA showed no association, even when different bolus timing was considered. INT/IINHT were associated with lower rates of functional independence with increasing size type after adjusting for confounders (adjusted Odds Ratio per size group increase 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.46–0.86). In conclusion, INT and IINHT are not rare, are associated with poor outcome with increasing size, and they may serve as a surrogate endpoint for safety evaluation of new devices and endovascular techniques. Further research on associated factors is warranted.
Sexual modulation in a polyploid grass: a reproductive contest between environmentally inducible sexual and genetically dominant apomictic pathways
Authors: Karunarathne Piyal , Reutemann Anna V. , Schedler Mara , Glücksberg Adriana , Martínez Eric J. , Honfi Ana I. , Hojsgaard Diego H.
Published: May 2020

In systems alternating between sexual and asexual reproduction, sex increases under unfavorable environmental conditions. In plants producing sexual and asexual (apomictic) seeds, studies on the influence of environmental factors on sex are equivocal. We used Paspalum intermedium to study environmental effects on the expression of sexual and apomictic developments, and on resulting reproductive fitness variables. Flow cytometric and embryological analyses were performed to characterize ploidy and reproductive modes, and effects of local climatic conditions on sexual and apomictic ovule and seed frequencies were determined. Seed set and germination data were collected and used to estimate reproductive fitness. Frequencies of sexual and apomictic ovules and seeds were highly variable within and among populations. Apomictic development exhibited higher competitive ability but lower overall fitness. Frequencies of sexual reproduction in facultative apomictic plants increased at lower temperatures and wider mean diurnal temperature ranges. We identified a two-fold higher fitness advantage of sexuality and a Tug of War between factors intrinsic to apomixis and environmental stressors promoting sexuality which influence the distribution of sex in apomictic populations. This points toward a crucial role of local ecological conditions in promoting a reshuffling of genetic variability that may be shaping the adaptative landscape in apomictic P. intermedium plants.
Population structure and genetic diversity in red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) germplasm
Authors: Jones Charlotte , De Vega Jose , Lloyd David , Hegarty Matthew , Ayling Sarah , Powell Wayne , Skøt Leif
Published: May 2020

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a highly adaptable forage crop for temperate livestock agriculture. Genetic variation can be identified, via molecular techniques, and used to assess diversity among populations that may otherwise be indistinguishable. Here we have used genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to determine the genetic variation and population structure in red clover natural populations from Europe and Asia, and varieties or synthetic populations. Cluster analysis differentiated the collection into four large regional groups: Asia, Iberia, UK, and Central Europe. The five varieties clustered with the geographical area from which they were derived. Two methods (BayeScan and Samβada) were used to search for outlier loci indicating signatures of selection. A total of 60 loci were identified by both methods, but no specific genomic region was highlighted. The rate of decay in linkage disequilibrium was fast, and no significant evidence of any bottlenecks was found. Phenotypic analysis showed that a more prostrate and spreading growth habit was predominantly found among populations from Iberia and the UK. A genome wide association study identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in a homologue of the VEG2 gene from pea, associated with flowering time. The identification of genetic variation within the natural populations is likely to be useful for enhancing the breeding of red clover in the future.
Biomimetic Model of Contractile Cardiac Tissue with Endothelial Networks Stabilized by Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells
Authors: Morrissette-McAlmon Justin , Ginn Brian , Somers Sarah , Fukunishi Takuma , Thanitcul Chanon , Rindone Alexandra , Hibino Narutoshi , Tung Leslie , Mao Hai-Quan , Grayson Warren
Published: May 2020

Cardiac tissue engineering strategies have the potential to regenerate functional myocardium following myocardial infarction. In this study, we utilized novel electrospun fibrin microfiber sheets of different stiffnesses (50.0 ± 11.2 kPa and 90.0 ± 16.4 kPa) to engineer biomimetic models of vascularized cardiac tissues. We characterized tissue assembly, electrophysiology, and contractility of neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVCMs) cultured on these sheets. NRVCMs cultured on the softer substrates displayed higher conduction velocities (CVs) and improved electrophysiological properties. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) formed dense networks on the sheets when co-cultured with human adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (hASCs). To achieve vascularized cardiac tissues, we tested various tri-culture protocols of NRVCM:hASC:HUVEC and found that a ratio of 1,500,000:37,500:150,000 cells/cm2enabled the formation of robust endothelial networks while retaining statistically identical electrophysiological characteristics to NRVCM-only cultures. Tri-cultures at this ratio on 90 kPa substrates exhibited average CVs of 14 ± 0.6 cm/s, Action Potential Duration (APD)80 and APD30 of 152 ± 11 ms and 71 ± 6 ms, respectively, and maximum capture rate (MCR) of 3.9 ± 0.7 Hz. These data indicate the significant potential of generating densely packed endothelial networks together with electrically integrated cardiac cellsin vitroas a physiologic 3D cardiac model.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis ribosomal protein S1 (RpsA) and variants with truncated C-terminal end show absence of interaction with pyrazinoic acid
Authors: Vallejos-Sánchez Katherine , Lopez Juan M. , Antiparra Ricardo , Toscano Emily , Saavedra Harry , Kirwan Daniela E. , Amzel L. M. , Gilman R. H. , Maruenda Helena , Sheen Patricia , Zimic Mirko
Published: May 2020

Pyrazinamide (PZA) is an antibiotic used in first- and second-line tuberculosis treatment regimens. Approximately 50% of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and over 90% of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis strains are also PZA resistant. Despite the key role played by PZA, its mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood. It has been postulated that pyrazinoic acid (POA), the hydrolyzed product of PZA, could inhibit trans-translation by binding to Ribosomal protein S1 (RpsA) and competing with tmRNA, the natural cofactor of RpsA. Subsequent data, however, indicate that these early findings resulted from experimental artifact. Hence, in this study we assess the capacity of POA to compete with tmRNA for RpsA. We evaluated RpsA wild type (WT), RpsA ∆A438, and RpsA ∆A438 variants with truncations towards the carboxy terminal end. Interactions were measured using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), Microscale Thermophoresis (MST), and Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). We found no measurable binding between POA and RpsA (WT or variants). This suggests that RpsA may not be involved in the mechanism of action of PZA in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as previously thought. Interactions observed between tmRNA and RpsA WT, RpsA ∆A438, and each of the truncated variants of RpsA ∆A438, are reported.
Improved adherence and treatment outcomes with an engaging, personalized digital therapeutic in amblyopia
Authors: Xiao Scott , Gaier Eric D. , Mazow Malcolm L. , Stout Ann U. , Travers Dean A. , Angjeli Endri , Wu Hank C. , Binenbaum Gil , Hunter David G.
Published: May 2020

Given the prevalence of poor adherence to therapy and the biases of self-reporting across healthcare, we hypothesized that an engaging, personalized therapy may improve adherence and treatment outcomes in the home. We tested this hypothesis in the initial indication of amblyopia, a neurodevelopmental disorder for which available treatments are limited by low adherence. We designed a novel digital therapeutic that modifies patient-selected cinematic content in real-time into therapeutic visual input, while objectively monitoring adherence. The therapeutic design integrated a custom-designed headset that delivers precise visual input to each eye, computational algorithms that apply real-time therapeutic modifications to source content, a cloud-based content management system that enables treatment in the home, and a broad library of licensed content. In a proof-of-concept human study on the therapeutic, we found that amblyopic eye vision improved significantly after 12 weeks of treatment, with higher adherence than that of available treatments. These initial results support the utility of personalized therapy in amblyopia and may have broader relevance for improving treatment outcomes in additional indications.
Agreement in Measures of Macular Perfusion between Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Machines
Authors: Dai Wei , Chee Miao-Li , Majithia Shivani , Teo Cong Ling , Thakur Sahil , Cheung Ning , Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Tan Gavin S. , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Cheng Ching-Yu , Tham Yih-Chung
Published: May 2020

We evaluated the agreements in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and vessel density (VD) parameters (within the superficial capillary plexus region), between two widely used optical coherence tomography angiography machines. Participants who attended the Singapore Malay Eye Study III between 29th March and 6th August 2018, were enrolled in this study. Participants underwent fovea-centered 6×6-mm macular cube scan, using both AngioVue and Cirrus HDOCT machines. Scans were analyzed automatically using built-in review software of each machine. 177 eyes (95 participants) without retinal diseases were included for final analysis. Mean FAZ area was 0.38 ± 0.11 mm2 and 0.30 ± 0.10 mm2, based on AngioVue and Cirrus HDOCT, respectively. Mean parafoveal VD was 0.50 ± 0.04 in Angiovue, and 0.43 ± 0.04 in Cirrus HDOCT. Cirrus HDOCT measurements were consistently lower than those by AngioVue, with a mean difference of −0.08 (95% limits of agreement [LOA], −0.30–0.13) mm2 for FAZ area, and −0.07 (95% LOA, −0.17–0.03) for parafoveal VD. Intraclass correlation coefficients for FAZ area and parafoveal VD were 0.33 and 0.07, respectively. Our data suggest that agreements between AngioVue and Cirrus HDOCT machines were poor to fair, thus alternating use between these two machines may not be recommended especially for follow up evaluations.
Microbiota in vitro modulated with polyphenols shows decreased colonization resistance against Clostridioides difficile but can neutralize cytotoxicity
Authors: Mahnic Aleksander , Auchtung Jennifer M. , Poklar Ulrih Nataša , Britton Robert A. , Rupnik Maja
Published: May 2020

While the knowledge on gut microbiota - C. difficile interactions has improved over the years, the understanding of the underlying mechanisms providing colonization resistance as well as preventative measures against the infection remain incomplete. In this study the antibiotic clindamycin and polyphenol extracts from pomegranate and blueberries were used individually and in combination to modulate fecal microbial communities in minibioreactor arrays (MBRA). Modulated communities were inoculated with C. difficile (ribotype 027). Subsequent 7-day periodical monitoring included evaluation of C. difficile growth and activity of toxins TcdA and TcdB as well as analysis of MBRA bacterial community structure (V3V4 16 S metagenomics). Polyphenols affected multiple commensal bacterial groups and showed different synergistic and antagonistic effects in combination with clindamycin. Exposure to either clindamycin or polyphenols led to the loss of colonization resistance against C. difficile. The successful growth of C. difficile was most significantly correlated with the decrease in Collinsella and Lachnospiraceae. Additionally, we demonstrated that Clostridium sporogenes decreased the activity of both C. difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB. The feature was shown to be common among distinct C. sporogenes strains and could potentially be applicable as a non-antibiotic agent for the alleviation of C. difficile infection.
IRE1α and IGF signaling predict resistance to an endoplasmic reticulum stress-inducing drug in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Rodvold Jeffrey J. , Xian Su , Nussbacher Julia , Tsui Brian , Cameron Waller T. , Searles Stephen C. , Lew Alyssa , Jiang Pengfei , Babic Ivan , Nomura Natsuko , Lin Jonathan H. , Kesari Santosh , Carter Hannah , Zanetti Maurizio
Published: May 2020

To date current therapies of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are largely ineffective. The induction of apoptosis by an unresolvable unfolded protein response (UPR) represents a potential new therapeutic strategy. Here we tested 12ADT, a sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor, on a panel of unselected patient-derived neurosphere-forming cells and found that GBM cells can be distinguished into “responder” and “non-responder”. By RNASeq analysis we found that the non-responder phenotype is significantly linked with the expression of UPR genes, and in particular ERN1 (IRE1) and ATF4. We also identified two additional genes selectively overexpressed among non-responders, IGFBP3 and IGFBP5. CRISPR-mediated deletion of the ERN1, IGFBP3, IGFBP5 signature genes in the U251 human GBM cell line increased responsiveness to 12ADT. Remarkably, >65% of GBM cases in The Cancer Genome Atlas express the non-responder (ERN1, IGFBP3, IGFBP5) gene signature. Thus, elevated levels of IRE1α and IGFBPs predict a poor response to drugs inducing unresolvable UPR and possibly other forms of chemotherapy helping in a better stratification GBM patients.
The Boiling Phenomena and their Proper Identification and Discrimination Methodology
Authors: Pati A. R. , Swain B. , Mohapatra S. S.
Published: May 2020

The proper identification of the existence of the boiling phenomena in a process from the trend of the Nukiyama pool-boiling curve (Q versus ∆T) is not appropriate as it does not always reveal right information. All the heating and cooling around the boiling point mimic the boiling behavior; however, these are not always actually a part of the boiling process. Therefore, the proper identification and discrimination among boiling methodologies need to be revealed as the information on the discussed issues are not available in the open literature. Hence, an attempt has been made to develop a condition describing the existence of boiling behavior in heating or quenching process and protocol to identify various boiling regimes. In the current work, the developed conditions (1/ St) are validated with various type of boiling processes and the protocol (i.e. based on the slope of h versus ∆T curve rather than boiling curve) is also valid for the identification of proper boiling regime.
Fragrant rice performances in response to continuous zero-tillage in machine-transplanted double-cropped rice system
Authors: Du Bin , He Longxin , Lai Rifang , Luo Haowen , Zhang Tantan , Tang Xiangru
Published: May 2020

Zero-tillage is one of conservation tillage techniques. In order to investigate the effects of continuous zero-tillage on yield formation and grain 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP, key component of fragrant rice aroma) content of fragrant rice, present study was conducted with a six-season field experiment from 2017 to 2019. The conventional tillage (twice puddling with rotary cultivator before transplanting) was set as control (CK) and zero-tillage was set as treatment (ZT). At the first year after applying zero-tillage, yield loss was observed in the ZT treatment which was attributed to the lower effective panicle number per area and grain number per panicle. However, from late season in 2018 to late season in 2019, significant higher grain yield was recorded in ZT than CK. ZT increased the net photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content (SPAD value) by 6.81–20.77% and 7.23–23.80% in the last three cropping seasons compared with CK. Higher nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus accumulations in plant tissues were also recorded in ZT than CK from late season in 2018 to late season in 2019. Other hand, higher grain 2-AP content was recorded in ZT than CT in the whole six cropping seasons which might be related to the grain proline content. Furthermore, compared with CK, ZT significantly increased the soil organic matter content and the number of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in the last three cropping seasons. In conclusion, continuous zero-tillage could improve soil and increase the photosynthesis and nutrient accumulation and finally achieve the improvement of fragrant rice yield.
A sugar–lectin rich interface between soft tissue and the stiff byssus ofAtrina pectinata
Authors: Choi Jimin , Hennebert Elise , Flammang Patrick , Hwang Dong Soo
Published: May 2020

Various types of carbohydrates and lectins were found at the mechanically mismatched interface of byssus ofAtrinausing histochemistry and proteomics.
Rapid and sensitive glycan targeting by lectin-SERS assay
Authors: Cordina Nicole M. , Zhang Wei , Packer Nicolle H. , Wang Yuling
Published: May 2020

The fabrication of lectin-SERS nanotags and the assay designed for rapid glycoprotein identification and quantification.
Dynamic single-cell intracellular pH sensing using a SERS-active nanopipette
Authors: Guo Jing , Sesena Rubfiaro Alberto , Lai Yanhao , Moscoso Joseph , Chen Feng , Liu Yuan , Wang Xuewen , He Jin
Published: May 2020

SERS-active flexible nanopipettes can be used to conduct long-term reliable intracellular single-cell analysis.
ortho-Dialkylamino arylboranes as efficient reagents for difluorocarbene trapping
Authors: Ilin Egor A. , Smirnov Vladimir O. , Volodin Alexander D. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Dilman Alexander D.
Published: May 2020

A readily accessible reagent bearing ortho-oriented amino and boryl groups efficiently traps difluorocarbene.
Sulfur-substituted uranyl stabilized by fluoride ligands: matrix preparation of U(O)(S)F2viaoxidation of U(0) by SOF2
Authors: Wei Rui , Chen Xiuting , Gong Yu
Published: May 2020

A neutral sulfur-substituted uranyl complex [U(O)(S)F2] in which the SUO2+moiety is stabilized by electron withdrawing fluoride ligands was preparedviaoxidation of U(0) by SOF2in cryogenic matrixes.
Hydrate formation and its effects on the thermal expansion properties of HfMgW3O12
Authors: Zeng Gaojie , Yuan Huanli , Guo Juan , Sun Qiang , Gao Qilong , Chao Mingju , Ren Xiao , Liang Erjun
Published: May 2020

The thermal expansion curve of HfMgW3O12 correlated with hydration/dehydration accompanying structure and Raman spectral changes.
Absorption spectra of pyruvic acid in water: insights from calculations for small hydrates and comparison to experiment
Authors: Shemesh Dorit , Luo Man , Grassian Vicki H. , Gerber R. Benny
Published: May 2020

This study shows that small hydrate models including the roles of both neutral and deprotonated speciated forms provide a good quantitative description and a microscopic interpretation of the experimental spectrum of pyruvic acid in aqueous solution.
Localized catalysis driven by the induction heating of magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Yassine Sarah R. , Fatfat Zaynab , Darwish Ghinwa H. , Karam Pierre
Published: May 2020

Heat generated from magnetic nanoparticles when placed in an alternating magnetic field is used to drive a catalytic chemical reaction.
A stable dysprosium(iii) complex with a terminal fluoride ligand showing high resolution luminescence and slow magnetic relaxation
Authors: Ling Bo-Kai , Zhai Yuan-Qi , Han Junbo , Han Tian , Zheng Yan-Zhen
Published: May 2020

An air-stable dysprosium(iii) complex with a terminal fluoride ligand protected by forming extensive hydrogen bonds with peripheral guanidiniums shows high resolution luminescence and slow magnetic relaxation.
Pelargonidin ameliorates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by suppressing the ROS-NLRP3-IL-1β axis via activating the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Shi Yu-Sheng , Li Xiao-Xing , Li Hao-Tian , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2020

Liver fibrosis is a histological change that often occurs due to hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and excessive formation of an extracellular matrix in the liver.
Label-free on chip quality assessment of cellular blood products using real-time deformability cytometry
Authors: Aurich Konstanze , Fregin Bob , Palankar Raghavendra , Wesche Jan , Hartwich Oliver , Biedenweg Doreen , Nguyen Thi-Huong , Greinacher Andreas , Otto Oliver
Published: May 2020

Real-time deformability cytometry is a unique tool for quality assessment of therapeutic blood cells utilizing their mechanical properties.
Tip-induced oxidation of silicene nano-ribbons
Authors: Tchalala Mohamed Rachid , Enriquez Hanna , Bendounan Azzedine , Mayne Andrew J. , Dujardin Gérald , Kara Abdelkader , Ali Mustapha Ait , Oughaddou Hamid
Published: May 2020

We report on the oxidation of self-assembled silicene nanoribbons grown on the Ag (110) surface using scanning tunneling microscopy and high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy.
Diaminomaleonitrile-functionalized gelators in F−/CN− sensing, phase-selective gelation, oil spill recovery and dye removal from water
Authors: Raza Rameez , Panja Atanu , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: May 2020

Diamiomaleonitrile-based gelators 1 and 2 were designed and synthesized. Toluene and 1,2-dichlorobenzene gels of 1 and 2, respectively sense F− and CN− anions. Both 1 and 2 show phase-selective gelation (PSG) with distinguishable feature. Toluene gel of 1 acts as injectable material and is applied in environmental remediation.
Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric dearomative cyclization in natural product synthesis
Authors: Wang Zhuo
Published: May 2020

This review discusses palladium-catalyzed asymmetric dearomative cyclization, which is invaluable for producing enantioenriched materials, for complex natural product synthesis.
Insights into the structural complexity of semi-crystalline polymer semiconductors: electron diffraction contributions
Authors: Brinkmann Martin
Published: May 2020

The structural complexity of polymer semiconductors can be revealed by electron diffraction in a TEM on highly oriented and crystalline thin films.
Selective functionalisation of aromatic alcohols with supramolecularly regulated gold(i) catalysts
Authors: Carreras Lucas , Franconetti Antonio , Grabulosa Arnald , Frontera Antonio , Vidal-Ferran Anton
Published: May 2020

Phosphite-based Au(i) catalytic systems containing an array of structurally diverse polyether-based regulation sites were designed and synthesised.
A triflate and alkynyl protected Ag43 nanocluster with a passivated surface
Authors: Li Ting , Cui Xiaoqin , Liang Linfeng , Luo Cui , Li Huan , Zhang Xian-Ming
Published: May 2020

A trifluoromethanesulfonate (OTf) and tert-butylacetylene (tBuC≡C−) co-protected silver nanocluster (NC), Ag43(tBuC≡C)24(CF3SO3)8 (Ag43) was synthesized and characterized. Its surface ligands have shown strong passivation effect in the reaction catalyzed by Ag43.
Abiotic reduction of p-chloronitrobenzene by sulfate green rust: influence factors, products and mechanism
Authors: Han Ying , Huang Junkai , Liu Hongyuan , Wu Yue , Wu Zhao , Zhang Kemin , Lu Qingjie
Published: May 2020

Sulfate green rust reduces p-chloronitrobenzene through the electron transfer from the structural Fe(ii) and transforms into goethite.
Tuning nanocavities of Au@Cu2O yolk–shell nanoparticles for highly selective electroreduction of CO2 to ethanol at low potential
Authors: Zhang Bin-Bin , Wang Ya-Hui , Xu Shan-Min , Chen Kai , Yang Yu-Guo , Kong Qing-Hua
Published: May 2020

The confinement effect is applied to tandem catalysis in Au@Cu2O yolk–shell nanoparticles to promote the efficient and selective reduction of CO2 to ethanol at low potential.
Pulsed laser deposited CoFe2O4 thin films as supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Nikam S. M. , Sharma A. , Rahaman M. , Teli A. M. , Mujawar S. H. , Zahn D. R. T. , Patil P. S. , Sahoo S. C. , Salvan G. , Patil P. B.
Published: May 2020

Cobalt ferrite thin films were grown by PLD at different temperatures as an electrode material for supercapacitors. The films deposited at room temperature exhibited the best power density (3277 W kg−1) and energy density (17 W h kg−1) values.
MoS42− intercalated NiFeTi LDH as an efficient and selective adsorbent for elimination of heavy metals
Authors: Rathee Garima , Kohli Sahil , Awasthi Amardeep , Singh Nidhi , Chandra Ramesh
Published: May 2020

Elimination of the heavy metals by using the MoS4-LDH adsorbent.
Analytical and preparative separation and isolation of functionalized fullerenes by conventional HPLC stationary phases: method development and column screening
Authors: Ergun Dönmez Merve , Grennberg Helena
Published: May 2020

Isolation and purification of functionalized fullerenes from often complex reaction mixtures is challenging. Here, a simple and efficient HPLC method is presented.
Simultaneous detection of l-aspartic acid and glycine using wet-chemically prepared Fe3O4@ZnO nanoparticles: real sample analysis
Authors: Hussain Mohammad Musarraf , Asiri Abdullah M. , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: May 2020

An easy and reliable wet-chemical method was used to synthesize iron oxide doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4@ZnO NPs) at a low-temperature under alkaline medium.
Properties of differentiated SH-SY5Y grown on carbon-based materials
Authors: Yoon Sae-Bom , Lee Geonhee , Park Sung Bum , Cho Heeyeong , Lee Jeong-O. , Koh Byumseok
Published: May 2020

Structural properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) network and graphene films and differentiated SH-SY5Y on CNT network and graphene films.
Selective production of bio-based aromatics by aerobic oxidation of native soft wood lignin in tetrabutylammonium hydroxide
Authors: Hosoya Takashi , Yamamoto Kohei , Miyafuji Hisashi , Yamada Tatsuhiko
Published: May 2020

Aerobic oxidation of native soft wood lignin in an aqueous solution of Bu4NOH facilitates efficient production of vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde), which is one of the platform chemicals in industry.
Design of a p–n heterojunction in 0D/3D MoS2/g-C3N4 composite for boosting the efficient separation of photogenerated carriers with enhanced visible-light-driven H2 evolution
Authors: Zhou Biao , Yang Bo , Waqas Muhammad , Xiao Ke , Zhu Caizhen , Wu Ling
Published: May 2020

A 0D/3D p–n heterojunction was formed in the MoS2/g-C3N4 composite, which could promote the separation of electrons and holes efficiently.
Desymmetrization of unactivated bis-alkenes via chiral Brønsted acid-catalysed hydroamination
Authors: Yu Zhang-Long , Cheng Yong-Feng , Jiang Na-Chuan , Wang Jian , Fan Li-Wen , Yuan Yue , Li Zhong-Liang , Gu Qiang-Shuai , Liu Xin-Yuan
Published: May 2020

Highly stereoselective desymmetrising hydroamination of various unactivated alkenes has been achieved using chiral Brønsted acid catalysis via a concerted mechanism.
Edge activation of an inert polymeric carbon nitride matrix with boosted absorption kinetics and near-infrared response for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Liu Qiong , Chen Zhongxin , Tao Weijian , Zhu Haiming , Zhong Linxin , Wang Fuxian , Zou Ren , Lei Yongqian , Liu Cuibo , Peng Xinwen
Published: May 2020

The edge-activation of the polymeric carbon nitride matrix by hydroxyethyl groups results in enhanced CO2 absorption capacity and decrease in the CO2 activation energy barrier.
A function-switchable metal-free photocatalyst for the efficient and selective production of hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Wu Qingyao , Liu Yan , Cao Jingjing , Sun Yue , Liao Fan , Liu Yang , Huang Hui , Shao Mingwang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: May 2020

Function-switchable metal-free catalyst splits water to produce hydrogen in the absence of air, while hydrogen peroxide is generated preferentially in air.
Functional surface layers in relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Kumar Nitish , Kong Scarlet , Sharma Pankaj , Shi Xi , Vats Gaurav , Checchia Stefano , Seidel Jan , Hoffman Mark , Daniels John
Published: May 2020

We demonstrate a unique capability to control the formation and properties of skin layer structures in relaxor ferroelectrics by adjusting defect concentration. It is shown that the skin layer is polar and both electrically and optically active.
Seed crystal free growth of high-quality double cation – double halide perovskite single crystals for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Höcker Julian , Ozcan Mehmet , Hammer Sebastian , Fischer Mathias , Bichler Benedikt , Armer Melina , Rieder Philipp , Drach Volker , Pflaum Jens , Nickel Bert , Dyakonov Vladimir
Published: May 2020

We developed a seed crystal free re-fill crystallization method (RFCM) to grow high-quality (FAPbI3)0.9(MAPbBr3)0.1perovskite single crystals for optoelectronic applications.
Femtosecond laser direct writing of perovskite patterns with whispering gallery mode lasing
Authors: Tian Xiaoyu , Xu Yalun , Zhao Hongming , Qin Xiubo , Nie Yangtian , Li Wei , Liu Sheng , Lin Qianqian , Cao Qiang
Published: May 2020

Whispering gallery mode microlasers based on evaporated perovskite films were fabricated by femtosecond laser direct writing with ultra-low threshold.
Combinatorial approach of in silico and in vitro evaluation of MLH1 variant associated with Lynch syndrome like metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Saleem Komal , Zaib Tahir , Ji Wei , Zhang Chunhui , Qin Qian , Wang Yusi , Xu Lidan , Yu Hanfei , Zhu Siqi , Dong Kexian , Si Shuhan , Jia Xueyuan , Wu Jie , Fu Songbin , Sun Wenjing
Published: May 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most developing cancer worldwide and Lynch syndrome (LS) accounts for 3–4% of CRC. Genetic alteration in any of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene is the major cause of LS that disrupt the normal upstream and downstream MMR events. Germline mutation of MLH1 in heterozygous state have an increased risk for CRC. Defective MMR pathway mostly results in microsatellite instability (MSI) that occurs in high percentage of CRC associated tumors. Here, we reported a patient with LS like metastatic CRC (mCRC) associated with other related cancers. Whole exome sequencing (WES) of the proband was performed to identify potential causative gene. Genetic screening validated by Sanger sequencing identified a heterozygous missense mutation in exon 12 of MLH1 (c.1151T>A, p.V384D). The clinical significance of identified variant was elucidated on the basis of clinicopathological data, computational predictions and various in vitro functional analysis. In silico predictions classified the variant to be deleterious and evolutionary conserved. In vitro functional studies revealed a significant decrease in protein expression because of stability defect leading to loss of MMR activity. Mutant residue found in MutL transducer domain of MLH1 that localized in the nucleus but translocation was not found to be significantly disturbed. In conclusion, our study give insight into reliability of combinatorial prediction approach of in silico and in vitro expression analysis. Hence, we highlighted the pathogenic correlation of MLH1 variant with LS associated CRC as well as help in earlier diagnosis and surveillance for improved management and genetic counselling.
LncRNA SNHG12 contributes proliferation, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of pancreatic cancer cells by absorbing miRNA-320b
Authors: Cao Wei , Zhou Guoxiong
Published: May 2020

Pancreatic cancer is a kind of malignant carcinoma with high mortality, which is devoid of early diagnostic biomarker and effective therapeutic methods. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported as a crucial role in regulating the development of various kinds of tumors. Here, we found lncRNA small nuclear RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12) is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines through qRT-PCR, which suggested that SNHG12 possibly accelerates the progression of pancreatic cancer. Further study revealed that SNHG12 promoted cancer cells growth and invasion via absorbing miR-320b. Flow cytometry and transwell chamber assay were utilized to verify the promoting effects on proliferation and invasion that SNHG12 acts in pancreatic cancer cells. Evidence that SNHG12 increased cell invasive ability through up-regulated EMT process was lately obtained by Western blotting assay. Consequently, we extrapolated that SNHG12/miR-320b could be invoked as a promising early diagnostic hallmark and therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer.
Comprehensive analysis of the value of RAB family genes in prognosis of breast invasive carcinoma
Authors: Lin Shitong , Cao Canhui , Meng Yifan , Wu Ping , Gao Peipei , Zhi Wenhua , Peng Ting , Wu Peng , Gui Lingli
Published: May 2020

Purpose: Several RAB family genes have been studied extensively and proven to play pivotal roles in the occurrence and development of certain cancers. Here, we explored commonly expressed RAB family genes in humans and their prognostic significance using bioinformatics, and then identified potential biomarkers of breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA). Materials and methods: The prognostic values (overall survival) of RAB family genes in BRCA were obtained using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). The expression patterns of RAB family genes and their relationships with clinicopathological parameters in BRCA were measured using the ONCOMINE and UALCAN databases, respectively. Genetic mutations and survival analysis were investigated using the cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (c-BioPortal). Interacting genes of potential biomarkers were identified using STRING, and functional enrichment analyses were performed using FunRich v3.1.3. Results: In total, 64 RAB genes were identified and analyzed in our study. Results showed that RAB1B, RAB2A, and RAB18 were up-regulated and significantly associated with poor overall survival in BRCA. Furthermore, their higher expression was positively correlated with clinicopathological parameters (e.g. cancer stage and nodal metastasis status). DNA copy number amplifications and mRNA up-regulation were the main genetic mutations, and the altered group showed significantly poorer overall survival compared with the unaltered group. Functional enrichment analysis of RAB1B, RAB2A, and RAB18 indicated they were closely involved in GTPase activity. Conclusions:RAB1B, RAB2A, and RAB18 were up-regulated and significantly correlated with poor prognosis in BRCA. Thus, they could be applied as novel biomarkers of BRCA in future studies.
Multi‐cycle spectrum sensing for OFDM signals under cyclic frequency offsets in cognitive vehicular networks
Authors: Tani Andrea , Chiti Francesco , Fantacci Romano , Marabissi Dania
Published: May 2020

Spectrum sensing plays a key role in cognitive radio technology to acquire information on the occupancy status of the channel. Cyclostationary spectrum sensing is considered one of the most promising approaches. However, its performance is severely degraded by a mismatch between the actual and the nominal cyclic frequency [i.e. cyclic frequency offset (CFO)]. This is particularly true for vehicular networks, due to the high mobility and particularly to the presence of a non‐zero radial acceleration between the transmitter and the receiver that makes the signal filtered out by the Doppler channel chirped, thus introducing the CFO. Consequently, the signal to be detected has to be properly modelled as a generalised almost‐cyclostationary process. The proposed approach performs a maximum‐likelihood estimation of the CFO jointly to the detection exploiting multiple cycles, through a maximisation of the generalised likelihood ratio test. The closed‐form of false alarm probability is derived highlighting that this approach represents a constant false alarm rate detector. Numerical evaluations are provided to show the correctness of the theoretical analysis and that the performance is approximatively constant for a large range of CFO values. Moreover, comparisons with existing algorithms are provided.
Empirical continuous metaheuristic for multiple distributed generation scheduling considering energy loss minimisation, voltage and unbalance regulatory limits
Authors: Coelho Francisco C.R. , Peres Wesley , Silva Júnior Ivo. C. , Dias Bruno H.
Published: May 2020

Distributed generation (DG) and other electric resources such as batteries and electric vehicles are transforming the planning and operation of power distribution system all over the world. Although the operation gets more complex in the presence of DG, it also brings some potential benefits to the grid. In this study, the authors propose an optimisation approach for multiple DG units scheduling, considering a daily load profile. The main objective is to minimise the total energy loss in a period of time, dealing with a specific voltage and unbalance constraints, required by the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency. The problem formulation results in a discontinuous non‐convex objective function. An empirical continuous metaheuristic (ECM) is proposed to solve this challenging optimisation problem. As metaheuristic methods are suitable for this kind of problems, they present some limitations regarding final results variability, relative dependence on initial conditions and usually a large set of parameters to tune. ECM confronts directly these limitations, presenting good quality results in comparison to other well‐known algorithms. By using the Open Distribution System Simulator – OpenDSS, and the well‐known IEEE‐123 distribution system, the proposed approach shows its effectiveness and efficiency to optimise the grid operation, with special attention to the Brazilian requirements for unbalance.
Frequency scanning Fabry–Pérot cavity antenna with single 2D‐varying partial reflecting surface
Authors: Zhan Junlin , Xu Feng , Liu Shui , Deng Senshen , Yang Ling , Qiang Jingxia
Published: May 2020

This study presents a frequency scanning Fabry–Pérot cavity antenna with a single 2D varying partially reflecting surface (PRS) operating from 9.4 to 10.6 GHz. A probe‐fed stacked rectangular patch antenna is applied as the primary source. A PRS consisting of 9 × 9 cells, whose sizes vary with azimuth, is mounted upon the source to modulate the phase efficiently. Due to the opposite correlations between scan angle and frequency in the forward and backward regions, phase distributions in the forward region are dominant in frequency scanning. The scan angle increases with frequency, as the negative correlation between the reflection phase of PRS and frequency. It is demonstrated that the beam angle is scanned from 11° to 35° with over 10 dBi gain and over 88% radiation efficiency within the band. The results in simulations and measurements validate the frequency scanning performance. It also provides the possibility that phase distributions in the forward region and the backward region could have the same weights in frequency scanning for better performances. Besides, without electronic/mechanical tuning, or PRS size varying, the proposed antenna is simple for design and operation.
Orthogonal laminated magnetic integrated coupler for the wireless charging system with multiple power transfer channels
Authors: Li Zhenjie , Liu Yiqi
Published: May 2020

Aiming at the problems of the existing magnetic couplers used by wireless charging system (WCS) with multiple power transfer channels, this study presents an investigation into the use of magnetic integration technique and orthogonal decoupling method to design an orthogonal laminated magnetic integrated coupler with SDDD‐MIOC (square, Double D (DD), and magnetic integrated overlap coils). Firstly, the concept of SDDD‐MIOC is proposed to solve the key issues of the existing magnetic couplers. Then, the operating principle and design method of the proposed SDDD‐MIOC are illustrated. Secondly, the coupling performance and electric characteristics of the designed magnetic integrated coupler with SDDD‐MIOC are analysed in‐depth. Finally, both experimental and simulation results verify that the designed magnetic integrated coupler with SDDD‐MIOC helps the WCS with three power transfer channels to achieve the low component voltage or current stress, high space utilisation, good power expansion ability, and high system fault‐tolerant ability.
Generalised average modelling of grid‐connected three‐phase VSC with closed‐loop vector control and regular‐sampled modulation
Authors: Li Mingzhang , Yang Lihui , Ma Xikui , Li Mengqi
Published: May 2020

Based on the generalised averaging method, a comprehensive mathematical model for a three‐phase grid‐connected voltage source converter (VSC) with closed‐loop vector control and symmetrical regular‐sampled modulation is proposed here. The double Fourier series of switching functions is presented to construct the state average vectors in this model. To involve the conventional vector current control strategy, the coordinate transformation method of the state average vector is derived. The multiplication properties are also illustrated to calculate the product average vector for state variables. The proposed model is validated in both MATLAB simulations and hardware experiments. The results show that both the fundamental and the switching behaviours of the converter as well as the closed‐loop dynamics of the controller can be accurately demonstrated by the derived model with fast simulation speed. The steady‐state harmonic distribution can also be directly achieved by computing the equilibrium point of the system. The proposed model is appropriate for system‐level studies of power electronic‐based power systems and can provide a beneficial reference for the practical design and the performance assessment of the closed‐loop VSC system, which indicates the broad prospect of the application of generalised average models in power system and power electronics fields.