bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connectivity differences between consciousness and unconsciousness in non-rapid eye movement sleep: a TMS–EEG study
Authors: Lee Minji , Baird Benjamin , Gosseries Olivia , Nieminen Jaakko O. , Boly Melanie , Postle Bradley R. , Tononi Giulio , Lee Seong-Whan
Published: March 2019

The neuronal connectivity patterns that differentiate consciousness from unconsciousness remain unclear. Previous studies have demonstrated that effective connectivity, as assessed by transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with electroencephalography (TMS–EEG), breaks down during the loss of consciousness. This study investigated changes in EEG connectivity associated with consciousness during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep following parietal TMS. Compared with unconsciousness, conscious experiences during NREM sleep were associated with reduced phase-locking at low frequencies (<4 Hz). Transitivity and clustering coefficient in the delta and theta bands were also significantly lower during consciousness compared to unconsciousness, with differences in the clustering coefficient observed in scalp electrodes over parietal–occipital regions. There were no significant differences in Granger-causality patterns in frontal-to-parietal or parietal-to-frontal connectivity between reported unconsciousness and reported consciousness. Together these results suggest that alterations in spectral and spatial characteristics of network properties in posterior brain areas, in particular decreased local (segregated) connectivity at low frequencies, is a potential indicator of consciousness during sleep.
Band Anti-Crossing Model in Dilute-As GaNAs Alloys
Authors: Goodrich Justin C. , Borovac Damir , Tan Chee-Keong , Tansu Nelson
Published: March 2019

The band structure of the dilute-As GaNAs material is explained by the hybridization of localized As-impurity states with the valance band structure of GaN. Our approach employs the use of Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculated band structures, along with experimental results, to determine the localized As-impurity energy level and coupling parameters in the band anti-crossing (BAC) k ∙ p model for N-rich alloys. This model captures the reduction of bandgap with increasing arsenic incorporation and provides a tool for device-level design with the material within the context of the k ∙ p formalism. The analysis extends to calculating the effect of the arsenic impurities on hole (heavy, light and split-off) effective masses and predicting the trend of the bandgap across the entire composition range.
Strain effect on orbital and magnetic structures of Mn ions in epitaxial Nd0.35Sr0.65MnO3/SrTiO3 films using X-ray diffraction and absorption
Authors: Shao Y. C. , Deshpande N. G. , Chin Y. Y. , Hsieh S. H. , Du C. H. , Wang H. T. , Chiou J. W. , Tsai H. M. , Lin H. J. , Cheng S. L. , Lin J. G. , Asokan K. , Yeh P. H. , Pong W. F.
Published: March 2019

This study probes the temperature-dependent strain that is strongly correlated with the orbital and magnetic structures of epitaxial films of Nd0.35Sr0.65MnO3 (NSMO) that are fabricated by pulsed laser deposition with two thicknesses, 17 (NS17) and 103 nm (NS103) on SrTiO3 (STO) substrate. This investigation is probed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and absorption-based techniques, X-ray linear dichroism (XLD) and the X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). XRD indicates a significant shift in the (004) peak position that is associated with larger strain in NS17 relative to that of NS103 at both 30 and 300 K. Experimental and atomic multiplet simulated temperature-dependent Mn L3,2-edge XLD results reveal that the stronger strain in a thinner NS17 film causes less splitting of Mn 3d eg state at low temperature, indicating an enhancement of orbital fluctuations in the band above the Fermi level. This greater Mn 3d orbital fluctuation can be the cause of both the enhanced ferromagnetism (FM) as a result of spin moments and the reduced Néel temperature of C-type antiferromagnetism (AFM) in NS17, leading to the FM coupling of the canted-antiferromagnetism (FM-cAFM) state in NSMO/STO epitaxial films at low temperature (T = 30 K). These findings are also confirmed by Mn L3,2-edge XMCD measurements.
The Production of Matchout-Deuterated Cholesterol and the Study of Bilayer-Cholesterol Interactions
Authors: Waldie Sarah , Moulin Martine , Porcar Lionel , Pichler Harald , Strohmeier Gernot A. , Skoda Maximilian , Forsyth V. Trevor , Haertlein Michael , Maric Selma , Cárdenas Marité
Published: March 2019

The deuteration of biomolecules provides advanced opportunities for neutron scattering studies. For low resolution studies using techniques such as small-angle neutron scattering and neutron reflection, the level of deuteration of a sample can be varied to match the scattering length density of a specific D2O/H2O solvent mixture. This can be of major value in structural studies where specific regions of a complex system can be highlighted, and others rendered invisible. This is especially useful in analyses of the structure and dynamics of membrane components. In mammalian membranes, the presence of cholesterol is crucial in modulating the properties of lipids and in their interaction with proteins. Here, a protocol is described for the production of partially deuterated cholesterol which has a neutron scattering length density that matches that of 100% D2O solvent (hereby named matchout cholesterol). The level of deuteration was determined by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. The cholesterol match-point was verified experimentally using small angle neutron scattering. The matchout cholesterol was used to investigate the incorporation of cholesterol in various phosphatidylcholine supported lipid bilayers by neutron reflectometry. The study included both saturated and unsaturated lipids, as well as lipids with varying chain lengths. It was found that cholesterol is distributed asymmetrically within the bilayer, positioned closer to the headgroups of the lipids than to the middle of the tail core, regardless of the phosphatidylcholine species.
Acoustic recordings provide detailed information regarding the behavior of cryptic wildlife to support conservation translocations
Authors: Yan Xiao , Zhang Hemin , Li Desheng , Wu Daifu , Zhou Shiqiang , Sun Mengmeng , Hu Haiping , Liu Xiaoqiang , Mou Shijie , He Shengshan , Owen Megan A. , Huang Yan
Published: March 2019

For translocated animals, behavioral competence may be key to post-release survival. However, monitoring behavior is typically limited to tracking movements or inferring behavior at a gross scale via collar-mounted sensors. Animal-bourne acoustic monitoring may provide a unique opportunity to monitor behavior at a finer scale. The giant panda is an elusive species of Ursid that is vulnerable to extinction. Translocation is an important aspect of the species’ recovery, and survival and recruitment for pandas likely hinge on behavioral competence. Here we tested the efficacy of a collar-mounted acoustic recording unit (ARU) to remotely monitor the behavior of panda mothers and their dependent young. We found that trained human listeners could reliably identify 10 behaviors from acoustic recordings. Through visual inspection of spectrograms we further identified 5 behavioral categories that may be detectable by automated pattern recognition, an approach that is essential for the practical application of ARU. These results suggest that ARU are a viable method for remotely observing behaviors, including feeding. With targeted effort directed towards instrumentation and computing advances, ARU could be used to document how behavioral competence supports or challenges post-release survival and recruitment, and allow for research findings to be adaptively integrated into future translocation efforts.
A Fully Automated System Using A Convolutional Neural Network to Predict Renal Allograft Rejection: Extra-validation with Giga-pixel Immunostained Slides
Authors: Kim Young-Gon , Choi Gyuheon , Go Heounjeong , Cho Yongwon , Lee Hyunna , Lee A-Reum , Park Beomhee , Kim Namkug
Published: March 2019

Pathologic diagnoses mainly depend on visual scoring by pathologists, a process that can be time-consuming, laborious, and susceptible to inter- and/or intra-observer variations. This study proposes a novel method to enhance pathologic scoring of renal allograft rejection. A fully automated system using a convolutional neural network (CNN) was developed to identify regions of interest (ROIs) and to detect C4d positive and negative peritubular capillaries (PTCs) in giga-pixel immunostained slides. The performance of faster R-CNN was evaluated using optimal parameters of the novel method to enlarge the size of labeled masks. Fifty and forty pixels of the enlarged size images showed the best performance in detecting C4d positive and negative PTCs, respectively. Additionally, the feasibility of deep-learning-assisted labeling as independent dataset to enhance detection in this model was evaluated. Based on these two CNN methods, a fully automated system for renal allograft rejection was developed. This system was highly reliable, efficient, and effective, making it applicable to real clinical workflow.
Analysis of fluoroquinolones in dusts from intensive livestock farming and the co-occurrence of fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Schulz Jochen , Kemper Nicole , Hartung Joerg , Janusch Franziska , Mohring Siegrun A. I. , Hamscher Gerd
Published: March 2019

Fluoroquinolones are important therapeutics in human and veterinary medicine. This study aimed to retrospectively analyse sedimentation dusts from intensive-livestock-farming barns for fluoroquinolones and investigate the association between resistant Escherichia coli and the detected drugs. Sedimentation-dust samples (n = 125) collected (1980–2009) at 14 barns of unknown-treatment status were analysed by HPLC and tandem-mass spectroscopy to detect enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, marbofloxacin, and difloxacin. Recent microbiological data were included to investigate the relationship between fluoroquinolone presence and fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli. Fifty-nine dust samples (47%) from seven barns contained fluoroquinolone residues. Up to three different fluoroquinolones were detected in pig and broiler barns. Fluoroquinolone concentrations ranged from 10-pg/mg to 46-ng/mg dust. Fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli were isolated from four barns. Of all the dust samples, 22% contained non-susceptible isolates. Non-susceptible isolate presence in the dust was significantly associated (p = 0.0283) with detecting the drugs, while drug detection increased the odds (4-fold) of finding non-susceptible E. coli (odds ratio = 3.9877, 95% CI: 1.2854–12.3712). This retrospective study shows that fluoroquinolone usage leads to dust contamination. We conclude that farmers and animals inhale/swallow fluoroquinolones and fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria due to drug application. Furthermore, uncontrolled drug emissions via air exhausted from the barns can be assumed.
A multi-stage association study of plasma cytokines identifies osteopontin as a biomarker for acute coronary syndrome risk and severity
Authors: Yu Kuai , Yang Binyao , Jiang Haijing , Li Jun , Yan Kai , Liu Xuezhen , Zhou Lue , Yang Handong , Li Xiulou , Min Xinwen , Zhang Ce , Luo Xiaoting , Mei Wenhua , Sun Shunchang , Zhang Liyun , Cheng Xiang , He Meian , Zhang Xiaomin , Pan An , Hu Frank B. , Wu Tangchun
Published: March 2019

Cytokines play a critical role in the pathogenesis and development of cardiovascular diseases. However, data linking cytokines to risk and severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are still limited. We measured plasma profile of 280 cytokines using a quantitative protein microarray in 12 ACS patients and 16 healthy controls, and identified 15 differentially expressed cytokines for ACS. Osteopontin, chemokine ligand 23, brain derived neurotrophic factor and C-reactive protein (CRP) were further validated using immunoassay in two independent case-control studies with a total of 210 ACS patients and 210 controls. We further examined their relations with incident ACS among 318 case-control pairs nested within the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort, and found plasma osteopontin and CRP concentrations were associated with incident ACS, and the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 1.29 (1.06–1.57) per 1-SD increase for osteopontin and 1.30 (1.02–1.66) for CRP, respectively. Higher levels of circulating osteopontin were also correlated with higher severity of ACS, and earlier ACS onset time. Adding osteopontin alone or in combination with CRP modestly improved the predictive ability of ACS beyond the Framingham risk scores. Our findings suggested that osteopontin might be a biomarker for incident ACS, using osteopontin adds moderately to traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Relationship of the orange tissue morphotype with shell and pearl colouration in the mollusc Pinctada margaritifera
Authors: Ky Chin-Long , Blay Carole , Broustal Floriane , Sham Koua Manaarii , Planes Serge
Published: March 2019

Molluscs display a vast range of shell colours both between and within species. However, only a few species show colour variation in their soft tissues. In French Polynesia, the pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera has three tissue morphotypes: the black wild-type and two rare mutations: white albino and orange mantle. Phenotypic transmission is known to occur from these phenotypes when they are used as graft donors for pearl production, leading to multicoloured and white pearls from black and albino mantle grafts, respectively. The present study furthers this knowledge by examining the phenotypic association between the orange mantle tissue morphotype and hard tissues: shells and cultured pearls. Based on a large experimental graft, shell colour quantification and pearl qualification showed that the orange morphotype is associated with light-coloured shells and pearls. Expression analysis of some candidate genes previously identified in the white mantle mutant, tested here on both graft and pearl sac tissues from orange mantle donors, confirmed the involvement of genes associated with shell matrix protein (shem4) and the melanin biosynthesis pathway (zinc). This study provides fundamental information on the mechanism behind mantle tissue colour in P. margaritifera and its association with biomineralisation and pigmentation processes that will be potentially valuable in future selection programs.
A combined gene expression tool for parallel histological prediction and gene fusion detection in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Karlsson Anna , Cirenajwis Helena , Ericson-Lindquist Kajsa , Brunnström Hans , Reuterswärd Christel , Jönsson Mats , Ortiz-Villalón Cristian , Hussein Aziz , Bergman Bengt , Vikström Anders , Monsef Nastaran , Branden Eva , Koyi Hirsh , de Petris Luigi , Micke Patrick , Patthey Annika , Behndig Annelie F. , Johansson Mikael , Planck Maria , Staaf Johan
Published: March 2019

Accurate histological classification and identification of fusion genes represent two cornerstones of clinical diagnostics in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we present a NanoString gene expression platform and a novel platform-independent, single sample predictor (SSP) of NSCLC histology for combined, simultaneous, histological classification and fusion gene detection in minimal formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue. The SSP was developed in 68 NSCLC tumors of adenocarcinoma (AC), squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) histology, based on NanoString expression of 11 (CHGA, SYP, CD56, SFTPG, NAPSA, TTF-1, TP73L, KRT6A, KRT5, KRT40, KRT16) relevant genes for IHC-based NSCLC histology classification. The SSP was combined with a gene fusion detection module (analyzing ALK, RET, ROS1, MET, NRG1, and NTRK1) into a multicomponent NanoString assay. The histological SSP was validated in six cohorts varying in size (n = 11–199), tissue origin (early or advanced disease), histological composition (including undifferentiated cancer), and gene expression platform. Fusion gene detection revealed five EML4-ALK fusions, four KIF5B-RET fusions, two CD74-NRG1 fusion and three MET exon 14 skipping events among 131 tested cases. The histological SSP was successfully trained and tested in the development cohort (mean AUC = 0.96 in iterated test sets). The SSP proved successful in predicting histology of NSCLC tumors of well-defined subgroups and difficult undifferentiated morphology irrespective of gene expression data platform. Discrepancies between gene expression prediction and histologic diagnosis included cases with mixed histologies, true large cell carcinomas, or poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas with mucin expression. In summary, we present a proof-of-concept multicomponent assay for parallel histological classification and multiplexed fusion gene detection in archival tissue, including a novel platform-independent histological SSP classifier. The assay and SSP could serve as a promising complement in the routine evaluation of diagnostic lung cancer biopsies.
Mutational and non mutational adaptation of Salmonella enterica to the gall bladder
Authors: Urdaneta Verónica , Hernández Sara B. , Casadesús Josep
Published: March 2019

During systemic infection of susceptible hosts, Salmonella enterica colonizes the gall bladder, which contains lethal concentrations of bile salts. Recovery of Salmonella cells from the gall bladder of infected mice yields two types of isolates: (i) bile-resistant mutants; (ii) isolates that survive lethal selection without mutation. Bile-resistant mutants are recovered at frequencies high enough to suggest that increased mutation rates may occur in the gall bladder, thus providing a tentative example of stress-induced mutation in a natural environment. However, most bile-resistant mutants characterized in this study show defects in traits that are relevant for Salmonella colonization of the animal host. Mutation may thus permit short-term adaptation to the gall bladder at the expense of losing fitness for transmission to new hosts. In contrast, non mutational adaptation may have evolved as a fitness-preserving strategy. Failure of RpoS− mutants to colonize the gall bladder supports the involvement of the general stress response in non mutational adaptation.
CCL21/CCR7 axis regulating juvenile cartilage repair can enhance cartilage healing in adults
Authors: Joutoku Zenta , Onodera Tomohiro , Matsuoka Masatake , Homan Kentaro , Momma Daisuke , Baba Rikiya , Hontani Kazutoshi , Hamasaki Masanari , Matsubara Shinji , Hishimura Ryosuke , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: March 2019

Juvenile tissue healing is capable of extensive scarless healing that is distinct from the scar-forming process of the adult healing response. Although many growth factors can be found in the juvenile healing process, the molecular mechanisms of juvenile tissue healing are poorly understood. Here we show that juvenile mice deficient in the chemokine receptor CCR7 exhibit diminished large-scale healing potential, whereas CCR7-depleted adult mice undergo normal scar-forming healing similar to wild type mice. In addition, the CCR7 ligand CCL21 was transiently expressed around damaged cartilage in juvenile mice, whereas it is rarely expressed in adults. Notably, exogenous CCL21 administration to adults decreased scar-forming healing and enhanced hyaline-cartilage repair in rabbit osteochondral defects. Our data indicate that the CCL21/CCR7 axis may play a role in the molecular control mechanism of juvenile cartilage repair, raising the possibility that agents modulating the production of CCL21in vivocan improve the quality of cartilage repair in adults. Such a strategy may prevent post-traumatic arthritis by mimicking the self-repair in juvenile individuals.
Upregulation of NDRG1 predicts poor outcome and facilitates disease progression by influencing the EMT process in bladder cancer
Authors: Li Aiwei , Zhu Xi , Wang Chanjuan , Yang Shuo , Qiao Yan , Qiao Rui , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2019

N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is an intracellular protein involved in cell differentiation and was recently reported to exert various effects in several cancers. However, its expression and role in bladder cancer remain unclear. Our study enrolled 100 bladder cancer patients to detect NDRG1 expression in tumour tissues by immunohistochemistry. Correlations between NDRG1 expression and clinical factors were analysed. An NDRG1 overexpression plasmid and NDRG1 siRNAs were transfected into bladder cancer cell lines. Cell biological behaviours were assessed by CCK-8, flow cytometry, wound healing and Transwell assays. Additionally, the influence of NDRG1 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was investigated by western blotting and real-time PCR. NDRG1 expression in urine from bladder cancer patients was examined by ELISA. NDRG1 protein levels were significantly increased in bladder cancer patients and correlated with tumour stage (p = 0.025), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.034) and overall survival (p = 0.016). Patients with high NDRG1 expression had poorer outcomes than those with low NDRG1 expression. NDRG1 overexpression was associated with increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and decreased apoptotic cell numbers; NDRG1 knockdown resulted in the inverse effects. Moreover, upregulated NDRG1 expression was associated with downregulated Cytokeratin 7 and Claudin-1 expression and upregulated N-cad, β-catenin and slug expression. Downregulated NDRG1 expression was associated with the inverse effects. Urine protein levels could distinguish bladder cancer patients from healthy controls, with an area under the curve of 0.909. NDRG1 promoted EMT in bladder cancer and could be an effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in bladder cancer patients.
Utilization of NGS technologies to investigate transcriptomic and epigenomic mechanisms in trastuzumab resistance
Authors: Nava Miguel , Dutta Pranabananda , Farias-Eisner Robin , Vadgama Jaydutt V. , Wu Yanyuan
Published: March 2019

NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technologies allows us to determine key gene expression signatures that correlate with resistance (and responsiveness) to anti-cancer therapeutics. We have undertaken a transcriptomic and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) approach to describe differences in gene expression and the underlying chromatin landscape between two representative HER2+ cell lines, one of which is sensitive (SKBR3) and the other which is resistant (JIMT1) to trastuzumab. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) between SKBR3 and JIMT1 cells. Several of the DEGs are components of the Polycomb Repressing Complex 2 (PRC2), and they are expressed higher in JIMT1 cells. In addition, we utilized ChIP-seq to identify H3K18ac, H3K27ac and H3K27me3 histone modifications genome-wide. We identified key differences of H3K18ac and H3K27ac enrichment in regulatory regions, found a correlation between these modifications and differential gene expression and identified a transcription factor binding motif for LRF near these modifications in both cell lines. Lastly, we found a small subset of genes that contain repressive H3K27me3 marks near the gene body in SKBR3 cells but are absent in JIMT1. Taken together, our data suggests that differential gene expression and trastuzumab responsiveness in JIMT1 and SKBR3 is determined by epigenetic mechanisms.
Cognitive correlates of abnormal myelination in psychosis
Authors: Vanes Lucy D. , Mouchlianitis Elias , Barry Erica , Patel Krisna , Wong Katie , Shergill Sukhwinder S.
Published: March 2019

Psychotic illness has consistently been associated with deficits in cognitive function and reduced white matter integrity in the brain. However, the link between white matter disruptions and deficits in cognitive domains remains poorly understood. We assessed cognitive performance and white matter myelin water fraction (MWF) using multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2 (mcDESPOT) in recent-onset psychosis patients and age-matched healthy controls (HC). Psychosis patients showed deficits in working memory, phonological and semantic fluency, general intelligence quotient and reduced MWF in the left temporal white matter compared to HC. MWF in the left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus and inferior longitudinal fasciculus was positively associated with intelligence quotient and verbal fluency in patients, and fully mediated group differences in performance in both phonological and semantic verbal fluency. There was no association between working memory and MWF in the left temporal white matter. Negative symptoms demonstrated a negative association with MWF within the left inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculi. These findings indicate that psychosis-related deficits in distinct cognitive domains, such as verbal fluency and working memory, are not underpinned by a single common dysfunction in white matter connectivity.
Novel diversity within marine Mamiellophyceae (Chlorophyta) unveiled by metabarcoding
Authors: Tragin Margot , Vaulot Daniel
Published: March 2019

Mamiellophyceae (unicellular green algae) are a key phytoplankton group in coastal waters. Although extensively studied over the last 20 years, the overall oceanic distribution of the major species/clades is still poorly known. To address this problem, we analyzed the 2014 Ocean Sampling Day (OSD) metabarcoding dataset providing sequences from the V4 hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene for 157 samples collected at 143 mostly coastal stations. Mamiellophyceae were found at nearly all OSD stations and represented 55% of the green microalgae (Chlorophyta) reads. We performed phylogenetic analyses of unique OSD metabarcodes (amplicon single variants, ASVs) and GenBank reference sequences from cultures and from the environment, focusing on the four most represented genera: Ostreococcus (45% of the Mamiellophyceae reads), Micromonas (34%), Bathycoccus (10%) and Mantoniella (8.7%). These analyses uncovered novel diversity within each genus except Bathycoccus. In Ostreococcus, a new clade (E) was the second most represented clade after Ostreococcus “lucimarinus”. Micromonas could be separated into nine clades, exceeding the six species and candidate species already described. Finally, we found two new environmental clades within Mantoniella. Each Mamiellophyceae clade had a specific distribution in the OSD dataset suggesting that they are adapted to different ecological niches.
Morpho-mechanics of human collagen superstructures revealed by all-optical correlative micro-spectroscopies
Authors: Mercatelli Raffaella , Mattana Sara , Capozzoli Laura , Ratto Fulvio , Rossi Francesca , Pini Roberto , Fioretto Daniele , Pavone Francesco Saverio , Caponi Silvia , Cicchi Riccardo
Published: March 2019

In every biological tissue, morphological and topological properties strongly affect its mechanical features and behaviour, so that ultrastructure, composition and mechanical parameters are intimately connected. Overall, it is their correct interplay that guarantees the tissue functionality. The development of experimental methods able to correlate these properties would open new opportunities both in the biological and the biomedical fields. Here, we report a correlative study intended to map supramolecular morphology, biochemical composition and viscoelastic parameters of collagen by all-optical microscopies. In particular, using human corneal tissue as a benchmark, we correlate Second-Harmonic Generation maps with mechanical and biochemical imaging obtained by Brillouin and Raman micro-spectroscopy. The study highlights how subtle variations in supramolecular organization originate the peculiar mechanical behavior of different subtypes of corneal lamellae. The presented methodology paves the way to the non-invasive assessment of tissue morpho-mechanics in biological as well as synthetic materials.
Thermo- and oxidation-responsive homopolypeptide: synthesis, stimuli-responsive property and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Liang Ce , Wang Xiaodan , Zhou Rongtao , Shi Hengchong , Yan Shunjie , Ling Ying , Luan Shifang , Tang Haoyu
Published: March 2019

We present the design and synthesis of a side-chain functional polypeptide with a thioether spacer that is readily decorated to produce thermo- and oxidation-responsive polymers with antimicrobial activity.
Offshore renewable energy resources and their potential in a green hydrogen supply chain through power-to-gas
Authors: Gondal Irfan Ahmad
Published: March 2019

Offshore renewable energies are proposed to generate green hydrogen through PEM electrolysis. Power-to-gas process can be used to store hydrogen gas in synergy with existing oil/gas exploration companies. Offshore CCS is thereafter used to assist in the production of synthetic natural gas entirely offshore.
Hybridization chain reaction based DNAzyme fluorescent sensor for l-histidine assay
Authors: He Jing-Lin , Zhang Yang , Yang Chan , Huang Si-Ying , Wu Ling , Mei Ting-Ting , Wang Jianxiu , Cao Zhong
Published: March 2019

A hybridization chain reaction (HCR)-based DNAzyme fluorescent sensor is demonstrated for l-histidine (l-His) assays.
An extracellular pH-driven targeted multifunctional manganese arsenite delivery system for tumor imaging and therapy
Authors: Zhang Ke , Lin Hongyu , Mao Junjie , Luo Xiangjie , Wei Ruixue , Su Zhongzhen , Zhou Bin , Li Dan , Gao Jinhao , Shan Hong
Published: March 2019

MnAs@SiO2–pHLIP NPs could target tumors achieving tumor imaging and destruction via releasing Mn2+ and ATO in an acidic responsive manner.
Metal–organic framework assisted and in situ synthesis of hollow CdS nanostructures with highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Yilei , Jin Tian , Ma Ge , Li Yunchao , Fan Louzhen , Li Xiaohong
Published: March 2019

Hollow CdS nanoboxes with a specific surface area of 153 m2 g−1 are synthesized through in situ sulfurizing Cd-MOF-47 with thiourea, which exhibit a greatly improved photocatalytic activity in water splitting to hydrogen (21 654 μmol g−1 h−1).
How does Mo-dependent perchlorate reductase work in the decomposition of oxyanions?
Authors: Sun Shuo-Qi , Chen Shi-Lu
Published: March 2019

The mechanisms of Mo-dependent perchlorate reductase (PcrAB)-catalyzed decomposition of perchlorate, bromate, iodate, and nitrate were revealed by density functional calculations.
The addition of Grignard reagents to carbodiimides. The synthesis, structure and potential utilization of magnesium amidinates
Authors: Chlupatý Tomáš , Bílek Michal , Merna Jan , Brus Jiří , Růžičková Zdeňka , Strassner Thomas , Růžička Aleš
Published: March 2019

Magnesium amidinates of different composition were prepared from carbodiimides and Grignard reagents with the assistance of the solvent and substrate dependent Schlenk equilibria.
Biodegradation and attenuation of MIB and 2,4-D in drinking water biologically active sand and activated carbon filters
Authors: Shimabuku Kyle K. , Zearley Thomas L. , Dowdell Katherine S. , Summers R. Scott
Published: March 2019

Biologically acclimated sand and granular activated carbon (GAC) filter performance for trace organic contaminant control is compared under variable water quality and operational conditions.
Insights into the unusual semiconducting behavior in low-dimensional boron
Authors: Xu Shao-Gang , Li Xiao-Tian , Zhao Yu-Jun , Xu Wang-Ping , Liao Ji-Hai , Zhang Xiu-Wen , Xu Hu , Yang Xiao-Bao
Published: March 2019

The internal mechanism of the semiconducting 2D boron allotropes is attributed to the isolated charge-neutral regions.
Enantioselective synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrroleviaan organocatalytic [4 + 2] cyclization reaction of dioxopyrrolidines and azlactones
Authors: Wang Yichen , Chen Yuzhen , Li Xiaoping , Mao Yukang , Chen Weiwen , Zhan Ruoting , Huang Huicai
Published: March 2019

The present work provides a simple and efficient access to chiral pyrano[2,3-c]pyrroleviaan asymmetric [4 + 2] cyclization reaction catalyzed by a cinchona-squaramide catalyst.
Visible light mediated oxidative lactonization of 2-methyl-1,1′-biaryls for the synthesis of benzocoumarins
Authors: Luo Zhi , Gao Zhong-Hua , Song Zhi-Yong , Han You-Feng , Ye Song
Published: March 2019

A visible light mediated C–H lactonization of 2-methyl-1,1′-biaryls with oxygen as the oxidant was developed, giving benzocoumarins in good yields.
Synthesis and properties of poly(norbornene)s with lateral aramid groups
Authors: Kong Phally , Drechsler Susanne , Balog Sandor , Schrettl Stephen , Weder Christoph , Kilbinger Andreas F. M.
Published: March 2019

This paper deals with the synthesis and investigation of comb-like poly(norbornene)s carrying lateral rod-like aramid groups.
Natural chalcopyrite as a sulfur source and its electrochemical performance for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhou Jiahui , Li Sijie , Sun Wei , Ji Xiaobo , Yang Yue
Published: March 2019

Natural chalcopyrite with high capacity and good cycling performance is used as a sulfur source for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Synthesis of a Zn(ii)-based 1D zigzag coordination polymer for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices with remarkably high photosensitivity
Authors: Dutta Basudeb , Das Dhananjoy , Datta Joydeep , Chandra Angeera , Jana Srikanta , Sinha Chittaranjan , Ray Partha Pratim , Mir Mohammad Hedayetullah
Published: March 2019

This study presents the fabrication of a novel Zn(ii)-based 1D zigzag coordination polymer, which shows remarkably high photosensitivity and has the potential to be used in photoswitching devices and solar cells.
Design and fabrication of hydrotalcite-like ternary NiMgAl layered double hydroxide nanosheets as battery-type electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Jing Chuan , Zhang Qiang , Liu Xiaoying , Chen Yuxiang , Wang Xin , Xia Luhao , Zeng Hao , Wang Decai , Zhang Wenzheng , Dong Fan
Published: March 2019

Hydrotalcite is an abundant mineral in nature and can be cost-effectively prepared in the laboratory, but there is almost no discussion about its application in the field of supercapacitors.
Characterization of biosurfactant lipopeptide and its performance evaluation for oil-spill remediation
Authors: Feng Jun-Qiao , Gang Hong-Ze , Li Dong-Sheng , Liu Jin-Feng , Yang Shi-Zhong , Mu Bo-Zhong
Published: March 2019

Biosurfactant lipopeptide is a promising dispersant over varieties of chemical ones in oil-spill remediation.
Direct conversion of phenols into primary anilines with hydrazine catalyzed by palladium
Authors: Qiu Zihang , Lv Leiyang , Li Jianbin , Li Chen-Chen , Li Chao-Jun
Published: March 2019

A general and practical method to directly convert phenols into primary anilines with cheap and easy-to-handle hydrazine as the amine and hydride sources catalyzed by Pd/C.
Ni3S2@PANI core–shell nanosheets as a durable and high-energy binder-free cathode for aqueous rechargeable nickel–zinc batteries
Authors: Zhou Lijun , Zhang Xiyue , Zheng Dezhou , Xu Wei , Liu Jie , Lu Xihong
Published: March 2019

To meet the ever-increasing demand of multifarious electronics and electrified vehicles, developing stable and high-performance electrodes for aqueous rechargeable nickel–zinc (Ni//Zn) batteries is highly attractive.
Investigation of the correlation between the phase structure and activity of Ni–Mo–O derived electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Cao Guo-Xuan , Chen Zheng-Jun , Yin Hui , Gan Li-Yong , Zang Ming-Jie , Xu Ning , Wang Ping
Published: March 2019

The variation of alkaline HER activity of the Ni–Mo–O derived catalyst was associated with the amount change of MoO3sites and the variation of Had–alloy binding strength.
Facile formation of CoN4 active sites onto a SiO2 support to achieve robust CO2 and proton reduction in a noble-metal-free photocatalytic system
Authors: Hu Jun-Chao , Gui Meng-Xi , Xia Wu , Wu Jin , Zhou Yong-Ning , Feng Ningdong , Xiao Junwu , Liu Hongfang , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu , Wang Feng
Published: March 2019

The conversion of CO2 and protons to solar fuels (CO and H2) is achieved by CoN4 active sites anchored on SiO2.
Nickel based oxide film formed in molten salts for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Liang Xin Xin , Weng Wei , Gu Dong , Xiao Wei
Published: March 2019

NiFe2O4 films generated by the electrochemical oxidation of a Ni–Fe–Cu substrate in molten salts outperform the commercial IrO2 electrode for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution.
Multichannel pathway-enriched mesoporous NiO nanocuboids for the highly sensitive and selective detection of 3-hydroxy-2-butanone biomarkers
Authors: Zhu Zhengyou , Zheng Lijun , Zheng Shizheng , Chen Jian , Xing Xiaxia , Feng Dongliang , Yang Dachi
Published: March 2019

Novel mesoporous NiO nanocuboids (M-NiO NCs) enriched with surface multichannel pathways have been achieved to sensitively detect 3H-2B biomarkers for real-time monitoring of Listeria monocytogenes.
Perovskite-type La0.56Li0.33TiO3as an effective polysulfide promoter for stable lithium–sulfur batteries in lean electrolyte conditions
Authors: Chen Manfang , Huang Cheng , Li Yongfang , Jiang Shouxin , Zeng Peng , Chen Gairong , Shu Hongbo , Liu Hong , Li Zhihao , Wang Xianyou
Published: March 2019

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are promising candidates for next-generation energy storage equipment due to their high theoretical energy density.
Aging of low-temperature derived highly flexible nanostructured TiO2/P3HT hybrid films during bending
Authors: Wang Weijia , Widmann Tobias , Song Lin , Fröschl Thomas , Hüsing Nicola , Mo Guang , Wu Zhonghua , Zhang Peng , Roth Stephan V. , Fan Huiqing , Müller-Buschbaum Peter
Published: March 2019

The durability of titania and titania composite films under mechanical stress is studied and modeled with respect to the morphology.
Ring-perfluorinated non-volatile additives with a high dielectric constant lead to highly efficient and stable organic solar cells
Authors: Oh Jiyeon , Jung Sungwoo , Jeong Mingyu , Lee Byongkyu , Lee Jungho , Cho Yongjoon , Lee Sang Myeon , Chen Shanshan , Zhang Zhi-Guo , Li Yongfang , Yang Changduk
Published: March 2019

With the increasing concern for discovering a new processing additive, the effects of polymer additives (PS, PS-b-PPFS and PPFS) were thoroughly investigated for OSCs.
Global saturated velocity‐free finite‐time control for attitude tracking of spacecraft
Authors: Xia Yuquan , Su Yuxin
Published: March 2019

This study investigates the problem of global finite‐time attitude tracking for spacecraft subject to actuator constraints and attitude measurements only. A velocity‐free saturated hybrid proportional–derivative (PD) plus spacecraft dynamics (PD+) control is proposed. Benefiting from the hybrid control technique, the unwinding phenomenon is completely avoided and the global stability is achieved. Lyapunov stability theory and homogeneous method are employed to show global finite‐time tracking. Advantages of the proposed control include simple and intuitive structure and the absence of velocity measurements, and thus it is ready to implement. An additive feature is that the proposed control is explicitly upper bounded and hence it can assure that actuator constraints will not be violated by selecting the control gains a priori. Simulations are performed to illustrate the effectiveness and improved performance of the proposed approach.
Sizing and detailed design procedure of external rotor synchronous reluctance machine
Authors: Aghazadeh Hadi , Afjei Ebrahim , Siadatan Alireza
Published: March 2019

Finding an optimally designed synchronous reluctance machine with desired performance among all possible combinations of the stator and rotor with different shapes of barriers requires long execution time, which is an overwhelming task. Selecting the number of flux barriers, for instance, in accordance with the pre‐designed stator has a significant effect on the torque ripple. To tackle these issues, this study presents a comprehensive design procedure of an external rotor synchronous reluctance machine suitable for an electric bike application that includes considerations such as electro‐magnetic and mechanical aspects. Dimensions of the internal stator with tapered slots are calculated. Additionally, a global parameter, insulation ratio in the q‐axis, is used to link the microscopic parameters. Seeking for the optimal design through the insulation ratio effectively reduced the number of geometric parameters involved in the rotor shape optimisation. The preliminary rotor design is used to run multi‐objective optimisation to provide further improvement to the average torque and torque ripple. Utilising the finite‐element method, thermal and structural analyses are conducted to guarantee the safe operation of the designed motor under a steady‐state condition. Finally, measurement results of a 250 W‐fabricated motor are compared with the predicted results, which validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Design of dynamic surface controller for robust performance of variable speed wind turbine
Authors: Singh Navdeep , Pratap Bhanu , Swarup Akhilesh
Published: March 2019

The operation of variable speed wind turbine (VSWT) greatly affects the efficiency and quality of wind power generation. The conventional controllers are not able to improve VSWT performance in the presence of higher degree of non‐linearity, uncertain changes in wind speed, and coupling effects in the dynamical modelling. This study presents a controller design based on dynamic surface control (DSC) for a three‐bladed, horizontal axis VSWT. The DSC design provides the robust performance while considering the problem of irregularity of wind speed, extraction of maximum available power from the wind, and vibration effect due to tower dynamics. The boundedness and the convergence of the proposed control have been ensured through a formal proof, leading to minimum tracking error. A comparative evaluation of a VSWT performance from the proposed DSC scheme has been analysed with the performances using quantitative feedback theory control, standard wind turbine controller, and conventional proportional integral control. The simulation results confirm that the application of DSC control has effectively produced maximum power and least tracking error than the other three existing controllers, performing robustly in presence of parametric variations upto ±15% and external disturbances.
Mitigation of power mismatch losses and wiring line losses of partially shaded solar PV array using improvised magic technique
Authors: Rakesh Namani , Kumar S. Senthil , Madhusudanan G.
Published: March 2019

This study presents the new interconnection scheme for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules to mitigate the power mismatch and wiring line losses employing improvised magic technique (IMT). The proposed interconnection scheme provides improved power enhancement compared to conventional total cross tied (TCT) technique. This technique can be implemented on PV array of any order with ‘x’ rows (x > 2) and ‘y’ columns (y > 2). However, in the higher order PV modules, power mismatch loss and wiring loss reduced significantly using segmented improvised magic technique (SIMT). The sequence of reconfiguring the PV modules has been explained using a flowchart and an algorithm both for IMT and SIMT. The effectiveness of these techniques is tested using MATLAB simulations and validated the analysis by comparing the performances with the existing TCT for lower order (3 × 3) with experimentation and higher order (9 × 9) PV modules. Thus, the proposed IMT and SIMT techniques provide the maximum power enhancement, less power mismatch and line loss, and maximum improved efficiency in real‐time PV array installations.
Automated test data generation based on particle swarm optimisation with convergence speed controller
Authors: Liu Fangqing , Huang Han , Li Xueqiang , Hao Zhifeng
Published: March 2019

Automated test data generation for path coverage (ATDG‐PC) plays an important role in software testing. In this study, ATDG‐PC is applied to the case of cloud computing such as Hadoop programmes which are more difficult to search for high‐rate path coverage than the normal programmes. The search scale of ATDG‐PC is usually enormous, while the relationship between the variables and the paths is unknown. First, a rapid meta‐heuristic algorithm particle swarm optimisation (PSO) was chosen to solve the problem of large‐scale search. Second, the strategy of convergence speed controller was used to improve the performance of PSO by mining heuristic information from the found paths. The controller adjusts the convergence speed balance periodically by two conditions and rules. The first strategy slows the convergence speed when the algorithm is premature convergence and is trapped in a local optimum. The second strategy accelerates the convergence speed if the algorithm does not converge after many iterations. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by classic Hadoop programmes of cloud computing. The experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm can reduce a great number of test cases for path coverage, compared with other metaheuristic algorithms for automated test data generation.
Red-skewed Kα iron lines in GX 13+1
Authors: Maiolino T. , Laurent P. , Titarchuk L. , Orlandini M. , Frontera F.
Published: March 2019

Context. Broad, asymmetric, and red-skewed Fe Kα emission lines have been observed in the spectra of low-mass X-ray binaries hosting neutron stars (NSs) as a compact object. Because more than one model is able to describe these features, the explanation of where and how the red-skewed Fe lines are produced is still a matter of discussion. It is broadly accepted that the shape of the Fe Kα line is strongly determined by the special and general relativistic effects occurring in the innermost part of the accretion disk. In this relativistic framework, the Fe fluorescent lines are produced in the innermost part of the accretion disk by reflection of hard X-ray photons coming from the central source (corona and/or NS surface). We developed an alternative and nonrelativistic model, called the WINDLINE model, that is capable to describe the Fe line features. In this nonrelativistic framework, the line photons are produced at the bottom of a partly ionized outflow (wind) shell as a result of illumination by the continuum photons coming from the central source. In this model the red-skewness of the line profile is explained by repeated electron scattering of the photons in a diverging outflow.

Aims. Examining the asymmetry of the fluorescent Fe K emission line evident in the XMM-Newton EPIC-pn spectra of the NS source GX 13+1, we aim to distinguish between the two line models. Because GX 13+1 is a well-known disk-wind source, it is a perfect target for testing the WINDLINE model and compare the spectral fits between the relativistic and nonrelativistic line models.

Methods. We used two XMM-Newton EPIC-pn observations in which the Fe line profiles were previously reported in the literature. These observations are not strongly affected by pile-up, and the Fe emission lines appear very strong and red-skewed. In order to access the goodness of the fit and distinguish between the two line models, we used the run-test statistical method in addition to the canonical χ2 statistical method.

Results. The DISKLINE and WINDLINE models both fit the asymmetric Fe line well that is present in the XMM-Newton energy spectra of GX 13+1. From a statistical point of view, for the two observations we analyzed, the run-test was not able to distinguish between the two Fe line models, at 5% significance level.