bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical rolling formation of interpenetrated lithium metal/lithium tin alloy foil for ultrahigh-rate battery anode
Authors: Wan Mintao , Kang Sujin , Wang Li , Lee Hyun-Wook , Zheng Guangyuan Wesley , Cui Yi , Sun Yongming
Published: February 2020

To achieve good rate capability of lithium metal anodes for high-energy-density batteries, one fundamental challenge is the slow lithium diffusion at the interface. Here we report an interpenetrated, three-dimensional lithium metal/lithium tin alloy nanocomposite foil realized by a simple calendering and folding process of lithium and tin foils, and spontaneous alloying reactions. The strong affinity between the metallic lithium and lithium tin alloy as mixed electronic and ionic conducting networks, and their abundant interfaces enable ultrafast charger diffusion across the entire electrode. We demonstrate that a lithium/lithium tin alloy foil electrode sustains stable lithium stripping/plating under 30 mA cm−2 and 5 mAh cm−2 with a very low overpotential of 20 mV for 200 cycles in a commercial carbonate electrolyte. Cycled under 6 C (6.6 mA cm−2), a 1.0 mAh cm−2 LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 electrode maintains a substantial 74% of its capacity by pairing with such anode.
Carbon footprint of global natural gas supplies to China
Authors: Gan Yu , El-Houjeiri Hassan M. , Badahdah Alhassan , Lu Zifeng , Cai Hao , Przesmitzki Steven , Wang Michael
Published: February 2020

As natural gas demand surges in China, driven by the coal-to-gas switching policy, widespread attention is focused on its impacts on global gas supply-demand rebalance and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Here, for the first time, we estimate well-to-city-gate GHG emissions of gas supplies for China, based on analyses of field-specific characteristics of 104 fields in 15 countries. Results show GHG intensities of supplies from 104 fields vary from 6.2 to 43.3 g CO2eq MJ−1. Due to the increase of GHG-intensive gas supplies from Russia, Central Asia, and domestic shale gas fields, the supply-energy-weighted average GHG intensity is projected to increase from 21.7 in 2016 to 23.3 CO2eq MJ−1in 2030, and total well-to-city-gate emissions of gas supplies are estimated to grow by ~3 times. While securing gas supply is a top priority for the Chinese government, decreasing GHG intensity should be considered in meeting its commitment to emission reductions.
Early deformation mechanisms in the shear affected region underneath a copper sliding contact
Authors: Haug C. , Ruebeling F. , Kashiwar A. , Gumbsch P. , Kübel C. , Greiner C.
Published: February 2020

Dislocation mediated plastic deformation decisively influences the friction coefficient and the microstructural changes at many metal sliding interfaces during tribological loading. This work explores the initiation of a tribologically induced microstructure in the vicinity of a copper twin boundary. Two distinct horizontal dislocation traces lines (DTL) are observed in their interaction with the twin boundary beneath the sliding interface. DTL formation seems unaffected by the presence of the twin boundary but the twin boundary acts as an indicator of the occurring deformation mechanisms. Three concurrent elementary processes can be identified: simple shear of the subsurface area in sliding direction, localized shear at the primary DTL and crystal rotation in the layers above and between the DTLs around axes parallel to the transverse direction. Crystal orientation analysis demonstrates a strong compatibility of these proposed processes. Quantitatively separating these different deformation mechanisms is crucial for future predictive modeling of tribological contacts.
Real-time observations of TRIP-induced ultrahigh strain hardening in a dual-phase CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy
Authors: Chen Sijing , Oh Hyun Seok , Gludovatz Bernd , Kim Sang Jun , Park Eun Soo , Zhang Ze , Ritchie Robert O. , Yu Qian
Published: February 2020

Strategies involving metastable phases have been the basis of the design of numerous alloys, yet research on metastable high-entropy alloys is still in its infancy. In dual-phase high-entropy alloys, the combination of local chemical environments and loading-induced crystal structure changes suggests a relationship between deformation mechanisms and chemical atomic distribution, which we examine in here in a Cantor-like Cr20Mn6Fe34Co34Ni6 alloy, comprising both face-centered cubic (fcc) and hexagonal closed packed (hcp) phases. We observe that partial dislocation activities result in stable three-dimensional stacking-fault networks. Additionally, the fraction of the stronger hcp phase progressively increases during plastic deformation by forming at the stacking-fault network boundaries in the fcc phase, serving as the major source of strain hardening. In this context, variations in local chemical composition promote a high density of Lomer-Cottrell locks, which facilitate the construction of the stacking-fault networks to provide nucleation sites for the hcp phase transformation.
A segregated cortical stream for retinal direction selectivity
Authors: Rasmussen Rune , Matsumoto Akihiro , Dahlstrup Sietam Monica , Yonehara Keisuke
Published: February 2020

Visual features extracted by retinal circuits are streamed into higher visual areas (HVAs) after being processed along the visual hierarchy. However, how specialized neuronal representations of HVAs are built, based on retinal output channels, remained unclear. Here, we addressed this question by determining the effects of genetically disrupting retinal direction selectivity on motion-evoked responses in visual stages from the retina to HVAs in mice. Direction-selective (DS) cells in the rostrolateral (RL) area that prefer higher temporal frequencies, and that change direction tuning bias as the temporal frequency of a stimulus increases, are selectively reduced upon retinal manipulation. DS cells in the primary visual cortex projecting to area RL, but not to the posteromedial area, were similarly affected. Therefore, the specific connectivity of cortico-cortical projection neurons routes feedforward signaling originating from retinal DS cells preferentially to area RL. We thus identify a cortical processing stream for motion computed in the retina.
Androgen receptor-binding sites are highly mutated in prostate cancer
Authors: Morova Tunç , McNeill Daniel R. , Lallous Nada , Gönen Mehmet , Dalal Kush , Wilson David M. , Gürsoy Attila , Keskin Özlem , Lack Nathan A.
Published: February 2020

Androgen receptor (AR) signalling is essential in nearly all prostate cancers. Any alterations to AR-mediated transcription can have a profound effect on carcinogenesis and tumor growth. While mutations of the AR protein have been extensively studied, little is known about those somatic mutations that occur at the non-coding regions where AR binds DNA. Using clinical whole genome sequencing, we show that AR binding sites have a dramatically increased rate of mutations that is greater than any other transcription factor and specific to only prostate cancer. Demonstrating this may be common to lineage-specific transcription factors, estrogen receptor binding sites were also found to have elevated rate of mutations in breast cancer. We provide evidence that these mutations at AR binding sites, and likely other related transcription factors, are caused by faulty repair of abasic sites. Overall, this work demonstrates that non-coding AR binding sites are frequently mutated in prostate cancer and can impact enhancer activity.
High-speed modulation of a terahertz quantum cascade laser by coherent acoustic phonon pulses
Authors: Dunn Aniela , Poyser Caroline , Dean Paul , Demić Aleksandar , Valavanis Alexander , Indjin Dragan , Salih Mohammed , Kundu Iman , Li Lianhe , Akimov Andrey , Davies Alexander Giles , Linfield Edmund , Cunningham John , Kent Anthony
Published: February 2020

The fast modulation of lasers is a fundamental requirement for applications in optical communications, high-resolution spectroscopy and metrology. In the terahertz-frequency range, the quantum-cascade laser (QCL) is a high-power source with the potential for high-frequency modulation. However, conventional electronic modulation is limited fundamentally by parasitic device impedance, and so alternative physical processes must be exploited to modulate the QCL gain on ultrafast timescales. Here, we demonstrate an alternative mechanism to modulate the emission from a QCL device, whereby optically-generated acoustic phonon pulses are used to perturb the QCL bandstructure, enabling fast amplitude modulation that can be controlled using the QCL drive current or strain pulse amplitude, to a maximum modulation depth of 6% in our experiment. We show that this modulation can be explained using perturbation theory analysis. While the modulation rise-time was limited to ~800 ps by our measurement system, theoretical considerations suggest considerably faster modulation could be possible.
Programming bulk enzyme heterojunctions for biosensor development with tetrahedral DNA framework
Authors: Song Ping , Shen Juwen , Ye Dekai , Dong Baijun , Wang Fei , Pei Hao , Wang Jianbang , Shi Jiye , Wang Lihua , Xue Wei , Huang Yiran , Huang Gang , Zuo Xiaolei , Fan Chunhai
Published: February 2020

Protein-protein interactions are spatially regulated in living cells to realize high reaction efficiency, as seen in naturally existing electron-transfer chains. Nevertheless, arrangement of chemical/biochemical components at the artificial device interfaces does not possess the same level of control. Here we report a tetrahedral DNA framework-enabled bulk enzyme heterojunction (BEH) strategy to program the multi-enzyme catalytic cascade at the interface of electrochemical biosensors. The construction of interpenetrating network of BEH at the millimeter-scale electrode interface brings enzyme pairs within the critical coupling length (CCL) of ~10 nm, which in turn greatly improve the overall catalytic cascade efficiency by ~10-fold. We demonstrate the BEH generality with a range of enzyme pairs for electrochemically detecting clinically relevant molecular targets. As a proof of concept, a BEH-based sarcosine sensor enables single-step detection of the metabolic biomarker of sarcosine with ultrasensitivity, which hold the potential for precision diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer.
Single-pass transformation of syngas into ethanol with high selectivity by triple tandem catalysis
Authors: Kang Jincan , He Shun , Zhou Wei , Shen Zheng , Li Yangyang , Chen Mingshu , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Ye
Published: February 2020

Synthesis of ethanol from non-petroleum carbon resources via syngas (a mixture of H2and CO) is an important but challenging research target. The current conversion of syngas to ethanol suffers from low selectivity or multiple processes with high energy consumption. Here, we report a high-selective conversion of syngas into ethanol by a triple tandem catalysis. An efficient trifunctional tandem system composed of potassium-modified ZnO–ZrO2, modified zeolite mordenite and Pt–Sn/SiC working compatibly in syngas stream in one reactor can afford ethanol with a selectivity of 90%. We demonstrate that the K+–ZnO–ZrO2catalyses syngas conversion to methanol and the mordenite with eight-membered ring channels functions for methanol carbonylation to acetic acid, which is then hydrogenated to ethanol over the Pt–Sn/SiC catalyst. The present work offers an effective methodology leading to high selective conversion by decoupling a single-catalyst-based complicated and uncontrollable reaction into well-controlled multi-steps in tandem in one reactor.
The Rural Household Multiple Indicator Survey, data from 13,310 farm households in 21 countries
Authors: van Wijk Mark , Hammond James , Gorman Leo , Adams Sam , Ayantunde Augustine , Baines David , Bolliger Adrian , Bosire Caroline , Carpena Pietro , Chesterman Sabrina , Chinyophiro Amon , Daudi Happy , Dontsop Paul , Douxchamps Sabine , Emera Willy Desire , Fraval Simon , Fonte Steven , Hok Lyda , Kiara Henry , Kihoro Esther , Korir Luke , Lamanna Christine , Long Chau T. M. , Manyawu Godfrey , Mehrabi Zia , Mengistu Dejene K. , Mercado Leida , Meza Katherin , Mora Vesalio , Mutemi Jacob , Ng’endo Mary , Njingulula Paulin , Okafor Chris , Pagella Tim , Phengsavanh Phonepaseuth , Rao James , Ritzema Randall , Rosenstock Todd S. , Skirrow Tom , Steinke Jonathan , Stirling Clare , Gabriel Suchini Jose , Teufel Nils , Thorne Peter , Vanek Steven , van Etten Jacob , Vanlauwe Bernard , Wichern Jannike , Yameogo Viviane
Published: February 2020

The Rural Household Multiple Indicator Survey (RHoMIS) is a standardized farm household survey approach which collects information on 758 variables covering household demographics, farm area, crops grown and their production, livestock holdings and their production, agricultural product use and variables underlying standard socio-economic and food security indicators such as the Probability of Poverty Index, the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, and household dietary diversity. These variables are used to quantify more than 40 different indicators on farm and household characteristics, welfare, productivity, and economic performance. Between 2015 and the beginning of 2018, the survey instrument was applied in 21 countries in Central America, sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The data presented here include the raw survey response data, the indicator calculation code, and the resulting indicator values. These data can be used to quantify on- and off-farm pathways to food security, diverse diets, and changes in poverty for rural smallholder farm households.
Validation of a New Rodent Experimental System to Investigate Consequences of Long Duration Space Habitation
Authors: Choi Sungshin Y. , Saravia-Butler Amanda , Shirazi-Fard Yasaman , Leveson-Gower Dennis , Stodieck Louis S. , Cadena Samuel M. , Beegle Janet , Solis Stephanie , Ronca April , Globus Ruth K.
Published: February 2020

Animal models are useful for exploring the health consequences of prolonged spaceflight. Capabilities were developed to perform experiments in low earth orbit with on-board sample recovery, thereby avoiding complications caused by return to Earth. For NASA’s Rodent Research-1 mission, female mice (ten 32 wk C57BL/6NTac; ten 16 wk C57BL/6J) were launched on an unmanned vehicle, then resided on the International Space Station for 21/22d or 37d in microgravity. Mice were euthanized on-orbit, livers and spleens dissected, and remaining tissues frozen in situ for later analyses. Mice appeared healthy by daily video health checks and body, adrenal, and spleen weights of 37d-flight (FLT) mice did not differ from ground controls housed in flight hardware (GC), while thymus weights were 35% greater in FLT than GC. Mice exposed to 37d of spaceflight displayed elevated liver mass (33%) and select enzyme activities compared to GC, whereas 21/22d-FLT mice did not. FLT mice appeared more physically active than respective GC while soleus muscle showed expected atrophy. RNA and enzyme activity levels in tissues recovered on-orbit were of acceptable quality. Thus, this system establishes a new capability for conducting long-duration experiments in space, enables sample recovery on-orbit, and avoids triggering standard indices of chronic stress.
Complementary roles of murine NaV1.7, NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 in acute itch signalling
Authors: Kühn Helen , Kappes Leonie , Wolf Katharina , Gebhardt Lisa , Neurath Markus F. , Reeh Peter , Fischer Michael J. M. , Kremer Andreas E.
Published: February 2020

Acute pruritus occurs in various disorders. Despite severe repercussions on quality of life treatment options remain limited. Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) are indispensable for transformation and propagation of sensory signals implicating them as drug targets. Here, NaV1.7, 1.8 and 1.9 were compared for their contribution to itch by analysing NaV-specific knockout mice. Acute pruritus was induced by a comprehensive panel of pruritogens (C48/80, endothelin, 5-HT, chloroquine, histamine, lysophosphatidic acid, trypsin, SLIGRL, β-alanine, BAM8-22), and scratching was assessed using a magnet-based recording technology. We report an unexpected stimulus-dependent diversity in NaV channel-mediated itch signalling. NaV1.7−/− showed substantial scratch reduction mainly towards strong pruritogens. NaV1.8−/− impaired histamine and 5-HT-induced scratching while NaV1.9 was involved in itch signalling towards 5-HT, C48/80 and SLIGRL. Furthermore, similar microfluorimetric calcium responses of sensory neurons and expression of itch-related TRP channels suggest no change in sensory transduction but in action potential transformation and conduction. The cumulative sum of scratching over all pruritogens confirmed a leading role of NaV1.7 and indicated an overall contribution of NaV1.9. Beside the proposed general role of NaV1.7 and 1.9 in itch signalling, scrutiny of time courses suggested NaV1.8 to sustain prolonged itching. Therefore, NaV1.7 and 1.9 may represent targets in pruritus therapy.
A Fast and Sensitive Luciferase-based Assay for Antibody Engineering and Design of Chimeric Antigen Receptors
Authors: Natarajan Venkatesh , Gopalakrishnan Ramakrishnan , Matta Hittu , Choi Sunju , Gong Songjie , Jeronimo Alberto , Keerthipati Pooja Smruthi , Morales Anthony , Venkatesh Harishwar , Chaudhary Preet M.
Published: February 2020

Success of immunotherapeutic approaches using genetically engineered antibodies and T cells modified with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) depends, among other things, on the selection of antigen binding domains with desirable expression and binding characteristics. We developed a luciferase-based assay, termed Malibu-Glo Assay, which streamlines the process of optimization of an antigen binding domain with desirable properties and allows the sensitive detection of tumor antigens. The assay involves a recombinant immunoconjugate, termed Malibu-Glo reagent, comprising an immunoglobulin or a non-immunoglobulin based antigen binding domain genetically linked to a marine luciferase. Malibu-Glo reagent can be conveniently produced in mammalian cells as a secreted protein that retains the functional activity of both the antigen binding domain and the luciferase. Moreover, crude supernatant containing the secreted Malibu-Glo reagent can directly be used for detection of cell surface antigens obviating the laborious steps of protein purification and labeling. We further demonstrate the utility of Malibu-Glo assay for the selection of optimal single chain fragment variables (scFvs) with desired affinity characteristics for incorporation into CARs. In summary, Malibu-Glo assay is a fast, simple, sensitive, specific and economical assay for antigen detection with multiple applications in the fields of antibody engineering, antibody humanization and CAR-T cell therapy.
Self-assembling behavior and interface structure in vertically aligned nanocomposite (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)1-x:(CeO2)x films on (001) (La,Sr)(Al,Ta)O3 substrates
Authors: Cheng Shao-Dong , Lu Lu , Cheng Sheng , Shen Lvkang , Liu Ming , Dai Yanzhu , Wu Sheng-Qiang , Mi Shao-Bo
Published: February 2020

Heteroepitaxial oxide-based nanocomposite films possessing a variety of functional properties have attracted tremendous research interest. Here, self-assembled vertically aligned nanocomposite (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)1-x:(CeO2)x (x = 0.2 and 0.5) films have been successfully grown on single-crystalline (001) (La,Sr)(Al,Ta)O3 substrates by the pulsed laser deposition technique. Self-assembling behavior of the nanocomposite films and atomic-scale interface structure between Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3 matrix and CeO2 nanopillars have been investigated by advanced electron microscopy techniques. Two different orientation relationships, (001)[100]Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3//(001)[1-10]CeO2 and (001)[100]Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3//(110)[1-10]CeO2, form between Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3 and CeO2 in the (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)0.8:(CeO2)0.2 film along the film growth direction, which is essentially different from vertically aligned nanocomposite (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)0.5:(CeO2)0.5 films having only (001)[100]Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3//(001)[1-10]CeO2 orientation relationship. Both coherent and semi-coherent Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3/CeO2 interface appear in the films. In contrast to semi-coherent interface with regular distribution of interfacial dislocations, interface reconstruction occurs at the coherent Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3/CeO2 interface. Our findings indicate that epitaxial strain imposed by the concentration of CeO2 in the nanocomposite films affects the self-assembling behavior of the vertically aligned nanocomposite (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)1-x:(CeO2)x films.
Selection for Male Weapons Boosts Female Fecundity, Eliminating Sexual Conflict in the Bulb Mite
Authors: Buzatto Bruno A. , Clark Huon L.
Published: February 2020

Extreme differences between the sexes are usually explained by intense sexual selection on male weapons or ornaments. Sexually antagonistic genes, with a positive effect on male traits but a negative effect on female fitness, create a negative inter-sexual correlation for fitness (sexual conflict). However, such antagonism might not be apparent if sexually selected male traits are condition-dependent, and condition elevates female fitness. Here we reveal a surprising positive genetic correlation between male weaponry and female fecundity. Using mite lines that had previously been through 13 generations of selection on male weapons (fighting legs), we investigated correlated evolution in female fecundity. Females from lines under positive selection for weapons (up lines) evolved higher fecundity, despite evolving costly, thicker legs. This is likely because male mites have condition-dependent weaponry that increases our ability to indirectly select on male condition. Alleles with positive effects on condition in both sexes could have generated this correlation because: the up lines evolved a higher proportion of fighters and there were positive correlations between weapon size and the male morph and sex ratios of the offspring. This positive inter-sexual genetic correlation should boost the evolution of male weapons and extreme sex differences.
Epigenetic inhibitors target multiple stages of Plasmodium falciparum parasites
Authors: Coetzee Nanika , von Grüning Hilde , Opperman Daniel , van der Watt Mariette , Reader Janette , Birkholtz Lyn-Marié
Published: February 2020

The epigenome of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is associated with regulation of various essential processes in the parasite including control of proliferation during asexual development as well as control of sexual differentiation. The unusual nature of the epigenome has prompted investigations into the potential to target epigenetic modulators with novel chemotypes. Here, we explored the diversity within a library of 95 compounds, active against various epigenetic modifiers in cancerous cells, for activity against multiple stages of P. falciparum development. We show that P. falciparum is differentially susceptible to epigenetic perturbation during both asexual and sexual development, with early stage gametocytes particularly sensitive to epi-drugs targeting both histone and non-histone epigenetic modifiers. Moreover, 5 compounds targeting histone acetylation and methylation show potent multistage activity against asexual parasites, early and late stage gametocytes, with transmission-blocking potential. Overall, these results warrant further examination of the potential antimalarial properties of these hit compounds.
Acoustic tracheal rupture provides insights into larval mosquito respiration
Authors: Nyberg Herbert J. , Muto Kunihiro
Published: February 2020

Acoustic larviciding (AL) occurs by exposing mosquito larvae to acoustic energy that ruptures their dorsal tracheal trunks (DTTs) by the expulsion of gas bubbles into the body. In studying this technique, we serendipitously identified undescribed anatomical and physiological respiratory features. The classical theory of respiration is that the siphon and DTTs play obligate roles in respiration. Our results contradict the accepted theory that culicine larvae respire via atmospheric gas exchange. We identified an undescribed tracheal occlusion (TO) at the posterior extremities the DTTs. The TOs appear necessary for the acoustic rupture of DTTs; this constriction prevents the escape of energized gas from the siphon and allows the tracheal system to be pressurized. With a pressurized isolated tracheal system, metabolic gas exchange directly with the atmosphere is unlikely and could mostly occur through the chitin and setae. Future studies are needed to explore respiration and elucidate the mechanisms of oxygen absorption and carbon dioxide elimination.
Genome-wide inference of the Camponotus floridanus protein-protein interaction network using homologous mapping and interacting domain profile pairs
Authors: Gupta Shishir K. , Srivastava Mugdha , Osmanoglu Özge , Dandekar Thomas
Published: February 2020

Apart from some model organisms, the interactome of most organisms is largely unidentified. High-throughput experimental techniques to determine protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are resource intensive and highly susceptible to noise. Computational methods of PPI determination can accelerate biological discovery by identifying the most promising interacting pairs of proteins and by assessing the reliability of identified PPIs. Here we present a first in-depth study describing a global view of the antCamponotus floridanusinteractome. Although several ant genomes have been sequenced in the last eight years, studies exploring and investigating PPIs in ants are lacking. Our study attempts to fill this gap and the presented interactome will also serve as a template for determining PPIs in other ants in future. OurC. floridanusinteractome covers 51,866 non-redundant PPIs among 6,274 proteins, including 20,544 interactions supported by domain-domain interactions (DDIs), 13,640 interactions supported by DDIs and subcellular localization, and 10,834 high confidence interactions mediated by 3,289 proteins. These interactions involve and cover 30.6% of the entireC. floridanusproteome.
Metabolism-associated genome-wide epigenetic changes in bovine oocytes during early lactation
Authors: Poirier Mikhael , Tesfaye Dawit , Hailay Tsige , Salilew-Wondim Dessie , Gebremedhn Samuel , Rings Franca , Neuhoff Christiane , Schellander Karl , Hoelker Michael
Published: February 2020

Dietary intake in early lactating cows is outmatched by milk production. These cows experience a negative energy balance, resulting in a distinct blood metabolism and poor reproductive function due to impaired ovulation and increased embryo loss. We hypothesize that oocytes from lactating cows undergoing transient metabolic stress exhibit a different epigenetic profile crucial for developmental competence. To investigate this, we collected oocytes from metabolically-profiled cows at early- and mid-postpartum stages and characterized their epigenetic landscape compared with control heifers using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. Early-postpartum cows were metabolically deficient with a significantly lower energy balance and significantly higher concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate than mid-postpartum animals and control heifers. Accordingly, 32,990 early-postpartum-specific differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were found in genes involved in metabolic pathways, carbon metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism, likely descriptive of the epigenetic regulation of metabolism in early-postpartum oocytes. DMRs found overlapping CpG islands and exons of imprinted genes such as MEST and GNAS in early-postpartum oocytes suggest that early lactation metabolic stress may affect imprint acquisition, which could explain the embryo loss. This whole-genome approach introduces potential candidate genes governing the link between metabolic stress and the reproductive outcome of oocytes.
ZnCl2 treatment improves nutrient quality and Zn accumulation in peanut seeds and sprouts
Authors: Zhao Kai , Zhao Chengyin , Yang Mengli , Yin Dongmei
Published: February 2020

Peanut is a popular food due to its high nutrient content. The effects of ZnCl2on peanut seed germination, fatty acid and sugar contents, vitamin biosynthesis, antioxidant content, and Zn assimilation were evaluated in this study. Treatment with ZnCl2significantly improved the germination rate, enhanced reactive oxygen species production and reduced the content of total fatty acids in peanut seed and sprout. However, ZnCl2treatment did not reduce total sugar or total protein relative to the control. Germination promoted the biosynthesis of phenolics and resveratrol and increased the antioxidant capacity, as evaluated by Fe3+reducing power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability, especially under Zn stress conditions. The vitamin content decreased in the following order among treatments: germinated seeds with ZnCl2treatment > germinated seeds without ZnCl2treatment > dormant seeds. Interestingly, Zn content was approximately five times higher in the germinated ZnCl2-treated seeds compared to in the untreated germinated seeds and the dormant seeds. The results of this study provide a new method for producing healthy foods with enhanced vitamin content and antioxidant capacity.
Efinaconazole: DoE-supported development and validation of a quantitative HPTLC method and its application for the assay of drugs in solution and microemulsion-based formulations
Authors: Patel Rashmin B. , Patel Mrunali R. , Patni Nikesh R. , Agrawal Vikas
Published: February 2020

Herein, a simple and rapid HPTLC method using densitometric analysis was developed and validated for the assay of efinaconazole in pharmaceutical formulations (solution and microemulsion).
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and neuroprotection in vitro, molecular docking, and improved learning and memory functions of demethylcurcumin in scopolamine-induced amnesia ICR mice
Authors: Liu Yuh-Hwa , Lee Chia-Jung , Chen Liang-Chieh , Lee Tai-Lin , Hsieh Ying-Ying , Han Chuan-Hsiao , Yang Chang-Hang , Huang Wei-Jan , Hou Wen-Chi
Published: February 2020

Demethylcurcumin (DC) interventions improved learning and memory functions in scopolamine-induced amnesia ICR mice, providing the proof-of-concept validation of AChE inhibitory activities in vitro and molecular docking with AChE in silico.
Rosmarinic acid alleviates ethanol-induced lipid accumulation by repressing fatty acid biosynthesis
Authors: Guo Chang , Shangguan Yu , Zhang Meiru , Ruan Yanxin , Xue Guoqing , Ma Jingfan , Yang Jian , Qiu Longxin
Published: February 2020

Rosmarinic acid ameliorates ethanol-induced lipid accumulation by reducing fatty acid biosynthesis and tumor necrosis factor-α.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines via the SIRT1/NF-κB signal pathway in weaned piglet jejunum
Authors: Zhang Hongyun , Li Jinze , Cao Chunyu , Zhang Boru , Yang Wei , Shi Baoming , Shan Anshan
Published: February 2020

The small intestine is an important digestive organ and plays a vital role in the life of a pig.
The immunomodulatory effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the RAW264.7 cells by modification of the membrane structure and function
Authors: Bie Nana , Han Lirong , Meng Meng , Yan Zhongli , Wang Chunling
Published: February 2020

DHA can regulate various physiological functions of cells. Our group has clarified the immunomodulatory activity and molecular mechanism of DHA on RAW264.7 cells.
The effect of in situ nitrogen doping on the oxygen evolution reaction of MXenes
Authors: Tang Yi , Yang Chenhui , Tian Yapeng , Luo Yangyang , Yin Xingtian , Que Wenxiu
Published: February 2020

Nitrogen doped MXenes flakes were acquired by in situ nitrogen solid solution, showing an enhanced electrocatalytic property for OER.
Nanoscale interaction of RecG with mobile fork DNA
Authors: Sun Zhiqiang , Wang Yaqing , Bianco Piero R. , Lyubchenko Yuri L.
Published: February 2020

In the presence of ATP, RecG regresses the fork and displaces SSB in the process.
Four-wave-mixing microscopy reveals non-colocalisation between gold nanoparticles and fluorophore conjugates inside cells
Authors: Giannakopoulou Naya , Williams Joseph B. , Moody Paul R. , Sayers Edward J. , Magnusson Johannes P. , Pope Iestyn , Payne Lukas , Alexander Cameron , Jones Arwyn T. , Langbein Wolfgang , Watson Peter , Borri Paola
Published: February 2020

Novel four-wave mixing optical microscopy detects single gold nanoparticles background-free inside cells and reveals non-colocalisation with fluorophore conjugates.
Suppressed polarization by epitaxial growth of SrTiO3 on BaTiO3 nanoparticles for high discharged energy density and efficiency nanocomposites
Authors: Ma Yupeng , Luo Hang , Zhou Xuefan , Guo Ru , Dang Feng , Zhou Kechao , Zhang Dou
Published: February 2020

In order to meet the increasing demand of integration and miniaturization of electronic components, capacitors with high energy density are urgently needed.
Initiation of protective autophagy in hepatocytes by gold nanorod core/silver shell nanostructures
Authors: Li Haiyun , Chen Jiaqi , Fan Huizhen , Cai Rui , Gao Xinshuang , Meng Dejing , Ji Yinglu , Chen Chunying , Wang Liming , Wu Xiaochun
Published: February 2020

At sub-lethal doses, Au@Ag NRs induce oxidative stress that activates the protective autophagy of human hepatocytes.
The local strain distribution in bilayer materials: a multiscale study
Authors: Pei Zongrui , Mu Sai , Ming Wenmei
Published: February 2020

Recent studies show that small geometric changes can result in dramatic changes in physical properties and need to be carefully evaluated.
Thermo- and pH-responsive fibrillization of squid suckerin A1H1 peptide
Authors: Sun Yunxiang , Ding Feng
Published: February 2020

The aggregation and disaggregation of A1H1 peptides is pH and temperature-dependent. The thermo- and pH-responsive properties of A1H1 aggregates may enable novel applications, such as drug delivery, diagnostics, tissue engineering, and biosensors.
Enantioselective manipulation of single chiral nanoparticles using optical tweezers
Authors: Ali Rfaqat , Pinheiro Felipe A. , Dutra Rafael S. , Rosa Felipe S. S. , Maia Neto Paulo A.
Published: February 2020

This method is particularly useful to probe the chiral optical response of single nanoparticles, each and every with its unique handedness and optical properties.
Revisiting Pt/TiO2 photocatalysts for thermally assisted photocatalytic reduction of CO2
Authors: Yu Fei , Wang Changhua , Ma He , Song Miao , Li Dongsheng , Li Yingying , Li Songmei , Zhang Xintong , Liu Yichun
Published: February 2020

Ultrasonic disordering of a TiO2 surface results in smaller Pt nanoparticles and promotes the thermally assisted photocatalytic reduction of CO2, yielding higher CH4 selectivity.
Moderate cooling coprecipitation for extremely small iron oxide as a pH dependent T1-MRI contrast agent
Authors: Chen Bo , Guo Zhanhang , Guo Chunxian , Mao Yu , Qin Zhiguo , Ye Dewen , Zang Fengchao , Lou Zhichao , Zhang Zuoheng , Li Mingyue , Liu Yanlong , Ji Min , Sun Jianfei , Gu Ning
Published: February 2020

Moderate cooling coprecipitation for monodisperse extremely small iron oxide as a pH dependent T1-MRI contrast agent.
Field-enhanced selectivity in nanoconfined ionic transport
Authors: Zhou Ke , Xu Zhiping
Published: February 2020

Fluid transport confined in nanochannels shows highly efficient separation performance with the help of an external electric field.
Employing bicontinuous-to-micellar transitions in nanostructure morphology for on-demand photo-oxidation responsive cytosolic delivery and off–on cytotoxicity
Authors: Bobbala Sharan , Allen Sean D. , Yi Sijia , Vincent Michael , Frey Molly , Karabin Nicholas B. , Scott Evan A.
Published: February 2020

PEG-b-PPS bicontinuous nanospheres resist degradation and stably retain payloads within cells. When loaded with a photosensitizing agent, these nanospheres demonstrate off–on inducible photo-responsive release of cytotoxic agents into the cytosol of cells.
All-conjugated donor–acceptor block copolymers featuring a pentafulvenyl-polyisocyanide-acceptor
Authors: Schraff Sandra , Maity Sudeshna , Schleeper Laura , Dong Yifan , Lucas Sebastian , Bakulin Artem A. , von Hauff Elizabeth , Pammer Frank
Published: February 2020

A fulvenyl-functionalized polyisocyanide (PIC2) with a high electron mobility of μe = 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 has been incorporated into donor–acceptor block copolymers. Their self-assembly and bulk-morphology have been studied, and potential device applications have been explored.
Biotransformation of α-terpineol by Alternaria alternata
Authors: Mei Rui-Feng , Shi Ya-Xian , Duan Wei-He , Ding Hao , Zhang Xiao-Ran , Cai Le , Ding Zhong-Tao
Published: February 2020

α-Terpineol was converted to 4R-oleuropeic acid by the enzyme P450 of Alternaria alternata.
Amine decorated polystyrene nanobeads incorporating π-conjugated OPV chromophore for picric acid sensing in water
Authors: Makkad Sarabjot Kaur
Published: February 2020

A fluorescent sensor has been developed for selective detection of picric acid (PA) in water. Amine (–NH2) functionalization on the nanobead surface enhanced the efficiency of the sensor among a library of nitro-organics, cations and anions.
Novel cytokine-loaded PCL-PEG scaffold composites for spinal cord injury repair
Authors: Wang Pangbo , Wang Hufei , Ma Kang , Wang Shi , Yang Chuanyan , Mu Ning , Yang Fei , Feng Hua , Chen Tunan
Published: February 2020

This “five-in-one” composite scaffold has been considered as a promising strategy to direct the axon growth, mimic the properties of natural extracellular matrix and finally be used to repair the spinal cord injuries.
Three-dimensional TiNb2O7 anchored on carbon nanofiber core–shell arrays as an anode for high-rate lithium ion storage
Authors: Qi Meili , Chao Dongliang , Sun Weifeng , Yin Jinghua , Chen Minghua
Published: February 2020

The control of structure and morphology in an electrode design for the development of large-power lithium ion batteries is crucial to create efficient transport pathways for ions and electrons.
Ru(ii)-catalyzed C6-selective C–H acylmethylation of pyridones using sulfoxonium ylides as carbene precursors
Authors: Fu Yangjie , Wang Zhaohui , Zhang Qiyu , Li Zhiyu , Liu Hong , Bi Xiaoling , Wang Jiang
Published: February 2020

In this study, we describe a method using sulfoxonium ylides as carbene precursors to achieve C6-selective acylmethylation of pyridones catalyzed by a ruthenium(ii) complex.
Essential learning outcomes for delocalization (resonance) concepts: How are they taught, practiced, and assessed in organic chemistry?
Authors: Carle Myriam S. , Flynn Alison B.
Published: February 2020

The concept of delocalization (i.e., resonance) is fundamental concept in organic chemistry but essential learning outcomes (LOs) have not previously been proposed nor has there been an analysis of how resonance is taught, despite indications in the literature that students have many non-canonical ideas about the concepts. To address this deficit, we first developed a set of ten learning outcomes believed to be essential to the concept of delocalization in organic chemistry, especially for students’ later success. Next, we analyzed how these learning outcomes are being taught, practiced and assessed in common textbooks and in a sample of exams. Five themes emerged from the analysis: (1) several of the essential intended LOs we identified are not represented in the textbooks’ teaching explanations, practice questions, or professors’ assessments; (2) the concepts related to delocalization are often taught, practiced, and assessed without associated justifications; (3) there is a large gap between when delocalization is taught and when it is used in context; (4) the link between delocalization and other concepts (e.g., reactivity) is not explicitly explained in most teaching materials; and (5) the language used around delocalization may be misleading (e.g., resonance, stability). Our analysis identified areas in which delocalization education could be improved, including with respect to teaching, practice opportunities, and assessing the concepts.
In vivomonitoring of tissue regeneration using a ratiometric lysosomal AIE probe
Authors: Shi Xiujuan , Yan Neng , Niu Guangle , Sung Simon H. P. , Liu Zhiyang , Liu Junkai , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Wang Wen-Xiong , Sung Herman H.-Y. , Williams Ian D. , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2020

An AIE-active ratiometric probe for the first time achieved the long-term quantification of lysosomal pH during the medaka larva's caudal fin regeneration.
A clustering-triggered emission strategy for tunable multicolor persistent phosphorescence
Authors: Zhou Qing , Yang Tianjia , Zhong Zihao , Kausar Fahmeeda , Wang Ziyi , Zhang Yongming , Yuan Wang Zhang
Published: February 2020

A clustering-triggered emission strategy is proposed to readily realize tunable multicolor afterglows in single-component pure organic compounds.
Screening and application of boron difluoride complexes of curcumin as colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probes for bisulfite
Authors: Zhang Yi , Tu Liangping , Lu Lingling , Li Yuxiao , Song Linjiang , Qi Qingrong , Song Hang , Li Zicheng , Huang Wencai
Published: February 2020

Difluoroboron-complexed curcumin was developed as a colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for HSO3−with high selectivity and sensitivity.
2D heterogeneous vanadium compound interfacial modulation enhanced synergistic catalytic hydrogen evolution for full pH range seawater splitting
Authors: Wang Zhenguo , Xu Wangqiong , Yu Ke , Feng Yu , Zhu Ziqiang
Published: February 2020

A composite material (VS2@V2C) of vertically mosaic VS2 nanosheets was grown on a V2C substrate for electrolyzing water in the full pH range for hydrogen evolution.
Photostable near-infrared-absorbing diradical-platinum(ii) complex solubilized by albumin toward a cancer photothermal therapy agent
Authors: Sawamura Ryota , Sato Masataka , Masuya-Suzuki Atsuko , Iki Nobuhiko
Published: February 2020

A near-infrared (NIR) absorbing diradical-platinum(ii) complex solubilized in PBS by albumin can kill MCF-7 cells by the photothermal effect.
On the Relationship Between General Auditory Sensitivity and Speech Perception: An Examination of Pitch and Lexical Tone Perception in 4- to 6-Year-Old Children
Authors: Wong Puisan , Cheng Man Wai
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Theoretical models and substantial research have proposed that general auditory sensitivity is a developmental foundation for speech perception and language acquisition. Nonetheless, controversies exist about the effectiveness of general auditory training in improving speech and language skills. This research investigated the relationships among general auditory sensitivity, phonemic speech perception, and word-level speech perception via the examination of pitch and lexical tone perception in children.

Method

Forty-eight typically developing 4- to 6-year-old Cantonese-speaking children were tested on the discrimination of the pitch patterns of lexical tones in synthetic stimuli, discrimination of naturally produced lexical tones, and identification of lexical tone in familiar words.

Results

The findings revealed that accurate lexical tone discrimination and identification did not necessarily entail the accurate discrimination of nonlinguistic stimuli that followed the pitch levels and pitch shapes of lexical tones. Although pitch discrimination and tone discrimination abilities were strongly correlated, accuracy in pitch discrimination was lower than that in tone discrimination, and nonspeech pitch discrimination ability did not precede linguistic tone discrimination in the developmental trajectory.

Conclusions

Contradicting the theoretical models, the findings of this study suggest that general auditory sensitivity and speech perception may not be causally or hierarchically related. The finding that accuracy in pitch discrimination is lower than that in tone discrimination suggests that comparable nonlinguistic auditory perceptual ability may not be necessary for accurate speech perception and language learning. The results cast doubt on the use of nonlinguistic auditory perceptual training to improve children's speech, language, and literacy abilities.
A Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training Approach for Enhancing Higher Order Cognitive Functioning Following Sports- and Recreation-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Youth Using Telepractice
Authors: Cook Lori G. , Caulkins Nellie N. , Chapman Sandra B.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

There is currently a large scope of unmet need in addressing persistent cognitive difficulties after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) affecting higher order aspects such as reasoning, strategic learning, and other executive functions (EFs), with potential lasting impacts on academic and everyday life functioning. This study sought to explore the potential for cognitive training delivered via telepractice to enhance cognitive performance after mTBI in adolescence, a critical stage for frontal lobe maturation and EF development.

Method

This nonrandomized pilot intervention study explored the effects of telepractice delivery of a top-down, strategy-based cognitive training approach, namely, Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training, on higher order strategic learning skills, along with related executive processes and real-life EF behaviors. Twelve adolescents (ages 12–18 years) who were at least 3 months post-mTBI completed 10 individual sessions over 4–6 weeks, delivered using Skype.

Results

After training, participants exhibited significant improvements in their ability to abstract meanings and recall facts from complex information. They also demonstrated generalized gains in untrained EFs of working memory and cognitive flexibility as well as potential gains in real-life EF behaviors, per parent report.

Conclusions

Whereas the findings need to be replicated in a larger, randomized study, the preliminary data suggest the clinical utility of training metacognitive strategies to improve top-down cognitive control functions after mTBI that are adaptable and adoptable across academic and real-life domains. Furthermore, leveraging an interactive telepractice communication platform has the potential to maximize the reach of cognitive training/intervention delivery while minimizing costs as well as time and travel demands.
Study on Fault Detection of Star-Sensor Based on UKF
Authors: Hu Di , Liu Dan , Bai Guangming
Published: February 2020

The fault detection of star sensor in satellite when no telemetry data from the gyroscope can be obtained is investigated. An algorithm based on the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is proposed to indicate the occurrence of the fault. By adding the angular speed of the satellite into the state equation, the UKF is designed to estimate the angular and the angular speed of the satellite. After that, a comparison between the measured and the estimated value of both the angular and the angular speed is made. In this way, the star sensor fault can be finally detected. Two fault cases (abrupt constant fault and noise increase fault) are taken into consideration in the simulation to show the validness of the present algorithm. Furthermore, a test verification by using the real telemetry data on orbit is performed to demonstrate that the present algorithm can detect the star sensor fault effectively. In application, the developed fault detection algorithm can be employed in the ground measurement and control station to monitor the star sensor fault such that the fault can be detected immediately and the alarm indicating the occurrence of the fault will be given.