bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter-generational resemblance of methylation levels at circadian genes and associations with phenology in the barn swallow
Authors: Saino Nicola , Albetti Benedetta , Ambrosini Roberto , Caprioli Manuela , Costanzo Alessandra , Mariani Jacopo , Parolini Marco , Romano Andrea , Rubolini Diego , Formenti Giulio , Gianfranceschi Luca , Bollati Valentina
Published: April 2019

Regulation of gene expression can occur via epigenetic effects as mediated by DNA methylation. The potential for epigenetic effects to be transmitted across generations, thus modulating phenotypic variation and affecting ecological and evolutionary processes, is increasingly appreciated. However, the study of variation in epigenomes and inter-generational transmission of epigenetic alterations in wild populations is at its very infancy. We studied sex- and age-related variation in DNA methylation and parent-offspring resemblance in methylation profiles in the barn swallows. We focused on a class of highly conserved ‘clock’ genes (clock, cry1, per2, per3, timeless) relevant in the timing of activities of major ecological importance. In addition, we considerably expanded previous analyses on the relationship between methylation at clock genes and breeding date, a key fitness trait in barn swallows. We found positive assortative mating for methylation at one clocklocus. Methylation varied between the nestling and the adult stage, and according to sex. Individuals with relatively high methylation as nestlings also had high methylation levels when adults. Extensive parent-nestling resemblance in methylation levels was observed. Occurrence of extra-pair fertilizations allowed to disclose evidence hinting at a prevalence of paternal germline or sperm quality effects over common environment effects in generating father-offspring resemblance in methylation. Finally, we found an association between methylation at the clock poly-Q region, but not at otherloci, and breeding date. We thus provided evidence for sex-dependent variation and the first account of parent-offspring resemblance in methylation in any wild vertebrate. We also showed that epigenetics may influence phenotypic plasticity of timing of life cycle events, thus having a major impact on fitness.
Binucleation of male accessory gland cells in the common bed bug Cimex lectularius
Authors: Takeda Koji , Yamauchi Jun , Miki Aoi , Kim Daeyun , Leong Xin-Yeng , Doggett Stephen L. , Lee Chow-Yang , Adachi-Yamada Takashi
Published: April 2019

The insect male accessory gland (MAG) is an internal reproductive organ responsible for the synthesis and secretion of seminal fluid components, which play a pivotal role in the male reproductive strategy. In many species of insects, the effective ejaculation of the MAG products is essential for male reproduction. For this purpose, the fruit fly Drosophila has evolved binucleation in the MAG cells, which causes high plasticity of the glandular epithelium, leading to an increase in the volume of seminal fluid that is ejaculated. However, such a binucleation strategy has only been sporadically observed in Dipteran insects, including fruit flies. Here, we report the discovery of binucleation in the MAG of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, which belongs to hemimetabolous Hemiptera phylogenetically distant from holometabolous Diptera. In Cimex, the cell morphology and timing of synchrony during binucleation are quite different from those of Drosophila. Additionally, in Drosophila, the position of the two nuclei in the adult stage changes as a result of the mating history or the nutrient conditions; however, it remains stable in Cimex. These differences suggest that binucleation in the Cimex MAG plays a unique role in the male reproductive system that is distinct from that of Drosophila.
Short-term detection of volcanic unrest at Mt. Etna by means of a multi-station warning system
Authors: Spampinato Salvatore , Langer Horst , Messina Alfio , Falsaperla Susanna
Published: April 2019

Early-warning assessment of a volcanic unrest requires that accurate information from monitoring is continuously gathered before volcanic activity starts. Seismic data are an optimal source of such information, overcoming safety problems due to dangerous conditions for field surveys or cloud cover that may hinder visibility. We designed a multi-station warning system based on the classification of patterns of the background seismic radiation, so-called volcanic tremor, by using Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) and fuzzy clustering. The classifier automatically detects patterns that are typical footprints of volcanic unrest. The issuance of the SOM colors on DEM allows their geographical visualization according to the stations of detection; this spatial location makes it possible to infer areas potentially impacted by eruptive phenomena. Tested at Mt. Etna (Italy), the classifier forecasted in hindsight patterns associated with fast-rising magma (typical of lava fountains) as well as a relatively long lead time of the outburst (lava flows from eruptive fractures). Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves gave an Area Under the Curve (AUC) ∼0.8 indicative of a good detection accuracy that cannot be achieved from a mere random choice.
Prediction of Fractures in Coal Seams with Multi-component Seismic Data
Authors: Li Mengqi , Lu Jun , Xiong Shu
Published: April 2019

Fractures that develop in coal seams threaten safety in many ways, but they can be predicted using fracture parameters derived from seismic data. However, the post-stack split shear waves are difficult to thoroughly separate by Alford rotation due to wavefield mixing. We propose a method of predicting fractures in a coal seam using multi-component seismic data, which was applied to coal seam 13-1 of the Huainan coalfield, China. We employed the Alford rotation to separate the split PS-waves (P-to-S converted waves) and perform interlayer travel-time inversion of the fast shear waves using geophysical logs, rock-physics parameters, and tunnel-excavation information as constraints. However, post-stack wavefield mixing of the coal seam interfered with the Alford rotation of the real post-stack seismic data. Therefore, we only performed the Alford rotation on radial and transverse component post-stack sections to derive fracture azimuths, which were then applied to the pre-stack separation of the split PS-waves. Using joint PP- and PS-wave inversion, anisotropy parameters were derived for use in fracture prediction. Finally, we predicted unsafe mining areas with a high probability of coal and gas outbursts. The application results were verified by excavation data from the mine tunnels. Our method contributes to fracture prediction on coal mine safety.
ABA signaling components in Phelipanche aegyptiaca
Authors: Wiseglass Gil , Pri-Tal Oded , Mosquna Assaf
Published: April 2019

Obligate root holoparasite Phelipanche aegyptiaca is an agricultural pest, which infests its hosts and feeds on the sap, subsequently damaging crop yield and quality. Its notoriously viable seed bank may serve as an ideal pest control target. The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) was shown to regulate P. aegyptiaca seed dormancy following strigolactones germination stimulus. Transcription analysis of signaling components revealed five ABA receptors and two co-receptors (PP2C). Transcription of lower ABA-affinity subfamily III receptors was absent in all tested stages of P. aegyptiaca development and parasitism stages. P. aegyptiaca ABA receptors interacted with the PP2Cs, and inhibited their activity in an ABA-dependent manner. Moreover, sequence analysis revealed multiple alleles in two P. aegyptiaca ABA receptors, with many non-synonymous mutations. Functional analysis of selected receptor alleles identified a variant with substantially decreased inhibitory effect of PP2Cs activity in-vitro. These results provide evidence that P. aegyptiaca is capable of biochemically perceiving ABA. In light of the possible involvement of ABA in parasitic activities, the discovery of active ABA receptors and PP2Cs could provide a new biochemical target for the agricultural management of P. aegyptiaca. Furthermore, the potential genetic loss of subfamily III receptors in this species, could position P. aegyptiaca as a valuable model in the ABA perception research field.
Massive corals maintain a positive carbonate budget of a Maldivian upper reef platform despite major bleaching event
Authors: Ryan E. J. , Hanmer K. , Kench P. S.
Published: April 2019

Coral reefs experienced the third global bleaching event in 2015–2016 due to high sea-surface temperature (SST) anomalies. Declines in net carbonate production associated with coral bleaching are implicated in reef structural collapse and cascading impacts for adjacent coral reef islands. We present the first carbonate budget study of a reef platform surface (reef crest and reef flat) in the southern Maldives and the first record of upper reef flat condition in the central Indian Ocean post the 2015–2016 coral bleaching event. Scleractinian corals were the primary carbonate producers, with live coral cover averaging between 11.1 ± 6.5 and 31.2 ± 21.8% and dominated by massive corals. Gross carbonate production rates averaged 5.9 ± 2.5 G (kg CaCO3 m2 yr−1). Bioerosion was estimated at 3.4 ± 0.4 G, resulting in an average net carbonate production rate of 2.5 ± 2.4 G. Comparison of results with a study of the fore-reef slope highlights major differences in post-bleaching carbonate budget state between the fore-reef slope and the reef platform surface. The positive reef flat carbonate budget is attributed to the persistence of massive corals (Porites spp. and Heliopora spp.) through the bleaching event.
Whole genome sequencing reveals the impact of recent artificial selection on red sea bream reared in fish farms
Authors: Nam Bo-Hye , Yoo DongAhn , Kim Young-Ok , Park Jung Youn , Shin Younhee , Shin Ga-hee , Park Chan-Il , Kim Heebal , Kwak Woori
Published: April 2019

Red sea bream, a popular fish resource in Korea and Japan, is being bred in fish farms of the two countries. It is hypothesized that the genomes of red sea bream are influenced by decades of artificial selection. This study investigates the impact of artificial selection on genomes of red sea bream. Whole genome sequencing was conducted for 40 samples of red sea bream either from Ehime, Nagasaki and Tongyeong fish farms or from the wild. Population stratification based on whole genome data was investigated and the genomic regions of fish farm populations under selection were identified using XP-EHH and relative nucleotide diversity. Gene ontology analysis revealed that different functions were enriched in different fish farms. In conclusion, this study highlights the difference between independently cultured red sea bream populations by showing that influence of artificial selection acted upon completely different genes related to different functions including metabolic and developmental processes.
In vivo synaptic activity-independent co-uptakes of amyloid β1–42 and Zn2+ into dentate granule cells in the normal brain
Authors: Tamano Haruna , Oneta Naoya , Shioya Aoi , Adlard Paul A. , Bush Ashley I. , Takeda Atsushi
Published: April 2019

Neuronal amyloid β1–42(Aβ1–42) accumulation is considered an upstream event in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. Here we report the mechanism on synaptic activity-independent Aβ1–42uptakein vivo. When Aβ1–42uptake was compared in hippocampal slices after incubating with Aβ1–42,In vitroAβ1–42uptake was preferentially high in the dentate granule cell layer in the hippocampus. Because the rapid uptake of Aβ1–42with extracellular Zn2+is essential for Aβ1–42-induced cognitive declinein vivo, the uptake mechanism was tested in dentate granule cells in association with synaptic activity.In vivorapid uptake of Aβ1–42was not modified in the dentate granule cell layer after co-injection of Aβ1–42and tetrodotoxin, a Na+channel blocker, into the dentate gyrus. Both the rapid uptake of Aβ1–42and Zn2+into the dentate granule cell layer was not modified after co-injection of CNQX, an AMPA receptor antagonist, which blocks extracellular Zn2+influx, Both the rapid uptake of Aβ1–42and Zn2+into the dentate granule cell layer was not also modified after either co-injection of chlorpromazine or genistein, an endocytic repressor. The present study suggests that Aβ1–42and Zn2+are synaptic activity-independently co-taken up into dentate granule cells in the normal brain and the co-uptake is preferential in dentate granule cells in the hippocampus. We propose a hypothesis that Zn-Aβ1–42oligomers formed in the extracellular compartment are directly incorporated into neuronal plasma membranes and form Zn2+-permeable ion channels.
Effect of topography and protecting barriers on revegetation of sandy land, Southern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liao Chengrui , Liu Beichen , Xu Yannan , Li Yingkui , Li Haidong
Published: April 2019

Revegetation on sandy land has attracted worldwide attention, especially on the extremely fragile alpine eco-region of the Tibetan Plateau. However, the effectiveness of revegetation and its controlling factors have rarely been reported. We collected plant growths and species composition from seven field sites in 2011 and conducted a follow-up random investigation in 2016. The indicators, including richness and diversity, were used to compare the differences among these sites based on redundancy and cluster analyses. The results indicated that plant growth has different characteristics in different land types. The distribution and growth of Artemisia sphaerocephala, Artemisia younghusbandii and Heteropappus gouldii varied with topography, and the crown widths of A. sphaerocephala were 100.6 cm × 87.2 cm on barchan dune and 26.0 cm × 25.4 cm on moving sandy land at valley slopes. These species are likely the pioneer plants for revegetation on sandy land. It seems that sand-protecting barriers play an important role in revegetation. The stone and plastic checkerboard barriers increase plant diversity, while straw barrier promotes the plant growth. These findings provide useful guidance to the ongoing vegetation recovery on sandy land, an important component of the Project on Construction and Protection of Ecological Security Barriers on the Tibetan Plateau.
Accurate early prediction of tumour response to PDT using optical coherence angiography
Authors: Sirotkina M. A. , Moiseev A. A. , Matveev L. A. , Zaitsev V. Y. , Elagin V. V. , Kuznetsov S. S. , Gelikonov G. V. , Ksenofontov S. Y. , Zagaynova E. V. , Feldchtein F. I. , Gladkova N. D. , Vitkin A.
Published: April 2019

Prediction of tumour treatment response may play a crucial role in therapy selection and optimization of its delivery parameters. Here we use optical coherence angiography (OCA) as a minimally-invasive, label-free, real-time bioimaging method to visualize normal and pathological perfused vessels and monitor treatment response following vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT). Preclinical results are reported in a convenient experimental model (CT-26 colon tumour inoculated in murine ear), enabling controlled PDT and post-treatment OCA monitoring. To accurately predict long-term treatment outcome, a robust and simple microvascular metric is proposed. It is based on perfused vessels density (PVD) at t = 24 hours post PDT, calculated for both tumour and peri-tumour regions. Histological validation in the examined experimental cohort (n = 31 animals) enabled further insight into the excellent predictive power of the derived early-response OCA microvascular metric. The results underscore the key role of peri-tumour microvasculature in determining the long-term PDT response.
Ir-catalyzed selective reduction of CO2 to the methoxy or formate level with HSiMe(OSiMe3)2
Authors: Guzmán Jefferson , García-Orduña Pilar , Polo Víctor , Lahoz Fernando J. , Oro Luis A. , Fernández-Alvarez Francisco J.
Published: April 2019

Ir-NSi-based catalysts allow controlling the selective reduction of CO2 with HSiMe(OSiMe3)2 to afford methoxysilane or silyl formate.
Influence of Au/Pd alloy on an amine functionalised ZnCr LDH–MCM-41 nanocomposite: A visible light sensitive photocatalyst towards one-pot imine synthesis
Authors: Sahoo Dipti Prava , Patnaik Sulagna , Rath Dharitri , Mohapatra Priyabrat , Mohanty Ashutosh , Parida Kulamani
Published: April 2019

Au/Pd loaded amine functionalised ZnCr LDH–MCM-41 photocatalyst for one-pot imine synthesis.
Comparison of analytical techniques to explain variability in stored drinking water quality and microbial hand contamination of female caregivers in Tanzania
Authors: Harris Angela R. , Pickering Amy J. , Boehm Alexandria B. , Mrisho Mwifadhi , Davis Jennifer
Published: April 2019

Identifying explanatory variables of stored drinking water quality and hand contamination in Bagamoyo, Tanzania using 3 different modeling techniques.
A highly sensitive endotoxin sensor based on redox cycling in a nanocavity
Authors: Ito Kentaro , Inoue Kumi Y. , Ino Kosuke , Matsue Tomokazu , Shiku Hitoshi
Published: April 2019

A highly sensitive endotoxin sensor and novel analytical principle using diffusion coefficient difference was developed using a nanocavity device.
Bimodal detection of carbon dioxide using fluorescent molecular aggregates
Authors: Mishra Rakesh K. , Vijayakumar Samiyappan , Mal Arindam , Karunakaran Varsha , Janardhanan Jith C. , Maiti Kaustabh Kumar , Praveen Vakayil K. , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai
Published: April 2019

Fluorescent aggregates of a cyano-substituted phenylenevinylene derivative (R-1) have been used as a bimodal probe for the easy and fast detection of CO2.
Pd-catalyzed synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones by carbonylation of vinyl triflates and nonaflates
Authors: Zhang Shaoke , Neumann Helfried , Beller Matthias
Published: April 2019

A general and highly chemoselective Pd-catalyzed protocol for the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones by carbonylation of vinyl triflates and nonaflates is presented. Applying the specific monophosphine ligand cataCXium® A, the synthesis of various vinyl ketones as well as carbonylated natural product derivatives proceeds in good yields.
Ultrafast spectroscopic study of plasmon-induced hot electron transfer under NIR excitation in Au triangular nanoprism/g-C3N4for photocatalytic H2production
Authors: Ruan Daming , Xue Jiawei , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Majima Tetsuro
Published: April 2019

Ultrafast spectroscopy reveals plasmon-induced hot electron transfer under NIR excitation in Au triangular nanoprism/g-C3N4for photocatalytic H2evolution.
Bottom-up synthesis of 2D Co-based metal–organic framework nanosheets by an ammonia-assisted strategy for tuning the crystal morphology
Authors: Nian Pei , Liu Haiou , Zhang Xiongfu
Published: April 2019

Two 2D Co2(bim)4and Co(bim)(OAc) nanosheets were directly synthesized by an ammonia-modulated approach.
Extremely sensitive and accurate H2S sensor at room temperature fabricated with In-doped Co3O4 porous nanosheets
Authors: Wu Jie , Yang Ying , Zhang Chengxin , Yu Hui , Huang Licheng , Dong Xiangting , Wang Jinxian , Wang Xinlu
Published: April 2019

In-Doped Co3O4 porous nanosheets were synthesized and exhibited a fast response and high selectivity towards H2S at room temperature.
A mesoporous cationic metal–organic framework with a high density of positive charge for enhanced removal of dichromate from water
Authors: Zou Yu-Huang , Liang Jun , He Chang , Huang Yuan-Biao , Cao Rong
Published: April 2019

A mesoporous cationic metal–organic framework (FJI-C11) was firstly employed to capture efficiently dichromate ions from water.
Long-life and deeply rechargeable aqueous Zn anodes enabled by a multifunctional brightener-inspired interphase
Authors: Zhao Zhiming , Zhao Jingwen , Hu Zhenglin , Li Jiedong , Li Jiajia , Zhang Yaojian , Wang Cheng , Cui Guanglei
Published: April 2019

A brightener-inspired polymer interphase enables highly reversible aqueous Zn anodes via suppressing side-reactions and manipulating the nucleation process.
Diol pretreatment to fractionate a reactive lignin in lignocellulosic biomass biorefineries
Authors: Dong Chengyu , Meng Xianzhi , Yeung Chi Shun , TSE Ho-Yin , Ragauskas Arthur J. , Leu Shao-Yuan
Published: April 2019

α-Etherification in diol pretreatment quenched lignin intermediate and produced a reactive lignin with hydroxyl tails. Hydroxyl tails increased lignin solubilization without cleavage of β-O-4 ether linkages.
Engineering faster transglycosidases and their acceptor specificity
Authors: Tran Linh T. , Blay Vincent , Luang Sukanya , Eurtivong Chatchakorn , Choknud Sunaree , González-Díaz Humbert , Ketudat Cairns James R.
Published: April 2019

Transglycosidases have potential to catalyze the synthesis of high-value compounds from biomass-derived feedstocks. Cheminformatics can help design more active and versatile catalysts and discover new substrates.
Charge transfer complexes as colour changing and disappearing–reappearing colour materials
Authors: Sharada Durgam , Saha Arijit , Saha Binoy K.
Published: April 2019

Charge transfer complexes, made of suitably chosen electron-rich and electron-deficient components, can perform as vanishing colour, disappearing–reappearing colour and colour changing materials.
Carbon-supported Co(OH)2 coated with Au nanoparticle composites as an efficient catalyst for BH4− electrooxidation
Authors: Yi Lanhua , Yang Shaobo , Fei Junjie , Ding Yonglan , Yang Chunguang , Wang Xianyou
Published: April 2019

A Co(OH)2(50)@Au(50)/C nanoparticle composite electrocatalyst combines the lower content of noble metals and much higher catalytic activity for BH4− electrooxidation.
Melleolides impact fungal translation via elongation factor 2
Authors: Dörfer Maximilian , Heine Daniel , König Stefanie , Gore Sagar , Werz Oliver , Hertweck Christian , Gressler Markus , Hoffmeister Dirk
Published: April 2019

The fungal translation elongation factor 2 was identified as a molecular target of honey mushroom antifungal natural products.
Pd(ii)-Catalyzed C8–H alkoxycarbonylmethylation of 1-naphthylamides with α-chloroalkyl esters
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Feng Cancan , Yang Fan , Wu Yangjie
Published: April 2019

An efficient protocol for palladium-catalyzed regioselective C8–H bond alkoxycarbonylmethylation of 1-naphthylamide derivatives with α-chloroalkyl esters has been developed.
Unidirectional complexation of pillar[4]arene[1]benzoquinoneoxime with alkyl alcohols
Authors: Li Kun-Ang , Wang Zhuo , Xie Chang-Dong , Chen Tao , Qiang Hui , Liu Yahu A. , Jia Xue-Shun , Hu Wei-Bo , Wen Ke
Published: April 2019

Unidirectional binding between a pillar[4]arene[1]benzoquinoneoxime host and n-alkyl alcoholic guests was realized with the hydroxy heads of the guests in direct contact with the oxime group of the macrocyclic host.
A magnetically recyclable superparamagnetic silica supported Pt nanocatalyst through a multi-carboxyl linker: synthesis, characterization, and applications in alkene hydrosilylation
Authors: Li Laiming , Li Youxin , Yan Jincong , Cao Hang , Shao Dongyun , Bao James J.
Published: April 2019

To simplify separation procedures, improve the reusability and decrease the loss of Pt, two Pt catalysts anchored on superparamagnetic silica (Fe3O4@SiO2-EDTA@Pt and Fe3O4@SiO2-DTPA@Pt) were prepared for the first time.
Photophysical properties and singlet oxygen generation ofmeso-iodinated free-base corroles
Authors: Zhao Fang , Zhan Xuan , Lai Shu-Hui , Zhang Lei , Liu Hai-Yang
Published: April 2019

The effect of corrole macrocyclemeso-iodination on its photophysical character.
A fluorescent and colorimetric probe based on naphthalene diimide and its high sensitivity towards copper ions when used as test strips
Authors: Zong Luyi , Wang Can , Song Yuchen , Hu Jie , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: April 2019

A red fluorescent and colorimetric probe (NDI-Py) exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity towards copper ions both in solution and on silica gel plates.
A rational design of the coupling mechanism of physical adsorption and chemical charge effect for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Feng Guilin , Liu Xiaohong , Wang Yasai , Wu Zhenguo , Wu Chen , Li Rong , Chen Yanxiao , Guo Xiaodong , Zhong Benhe , Li Jianshu
Published: April 2019

Trapping LPSs by the anion electrostatic effect of –SO3H and the chemical adsorption of N-doped carbon for enhanced Li–S batteries.
Tuning the photoluminescence property of carbon dots by ultraviolet light irradiation
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Yan Lihe , Si Jinhai , Xu Huanhuan , Xu Yanmin
Published: April 2019

Tuning of the photoluminescence property of carbon nanodots is realized by surface modification through ultraviolet light irradiation.
Evaluating the effectiveness of Integrated STEM-lab activities in improving secondary school students’ understanding of electrolysis
Authors: Daman Huri Noor Haslina , Karpudewan Mageswary
Published: April 2019

STEM education is gaining increasing attention globally to fulfill the acute shortage of STEM workforce. Executing STEM education is frequently viewed as a complex and challenging agenda. The current study proposes Integrated STEM-lab activities in the teaching and learning of electrolysis. The activities use real-world contexts as a platform to exhibit the transdisciplinary nature of integration of the four STEM disciplines. Embedded mixed methods research used quantitative one group pre-test–post-test design, and qualitative interviews were employed to measure the effectiveness of the Integrated STEM-lab activities in improving 50 secondary school students’ (Form Four equivalent to Grade 9) understanding of electrolysis. The Electrolysis Diagnostics Instrument was administered for pre- and post-tests. One-way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) revealed that the Integrated STEM-lab activities effectively improved the students’ understanding of electrolysis measured in three subscales (Wilks’ lambda = 0.664;F(3,96) = 16.164; p < 0.05; η = 0.336) with 33.6% of the variances in the pre- and post-tests explained by the treatment. The qualitative interview data supported and provided insight into understanding the quantitative findings. In the interviews, the students elaborated their understanding of electrolysis with details, and consistently the activities were referred to in their responses. The findings of this study suggest that Integrated-STEM lab activities are suitable to address the limitation of the existing laboratory activities for knowledge construction. The activities are exemplary for integrating the four STEM disciplines into the standard science curriculum.
In situ hydrogelation of forky peptides in prostate tissue for drug delivery
Authors: Tao Mingtao , Liu Jing , He Suyun , Xu Keming , Zhong Wenying
Published: April 2019

To achieve in situ gelation at the prostate where zinc ions are abundant, a hexapeptide D3F3 with a unique forky structure was employed as the suitable carrier for its conjugation with doxorubicin.
Insights into the water adsorption mechanism in the chemically stable zirconium-based MOF DUT-67 – a prospective material for adsorption-driven heat transformations
Authors: Bon Volodymyr , Senkovska Irena , Evans Jack D. , Wöllner Michelle , Hölzel Markus , Kaskel Stefan
Published: April 2019

The mechanism of water adsorption in the chemically and thermally stable DUT-67(Zr) framework was studied by neutron powder diffraction and optical calorimetry.
Redox bucky gels: mixture of carbon nanotubes and room temperature redox ionic liquids
Authors: Mourad E. , Fontaine O.
Published: April 2019

In the past few years, the design of bucky gels based on ionic liquids has been an attractive field for many applications.
A cross-like hierarchical porous lithium-rich layered oxide with (110)-oriented crystal planes as a high energy density cathode for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Chen Min , Jin Xiaojing , Chen Zhi , Zhong Yaotang , Liao Youhao , Qiu Yongcai , Cao Guozhong , Li Weishan
Published: April 2019

Cross-like hierarchical porous Li1.167Mn0.583Ni0.250O2 with (110)-oriented crystal planes (CHP-LMNO) is successfully developed by a morphology-conserved solid-state Li implantation method.
Nickel-substituted Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ: a highly active perovskite oxygen electrode for reduced-temperature solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Li Lu , Yang Hua , Gao Zhenghui , Zhang Yaping , Dong Feifei , Yang Guangming , Ni Meng , Lin Zhan
Published: April 2019

Nickel substitution contributes to sustained cubic-symmetry perovskite structure and fast oxygen kinetics of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.7Fe0.2Ni0.1O3−δ cathode material, enabling superior electrochemical activity and durability for ORR.
Akin solid–solid biphasic conversion of a Li–S battery achieved by coordinated carbonate electrolytes
Authors: Huang Feifei , Gao Lujie , Zou Yiping , Ma Guoqiang , Zhang Junjie , Xu Shiqing , Li ZhuXin , Liang Xiao
Published: April 2019

The sulfur chemistry is transited from the conventional dissolution–precipitation category to solid–solid biphasic conversion by tuning the coordinating structure of the carbonate based electrolyte, paving the way for achieving Li–S batteries with lower E/S ratios.
Minocycline hydrochloride loaded graphene oxide enables enhanced osteogenic activity in the presence of Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Qiu Jiajun , Qian Wenhao , Zhang Jinkai , Chen Dafu , Yeung Kelvin W. K. , Liu Xuanyong
Published: April 2019

Minocycline hydrochloride loaded graphene oxide films offer a solution for the issues of insufficient osseointegration and bacterial infections on the implants.
Enhanced energy storage properties in sodium bismuth titanate-based ceramics for dielectric capacitor applications
Authors: Wu Yichen , Fan Yuzhu , Liu Ningtao , Peng Ping , Zhou Mingxing , Yan Shiguang , Cao Fei , Dong Xianlin , Wang Genshui
Published: April 2019

The strategy of turning ferroelectric into relaxor is feasible and effective to boost the energy density and efficiency for sodium bismuth titanate-based bulk ceramics.
Variable damping injection control of PMSM drive systems based on isolated shoot‐through Z‐source inverter
Authors: Lyu Youdong , Yu Haisheng , Liu Xudong , Yu Jinpeng
Published: April 2019

This study proposes a novel permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) driven system based on isolated shoot‐through Z‐source inverter (IST‐ZSI). The IST‐ZSI is utilised to replace the traditional Z‐source inverter. Compared with the conventional Z‐source inverter‐based PMSM drive system, the new drive system can not only solve the coupling of the boost factor and modulation but also provide a large regulation range of the output voltage. For the PMSM drive system, a variable damping injection controller is proposed via the passivity‐based control and maximum torque per ampere control principle. Then, the load torque observer is designed to improve the stability of the PMSM system with uncertain load torque. The simulation and experimental results show that the variable damping injection control has satisfactory dynamic and static control performance.
Retailer's risk‐aware trading framework with demand response aggregators in short‐term electricity markets
Authors: Mohammad Nur , Mishra Yateendra
Published: April 2019

A risk‐aware electricity retailer may alleviate concern about wholesale pool‐price volatility through coordinated demand response (DR) trading with aggregators who act as intermediaries between end‐users and the market operator (MO). This article proposes cost‐efficient integration of DR into electricity markets using a bi‐level optimisation framework. In the upper‐level, the retailer's problem is to maximise expected payoff, i.e. revenues earned by selling energy to end‐users minus the expected cost of purchasing from the wholesale energy pool and the DR aggregators. The evolving mean reverting volatility in pool electricity prices is captured as a stochastic jump‐diffusion process. The conditional value‐at‐risk (CVaR) measure is explicitly incorporated into the problem to limit the risk of payoff loss due to the price volatility. The lower‐level problem involves the aggregator's strategic bidding offer in which the primary objective of the MO is to minimise the DR transaction cost. In the DR offer setting, the conflicting economic interest to increase the aggregator's payoff is captured. A Lagrangian relaxation method with associated Karush Kuhn Tucker (KKT) optimality is used to solve these problems. The simulation results consider plausible case studies and provide the effectiveness of the proposed market model.
Novel two‐dimensional periodic Green's function for the efficient analysis of structures made of elements perpendicular to the dielectric substrate by complex images
Authors: Valizdeh Mahsa , Ameri Hoda , Faraji‐Dana Reza
Published: April 2019

Here, a simple, accurate and rapidly convergent method based on complex images (CI) technique is developed to derive a closed‐form Green's function for periodic structures perpendicular to a substrate. The Green's function is represented in a two criteria form, based on the distance of the field point from the source point. That is, for the small field point to source point distances, it is given in terms of a CI representation, while for the larger field point to source point distances, the contribution of the poles in the spectral domain function is used through the application of the residue theorem. The main advantage of the derived Green's function lies on its accuracy, ease of computation, and fast convergence. The usage of the derived closed‐form Green's functions in the mixed potential integral equation (MPIE), an efficient method for analysing periodic structures, has been introduced. The proposed method is applied to several examples, and the results are in good agreement with the simulations in commercial software.
Low capacity wide‐band mobile base station antenna
Authors: Abdullah Haythem. H. , Megahed Amany. A. , Abo‐Elsoud Mohy‐Eldin A.
Published: April 2019

In most of the crowded cities and with the vast increase of capacity‐hungry applications, operators tend to use capacity enhancement techniques such as MIMO, OFDMA etc. Authors’ problem is completely different. In several rural areas, the needed capacity is very low and the single base station has a standard capacitance which is considered over sufficient with respect to the required spectrum in these rural areas. The solution to make the best use of such resources is to design a two‐sector antenna with a single feed. The proposed antenna covers two areas simultaneously. Thus, the spectrum capability is distributed over two sectors that share the available frequency resources. If the total area is small enough, then the base station power will be saved to the half as well as the number of antennas also reduced to the half. Otherwise, the concept of frequency reuse can be applied with minimum base stations. Authors’ antenna is designed over FR‐4 substrate with a noticeable reduction in the cost. A very good agreement between the simulated and measured results is noticed.
Broadband antipodal tapered slot antenna array with low mutual coupling and high gain properties
Authors: Xu Ziyu , Yang Helin , Zhang Qisheng , Guo Linyan , Yang Zhengwei
Published: April 2019

Strong mutual coupling always exists between the elements of the antenna array, thereby affecting its radiation capability. For this problem, an efficient method for suppressing the mutual coupling of array elements and improving the radiation performance of the antenna is proposed. In this study, take the antipodal tapered slot antenna (ATSA) array, for instance, a set of split‐ring resonators (SRRs) unit cells is incorporated into the design to reduce leakage of the side walls at first. With the adding of SRRs, the mutual coupling in the entire operating frequency band (1.4–10 GHz) gets reduced, and the maximum reduction of 35 dB can be achieved. In addition, in order to compensate for the gain reduction caused by the isolation material, the grooves and semi‐circular dielectric lens were introduced to enhance the low‐ and high‐frequency gain, respectively. The gain of the proposed ATSA array can be improved by ∼3.2 dB. At last, the proposed ATSA array has broadband, high gain with lower mutual coupling properties. This decoupling and gain‐enhancing mechanism can be applied to other antenna designs.
HRRP multi‐target recognition in a beam using prior‐independent DBSCAN clustering algorithm
Authors: Guo Peng‐cheng , Liu Zheng , Wang Jing‐jing
Published: April 2019

During the operation of monopulse radar, the high‐resolution range profiles (HRRPs) of multiple targets may be overlapped, which will reduce the target recognition performance. In this study, a novel multi‐target recognition method is proposed based on prior‐independent density‐based spatial clustering of applications with noise (PI‐DBSCAN) algorithm. In the training phase, various features of training samples are extracted, among which the distribution of strong range cells is utilised to obtain the parameters of PI‐DBSCAN algorithm while the others are used to train the support vector machine (SVM) classifier. In the test phase, PI‐DBSCAN algorithm is exploited at the radial distance‐azimuth plane to segment the test multi‐target HRRP. Afterward, the features of the segmented HRRPs are extracted and fed to the SVM classifier to be recognised. The proposed method has no constraint on the target motion and does not need to set any parameters manually, which benefits its application. The experiment results of real measured data show that the proposed method is robust against noise and the increasing target HRRP overlap ratio comparing with traditional methods.
Operating mechanism for profit improvement of a smart microgrid based on dynamic demand response
Authors: Ji Tianyao , Ye Xiuzhen , Li Mengshi , Wu Qinghua , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: April 2019

A microgrid helps to reduce the consumption of fossil fuel by utilising distributed renewable energies (DREs). However, the stochastic nature of renewable energy makes it a big challenge for the microgrid operators to maximise the consumption of DREs while ensuring the balance between supply and demand. In order to improve the consumption of DREs and the profit of a microgrid efficiently, an operating mechanism consisting of two stages is proposed to dispatch DREs, responsive loads and plug‐in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in a smart microgrid. In the first stage, we formulate the optimal unit commitment and the day‐ahead time of use, which the operator concerns as a decentralised model. To address the model, the particle swarm optimisation algorithm and the interior point method are used, respectively, to minimise the operating cost and the electricity import. In the second stage, a dynamic incentive signal‐based demand response for PHEVs is proposed to maximise the electricity export in the intra‐day. Simulation studies are conducted on a smart microgrid, and the results have demonstrated that the proposed operating mechanism improves the consumption of DREs while satisfying the demand, meanwhile improves the average daily profit of the smart microgrid.
Intermolecular Reactions of Pyridyl Radicals with Olefins via Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Seath Ciaran P. , Jui Nathan T.
Published: April 2019

Pyridines are valuable motifs in a number of bioactive and functional molecules. The chemoselective functionalization of these structures from stable and widely available starting materials is a meaningful goal. We have demonstrated selective formation of pyridyl radicals at any position (2-, 3-, 4-pyridyl), through the action of a reducing photoredox catalyst. These radicals readily engage alkenes to deliver high-value products. Alteration of the reaction medium has enabled the use of a diverse range of alkene subtypes in a highly divergent and chemoselective manner.

1 Introduction

2 Minisci-Type Pyridine Alkylation

3 An Alternate Approach – Reductive Radical Formation

4 Conjugate Addition of Pyridyl Radicals

5 Radical Hydroarylation of Neutral and Rich Olefins

6 Solvent-Based Chemoselectivity

7 Summary and Outlook
Platelet Activation by Antiphospholipid Antibodies Depends on Epitope Specificity and is Prevented by mTOR Inhibitors
Authors: Hollerbach Anne , Müller-Calleja Nadine , Ritter Svenja , Häuser Friederike , Canisius Antje , Orning Carolin , Jurk Kerstin , Lackner Karl J.
Published: April 2019

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) have been reported to activate platelets. This is considered to be one of the pathogenic properties of aPL. Even though aPL heterogeneity is quite well established, little is known, if the ability to activate platelets is common to all aPL or depends on antigen specificity. To further study this issue, we analyzed the ability of three human monoclonal aPL with distinctly different antigenic specificities to activate platelets in vitro. The results obtained with human monoclonal aPL were validated with immunoglobulin G (IgG) fractions obtained from patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). A co-factor-independent human monoclonal anticardiolipin aPL had no discernible effect on human platelets. Two monoclonal aPL reactive against β2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI) induced platelet aggregation, integrin αIIbβ3 activation and P-selectin surface expression. These data could be confirmed with patient IgG fractions which could only induce aggregation, if they had anti-β2GPI activity. Anti-β2GPI aPL-induced platelet activation depended on interaction of aPL with the low affinity Fcγ-receptor IIa on the platelet surface. It was completely abolished by pretreatment of platelet-rich plasma with the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors rapamycin or everolimus. This extends previous data showing that mTOR is involved in signaling of anti-β2GPI in monocytes and endothelial cells. In conclusion, anti-β2GPI aPL activate platelets while co-factor-independent anticardiolipin aPL have no effect. mTOR is involved in this signaling process which has implications beyond APS, because so far the role of mTOR signaling in platelets is incompletely explored and requires further study.
Translabyrinthine Approach for Resection of Large Cystic Acoustic Neuroma: Operative Video and Technical Nuances of Subperineural Dissection for Facial Nerve Preservation
Authors: Liu James K. , Dodson Vincent N. , Jyung Robert W.
Published: April 2019

The translabyrinthine approach is advantageous for the resection of large acoustic neuromas compressing the brainstem when hearing loss is nonserviceable. This approach provides wide access through the presigmoid corridor without prolonged cerebellar retraction. Early identification of the facial nerve at the fundus is also achieved. In this operative video atlas manuscript, the authors demonstrate a step-by-step technique for microsurgical resection of a large cystic acoustic neuroma via a translabyrinthine approach. The nuances of microsurgical and skull base technique are illustrated including performing extracapsular dissection of the tumor while maintaining a subperineural plane of dissection to preserve the facial nerve. This strategy maximizes the extent of removal while preserving facial nerve function. A microscopic remnant of tumor was left adherent to the perineurium. A near-total resection of the tumor was achieved and the facial nerve stimulated briskly at low thresholds. Other than preexisting hearing loss, the patient was neurologically intact with normal facial nerve function postoperatively. In summary, the translabyrinthine approach and the use of subperineural dissection are important strategies in the armamentarium for surgical management of large acoustic neuromas while preserving facial nerve function.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/zld2cSP8fb8.
Existence and upper semicontinuity of random attractors for non-autonomous fractional stochastic Ginzburg-Landau equations
Authors: Zhang Jian , Shu Ji
Published: April 2019

This paper deals with the dynamical behavior of solutions for nonautonomous stochastic fractional Ginzburg-Landau equations driven by multiplicative noise with α ∈ (0, 1). We first transform the stochastic equation into a random equation, the solutions of which generate a random dynamical system. Consequently, we establish the existence and uniqueness of tempered pullback random attractors for the equations in a bounded domain. Finally, we obtain the upper semicontinuity of random attractors when the intensity of noise approaches zero.
Persistent M2 phase in strongly strained (011)-oriented grains in VO2 films grown on sapphire (001) in reactive sputtering
Authors: Matsuoka Kohei , Okimura Kunio , Azhan Nurul Hanis , Zaghrioui Mustapha , Sakai Joe
Published: April 2019

We report on the first observation of the persistent M2 phase in strongly strained (011)-oriented grains in VO2 films grown on Al2O3 (001) substrates by means of conventional rf reactive sputtering under adequate deposition conditions. Spatially resolved micro-Raman spectra clearly showed that (011)-oriented large crystalline grains with the cR-axis parallel to the substrate resulted in the appearance of the M2 phase over a wide temperature range of 30 °C. A close correlation of the appearance range of the M2 phase with the in-plane tensile stress of (011)-oriented grains was revealed by X-ray diffraction. We present a phase diagram for the M1, M2, and R phases in relation to the stress of (011)-oriented grains and temperature. It was shown that (011)-oriented micrometer-sized long grains play a crucial role in the emerging structural phase transition (SPT) via an M2 phase even in a film grown on Al2O3 (001), which is ordinarily reserved for the (020)-oriented VO2 growth. The results shown here will contribute to make clear the conditions for obtaining VO2 films with the appearance of the M2 phase in their SPT process.
Using rotation number to detect sticky orbits in Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Santos Moises S. , Mugnaine Michele , Szezech José D. , Batista Antonio M. , Caldas Iberê L. , Viana Ricardo L.
Published: April 2019

In Hamiltonian systems, depending on the control parameter, orbits can stay for very long times around islands, the so-called stickiness effect caused by a temporary trapping mechanism. Different methods have been used to identify sticky orbits, such as recurrence analysis, recurrence time statistics, and finite-time Lyapunov exponent. However, these methods require a large number of map iterations and to know the island positions in the phase space. Here, we show how to use the small divergence of bursts in the rotation number calculation as a tool to identify stickiness without knowing the island positions. This new procedure is applied to the standard map, a map that has been used to describe the dynamic behavior of several nonlinear systems. Moreover, our procedure uses a small number of map iterations and is proper to identify the presence of stickiness phenomenon for different values of the control parameter.
Master equation study of excitonic processes limiting the luminous efficacy in phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhou Weifeng , Zimmermann Christoph , Jungemann Christoph
Published: April 2019

We use a master equation model for numerical simulations of triplet loss mechanisms in phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In addition to the IV characteristics, which were successfully simulated in our previous work, the measurements of luminous efficacy (LE) for the OLEDs with various doping profiles of the emitter fac-tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium (III) (Ir(ppy)3) can be reproduced based on a single set of excitonic parameters, which is a strong indication of the validity of the model. In order to minimize the strong Dexter diffusion of triplets out of the emission layer (EML) and the nonradiative decays, an additional exciton blocking layer and stronger exciton confinement on guest molecules are investigated in the simulations to improve the device efficiency. With the modifications, the LE of the lowest-doped OLED with 4% Ir(ppy)3 can be more than twofold increased at a luminance up to 20000cd/m2. However, due to the enhanced triplet-triplet annihilation, the roll-off in electrophosphorescence efficiencies under high current injections of the upgraded devices becomes stronger, which can nevertheless be suppressed by a higher emitter concentration in the EML.