bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pushing the limits of high-resolution polymer microscopy using antioxidants
Authors: Kuei Brooke , Gomez Enrique D. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHigh-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) has been transformative to the field of polymer science, enabling the direct imaging of molecular structures. Although some materials have remarkable stability under electron beams, most HRTEM studies are limited by the electron dose the sample can handle. Beam damage of conjugated polymers is not yet fully understood, but it has been suggested that the diffusion of secondary reacting species may play a role. As such, we examine the effect of the addition of antioxidants to a series of solution-processable conjugated polymers as an approach to mitigating beam damage. Characterizing the effects of beam damage by calculating critical dose DC values from the decay of electron diffraction peaks shows that beam damage of conjugated polymers in the TEM can be minimized by using antioxidants at room temperature, even if the antioxidant does not alter or incorporate into polymer crystals. As a consequence, the addition of antioxidants pushes the resolution limit of polymer microscopy, enabling imaging of a 3.6 Å lattice spacing in poly[(5,6-difluoro-2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-4,7-diyl)-alt-(3,3″′-di(2-octyldodecyl)-2,2′;5′,2″;5″,2″′-quaterthiophene-5,5″′-diyl)] (PffBT4T-2OD).
Hydride-based antiperovskites with soft anionic sublattices as fast alkali ionic conductors
Authors: Gao Shenghan , Broux Thibault , Fujii Susumu , Tassel Cédric , Yamamoto Kentaro , Xiao Yao , Oikawa Itaru , Takamura Hitoshi , Ubukata Hiroki , Watanabe Yuki , Fujii Kotaro , Yashima Masatomo , Kuwabara Akihide , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Kageyama Hiroshi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMost solid-state materials are composed of p-block anions, only in recent years the introduction of hydride anions (1s2) in oxides (e.g., SrVO2H, BaTi(O,H)3) has allowed the discovery of various interesting properties. Here we exploit the large polarizability of hydride anions (H–) together with chalcogenide (Ch2–) anions to construct a family of antiperovskites with soft anionic sublattices. The M3HCh antiperovskites (M = Li, Na) adopt the ideal cubic structure except orthorhombic Na3HS, despite the large variation in sizes of M and Ch. This unconventional robustness of cubic phase mainly originates from the large size-flexibility of the H– anion. Theoretical and experimental studies reveal low migration barriers for Li+/Na+ transport and high ionic conductivity, possibly promoted by a soft phonon mode associated with the rotational motion of HM6 octahedra in their cubic forms. Aliovalent substitution to create vacancies has further enhanced ionic conductivities of this series of antiperovskites, resulting in Na2.9H(Se0.9I0.1) achieving a high conductivity of ~1 × 10–4 S/cm (100 °C).
Enhancing carbon dioxide gas-diffusion electrolysis by creating a hydrophobic catalyst microenvironment
Authors: Xing Zhuo , Hu Lin , Ripatti Donald S. , Hu Xun , Feng Xiaofeng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractElectroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) over copper-based catalysts provides an attractive approach for sustainable fuel production. While efforts are focused on developing catalytic materials, it is also critical to understand and control the microenvironment around catalytic sites, which can mediate the transport of reaction species and influence reaction pathways. Here, we show that a hydrophobic microenvironment can significantly enhance CO2 gas-diffusion electrolysis. For proof-of-concept, we use commercial copper nanoparticles and disperse hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nanoparticles inside the catalyst layer. Consequently, the PTFE-added electrode achieves a greatly improved activity and Faradaic efficiency for CO2 reduction, with a partial current density >250 mA cm−2 and a single-pass conversion of 14% at moderate potentials, which are around twice that of a regular electrode without added PTFE. The improvement is attributed to a balanced gas/liquid microenvironment that reduces the diffusion layer thickness, accelerates CO2 mass transport, and increases CO2 local concentration for the electrolysis.
Slowing down DNA translocation through solid-state nanopores by edge-field leakage
Authors: Wang Ceming , Sensale Sebastian , Pan Zehao , Senapati Satyajyoti , Chang Hsueh-Chia 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSolid-state nanopores allow high-throughput single-molecule detection but identifying and even registering all translocating small molecules remain key challenges due to their high translocation speeds. We show here the same electric field that drives the molecules into the pore can be redirected to selectively pin and delay their transport. A thin high-permittivity dielectric coating on bullet-shaped polymer nanopores permits electric field leakage at the pore tip to produce a voltage-dependent surface field on the entry side that can reversibly edge-pin molecules. This mechanism renders molecular entry an activated process with sensitive exponential dependence on the bias voltage and molecular rigidity. This sensitivity allows us to selectively prolong the translocation time of short single-stranded DNA molecules by up to 5 orders of magnitude, to as long as minutes, allowing discrimination against their double-stranded duplexes with 97% confidence.
High performance tandem organic solar cells via a strongly infrared-absorbing narrow bandgap acceptor
Authors: Jia Zhenrong , Qin Shucheng , Meng Lei , Ma Qing , Angunawela Indunil , Zhang Jinyuan , Li Xiaojun , He Yakun , Lai Wenbin , Li Ning , Ade Harald , Brabec Christoph J. , Li Yongfang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTandem organic solar cells are based on the device structure monolithically connecting two solar cells to broaden overall absorption spectrum and utilize the photon energy more efficiently. Herein, we demonstrate a simple strategy of inserting a double bond between the central core and end groups of the small molecule acceptor Y6 to extend its conjugation length and absorption range. As a result, a new narrow bandgap acceptor BTPV-4F was synthesized with an optical bandgap of 1.21 eV. The single-junction devices based on BTPV-4F as acceptor achieved a power conversion efficiency of over 13.4% with a high short-circuit current density of 28.9 mA cm−2. With adopting BTPV-4F as the rear cell acceptor material, the resulting tandem devices reached a high power conversion efficiency of over 16.4% with good photostability. The results indicate that BTPV-4F is an efficient infrared-absorbing narrow bandgap acceptor and has great potential to be applied into tandem organic solar cells.
Cross-scale interaction of host tree size and climatic water deficit governs bark beetle-induced tree mortality
Authors: Koontz Michael J. , Latimer Andrew M. , Mortenson Leif A. , Fettig Christopher J. , North Malcolm P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe recent Californian hot drought (2012–2016) precipitated unprecedented ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) mortality, largely attributable to the western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis; WPB). Broad-scale climate conditions can directly shape tree mortality patterns, but mortality rates respond non-linearly to climate when local-scale forest characteristics influence the behavior of tree-killing bark beetles (e.g., WPB). To test for these cross-scale interactions, we conduct aerial drone surveys at 32 sites along a gradient of climatic water deficit (CWD) spanning 350 km of latitude and 1000 m of elevation in WPB-impacted Sierra Nevada forests. We map, measure, and classify over 450,000 trees within 9 km2, validating measurements with coincident field plots. We find greater size, proportion, and density of ponderosa pine (the WPB host) increase host mortality rates, as does greater CWD. Critically, we find a CWD/host size interaction such that larger trees amplify host mortality rates in hot/dry sites. Management strategies for climate change adaptation should consider how bark beetle disturbances can depend on cross-scale interactions, which challenge our ability to predict and understand patterns of tree mortality.
Exploring the effect of network topology, mRNA and protein dynamics on gene regulatory network stability
Authors: Guo Yipei , Amir Ariel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHomeostasis of protein concentrations in cells is crucial for their proper functioning, requiring steady-state concentrations to be stable to fluctuations. Since gene expression is regulated by proteins such as transcription factors (TFs), the full set of proteins within the cell constitutes a large system of interacting components, which can become unstable. We explore factors affecting stability by coupling the dynamics of mRNAs and proteins in a growing cell. We find that mRNA degradation rate does not affect stability, contrary to previous claims. However, global structural features of the network can dramatically enhance stability. Importantly, a network resembling a bipartite graph with a lower fraction of interactions that target TFs has a higher chance of being stable. Scrambling the E. coli transcription network, we find that the biological network is significantly more stable than its randomized counterpart, suggesting that stability constraints may have shaped network structure during the course of evolution.
Properties and dynamics of meron topological spin textures in the two-dimensional magnet CrCl3
Authors: Augustin Mathias , Jenkins Sarah , Evans Richard F. L. , Novoselov Kostya S. , Santos Elton J. G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMerons are nontrivial topological spin textures highly relevant for many phenomena in solid state physics. Despite their importance, direct observation of such vortex quasiparticles is scarce and has been limited to a few complex materials. Here, we show the emergence of merons and antimerons in recently discovered two-dimensional (2D) CrCl3 at zero magnetic field. We show their entire evolution from pair creation, their diffusion over metastable domain walls, and collision leading to large magnetic monodomains. Both quasiparticles are stabilized spontaneously during cooling at regions where in-plane magnetic frustration takes place. Their dynamics is determined by the interplay between the strong in-plane dipolar interactions and the weak out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy stabilising a vortex core within a radius of 8–10 nm. Our results push the boundary to what is currently known about non-trivial spin structures in 2D magnets and open exciting opportunities to control magnetic domains via topological quasiparticles.
Distinct populations of cortical pyramidal neurons mediate drug reward and aversion
Authors: Garcia A. F. , Crummy E. A. , Webb I. G. , Nooney M. N. , Ferguson S. M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractProcessing within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is crucial for the patterning of appropriate behavior, and ACC dysfunction following chronic drug use is thought to play a major role in drug addiction. However, cortical pyramidal projection neurons can be subdivided into two major types (intratelencephalic (IT) and pyramidal tract (PT)), with distinct inputs and projection targets, molecular and receptor profiles, morphologies and electrophysiological properties. Yet, how each of these cell populations modulate behavior related to addiction is unknown. We demonstrate that PT neurons regulate the positive features of a drug experience whereas IT neurons regulate the negative features. These findings support a revised theory of cortical function in addiction, with distinct cells and circuits mediating reward and aversion.
Exploring structure-property relationships in magnesium dissolution modulators
Authors: Würger Tim , Mei Di , Vaghefinazari Bahram , Winkler David A. , Lamaka Sviatlana V. , Zheludkevich Mikhail L. , Meißner Robert H. , Feiler Christian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSmall organic molecules that modulate the degradation behavior of Mg constitute benign and useful materials to modify the service environment of light metal materials for specific applications. The vast chemical space of potentially effective compounds can be explored by machine learning-based quantitative structure-property relationship models, accelerating the discovery of potent dissolution modulators. Here, we demonstrate how unsupervised clustering of a large number of potential Mg dissolution modulators by structural similarities and sketch-maps can predict their experimental performance using a kernel ridge regression model. We compare the prediction accuracy of this approach to that of a prior artificial neural networks study. We confirm the robustness of our data-driven model by blind prediction of the dissolution modulating performance of 10 untested compounds. Finally, a workflow is presented that facilitates the automated discovery of chemicals with desired dissolution modulating properties from a commercial database. We subsequently prove this concept by blind validation of five chemicals.
Topological superconductivity in skyrmion lattices
Authors: Mascot Eric , Bedow Jasmin , Graham Martin , Rachel Stephan , Morr Dirk K. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAtomic manipulation and interface engineering techniques have provided an intriguing approach to custom-designing topological superconductors and the ensuing Majorana zero modes, representing a paradigm for the realization of topological quantum computing and topology-based devices. Magnet-superconductor hybrid (MSH) systems have proven to be experimentally suitable to engineer topological superconductivity through the control of both the complex structure of its magnetic layer and the interface properties of the superconducting surface. Here, we demonstrate that two-dimensional MSH systems containing a magnetic skyrmion lattice provide an unprecedented ability to control the emergence of topological phases. By changing the skyrmion radius, which can be achieved experimentally through an external magnetic field, one can tune between different topological superconducting phases, allowing one to explore their unique properties and the transitions between them. In these MSH systems, Josephson scanning tunneling spectroscopy spatially visualizes one of the most crucial aspects underlying the emergence of topological superconductivity, the spatial structure of the induced spin–triplet correlations.
Mammalian expression of virus-like particles as a proof of principle for next generation polio vaccines
Authors: Bahar Mohammad W. , Porta Claudine , Fox Helen , Macadam Andrew J. , Fry Elizabeth E. , Stuart David I. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGlobal vaccination programs using live-attenuated oral and inactivated polio vaccine (OPV and IPV) have almost eradicated poliovirus (PV) but these vaccines or their production pose significant risk in a polio-free world. Recombinant PV virus-like particles (VLPs), lacking the viral genome, represent safe next-generation vaccines, however their production requires optimisation. Here we present an efficient mammalian expression strategy producing good yields of wild-type PV VLPs for all three serotypes and a thermostabilised variant for PV3. Whilst the wild-type VLPs were predominantly in the non-native C-antigenic form, the thermostabilised PV3 VLPs adopted the native D-antigenic conformation eliciting neutralising antibody titres equivalent to the current IPV and were indistinguishable from natural empty particles by cryo-electron microscopy with a similar stabilising lipidic pocket-factor in the VP1 β-barrel. This factor may not be available in alternative expression systems, which may require synthetic pocket-binding factors. VLPs equivalent to these mammalian expressed thermostabilized particles, represent safer non-infectious vaccine candidates for the post-eradication era.
Development of a structural epitope mimic: an idiotypic approach to HCV vaccine design
Authors: Cowton Vanessa M. , Owsianka Ania M. , Fadda Valeria , Ortega-Prieto Ana Maria , Cole Sarah J. , Potter Jane A. , Skelton Jessica K. , Jeffrey Nathan , Di Lorenzo Caterina , Dorner Marcus , Taylor Garry L. , Patel Arvind H. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHCV vaccine development is stymied by the high genetic diversity of the virus and the variability of the envelope glycoproteins. One strategy to overcome this is to identify conserved, functionally important regions—such as the epitopes of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs)—and use these as a basis for structure-based vaccine design. Here, we report an anti-idiotype approach that has generated an antibody that mimics a highly conserved neutralizing epitope on HCV E2. Crucially, a mutagenesis screen was used to identify the antibody, designated B2.1 A, whose binding characteristics to the bNAb AP33 closely resemble those of the original antigen. Protein crystallography confirmed that B2.1 A is a structural mimic of the AP33 epitope. When used as an immunogen B2.1 A induced antibodies that recognized the same epitope and E2 residues as AP33 and most importantly protected against HCV challenge in a mouse model.
Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) attenuates obesity and anxious/depressive-like behaviours induced by ovariectomy
Authors: Banin Renata Mancini , Machado Meira Maria Forcelini , de Andrade Iracema Senna , Carvalho Lorenza Oliveira Testa , Hirata Bruna Kelly Sousa , de Andrade Heider Mendonça , Júlio Viviane da Silva , Ribeiro Jéssica de Souza Figueiredo Borges , Cerutti Suzete Maria , Oyama Lila Missae , Ribeiro Eliane Beraldi , Telles Mônica Marques 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWhile several pieces of evidence link obesity and mood disorders in menopause, the mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood. We have previously demonstrated that Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) both attenuated diet-induced obesity of male rats and restored serotonin-induced hypophagia in ovariectomized female rats. The present study aimed at exploring whether GbE treatment ameliorates ovariectomy-related obesity and anxious/depressive-like behaviours. Wistar female rats were either ovariectomized (OVX) or sham-operated (Sham). After 2 months, either 500 mg/kg of GbE or vehicle were administered daily by gavage for 14 days. Anxious/depressive-like behaviours were assessed by the Elevated Plus Maze and the Forced Swim Tests, respectively. Ovariectomy caused high visceral adiposity, hyperleptinemia, and hypercholesterolemia, and increased the anxiety index (p = 0.048 vs. Sham + GbE) while it decreased the latency to immobility (p = 0.004 vs. Sham). GbE treatment in OVX rats improved body composition, adiponectin levels and blood lipid profile. It also reduced the anxiety index (p = 0.004) and increased the latency to immobility (p = 0.003) of OVX rats. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that leptin (p = 0.047) and total cholesterol levels (p = 0.022) were associated with anxious-like behaviours while body adiposity (p = 0.00005) was strongly associated with depressive-like behaviours. The results showed that GbE therapy was effective in attenuating the deleterious effects of ovariectomy on body composition, lipid profile, and anxious/depressive-like behaviours. Further studies are warranted to better understand the therapeutic potential of GbE in menopause.
Reconstructing hotspots of genetic diversity from glacial refugia and subsequent dispersal in Italian common toads (Bufo bufo)
Authors: Chiocchio Andrea , Arntzen Jan. W. , Martínez-Solano Iñigo , de Vries Wouter , Bisconti Roberta , Pezzarossa Alice , Maiorano Luigi , Canestrelli Daniele 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGenetic diversity feeds the evolutionary process and allows populations to adapt to environmental changes. However, we still lack a thorough understanding of why hotspots of genetic diversity are so 'hot'. Here, we analysed the relative contribution of bioclimatic stability and genetic admixture between divergent lineages in shaping spatial patterns of genetic diversity in the common toad Bufo bufo along the Italian peninsula. We combined population genetic, phylogeographic and species distribution modelling (SDM) approaches to map ancestral areas, glacial refugia, and secondary contact zones. We consistently identified three phylogeographic lineages, distributed in northern, central and southern Italy. These lineages expanded from their ancestral areas and established secondary contact zones, before the last interglacial. SDM identified widespread glacial refugia in peninsular Italy, sometimes located under the present-day sea-level. Generalized linear models indicated genetic admixture as the only significant predictor of the levels of population genetic diversity. Our results show that glacial refugia contributed to preserving both levels and patterns of genetic diversity across glacial-interglacial cycles, but not to their formation, and highlight a general principle emerging in Mediterranean species: higher levels of genetic diversity mark populations with substantial contributions from multiple genetic lineages, irrespective of the location of glacial refugia.
The spreading of the invasive sacred ibis in Italy
Authors: Cucco Marco , Alessandria Gianfranco , Bissacco Marta , Carpegna Franco , Fasola Mauro , Gagliardi Alessandra , Gola Laura , Volponi Stefano , Pellegrino Irene 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe spreading of invasive species in new continents can vary from slow and limited diffusion to fast colonisations over vast new areas. We studied the sacred ibisThreskiornis aethiopicusalong a 31-year period, from 1989 to 2019, with particular attention to the first area of release in NW Italy. We collected data on species distribution through observations by citizen science projects, population density by transects with distance method, breeding censuses at colonies, and post breeding censuses at roosts. The birds counted at winter roosts in NW Italy increased from a few tens up to 10,880 individuals in 2019. Sacred ibises started breeding in 1989, with a single nest in north-western Italy. The number of breeders remained very low until 2006, when both overwintering and breeding sacred ibises started to increase exponentially and expand their range throughout northern Italy with isolated breeding cases in central Italy. In 2019, the number of nests had increased to 1249 nests in 31 colonies. In NW Italy, the density of foraging birds averaged 3.9 ind./km2in winter and 1.5 ind./km2in the breeding period, with a mean size of the foraging groups of 8.9 and 2.1 birds respectively. Direct field observations and species distribution models (SDM) showed that foraging habitats were mainly rice fields and wetlands. A SDM applied to the whole Italian peninsula plus Sardinia and Sicily showed that the variables best related to the SDM were land class (rice fields and wetlands), altitude, and the temperature seasonality. The areas favourable for species expansion encompass all the plains of Northern Italy, and several areas of Tuscany, Latium, Sardinia, and Apulia.