bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thienoisoindigo-Based Semiconductor Nanowires Assembled with 2-Bromobenzaldehyde via Both Halogen and Chalcogen Bonding
Authors: Noh Juran , Jung Sungwoo , Koo Dong Geon , Kim Gyoungsik , Choi Kyoung Soon , Park JaeHong , Shin Tae Joo , Yang Changduk , Park Juhyun
Published: September 2018

We fabricated nanowires of a conjugated oligomer and applied them to organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). The supramolecular assemblies of a thienoisoindigo-based small molecular organic semiconductor (TIIG-Bz) were prepared by co-precipitation with 2-bromobenzaldehyde (2-BBA) via a combination of halogen bonding (XB) between the bromide in 2-BBA and electron-donor groups in TIIG-Bz, and chalcogen bonding (CB) between the aldehyde in 2-BBA and sulfur in TIIG-Bz. It was found that 2-BBA could be incorporated into the conjugated planes of TIIG-Bz via XB and CB pairs, thereby increasing the π − π stacking area between the conjugated planes. As a result, the driving force for one-dimensional growth of the supramolecular assemblies via π − π stacking was significantly enhanced. TIIG-Bz/2-BBA nanowires were used to fabricate OFETs, showing significantly enhanced charge transfer mobility compared to OFETs based on pure TIIG-Bz thin films and nanowires, which demonstrates the benefit of nanowire fabrication using 2-BBA.
Identifying critical edges in complex networks
Authors: Yu En-Yu , Chen Duan-Bing , Zhao Jun-Yan
Published: September 2018

The critical edges in complex networks are extraordinary edges which play more significant role than other edges on the structure and function of networks. The research on identifying critical edges in complex networks has attracted much attention because of its theoretical significance as well as wide range of applications. Considering the topological structure of networks and the ability to disseminate information, an edge ranking algorithm BCCMOD based on cliques and paths in networks is proposed in this report. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated by SIR model, susceptibility index S and the size of giant component σ and compared with well-known existing metrics such as Jaccard coefficient, Bridgeness index, Betweenness centrality and Reachability index in nine real networks. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms these well-known methods in identifying critical edges both in network connectivity and spreading dynamic.
Distinct roles of the YPEL gene family in development and pathogenicity in the ascomycete fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Han Joon-Hee , Shin Jong-Hwan , Lee Yong-Hwan , Kim Kyoung Su
Published: September 2018

Members of the Yippee-like (YPEL) gene family are highly conserved in eukaryotes and are homologous to the Drosophila yippee gene. In this study, we functionally characterized two YPEL-homologous genes, MoYPEL1 and MoYPEL2, in the rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae using the deletion mutants ΔMoypel1, ΔMoypel2, and ΔΔMoypel1,2. The MoYPEL1 deletion mutant was significantly defective in conidiation and unable to undergo appressorium development; however, deletion of MoYPEL2 resulted in a significant increase in conidiation and the abnormal development of two appressoria per conidium. These data demonstrate the opposite roles of each member of the YPEL gene family during the development of M. oryzae. The double mutant was phenotypically similar to the ΔMoypel1 mutant in conidiation, but similar to the ΔMoypel2 mutant in appressorium development. Subcellular localization of the MoYPEL1 protein was dynamic during appressorium development, while the MoYPEL2 protein consistently localized within the nuclei during developmental stages. Our studies indicate that the two YPEL gene family members play distinct roles in the developmental stages of M. oryzae, furthering our understanding of disease dissemination and development in fungi.
Modeling multiple sea level rise stresses reveals up to twice the land at risk compared to strictly passive flooding methods
Authors: Anderson Tiffany R. , Fletcher Charles H. , Barbee Matthew M. , Romine Bradley M. , Lemmo Sam , Delevaux Jade M.S.
Published: September 2018

Planning community resilience to sea level rise (SLR) requires information about where, when, and how SLR hazards will impact the coastal zone. We augment passive flood mapping (the so-called “bathtub” approach) by simulating physical processes posing recurrent threats to coastal infrastructure, communities, and ecosystems in Hawai‘i (including tidally-forced direct marine and groundwater flooding, seasonal wave inundation, and chronic coastal erosion). We find that the “bathtub” approach, alone, ignores 35–54 percent of the total land area exposed to one or more of these hazards, depending on location and SLR scenario. We conclude that modeling dynamic processes, including waves and erosion, is essential to robust SLR vulnerability assessment. Results also indicate that as sea level rises, coastal lands are exposed to higher flood depths and water velocities. The prevalence of low-lying coastal plains leads to a rapid increase in land exposure to hazards when sea level exceeds a critical elevation of ~0.3 or 0.6 m, depending on location. At ~1 m of SLR, land that is roughly seven times the total modern beach area is exposed to one or more hazards. Projected increases in extent, magnitude, and rate of persistent SLR impacts suggest an urgency to engage in long-term planning immediately.
Multisensory perception reflects individual differences in processing temporal correlations
Authors: Nidiffer Aaron R. , Diederich Adele , Ramachandran Ramnarayan , Wallace Mark T.
Published: September 2018

Sensory signals originating from a single event, such as audiovisual speech, are temporally correlated. Correlated signals are known to facilitate multisensory integration and binding. We sought to further elucidate the nature of this relationship, hypothesizing that multisensory perception will vary with the strength of audiovisual correlation. Human participants detected near-threshold amplitude modulations in auditory and/or visual stimuli. During audiovisual trials, the frequency and phase of auditory modulations were varied, producing signals with a range of correlations. After accounting for individual differences which likely reflect relative unisensory temporal characteristics in participants, we found that multisensory perception varied linearly with strength of correlation. Diffusion modelling confirmed this and revealed that stimulus correlation is supplied to the decisional system as sensory evidence. These data implicate correlation as an important cue in audiovisual feature integration and binding and suggest correlational strength as an important factor for flexibility in these processes.
NIR-II fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green nanoparticles
Authors: Bhavane Rohan , Starosolski Zbigniew , Stupin Igor , Ghaghada Ketan B. , Annapragada Ananth
Published: September 2018

Fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) holds promise for real-time deep tissue imaging. In this work, we investigated the NIR-II fluorescence properties of a liposomal formulation of indocyanine green (ICG), a FDA-approved dye that was recently shown to exhibit NIR-II fluorescence. Fluorescence spectra of liposomal-ICG were collected in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and plasma. Imaging studies in an Intralipid® phantom were performed to determine penetration depth. In vivo imaging studies were performed to test real-time visualization of vascular structures in the hind limb and intracranial regions. Free ICG, NIR-I imaging, and cross-sectional imaging modalities (MRI and CT) were used as comparators. Fluorescence spectra demonstrated the strong NIR-II fluorescence of liposomal-ICG, similar to free ICG in plasma. In vitro studies demonstrated superior performance of liposomal-ICG over free ICG for NIR-II imaging of deep (≥4 mm) vascular mimicking structures. In vivo, NIR-II fluorescence imaging using liposomal-ICG resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) higher contrast-to-noise ratio compared to free ICG for extended periods of time, allowing visualization of hind limb and intracranial vasculature for up to 4 hours post-injection. In vivo comparisons demonstrated higher vessel conspicuity with liposomal-ICG-enhanced NIR-II imaging compared to NIR-I imaging.
Pulmonary Artery Stiffness by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Agoston-Coldea Lucia , Lupu Silvia , Mocan Teodora
Published: September 2018

In this prospective pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the ability of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) parameters of right ventricular function and pulmonary artery stiffness to identify pulmonary hypertension (PH), predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with secondary PH due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to estimate a prospective sample size necessary for a reliable power of the study. Thirty consecutive patients with COPD and suspected secondary PH were assessed by clinical examination, the six minute walk test, echocardiography, right heart catheterization and CMR, and followed–up for a mean period of 16 months to identify MACEs (cardiac death, ventricular tachyarrhythmia, and heart failure). Among CMR parameters of pulmonary artery stiffness, pulse wave velocity (PWV) yielded the best sensitivity (93.5%) and specificity (92.8%) for identifying PH, as diagnosed by cardiac catheterization. Moreover, PWV proved to be a valuable predictor of MACEs (HR = 4.75, 95% CI 1.00 to 22.59, p = 0.03). In conclusion, PWV by phase-contrast CMR can accurately identify PH in patients with COPD and may help stratify prognosis.
Specificity of the osmotic stress response in Candida albicans highlighted by quantitative proteomics
Authors: Jacobsen Mette D. , Beynon Robert J. , Gethings Lee A. , Claydon Amy J. , Langridge James I. , Vissers Johannes P. C. , Brown Alistair J. P. , Hammond Dean E.
Published: September 2018

Stress adaptation is critical for the survival of microbes in dynamic environments, and in particular, for fungal pathogens to survive in and colonise host niches. Proteomic analyses have the potential to significantly enhance our understanding of these adaptive responses by providing insight into post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that contribute to the outputs, as well as testing presumptions about the regulation of protein levels based on transcript profiling. Here, we used label-free, quantitative mass spectrometry to re-examine the response of the major fungal pathogen of humans, Candida albicans, to osmotic stress. Of the 1,262 proteins that were identified, 84 were down-regulated in response to 1M NaCl, reflecting the decrease in ribosome biogenesis and translation that often accompanies stress. The 64 up-regulated proteins included central metabolic enzymes required for glycerol synthesis, a key osmolyte for this yeast, as well as proteins with functions during stress. These data reinforce the view that adaptation to salt stress involves a transient reduction in ribosome biogenesis and translation together with the accumulation of the osmolyte, glycerol. The specificity of the response to salt stress is highlighted by the small proportion of quantified C. albicans proteins (5%) whose relative elevated abundances were statistically significant.
Investigating the validity and reliability of Electrovestibulography (EVestG) for detecting post-concussion syndrome (PCS) with and without comorbid depression
Authors: Suleiman Abdelbaset , Lithgow Brian , Mansouri Behzad , Moussavi Zahra
Published: September 2018

Features from Electrovestibulography (EVestG) recordings have been used to classify and measure the severity of both persistent post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and major depressive disorder. Herein, we examined the effect of comorbid depression on the detection of persistent PCS using EVestG. To validate our previously developed EVestG classifier for PCS detection, the classifier was tested with a new blind dataset (N = 21). The unbiased accuracy for identifying the new PCS from controls was found to be >90%. Next, the PCS group (N = 59) was divided into three subgroups: PCS with no-depression (n = 18), PCS with mild-depression (n = 27) and PCS with moderate/severe-depression (n = 14). When moderate/severe depression was present, PCS classification accuracy dropped to 83%. By adding an EVestG depression feature from a previous study, separation accuracy of each PCS subgroup from controls was >90%. A four and three-group (excluding mild-depression subgroup) classification, achieved an accuracy of 74% and 81%, respectively. Correlation analysis indicated a significant correlation (R = 0.67) between the depression feature and the MADRS depression score as well as between the PCS-specific feature and Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire (RPQ) (R = −0.48). No significant correlation was found between the PCS-specific feature and the MADRS score (R = 0.20) or between RPQ and the depression feature (R = 0.12). The (PCS-specific and depression-specific) EVestG features used herein have the potential to robustly detect and monitor changes, relatively independently, in both persistent PCS and its depression comorbidity. Clinically, this can be particularly advantageous.
The onset of dissipation in high-temperature superconductors: magnetic hysteresis and field dependence
Authors: Talantsev E. F. , Strickland N. M. , Wimbush S. C. , Brooks J. , Pantoja A. E. , Badcock R. A. , Storey J. G. , Tallon J. L.
Published: September 2018

Recently, we showed that the self-field transport critical current, Ic(sf), of a superconducting wire can be defined in a more fundamental way than the conventional (and arbitrary) electric field criterion, Ec = 1 μV/cm. We defined Ic(sf) as the threshold current, Ic,B, at which the perpendicular component of the local magnetic flux density, B⊥, measured at any point on the surface of a high-temperature superconducting tape abruptly crosses over from a non-linear to a linear dependence with increasing transport current. This effect results from the current distribution across the tape width progressively transitioning from non-uniform to uniform. The completion of this progressive transition was found to be singular. It coincides with the first discernible onset of dissipation and immediately precedes the formation of a measureable electric field. Here, we show that the same Ic,B definition of critical currents applies in the presence of an external applied magnetic field, Ba. In all experimental data presented here Ic,B is found to be significantly (10–30%) lower than Ic,E determined by the common electric field criterion of Ec = 1 µV/cm, and Ec to be up to 50 times lower at Ic,B than at Ic,E.
Salience network structural integrity predicts executive impairment in alcohol use disorders
Authors: Galandra Caterina , Basso Gianpaolo , Manera Marina , Crespi Chiara , Giorgi Ines , Vittadini Giovanni , Poggi Paolo , Canessa Nicola
Published: September 2018

The neural bases of cognitive impairment(s) in alcohol use disorders (AUDs) might reflect either a global brain damage underlying different neuro-cognitive alterations, or the involvement of specific regions mostly affected by alcohol neuro-toxic effects. While voxel-based-morphometry (VBM) studies have shown a distributed atrophic pattern in fronto-limbic and cerebellar structures, the lack of comprehensive neuro-cognitive assessments prevents previous studies from drawing robust inferences on the specificity of the association between neuro-structural and cognitive impairments in AUDs. To fill this gap, we addressed the neuro-structural bases of cognitive impairment in AUDs, by coupling VBM with an in-depth neuropsychological assessment. VBM results highlighted a diffuse pattern of grey matter reduction in patients, involving the key-nodes of the meso-cortico-limbic (striatum, hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex), salience (insular and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex) and executive (inferior frontal cortex) networks. Grey matter density in the insular and anterior cingulate sectors of the salience network, significantly decreased in patients, explained almost half of variability in their defective attentional and working-memory performance. The multiple cognitive and neurological impairments observed in AUDs might thus reflect a specific executive deficit associated with the selective damage of a salience-based neural mechanism enhancing access to cognitive resources required for controlled cognition and behaviour.
Liposome co-incubation with cancer cells secreted exosomes (extracellular vesicles) with different proteins expressions and different uptake pathways
Authors: Emam Sherif E. , Ando Hidenori , Lila Amr S. Abu , Shimizu Taro , Okuhira Keiichiro , Ishima Yu , Mahdy Mahmoud A. , Ghazy Fakhr-eldin S. , Sagawa Ikuko , Ishida Tatsuhiro
Published: September 2018

We recently showed that in vitro incubation of cells with liposomes of varying compositions can increase exosome secretion and increase the yield of harvested exosomes (extracellular vesicles, EVs). This might foster their potential therapeutic implementations. In the current study, we investigated the surface proteins and the uptake of the harvested exosomes (EVs) to see if the incubation of cells with liposomes would change the biological properties of these exosomes (EVs). Interestingly, exosomes (EVs) induced by solid cationic liposomes lacked some major exosome marker proteins such as CD9, flotillin-1, annexin-A2 and EGF, and subsequently had lower levels of cellular uptake upon re-incubation with donor cancer cells. However, exosomes (EVs) induced under normal condition and by fluid cationic liposomes, displayed the entire spectrum of proteins, and exhibited higher uptake by the donor cancer cells. Although endocytosis was the major uptake pathway of exosomes (EVs) by tumor cells, endocytosis could occur via more than one mechanism. Higher exosome uptake was observed in donor B16BL6 cells than in allogeneic C26 cells, indicating that donor cells might interact specifically with their exosomes (EVs) and avidly internalize them. Taken together, these results suggest a technique for controlling the characteristics of secreted exosomes (EVs) by incubating donor cancer cells with liposomes of varying physiochemical properties.
Use of sugarcane–soybean intercropping in acid soil impacts the structure of the soil fungal community
Authors: Lian Tengxiang , Mu Yinghui , Ma Qibin , Cheng Yanbo , Gao Rui , Cai Zhandong , Jiang Bin , Nian Hai
Published: September 2018

Although sugarcane-soybean intercropping has been widely used to control disease and improve productivity in the field, the response of soil fungal communities to intercropping has not been fully understood. In this study, the rhizosphere fungal communities of sugarcane and soybean under monoculture and intercropping systems were investigated using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of ITS gene. Intercropping decreased the alpha-diversity and changed fungal community composition compared to monocultures. Taxonomic analyses showed that the dominant phyla were Ascomycota, Zygomycota and Basidiomycota. The abundance of Ascomycota decreased in intercropping sugarcane-grown soil compared to monoculture, while it increased in soybean-grown soil in the intercropping system. In addition, intercropping increased the abundance of important fungal genera, such as Trichoderma, Hypocreales and Fusarium but decreased the relative abundance of Gibberella and Chaetomium. The results of canonical correspondence analysis and automatic linear modelling indicated that fungal community compositions were closely associated with soil parameters such as total nitrogen (TN), soil organic matter (SOC), pH and NO3−, which suggests that the impacts of intercropping on the soil fungal community are linked to the alteration of soil chemical properties.
A principled machine learning framework improves accuracy of stage II colorectal cancer prognosis
Authors: Dimitriou Neofytos , Arandjelović Ognjen , Harrison David J. , Caie Peter D.
Published: September 2018

Accurate prognosis is fundamental in planning an appropriate therapy for cancer patients. Consequent to the heterogeneity of the disease, intra- and inter-pathologist variability, and the inherent limitations of current pathological reporting systems, patient outcome varies considerably within similarly staged patient cohorts. This is particularly true when classifying stage II colorectal cancer patients using the current TNM guidelines. The aim of the present work is to address this problem through the use of machine learning. In particular, we introduce a data driven framework which makes use of a large number of diverse types of features, readily collected from immunofluorescence imagery. Its outstanding performance in predicting mortality in stage II patients (AUROC = 0:94), exceeds that of current clinical guidelines such as pT stage (AUROC = 0:65), and is demonstrated on a cohort of 173 colorectal cancer patients.
Double aromaticity arising from σ- and π-rings
Authors: Furukawa Shunsuke , Fujita Masahiro , Kanatomi Yoshihiko , Minoura Mao , Hatanaka Miho , Morokuma Keiji , Ishimura Kazuya , Saito Masaichi
Published: September 2018

Aromaticity has been a central concept in chemistry since the discovery of benzene in the 19th century and has impacted the science of delocalized π-electron systems. The aromaticity of conventional aromatic compounds usually originates from electron delocalization through a single ring that consists of π-symmetric orbitals. Although double aromaticity, i.e. aromaticity composed of two circularly delocalized orbitals, has been theoretically predicted for over 20 years, the double aromaticity of a bench-stable compound is not well explored by experiment. Here we report the synthesis and isolation of the dication of hexakis(phenylselenyl)benzene, as well as its double aromaticity based on structural, energetic, and magnetic criteria. In this dication, cyclic σ-symmetric and π-symmetric delocalized orbitals are formally occupied by ten and six electrons, respectively, and the aromaticity thus follows the 4n + 2 (n = 1, 2,…) electron Hückel rule, regardless of the σ-orbital or π-orbital symmetry.
Mass Transport Properties of Composite Membranes Containing Graphene Oxide Nanosheets
Authors: Ying Yulong , Peng Xinsheng
Published: September 2018

Graphene oxide nanosheets, as two-dimensional building blocks, can be incorporated into a functional polymeric matrix to enhance the polymeric membrane performances. On the other hand, the interlayer galleries of graphene oxide lamellar membranes provide an excellent platform for intercalating other functional materials to improve the performances of graphene oxide membranes. This chapter introduces the fabrication of diverse graphene oxide-based composite membranes and their mass transport properties.
Biochemical alterations ofCandida albicansduring the phenotypic transition from yeast to hyphae captured by Fourier transform mid-infrared-attenuated reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Shi Qin-Yin , Câmara Cristiane Rodrigues S. , Schlegel Vicki
Published: September 2018

The first study that applies FTIR spectroscopy to monitor the biochemical modification ofCandida albicansduring the transition from a benign yeast to virulent hyphae using multiple spectral analyses.
A self-deformable gel system with asymmetric shape change based on a gradient structure
Authors: Li Jie , Li Xiuchen , Xu Guohe , Zheng Zhaohui , Deng Jinni , Ding Xiaobin
Published: September 2018

A self-deformable gel system exhibiting periodic and asymmetric deformation is constructed by coupling a gradient structured polymer gel with a chemical oscillating reaction.
All-inorganic Cs2CuX4 (X = Cl, Br, and Br/I) perovskite quantum dots with blue-green luminescence
Authors: Yang Pan , Liu Guoning , Liu Badi , Liu Xindi , Lou Yongbing , Chen Jinxi , Zhao Yixin
Published: September 2018

Lead-free, all-inorganic copper based perovskite Cs2CuX4 (X = Cl, Br, and Br/I) quantum dots were synthesized and investigated for the first time.
The activation of carbon dioxide by first row transition metals (Sc–Zn)
Authors: Blaziak Kacper , Tzeli Demeter , Xantheas Sotiris S. , Uggerud Einar
Published: September 2018

The activation of CO2 by chloride-tagged first-row transition metal anions [ClM]− (M = Sc–Zn), was examined by mass spectrometry, quantum chemical calculations, and statistical analysis.
The sustainable heterogeneous catalytic reductive amination of lignin models to produce aromatic tertiary amines
Authors: Zhang Haigang , Tong Xinli , Liu Zonghui , Wan Jun , Yu Linhao , Zhang Zhenya
Published: September 2018

A sustainable and heterogeneous catalytic reductive amination process is developed in the presence of heterogeneous zirconium-based catalysts, in which N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is used as the solvent, the low-molecular-weight amine source, and the reductant.
Exploitation of the synergistic effect between surface and bulk defects in ultra-small N-doped titanium suboxides for enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Hui-Jun , Ou Nan-Quan , Sun Xiong , Sun Bo-Wen , Qian Dong-Jin , Chen Meng , Wang Xianying , Yang Junhe
Published: September 2018

The work utilizes the “double-faced” roles of surface and bulk defects in engineering photocatalytic activity.
Tethered sensitizer–catalyst noble-metal-free molecular devices for solar-driven hydrogen generation
Authors: Luo Geng-Geng , Pan Zhong-Hua , Lin Jin-Qing , Sun Di
Published: September 2018

Recent advances in the all-abundant-element molecular devices for solar-driven H2generationviaintramolecular processes are overviewed including their assembly approaches, and structure–catalytic activity relationships.
The affinity of MhuD for heme is consistent with a heme degrading functionin vivo
Authors: Thakuri Biswash , Graves Amanda B. , Chao Alex , Johansen Sommer L. , Goulding Celia W. , Liptak Matthew D.
Published: September 2018

MhuD forms an enzymatically-active 1 : 1 complex with heme at nanomolar concentrations of labile heme and an inactive 1 : 2 complex at micromolar concentrations.
NIS-Mediated intermolecular hydroamination of allenamides with imidazole heterocycles: a facile protocol for the synthesis of allylic N,N-acetals
Authors: Li Yan , Luo Guo Li , Li Xiao Xiao , Zhao Zhi Gang
Published: September 2018

We report a new protocol to synthesize allylic N,N-acetal derivatives through NIS-mediated hydroamination of allenamides with imidazole heterocycles.
Kinetic pathways towards mass production of single crystalline stanene on topological insulator substrates
Authors: Zhang Liying , Qin Wei , Li Leiqiang , Li Shunfang , Cui Ping , Jia Yu , Zhang Zhenyu
Published: September 2018

Contrasting atomistic growth mechanisms of stanene on Bi2Te3-based substrates are predicted within first-principles theory, favoring single-crystalline growth on Bi-covered Bi2Te3.
Boronic acid-catalysed C-3 selective ring opening of 3,4-epoxy alcohols with thiophenols and thiols
Authors: Yao Hongqing , Liu Jiawei , Wang Chuan
Published: September 2018

A boronic acid-catalysed C-3 selective ring opening of 3,4-epoxy alcohols with thiophenols and thiols as nucleophiles has been accomplished.
Shape-changing linear molecular bottlebrushes with dually pH- and thermo-responsive diblock copolymer side chains
Authors: Kent Ethan W. , Henn Daniel M. , Zhao Bin
Published: September 2018

The collapse of inner pH-responsive blocks drives cylindrical-to-globular shape transition while outer thermoresponsive blocks provide additional control of solution state.
Selective modification of natural nucleophilic residues in peptides and proteins using arylpalladium complexes
Authors: Cheng Wan-Min , Lu Xi , Shi Jing , Liu Lei
Published: September 2018

The present review outlines the recent methodologies for selective arylation of natural nucleophilic residues within unprotected peptides and proteins promoted by arylpalladium complexes, which demonstrate the advantages and potential of organometallic palladium complexes in bioconjugation.
Corroboration of Zn(ii)–Mg(ii)-tertiary structure interplays essential for the optimal catalysis of a phosphorothiolate thiolesterase ribozyme
Authors: Wang Tzu-Pin , Su Yu-Chih , Chen Yi , Severance Scott , Hwang Chi-Ching , Liou Yi-Ming , Lu Chia-Hui , Lin Kun-Liang , Zhu Rui Jing , Wang Eng-Chi
Published: September 2018

Zn(ii) and Mg(ii) and GAGA tetraloop in the ion atmosphere of the TW17 ribozyme is critical to optimal ribozyme catalysis at alkaline pH.
Study on adsorption of methylene blue by a novel composite material of TiO2 and alum sludge
Authors: Geng Yani , Zhang Jun , Zhou Jinhong , Lei Ji
Published: September 2018

A composite material of TiO2 and alum sludge (TiO2@AS) is reported in this paper.
Synthesis of α,β-unsaturated esters of perfluoropolyalkylethers (PFPAEs) based on hexafluoropropylene oxide units for photopolymerization
Authors: Bonneaud Céline , Decostanzi Mélanie , Burgess Julia , Trusiano Giuseppe , Burgess Trevor , Bongiovanni Roberta , Joly-Duhamel Christine , Friesen Chadron M.
Published: September 2018

Hydrophobic macromonomers synthesized by Steglich esterification to generate UV-curable materials.
Formulation, characterization and evaluation of morusin loaded niosomes for potentiation of anticancer therapy
Authors: Agarwal Srishti , Mohamed M. Sheikh , Raveendran Sreejith , Rochani Ankit K. , Maekawa Toru , Kumar D. Sakthi
Published: September 2018

Highly cytocompatible morusin-loaded niosomes were synthesized showing high drug loading and encapsulation efficiencies with sustained release of the drug. Enhanced therapeutic efficacy was observed against 4 different cancer cell lines.
Recovery and purification of ionic liquids from solutions: a review
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Sui Hong , Jia Zhidan , Yang Ziqi , He Lin , Li Xingang
Published: September 2018

Recovery and purification of ionic liquids from solutions.
Cobalt(iii)-catalyzed site-selective C–H amidation of pyridones and isoquinolones
Authors: Gao Feng , Han Xu , Li Chunpu , Liu Lingjun , Cong Zhanqing , Liu Hong
Published: September 2018

In this study, Cp*Co(iii)-catalyzed site-selective amidation of pyridones and isoquinolones using oxazolones as the amidation reagent is reported.
Investigating student and staff perceptions of students' experiences in teaching laboratories through the lens of meaningful learning
Authors: George-Williams Stephen R. , Karis Dimitri , Ziebell Angela L. , Kitson Russell R. A. , Coppo Paolo , Schmid Siegbert , Thompson Christopher D. , Overton Tina L.
Published: September 2018

How students behave and learn in the teaching laboratory is a topic of great interest in chemical education, partly in order to justify the great expense of teaching laboratories. Much effort has been put into investigating how students think, feel and physically act in these unique learning environments. One such attempt was made through the generation and utilisation of the Meaningful Learning in the Laboratory Instrument (MLLI). This 30 question survey utilised Novak's theory of Meaningful Learning to investigate the affective, cognitive and psychomotor domains of the student learning experience. To date, this survey has been used to great effect to measure how students’ perception of their own feelings and actions will change over the course of a semester. This study reports the use of a modified MLLI survey to probe how the expectations of students change over their undergraduate degree. To increase the generalisability of the outcomes of the study data was gathered from four universities from Australia (Monash University, the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney) and the UK (the University of Warwick). Students were found to start their university careers with very positive expectations of their teaching laboratory experiences. Their outlook became somewhat more negative each year that they were enrolled in the program. A further modified MLLI survey was presented to teaching associates and academic staff. Teaching staff were shown to have far more negative expectations of the students’ feelings and actions, with academic staff more likely to believe that students do not undertake many items of positive meaningful learning. Overall, this study highlights the large gap between the expectations of teaching staff and students which, if left unaddressed, will likely continue to cause great frustration for both teaching staff and students.
Transient [3,3] Cope rearrangement of 3,3-dicyano-1,5-dienes: computational analysis and 2-step synthesis of arylcycloheptanes
Authors: Fereyduni Ehsan , Sanders Jacob N. , Gonzalez Gabriel , Houk K. N. , Grenning Alexander J.
Published: September 2018

Unexpectedly mild [3,3] rearrangement computed transition state analysis, regio- and diastereoselecitve transformations multicomponent couplings, convergent 2-step arylcycloheptene synthesis.
Computational design of a molecular triple photoswitch for wavelength-selective control
Authors: Yang Chong , Slavov Chavdar , Wegner Hermann A. , Wachtveitl Josef , Dreuw Andreas
Published: September 2018

meta-Trisazobenzenes allow for wavelength-selective photo-switching of the individual azobenzene branches.
Creep dynamics of athermal amorphous materials: a mesoscopic approach
Authors: Liu Chen , Ferrero Ezequiel E. , Martens Kirsten , Barrat Jean-Louis
Published: September 2018

Mesoscale elasto-plastic models are shown to capture the non-linear dynamics of yield stress fluids, reproducing the typical experimental strain rate responses to different applied steps in stress. Moreover, they help us to understand basic processes (e.g. spatial correlations) involved in the strain rate slowing down (creep) and the strain rate acceleration (fluidization) phases, and the crucial role played by the initial condition.
Formation of polyhedral vesicle gels from catanionic mixtures of hydrogenated and perfluorinated surfactants: effect of fluoro-carbon alkyl chain lengths
Authors: Zhang Juan , Pi Benxiang , Wang Xiaomeng , Yang Zihao , Lv Qichao , Lin Meiqin
Published: September 2018

Phase transition from spherical vesicles to faceted vesicles and gels.
Correction: Driving dynamic colloidal assembly using eccentric self-propelled colloids
Authors: Ma Zhan , Lei Qun-li , Ni Ran
Published: September 2018

Correction for ‘Driving dynamic colloidal assembly using eccentric self-propelled colloids’ by Zhan Ma et al., Soft Matter, 2017, 13, 8940–8946.
Controllable and large-scale fabrication of flexible ITO-free electrochromic devices by crackle pattern technology
Authors: Xu Zijie , Li Weifeng , Huang Jiani , Liu Qian , Guo Xing , Guo Wenxi , Liu Xiangyang
Published: September 2018

Controllable and large-scale fabrication of flexible ITO-free electrochromic devices by crackle pattern technology.
Associations between circulating IgG antibodies to Apolipoprotein B100-derived peptide antigens and acute coronary syndrome in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Hu Weina , Zhang Xueying , Han Yunan , Wang Yong , Lei Mingming , Megson Ian L. , Wei Jun , Jin Yuanzhe
Published: September 2018

Objectives: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the major cause of mortality worldwide and caused mainly by atherosclerosis of coronary arteries. Apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100) is a major component of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and its oxidation can trigger inflammation in vascular endothelial cells leading to atherosclerosis. The association between antibodies to ApoB100-derived antigens and atherosclerotic diseases has been studied in recent years, but the findings appear to be controversial. The present study developed an ELISA in-house with ApoB100-derived peptide antigens to circulating anti-ApoB100 IgG antibodies in patients with ACS. Methods: Fifteen ApoB100-derived peptide antigens (Ag1–Ag15) were designed to develop an in-house ELISA for the detection of circulating anti-ApoB100 IgG levels in 350 patients with ACS and 201 control subjects amongst a Chinese population. Binary logistic regression was applied to examine the differences in anti-ApoB IgG levels between the patient group and the control group with adjustment for a number of confounding factors; the correlation between anti-ApoB100 IgG levels and clinical characteristics was also tested. Results: Patients with ACS had significantly higher levels of plasma IgG for Ag1 (adjusted P<0.001) and Ag10 antigens (adjusted P<0.001). There was no significant increase in the levels of IgG to the other 13 antigens in these ACS patients. In the control group, anti-Ag10 IgG levels were positively correlated with age, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and ApoA levels (P≤0.001 for all) and negatively correlated with blood triglyceride (TG) (P=0.008); in the patient group, anti-Ag10 IgG levels were positively correlated with LDL (P=0.003), and negatively correlated with ApoA (P=0.048) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P=0.036). The area under ROC (receiver operator characteristic) curve (AUC) was 0.612 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.560–0.664; P<0.001) in anti-Ag1 IgG assay and 0.621 (95% CI: 0.569–0.672; P<0.001) in anti-Ag10 IgG assay. Conclusion: Circulating IgG for ApoB100-derived peptide antigens may be a useful biomarker of ACS, although anti-ApoB IgG levels were not associated with the coronary artery plaque burden characterized by the coronary Gensini score.
Bakuchiol protects against pathological cardiac hypertrophy by blocking NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Zheng , Gao Lu , Xiao Lili , Kong Lingyao , Shi Huiting , Tian Xinyu , Zhao Luosha
Published: September 2018

Bakuchiol (Bak), a monoterpene phenol isolated from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, has been widely used to treat a large variety of diseases in both Indian and Chinese folkloric medicine. However, the effects of Bak on cardiac hypertrophy remain unclear. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine whether Bak could alleviate cardiac hypertrophy. Mice were subjected to aortic banding (AB) to induce cardiac hypertrophy model. Bak of 1 ml/100 g body weight was given by oral gavage once a day from 1 to 8 weeks after surgery. Our data demonstrated for the first time that Bak could attenuate pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and could attenuate fibrosis and the inflammatory response induced by AB. The results further revealed that the effect of Bak on cardiac hypertrophy was mediated by blocking the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. In vitro studies performed in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes further proved that the protective effect of Bak on cardiac hypertrophy is largely dependent on the NF-κB pathway. Based on our results, Bak shows profound potential for its application in the treatment of pathological cardiac hypertrophy, and we believe that Bak may be a promising therapeutic candidate to treat cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Overexpression of the nucleocapsid protein of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus up-regulates CXCL10
Authors: Aboagye James Odame , Yew Chow Wenn , Ng Oi-Wing , Monteil Vanessa M. , Mirazimi Ali , Tan Yee-Joo
Published: September 2018

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes respiratory diseases in humans and has a high mortality rate. During infection, MERS-CoV regulates several host cellular processes including antiviral response genes. In order to determine if the nucleocapsid protein of MERS-CoV (MERS-N) plays a role in viral–host interactions, a murine monoclonal antibody was generated so as to allow detection of the protein in infected cells as well as in overexpression system. Then, MERS-N was stably overexpressed in A549 cells, and a PCR array containing 84 genes was used to screen for genes transcriptionally regulated by it. Several up-regulated antiviral genes, namely TNF, IL6, IL8, and CXCL10, were selected for independent validation in transiently transfected 293FT cells. Out of these, the overexpression of MERS-N was found to up-regulate CXCL10 at both transcriptional and translational levels. Interestingly, CXCL10 has been reported to be up-regulated in MERS-CoV infected airway epithelial cells and lung fibroblast cells, as well as monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells. High secretions and persistent increase of CXCL10 in MERS-CoV patients have been also associated with severity of disease. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that the MERS-N protein is one of the contributing factors for CXCL10 up-regulation during infection. In addition, our results showed that a fragment consisting of residues 196–413 in MERS-N is sufficient to up-regulate CXCL10, while the N-terminal domain and serine-arginine (SR)-rich motif of MERS-N do not play a role in this up-regulation.
Compact modelling for quantum confinement for InGaAs nanowire gate all around MOSFET
Authors: Abdelmoneam A. , Iñiguez B.
Published: September 2018

In this Letter, a compact equation for calculating energy sub‐bands inside III–V gate all around nanowire MOSFET is developed taking into consideration the penetration of the wave function into the gate oxide and the effective mass discontinuity at the semiconductor–oxide interface. The values of the sub‐band energies result from solving Schrodinger's equation in cylindrical coordinates is expressed in Bessel functions. The authors use an approximation for Bessel functions with the introduction of one fitting parameter. The results show very good agreement with self‐consistent Schrodinger–Poisson solver data.
Optical comb enabled flexible‐bandwidth single‐carrier frequency‐division‐multiplexed‐based intra‐data centre interconnect
Authors: Kong Qian , Zhan Yafeng , Duan Chaowei
Published: September 2018

In this study, the authors propose a novel intra‐data centre network (DCN) architecture based on cascaded micro‐electro‐mechanical system switches for dynamic DCN connectivity provisioning. Through combining the single‐carrier frequency‐division‐multiplexed with the proposed architecture, this structure can achieve unprecedented flexibility in dealing with both mice and elephant flow in the DCN. Multiple‐input multiple‐output switching is experimentally demonstrated through intra‐ and inter‐data centre switching scenarios. A numerical investigation is also performed to evaluate the performance of the fixed‐grid transceivers, flex‐grid transceivers and mixed‐fixed/flex grid transceivers in the same switching scenario. The results show that the flex‐grid transceivers significantly reduced the service latency and blocking probability compared to the fixed‐grid transceivers. The proposed architecture would be better applied in the field of all‐optical DCNs.
Non‐orthogonal multiple access in full‐duplex relaying system with Nakagami‐m fading
Authors: Guo Ningning , Ge Jianhua , Zhang Chensi , Bu Qifei , Tian Peijie
Published: September 2018

This study presents a full‐duplex (FD) relaying non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) scheme with self‐interference at relay taken into account, where a sender communicates with multiple terminals simultaneously with the help of an FD amplify‐and‐forward relay. The relay is equipped with two antennas, one for transmission and the other for reception. Moreover, with a direct link as a useful information transmission link, selection combining is applied to merge the information from the sender and the relay. General closed‐form expressions of the outage probability are deduced and the upper bound of the ergodic sum rate is derived, including half‐duplex (HD) mode relay as a special case. Compared with the HD relaying scheme, the authors can observe that the FD relaying scheme can achieve higher ergodic sum rate in the moderate‐ and high‐SNR regions and that the outage behaviour can be improved in most cases (if the self‐interference is not extremely severe). More importantly, the use of NOMA in FD relaying system is shown to outperform conventional orthogonal multiple access (OMA) network in terms of terminal fairness. Extensive simulation results are presented to confirm their conclusions and provide a significant reference for the system design.
Hybrid cooperative spectrum sensing scheme based on spatial–temporal correlation in cognitive radio enabled VANET
Authors: Li Xi , Song Tiecheng , Zhang Yueyue , Chen Guojun , Hu Jing
Published: September 2018

Cognitive radio enabled vehicular ad‐hoc networks (CR‐VANETs) are one of the promising architectures in the future vehicular ad‐hoc networks. In this study, the joint spatial–temporal correlation is exploited to improve decision accuracy of cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) while reducing overhead introduced by cooperation in the CR‐VANETs. Firstly, a theoretical method is presented to analyse the impact of spatial–temporal correlation on cooperative sensing performance when using soft combining in the CR‐VANET. Then, the expression of the optimal probability of detection with respect to spatial–temporal correlation is given for a target probability of false alarm by employing likelihood ratio test. Additionally, the user selection problem is formulated as an efficient double‐threshold optimisation problem by considering both sensing accuracy and stability to achieve the optimal probability of detection. Finally, a hybrid CSS scheme based on spatial–temporal correlation is designed for the CR‐VANET. Simulation results reveal that the proposed scheme could achieve significant sensing performance gain by selecting a subset of secondary users for combination, and could reduce user selection frequency by employing spatial–temporal diversity.
Disturbance‐observer‐based antiswing control of underactuated crane systems via terminal sliding mode
Authors: Zhang Zhongcai , Li Li , Wu Yuqiang
Published: September 2018

In this study, based on the finite‐time sliding mode control method, an antiswing control law is designed for the underactuated crane systems in two‐dimensional space with external disturbance. The finite‐time disturbance observer is utilised to estimate the external disturbance and develop the finite‐time control law. The designed controller can regulate the trolley to the planned trajectory within a finite time in the presence of external disturbance. Then it can be shown that the proposed control approach can achieve precise trolley positioning and swing suppression. Simulation results are provided to show the satisfactory control performances of the presented control method in terms of working efficiency as well as robustness with respect to external disturbance.
Lyapunov‐based hybrid model predictive control for energy management of microgrids
Authors: Olama Alireza , Mendes Paulo R.C. , Camacho Eduardo F.
Published: September 2018

This study presents an advanced control structure aimed at the optimal economic energy management of a renewable energy‐based microgrid. This control scheme is applied to energy optimisation in a microgrid with non‐dispatchable renewable sources, such as photovoltaic and wind power generation, as well as dispatchable sources, as distributed generators, hybrid storage systems compound by battery bank, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage unit, and one electric vehicle charging station. The proposed controller consists of a Lyapunov‐based hybrid model predictive control based on mixed logical dynamical (MLD) framework. The main contribution of the proposed technique is the assurance of the closed‐loop stability and recursive feasibility, by a novel approach focused on MLD models, using ellipsoidal terminal constraints and the Lyapunov decreasing condition. Finally, simulation tests under different operational conditions are performed and the attained results have shown the safe and reliable operation of the proposed control algorithm compared to existing and well‐known energy management techniques.