bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A micro-dispenser for long-term storage and controlled release of liquids
Authors: Kazemzadeh Amin , Eriksson Anders , Madou Marc , Russom Aman
Published: January 2019

The success of lab-on-a-chip systems may depend on a low-cost device that incorporates on-chip storage and fluidic operations. To date many different methods have been developed that cope separately with on-chip storage and fluidic operations e.g., hydrophobic and capillary valves pneumatic pumping and blister storage packages. The blister packages seem difficult to miniaturize and none of the existing liquid handling techniques despite their variety are capable of proportional repeatable dispensing. We report here on an inexpensive robust and scalable micro-dispenser that incorporates long-term storage and aliquoting of reagents on different microfluidics platforms. It provides long-term shelf-life for different liquids enables precise dispensing on lab-on-a-disc platforms and less accurate but proportional dispensing when operated by finger pressure. Based on this technology we introduce a method for automation of blood plasma separation and multi-step bioassay procedures. This micro-dispenser intends to facilitate affordable portable diagnostic devices and accelerate the commercialization of lab-on-a-chip devices.
Reconfigurable shape-morphing dielectric elastomers using spatially varying electric fields
Authors: Hajiesmaili Ehsan , Clarke David R.
Published: January 2019

Exceptionally large strains can be produced in soft elastomers by the application of an electric field and the strains can be exploited for a variety of novel actuators, such as tunable lenses and tactile actuators. However, shape morphing with dielectric elastomers has not been possible since no generalizable method for changing their Gaussian curvature has been devised. Here it is shown that this fundamental limitation can be lifted by introducing internal, spatially varying electric fields through a layer-by-layer fabrication method incorporating shaped, carbon-nanotubes-based electrodes between thin elastomer sheets. To illustrate the potential of the method, voltage-tunable negative and positive Gaussian curvatures shapes are produced. Furthermore, by applying voltages to different sets of internal electrodes, the shapes can be re-configured. All the shape changes are reversible when the voltage is removed.
Publisher Correction: A downy mildew effector evades recognition by polymorphism of expression and subcellular localization
Authors: Asai Shuta , Furzer Oliver J. , Cevik Volkan , Kim Dae Sung , Ishaque Naveed , Goritschnig Sandra , Staskawicz Brian J. , Shirasu Ken , Jones Jonathan D. G.
Published: January 2019

The original version of this article contained an error in the author affiliations. Oliver J. Furzer was incorrectly associated with Department of Plant Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China.This has now been corrected in the HTML version of the article. The PDF version of the article was correct at the time of publication.Furthermore, the original version of this article stated that correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to Heidelberg.Center.for.Personalized.Oncology, DKFZ-HIPO, DKFZ, Heidelberg 69120Germany S.A. (email: shuta.asai@riken.jp) or to J.D.G.J. (email: jonathan.jones@tsl.ac.uk). The words “Heidelberg.Center.for.Personalized.Oncology, DKFZ-HIPO, DKFZ, Heidelberg 69120Germany” were introduced inadvertently.This has now been corrected in the PDF version of the article. The HTML version of the article was correct at the time of publication.
Theoretical description and experimental simulation of quantum entanglement near open time-like curves via pseudo-density operators
Authors: Marletto Chiara , Vedral Vlatko , Virzì Salvatore , Rebufello Enrico , Avella Alessio , Piacentini Fabrizio , Gramegna Marco , Degiovanni Ivo Pietro , Genovese Marco
Published: January 2019

Closed timelike curves are striking predictions of general relativity allowing for time-travel. They are afflicted by notorious causality issues (e.g. grandfather’s paradox). Quantum models where a qubit travels back in time solve these problems, at the cost of violating quantum theory’s linearity—leading e.g. to universal quantum cloning. Interestingly, linearity is violated even by open timelike curves (OTCs), where the qubit does not interact with its past copy, but is initially entangled with another qubit. Non-linear dynamics is needed to avoid violating entanglement monogamy. Here we propose an alternative approach to OTCs, allowing for monogamy violations. Specifically, we describe the qubit in the OTC via a pseudo-density operator—a unified descriptor of both temporal and spatial correlations. We also simulate the monogamy violation with polarization-entangled photons, providing a pseudo-density operator quantum tomography. Remarkably, our proposal applies to any space-time correlations violating entanglement monogamy, such as those arising in black holes.
Lin28 and let-7 regulate the timing of cessation of murine nephrogenesis
Authors: Yermalovich Alena V. , Osborne Jihan K. , Sousa Patricia , Han Areum , Kinney Melissa A. , Chen Michael J. , Robinton Daisy A. , Montie Helen , Pearson Dan S. , Wilson Sean B. , Combes Alexander N. , Little Melissa H. , Daley George Q.
Published: January 2019

In humans and in mice the formation of nephrons during embryonic development reaches completion near the end of gestation, after which no new nephrons are formed. The final nephron complement can vary 10-fold, with reduced nephron number predisposing individuals to hypertension, renal, and cardiovascular diseases in later life. While the heterochronic genes lin28 and let-7 are well-established regulators of developmental timing in invertebrates, their role in mammalian organogenesis is not fully understood. Here we report that the Lin28b/let-7 axis controls the duration of kidney development in mice. Suppression of let-7 miRNAs, directly or via the transient overexpression of LIN28B, can prolong nephrogenesis and enhance kidney function potentially via upregulation of the Igf2/H19 locus. In contrast, kidney-specific loss of Lin28b impairs renal development. Our study reveals mechanisms regulating persistence of nephrogenic mesenchyme and provides a rationale for therapies aimed at increasing nephron mass.
Self-assembly of fractal liquid crystal colloids
Authors: Solodkov Nikita V. , Shim Jung-uk , Jones J. Cliff
Published: January 2019

Nematic liquid crystals are anisotropic fluids that self-assemble into vector fields, which are governed by geometrical and topological laws. Consequently, particulate or droplet inclusions self-assemble in nematic domains through a balance of topological defects. Here, we use double emulsions of water droplets inside radial nematic liquid crystal droplets to form various structures, ranging from linear chains to three-dimensional fractal structures. The system is modeled as a formation of satellite droplets, distributed around a larger, central core droplet and we extend the problem to explain the formation of fractal structures. We show that a distribution of droplet sizes plays a key role in determining the symmetry properties of the resulting geometric structures. The results are relevant to a variety of inclusions, ranging from colloids suspensions to multi-emulsion systems. Such systems have potential applications for novel switchable photonic structures as well as providing wider insights into the packing of self-assembled structures.
Far-field acoustic subwavelength imaging and edge detection based on spatial filtering and wave vector conversion
Authors: Ma Chu , Kim Seok , Fang Nicholas X.
Published: January 2019

The resolution of acoustic imaging suffers from diffraction limit due to the loss of evanescent field that carries subwavelength information. Most of the current methods for overcoming the diffraction limit in acoustics still operate in the near-field of the object. Here we demonstrate the design and experimental realization of an acoustic far-field subwavelength imaging system. Our system is based on wave vector filtering and conversion with a transmitter at the near-field and a spatially symmetrical receiver at the far-field. By tuning geometric parameters of the transmitting/receiving pair, different spatial frequency bands can be separated and projected to the far-field. Furthermore, far-field imaging and edge detection of subwavelength objects are experimentally demonstrated. The proposed system brings new possibilities for far-field subwavelength wave manipulation, which can be further applied to medical imaging, nondestructive testing, and acoustic communication.
Enhanced nematic fluctuations near an antiferromagnetic Mott insulator and possible application to high-Tc cuprates
Authors: Orth Peter P. , Jeevanesan Bhilahari , Fernandes Rafael M. , Schmalian Jörg
Published: January 2019

Motivated by the widespread experimental observations of nematicity in strongly underdoped cuprate superconductors, we investigate the possibility of enhanced nematic fluctuations in the vicinity of a Mott insulator that displays Néel-type antiferromagnetic order. By performing a strong-coupling expansion of an effective model that contains both Cu-d and O-p orbitals on the square lattice, we demonstrate that quadrupolar fluctuations in the p-orbitals inevitably generate a biquadratic coupling between the spins of the d-orbitals. The key point revealed by our classical Monte-Carlo simulations and large-N calculations is that the biquadratic term favors local stripe-like magnetic fluctuations, which result in an enhanced nematic susceptibility that onsets at a temperature scale determined by the effective Heisenberg exchange J. We discuss the impact of this type of nematic order on the magnetic spectrum and outline possible implications on our understanding of nematicity in the cuprates.
Chlorination disadvantages and alternative routes for biofouling control in reverse osmosis desalination
Authors: Al-Abri Mohammed , Al-Ghafri Buthayna , Bora Tanujjal , Dobretsov Sergey , Dutta Joydeep , Castelletto Stefania , Rosa Lorenzo , Boretti Albert
Published: January 2019

With an ever-increasing human population, access to clean water for human use is a growing concern across the world. Seawater desalination to produce usable water is essential to meet future clean water demand. Desalination processes, such as reverse osmosis and multi-stage flash have been implemented worldwide. Reverse osmosis is the most effective technology, which uses a semipermeable membrane to produce clean water under an applied pressure. However, membrane biofouling is the main issue faced by such plants, which requires continuous cleaning or regular replacement of the membranes. Chlorination is the most commonly used disinfection process to pretreat the water to reduce biofouling. Although chlorination is widely used, it has several disadvantages, such as formation of disinfection by-products and being ineffective against some types of microbes. This review aims to discuss the adverse effect of chlorination on reverse osmosis membranes and to identify other possible alternatives of chlorination to reduce biofouling of the membranes. Reverse osmosis membrane degradation and mitigation of chlorines effects, along with newly emerging disinfection technologies, are discussed, providing insight to both academic institutions and industries for the design of improved reverse osmosis systems.
Development of a high sensitivity TaqMan-based PCR assay for the specific detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in both pulmonary and extrapulmonary specimens
Authors: Wang Hsin-Yao , Lu Jang-Jih , Chang Ching-Yu , Chou Wen-Pin , Hsieh Jason Chia-Hsun , Lin Chien-Ru , Wu Min-Hsien
Published: January 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) causes a heavy health burden worldwide, especially in developing countries. The need for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of TB has not been satisfied, especially for extra-pulmonary specimens or specimens with acid fast stain (AFS)-negative condition. Development and validation of a novel, sensitive and specific assay for diagnosing TB is essential. We developed IS4 primer/probe based on insertion sequence 6110 (IS6110). A qPCR assay was designed for detecting a specific region in IS6110 by BLAST. The IS4 primer/probe concentration, qPCR efficiency and various of PCR additives were evaluated and optimized. Thirty-four species of commonly isolated microorganisms were used for evaluating the analytical specificity. Moreover, 130 clinical specimens were collected for evaluating the performance versus Cobas TaqMan MTB (CTM) assay kit and culture. The amplification efficiencies of IS4 were 99.61% and 102.61% without and with internal control DNA (Bacteriophage Lambda), respectively. Dimethyl sulfoxide outperformed glycerol or BSA for eliciting the most effective amplification and the lowest limit of detection. In evaluating the clinical performance, various specimen types were collected. IS4 demonstrated a high degree of agreement (kappa = 0.71) with CTM. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of IS4 and CTM were 92.11% (35/38), 82.61% (76/92), 84.21% (32/38) and 95.65% (88/92), respectively. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of IS4 were similar for both pulmonary [92.00% (23/25) and 76.92% (30/39), respectively] and extrapulmonary [92.31% (12/13) and 86.79% (46/53), respectively] specimens. Among AFS-negative cases, the clinical sensitivity and specificity remained 90.48% (19/21) and 83.91% (73/87), respectively, with culture as the gold standard. We concluded that IS4, a new primer/probe pair for TaqMan based qPCR assay, was developed, optimized, and validated for the sensitive and specific detection of TB among various specimen types. The performance was not compromised under AFS-negative conditions.
Role of ultrasonographic features and quantified BRAFV600E mutation in lymph node metastasis in Chinese patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Guo Liang , Ma Ya-qi , Yao Yao , Wu Meng , Deng Zi-hui , Zhu Feng-wei , Luo Yu-kun , Tang Jie
Published: January 2019

The association between cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) and ultrasonographic features as well as BRAFV600E mutations in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remained controversial. This study investigated the association between LNM and ultrasonographic features as well as BRAFV600E mutation in Chinese patients with PTC. A total of 280 patients with PTC in China were included in this study. 108 had cervical lymph node metastasis, while 172 had not. Younger age (<45years) and several ultrasonographic features were significantly associated with cervical LNM (Ps < 0.05). The BRAFV600E mutation was detected in 81.0% of patients with PTC (226/280). The status of BRAFV600E mutation was not associated with cervical LNM. However, Ct values by PCR and intensity of reactions by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for BRAFV600E expression had shown significant difference between group with and without LNM. Furthermore, an increased proportion of LNM was also found with the incremental intensity of IHC for BRAFV600E expression from weak to strong reaction after adjusted potential confounders. Further studies are required to verify this association and explore the intrinsic mechanism.
Adjuvanted influenza vaccine dynamics
Authors: Parra-Rojas César , Messling Veronika von , Hernandez-Vargas Esteban A.
Published: January 2019

Adjuvanted influenza vaccines constitute a key element towards inducing neutralizing antibody responses in populations with reduced responsiveness, such as infants and elderly subjects, as well as in devising antigen-sparing strategies. In particular, squalene-containing adjuvants have been observed to induce enhanced antibody responses, as well as having an influence on cross-reactive immunity. To explore the effects of adjuvanted vaccine formulations on antibody response and their relation to protein-specific immunity, we propose different mathematical models of antibody production dynamics in response to influenza vaccination. Data from ferrets immunized with commercial H1N1pdm09 vaccine antigen alone or formulated with different adjuvants was instrumental to adjust model parameters. While the affinity maturation process complexity is abridged, the proposed model is able to recapitulate the essential features of the observed dynamics. Our numerical results suggest that there exists a qualitative shift in protein-specific antibody response, with enhanced production of antibodies targeting the NA protein in adjuvanted versus non-adjuvanted formulations, in conjunction with a protein-independent boost that is over one order of magnitude larger for squalene-containing adjuvants. Furthermore, simulations predict that vaccines formulated with squalene-containing adjuvants are able to induce sustained antibody titers in a robust way, with little impact of the time interval between immunizations.
Identification of extracellular vesicles and characterization of miRNA expression profiles in human blastocoel fluid
Authors: Battaglia R. , Palini S. , Vento M. E. , La Ferlita A. , Lo Faro M. J. , Caroppo E. , Borzì P. , Falzone L. , Barbagallo D. , Ragusa M. , Scalia M. , D’Amato G. , Scollo P. , Musumeci P. , Purrello M. , Gravotta E. , Di Pietro C.
Published: January 2019

In this study, for the first time, we demonstrated the presence of microRNAs and extracellular vesicles in human blastocoel fluid. The bioinformatic and comparative analyses identified the biological function of blastocoel fluid microRNAs and suggested a potential role inside the human blastocyst. We found 89 microRNAs, expressed at different levels, able to regulate critical signaling pathways controlling embryo development, such as pluripotency, cell reprogramming, epigenetic modifications, intercellular communication, cell adhesion and cell fate. Blastocoel fluid microRNAs reflect the miRNome of embryonic cells and their presence, associated with the discovery of extracellular vesicles, inside blastocoel fluid, strongly suggests their important role in mediating cell communication among blastocyst cells. Their characterization is important to better understand the earliest stages of embryogenesis and the complex circuits regulating pluripotency. Moreover, blastocoel fluid microRNA profiles could be influenced by blastocyst quality, therefore, microRNAs might be used to assess embryo potential in IVF cycles.
Identification of Chondrocyte Genes and Signaling Pathways in Response to Acute Joint Inflammation
Authors: Lv Mengxi , Zhou Yilu , Polson Shawn W. , Wan Leo Q. , Wang Meiqing , Han Lin , Wang Liyun , Lu X. Lucas
Published: January 2019

Traumatic joint injuries often result in elevated proinflammatory cytokine (such as IL-1β) levels in the joint cavity, which can increase the catabolic activities of chondrocytes and damage cartilage. This study investigated the early genetic responses of healthy in situ chondrocytes under IL-1β attack with a focus on cell cycle and calcium signaling pathways. RNA sequencing analysis identified 2,232 significantly changed genes by IL-1β, with 1,259 upregulated and 973 downregulated genes. Catabolic genes related to ECM degeneration were promoted by IL-1β, consistent with our observations of matrix protein loss and mechanical property decrease during 24-day in vitro culture of cartilage explants. IL-1β altered the cell cycle (108 genes) and Rho GTPases signaling (72 genes) in chondrocytes, while chondrocyte phenotypic shift was observed with histology, cell volume measurement, and MTT assay. IL-1β inhibited the spontaneous calcium signaling in chondrocytes, a fundamental signaling event in chondrocyte metabolic activities. The expression of 24 genes from 6 calcium-signaling related pathways were changed by IL-1β exposure. This study provided a comprehensive list of differentially expressed genes of healthy in situ chondrocytes in response to IL-1β attack, which represents a useful reference to verify and guide future cartilage studies related to the acute inflammation after joint trauma.
Contrasting responses of grain yield to reducing nitrogen application rate in double- and single-season rice
Authors: Huang Min , Fan Long , Zou Yingbin
Published: January 2019

Reducing N rate without sacrificing grain yield is crucial for sustainable rice production in China. In this study, field experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017 to determine whether the response of grain yield to reducing N rate varied between double-season rice (DSR) and single-season rice (SSR). Three N rates were applied for each rice crop, i.e. 150 kg ha−1 (N150, the locally recommended N rate), 90 kg ha−1 (N90), and 0 kg ha−1 (N0). Grain yield was lower under N90 than under N150 in DSR by 11–18%, whereas the difference was not significant in SSR. Grain yield under N0 was 36–63% lower in DSR than in SSR. There was a significant relationship between percentage change in grain yield comparing N90 to N150 with grain yield under N0. Furthermore, it was observed that grain yield under N0 was not significantly associated with growth duration but was closely associated with daily grain yield under N0, and the relationships of daily grain yield under N0 with seasonal average daily mean temperature and solar radiation were not significant. These results indicate that response of grain yield to reducing N rate was more sensitive in DSR compared to SSR due to lower soil N productivity. Growth duration and climatic conditions did not explain the difference in soil N productivity between DSR and SSR. The findings of this study should encourage more research into comparing the inherent traits of plants, especially the morphology and physiology of the root system, between DSR and SSR.
Macro-scale transport of the excitation energy along a metal nanotrack: exciton-plasmon energy transfer mechanism
Authors: Khmelinskii Igor , Skatchkov Serguei N. , Makarov Vladimir I.
Published: January 2019

Presently we report (i) excited state (exciton) propagation in a metal nanotrack over macroscopic distances, along with (ii) energy transfer from the nanotrack to adsorbed dye molecules. We measured the rates of both of these processes. We concluded that the effective speed of exciton propagation along the nanotrack is about 8 × 107 cm/s, much lower than the surface plasmon propagation speed of 1.4 × 1010 cm/s. We report that the transmitted energy yield depends on the nanotrack length, with the energy emitted from the surface much lower than the transmitted energy, i.e. the excited nanotrack mainly emits in its end zone. Our model thus assumes that the limiting step in the exciton propagation is the energy transfer between the originally prepared excitons and surface plasmons, with the rate constant of about 5.7 × 107 s−1. We also conclude that the energy transfer between the nanotrack and the adsorbed dye is limited by the excited-state lifetime in the nanotrack. Indeed, the measured characteristic buildup time of the dye emission is much longer than the characteristic energy transfer time to the dye of 81 ns, and thus must be determined by the excited state lifetime in the nanotrack. Indeed, the latter is very close to the characteristic buildup time of the dye emission. The data obtained are novel and very promising for a broad range of future applications.
Carnivoran hunting style and phylogeny reflected in bony labyrinth morphometry
Authors: Schwab Julia A. , Kriwet Jürgen , Weber Gerhard W. , Pfaff Cathrin
Published: January 2019

Carnivorans are a highly diverse and successful group of mammals, found on the top of the food chain. They originated in the Palaeocene (ca. 60 Ma) and have developed numerous lifestyles, locomotion modes and hunting strategies during their evolutionary history. Mechanosensory organs, such as the inner ear (which houses senses of equilibrium and hearing), represent informative anatomical systems to obtain insights into function, ecology and phylogeny of extant and extinct vertebrates. Using µCT scans, we examined bony labyrinths of a broad sample of various carnivoran species, to obtain new information about hunting behaviours of ancient carnivorans. Bony labyrinths were digitally reconstructed and measurements were taken directly from these 3D models. Principal component analyses generally separated various hunting strategies (pursuit, pounce, ambush and occasional), but also support their phylogenetic relationships (Canoidea vs. Feloidea). The height, width and length of all three semicircular canals show functional morphological adaptations, whereas the diameter of the canals, the height of the cochlea and particularly the angle between the lateral semicircular canal and the cochlea indicate a phylogenetic signal. The results demonstrate that the bony labyrinth provides a powerful ecological proxy reflecting both predatory habits as well as phylogenetic relationships in extinct and extant carnivorans.
Bayesian selection for coarse-grained models of liquid water
Authors: Zavadlav Julija , Arampatzis Georgios , Koumoutsakos Petros
Published: January 2019

The necessity for accurate and computationally efficient representations of water in atomistic simulations that can span biologically relevant timescales has born the necessity of coarse-grained (CG) modeling. Despite numerous advances, CG water models rely mostly on a-priori specified assumptions. How these assumptions affect the model accuracy, efficiency, and in particular transferability, has not been systematically investigated. Here we propose a data driven comparison and selection for CG water models through a Hierarchical Bayesian framework. We examine CG water models that differ in their level of coarse-graining, structure, and number of interaction sites. We find that the importance of electrostatic interactions for the physical system under consideration is a dominant criterion for the model selection. Multi-site models are favored, unless the effects of water in electrostatic screening are not relevant, in which case the single site model is preferred due to its computational savings. The charge distribution is found to play an important role in the multi-site model’s accuracy while the flexibility of the bonds/angles may only slightly improve the models. Furthermore, we find significant variations in the computational cost of these models. We present a data informed rationale for the selection of CG water models and provide guidance for future water model designs.
Rapidly increasing ethanol concentrations in rainwater and air
Authors: Willey Joan D. , Avery G. Brooks , Felix J. David , Kieber Robert J. , Mead Ralph N. , Shimizu Megumi S.
Published: January 2019

Rainwater and gas phase ethanol concentrations increased approximately fourfold between 2010 and 2017 in Wilmington, NC, USA. This 8-year study demonstrates that the gas phase and rainwater concentrations of ethanol have risen due to increased production and use of ethanol as a biofuel. Rainwater ethanol concentrations are close to equilibrium with local atmospheric gas phase concentrations and have increased in proportion to increased air concentrations. Ethanol emissions are important because they impact the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere due to the reactivity of the alcohol towards hydroxyl radical. Gas phase ethanol contributes to air pollution through oxidation to acetaldehyde, with subsequent production of ozone, and in high NOx regions production of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN). However, combustion of ethanol can also lower emissions of acetaldehyde precursors such as alkenes, suggesting that the potential impact of ethanol combustion is complex. The large increase in the concentration of ethanol in both the gas and condensed phases indicates that existing sinks are not sufficient to remove the excess alcohol being added to the atmosphere from biofuel use. This suggests that the projected growth of ethanol as a biofuel will result in considerable increases in atmospheric concentrations within the next few years with direct ramifications on a host of fundamentally important atmospheric processes.
Scientific Psychophysics and the Commercially Oriented Study of Tomato Sauce
Authors: Moskowitz Howard R. , Zemel Ryan
Published: January 2019

This chapter presents recently developed and implemented approaches to creating products for consumers. The chapter focuses on pasta sauces, showing actual case studies of the successful development of products using experimental design, combined with sensory preference segmentation. The chapter finishes with a discussion of the way forward, an approach which reduces the time, effort, and cost of developing products, leading to knowledge about both what the product should be, and how it should be described.
Enzymatic reaction modulation of G-quadruplex formation for the sensitive homogeneous fluorescence sensing of cholinesterase and organophosphate pesticides
Authors: Yuan Xin , Chen Sujuan , Li Shan , Liu Qiuyun , Kou Mengqian , Xu Ting , Luo Hong , Huang Ke , Zhang Mei
Published: January 2019

In this work, we develop a novel strategy for the fluorescence detection of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and parathion with the G-quadruplex as the fluorescent indicator.
A NIR-II fluorescent probe for articular cartilage degeneration imaging and osteoarthritis detection
Authors: Yi Wanrong , Zhou Hui , Li Anguo , Yuan Ying , Guo Yaqi , Li Pengcheng , Qi Baiwen , Xiao Yuling , Yu Aixi , Hu Xiang
Published: January 2019

A Type II collagen-binding peptide based NIR-II fluorescent probe for articular cartilage degeneration imaging and early osteoarthritis detection.
Optimizing the activity of Pd based catalysts towards room-temperature formic acid decomposition by Au alloying
Authors: Xing Zihao , Guo Zilong , Chen Xiangyu , Zhang Peng , Yang Wensheng
Published: January 2019

Herein, a series of PdAu/C alloyed catalysts were synthesized via a modified coprecipitation–reduction method by using carbon powder as a support, and their activities towards formic acid decomposition (FAD) at room temperature (30 °C) were evaluated.
A rational design and green synthesis of 3D metal organic frameworks containing a rigid heterocyclic nitrogen-rich dicarboxylate: structural diversity, CO2 sorption and selective sensing of 2,4,6-TNP in water
Authors: Gogia Alisha , Mandal Sanjay K.
Published: January 2019

A rational design and green synthesis of two fluorescent and chemically/thermally stable 3D MOFs along with the selective sensing of TNP in water are reported.
Quantification of energy transfer in bimetallic Pt(ii)–Ln(iii) complexes featuring an N^C^N-cyclometallating ligand
Authors: Etchells Isaac M. , Pfrunder Michael C. , Williams J. A. Gareth , Moore Evan G.
Published: January 2019

Cyclometallated Pt(ii) complexes with tridentate N^C^N-coordinating ligands are shown to be effective sensitisers of near-infrared emission from lanthanide(iii) ions following visible light absorption.
Biofunctionalization of selenium nanoparticles with a polysaccharide from Rosa roxburghii fruit and their protective effect against H2O2-induced apoptosis in INS-1 cells
Authors: Wang Lei , Li Chao , Huang Qiang , Fu Xiong
Published: January 2019

The stable selenium nanoparticles (RP3-SeNPs) have a strong protective effect against H2O2-induced apoptosis in INS-1 cells.
Non-volatile pungent compounds isolated from Zingiber officinale and their mechanisms of action
Authors: Pan Dabo , Zeng Chen , Zhang Weiyang , Li Ting , Qin Zifei , Yao Xiaojun , Dai Yi , Yao Zhihong , Yu Yang , Yao Xinsheng
Published: January 2019

Non-volatile pungent compounds isolated from Zingiber officinale and their detailed VEGFR2 inhibition mechanisms.
Impact of emulsifier nature and concentration on the stability of β-carotene enriched nanoemulsions during in vitro digestion
Authors: Gasa-Falcon Ariadna , Odriozola-Serrano Isabel , Oms-Oliu Gemma , Martín-Belloso Olga
Published: January 2019

This study reveals the importance of emulsifier nature and concentration used to elaborate nanoemulsions as targeted delivery systems for β-carotene.
4′-Phosphopantetheine and long acyl chain-dependent interactions are integral to human mitochondrial acyl carrier protein function
Authors: Majmudar Jaimeen D. , Feng Xidong , Fox Nicholas G. , Nabhan Joseph F. , Towle Theresa , Ma Tiffany , Gooch Renea , Bulawa Christine , Yue Wyatt W. , Martelli Alain
Published: January 2019

Insights into the role of 4′-PP- and long acyl chains-dependent interactions in human ACPM function.
Recent advances in arsenic metabolism in plants: current status, challenges and highlighted biotechnological intervention to reduce grain arsenic in rice
Authors: Shri Manju , Singh Pradyumna Kumar , Kidwai Maria , Gautam Neelam , Dubey Sonali , Verma Giti , Chakrabarty Debasis
Published: January 2019

Arsenic (As), classified as a “metalloid” element, is well known for its carcinogenicity and other toxic effects to humans. Arsenic exposure in plants results in the alteration of the physiochemical and biological properties and consequently, loss of crop yield. Being a staple food for half of the world's population, the consumption of As-contaminated rice grain by humans may pose serious health issues and risks for food security. In this study, we have described the principal understanding of the molecular basis of arsenic toxicity and accumulation in plant parts. We described the measures for decreasing As accumulation in rice and understanding the mechanism and transport of As uptake, its transport from root to shoot to rice grain, its metabolism, detoxification, as well as the mechanisms lying behind its accumulation in rice grains. There are various checkpoints, such as the tuning of AsV/Pi specific Pi transporters, arsenate reductase, transporters that are involved in the efflux of As to either the vacuole or outside the cell, xylem loading, loading and unloading to the phloem, and transporters involved in the loading of As to grain, that can be targeted to reduce As accumulation in rice grain. Genes/proteins involved in As detoxification, particularly the glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis pathway, phytochelatin (PC) synthesis, and arsenic methyltransferase, also provide a great pool of pathways that can also be castellated for the low As in rice grains. Paddy rice is also used as fodder for animals, enhancing vacuolar sequestration and using constitutive promoters, which may be of concern for animal health. Therefore, using a root-specific promoter and/or converting inorganic arsenic into volatile organic arsenic might be a better strategy for low As in grain. Furthermore, in this review, the other specific approaches, such as bio-remediation, bio-augmentation practices, and molecular breeding, which have great potential to reduce As uptake from soil to rice grains, have also been highlighted.
Scalable fabrication of a complementary logic inverter based on MoS2 fin-shaped field effect transistors
Authors: Lan Yann-Wen , Chen Po-Chun , Lin Yun-Yan , Li Ming-Yang , Li Lain-Jong , Tu Yu-Ling , Yang Fu-Liang , Chen Min-Cheng , Li Kai-Shin
Published: January 2019

Integration of both n-type and p-type MoS2 fin-shaped field effect transistors by using a traditional implantation technique for complementary field effect transistor is demonstrated. The complementary MoS2 inverter with high DC voltage gain of more than 20 is acquired.
Electromagnetic and acoustic double-shielding graphene-based metastructures
Authors: Li Ying , Sun Liang , Xu Fan , Wang Shasha , Peng Qingyu , Yang Zhiyu , He Xiaodong , Li Yibin
Published: January 2019

A designable electromagnetic and acoustic double-shielding graphene-based metastructure exhibits not only excellent electromagnetic interference shielding property but also robust acoustic shielding efficiency.
Microfluidic manufacturing of surface-functionalized graphene oxide nanoflakes for gene delivery
Authors: Di Santo Riccardo , Digiacomo Luca , Palchetti Sara , Palmieri Valentina , Perini Giordano , Pozzi Daniela , Papi Massimiliano , Caracciolo Giulio
Published: January 2019

Microfluidic assembly of graphene oxide nanoflakes and cationic lipids produces surface functionalized hybrid nanoparticles with superior transfection efficiency and no cytotoxicity.
Nanoparticles affect bacterial colonies’ optical diffraction patterns
Authors: Sasanpour Pezhman , Dilmaghani-Marand Arezou , Montazeri Hojatollah , Ivani Saeed , Hajipour Mohammad Javad , Mahmoudi Morteza
Published: January 2019

Distinct optical diffraction patterns of bacterial colonies in response to SPIONs with various concentrations and surface chemistries are formed.
Polarity-assisted formation of hollow-frame sheathed nitrogen-doped nanofibrous carbon for supercapacitors
Authors: Gong Yujiao , Chen Ruyi , Xu Hai , Yu Chenyang , Zhao Xi , Sun Yue , Hui Zengyu , Zhou Jinyuan , An Jianing , Du Zhuzhu , Sun Gengzhi , Huang Wei
Published: January 2019

The polar groups of polymer nanofibers induce uniform decoration of MOFs and the subsequent formation of hollow carbon-frames during pyrolysis.
Intrinsically permeable polymer vesicles based on carbohydrate-conjugated poly(2-oxazoline)s synthesized using a carbohydrate-based initiator system
Authors: Nishimura Tomoki , Sumi Naoki , Koda Yuta , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Akiyoshi Kazunari
Published: January 2019

A thermo-responsive poly(n-propyl oxazoline) block was employed as the hydrophobic segment in an amphiphilic glyco polymer. This approach affords intrinsically permeable polymer vesicles for water-soluble compounds.
Synthesis of a novel isatin and ethylenediamine modified resin and effective adsorption behavior towards Orange G
Authors: Yin Chai , Xu Chao , Yu Wenhao , Jia Yuxiang , Sun Weizhi , Zhou Guizhong , Xian Mo
Published: January 2019

Three types of resins prepared by carbonyl/amino modification based on CMPS displayed enhanced adsorption capacity towards acid dye Orange G and the resin 135-I-EDA that has two functional groups showed the best adsorption performance.
Applications of self-assembling ultrashort peptides in bionanotechnology
Authors: Ni Ming , Zhuo Shuangmu
Published: January 2019

Ultrashort peptide applications in bionanotechnology.
Graphene/Si Schottky solar cells: a review of recent advances and prospects
Authors: Kong Xinyi , Zhang Linrui , Liu Beiyun , Gao Hongli , Zhang Yongzhe , Yan Hui , Song Xuemei
Published: January 2019

The structure and mechanism of graphene/silicon solar cells, and several key strategies to improve the performance of the cells.
Facile solvothermal preparation of Fe3O4–Ag nanocomposite with excellent catalytic performance
Authors: Zhan Fangke , Wang Ran , Yin Juanjuan , Han Zengsheng , Zhang Lun , Jiao Tifeng , Zhou Jingxin , Zhang Lexin , Peng Qiuming
Published: January 2019

A new Fe3O4–Ag nanocomposite was preparedviasolvothermal method, demonstrating potential application in catalytic degradation of wastewater treatment and composite materials.
A straightforward chemical approach for excellent In2S3 electron transport layer for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yu Fengyang , Zhao Wangen , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: January 2019

A simple, time-saving solution-processed In2S3 thin film was applied in perovskite solar cells as the electron selective layer.
Nano-sized mesoporous phosphated tin oxide as an efficient solid acid catalyst
Authors: Hassan S. M. , Mannaa M. A. , Ibrahim Amr Awad
Published: January 2019

Herein, we prepared a mesoporous tin oxide catalyst (mSnO2) activated with phosphate species by the adsorption of phosphate ions from a phosphoric acid solution onto tin oxyhydroxide (Sn(OH)4) surface.
Electron polarons in the subsurface layer of Mo/W-doped BiVO4 surfaces
Authors: Cen Jianhang , Li Shunning , Zheng Jiaxin , Pan Feng
Published: January 2019

Monoclinic BiVO4 has been regarded as a promising photocatalyst for water splitting in recent years.
Reversible alkene binding and allylic C–H activation with an aluminium(i) complex
Authors: Bakewell Clare , White Andrew J. P. , Crimmin Mark R.
Published: January 2019

The monomeric molecular aluminium(i) complex 1 [{(ArNCMe)2CH}Al] (Ar = 2,6-di-iso-propylphenyl) reacts with a series of terminal and strained alkenes including ethylene, propylene, allylbenzene and norbornene to form alkene bound products.
Nano-inclusion in one step: spontaneous ice-templating of porous hierarchical nanocomposites for selective hydrogen release
Authors: Champet Simon , van den Berg Jan , Szczesny Robert , Godula-Jopek Agata , Gregory Duncan H.
Published: January 2019

3-D nanocomposites of (reduced) graphene oxide and ammonia borane can be fabricated in a one-step ice templating process from aqueous suspensions. The nanocomposites release hydrogen at a reduced onset temperature, suppressing the release of diborane, borazine and ammonia.
Origins of ultralow thermal conductivity in 1-2-1-4 quaternary selenides
Authors: Kuo Jimmy Jiahong , Aydemir Umut , Pöhls Jan-Hendrik , Zhou Fei , Yu Guodong , Faghaninia Alireza , Ricci Francesco , White Mary Anne , Rignanese Gian-Marco , Hautier Geoffroy , Jain Anubhav , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: January 2019

Low thermal conductivity of BaAb2SnSe4 is measured, which can be attributed to the weakly-bonded Ag–Ag dimers.
Amorphous Fe/Mn bimetal–organic frameworks: outer and inner structural designs for efficient arsenic(iii) removal
Authors: Zhang Tianshu , Wang Jing , Zhang Wentao , Yang Chengyuan , Zhang Liang , Zhu Wenxin , Sun Jing , Li Guoliang , Li Tao , Wang Jianlong
Published: January 2019

This work describes an amorphous FeMn-MOF-74 adsorbent for the simultaneous removal and detoxication of As(iii) from aqueous solutions.
Post-assembly modification of polymeric composite membranes using spin drying for fuel cell applications
Authors: Lee Kyung Ah , Yoon Ki Ro , Kwon Sung Hyun , Lee Kyung Jin , Jo Sunhee , Lee Ju Sung , Lee Kwan-Young , Lee Seung Woo , Lee Seung Geol , Kim Jin Young
Published: January 2019

A spin-drying process is simply adopted during fabrication of reinforced polymer composite membranes.
Cryo-TEM and electron tomography reveal leaching-induced pore formation in ZSM-5 zeolite
Authors: Li Teng , Wu Hanglong , Ihli Johannes , Ma Zhiqiang , Krumeich Frank , Bomans Paul H. H. , Sommerdijk Nico A. J. M. , Friedrich Heiner , Patterson Joseph P. , van Bokhoven Jeroen A.
Published: January 2019

Leaching-induced pore formation in ZSM-5 zeolites from pristine via mesoporous to hollow zeolites is studied by cryo-TEM and electron tomography.
Polarity engineering of porous aromatic frameworks for specific water contaminant capture
Authors: Shen Xiaoshan , Faheem Muhammad , Matsuo Yutaka , Aziz Saba , Zhang Xu , Li Yuhan , Song Jian , Tian Yuyang , Zhu Guangshan
Published: January 2019

The channel polarities of Porous Aromatic Frameworks (PAFs) are engineered with functional groups to suit different water contaminants.
High-performance organic solar cells based on polymer donor/small molecule donor/nonfullerene acceptor ternary blends
Authors: Dai Shuixing , Chandrabose Sreelakshmi , Xin Jingming , Li Tengfei , Chen Kai , Xue Peiyao , Liu Kuan , Zhou Ke , Ma Wei , Hodgkiss Justin M. , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: January 2019

Polymer donor/small molecule donor/nonfullerene acceptor ternary organic solar cells afford efficiency of 13.1%, higher than that of the polymer donor/nonfullerene acceptor binary blend (12.1%).
Stimuli-responsive multifunctional metal–organic framework nanoparticles for enhanced chemo-photothermal therapy
Authors: Feng Jie , Xu Zhen , Dong Ping , Yu Wenqian , Liu Feng , Jiang Qunying , Wang Fuan , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: January 2019

Programmable metal–organic frameworks were prepared as efficient delivery vehicles for targeted and stimuli-responsive release of multi-therapeutics with excellent antitumor activity.
A versatile bacterial membrane-binding chimeric peptide with enhanced photodynamic antimicrobial activity
Authors: Zhang Ai-Nv , Wu Wei , Zhang Chi , Wang Qiu-Yang , Zhuang Ze-Nan , Cheng Han , Zhang Xian-Zheng
Published: January 2019

A versatile bacterial membrane-binding chimeric peptide PpIX-[PEG8-(KLAKLAK)2]2 by conjugating a photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX with an antimicrobial peptide (KLAKLAK)2 was constructed for effective photodynamic inactivation of bacteria.
Selectively instant-response nanofibers with a fluorescent chemosensor toward phosgene in gas phase
Authors: Wang Shao-Lin , Zhang Chuan-Ling , Song Qin-Hua
Published: January 2019

A novel molecular design of a fluorescent chemosensor together with its polymer nanofibrous membrane for instant response to gaseous phosgene.
Significantly enhanced energy storage performance of rare-earth-modified silver niobate lead-free antiferroelectric ceramics via local chemical pressure tailoring
Authors: Li Song , Nie Hengchang , Wang Genshui , Xu Chenhong , Liu Ningtao , Zhou Mingxing , Cao Fei , Dong Xianlin
Published: January 2019

An ultrahigh recoverable energy density was achieved in rare-earth-modified silver niobate lead-free antiferroelectric ceramics via local chemical pressure tailoring.
Halide perovskites for resistive random-access memories
Authors: Kim Hyojung , Han Ji Su , Kim Sun Gil , Kim Soo Young , Jang Ho Won
Published: January 2019

Halide-perovskites-based resistive random-access memory (ReRAM) devices are emerging as a new class of revolutionary data storage devices because the switching material—halide perovskite—has received considerable attention in recent years owing to its unique and exotic electrical, optical, and structural properties.
A sodium citrate-modified-PEDOT:PSS hole transporting layer for performance enhancement in inverted planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Syed Ali Asgher , Poon Chung Yan , Li Hung Wing , Zhu Furong
Published: January 2019

A sodium citrate-modified-PEDOT:PSS hole transporting layer assists in the growth of the perovskite crystal, and favors the charge collection in the perovskite solar cells.
Transformation of microgrid to virtual power plant – a comprehensive review
Authors: Yavuz Levent , Önen Ahmet , Muyeen S.M. , Kamwa Innocent
Published: January 2019

To provide continuity of balancing demand and generation, renewable sources will be more active than today in near future due to the tendency of massive investment on renewable energy sources (RESs) by countries. However, due to the uncertain and intermittent nature of RESs, RESs would create problems on power system operations such as power quality, efficiency, stability and reliability. Owing to having problems with RESs integration, virtual power plant (VPP) has introduced to make this integration smooth without compromising the grid stability and reliability along with offering many other techno‐economic benefits. This study reviews structures, types, architecture and operations of VPP along with the status of present implementations worldwide. The types of VPP are introduced in details with the optimisation algorithm used with each type. In addition, VPP is linked with the most of the components in power systems such as distributed generation, active prosumers, transmission system operator and distribution system operator, grid services such as fault ride through, reactive power control as well as with the help of technology such as communications, control and optimisations. This study gives a comprehensive outline of transforming microgrid to VPP that is useful for researchers, consumers, prosumers and utility operators.
Optimisation of double‐sided linear switched reluctance motor for mass and force ripple minimisation
Authors: Soltanpour Mohammad Reza , Abdollahi Hassan , Masoudi Siamak
Published: January 2019

Linear switched reluctance motors (LSRMs) are attractive machines for industrial applications. Their structure is simple, robust, and low cost. Despite these advantages, LSRMs suffer from inherent high force ripples which induce noise and vibration problems. The force performance of these motors is largely influenced by their geometry. Therefore, the dimensions must be optimised to improve the force performance. The aim of the present work was to determine the optimum dimensions of a double‐sided LSRM using non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm‐II and multi‐objective seeker optimisation algorithm along with a three‐dimensional (3D) finite element analysis. The analysis and modelling results are presented, and a laboratory prototype is built. The results revealed that the optimised motor has a higher average force, lower force ripple, and lower total mass