bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Brain to Spine Interface for Transferring Artificial Sensory Information
Authors: Yadav Amol P. , Li Daniel , Nicolelis Miguel A. L.
Published: January 2020

Lack of sensory feedback is a major obstacle in the rapid absorption of prosthetic devices by the brain. While electrical stimulation of cortical and subcortical structures provides unique means to deliver sensory information to higher brain structures, these approaches require highly invasive surgery and are dependent on accurate targeting of brain structures. Here, we propose a semi-invasive method, Dorsal Column Stimulation (DCS) as a tool for transferring sensory information to the brain. Using this new approach, we show that rats can learn to discriminate artificial sensations generated by DCS and that DCS-induced learning results in corticostriatal plasticity. We also demonstrate a proof of concept brain-to-spine interface (BTSI), whereby tactile and artificial sensory information are decoded from the brain of an “encoder” rat, transformed into DCS pulses, and delivered to the spinal cord of a second “decoder” rat while the latter performs an analog-to-digital conversion during a sensory discrimination task. These results suggest that DCS can be used as an effective sensory channel to transmit prosthetic information to the brain or between brains, and could be developed as a novel platform for delivering tactile and proprioceptive feedback in clinical applications of brain-machine interfaces.
Quadrupolar ordering and exotic magnetocaloric effect in RB4 (R = Dy, Ho)
Authors: Song M. S. , Cho K. K. , Kang B. Y. , Lee S. B. , Cho B. K.
Published: January 2020

The interplay of charge, spin, orbital and lattice degrees of freedom has recently received great interest due to its potential to improve the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) for the purpose of magnetic cooling applications. Here, a new mechanism for a large entropy change with low magnetic fields in rare-earth tetraborides, especially for Ho1-xDyxB4 (x = 0.0, 0.5, and 1.0), is proposed. For x = 0.0, 0.5, and 1.0, the maximum entropy changes of the giant inverse MCE are found to be 22.7 J/kgK, 19.6 J/kgK, and 19.0 J/kgK with critical fields of 25 kOe, 40 kOe, and 50 kOe, respectively. For all compounds, systematic study on how the entropy changes as a function of the field and temperature is performed to investigate their correlation with consecutive double transitions, i.e., the magnetic dipolar order at T = TN and the quadrupolar order at T = TQ (TQ < TN). Based on Landau theory, it is found that this behaviour is attributed to the strong coupling between magnetic dipoles and quadrupoles in the presence of strong spin-orbit coupling and geometric frustration. Our work offers new insights into both academic and industrial interests in the discovery of giant MCE with various applications for magnetic cooling systems.
Big brown bats are challenged by acoustically-guided flights through a circular tunnel of hoops
Authors: Simmons James A. , Brown Patricia E. , Vargas-Irwin Carlos E. , Simmons Andrea M.
Published: January 2020

Mines and caves provide essential roosting places for bats, but often they are obstructed to prevent entry by humans. To allow bats to access their roosts, metal corrugated culvert pipes are sometimes installed. Wildlife surveys indicate, however, that bats may abandon caves having corrugated culvert entrances. Culverts may be confusing to bats due to the complex patterns of echoes returned by the regular, ring-like corrugations. We tested the hypothesis that a circular tunnel composed of successive hoops is difficult for big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) to navigate. Experiments challenged bats with flights through a tunnel of round plastic hoops or a corridor flanked left and right by rows of plastic hanging chains. The bats swerved sideways and left the pathway on more flights in the hoop tunnel compared to only rarely in the chain corridor. Even during successful flights through the hoops, bats changed the temporal patterning of their echolocation pulses to compress them into more sonar sound groups. From prior research, this active reaction is an indicator of a perceptually more difficult task. To allow bats access to mines through culverts without affecting their echolocation behavior, smoothing or masking the regular corrugations inside with concrete may be effective.
Hemodynamic Effects of A Simplified Venturi Conduit for Fontan Circulation: A Pilot, In Silico Analysis
Authors: Zhu Fang , Shi Guocheng , Wen Chen , Zhang Qian , Fu Qihua , Liu Jinlong , Zhu Zhongqun , Chen Huiwen
Published: January 2020

Objectives: To study the effects of a self-powered Fontan circulation in both idealized Fontan models and patient-specific models. Methods: In silico, a conduit with a nozzle was introduced from ascending aorta into the anastomosis of superior vena cava and pulmonary artery. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was applied to calculate the fluid fields of models. Three 3-dimentional idealized models with different offsets were reconstructed by computer-aided design to evaluate the effects of the self-powered conduit. Furthermore, to validate the effects in patient-specific models, the conduit was introduced to three reconstructed models with different offsets. Results: The pressures at superior venae cavae and inferior venae cavae were decreased in both idealized models (0.4 mmHg) and patient-specific models (0.7 mmHg). In idealized models, the flows to left lungs were decreased (70%) by the jets from the conduits. However, in patient-specific models, the reductions of blood to the left lungs were relatively limited (30%) comparing to idealized models. Conclusions: CFD simulation was applied to analyze the effectiveness of the Fontan self-powered conduit. This self-powered conduit may help to decrease the venae cavae pressures and increase the flow to pulmonary arteries.
Optimizing Flux Capacity of Dead-end Filtration Membranes by Controlling Flow with Pulse Width Modulated Periodic Backflush
Authors: Enten Aaron C. , Leipner Matthew P. I. , Bellavia Michael C. , King Lillian E. , Sulchek Todd A.
Published: January 2020

Standard dead-end sample filtration is used to improve sample purity, but is limited as particle build-up fouls the filter, leading to reduced recovery. The fouling layer can be periodically cleared with backflush algorithms applied through a customized fluidic actuator using variable duty cycles, significantly improving particulate recovery percentage. We show a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) process can periodically backflush the filter membrane to repeatedly interrupt cake formation and reintegrate the fouling layer into the sample, improving net permeate flux per unit volume of sample by partially restoring filter flux capacity. PWM flow for 2.19 um (targeted) and 7.32 um (untargeted) polystyrene microbeads produced 18-fold higher permeate concentration, higher recovery up to 68.5%, and an 8-fold enrichment increase, compared to a uniform flow. As the duty cycle approaches 50%, the recovery percentage monotonically increases after a critical threshold. Further, we developed and validated a mathematical model to determine that fast, small-volume backflush pulses near 50% duty cycle yield higher recovery by decreasing fouling associated with the cake layer. Optimized PWM flow was then used to purify custom particles for immune activation, achieving 3-fold higher recovery percentage and providing a new route to improve purification yields for diagnostic and cellular applications.
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells contribute to the uptake and degradation of entero bacterial viruses
Authors: Øie Cristina I. , Wolfson Deanna L. , Yasunori Tanji , Dumitriu Gianina , Sørensen Karen K. , McCourt Peter A. , Ahluwalia Balpreet S. , Smedsrød Bård
Published: January 2020

The liver is constantly exposed to dietary antigens, viruses, and bacterial products with inflammatory potential. For decades cellular uptake of virus has been studied in connection with infection, while the few studies designed to look into clearance mechanisms focused mainly on the role of macrophages. In recent years, attention has been directed towards the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), which play a central role in liver innate immunity by their ability to scavenge pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns. Every day our bodies are exposed to billions of gut-derived pathogens which must be efficiently removed from the circulation to prevent inflammatory and/or immune reactions in other vascular beds. Here, we have used GFP-labelled Enterobacteria phage T4 (GFP-T4-phage) as a model virus to study the viral scavenging function and metabolism in LSECs. The uptake of GFP-T4-phages was followed in real-time using deconvolution microscopy, and LSEC identity confirmed by visualization of fenestrae using structured illumination microscopy. By combining these imaging modalities with quantitative uptake and inhibition studies of radiolabelled GFP-T4-phages, we demonstrate that the bacteriophages are effectively degraded in the lysosomal compartment. Due to their high ability to take up and degrade circulating bacteriophages the LSECs may act as a primary anti-viral defence mechanism.
Design Strategy to Create Antibody Mimetics Harbouring Immobilised Complementarity Determining Region Peptides for Practical Use
Authors: Kadonosono Tetsuya , Yimchuen Wanaporn , Ota Yumi , See Kyra , Furuta Tadaomi , Shiozawa Tadashi , Kitazawa Maika , Goto Yu , Patil Akash , Kuchimaru Takahiro , Kizaka-Kondoh Shinae
Published: January 2020

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are attractive therapeutics for treating a wide range of human disorders, and bind to the antigen through their complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Small stable proteins containing structurally retained CDRs are promising alternatives to mAbs. In this report, we present a method to create such proteins, named fluctuation-regulated affinity proteins (FLAPs). Thirteen graft acceptor (GA) sites that efficiently immobilise the grafted peptide structure were initially selected from six small protein scaffolds by computational identification. Five CDR peptides extracted by binding energy calculations from mAbs against breast cancer marker human epithelial growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) were then grafted to the selected scaffolds. The combination of five CDR peptides and 13 GA sites in six scaffolds revealed that three of the 65 combinations showed specific binding to HER2 with dissociation constants (KD) of 270–350 nM in biolayer interferometry and 24–65 nM in ELISA. The FLAPs specifically detected HER2-overexpressing cancer cells. Thus, the present strategy is a promising and practical method for developing small antibody mimetics.
Hemoadsorption Improves Survival of Rats Exposed to an Acutely Lethal Dose of Aflatoxin B1
Authors: Ruggeberg Karl-Gustav , O’Sullivan Pamela , Kovacs Timothy J. , Dawson Kathryn , Capponi Vincent J. , Chan Phillip P. , Golobish Thomas D. , Gruda Maryann C.
Published: January 2020

Mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), pose a serious threat as biological weapons due to their high toxicity, environmental stability, easy accessibility and lack of effective therapeutics. This study investigated if blood purification therapy with CytoSorb (CS) porous polymer beads could improve survival after a lethal aflatoxin dose (LD90). The effective treatment window and potential therapeutic mechanisms were also investigated. Sprague Dawley rats received a lethal dose of AFB1 (0.5–1.0 mg/kg) intravenously and hemoperfusion with a CS or Control device was initiated immediately, or after 30, 90, or 240-minute delays and conducted for 4 hours. The CS device removes AFB1 from circulation and significantly improves survival when initiated within 90 minutes of toxin administration. Treated subjects exhibited improved liver morphology and health scores. Changes in the levels of cytokines, leukocytes and platelets indicate a moderately-severe inflammatory response to acute toxin exposure. Quantitative proteomic analysis showed significant changes in the level of a broad spectrum of plasma proteins including serine protease/endopeptidase inhibitors, coagulation factors, complement proteins, carbonic anhydrases, and redox enzymes that ostensibly contribute to the therapeutic effect. Together, these results suggest that hemoadsorption with CS could be a viable countermeasure against acute mycotoxin exposure.
Evolutionary dynamics and impacts of chromosome regions carrying R-gene clusters in rice
Authors: Mizuno Hiroshi , Katagiri Satoshi , Kanamori Hiroyuki , Mukai Yoshiyuki , Sasaki Takuji , Matsumoto Takashi , Wu Jianzhong
Published: January 2020

To elucidate R-gene evolution, we compared the genomic compositions and structures of chromosome regions carrying R-gene clusters among cultivated and wild rice species. Map-based sequencing and gene annotation of orthologous genomic regions (1.2 to 1.9 Mb) close to the terminal end of the long arm of rice chromosome 11 revealed R-gene clusters within six cultivated and ancestral wild rice accessions. NBS-LRR R-genes were much more abundant in Asian cultivated rice (O. sativa L.) than in its ancestors, indicating that homologs of functional genes involved in the same pathway likely increase in number because of tandem duplication of chromosomal segments and were selected during cultivation. Phylogenetic analysis using amino acid sequences indicated that homologs of paired Pikm1–Pikm2 (NBS-LRR) genes conferring rice-blast resistance were likely conserved among all cultivated and wild rice species we examined, and the homolog of Xa3/Xa26 (LRR-RLK) conferring bacterial blight resistance was lacking only in Kasalath.
Stenosis coexists with compromised α1-adrenergic contractions in the ascending aorta of a mouse model of Williams-Beuren syndrome
Authors: Jiménez-Altayó Francesc , Ortiz-Romero Paula , Puertas-Umbert Lídia , Dantas Ana Paula , Pérez Belén , Vila Elisabet , D’Ocon Pilar , Campuzano Victoria
Published: January 2020

Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare disorder caused by a heterozygous deletion of 26–28 contiguous genes that affects the brain and cardiovascular system. Here, we investigated whether WBS affects aortic structure and function in the complete deletion (CD) mouse model harbouring the most common deletion found in WBS patients. Thoracic aortas from 3–4 months-old male CD mice and wild-type littermates were mounted in wire myographs or were processed for histomorphometrical analysis. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms and oxidative stress levels were assessed. Ascending aortas from young adult CD mice showed moderate (50%) luminal stenosis, whereas endothelial function and oxidative stress were comparable to wild-type. CD mice showed greater contractions to KCl. However, α1-adrenergic contractions to phenylephrine, but not with a thromboxane analogue, were compromised. Decreased phenylephrine responses were not affected by selective inducible NOS blockade with 1400 W, but were prevented by the non-selective NOS inhibitor L-NAME and the selective neuronal NOS inhibitor SMTC. Consistently, CD mice showed increased neuronal NOS expression in aortas. Overall, aortic stenosis in CD mice coexists with excessive nNOS-derived NO signaling that compromises ascending aorta α1-adrenergic contractions. We suggest that increased neuronal NOS signaling may act as a physiological ‘brake’ against the detrimental effects of stenosis.
MicroRNA and transcription factor co-regulatory networks and subtype classification of seminoma and non-seminoma in testicular germ cell tumors
Authors: Qin Guimin , Mallik Saurav , Mitra Ramkrishna , Li Aimin , Jia Peilin , Eischen Christine M. , Zhao Zhongming
Published: January 2020

Recent studies have revealed that feed-forward loops (FFLs) as regulatory motifs have synergistic roles in cellular systems and their disruption may cause diseases including cancer. FFLs may include two regulators such as transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). In this study, we extensively investigated TF and miRNA regulation pairs, their FFLs, and TF-miRNA mediated regulatory networks in two major types of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT): seminoma (SE) and non-seminoma (NSE). Specifically, we identified differentially expressed mRNA genes and miRNAs in 103 tumors using the transcriptomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Next, we determined significantly correlated TF-gene/miRNA and miRNA-gene/TF pairs with regulation direction. Subsequently, we determined 288 and 664 dysregulated TF-miRNA-gene FFLs in SE and NSE, respectively. By constructing dysregulated FFL networks, we found that many hub nodes (12 out of 30 for SE and 8 out of 32 for NSE) in the top ranked FFLs could predict subtype-classification (Random Forest classifier, average accuracy ≥90%). These hub molecules were validated by an independent dataset. Our network analysis pinpointed several SE-specific dysregulated miRNAs (miR-200c-3p, miR-25-3p, and miR-302a-3p) and genes (EPHA2, JUN, KLF4, PLXDC2, RND3, SPI1, and TIMP3) and NSE-specific dysregulated miRNAs (miR-367-3p, miR-519d-3p, and miR-96-5p) and genes (NR2F1 and NR2F2). This study is the first systematic investigation of TF and miRNA regulation and their co-regulation in two major TGCT subtypes.
White matter dissection and structural connectivity of the human vertical occipital fasciculus to link vision-associated brain cortex
Authors: Jitsuishi Tatsuya , Hirono Seiichiro , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Kitajo Keiko , Iwadate Yasuo , Yamaguchi Atsushi
Published: January 2020

The vertical occipital fasciculus (VOF) is an association fiber tract coursing vertically at the posterolateral corner of the brain. It is re-evaluated as a major fiber tract to link the dorsal and ventral visual stream. Although previous tractography studies showed the VOF’s cortical projections fall in the dorsal and ventral visual areas, the post-mortem dissection study for the validation remains limited. First, to validate the previous tractography data, we here performed the white matter dissection in post-mortem brains and demonstrated the VOF’s fiber bundles coursing between the V3A/B areas and the posterior fusiform gyrus. Secondly, we analyzed the VOF’s structural connectivity with diffusion tractography to link vision-associated cortical areas of the HCP MMP1.0 atlas, an updated map of the human cerebral cortex. Based on the criteria the VOF courses laterally to the inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) and craniocaudally at the posterolateral corner of the brain, we reconstructed the VOF’s fiber tracts and found the widespread projections to the visual cortex. These findings could suggest a crucial role of VOF in integrating visual information to link the broad visual cortex as well as in connecting the dual visual stream.
Assessment of malathion toxicity on cytophysiological activity, DNA damage and antioxidant enzymes in root of Allium cepa model
Authors: Srivastava Akhileshwar Kumar , Singh Divya
Published: January 2020

The current study was emphasized to assess the effect of malathion on root system (cell division and kinetics of the root elongation) and stress related parameters in Allium cepa L. The roots were exposed to different concentrations (0.05, 0.13, 0.26, 0.39 and 0.52 g/L) of malathion for different treatment periods (4, 8 and 18 h). The results revealed that malathion application affected the growth rate and cell division in root tips. The root elongation kinetics were impaired at 0.13 to 0.52 g/L concentrations. Reduction in tissue water content (TWC) indicated the limited osmotic adjustment due to membrane damage. Further, a decrease in sucrose content was observed in contrast to the accumulation of proline (upto 0.39 g/L). Moreover, malathion exposure elevated the levels of lipid peroxidation followed by changes in antioxidant enzymes status. The activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) were down-regulated whereas the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were up-regulated except in 0.52 g/L malathion. The molecular docking study of malathion with CAT, GST, SOD, APX and GR also supported of above results for their activity. All these physiological responses varied with increasing malathion concentration and duration of treatment. The single cell gel electrophoresis results showed that all concentrations of malathion induced DNA damage in root cells. The findings depicted that malathion application induces cytotoxic and phytotoxic effects mediated through oxidative stress and subsequent injuries.
Development of a cognitive function marker based on D-amino acid proportions using new chiral tandem LC-MS/MS systems
Authors: Kimura Ren , Tsujimura Hisashi , Tsuchiya Masaru , Soga Satoko , Ota Noriyasu , Tanaka Atsushi , Kim Hunkyung
Published: January 2020

The incidence of dementia, a clinical symptom characterized by severe cognitive decline, is increasing worldwide. Predictive biomarkers are therefore required for early identification and management. D-amino acids in the brain contribute to cognitive function and are suggested as useful biomarkers for diagnosing dementia risk. To clarify their relationship with human cognitive decline, we developed an identification method of chiral metabolomics for detecting slight differences in chiral amino acid amounts. Chiral tandem liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry systems were applied for sensitive and selective amino acid species along with chiral species determination based on anion and zwitterion exchange mechanisms. In a comprehensive health cohort (cross-sectional study), we measured blood chiral amino acid levels from 305 women (65–80 years old) classified into Control, Mild-cognitive-Impairment (MCI), and Dementia groups using the Mini-Mental State Examination. MCI exhibited higher D-Pro (D-Pro/(D-Pro + L-Pro)) proportion vs the Control group, suggesting this proportion as a useful biomarker for MCI. Biomarker accuracy was improved in combination with D-Ser proportion. Receiver operating characteristics analysis of the Control vs. MCI proportion obtained area under the curve (0.80) with 70% sensitivity and 84% specificity at the optimal cutoff value (0.30). Thus, dementia monitoring can be improved by including trace D-amino acids measurements.
Continuous reorganization of cortical information flow in multiple sclerosis: A longitudinal fMRI effective connectivity study
Authors: Fleischer Vinzenz , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Anwar Abdul Rauf , Gonzalez-Escamilla Gabriel , Radetz Angela , Gracien René-Maxime , Bittner Stefan , Luessi Felix , Meuth Sven G. , Zipp Frauke , Groppa Sergiu
Published: January 2020

Effective connectivity (EC) is able to explore causal effects between brain areas and can depict mechanisms that underlie repair and adaptation in chronic brain diseases. Thus, the application of EC techniques in multiple sclerosis (MS) has the potential to determine directionality of neuronal interactions and may provide an imaging biomarker for disease progression. Here, serial longitudinal structural and resting-state fMRI was performed at 12-week intervals over one year in twelve MS patients. Twelve healthy subjects served as controls (HC). Two approaches for EC quantification were used: Causal Bayesian Network (CBN) and Time-resolved Partial Directed Coherence (TPDC). The EC strength was correlated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive functions (FSMC). Our findings demonstrated a longitudinal increase in EC between specific brain regions, detected in both the CBN and TPDC analysis in MS patients. In particular, EC from the deep grey matter, frontal, prefrontal and temporal regions showed a continuous increase over the study period. No longitudinal changes in EC were attested in HC during the study. Furthermore, we observed an association between clinical performance and EC strength. In particular, the EC increase in fronto-cerebellar connections showed an inverse correlation with the EDSS and FSMC. Our data depict continuous functional reorganization between specific brain regions indicated by increasing EC over time in MS, which is not detectable in HC. In particular, fronto-cerebellar connections, which were closely related to clinical performance, may provide a marker of brain plasticity and functional reserve in MS.
VCP expression decrease as a biomarker of preclinical and early clinical stages of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Alieva Anelya , Rudenok Margarita , Filatova Elena , Karabanov Alexey , Doronina Olga , Doronina Kseniya , Kolacheva Anna , Ugrumov Mikhail , Illarioshkin Sergey , Slominsky Petr , Shadrina Maria
Published: January 2020

Valosin-containing human protein (VCP) or p97 performs enzyme functions associated with the maintenance of protein homeostasis and control of protein quality. Disruption of its normal functioning might be associated with the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Tissues of mice with toxin-induced presymptomatic and early symptomatic stages of PD, as well as 52 treated and untreated patients with newly diagnosed PD and nine patients with a “predicted” form of PD, were investigated. Significant changes in Vcp gene expression were observed in almost all studied mouse tissues. A significant decrease in VCP expression specific for PD was also detected at both the late preclinical and the early clinical stages of PD in untreated patients. Thus, a decrease in VCP expression is important for changes in the function of the nervous system at early stages of PD. Analysis of changes in VCP expression in all patients with PD and in Vcp in the peripheral blood of mice used as models of PD revealed significant decreases in expression specific for PD. These data suggest that a decrease in the relative levels of VCP mRNA might serve as a biomarker for the development of pathology at the early clinical and preclinical stages of human PD.
The effectiveness of nanobiochar for reducing phytotoxicity and improving soil remediation in cadmium-contaminated soil
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Yulong , Feng Ya , Qiao Jianchen , Zhao Huiwei , Xie Jixing , Fang Yanyan , Shen Shigang , Liang Shuxuan
Published: January 2020

There is growing concern that Cd in soils can be transferred to plants, resulting in phytotoxicity and threats to human health via the food chain. Biochar has been reported to be a soil amendment capable of reducing the bioavailability of metals in soil by electrostatic interactions, ionic exchange and the specific binding of metal ions by surface ligands. To determine the effects of Cd contamination and nanobiochar on the growth characteristics of plants, the dynamics of Cd in soil were explored in Petri dish and pot experiments (0%, 0.2%, 0.5% and 1% nanobiochar), respectively. The diversity, distribution and composition of the bacterial community in treated soil were monitored by high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the germination potential and height and weight of plants were significantly decreased in Cd-treated soil samples (P < 0.05). The Cd content of Brassica chinensis L. in the treated soil groups was lower than that in the untreated soil groups (P < 0.05) after nanobiochar application. The application of biochar significantly improved the microbial biomass, microorganism abundance and diversity of Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes in Cd-contaminated soil and reduced the diversity of Proteobacteria, which was relatively more persistent than in the contaminated sites without biochar application. The results of this study provide theoretical and technical support for understanding the environmental behavior of nanopassivators, thus enhancing the role of biochar in the remediation of soil pollution.
Dynamics of electrically driven solitons in nematic and cholesteric liquid crystals
Authors: Shen Yuan , Dierking Ingo
Published: January 2020

Investigations on solitons have been carried out for decades in various areas of physics, such as nonlinear photonics, magnetic matter and superconductors. However, producing multidimensional solitary states and manipulation of their motion are still big challenges. In this work, we describe the formation of dynamic multidimensional solitons in a nematic and a cholesteric liquid crystal (LC). These solitons are self-confined director perturbations that propagate rapidly through the LC bulk and preserve their identities after collisions. We tune the velocity of the solitons by electric fields and control their trajectories through alignment layers. We find that the chirality of the cholesteric LC endows the solitons a wave-particle duality, and leads to a variety of fascinating interactions between solitons which cannot be observed in the achiral nematic LC. Furthermore, we also show that these solitons can be used as vehicles for 2D delivery of micro-cargos.
Resonant tunnelling into the two-dimensional subbands of InSe layers
Authors: Kudrynskyi Zakhar R. , Kerfoot James , Mazumder Debarati , Greenaway Mark T. , Vdovin Evgeni E. , Makarovsky Oleg , Kovalyuk Zakhar D. , Eaves Laurence , Beton Peter H. , Patanè Amalia
Published: January 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) crystals have attracted considerable interest for digital electronics beyond Si-based complementary metal oxide semiconductor technologies. Despite the transformative success of Si-based devices, there are limits to their miniaturization and functionalities. Here we realize a resonant tunnelling transistor (RTT) based on a 2D InSe layer sandwiched between two multilayered graphene (MLG) electrodes. In the RTT the energy of the quantum-confined 2D subbands of InSe can be tuned by the thickness of the InSe layer. By applying a voltage across the two MLG electrodes, which serve as the source and drain electrodes to the InSe, the chemical potential in the source can be tuned in and out of resonance with a given 2D subband, leading to multiple regions of negative differential conductance that can be additionally tuned by electrostatic gating. This work demonstrates the potential of InSe and InSe-based RTTs for applications in quantum electronics.
Biopolymeric photonic structures: design, fabrication, and emerging applications
Authors: Xiong Rui , Luan Jingyi , Kang Saewon , Ye Chunhong , Singamaneni Srikanth , Tsukruk Vladimir V.
Published: January 2020

Biological photonic structures can precisely control light propagation, scattering, and emissionviahierarchical structures and diverse chemistry, enabling biophotonic applications for transparency, camouflaging, protection, mimicking and signaling.
Carbon free silicon/polyaniline hybrid anodes with 3D conductive structures for superior lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhou Jun , Zhou Ling , Yang Lishan , Chen Tao , Li Jiaqi , Pan Hao , Yang Yahui , Wang Zhongchang
Published: January 2020

We design a carbon-free Si/polyaniline hybrid anode composed of porous Si dendrites and oxalic acid doped polyaniline coatings.
Investigation of the thermal and conductive properties of oxalic acid salts with planar and undulating proton-conducting layers
Authors: Widelicka Małgorzata , Ławniczak Paweł , Pietraszko Adam , Pogorzelec-Glaser Katarzyna , Łapiński Andrzej
Published: January 2020

The physical properties of two proton conductors 1H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ium hydrogen oxalate (TriOX) and 1H-imidazol-3-ium hydrogen oxalate (ImiOX) were investigated.
Polymorphism of 1,3-X-adamantanes (X = Br, OH, CH3) and the crystal plastic phase formation ability
Authors: Negrier Philippe , Ben Hassine Bacem , Barrio Maria , Romanini Michela , Mondieig Denise , Tamarit Josep-Lluis
Published: January 2020

The polymorphism of 1,3-dimethyladamantane (13DMA), 1,3-adamantanediol (13DOHA) and 1,3-dibromoadamantane (13DBrA) has been studied by X-ray powder diffraction, density measurements and differential scanning calorimetry at normal and high-pressure.
In situ environmental TEM observation of two-stage shrinking of Cu2O islands on Cu(100) during methanol reduction
Authors: Chi Hao , Curnan Matthew T. , Li Meng , Andolina Christopher M. , Saidi Wissam A. , Veser Götz , Yang Judith C.
Published: January 2020

A distinct two-stage reduction of Cu2O islands under methanol is revealed via combined in situ ETEM, statistical analysis, and DFT calculations.
Tailoring the physical and chemical properties of Sn1−xCoxO2 nanoparticles: an experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Aragón F. F. H. , Villegas-Lelovsky L. , Cabral L. , Lima M. P. , Aquino J. C. R. , Mathpal M. C. , Coaquira J. A. H. , da Silva S. W. , Nagamine L. C. C. M. , Parreiras S. O. , Gastelois P. L. , Marques G. E. , Macedo W. A. A.
Published: January 2020

In this work, we present a coupled experimental and theoretical first-principles investigation on one of the more promising oxide-diluted magnetic semiconductors, the Sn1−xCoxO2 nanoparticle system, in order to see the effect of cobalt doping on the physical and chemical properties.
Direct investigation of chalcogen bonds by multinuclear solid-state magnetic resonance and vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Kumar Vijith , Xu Yijue , Leroy César , Bryce David L.
Published: January 2020

We report a multifaceted experimental and computational study of three self-complementary chalcogen-bond donors as well as a series of seven chalcogen bonded cocrystals.
Oxidation of biomass-derived furans to maleic acid over nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts under acid-free conditions
Authors: Van Nguyen Chi , Boo Jing Rou , Liu Chia-Hung , Ahamad Tansir , Alshehri Saad M. , Matsagar Babasaheb M. , Wu Kevin C.-W.
Published: January 2020

We report an acid-free effective furfural-to-MA conversion system using a nitrogen-doped carbon catalyst and H2O2 oxidant.
Ionogel-based sodium ion micro-batteries with a 3D Na-ion diffusion mechanism enable ultrahigh rate capability
Authors: Zheng Shuanghao , Huang Huijuan , Dong Yanfeng , Wang Sen , Zhou Feng , Qin Jieqiong , Sun Chenglin , Yu Yan , Wu Zhong-Shuai , Bao Xinhe
Published: January 2020

Sodium ion micro-batteries with a 3D sodium ion diffusion mechanism exhibit ultrahigh rate capability in a new NaBF4-based ionogel electrolyte.
Mechanistic insights into the lignin dissolution behaviors of a recyclable acid hydrotrope, deep eutectic solvent (DES), and ionic liquid (IL)
Authors: Ji Hairui , Lv Pingli
Published: January 2020

Mechanistic insights into lignin dissolution behaviors of a recyclable acid hydrotrope (p-TsOH), deep eutectic solvent (DES, ChCl-Lac), and ionic liquid (IL, [Amim][Cl]) were carried out by combined quantum chemistry calculations and molecular dynamics simulations.
Matching sensitivity to abundance: high resolution immuno-mass spectrometry imaging of lanthanide labels and endogenous elements in the murine brain
Authors: Clases David , Gonzalez de Vega Raquel , Funke Sabrina , Lockwood Thomas E. , Westerhausen Mika T. , Taudte R. Verena , Adlard Paul A. , Doble Philip A.
Published: January 2020

This work introduces a new method for immuno-mass spectrometry imagingviaquadrupole-based laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry instruments that is matched to the abundance of elements in biological tissues.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of aqueous humor after rabbit lensectomy reveals differences in coagulation and immunomodulatory proteins
Authors: Young Jonathon B. , Keppel Theodore R. , Waas Matthew , Salmon Alexander E. , Buchberger Amanda Rae , Skumatz Christine M.B. , Gundry Rebekah L. , Kassem Iris S.
Published: January 2020

Proteomics of juvenile rabbit aqueous humor was evaluated before and after surgery to determine proteins responsible for postoperative outcomes.
Mo or W catalysts promoted with Ni or Co supported on modified bentonite for decane hydroconversion
Authors: Amaya Jahaziel , Suarez Natalia , Moreno Andrés , Moreno Sonia , Molina Rafael
Published: January 2020

A clay mineral-type modified bentonite, producedviadelamination and subsequent incorporation of AlZr and AlCe species to modulate their acid properties, was used to obtain bifunctional catalysts with the incorporation of NiMo, CoMo, NiW and CoW.
The synthesis of polymeric dyes based on waterborne polyurethane: a reaction kinetics study using UV absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Jun , Li Jie , Sang Chao , Luo Yunjun
Published: January 2020

The preparation of waterborne polyurethane based polymeric dyes (DWPU) with anthraquinone chromophores was monitored by using UV absorption spectroscopy for the first time.
g-C3N4/Uio-66-NH2 nanocomposites with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution and oxidation of amines to imines
Authors: Zhang Shishen , Chen Kelong , Peng Wen , Huang Jianhua
Published: January 2020

g-C3N4/Uio-66-NH2 (CNUIO) nanocomposites were prepared by growing an NH2-mediated zirconium-based metal–organic framework (Uio-66-NH2) in the presence of g-C3N4 nanotubes.
A novel switchable solvent liquid-phase microextraction technique based on the solidification of floating organic droplets: HPLC-FLD analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon monohydroxy metabolites in urine samples
Authors: Wang Xu , Sun Zhiwei , Luo Xianzhu , Wang Kaifeng , Zhang Shijuan , Ji Zhongyin , Gao Yue , You Jinmao
Published: January 2020

A novel switchable solvent liquid-phase microextraction technique, based on the solidification of floating organic droplets (SS-LPME-SFO), was developed for the pretreatment of aqueous samples.
Chemical bowling-assisted synthesis of Fe3O4@starch-derived carbon composites as anode materials with superior cycling stability for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Shi Wei , Guo Jian
Published: January 2020

Fe3O4@starch-derived carbon composites (Fe3O4@C-SD composites) were produced via chemical bowling, an economic and a scalable method, and a subsequent calcination with starch as the carbon resource and iron(iii) nitrate as the iron resource.
On the in silico and in vitro anticancer activity of sulfonamide chalcones: potential JNKK3 inhibitors
Authors: Custodio Jean M. F. , Moura Andrea F. , de Moraes Manoel O. , Perez Caridad N. , Napolitano Hamilton B.
Published: January 2020

Although many compound classes have been studied as JNK inhibitors, we are interested in using chalcones for this purpose. Do different groups drive to different bindings modes to JNK?
Facile, regioselective oxidative selenocyanation of N-aryl enaminones under transition-metal-free conditions
Authors: Sorabad Ganesh Shivayogappa , Maddani Mahagundappa Rachappa
Published: January 2020

The present selenocyanation is applied for the synthesis of selenocyanated chromones, indoles and anilines in good to excellent yields.
Strongly quantum-confined Mn2+-doped CsPbBr3 nanocrystals in MCM-41 with pure blue emission
Authors: Li Zhen , Li Li , Liu Huali , Li Fei , Zhao Jiaqi , Wang Yu
Published: January 2020

We synthesized 465 nm pure blue light-emitting Mn2+-doped CsPbBr3 nanocrystals via a template-assisted strategy without the coprecipitation of bulk materials.
Tuning thermal properties of cross-linked DCPD polymers by functionalization, initiator type and curing methods
Authors: Phatake Ravindra S. , Masarwa Alexandra , Lemcoff N. Gabriel , Reany Ofer
Published: January 2020

ROMP derived poly-dicyclopentadiene (poly-DCPD) is a relatively new engineering material with high impact resistance, high chemical corrosion resistance and high deflection temperature.
Lactic acid bacteria exhibit similar antioxidant capacities inCaenorhabditis elegans- andCampylobacter jejuni-infected mice
Authors: Jin Xing , He Yufeng , Liu Zhenmin , Zhou Yonghua , Chen Xiaohua , Wang Gang , Sun Zhihong , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: January 2020

ACaenorhabditis eleganslifespan analysis model exposed to H2O2and juglone is suitable for identifying lactic acid bacteria with antioxidant capacity that can be used to resist oxidative damage caused by pathogen infection.
An l-cystine/l-cysteine impregnated nanofiltration membrane with the superior performance of an anchoring heavy metal in wastewater
Authors: Zhang Hong-Li , Cai Huaqiang , Xia Yu , Zhang Pan , Xiong Si-Wei , Gai Jing-Gang
Published: January 2020

Considerable efforts are being made to develop new materials and technologies for the efficient and fast removal of toxic ions in drinking water.
Fabrication of PVDF/graphene composites with enhanced β phase via conventional melt processing assisted by solid state shear milling technology
Authors: Zhang Huili , Zhu Yan , Li Li
Published: January 2020

With the assistance of our independently developed solid state shear milling (S3M) technology, PVDF/GP composite with relatively high β phase (42.2%), higher than that directly gotten by melt blending (33.0%), were achieved via common melt process.
Stewartiacids A–N, C-23 carboxylated triterpenoids from Chinese Stewartia and their inhibitory effects against ATP-citrate lyase and NF-κB
Authors: Wan Jiang , Zang Yi , Xiao Dao-An , Li Na , Li Junmin , Jin Ze-Xin , Chen De-Lei , Xiong Juan , Li Jia , Hu Jin-Feng
Published: January 2020

Fourteen new C-23 carboxylated triterpenoids (stewartiacids A–N,1–14) were obtained from the ‘vulnerable’ plantStewartia sinensis.11and12showed inhibitory effects against ACL.
A comparative study between Cu(INA)2-MOF and [Cu(INA)2(H2O)4] complex for a click reaction and the Biginelli reaction under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Mansano Willig Julia C. , Granetto Gustavo , Reginato Danielly , Dutra Felipe R. , Poruczinski Érica Fernanda , de Oliveira Isadora M. , Stefani Helio A. , de Campos Sílvia D. , de Campos Élvio A. , Manarin Flávia , Botteselle Giancarlo V.
Published: January 2020

The catalytic application of Cu(INA)2-MOF in click and Biginelli reactions was investigated and a comparative study with the [Cu(INA)2(H2O)4] complex was performed.
Phytochemistry by design: a case study of the chemical composition of Ocotea guianensis optimized extracts focused on untargeted metabolomics analysis
Authors: Antonio Ananda da Silva , Aguiar Ana Tayná Chaves , Santos Gustavo Ramalho Cardoso dos , Pereira Henrique Marcelo Gualberto , Veiga-Junior Valdir Florêncio da , Wiedemann Larissa Silveira Moreira
Published: January 2020

Several extraction parameters were evaluated in order to establish their influence on the chemosystematic research of angiosperms.
Metal ion-induced separation of valuable organic acids from a depolymerized mixture of lignite without using organic solvents
Authors: Hao Jianxiu , Han Limin , Yang Keli , Zhao Hongye , Li Xiaomin , Ban Yanpeng , Li Na , Zhou Huacong , Liu Quansheng
Published: January 2020

Metal ion-induced separation of valuable organic acids from complex lignite depolymerized mixtures was proposed and proved to be an efficient, green, and facile separation process with easily tunable separation selectivity.
DMAP-stabilized bis(silyl)silylenes as versatile synthons for organosilicon compounds
Authors: Holzner Richard , Reiter Dominik , Frisch Philipp , Inoue Shigeyoshi
Published: January 2020

DMAP-stabilized silylenes 1a–c, which are convenient, room temperature stable synthetic equivalents for the corresponding highly reactive free bis(silyl)silylenes are reported.
Dipolar Janus liposomes: formation, electrokinetic motion and self-assembly
Authors: Liu Zening , Cui Jinyan , Zhan Wei
Published: January 2020

Presented herein is the first report on dipolar Janus liposomes – liposomes that contain opposite surface charges decorating the two hemispheres of the same colloidal body. Microscopic evidence is given in regard to the formation, electrokinetic motion as well as electrostatic self-assembly behavior of these new Janus particles.
TEMPO-functionalized mesoporous silica particles as heterogeneous oxidation catalysts in flow
Authors: Schulze Julia S. , Migenda Julia , Becker Maximilian , Schuler Sören M. M. , Wende Raffael C. , Schreiner Peter R. , Smarsly Bernd M.
Published: January 2020

TEMPO was immobilized on continuous-flow-optimized mesoporous silica particles and a TEMPO/DAIB mediated oxidation followed by Knoevenagel condensation was investigated.
Highly compressible and superior low temperature tolerant supercapacitors based on dual chemically crosslinked PVA hydrogel electrolytes
Authors: Liu Zhenzhen , Zhang Junmei , Liu Jing , Long Yanjun , Fang Liming , Wang Qingwen , Liu Tao
Published: January 2020

A highly compressible and superior low-temperature tolerant supercapacitor is constructed based on a novel dual chemically crosslinked PVA hydrogel electrolyte.
A core@dual-shell nanorod array with a cascading band configuration for enhanced photocatalytic properties and anti-photocorrosion
Authors: You Daotong , Xu Chunxiang , Wang Xiangxiang , Wang Jing , Su Wenyue , Wang Ru , Chen Tianlang , Wang Ru , Shi Zengliang
Published: January 2020

ZnO–CdS–NiOx core@dual-shell nanorod arrays with cascade electron and hole transfer between them for high-performance photocatalytic H2 production.
Achieving high-performance p-type SmMg2Bi2 thermoelectric materials through band engineering and alloying effects
Authors: Saparamadu Udara , Tan Xiaojian , Sun Jifeng , Ren Zhensong , Song Shaowei , Singh David J. , Shuai Jing , Jiang Jun , Ren Zhifeng
Published: January 2020

P-type SmMg2Bi2, a new member of Bi-based 1-2-2 Zintl family, has been investigated and demonstrated to be a promising material for application in TE power generation.
Electro-optic evolution driven by static and relaxational nano ferroelectric domains in KTa1−xNbxO3
Authors: Wang Yu , Hu Chengpeng , Tian Hao , Huang Fei , Tan Peng , Wu Yao , Wang Chuanzhi , Zhou Zhongxiang
Published: January 2020

Both the relaxational nano-domains driven by biased electric fields under ordered static domains and strong anisotropy determined by the deformation of the NbO6/TaO6 realize enhancements of EO properties in the vicinity of Tf.
Four‐dimensional dynamic force measurement system for micro‐deep hole drilling
Authors: Hu Hongzhi , Teng Quanjin , Guan Fang , Su Haitao , Xu Cuifeng
Published: January 2020

An embedded micro‐deep hole drilling force measurement system is proposed and verified experimentally, it is based on resistance strain gauge, weak signal detection method and embedded technology. The system can measure the thrust force, tangential force and two orthogonal components of radial force precisely, continuously and stably in real time, while other similar systems can measure only thrust force usually. The system can replace the complex modelling of drilling process to obtain random changing details of drilling forces, and can also be used effectively in intelligent drilling control research.
Two‐stage scenario‐based DEP incorporating PEV using Benders’ decomposition
Authors: Abdi‐Siab Majid , Lesani Hamid
Published: January 2020

This study proposes a novel scheme for dynamic distribution expansion planning (DEP) in the presence of plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs). The model considers investment, production and maintenance cost and identifies the substations and feeders to be built, reinforced or replaced. Owing to the increasing penetration of PEVs into the distribution network, traditional strategies to expand the network have to be updated to cope with the new uncertainties incurred by the PEVs integration. In this regard, a two‐stage scenario‐based strategy is presented, in which the uncertainties related to the PEVs are modelled via stochastic optimisation using Monte Carlo simulation. In the first stage, the binary decision variables (here and now decision variables) are determined, whereas in the second stage, the optimal production of substations and optimal charging of PEVs (wait and see decision variables) are identified in a day‐ahead electricity market. Moreover, the daily electricity price and load volatilities have also been taken into account. The DEP problem is formulated as a mixed‐integer linear programming problem and is solved using the efficient Benders’ decomposition algorithm. The results of the case study based on a 24‐node distribution system show the feasibility, tractability and effectiveness of the proposed model.