bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Basis and Genotype–Phenotype Correlations in Han Chinese Patients with Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Xin-Lin , Xie Jun , Lan Rong-Fang , Kang Li-Na , Wang Lian , Xu Wei , Xu Biao
Published: February 2020

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the leading causes of heart failure. A large proportion of genetic cause remains unexplained, especially in idiopathic DCM. We performed target next-generation sequencing of 102 genes which were known causes or candidate genes for cardiomyopathies and channelpathies in 118 prospectively recruited Han Chinese patients with idiopathic DCM. 41 of the 118 patients carried 40 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, providing a molecular diagnosis in 34.7% of patients. 32 of these variants were novel. TTN truncating variants were predominant, with a frequency of 31.0%, followed by variants of LMNA (14.3%), RBM20 (4.8%), and NEXN (4.8%). These 4 genes accounted for over half variants identified. No significant difference in clinical characteristics or rates of reaching the composite end point (cardiac transplantation and death from cardiac causes) between pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant carriers and noncarriers (hazard ratio 1.11, 95% CI: 0.41 to 3.00), or between patients with TTN truncating variants or without (hazard ratio 0.49, 95% CI: 0.36 to 6.10). In our prospective study, we first determined the overall genetic profiles and genotype-phenotype correlations in Han Chinese idiopathic DCM patients, which could provide insight for genetic diagnosis of DCM in this population.
Optimized three-level quantum transfers based on frequency-modulated optical excitations
Authors: Petiziol Francesco , Arimondo Ennio , Giannelli Luigi , Mintert Florian , Wimberger Sandro
Published: February 2020

The difficulty in combining high fidelity with fast operation times and robustness against sources of noise is the central challenge of most quantum control problems, with immediate implications for the realization of quantum devices. We theoretically propose a protocol, based on the widespread stimulated Raman adiabatic passage technique, which achieves these objectives for quantum state transfers in generic three-level systems. Our protocol realizes accelerated adiabatic following through the application of additional control fields on the optical excitations. These act along frequency sidebands of the principal adiabatic pulses, dynamically counteracting undesired transitions. The scheme facilitates experimental control, not requiring new hardly-accessible resources. We show numerically that the method is efficient in a very wide set of control parameters, bringing the timescales closer to the quantum speed limit, also in the presence of environmental disturbance. These results hold for complete population transfers and for many applications, e.g., for realizing quantum gates, both for optical and microwave implementations. Furthermore, extensions to adiabatic passage problems in more-level systems are straightforward.
Microwave assisted synthesis of ZnO-PbS heterojuction for degradation of organic pollutants under visible light
Authors: Mano Ganapathy , Harinee Subramanian , Sridhar Sampath , Ashok Mahalingam , Viswanathan Alagan
Published: February 2020

ZnO, PbS and ZnO-PbS heterojunction were prepared by microwave irradiation to improve the organic pollutants degradation under visible light irradiation. Hexagonal (wurtzite) and cubic crystal structure of ZnO and PbS respectively were confirmed by PXRD. Nano-plate, nano-sponge and nano-sponge imprinted over nano-sheet like morphology of ZnO, PbS and ZnO-PbS respectively were revealed through FESEM analysis. HR-TEM analysis provides the formation of heterojunction. XPS analysis shows the presence of the ZnO-PbS heterojunction. UV-Visible spectroscopy confirms the enhanced visible light response of ZnO-PbS heterojunction than the bare ZnO. The PL and EIS results indicate ZnO-PbS heterojunction exhibited lowest recombination of excitons and electron transfer resistance. Synergistic effect of ZnO-PbS heterojunction leads to efficient degradation against organic pollutants than bare ZnO and PbS. Aniline and formaldehyde were successfully degraded around 95% and 79% respectively, under solar light irradiation. As-prepared photocatalysts obeys pseudo first order reaction kinetics. HPLC analysis also confirms the successful mineralization of organic pollutants into water and CO2.
Berry-Hannay relation in nonlinear optomechanics
Authors: Latmiral Ludovico , Armata Federico
Published: February 2020

We address the quantum-classical comparison of phase measurements in optomechanics in the general framework of Berry phases for composite systems. While the relation between Berry phase and Hannay angle has been proven for a large set of quadratic Hamiltonians, such correspondence has not been shown so far in the case of non-linear interactions (e.g. when three or more operators are involved). Remarkably, considering the full optomechanical interaction we recover the aforementioned mathematical relation with the Hannay angle obtained from classical equations of motion. Our results link at a fundamental level previous proposals to measure decoherence, such as the one expressed by Marshall et al., with the no-go theorem shown by Armata et al., which provides boundaries to understand the quantum-to-classical transition in optomechanics.
Closed-Loop Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Gyroscope Based on Rb-Xe
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zhao Nan , Wang Yan-Hua
Published: February 2020

Nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscopes have the potential to outperform other kinds of gyroscopes with the merits of high precision, small volume, low consumption. Here we present a closed-loop NMRG system based on the spin-exchange optical pumping of Rb-Xe. We have established a theoretical model for the closed-loop NMRG system and obtained the transfer function. The step response, frequency response of the closed-loop NMRG system are calculated through the transfer function. We also have studied the influence of closed-loop parameters for the performance of NMRG experimentally, involving step response, frequency response, and sensitivity. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical data. Our work is promising in improving the performance of NMRG in the future.
Guanine crystals regulated by chitin-based honeycomb frameworks for tunable structural colors of sapphirinid copepod, Sapphirina nigromaculata
Authors: Kimura Tsubasa , Takasaki Mihiro , Hatai Ryosuke , Nagai Yukiko , Uematsu Katsuyuki , Oaki Yuya , Osada Minoru , Tsuda Hiroyuki , Ishigure Takaaki , Toyofuku Takashi , Shimode Shinji , Imai Hiroaki
Published: February 2020

Sapphirinid copepods, which are marine zooplankton, exhibit tunable structural colors originating from a layered structure of guanine crystal plates. In the present study, the coloring portion of adult male of a sapphirinid copepod, Sapphirina nigromaculata, under the dorsal body surface was characterized to clarify the regulation and actuation mechanism of the layered guanine crystals for spectral control. The coloring portions are separated into small domains 70–100 µm wide consisting of an ordered array of stacked hexagonal plates ~1.5 µm wide and ~80 nm thick. We found the presence of chitin-based honeycomb frameworks that are composed of flat compartments regulating the guanine crystal plates. The structural color is deduced to be tuned from blue to achromatic via yellow and purple by changing the interplate distance according to vital observation and optical simulation using a photonic array model. The framework structures are essential for the organization and actuation of the particular photonic arrays for the exhibition of the tunable structural color.
A recombinant avian paramyxovirus serotype 3 expressing the hemagglutinin protein protects chickens against H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus challenge
Authors: Shirvani Edris , Varghese Berin P. , Paldurai Anandan , Samal Siba K.
Published: February 2020

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a devastating disease of poultry and a serious threat to public health. Vaccination with inactivated virus vaccines has been applied for several years as one of the major policies to control highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) infections in chickens. Viral-vectored HA protein vaccines are a desirable alternative for inactivated vaccines. However, each viral vector possesses its own advantages and disadvantages for the development of a HA-based vaccine against HPAIV. Recombinant Newcastle disease virus (rNDV) strain LaSota expressing HA protein vaccine has shown promising results against HPAIV; however, its replication is restricted only to the respiratory tract. Therefore, we thought to evaluate avian paramyxovirus serotype 3 (APMV-3) strain Netherlands as a safe vaccine vector against HPAIV, which has high efficiency replication in a greater range of host organs. In this study, we generated rAPMV-3 expressing the HA protein of H5N1 HPAIV using reverse genetics and evaluated the induction of neutralizing antibodies and protection by rAPMV3 and rNDV expressing the HA protein against HPAIV challenge in chickens. Our results showed that immunization of chickens with rAPMV-3 or rNDV expressing HA protein provided complete protection against HPAIV challenge. However, immunization of chickens with rAPMV-3 expressing HA protein induced higher level of neutralizing antibodies compared to that of rNDV expressing HA protein. These results suggest that a rAPMV-3 expressing HA protein might be a better vaccine for mass-vaccination of commercial chickens in field conditions.
Domestication process modifies digestion ability in larvae of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis), a freshwater Teleostei
Authors: Palińska-Żarska Katarzyna , Woźny Maciej , Kamaszewski Maciej , Szudrowicz Hubert , Brzuzan Paweł , Żarski Daniel
Published: February 2020

To date, a comparative analysis of larval performance and digestion abilities between wild and domesticated Eurasian perch has not yet been performed. Eurasian perch larvae from wild and domesticated spawners were reared in the same conditions and at different development stages, growth performance variables, the expression of genes encoding digestive enzymes and specific enzymatic activity were analysed. No significant differences in hatching rate, deformity rate or swim bladder inflation effectiveness between wild and domesticated larvae were found. Specific growth rate, final total length and wet body weight were significantly lower in wild larvae, whereas higher mortality in wild larvae was observed compared to domesticated larvae. The data obtained in this study clearly indicate that during domestication, significant modification of digestion ability occurs at the very beginning of ontogeny, where domesticated fish are characterised by lower enzymatic activity and lower expression of genes encoding digestive enzymes. This probably results from the low diversity of the food offered in culture conditions, which significantly modified digestion capability. The obtained data provide an understanding of how domestication affects fish in aquaculture and may improve the planning of selective breeding programs of Eurasian perch and other freshwater Teleosts.
Elucidation of protein biomarkers for verification of selected biological warfare agents using tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Rajoria Sakshi , Sabna Sasikumar , Babele Prabhakar , Kumar Ravi Bhushan , Kamboj Dev Vrat , Kumar Subodh , Alam Syed Imteyaz
Published: February 2020

Some pathogens and toxins have the potential to be used as weapons of mass destruction and instigate population-based fear. Efforts to mitigate biothreat require development of efficient countermeasures which in turn relies on fast and accurate methods to detect the biological agents in a range of complex matrices including environmental and clinical samples. We report here an mass spectrometry (MS) based methodology, employing both targeted and shot-gun approaches for the verification of biological agents from the environmental samples. Our shot-gun methodology relied on tandem MS analysis of abundant peptides from the spiked samples, whereas, the targeted method was based on an extensive elucidation of marker proteins and unique peptides resulting in the generation of an inclusion list of masses reflecting relevant peptides for the unambiguous identification of nine bacterial species [listed as priority agents of bioterrorism by Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)] belonging to phylogenetically diverse genera. The marker peptides were elucidated by extensive literature mining, in silico analysis, and tandem MS (MS/MS) analysis of abundant proteins of the cultivated bacterial species in our laboratory. A combination of shot-gun MS/MS analysis and the targeted search using a panel of unique peptides is likely to provide unambiguous verification of biological agents at sub-species level, even with limited fractionation of crude protein extracts from environmental samples. The comprehensive list of peptides reflected in the inclusion list, makes a valuable resource for the multiplex analysis of select biothreat agents and further development of targeted MS/MS assays.
Ryanodine receptor modulation by caffeine challenge modifies Na+ current properties in intact murine skeletal muscle fibres
Authors: Sarbjit-Singh Sahib S. , Matthews Hugh R. , Huang Christopher L.-H.
Published: February 2020

We investigated effects of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) modulator caffeine on Na+ current (INa) activation and inactivation in intact loose-patch clamped murine skeletal muscle fibres subject to a double pulse procedure. INa activation was examined using 10-ms depolarising, V1, steps to varying voltages 0–80 mV positive to resting membrane potential. The dependence of the subsequent, INa inactivation on V1 was examined by superimposed, V2, steps to a fixed depolarising voltage. Current-voltage activation and inactivation curves indicated that adding 0.5 and 2 mM caffeine prior to establishing the patch seal respectively produced decreased (within 1 min) and increased (after ~2 min) peak INa followed by its recovery to pretreatment levels (after ~40 and ~30 min respectively). These changes accompanied negative shifts in the voltage dependence of INa inactivation (within 10 min) and subsequent superimposed positive activation and inactivation shifts, following 0.5 mM caffeine challenge. In contrast, 2 mM caffeine elicited delayed negative shifts in both activation and inactivation. These effects were abrogated if caffeine was added after establishing the patch seal or with RyR block by 10 μM dantrolene. These effects precisely paralleled previous reports of persistently (~10 min) increased cytosolic [Ca2+] with 0.5 mM, and an early peak rapidly succeeded by persistently reduced [Ca2+] likely reflecting gradual RyR inactivation with ≥1.0 mM caffeine. The latter findings suggested inhibitory effects of even resting cytosolic [Ca2+] on INa. They suggest potentially physiologically significant negative feedback regulation of RyR activity on Nav1.4 properties through increased or decreased local cytosolic [Ca2+], Ca2+-calmodulin and FKBP12.
Quantification of floating riverine macro-debris transport using an image processing approach
Authors: Kataoka Tomoya , Nihei Yasuo
Published: February 2020

A new algorithm has been developed to quantify floating macro-debris transport on river surfaces that consists of three fundamental techniques: (1) generating a difference image of the colour difference between the debris and surrounding water in the CIELuv colour space, (2) detecting the debris pixels from the difference image, and (3) calculating the debris area flux via the template matching method. Debris pixels were accurately detected from the images taken of the laboratory channel and river water surfaces and were consistent with those detected by visual observation. The area fluxes were statistically significantly correlated with the mass fluxes measured through debris collection. The mass fluxes calculated by multiplying the area fluxes with the debris mass per unit area (M/A) were significantly related to the flood rising stage flow rates and agreed with the mass fluxes measured through debris collection. In our algorithm, plastic mass fluxes can be estimated via calibration using the mass percentage of plastics to the total debris in target rivers. Quantifying riverine macro-plastic transport is essential to formulating countermeasures, mitigating adverse plastic pollution impacts and understanding global-scale riverine macro-plastic transport.
Ablation of soft tissue tumours by long needle variable electrode-geometry electrochemotherapy: final report from a single-arm, single-centre phase-2 study
Authors: Simioni Andrea , Valpione Sara , Granziera Elisa , Rossi Carlo Riccardo , Cavallin Francesco , Spina Romina , Sieni Elisabetta , Aliberti Camillo , Stramare Roberto , Campana Luca Giovanni
Published: February 2020

Standard electrochemotherapy (ECT) is effective in many tumour types but is confined to the treatment of small superficial lesions. Variable electrode-geometry ECT (VEG-ECT) may overcome these limitations by using long freely-placeable electrodes. Patients with bulky or deep-seated soft-tissue malignancies not amenable to resection participated in a single-arm phase-2 study (ISRCTN.11667954) and received a single course of VEG-ECT with intravenous bleomycin (15,000 IU/m2) and concomitant electric pulses applied through an adjustable electrode array. The primary outcome was radiologic complete response rate (CRR) per RECIST; secondary endpoints included feasibility, metabolic response, toxicity (CTCAE), local progression-free survival (LPFS) and patient perception (EQ-5D). During 2009–2014, we enrolled 30 patients with trunk/limb sarcomas, melanoma, Merkel-cell carcinoma, and colorectal/lung cancer. Median tumour size was 4.7 cm. Electrode probes were placed under US/TC guidance (28 and 2 patients, respectively). Median procedure duration was 80 minutes. Tumour coverage rate was 97% (29 of 30 patients). Perioperative side-effects were negligible; one patient experienced grade-3 ulceration and infection. One-month 18F-FDG-SUV decreased by 86%; CRR was 63% (95% CI 44–79%). Local control was durable in 24 of 30 patients (two-year LPFS, 62%). Patients reported an improvement in “usual activities”, “anxiety/depression”, and “overall health” scores. VEG-ECT demonstrated encouraging antitumour activity in soft-tissue malignancies; a single course of treatment produced high and durable responses, with low complications.
Investigating sources of inaccuracy in wearable optical heart rate sensors
Authors: Bent Brinnae , Goldstein Benjamin A. , Kibbe Warren A. , Dunn Jessilyn P.
Published: February 2020

As wearable technologies are being increasingly used for clinical research and healthcare, it is critical to understand their accuracy and determine how measurement errors may affect research conclusions and impact healthcare decision-making. Accuracy of wearable technologies has been a hotly debated topic in both the research and popular science literature. Currently, wearable technology companies are responsible for assessing and reporting the accuracy of their products, but little information about the evaluation method is made publicly available. Heart rate measurements from wearables are derived from photoplethysmography (PPG), an optical method for measuring changes in blood volume under the skin. Potential inaccuracies in PPG stem from three major areas, includes (1) diverse skin types, (2) motion artifacts, and (3) signal crossover. To date, no study has systematically explored the accuracy of wearables across the full range of skin tones. Here, we explored heart rate and PPG data from consumer- and research-grade wearables under multiple circumstances to test whether and to what extent these inaccuracies exist. We saw no statistically significant difference in accuracy across skin tones, but we saw significant differences between devices, and between activity types, notably, that absolute error during activity was, on average, 30% higher than during rest. Our conclusions indicate that different wearables are all reasonably accurate at resting and prolonged elevated heart rate, but that differences exist between devices in responding to changes in activity. This has implications for researchers, clinicians, and consumers in drawing study conclusions, combining study results, and making health-related decisions using these devices.
Highly sensitive and specific detection of tumor cells based on a split aptamer-triggered dual hybridization chain reaction
Authors: Yuan Baoyin , Guo Linyan , Yin Kai , Wang Xinyu , Liu Qian , He Meimei , Liu Kangdong , Zhao Jimin
Published: February 2020

Highly sensitive and specific detection of tumor cells was successfully achieved using a split aptamer-based dual-HCR strategy.
Pseudo-branched polyester copolymer: an efficient drug delivery system to treat cancer
Authors: Shaw Zachary , Patel Arth , Butcher Thai , Banerjee Tuhina , Bean Ren , Santra Santimukul
Published: February 2020

New aliphatic pseudo-branched polyester copolymers are synthesized from diethylmalonate. The formulated nanomedicine successfully encapsulates therapeutic drug in higher dosage and deliver specifically to cancer cells for diagnosis and treatment.
A novel Mn-based P2/tunnel/O3′ tri-phase composite cathode with enhanced sodium storage properties
Authors: Wang Dong , Liu Yihua , Wu Zhenguo , Liu Xiaohong , Qu Jie , Liu Hao , Ming Yong , Zhong Yanjun , Zhong Benhe , Guo Xiaodong
Published: February 2020

A novel P2/tunnel/O3′ tri-phase composite Na0.7Bi0.01MnO2 is developed for the first time by the Na+-site modification of Bi3+ for a high-performance cathode in SIBs.
Supramolecular traps for highly phosphorylated inositol sources of phosphorus
Authors: Pramanik Subhamay , Day Victor W. , Bowman-James Kristin
Published: February 2020

Polyamide macrocycle enables crystallization and separation of two stereoisomers of inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate, providing structural insight into a significant biosource of phosphorus.
Micro-kinetic model of electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction over platinum in non-aqueous solvents
Authors: Rohr Brian A. , Singh Aayush R. , Gauthier Joseph A. , Statt Michael J. , Nørskov Jens K.
Published: February 2020

Theoretical modeling indicates that proton donor concentration and catalyst geometry control the selectivity to multicarbon products in the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction.
Approaches to mid-infrared, super-resolution imaging and spectroscopy
Authors: Pavlovetc Ilia M. , Aleshire Kyle , Hartland Gregory V. , Kuno Masaru
Published: February 2020

Modern microscopy to access super-resolution infrared absorption of materials.
Vapour–liquid phase equilibria and interfacial properties of fatty acid methyl esters from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Feria Esther , Algaba Jesús , Míguez José Manuel , Mejía Andrés , Gómez-Álvarez Paula , Blas Felipe J.
Published: February 2020

Vapour–liquid surface tension as a function of temperature for methyl esters. Filled symbols are experimental data taken from the literature and open symbols MD NVT simulations.
The role of osmolytes in the temperature-triggered conformational transition of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam): an experimental and computational study
Authors: Narang Payal , de Oliveira Tiago E. , Venkatesu Pannuru , Netz Paulo A.
Published: February 2020

A collective study to explore the use of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) in advanced development of drug delivery and many other pharmaceutical applications.
Porous Mn-based oxides for complete ethanol and toluene catalytic oxidation: the relationship between structure and performance
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Li Hui , Hao Yu , Chen Rui , Chen Tiehong
Published: February 2020

SmMn2O5 exhibited a higher catalytic activity for catalytic oxidation of ethanol and toluene than SmMnO3, Mn3O4 and Mn2O3. Mn3+–Mn3+ dimers facilitate C–C bond cleavage.
A highly active copper catalyst for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to formate under ambient conditions
Authors: Chaudhary Karan , Trivedi Manoj , Masram D. T. , Kumar Abhinav , Kumar Girijesh , Husain Ahmad , Rath Nigam P.
Published: February 2020

Catalytic conversion of CO2via hydrogenation using in situ gaseous H2 (granulated tin metal and concentrated HCl) to produce the formate salt (HCO2−) with turnover number (TON) values of 326 to 1.065 × 105 in 12 h to 48 h of reaction at 25 °C to 80 °C has been reported.
Physical properties and cookie-making performance of oleogels prepared with crude and refined soybean oil: a comparative study
Authors: Zhao Muxin , Lan Yang , Cui Leqi , Monono Ewumbua , Rao Jiajia , Chen Bingcan
Published: February 2020

The objective of this research was to fabricate crude soybean oil oleogels (CSO) using β-sitosterol (BS) and/or monoacylglycerol (MAG) and compare their role with that of refined soybean oil oleogels (RSO) in cookie making.
In situ surface-derivation of AgPdMo/MoS2 nanowires for synergistic hydrogen evolution catalysis in alkaline solution
Authors: Gong Yuzhu , Lv Feng , Lu Yidong , Yu YanLin , Niu JingLin , Lang Jianping , Deng Yaoyao , Cao Xueqin , Gu Hongwei
Published: February 2020

AgPdMo NWs synthesized by Ag NWs were converted into AgPdMo/MoS2 NWs by hydrothermal sulfuration. AgPdMo/MoS2 NWs exhibit outstanding catalytic activity and long durability for the HER in alkaline electrolytes.
Enhancing Na-ion storage in Na3V2(PO4)3/C cathodes for sodium ion batteries through Br and N co-doping
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , Liu Jinmei , Du Zijuan , Tao Haizheng , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: February 2020

Br and N co-doping can enhance the electronic/ionic conductivities of carbon-coating layers and lower the activation energy of V4+/V5+ redox reactions.
SnS@C nanospheres coated with few-layer MoS2 nanosheets and nitrogen, phosphorus-codoped carbon as robust sodium ion battery anodes
Authors: Wang Yuyu , Kang Wenpei , Ma Ping , Cao Dongxu , Cao Dongwei , Kang Zixi , Sun Daofeng
Published: February 2020

MoS2 nanosheet- and nitrogen, phosphorus-codoped carbon layer-coated SnS@C nanospheres (SnS@C/MoS2@N,P-C) were designed, and manifested enhanced reversibility, fast reaction kinetics and impressive cycling stability for use in sodium-ion batteries.
Osmotic stress and pore nucleation in charged biological nanoshells and capsids
Authors: Colla Thiago , Bakhshandeh Amin , Levin Yan
Published: February 2020

A model system is proposed to investigate the osmotic equilibrium and mechanical stability of biological spherical-like nanoshells in contact with an aqueous solution with added dissociated electrolyte of a given concentration.
Graphene encapsulated metallic state Ce2Sn2O7 as a novel anode material for superior lithium-ion batteries and capacitors
Authors: Wu Qiong , Liu Yajin , Wang Heng-guo , Hou Jianhua , Li Yanhui , Duan Qian
Published: February 2020

We present a strategy to encapsulate bimetallic-based ternary (Ce2Sn2O7) nanomaterials into graphene, which served as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries/capacitors for the first time.
Achieving high-energy dual carbon Li-ion capacitors with unique low- and high-temperature performance from spent Li-ion batteries
Authors: Divya M. L. , Natarajan Subramanian , Lee Yun-Sung , Aravindan Vanchiappan
Published: February 2020

Graphite is the dominant choice as negative electrode since the commercialization of lithium-ion batteries, which could bring about a significant increase in demand for the material owing to its usage in forthcoming graphite-based energy storage devices.
Photo-response in 2D metal chalcogenide-ferroelectric oxide heterostructure controlled by spontaneous polarization
Authors: Jin Hye-Jin , Kim Jayeong , Kim Yejin , Yoon Seokhyun , Lee Yangjin , Kim Kwanpyo , Jo William
Published: February 2020

The interplay between free and bound charges in two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor/ferroelectric oxide structures is responsible for the unique opto-electrical properties of these structures.
PEDOT:PSS and Ni-based thermoelectric generator for solar thermal energy conversion
Authors: Feng Kai , Xu Ling , Xiong Yan , Sun Lin , Yu Huayang , Wu Mengying , Thant Aye Aye , Hu Bin
Published: February 2020

We used an inexpensive and effective way to improve the thermoelectric properties of PEDOT:PSS, which has the highest power factor of up to 330.597 μW m−1. Overall data shows that the Ni film is relatively stable as an n-type material, with Ni as an n-leg in the thermoelectric module. We fabricated a thermoelectric generator to explore the photothermal conversion process of solar energy.
One-step aqueous fabrication of a silver nanowire composite transparent conductive film with high uniformity and stability
Authors: Wang Kaiqing , Jin Yunxia , Qian Baifan , Wang Jianzhong , Xiao Fei
Published: February 2020

High-performance silver nanowire transparent conductive films composited with the chitosan–lactic acid were fabricated with an aqueous ink via a one-step solution process.
Realizing ultrahigh recoverable energy density and superior charge–discharge performance in NaNbO3-based lead-free ceramics via a local random field strategy
Authors: Shi Junpeng , Chen Xiuli , Li Xu , Sun Jie , Sun Congcong , Pang Feihong , Zhou Huanfu
Published: February 2020

The development and use of high-performance and environmentally friendly energy storage capacitors are urgently demanded.
Proton removal-induced positive and negative magnetoresistance in cobalt heme analogs
Authors: Zeng Jing , Chen Ke-Qiu
Published: February 2020

Positive and negative magnetoresistance can be achieved in cobalt heme analogs through proton removal.
Rapid screening and quantitative detection of Salmonella using a quantum dot nanobead-based biosensor
Authors: Hu Jiao , Tang Feng , Jiang Yong-Zhong , Liu Cui
Published: February 2020

A quantum dot nanobead-based sensor is demonstrated for Salmonella detection with balanced sensitivity, specificity and high accuracy.
A mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe for the detection of endogenous SO2 derivatives in living cells
Authors: Yan Ye-Hao , Wu Qiu-Rong , Che Qiao-Ling , Ding Man-Man , Xu Min , Miao Jun-Ying , Zhao Bao-Xiang , Lin Zhao-Min
Published: February 2020

A unique fluorescent probe (ZACA) for the monitoring of SO2 derivatives was developed from coumarin and benzoindoles based on FRET and ICT.
Size and function influence study on enhanced catalytic performance of a cooperative MOF for mild, green and fast C–C bond formation
Authors: Varnaseri Najmeh , Rouhani Farzaneh , Ramazani Ali , Morsali Ali
Published: February 2020

Tuning of pore function and size (surface area) are two key factors that play important roles in the performance of metal–organic-frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts.
Coumarin–tetraphenylethylene regioisomers: synthesis, photophysical and aggregation-induced emission properties
Authors: Reddy T. Sheshashena , Moon Hyungkyu , Choi Myung-Seok
Published: February 2020

Coumarin–tetraphenylethylene (CTPE) regioisomers with different linkage types and substitution positions (coumarin C5, C6, C7) were synthesized, characterized, photophysical and aggregation-induced emission properties reported.
Type-II/type-II band alignment to boost spatial charge separation: a case study of g-C3N4 quantum dots/a-TiO2/r-TiO2 for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen and oxygen evolution
Authors: Zhou Bing-Xin , Ding Shuang-Shuang , Wang Yan , Wang Xiao-Rui , Huang Wei-Qing , Li Kai , Huang Gui-Fang
Published: February 2020

Ti–N covalently bridged 0D/0D QCN/a-TiO2/r-TiO2 T-II/T-II heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic water splitting.
Correction: Patterned liquid metal contacts for high density, stick-and-peel 2D material device arrays
Authors: Chen Yen-Lin , Nguyen Yen , Wu Shuo-En , Chin Yi-Chun , Chuang Chiashain , Hsieh Ya-Ping , Hofmann Mario
Published: February 2020

Correction for ‘Patterned liquid metal contacts for high density, stick-and-peel 2D material device arrays’ by Yen-Lin Chen et al., Nanoscale, 2018, 10, 14510–14515.
TBPB-initiated cascade cyclization of 3-arylethynyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-carbonitriles with sulfinic acids: access to sulfone-containing cyclopenta[gh]phenanthridines
Authors: Zhou Nengneng , Wu Meixia , Zhang Man , Zhou Xiaoqiang , Zhou Wei
Published: February 2020

We have developed a novel TBPB-initiated cascade cyclization of 3-arylethynyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-carbonitriles with sulfinic acids for the synthesis of 3-sulfonated cyclopenta[gh] phenanthridines.
Crystal phase tuning and valence engineering in non-noble catalysts for outstanding overall water splitting
Authors: Zhou Kailing , Zhang Qianqian , Liu Jingbing , Wang Hao , Zhang Yongzhe
Published: February 2020

A self-supporting NiCoO2/Ni0.46Co0.54hybrid catalyst with a large surface area and barrier-free electron transport is constructed for outstanding overall water splitting.
A pulse electrodeposited amorphous tunnel layer stabilises Cu2O for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Wu Hao , Zheng Zhaoke , Toe Cui Ying , Wen Xiaoming , Hart Judy N. , Amal Rose , Ng Yun Hau
Published: February 2020

An ultrathin amorphous ZnO layer is introduced on Cu2O by pulsed electrodeposition, which helps stabilise the Cu2O photocathode for water splitting.
A novel artificial intelligence protocol for finding potential inhibitors of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Chen Xu , Chen Hsin-Yi , Chen Zhi-Dong , Gong Jia-Ning , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: February 2020

There is currently no effective treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, and surgery is also ineffective as an important treatment for most tumors.
Highly selective carrier-type modulation of tungsten selenide transistors using iodine vapor
Authors: Fan Shuangqing , Cao Minghui , Liu Jing , Liu Jiajia , Su Jie
Published: February 2020

A novel band-matched doping strategy was introduced in highly selective doping of WSe2 without affecting other TMDCs.
Differential regulation of sFlt-1 splicing by U2AF65 and JMJD6 in placental-derived and endothelial cells
Authors: Eddy Adrian C. , Chapman Heather , Brown David T. , George Eric M.
Published: February 2020

Despite years of study, the gestational disorder preeclampsia (PE) remains poorly understood. One proposed mechanism of PE development is increased soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sFlt-1), ultimately causing angiogenic imbalance and endothelial dysfunction. The soluble protein is an alternative splice variant of FLT1, which also encodes for the full-length receptor Flt-1. The mechanism of the alternative splicing, and the reason for its inappropriate increase in preeclampsia, is not well understood. U2 auxiliary factor 65 (U2AF65) and jumonji C domain-containing protein 6 (JMJD6) have been implicated in the splicing of sFlt-1. Using siRNA knockdown and plasmid overexpression in immortalized placental trophoblasts (BeWo) and primary endothelial cells (HUVECs), we examined the role these proteins play in production of sFlt-1. Our results showed that U2AF65 has little, if any, effect on sFlt-1 splicing, and JMJD6 may enhance sFlt-1 splicing, but is not necessary for splicing to occur. Utilizing a hypoxic environment to mimic conditions of the preeclamptic placenta, as well as examining placentae in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model of PE, which exhibits increased circulating sFlt-1, we found increased expression of JMJD6 in both hypoxic cells and placental tissue. Additionally, we observed a potential role for U2AF65 and JMJD6 to regulate the extracellular matrix enzyme heparanase, which may be involved in the release of sFlt-1 protein from the extracellular matrix. It will be important to study the role of these proteins in different tissues in the future, as changes in expression had differential effects on sFlt-1 splicing in the different cell types studied here.
Long non-coding RNA HAL suppresses the migration and invasion of serous ovarian cancer by inhibiting EMT signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Ke , Li Lei , Li Lin , Wang Dong
Published: February 2020

Objective: To investigate the specific function of long non-coding RNA HAL in serous ovarian cancer (SOC) and to further clarify the regulation of HAL on EMT pathway.

Materials and methods: The expression of HAL and TWIST1 was detected by qRT-PCR. CCK8 assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry were used to detect the HAL function on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis in SOC cells. Western blot was used to calculate protein level of Vimentin, N-cadherin and E-cadherin. The effect of HAL on tumorigenesis of SOC was confirmed by xenograft nude mice model.

Results: HAL was significantly decreased in SOC tissues and cells. Overexpression of HAL inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of SKOV3 cells, but promoted apoptosis. Furthermore, overexpression of HAL decreased the mRNA and protein levels of TWIST1 via a binding between HAL and TWIST1. Forced expression of TWIST1 reversed the inhibitory role of HAL on SOC cells’ migration and invasion. The in vivo tumor growth assay showed that HAL suppressed SOC tumorigenesis with inhibiting EMT pathway.

Conclusions: Our research emphasized HAL acting as a tumor-inhibiting gene by regulating EMT signaling pathway, thus providing some novel experimental basis for clinical treatment of SOC.
Wide field-of-view study of the Eagle Nebula with the Fourier transform imaging spectrograph SITELLE at CFHT
Authors: Flagey N. , McLeod A. F. , Aguilar L. , Prunet S.
Published: February 2020

Context. We present the very first wide-field, 11′ by 11′, optical spectral mapping of M 16, one of the most famous star-forming regions in the Galaxy. The data were acquired with the new imaging Fourier transform spectrograph SITELLE mounted on the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). We obtained three spectral cubes with a resolving power of 10 000 (SN1 filter), 1500 (SN2 filter) and 600 (SN3 filter), centered on the iconic Pillars of Creation and the HH 216 flow, covering the main optical nebular emission lines, namely [O II]λ3726,29 (SN1), Hβ, [O III]λ4959,5007 (SN2), [N II]λ6548,84, Hα, and [S II]λ6717,31 (SN3).

Aims. We validate the performance, calibration, and data reduction of SITELLE, and analyze the structures in the large field-of-view in terms of their kinematics and nebular emission.

Methods. We compared the SITELLE data to MUSE integral field observations and other spectroscopic and narrow-band imaging data to validate the performance of SITELLE. We computed gas-phase metallicities via the strong-line method, performed a pixel-by-pixel fit to the main emission lines to derive kinematics of the ionized gas, computed the mass-loss rate of the Eastern pillar (also known as the Spire), and combined the SITELLE data with near-infrared narrow-band imaging to characterize the HH 216 flow.

Results. The comparison with previously published fluxes demonstrates very good agreement. We disentangle the dependence of the gas-phase metallicities (derived via abundance-tracing line ratios) on the degree of ionization and obtain metallicities that are in excellent agreement with the literature. We confirm the bipolar structure of HH 216, find evidence for episodic accretion from the source of the flow, and identify its likely driving source. We compute the mass-loss rate Ṁ of the Spire pillar on the East side of the H II region and find excellent agreement with the correlation between the mass-loss rate and the ionizing photon flux from the nearby cluster NGC 6611.
The ambiguous transient ASASSN-17hx
Authors: Mason Elena , Shore Steven N. , Kuin Paul , Bohlsen Terry
Published: February 2020

Aims. Some transients, although classified as novae based on their maximum and early decline optical spectra, cast doubts on their true nature, and raise the question of whether nova impostors might exist.

Methods. We monitored a candidate nova that displayed a distinctly unusual light curve at maximum and early decline through optical spectroscopy (3000–10 000 Å, 500 < R < 100 000) complemented with Swift UV and AAVSO optical photometry. We use the spectral line series to characterize the ejecta dynamics, structure, and mass.

Results. We find that the ejecta are in free ballistic expansion and have a typical classical nova structure. However, their derived mass is at least an order of magnitude higher than the typical ejecta masses obtained for classical novae. Specifically, we find Mej ≃9 × 10−3 M⊙ independent of the distance for a filling factor ε = 1. By constraining the distance we derived ε in the range 0.08–0.10, giving a mass 7 × 10−4 ≲ Mej ≲ 9 × 10−4 M⊙. The nebular spectrum, characterized by unusually strong coronal emission lines, confines the ionizing source energy to the range 20–250 eV, possibly peaking in the range 75–100 or 75–150 eV.

Conclusions. We link this source to other slow novae that show similar behavior, and we suggest that they might form a distinct physical subgroup. The sources may result from a classical nova explosion occurring on a very low-mass white dwarf or they may be impostors for an entirely different type of transient.
Solar Rossby waves observed in GONG++ ring-diagram flow maps
Authors: Hanson Chris S. , Gizon Laurent , Liang Zhi-Chao
Published: February 2020

Context. Solar Rossby waves have only recently been unambiguously identified in Helioseimsic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) and Michelson Doppler Imager maps of flows near the solar surface. So far this has not been done with the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) ground-based observations, which have different noise properties.

Aims. We use 17 years of GONG++ data to identify and characterize solar Rossby waves using ring-diagram helioseismology. We compare directly with HMI ring-diagram analysis.

Methods. Maps of the radial vorticity were obtained for flows within the top 2 Mm of the surface for 17 years of GONG++ data. The data were corrected for systematic effects including the annual periodicity related to the B0 angle. We then computed the Fourier components of the radial vorticity of the flows in the co-rotating frame. We performed the same analysis on the HMI data that overlap in time.

Results. We find that the solar Rossby waves have measurable amplitudes in the GONG++ sectoral power spectra for azimuthal orders between m = 3 and m = 15. The measured mode characteristics (frequencies, lifetimes, and amplitudes) from GONG++ are consistent with the HMI measurements in the overlap period from 2010 to 2018 for m ≤ 9. For higher-m modes the amplitudes and frequencies agree within two sigmas. The signal-to-noise ratio of modes in GONG++ power spectra is comparable to those of HMI for 8 ≤ m ≤ 11, but is lower by a factor of two for other modes.

Conclusions. The GONG++ data provide a long and uniform data set that can be used to study solar global-scale Rossby waves from 2001.
The problem of creating an automated system to control growth of single crystal sapphires from melt as a problem of control and monitoring of a complex nonlinear and dynamic system
Authors: Petrosyan V.A. , Belousov A.V. , Grebenik A.G. , Koshlich Yu.A.
Published: February 2020

The paper mentions some problems of automated control system development for growth of large (150 kg and above) single crystal sapphires. We obtain an analytical equation for the temperature distribution and thermal stresses along the crystal axis during the growth phase. An analysis was carried out and numerical estimates were obtained for the axial distribution of components of thermoelastic stresses depending on the physical, optical, and geometric parameters of the crystal. It is shown that the cause of thermal stresses and blocks during crystal growth is the nonlinear temperature dependence of thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficients.
Fine structural spectrometry and spectroradiometry of combustion products of energy fuels
Authors: Moskalenko N.I. , Ilyin Yu.A. , Zotov O.V. , Dodov I.R. , Akhmetshin A.R.
Published: February 2020

The results of experimental studies of the fine structure of the spectra of molecular absorption and emission of combustion products of energetic fuels and their application in solving problems of radiative heat transfer in structurally inhomogeneous multicomponent media are considered. The methods of determining the parameters of the spectral absorption lines from the experimental emission spectra of the flame in the combustion products of gas fuel the identification of optically active ingredients in the combustion products and anthropogenic emissions into the atmosphere are analyzed. Attention is drawn to the fact that the emission of gas components is selective and the methods for calculating the radiative heat exchange in the combustion chambers of power units must take into account the acute selection of the molecular absorption spectra of radiation.
Education quality improvement due to automated virtual reality system
Authors: Bogdanov A.N. , Ryabykh I.A. , Galiev A.I.
Published: February 2020

The paper discusses options for the implementation of virtual reality training classes with the possibility of using the developed training software and hardware complex “Substation of 110/35/10 kV”.
Features of management and factors of economic stability of an industrial enterprise in the region
Authors: Husainova E.A. , Urazbahtina L.R. , Serkina N.A. , Dolonina E.A. , Derbeneva A.A. , Filina O.V.
Published: February 2020

The article explores the peculiarities of economic stability of enterprises, gives a brief description of this concept. The economic sustainability of an individual enterprise is being updated for the economic sustainability and competitiveness of the meso-economic system. There is a need to differentiate the concepts of sustainability and balance. Factors of influence on economic stability of the enterprise are considered. The need to manage economic sustainability is argued.
The use of automated systems to improve quality control of energy consumption
Authors: Gataullin D.I. , Vildanov R.R.
Published: February 2020

To effectively plan of energy saving and energy efficiency measures, it is necessary to take account of energy consumption. However, this leads to an increase in the number of metering stations, which in turn leads to additional human and material costs for their maintenance, as well as the collection and processing of information from the devices installed on them. The ability to automate these works is the most profitable solution. In this paper, the ACEAS installed in the KSPEU was considered. Its work from April to May 2019 was analyzed.
Study of the work and efficiency improvement of combined-cycle gas turbine plants
Authors: Mendeleev D.I. , Galitskii Yu Ya , Marin G.E. , Akhmetshin A.R.
Published: February 2020

The purpose of the paper is to study and analyze the possibility of increasing the power output of a combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) unit during the period of positive ambient temperatures. The first task is to analyze the operation of a 110 MW combined-cycle power unit at various ambient temperatures and to obtain alterations in the main CCGT characteristics when the ambient temperature changes. The other task is to study the usage of an absorption refrigeration machine in a CCGT cycle to increase its energy efficiency. Calculations of the thermal scheme of a gas turbine were carried out using mathematical modeling, the steam turbine was calculated based on guidelines. The conducted studies allow to conclude that the use of an absorption refrigeration machine in the cycle of a combined-cycle plant can improve the efficiency of the unit, increasing profits from power generation, and reducing penalties for non-compliance with the load schedule.