bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and breast cancer risk: analysis by subtype and potential interactions
Authors: Gago-Dominguez Manuela , Matabuena Marcos , Redondo Carmen M. , Patel Sandip Pravin , Carracedo Angel , Ponte Sara Miranda , Martínez María Elena , Castelao J. Esteban
Published: August 2020

Multiple studies have found the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to be associated with adverse breast cancer (BC) prognosis and survival. Very limited data exist on the role of NLR and risk of BC. The BREOGAN study is a population-based case–control study conducted in Galicia, Spain. We examined the WBC- and NLR-BC relationships. The risk of BC increased with increasing levels of neutrophils percentage (NE%) (multivariable OR for the highest category (95% CI) = 2.14 (1.39–3.32), P-trend < 0.001) and of the NLR (multivariable OR for the highest category (95% CI) = 1.93 (1.26–2.97), P-trend < 0.001). Lymphocytes absolute (L#) and percentage (L%) were associated with a decreased risk of BC (multivariable OR for the highest category (95% CI) = 0.54 (0.35–0.83), and 0.51 (0.33–0.79), P-trend = 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). The NLR-BC association was more pronounced among Luminal A BC (multivariable OR for the highest category (95% CI) = 2.00 (1.17–3.45), P-trend < 0.001), HER2-negative BC (multivariable OR for the highest category (95% CI) = 1.87 (1.16–3.02), P-trend < 0.001), and those with high total cholesterol and low H2O2 levels.
Genetic variability of the U5 and downstream sequence of major HIV-1 subtypes and circulating recombinant forms
Authors: Mbondji-Wonje Christelle , Dong Ming , Zhao Jiangqin , Wang Xue , Nanfack Aubin , Ragupathy Viswanath , Sanchez Ana M. , Denny Thomas N. , Hewlett Indira
Published: August 2020

The critical role of the regulatory elements at the 5′ end of the HIV-1 genome in controlling the life cycle of HIV-1 indicates that this region significantly influences virus fitness and its biological properties. In this study, we performed a detailed characterization of strain-specific variability of sequences from the U5 to upstream of the gag gene start codon of diverse HIV-1 strains by using next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. Overall, we found that this region of the HIV-1 genome displayed a low degree of intra-strain variability. On the other hand, inter-strain variability was found to be as high as that reported for gag and env genes (13–17%). We observed strain-specific single point and clustered mutations in the U5, PBS, and gag leader sequences (GLS), generating potential strain-specific transcription factor binding sites (TFBS). Using an infrared gel shift assay, we demonstrated the presence of potential TFBS such as E-box in CRF22_01A, and Stat 6 in subtypes A and G, as well as in their related CRFs. The strain-specific variation found in the sequence corresponding at the RNA level to functional domains of the 5ʹ UTR, could also potentially impact the secondary/tertiary structural rearrangement of this region. Thus, the variability observed in this 5′ end of the genomic region of divergent HIV-1 strains strongly suggests that functions of this region might be affected in a strain-specific manner. Our findings provide new insights into DNA–protein interactions that regulate HIV-1 replication and the influence of strain characterization on the biology of HIV-1 infection.
Pharmacological activation of the circadian component REV-ERB inhibits HIV-1 replication
Authors: Borrmann Helene , Davies Rhianna , Dickinson Matthew , Pedroza-Pacheco Isabela , Schilling Mirjam , Vaughan-Jackson Alun , Magri Andrea , James William , Balfe Peter , Borrow Persephone , McKeating Jane A. , Zhuang Xiaodong
Published: August 2020

Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) is a life-threatening pathogen that still lacks a curative therapy or vaccine. Despite the reduction in AIDS-related deaths achieved by current antiretroviral therapies, drawbacks including drug resistance and the failure to eradicate infection highlight the need to identify new pathways to target the infection. Circadian rhythms are endogenous 24-h oscillations which regulate physiological processes including immune responses to infection, and there is an emerging role for the circadian components in regulating viral replication. The molecular clock consists of transcriptional/translational feedback loops that generate rhythms. In mammals, BMAL1 and CLOCK activate rhythmic transcription of genes including the nuclear receptor REV-ERBα, which represses BMAL1 and plays an essential role in sustaining a functional clock. We investigated whether REV-ERB activity regulates HIV-1 replication and found REV-ERB agonists inhibited HIV-1 promoter activity in cell lines, primary human CD4 T cells and macrophages, whilst antagonism or genetic disruption of REV-ERB increased promoter activity. The REV-ERB agonist SR9009 inhibited promoter activity of diverse HIV-subtypes and HIV-1 replication in primary T cells. This study shows a role for REV-ERB synthetic agonists to inhibit HIV-1 LTR promoter activity and viral replication, supporting a role for circadian clock components in regulating HIV-1 replication.
Temperature-dependent life history and transcriptomic responses in heat-tolerant versus heat-sensitive Brachionus rotifers
Authors: Paraskevopoulou Sofia , Dennis Alice B. , Weithoff Guntram , Tiedemann Ralph
Published: August 2020

Thermal stress response is an essential physiological trait that determines occurrence and temporal succession in nature, including response to climate change. We compared temperature-related demography in closely related heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive Brachionus rotifer species. We found significant differences in heat response, with the heat-sensitive species adopting a strategy of long survival and low population growth, while the heat-tolerant followed the opposite strategy. In both species, we examined the genetic basis of physiological variation by comparing gene expression across increasing temperatures. Comparative transcriptomic analyses identified shared and opposing responses to heat. Interestingly, expression of heat shock proteins (hsps) was strikingly different in the two species and mirrored differences in population growth rates, showing that hsp genes are likely a key component of a species’ adaptation to different temperatures. Temperature induction caused opposing patterns of expression in further functional categories including energy, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and in genes related to ribosomal proteins. In the heat-sensitive species, elevated temperatures caused up-regulation of genes related to meiosis induction and post-translational histone modifications. This work demonstrates the sweeping reorganizations of biological functions that accompany temperature adaptation in these two species and reveals potential molecular mechanisms that might be activated for adaptation to global warming.
Near-isogenic soybean lines carrying Asian soybean rust resistance genes for practical pathogenicity validation
Authors: Kashiwa Takeshi , Muraki Yukie , Yamanaka Naoki
Published: August 2020

Asian soybean rust caused by the fungal pathogen Phakopsora pachyrhizi is the most devastating disease of soybean. The host cultivar specificity of the pathogen shows considerable differentiation depending on the area and season of its emergence. Although resistance genes for P. pachyrhizi (Rpp) have been reported in several soybean varieties, the genetic background of these varieties is highly differentiated. Furthermore, some of the varieties harbor unknown genetic factors in addition to Rpp that could influence resistance reactions against the pathogen. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of Rpp–P. pachyrhizi interactions, homogenous plant material harboring Rpp genes is necessary. In this study, we bred Rpp-near isogenic lines (Rpp-NILs), which retained identical plant characters originating from a single genetic background, and accordingly showed low-variant compatible/incompatible reactions against the pathogen. These Rpp-NILs can be used as genetic resources for studying P. pachyrhizi epidemiology and elucidating resistance mechanisms. Compatible/incompatible relationships between the soybean rust resistance gene Rpp and isolates of the pathogen P. pachyrhizi are clearly distinguishable using the Rpp-NILs bred in this study.
Forensic validation of a panel of 12 SNPs for identification of Mongolian wolf and dog
Authors: Jiang Hong Hui , Li Bo , Ma Yue , Bai Su Ying , Dahmer Thomas D. , Linacre Adrian , Xu Yan Chun
Published: August 2020

Wolf (Canis lupus) is a species included in appendices of CITES and is often encountered in cases of alleged poaching and trafficking of their products. When such crimes are suspected, those involved may attempt to evade legal action by claiming that the animals involved are domestic dogs (C. l. familiaris). To respond effectively to such claims, law enforcement agencies require reliable and robust methods to distinguish wolves from dogs. Reported molecular genetic methods are either unreliable (mitogenome sequence based), or operationally cumbersome and require much DNA (un-multiplexed microsatellites), or financially expensive (genome wide SNP genotyping). We report on the validation of a panel of 12 ancestral informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for discriminating wolves from dogs. A SNaPshot multiplex genotyping system was developed for the panel, and 97 Mongolian wolves (C. l. chanco) and 108 domestic dogs were used for validation. Results showed this panel had high genotyping success (0.991), reproducibility (1.00) and origin assignment accuracy (0.97 ± 0.05 for dogs and 1.00 ± 0.03 for wolves). Species-specificity testing suggested strong tolerance to DNA contamination across species, except for Canidae. The minimum DNA required for reliable genotyping was 6.25 pg/μl. The method and established gene frequency database are available to support identification of wolves and dogs by law enforcement agencies.
Ascorbate peroxidase 4 plays a role in the tolerance of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to photo-oxidative stress
Authors: Kuo Eva YuHua , Cai Meng-Siou , Lee Tse-Min
Published: August 2020

Ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11) activity and transcript levels of CrAPX1, CrAPX2, and CrAPX4 of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii increased under 1,400 μE·m−2·s−1 condition (HL). CrAPX4 expression was the most significant. So, CrAPX4 was downregulated using amiRNA technology to examine the role of APX for HL acclimation. The CrAPX4 knockdown amiRNA lines showed low APX activity and CrAPX4 transcript level without a change in CrAPX1 and CrAPX2 transcript levels, and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities and transcript levels. Upon exposure to HL, CrAPX4 knockdown amiRNA lines appeared a modification in the expression of genes encoding the enzymes in the ascorbate–glutathione cycle, including an increase in transcript level of CrVTC2, a key enzyme for ascorbate (AsA) biosynthesis but a decrease in MDAR and DHAR transcription and activity after 1 h, followed by increases in reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation after 6 h and exhibited cell death after 9 h. Besides, AsA content and AsA/DHA (dehydroascorbate) ratio decreased in CrAPX4 knockdown amiRNA lines after prolonged HL treatment. Thus, CrAPX4 induction together with its association with the modulation of MDAR and DHAR expression for AsA regeneration is critical for Chlamydomonas to cope with photo-oxidative stress.
Oral and vaginal microbiota in selected field mice of the genus Apodemus: a wild population study
Authors: Matějková Tereza , Hájková Petra , Stopková Romana , Stanko Michal , Martin Jean-François , Kreisinger Jakub , Stopka Pavel
Published: August 2020

Animal-associated microbiota is expected to impose crucial effects on the host’s fitness-related performance, including reproduction. Most research to date has focused on interactions between the host with its gut microbiota; however, there remain considerable gaps in knowledge regarding microbial consortia in other organs, including interspecific divergence, temporal stability, variation drivers, and their effects on the host. To fill these gaps, we examined oral and vaginal microbiota composition in four free-living mouse species of the genus Apodemus, each varying in the degree of female promiscuity. To assess temporal stability and microbiota resistance to environmental change, we exposed one of the species, Apodemus uralensis, to standardized captive conditions and analyzed longitudinal changes in its microbiota structure. Our results revealed the existence of a “core” oral microbiota that was not only shared among all four species but also persisted almost unchanged in captivity. On the other hand, vaginal microbiota appears to be more plastic in captive conditions and less species-specific in comparison with oral microbiota. This study is amongst the first to describe oral microbiota dynamics. Furthermore, the vaginal microbiota results are especially surprising in light of the well-known role of stable vaginal microbiota as a defense against pathogens. The results indicate the existence of diverse mechanisms that shape each microbiota. On the other hand, our data provides somewhat ambiguous support for the systematic effect of phylogeny and social system on both oral and vaginal microbiota structures.
Tip cross-sectional geometry predicts the penetration depth of stone-tipped projectiles
Authors: Sitton Jase , Story Brett , Buchanan Briggs , Eren Metin I.
Published: August 2020

Understanding prehistoric projectile weaponry performance is fundamental to unraveling past humans’ survival and the evolution of technology. One important debate involves how deeply stone-tipped projectiles penetrate a target. Theoretically, all things being equal, projectiles with smaller tip cross-sectional geometries should penetrate deeper into a target than projectiles with larger tip cross-sectional geometries. Yet, previous experiments have both supported and questioned this theoretical premise. Here, under controlled conditions, we experimentally examine fourteen types of stone-tipped projectile each possessing a different cross-sectional geometry. Our results show that both tip cross-sectional area (TCSA) and tip cross-sectional perimeter (TCSP) exhibit a strong, significant inverse relationship with target penetration depth, although TCSP’s relationship is stronger. We discuss why our experimental results support what is mathematically predicted while previous experiments have not. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that when stone tip cross-sectional geometries become smaller over time in particular contexts, this evolution may be due to the selection of these attributes for increased penetration.
Factors determining speed management during distracted driving (WhatsApp messaging)
Authors: Ortiz-Peregrina Sonia , Oviedo-Trespalacios Oscar , Ortiz Carolina , Casares-López Miriam , Salas Carlos , Anera Rosario G.
Published: August 2020

The objective of this work was to investigate self-regulation behaviours, particularly speed management, under distracted conditions due to WhatsApp use. We also studied the influence of different environments and driver characteristics, introducing visual status (i.e., visual acuity and contrast sensitivity) as one of them. Seventy-five drivers were evaluated in a simulator study involving two test sessions under baseline and texting conditions. A cluster analysis was used to identify two groups with different visual capacity. Lastly, possible predictors of speed management were studied developing a generalised linear mixed model. Our results show that drivers reduced their speeds in the presence of more demanding driving conditions; while replying to a WhatsApp message, on curved road segments and when parked cars are present. Driving speed also correlated with driver characteristics such as age or dual task experience and human factors such as self-perceived risk of texting while driving. Finally, although there were significant differences in visual capacity between the two groups identified, the model did not identify visual capacity membership as a significant predictor of speed management. This study could provide a better understanding of the mechanisms drivers use when WhatsApp messaging and which environments and driver conditions influence how speed is managed.
NanoBRET binding assay for histamine H2 receptor ligands using live recombinant HEK293T cells
Authors: Grätz Lukas , Tropmann Katharina , Bresinsky Merlin , Müller Christoph , Bernhardt Günther , Pockes Steffen
Published: August 2020

Fluorescence/luminescence-based techniques play an increasingly important role in the development of test systems for the characterization of future drug candidates, especially in terms of receptor binding in the field of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). In this article, we present the establishment of a homogeneous live cell-based BRET binding assay for the histamine H2 receptor with different fluorescently labeled squaramide-type compounds synthesized in the course of this study. Py-1-labeled ligand 8 (UR-KAT478) was found to be most suitable in BRET saturation binding experiments with respect to receptor affinity (pKd = 7.35) and signal intensity. Real-time kinetic experiments showed a full association of 8 within approximately 30 min and a slow dissociation of the ligand from the receptor. Investigation of reference compounds in BRET-based competition binding with 8 yielded pKi values in agreement with radioligand binding data. This study shows that the BRET binding assay is a versatile test system for the characterization of putative new ligands at the histamine H2 receptor and represents a valuable fluorescence-based alternative to canonical binding assays.
Photoluminescence excited at variable fluences: a novel approach for studying the emission from crystalline pigments in paints
Authors: Ghirardello Marta , Kelly Nigel M. , Valentini Gianluca , Toniolo Lucia , Comelli Daniela
Published: August 2020

Crystalline solids can exhibit photoluminescence when properly excited by light radiation. In this work, we propose the variable excitation fluences approach for characterizing the radiative recombination paths in crystalline pigments and paints.
Size effect of human epidermal growth factor-conjugated polystyrene particles on cell proliferation
Authors: Yasami-Khiabani Setayesh , Karkhaneh Akbar , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Amanzadeh Amir , Golkar Majid
Published: August 2020

Conjugation of growth factors to a carrier is a favorable method to improve their efficacy as therapeutic molecules.
Enzymatic biofuel cells based on protein engineering: recent advances and future prospects
Authors: Huang Jie , Zhao Peng , Jin Xin , Wang Yiwen , Yuan Haotian , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: August 2020

Enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs), as one of the most promising sustainable and green energy sources, have attracted significant interest.
Chalcogen complexes of anionic N-heterocyclic carbenes
Authors: Ho Luong Phong , Körner Lukas , Bannenberg Thomas , Tamm Matthias
Published: August 2020

Chalcogen complexes of anionic N-heterocyclic carbenes were isolated as lithium salts and their protonation and oxidation were studied.
Protective effects of alfalfa saponins on oxidative stress-induced apoptotic cells
Authors: Cui Yalei , Liu Boshuai , Sun Xiao , Li Zidan , Chen Yanyan , Guo Zhiguo , Liu Hua , Li Defeng , Wang Chengzhang , Zhu Xiaoyan , Shi Yinghua
Published: August 2020

Alfalfa saponins defend against oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant system and further inhibit cell apoptosis by activating the MAPK signaling pathway.
Phase transformation in tungsten oxide nanoplates as a function of post-annealing temperature and its electrochemical influence on energy storage
Authors: Gupta Shobhnath P. , Nishad Harishchandra H. , Chakane Sanjay D. , Gosavi Suresh W. , Late Dattatray J. , Walke Pravin S.
Published: August 2020

The schematic representation exhibits phase transformation of WO3nanoplates at various annealing temperatures confirmed by XRD and Raman spectra. The superior electrochemical performance is achieved by the mixed phase WO3crystal structure.
Observation of compact ferrimagnetic skyrmions in DyCo3 film
Authors: Chen K. , Lott D. , Philippi-Kobs A. , Weigand M. , Luo C. , Radu F.
Published: August 2020

The ferrimagnetic skyrmions, which are formed in DyCo3 during the nucleation/annihilation of the magnetic labyrinth domains, exhibit a topological Hall effect contribution, antiparallel aligned Dy and Co magnetic moments, and a core radius of about 40 nm.
Covalently functionalized layered MoS2 supported Pd nanoparticles as highly active oxygen reduction electrocatalysts
Authors: Perivoliotis Dimitrios K. , Sato Yuta , Suenaga Kazu , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: August 2020

The excellent performance of PdNPs/MoS2 toward the electrocatalytic ORR is presented.
Reaction-induced phase transitions with block copolymers in solution and bulk
Authors: Lequieu Joshua , Magenau Andrew J. D.
Published: August 2020

Reaction-induced phase transitions use chemical reactions to drive macromolecular organisation and self-assembly. This review highlights significant and recent advancements in this burgeoning field.
First principles study of electrocatalytic behavior of olivine phosphates with mixed alkali and mixed transition metal atoms
Authors: Chakraborty Arup , Kunnikuruvan Sooraj , Zitoun David , Major Dan T.
Published: August 2020

Li transition metal olivine phosphates are proposed as good cathode materials and electrocatalysts for OER. This first principles study provides new insights into the catalytic performance of olivine phosphates with mixed alkali, mixed transition metal, and Li vacancies.
Efficient electrocatalyst of α-Fe2O3 nanorings for oxygen evolution reaction in acidic conditions
Authors: Liang Xiaolei , Qian Jinmei , Liu Yonggang , Zhang Zhengmei , Gao Daqiang
Published: August 2020

α-Fe2O3 NRs is obtained for OER with lower small overpotential and great stability in 1 M HCl, surpassing Ir/C electrocatalyst.
Supramolecular organogels fabricated with dicarboxylic acids and primary alkyl amines: controllable self-assembled structures
Authors: Liao Lieqiang , Zhong Xiang , Jia Xinjian , Liao Caiyun , Zhong Jinlian , Ding Shunmin , Chen Chao , Hong Sanguo , Luo Xuzhong
Published: August 2020

A new kind of supramolecular organogel system based on dicarboxylic acids and primary alkyl amines (R–NH2) was obtained, in which the aggregation morphology of gelators could be controlled by solvent polarity and tail chain length.
Sulfonated SnO2 nanocatalysts via a self-propagating combustion method for esterification of palm fatty acid distillate
Authors: Nabihah-Fauzi N. , Asikin-Mijan N. , Ibrahim Mohd Lokman , Hashim Hasdiyana , Yusup Suzana , Taufiq-Yap Y. H. , Mastuli Mohd Sufri
Published: August 2020

A facile SPC method gave a superacid sulfonated tin oxide nanocatalyst for the esterification of low-cost palm fatty acid distillate into biodiesel.
A cobalt–pyrrole coordination compound as high performance cathode catalyst for direct borohydride fuel cells
Authors: Chen Yuehan , Wang Shuping , Li Zhoupeng
Published: August 2020

Co–pyrrole/MPC was synthesized by using pyrrole and cobalt nitrate as nitrogen and metal source, which enabled a higher peak power density than the commercialized 28.6 wt% Pt/XC72 in DBFC.
Highly flexible reduced graphene oxide@polypyrrole–polyethylene glycol foam for supercapacitors
Authors: Cai Chaoyue , Fu Jialong , Zhang Chengyan , Wang Cheng , Sun Rui , Guo Shufang , Zhang Fan , Wang Mingyan , Liu Yuqing , Chen Jun
Published: August 2020

A flexible and free-standing 3D reduced graphene oxide@polypyrrole–polyethylene glycol (RGO@PPy–PEG) foam was developed for wearable supercapacitors.
Direct access to multi-functionalized benzenes via [4 + 2] annulation of α-cyano-β-methylenones and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes
Authors: Jia Qianfa , Lan Yunfei , Ye Xin , Lin Yinhe , Ren Qiao
Published: August 2020

An efficient [4 + 2] benzannulation of α-cyano-β-methylenones and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes was achieved under metal-free reaction conditions selectively delivering a wide range of polyfunctional benzenes in high yields respectively (up to 94% yield).
Copper-catalyzed synthesis of α-ketoamides using water and dioxygen as the oxygen source
Authors: Xiao Yuanyuan , Yi Zijuan , Yu Xianyong , Xiao Fang
Published: August 2020

The reaction employing H2O and O2as the co-oxygen source in the catalytic synthesis of α-ketoamides is described. This Cu-catalyzed reaction is carried out in a tandem manner constituted by hydroamination of alkyne, hydration of vinyl–Cu complex and subsequent oxidation.
Inorganic nanoparticle synthesis in flow reactors – applications and future directions
Authors: Długosz Olga , Banach Marcin
Published: August 2020

The use of flow technologies for obtaining nanoparticles can play an important role in the development of ecological and sustainable processes for obtaining inorganic nanomaterials, and the continuous methods are part of the Flow Chemistry trend.
Understanding the factors controlling the photo-oxidation of natural DNA by enantiomerically pure intercalating ruthenium polypyridyl complexes through TA/TRIR studies with polydeoxynucleotides and mixed sequence oligodeoxynucleotides
Authors: Keane Páraic M. , O'Sullivan Kyra , Poynton Fergus E. , Poulsen Bjørn C. , Sazanovich Igor V. , Towrie Michael , Cardin Christine J. , Sun Xue-Zhong , George Michael W. , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur , Quinn Susan J. , Kelly John M.
Published: August 2020

Efficient electron transfer requires the complex to be intercalated at a G-C base-pair. Identification of preferred intercalation sites is achieved by TRIR monitoring of the nucleobase vibrations before electron transfer.
Self-supported N-doped CNT arrays for flexible Zn–air batteries
Authors: Liu Lina , Zhang Xiao , Yan Feng , Geng Bo , Zhu Chunling , Chen Yujin
Published: August 2020

N-Doped carbon nanotube arrays with encapsulated CoFe nanoparticles were directly grown on carbon fiber cloth as a self-supported air-cathode for flexible solid-state zinc–air batteries which can work even under extreme bending conditions.
Unravelling the role of alkaline earth metal carbonates in intermediate temperature CO2 capture using alkali metal salt-promoted MgO-based sorbents
Authors: Cui Hongjie , Cheng Zhenmin , Zhou Zhiming
Published: August 2020

Incorporation of alkaline earth metal carbonates into AMS-promoted MgO can greatly improve the CO2 capture performance in multiple sorption/desorption cycles.
Inkjet printing of homogeneous and green cellulose nanofibril dielectrics for high performance IGZO TFTs
Authors: Zhou Shangxiong , Zhang Jianhua , Guo Xiaoping , Ning Honglong , Guo Dong , Yao Rihui , Zhu Zhennan , Liang Zhihao , Fang Zhiqiang , Peng Junbiao
Published: August 2020

Inkjet printing of environmentally friendly functional nanomaterials for high performance indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) is highly in demand for the development of inexpensive and green electronics.
A simple fabrication of high efficiency planar perovskite solar cells: controlled film growth with methylammonium iodide and green antisolvent sec-butyl alcohol
Authors: Qiu Linlin , Dong Lika , Mei Deqiang , Chen Wei-Hsiang , Song Lixin , Wang Jieqiong , Zou Jiacheng , Jiang Pei-Cheng , Du Pingfan , Xiong Jie
Published: August 2020

Perovskite films can be prepared using sec-butyl alcohol (2-BA) by a one-step antisolvent assisted method.
Three-dimensional AuAg alloy NPs/graphene/AuAg alloy NP sandwiched hybrid nanostructure for surface enhanced Raman scattering properties
Authors: Han Qingyan , Lu Zhu , Gao Wei , Wu Meng , Wang Yongkai , Wang Zhongyu , Qi Jianxia , Dong Jun
Published: August 2020

SERS properties of three-dimensional AuAg ANPs/G/AuAg ANPs SHNS.
Effective interplay of donor and acceptor groups for tuning optoelectronic properties in oligothiophene–naphthalimide assemblies
Authors: Alonso-Navarro Matías J. , Harbuzaru Alexandra , de Echegaray Paula , Arrechea-Marcos Iratxe , Harillo-Baños Albert , de la Peña Alejandro , Ramos M. Mar , López Navarrete J. Teodomiro , Campoy-Quiles Mariano , Ponce Ortiz Rocío , Segura José L.
Published: August 2020

In this work, a series of naphthalimide fused thienopyrazine derivatives was designed in order to efficiently modulate both the energy and topology of the frontier molecular orbitals involved in the charge transport mechanism.
Molecular understanding of a π-conjugated polymer/solid-state ionic liquid complex as a highly sensitive and selective gas sensor
Authors: Stewart Katherine , Limbu Saurav , Nightingale James , Pagano Katia , Park Byoungwook , Hong Soonil , Lee Kwanghee , Kwon Sooncheol , Kim Ji-Seon
Published: August 2020

Electric-field driven chemical doping modulation in a solution-processed organic semiconductor and solid-state ionic liquid blend in response to volatile organic compounds provides an exciting opportunity to facilitate low-power chemical gas sensors.
Highly-efficient and stable warm white emission from perovskite/silica composites with photoactivated luminescence enhancement
Authors: Wang Shuaiqi , Wu Duobin , Yang Shuming , Zhen Hongyu , Lin Zhenghuan , Ling Qidan
Published: August 2020

Composite films based on Mn-doped perovskites emit strong and stable warm white light, and can be used as single-component luminescent material in UV-driven WLEDs. Additionally, the films exhibit interesting photoinduced-luminescence enhancement.
Predictive controller for interconnected microgrids
Authors: Hyacinthe Tungadio Diambomba , Sun Yanxia
Published: August 2020

This research presents a robust model predictive controller of two microgrids (MGs) interconnected via tie‐line (TL) power. Power system operations continue to face new challenges due to the large integration of renewable energy generation with an active load demand uncertainty and the management and control of bidirectional power flow between MGs and others uncertainties and system nonlinearities due to the power system operating condition. To handle these uncertainties and system nonlinearities a robust model using predictive control scheme is presented in this paper to achieve the control of the active power between two MGs when considering three disturbances scenario models. In the design process, uncertainties and nonlinearities of the system were taken into account and contributed to the robustness of the closed‐loop system. Robust control scheme development considering power system nonlinearities and uncertainties were used to improve the online close‐loop robustness. The model helped to achieve a desired active power regulation by coordinating the MGs and active power over‐shoot and under‐shoot time were reduced outstandingly. A Comparison was made between open‐loop and close‐loop simulation results, which indicate that the model can handle robustness while settling power deviation of the interconnected system. MATLAB environment was used to solve the optimisation problem.
Indoor distribution transformers oil temperature prediction using new electro‐thermal resistance model and normal cyclic overloading strategy: an experimental case study
Authors: Taheri Ali Asghar , Abdali Ali , Rabiee Abbas
Published: August 2020

In the energy distribution networks, the most important and valuable equipment is oil‐immersed distribution transformers. Besides, due to the key role of these transformers and their multiplicity, their lifetime monitoring is inevitable. The life of a transformer depends on the weakest solid insulation material (i.e. paper insulation). On the other hand, monitoring the transformer insulation status requires accurate information to be available about the oil temperature at every moment. Therefore, it is important to control and predict the oil temperature rise in the transformer. In this study, a new model based on fundamental heat transfer theory is proposed for thermal behaviour prediction of top oil of indoor distribution transformers using the concept of thermal resistance, namely electro‐thermal resistance model (E‐TRM). In E‐TRM, the thermal resistance network is formed by following three‐dimensional heat transfer path and assigning thermal resistance to each path. To evaluate the proposed E‐TRM, the results of this model are verified with experimental results. Moreover, the E‐TRM is used to predict the thermal behaviour of the indoor transformer in the overloading condition. At the end, the transformer loss of life is estimated based on the oil temperature and a normal cyclic overloading strategy is presented for overloading management.
Connection between galactic downsizing and the most fundamental galactic scaling relations
Authors: Spitoni E. , Calura F. , Mignoli M. , Gilli R. , Silva Aguirre V. , Gallazzi A.
Published: August 2020

Context. In their evolution, star-forming galaxies are known to follow scaling relations between some fundamental physical quantities, such as the relation between mass metallicity and star formation main sequence.

Aims. We study the evolution of galaxies that at a given redshift, lie simultaneously on the mass-metallicity and main-sequence relations (MZR, MSR).

Methods. To this aim, we used the analytical leaky-box chemical evolution model, in which galaxy evolution is described by the infall timescale τ and the wind efficiency λ. We provide a detailed analysis of the temporal evolution of their metallicity, stellar mass, mass-weighted age, and gas fraction.

Results. The evolution of the galaxies lying on the MZR and MSR at z ∼ 0.1 suggests that the average infall timescale in two different bins of stellar masses (M⋆ <  1010 M⊙ and M⋆ >  1010 M⊙) decreases with decreasing redshift through the addition of new galaxies with shorter timescales. This means that at each redshift, only the youngest galaxies can be assembled on the shortest timescales and still belong to the star-forming MSR. In the lowest mass bin, a decrease in median τ is accompanied by an increase in the median λ value. This implies that systems that formed at more recent times will need to eject a larger amount of mass to retain their low metallicity values. Another important result is that galactic downsizing, as traced by the age-mass relation, is naturally recovered by imposing the local MZR and MSR for star-forming galaxies. This result is retained even when a constant star formation efficiency for different galactic masses is assumed (without imposing the observed scaling relation between stellar mass and gas-depletion time-scales). Finally, we study the evolution of the hosts of C IV-selected active galactic nuclei, which at z ∼ 2 follow a flat MZR. When we impose that these systems lie on the MSR, we find an “inverted” MZR at lower redshifts, meaning that some additional processes must be at play in their evolution.

Conclusions. In our model, galactic downsizing is a direct consequence of the MZR and MSR for star-forming galaxies. This poses a challenge for models of galaxy evolution within a cosmological framework.
Dozens of virtual impactor orbits eliminated by the EURONEAR VIMP DECam data mining project
Authors: Vaduvescu O. , Curelaru L. , Popescu M. , Danila B. , Ciobanu D.
Published: August 2020

Context. Massive data mining of image archives observed with large etendue facilities represents a great opportunity for orbital amelioration of poorly known virtual impactor asteroids (VIs). There are more than 1000 VIs known today; most of them have very short observed arcs and many are considered lost as they became extremely faint soon after discovery.

Aims. We aim to improve the orbits of VIs and eliminate their status by data mining the existing image archives.

Methods. Within the European Near Earth Asteroids Research (EURONEAR) project, we developed the Virtual Impactor search using Mega-Precovery (VIMP) software, which is endowed with a very effective (fast and accurate) algorithm to predict apparitions of candidate pairs for subsequent guided human search. Considering a simple geometric model, the VIMP algorithm searches for any possible intersection in space and time between the positional uncertainty of any VI and the bounding sky projection of any image archive.

Results. We applied VIMP to mine the data of 451,914 Blanco/DECam images observed between 12 September 2012 and 11 July 2019, identifying 212 VIs that possibly fall into 1286 candidate images leading to either precovery or recovery events. Following a careful search of candidate images, we recovered and measured 54 VIs in 183 DECam images. About 4,000 impact orbits were eliminated from both lists, 27 VIs were removed from at least one list, while 14 objects were eliminated from both lists. The faintest detections were around V ∼ 24.0, while the majority fall between 21 <  V <  23. The minimal orbital intersection distances remains constant for 67% detections, increasing for eight objects and decreasing for ten objects. Most eliminated VIs (70%) had short initial arcs of less than five days. Some unexpected photometric discovery has emerged regarding the rotation period of 2018 DB, based on the close inspection of longer trailed VIs and the measurement of their fluxes along the trails.

Conclusions. Large etendue imaging archives represent great assets to search for serendipitous encounters of faint asteroids and VIs.
Two-dipole model of the asymmetric Sun
Authors: Zieger Bertalan , Mursula Kalevi
Published: August 2020

The large-scale photospheric magnetic field is commonly thought to be mainly dipolar during sunspot minima, when magnetic fields of opposite polarity cover the solar poles. However, recent studies show that the octupole harmonics contribute comparably to the spatial power of the photospheric field at these times. Also, the even harmonics are non-zero, indicating that the Sun is hemispherically asymmetric with systematically stronger fields in the south during solar minima. We present here an analytical model of two eccentric axial dipoles of different strength, which is physically motivated by the dipole moments produced by decaying active regions. With only four parameters, this model closely reproduces the observed large-scale photospheric field and all significant coefficients of its spherical harmonics expansion, including the even harmonics responsible for the solar hemispheric asymmetry. This two-dipole model of the photospheric magnetic field also explains the southward shift of the heliospheric current sheet observed during recent solar minima.
Large tunnel magnetoresistance in a fully epitaxial double-barrier magnetic tunnel junction of Fe/MgO/Fe/γ-Al2O3/Nb-doped SrTiO3
Authors: Suzuki Ryota , Tadano Yuriko , Tanaka Masaaki , Ohya Shinobu
Published: August 2020

We report large tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) ratios of up to 219% at 300 K and 366% at 3.7 K obtained for a high-quality fully epitaxial double-barrier magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) composed of Fe/MgO/Fe/γ-Al2O3/Nb-doped SrTiO3. The obtained TMR ratios are among the highest values reported in Fe/MgO/Fe structures. This result may be attributed to the small in-plane wave vectors of the tunneling electrons injected from the Nb-doped SrTiO3 electrode with a small carrier density, demonstrating good compatibility between the Fe-based MTJ and SrTiO3.
Polyacrylamide in glycerol solutions from an atomistic perspective of the energetics, structure, and dynamics
Authors: Hopkins Scott D. , Gogovi Gideon K. , Weisel Eric , Handler Robert A. , Blaisten-Barojas Estela
Published: August 2020

All-atom molecular dynamics is used to investigate the structural, energetic, and dynamical properties of polyacrylamide (PAM) oligomers of different lengths solvated in pure glycerol, a 90:10 glycerol–water mixture, and pure water. We predict that the oligomers’ globular structure is obtained only when the modeling strategy considers the solvent as a continuous background. Meanwhile, for all-atom modeled solvents, the glycerol solutions display a strong tendency of trapping the oligomers in instantaneous elongated random coiled structures that remain locked-in over tens of nanoseconds. In pure water, the oligomers acquire considerably shorter random coiled structures of increased flexibility. The all-atom force field, generalized amber force field, is modified by including restrained electrostatic potential atomic charges for both glycerol and PAM. Three PAM oligomer lengths containing 10, 20, and 30 monomers are considered in detail by monitoring the radius of gyration, end-to-end distance, intra-potential energy, and solvent–oligomer interaction energies for decades of nanoseconds. The density and radial distribution function of glycerol solutions are calculated when modeled with the modified atomic charges, showing a very good agreement with the experimental results at temperatures around 300 K. Glycerol has multiple applications, including its use in gel formation for PAM gel electrophoresis. Our findings are relevant for the design of sensors based on microfluidics and tailored pharmaceutical buffer solutions.
Chronic G
q
signaling in AgRP neurons does not cause obesity
Authors: Ewbank Sedona N. , Campos Carlos A. , Chen Jane Y. , Bowen Anna J. , Padilla Stephanie L. , Dempsey Joseph L. , Cui Julia Yue , Palmiter Richard D.
Published: August 2020

Significance

Mammals maintain energy homeostasis and a stable body weight via neural circuits that regulate food intake and metabolism. Understanding how signaling within these circuits influences feeding, metabolism, and body weight is critical for understanding and treating diseases involving altered energy homeostasis, such as obesity and cachexia. Hypothalamic AgRP-expressing neurons are known to induce hyperphagia and decrease energy expenditure when acutely activated; however, the effects of chronic hyperactivity in AgRP neurons—which occurs in obese individuals—are unknown. Here, we show that chronic G
q
-mediated activation of AgRP neurons in mice does not cause long-lasting obesogenic changes in feeding, body weight, gut microbiome, or energy expenditure, but does cause increased adiposity and increased lipid metabolism, even under caloric restriction.
Effect of deposition modes on electron beam directed energy deposited inconel 718
Authors: Yao Mengxin , Yao Zhengjun , Tao Xuewei , Moliar Oleksandr
Published: August 2020

Inconel 718 thin walls were fabricated via electron beam directed energy deposition (EB-EDE) to investigated their microstructure and mechanical properties in terms of the deposition modes. Results revealed that the deposition modes had great effects on the microstructural evolution and thus influenced the mechanical properties. The layered nature and the fine dendrites were produced by the intermittent deposition, while the coarse and irregular cellular crystals were formed under the continuous deposition. The harmful Laves phase was precipitated under both deposition modes. The microhardness and tensile strength of the build-ups deposited intermittently were higher because there were fewer Laves phase. This work provided a new perspective to explain the microstructure differences of multi-layered components formed by EB-DED.
Active metamaterial polarization modulators for the Terahertz frequency range
Authors: Kindness Stephen J. , Almond Nikita W. , Michailow Wladislaw , Wei Binbin , Braeuninger-Weimer Philipp , Hofmann Stephan , Beere Harvey E. , Ritchie David A. , Degl’Innocenti Riccardo
Published: August 2020

Active control of chirality in the terahertz frequency range is of great importance in many scientific areas, which include research into fundamental optical phenomena, investigation of novel materials, spectroscopy, imaging, wireless communications and chemistry. The lack of efficient, integrated and fast-reconfigurable polarization modulators has hindered, so far, the full exploitation of applications in all the aforementioned fields. Metamaterials are artificial resonant elements possessing unique remarkable properties such as high efficiency and miniaturization capability. The interplay of metallic metamaterial arrays with electrostatically tunable monolayer graphene has been demonstrated to be a valid approach for the realization of a novel class of THz devices. In this work, the realization of active chiral graphene/metamaterial modulator is presented. The versatility of this experimental approach allowed the device integration with broadband sources such as terahertz time domain spectrometers as well as with quantum cascade lasers. A continuous rotation of the polarization plane > 30° has been reported with a reconfiguration speed > 5 MHz. These results pave the way to the integration of fast terahertz polarization modulators in all the applications where these devices are in great demand.
Layer-by-layer assembled-composite nanocoating for functionalization of microstructured optical fibers
Authors: Ermatov T , Skibina J S , Noskov R E , Gorin D A
Published: August 2020

Hollow-core microstructured optical fibers (MOFs) possess the great potential for the integration of different materials inside the holey-capillaries leading to the creation of tailored hybrid structures. Moreover, the further improvement of MOF-based sensor performance can be achieved by exploiting the wide range of post-processing techniques directing to both the enhancement of the existing characteristics and the enabling of new functionalities. Here, we concentrate on hybrid MOFs whose hollow-capillaries were coated through the layer-by-layer assembly technique by a combination of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes and magnetite nanoparticles. We characterize the optical transmission and the fiber loss of the modified samples and show the scanning electron microscopy images illustrating the formed coatings on the inner fiber surfaces.
Determination of the gelification kinetics of a correction gel of injection profiles by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy
Authors: Sánchez E , Villamizar J , Mantilla G , Rodriguez J , Roa M
Published: August 2020

Mature wells in which, for a long time, water injection has been used, as a method of recovery they reach a point where the water cut increases or remains constant. thus decreasing the recovered hydrocarbon factor; This phenomenon occurs because the water injected, has preferential recordings in the porous medium, and does not reach the hydrocarbon available in other areas of the formation, in this type of deposits the injection of polyacrylamide gels, crosslinked with acetate of chromium, these gels make a plugging, in areas of high water permeability, causing the change of path of the same, as well as move the hydrocarbon in other areas of the porous medium. At present, the kinetics of gelation of this type of substances is monitored qualitatively by means of the “Syddansk” code, which analyzes its consistency and elasticity, only by observation. Although this method is practical, it is not very descriptive and depends a lot on the opinion and criteria of the observer, being little reproducible. Given this situation, and the increase in chemical recovery projects in the country, a methodology is described that describes the moment of gelation, reproducibly and without the injection of the analyst. During the gelation process, different polyacrylamide-chromium gels were monitored in relationships used in field operations, using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, detecting a change in absorbances, of the spectra, which were analyzed to plant a kinetic model of gelation, in addition to generating the approach of a method, to identify the state of gelation based on the variation in absorbance.