bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovering de novo peptide substrates for enzymes using machine learning
Authors: Tallorin Lorillee , Wang JiaLei , Kim Woojoo E. , Sahu Swagat , Kosa Nicolas M. , Yang Pu , Thompson Matthew , Gilson Michael K. , Frazier Peter I. , Burkart Michael D. , Gianneschi Nathan C.
Published: December 2018

The discovery of peptide substrates for enzymes with exclusive, selective activities is a central goal in chemical biology. In this paper, we develop a hybrid computational and biochemical method to rapidly optimize peptides for specific, orthogonal biochemical functions. The method is an iterative machine learning process by which experimental data is deposited into a mathematical algorithm that selects potential peptide substrates to be tested experimentally. Once tested, the algorithm uses the experimental data to refine future selections. This process is repeated until a suitable set of de novo peptide substrates are discovered. We employed this technology to discover orthogonal peptide substrates for 4’-phosphopantetheinyl transferase, an enzyme class that covalently modifies proteins. In this manner, we have demonstrated that machine learning can be leveraged to guide peptide optimization for specific biochemical functions not immediately accessible by biological screening techniques, such as phage display and random mutagenesis.
Magnetic excitations in non-collinear antiferromagnetic Weyl semimetal Mn3Sn
Authors: Park Pyeongjae , Oh Joosung , Uhlířová Klára , Jackson Jerome , Deák András , Szunyogh László , Lee Ki Hoon , Cho Hwanbeom , Kim Ha-Leem , Walker Helen C. , Adroja Devashibhai , Sechovský Vladimír , Park Je-Geun
Published: December 2018

Mn3Sn has recently attracted considerable attention as a magnetic Weyl semimetal exhibiting concomitant transport anomalies at room temperature. The topology of the electronic bands, their relation to the magnetic ground state and their nonzero Berry curvature lie at the heart of the problem. The examination of the full magnetic Hamiltonian reveals otherwise hidden aspects of these unusual physical properties. Here, we report the full spin wave spectra of Mn3Sn measured over a wide momentum—energy range by the inelastic neutron scattering technique. Using a linear spin wave theory, we determine a suitable magnetic Hamiltonian which not only explains the experimental results but also stabilizes the low-temperature helical phase, consistent with our DFT calculations. The effect of this helical ordering on topological band structures is further examined using a tight binding method, which confirms the elimination of Weyl points in the helical phase. Our work provides a rare example of the intimate coupling between the electronic and spin degrees of freedom for a magnetic Weyl semimetal system.
The evaluation of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance: a consensus report of the International Kidney and Monoclonal Gammopathy Research Group
Authors: Leung Nelson , Bridoux Frank , Batuman Vecihi , Chaidos Aristeidis , Cockwell Paul , D’Agati Vivette D. , Dispenzieri Angela , Fervenza Fernando C. , Fermand Jean-Paul , Gibbs Simon , Gillmore Julian D. , Herrera Guillermo A. , Jaccard Arnaud , Jevremovic Dragan , Kastritis Efstathios , Kukreti Vishal , Kyle Robert A. , Lachmann Helen J. , Larsen Christopher P. , Ludwig Heinz , Markowitz Glen S. , Merlini Giampaolo , Mollee Peter , Picken Maria M. , Rajkumar Vincent S. , Royal Virginie , Sanders Paul W. , Sethi Sanjeev , Venner Christopher P. , Voorhees Peter M. , Wechalekar Ashutosh D. , Weiss Brendan M. , Nasr Samih H.
Published: December 2018

The term monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) was introduced by the International Kidney and Monoclonal Gammopathy Research Group (IKMG) in 2012. The IKMG met in April 2017 to refine the definition of MGRS and to update the diagnostic criteria for MGRS-related diseases. Accordingly, in this Expert Consensus Document, the IKMG redefines MGRS as a clonal proliferative disorder that produces a nephrotoxic monoclonal immunoglobulin and does not meet previously defined haematological criteria for treatment of a specific malignancy. The diagnosis of MGRS-related disease is established by kidney biopsy and immunofluorescence studies to identify the monotypic immunoglobulin deposits (although these deposits are minimal in patients with either C3 glomerulopathy or thrombotic microangiopathy). Accordingly, the IKMG recommends a kidney biopsy in patients suspected of having MGRS to maximize the chance of correct diagnosis. Serum and urine protein electrophoresis and immunofixation, as well as analyses of serum free light chains, should also be performed to identify the monoclonal immunoglobulin, which helps to establish the diagnosis of MGRS and might also be useful for assessing responses to treatment. Finally, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy should be conducted to identify the lymphoproliferative clone. Flow cytometry can be helpful in identifying small clones. Additional genetic tests and fluorescent in situ hybridization studies are helpful for clonal identification and for generating treatment recommendations. Treatment of MGRS was not addressed at the 2017 IKMG meeting; consequently, this Expert Consensus Document does not include any recommendations for the treatment of patients with MGRS.
Parent-embryo acoustic communication: a specialised heat vocalisation allowing embryonic eavesdropping
Authors: Mariette Mylene M. , Pessato Anaïs , Buttemer William A. , McKechnie Andrew E. , Udino Eve , Collins Rodney N. , Meillère Alizée , Bennett Andrew T. D. , Buchanan Katherine L.
Published: December 2018

Sound is arguably the external cue most accessible to embryos of many species, and as such may constitute an unrivalled source of early information. Recent evidence shows that prenatal sounds, similarly to maternal effects, may shape developmental trajectories. Establishing whether parental vocalisations are signals directed at embryos, or parental cues on which embryos eavesdrop, can elucidate whether parents or embryos control developmental outcomes. Prenatal exposure to a characteristic heat-related parental call was recently shown to alter zebra finch growth and fitness. Here, we test the ecological context of this behaviour in the wild, and assess the information value and specificity of this vocalisation for an embryonic audience. We show that wild zebra finches also produce this characteristic call, only at high temperatures. In addition, in the lab, we demonstrate experimentally that calling is specifically triggered by high air temperatures, can occur without an embryonic audience, and importantly, is predicted by individuals’ body mass. Overall, our findings reveal a specialised heat vocalisation that enables embryonic eavesdropping, by indicating high ambient temperatures, and parents’ capacity to cope with such conditions. This challenges the traditional view of embryos as passive agents of their development, and opens exciting research avenues on avian adaptation to extreme heat.
Effects of horizontal distance and limb crossing on perceived hand spacing and ownership: Differential sensory processing across hand configurations
Authors: Qureshi Hassan G. , Butler Annie A. , Kerr Graham K. , Gandevia Simon C. , Héroux Martin E.
Published: December 2018

We have previously shown that, with the hands apart vertically, passively grasping an artificial finger induces a sense of ownership over the artificial finger and coming-together of the hands. The present study investigated this grasp illusion in the horizontal plane. Thirty healthy participants were tested in two conditions (grasp and no grasp) with their hands at different distances apart, either crossed or uncrossed. After 3 min, participants reported perceived spacing between index fingers, perceived index finger location, and, for the grasp condition, perceived ownership over the artificial finger. On average, there was no ownership at any of the hand configurations. With the hands uncrossed 7.5, 15 or 24 cm apart, there was no difference in perceived spacing between the grasp and no grasp conditions. With the hands crossed and 15 cm apart, perceived spacing between index fingers was 3.2 cm [0.7 to 5.7] (mean [95% CI]) smaller during the grasp condition compared to no grasp. Therefore, compared to when the hands are vertically separated, there is an almost complete lack of a grasp illusion in the horizontal plane which indicates the brain may process sensory inputs from the hands differently based on whether the hands are horizontally or vertically apart.
AnnexinA5-pHrodo: a new molecular probe for measuring efferocytosis
Authors: Stöhr R. , Deckers N. , Schurgers L. , Marx N. , Reutelingsperger C. P.
Published: December 2018

Efferocytosis, the clearing of dead or dying cells from living tissues, is a highly programmed, vital process to maintain the healthy functioning of every organism. Disorders of efferocytosis have been linked to several chronic diseases including atherosclerosis and auto-immune diseases. To date several different assays to determine phagocytosis, using microscopy or FACS analysis with labelled targets, have been developed. However, many of these are unable to differentiate between cells that have truly been phagocytosed and those still present on the surface of the macrophages hindering exact assessment of efferocytotic capacity. We herein describe AnxA5-pHrodo and its negative control M1234-pHrodo as new molecular probes to measure in vitro as well as ex-vivo efferocytotic capacity.
Effect of thermal treatment with water, H2SO4 and NaOH aqueous solution on color, cell wall and chemical structure of poplar wood
Authors: Shi Jiangtao , Lu Yu , Zhang Yaoli , Cai Liping , Shi Sheldon Q.
Published: December 2018

Thermal treatments with water, diluted acid, and diluted alkali aqueous solution of poplar wood blocks were carried out in a Teflon-lined autoclave at three temperatures. The effects of different liquids and temperatures on wood surface color, cell wall microstructure, and chemical structures were investigated by the chromameter, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). From the chromameter, it was observed that the lightness value decreased with temperature for all treatment conditions. The a* value increased with temperature in all liquid treatments. The b* value increased with temperature in hydrothermal and thermal with H2SO4 treatment but decreased with temperature in thermal with NaOH treatment. The total color difference (ΔE) was slightly changed in the hydrothermal treatment, but dramatically changed in the thermal with H2SO4 and NaOH aqueous treatments. SEM showed that the cell wall structure was damaged differently with different reagents and temperature. Middle lamella layers were always fractured in hydrothermal and NaOH treatments. However, both middle lamella and secondary cell wall were damaged after the H2SO4 treatment and intensified with temperature. These fractures usually parallel with the S2 layer microfibril angle (MFA) in the fiber cell wall. The FTIR analysis suggested that the chemical structure was obviously changed after the thermal with H2SO4 and NaOH treatments. And the missing or decreasing C=O absorption peak indicated hemicellulose is degraded and new compounds produced during thermal with H2SO4 and NaOH treatment. On the other hand, lignin was partly degraded in the H2SO4 treatment and guaiacyl nuclei was degraded before syringyl nuclei.
Strong improvement of the transport characteristics of YBa2Cu3O7−x grain boundaries using ionic liquid gating
Authors: Fête A. , Senatore C.
Published: December 2018

For more than 30 years, the remarkable superconducting properties of REBa2Cu3O7−x (RE = rare earth) compounds have triggered research studies across the world. Accordingly, significant progresses have been made both from a basic understanding and a fabrication processes perspective. Yet, today, the major technological bottleneck towards the spread of their practical uses remains the exponential decay of their critical current with grain misorientation in polycrystalline samples. In this work, we used an ionic liquid to apply extremely high transverse electric fields to YBa2Cu3O7−x thin films containing a single well-defined low-angle grain boundary. Our study shows that this technique is very effective to tune the IV characteristics of these weak-links. In-magnetic field measurements allow us to discuss the type of the vortices present at the grain boundary and to unveil a large variation of the local depairing current density with gating. Comparing our results with the ones obtained on chemically-doped grain boundaries, we discuss routes to evaluate the role of local strain in the loss of transparency at cuprates low-angle grain boundaries. In short, this study offers a new opportunity to discuss scenarios leading to the reduced transport capabilities of grain boundaries in cuprates.
The reduced activity of PP-1α under redox stress condition is a consequence of GSH-mediated transient disulfide formation
Authors: Singh Simranjit , Lämmle Simon , Giese Heiko , Kämmerer Susanne , Meyer-Roxlau Stefanie , Alfar Ezzaldin Ahmed , Dihazi Hassan , Guan Kaomei , El-Armouche Ali , Richter Florian
Published: December 2018

Heart failure is the most common cause of morbidity and hospitalization in the western civilization. Protein phosphatases play a key role in the basal cardiac contractility and in the responses to β-adrenergic stimulation with type-1 phosphatase (PP-1) being major contributor. We propose here that formation of transient disulfide bridges in PP-1α might play a leading role in oxidative stress response. First, we established an optimized workflow, the so-called “cross-over-read” search method, for the identification of disulfide-linked species using permutated databases. By applying this method, we demonstrate the formation of unexpected transient disulfides in PP-1α to shelter against over-oxidation. This protection mechanism strongly depends on the fast response in the presence of reduced glutathione. Our work points out that the dimerization of PP-1α involving Cys39 and Cys127 is presumably important for the protection of PP-1α active surface in the absence of a substrate. We finally give insight into the electron transport from the PP-1α catalytic core to the surface. Our data suggest that the formation of transient disulfides might be a general mechanism of proteins to escape from irreversible cysteine oxidation and to prevent their complete inactivation.
Xrp1 is a transcription factor required for cell competition-driven elimination of loser cells
Authors: Baillon Ludovic , Germani Federico , Rockel Claudia , Hilchenbach Jochen , Basler Konrad
Published: December 2018

The elimination of unfit cells from a tissue is a process known in Drosophila and mammals as cell competition. In a well-studied paradigm “loser” cells that are heterozygous mutant for a haploinsufficient ribosomal protein gene are eliminated from developing tissues via apoptosis when surrounded by fitter wild-type cells, referred to as “winner” cells. However, the mechanisms underlying the induction of this phenomenon are not fully understood. Here we report that a CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein (C/EBP), Xrp1, which is known to help maintaining genomic stability after genotoxic stress, is necessary for the elimination of loser clones in cell competition. In loser cells, Xrp1 is transcriptionally upregulated by an autoregulatory loop and is able to trigger apoptosis - driving cell elimination. We further show that Xrp1 acts in the nucleus to regulate the transcription of several genes that have been previously involved in cell competition. We therefore speculate that Xrp1 might play a fundamental role as a molecular caretaker of the genomic integrity of tissues.
Phosphorylation of nuclear Tau is modulated by distinct cellular pathways
Authors: Ulrich Giorgio , Salvadè Agnese , Boersema Paul , Calì Tito , Foglieni Chiara , Sola Martina , Picotti Paola , Papin Stéphanie , Paganetti Paolo
Published: December 2018

Post-translational protein modification controls the function of Tau as a scaffold protein linking a variety of molecular partners. This is most studied in the context of microtubules, where Tau regulates their stability as well as the distribution of cellular components to defined compartments. However, Tau is also located in the cell nucleus; and is found to protect DNA. Quantitative assessment of Tau modification in the nucleus when compared to the cytosol may elucidate how subcellular distribution and function of Tau is regulated. We undertook an unbiased approach by combing bimolecular fluorescent complementation and mass spectrometry in order to show that Tau phosphorylation at specific residues is increased in the nucleus of proliferating pluripotent neuronal C17.2 and neuroblastoma SY5Y cells. These findings were validated with the use of nuclear targeted Tau and subcellular fractionation, in particular for the phosphorylation at T181, T212 and S404. We also report that the DNA damaging drug Etoposide increases the translocation of Tau to the nucleus whilst reducing its phosphorylation. We propose that overt phosphorylation of Tau, a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders defined as tauopathies, may negatively regulate the function of nuclear Tau in protecting against DNA damage.
Structure-function-guided exploration of the antimicrobial peptide polybia-CP identifies activity determinants and generates synthetic therapeutic candidates
Authors: Torres Marcelo D. T. , Pedron Cibele N. , Higashikuni Yasutomi , Kramer Robin M. , Cardoso Marlon H. , Oshiro Karen G. N. , Franco Octávio L. , Silva Junior Pedro I. , Silva Fernanda D. , Oliveira Junior Vani X. , Lu Timothy K. , de la Fuente-Nunez Cesar
Published: December 2018

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute promising alternatives to classical antibiotics for the treatment of drug-resistant infections, which are a rapidly emerging global health challenge. However, our understanding of the structure-function relationships of AMPs is limited, and we are just beginning to rationally engineer peptides in order to develop them as therapeutics. Here, we leverage a physicochemical-guided peptide design strategy to identify specific functional hotspots in the wasp-derived AMP polybia-CP and turn this toxic peptide into a viable antimicrobial. Helical fraction, hydrophobicity, and hydrophobic moment are identified as key structural and physicochemical determinants of antimicrobial activity, utilized in combination with rational engineering to generate synthetic AMPs with therapeutic activity in a mouse model. We demonstrate that, by tuning these physicochemical parameters, it is possible to design nontoxic synthetic peptides with enhanced sub-micromolar antimicrobial potency in vitro and anti-infective activity in vivo. We present a physicochemical-guided rational design strategy to generate peptide antibiotics.
Pushing the mass limit for intact launch and photoionization of large neutral biopolymers
Authors: Schätti Jonas , Rieser Philipp , Sezer Ugur , Richter Georg , Geyer Philipp , Rondina Gustavo G. , Häussinger Daniel , Mayor Marcel , Shayeghi Armin , Köhler Valentin , Arndt Markus
Published: December 2018

Since their first discovery by Louis Dunoyer and Otto Stern, molecular beams have conquered research and technology. However, it has remained an outstanding challenge to isolate and photoionize beams of massive neutral polypeptides. Here we show that femtosecond desorption from a matrix-free sample in high vacuum can produce biomolecular beams at least 25 times more efficiently than nanosecond techniques. While it has also been difficult to photoionize large biomolecules, we find that tailored structures with an abundant exposure of tryptophan residues at their surface can be ionized by vacuum ultraviolet light. The combination of these desorption and ionization techniques allows us to observe molecular beams of neutral polypeptides with a mass exceeding 20,000 amu. They are composed of 50 amino acids – 25 tryptophan and 25 lysine residues – and 26 fluorinated alkyl chains. The tools presented here offer a basis for the preparation, control and detection of polypeptide beams.
Porous graphene-coated stainless-steel fiber for direct immersion solid-phase microextraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Huang Yanni , Chen Jia , Li Zhan , Wang Li , Guan Ming , Qiu Hongdeng
Published: December 2018

Porous graphene was prepared by combustion method and fabricated as a new coating on stainless-steel fiber for direct immersion solid-phase microextraction of PAHs in environmental water.
Surfactant-assisted synthesis and electrochemical properties of an unprecedented polyoxometalate-based metal–organic nanocaged framework
Authors: Yang Xiya , Zhu Peipei , Ren Jing , Chen Yuhao , Li Xiao , Sha Jingquan , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: December 2018

The first polyoxometalate-based nanocaged three-dimensional metal–organic framework was synthesized by a surfactant-assisted hydrothermal method.
Stanozolol–aromatic carboxylic acid crystalline complexes: flexible tautomeric/ionization states and supramolecular synthons
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Kong Minmin , Li Duanxiu , Fang Jianhui , Deng Zongwu , Zhang Hailu
Published: December 2018

The various supramolecular synthons are constantly spinning in the crystal world.
Assembly of calix[4]arene carboxylic acid derivatives by hydrogen bonding
Authors: Xiao Zufeng , Yang Weiping , Yan Fengyi , Ji Lingbo , Li Wei , Wang Wei
Published: December 2018

Crystallisation of seven calix[4]arene derivatives leads to the formation of a “head-to-head” or “head-to-tail” dimer motif through hydrogen bonding.
Self-assembly of fluoride-encapsulated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocrystals
Authors: Heeley Ellen , El Aziz Youssef , Ellingford Christopher , Jetybayeva Albina , Wan Chaoying , Crabb Eleanor , Taylor Peter G. , Bassindale Alan
Published: December 2018

The self-assembly and crystal packing of a unique series of nanocrystalline fluoride ion-encapsulated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (F-POSS) compounds, with substituted electron-withdrawing group (EWG) perfluorinated alkyl chain arms of varying lengths, were investigated.
Retraction: Doping, strain, defects and magneto-optical properties of Zn1–xMnxO nanocrystals
Authors: Shore Andrew
Published: December 2018

Retraction of ‘Doping, strain, defects and magneto-optical properties of Zn1–xMnxO nanocrystals’ by Prashant K. Sharma et al., CrystEngComm, 2013, 15, 4438–4447.
Predicting the afterglow duration in persistent phosphors: a validated approach to derive trap depth distributions
Authors: De Clercq Olivier Q. , Du Jiaren , Smet Philippe F. , Joos Jonas J. , Poelman Dirk
Published: December 2018

The trap depth distribution of a persistent phosphor, obtained via thermoluminescence, is used to predict afterglow and storage capacity.
Automatic and semi-automatic assignment and fitting of spectra with PGOPHER
Authors: Western Colin M. , Billinghurst Brant E.
Published: December 2018

Nearest lines plot, making assignment of dense and complex spectra easy.
Density functional theory calculations and thermodynamic analysis of bridgmanite surface structure
Authors: Geng Ming , Jónsson Hannes
Published: December 2018

Bridgmanite surface structure variations as a function of chemical potentials of Mg and O at the upper most of the Earth's lower mantle condition (∼660 km).
π-Hydrogen bonding and aromaticity: a systematic interplay study
Authors: Nekoei A-Reza , Vatanparast Morteza
Published: December 2018

This study confirms that the formation of a π-hydrogen bond increases the aromaticity, while increasing the aromaticity increases the strength of the resulting π-hydrogen bond, andvice versa.
Visible-light-initiated Sonogashira coupling reactions over CuO/TiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Feng Xue , Li Zhaohui
Published: December 2018

CuO/TiO2 nanocomposites with different weight ratios of CuO were obtained by immersing TiO2 in aqueous solution of Cu(NO3)2, followed by heat treatment at 400 °C.
Kinetics and mechanisms of catalytic water oxidation
Authors: Fukuzumi Shunichi , Lee Yong-Min , Nam Wonwoo
Published: December 2018

This review discusses the kinetics and mechanisms of chemical, electrocatalytic and photocatalytic water oxidation by homogeneous and heterogeneous transition metal catalysts.
Battery-operated portable high-throughput solution cathode glow discharge optical emission spectrometry for environmental metal detection
Authors: Peng Xiaoxu , Guo Xiaohong , Ge Fen , Wang Zheng
Published: December 2018

In this study, miniaturized optical emission spectrometry (OES) based on solution cathode glow discharge (SCGD) was developed for the determination of metal elements in samples.
Development of ratiometric sensing and white light-harvesting materials based on all-copper nanoclusters
Authors: Li Dan , Wang Guannan , Peng Yongjin , Chen Zhenhua , Gao Xianhui , Cheng Liming , Mei Xifan
Published: December 2018

Herein, we developed a special strategy for the fast sensitization of red emitting copper nanoclusters with the assistance of green emitting copper nanoclusters.
In situ doping and synthesis of two-dimensional nanomaterials using mechano-chemistry
Authors: Mateti Srikanth , Glushenkov Alexey M. , Li Lu Hua , Ma Qian , Zhi Chunyi , Chen Ying
Published: December 2018

A new in situ, simple and economical method, that combines both doping (carbon or nitrogen) and mechanical exfoliation processes to produce large quantities of doped nanosheets in one-step.
A multi-metal PtAgAu@CeO2 core–shell nanocatalyst with improved catalytic performance
Authors: Zhang Chao , Cheng Xi , Guo ZhenMei , Lv Zhiguo
Published: December 2018

A multi-metal PtAgAu@CeO2 core–shell nanocatalyst with improved catalytic performance is synthesized successfully.
The potential use of thermosensitive chitosan/silk sericin hydrogels loaded with longan seed extract for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Pankongadisak Porntipa , Suwantong Orawan
Published: December 2018

In this study, hydrogels that were thermosensitive at body temperature were developed using chitosan (CS)/silk sericin (SS)/β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) loaded with longan seed extract (LE) for use in bone tissue engineering.
Applications of Friedel–Crafts reactions in total synthesis of natural products
Authors: Heravi Majid M. , Zadsirjan Vahideh , Saedi Pegah , Momeni Tayebeh
Published: December 2018

In this review, we try to underscore the applications of intermolecular and intramolecular FC reactions in the total syntheses of natural products and complex molecules, exhibiting diverse biological properties.
Tin disulphide/nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline ternary nanocomposites with ultra-high capacitance properties for high rate performance supercapacitor
Authors: Xu Zichen , Zhang Zhiqiang , Gao Leilei , Lin Hongtao , Xue Li , Zhou Ziyan , Zhou Jin , Zhuo Shuping
Published: December 2018

In this work, SnS2/NRGO/PANI ternary composites are synthesized via in situ polymerization of aniline monomers on the surface of SnS2/NRGO nanosheets binary composites with different loading of the conducting polymers.
A novel strategy for facile serum exosome isolation based on specific interactions between phospholipid bilayers and TiO2
Authors: Gao Fangyuan , Jiao Fenglong , Xia Chaoshuang , Zhao Yang , Ying Wantao , Xie Yuping , Guan Xiaoya , Tao Ming , Zhang Yangjun , Qin Weijie , Qian Xiaohong
Published: December 2018

Exosomes can be efficiently isolated in a short period of time by the specific interaction of titanium dioxide with the phosphate groups on the surface of phospholipid bilayer.
Influence of molecular weight on PNIPAM brush modified colloidal silica particles
Authors: Humphreys Ben A. , Prescott Stuart W. , Murdoch Timothy J. , Nelson Andrew , Gilbert Elliot P. , Webber Grant B. , Wanless Erica J.
Published: December 2018

The internal structure of PNIPAM brush modified silica particles has been probed as a function of temperature and molecular weight.
Hydrophobicity of surface-immobilised molecules influences architectures formed via interfacial self-assembly of nucleoside-based gelators
Authors: Angelerou Maria Galini Faidra , Yang Bin , Arnold Thomas , Rawle Jonathan , Marlow Maria , Zelzer Mischa
Published: December 2018

Driving factors for surface-controlled self assembly are investigated by correlating surface parameters with changes in gel fibre diameters.
Phototaxis of active colloids by self-thermophoresis
Authors: Yu Nan , Lou Xin , Chen Ke , Yang Mingcheng
Published: December 2018

An active Janus particle driven by self-thermophoresis from light heating is able to exhibit significant phototaxis. It is determined by three different mechanisms: alignment of the particle to the light gradient, orientation-dependent motility and spatially inhomogeneous motility.
Strain rate dependent nanostructure of hydrogels with reversible hydrophobic associations during uniaxial extension
Authors: Wang Chao , Wiener Clinton G. , Fukuto Masafumi , Li Ruipeng , Yager Kevin G. , Weiss R. A. , Vogt Bryan D.
Published: December 2018

Strain rate dependent nanostructure evolution of physical hydrogels was probed by in situ SAXS and correlated with the mechanical responses of the hydrogels.
Novel Janus membrane with unprecedented osmosis transport performance
Authors: Zhou Shenghua , Xiong Zhu , Liu Fu , Lin Haibo , Wang Jianqiang , Li Tiantian , Han Qiu , Fang Qile
Published: December 2018

Janus porous membrane exhibits unprecedented osmotic water flux and near-complete reverse salt rejection far beyond thin-film composite membranes.
Chemically bubbled hollow FexO nanospheres anchored on 3D N-doped few-layer graphene architecture as a performance-enhanced anode material for potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Tan Qiwei , Li Ping , Han Kun , Liu Zhiwei , Li Yang , Zhao Wang , He Donglin , An Fuqiang , Qin Mingli , Qu Xuanhui
Published: December 2018

A facile chemical bubbling strategy to generate FexO@NFLG-240 as a performance-enhanced anode material for potassium-ion batteries.
Fabrication of regenerated cellulose nanoparticles by mechanical disintegration of cellulose after dissolution and regeneration from a deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Sirviö Juho Antti
Published: December 2018

Regenerated cellulose nanoparticles were produced by mechanical disintegration of regenerated cellulose obtained from room temperature dissolution in a deep eutectic solvent.
Nonhalogen solvent-processed polymer solar cells based on chlorine and trialkylsilyl substituted conjugated polymers achieve 12.8% efficiency
Authors: Su Wenyan , Li Guangwei , Fan Qunping , Zhu Qinglian , Guo Xia , Chen Juan , Wu Jingnan , Ma Wei , Zhang Maojie , Li Yongfang
Published: December 2018

A novel chlorine and alkylsilyl substituted polymer PBZ-ClSi was synthesized and the nonhalogen solvent-processed PSCs achieved an efficiency of 12.8%.
Crystallized lithium titanate nanosheets prepared via spark plasma sintering for ultra-high rate lithium ion batteries
Authors: Li Junqin , Zhang Tengfei , Han Cuiping , Li Hongfei , Shi Ruiying , Tong Jing , Li Baohua
Published: December 2018

Crystalline lithium titanate nanosheets are successfully prepared by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method at 500 °C within only 5 minutes and deliver excellent rate capability and cycling performance.
An electronic synapse memristor device with conductance linearity using quantized conduction for neuroinspired computing
Authors: Zhao Jianhui , Zhou Zhenyu , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Jingjuan , Zhang Lei , Li Xiaoyan , Zhao Mengliu , Wang Hong , Pei Yifei , Zhao Qianlong , Xiao Zuoao , Wang Kaiyang , Qin Cuiya , Wang Gong , Li Hui , Ding Bangfu , Yan Faguang , Wang Kaiyou , Ren Deliang , Liu Baoting , Yan Xiaobing
Published: December 2018

An electrochemical metallization memristor based on Zr0.5Hf0.5O2film and an active Cu electrode with quantum conductance and neuromorphic behavior has been reported in this work.
Enhanced light-harvesting of benzodithiophene conjugated porphyrin electron donors in organic solar cells
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Tang Wei , Bi Pengqing , Liu Zhixin , Lu Wenhui , Wang Xingzhu , Hao Xiaotao , Wong Wai-Kwok , Zhu Xunjin
Published: December 2018

New porphyrin donor molecules bearing benzodithiophene moieties show high performances in organic solar cells with enhanced greenlight-harvesting capability.
Quaternary phosphonium-based (TPQPCl)-ionomer/graphite nanoplatelets composite chemically modified electrodes: a novel platform for sensing applications
Authors: Hernandez-Aldave Sandra , Kaspar Robert B. , Letterio Michael P. , Tarat Afshin , Yan Yushan , Bertoncello Paolo
Published: December 2018

Ionomer (TPQPCl)/graphite nanoplatelet-coated electrodes are developed as a new sensing platform for amperometric detection of ascorbic acid.
A solution processed metal–oxo cluster for rewritable resistive memory devices
Authors: Zhou Kui , Ding Guanglong , Zhang Chen , Lv Ziyu , Luo Shenghuang , Zhou Ye , Zhou Li , Chen Xiaoli , Li Huilin , Han Su-Ting
Published: December 2018

A memory device based on metal–oxo cluster-assembled materials demonstrates a redox-based resistive switching behaviour which is correlated with the migration of hydroxide ions with low activation energy.
Clinical utility of microRNA-451 as diagnostic biomarker for human cancers
Authors: Li Zhanzhan , Li Yanyan , Fu Jun , Li Na , Shen Liangfang
Published: December 2018

We conducted comprehensive analyses to assess the diagnostic ability of miRNA-451 in cancers. A systematic online search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, China’s national knowledge infrastructure, and VIP databases from inception to July 31, 2017. The bivariate random effect model was used for calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under cure (AUC). The whole pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.85 (0.77–0.90) and 0.85 (0.78–0.90) with their 95% confidence interval (95%CI), respectively. The pooled AUC was 0.91 (95%CI: 0.89–0.94). Positive likelihood ratio was 5.57 (95%CI: 3.74–8.31), negative likelihood ratio was 0.18 (95%CI: 0.11–0.28), and diagnostic odds ratio was 31.33 (95%CI: 15.19–64.61). Among Asian population, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.85 (95%CI: 0.77–0.91) and 0.86 (95%CI: 0.78–0.91), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 5.87 (95%CI: 3.78–9.12) and 0.17 (95%CI: 0.11–0.28). The diagnostic odds ratio and AUC were 34.31 (15.51–75.91) and 0.92 (0.89–0.94). The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and AUC for digestive system cancer were 0.83, 0.88, 6.87, 0.20, 35.13, and 0.92, respectively. The other cancers were 0.87, 0.81, 4.55, 0.16, 28.51, and 0.90, respectively. For sample source, the results still remain consistent. Our results indicated miRNA-451 has a moderate diagnostic ability for cancers, and could be a potential early screening biomarker, and considered as an adjuvant diagnostic index when being combined with other clinical examinations.
A trial sequential meta-analysis ofTNF-α –308G>A (rs800629) gene polymorphism and susceptibility to colorectal cancer
Authors: Mandal Raju K. , Khan Munawwar Ali , Hussain Arif , Akhter Naseem , Jawed Arshad , Dar Sajad A. , Wahid Mohd , Panda Aditya K. , Lohani Mohtashim , Mishra Bhartendu N. , Haque Shafiul
Published: December 2018

Purpose: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), secreted by the activated macrophages, may participate in the onset and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). The association of TNF-α –308 G>A (rs1800629) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with CRC risk has been investigated by many studies but the results are inconclusive. A trial sequential meta-analysis was performed for precise estimation of the relationship between TNF-α –308 G>A gene polymorphism with CRC risk.

Methods: Medline (PubMed), EMBASE (Excerpta-Medica) and Google Scholar were mined for relevant articles. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the significance of association.

Results: The pooled analysis indicated no risk associated with TNF-α –308 G>A SNP and overall CRC risk in five genetic comparison models, i.e. allelic (A vs. G: P = 0.524; OR = 1.074, 95% CI = 0.863–1.335), homozygous (AA vs. GG: P = 0.489; OR = 1.227, 95% CI = 0.688–2.188), heterozygous (AG vs. GG: P = 0.811; OR = 1.024, 95% CI = 0.843–1.244), dominant (AA+AG vs. GG: P = 0.630; OR = 1.055, 95% CI = 0.849–1.311) and recessive (AA vs. AG+GG: P = 0.549; OR = 1.181, 95% CI = 0.686–2.033). Subgroup analysis revealed that TNF-α –308 G>A SNP is associated with reduced risk of CRC in Asian ethnicity. The study showed no publication bias.

Conclusions: No association of TNF-α –308 G>A SNP with overall CRC risk was found. This SNP is likely to be protective against CRC in Asian population when compared with Caucasian population. Larger prospective-epidemiological studies are warranted to elucidate the roles of TNF-α –308 G>A SNP in the etiology of CRC and to endorse the present findings.
Distributed robust output consensus for linear multi‐agent systems with input time‐varying delays and parameter uncertainties
Authors: Fiengo Giovanni , Lui Dario Giuseppe , Petrillo Alberto , Santini Stefania
Published: December 2018

This study addresses the leader‐tracking problem for linear multi‐agent systems in the presence of both parameter model uncertainties and time‐varying communication delays. To solve the robust output consensus problem, a delayed distributed proportional–integral–derivative control is proposed and the overall closed‐loop stability is proven by exploiting the Lyapunov–Krasovskii theory. Delay‐dependent robust stability conditions are given via linear matrix inequalities which allow the proper tuning of robust control gains. The effectiveness of the theoretical derivation is confirmed through a numerical analysis in the practical application domain of cooperative driving for connected vehicles.
Switching law design for finite‐time stability of singular fractional‐order systems with delay
Authors: Thanh Nguyen T. , Ngoc Phat Vu
Published: December 2018

In this study, the authors present an analytical approach based on the Laplace transform and ‘inf‐sup’ method for studying the finite‐time stability of singular fractional‐order switched systems with delay. A constructive geometric design for switching laws based on the construction of a partition of the stability state regions in convex cones is proposed. Using the proposed method, new delay‐dependent sufficient conditions for regularity, impulse‐free and finite‐time stability of the system are developed in terms of tractable matrix inequalities and Mittag–Leffler functions. An example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Distributed load sharing and transmission power loss optimisation for DC microgrids
Authors: Su Housheng , Deng Chunlin , Guo Fanghong , Chen Xia , Qi Chao
Published: December 2018

A distributed cooperative control paradigm is proposed to handle the load sharing and transmission power loss optimisation‐based optimal power flow (OPF) problems in DC microgrids, which is based on a distributed finite‐time average consensus algorithm and a linear variable weighted summation algorithm. Firstly, an OPF problem is formulated to minimise the global transmission power loss, which is then solved by a novel distributed OPF regulator in secondary control. Furthermore, a distributed OPF considering load sharing controller is proposed in secondary control, which aims to guarantee that the load sharing deviation is limited to the assigned permissible range and the global transmission power loss is reduced to a minimum simultaneously. Compared to existing methods, these two control algorithms are developed in a completely distributed fashion, and the load distribution matrix and conductance matrix of DC microgrids are not needed. The effectiveness of the proposed control methods is verified by simulation results.
Adaptive output feedback boundary control for a class of axially moving system
Authors: Guo Fang , Luo Fei , Liu Yu , Wu Yilin
Published: December 2018

In this study, the main concern lies in the development of a boundary control scheme for suppressing the vibration of an axially moving system under the influence of unknown disturbances. To that end, a boundary adaptive output feedback control is presented by merging Lyapunov theory, observer backstepping technique, high‐gain observers and robust adaptive control theory to globally stabilise the vibration and compensate for the uncertainties of the system. Besides, the disturbance observer dynamics is developed to handle unknown boundary disturbance and the ‐modification is adopted to adjust the robustness of the system. Under the designed control, the uniformly bounded stability of the controlled system is achieved, and the state observer error exponentially converges to zero as time tends to infinity. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed control can stabilise the system with a better performance.
Spontaneous facial expression database for academic emotion inference in online learning
Authors: Bian Cunling , Zhang Ya , Yang Fei , Bi Wei , Lu Weigang
Published: December 2018

Academic emotions can produce a great impact on the learning effect. Normally, emotions are expressed externally in the students' facial expressions, speech and behaviour. In this paper, the focus is on automatic academic emotion inference based on facial expressions in online learning. Considering the lack of training samples for the inference algorithm, a spontaneous facial expression database is established. It includes the facial expressions of five common academic emotions and consists of two subsets: a video clip database and an image database. A total of 1,274 video clips and 30,184 images from 82 students are included in the database. The samples are labelled by both the participants and external coders. An extensive analysis is carried out on the image database using a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based algorithm to infer self‐annotation. Some data augmentation algorithms are applied to improve the algorithm performance. Additionally, an adaptive data augmentation algorithm based on spatial transformer network is introduced, which can remove some confounding factors in the original images. The algorithm can obviously improve the inference performance, which has been proven by comparing some evaluation indicators before and after adoption. Such a database will certainly accelerate the application of affective computing in the educational field.
AMC surface based on spiral strips and its applications for low‐profile broadband planar antennas
Authors: Li RongLin , Qin Yue , Li Fuyun , Wu Linjuan , Cui Yuehui
Published: December 2018

A novel artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) surface based on spiral strips is proposed, which consists of 9 × 9 AMC cells. Each AMC cell includes a spiral strip to increase its inductance, thus featuring a wide bandwidth of 42% for ±90° reflection phase. The AMC surface is applied to three planar dipole antennas for lowering the antenna heights, including a linearly polarised (LP) antenna, a dual‐polarised (DP) antenna, and a circularly polarised (CP) antenna. It is shown by simulation and experiment that the LP antenna achieves an impedance bandwidth of 40% (0.68–1.02 GHz) for |S11| < −15 dB and a gain of 8 dBi, the DP antenna realises an impedance bandwidth of 33% (0.69–0.96 GHz) for |S11| < −15 dB, an isolation of 30 dB, and a gain of 8 dBi, and the CP antenna has an overlapped bandwidth of 33% (0.75–1.05 GHz) for |S11| < −15 dB and axial ratio <3 dB. The heights of all the three planar antennas are lowered from 0.265–0.3λ0 to 0.083λ0.
Fully embedded ultra‐wideband multilayer balun into organic packaging substrate
Authors: Aliqab Khaled , Hong Jiasheng
Published: December 2018

This study presents a novel miniaturised ultra‐wideband (UWB) multilayer balun embedded into organic packaging substrate of liquid crystal polymer. The broadside coupled stripline structure is adopted in this work to realise UWB performance and TEM mode. The fabricated prototype is self‐packaged for electromagnetic shielding, and lightweight, with a small footprint. The proposed balun design achieves excellent amplitude and phase balances within the entire bandwidth, centred at 6.2 GHz. Simulation and measurement results show very good agreement.
Analysis and mitigation of conducted EMI in current mode controlled DC–DC converters
Authors: Subramanian Archana , Govindarajan Uma
Published: December 2018

Practically, power electronic circuits (PECs) generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) which influence the operation of electronic equipment and may create instabilities. PECs must comply with electromagnetic compatibility standards for stable periodic operation but indeed fail under certain conditions. This study reports the effect of conducted EMI in a current mode controlled higher‐order DC–DC converter fed from a pulsating DC voltage instead of a stiff DC voltage. The converter is found to be a source of conducted EMI under light loading conditions adversely affecting the systems’ stability. A non‐feedback control technique is implemented to mitigate the instabilities caused by EMI and to make the system electromagneticaly compatible. A mathematical model is developed to describe the dynamics involved. Simulation and experimental results are presented to support the analyses documented.
New method for transient line selection in distribution system based on grounding fault transferred
Authors: Li Yilin , Yin Xianggen , Chen Rui
Published: December 2018

When single‐phase arc grounding fault occurs in the neutral ungrounded distribution system, the fault can be transferred by artificially grounding the faulty phase of the busbar, which can effectively improve the fault handling capability of distribution system. The theoretical analysis shows that the characteristic of transient zero‐mode current is obviously different between grounding fault and fault transferred. That is to say, in the two grounding processes, the directions of the transient zero‐mode current of the fault line are opposite and the direction of the transient zero‐mode current of the non‐fault line is identical. So, the fault line can be determined based on this theory. The zero‐mode current of each line is analysed by wavelet packet decomposition, and the feature band is selected according to the point of maximum energy. The correlation coefficient polarity between two reconstructed data, each is extracted from the first quarter of power cycle of grounding process in respective feature band, is used to determine the criterion for fault line selection. This method only uses its own line information to choose fault line without any other line information. Simultaneously, number of simulation results shows that the method is accurate and reliable.
Distance protection and fault location of the PV power plants distribution lines
Authors: Mohammedsaeed Elshiekh K. , Abdelwahid Mohamed A. , Jia Ke
Published: December 2018

Unlike the synchronous generators, the short‐circuit current provided by the photovoltaic (PV) sources is limited by the grid‐connected inverters and closely related to the normal conditions, which impacts the protection of the power systems. This study deals with the protection of the power lines (distribution feeders) that connect the PV power plants (PVPP) to the grid; the first part of this study analyses the impact of the grid‐connected PV (GCPV) system on the conventional distance protection. A specific coordination between the over‐current protection of the grid side and the distance protection of the PVPP side was used to eliminate this impact. This coordination requires delaying the distance protection and keeping the inverter connected to the grid, which was achieved by fault ride‐through (FRT) feature accompanied with the inverter control during the fault condition. The second part studies the possibility of using the double‐end‐impedance‐based fault location on the PVPP power lines, and some FRT strategies were suggested to reduce the effect of the inverter control loops on obtaining the accurate fault location. The proposed work was verified by GCPV system model using MATLAB/Simulink software.