bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GWAS of mosaic loss of chromosome Y highlights genetic effects on blood cell differentiation
Authors: Terao Chikashi , Momozawa Yukihide , Ishigaki Kazuyoshi , Kawakami Eiryo , Akiyama Masato , Loh Po-Ru , Genovese Giulio , Sugishita Hiroki , Ohta Tazro , Hirata Makoto , Perry John R. B. , Matsuda Koichi , Murakami Yoshinori , Kubo Michiaki , Kamatani Yoichiro
Published: October 2019

Mosaic loss of chromosome Y (mLOY) is frequently observed in the leukocytes of ageing men. However, the genetic architecture and biological mechanisms underlying mLOY are not fully understood. In a cohort of 95,380 Japanese men, we identify 50 independent genetic markers in 46 loci associated with mLOY at a genome-wide significant level, 35 of which are unreported. Lead markers overlap enhancer marks in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs, P ≤ 1.0 × 10−6). mLOY genome-wide association study signals exhibit polygenic architecture and demonstrate strong heritability enrichment in regions surrounding genes specifically expressed in multipotent progenitor (MPP) cells and HSCs (P ≤ 3.5 × 10−6). ChIP-seq data demonstrate that binding sites of FLI1, a fate-determining factor promoting HSC differentiation into platelets rather than red blood cells (RBCs), show a strong heritability enrichment (P = 1.5 × 10−6). Consistent with these findings, platelet and RBC counts are positively and negatively associated with mLOY, respectively. Collectively, our observations improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying mLOY.
Contributions of anterior cingulate cortex and basolateral amygdala to decision confidence and learning under uncertainty
Authors: Stolyarova A. , Rakhshan M. , Hart E. E. , O’Dell T. J. , Peters M. A. K. , Lau H. , Soltani A. , Izquierdo A.
Published: October 2019

The subjective sense of certainty, or confidence, in ambiguous sensory cues can alter the interpretation of reward feedback and facilitate learning. We trained rats to report the orientation of ambiguous visual stimuli according to a spatial stimulus-response rule that must be learned. Following choice, rats could wait a self-timed delay for reward or initiate a new trial. Waiting times increase with discrimination accuracy, demonstrating that this measure can be used as a proxy for confidence. Chemogenetic silencing of BLA shortens waiting times overall whereas ACC inhibition renders waiting times insensitive to confidence-modulating attributes of visual stimuli, suggesting contribution of ACC but not BLA to confidence computations. Subsequent reversal learning is enhanced by confidence. Both ACC and BLA inhibition block this enhancement but via differential adjustments in learning strategies and consistent use of learned rules. Altogether, we demonstrate dissociable roles for ACC and BLA in transmitting confidence and learning under uncertainty.
Metallic porous nitride single crystals at two-centimeter scale delivering enhanced pseudocapacitance
Authors: Xi Shaobo , Lin Guoming , Jin Lu , Li Hao , Xie Kui
Published: October 2019

Pseudocapacitors that originate from chemisorption contain redox active sites mainly composed of transition metal ions with unsaturated coordination in lattice on the electrode surface. The capacitance is generally dictated by the synergy of the porous microstructure, electronic conduction and active sites in the porous electrode. Here we grow metallic porous nitride single crystals at 2-cm scale to enhance pseudocapacitance through the combination of large surface area with porous microstructure, high conductivity with metallic states and ordered active sites with unsaturated coordination at twisted surfaces. We show the enhanced gravimetric and areal pseudocapacitance and excellent cycling stability both in acidic and alkaline electrolyte with porous MoN, Ta5N6 and TiN single crystals. The long-range ordering of active metal-nitrogen sites account for the fast redox reactions in chemisorption while the high conductivity together with porous microstructure facilitate the charge transfer and species diffusion in electrodes.
The impact of decellularization methods on extracellular matrix derived hydrogels
Authors: Fernández-Pérez Julia , Ahearne Mark
Published: October 2019

Tissue-derived decellularized biomaterials are ideal for tissue engineering applications as they mimic the biochemical composition of the native tissue. These materials can be used as hydrogels for cell encapsulation and delivery. The decellularization process can alter the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and thus influence the hydrogels characteristics. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of decellularization protocols in ECM-derived hydrogels obtained from porcine corneas. Porcine corneas were isolated and decellularized with SDS, Triton X-100 or by freeze-thaw cycles. All decellularization methods decreased DNA significantly when measured by PicoGreen and visually assessed by the absence of cell nuclei. Collagen and other ECM components were highly retained, as quantified by hydroxyproline content and sGAG, by histological analysis and by SDS-PAGE. Hydrogels obtained by freeze-thaw decellularization were the most transparent. The method of decellularization impacted gelation kinetics assessed by turbidimetric analysis. All hydrogels showed a fibrillary and porous structure determined by cryoSEM. Human corneal stromal cells were embedded in the hydrogels to assess cytotoxicity. SDS decellularization rendered cytotoxic hydrogels, while the other decellularization methods produced highly cytocompatible hydrogels. Freeze-thaw decellularization produced hydrogels with the overall best properties.
Microtubule disruption changes endothelial cell mechanics and adhesion
Authors: Weber Andreas , Iturri Jagoba , Benitez Rafael , Zemljic-Jokhadar Spela , Toca-Herrera José L.
Published: October 2019

The interest in studying the mechanical and adhesive properties of cells has increased in recent years. The cytoskeleton is known to play a key role in cell mechanics. However, the role of the microtubules in shaping cell mechanics is not yet well understood. We have employed Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) together with confocal fluorescence microscopy to determine the role of microtubules in cytomechanics of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). Additionally, the time variation of the adhesion between tip and cell surface was studied. The disruption of microtubules by exposing the cells to two colchicine concentrations was monitored as a function of time. Already, after 30 min of incubation the cells stiffened, their relaxation times increased (lower fluidity) and the adhesion between tip and cell decreased. This was accompanied by cytoskeletal rearrangements, a reduction in cell area and changes in cell shape. Over the whole experimental time, different behavior for the two used concentrations was found while for the control the values remained stable. This study underlines the role of microtubules in shaping endothelial cell mechanics.
Human single-chain antibodies that neutralize Pseudomonas aeruginosa-exotoxin A-mediated cellular apoptosis
Authors: Santajit Sirijan , Seesuay Watee , Mahasongkram Kodchakorn , Sookrung Nitat , Ampawong Sumate , Reamtong Onrapak , Diraphat Pornphan , Chaicumpa Wanpen , Indrawattana Nitaya
Published: October 2019

Targeting bacterial virulence factors directly provides a new paradigm for the intervention and treatment of bacterial diseases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces a myriad of virulence factors to cause fatal diseases in humans. In this study, human single-chain antibodies (HuscFvs) that bound to P. aeruginosa exotoxin A (ETA) were generated by phage display technology using recombinant ETA, ETA-subdomains and the synthetic peptide of the ETA-catalytic site as baits for selecting ETA-bound-phages from the human-scFv phage display library. ETA-bound HuscFvs derived from three phage-transfected E. coli clones neutralized the ETA-induced mammalian cell apoptosis. Computerized simulation demonstrated that these HuscFvs used several residues in their complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) to form contact interfaces with the critical residues in ETA-catalytic domain essential for ADP-ribosylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2, which should consequently rescue ETA-exposed-cells from apoptosis. The HuscFv-treated ETA-exposed cells also showed decremented apoptosis-related genes, i.e., cas3 and p53. The effective HuscFvs have high potential for future evaluation in animal models and clinical trials as a safe, novel remedy for the amelioration of exotoxin A-mediated pathogenesis. HuscFvs may be used either singly or in combination with the HuscFv cognates that target other P. aeruginosa virulence factors as an alternative therapeutic regime for difficult-to-treat infections.
Flexible High-Color-Purity Structural Color Filters Based on a Higher-Order Optical Resonance Suppression
Authors: Lee Kyu-Tae , Han Sung Yong , Li Zijia , Baac Hyoung Won , Park Hui Joon
Published: October 2019

We present flexible transmissive structural color filters with high-color-purity based on a higher-order resonance suppression by inserting an ultrathin absorbing layer in the middle of a cavity. A 3rd order Fabry–Pérot (F-P) resonance, which exhibits a narrower bandwidth than a fundamental F-P resonance, is used to produce transmissive colors with an improved color purity. The thin absorbing layer is properly placed at a center of the cavity to highly suppress only a 5th order F-P resonance appearing at a short wavelength range while not affecting the 3rd order F-P resonance for color generation, thus being able to attain the high-color-purity transmissive colors without reducing a transmission efficiency. In addition, angle-insensitive properties are achieved by compensating a net phase shift with a dielectric overlay and using a material with a high refractive index for the cavity medium. Moreover, the transmissive colors on a flexible substrate are demonstrated, presenting that changes in both the resonance wavelength and the transmission efficiency are nearly negligible when the color filters are bent with a bending radius of 5 mm and over 3000 times bending tests. The described approach could pave the way for various applications, such as colored displays, decorative solar panels, and image sensors.
An interactive and intuitive visualisation method for X-ray computed tomography data of biological samples in 3D Portable Document Format
Authors: Tesařová Markéta , Heude Eglantine , Comai Glenda , Zikmund Tomáš , Kaucká Markéta , Adameyko Igor , Tajbakhsh Shahragim , Kaiser Jozef
Published: October 2019

3D imaging approaches based on X-ray microcomputed tomography (microCT) have become increasingly accessible with advancements in methods, instruments and expertise. The synergy of material and life sciences has impacted biomedical research by proposing new tools for investigation. However, data sharing remains challenging as microCT files are usually in the range of gigabytes and require specific and expensive software for rendering and interpretation. Here, we provide an advanced method for visualisation and interpretation of microCT data with small file formats, readable on all operating systems, using freely available Portable Document Format (PDF) software. Our method is based on the conversion of volumetric data into interactive 3D PDF, allowing rotation, movement, magnification and setting modifications of objects, thus providing an intuitive approach to analyse structures in a 3D context. We describe the complete pipeline from data acquisition, data processing and compression, to 3D PDF formatting on an example of craniofacial anatomical morphology in the mouse embryo. Our procedure is widely applicable in biological research and can be used as a framework to analyse volumetric data from any research field relying on 3D rendering and CT-biomedical imaging.
The vernalisation regulator FLOWERING LOCUS C is differentially expressed in biennial and annual Brassica napus
Authors: Schiessl Sarah V. , Quezada-Martinez Daniela , Tebartz Ellen , Snowdon Rod J. , Qian Lunwen
Published: October 2019

Plants in temperate areas evolved vernalisation requirement to avoid pre-winter flowering. In Brassicaceae, a period of extended cold reduces the expression of the flowering inhibitor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) and paves the way for the expression of downstream flowering regulators. As with all polyploid species of the Brassicaceae, the model allotetraploid Brassica napus (rapeseed, canola) is highly duplicated and carries 9 annotated copies of Bna.FLC. To investigate whether these multiple homeologs and paralogs have retained their original function in vernalisation or undergone subfunctionalisation, we compared the expression patterns of all 9 copies between vernalisation-dependent (biennial, winter type) and vernalisation-independent (annual, spring type) accessions, using RT-qPCR with copy-specific primers and RNAseq data from a diversity set. Our results show that only 3 copies – Bna.FLC.A03b, Bna.FLC.A10 and to some extent Bna.FLC.C02 – are differentially expressed between the two growth types, showing that expression of the other 6 copies does not correlate with growth type. One of those 6 copies, Bna.FLC.C03b, was not expressed at all, indicating a pseudogene, while three further copies, Bna.FLC.C03a and Bna.FLC.C09ab, did not respond to cold treatment. Sequence variation at the COOLAIR binding site of Bna.FLC.A10 was found to explain most of the variation in gene expression. However, we also found that Bna.FLC.A10 expression is not fully predictive of growth type.
Genotoxic effects of tobacco use in residents of hilly areas and foot hills of Western Ghats, Southern India
Authors: Chandirasekar R. , Murugan K. , Muralisankar T. , Uthayakumar V. , Jayakumar R. , Mohan K. , Vasugi C. , Mathivanan R. , Mekala S. , Jagateesh A. , Suresh K.
Published: October 2019

Smoking and smokeless tobacco consumption is a significant risk factor that provokes genetic alterations. The present investigation was to evaluate the biomarkers of genotoxicity including micronucleus (MN), chromosome aberrations (CA) and DNA strand breaks among tobacco consumers and control individuals residing in hilly areas of Western Ghats, Tamilnadu, South India. This study included 268 tobacco consumers with equal number of controls. The tobacco consumers were divided into Group I (<10 years of tobacco consumption with an age range from 15 to 35 years) and group II (>10 years consumption above 35 years of age). Chromosome aberration (CA) and comet assay were performed using blood and micronucleus assay from exfoliated buccal epithelial cells obtained from tobacco consumers and controls. Elevated levels of CA were found in group II (Chromatid type: 2.39 ± 1.13 and chromosome type: 1.44 ± 1.24) exposed subjects, high micronucleus and DNA damage (TL:4.48 ± 1.24 and TM:3.40 ± 1.58) levels were significantly (p < 0.05) observed in both smoking and smokeless tobacco consumers when comparison with group I and controls. This study also observed a lack of awareness among the tobacco consumers about the harmful health effects of tobacco. Tobacco consumption contributes to the significant alteration in genetic materials. In addition, a high rate of spontaneous abortion was also seen in the studied population.
Fucosylated inhibitors of recently identified bangle lectin from Photorhabdus asymbiotica
Authors: Paulíková Gita , Houser Josef , Kašáková Martina , Oroszová Beáta , Bertolotti Benedetta , Parkan Kamil , Moravcová Jitka , Wimmerová Michaela
Published: October 2019

A recently described bangle lectin (PHL) from the bacterium Photorhabdus asymbiotica was identified as a mainly fucose-binding protein that could play an important role in the host-pathogen interaction and in the modulation of host immune response. Structural studies showed that PHL is a homo-dimer that contains up to seven l-fucose-specific binding sites per monomer. For these reasons, potential ligands of the PHL lectin: α-l-fucopyranosyl-containing mono-, di-, tetra-, hexa- and dodecavalent ligands were tested. Two types of polyvalent structures were investigated – calix[4]arenes and dendrimers. The shared feature of all these structures was a C-glycosidic bond instead of the more common but physiologically unstable O-glycosidic bond. The inhibition potential of the tested structures was assessed using different techniques – hemagglutination, surface plasmon resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry, and cell cross-linking. All the ligands proved to be better than free l-fucose. The most active hexavalent dendrimer exhibited affinity three orders of magnitude higher than that of standard l-fucose. To determine the binding mode of some ligands, crystal complex PHL/fucosides 2 – 4 were prepared and studied using X-ray crystallography. The electron density in complexes proved the presence of the compounds in 6 out of 7 fucose-binding sites.
Simulated microgravity inhibits C2C12 myogenesis via phospholipase D2-induced Akt/FOXO1 regulation
Authors: Baek Mi-Ock , Ahn Chi Bum , Cho Hye-Jeong , Choi Ji-Young , Son Kuk Hui , Yoon Mee-Sup
Published: October 2019

The skeletal muscle system has evolved to maintain body posture against a constant gravitational load. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates the mechanically induced increase in the skeletal muscle mass. In the present study, we investigated mTOR pathway in C2C12 myoblasts in a model of mechanical unloading by creating a simulated microgravity (SM) using 3 D clinorotation. SM decreased the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser 473, which was mediated by mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), in C2C12 myoblasts, leading to a decrease in the cell growth rate. Subsequently, SM inhibited C2C12 myogenesis in an Akt-dependent manner. In addition, SM increased the phospholipase D (PLD) activity by enhancing PLD2 expression, resulting in the dissociation of mSIN1 from the mTORC2, followed by decrease in the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser 473, and FOXO1 at Ser 256 in C2C12 myoblasts. Exposure to SM decreased the autophagic flux of C2C12 myoblasts by regulation of mRNA level of autophagic genes in a PLD2 and FOXO1-dependent manner, subsequently, resulting in a decrease in the C2C12 myogenesis. In conclusion, by analyzing the molecular signature of C2C12 myogenesis using SM, we suggest that the regulatory axis of the PLD2 induced Akt/FOXO1, is critical for C2C12 myogenesis.
Autoantibody levels are associated with acute kidney injury, anemia and post-discharge morbidity and mortality in Ugandan children with severe malaria
Authors: Rivera-Correa Juan , Conroy Andrea L. , Opoka Robert O. , Batte Anthony , Namazzi Ruth , Ouma Benson , Bangirana Paul , Idro Richard , Schwaderer Andrew L. , John Chandy C. , Rodriguez Ana
Published: October 2019

Autoantibodies targeting host antigens contribute to autoimmune disorders, frequently occur during and after infections and have been proposed to contribute to malaria-induced anemia. We measured anti-phosphatidylserine (PS) and anti-DNA antibody levels in 382 Ugandan children prospectively recruited in a study of severe malaria (SM). High antibody levels were defined as antibody levels greater than the mean plus 3 standard deviations of community children (CC). We observed increases in median levels of anti-PS and anti-DNA antibodies in children with SM compared to CC (p < 0.0001 for both). Children with severe malarial anemia were more likely to have high anti-PS antibodies than children with cerebral malaria (16.4% vs. 7.4%), p = 0.02. Increases in anti-PS and anti-DNA antibodies were associated with decreased hemoglobin (p < 0.05). A one-unit increase in anti-DNA antibodies was associated with a 2.99 (95% CI, 1.68, 5.31) increase odds of acute kidney injury (AKI) (p < 0.0001). Elevated anti-PS and anti-DNA antibodies were associated with post-discharge mortality (p = 0.031 and p = 0.042, respectively). Children with high anti-PS antibodies were more likely to have multiple hospital readmissions compared to children with normal anti-PS antibody levels (p < 0.05). SM is associated with increased autoantibodies against PS and DNA. Autoantibodies were associated with anemia, AKI, post-discharge mortality, and hospital readmission.
Decision-making criteria for damage control surgery in Japan
Authors: Urushibata Nao , Murata Kiyoshi , Otomo Yasuhiro
Published: October 2019

Controversy still remains regarding the optimal criteria for selecting damage control surgery (DCS). Our objective was to propose an indication for implementing DCS for abdominal trauma requiring emergency laparotomy. This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational study that used data from the Japan Trauma Data Bank. Patients who underwent emergency laparotomy were included. We compared the patients regarding the performance of DCS. Of the 4447 patients included in the study, 532 patients were in the DCS group and 3915 patients were in the non-DCS group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that body temperature, level of consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale), and type of injury (blunt or penetrating) were independent predictors of DCS. Using these predictors, we created the Damage Control Indication Detecting score. The score showed a positive correlation with mortality. The score was obtained as 5 of 9 points in total, revealing mortality of 30.8%, sensitivity of 64.8%, and specificity of 70.0%. The area under the curve for the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.715. This score can help surgeons determine when to perform DCS. However, more than 95% of trauma cases in Japan involve blunt injuries, suggesting that the results of our study may not be applicable internationally.
Identification of conserved and novel miRNAs responsive to heat stress in flowering Chinese cabbage using high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Ahmed Waqas , Xia Yanshi , Zhang Hua , Li Ronghua , Bai Guihua , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Guo Peiguo
Published: October 2019

Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding and endogenous key regulators that play significant functions in regulating plant responses to stress, and plant growth and development. Heat stress is a critical abiotic stress that reduces the yield and quality of flowering Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis Tsen et Lee). However, limited information is available on whether miRNAs are involved in the regulation of heat stress in B. campestris. A high-throughput sequencing approach was used to identify novel and conserved heat-responsive miRNAs in four small RNA libraries of flowering Chinese cabbage using leaves collected at 0 h, 1 h, 6 h and 12 h after a 38 °C heat-stress treatment. The analysis identified 41 conserved miRNAs (belonging to 19 MIR families), of which MIR156, MIR159, MIR168, MIR171 and MIR1885 had the most abundant molecules. Prediction and evaluation of novel miRNAs using the unannotated reads resulted in 18 candidate miRNAs. Differential expression analysis showed that most of the identified miRNAs were downregulated in heat-treated groups. To better understand functional importance, bioinformatic analysis predicted 432 unique putative target miRNAs involved in cells, cell parts, catalytic activity, cellular processes and abiotic stress responses. Furthermore, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes maps of flowering Chinese cabbage identified the significant role of miRNAs in stress adaptation and stress tolerance, and in several mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathways including cell death. This work presents a comprehensive study of the miRNAs for understanding the regulatory mechanisms and their participation in the heat stress of flowering Chinese cabbage.
Identification and Validation of a Novel Biologics Target in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Wali Vikram B. , Patwardhan Gauri A. , Pelekanou Vasiliki , Karn Thomas , Cao Jian , Ocana Alberto , Yan Qin , Nelson Bryce , Hatzis Christos , Pusztai Lajos
Published: October 2019

The goal of this study was to identify a novel target for antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) development in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which has limited treatment options, using gene expression datasets andin vitrosiRNA/CRISPR andin vivofunctional assays. We analyzed 4467 breast cancers and identified GABRP as top expressed gene in TNBC with low expression in most normal tissues. GABRP protein was localized to cell membrane with broad range of receptors/cell (815–53,714) and expressed by nearly half of breast cancers tissues. GABRP gene knockdown inhibited TNBC cell growth and colony formationin vitroand growth of MDA-MB-468 xenografts in nude mice. Commercially available anti-GABRP antibody (5–100 μg/ml) orde novogenerated Fabs (20 μg/ml) inhibited TNBC cell growthin vitro. The same antibody conjugated to mertansine (DM1) also showed significant anticancer activity at nanomolar concentrations. Our results indicate that GABRP is a potential novel therapeutic target for ADC development.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals potential genes involved in tanshinone biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Chang Yujie , Wang Meizhen , Li Jiang , Lu Shanfa
Published: October 2019

Tanshinones are important bioactive components in Salvia miltiorrhiza and mainly accumulate in the periderms of mature roots. Tanshinone biosynthesis is a complicated process, and little is known about the third stage of the pathway. To investigate potential genes that are responsible for tanshinone biosynthesis, we conducted transcriptome profiling analysis of two S. miltiorrhiza cultivars. Differential expression analysis provided 2,149 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for further analysis. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly associated with the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was further performed to identify a “cyan” module associated with tanshinone biosynthesis. In this module, 25 cytochromes P450 (CYPs), three 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2OGDs), one short-chain alcohol dehydrogenases (SDRs) and eight transcription factors were found to be likely involved in tanshinone biosynthesis. Among these CYPs, 14 CYPs have been reported previously, and 11 CYPs were identified in this study. Expression analysis showed that four newly identified CYPs were upregulated upon application of MeJA, suggesting their possible roles in tanshinone biosynthesis. Overall, this study not only identified candidate genes involved in tanshinone biosynthesis but also provided a basis for characterization of genes involved in important active ingredients of other traditional Chinese medicinal plants.
Inducing molecular isomerization assisted by water
Authors: Wang Dongsheng , Zhao Lei , Zhao Haiquan , Wu Jiazun , Wagner Manfred , Sun Wen , Liu Xiaodong , Miao Mao-sheng , Zheng Yonghao
Published: October 2019

Light is not the only stimulus that can induce linear-to-cyclic isomerization of donor-acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs). Here we demonstrate the water-induced linear-to-cyclic isomerization of DASAs. The mechanism of the water-induced linear-to-cyclic isomerization of DASAs is investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Water molecules coordinate with DASAs and stabilize the intermediates and cyclic isomers, which favors cyclization thermodynamically. Moreover, the linear-to-cyclic isomerization is reversible. Heating removes the coordinated H2O molecules, which further triggers cyclic-to-linear isomerization. DASAs have been applied in information hiding/displaying and color switching under water vapor and heating control.
Topological superconductivity with deformable magnetic skyrmions
Authors: Garnier Maxime , Mesaros Andrej , Simon Pascal
Published: October 2019

Magnetic skyrmions are nanoscale spin configurations that are efficiently created and manipulated. They hold great promises for next-generation spintronics applications. In parallel, the interplay of magnetism, superconductivity and spin-orbit coupling has proved to be a versatile platform for engineering topological superconductivity predicted to host non-abelian excitations, Majorana zero modes. We show that topological superconductivity can be induced by proximitizing skyrmions and conventional superconductors, without need for additional ingredients. Apart from a previously reported Majorana zero mode in the core of the skyrmion, we find a more universal chiral band of Majorana modes on the edge of the skyrmion. We show that the chiral Majorana band is effectively flat in the physically relevant parameter regime, leading to interesting robustness and scaling properties. In particular, the number of Majorana modes in the (nearly-)flat band scales with the perimeter length of the system, while being robust to local disorder.
Copper-catalyzed 1,1-arylalkylation of terminal alkynes with diazo esters and organoboronic acids
Authors: Lv Yunhe , Pu Weiya , Liu Xueru , Sun Jinye , Cui Mengxing
Published: October 2019

A novel copper-catalyzed 1,1-arylalkylation of terminal alkynes with diazo esters and organoboronic acids has been developed to construct (E)-β-aryl-β,γ-unsaturated esters.
An enantioselective oxidative coupling reaction of 2-naphthol derivatives catalyzed by chiral diphosphine oxide–iron(ii) complexes
Authors: Horibe Takahiro , Nakagawa Keita , Hazeyama Takashi , Takeda Kazuki , Ishihara Kazuaki
Published: October 2019

An enantioselective oxidative coupling of 2-naphthol derivatives is developed with the use of chiral Fe(ii)–diphosphine oxide complexes.
Enhanced VOC of two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite solar cells using binary synergetic organic spacer cations
Authors: Meng Juan , Song Dandan , Huang Di , Li Yang , Li Yaoyao , Maqsood Ayman , Zhao Suling , Qiao Bo , Zhu Haina , Xu Zheng
Published: October 2019

Using binary organic spacer cations to improve the VOC and efficiency of two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite solar cells.
Aromatic character of [Au13]5+ and [MAu12]4+/6+ (M = Pd, Pt) cores in ligand protected gold nanoclusters – interplay between spherical and planar σ-aromatics
Authors: Fedik Nikita , Boldyrev Alexander I. , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro
Published: October 2019

Ligand-protected superatoms are able to behave as both spherical and planar aromatic species, providing a strong link between spherical and planar σ-aromatics, which can be controlled selectively by tuning their redox charge states.
Unexpected dynamical effects change the lambda-doublet propensity in the tunneling region for the O(3P) + H2 reaction
Authors: Jambrina P. G. , Zanchet A. , Menéndez M. , Herrero V. J. , Aoiz F. J.
Published: October 2019

The present calculations for the O(3P) + H2 reaction show that the A′′ is more reactive than the A′ PES. However, at energies close to the vibrationally adiabatic barrier for H2 in j = 0, the reactive flux is larger on A′ PES due to a reorienting effect that promotes collinear approaches at the transition state.
Relative stabilities of M/NHC complexes (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) against R–NHC, X–NHC and X–X couplings in M(0)/M(ii) and M(ii)/M(iv) catalytic cycles: a theoretical study
Authors: Astakhov Alexander V. , Soliev Safarmurod B. , Gordeev Evgeniy G. , Chernyshev Victor M. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: October 2019

DFT calculations reveal relative stability of MII/NHC and MIV/NHC complexes of nickel, palladium and platinum against the R–NHC coupling and various reductive elimination reactions that influence catalyst stability/decomposition.
Understanding the laser-induced aerosol ablation of sub-micron liquid particles via size-resolved spectral and image analyses
Authors: Afgan Muhammad Sher , Sheta Sahar , Hou Zongyu , Li Zheng , Wang Zhe
Published: October 2019

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of aerosols is associated with large signal variability and lower sampling rates.
Recent developments on zinc(ii) metal–organic framework nanocarriers for physiological pH-responsive drug delivery
Authors: Liu Weicong , Pan Ying , Xiao Weiwei , Xu Hongjia , Liu Dong , Ren Fei , Peng Xinsheng , Liu Jianqiang
Published: October 2019

In this review article, we discuss the diverse stimuli achieved upon outside activation from single pH-stimulus-responsive or/and multiple pH-stimuli-responsive viewpoints in the body.
Anisotropy control in magnetic nanostructures through field-assisted chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Stadler Daniel , Brede Thomas , Schwarzbach Danny , Maccari Fernando , Fischer Thomas , Gutfleisch Oliver , Volkert Cynthia A. , Mathur Sanjay
Published: October 2019

CVD of Fe(CO)5 in an external magnetic field (B = 1.00 T) was found to significantly affect the microstructure and anisotropy of as-deposited iron crystallites that could be transformed into anisotropic hematite nanorods by aerobic oxidation.
Iron–magnesium compounds under high pressure
Authors: Gao Pengyue , Su Chuanxun , Shao Sen , Wang Sheng , Liu Peng , Liu Siyu , Lv Jian
Published: October 2019

A dynamically and thermodynamically stable Fe-rich compound, Fe2Mg, reveals that Mg may be a light element candidate in the earth's inner core.
Comparative study of vapour phase glycerol dehydration over different tungstated metal phosphate acid catalysts
Authors: Ginjupalli Srinivasarao , Balla Putrakumar , Shaik Hussain , Nekkala Nagaraju , Ponnala Bhanuchander , Mitta Harishekar
Published: October 2019

WOx/TiP shows superior activity and selectivity during glycerol dehydration to acrolein owing to the availability of suitable acidic sites, appropriate acid density and a wide porosity.
Development of highly sensitive 1,4-dioxane sensor with semiconductor NiO-doped Nd2O3 nanostructures by electrochemical approach
Authors: Rahman Mohammed M. , Wahid Abdul , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: October 2019

In this approach, selective and sensitive 1,4-dioxane sensor probe was developed based on facile NiO@Nd2O3 nanocomposites embedded GCE for the safety management of environment and health care fields at a large scale.
Tuning the nanostructure of nitrogen-doped graphene laminates for forward osmosis desalination
Authors: Song Jun-ho , Shon Ho Kyong , Wang Peng , Jang Am , Kim In S.
Published: October 2019

Studies have concentrated on the physicochemical properties of graphene-based membranes that can replace polymeric membranes for use in forward osmosis (FO) systems.
Iron phosphorus trichalcogenide ultrathin nanosheets: enhanced photoelectrochemical activity under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Huang Hao , Shang Mengxiang , Zou Yongjin , Song Wenbo , Zhang Ying
Published: October 2019

FePS3 nanosheets were achieved by a salt-templated method. The ultrathin structure endowed FePS3 with enhanced photoelectrochemical activity under visible light.
Studies toward the synthesis of macrotermycin C: stereoselective construction of the acyclic skeleton of the aglycon
Authors: Guchhait Sandip , Goswami Rajib Kumar
Published: October 2019

The first asymmetric synthesis of the acyclic skeleton of the aglycon of macrotermycin C has been achieved in 17 linear steps with 5.7% overall yield following a convergent approach.
Profiling the oxidative activation of DMSO-F6 by pulse radiolysis and translational potential for radical C–H trifluoromethylation
Authors: Santschi Nico , Jelier Benson J. , Stähelin Samuel , Nauser Thomas
Published: October 2019

The improved synthesis of perfluorinated dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO-F6, and its activation with hydroxyl radicals to afford trifluoromethyl radicals is presented.
Exploring multiple functions of diarylsemipinacol linked to the saturated ethylene–propylene elastomer: from the dynamic covalent networks to tailoring its macroscopic performance
Authors: Ma Youwei , Shen Yufei , Liu Zhiyong , Shi Zixing , Yin Jie , Tian Ming , Qu Rongjun
Published: October 2019

Through the multiple functions of diarylsemipinacol, we prepared a mechanically robust and healable EPM with shape memory properties, by integrating self-associating ureidopyrimidinone (UPy) into the dynamic covalent networks.
An integrated metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach exploring the molecular pathways and potential targets behind the effects of Radix Scrophulariae
Authors: Lu Fang , Zhang Ning , Yu Donghua , Zhao Hongwei , Pang Mu , Fan Yue , Liu Shumin
Published: October 2019

An integrated approach to assess impact of caecal microbiota on faecal metabolic phenotypes in the presence of Radix Scrophulariae involving 16S rRNA gene sequencing combined with UHPLC/TOF-MS-based faecal metabolomics was applied to Radix Scrophulariae-treated rats.
Micro-respirometry of whole cells and isolated mitochondria
Authors: Levitsky Yan , Pegouske David J. , Hammer Sandra S. , Frantz Nathan L. , Fisher Kiera P. , Muchnik Artem B. , Saripalli Anand R. , Kirschner Philip , Bazil Jason N. , Busik Julia V. , Proshlyakov Denis A.
Published: October 2019

3D printed microfluidic respirometer allows for quantitative investigation of biological energy transduction in adherent and suspension samples.
Influence of oscillating uniform magnetic field and iron supplementation on quality of freeze-thawed surimi
Authors: Wang Zhe , Tan Yinying , Yang Na , Jin Yamei , Sun Han , Xu Xueming
Published: October 2019

An oscillating uniform magnetic field was applied during the freezing of surimi.
Exploring the water/oil/water interface of phospholipid stabilized double emulsions by micro-focusing synchrotron SAXS
Authors: Clemente Ilaria , Torbensen Kristian , Di Cola Emanuela , Rossi Federico , Ristori Sandra , Abou-Hassan Ali
Published: October 2019

Surfactant stabilized water/oil/water (w/o/w) double emulsions have received much attention in the last years motivated by their wide applications.
Hydrothermal synthesis and competitive growth of flake-like M-type strontium hexaferrite
Authors: Jing Yilong , Jia Lijun , Zheng Yuhang , Zhang Huaiwu
Published: October 2019

In this paper, single flake-like strontium hexaferrite was directly synthesizedviaa modified hydrothermal approach without high-temperature annealing.
Thermal stability, electrochemical and structural characterization of hydrothermally synthesised cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4)
Authors: Bastianello Michele , Gross Silvia , Elm Matthias T.
Published: October 2019

Monophasic nano-crystalline CoFe2O4(CFO) nanoparticles of high purity have been synthesised through a low temperature hydrothermal route, which does not involve hazardous chemicals, or conditions.
Photochromic properties of three 2D MOFs based on 1-carboxyethyl-4,4′-bipyridinine
Authors: Liu Jinjian , Li Jing , Lu Wenbo
Published: October 2019

Viologen units have been widely used to impart metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with photochromic properties.
Enhanced extracellular recombinant keratinase activity in Bacillus subtilis SCK6 through signal peptide optimization and site-directed mutagenesis
Authors: Tian Jiewei , Long Xiufeng , Tian Yongqiang , Shi Bi
Published: October 2019

The extracellular recombinant keratinase activity in Bacillus subtilis SCK6 was enhanced by signal peptide optimization and site-directed mutagenesis.
Preferential binding of unsaturated hydrocarbons in aryl-bisimidazolium·cucurbit[8]uril complexes furbishes evidence for small-molecule π–π interactions
Authors: Barrow Steven J. , Assaf Khaleel I. , Palma Aniello , Nau Werner M. , Scherman Oren A.
Published: October 2019

Restricting the internal cavity size of cucurbit[8]uril with auxiliary guests sets up an intermolecular interaction chamber for hydrocarbons, which provides insights into dispersion, arene–hydrocarbon interactions, and desolvation effects.
Elastic properties of liquid-crystalline bilayers self-assembled from semiflexible–flexible diblock copolymers
Authors: Cai Yongqiang , Zhang Pingwen , Shi An-Chang
Published: October 2019

The elastic properties of bilayers self-assembled from rod–coil diblock copolymers are strongly affected by the liquid-crystalline order of the rods.
Preparation and characterization of β-casein stabilized lipopeptide lyotropic liquid crystal nanoparticles for delivery of doxorubicin
Authors: Wang Dong , Ma Bente , Wang Zhaoyu , Zhao Yurong , Sun Yawei , Luan Yuxia , Wang Jiqian
Published: October 2019

Phase transition of lipopeptide lyotropic liquid crystal nanoparticles.
Freestanding ultrathin bismuth-based materials for diversified photocatalytic applications
Authors: Xiong Jun , Song Pin , Di Jun , Li Huaming , Liu Zheng
Published: October 2019

Freestanding ultrathin bismuth-based materials with suitable energy band structure have been demonstrated as outstanding photocatalysts for different applications.
Dibenzo[c,g]indolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole as a new chromophore for blue organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Patil Vilas Venunath , Lee Kyung Hyung , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: October 2019

A novel sky blue emitter derived from a dibenzo[c,g]indolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole chromophore was developed and realized high external quantum efficiency of 6.2% in the blue organic light-emitting diodes.
Parameter tuning for dynamic digital twins in inverter‐dominated distribution grid
Authors: Song Xinya , Jiang Teng , Schlegel Steffen , Westermann Dirk
Published: October 2019

This research proposed the methods based on the neural network (NN) to build the digital twins (DT) of the inverter model. The proposed methods can be divided into two groups: firstly, an online tuner for the proportional–integral (PI) controller is formulated through backpropagation (BP) algorithm; and secondly an NN‐based identifier is used to approximate the non‐linear functional dynamics of the targeted control loop of the inverter. The design of PI tuner is based on the deviation between the output of the model and the reference output from measurement data. Then, according to the difference, the tuner can calculate the appropriate parameter of the current and voltage controller to track the dynamic behaviour of the reference model. The NN identifier is, however, to replicate the dynamic character of the reference model by NN which is initially trained offline with extensive test data and afterwards is applied to online tuning. In order to compare the advantages of the methods by NN with the traditional ones, the system identification and parameter estimation are also utilised to build the DT of inverter model. The performance of these methods will contribute to illustrating that NN identifier is effective in the building of DT.
Optimised operation of power sources of a PV/battery/hydrogen‐powered hybrid charging station for electric and fuel cell vehicles
Authors: García‐Triviño Pablo , Torreglosa Juan P. , Jurado Francisco , Fernández Ramírez Luis M.
Published: October 2019

This study presents a new energy management system (EMS) for the optimised operation of power sources of a hybrid charging station for electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles. It is composed of a photovoltaic (PV) system, a battery and a hydrogen system as energy storage systems (ESSs), a grid connection, six fast charging units and a hydrogen supplier. The proposed EMS is designed to reduce the utilisation costs of the ESS and make them work, as much as possible, around their maximum efficiency points. The optimisation function depends on a cost prediction system that calculates the net present cost of the components from their previous performance and a fuzzy logic system designed for improving their efficiency. Finally, a particle swarm optimisation algorithm is used to solve the optimisation function and obtain the required power for each ESS. The proposed EMS is checked under Simulink environment for long‐term simulations (25 years). By comparing the EMS with a simpler one that optimises only the costs, it is proved that the proposed EMS achieves better efficiency of the charging station (+7.35%) and a notable reduction in the loss of power supply probability (−57.32%) without compromising excessively its average utilisation cost (+1.81%).
Target classification using Renyi entropy features of cyclic bispectrum
Authors: Wang Cai , Li Yan , Gao Meiguo
Published: October 2019

In this study, a target classification method is proposed based on a third‐order cyclic statistics technique. The authors introduce cyclic bispectrum (CBS) to reveal the non‐linear cyclic nature contained by the micro‐Doppler signal, and it is observed that the non‐zero peaks generated by some cyclic non‐linear nature form unique distribution patterns on CBS slices for different targets. Then, a Renyi entropy is calculated for each CBS slice to measure the information content and thus achieve an entropy sequence. Subsequently, considering the entropy sequence as a feature vector, the support vector machine classifier is used to perform the target classification. Experimental results based on real measured data validate the effectiveness of the method.
Aircraft classification method based on the kurtosis– skewness feature and wavelet decomposition and linear discriminant analysis
Authors: Kang Pengpeng , Chen Zhiming
Published: October 2019

At present, most of the jet engine modulation feature extraction methods are based on the modulation wave period or the inter‐spectral interval of the modulation line spectrum. However, such spectral estimation methods are often difficult to obtain good classification performance due to the signal‐to‐noise ratio, pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and observation time. The statistical analysis of the three types of aircraft target echoes shows that there is a significant difference in the normalised amplitude distribution, and based on this, the kurtosis– skewness feature is extracted to classify the targets. This feature has a strong anti‐noise capability, the requirement for PRF and observation time is not high, and one of the parameters can be used to make up for another parameter, so we can make a balance between PRF and time if needed. The simulation test proves that the proposed method has good classification performance.
Approach of system error registration for two‐station coast radars for sea surface monitoring
Authors: Shang Juan , Yao Yuan
Published: October 2019

In the multi‐radar tracking system, multi‐radar data fusion technology can improve the detection and tracking capabilities of radar. Besides, the spatial registration processing of radar data can effectively calibrate the radar system error and improve the fusion accuracy. In this study, the system error registration for two‐station coast radars based on non‐cooperative targets is implemented by using the exact maximum likelihood spatial registration algorithm (EML). On the basis of the EML algorithm, this study proposes a selection method for the corresponding targets. The selection method that facilitates the application of the EML algorithm can automatically complete the clipping, alignment and registration of the track information. For the defect that the EML algorithm is easy to fall into the local minimum in the iterative processing, the data inspection method based on the minimum root mean square test is proposed in this study, which can further improve the exactitude of the system error estimation. Compared with direct fusion, the plot fusion accuracy of the two‐station coast radars is significantly improved after the spatial registration of the EML algorithm.