bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A genome-wide CRISPR screen identifies N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate transferase as a potential antiviral target for Ebola virus
Authors: Flint Mike , Chatterjee Payel , Lin David L. , McMullan Laura K. , Shrivastava-Ranjan Punya , Bergeron Éric , Lo Michael K. , Welch Stephen R. , Nichol Stuart T. , Tai Andrew W. , Spiropoulou Christina F.
Published: January 2019

There are no approved therapies for Ebola virus infection. Here, to find potential therapeutic targets, we perform a screen for genes essential for Ebola virus (EBOV) infection. We identify GNPTAB, which encodes the α and β subunits of N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate transferase. We show that EBOV infection of a GNPTAB knockout cell line is impaired, and that this is reversed by reconstituting GNPTAB expression. Fibroblasts from patients with mucolipidosis II, a disorder associated with mutations in GNPTAB, are refractory to EBOV, whereas cells from their healthy parents support infection. Impaired infection correlates with loss of the expression of cathepsin B, known to be essential for EBOV entry. GNPTAB activity is dependent upon proteolytic cleavage by the SKI-1/S1P protease. Inhibiting this protease with the small-molecule PF-429242 blocks EBOV entry and infection. Disruption of GNPTAB function may represent a strategy for a host-targeted therapy for EBOV.
Characterization of the Src-regulated kinome identifies SGK1 as a key mediator of Src-induced transformation
Authors: Ma Xiuquan , Zhang Luxi , Song Jiangning , Nguyen Elizabeth , Lee Rachel S. , Rodgers Samuel J. , Li Fuyi , Huang Cheng , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Chan Howard , Chheang Chanly , Wu Jianmin , Brown Kristin K. , Mitchell Christina A. , Simpson Kaylene J. , Daly Roger J.
Published: January 2019

Despite significant progress, our understanding of how specific oncogenes transform cells is still limited and likely underestimates the complexity of downstream signalling events. To address this gap, we use mass spectrometry-based chemical proteomics to characterize the global impact of an oncogene on the expressed kinome, and then functionally annotate the regulated kinases. As an example, we identify 63 protein kinases exhibiting altered expression and/or phosphorylation in Src-transformed mammary epithelial cells. An integrated siRNA screen identifies nine kinases, including SGK1, as being essential for Src-induced transformation. Accordingly, we find that Src positively regulates SGK1 expression in triple negative breast cancer cells, which exhibit a prominent signalling network governed by Src family kinases. Furthermore, combined inhibition of Src and SGK1 reduces colony formation and xenograft growth more effectively than either treatment alone. Therefore, this approach not only provides mechanistic insights into oncogenic transformation but also aids the design of improved therapeutic strategies.
CRISPR analysis suggests that small circular single-stranded DNA smacoviruses infect Archaea instead of humans
Authors: Díez-Villaseñor César , Rodriguez-Valera Francisco
Published: January 2019

Smacoviridae is a family of small (~2.5 Kb) CRESS-DNA (Circular Rep Encoding Single-Stranded (ss) DNA) viruses. These viruses have been found in faeces, were thought to infect eukaryotes and are suspected to cause gastrointestinal disease in humans. CRISPR-Cas systems are adaptive immune systems in prokaryotes, wherein snippets of genomes from invaders are stored as spacers that are interspersed between a repeated CRISPR sequence. Here we report several spacer sequences in the faecal archaeon Candidatus Methanomassiliicoccus intestinalis matching smacoviruses, implicating the archaeon as a firm candidate for a host. This finding may be relevant to understanding the potential origin of smacovirus-associated human diseases. Our results support that CRESS-DNA viruses can infect non-eukaryotes, which would mean that smacoviruses are the viruses with the smallest genomes to infect prokaryotes known to date. A probable target strand bias suggests that, in addition to double-stranded DNA, the CRISPR-Cas system can target ssDNA.
Cellular geometry scaling ensures robust division site positioning
Authors: Gu Ying , Oliferenko Snezhana
Published: January 2019

Cells of a specific cell type may divide within a certain size range. Yet, functionally optimal cellular organization is typically maintained across different cell sizes, a phenomenon known as scaling. The mechanisms underlying scaling and its physiological significance remain elusive. Here we approach this problem by interfering with scaling in the rod-shaped fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicus that relies on cellular geometry cues to position the division site. We show that S. japonicus uses the Cdc42 polarity module to adjust its geometry to changes in the cell size. When scaling is prevented resulting in abnormal cellular length-to-width aspect ratio, cells exhibit severe division site placement defects. We further show that despite the generally accepted view, a similar scaling phenomenon can occur in the sister species, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Our results demonstrate that scaling is required for normal cell function and delineate possible rules for cellular geometry maintenance in populations of proliferating cells.
Light from van der Waals quantum tunneling devices
Authors: Parzefall Markus , Szabó Áron , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Luisier Mathieu , Novotny Lukas
Published: January 2019

The understanding of and control over light emission from quantum tunneling has challenged researchers for more than four decades due to the intricate interplay of electrical and optical properties in atomic scale volumes. Here we introduce a device architecture that allows for the disentanglement of electronic and photonic pathways—van der Waals quantum tunneling devices. The electronic properties are defined by a stack of two-dimensional atomic crystals whereas the optical properties are controlled via an external photonic architecture. In van der Waals heterostructures made of gold, hexagonal boron nitride and graphene we find that inelastic tunneling results in the emission of photons and surface plasmon polaritons. By coupling these heterostructures to optical nanocube antennas we achieve resonant enhancement of the photon emission rate in narrow frequency bands by four orders of magnitude. Our results lead the way towards a new generation of nanophotonic devices that are driven by quantum tunneling.
Resilience of the Eastern African electricity sector to climate driven changes in hydropower generation
Authors: Sridharan Vignesh , Broad Oliver , Shivakumar Abhishek , Howells Mark , Boehlert Brent , Groves David G. , Rogner H-Holger , Taliotis Constantinos , Neumann James E. , Strzepek Kenneth M. , Lempert Robert , Joyce Brian , Huber-Lee Annette , Cervigni Raffaello
Published: January 2019

Notwithstanding current heavy dependence on gas-fired electricity generation in the Eastern African Power Pool (EAPP), hydropower is expected to play an essential role in improving electricity access in the region. Expansion planning of electricity infrastructure is critical to support investment and maintaining balanced consumer electricity prices. Variations in water availability due to a changing climate could leave hydro infrastructure stranded or result in underutilization of available resources. In this study, we develop a framework consisting of long-term models for electricity supply and water systems management, to assess the vulnerability of potential expansion plans to the effects of climate change. We find that the most resilient EAPP rollout strategy corresponds to a plan optimised for a slightly wetter climate compared to historical trends. This study demonstrates that failing to climate-proof infrastructure investments can result in significant electricity price fluctuations in selected countries (Uganda & Tanzania) while others, such as Egypt, are less vulnerable.
Towards artificial intelligence in mental health by improving schizophrenia prediction with multiple brain parcellation ensemble-learning
Authors: Kalmady Sunil Vasu , Greiner Russell , Agrawal Rimjhim , Shivakumar Venkataram , Narayanaswamy Janardhanan C. , Brown Matthew R. G. , Greenshaw Andrew J , Dursun Serdar M , Venkatasubramanian Ganesan
Published: January 2019

In the literature, there are substantial machine learning attempts to classify schizophrenia based on alterations in resting-state (RS) brain patterns using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Most earlier studies modelled patients undergoing treatment, entailing confounding with drug effects on brain activity, and making them less applicable to real-world diagnosis at the point of first medical contact. Further, most studies with classification accuracies >80% are based on small sample datasets, which may be insufficient to capture the heterogeneity of schizophrenia, limiting generalization to unseen cases. In this study, we used RS fMRI data collected from a cohort of antipsychotic drug treatment-naive patients meeting DSM IV criteria for schizophrenia (N = 81) as well as age- and sex-matched healthy controls (N = 93). We present an ensemble model -- EMPaSchiz (read as ‘Emphasis’; standing for ‘Ensemble algorithm with Multiple Parcellations for Schizophrenia prediction’) that stacks predictions from several ‘single-source’ models, each based on features of regional activity and functional connectivity, over a range of different a priori parcellation schemes. EMPaSchiz yielded a classification accuracy of 87% (vs. chance accuracy of 53%), which out-performs earlier machine learning models built for diagnosing schizophrenia using RS fMRI measures modelled on large samples (N > 100). To our knowledge, EMPaSchiz is first to be reported that has been trained and validated exclusively on data from drug-naive patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The method relies on a single modality of MRI acquisition and can be readily scaled-up without needing to rebuild parcellation maps from incoming training images.
Rapeseed protein-derived peptides, LY, RALP, and GHS, modulates key enzymes and intermediate products of renin–angiotensin system pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rat
Authors: He Rong , Yang Yi-Jie , Wang Zhigao , Xing Chang-rui , Yuan Jian , Wang Li-Feng , Udenigwe Chibuike , Ju Xing-Rong
Published: January 2019

Rapeseed proteins are a rich source of bioactive peptides. LY, RALP and GHS were previously identified from rapeseed protein hydrolysates as potent ACE and renin inhibiting peptides. In this study, the rapeseed peptides were individually evaluated for their molecular mechanisms and regulatory effects on components of the renin–angiotensin system in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), including the mRNA and/or protein levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), renin, ACE2, angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1–7) in myocardial tissues. Oral administration of 30 mg peptides/kg body weight every 2 days for five weeks significantly decreased the systolic blood pressure and the myocardial mRNA and protein levels of ACE and renin in SHR. LY, RALP and GHS also increased the expression of ACE2, angiotensin-(1-7) and Mas receptor levels, which may have mediated their antihypertensive activity. Dipeptide LY also inhibited angiotensin II protein expression in the heart tissue. Taken together, the finding demonstrates the multi-target physiological effects of the rapeseed peptides, beyond ACE and renin inhibition, which enhances knowledge of the antihypertensive mechanisms of food protein-derived peptides.
From therapeutic antibodies to immune complex vaccines
Authors: Wang Xuan-Yi , Wang Bin , Wen Yu-Mei
Published: January 2019

In recent years, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies have made impressive progress, providing great benefit by successfully treating malignant and chronic inflammatory diseases. Monoclonal antibodies with broadly neutralizing effects against specific antigens, or that target specific immune regulators, manifest therapeutic effects via their Fab fragment specificities. Subsequently therapeutic efficacy is mediated mostly by interactions of the Fc fragments of the antibodies with their receptors (FcR) displayed on cells of the immune system. These interactions can trigger a series of immunoregulatory responses, involving both innate and adaptive immune systems and including cross-presentation of antigens, activation of CD8+T cells and CD4+T cells, phagocytosis, complement-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). The nature of the triggered effector functions of the antibodies is markedly affected by the glycosylation patterns of the Fc fragments. These can cause differences in the conformation of the heavy chains of antibodies, with resultant changes in antibody binding affinity and activation of the complement system. Studies of the Fc glycosylation profiles together with the associated Fc effector functions and FcR/CR interactions promoted interest and progress in engineering therapeutic antibodies. Furthermore, because antigen–antibody immune complexes (ICs) have shown similar actions, in addition to certain novel immunoregulatory mechanisms that also reshape immune responses, the properties of ICs are being explored in new approaches for prevention and therapy of diseases. In this review, both basic studies and experimental/clinical applications of ICs leading to the development of preventive and therapeutic vaccines are presented.
The impact of cigarette smoke exposure, COPD, or asthma status on ABC transporter gene expression in human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Aguiar Jennifer A. , Tamminga Andrea , Lobb Briallen , Huff Ryan D. , Nguyen Jenny P. , Kim Yechan , Dvorkin-Gheva Anna , Stampfli Martin R. , Doxey Andrew C. , Hirota Jeremy A.
Published: January 2019

ABC transporters are conserved in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, with humans expressing 48 transporters divided into 7 classes (ABCA, ABCB, ABCC, ABCD, ABDE, ABCF, and ABCG). Throughout the human body, ABC transporters regulate cAMP levels, chloride secretion, lipid transport, and anti-oxidant responses. We used a bioinformatic approach complemented with in vitro experimental methods for validation of the 48 known human ABC transporters in airway epithelial cells using bronchial epithelial cell gene expression datasets available in NCBI GEO from well-characterized patient populations of healthy subjects and individuals that smoke cigarettes, or have been diagnosed with COPD or asthma, with validation performed in Calu-3 airway epithelial cells. Gene expression data demonstrate that ABC transporters are variably expressed in epithelial cells from different airway generations, regulated by cigarette smoke exposure (ABCA13, ABCB6, ABCC1, and ABCC3), and differentially expressed in individuals with COPD and asthma (ABCA13, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC9). An in vitro cell culture model of cigarette smoke exposure was able to recapitulate select observed in situ changes. Our work highlights select ABC transporter candidates of interest and a relevant in vitro model that will enable a deeper understanding of the contribution of ABC transporters in the respiratory mucosa in lung health and disease.
Contact-dependent growth inhibition systems in Acinetobacter
Authors: De Gregorio Eliana , Zarrilli Raffaele , Di Nocera Pier Paolo
Published: January 2019

In bacterial contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) systems, CdiA proteins are exported to the outer membrane by cognate CdiB proteins. CdiA binds to receptors on susceptible bacteria and subsequently delivers its C-terminal toxin domain (CdiA-CT) into neighbouring target cells. Whereas self bacteria produce CdiI antitoxins, non-self bacteria lack antitoxins and are therefore inhibited in their growth by CdiA. In silico surveys of pathogenic Acinetobacter genomes have enabled us to identify >40 different CDI systems, which we sorted into two distinct groups. Type-II CdiAs are giant proteins (3711 to 5733 residues) with long arrays of 20-mer repeats. Type-I CdiAs are smaller (1900–2400 residues), lack repeats and feature central heterogeneity (HET) regions, that vary in size and sequence and can be exchanged between CdiA proteins. HET regions in most type-I proteins confer the ability to adopt a coiled-coil conformation. CdiA-CT and pretoxin modules differ significantly between type-I and type-II CdiAs. Moreover, type-II genes only have remnants of genes in their 3′ end regions that have been displaced by the insertion of novel cdi sequences. Type-I and type-II CDI systems are equally abundant in A. baumannii, whereas A. pittii and A. nosocomialis predominantly feature type-I and type-II systems, respectively.
Rapid and sensitive detection of the activity of ADAM17 using a graphene oxide-based fluorescence sensor
Authors: Zhang Youwen , Chen Xiaohan , Roozbahani Golbarg M. , Guan Xiyun
Published: January 2019

The cleavage of the peptide substrate by ADAM17 releases a dye-labelled short peptide fragment into the solution, thus producing fluorescence.
Engineering release kinetics with polyelectrolyte multilayers to modulate TLR signaling and promote immune tolerance
Authors: Tostanoski Lisa H. , Eppler Haleigh B. , Xia Boyan , Zeng Xiangbin , Jewell Christopher M.
Published: January 2019

Degradable polyelectrolyle multilayers to enable controlled release of a regulatory toll-like receptor ligand to restrain inflammation and promote immune tolerance.
Real-time visualization of autophagy by monitoring the fluctuation of lysosomal pH with a ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe
Authors: Ning Peng , Hou Liling , Feng Yan , Xu Guoyong , Bai Yuyuan , Yu Haizhu , Meng Xiangming
Published: January 2019

A ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe (Lyso-MPCB) was developed for visualizing autophagy by real-time imaging the fluctuation of lysosomal pH.
Gallium – a versatile element for tuning the photoluminescence properties of InP quantum dots
Authors: Wegner K. David , Pouget Stéphanie , Ling Wai Li , Carrière Marie , Reiss Peter
Published: January 2019

Depending on the gallium precursor, the photoluminescence of indium phosphide quantum dots is either blue- or red-shifted.
s-Block carbodicarbene chemistry: C(sp3)–H activation and cyclization mediated by a beryllium center
Authors: Walley Jacob E. , Breiner Grace , Wang Guocang , Dickie Diane A. , Molino Andrew , Dutton Jason L. , Wilson David J. D. , Gilliard, Jr. Robert J.
Published: January 2019

The first examples of carbodicarbene (CDC)-s-block complexes have been synthesized. Unusual C–H bond activation and cyclization discovered.
Dicyanovinyl substituted push–pull chromophores: effects of central CC/phenyl spacers, crystal structures and application in hydrazine sensing
Authors: Zhang Yuecheng , Yuan Longfei , Jia Shang , Liu Xiao , Zhao Jiquan , Yin Guohui
Published: January 2019

The distinctive effect of the CC bond and the phenyl bridge on the photophysical and chemical properties of D–π–A molecular systems has been comparatively investigated.
Mechanisms limiting the release of TiO2 nanomaterials during photocatalytic cement alteration: the role of surface charge and porous network morphology
Authors: Bossa Nathan , Chaurand Perrine , Levard Clément , Vicente Jérôme , Borschneck Daniel , Geantet Christophe , Aguerre-Chariol Olivier , Rose Jérôme
Published: January 2019

The evolution of the cement matrix control and limit the release of TiO2 nanomaterials.
Assisting global rainwater harvesting practitioners: a decision support tool for tank sizing method selection under uncertainty
Authors: Vargas D. , Dominguez I. , Ward S. , Oviedo-Ocaña E. R.
Published: January 2019

For the first time, a decision support tool has been produced that assists global rainwater harvesting practitioners in selecting an appropriate tank sizing method.
d- andl-Aspartate regulates growth performance, inflammation and intestinal microbial community in young pigs
Authors: Li Yuying , Han Hui , Yin Jie , He Xingguo , Tang Zhiyi , Li Tiejun , Yao Kang , Yin Yulong
Published: January 2019

Dietary 1%d-Asp andl-Asp affect the growth performance and inflammation in young pigs, which might be associated with gut microbiota.
Rhodium(i)-catalyzed Pauson–Khand-type reaction using formic acid as a CO surrogate: an alternative approach for indirect CO2 utilization
Authors: Lang Xian-Dong , You Fei , He Xing , Yu Yi-Chen , He Liang-Nian
Published: January 2019

As a bridging molecule for the conversion of CO2 to CO, formic acid is successfully applied to rhodium-catalyzed carbo- and hetero-Pauson–Khand-type reactions, affording moderate to high yields of bicyclic cyclopentenones.
Plastic-based acoustofluidic devices for high-throughput, biocompatible platelet separation
Authors: Gu Yuyang , Chen Chuyi , Wang Zeyu , Huang Po-Hsun , Fu Hai , Wang Lin , Wu Mengxi , Chen Yuchao , Gao Tieyu , Gong Jianying , Kwun Jean , Arepally Gowthami M. , Huang Tony Jun
Published: January 2019

A plastic-based acoustofluidic device for high-throughput platelet separation consisting of a transducer and a disposable chip.
Design, synthesis, andin vitroandin vivocharacterization of 1-{4-[4-(substituted)piperazin-1-yl]butyl}guanidines and their piperidine analogues as histamine H3receptor antagonists
Authors: Staszewski Marek , Stasiak Anna , Karcz Tadeusz , McNaught Flores Daniel , Fogel Wiesława Agnieszka , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna , Leurs Rob , Walczyński Krzysztof
Published: January 2019

The prominent members of 1-{4-[4-(substituted)piperazin-1-yl]butyl}guanidines as histamine H3receptor antagonists.
Self-assembled transition metal dithiocarbamates of pyridine-3-carboxamide: synthesis, spectral characterization, thermal and biological studies
Authors: Kareem Abdul , Nami Shahab A. A. , Khan Mohd Shoeb , Bhat Shahnawaz Ahmad , Mirza Azar Ullah , Laxmi Laxmi , Nishat Nahid
Published: January 2019

Synthesis of self assembled transition metal dithiocarbamates of pyridine-3-carboxamide by conventional as well asin situmethodology was reported. Characterization was done with a variety of spectroscopic techniques. Anticancer and antioxidant activity of ligand and its complexes is also tested.
Micro/nanomachines: what is needed for them to become a real force in cancer therapy?
Authors: Reinišová Lucie , Hermanová Soňa , Pumera Martin
Published: January 2019

A biomedical perspective is used to assess micro/nanomotor-based anticancer drug delivery systems with recommendations for their effective future development.
Facile synthesis of hierarchical porous NixCo1−xSeO3 networks with controllable composition as a new and efficient water oxidation catalyst
Authors: Xin Jianping , Tan Hua , Liu Zhihe , Zhao Lili , Xie Junfeng , Sang Yuanhua , Zhou Weijia , Wang Aizhu , Liu Hong , Wang Jian-Jun
Published: January 2019

Hierarchical porous NixCo1−xSeO3 networks as a new and efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction have been designed and synthesized.
Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of pigment from Dioscorea cirrhosa by response surface methodology and evaluation of its stability
Authors: Zhong Manli , Huang Shiya , Wang Huanhuan , Huang Yuelong , Xu Jianren , Zhang Lijuan
Published: January 2019

Response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of Dioscorea cirrhosa pigment (DCP).
Notoginsenoside Fe suppresses diet induced obesity and activates paraventricular hypothalamic neurons
Authors: Li Hongli , Liu Yalei , Liu Chuhe , Luo Lingling , Yao Yin , Li Fei , Yin Liufang , Xu Lai , Tong Qingchun , Huang Cheng , Fan Shengjie
Published: January 2019

Notoginsenoside Fe, a naturally occurring compound inPanax notoginseng, significantly reduces body weight, promotes metabolic rate, and suppresses food intake through activating C-Fos expression in PVH in high-fat diet induced obese mice.
Integrated process for the recovery of yttrium and europium from CRT phosphor waste
Authors: Forte Federica , Yurramendi Lourdes , Aldana José Luis , Onghena Bieke , Binnemans Koen
Published: January 2019

An integrated flow sheet based on roasting and leaching with concentrated organic acids is proposed for rare earths recovery from CRT phosphors.
Theoretical investigation on the electronic structure of one dimensional infinite monatomic gold wire: insights into conducting properties
Authors: Liang Jin-Xia , Wu Yanxian , Deng Hongfang , Long Changliang , Zhu Chun
Published: January 2019

The electron transport is along the energy band mixed with Auc(5d) and Aui(6s) through the Fermi level for [1D-IMGW]−.
Preparation of triazine containing porous organic polymer for high performance supercapacitor applications
Authors: Xu Lirong , Liu Ruiying , Wang Fang , Yan Shina , Shi Xinxin , Yang Jiaqin
Published: January 2019

POPM–TFP which exhibit well-defined rapid redox processes and high capacitance was prepared under solvothermal conditions.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical activity of Co-doped β-In2S3nanoflakes as photoanodes for water splitting
Authors: Pulipaka Supriya , Koushik A. K. S. , Deepa Melepurath , Meduri Praveen
Published: January 2019

Doped indium sulfide as an efficient photocatalyst for water oxidation.
Synthesis and thermally induced structural transformation of phthalimide and nitrile-functionalized benzoxazine: toward smart ortho-benzoxazine chemistry for low flammability thermosets
Authors: Zhang Kan , Liu Yuqi , Han Lu , Wang Jinyun , Ishida Hatsuo
Published: January 2019

A novel ortho-phthalimide-functionalized benzoxazine monomer containing an ortho-nitrile group has been synthesized in order to develop high-performance thermosets with high thermal stability and low flammability.
Building blocks for recognition-encoded oligoesters that form H-bonded duplexes
Authors: Szczypiński Filip T. , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: January 2019

A long-short base-pairing scheme hinders intramolecular folding and allows the use of flexible backbones in duplex-forming oligomers.
Low-temperature, high-speed reactive deposition of metal oxides for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Routledge Thomas J. , Wong-Stringer Michael , Game Onkar S. , Smith Joel A. , Bishop James E. , Vaenas Naoum , Freestone Benjamin G. , Coles David M. , McArdle Trevor , Buckley Alastair R. , Lidzey David G.
Published: January 2019

Perovskite solar cells utilising NiO and TiO2 charge-extraction layers, deposited via high-speed, low substrate-temperature reactive electron-beam evaporation, achieve 15.8% PCE.
Current status and future perspectives of gold nanoparticle vectors for siRNA delivery
Authors: Artiga Álvaro , Serrano-Sevilla Inés , De Matteis Laura , Mitchell Scott G. , de la Fuente Jesús M.
Published: January 2019

Discovering the vast therapeutic potential of siRNA opened up new clinical research areas focussing on a number of diseases and applications; however significant problems with siRNA stability and delivery have hindered its clinical applicability.
Effects of a phase engineering strategy on the strain properties in KNN-based ceramics
Authors: Lv Xiang , Wu Jiagang
Published: January 2019

The effects of phase, domain and grain size on the strain properties of KNN-based ceramics were investigated.
Using backbone-cyclized Cys-rich polypeptides as molecular scaffolds to target protein–protein interactions
Authors: Chaudhuri Dipankar , Aboye Teshome , Camarero Julio A.
Published: January 2019

The use of disulfide-rich backbone-cyclized polypeptides, as molecular scaffolds to design a new generation of bioimaging tools and drugs that are potent and specific, and thus might have fewer side effects than traditional small-molecule drugs, is gaining increasing interest among the scientific and in the pharmaceutical industries. Highly constrained macrocyclic polypeptides are exceptionally more stable to chemical, thermal and biological degradation and show better biological activity when compared with their linear counterparts. Many of these relatively new scaffolds have been also found to be highly tolerant to sequence variability, aside from the conserved residues forming the disulfide bonds, able to cross cellular membranes and modulate intracellular protein–protein interactions both in vitro and in vivo. These properties make them ideal tools for many biotechnological applications. The present study provides an overview of the new developments on the use of several disulfide-rich backbone-cyclized polypeptides, including cyclotides, θ-defensins and sunflower trypsin inhibitor peptides, in the development of novel bioimaging reagents and therapeutic leads.
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures: An Introduction for Clinicians
Authors: Yorkston Kathryn , Baylor Carolyn
Published: January 2019

Patient-reported outcome measures contain information that comes directly from the patient without interpretation by anyone else. These measures are an important part of a clinicians' arsenal of assessment approaches and are critical in the development of patient-centered approaches to intervention. In this introduction to patient-reported outcome measurement tools, a history is provided of this approach to measurement and its place within the context of clinical research and practice. The process of instrument development and application will be reviewed, along with examples of measurement tools from the field of neurological communication disorders. This introduction is supplemented by references that provide interested readers with more detailed information.
Advancing the Delivery of Communication Sciences and Disorders Services Through Research: The Promise of Health Services Research
Authors: Morris Megan A. , Oshita Jennifer Y. , Stransky Michelle
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Traditional efficacy research, or research that studies interventions in controlled settings, can be difficult to translate to real-world clinical settings. In this article, we introduce the field of health services research (HSR) as 1 possible tool to aid this translation. HSR is a field of research that examines and intervenes in the use, cost, quality, delivery, organization, and outcomes of clinical interventions and services in the real-world setting. The complexity of the world outside the clinic walls is accounted for in HSR methods and data sources. As such, HSR often requires collaboration of stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, clinicians, and policy makers. These stakeholders are often engaged throughout the research process, from selecting research questions to disseminating results. HSR brings together researchers from multiple disciplines, including sociology, health economics, epidemiology, and implementation science, among others. The outcomes of HSR can inform policy changes both locally and nationally. To clarify the scope and impact of HSR, we present examples of HSR-based research on communication between patients with communication disorders and health care providers.

Conclusions

HSR is a critical tool for clinicians and researchers in the discipline of communication sciences and disorders who are committed to improving the lives and health of persons with communication disorders.
High step‐up DC–DC converter with three‐winding‐coupled‐inductor and output capacitor in series for clean energy
Authors: Xian Richang , Liu Xinghua , Li Fei , Yao Yu , Geng Ning , Yang Jing , Liu Lin , Sun Yan , Yue Zengwei , Cui Chuan , Yu Yang , Sun Jingcheng , Gao Peng , Xue Qicheng , Zhu Feng , Ji Suyun , Sun Xuefeng
Published: January 2019

A novel high step‐up DC–DC converter with a three‐winding‐coupled‐inductor and an output capacitor in series is proposed in this study. By charging for two windings of dotted terminal connection in series by input source, the proposed converter can achieve a higher gain by using smaller turns ratios when the active switch is turned on. The passive clamping circuits are introduced for not only recycling leakage energy but also alleviating voltage spike on the main switch effectively. Meanwhile, the reverse‐recovery problem of the diode is alleviated by the leakage inductor. Thus, the efficiency can be improved. In addition, output capacitors are in series to provide energy so that the volume of the output capacitor is reduced. The operating principle and steady‐state analyses of the proposed converter are discussed in detail. Then, the performance of the proposed converter is compared with existing converters. Finally, a prototype circuit is built with a 40‐V input voltage, 380‐V output voltage, and 400‐W output power to verify the performance of the proposed converter.
Enhanced CNN for image denoising
Authors: Tian Chunwei , Xu Yong , Fei Lunke , Wang Junqian , Wen Jie , Luo Nan
Published: January 2019

Owing to the flexible architectures of deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are successfully used for image denoising. However, they suffer from the following drawbacks: (i) deep network architecture is very difficult to train. (ii) Deeper networks face the challenge of performance saturation. In this study, the authors propose a novel method called enhanced convolutional neural denoising network (ECNDNet). Specifically, they use residual learning and batch normalisation techniques to address the problem of training difficulties and accelerate the convergence of the network. In addition, dilated convolutions are used in the proposed network to enlarge the context information and reduce the computational cost. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the ECNDNet outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art methods for image denoising.
Experimental study of the penetration of oxygen and deuterium atoms into porous water ice
Authors: Minissale M. , Nguyen T. , Dulieu F.
Published: January 2019

Context. Many interstellar molecules are thought to form on dust grains. In particular, hydrogenation is one of the major mechanisms of the formation of mantle ice. To date it is not clear if H atoms can penetrate the bulk of the ice mantle or if it only has chemical activity on the accessible surface of grains.

Aims. We wish to study the efficiency of atoms deposited on the outer surface of the amorphous solid water to penetrate into the ice bulk.

Methods. NO molecules react with O and H atoms. They are easily detected by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. These two properties make this molecule an ideal chemical tracer for the penetration of O and H atoms through water ice. In our experiments we first deposited a NO undercoat and covered this layer (at 40 K) with a variable amount of water ice. Then, we exposed this undercoat to D (10 K) or O (40 K) atoms, and we followed the NO consumption and the products that appeared via IR signatures, and we finally analyzed the desorption of all species through a temperature-programmed desorption technique. We experimentally characterize the accessible surface of the ice and provide a model to interpret quantitatively our measurements.

Results. Water ice limits the destruction of tracer NO molecules. The thicker the ice, the more NO remains unreacted. H and O atoms lead to the same amount of NO consumption, pointing out that access to reactants for these two different atoms is identical. We discuss different possible scenarios of NO localization (in and/or on the ice) and determine how this affects our observables (IR data and desorption profiles).

Conclusions. In our experimental conditions, it is not possible to measure any atom penetration through the bulk of the ice. The surface diffusion followed by reaction with NO or by self-reaction (i.e., H + H → H2) is faster than bulk diffusion. We propose lower limit values for penetration barriers. Therefore the building of astrophysical ice mantles should be mostly driven by surface reactivity.
Constraining models of activity on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko with Rosetta trajectory, rotation, and water production measurements
Authors: Attree N. , Jorda L. , Groussin O. , Mottola S. , Thomas N. , Brouet Y. , Kührt E. , Knapmeyer M. , Preusker F. , Scholten F. , Knollenberg J. , Hviid S. , Hartogh P. , Rodrigo R.
Published: January 2019

Aims.We use four observational data sets, mainly from the Rosetta mission, to constrain the activity pattern of the nucleus of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P).

Methods.We developed a numerical model that computes the production rate and non-gravitational acceleration of the nucleus of comet 67P as a function of time, taking into account its complex shape with a shape model reconstructed from OSIRIS imagery. We used this model to fit three observational data sets: the trajectory data from flight dynamics; the rotation state as reconstructed from OSIRIS imagery; and the water production measurements from ROSINA of 67P. The two key parameters of our model, adjusted to fit the three data sets all together, are the activity pattern and the momentum transfer efficiency (i.e., the so-calledηparameter of the non-gravitational forces).

Results.We find an activity pattern that can successfully reproduce the three data sets simultaneously. The fitted activity pattern exhibits two main features: a higher effective active fraction in two southern super-regions (~10%) outside perihelion compared to the northern regions (<4%), and a drastic rise in effective active fraction of the southern regions (~25−35%) around perihelion. We interpret the time-varying southern effective active fraction by cyclic formation and removal of a dust mantle in these regions. Our analysis supports moderate values of the momentum transfer coefficientηin the range 0.6–0.7; valuesη≤ 0.5 orη≥ 0.8 significantly degrade the fit to the three data sets. Our conclusions reinforce the idea that seasonal effects linked to the orientation of the spin axis play a key role in the formation and evolution of dust mantles, and in turn, they largely control the temporal variations of the gas flux.
Efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy and deep relaxation for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Abdesslem Nawel , Hamrouni Sabeur , Shephard Roy Jesse , Chelly Mohamed Souhaiel
Published: January 2019

Objective:This study made a preliminary exploration of the efficacy of physically-based cognitive-behavioral therapy and deep relaxation for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Methods:ADHD behavior and cognitive functions were assessed by test D2 and Conner’s scale before and after a one-year physically-based training program. The reliability of test scores was assessed by repeat testing of a control group (CG) of 10 students who did not have ADHD. Children (10 per group) with ADHD were assigned to physically-based cognitive-behavioral therapy and deep relaxation (E1) or physically-based cognitive-behavioral alone (E2).Results:After 52 weeks of treatment, an intra-group comparison showed that E1 and E2 had improved their scores on the test D2, whereas CG showed no significant change. In addition, most participants with ADHD showed a remarkable improvement in their attentional behavior, with group E1 responding better to treatment than group E2.Conclusions:Physically-based cognitive behavioral therapy appears to improve function and social competence in children with ADHD, and should be recommended as an alternative or supplement to pharmaceutical treatment.
The effects of prestige on collective performance and information flow in a strictly hierarchical institution
Authors: Offord Matt , Gill Roger , Kendal Jeremy
Published: January 2019

Institutions such as the military aim to respond efficiently to complex logistical challenges using a strictly hierarchical structure, where leaders are assigned a rank by senior colleagues and team members are trained to obey leader commands. Anthropologists have observed that leadership status outside of these top-down hierarchical institutions is often affected by the attribution of prestige by non-leaders. Here we show that even in the strictly hierarchical institutional context of the Royal Navy, informal prestige networks play a functional role in leadership efficacy and group-level dynamics. Specifically, a team leader’s informal prestige is a far stronger predictor of team performance and rate of information transmission during training exercises at sea than their formal rank. We find that the more decentralised the prestige network the more efficient it is for disseminating information. The implications of our findings for traditional conceptions of leadership in hierarchical institutions and the effects of prestige on group-level behaviour are discussed.
Electron emission and ultraviolet electroluminescence from valence-band states and defect conduction bands of electroformed Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes
Authors: Hickmott T. W.
Published: January 2019

Electroforming of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes is a soft dielectric breakdown which results in the formation of a conducting filament through the diode. It is a critical step in the development of conducting states between which switching can occur in resistive switching memories. Conduction, electron emission into vacuum (EM), and electroluminescence (EL) have been studied in two groups of electroformed Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes with amorphous anodic Al2O3 thicknesses between 20 nm and 49 nm. EM and EL appear simultaneously with the abrupt current increase that characterizes electroforming of Al-Al2O3-metal diodes. There is voltage-controlled differential negative resistance in the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics after electroforming. There is a temperature-independent voltage threshold for EM, VEM ≅ 2.2 V. Three EM regions occur. In region I, VEM < VS ≲ 4 V, where VS is the applied voltage, and there is an exponential increase of EM. There is a second exponential increase of EM in region III when VS exceeds a second temperature-independent voltage threshold, UEM. UEM is ∼6.6 V for one group of Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes; it is ∼7.9 V for the second group. EM is nearly constant in region II for 4 V ≲ VS ≲ UEM. Two band-pass filters have been used to characterize EL from electroformed Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes. The long-pass (LP) filter plus photomultiplier responds to photons with energies between ∼1.8 eV and ∼3.0 eV. The short-pass (SP) filter measures ultra-violet (UV) radiation between ∼3.0 eV and ∼4.2 eV. Corresponding to region I of EM, there are exponential increases of EL for VS greater than temperature-independent voltage thresholds: VLP ≅ 1.5 V and VSP ≅ 2.0 V. There is a second exponential increase of UV with the SP filter in region III for VS greater than a temperature-independent voltage threshold, USP. USP ≅ 7.9 V for one group of electroformed Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes and USP ≅ 8.8 V for the second group; USP > UEM. Both groups exhibit EM from valence band states of amorphous Al2O3. The difference in UEM and USP of the two groups of electroformed Al-Al2O3-Ag diodes is attributed to the presence or absence of a defect conduction band formed from the ground state of F0- or F+-centers, oxygen vacancies in amorphous Al2O3. The observation of exponentially increasing EM or EL in the low conductivity state of electroformed Al-Al2O3-metal diodes is not consistent with switching mechanisms of MIM diodes that involve rupture of the conducting filament since rupture that affects diode current, if it occurs, should also cut off EM and EL.
Realizing Q> 300 000 in diamond microdisks for optomechanics via etch optimization
Authors: Mitchell Matthew , Lake David P. , Barclay Paul E.
Published: January 2019

Nanophotonic structures in single–crystal diamond (SCD) that simultaneously confine and co-localize photons and phonons are highly desirable for applications in quantum information science and optomechanics. Here we describe an optimized process for etching SCD microdisk structures designed for optomechanics applications. This process allows the optical quality factor, Q, of these devices to be enhanced by a factor of 4 over previous demonstrations to Q ∼ 335 000, which is sufficient to enable sideband resolved coherent cavity optomechanical experiments. Through analysis of optical loss and backscattering rates, we find that Q remains limited by surface imperfections. We also describe a technique for altering microdisk pedestal geometry which could enable reductions in mechanical dissipation.
Phase stability and dielectric properties of (011) epitaxial (Ba0.6Sr0.4)TiO3 films
Authors: Wang Fei , Ma Wenhui
Published: January 2019

Phase transition and dielectric tunability of (011) epitaxial Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 are modeled using a thermodynamic phenomenological approach. Relative stability of the ferroelectric phases is computed using an improved thermodynamic model and three sets of free energy coefficients. Room-temperature bias field dependence of dielectric constants for a series of anisotropically strained films is calculated and compared with relevant experimental data in the literature. We show that the dielectric tunability can be optimized by manipulating structural transitions via the epitaxial strain.
Efficiency enhancement of a klystron-like relativistic backward wave oscillator with local decompression magnetic field
Authors: Xiao Renzhen , Song Zhimin , Yang Dewen , Shi Yanchao , Chen Changhua
Published: January 2019

A klystron-like relativistic backward wave oscillator (RBWO) with a local decompression magnetic field is presented. There is a local non-uniform magnetic field near the extractor. As the electron beam travels through the RBWO, it will transport upwards and approach the extractor wall, then move downwards, and enter a coaxial collector. Owing to a higher kinetic energy of the electron beam which can be converted into microwave energy efficiently and a stronger electric field that can interact with the electron beam during the beam decompression in the extractor, the efficiency of the klystron-like RBWO is significantly increased to about 65%, compared to 55% with the conventional magnetic field.
Correlation of tunnel magnetoresistance with the magnetic properties in perpendicular CoFeB-based junctions with exchange bias
Authors: Manos Orestis , Bougiatioti Panagiota , Dyck Denis , Huebner Torsten , Rott Karsten , Schmalhorst Jan-Michael , Reiss Günter
Published: January 2019

We investigate the dependence of magnetic properties on the post-annealing temperature/time, the thickness of the soft ferromagnetic electrode, and the Ta dusting layer in the pinned electrode as well as their correlation with the tunnel magnetoresistance ratio, in a series of perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions of materials sequence Ta/Pd/IrMn/CoFe/Ta(x)/CoFeB/MgO(y)/CoFeB(z)/Ta/Pd. We obtain a large perpendicular exchange bias of 79.6 kA/m for x=0.3nm. For stacks with z=1.05nm, the magnetic properties of the soft electrode resemble the characteristics of superparamagnetism. For stacks with x=0.4nm, y=2nm, and z=1.20nm, the exchange bias presents a significant decrease at post-annealing temperature Tann=330°C for 60 min, while the interlayer exchange coupling and the saturation magnetization per unit area sharply decay at Tann=340°C for 60 min. Simultaneously, the tunnel magnetoresistance ratio shows a peak of 65.5% after being annealed at Tann=300°C for 60 min, with a significant reduction down to 10% for higher annealing temperatures (Tann≥330°C) and down to 14% for longer annealing times (Tann=300°C for 90 min). We attribute the large decrease of tunnel magnetoresistance ratio to the loss of exchange bias in the pinned electrode.
Theoretical framework of the thermal memristor via a solid-state phase change material
Authors: Yang Fan , Gordon Madeleine P. , Urban Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2019

The thermal memristor is the equivalent of the electrical memristor but in the thermal domain. The defining characteristic of the electrical memristor is the pinched Lissajous-type i-v curve (current to voltage difference); therefore, analogous behavior in the q-T curve (heat flux to temperature difference) should be the distinguishing feature of a thermal memristor. Herein, we propose a theoretical framework to realize thermal memristor devices using a solid-solid phase change material, tungsten doped vanadium dioxide. We show that by adding a periodic thermal input to the device, it is possible to obtain the characteristic pinched Lissajous type q-T curve that is indicative of the existence of a thermal memristor.