bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting 3D moisture sorption behavior of materials from 1D investigations
Authors: Sharma Hom N. , Sun Yunwei , Glascoe Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2020

Moisture in materials can be a source of future outgassing and exacerbate unwanted changes in physical and chemical properties. Here, we investigate the effect of sample size and shape on the moisture transport phenomena through a combined experimental and modeling approach. Several different materials varying in size and shape were investigated over a wide range of relative humidities (0–90%) and temperatures ($$30{-}70^{\,\circ } \hbox {C}$$

30
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70

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C

) using gravimetric type dynamic vapor sorption (DVS). A dynamic triple-mode sorption model, developed previously, was employed to describe the experimental results with good success; the model includes absorption, adsorption, pooling (clustering) of species, and molecular diffusion. Here we show that the full triple-mode sorption model is robust enough to predict the dynamic uptake and outgassing of 3-dimensional (3D) samples using parameters derived from quasi-1D samples. This successful demonstration on three different materials (filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), unfilled PDMS, and ceramic inorganic composite) illustrates that the model is robust at describing the scale-independent physics and chemistry of moisture sorption and diffusion materials. This work demonstrates that while sorption mechanisms manifest in testing of all sample sizes, some of these mechanisms were so subtle that they were overlooked in our initial modeling and assessment, illustrating the importance of multi-scale experiments in the development of robust predictive capabilities. Our study also outlines the challenges and viable solutions for global optimization of a multi-parameter model. The ability to quantify moisture sorption and diffusion, independent of scale, using 1D lab-scale experiments enables prediction of long-term bulk materials behavior in real applications.
Mechanical performance of co-deposited immiscible Cu–Ta thin films
Authors: Raeker Evan , Powers Max , Misra Amit
Published: October 2020

The immiscible alloy Cu–Ta has the potential for enhanced mechanical performance in applications as a functional coating. To establish baseline mechanical properties, four Cu–Ta films were co-sputtered at the temperatures 23, 400, 600, and 800 °C and tested with nanoindentation at strain rates 5$$\times $$×10−3 s−1to 10 s−1. Each film had a unique microstructure morphology. The hardness and elastic modulus of the four films were insensitive to strain rate changes. Instead, the measured properties were spatially dependent, particularly in the 600 and 800 °C films. In those two films, there is a bimodal deformation behavior due to Cu-agglomeration under protruding grains and planar Ta-rich regions. Increasing the indentation depth revealed shear band suppression which is related to a homogenous distribution of flow stresses for all four microstructure morphologies. Finally, the Cu–Ta hardness appeared to follow a rule-of-mixtures when compared to extrapolated data of Cu and Ta monolithic films.
Image segmentation of plexiform neurofibromas from a deep neural network using multiple b-value diffusion data
Authors: Ho Chang Y. , Kindler John M. , Persohn Scott , Kralik Stephen F. , Robertson Kent A. , Territo Paul R.
Published: October 2020

We assessed the accuracy of semi-automated tumor volume maps of plexiform neurofibroma (PN) generated by a deep neural network, compared to manual segmentation using diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) data. NF1 Patients were recruited from a phase II clinical trial for the treatment of PN. Multiple b-value DWI was imaged over the largest PN. All DWI datasets were registered and intensity normalized prior to segmentation with a multi-spectral neural network classifier (MSNN). Manual volumes of PN were performed on 3D-T2 images registered to diffusion images and compared to MSNN volumes with the Sørensen-Dice coefficient. Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters were calculated from resulting volumes. 35 MRI scans were included from 14 subjects. Sørensen-Dice coefficient between the semi-automated and manual segmentation was 0.77 ± 0.016. Perfusion fraction (f) was significantly higher for tumor versus normal tissue (0.47 ± 0.42 vs. 0.30 ± 0.22, p = 0.02), similarly, true diffusion (D) was significantly higher for PN tumor versus normal (0.0018 ± 0.0003 vs. 0.0012 ± 0.0002, p < 0.0001). By contrast, the pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*) was significantly lower for PN tumor versus normal (0.024 ± 0.01 vs. 0.031 ± 0.005, p < 0.0001). Volumes generated by a neural network from multiple diffusion data on PNs demonstrated good correlation with manual volumes. IVIM analysis of multiple b-value diffusion data demonstrates significant differences between PN and normal tissue.
Alternative feed ingredients in the finisher diets for sustainable broiler production
Authors: El-Deek Ahmed A. , Abdel-Wareth Ahmed A. A. , Osman Mona , El-Shafey Mohammed , Khalifah Ayman M. , Elkomy Alaa E. , Lohakare Jayant
Published: October 2020

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the utilization of alternative protein feed ingredients including sunflower meal (SFM), corn gluten meal (CGM), and dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) as a mixture in a partial replacement of soybean meal (SBM) in broiler finisher diets with different protein levels and also to evaluate their effect on birds’ performance, environmental aspects of litter, cecal microbes, and economic prospects. A total of 576 (19 days old) Cobb 500 broiler chicks were fed eight finisher diets consisting of 4 control (CTL) diets based on SBM with different crude protein (CP) levels (CTL21, CTL20, CTL19, and CTL18, containing 21%, 20%, 19%, and 18% CP, respectively) and 4 test diets with alternative protein sources (APS21, APS20, APS19, and APS18, containing 21%, 20%, 19%, and 18% CP, respectively) using a 15% combination of alternative protein sources (2.5% CGM, 5% SFM, and 7.5% DDGS) until 35 days of age. The results indicated that birds fed test diets APS21 and APS20 recorded the highest (P < 0.05) body weight compared to other treatments, but it was not different than the CTL diets fed at these CP levels. The birds fed CTL18 or APS18 recorded the worst feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to other treatments. Moreover, birds fed test diet containing APS21 recorded better (P < 0.05) European performance efficiency factor and better economic efficiency when compared to other treatments, but it was not different than CTL21. In addition, birds fed diets APS21 and CTL19 showed significantly increased litter Lactobacillus spp. (P < 0.05) compared to other treatments. Cecal Lactobacillus spp. and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were not affected by CTL or APS diets. The counts of cecal Salmonella spp. increased in the CTL21 group compared to other groups. In conclusion, alternative feed ingredients (protein sources) in broiler finisher diets have positive effects in a sustainable way on the productive performance, litter and cecal microbial counts, and improved economic efficiency when compared to CTL diets.
Satellite radar observation of large surface collapses induced by the 2017 North Korea nuclear test
Authors: Baek Won-Kyung , Jung Hyung-Sup , Kim Tae Sung
Published: October 2020

The artificial earthquake of mb 6.1 related to the North Korea’s sixth nuclear test occured at Mt. Mantap, North Korea on September 3, 2017. It was reported that a large and complex surface deformation was caused by the event. The surface deformation was composed of expansion of explosions, collapse, compaction and landslides. Since the precise vertical deformation measurement is very important to estimate the stability of the nuclear test facility, we retrieved a precise 3D surface deformation field and then decomposed the vertical deformation pattern from the 3D deformation. The measured maximum deformation was about − 491, − 343 and 166 cm with the measurement uncertainty of about 3.3, 4.1 and 2.7 cm in the east, north and up directions, respectively. The maximum horizontal deformation was approximately 515 cm. The horizontal deformation clearly showed a radial pattern because it was mainly caused by the explosions and landslides, while the vertical deformation displayed a rugged pattern because it was affected by the explosions, compaction and collapse. The collapse may seem to occur along the underground tunnels and at the test site’s epicenter as well. Moreover, the severe collapse was observed westside from the epicenter of the sixth nuclear test, and it has a depth of about 68.6 cm on the area of 0.3765 km2. On the basis of our results including the shapes, locations and volume changes of the large collapse, evidently a new vital piece of information was obtained so that it could be used to interprete the sixth nuclear test more accurately.
In vitro maturation in the presence of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor modulates gene and miRNA expression in bovine oocytes and embryos
Authors: Vendrell-Flotats Meritxell , García-Martínez Tania , Martínez-Rodero Iris , López-Béjar Manel , LaMarre Jonathan , Yeste Marc , Mogas Teresa
Published: October 2020

Members of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of cytokines are important for reproductive function that are mediated through changes in gene and miRNA expression. Herein, we characterized the expression of miR-21, miR-155, miR-34c and miR-146a in bovine oocytes and cumulus cells during in vitro maturation (IVM) with leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), IL-6 and IL-11 or unsupplemented controls. LIF-exposed COCs showed higher expression of miR-21 and miR-155 in oocytes, whereas miR-146a expression was increased in oocytes matured with IL-6 and IL-11. In cumulus cells, miR-155 expression was elevated by all treatments while only LIF increased miR-21 expression. Based on these results, we next examined how LIF exposure during IVM affected oocyte competence, through IVF and the expression of specific genes in GV- and MII-oocytes, in 2- and 8-cell embryos, and in Day 8-blastocysts. LIF supplementation did not affect cleavage rate, blastocyst yield or several other developmental parameters, but did increase hatching rate. LIF suppressed DPPA3, ZAR1 and NPM2 expression in 2 cell- and/or 8-cell embryos. LIF increased the expression of KAT2A and HSPA1A in MII-oocytes, and that of HDAC1, KAT2A and HSP90AA1 and the BAX:BCL2L1 ratio in 2-cell embryos. In contrast, HDAC1, KAT2A and HSP90AA1 expression and BAX:BCL2L1 ratio was lower in 8-cell embryos derived from LIF oocytes. IVM with LIF also increased the expression of DNMT3A, HSPA1A and HSP90AA1 in blastocysts. In conclusion, supplementation with LIF during IVM was consistently associated with changes in the relative abundance of transcripts in mature bovine oocytes and in specific embryo developmental stages.
Diversity of voltage-gated potassium channels and cyclic nucleotide-binding domain-containing channels in eukaryotes
Authors: Pozdnyakov Ilya , Safonov Pavel , Skarlato Sergei
Published: October 2020

Voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv) and cyclic nucleotide-binding domain-containing cation channels HCN, CNG, and KCNH are the evolutionarily related families of ion channels in animals. Their homologues were found in several lineages of eukaryotes and prokaryotes; however, the actual phylogenetic and structural diversity of these ion channels remains unclear. In this work, we present a taxonomically broad investigation of evolutionary relationships and structural diversity of Kv, HCN, CNG, and KCNH and their homologues in eukaryotes focusing on channels from different protistan groups. We demonstrate that both groups of channels consist of a more significant number of lineages than it was shown before, and these lineages can be grouped in two clusters termed Kv-like channels and CNBD-channels. Moreover, we, for the first time, report the unusual two-repeat tandem Kv-like channels and CNBD-channels in several eukaryotic groups, i.e. dinoflagellates, oomycetes, and chlorarachniophytes. Our findings reveal still underappreciated phylogenetic and structural diversity of eukaryotic ion channel lineages.
Gene expression profile of CD14+ blood monocytes following lifestyle-induced weight loss in individuals with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Biemann Ronald , Roomp Kirsten , Noor Fozia , Krishnan Shruthi , Li Zhen , Shahzad Khurrum , Borucki Katrin , Luley Claus , Schneider Jochen G. , Isermann Berend
Published: October 2020

Lifestyle-induced weight loss is regarded as an efficient therapy to reverse metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to prevent disease progression. The objective of this study was to investigate whether lifestyle-induced weight loss modulates gene expression in circulating monocytes. We analyzed and compared gene expression in monocytes (CD14+cells) and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies by unbiased mRNA profiling. Samples were obtained before and after diet-induced weight loss in well-defined male individuals in a prospective controlled clinical trial (ICTRP Trial Number: U1111-1158-3672). The BMI declined significantly (− 12.6%) in the treatment arm (N = 39) during the 6-month weight loss intervention. This was associated with a significant reduction in hsCRP (− 45.84%) and circulating CD14+cells (− 21.0%). Four genes were differentially expressed (DEG’s) in CD14+cells following weight loss (ZRANB1, RNF25, RB1CC1 and KMT2C). Comparative analyses of paired CD14+monocytes and subcutaneous adipose tissue samples before and after weight loss did not identify common genes differentially regulated in both sample types. Lifestyle-induced weight loss is associated with specific changes in gene expression in circulating CD14+monocytes, which may affect ubiquitination, histone methylation and autophagy.
A metasurface composed of 3-bit coding linear polarization conversion elements and its application to RCS reduction of patch antenna
Authors: Kong Xiangkun , Wang Qi , Jiang Shunliu , Kong Lingqi , Yuan Jing , Yan Xiangxi , Wang Xuemeng , Zhao Xing
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a metasurface composed of 3-bit coding linear polarization conversion elements and its application to RCS reduction of the patch antenna is intensively studied. At first, 3-bit coding metasurface are constructed by a sequence of eight coded unit cells, which have a similar cross-polarized reflected amplitude response and gradient reflected phase responses covering 0–2π, respectively. Equivalent circuit models of these unit cells are created to describe their electrical behavior for the two linear incident polarizations at the same time. Then, a patch antenna is integrated on the 3-bit metasurface, of which the elements are placed with a 2-dimensional linear coding sequence. The metal square ring is set around the patch antenna to protect it from the disturbance of metasurface. Both the simulation and experiment results demonstrate that the designed metasurface can primarily reduce the antenna RCS at a broadband, while the antenna performances are not degraded significantly.
Asynchronous multi-decadal time-scale series of biotic and abiotic responses to precipitation during the last 1300 years
Authors: Yi Sangheon , Jun Chang-Pyo , Jo Kyoung-nam , Lee Hoil , Kim Min-Seok , Lee Sang Deuk , Cao Xianyong , Lim Jaesoo
Published: October 2020

East Asian summer monsoon (EASM)-driven rapid hydroclimatic variation is a crucial factor with major socioeconomic impacts. Nevertheless, decadal- to centennial-scale EASM variability over the last two millennia is still poorly understood. Pollen-based quantitative annual precipitation (PqPann) and annual precipitation reconstructed by artificial neural networks (ANNs) for the period 650–1940 CE were reconstructed from a paleo-reservoir in South Korea. ANNs reconstruction was performed to compensate for a hiatus section. On a decadal timescale, 10 high-precipitation periods were identified, and PqPann and ANNs reconstructions were comparable to local instrumental rainfall and historic drought records. Biotic lags to rapid climatic changes ranging from 25 to 100 years were recognized by asynchronous pollen and speleothem responses to precipitation. We suggest that PqPann-based decadal- to centennial-scale climatic change reconstruction should take biotic lags into account, although the lags can be ignored on the millennial scale. The position of the EASM rainband influenced rainfall magnitude.
Fine-tuning of AMPK–ULK1–mTORC1 regulatory triangle is crucial for autophagy oscillation
Authors: Holczer Marianna , Hajdú Bence , Lőrincz Tamás , Szarka András , Bánhegyi Gábor , Kapuy Orsolya
Published: October 2020

Autophagy is an intracellular digestive process, which has a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by self-eating the unnecessary and/or damaged components of the cell at various stress events. ULK1, one of the key elements of autophagy activator complex, together with the two sensors of nutrient and energy conditions, called mTORC1 and AMPK kinases, guarantee the precise function of cell response mechanism. We claim that the feedback loops of AMPK–mTORC1–ULK1 regulatory triangle determine an accurate dynamical characteristic of autophagic process upon cellular stress. By using both molecular and theoretical biological techniques, here we reveal that a delayed negative feedback loop between active AMPK and ULK1 is essential to manage a proper cellular answer after prolonged starvation or rapamycin addition. AMPK kinase quickly gets induced followed by AMPK-P-dependent ULK1 activation, whereas active ULK1 has a rapid negative effect on AMPK-P resulting in a delayed inhibition of ULK1. The AMPK-P → ULK1 ˧ AMPK-P negative feedback loop results in a periodic repeat of their activation and inactivation and an oscillatory activation of autophagy, as well. We demonstrate that the periodic induction of self-cannibalism is necessary for the proper dynamical behaviour of the control network when mTORC1 is inhibited with respect to various stress events. By computational simulations we also suggest various scenario to introduce “delay” on AMPK-P-dependent ULK1 activation (i.e. extra regulatory element in the wiring diagram or multi-phosphorylation of ULK1).
Author Correction: Electron energy increase in a laser wakefield accelerator using up-ramp plasma density profiles
Authors: Aniculaesei Constantin , Pathak Vishwa Bandhu , Kim Hyung Taek , Oh Kyung Hwan , Yoo Byung Ju , Brunetti Enrico , Jang Yong Ha , Hojbota Calin Ioan , Shin Jung Hun , Jeon Jong Ho , Cho Seongha , Cho Myung Hoon , Sung Jae Hee , Lee Seong Ku , Hegelich Björn Manuel , Nam Chang Hee
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Antibodies exhibit multiple paratope states influencing VH–VL domain orientations
Authors: Fernández-Quintero Monica L. , Pomarici Nancy D. , Math Barbara A. , Kroell Katharina B. , Waibl Franz , Bujotzek Alexander , Georges Guy , Liedl Klaus R.
Published: October 2020

In the last decades, antibodies have emerged as one of the most important and successful classes of biopharmaceuticals. The highest variability and diversity of an antibody is concentrated on six hypervariable loops, also known as complementarity determining regions (CDRs) shaping the antigen-binding site, the paratope. Whereas it was assumed that certain sequences can only adopt a limited set of backbone conformations, in this study we present a kinetic classification of several paratope states in solution. Using molecular dynamics simulations in combination with experimental structural information we capture the involved conformational transitions between different canonical clusters and additional dominant solution structures occurring in the micro-to-millisecond timescale. Furthermore, we observe a strong correlation of CDR loop movements. Another important aspect when characterizing different paratope states is the relative VH/VLorientation and the influence of the distinct CDR loop states on the VH/VLinterface. Conformational rearrangements of the CDR loops do not only have an effect on the relative VH/VLorientations, but also influence in some cases the elbow-angle dynamics and shift the respective distributions. Thus, our results show that antibodies exist as several interconverting paratope states, each contributing to the antibody’s properties.
A substrate-trapping strategy to find E3 ubiquitin ligase substrates identifies Parkin and TRIM28 targets
Authors: Watanabe Masashi , Saeki Yasushi , Takahashi Hidehisa , Ohtake Fumiaki , Yoshida Yukiko , Kasuga Yusuke , Kondo Takeshi , Yaguchi Hiroaki , Suzuki Masanobu , Ishida Hiroki , Tanaka Keiji , Hatakeyama Shigetsugu
Published: October 2020

The identification of true substrates of an E3 ligase is biologically important but biochemically difficult. In recent years, several techniques for identifying substrates have been developed, but these approaches cannot exclude indirect ubiquitination or have other limitations. Here we develop an E3 ligase substrate-trapping strategy by fusing a tandem ubiquitin-binding entity (TUBE) with an anti-ubiquitin remnant antibody to effectively identify ubiquitinated substrates. We apply this method to one of the RBR-type ligases, Parkin, and to one of the RING-type ligases, TRIM28, and identify previously unknown substrates for TRIM28 including cyclin A2 and TFIIB. Furthermore, we find that TRIM28 promotes cyclin A2 ubiquitination and degradation at the G1/S phase and suppresses premature entry into S phase. Taken together, the results indicate that this method is a powerful tool for comprehensively identifying substrates of E3 ligases.
Dynamical decoupling of laser phase noise in compound atomic clocks
Authors: Dörscher Sören , Al-Masoudi Ali , Bober Marcin , Schwarz Roman , Hobson Richard , Sterr Uwe , Lisdat Christian
Published: October 2020

The frequency stability of many optical atomic clocks is limited by the coherence of their local oscillator. Here, we present a measurement protocol that overcomes the laser coherence limit. It relies on engineered dynamical decoupling of laser phase noise and near-synchronous interrogation of two clocks. One clock coarsely tracks the laser phase using dynamical decoupling; the other refines this estimate using a high-resolution phase measurement. While the former needs to have a high signal-to-noise ratio, the latter clock may operate with any number of particles. The protocol effectively enables minute-long Ramsey interrogation for coherence times of few seconds as provided by the current best ultrastable laser systems. We demonstrate implementation of the protocol in a realistic proof-of-principle experiment, where we interrogate for 0.5 s at a laser coherence time of 77 ms. Here, a single lattice clock is used to emulate synchronous interrogation of two separate clocks in the presence of artificial laser frequency noise. We discuss the frequency instability of a single-ion clock that would result from using the protocol for stabilisation, under these conditions and for minute-long interrogation, and find expected instabilities of σy(τ) = 8 × 10−16(τ/s)−1/2 and σy(τ) = 5 × 10−17(τ/s)−1/2, respectively.
Progress in the mechanical modulation of cell functions in tissue engineering
Authors: Dey Kamol , Roca Elena , Ramorino Giorgio , Sartore Luciana
Published: October 2020

This work provides a comprehensive view on how multiple mechanical cues of the substrate influence fundamental cellular processes, including spreading, proliferation, migration and differentiation, towards 3D tissue constructs.
Cyclic peptide scaffold with ability to stabilize and deliver a helical cell-impermeable cargo across membranes of cultured cancer cells
Authors: Lawrence Nicole , Philippe Grégoire J.-B. , Harvey Peta J. , Condon Nicholas D. , Benfield Aurélie H. , Cheneval Olivier , Craik David J. , Troeira Henriques Sónia
Published: October 2020

A new helix-loop-helix peptide scaffold with dual ability to transport cargo across cancer cell membranes and disrupt mitochondrial membrane function.
Bipolar electrochemistry in synergy with electrophoresis: electric field-driven electrosynthesis of anisotropic polymeric materials
Authors: Shida Naoki , Inagi Shinsuke
Published: October 2020

The synergistic effect of bipolar electrochemistry and electrophoresis enables facile access to various anisotropic functional materials.
One-step synthesis of a macroporous Cu–g/C3N4 nanofiber electrocatalyst for efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yan Jianhua , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: October 2020

A new kind of macroporous Cu–g/C3N4 nanofiber catalyst with stable ORR activity was fabricated using a one-step synthesis method.
Advances in nanomaterials for electrochromic devices
Authors: Yang Guojian , Zhang Yu-Mo , Cai Yiru , Yang Baige , Gu Chang , Zhang Sean Xiao-An
Published: October 2020

This review article systematically highlights the recent advances regarding the design, preparation, performance and application of new and unique nanomaterials for electrochromic devices.
Highly efficient urea-anodizing to promote the electrochemical nitrogen reduction process
Authors: Hou Ying , Deng Ning , Han Fengyun , Kuang Xuan , Zheng Xiaodong
Published: October 2020

Herein, we have developed a functionally integrated strategy that replaces water with much readily oxidized urea to promote the electrochemical N2 fixation.
Revealing the structures and relationships of Ca(ii)–Fe(iii)–AsO4 minerals: arseniosiderite and yukonite
Authors: King Graham , Celikin Mert , Gomez Mario Alberto , Becze Levente , Petkov Valeri , Della Ventura Giancarlo
Published: October 2020

The poor crystallinity of As(v) minerals such as arseniosiderite and yukonite has made a detailed understanding of their structures elusive. Therefore, these were probed by pair distribution function analysis and transmission electron microscopy.
Optimization of the carbon to nitrogen ratio for mainstream deammonification and the resulting shift in nitrification from biofilm to suspension
Authors: Roots Paul , Rosenthal Alex F. , Yuan Quan , Wang Yubo , Yang Fenghua , Kozak Joseph A. , Zhang Heng , Wells George F.
Published: October 2020

Mainstream deammonification performance in an integrated fixed film activated sludge (IFAS) reactor improved from 46% to 73% TIN removal after routing 10% of the primary effluent around the A-stage reactor.
Unlocking the potential of minimally processed corn germ oil and high oleic soybean oil to prepare oleogels for bakery application
Authors: Zhao Muxin , Xu Minwei , Monono Ewumbua , Rao Jiajia , Chen Bingcan
Published: October 2020

Minimally processed plant oil used as a novel source to prepare oleogels for cookie making.
Great chiral fluorescence from the optical duality of silver nanostructures enabled by 3D laser printing
Authors: Wen Hongjing , Song Shichao , Xie Fei , Wang Bin , Xu Jian , Feng Ziwei , Wu Shiyu , Han Jing , Guan Bai-Ou , Xu Xiaoxuan , Cao Yaoyu , Li Xiangping
Published: October 2020

A 3D laser printing technique for realizing unprecedented stereo-chiral-luminescent silver nanostructures was developed to achieve a record-high fluorescent anisotropic factor.
A chiral covalent organic framework (COF) nanozyme with ultrahigh enzymatic activity
Authors: Zhou Ya , Wei Yue , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: October 2020

The first chiral nanozyme with higher activity than the natural enzyme is designed based on mimicking the natural enzyme and covalent organic frameworks.
Nano-LED induced chemical reactions for structuring processes
Authors: Mikulics Martin , Sofer Zdenĕk , Winden Andreas , Trellenkamp Stefan , Förster Beate , Mayer Joachim , Hardtdegen Hilde Helen
Published: October 2020

We present a structuring technique based on the initialization of chemical reactions by an array of nano-LEDs which is used in the near-field as well as in the far-field regime.
Bandgap determination from individual orthorhombic thin cesium lead bromide nanosheets by electron energy-loss spectroscopy
Authors: Brescia Rosaria , Toso Stefano , Ramasse Quentin , Manna Liberato , Shamsi Javad , Downing Clive , Calzolari Arrigo , Bertoni Giovanni
Published: October 2020

Bandgap from individual orthorhombic thin CsPbBr3 nanosheets, measured with electron energy-loss spectroscopy as a function of thickness.
Encapsulation of a Ru(η6-p-cymene) complex of the antibacterial drug trimethoprim into a polydiacetylene-phospholipid assembly to enhance its in vitro anticancer and antibacterial activities
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Durairaj , Sumithaa Chezhiyan , Kumar Arumugam Madan , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. P. , Ghorai Suvankar , Das Priyadip , Ganeshpandian Mani
Published: October 2020

The first report of a Ru(arene)–liposome nanoaggregate to enhance the in vitro anticancer activity of a Ru–arene complex in liver cancer cells.
In situ approach to fabricate heterojunction p–n CuO–ZnO nanostructures for efficient photocatalytic reactions
Authors: Kaur Rupinder , Suresh Mahesh , López-Vidrier Julian , Gutsch Sebastian , Weiss Charlotte , Prescher Mario , Kirste Lutz , Singh Rohit , Pal Bhupender , Zacharias Margit
Published: October 2020

Stable interfacial contact in p–n CuO–ZnO nanostructures with different morphologies synthesized via in situ addition of a controlled copper remarkably improved their photocatalytic properties in contrast to incorporation by an impregnation approach.
Harnessing photo/electro-catalytic activityvianano-junctions in ternary nanocomposites for clean energy
Authors: Rani Ekta , Talebi Parisa , Cao Wei , Huttula Marko , Singh Harishchandra
Published: October 2020

Graphene-based ternary nanocomposite for visible light driven efficient HER.
Chiroptical sensing of homocysteine
Authors: Thanzeel F. Yushra , Zandi Lily S. , Wolf Christian
Published: October 2020

Substrate specific optical ee analysis of homocysteine without isolation is achieved using a simple aromatic dialdehyde circular dichroism probe.
Rhodium(iii)-catalysed decarboxylative C–H functionalization of isoxazoles with alkenes and sulfoxonium ylides
Authors: Yugandar Somaraju , Morita Taiki , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: October 2020

Decarboxylative C–H functionalization of isoxazoles with alkenes and sulfoxonium ylides proceeded in the presence of rhodium(iii) catalysts to afford alkenylation and acylation products, respectively.
A comparison of the solution radical propagation kinetics of partially water-miscible non-functional acrylates to acrylic acid
Authors: Agboluaje Maryam , Refai Ibrahim , Manston Henry H. , Hutchinson Robin A. , Dušička Eva , Urbanová Anna , Lacík Igor
Published: October 2020

The influence of hydrogen bonding on the kp of acrylic acid and methyl acrylate in alcohol and water is compared and contrasted.
Unraveling the nanomechanical properties of surface-grafted conjugated polymer brushes with ladder-like architecture
Authors: Słowikowska Monika , Wolski Karol , Wójcik Artur J. , Wesner Daniel , Schönherr Holger , Zapotoczny Szczepan
Published: October 2020

Surface-grafted polymer brushes with ladder-like architecture enforce extended conformation of the chains affecting their mechanical and tribological properties.
Electrochemical synthesis and corrosion protection of poly(3-aminophenylboronic acid-co-pyrrole) on mild steel
Authors: Sarıarslan Hakan , Karaca Erhan , Şahin Mutlu , Pekmez Nuran Özçiçek
Published: October 2020

Synthesis of poly(3-aminophenylboronic acid-co-pyrrole) (p(APBA-co-Py)) is carried out potentiodynamically on a pre-passivated mild steel (MS) surface in an oxalic acid solution containing 3-aminophenylboronic acid (APBA) and pyrrole (Py) monomers.
Sulfobetaine methacrylate-functionalized graphene oxide-IR780 nanohybrids aimed at improving breast cancer phototherapy
Authors: Leitão Miguel M. , Alves Cátia G. , de Melo-Diogo Duarte , Lima-Sousa Rita , Moreira André F. , Correia Ilídio J.
Published: October 2020

IR780 loaded SBMA-coated GO displayed an improved colloidal stability in biologically relevant media and an enhanced photothermal capacity.
Engineering of zeolite BEA crystal size and morphology via seed-directed steam assisted conversion
Authors: Bok Tatiana O. , Andriako Egor P. , Knyazeva Elena E. , Ivanova Irina I.
Published: October 2020

Seeds composition is crucial for the mechanism of seeding and therefore morphological, textural and catalytic properties of BEA zeolites.
Highly enantioselective copper-catalyzed propargylic amination to access N-tethered 1,6-enynes
Authors: Li Si-Jia , Huang Jian , He Jin-Yu , Zhang Rui-Jin , Qian Hao-Dong , Dai Xue-Lin , Kong Han-Han , Xu Hao
Published: October 2020

A highly enantioselective copper-catalyzed propargylic amination has been developed with a new chiral N,N,P ligand, providing a series of N-tethered 1,6-enynes in good to excellent yields with excellent enantioselectivities.
Improved batch and flow syntheses of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib
Authors: Scholtz Chantal , Riley Darren L.
Published: October 2020

The comparison of an improved conventional batch mode synthesis of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib with its flow chemistry alternative is reported.
Universality in coalescence of polymeric fluids
Authors: Varma Sarath Chandra , Saha Aniruddha , Mukherjee Siddhartha , Bandopadhyay Aditya , Kumar Aloke , Chakraborty Suman
Published: October 2020

Unification of coalescence dynamics for polymeric fluids through relaxation time λ, Ohnesorge number Oh, and polymer concentration c.
Post-synthetic modification of CARDO-based materials: application in sour natural gas separation
Authors: Hayek Ali , Alsamah Abdulkarim , Yahaya Garba O. , Qasem Eyad A. , Alhajry Rashed H.
Published: October 2020

Chemical modification enhances gas molecule permeation through polymeric membrane matrices by increasing the fractional free volume.
A composite cathode material encapsulated by amorphous garnet-type solid electrolyte and self-assembled La2(Ni0.5Li0.5)O4 nanoparticles for all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Heo Kookjin , Lee Jonggwan , Im Jehong , Kim Min-Young , Kim Ho-Sung , Ahn Docheon , Kim Jaekook , Lim Jinsub
Published: October 2020

In this article, we report the effect of surface modification of NCM80 [Li(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)O2] cathode materials on the performance of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with oxide-based organic/inorganic hybrid solid electrolytes.
Using siloxane-based liquid electrolytes with high stability for fluoride shuttle batteries
Authors: Celik Kucuk Asuman , Yamanaka Toshiro , Abe Takeshi
Published: October 2020

To exploit the excellent safety as well as the thermal and electrochemical properties of siloxane-based liquid electrolytes, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3,8,11,14,17-pentaoxa-2,4-disilaoctadecane was used as an electrolyte for the first time in a fluoride shuttle battery system.
3D-printing for electrolytic processes and electrochemical flow systems
Authors: Ambrosi Adriano , Shi Raymond Rong Sheng , Webster Richard D.
Published: October 2020

Overview of the use of 3D printing manufacturing methods to fabricate electrolytic and electrochemical flow systems.
Significantly increased energy density and discharge efficiency at high temperature in polyetherimide nanocomposites by a small amount of Al2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Fan Mingzhi , Hu Penghao , Dan Zhenkang , Jiang Jianyong , Sun Binzhou , Shen Yang
Published: October 2020

The dielectric energy density and energy efficiency of PI nanocomposites at high temperature are greatly enhanced by Al2O3 nanoparticles.
Rapid hybrid chemical vapor deposition for efficient and hysteresis-free perovskite solar modules with an operation lifetime exceeding 800 hours
Authors: Qiu Longbin , He Sisi , Liu Zonghao , Ono Luis K. , Son Dae-Yong , Liu Yuqiang , Tong Guoqing , Qi Yabing
Published: October 2020

Rapid hybrid chemical vapor deposition is developed to fabricate perovskite solar modules with a markedly reduced time while maintaining high performance.
Omnidirectionally stretchable electrodes based on wrinkled silver nanowires through the shrinkage of electrospun polymer fibers
Authors: Ding Chen , Li Qingsong , Lin Yong , Wu Xinzhou , Wang Zeyu , Yuan Wei , Su Wenming , Chen Wei , Cui Zheng
Published: October 2020

An omnidirectionally stretchable electrode has been developed by utilizing wrinkled Ag NWs through the controllable shrinkage of electrospun fluoroelastomer fiber mats.
Boosting the efficiency of PTB7-Th:PC71BM polymer solar cells via a low-cost halogen-free supramolecular solid additive
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Bao Chengjia , Cui Suqian , Zhong Ping , Zhang Kai , Zhu Weiguo , Liu Yu
Published: October 2020

The PTB7-Th/PC71BM-based PSCs exhibit a significantly improved PCE of 8.33% and device stability for the halogen-free solid ROPD additive.
Electronic, vibrational, and electron–phonon coupling properties in SnSe2 and SnS2 under pressure
Authors: Kafle Gyanu Prasad , Heil Christoph , Paudyal Hari , Margine Elena R.
Published: October 2020

First-principles calculations are used to investigate the effect of pressure on lattice stability, electron–phonon properties, and superconductivity in SnSe2 and SnS2.
Universal polymeric bipolar hosts for highly efficient solution-processable blue and green thermally activated delayed fluorescence OLEDs
Authors: Hwang Jinhyo , Kim Chae Yeong , Kang Hyunchul , Jeong Ji-Eun , Woo Han Young , Cho Min Ju , Park Sungnam , Choi Dong Hoon
Published: October 2020

Two novel polymeric host materials, P(NmCP) and P(mCP), were synthesized, and high-performing sky-blue and green thermally activated delayed fluorescence organic light-emitting diodes were achieved.
MicroRNA-183-5p contributes to malignant progression through targeting PDCD4 in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Duan Xiaohui , Li Wei , Hu Peng , Jiang Bo , Yang Jianhui , Zhou Lixue , Mao Xianhai , Tian Bingzhang
Published: October 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the biological role of microRNA-183-5p (miR-183-5p), a novel tumor-related microRNA (miRNA), in HCC and illuminate the possible molecular mechanisms. The expression patterns of miR-183-5p in clinical samples were characterized using qPCR analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival curve was applied to evaluate the correlation between miR-183-5p expression and overall survival of HCC patients. Effects of miR-183-5p knockdown on HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion capabilities were determined via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assays, flow cytometry, scratch wound healing assays and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. Mouse neoplasm transplantation models were established to assess the effects of miR-183-5p knockdown on tumor growth in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays and rescue assays were performed for mechanistic researches. Results showed that miR-183-5p was highly expressed in tumorous tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Elevated miR-183-5p expression correlated with shorter overall survival of HCC patients. Moreover, miR-183-5p knockdown significantly suppressed proliferation, survival, migration and invasion of HCC cells compared with negative control treatment. Consistently, miR-183-5p knockdown restrained tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, programmed cell death factor 4 (PDCD4) was identified as a direct target of miR-183-5p. Additionally, PDCD4 down-regulation was observed to abrogate the inhibitory effects of miR-183-5p knockdown on malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. Collectively, our data suggest that miR-183-5p may exert an oncogenic role in HCC through directly targeting PDCD4. The current study may offer some new insights into understanding the role of miR-183-5p in HCC.
Targeting RNA structures in diseases with small molecules
Authors: Shao Yanqiu , Zhang Qiangfeng Cliff
Published: October 2020

RNA is crucial for gene expression and regulation. Recent advances in understanding of RNA biochemistry, structure and molecular biology have revealed the importance of RNA structure in cellular processes and diseases. Various approaches to discovering drug-like small molecules that target RNA structure have been developed. This review provides a brief introduction to RNA structural biology and how RNA structures function as disease regulators. We summarize approaches to targeting RNA with small molecules and highlight their advantages, shortcomings and therapeutic potential.
The GoAudio Quantitative Mobile Audiology Test Enhances Access to Clinical Hearing Assessments
Authors: Koleilat Alaa , Argue David P. , Schimmenti Lisa A. , Ekker Stephen C. , Poling Gayla L.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Hearing loss is a common impairment of the human senses with an estimated 48 million American adults reporting some trouble hearing; however, access to hearing health care is limited. Detection of hearing loss through a mobile, handheld tool can provide an important access point and potentially expedited access to the continuum of hearing health care. Here, we determined that GoAudio, a portable, automated hearing assessment tool, can be used to identify individuals who require additional hearing evaluation in a clinical workflow.

Method

This initial study included 24 adults, ages 18–65 years (
M
= 50,
SD
= 12), tested with GoAudio versus “gold-standard” clinical audiometry for eight frequencies to evaluate “real-world” applications. Participants utilized noise-canceling headphones combined with a tablet-based application for the GoAudio assessment.

Results

The primary study outcome measurements were the comparison of hearing thresholds (dB HL) from clinical audiometry and GoAudio. Results suggest that GoAudio is comparable to clinical audiometry for the identification of hearing loss at most frequencies (except 1 kHz for both ears and 2 kHz in the right ear). Upon stratifying data based on age, we identified that GoAudio is capable of identifying suspected age-related hearing loss or hearing thresholds greater than 30 dB HL at higher frequencies in both ears.

Conclusion

The study results support that GoAudio can be used effectively in clinical practice workflows as a reliable hearing assessment tool for the identification of hearing loss at the majority of frequencies outside a sound-treated booth and can detect characteristics of age-related hearing loss.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13087682
Determination of optimal breakpoint set of overcurrent relays using modified depth‐first search and mixed‐integer linear programming
Authors: Ghotbi‐Maleki Mahdi , Chabanloo Reza Mohammadi , Ebadi Mohammad Amin , Savaghebi Mehdi
Published: October 2020

In the process of determination of breakpoints for overcurrent relays (OCR), different sets with equal number of OCRs can be selected as minimum breakpoint set (MBPS). Therefore, determination of the most appropriate MBPS is an issue which must be considered. This paper proposes a prioritization between different MBPSs based on the sum of operating times of OCRs. In this case, a set which results the minimum sum of operating times is selected as the appropriate MBPS. For this purpose, the proposed method combines two problems: determination of MBPS and coordination of OCRs, and is expressed in mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) form. Also, a modified depth‐first search (DFS) algorithm is applied to determine the OCRs contained loops of studied networks. It is shown that the proposed method has the capability to be combined with previous defined expert rules in this field in order to consider the network conditions in the process of determination of optimal breakpoint set (OBPS). The proposed method has been implemented on various size networks, and the results show the effectiveness of proposed method in determining breakpoint set with the least number in first priority and minimum operating times of relays in second priority.
Hierarchical dispatching method based on Hungarian algorithm for reducing the battery degradation cost of EVs participating in frequency regulation
Authors: Zeng Long , Li Canbing , Li Zuyi , Zhou Bin , Liu Hui , Yang Hanyu
Published: October 2020

Electric vehicles (EVs) as the frequency regulation (FR) resources with fast response speed provide a promising solution to improve FR performance. However, the exorbitant battery degradation cost (BDC) restricts EVs providing FR service. To achieve the FR performance with cost‐efficiency, a hierarchical dispatching method based on the Hungarian algorithm is proposed for reducing the BDC of EVs in this study. To ensure system security, the required FR power is dispatched to FR units and EV aggregators according to the optimization coordinating strategy for reducing frequency fluctuation. Then, EV aggregators further dispatch the power to each EV for reducing the total BDC of EVs. In the dispatching process, various EVs provide FR service in the light of their actual condition such as BDC characteristics and state‐of‐charges (SOCs). To calculate the BDC of EVs accurately, the corresponding cost formulas that consider various EVs are fitting for guiding power dispatching. According to the sensitivity analysis, the FR regularity of EVs about FR performance is drawn for promoting the quantity of EVs participating in FR and further improving FR performance. Extensive case studies are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, where a large number of EVs participate in FR with cost‐efficiency.
Dynamic power flow based simplified transfer function model to study instability of low‐frequency modes in inverter‐based microgrids
Authors: Firdaus Ayesha , Sharma Dushyant , Mishra Sukumar
Published: October 2020

This study proposes a new modelling approach for studying low‐frequency oscillations (LFOs) in a droop controlled islanded microgrid. Due to the absence of inertia, these sources are more vulnerable to power and frequency oscillations. Their quick response can introduce faster electrical dynamics in the system which should be monitored from time to time. To ease the analysis process, this study proposes a simplified method for finding LFO in the microgrid. Inspired from the small‐signal automatic generation control model of the conventional grid, a transfer function based closed‐loop small‐signal model of inverter‐based islanded microgrid is presented in this study to study power‐sharing among the various inverters. The proposed model uses the concept of dynamic power flow through the network to find the power output of each source following load perturbations in a system. Time domain simulation results and eigenvalue analysis is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed small‐signal model. By comparing the results obtained with actual system simulation in MATLAB/Simulink, it is found that the proposed simplified model is able to predict the stability margin and the LFO of the system without using actual detailed state‐space modelling procedure.
Influence of ice structure on the soft UV photochemistry of PAHs embedded in solid water
Authors: Noble J. A. , Michoulier E. , Aupetit C. , Mascetti J.
Published: October 2020

Context. The UV photoreactivity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in porous amorphous solid water has long been known to form both oxygenated photoproducts and photofragments.

Aims. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of ice structure on reactivity under soft UV irradiation conditions.

Methods. Mixtures of PAHs with amorphous solid water (porous and compact) and crystalline (cubic and hexagonal) ices were prepared in a high vacuum chamber and irradiated using a mercury lamp for up to 2.5 h.

Results. The results show that the production of oxygenated PAHs is efficient only in amorphous water ice, while fragmentation can occur in both amorphous and crystalline ices. We conclude that the reactivity is driven by PAH–water interactions in favourable geometries, notably where dangling bonds are available at the surface of pores.

Conclusions. These results suggest that the formation of oxygenated PAH molecules is most likely to occur in interstellar environments with porous (or compact) amorphous solid water and that this reactivity could considerably influence the inventory of aromatics in meteorites.