bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Space-charge-limited electron and hole currents in hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites
Authors: Sajedi Alvar Mohammad , Blom Paul W. M. , Wetzelaer Gert-Jan A. H.
Published: August 2020

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites are promising materials for the application in solar cells and light-emitting diodes. However, the basic current-voltage behavior for electrons and holes is still poorly understood in these semiconductors due to their mixed electronic-ionic character. Here, we present the analysis of space-charge-limited electron and hole currents in the archetypical perovskite methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3). We demonstrate that the frequency dependence of the permittivity plays a crucial role in the analysis of space-charge-limited currents and their dependence on voltage scan rate and temperature. Using a mixed electronic-ionic device model based on experimentally determined parameters, the current-voltage characteristics of single-carrier devices are accurately reproduced. Our results reveal that in our solution processed MAPbI3 thin films transport of electrons dominates over holes. Furthermore, we show that the direction of the hysteresis in the current-voltage characteristics provides a fingerprint for the sign of the dominant moving ionic species.
Within-individual phenotypic plasticity in flowers fosters pollination niche shift
Authors: Gómez José M. , Perfectti Francisco , Armas Cristina , Narbona Eduardo , González-Megías Adela , Navarro Luis , DeSoto Lucía , Torices Rubén
Published: August 2020

Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of a genotype of producing different phenotypes when exposed to different environments, may impact ecological interactions. We study here how within-individual plasticity inMoricandia arvensisflowers modifies its pollination niche. During spring, this plant produces large, cross-shaped, UV-reflecting lilac flowers attracting mostly long-tongued large bees. However, unlike most co-occurring species,M. arvensiskeeps flowering during the hot, dry summer due to its plasticity in key vegetative traits. Changes in temperature and photoperiod in summer trigger changes in gene expression and the production of small, rounded, UV-absorbing white flowers that attract a different assemblage of generalist pollinators. This shift in pollination niche potentially allows successful reproduction in harsh conditions, facilitatingM. arvensisto face anthropogenic perturbations and climate change.
Publisher Correction: Low replicability can support robust and efficient science
Authors: Lewandowsky Stephan , Oberauer Klaus
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Human practices promote presence and abundance of disease-transmitting mosquito species
Authors: Schrama Maarten , Hunting Ellard R. , Beechler Brianna R. , Guarido Milehna M. , Govender Danny , Nijland Wiebe , van ‘t Zelfde Maarten , Venter Marietjie , van Bodegom Peter M. , Gorsich Erin E.
Published: August 2020

Humans alter the environment at unprecedented rates through habitat destruction, nutrient pollution and the application of agrochemicals. This has recently been proposed to act as a potentially significant driver of pathogen-carrying mosquito species (disease vectors) that pose a health risk to humans and livestock. Here, we use a unique set of locations along a large geographical gradient to show that landscapes disturbed by a variety of anthropogenic stressors are consistently associated with vector-dominated mosquito communities for a wide range of human and livestock infections. This strongly suggests that human alterations to the environment promote the presence and abundance of disease vectors across large spatial extents. As such, it warrants further studies aimed at unravelling mechanisms underlying vector prevalence in mosquito communities, and opens up new opportunities for preventative action and predictive modelling of vector borne disease risks in relation to degradation of natural ecosystems.
Clinical evaluation of fully automated molecular diagnostic system “Simprova” for influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and human metapneumovirus
Authors: Takayama Ikuyo , Semba Shohei , Yokono Kota , Saito Shinji , Nakauchi Mina , Kubo Hideyuki , Kaida Atsushi , Shiomi Masashi , Terada Akihiro , Murakami Kiyotaka , Kaji Katsushi , Kiya Keiichi , Sawada Yoshitaka , Oba Kunihiro , Asai Sadasaburo , Yonekawa Toshihiro , Watanabe Hidetoshi , Segawa Yuji , Notomi Tsugunori , Kageyama Tsutomu
Published: August 2020

Influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and human metapneumovirus commonly cause acute upper and lower respiratory tract infections, especially in children and the elderly. Although rapid antigen detection tests for detecting these infections have been introduced recently, these are less sensitive than nucleic acid amplification tests. More recently, highly sensitive point-of-care testings (POCTs) have been developed based on nucleic acid amplification tests, which are easy to use in clinical settings. In this study, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based POCT “Simprova” to detect influenza A and B viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, and human metapneumovirus was developed. Simprova system is fully automated and does not require skilled personnel. In addition, positive results can be achieved faster than with PCR. In this study, the accuracy of the POCT was retrospectively analyzed using 241 frozen stocked specimens. Additionally, the usability of the Simprova at clinical sites was assessed in a prospective clinical study using 380 clinical specimens and compared to those of real-time PCR and rapid antigen detection test. The novel LAMP-based POCT demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in characterizing clinical specimens from patients with influenza-like illnesses. The Simprova is a powerful tool for early diagnosis of respiratory viral infections in point-of-care settings.
Simultaneous detection of ethambutol and pyrazinamide with IL@CoFe2O4NPs@MWCNTs fabricated glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Chokkareddy Rajasekhar , Kanchi Suvardhan , Inamuddin
Published: August 2020

For the first time, we report a novel electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous detection of ethambutol (ETB) and pyrazinamide (PZM) using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Emim][BF4]) ionic liquid (IL) assimilated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4NPs) on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The surface morphological and electrochemical properties of the IL@CoFe2O4NPs@MWCNTs was characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) respectively. Moreover, the obtained results of CV demonstrated that the 9-folds enhancement in the electrochemical signals was achieved with IL@CoFe2O4NPs@MWCNTs@GCE compared to that of a bare GCE. Additionally, the simultaneous electrochemical detection of ETB and PZM was successfully accomplished using IL@CoFe2O4NPs@MWCNTs over a wide-range of concentration with good limit of detection (3S/m) of 0.0201 and 0.010 μM respectively. The findings of this study identify IL@CoFe2O4NPs@MWCNTs@GCE has promising abilities of simultaneous detection of ETB and PZM in pharmaceutical formulations.
Additive interactions of nanoparticulate ZnO with copper, manganese and iron in Pisum sativum L., a hydroponic study
Authors: Skiba Elżbieta , Michlewska Sylwia , Pietrzak Monika , Wolf Wojciech M.
Published: August 2020

Widespread occurrence of ZnO nanoparticles in environment follows the growing number of applications either in technology or agriculture. The impact of five forms of nanoparticulate ZnO on copper, manganese and iron uptake by Pisum sativum L. cultivated in Hoagland solutions was investigated. Plants were collected after twelve days of zinc administration. Effect of bulk ZnO has also been studied. Initial zinc concentration was 100 mg L−1. Nanoparticles were characterized by the Transmission Electron Microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering and Zeta potential measurements. Metal contents were analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with flame atomization for samples digested in a microwave closed system. Analysis of variance indicated that zinc species at either molecular or nanoscale levels altered Cu, Mn and Fe uptake and their further transport in pea plants. In particular, significant reduction of Mn and Fe combined with the Cu increase was observed. Additive interactions originated by nanoparticles affect the heavy metals uptake and indicate pollutants migration pathways in plants. Unfortunately, regulations for the plant cultivation were formulated when anthropogenic nanoparticles were not in common use. They underestimate complexity of metals interactions in either plant or habitat. Our results indicate that these additive interactions cannot be neglected and deserve further investigations.
Author Correction: Fibrinogen – A Practical and Cost Efficient Biomarker for Detecting Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Klim S. M. , Amerstorfer F. , Gruber G. , Bernhardt G. A. , Radl R. , Leitner L. , Leithner A. , Glehr M.
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: A Neural Network Approach to Identify the Peritumoral Invasive Areas in Glioblastoma Patients by Using MR Radiomics
Authors: Yan Jiun-Lin , Li Chao , van der Hoorn Anouk , Boonzaier Natalie R. , Matys Tomasz , Price Stephen J.
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Unraveling the complex enzymatic machinery making a key galactolipid in chloroplast membrane: a multiscale computer simulation
Authors: Makshakova Olga , Breton Christelle , Perez Serge
Published: August 2020

Chloroplast membranes have a high content of the uncharged galactolipids monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG). These galactolipids are essential for the biogenesis of plastids and functioning of the photosynthetic machinery. A monotopic glycosyltransferase, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol synthase synthesizes the bulk of MGDG. It is embedded in the outer leaflet of the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts. The protein transfers a galactose residue from UDP-galactose to diacylglycerol (DAG); it needs anionic lipids such as phosphatidylglycerol (PG) to be active. The intricacy of the organization and the process of active complex assembly and synthesis have been investigated at the Coarse-Grained and All-Atom of computer simulation levels to cover large spatial and temporal scales. The following self-assembly process and catalytic events can be drawn; (1) in the membrane, in the absence of protein, there is a spontaneous formation of PG clusters to which DAG molecules associate, (2) a reorganization of the clusters occurs in the vicinity of the protein once inserted in the membrane, (3) an accompanying motion of the catalytic domain of the protein brings DAG in the proper position for the formation of the active complex MGD1/UDP-Gal/DAG/PG for which an atomistic model of interaction is proposed.
Overexpression of miR-669m inhibits erythroblast differentiation
Authors: Kotaki Ryutaro , Kawashima Masaharu , Yamaguchi Asuka , Suzuki Naoto , Koyama-Nasu Ryo , Ogiya Daisuke , Okuyama Kazuki , Yamamoto Yuichiro , Takamatsu Masako , Kurosaki Natsumi , Ando Kiyoshi , Murata Akihiko , Ohtsuka Masato , Nakagawa So , Katagiri Koko , Kotani Ai
Published: August 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), one of small non-coding RNAs, regulate many cell functions through their post-transcriptionally downregulation of target genes. Accumulated studies have revealed that miRNAs are involved in hematopoiesis. In the present study, we investigated effects of miR-669m overexpression on hematopoiesis in mouse in vivo, and found that erythroid differentiation was inhibited by the overexpression. Our bioinformatic analyses showed that candidate targets of miR-669m which are involved in the erythropoiesis inhibition are A-kinase anchoring protein 7 (Akap7) and X-linked Kx blood group (Xk) genes. These two genes were predicted as targets of miR-669m by two different in silico methods and were upregulated in late erythroblasts in a public RNA-seq data, which was confirmed with qPCR. Further, miR-669m suppressed luciferase reporters for 3′ untranslated regions of Akap7 and Xk genes, which supports these genes are direct targets of miR-669m. Physiologically, miR-669m was not expressed in the erythroblast. In conclusion, using miR-669m, we found Akap7 and Xk, which may be involved in erythroid differentiation, implying that manipulating these genes could be a therapeutic way for diseases associated with erythropoiesis dysfunction.
Quantum thermodynamics of single particle systems
Authors: Ali Md. Manirul , Huang Wei-Ming , Zhang Wei-Min
Published: August 2020

Thermodynamics is built with the concept of equilibrium states. However, it is less clear how equilibrium thermodynamics emerges through the dynamics that follows the principle of quantum mechanics. In this paper, we develop a theory of quantum thermodynamics that is applicable for arbitrary small systems, even for single particle systems coupled with a reservoir. We generalize the concept of temperature beyond equilibrium that depends on the detailed dynamics of quantum states. We apply the theory to a cavity system and a two-level system interacting with a reservoir, respectively. The results unravels (1) the emergence of thermodynamics naturally from the exact quantum dynamics in the weak system-reservoir coupling regime without introducing the hypothesis of equilibrium between the system and the reservoir from the beginning; (2) the emergence of thermodynamics in the intermediate system-reservoir coupling regime where the Born-Markovian approximation is broken down; (3) the breakdown of thermodynamics due to the long-time non-Markovian memory effect arisen from the occurrence of localized bound states; (4) the existence of dynamical quantum phase transition characterized by inflationary dynamics associated with negative dynamical temperature. The corresponding dynamical criticality provides a border separating classical and quantum worlds. The inflationary dynamics may also relate to the origin of big bang and universe inflation. And the third law of thermodynamics, allocated in the deep quantum realm, is naturally proved.
Chemical profile and phytotoxic action of Onopordum acanthium essential oil
Authors: Wei Caixia , Zhou Shixing , Shi Kai , Zhang Chi , Shao Hua
Published: August 2020

The potential of utilizing Onopordum acanthium essential oil and its major constituents as environment friendly herbicides was investigated. In total 29, 25, and 18 compounds were identified from flower, leaf, and stem oils, representing 94.77%, 80.02%, and 90.74% of the total oil, respectively. Flower and stem oils were found to be rich in n-alkanes, which accounted for 57.33% in flower oil, and 82.33% in stem oil. Flower oil exerted potent inhibitory activity on both receiver species, Amaranthus retroflexus and Poa annua, which nearly completely suppressed seed germination at 5 mg/mL, and β-eudesmol is the most likely responsible compound for its phytotoxicity; in comparison, leaf and stem oils exhibited much weaker inhibitory activity on A. retroflexus, and stimulatory effect on P. annua when tested concentration was below 2.5 mg/mL. Alkanes in the oils were found to exert relatively weak plant growth regulatory activity. This report is the first on the chemical profile and phytotoxic action of O. acanthium oil as well as the phytotoxicity of β-eudesmol.
Apple latent spherical virus (ALSV)-induced gene silencing in a medicinal plant, Lithospermum erythrorhizon
Authors: Izuishi Yuki , Isaka Natsumi , Li Hao , Nakanishi Kohei , Kageyama Joji , Ishikawa Kazuya , Shimada Tomoo , Masuta Chikara , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki , Kusano Hiroaki , Yazaki Kazufumi
Published: August 2020

Lithospermum erythrorhizon is a medicinal plant that produces shikonin, a red lipophilic naphthoquinone derivative that accumulates exclusively in roots. The biosynthetic steps required to complete the naphthalene ring of shikonin and its mechanism of secretion remain unclear. Multiple omics studies identified several candidate genes involved in shikonin production. The functions of these genes can be evaluated using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) systems, which have been shown advantageous in introducing iRNA genes into non-model plants. This study describes the development of a VIGS system using an apple latent spherical virus (ALSV) vector and a target gene, phytoene desaturase (LePDS1). Virus particles packaged in Nicotiana benthamiana were inoculated into L. erythrorhizon seedlings, yielding new leaves with albino phenotype but without disease symptoms. The levels of LePDS1 mRNAs were significantly lower in the albino plants than in mock control or escape plants. Virus-derived mRNA was detected in infected plants but not in escape and mock plants. Quantitative PCR and deep sequencing analysis indicated that transcription of another hypothetical PDS gene (LePDS2) also decreased in the defective leaves. Virus infection, however, had no effect on shikonin production. These results suggest that virus-based genetic transformation and the VIGS system silence target genes in soil-grown L. erythrorhizon.
RNA-Seq based genetic variant discovery provides new insights into controlling fat deposition in the tail of sheep
Authors: Bakhtiarizadeh Mohammad Reza , Alamouti Ali A.
Published: August 2020

Genetic basis of fat deposition in sheep tail have not been completely elucidated yet. Understanding the genetic mechanisms controlling fat-tail size can improve breeding strategies to modulate fat deposition. RNA sequencing has made it possible to discover genetic variants that may underlie various phenotypic differences. Hence, to identify genetic variants that are important for describing different fat-tail phenotypes in sheep, RNA sequencing was used for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling in two Iranian sheep breeds (Lori-Bakhtiari, fat-tailed; n = 4, vs Zel, thin-tailed; n = 4). Using a stringent pipeline, a total of 112,344 known SNPs were genotyped, of which 30,550 and 42,906 SNPs were shared by at least two Lori-Bakhtiari and Zel, respectively. Comparing these SNPs showed 2,774 (including 209 missense and 25 deleterious SNPs) and 10,470 (including 1,054 missense and 116 deleterious SNPs) breed-specific SNPs in Lori-Bakhtiari and Zel sheep, respectively. Potential breed-specific SNPs were detected by considering those located in QTL regions associated with fatness or reported as important candidates in previous similar studies. Of the breed-specific SNPs, 724 and 2,905 were located in the QTL regions. Functional enrichment analysis of the affected genes revealed several enriched gene ontologies and KEGG pathways related to fat metabolism. Based on the results, several affected genes were proposed to be strongly linked with fat deposition such as DGAT2, ACSL1, ACACA, ADIPOQ, ACLY, FASN, CPT2, SCD, ADCY6, PER3, CSF1R, SLC22A4, GFPT1, CDS2, BMP6, ACSS2, ELOVL6, HOXA10 and FABP4. Moreover, several SNPs were found in the candidate genes related to fatty acid oxidation introducing them as promising candidates responsible for lower fat content in tail of Zel. Our findings provided new insights into the genetic mechanisms of fat deposition in sheep, which can serve to designing appropriate breeding programs.
Seasonal effects on miRNA and transcriptomic profile of oocytes and follicular cells in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Capra Emanuele , Lazzari Barbara , Russo Marco , Kosior Michal Andrzej , Valle Giovanni Della , Longobardi Valentina , Stella Alessandra , Consiglio Anna Lange , Gasparrini Bianca
Published: August 2020

Season clearly influences oocyte competence in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis); however, changes in the oocyte molecular status in relation to season are poorly understood. This study characterizes the microRNA (miRNA) and transcriptomic profiles of oocytes (OOs) and corresponding follicular cells (FCs) from buffalo ovaries collected in the breeding (BS) and non-breeding (NBS) seasons. In the BS, cleavage and blastocyst rates are significantly higher compared to NBS. Thirteen miRNAs and two mRNAs showed differential expression (DE) in FCs between BS and NBS. DE-miRNAs target gene analysis uncovered pathways associated with transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and circadian clock photoperiod. Oocytes cluster in function of season for their miRNA content, showing 13 DE-miRNAs between BS and NBS. Between the two seasons, 22 differentially expressed genes were also observed. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of miRNA target genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in OOs highlights pathways related to triglyceride and sterol biosynthesis and storage. Co-expression analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs revealed a positive correlation between miR-296-3p and genes related to metabolism and hormone regulation. In conclusion, season significantly affects female fertility in buffalo and impacts on oocyte transcriptomic of genes related to folliculogenesis and acquisition of oocyte competence.
Uracil-DNA-glycosylase-assisted loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detection of bacteria from urine samples with reduced contamination
Authors: Zeng Yingmin , Liu Meiling , Xia Yong , Jiang Xingyu
Published: August 2020

Urine specimens are detected by conventional culture method and colonies with more than 104 are identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Meanwhile, we analyze urine samples using FTA cards for simple DNA extraction and UDG-assisted LAMP.
Real-time in vivo detection techniques for neurotransmitters: a review
Authors: Su Yi , Bian Sumin , Sawan Mohamad
Published: August 2020

Functional synapses in the central nervous system depend on a chemical signal exchange process that involves neurotransmitter delivery between neurons and receptor cells in the neuro system.
Enhanced photodynamic therapy through supramolecular photosensitizers with an adamantyl-functionalized porphyrin and a cyclodextrin dimer
Authors: Xia Lei , Wu Jian , Huang Baoxuan , Gao Yun , Tian Jia , Zhang Weian
Published: August 2020

A supramolecular photosensitizer with an adamantyl-functionalized porphyrin and a cyclodextrin dimer possesses excellent biocompatibility and effectively inhibits the aggregation-induced quenching of porphyrins.
Stabilisation of tri-valent ions with a vacant coordination site at a corrole–metal interface
Authors: Deimel P. S. , Aguilar P. Casado , Paszkiewicz M. , Duncan D. A. , Barth J. V. , Klappenberger F. , Schöfberger W. , Allegretti F.
Published: August 2020

We show that a tri-valent oxidation state is retained inin situmetallated V and Ti corroles in contact with a Ag(111) surface.
Solar-enhanced hybrid lithium–oxygen batteries with a low voltage and superior long-life stability
Authors: Gong Hao , Xue Hairong , Gao Bin , Li Yang , Yu Xingyu , Fan Xiaoli , Zhang Songtao , Wang Tao , He Jianping
Published: August 2020

Coating α-Fe2O3 with NiOOH results in enhanced electrochemical properties, and the as-assembled hybrid lithium–oxygen batteries deliver a low charge voltage of 3.03 V, high energy efficiency of 88%, and long-term stability for over 350 hours.
Structural conversion of human islet amyloid polypeptide aggregates under an electric field
Authors: Song Yongxiu , Wu Rongrong , Wang Yin , Liu Lei , Dong Mingdong
Published: August 2020

Electric fields (EFs) in biological systems are well known, and their presence implies the activity of protein ion channels and pumps in various cells.
Oxygen-selective adsorption on high-silica LTA zeolite
Authors: Liu Hanbang , Yuan Danhua , Liu Guangye , Xing Jiacheng , Liu Zhongmin , Xu Yunpeng
Published: August 2020

Protonated high-silica LTA zeolite has unusual N2/O2 selectivity compared with low-silica LTA, and adsorbs more O2 than N2.
Construction of aptasensors for sensitive detection of 8-OH-dG based on a diffusion mediated electrochemiluminescence quenching effect
Authors: Feng Zhe , Zhao Rui-Juan , Lu Ze-Hua , Jia Li-ping , Ma Rong-Na , Zhang Wei , Shang Lei , Xue Qing-Wang , Wang Huai-Sheng
Published: August 2020

A DNA immobilization-free electrochemiluminescence aptasensor was developed for the detection of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxygunosine based on the diffusion mediated electrochemiluminescence quenching effect and dual signal amplification strategies.
On-surface synthesis of gold–coronene molecular wires
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Liu Meizhuang , Chen Shenwei , Wang Jiaobing , Guo Donghui , Zhong Dingyong
Published: August 2020

Perchlorocoronene undergoes selective dehalogenation under the one-dimensional constraint by intermolecular interactions, resulting in the formation of gold–coronene wires on Au(111) surfaces.
Multiple applications of polymers containing electron-reservoir metal-sandwich complexes
Authors: Liu Xiong , Rapakousiou Amalia , Deraedt Christophe , Ciganda Roberto , Wang Yanlan , Ruiz Jaime , Gu Haibin , Astruc Didier
Published: August 2020

Polymers containing redox-robust first-row late-transition-metal complexes, essentially of iron-sandwich type, are shown to provide a variety of engineered properties and nanomaterial applications as illustrated in the graph.
Bioinspired adenine–dopamine immobilized polymer hydrogel adhesives for tissue engineering
Authors: Joshi Saurabh , Mahadevan Gomathi , Verma Sandeep , Valiyaveettil Suresh
Published: August 2020

Adenine–dopamine adduct incorporated polyacrylic acid forms hydrogels with enhanced adhesiveness, transparency, biocompatibility, and promotes cell proliferation in in vitro models within 24 h.
Nickel-assisted complete cleavage of CO by a silylene/siliconoid hybrid under formation of an SiC enol ether bridge
Authors: Poitiers Nadine E. , Huch Volker , Zimmer Michael , Scheschkewitz David
Published: August 2020

A silylene-siliconoid hybrid incorporates CO to form a SiC enol ether bridge in the presence of Ni(cod)2 ( = silicon).
Regulating the phase transition of monoclinic Bi4O5Br2 through the synergistic effect of “drag force” and facet recognition by branched polyethyleneimine
Authors: Wu Zhaohui , Wu Min , Li Zhongfu , Pan Yue , Qiu Junhao , Li Taige , Xu Kaiqiang , Zhang Shiying , Xu Difa , Guo Manman
Published: August 2020

The synergistic effect of the “drag force” and facet recognition by BPEI was the driving force for the phase transition of BiOBr to Bi4O5Br2.
Heterometallic coordination polymers based on homo- and heteroleptic Au(iii) dithiolene complexes
Authors: Bechu Damien , Petre Alexandru Mihai , Hosseini Mir Wais , Baudron Stéphane A.
Published: August 2020

Two novel hetero- and homoleptic Au(iii) dithiolene complexes have been designed, synthesized, characterized and employed for the elaboration of heterometallic coordination networks.
Machine-guided representation for accurate graph-based molecular machine learning
Authors: Na Gyoung S. , Chang Hyunju , Kim Hyun Woo
Published: August 2020

Based on the deep metric learning, a machine-guided representation is automatically optimized for any given dataset of molecular properties.
Electric field and uniaxial strain tunable electronic properties of the InSb/InSe heterostructure
Authors: Wang Zhu , Sun Fangwen , Liu Jian , Tian Ye , Zhang Zhihui , Zhang Yan , Wei Xing , Guo Tingting , Fan Jibin , Ni Lei , Duan Li
Published: August 2020

The InSb/InSe heterostructure with tunable electronic properties has a direct band gap and an intrinsic type-II band alignment.
Dielectric spectroscopy and time dependent Stokes shift: two faces of the same coin?
Authors: Honegger Philipp , Heid Esther , Schröder Christian , Steinhauser Othmar
Published: August 2020

Different types of spectroscopy capture different aspects of dynamics and different ranges of intermolecular contributions.
Ti2P monolayer as a high performance 2-D electrode material for ion batteries
Authors: Cheng Zishuang , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhang Hui , Liu Heyan , Yu Xiao , Dai Xuefang , Liu Guodong , Chen Guifeng
Published: August 2020

Electrical conductivity, storage capacity and ion diffusion ability are three crucial parameters for battery electrode materials.
Ultrafast spectroscopy of biliverdin dimethyl ester in solution: pathways of excited-state depopulation
Authors: Liu Yangyi , Chen Zhuang , Wang Xueli , Cao Simin , Xu Jianhua , Jimenez Ralph , Chen Jinquan
Published: August 2020

Biliverdin and its dimethyl ester derivatives are bile pigments with very low fluorescence quantum yield in solution, but naturally serve as chromophores in far-red fluorescent proteins with three orders of magnitude enhanced fluorescence quantum efficiency.
In silico discovery of active, stable, CO-tolerant and cost-effective electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution and oxidation
Authors: Back Seoin , Na Jonggeol , Tran Kevin , Ulissi Zachary W.
Published: August 2020

Based on databases of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we evaluate multiple aspects of catalysts to discover active, stable, CO-tolerant and cost-effective hydrogen evolution and oxidation catalysts.
Quantum dynamics analysis of transition-state spectrum for the SH + H2S → H2S + SH reaction
Authors: Takayanagi Toshiyuki
Published: August 2020

Quantum dynamics calculations were performed to understand transition-state spectroscopy of the SH + H2S hydrogen atom transfer reaction.
Low frequency vibrational density of state of highly permeable super glassy polynorbornenes – the Boson peak
Authors: Zorn Reiner , Szymoniak Paulina , Kolmangadi Mohamed A. , Wolf Marcell , Alentiev Dmitry A. , Bermeshev Maxim , Böhning Martin , Schönhals Andreas
Published: August 2020

Inelastic incoherent neutron time-of-flight scattering was employed to measure the low frequency density of states for a series of addition polynorbornenes with bulky side groups.
Oxygen migration and optical properties of coronene oxides and their persulfurated derivatives: insight into the electric field effect and the oxygen-site dependence
Authors: Zhang Qing , Li Yuanyuan , Cao Zexing
Published: August 2020

Oxygen migration on the surface of coronene (C24) epoxides and their persulfurated derivatives (PSCs) can be easily tuned by an external electric field and their low-lying states show a remarkable oxygen-site dependence.
Tunable lifetimes and efficiencies of room temperature phosphorescent liquids by modulating the length and number of alkyl chains
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Zhang Kai , Ma Yuying , Lin Lili , Wang Chuan-Kui , Fan Jianzhong
Published: August 2020

Organic room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) liquid composites exhibit the potential to make innovative changes in large area flexible lighting applications, and it is extremely challenging to achieve high-efficiency RTP in pure organic solvent-free liquid systems.
Catalyst–electrolyte interface chemistry for electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Sa Young Jin , Lee Chan Woo , Lee Si Young , Na Jonggeol , Lee Ung , Hwang Yun Jeong
Published: August 2020

This review article provides the recent progress in the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction by understanding and tuning catalyst–electrolyte interfaces.
Bioinspired light-driven soft robots based on liquid crystal polymers
Authors: Pilz da Cunha M. , Debije M. G. , Schenning A. P. H. J.
Published: August 2020

The potential of liquid crystal polymers to undergo light-triggered shape changes makes them attractive for untethered bioinspired soft robots.
Thermodynamic and kinetic hydricity of transition metal hydrides
Authors: Brereton Kelsey R. , Smith Nicholas E. , Hazari Nilay , Miller Alexander J. M.
Published: August 2020

This review of thermodynamic and kinetic hydricity provides conceptual overviews, tutorials on how to determine hydricity both experimentally and computationally, and salient case studies.
Synergistic effect on BCN nanomaterials for the oxygen reduction reaction – a kinetic and mechanistic analysis to explore the active sites
Authors: Nazer E. A. Anook , Muthukrishnan Azhagumuthu
Published: August 2020

The rGO doped with boron and nitrogen reduce the oxygenviathe dissociative four-electron pathway whereas the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction is more predominant on the rGO doped with either of the two individual heteroatoms.
Efficient photocatalytic oxidative deamination of imine and amine to aldehyde over nitrogen-doped KTi3NbO9 under purple light
Authors: Yu Zhuobin , Gu Xianmo , Wang Ruiyi , Wang Jie , Zhao Jian , Pei LinJuan , Zheng Zhanfeng
Published: August 2020

Nitrogen doped titanoniobate (N-KTi3NbO9) exhibits excellent performance in photocatalytic oxidative deamination of imine and amine to aldehyde.
Single-molecule magnet behavior in heterolopetic Dy3+-chloro-diazabutadiene complexes: influence of the nuclearity and ligand redox state
Authors: Long Jérôme , Tolpygin Aleksei O. , Cherkasov Anton V. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Guari Yannick , Larionova Joulia , Trifonov Alexander A.
Published: August 2020

We report the synthesis, structure and magnetic properties investigations of a series of new dysprosium mono- and dinuclear chloro complexes based on different diazabutadiene ligands (DAD2R = [2,6-iPr2C6H3N–CRCR–NC6H3iPr2-2,6]; R = H, Me).
Seawater electrolyte-based metal–air batteries: from strategies to applications
Authors: Yu Jia , Li Bo-Quan , Zhao Chang-Xin , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2020

For applying metal–air batteries using seawater-based electrolytes, the influence of chloride anions on the ORR/OER electrocatalytic mechanisms and rational design strategies for chloride-resistant electrocatalysts are summarized.
The protective effect of quercetin on retinal inflammation in mice: the involvement of tumor necrosis factor/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Ho Tin-Yun , Lo Hsin-Yi , Liu I-Chen , Lin Ken-An , Liao Yi-Fang , Lo Yuan-Chun , Hsiang Chien-Yun
Published: August 2020

Oral administration of quercetin ameliorated LPS-induced retinal inflammation in mice by down-regulating TNF, cytokine, and NF-κB pathways.
Dietary choline, rather than betaine intake, is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma mortality
Authors: Liu Zhao-Yan , Zhang Dao-Ming , Yishake Dinuerguli , Luo Yun , Fang Ai-Ping , Zhu Hui-Lian
Published: August 2020

The dietary intakes of choline and betaine have been related to the mortality of some neoplasms, but their effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality are still unknown.
Optimization and sustainability assessment of a continuous flow Ru-catalyzed ester hydrogenation for an important precursor of a β2-adrenergic receptor agonist
Authors: Prieschl Michael , García-Lacuna Jorge , Munday Rachel , Leslie Kevin , O'Kearney-McMullan Anne , Hone Christopher A. , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: August 2020

The development of a continuous flow ruthenium-catalyzed ester reduction using hydrogen gas is described. The assessment of green metrics show the protocol is substantially more sustainable than commonly employed metal hydride reductions.
A microfluidic circuit consisting of individualized components with a 3D slope valve for automation of sequential liquid control
Authors: Kang Dong Hee , Kim Na Kyong , Park Sang-Woo , Lee Wonoh , Kang Hyun Wook
Published: August 2020

A new concept of a three-dimensional microfluidic valve component in lab-on-a-disk platforms for bio-chemical detection through sequential micro-volume liquid control.
Nano-substructured plasmonic pore arrays: a robust, low cost route to reproducible hierarchical structures extended across macroscopic dimensions
Authors: Gimenez Aurélien V. , Kho Kiang W. , Keyes Tia E.
Published: August 2020

A simple approach to reproducibly nano-sub-structuring the cavity interiors in periodic pore arrays improves performance in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and metal enhanced fluorescence.
Dictyophora-derived N-doped porous carbon microspheres for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Zuo Saisai , Gao Jingping , Wu Fuming , Yang Bingye , Sun Yu , Xie Minhui , Mi Xue , Wang Wei , Liu Yu , Yan Jing
Published: August 2020

PCMS-T hierarchical porous structures were prepared from biomass dictyophora as electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors.
Galvanic replacement of liquid metal Galinstan with copper for the formation of photocatalytically active nanomaterials
Authors: Oloye Olawale , Fernando Joseph F. S. , Waclawik Eric R. , Golberg Dmitri , O’Mullane Anthony P.
Published: August 2020

Galvanic replacement of liquid metal Galinstan under mechanical agitation with copper creates a multi-elemental system that is photocatalytically active for the degradation of organic dyes where reuseability is achieved via immobilisation on a solid support.
An ultrasound enhanced catalytic ozonation process for the ultra-deep desulfurization of diesel oil
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhao Yan , Kozhevnikov Ivan V. , Zhao Jie
Published: August 2020

An ultrasound enhanced catalytic ozonation process was applied for the desulfurization of diesel oil with some metal salts of Keggin-type heteropolyacids, H3PW12O40–Mx/nH3−xPW12O40 (abbreviated as Mx/nH3−xPW12O40), as catalysts.
Stimuli-responsive conformational transformation of antimicrobial peptides stapled with an azobenzene unit
Authors: Lee Jeonghun , Lee Hanwool , Kim Chulhee
Published: August 2020

The effect of the azobenzene-stapling position on the triggered transformation of the helical conformation of KLA peptides in response to UV irradiation and reductive cleavage is investigated.
An AIE and PET fluorescent probe for effective Zn(ii) detection and imaging in living cells
Authors: Wang Jin , Lu Linxia , Wang Chun , Wang Minmin , Ju Jianfeng , Zhu Jinli , Sun Tongming
Published: August 2020

A sensitive fluorescent probe L for Zn2+ with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties has been synthesized.
Fungal benzene carbaldehydes: occurrence, structural diversity, activities and biosynthesis
Authors: Ran Huomiao , Li Shu-Ming
Published: August 2020

This review summarizes 185 fungal benzene carbaldehydes and discusses their structural features, distribution, biological activities and biosynthesis.
Low-threshold laser medium utilizing semiconductor nanoshell quantum dots
Authors: Porotnikov Dmitry , Diroll Benjamin T. , Harankahage Dulanjan , Obloy Laura , Yang Mingrui , Cassidy James , Ellison Cole , Miller Emily , Rogers Spencer , Tarnovsky Alexander N. , Schaller Richard D. , Zamkov Mikhail
Published: August 2020

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) represent a promising class of nanomaterials for lasing applications.
Recent advancements in solid–liquid triboelectric nanogenerators for energy harvesting and self-powered applications
Authors: Chatterjee Subhodeep , Burman Snigdha Roy , Khan Imran , Saha Subhajit , Choi Dukhyun , Lee Sangmin , Lin Zong-Hong
Published: August 2020

An overview of recent advancement of solid–liquid based TENGs (S–L TENGs) with respect to different physical and chemical properties as well as interacting modes of contact materials along with its energy harvesting and self-powered applications.
Controlled oxygen vacancy engineering on In2O3−x/CeO2−y nanotubes for highly selective and efficient electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction
Authors: Wang Zengyao , Shen Jianfeng , Fu Wenzhi , Liao Jiangwen , Dong Juncai , Zhuang Peiyuan , Cao Ziyi , Ye Zhuolin , Shi Jiangyue , Ye Mingxin
Published: August 2020

Introducing and adjusting the oxygen vacancies (VO) of transition metal oxides has been proposed as a significant and effective way to tackle the sluggish nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) in the electrocatalysis process.
Iridium-catalyzed ortho-selective carbon–hydrogen amidation of benzamides with sulfonyl azides in ionic liquid
Authors: Jiao Lin-Yu , Ning Zi-Hui , Hong Qian , Peng Xin-Hua , Yin Xiao-Mei , Liu Shanshan , Chen Huiyong , Li Zhuo , Sun Ming , Ma Xiao-Xun
Published: August 2020

Ir-catalyzed ortho-C–H amidation of benzamides with sulfonyl azides has been conducted effectively in ionic liquid reaction medium.
Glycerine-based synthesis of a highly efficient Fe2O3 electrocatalyst for N2 fixation
Authors: Wang Meng , Li Feifei , Liu Juan
Published: August 2020

Fe2O3 nanoparticles generated from a glycerine-based synthesis can be applied as highly efficient catalysts for the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction.
Searching for double σ- and π-aromaticity in borazine derivatives
Authors: Pino-Rios Ricardo , Vásquez-Espinal Alejandro , Yañez Osvaldo , Tiznado William
Published: August 2020

Evolutionary algorithms, Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics and the magnetic criteria of aromaticity have been used to evaluate the stability and σ–π aromaticity of borazine derivatives in order to expand the family of double aromatics systems.
Ultrafine Co3O4 nanolayer-shelled CoWP nanowire array: a bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Zhang Lili , Zhang Tingting , Dai Kaiqing , Zhao Liqing , Wei Qinghe , Zhang Bing , Xiang Xu
Published: August 2020

A hierarchical 3D self-supporting CoWP nanowire array shelled with an ultrathin Co3O4 nanolayer on carbon cloth (Co3O4@CoWP/CC) exhibits superior overall water electrolysis capability.
On the electronic structure and hydrogen evolution reaction activity of platinum group metal-based high-entropy-alloy nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Dongshuang , Kusada Kohei , Yamamoto Tomokazu , Toriyama Takaaki , Matsumura Syo , Gueye Ibrahima , Seo Okkyun , Kim Jaemyung , Hiroi Satoshi , Sakata Osami , Kawaguchi Shogo , Kubota Yoshiki , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

RuRhPdIrPt high-entropy-alloy nanoparticles with a broad and featureless valence band spectrum show high hydrogen evolution reaction activity.
Graph neural network based coarse-grained mapping prediction
Authors: Li Zhiheng , Wellawatte Geemi P. , Chakraborty Maghesree , Gandhi Heta A. , Xu Chenliang , White Andrew D.
Published: August 2020

We propose a scalable graph neural network-based method for automating coarse-grained mapping prediction for molecules.
Highly ordered macroporous dual-element-doped carbon from metal–organic frameworks for catalyzing oxygen reduction
Authors: Xia Wei , Hunter Michelle A. , Wang Jiayu , Zhu Guoxun , Warren Sarah J. , Zhao Yingji , Bando Yoshio , Searles Debra J. , Yamauchi Yusuke , Tang Jing
Published: August 2020

Multiple heteroatoms-doped carbon with 3D ordered macroporous structures, which showing outstanding catalytic activity for oxygen reduction, was prepared by carbonization of double-solvent-induced MOF/polystyrene sphere accompanied with post-doping.
Light opens a new window for N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis
Authors: Liu Jing , Xing Xiao-Ning , Huang Jin-Hai , Lu Liang-Qiu , Xiao Wen-Jing
Published: August 2020

This minireview summarized the recent advances on the photoinduced, NHC-catalyzed organic reactions according to the function of visible light.
Percolative polymer composites for dielectric capacitors: a brief history, materials, and multilayer interface design
Authors: Liu Limei , Qu Junle , Gu Aijuan , Wang Binghao
Published: August 2020

Key insights into percolative (semi-)conductor/polymer composites with multilayer structures.
MMP-2 sensitive poly(malic acid) micelles stabilized by π–π stacking enable high drug loading capacity
Authors: Qiao Youbei , Zhan Chunjing , Wang Chaoli , Shi Xuetao , Yang Jingcheng , He Xin , Ji Erlong , Yu Zhe , Yan Changjiao , Wu Hong
Published: August 2020

Poly(β-l-malic acid) (PMLA) together with its derivatives is an aliphatic polyester with superior bio-properties for anti-tumor drugs.
Thienoquinolinone as a new building block for wide bandgap semiconducting polymer donors for organic solar cells
Authors: Ha Jong-Woon , Kim Hee Su , Song Chang Eun , Park Hea Jung , Hwang Do-Hoon
Published: August 2020

A new heterocyclic aromatic structure, thieno[3,2-c]quinolin-4(5H)-one (TQO), was designed and synthesized as an electron-accepting building block for donor–acceptor-type copolymers.
Loss of APJ mediated β-arrestin signalling improves high-fat diet induced metabolic dysfunction but does not alter cardiac function in mice
Authors: Li Na , Ma Xiaochuan , Ban Ting , Xu Shaohua , Ma Yingli , Ason Brandon , Hu Liaoyuan A.
Published: August 2020

Apelin receptor (APJ) is a G protein-coupled receptor that contributes to many physiological processes and is emerging as a therapeutic target to treat a variety of diseases. For most disease indications the role of G protein vs β-arrestin signalling in mitigating disease pathophysiology remains poorly understood. This hinders the development of G protein biased APJ agonists, which have been proposed to have several advantages over balanced APJ signalling agonists. To elucidate the contribution of APJ β-arrestin signalling, we generated a transgenic mouse harbouring a point mutation (APJ I107A) that maintains full G protein activity but fails to recruit β-arrestin following receptor activation. APJ I107A mutant mice did not alter cardiac function at rest, following exercise challenge or in response to pressure overload induced cardiac hypertrophy. Additionally, APJ I107A mice have comparable body weights, plasma glucose and lipid levels relative to WT mice when fed a chow diet. However, APJ I107A mice showed significantly lower body weight, blood insulin levels, improved glucose tolerance and greater insulin sensitivity when fed a high-fat diet. Furthermore, loss of APJ β-arrestin signalling also affected fat composition and the expression of lipid metabolism related genes in adipose tissue from high-fat fed mice. Taken together, our results suggest that G protein biased APJ activation may be more effective for certain disease indications given that loss of APJ mediated β-arrestin signalling appears to mitigate several aspects of diet induced metabolic dysfunction.
Characterization of the different oligomeric states of the DAN family antagonists SOSTDC1 and SOST
Authors: Gipson Gregory R. , Kattamuri Chandramohan , Czepnik Magdalena , Thompson Thomas B.
Published: August 2020

The DAN (differential screening-selected gene aberrative in neuroblastoma) family are a group of secreted extracellular proteins which typically bind to and antagonize BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) ligands. Previous studies have revealed discrepancies between the oligomerization state of certain DAN family members, with SOST (a poor antagonist of BMP signaling) forming a monomer while Grem1, Grem2, and NBL1 (more potent BMP antagonists) form non-disulfide linked dimers. The protein SOSTDC1 (Sclerostin domain containing protein 1) is sequentially similar to SOST, but has been shown to be a better BMP inhibitor. In order to determine the oligomerization state of SOSTDC1 and determine what effect dimerization might have on the mechanism of DAN family antagonism of BMP signaling, we isolated the SOSTDC1 protein and, using a battery of biophysical, biochemical, and structural techniques, showed that SOSTDC1 forms a highly stable non-covalent dimer. Additionally, this SOSTDC1 dimer was shown, using an in vitro cell based assay system, to be an inhibitor of multiple BMP signaling growth factors, including GDF5, while monomeric SOST was a very poor antagonist. These results demonstrate that SOSTDC1 is distinct from paralogue SOST in terms of both oligomerization and strength of BMP inhibition.
The constitutive activity of the viral-encoded G protein-coupled receptor US28 supports a complex signalling network contributing to cancer development
Authors: Daly Carole A. , Smit Martine J. , Plouffe Bianca
Published: August 2020

US28 is a viral G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) encoded by the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). This receptor, expressed both during lytic replication and viral latency, is required for latency. US28 is binding to a wide variety of chemokines but also exhibits a particularly high constitutive activity robustly modulating a wide network of cellular pathways altering the host cell environment to benefit HCMV infection. Several studies suggest that US28-mediated signalling may contribute to cancer progression. In this review, we discuss the unique structural characteristics that US28 acquired through evolution that confer a robust constitutive activity to this viral receptor. We also describe the wide downstream signalling network activated by this constitutive activation of US28 and discuss how these signalling pathways may promote and support important cellular aspects of cancer.