bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circuit variability interacts with excitatory-inhibitory diversity of interneurons to regulate network encoding capacity
Authors: Tsai Kuo-Ting , Hu Chin-Kun , Li Kuan-Wei , Hwang Wen-Liang , Chou Ya-Hui
Published: May 2018

Local interneurons (LNs) in the Drosophila olfactory system exhibit neuronal diversity and variability, yet it is still unknown how these features impact information encoding capacity and reliability in a complex LN network. We employed two strategies to construct a diverse excitatory-inhibitory neural network beginning with a ring network structure and then introduced distinct types of inhibitory interneurons and circuit variability to the simulated network. The continuity of activity within the node ensemble (oscillation pattern) was used as a readout to describe the temporal dynamics of network activity. We found that inhibitory interneurons enhance the encoding capacity by protecting the network from extremely short activation periods when the network wiring complexity is very high. In addition, distinct types of interneurons have differential effects on encoding capacity and reliability. Circuit variability may enhance the encoding reliability, with or without compromising encoding capacity. Therefore, we have described how circuit variability of interneurons may interact with excitatory-inhibitory diversity to enhance the encoding capacity and distinguishability of neural networks. In this work, we evaluate the effects of different types and degrees of connection diversity on a ring model, which may simulate interneuron networks in the Drosophila olfactory system or other biological systems.
Raphidocelis subcapitata (=Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) provides an insight into genome evolution and environmental adaptations in the Sphaeropleales
Authors: Suzuki Shigekatsu , Yamaguchi Haruyo , Nakajima Nobuyoshi , Kawachi Masanobu
Published: May 2018

The Sphaeropleales are a dominant group of green algae, which contain species important to freshwater ecosystems and those that have potential applied usages. In particular, Raphidocelis subcapitata is widely used worldwide for bioassays in toxicological risk assessments. However, there are few comparative genome analyses of the Sphaeropleales. To reveal genome evolution in the Sphaeropleales based on well-resolved phylogenetic relationships, nuclear, mitochondrial, and plastid genomes were sequenced in this study. The plastid genome provides insights into the phylogenetic relationships of R. subcapitata, which is located in the most basal lineage of the four species in the family Selenastraceae. The mitochondrial genome shows dynamic evolutionary histories with intron expansion in the Selenastraceae. The 51.2 Mbp nuclear genome of R. subcapitata, encoding 13,383 protein-coding genes, is more compact than the genome of its closely related oil-rich species, Monoraphidium neglectum (Selenastraceae), Tetradesmus obliquus (Scenedesmaceae), and Chromochloris zofingiensis (Chromochloridaceae); however, the four species share most of their genes. The Sphaeropleales possess a large number of genes for glycerolipid metabolism and sugar assimilation, which suggests that this order is capable of both heterotrophic and mixotrophic lifestyles in nature. Comparison of transporter genes suggests that the Sphaeropleales can adapt to different natural environmental conditions, such as salinity and low metal concentrations.
Theory of Large Intrinsic Spin Hall Effect in Iridate Semimetals
Authors: Patri Adarsh S. , Hwang Kyusung , Lee Hyun-Woo , Kim Yong Baek
Published: May 2018

We theoretically investigate the mechanism to generate large intrinsic spin Hall effect in iridates or more broadly in 5d transition metal oxides with strong spin-orbit coupling. We demonstrate such a possibility by taking the example of orthorhombic perovskite iridate with nonsymmorphic lattice symmetry, SrIrO3, which is a three-dimensional semimetal with nodal line spectrum. It is shown that large intrinsic spin Hall effect arises in this system via the spin-Berry curvature originating from the nearly degenerate electronic spectra surrounding the nodal line. This effect exists even when the nodal line is gently gapped out, due to the persistent nearly degenerate electronic structure. The magnitude of the spin Hall conductivity is shown to be comparable to the best known example such as doped topological insulators and the biggest in any transition metal oxides. To gain further insight, we compute the intrinsic spin Hall conductivity in both bulk and thin film systems. We find that the geometric confinement in thin films leads to significant modifications of the electronic states, leading to even bigger spin Hall conductivity in certain cases. We compare our findings with the recent experimental report on the discovery of large spin Hall effect in SrIrO3 thin films.
Investigation of C1-complex regions reveals new C1Q variants associated with protection from systemic lupus erythematosus, and affect its transcript abundance
Authors: Guo Jianping , Gao Yanyan , Wang Yuxuan , Zou Yundong , Du Yan , Luo Cainan , Shi Yamei , Yang Yue , Wu Xinyu , Su Yin , Wu Lijun , Chen Shi , Li Zhanguo
Published: May 2018

Although rare variant C1Q deficiency was identified as causative risk for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), there are limited and inconsistent reports regarding the common polymorphisms of C1Q genes in SLE susceptibility. Furthermore, there are no reports concerning polymorphisms of C1S, C1R, and C1RL and whether they confer susceptibility to SLE. We therefore evaluated 22 SNPs across six C1-complex genes in two independent case-control cohorts, and identified four novel SNPs that confer protection from SLE. The four SNPs are all located in C1Q. Particularly, the variant rs653286 displayed an independent reduced risk on SLE susceptibility (OR 0.75, P = 2.16 × 10−3) and anti-dsDNA antibodies (OR 0.68, P = 0.024). By bioinformatics analysis, SNPs rs653286 and rs291985 displayed striking cis-eQTL effects on C1Q genes expression. Individuals homozygous for the ‘protective’ allele at four SNPs had significantly higher levels of serum C1q (rs680123–rs682658: P = 0.0022; rs653286–rs291985: P = 0.0076). To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that only C1Q polymorphisms are associated with SLE. The C1Q SNP rs653286 confers an independent protective effect on SLE susceptibility and affects transcript abundance.
Positive effects of hydrogen-water bathing in patients of psoriasis and parapsoriasis en plaques
Authors: Zhu Qinyuan , Wu Yueshen , Li Yongmei , Chen Zihua , Wang Lanting , Xiong Hao , Dai Erhong , Wu Jianhua , Fan Bin , Ping Li , Luo Xiaoqun
Published: May 2018

Psoriasis and parapsoriasis en plaques are chronic inflammatory skin diseases, both representing therapeutic challenge in daily practice and adversely affecting the quality of life. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been evidenced to be involved in the pathogenesis of the chronic inflammatory diseases. We now report that hydrogen water, an effective ROS scavenger, has significant and rapid improvement in disease severity and quality of life for patients with psoriasis and parapsoriasis en plaques. At week 8, our parallel-controlled trial revealed 24.4% of patients (10/41) receiving hydrogen-water bathing achieved at least 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score compared with 2.9% of patients (1/34) of the control group (Pc = 0.022, OR = 0.094, 95%CI = [0.011, 0.777]). Of patients, 56.1% (23/41) who received bathing achieved at least 50% improvement in PASI score compared with only 17.7%(6/34) of the control group (P = 0.001, OR = 0.168, 95%CI = [0.057, 0.492]). The significant improvement of pruritus was also observed (P = 3.94 × 10−4). Besides, complete response was observed in 33.3% of patients (2/6) of parapsoriasis en plaques and partial response in 66.7% (4/6) at week 8. Our findings suggested that hydrogen-water bathing therapy could fulfill the unmet need for these chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
Biochar Impacts on Soil Silicon Dissolution Kinetics and their Interaction Mechanisms
Authors: Wang Yaofeng , Xiao Xin , Chen Baoliang
Published: May 2018

Effects of biochars on soil silicon dissolution kinetics remain unaddressed. Si-rich rice husk (RH) and rice straw (RS), and Si-deficient wood sawdust (WB) and orange peel (OP) were applied to prepare biochars at 300–700 °C. The silicon dissolution of Si-rich biochars was relatively high in comparison with Si-deficient biochars, and increased with the pyrolysis temperature. The mechanism of silicon release is suggested to be controlled by a protective carbon-silicon interaction, as accompanied by carbon release. After mixing with soil, the addition of Si-rich biochar leads up to 72.7–121% improvement in silicon dissolution in a high-silicon soil (HSS) compared to 147–243% improvement in a low-silicon soil (LSS). The total cumulative amount of silicon dissolved decreased compared to the theoretical value due to the adsorption of silicic acid by the biochar. The addition of WB700 or OP700 as Si-deficient biochars leads to a cumulative Si dissolution decrease of 15.7 and 12.1%, respectively. The adsorption of silicic acid in the biochar and the protection of soil dissolved Fe make biochar a reservoir of soil silicon. Thus, Si-rich biochar could serve as a source of Si with slow release, while Si-deficient biochar could serve as an extra Si sink in agricultural paddy soil.
HDV infection rates in northern Vietnam
Authors: Binh Mai Thanh , Hoan Nghiem Xuan , Van Tong Hoang , Giang Dao Phuong , Sy Bui Tien , Toan Nguyen Linh , Song Le Huu , Bang Mai Hong , Wedemeyer Heiner , Meyer Christian G. , Kremsner Peter G. , Bock C.-Thomas , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P.
Published: May 2018

Hepatitis D caused by the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a serious health problem in many regions of the world. A total of 546 HBV-infected patients were enrolled from 2013 to 2015 and classified clinically into the subgroups of chronic hepatitis B (CHB, n = 191), liver cirrhosis (LC, n = 147) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n = 208). The patients were screened for HDV-RNA by nested PCR assays. HDV genotypes were assessed by direct sequencing, followed by phylogenetic analysis. HDV-RNA was identified in 13% (71/546) of HBV-infected patients. The highest HDV prevalence was found in the LC group (19.7%), followed by the HCC (12%) and CHB (8.9%) groups (P = 0.017). HDV/HBV coinfections were significantly associated with a rather unfavourable clinical outcome, in particular with LC development compared to HBV monoinfection. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the genotype HDV1 was, with a prevalence of 91%, by far the most common genotype in Vietnam, followed by HDV2 with 9%. Other HDV genotypes were not observed. In accordance with previous data obtained a decade ago, our results confirm a continuing high prevalence of HDV infection in hepatitis B patients in northern Vietnam with the HDV1 genotype still being the predominant genotype. HDV nucleic acid testing to minimize the associated risk should be considered.
Comparative inhibitory profile and distribution of bacterial PARPs, using Clostridioides difficile CD160 PARP as a model
Authors: García-Saura Antonio Ginés , Zapata-Pérez Rubén , Hidalgo José Francisco , Sánchez-Ferrer Álvaro
Published: May 2018

Poly-ADP-ribose polymerases (PARPs) are involved in the regulation of important cellular processes, such as DNA repair, aging and apoptosis, among others. They have been considered as promising therapeutic targets, since human cancer cells carrying BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are highly sensitive to human PARP-1 inhibitors. Although extensive work has been carried out with the latter enzyme, little is known on bacterial PARPs, of which only one has been demonstrated to be active. To extend this limited knowledge, we demonstrate that the Gram-positive bacterium Clostridioides difficile CD160 PARP is a highly active enzyme with a high production yield. Its phylogenetic analysis also pointed to a singular domain organization in contrast to other clostridiales, which could be due to the long-term divergence of C. difficile CD160. Surprisingly, its PARP becomes the first enzyme to be characterized from this strain, which has a genotype never before described based on its sequenced genome. Finally, the inhibition study carried out after a high-throughput in silico screening and an in vitro testing with hPARP1 and bacterial PARPs identified a different inhibitory profile, a new highly inhibitory compound never before described for hPARP1, and a specificity of bacterial PARPs for a compound that mimics NAD+ (EB-47).
Regulation of filial imprinting and structural plasticity by mTORC1 in newborn chickens
Authors: Batista Gervasio , Johnson Jennifer L. , Dominguez Elena , Costa-Mattioli Mauro , Pena Jose L.
Published: May 2018

Dysregulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling leads to memory deficits and abnormal social behaviors in adults. However, whether mTORC1 is involved in critical periods of early learning remains largely unexplored. Our study addressed this question by investigating imprinting, a form of learning constrained to a sensitive period that supports filial attachment, in newborn chickens. Imprinting to virtual objects and sounds was assessed after acute manipulations of mTORC1. To further understand the role of mTORC1 during the critical period, structural plasticity was analyzed using DiOlistic labeling of dendritic spines. We found that mTORC1 is required for the emergence of experience-dependent preferences and structural plasticity within brain regions controlling behavior. Furthermore, upon critical period closure, pharmacological activation of the AKT/mTORC1 pathway was sufficient to rescue imprinting across sensory modalities. Thus, our results uncover a novel role of mTORC1 in the formation of imprinted memories and experience-dependent reorganization of neural circuits during a critical period.
Dynamics of coarse and fine particle exposure in transport microenvironments
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Rivas Ioar , Singh Anant Pratap , Ganesh Vikas Julius , Ananya Monirupa , Frey H. Christopher
Published: May 2018

A significant fraction of daily personal exposure to air pollutants occurs during commuting in transport microenvironments (TMEs). We carried out systematic mobile monitoring on a pre-defined route to assess personal exposure levels of particulate matter (PM) in four TMEs (bus, car, cycle and walk). Measurements were made during morning peak (MP), afternoon off-peak (OP) and evening peak (EP) hours in a typical UK town, Guildford. The objectives were to quantify the real-time exposure to fine and coarse particles, identify the factors influencing their spatiotemporal variation and estimate the respiratory deposition doses (RDD). The mean PM10 concentrations were 90 ± 63, 23 ± 9, 14 ± 17 and 63 ± 76 μg m−3 for bus, car, cycle and walk modes, respectively. The average ratios of PM2.5/PM10 were 0.32, 0.90, 0.67 and 0.36 for bus, car, cycle and car journeys, respectively. The mean concentrations of coarse particles (PM2.5-10) followed the trend: bus > walk > cycle > car. In contrast, mean concentrations of submicron (PM1) and fine particles (PM2.5) were usually high in the car while lowest for cyclists. RDD depend on the physical activity, particle size distribution and thus deposited fraction are not always proportional to the ambient concentration. RDD for coarse particles were largest for the walk mode (56 ± 14 μg h−1), followed by buses (31 ± 2 μg h−1), cycle (12 ± 3 μg h−1) and cars (1.2 ± 0.3 μg h−1). The corresponding RDD of fine particles were comparable for both walk (5.5 ± 0.3 μg h−1) and cycle (5.1 ± 1.2 μg h−1), followed by bus (4.1 ± 0.7 μg h−1) and car (2.0 ± 0.2 μg h−1). Car mode experienced both the least concentrations and RDD for coarse particles. It also had the lowest RDD for fine particles despite high concentrations. Physical activity of car commuters is modest compared with walking and cycling, which makes the rank ordering of RDD different than those of exposure concentrations. Hence the management of commuting exposures should consider potential dose and not just exposure concentration for curtailing adverse health effects related to commuting. RDD for pedestrian and cycle modes were not the lowest among the measured modes but opportunities such as an increased distance between the heavily trafficked roadways and pedestrians/cyclists should be considered in urban planning to reduce potential doses.
An Ω-3 fatty acid-deficient diet during gestation induces depressive-like behavior in rats: the role of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) system
Authors: Tang Mimi , Liu Yiping , Wang Lu , Li Huande , Cai Hualin , Zhang Min , Dang Ruili , Xue Ying , Wu Yanqin
Published: May 2018

Low intake of omega-3 (Ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is associated with postpartum depression.
Towards atomically precise luminescent Ag2S clusters separable by thin layer chromatography
Authors: Manju C. K. , Mohanty Jyoti Sarita , Sarkar Depanjan , Chennu Sudhakar , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: May 2018

Synthesis of BBSH protected silver sulfide clusters.
Homologation chemistry with nucleophilic α-substituted organometallic reagents: chemocontrol, new concepts and (solved) challenges
Authors: Castoldi Laura , Monticelli Serena , Senatore Raffaele , Ielo Laura , Pace Vittorio
Published: May 2018

The transfer of a reactive nucleophilic CH2X unit into a preformed bond enables the introduction of a fragment featuring the exact and desired degree of functionalization through a single synthetic operation.
The simplest supramolecular helix
Authors: Hanke Felix , Pugh Chloe J. , Kay Ellis F. , Taylor Joshua B. , Todd Stephen M. , Robertson Craig M. , Slater Benjamin J. , Steiner Alexander
Published: May 2018

Diethylamine is the smallest and simplest molecule that features a supramolecular helix as its lowest energy aggregate.
Controllability of coercive stress in organoferroelasticity by the incorporation of a bulky flipping moiety in molecular crystals
Authors: Mir Sajjad Husain , Takasaki Yuichi , Engel Emile R. , Takamizawa Satoshi
Published: May 2018

The control of coercive stress in organoferroelasticity is demonstrated in single crystals oftrans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid with bulky cyclohexane rings.
Direct synthesis of an aliphatic amine functionalized metal–organic framework for efficient CO2 removal and CH4 purification
Authors: Huang Ning-Yu , Mo Zong-Wen , Li Lu-Jian , Xu Wei-Jian , Zhou Hao-Long , Zhou Dong-Dong , Liao Pei-Qin , Zhang Jie-Peng , Chen Xiao-Ming
Published: May 2018

An aliphatic amine functionalized MOF was directly synthesized for CO2 adsorption and CH4 purification.
Copolymers of poly(3-thiopheneacetic acid) with poly(3-hexylthiophene) as hole-transporting material for interfacially engineered perovskite solar cell by modulating band positions for higher efficiency
Authors: Shit Arnab , Chal Pousali , Nandi Arun K.
Published: May 2018

Tuning band positions of hole transporting material in interfacially engineered perovskite solar cell using copolymers of poly(3-thiophene acetic acid) and poly(3-hexyl thiophene) shows a PCE of 10% at ambient condition.
Macroscale precipitation kinetics: towards complex precipitate structure design
Authors: Das Nirmali Prabha , Müller Brigitta , Tóth Ágota , Horváth Dezső , Schuszter Gábor
Published: May 2018

Producing self-assembled inorganic precipitate micro- and macro-structures with tailored properties may pave the way for new possibilities in, e.g., materials science and the pharmaceutical industry.
Dehydrocoupling of dimethylamine borane by titanocene: elucidation of ten years of inconsistency between theoretical and experimental descriptions
Authors: Zhu Jingwen , Zins Emilie-Laure , Alikhani Mohammad Esmail
Published: May 2018

More than ten years ago, Manners and coworkers published the first experimental study on the efficiency of titanocene to catalyze the dehydrocoupling of dimethylamine borane (DMAB, T. Clark, C. Russell and I. Manners,J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2006,128, 9582–9583).
Aluminum and Fenton reaction: how can the reaction be modulated by speciation? A computational study using citrate as a test case
Authors: Mujika Jon I. , Dalla Torre Gabriele , Lopez Xabier
Published: May 2018

Protective role of citrate with respect to the pro-oxidant ability of aluminum, especially in high-citrate concentration regimes.
The fate of dichloroacetonitrile in UV/Cl2and UV/H2O2processes: implications on potable water reuse
Authors: Yin Ran , Zhong Zhuozhi , Ling Li , Shang Chii
Published: May 2018

The findings have important implications for the control of preformed DBPs by subsequent UV-AOPs for potable water reuse.
Aerial parts of maca (Lepidium meyeniiWalp.) as functional vegetables with gastrointestinal prokinetic efficacyin vivo
Authors: Jin Wenwen , Chen Xuemin , Huo Qing , Cui Yajie , Yu Zejun , Yu Longjiang
Published: May 2018

The aerial parts of maca powders and benzyl isothiocyanate promote the gastrointestinal prokinetic efficacy in atropine-treated mice.
Steamed bread enriched with quercetin as an antiglycative food product: its quality attributes and antioxidant properties
Authors: Lin Jing , Gwyneth Tan Yuan Xin , Leong Lai Peng , Zhou Weibiao
Published: May 2018

Quercetin, a natural antiglycative agent, was incorporated into steamed bread to produce a functional food that has high potential to lower the risk of diabetes.
Electron tunneling through grain boundaries in transparent conductive oxides and implications for electrical conductivity: the case of ZnO:Al thin films
Authors: Nguyen Viet Huong , Gottlieb Ulrich , Valla Anthony , Muñoz Delfina , Bellet Daniel , Muñoz-Rojas David
Published: May 2018

A new model is presented to describe charge scattering at grain boundaries in degenerately doped polycrystalline semiconductors such as transparent conductive oxides.
Quantitative proteomics and systems analysis of cultured H9C2 cardiomyoblasts during differentiation over time supports a ‘function follows form’ model of differentiation
Authors: Kankeu Cynthia , Clarke Kylie , Van Haver Delphi , Gevaert Kris , Impens Francis , Dittrich Anna , Roderick H. Llewelyn , Passante Egle , Huber Heinrich J.
Published: May 2018

The rat cardiomyoblast cell line H9C2 has emerged as a valuable tool for studying cardiac development, mechanisms of disease and toxicology.
The introduction of two new imidazole-based bis-dicationic Brönsted acidic ionic liquids and comparison of their catalytic activity in the synthesis of barbituric acid derivatives
Authors: Daneshvar Nader , Nasiri Mitra , Shirzad Maryam , Safarpoor Nikoo Langarudi Mohaddeseh , Shirini Farhad , Tajik Hassan
Published: May 2018

Two bis-dicationic acidic ionic liquids are prepared, used and compared in the synthesis of barbituric acid derivatives.
Efficient long-range electron transfer processes in polyfluorene–perylene diimide blends
Authors: Isakova Anna , Karuthedath Safakath , Arnold Thomas , Howse Jonathan R. , Topham Paul D. , Toolan Daniel T. W. , Laquai Frédéric , Lüer Larry
Published: May 2018

Symmetry-breaking charge transfer in donor–acceptor blends comprising perylene diimide avoids strongly-bound interfacial states and outperforms excimer formation.
Enhanced stability and performance of few-layer black phosphorus transistors by electron beam irradiation
Authors: Goyal Natasha , Kaushik Naveen , Jawa Himani , Lodha Saurabh
Published: May 2018

The effect of e-beam irradiation on few layer black phosphorus transistor performance has been studied experimentally in this report. An improvement in device characteristics in terms of better stability, higher on-current, reduced threshold voltage and better mobility is observed post e-beam exposure.
Local surface conductivity of transition metal oxides mapped with true atomic resolution
Authors: Rodenbücher C. , Bihlmayer G. , Speier W. , Kubacki J. , Wojtyniak M. , Rogala M. , Wrana D. , Krok F. , Szot K.
Published: May 2018

Local-conductivity atomic force microscopy with atomic resolution reveals that the surface conductivity of slightly reduced transition metal oxides such as TiO2 and SrTiO3 is confined to conductance paths on the nanoscale.
Energy transfer chemiluminescence for ratiometric pH imaging
Authors: An Weiwei , Mason Ralph P. , Lippert Alexander R.
Published: May 2018

Ratiometric chemiluminescence enables quantitative imaging of pH at precise spatial locations independent from probe concentration and reaction kinetics.
The 4-pyridonyl group as a multifunctional electron donor in 1,8-naphthalimide-based photoluminescent and mechanically interlocked coordination compounds
Authors: Hawes Chris S. , Byrne Kevin , Schmitt Wolfgang , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: May 2018

The 4-pyridonyl group is explored as a substituent for 1,8-naphthalimides, revealing interesting structural chemistry and photoluminescence behaviour in crystalline materials.
The iridium-catalysed reductive coupling reaction of tertiary lactams/amides with isocyanoacetates
Authors: Hu Xiu-Ning , Shen Tai-Long , Cai Dong-Cheng , Zheng Jian-Feng , Huang Pei-Qiang
Published: May 2018

A catalytic reductive addition of isocyanoacetates to tertiary lactams/amides has been developed. This one-pot procedure involves Ir-catalysed partial reduction of lactams/amides and sequential chemoselective addition of isocyanide group in isocyanoacetates and produces 5-methoxyoxazoles in moderate to excellent yields.
A novel cobalt(0) alkyne complex assisted “capture and release” strategy for oligosaccharide rapid assembly
Authors: Liu Yan-Bo , Yao Wang , Meng Shuai , Meng Xiang-Bao , Li Zhong-Jun , Lou Qing-Hua
Published: May 2018

Linear and branched penta-mannosides were conveniently synthesized via a resin assisted “capture and release” purification strategy.
Redox-neutral tri-/difluoromethylation of para-quinone methides with sodium sulfinates
Authors: Wu Qing-Yan , Ao Gui-Zhen , Liu Feng
Published: May 2018

A redox-neutral, mild, and simple protocol is developed for the synthesis of functionalized phenols from para-quinone methides upon visible-light irradiation.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of flavonoids from the flowers of Hosta plantaginea
Authors: He Jun-Wei , Yang Li , Mu Zhen-qiang , Zhu Yu-Ye , Zhong Guo-Yue , Liu Zhi-Yong , Zhou Qing-Guang , Cheng Fang
Published: May 2018

Twelve flavonoids, including two new compounds namely plantanones A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the flowers of Hosta plantaginea.
Effect of polysiloxane encapsulation material compositions on emission behaviour and stabilities of perylene dyes
Authors: Steinbrück Nils , Könemann Martin , Kickelbick Guido
Published: May 2018

Influence of phenyl and methyl group containing polysiloxane encapsulation materials on the fluorescence properties of two perylene diimides.
Enhanced catalytic activity of monodispersed porous Al2O3 colloidal spheres with NiMo for simultaneous hydrodesulfurization and hydrogenation
Authors: Xie Kaihong , Fang Yanxiong , Liu Baoyu , Li Chengchao
Published: May 2018

Fabrication of monodispersed porous Al2O3 spheres with controlled morphologies.
Nano-hydroxyapatite polymeric hydrogels for dye removal
Authors: Varaprasad Kokkarachedu , Nunez Dariela , Yallapu Murali Mohan , Jayaramudu Tippabattini , Elgueta Elizabeth , Oyarzun Patricio
Published: May 2018

Schematic diagram of nHA and nHA based hydrogels development via wet chemical and free-radical polymerization process and absorbent process of nHA hydrogel.
An antibacterial collagen membrane crosslinked by the inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin dialdehyde and ofloxacin for bacterial keratitis
Authors: Chen Yawei , Song Wenjing , Zhao Xuan , Han Qianqian , Ren Li
Published: May 2018

The synthesis of antibacterial collagen membrane crosslinked by the inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin dialdehyde and ofloxacin.
Heavy oil oxidation in the nano-porous medium of synthetic opal
Authors: Galukhin Andrey , Bolmatenkov Dmitrii , Osin Yuri
Published: May 2018

In the current study we synthesized nano-porous opal, investigated its morphological and textural properties, and showed that nanoconfinement affects reactivity of oil.
Enantioselective synthesis of amines by combining photoredox and enzymatic catalysis in a cyclic reaction network
Authors: Guo Xingwei , Okamoto Yasunori , Schreier Mirjam R. , Ward Thomas R. , Wenger Oliver S.
Published: May 2018

The combination of photoredox and enzymatic catalysis in a cyclic reaction network enables enantioselectivity control in photochemical processes.
A systematic evaluation of the role of lanthanide elements in functional complex oxides; implications for energy conversion devices
Authors: Wu Ji , Fujii Kotaro , Yashima Masatomo , Staykov Aleksandar , Akbay Taner , Ishihara Tatsumi , Kilner John A.
Published: May 2018

Simulated and experimental electron densities confirm very different ionic/covalent behaviours in LaAlO3and SrTiO3.
Visible and near-infrared organic photosensitizers comprising isoindigo derivatives as chromophores: synthesis, optoelectronic properties and factors limiting their efficiency in dye solar cells
Authors: Aumaitre Cyril , Rodriguez-Seco Cristina , Jover Jesús , Bardagot Olivier , Caffy Florent , Kervella Yann , López Nuria , Palomares Emilio , Demadrille Renaud
Published: May 2018

We developed organic photosensitizers based on isoindigo derivatives that strongly absorb up to the near-IR for application in DSSCs.
C2N-supported single metal ion catalysts for HCOOH dehydrogenation
Authors: Zhong Wenhui , Liu Yuxia , Deng Mingsen , Zhang Yachao , Jia Chuanyi , Prezhdo Oleg V. , Yuan Jianyong , Jiang Jun
Published: May 2018

Polarized charges on dual-reactive centers of C2N-supported single-atom based transition metal ion catalysts promoting HCOOH dehydrogenation.
Enhanced hydrogen production performance through controllable redox exsolution within CoFeAlOx spinel oxygen carrier materials
Authors: Zeng Dewang , Qiu Yu , Peng Song , Chen Chao , Zeng Jimin , Zhang Shuai , Xiao Rui
Published: May 2018

Chemical looping performance can be improved through the controllable exsolution of the redox phase in a spinel solution.
Novel two-dimensional semiconductor SnP3: high stability, tunable bandgaps and high carrier mobility explored using first-principles calculations
Authors: Sun Songsong , Meng Fanchen , Wang Hongyan , Wang Hui , Ni Yuxiang
Published: May 2018

A novel semiconducting 2D material based on monolayer and bilayer SnP3 is proposed using first-principles calculations.
Confined bimetallic phosphide within P, N co-doped carbon layers towards boosted bifunctional oxygen catalysis
Authors: Yang Shuang , He Qun , Wang Changda , Jiang Hongliang , Wu Chuanqiang , Zhang Youkui , Zhou Teng , Zhou Yu , Song Li
Published: May 2018

A bimetallic phosphide confined within P, N co-doped carbon layers achieves efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis.
Polypeptide nano-Se targeting inflammation and theranostic rheumatoid arthritis by anti-angiogenic and NO activating AMPKα signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Yanan , Ma Litao , Zhou Hui , Zhu Xufeng , Yu Qianqian , Chen Xu , Zhao Yingyu , Liu Jie
Published: May 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease and there is a lack of effective treatments.
Room temperature synthesis of dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles with small sizes and enhanced mRNA delivery performance
Authors: Wang Yue , Song Hao , Yu Meihua , Xu Chun , Liu Yang , Tang Jie , Yang Yannan , Yu Chengzhong
Published: May 2018

Dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a small diameter (∼50 nm) and a large pore size (>20 nm) are synthesized at room temperature for intracellular mRNA delivery.
A multi-responsive bidirectional bending actuator based on polypyrrole and agar nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Taoping , Li Mingtong , Zhang Hui , Sun Yunyu , Dong Bin
Published: May 2018

We report a multi-stimuli responsive bidirectional bending actuator which can be utilized as a walking device with cargo transportation and delivery capabilities.
Influence of the aryl spacer in 2,5-dialkoxyphenylene and diaryl substituted thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione copolymers
Authors: Pankow Robert M. , Munteanu John D. , Thompson Barry C.
Published: May 2018

Polymerization conditions for direct arylation polymerization (DArP) now allow for the preparation of conjugated polymers, such as donor–acceptor copolymers, where undesired couplings (donor–donor, acceptor–acceptor, or branching defects) are undetectable.
Fullerene-derivative as interlayer for high performance organic thin-film transistors
Authors: Tan Jiahui , Sorensen Jakob , Dong Huanli , Hu Wenping
Published: May 2018

The present work demonstrates a new interface engineering strategy to improve pentacene transistors performance by using a fullerene-derivative interlayer.
Stabilization of wide band-gap p-type wurtzite MnTe thin films on amorphous substrates
Authors: Siol Sebastian , Han Yanbing , Mangum John , Schulz Philip , Holder Aaron M. , Klein Talysa R. , van Hest Maikel F. A. M. , Gorman Brian , Zakutayev Andriy
Published: May 2018

The wurtzite polymorph of MnTe with a wider band gap and moderate p-type doping is stabilized on an amorphous indium zinc oxide substrate.
Water structure changes in oxime-mediated reactivation process of phosphorylated human acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Zueva Irina V. , Lushchekina Sofya V. , Masson Patrick
Published: May 2018

The role of water in oxime-mediated reactivation of phosphylated cholinesterases (ChEs) has been asked with recurrence. To investigate oximate water structure changes in this reaction, reactivation of paraoxon-inhibited human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was performed by the oxime asoxime (HI-6) at different pH in the presence and absence of lyotropic salts: a neutral salt (NaCl), a strong chaotropic salt (LiSCN) and strong kosmotropic salts (ammonium sulphate and phosphate HPO42−). At the same time, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of enzyme reactivation under the same conditions were performed over 100 ns. Reactivation kinetics showed that the low concentration of chaotropic salt up to 75 mM increased the percentage of reactivation of diethylphosphorylated AChE whereas kosmotropic salts lead only to a small decrease in reactivation. This indicates that water-breaker salt induces destructuration of water molecules that are electrostricted around oximate ions. Desolvation of oximate favors nucleophilic attack on the phosphorus atom. Effects observed at high salt concentrations (>100 mM) result either from salting-out of the enzyme by kosmotropic salts (phosphate and ammonium sulphate) or denaturing action of chaotropic LiSCN. MDs simulations of diethylphosphorylated hAChE complex with HI-6 over 100 ns were performed in the presence of 100 mM (NH4)2SO4 and 50 mM LiSCN. In the presence of LiSCN, it was found that protein and water have a higher mobility, i.e. water is less organized, compared with the ammonium sulphate system. LiSCN favors protein solvation (hydrophobic hydration) and breakage of elelectrostricted water molecules around of oximate ion. As a result, more free water molecules participated to reaction steps accompanying oxime-mediated dephosphorylation.
Targeted inhibition of CD74 attenuates adipose COX-2-MIF-mediated M1 macrophage polarization and retards obesity-related adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance
Authors: Chan Pei-Chi , Wu Ting-Ni , Chen Ying-Chuan , Lu Chieh-Hua , Wabitsch Martin , Tian Yu-Feng , Hsieh Po-Shiuan
Published: May 2018

Adipose tissue (AT) inflammation is crucial to the development of obesity-associated insulin resistance. Our aim was to investigate the contribution of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-mediated cross-talk between hypertrophic adipocytes and macrophages to the etiology of AT inflammation and the involvement of CD74 using human SGBS adipocytes, THP-1 macrophages and mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet. The MIF and CD74 mRNA levels in the adipocytes and stromal vascular cells (SVCs) of white fat were highly correlated with body weight (BW), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and adipose macrophage marker expression levels, especially those in SVCs. COX-2 inhibition suppressed the elevation of MIF production in HF white adipocytes as well as palmitate and hypoxic-treated SGBS adipocytes. Treatment of adipocytes transfected with shCOX-2 and siMIF or subjected to MIF depletion in the medium reversed the pro-inflammatory responses in co-incubated THP-1 cells. Inhibition of NF-κB activation reversed the COX2-dependent MIF secretion from treated adipocytes. The targeted inhibition of macrophage CD74 prevented M1 macrophage polarization in the above co-culture model. The COX-2-dependent increases in CD74 gene expression and MIF release in M1-polarized macrophages facilitated the expression of COX-2 and MIF in co-cultured SGBS adipocytes. CD74 shRNA intravenous injection suppressed HF-induced AT M1 macrophage polarization and inflammation as well as insulin resistance in mice. The present study suggested that COX-2-mediated MIF secretion through NF-κB activation from hypertrophic and hypoxic adipocytes as well as M1 macrophages might substantially contribute to the phenotypic switch of AT macrophages through CD74 in obesity. Inhibition of CD74 could attenuate AT inflammation and insulin resistance in the development of HF diet-induced obesity.
Comparison of SiC MOSFET‐based and GaN HEMT‐based high‐efficiency high‐power‐density 7.2 kW EV battery chargers
Authors: Taylor Allan , Lu Juncheng , Zhu Liyan , Bai Kevin (Hua) , McAmmond Matt , Brown Alan
Published: May 2018

As two exemplary candidates of wide‐bandgap devices, SiC MOSFETs and GaN HEMTs are regarded as successors of Si devices in medium‐to‐high‐voltage (>1200 V) and low‐voltage (<650 V) domains, respectively, thanks to their excellent switching performance and thermal capability. With the introduction of 650 V SiC MOSFETs and GaN HEMTs, the two technologies are in direct competition in <650 V domains, such as Level 2 battery chargers for electric vehicles (EVs). This study applies 650 V SiC and GaN to two 240 VAC/7.2 kW EV battery chargers, respectively, aiming to provide a head‐to‐head comparison of these two devices in terms of overall efficiency, power density, thermal performance, and cost. The charger essentially is an indirect matrix converter with a dual‐active‐bridge stage handling the power factor correction and power delivery simultaneously. These two chargers utilise the same control strategy, varying the phase‐shift and switching frequency to cover the wide input range (80–260 VAC) and wide output range (200 V–450 VDC). Experimental results indicated that at the same efficiency level, the GaN charger is smaller, more efficient and cheaper, while the SiC charger has a better thermal performance.
Minimum resonant capacitor design of high‐power LLC resonant converter for comprehensive efficiency improvement in battery charging application
Authors: Zhao Zhenxing , Xu Qianming , Dai Yuxing , Luo An
Published: May 2018

Here, a minimum resonant capacitor design approach is proposed for the insulated‐gate bipolar transistor (IGBT)‐based high‐power LLC resonant converter to improve its comprehensive efficiency in the electric vehicle (EV) battery charging application. The mathematical model of LLC resonant converter is established by using the first harmonic approximation (FHA) method. Then, the switching losses of IGBT‐based high‐power LLC resonant converter are analysed. Also, the relationship between predominant turn‐off losses and turn‐off current of power device IGBT is derived. To improve the comprehensive efficiency, the minimum resonant capacitor is proposed to reduce the turn‐off losses, avoiding complex control or auxiliary circuit. Finally, the proposed approach is verified by a 2 kW LLC resonant converter prototype with 690 V DC input voltage and 75–150 V DC output voltage. Experimental results show the comprehensive efficiency of the prototype is up to 93.7%.
Induction motor drive for PV water pumping with reduced sensors
Authors: Singh Bhim , Shukla Saurabh
Published: May 2018

This study presents the reduced sensors based standalone solar photovoltaic (PV) energised water pumping. The system is configured to reduce both cost and complexity with simultaneous assurance of optimum power utilisation of PV array. The proposed system consists of an induction motor‐operated water pump, controlled by modified direct torque control. The PV array is connected to the DC link through a DC–DC boost converter to provide maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control and DC‐link voltage is maintained by a three‐phase voltage‐source inverter. The estimation of motor speed eliminates the use of tacho generator/encoder and makes the system cheaper and robust. Moreover, an attempt is made to reduce the number of current sensors and voltage sensors in the system. The proposed system constitutes only one current sensor and only one voltage sensor used for MPPT as well as for the phase voltage estimation and for the phase currents’ reconstruction. Parameters adaptation makes the system stable and insensitive toward parameters variation. Both simulation and experimental results on the developed prototype in the laboratory validate the suitability of proposed system.
Modified MPC with extended VVs for grid‐connected rectifier
Authors: Alam Kazi Saiful , Xiao Dan , Parvez Akter Md. , Zhang Daming , Fletcher John , Rahman Muhammed Fazlur
Published: May 2018

This article presents an alternative finite control set model predictive control (FCS‐MPC) implementation to reduce the input current ripple of a two‐level three‐phase grid‐connected rectifier. With the proposed approach, an improvement in the input current ripple is obtained by integrating the virtual vectors in the conventional FCS‐MPC structure. The synthesis of the virtual vector is conceptualised from the discrete space vector modulation approach which combines several switching states during the sampling period to create new virtual voltage vectors. However, with this approach, the number of voltage vectors becomes higher, making it challenging to implement this algorithm in a standard control platform. To overcome this problem, a two‐stage optimisation method is proposed to optimise the voltage vector selection process, avoiding evaluating all the feasible voltage vectors without any performance sacrifice. Experimental results are presented; showing that the proposed technique provides lower input current ripple compared to the conventional FCS‐MPC with an acceptable computational effort.
Study on electromagnetic energy transducer in ambient vibration
Authors: Choi Won‐Kyu , Kim Hye Jin , Park Chan‐Won , Lee Bomson
Published: May 2018

This study documents the design of an electromagnetic energy transducer, which is used to convert ambient vibration into electrical energy. The response of the designed energy transducer is theoretically and experimentally analysed using a simple equivalent circuit model and magnetic field simulator in low‐acceleration environments. For an electromagnetic energy transducer in ambient vibration, an approximate analytical expression is derived for the extracted power across a load. The energy transducer consists of four magnets (NdFeB, N35), two I‐shaped magnetic cores, two U‐shaped cores made of soft ferrite material, and a coil for induced voltage. The two U‐shaped magnetic cores are surrounded by a coil with an approximate 3000 turn. The energy transducer is theoretically modelled using the commercial tool, COMSOL, and is experimentally validated through electrical measurements. The relation between the acceleration of vibration and the maximum average power that can be extracted at the optimal load was also studied. The size of the electromagnetic energy transducer is 43 × 37 × 80 mm3. The energy transducer has a maximum average power of 3.24 mW at a frequency of 28 Hz and an acceleration of 0.4g, and has a maximum average power of 3.83 mW at a frequency of 31 Hz and an acceleration of 0.5g.
One‐step synthesis of amino‐functionalised magnetic mesoporous silica and synergistic adsorption kinetics of tetracycline and copper
Authors: Zhang Mancheng , Wang Wei , Zhu Zengyin , Qu Changsheng , Zhou Qing , Wang Shui , Ding Liang
Published: May 2018

An amino‐functionalised magnetic mesoporous silica was prepared through one‐step copolymerisation method. Morphology, characteristic‐group composition, microscopic morphology and specific surface area of the magnetic mesoporous silicas were analysed by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope and nitrogen adsorption–desorption. The prepared magnetic silica MS‐1 had the characteristics of micron‐sized particle size, exceptional long‐range ordered pore structure, and as high as 114.6 m2/g in specific surface area. The adsorption kinetics of tetracycline (TC) and Cu(II) onto magnetic mesoporous silicas in sole and binary system were also investigated. MS‐1 could adsorb both of TC and Cu(II) with adsorption capacities of 35.14 and 23.65 mg/g, respectively, which were enhanced in binary systems about 26.5 and 19.7%, respectively. The solution pH significantly affected the adsorption because of the pH‐responsive speciation of TC, TC–Cu(II) complex and the amine groups on adsorbent. This work proposed a potential effective method for the synergistic adsorption of antibiotics and heavy metals from aquatic environment.
Ambiguities in gravitational lens models: impact on time delays of the source position transformation
Authors: Wertz Olivier , Orthen Bastian , Schneider Peter
Published: May 2018

The central ambition of the modern time delay cosmography consists in determining the Hubble constant H0 with a competitive precision. However, the tension with H0 obtained from the Planck satellite for a spatially flat ΛCDM cosmology suggests that systematic errors may have been underestimated. The most critical of these errors probably comes from the degeneracy existing between lens models that was first formalized by the well-known mass-sheet transformation (MST). In this paper, we assess to what extent the source position transformation (SPT), a more general invariance transformation which contains the MST as a special case, may affect the time delays predicted by a model. To this aim, we have used pySPT, a new open-source python package fully dedicated to the SPT that we present in a companion paper. For axisymmetric lenses, we find that the time delay ratios between a model and its SPT-modified counterpart simply scale like the corresponding source position ratios, Δtˆ/Δt ≈ βˆ/β, regardless of the mass profile and the isotropic SPT. Similar behavior (almost) holds for nonaxisymmetric lenses in the double image regime and for opposite image pairs in the quadruple image regime. In the latter regime, we also confirm that the time delay ratios are not conserved. In addition to the MST effects, the SPT-modified time delays deviate in general no more than a few percent for particular image pairs, suggesting that its impact on time delay cosmography seems not be as crucial as initially suspected. We also reflected upon the relevance of the SPT validity criterion and present arguments suggesting that it should be reconsidered. Even though a new validity criterion would affect the time delays in a different way, we expect from numerical simulations that our conclusions will remain unchanged.