bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced spectral profile in the study of Doppler-broadened Rydberg ensembles
Authors: Wu Bo-Han , Chuang Ya-Wen , Chen Yi-Hsin , Yu Jr-Chiun , Chang Ming-Shien , Yu Ite A.
Published: August 2017

Combination of the electromagnetically-induced-transparency (EIT) effect and Rydberg-state atoms has attracted great attention recently due to its potential application in the photon-photon interaction or qubit operation. In this work, we studied the Rydberg-EIT spectra with room-temperature 87Rb atoms. Spectroscopic data under various experimental parameters all showed that the contrast of EIT transparency as a function of the probe field intensity is initially enhanced, reaches a maximum value and then decays gradually. The contrast of spectral profile at the optimum probe field intensity is enhanced by 2–4 times as compared with that at weakest intensity. Moreover, the signal-to-noise ratio of the spectrum can potentially be improved by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude. We provided a theoretical model to explain this behavior and clarified its underlying mechanism. Our work overcomes the obstacle of weak signal in the Rydberg-EIT spectrum caused by an apparent relaxation rate of the Rydberg polariton and weak coupling transition strength, and provides the useful knowledge for the Rydberg-EIT study.
The synergy between natural polyphenol-inspired catechol moieties and plant protein-derived bio-adhesive enhances the wet bonding strength
Authors: Wang Zhong , Zhao Shujun , Song Ruyuan , Zhang Wei , Zhang Shifeng , Li Jianzhang
Published: August 2017

Novel soybean meal-based biomimetic (STP) adhesives were fabricated via soybean meal (SM) and enhanced by tannic acid (TA) and polyetheylenimine (PEI) (TAPI) co-crosslinking network based on natural polyphenol-inspired chemistry. The multiple physico-chemical interactions (including intermolecular H-bonding and covalent bonding) between the TAPI co-crosslinking system and SM matrices were examined by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that a dense, robust, and water-resistant adhesive layer was constructed between network-bound catechol moieties in the TAPI and SM system, endowing the STP ﻿adhesive﻿ with high wet bonding strength for plywood. As expected, TAPI-modified SM adhesives showed a 156.1% increase in wet bonding strength compared to the control SM adhesive. The adhesion meets standard requirements for interior-use plywood. Both the solid content and residual mass analysis also confirmed that the enhancement in the STP adhesive was attributable to the network crosslinking density and stiffness after integrating the TAPI system. Moreover, the thermal stability of the resultant STP adhesive exhibited a significant improvement. The proposed STP adhesive may be a promising cost-effective and wet-resistant bio-adhesive for the application in the wood composites industry.
Nanoscale 2.5-dimensional surface patterning with plasmonic lithography
Authors: Jung Howon , Park Changhoon , Oh Seonghyeon , Hahn Jae W.
Published: August 2017

We report an extension of plasmonic lithography to nanoscale 2.5-dimensional (2.5D) surface patterning. To obtain the impulse response of a plasmonic lithography system, we described the field distribution of a point dipole source generated by a metallic ridge aperture with a theoretical model using the concepts of quasi-spherical waves and surface plasmon–polaritons. We performed deconvolution to construct an exposure map of a target shape for patterning. For practical applications, we fabricated several nanoscale and microscale structures, such as a cone, microlens array, nanoneedle, and a multiscale structure using the plasmonic lithography system. We verified the possibility of applying plasmonic lithography to multiscale structuring from a few tens of nanometres to a few micrometres in the lateral dimension. We obtained a root-mean-square error of 4.7 nm between the target shape and the patterned shape, and a surface roughness of 11.5 nm.
Biased visuospatial perception in complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: Filbrich Lieve , Alamia Andrea , Verfaille Charlotte , Berquin Anne , Barbier Olivier , Libouton Xavier , Fraselle Virginie , Mouraux Dominique , Legrain Valéry
Published: August 2017

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition associating sensory, motor, trophic and autonomic symptoms in one limb. Cognitive difficulties have also been reported, affecting the patients’ ability to mentally represent, perceive and use their affected limb. However, the nature of these deficits is still a matter of debate. Recent studies suggest that cognitive deficits are limited to body-related information and body perception, while not extending to external space. Here we challenge that statement, by using temporal order judgment (TOJ) tasks with tactile (i.e. body) or visual (i.e. extra-body) stimuli in patients with upper-limb CRPS. TOJ tasks allow characterizing cognitive biases to the advantage of one of the two sides of space. While the tactile TOJ tasks did not show any significant results, significant cognitive biases were observed in the visual TOJ tasks, affecting mostly the perception of visual stimuli occurring in the immediate vicinity of the affected limb. Our results clearly demonstrate the presence of visuospatial deficits in CRPS, corroborating the cortical contribution to the CRPS pathophysiology, and supporting the utility of developing rehabilitation techniques modifying visuospatial abilities to treat chronic pain.
Electrically driven, highly efficient three-dimensional GaN-based light emitting diodes fabricated by self-aligned twofold epitaxial lateral overgrowth
Authors: Yoo Yang-Seok , Song Hyun Gyu , Jang Min-Ho , Lee Sang-Won , Cho Yong-Hoon
Published: August 2017

Improvements in the overall efficiency and significant reduction in the efficiency droop are observed in three-dimensional (3D) GaN truncated pyramid structures fabricated with air void and a SiO2 layer. This 3D structure was fabricated using a self-aligned twofold epitaxial lateral overgrowth technique, which improved both the internal quantum efficiency and the light extraction efficiency. In addition, a reduced leakage current was observed due to the effective suppression of threading dislocations. While this study focuses primarily on the blue emission wavelength region, this approach can also be applied to overcome the efficiency degradation problem in the ultraviolet, green, and red emission regions.
A cross-sectional observational study on allergen-specific IgE positivity in a southeast coastal versus a southwest inland region of China
Authors: Zeng Guangqiao , Luo Wenting , Wu Zehong , Li Ling , Zheng Peiyan , Huang Huimin , Wei Nili , Luo Jiaying , Sun Baoqing , Liu Yong
Published: August 2017

Few studies addressed trans-regional differences in allergen sensitization between areas within a similar latitudinal range but with distinct geomorphological features. We investigated specific IgE (sIgE) positivity to common allergens in populations from two southern China provinces. Using a uniformed protocol, serum samples were collected from 2778 subjects with suspected atopy in coastal Guangdong and inland Yunnan. The overall prevalence of sIgE positivity were 57.8% (95% CI: 56.0%, 59.6%) from Guangdong vs 60.9% (95% CI: 59.1%, 62.7%) from Yunnan. House dust mite (d1) was the most common allergen in both regions. Among d1-sensitized subjects, only 35.7% (208/583) in Guangdong and 22.9% (147/642) in Yunnan tested positive for d1 alone. Among those poly-sensitized d1-positive subjects, cockroach was the most common co-sensitizing aeroallergen. 41.9% of the d1-sensitized Guangdong subjects showed high-class sIgE reactivity (≥class 4), in contrast to a very low percentage of such reactivity in Yunnan. However, 36.3% of d1-sensitized subjects in Yunnan were concomitantly positive for tree pollen mix. Surprisingly, Yunnan subjects showed high prevalence of sIgE positivity for crabs and shrimps, either by overall or by age-group analysis, compared with their Guangdong counterparts (both P < 0.05). These findings may add to data about local allergies in China and worldwide.
Analysis of the miR-34 family functions in breast cancer reveals annotation error of miR-34b
Authors: Engkvist M. E. , Stratford E. W. , Lorenz S. , Meza-Zepeda L. A. , Myklebost O. , Munthe E.
Published: August 2017

The microRNAs in the miR-34 family, consisting of miR-34a, miR-34b and miR-34c, are tumour suppressors. The annotated human miR-34b-5p has one additional base at the 5’ end of the common miR-34 family seed sequence, compared to miR-34a-5p and miR-34c-5p. This extra base results in a shift of the seed sequence, which would affect the target gene repertoire and have functional consequences. During our studies of miR-34 functions, we investigated the precise sequence of mature miR-34b-5p in human cells by deep sequencing. We found that a miR-34b-5p without the extra base was the predominant form in both non-malignant and malignant cells derived from several human tissues, indicating that the miR-34b annotation is misleading. We evaluated the functional implications of the seed shift, by comparing the effect of mimics representing the alternative miR-34b-5p sequences in MDA-MB-231 cells. In contrast to the annotated miR-34b, the endogenously expressed miR-34b displayed tumour suppressive characteristics in vitro similarly to miR-34c. These data demonstrate the importance of determining the precise sequence of a mature microRNA before exploring miRNA functions.
Elucidation of potential sites for antibody engineering by fluctuation editing
Authors: Yanaka Saeko , Moriwaki Yoshitaka , Tsumoto Kouhei , Sugase Kenji
Published: August 2017

Target-specific monoclonal antibodies can be routinely acquired, but the sequences of naturally acquired antibodies are not always affinity-matured and methods that increase antigen affinity are desirable. Most biophysical studies have focused on the complementary determining region (CDR), which directly contacts the antigen; however, it remains difficult to increase the affinity as much as desired. While strategies to alter the CDR to increase antibody affinity are abundant, those that target non-CDR regions are scarce. Here we describe a new method, designated fluctuation editing, which identifies potential mutation sites and engineers a high-affinity antibody based on conformational fluctuations observed by NMR relaxation dispersion. Our data show that relaxation dispersion detects important fluctuating residues that are not located in the CDR and that increase antigen–antibody affinity by point mutation. The affinity-increased mutants are shown to fluctuate less in their free form and to form a more packed structure in their antigen-bound form.
Point defect formation in M2AlC (M = Zr,Cr) MAX phases and their tendency to disorder and amorphize
Authors: Shah S. H. , Bristowe P. D.
Published: August 2017

First principles calculations are performed on Zr2AlC and Cr2AlC MAX phases to compare their ability to accommodate point defects under irradiation. Interatomic bonding is stronger in Cr2AlC than Zr2AlC but contrary to expectation Zr2AlC exhibits higher vacancy and antisite pair formation energies. However, interstitials and Frenkel defects are generally more difficult to form in Cr2AlC. The results are attributed to the mixed covalent/ionic/metallic nature of the bonding. Detailed comparison of all the energies suggests that the preferred defects in Zr2AlC and Cr2AlC are the VAl+Ali Frenkel and CrAl+AlCr antisite respectively. Thus the potential response of the two phases to irradiation is different and taking account of other competing defects it is suggested that Zr2AlC is less susceptible to amorphization.
ForCenS, a curated database of planktonic foraminifera census counts in marine surface sediment samples
Authors: Siccha Michael , Kucera Michal
Published: August 2017

Census counts of marine microfossils in surface sediments represent an invaluable resource for paleoceanography and for the investigation of macroecological processes. A prerequisite for such applications is the provision of data syntheses for individual microfossil groups. Specific to such syntheses is the necessity of taxonomical harmonisation across the constituent datasets, coupled with dereplication of previous compilations. Both of these aspects require expert knowledge, but with increasing number of records involved in such syntheses, the application of expert knowledge via manual curation is not feasible. Here we present a synthesis of planktonic foraminifera census counts in surface sediment samples, which is taxonomically harmonised, dereplicated and treated for numerical and other inconsistencies. The data treatment is implemented as an objective and largely automated pipeline, allowing us to reduce the initial 6,984 records to 4,205 counts from unique sites and informative technical or true replicates. We provide the final product and document the procedure, which can be easily adopted for other microfossil data syntheses.
Dysregulation of objectively assessed 24-hour motor activity patterns as a potential marker for bipolar I disorder: results of a community-based family study
Authors: Shou H , Cui L , Hickie I , Lameira D , Lamers F , Zhang J , Crainiceanu C , Zipunnikov V , Merikangas K R
Published: August 2017

There has been a growing number of studies that have employed actigraphy to investigate differences in motor activity in mood disorders. In general, these studies have shown that people with bipolar disorders (BPDs) tend to exhibit greater variability and less daytime motor activity than controls. The goal of this study was to examine whether patterns of motor activity differ in euthymic individuals across the full range of mood disorder subtypes (Bipolar I (BPI), Bipolar II (BPII) and major depression (MDD)) compared with unaffected controls in a community-based family study of mood spectrum disorders. Minute-to-minute activity counts derived from actigraphy were collected over a 2-week period for each participant. Prospective assessments of the level, timing and day-to-day variability of physical activity measures were compared across diagnostic groups after controlling for a comprehensive list of potential confounding factors. After adjusting for the effects of age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and medication use, the BPI group had lower median activity intensity levels across the second half of the day and greater variability in the afternoon compared with controls. Those with a history of BPII had increased variability during the night time compared with controls, indicating poorer sleep quality. No differences were found in the average intensity, variability or timing of activity in comparisons between other mood disorder subgroups and controls. Findings confirm evidence from previous studies that BPI may be a manifestation of a rhythm disturbance that is most prominent during the second half of the day. The present study is the largest study to date that included the full range of mood disorder subgroups in a nonclinical sample that increases the generalizability of our findings to the general community. The manifestations of activity patterns outside of acute episodes add to the accumulating evidence that dysregulation of patterns of activity may constitute a potential biomarker for BPD.
Neuregulin signaling pathway in smoking behavior
Authors: Gupta R , Qaiser B , He L , Hiekkalinna T S , Zheutlin A B , Therman S , Ollikainen M , Ripatti S , Perola M , Salomaa V , Milani L , Cannon T D , Madden P A F , Korhonen T , Kaprio J , Loukola A
Published: August 2017

Understanding molecular processes that link comorbid traits such as addictions and mental disorders can provide novel therapeutic targets. Neuregulin signaling pathway (NSP) has previously been implicated in schizophrenia, a neurodevelopmental disorder with high comorbidity to smoking. Using a Finnish twin family sample, we have previously detected association between nicotine dependence andERBB4(a neuregulin receptor), and linkage for smoking initiation at theERBB4locus on 2q33. Further,Neuregulin3has recently been shown to associate with nicotine withdrawal in a behavioral mouse model. In this study, we scrutinized association and linkage between 15 036 common, low frequency and rare genetic variants in 10 NSP genes and phenotypes encompassing smoking and alcohol use. Using the Finnish twin family sample (N=1998 from 740 families), we detected 66 variants (representing 23 LD blocks) significantly associated (false discovery rateP<0.05) with smoking initiation, nicotine dependence and nicotine withdrawal. We comprehensively annotated the associated variants using expression (eQTL) and methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTL) analyses in a Finnish population sample. Among the 66 variants, we identified 25 eQTLs (inNRG1andERBB4), 22 meQTLs (inNRG3,ERBB4andPSENEN), a missense variant inNRG1(rs113317778) and a splicing disruption variant inERBB4(rs13385826). Majority of the QTLs in blood were replicatedin silicousing publicly available databases, with additional QTLs observed in brain. In conclusion, our results support the involvement of NSP in smoking behavior but not in alcohol use and abuse, and disclose functional potential for 56 of the 66 associated single-nucleotide polymorphism.
Association of the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region genotype with lower bone mineral density
Authors: Lapid M I , Kung S , Frye M A , Biernacka J M , Geske J R , Drake M T , Jankowski M D , Clarke B L
Published: August 2017

The serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) S allele is linked to pathogenesis of depression and slower response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); depression and SSRIs are independently associated with bone loss. We aimed to determine whether 5-HTTLPR was associated with bone loss. This cross-sectional study included psychiatric patients with both 5-HTTLPR analysis and bone mineral density (BMD) assessment (hip and spine Z-scores if age <50 years and T-scores if ⩾50 years). BMD association with 5-HTTLPR was evaluated under models with additive allele effects and dominant S allele effects using linear regression models. Patients were stratified by age (<50 and ⩾50 years) and sex. Of 3016 patients with 5-HTTLPR genotyping, 239 had BMD assessments. Among the younger patients, the S allele was associated with lower Z-scores at the hip (P=0.002, dominant S allele effects; P=0.004, additive allele effects) and spine (P=0.0006, dominant S allele effects; P=0.01, additive allele effects). In sex-stratified analyses, the association of the S allele with lower BMD in the younger patients was also significant in the subset of women (P⩽0.003 for both hip and spine BMD under the additive allele effect model). In the small group of men younger than 50 years, the S allele was marginally associated with higher spine BMD (P=0.05). BMD T-scores were not associated with 5-HTTLPR genotypes in patients 50 years or older. The 5-HTTLPR variants may modify serotonin effects on bone with sex-specific effects.
Effects of vagus nerve stimulation on extinction of conditioned fear and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in rats
Authors: Noble L J , Gonzalez I J , Meruva V B , Callahan K A , Belfort B D , Ramanathan K R , Meyers E , Kilgard M P , Rennaker R L , McIntyre C K
Published: August 2017

Exposure-based therapies help patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to extinguish conditioned fear of trauma reminders. However, controlled laboratory studies indicate that PTSD patients do not extinguish conditioned fear as well as healthy controls, and exposure therapy has high failure and dropout rates. The present study examined whether vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) augments extinction of conditioned fear and attenuates PTSD-like symptoms in an animal model of PTSD. To model PTSD, rats were subjected to a single prolonged stress (SPS) protocol, which consisted of restraint, forced swim, loss of consciousness, and 1 week of social isolation. Like PTSD patients, rats subjected to SPS show impaired extinction of conditioned fear. The SPS procedure was followed, 1 week later, by auditory fear conditioning (AFC) and extinction. VNS or sham stimulation was administered during half of the extinction days, and was paired with presentations of the conditioned stimulus. One week after completion of extinction training, rats were given a battery of behavioral tests to assess anxiety, arousal and avoidance. Results indicated that rats given SPS 1 week prior to AFC (PTSD model) failed to extinguish the freezing response after eleven consecutive days of extinction. Administration of VNS reversed the extinction impairment and attenuated reinstatement of the conditioned fear response. Delivery of VNS during extinction also eliminated the PTSD-like symptoms, such as anxiety, hyperarousal and social avoidance for more than 1 week after VNS treatment. These results provide evidence that extinction paired with VNS treatment can lead to remission of fear and improvements in PTSD-like symptoms. Taken together, these findings suggest that VNS may be an effective adjunct to exposure therapy for the treatment of PTSD.
The analysis of alkyl phosphates in nitrogen-rich crude oils using GC × GC-NPD with a polar/apolar column configuration
Authors: Stevenson Keisean A. J. M. , Harynuk James J.
Published: August 2017

A new method to effectively separate alkyl phosphates from nitrogen-containing species in crude oil matrices and quantify them to levels ranging from 0.001 to 0.02 mg P per mL.
Bio-catalytic nanocompartments for in situ production of glucose-6-phosphate
Authors: Lomora M. , Gunkel-Grabole G. , Mantri S. , Palivan C. G.
Published: August 2017

Bio-catalytic phosphoglucomutase based polymer nanocompartments permeabilized with engineered α-hemolysin for the production of glucose-6-phosphate needed to aid in an incomplete glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, or in plant biological reactions.
A diubiquitin-based photoaffinity probe for profiling K27-linkage targeting deubiquitinases
Authors: Tan Xiao-Dan , Pan Man , Gao Shuai , Zheng Yong , Shi Jing , Li Yi-Ming
Published: August 2017

We report a novel aryl-azide-based photoaffinity diubiquitin probe for profiling K27-linkage targeting DUBs in high selectivity and sensitivity.
High magnetic relaxivity in a fluorescent CdSe/CdS/ZnS quantum dot functionalized with MRI contrast molecules
Authors: McAdams S. G. , Lewis D. J. , McNaughter P. D. , Lewis E. A. , Haigh S. J. , O’Brien P. , Tuna F.
Published: August 2017

Fluorescent quantum dots functionalized with Gd(iii) MRI contrast agents produce an unprecedentedly high T1 relaxivity per particle (6800 mM−1 s−1).
Fluorescent chirality recognition by simple boronate ensembles with aggregation-induced emission capability
Authors: Kawai Meiko , Hoshi Ayaka , Nishiyabu Ryuhei , Kubo Yuji
Published: August 2017

Chiral boronate ensembles showed enantioselective aggregation behaviors for chiral diamines and cinchona alkaloids, enabling the fluorescent recognition of their chirality.
Anion binding consistency by influence of aromatic meta-disubstitution of a simple urea receptor: regular entrapment of hydrated halide and oxyanion clusters
Authors: Manna Utsab , Das Gopal
Published: August 2017

Consistent recognition of asymmetric divalent sulphate, hydrated chloride and acetate along with fluoride induced bicarbonate within self-assembly of bis-urea receptor is observed.
Open network structures from 2D hydrogen bonded networks: diaminotriazyl tetraoxapentacenes
Authors: Maly Kenneth E. , Buck William , Dawe Louise N.
Published: August 2017

Crystals of1show two-dimensional hydrogen-bonded sheets that are prevented from packing closely by the large core, resulting in open network structures.
Thermodynamically driven oxidation-induced Kirkendall effect in octahedron-shaped cobalt oxide nanocrystals
Authors: Ramos-Docampo Miguel A. , Rivas-Murias Beatriz , Rodríguez-González Benito , Salgueiriño Verónica
Published: August 2017

Cobalt oxide nanooctahedra with a main cavity or cracks branching out due to a Kirkendall effect, stem from the synthetic process, the intermediate stages of rearrangement and the final thermodynamically-driven oxidation at the surface.
Spin–orbit interaction and Renner–Teller effect in HCCCCH+studied by high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Jacovella U. , Merkt F.
Published: August 2017

The photoelectron spectra of the X+ 2Πg← X1Σ+g photoionizing transition of diacetylene (HCCCCH) and d2-diacetylene (DCCCCD) have been recorded at high resolution using the technique of pulsed-field-ionization zero-kinetic-energy (PFI-ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy.
Metallic borophene polytypes as lightweight anode materials for non-lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Xiang Pan , Chen Xianfei , Zhang Wentao , Li Junfeng , Xiao Beibei , Li Longshan , Deng Kuisen
Published: August 2017

Configuration-dependent electrochemical performances of three types of recently synthesized borophenes as non-lithium-ion batteries anode materials have been determined based on density functional theory.
Drug delivery by supramolecular design
Authors: Webber Matthew J. , Langer Robert
Published: August 2017

Principles rooted in supramolecular chemistry have empowered new and highly functional therapeutics and drug delivery devices. This general approach offers elegant tools rooted in molecular and materials engineered to address the many challenges faced in treating disease.
Two-dimensional metal NaCu6.3Sb3and solid-state transformations of sodium copper antimonides
Authors: Owens-Baird B. , Lee S. , Kovnir K.
Published: August 2017

Synthesis, crystal structure, and transport properties of a novel two-dimensional metal, NaCu6.3Sb3, are reported together with the solid-state transformations observed within the Na–Cu–Sb system.
Embedding heteroatoms: an effective approach to create porphyrin-based functional materials
Authors: Fukui Norihito , Fujimoto Keisuke , Yorimitsu Hideki , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: August 2017

Incorporation of planarized heteroatom(s) onto the porphyrin periphery is an effective approach to create porphyrin-based functional materials. This review aims to cover a variety of synthetic methodologies that have been developed for the construction of heteroatom-embedded porphyrins as well as their structure–property relationships and possible applications in various research fields.
Volatile heterometallics: structural diversity of Pd–Pb β-diketonates and correlation with thermal properties
Authors: Krisyuk Vladislav V. , Baidina Iraida A. , Kryuchkova Natalia A. , Logvinenko Vladimir A. , Plyusnin Pavel E. , Korolkov Ilya V. , Zharkova Galina I. , Turgambaeva Asiya E. , Igumenov Igor K.
Published: August 2017

Volatile heterobimetallics based on Pb(hfac)2 as a host material and a range of Pd(ii) β-diketonates have been studied to trace the influence of the nature of initial monometallic complexes on the structure, composition and thermal properties.
Polyethylenimine-cross-linked cellulose nanocrystals for highly efficient recovery of rare earth elements from water and a mechanism study
Authors: Zhao Feiping , Repo Eveliina , Song Yang , Yin Dulin , Hammouda Samia Ben , Chen Li , Kalliola Simo , Tang Juntao , Tam Kam C. , Sillanpää Mika
Published: August 2017

PEI acts not only as a cross-linker but also as a chelating agent for RE ions.
Synthesis of penta- and tetra-cyclic cage-like compounds and dispiro heterocycles through microwave-assisted solvent-free multi-component domino reactions
Authors: Maharani Seeni , Vivek Kumar Sundaravel , Almansour Abdulrahman I. , Suresh Kumar Raju , Kandasamy Anitha , Ranjith Kumar Raju
Published: August 2017

Novel penta- and tetra-cyclic cage-like compounds and dispiro heterocycles were obtained as a result of a microwave-assisted three-component domino reaction.
A new pyrene cored small organic molecule with a flexible alkyl spacer: a potential solution processable blue emitter with bright photoluminescence
Authors: Valsange Nitin G. , Wong F. L. , Shinde Durgaprasad , Lee C. S. , Roy V. A. L. , Manzhos Sergei , Feron K. , Chang Samuel , Katoh Ryuzi , Sonar Prashant , Wadgaonkar Prakash P.
Published: August 2017

A new pyrene cored small organic molecule exhibiting a high PLQY and blue emission was designed and synthesized.
Synthesis, structures and magnetism of heterotrimetallic Ni–Cu–Ln complexes based on a dicompartmental imine–oxime ligand
Authors: Zhu Zhao-Xia , Cai Li-Zheng , Deng Xiao-Wei , Zhou Yan-Ling , Yao Min-Xia
Published: August 2017

Four NiII–CuII–LnIII heterotrimetallic complexes have been prepared and structurally characterized. The Dy derivative behaves as a SMM with a small effective energy of 0.78 K under zero dc-applied field.
Control of structure, stability and catechol oxidase activity of copper(ii) complexes by the denticity of tripodal platforms
Authors: Matyuska Ferenc , May Nóra V. , Bényei Attila , Gajda Tamás
Published: August 2017

The speciation and catecholase-like activity of trinuclear complexes can be fine tuned by the denticity of tripodal platforms.
Pentafluorophenyl dipyrrin as probe for transition metal ion detection and bioremediation in Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus
Authors: Prasannan Dijo , Arunkumar Chellaiah
Published: August 2017

Recognition of transition metal ions and bioaccumulation in B. subtilis and B. cereus were examined using pentafluorophenyl dipyrrin probe.
A novel route for the synthesis of 5-substituted 1-H tetrazoles in the presence of polymer-supported palladium nanoparticles
Authors: Darbandizadeh Mohammad Abadi Seyed Shahab Addin , Karimi Zarchi Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2017

A novel route for the synthesis of 5-substituted 1-Htetrazoles by one-pot multicomponent reactions in the presence of polymer-supported palladium nanoparticles.
Fabrication of a robust and highly sensitive nitrate biosensor based on directly grown zinc oxide nanorods on a silver electrode
Authors: Ahmad Rafiq , Bhat Kiesar Sideeq , Ahn Min-Sang , Hahn Yoon-Bong
Published: August 2017

This article reports the fabrication of a robust and highly sensitive nitrate biosensor based on directly-grown ZnO NRs on an electrode surface.
A composite additive used for a new cyanide-free silver plating bath (II): an insight by electrochemical measurements and quantum chemical calculation
Authors: Liu Anmin , Ren Xuefeng , An Maozhong
Published: August 2017

BPY and PAT are effective additives for silver plating due to their ability for strong adsorption on silver surfaces.
Correction: Highly sensitive self-complementary DNA nanoswitches triggered by polyelectrolytes
Authors: Wu Jincai , Yu Feng , Zhang Zheng , Chen Yong , Du Jie
Published: August 2017

Correction for ‘Highly sensitive self-complementary DNA nanoswitches triggered by polyelectrolytes’ by Jincai Wu et al., Nanoscale, 2016, 8, 464–470.
Ratiometric electrochemical detection of β-galactosidase
Authors: Spring Sam A. , Goggins Sean , Frost Christopher G.
Published: August 2017

A novel ferrocene-based substrate for the ratiometric electrochemical detection of β-galactosidase was designed and synthesised, exhibiting high sensitivity for β-gal.
Selective lysine modification of native peptides via aza-Michael addition
Authors: Chen Hongli , Huang Rong , Li Zhihong , Zhu Wei , Chen Jiakang , Zhan Yuexiong , Jiang Biao
Published: August 2017

N-Phenylvinylsulfonamides were developed as applicable reagents for site-selective lysine functionalization in native peptides with a free N-terminus.
Intramolecular addition of benzyl anion to alkyne utilizing [1,2]-phospha-Brook rearrangement under Brønsted base catalysis
Authors: Kondoh Azusa , Ozawa Ryosuke , Aoki Takuma , Terada Masahiro
Published: August 2017

A novel reaction system for intramolecular addition of benzyl anions to alkynes was developed by utilizing the [1,2]-phospha-Brook rearrangement under Brønsted base catalysis.
Catalysis of a 1,3-dipolar reaction by distorted DNA incorporating a heterobimetallic platinum(ii) and copper(ii) complex
Authors: Rivilla Iván , de Cózar Abel , Schäfer Thomas , Hernandez Frank J. , Bittner Alexander M. , Eleta-Lopez Aitziber , Aboudzadeh Ali , Santos José I. , Miranda José I. , Cossío Fernando P.
Published: August 2017

A novel catalytic system based on covalently modified DNA is described.
Fabrication of planarly-oriented polycrystalline thin films of smectic liquid crystalline organic semiconductors
Authors: Wang Yi-Fei , Iino Hiroaki , Hanna Jun-ichi
Published: August 2017

A general method to fabricate planarly-oriented polycrystalline thin films of smectic liquid crystalline organic semiconductors.
Self-segregated nanostructure in room temperature ionic liquids
Authors: Pontoni Diego , Haddad Julia , Di Michiel Marco , Deutsch Moshe
Published: August 2017

X-ray-resolved, chain-length-driven emergence and evolution of nanostructuring in a broad homologous series of room-temperature ionic liquids.
Two‐stage carrier‐based PWM to mitigate neutral point potential oscillation in three‐level inverters
Authors: Yao Yuan , Kang Longyun , Zhang Zhi , Feng Yuanbin
Published: August 2017

A two‐stage carrier‐based PWM (CB‐PWM) strategy is proposed for a three‐phase three‐level neutral‐point‐clamped inverter to maintain its constant neutral point potential (NPP). The CB‐PWM is a prevalent modulation method used to control inverters. However, the one‐modulation‐signal CB‐PWM cannot mitigate the oscillation of the NPP. The two‐modulation‐signal CB‐PWM, which can mitigate the oscillation of the NPP, requires many additional restrains with implicit principles. Besides, the capability to regulate the drift NPP in the second method is moderate. The proposed strategy in this Letter is to divide the modulation into two stages. The primary stage utilises the one‐modulation‐signal method. The secondary stage utilises the two‐modulation‐signal as the auxiliary to the former one. The modified strategy fixes the dc voltage imbalance and mitigates the oscillation of the NPP under any modulation index range and heavy load conditions. The results of simulations and experiments validate the proposed strategy as feasible and reliable.
Octave bandwidth in‐line rectangular waveguide‐to‐coaxial transition using oversized mode conversion
Authors: Cano J.L. , Mediavilla A.
Published: August 2017

A very low‐loss in‐line rectangular waveguide‐to‐coaxial transition covering an octave bandwidth is presented. In order to obtain such frequency coverage, the transition employs oversized mode conversion, i.e. the rectangular waveguide dimensions are internally enlarged to modify the cavity cutoff frequency while obtaining good matching properties for a standard rectangular waveguide output port. A four‐step ridge transformer is included for the TE‐to‐TE10 mode conversion in the whole frequency range. The transition, completed with a commercial SMA connector for the coaxial port, exhibits a return loss of around 25 dB with 0.1 dB insertion loss when measured in back‐to‐back configuration in the 10–20 GHz frequency range. From these results, an input matching around 30 dB and an insertion loss around 0.05 dB for a stand‐alone transition can be inferred.
The role of low air pressure in the variation of negative corona‐generated space charge in a rod to plane electrode
Authors: XingMing Bian , JunYu Zhu , Wei Yang , ShuWei Wan , Lei Qi , XueBao Li , HaiBing Li
Published: August 2017

The corona‐generated space charge may vary in different air pressures, and the quantitative law between the corona‐generated space charge density and air pressure has never been investigated. This work utilised computational approaches to explore the role of air pressure in the variation of negative corona‐generated space charge. A negative fluid model in which the air pressure could be varied was built up to calculate the charged‐particle density and electric field under different applied voltages. The continuity equations were solved by flux corrected transport algorithm and the Poisson equation was computed by the successive over relaxation method. The variations of important parameters due to air pressure were analysed. The particles densities of electrons, positive ions and negative ions at standard and low atmosphere pressures were computed, which increased markedly due to the decrease of atmosphere pressure. At fixed applied voltages, the exponential decay law between the maximal values of electron/positive ion densities at the head of the streamer and air pressure could be obtained. The quantitative law between the maximal values of electron/positive ion densities at the head of the streamer and the applied voltage, relative air density was also achieved.
Coordinated and fault‐tolerant control of tandem 15‐phase induction motors in ship propulsion system
Authors: Liu Zicheng , Wu Junyong , Hao Liangliang
Published: August 2017

Electric propulsion is widely used in ship propulsion systems, and multiphase machines are gaining increasing popularity because of their fault‐tolerant ability, high power density, and reduced torque ripple. This study concentrates on the tandem ship propulsion configuration with two 15‐phase induction machines (IMs) fixed on the same shaft. Based on field‐oriented control and reconfiguration fault‐tolerant control for the single 15‐phase IM, the master–slave coordinated control strategy is designed for the tandem motors, which can not only achieve power allocation between two motors during normal operation, but also minimise the total stator copper loss of the two motors and maximise the propulsion output power ability during fault‐tolerant operation. Experiment results from a ship propulsion experimental platform verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies.
Efficient approach to maximise WSN lifetime using weighted optimum storage‐node placement, efficient and energetic wireless recharging, efficient rule‐based node rotation and critical‐state‐data‐passing methods
Authors: R.V. Labisha , E. Baburaj
Published: August 2017

The sensor nodes of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are usually positioned in remote or inaccessible areas and hence the physical maintenance such as battery replacement is more difficult. One of the core challenges of WSN is to increase the network life time, meaning that the efficiency of power utilisation should be the maximum. The major reasons for high power consumption are drawn out transmission path to reach sink, work load add‐ons on nodes closer to storage medium, and the energy necessary for storage. This study proposes a novel method of data storage and retrieval for WSN environment to improve the network lifetime by minimising the energy consumption. The proposed method accomplishes this milestone using four novel algorithms, namely weighted optimum storage‐node placement(SNP), efficient and energetic wireless recharging, efficient rule‐based node rotation and critical‐state‐data passing. The areas of influence of this proposed method are SNP, wireless recharging, node rotation and cooperative multi‐input–multi‐output clustering/routing. Simulation results claim that the proposed method multiplies the WSN topology lifetime ratio by a significant level and outperforms the earlier versions significantly.
Micro‐inverter based on single‐ended primary‐inductance converter topology with an active clamp power decoupling
Authors: Keshani Milad , Adib Ehsan , Farzanehfard Hosein
Published: August 2017

The reliability and lifespan of micro‐inverters are two significant features of AC‐module photovoltaic systems. One of the most effective methods to enhance the reliability and life duration of micro‐inverters is achieved by substituting their electrolytic power decoupling capacitor with the film capacitors. In this study, a new DC/AC inverter based on an isolated single‐ended primary‐inductance converter with an active clamp power decoupling is introduced. The proposed converter has no electrolytic capacitor which results in long lifetime and high reliability. Moreover, the inverter has simple structure and low number of semiconductor switches which improve the efficiency and make it cost effective. The sufficient stepping up ability for output voltage without increasing turns ratio excessively, non‐pulsating input current, and appropriate isolation make the proposed micro‐inverter a proper choice for grid‐connected applications. The converter operating modes are discussed and design considerations are presented. Finally, experimental results of the implemented prototype validate aforementioned features and performance of the proposed micro‐inverter.
Sizing up the population of gamma-ray binaries
Authors: Dubus Guillaume , Guillard Nicolas , Petrucci Pierre-Olivier , Martin Pierrick
Published: August 2017

Context.Gamma-ray binaries are thought to be composed of a young pulsar in orbit around a massive O or Be star with their gamma-ray emission powered by pulsar spin-down. The number of such systems in our Galaxy is not known.

Aims.We aim to estimate the total number of gamma-ray binaries in our Galaxy and to evaluate the prospects for new detections in the GeV and TeV energy range, taking into account that their gamma-ray emission is modulated on the orbital period.

Methods.We modelled the population of gamma-ray binaries and evaluated the fraction of detected systems in surveys with theFermi-LAT (GeV), H.E.S.S., HAWC and CTA (TeV) using observation-based and synthetic template light curves.

Results.The detected fraction depends more on the orbit-average flux than on the light-curve shape. Our best estimate for the number of gamma-ray binaries is 101\hbox{$_{-52}^{+89}$} systems. A handful of discoveries are expected by pursuing theFermi-LAT survey. Discoveries in TeV surveys are less likely. However, this depends on the relative amounts of power emitted in GeV and TeV domains. There could be as many as ≈ 200 HESS J0632+057-like systems with a high ratio of TeV to GeV emission compared to other gamma-ray binaries. Statistics allow for as many as three discoveries in five years of HAWC observations and five discoveries in the first two years of the CTA Galactic Plane survey.

Conclusions.We favour continuedFermi-LAT observations over ground-based TeV surveys to find new gamma-ray binaries. Gamma-ray observations are most sensitive to short orbital period systems with a high spin-down pulsar power. Radio pulsar surveys (SKA) are likely to be more efficient in detecting long orbital period systems, providing a complementary probe into the gamma-ray binary population.
Nitrile versus isonitrile adsorption at interstellar grain surfaces
Authors: Bertin M. , Doronin M. , Michaut X. , Philippe L. , Markovits A. , Fillion J.-H. , Pauzat F. , Ellinger Y. , Guillemin J.-C.
Published: August 2017

Context. Almost 20% of the ~200 different species detected in the interstellar and circumstellar media present a carbon atom linked to nitrogen by a triple bond. Of these 37 molecules, 30 are nitrile R-CN compounds, the remaining 7 belonging to the isonitrile R-NC family. How these species behave in their interactions with the grain surfaces is still an open question.

Aims. In a previous work, we have investigated whether the difference between nitrile and isonitrile functional groups may induce differences in the adsorption energies of the related isomers at the surfaces of interstellar grains of various nature and morphologies. This study is a follow up of this work, where we focus on the adsorption on carbonaceous aromatic surfaces.

Methods. The question is addressed by means of a concerted experimental and theoretical approach of the adsorption energies of CH3CN and CH3NC on the surface of graphite (with and without surface defects). The experimental determination of the molecule and surface interaction energies is carried out using temperature-programmed desorption in an ultra-high vacuum between 70 and 160 K. Theoretically, the question is addressed using first-principle periodic density functional theory to represent the organised solid support.

Results. The adsorption energy of each compound is found to be very sensitive to the structural defects of the aromatic carbonaceous surface: these defects, expected to be present in a large numbers and great diversity on a realistic surface, significantly increase the average adsorption energies to more than 50% as compared to adsorption on perfect graphene planes. The most stable isomer (CH3CN) interacts more efficiently with the carbonaceous solid support than the higher energy isomer (CH3NC), however.
Photoinduced Regioselective Lactonization of ortho-Iodobenzoic Acids with Alkenes: Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydroisocoumarin Derivatives
Authors: Yang Chao , Xia Wujiong , Zhang Xiao , Huang Binbin
Published: August 2017

A photoinduced strategy for the synthesis of a variety of 3,4-dihydroisocoumarins has been realized. The reactions proceeded from ortho-iodobenzoic acids and alkenes through a photodehalogenative lactonization with NaHCO3 as the only additive in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to provide the desired products in moderate to good yields. This method offers a simple, mild, and environmentally friendly route to 3,4-dihydroisocoumarin derivatives.
Base-Promoted Synthesis of O-Aryl/Alkyl N,N-Dimethylthiocarbamates Starting from Inexpensive and Environmentally Benign
Disulfide
Authors: Dong Zhi-Bing , Wang Ming , Zhu Hui , Liu Xing , Chang Cai-Zhu
Published: August 2017

A series of O-aryl (alkyl) N,N-dimethylthiocarbamates were synthesized in good yields (70–77%) by reacting substituted phenols or alkyl alcohol with inexpensive, stable, and environmentally benign tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD) in the presence of NaH. By avoiding use of the toxic and corrosive N,N-dialkylthiocarbamoyl chloride, the method provides a green and facile preparation for some important precursors of potentially biologically reactive compounds.
Tf2NH-Catalyzed 1,6-Conjugate Addition of Vinyl Azides with p-Quinone Methides: A Mild and Efficient Method for the Synthesis of β-Bis-Arylamides
Authors: Rathod Jayant , Sharma Brijesh , Mali Pramod , Kumar Pradeep
Published: August 2017

Tf2NH-catalyzed tandem 1,6-conjugate addition/Schmidt type rearrangement using vinyl azides and p-quinone methides to access a variety of β-bis-arylated amides is reported. The method is quick, efficient, mild, and high yielding with broad substrate scope.
Iodine-Catalyzed Regioselective Sulfenylation of 4H-Pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones with Sulfonyl Hydrazides
Authors: Wang Shaohua , Liu Wenjie , Cai Zhihao , Li Ziying , Liu Jianwen , Wang Anda
Published: August 2017

A simple and efficient method for direct sulfenylation of 4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones with sulfonyl hydrazides has been developed. The transformation is catalyzed by iodine under metal-free conditions with high regioselectivity and good functional-group tolerance.
Palladium-Catalyzed α-Arylation of Dimethyl Malonate and Ethyl Cyanoacetate with o-Alkoxybromobenzenes for the Synthesis of Phenylacetic Acid, Esters and Phenylacetonitriles
Authors: Cívicos José , Costa Paulo , Domingos Jorge
Published: August 2017

α-Aryl malonate and α-aryl cyano acetate moieties are found in the structures of many bioactive compounds. They are also key intermediates for the synthesis of many compounds such as isoflavonoids. In this work, we synthesized these compounds, with different patterns of substitution, starting with the palladium-catalyzed reaction of o-alkoxy-bromoarenes with dimethyl malonate or ethyl cyanoacetate. Under the conditions applied, moderate to good yields of arylmalonate mono­esters, phenylacetic esters or acids, and benzylnitrile derivatives were obtained.
Regioselective Ylide Formation on Acetal-Functionalized Trialkyl Phosphonium Salts: Extending the Scope of Carbonyl Homologation
Authors: Narayanappa Arkesh , Hurem David , McNulty James
Published: August 2017

The discovery of a complex-induced proximity effect and scope of regioselective ylide formation on acetal- and ketal-functionalized trialkylphosphine-derived phosphonium salts is explored as a route to homologated unsaturated carbonyl derivatives.