bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global genetic diversity of var2csa in Plasmodium falciparum with implications for malaria in pregnancy and vaccine development
Authors: Benavente Ernest Diez , Oresegun Damilola R. , de Sessions Paola Florez , Walker Eloise M. , Roper Cally , Dombrowski Jamille G. , de Souza Rodrigo M. , Marinho Claudio R. F. , Sutherland Colin J. , Hibberd Martin L. , Mohareb Fady , Baker David A. , Clark Taane G. , Campino Susana
Published: October 2018

Malaria infection during pregnancy, caused by the sequestering of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in the placenta, leads to high infant mortality and maternal morbidity. The parasite-placenta adherence mechanism is mediated by the VAR2CSA protein, a target for natural occurring immunity. Currently, vaccine development is based on its ID1-DBL2Xb domain however little is known about the global genetic diversity of the encoding var2csa gene, which could influence vaccine efficacy. In a comprehensive analysis of the var2csa gene in >2,000 P. falciparum field isolates across 23 countries, we found that var2csa is duplicated in high prevalence (>25%), African and Oceanian populations harbour a much higher diversity than other regions, and that insertions/deletions are abundant leading to an underestimation of the diversity of the locus. Further, ID1-DBL2Xb haplotypes associated with adverse birth outcomes are present globally, and African-specific haplotypes exist, which should be incorporated into vaccine design.
A new approach based on targeted pooled DNA sequencing identifies novel mutations in patients with Inherited Retinal Dystrophies
Authors: Ezquerra-Inchausti Maitane , Anasagasti Ander , Barandika Olatz , Garay-Aramburu Gonzaga , Galdós Marta , López de Munain Adolfo , Irigoyen Cristina , Ruiz-Ederra Javier
Published: October 2018

Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) are a heterogeneous group of diseases that mainly affect the retina; more than 250 genes have been linked to the disease and more than 20 different clinical phenotypes have been described. This heterogeneity both at the clinical and genetic levels complicates the identification of causative mutations. Therefore, a detailed genetic characterization is important for genetic counselling and decisions regarding treatment. In this study, we developed a method consisting on pooled targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) that we applied to 316 eye disease related genes, followed by High Resolution Melting and copy number variation analysis. DNA from 115 unrelated test samples was pooled and samples with known mutations were used as positive controls to assess the sensitivity of our approach. Causal mutations for IRDs were found in 36 patients achieving a detection rate of 31.3%. Overall, 49 likely causative mutations were identified in characterized patients, 14 of which were first described in this study (28.6%). Our study shows that this new approach is a cost-effective tool for detection of causative mutations in patients with inherited retinopathies.
Association of night-waking and inattention/hyperactivity symptoms trajectories in preschool-aged children
Authors: Reynaud Eve , Forhan Anne , Heude Barbara , Charles Marie-Aline , Plancoulaine Sabine
Published: October 2018

The objective was to study the longitudinal associations between inattention/hyperactivity symptoms and night-waking in preschool-years, in light of their joint evolution. Within the French birth-cohort study EDEN, repeated measures of 1342 children’s night-waking and inattention/hyperactivity symptoms were collected at age 2, 3 and 5–6 through questionnaires. Trajectories were computed using group-based modeling. Logistic regressions, adjusted for confounding factors, were used to measure the association between trajectories and to determine risk factors for belonging to the identified joint trajectories. Two night-waking trajectories were observed, 20% of the children had a trajectory of “common night-waking”, and 80% a trajectory of “rare night-waking”. The children were distributed in three inattention/hyperactivity trajectories, a low (47%), medium (40%) and high one (13%). Both night-waking and inattention/hyperactivity trajectories showed persistence of difficulties in preschool years. The risk of presenting a high inattention/hyperactivity trajectory compared to a low one was of 4.19[2.68–6.53] for common night-wakers, compared to rare night-wakers. Factors associated with joint trajectories were parent’s education level and history of childhood behavioral problems, and the child’s gender, night-sleep duration and collective care at 2 years of age. Results suggest that children presenting behavioral difficulties would benefit from a systematic investigation of their sleep quality and conversely.
Effects of Precipitates Evolution on Low Stress Creep Properties in P92 Heat-resistant Steel
Authors: Han Hongguang , Shen Junjie , Xie Jiaxing
Published: October 2018

The evolution of precipitates in P92 heat-resistant steel sustained under thermal aging at 923 K for different times were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while the effects of precipitates evolution on the low stress creep properties were experimentally analyzed through uniaxial creep testing and multiaxial “helicoid spring creep testing”. The results demonstrate that the coarsening of M23C6 carbide is significantly slower than the Laves phase in the thermal aging of 0~8000 h. The creep resistance of the P92 heat-resistant steel is enhanced at 923 K aging for 3000 h, and the strengthening effect is significantly apparent under the lower stresses. Moreover, the microstructure degradation factor of the P92 heat-resistant steel in the low stress region at 923 K is different that under the lower stresses of 20 MPa and 35 MPa is mainly Laves phase and the higher stresses of 65 MPa and 75 MPa is mainly M23C6 carbide.
Obese subcutaneous adipose tissue impairs human myogenesis, particularly in old skeletal muscle, via resistin-mediated activation of NFκB
Authors: O’Leary Mary F. , Wallace Graham R. , Davis Edward T. , Murphy David P. , Nicholson Thomas , Bennett Andrew J. , Tsintzas Kostas , Jones Simon W.
Published: October 2018

Adiposity and adipokines are implicated in the loss of skeletal muscle mass with age and in several chronic disease states. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of human obese and lean subcutaneous adipose tissue secretome on myogenesis and metabolism in skeletal muscle cells derived from both young (18–30 yr) and elderly (>65 yr) individuals. Obese subcutaneous adipose tissue secretome impaired the myogenesis of old myoblasts but not young myoblasts. Resistin was prolifically secreted by obese subcutaneous adipose tissue and impaired myotube thickness and nuclear fusion by activation of the classical NFκB pathway. Depletion of resistin from obese adipose tissue secretome restored myogenesis. Inhibition of the classical NFκB pathway protected myoblasts from the detrimental effect of resistin on myogenesis. Resistin also promoted intramyocellular lipid accumulation in myotubes and altered myotube metabolism by enhancing fatty acid oxidation and increasing myotube respiration and ATP production. In conclusion, resistin derived from human obese subcutaneous adipose tissue impairs myogenesis of human skeletal muscle, particularly older muscle, and alters muscle metabolism in developing myotubes. These findings may have important implications for the maintenance of muscle mass in older people with chronic inflammatory conditions, or older people who are obese or overweight.
Karst Detection Beneath the Pyramid of El Castillo, Chichen Itza, Mexico, by Non-Invasive ERT-3D Methods
Authors: Chávez René E. , Tejero-Andrade Andrés , Cifuentes Gerardo , Argote-Espino Denisse L. , Hernández-Quintero Esteban
Published: October 2018

Currently, archaeologists perform excavations determined by previous geophysical studies to accurately establish the prospective targets and minimize site disturbance. Among others, one of the methods most widely employed is the Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT-2D, -3D). However, investigation of the subsoil of archaeological buildings is not possible to carry out with traditional geophysical methods, because the structure itself prevents it. Therefore, it is necessary to design non-invasive special arrays capable of characterizing the subsoil of such buildings, while preserving their historical context. Here we show how this procedure combined with sequences of resistivity observations at depth allowed us to detect a low resistivity body beneath the pyramid ofEl Castilloin Chichen Itza (Mexico). This feature may be associated with a cavity (karst) partially filled with sweet water. On the other hand, a natural cavity was discovered underEl Osariopyramid (south of El Castillo), at the end of the 19th century. Therefore, this pyramid was also studied to validate the effectiveness of this methodology, obtaining outstanding results. This method provides an interesting procedure to investigate the subsoil of archaeological structures for unveiling evidences that allow specialists to understand the religious meaning of these temples.
Reduced glucocerebrosidase activity in monocytes from patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Atashrazm Farzaneh , Hammond Deborah , Perera Gayathri , Dobson-Stone Carol , Mueller Nicole , Pickford Russell , Kim Woojin Scott , Kwok John B. , Lewis Simon J. G. , Halliday Glenda M. , Dzamko Nicolas
Published: October 2018

Missense mutations in glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) that impair the activity of the encoded lysosomal lipid metabolism enzyme (GCase) are linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. However, reduced GCase activity is also found in brain tissue from Parkinson’s disease patients withoutGBA1mutations, implicating GCase dysfunction in the more common idiopathic form of Parkinson’s disease. GCase is very highly expressed in monocytes, and thus we measured GCase activity in blood samples from recently diagnosed Parkinson’s disease patients. Flow cytometry and immunoblotting assays were used to measure levels of GCase activity and protein in monocytes and lymphocytes from patients with Parkinson’s disease (n = 48) and matched controls (n = 44). Gene sequencing was performed to screen participants forGBA1missense mutations. In the Parkinson’s disease patients, GCase activity was significantly reduced in monocytes, but not lymphocytes, compared to controls, even whenGBA1mutation carriers were excluded. Monocyte GCase activity correlated with plasma ceramide levels in the Parkinson’s disease patients. Our results add to evidence for GCase dysfunction in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and warrant further work to determine if monocyte GCase activity associates with Parkinson’s disease progression.
Optimizing decision tree structures for spectral histopathology (SHP)
Authors: Mu Xinying , Remiszewski Stan , Kon Mark , Ergin Ayşegül , Diem Max
Published: October 2018

This paper reviews methods to arrive at optimum decision tree or label tree structures to analyze large SHP datasets.
Cationic polymer-based plasmonic sensor array that discriminates proteins
Authors: Xi Hongyan , Li Xin , Liu Qingyun , Chen Zhengbo
Published: October 2018

Breaking the restrictions of the lock-and-key sensing strategy which relies only on the most dominant interactions between the sensing element and target, here, we develop a colorimetric sensor array with three kinds of cationic polymers (polydiallyl dimethylammonium chloride (PDDA), chitosan (CTS), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)) as nonspecific receptors.
A near-infrared fluorescent probe for monitoring leucine aminopeptidase in living cells
Authors: Chai Yun , Gao Yuting , Xiong Huiwen , Lv Wanqian , Yang Guichun , Lu Cuifen , Nie Junqi , Ma Chao , Chen Zuxing , Ren Jun , Wang Feiyi
Published: October 2018

A novel water-soluble near-infrared fluorescent probe (CHMC-M-Leu) for specific monitoring of LAP in vitro and in vivo.
Confocal Raman micro-spectral evidence and physicochemical evaluation of triamterene salts
Authors: Peng Bo , Zhang Zaiyong , Wang Jian-Rong , Li Meiqi , Zhang Qi , Mei Xuefeng
Published: October 2018

The pharmaceutical salts discrimination by Raman spectroscopy is effective. The combination of triamterene with an acid can be a possible and potential alternative formulation of triamterene that exhibit high solubility and dissolution properties.
Correction: Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with molecular mass 302 in standard reference material 1597a by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and stop-flow fluorescence detection
Authors: Hayes Hugh V. , Wilson Walter B. , Sander Lane C. , Wise Stephen A. , Campiglia Andres D.
Published: October 2018

Correction for ‘Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with molecular mass 302 in standard reference material 1597a by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and stop-flow fluorescence detection’ by Hugh V. Hayes et al., Anal. Methods, 2018, 10, 2668–2675.
Therapeutic nanoplatforms with bacteria-specific activation for directional transport of antibiotics
Authors: Yu Yunjian , Zhang Tianqi , Dai Xijuan , Dai Xiaomei , Wei Xiaosong , Zhang Xinge , Li Chaoxing
Published: October 2018

An entirely new strategy is explored for directional transport delivery of antibiotics to bacteria utilizing a bacteria-activated nanoplatform.
Fabrication of dual-stimuli responsive films assembled by flavin mononucleotide and layered double hydroxides
Authors: Yan Liang , Fu Liyang , Li Mingzhe , Bai Xue , Jin Lan
Published: October 2018

Novel thin films of (FMN-PSS/LDH)n have been fabricated and displayed dual-stimuli responses to melamine and temperature.
Ambient NH3 synthesis via electrochemical reduction of N2 over cubic sub-micron SnO2 particles
Authors: Zhang Ling , Ren Xiang , Luo Yonglan , Shi Xifeng , Asiri Abdullah M. , Li Tingshuai , Sun Xuping
Published: October 2018

Cubic sub-micron SnO2 particles on carbon cloth (SnO2/CC) are active for electrocatalytic N2 reduction, with a large NH3 yield of 1.47 × 10−10 mol s−1 cm−2 and a high Faradaic efficiency of 2.17%.
Fabrication of biocleavable shell cross-linked hybrid micelles for controlled drug release using a reducible silica monomer
Authors: Zhang Xianshuo , Zhang Xiaolong , Sun Lu , Liu Fangjun , Wang Mingqi , Peng Jinlei , Wang Yunfei , Ma Liwei , Wang Baoyan , Wei Hua
Published: October 2018

We reported the first preparation of triblock copolymer-based biocleavable shell cross-linked (SCL) hybrid micelles using a reducible silica monomer.
Optimizing the oxygen balance by changing the A-site cations in molecular perovskite high-energetic materials
Authors: Chen Shao-Li , Shang Yu , He Chun-Ting , Sun Lin-Ying , Ye Zi-Ming , Zhang Wei-Xiong , Chen Xiao-Ming
Published: October 2018

Two new members of molecular perovskite high-energetic materials exhibit optimized oxygen balances by changing the A-site cations.
A new europium metal–organic framework with both high proton conductivity and highly sensitive detection of ascorbic acid
Authors: Yuan Yue-Ying , Yang Shuai-Liang , Zhang Chen-Xi , Wang Qing-Lun
Published: October 2018

The highest proton conductivity of the new Eu-MOF reaches up to 1.0 × 10−4 S cm−1. Furthermore, it is an excellent luminescence-based sensor for detection of ascorbic acid (AA) in aqueous solutions.
Morphological evolution of Co phosphate and its electrochemical and photocatalytic performance
Authors: Li Juping , Zhang Lina , Yang Ping , Cheng Xin
Published: October 2018

Cobalt phosphates with different compositions and morphologies were prepared via a one-step hydrothermal method.
Prediction of piezoelectric properties by first principles calculations and hydrothermal crystal growth of Si1−xSnxO2 α-quartz phase
Authors: Clavier D. , Hermet P. , Van der Lee A. , Haines J. , Cambon O.
Published: October 2018

First principles calculations of the α-quartz phase of Si1−xSnxO2 predict great benefits of the substitution of Si by Sn with d11 piezoelectric constant. Moreover, the substitution with Sn atoms is more efficient than with Ge atoms.
Rovibrational laser jet-cooled spectroscopy of SF6–rare gas complexes in theν3region of SF6
Authors: Asselin Pierre , Turner Andrew C. , Bruel Laurent , Brenner Valérie , Gaveau Marc-André , Mons Michel
Published: October 2018

High resolution infrared laser jet-cooled spectroscopy provides accurate structural data of 1 : 1 SF6–Rg heterodimers and describes quantitatively the intermolecular interaction model between SF6and a rare gas atom.
Strong enrichment of atmospherically relevant organic ions at the aqueous interface: the role of ion pairing and cooperative effects
Authors: Ekholm Victor , Caleman Carl , Bjärnhall Prytz Nicklas , Walz Marie-Madeleine , Werner Josephina , Öhrwall Gunnar , Rubensson Jan-Erik , Björneholm Olle
Published: October 2018

Surface affinity, orientation and ion pairing are investigated in mixed and single solute systems of aqueous sodium hexanoate and hexylammonium chloride.
Nucleation of pseudo hard-spheres and dumbbells at moderate metastability: appearance of A15 Frank–Kasper phase at intermediate elongations
Authors: Zubieta Itziar , Vázquez del Saz Miguel , Llombart Pablo , Vega Carlos , Noya Eva G.
Published: October 2018

Crystal nucleation of repulsive hard-dumbbells from the sphere to the two tangent spheres limit is investigated at moderately high metastability by brute-force molecular dynamics simulations.
Rotation-tunneling spectrum of the water dimer from instanton theory
Authors: Vaillant Christophe L. , Cvitaš Marko T.
Published: October 2018

A linearly-scaling path-integral method is developed to calculate rotation-tunneling spectra, and is applied to the water dimer.
Atomistic determination of the surface structure of Cu2O(111): experiment and theory
Authors: Zhang Rui , Li Liang , Frazer Laszlo , Chang Kelvin B. , Poeppelmeier Kenneth R. , Chan Maria K. Y. , Guest Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2018

Atomic-scale defects on the surface of Cu2O(111) are characterized through UHV STM measurements, DFT calculations and STM simulations.
Bioavailability and movement of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA-NPs) applied as a phosphorus fertiliser in soils
Authors: Xiong Lei , Wang Peng , Hunter Malcolm N. , Kopittke Peter M.
Published: October 2018

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles pose as a novel P fertiliser in acid soils.
A methodology to produce eco-friendly superhydrophobic coatings produced from all-water-processed plant-based filler materials
Authors: Morrissette Jared M. , Carroll Patrick J. , Bayer Ilker S. , Qin Jian , Waldroup Don , Megaridis Constantine M.
Published: October 2018

Eco-friendly, water-repellent coatings made by combining lycopodium spores and a natural wax.
Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in the analysis of metals, chemicals and materials
Authors: Carter Simon , Clough Robert , Fisher Andy , Gibson Bridget , Russell Ben , Waack Julia
Published: October 2018

This review covers advances in the analysis of advanced materials, metals, fuels and lubricants, nano structures, ceramics, refractories, organic and inorganic chemicals, catalysts and nuclear materials by a range of techniques including X-ray, ICP, LIBS, mass spectrometry, synchrotron-based techniques, plus non-destructive and ablation surface techniques.
Precise label-free leukocyte subpopulation separation using hybrid acoustic-optical chip
Authors: Hu X. J. , Liu H. L. , Jin Y. X. , Liang L. , Zhu D. M. , Zhu X. Q. , Guo S. S. , Zhou F. L. , Yang Y.
Published: October 2018

Integrated acoustic-optical technology in a single chip for precise and label-free leukocyte subpopulations separation is presented.
Metamaterial-enhanced infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy
Authors: Shi Cheng , Penrose Callum , Pitts Jaqueline E. , Gowda Prarthana , Luxmoore Isaac J. , Nash Geoffrey R.
Published: October 2018

We show that a metasurface can be used in a standard FTIR-ATR instrument to enhance trace chemical detection.
Dehydrochlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane over a tetraphenylphosphonium chloride-supported carbon catalyst
Authors: Dong Yanzhao , Zhao Wei , Han You , Zhang Jinli , Nian Yao , Zhang Haiyang , Li Wei
Published: October 2018

An activated carbon-supported tetraphenylphosphonium chloride (TPPC/AC) catalyst shows excellent catalytic activity and stability for dehydrochlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane.
Multi-functional wool fabrics by graft-copolymerisation with polystyrene sulphonate: their enhanced fire retardancy, mechanical properties, and stain-resistance
Authors: Hassan Mohammad Mahbubul , McLaughlin John Robert
Published: October 2018

pSS-Grafted wool fabrics showed enhanced fire retardancy, tensile strength and stain-resistance against an acid dye-based stain.
The effect of calcination conditions on the crystal growth and battery performance of nanocrystalline Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Habibi Amirhosein , Jalaly Maisam , Rahmanifard Roohollah , Ghorbanzadeh Milad
Published: October 2018

Nanocrystalline Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 (NCM) was successfully synthesized through a solution combustion route to use as the cathode material in a Li-ion battery.
Michael additions in polyketide biosynthesis
Authors: Miyanaga Akimasa
Published: October 2018

Enzymes that catalyze a Michael-type addition in polyketide biosynthesis are summarized and discussed.
The expanding world of biosynthetic pericyclases: cooperation of experiment and theory for discovery
Authors: Jamieson Cooper S. , Ohashi Masao , Liu Fang , Tang Yi , Houk K. N.
Published: October 2018

The pericyclases are Nature's route to spirotetronates, statins, myceliothermophins, leporins and more.
Evaluation of 3D gold nanodendrite layers obtained by templated galvanic displacement reactions for SERS sensing and heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Han Weijia , Stepula Elzbieta , Philippi Michael , Schlücker Sebastian , Steinhart Martin
Published: October 2018

Dense layers of overlapping three-dimensional gold nanodendrites obtained by lithographically guided gold nanodendrite growth were evaluated for SERS-based preconcentration sensing and heterogeneous catalysis.
Functionalization of wet-spun graphene films using aminophenol molecules for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Salman Muhammad , Chu Xingyuan , Huang Tieqi , Cai Shengying , Yang Qiuyan , Dong Xiaozhong , Gopalsamy Karthikeyan , Gao Chao
Published: October 2018

Aminophenol isomer functionalized graphene film electrodes are fabricated with wet-spinning technology for high performance supercapacitors.
Dual function of molybdenum sulfide/C-cloth in enhancing the performance of fullerene nanosheets based solar cell and supercapacitor
Authors: Das Aparajita , Deepa Melepurath , Ghosal Partha
Published: October 2018

Molybdenum sulfide/carbon-cloth electrode is an efficient counter electrode for fullerene nanosheets based solar cell and it also serves as an effective energy storage material.
Anion influences on reactivity and NMR spectroscopic features of NHC precursors
Authors: Huynh Han Vinh , Lam Truc Tien , Luong Huyen T. T.
Published: October 2018

The influences of 16 different counteranions on hydrogen-bondings, C–H acidities and 1JC2–H coupling constants of azolium salts have been studied.
Two-dimensional topological insulators of Pb/Sb honeycombs on a Ge(111) semiconductor surface
Authors: Hu Xingkai , Pang Zhaoxia , Chen Xinlian , Ren Miaojuan , Li Ping
Published: October 2018

Based on first-principles hybrid functional calculations, we demonstrate the formation of two-dimensional (2D) topological insulators (TIs) of Pb/Sb honeycombs on Ge(111) semiconductor surface.
One-dimensional chain structures of hexanuclear uranium(iv) clusters bridged by formate ligands
Authors: Ling Jie , Lu Huangjie , Wang Yaxing , Johnson Kenndra , Wang Shuao
Published: October 2018

Three one-dimensional chain structures of uranium(iv) hexanuclear clusters have been synthesized under hydrothermal/solvothermal conditions.
A monolithic anti-freezing hydro/organo Janus actuator with sensitivity to the polarity of solvents
Authors: Fang Chao , Yang Kaixiang , Zhou Qiang , Peng Kang , Yang Haiyang
Published: October 2018

A monolithic anti-freezing hydro/organo Janus actuator which was synthesized by a one-step interfacial copolymerization shows various deformation patterns with solvent polarity.
“Y”-shaped BP/PbS/PbSe nano-devices based on silicon carbide nanoribbons
Authors: Zhang Lishu , Li Tao , Jiang Yangyan , Arandiyan Hamidreza , Li Hui
Published: October 2018

Quantum mechanics-based simulations have been undertaken to support the development and application of multi-functional nano-devices constructed from zigzag silicon carbide nanoribbons, boron phosphide, nanoribbons, and Pb-chalcogenide (PbS, PbSe) nanoribbons.
Substrate switchable Suzuki–Miyaura coupling for benzyl ester vs. benzyl halide
Authors: Ohsumi Masato , Ito Akitaka , Nishiwaki Nagatoshi
Published: October 2018

Two reaction conditions were developed to accomplish the substrate switchable (benzyl esters vs. benzyl halides) Suzuki–Miyaura coupling.
Liquid–liquid extraction in flow of the radioisotope titanium-45 for positron emission tomography applications
Authors: Pedersen Kristina Søborg , Imbrogno Joseph , Fonslet Jesper , Lusardi Marcella , Jensen Klavs F. , Zhuravlev Fedor
Published: October 2018

The continuous liquid–liquid extraction of the PET radioisotope 45Ti using a membrane-based separator allows for efficient 45Ti recovery and radiolabeling.
Interface engineering for light-driven water oxidation: unravelling the passivating and catalytic mechanism in BiVO4 overlayers
Authors: Liu Guiji , Eichhorn Johanna , Jiang Chang-Ming , Scott Mary C. , Hess Lucas H. , Gregoire John M. , Haber Joel A. , Sharp Ian D. , Toma Francesca M.
Published: October 2018

Artificial photosynthetic approaches require the combination of light absorbers interfaced with overlayers that enhance charge transport and collection to perform catalytic reactions.
All-porous heterostructure of reduced graphene oxide–polypyrrole–nanoporous gold for a planar flexible supercapacitor showing outstanding volumetric capacitance and energy density
Authors: Purkait Taniya , Singh Guneet , Kamboj Navpreet , Das Manisha , Dey Ramendra Sundar
Published: October 2018

We propose a new prototype of flexible planar supercapacitor with highly conductive all-porous morphology of all the electroactive layers that shows outstanding volumetric stack capacitance (245.34 F cm−3) and energy density (98.48 mW h cm−3).
Surfactant-dependent flower- and grass-like Zn0.76Co0.24S/Co3S4 for high-performance all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Yuan , Huang Wei , Li Shuo , Ci Lijie , Si Pengchao
Published: October 2018

A comparison of the surfactant-dependent flower-like and grass-like Zn0.76Co0.24S/Co3S4, and their application in high-performance all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors.
Exploring the synergy of 2D MXene-supported black phosphorus quantum dots in hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Dong , Xie Ying , Liu Yi-Tao
Published: October 2018

Black phosphorus quantum dots (BP QDs) are facilely loaded on MXene nanosheets through van der Waals self-assembly. The resulting BP QDs/MXene nanohybrids, as a bifunctional electrocatalyst, exhibit remarkable synergy in both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions.
Simple fabrication of a multifunctional inorganic paper with high efficiency separations for both liquids and particles
Authors: Wen Gang , Gao Xiaoyu , Guo Zhiguang
Published: October 2018

An inorganic paper with simultaneous emulsion separation, PM removal and dye adsorption characteristics has been prepared by a facile and environmentally-friendly method.
Magnetic ordering of the cryogenic magnetic cooling mineral gaudefroyite
Authors: Li Rukang , Manuel Pascal , Orlandi Fabio , Greaves Colin
Published: October 2018

The mineral gaudefroyite, with a Kagomé-related structure, shows excellent magnetocaloric properties near its magnetic ordering temperature.
A simple strategy to achieve remarkable mechanochromism of cationic Ir(iii) phosphors through subtle ligand modification
Authors: Zhao Kai-Yue , Mao Hui-Ting , Wen Li-Li , Shan Guo-Gang , Fu Qiang , Sun Hai-Zhu , Su Zhong-Min
Published: October 2018

Herein, a facile and feasible strategy to control the mechanochromism of Ir(iii) complexes through simple adjustment of the dipole moment is reported.
Electrically conductive polymer composites for smart flexible strain sensors: a critical review
Authors: Liu Hu , Li Qianming , Zhang Shuaidi , Yin Rui , Liu Xianhu , He Yuxin , Dai Kun , Shan Chongxin , Guo Jiang , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu , Wang Xiaojing , Wang Ning , Wang Zicheng , Wei Renbo , Guo Zhanhu
Published: October 2018

Electrically conductive polymer composite-based smart strain sensors with different conductive fillers, phase morphology, and imperative features were reviewed.
Gate-tunable and high optoelectronic performance in multilayer WSe2 P–N diode
Authors: Yang Yujue , Huo Nengjie , Li Jingbo
Published: October 2018

A high-performance WSe2 P–N junction with rectifying ratio of 105, VOC of ∼0.8 V and EQE of ∼90% is demonstrated.
A broadband omnidirectional absorber incorporating plasmonic metasurfaces
Authors: Wu Shangliang , Ye Yan , Chen Linsen
Published: October 2018

Compared with previous absorbers, the device we propose here has the advantages of fabrication speed, cost saving, and working environmental tolerance.
Structural insights into the interaction of helicase and primase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Sharma Dhakaram Pangeni , Vijayan Ramachandran , Rehman Syed Arif Abdul , Gourinath Samudrala
Published: October 2018

The helicase–primase interaction is an essential event in DNA replication and is mediated by the highly variable C-terminal domain of primase (DnaG) and N-terminal domain of helicase (DnaB). To understand the functional conservation despite the low sequence homology of the DnaB-binding domains of DnaGs of eubacteria, we determined the crystal structure of the helicase-binding domain of DnaG from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtDnaG-CTD) and did so to a resolution of 1.58 Å. We observed the overall structure of MtDnaG-CTD to consist of two subdomains, the N-terminal globular region (GR) and the C-terminal helical hairpin region (HHR), connected by a small loop. Despite differences in some of its helices, the globular region was found to have broadly similar arrangements across the species, whereas the helical hairpins showed different orientations. To gain insights into the crucial helicase–primase interaction in M. tuberculosis, a complex was modeled using the MtDnaG-CTD and MtDnaB-NTD crystal structures. Two nonconserved hydrophobic residues (Ile605 and Phe615) of MtDnaG were identified as potential key residues interacting with MtDnaB. Biosensor-binding studies showed a significant decrease in the binding affinity of MtDnaB-NTD with the Ile605Ala mutant of MtDnaG-CTD compared with native MtDnaG-CTD. The loop, connecting the two helices of the HHR, was concluded to be largely responsible for the stability of the DnaB–DnaG complex. Also, MtDnaB-NTD showed micromolar affinity with DnaG-CTDs from Escherichia coli and Helicobacter pylori and unstable binding with DnaG-CTD from Vibrio cholerae. The interacting domains of both DnaG and DnaB demonstrate the species-specific evolution of the replication initiation system.
Vitamin D-induced vitamin D receptor expression induces tamoxifen sensitivity in MCF-7 stem cells via suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Zheng Wei , Duan Bofeng , Zhang Qian , Ouyang Linna , Peng Wei , Qian Fuyong , Wang Yibin , Huang Shiting
Published: October 2018

Objective: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for the drug resistance of breast cancers. Vitamin D deficiency promotes tumor resistance. The present study examined the effect of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression on the tamoxifen resistance of CSCs. Methods: MCF-7 cells were treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 and their levels of VDR expression, viability, and apoptosis were detected. CD133+ MCF-7 stem cells were identified and transfected with a VDR-overexpression plasmid. The tamoxifen concentration that reduced MCF-7 cell viability by 50% (IC50) was determined. The activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was also investigated. Results: Vitamin D reduced the viability of MCF-7 cells and promoted their apoptosis. Vitamin D enhanced VDR expression and induced DNA damage. When CD133+ stem cells were separated from MCF-7 cells, the IC50 of tamoxifen for stem cells was significantly higher than that of parental MCF-7 cells, suggesting a higher tamoxifen resistance in MCF-7 stem cells. Levels of VDR expression and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in CD133+ cells were markedly lower and higher than those in CD133− cells, respectively. Stem cells transfected with VDR overexpression plasmids showed decreased tamoxifen IC50 values, viability, spheroid formation, and expression of Wnt and β-catenin proteins when compared with control cells. Cell apoptosis was increased by transfection with a VDR overexpression plasmid. Finally, the inhibitory effects induced by VDR overexpression could be reversed by the VDR inhibitor, calcifediol. Conclusion: Stem cells contributed to the tamoxifen resistance of MCF-7 cells. Vitamin D-induced VDR expression increased the sensitivity of MCF-7 stem cells to tamoxifen by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Abnormally expressed miR-23b in Chinese Mongolian at high cardiovascular risk may contribute to monocyte/macrophage inflammatory reaction in atherosclerosis
Authors: He Li-ping , Zhao Xing-sheng , He Le-ping
Published: October 2018

Background: The prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) appears to be high among Chinese Mongolians. MiR-23b has been proven to play a key role in atherosclerosis. The expression and role of miR-23b in the Mongolians at high cardiovascular risk were explored in the present study.

Methods: Forty cases of blood samples from the Mongolians at high cardiovascular risk were enrolled in the present study. The expression of miR-23b was quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. To induce monocytes differentiation into macrophages, HP-1 cells were cultured with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. The level of inflammatory markers was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The interaction between miR-23b and A20 was explored by the dual luciferase reporter assay.

Results: The expression of miR-23b in the Mongolian at high cardiovascular risk was higher than that in healthy Mongolian volunteers. Decrease in ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 caused by miR-23b is responsible for TC accumulation in the Mongolian at high cardiovascular risk. MiR-23b enhanced the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced inflammatory response of THP-1 derived macrophage. MiR-23b regulated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway through targeting A20. MiR-23b mediated oxLDL-induced inflammatory response of peripheral blood mononuclear cell in the Mongolian at high cardiovascular risk.

Conclusion MiR-23b enhanced oxLDL-induced inflammatory response of macrophages in the Mongolian at high cardiovascular risk through the A20/NF-κB signaling pathway, and thus contributing to atherosclerosis.
PDMR: priority‐based dynamic multi‐path routing algorithm for a software defined network
Authors: Jiawei Wu , Xiuquan Qiao , Chen Junliang
Published: October 2018

The ever changing traffic and Quality‐of‐Service (QoS) requirements of different traffic classes in multimedia applications impose tremendous challenges to the routing algorithm design. To address these challenges, a novel priority‐based dynamic multi‐path routing algorithm (PDMR) over Software Defined Network (SDN) is proposed in this paper. PDMR comprehensively considers the priorities of multimedia streams and the real‐time status of the link. The goal of PDMR is to determine what resources to be allocated to a set of flows keeping their priority, improving the utilization of network resources for satisfying stringent QoS requirements of the traffic flow. According to different QoS requirements in multimedia applications, traffic is classified into two classes and allocated their respective priorities. In addition, we derive a classification of the link cost function by considering the real‐time parameters such as link bandwidth, link delay, and link load to allocate the resources flexibly for transmission and to reduce the influence of between traffic classes. Furthermore, our proposed communication model between application services and the controller, which can guarantee the reliable transmission of the designated traffic. By conducting extensive simulations, we demonstrate that our proposed PDMR algorithm significantly outperforms other existing non‐priority‐based schemes in improving network performance.
Adaptive complex virtual impedance control scheme for accurate reactive power sharing of inverter interfaced autonomous microgrids
Authors: Zandi Farshad , Fani Bahador , Sadeghkhani Iman , Orakzadeh Ardavan
Published: October 2018

The mismatched feeder impedance of the voltage‐sourced converter (VSC) units may result in reactive power sharing error in the islanded microgrids. This study presents a reactive power sharing strategy for single‐phase inverter‐based microgrids that eliminates the circulating currents and reduces the coupling between real and reactive powers. The proposed controller is based on an adaptive complex virtual impedance that aims to equalise the characteristic output of VSCs. The resistive term regulates the virtual voltage drop using the proposed droop characteristic, while the inductive one controls the phase angle of VSC current and increases the ratio of the microgrid. The proposed strategy does not require a central controller and knowledge of the microgrid lines and loads data and is applicable for the various microgrid topologies. Furthermore, it employs the unidirectional low bandwidth communication link and is robust against the delay and failure of communication channels. The proposed method is implemented using the conventional droop control scheme and presents the medium plug and play capability. Both simulation and experimental case studies using various microgrid topologies are conducted to demonstrate the merits of the proposed scheme.
Response hierarchical control strategy of communication data disturbance in micro‐grid under the concept of cyber physical system
Authors: Zhang Bo , Dou Chunxia , Yue Dong , Zhang Zhanqiang
Published: October 2018

Communication data in the communication network of the islanded micro‐grid can be disturbed in many ways, such as data attack or packet loss. To improve the control effect on the voltages and frequencies obtained by droop control of distributed energy resources (DERs) facing communication data disturbance (CDD), a response hierarchical control strategy is proposed in this study. Based on the concept of the cyber physical system, the control structure is divided into two layers: the cyber layer and physical layer. In the cyber layer, firstly, the effect of the CDD on the micro‐grid system is analysed and then, an event‐triggered data compensation method combining the back‐propagation neural network and extreme learning machine is proposed in this layer to solve the problem of the CDD. In the physical layer, firstly, the droop control is used as the primary control to control the voltages and frequencies of DERs and then, a novel virtual leader‐following consensus control method considering time‐delay is proposed in this layer. Also, it is used to complete the secondary control of the voltage and frequency obtained by primary control. In the end, the simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed hierarchical control strategy under CDD.
Time‐periodic model of wind speed and its application in risk evaluation of wind‐power‐integrated power systems
Authors: Wang Jian , Xiong Xiaofu , Li Haoran , Lu Xiaofeng
Published: October 2018

Risk evaluation of wind‐power‐integrated power systems requires a distinctive wind speed modelling technique. Existing techniques of mid‐ and long‐term risk assessment mainly focus on annual wind speed pattern rather than its monthly and daily patterns, which cannot reflect the time‐varying characteristics of power system risk. This article proposes a time‐periodic model of wind speed which incorporates two parts. The first part is the monthly wind speed patterns which can be represented as time‐periodic functions, while the other one is the fluctuation in daily wind speeds that can be denoted as a random variable following a certain probability distribution. With this model, a risk evaluation procedure for wind‐power‐integrated power system is developed. Collected wind speed data from four representative sites in China are used to verify the proposed model. The application of the proposed wind model and risk assessment method is tested by calculating annual and monthly risk indices of a modified IEEE‐RTS79 system. Results can provide references for power system planning, mid‐ and long‐term dispatching, and monthly generation scheduling.
Loss and emission reduction allocation in distribution networks using MCRS method and Aumann–Shapley value method
Authors: Yu Qingyun , Xie Jun , Chen Xingying , Yu Kun , Gan Lei
Published: October 2018

In order to provide reasonable economic signals for distribution companies (DISCOs) and further compensate for distributed generators (DGs) integrated in distribution networks equitably, the contributions of DGs to loss and emission reduction in distribution networks should be allocated according to their own responsibilities. Generally, the loss and emission reduction of the network can be allocated based on traditional cooperative‐game‐based allocation methods such as nucleolus method and Shapley value method. However, traditional cooperative‐game‐based allocation methods will result in the combinational explosion problem with the integration of a large number of DGs. In order to tackle this problem, minimum costs‐remaining savings (MCRS) method and Aumann–Shapley value method are employed for loss and emission reduction allocation. Simulation results of two cases show that compared with the allocation results of traditional cooperative‐game‐based allocation methods, the proposed MCRS method and Aumann–Shapley value method both have the characteristics of individual rationality, coalition rationality, and global rationality. Furthermore, neither MCRS method nor Aumann–Shapley value method has the problem of combinational explosion, which can reduce computational burden with regard to the integration of a large number of DGs.
Accommodative extractor for QIM‐based watermarking schemes
Authors: Kricha Zied , Kricha Anis , Sakly Anis
Published: October 2018

In quantisation index modulation‐based watermarking methods, each host coefficient is replaced by an adequate quantiser according to the embedded bit. However, after the attack, the distribution of the hosts does not remain the same, resulting in a failure to map coefficients to their correct bits. To maintain a good quality, many authors focused on improving the extraction, rather than playing on the embedding parameters. They used a reference message to define the parameters of the channel model after the attack. However, the available solutions were not effective, whereas the reference message cannot describe the channel alteration due to a shortage of samples, and the complexity of attacks modelling. To overcome these problems, the authors relied on a diversification technique, which allowed to enlarge and vary the samples. Then, based on quantisation embedding rules, they generated an accommodative detection model for each attack. At the extraction phase, the suitable detection model was identified by means of a reference message. To reinforce the security of their scheme, the watermark was initially shuffled, which prevents any unauthorised detection attempt. Both geometric and signal processing attacks were used in the validation of their method. The reduction of bit‐error rate with respect to the conventional detection method reached up to 100%.
Adaptive PID controller based on Q ‐learning algorithm
Authors: Shi Qian , Lam Hak‐Keung , Xiao Bo , Tsai Shun‐Hung
Published: October 2018

An adaptive proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller based on Q ‐learning algorithm is proposed to balance the cart–pole system in simulation environment. This controller was trained using Q ‐learning algorithm and implemented the learned Q ‐tables to change the gains of linear PID controllers according to the state of the system during the control process. The adaptive PID controller based on Q ‐learning algorithm was trained from a set of fixed initial positions and was able to balance the system starting from a series of initial positions that are different from the ones used in the training session, which achieved equivalent or even better performances in comparison with the conventional PID controller and the controller only uses Q ‐learning algorithm. This indicates the advantage of the adaptive PID controller based on Q ‐learning algorithm both in the generality of balancing the cart–pole system from a relatively wide range of initial positions and in the stabilisability of achieving smaller steady‐state error.
An algebraic method for quasi-linear first-order ODEs
Authors: Vo Thieu N.
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we consider the class of quasi-linear first-order ODEs of the formy′ =P(x; y),wherePis a polynomial inywith coefficients in ℂ(x), and study their algebraic solutions. Our method is intrinsically based on algebraic function field theory. We give an upper bound for the degrees of algebraic solutions which are in a quadratic extension of ℂ(x).
An unconditionally stable implicit difference scheme for 2D porous medium equations using four-point NEGMSOR iterative method
Authors: Jackel Vui Lung Chew , Sulaiman Jumat
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a numerical method has been proposed for solving several two-dimensional porous medium equations (2D PME). The method combines Newton and Explicit Group MSOR (EGMSOR) iterative method namely four-point NEGMSOR. Throughout this paper, an initialboundary value problem of 2D PME is discretized by using the implicit finite difference scheme in order to form a nonlinear approximation equation. By taking a fixed number of grid points in a solution domain, the formulated nonlinear approximation equation produces a large nonlinear system which is solved using the Newton iterative method. The solution vector of the sparse linearized system is then computed iteratively by the application of the four-point EGMSOR method. For the numerical experiments, three examples of 2D PME are used to illustrate the efficiency of the NEGMSOR. The numerical result reveals that the NEGMSOR has a better efficiency in terms of number of iterations, computation time and maximum absolute error compared to the tested NGS, NEG and NEGSOR iterative methods. The stability analysis of the implicit finite difference scheme used on 2D PME is also provided.
Retracted Article: High Performance Energy Prediction using Hadoop with Spark
Authors: Duong-Ngoc Hung , Nguyen-Thanh Hoan , Nguyen-Minh Tam
Published: October 2018

This paper has been formally withdrawn on ethical grounds because the article contains extensive and repeated instances of plagiarism. Web of Conferences treats all identified evidence of plagiarism in the published articles most seriously. Such unethical behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstance.