bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solving the controversy of healthier organic fruit: Leaf wounding triggers distant gene expression response of polyphenol biosynthesis in strawberry fruit (Fragaria x ananassa)
Authors: Ibanez Facundo , Bang Woo Young , Lombardini Leonardo , Cisneros-Zevallos Luis
Published: December 2019

The claim that organic agriculture produces higher levels of phytochemicals has been controversial for decades. Using strawberries as a model crop in field conditions, a preharvest leaf wounding stress was applied to study the production of phytochemicals in fruits. As a result phenolic compounds (PCs) and total soluble sugars increased significantly, where specific phenylpropanoids showed increment up to 137% and several genes related to PCs biosynthesis and sugar transport were overexpressed. It was observed that the accumulation of PCs on fruits can be triggered by the application of wounding stress in a distant tissue and this accumulation is directly related to carbon partition and associated gene expression. This supports the idea that higher levels of healthy phytochemicals reported in organic fruits and vegetables could be due to the wounding component of the biotic stress attributed to insects to which the plant are exposed to.
NAC-Like Gene GIBBERELLIN SUPPRESSING FACTOR Regulates the Gibberellin Metabolic Pathway in Response to Cold and Drought Stresses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Hong-Ie , Li Pei-Fang , Yang Chang-Hsien
Published: December 2019

To investigate the functions ofNAC-like genes, we reported the characterization and functional analysis of oneArabidopsis NAC-like gene which showed a novel function in the regulation of gibberellin biosynthesis and named asGIBBERELLIN SUPPRESSING FACTOR(GSF). GSF acts as a transcriptional activator and has transactivation capacity based on yeast transcription activity assays. YFP + GSF-TM (lacking a transmembrane domain) fusion proteins accumulated in the nuclei, while the YFP + GSF fusion proteins only accumulated in the ER membrane and were absent from the nuclei. These results revealed that GSF requires processing and release from the ER and transportation into the nucleus to perform its function. The ectopic expression ofGSF-TMcaused a dwarfism phenotype, which was correlated with the upregulation of the gibberellin (GA) deactivation genes GA2-oxidases 2/6 (GA2ox2/6) and the downregulation of the GA biosynthetic genes GA20-oxidases 1–4 (GA20ox1-4). The external application of GA rescued the dwarfism in the 35 S::GSF-TMplants, indicating thatGSFaffects GA biosynthesis, rather than the GA signaling pathway. Further analysis indicated that the upregulation ofGA2ox2/6is a key factor for theGSFfunction to regulate the GA level, since 35 S::GA20ox1could not rescue the dwarfism in the 35 S::GSF-TMplants. Cold treatment induced the processing of the YFP + GSF fusion proteins from the ER membrane and their entry into the nuclei, which is correlated with the cold-induced upregulation of GA2oxs. In addition, the expression of GA2oxs was induced by drought, and the 35 S::GSF-TMplants showed drought tolerance compared to the wild-type plants. Our data suggest a role forGSFin response to abiotic stresses, such as cold and drought, by suppressing the biosynthesis of GA in Arabidopsis.
Insight into the biology of Mycobacterium mucogenicum and Mycobacterium neoaurum clade members
Authors: Behra Phani Rama Krishna , Pettersson B. M. Fredrik , Ramesh Malavika , Dasgupta Santanu , Kirsebom Leif A.
Published: December 2019

Nontuberculous mycobacteria, NTM, are of growing concern and among these members of the Mycobacterium mucogenicum (Mmuc) and Mycobacterium neoaurum (Mneo) clades can cause infections in humans and they are resistant to first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. They can be isolated from different ecological niches such as soil, tap water and ground water. Mycobacteria, such as Mmuc and Mneo, are classified as rapid growing mycobacteria, RGM, while the most familiar, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, belongs to the slow growing mycobacteria, SGM. Modern “omics” approaches have provided new insights into our understanding of the biology and evolution of this group of bacteria. Here we present comparative genomics data for seventeen NTM of which sixteen belong to the Mmuc- and Mneo-clades. Focusing on virulence genes, including genes encoding sigma/anti-sigma factors, serine threonine protein kinases (STPK), type VII (ESX genes) secretion systems and mammalian cell entry (Mce) factors we provide insight into their presence as well as phylogenetic relationship in the case of the sigma/anti-sigma factors and STPKs. Our data further suggest that these NTM lack ESX-5 and Mce2 genes, which are known to affect virulence. In this context, Mmuc- and Mneo-clade members lack several of the genes in the glycopeptidolipid (GLP) locus, which have roles in colony morphotype appearance and virulence. For the M. mucogenicum type strain, MmucT, we provide RNASeq data focusing on mRNA levels for sigma factors, STPK, ESX proteins and Mce proteins. These data are discussed and compared to in particular the SGM and fish pathogen Mycobacterium marinum. Finally, we provide insight into as to why members of the Mmuc- and Mneo-clades show resistance to rifampin and isoniazid, and why MmucT forms a rough colony morphotype.
Biodegradation of Vulcanized SBR: A Comparison between Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptomyces sp
Authors: Aboelkheir Mostafa Galal , Bedor Priscilla Braga , Leite Selma Gomes , Pal Kaushik , Toledo Filho Romildo Dias , Gomes de Souza Fernando
Published: December 2019

Rubber residues present harmful impacts on health and environment, besides wasting valuable and huge amounts of rubber. Biological recycling technique is focused here to minimize this problem. A comparison of the biodegradation effect caused by Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptomyces sp., separately, on vulcanized SBR-rubber during 4 weeks is reported. The surface and molecular analyses were studied by FTIR-ATR, TGA, DSC, TC and SEM/EDS, in addition to the contact angle and crosslinking tests. B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, and Streptomyces sp. evoked after 4 weeks a loss in v-SBR crosslinks by 17.15, 10.68 and 43.39% and also in the contact angle with water by 14.10, 12.86 and 15.71%, respectively., if compared to Control samples. FTIR findings indicate that the polymeric chain has been partially consumed causing C-C bonds scission indicating the biodegradation and bio-devulcanization phenomena. The bacterial strains caused a carbon loss by 9.15, 5.97 and 4.55% after one week and 16.09, 16.79 and 18.13% after four weeks for B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, and Streptomyces sp. mediums, respectively. DSC and EDS results are also promising and highlighting Streptomyces sp. strain as the most effective biodegradative one as an alternative and natural mean of degrading vulcanized rubber residues.
Radiotherapy was associated with the lower incidence of metachronous second primary lung cancer
Authors: Hu Zhi Gang , Tian Yu Feng , Li Wen Xin , Zeng Fan Jun
Published: December 2019

Our study aims to estimate the incidence of metachronous second primary lung cancer(SPLC) in initial primary lung cancer(IPLC) survivors and to determine whether radiotherapy affects the risk of metachronous SPLC in the first five years after the diagnosis of lung cancer. Incidence data of IPLC individuals who survived ≥2 years were obtained from SEER-18 database in 2004–2007. Joinpoint regression analysis and competing risk analysis were used to calculate the incidence of metachronous SPLC. Propensity score matching and decision analysis were available to estimate the effect of radiotherapy on metachronous SPLC. 264 of 11657 IPLC survivors with radiotherapy and 1090 of 24499 IPLC survivors without radiotherapy developed metachronous SPLC during 5-year follow-up, respectively. In joinpoint regression analysis, the 5-year incidence of metachronous SPLC in the radiotherapy group was lower than that in the nonradiotherapy group(2385 per 100,000 vs 4748 per 100,000, HR = 0.43,95% CI:0.39–0.47). Competing risk analysis showed that the survivors with radiotherapy were associated with the lower 5 year incidence of metachronous SPLC compared with those without radiotherapy(2.28% vs 4.47%, HR = 0.49,95% CI:0.43–0.57). Through propensity score matching, 4077 pairs of survivors were available to further study that radiotherapy potentially decreased the risk of developing metachronous SPLC with the adjustment of various factors(2.5% vs 3.3%, HR = 0.72, 95% CI:0.55–0.96). Decision analysis suggested that radiotherapy was a negative independent risk factor of metachronous SPLC with clinical net benefit in a range of risk thresholds (2% to 5%). Survivors of IPLC with radiotherapy likely had a low risk of metachronous SPLC during the first five years follow-up, especially non-small cell lung cancer.
Study of temporal variability of salivary cortisol and cortisone by LC-MS/MS using a new atmospheric pressure ionization source
Authors: Bakusic Jelena , De Nys Siemon , Creta Matteo , Godderis Lode , Duca Radu Corneliu
Published: December 2019

There is a growing interest concerning the relevance of salivary cortisone levels in stress-related research. However, studies investigating morning patterns and day-to-day variability of cortisone versus cortisol levels are lacking. Cortisol and cortisone analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) has been widely used for routine laboratory measurements in the last years. The aim of this study was to develop an ultra-performance LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of salivary cortisol and cortisone levels for assessing the temporal variability of these hormones. Saliva samples were collected from 18 healthy volunteers at 0, 15, and 30 min after awakening on each day for 1 week and analysed with the newly developed method. We used a novel atmospheric pressure ionization source, which resulted in high sensitivity and specificity for both cortisol and cortisone as well as higher peak values and signal-to-noise ratio as compared with the electrospray ionization source. Cortisone showed similar morning patterns as cortisol: a 25% and 49% increase in levels at 15 and 30 min after awakening, respectively. Most cortisone indices showed somewhat lower day-to-day variability and were less affected by state-related covariates. We recommend further exploration of the potential of salivary cortisone as a biomarker in stress-related research.
Assessing the therapeutic potential of Graptopetalum paraguayense on Alzheimer’s disease using patient iPSC-derived neurons
Authors: Wu Pei-Chun , Fann Ming-Ji , Tran Tu Thanh , Chen Shu-Cian , Devina Tania , Cheng Irene Han-Juo , Lien Cheng-Chang , Kao Lung-Sen , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Fuh Jong-Ling , Tzeng Tsai-Teng , Huang Chi-Ying , Shiao Young-Ji , Wong Yu-Hui
Published: December 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia and also one of the leading causes of death worldwide. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and currently there is no drug treatment that can prevent or cure AD. Here, we have applied the advantages of using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons (iNs) from AD patients, which are able to offer human-specific drug responsiveness, in order to evaluate therapeutic candidates for AD. Using approach involving an inducible neurogenin-2 transgene, we have established a robust and reproducible protocol for differentiating human iPSCs into glutamatergic neurons. The AD-iN cultures that result have mature phenotypic and physiological properties, together with AD-like biochemical features that include extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation and Tau protein phosphorylation. By screening using a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) approach, Graptopetalum paraguayense (GP) has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent for AD from among a range of Chinese herbal medicines. We found that administration of a GP extract caused a significantly reduction in the AD-associated phenotypes of the iNs, including decreased levels of extracellular Aβ40 and Aβ42, as well as reduced Tau protein phosphorylation at positions Ser214 and Ser396. Additionally, the effect of GP was more prominent in AD-iNs compared to non-diseased controls. These findings provide valuable information that suggests moving extracts of GP toward drug development, either for treating AD or as a health supplement to prevent AD. Furthermore, our human iN-based platform promises to be a useful strategy when it is used for AD drug discovery.
I8-arachnotocin–an arthropod-derived G protein-biased ligand of the human vasopressin V2 receptor
Authors: Duerrauer Leopold , Muratspahić Edin , Gattringer Jasmin , Keov Peter , Mendel Helen C. , Pfleger Kevin D. G. , Muttenthaler Markus , Gruber Christian W.
Published: December 2019

The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) and their G protein-coupled receptors OTR, V1aR, V1bR, and V2R form an important and widely-distributed neuroendocrine signaling system. In mammals, this signaling system regulates water homeostasis, blood pressure, reproduction, as well as social behaviors such as pair bonding, trust and aggression. There exists high demand for ligands with differing pharmacological profiles to study the physiological and pathological functions of the individual receptor subtypes. Here, we present the pharmacological characterization of an arthropod (Metaseiulus occidentalis) OT/VP-like nonapeptide across the human OT/VP receptors. I8-arachnotocin is a full agonist with respect to second messenger signaling at human V2R (EC50 34 nM) and V1bR (EC50 1.2 µM), a partial agonist at OTR (EC50 790 nM), and a competitive antagonist at V1aR [pA2 6.25 (558 nM)]. Intriguingly, I8-arachnotocin activated the Gαs pathway of V2R without recruiting either β-arrestin-1 or β-arrestin-2. I8-arachnotocin might thus be a novel pharmacological tool to study the (patho)physiological relevance of β-arrestin-1 or -2 recruitment to the V2R. These findings furthermore highlight arthropods as a novel, vast and untapped source for the discovery of novel pharmacological probes and potential drug leads targeting neurohormone receptors.
Association between Plasma N-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Levels and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in a Community-based Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Wei-Sin , Chen Yun-Yu , Chen Pei-Chun , Hsu Hsiu-Ching , Su Ta-Chen , Lin Hung-Ju , Chen Ming-Fong , Lee Yuan-Teh , Chien Kuo-Liong
Published: December 2019

Most studies support that saturated fatty acid replacement with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and put emphasis on the effects of N-3 PUFAs. The reported relationships between N-6 PUFAs and CVD risks vary. We aimed to examine the associations between N-6 PUFA concentrations and CVD risks. In this community-based prospective cohort study on CVD-free patients at baseline (N = 1835, age: 60.6 ± 10.5 years, women: 44.5%), we measured the fatty acid concentrations in the blood using gas chromatography. Four hundred twenty-four participants developed CVDs during follow up. The total N-6 PUFA concentration was inversely associated with the CVD risk, with a 48% lower risk in the highest N-6 PUFA concentration quartile (hazard ratio = 0.52; P for trend <0.001). The estimated population attributable risk of N-6 PUFAs indicated that approximately 20.7% of CVD events would have been prevented if the plasma N-6 PUFA concentration had been higher than the median value. The total N-6 PUFA concentration presented the highest net reclassification improvement (NRI = 7.2%, P = 0.03) for predicting incident CVD. Further studies on N-6 PUFAs, diet habits, and their relationships with healthcare are warranted.
Highly monodisperse Pd-Ni nanoparticles supported on rGO as a rapid, sensitive, reusable and selective enzyme-free glucose sensor
Authors: Şavk Aysun , Cellat Kemal , Arıkan Kubilay , Tezcan Fatih , Gülbay Senem Karahan , Kızıldağ Servet , Işgın Elif Şahin , Şen Fatih
Published: December 2019

In this work, highly monodispersed palladium-nickel (Pd-Ni) nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were synthesized by the microwave-assisted methodology. The synthesized nanoparticles were used for modification of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to produce our final product as PdNi@rGO/GCE, which were utilized for non-enzymatic detecting of glucose. In the present study, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), chronoamperometry (CA) and, cyclic voltammetry (CV) methods were implemented to investigate the sensing performance of the developed glucose electrode. The modified electrode, PdNi@rGO/GCE, exhibited very noticeable results with a linear working range of 0.05–1.1 mM. Moreover, an ultralow detection limit of 0.15 μM was achieved. According to the results of amperometric signals of the electrodes, no significant change was observed, even after 250 h of operation period. In addition, the highly monodisperse PdNi@rGO/GCE was utilized to electrochemical detection of glucose in real serum samples. In light of the results, PdNi@rGO/GCE has shown an excellent sensing performance and can be used successfully in serum samples for glucose detection and it is suitable for practical and clinical applications.
Divergent evolution of terrestrial locomotor abilities in extant Crocodylia
Authors: Hutchinson John R. , Felkler Dean , Houston Kati , Chang Yu-Mei , Brueggen John , Kledzik David , Vliet Kent A.
Published: December 2019

Extant Crocodylia are exceptional because they employ almost the full range of quadrupedal footfall patterns (“gaits”) used by mammals; including asymmetrical gaits such as galloping and bounding. Perhaps this capacity evolved in stem Crocodylomorpha, during the Triassic when taxa were smaller, terrestrial, and long-legged. However, confusion about which Crocodylia use asymmetrical gaits and why persists, impeding reconstructions of locomotor evolution. Our experimental gait analysis of locomotor kinematics across 42 individuals from 15 species of Crocodylia obtained 184 data points for a wide velocity range (0.15–4.35 ms−1). Our results suggest either that asymmetrical gaits are ancestral for Crocodylia and lost in the alligator lineage, or that asymmetrical gaits evolved within Crocodylia at the base of the crocodile line. Regardless, we recorded usage of asymmetrical gaits in 7 species of Crocodyloidea (crocodiles); including novel documentation of these behaviours in 5 species (3 critically endangered). Larger Crocodylia use relatively less extreme gait kinematics consistent with steeply decreasing athletic ability with size. We found differences between asymmetrical and symmetrical gaits in Crocodylia: asymmetrical gaits involved greater size-normalized stride frequencies and smaller duty factors (relative ground contact times), consistent with increased mechanical demands. Remarkably, these gaits did not differ in maximal velocities obtained: whether in Alligatoroidea or Crocodyloidea, trotting or bounding achieved similar velocities, revealing that the alligator lineage is capable of hitherto unappreciated extreme locomotor performance despite a lack of asymmetrical gait usage. Hence asymmetrical gaits have benefits other than velocity capacity that explain their prevalence in Crocodyloidea and absence in Alligatoroidea—and their broader evolution.
Conformational exchange in the potassium channel blocker ShK
Authors: Iwakawa Naoto , Baxter Nicola J. , Wai Dorothy C. C. , Fowler Nicholas J. , Morales Rodrigo A. V. , Sugase Kenji , Norton Raymond S. , Williamson Mike P.
Published: December 2019

ShK is a 35-residue disulfide-linked polypeptide produced by the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus, which blocks the potassium channels Kv1.1 and Kv1.3 with pM affinity. An analogue of ShK has been developed that blocks Kv1.3 > 100 times more potently than Kv1.1, and has completed Phase 1b clinical trials for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Previous studies have indicated that ShK undergoes a conformational exchange that is critical to its function, but this has proved difficult to characterise. Here, we have used high hydrostatic pressure as a tool to increase the population of the alternative state, which is likely to resemble the active form that binds to the Kv1.3 channel. By following changes in chemical shift with pressure, we have derived the chemical shift values of the low- and high-pressure states, and thus characterised the locations of structural changes. The main difference is in the conformation of the Cys17-Cys32 disulfide, which is likely to affect the positions of the critical Lys22-Tyr23 pair by twisting the 21–24 helix and increasing the solvent exposure of the Lys22 sidechain, as indicated by molecular dynamics simulations.
Materials, energy, water, and emissions nexus impacts on the future contribution of PV solar technologies to global energy scenarios
Authors: Elshkaki Ayman
Published: December 2019

PV technologies are increasingly making significant contribution to global energy generation (GEG), attributed to their high potential of increasing efficiency, cost reduction, and improving energy security. These technologies however rely on metals that are identified as critical due to risks associated with their supply, and other materials that require energy and water for their production. In this paper, a comprehensive assessment of required materials for PV technologies, an analysis of their materials inflows, outflows, and stocks, an estimate of their maximum contribution to global energy scenarios (GES), and an estimate of energy and water required for their material production and associated CO2 emissions under the nexus approach, have been carried out using a dynamic material flow-stock model. A total of 100 energy-material nexus scenarios, which combines 10 GES and 10 materials scenarios, have been analysed. Results indicate that although most GES are difficult to be realized under current PV technologies market share and condition; these technologies could make significant contribution to GEG in future. The three commercial thin-film PV technologies could produce between 3% and 22% of electricity generation in IEA-450 scenario. Energy required for PV materials production is expected to reach between 5.9% and 11.8% of electricity generated (EG) by PV solar and between 0.76% and 1.52% of total EG in IEA-450 scenario by 2050. CO2 emissions associated with material production are expected to be between 0.94% and 2.2% of total CO2 emissions in IEA-450 scenario by 2050.
Targeting of cell-free DNA by DNase I diminishes endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in a rat model of cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Weber Carolyn , Jenke Alexander , Chobanova Vasilena , Yazdanyar Mariam , Chekhoeva Agunda , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Lichtenberg Artur , Wahlers Thorsten , Akhyari Payam , Paunel-Görgülü Adnana
Published: December 2019

The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) results in the activation of leukocytes, release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and severe inflammation. We hypothesize that targeting of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) by DNases might represent a feasible therapeutic strategy to limit CPB-associated side effects. Male Wistar rats (n = 24) underwent CPB with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) and were divided into 3 groups: control (group 1), one i.v. bolus DNase I before CPB start (group 2) and a second DNase I dose before reperfusion (group 3). We found a positive correlation between plasma cfDNA/NETs levels and compromised endothelial vasorelaxation after CPB. DNase I administration significantly diminished plasma cfDNA/NETs levels. Further, a dose-dependent improvement in endothelial function accompanied by significant reduction of circulating intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 was observed. Rats of group 3 had significantly reduced plasma IL-6 levels and downregulated expression of adhesion molecules resulting in impaired leukocyte extravasation and reduced MPO activity in lungs. Mechanistically, digestion of NETs by DNase I significantly diminished NETs-dependent upregulation of adhesion molecules in human endothelial cells. Altogether, systemic DNase I administration during CPB efficiently reduced cfDNA/NETs-mediated endothelial dysfunction and inflammation and might represents a promising therapeutic strategy for clinical practice.
Publisher Correction: A TonB-dependent receptor constitutes the outer membrane transport system for a lignin-derived aromatic compound
Authors: Fujita Masaya , Mori Kosuke , Hara Hirofumi , Hishiyama Shojiro , Kamimura Naofumi , Masai Eiji
Published: December 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: Deconstructing and repurposing the light-regulated interplay between Arabidopsis phytochromes and interacting factors
Authors: Golonka David , Fischbach Patrick , Jena Siddhartha G. , Kleeberg Julius R. W. , Essen Lars-Oliver , Toettcher Jared E. , Zurbriggen Matias D. , Möglich Andreas
Published: December 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Electrochemiluminescence detection of cardiac troponin I based on Au–Ag alloy nanourchins
Authors: Wang Minghan , Liu Junjie , Qin Xiaoli , Nie Xin , Dong Yifan , Liang Xu , Zhu Zhiwei , Yang Di , Shao Yuanhua
Published: December 2019

In this work, an Au–Ag alloy nanourchin (Au–Ag alloy NU) based electrochemiluminescent (ECL) sensor for the measurement of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was developed.
Correlative imaging of ionic transport and electronic structure in nano Li0.5FePO4 electrodes
Authors: Lu Mi , Yu Fuda , Hu Yongfeng , Zaghib Karim , Schougaard Steen B. , Wang Zhenbo , Zhou Jigang , wang Jian , Goodenough John , Sham T. K.
Published: December 2019

Bulk and surface phase separation and electronic structure variation of Li0.5FePO4 particles under concurrent lithiation are imaged by X-ray microscopies.
Calculations on the unimolecular decomposition of the nerve agent VX
Authors: Shan Xiao , Sambrook Mark R. , Clary David C.
Published: December 2019

The thermal decomposition of VX has been studied computationally. The VX reactions have higher barriers and slower rates than the GB reaction. It is predicted that VX completely decomposes in 2 s at temperatures above 750 K.
Bayesian analysis of data from segmented super-resolution images for quantifying protein clustering
Authors: Košuta Tina , Cullell-Dalmau Marta , Cella Zanacchi Francesca , Manzo Carlo
Published: December 2019

A Bayesian approach enables the precise quantification of the relative abundance of molecular aggregates of different stoichiometry from segmented super-resolution images.
Microwave-assisted depolymerization of various types of waste lignins over two-dimensional CuO/BCN catalysts
Authors: Cao Yang , Chen Season S. , Tsang Daniel C. W. , Clark James H. , Budarin Vitaliy L. , Hu Changwei , Wu Kevin C.-W. , Zhang Shicheng
Published: December 2019

Valorization of lignin to valuable chemicals and biofuels increases the economic viability of sustainable biorefineries.
The effect of sample surface roughness on the microanalysis of microchip laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Wei , Sun Lanxiang , Wang Guodong , Zhang Peng , Qi Lifeng , Zheng Liming , Dong Wei
Published: December 2019

In the microanalysis of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, the influence of surface roughness on spectral stability and quantitative analysis capability was studied for the first time when the laser ablation crater diameter was approximately 10 μm.
Electro-coalescence in step emulsification: dynamics and applications
Authors: Huang Xing , He Binbin , Xu Zhongbin , Pei Hao , Ruan Yun Jie
Published: December 2019

Electro-coalescence in step emulsification provides good control over the morphology and sizes of the Janus/Multi-layered droplets.
Cyrene™ is a green alternative to DMSO as a solvent for antibacterial drug discovery against ESKAPE pathogens
Authors: Camp Jason E. , Nyamini Simbarashe B. , Scott Fraser J.
Published: December 2019

We describe the evaluation of Cyrene™ as an alternative to DMSO as a vehicle for antibacterial susceptibility testing.
A mixed-dimensional 1D Se–2D InSe van der Waals heterojunction for high responsivity self-powered photodetectors
Authors: Shang Huiming , Chen Hongyu , Dai Mingjin , Hu Yunxia , Gao Feng , Yang Huihui , Xu Bo , Zhang Shichao , Tan Biying , Zhang Xin , Hu PingAn
Published: December 2019

Mixed-dimension van der Waals (vdW) p–n heterojunction photodiodes have inspired worldwide efforts to combine the excellent properties of 2D materials and traditional semiconductors without consideration of lattice mismatch.
Fabrication of liquid–liquid self-assembled Ag arrays on disposable screen-printed electrodes and their application in the identification and analysis of the adsorption behavior of organic carboxylates through in situ electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Teng Yuanjie , Ren Zeyu , Zhang Yuchao , Wang Zhenni , Pan Zaifa , Shao Kang , She Yuanbin
Published: December 2019

A disposable Ag array@screen-printed electrode (SPE) was fabricated for the identification and analysis of the adsorption behavior of organic carboxylates in in situ electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman scattering (EC-SERS).
Selective light trapping of plasmonic stack metamaterials by circuit design
Authors: Zhu Jinfeng , Zhang Lirong , Jiang Shan , Ou Jun-Yu , Liu Qing Huo
Published: December 2019

The study reveals the field-circuit relationship for the light–matter interaction of nanostructure stacks and provides a powerful method for the quick design of functional plasmonic metamaterials.
Structural combination of polar hollow microspheres and hierarchical N-doped carbon nanotubes for high-performance Li–S batteries
Authors: Lee Jun Yeob , Park Gi Dae , Choi Jae Hun , Kang Yun Chan
Published: December 2019

Herein, unique and novel structured microspheres with a porous SiO2 layer as a shell and well-aligned inner-grown N-doped CNTs comprising CoFe2 nanocatalyst alloy were synthesized by a modified Stöber method and chemical deposition.
Biomass materials derived from anethole: conversion and application
Authors: Wang Caiyun , Sun Jing , Tao Yangqing , Fang Linxuan , Zhou Junfeng , Dai Menglu , Liu Meina , Fang Qiang
Published: December 2019

Renewable biomass has attracted much attention because of its advantages over fossil fuels. Of these biomasses, anethole has been developed as a reliable monomer or precursor for diverse materials with potential applications.
On the nitroxide mediated polymerization of methacrylates derived from bio-sourced terpenes in miniemulsion, a step towards sustainable products
Authors: Noppalit Sayrung , Simula Alexandre , Billon Laurent , Asua José M.
Published: December 2019

The typical use of toxic solvents, expensive control agents and the need of intermediate purification steps hinders the introduction of bio-sourced monomers into industrially viable block copolymers. This study aims at overcoming these limitations.
Natural catalyst mediated ARGET and SARA ATRP of N-isopropylacrylamide and methyl acrylate
Authors: Ramu Arumugam , Rajendrakumar Kannapiran
Published: December 2019

An extract prepared from inexpensive, drumstick leaves having natural transition metals in ppm levels was exploited as a catalyst for a well-controlled synthesis of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and poly(methyl acrylate).
The synthesis of a Cu(ii) Schiff base complex using a bidentate N2O2 donor ligand: crystal structure, photophysical properties, and antibacterial activities
Authors: Guo Yaning , Hu Xiaobing , Zhang Xinli , Pu Xiaohua , Wang Yue
Published: December 2019

Reaction of a symmetric compartmental Schiff base ligand (HL) with copper(ii) salt in 2 : 1 M ratio in methanol gave rise to a mononuclear copper(ii) complex, which was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.
Carbon dot mediated G quadruplex nano-network formation for enhanced DNAzyme activity and easy catalyst reclamation
Authors: Kumari Sonam , Mandal Saptarshi , Das Prolay
Published: December 2019

Enhanced DNAzyme activity of G-quadruplex–hemin complex in carbon dot crosslinked nanonetwork with access to easy catalyst regeneration.
Molecular dynamics simulation on the reaction of nano-aluminum with water: size and passivation effects
Authors: Dong Rui-Kang , Mei Zheng , Zhao Feng-Qi , Xu Si-Yu , Ju Xue-Hai
Published: December 2019

The temperature distribution, number of Al–O bonds and hydrogen yield evolution with time.
Facile one-pot synthesis of novel N-benzimidazolyl-α-arylnitrones catalyzed by salts of transition metals
Authors: Kalhor Mehdi , Samiei Sima , Mirshokraei S. Ahmad
Published: December 2019

A novel series of N-benzimidazol-2-yl-α-aryl nitrones 3a–j is synthesized via one-pot condensation/oxidation of 2-aminobenzimidazole, an aromatic aldehyde and m-CPBA as an effective oxidant using Mn(NO3)2·6H2O as an efficient catalyst.
Chemoradiotherapy screening in a novel biomimetic polymer based pancreatic cancer model
Authors: Gupta Priyanka , Totti Stella , Pérez-Mancera Pedro A. , Dyke Eleanor , Nisbet Andrew , Schettino Giuseppe , Webb Roger , Velliou Eirini G.
Published: December 2019

Poly-urethane scaffold based 3D pancreatic cancer model enables realistic long term chemotherapy and radiotherapy screening. This model can be used for personalised treatment screening.
In situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles in polymer films under concentrated sunlight: control of nanoparticle size and shape with solar flux
Authors: Nadal E. , Barros N. , Peres L. , Goetz V. , Respaud M. , Soulantica K. , Kachachi H.
Published: December 2019

We proposed a one step, green and efficient approach to synthesize plasmonic nanocomposites over large surfaces and with controlled morphologies.
Self-sorting of two imine-based metal complexes: balancing kinetics and thermodynamics in constitutional dynamic networks
Authors: Ayme Jean-François , Lehn Jean-Marie
Published: December 2019

Constitutional dynamic networks have been developed to simultaneously control the output of two interconnected dynamic processes over several species of the same reaction mixture.
Thermal stability and dynamics of soft nanoparticle membranes: role of entropy, enthalpy and membrane compressibility
Authors: Das A Nimmi , Begam Nafisa , Chandran Sivasurender , Swain Aparna , Sprung Michael , Basu J. K.
Published: December 2019

Tuning thermal stability soft nanoparticle membranes through entropic and enthalpic interactions with substrates.
Single-ion conducting gel polymer electrolytes: design, preparation and application
Authors: Deng Kuirong , Zeng Qingguang , Wang Da , Liu Zheng , Qiu Zhenping , Zhang Yangfan , Xiao Min , Meng Yuezhong
Published: December 2019

Single-ion conducting gel polymer electrolytes possess both unity lithium ion transference numbers (∼0.98) and high ionic conductivities (∼5.8 mS cm−1).
Significantly enhanced permittivity and energy density in dielectric composites with aligned BaTiO3lamellar structures
Authors: Guo Ru , Roscow James I. , Bowen Chris R. , Luo Hang , Huang Yujuan , Ma Yupeng , Zhou Kechao , Zhang Dou
Published: December 2019

A significant improvement of permittivity and energy density will enable the miniaturization of dielectric capacitors and promote integration for applications in electrical power and defense systems.
UV-driven self-replenishing slippery surfaces with programmable droplet-guiding pathways
Authors: Rao Qingqing , Zhang Jiawen , Zhan Xiaoli , Chen Fengqiu , Zhang Qinghua
Published: December 2019

Construction of a smart slippery surface with UV-driven programmable droplet-guiding pathways and controllable surface color change.
Dopant-free F-substituted benzodithiophene copolymer hole-transporting materials for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Kong Xiangyu , Jiang Yue , Wu Xiayan , Chen Cong , Guo Jiali , Liu Shengjian , Gao Xingsen , Zhou Guofu , Liu Jun-Ming , Kempa Krzysztof , Gao Jinwei
Published: December 2019

Perovskite solar cells based on dopant-free PBDT[2F]T have achieved a power conversion efficiency (17.52%), combined with an impressive stability in contrast to that with the doped spiro-OMeTAD as a HTM in ambient atmosphere and even in high humidity.
Evidence for interfacial geometric interactions at metal–support interfaces and their influence on the electroactivity and stability of Pt nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Xiao , Gunji Takao , Kaneko Takuma , Takao Shinobu , Sakata Tomohiro , Higashi Kotaro , Yoshida Yusuke , Ge Junjie , Liu Changpeng , Xing Wei , Zhu Jianbing , Xiao Meiling , Uruga Tomoya , Tao Franklin (Feng) , Chen Zhongwei
Published: December 2019

We present evidence for long-range interfacial geometric interactions at metal–support interfaces by a combination of atomic scale and in situ characterizations.
An anticancer agent-loaded PLGA nanomedicine with glutathione-response and targeted delivery for the treatment of lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhanxia , Cheng Wei , Pan Yongfu , Jia Lijun
Published: December 2019

Anticancer agent-loaded PLGA nanomedicine with glutathione-response and targeted delivery possesses high therapeutic efficacy and minimum side effects for the treatment of lung cancer.
A Bi2S3@mSiO2@Ag nanocomposite for enhanced CT visualization and antibacterial response in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Zu Yan , Yan Liang , Wang Tao , Ma Dongqing , Dong Xinghua , Du Zhen , Yin Wenyan
Published: December 2019

A dual-functional Bi2S3@mSiO2@Ag nanocomposite can be used as an efficient CT contrast agent to visualize the whole GI tract. And this nanocomposite also has effective antibacterial ability to intestine-infected mouse.
Magnetron-sputtering deposited molybdenum carbide MXene thin films as a saturable absorber for passively Q-switched lasers
Authors: Wang Jiang , Liu Sicong , Wang Yonggang , Wang Taijin , Shang Shiguang , Ren Wei
Published: December 2019

We experimentally demonstrated the passively Q-switched Nd:YAG laser based on the Mo2C film as a saturable absorber.
Improving the performance of near infrared binary polymer solar cells by adding a second non-fullerene intermediate band-gap acceptor
Authors: Ma Ruijie , Chen Yuzhong , Liu Tao , Xiao Yiqun , Luo Zhenghui , Zhang Maojie , Luo Siwei , Lu Xinhui , Zhang Guangye , Li Yongfang , Yan He , Chen Kai
Published: December 2019

A series of ternary OSCs were fabricated with PBDB-T-2Cl:IXIC-4Cl as a host system and IT-4F as the third component. The optimal ternary device achieved an excellent PCE of 15.0%.
Antioxidants and radical damage in a hydrophilic environment: chemical reactions and concepts
Authors: Nauser Thomas , Gebicki Janusz M.
Published: December 2019

Known endogenous antioxidants are unlikely to prevent radical damage due to oxidative stress or achieve complete repair by established reaction mechanisms. While near complete prevention seems very unrealistic, some of the initial damage can be repaired. Depending on tissue, this may be even a large fraction. Antioxidants, however, will efficiently break radical reaction chains and, therefore, certainly limit the damage caused by radicals. It is not clear if chemical antioxidant action is strictly limited to electron-transfer processes or if additional reaction mechanisms may contribute.
Research of acquisition and prediction method in early weak information of locomotive traction system
Authors: Ren Bin , Li Siwen , Yang Shaopu , Song Wentao , Jiao Yonggang
Published: December 2019

Many key parts of mechanical equipment gradually enter failure period with service, and failures happen in some of them, it will lead to serious consequences with economic loss and crash of machine and death of human if weak failures cannot be identified in time, which might degrade to major failure. It would be of benefit to prevent the fault deterioration if faults could be identified in early period, with the states of key parts obtained. Locomotive gear was chosen as the research object here, a method of inhibition mode mixing and characteristic frequency acquisition based on dynamic cascade empirical mode decomposition is put forward for the weakness and aliasing out of uncertain factors. The fault features are much more obviously presented in different time scale by optimal intrinsic mode function (IMF) acquisition and the improvement of envelope solution method. The results of experiment show that weak faults can be obtained under much noise, and an effective method is provided for early fault prognosis and diagnosis.
Comparative study of motor imagery classification based on BP‐NN and SVM
Authors: Jia Hongru , Wang Shuai , Zheng Dezhi , Qu Xiaolei , Fan Shangchun
Published: December 2019

Motor imagery (MI) classification based on electroencephalogram (EEG) with high speed and accuracy is a key issue in brain–computer‐interface (BCI) technology. This study compared the support vector machine (SVM) and back‐propagation neural network (BP‐NN) for MI classification. In this study, EEG data of four subjects provided by BCI competition 2008 was employed. For the comparison of classification accuracy (CA), there were three steps. First, EEG feature extraction for MI was implemented by using a common spatial pattern. Second, SVM and BP‐NN were used to classify MI by cross‐validation. Finally, the CA rate, receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC) were given to evaluate two classifiers. The average CA rates obtained on the four subjects using SVM and BP‐NN were 75.20 and 80.73%, respectively. Furthermore, the mean AUCs of SVM and BP‐NN were 0.7860 and 0.9462, respectively. Both average CA rate and AUC indicate that BP‐NN has better accuracy of classification than SVM.
Simulation and measurement of spectra of reference filtered X radiation
Authors: Zhang Deliang , Wu Jinjie , Guo Siming , Lai Wanchang , Du Haiyan , Zhao Rui , Hou Dongjie
Published: December 2019

The energy spectrum is one of the most effective methods to characterise the quality of reference filtered X radiations. To obtain the energy resolution, the authors choose seven sealed standard radioactive sources to carry out energy calibration for high‐purity germanium detector whose energy resolution is within 3%. Then they use this spectrometer to measure the reference filtered X radiations with its energy from 55 to 125 keV of low air‐kerma rate series, meanwhile the BEAMnrc is used to simulate the spectra of the same four radiation qualities. By analysing the data of spectral distribution, they can determine mean energy and spectral resolution of these reference radiation qualities. By comparing simulation results with actual measurements, the result shows the spectra stimulated by the BEAMnrc are consistent with the spectra measured by high‐purity germanium detector and the deviation of the mean energy is within 4.0%. The spectral resolution of the reference filtered X radiation is 22.8, 22.4, 22.5 and 22.8%, respectively.
Structure design and finite element analysis of box type cargo picking robot clamp type end effector
Authors: Li Zeyuan , Xu Baojie , Huang Min , Gao Hong
Published: December 2019

At present, the box type cargo picking robot mostly adopts the sucker type end‐effector in the logistics industry in china. In the light of the disadvantages and limitation of the complex heavy pneumatic devices used in the existing sucker type end‐effector, a new type of clamping end‐effector's structure is designed here. Relying on the clamp, flip, clamping to realise the pickup of the box goods. Only by stepping motor as the driving device, the weight of the driving system is greatly reduced, so that the overall structure of the robot is lightweight and the selection efficiency is improved. The finite element analysis of key components improves the feasibility of structural design. The finite element analysis of key components verifies the feasibility of the structure design and provides references for subsequent optimisation.
Applying morphology to improve Canny operator's image segmentation method
Authors: Xu Hongyun , Xu Xiaoli , Zuo Yunbo
Published: December 2019

When a single image segmentation method is used for image segmentation of wind turbine blade images under a complex background, the results obtained are not accurate and complete. This article proposes an image segmentation algorithm that applies morphology to Canny edge detection. It uses morphological opening to erode and dilate the binary image after Canny algorithm processing, and removes redundant edge information to obtain a complete fan blade image. Experimental results show that the results obtained by the image segmentation method proposed here have good integrity and accuracy, and can improve the segmentation effect of the image.
Automatic verification and data processing system of indicator based on grating principle
Authors: Li Lingmei , Lu Ruijun , Ma Yiqing , Liu Hongguang
Published: December 2019

The rapid progress of modern science and technology promotes the continuous development of precision measurement technology and improves the accuracy and efficiency of measuring instruments. In optical precision measurement technology, grating measurement technology has the advantage of high precision and large range. This study introduces the principle, structure and data handling of grating tester for dial indicator gauges. As the grating tester for dial indicator gauges is a kind of high precision measuring standard instrument, the verification basis, verification method and uncertainty analysis are also discussed in depth in this study.
GPU computing performance analysis on matrix multiplication
Authors: Huang Zhibin , Ma Ning , Wang Shaojun , Peng Yu
Published: December 2019

The machine learning has been widely used in intelligent data mining. The high‐computational complexity of machine learning and huge data volume present challenges to computing platforms. Graphics processor unit (GPU) provides powerful computing support for machine learning but shows different performances under different computing scales and/or different development methods. Analysing the performance of GPUs in different application scenarios helps to improve computing performance. In this study, the matrix multiplication, which is a common and time‐consuming computation operation in machine learning, is performed on different data scales and different development methods to analyse the relationship between GPU computing performance with matrix scale and development methods. The experimental data shows that the performance of GPU is not much improved compared with the central processing unit in small‐scale data calculation. Also, using a high‐level application programming interface for GPU development is less computing‐efficient than the GPU programming language computes unified device architecture C.
Programmable power supply design based on biological factor interference mechanism
Authors: Zheng Yunhong , Huang Xumin , Rahman Tanzeel Ur
Published: December 2019

Nowadays, how to deal with the water pollution has become a worldwide problem. More and more people are focusing on how to disinfect and reuse water resources. In daily life, people often use chlorine gas to disinfect, but chlorine gas disinfection has low efficiency and it will take a long time to be effective. It is also easy to form secondary pollution. Therefore, ultraviolet disinfection technology is more and more popular. At present, ultraviolet disinfection technology generally adopts fixed output frequency and voltage, and the effect is not good. This is because VBNC is a common state of water organisms, in which water organisms are in a special state of dormancy. When the external environment is restored properly, they can still recover their activity. Here, a programmable power supply based on DSP is designed to solve this problem. If the ultraviolet lamp is powered by this power supply, the output voltage and frequency can be variable. The system greatly improves the sterilisation efficiency, and the effective sterilisation can reach 99.99%.