bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The crystal structure of aFusarium oxysporumferuloyl esterase that belongs to the tannase family
Authors: Dimarogona Maria , Topakas Evangelos , Christakopoulos Paul , Chrysina Evangelia D. 
Published: April 2020

Feruloyl esterases are enzymes of industrial interest that catalyse the hydrolysis of the ester bond between hydroxycinnamic acids such as ferulic acid and sugars present in the plant cell wall. Although there are several structures of biochemically characterized feruloyl esterases available, the structural determinants of their substrate specificity are not yet fully understood. Here, we present the crystal structure of a feruloyl esterase fromFusarium oxysporum(FoFaeC) at 2.3 Å resolution. Similar to the two other tannase‐like feruloyl esterases,FoFaeC features a large lid domain covering the active site with potential regulatory role and a disulphide bond that brings together the serine and histidine of the catalytic triad. Differences are mainly observed in the metal coordination site and the substrate binding pocket.EnzymesE.C.3.1.1.73.DatabasesThe sequence ofFoFaeC has been deposited with UniProt with accession code A0A1D3S5H0_FUSOX and the atomic coordinates of the three‐dimensional structure with Protein Data Bank, with PDB code:6FAT.
Homodimerization of coronin A through the C‐terminal coiled‐coil domain is essential for multicellular differentiation of Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Fiedler Thomas , Fabrice Tohnyui Ndinyanka , Studer Vera , Vinet Adrien , Faltova Lenka , Kammerer Richard A. , Steinmetz Michel O. , Sharpe Timothy , Pieters Jean 
Published: April 2020

Coronin proteins are widely expressed among eukaryotic organisms. Most coronins consist of a WD‐repeat domain followed by a C‐terminal coiled coil. Dictyostelium discoideum expresses a single short coronin coronin A, which has been implicated in both actin modulation and multicellular differentiation. Whether coronin A's coiled coil is important for functionality, as well as the oligomeric state of coronin A is not known. Here, we show that the coiled‐coil domain in Dictyostelium coronin A functions in homodimerization, is dispensable for coronin A stability and localization but essential for multicellular differentiation. These results allow a better understanding of the role for the coiled‐coil domain of coronin A in oligomerization and demonstrate that its presence is essential for multicellular differentiation.
Meningococcal factor H binding protein as immune evasion factor and vaccine antigen
Authors: Principato Silvia , Pizza Mariagrazia , Rappuoli Rino 
Published: April 2020

Factor H binding protein (fHbp) is a key virulence factor of Neisseria meningitidis and a main component of the two licensed vaccines against serogroup B meningococcus (Bexsero and Trumenba). fHbp is a surface‐exposed lipoprotein that enables the bacterium to survive in human blood by binding the human complement regulator factor H (fH). When used as vaccine, the protein induces antibodies with potent bactericidal activity. While the fHbp gene is present in the majority of N. meningitidis serogroup B isolates, the expression level varies up to 15 times between different strains and more than 700 different sequence variants have been described. Antigenically, the protein has been divided into three variants or two subfamilies. The 3D structure of fHbp alone, in combination with fH or in complex with bactericidal antibodies, has been key to understanding the molecular details of the protein. In this article, we will review the biochemical and immunological properties of fHbp, and its key role in meningococcal pathogenesis, complement regulation, and immune evasion.
The coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor: virological and biological beauty
Authors: Excoffon Katherine J. D. A. 
Published: April 2020

The coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is an essential multifunctional cellular protein that is only beginning to be understood. CAR serves as a receptor for many adenoviruses, human group B coxsackieviruses, swine vesicular disease virus, and possibly other viruses. While named for its function as a viral receptor, CAR is also involved in cell adhesion, immune cell activation, synaptic transmission, and signaling. Knockout mouse models were first to identify some of these biological functions; however, tissue‐specific model systems have shed light on the complexity of different CAR isoforms and their specific activities. Many of these functions are mediated by the large number of interacting proteins described so far, and several new putative interactions have recently been discovered. As antiviral and gene therapy strategies that target CAR continue to emerge, future work poised to understand the biological implications of manipulating CAR in vivo is critical.
Insight into the Regulatory Function of Human Hair Keratins in Wound Healing Using Proteomics
Authors: Gao Feiyan , Li Wenfeng , Kan Jinlan , Ding Yi , Wang Yumei , Deng Jia , Qing Rui , Wang Bochu , Hao Shilei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractKeratins derived from human hair possess excellent wound healing qualities. However, their functional contribution to this process is poorly understood. In this study, the regulatory function of human hair keratins in wound healing is investigated using proteomic analysis by dividing keratins into different groups based on their molecular weight distributions: low molecular weight keratins (LMWK, 10–30 kDa), medium molecular weight keratins (MMWK, 30–50 kDa), and high molecular weight keratins (HMWK, >50 kDa). Keratin hydrogels with different molecular weights exhibit various morphologies, rheological properties, degradation rates, and wound healing activities. Using proteomic analysis, LMWK and HMWK hydrogels exhibit a stronger regulatory ability for wound healing at days 1 and 7, respectively. The major functions of LMWK during wound healing are regulation of cells communication and function. In contrast, proteins associated with energy metabolism are significantly expressed after HMWK hydrogel treatment at day 1, and these play an important role in cellular growth and reactive oxygen species scavenging at day 7. These results demonstrate that the wound healing qualities of human hair keratins are influenced by their molecular weight distribution, and the proteomic analysis sheds new light on the regulatory function of human hair keratins during wound healing.
Progress in Brain‐Compatible Interfaces with Soft Nanomaterials
Authors: Jeong Yong‐Cheol , Lee Han Eol , Shin Anna , Kim Dae‐Gun , Lee Keon Jae , Kim Daesoo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNeural interfaces facilitating communication between the brain and machines must be compatible with the soft, curvilinear, and elastic tissues of the brain and yet yield enough power to read and write information across a wide range of brain areas through high‐throughput recordings or optogenetics. Biocompatible‐material engineering has facilitated the development of brain‐compatible neural interfaces to support built‐in modulation of neural circuits and neurological disorders. Recent developments in brain‐compatible neural interfaces that use soft nanomaterials more suitable for complex neural circuit analysis and modulation are reviewed. Preclinical tests of the compatibility and specificity of these interfaces in animal models are also discussed.
Polysilazane‐Based Coatings with Anti‐Adherent Properties for Easy Release of Plastics and Composites from Metal Molds
Authors: Barroso Gilvan , Döring Michael , Horcher Alexander , Kienzle Andreas , Motz Günter 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPolysilazanes are excellent coating materials, because of their self‐crosslinking in air at low temperatures, high chemical and thermal stability, elevated hardness, and excellent adhesion to many different substrates. Therefore, coatings of two chemically different polysilazanes (crosslinked Durazane 1800 (HTTS)/perhydropolysilazane (PHPS)) are deposited by either dip or spray coating and crosslinked at 200 or 300 °C in air to investigate the chemical composition, surface energy, and coating adhesion in dependency on the precursor type and crosslinking temperature. The silazane HTTS possesses a higher amount of nonpolar organic groups resulting in a lower surface free energy. The anti‐adherence properties are investigated by using a phenolic resin via pull‐off adhesion, which is slightly reduced from 13 MPa for uncoated aluminum to less than 10 MPa for HTTS coated substrates. The addition of different amounts of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) particles causes a remarkable reduction of the surface free energy leading to a strongly reduced pull‐off adhesion of less than 4 MPa of the phenolic resin from the HTTS/PTFE coated substrates. The anti‐adherent properties remain even after repeated pull‐off tests. Because of the excellent properties, the HTTS/PTFE coatings are a very suitable system for easy mold release of plastic parts from metal molds and to replace commercial nonstick PTFE coatings.
Harps Enable Water Harvesting under Light Fog Conditions
Authors: Shi Weiwei , van der Sloot Thomas W. , Hart Brandon J. , Kennedy Brook S. , Boreyko Jonathan B. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFog harvesting is useful for passively collecting fresh water in arid regions, but the efficiency of current mesh‐based harvesters is compromised by their poor drainage. Inspired by the linear needles of redwood trees, “fog harps” are developed whose array of vertical wires enables an unobstructed drainage pathway. A full‐scale (1 m2 frame) fog harp is fabricated by winding a stainless steel wire around a spinning aluminum frame featuring threaded rods. The fog harp is field tested for a full year at a local farm (Blacksburg, VA, USA), alongside the control case of a mesh harvester. Under moderate fog conditions, the fog harp collects anywhere from 2 to 78 times more water compared to the mesh harvesters. Under light fog conditions, the fog harp collects up to several hundred milliliters of water per day while the mesh is unable to collect any water at all. The water harvesting performance of fog harps is therefore unprecedented in two ways: they substantively elevate the performance ceiling when exposed to healthy fog while also enabling, for the first time, appreciable water harvesting under light fog.
Anisotropic Collective Charge Excitations in Quasimetallic 2D Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Tang Chi Sin , Yin Xinmao , Yang Ming , Wu Di , Wu Jing , Wong Lai Mun , Li Changjian , Tong Shi Wun , Chang Yung‐Huang , Ouyang Fangping , Feng Yuan Ping , Wang Shi Jie , Chi Dongzhi , Breese Mark B. H. , Zhang Wenjing , Rusydi Andrivo , Wee Andrew T. S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe quasimetallic 1T′ phase 2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) consist of 1D zigzag metal chains stacked periodically along a single axis. This gives rise to its prominent physical properties which promises the onset of novel physical phenomena and applications. Here, the in‐plane electronic correlations are explored, and new mid‐infrared plasmon excitations in 1T′ phase monolayer WSe2 and MoS2 are observed using optical spectroscopies. Based on an extensive first‐principles study which analyzes the charge dynamics across multiple axes of the atomic‐layered systems, the collective charge excitations are found to disperse only along the direction perpendicular to the chains. Further analysis reveals that the interchain long‐range coupling is responsible for the coherent 1D charge dynamics and the spin–orbit coupling affects the plasmon frequency. Detailed investigation of these charge collective modes in 2D‐chained systems offers opportunities for novel device applications and has implications for the underlying mechanism that governs superconductivity in 2D TMD systems.
Stable Seamless Interfaces and Rapid Ionic Conductivity of Ca–CeO2/LiTFSI/PEO Composite Electrolyte for High‐Rate and High‐Voltage All‐Solid‐State Battery
Authors: Chen Hao , Adekoya David , Hencz Luke , Ma Jun , Chen Su , Yan Cheng , Zhao Huijun , Cui Guanglei , Zhang Shanqing 
Published: April 2020

AbstractStable and seamless interfaces among solid components in all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) are crucial for high ionic conductivity and high rate performance. This can be achieved by the combination of functional inorganic material and flexible polymer solid electrolyte. In this work, a flexible all‐solid‐state composite electrolyte is synthesized based on oxygen‐vacancy‐rich Ca‐doped CeO2 (Ca–CeO2) nanotube, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), namely Ca–CeO2/LiTFSI/PEO. Ca–CeO2 nanotubes play a key role in enhancing the ionic conductivity and mechanical strength while the PEO offers flexibility and assures the stable seamless contact between the solid electrolyte and the electrodes in ASSBs. The as‐prepared electrolyte exhibits high ionic conductivity of 1.3 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 60 °C, a high lithium ion transference number of 0.453, and high‐voltage stability. More importantly, various electrochemical characterizations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that Ca–CeO2 helps dissociate LiTFSI, produce free Li ions, and therefore enhance ionic conductivity. The ASSBs based on the as‐prepared Ca–CeO2/LiTFSI/PEO composite electrolyte deliver high‐rate capability and high‐voltage stability.
The Sodium Storage Mechanism in Tunnel‐Type Na0.44MnO2 Cathodes and the Way to Ensure Their Durable Operation
Authors: Chae Munseok S. , Kim Hyojeong J. , Bu Hyeri , Lyoo Jeyne , Attias Ran , Dlugatch Ben , Oliel Matan , Gofer Yosef , Hong Seung‐Tae , Aurbach Doron 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTunnel‐type sodium manganese oxide is a promising cathode material for aqueous/nonaqueous sodium‐ion batteries, however its storage mechanism is not fully understood, in part due to the complicated sodium intercalation process. In addition, low cyclability due to manganese dissolution has limited its practical application in rechargeable batteries. Here, the intricate sodium intercalation mechanism of Na0.44MnO2 is revealed by combination of electrochemical characterization, structure determination from powder X‐ray diffraction data, 3D bond valence difference maps, and barrier‐energy calculations of the sodium diffusion. NaI is proposed as an important electrolyte solution additive. It is shown to form a thin, beneficial, and durable cathode surface film that prevents manganese dissolution. The addition of 0.01 m NaI to electrolyte solutions based on alkyl carbonate solvents and NaClO4 greatly improves the cycling efficiency, raising the capacity retention from 86% to 96% after 600 cycles. This study determines the core aspects of the sodium intercalation mechanism in tunnel‐type sodium manganese oxide and shows how it can serve as a durable cathode material for rechargeable Na batteries.
Charge Pumping Strategy for Rotation and Sliding Type Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Bai Yu , Xu Liang , Lin Shiquan , Luo Jianjun , Qin Huaifang , Han Kai , Wang Zhong Lin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTriboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an emerging approach for harvesting energy from the living environment. But its performance is limited by the maximum density of surface charges created by contact electrification. Here, by rationally designing a synchronous rotation structure, a charge pumping strategy is realized for the first time in a rotary sliding TENGs, which is demonstrated to enhance the charge density by a factor of 9, setting up a record for rotary TENGs. The average power is boosted by more than 15 times compared with normal TENGs, achieving an ultrahigh average power density of 1.66 kW m−3, under a low drive frequency of 2 Hz. Moreover, the charge pumping mechanism enables decoupling of bound charge generation and the severity of interfacial friction in the main TENG, allowing surface lubricants to be applied for suppressing abrasion and lowering heat generation. The adaptability of the strategy to rotation and sliding type TENGs in low‐frequency agitations provides a breakthrough to the bottleneck of power output for mechanical energy harvesting, and should have a great impact on high‐power TENG design and practical applications in various fields.
Chlorinated Fullerene Dimers for Interfacial Engineering Toward Stable Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with 22.3% Efficiency
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Fabao , Wang Pang , Sun Rui , Ma Wan , Chen Mengting , Miao Weiqiang , Liu Dan , Wang Tao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA major limit for planar perovskite solar cells is the trap‐mediated hysteresis and instability, due to the defective metal oxide interface with the perovskite layer. Passivation engineering with fullerenes has been identified as an effective approach to modify this interface. The rational design of fullerene molecules with exceptional electrical properties and versatile chemical moieties for targeted defect passivation is therefore highly demanded. In this work, novel fulleropyrrolidine (NMBF‐X, XH or Cl) monomers and dimers are synthesized and incorporated between metal oxides (i.e. TiO2, SnO2) and perovskites (i.e. MAPbI3 and (FAPbI3)x(MAPbBr3)1‐x). The fullerene dimers provide superior stability and efficiency improvements compared to the corresponding monomers, with chlorinated fullerene dimers being most effective at coordinating with both metal oxides and perovskite via the chlorine terminals. The non‐encapsulated planar device delivers a maximum power conversion efficiency of 22.3% without any hysteresis, while maintaining over 98% of initial efficiency after ambient storage for 1000 h, and exhibiting an order of magnitude improvement of the T80 lifetime.
Molecular‐Level Design of Pyrrhotite Electrocatalyst Decorated Hierarchical Porous Carbon Spheres as Nanoreactors for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Boyjoo Yash , Shi Haodong , Olsson Emilia , Cai Qiong , Wu Zhong‐Shuai , Liu Jian , Lu Gao Qing (Max) 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are a class of new‐generation rechargeable high‐energy‐density batteries. However, the persisting issue of lithium polysulfides (LiPs) dissolution and the shuttling effect that impedes the efficiency of LSBs are challenging to resolve. Herein a general synthesis of highly dispersed pyrrhotite Fe1−xS nanoparticles embedded in hierarchically porous nitrogen‐doped carbon spheres (Fe1−xS‐NC) is proposed. Fe1−xS‐NC has a high specific surface area (627 m2 g−1), large pore volume (0.41 cm3 g−1), and enhanced adsorption and electrocatalytic transition toward LiPs. Furthermore, in situ generated large mesoporous pores within carbon spheres can accommodate high sulfur loading of up to 75%, and sustain volume variations during charge/discharge cycles as well as improve ionic/mass transfer. The exceptional adsorption properties of Fe1−xS‐NC for LiPs are predicted theoretically and confirmed experimentally. Subsequently, the electrocatalytic activity of Fe1−xS‐NC is thoroughly verified. The results confirm Fe1−xS‐NC is a highly efficient nanoreactor for sulfur loading. Consequently, the Fe1−xS‐NC nanoreactor performs extremely well as a cathodic material for LSBs, exhibiting a high initial capacity of 1070 mAh g−1 with nearly no capacity loss after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. Furthermore, the resulting LSBs display remarkably enhanced rate capability and cyclability even at a high sulfur loading of 8.14 mg cm−2.
Elemental Sulfur‐Promoted [2+3+1] Annulation for Synthesis of Functionalized Thiochromeno[2,3‐b]indoles from Indole Derivatives
Authors: Liu Jianming , Wang Zhixian , Wang Ke , Liu Dong , Yang Yan , Fan Junjun , Zhuo Kelei , Yue Yuanyuan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAn intermolecular [2+3+1] annulation between indole and 2‐bromobenzylaldehyde derivatives was successfully achieved by utilizing elemental sulfur as the promoter and coupling partner. This direct and operationally simple procedure provided a rapid and reliable approach to synthesize functionalized thiochromeno[2,3‐b]indoles. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that elemental sulfur enhanced the nucleophilicity of the 3‐position of indole to attack an aldehyde group, and C−H cleavage of indole was not involved in the rate‐determining step.
Das neue Verschlusssystem des Hochwassersperrtors Ladenburg
Authors: Walter Bernd , Weber Gordon , Metz Johannes 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDas 1931 in Betrieb gegangene Hochwassersperrtor Ladenburg wird ab einem Hochwasser mit einem Wiederkehrintervall von zwei Jahren geschlossen und schützt damit die sich entlang des Seitenkanals befindlichen Industrie‐ und Wohngebiete vor Überflutung. Das Hochwassersperrtor wird nun durch einen Neubau ersetzt. Als bewegliches Verschlusssystem kommt ein Drucksegment mit zweiseitigem hydraulischem Antrieb zum Einsatz. Um eine ständige Einsatzbereitschaft zu garantieren, lässt sich der Segmentkörper im Notfall auch ohne Energiezufuhr schließen. Die Antriebs‐ und Steuerungstechnik wurde hierfür entsprechend ausgelegt. Zudem wurde auf geringen Betriebs‐ und Unterhaltungsaufwand besonderer Wert gelegt.Bei der Entwicklung und der Umsetzung des Einhub‐ und Montagekonzepts stellten die Dimensionen und der Einbauort des Segmentkörpers die maßgeblichen Herausforderungen dar. Aufgrund von Änderungen der Randbedingungen während der laufenden Baumaßnahme musste das Einhub‐ und Montagekonzept angepasst werden, was umfangreiche Umbauarbeiten am schon fertiggestellten Segmentkörper erforderlich machte.
Oligonucleotides: Current Trends and Innovative Applications in the Synthesis, Characterization, and Purification
Authors: Catani Martina , De Luca Chiara , Medeiros Garcia Alcântara João , Manfredini Nicolò , Perrone Daniela , Marchesi Elena , Weldon Richard , Müller‐Späth Thomas , Cavazzini Alberto , Morbidelli Massimo , Sponchioni Mattia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOligonucleotides (ONs) are gaining increasing importance as a promising novel class of biopharmaceuticals. Thanks to their fundamental role in gene regulation, they can be used to develop custom‐made drugs (also called N‐to‐1) able to act on the gene expression at pre‐translational level. With recent approvals of ON‐based therapeutics by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a growing demand for high‐quality chemically modified ONs is emerging and their market is expected to impressively prosper in the near future. To satisfy this growing market demand, a scalable and economically sustainable ON production is needed. In this paper, the state of the art of the whole ON production process is illustrated with the aim of highlighting the most promising routes toward the auspicated market‐size production. In particular, the most recent advancements in both the upstream stage, mainly based on solid‐phase synthesis and recombinant technology, and the downstream one, focusing on chromatographic techniques, are reviewed. Since ON production is projected to expand to the large scale, automatized multicolumn countercurrent technologies will reasonably be required soon to replace the current ones based on batch single‐column operations. This consideration is supported by a recent cutting‐edge application of continuous chromatography for the ON purification.