bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Insights into the FtsQ/FtsB/FtsL Complex, a Key Component of the Divisome
Authors: Choi Yuri , Kim Jinwoo , Yoon Hye-Jin , Jin Kyeong Sik , Ryu Sangryeol , Lee Hyung Ho
Published: December 2018

Bacterial cell division is a fundamental process that results in the physical separation of a mother cell into two daughter cells and involves a set of proteins known as the divisome. Among them, the FtsQ/FtsB/FtsL complex was known as a scaffold protein complex, but its overall structure and exact function is not precisely known. In this study, we have determined the crystal structure of the periplasmic domain of FtsQ in complex with the C-terminal fragment of FtsB, and showed that the C-terminal region of FtsB is a key binding region of FtsQ via mutational analysis in vitro and in vivo. We also obtained the solution structure of the periplasmic FtsQ/FtsB/FtsL complex by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), which reveals its structural organization. Interestingly, the SAXS and analytical gel filtration data showed that the FtsQ/FtsB/FtsL complex forms a 2:2:2 heterohexameric assembly in solution with the “Y” shape. Based on the model, the N-terminal directions of FtsQ and the FtsB/FtsL complex should be opposite, suggesting that the Y-shaped FtsQ/FtsB/FtsL complex might fit well into the curved membrane for membrane anchoring.
Expansion of viral variants associated with immune escape and impaired virion secretion in patients with HBV reactivation after resolved infection
Authors: Inuzuka Tadashi , Ueda Yoshihide , Arasawa Soichi , Takeda Haruhiko , Matsumoto Tomonori , Osaki Yukio , Uemoto Shinji , Seno Hiroshi , Marusawa Hiroyuki
Published: December 2018

HBV reactivation could be induced under immunosuppressive conditions in patients with resolved infection. This study aimed to clarify the viral factors associated with the pathogenesis of HBV reactivation in association with the immunosuppressive status. Whole HBV genome sequences were determined from the sera of 24 patients with HBV reactivation, including 8 cases under strong immunosuppression mediated by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and 16 cases without HSCT. Ultra-deep sequencing revealed that the prevalence of genotype B and the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous evolutionary changes in the surface (S) gene were significantly higher in non-HSCT cases than in patients with HSCT. Those non-synonymous variants included immune escape (6/16 cases) and MHC class II-restricted T-cell epitope variants (6/16 cases). Furthermore, reactivated HBV in 11 of 16 (69%) non-HSCT cases possessed substitutions associated with impaired virion secretion, including E2G, L77R, L98V, T118K, and Q129H in the S region, and M1I/V in the PreS2 region. In conclusion, virologic features of reactivated HBV clones differed depending on the intensity of the immunosuppressive condition. HBV reactivation triggered by immunosuppressive conditions, especially those without HSCT, was characterized by the expansion of variants associated with immune escape, MHC class II-restricted T-cell epitope alterations, and/or impaired virion secretion.
Social and anxiety-like behaviors contribute to nicotine self-administration in adolescent outbred rats
Authors: Wang Tengfei , Han Wenyan , Chitre Apurva S. , Polesskaya Oksana , Solberg Woods Leah C. , Palmer Abraham A. , Chen Hao
Published: December 2018

Both emotional and social traits interact with genetic factors to influence smoking behavior. We previously established a socially acquired nicotine intravenous self-administration model where social learning of a nicotine-associated odor cue reversed conditioned flavor aversion and promoted nicotine intake. In this study, we first phenotyped ~800 adolescent heterogeneous stock rats in open field, novel object interaction, social interaction, elevated plus maze, and marble burying behaviors. These rats were then phenotyped on socially acquired nicotine self-administration. We found 243 significant correlations between different behavioral tests. Principal component regression analysis found that ~10–20% of the variance in nicotine-related measures, such as intake during the first or the last three fixed-ratio sessions, the progressive ratio session, and reinstatement behavior, can be explained by variations in behavioral traits. Factors corresponding to social behavior and anxiety were among the strongest predictors of nicotine intake and reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior. We also found many sex differences in behavioral measures. These data indicated that the genetic diversity of this population, in combination with social behaviour and anxiety, are significant contributors to the divergent nicotine self-administration behavior and indicated a high probability of discovering sex-specific genetic mechanisms for nicotine intake in future genome-wide association studies.
Gene expression profiles alteration after infection of virus, bacteria, and parasite in the Olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)
Authors: Nam Gyu-Hwi , Mishra Anshuman , Gim Jeong-An , Lee Hee-Eun , Jo Ara , Yoon Dahye , Kim Ahran , Kim Woo-Jin , Ahn Kung , Kim Do-Hyung , Kim Suhkmann , Cha Hee-Jae , Choi Yung Hyun , Park Chan-Il , Kim Heui-Soo
Published: December 2018

Olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is one of economically valuable fish species in the East Asia. In comparison with its economic importance, available genomic information of the olive flounder is very limited. The mass mortality caused by variety of pathogens (virus, bacteria and parasites) is main problem in aquaculture industry, including in olive flounder culture. In this study, we carried out transcriptome analysis using the olive flounder gill tissues after infection of three types of pathogens (Virus; Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, Bacteria; Streptococcus parauberis, and Parasite; Miamiensis avidus), respectively. As a result, we identified total 12,415 differentially expressed genes (DEG) from viral infection, 1,754 from bacterial infection, and 795 from parasite infection, respectively. To investigate the effects of pathogenic infection on immune response, we analyzed Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis with DEGs and sorted immune-related GO terms per three pathogen groups. Especially, we verified various GO terms, and genes in these terms showed down-regulated expression pattern. In addition, we identified 67 common genes (10 up-regulated and 57 down-regulated) present in three pathogen infection groups. Our goals are to provide plenty of genomic knowledge about olive flounder transcripts for further research and report genes, which were changed in their expression after specific pathogen infection.
Diatom diversity through HTS-metabarcoding in coastal European seas
Authors: Piredda Roberta , Claverie Jean-Michel , Decelle Johan , de Vargas Colomban , Dunthorn Micah , Edvardsen Bente , Eikrem Wenche , Forster Dominik , Kooistra Wiebe H. C. F. , Logares Ramiro , Massana Ramon , Montresor Marina , Not Fabrice , Ogata Hiroyuki , Pawlowski Jan , Romac Sarah , Sarno Diana , Stoeck Thorsten , Zingone Adriana
Published: December 2018

Diatoms constitute a diverse lineage of unicellular organisms abundant and ecologically important in aquatic ecosystems. Compared to other protists, their biology and taxonomy are well-studied, offering the opportunity to combine traditional approaches and new technologies. We examined a dataset of diatom 18S rRNA- and rDNA- (V4 region) reads from different plankton size-fractions and sediments from six European coastal marine sites, with the aim of identifying peculiarities and commonalities with respect to the whole protistan community. Almost all metabarcodes (99.6%) were assigned to known genera (121) and species (236), the most abundant of which were those already known from classic studies and coincided with those seen in light microscopy. rDNA and rRNA showed comparable patterns for the dominant taxa, but rRNA revealed a much higher diversity particularly in the sediment communities. Peculiar to diatoms is a tight bentho-pelagic coupling, with many benthic or planktonic species colonizing both water column and sediments and the dominance of planktonic species in both habitats. Overall metabarcoding results reflected the marked specificity of diatoms compared to other protistan groups in terms of morphological and ecological characteristics, at the same time confirming their great potential in the description of protist communities.
Fate of bacterial indicators and Salmonella in biofilm developed on ultrafiltration membranes treating secondary effluents of domestic wastewater
Authors: Jadoun Jeries , Mreny Raghda , Saad Ons , Azaizeh Hassan
Published: December 2018

The fate of representative indicator and pathogenic bacteria on ultrafiltration (UF)-membrane surfaces treating secondary wastewater effluent, as well as their reaction to common biofouling-removal techniques was investigated. Field-condition experiments showed that the number of heterotrophic bacteria, fecal coliforms, E. coli and Salmonella on membrane surface increased rapidly and continuously until the end of the experiment, reaching 9, 6.5, 6, and 2.4 logs, respectively. Similar results were obtained under controlled laboratory conditions. However, the increase in the bacterial numbers was dependent on the supply of fresh wastewater. Quantitative real-time PCR verified the behavior of attached E. coli cells, although the numbers were 1–2 logs higher compared to the standard culture-based method. The number of attached bacteria was positively correlated to increases in DNA and protein content and negatively correlated to the membrane flux. In-situ membrane cleaning using sodium hypochlorite significantly reduced the number of attached bacteria. However, the effect was temporary and affected bacterial cell cultivability rather than viability. Taken together, these findings suggest that, under the studied conditions, indicator and pathogenic bacteria can initiate rapid biofilm development, persist on UF membrane surfaces, and survive membrane cleaning with sodium hypochlorite.
Adhesive-free adhesion between heat-assisted plasma-treated fluoropolymers (PTFE, PFA) and plasma-jet-treated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and its application
Authors: Ohkubo Yuji , Endo Katsuyoshi , Yamamura Kazuya
Published: December 2018

Conventional low-temperature plasma treatment was reported to minimally improve the adhesion property of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), whereas heat-assisted plasma (HAP) treatment significantly improved the same. An unvulcanized rubber was previously used as an adherent for PTFE. This study aimed to achieve strong adhesive-free adhesion between PTFE and vulcanized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) rubber. As-received vulcanized PDMS rubber did not adhere to HAP-treated PTFE, and as-received PTFE did not adhere to vulcanized rubber of plasma-jet (PJ) treated PDMS rubber; however, HAP-treated PTFE strongly adhered to vulcanized PJ-treated PDMS rubber, and both PTFE and PDMS exhibited cohesion failure in the T-peel test. The surface chemical compositions of the PTFE and PDMS sides were determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The strong PTFE/PDMS adhesion was explained via hydrogen and covalent bond formation (C–O–Si and/or C(=O)–O–Si) between hydroxyl (C–OH) or carboxyl (C(=O)–OH) groups of the HAP-treated PTFE. This process was also applied to adhesive-free adhesion between a tetrafluoroethylene–perfluoroalkylvinylether copolymer (PFA) and PDMS; subsequently, a translucent PFA/PDMS assembly with strong adhesion was realized together with the PTFE/PDMS assembly. Strong adhesive-free adhesion between fluoropolymers (PTFE, PFA) and vulcanized PDMS rubber without using any adhesives and graft polymer was successfully realized upon plasma treatment of both the fluoropolymer and PDMS sides. Additionally, a PDMS sheet, which was PJ-treated on both sides, was applied to strongly adhere fluoropolymers (PTFE, PFA) to materials such as metal and glass. PJ-treated PDMS was used as an intermediate layer rather than a strong adhesive, achieving PTFE/PDMS/metal and PTFE/PDMS/glass assemblies. The PTFE/PDMS, PDMS/metal, and PDMS/glass adhesion strengths exceeded 2 N/mm.
Incident wavelength and polarization dependence of spectral shifts in β-Ga2O3 UV photoluminescence
Authors: Wang Yunshan , Dickens Peter T. , Varley Joel B. , Ni Xiaojuan , Lotubai Emmanuel , Sprawls Samuel , Liu Feng , Lordi Vincenzo , Krishnamoorthy Sriram , Blair Steve , Lynn Kelvin G. , Scarpulla Michael , Sensale-Rodriguez Berardi
Published: December 2018

We report polarization dependent photoluminescence studies on unintentionally-, Mg-, and Ca-doped β-Ga2O3 bulk crystals grown by the Czochralski method. In particular, we observe a wavelength shift of the highest-energy UV emission which is dependent on the pump photon energy and polarization. For 240 nm (5.17 eV) excitation almost no shift of the UV emission is observed between E||b and E||c, while a shift of the UV emission centroid is clearly observed for 266 nm (4.66 eV), a photon energy lying between the band absorption onsets for the two polarizations. These results are consistent with UV emission originating from transitions between conduction band electrons and two differentially-populated self-trapped hole (STH) states. Calcuations based on hybrid and self-interaction-corrected density functional theories further validate that the polarization dependence is consistent with the relative stability of two STHs. This observation implies that the STHs form primarily at the oxygen atoms involved in the original photon absorption event, thus providing the connection between incident polarization and emission wavelength. The data imposes a lower bound on the energy separation between the self-trapped hole states of ~70–160 meV, which is supported by the calculations.
Obstetric and perinatal outcomes for twin pregnancies in adolescent girls
Authors: Robson Danielle , Daniels Samuel , Flatley Christopher , Kumar Sailesh
Published: December 2018

This was a nine-year retrospective cohort study to investigate obstetric and perinatal outcomes in a cohort of adolescent girls with twin pregnancies from a major Australian tertiary centre in Brisbane, Australia. The adolescent cohort was aged <19 years and the control group was aged 20–24 years. The total study cohort comprised of 183 women. Of these, the adolescent cohort contained 29 girls (15.8%) and the control group comprised of 154 women (84.2%). Adolescent girls were less likely to delivery via an elective caesarean section compared to women in the control group (10.3% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.001). There were no differences in duration of labour, post-partum haemorrhage or perineal trauma rates. After controlling for the confounding effects of parity, chronicity and birth weight, birth <28 weeks remained significant (aOR 11.20, 95% CI 2.97–42.18, p < 0.001) for the adolescent cohort. There was a higher proportion of adolescents whose babies had an adverse composite perinatal outcome (87.9% vs. 69.5%, OR 3.20 95% CI: 1.40–7.31, p = 0.01) however significance was lost after adjusting for parity, chorionicity, birthweight and gestation at birth (aOR 3.27 95% CI: 0.95–11.31, p = 0.06). Our results show that obstetric and perinatal outcomes for twin pregnancies in teenagers were broadly similar compared to controls although the risk of extreme preterm birth was increased after controlling for confounders.
Author Correction: The bHLH transcription factor CgbHLH001 is a potential interaction partner of CDPK in halophyte Chenopodium glaucum
Authors: Wang Juan , Cheng Gang , Wang Cui , He Zhuanzhuan , Lan Xinxin , Zhang Shiyue , Lan Haiyan
Published: December 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Distinct effects of social motivation on face evaluations in adolescents with and without autism
Authors: Safra Lou , Ioannou Christina , Amsellem Frédérique , Delorme Richard , Chevallier Coralie
Published: December 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Deep learning for FTIR histology: leveraging spatial and spectral features with convolutional neural networks
Authors: Berisha Sebastian , Lotfollahi Mahsa , Jahanipour Jahandar , Gurcan Ilker , Walsh Michael , Bhargava Rohit , Van Nguyen Hien , Mayerich David
Published: December 2018

Infrared spectroscopy combined with deep learning provide an automated and quantitative alternative to traditional histological examination.
Reliable method for the detection of horseradish peroxidase activity and enzyme kinetics
Authors: Yu Yizhe , Wang Yinling , Li Maoguo
Published: December 2018

A new electrochemical method was proposed to detect the specific activity and study the enzyme kinetics of horseradish peroxidase.
MoS2 QDs co-catalytic Fenton reaction for highly sensitive photoluminescence sensing of H2O2 and glucose
Authors: Wang Tianli , Hu Xue , Zhang Xiaodan , Cao Haiyan , Huang Yuming , Feng Ping
Published: December 2018

Combing the excellent catalytic and optical properties of MoS2 QDs, the MoS2 QDs-based co-catalytic Fenton system was developed for highly sensitive photoluminescence sensing of H2O2 and glucose.
Adipose-derived stem cell-secreted factors promote early stage follicle development in a biomimetic matrix
Authors: Tomaszewski Claire E. , Constance Elizabeth , Lemke Melissa M. , Zhou Hong , Padmanabhan Vasantha , Arnold Kelly B. , Shikanov Ariella
Published: December 2018

ADSCs encapsulated in biomimetic PEG hydrogels maintain stemness and secrete survival- and growth-promoting factors that support in vitro folliculogenesis.
New opportunities in synthetic macrocyclic arenes
Authors: Wu Jia-Rui , Yang Ying-Wei
Published: December 2018

This feature article summarizes the latest research progress in the design and development of new synthetic macrocyclic arenes.
Ruthenium@N-doped graphite carbon derived from carbon foam for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Song Qian , Qiao Xuezhi , Liu Lizhi , Xue Zhenjie , Huang Chuanhui , Wang Tie
Published: December 2018

Ru-NGC with a unique substrate exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity and excellent catalytic stability toward HER both in acid and alkaline solutions.
On the kinetics of the removal of ligands from films of colloidal nanocrystals by plasmas
Authors: Shaw Santosh , Silva Tiago F. , Mohapatra Pratyasha , Mendivelso-Perez Deyny , Tian Xinchun , Naab Fabian , Rodrigues Cleber L. , Smith Emily A. , Cademartiri Ludovico
Published: December 2018

This paper describes the kinetic limitations of etching ligands from colloidal nanocrystal assemblies (CNAs) by plasma processing.
Synthesis of a WO3 photocatalyst with high photocatalytic activity and stability using synergetic internal Fe3+ doping and superficial Pt loading for ethylene degradation under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Zhai Huishan , Wang Peng , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Zeyan , Liu Yuanyuan , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao , Qin Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoyang
Published: December 2018

Synthesis of a WO3 photocatalyst with high photocatalytic activity and stability using synergetic internal Fe3+ doping and superficial Pt loading for ethylene degradation under visible-light irradiation.
Crowding out: ligand modifications and their structure directing effects on brucite-like {Mx(μ3-OH)y} (M = Co(ii), Ni(ii)) core growth within polymetallic cages
Authors: Slater-Parry Mari E. , Durrant James P. , Howells Joshua M. , Pitak Mateusz B. , Horton Peter N. , Klooster Wim T. , Coles Simon J. , O'Connor Helen M. , Brechin Euan K. , Barra Anne-Laure , Jones Leigh F.
Published: December 2018

A family of polymetallic cages are presented which includes a rare ferromagnetically coupled [Ni(ii)2] dimer.
Simultaneous expansion of 9,10 boron-doped anthracene in longitudinal and lateral directions
Authors: John Alexandra , Kirschner Sven , Fengel Melina K. , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans-Wolfram , Wagner Matthias
Published: December 2018

Key structural and optoelectronic features of 2,3,6,7-tetraarylated diboraanthracenes were compared with those of corresponding singly and doubly ring-closed diboratetracenes and -pentacenes.
A toxicology-informed, safer by design approach for the fabrication of transparent electrodes based on silver nanowires
Authors: Toybou Djadidi , Celle Caroline , Aude-Garcia Catherine , Rabilloud Thierry , Simonato Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2018

A safer by design approach is demonstrated for the synthesis and integration of silver nanowires into commercial devices.
Rare earth oxide nanoparticles promote soil microbial antibiotic resistance by selectively enriching antibiotic resistance genes
Authors: Qi Lin , Ge Yuan , Xia Tian , He Ji-Zheng , Shen Congcong , Wang Jianlei , Liu Yong-Jun
Published: December 2018

This study demonstrates that rare earth oxide nanoparticles can enhance soil microbial antibiotic resistance by inducing the enrichment and spread of antibiotic resistance genes in soil microbial communities.
Electronic spectroscopy of isolated DNA polyanions
Authors: Daly Steven , Porrini Massimiliano , Rosu Frédéric , Gabelica Valérie
Published: December 2018

We address whether action spectroscopy could be used to investigate structural changes in gas-phase biomolecule (e.g. nucleic acid) ions, owing to changes in the environments of their chromophores, while taking advantage of the additional spectrometric separation of complex mixtures.
Defect engineering of nickel hydroxide nanosheets by Ostwald ripening for enhanced selective electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation
Authors: Chen Xianlang , Zhong Xing , Yuan Bowen , Li Suiqin , Gu Yongbing , Zhang Qiaoqiao , Zhuang Guilin , Li Xiaonian , Deng Shengwei , Wang Jian-guo
Published: December 2018

Selective electrocatalytic oxidation (ECO) of benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid or benzaldehyde over 1.0 h-Ni(OH)2 with excellent conversion, selectivity, and stability in a two compartment H cell is presented.
Efforts in redesigning the antileukemic drug 6-thiopurine: decreasing toxic side effects while maintaining efficacy
Authors: Torres Hernandez Arnaldo X. , Weeramange Chamitha J. , Desman Prathibha , Fatino Anthony , Haney Olivia , Rafferty Ryan J.
Published: December 2018

Investigations into the mode of toxicity of 6-thiopurine has led to the construction of three new analogs that retain efficacy with decreased toxicity.
Point-of-use robotic sensors for simultaneous pressure detection and chemical analysis
Authors: Amit Moran , Mishra Rupesh K. , Hoang Quyen , Galan Aida Martin , Wang Joseph , Ng Tse Nga
Published: December 2018

This work combined pressure and chemical sensors on disposable, retrofitting gloves to enable simultaneous tactile sensing and pesticide detection in a point-of-use robotic platform.
A novel strategy based on a ligand-switchable nanoparticle delivery system for deep tumor penetration
Authors: Ding Yuxun , Liu Jinjian , Zhang Yumin , Li Xue , Ou Hanlin , Cheng Tangjian , Ma Lin , An Yingli , Liu Jianfeng , Huang Fan , Liu Yang , Shi Linqi
Published: December 2018

The ligand-switchable nanocarriers (LSNs) concealed CPPs into the bloodstream and expose them upon entering into the tumor sites, and overall improving the therapeutic effect.
Use of the dehydrophos biosynthetic enzymes to prepare antimicrobial analogs of alaphosphin
Authors: Bougioukou Despina J. , Ting Chi P. , Peck Spencer C. , Mukherjee Subha , van der Donk Wilfred A.
Published: December 2018

An efficient method for preparing phosphonodipeptides, compounds that have potential as clinical antibiotics, is reported using enzymatic catalysis.
A new trifluoromethylated sulfonamide phosphine ligand for Ag(i)-catalyzed enantioselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides
Authors: Wu Yuanqi , Xu Bing , Liu Bing , Zhang Zhan-Ming , Liu Yu
Published: December 2018

A modified Ming-Phos ligand shows high performance in Ag(i) catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions en route to bicyclic pyrrolidine derivatives.
A concise approach to the tricyclic framework of longipinane- and ent-longipinane-type sesquiterpenoids
Authors: He Min , Yi Jiuzhou , Zhao Gaoyuan , Chen Peiqi , Long Dan , Hu Xiaojun , Li Huilin , Xie Xingang , Wang Xiaolei , She Xuegong
Published: December 2018

A general strategy for the synthesis of the common 6,6-dimethyltricyclic[5.4.0.02,8]undecane framework of longipinane- and ent-longipinane-type sesquiterpenoids has been successfully developed.
High-performance thin H:SiON OLED encapsulation layer deposited by PECVD at low temperature
Authors: Park Kyoung Woo , Lee Seunghee , Lee Hyunkoo , Cho Yong-Hwan , Park Yong Cheon , Im Sung Gap , Ko Park Sang-Hee
Published: December 2018

High-performance H:SiON single layer thin film encapsulation (TFE) was deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method. To control the characteristics of the SiON thin films, hydrogen gas was introduced during PECVD process.
Highly crystalline mesoporous SSZ-13 zeolite obtained via controlled post-synthetic treatment
Authors: Wardani Maryani K. , Kadja Grandprix T. M. , Fajar Adroit T. N. , Subagjo Subagjo , Makertihartha I. G. B. N. , Gunawan Melia L. , Suendo Veinardi , Mukti Rino R.
Published: December 2018

The role of remaining organics to control the extent of desilication.
Large magnetocaloric entropy change at room temperature in soft ferromagnetic manganites
Authors: Bouzidi Souhir , Gdaiem Mohamed Amara , Dhahri J. , Hlil E. K.
Published: December 2018

–ΔSM as a function of temperature at different μ0H fields, for x = 0.20 compound. The red line curves represent the modeled data and symbols are the experimental data.
Application of dehydroalanine as a building block for the synthesis of selenocysteine-containing peptides
Authors: Reddy Kishorkumar M. , Mugesh Govindasamy
Published: December 2018

A new method for the synthesis of Sec and Sec-containing peptides using dehydroalanine (Dha) as a building block is described.
Active matter alters the growth dynamics of coffee rings
Authors: Andac Tugba , Weigmann Pascal , Velu Sabareesh K. P. , Pinçe Erçağ , Volpe Giorgio , Volpe Giovanni , Callegari Agnese
Published: December 2018

Active matter in a drying droplet alters the growth dynamics of coffee rings and leads to a more uniform distribution.
Electronic structure of aqueous-phase anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles probed by liquid jet photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Ali Hebatallah , Seidel Robert , Bergmann Arno , Winter Bernd
Published: December 2018

Proposed pH-dependent mechanism of TiO2–water interaction.
Insights into the interfacial carrier behaviour of copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) photoanodes for solar water oxidation
Authors: Liu Yongpeng , Le Formal Florian , Boudoire Florent , Yao Liang , Sivula Kevin , Guijarro Néstor
Published: December 2018

A thorough photoelectrochemical investigation reveals the bulk and surface characteristics limiting the performance of CuFe2O4 photoanodes for solar water oxidation.
Tuning HIV drug release from a nanogel-basedin situforming implant by changing nanogel size
Authors: Town Adam R. , Taylor Jessica , Dawson Karl , Niezabitowska Edyta , Elbaz Nancy M. , Corker Andrew , Garcia-Tuñón Esther , McDonald Tom O.
Published: December 2018

This paper reports anin situforming implant based on responsive nanogels that gives tuneable long-acting drug release.
Physical vapour deposition of vanadium dioxide for thermochromic smart window applications
Authors: Vu Tuan Duc , Chen Zhang , Zeng Xianting , Jiang Meng , Liu Shiyu , Gao Yanfeng , Long Yi
Published: December 2018

In this paper, various PVD techniques, such as pulsed laser deposition (PLD), evaporation decomposition (ED) and sputtering, are examined with respect to their conditions for VO2fabrication, film quality and the strategies for film improvements.
Fabrication of high performance printed flexible conductors by doping of polyaniline nanomaterials into silver paste
Authors: Wen Jiayue , Tian Yanhong , Hao Changxiang , Wang Shang , Mei Zhipeng , Wu Weizhen , Lu Junyi , Zheng Zhen , Tian Yanqing
Published: December 2018

An innovation application of doping conjugated polyaniline nano-dendrites (PANIs) into electrical conductive composites (ECCs) to prepare advanced flexible or stretchable printing circuits with better electrical conductivity and mechanical stability.
Nondoped blue fluorescent organic light-emitting diodes based on benzonitrile-anthracene derivative with 10.06% external quantum efficiency and low efficiency roll-off
Authors: Liu Wei , Ying Shian , Guo Runda , Qiao Xianfeng , Leng Panpan , Zhang Qing , Wang Yaxiong , Ma Dongge , Wang Lei
Published: December 2018

Two nondoped blue fluorescent OLEDs based on benzonitrile-anthracene derivatives with 10.06% and 9.23% EQE and low efficiency roll-off were fabricated.
Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction alleviated hyperandrogenism in a letrozole-induced rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome by inhibition of NF-κB activation
Authors: Shao Yun-yun , Chang Zhuang-peng , Cheng Yao , Wang Xin-chun , Zhang Jing-ping , Feng Xiao-juan , Guo Yi-ting , Liu Jun-jin , Hou Rui-gang
Published: December 2018

Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction (SGD) has been widely used for the treatment of gynopathy. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of SGD on hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats. In the present work, SGD was orally administrated to the PCOS rats at the dose of 12.5, 25, and 50 g/kg/d for 14 consecutive days. UPLC–MS/MS was performed to identify the main chemical components of SGD. Body weight, ovarian weight, cystic dilating follicles, and serum levels of steroid hormones were tested to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SGD. In order to further clarify the underlying mechanism, we also measured mRNA and the protein levels of NF-κB, NF-κB p65, P-NF-κB p65, and IκB by RT-qPCR and Western blotting techniques. Our results showed that SGD treatment significantly alleviated hyperandrogenism in PCOS rats as evidenced by reduced serum levels of T and increased E2 and FSH levels. In addition, SGD effectively reduced the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and increased the expression of IκB. Results of the present study demonstrated that SGD could ameliorate hyperandrogenism in PCOS rats, and the potential mechanism may relate to the NF-κB pathway.
Vehicle‐for‐grid (VfG): a mobile energy storage in smart grid
Authors: Rahmani‐Andebili Mehdi
Published: December 2018

Vehicle‐for‐grid (VfG) is introduced as a mobile energy storage system (ESS) in this study and its applications are investigated. Herein, VfG is referred to a specific electric vehicle merely utilised by the system operator to provide vehicle‐to‐grid (V2G) and grid‐to‐vehicle (G2V) services. The advantages of VfGs over the ESSs and plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs) include mobility of the VfGs across the distribution system and their complete availability for the system operator, respectively. In this study, VfGs are utilised by the distribution company (DISCO) to minimise the daily operation cost of the distribution system by providing the V2G and G2V services in optimal buses of the feeders. In addition, VfGs are applied by the generation company (GENCO) to minimise the daily operation cost of the generation system by providing the V2G and G2V services at optimal time periods. It is demonstrated that optimal application of VfGs has a considerable potential for cost reduction for both DISCO and GENCO. In fact, the DISCO and GENCO are benefitted because of the minimisation of feeders’ power loss and deferring the expensive generation units, respectively. Additionally, it is proven that cooperation of GENCO and DISCOs in utilisation of the VfGs has more benefit for them.
Evaluating combination models of solar irradiance on inclined surfaces and forecasting photovoltaic power generation
Authors: Cui Chenggang , Zou Yuhang , Wei Liaoliao , Wang Yadong
Published: December 2018

The traditional photovoltaic (PV) forecasting method depends on sufficient historical data (PV power station historical power generation data and numerical weather prediction meteorological data), which is not suitable for a newly built PV power plant. In order to calculate the PV array irradiance and to predict the PV power, a physical prediction approach based on solar irradiance on inclined surfaces is proposed. This method selects three decomposition models and four transposition models to be combined into 12 combination forecasting models. Furthermore, solar spectral response, incidence angle, and soiling factor are taken into account in the modified model. The results show that the methods combining the Liu–Jordan transposition model have higher forecasting accuracy under the different weather types. Among them, the Erbs + Liu–Jordan model predictions are the most accurate.
Impact analysis of traction loads on power grid based on probabilistic three‐phases load flow
Authors: Che Yulong , Wang Xiaoru , Lv Xiaoqin , Hu Yi , Li Longyuan , Chen Haoyue
Published: December 2018

Electrified railway traction power supply system is directly powered by 110 kV or 220 kV (some 330 kV) high‐voltage power grid. The uncertainty, non‐linearity, and asymmetry of traction loads like the electric locomotives and electric multiple units (EMUs) exert the negative sequence and harmonics impact on the high‐voltage transmission network. In order to evaluate the impact of the uncertainty and asymmetry of traction loads on the high‐voltage transmission grid, a probabilistic three‐phase power flow model of transmission network considering the probability model of traction loads is proposed. First, the power probability model of traction loads is established according to the running characteristics of traction loads. Second, the Monte Carlo simulation method is applied for the probabilistic three‐phase power flow model calculation considering the traction loads. Finally, the simulation calculation is carried out on the balanced IEEE‐14 bus three‐phase test system. The results show that the asymmetric traction loads cause the unbalance of the grid nearby to deteriorate. The further away from the traction substation, the smaller impact of the traction loads.
Spectral and orbital characterisation of the directly imaged giant planet HIP 65426 b
Authors: Cheetham A. C. , Samland M. , Brems S. S. , Launhardt R. , Chauvin G. , Ségransan D. , Henning T. , Quirrenbach A. , Avenhaus H. , Cugno G. , Girard J. , Godoy N. , Kennedy G. M. , Maire A.-L. , Metchev S. , Müller A. , Musso Barcucci A. , Olofsson J. , Pepe F. , Quanz S. P. , Queloz D. , Reffert S. , Rickman E. , van Boekel R. , Boccaletti A. , Bonnefoy M. , Cantalloube F. , Charnay B. , Delorme P. , Janson M. , Keppler M. , Lagrange A.-M. , Langlois M. , Lazzoni C. , Menard F. , Mesa D. , Meyer M. , Schmidt T. , Sissa E. , Udry S. , Zurlo A.
Published: December 2018

HIP 65426 b is a recently discovered exoplanet imaged during the course of the SPHERE-SHINE survey. Here we present new L′ and M′ observations of the planet from the NACO instrument at the VLT from the NACO-ISPY survey, as well as a new Y –H spectrum and K-band photometry from SPHERE-SHINE. Using these data, we confirm the nature of the companion as a warm, dusty planet with a mid-L spectral type. From comparison of its SED with the BT-Settl atmospheric models, we derive a best-fit effective temperature of Teff = 1618 ± 7 K, surface gravity log g = 3.78−0.03+0.04 and radius R = 1.17 ± 0.04RJ (statistical uncertainties only). Using the DUSTY and COND isochrones we estimate a mass of 8 ± 1MJ. Combining the astrometric measurements from our new datasets and from the literature, we show the first indications of orbital motion of the companion (2.6σ significance)and derive preliminary orbital constraints. We find a highly inclined orbit (i = 1.07−10+13 deg) with an orbital period of 800−400+1200 yr. We also report SPHERE sparse aperture masking observations that investigate the possibility that HIP 65426 b was scattered onto its current orbit by an additional companion at a smaller orbital separation. From this data we rule out the presence of brown dwarf companions with masses greater than 16 MJ at separations larger than 3 AU, significantly narrowing the parameter space for such a companion.
Energy harvesting using snap-through deformation in lattice structures
Authors: Loaliyan Soheil Safari , Bahaloo Hassan , Ghosh Ranajay , Nayeb-Hashemi Hamid , Vaziri Ashkan
Published: December 2018

We demonstrated the feasibility of harvesting mechanical energy through the proper design and installation of a lattice structure which undergoes snap-through deformation under applied mechanical loading. First, the theoretical formulations for both symmetric and asymmetric modes of the snap-through deformation in a 2D lattice structure were derived. Then, experiments were conducted on the prototype to measure the energy harvesting ability at different frequencies and to investigate the capability of charging a capacitor connected to the lattice prototype. Finally, the effects of the defect in the lattice on energy harvesting were discussed. Our results showed that the average generated voltage across a 25 kΩ resistor increased by increasing the frequency of loading. However, energy stored in a capacitor was independent of loading frequency. For a defective structure with a fixed vertex, the generated voltage is lower yet increasing with the frequency of loading. The designed structure is robust and provides sustainable energy output under cyclic loading even with the presence of defects and imperfections.
Supercontinuum generation by intermodal four-wave mixing in a step-index few-mode fibre
Authors: Perret S. , Fanjoux G. , Bigot L. , Fatome J. , Millot G. , Dudley J. M. , Sylvestre T.
Published: December 2018

We demonstrate broadband supercontinuum generation from 560 nm up to 2350 nm by coupling a simple Q-switched picosecond laser at 1064 nm into a normally dispersive step-index few-mode optical fiber designed to support five modes. It is further shown that multiple cascaded intermodal four-wave mixing and Raman processes occur in the fiber leading to the generation of new frequency components with far detuning up to 165 THz. The multimode properties of this fiber yield a number of intermodal nonlinear coupling terms, and we compare the generated parametric sideband wavelengths from the experiment with calculations from phase-matching conditions for intermodal four-wave mixing.
Hybrid multiscale coarse-graining for dynamics on complex networks
Authors: Shen Chuansheng , Chen Hanshuang , Hou Zhonghuai , Kurths Jürgen
Published: December 2018

We propose a hybrid multiscale coarse-grained (HMCG) method which combines a fine Monte Carlo (MC) simulation on the part of nodes of interest with a more coarse Langevin dynamics on the rest part. We demonstrate the validity of our method by analyzing the equilibrium Ising model and the nonequilibrium susceptible-infected-susceptible model. It is found that HMCG not only works very well in reproducing the phase transitions and critical phenomena of the microscopic models, but also accelerates the evaluation of dynamics with significant computational savings compared to microscopic MC simulations directly for the whole networks. The proposed method is general and can be applied to a wide variety of networked systems just adopting appropriate microscopic simulation methods and coarse graining approaches.
Intraband divergences in third order optical response of 2D
systems
Authors: Cheng J. L. , Sipe J. E. , Wu S. W. , Guo Chunlei
Published: December 2018

The existence of large nonlinear optical coefficients is one of the preconditions for using nonlinear optical materials in nonlinear optical devices. For a crystal, such large coefficients can be achieved by matching photon energies with resonant energies between different bands, and so the details of the crystal band structure play an important role. Here we demonstrate that large third-order nonlinearities can also be generally obtained by a different strategy. As any of the incident frequencies or the sum of any two or three frequencies approaches zero, the doped or excited populations of electronic states lead to divergent contributions in the induced current density. We refer to these as intraband divergences, by analogy with the behavior of Drude conductivity in linear response. Physically, such resonant processes can be associated with a combination of intraband and interband optical transitions. Current-induced second order nonlinearity, coherent current injection, and jerk currents are all related to such divergences, and we find similar divergences in degenerate four wave mixing and cross-phase modulation under certain conditions. These divergences are limited by intraband relaxation parameters and lead to a large optical response from a high quality sample; we find that they are very robust with respect to variations in the details of the band structure. To clearly track all of these effects, we analyze gapped graphene, describing the electrons as massive Dirac fermions; under the relaxation time approximation, we derive analytic expressions for the third order conductivities and identify the divergences that arise in describing the associated nonlinear phenomena.
Strain-engineering the anisotropic electrical properties of low-symmetry bilayer GeSe
Authors: Li Zongbao , Wang Xia , Liu Shun-Chang , Shi Wei , Xing Xiaobo , Xue Ding-Jiang , Hu Jin-Song
Published: December 2018

As an isostructural analog of black phosphorus, GeSe has attracted considerable attention recently due to its intriguing in-plane anisotropic optical, vibrational, and electrical properties stemming from the low-symmetry two-dimensional crystal structure. However, there has been no report about the anisotropy tuning of GeSe, hampering its further applications in optoelectronics and electronics. Here, we systematically investigate the change of electronic properties of the bilayer GeSe with different stacked crystal structures under strain through first-principles calculation. Notably, the anisotropy of electron effective mass can be controlled and even rotated by 90° in a slipping process of one crystallographic period along the armchair direction. These plentiful strain-engineering properties of the bilayer GeSe would render it useful for the exploration of novel GeSe-based optoelectronic and electronics applications.
Weak magnetic interaction, large magnetocaloric effect, and underlying spin model in triangular lattice GdFeTeO6
Authors: Lei D. D. , Ouyang Z. W. , Yue X. Y. , Yin L. , Wang Z. X. , Wang J. F. , Xia Z. C. , Rao G. H.
Published: December 2018

The nature of 4f-3d magnetic interaction in oxides as well as its influence on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) is an interesting topic. Here, we report the weak magnetic interaction and large MCE in a new triangular lattice GdFeTeO6 synthesized by the solid state reaction method. The weak exchange, which was seldom observed in 4f-3d oxides, is supported by the low ordering temperature (TC ≤ 3 K) and a positive but small Curie-Weiss temperature (θp = 3 K). Under an external magnetic field, the magnetization process yields a large magnetic entropy change of 38.5 J kg−1 K−1 at 5 K for 0-7 T and 23.6 J kg−1 K−1 at 3 K for 0-3 T. Finally, our first-principles calculations demonstrate a ferrimagnetic spin model with the Gd(↑)-Gd(↑)-Fe(↓)-Fe(↓) configuration. The weak magnetic interaction is an average effect of ferromagnetic (4f-4f and 3d-3d) and antiferromagnetic (4f-3d) interactions. The antiferromagnetic 4f-3d interaction is a reason for the reduction of MCE.
In situ atomic layer deposition and electron tunneling characterization of monolayer Al2O3 on Fe for magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Wilt Jamie , Goul Ryan , Acharya Jagaran , Sakidja Ridwan , Wu Judy Z.
Published: December 2018

Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), formed through sandwiching an ultrathin insulating film (so-called tunnel barrier or TB), with ferromagnetic metal electrodes, are fundamental building blocks in magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), spintronics, etc. The current MTJ technology employs physical vapor deposition (PVD) to fabricate either amorphous AlOx or epitaxial MgO TBs of thickness around 1 nm or larger to avoid leakage caused by defects in TBs. Motivated by the fundamental limitation in PVD in, and the need for atomically thin and defect-free TBs in MTJs, this work explores atomic layer deposition (ALD) of 1-6 Å thick Al2O3 TBs both directly on Fe films and with an ultrathin Al wetting layer. In situ characterization of the ALD Al2O3 TB was carried out using scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). Despite a moderate decrease in TB height Eb with reducing Al wetting layer thicknesses, a remarkable Eb of ∼1.25 eV was obtained on 1 Å thick ALD Al2O3 TB grown directly on an Fe electrode, which is more than twice of that of thermal AlOx TB (∼0.6 eV). Achieving such an atomically thin low-defect TB represents a major step towards improving spin current tunneling in MTJs.
Piezoresistive granular metal thin films of platinum–boron nitride and platinum–alumina at higher strain levels
Authors: Schwebke Silvan , Winter Steffen , Koch Marcus , Schultes Günter
Published: December 2018

Granular metal thin films have a strain sensitivity much larger than continuous metal films. Experiments at high strain can help reveal their piezoresistive mechanisms. We deposit films of platinum nanoparticles in boron nitride (Pt:BN) as well as platinum particles in aluminum oxide (Pt:Al2O3) on polyimide foil as strain gauges. Under low strain of 0.1%, the films exhibit enhanced gauge factors, k=23 for Pt:BN and k=6 for Pt:Al2O3. Toward higher strain of 1.5%, Pt:BN shows reproducible and linear resistance-strain curves. In contrast, Pt:Al2O3 exhibits anomalies: The resistance-strain curves are highly nonlinear with an increasing slope before reaching saturation. The differential gauge factor versus strain increases from 9 to 9500, and the return curve shows large hysteresis. With scanning electron microscopy unstrained and in situ strained films are compared, Pt:BN shows no changes, whereas in Pt:Al2O3, large cracks develop. The relatively soft BN is less prone to cracks than the hard and brittle Al2O3. Hence, the gauge factor in Pt:BN can still be attributed to an electron tunneling mechanism, whereas Pt:Al2O3 becomes dominated by the influence of cracks. A model is presented, and we argue that the reproducible opening and closing of these cracks leads to the gigantic resistance increases at high strain.
Controlled growth of SbSI thin films from amorphous Sb2S3 for low-temperature solution processed chalcohalide solar cells
Authors: Choi Yong Chan , Hwang Eunjeong , Kim Dae-Hwan
Published: December 2018

We report a simple solution processing method for fabricating low-temperature SbSI solar cells. The method consists of two steps: the formation of amorphous Sb2S3 and its transformation to SbSI. A pure SbSI phase with a high crystallinity was obtained at a low temperature of 200 °C. In addition, the SbSI morphology was controlled by tuning the input ratio of SbCl3:thiourea and a dense film was obtained at a ratio of 1:1.3. A planar SbSI solar cell thus-fabricated exhibits a short-circuit current density of 5.45 mA cm−2, an open-circuit voltage of 0.548 V, and a fill factor of 0.31, corresponding to a power conversion efficiency of 0.93% under a 100 mW cm−2 illumination condition.
Modified dispersion law for spin waves coupled to a superconductor
Authors: Golovchanskiy I. A. , Abramov N. N. , Stolyarov V. S. , Ryazanov V. V. , Golubov A. A. , Ustinov A. V.
Published: December 2018

In this work, we consider dispersion laws of spin waves that propagate in a ferromagnet/superconductor bilayer, specifically in a ferromagnetic film coupled inductively to a superconductor. The coupling is viewed as an interaction of a spin wave in a ferromagnetic film with its mirrored image generated by the superconductor. We show that, in general, the coupling enhances substantially the phase velocity of magnons in in-plane spin wave geometries. In addition, a heavy nonreciprocity of the dispersion law is observed in the magnetostatic surface spin wave geometry where the phase velocity depends on the direction of the wave propagation.