bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced Transition Temperature in Al:ZnO/VO2 Based Multi-Layered Device for low Powered Smart Window Application
Authors: Behera Makhes K. , Williams Leslie C. , Pradhan Sangram K. , Bahoura Messaoud
Published: February 2020

The metal-to-insulator transition (MIT) closest to room temperature of 68–70 °C as shown by vanadium oxide (VO2), compared with other transition metal oxides, makes it a potential candidate for smart window coating. We have successfully fabricated a potential smart window device after the optimum design of a multilayered thin film structure made out of transparent conducting oxide (aluminum doped zinc oxide) and pure VO2 using pulsed laser deposition technique. This comprehensive study is based on two different configurations for multi-layered structure approach, with the intention to reduce the transition temperature, as well as to maintain the MIT properties that would strengthen the potential of the structure to be used for a smart window device. By creating a multi-layered structure, we were able to create a low powered device that can operate less than 15 V that leads to significant decline in the infrared transmission by a magnitude of over 40% and provided sufficient heat to trigger the MIT at a temperature around 60 °C, which is almost 10 °C lower than its bulk counterpart. This finding would positively impact the research on VO2 thin films, not only as smart windows but also for numerous other applications like bolometers, infrared detectors, Mott transistors and many more.
Parabolic dependence of the drag coefficient on wind speed from aircraft eddy-covariance measurements over the tropical Eastern Pacific
Authors: Gao Zhiqiu , Peng Wenwu , Gao Chloe Y. , Li Yubin
Published: February 2020

In this study, we examine and present the relationship between drag coefficient and wind speed. We used an observational dataset that consists of 806 estimates of the mean flow and fluxes from aircraft eddy-covariance measurements over the tropical Eastern Pacific. To estimate the saturated wind speed threshold, we regressed the drag coefficients for wind speed scope from 10 ms−1 to 28 ms−1. Results show that the relationship between drag coefficient and wind speed is parabolic. Additionally, the saturated wind speed threshold is 22.33 ms−1 when regressed from drag coefficient, and it is 22.65 ms−1 when regressed from the medium number of drag coefficient for each bin.
The Intercontinental phylogeography of neustonic daphniids
Authors: Taylor Derek J. , Connelly Sandra J. , Kotov Alexey A.
Published: February 2020

Organisms that live at the freshwater surface layer (the neuston) occupy a high energy habitat that is threatened by human activities. Daphniids of the genera Scapholeberis and Megafenestra are adapted to the neuston but are poorly studied for biogeography and diversity. Here we assess the global phylogeography of neustonic daphniids. We obtained 402 new multigene sequences from the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and tRNA (val) regions of the mitochondrial genomes of daphniids from 186 global sites. We assessed the intercontinental origins and boundaries of mitochondrial lineages and the relative rates of evolution in neustonic and planktonic daphniids. We identified 17 divergent lineages in the neustonic daphniids that were associated with biogeographic regions. Six of these lineages had intercontinental ranges – four of these were Transberingian. Patagonian populations of Scapholeberis rammneri were monophyletic and nested within a closely related clade of western North American haplotypes, suggesting an introduction from the Western Nearctic to South America. The Eastern Palearctic was more diverse than other regions, containing eight of the major lineages detected in the Scapholeberinae. The Genus Scapholeberis had high levels of divergence compared to non-neustonic daphniids. Neustonic daphniids have more divergent biogeographic lineages than previously appreciated.
A Group of Olfactory Receptor Alleles that Encode Full Length Proteins are Down-Regulated as Olfactory Sensory Neurons Mature
Authors: Krolewski Richard C. , Lin Brian , Stampfer Samuel , Packard Adam , Schwob James E.
Published: February 2020

The family of olfactory receptors (ORs) subserves the sense of smell and includes both functional alleles and pseudogenes, the latter identified by mutations resulting in frame shift or premature truncation. During neuronal differentiation, nonfunctional ORs are expressed initially but then are switched out, and/or the olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) expressing them die. We carried out a transcriptomic analysis of FACS-isolated cells from ΔSox2-eGFP, Neurog1-eGFP BAC and ΔOMP-eGFP strains of uninjured and olfactory bulbectomized transgenic mice that correspond to distinct stages in the progression from globose basal cell stem cells to fully mature OSNs. We analyzed the expression pattern of 1094 unique receptors across this progression and found that the vast majority were characterized by a typical and expected pattern of expression; i.e., levels of OR mRNA peaking in mature OSNs. However, 43 ORs, including several known pseudogenes, were different, such that mRNA expression declined in the mature OSNs relative to earlier stages. Protein and promoter sequence analysis of the atypical group did not uncover any obvious differences between them and more typical ORs. Nonetheless, the pattern of expression suggests that atypical ORs may be non-functional despite the lack of any obvious abnormality in the sequence analyses.
Culture dependent and independent analyses suggest a low level of sharing of endospore-forming species between mothers and their children
Authors: Avershina Ekaterina , Larsen Marte Gro , Aspholm Marina , Lindback Toril , Storrø Ola , Øien Torbjørn , Johnsen Roar , Rudi Knut
Published: February 2020

Spore forming bacteria comprise a large part of the human gut microbiota. However, study of the endospores in gut microbiota is limited due to difficulties of culturing and numerous unknown germination factors. In this study we propose a new method for culture-independent characterization of endospores in stool samples. We have enriched DNA of spore-forming bacterial species from stool samples of 40 mother-child pairs from a previously described mother-child cohort. The samples were exposed to a two-step purification process comprising ethanol and ethidium monoazide (EMA) treatment to first kill vegetative cells and to subsequently eliminate their DNA from the samples. The composition of the ethanol-EMA resistant DNA was characterized by 16S rRNA marker gene sequencing. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to the Clostridia class (OTU1: Romboutsia, OTU5: Peptostreptococcaceae and OTU14: Clostridium senso stricto) and one belonging to the Bacillus class (OTU20: Turicibacter) were significantly more abundant in the samples from mothers and children after ethanol-EMA treatment than in those treated with ethanol only. No correlation was observed between ethanol-EMA resistant OTUs detected in children and in their mothers, which indicates that a low level of spore-forming species are shared between mothers and their children. Anaerobic ethanol-resistant bacteria were isolated from all mothers and all children over 1 year of age. Generally, in 70% of the ethanol-treated samples used for anaerobic culturing, 16S rRNA gene sequences of bacterial isolates corresponded to OTUs detected in these samples after EMA treatment. We report a new DNA-based method for the characterization of endospores in gut microbiota. Our method has high degree of correspondence to the culture-based method, although it requires further optimization. Our results also indicate a high turnover of endospores in the gut during the first two years of life, perhaps with a high environmental impact.
Circulating serum HBsAg level is a biomarker for HBV-specific T and B cell responses in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Kim Jin Hyang , Ghosh Alip , Ayithan Natarajan , Romani Sara , Khanam Arshi , Park Jang-June , Rijnbrand Rene , Tang Lydia , Sofia Michael J. , Kottilil Shyam , Moore Chris B. , Poonia Bhawna
Published: February 2020

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection functional cure is defined as sustained loss of HBsAg and several therapeutic strategies are in clinical development designed to pharmacologically reduce serum HBsAg, break immune tolerance, and increase functional cure rates. However, little is known about pre-treatment HBsAg levels as an indicator of HBV immune potential. Here, we compared the phenotypes and HBV-specific response of lymphocytes in CHB patients stratified by serum HBsAg levels <500 (HBslo) or >50,000 IU/ml (HBshi) using immunological assays (flow cytometry, ICS, ELISPOT). HBshi patients had significantly higher expression of inhibitory PD-1 on CD4+ T cells, particularly among TEMRA subset, and higher FcRL5 expression on B cells. Upon HBcAg(core) or HBsAg(env)-stimulation, 85% and 60% of HBslo patients had IFNγ+TNFα+ and IFNγ+ IL2+ CD4+ T cell responses respectively, in comparison to 33% and 13% of HBshi patients. Checkpoint blockade with αPD-1 improved HBV-specific CD4+ T cell function only in HBslo patients. HBsAg-specific antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) response was not different between these groups, yet αPD-1 treatment resulted in significantly higher fold change in ASCs among patients with HBsAg <100 IU/ml compared to patients with HBsAg >5,000 IU/ml. Thus, serum HBsAg correlates with inhibitory receptor expression, HBV-specific CD4+ T cell responses, and augmentation by checkpoint blockade.
Precipitous Declines in Northern Gulf of Mexico Invasive Lionfish Populations Following the Emergence of an Ulcerative Skin Disease
Authors: Harris Holden E. , Fogg Alexander Q. , Allen Micheal S. , Ahrens Robert N. M. , Patterson William F.
Published: February 2020

Invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish Pterois volitans/miles have become well-established in many western Atlantic marine habitats and regions. However, high densities and low genetic diversity could make their populations susceptible to disease. We examined changes in northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM) lionfish populations following the emergence of an ulcerative skin disease in August 2017, when estimated disease prevalence was as high as 40%. Ulcerated female lionfish had 9% lower relative condition compared to non-ulcerated females. Changes in lionfish size composition indicated a potential recruitment failure in early summer 2018, when the proportion of new recruits declined by >80%. Remotely operated vehicle surveys during 2016–2018 indicated lionfish population density declined in 2018 by 75% on natural reefs. The strongest declines (77–79%) in lionfish density were on high-density (>25 lionfish per 100 m2) artificial reefs, which declined to similar levels as low-density (<15 lionfish per 100 m2) artificial reefs that had prior lionfish removals. Fisheries-dependent sampling indicated lionfish commercial spearfishing landings, commercial catch per unit effort (CPUE), and lionfish tournament CPUE also declined approximately 50% in 2018. Collectively, these results provide correlative evidence for density-dependent epizootic population control, have implications for managing lionfish and impacted native species, and improve our understanding of biological invasions.
Lymelight: forecasting Lyme disease risk using web search data
Authors: Sadilek Adam , Hswen Yulin , Bavadekar Shailesh , Shekel Tomer , Brownstein John S. , Gabrilovich Evgeniy
Published: February 2020

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. Existing estimates of Lyme disease spread are delayed a year or more. We introduce Lymelight—a new method for monitoring the incidence of Lyme disease in real-time. We use a machine-learned classifier of web search sessions to estimate the number of individuals who search for possible Lyme disease symptoms in a given geographical area for two years, 2014 and 2015. We evaluate Lymelight using the official case count data from CDC and find a 92% correlation (p < 0.001) at county level. Importantly, using web search data allows us not only to assess the incidence of the disease, but also to examine the appropriateness of treatments subsequently searched for by the users. Public health implications of our work include monitoring the spread of vector-borne diseases in a timely and scalable manner, complementing existing approaches through real-time detection, which can enable more timely interventions. Our analysis of treatment searches may also help reduce misdiagnosis of the disease.
Optical modulation in Ge-rich SiGe waveguides in the mid-infrared wavelength range up to 11 µm
Authors: Montesinos-Ballester Miguel , Vakarin Vladyslav , Ramirez Joan Manel , Liu Qiankun , Alonso-Ramos Carlos , Le Roux Xavier , Frigerio Jacopo , Ballabio Andrea , Barzaghi Andrea , Deniel Lucas , Bouville David , Vivien Laurent , Isella Giovanni , Marris-Morini Delphine
Published: February 2020

Waveguide integrated optical modulators in the mid-infrared wavelength range are of significant interest for molecular spectroscopy. This is because on-chip synchronous detection can improve the performance of detection systems and can also be used for free-space communications where optical modulators working in atmospheric transparency windows are needed. Here we report optical modulation in a mid-infrared photonic circuit, reaching wavelengths larger than 8 µm. Optical modulation in the wavelength range from 5.5 to 11 µm is shown, relying on a broadband Ge-rich graded-SiGe platform. This demonstration experimentally confirms the free-carrier absorption effect modeling. These results pave the way towards efficient high-performance electrically-driven integrated optical modulators in the mid-infrared wavelength range.
Identifying superionic conductors by materials informatics and high-throughput synthesis
Authors: Matsubara Masato , Suzumura Akitoshi , Ohba Nobuko , Asahi Ryoji
Published: February 2020

Combinatorial chemistry has been proven effective in the search for novel functional materials, especially in the field of organic chemistry, and is being used to identify functional inorganic compounds. However, there is a growing need for approaches that predict and experimentally realize new materials, beyond composition optimization of known systems. Application of combinatorial chemistry to materials discovery is typically hindered by a limited ability to search a wide chemical composition space, and by our ability to experimentally screen promising compounds. Here, a combinatorial scheme is proposed that combines a materials informatics technique to define a chemical search space with high-throughput synthesis and evaluation. We identify high-performance superionic conductors in the Ca-(Nb,Ta)-Bi-O system, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach for accelerated materials discovery.
Fundamentals of Population Balance Based Crystallization Process Modeling
Authors: Szilagyi Botond , Majumder Aniruddha , Nagy Zoltan K.
Published: February 2020

Crystallization is ubiquitous in pharmaceutical manufacturing as a means of separation and purification. The pharmaceutical industry is currently going through a paradigm shift from batch to continuous manufacturing due to its various benefits such as improved product consistency, improved productivity, ease of scale up, efficient use of physical space and reduction in energy consumption. Crystallization is a key unit operation in a continuous manufacturing process since in addition to being a critical purification step it also defines the critical properties of the particulate products. In silico evaluation and design of crystallization systems can significantly reduce process development time and allow the understanding and defining of the optimal operating space. While significant progress has been made to date, this chapter is primarily focused on presenting the basic concepts of modeling and simulation of the two continuous crystallizer platforms – mixed suspension mixed product removal (MSMPR) crystallizer and plug flow crystallizer (PFC). Starting from the fundamental concepts of the crystallization process, modeling of the various sub processes such as nucleation, growth, aggregation and breakage are discussed. Then, the population balance model for the continuous crystallizer platforms are discussed along with the numerical techniques that can be used to solve the model equations. Finally, a few case studies are presented including cooling and antisolvent crystallizations, as well as crystallization of polymorphic and enantiomeric systems.
Continuous Crystallisation With Oscillatory Baffled Crystalliser Technology
Authors: Ni Xiongwei
Published: February 2020

While stirred tank crystallisers have been the workhorse, continuous crystallisation in tubular plug flow crystallisers, such as the continuous oscillatory baffled crystalliser (COBC), has gradually gained recognition in the mainstream of crystallisation practices and operations. This chapter will describe the COBC and distinctive differences with other crystallization equipment.
Process Control
Authors: Lakerveld R. , Benyahia B.
Published: February 2020

This chapter discusses the control aspects of continuous crystallization processes. Common control objectives for continuous crystallization are related to crystal product quality, process stabilization, economic performance, and environmental impact. Supersaturation is often used as controlled variable to obtain desirable crystal quality attributes, although direct approaches with a crystal quality attribute as controlled variable have also been developed. Sensors to measure crystal quality attributes or supersaturation in situ are readily available, which makes the application of automated feedback control loops attractive. A mixed-suspension mixed-product-removal crystallizer has limited options for process actuation unless fines dissolution is employed. Novel plug-flow crystallizers allow for the adoption of different control strategies (e.g., controlled cooling profiles with seeding). Model-based controllers in combination with state observers can handle time-varying model uncertainty, input constraints, sensor and actuator faults and asynchronous measurements, whereas model-predictive control has the unique capability to enforce multiple process constraints and is most effective when dealing with complicated interactions between multiple inputs and outputs. State observers can also be used to design effective filters for actuator fault detection. The rapid development of dynamic process models, advanced analytical techniques and improved numerical methods are main drivers of the current trend towards model-based control strategies for continuous crystallization.
Continuous Membrane Crystallization
Authors: Curcio Efrem , Di Profio Gianluca
Published: February 2020

Membrane processes meet the requirements of Process Intensification since they have the potential to replace conventional energy-intensive techniques, to accomplish the selective and efficient transport of specific components, and to improve the performance of reactive processes. In this framework, the innovative concept of Membrane Crystallization – integrating the principles of diffusive mass transfer through microporous hydrophobic membranes and the theory of heterogeneous nucleation promoted by foreign interfaces – offers unprecedented opportunities to overcome the limits of traditional crystallization devices. Many variants of Membrane Crystallization technology exist; in the most investigated and promising configurations, microporous hydrophobic membranes are used to precisely control the evaporation rate of volatile solvent from the crystallizing solution and, ultimately, the supersaturation level. In addition, physico-chemical characteristics of the membranes such as porosity, roughness, surface energy and chemistry of the surface influence significantly the kinetics of crystallization, leading to interesting advantages such as polymorph selection, reduced induction time in protein crystallization, modulation of crystal morphology and narrow crystal size distribution. This chapter provides a general overview of Membrane Crystallization principles, including mass transfer and nucleation phenomena, and reviews the main applications so far explored.
Continuous Isolation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Authors: Price C. J. , Barton A. , Coleman S. J.
Published: February 2020

In this chapter the essential underlying science and engineering of filtration, washing and drying are outlined as a basis for identifying best practice. Subsequently the available continuous process equipment variants used in the pharmaceutical and associated industry sectors are described and their potential fit into a pharmaceutical context is examined. The chapter concludes by considering some common isolation process problems, their potential causes and solution strategies.
Continuous Eutectic Freeze Crystallization
Authors: Chivavava Jemitias , Jooste Debbie , Aspeling Benita , Peters Edward , Ndoro Dereck , Heydenrych Hilton , Pascual Marcos Rodriguez , Lewis Alison
Published: February 2020

Eutectic freeze crystallization (EFC) is a treatment technology for saline streams that can recover both water and dissolved salts (or acids). It works by cooling the stream to the eutectic temperature, at which point both ice and salt (or acid) will crystallize. The ice, being less dense than the solution, floats, and the salt, being denser, will sink – thus effecting a gravity separation. Theoretically, EFC can result in zero liquid discharge (ZLD) and has several advantages over conventional separation techniques, including low energy consumption; high quality products and requires no additional chemicals. It can also be combined with other separation technologies to optimise separation processes. EFC can be applied to binary, ternary and multicomponent streams and thermodynamic modelling can be used to predict the eutectic temperature, eutectic composition, nucleation temperatures of ice and salt components, ice and salt recoveries and order of crystallization for crystal products. EFC is a classic coupled heat and mass transfer problem and, when operated as a continuous process, is suitable for the treatment of large volumes of saline streams. EFC has been developed from a laboratory curiosity to the point where commercialisation is currently under way.
Towards normalization selection of Raman data in the context of protein glycation: application of validity indices to PCA processed spectra
Authors: Fatima Alsamad , Cyril Gobinet , Vincent Vuiblet , Stéphane Jaisson , Olivier Piot
Published: February 2020

Vibrational data of biological samples require appropriate pre-processing for ensuring relevant interpretation. Here, mathematical criteria (validity indices) are used to select how to normalize Raman data collected in the protein glycation context.
Er3+-to-dye energy transfer in DNA-coated core and core/shell/shell upconverting nanoparticles with 980 nm and 808 nm excitation of Yb3+and Nd3+
Authors: Francés-Soriano Laura , Peruffo Nicola , Natile Marta Maria , Hildebrandt Niko
Published: February 2020

FRET from upconversion nanoparticles to dyes using 980 nm and 808 nm excitation.
Modulation of cyclic topology toward enhanced drug delivery, from linear and tadpole-like to dumbbell-shaped copolymers
Authors: Kang Guiying , Liu Yuping , Li Lingxia , Sun Lu , Ma Wei , Meng Chao , Ma Liwei , Zheng Guohua , Chang Cong , Wei Hua
Published: February 2020

We reported herein the synthesis of a novel dumbbell-shaped amphiphilic copolymer with two macrocycles-based bells, and revealed the better performance of this polymer construct than those of the linear and tadpole-like analogues for drug release.
A gelator–starch blend for dry powder based instant solidification of crude oil at room temperature
Authors: Pathak Navendu P. , Rajkamal  , Yadav Somnath
Published: February 2020

A sugar based organogelator and natural polymer blend has been found to be useful for the ultrafast, room temperature solidification of crude oil in a dry powder form.
A soft chemistry approach to preparing (de)sodiated transition-metal hydroxy molybdates
Authors: Martins Guilherme M. , Moreira Roberto L. , Dias Anderson
Published: February 2020

Polymorphic transformations were investigated for (de)sodiated Ni and Zn hydroxy molybdates prepared under mild hydrothermal conditions.
Electronic relaxation dynamics in [Au25(SR)18]−1 (R = CH3, C2H5, C3H7, MPA, PET) thiolate-protected nanoclusters
Authors: Senanayake Ravithree D. , Aikens Christine M.
Published: February 2020

Excited state decay times in thiolate-stabilized gold nanoclusters exhibit a degree of dependence on the passivating ligand.
Understanding the electrochemistry of armchair graphene nanoribbons containing nitrogen and oxygen functional groups: DFT calculations
Authors: López-Urías Florentino , Fajardo-Díaz Juan L. , Cortés-López Alejandro J. , Rodríguez-Corvera Cristina L. , Jiménez-Ramírez Luis E. , Muñoz-Sandoval Emilio
Published: February 2020

Results are shown for the band structure, formation energy, band gaps, oxidation and reduction energies, electronic charge deficit, and global hydrophilicity index.
Improving the performance of the MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA methods in recognizing the native structure of the Bcl-2 family using the interaction entropy method
Authors: Zhong Susu , Huang Kaifang , Luo Song , Dong Shuheng , Duan Lili
Published: February 2020

Correct discrimination of native structure plays an important role in drug design. IE method significantly improves the performance of MM/PB(GB)SA method in discriminating native and decoy structures in protein–ligand/protein systems of Bcl-2 family.
Aqueous solvation of the chloride ion revisited with density functional theory: impact of correlation and exchange approximations
Authors: DelloStritto Mark , Xu Jianhang , Wu Xifan , Klein Michael L.
Published: February 2020

Aqueous chloride is simulated using PBE-D3, PBE0-D3, and SCAN to investigate the impact of exchange and correlation approximations; we find the exact exchange fraction strongly impacts the energetics and polarizability of solvated chloride.
Chemical-substitution-induced successive symmetry descent and structure–property correlation for “114” oxides CaBa1−xSrxZn2Al2O7
Authors: An Yuling , Jiang Pengfei , Gao Wenliang , Cong Rihong , Yang Tao
Published: February 2020

The successive structural symmetry lowering of CaBa1−xSrxZn2Al2O7, due to Sr-to-Ba substitution, is associated with the rotation of T1O4 tetrahedra around the c-axis.
Understanding the role of frustrated Lewis pairs as ligands in transition metal-catalyzed reactions
Authors: Cabrera-Trujillo Jorge Juan , Fernández Israel
Published: February 2020

The role of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) as ligands in gold(i) catalyzed-reactions has been computationally investigated by using state-of-the-art density functional theory calculations.
Tris(tropolonato) ruthenium as a hub for connecting π-conjugated systems
Authors: Yoshida Jun , Tateyama Kazunori , Yuge Hidetaka
Published: February 2020

In this study, the intramolecular electronic communication between π-conjugated moieties bridged by the tris-chelate [Ru(trop)3] (trop = tropolonate) framework has been investigated and compared with [Ru(acac)3] (acac = acetylacetonate) derivatives.
Underlying mechanisms of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress photoinduced by graphene and its surface-functionalized derivatives
Authors: Yao Hongye , Huang Yang , Li Xuan , Li Xuehua , Xie Hongbin , Luo Tianlie , Chen Jingwen , Chen Zhongfang
Published: February 2020

Graphene can be modified by different functional groups through various transformation processes in the environment.
A 3D net-like structured fluorescent aerogel based on carboxy-methylated cellulose nanofibrils and carbon dots as a highly effective adsorbent and sensitive optical sensor of Cr(vi)
Authors: Yuan Hanmeng , Yang Guanhua , Luo Qiuyan , Xiao Teng , Zuo Yingfeng , Guo Xin , Xu Dong , Wu Yiqiang
Published: February 2020

A 3D net-like structured fluorescent aerogel as a highly effective adsorbent and sensitive optical sensor of Cr(vi) was fabricated.
Layered structure-based materials: challenges and opportunities for radionuclide sequestration
Authors: Wang Lin , Li Zijie , Wu Qunyan , Huang Zhiwei , Yuan Liyong , Chai Zhifang , Shi Weiqun
Published: February 2020

This review highlights recent achievements and perspectives of emerging two-dimensional nanomaterials for the elimination of radionuclides in environmental applications.
Interference correction for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using a deconvolution algorithm
Authors: Liu Kun , Zhou Ran , Zhang Wen , Tang Zhiyang , Yan Jiujiang , Lv Ming , Li Xiangyou , Lu Yongfeng , Zeng Xiaoyan
Published: February 2020

Spectral interference of the background and overlapping peaks was corrected using wavelet transform and Richardson–Lucy deconvolution in LIBS quantitative analysis.
Synthesis of a high-performance low-platinum PtAg/C alloyed oxygen reduction catalyst through the gradual reduction method
Authors: Zhao Qing , Wang Cheng , Wang Haifeng , Wang Jianlong , Tang Yaping , Mao Zongqiang , Sasaki Kazunari
Published: February 2020

A low-platinum PtAg/C catalyst with excellent ORR activity and durability in acid is demonstrated to be promising for ORR catalysis.
Core–shell structured magnetic mesoporous silica supported Schiff-base/Pd: an efficacious and reusable nanocatalyst
Authors: Shaker Masoumeh , Elhamifar Dawood
Published: February 2020

Preparation, characterization and catalytic application of a novel magnetic ordered mesoporous silica supported Schiff-base/Pd (Fe3O4@MCM-41-SB/Pd) are developed.
Recent progress and advances in the environmental applications of MXene related materials
Authors: Chen Junyu , Huang Qiang , Huang Hongye , Mao Liucheng , Liu Meiying , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wei Yen
Published: February 2020

MXenes are a new type of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbide or carbonitride material with a 2D structure similar to graphene.
Creation of a two-dimensional polymer and graphene heterostructure
Authors: Wang Honglei , Yang Jing , Zhao Pei , Gölzhäuser Armin , Liu Wei , Chen Xudong , Zheng Zhikun
Published: February 2020

We introduced a rationally synthesized two-dimensional polymer to tune the properties of graphene without changing its intrinsic structure.
Serendipitous base catalysed condensation–heteroannulation of iminoesters: a regioselective route to the synthesis of 4,6-disubstituted 5-azaindoles
Authors: Dudhe Premansh , Venkatasubbaiah Krishnan , Pathak Biswarup , Chelvam Venkatesh
Published: February 2020

Synthesis of 5-azaindoles in moderate to good yields in one-pot, solvent and metal-free reaction via heteroannulation.
Self-healing magnetic nanocomposites with robust mechanical properties and high magnetic actuation potential prepared from commodity monomers via graft-from approach
Authors: Muradyan Hurik , Mozhdehi Davoud , Guan Zhibin
Published: February 2020

Herein, we report the design, synthesis and characterization of self-healing magnetic nanocomposites prepared from readily available commodity monomers.
Catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 at a structurally rigidified cobalt center
Authors: Choi Jonghoon , Lee Yunho
Published: February 2020

Catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 occurs at a cobalt center supported by a rigidified PNP ligand revealing higher catalytic performance.
Highly dispersed redox-active polyoxometalates’ periodic deposition on multi-walled carbon nanotubes for boosting electrocatalytic triiodide reduction in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wang Ting , Xu Ming , Li Xiaohong , Wang Chunlei , Chen Weilin
Published: February 2020

Highly dispersed POM nanoparticles as functional components have been deposited on CNTs to produce periodic functionalized CNTs. The obtained Co4PW9/CNTs CE exhibits the best photovoltaic performance with a PCE of 7.60%, higher than both pure CNTs and Pt CE.
Cationic covalent organic framework based all-solid-state electrolytes
Authors: Li Zhen , Liu Zhi-Wei , Mu Zhen-Jie , Cao Chen , Li Zeyu , Wang Tian-Xiong , Li Yu , Ding Xuesong , Han Bao-Hang , Feng Wei
Published: February 2020

Two new imidazolium-based cationic COFs were synthesized and employed as all-solid electrolytes, and exhibited high lithium ion conductivity at high temperature. The assembled Li-ion battery displays preferable battery performance at 353 K.
Development of high-performance mixed matrix reverse osmosis membranes by incorporating aminosilane-modified hydrotalcite
Authors: Tian Xinxia , Cao Zhen , Wang Jian , Chen Jiangrong , Wei Yangyang
Published: February 2020

Thin film nanocomposite reverse osmosis membranes were prepared by dispersing 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane modified hydrotalcite in aqueous solution and incorporating the nanoparticles in polyamide layer during interfacial polymerization process.
A Co/CoO hybrid rooted on carbon cloth as an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline solution
Authors: Cao Jun , Chen Xiaobin , Li Haichao , Pu Jiaxuan , Liu Limei , Ma Li , Zhou Kechao , Zhang Zejie , Wei Qiuping , Luo Fenghua
Published: February 2020

An efficient and robust electrocatalyst of a Co/CoO hybrid containing oxygen vacancies rooted on carbon cloth with anion pre-intercalation.
X-ray particle tracking velocimetry in liquid foam flow
Authors: Lappan Tobias , Franz Alexander , Schwab Holger , Kühn Uta , Eckert Sven , Eckert Kerstin , Heitkam Sascha
Published: February 2020

To measure the bulk flow of liquid foam, we introduce an X-ray radiographic technique utilizing purposely shaped 3D-printed steel tracers.
On the diffusivity of ring polymers
Authors: Wong Chi Pui Jeremy , Choi Phillip
Published: February 2020

The crossover in diffusion coefficients of ring polyethylene is explained by a free volume theory.
Analytical review: analytical techniques for hyoscine N butyl bromide
Authors: Gamal Mohammed
Published: February 2020

It is not a simple task to develop techniques for analyzing tricyclic quaternary ammonium alkaloids (TCQAAs) because of the relative polarity and alkalinity of the latter.
Tunable thermal quenching properties of Na3Sc2(PO4)3:Eu2+ phosphors tailored by phase transformation details
Authors: Liu Zehua , Zhou Tianrui , Yang Chao , Chen Jingjing , Agrawal Dinesh Kumar , Mao Zhiyong , Wang Dajian
Published: February 2020

Variable thermal quenching behaviors, including abnormal negative thermal quenching and normal thermal quenching, were demonstrated for Na3Sc2(PO4)3:Eu2+ phosphors tailored by the phase transformation details at elevated temperature.
MOF matrix isolation: cooperative conformational mobility enables reliable single crystal transformations
Authors: Peralta Ricardo A. , Huxley Michael T. , Young Rosemary J. , Linder-Patton Oliver M. , Evans Jack D. , Doonan Christian J. , Sumby Christopher J.
Published: February 2020

Preordering of the linker site and utilising framework flexibility are critical to achieving high levels of metal loading during post-synthetic metalation.
Automated access to well-defined ionic oligosaccharides
Authors: Zhu Yuntao , Tyrikos-Ergas Theodore , Schiefelbein Kevin , Grafmüller Andrea , Seeberger Peter H. , Delbianco Martina
Published: February 2020

Automated Glycan Assembly grants access to ionic oligosaccharides for structural studies.
Charge accumulation characteristic on polymer insulator surface under AC voltage in air and C4F7N/CO2 mixtures
Authors: Li Dayu , Zhang Guixin , Wang Tianyu , Hou Yicen
Published: February 2020

Charge accumulation has always been a problem for the safe operation of gas insulated switchgear (GIS)/gas insulated transmission line (GIL) both under AC and DC. It is of great significance to investigate the behaviour of surface charge under high voltage. In this study, the charge distribution characteristics and accumulation mechanism on insulator surface in air and heptafluorobutyronitrile/carbon dioxide (C4F7N/CO2) mixtures under AC voltage are studied via the means of surface potential measurement and inversion algorithm, combined with the improved method of controlling the truncated phase of AC voltage. The results show that under the needle–plate electrode structure, charge distribution on the insulator surface presents a three‐tier concentric circle structure both in air and C4F7N/CO2 gas mixtures, and the charge composition of the innermost circle is closely related to the truncated phase of AC voltage. Under the same amplitude of voltage, the range of charge distribution on insulator surface in C4F7N/CO2 mixtures is smaller than that in air, with the negative charges domination. It is suggested that the characteristic of charge distribution in C4F7N/CO2 mixtures is related to the larger electron attachment cross‐section of C4F7N gas in a wide range of electron energy distribution.
Modelling vacuum flashover mitigation with complex surface microstructure: mechanism and application
Authors: Zhang Shu , Sun Guang‐Yu , Mu Hai‐Bao , Song Bai‐Peng , Xue Jianyi , Zhang Guan‐Jun
Published: February 2020

The vacuum discharge along the dielectric surface, also called surface flashover, brings significant damages to the vacuum‐solid insulation system. Here the authors implement shape‐flexible, complex surface groove microstructures on the dielectric to mitigate the initiation of vacuum flashover. A particle‐in‐cell simulation is employed to reveal the real‐time discharge development considering the blockage of the multipactor propagation as well as the space field distortion in the presence of specific surface microstructures. Electron trajectories within barriers are theoretically analysed to present how the barrier shape affects the discharge process, showing consistent results with the simulation. By analysing three parameters, namely the anode current, the surface average charge density and the flashover threshold, it is found that the effect of suppressing surface flashover remarkably augments when the groove number and depth rise up, while such effect gradually saturates when the groove depth reaches a critical value. Theoretical analyses are also provided for the decay factor as well as the optimal shape and trapezoid grooves are proved as the optimal shape distribution of microstructures. Furthermore, different secondary emission yield (SEY) distributions are considered with two kinds of structures, including the material with low‐SEY inside and on the top surface of grooves.
AI in arcing‐HIF detection: a brief review
Authors: Hao Bai
Published: February 2020

In the past few decades, the arcing‐high‐impedance fault (arcing‐HIF) detection problems have become an important issue in the effectively grounded distribution network. Many solutions have been proposed to address this problem. The most attractive way is artificial intelligence (AI) method. The paper gives a comprehensive review of arcing‐HIF detection in distribution network‐based AI. First, characteristics and models of arcing‐HIF are analysed, the arcing‐HIF database construction method is also explained; this part is a foundation work for arcing‐HIF detection. Next, arcing‐HIF detection methods based AI are summarised in details including data acquisition, feature extraction and classifier selection. Then, a set of criteria are proposed to evaluate the reliability of arcing‐HIF detection algorithm. Finally, the future trends and challenges to arcing‐HIF detection are also fully accounted. This review can be a valuable guide for researchers who are interested in arcing‐HIF detection‐based AI.
Virtual electrodes generated by focused penta‐polar current stimulation for neuromodulation
Authors: Shim Shinyong , Park Jeong Hoan , Kim Sung June
Published: February 2020

Virtual electrodes in neuromodulation can provide more delicate stimulation patterns with a limited number of physical electrodes in a confined area. Many researchers successfully verified the effectiveness of virtual electrodes in clinical trials, using current steering, which modulates electric fields produced by multi‐polar stimulation. Still, it is questioned how these virtual electrodes are really generated in an electrolyte, especially in two dimensions. In order to answer this question, this work analyses the virtual electrode generation by comparing finite element analysis and in vitro evaluation of penta‐polar stimulation. Penta‐polar stimulation was realised using custom‐designed integrated circuits and electrodes with an individual diameter of 450 μm and a centre‐to‐centre spacing of 800 μm. The customised test setup of electric field measurement estimated (i) the focused electric fields by the penta‐polar stimulation and (ii) the optimum distance from the electrodes, at which virtual electrodes were most effectively generated. Compared with mono‐polar stimulation, the penta‐polar stimulation showed 0.594 and 0.545 times smaller electric field distribution areas, respectively, at a distance from the electrodes of 100 μm. Furthermore, the virtual electrodes showed the best performance at a distance from the electrodes of 150 μm, while the distance varied from 13 to 250 μm.
The CARMENES search for exoplanets around M dwarfs
Authors: Trifonov T. , Lee M. H. , Kürster M. , Henning Th. , Grishin E. , Stock S. , Tjoa J. , Caballero J. A. , Wong K. H. , Bauer F. F. , Quirrenbach A. , Zechmeister M. , Ribas I. , Reffert S. , Reiners A. , Amado P. J. , Kossakowski D. , Azzaro M. , Béjar V. J. S. , Cortés-Contreras M. , Dreizler S. , Hatzes A. P. , Jeffers S. V. , Kaminski A. , Lafarga M. , Montes D. , Morales J. C. , Pavlov A. , Rodríguez-López C. , Schmitt J. H. M. M. , Solano E. , Barnes R.
Published: February 2020

Context. GJ 1148 is an M-dwarf star hosting a planetary system composed of two Saturn-mass planets in eccentric orbits with periods of 41.38 and 532.02 days.

Aims. We reanalyze the orbital configuration and dynamics of the GJ 1148 multi-planetary system based on new precise radial velocity measurements taken with CARMENES.

Methods. We combined new and archival precise Doppler measurements from CARMENES with those available from HIRES for GJ 1148 and modeled these data with a self-consistent dynamical model. We studied the orbital dynamics of the system using the secular theory and direct N-body integrations. The prospects of potentially habitable moons around GJ 1148 b were examined.

Results. The refined dynamical analyses show that the GJ 1148 system is long-term stable in a large phase-space of orbital parameters with an orbital configuration suggesting apsidal alignment, but not in any particular high-order mean-motion resonant commensurability. GJ 1148 b orbits inside the optimistic habitable zone (HZ). We find only a narrow stability region around the planet where exomoons can exist. However, in this stable region exomoons exhibit quick orbital decay due to tidal interaction with the planet.

Conclusions. The GJ 1148 planetary system is a very rare M-dwarf planetary system consisting of a pair of gas giants, the inner of which resides in the HZ. We conclude that habitable exomoons around GJ 1148 b are very unlikely to exist.
L’ARN circulaire nous joue-t-il des tours ?
Authors: Lacazette Éric , Diallo Leila Halidou , Tatin Florence , Garmy-Susini Barbara , Prats Anne-Catherine
Published: February 2020

L’ARN n’a pas dit son dernier mot… avec l’émergence des ARN circulaires (circARN). Quatorze pour cent des gènes humains produisent en effet des circARN par un mécanisme d’épissage alternatif : le rétro-épissage. Chez l’homme, plus de 100 000 circARN différents ont ainsi été répertoriés. Dans le noyau, ils régulent la transcription ou l’épissage des ARNm, alors que, dans le cytoplasme, ils séquestrent des miARN et des protéines, ou sont traduits par un mécanisme d’initiation interne de la traduction. Ces circARN constituent en fait un outil biotechnologique performant car leur traduction est très stable dans le temps, et les circARN exogènes induisent moins de réponses immunitaires que les ARNm linéaires. Dans cette revue, nous discuterons, après les avoir décrits, du rôle des circARN dans différents processus pathologiques et de leur utilisation en biotechnologie.
Sekundäre Ursachen der Fettleber – Neues zur Pathogenese, rationalen Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Keitel Verena , vom Dahl Stephan , Häussinger Dieter
Published: February 2020

Was ist neu?

Sekundäre Ursachen der Fettleber sollten erkannt werden, da für diese oftmals Therapieoptionen bestehen. Sekundäre Ursachen einer Fettleber umfassen eine Hepatitis-C-Virusinfektion (HCV-Infektion), endokrinologische Erkrankungen, ernährungs- und darmassoziierte Erkrankungen sowie genetische Leber- und Stoffwechselerkrankungen. Medikamente können ebenfalls eine Fettleber hervorrufen. Die primäre Fettleber ist durch das Auftreten einer Steatosis hepatis ohne relevanten Alkoholkonsum oder andere Ursachen einer sekundären Fettleber definiert. Sie tritt gehäuft bei Patienten mit metabolischem Syndrom auf (hepatische Manifestation des metabolischen Syndroms).

Basisdiagnostik umfasst die Abklärung eines metabolischen Syndroms sowie den Ausschluss eines relevanten Alkoholkonsums.

Weiterführende Diagnostik erfolgt als Stufendiagnostik, bei der zunächst eine HCV-Infektion und Hypothyreose abgeklärt und Steatose-induzierende Medikamente abgefragt werden. Im nächsten Schritt sollten diagnostische Tests für Morbus Wilson, Hämochromatose, Zöliakie sowie Fettstoffwechselstörungen erfolgen. Eine erweiterte endokrinologische Abklärung sollte erwogen und bei weiterhin unklarer Ursache eine Leberbiopsie angestrebt werden.

Häufige genetische Polymorphismen bei Fettlebererkrankung wurden in verschiedenen Genen wie PNPLA3, TM6SF2 und MBOAT7 identifiziert und begünstigen die Entwicklung und Progression einer Fettlebererkrankung bei unterschiedlichen Ätiologien wie metabolischem Syndrom, alkoholischer Lebererkrankung und HCV-Infektion. Dabei wirken diese Varianten additiv.

Therapie bei sekundären Fettlebererkrankungen kann ein Fortschreiten der Fettlebererkrankung verhindern. Für eine Reihe sekundärer Ursachen existieren zielgerichtete Therapien.
Update wichtige ZNS-Infektionen
Authors: Klein Matthias , Koedel Uwe , Pfister Hans-Walter
Published: February 2020

Was ist neu?

Herpes-simplex-Virus (HSV)-Enzephalitis Bei Verdacht auf eine HSV-Enzephalitis sollte unabhängig von der Zellzahl im Liquor eine PCR zum Nachweis von Viruskopien durchgeführt werden. Im Fall einer autoimmunvermittelten sekundären Verschlechterung innerhalb der ersten 2 Monate nach Aciclovir-Behandlung einer HSV-Enzephalitis sollte eine unverzügliche Therapie mit Immunsuppression und/oder Plasmapherese eingeleitet werden.

Bakterielle Meningitis Zur Erregerdiagnostik kann seit einigen Jahren neben Gramfärbung, Liquorkultur und PCR ein Multiplex-PCR-Verfahren zur simultanen Testung der häufigsten Meningitis- und Enzephalitiserreger eingesetzt werden. Bei positivem Nachweis von HHV6 ist die klinische Relevanz jedoch infrage zu stellen. Bei unveränderter Resistenzlage in Deutschland wird nach wie vor als Initialtherapie Ceftriaxon i. v. und Ampicillin i. v. empfohlen, bei ambulant erworbener Meningitis mit Verdacht auf Pneumokokkeninfektion zusätzlich adjuvant Dexamethason i. v.

Frühsommer-Meningo-Enzephalitis (FSME) 2019 wurden in Deutschland 5 zusätzliche Risikogebiete definiert. Einen zuverlässigen Schutz bietet die Impfung, die allerdings auch in den Risikogebieten nicht konsequent durchgeführt wird. Hier besteht noch großer Aufklärungsbedarf.

Neuroborreliose Als zusätzlicher diagnostischer Parameter bei früher Neuroborreliose wurde in den vergangenen Jahren das Chemokin CXCL13 identifiziert. CXCL13 aus Liquor kann ein hilfreicher Parameter für die Diagnosestellung einer Neuroborreliose sein, wenn in der Frühphase der Borrelien-spezifische Liquor-Serum-Antikörper-Index noch negativ ist.
Synthesis of Chiral Tertiary Amine–Thioureas Based on Spirobi­indane and Application in Catalytic Asymmetric Michael Addition Reaction
Authors: Han Zhao , Lin Xufeng
Published: February 2020

A series of novel chiral bifunctional tertiary amine–thioureas based on spirobiindane were designed and synthesized as organo­catalysts. One of these catalysts was shown to promote the asymmetric Michael addition reaction of 1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-dione to nitro­olefins, affording the desired products in good yields (up to 95%) and enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee).