bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Future Interplanetary Space Weather Assets
Authors: Lugaz Noé
Published: April 2020

Late 2019 and early 2020 have witnessed numerous developments regarding future interplanetary space weather missions in Europe and in the United States. In parallel, space weather‐related legislation is being considered in the United States. A summary of these developments is presented, and two related topical issues of Space Weather are introduced.
Oral microbiome: possible harbinger for children’s health
Authors: Xiao Jin , Fiscella Kevin A. , Gill Steven R.
Published: April 2020

The human microbiome functions as an intricate and coordinated microbial network, residing throughout the mucosal surfaces of the skin, oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and reproductive system. The oral microbiome encompasses a highly diverse microbiota, consisting of over 700 microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. As our understanding of the relationship between the oral microbiome and human health has evolved, we have identified a diverse array of oral and systemic diseases associated with this microbial community, including but not limited to caries, periodontal diseases, oral cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and inflammatory bowel syndrome. The potential predictive relationship between the oral microbiota and these human diseases suggests that the oral cavity is an ideal site for disease diagnosis and development of rapid point-of-care tests. The oral cavity is easily accessible with a non-invasive collection of biological samples. We can envision a future where early life salivary diagnostic tools will be used to predict and prevent future disease via analyzing and shaping the infant’s oral microbiome. In this review, we present evidence for the establishment of the oral microbiome during early childhood, the capability of using childhood oral microbiome to predict future oral and systemic diseases, and the limitations of the current evidence.
The oxidation of hydrocarbons by diverse heterotrophic and mixotrophic bacteria that inhabit deep-sea hydrothermal ecosystems
Authors: Wang Wanpeng , Li Zhenyu , Zeng Lingyu , Dong Chunming , Shao Zongze
Published: April 2020

Hydrothermal activity can generate numerous and diverse hydrocarbon compounds. However, little is known about the influence of such hydrocarbons on deep-sea hydrothermal microbial ecology. We hypothesize that certain bacteria live on these hydrocarbons. Therefore, in this study, the distribution of hydrocarbons and their associated hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were investigated at deep-sea hydrothermal vents at the Southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Southwest Indian Ridge, and the East Pacific Rise. A variety of hydrocarbon-degrading consortia were obtained from hydrothermal samples collected at the aforementioned sites after low-temperature enrichment under high hydrostatic pressures, and the bacteria responsible for the degradation of hydrocarbons were investigated by DNA-based stable-isotope probing with uniformly 13C-labeled hydrocarbons. Unusually, we identified several previously recognized sulfur-oxidizing chemoautotrophs as hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, e.g., the SAR324 group, the SUP05 clade, and Sulfurimonas, and for the first time confirmed their ability to degrade hydrocarbons. In addition, Erythrobacter, Pusillimonas, and SAR202 clade were shown to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for the first time. These results together with relatively high abundance in situ of most of the above-described bacteria highlight the potential influence of hydrocarbons in configuring the vent microbial community, and have made the importance of mixotrophs in hydrothermal vent ecosystems evident.
Immunostimulatory oncolytic virotherapy for multiple myeloma targeting 4-1BB and/or CD40
Authors: Wenthe Jessica , Naseri Sedigheh , Hellström Ann-Charlotte , Wiklund Helena Jernberg , Eriksson Emma , Loskog Angelica
Published: April 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that is characterized by immune dysregulation. MM is commonly treated with immunomodulating agents, but still remains incurable. Herein, we proposed and evaluated immunostimulatory Lokon oncolytic adenoviruses (LOAd) for MM treatment. LOAd viruses are serotype 5/35 chimera, which enables infection of hematopoietic cells. Oncolysis is restricted to cells with a dysregulated retinoblastoma protein pathway, which is frequently observed in MM. Further, LOAd viruses are armed with human immunostimulatory transgenes: trimerized membrane-bound CD40L (LOAd700, LOAd703) and 4-1BBL (LOAd703). LOAd viruses were assessed in a panel of MM cell lines (ANBL-6, L363, LP-1, OPM-2, RPMI-8226, and U266-84). All cells were sensitive to infection, leading to viral replication and cell killing as analyzed by quantitative PCR and viability assay. Transgene expression was verified post infection with flow cytometry. Cell phenotypes were further altered with a downregulation of markers connected to MM progression (ICAM-1, CD70, CXCL10, CCL2, and sIL-2Rα) and an upregulation of the death receptor Fas. In a co-culture of immune and MM cells, LOAd viruses promoted activation of cytotoxic T cells as seen by higher CD69, CD107a, and IFNγ expression. This was most prominent with LOAd703. In conclusion, LOAd viruses are of interest for MM therapy.
Fine mapping of the sex locus in Salix triandra confirms a consistent sex determination mechanism in genus Salix
Authors: Li Wei , Wu Huaitong , Li Xiaoping , Chen Yingnan , Yin Tongming
Published: April 2020

Salix triandra belongs to section Amygdalinae in genus Salix, which is in a different section from the willow species in which sex determination has been well studied. Studying sex determination in distantly related willow species will help to clarify whether the sexes of different willows arise through a common sex determination system. For this purpose, we generated an intraspecific full-sib F1 population for S. triandra and constructed high-density genetic linkage maps for the crossing parents using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing and following a two-way pseudo-testcross strategy. With the established maps, the sex locus was positioned in linkage group XV only in the maternal map, and no sex linkage was detected in the paternal map. Consistent with previous findings in other willow species, our study showed that chromosome XV was the incipient sex chromosome and that females were the heterogametic sex in S. triandra. Therefore, sex in this willow species is also determined through a ZW sex determination system. We further performed fine mapping in the vicinity of the sex locus with SSR markers. By comparing the physical and genetic distances for the target interval encompassing the sex determination gene confined by SSRs, severe recombination repression was revealed in the sex determination region in the female map. The recombination rate in the confined interval encompassing the sex locus was approximately eight-fold lower than the genome-wide average. This study provides critical information relevant to sex determination in S. triandra.
Exploiting the diversity of tomato: the development of a phenotypically and genetically detailed germplasm collection
Authors: Mata-Nicolás Estefanía , Montero-Pau Javier , Gimeno-Paez Esther , Garcia-Carpintero Víctor , Ziarsolo Peio , Menda Naama , Mueller Lukas A. , Blanca José , Cañizares Joaquín , van der Knaap Esther , Díez María José
Published: April 2020

A collection of 163 accessions, including Solanum pimpinellifolium, Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme and Solanum lycopersicum var. lycopersicum, was selected to represent the genetic and morphological variability of tomato at its centers of origin and domestication: Andean regions of Peru and Ecuador and Mesoamerica. The collection is enriched with S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme from the Amazonian region that has not been analyzed previously nor used extensively. The collection has been morphologically characterized showing diversity for fruit, flower and vegetative traits. Their genomes were sequenced in the Varitome project and are publicly available (solgenomics.net/projects/varitome). The identified SNPs have been annotated with respect to their impact and a total number of 37,974 out of 19,364,146 SNPs have been described as high impact by the SnpEeff analysis. GWAS has shown associations for different traits, demonstrating the potential of this collection for this kind of analysis. We have not only identified known QTLs and genes, but also new regions associated with traits such as fruit color, number of flowers per inflorescence or inflorescence architecture. To speed up and facilitate the use of this information, F2 populations were constructed by crossing the whole collection with three different parents. This F2 collection is useful for testing SNPs identified by GWAs, selection sweeps or any other candidate gene. All data is available on Solanaceae Genomics Network and the accession and F2 seeds are freely available at COMAV and at TGRC genebanks. All these resources together make this collection a good candidate for genetic studies.
Type-specific dendritic integration in mouse retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Ran Yanli , Huang Ziwei , Baden Tom , Schubert Timm , Baayen Harald , Berens Philipp , Franke Katrin , Euler Thomas
Published: April 2020

Neural computation relies on the integration of synaptic inputs across a neuron’s dendritic arbour. However, it is far from understood how different cell types tune this process to establish cell-type specific computations. Here, using two-photon imaging of dendritic Ca2+ signals, electrical recordings of somatic voltage and biophysical modelling, we demonstrate that four morphologically distinct types of mouse retinal ganglion cells with overlapping excitatory synaptic input (transient Off alpha, transient Off mini, sustained Off, and F-mini Off) exhibit type-specific dendritic integration profiles: in contrast to the other types, dendrites of transient Off alpha cells were spatially independent, with little receptive field overlap. The temporal correlation of dendritic signals varied also extensively, with the highest and lowest correlation in transient Off mini and transient Off alpha cells, respectively. We show that differences between cell types can likely be explained by differences in backpropagation efficiency, arising from the specific combinations of dendritic morphology and ion channel densities.
The cooperative action of CSB, CSA, and UVSSA target TFIIH to DNA damage-stalled RNA polymerase II
Authors: van der Weegen Yana , Golan-Berman Hadar , Mevissen Tycho E. T. , Apelt Katja , González-Prieto Román , Goedhart Joachim , Heilbrun Elisheva E. , Vertegaal Alfred C. O. , van den Heuvel Diana , Walter Johannes C. , Adar Sheera , Luijsterburg Martijn S.
Published: April 2020

The response to DNA damage-stalled RNA polymerase II (RNAPIIo) involves the assembly of the transcription-coupled repair (TCR) complex on actively transcribed strands. The function of the TCR proteins CSB, CSA and UVSSA and the manner in which the core DNA repair complex, including transcription factor IIH (TFIIH), is recruited are largely unknown. Here, we define the assembly mechanism of the TCR complex in human isogenic knockout cells. We show that TCR is initiated by RNAPIIo-bound CSB, which recruits CSA through a newly identified CSA-interaction motif (CIM). Once recruited, CSA facilitates the association of UVSSA with stalled RNAPIIo. Importantly, we find that UVSSA is the key factor that recruits the TFIIH complex in a manner that is stimulated by CSB and CSA. Together these findings identify a sequential and highly cooperative assembly mechanism of TCR proteins and reveal the mechanism for TFIIH recruitment to DNA damage-stalled RNAPIIo to initiate repair.
Short-Term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia Repair
Authors: Howell Raelina S. , Liu Helen H. , Petrone Patrizio , Anduaga María Fernanda , Servide María José , Hall Keneth , Barkan Alexander , Islam Shahidul , Brathwaite Collin E. M.
Published: April 2020

Many patients with hiatal hernias (HH) are asymptomatic; however, symptoms may include heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, nausea, or vague epigastric pain depending on the hernia type and severity. The ideal technique and timing of repair remains controversial. This report describes short-term outcomes and readmissions of patients undergoing HH repair at our institution. All patients who underwent HH repair from January 2012 through April 2017 were reviewed. Patients undergoing concomitant bariatric surgery were excluded. 239 patients were identified and 128 were included. Eighty-eight were female (69%) and 40 were male (31%) with a mean age of 59 years (range 20–91 years) and a mean BMI of 29.2 kg/m2(17–42). Worsening GERD was the most common presenting symptom in 79 (61.7%) patients. Eighty-four laparoscopic cases (65.6%) and 44 robotic assisted (34.4%) procedures were performed. Mesh was used in 59 operations (3 polytetrafluoroethylene; 56 biologic). All hiatal hernia types (I-IV) were collected. Majority were initial operations (89%). Techniques included: Toupet fundoplication in 68 cases (63.0%), Nissen fundoplication in 36 (33.3%), Dor fundoplication in 4 (3.7%), concomitant Collis gastroplasty in 4 (3.1%), and primary suture repair in 20 (15.6%). Outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic procedures were compared. Length of stay was reported as median and interquartile range for laparoscopic and robotic: 1.0 day (1.0–3.0) and 2.0 days (1.0–2.5); p = 0.483. Thirty-day readmission occurred in 9 patients, 7 (8.3%) laparoscopic and 2 (4.6%) robotic; p = 0.718. Two 30-day reoperations occurred, both laparoscopic; p = 0.545. Total of 16 complications occurred; 18.6% had a complication with the use of mesh compared to 8.7% without the use of mesh, p = 0.063. There were no conversion to open modality and no mortalities were reported. Hiatal hernia repair can be performed safely with a low incidence of complications.
Controlling the nonadiabatic electron-transfer reaction rate through molecular-vibration polaritons in the ultrastrong coupling regime
Authors: Phuc Nguyen Thanh , Trung Pham Quang , Ishizaki Akihito
Published: April 2020

Recent experiments showed that the chemical reaction rate is modified, either increased or decreased, by strongly coupling a nuclear vibration mode to the single mode of an optical cavity. Herein we investigate how the rate of an electron-transfer reaction depends on the molecule-cavity coupling in the ultrastrong coupling regime, where the coupling strength is comparable in magnitude with both the vibrational and the cavity frequencies. We found two main factors that determine the modification of the reaction rate: the relative shifts of the energy levels induced by the coupling and the mixing of the ground and excited states of molecular vibration in the ground state of the hybrid molecule-plus-cavity system through which the Franck-Condon factor between the initial and final states of the transition is altered. The former is the dominant factor if the molecule-cavity coupling strengths for the reactant and product states differ significantly from each other and gives rise to an increase in the reaction rate over a wide range of system’s parameters. The latter dominates if the coupling strengths and energy levels of the reactant and product states are close to each other and it leads to a decrease in the reaction rate. The effect of the mixing of molecular vibrational states on the reaction rate is, however, suppressed in a system containing a large number of molecules due to the collective nature of the resulting polariton, and thus should be observed in a system containing a small number of molecules. In contrast, the effect of the relative shifts of the energy levels should be essentially independent of the number of molecules coupled to the cavity.
The greenhouse gas offset potential from seagrass restoration
Authors: Oreska Matthew P. J. , McGlathery Karen J. , Aoki Lillian R. , Berger Amélie C. , Berg Peter , Mullins Lindsay
Published: April 2020

Awarding CO2 offset credits may incentivize seagrass restoration projects and help reverse greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global seagrass loss. However, no study has quantified net GHG removal from the atmosphere from a seagrass restoration project, which would require coupled Corg stock and GHG flux enhancement measurements, or determined whether the creditable offset benefit can finance the restoration. We measured all of the necessary GHG accounting parameters in the 7-km2Zostera marina (eelgrass) meadow in Virginia, U.S.A., part of the largest, most cost-effective meadow restoration to date, to provide the first seagrass offset finance test-of-concept. Restoring seagrass removed 9,600 tCO2 from the atmosphere over 15 years but also enhanced both CH4 and N2O production, releasing 950 tCO2e. Despite tripling the N2O flux to 0.06 g m−2 yr−1 and increasing CH4 8-fold to 0.8 g m−2 yr−1, the meadow now offsets 0.42 tCO2e ha−1 yr−1, which is roughly equivalent to the seagrass sequestration rate for GHG inventory accounting but lower than the rates for temperate and tropical forests. The financial benefit for this highly successful project, $87 K at $10 MtCO2e−1, defrays ~10% of the restoration cost. Managers should also consider seagrass co-benefits, which provide additional incentives for seagrass restoration.
CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genetic resource for unknown kinase and phosphatase genes in Drosophila
Authors: Wu Menghua , Zhang Xuedi , Wei Wei , Long Li , An Sainan , Gao Guanjun
Published: April 2020

Kinases and phosphatases are crucial for cellular processes and animal development. Various sets of resources in Drosophila have contributed significantly to the identification of kinases, phosphatases and their regulators. However, there are still many kinases, phosphatases and associate genes with unknown functions in the Drosophila genome. In this study, we utilized a CRISPR/Cas9 strategy to generate stable mutants for these unknown kinases, phosphatases and associate factors in Drosophila. For all the 156 unknown gene loci, we totally obtained 385 mutant alleles of 105 candidates, with 18 failure due to low efficiency of selected gRNAs and other 33 failure due to few recovered F0, which indicated high probability of lethal genes. From all the 105 mutated genes, we observed 9 whose mutants were lethal and another 4 sterile, most of which with human orthologs referred in OMIM, representing their huge value for human disease research. Here, we deliver these mutants as an open resource for more interesting studies.
Development but not diet alters microbial communities in the Neotropical arboreal trap jaw ant Daceton armigerum: an exploratory study
Authors: Ramalho Manuela O. , Duplais Christophe , Orivel Jérôme , Dejean Alain , Gibson Joshua C. , Suarez Andrew V. , Moreau Corrie S.
Published: April 2020

To better understand the evolutionary significance of symbiotic interactions in nature, microbiome studies can help to identify the ecological factors that may shape host-associated microbial communities. In this study we explored both 16S and 18S rRNA microbial communities of D. armigerum from both wild caught individuals collected in the Amazon and individuals kept in the laboratory and fed on controlled diets. We also investigated the role of colony, sample type, development and caste on structuring microbial communities. Our bacterial results (16S rRNA) reveal that (1) there are colony level differences between bacterial communities; (2) castes do not structure communities; (3) immature stages (brood) have different bacterial communities than adults; and 4) individuals kept in the laboratory with a restricted diet showed no differences in their bacterial communities from their wild caught nest mates, which could indicate the presence of a stable and persistent resident bacterial community in this host species. The same categories were also tested for microbial eukaryote communities (18S rRNA), and (5) developmental stage has an influence on the diversity recovered; (6) the diversity of taxa recovered has shown this can be an important tool to understand additional aspects of host biology and species interactions.
Replication analysis of variants associated with multiple sclerosis risk
Authors: Dashti Mohammad , Ateyah Khadijah , Alroughani Raed , Al-Temaimi Rabeah
Published: April 2020

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex chronic neurodegenerative disorder resulting from an autoimmune reaction against myelin. So far, many genetic variants have been reported to associate with MS risk however their association is inconsistent across different populations. Here we investigated the association of the most consistently reported genetic MS risk variants in the Kuwaiti MS population in a case-control study designs. Of the 94 reported MS risk variants four variants showed MS risk association in Arabs exome analysis (EVI5 rs11808092 p = 0.0002; TNFRSF1A rs1800693 p = 0.00003; MTHFR rs1801131 p = 0.038; and CD58 rs1414273 p = 0.00007). Replication analysis in Kuwaiti MS cases and healthy controls confirmed EVI5 rs11808092A (OR: 1.6, 95%CI: 1.19–2.16, p = 0.002) and MTHFR rs1801131G (OR: 1.79, 95%CI: 1.3–2.36, p = 0.001) as MS risk genetic factors, while TNFRSF1A rs1800693C had a marginal MS risk association (OR: 1.36, 95%CI: 1.04–1.78, p = 0.025) in the Kuwaiti population. CD58 rs1414273 did not sustain risk association (p = 0.37). In conclusion, EVI5 rs11808092A, TNFRSF1A rs1800693C and MTHFR rs1801131G are MS risk factors in the Kuwaiti population. Further investigations into their roles in MS pathogenesis and progression are merited.
Effect of a new irrigant solution containing glycolic acid on smear layer removal and chemical/mechanical properties of dentin
Authors: Barcellos Débora Pereira Diniz Correia , Farina Ana Paula , Barcellos Ramiro , Souza Matheus Albino , Borba Márcia , Bedran-Russo Ana Karina , Bello Yuri Dal , Pimenta Vidal Cristina De Mattos , Cecchin Doglas
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of glycolic acid (GA) (with pH 1.2 and 5) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the chemical and mechanical properties of dentin to investigate the potential use of GA as final irrigant in the root canal therapy. Specifically, changes in microhardness, smear layer removal, erosion, mineral content distribution, apatite/collagen ratio and flexural strength of mineralized dentin treated with GA were assessed. Saline solution was used as a negative control. Knoop microhardness (KHN) was measured on the root canal lumen of root segments. Dentin beams were used for 3-point flexural strength (σ) test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of root sections were obtained for evaluation of smear layer removal and dentin erosion on root segments and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used for mineral content distribution. The apatite/collagen ratio (A/C) in dentin powder were examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. KHN, σ and A/C results were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). Smear layer and dentin erosion scores were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (α = 0.05). Root dentin treated with EDTA and GA presented similar KHN regardless of the pH (p > 0.05). However, KHN was significantly reduced in EDTA and GA groups when compared to control group (p<0.001). GA showed the same ability to remove the smear layer and to cause dentin erosion as EDTA. EDS results showed that the GA and EDTA solutions did not alter the dentin mineral content distribution. The apatite/collagen ratio reduced with all irrigant solution and was the lowest with GA pH 5 (p<0.001), while σ was not significantly affected by the experimental solutions (p = 0.559). It can be concluded that GA has similar ability to remove the smear layer than EDTA. GA does not affect negatively the chemical/mechanical properties and it does not increase dentin erosion. The use of GA with low pH seems to promote less change in collagen/apatite ratio, but further studies are needed to establish an ideal clinical protocol. Therefore, this study supports the potential use of GA as an alternative final irrigation solution for root canal preparation.
Understanding the synergistic effect of physicochemical properties of nanoparticles and their cellular entry pathways
Authors: Lin Jiaqi , Miao Lei , Zhong Grace , Lin Chih-Hsin , Dargazangy Roozbeh , Alexander-Katz Alfredo
Published: April 2020

Gaining precise control over the cellular entry pathway of nanomaterials is key in achieving cytosolic delivery, accessing subcellular environments, and regulating toxicity. However, this precise control requires a fundamental understanding of the behavior of nanomaterials at the bio-nano interface. Herein, we report a computational study investigating the synergistic effect of several key physicochemical properties of nanomaterials on their cellular entry pathways. By examining interactions between monolayer-protected nanoparticles and model cell membranes in a three-dimensional parameter space of size, surface charge/pKa, and ligand chemistry, we observed four different types of nanoparticle translocation for cellular entry which are: outer wrapping, free translocation, inner attach, and embedment. Nanoparticle size, surface charge/pKa, and ligand chemistry each play a unique role in determining the outcome of translocation. Specifically, membrane local curvature induced by nanoparticles upon contact is critical for initiating the translocation process. A generalized paradigm is proposed to describe the fundamental mechanisms underlying the bio-nano interface.
Sustainable release of vancomycin from micro-arc oxidised 3D-printed porous Ti6Al4V for treating methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusbone infection and enhancing osteogenesis in a rabbit tibia osteomyelitis model
Authors: Zhang Teng , Wei Qingguang , Zhou Hua , Zhou Wenhao , Fan Daoyang , Lin Xinhong , Jing Zehao , Cai Hong , Cheng Yan , Liu Xiaoguang , Li Weishi , Song Chunli , Tian Yun , Xu Nanfang , Zheng Yufeng , Liu Zhongjun
Published: April 2020

Sustainable release of vancomycin from micro-arc oxidised 3D-printed porous Ti6A14V for treating MRSA bone infection and enhancing osteogenesis.
Portable surface-enhanced Raman scattering analysis performed with microelectrode-templated silver nanodendrites
Authors: Raveendran Joshua , Docoslis Aristides
Published: April 2020

Using a handheld Raman spectrometer, we demonstrate how silver nanodendritic substrates formed using microelectrode platforms and a semi-batch process can be used for ultrasensitive detection and identification of target analytes.
Analytical science in neurochemistry
Authors: Masson Jean-Francois , Hashemi Parastoo , Boutelle Martyn G.
Published: April 2020

Jean-François Masson, Parastoo Hashemi and Martyn Boutelle introduce the Analyst themed collection on Analytical Science in Neurochemistry.
Derivatization and rapid GC-MS screening of chlorides relevant to the Chemical Weapons Convention in organic liquid samples
Authors: Kuitunen Marja-Leena , Altamirano Jorgelina Cecilia , Siegenthaler Peter , Taure Terhi Hannele , Häkkinen Vesa Antero , Vanninen Paula Sinikka
Published: April 2020

Derivatization with 1-propanol for GC-MS analysis allows fast screening of eight scheduled chlorides of the CWC in organic liquid samples.
Multivariate optimization of an analytical method for the analysis of Abruzzo white wines by ICP OES
Authors: Ruggieri Fabrizio , D'Archivio Angelo Antonio , Foschi Martina , Maggi Maria Anna
Published: April 2020

Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) method was optimized and applied for determining the concentration of 14 elements (Ba, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sr, V, Zn) in white wines of the Abruzzo region (Italy).
Covalent polyester colouration by in situ chromophore creation
Authors: Rowley Jason V. , Exley James , Yu Huayang , Mircale Gregory S. , Hayward Adam S. , Thornton Paul D.
Published: April 2020

The covalent, in situ, colouration of a condensation polymer is disclosed as a template for simple and effective polyester colouration.
An asymmetric end-capping strategy enables a new non-fullerene acceptor for organic solar cells with efficiency over 10%
Authors: Duan Tainan , Hou Licheng , Fu Jiehao , Kan Zhipeng , Yang Qianguang , Chen Qianqian , Zhong Cheng , Xiao Zeyun , Yu Donghong , Lu Shirong
Published: April 2020

A new asymmetric non-fullerene acceptor (IDTBF) that features two distinct terminal groups was designed and synthesized. The device based on polymer donor PM6 and IDTBF exhibits a promising PCE of 10.43%.
Solvation effects drive the selectivity in Diels–Alder reaction under hyperbaric conditions
Authors: Loco Daniele , Spezia Riccardo , Cartier François , Chataigner Isabelle , Piquemal Jean-Philip
Published: April 2020

High pressure effects on the Diels–Alder reaction in condensed phase are investigated by means of theoretical methods, employing advanced multiscale modeling approaches based on physically grounded models.
Chemical synthesis of human trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) and its homodimer provides novel insights into their mechanisms of action
Authors: Braga Emidio Nayara , Baik Hayeon , Lee David , Stürmer René , Heuer Jörn , Elliott Alysha G. , Blaskovich Mark A. T. , Haupenthal Katharina , Tegtmeyer Nicole , Hoffmann Werner , Schroeder Christina I. , Muttenthaler Markus
Published: April 2020

Chemical synthesis of gut peptide TFF1 and its homodimer was achieved by a two-fragment ligation strategy followed by oxidative folding.
Transition metal-free B(dan)-installing reaction (dan: naphthalene-1,8-diaminato): H–B(dan) as a B(dan) electrophile
Authors: Li Jialun , Seki Michinari , Kamio Shintaro , Yoshida Hiroto
Published: April 2020

H–B(dan) serves as a B(dan) electrophile to give directly R–B(dan) by the reaction with Grignard reagents under transition metal-free conditions.
Glutathione-responsive nanoscale MOFs for effective intracellular delivery of the anticancer drug 6-mercaptopurine
Authors: Gong Ming , Yang Jian , Li Yongsheng , Gu Jinlou
Published: April 2020

A glutathione-responsive drug-delivery platform based on nanoMOFs was developed for selective cancer therapy through the introduction of disulfide bonds.
Phosphonate functionalized carbon spheres as Brønsted acid catalysts for the valorization of bio-renewable α-pinene oxide to trans-carveol
Authors: Singh Amravati S. , Advani Jacky H. , Biradar Ankush V.
Published: April 2020

Herein, we report a simple route for the synthesis of phosphonate functionalized Brønsted solid acid carbon spheres as heterogeneous catalysts for the valorization of bio-derived α-pinene oxide.
Salt metathesis as an alternative approach to access aluminium(i) and gallium(i) β-diketiminates
Authors: Kysliak Oleksandr , Görls Helmar , Kretschmer Robert
Published: April 2020

Aluminium(i) and gallium(i) β-diketiminates are accessed by a new route that provides better overall yields. In the case of aluminium it is also much faster, but some molecules turn into a dead end and merge into a dinuclear aluminium(iii) hydride.
Oxidation reactions of a versatile, two-coordinate, acyclic iminosiloxysilylene
Authors: Reiter Dominik , Frisch Philipp , Wendel Daniel , Hörmann Fabian M. , Inoue Shigeyoshi
Published: April 2020

A comprehensive reactivity study of an acyclic iminosiloxysilylene provides further insights into this relatively unexplored compound class and revealed analogies to both classical transition metal complexes and the lighter silicon congener carbon.
Performance of silver nanoparticle-impregnated ovoid ceramic water filters
Authors: Shepard Zachary J. , Lux Elizabeth M. , Oyanedel-Craver Vinka A.
Published: April 2020

This work presents the first performance evaluation of ovoid CWFs designed by Potters without Borders. Performance analysis and characterization data are presented here to inform manufacturing decisions and research methods.
A tribo-positive Fe@MoS2 piezocatalyst for the durable degradation of tetracycline: degradation mechanism and toxicity assessment
Authors: Meng Fanqing , Ma Wei , Wang Yinglong , Zhu Zhaoyou , Chen Zhen , Lu Guang
Published: April 2020

Durable elimination of tetracycline and its toxicity by a tribo-positive Fe@MoS2 piezocatalyst via ball-milling activation.
Rapid determination of Ba isotope compositions for barites using a H2O-extraction method and MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Tian Lan-Lan , Gong Ying-Zeng , Wei Wei , Kang Jin-Ting , Yu Hui-Min , Huang Fang
Published: April 2020

This study presents a rapid and simple method of high precision Ba isotope measurement for barite using H2O extraction.
Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry for Biological Applications
Authors: Schaumlöffel Dirk
Published: April 2020

Dirk Schaumlöffel introduces the JAAS themed collection on Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry for Biological Applications.
Sequential ionic layer adsorption reaction formation of LaVO4–TiO2 nanocomposites for photocatalytic water treatment
Authors: Odling Gylen , Bhosale Reshma , Ogale Satischandra , Robertson Neil
Published: April 2020

Lanthanum vanadate (LaVO4) has been deposited onto the surface of P25 TiO2 particles immobilized on glass beads for photocatalytic water treatment.
Concentrated solar radiation as a renewable heat source for a preparative-scale and solvent-free Biginelli reaction
Authors: Gadkari Yatin U. , Hatvate Navnath T. , Takale Balaram S. , Telvekar Vikas N.
Published: April 2020

Highly sustainable, economical, and faster Biginelli reaction has been established using concentrated solar radiation.
Boosted electrochemical ammonia synthesis by high-percentage metallic transition metal dichalcogenide quantum dots
Authors: Zhang Jian , Ling Chongyi , Zang Wenjie , Li Xiaoxia , Huang Shaozhuan , Li Xue Liang , Yan Dong , Kou Zongkui , Liu Lei , Wang Jinlan , Yang Hui Ying
Published: April 2020

The electrochemical method can directly convert N2 into the high-value-added NH3 under ambient conditions and is considered to be a green and sustainable alternative to the traditional Haber–Bosch process.
Endowing chloroplasts with artificial “cell walls” using metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Shi Lei , Li Ailing , Zhang Weiwei , Wu Haishan , Chi Yuwu
Published: April 2020

Chloroplasts (CHs) are endowed with artificial “cell walls” using MOFs. The obtained CH@ZIF-8 biohybrids not only maintain good photosynthetic activity but also exhibit excellent stability, and have potential applications in living artificial trees.
A systematic study of the optical properties of mononuclear hybrid organo–inorganic lanthanoid complexes
Authors: Zapata-Lizama Matias , Hermosilla-Ibáñez Patricio , Venegas-Yazigi Diego , Mínguez Espallargas Guillermo , Queiroz Maia Lauro June , Gasparotto Gisane , De Santana Ricardo Costa , Cañón-Mancisidor Walter
Published: April 2020

Mononuclear organic–inorganic hybrid lanthanoid complexes show that the combination of both types of ligands improves the optical response compared to the inorganic analogue, thus having potential optical applications due to their thermal response.
An exocyclic π-system extension of the phenanthriporphyrin framework: towards azaaceneporphyrinoids
Authors: Szyszko Bartosz , Dróżdż Damian , Sarwa Aleksandra , Mucha Sebastian G. , Białońska Agata , Białek Michał J. , Matczyszyn Katarzyna , Latos-Grażyński Lechosław
Published: April 2020

An exocyclic π-extension of phenanthriporphyrin reduces the macrocyclic antiaromaticity of the formed expanded carbaporphyrinoids.
High Eu3+ concentration quenching in Y3TaO7 solid solution for orange-reddish emission in photonics
Authors: Borges Fernanda Hediger , Caixeta Fábio José , Pereira Rafael Ramiro , Ruella de Oliveira Silvana , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Gonçalves Rogéria Rocha
Published: April 2020

Eu3+ ions influence on the crystallization process of Y3TaO7 solid solution and this particular host has presented a high concentration quenching (30 mol%), displaying an intense orange-reddish emission, with color purity over 92.6%.
Scalable and robust photochemical flow process towards small spherical gold nanoparticles
Authors: Bianchi Pauline , Petit Guillaume , Monbaliu Jean-Christophe M.
Published: April 2020

Scalable preparation of small spherical gold nanoparticles under photochemical flow conditions.
Facile fabrication of Ir/CNT/rGO nanocomposites with enhanced electrocatalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Huang Bo , Ma Yuntian , Xiong Zhelun , Lu Wangda , Ding Ran , Li Tiantian , Jiang Peng , Liang Minghui
Published: April 2020

The facilely prepared Ir/CNT/rGO composite delivers low overpotential and long lifetime for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Recent progress in morphology optimization in perovskite solar cell
Authors: Tailor Naveen Kumar , Abdi-Jalebi Mojtaba , Gupta Vinay , Hu Hanlin , Dar M. Ibrahim , Li Gang , Satapathi Soumitra
Published: April 2020

Hybrid organic–inorganic halide perovskite based solar cell technology has passed through a phase of unprecedented growth in the efficiency scale from 3.8% to above 25% within a decade.
A catalyst design for selective electrochemical reactions: direct production of hydrogen peroxide in advanced electrochemical oxidation
Authors: Ko Young-Jin , Choi Keunsu , Yang Boram , Lee Woong Hee , Kim Jun-Yong , Choi Jae-Woo , Chae Keun Hwa , Lee Jun Hee , Hwang Yun Jeong , Min Byoung Koun , Oh Hyung-Suk , Lee Wook-Seong
Published: April 2020

Hydrogen peroxide production by enhanced electrocatalysts is an attractive alternative to the present commercial process.
A self-powered and arch-structured triboelectric nanogenerator for portable electronics and human-machine communication
Authors: Shi Xingxing , Zhang Shuidong , Gong Shaoqin
Published: April 2020

An arch-structured TENG with a high-power density for portable electronics and self-powered human-machine communication.
Degradation induced lattice anchoring self-passivation in CsPbI3−xBrx
Authors: Xiu Jingwei , Dong Bo , Driscoll Elizabeth , Feng Xiyuan , Muhammad Abubakar , Chen Shaoqing , Du Zheng , Zhu Yudong , Zhang Zheng , Tang Zhaoheng , He Zhubing , Slater Peter Raymond
Published: April 2020

A facile ambient environment solution approach to prepare γ-CsPbI3−xBrx is reported for the first time, leading to samples that exhibit vastly improved stability towards both moisture and heating in air.
The effect of TGFβ1 on thermogenic markers is dependent on the degree of adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Maharjan Babu R. , McLennan Susan V. , Twigg Stephen M. , Williams Paul F.
Published: April 2020

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) a multifunctional cytokine is known to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and survival. Although there is variable expression of modulators of TGFβ action during differentiation, a differential effect on fat cell metabolism at the different stages of adipocyte differentiation was unclear. In the present study, 3T3L1 cells were used as an in vitro model to study the effect of TGFβ on adipogenic and thermogenic markers at various stages of preadipocyte to mature adipocyte differentiation. As in our earlier studies on the effect of TGFβ on CEBP’s, we used a standard differentiation mix, and one with the addition of rosiglitazone. RhTGFβ1 was added to undifferentiated adipocytes (preadipocytes) and to adipocytes at day 0 (commitment stage) as well as day 10 (terminal differentiation). Cellular responses in terms of Pref1, PPARγ, TLE3, PGC1α, PRDM16, UCP1 and UCP2 mRNA levels and selected protein products, were determined. Increases in PPARγ, PRDM16, UCP1 and UCP2 mRNA and decreases in Pref1 are good indicators of successful differentiation. The early addition of rhTGFβ1 during commitment stage decreased PPARγ, PRDM16, TLE3, UCP1 and UCP2 mRNA and decreased PRDM16 protein consistent with our earlier report on the inhibition of CEBP’s by TGFβ and CCN2. The addition of rhTGFβ1 to mature adipocyte at day 10 increased UCP1 mRNA and increased PRDM16 and UCP1 proteins. In the present study, our results suggest that TGFβ1 added late enhances the thermogenic potential of mature cells and causes 3T3L1 cells to differentiate to resemble brown or beige rather than white adipose tissue.
Analytical distortion calculation method for CMOS amplifier stages
Authors: Zhang Ailin , Shi Guoyong
Published: April 2020

Operational amplifiers (opamps) are often designed in stages. Distortion analysis of multistage opamps is challenging due to multiple non‐linearity sources. Therefore, one effective analysis method is to consider a multistage opamp model as a cascade of condensed stages, with each stage modelled by one weakly non‐linear element. Then, in order to obtain a satisfactory distortion model, accurate characterisation of the non‐linearity of each stage is necessary. In this Letter, the authors propose an analytical calculation method for modelling the weak non‐linearity of an amplifier stage consisting of several interconnected transistors. A stage circuit model created by this method can be used to produce analytical harmonic distortion characterisation of closed‐loop circuits with peripheral elements. Numerical accuracy of the analytical method has been validated by transistor‐level simulation.
Influence of ageing on oil degradation and gassing tendency under high‐energy electrical discharge faults for mineral oil and synthetic ester
Authors: Loiselle L. , Mohan Rao U. , Fofana I.
Published: April 2020

In this work, mineral oil and synthetic esters were selected at different ageing factors (based on acidity values). Fresh and aged oils have been subjected to high‐energy discharges (repeated 100 breakdowns) to simulate electric faults of highly vulnerable intensity. The intent of this work is to understand the influence of high‐energy electric faults on oil degradation and gassing tendency at different ageing conditions. In this study, the influence of the high‐energy discharges on degradation and gassing tendency at different ageing factors is reported for mineral oil and synthetic esters. Oil degradation is reported by adopting ultraviolet spectroscopy, turbidity and particle counter as per american society for testing and materials (ASTM) standard test methods. Gassing tendencies and fault gas analysis are understood by dissolved the gas analysis using Duval's triangle and Duval's pentagon methods for mineral and non‐mineral oils. It is found that the influence of high‐energy discharges on oil degradation is higher in mineral oils to that of the synthetic esters. The intensity of the gassing tendency is higher for ester fluids; however, as per the Duval methods, the faulty conditions are at lower levels as compared to mineral oils.
Adaptive sliding mode robust control based on multi‐dimensional Taylor network for trajectory tracking of quadrotor UAV
Authors: Wang Guo‐Biao
Published: April 2020

In this study, multi‐dimensional Taylor network (MTN) inspired sliding mode robust control theory based adaptation laws are proposed to realise trajectory tracking for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle. Compared with existing methods, the composite disturbance considered in this study includes external multiple interference and fuselage parameter perturbation, which is more in accord with reality. Through a linear state transformation, the uncertain coefficients and unknown external disturbances are grouped together and the original kinetic model is decoupled into two subsystems of position and attitude that make the control design become feasible. MTNs are used to compensate the lumped non‐linearities, and the adaptive sliding mode technique is employed to construct the controller. Different from the controllers based on neural networks, MTN contains only addition and multiplication, which greatly lessens the computational complexity and improves the real‐time performance. By the Lyapunov theory, the position tracking error, attitude tracking error and fuselage load identification error are bounded in probability have been proved and the stability of the system is guaranteed. Simulation studies demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed trajectory tracking control scheme.
Frequency‐independent rotor position signal generation scheme for a PMBLdc motor without position sensors
Authors: Kuttappan Achary Rajesh , Nagamani Chilakapati , Ilango Ganesan Saravana
Published: April 2020

A simple scheme for generating rotor position signals in a Permanent Magnet Brushless dc Motor (PMBLdcM) without the need for Hall‐effect sensors is presented here. In the PMBLdcM, the difference between the terminal voltages reflects the phase back‐electromotive force whenever the particular phase is not energised. The line‐to‐line terminal voltage signals are processed twice to obtain the Position functions or P‐functions. The zero‐crossing instants of these signals correspond to the instants for energising the individual phases of the PMBLdcM irrespective of the speed. Typically, the position functions are trapezoidal in nature with the magnitude comparable to the applied terminal voltages. Thus, by suitably processing the position functions, the rotor position information similar to the conventional Hall signals can be generated. The proposed technique is simple, easy to implement, frequency‐independent, does not require the machine's neutral point and complex mathematical calculations. Moreover, since it involves the processing of real‐time signals, the method does not depend upon the accuracy of model parameters. Also, the scheme is effective even at low speeds since the magnitude of position functions is comparable to the applied terminal voltages. The proposed scheme is verified through simulations and experiments for a 1 hp PMBLdcM in the laboratory.
High frequency response of grounding electrodes: effect of soil dielectric constant
Authors: Salarieh Bamdad , De Silva Jeewantha , Kordi Behzad
Published: April 2020

Grounding electrodes have an important role in electric power transmission and distribution systems. They are used to prevent excessive hazardous voltages due to ground potential rise in the case of system faults or lightning surges. The electrical properties of soil, which vary substantially with geographical location and time of year, affect the process considerably along with the properties of the grounding electrode itself, such as its dimensions. To have an accurate estimation of the induced overvoltages due to lightning strike, one has to take into account the effect of the value of the soil electrical parameters, such as the electrical conductivity and dielectric constant. This study investigates the high frequency behaviour of the grounding electrodes by solving a full‐wave electromagnetic problem using the finite element method. The focus of this paper is on the effect of the variation of soil relative permittivity on the induced transient voltage in grounding electrodes. This allows an evaluation of the response of grounding systems due to seasonal changes, which would cause its electrical properties to vary significantly. This study demonstrates the importance of considering the variation of relative permittivity of the soil especially in the modelling of electrodes buried in highly resistive soil.