bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification, heterologous production and bioactivity of lentinulin A and dendrothelin A, two natural variants of backbone N-methylated peptide macrocycle omphalotin A
Authors: Matabaro Emmanuel , Kaspar Hannelore , Dahlin Paul , Bader Daniel L. V. , Murar Claudia E. , Staubli Florian , Field Christopher M. , Bode Jeffrey W. , Künzler Markus
Published: February 2021

Backbone N-methylation and macrocyclization improve the pharmacological properties of peptides by enhancing their proteolytic stability, membrane permeability and target selectivity. Borosins are backbone N-methylated peptide macrocycles derived from a precursor protein which contains a peptide α-N-methyltransferase domain autocatalytically modifying the core peptide located at its C-terminus. Founding members of borosins are the omphalotins from the mushroom Omphalotus olearius (omphalotins A-I) with nine out of 12 L-amino acids being backbone N-methylated. The omphalotin biosynthetic gene cluster codes for the precursor protein OphMA, the protease prolyloligopeptidase OphP and other proteins that are likely to be involved in other post-translational modifications of the peptide. Mining of available fungal genome sequences revealed the existence of highly homologous gene clusters in the basidiomycetes Lentinula edodes and Dendrothele bispora. The respective borosins, referred to as lentinulins and dendrothelins are naturally produced by L. edodes and D. bispora as shown by analysis of respective mycelial extracts. We produced all three homologous peptide natural products by coexpression of OphMA hybrid proteins and OphP in the yeast Pichia pastoris. The recombinant peptides differ in their nematotoxic activity against the plant pathogen Meloidogyne incognita. Our findings pave the way for the production of borosin peptide natural products and their potential application as novel biopharmaceuticals and biopesticides.
Exertional heat stroke on fertility, erectile function, and testicular morphology in male rats
Authors: Lin Pei-Hsuan , Huang Kuan-Hua , Tian Yu-Feng , Lin Cheng-Hsien , Chao Chien-Ming , Tang Ling-Yu , Hsieh Kun-Lin , Chang Ching-Ping
Published: February 2021

The association of exertional heat stroke (EHS) and testicular morphological changes affecting sperm quality, as well as the association of EHS and hypothalamic changes affecting sexual behavior, has yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of EHS on fertility, erectile function, and testicular morphology in male rats. Animals were exercised at higher room temperature (36 ℃ relative humidity 50%) to induce EHS, characterized by excessive hyperthermia, neurobehavioral deficits, hypothalamic cell damage, systemic inflammation, coagulopathy, and multiple organ injury. In particular, EHS animals had erectile dysfunction (as determined by measuring the changes of intracavernosal pressure and mean arterial pressure in response to electrical stimulation of cavernous nerves). Rats also displayed testicular temperature disruption, poorly differentiated seminiferous tubules, impaired sperm quality, and atrophy of interstitial Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and peri-tubular cells in the testicular tissues accompanied by no spermatozoa and broken cells with pyknosis in their seminal vesicle and prostatitis. These EHS effects were still observed after 3 days following EHS onset, at least. Our findings provide a greater understanding of the effect of experimentally induced EHS on masculine sexual behavior, fertility, stress hormones, and morphology of both testis and prostate.
Injury prevention in Super-G alpine ski racing through course design
Authors: Gilgien Matthias , Crivelli Philip , Kröll Josef , Luteberget Live S. , Müller Erich , Spörri Jörg
Published: February 2021

In Super-G alpine ski racing mean speed is nearly as high as in Downhill. Hence, the energy dissipated in typical impact accidents is similar. However, unlike Downhill, on Super-G courses no training runs are performed. Accordingly, speed control through course design is a challenging but important task to ensure safety in Super-G. In four male World Cup alpine Super-G races, terrain shape, course setting and the mechanics of a high-level athlete skiing the course were measured with differential global navigation satellite systems (dGNSS). The effects of course setting on skier mechanics were analysed using a linear mixed effects model. To reduce speed by 0.5 m/s throughout a turn, the gate offset needs to be increased by + 51%. This change simultaneously leads to a decrease in minimal turn radius (− 19%), an increase in impulse (+ 27%) and an increase in maximal ground reaction force (+ 6%). In contrast, the same reduction in speed can also be achieved by a − 13% change in vertical gate distance, which also leads to a small reduction in minimal turn radius (− 4%) impulse (− 2%), and no change in maximal ground reaction force; i.e. fewer adverse side effects in terms of safety. It appears that shortening the vertical gate distance is a better and safer way to reduce speed in Super-G than increasing the gate offset.
Thermo-mechanical properties of pretreated coir fiber and fibrous chips reinforced multilayered composites
Authors: Hasan K. M. Faridul , Horváth Péter György , Kóczán Zsófia , Alpár Tibor
Published: February 2021

Coir is one of the most important natural fibers having significant potentiality in structural biocomposites production. The long coir fiber (LCF) and short fibrous chips (CFC) were extracted from the husk of coconut. The dimensions of the CFC were within 1.0–12.5 mm and the LCF were within 2.0 mm. All the fibers and fibrous chips were treated with 5% NaOH (alkali) before the biocomposite manufacturing. Different percentages (8%, 10%, and 12%) of melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) were used to produce the tri-layered medium density composite panels with 12 mm thickness. The mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and internal bonding strengths) of coir reinforced multilayered composites has been studied for all the produced biocomposites. The morphological, micro-structural, and bonding mechanisms were investigated by Scanning electron microscope and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Thermal properties of the biocomposites were studied by thermal conductivity, thermogravimetric analysis, and derivative thermogravimetry characterization. The moisture contents of the final composite panels were also investigated in this study. The main objective of this work is to investigate the influences of MUF on treated coir fiber and fibrous chips reinforced tri-layered biocomposites. Beside, a novel sustainable product is developed through reinforcing the fibrous chip with coir fiber in terms of multilayered biocomposite panels.
Protective effect of snail secretion filtrate against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice
Authors: Gugliandolo Enrico , Cordaro Marika , Fusco Roberta , Peritore Alessio Filippo , Siracusa Rosalba , Genovese Tiziana , D’Amico Ramona , Impellizzeri Daniela , Di Paola Rosanna , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Crupi Rosalia
Published: February 2021

Gastric ulcer or peptic ulcer is a common disease worldwide. Basically, it develops when there is an imbalance between the protective and aggressive factors, especially at the luminal surface of epithelial cells. Thus, there is a constant interest in research new drugs for treatment of gastric ulcer. The snail secretion is a dense mucous, that covers the external surface of the snails, with important functions for the survival of snails. The biological proprieties of snail Helix Aspersa Muller mucus it has been known for centuries to treat human disorders in particular for skin disease. Recently the use of snail mucus has seen a worldwide increase, as a component in cosmetic product and it has been used in particular for the management of wound and skin disorders. In this study we use a murine model of ethanol intragastric administration which has been widely used to test the drugs efficacies and to explore the underlying mechanism for gastric ulcer development. The intragastric ethanol administration causes several mucosal damages and an induction of a severe inflammatory response. Our results show a significant protective effect of snail secretion filtrate in reducing macroscopic and histological lesions, as well the protective effect on mucus content, oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In conclusion this study demonstrate the protective effect of intragastrical snail secretion filtrate, in a model of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice, suggesting its possible useful use in the treatment or prevention of gastric ulcer.
Intra-substance meniscal changes and their clinical significance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ahmad Rani
Published: February 2021

The degeneration of radial tie fibres of the central meniscal layer, and thinning of its lamellar layer results in increased intensity signals on magnetic resonance imaging, making it difficult to differentiate from true meniscal tear. This study aimed to assess the rate of encountered MRI grades 1 and 2 intrasubstance meniscal changes, and to set guidelines to report these changes based on predicted clinical outcome. A systematic review approach was employed using search engines, libraries, and databases (Google Scholar, ERIC, PubMed, and Medline) to search for scholarly sources on meniscal lesions and their significance in MRI published between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2019. It retrieved 2750 abstracts, out of which 2738 were excluded and 13 studies meeting inclusion criteria were meta-analysed. It found an association between intrasubstances meniscal changes and outcomes. It resulted that intrasubstance meniscal changes were preservable through the protective functioning of the meniscus. Other than weight gain, no other significant risk factor of developing true meniscal tears later in life was found. It is important to examine intrasubstance meniscal change when patients suffer from mechanical meniscal symptoms especially in old age.
Deep neural networks for active wave breaking classification
Authors: Eadi Stringari Caio , Veras Guimarães Pedro , Filipot Jean-François , Leckler Fabien , Duarte Rui
Published: February 2021

Wave breaking is an important process for energy dissipation in the open ocean and coastal seas. It drives beach morphodynamics, controls air-sea interactions, determines when ship and offshore structure operations can occur safely, and influences on the retrieval of ocean properties from satellites. Still, wave breaking lacks a proper physical understanding mainly due to scarce observational field data. Consequently, new methods and data are required to improve our current understanding of this process. In this paper we present a novel machine learning method to detect active wave breaking, that is, waves that are actively generating visible bubble entrainment in video imagery data. The present method is based on classical machine learning and deep learning techniques and is made freely available to the community alongside this publication. The results indicate that our best performing model had a balanced classification accuracy score of $$\approx$$
≈
90% when classifying active wave breaking in the test dataset. An example of a direct application of the method includes a statistical description of geometrical and kinematic properties of breaking waves. We expect that the present method and the associated dataset will be crucial for future research related to wave breaking in several areas of research, which include but are not limited to: improving operational forecast models, developing risk assessment and coastal management tools, and refining the retrieval of remotely sensed ocean properties.
Time dependent differential regulation of a novel long non-coding natural antisense RNA during long-term memory formation
Authors: Korneev Sergei , Garaliene Jekaterina , Taylor Gabriella , Kemenes Ildikó , Kemenes György
Published: February 2021

Long natural antisense transcripts (NATs) have been demonstrated in significant numbers in a variety of eukaryotic organisms. They are particularly prevalent in the nervous system suggesting their importance in neural functions. However, the precise physiological roles of the overwhelming majority of long NATs remain unclear. Here we report on the characterization of a novel molluscan nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-related long non-coding NAT (Lym-NOS1AS). This NAT is spliced and polyadenylated and is transcribed from the non-template strand of the Lym-NOS1 gene. We demonstrate that the Lym-NOS1AS is co-expressed with the sense Lym-NOS1 mRNA in a key neuron of memory network. Also, we report that the Lym-NOS1AS is temporally and spatially regulated by one-trial conditioning leading to long term memory (LTM) formation. Specifically, in the cerebral, but not in the buccal ganglia, the temporal pattern of changes in Lym-NOS1AS expression after training correlates with the alteration of memory lapse and non-lapse periods. Our data suggest that the Lym-NOS1AS plays a role in the consolidation of nitric oxide-dependent LTM.
The effect of hamstring tightness on intraoperative extension gap in posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Cho Byung Woo , Kwon Hyuck Min , Lee Koo Yeon , Park Kwan Kyu , Yang Ick Hwan , Lee Woo-Suk
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to determine the factors related to intraoperative extension gap (EG) in patients who underwent posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A total of 106 TKAs in 84 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients who underwent the same method of bone resection were included consecutively. Bilateral popliteal angle (BPA) was used as an indicator of hamstring tightness. EG and extension space angle were measured using an offset type tensor. The associations between patient variables and EG were analyzed using multivariable linear regression and Pearson's correlation coefficients. The average EG was 12.9 ± 2.1 mm, and the average extension space angle was 2.8° ± 3.2°. BPA was greater than flexion contracture in most cases (94.3%), and no difference was found in only six cases (5.7%). According to multivariable linear regression analysis which was conducted after modifying the BPA into a categorical variable by 5°, EG was correlated with BPA (p < 0.001). Pearson’s correlation coefficient between EG and BPA was − 0.674 (p < 0.001). No other factors were significantly correlated with intraoperative EG. The present study found that popliteal angle is a different entity from flexion contracture, and that it is a predictable factor for EG in osteoarthritis patients. Smaller BPAs led to larger EG in patients who underwent the same degree of bone resection.
Livestock-associated MRSA survival on house flies (Musca domestica) and stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) after removal from a Danish pig farm
Authors: Stelder Jonno Jorn , Kjær Lene Jung , Jensen Lars Bogø , Boklund Anette Ella , Denwood Matt , Carlsen Margrethe , Bødker René
Published: February 2021

We caught stable- and house flies on a Danish LA-MRSA positive pig farm. Stable- and house flies were housed together and culled over time to test for the presence of live LA-MRSA bacteria at 24 h intervals to establish the length of time for which LA-MRSA can persist on flies. On average, 7% of stable flies and 27% of house flies tested positive for LA-MRSA immediately upon removal from the farm. LA-MRSA prevalence decreased over time and estimates based on a Kaplan–Meier time-to-event analysis indicated that the probability of a stable- or house fly testing positive for LA-MRSA was 5.4% and 7.8% after 24 h, 3.5% and 4.3% after 48 h, 3.1% and 2.2% after 72 h and 0.4% and 0% after 96 h of removal from the pig farm, respectively. Simultaneously, we found that caged cultivated house flies became carriers of LA-MRSA, without direct contact with pigs, in the same proportions as wild flies inside the farm. We provide distance distributions of Danish pig farms and residential addresses as well as the calculated maximum dispersal potentials of stable- and house flies, which suggest that there is a potential for stable- and house flies dispersing live LA-MRSA bacteria into the surrounding environment of a pig farm. This potential should therefore be considered when modelling the spread between farms or the risk posed to humans living in close proximity to LA-MRSA pig farm sources.
Low-dose CBCT reconstruction via joint non-local total variation denoising and cubic B-spline interpolation
Authors: Lee Ho , Park Jiyoung , Choi Yeonho , Park Kyung Ran , Min Byung Jun , Lee Ik Jae
Published: February 2021

This study develops an improved Feldkamp–Davis–Kress (FDK) reconstruction algorithm using non-local total variation (NLTV) denoising and a cubic B-spline interpolation-based backprojector to enhance the image quality of low-dose cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The NLTV objective function is minimized on all log-transformed projections using steepest gradient descent optimization with an adaptive control of the step size to augment the difference between a real structure and noise. The proposed algorithm was evaluated using a phantom data set acquired from a low-dose protocol with lower milliampere-seconds (mAs).The combination of NLTV minimization and cubic B-spline interpolation rendered the enhanced reconstruction images with significantly reduced noise compared to conventional FDK and local total variation with anisotropic penalty. The artifacts were remarkably suppressed in the reconstructed images. Quantitative analysis of reconstruction images using low-dose projections acquired from low mAs showed a contrast-to-noise ratio with spatial resolution comparable to images reconstructed using projections acquired from high mAs. The proposed approach produced the lowest RMSE and the highest correlation. These results indicate that the proposed algorithm enables application of the conventional FDK algorithm for low mAs image reconstruction in low-dose CBCT imaging, thereby eliminating the need for more computationally demanding algorithms. The substantial reductions in radiation exposure associated with the low mAs projection acquisition may facilitate wider practical applications of daily online CBCT imaging.
Optical vagus nerve modulation of heart and respiration via heart-injected retrograde AAV
Authors: Fontaine Arjun K. , Futia Gregory L. , Rajendran Pradeep S. , Littich Samuel F. , Mizoguchi Naoko , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Ardell Jeffrey L. , Restrepo Diego , Caldwell John H. , Gibson Emily A. , Weir Richard F. ff
Published: February 2021

Vagus nerve stimulation has shown many benefits for disease therapies but current approaches involve imprecise electrical stimulation that gives rise to off-target effects, while the functionally relevant pathways remain poorly understood. One method to overcome these limitations is the use of optogenetic techniques, which facilitate targeted neural communication with light-sensitive actuators (opsins) and can be targeted to organs of interest based on the location of viral delivery. Here, we tested whether retrograde adeno-associated virus (rAAV2-retro) injected in the heart can be used to selectively express opsins in vagus nerve fibers controlling cardiac function. Furthermore, we investigated whether perturbations in cardiac function could be achieved with photostimulation at the cervical vagus nerve. Viral injection in the heart resulted in robust, primarily afferent, opsin reporter expression in the vagus nerve, nodose ganglion, and brainstem. Photostimulation using both one-photon stimulation and two-photon holography with a GRIN-lens incorporated nerve cuff, was tested on the pilot-cohort of injected mice. Changes in heart rate, surface electrocardiogram, and respiratory responses were observed in response to both one- and two-photon photostimulation. The results demonstrate feasibility of retrograde labeling for organ targeted optical neuromodulation.
Offspring fertility and grandchild survival enhanced by maternal grandmothers in a pre-industrial human society
Authors: Chapman Simon N. , Lahdenperä Mirkka , Pettay Jenni E. , Lynch Robert F. , Lummaa Virpi
Published: February 2021

Help is directed towards kin in many cooperative species, but its nature and intensity can vary by context. Humans are one of few species in which grandmothers invest in grandchildren, and this may have served as an important driver of our unusual life history. But helping behaviour is hardly uniform, and insight into the importance of grandmothering in human evolution depends on understanding the contextual expression of helping benefits. Here, we use an eighteenth-nineteenth century pre-industrial genealogical dataset from Finland to investigate whether maternal or paternal grandmother presence (lineage relative to focal individuals) differentially affects two key fitness outcomes of descendants: fertility and survival. We found grandmother presence shortened spacing between births, particularly at younger mother ages and earlier birth orders. Maternal grandmother presence increased the likelihood of focal grandchild survival, regardless of whether grandmothers had grandchildren only through daughters, sons, or both. In contrast, paternal grandmother presence was not associated with descendants’ fertility or survival. We discuss these results in terms of current hypotheses for lineage differences in helping outcomes.
Compliance with D2 lymph node dissection in reduced-port totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Oh Sung Eun , Seo Jeong Eun , An Ji Yeong , Choi Min-Gew , Sohn Tae Sung , Bae Jae Moon , Kim Sung , Lee Jun Ho
Published: February 2021

This phase II clinical trial was performed to determine whether reduced-port laparoscopic surgery with complete D2 lymph node (LN) dissection for gastric cancer is a safe and feasible surgical technique. The prospectively enrolled 65 gastric cancer patients underwent reduced-port surgery (i.e., triple-incision totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy [Duet TLDG] with D2 lymphadenectomy). Compliance rate was the primary outcome, which was defined as cases in which there was no more than one missing LN station during D2 LN dissection. The secondary outcomes were the numbers of dissected and retrieved LNs in each station and other short-term surgical outcomes and postoperative course. The compliance rate was 58.5%. The total number of retrieved LNs was 41 (range: 14–83 LNs). The most common station missing from LN retrieval was station no. 5 (35/65; 53.8%), followed by station no. 1 (24/65; 36.9%). The overall postoperative complication rate was 20.0% (13/65). One patient underwent surgical treatment for postoperative complications. There was no instances of mortality. Duet TLDG is an oncologically and technically safe surgical method of gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy.
Constraining Amazonian land surface temperature sensitivity to precipitation and the probability of forest dieback
Authors: Chai Yuanfang , Martins Guilherme , Nobre Carlos , von Randow Celso , Chen Tiexi , Dolman Han
Published: February 2021

The complete or partial collapse of the forests of Amazonia is consistently named as one of the top ten possible tipping points of Planet Earth in a changing climate. However, apart from a few observational studies that showed increased mortality after the severe droughts of 2005 and 2010, the evidence for such collapse depends primarily on modelling. Such studies are notoriously deficient at predicting the rainfall in the Amazon basin and how the vegetation interacts with the rainfall is poorly represented. Here, we use long-term surface-based observations of the air temperature and rainfall in Amazonia to provide a constraint on the modelled sensitivity of temperature to changes in precipitation. This emergent constraint also allows us to significantly constrain the likelihood of a forest collapse or dieback. We conclude that Amazon dieback under IPCC scenario RCP8.5 (crossing the tipping point) is not likely to occur in the twenty-first century.
Internet search and medicaid prescription drug data as predictors of opioid emergency department visits
Authors: Young Sean D. , Zhang Qingpeng , Zhou Jiandong , Pacula Rosalie Liccardo
Published: February 2021

The primary contributors to the opioid crisis continue to rapidly evolve both geographically and temporally, hampering the ability to halt the growing epidemic. To address this issue, we evaluated whether integration of near real-time social/behavioral (i.e., Google Trends) and traditional health care (i.e., Medicaid prescription drug utilization) data might predict geographic and longitudinal trends in opioid-related Emergency Department (ED) visits. From January 2005 through December 2015, we collected quarterly State Drug Utilization Data; opioid-related internet search terms/phrases; and opioid-related ED visit data. Modeling was conducted using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression prediction. Models combining Google and Medicaid variables were a better fit and more accurate (R2 values from 0.913 to 0.960, across states) than models using either data source alone. The combined model predicted sharp and state-specific changes in ED visits during the post 2013 transition from heroin to fentanyl. Models integrating internet search and drug utilization data might inform policy efforts about regional medical treatment preferences and needs.
Micro and nanoscale 3D printing using optical pickup unit from a gaming console
Authors: Chang Tien-Jen , Vaut Lukas , Voss Martin , Ilchenko Oleksii , Nielsen Line Hagner , Boisen Anja , Hwu En-Te
Published: February 2021

Conventional photopolymerization-based 3D printing still requires developing a concise and cost-effective method to improve the printing resolution at the nanoscale. Here, we propose the use of a gaming console optical drive pickup unit for 3D photopolymerization. This mass-produced optical pickup unit features a finely adjustable diode laser, allowing us to adjust the printing resolution from tens of micrometres down to hundreds of nanometres without requiring oxygen radical scavenging or costly femtosecond lasers. We evaluate the 3D printing performance using a commercial photopolymer under different laser exposure parameters. The proposed printing system achieves a resolution of 385 nm along the lateral direction and XYZ nano-resolution linear stages enable a printing volume of up to 50 × 50 × 25 mm3. Finally, we demonstrate the fabrication of 3D stereoscopic microstructures. The substantially simplified optics proposed here paves the way for affordable high-resolution micro/nanoscale 3D fabrication.
Targeted permeabilization of the cell wall and extraction of charged molecules from single cells in intact plant clusters using a focused electric field
Authors: Subramanian Parimalam Sangamithirai , Abdelmoez Mahmoud Nady , Tsuchida Arata , Sotta Naoyuki , Tanaka Mayuki , Kuromori Takashi , Fujiwara Toru , Hirai Masami Yokota , Yokokawa Ryuji , Oguchi Yusuke , Shintaku Hirofumi
Published: February 2021

Selective and direct extraction of charged molecules from single cells of intact plant clusters using a focused electric field.
Microfluidics for sepsis early diagnosis and prognosis: a review of recent methods
Authors: Zhang Ye , Zhou Yun , Yang Yijia , Pappas Dimitri
Published: February 2021

Sepsis is a complex disorder of immune system response to infections that can be caused by a wide range of clinical contexts.
Simple mercury determination using an enclosed quartz cell with cold vapour-atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Kozaki Daisuke , Mori Masanobu , Hamasaki Shinichi , Doi Tomotaka , Tanihata Souma , Yamamoto Atushi , Takahashi Takeshi , Sakamoto Koutarou , Funado Shigeto
Published: February 2021

A simple method for determining total inorganic mercury (Hg) in solution using an enclosed quartz cell applying cold vapour-atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS) can reduce sample volume, reductant, and cost compared with those of official methods.
Engineering calcium peroxide based oxygen generating scaffolds for tissue survival
Authors: Suvarnapathaki Sanika , Nguyen Michelle A. , Goulopoulos Anastasia A. , Lantigua Darlin , Camci-Unal Gulden
Published: February 2021

Implanted tissue constructs require 4 to 5 weeks for homogeneous vascularization. We show assemblies of oxygen-generating scaffolds to substitute vasculature and assist cell viability and function through oxygen release up to 35 days under hypoxia.
Guanidine-rich helical polypeptides bearing hydrophobic amino acid pendants for efficient gene delivery
Authors: Yu Zikun , Zhang Zhimin , Yan Jing , Zhao Ziyin , Ge Chenglong , Song Ziyuan , Yin Lichen , Tang Haoyu
Published: February 2021

Guanidine-rich helical polypeptides bearing hydrophobic amino acid pendants displayed high transfection efficiency both in vitro and in vivo and low cytotoxicity toward applications in gene therapy.
Large-sized crystal growth and piezoelectric properties of the single crystals of LiNa5Mo9O30
Authors: Du Xiaoli , Liu Fuan , Gao Zeliang , Guo Xiaojie , Wang Xiangmei , Sun Youxuan , Tao Xutang
Published: February 2021

Single crystals of LiNa5Mo9O30 with seeds in the a-, b- and c-directions were successfully grown using the TSSG method. Full sets of dielectric, elastic and piezoelectric matrices of the crystal were determined first time. The octahedral distortion and dipole moment are calculated to explain the piezoelectric properties.
Interaction strength of osmolytes with the anion of a salt-bridge determines its stability
Authors: Tiwari Mrityunjay K. , Murarka Rajesh K.
Published: February 2021

The salt-bridge (SB) interaction energy and the energy of interaction between osmolyte and SB anion are anti-linearly correlated, suggesting that by merely knowing osmolyte⋯acetate interaction, one might predict the influence of osmolytes on a SB.
Second-order nonlinear optical properties of two chalcone derivatives: insights from sum-over-states
Authors: Custodio Jean M. F. , D’Oliveira Giulio D. C. , Gotardo Fernando , Cocca Leandro H. Z. , de Boni Leonardo , Perez Caridad N. , Napolitano Hamilton B. , Osorio Francisco A. P. , Valverde Clodoaldo
Published: February 2021

In this study, a combined experimental and theoretical study of the nonlinear optical properties of two chalcone derivatives, in DMSO is reported.
Designing 2D covalent networks with lattice Monte Carlo simulations: precursor self-assembly
Authors: Lisiecki Jakub , Szabelski Paweł
Published: February 2021

Theoretical calculations predicted multiple outputs of the surface-confined self-assembly of metal–organic precursors comprising naphthalene monomeric units with differently distributed halogen atoms.
Phthalate pollution: environmental fate and cumulative human exposure index using the multivariate analysis approach
Authors: Prasad Bablu
Published: February 2021

A comprehensive review was performed on the environmental fate, environmental occurrence, toxicity, physical–chemical properties, abiotic and biotic removal and degradation of phthalate esters (PAEs) to compute the overall phthalate exposure and their impact on human beings.
Genomic andin vitroproperties of the dairyStreptococcus thermophilusSMQ-301 strain against selected pathogens
Authors: Masumuzzaman Md , Evivie Smith Etareri , Ogwu Matthew Chidozie , Li Bailiang , Du Jincheng , Li Wan , Huo Guicheng , Liu Fei , Wang Song
Published: February 2021

Here, we evaluated the genomic and relevant in vitro therapeutic properties of the dairy starter S. thermophilus SMQ-301 against selected pathogens to assess its potential health applications. These include bacteriocin peptides and SCFA secretion.
One-step method for the preparation of cationic nanocellulose in reactive eutectic media
Authors: Jaekel Esther E. , Sirviö Juho Antti , Antonietti Markus , Filonenko Svitlana
Published: February 2021

Cellulose nanocrystals were extracted and functionalized with positively charged groups in a one-step procedure applying new reactive eutectic media.
Standardization of an external (in air) PIGE methodology using tantalum as a current normalizer in conjunction with INAA for rapid and non-destructive chemical characterization of “as-received” glass fragments towards forensic applications
Authors: Sharma V. , Acharya R. , Bagla Hemlata K. , Pujari P. K.
Published: February 2021

Rapid automobile glass forensics by non-destructive analysis of “as-received” samples by external (in-air) PIGE for low Z elements with tantalum as a current normalizer and INAA for minor and trace elements using reactor neutrons.
Interfacing cells with organic transistors: a review ofin vitroandin vivoapplications
Authors: Spanu Andrea , Martines Laura , Bonfiglio Annalisa
Published: February 2021

This review focuses on the applications of organic transistors in cellular interfacing. It offers a comprehensive retrospective of the past, an overview of the latest innovations, and a glance on the future perspectives of this fast-evolving field.
Infrared spectroscopy depth profiling of organic thin films
Authors: Yu Jinde , Xing Yifan , Shen Zichao , Zhu Yuanwei , Neher Dieter , Koch Norbert , Lu Guanghao
Published: February 2021

FDD-IR spectra combined with soft plasma etching is introduced to study organic film property along film-depth. It provides insights into different kinds of organic films, all equipment and methodology are easily accessible in laboratories worldwide.
Unusual titanium-induced McMurry coupling of 4-oxo-4H-chromene-2-carbaldehydes enroute to bis-chromones
Authors: Yerrabelly Jayaprakash Rao , Bathini Pavan Kumar , Yerrabelly Hemasri , Vadapalli Kishore
Published: February 2021

Ti/Zn-mediated McMurry coupling of a series of 4-oxo-4H-chromene-2-carbaldehydes afforded unusual chemoselective CH2–CH2 tethered bis-chromones.
Enhanced mechanical and thermal performance of multiwalled carbon nanotubes-filled polypropylene/natural rubber thermoplastic elastomers
Authors: Nair Sharika T. , Vijayan P. Poornima , George Soney C. , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Thomas Sabu
Published: February 2021

This paper reveals the effect of the concentration-dependent migration of MWCNTs among blend components on the static, dynamic, mechanical and thermal properties of MWCNT-filled PP/NR blends.
Molecular iodine mediated oxidative cleavage of the C–N bond of aryl and heteroaryl (dimethylamino)methyl groups into aldehydes
Authors: Mandrekar Ketan S. , Tilve Santosh G.
Published: February 2021

An efficient iodine mediated conversion of aryl or heteroaryl (dimethylamino)methyl compunds to aryl or heteroaryl aldehydes is achieved via cleavage of C-N bond.
Metal-free hydroalkoxylation of ynesulfonamides with esters
Authors: Gao Erhui , Peng Cheng , Zhang Jingyi , Wang Xiao-Na , Chang Junbiao
Published: February 2021

A TMSOTf-catalyzed hydroalkoxylation of ynesulfonamides with esters is described for the efficient synthesis of alkoxy-substituted enamides with high stereoselectivity.
Studies in the rearrangement reactions involving camphorquinone
Authors: Rao H. Surya Prakash , Saha Ahana , Vijjapu Satish
Published: February 2021

We described an unprecedented skeletal rearrangement of camphorquinone motif to an interesting tricyclic ring system.Peripheral functional group modification provided a terpene-triazole conjugate.
Data-efficient machine learning for molecular crystal structure prediction
Authors: Wengert Simon , Csányi Gábor , Reuter Karsten , Margraf Johannes T.
Published: February 2021

Using a cluster-based training scheme and a physical baseline, data efficient machine-learning models for crystal structure prediction are developed, enabling accurate structural relaxations of molecular crystals with unprecedented efficiency.
The transformations of a methylene-bridged bis-triazolium salt: a mesoionic carbene based metallocage and analogues of TCNE and NacNac
Authors: Stubbe Jessica , Suhr Simon , Beerhues Julia , Nößler Maite , Sarkar Biprajit
Published: February 2021

Intriguing chemical transformations are observed for a methylene-bridged bis-triazolium salt leading to a series of interesting functional molecules.
Solubility of folic acid and protonation of folate in NaCl at different concentrations, even in physiological solution
Authors: Bottari Emilio , D'Ambrosio Antonietta , De Tommaso Gaetano , Festa Maria Rosa , Iuliano Mauro , Meschino Martina
Published: February 2021

The solubility of folic acid was determined at 25 °C in 1.00 mol dm−3 and in 0.15 mol dm−3 NaCl (physiological solution) spectrophotometrically by measuring the absorbance of saturated solution at different hydrogen ion concentrations.
P2-type layered Na0.67Cr0.33Mg0.17Ti0.5O2 for Na storage applications
Authors: Umezawa Raizo , Tsuchiya Yuka , Ishigaki Toru , Rajendra Hongahally Basappa , Yabuuchi Naoaki
Published: February 2021

Na0.67Cr0.33Mg0.17Ti0.5O2 with a P2-type layered structure has been synthesized and examined as a negative electrode material for rechargeable sodium batteries.
Quinoline-tagged fluorescent organic probes for sensing of nitro-phenolic compounds and Zn2+ions at the ppb level
Authors: Chakraborty Gouri , Das Prasenjit , Mandal Sanjay K.
Published: February 2021

The effect of flexible tetra-methylenevs.semi-rigid xylylene spacers appended in two quinoline tagged sensorsbqbpbn(1) andbqbpxn(2) on the sensing of nitro-phenolic compounds and metal ions has been demonstrated.
Transition metal-catalyzed synthesis of spirooxindoles
Authors: Saranya P. V. , Neetha Mohan , Aneeja Thaipparambil , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: February 2021

Spirooxindoles are used as anticancer-, antiviral-, antimicrobial agents etc. The use of transition metals as catalysts for the synthesis of spirooxindoles is advancing rapidly. Here, we focus on recent advances in transition metal-catalyzed synthesis of spirooxindoles.
Azo synthesis meets molecular iodine catalysis
Authors: Rowshanpour Rozhin , Dudding Travis
Published: February 2021

An innovative metal-free oxidative protocol for azo compound formation catalyzed by substoichiometric amounts of molecular iodine (2 mol%) is disclosed.
Adaptive fuzzy control for non‐strict‐feedback stochastic uncertain non‐linear systems based on event‐triggered strategy
Authors: Lian Yuxiao , Xia Jianwei , Sun Wei , Wang Zhen , Zhang Huasheng
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the issue of adaptive fuzzy control for a category of non‐strict‐feedback stochastic uncertain non‐linear systems. Based on event‐triggered mechanism, an adaptive fuzzy controller with a simple form is designed by combining backstepping technique with fuzzy logic system. The devised controller not only ensures the output signal tracking reference signal and all signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded in probability but also reduces the communication load between controller and actuator. In addition, the feasibility of the considered event‐triggered mechanism is guaranteed by eliminating Zeno behaviour. Finally, the validity of the proposed result is proved by an example.
Suppressing output power fluctuation and improving FRT Capability of DFIG‐based wind energy conversion system with SMES and dual‐mode protection scheme
Authors: Du Kai‐Jian , Zheng Zi‐Xuan , Xiao Xian‐Yong , Huang Chun‐Jun , Ren Jie , Chen Xiao‐Yuan
Published: February 2021

As the grid codes of wind turbines note, doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)‐based wind energy conversion system (WECS) should maintain uninterrupted operation during certain voltage faults. To meet the codes, a novel configuration of DFIG‐based WECS is proposed in which a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) and a series transformer are incorporated. The control strategies of the WECS are redesigned to smooth the output power fluctuations and ride through different levels of voltage faults. The grid‐side converter (GSC) is controlled to smooth power fluctuations caused by random wind speeds under normal conditions. The GSC and protection circuit are controlled to switch into the series compensation mode to fully compensate the stator voltage during voltage swells and slight voltage sags. While under severe voltage sags, the protection circuit operates in the current limiting mode, which significantly limits the stator and rotor fault overcurrent, improves the stator voltage and supresses fluctuations of the electromagnetic torque. The different faults are applied, the simulation results demonstrate that the presented scheme can effectively smooth output power fluctuations and strengthen the voltage fault ride‐through capability (FRT) of WECS.
Void hole avoidance routing algorithm for underwater sensor networks
Authors: Kumar Gola Kamal , Dhingra Manish , Gupta Bhumika
Published: February 2021

A communication void is one of the most serious issues in any routing techniques. This issue occurs when a node does not have any forwarder node to forward the data packets towards the sink node or surface station. The presence of a void node affects the overall performance of routing techniques in terms of end‐to‐end delay, data loss, energy consumption, and so on. The primary objective of this work is to avoid the void region in underwater sensor networks (UWSNs). For the same purpose, this work introduces the void‐hole avoidance routing algorithm for UWSNs. This work avoids horizontal transmission, which further reduces the end‐to‐end delay. The residual energy, depth, holding time, and distance from the sending node to the forwarding node and forwarding node to the surface station are used as a matrix to select the best forwarder node. The simulation has been done on MATLAB to analyse the performance of the proposed algorithm. The proposed routing algorithm attained better performance using the metrics, namely packet delivery delay, number of dead nodes, and energy tax with the values of 0.9147, 48, and 72.14 by varying the transmission range, and 0.9184, 38, and 71.12 by varying the network size, respectively.
Near optimal tracking control of a class of non‐linear systems and an experimental comparison
Authors: Asadi Farshid , Heydari Ali
Published: February 2021

In this study, near optimal tracking of a class of non‐linear systems is addressed. Adaptive (approximate) dynamic programming (ADP) approach is used to calculate the optimal control in closed form. ADP has been widely used to resolve optimal regulation and tracking problems of non‐linear control systems. Despite advances in the so called supervised and unsupervised ADP techniques for optimal tracking, they have a main draw back. That is, the optimal controller needs to be recalculated for every particular reference trajectory. The main goal of this work is to address this issue for a class of non‐linear systems. Finally, this approach is applied on a Delta robot and the performance of the method is analysed experimentally.
Cooperative control of connected hybrid electric vehicles and traffic signals at isolated intersections
Authors: Chen Jian , Qian Li‐Jun , Xuan Liang
Published: February 2021

The development of connected and automated vehicle technologies allows for cooperative control of vehicles and traffic signals at intersections. This study aims at exploring the cooperation between traffic signal control and eco‐driving control for a connected hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) system. A two‐level cooperative control method for integrating traffic signal control, vehicle speed control, and energy management is proposed with the objective of improving both traffic and fuel efficiency for HEVs at isolated intersections. In view of the energy management and recuperation system of HEV, the vehicle energy consumption characteristic is considered in the proposed method. More specifically, at the traffic level, a traffic signal control strategy is designed to minimise the total travel time and fuel consumption of all HEVs using dynamic programming, which explicitly considers the arrival time and recuperation information of vehicles. At the vehicle level, a hierarchical control architecture is applied to optimise the speed trajectories and powertrain of each HEV using model predictive control and adaptive equivalent consumption minimisation strategy. Simulation results show that compared with the fixed‐time and cycle‐based signal control strategies with eco‐driving, the proposed method can significantly reduce the travel time and fuel consumption by up to 27 and 24%, respectively.
A multilevel inverter using switched capacitors with reduced components
Authors: Taheri Asghar , Rasulkhani Ahad , Ren Hai‐Peng
Published: February 2021

In this study, a novel multi‐source switched‐capacitor converter is proposed. In the proposed topology, the capacitor charging is carried out in a self‐balancing form eliminating the need for additional balancing circuits. After that, the design principle of the proposed inverter is discussed in details. A comparison study between the proposed topology and other existing topologies is provided next. According to this comparison, the proposed topology requires fewer components, such as DC power supplies, switches, capacitors, and diodes. Further, the simulation results for 15‐level and 127‐level and the experimental results for a 15‐level inverter are provided. The simulation and experimental results are in close agreement and verify each other.
Emergency power balance control based on proactive motor operation of DFIG‐based wind turbines for sending grid stability
Authors: Zheng Di , Ouyang Jinxin , Xiong Xiaofu , Wang Ying
Published: February 2021

The transmission lines between the sending and receiving ends of an interconnected power grid may be tripped under severe disturbance or equipment failure. The tripping will result in a large power imbalance in the sending grid, thereby causing frequency instability and even collapse. The effect of existing emergency control methods based on synchronous generators, such as generator tripping control, is limited due to the lack of available tripped generators, high cost and long recovery time. The high penetration and flexible controllability provide wind farms with the potential to participate in system emergency control. To evacuate excess power from the tripping of transmission lines and improve frequency stability, an emergency power balance control method based on the doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG)‐based wind turbine (DFWT) is proposed in this study. A novel idea of the motor operation of DFWT is presented and applied to the proposed method. To realise steady and adjustable power consumption of DFWT under motor operation, a rotor virtual resistor control and supplementary pitch control are introduced under safety constraints. The validity of the proposed method is verified by case studies on single DFWT and DFWT‐based wind farms.