bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-step hydrothermal synthesis of thioglycolic acid capped CdS quantum dots as fluorescence determination of cobalt ion
Authors: Wang Zhezhe , Xing Xinxin , Yang Yue , Zhao Rongjun , Zou Tong , Wang Zidong , Wang Yude
Published: June 2018

Highly luminescent CdS quantum dots capped with thioglycolic acid (TGA@CdS QDs) were synthesized from cadmium chloride and thiourea as cadmium and sulfur sources via simple hydrothermal method. The room temperature photoluminescence (RTPL) properties of TGA@CdS QDs were investigated. The results indicate that the polarity of the solvent and the surface trap state resulted in the broadness Stokes shift between the maximum absorption wavelength and the emission wavelength of TGA@CdS QDs. The Co2+ sensing properties of fluorescence determination were investigated using TGA@CdS QDs. The as-synthesized CdS QDs exhibits the excellent selectivity and sensitivity of fluorescence quenching for cobalt ion (Co2+). The limit of detection (LOD) is as low as 0.05 μM which is much lower than maximum limit of cobalt ions in drinking water. The linear response range of Co2+ was from 0.5 to 80 μM. The sensing system revealed the advantages of low detection limit, excellent selectivity, high sensitivity, convenience and low cost. The color change of CdS QDs shows potential applications in the detection of Co2+.
Author Correction: Simultaneous quarter-wave plate and half-mirror operation through a highly flexible single layer anisotropic metasurface
Authors: Khan M. Ismail , Tahir Farooq A.
Published: June 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Deciphering Clinicoradiologic Phenotype for Thymidylate Synthase Expression Status in Patients with Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma Using a Radiomics Approach
Authors: Lee So Won , Park Hyunjin , Lee Ho Yun , Sohn Insuk , Lee Seung-Hak , Kang Jun , Sun Jong-Mu , Ahn Myung-Ju
Published: June 2018

We aimed to identify predictive clinicoradiologic characteristics of thymidylate synthase (TS) expression status in advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer patients. We reviewed clinicoradiologic features of 169 patients stratified into TS-negative (n = 84) and TS-positive (n = 85) groups, including quantitative CT radiomic features of both primary lung and metastatic lesions from initial CT and PET. Clinical factors including age and smoking history were significantly associated with TS as well as radiomic features. The predictive performance for dichotomizing TS expression status was slightly higher when imaging features of primary lung lesions were added compared to the model based solely on the clinical features, but without statistical significance (10-fold cross-validated AUC = 0.619 and 0.581, respectively; P = 0.425). The predictive performance of clinicoradiologic parameters slightly increased with primary lung lesions only compared to the inclusion of metastatic lesions, but without statistical significance (10-fold cross-validated AUC = 0.619 and 0.554, respectively; P = 0.203). Overall survival was prolonged in the TS-negative group compared to the TS-positive group (P = 0.001). TS-negativity is a potential prognostic biomarker, and our study presents that although CT radiomic features have potential for predicting TS expression status, clinical significance is uncertain. The addition of radiomic features to clinical factors did not show significant improvement in predicting TS-negativity.
A pilot study of digital recording of edentulous jaw relations using a handheld scanner and specially designed headgear
Authors: Li Weiwei , Xie Qiufei , Wang Yong , Sun Yuchun
Published: June 2018

The present study aimed to establish and evaluate a method for recording edentulous jaw relations digitally without occlusal bases, using a handheld scanner and specially designed headgear. The headgear maintained the mandibular position. Ten edentulous patients’ upper (U) and lower edentulous jaw models (L) were prepared and scanned. A handheld scanner was used to capture the labial alveolar ridge mucosa relations in the upper and lower anterior arches directly (Dr). U and L were registered to Dr (test group). Complete dentures of patients in the intercuspal position were used to construct the relationship between U and L (control group). Differences in jaw relations in the test and control groups, in terms of vertical difference, displacement and rotation of the anterior and posterior, and displacement and rotation of the left and right were assessed using the Hotelling’s T2test. The differences in the mean values and the mean of the absolute values of the jaw relations between groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.331) and significant (P = 0.016), respectively. Our findings show that it is possible to make digital recording of edentulous jaw relations by using a handheld scanner and headgear.
High genomic diversity of multi-drug resistant wastewater Escherichia coli
Authors: Mahfouz Norhan , Caucci Serena , Achatz Eric , Semmler Torsten , Guenther Sebastian , Berendonk Thomas U. , Schroeder Michael
Published: June 2018

Wastewater treatment plants play an important role in the emergence of antibiotic resistance. They provide a hot spot for exchange of resistance within and between species. Here, we analyse and quantify the genomic diversity of the indicator Escherichia coli in a German wastewater treatment plant and we relate it to isolates’ antibiotic resistance. Our results show a surprisingly large pan-genome, which mirrors how rich an environment a treatment plant is. We link the genomic analysis to a phenotypic resistance screen and pinpoint genomic hot spots, which correlate with a resistance phenotype. Besides well-known resistance genes, this forward genomics approach generates many novel genes, which correlated with resistance and which are partly completely unknown. A surprising overall finding of our analyses is that we do not see any difference in resistance and pan genome size between isolates taken from the inflow of the treatment plant and from the outflow. This means that while treatment plants reduce the amount of bacteria released into the environment, they do not reduce the potential for antibiotic resistance of these bacteria.
Terahertz and infrared characteristic absorption spectra of aqueous glucose and fructose solutions
Authors: Song Chao , Fan Wen-Hui , Ding Ling , Chen Xu , Chen Ze-You , Wang Kai
Published: June 2018

In this paper, the terahertz (THz) and infrared (IR) characteristic absorption spectra of aqueous glucose solutions and aqueous fructose solutions with different concentrations were measured and studied. The absorption spectra of these two molecules in solid-state and in aqueous solutions were compared and analyzed, the significant effect of molecular adjacent environment on the molecular structure and vibrational mode was revealed. In addition, the THz and IR absorption spectra of these two isomers’ aqueous solutions were also compared and explored. No obvious differences were found from their IR absorption features measured at room temperature, while their THz absorption spectra do have the differences, indicating THz characteristic absorption spectra more suitable for the detection and identification of aqueous glucose and fructose solutions. The results are helpful to understand the influence of aqueous solutions environment on the molecular structures and vibrational modes of the materials, and also provide a theoretical reference for the quantum chemical calculation of biological macromolecules.
Investigating Holocene human population history in North Asia using ancient mitogenomes
Authors: Kılınç Gülşah Merve , Kashuba Natalija , Yaka Reyhan , Sümer Arev Pelin , Yüncü Eren , Shergin Dmitrij , Ivanov Grigorij Leonidovich , Kichigin Dmitrii , Pestereva Kjunnej , Volkov Denis , Mandryka Pavel , Kharinskii Artur , Tishkin Alexey , Ineshin Evgenij , Kovychev Evgeniy , Stepanov Aleksandr , Alekseev Aanatolij , Fedoseeva Svetlana Aleksandrovna , Somel Mehmet , Jakobsson Mattias , Krzewińska Maja , Storå Jan , Götherström Anders
Published: June 2018

Archaeogenomic studies have largely elucidated human population history in West Eurasia during the Stone Age. However, despite being a broad geographical region of significant cultural and linguistic diversity, little is known about the population history in North Asia. We present complete mitochondrial genome sequences together with stable isotope data for 41 serially sampled ancient individuals from North Asia, dated between c.13,790 BP and c.1,380 BP extending from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age. Analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences and haplogroup data of these individuals revealed the highest genetic affinity to present-day North Asian populations of the same geographical region suggesting a possible long-term maternal genetic continuity in the region. We observed a decrease in genetic diversity over time and a reduction of maternal effective population size (Ne) approximately seven thousand years before present. Coalescent simulations were consistent with genetic continuity between present day individuals and individuals dating to 7,000 BP, 4,800 BP or 3,000 BP. Meanwhile, genetic differences observed between 7,000 BP and 3,000 BP as well as between 4,800 BP and 3,000 BP were inconsistent with genetic drift alone, suggesting gene flow into the region from distant gene pools or structure within the population. These results indicate that despite some level of continuity between ancient groups and present-day populations, the region exhibits a complex demographic history during the Holocene.
Experimentally derived model shows that adaptation acts as a powerful spatiotemporal filter of visual responses in the rat collicular neurons
Authors: Bytautiene Juntaute , Baranauskas Gytis
Published: June 2018

Adaptation of visual responses enhances visual information processing mainly by preserving the full dynamic range of neuronal responses during changing light conditions and is found throughout the whole visual system. Although adaptation in the primate superior colliculus neurons has received much attention little is known about quantitative properties of such adaptation in rodents, an increasingly important model in vision research. By employing single unit recordings, we demonstrate that in the rat collicular neurons visual responses are shaped by at least two forms of adaptation. When visual stimuli were repeatedly presented in the same location, visual responses were reduced in the majority of single units. However, when the adaptor stimulus was outside a small diameter receptive field (RF), responses to stimulus onset but not offset were enhanced in the majority of units. Responses to stimulus offset were reduced less and recovered faster than responses to stimulus onset and the effect was limited to a fraction of RF area. Simulations showed that such adaptation acted as a powerful spatiotemporal filter and could explain several tuning properties of collicular neurons. These results demonstrate that in rodents the adaption of visual responses has a complex spatiotemporal structure and can profoundly shape visual information processing.
Male mice with large inversions or deletions of X-chromosome palindrome arms are fertile and express their associated genes during post-meiosis
Authors: Kruger Alyssa N. , Ellison Quinn , Brogley Michele A. , Gerlinger Emma R. , Mueller Jacob L.
Published: June 2018

Large (>10 kb) palindromic sequences are enriched on mammalian sex chromosomes. In mice, these palindromes harbor gene families (≥2 gene copies) expressed exclusively in post-meiotic testicular germ cells, a time when most single-copy sex-linked genes are transcriptionally repressed. This observation led to the hypothesis that palindromic structures or having ≥2 gene copies enable post-meiotic gene expression. We tested these hypotheses by using CRISPR to precisely engineer large (10’s of kb) inversions and deletions of X-chromosome palindrome arms for two regions that carry the mouse 4930567H17Rik and Mageb5 palindrome gene families. We found that 4930567H17Rik and Mageb5 gene expression is unaffected in mice carrying palindrome arm inversions and halved in mice carrying palindrome arm deletions. We assessed whether palindrome-associated genes were sensitive to reduced expression in mice carrying palindrome arm deletions. Male mice carrying palindrome arm deletions are fertile and show no defects in post-meiotic spermatogenesis. Together, these findings suggest palindromic structures on the sex chromosomes are not necessary for their associated genes to evade post-meiotic transcriptional repression and that these genes are not sensitive to reduced expression levels. Large sex chromosome palindromes may be important for other reasons, such as promoting gene conversion between palindrome arms.
Repositioning of Omarigliptin as a once-weekly intranasal Anti-parkinsonian Agent
Authors: Ayoub Bassam M. , Mowaka Shereen , Safar Marwa M. , Ashoush Nermeen , Arafa Mona G. , Michel Haidy E. , Tadros Mariam M. , Elmazar Mohamed M. , Mousa Shaker A.
Published: June 2018

Drug repositioning is a revolution breakthrough of drug discovery that presents outstanding privilege with already safer agents by scanning the existing candidates as therapeutic switching or repurposing for marketed drugs. Sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin & linagliptin showed antioxidant and neurorestorative effects in previous studies linked to DPP-4 inhibition. Literature showed that gliptins did not cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) while omarigliptin was the first gliptin that crossed it successfully in the present work. LC-MS/MS determination of once-weekly anti-diabetic DPP-4 inhibitors; omarigliptin & trelagliptin in plasma and brain tissue was employed after 2 h of oral administration to rats. The brain/plasma concentration ratio was used to deduce the penetration power through the BBB. Results showed that only omarigliptin crossed the BBB due to its low molecular weight & lipophilic properties suggesting its repositioning as antiparkinsonian agent. The results of BBB crossing will be of interest for researchers interested in Parkinson’s disease. A novel intranasal formulation was developed using sodium lauryl sulphate surfactant to solubilize the lipophilic omarigliptin with penetration enhancing & antimicrobial properties. Intranasal administration showed enhanced brain/plasma ratio by 3.3 folds compared to the oral group accompanied with 2.6 folds increase in brain glucagon-like peptide-1 concentration compared to the control group.
Mental template matching is a potential cultural transmission mechanism for New Caledonian crow tool manufacturing traditions
Authors: Jelbert S. A. , Hosking R. J. , Taylor A. H. , Gray R. D.
Published: June 2018

Cumulative cultural evolution occurs when social traditions accumulate improvements over time. In humans cumulative cultural evolution is thought to depend on a unique suite of cognitive abilities, including teaching, language and imitation. Tool-making New Caledonian crows show some hallmarks of cumulative culture; but this claim is contentious, in part because these birds do not appear to imitate. One alternative hypothesis is that crows’ tool designs could be culturally transmitted through a process of mental template matching. That is, individuals could use or observe conspecifics’ tools, form a mental template of a particular tool design, and then reproduce this in their own manufacture – a process analogous to birdsong learning. Here, we provide the first evidence supporting this hypothesis, by demonstrating that New Caledonian crows have the cognitive capacity for mental template matching. Using a novel manufacture paradigm, crows were first trained to drop paper into a vending machine to retrieve rewards. They later learnt that only items of a particular size (large or small templates) were rewarded. At test, despite being rewarded at random, and with no physical templates present, crows manufactured items that were more similar in size to previously rewarded, than unrewarded, templates. Our results provide the first evidence that this cognitive ability may underpin the transmission of New Caledonian crows’ natural tool designs.
Coding variants in RPL3L and MYZAP increase risk of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Thorolfsdottir Rosa B. , Sveinbjornsson Gardar , Sulem Patrick , Nielsen Jonas B. , Jonsson Stefan , Halldorsson Gisli H. , Melsted Pall , Ivarsdottir Erna V. , Davidsson Olafur B. , Kristjansson Ragnar P. , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Helgadottir Anna , Gretarsdottir Solveig , Norddahl Gudmundur , Rajamani Sridharan , Torfason Bjarni , Valgardsson Atli S. , Sverrisson Jon T. , Tragante Vinicius , Holmen Oddgeir L. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Roden Dan M. , Darbar Dawood , Pedersen Terje R. , Sabatine Marc S. , Willer Cristen J. , Løchen Maja-Lisa , Halldorsson Bjarni V. , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Hveem Kristian , Arnar David O. , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Holm Hilma , Stefansson Kari
Published: June 2018

Most sequence variants identified hitherto in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of atrial fibrillation are common, non-coding variants associated with risk through unknown mechanisms. We performed a meta-analysis of GWAS of atrial fibrillation among 29,502 cases and 767,760 controls from Iceland and the UK Biobank with follow-up in samples from Norway and the US, focusing on low-frequency coding and splice variants aiming to identify causal genes. We observe associations with one missense (OR = 1.20) and one splice-donor variant (OR = 1.50) in RPL3L, the first ribosomal gene implicated in atrial fibrillation to our knowledge. Analysis of 167 RNA samples from the right atrium reveals that the splice-donor variant in RPL3L results in exon skipping. We also observe an association with a missense variant in MYZAP (OR = 1.38), encoding a component of the intercalated discs of cardiomyocytes. Both discoveries emphasize the close relationship between the mechanical and electrical function of the heart.
Dynamically arrested micelles in a supercooled sugar urea melt
Authors: Gawali Santosh L. , Zhang Mingming , Kumar Sugam , Aswal Vinod K. , Danino Dganit , Hassan Puthusserickal A.
Published: June 2018

Micelles are nanoscopic, dynamic, equilibrium structures formed by the association of amphiphiles in a liquid. To date, freezing of disordered micelles typically requires cryogenic quenching. This avoids crystallization of the solvent or surfactant, mitigating against micelle destruction. Here we describe a method to create disordered, dynamically arrested water-free micelles, trapped in a glass-forming solvent at ambient temperature. The micelles are formed by dissolving a surfactant in a molten mixture of sugar (fructose or glucose) and urea. These micelles are trapped in a supercooled state upon cooling the mixture, forming an amorphous micro-heterogeneous material driven by hydrogen bonding interactions. Since all components used in this formulation are solid at room temperature, the supercooled micelle formation is analogous to biphasic alloy formation in metals. This method may provide a way to prepare microphase separated organic solids and to control diffusion-limited aggregation of nanoparticles.
Homodimerization of 2H-chromenes catalyzed by Brønsted-acid derived UiO-66 MOFs
Authors: Miao Zongcheng , Zhou Zihao , Tang Houliang , Yu Mengdie , Ramella Daniele , Du Xin , Luan Yi
Published: June 2018

Brønsted acid UiO-66 MOFs were prepared for the efficient homo-dimerization of 2H-chromenes, which involves a tandem rearrangement/hetero-Diels–Alder reaction sequence.
A long-wavelength fluorescent probe for amino compounds and its application in the determination of aliphatic amines
Authors: Xia Li-Jun , Guo Xiao-Feng , Ji Yan , Chen Liu , Wang Hong
Published: June 2018

In this study, a simple HPLC-fluorescence detection method for aliphatic amines was developed with a novel long-wavelength BODIPY-based derivatization reagent.
Regulating the Golgi apparatus by co-delivery of a COX-2 inhibitor and Brefeldin A for suppression of tumor metastasis
Authors: Yu Ru-Yi , Xing Lei , Cui Peng-Fei , Qiao Jian-Bin , He Yu-Jing , Chang Xin , Zhou Tian-Jiao , Jin Qing-Ri , Jiang Hu-Lin , Xiao Yanyu
Published: June 2018

Herein, celecoxib (CLX) and brefeldin A (BFA) were encapsulated into the biocompatible polymer PLGA-PEG to form nanoparticles that act on the Golgi apparatus to treat metastatic breast cancer.
Asymmetrical etching of Ag nanoparticles into symmetry-reduced bi-metallic nanocups at the single-nanoparticle level
Authors: Xue Huan-Huan , Shen Wen-Jin , Geng Wen-Chao , Yin Xia , Yang Yue , Guo Shaojun , Li Yong-Jun
Published: June 2018

By employing the water/air interface-confinement effect, local nanomasking and thus selective etching were achieved on single interfacial nanoparticles, developing a series of symmetry-reduced cubic, spherical, trough-like nanocups.
A one-pot process for the enantioselective synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines and tetrahydroisoquinolines via asymmetric reductive amination (ARA)
Authors: Yang Tao , Yin Qin , Gu Guoxian , Zhang Xumu
Published: June 2018

Asymmetric reductive amination for the synthesis of both chiral tetrahydroquinolines and tetrahydroisoquinolines has been realized with an Ir/ZhaoPhos catalytic system via a one-pot N-Boc deprotection/intramolecular asymmetric reductive amination (ARA) sequence.
Carbon nitride simultaneously boosted a PtRu electrocatalyst's stability and electrocatalytic activity toward concentrated methanol
Authors: Zhang Quan , Yang Zehui , Yang Jun , Yu Xinxin , Ling Ying , Zhang Yunfeng , Cai Weiwei , Cheng Hansong
Published: June 2018

Ruthenium dissolution is an inevitable issue for an anodic electrocatalyst in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).
A one-step synthesis of porous V2O3@C hollow spheres as a high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Jianbiao , Liu Zhenwei , Yang Wenjuan , Han Lijing , Wei Mingdeng
Published: June 2018

V2O3@C hollow spheres with a large specific surface area exhibited high reversible capacity for LIBs.
Correction: Aromaticity gain increases the inherent association strengths of multipoint hydrogen-bonded arrays
Authors: Wu Chia-Hua , Zhang Yu , van Rickley Krista , Wu Judy I.
Published: June 2018

Correction for ‘Aromaticity gain increases the inherent association strengths of multipoint hydrogen-bonded arrays’ by Chia-Hua Wu et al., Chem. Commun., 2018, 54, 3512–3515.
Effect of surface scraping on chiral symmetry in seeded cooling crystallization of sodium chlorate
Authors: Macleod Ross , Ni Xiongwei
Published: June 2018

Product crystal handedness similar to seed decreases with the number of scratches.
Simple design for metal-based halogen-bonded cocrystals utilizing the M–Cl⋯I motif
Authors: Lisac Katarina , Cinčić Dominik
Published: June 2018

The halogen bonding proclivity of the chlorine atom coordinated to the Co(ii) metal centre has been explored by synthesis and crystal structure analysis of a family of 12 novel metal-based halogen-bonded cocrystals with iodine-based donors.
Localized electronic structures of graphene oxide studied using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy
Authors: Katano Satoshi , Wei Tao , Sasajima Takumi , Kasama Ryuhei , Uehara Yoichi
Published: June 2018

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has been used to elucidate the nanoscale electronic structures of graphene oxide (GO).
Same building block, but diverse surface-confined self-assemblies: solvent and concentration effects-induced structural diversity towards chirality and achirality
Authors: Hu Yi , Xu Shaogang , Miao Kai , Miao Xinrui , Deng Wenli
Published: June 2018

The study presents solvent and concentration effects-induced diverse chiral and achiral self-assembly nanostructures on an HOPG surface.
Robust band gaps in the graphene/oxide heterostructure: SnO/graphene/SnO
Authors: Guo Qing , Wang Gaoxue , Pandey Ravindra , Karna Shashi P.
Published: June 2018

A robust band gap can be opened for graphene in the SnO/graphene/SnO trilayer heterostructure.
Understanding transport mechanisms in ionic liquid/carbonate solvent electrolyte blends
Authors: Oldiges K. , Diddens D. , Ebrahiminia M. , Hooper J. B. , Cekic-Laskovic I. , Heuer A. , Bedrov D. , Winter M. , Brunklaus G.
Published: June 2018

Organic carbonate-based electrolytes blended with ionic liquids exhibit improved electrochemical properties, as demonstrated by experiments and MD simulations.
Pressure-induced stacking disorder in boehmite
Authors: Ishii Y. , Komatsu K. , Nakano S. , Machida S. , Hattori T. , Sano-Furukawa A. , Kagi H.
Published: June 2018

The structure of an aluminum layered hydroxide, boehmite (γ-AlOOH), as a function of pressure was studied by using in situ synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction.
How fine-tuned for energy transfer is the environmental noise produced by proteins around biological chromophores?
Authors: Claridge Kirsten , Padula Daniele , Troisi Alessandro
Published: June 2018

Analysis of intermolecular motions of pigment–protein complexes shows no significant difference in influence of local environment despite different biological functions.
Designing the ammonium cation to achieve a higher hydrophilicity of bistriflimide-based ionic liquids
Authors: de Ferro A. Mão , Reis P. M. , Soromenho M. R. C. , Bernardes C. E. S. , Shimizu K. , Freitas A. A. , Esperança J. M. S. S. , Canongia Lopes J. N. , Rebelo L. P. N.
Published: June 2018

Development of water soluble bistriflimide-based ionic liquids and molecular dynamics simulations to unveil the underlying molecular details.
Synthesis of di- and trinuclear iridium polyhydride complexes surrounded by light-absorbing ligands
Authors: Shitaya Shoji , Nomura Kotohiro , Inagaki Akiko
Published: June 2018

New di- and trinuclear iridium (Ir) penta- and hexahydride complexes containing light-absorbing diphosphine ligands have been developed.
Pseudotetrahedral cobalt(ii) complexes with PNP-ligands showing uniaxial magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Zhai Yuan-Qi , Deng Yi-Fei , Zheng Yan-Zhen
Published: June 2018

Two pseudotetrahedral complexes of Co(PNP)X2, where X = Cl (1) and X = SCN (2), were synthesized and investigated by magnetic and HF-EPR measurements, exhibiting uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and distinct dynamic magnetic behavior.
Interception of intermediates in phosphine oxidation by mesityl nitrile-N-oxide using frustrated Lewis pairs
Authors: Szkop Kevin M. , Zhu Diya , Longobardi Lauren E. , Heck Julian , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: June 2018

While phosphine oxidation by MesCNO is rapid, FLPs can be used to intercept 1,3-addition intermediates. These species react with tBuOK or [Bu4N]F permitting the oxidation to proceed.
Boosting oxygen reduction catalysis with abundant copper single atom active sites
Authors: Li Feng , Han Gao-Feng , Noh Hyuk-Jun , Kim Seok-Jin , Lu Yalin , Jeong Hu Young , Fu Zhengping , Baek Jong-Beom
Published: June 2018

Single atomic copper doping in ultrathin nitrogenated carbon nanosheets over 20.9 wt% was achieved, greatly boosting the oxygen reduction catalysis.
Sequencing of human genomes extracted from single cancer cells isolated in a valveless microfluidic device
Authors: Marie Rodolphe , Pødenphant Marie , Koprowska Kamila , Bærlocher Loic , Vulders Roland C. M. , Wilding Jennifer , Ashley Neil , McGowan Simon J. , van Strijp Dianne , van Hemert Freek , Olesen Tom , Agersnap Niels , Bilenberg Brian , Sabatel Celine , Schira Julien , Kristensen Anders , Bodmer Walter , van der Zaag Pieter J. , Mir Kalim U.
Published: June 2018

Whole genome sequencing of single cancer cells isolated and lysed in an injection-moulded valveless microfluidic device.
Additive manufacturing of three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic-based microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for acoustofluidic applications
Authors: Cesewski Ellen , Haring Alexander P. , Tong Yuxin , Singh Manjot , Thakur Rajan , Laheri Sahil , Read Kaitlin A. , Powell Michael D. , Oestreich Kenneth J. , Johnson Blake N.
Published: June 2018

Additive manufacturing enables the fabrication of 3D acoustofluidics with microfluidic channels interwoven among 3D acoustic transducer configurations.
New label-free ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor-based Au/MoS2/rGO nanocomposites for CA 27-29 breast cancer antigen detection
Authors: Alarfaj Nawal A. , El-Tohamy Maha F. , Oraby Hesham
Published: June 2018

Early diagnosis and clinical treatments of breast cancer provide a highly successful chance for patients to survive.
Electrodepositing ultra-thin Ni(OH)2 amorphous film on Ni2P nanosheets array: an efficient strategy toward greatly enhanced alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Jiang Yao , Zheng Xiangjiang , Sun Xuping , Guo Yingshu
Published: June 2018

An interface-engineered nanostructure, Ni(OH)2–Ni2P/Ti, exhibits superior catalytic HER performance, requiring an overpotential of only 57 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH.
Effect of boron doping on the electrical conductivity of metallicity-separated single walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Fujisawa Kazunori , Hayashi Takuya , Endo Morinobu , Terrones Mauricio , Kim Jin Hee , Kim Yoong Ahm
Published: June 2018

We explored the effect of substitutional boron doping on the electrical conductivity of a metallicity-separated single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) assembly.
Nanopore based detection of Bacillus thuringiensis HD-73 spores using aptamers and versatile DNA hairpins
Authors: Park Joongjin , Lim Min-Cheol , Ryu Hyunil , Shim Jiwook , Kim Sun Min , Kim Young-Rok , Jeon Tae-Joon
Published: June 2018

A versatile nanopore sensing platform to detect any aptamer using nanopores by designing DNA hairpins that are complementary to the aptamer is described.
Molecular dynamics and the translational–rotational coupling of an ionically conducting glass-former: amlodipine besylate
Authors: K. P Safna Hussan , Thayyil Mohamed Shahin , Deshpande S. K. , T. V Jinitha , K Manoj , Ngai K. L.
Published: June 2018

We studied the conductivity relaxation originating from a glass-former composed of cations and anions, and the relation to the structural α-relaxation at temperatures above and below the glass transition temperature.
Energy generation through bioelectrochemical degradation of pentachlorophenol in microbial fuel cell
Authors: Khan Nishat , Khan M. Danish , Nizami Abdul-Sattar , Rehan Mohammad , Shaida Azfar , Ahmad Anees , Khan Mohammad Z.
Published: June 2018

Bio-electrochemical degradation of pentachlorophenol was carried out in single as well as dual chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC) with simultaneous production of electricity.
SOMC grafting of vanadium oxytriisopropoxide (VO(OiPr)3) on dehydroxylated silica; analysis of surface complexes and thermal restructuring mechanism
Authors: Högerl Manuel P. , Serena Goh Li Min , Abou-Hamad Edy , Barman Samir , Dachwald Oliver , Pasha Farhan Ahmad , Pelletier Jeremie , Köhler Klaus , D'Elia Valerio , Cavallo Luigi , Basset Jean-Marie
Published: June 2018

VO(OiPr)3 was grafted on highly dehydroxylated silica by a surface organometallic chemistry approach and its thermal evolution was analyzed with support of DFT calculations.
Micropatterned immobilization of membrane-mimicking polymer and peptides for regulation of cell behaviorsin vitro
Authors: Ma Wenyong , Liu Luying , Chen Huiqing , Zhao Yuancong , Yang Ping , Huang Nan
Published: June 2018

The Ti-PDA-M/R(P) biomimetic micropattern was successfully fabricated with PMMPC-HD and GREDVY. The Ti-PDA-M/R(P) micropattern can regulate EC morphology, orientation and functions, and inhibit platelet adhesion and proliferation of SMCs.
Tuning chain extender structure to prepare high-performance thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers
Authors: Xu Wei Juan , Wang Jian Jun , Zhang Shi Yu , Sun Jun , Qin Chuan Xiang , Dai Li Xing
Published: June 2018

Ester-containing ferrocenyl diols are introduced as chain extenders to tune the polyurethane superstructure to optimize thermo-stability and elasticity simultaneously.
Continuous hydrogen production from glucose/xylose by an anaerobic sequential batch reactor to maximize the energy recovery efficiency
Authors: Zhao Lei , Guo Wan-Qian , Guo Xu-Chao , Ren Hong-Yu , Wu Jie-Ting , Cao Guang-Li , Wang Ai-Jie , Ren Nan-Qi
Published: June 2018

Fermentation of both glucose and xylose is essential to realize efficient bioconversion of renewable and abundant lignocellulosic biomass to hydrogen.
Chiral ruthenium(ii) complex as potent radiosensitizer of125I through DNA-damage-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Bai Mingjun , Zeng Zhaolin , Li Li , Wu Qiong , Zhang Yanyang , Pan Tao , Mu Luwen , Zhu Duo , Guan Shouhai , Xie Qiang , Mei Wenjie
Published: June 2018

SyntheticLR042can be further developed as a radiosensitizer of125I by inducing DNA-damage-mediated apoptosis for cancer therapy.
Revealing the unusual role of bases in activation/deactivation of catalytic systems: O–NHC coupling in M/NHC catalysis
Authors: Chernyshev Victor M. , Khazipov Oleg V. , Shevchenko Maxim A. , Chernenko Andrey Yu. , Astakhov Alexander V. , Eremin Dmitry B. , Pasyukov Dmitry V. , Kashin Alexey S. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: June 2018

Usual oxygen bases decompose M/NHC complexes to give “NHC-free” metal species and azolones.
Glycerol carbonate as a fuel additive for a sustainable future
Authors: Szőri Milán , Giri Binod Raj , Wang Zhandong , Dawood Alaaeldin E. , Viskolcz Béla , Farooq Aamir
Published: June 2018

Glycerol carbonate can be a promising fuel or a promising soot-reducing fuel additive for a sustainable future.
Combined density functional and Brazovskii theories for systems with spontaneous inhomogeneities
Authors: Ciach A.
Published: June 2018

Density functional containing the fluctuation contribution is developed for self-assembling systems. The fluctuation contribution is particularly important in the disordered phase, where the aggregation is not reflected in the average density.
Comparison among multi-chain models for entangled polymer dynamics
Authors: Masubuchi Yuichi , Uneyama Takashi
Published: June 2018

Three different coarse-grained models for entangled polymer dynamics have been compared in detail for static and dynamic properties. In spite of the plausible compatibilities for the diffusion, modulus and chain dimension, significant discrepancies are found for the inter-chain cross-correlations.
Improved performance and stability of perovskite solar cells by incorporating gamma-aminobutyric acid in CH3NH3PbI3
Authors: Qiu Ting , Hu Yanqiang , Bai Fan , Miao Xiaoliang , Zhang Shufang
Published: June 2018

The partial substitution of methylamine (MA) with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in MAPbI3 greatly improved the photovoltaic performance and moisture stability.
Tailoring the electrical resistivity of zeolite Y by carbon addition to allow resistive heating
Authors: Shariaty Pooya , Atkinson John D. , Hashisho Zaher
Published: June 2018

Resistive heating regeneration is a valuable alternative to conventional adsorbent regeneration methods, which is only applicable for electrically conductive adsorbents. Presented work proposes a methodology to make resistive heating regeneration applicable for non-conductive zeolites by carbon addition.
Superionically conducting β′′-Al2O3 thin films processed using flame synthesized nanopowders
Authors: Yi Eongyu , Temeche Eleni , Laine Richard M.
Published: June 2018

Commercial β′′-Al2O3 solid electrolytes for Na+ batteries are exclusively produced in tubular form, in part, due to processing difficulties.
Polystyrene with a methoxytriphenylamine-conjugated-thiophene moiety side-chain as a dopant-free hole-transporting material for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wu Jianchang , Liu Chang , Hu Manman , Deng Xiang , Tan Wenchang , Tian Yanqing , Xu Baomin
Published: June 2018

A novel side-chain polymer was designed and synthesized by integrating a methoxytriphenylamine-conjugated-thiophene moiety as the hole transporting material (HTM) unit on a polystyrene side-chain (HTM–P1) by the radical polymerization of its relevant monomer (HTM–M1).
Promotion of SERS and catalytic activities with bimetallic and ternary concave nanolayers
Authors: Huang Wei-Shan , Sun I-Wen , Huang Chih-Chia
Published: June 2018

A redox caving accompanied by an interior alloying process could fabricate solid-supported concave AuAg and AuAg:Pd nanolayers for improving SERS and hydrogenation reaction.
Opening of large band gaps in metallic carbon nanotubes by mannose-functionalized dendrimers: experiments and theory
Authors: Vasu K. S. , Pramanik Debabrata , Kundu Sudipta , S. Sridevi , Jayaraman N. , Jain Manish , Maiti Prabal K. , Sood A. K.
Published: June 2018

Wrapping of mannose-attached PETIM dendrimers around metallic SWNTsvianon-covalent and van der Waals interactions leads to a large band gap opening.
Nucleus pulposus cell senescence is alleviated by resveratrol through regulating the ROS/NF-κB pathway under high-magnitude compression
Authors: Jiang Yanhai , Dong Guozhang , Song Yeliang
Published: June 2018

Mechanical overloading is a risk factor of disc degeneration. Studies have demonstrated that resveratrol helps to maintain the disc cell’s healthy biology. The present study aims to investigate whether resveratrol can suppress mechanical overloading-induced nucleus pulposus (NP) cell senescence in vitro and the potential mechanism. The isolated rat NP cells were seeded in the decalcified bone matrix (DBM) and cultured under non-compression (control) and compression (20% deformation, 1.0 Hz, 6 h/day) for 5 days using the mechanically active bioreactor. The resveratrol (30 and 60 μM) was added into the culture medium of the compression group to investigate its protective effects against the NP cell senescence. NP cell senescence was evaluated by cell proliferation, cell cycle, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity, telomerase (TE) activity, and gene expression of the senescence markers (p16 and p53). Additionally, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and activity of the NF-κB pathway were also analyzed. Compared with the non-compression group, the high-magnitude compression significantly promoted NP cell senescence, increased ROS generation and activity of the NF-κB pathway. However, resveratrol partly attenuated NP cell senescence, decreased ROS generation and activity of the NF-κB pathway in a concentration-dependent manner under mechanical compression. Resveratrol can alleviate mechanical overloading-induced NP cell senescence through regulating the ROS/NF-κB pathway. The present study provides that resveratrol may be a potential drug for retarding mechanical overloading-induced NP cell senescence.
Contribution of FACTS devices in power systems security using MILP‐based OPF
Authors: Nikoobakht Ahmad , Aghaei Jamshid , Parvania Masood , Sahraei‐Ardakani Mostafa
Published: June 2018

Traditionally, electric system operators have dispatched generation to minimise total production costs ignoring the flexibility of the AC transmission system (ACTS). One available option to enhance power system security is to harness the flexibility of the ACTS, where a variety of flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices can be incorporated in the ACTS. However, utilisation of FACTS devices is limited today due to the complexities that these devices introduce to the AC optimal power flow (ACOPF) problem. The mathematical representation of the full ACOPF problem, with the added modelling of FACTS devices, is a non‐linear programming (NLP) optimisation problem, which is computationally burdensome for large‐scale systems. This study presents a method to convert this NLP problem into a mixed‐integer linear program (MILP) where a certain level of solution accuracy can be achieved for a time budget. In this regard, this study first proposes a linear AC OPF model, using which the OPF solution with the operation of FACTS devices is obtained. In addition, the loadability of the power systems is utilised to quantify the impacts of FACTS devices on improving the security of system. The OPF problem including FACTS devices based on a linearised model is tested on a 6‐bus and the IEEE 118‐bus test systems.
Design, synthesis and processing of PVDF‐based dielectric polymers
Authors: Wang Shan , Li Qi
Published: June 2018

Due to the appealing piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric (FE) properties, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)‐based dielectric polymers have been attracting great attention from both the academic and industrial communities. Depending on the molecular structure and the processing method, PVDF‐based dielectric polymers can exhibit rich dielectric polarisation behaviours covering normal FE, relaxor FE, anti‐FE‐like and linear dielectric responses, which enables a wide spectrum of application fields such as non‐volatile memories, piezoelectric and pyroelectric sensors, actuators, electrocaloric refrigeration, and film capacitors. In this study, the authors first briefly introduce the current practical/promising applications of PVDF‐based dielectric polymers, and the corresponding optimum dielectric polarisation behaviour and crystal structure are proposed accordingly. The chemical synthesis and modification strategies for obtaining various fluoropolymers beyond PVDF homopolymer are then summarised with an emphasis on the relationship between the molecular structure and the dielectric polarisation behaviour. In addition, the effect of processing methods on the crystal structure and dielectric properties of the PVDF‐based polymers is discussed. Finally, some newly developed processing techniques applicable to PVDF‐based polymers are described.
Solar wind dynamics around a comet
Authors: Saillenfest M. , Tabone B. , Behar E.
Published: June 2018

Aims. Observations of solar protons near comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko (67P) by the Rosetta spacecraft can be modelled by the planar motion in an effective magnetic field proportional to 1/r2. We aim to provide a thorough study of such dynamics, with a clear description of the behaviour of an incoming flux of particles. We will be able, then, to calibrate the free parameters of the model to Rosetta observations.

Methods. Basic tools of dynamical analysis are used. They lead to a definition of the relevant parameters for the system and a classification of the possible types of trajectories. Using the so-obtained formalism, the structures formed by a flux of particles coming from infinity can be studied.

Results. All the trajectories are parametrised by two characteristic radii, rE and rC, derived from first integrals. There are three different types of motion possible divided by a separatrix corresponding to rE = rC. An analytical expression of the trajectories, defined by an integral, is developed. Using this formalism, the application to a flux of particles coming from infinity (modelling the incident solar wind) gives one free parameter only, the radius rE, which scales the problem. A circular cavity of radius 0.28 rE is created, as well as an overdensity curve (analogous to a caustic in optics). At each observation time, rE can be calibrated to Rosetta plasma measurements, giving a qualitative understanding of the solar particle dynamics (incoming direction, cavity and density map). We also deduce that, in order to properly capture the essence of the dynamics, numerical simulations of the solar wind around a comet must use simulation boxes much larger than rE and grids much finer than rE.
The first study of 54 new eccentric eclipsing binaries in our Galaxy
Authors: Zasche P. , Wolf M. , Uhlař R. , Cagaš P. , Juryšek J. , Mašek M. , Hoňková K. , Kučáková H. , Lehký M. , Kotková L. , White G. J. , Bewsher D. , Tylšar M. , Jelínek M. , Paschke A.
Published: June 2018

We present an analysis of the apsidal motion and light curve parameters of 54 never-before-studied galactic Algol-type binaries. This is the first analysis of such a large sample of eccentric eclipsing binaries in our Galaxy, and has enabled us to identify several systems that are worthy of further study. Bringing together data from various databases and surveys, supplemented with new observations, we have been able to trace the long-term evolution of the eccentric orbit over durations extending back up to several decades. Our present study explores a rather different sample of stars to those presented in the previously published catalogue of eccentric eclipsing binaries, sampling to fainter magnitudes, covering later spectral types, sensitive to different orbital periods with more than 50% of our systems having periods longer than six days. The typical apsidal motion in the sample is rather slow (mostly of order of centuries long), although in some cases this is less than 50 yr. All of the systems, except one, have eccentricities less than 0.5, with an average value of 0.23. Several of the stars also show evidence for additional period variability. In particular we can identify three systems in the sample, HD 44093, V611 Pup, and HD 313631, which likely represent relativistic apsidal rotators.
Studying bright variable stars with the Multi-site All-Sky CAmeRA (MASCARA)
Authors: Burggraaff O. , Talens G. J. J. , Spronck J. , Lesage A.-L. , Stuik R. , Otten G. P. P. L. , Van Eylen V. , Pollacco D. , Snellen I. A. G.
Published: June 2018

Context. The Multi-site All-Sky CAmeRA (MASCARA) aims to find the brightest transiting planet systems by monitoring the full sky at magnitudes 4 < V < 8.4, taking data every 6.4 s. The northern station has been operational on La Palma since February 2015. These data can also be used for other scientific purposes, such as the study of variable stars.

Aims. In this paper we aim to assess the value of MASCARA data for studying variable stars by determining to what extent known variable stars can be recovered and characterised, and how well new, unknown variables can be discovered.

Methods. We used the first 14 months of MASCARA data, consisting of the light curves of 53 401 stars with up to one million flux points per object. All stars were cross-matched with the VSX catalogue to identify known variables. The MASCARA light curves were searched for periodic flux variability using generalised Lomb–Scargle periodograms. If significant variability of a known variable was detected, the found period and amplitude were compared with those listed in the VSX database. If no previous record of variability was found, the data were phase folded to attempt a classification.

Results. Of the 1919 known variable stars in the MASCARA sample with periods 0.1 < P < 10 days, amplitudes >2%, and that have more than 80 h of data, 93.5% are recovered. In addition, the periods of 210 stars without a previous VSX record were determined, and 282 candidate variable stars were newly identified. We also investigated whether second order variability effects could be identified. The O’Connell effect is seen in seven eclipsing binaries, of which two have no previous record of this effect.

Conclusions. MASCARA data are very well suited to study known variable stars. They also serve as a powerful means to find new variables among the brightest stars in the sky. Follow-up is required to ensure that the observed variability does not originate from faint background objects.