bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel blood-based microRNA biomarker panel for early diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Xin Lei , Gao Jun , Wang Dan , Lin Jin-Huan , Liao Zhuan , Ji Jun-Tao , Du Ting-Ting , Jiang Fei , Hu Liang-Hao , Li Zhao-Shen
Published: January 2017

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease characterized by progressive fibrosis of pancreas. Early diagnosis will improve the prognosis of patients. This study aimed to obtain serum miRNA biomarkers for early diagnosis of CP. In the current study, we analyzed the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) of CP patients from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and the DEmiRs in plasma of early CP patients (n = 10) from clinic by miRNA microarrays. Expression levels of DEmiRs were further tested in clinical samples including early CP patients (n = 20), late CP patients (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 18). The primary endpoints were area under curve (AUC) and expression levels of DEmiRs. Four DEmiRs (hsa-miR-320a-d) were obtained from GEO CP, meanwhile two (hsa-miR-221 and hsa-miR-130a) were identified as distinct biomarkers of early CP by miRNA microarrays. When applied on clinical serum samples, hsa-miR-320a-d were accurate in predicting late CP, while hsa-miR-221 and hsa-miR-130a were accurate in predicting early CP with AUC of 100.0% and 87.5%. Our study indicates that miRNA expression profile is different in early and late CP. Hsa-miR-221 and hsa-miR-130a are biomarkers of early CP, and the panel of the above 6 serum miRNAs has the potential to be applied clinically for early diagnosis of CP.
Impact of interfacial coupling of oxygen octahedra on ferromagnetic order in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Lindfors-Vrejoiu Ionela , Ziese Michael , Gloter Alexandre , van Aken Peter A.
Published: January 2017

La0.7Sr0.3MnO3, a half-metallic ferromagnet with full spin polarization, is generally used as a standard spin injector in heterostructures. However, the magnetism of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 is strongly modified near interfaces, which was addressed as “dead-layer” phenomenon whose origin is still controversial. Here, both magnetic and structural properties of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures were investigated, with emphasis on the quantitative analysis of oxygen octahedral rotation (OOR) across interfaces using annular-bright-field imaging. OOR was found to be significantly altered near interface for both La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 and SrTiO3, as linked to the magnetism deterioration. Especially in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrTiO3 superlattices, the almost complete suppression of OOR in 4 unit-cell-thick La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 results in a canted ferromagnetism. Detailed comparisons between strain and OOR relaxation and especially the observation of an unexpected La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 lattice c expansion near interfaces, prove the relevance of OOR for the magnetic properties. These results indicate the capability of tuning the magnetism by engineering OOR at the atomic scale.
The effect of brumation on memory retention
Authors: Wilkinson Anna , Hloch Anne , Mueller-Paul Julia , Huber Ludwig
Published: January 2017

Long-term torpor is an adaptive strategy that allows animals to survive harsh winter conditions. However, the impact that prolonged torpor has on cognitive function is poorly understood. Hibernation causes reduced synaptic activity and experiments with mammals reveal that this can have adverse effects on memories formed prior to hibernation. The impact of brumation, the winter dormancy that is observed in ectotherms, on memory remains unknown. The aim of this study was to examine whether an amphibian, the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra), was able to retain learned spatial information after a period of brumation. Twelve fire salamanders were trained to make a simple spatial discrimination using a T-maze. All subjects learned the initial task. Upon reaching criterion, half of the subjects were placed into brumation for 100 days while the other half served as controls and were maintained under normal conditions. A post-brumation memory retention test revealed that animals from both conditions retained the learned response. Control tests showed that they solved the task using learned information and not olfactory cues. This finding contrasts with much of the mammalian research and suggests that the processes involved in prolonged torpor may have a fundamentally different impact on memory in mammals and amphibians.
Correction: Corrigendum: Dynamics and genetics of a disease-driven species decline to near extinction: lessons for conservation
Authors: Hudson M. A. , Young R. P. , Jackson J. D’Urban , Orozco-terWengel P. , Martin L. , James A. , Sulton M. , Garcia G. , Griffiths R. A. , Thomas R. , Magin C. , Bruford M. W. , Cunningham A. A.
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 30772; published online: 03 August 2016 updated: 11 January 2017. In this Article, R. A. Griffiths is incorrectly listed as being affiliated with ‘Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Les Augres Manor, Trinity, Jersey, Channel Islands, UK’ The correct affiliation is listed below:
Gd(III)-induced Supramolecular Hydrogelation with Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Performance for Enzyme Detection
Authors: Hua Yongquan , Pu Guojuan , Ou Caiwen , Zhang Xiaoli , Wang Ling , Sun Jiangtao , Yang Zhimou , Chen Minsheng
Published: January 2017

Here we report a supramolecular hydrogel based on Gd(III)-peptide complexes with dramatically enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) performance. The hydrogelations were formed by adding Gd(III) ion to the nanofiber dispersion of self-assembling peptides naphthalene-Gly-Phe-Phe-Tyr-Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp (Nap-GFFYGRGD) or naphthalene-Gly-Phe-Phe-Tyr-Gly-Arg-Gly-Glu (Nap-GFFYGRGE). We further showed that, by adjusting the molar ratio between Gd(III) and the corresponding peptide, the mechanical property of resulting gels could be fine-tuned. The longitudinal relaxivity (r1) of the Nap-GFFYGRGE-Gd(III) was 58.9 mM−1 S−1, which to our knowledge is the highest value for such peptide-Gd(III) complexes so far. Such an enhancement of r1 value could be applied for enzyme detection in aqueous solutions and cell lysates.
Physical controllability of complex networks
Authors: Wang Le-Zhi , Chen Yu-Zhong , Wang Wen-Xu , Lai Ying-Cheng
Published: January 2017

A challenging problem in network science is to control complex networks. In existing frameworks of structural or exact controllability, the ability to steer a complex network toward any desired state is measured by the minimum number of required driver nodes. However, if we implement actual control by imposing input signals on the minimum set of driver nodes, an unexpected phenomenon arises: due to computational or experimental error there is a great probability that convergence to the final state cannot be achieved. In fact, the associated control cost can become unbearably large, effectively preventing actual control from being realized physically. The difficulty is particularly severe when the network is deemed controllable with a small number of drivers. Here we develop a physical controllability framework based on the probability of achieving actual control. Using a recently identified fundamental chain structure underlying the control energy, we offer strategies to turn physically uncontrollable networks into physically controllable ones by imposing slightly augmented set of input signals on properly chosen nodes. Our findings indicate that, although full control can be theoretically guaranteed by the prevailing structural controllability theory, it is necessary to balance the number of driver nodes and control cost to achieve physical control.
Identifying a gene expression signature of cluster headache in blood
Authors: Eising Else , Pelzer Nadine , Vijfhuizen Lisanne S. , Vries Boukje de , Ferrari Michel D. , ‘t Hoen Peter A. C. , Terwindt Gisela M. , van den Maagdenberg Arn M. J. M.
Published: January 2017

Cluster headache is a relatively rare headache disorder, typically characterized by multiple daily, short-lasting attacks of excruciating, unilateral (peri-)orbital or temporal pain associated with autonomic symptoms and restlessness. To better understand the pathophysiology of cluster headache, we used RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways in whole blood of patients with episodic (n = 19) or chronic (n = 20) cluster headache in comparison with headache-free controls (n = 20). Gene expression data were analysed by gene and by module of co-expressed genes with particular attention to previously implicated disease pathways including hypocretin dysregulation. Only moderate gene expression differences were identified and no associations were found with previously reported pathogenic mechanisms. At the level of functional gene sets, associations were observed for genes involved in several brain-related mechanisms such as GABA receptor function and voltage-gated channels. In addition, genes and modules of co-expressed genes showed a role for intracellular signalling cascades, mitochondria and inflammation. Although larger study samples may be required to identify the full range of involved pathways, these results indicate a role for mitochondria, intracellular signalling and inflammation in cluster headache.
Juvenile hormone biosynthesis in adult Blattella germanica requires nuclear receptors Seven-up and FTZ-F1
Authors: Borras-Castells Ferran , Nieva Claudia , Maestro José L. , Maestro Oscar , Belles Xavier , Martín David
Published: January 2017

In insects, the transition from juvenile development to the adult stage is controlled by juvenile hormone (JH) synthesized from the corpora allata (CA) glands. Whereas a JH-free period during the last juvenile instar triggers metamorphosis and the end of the growth period, the reappearance of this hormone after the imaginal molt marks the onset of reproductive adulthood. Despite the importance of such transition, the regulatory mechanism that controls it remains mostly unknown. Here, using the hemimetabolous insect Blattella germanica, we show that nuclear hormone receptors Seven-up-B (BgSvp-B) and Fushi tarazu-factor 1 (BgFTZ-F1) have essential roles in the tissue- and stage-specific activation of adult CA JH-biosynthetic activity. Both factors are highly expressed in adult CA cells. Moreover, RNAi-knockdown of either BgSvp-B or BgFTZ-F1 results in adult animals with a complete block in two critical JH-dependent reproductive processes, vitellogenesis and oogenesis. We show that this reproductive blockage is the result of a dramatic impairment of JH biosynthesis, due to the CA-specific reduction in the expression of two key JH biosynthetic enzymes, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase-1 (BgHMG-S1) and HMG-reductase (BgHMG-R). Our findings provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying the specific changes in the CA gland necessary for the proper transition to adulthood.
Crystal Structure of StnA for the Biosynthesis of Antitumor Drug Streptonigrin Reveals a Unique Substrate Binding Mode
Authors: Qian Tianle , Wo Jing , Zhang Yan , Song Quanwei , Feng Guoqiang , Luo Ray , Lin Shuangjin , Wu Geng , Chen Hai-Feng
Published: January 2017

Streptonigrin methylesterase A (StnA) is one of the tailoring enzymes that modify the aminoquinone skeleton in the biosynthesis pathway ofStreptomycesspecies. Although StnA has no significant sequence homology with the reported α/β-fold hydrolases, it shows typical hydrolytic activityin vivoandin vitro. In order to reveal its functional characteristics, the crystal structures of the selenomethionine substituted StnA (SeMet-StnA) and the complex (S185A mutant) with its substrate were resolved to the resolution of 2.71 Å and 2.90 Å, respectively. The overall structure of StnA can be described as an α-helix cap domain on top of a common α/β hydrolase domain. The substrate methyl ester of 10′-demethoxystreptonigrin binds in a hydrophobic pocket that mainly consists of cap domain residues and is close to the catalytic triad Ser185-His349-Asp308. The transition state is stabilized by an oxyanion hole formed by the backbone amides of Ala102 and Leu186. The substrate binding appears to be dominated by interactions with several specific hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen bonds in the cap domain. The molecular dynamics simulation and site-directed mutagenesis confirmed the important roles of the key interacting residues in the cap domain. Structural alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis indicate that StnA represents a new subfamily of lipolytic enzymes with the specific binding pocket located at the cap domain instead of the interface between the two domains.
Nitrogen-doped porous carbon monoliths from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and carbon nanotubes as electrodes for supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Yanqing , Fugetsu Bunshi , Wang Zhipeng , Gong Wei , Sakata Ichiro , Morimoto Shingo , Hashimoto Yoshio , Endo Morinobu , Dresselhaus Mildred , Terrones Mauricio
Published: January 2017

Nitrogen-doped porous activated carbon monoliths (NDP-ACMs) have long been the most desirable materials for supercapacitors. Unique to the conventional template based Lewis acid/base activation methods, herein, we report on a simple yet practicable novel approach to production of the three-dimensional NDP-ACMs (3D-NDP-ACMs). Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) contained carbon nanotubes (CNTs), being pre-dispersed into a tubular level of dispersions, were used as the starting material and the 3D-NDP-ACMs were obtained via a template-free process. First, a continuous mesoporous PAN/CNT based 3D monolith was established by using a template-free temperature-induced phase separation (TTPS). Second, a nitrogen-doped 3D-ACM with a surface area of 613.8 m2/g and a pore volume 0.366 cm3/g was obtained. A typical supercapacitor with our 3D-NDP-ACMs as the functioning electrodes gave a specific capacitance stabilized at 216 F/g even after 3000 cycles, demonstrating the advantageous performance of the PAN/CNT based 3D-NDP-ACMs.
Atomization of High-Viscosity Fluids for Aromatherapy Using Micro-heaters for Heterogeneous Bubble Nucleation
Authors: Law Junhui , Kong Ka Wai , Chan Ho-Yin , Sun Winston , Li Wen Jung , Chau Eric Boa Fung , Chan George Kak Man
Published: January 2017

The development of a novel lead-free microelectromechanical-system (MEMS)-based atomizer using the principle of thermal bubble actuation is presented. It is a low-cost, lead-free design that is environmentally friendly and harmless to humans. It has been tested to be applicable over a wide range of fluid viscosities, ranging from 1 cP (e.g., water) to 200 cP (e.g., oil-like fluid) at room temperature, a range that is difficult to achieve using ordinary atomizers. The results demonstrate that the average power consumption of the atomizer is approximately 1 W with an atomization rate of 0.1 to 0.3 mg of deionized (DI) water per cycle. The relationships between the micro-heater track width and the track gap, the size of the micro-cavities and the nucleation energy were studied to obtain an optimal atomizer design. The particle image velocimetry (PIV) results indicate that the diameter of the ejected droplets ranges from 30 to 90 μm with a speed of 20 to 340 mm/s. In addition, different modes of spraying are reported for the first time. It is envisioned that the successful development of this MEMS-based atomizing technology will revolutionize the existing market for atomizers and could also benefit different industries, particularly in applications involving viscous fluids.
Traces of an ancient immune system – how an injured arthropod survived 465 million years ago
Authors: Schoenemann Brigitte , Clarkson Euan N. K. , Høyberget Magne
Published: January 2017

This report of a severely injured trilobite from the Middle Ordovician (~465 Ma) accords with a number of similar observations of healed lesions observed in trilobites. The uniqueness of the specimen described here is that the character of the repair-mechanisms is reflected by the secondarily built structures, which form the new surface of the ruptured compound eye. Smooth, repaired areas inside the visual surface advert to a clotting principle, rather similar to those of today, and the way in which broken parts of the exoskeleton fused during restoration seem to simulate modern samples. The irregularity and variance of newly inserted visual units indicate the severity of the injury, which, most probably, was caused by a predatory attack, presumably by a cephalopod; these were most likely, the top predators of the Ordovician. Furthermore, the state of the moulted cephalon tells the dramatic struggle of an organism that lived in the Palaeozoic, to survive. In sum the specimen analysed here is evidence of an ancient clotting mechanism not dissimilar to those of today, rapidly preventing any exsanguination and the breakdown of osmoregulation of this marine arthropod.
Nucleoplasmin-like domain of FKBP39 from Drosophila melanogaster forms a tetramer with partly disordered tentacle-like C-terminal segments
Authors: Kozłowska Małgorzata , Tarczewska Aneta , Jakób Michał , Bystranowska Dominika , Taube Michał , Kozak Maciej , Czarnocki-Cieciura Mariusz , Dziembowski Andrzej , Orłowski Marek , Tkocz Katarzyna , Ożyhar Andrzej
Published: January 2017

Nucleoplasmins are a nuclear chaperone family defined by the presence of a highly conserved N-terminal core domain. X-ray crystallographic studies of isolated nucleoplasmin core domains revealed a β-propeller structure consisting of a set of five monomers that together form a stable pentamer. Recent studies on isolated N-terminal domains fromDrosophila39-kDa FK506-binding protein (FKBP39) and from other chromatin-associated proteins showed analogous, nucleoplasmin-like (NPL) pentameric structures. Here, we report that the NPL domain of the full-length FKBP39 does not form pentameric complexes. Multi-angle light scattering (MALS) and sedimentation equilibrium ultracentrifugation (SE AUC) analyses of the molecular mass of the full-length protein indicated that FKBP39 forms homotetrameric complexes. Molecular models reconstructed from small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) revealed that the NPL domain forms a stable, tetrameric core and that FK506-binding domains are linked to it by intrinsically disordered, flexible chains that form tentacle-like segments. Analyses of full-length FKBP39 and its isolated NPL domain suggested that the distal regions of the polypeptide chain influence and determine the quaternary conformation of the nucleoplasmin-like protein. These results provide new insights regarding the conserved structure of nucleoplasmin core domains and provide a potential explanation for the importance of the tetrameric structural organization of full-length nucleoplasmins.
MiR-218 targets MeCP2 and inhibits heroin seeking behavior
Authors: Yan Biao , Hu Zhaoyang , Yao Wenqing , Le Qiumin , Xu Bo , Liu Xing , Ma Lan
Published: January 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of evolutionarily conserved, 18–25 nucleotide non-coding sequences that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Recent studies implicated their roles in the regulation of neuronal functions, such as learning, cognition and memory formation. Here we report that miR-218 inhibits heroin-induced behavioral plasticity. First, network propagation-based method was used to predict candidate miRNAs that played potential key roles in regulating drug addiction-related genes. Microarray screening was also carried out to identify miRNAs responding to chronic heroin administration in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Among the collapsed miRNAs, top-ranked miR-218 was decreased after chronic exposure to heroin. Lentiviral overexpression of miR-218 in NAc could inhibit heroin-induced reinforcement in both conditioned place preference (CPP) test and heroin self-administration experiments. Luciferase activity assay indicated that miR-218 could regulate 3′ untranslated regions (3′ UTR) of multiple neuroplasticity-related genes and directly target methyl CpG binding protein 2 (Mecp2). Consistently, Mecp2308/y mice exhibited reduced heroin seeking behavior in CPP test. These data reveal a functional role of miR-218 and its target, MeCP2, in the regulation of heroin-induced behavioral plasticity.
Mechanism, reactivity, and regioselectivity in rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric ring-opening reactions of oxabicyclic alkenes: a DFT Investigation
Authors: Qi Zheng-Hang , Zhang Yi , Gao Yun , Zhang Ye , Wang Xing-Wang , Wang Yong
Published: January 2017

The origin of the enantio- and regioselectivity of ring-opening reaction of oxabicyclic alkenes catalyzed by rhodium/Josiphos has been examined using M06-2X density functional theory(DFT). DFT calculations predict a 98% ee for the enantioselectivity and only the 1,2-trans product as one regio- and diastereomer, in excellent agreement with experimental results. The solvent tetrahydrofuran(THF) plays a key role in assisting nucleophilic attack. Orbital composition analysis of the LUMO and the NPA atomic charge calculations were conducted to probe the origins of the regioselectivity. The orbital composition analysis reveals two potential electrophilic sites of the Rh–π-allyl intermediate M3 and the NPA atomic charges demonstrate that Cα carries more positive charges than Cγ, which suggests that Cα is the electrophilic site.
The “curved lead pathway” method to enable a single lead to reach any two intracranial targets
Authors: Ding Chen-Yu , Yu Liang-hong , Lin Yuan-Xiang , Chen Fan , Lin Zhang-Ya , Kang De-Zhi
Published: January 2017

Deep brain stimulation is an effective way to treat movement disorders, and a powerful research tool for exploring brain functions. This report proposes a “curved lead pathway” method for lead implantation, such that a single lead can reach in sequence to any two intracranial targets. A new type of stereotaxic system for implanting a curved lead to the brain of human/primates was designed, the auxiliary device needed for this method to be used in rat/mouse was fabricated and verified in rat, and the Excel algorithm used for automatically calculating the necessary parameters was implemented. This “curved lead pathway” method of lead implantation may complement the current method, make lead implantation for multiple targets more convenient, and expand the experimental techniques of brain function research.
Influences of calcium silicate on chemical forms and subcellular distribution of cadmium in Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.
Authors: Lu Huanping , Li Zhian , Wu Jingtao , Shen Yong , Li Yingwen , Zou Bi , Tang Yetao , Zhuang Ping
Published: January 2017

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of calcium silicate (CS) on the subcellular distribution and chemical forms of cadmium (Cd) in grain amaranths (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. Cv. ‘K112’) grown in a Cd contaminated soil. Results showed that the dry weight and the photosynthetic pigments contents in grain amaranths increased significantly with the increasing doses of CS treatments, with the highest value found for the treatment of CS3 (1.65 g/kg). Compared with the control, application of CS4 (3.31 g/kg) significantly reduced Cd concentrations in the roots, stems and leaves of grain amaranths by 68%, 87% and 89%, respectively. At subcellular level, CS treatment resulted in redistribution of Cd, higher percentages of Cd in the chloroplast and soluble fractions in leaves of grain amaranths were found, while lower proportions of Cd were located at the cell wall of the leaves. The application of CS enhanced the proportions of pectate and protein integrated forms of Cd and decreased the percentages of water soluble Cd potentially associated with toxicity in grain amaranths. Changes of free Cd ions into inactive forms sequestered in subcellular compartments may indicate an important mechanism of CS for alleviating Cd toxicity and accumulation in plants.
The Neuropeptide Oxytocin Enhances Information Sharing and Group Decision Making Quality
Authors: De Wilde Tim R. W. , Ten Velden Femke S. , De Dreu Carsten K. W.
Published: January 2017

Groups can make better decisions than individuals when members cooperatively exchange and integrate their uniquely held information and insights. However, under conformity pressures group members are biased towards exchanging commonly known information, and away from exchanging unique information, thus undermining group decision-making quality. At the neurobiological level, conformity associates with the neuropeptide oxytocin. A double-blind placebo controlled study found no evidence for oxytocin induced conformity. Compared to placebo groups, three-person groups whose members received intranasal oxytocin, focused more on unique information (i) and repeated this information more often (ii). These findings reveal oxytocin as a neurobiological driver of group decision-making processes.
Multi-cellular natural killer (NK) cell clusters enhance NK cell activation through localizing IL-2 within the cluster
Authors: Kim Miju , Kim Tae-Jin , Kim Hye Mi , Doh Junsang , Lee Kyung-Mi
Published: January 2017

Multi-cellular cluster formation of natural killer (NK) cells occurs during in vivo priming and potentiates their activation to IL-2. However, the precise mechanism underlying this synergy within NK cell clusters remains unclear. We employed lymphocyte-laden microwell technologies to modulate contact-mediated multi-cellular interactions among activating NK cells and to quantitatively assess the molecular events occurring in multi-cellular clusters of NK cells. NK cells in social microwells, which allow cell-to-cell contact, exhibited significantly higher levels of IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) signaling compared with those in lonesome microwells, which prevent intercellular contact. Further, CD25, an IL-2R α chain, and lytic granules of NK cells in social microwells were polarized toward MTOC. Live cell imaging of lytic granules revealed their dynamic and prolonged polarization toward neighboring NK cells without degranulation. These results suggest that IL-2 bound on CD25 of one NK cells triggered IL-2 signaling of neighboring NK cells. These results were further corroborated by findings that CD25-KO NK cells exhibited lower proliferation than WT NK cells, and when mixed with WT NK cells, underwent significantly higher level of proliferation. These data highlights the existence of IL-2 trans-presentation between NK cells in the local microenvironment where the availability of IL-2 is limited.
Construction and characterisation of a heparan sulphate heptasaccharide microarray
Authors: Yang Jianhong , Hsieh Po-Hung , Liu Xinyue , Zhou Wen , Zhang Xing , Zhao Jing , Xu Yongmei , Zhang Fuming , Linhardt Robert J. , Liu Jian
Published: January 2017

A targeted heptasaccharide library was synthesised to prepare a heparan sulphate (HS) microarray.
Effect of cationic groups in poly(arylene ether sulfone) membranes on reverse electrodialysis performance
Authors: Cho Doo Hee , Lee Kang Hyuck , Kim Young Mi , Park Sang Hyun , Lee Won Hyo , Lee Sang Min , Lee Young Moo
Published: January 2017

Swelling of poly(arylene ether sulfone) anion exchange membranes increases the permselectivity in reverse electrodialysis performance while maintaining the high ion conductivity.
Development of a highly transparent, low-resistance lithium-doped nickel oxide triple-layer film deposited by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Wu Chia-Ching , Shih Wei-Chen
Published: January 2017

This research presents a triple-layer transparent conductive oxide thin film, with a lithium-doped nickel oxide/silver/lithium-doped nickel oxide (L-NiO/Ag/L-NiO) structure using radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering on glass substrates.
Ni–CeO2 spherical nanostructures for magnetic and electrochemical supercapacitor applications
Authors: Murugan Ramachandran , Ravi Ganesan , Vijayaprasath Gandhi , Rajendran Somasundharam , Thaiyan Mahalingam , Nallappan Maheswari , Gopalan Muralidharan , Hayakawa Yasuhiro
Published: January 2017

Ni–CeO2 spherical nano structures prepared using microwave assisted method and a specific capacitance of 577 F g−1 was achieved at 2 A g−1 in 1 M KOH.
A novel crystallization pathway for SiGe alloy rapid cooling
Authors: Guo Xiaotian , Tian Zean , Gao Tinghong , Xie Quan , Liang Yongchao , Mo Yunfei , Yan Wanjun
Published: January 2017

A critical-nucleus crystalline (CNC) phase was found for SiGe alloys between a super-cooled liquid and a stable diamond crystal.
Carbon neutral electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide mediated by [Mn+(cyclam)Cln] (M = Ni2+ and Co3+) on mercury free electrodes and ionic liquids as reaction media
Authors: Honores J. , Quezada D. , García M. , Calfumán K. , Muena J. P. , Aguirre M. J. , Arévalo M. C. , Isaacs M.
Published: January 2017

Carbon dioxide is reduced to carbon monoxide with high faradaic efficiency on mercury free electrodes using M(cyclam) complexes.
Towards encoded particles for highly multiplexed colorimetric point of care autoantibody detection
Authors: Svedberg Gustav , Jeong Yunjin , Na Hunjong , Jang Jisung , Nilsson Peter , Kwon Sunghoon , Gantelius Jesper , Svahn Helene Andersson
Published: January 2017

Multiplexed, scanner-based colorimetric detection of autoantibodies in plasma was achieved using graphically encoded particles and gold nanoparticles.
Synthesis and self-assembly of photoresponsive and luminescent polycatenar liquid crystals incorporating an azobenzene unit interconnecting two 1,3,4-thiadiazoles
Authors: Peng Xiongwei , Gao Hongfei , Xiao Yulong , Cheng Huifang , Huang Fanran , Cheng Xiaohong
Published: January 2017

Target compounds can self-assemble into a thermotropic LC phase sequence of SmC–Colhex–CubI and have binding selectivity to Cu2+.
Hydration structure of osmolyte TMAO: concentration/pressure-induced response
Authors: Fedotova Marina V. , Kruchinin Sergey E. , Chuev Gennady N.
Published: January 2017

The effect of solute concentration/pressure on the TMAO hydration structure was studied to understand its protective action under abiotic stressors.
Chrysin functionalized NHC–Au(i) complexes: synthesis, characterization and effects on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Rendón-Nava David , Mendoza-Espinosa Daniel , Negrón-Silva Guillermo E. , Téllez-Arreola José Luis , Martínez-Torres Ataúlfo , Valdez-Calderón Alejandro , González-Montiel Simplicio
Published: January 2017

The synthesis and biological effects on the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansof chrysin functionalized Au(i)–NHC complexes are reported.
Bright orange and red light-emitting diodes of new visible light excitable tetrakis-Ln-β-diketonate (Ln = Sm3+, Eu3+) complexes
Authors: Biju Silvanose , Xu Liang-Jin , Hora Alves Marcelo Augusto , Freire Ricardo Oliveira , Chen Zhong-Ning
Published: January 2017

A new β-diketonate ligand and its visible light excitable Sm3+, Eu3+-complexes were designed and synthesized; these complexes showed highly efficient photoluminescence and electroluminescence properties.
Conformation pre-organization in fluorene-based conjugated polymer for simultaneous enhancement of luminescence and charge mobility
Authors: He Juxin , Du Luyang , Wang Cong , Jiang Mingjian , Liu Linlin , Mo Yueqi , Xie Zengqi , Yang Bing , Ma Yuguang
Published: January 2017

The simultaneous enhancement of emission efficiency and charge mobility is realized by poor solvent induced conformation complanation in fluorene-based copolymer.
General design of self-doped small molecules as efficient hole extraction materials for polymer solar cells
Authors: Xue Yuyuan , Guo Peipei , Yip Hin-Lap , Li Yuan , Cao Yong
Published: January 2017

The design of self-doped materials as efficient hole extraction materials for polymer solar cells is reported for the first time.
Energy efficient synthesis of highly ordered mesoporous carbon nitrides with uniform rods and their superior CO2adsorption capacity
Authors: Lakhi Kripal S. , Park Dae-Hwan , Singh Gurwinder , Talapaneni Siddulu N. , Ravon Ugo , Al-Bahily Khalid , Vinu Ajayan
Published: January 2017

An energy efficient route for the synthesis of mesoporous carbon nitrides with highly ordered mesopores and a rod shaped morphology from uncalcined mesoporous SBA-15 is introduced.
Correction: Inhibition of TLR1/2 dimerization by enantiomers of metal complexes
Authors: Liu Li-Juan , Wang Wanhe , Zhong Zhangfeng , Lin Sheng , Lu Lihua , Wang Yi-Tao , Ma Dik-Lung , Leung Chung-Hang
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘Inhibition of TLR1/2 dimerization by enantiomers of metal complexes’ by Li-Juan Liu et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 12278–12281.
Imaging method for airborne SAL data
Authors: Li Guangzuo , Wang Ning , Wang Ran , Zhang Keshu , Wu Yirong
Published: January 2017

Synthetic aperture ladar (SAL) is analogous to the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) but works at wavelength 104–5 times shorter. SAL has the potential for much finer resolution than SAR. Due to the shorter wavelength used for SAL, the platform vibration would induce high‐frequency and large‐amplitude phase errors during the data collection. Direct using of the conventional imaging algorithms to SAL data suffers from performance degradation. To address this problem, an effective imaging method based on subaperture phase gradient autofocus (PGA) and normalised cross correlation (NCC) is proposed for airborne SAL data. First, the length of subaperture is determined according to the criterion that the coherent processing interval (CPI) is shorter than half of the vibration period. Then the phase history data (PHD) is formatted into a few subapertures and the PGA is employed to estimate the phase errors in each subaperture. After the compensation of the phase errors, each subaperture image is focused with the conventional imaging algorithm. Finally, a recombination of the subapertures is performed based on the NCC. The proposed method is verified by processing the real SAL data collected by strip‐mode with the demonstrator system built at Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Science.
Weighted k‐nearest neighbour model for indoor VLC positioning
Authors: Van Manh The , Van Tuan Nguyen , Son Tran The , Le‐Minh Hoa , Burton Andrew
Published: January 2017

This study introduces a weighted k‐nearest neighbour model for user positioning in a visible light communications (VLC) system. The new model offers a higher degree of accuracy compared with conventionally existing techniques in VLC, such as trilateration. In the proposed model, the current position of the receiver is estimated based on the positions of the k‐NN (known as reference points) pre‐defined and recorded in a lookup table. The Euclidean distances from the actual receiver to the reference points are weighted in order to improve accuracy. Simulation results show that the proposed model outperforms the trilateration method by 36 and 50% accuracy with and without ambient light interference, respectively.
Adaptive near‐optimal controllers for non‐linear decentralised feedback stabilisation problems
Authors: Wang Ding , He Haibo , Zhao Bo , Liu Derong
Published: January 2017

The authors focus on developing adaptive‐critic‐based near‐optimal controllers to solve continuous‐time non‐linear decentralised feedback stabilisation problems. The decentralised feedback control problem with respect to the matched interconnected systems is addressed by designing the optimal controllers of the corresponding isolated subsystems. By employing a novel updating rule to reduce the requirement about the initial stabilising control, the adaptive‐critic‐based near‐optimal feedback controllers can be obtained with an excellent approximation property. The closed‐loop form of each isolated subsystem is constructed and its stability is handled by incorporating the improved learning mechanism. A simulation example is also conducted to verify the decentralised control performance of the present approach.
EV charging behaviour analysis and modelling based on mobile crowdsensing data
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Xu Xiangxiang , Guo Qinglai , Zhang Lin , Sun Hongbin
Published: January 2017

With the growing application of electric vehicles (EVs), it is of great significance to have a deep understanding of EV users driving and charging patterns for charging forecasting. However, the rapid growth scale of EV taxis with charging patterns that are closely coupled with human behaviours of temporal–spatial charging choices was not compatible with most previous coordinated strategies. Unlike the majority of existing approaches, a large volume of second‐level EV global positioning system (GPS) data was used to study the behaviour patterns of EV users. In practise, a mobile crowdsensing system that records GPS data and transmits information to the server was deployed in a fleet of electric‐taxi cabs in Shenzhen, China, making it possible to record the exact behaviour of each vehicle. Travelling and charging statuses of EVs were recorded and analysed into different characteristics of behaviour for each user. The load forecast methods proved to be more effective with more knowledge of both history and real‐time data.
Modelling and analysis of practical options to improve the hosting capacity of low voltage networks for embedded photo‐voltaic generation
Authors: Wong Peter K.C. , Kalam Akhtar , Barr Robert
Published: January 2017

Dwindling fossil fuel resources and concern of climate change resulting from the burning of fossil fuels have led to significant development of renewable energy in many countries. While renewable energy takes many forms, solar and wind resources are being harvested in commercial scale in many parts of the world. Government incentives such as renewable energy certificates and feed‐in tariffs have contributed to the rapid uptake. In Australia many residential customers have taken up roof‐top photo‐voltaic (PV) systems. These residential PV generations are embedded in the low voltage (LV) networks that are not designed to take intermittent, two‐way flow of electricity. Utility engineers are faced with the challenge of a legacy electricity distribution network to connect increasing amount of embedded PV generation. This study focuses on two aspects of the technical limitation – steady state voltage delivery and phase imbalance – and proposes how the technical limitations can be improved by optimising the existing voltage control schemes, the balancing of loads and generations between the supply phases, and finally the adoption of smart grid methodologies. This prioritised approach provides a cost effective means of addressing the impact of embedded PV generation. The proposed method is verified by computer simulation on a realistic LV distribution network in the state of Victoria, Australia.
Inertia compensation scheme of WTS considering time delay for emulating large‐inertia turbines
Authors: Yin Minghui , Li Weijie , Chung Chi Yung , Chen Zaiyu , Zou Yun
Published: January 2017

Wind turbine simulators (WTSs), devised for pre‐validation of control strategies for wind energy conversion system, commonly employ the inertia compensation scheme for reproducing mechanical behaviours similar to real wind turbines (WTs). However, it is found in this study that when a WT with large inertia is simulated, the time delay in command communication from control unit to motor driver, usually neglected in the existing inertia compensation scheme, results in the oscillating acceleration response and consequently leads to instability of the WTS system. As a result, the existing WTS is unable to stably simulate large‐inertia WTs, which significantly limits its applicability. Hence, in this study, a linear discrete model of the inertia compensation part that considers time delay of acceleration observation and communication is developed. On the basis of this model, an improved inertia compensation scheme in which a high‐order filter is introduced to eliminate the deviation of acceleration response caused by the two types of time delay is proposed. Finally, the improved inertia compensation scheme and its applicability to simulating a 600 kW WT developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory are experimentally verified.
Simple nanosilver composite for photocatalytic inactivation of Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Wei Xiao‐Lan , Qi Yuan‐Yuan
Published: January 2017

Photocatalytic killing of Salmonella, one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens is developed using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)‐decorated silver chloride grains which is one of the simplest nanosilver composites. This nanosilver composite was synthesised using a precipitation–reduction method and was found to have a strong and broad absorption band of light in the range from visible to near infrared. Inactivation of Salmonella typhimurium using the nanocomposite was significantly enhanced by the irradiation of the visible light, which is due to the surface plasmon resonance of the AgNPs. Plasmonic electrons of the nanoparticle could be transferred to the oxygen molecules in the bacterial solution to produce reactive oxygen species (ROSs), while the corresponding holes could oxidise chloride ions of the AgCl grain to form chlorine atoms. Both ROSs and chlorine atoms degrade biomolecules of the bacterial cell, which was revealed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the bacterial cells with the help of chemometric analysis.
Observation of dynamic maximum in a turbulent cascade on the surface of liquid hydrogen
Authors: Remizov I. A. , Brazhnikov M. Yu. , Levchenko A. A.
Published: January 2017

We report on the experimental observation of energy accumulation near the high frequency boundary of the inertial range in the spectrum of turbulence in a system of capillary waves on the surface of liquid hydrogen driven by a harmonic force. The effect is manifested as a local maximum in the spectrum of pair correlation function of the surface elevation. This phenomenon is dynamical and can be seen only during reconfiguration of the turbulent cascade caused by waves generation of below the driving frequency.
Effect of nonlinearity, magnetic and nonmagnetic impurities, and spin-orbit scattering on the nonlocal microwave response of a d-wave superconductor
Authors: Yavari H. , Biderang M. , Kouhfar M.
Published: January 2017

By using linear response theory the low-temperature microwave response of a nonlocal and nonlinear d-wave superconductor with magnetic and nonmagnetic impurities is calculated. We will show that for the local, linear, and pure sample, penetration depth, Δλ(T), and conductivity, Δσ1(T), vary linearly with temperature, consequently the resistance, ΔR(T), would change linearly with temperature in agreement with experimental results and for the nonlocal, nonlinear sample the linear temperature dependences ΔR(T) change to quadratic function. For impure samples the nonlocality and nonlinearity effects are completely hidden by impurities and the temperature dependences Δλ(T) and Δσ1(T) are determined by temperature interval namely the ranges of T < T* and T* ≪ T ≪ Tc which T* is determined by nonmagnetic impurity concentration and the strength of impurity scattering. For T < T*, ΔR(T) varies as T2, on the other hand for, T* ≪ T ≪ Tc, ΔR(T) varies linearly with temperature. We will also show that the temperature dependence of surface resistance is unaffected by spin-orbit interaction and magnetic impurities.
Computer simulation of diluted magnetic nanostructures
Authors: Babaev A. B. , Murtazaev A. K.
Published: January 2017

A Monte-Carlo method is used to simulate nanostructures of magnetic materials containing weakly frozen disorder in the form of nonmagnetic impurities. Systems with linear sizes L = 20–60 and spin concentrations p = 1.0 and 0.90 are considered. Temperature dependences of the thermodynamic parameters, specific heat C, susceptibility χ, and the fourth order Binder cumulants for particles with free boundaries are constructed. It is shown that a second order phase transition is observed in this model of small magnetic particles with impurities.
Magnetoelectric effect in antiferromagnetic LiNiPO4 in pulsed magnetic fields
Authors: Khrustalyov V. M. , Savytsky V. M. , Kharchenko M. F.
Published: January 2017

The magnetoelectric effect in single-crystal antiferromagnetic LiNiPO4 (TN = 29.8 K) is studied in pulsed magnetic fields up to 28 T. The electric polarization along the crystallographic axis a induced by a magnetic field H||c is measured. It is found that electric polarization develops in a low-field phase I (fields from 0 to 13 T) and a high-field phase V (20–21.5 T). In the low-field phase, the electric polarization has both linear and pronounced cubic dependences on the field.
Photochemical generation of H2NCNX, H2NNCX, H2NC(NX) (X = O, S) in low-temperature matrices
Authors: Vörös Tamás , Lajgút Győző György , Magyarfalvi Gábor , Tarczay György
Published: January 2017

The [NH2, C, N, O] and the [NH2, C, N, S] molecular systems were investigated by computational and matrix-isolation spectroscopic methods. The determination of the equilibrium structures and relative energies by CCSD(T) method was followed by the computation of the harmonic and anharmonic vibrational wavenumbers, infrared intensities, relative Raman activities, and UV excitation energies. These computed data were used to assist the identification of products obtained by UV laser photolysis of 3,4-diaminofurazan and 3,4-diaminothiadiazole in low-temperature Ar and Kr matrices. It is shown that two open-chain H2NNCX and H2NCNX and one cyclic H2NC(NX) (X = O, S) isomers are generated in the case of both systems. Except for H2NNCO and H2NCNS, the present study reports the first generation and spectroscopic identification of these compounds.
Optical properties of Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1-x)4 solar absorbers: Spectroscopic ellipsometry and ab initio calculations
Authors: Li Shu-yi , Zamulko Sergiy , Persson Clas , Ross Nils , Larsen Jes K. , Platzer-Björkman Charlotte
Published: January 2017

Dielectric functions of Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1-x)4 thin film absorbers with varied x were determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry and ab initio calculations. From the combination of experimental and theoretical studies, the fundamental interband transition energy E0 (∼1–1.5 eV) and the next following transition energy E1 (∼2–3 eV) were identified and found to blue-shift with increasing sulfur anion content, while keeping the energy separation E1−E0 almost constant, ∼1.4 eV from experiments, and 1 eV from theory. In addition, the average dielectric responses were found to decrease with sulfur anion content from both theoretical and experimental results. The Tauc optical bandgap value Eg determined on samples prepared on Mo and soda lime glass substrate showed a positive linear relationship between x and bandgap Eg. The bandgap bowing factor determined from the theoretical data is 0.09 eV.
Properties of quasi-soliton states in nonlinear media under local high-frequency irradiation. Analytic description and comparison with numerical simulations
Authors: Belan V. I. , Kovalev A. S. , Peretyatko A. A.
Published: January 2017

Spatially localized excitation of a one-dimensional magnetic system in an external high-frequency field is studied analytically (collective variable method) and numerically. The dependences of the amplitude of local quasi-soliton states on the amplitude of this field for different frequencies and damping in the system are found for the case of direct application of a localized magnetic field. The field dependence is found to have hysteresis and “instability windows” in the stationary states. Within these instability regions, the excitations become nonstationary: they are accompanied by additional periodic nutation of the magnetization vector. Here such nonlinear dynamics phenomena as period doubling and transitions to chaos are observed.