bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing the maximum number of layers in chemically exfoliated graphene
Authors: Szirmai Péter , Márkus Bence G. , Chacón-Torres Julio C. , Eckerlein Philipp , Edelthalhammer Konstantin , Englert Jan M. , Mundloch Udo , Hirsch Andreas , Hauke Frank , Náfrádi Bálint , Forró László , Kramberger Christian , Pichler Thomas , Simon Ferenc
Published: December 2019

An efficient route to synthesize macroscopic amounts of graphene is highly desired and bulk characterization of such samples, in terms of the number of layers, is equally important. We present a Raman spectroscopy-based method to determine the typical upper limit of the number of graphene layers in chemically exfoliated graphene. We utilize a controlled vapour-phase potassium intercalation technique and identify a lightly doped stage, where the Raman modes of undoped and doped few-layer graphene flakes coexist. The spectra can be unambiguously distinguished from alkali doped graphite, and modeling with the typical upper limit of the layers yields an upper limit of flake thickness of five layers with a significant single-layer graphene content. Complementary statistical AFM measurements on individual few-layer graphene flakes find a consistent distribution of the layer numbers.
The CHD Protein, Kismet, is Important for the Recycling of Synaptic Vesicles during Endocytosis
Authors: Latcheva Nina K. , Delaney Taylor L. , Viveiros Jennifer M. , Smith Rachel A. , Bernard Kelsey M. , Harsin Benjamin , Marenda Daniel R. , Liebl Faith L. W.
Published: December 2019

Chromatin remodeling proteins of the chromodomain DNA-binding protein family, CHD7 and CHD8, mediate early neurodevelopmental events including neural migration and differentiation. As such, mutations in either protein can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. How chromatin remodeling proteins influence the activity of mature synapses, however, is relatively unexplored. A critical feature of mature neurons is well-regulated endocytosis, which is vital for synaptic function to recycle membrane and synaptic proteins enabling the continued release of synaptic vesicles. Here we show that Kismet, the Drosophila homolog of CHD7 and CHD8, regulates endocytosis. Kismet positively influenced transcript levels and bound to dap160 and endophilin B transcription start sites and promoters in whole nervous systems and influenced the synaptic localization of Dynamin/Shibire. In addition, kismet mutants exhibit reduced VGLUT, a synaptic vesicle marker, at stimulated but not resting synapses and reduced levels of synaptic Rab11. Endocytosis is restored at kismet mutant synapses by pharmacologically inhibiting the function of histone deacetyltransferases (HDACs). These data suggest that HDAC activity may oppose Kismet to promote synaptic vesicle endocytosis. A deeper understanding of how CHD proteins regulate the function of mature neurons will help better understand neurodevelopmental disorders.
Heregulin expression and its clinical implication for patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer treated with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Yonesaka Kimio , Iwama Eiji , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Suzuki Shinichiro , Kato Ryoji , Watanabe Satomi , Takahama Takayuki , Tanizaki Junko , Tanaka Kaoru , Takeda Masayuki , Sakai Kazuko , Azuma Koichi , Chiba Yasutaka , Atagi Shinji , Nishio Kazuto , Okamoto Isamu , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: December 2019

Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are standard therapy for EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Preclinically, HER3 ligand heregulin induces resistance to EGFR-TKIs, whereas the pan-human EGFR family inhibitor afatinib remains effective. Here, we examined whether soluble heregulin levels have clinical implications for EGFR-mutant NSCLC treated with EGFR-TKIs. Soluble heregulin was immunologically measured in plasma from EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients. Cutoff values were determined by 1-year PFS ROC curve. The relationship between soluble heregulin and PFS following EGFR-TKI therapy was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards model. Seventy-three patients were enrolled: 44 were treated with 1st-generation and 29 with 2nd-generation EGFR-TKIs. Soluble heregulin levels varied (range: 274–7,138 pg/mL, median: 739 pg/mL). Among patients treated with 1st-generation EGFR-TKIs, those with high heregulin (n = 20, >800 pg/mL) had a tendency for shorter PFS than those with low heregulin (n = 24, <800 pg/mL), with median PFS of 322 and 671 days, respectively. Cox proportional hazards model also indicated a trend toward resistance against 1st-generation EGFR-TKIs (HR: 1.825, 95% CI: 0.865–4.318) but not against 2nd-generation EGFR-TKIs. Soluble heregulin potentially correlates with resistance to EGFR-TKIs but not 2nd-generation EGFR-TKIs in patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
Farnesoid X receptor and bile acids regulate vitamin A storage
Authors: Saeed Ali , Yang Jing , Heegsma Janette , Groen Albert K. , van Mil Saskia W. C. , Paulusma Coen C. , Zhou Lu , Wang Bangmao , Faber Klaas Nico
Published: December 2019

The nuclear receptor Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) is activated by bile acids and controls multiple metabolic processes, including bile acid, lipid, carbohydrate, amino acid and energy metabolism. Vitamin A is needed for proper metabolic and immune control and requires bile acids for efficient intestinal absorption and storage in the liver. Here, we analyzed whether FXR regulates vitamin A metabolism. Compared to control animals, FXR-null mice showed strongly reduced (>90%) hepatic levels of retinol and retinyl palmitate and a significant reduction in lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT), the enzyme responsible for hepatic vitamin A storage. Hepatic reintroduction of FXR in FXR-null mice induced vitamin A storage in the liver. Hepatic vitamin A levels were normal in intestine-specific FXR-null mice. Obeticholic acid (OCA, 3 weeks) treatment rapidly reduced (>60%) hepatic retinyl palmitate levels in mice, concurrent with strongly increased retinol levels (>5-fold). Similar, but milder effects were observed in cholic acid (12 weeks)-treated mice. OCA did not change hepatic LRAT protein levels, but strongly reduced all enzymes involved in hepatic retinyl ester hydrolysis, involving mostly post-transcriptional mechanisms. In conclusion, vitamin A metabolism in the mouse liver heavily depends on the FXR and FXR-targeted therapies may be prone to cause vitamin A-related pathologies.
Interactions between earliest Linearbandkeramik farmers and central European hunter gatherers at the dawn of European Neolithization
Authors: Nikitin Alexey G. , Stadler Peter , Kotova Nadezhda , Teschler-Nicola Maria , Price T. Douglas , Hoover Jessica , Kennett Douglas J. , Lazaridis Iosif , Rohland Nadin , Lipson Mark , Reich David
Published: December 2019

Archaeogenetic research over the last decade has demonstrated that European Neolithic farmers (ENFs) were descended primarily from Anatolian Neolithic farmers (ANFs). ENFs, including early Neolithic central European Linearbandkeramik (LBK) farming communities, also harbored ancestry from European Mesolithic hunter gatherers (WHGs) to varying extents, reflecting admixture between ENFs and WHGs. However, the timing and other details of this process are still imperfectly understood. In this report, we provide a bioarchaeological analysis of three individuals interred at the Brunn 2 site of the Brunn am Gebirge-Wolfholz archeological complex, one of the oldest LBK sites in central Europe. Two of the individuals had a mixture of WHG-related and ANF-related ancestry, one of them with approximately 50% of each, while the third individual had approximately all ANF-related ancestry. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios for all three individuals were within the range of variation reflecting diets of other Neolithic agrarian populations. Strontium isotope analysis revealed that the ~50% WHG-ANF individual was non-local to the Brunn 2 area. Overall, our data indicate interbreeding between incoming farmers, whose ancestors ultimately came from western Anatolia, and local HGs, starting within the first few generations of the arrival of the former in central Europe, as well as highlighting the integrative nature and composition of the early LBK communities.
Transcriptome analysis-identified long noncoding RNA CRNDE in maintaining endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation
Authors: Moran Matthew , Cheng Xiao , Shihabudeen Haider Ali Mohamed Sham , Wase Nishikant , Nguyen Nghi , Yang Weilong , Zhang Chi , DiRusso Concetta , Sun Xinghui
Published: December 2019

Obesity is a leading risk factor for type-2 diabetes. Diabetes often leads to the dysregulation of angiogenesis, although the mechanism is not fully understood. Previously, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to modulate angiogenesis. In this study, we asked how the expression levels of lncRNAs change in endothelial cells in response to excessive palmitic acid treatment, an obesity-like condition. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that 305 protein-coding transcripts were upregulated and 70 were downregulated, while 64 lncRNAs were upregulated and 46 were downregulated. Gene ontology and pathway analysis identified endoplasmic reticulum stress, HIF-1 signaling, and Toll-like receptor signaling as enriched after palmitic acid treatment. Moreover, we newly report enrichment of AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, IL-17 signaling, and cysteine and methionine metabolism by palmitic acid. One lncRNA, Colorectal Neoplasia Differentially Expressed (CRNDE), was selected for further investigation. Palmitic acid induces CRNDE expression by 1.9-fold. We observed that CRNDE knockdown decreases endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and capillary tube formation. These decreases are synergistic under palmitic acid stress. These data demonstrated that lncRNA CRNDE is a regulator of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in response to palmitic acid, and a potential target for therapies treating the complications of obesity-induced diabetes.
Upregulation of cancer-associated gene expression in activated fibroblasts in a mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Asakawa Masahiro , Itoh Michiko , Suganami Takayoshi , Sakai Takeru , Kanai Sayaka , Shirakawa Ibuki , Yuan Xunmei , Hatayama Tomomi , Shimada Shu , Akiyama Yoshimitsu , Fujiu Katsuhito , Inagaki Yutaka , Manabe Ichiro , Yamaoka Shoji , Yamada Tetsuya , Tanaka Shinji , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: December 2019

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis, is predicted to be the leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the next decade. Although recent evidence suggests the importance of fibrosis as the strongest determinant of HCC development, the molecular mechanisms underlying NASH-induced carcinogenesis still remain unclear. Here we performed RNA sequencing analysis to compare gene expression profiles of activated fibroblasts prepared from two distinct liver fibrosis models: carbon tetrachloride–induced fibrosis as a model without obesity and HCC and genetically obese melanocortin 4 receptor–deficient (MC4R-KO) mice fed Western diet, which develop steatosis, NASH, and eventually HCC. Our data showed that activated fibroblasts exhibited distinct gene expression patterns in each etiology, and that the ‘pathways in cancer’ were selectively upregulated in the activated fibroblasts from MC4R-KO mice. The most upregulated gene in these pathways was fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9), which was induced by metabolic stress such as palmitate. FGF9 exerted anti-apoptotic and pro-migratory effects in fibroblasts and hepatoma cells in vitro and accelerated tumor growth in a subcutaneous xenograft model. This study reveals upregulation of cancer-associated gene expression in activated fibroblasts in NASH, which would contribute to the progression from NASH to HCC.
Sighting acute myocardial infarction through platelet gene expression
Authors: Gobbi Giuliana , Carubbi Cecilia , Tagliazucchi Guidantonio Malagoli , Masselli Elena , Mirandola Prisco , Pigazzani Filippo , Crocamo Antonio , Notarangelo Maria Francesca , Suma Sergio , Paraboschi Elvezia , Maglietta Giuseppe , Nagalla Srikanth , Pozzi Giulia , Galli Daniela , Vaccarezza Mauro , Fortina Paolo , Addya Sankar , Ertel Adam , Bray Paul , Duga Stefano , Berzuini Carlo , Vitale Marco , Ardissino Diego
Published: December 2019

Acute myocardial infarction is primarily due to coronary atherosclerotic plaque rupture and subsequent thrombus formation. Platelets play a key role in the genesis and progression of both atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Since platelets are anuclear cells that inherit their mRNA from megakaryocyte precursors and maintain it unchanged during their life span, gene expression profiling at the time of an acute myocardial infarction provides information concerning the platelet gene expression preceding the coronary event. In ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a gene-by-gene analysis of the platelet gene expression identified five differentially expressed genes: FKBP5, S100P, SAMSN1, CLEC4E and S100A12. The logistic regression model used to combine the gene expression in a STEMI vs healthy donors score showed an AUC of 0.95. The same five differentially expressed genes were externally validated using platelet gene expression data from patients with coronary atherosclerosis but without thrombosis. Platelet gene expression profile highlights five genes able to identify STEMI patients and to discriminate them in the background of atherosclerosis. Consequently, early signals of an imminent acute myocardial infarction are likely to be found by platelet gene expression profiling before the infarction occurs.
Period doubling as an indicator for ecosystem sensitivity to climate extremes
Authors: Tzuk Omer , Ujjwal Sangeeta Rani , Fernandez-Oto Cristian , Seifan Merav , Meron Ehud
Published: December 2019

The predictions for a warmer and drier climate and for increased likelihood of climate extremes raise high concerns about the possible collapse of dryland ecosystems, and about the formation of new drylands where native species are less tolerant to water stress. Using a dryland-vegetation model for plant species that display different tradeoffs between fast growth and tolerance to droughts, we find that ecosystems subjected to strong seasonal variability, typical for drylands, exhibit a temporal period-doubling route to chaos that results in early collapse to bare soil. We further find that fast-growing plants go through period doubling sooner and span wider chaotic ranges than stress-tolerant plants. We propose the detection of period-doubling signatures in power spectra as early indicators of ecosystem collapse that outperform existing indicators in their ability to warn against climate extremes and capture the heightened vulnerability of newly-formed drylands. The proposed indicator is expected to apply to other types of ecosystems, such as consumer–resource and predator–prey systems. We conclude by delineating the conditions ecosystems should meet in order for the proposed indicator to apply.
Metal-organic Framework-driven Porous Cobalt Disulfide Nanoparticles Fabricated by Gaseous Sulfurization as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Ahn In-Kyoung , Joo Wonhyo , Lee Ji-Hoon , Kim Hyoung Gyun , Lee So-Yeon , Jung Youngran , Kim Ji-Yong , Lee Gi-Baek , Kim Miyoung , Joo Young-Chang
Published: December 2019

Both high activity and mass production potential are important for bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting. Catalytic activity enhancement was demonstrated through the formation of CoS2 nanoparticles with mono-phase and extremely porous structures. To fabricate porous structures at the nanometer scale, Co-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), namely a cobalt Prussian blue analogue (Co-PBA, Co3[Co(CN)6]2), was used as a porous template for the CoS2. Then, controlled sulfurization annealing converted the Co-PBA to mono-phase CoS2 nanoparticles with ~ 4 nm pores, resulting in a large surface area of 915.6 m2 g−1. The electrocatalysts had high activity for overall water splitting, and the overpotentials of the oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction under the operating conditions were 298 mV and −196 mV, respectively, at 10 mA cm−2.
Impact of interseismic deformation on phase transformations and rock properties in subduction zones
Authors: Cionoiu Sebastian , Moulas Evangelos , Tajčmanová Lucie
Published: December 2019

Phase transformations greatly affect physical properties of rocks and impose a first-order control on geodynamic processes. Under high deformation rates, rheological heterogeneities cause large spatial variations of stress in materials. Until now, the impact of higher deformation rates, rock heterogeneity and stress build up on phase transformations and material properties is not well understood. Here we show, that phase transitions are controlled by the stress build-up during fast deformation. In a deformation experiment (600 °C, 1.47 GPa), rock heterogeneity was simulated by a strong elliptical alumina inclusion in a weak calcite matrix. Under deformation rates comparable to slow earthquakes, calcite transformed locally to aragonite matching the distribution of maximum principal stresses and pressure (mean stress) from mechanical models. This first systematic investigation documents that phase transformations occur in a dynamic system during deformation. The ability of rocks to react during fast deformation rates may have serious consequences on rock rheology and thus provide unique information on the processes leading to giant ruptures in subduction zones.
Conversion of methane to benzene in CVI by density functional theory study
Authors: Li Kun , Li Hejun , Yan Ningning , Wang Tiyuan , Li Wei , Song Qiang
Published: December 2019

A density functional theory (DFT) study was employed to explore the mechanism of the conversion of methane to benzene in chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) based on the concluded reaction pathways from C1-species to C6-species. The geometry optimization and vibrational frequency analysis of all the chemical species and transition states (TS) were performed with B3LYP along with a basis set of 6–311 +G(d, p), and Gaussian 09 software was used to perform the study. The rate constants were calculated by KiSThelP according to the conventional transition state theory (TST), and the Wigner method was applied to acquire the tunneling correction factors. Then the rate constants were fitted to the modified Arrhenius expression in the temperature range of 800–2000 K. As for the barrierless reactions calculated in this paper, the rate constants were selected from the relating references. Through the energetic and kinetic calculations, the most favorable reaction pathway for benzene formation from methane was determined, which were mainly made of the unimolecular dissociation. The conversion trend from C1-species to C4-species is mainly guided by a strong tendency to dehydrogenation and the pathways from C4-species to C6-species are all presumed to be able to produce C6H6 molecule.
Author Correction: Superconductor to resistive state switching by multiple fluctuation events in NbTiN nanostrips
Authors: Ejrnaes M. , Salvoni D. , Parlato L. , Massarotti D. , Caruso R. , Tafuri F. , Yang X. Y. , You L. X. , Wang Z. , Pepe G. P. , Cristiano R.
Published: December 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Porous antibody-containing protein microparticles as novel carriers for ELISA
Authors: Neumann Marina M. , Volodkin Dmitry
Published: December 2019

Synthesis of porous antibody-based protein microparticles as novel effective carriers for ELISA.
Nanoelectrochemical biosensors for monitoring ROS in cancer cells
Authors: Wang Yihan , Feng Huan , Zhang Hang , Chen Yun , Huang Weihua , Zhang Jialei , Jiang Xuerui , Wang Maonan , Jiang Hui , Wang Xuemei
Published: December 2019

A novel strategy has been constructed based on a SiC@C nanowire electrode for intracellular electrochemical analysis to monitor ROS levels in cancer or tumor cells.
New structural approach to rationalize the foam film stability of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte/surfactant mixtures
Authors: Uhlig Martin , Löhmann Oliver , Vargas Ruiz Salomé , Varga Imre , von Klitzing Regine , Campbell Richard A.
Published: December 2019

The foam film stability of polyelectrolyte/surfactant mixtures is rationalized using structural data from neutron reflectometry for the first time.
Multi-color emission with orthogonal input triggers from a diarylethene pyrene-OTHO organogelator cocktail
Authors: Johnstone Mark D. , Hsu Chien-Wei , Hochbaum Nicolas , Andréasson Joakim , Sundén Henrik
Published: December 2019

A cocktail combination of stimuli responsive materials, a photoswitch and gelator, is used for multicolored emission tuning.
Borohydride intermediates pave the way for magnesium-catalysed enantioselective ketone reduction
Authors: Vasilenko Vladislav , Blasius Clemens K. , Wadepohl Hubert , Gade Lutz H.
Published: December 2019

A magnesium precatalyst for the highly enantioselective hydro-boration of CO bonds is reported.
Precious metal-free solar-to-fuel generation: SSM-DSCs powering water splitting with NanoCOT and NiMoZn electrocatalysts
Authors: Cheema Hammad , Watson Jonathon , Shinde Pravin S. , Rodrigues Roberta R. , Pan Shanlin , Delcamp Jared H.
Published: December 2019

A precious metal-free sequential series multijunction dye-sensitized solar cell (SSM-DSC)-powered water electrolysis system is demonstrated using NanoCOT and NiMoZn electrodes.
Bis-Dithiocarbamates derived from 1,10-diaza-18-crown-6 as ligand tectons for 1D, 2D and 3D supramolecular structure arrangements
Authors: Arenaza-Corona Antonino , Villamil-Ramos Raúl , Guerrero-Álvarez Jorge , Höpfl Herbert , Barba Victor
Published: December 2019

The reaction of 1,10-diaza-18-crown-6 with CS2in the presence of a base (MOH or Et3N) generates bis-dithiocarbamate salts with a 1D, 2D or 3D supramolecular solid-state structure based on M–O–M and M–S–M bridging and/or O/N–H⋯O/S hydrogen bonding.
Strain-engineered BlueP–MoS2 van der Waals heterostructure with improved lithiation/sodiation for LIBs and SIBs
Authors: Barik Gayatree , Pal Sourav
Published: December 2019

Innovative van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures formed from various monolayers exhibit exceptional physical properties relevant to their corresponding individual layers.
Effect of ammonia and formic acid on the CH3O˙ + O2 reaction: a quantum chemical investigation
Authors: Kumar Amit , Mallick Subhasish , Mishra Brijesh Kumar , Kumar Pradeep
Published: December 2019

In the present work, the catalytic effect of ammonia and formic acid on the CH3O˙ + O2 reaction has been investigated employing the MN15L density functional.
Optimal background treatment in dipolar spectroscopy
Authors: Fábregas Ibáñez Luis , Jeschke Gunnar
Published: December 2019

A new theoretical treatment of the background problem in dipolar EPR spectroscopy reveals a better approach for data analysis.
Self-assembly of MoO3-decorated carbon nanofiber interlayers for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Li Huilan , Wang Xiaofei , Qi Chu , Zhao Chengcheng , Fu Cuimei , Wang Lina , Liu Tianxi
Published: December 2019

A self-assembled MoO3-decorated carbon nanofiber interlayer is effectively integrated into the Li–S battery with high performance.
Engineering heterometallic bonding in bimetallic electrocatalysts: towards optimized hydrogen oxidation and evolution reactions
Authors: Huang Chiu-Ping , Tsai Meng-Che , Wang Xiao-Ming , Cheng Hao-Sheng , Mao Yu-Hsiang , Pan Chun-Jern , Lin Jiunn-Nan , Tsai Li-Duan , Chan Ting-Shan , Su Wei-Nien , Hwang Bing-Joe
Published: December 2019

Tuning the type and degree of heterometallic bonding in bimetallic catalysts is crucial to achieving optimal catalytic performance.
Metal–organic-framework-derived hierarchical Co/CoP-decorated nanoporous carbon polyhedra for robust high-energy storage hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Elayappan Vijayakumar , Shinde Pragati A. , Veerasubramani Ganesh Kumar , Jun Seong Chan , Noh Hyun Sung , Kim Kihyun , Kim Minkyung , Lee Haigun
Published: December 2019

Electrode materials exhibiting nanostructural design, high surface area, tunable pore size, and efficient ion diffusion/transportation are essential for achieving improved electrochemical performance.
Elucidating the role of H2O in promoting the formation of methacrylic acid during the oxidation of methacrolein over heteropolyacid compounds
Authors: Chansai Sarayute , Kato Yuki , Ninomiya Wataru , Hardacre Christopher
Published: December 2019

The involvement of water in the selective oxidation of MAL to MAA over a pure Keggin-type H3PMoO12O40 catalyst was investigated using an in situ DRIFTS reactor coupled with a mass spectrometer for the first time to elucidate the reaction pathway associated with water.
(Non-)Kolbe electrolysis in biomass valorization – a discussion of potential applications
Authors: Holzhäuser F. Joschka , Mensah Joel B. , Palkovits Regina
Published: December 2019

The bio-availability of organic acids as platform chemicals and the potential of electrochemistry to directly integrate renewable energy into new value chains drive (Non-)Kolbe electrolysis to become an attractive tool in future electro-bio-refinery.
Antiproliferative activities of tricyclic amides derived from β-caryophyllene via the Ritter reaction against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells
Authors: Xu XiXi , Roseblade Ariane , Rawling Tristan , Ung Alison T.
Published: December 2019

Tricyclic amides were successfully synthesised from β-caryophyllene via the Ritter reaction. Amides 3c and 6b inhibited proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. Compound 6b inhibited cell cycle progression and induced predominantly apoptotic cell death.
Cu(ii), Ir(i) and CuO nanocatalyzed mild synthesis of luminescent symmetrical and unsymmetrical bis(triazolylmethyl)quinoxalines: biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, live cell imaging and biomolecular interaction
Authors: Maiti Santanu , Roy Nilmadhab , Babu Lavanya Thilak , Moharana Prithvi , Athira C. C. , Darsana Sreedhar E. , De Sourav , Ashok Kumar S. K. , Paira Priyankar
Published: December 2019

A microwave induced Cu(ii) and Ir(i) catalysed click reaction for the synthesis of anticancer symmetrical and unsymmetrical triazoles.
A surface precleaning strategy intensifies the interface coupling of the Bi2O3/TiO2 heterostructure for enhanced photoelectrochemical detection properties
Authors: Pang Yajun , Feng Qiang , Kou Zongkui , Xu Guangqing , Gao Feng , Wang Bo , Pan Zhenghui , Lv Jun , Zhang Yong , Wu Yucheng
Published: December 2019

The interfacial coupling effect plays a crucial role in tailoring the photoelectrochemical performance of heterostructured photocatalysts.
Three new coordination polymers based on bis(4-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)methane: syntheses, structures, multiresponsive luminescent sensitive detection for antibiotics and pesticides, and antitumor activities
Authors: Wang Chang-Sheng , Huang Qi , Wang Xia , Zhang Yu-Tong , Ma Dong-Sheng , Yu Ying-Hui , Gao Jin-Sheng
Published: December 2019

Three novel coordination polymers (CPs) have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions by the reaction of bis(4-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)methane (L) and varied metal salts.
Impacts of different biochar types on the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge
Authors: Zhang Min , Li Jianhua , Wang Yuncai , Yang Changming
Published: December 2019

Pyrolysis temperature and feedstock types had a pronounced effect on biochar properties, and biochar could facilitate the anaerobic digestion process.
Boron trifluoride etherate promoted microwave-assisted synthesis of antimalarial acridones
Authors: Kancharla Papireddy , Dodean Rozalia A. , Li Yuexin , Kelly Jane X.
Published: December 2019

This method provides rapid access to a range of biologically active acridones in good to excellent yields.
Well-dispersed Pd nanoparticles on porous ZnO nanoplates via surface ion exchange for chlorobenzene-selective sensor
Authors: Feng Zhenyu , Gao Cuiling , Ma Xicheng , Zhan Jinhua
Published: December 2019

Well-dispersed and size-controlled Pd nanocatalysts were deposited on porous ZnO nanoplates via surface ion exchange for enhanced and selective chlorobenzene-sensor.
Efficient one-pot synthesis of alkyl levulinate from xylose with an integrated dehydration/transfer-hydrogenation/alcoholysis process
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Peng Lincai , Gao Xueying , He Liang , Zhang Junhua
Published: December 2019

Integrated catalytic dehydration/transfer-hydrogenation/alcoholysis in a one-pot cascade model to realize efficient conversion of xylose into alkyl levulinate is creditable in terms of sustainability and process economics.
Graphene oxide induced multi-layered six-petal flower-shaped rare earth Tb3+ hybrid luminescent material: synthesis, characterization, luminescence and fluorescence anti-counterfeiting properties
Authors: Shi Rui , Zhu Baohua , Hu Mixia , Zhou Haofei , Fan Jianming , Tao Zhen , Chang Fei , Yu Shiyong
Published: December 2019

The graphene oxide/rare earth Tb3+ complex hybrid, GO-L-Tb, luminescent micron crystals with special multi-layered six-petal flower shape were facilely obtained by treatment of the L-Tb with GO in DMF solution using solvothermal method.
Fusing acridine and benzofuran/benzothiophene as a novel hybrid donor for high-performance and low efficiency roll-off TADF OLEDs
Authors: Zhang Qing , Wang Yaxiong , Yoon Sung Joon , Chung Won Jae , Ye Shaofeng , Guo Runda , Leng Panpan , Sun Shuaiqiang , Lee Jun Yeob , Wang Lei
Published: December 2019

The effect on TADF character resulting from the fusing strategies of acridine and benzofuran/benzothiophene hybrid donors.
Ion-assisted self-assembly of macroporous MXene films as supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Liu Xudong , Yan Runze , Yang Jianqun , Liu Yong , Dong Shangli
Published: December 2019

A novel facile ion-assisted self-assembly strategy is implemented to prepare a free-standing macroporous Ti3C2Tx electrodes for high-performance supercapacitor.
A highly stretchable, transparent, notch-insensitive self-healing elastomer for coating
Authors: Zhang Lun , Wang Dong , Xu Liqiang , Zhang Xueqian , Zhang Aimin , Xu Yu
Published: December 2019

To date, transparent polymeric elastomers with high mechanical toughness and excellent self-healing ability have shown attractive prospects in various fields.
Reconfigurable 3D-printable magnets with improved maximum energy product
Authors: Brito-Pereira R. , Ribeiro C. , Peřinka N. , Lanceros-Mendez S. , Martins P.
Published: December 2019

This work establishes a new way to prepare reconfigurable printable magnets based on Wax/CoFe2O4 nanoparticles for advanced applications.
Bi and Zn co-doped SnTe thermoelectrics: interplay of resonance levels and heavy hole band dominance leading to enhanced performance and a record high room temperature ZT
Authors: Shenoy U Sandhya , Bhat D Krishna
Published: December 2019

Interplay of resonance levels in Bi–Zn co-doped SnTe thermoelectrics showcasing a record high room temperature and average ZT.
High spatiotemporal resolution and low photo-toxicity fluorescence imaging in live cells and in vivo
Authors: Peng Xiaohong , Huang Xiaoshuai , Du Ke , Liu Huisheng , Chen Liangyi
Published: December 2019

Taking advantage of high contrast and molecular specificity, fluorescence microscopy has played a critical role in the visualization of subcellular structures and function, enabling unprecedented exploration from cell biology to neuroscience in living animals. To record and quantitatively analyse complex and dynamic biological processes in real time, fluorescence microscopes must be capable of rapid, targeted access deep within samples at high spatial resolutions, using techniques including super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, light sheet fluorescence microscopy, and multiple photon microscopy. In recent years, tremendous breakthroughs have improved the performance of these fluorescence microscopies in spatial resolution, imaging speed, and penetration. Here, we will review recent advancements of these microscopies in terms of the trade-off among spatial resolution, sampling speed and penetration depth and provide a view of their possible applications.
The Los Angeles Diversity Project: The Promotion of Cultural and Linguistic Competence via a University Community Learning Project
Authors: Greene Kai , Simon-Cereijido Gabriela
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Community learning projects provide opportunities for students to become actively engaged in an educational process that extends beyond the classroom. The Los Angeles Diversity Project stems from a campus-based service learning program for undergraduate students enrolled in the Communication Disorders Program at California State University, Los Angeles. Although developed to specifically explore the cultural–linguistic diversity encountered in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, this project can be generalized to other large or small cities and urban or rural communities.

Conclusions

As a class assignment embedded in a requisite course on cultural and linguistic diversity and communication disorders, students learn how to develop an understanding of cultural competency skills applicable to our field. Furthermore, students find out how to integrate basic tenets of ethnographic research while exploring surrounding neighborhoods and local community resources. Additionally, implications aligned with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's cultural and linguistic competency requirements are addressed.
Bio‐inspired nano rotor investigation based on UVLM
Authors: Shanyong Zhao , Zhen Liu , Yachuan Sun , Tianjiao Dang , Shiqi Li
Published: December 2019

Nano rotor is of great value in military and civilian applications. Due to its nano size, it works at an ultra‐low Reynolds number and aerodynamic performance deteriorates dramatically. The bio‐inspired nano rotor is carried out to improve the rotor propulsive performance. Unsteady vortex lattice method (UVLM) model is established fully considering the influence of induced drag and wake vortex distortion on aerodynamic forces. The aim is to quickly and accurately simulate the flow field around the bio‐inspired nano rotor and to efficiently perform the aerodynamic calculation to optimise the design of the bio‐inspired rotor. The rotor parameters and motion parameters such as aspect ratio, taper ratio and camber are studied using UVLM. It is found that the aerodynamic performance of the rotor increased with the aspect ratio. The quality factor changes parabolically with the taper ratio and camber, and there is an optimal value for the ratio and camber, respectively. The influences of pitching angle and frequency are investigated as well. Results show that the bio‐inspired motion improves the propulsion performance of nano rotor.
Secure transmission using optimal antenna selection for MIMO underlay CRN with multiple primary users
Authors: Thakur Shilpa , Singh Ajay
Published: December 2019

The authors present a method of utilisation diversity combining to improve the secrecy performance of an underlay cognitive radio network (CRN) with single or multiple primary users (PUs) over Rayleigh fading environment. They consider a practical scenario where a secondary transmitter , a secondary receiver , and an eavesdropper (Eve) receiver are equipped with multiple antennas while all PUs are employed with a single antenna. The confidential information is transmitted from to under the malicious attempt of an Eve. Generalised selection combining is applied at the , and maximal ratio combining is adopted at the Eve. Depending upon the availability of the global channel state information of the main and eavesdropper's channels at , the secrecy outage performances of optimal antenna selection and sub‐optimal antenna selection schemes have been examined. They derive a closed‐form expression for the exact secrecy outage probability, asymptotic secrecy outage probability and intercept probability in a Rayleigh fading environment. Numerical results show that secrecy performance of the network improves with increasing the transmitting antennas while it degrades with increasing the number of PUs.
Secrecy rate maximisation for non‐linear energy harvesting relay networks with cooperative jamming and imperfect channel state information
Authors: Zhou Nanrun , Wan Biao , Gong Lihua
Published: December 2019

The secrecy performance of a wireless‐powered relaying system is investigated in the presence of imperfect channel state information. To improve the system secrecy performance, the destination splits a part of power to transmit the cooperative interference signal while the source transmits confidential information to the relay. The relay is assumed to be equipped with a non‐linear energy harvester and to harvest energy from the source and destination for information processing. A joint power splitting and time allocation scheme is studied to maximise the system secrecy rate. The joint optimisation problem is dealt with by the interior‐point method. For the sake of comparison, the equal time allocation scheme and the equal power splitting scheme are also investigated. The numerical results verify that the proposed scheme could achieve higher secrecy rate.
High‐performance control for a permanent‐magnet linear synchronous generator using state feedback control scheme plus grey wolf optimisation
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Wu Minkai , Yang Zebin , Lei Gang , Guo Youguang
Published: December 2019

This study proposes an optimal control scheme for a permanent‐magnet linear synchronous generator (PMLSG) using the state feedback control (SFC) method plus the grey wolf optimisation (GWO) algorithm. First, A novel state‐space model of linear PMLSG is established in order to obtain desired dynamics and enough power when used for the smooth wave energy. Second, the GWO algorithm is adopted to acquire weighting matrices Q and R in the process of optimising linear quadratic regulator (LQR). What is more, a penalty term is brought into the fitness index to reduce the overstrike of output voltage and keep the rate of work more stable. Finally, optimal LQR‐based SFC with and without penalty term and proportional‐integral (PI) controllers are compared both in simulations and in experiments. Results clearly prove that the proposed optimal control strategy performs a better response when compared to other strategies.
Compact designs of permanent‐magnet biased fault current limiters
Authors: Eladawy Mohamed , Metwally Ibrahim A.
Published: December 2019

This study proposes two novel compact designs of three‐phase permanent‐magnet biased fault current limiters (PMFCLs), namely, delta‐shaped and compact cross delta PMFCLs. The actual representation of neodymium permanent magnet (PM) is based on the Jiles–Atherton modelling for the demagnetisation behaviour in the second quadrant of its actual non‐linear B–H hysteresis loop. This PM is a preliminary representation validated through experimental measurements to ensure the trends and behaviour of PMFCL during its entire pre‐fault, fault and post‐fault recovery durations. Comprehensive time‐domain, electromagnetic finite‐element simulations, through COMSOL multiphysics package, have been conducted to study the relative effect of the constructive controlling parameters on the general performance of these proposed PMFCLs. However, the general performance of PMFCL can be characterised through the voltage drop and power losses of normal operation, and the fault current clipping ratio during the fault condition. Results reveal that the compact cross delta design has superior performance and enhanced capability of limiting any type of fault current, either symmetrical or unsymmetrical, with leading advantages of significant reduction of the voltage drop across PMFCL and power losses during the normal operation of the grid.
State diagnosis method of transformer winding deformation based on fusing vibration and reactance parameters
Authors: Chen Cao , Jianyuan Xu , Xin Lin , Xiaolong Li
Published: December 2019

For diagnosing deformation fault and latent loosing status of winding, this study proposed a state diagnosis method of transformer winding deformation based on fusing vibration and reactance parameters. The wavelet energy – matrix norm transformation method and reactance identification method were proposed to extract vibration and reactance parameters. The multi‐information collection system of transformer winding deformation state was designed. Aiming at the S‐11‐M‐500/35 transformer, short circuit current impact experiment was made and three deformation fault windings were designed. Status database of multi‐information for normal, loosing, deformation and specific fault types of winding were established. State diagnosis experiment on normal winding, loosing winding after short circuit current impact and deformation fault winding was made. Per unit value‐space vector transformation method was proposed to fuse vibration and reactance parameters, fusing eigenvector was established, and the winding deformation state was diagnosed by extracting fusing feature. On the basis of the above research, regarding deformation fault state winding, fault types were diagnosed based on the relevance vector machine. Results indicated that latent loosing, deformation fault and three deformation fault types of winding can be diagnosed accurately. Fusing diagnosis method proposed in this study was superior to the single vibration or reactance parameter diagnosis method.
Miniaturised millimetre‐wave BPF with broad stopband suppression in silicon–germanium technology
Authors: Sun Feng , Gómez‐García Roberto , Zhu Xi , Zhu He , Yang Yang , Tong Xunqian
Published: December 2019

On‐chip passive distributed‐element‐based bandpass filters (BPFs) usually provide a decent stopband suppression across a limited bandwidth. To solve this drawback without adversely affecting other performance metrics, a simple but effective miniaturised BPF design approach is presented in this work. The proposed integrated BPF topology uses a combination of a coupled‐inductor structure with a pair of metal–insulator–metal capacitors in a quasi‐lumped‐element realisation. To show the operational principles of this BPF approach, a simplified inductor–capacitor‐equivalent circuit model is used for its theoretical analysis. From this analytical framework as an initial design guideline, a quasi‐millimetre‐wave BPF is designed and implemented in a standard 0.13 µm bipolar complementary–metal–oxide semiconductor technology. The measured results show that the developed BPF device has a centre frequency of 28 GHz with a 3 dB fractional bandwidth of 21% and minimum in‐band power‐insertion‐loss level of 3.4 dB. The stopband suppression is higher than 25 dB beyond 45 GHz. The chip size, excluding the pads, is only 0.017 mm2 (0.06 × 0.284 mm2).
On‐board electric vehicle battery charger with improved power quality and reduced switching stress
Authors: Gupta Jyoti , Maurya Rakesh , Arya Sabha Raj
Published: December 2019

Development of charging infrastructure is one of the key factors for the successful operation of electric vehicles. This study proposes a power converter for on‐board electric vehicle battery charger suitable with universal input voltage (85–265 V). The proposed converter is able to make better power quality by the reduction in total harmonic distortion (THD) of supply current, power factor correction and accurate output voltage regulation. System configuration includes diode bridge rectifier followed by three‐level DC–DC SEPIC converter which emphasises on the reduction of voltage stress and switching loss across switches, thereby reduces the switch rating and improves the overall efficiency of the converter. The converter employs a duty cycle feed‐forward controller scheme for charging the battery at constant voltage (CV) and constant current (CC) mode. Incorporating the above‐said controller scheme has benefits of low THD in supply current, make power factor unity and nearly no zero‐crossing detection. The proposed power factor correction converter system analysis is executed in continuous conduction mode. The system performance is evaluated with 400 V, 48 AH battery charging under CV and CC mode through MATLAB/Simulink and experimentation. To estimate the features of power quality indices like power factor and THD is recorded under the wide range of supply variations.
Salp swarm algorithm‐based optimal control scheme for LVRT capability improvement of grid‐connected photovoltaic power plants: design and experimental validation
Authors: Elazab Omnia S. , Debouza Mahdi , Hasanien Hany M. , Muyeen S.M. , Al‐Durra Ahmed
Published: December 2019

Contribution of Photovoltaic (PV) systems is rapidly growing and great attention is given to the design of PV controllers to enhance both the performance of PV systems and the low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability during abnormal operational conditions. This article presents a novel application of the salp swarm algorithm (SSA) in order to optimally tune the PV controllers to enhance the LVRT of grid‐connected PV systems. Enhancement of LVRT is indicated in percentage undershoots or overshoots, settling time and steady‐state error of voltage response. A control strategy is applied to the DC‐DC converter to obtain a maximum power point tracking operation through a proportional‐integral (PI)‐based open fractional voltage control. The grid side inverter controls both the point of common coupling voltage and the DC‐link voltage through PI‐based cascaded‐voltage control. To get PI controller parameters that guarantee the optimum design of the controllers, the fitness function is optimized by using the SSA. The proposed optimal control scheme is tested under various fault scenarios and compared with other conventional optimization‐based PI controllers to examine its validity under PSCAD environment. The effectiveness of the optimal control scheme is verified by comparing the simulation results with the practical results of the PV system.