bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the major lactate transporter of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites
Authors: Zeng Joy M. , Hapuarachchi Sanduni V. , Shafik Sarah H. , Martin Rowena E. , Kirk Kiaran , van Dooren Giel G. , Lehane Adele M.
Published: March 2021

Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum parasites both extrude l-lactate, a byproduct of glycolysis. The P. falciparum Formate Nitrite Transporter, PfFNT, mediates l-lactate transport across the plasma membrane of P. falciparum parasites and has been validated as a drug target. The T. gondii genome encodes three FNTs that have been shown to transport l-lactate, and which are proposed to be the targets of several inhibitors of T. gondii proliferation. Here, we show that each of the TgFNTs localize to the T. gondii plasma membrane and are capable of transporting l-lactate across it, with TgFNT1 making the primary contribution to l-lactate transport during the disease-causing lytic cycle of the parasite. We use the Xenopus oocyte expression system to provide direct measurements of l-lactate transport via TgFNT1. We undertake a genetic analysis of the importance of the tgfnt genes for parasite proliferation, and demonstrate that all three tgfnt genes can be disrupted individually and together without affecting the lytic cycle under in vitro culture conditions. Together, our experiments identify the major lactate transporter in the disease causing stage of T. gondii, and reveal that this transporter is not required for parasite proliferation, indicating that TgFNTs are unlikely to be targets for anti-Toxoplasma drugs.
Assessment of the relationship of serum liver enzymes activity with general and abdominal obesity in an urban Bangladeshi population
Authors: Ali Nurshad , Sumon Abu Hasan , Fariha Khandaker Atkia , Asaduzzaman Md , Kathak Rahanuma Raihanu , Molla Noyan Hossain , Mou Ananya Dutta , Barman Zitu , Hasan Mahmudul , Miah Rakib , Islam Farjana
Published: March 2021

Obesity is a global health concern because of its increasing trend both in developed and developing countries. A limited number of studies have evaluated the association of liver enzymes with both general and abdominal obesity in the general population; data for the Bangladeshi population are not available yet. This study aimed to assess the relationship of serum liver enzymes activity with both general and abdominal obesity in Bangladeshi adults. In total, 540 blood samples were obtained from the participants (388 males and 152 females) and analyzed for serum levels of ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP using standard methods. General obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27.5 kg/m2and abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference (WC) ≥ 90 cm in males and ≥ 80 cm in females. The relationship between liver enzymes and obesity was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression models. Overall, 58% of participants in the general obesity group and 55% of the participants in the abdominal obesity group had at least one or more elevated levels of liver enzymes. The prevalence of elevated liver enzymes was significantly higher in the obesity group compared to the normal BMI and WC groups (p < 0.05 for all cases). The mean level of serum ALT, AST and GGT were significantly higher in the obesity group than the normal BMI group (p < 0.05). In the WC groups, mean AST and GGT were significantly higher in the obesity group compared to the normal group (p < 0.05). In regression analysis, serum levels of ALT showed an independent and significant association with general obesity, whereas, serum GGT showed a significant association with both general and abdominal obesity. In conclusion, a high prevalence of elevated liver enzymes was observed among participants included in the present study. Of the four enzymes, serum GGT was independently associated with both general and abdominal obesity. Further studies are required to understand the complex relationship between liver enzymes and obesity in the general population.
Evidence for influx of Atlantic water masses to the Labrador Sea during the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Seidenkrantz Marit-Solveig , Kuijpers Antoon , Aagaard-Sørensen Steffen , Lindgreen Holger , Olsen Jesper , Pearce Christof
Published: March 2021

The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 23–19,000 year BP) designates a period of extensive glacial extent and very cold conditions on the Northern Hemisphere. The strength of ocean circulation during this period has been highly debated. Based on investigations of two marine sediment cores from the Davis Strait (1033 m water depth) and the northern Labrador Sea (2381 m), we demonstrate a significant influx of Atlantic-sourced water at both subsurface and intermediate depths during the LGM. Although surface-water conditions were cold and sea-ice loaded, the lower strata of the (proto) West Greenland Current carried a significant Atlantic (Irminger Sea-derived) Water signal, while at the deeper site the sea floor was swept by a water mass comparable with present Northeast Atlantic Deep Water. The persistent influx of these Atlantic-sourced waters entrained by boundary currents off SW Greenland demonstrates an active Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation during the LGM. Immediately after the LGM, deglaciation was characterized by a prominent deep-water ventilation event and potentially Labrador Sea Water formation, presumably related to brine formation and/or hyperpycnal meltwater flows. This was followed by a major re-arrangement of deep-water masses most likely linked to increased overflow at the Greenland-Scotland Ridge after ca 15 kyr BP.
Oncolytic peptides DTT-205 and DTT-304 induce complete regression and protective immune response in experimental murine colorectal cancer
Authors: Fleten Karianne Giller , Eksteen J. Johannes , Mauseth Brynjar , Camilio Ketil André , Vasskog Terje , Sveinbjørnsson Baldur , Rekdal Øystein , Mælandsmo Gunhild M. , Flatmark Kjersti
Published: March 2021

Oncolytic peptides represent a novel, promising cancer treatment strategy with activity in a broad spectrum of cancer entities, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Cancer cells are killed by immunogenic cell death, causing long-lasting anticancer immune responses, a feature of particular interest in non-immunogenic CRC. Oncolytic peptides DTT-205 and DTT-304 were administered by intratumoral injection in subcutaneous tumors established from murine CRC cell lines CT26 and MC38, and complete regression was obtained in the majority of animals. When cured animals were rechallenged by splenic injection of tumor cells, 1/23 animals developed liver metastases, compared to 19/22 naïve animals. Treatment with both peptides was well tolerated, but monitoring post-injection hemodynamic parameters in rats, less extensive changes were observed with DTT-205 than DTT-304, favoring DTT-205 for future drug development. DTT-205 was subsequently shown to have strong in vitro activity in a panel of 33 cancer cell lines. In conclusion, both peptides exerted a strong inhibitory effect in two immunocompetent CRC models and induced a systemic effect preventing development of liver metastases upon splenic rechallenge. If a similar effect could be obtained in humans, these drugs would be of particular interest for combinatory treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic CRC.
Genetic association of ERAP1 and ERAP2 with eclampsia and preeclampsia in northeastern Brazilian women
Authors: Ferreira Leonardo Capistrano , Gomes Carlos Eduardo Maia , Duggal Priya , De Paula Holanda Ingrid , de Lima Amanda Samara , do Nascimento Paulo Ricardo Porfírio , Jeronimo Selma Maria Bezerra
Published: March 2021

The clinical spectrum of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is determined by the interplay between environmental and genetic factors, most of which remains unknown. ERAP1, ERAP2 and LNPEP genes code for multifunctional aminopeptidases involved with antigen processing and degradation of small peptides such as angiotensin II (Ang II), vasopressin and oxytocin. We aimed to test for associations between genetic variants in aminopeptidases and HDP. A total of 1282 pregnant women (normotensive controls, n = 693; preeclampsia, n = 342; chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia, n = 61; eclampsia, n = 74; and HELLP syndrome, n = 112) were genotyped for variants in LNPEP (rs27300, rs38034, rs2303138), ERAP1 (rs27044, rs30187) and ERAP2 (rs2549796 rs2927609 rs11135484). We also evaluated the effect of ERAP1 rs30187 on plasma Ang II levels in an additional cohort of 65 pregnant women. The genotype C/C, in ERAP1 rs30187 variant (c.1583 T > C, p.Lys528Arg), was associated with increased risk of eclampsia (OR = 1.85, p = 0.019) whereas ERAP2 haplotype rs2549796(C)–rs2927609(C)–rs11135484(G) was associated with preeclampsia (OR = 1.96, corrected p-value = 0.01). Ang II plasma levels did not differ across rs30187 genotypic groups (p = 0.895). In conclusion, ERAP1 gene is associated with eclampsia whereas ERAP2 is associated with preeclampsia, although the mechanism by which genetic variants in ERAPs influence the risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia remain to be elucidated.
The effect of polytetrafluoroethylene particle size on the properties of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate)-based composites
Authors: Chen Shudong , Peng Xiangfang , Geng Lihong , Wang Hankun , Lin Jialin , Chen Binyi , Huang An
Published: March 2021

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites, including three types of PTFE powders, were prepared by melt blending using a HAAKE torque rheometer. Microcellular foams were successfully fabricated by batch foaming with supercritical fluids (scCO2). The effects of PTFE powder type on crystallization, rheological properties and foaming behavior were studied. PTFE L-5 and PTFE JH-220 powders showed good dispersion in the PBS matrix, and PTFE FA-500 powder underwent fibrillation during the melt blending process. All three PTFE powders gradually increased the crystallization temperature of PBS from 78.2 to 91.8 ℃ and the crystallinity from 45.6 to 61.7% without apparent changes in the crystal structure. Rheological results revealed that PBS/PTFE composites had a higher storage modulus, loss modulus, and complex viscosity than those of pure PBS. In particular, the complex viscosity of the PBS/P500 composite increased by an order of magnitude in the low-frequency region. The foamed structure of PBS was obviously improved by adding PTFE powder, and the effect of fibrillated PTFE FA-500 was the most remarkable, with a pore mean diameter of 5.46 μm and a pore density of 1.86 × 109 cells/cm3 (neat PBS foam: 32.49 μm and 1.95 × 107 cells/cm3). Moreover, PBS/P500 foam always guarantees hydrophobicity.
Insights into the physiology of Chlorella vulgaris cultivated in sweet sorghum bagasse hydrolysate for sustainable algal biomass and lipid production
Authors: Arora Neha , Philippidis George P.
Published: March 2021

Supplementing cultivation media with exogenous carbon sources enhances biomass and lipid production in microalgae. Utilization of renewable organic carbon from agricultural residues can potentially reduce the cost of algae cultivation, while enhancing sustainability. In the present investigation a medium was developed from sweet sorghum bagasse for cultivation of Chlorella under mixotrophic conditions. Using response surface methodology, the optimal values of critical process parameters were determined, namely inoculum cell density (O.D.750) of 0.786, SSB hydrolysate content of the medium 25% v/v, and zero medium salinity, to achieve maximum lipid productivity of 120 mg/L/d. Enhanced biomass (3.44 g/L) and lipid content (40% of dry cell weight) were observed when the alga was cultivated in SSB hydrolysate under mixotrophic conditions compared to heterotrophic and photoautotrophic conditions. A time course investigation revealed distinct physiological responses in terms of cellular growth and biochemical composition of C. vulgaris cultivated in the various trophic modes. The determined carbohydrate and lipid profiles indicate that sugar addition to the cultivation medium boosts neutral lipid synthesis compared to structural lipids, suggesting that carbon flux is channeled towards triacylglycerol synthesis in the cells. Furthermore, the fatty acid profile of lipids extracted from mixotrophically grown cultures contained more saturated and monosaturated fatty acids, which are suitable for biofuel manufacturing. Scale-up studies in a photobioreactor using SSB hydrolysate achieved a biomass concentration of 2.83 g/L consisting of 34% lipids and 26% carbohydrates. These results confirmed that SSB hydrolysate is a promising feedstock for mixotrophic cultivation of Chlorella and synthesis of algal bioproducts and biofuels.
Evaluation of 16S rRNA primer sets for characterisation of microbiota in paediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Palkova L. , Tomova A. , Repiska G. , Babinska K. , Bokor B. , Mikula I. , Minarik G. , Ostatnikova D. , Soltys K.
Published: March 2021

Abstract intestinal microbiota is becoming a significant marker that reflects differences between health and disease status also in terms of gut-brain axis communication. Studies show that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have a mix of gut microbes that is distinct from the neurotypical children. Various assays are being used for microbiota investigation and were considered to be universal. However, newer studies showed that protocol for preparing DNA sequencing libraries is a key factor influencing results of microbiota investigation. The choice of DNA amplification primers seems to be the crucial for the outcome of analysis. In our study, we have tested 3 primer sets to investigate differences in outcome of sequencing analysis of microbiota in children with ASD. We found out that primers detected different portion of bacteria in samples especially at phylum level; significantly higher abundance of Bacteroides and lower Firmicutes were detected using 515f/806r compared to 27f/1492r and 27f*/1495f primers. So, the question is whether a gold standard of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio is a valuable and reliable universal marker, since two primer sets towards 16S rRNA can provide opposite information. Moreover, significantly higher relative abundance of Proteobacteria was detected using 27f/1492r. The beta diversity of sample groups differed remarkably and so the number of observed bacterial genera.
Electroceutically induced subthalamic high-frequency oscillations and evoked compound activity may explain the mechanism of therapeutic stimulation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ozturk Musa , Viswanathan Ashwin , Sheth Sameer A. , Ince Nuri F.
Published: March 2021

Despite having remarkable utility in treating movement disorders, the lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms of high-frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a main challenge in choosing personalized stimulation parameters. Here we investigate the modulations in local field potentials induced by electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) at therapeutic and non-therapeutic frequencies in Parkinson’s disease patients undergoing DBS surgery. We find that therapeutic high-frequency stimulation (130–180 Hz) induces high-frequency oscillations (~300 Hz, HFO) similar to those observed with pharmacological treatment. Along with HFOs, we also observed evoked compound activity (ECA) after each stimulation pulse. While ECA was observed in both therapeutic and non-therapeutic (20 Hz) stimulation, the HFOs were induced only with therapeutic frequencies, and the associated ECA were significantly more resonant. The relative degree of enhancement in the HFO power was related to the interaction of stimulation pulse with the phase of ECA. We propose that high-frequency STN-DBS tunes the neural oscillations to their healthy/treated state, similar to pharmacological treatment, and the stimulation frequency to maximize these oscillations can be inferred from the phase of ECA waveforms of individual subjects. The induced HFOs can, therefore, be utilized as a marker of successful re-calibration of the dysfunctional circuit generating PD symptoms.
Identification of core and rare species in metagenome samples based on shotgun metagenomic sequencing, Fourier transforms and spectral comparisons
Authors: Pust Marie-Madlen , Tümmler Burkhard
Published: March 2021

In shotgun metagenomic sequencing applications, low signal-to-noise ratios may complicate species-level differentiation of genetically similar core species and impede high-confidence detection of rare species. However, core and rare species can take pivotal roles in their habitats and should hence be studied as one entity to gain insights into the total potential of microbial communities in terms of taxonomy and functionality. Here, we offer a solution towards increased species-level specificity, decreased false discovery and omission rates of core and rare species in complex metagenomic samples by introducing the rare species identifier (raspir) tool. The python software is based on discrete Fourier transforms and spectral comparisons of biological and reference frequency signals obtained from real and ideal distributions of short DNA reads mapping towards circular reference genomes. Simulation-based testing of raspir enabled the detection of rare species with genome coverages of less than 0.2%. Species-level differentiation of rare Escherichia coli and Shigella spp., as well as the clear delineation between human Streptococcus spp. was feasible with low false discovery (1.3%) and omission rates (13%). Publicly available human placenta sequencing data were reanalysed with raspir. Raspir was unable to identify placental microbial communities, reinforcing the sterile womb paradigm.
Recent development of near-infrared photoacoustic probes based on small-molecule organic dye
Authors: Li Chonglu , Liu Chang , Fan Yifan , Ma Xin , Zhan Yibei , Lu Xiaoju , Sun Yao
Published: March 2021

In this review, we discuss the recent development of near-infrared photoacoustic probes based on small molecule dyes, which focus on their “always on” and “activatable” form in biomedicine.
Principle in developing novel fluorinated sulfone electrolyte for high voltage lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Su Chi-Cheung , He Meinan , Shi Jiayan , Amine Rachid , Yu Zhou , Cheng Lei , Guo Juchen , Amine Khalil
Published: March 2021

A “golden middle way” in designing and synthesizing new electrolyte solvents was introduced.
Whey peptides exacerbate body weight gain and perturb systemic glucose and tissue lipid metabolism in male high-fat fed mice
Authors: D'Souza Kenneth , Acquah Caleb , Mercer Angella , Paudel Yadab , Pulinilkunnil Thomas , Udenigwe Chibuike C. , Kienesberger Petra C.
Published: March 2021

Consumption of milk-derived whey proteins has been demonstrated to have insulin-sensitizing effects in mice and humans, in part through the generation of bioactive whey peptides.
Flexible fabrication of new-type porous anodic alumina membranes with tunable geometric features by low-cost nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Lang Xianzhong , Wang Xudong , Ma Ji , Qiu Teng
Published: March 2021

New-type PAA membranes with tunable geometric features were prepared by one-step nanoimprint using low-cost conventional PAA stamps.
Staphylococcus aureus entanglement in self-assembling β-peptide nanofibres decorated with vancomycin
Authors: Payne Jennifer A. E. , Kulkarni Ketav , Izore Thierry , Fulcher Alex J. , Peleg Anton Y. , Aguilar Marie-Isabel , Cryle Max J. , Del Borgo Mark P.
Published: March 2021

Peptides containing vancomycin were able to self-assemble into antimicrobial 2D scaffolds.
Boolean logic gate based on DNA strand displacement for biosensing: current and emerging strategies
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Yu Lianyu , Yang Sha , Tang Xiaoqi , Chang Kai , Chen Ming
Published: March 2021

The integration of various materials and technologies enables the intelligent SDLG biosensor to detect the different types of targets with high sensitivity and generate diversified output signals.
A photoluminescent folic acid-derived carbon dot functionalized magnetic dendrimer as a pH-responsive carrier for targeted doxorubicin delivery
Authors: Karimi Soheyla , Namazi Hassan
Published: March 2021

A fluorescent folic acid carbon dot-grafted magnetic dendrimer was synthesized as a potential carrier for targeted delivery of DOX drug in an acidic medium (pH 5). The carrier showed biodegradability, high colloidal stability, and good biocompatibility towards A549 cells.
Dirac surface plasmons in photoexcited bismuth telluride nanowires: optical pump-terahertz probe spectroscopy
Authors: Mithun K P , Kar Srabani , Kumar Abinash , Muthu D. V. S. , Ravishankar N. , Sood A. K.
Published: March 2021

Collective excitation of Dirac plasmons in graphene and topological insulators has opened new possibilities of tunable plasmonic materials ranging from THz to mid-infrared regions.
Structural and mechanical characteristics of exosomes from osteosarcoma cells explored by 3D-atomic force microscopy
Authors: Yurtsever Ayhan , Yoshida Takeshi , Badami Behjat Arash , Araki Yoshihiro , Hanayama Rikinari , Fukuma Takeshi
Published: March 2021

3D-AFM showed the presence of distinct nanodomains bulging out from the membrane surface, which can be attributed to the presence of membrane-associated proteins.
Polymers and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT): a potent combination
Authors: Pitto-Barry Anaïs
Published: March 2021

This review describes the latest polymeric systems used as boron transporters for boron neutron capture therapy.
A dual stimuli responsive natural polymer based superabsorbent hydrogel engineered through a novel cross-linker
Authors: Mehra Saloni , Nisar Safiya , Chauhan Sonal , Singh Gurmeet , Singh Virender , Rattan Sunita
Published: March 2021

An intelligent dual stimuli (pH and thermo) responsive, highly porous grafted SPI hydrogel.
Molecular detection using aptamer-modified gold nanoparticles with an immobilized DNA brush for the prevention of non-specific aggregation
Authors: Yano-Ozawa Yuki , Lobsiger Nadine , Muto Yu , Mori Takahiro , Yoshimura Ken , Yano Yuki , Stark Wendelin Jan , Maeda Mizuo , Asahi Tsuyoshi , Ogawa Atsushi , Zako Tamotsu
Published: March 2021

We demonstrated molecular detection using aptamer-modified gold nanoparticles with DNA-brush for the prevention of non-specific aggregation and smartphone darkfield microscopy.
DFT calculations bring insight to internal alkyne-to-vinylidene transformations at rhodium PNP- and PONOP-pincer complexes
Authors: Rajabi Nasir A. , McMullin Claire L.
Published: March 2021

Through DFT calculations, the equilibrium between Rh–alkyne and Rh–vinylidene species of PXNXP pincer ligated Rh cationic complexes is shown to be tuned by the P–Rh–P bite angle, which in turn is dictated by the nature of the X moiety of the pincer ligand.
Controllable synthesis of hollow spherical nickel chalcogenide (NiS2 and NiSe2) decorated with graphene for efficient supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Lu Min , Sun Ming-yuan , Guan Xiao-hui , Chen Xue-mei , Wang Guang-Sheng
Published: March 2021

The carbon-loaded material by introducing graphite oxide with different mass fractions through a l-cysteine-assisted facile hydrothermal method was synthesized. The specific capacitance was increased with GO and the rate performance was improved.
Yttrium stabilization and Pt addition to Pd/ZrO2 catalyst for the oxidation of methane in the presence of ethylene and water
Authors: Khan Hassnain Abbas , Hao Junyu , Tall Omar El , Farooq Aamir
Published: March 2021

Addition of 8.0% Yttrium (Y) to ZrO2 substantially increased the activity and stability of Pd/ZrO2.
Outlook and challenges for recovering energy and water from complex organic waste using hydrothermal liquefaction
Authors: Cabrera Daniela V. , Labatut Rodrigo A.
Published: March 2021

Coupling hydrothermal liquefaction with anaerobic digestion can recover between 54 and 99% of the energy contained in organic wastes, while reducing up to 92% of the chemical oxygen demand of the influent stream.
Multilayer tubes that constrict, dilate, and curl in response to stimuli
Authors: Zarket Brady C. , Wang Hanchu , Subraveti Sai N. , Raghavan Srinivasa R.
Published: March 2021

Tubes with multiple concentric layers are synthesized, with each layer being a distinct polymer–gel. The tubes are able to constrict, dilate, and curl in response to the properties of the fluid flowing through them.
Catalytic layer-membrane electrode assembly methods for optimum triple phase boundaries and fuel cell performances
Authors: Fouzaï Imen , Gentil Solène , Bassetto Victor Costa , Silva Wanderson Oliveira , Maher Raddaoui , Girault Hubert H.
Published: March 2021

A critical overview of MEA fabrication techniques is given focusing on the formation of triple phase boundaries, known for increasing PEMFC performances. Print-light-synthesis is a new emerging technology to achieve nanostructred MEA.
Assessing multiple conformations of lanthanide binding tags for proteins using a sensitive 19F-reporter
Authors: Chen Jia-Liang , Chen Ben-Guang , Li Bin , Yang Feng , Su Xun-Cheng
Published: March 2021

19F is an efficient reporter in quantifying the individual isomers and assessing the dynamic exchange between the isomers for the lanthanide complexes. 19F-NMR is a valuable tool in the design of suitable paramagnetic tags for protein NMR analysis.
Photoelectrochemical cross-dehydrogenative coupling of benzothiazoles with strong aliphatic C–H bonds
Authors: Capaldo Luca , Quadri Lorenzo L. , Merli Daniele , Ravelli Davide
Published: March 2021

The merging of decatungstate photocatalysis with electrochemistry enabled the net-oxidative alkylation of benzothiazoles with aliphatic hydrogen donors featuring strong C(sp3)–H bonds.
Large-scale visualization of the dispersion of liquid-exfoliated two-dimensional nanosheets
Authors: Cui Xingyu , Shi Wenying , Lu Chao
Published: March 2021

A rapid, non-invasive and large-scale visualization method has been developed to evaluate the dispersion of 2D nanosheets in aqueous solution with a fluorescence microscope by improving the cation–π interaction-induced formation of excimers.
Controlled titration-based ZnO formation
Authors: van Rijt Mark M. J. , Oosterlaken Bernette M. , Friedrich Heiner , de With Gijsbertus
Published: March 2021

A flexible titration-based strategy for the formation of zinc oxide under aqueous conditions with control over shape and yield is demonstrated and studied.
57Fe-Enrichment effect on the composition and performance of Fe-based O2-reduction electrocatalysts
Authors: Ebner Kathrin , Ni Lingmei , Saveleva Viktoriia A. , Le Monnier Benjamin P. , Clark Adam H. , Krumeich Frank , Nachtegaal Maarten , Luterbacher Jeremy S. , Kramm Ulrike I. , Schmidt Thomas J. , Herranz Juan
Published: March 2021

In this work, we study how the performance and composition of platinum-group metal free catalysts of the Fe–N–C type are affected upon employing 57Fe-enriched precursors in their synthesis.
Mechanistic insights into the palladium-catalyzed hydroaminocarbonylation of alkenes
Authors: Liu Yuhua , Ding Feiqing , Chen Yixing , Wu Wenji , He Yusen
Published: March 2021

This study gives insights into the ligand-controlled regioselectivity of the palladium catalyzed aminocarbonylation of alkenes with CO and ammonia.
Nano-assembly of ruthenium(ii) photosensitizers for endogenous glutathione depletion and enhanced two-photon photodynamic therapy
Authors: Ke Libing , Wei Fangmian , Liao Xinxing , Rees Thomas W. , Kuang Shi , Liu Zhou , Chen Yu , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui
Published: March 2021

Ruthenium(ii) complexes were linkedviadisulfide bond formation to form redox-responsive nano-photosensitizers (RuS NPs). The NPs achieve enhanced cellular uptake endogenous GSH-consumption, and improved two-photon PDT efficiency.
Small iron oxide nanoparticles as MRI T1 contrast agent: scalable inexpensive water-based synthesis using a flow reactor
Authors: Besenhard Maximilian O. , Panariello Luca , Kiefer Céline , LaGrow Alec P. , Storozhuk Liudmyla , Perton Francis , Begin Sylvie , Mertz Damien , Thanh Nguyen Thi Kim , Gavriilidis Asterios
Published: March 2021

Small iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesised in water via co-precipitation by quenching particle growth after the magnetic iron oxide phase formed.
About defect phenomena in ZnO nanocrystals
Authors: Nadupalli Shankari , Repp Sergej , Weber Stefan , Erdem Emre
Published: March 2021

By reducing ZnO crystalline sizes from nano (50 nm) to a quantum dot (4 nm), intrinsic defect localization occurs, which changes the conductivity of ZnO from n-type to p-type.
Amphiphilic poly(ether urethanes) carrying associative terpyridine side groups with controlled spacing
Authors: Breul Katharina , Seiffert Sebastian
Published: March 2021

A synthesis for metallo-supramolecular crosslinkable polyurethanes with uniformvs. random sticker spacings is presented to study how sticker density and distribution affect the mechanical properties of the corresponding gels.
Zwitterionic and hydrophilic polyelectrolyte/metal ion anti-fouling layersviacovalent and coordination bonds for reverse osmosis membranes
Authors: Jiang Mengying , Chen Li-Ye , Zou Qian , Xiong Siwei , Fu Peigen , Gai Jing-Gang
Published: March 2021

A durable PEI/PASP/Fe coated reverse osmosis membrane was fabricatedviathe dual action of covalent bonds and coordination bonds, which shows excellent long-term desalination and anti-fouling property.
Using geometric criteria to study helix-like structures produced in molecular dynamics simulations of single amylose chains in water
Authors: Khatami Mohammad Hassan , Barber William , de Haan Hendrick W.
Published: March 2021

We introduce a geometrical approach to capture and study helix-like structures in MD simulations of single amylose chains in water.
Effect of the pore structure of an active alumina catalyst on isobutene production by dehydration of isobutanol
Authors: Tian Kaige , Li Qin , Jiang Weili , Wang Xiaosheng , Liu Shicheng , Zhao Yapeng , Zhou Guanglin
Published: March 2021

An alumina catalyst was prepared by mixing and pinching with pseudo-boehmite, and the catalyst was reamed with polyethylene glycol.
Nanostructured RuO2–Co3O4@RuCo-EO with low Ru loading as a high-efficiency electrochemical oxygen evolution catalyst
Authors: Tan Lingjun , Zhang Ailian , Liu Ziyi , Wei Ping'an , Yang Panpan , Guo Huan , Fang Hua , Han Juanjuan , Zhu Yuchan , Ren Zhandong
Published: March 2021

The optimized RuO2/Co3O4–RuCo-EO electrode with Ru loading of 0.064 mg cm−2 exhibits the excellent oxygen evolution activity with an overpotential of 220 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 59.9 mV dec−1.
Renewable bio-based adhesive fabricated from a novel biopolymer and soy protein
Authors: Chen Shiqing , Chen Yuan , Wang Zongtao , Chen Huan , Fan Dongbin
Published: March 2021

The crosslinking reaction process of SPI/EHL-ESO adhesives.
A 1D binary photonic crystal sensor for detecting fat concentrations in commercial milk
Authors: Abohassan Khedr M. , Ashour Hassan S. , Abadla Mazen M.
Published: March 2021

Our goal in this study is to design an efficient sensor to detect the fat volume in commercial milk.
Graphene oxide lamellar membrane with enlarged inter-layer spacing for fast preconcentration and determination of trace metal ions
Authors: Ahmad Hilal , Husain Fohad Mabood , Khan Rais Ahmad
Published: March 2021

A porous graphene oxide membrane with increased interlayer spacing of GO sheets was prepared by covalently introducing poly-aminophosphonic acid in between the GO sheets. The membrane was successfully employed for the extraction of heavy metal ions.
Triazine bis(pyridinium) hydrogen sulfate ionic liquid immobillized on functionalized halloysite nanotubes as an efficient catalyst for one-pot synthesis of naphthopyranopyrimidines
Authors: Samadani Marzieh , Asadi Beheshteh , Mohammadpoor-Baltork Iraj , Mirkhani Valiollah , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Moghadam Majid
Published: March 2021

A novel method for synthesis of naphthopyranopyrimidines, using [(PATDBP)(HSO4)2@HNT] as a green and reusable catalyst is reported.
α-CGRP disrupts amylin fibrillization and regulates insulin secretion: implications on diabetes and migraine
Authors: Gray Amber L. H. , Antevska Aleksandra , Link Benjamin A. , Bogin Bryan , Burke Susan J. , Dupuy Samuel D. , Collier J. Jason , Levine Zachary A. , Karlstad Michael D. , Do Thanh D.
Published: March 2021

CGRP concentration is elevated in migraine conditions. The protective effect of migraine against type 2 diabetes is attributed to the ability of CGRP to remodel human amylin aggregation and to suppress the secretion of mouse insulin 2 (the orthologue of human insulin).
Oxygen evolution catalysts under proton exchange membrane conditions in a conventional three electrode cell vs. electrolyser device: a comparison study and a 3D-printed electrolyser for academic labs
Authors: Browne Michelle P. , Dodwell James , Novotny Filip , Jaśkaniec Sonia , Shearing Paul R. , Nicolosi Valeria , Brett Dan J. L. , Pumera Martin
Published: March 2021

In academic labs, most oxygen evolution reaction studies are carried out in conventional three-electrode cell set-ups; however, this configuration may not accurately represent conditions experienced under practical electrolyser conditions.
Trace Pd modified intermetallic PtBi nanoplates towards efficient formic acid electrocatalysis
Authors: Tang Min , Chen Wen , Luo Shuiping , Wu Xiaotong , Fan Xiaokun , Liao Yujia , Song Xing , Cheng Yu , Li Lanxi , Tan Li , Liu Yulian , Quan Zewei
Published: March 2021

We first explore the co-modification between tensile-strained/electronic-modified Pd and electronic-modified intermetallic PtBi, to achieve superior performances towards formic acid electrocatalysis.
Bipolar redox electrolyte-synergistically mediated NiCoMn-811 high-Ni ternary perovskite fluorides for advanced supercapacitors in both alkaline and neutral media
Authors: Shi Wei , Yu Wujiang , Ding Rui , Jia Ziyang , Li Yi , Huang Yuxi , Tan Caini , Sun Xiujuan , Liu Enhui
Published: March 2021

High-Ni ternary perovskite fluorides KNCMF-811 mediated with bipolar redox electrolytes construct advanced supercapacitors in both alkaline and neutral media.
A novel amorphous P4SSe2compound as an advanced anode for sodium-ion batteries in ether-based electrolytes
Authors: Yu Jiale , Zhang Haiyan , Olsson Emilia , Yu Tianhao , Liu Zhenjiang , Zhang Shangshang , Huang Xifeng , Li Wenwu , Cai Qiong
Published: March 2021

The solvation effect enables the amorphous P4SSe2compound to deliver excellent electrochemical performance as an advanced anode for sodium-ion batteries in ether-based electrolytes.
Biomaterial-based physical regulation of macrophage behaviour
Authors: Zhou Huiqun , Xue Yizebang , Dong Lei , Wang Chunming
Published: March 2021

Macrophages respond to physical stimuli of biomaterials, including stiffness, topography and confinement. Understanding the mechanical regulation of macrophage behaviour provides insights for biomaterial design.
GOX-hemin nanogels with enhanced cascade activity for sensitive one-step glucose detection
Authors: Fan Xiaotong , Lim Jiawei , Li Zibiao , Wang Tingting , Jiang Lu , Liu Siqi , Zhou Lili , He Chaobin
Published: March 2021

A GOX-hemin nanogel was prepared via polymerization on the surface of GOX, and it could be used as a one-step glucose detection system.
Engineering Cu2−xS-conjugated upconverting nanocomposites for NIR-II light-induced enhanced chemodynamic/photothermal therapy of cancer
Authors: Du Kaimin , Zhao Shuang , Feng Jing , Gao Xuan , Liu Kai , Wang Xiaozhen , Zhang Manli , Li Yao , Lu Yu , Zhang Hongjie
Published: March 2021

Cu2−xS-conjugated upconverting nanocomposites with an outstanding photothermal killing effect and a PT-enhanced CDT effect for NIR-II light-induced enhanced chemodynamic/photothermal therapy of cancer.
An air-stable artificial synapse based on a lead-free double perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 film for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Lao Jie , Xu Wen , Jiang Chunli , Zhong Ni , Tian Bobo , Lin Hechun , Luo Chunhua , Travas-sejdic Jadranka , Peng Hui , Duan Chun-Gang
Published: March 2021

An Ag/PMMA/Cs2AgBiBr6/ITO device exhibits excellent stability and reproductivity before and after 20 days of storage in an ambient environment. The pattern recognition accuracy reaches 91.3%, which is simulated by using the MNIST dataset.
Towards shape-oriented Bi-doped CoCr2O4 nanoparticles from theoretical and experimental perspectives: structural, morphological, optical, electrical and magnetic properties
Authors: Manjunatha K. , Angadi V. Jagadeesha , Oliveira M. C. , de Lazaro S. R. , Longo E. , Ribeiro R. A. P. , Manjunatha S. O. , Ayachit N. H.
Published: March 2021

Combined experimental and theoretical analysis to reveal the major properties of shape-oriented Co1−xBixCr2O4 nanoparticles, a potential candidate for multiferroic applications.
Analysis and reduction of cogging torque in direct‐drive external‐rotor permanent magnet synchronous motor for belt conveyor application
Authors: Song Yongda , Zhang Zhaoyu , Yu Siyang , Zhang Fengge , Zhang Yuan
Published: March 2021

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) shows the great potential for use in direct drive system because of its excellent low‐speed direct‐drive capability. However, it suffers from the adverse effect of the cogging torque in comparison with the asynchronous motor. Therefore, reducing the cogging torque, especially the external‐rotor PMSM (ERPMSM) for belt conveyor application, is necessary for enhancing the stable operation and precise positioning performances of the belt conveyor.Herein, a novel tangential magnetization low‐speed high‐torque ERPMSM is proposed and analysed. Furthermore, the expression of the cogging torque of the proposed ERPMSM is derived by energy method. Based on the special structure of the ERPMSM, a new method for cogging torque reduction is introduced. The comparative FEA results for four ERPMSM models are presented to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of this method. The accuracy of the cogging torque FEA results is confirmed by a prototype. Finally, the influence of this method on ERPMSM performance is also analysed carefully in this paper.
Review of surface transient charge measurement on solid insulating materials via the Pockels technique
Authors: Zhang Bo , Xue Jianyi , Chen Xingyu , Chen Sile , Mu Haibao , Xu Yang , Zhang Guanjun
Published: March 2021

Surface charges accumulated on solid insulating materials in electrical apparatuses and electronic devices could distort the initial electric field and severely damage the insulation performance. Accurate transient surface charge measurement is critical to determine the mechanisms of charge transport and flashover occurrence, and estimate surface insulation strength under high voltage. The measurement technique based on the Pockels electro‐optic effect is considered as the only approach for 2‐D dynamic charge distribution behaviour so far, and it has good capability to avoid original electric field distortion caused by conventional methods featured by metal probes. This paper reviews recent progress of the non‐invasive dynamic surface charge measurement systems on the Pockels technique. We focus especially on typical systems with transmitting and reflecting configurations and the frequently used fast inversion algorithms. It can be inferred that higher spatial‐temporal resolution, higher signal‐to‐noise ratio, and better compatibility for both transparent and opaque materials are the future development trends, which greatly depend on multiple technological breakthroughs at impact‐resistant electro‐optic crystals, advanced high‐speed photography and high‐performance inversion algorithms. In addition, the recent studies on transient behaviour of surface discharge, together with the present limitation and future prospects are discussed. It is expected that more ideas will be inspired in transient surface charge measurement by the Pockels technique and other relevant electro‐optic methods.
Effect of temperature on electric‐thermal properties of semi‐conductive shielding layer and insulation layer for high‐voltage cable
Authors: Wei Yanhui , Liu Mingyue , Li Xuejing , Li Guochang , Li Naiyi , Hao Chuncheng , Lei Qingquan
Published: March 2021

A semi‐conductive shielding layer plays an important role in the uniform electric field for a high‐voltage cable. The electric‐thermal properties of the semi‐conductive layer and insulation layer directly affect the overall insulation performance of the cable. The physicochemical performances of semi‐conductive composites are firstly analysed herein. Furthermore, electric‐thermal properties of the semi‐conductive layer and insulation layer are discussed. The experimental results show that the thermal conductivity of the commercial semi‐conductive layer is about twice that of the insulation layer, owing to the effect of carbon black. The thermal expansion coefficient of the insulation layer rises from 1.86 × 10−4/K at 25°C to 3.20 × 10−4/K at 90°C. By contrast, the semi‐conductive layer begins to slowly decline at a certain temperature, and decreases significantly to 2.25 × 10−4/K at 80°C, owing to the effect of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The electrical experiments show that the resistivity of semi‐conductive composite gradually rises with an increase in temperature, and gradually declines with an increase in the carbon black content. The dc breakdown strength of the composite structure of the semi‐conductive layer/insulation layer decreases significantly with an increase in temperature, decreasing from 307 kV/mm at 25°C to 203 kV/mm at 90°C. At four typical temperatures, the breakdown strength reaches the maximum value when the carbon black content is 25 phr. It is about 15% and 19% higher than carbon black contents of 20 and 30 phr. These findings have reference significance for high‐voltage cable breakdown fault analysis and material selection in cable design.
A method of lining seam elimination with angle adaptation and rectangular mark for road tunnel concrete lining images
Authors: Qu Zhong , Zhong Yu‐Lu , Liu Ling
Published: March 2021

Road Tunnels are an important part of the current road transportation infrastructure. As the main form of tunnel lining diseases, cracks are easy to interact with other areas, which seriously affects the safe operation of the tunnel. Due to the similarity of brightness and linearity between surface cracks and lining cracks, the existing crack detection algorithms can not extract cracks accurately and quickly. An algorithm of lining seam crack elimination with rectangular mark is proposed here. First, the line segments in the image are detected by the Line Segment Detector algorithm based on the coarse percolation detection of the crack. Second, the distribution directions are calculated, and cracks from the lining seams are distinguished by the adaptive threshold judgment method. Third, by using the distribution characteristics of pixels, the line segments are extended to form rectangular marks perpendicular to the direction of lining seams. Finally, the marking information is used to remove the lining joints and obtain the real surface cracks of tunnel lining. Experimental results show that the algorithm can quickly and effectively remove any shape distribution of lining seam. The algorithm fills in the blank of concrete tunnel lining surface crack detection technology.
U‐FPNDet: A one‐shot traffic object detector based on U‐shaped feature pyramid module
Authors: Ke Xiao , Li Jianping
Published: March 2021

In the field of automatic driving, identifying vehicles and pedestrians is the starting point of other automatic driving techniques. Using the information collected by the camera to detect traffic targets is particularly important. The main bottleneck of traffic object detection is due to the same category of targets, which may have different scales. For example, the pixel‐level of cars may range from 30 to 300 px, which will cause instability of positioning and classification. In this paper, a multi‐dimension feature pyramid is constructed in order to solve the multi‐scale problem. The feature pyramid is built by developing a U‐shaped module and using a cascade‐method. In order to verify the effectiveness of the U‐shaped module, we also designed a new one‐shot detector U‐FPNDet. The model first extracts the basic feature map by using the basic network and constructs the multi‐dimension feature pyramid. Next, a pyramid pooling module is used to get more context information from the scene. Finally, the detection network is run on each level of the pyramid to obtain the final result by NMS. By using this method, a state‐of‐the‐art performance is achieved on both detection and classification on commonly used benchmarks.
A 2 × 2 Filtering subarray element antennas using all‐resonator structures
Authors: Mahmud Rashad H. , Lancaster Michael J.
Published: March 2021

This study presents two novel topologies of a 2 × 2 filtering antenna subarray based on all resonator structures. The coupling matrix theory is used to extract the interresonator coupling coefficients and quality factors. The matrix parameters give a controllable bandwidth to the filtering subarrays. Rectangular waveguide cavity resonators are utilised to implement the physical layouts of the topologies. They operate at a centre frequency of 10 GHz and have a fractional bandwidth of 10% with return loss of ‐20 dB. The first topology consists of seven resonators feeding from beneath, while the second topology consists of six resonators feeding from the side. Compared to previous 2 × 2 waveguide cavity‐backed subarray antennas, the proposed 2 × 2 filtering subarrays have the advantage of having a larger bandwidth, flatter gain over the passband and larger roll‐off of the gain at the band edges. Also, when providing the feed network, the all‐resonator structure removes the need to place a bandpass filter after the antenna at the front end of a communication system. Fabrication and measurements have been performed by validating the designs.
Wideband unequal filtering power divider with high power dividing ratio based on line‐inserted method
Authors: Wang Di , Guo Xin , Wu Wen
Published: March 2021

In this study, a type of wideband‐filtering power divider (FPD) with high power dividing ratio (PDR) is proposed based on the line‐inserted method. The proposed wideband FPD is implemented by inserting a quarter‐wave line in front of the conventional wideband FPD. With the inserted line acting as part of each filtering branch, an additional in‐band pole is generated, and the requirement for high input impedance can be relaxed. Consequently, both the fractional bandwidth (FBW) and maximum PDR can be enhanced. To enforce the effectiveness of the inserted line, a corresponding design method for the wideband FPD is proposed and demonstrated. Initially, a wideband filter involving the inserted line is synthesized. Then, the synthesized filter is used for implementing wideband FPD using voltage transformers. Finally, the voltage transformers are successfully absorbed into the filtering branches. Examples of 4:1 and 12:1 FPDs operating at 1.8 GHz are designed and fabricated with specified FBWs of 100% and 88%. The measured PDRs are 3.9:1 and 11.2:1 with corresponding bandwidths of 103.9% and 88.3% (|S
11|< –10 dB), respectively. The proposed wideband FPD exhibits a higher PDR, wider bandwidth, equal‐ripple response, and filtering embedded compared with the conventional ones.