bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ electrical and thermal monitoring of printed electronics by two-photon mapping
Authors: Pastorelli Francesco , Accanto Nicolò , Jørgensen Mikkel , van Hulst Niek F. , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: June 2017

Printed electronics is emerging as a new, large scale and cost effective technology that will be disruptive in fields such as energy harvesting, consumer electronics and medical sensors. The performance of printed electronic devices relies principally on the carrier mobility and molecular packing of the polymer semiconductor material. Unfortunately, the analysis of such materials is generally performed with destructive techniques, which are hard to make compatible with in situ measurements, and pose a great obstacle for the mass production of printed electronics devices. A rapid, in situ, non-destructive and low-cost testing method is needed. In this study, we demonstrate that nonlinear optical microscopy is a promising technique to achieve this goal. Using ultrashort laser pulses we stimulate two-photon absorption in a roll coated polymer semiconductor and map the resulting two-photon induced photoluminescence and second harmonic response. We show that, in our experimental conditions, it is possible to relate the total amount of photoluminescence detected to important material properties such as the charge carrier density and the molecular packing of the printed polymer material, all with a spatial resolution of 400 nm. Importantly, this technique can be extended to the real time mapping of the polymer semiconductor film, even during the printing process, in which the high printing speed poses the need for equally high acquisition rates.
Chemical chaperone, TUDCA unlike PBA, mitigates protein aggregation efficiently and resists ER and non-ER stress induced HepG2 cell death
Authors: Uppala Jagadeesh Kumar , Gani Amina R. , Ramaiah Kolluru V. A.
Published: June 2017

Stress induced BSA (bovine serum albumin) protein aggregation is effectively mitigated in vitro by TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) than by PBA (4- phenylbutyric acid), chemical chaperones approved by FDA for the treatment of biliary cirrhosis and urea cycle disorders respectively. TUDCA, unlike PBA, enhances trypsin mediated digestion of BSA. TUDCA activates PERK, an ER-resident kinase that phosphorylates the alpha-subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor2 (eIF2α) and promotes the expression of activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in HepG2 cells. In contrast, PBA induced eIF2α phosphorylation is not mediated by PERK activation and results in low ATF4 expression. Neither chaperones promote expression of BiP, an ER chaperone, and CHOP (C/EBP homologous protein), downstream target of eIF2α-ATF4 pathway. Both chaperones mitigate tunicamycin induced PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP arm of UPR and expression of BiP. TUDCA, unlike PBA does not decrease cell viability and it also mitigates tunicamycin, UV-irradiation and PBA induced PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase) cleavage and cell death. These findings therefore suggest that TUDCA’s antiapoptotic activity to protect HepG2 cells and PBA’s activity that limits tumor cell progression may be important while considering their therapeutic potential.
Impact of Antigen Density on the Binding Mechanism of IgG Antibodies
Authors: Hadzhieva Maya , Pashov Anastas D. , Kaveri Srinivas , Lacroix-Desmazes Sébastien , Mouquet Hugo , Dimitrov Jordan D.
Published: June 2017

The density and distribution pattern of epitopes at the surface of pathogens have a profound impact on immune responses. Although multiple lines of evidence highlight the significance of antigen surface density for antibody binding, a quantitative description of its effect on recognition mechanisms is missing. Here, we analyzed binding kinetics and thermodynamics of six HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies as a function of the surface density of envelope glycoprotein gp120. Antibodies that recognize gp120 with low to moderate binding affinity displayed the most pronounced sensitivity to variation in antigen density, with qualitative and substantial quantitative changes in the energetics of the binding process as revealed by non-equilibrium and equilibrium thermodynamic analyses. In contrast, the recognition of gp120 by the antibodies with the highest affinity was considerably less influenced by variations in antigen density. These data suggest that a lower affinity of antibodies permits higher dynamics during the antigen recognition process, which may have considerable functional repercussions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of antigen recognition by antibodies. They are also of importance for apprehending the impact of antigen topology on immune-defense functions of antibodies.
The cellular and circuit basis for evolutionary change in sensory perception in mormyrid fishes
Authors: Vélez Alejandro , Kohashi Tsunehiko , Lu Anan , Carlson Bruce A.
Published: June 2017

Species differences in perception have been linked to divergence in gross neuroanatomical features of sensory pathways. The anatomical and physiological basis of evolutionary change in sensory processing at cellular and circuit levels, however, is poorly understood. Here, we show how specific changes to a sensory microcircuit are associated with the evolution of a novel perceptual ability. In mormyrid fishes, the ability to detect variation in electric communication signals is correlated with an enlargement of the midbrain exterolateral nucleus (EL), and a differentiation into separate anterior (ELa) and posterior (ELp) regions. We show that the same cell types and connectivity are found in both EL and ELa/ELp. The evolution of ELa/ELp, and the concomitant ability to detect signal variation, is associated with a lengthening of incoming hindbrain axons to form delay lines, allowing for fine temporal analysis of signals. The enlargement of this brain region is also likely due to an overall increase in cell numbers, which would allow for processing of a wider range of timing information.
Strong sub-seasonal wintertime cooling over East Asia and Northern Europe associated with super El Niño events
Authors: Geng Xin , Zhang Wenjun , Stuecker Malte F. , Jin Fei-Fei
Published: June 2017

East Asia experienced a record-breaking cold event during the 2015/16 boreal winter, with pronounced impacts on livelihood in the region. We find that this large-scale cold spell can be attributed to the concurrent super El Niño event in the tropical Pacific. Our analysis reveals that all super El Niño winters (1982/83, 1997/98, and 2015/16) were accompanied by a rapid sub-seasonal North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)/Arctic Oscillation (AO) phase reversal from a positive to a negative state during early January, which was largely caused by the interaction of these super El Niño events with the subtropical jet annual cycle. The NAO/AO phase transition leads to a rapidly strengthened Siberian High, which favors southward intrusions of cold air to East Asia and thus causes severe local cooling. Similar cold spells can also be detected over Northern Europe associated with the fast sub-seasonal NAO/AO phase reversal. Due to the weaker amplitude of the ENSO forcing, these sub-seasonal atmospheric responses cannot be detected for moderate El Niño events. The super El Niño associated sub-seasonal signal of the East Asian and Northern Europe wintertime temperature responses carries important implications for future predictability of regional extreme events.
Neurofeedback learning modifies the incidence rate of alpha spindles, but not their duration and amplitude
Authors: Ossadtchi Alexei , Shamaeva Tatiana , Okorokova Elizaveta , Moiseeva Victoria , Lebedev Mikhail A.
Published: June 2017

Although the first experiments on alpha-neurofeedback date back nearly six decades ago, when Joseph Kamiya reported successful operant conditioning of alpha-rhythm in humans, the effectiveness of this paradigm in various experimental and clinical settings is still a matter of debate. Here, we investigated the changes in EEG patterns during a continuously administered neurofeedback of P4 alpha activity. Two days of neurofeedback training were sufficient for a significant increase in the alpha power to occur. A detailed analysis of these EEG changes showed that the alpha power rose because of an increase in the incidence rate of alpha episodes, whereas the amplitude and the duration of alpha oscillations remained unchanged. These findings suggest that neurofeedback facilitates volitional control of alpha activity onset, but alpha episodes themselves appear to be maintained automatically with no volitional control – a property overlooked by previous studies that employed continuous alpha-power neurofeedback. We propose that future research on alpha neurofeedback should explore reinforcement schedules based on detection of onsets and offsets of alpha waves, and employ these statistics for exploration and quantification of neurofeedback induced effects.
Changes in pore structure of coal caused by coal-to-gas bioconversion
Authors: Zhang Rui , Liu Shimin , Bahadur Jitendra , Elsworth Derek , Wang Yi , Hu Guanglong , Liang Yanna
Published: June 2017

Abstarct

Microbial enhanced coalbed methane (ME-CBM) recovery is critically examined as a viable technology for natural gas recovery from coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs. Since the majority of gas-in-place (GIP) is stored as an adsorbed phase in fine pores of coal matrix, the nano-pore structure directly influences gas storage and transport properties. Only limited studies have quantified the alteration of the nano-pore structure due to ME-CBM treatment. This study examines the evolution of the pore structure using a combination of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), low-pressure N2 and CO2 adsorption (LPGA) and high-pressure methane adsorption methods. The results show that the surface fractal dimension decreases for the two bioconverted coals compared to the untreated coal. After bio-treatment, the mesopore surface area and pore volume decrease with the average pore diameter increases, while the micropore surface area increases with pore volume decreases. Both inaccessible meso-/micropore size distributions decrease after bioconversion, while the accessible micropore size distribution increases, making a portion of closed micropore network accessible. In addition, the methane adsorption capacities increase after bio-treatment, which is confirmed by the increase of micropore surface area. A conceptual physical model of methanogenesis is proposed based on the evolution of the pore structure.
Integrating genome and transcriptome profiling for elucidating the mechanism of muscle growth and lipid deposition in Pekin ducks
Authors: Wang Liyuan , Li Xiangxiang , Ma Jun , Zhang Yawen , Zhang Hao
Published: June 2017

Muscle growth and lipid deposition are co-ordinately regulated processes. Cherry Valley Pekin duck is a lean-type duck breed with high growth rate, whereas the native Pekin duck of China has high lipid deposition. Phenotypic analysis showed that native Pekin ducks have smaller fibre diameter and larger density in the breast muscle at 3 weeks of age and higher intramuscular fat content at 6 weeks of age than those in Cherry Valley Pekin ducks. We detected 17 positively selected genes (PSGs) by comparing genes mainly involved with muscle organ development, muscle contraction, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor signalling pathway, and fatty acid metabolism. In all, 52 and 206 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in transcriptomic comparisons between the two breeds at 3 and 6 weeks of age, respectively, which could potentially affect muscle growth and lipid deposition. Based on the integration of PSGs and DEGs and their functional annotations, we found that 11 and 10 genes were correlated with muscle growth and lipid deposition, respectively. Identification of candidate genes controlling quantitative traits of duck muscle might aid in elucidating the mechanisms of muscle growth and lipid deposition and could help in improving duck breeding.
The Effect of shape on Cellular Uptake of Gold Nanoparticles in the forms of Stars, Rods, and Triangles
Authors: Xie Xueping , Liao Jinfeng , Shao Xiaoru , Li Qianshun , Lin Yunfeng
Published: June 2017

Gold nanomaterials have attracted considerable interest as vehicles for intracellular drug delivery. In our study, we synthesized three different shapes of methylpolyethylene glycol coated-anisotropic gold nanoparticles: stars, rods, and triangles. The cellular internalization of these nanoparticles by RAW264.7 cells was analyzed, providing a parametric evaluation of the effect of shape. The efficiency of cellular uptake of the gold nanoparticles was found to rank in the following order from lowest to highest: stars, rods, and triangles. The possible mechanisms of cellular uptake for the three types of gold nanoparticles were examined, and it was found that different shapes tended to use the various endocytosis pathways in different proportions. Our study, which has demonstrated that shape can modulate the uptake of nanoparticles into RAW264.7 cells and that triangles were the shape with the most efficient cellular uptake, provides useful guidance toward the design of nanomaterials for drug delivery.
Electronic Band Alignment at Complex Oxide Interfaces Measured by Scanning Photocurrent Microscopy
Authors: Yoon J. H. , Jung H. J. , Hong J. T. , Park Ji-Yong , Lee Soonil , Lee S. W. , Ahn Y. H.
Published: June 2017

The band alignment at an Al2O3/SrTiO3 heterointerface forming a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) was investigated using scanning photocurrent microscopy (SPCM) in an electrolyte-gated environment. We used a focused UV laser source for above-the-bandgap illumination on the SrTiO3 layer, creating electron-hole pairs that contributed to the photocurrent through migration towards the metal electrodes. The polarity of the SPCM signals of a bare SrTiO3 device shows typical p-type behavior at zero gate bias, in which the photogenerated electrons are collected by the electrodes. In contrast, the SPCM polarity of 2DEG device indicates that the hole carriers were collected by the metal electrodes. Careful transport measurements revealed that the gate-dependent conductance of the 2DEG devices exhibits n-type switching behavior. More importantly, the SPCM signals in 2DEG devices demonstrated very unique gate-responses that cannot be found in conventional semiconducting devices, based on which we were able to perform detailed investigation into the electronic band alignment of the 2DEG devices and obtain the valence band offset at the heterointerface.
Superior lattice thermal conductance of single-layer borophene
Authors: Zhou Hangbo , Cai Yongqing , Zhang Gang , Zhang Yong-Wei
Published: June 2017

By way of the non-equilibrium Green’s function simulations and first-principles calculations, we report that borophene, a single layer of boron atoms that was fabricated recently, possesses an extraordinarily high lattice thermal conductance in the ballistic transport regime, which even exceeds graphene. In addition to the obvious reasons of light mass and strong bonding of boron atoms, the superior thermal conductance is mainly rooted in its strong structural anisotropy and unusual phonon transmission. For low-frequency phonons, the phonon transmission within borophene is nearly isotropic, similar to that of graphene. For high-frequency phonons, however, the transmission is one-dimensional, that is, all the phonons travel in one direction, giving rise to its ultra-high thermal conductance. The present study suggests that borophene is promising for applications in efficient heat dissipation and thermal management, and also an ideal material for revealing fundamentals of dimensionality effect on phonon transport in ballistic regime.
Bilayered nanofibrous 3D hierarchy as skin rudiment by emulsion electrospinning for burn wound management
Authors: Pal Pallabi , Dadhich Prabhash , Srivas Pavan Kumar , Das Bodhisatwa , Maulik Dhrubajyoti , Dhara Santanu
Published: June 2017

Mimicking skin extracellular matrix hierarchy, the present work aims to develop a bilayer skin graft comprising a porous cotton-wool-like 3D layer with membranous structure of PCL–chitosan nanofibers.
An annealing-free aqueous-processed anatase TiO2 compact layer for efficient planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yang Chengwu , Yu Mingyu , Chen Dichun , Zhou Yaqing , Wang Wei , Li Yang , Lee Tung-Chun , Yun Daqin
Published: June 2017

We report efficient perovskite solar cells (PCE = 18.29 ± 0.18%) based on TiO2 films synthesised via a facile aqueous, annealing-free route.
Wavelength-selective and high-contrast multicolour fluorescence photoswitching in a mixture of photochromic nanoparticles
Authors: Ishida Sanae , Fukaminato Tuyoshi , Kitagawa Daichi , Kobatake Seiya , Kim Sunnam , Ogata Tomonari , Kurihara Seiji
Published: June 2017

Wavelength-selective and high-contrast multicolour fluorescence photoswitching was successfully demonstrated based on the nonlinear fluorescence quenching in photochromic nanoparticles.
Designing self-powered materials systems that perform pattern recognition
Authors: Fang Yan , Yashin Victor V. , Levitan Steven P. , Balazs Anna C.
Published: June 2017

Inspired by the advances in both materials and computer science, we describe efforts to design “materials that compute” where the material and the computer are the same entity.
Non-fullerene acceptors based on central naphthalene diimide flanked by rhodanine or 1,3-indanedione
Authors: Srivani Doli , Gupta Akhil , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Puyad Avinash L. , Xiang Wanchun , Li Jingliang , Evans Richard A. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: June 2017

Through the combination of central naphthalene diimide and terminal rhodanine or 1,3-indanedione functionalities, two new non-fullerene electron acceptors, coded as N3 and N4, were designed, synthesized and characterized.
Recent advances in the computational chemistry of soft porous crystals
Authors: Fraux Guillaume , Coudert François-Xavier
Published: June 2017

We highlight recent progress in the field of computational chemistry of nanoporous materials, focusing on methods and studies that address the extraordinary dynamic nature of these systems: the high flexibility of their frameworks, the large-scale structural changes upon external physical or chemical stimulation, and the presence of defects and disorder.
Self-assembly of silver(i)-based high-energy metal–organic frameworks (HE-MOFs) at ambient temperature and pressure: synthesis, structure and superior explosive performance
Authors: Shen Cheng , Liu Yang , Zhu Zhong-qin , Xu Yuan-gang , Lu Ming
Published: June 2017

Two HE-MOFs, {Ag2(DNMAF)(H2O)2}n (1) and {Ag2(DNMAF)}n (2), were prepared using K2DNMAF in a mild self-assembly strategy.
An efficient target–intermediate recycling amplification strategy for ultrasensitive fluorescence assay of intracellular lead ions
Authors: Wen Zhi-Bin , Liang Wen-Bin , Zhuo Ying , Xiong Cheng-Yi , Zheng Ying-Ning , Yuan Ruo , Chai Ya-Qin
Published: June 2017

An ultrasensitive fluorescence assay for intracellular Pb2+ determination was proposed through target–intermediate recycling amplification based on metal-assisted DNAzyme catalysis and strand displacement reactions.
Relating induction time and metastable zone width
Authors: Yang Huaiyu , Florence Alastair J.
Published: June 2017

A relation between MSZW and induction time reveals nucleation happens when nucleation potential accumulates up to a constant value in a system. The MSZW and induction time can be estimated from each other with this relation.
Growth mechanisms of alpha-boron and beta-boron in a copper melt at ambient pressure and its stabilities
Authors: Sun Zu-xin , Wu Yu-ying , Han Xiao-xiao , Zhang Guo-jun , Liu Xiang-fa
Published: June 2017

Relying on copper melt as a solvent, we successfully synthesize alpha-boron (α-B) and beta-boron (β-B) at ambient pressure.
Fragmentation of pure and hydrated clusters of 5Br-uracil by low energy carbon ions: observation of hydrated fragments
Authors: Castrovilli M. C. , Markush P. , Bolognesi P. , Rousseau P. , Maclot S. , Cartoni A. , Delaunay R. , Domaracka A. , Kočišek J. , Huber B. A. , Avaldi L.
Published: June 2017

The fragmentation of the isolated 5-bromouracil (5BrU) molecule and pure and nano-hydrated 5BrU clusters induced by low energy 12C4+ ions has been studied.
2D–3D structural transition in sub-nanometer PtNclusters supported on CeO2(111)
Authors: Paz-Borbón Lauro Oliver , López-Martínez Andres , Garzón Ignacio L. , Posada-Amarillas Alvaro , Grönbeck Henrik
Published: June 2017

Transition metal particles dispersed on oxide supports are used as heterogeneous catalysts in numerous applications.
Correction: Preparation of Mo nanopowders through electroreduction of solid MoS2 in molten KCl–NaCl
Authors: Gao Haiping , Tan Mingsheng , Rong Liangbin , Wang Zhiyong , Peng Junjun , Jin Xianbo , Chen George Z.
Published: June 2017

Correction for ‘Preparation of Mo nanopowders through electroreduction of solid MoS2 in molten KCl–NaCl’ by Haiping Gao et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2014, 16, 19514–19521.
Zeolitic imidazole framework coated Au nanorods for enhanced photothermal therapy and stability
Authors: Fang Lin , Wang Weiqi , Liu Yang , Xie Zhigang , Chen Li
Published: June 2017

ZIF-8 was exploited to coat Au nanorods (AuNRs) as a hyperthermia agent for enhanced plasmonic photothermal therapy.
Fluorescent sensing and selective adsorption properties of metal–organic frameworks with mixed tricarboxylate and 1H-imidazol-4-yl-containing ligands
Authors: Liu Zhi-Qiang , Zhao Yue , Wang Peng , Kang Yan-Shang , Azam Mohammad , Al-Resayes Saud I. , Liu Xiao-Hui , Lu Qing-Yi , Sun Wei-Yin
Published: June 2017

Herein, two porous metal–organic frameworks have been synthesized and their magnetic, fluorescent sensing, and selective adsorption properties have been investigated.
Introductory lecture: atmospheric chemistry in the Anthropocene
Authors: Finlayson-Pitts Barbara J.
Published: June 2017

The term “Anthropocene” was coined by Professor Paul Crutzen in 2000 to describe an unprecedented era in which anthropogenic activities are impacting planet Earth on a global scale. Greatly increased emissions into the atmosphere, reflecting the advent of the Industrial Revolution, have caused significant changes in both the lower and upper atmosphere. Atmospheric reactions of the anthropogenic emissions and of those with biogenic compounds have significant impacts on human health, visibility, climate and weather. Two activities that have had particularly large impacts on the troposphere are fossil fuel combustion and agriculture, both associated with a burgeoning population. Emissions are also changing due to alterations in land use. This paper describes some of the tropospheric chemistry associated with the Anthropocene, with emphasis on areas having large uncertainties. These include heterogeneous chemistry such as those of oxides of nitrogen and the neonicotinoid pesticides, reactions at liquid interfaces, organic oxidations and particle formation, the role of sulfur compounds in the Anthropocene and biogenic–anthropogenic interactions. A clear and quantitative understanding of the connections between emissions, reactions, deposition and atmospheric composition is central to developing appropriate cost-effective strategies for minimizing the impacts of anthropogenic activities. The evolving nature of emissions in the Anthropocene places atmospheric chemistry at the fulcrum of determining human health and welfare in the future.
Integrating lignin valorization and bio-ethanol production: on the role of Ni-Al2O3catalyst pellets during lignin-first fractionation
Authors: Van den Bosch S. , Renders T. , Kennis S. , Koelewijn S.-F. , Van den Bossche G. , Vangeel T. , Deneyer A. , Depuydt D. , Courtin C. M. , Thevelein J. M. , Schutyser W. , Sels B. F.
Published: June 2017

Elucidation of the catalyst role during reductive catalytic fractionation, enabling the integration of lignin valorization and bio-ethanol production.
Automated and controlled mechanical stimulation and functional imaging in vivo in C. elegans
Authors: Cho Yongmin , Porto Daniel A. , Hwang Hyundoo , Grundy Laura J. , Schafer William R. , Lu Hang
Published: June 2017

A new automated microfluidic platform can deliver a wide range of mechanical stimuli for functional neural imaging inC. elegans.
NO-Dependent programmed cell death is involved in the formation of Zn-related lesions in tobacco leaves
Authors: Weremczuk Aleksandra , Ruszczyńska Anna , Bulska Ewa , Antosiewicz Danuta Maria
Published: June 2017

A recent study indicated that the development of lesions on the leaf blades of tobacco exposed to zinc (Zn) excess can be considered a manifestation of a Zn-tolerance strategy at the organ level.
In operando X-ray diffraction of lithium–oxygen batteries using an ionic liquid as an electrolyte co-solvent
Authors: Knipping E. , Aucher C. , Guirado G. , Fauth F. , Aubouy L.
Published: June 2017

Chemical instability of ionic liquids in the presence of lithium metal leading to spontaneous LiOH formation.
Controlling biomineralisation with cations
Authors: Sand K. K. , Pedersen C. S. , Matthiesen J. , Dobberschütz S. , Stipp S. L. S.
Published: June 2017

The production of polymers for controlling calcite growth is a well-known approach in biomineralising organisms. However, little is known about the on/off switch that controls the formation of their intricate mineral forms. We demonstrate that interactions between cations and a polymer can regulate how the polymers interact with calcite.
Power-dependent upconversion quantum yield of NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nano- and micrometer-sized particles – measurements and simulations
Authors: Kaiser Martin , Würth Christian , Kraft Marco , Hyppänen Iko , Soukka Tero , Resch-Genger Ute
Published: June 2017

The upconversion quantum yield of μm- and nm-sized powder and dispersion absolutely measured with a Top Hat and Gaussian excitation beam profile.
Concurrent fast growth of sub-centimeter single-crystal graphene with controlled nucleation density in a confined channel
Authors: Wu Ruizhe , Pan Jie , Ou Xuewu , Zhang Qicheng , Ding Yao , Sheng Ping , Luo Zhengtang
Published: June 2017

A simple Cu channel structure over Cu/quartz support was designed to achieve fast growth of sub-centimeter single-crystal graphene grains.
The effect ofl-DOPA hydroxyl groups on the formation of supramolecular hydrogels
Authors: Zanna Nicola , Iaculli Debora , Tomasini Claudia
Published: June 2017

Fmoc-l-DOPA-d-Oxd-OH was prepared starting from commercially availablel-DOPA. Its gelation ability was tested by comparison with Fmoc-l-Tyr-d-Oxd-OH and Fmoc-l-Phe-d-Oxd-OH using ten different triggers.
Grafting challenging monomers from proteins using aqueous ICAR ATRP under bio-relevant conditions
Authors: Cohen-Karni Devora , Kovaliov Marina , Ramelot Theresa , Konkolewicz Dominik , Graner Scott , Averick Saadyah
Published: June 2017

Aqueous ICAR ATRP was applied to graft well defined acrylamide, N,N-dimethylacrylamide and N-vinylimidazole homo and block copolymers from a model protein initiator (bovine serum albumin (BSA)) under bio-relevant conditions.
Insight into the polymerization mechanism of photoinduced step transfer-addition & radical-termination (START) polymerizations
Authors: Xu Tianchi , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: June 2017

The intrinsic polymerization mechanism of photoinduced step transfer-addition & radical-termination (START) has been revealed based on the successful construction of a catalytic system (Ru(bpy)3Cl2/RA) and a solvent system (DMC/MeCN).
Density functional theoretical investigation of intramolecular proton transfer mechanisms in the derivatives of 3-hydroxychromone
Authors: Huang Jin-Dou , Zhang Jianbin , Chen Dengyi , Ma Huipeng
Published: June 2017

The ground and excited state intramolecular proton transfer mechanisms of 3-HTCA and 3-HTC-DiCN have been investigated systematically.
TBAF catalyzed one-pot synthesis of allenyl-indoles
Authors: De Nisi A. , Sierra S. , Ferrara M. , Monari M. , Bandini M.
Published: June 2017

The site selective synthesis of functionalized indoles is presented under environmentally convenient tetrabutylammonium fluoride catalysis.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed indole-directed carbenoid aryl C–H insertion/cyclization: access to 1,2-benzocarbazoles
Authors: Zhang Zhenhui , Liu Kunkun , Chen Xun , Su Shi-Jian , Deng Yuanfu , Zeng Wei
Published: June 2017

A rhodium(iii)-catalyzed indole-directed aryl C–H bond carbenoid insertion cascade of 2-arylindoles with diazo compounds has been developed.
A colorimetric method for rapid and selective quantification of peroxodisulfate, peroxomonosulfate and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Deadman Benjamin J. , Hellgardt Klaus , (Mimi) Hii King Kuok
Published: June 2017

A convenient and selective method for the determination of peroxodisulfate, peroxomonosulfate and hydrogen peroxide in mixed oxidant systems.
Fracture toughness of wet and dry particulate materials comprised of colloidal sized particles: role of plastic deformation
Authors: Sesso Mitchell L. , Franks George V.
Published: June 2017

This work demonstrates a method of measuring the fracture toughness of particulate materials comprised of colloidal sized particles over a wide range of saturation.
Recent efficient strategies for improving the moisture stability of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Li Faming , Liu Mingzhen
Published: June 2017

Current popular and efficient strategies to improve the long-term stability regarding protection against moisture in the field of PSCs.
Hierarchical TiO1.1Se0.9-wrapped carbon cloth as the TCO-free and Pt-free counter electrode for iodide-based and cobalt-based dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Li Chun-Ting , Lee Chuan-Pei , Chiu I-Ting , Vittal R. , Huang Yi-June , Chen Tai-Ying , Pang Hao-Wei , Lin Jiann T. , Ho Kuo-Chuan
Published: June 2017

Hierarchical, flexible, and platinum-free TiO1.1Se0.9/carbon cloth counter electrode efficiently rendered its dye-sensitized solar cell 9.47% and 10.32% efficiencies in iodide-based and cobalt-based electrolytes, respectively.
Realization of ultra-high barrier to water vapor by 3D-interconnection of super-hydrophobic graphene layers in polylactide films
Authors: Zhou Sheng-Yang , Yang Biao , Li Yue , Gao Xin-Rui , Ji Xu , Zhong Gan-Ji , Li Zhong-Ming
Published: June 2017

Inferior water barrier performance has always been a major deficiency of polylactide (PLA) that is in practice difficult to overcome owing to the existence of plentiful hydrophilic ester bonds in the main chain.
Enhancing the photocatalytic activity of BiOX (X = Cl, Br, and I), (BiO)2CO3 and Bi2O3 by modifying their surfaces with polar organic anions, 4-substituted thiophenolates
Authors: Xu Benyan , An Yang , Liu Yuanyuan , Qin Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoyang , Dai Ying , Wang Zeyan , Wang Peng , Whangbo Myung-Hwan , Huang Baibiao
Published: June 2017

Bi-based semiconductors surface-modified by polar organic molecules display extended visible light absorption and enhanced photocatalytic activity.
The mechanism of TGF-β/miR-155/c-Ski regulates endothelial–mesenchymal transition in human coronary artery endothelial cells
Authors: Wang Juan , He Wen , Xu Xiao , Guo Liping , Zhang Yin , Han Suxia , Shen Difei
Published: June 2017

Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) have the potential to undergo fibrogenic endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT), which results in matrix-producing fibroblasts and thereby contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis. Recently, the profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is shown to be the crucial pathogenic driver which has been verified to induce EndMT. C-Ski is an important regulator of TGF-β signaling. However, the detailed role of c-Ski and the molecular mechanisms by which c-Ski affects TGF-β-induced EndMT in HCAECs are not largely elucidated. In the present study, we treated HCAECs with TGF-β of different concentrations to induce EndMT. We found that overexpression of c-Ski in HCAECs either blocked EndMT via hindering Vimentin, Snail, Slug, and Twist expression while enhancing CD31 expression, with or without TGF-β treatment. In contrast, suppression of c-Ski further enhanced EndMT. Currently, miRNA expression disorder has been frequently reported associating with cardiac fibrosis. By using online tools, we regarded miR-155 as a candidate miRNA that could target c-Ski, which was verified using luciferase assays. C-Ski expression was negatively regulated by miR-155. TGF-β-induced EndMT was inhibited by miR-155 silence; the effect of TGF-β on Vimentin, CD31, Snail, Slug, and Twist could be partially restored by miR-155. Altogether, these findings will shed light on the role and mechanism by which miR-155 regulates TGF-β-induced HCAECs EndMT via c-Ski to affect cardiac fibrosis, and miR-155/c-Ski may represent novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
Effect of Single-Use, Laser-Cut, Slow-Flow Nipples on Respiration and Milk Ingestion in Preterm Infants
Authors: McGrattan Katlyn E. , McFarland David H. , Dean Jesse C. , Hill Elizabeth , White David R. , Martin-Harris Bonnie
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Single-use, laser-cut, slow-flow nipples were evaluated for their effect on respiration and milk ingestion in 13 healthy preterm infants (32.7–37.1 weeks postmenstrual age) under nonlaboratory, clinical conditions.

Method

The primary outcomes of minute ventilation and overall milk transfer were measured by using integrated nasal airflow and volume-calibrated bottles during suck bursts and suck burst breaks during slow-flow and standard-flow nipple bottle feedings. Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used to test the effect of nipple type on both outcomes.

Results

Prefeeding minute ventilation decreased significantly during suck bursts and returned to baseline values during suck burst breaks across both slow-flow and standard-flow nipples. No differences were found in minute ventilation (p> .40) or overall milk transfer (p= .58) between slow-flow and standard-flow nipples.

Conclusions

The lack of difference in primary outcomes between the single-use slow-flow and standard-flow nipples may reflect variability in nipple properties among nipples produced by the same manufacturer. Future investigations examining the effect of both single-use and reusable nipple products are warranted to better guide nipple selection during clinical care.
Deep‐learning‐based license plate detection method using vehicle region extraction
Authors: Kim S.G. , Jeon H.G. , Koo H.I.
Published: June 2017

A new license plate detection method for challenging environments is proposed. Background clutters are common in road scene images and the detection of license plates (occupying only a small part of an image) is considered as a difficult problem. In order to address this problem, a two‐step approach is developed: first vehicle regions are detected and the license plate in each vehicle region is localised. This vehicle region detection based approach provides scale information and limits search ranges in license plate detection, so that one can reliably detect license plate regions. To be precise, the faster region‐based convolutional neural network algorithm for the vehicle region detection is adopted and candidates for license plates in each detected region with the hierarchical sampling method are generated. Finally, non‐plate candidates are filtered out by training a deep convolutional neural network. The proposed method is evaluated on the Caltech dataset and the method showed a precision of 98.39% and a recall of 96.83%, which outperforms conventional methods.
Efficient Bloom filter for network protocols using AES instruction set
Authors: Zhang Yao , Zheng Zhiming , Zhang Xiao
Published: June 2017

The Internet continues to flourish, while an increasing number of network applications are found deploying Bloom filters. However, the heterogeneity of the Bloom filter realisations complicates the utilisation of relevant applications. Moreover, when applying Bloom filter to traffic that usually has a gigabit capacity, even insignificant delays will accumulate and restrict the effectiveness of the real‐time protocols. In this study, the authors present a Bloom filter construction that can be easily and consistently adopted at network nodes, with also considerable processing speed. Specifically, the authors show that AES‐based hashes are adequate to create Bloom filters correctly. Then they illustrate how AES new instructions (AES‐NI) can be leveraged to accelerate the Bloom filter realisation. According to the authors' experimental results, the proposed Bloom filter enables the best speed performance compared to the competing approaches.
Secrecy performance analysis of SIMO underlay cognitive radio systems with outdated CSI
Authors: Lei Hongjiang , Zhang Jianming , Park Ki‐Hong , Ansari Imran Shafique , Pan Gaofeng , Alouini Mohamed‐Slim
Published: June 2017

This study investigates the secrecy outage performance of a single‐input multiple‐output underlay cognitive radio network (CRN) with outdated channel state information (CSI). The confidential messages are transmitted from transmitter to the destination, while a multi‐antenna eavesdropper exists. The maximal ratio combining and selection combining schemes are utilised at the receivers to improve the quality of the received signal‐to‐noise ratio. The exact and asymptotic closed‐form expressions of secrecy outage probability are derived, and simulation results are provided to verify the authors' proposed analytical results. The results reveal that imperfect CSI of main channels deteriorates the secrecy outage performance while that of eavesdropping and interfering channels has contrary effect, and only a unity diversity order can be obtained in underlay CRNs with imperfect CSI.
Verification using counterexample fragment based specification relaxation: case of modular/concurrent linear hybrid automata
Authors: Ren Hao , Huang Jing , Jiang Shengbing , Kumar Ratnesh
Published: June 2017

We present LhaVrf, a symbolic verifier for the safety verification of concurrent LHA (Linear Hybrid Automaton). A concurrent LHA is composed of a set of LHAs that interact through shared variables and/or events. An LHA is first translated to a purely discrete linear transition system that preserves the reachability of discrete states. Its analysis can be conducted in the proposed counterexample fragment based specification relaxation (CEFSR) framework, where an invalid fragment of a counterexample is used to eliminate the entire set of counterexamples sharing the same fragment, by way of specification relaxation (as opposed to the traditional model refinement). For concurrent systems, we propose further enhancement towards scalability as follows. For each spurious counterexample, an unsatisfiable core (unsat‐core) that makes the counterexample invalid, is identified and used for specification relaxation, thereby eliminating the entire set of spurious counterexamples sharing the same unsat‐core in a single iteration. Our implementation of LhaVrf adopts the above key ideas, with capability of automatically translating the hybrid automata into discrete transition system, composing the concurrent model, and using satisfiability modulo theory solver for validating counterexamples and fast‐searching for the unsat‐core. The verifier is illustrated via an application to the Fischer mutual exclusion protocol.
Image segmentation using a unified Markov random field model
Authors: Chen Xiaohui , Zheng Chen , Yao Hongtai , Wang Bingxue
Published: June 2017

Markov random field model (MRF) has attracted great attention in the field of image segmentation. Its basic unit can be pixels or regions. These pixel‐based or region‐based MRF models have their own advantages and disadvantages. In order to complement advantages of each other, a unified Markov random field (UMRF) model is proposed in this paper. The strength of the UMRF model lies in two aspects. First, the proposed model combines the benefits of the pixel‐based and the region‐based MRF models by decomposing the likelihood function into the product of the pixel likelihood function and the regional likelihood function. It can make the UMRF model take both pixel information and regional information into account. Second, a new regional feature is designed for the UMRF model to describe macro texture patterns. A principled probabilistic inference is developed to integrate different types of likelihood information and the spatial constraint by iteratively updating the posterior probability of the proposed model. Segmentation results can be achieved when iteration converges. Texture, remote sensing and nature images are employed to test the effectiveness of the proposed model. Experimental results illustrate that our model can achieve higher segmentation accuracy than either the pixel‐based or region‐based MRF models.
Lithium‐ion battery power degradation modelling by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Stroe Daniel‐Ioan , Swierczynski Maciej , Stroe Ana‐Irina , Kaer Søren Knudsen , Teodorescu Remus
Published: June 2017

This study investigates the use of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique as an alternative to the DC pulses technique for estimating the power capability decrease of lithium‐ion batteries during calendar ageing. On the basis of results obtained from calendar ageing tests performed at different conditions during 1–2 years, a generalised model that estimates the battery power capability decrease as function of the resistance Rs increase (obtained from EIS) was proposed and successfully verified.
Performance analysis of proportional resonant and ADALINE‐based solar photovoltaic‐integrated unified active power filter
Authors: Devassy Sachin , Singh Bhim
Published: June 2017

In this work, a novel control of single‐phase solar photovoltaic (PV) fed unified active power filter (PV‐UAPF) is proposed for use in low‐voltage distribution system. The shunt voltage source converter (VSC) of PV‐UAPF mitigates current power quality issues such as current harmonics, reactive current etc. while the series VSC of PV‐UAPF protects the sensitive load against point of common coupling (PCC) voltage disturbances. The shunt VSC control is based on extraction of fundamental load active current using recursive least squares with a variable forgetting factor. The proposed method improves the dynamic response of the system without sacrificing the steady‐state performance. The series VSC is controlled using a proportional‐resonant controller and it injects voltage in/out phase with PCC voltage during voltage sags/swells, respectively. The PV array which is integrated at the DC link of the PV‐UAPF through a reverse blocking diode, provides the load power demand and also supplies remaining power into PCC. The system performance is evaluated using Matlab‐Simulink software and is then experimentally verified on a prototype developed in the laboratory under steady‐state and dynamic conditions such as irradiation variation, PCC voltage fluctuations and load disturbances to validate the performance of the system.
Hydrothermally hollow SnO2 microspheres as sodium ion battery anode with high capacity and superior stability
Authors: He Hong , Xu Maowen , Yang Jingang , He Bo , Xie Jiale
Published: June 2017

Hollow SnO2 microspheres were synthesised through a hydrothermal process with post‐calcination in air. Compared with commercial SnO2 nanoparticles, this organised and hollow SnO2 microspheres show a 3.3–3.6 times higher charge/discharge capacity, a superior cycling stability and a higher Coulomb efficiency when used as an anode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). The superior performance of hollow SnO2 microspheres was mainly attributed to the hollow structure with number of smaller nanoparticles. Compared with the disordered commercial SnO2 nanoparticles, the organised and hollow SnO2 microspheres with mesopores and micropores not only can facilitate charge transfer between the electrode and electrolyte, improve electronic and ionic transports, but also can accommodate the volume change to enhance the cycling stability of SnO2‐based SIB anodes. This work also demonstrates that the unique hollow structures can be broadly used to construct electrode nanomaterials.
Constraining galaxy cluster velocity field with the thermal Sunyaev-Zel’dovich and kinematic Sunyaev-Zel’dovich cross-bispectrum
Authors: Hurier G.
Published: June 2017

The Sunyaev-Zel’dovich (SZ) effects are produced by the interaction of cosmic microwave background (CMB) photons with the ionized and diffuse gas of electrons inside galaxy clusters integrated along the line of sight. The two main effects are the thermal SZ (tSZ) produced by thermal pressure inside galaxy clusters and the kinematic SZ (kSZ) produced by peculiar motion of galaxy clusters compared to CMB rest-frame. The kSZ effect is particularly challenging to measure as it follows the same spectral behavior as the CMB, and consequently cannot be separated from the CMB using spectral considerations. In this paper, we explore the feasibility of detecting the kSZ through the computation of the tSZ-CMB-CMB cross-correlation bispectrum for current and future CMB experiments. We conclude that the next generation of CMB experiments will offer the possibility to detect the tSZ-kSZ-kSZ bispectrum at high signal-to-noise ration (S/N). This measurement will constraints the intra-cluster dynamics and the velocity field of galaxy cluster that is extremely sensitive to the growth rate of structures and thus to dark energy properties. Additionally, we also demonstrate that the tSZ-kSZ-kSZ bispectrum can be used to break the degeneracies between the mass-observable relation and the cosmological parameters to set tight constraints, up to 4%, on the Y − M relation calibration.
Optimal power consumption control of sensor node based on (N, D)-policy discrete-time queues
Authors: Liu Renbin , Alfa Attahiru Sule , Yu Miaomiao
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we consider two types of power consumption control policies for the long lifetime of wireless sensor node based on the discrete-time Geo/G/1 queue. One is the max(N, D)-policy, which triggers transmission mode of radio server when the N and D policies are met simultaneously, and another is the min (N, D)-policy, which restarts transmission function of radio server when either of the N and D policies is first satisfied. Under two control policies, the steady-state queueing analysis of sensor node is mathematically carried out. The mean queueing measures of sensor node, such as the mean number of data packets, mean transmission time backlog, mean waiting time, mean busy period, mean busy cycle period, and so on, are derived. Two power consumption functions are constructed through the queueing measures obtained. Numerical experiments validate that two policies are feasible and efficient for power consumption control of sensor node. At a minimum power consumption, the superiority of the N-policy, D-policy, and two dyadic (N, D) policies is numerically compared. Some practical insights on the operation of two (N, D) polices in power consumption control of sensor node are obtained.
An inventory model of a three parameter Weibull distributed deteriorating item with variable demand dependent on price and frequency of advertisement under trade credit
Authors: Shaikh Ali Akbar , Cárdenas–Barrón Leopoldo Eduardo , Bhunia Asoke Kumar , Tiwari Sunil
Published: June 2017

This paper develops an inventory model for a deteriorating item with variable demand dependent on the selling price and frequency of advertisement of the item under the financial trade credit policy. Shortages are allowed and these are partially backlogged with a variable rate dependent on the duration of waiting time until to the arrival of next order. In this inventory model, the deterioration rate follows a three-parameter Weibull distribution. The corresponding inventory model is formulated and solved by using the well-known generalized reduced gradient method along with an algorithm. To validate the inventory model, two numerical examples are considered and solved. Finally, based on one numerical example, the impacts of different parameters are studied by a sensitivity analysis considering one parameter at a time and leaving the other parameters fixed.