bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 is associated to poor outcome on tamoxifen therapy in recurrent breast cancer
Authors: De Marchi Tommaso , Timmermans Mieke A. , Sieuwerts Anieta M. , Smid Marcel , Look Maxime P. , Grebenchtchikov Nicolai , Sweep Fred C. G. J. , Smits Jan G. , Magdolen Viktor , van Deurzen Carolien H. M. , Foekens John A. , Umar Arzu , Martens John W.
Published: May 2017

In a previous study, we detected a significant association between phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) hyper-methylation and mRNA levels to outcome to tamoxifen treatment in recurrent disease. We here aimed to study the association of PSAT1 protein levels to outcome upon tamoxifen treatment and to obtain more insight in its role in tamoxifen resistance. A cohort of ER positive, hormonal therapy naïve primary breast carcinomas was immunohistochemically (IHC) stained for PSAT1. Staining was analyzed for association with patient’s time to progression (TTP) and overall response on first-line tamoxifen for recurrent disease. PSAT1 mRNA levels were also assessed by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR; n = 161) and Affymetrix GeneChip (n = 155). Association of PSAT1 to biological pathways on tamoxifen outcome were assessed by global test. PSAT1 protein and mRNA levels were significantly associated to poor outcome to tamoxifen treatment. When comparing PSAT1 protein and mRNA levels, IHC and RT-qPCR data showed a significant association. Global test results showed that cytokine and JAK-STAT signaling were associated to PSAT1 expression. We hereby report that PSAT1 protein and mRNA levels measured in ER positive primary tumors are associated with poor clinical outcome to tamoxifen.
Elastocaloric effect and superelastic stability in Ni–Mn–In–Co polycrystalline Heusler alloys: hysteresis and strain-rate effects
Authors: Lu Binfeng , Liu Jian
Published: May 2017

Controlling material hysteresis and working frequency variability are fundamentally important for refrigeration cycle efficiency and power density in solid-state cooling systems. For elastocaloric cooling, understanding the relationship between the width of the stress hysteresis and elastocaloric behaviour during superelastic cycles under varied strain rates is important. In this work, we report the effects of strain rate effects on the superelastic and elastocaloric responses in Ni45Mn50−xInxCo5 (x = 13.6–14.0 in at%) polycrystalline alloys. We observed a strong correlation between stress hysteresis and superelastic stability during mechanical cycling under increasing strain rates. Excellent transformation reversibility and stable superelastic responses are observed for x = 13.6 with a narrow hysteresis (49 MPa), whereas transformation irreversibility and dramatically deteriorated superelastic stability occur for x = 13.8, with a wide hysteresis (138 MPa). Furthermore, isothermal loading–unloading cycles under increasing and constant maximum applied stress were performed for the x = 13.6 samples, with a combination of low transformation stress and small transformation hysteresis. We suggest that a balance between transformation strain and hysteresis energy loss is fundamental to achieving a high coefficient of performance for elastocaloric materials.
Nickel Cobalt Sulfide core/shell structure on 3D Graphene for supercapacitor application
Authors: Beka Lemu Girma , Li Xin , Liu Weihua
Published: May 2017

Three-dimensional (3D) core/shell structure of nickel cobalt sulfide is nano-engineered by using series of hydrothermal steps on a CVD grown graphene for supercapacitor application. This core/shell is composited of NiCo2S4 nanotube (NCS) as core and CoxNi(3−x)S2 (CNS) nanosheets as a shell. The as-synthesized composite exhibits excellent electrochemical properties by using the advantage of NCS nanontube core as superhighway for electron and ion transport, and CNS nanosheets shell as high active area pseudocapacitive material. The 3D graphene layer serves as excellent surface area to support 3D NCS/CNS; moreover, it provides excellent electrical conductivity between nickel foam current collector and the 3D NCS/NCS composite. Using these hybrid advantages the as-synthesized graphene/NCS/CNS composite electrode exhibits high areal capacitance of 15.6 F/cm2 at current density of 10 mA/cm2; excellent cycling stability of 93% after 5000 of cycles and excellent rate capability of 74.36% as current increase from 10 to 100 mA/cm2. Moreover, a prototype of asymmetric device fabricated using graphene/NCS/CNS as positive electrode and RGO as negative electrode exhibits high energy density of 23.9 Wh/kg and power density of 2460.6 W/kg at high operating current of 100 mA. Such high performance electrode material may get great application in future energy storage device.
Ancient River Inference Explains Exceptional Oriental Freshwater Mussel Radiations
Authors: Bolotov Ivan N. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Vikhrev Ilya V. , Aksenova Olga V. , Bespalaya Yulia V. , Gofarov Mikhail Yu. , Kolosova Yulia S. , Konopleva Ekaterina S. , Spitsyn Vitaly M. , Tanmuangpak Kitti , Tumpeesuwan Sakboworn
Published: May 2017

The concept of long-lived (ancient) lakes has had a great influence on the development of evolutionary biogeography. According to this insight, a number of lakes on Earth have existed for several million years (e.g., Baikal and Tanganyika) and represent unique evolutionary hotspots with multiple intra-basin radiations. In contrast, rivers are usually considered to be variable systems, and the possibility of their long-term existence during geological epochs has never been tested. In this study, we reconstruct the history of freshwater basin interactions across continents based on the multi-locus fossil-calibrated phylogeny of freshwater mussels (Unionidae). These mussels most likely originated in Southeast and East Asia in the Jurassic, with the earliest expansions into North America and Africa (since the mid-Cretaceous) following the colonization of Europe and India (since the Paleocene). We discovered two ancient monophyletic mussel radiations (mean age ~51–55 Ma) within the paleo-Mekong catchment (i.e., the Mekong, Siam, and Malacca Straits paleo-river drainage basins). Our findings reveal that the Mekong may be considered a long-lived river that has existed throughout the entire Cenozoic epoch.
The resonant interaction between anions or vacancies in ZnON semiconductors and their effects on thin film device properties
Authors: Park Jozeph , Jeong Hyun-Jun , Lee Hyun-Mo , Nahm Ho-Hyun , Park Jin-Seong
Published: May 2017

Zinc oxynitride (ZnON) semiconductors are suitable for high performance thin-film transistors (TFTs) with excellent device stability under negative bias illumination stress (NBIS). The present work provides a first approach on the optimization of electrical performance and stability of the TFTs via studying the resonant interaction between anions or vacancies in ZnON. It is found that the incorporation of nitrogen increases the concentration of nitrogen vacancies (VN+s), which generate larger concentrations of free electrons with increased mobility. However, a critical amount of nitrogen exists, above which electrically inactive divacancy (VN-VN)0 forms, thus reducing the number of carriers and their mobility. The presence of nitrogen anions also reduces the relative content of oxygen anions, therefore diminishing the probability of forming O-O dimers (peroxides). The latter is well known to accelerate device degradation under NBIS. Calculations indicate that a balance between device performance and NBIS stability may be achieved by optimizing the nitrogen to oxygen anion ratio. Experimental results confirm that the degradation of the TFTs with respect to NBIS becomes less severe as the nitrogen content in the film increases, while the device performance reaches an intermediate peak, with field effect mobility exceeding 50 cm2/Vs.
The rice production practices of high yield and high nitrogen use efficiency in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Guo Jiuxin , Hu Xiangyu , Gao Limin , Xie Kailiu , Ling Ning , Shen Qirong , Hu Shuijin , Guo Shiwei
Published: May 2017

To face the great challenges of ensuring food security and environmental sustainability, agricultural production must be improved by high yield and high resource utilization efficiency (HYHE). We recently addressed this challenge and evaluated yield potential by surveying 735 farmers in 2008–2012 and then conducting 6 rice field experiments in 2008–2013 with large demonstration areas in 2010–2013 aimed to actualize the HYHE in Jiangsu Province, China. The survey result showed that the averaged N rate, grain yield and N partial factor productivity (PFPN) of the farmers were 336.7 kg ha−1, 8131.8 kg ha−1 and 24.2 kg kg−1, respectively. Through controlling total N rates and adjusting the application timing, the yield and the PFPN of optimal N managements (OPT) were increased by 5.9% and 37.6% with 31.4% reduction in N supply amounts for 6 experimental sites, and the yield increased by 5.6% for large demonstration areas compared with farmers’ fertilizer practices (FFP), respectively. In conclusion, although the soil properties of the different regions varied, HYHE could be achieved by regulating the N management practices, thus contributing to higher rice production and lower environmental costs from intensive agriculture in Jiangsu, China.
Reactivity in the human retinal microvasculature measured during acute gas breathing provocations
Authors: Duan Angelina , Bedggood Phillip A. , Metha Andrew B. , Bui Bang V.
Published: May 2017

Although changes in vessel diameter following gas perturbation have been documented in retinal arterioles and venules, these responses have yet to be quantified in the smallest vessels of the human retina. Here, using in vivo adaptive optics, we imaged 3–25 µm diameter vessels of the human inner retinal circulation and monitored the effects of altered gas-breathing conditions. During isocapnic hyperoxia, definite constrictions were seen in 51% of vessel segments (mean ± SD for pre-capillary arterioles −9.5 ± 3.0%; capillaries −11.8 ± 3.3%; post-capillary venules −6.3 ± 2.8%); these are comparable with responses previously reported in larger vessels. During isoxic hypercapnia, definite dilations were seen in 47% of vessel segments (mean ± SD for pre-capillary arterioles +9.8 ± 1.5%; capillaries +13.7 ± 3.8%; post-capillary venules +7.5 ± 4.2%); these are proportionally greater than responses previously reported in larger vessels. The magnitude of these proportional changes implies that the capillary beds themselves play an important role in the retinal response to changes in carbon dioxide levels. Interestingly, the distribution of microvascular responses shown here differs from our previously reported responses to flicker stimulation, suggesting differences in the way blood supply is coordinated following gas perturbation and altered neural activity.
Proteome remodelling by the stress sigma factor RpoS/σS in Salmonella: identification of small proteins and evidence for post-transcriptional regulation
Authors: Lago Magali , Monteil Véronique , Douche Thibaut , Guglielmini Julien , Criscuolo Alexis , Maufrais Corinne , Matondo Mariette , Norel Françoise
Published: May 2017

The RpoS/σS sigma subunit of RNA polymerase is the master regulator of the general stress response in many Gram-negative bacteria. Extensive studies have been conducted on σS-regulated gene expression at the transcriptional level. In contrast, very limited information regarding the impact of σS on global protein production is available. In this study, we used a mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach to explore the wide σS-dependent proteome of the human pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Our present goals were twofold: (1) to survey the protein changes associated with the ΔrpoS mutation and (2) to assess the coding capacity of σS-dependent small RNAs. Our proteomics data, and complementary assays, unravelled the large impact of σS on the Salmonella proteome, and validated expression and σS regulation of twenty uncharacterized small proteins of 27 to 96 amino acids. Furthermore, a large number of genes regulated at the protein level only were identified, suggesting that post-transcriptional regulation is an important component of the σS response. Novel aspects of σS in the control of important catabolic pathways such as myo-inositol, L-fucose, propanediol, and ethanolamine were illuminated by this work, providing new insights into the physiological remodelling involved in bacterial adaptation to a non-actively growing state.
Age-related penetrance of the C9orf72 repeat expansion
Authors: Murphy Natalie A. , Arthur Karissa C. , Tienari Pentti J. , Houlden Henry , Chiò Adriano , Traynor Bryan J.
Published: May 2017

A pathogenic hexanucleotide repeat expansion within the C9orf72 gene has been identified as the major cause of two neurodegenerative syndromes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This mutation is known to have incomplete penetrance, with some patients developing disease in their twenties and a small portion of carriers surviving to their ninth decade without developing symptoms. Describing penetrance by age among C9orf72 carriers and identifying parameters that alter onset age are essential to better understanding this locus and to enhance predictive counseling. To do so, data from 1,170 individuals were used to model penetrance. Our analysis showed that the penetrance was incomplete and age-dependent. Additionally, familial and sporadic penetrance did not significantly differ from one another; ALS cases exhibited earlier age of onset than FTD cases; and individuals with spinal-onset exhibited earlier age of onset than those with bulbar-onset. The older age of onset among female cases in general, and among female bulbar-onset cases in particular, was the most striking finding, and there may be an environmental, lifestyle, or hormonal factor that is influencing these penetrance patterns. These results will have important applications for future clinical research, the identification of disease modifiers, and genetic counseling.
Femtosecond Laser Fabrication of Anatase TiO2 Micro-nanostructures with Chemical Oxidation and Annealing
Authors: Huang Ting , Lu Jinlong , Zhang Xin , Xiao Rongshi , Yang Wuxiong , Wu Qiang
Published: May 2017

The fabrication of nanoporous anatase TiO2 on a microstructured Ti base is achieved through an innovative hybrid fabrication method involving femtosecond laser ablation coupled with H2O2 oxidation and annealing. The anatase TiO2 micro-nanostructures have superior photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange due to enhanced light harvesting capacity and surface area. The photodegradation efficiency increases by a maximum of 80% compared to the nanoporous anatase TiO2 fabricated through H2O2 oxidation and annealing only (without femtosecond laser ablation). Meanwhile, The anatase TiO2 micro-nanostructures show good cyclic performance, indicating a great potential for practical application. The proposed hybrid method can easily tune the morphology and size of microstructure by simply adjusting the femtosecond laser parameters, showing advantage in fabricating of micro-nanostructures with a rich variety of morphologies.
First demonstration of multi-color 3-D in vivo imaging using ultra-compact Compton camera
Authors: Kishimoto Aya , Kataoka Jun , Taya Takanori , Tagawa Leo , Mochizuki Saku , Ohsuka Shinji , Nagao Yuto , Kurita Keisuke , Yamaguchi Mitsutaka , Kawachi Naoki , Matsunaga Keiko , Ikeda Hayato , Shimosegawa Eku , Hatazawa Jun
Published: May 2017

In the field of nuclear medicine, single photon emission tomography and positron emission tomography are the two most common techniques in molecular imaging, but the available radioactive tracers have been limited either by energy range or difficulties in production and delivery. Thus, the use of a Compton camera, which features gamma-ray imaging of arbitrary energies from a few hundred keV to more than MeV, is eagerly awaited along with potential new tracers which have never been used in current modalities. In this paper, we developed an ultra-compact Compton camera that weighs only 580 g. The camera consists of fine-pixelized Ce-doped Gd3Al2Ga3O12 scintillators coupled with multi-pixel photon counter arrays. We first investigated the 3-D imaging capability of our camera system for a diffuse source of a planar geometry, and then conducted small animal imaging as pre-clinical evaluation. For the first time, we successfully carried out the 3-D color imaging of a live mouse in just 2 h. By using tri-color gamma-ray fusion images, we confirmed that 131I, 85Sr, and 65Zn can be new tracers that concentrate in each target organ.
Fabrication of full-color GaN-based light-emitting diodes on nearly lattice-matched flexible metal foils
Authors: Kim Hyeryun , Ohta Jitsuo , Ueno Kohei , Kobayashi Atsushi , Morita Mari , Tokumoto Yuki , Fujioka Hiroshi
Published: May 2017

GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been widely accepted as highly efficient solid-state light sources capable of replacing conventional incandescent and fluorescent lamps. However, their applications are limited to small devices because their fabrication process is expensive as it involves epitaxial growth of GaN by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on single crystalline sapphire wafers. If a low-cost epitaxial growth process such as sputtering on a metal foil can be used, it will be possible to fabricate large-area and flexible GaN-based light-emitting displays. Here we report preparation of GaN films on nearly lattice-matched flexible Hf foils using pulsed sputtering deposition (PSD) and demonstrate feasibility of fabricating full-color GaN-based LEDs. It was found that introduction of low-temperature (LT) grown layers suppressed the interfacial reaction between GaN and Hf, allowing the growth of high-quality GaN films on Hf foils. We fabricated blue, green, and red LEDs on Hf foils and confirmed their normal operation. The present results indicate that GaN films on Hf foils have potential applications in fabrication of future large-area flexible GaN-based optoelectronics.
A novel peptide specifically binding to VEGF receptor suppresses angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Yuan , He Bifang , Liu Kun , Ning Lin , Luo Delun , Xu Kai , Zhu Wenli , Wu Zhigang , Huang Jian , Xu Xun
Published: May 2017

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the most important angiogenic factors, plays an essential role in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis through binding to VEGF receptors (VEGFRs). Here we report a novel peptide designated HRHTKQRHTALH (peptide HRH), which was isolated from the Ph.D. -12 phage display library using VEGFR-Fc fusion protein as the bait. This peptide was found to dose-dependently inhibit the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated by VEGF. The anti-angiogenesis effect of the HRH peptide was further confirmed in vivo using the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, which was also dose-dependent. Besides, peptide HRH was proved to inhibit corneal neovascularization in an alkali-burnt rat corneal model and a suture-induced rat corneal model. Taken together, these findings suggest that the HRH peptide can inhibit angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Consequently, the HRHTKQRHTALH peptide might be a promising lead peptide for the development of potential angiogenic inhibitors.
Improvement of luminescence properties of rubidium vanadate, RbVO3, phosphors by erbium doping in the crystal lattice
Authors: Kim S. W. , Hasegawa T. , Muto M. , Toda A. , Kaneko T. , Sugimoto K. , Uematsu K. , Ishigaki T. , Toda K. , Sato M. , Koide J. , Toda M. , Kudo Y.
Published: May 2017

The thermal quenching effect of RbVO3 phosphor was effectively improved by Er3+ doping into the lattice, as a result, the emission intensity of the phosphor was successfully enhanced.
Using Raman spectroscopy to assess hemoglobin oxygenation in red blood cell concentrate: an objective proxy for morphological index to gauge the quality of stored blood?
Authors: Atkins Chad G. , Schulze H. Georg , Chen Deborah , Devine Dana V. , Blades Michael W. , Turner Robin F. B.
Published: May 2017

A relationship has been found between hemoglobin oxygenation of stored red blood cells (measured using Raman spectroscopy) and a morphological index.
Microfluidic hydrodynamic trapping for single cell analysis: mechanisms, methods and applications
Authors: Narayanamurthy Vigneswaran , Nagarajan Sairam , Firus Khan Al'aina Yuhainis , Samsuri Fahmi , Sridhar T. M.
Published: May 2017

The development of hydrodynamic-based microfluidic biochips has been increasing over the years.
Transporting an ionic-liquid/water mixture in a conical nanochannel: a nanofluidic memristor
Authors: Sheng Qian , Xie Yanbo , Li Jun , Wang Xinwei , Xue Jianming
Published: May 2017

A nanofluidic-based memristor device is obtained by using a track-etched conical nanochannel with mixed ionic liquid/water solutions.
Selective conversion of coconut oil to fatty alcohols in methanol over a hydrothermally prepared Cu/SiO2 catalyst without extraneous hydrogen
Authors: Wu Liubi , Li Lulu , Li Bolong , Zhao Chen
Published: May 2017

A novel one-pot approach selects a hydrothermally synthesized Cu/SiO2 catalyst (consisting of Cu2O·SiO2 and Cu0 surface species) to convert of coconut oil to fatty alcohols at 240 °C in methanol without hydrogen, attaining 85% conversion and 100% selectivity.
Lanthanoplatins: emissive Eu(iii) and Tb(iii) complexes staining nucleoli targeted through Pt–DNA crosslinking
Authors: Singh Khushbu , Singh Swati , Srivastava Payal , Sivakumar Sri , Patra Ashis K.
Published: May 2017

Luminescent photostable heterometallic LnPt2complexes were designed for their preferential nucleoli staining through formation of Pt–DNA cross-links observed through fluorescence microscopy.
Palladium-catalyzed sequential monoarylation/amidation of C(sp3)–H bonds: stereoselective synthesis of α-amino-β-lactams and anti-α,β-diamino acid
Authors: Ling Peng-Xiang , Fang Sheng-Long , Yin Xue-Song , Zhang Qi , Chen Kai , Shi Bing-Feng
Published: May 2017

Stereoselective synthesis of α-amino-β-lactams via Pd-catalyzed sequential C(sp3)–H monoarylation/amidation is described.
Palladium-catalysed atom-economical synthesis of conjugated dienals from terminal acetylenes and acrolein
Authors: Hearne Zoë , Li Chao-Jun
Published: May 2017

Conjugated (E,E)-dienals are versatile synthetic intermediates which can be readily prepared in two steps from simple, unactivated starting materials.
Novel Ag-doped glass frits for high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Yuan Sheng , Chen Yongji , Mei Zongwei , Zhang Ming-Jian , Gao Zhou , Wang Xingbo , Jiang Xing , Pan Feng
Published: May 2017

Novel Ag-doped glass frits remarkably improved the interface between bulk Ag and n-Si, which greatly reduced the contact resistance of c-Si solar cells.
The tailored synthesis of nanosized SAPO-34 via time-controlled silicon release enabled by an organosilane precursor
Authors: Zheng Jingwei , Ding Jiajia , Jin Dongliang , Ye Guanghua , Zhu Kake , Zhou Xinggui , Yang Weimin , Yuan Weikang
Published: May 2017

Phenyltrimethoxysilane as a Si source can significantly slow down the crystallization process for SAPO-34 synthesis, leading to the formation of agglomerated nanocrystals (<100 nm).
Base free transfer hydrogenation using a covalent triazine framework based catalyst
Authors: Bavykina A. V. , Mautscke H.-H. , Makkee M. , Kapteijn F. , Gascon J. , Llabrés i Xamena F. X.
Published: May 2017

Isomerisation of allylic alcohols to saturated ketones can be efficiently catalysed by a heterogeneous molecular system resulting from IrIIICp* anchoring to a covalent triazine framework.
Growth of low doped monolayer graphene on SiC(0001) via sublimation at low argon pressure
Authors: Landois Périne , Wang Tianlin , Nachawaty Abir , Bayle Maxime , Decams Jean-Manuel , Desrat Wilfried , Zahab Ahmed-Azmi , Jouault Benoît , Paillet Matthieu , Contreras Sylvie
Published: May 2017

Silicon carbide (SiC) sublimation is the most promising option to achieve transfer-free graphene at the wafer-scale.
Mapping the ionic fingerprints of molecular monolayers
Authors: Lehr Joshua , Weeks Justin R. , Santos Adriano , Feliciano Gustavo T. , Nicholson Melany I. G. , Davis Jason J. , Bueno Paulo R.
Published: May 2017

Molecular dynamics simulations support a self-assembled monolayer specific energy barrier to solution-phase ions that once surmounted, the entrapped ions support a film embedded ionic capacitance and non-faradaic relaxation (mapping through electrochemical capacitance measurements). The associated capacitance can be assigned as a particular case of general electrochemical capacitance.
Correlation and squeezing for optical transistor and intensity for router applications in Pr3+:YSO
Authors: Khan Ghulam Abbas , Li Changbiao , Raza Faizan , Ahmed Noor , Mahesar Abdul Rasheed , Ahmed Irfan , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: May 2017

We realized an optical transistor and router utilizing multi-order fluorescence and spontaneous parametric four-wave mixing.
Enhanced visible light harnessing and oxygen vacancy promoted N, S co-doped CeO2 nanoparticle: a challenging photocatalyst for Cr(vi) reduction
Authors: Mansingh S. , Padhi D. K. , Parida K. M.
Published: May 2017

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of N-, S-doped ceria nanoparticles towards Cr(vi) reduction under visible light irradiation.
The mechanism change by switching the reactants from water to hydroxyl ions for electrocatalytic water oxidation: a case study of copper oxide microspheres
Authors: Du Xiaoqiang , Huang Jingwei , Ding Yong
Published: May 2017

The as-obtained CuO microspheres can serve as an active and stable water oxidation catalyst under electrochemical reaction conditions and operate at modest overpotential providing an alternative to the Co-WOC catalyst for applications in solar energy storage.
FLP reactivity of [Ph3C]+ and (o-tolyl)3P and the capture of a Staudinger reaction intermediate
Authors: Zhou Jiliang , Cao Levy L. , Liu Liu Leo , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: May 2017

The trityl cation and (o-tolyl)3P is an FLP that effects C–H bond and alkyne activation, heterolytically cleaves S–S bonds and captures a Staudinger reaction intermediate.
A technoeconomic analysis of perovskite solar module manufacturing with low-cost materials and techniques
Authors: Song Zhaoning , McElvany Chad L. , Phillips Adam B. , Celik Ilke , Krantz Patrick W. , Watthage Suneth C. , Liyanage Geethika K. , Apul Defne , Heben Michael J.
Published: May 2017

This technoeconomic analysis shows that perovskite solar cells can emerge as a cost leader in photovoltaic power generation.
Halogen effects on the solid-state packing of phenylalanine derivatives and the resultant gelation properties
Authors: Ramalhete Susana M. , Foster Jamie S. , Green Hayley R. , Nartowski Karol P. , Heinrich Margaux , Martin Peter C. , Khimyak Yaroslav Z. , Lloyd Gareth O.
Published: May 2017

Phenylalanine is an important amino acid both biologically, essential to human health, and industrially, as a building block of artificial sweeteners. Our interest in this particular amino acid and its derivatives lies with its ability to form gels in a number of solvents. We present here the studies of the influence of halogen addition to the aromatic ring on the gelation properties and we analyse the crystal structures of a number of these materials to elucidate the trends in their behaviour based on the halogen addition to the aromatic group and the interactions that result.
How ionic species structure influences phase structure and transitions from protic ionic liquids to liquid crystals to crystals
Authors: Greaves Tamar L. , Broomhall Hayden , Weerawardena Asoka , Osborne Dale A. , Canonge Bastien A. , Drummond Calum J.
Published: May 2017

Phase behaviour of n-alkylammonium (C6 to C16) nitrates and formates was characterised using synchrotron small angle and wide angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, cross polarised optical microscopy and FTIR.
Investigation of mechanisms involved in postprandial glycemia and insulinemia attenuation with dietary fibre consumption
Authors: Repin Nikolay , Kay Brittney A. , Cui Steve W. , Wright Amanda J. , Duncan Alison M. , Douglas Goff H.
Published: May 2017

This work examines the mechanisms involved in the attenuation of postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses associated with soluble dietary fibre (SDF) consumption.
Synthesis of potential bisphenol A substitutes by isomerising metathesis of renewable raw materials
Authors: Trita A. S. , Over L. C. , Pollini J. , Baader S. , Riegsinger S. , Meier M. A. R. , Gooßen L. J.
Published: May 2017

Plant-derived alkenyl arenes were converted into polymer building blocks with low estrogenic activity via isomerising metathesis.
Harvesting renewable energy with chemistry
Authors: Leitner Walter , Quadrelli Elsje Alessandra , Schlögl Robert
Published: May 2017

Guest Editors Walter Leitner, Elsje Alessandra Quadrelli and Robert Schlögl introduce the Green Chemistry themed issue on “Harvesting Renewable Energy with Chemistry”.
A droplet-chip/mass spectrometry approach to study organic synthesis at nanoliter scale
Authors: Beulig R. J. , Warias R. , Heiland J. J. , Ohla S. , Zeitler K. , Belder D.
Published: May 2017

A droplet-chip hyphenated to mass spectrometry to rapidly investigate and optimize multiple organic reactions at nanoliter scale.
Peptide-fluorophore/AuNP conjugate-based two-photon excited fluorescent nanosensor for caspase-3 activity imaging assay in living cells and tissue
Authors: Ge Qingshan , Wang Ningning , Li Jishan , Yang Ronghua
Published: May 2017

Via the assembly of two-photon dye (TPdye)-labeled peptides on the gold nanoparticle's surface, a novel two-photon excited (TPE) fluorescent nanosensor has been developed for the measurement of caspase-3 activity in live cells and rat liver tissue slices.
Natural products modulating the hERG channel: heartaches and hope
Authors: Kratz Jadel M. , Grienke Ulrike , Scheel Olaf , Mann Stefan A. , Rollinger Judith M.
Published: May 2017

This review covers natural products modulating the hERG potassium channel. Risk assessment strategies, structural features of blockers, and the duality target/antitarget are discussed.
Palladium-mediated11C-carbonylations using aryl halides and cyanamide
Authors: Nordeman P. , Chow S. Y. , Odell A. F. , Antoni G. , Odell L. R.
Published: May 2017

A rapid, efficient and high-yielding synthesis of11C-cyanobenzamides, including novel analogs of various drug molecules, is described.
Self-assembly of poly(vinylidene fluoride)-block-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethylmethacrylate) block copolymers prepared by CuAAC click coupling
Authors: Guerre Marc , Semsarilar Mona , Totée Cedric , Silly Gilles , Améduri Bruno , Ladmiral Vincent
Published: May 2017

Self-assembly of PDMAEMA-b-PVDF block copolymers.
Looped flow RAFT polymerization for multiblock copolymer synthesis
Authors: Kuroki Agnès , Martinez-Botella Ivan , Hornung Christian H. , Martin Liam , Williams Elizabeth G. L. , Locock Katherine E. S. , Hartlieb Matthias , Perrier Sébastien
Published: May 2017

A flexible, robust and time-efficient scale-up of multiblock copolymers with low dispersity and high livingness.
In situ growth of ultrathin Ni–Fe LDH nanosheets for high performance oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Yang Haidong , Luo Sha , Bao Yun , Luo Yutong , Jin Jun , Ma Jiantai
Published: May 2017

The ultrathin Ni70Fe30LDH nanosheets were successfullyin situgrown on anodic polarized copper foil, denoted as u-Ni70Fe30LDHs/a-CF. Benefiting from the ultrathin nanosheet structure, the catalyst exhibits remarkable catalytic performance for OER in 1 M KOH solution.
Engineered doxorubicin-calcium@silica nanospheres with tunable degradability for controlled drug delivery
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhao Yang , Yang Si-Yao , Wu Qing-Song , Ju Yi-Ming , Yu Shu-Hong
Published: May 2017

An inorganic nanomedicine based on degradable pure silica is fabricated for controlled drug delivery.
2,3-Disubstituted-1,4-naphthoquinones containing an arylamine with trifluoromethyl group: synthesis, biological evaluation, and computational study
Authors: Yıldırım Hatice , Bayrak Nilüfer , Tuyun Amac Fatih , Kara Emel Mataracı , Çelik Berna Özbek , Gupta Girish Kumar
Published: May 2017

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities were evaluated. Two compounds (5b and 5e) were identified as the hits against S. epidermidis. Compounds 5b and 5e showed promising antibacterial and antibiofilm activities.
Phosphorescent platinum(ii) complexes bearing pentafluorosulfanyl substituted cyclometalating ligands
Authors: Henwood Adam F. , Webster James , Cordes David , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Jacquemin Denis , Zysman-Colman Eli
Published: May 2017

The first examples of phosphorescent platinum(ii) complexes bearing pentafluorosulfanyl (–SF5) substituted cyclometalating ligands (C^N) are reported.
Three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide powder for efficient microwave absorption in the S-band (2–4 GHz)
Authors: Fang Shuai , Huang Daqing , Lv Ruitao , Bai Yu , Huang Zheng-Hong , Gu Jialin , Kang Feiyu
Published: May 2017

Three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (3D-rGO) powders are synthesized and demonstrate remarkably enhanced microwave absorption in the S-band (2–4 GHz).
Loading of Co3O4 onto Pt-modified nitrogen-doped TiO2 nanocomposites promotes photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Wei Wen-Dong , Liu Xiang-Yu , Cui Shi-Cong , Liu Jin-Gang
Published: May 2017

Loading of Co3O4 onto a very low content (0.02 wt%) Pt-modified N–TiO2 nanocomposite significantly promotes the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production.
Nanostructured fabric with robust superhydrophobicity induced by a thermal hydrophobic ageing process
Authors: Oh Ji-Hyun , Ko Tae-Jun , Moon Myoung-Woon , Park Chung Hee
Published: May 2017

A robust method to fabricate a superhydrophobic fabric with durable mechanical and chemical properties is reported with selective ion etching, followed by thermally enhanced hydrophobic ageing process, i.e. non-chemical finishing.
High-yield synthesis and fine-tuning aspect ratio of (200) faceted gold nanorods by the pH-adjusting method
Authors: Leng Yumin , Yin Xunjun , Hu Fang , Zou Yuehong , Xing Xiaojing , Li Bo , Guo Yongming , Ye Liqun , Lu Zhiwen
Published: May 2017

Tight-controlling of the aspect ratios (ARs) and fine-tailoring of the crystallographic facets of gold nanorods (GNRs) are critical for their further applications in material, biological, and medical fields.
Oxide-induced grain growth in CZTS nanoparticle coatings
Authors: Exarhos Stephen , Palmes Edgar , Xu Rui , Mangolini Lorenzo
Published: May 2017

Oxidizing the surface of ligand-free CZTS nanoparticles promotes the formation of uniform, large-grain thin films after sulfurization.
Suppression of byproduct accumulation in rechargeable aluminum–air batteries using non-oxide ceramic materials as air cathode materials
Authors: Mori Ryohei
Published: May 2017

To develop a high-capacity rechargeable aluminum–air battery with resistance toward the degradation induced by long-term charge–discharge electrochemical reactions, non-oxide ceramic materials, e.g., TiN, TiC, and TiB2, were used as air cathode materials with the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride as the electrolyte.
In situ protein-templated porous protein–hydroxylapatite nanocomposite microspheres for pH-dependent sustained anticancer drug release
Authors: Shuai Yajun , Yang Shuxu , Li Chenlin , Zhu Liangjun , Mao Chuanbin , Yang Mingying
Published: May 2017

Protein–hydroxylapatite microspheres with a porous structure and a pH-dependent drug release profile are fabricated by incubating sericin in 1.5 SBF solution.
Enhanced piezoluminescence in non-stoichiometric ZnS:Cu microparticle based light emitting elastomers
Authors: Gan Jiayong , Kang Min Gyu , Meeker Michael A. , Khodaparast Giti A. , Bodnar Robert J. , Mahaney James E. , Maurya Deepam , Priya Shashank
Published: May 2017

Piezoluminescence (PZL), also referred to as mechanoluminescence (ML), is a promising energy conversion mechanism for realizing mechanically driven photon sources including hand-held displays, lighting, bioimaging and sensing applications.
Macroscopically aligned nanowire arrays of π-conjugated polymers via shear-enhanced crystallization
Authors: Li Jun-Huan , Xi Yuyin , Pozzo Lilo D. , Xu Jun-Ting , Luscombe Christine K.
Published: May 2017

The nanoscale structure and macroscopic morphology of π-conjugated polymers are very important for their electronic application.
P2X7 receptor cross-talk regulates ATP-induced pannexin 1 internalization
Authors: Boyce Andrew K.J. , Swayne Leigh Anne
Published: May 2017

In the nervous system, extracellular ATP levels transiently increase in physiological and pathophysiological circumstances, effecting key signalling pathways in plasticity and inflammation through purinergic receptors. Pannexin 1 (Panx1) forms ion- and metabolite-permeable channels that mediate ATP release and are particularly enriched in the nervous system. Our recent study demonstrated that elevation of extracellular ATP triggers Panx1 internalization in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Notably, this effect was sensitive to inhibition of ionotropic P2X7 purinergic receptors (P2X7Rs). Here, we report our novel findings from the detailed investigation of the mechanism underlying P2X7R–Panx1 cross-talk in ATP-stimulated internalization. We demonstrate that extracellular ATP triggers and is required for the clustering of P2X7Rs and Panx1 on Neuro2a cells through an extracellular physical interaction with the Panx1 first extracellular loop (EL1). Importantly, disruption of P2X7R–Panx1 clustering by mutation of tryptophan 74 within the Panx1 EL1 inhibits Panx1 internalization. Notably, P2X7R–Panx1 clustering and internalization are independent of P2X7R-associated intracellular signalling pathways (Ca2+ influx and Src activation). Further analysis revealed that cholesterol is required for ATP-stimulated P2X7R–Panx1 clustering at the cell periphery. Taken together, our data suggest that extracellular ATP induces and is required for Panx1 EL1-mediated, cholesterol-dependent P2X7R–Panx1 clustering and endocytosis. These findings have important implications for understanding the role of Panx1 in the nervous system and provide important new insights into Panx1–P2X7R cross-talk.
Dynamic expression and regulatory mechanism of TGF-β signaling in chicken embryonic stem cells differentiating into spermatogonial stem cells
Authors: Zuo Qisheng , Jin Kai , Zhang Yani , Song Jiuzhou , Li Bichun
Published: May 2017

The present study investigated the dynamic expression and regulatory mechanism of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling involved in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) differentiation into male germ cells. Candidate genes involved in TGF-β signaling pathway were screened from RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), which were further validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) was used to induce differentiation of ESCs in vitro. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling pathway was reflected by Western blot of SMAD2 and SMAD5 expression. Differentiating efficiency of germ cells was evaluated by immunofluorescence and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Germ cell marker genes were assessed by qRT-PCR in the differentiation process, with activation or inhibition of TGF-β signaling pathway. In the process of in vitro induction, SMAD2 and SMAD5 were found to significantly up-regulated in BMP4 group versus the control and inhibition groups after 4 and 14 days. Expression of CKIT, CVH, DAZL, STRA8, and INTEGRIN α6 were significantly increased in the BMP4 group compared with the control group, while down-regulated in the inhibition groups. The proportion of germ cell-like cells was decreased from 17.9% to 2.2% after 4 days induction, and further decreased from 14.1% to 2.1% after 14 days induction. Correspondingly, expression of marker genes in germ cells was significantly lower. In vivo inhibition of TGF-β signaling pathway reduced germ cells formation from 5.5% to 1.6%, and down-regulated the expression of CKIT, CVH, DAZL, STRA8, and INTEGRIN α6. In conclusion, our study reveals the mechanism regulating spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and lays the basis for further understanding of the regulatory network.
Printed cross‐dipole antenna with slow‐wave structure for highly efficient and directive WLAN applications
Authors: Park S.‐B. , Eom S.‐Y.
Published: May 2017

A study of printed cross‐dipole antenna with slow‐wave parasitic elements used to achieve high efficiency and directivity is presented. The proposed antenna is designed to operate at WLAN channels (5.15–5.85 GHz), and can produce dual‐orthogonal polarisation through a crossed structure. The printed slow‐wave elements play a role that concentrates on travelling wave and delays propagation of electromagnetic wave. Measurement results of this antenna show that it has high gain, low side‐lobe level and wide bandwidth. This proposed design has advantages in terms of manufacturing the antenna easily and optimising the radiation characteristics.
Construction of parity‐check‐concatenated polar codes based on minimum Hamming weight codewords
Authors: Park J. , Kim I. , Song H.‐Y.
Published: May 2017

In this Letter, a new parity‐check‐concatenated (PCC) polar code construction that considers the number of minimum Hamming weight (MHW) codewords is proposed. The parity bits to reduce the number of MHW codewords as much as possible is successively constructed. The proposed construction can reduce the number of MHW codewords more than other codes. The results show that the proposed codes can outperform the other codes at a high signal‐to‐noise region.
Compact dual‐band five‐way Wilkinson power divider
Authors: Yin Si‐Yu , Li Jia‐Lin , Gao Shan‐Shan
Published: May 2017

A compact dual‐band five‐way Wilkinson power divider with good RF performance is presented. Two‐section impedance transformers are utilised to obtain the dual‐band function. To facilitate assembling the isolation resistors among outputs, a second layer is introduced. The proposed power divider works at 0.915 and 2.45 GHz with small phase and magnitude imbalances.
Simple and accurate design of GaAs Schottky diode model
Authors: Dou Jiangling , Xu Jinping
Published: May 2017

Three GaAs Schottky diodes with different junction configurations are modelled. The main contribution of this Letter is the simplification and accuracy of the diode model, in which approximate materials are set to be the same permittivity in the 3D diode model and only four parameters are required in modelling the non‐linear part of diode model. To validate the accuracy of the proposed models, one K band tripler and two W band triplers are designed and tested. The measured results agree well with the simulated results. It is envisaged that the method can be very useful for GaAs Schottky diode modelling.
Cooperative jamming for energy harvesting multicast networks with an untrusted relay
Authors: He Bingtao , Chen Jian , Kuo Yonghong , Yang Long
Published: May 2017

Recently, there are increasing requirements of security in wireless communications, especially for the multiuser systems. In this study, the authors consider the security of two‐hop cooperative multicast networks with an untrusted relay. An energy harvesting destination aided cooperative jamming framework is proposed to protect information from being intercepted by the untrusted relay. For the multiple destinations, a maximum interference jammer selection (MIJS) scheme is proposed to further improve physical layer security. Then the ergodic secrecy rate (ESR) for MIJS scheme is investigated and both the lower bound of ESR and the approximation of ESR are obtained. Finally, the effect of both the energy arrival rate and the number of destination nodes on ESR has been shown via numerical simulations. It can be revealed that as the number of destinations increases, the ESR is determined with two common behaviours regarding the multicast nature and energy arrival rate: (i) multicast nature forces the secrecy rate to decrease with the increasing number of destinations and (ii) the probability that a jammer exists increases with the increasing number of destinations but limited to one.
Distributed coordinated tracking control of multiple Euler–Lagrange systems by state and output feedback
Authors: Li Dongyu , Ma Guangfu , He Wei , Zhang Wei , Li Chuanjiang , Ge Shuzhi Sam
Published: May 2017

This study addresses the distributed state and output feedback coordinated tracking problem for multiple Euler–Lagrange systems with a moving leader in the presence of non‐linear uncertainties under a directed topology graph. The authors first design a distributed coordinated tracking control scheme by full‐state feedback, where each follower can only share information with its neighbours. Next, the adaptive neural networks are applied to deal with the model uncertainties due to their superior approximation capability. To deal with the absence of velocity sensors, then they propose a distributed output feedback coordinated tracking control law combined with a high‐gain observer. The uniform ultimate boundedness of all the state errors can be guaranteed in the sense of Lyapunov stability theory. Furthermore, the leaderless synchronisation problem is solved using the proposed control schemes. Finally, simulation examples are presented to illustrate the feasibility of the theoretical results.
Compact omni‐directional circularly polarised antenna utilising bended dipoles and integrated baluns
Authors: Yu Yufeng , Xiong Jiang , Li Hui
Published: May 2017

A circular‐polarised antenna with omni‐directional radiation is presented in this study. The proposed antenna consists of four bended dipoles, excited simultaneously by integrated baluns. The Eφ and Eθ components, generated by the horizontal and vertical parts of the bended dipoles, are shown to have a phase difference of 90°. The operating principle of achieving circular polarisation (CP) with bended dipoles are described and derived, according to which guidelines for designing CP antennas are provided. Following the guidelines, a prototype of the compact omni‐directional CP antenna is fabricated, with a size of 0.27λ0 × 0.27λ0 × 0.13λ0, a fractional bandwidth of 9% at 2.43 GHz and an average left‐handed circular polarisation (LHCP) gain above 0.15 dBic in the operating band.
Dynamic model of cage induction motor with number of rotor bars as parameter
Authors: Joksimović Gojko
Published: May 2017

A dynamic mathematical model, using number of rotor bars as parameter, is reached for cage induction motors through the use of coupled‐circuits and the concept of winding functions. The exact MMFs waveforms are accounted for by the model which is derived in natural frames of reference. By knowing the initial motor parameters for a priori adopted number of stator slots and rotor bars model allows change of rotor bars number what results in new model parameters. During this process, the rated machine power, number of stator slots and stator winding scheme remain the same. Although presented model has a potentially broad application area it is primarily suitable for the analysis of the different stator/rotor slot combination on motor behaviour during the transients or in steady‐state regime. The model is significant in its potential to provide analysis of dozen of different number of rotor bars in a few tens of minutes. Numerical example on cage rotor induction motor exemplifies this application, including three variants of number of rotor bars.