bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extended π-conjugative n-p type homostructural graphitic carbon nitride for photodegradation and charge-storage applications
Authors: Vidyasagar Devthade , Ghugal Sachin G. , Umare Suresh S. , Banavoth Murali
Published: May 2019

An n-p type homostructural metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) semiconductor is designed and developed for pollutant abatement and energy storage application. The successful grafting of vibrio-like morphology-based g-C3N4 by 2, 5-Thiophenedicarboxylic acid (TDA) molecule and the development of amide-type linkage substantiated the prosperous uniting of g-C3N4 with organic TDA moiety is demonstrated. An extended π-conjugative TDA grafted g-C3N4 exhibited band gap tunability with broadband optical absorbance in the visible region. Mott-Schottky analysis exhibited the formation of n-p type homostructural property. As a result, obtained TDA grafted g-C3N4 has extended π-conjugation, high surface area and adequate separation of charge carriers. The change in the photocatalytic performance of grafted g-C3N4 is inspected for degradation of acid violet 7 (AV 7) dye under visible light irradiation. The charge storage capacity of grafted g-C3N4 was additionally assessed for supercapacitive behaviour. The charge capacitive studies of grafted g-C3N4 exhibited the areal capacitance of 163.17 mF cm−2 and robust cyclic stability of 1000 cycles with capacity retention of 83%.
Recognition of 3′-end L1, Alu, processed pseudogenes, and mRNA stem-loops in the human genome using sequence-based and structure-based machine-learning models
Authors: Shein Alexander , Zaikin Anton , Poptsova Maria
Published: May 2019

The role of 3′-end stem-loops in retrotransposition was experimentally demonstrated for transposons of various species, where LINE-SINE retrotransposons share the same 3′-end sequences, containing a stem-loop. We have discovered that 62–68% of processed pseduogenes and mRNAs also have 3′-end stem-loops. We investigated the properties of 3′-end stem-loops of human L1s, Alus, processed pseudogenes and mRNAs that do not share the same sequences, but all have 3′-end stem-loops. We have built sequence-based and structure-based machine-learning models that are able to recognize 3′-end L1, Alu, processed pseudogene and mRNA stem-loops with high performance. The sequence-based models use only sequence information and capture compositional bias in 3′-ends. The structure-based models consider physical, chemical and geometrical properties of dinucleotides composing a stem and position-specific nucleotide content of a loop and a bulge. The most important parameters include shift, tilt, rise, and hydrophilicity. The obtained results clearly point to the existence of structural constrains for 3′-end stem-loops of L1 and Alu, which are probably important for transposition, and reveal the potential of mRNAs to be recognized by the L1 machinery. The proposed approach is applicable to a broader task of recognizing RNA (DNA) secondary structures. The constructed models are freely available at github (https://github.com/AlexShein/transposons/).
Melanoma proteomics suggests functional differences related to mutational status
Authors: Trilla-Fuertes Lucía , Gámez-Pozo Angelo , Prado-Vázquez Guillermo , Zapater-Moros Andrea , Díaz-Almirón Mariana , Fortes Claudia , Ferrer-Gómez María , López-Vacas Rocío , Parra Blanco Verónica , Márquez-Rodas Iván , Soria Ainara , Fresno Vara Juan Ángel , Espinosa Enrique
Published: May 2019

Melanoma is the most lethal cutaneous cancer. New drugs have recently appeared; however, not all patients obtain a benefit of these new drugs. For this reason, it is still necessary to characterize melanoma at molecular level. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular differences between melanoma tumor subtypes, based on BRAF and NRAS mutational status. Fourteen formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded melanoma samples were analyzed using a high-throughput proteomics approach, combined with probabilistic graphical models and Flux Balance Analysis, to characterize these differences. Proteomics analyses showed differences in expression of proteins related with fatty acid metabolism, melanogenesis and extracellular space between BRAF mutated and BRAF non-mutated melanoma tumors. Additionally, probabilistic graphical models showed differences between melanoma subgroups at biological processes such as melanogenesis or metabolism. On the other hand, Flux Balance Analysis predicts a higher tumor growth rate in BRAF mutated melanoma samples. In conclusion, differential biological processes between melanomas showing a specific mutational status can be detected using combined proteomics and computational approaches.
Hemidesmus indicus induces apoptosis via proteasome inhibition and generation of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Turrini Eleonora , Catanzaro Elena , Ferruzzi Lorenzo , Guerrini Alessandra , Tacchini Massimo , Sacchetti Gianni , Paganetto Guglielmo , Maffei Francesca , Pellicioni Valentina , Poli Ferruccio , Hrelia Patrizia , Mandrone Manuela , Sestili Piero , Brigotti Maurizio , Fimognari Carmela
Published: May 2019

Proteasome inhibition represents an important anticancer strategy. Here, we studied the mechanisms at the basis of the pro-apoptotic activity of the standardized decoction of Hemidesmus indicus, a plant evoking a complex anticancer activity, and explored its inhibition of proteasome activity in human leukemia cells. Additionally, we preliminary tested the cytotoxicity of some H. indicus’s phytochemicals on leukemia cells and their intestinal absorption on a human intestinal epithelium model consisting of a monolayer of differentiated Caco2 cells. We observed a potent antileukemic effect for H. indicus, imputable to the modulation of different critical targets at protein and mRNA levels and the reduction of the 26S proteasome expression. We found that some phytomarkers of H. indicus decoction passed through the enterocyte monolayer. Overall, our study supports the pharmacological potential of H. indicus, which can represent an interesting botanical drug in the oncological area.
Inhibition of tumour necrosis factor alpha in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington’s disease by etanercept treatment
Authors: Pido-Lopez Jeffrey , Tanudjojo Benedict , Farag Sahar , Bondulich Marie-Katrin , Andre Ralph , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Bates Gillian P.
Published: May 2019

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of the CAG repeat in exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene, which results in a mutant protein with an extended polyglutamine tract. Inflammation occurs in both the brain and the periphery of HD patients and mouse models, with increases in brain and/or plasma levels of neurotoxic TNFα and several other proinflammatory cytokines. TNFα promotes the generation of many of these cytokines, such as IL6, which raises the possibility that TNFα is central to the inflammatory milieu associated with HD. A number of mouse studies have reported that the suppression of chronic immune activation during HD has beneficial consequences. Here, we investigated whether TNFα contributes to the peripheral inflammation that occurs in the R6/2 mouse model, and whether thein vivoblockade of TNFα, via etanercept treatment, can modify disease progression. We found that etanercept treatment normalised the elevated plasma levels of some cytokines. This did not modify the progression of certain behavioural measures, but slightly ameliorated brain weight loss, possibly related to a reduction in the elevated striatal level of soluble TNFα.
Association between CT imaging features and KIT mutations in small intestinal gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Yin Yi-qiong , Liu Chun-juan , Zhang Bo , Wen Yue , Yin Yuan
Published: May 2019

Small intestinal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have different clinical outcomes when KIT mutations are in exons 11 or 9, which are also the most common sites of neoplastic KIT mutations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the CT imaging features in those two groups. A total of 35 patients were enrolled, and both quantitative and qualitative CT imaging features were compared between patient groups with KIT exon 9 mutations (KIT–9) and exon 11 mutations (KIT–11). The KIT–9 group was statistically associated with a tumor size larger than 10 cm and a higher enhancement ratio when compared with those of the KIT–11 group (both P < 0.05). For the enhancement ratio, the receiver operating characteristic curve indicated a cut-off value of 1.60 to differentiate KIT–9 from KIT–11 tumors. Additionally, tumor necrosis was more commonly seen in the KIT-9 group. In multivariate analysis, tumor size (β = 0.206; P = 0.022) and KIT–9 (β = 0.389; P = 0.006) were independent factors associated with tumor necrosis. Taken together, KIT–9 mutant tumors tended to have CT imaging features indicative of more aggressive neoplasms. These findings may be helpful in identifying more aggressive small intestinal GISTs and optimizing treatment.
Metabolites and Lipids Associated with Fetal Swine Anatomy via Desorption Electrospray Ionization – Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Authors: León Marisol , Ferreira Christina R. , Eberlin Livia S. , Jarmusch Alan K. , Pirro Valentina , Rodrigues Ana Clara Bastos , Favaron Phelipe Oliveira , Miglino Maria Angelica , Cooks R. Graham
Published: May 2019

Chemical imaging by mass spectrometry (MS) has been largely used to study diseases in animals and humans, especially cancer; however, this technology has been minimally explored to study the complex chemical changes associated with fetal development. In this work, we report the histologically-compatible chemical imaging of small molecules by desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) - MS of a complete swine fetus at 50 days of gestation. Tissue morphology was unperturbed by morphologically-friendly DESI-MS analysis while allowing detection of a wide range of small molecules. We observed organ-dependent localization of lipids,e.g. a large diversity of phosphatidylserine lipids in brain compared to other organs, as well as metabolites such as N-acetyl-aspartic acid in the developing nervous system and N-acetyl-L-glutamine in the heart. Some lipids abundant in the lungs, such as PC(32:0) and PS(40:6), were  similar to surfactant composition reported previously. Sulfatides were highly concentrated in the fetus liver, while hexoses were barely detected at this organ but were abundant in lung and heart. The chemical information on small molecules recorded via DESI-MS imaging coupled with traditional anatomical evaluation is a powerful source of bioanalytical information which reveals the chemical changes associated with embryonic and fetal development that, when disturbed, causes congenital diseases such as spina bifida and cleft palate.
Heparin Differentially Impacts Gene Expression of Stromal Cells from Various Tissues
Authors: Laner-Plamberger Sandra , Oeller Michaela , Poupardin Rodolphe , Krisch Linda , Hochmann Sarah , Kalathur Ravi , Pachler Karin , Kreutzer Christina , Erdmann Gerrit , Rohde Eva , Strunk Dirk , Schallmoser Katharina
Published: May 2019

Pooled human platelet lysate (pHPL) is increasingly used as replacement of animal serum for manufacturing of stromal cell therapeutics. Porcine heparin is commonly applied to avoid clotting of pHPL-supplemented medium but the influence of heparin on cell behavior is still unclear. Aim of this study was to investigate cellular uptake of heparin by fluoresceinamine-labeling and its impact on expression of genes, proteins and function of human stromal cells derived from bone marrow (BM), umbilical cord (UC) and white adipose tissue (WAT). Cells were isolated and propagated using various pHPL-supplemented media with or without heparin. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry showed differential cellular internalization and lysosomal accumulation of heparin. Transcriptome profiling revealed regulation of distinct gene sets by heparin including signaling cascades involved in proliferation, cell adhesion, apoptosis, inflammation and angiogenesis, depending on stromal cell origin. The influence of heparin on the WNT, PDGF, NOTCH and TGFbeta signaling pathways was further analyzed by a bead-based western blot revealing most alterations in BM-derived stromal cells. Despite these observations heparin had no substantial effect on long-term proliferation and in vitro tri-lineage differentiation of stromal cells, indicating compatibility for clinically applied cell products.
Glendonite occurrences in the Tremadocian of Baltica: first Early Palaeozoic evidence of massive ikaite precipitation at temperate latitudes
Authors: Popov Leonid E. , Álvaro J. Javier , Holmer Lars E. , Bauert Heikki , Ghobadi Pour Mansoureh , Dronov Andrei V. , Lehnert Oliver , Hints Olle , Männik Peep , Zhang Zhifei , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: May 2019

The Tremadocian (Early Ordovician) is currently considered a time span of greenhouse conditions with tropical water surface temperature estimates, interpolated from oxygen isotopes, approaching 40 °C. In the mid-latitude Baltoscandian Basin, conodonts displaying low δ18O values, which suggest high temperatures (>40 °C) in the water column, are in contrast with the discovery of contemporaneous glendonite clusters, a pseudomorph of ikaite (CaCO3·6H2O) traditionally considered as indicator of near-freezing bottom-water conditions. The massive precipitation of this temperature sensitive mineral is associated with transgressive conditions and high organic productivity. As a result, the lower Tremadocian sediments of Baltoscandia apparently contain both “greenhouse” pelagic signals and near-freezing substrate indicators. This paradox points to other primary controlling mechanisms for ikaite precipitation in kerogenous substrates, such as carbonate alkalinity, pH and Mg/Ca ratios, as recently constrained by laboratory experiments. Preservation of “hot” conodonts embedded in kerogenous shales rich in δ18O-depleted glendonites suggests both the onset of sharp thermal stratification patterns in a semi-closed basin and the assumed influence of isotopically depleted freshwater yielded by fluvial systems.
Evaluating Cost-Effective Methods for Rapid and Repeatable National Scale Detection and Mapping of Invasive Species Spread
Authors: Aschim Ruth A. , Brook Ryan K.
Published: May 2019

Invasive species can spread rapidly at local and national scales, creating significant environmental and economic impacts. A central problem in mitigation efforts is identifying methods that can rapidly detect invasive species in a cost-effective and repeatable manner. This challenge is particularly acute for species that can spread over large areas (>1 million km2). Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are one of the most prolific invasive mammals on Earth and cause extensive damage to agricultural crops, native ecosystems, and livestock, and are reservoirs of disease. They have spread from their native range in Eurasia and North Africa into large areas of Australia, Africa, South America, and North America. We show that the range of invasive wild pigs has increased exponentially in Canada over the last 27 years following initial and ongoing releases and escapes from domestic wild boar farms. The cumulative range of wild pigs across Canada is 777,783 km2, with the majority of wild pig distribution occurring in the Prairie Provinces. We evaluate eight different data collection and evaluation/validation methods for mapping invasive species over large areas, and assess their benefits and limitations. Our findings effectively map the spread of a highly invasive large mammal and demonstrate that management efforts should ideally rely on a set of complementary independent monitoring methods. Mapping and evaluating resulting species occurrences provide baseline maps against which future changes can be rapidly evaluated.
Considering appropriate replication in the design of animal social network studies
Authors: Smith Lesley A. , Swain Dave L. , Innocent Giles T. , Nevison Ian , Hutchings Michael R.
Published: May 2019

Social network analysis has increasingly been considered a useful tool to interpret the complexity of animal social relationships. However, group composition can affect the contact structure of the network resulting in variation between networks. Replication in contact network studies is rarely done but enables determination of possible variation in response across networks. Here we explore the importance of between-group variability in social behaviour and the impact of replication on hypothesis testing. We use an exemplar study of social contact data collected from six replicated networks of cattle before and after the application of a social disturbance treatment. In this replicated study, subtle but consistent changes in animal contact patterns were detected after the application of a social disturbance treatment. We then quantify both within- and between-group variation in this study and explore the importance of varying the number of replicates and the number of individuals within each network, on the precision of the differences in treatment effects for the contact behaviour of the resident cattle. The analysis demonstrates that reducing the number of networks observed in the study would reduce the probability of detecting treatment differences for social behaviours even if the total number of animals was kept the same.
Author Correction: Developing and adopting safe and effective digital biomarkers to improve patient outcomes
Authors: Coravos Andrea , Khozin Sean , Mandl Kenneth D.
Published: May 2019

The original version of the published Article mistakenly omitted the second affiliation for the first Author, Andrea Coravos. The first Author’s affiliation has been updated to include Harvard-MIT Center for Regulatory Science, Boston, MA, USA. This has been corrected in the HTML and PDF version of the Article.
Introduction to Nanocatalysts
Authors: Prinsen P. , Luque R.
Published: May 2019

The first chapter provides a comprehensive introduction to nanocatalysts. First, the role of catalysis in sustainable chemistry is highlighted. Researchers and those working in industry are continually searching for highly active, efficient and stable catalysts. Nanoscience and nanotechnology have undoubtedly contributed to this, and have gone beyond the classic homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, developing catalysts that exhibit unprecedented properties and performances. The mechanisms behind these nano-effects remain unclear, and there is still space for improvement in the design of nanocatalysts. Current design strategies are based on the synthesis of highly active sites at the nanoscale and also on tuning the micro-environment by hosting them in confined spaces in porous nanomaterials. Advanced characterization of nanoparticles is essential to making the design and synthesis more rational. Nano-effects include structural changes and confinement and have a considerable impact on the energy levels, which can alter the physical, electronic and optical properties of nanomaterials. Prominent catalytic applications in sustainable chemistry include the production of bulk and fine chemicals in classic petroleum-based refineries and in biorefineries starting from biomass, carbon dioxide conversion, photocatalytic water splitting, reformation and the development of advanced sensor materials. These applications fields are highlighted as an introduction to the research topics presented in the following chapters.
Design of Metal-modified Zeolites and Mesoporous Aluminosilicates and Application in the Synthesis of Fine Chemicals
Authors: Salminen E. , Bridier S. , Mäki-Arvela P. , Kumar N. , Dahl J. , Roine J. , Salmi T. , Mikkola J.-P.
Published: May 2019

Different catalyst synthesis methods determine the physicochemical and catalytic properties of the prepared materials. The design of suitable catalytic active sites is important to increase the activity and to improve selectivity for the desired product. Biomass derived terpenes and their oxides (e.g. α-pinene oxide) are important platform building blocks for the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. Transformation of α-pinene oxide to a fragrance chemical, campholenic aldehyde, is promoted by the Lewis acidic nature of the catalyst. The isomerization of α-pinene oxide to campholenic aldehyde was studied over Co-modified Beta- and Y-zeolites as well as over silica, alumina and mesoporous H-MCM-48 catalysts. The Co-modified catalysts were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), nitrogen sorption analysis to analyze the porosity, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to study the Co oxidation states, temperature programmed desorption (TPD)-NH3 and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)-pyridine to measure the acidic properties. Co-H-Beta-150, Co-H-Beta-25, Co-H-Y-12, Co-H-Y-80, Co-H-MCM-48 catalysts gave rise to a high conversion (>62%) of α-pinene oxide. The Co-H-Y-80 zeolite and the Co-MCM-48 mesoporous catalysts exhibited a 51% and 45% yield of campholenic aldehyde, respectively.
Design of Metal-free Nanocatalysts
Authors: Nsabimana Anaclet , Xu Guobao
Published: May 2019

Nanomaterials exhibit unique properties that are different from their bulk counterparts as decreasing the size of a particle leads to a larger portion of the atoms being located on the surface, resulting in the increased influence of surface effects on the properties of a material. Owing to these properties, nanocatalysts are considered to be a bridge between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Metal nanocatalysts, especially platinum catalysts, are important in electrochemical and organic transformation reactions. Unfortunately, their scarcity, low stability, risk to the environment and high cost limit their use. To overcome these challenges, significant work has been performed to synthesize metal-free nanocatalysts such as fullerene, graphitic carbon nitride, porous carbons, graphene, carbon fibres, carbon nanotubes, pure and doped carbons with non-metallic elements (B, N, H, O, P, S…), and so forth, as an alternative to metal-based catalysts. This chapter describes the progress in this field, with a focus on catalyst characterization and their performance, both in electrocatalysis and in organic transformations.
Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites Design in Photocatalysis
Authors: Cojocaru B. , Waters C. K. , Lin F. , Woodard L. , Richards R. M. , Parvulescu V. I.
Published: May 2019

This chapter focuses on photocatalytic water splitting. First the state-of-the-art techniques in photocatalyst development are presented and challenges in the field are highlighted. Photocatalytic water splitting is covered by a systematic assessment of periodic trends with a focus on d0 and d10 elements. Finally, metal–organic, polymer and carbon structures are evaluated as alternatives and/or additions which may help to limit the use of expensive metals.
Nanoparticles-based Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors
Authors: Ezoji H. , Rahimnejad M.
Published: May 2019

The development of electrochemical sensors and biosensors by integration of transducers and recognition elements has received continuously growing attention and interest, by virtue of the extraordinary features, such as the sensitivity, simplicity, practicality, portability, ease of operation and even low production cost. Taking advantage of the remarkable advances in nanotechnology, the sensitivity, selectivity and accuracy are increasingly being improved. This chapter presents a clear and concise conceptualisation and classification of sensors, and more specifically of electrochemical sensors and biosensors, highlighting the impact of nanomaterials on the development of such devices. Finally, an interesting case study is presented on the use of an advanced gold nanoparticle on a glassy carbon electrode for electrochemical sensing of bisphenol A with low detection limits.
Molecular dynamics simulation study of the fracture properties of polymer nanocomposites filled with grafted nanoparticles
Authors: Hu Fengyan , Nie Yun , Li Fanzhu , Liu Jun , Gao Yangyang , Wang Wencai , Zhang Liqun
Published: May 2019

By employing coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the fracture behavior of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) filled with polymer-grafted nanoparticles (NPs) in detail by particularly regulating the grafting density and the length of the grafted chain.
Materials and structural designs of stretchable conductors
Authors: Matsuhisa Naoji , Chen Xiaodong , Bao Zhenan , Someya Takao
Published: May 2019

Stretchable conductors developed through structural and materials engineering are contributing to the realization of next-generation soft electronic devices for healthcare and soft-robotics.
Affinity analysis between trypsin and aptamers using surface plasmon resonance competition experiments in a steady state
Authors: Fa Yun , Guan Mingyang , Zhao Haijie , Li Fei , Liu Huizhou
Published: May 2019

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) competition experiment in a steady state was developed to determine the binding dissociation constants between a protein and its DNA aptamers.
Synergistic combination of visible-light photo-catalytic electron and energy transfer facilitating multicomponent synthesis of β-functionalized α,α-diarylethylamines
Authors: Wu Yanan , Zhang Yipin , Jiang Mingjie , Dong Xunqing , Jalani Hitesh B. , Li Guigen , Lu Hongjian
Published: May 2019

A synthetic strategy which takes advantage of the synergistic combination of electron and energy transfer processes using only one photocatalyst has been developed for the multicomponent synthesis of the α,α-diarylalkylamine skeleton.
Phase transitions in Ca2−xBaxNdSbO6 complex perovskites: a combined crystallographic and vibrational investigation
Authors: Halder Saswata , Sinha T. P.
Published: May 2019

Phase transitions in Ca2−xBaxNdSbO6 complex perovskites resulting from altered Ca/Ba compositions swap the local conformational environment of Nd3+.
Characterization of drug–drug salt forms of metformin and aspirin with improved physicochemical properties
Authors: Zhou Wen-Xiu , Zhao Hong-Wei , Chen Huan-Huan , Zhang Zai-Yong , Chen Dong-Ying
Published: May 2019

A salt between two old drugs was synthesized and two phases were discovered with improved physicochemical properties.
First-principles descriptors of CO chemisorption on Ni and Cu surfaces
Authors: Gameel Kareem M. , Sharafeldin Icell M. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: May 2019

A comprehensive analysis of low coverage CO adsorption on Ni and Cu low-index miller surfaces – (100), (110), and (111) – over all the possible adsorption sites is presented.
Characteristics of sulfur atoms adsorbed on Ag(100), Ag(110), and Ag(111) as probed with scanning tunneling microscopy: experiment and theory
Authors: Spurgeon Peter M. , Liu Da-Jiang , Walen Holly , Oh Junepyo , Yang Hyun Jin , Kim Yousoo , Thiel Patricia A.
Published: May 2019

Sulfur atoms on Ag(100) exhibit bias voltage dependence.
Dynamical fluxionality, multiplicity of structural forms, and electronic properties of the B3Si11 cluster: anion photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations
Authors: Lu Sheng-Jie , Wu Li-Shun , Yin Bao-Hua , Lin Feng , Chao Ming-Yong
Published: May 2019

B3Si11− is formed by the fusion of a B3Si7 bicapped tetragonal antiprism to a B3Si4 pentagonal bipyramid by sharing a B3 triangle, while neutral B3Si11 has a B3-endohedral sandwich structure composed of a Si5 five-membered ring and a Si6 six-membered ring.
Isolation of base stabilized fluoroborylene and its radical cation
Authors: Sarkar Samir Kumar , Siddiqui Mujahuddin M. , Kundu Subrata , Ghosh Munmun , Kretsch Johannes , Stollberg Peter , Herbst-Irmer Regine , Stalke Dietmar , Stückl A. Claudia , Schwederski Brigitte , Kaim Wolfgang , Ghorai Sagar , Jemmis Eluvathingal D. , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: May 2019

The synthesis and characterization of metal-free fluoroborylene [(Me-cAAC)2BF] (1) is reported.
Inorganic chemistry of the p-block elements
Authors: Heiden Zachariah M. , Mosquera Marta E. G. , Singh Harkesh B.
Published: May 2019

This special web collection of Dalton Transactions focuses on the inorganic chemistry of the p-block elements, as a tribute to the 150th anniversary of the development of the periodic table.
Impact of plant extract on the gastrointestinal fate of nutraceutical-loaded nanoemulsions: phytic acid inhibits lipid digestion but enhances curcumin bioaccessibility
Authors: Pei Yaqiong , Ai Tingyang , Deng Ziyu , Wu Di , Liang Hongshan , McClements David Julian , Li Bin
Published: May 2019

The impact of phytic acid on lipid digestion and curcumin bioaccessibility in oil-in-water nanoemulsions was investigated using a simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
Modulating effects of polysaccharides from the fruits ofLycium barbarumon the immune response and gut microbiota in cyclophosphamide-treated mice
Authors: Ding Yu , Yan Yamei , Chen Dan , Ran Linwu , Mi Jia , Lu Lu , Jing Bo , Li Xiaoying , Zeng Xiaoxiong , Cao Youlong
Published: May 2019

The effects were investigated ofLycium barbarumpolysaccharides on immunoregulation and gut microbiota dysbiosis in CTX-induced mice to elucidate whether the attenuation of immunosuppression is related to the modulation of the gut microbiota.
Pilot-scale hydrothermal pretreatment and optimized saccharification enables bisabolene production from multiple feedstocks
Authors: Pérez Pimienta José A. , Papa Gabriella , Rodriguez Alberto , Barcelos Carolina A. , Liang Ling , Stavila Vitalie , Sanchez Arturo , Gladden John M. , Simmons Blake A.
Published: May 2019

Bisabolene bioconversion is demonstrated using pilot-scale hydrothermal pretreated biomass using four feedstocks with in-depth characterization analysis.
Biocatalyzed route for the preparation of surface-deacetylated chitin nanofibers
Authors: Ye Wenbo , Ma Huazhong , Liu Liang , Yu Juan , Lai Jiangli , Fang Yaowei , Fan Yimin
Published: May 2019

Schematic diagram of a novel approach to prepare chitin nanofibers via CDA.
Electrochemical halogenation/semi-pinacol rearrangement of allylic alcohols using inorganic halide salt: an eco-friendly route to the synthesis of β-halocarbonyls
Authors: Chen Chao , Kang Jun-Chen , Mao Chen , Dong Jia-Wei , Xie Yu-Yang , Ding Tong-Mei , Tu Yong-Qiang , Chen Zhi-Min , Zhang Shu-Yu
Published: May 2019

An electrochemical halogenation/semi-pinacol rearrangement of allylic alcohols using inorganic halide salt as the halogen source has been developed.
Spatial presentation of biological molecules to cells by localized diffusive transfer
Authors: Regier Mary C. , Olszewski Emily , Carter Christoph C. , Aitchison John D. , Kaushansky Alexis , Davis Jennifer , Berthier Erwin , Beebe David J. , Stevens Kelly R.
Published: May 2019

We present a straightforward approach for controlling soluble factor patterning in open in vitro cultures.
Concentration-tuned multicolor carbon dots: microwave-assisted synthesis, characterization, mechanism and applications
Authors: Wang Xi , Xu Xue-Chen , Yang Mian , Jiang Peng , Zhao Jie , Jiang Feng-Lei , Liu Yi
Published: May 2019

A new and simple way to obtain multicolor-emission carbon dots and an exploration of their mechanism and applications.
Multifunctional Nb–Cu nanostructured materials as potential adsorbents and oxidation catalysts for real wastewater decontamination
Authors: da Cunha Tamyris T. , Silva Ingrid F. , do Pim Walace D. , Binatti Ildefonso , do Nascimento Gustavo M. , Stumpf Humberto O. , Santana Gilcinéa C. , Oliveira Luiz C. A. , Pereira Cynthia L. M.
Published: May 2019

Hybrid oxidation catalysts and adsorbent materials containing niobium(v)–copper(ii) for the decontamination of real wastewater containing organic pollutants are reported herein.
A Pt-free pristine monolithic carbon aerogel counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells: up to 20% under dim light illumination
Authors: Huang Yi-June , Lin Yong-Jie , Chien Hung-Jei , Lin Yi-Feng , Ho Kuo-Chuan
Published: May 2019

The best carbon aerogel CE gives an η of 9.08% at 100 mW cm−2 and 20.1% at 2.18 mW cm−2.
Highly functionalised (γ-azido/γ-fluoro-β-iodo/)vinyl derivatives from phosphorus based allenes or allenoates: I⋯O halogen bonding interactions
Authors: Anitha Mandala , Kumara Swamy K. C.
Published: May 2019

γ-Azido/γ-fluoro-β-iodo-vinyl phosphine oxides/phosphonates/esters/sulphone and a γ-diodoallene were synthesised from phosphorus-based allenes or allenoates or a sulphur based allene; in many cases, I⋯O halogen bonding is observed in the solid state.
Visible light-mediated organophotocatalyzed C–H bond functionalization reactions
Authors: Uygur Mustafa , García Mancheño Olga
Published: May 2019

This review provides a current overview of the recent developments in the visible light mediated organophotocatalyzed C–H bond functionalization methodologies.
A direct functionalization of polyolefins for blend compatibilization by an insertion of 1,1-bis(phenylsulfonyl)ethylene (BPSE)
Authors: Plummer Christopher M. , Zhou Houbo , Li Sihan , Zhong Hai , Sun Ziyang , Bariashir Chantsalnyam , Sun Wen-Hua , Huang Huahua , Liu Lixin , Chen Yongming
Published: May 2019

A mild post-modification of polyethylene (PE) & polypropylene (PP) to insert phenylsulfonyl groups is reported, the modified samples demonstrated to act as blend compatibilizers.
Organocopper cross-coupling reaction for C–C bond formation on highly sterically hindered structures
Authors: Oi Miku , Takita Ryo , Kanazawa Junichiro , Muranaka Atsuya , Wang Chao , Uchiyama Masanobu
Published: May 2019

A potent cross-coupling methodology that enables efficient carbon–carbon bond formation at sterically hindered sp2- and sp3-carbons has been developed.
Ferroelectric metallomesogens composed of achiral spin crossover molecules
Authors: Akiyoshi Ryohei , Hirota Yuma , Kosumi Daisuke , Tsutsumi Mayu , Nakamura Masaaki , Lindoy Leonard F. , Hayami Shinya
Published: May 2019

We report for the first time ferroelectricity induced by spin transition associated with a crystal – liquid crystal phase transition in achiral spin crossover molecules.
Correction: Carbonyl-based polyimide and polyquinoneimide for potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Tian Bingbing , Zheng Ji , Zhao Chengxi , Liu Cuibo , Su Chenliang , Tang Wei , Li Xing , Ning Guo-Hong
Published: May 2019

Correction for ‘Carbonyl-based polyimide and polyquinoneimide for potassium-ion batteries’ by Bingbing Tian et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7, 9997–10003.
Low‐voltage bulk‐driven high‐speed comparator for ADCs
Authors: Huang Zhengbo , Zhang Hong
Published: May 2019

This Letter presents a low‐voltage comparator, which incorporates bulk‐driven structure to enhance the comparison speed. The bulk nodes of the cross‐coupled transistors are biased with proper voltages in the sampling phase to lower their threshold voltages, and the input signal is then coupled to the bulk nodes in the comparison phase to provide extra transconductance. With the proposed structure, the comparator designed in 65‐nm CMOS achieves a comparison delay of 120 ps for 0.1‐mV input amplitude, which is suitable for 7‐GSPS ADCs with resolution over 12 bit at 1.2‐V Vpp input. The comparison speed is improved by >20% compared to a conventional comparator without the bulk‐driven structure.
Robust part‐based visual tracking via adaptive collaborative modelling
Authors: Kong Jun , Wang Benxuan , Jiang Min
Published: May 2019

Discriminative correlation filter‐based tracking algorithms have recently shown impressive performance on benchmark data sets. However, visual tracking is still a challenging task in the case of partial occlusions, irregular deformations and so on. In this study, the authors intend to solve these issues by introducing the adaptive collaborative model into part‐based tracking. First, instead of a simple linear superposition, the collaborative strategy they proposed combines the template model and colour‐based model adaptively and relies on the strengths of both to promote the accuracy. Second, we utilise the voting strategy to figure out the final object position from reliable parts, and the motion information is used in evaluation for reliable parts to enable the tracker to be robust in various situations. Third, the authors utilise a discriminative multi‐scale estimate method to solve the problem of scale variations. Finally, they introduce a dimensionality reduction method to limit the computational complexity of the tracker. Abundant experiments demonstrate that the tracker performs superiorly against several advanced algorithms on both the Online Tracking Benchmark (OTB) 2013 and OTB2015 data sets while maintaining the high frame rates.
New composite supernova remnant toward HESS J1844-030?
Authors: Petriella A.
Published: May 2019

Aims. HESS J1844-030 is a newly confirmed TeV source in the direction of the X-ray pulsar wind nebula (PWN) candidate G29.4+0.1 and the complex radio source G29.37+0.1, which is likely formed by the superposition of a background radio galaxy and a Galactic supernova remnant (SNR). Many scenarios have been proposed to explain the origin of HESS J1844-030, based on several sources that are capable of producing very high energy radiation. We investigate the possible connection between the SNR, the PWN G29.4+0.1, and HESS J1844-030 to shed light on the astrophysical origin of the TeV emission.

Methods. We performed an imaging and spectral study of the X-ray emission from the PWN G29.4+0.1 using archival observations obtained with the Chandra and XMM-Newton telescopes. Public radio continuum and HI data were used to derive distance constraints for the SNR that is linked to G29.37+0.1 and to investigate the interstellar medium where it is expanding. We applied a simple model of the evolution of a PWN inside an SNR to analyze the association between G29.4+0.1 and the radio emission from G29.37+0.1. We compared the spectral properties of the system with the population of TeV PWNe to investigate if HESS J1844-030 is the very high energy counterpart of the X-ray PWN G29.4+0.1.

Results. Based on the morphology and spectral behavior in the X-ray band, we conclude that G29.4+0.1 is a PWN and that a point source embedded on it is the powering pulsar. The HI data revealed that the SNR linked to G29.37+0.1 is a Galactic source at 6.5 kpc and expanding in a nonuniform medium. From the analysis of the pulsar motion and the pressure balance at the boundary of X-ray emission, we conclude that G29.4+0.1 could be a PWN that is located inside its host remnant, forming a new composite SNR. Based on the magnetic field of the PWN obtained from the X-ray luminosity, we found that the population of electrons producing synchrotron radiation in the keV band can also produce IC photons in the TeV band. This suggests that HESS J1844-030 could be the very high energy counterpart of G29.4+0.1.
Status of the KM3NeT Mediterranean Sea neutrino telescope
Authors: Coyle Paschal
Published: May 2019

The status and physics performance of the KM3NeT neutrino telescope in the Mediterranean Sea neutrino are presented.
Search for correlations of high-energy neutrinos and ultrahigh- energy cosmic rays
Authors: Schumacher Lisa
Published: May 2019

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory has recently found compelling evidence for a particular blazar producing high-energy neutrinos and PeV cosmic rays, however the sources of cosmic rays above several EeV remain unidentified. It is believed that the same environments that accelerate ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) also produce high-energy neutrinos via hadronic interactions of lower-energy cosmic rays. Two out of three joint analyses of the Ice- Cube Neutrino Observatory, the Pierre Auger Observatory and the Telescope Array yielded hints for a possible directional correlation of high-energy neutrinos and UHECRs. These hints however became less significant with more data. Recently, an improved analysis with an approach complementary to the other analyses has been developed. This analysis searches for neutrino point sources in the vicinity of UHECRs with search windows estimated from deflections by galactic magnetic fields. We present this new analysis method for searching common hadronic sources, additionally including neutrino data measured by ANTARES in order to increase the sensitivity to possible correlations in the Southern Hemisphere.
Radio detection in the multi-messenger context
Authors: Kostunin D.
Published: May 2019

The present work discusses the development of the radio technique for detection of ultra-high energy air-showers induced by cosmic radiation, and the prospects of its application in the future multi-messenger activities, particularly for detection of ultra-high energy cosmic rays, gamma rays and neutrinos. It gives an overview of the results achieved by the modern digital radio arrays, as well as discuss present challenges and future prospects.
The Sterile Neutrino: A short introduction
Authors: Naumov Dmitry V.
Published: May 2019

This is a pedagogical introduction to the main concepts of the sterile neutrino - a hypothetical particle, coined to resolve some anomalies in neutrino data and retain consistency with observed widths of the W and Z bosons. We briefly review existing anomalies and the oscillation parameters that best describe these data. We discuss in more detail how sterile neutrinos can be observed, as well as the consequences of its possible existence. In particular, we pay attention to a possible loss of coherence in a model of neutrino oscillations with sterile neutrinos, where this effect might be of a major importance with respect to the 3ν model. The current status of searches for a sterile neutrino state is also briefly reviewed.
IceCube Sterile Neutrino Searches
Authors: Jones B. J. P.
Published: May 2019

Anomalies in short baseline experiments have been interpreted as evidence for additional neutrino mass states with large mass splittings from the known, active flavors. This explanation mandates a corresponding signature in the muon neutrino disappearance channel, which has yet to be observed. Searches for muon neutrino disappearance at the IceCube neutrino telescope presently provide the strongest limits in the space of mixing angles for eVscale sterile neutrinos. This proceeding for the Very Large Volume Neutrino Telescopes (VLVnT) Workshop summarizes the IceCube analyses that have searched for sterile neutrinos and describes ongoing work toward enhanced, high-statistics sterile neutrino searches.
Earth tomography with neutrinos in KM3NeT-ORCA
Authors: Bourret Simon , Van Elewyck Véronique
Published: May 2019

The study of atmospheric neutrinos crossing the Earth can provide tomographic information on the Earth’s interior, complementary to the standard geophysics methods. This contribution presents an updated study of the potential of the KM3NeT-ORCA detector for neutrino oscillation tomography of the Earth, showing that after ten years of operation it can measure the electron density in both the lower mantle and the outer core with a precision of a few percents in the case of normal neutrino mass hierarchy.
Baikal-GVD: cascades
Authors: Avrorin A.D. , Avrorin A.V. , Aynutdinov V.M. , Bannash R. , Belolaptikov I.A. , Brudanin V.B. , Budnev N.M. , Doroshenko A.A. , Domogatsky G.V. , Dvornický R. , Dyachok A.N. , Dzhilkibaev Zh.-A.M. , Fajt L. , Fialkovsky S.V. , Gafarov A.R. , Golubkov K.V. , Gorshkov N.S. , Gres T.I. , Kebkal K.G. , Kebkal O.G. , Khramov E.V. , Kolbin M.M. , Konischev K.V. , Korobchenko A.P. , Koshechkin A.P. , Kozhin V.A. , Kruglov M.V. , Kryukov M.K. , Kulepov V.F. , Kuleshov D.A. , Milenin M.B. , Mirgazov R.A. , Nazari V. , Panfilov A.I. , Petukhov D.P. , Pliskovsky E.N. , Rozanov M.I. , Rjabov E.V. , Rushay V.D. , Safronov G.B. , Shaibonov B.A. , Šimkovic F. , Shelepov M.D. , Shtekl I. , Solovjev A.G. , Sorokovikov M.N. , Suvorova O.V. , Tabolenko V.A. , Tarashansky B.A. , Yakovlev S.A. , Zagorodnikov A.V.
Published: May 2019

Baikal-GVD is a next generation, kilometer-scale neutrino telescope currently under construction in Lake Baikal. GVD is formed by multi-megaton subarrays (clusters) and is designed for the detection of astrophysical neutrino fluxes at energies from a few TeV up to 100 PeV. The design of Baikal-GVD allows one to search for astrophysical neutrinos with flux values measured by IceCube already at early phases of the array construction. We present here preliminary results of the search for high-energy neutrinos via the cascade mode obtained in 2015 and 2016.
Improving the muon track reconstruction of IceCube and IceCube-Gen2
Authors: Bradascio Federica , Glüsenkamp Thorsten
Published: May 2019

IceCube is a cubic-kilometer Cherenkov telescope operating at the South Pole. Its goal is to detect astrophysical neutrinos and identify their sources. High-energy muon neutrinos are identified through the secondary muons produced via charge current interactions with the ice. The present bestperforming directional reconstruction of the muon track is a maximum likelihood method which uses the arrival time distribution of Cherenkov photons registered by the experiment’s photomultipliers. Known systematic shortcomings of this method are to assume continuous energy loss along the muon track, and to neglect photomultiplier-related effects such as prepulses and afterpulses. This work discusses an improvement of about 20% to the muon angular resolution of IceCube and its planned extension, IceCube-Gen2. In the reconstruction scheme presented here, the expected arrival time distribution is now parametrized by a predetermined stochastic muon energy loss pattern. The inclusion of pre- and afterpulses modelling in the PDF has also been studied, but no noticeable improvement was found, in particular in comparison to the modification of the energy loss profile.
Knowledge and Technology Transfer in KM3NeT
Authors: Tzamariudaki Ekaterini , Pikounis Konstantinos
Published: May 2019

The status of the construction of the KM3NeT detector components and the experience gained from the detector units deployed underpin the dissemination of innovative technological solutions to industry, Institutions and other potentially interested parties. KM3NeT is now entering a phase during which the design of the detector elements is being finalized and testing procedures for controlling the quality of the different components are settled. In addition, a few KM3NeT detection units have been deployed successfully and many more are coming, data have been recorded and are currently being analysed. The maturity and scalability of the technological solutions developed or modified by KM3NeT has been demonstrated and therefore justifies their exposure to relevant technology developers or users.
The multi-PMT optical module for the IceCube-Upgrade
Authors: Classen Lew , Kappes Alexander
Published: May 2019

Following the first observation of an astrophysical high-energy neutrino flux with the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in 2013, planning for an upgrade of the detector is progressing, which will expand the capabilities of the detector both at low and high neutrino energies. A substantial contribution to the improved performance is anticipated to be achieved by the application of advanced optical module technology. The multi-PMT optical module, mDOM, consists of 24 3-inch PMTs which provide, amongst others, a large, homogeneous photosensitive area and sensitivity to the incident direction of photons. After an introduction, the current status of the mDOM development is presented with emphasis on the characterization of the photomultipliers under consideration.
The Positioning system for KM3NeT
Authors: Riccobene Giorgio
Published: May 2019

The paper describes the implementation of a hybrid positioning system based on tilt and compass sensors, integrated into an electronic board, and an acoustic positioning system to be installed aboard KM3NeT. The acoustic system will be capable to fulfil detector relative and absolute positioning, to provide data for cross-fertilisation with Earth and Sea science (bio-acoustics and environmental monitoring) and to allow studies for neutrino acoustic detection. Tilt and Compass boards installed in each optical module provide information about the DOM orientation.