bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Top‐Gated Polymer Light‐Emitting Transistors Based on the Device Fabrication without Intermixing of Poly(methyl methacrylate) Gate Dielectric Formed from Fluorine‐Based Orthogonal Solvent
Authors: Kajii Hirotake , Mashimo Takayuki , Hara Mikio , Ohmori Yutaka , Kondow Masahiko
Published: September 2019

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) gate dielectric formed using fluorine‐based solvent, CF3CH2OCF2CHF2 (AGC, AE‐3000), is useful to prevent mixing of the dielectric layer with the emissive layer for top‐gated organic light‐emitting transistor (OLET) device fabrication. The device performance of OLETs based on a poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) derivative, Super Yellow, is improved because of the fabrication without intermixing. For an OLET with Pt‐tetraphenyltetrabenzoporphyrin [Pt(tpbp)] doped in poly(alkylfluorene), a near‐infrared emission from Pt(tpbp) and a relatively high external quantum efficiency of approximately 1% are achieved. This device fabrication method opens perspectives in the development of the damage‐free fabrication processes in printed top‐gated OLETs.
Enhancing Speed and Stability of Polarization Reversal in Predominantly a/b‐Axes‐Oriented Bi4Ti3O12 Thin Films Deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si
Authors: Zhang Yongcheng , Li Chao , Li Jin , Lu Chaojing
Published: September 2019

Bi4Ti3O12‐based thin films of a/b‐axes orientation grown on standard‐type Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates are desirable for designing reliable ferroelectric devices. Herein, a/b‐axes‐oriented and randomly oriented Bi4Ti3O12 thin films are deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si through a sol–gel process. As expected, the a/b‐axes‐oriented films show a higher remnant polarization than that of randomly oriented films. The characteristic time τ of domain reversal in 74% a/b‐axes‐oriented Bi4Ti3O12 films is 1.1 ms, notably shorter than that (τ > 2.5 ms) for randomly oriented films. The dynamic hysteresis scaling relations of the randomly oriented 56% and 74% a/b‐axes‐oriented Bi4Ti3O12 films take the forms of ⟨A⟩ ∝ f−0.106E01.667, ⟨A⟩ ∝ f−0.035E00.952, and ⟨A⟩ ∝ f−0.026E00.600, respectively. The difference indicates that domain reversal in Bi4Ti3O12 films of predominant a/b‐axes orientation exhibits higher stability compared with randomly oriented Bi4Ti3O12 films under varying electric fields E(E0, f). The enhancing speed and stability of polarization reversal in predominantly a/b‐axes‐oriented Bi4Ti3O12 films can be understood in terms of their layered‐perovskite structure, large columnar grains, oxygen vacancies mobility, domain states, and polarization switching mechanism.
Low‐Energy GeP Monolayers with Natural Type‐II Homojunctions for SunLight‐Driven Water Splitting
Authors: Jiao Na , Zhou Pan , He Chaoyu , He Junjie , Liu Xiaoli , Sun Lizhong
Published: September 2019

The discovery of two new GeP monolayers (GeP‐2 and GeP‐4) with structural similarity to the experimentally synthesized C2/m (GeP‐3) phase, that their structures can be decomposed to hypothetical (2,2), (4,4), and (3,3) GeP nanotubes, respectively, is reported. The calculated total energies show that both GeP‐2 and GeP‐4 possess comparable stabilities to the experimentally realized GeP‐3, and they are confirmed to be dynamically stable according to their phonon vibrational spectrum. The current study also shows that three homojunctions (GeP‐2 and GeP‐4, GeP‐2 and GeP‐3, and GeP‐3 and GeP‐4) with perfect boundary can be naturally formed in GeP‐2, GeP‐3, and GeP‐4. The HSE06‐based electronic properties show that GeP‐2, GeP‐3, GeP‐4, and their homojunctions possess suitable band alignment and type‐II features for sunlight‐driven water‐splitting at both pH = 0 and pH = 7. These low‐energy GeP monolayers are desirable targets and highly expected to be synthesized in future experiments in view of their structural compatibility to GeP‐3 and the potential applications in water‐splitting.
Identification of E6 Inhibitors Employing Energetically Optimized Structure‐Based Pharmacophore Modelling, Ligand Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations Studies
Authors: Kumar Avinash , Rathi Ekta , Kini Suvarna G.
Published: September 2019

High‐risk HPV DNA has been found in nearly all cases of cervical cancer (CC). The viral E6 protein in association with E6AP (E6 binding protein) leads to degradation of apoptotic p53 protein. So, inhibition of E6 can be a promising target for HPV associated CC. In this work, protein‐protein alignment and protein interaction analysis were done to identify the amino acid residues undergoing conformational changes when E6‐E6AP complex recruited p53 protein. Then ‘SiteMap’ of Maestro was used to define a possible binding pocket. An e‐pharmacophore model (ADHRRN) was built based on the receptor cavity and screened against four different focussed libraries of 27,354 compounds. The hits were further analysed using docking, MM‐GBSA analysis and molecular dynamics simulations study. Eight hits have been reported here, but compound 7 also known as Diospyrin was identified as the best hit. It showed possible H‐bond interaction with TYR32, CYS51, SER74 and ARG131 amino acid residues.
A Lead (II) Ion Sensor Based on Selective Recognition of G‐quadruplex for Ethyl‐substitutive Thioflavin T
Authors: Yang Dawei , Shi Lei , Zhao Zheng , Fu Yao , Sun Hongxia , Li Qian , Tang Yalin , Zhang Xiufeng
Published: September 2019

ThT−E (ethyl‐substitutive Thioflavin T), a derivative of Thioflavin T (ThT), is capable of inducing a guanine ‐rich nucleic acid sequence that forms a parallel G‐quadruplex under certain conditions and exhibits significant fluorescence enhancement. In this work, we used Pb2+ to induce parallel G‐quadruplex into anti‐parallel G‐quadruplex to reduce fluorescence of ThT−E and found a simple Pb2+ detection method. Through this approach, Pb2+ in aqueous solutions can be detected at 0. 76 nM with fluorescence spectrometry in a facile way, with high selectivity against other metal ions. These results indicate the method for detecting Pb2+ is simple, sensitive, specific and label‐free.
Construction of a Visible Light Z‐scheme Photocatalyst: Curcumin Functionalized Cu2O/Ag Nanocomposites
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Pal Shaili , Kuntail Jyoti , Kumar De Arup , Sinha Indrajit
Published: September 2019

A stage‐wise green synthesis protocol was used to prepare curcumin functionalized Cu2O/Ag nanocomposites. In this procedure, curcumin was used to reduce and functionalize Ag nanostructures on needle‐shaped Cu2O nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles were found to be efficient visible‐light photocatalysts for aqueous medium aerobic methyl orange (MO) degradation. Photocatalytic experiments in the presence of appropriate scavenger molecules showed that superoxide radicals were primarily responsible for MO degradation. Furthermore, the increase in the amount of Ag connecting the Cu2O and curcumin parts enhanced the recyclability of the photocatalyst. A Z‐scheme mechanism concentrates the electrons in the LUMO of curcumin, and holes in the valence band (VB) of the Cu2O. While the electrons in the curcumin reduced oxygen to produce superoxide radicals, the Cu2O VB holes oxidized water to sustain the process.
Noncovalent Functionalization of Pnictogen Surfaces: From Small Molecules to 2D Heterostructures
Authors: Ghodrati Hanieh , Antonatos Nikolas , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: September 2019

Beyond graphene, 2D pnictogen polymers are rapidly growing among the family of 2D materials. Due to their unique properties, this group has received considerable interest in recent years. Those properties include tunable electronic band gaps, high charge carrier mobility, and in‐plane anisotropic properties. This Review covers the noncovalent functionalization of pnictogen surfaces considering experimental and theoretical studies. Noncovalent functionalization is of great importance for effective modulation of the electronic structure of these materials as well as improvement of their stability toward surface oxidation. This Review highlights their noncovalent modification by organic molecules, in which enhanced surface stability of phosphorene and generated functionalized materials for applications in biomedical, supercapacitors, energy storage, and biosensors. Moreover, the noncovalent interactions with small molecules show its significance for sensing applications. Lastly, the interactions of pnictogen sheets with other 2D materials and their applications for van der Waals heterostructure formation are discussed. Current state‐of‐the‐art as well as future perspectives in this field are covered.
Spectroscopic Interrogation of the Acetylation Selectivity of Hardwood Biopolymers
Authors: Adebawo Funke , Sadeghifar Hassan , Tilotta David , Jameel Hasan , Liu Yu , Lucia Lucian
Published: September 2019

Acetylation of wood is an age‐old chemical platform known to improve its chemical and physical properties in direct correlation with the degree of acetylation. However, as of yet, no systematic study has been undertaken to probe the selectivity of acetylation of wood. A fundamental understanding of the molecular basis for acetylation of the constituent biopolymers, viz., holocellulose, and lignin for tropical hardwood, an emerging building material, is therefore undertaken. Wood samples are treated with acetic anhydride at 120 °C over a wide range of time periods. The degrees of acetylation and acetyl content of the tropical hardwood are measured to reveal that the acetyl content in which the hydroxyl groups of wood correspond to an increment in weight percent gain as confirmed by FT‐IR for individual wood biopolymers and whole wood. However, surprisingly,31P‐NMR establishes the order of reactivity for the hydroxyl groups as lignin > hemicelluloses > whole wood in direct opposition to their proportions in wood, but in correlation to their direct accessibilities and reactivities.
The role of idealisations in describing an isolated molecule
Authors: Seifert Vanessa A.
Published: September 2019

The investigation of the relation between chemistry and quantum mechanics includes examining how the two theories each describe an isolated molecule. This paper focuses on one particular characteristic of chemistry’s and quantum mechanics’ descriptions of an isolated molecule; namely on the assumptions made by each description that an isolated molecule is stable and has structure. The paper argues that these assumptions are an idealisation. First, this is because stability and structure are partially determined by factors that concern the context in which a molecule is considered (i.e. thermodynamic conditions, time-range of experiment, environment, etc.). Secondly, the stability and structure of a molecule can only be empirically identified with reference to those factors. This paper examines these assumptions in the context of the philosophical literature on idealisations. This examination is a novel contribution that raises interesting questions about the relation between the two theories, the nature of stability and structure, and the function of these assumptions in the two theories.
Crowdworking: working with or against the crowd?
Authors: Jäger Georg , Zilian Laura S. , Hofer Christian , Füllsack Manfred
Published: September 2019

Our current labour market is affected by massive changes like digitalization, automation and globalization, which gives rise to completely new forms of generating income. One such innovative idea is crowdworking, where many people (a so-called crowd) work on individual tasks for a firm in a way similar to a self-employed freelancer. This form of occupation is a recent development but gains acceptance, esteem and relevance quite rapidly. The risk potential for wage dumping and (self-) exploitation is still unknown. A crucial, but often neglected fact about crowdworking is that it exists in many variants which have completely different properties. We investigate how much these distinct versions of crowdworking differ by using an agent-based computer simulation. Wages, job security, workforce composition and other relevant indicators are calculated by simulating the micro scale to gain aggregated information on the macro-scale. We find that there is a significant difference between the versions of crowdworking. Our main finding is that especially variants where the crowdworkers are able to set their own wages are susceptible to wage dumping. Simulations suggest that this phenomenon is independent of the specifics of the labour market but rather a fundamental property of those variants of crowdworking.
Mechanical properties of wood materials using near-infrared spectroscopy based on correlation local embedding and partial least-squares
Authors: Yu Lei , Liang Yuliang , Zhang Yizhuo , Cao Jun
Published: September 2019

This study used near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to predict mechanical properties of wood. NIR spectra were collected in wavelengths 900–1700 nm, and spectra averaged by radial and tangential surface spectra were used to establish a partial least square (PLS) model based on correlation local embedding (CLE). Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb.) was used to test the effectiveness of the model. The cross-validation method was used to verify the robustness of the CLE–PLS model. Ninety samples were tested as the calibration set and forty-five as the validation set. The results show that the prediction coefficient of determination ($$R_{p}^{2}$$Rp2) is 0.80 for MOR, and 0.78 for MOE. The ratio of performance to deviation is 2.23 for MOR and 2.15 for MOE.
Multiple-pollutant cost-efficiency: Coherent water and climate policy for agriculture
Authors: Lötjönen Sanna , Ollikainen Markku
Published: September 2019

We examine the abatement costs for water and climate pollutants and their respective policies while accounting for cobenefits. We construct private and social marginal cost curves for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient runoff in Finnish agriculture. We find that the social marginal costs of reducing emissions that reflect the cobenefits are lower than the private costs. Accounting for greenhouse gas cobenefits from nutrient load reduction or water cobenefits from climate emissions reduction creates a gap between privately and socially optimal reduction levels. This gap varies depending on the valuation of cobenefits. The cost-efficient reduction of the focus pollutant is increased when cobenefits from the other pollutant are accounted for. For policies, this implies a higher cap or tax on the focus pollutant. We decompose the optimal tax rate to a basic tax on the focus pollutant and on an additional tax component depending on the level of cobenefits.
The tree species matters: Biodiversity and ecosystem service implications of replacing Scots pine production stands with Norway spruce
Authors: Felton Adam , Petersson Lisa , Nilsson Oscar , Witzell Johanna , Cleary Michelle , Felton Annika M. , Björkman Christer , Sang Åsa Ode , Jonsell Mats , Holmström Emma , Nilsson Urban , Rönnberg Jonas , Kalén Christer , Lindbladh Matts
Published: September 2019

The choice of tree species used in production forests matters for biodiversity and ecosystem services. In Sweden, damage to young production forests by large browsing herbivores is helping to drive a development where sites traditionally regenerated with Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) are instead being regenerated with Norway spruce (Picea abies). We provide a condensed synthesis of the available evidence regarding the likely resultant implications for forest biodiversity and ecosystem services from this change in tree species. Apart from some benefits (e.g. reduced stand-level browsing damage), we identified a range of negative outcomes for biodiversity, production, esthetic and recreational values, as well as increased stand vulnerability to storm, frost, and drought damage, and potentially higher risks of pest and pathogen outbreak. Our results are directly relevant to forest owners and policy-makers seeking information regarding the uncertainties, risks, and trade-offs likely to result from changing the tree species in production forests.
Another approach to the Kan–Quillen model structure
Authors: Moss Sean
Published: September 2019

By careful analysis of the embedding of a simplicial set into its image under Kan’s $$\mathop {\mathop {\mathsf {Ex}}^\infty }$$Ex∞ functor we obtain a new and combinatorial proof that it is a weak homotopy equivalence. Moreover, we obtain a presentation of it as a strong anodyne extension. From this description we can quickly deduce some basic facts about $$\mathop {\mathop {\mathsf {Ex}}^\infty }$$Ex∞ and hence provide a new construction of the Kan–Quillen model structure on simplicial sets, one which avoids the use of topological spaces or minimal fibrations.
Process optimization of biodiesel production catalyzed by CaO nanocatalyst using response surface methodology
Authors: Bharti Priyanka , Singh Bhaskar , Dey R. K.
Published: September 2019

Uses of nanocatalysts have become more useful in optimizing catalytic reactions. They are known to enhance the rate of reaction by offering a greater number of active sites by possessing a high surface-to-volume ratio. In the present work, calcium oxide nanocatalysts were synthesized through the sol–gel method. The particle size of the nanocatalyst prepared ranged up to 8 nm. Soybean oil was used as the raw material for the synthesis of biodiesel. The synthesized nano-CaO was characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller). Average BET surface area analysis of the nanocatalyst was calculated to be 67.781 m2/g and pore diameter was 3.302 nm. Nano-CaO catalyst was used to synthesize biodiesel and optimize the reaction variables through optimization processes to achieve a high yield of biodiesel. The reaction variables that were optimized were catalyst amount, oil to methanol molar ratio and reaction temperature. Upon optimization, the conversion of biodiesel was found to be 97.61%. The optimized value of the reaction variables was: catalyst amount of 3.675 wt% with respect to oil, molar ratio (alcohol to oil) of 11:1, and reaction temperature of 60 °C for 2 h.

Graphic abstract
Polyvinyl alcohol/soy protein isolate nanofibrous patch for wound-healing applications
Authors: Khabbaz Bahareh , Solouk Atefeh , Mirzadeh Hamid
Published: September 2019

Soy protein isolate (SPI), due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, abundance and being inexpensive, is a suitable polymer for medical applications. In this study, electrospun nanofibrous mats (ENMs) and casting films (CFs), comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/SPI, were prepared and compared. Both crosslinked ENMs and CFs physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties were investigated for wound-healing applications. Considering the importance of exudate absorption by wound dressing the uptake test of all samples was performed in simulated exudate solution. The amount of absorbed exudate, water vapor transmission rate, and mechanical elongation for CFs were 69.243% ± 22.7, 266.7 g/m2 day, and 2.0825% and increased to 383.33% ± 105.3, 1332.02 g/m2 day, and 12.292% in the case of ENMs, respectively. There was no significant difference between cell supporting of the two samples due to similar composition and their non-toxic properties. The results showed that ENMs have promising potential in wound-healing applications.
Environmental governance with Chinese characteristics: are environmental model cities a good example for other municipalities?
Authors: Brehm Stefan , Svensson Jesper
Published: September 2019

Model programs such as the ‘environmental protection model city’ have become an inherent part of China’s urban environmental governance. The role of these incentive schemes for promoting best practice, however, has been neglected so far. In this study, we show that model city programs raise the bar in terms of environmental standards. What is more, model cities have a positive impact on regional economic development. We deploy a spatial Durbin model to measure best practice diffusion among 126 key environmental protection cities between 2009 and 2012. The results suggest that environmental model cities are better performers on average. We also find evidence for a positive spillover effect. Diffusion patterns are multi-layered where economic proximity is the most important dimension, followed by physical colocation and administrative hierarchy.
MRI Diagnosis of Obesity-Related Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis
Authors: Spinnato Paolo , Ponti Federico , de Pasqua Silvia
Published: September 2019

A 61-year-old male presented to our hospital complaining of claudication: bilateral leg weakness impeding mobility. Symptoms started after 100 m of walk and recede after several minutes of rest. The patient was obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 41 kg/m2 and reported a weight gain of about 55 pounds in the last year. Patient’s comorbidities were dyslipidemia, hypertension, and antithrombin III deficiency. The patient also suffered from chronic low-back pain recently worsened and cervical pain. Pulses in the lower limbs were present. Neurological examination was also unremarkable.
How the Law “Keeps the Money in the Family”: Lessons at the Intersection of Elder Care and Inheritance Disputes in Israel
Authors: Regev-Messalem Shiri
Published: September 2019

This Article offers a qualitative examination of the ways in which Israeli legal actors reflect and construct cultural understandings of the relationship between inheritance and elder care in cases in which the deceased has bequeathed property to a caregiver. This Article demonstrates that Israeli courts and lawyers reinforce and promote a cultural schema of family as a pristine domain of unconditional love, albeit one that has been emptied of the daily responsibilities of fulfilling the basic physical needs of elderly kin. Such a cultural schema diminishes the traditional parameters of family responsibility in order to adapt to present circumstances of elder care, while continuing to privilege the custom of keeping money in the family. Hence, this article reveals how inheritance law supports and enhances class reproduction through the institution of the family.
Borrowed for Permanent Use: The Instruments INDIA commissions
Authors: Naylor Steven
Published: September 2019

This article reflects on a number of issues surrounding the appropriation of culturally identifiable sound material for artistic purposes – both overall or broader concerns and those that may arise particularly in conjunction with electroacoustic musical composition. More specifically, we explore questions potentially raised by three electroacoustic compositions recently commissioned by the Instruments INDIA project, a unique cultural partnership between Liverpool Hope University (represented by Dr Manuella Blackburn) and Milapfest (represented by Alok Nayak). Those three compositions were created exclusively with materials from an extensive library of Indian music performances, curated and recorded by Blackburn specifically for Instruments INDIA, and premiered in concert in Liverpool, UK, 20 January 2017. Following the broader discussion of relevant concerns, we briefly review some perspectives offered by the three composers (one of whom is the author), as they relate to cultural appropriation in general, and working with the Instruments INDIA sound library in particular.
Some Reflections of Borrowing in Acousmatic Music
Authors: Degrassi Franco
Published: September 2019

This article begins with an outline of the Manovich general definition of borrowing followed by an introduction to the theme of borrowing in music, particularly within the context of acousmatic music. Two scenarios proposed by Navas in his taxonomy of borrowing are used to further the discussion in relation to material sampling and cultural citation. With reference to material sampling, some examples of remix, appropriation and quoting/sampling taking place within acousmatic music are highlighted. With regards to cultural citation, two levels of reference will be considered: cultural citation from sound arts, that is, intertextuality, and cultural citation from other media, that is, intermediality. The article closes with some reflections a posteriori about my own composition,Variation of Evan Parker’s Saxophone Solos, and how this relates to wider notions of musical borrowing.
Correction: Phylogenetic, genomic, and biogeographic characterization of a novel and ubiquitous marine invertebrate-associated Rickettsiales parasite, Candidatus Aquarickettsia rohweri, gen. nov., sp. nov
Authors: Klinges J Grace , Rosales Stephanie M , McMinds Ryan , Shaver Elizabeth C , Shantz Andrew A , Peters Esther C , Eitel Michael , Wörheide Gert , Sharp Koty H , Burkepile Deron E , Silliman Brian R , Thurber Rebecca L Vega
Published: September 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Design rules for scalability in spin-orbit electronics
Authors: Kazemi Mohammad , Bocko Mark F.
Published: September 2019

Spin-orbit electronics (spin-orbitronics) has been widely discussed for enabling nonvolatile devices that store and process information with low power consumption. The potential of spin-orbitronics for memory and logic applications has been demonstrated by perpendicular anisotropy magnetic devices comprised of heavy-metal/ferromagnet or topological-insulator/ferromagnet bilayers, where the heavy metal or topological insulator provides an efficient source of spin current for manipulating information encoded in the bistable magnetization state of the ferromagnet. However, to reliably switch at room temperature, spin-orbit devices should be large to reduce thermal fluctuations, thereby compromising scalability, which in turn drastically increases power dissipation and degrades performance. Here, we show that the scalability is not a fundamental limitation in spin-orbitronics, and by investigating the interactions between the geometry of the ferromagnetic layer and components of the spin-orbit torque, we derive design rules that lead to deeply scalable spin-orbit devices. Furthermore, employing experimentally verified models, we propose deeply scaled spin-orbit devices exhibiting high-speed deterministic switching at room temperature. The proposed design principles are essential for design and implementation of very-large-scale-integration (VLSI) systems that provide high performance operation with low power consumption.
The nucleophilic amino group of lysine is central for histone lysine methyltransferase catalysis
Authors: Al Temimi Abbas H. K. , Amatdjais-Groenen Helene I. V. , Reddy Y. Vijayendar , Blaauw Richard H. , Guo Hong , Qian Ping , Mecinović Jasmin
Published: September 2019

Histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) are biomedically important epigenetic enzymes that catalyze the transfer of methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to lysine’s nucleophilic ε-amino group in histone tails and core histones. Understanding the chemical basis of KMT catalysis is important for discerning its complex biology in disease, structure-function relationship, and for designing specific inhibitors with therapeutic potential. Here we examine histone peptides, which possess simplest lysine analogs with different nucleophilic character, as substrates for human KMTs. Combined MALDI-TOF MS experiments, NMR analyses and molecular dynamics and free-energy simulations based on quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) potential provide experimental and theoretical evidence that KMTs do have an ability to catalyze methylation of primary amine-containing N-nucleophiles, but do not methylate related amide/guanidine-containing N-nucleophiles as well as simple O- and C-nucleophiles. The results demonstrate a broader, but still limited, substrate scope for KMT catalysis, and contribute to rational design of selective epigenetic inhibitors.
Nanoceria as a DNase I mimicking nanozyme
Authors: Xu Fang , Lu Qinwei , Huang Po-Jung Jimmy , Liu Juewen
Published: September 2019

Nanoceria mimics DNase I activity by hydrolytically cleaving DNA down to around 5-mer fragments, demonstrating adsorption, reaction and desorption mechanisms typical of heterogeneous catalysts.
Fe3+-Catalyzed low-temperature preparation of multicolor carbon polymer dots with the capability of distinguishing D2O from H2O
Authors: Xia Jie , Yu Yong-Liang , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: September 2019

Carbon polymer dots (CPDs) exhibit differential optical responses to H2O and D2O due to the different surface states of CPDs.
Topological ferroelectric nanostructures induced by mechanical strain in strontium titanate
Authors: Masuda Kairi , Le Van Lich , Shimada Takahiro , Kitamura Takayuki
Published: September 2019

A new synthesis method of ferroelectric nanostructures: mechanical strain induces topological polarization in nanoporous SrTiO3.
Molecular interaction balanced one- and two-dimensional hybrid nanoarchitectures for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Mingxia , Wang Gang , Li Bo , Chen Jing , Zhang Jingchao , Li Zhe , Hou Bo
Published: September 2019

Stepwise ultrasonication and self-assembly process enables good separation between disequilibrium and equilibrium thermodynamic molecular interactions, which allow excellent electrochemical charge storage based on ratio-dependent 1D–2D hybridisation.
Modelling of a sustainable refugee camp drainage system for stormwater management
Authors: Ajibade Oluwatoyin Opeyemi , Tota-Maharaj Kiran , Hills Colin D. , MacLeod Cecilia
Published: September 2019

The research evaluated the suitability of a simplified decentralised surface water drainage model for sustainable management of storm-water in refugee camps at sub-catchment scales.
UV-responsive cyclic peptide progelator bioinks
Authors: Carlini Andrea S. , Touve Mollie A. , Fernández-Caro Héctor , Thompson Matthew P. , Cassidy Mary F. , Cao Wei , Gianneschi Nathan C.
Published: September 2019

We describe the development of cyclic peptide bioinks that self-assemble into gels in response to UV activation.
A copper-catalyzed diastereoselective O-transfer reaction of N-vinyl-α,β-unsaturated nitrones with ketenes into γ-lactones through [5 + 2] cycloaddition and N–O bond cleavage
Authors: Liao Jun-Yi , Wu Qing-Yan , Lu Xiuqiang , Zou Ning , Pan Cheng-Xue , Liang Cui , Su Gui-Fa , Mo Dong-Liang
Published: September 2019

A copper-catalyzed atom economical O-transfer reaction strategy was developed for the synthesis of densely functionalized γ-lactones from N-vinyl-α,β-unsaturated nitrones and ketenes.
Kinetically controlled morphology in copolymer-based hydrogels crosslinked by crystalline nanodomains determines efficacy of ice inhibition
Authors: Sepulveda-Medina Pablo I. , Wang Chao , Li Ruipeng , Fukuto Masafumi , Weiss R. A. , Vogt Bryan D.
Published: September 2019

Zone annealing crystalline cross-linked hydrogels manipulates the nanostructure that controls anti-icing performance.
Tuning the cationic interface of simple polydiacetylene micelles to improve siRNA delivery at the cellular level
Authors: Hoang Minh-Duc , Vandamme Marie , Kratassiouk Gueorgui , Pinna Guillaume , Gravel Edmond , Doris Eric
Published: September 2019

Polydiacetylene micelles, bearing different cationic head groups, were systematically investigated for their ability to efficiently deliver functional siRNAs to cells.
Facile route to achieve bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions derived from CeO2encapsulated by the zeolitic imidazolate framework-67
Authors: Yu Yue , Peng Xiaolei , Ali Usman , Liu Xianchun , Xing Yan , Xing Shuangxi
Published: September 2019

ZIF-67 derived N-doped carbon embedded with CeO2and Co nanoparticles demonstrated excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic performance for the ORR and OER.
Flexible electrochromic energy-saving windows with fast switching and bistability based on a transparent solid-state electrolyte
Authors: Zeng Jinming , Wan Zhijun , Zhu Mimi , Ai Lianghui , Liu Ping , Deng Wenji
Published: September 2019

The preparation and electrochromism of flexible electrochromic devices with fast switching and bistability based on a transparent solid-state electrolyte.
Formal synthesis of (+)-lactacystin from l-serine
Authors: Bulman Page Philip C. , Goodyear Ross L. , Chan Yohan , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Allin Steven M.
Published: September 2019

A formal, stereocontrolled synthesis of lactacystin has been completed from t-Bu-O-l-serine.
Novel zinc–iodine hybrid supercapacitors with a redox iodide ion electrolyte and B, N dual-doped carbon electrode exhibit boosted energy density
Authors: Han Lu , Huang Hailong , Li Junfeng , Yang Zhongli , Zhang Xinlu , Zhang Dafeng , Liu Xinjuan , Xu Min , Pan Likun
Published: September 2019

A novel high-energy-density zinc–iodine hybrid supercapacitor was designed via the introduction of a redox iodide ion electrolyte and B, N dual-doped carbon electrode.
Sr2Fe1.4Mn0.1Mo0.5O6−δ perovskite cathode for highly efficient CO2 electrolysis
Authors: Jiang Yunan , Yang Yi , Xia Changrong , Bouwmeester Henny J. M.
Published: September 2019

An all-ceramic cermet cathode based on perovskite-oxide Sr2Fe1.4Mn0.1Mo0.5O6−δ and samaria-doped ceria shows unprecedented performance in solid oxide electrolysis of pure CO2.
A functional-gradient-structured ultrahigh modulus solid polymer electrolyte for all-solid-state lithium metal batteries
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhou Jinqiu , Wang Mengfan , Niu Chaoqun , Qian Tao , Yan Chenglin
Published: September 2019

A new functional-gradient-structured solid polymer electrolyte was obtained, synergistically achieving high modulus for dendrite-suppression and good interface contact for the increase of cell cyclability in solid-state lithium metal batteries.
Emerging alkali metal ion (Li+, Na+, K+ and Rb+) doped perovskite films for efficient solar cells: recent advances and prospects
Authors: Li Chengbo , Wang Aili , Xie Lisha , Deng Xiaoyu , Liao Kejun , Yang Jin-an , Li Tingshuai , Hao Feng
Published: September 2019

Research progress in alkali metal ion (Li+, Na+, K+ and Rb+) doped perovskite solar cells is summarized and evaluated.
Chitosan/hydroxyapatite composite bone tissue engineering scaffolds with dual and decoupled therapeutic ion delivery: copper and strontium
Authors: Gritsch Lukas , Maqbool Muhammad , Mouriño Viviana , Ciraldo Francesca E. , Cresswell Mark , Jackson Philip R. , Lovell Christopher , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: September 2019

Porous composite scaffolds with decoupled ion release of copper and strontium were fabricated and characterized: a reproducible and cost-effective approach to obtain constructs with tailored release profiles and promising biological properties.
The effect of hybrid coatings based on hydrogel, biopolymer and inorganic components on the corrosion behavior of titanium bone implants
Authors: Saveleva Mariia , Vladescu Alina , Cotrut Cosmin , Van der Meeren Louis , Surmeneva Maria , Surmenev Roman , Parakhonskiy Bogdan , Skirtach Andre G.
Published: September 2019

Dependence of variation of Ti bone implant corrosion behavior on the composition of bioactive coating.
Arih2 gene influences immune response and tissue development in chicken
Authors: Wu Guanxian , Xu Sifan , Zhang Wanting , Liu Yang , Wang Qiuyuan , Man Chaolai
Published: September 2019

Ariadne homolog 2 (ARIH2), as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is one of the important factors involved in regulating biological functions, such as inflammation and skeletal muscle degeneration. In the present study, the full-length coding sequence of Arih2 gene was cloned from Hy-Line Brown chicken. The tissue transcriptional profiles of Arih2 gene at different developmental stages were detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and the Arih2 functional characteristics in immune response were analyzed. The results showed that the full-length coding sequence of Arih2 gene was 1473 bp, encoding 490 amino acids, and conservative between different species. The Arih2 gene was transcribed in various tissues at different developmental stages, and its transcriptional activities varied significantly between multiple tissues. With the development of chicken, Arih2 gene was basically up-regulated in heart, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle and glandular stomach, but fluctuated significantly in large intestine. In immune response, the transcriptional activities of Arih2 gene exhibited significant changes in the bursa, thymus and blood (P<0.05). The results showed that Arih2 might be a multifunctional gene involved in tissue development and immune response in chicken, and have a potential possible application as diagnostic marker for identifying immune response.
Adhesion and growth factor receptor crosstalk mechanisms controlling cell migration
Authors: Thomas Joanna R. , Paul Nikki R. , Morgan Mark R.
Published: September 2019

Cell migration requires cells to sense and interpret an array of extracellular signals to precisely co-ordinate adhesion dynamics, local application of mechanical force, polarity signalling and cytoskeletal dynamics. Adhesion receptors and growth factor receptors (GFRs) exhibit functional and signalling characteristics that individually contribute to cell migration. Integrins transmit bidirectional mechanical forces and transduce long-range intracellular signals. GFRs are fast acting and highly sensitive signalling machines that initiate signalling cascades to co-ordinate global cellular processes. Syndecans are microenvironment sensors that regulate GTPases to control receptor trafficking, cytoskeletal remodelling and adhesion dynamics. However, an array of crosstalk mechanisms exists, which co-ordinate and integrate the functions of the different receptor families. Here we discuss the nature of adhesion receptor and GFR crosstalk mechanisms. The unifying theme is that efficient cell migration requires precise spatial and temporal co-ordination of receptor crosstalk. However, a higher order of complexity emerges; whereby multiple crosstalk mechanisms are integrated and subject to both positive and negative feedbacks. Exquisite and sensitive control of these mechanisms ensures that mechanical forces and pro-migratory signals are triggered in the right place and at the right time during cell migration. Finally, we discuss the challenges, and potential therapeutic benefits, associated with deciphering this complexity.
Towards sub-kpc scale kinematics of molecular and ionized gas of star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 1
Authors: Girard M. , Dessauges-Zavadsky M. , Combes F. , Chisholm J. , Patrício V. , Richard J. , Schaerer D.
Published: September 2019

We compare the molecular and ionized gas kinematics of two strongly lensed galaxies at z ∼ 1 that lie on the main sequence at this redshift. The observations were made with ALMA and MUSE, respectively. We derive the CO and [O II] rotation curves and dispersion profiles of these two galaxies. We find a difference between the observed molecular and ionized gas rotation curves for one of the two galaxies, the Cosmic Snake, for which we obtain a spatial resolution of a few hundred parsec along the major axis. The rotation curve of the molecular gas is steeper than the rotation curve of the ionized gas. In the second galaxy, A521, the molecular and ionized gas rotation curves are consistent, but the spatial resolution is only a few kiloparsec on the major axis. Using simulations, we investigate the effect of the thickness of the gas disk and effective radius on the observed rotation curves and find that a more extended and thicker disk smoothens the curve. We also find that the presence of a strongly inclined (> 70°) thick disk (> 1 kpc) can smoothen the rotation curve because it degrades the spatial resolution along the line of sight. By building a model using a stellar disk and two gas disks, we reproduce the rotation curves of the Cosmic Snake with a molecular gas disk that is more massive and more radially and vertically concentrated than the ionized gas disk. Finally, we also obtain an intrinsic velocity dispersion in the Cosmic Snake of 18.5 ± 7 km s−1 and 19.5 ± 6 km s−1 for the molecular and ionized gas, respectively, which is consistent with a molecular disk with a smaller and thinner disk. For A521, the intrinsic velocity dispersion values are 11 ± 8 km s−1 and 54 ± 11 km s−1, with a higher value for the ionized gas. This could indicate that the ionized gas disk is thicker and more turbulent in this galaxy. These results highlight the diversity of the kinematics of galaxies at z ∼ 1 and the different spatial distribution of the molecular and ionized gas disks. It suggests the presence of thick ionized gas disks at this epoch and that the formation of the molecular gas is limited to the midplane and center of the galaxy in some objects.
ALMA observations of water deuteration: a physical diagnostic of the formation of protostars
Authors: Jensen S. S. , Jørgensen J. K. , Kristensen L. E. , Furuya K. , Coutens A. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Harsono D. , Persson M. V.
Published: September 2019

Context. How water is delivered to planetary systems is a central question in astrochemistry. The deuterium fractionation of water can serve as a tracer for the chemical and physical evolution of water during star formation and can constrain the origin of water in Solar System bodies.

Aims. The aim is to determine the HDO/H2O ratio in the inner warm gas toward three low-mass Class 0 protostars selected to be in isolated cores, i.e., not associated with any cloud complexes. Previous sources for which the HDO/H2O ratio have been established were all part of larger star-forming complexes. Determining the HDO/H2O ratio toward three isolated protostars allows comparison of the water chemistry in isolated and clustered regions to determine the influence of local cloud environment.

Methods. We present ALMA Band 6 observations of the HDO 31,2–22,1 and 21,1–21,2 transitions at 225.897 GHz and 241.562 GHz along with the first ALMA Band 5 observations of the H218O 31,3–22,0 transition at 203.407 GHz. The high angular resolution observations (0′′.3–1′′.3) allow the study of the inner warm envelope gas. Model-independent estimates for the HDO/H2O ratios are obtained and compared with previous determinations of the HDO/H2O ratio in the warm gas toward low-mass protostars.

Results. We successfully detect the targeted water transitions toward the three sources with signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) > 5. We determine the HDO/H2O ratio toward L483, B335 and BHR71–IRS1 to be (2.2 ± 0.4) × 10−3, (1.7 ± 0.3) × 10−3, and (1.8 ± 0.4) × 10−3, respectively, assuming Tex = 124 K. The degree of water deuteration of these isolated protostars are a factor of 2–4 higher relative to Class 0 protostars that are members of known nearby clustered star-forming regions.

Conclusions. The results indicate that the water deuterium fractionation is influenced by the local cloud environment. This effect can be explained by variations in either collapse timescales or temperatures, which depends on local cloud dynamics and could provide a new method to decipher the history of young stars.
Impact of the Hall effect in star formation, improving the angular momentum conservation
Authors: Marchand P. , Tomida K. , Commerçon B. , Chabrier G.
Published: September 2019

We present here a minor modification of our numerical implementation of the Hall effect for the 2D Riemann solver used in Constrained Transport schemes, as described in a former paper. In the previous work, the tests showed that the angular momentum was not conserved during protostellar collapse simulations, with significant impact. By removing the whistler waves speed from the characteristic speeds of non-magnetic variables in the 1D Riemann solver, we were able to improve the angular momentum conservation in our test-case by one order of magnitude, while keeping the second-order numerical convergence of the scheme. We also reproduce the simulations of a previous study with consistent resistivities, the three non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic effects and initial rotation, and agree with their results. In this case, the violation of angular momentum conservation is negligible in regard to the total angular momentum and the angular momentum of the disk.
Multiple stellar populations in NGC 1866
Authors: Costa Guglielmo , Girardi Léo , Bressan Alessandro , Chen Yang , Goudfrooij Paul , Marigo Paola , Rodrigues Thaíse S. , Lanza Antonio
Published: September 2019

We performed a comprehensive study of the stellar populations in the young Large Magellanic Cloud cluster NGC 1866, combining the analysis of its best-studied Cepheids with that of a very accurate colour–magnitude diagram (CMD) obtained from the most recentHubbleSpace Telescope photometry. We used a Bayesian method based on new PARSEC stellar evolutionary tracks with overshooting and rotation to obtain ages and initial rotation velocities of five well-studied Cepheids of the cluster. We find that four of the five Cepheids belong to an initially slowly rotating young population (of 176 ± 5 Myr), while the fifth is significantly older, either 288 ± 20 Myr for models with high initial rotational velocity (ωi ∼ 0.9), or 202 ± 5 Myr for slowly rotating models. The complementary analysis of the CMD rules out the latter solution while strongly supporting the presence of two distinct populations of ∼176 Myr and ∼288 Myr, respectively. Moreover, the observed multiple main sequences and the turn-offs indicate that the younger population is mainly made of slowly rotating stars, as is the case of the four younger Cepheids, while the older population is made mainly of initially fast rotating stars, as is the case of the fifth Cepheid. Our study reinforces the notion that some young clusters like NGC 1866 harbour multiple populations. This work also hints that the first population, i.e. the older, may inherit the angular momentum from the parent cloud while stars of the second population, i.e. the younger, do not.
Recognition of emission from the wood based products waste combustion using differential ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Maciejewska Monika , Szczurek Andrzej , Zajiczek Żaneta
Published: September 2019

This work was focussed on the recognition of the emission of volatile compounds resulting from the combustion of engineered wood products waste. This kind of waste is broadly used for heating purposes in an unauthorised way, giving rise to unorganised emissions. The recognition of such events is very difficult due to the complexity of the produced gas mixture. We proposed to apply differential ion mobility spectrometry (DMS). This is a promising technique in terms of complex gas mixtures measurements. The recognition was based on the measurements of ambient air in the vicinity of the emission source and classification. The ensemble of classification trees was chosen as the classier. The obtained results showed that volatile compounds resulting from the combustion of wood based boards waste produced the distinctive DMS spectra, which could be used as the basis for the effective recognition. We achieved almost 100 % successful recognition of: 1) ambient air which contained volatile compounds resulting from OSB board waste combustion, 2) ambient air which contained volatile compounds resulting from MDF board waste combustion, and 3) ambient air, which was did not contain volatile compounds of this kind. The presented results have a considerable practical value. The DMS spectrometer was successfully applied to recognize wood-based boards waste combustion in field conditions.