bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural insight into the electron transfer pathway of a self-sufficient P450 monooxygenase
Authors: Zhang Lilan , Xie Zhenzhen , Liu Ziwei , Zhou Shuyu , Ma Lixin , Liu Weidong , Huang Jian-Wen , Ko Tzu-Ping , Li Xiuqin , Hu Yuechan , Min Jian , Yu Xuejing , Guo Rey-Ting , Chen Chun-Chi
Published: May 2020

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases are versatile heme-thiolate enzymes that catalyze a wide range of reactions. Self-sufficient cytochrome P450 enzymes contain the redox partners in a single polypeptide chain. Here, we present the crystal structure of full-length CYP116B46, a self-sufficient P450. The continuous polypeptide chain comprises three functional domains, which align well with the direction of electrons traveling from FMN to the heme through the [2Fe-2S] cluster. FMN and the [2Fe-2S] cluster are positioned closely, which facilitates efficient electron shuttling. The edge-to-edge straight-line distance between the [2Fe-2S] cluster and heme is approx. 25.3 Å. The role of several residues located between the [2Fe-2S] cluster and heme in the catalytic reaction is probed in mutagenesis experiments. These findings not only provide insights into the intramolecular electron transfer of self-sufficient P450s, but are also of interest for biotechnological applications of self-sufficient P450s.
Active colloidal molecules assembled via selective and directional bonds
Authors: Wang Zuochen , Wang Zhisheng , Li Jiahui , Tian Changhao , Wang Yufeng
Published: May 2020

The assembly of active and self-propelled particles is an emerging strategy to create dynamic materials otherwise impossible. However, control of the complex particle interactions remains challenging. Here, we show that various dynamic interactions of active patchy particles can be orchestrated by tuning the particle size, shape, composition, etc. This capability is manifested in establishing dynamic colloidal bonds that are highly selective and directional, which greatly expands the spectrum of colloidal structures and dynamics by assembly. For example, we demonstrate the formation of colloidal molecules with tunable bond angles and orientations. They exhibit controllable propulsion, steering, reconfiguration as well as other dynamic behaviors that collectively reflect the bond properties. The working principle is further extended to the co-assembly of synthetic particles with biological entities including living cells, giving rise to hybrid colloidal molecules of various types, for example, a colloidal carrousel structure. Our strategy should enable active systems to perform sophisticated tasks in future such as selective cell treatment.
Probe-target hybridization depends on spatial uniformity of initial concentration condition across large-format chips
Authors: Geldert Alisha , Huang Haiyan , Herr Amy E.
Published: May 2020

Diverse assays spanning from immunohistochemistry (IHC), to microarrays (protein, DNA), to high-throughput screens rely on probe-target hybridization to detect analytes. These large-format ‘chips’ array numerous hybridization sites across centimeter-scale areas. However, the reactions are prone to intra-assay spatial variation in hybridization efficiency. The mechanism of spatial bias in hybridization efficiency is poorly understood, particularly in IHC and in-gel immunoassays, where immobilized targets are heterogeneously distributed throughout a tissue or hydrogel network. In these systems, antibody probe hybridization to a target protein antigen depends on the interplay of dilution, thermodynamic partitioning, diffusion, and reaction. Here, we investigate parameters governing antibody probe transport and reaction (i.e., immunoprobing) in a large-format hydrogel immunoassay. Using transport and bimolecular binding theory, we identify a regime in which immunoprobing efficiency (η) is sensitive to the local concentration of applied antibody probe solution, despite the antibody probe being in excess compared to antigen. Sandwiching antibody probe solution against the hydrogel surface yields spatially nonuniform dilution. Using photopatterned fluorescent protein targets and a single-cell immunoassay, we identify regimes in which nonuniformly distributed antibody probe solution causes intra-assay variation in background and η. Understanding the physicochemical factors affecting probe-target hybridization reduces technical variation in large-format chips, improving measurement precision.
Integration of Position and Predictive Motion Signals in Aging Vision
Authors: Jeon Hyun-Jun , Yun Yeojeong , Kwon Oh-Sang
Published: May 2020

We examined the effect of aging on the integration of position and motion signals, which is essential for tracking visual objects, using the motion-induced position shift (MIPS) phenomenon. We first measured the MIPS and bias in speed perception at three eccentricities. Both young and older adults showed the increasing MIPS and decreasing perceived speed as the eccentricity increased, which is consistent with previous literature. More importantly, we found that the mean MIPS was 2.87 times larger in older adults, and the response variability in position tasks showed a larger difference between age groups compared with the difference in speed tasks. We then measured the MIPS across stimulus durations. Temporal changes in the MIPS showed similar patterns in young and older adults in that the MIPS initially peaked at around 60 ms and approached an asymptote. We further analyzed the changes in response variability across stimulus durations to estimate sensory noise and propagation noise separately and found that only sensory noise was significantly larger in older adults. The overall results suggest that the increased MIPS in older adults is due to the increased dependency on predictive motion signals to compensate for the relatively imprecise position signals, which in turn implies that older adults would depend more on the motion signals to track objects.
Gearing Up the Human Ankle-Foot System to Reduce Energy Cost of Fast Walking
Authors: Ray Samuel F. , Takahashi Kota Z.
Published: May 2020

During locomotion, the human ankle-foot system dynamically alters its gearing, or leverage of the ankle joint on the ground. Shifting ankle-foot gearing regulates speed of plantarflexor (i.e., calf muscle) contraction, which influences economy of force production. Here, we tested the hypothesis that manipulating ankle-foot gearing via stiff-insoled shoes will change the force-velocity operation of plantarflexor muscles and influence whole-body energy cost differently across walking speeds. We used in vivo ultrasound imaging to analyze fascicle contraction mechanics and whole-body energy expenditure across three walking speeds (1.25, 1.75, and 2.0 m/s) and three levels of foot stiffness. Stiff insoles increased leverage of the foot upon the ground  (p < 0.001), and increased dorsiflexion range-of-motion (p < 0.001). Furthermore, stiff insoles resulted in a 15.9% increase in average force output (p < 0.001) and 19.3% slower fascicle contraction speed (p = 0.002) of the major plantarflexor (Soleus) muscle, indicating a shift in its force-velocity operating region. Metabolically, the stiffest insoles increased energy cost by 9.6% at a typical walking speed (1.25 m/s, p = 0.026), but reduced energy cost by 7.1% at a fast speed (2.0 m/s, p = 0.040). Stiff insoles appear to add an extra gear unavailable to the human foot, which can enhance muscular performance in a specific locomotion task.
Future heat waves over the Mediterranean from an Euro-CORDEX regional climate model ensemble
Authors: Molina M. O. , Sánchez E. , Gutiérrez C.
Published: May 2020

Heat waves are among the most relevant extreme climatic events due to their effects on society, agriculture and environment. The aim of this work is to improve our understanding of heat waves over the Mediterranean basin during the 21st century from an ensemble of Regional Climate Models (RCMs). Focus has been placed on sensitivities to forcing global models, emissions scenarios and the RCM resolution, being the first work based on Euro-CORDEX simulations to fully analyze future heat waves in the Mediterranean. Heat wave features are studied with Warm Spell Duration Index (WSDI, duration) and Heat Wave Magnitude Index daily (HWMId, intensity). Results indicate a large increase by the end of the century in both intensity and length of heat waves from all emissions scenarios, global models, and regional models at any resolution. Exceptional heat waves observed early on the century could then become normal by the end of this period. Forcing global models and emissions scenarios play a major role. Clear added value on spatial distribution and heat wave indices are obtained from global to regional models dynamical downscaling, related to the important coastal or orographic aspects widely present over the Mediterranean.
A simple, rapid typing method for Streptococcus agalactiae based on ribosomal subunit proteins by MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Rothen Julian , Sapugahawatte Dulmini Nanayakkara , Li Carmen , Lo Norman , Vogel Guido , Foucault Frédéric , Pflüger Valentin , Pothier Joёl F. , Blom Jochen , Daubenberger Claudia , Ip Margaret
Published: May 2020

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS), is a frequent human colonizer and a leading cause of neonatal meningitis as well as an emerging pathogen in non-pregnant adults. GBS possesses a broad animal host spectrum, and recent studies proved atypical GBS genotypes can cause human invasive diseases through animal sources as food-borne zoonotic infections. We applied a MALDI-TOF MS typing method, based on molecular weight variations of predefined 28 ribosomal subunit proteins (rsp) to classify GBS strains of varying serotypes into major phylogenetic lineages. A total of 249 GBS isolates of representative and varying capsular serotypes from patients and animal food sources (fish and pig) collected during 2016–2018 in Hong Kong were analysed. Over 84% (143/171) noninvasive carriage GBS strains from patients were readily typed into 5 globally dominant rsp-profiles. Among GBS strains from food animals, over 90% (57/63) of fish and 13% (2/15) of pig GBS matched with existing rsp-profiles, while the remainder were classified into two novel rsp-profiles and we failed to assign a fish strain into any cluster. MALDI-TOF MS allowed for high-throughput screening and simultaneous detection of novel, so far not well described GBS genotypes. The method shown here is rapid, simple, readily transferable and adapted for use in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory with potential for the surveillance of emerging GBS genotypes with zoonotic potential.
Effect of beta-based sterilization on P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) terpolymer for medical applications
Authors: Della Schiava Nellie , Pedroli Francesco , Thetpraphi Kritsadi , Flocchini Annalisa , Le Minh-Quyen , Lermusiaux Patrick , Capsal Jean-Fabien , Cottinet Pierre-Jean
Published: May 2020

Electroactive polymers (EAP) are one of the latest generations of flexible actuators, enabling new approaches to propulsion and maneuverability. Among them, poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene), abbreviated terpolymer, with its multifunctional sensing and actuating abilities as well as its impressive electrostrictive behavior, especially when being doped with an plasticizer, has been demonstrated to be a good candidate for the development of low-cost flexible guidewire tip for endovascular surgery. To minimize the possibility of bacterial, fungal, or viral disease transmission, all medical instruments (especially components made from polymers) must be sterilized before introduction into the patient. Gamma/beta (γ/β) irradiation is considered to be one of the most efficient techniques for targeted reduction of microbials and viruses under low temperature, often without drastic alterations in device properties. However, radiation may cause some physical and chemical changes in polymers. A compromise is required to ensure sufficient radiation for microbial deactivation but minimal radiation to retain the material’s properties. The main idea of this study aims at assessing the electromechanical performances and thermal/dielectric properties of β-irradiated terpolymer-based sterilization treatment. Ionizing β-rays did not cause any significant risk to the neat/plasticized terpolymers, confirming the reliability of such electrostrictive materials for medical device development.
Nickel-catalyzed regio- and diastereoselective hydroarylative and hydroalkenylative cyclization of 1,6-dienes
Authors: Xu Zhengshuai , Tang Yitian , Shen Chaoren , Zhang Hongru , Gan Yuxin , Ji Xiaolei , Tian Xinxin , Dong Kaiwu
Published: May 2020

By using methanol as the hydrogen source and commercially available nickel complex as the catalyst, the hydroarylative and hydroalkenylative cyclization of unsymmetrically substituted 1,6-dienes with organoboronic acid was developed to afford products with high regio- and diastereoselectivities.
Stepwise elucidation of fluorescence based sensing mechanisms considering picric acid as a model analyte
Authors: Tanwar Arvin Sain , Meher Niranjan , Adil Laxmi Raman , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan
Published: May 2020

The precise study of fluorescence-based sensing mechanisms and a step-by-step design experiment for the elucidation of the mechanism of sensing for newly designed sensing systems can be ascertained using the presented tutorial review.
Spreading of benquitrione droplets on superhydrophobic leaves through pillar[5]arene-based host–guest chemistry
Authors: Song Qianqian , Mei Longcan , Zhang Xujie , Xu Pingping , Dhinakaran Manivannan Kalavathi , Li Haibing , Yang Guangfu
Published: May 2020

Spreading of agricultural sprays on plant surfaces is a significant task as it helps decrease pesticide usage and thereby reduces the risk of environmental pollution.
On-surface synthesis of super-heptazethrene
Authors: Mishra Shantanu , Melidonie Jason , Eimre Kristjan , Obermann Sebastian , Gröning Oliver , Pignedoli Carlo A. , Ruffieux Pascal , Feng Xinliang , Fasel Roman
Published: May 2020

On-surface synthesis of a zethrene compound, super-heptazethrene, is reported on Au(111), along with its detailed characterization using scanning tunneling microscopy.
Antigen down format photoelectrochemical analysis supported by fullerene functionalized Sn3O4
Authors: Xu Rui , Du Yu , Leng Dongquan , Liu Lei , Li Yuyang , Ren Xiang , Fan Dawei , Wang Huan , Wei Qin
Published: May 2020

Herein, a smart competitive-type photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor based on an antigen-down (Ag-down) format for procalcitonin (PCT) detection is proposed.
Intracellular location matters: rationalization of the anti-inflammatory activity of a manganese(ii) superoxide dismutase mimic complex
Authors: Mathieu Emilie , Bernard Anne-Sophie , Quévrain Elodie , Zoumpoulaki Martha , Iriart Sébastien , Lung-Soong Caroline , Lai Barry , Medjoubi Kadda , Henry Lucas , Nagarajan Sounderya , Poyer Florent , Scheitler Andreas , Ivanović-Burmazović Ivana , Marco Sergio , Somogyi Andrea , Seksik Philippe , Delsuc Nicolas , Policar Clotilde
Published: May 2020

The study of Mn-based superoxide dismutase mimic conjugated with a multimodal Re-probe in a cellular model of oxidative stress revealed that its bioactivity is associated with its accumulation at the mitochondria.
Growth and characterization of ternary BiScO3–Pb(Cd1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 ferroelectric single crystals with high Curie temperature
Authors: Luo Zeng , Zhuang Jian , Liu Zenghui , Zhang Nan , Ren Wei , Ye Zuo-Guang
Published: May 2020

BiScO3–Pb(Cd1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 single crystals with high quality have been successfully grown by the top-seeded solution growth method and the single ferroelastic domain structures and ferroelectric behaviors have also been reviewed.
Synthesis and photocatalytic activities of two homochiral metal–organic frameworks with cages and hydrogen bonding helices
Authors: Jiang Zhan-Guo , Wu Xin , Xu Zhong-Xuan , Zhan Cai-Hong , Zhang Jian
Published: May 2020

Two homochiral metal–organic frameworks with M3L2 cages exhibit interesting hydrogen bonding helices and excellent photocatalytic activity.
C–F and C–H bond cleavage mechanisms of trifluoromethane ions in low-lying electronic states: threshold photoelectron–photoion coincidence imaging and theoretical investigations
Authors: Chen Yan , Yu Tongpo , Wu Xiangkun , Zhou Xiaoguo , Liu Shilin , Liu Fuyi , Dai Xinhua
Published: May 2020

Dissociative ionization of trifluoromethane (CHF3) is investigated in the 13.9–18.0 eV energy range using the threshold photoelectron–photoion coincidence (TPEPICO) technique coupled to a vacuum ultraviolet synchrotron radiation source.
Molecular packing of pharmaceuticals analyzed with paramagnetic relaxation enhancement and ultrafast magic angle pinning NMR
Authors: Lu Xingyu , Tsutsumi Yu , Huang Chengbin , Xu Wei , Byrn Stephen R. , Templeton Allen C. , Buevich Alexei V. , Amoureux Jean-Paul , Su Yongchao
Published: May 2020

Probing molecular details of fluorinated pharmaceutical compounds at a faster acquisition utilizing paramagnetic relaxation enhancement and better resolution from ultrafast magic angle spinning (νrot= 110 kHz) and high magnetic field (B0= 18.8 T).
Modeling analysis for the growth of a Li sphere and Li whisker in a solid-state lithium metal battery
Authors: Yang Fuqian
Published: May 2020

Growth of a Li sphere in a solid-state lithium metal battery.
trans-Platinum(iv) pro-drugs that exhibit unusual resistance to reduction by endogenous reductants and blood serum but are rapidly activated inside cells:1H NMR and XANES spectroscopy study
Authors: Chen Catherine K. J. , Kappen Peter , Gibson Dan , Hambley Trevor W.
Published: May 2020

All-trans diammine platinum complexes with four carboxylate donors are stable in the presence ofl-ascorbate and blood serum, but are reduced rapidly in whole blood and in cancer cells.
The value of seasonal energy storage technologies for the integration of wind and solar power
Authors: Guerra Omar J. , Zhang Jiazi , Eichman Joshua , Denholm Paul , Kurtz Jennifer , Hodge Bri-Mathias
Published: May 2020

Energy storage at all timescales, including the seasonal scale, plays a pivotal role in enabling increased penetration levels of wind and solar photovoltaic energy sources in power systems.
Reply to the “Comment on the publication ‘Ferroelectricity-free lead halide perovskites’ by Gomez et al.” by Colsmann et al.
Authors: Gómez Andrés , Wang Qiong , Goñi Alejandro R. , Campoy-Quiles Mariano , Abate Antonio
Published: May 2020

Lead halide perovskites are ferroelectricity-free, whereas domains observed in PFM measurements are likely due to twinning driven by strain compensation.
Light and oxygen-enabled sodium trifluoromethanesulfinate-mediated selective oxidation of C–H bonds
Authors: Zhu Xianjin , Liu Yong , Liu Can , Yang Haijun , Fu Hua
Published: May 2020

A light and oxygen-enabled sodium trifluoromethanesulfinate-mediated selective oxidation of C–H bonds has been developed. High-value-added aromatic ketones and carboxylic acids were easily prepared in high-to-excellent yields using readily available starting materials.
Hierarchical porous carbon derived from the gas-exfoliation activation of lignin for high-energy lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Xi Yuebin , Huang Si , Yang Dongjie , Qiu Xueqing , Su Huajian , Yi Conghua , Li Qiong
Published: May 2020

A green approach in the gas-exfoliation and in situ templating-assistant synthesis route was developed to prepare hierarchical lignin-derived porous carbon (HLPC) using non-corrosive, recyclable ZnCO3 as an activator.
Development of X-ray imaging of intracellular elements and structure
Authors: Matsuyama Satoshi , Maeshima Kazuhiro , Shimura Mari
Published: May 2020

This review discusses the application of X-ray imaging of intracellular elements & structure.
Detectability and discrimination of biomarker organic precursors in a low pressure CO2 atmosphere by LIBS
Authors: Delgado T. , García-Gómez L. , Cabalín L. M. , Laserna J. J.
Published: May 2020

LIBS molecular emission analysis constitutes a reliable approach in order to establish an identification system for biomarker organic precursors under a low pressure CO2 atmosphere.
Novel SERS-based process analysis for label-free segmented flow screenings
Authors: Mendl Alexander , Köhler J. Michael , Bošković Dušan , Löbbecke Stefan
Published: May 2020

A new SERS method for segmented flow screening using parallelized silver/polyacrylamide composite spots and miniaturized equipment.
A stilbazolium dye-based chromogenic and red-fluorescent probe for recognition of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol in water
Authors: Dhiman Sukhvinder , Kumar Gulshan , Luxami Vijay , Singh Prabhpreet , Kumar Subodh
Published: May 2020

Probe DMAS-DP in water shows highly selective decrease in absorbance (475 nm) and fluorescence intensity (615 nm) with 2,4,6-trinitrophenol and colour change from red to yellow (visible light) and red fluorescent to black (365 nm light).
Selective nitration of phenol to o-nitrophenol in the presence of metal-free reduced graphene oxide at room temperature
Authors: Mondal Sourov , Singh Jaydeep , Singh Shikha , Vishwakarma Sambhav , Mitra Kheyanath , Kumari Archana , Singh Rajshree , Sen Gupta Susanta K. , Ray Biswajit
Published: May 2020

Reduced graphene oxide catalyzed selective synthesis of o-nitrophenol from an equimolar mixture of phenol and nitric acid in dichloroethane at room temperature.
Efficient synthesis of boronate affinity-based chlorogenic acid-imprinted magnetic nanomaterials for the selective recognition of chlorogenic acid in fruit juices
Authors: Li Guanfeng , Shi Zehua , Li Daojin
Published: May 2020

Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a cis-diol-containing compound, can exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-oxidation properties.
Heterogeneous catalysis for the tandem cyclisation of unsaturated alcohols
Authors: Seijo Lorenzo , Ondet Pierrick , Olivero Sandra , Duñach Elisabet
Published: May 2020

A methodology for the tandem cycloisomerisation of doubly unsaturated alcohols using Amberlyst-15 was developed.
Preparation of YbF3-Ho@TiO2 core–shell sub-microcrystal spheres and their application to the electrode of dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Yu Jia , Yang Yulin , Zhang Chuanxiang , Fan Ruiqing , Su Ting
Published: May 2020

The TiO2/YbF3-Ho@TiO2 heterostructure with light-scattering and NIR-light harvesting characteristics can facilitate charge separation, suppress recombination process and prolong the lifetime of electrons.
ZnMn bimetallic selenide for rechargeable aluminum batteries
Authors: Zhao Shimeng , Du Yiqun , Xu Cheng , Zhang Wenyang , Zhang Jianxin
Published: May 2020

A high-capacity cathode based on two-phase ZnMn–Se is designed for rechargeable aluminum batteries.
Na-Ion storage in iron hydroxide phosphate hydrate through a reversible crystalline-to-amorphous phase transition
Authors: Henriksen Christian , Karlsen Martin Aaskov , Jakobsen Christian Lund , Ravnsbæk Dorthe Bomholdt
Published: May 2020

Iron(iii) hydroxide phosphate hydrate Fe1.13(PO4)(OH)0.39(H2O)0.61 is investigated for the first time as a Na-ion battery cathode. The material exhibits similar storage capacities for Na- and Li-ions at relatively low current rates (i.e. C/10).
Systematic study on evolution of self-assembly morphologies of CABC tetrablock terpolymers with varied segment lengths
Authors: Zheng Jie , Goto Atsushi
Published: May 2020

The self-assembly structures of PEEA-PMMA-PGLMMA-PEEA CABC-type tetrablock terpolymers with a fixed length of the PGLMMA (red colour) segment and varied lengths of the PMMA (blue) and PEEA (green) segments were systematically studied.
Correction: Visible-light photooxidation in water by 1O2-generating supramolecular hydrogels
Authors: Biswas Sankarsan , Kumar Mohit , Levine Andrew M. , Jimenez Ian , Ulijn Rein V. , Braunschweig Adam B.
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Visible-light photooxidation in water by 1O2-generating supramolecular hydrogels’ by Sankarsan Biswas et al., Chem. Sci., 2020, 11, 4239–4245, DOI: 10.1039/C9SC06481H.
Rheological and rheo-birefringence features of semidilute ethyl cellulose dispersions under steady shear flow
Authors: Jiang Jung-Shiun , Liao Hsiang-Yu , Hua Chi-Chung
Published: May 2020

We have conducted comprehensive rheological and rheo-birefringence characterizations of a series of semidilute ethyl cellulose (EC)/α-terpineol dispersions under steady shear flow.
Protochlorophyllide synthesis by recombinant cyclases from eukaryotic oxygenic phototrophs and the dependence on Ycf54
Authors: Chen Guangyu E. , Hunter C. Neil
Published: May 2020

The unique isocyclic E ring of chlorophylls contributes to their role as light-absorbing pigments in photosynthesis. The formation of the E ring is catalyzed by the Mg-protoporphyrin IX monomethyl ester cyclase, and the O2-dependent cyclase in prokaryotes consists of a diiron protein AcsF, augmented in cyanobacteria by an auxiliary subunit Ycf54. Here, we establish the composition of plant and algal cyclases, by demonstrating the in vivo heterologous activity of O2-dependent cyclases from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana in the anoxygenic photosynthetic bacterium Rubrivivax gelatinosus and in the non-photosynthetic bacterium Escherichia coli. In each case, an AcsF homolog is the core catalytic subunit, but there is an absolute requirement for an algal/plant counterpart of Ycf54, so the necessity for an auxiliary subunit is ubiquitous among oxygenic phototrophs. A C-terminal ∼40 aa extension, which is present specifically in green algal and plant Ycf54 proteins, may play an important role in the normal function of the protein as a cyclase subunit.
Computational analysis and verification of molecular genetic targets for glioblastoma
Authors: Xue Liang , Liu Haibing , Chen Yehuang , Wei Liangfeng , Hong Jingfang
Published: May 2020

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis. The initial treatment for high-grade gliomas is surgical excision. However, even with concomitant use of radiation or chemotherapy, patients are still prone to recurrence. The specific pathogenesis of GBM is still controversial.

Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between GBM and normal brain tissues were screened. P-value was obtained by Bayes test based on the limma package. Statistical significance was set as P-value <0.05 and |Fold change (FC)| > 0.2 (GSE90886); P-value <0.05 and |FC| > 1 (GSE116520, GSE103228). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), protein–protein interaction (PPI) network were performed. Hub genes were selected from miRNA target genes and DEGs. GBM and normal brain tissues were extracted to verify the expression.

Results: A total of 100 DEGs were overlapped in both datasets. Analysis of pathways and process enrichment tests indicated that ion transport, positive regulation of macromolecule metabolic process, cell cycle, axon guidance were enriched in the GBM. Sixteen hub genes were identified. Hub genes ADARB1 and neuropilin 1 (NRP1) were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) (P<0.05). Eukaryotic translation termination factor 1 (ETF1) was associated with DFS (P<0.05).

Conclusions: DEGs and DEMs were found between GBM tumor tissues and normal brain tissues. These biomarkers may be used as targets for early diagnosis and specific treatment.
Gut microbiota and metabolites in the pathogenesis of endocrine disease
Authors: Fenneman Aline C. , Rampanelli Elena , Yin Yue S. , Ames Jesse , Blaser Martin J. , Fliers Eric , Nieuwdorp Max
Published: May 2020

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are the two most common autoimmune endocrine diseases that have rising global incidence. These diseases are caused by the immune-mediated destruction of hormone-producing endocrine cells, pancreatic beta cells and thyroid follicular cells, respectively. Both genetic predisposition and environmental factors govern the onset of T1D and HT. Recent evidence strongly suggests that the intestinal microbiota plays a role in accelerating or preventing disease progression depending on the compositional and functional profile of the gut bacterial communities. Accumulating evidence points towards the interplay between the disruption of gut microbial homeostasis (dysbiosis) and the breakdown of host immune tolerance at the onset of both diseases. In this review, we will summarize the major recent findings about the microbiome alterations associated with T1D and HT, and the connection of these changes to disease states. Furthermore, we will discuss the potential mechanisms by which gut microbial dysbiosis modulates the course of the disease, including disruption of intestinal barrier integrity and microbial production of immunomodulatory metabolites. The aim of this review is to provide broad insight into the role of gut microbiome in the pathophysiology of these diseases.
49.35 MHz GBW and 33.43 MHz GBW amplifiers in flexible a‐IGZO TFT technology
Authors: Meister T. , Ishida K. , Sou A. , Carta C. , Ellinger F.
Published: May 2020

The authors present the implementation of two amplifiers in a commercial flexible amorphous Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (a‐IGZO) thin‐film transistor (TFT) technology: a Cherry Hooper (CH) amplifier and a 4‐stage common source amplifier. The CH amplifier is designed as a pre‐amplifier for wireless receivers. It is optimised for a high gain‐bandwidth product (GBW). From a supply voltage of V it provides 19.4 dB gain and has a ‐bandwidth of 5.3 MHz, while consuming 0.2 mW. It has a GBW of 49.35 MHz, which is more than a factor two better than previously reported a‐IGZO TFT amplifiers. The 4‐stage common source amplifier is designed as output buffer, has a very wide range of operating conditions and strong robustness against manufacturing tolerances. From a supply voltage of V it provides 28.9 dB gain, has a ‐bandwidth of 1.2 MHz, and a GBW product of 33.43 MHz, while consuming 14.2 mW. Both circuits can operate from a supply voltage between 2.5 and 10 V.
Parameters estimation for multiphase induction machine with concentrated windings through finite element method
Authors: Wang Yan , Yang Jiaqiang , Deng Rongfeng , Yang Guanghui
Published: May 2020

The numerical technique for parameters estimation is applicable for the induction machine (IM) with arbitrary number of stator phases and arbitrary number of rotor bars. The self‐inductance and mutual inductance matrices for the stator side and rotor side are constructed through the magnetic vector potential method. The Clarke transformation is implemented to separate the magnetising inductance and slot leakage inductance of each sequence plane, where the orthogonality theory of trigonometric function is used. The harmonic leakage inductance of each plane is calculated based on the ratios of the harmonic components among air‐gap flux density. The 2D eddy current field solver is conducted to obtain the rotor resistance based on the IM equivalent circuit. A classical mathematical model is established using the acquired parameters under Simulink environment to accomplish the comparisons between the simulated and experimental performance. The non‐sinusoidal power supply based on the rotor field‐orientated control, which is highly dependent on the precision of parameters, is carried out under no‐load and heavy load conditions to indirectly verify the accuracy of parameters.
Cascaded controller for a standalone microgrid‐connected inverter based on triple‐action controller and particle swarm optimisation
Authors: Salim Omar M. , Aboraya Amgad , Arafa Shawky I.
Published: May 2020

In this study, power quality (PQ) improvement has been addressed, in the form of total harmonic distortion (THD) minimisation, as well as, voltage regulation using two cascaded schemes. The first scheme is the optimised triple action controller (TAC)‐based pulse width modulated voltage source inverter. TAC consists of a proportional resonant controller, selective harmonic compensator, and a new added current‐assisted feed forward controller. The second scheme is the optimised cascaded dual‐level control of a standalone microgrid. Cascaded level control consists of droop, secondary, and synchronisation control loops. The two approaches have been optimised for best parameter selection out of the possible solution space using a particle swarm optimisation algorithm to satisfy the study objectives. The optimisation objectives/constraints were to minimise THD and minimise overshoot/undershoot, rise time, and steady‐state error for voltage compensation under two disturbance scenarios, sudden load change, and voltage flicker injection as a power frequency disturbance. These research results have been compared to other existing simulation and experimental work. The results proved to be better in output voltage, frequency, response time, and THD. Furthermore, the proposed schemes ensure power factor improvement, high efficiency, overall system PQ, and reliability at various load conditions.
Voltage stability assessment accounting for non‐linearity of Thévenin voltages
Authors: Karatas Bahtiyar C. , Jóhannsson Hjortur , Nielsen Arne Hejde
Published: May 2020

This study presents a new method that overcomes the limitations of previous Thévenin equivalent methods used for detecting voltage instability. The new method determines the maximum deliverable power to a load by accounting for the non‐linearity of the Thévenin voltage seen from a load. The developed algorithm computes Thévenin equivalents seen from voltage‐controlled and non‐controlled nodes to determine how much load changes influence the contributing generators to a load. The algorithm computes an active load margin which gives information about the distance to instability. Tests are performed on the modified Nordic32 system, where the on‐load tap changer mechanism of transformers was the driving force causing voltage instability that leads to small‐signal rotor angle instability. The results demonstrate that the proposed method accurately detects voltage instability compared to the method based on the Thévenin impedance matching criterion, which first detects instability when the system conditions have crossed the critical boundaries.
Impact assessment of clearance in corona testing for a high‐voltage substation connector set using FEM
Authors: De La Hoz Manuel , Etxegarai Agurtzane , Larrea Ane Miren , Mazon Angel Javier , Zorrozua Miguel Angel
Published: May 2020

The relevance of clearance in the inception voltage at which a positive corona effect occurs on a substation connector set rated at is studied. The methodology for the inception voltage prediction is based on Pedersen's criterion and uses the finite element method (FEM). The calculation and simulation procedure is then applied to the connector set under study in a reference test set‐up under the conditions established by NEMA CC1 and IEC 61284 standards. To analyse the impact of the proximity of substation connectors to the laboratory walls and between them, the enclosure size and the connector's separation have been modified for the present study. As a result, it can be concluded that clearance can create differences in inception voltage up to 15%. Therefore, the relevance of clearance in inception voltage depends not only on the connectors' geometry but also on their location within the set‐up and the proximity of other elements. Additional contributions are also presented in the present study regarding the definition of the critical line and improvements in the calculation for run‐time and error minimisation time. Thus, the implementation of the proposed methodology for industrial applications is streamlined.
Nano‐antenna synthesis for end‐fire and pencil‐beam far‐field radiation patterns using vector spherical wave functions
Authors: Vaezi Seyed Sina , Nikmehr Saeid , Pourziad Ali
Published: May 2020

Two sets of irregularly placed dielectric nano‐spheres are synthesised as two nano‐antennas. One of them has an end‐fire and the other has a pencil‐beam far‐field radiation pattern. The electrical sizes (radiuses) and relative permittivities of all spheres are chosen to be 0.1 and 4, respectively. An incident plane‐wave is illuminated on spheres. The aim is to find the optimal positions of spheres to scatter the incident wave similar to the end‐fire and pencil beam radiation patterns. At first, the numbers of spheres of the nano‐antennas are determined. Next, a random three‐dimensional distribution of spheres is considered. Desired pencil‐beam and end‐fire patterns besides all scattered and incident waves are expanded to vector spherical wave functions. Therefore, the analysis is performed in the spectral domain of the spherical harmonics. The multiple scattering between spheres is considered. Coefficients of scattered waves are calculated by applying boundary conditions on the surface of all spheres. The aggregate difference of coefficients of total far‐field scattering waves and coefficients of the desired far‐field pattern is considered as a cost‐function for an optimisation method. Particle swarm optimisation tool is used to optimise the positions of spheres to decrease the cost value. This process is done in several iterations. It is shown that by increasing the number of iterations, the value of cost function is decreased. So, this is an efficient method to design antennas including nano‐antennas for any arbitrary radiation pattern and polarisation.
Underwater localisation correction method for drifting anchor nodes with an extra floating anchor node
Authors: Zhao Chen , Qiao Gang , Zhou Feng , Ahmed Niaz
Published: May 2020

Drifting of anchor nodes due to ocean currents and tides is a challenging issue in efficient localisation for underwater acoustic sensor networks. This study therefore proposes a correction method to compensate the error caused by drifting (and accurately localise the target) by introducing an extra floating anchor node. The floating anchor node is placed in the middle of the localisation area and its coordinates are known by GPS. The floating anchor node acts as a reference node and therefore is useful in compensating the localisation error. The detailed method consists of three stages: (i) estimate the floating anchor node's location with other anchor nodes; (ii) calculate the compensation parameter from both real‐time and calculated coordinates of floating anchor node; and (iii) locate the target with anchor nodes first and then correct the result with compensation parameter calculated in stage (ii). Simulations and experiment results show that the proposed method produces a improvement in localisation accuracy. A remarkable improvement of 27% is demonstrated with the experimental data with the cost of only a single floating anchor node.
Star formation in outer rings of S0 galaxies
Authors: Sil’chenko O. , Moiseev A.
Published: May 2020

Aims. Even though S0 galaxies are usually thought to be ‘red and dead’, they often demonstrate star formation organised in ring structures. We try to clarify the nature of this phenomenon and the difference between this occurrence and star formation in spiral galaxies. The luminous S0 galaxy with a large ring, UGC 5936, is studied in this work.

Methods. We measured gas and star kinematics by applying long-slit spectroscopy along the major axis of UGC 5936, as well as Lick indices for the main body of the galaxy and strong emission-line flux ratios in the ring. After inspecting the gas excitation in the ring using line ratio diagnostic diagrams and having ensured that it is ionised mostly by young stars, we determined the gas oxygen abundance with popular strong-line methods. We also proved the spatial proximity of the south-eastern dwarf satellite to UGC 5936 and measured its gas metallicity.

Results. The ionised gas of the ring is excited by young stars and has solar metallicity. Star formation in the ring is rather prolonged and its intensity corresponds to the current HI content of UGC 5936 (to the Kennicutt-Schmidt relation). The whole morphology of the HI distribution implies current accretion of the cold gas from the satellite onto the outer disc of UGC 5936. The accretion being smooth and laminar provides a favourable condition for star formation ignition; this is a consequence of the satellite location and rotation in the plane of the stellar disc of the host galaxy.
Perspectives on Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) of helicopters
Authors: Mauricio Alexandre , Qi Junyu , Zhou Linghao , Wang Wenyi , Mba David , Gryllias Konstantinos
Published: May 2020

Helicopters are extensively used in civil applications as they are versatile in their capabilities to manoeuvre. Their operation under harsh conditions and environments demand for a strict maintenance plan. Main gearboxes (MGB) of helicopters are a critical component responsible for reducing the high input speed generated from the gas turbine engines. Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) are installed in an effort to monitor the health state of the transmission systems, and ideally, to detect and diagnose the type of a generated fault. Even though the development of HUMS contributed to the reduction of worldwide helicopter accident rate, more advanced systems are needed based on the investigation of the air accidents of AS332 L2 Super Puma in Scotland in 2009 and of EC225 LP Super Puma in Bergen in 2016, due to failure of a planet gear of the MGB. A plethora of signal processing methodologies have been proposed for the early detection of faults but often they fail in complex structures, such as planetary gearboxes operating under various conditions. In this paper the performance of a recently proposed diagnostic tool, called IESFOgram, is evaluated and compared with state of the art techniques, applied on signal captured on a Category A Super Puma SA330 MGB.
Funktionelle Herzbeschwerden
Authors: Lang Eva , Stumpf Ursula , Burkart Silke , Corts Magga
Published: May 2020

Vier Experten stellen die Behandlung von funktionellen Herzbeschwerden mithilfe der Homöopathie, Phytotherapie, TCM und Osteopathie vor.
Druckpathologien der Wirbelsäule (LWS)
Authors: Corts Magga
Published: May 2020

Bei einem Bandscheibenvorfall ist die gängige Vorstellung, dass ein Teil der Bandscheiben den Spinalnerv komprimiert. Aber die Funktionseinheit Wirbel, Nerv und Bandscheibe ist sehr viel komplexer, und der Druck auf den Nerv hängt von vielen anderen Faktoren ab. Auch existieren zahlreiche weitere Druckpathologien der Wirbelsäule, die nicht oder indirekt mit der Bandscheibe zusammenhängen.
Klopfen gegen die Angst
Authors: Franke Rainer , Franke Regina
Published: May 2020

Die MET-Klopftherapie wurde vom Autor als Synthese chinesischer Akupressurtechniken und westlicher Psychotherapie als schnell wirksame Kurzzeitbehandlung entwickelt. Durch Beklopfen sechs charakteristischer Punkte und gleichzeitigem Fokussieren des belastenden Gefühls löst sich dieses zunehmend auf. Die Methode eignet sich unter anderem bei Ängsten, Trauer, Zwängen und Selbstwertstörungen und lässt sich sehr gut mit anderen harmonisierenden Techniken wie Atemübungen oder Punktmassage kombinieren.
Low-bias conductance mechanism of diarylethene isomers: A first-principle study
Authors: Wang Ming-lang , Zhang Guang-ping , Fu Xiao-xiao , Wang Chuan-kui
Published: May 2020

The structure-property relationship of diarylethene (DAE)-derivative molecular isomers, which involve ring-closed and ring-open forms, is investigated by employing the non-equilibrium Green’s function formalism combined with density functional theory. Molecular junctions are formed by the isomers connecting to Au(111) electrodes through flanked pyridine groups. The difference in electronic structures caused by different geometry structures for the two isomers, particularly the interatomic alternative single bond and double bond of the ring-closed molecule, contributes to the vastly different low-bias conductance values. The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the isomers is the main channel for electron transport. In addition, more electrons transferred to the ring-closed molecular junction in the equilibrium condition, thereby decreasing the LUMO energy to near the Fermi energy, which may contribute to a larger conductance value at the Fermi level. Our findings are helpful for understanding the mechanism of low-bias conductance and are conducive to the design of high-performance molecular switching based on diarylethene or diarylethene-derivative molecules.
First-principles description of intra-chain exciton migration in an oligo(para-phenylene vinylene) chain. II. ML-MCTDH simulations of exciton dynamics at a torsional defect
Authors: Binder Robert , Burghardt Irene
Published: May 2020

The first-principles parameterized Frenkel–Holstein Hamiltonian developed in Paper I [R. Binder et al., J. Chem. Phys. 152, 204119 (2020)] is employed to carry out full quantum-dynamical simulations of an elementary exciton migration event in an oligo-(para-phenylene vinylene) chain with 20 repeat units (OPV-20). We consider a dynamic scenario where an initial torsional defect, creating a conjugation break, relaxes on a time scale of about 500 fs toward a planarized structure and triggers the spatial displacement of the photogenerated exciton. Accurate quantum dynamical simulations are performed using the multi-layer multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree method as applied to an OPV-20 system comprising 20 electronic states of Frenkel type and 60 vibrational modes. These include site-local quinoid-distortion modes, site-correlated bond-length alternation (BLA) modes, and an active ring torsional mode at the central junction. The simulations fully account for correlations between the ring torsional mode and the anharmonically coupled BLA coordinate located at the same junction. In accordance with our earlier studies of a related oligothiophene (OT) system [R. Binder, D. Lauvergnat, and I. Burghardt, Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 227401 (2018)], these simulation results highlight that exciton migration is a coherent process driven by the fluctuations of “soft” modes, exemplified by the ring torsions. Conversely, these results also show that trapping due to high-frequency modes, leading to energetic stabilization of the exciton-polaron species, is weaker in OPV than in the OT system. This underscores not only the generic features of exciton dynamics in conjugated polymer systems, but also the role of molecular specificities.
Surface density function evolution and the influence of strain rates during turbulent boundary layer flashback of hydrogen-rich premixed combustion
Authors: Ahmed Umair , Pillai Abhishek L. , Chakraborty Nilanjan , Kurose Ryoichi
Published: May 2020

The statistical behavior of the magnitude of the reaction progress variable gradient [alternatively known as the surface density function (SDF)] and the strain rates, which govern the evolution of the SDF, have been analyzed for boundary layer flashback of a premixed hydrogen-air flame with an equivalence ratio of 1.5 in a fully developed turbulent channel flow. The non-reacting part of the channel flow is representative of the friction velocity based Reynolds number Reτ = 120. A skeletal chemical mechanism with nine chemical species and twenty reactions is employed to represent hydrogen-air combustion. Three definitions of the reaction progress variable (RPV) based on the mass fractions of H2, O2, and H2O have been considered to analyze the SDF statistics. It is found that the mean variations of the SDF and the displacement speed Sd depend on the choice of the RPV and the distance away from the wall. The preferential alignment of the RPV gradient with the most extensive principal strain rate strengthens with an increase in distance from the cold wall, which leads to changes in the behaviors of normal and tangential strain rates from the vicinity of the wall toward the middle of the channel. The differences in displacement speed statistics for different choices of the RPV and the wall distance affect the behaviors of the normal strain rate due to flame propagation and curvature stretch. The relative thickening/thinning of the reaction layers of the major species has been explained in terms of the statistics of the effective normal strain rate experienced by the progress variable isosurfaces for different wall distances and choices of RPVs.