bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local coordination state of rare earth in eutectic scintillators for neutron detector applications
Authors: Masai Hirokazu , Yanagida Takayuki , Mizoguchi Teruyasu , Ina Toshiaki , Miyazaki Takamichi , Kawaguti Noriaki , Fukuda Kentaro
Published: August 2015

Atomic distribution in phosphors for neutron detection has not been fully elucidated, although their ionization efficiency is strongly dependent on the state of the rare earth in the matrix. In this work, we examine optical properties of Eu-doped 80LiF-20CaF2 eutectics for neutron detector applications based on the Eu distribution. At low concentrations, aggregation of Eu cations is observed, whereas homogeneous atomic dispersion in the CaF2 layer, to substitute Ca2+ ions, is observed in the eutectics at high concentrations. Eu LIII edge X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis suggests that neutron responses do not depend on the amount of Eu2+ ions. However, transparency, which depends on an ordered lamellar structure, is found to be important for a high light yield in neutron detection. The results confirm the effectiveness of the basic idea concerning the separation of radiation absorbers and activators in particle radiation scintillation and present potential for further improvement of novel bulk detectors.
Efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated biallelic gene disruption and site-specific knockin after rapid selection of highly active sgRNAs in pigs
Authors: Wang Xianlong , Zhou Jinwei , Cao Chunwei , Huang Jiaojiao , Hai Tang , Wang Yanfang , Zheng Qiantao , Zhang Hongyong , Qin Guosong , Miao Xiangnan , Wang Hongmei , Cao Suizhong , Zhou Qi , Zhao Jianguo
Published: August 2015

Genetic engineering in livestock was greatly enhanced by the emergence of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9), which can be programmed with a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) to generate site-specific DNA breaks. However, the uncertainties caused by wide variations in sgRNA activity impede the utility of this system in generating genetically modified pigs. Here, we described a single blastocyst genotyping system to provide a simple and rapid solution to evaluate and compare the sgRNA efficiency at inducing indel mutations for a given gene locus. Assessment of sgRNA mutagenesis efficiencies can be achieved within 10 days from the design of the sgRNA. The most effective sgRNA selected by this system was successfully used to induce site-specific insertion through homology-directed repair at a frequency exceeding 13%. Additionally, the highly efficient gene deletion via the selected sgRNA was confirmed in pig fibroblast cells, which could serve as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer. We further showed that direct cytoplasmic injection of Cas9 mRNA and the favorable sgRNA into zygotes could generate biallelic knockout piglets with an efficiency of up to 100%. Thus, our method considerably reduces the uncertainties and expands the practical possibilities of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering in pigs.
Myth busting? Effects of embryo positioning and egg turning on hatching success in the water snake Natrix maura
Authors: Aubret Fabien , Blanvillain Gaëlle , Kok Philippe J. R.
Published: August 2015

It is a common belief that reptile eggs should not be turned after oviposition once the embryo has attached itself to the inner membrane of the shell as it might kill developing embryos. Here, we used 338 eggs from 32 clutches of the water snake Natrix maura to (1) thoroughly describe natural clutch arrangement, (2) experimentally assess the effects of natural embryo positioning and (3) egg turning on embryo metabolism, hatching success and hatchling phenotype. Clutches contained, on average, 59% of embryos located at the top, 28% at the bottom and 14% on a side of the egg. Larger females laid larger clutches with higher proportion of top located embryos. Top embryos displayed higher metabolic rates (heart rates), shorter incubation time and produced lighter and shorter snakes than bottom embryos. Egg turning did not significantly influence egg development, hatching success or hatchling phenotypes. However, post-birth mortality was significantly higher in turned (37.5%) compared to unturned (4.5%) embryos, providing support to the common belief that eggs should not be moved from their natural position.
CNV Analysis Associates AKNAD1 with Type-2 Diabetes in Jordan Subpopulations
Authors: Dajani Rana , Li Jin , Wei Zhi , Glessner Joseph T. , Chang Xiao , Cardinale Christopher J. , Pellegrino Renata , Wang Tiancheng , Hakooz Nancy , Khader Yousef , Sheshani Amina , Zandaki Duaa , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: August 2015

Previous studies have identified a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with type-2 diabetes (T2D), but copy number variation (CNV) association has rarely been addressed, especially in populations from Jordan. To investigate CNV associations for T2D in populations in Jordan, we conducted a CNV analysis based on intensity data from genome-wide SNP array, including 34 T2D cases and 110 healthy controls of Chechen ethnicity, as well as 34 T2D cases and 106 healthy controls of Circassian ethnicity. We found a CNV region in protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type D (PTPRD) with significant association with T2D. PTPRD has been reported to be associated with T2D in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We additionally identified 16 CNV regions associated with T2D which overlapped with gene exons. Of particular interest, a CNV region in the gene AKNA Domain Containing 1 (AKNAD1) surpassed the experiment-wide significance threshold. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-related pathways were significantly enriched among genes which are predicted to be functionally associated with human or mouse homologues of AKNAD1. This is the first CNV analysis of a complex disease in populations of Jordan. We identified and experimentally validated a significant CNVR in gene AKNAD1 associated with T2D.
Large-scale RNA-Seq Transcriptome Analysis of 4043 Cancers and 548 Normal Tissue Controls across 12 TCGA Cancer Types
Authors: Peng Li , Bian Xiu Wu , Li Di Kang , Xu Chuan , Wang Guang Ming , Xia Qing You , Xiong Qing
Published: August 2015

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) has accrued RNA-Seq-based transcriptome data for more than 4000 cancer tissue samples across 12 cancer types, translating these data into biological insights remains a major challenge. We analyzed and compared the transcriptomes of 4043 cancer and 548 normal tissue samples from 21 TCGA cancer types and created a comprehensive catalog of gene expression alterations for each cancer type. By clustering genes into co-regulated gene sets, we identified seven cross-cancer gene signatures altered across a diverse panel of primary human cancer samples. A 14-gene signature extracted from these seven cross-cancer gene signatures precisely differentiated between cancerous and normal samples, the predictive accuracy of leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) were 92.04%, 96.23%, 91.76%, 90.05%, 88.17%, 94.29% and 99.10% for BLCA, BRCA, COAD, HNSC, LIHC, LUAD and LUSC, respectively. A lung cancer-specific gene signature, containing SFTPA1 and SFTPA2 genes, accurately distinguished lung cancer from other cancer samples, the predictive accuracy of LOOCV for TCGA and GSE5364 data were 95.68% and 100%, respectively. These gene signatures provide rich insights into the transcriptional programs that trigger tumorigenesis and metastasis and many genes in the signature gene panels may be of significant value to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
A novel cell-printing method and its application to hepatogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cell-embedded mesh structures
Authors: Ahn Seung Hyun , Lee Hyeong Jin , Lee Ji-Seon , Yoon Hyeon , Chun Wook , Kim Geun Hyung
Published: August 2015

We report a cell-dispensing technique, using a core–shell nozzle and an absorbent dispensing stage to form cell-embedded struts. In the shell of the nozzle, a cross-linking agent flowed continuously onto the surface of the dispensed bioink in the core nozzle, so that the bioink struts were rapidly gelled and any remnant cross-linking solution during the process was rapidly absorbed into the working stage, resulting in high cell-viability in the bioink strut and stable formation of a three-dimensional mesh structure. The cell-printing conditions were optimized by manipulating the process conditions to obtain high mechanical stability and high cell viability. The cell density was 1 × 107 mL−1, which was achieved using a 3-wt% solution of alginate in phosphate-buffered saline, a mass fraction of 1.2 wt% of CaCl2 flowing in the shell nozzle with a fixed flow rate of 0.08 mL min−1 and a translation velocity of the printing nozzle of 10 mm s−1. To demonstrate the applicability of the technique, preosteoblasts and human adipose stem cells (hASCs) were used to obtain cell-laden structures with multi-layer porous mesh structures. The fabricated cell-laden mesh structures exhibited reasonable initial cell viabilities for preosteoblasts (93%) and hASCs (92%) and hepatogenic differentiation of hASC was successfully achieved.
Social distance and anonymity modulate fairness consideration: An ERP study
Authors: Yu Rongjun , Hu Pan , Zhang Ping
Published: August 2015

Previous research indicated that fairness consideration can be influenced by social distance. However, it is not clear whether social distance and anonymity have an interactive impact on fairness evaluation during asset distribution and whether these processes can be documented in brain activity. Using a modified ultimatum game combined with measures of event related potential (ERP), we examined how social distance and anonymity modulate brain response to inequality. At the behavior level, we found that acceptance rate and reaction time can be substantially modified by social distance and anonymity. Feedback-related negativity, an ERP component associated with conflict between cognitive and emotion motives, was more negative in response to unfairness than fairness from strangers; however, it showed an opposite trend for unfair offers provided by friends, suggesting that the influence of social distance on fairness perception is relatively fast. The P300 in response to fair offers was more positive when the proposers made offers when uncertain about partner identity than when certain about partner identity. These results suggest that unfairness is evaluated in a fast conflict detection stage and a slower stage that integrates more complex social contextual factors such as anonymity.
Chimpanzee lip-smacking facilitates cooperative behaviour
Authors: Fedurek Pawel , Slocombe Katie E. , Hartel Jessica A. , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: August 2015

Signalling plays an important role in facilitating and maintaining affiliative or cooperative interactions in social animals. Social grooming in primates is an example of an interaction that requires coordination between partners but little is known about communicative behaviours facilitating this activity. In this study, we analysed the communication of wild chimpanzees of Budongo Forest, Uganda, as they entered and maintained a naturally occurring cooperative interaction: social grooming. We found that lip-smacking, a distinct multimodal oral gesture produced during grooming, coordinated this activity. Lip-smacking at the beginning of grooming bouts was significantly more often followed by longer and reciprocated bouts than silent grooming initiations. Lip-smacks were more likely to be produced when the risk of termination of the interaction by the recipient was high, for instance when grooming vulnerable body parts. Groomers were also more likely to produce lip-smacks during face-to-face grooming where the visual aspect of the signal could be perceived. Data are consistent with the hypothesis that chimpanzee lip-smacks function to coordinate and prolong social grooming, suggesting that this oral signal is an example of a communicative behaviour facilitating cooperative behaviour in chimpanzees.
Expression of hepatic Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 is enhanced in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and correlates with severity of the disease
Authors: Wunsch Ewa , Milkiewicz Małgorzata , Wasik Urszula , Trottier Jocelyn , Kempińska-Podhorodecka Agnieszka , Elias Elwyn , Barbier Olivier , Milkiewicz Piotr
Published: August 2015

Cholestasis induces adaptive mechanisms protecting the liver against bile acids (BA) toxicity including modulation of BA synthesis. Whether fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) or farnesoid X receptor (FXR) dependent signaling are involved in the regulation of BA homeostasis in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) remains unknown. Here we analyzed hepatic expression of FGF19 and other genes relevant to the adaptive response to cholestasis in tissues from non-cirrhotic (n = 24) and cirrhotic (n = 21) patients along with control tissues (n = 21). Moreover we searched for relationships between serum FGF19 and laboratory/clinical findings in 51 patients. Hepatic FGF19 mRNA expression was increased in non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic tissues (9-fold,p = 0.01; 69-fold,p < 0.0001, respectively). Protein levels of FGF19, FGF receptor 4, FXR and short heterodimer partner were increased in cirrhotic livers (9-fold, p < 0.001; 3.5-fold,p = 0.007; 2.4-fold,p < 0.0001; 2.8-fold,p < 0.0001 vs controls, respectively) which was accompanied by down-regulation of CYP7A1 (50% reduction, p = 0.006). Serum and liver levels of FGF19 correlated with worse liver biochemistry, BAs, quality of life and Mayo Risk Score. Serum FGF19 was elevated in UDCA non-responders. We conclude that PBC induces characteristic changes in liver expression of BAs synthesis regulatory molecules. FGF19 correlates with severity of liver disease and can potentially serve as an indicator of chronic cholestatic liver injury.
19F NMR-, ESR-, and vis-NIR-spectroelectrochemical study of the unconventional reduction behaviour of a perfluoroalkylated fullerene: dimerization of the C70(CF3)10− radical anion
Authors: Zalibera Michal , Machata Peter , Clikeman Tyler T. , Rosenkranz Marco , Strauss Steven H. , Boltalina Olga V. , Popov Alexey A.
Published: August 2015

19F NMR spectroelectrochemistry is applied to study the reduction mechanism of perfluoroalkylated fullerene C70(CF3)10.
Approaches for the determination of florfenicol and thiamphenicol in pork using a chemiluminescent ELISA
Authors: Tao Xiaoqi , He Zhifei , Cao Xingyuan , Jiang Haiyang , Li Hongjun
Published: August 2015

Herein, we report for the first time the development of chemiluminescent ELISA for simultaneous detection of FF and TAP. To date, the developed chemiluminescent ELISA is the most sensitive reported immunoassay for detecting FF and TAP.
Simultaneous determination of two flavonoids and six pentacyclic triterpenes by UPLC-MS/MS: application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study in normal and arthritic rats after oral administration of Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan or its single herb extract
Authors: Ai Yu , Wang Fenrong , Wu Yun , Ma Wen , Bian Qiaoxia , Lee David Y.-W. , Dai Ronghua
Published: August 2015

A method for the comparative pharmacokinetic study in normal and arthritic rats after oral administration of Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan or a single herb extract.
Electrochemical aptamer scaffold biosensors for detection of botulism and ricin toxins
Authors: Fetter Lisa , Richards Jonathan , Daniel Jessica , Roon Laura , Rowland Teisha J. , Bonham Andrew J.
Published: August 2015

Electrochemical aptamer biosensors for ricin and botulinum neurotoxins are reported, with strategies for generalized biosensor design.
Ba5{V,Nb}12Sb19+x, novel variants of the Ba5Ti12Sb19+x-type: crystal structure and physical properties
Authors: Failamani F. , Grytsiv A. , Giester G. , Polt G. , Heinrich P. , Michor H. , Bauer E. , Zehetbauer M. , Rogl P.
Published: August 2015

We investigate the crystal structures and physical properties of novel Ba5{V,Nb}12Sb19+x compounds.
On the microscopic dynamics of the ‘Einstein solids’ AlV2Al20 and GaV2Al20, and of YV2Al20: a benchmark system for ‘rattling’ excitations
Authors: Koza Michael Marek , Mutka Hannu , Okamoto Yoshihiko , Yamaura Jun-ichi , Hiroi Zenji
Published: August 2015

The inelastic response of AV2Al20 (with A = Al, Ga and Y) was probed by high-resolution inelastic neutron scattering experiments and density functional theory (DFT) based lattice dynamics calculations (LDC).
Influence of halide precursor type and its composition on the electronic properties of vacuum deposited perovskite films
Authors: Kim Tae Gun , Seo Sung Won , Kwon Hyuksang , Hahn Junhee , Kim Jeong Won
Published: August 2015

Organic cations strongly influence the electron affinity and energy level alignment in mixed perovskite solar cells.
Initial stages of water solvation of stepped platinum surfaces
Authors: Kolb Manuel J. , Wermink Jasper , Calle-Vallejo Federico , Juurlink Ludo B. F. , Koper Marc T. M.
Published: August 2015

Steps act as anchoring points for water adsorption and dominate water structures on stepped platinum surfaces.
Transition metal-catalyzed allylic substitution reactions with unactivated allylic substrates
Authors: Butt Nicholas A. , Zhang Wanbin
Published: August 2015

This review highlights recent developments in the area of transition metal-catalyzed allylic substitution reactions with unactivated allylic substrates.
Extremely bulky amide ligands in main group chemistry
Authors: Kays Deborah L.
Published: August 2015

The development of extremely sterically demanding, monodentate amide ligands facilitates the isolation of main group species with new and highly reactive coordination modes. An outstanding feature of these ligands is the ability to tune their steric demands. Reactivity investigations highlight the potential for small molecule activation chemistry and catalysis for these compounds.
Enhancement of para-selectivity in the phenol oxidation with H2O2over Ti-MCM-68 zeolite catalyst
Authors: Inagaki S. , Tsuboi Y. , Sasaki M. , Mamiya K. , Park S. , Kubota Y.
Published: August 2015

Si-modified Ti-MCM-68 catalyst showed very highpara-selectivity as well as high activity for phenol oxidation in the presence of EtOH as a cosolvent.
CO2-Responsive microemulsion: reversible switching from an apparent single phase to near-complete phase separation
Authors: Zhang Yongmin , Zhang Yuandi , Wang Cheng , Liu Xuefeng , Fang Yun , Feng Yujun
Published: August 2015

Nano-structured microemulsion reversibly responds to CO2 and N2, accompanied with an alternate transition from monophasic microemulsion to near-complete phase separation.
Novel quinoline derivatives as potent in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitors: in silico studies and SAR predictions
Authors: Taha Muhammad , Ismail Nor Hadiani , Imran Syahrul , Wadood Abdul , Rahim Fazal , Ali Muhammad , Rehman Ashfaq Ur
Published: August 2015

A new series of exceptionally potent quinoline derivatives 6–30 as α-glucosidase inhibitors was identified.
Inspired by magnolol: design of NSAID-based compounds with excellent anti-inflammatory effects
Authors: Liu Wenfeng , Yue Yuan , Li Yonglian , Zheng Xi , Zhang Kun , Du Zhiyun
Published: August 2015

A10was selected to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism at the transcriptional level, suggesting its potential to serve as a novel anti-inflammatory agent.
Pd catalyzed insertion of alkynes into cyclic diaryliodoniums: a direct access to multi-substituted phenanthrenes
Authors: Wu Yongcheng , Wu Fuhai , Zhu Daqian , Luo Bingling , Wang Haiwen , Hu Yumin , Wen Shijun , Huang Peng
Published: August 2015

A series of multi-substituted phenanthrene derivatives were conveniently obtained by the title reaction in a [4 + 2] benzannulation pathway.
Dithiafulvenyl-substituted phenylacetylene derivatives: synthesis and structure–property–reactivity relationships
Authors: Wang Yunfei , Zhao Yuming
Published: August 2015

A series of regioisomers for dithiafulvenyl-substituted phenylacetylene derivatives was synthesized and characterized to show structure-dependent electronic properties and different reactivities in their oxidized states.
Enhanced catalytic performance of a Pt-xCeO2/Graphene catalyst for DMFCs by adjusting the crystal-plane and shape of nanoscale ceria
Authors: Wang Weihua , Zhu Mingda , Lu Xiaolin , Gao Yanfang , Li Lijun , Cao Zhenzhu , Li Caihong , Liu Jinrong , Zheng Haitao
Published: August 2015

Oxygen storage capacity is influenced by the morphology and crystal-plane(s) of CeO2, which can thus affect the ability of this material to oxidise carbon monoxide.
Synthesis of higher alcohols by the Fischer–Tropsch reaction over activated carbon supported CoCuMn catalysts
Authors: Pei Yanpeng , Jian Siping , Chen Yuanyuan , Wang Chuncheng
Published: August 2015

Activated carbon supported CoCu catalysts with structures containing small-sized Co particles bordering large Cu particles favored the formation of C2+ alcohols.
Controllable wet synthesis of multicomponent copper-based catalysts for Rochow reaction
Authors: Zhai Yanzhao , Ji Yongjun , Wang Guangna , Zhu Yongxia , Liu Hezhi , Zhong Ziyi , Su Fabing
Published: August 2015

Ternary CuO–Cu2O–Cu synthesized by a wet chemical method showed improved performance in the Rochow reaction due to the synergistic effect.
Graphene prepared by gamma irradiation for corrosion protection of stainless steel 316 in chloride containing electrolytes
Authors: Atta Nada F. , Amin Khaled M. , Abd El-Rehim Hassan A. , Galal Ahmed
Published: August 2015

Graphene prepared by gamma irradiation of GO and used as a coating against pitting corrosion of AISI 316 in NaCl.
A high selective and sensitive method for the detection of six psychotropic drugs in human urine by high performance liquid chromatography combined with resonance Rayleigh scattering spectra
Authors: Zang Xu , Peng Jingdong , Zhou Mingqiong , Peng Huanjun
Published: August 2015

A highly selective and sensitive method of high performance liquid chromatography combined with resonance Rayleigh scattering spectra was developed for the detection of six psychotropic drugs: Doxepin, Promethazine, Imipramine, Amitriptyline, Chlorpromazine and Clomipramine.
Chiral octahedral complexes of Co(iii) as catalysts for asymmetric epoxidation of chalcones under phase transfer conditions
Authors: Larionov Vladimir A. , Markelova Elina P. , Smol'yakov Alexander F. , Savel'yeva Tat'yana F. , Maleev Victor I. , Belokon Yuri N.
Published: August 2015

Stereochemically inert and positively charged chiral complexes of Co(iii) were shown to catalyze the asymmetric epoxidation of chalcones with H2O2 under phase transfer conditions.
Self-crosslinkable poly(urethane urea)-reinforced silica aerogels
Authors: Duan Yannan , Jana Sadhan C. , Lama Bimala , Espe Matthew P.
Published: August 2015

One-pot aerogel synthesis with sol–gel and reinforcement reactions in tandem. Reinforcing polymer molecules link silica networks at multiple (≥3) sites.
The chemical stability and cytotoxicity of carbonyl iron particles grafted with poly(glycidyl methacrylate) and the magnetorheological activity of their suspensions
Authors: Cvek Martin , Mrlík Miroslav , ​Ilčíková Markéta , Mosnáček Jaroslav , Babayan Vladimir , Kuceková Zdenka , Humpolíček Petr , Pavlínek Vladimir
Published: August 2015

Carbonyl iron (CI) particles were grafted with poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) using atom transfer radical polymerization with suitable cytotoxicity and improved anticorrosion stability.
DNA protection, antioxidant, antibacterial and enzyme inhibition activities of heartwood and sapwood extracts from juniper and olive woods
Authors: Özkan Osman Emre , Zengin Gökhan , Akça Mehmet , Baloğlu Mehmet Cengiz , Olgun Çağrı , Altuner Ergin Murat , Ateş Saim , Aktümsek Abdurrahman , Vurdu Hasan
Published: August 2015

In this study, DNA protective, antioxidant, antibacterial and enzyme inhibiting properties of methanol extracts obtained from juniper and olive heartwood and sapwood were determined.
Strong nanocomposite reinforcement effects in poly(vinyl alcohol) with melanin nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Zhu , Ma Piming , Bai Huiyu , Dong Weifu , Xie Yi , Chen Mingqing
Published: August 2015

The high dispersibility of melanin NPs in the PVA was achieved by using a simple casting method. The mechanical properties remarkably increased at a low content of melanin, and was even superior to conventional carbon-based nanofillers.
Sandwich composites of polyurethane reinforced with poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene)-coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes with exceptional electromagnetic interference shielding properties
Authors: Farukh M. , Dhawan Ridham , Singh Bhanu P. , Dhawan S. K.
Published: August 2015

PEDOT/MWCNT/PU composite films were designed, which show a shielding effectiveness of ∼45 dB in the Ku-band and a static decay time of 0.2 s which can find applications for the control of EM pollution also as an ESD material for the encapsulation of electronic equipments.
Analytical model and experimental validation of the local damage mechanism of solid lubricant films for metal matrix self-lubricating composites
Authors: Xu Zengshi , Zhang Qiaoxin , Zhai Wenzheng , Li Xixing
Published: August 2015

Schematic representation of the local damage mechanism of solid lubricant films during the sliding friction process.
Template free synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride/titania mesoflowers
Authors: Thankam Thomas Reny , Sandhyarani N.
Published: August 2015

Multifunctional solar active graphitic carbon nitride–titania mesoflowers with surface area of 147 m2 g−1 are synthesized by a one-step solvothermal process for environmental remediation.
Non-classical selectivities in the reduction of alkenes by cobalt-mediated hydrogen atom transfer
Authors: Ma Xiaoshen , Herzon Seth B.
Published: August 2015

It is shown that the reduction of alkenes by hydrogen atom transfer provides selectivities that are distinct from classical hydrogenation catalysts. The first alkene hydrobromination, hydroiodination, and hydroselenylation reactions that proceed by hydrogen atom transfer processes are also reported.
Stochastic binding of Staphylococcus aureus to hydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Thewes Nicolas , Thewes Alexander , Loskill Peter , Peisker Henrik , Bischoff Markus , Herrmann Mathias , Santen Ludger , Jacobs Karin
Published: August 2015

Viaa combined experimental and computational approach, the initiation of contact in the adhesion process ofS. aureusis studied. AFM single cell force spectroscopy paired with Monte Carlo simulations reveal that bacteria attach to a surface over distances far beyond the range of classical surface forcesviastochastic binding of thermally fluctuating cell wall proteins.
Comment on “Curvature capillary migration of microspheres” by N. Sharifi-Mood, I. B. Liu and K. J. Stebe, Soft Matter, 2015, 11, 6768
Authors: Galatola P.
Published: August 2015

Spherical colloidal particles floating at a fluid interface shaped as a uniform saddle, with equilibrium wetting conditions at the Young angle.
Energetics of lanthanide cobalt perovskites: LnCoO3−δ (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Gd)
Authors: Sahu Sulata Kumari , Tanasescu Speranta , Scherrer Barbara , Marinescu Cornelia , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: August 2015

The thermodynamic stability of lanthanide cobaltites is also a function of their existing oxygen non-stoichiometry.
Isoindigo-based low bandgap conjugated polymer for o-xylene processed efficient polymer solar cells with thick active layers
Authors: Dong Xin , Deng Yunfeng , Tian Hongkun , Xie Zhiyuan , Geng Yanhou , Wang Fosong
Published: August 2015

A low band gap conjugated polymer P(1FIID-BT) was synthesized for making thick polymer solar cells with a PCE of 7.46%.
Ultra-long electron lifetime induced efficient solar energy storage by an all-vanadium photoelectrochemical storage cell using methanesulfonic acid
Authors: Liu Dong , Wei Zi , Shen Yi , Sajjad Syed D. , Hao Yaowu , Liu Fuqiang
Published: August 2015

An all-vanadium photoelectrochemical storage cell (PESC) using methanesulfonic acid (MSA) shows superior photoelectrochemical performance in solar energy storage.
A three dimensional Pt nanodendrite/graphene/MnO2nanoflower modified electrode for the sensitive and selective detection of dopamine
Authors: Yang Beibei , Wang Jin , Bin Duan , Zhu Mingshan , Yang Ping , Du Yukou
Published: August 2015

A highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor: a 3D hierarchical ternary composite including a Pt nanodendrite/reduced graphene oxide/MnO2nanoflower modified electrode.
Fabrication of polymeric biomaterials: a strategy for tissue engineering and medical devices
Authors: Khan Ferdous , Tanaka Masaru , Ahmad Sheikh Rafi
Published: August 2015

Fabrication of biomaterials scaffolds using various methods and techniques is discussed, utilising biocompatible, biodegradable and stimuli-responsive polymers and their composites. This review covers the lithography and printing techniques, self-organisation and self-assembly methods for 3D structural scaffolds generation, and smart hydrogels, for tissue regeneration and medical devices.
An ultra-thin gold nanoparticle layer modified cathode for the enhanced performance of polymer light emitting diodes
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Yang Yuzhao , Chi Xin , Han Tao , Hanif Muddasir , Liu Linlin , Xie Zengqi , Chen Xudong , Ma Yuguang
Published: August 2015

An ultra-thin gold nanoparticle layer modified cathode is applied in PLEDs to improve device performance, originating from the balanced electron–hole recombination.
Data driven visual tracking via representation learning and online multi‐class LPBoost learning
Authors: Yang Xian , Wang Shoujue
Published: August 2015

Visual object tracking is a challenging task due to two intractable problems: visual appearance representation and online update model. Existing approaches often operate appearance model based on hand‐crafted features with discriminative feature selection. The tracking learning model is formulated as a binary classification. However, some issues remain to be addressed. First, there does not exist sufficient information for online feature selection. Second, these algorithms do not make use of structure information between object and background. In this study, the authors propose an algorithm named data driven tracker with an appearance model which exploits prior visual target representation by binary PCANet. The authors’ speed up strategy by binary operation on the convolution filters is efficient for tracking task with little performance loss. They formulate the learning model as multi‐class task via online LPBoost. Their data‐driven tracking (DDT) algorithm performs favourably on various challenging sequences by evaluating against state‐of‐the‐art trackers.
Smart e‐bike monitoring system: real‐time open source and open hardware GPS assistance and sensor data for electrically‐assisted bicycles
Authors: Kiefer Chris , Behrendt Frauke
Published: August 2015

The smart e‐bike monitoring system (SEMS) is a platform for the real‐time acquisition of usage data from electrically‐assisted bikes (also called pedelecs or e‐bikes). It is autonomous (runs off the bike battery), replicable (open source and open hardware), scalable (different fleet sizes) and modular (sensors can be added), so it can be used for further research and development. The system monitors location (global positioning system), rider control data (level of assistance) and other custom sensor input in real time. The SEMS data feeds an online interface for data analysis, for riders to view their own data and for sharing on social media. The basic system can be replicated by other researchers and can be extended with modules to explore various issues in e‐bike research. The source code and hardware design are publicly available, under the General Public License, for non‐commercial use. SEMS was implemented on 30 bikes and collected data during 10 months of real‐word trials in the UK. This study details the design and implementation of the hardware and software, discusses the system use and explores features for future design iterations. The SEMS turns singular e‐bikes into a networked fleet and is an example of the internet of things in the cycling context.
Low‐power CMOS voltage‐controlled oscillator with voltage‐controlled inductor for V‐band wireless personal area network communication systems
Authors: Huang Zhe‐Yang , Chen Chun‐Chieh , Hung Chung‐Chih
Published: August 2015

A low‐power voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) with voltage‐controlled inductor for V‐band wireless personal area network communication systems is presented in this study. The proposed VCO with a voltage‐controlled inductor provides a centre frequency of 45.62 GHz and was implemented in a 90 nm RF‐CMOS process. A tuning range of 1.28 GHz (44.98–46.26 GHz) with maximum control voltage of 1.0 V can be achieved. The phase noise is −92.8 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset frequency. The VCO core consumes 5.8 mW through a 1.0 V supply voltage and the active area is 0.13 mm2. The calculated figure‐of‐merit is −178.3.
Mode control in air gap dielectric resonant antennas for applications in IEEE 802.11ac wireless local area network base station antennas
Authors: Chen Zhijiao , Parini Clive
Published: August 2015

This study investigates the characteristics of air gap dielectric resonator antennas (AGDRAs), with emphasis on their radiating modes and potential applications for the up‐coming IEEE 802.11ac wireless local area network (WLAN) standard. An AGDRA differs from the conventional dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) by employing monopole supports to form an air gap between the dielectric resonator and the ground plane. This air gap offers more degrees of design freedom, wider bandwidth and a wider range of resonant modes, including the TE112 mode, which cannot be excited in the conventional rectangular DRAs. Four examples of AGDRA designs offering wide‐/dual‐band, dual‐/circular‐polarised and pattern reconfigurable were developed by exciting different modes. Good agreement between the simulated and measured results is observed, which proves the feasibility of AGDRA structures for the IEEE 802.11ac WLAN antennas.
Modelling, control and realisation of the single‐ended forward converter with resonant reset at the secondary side
Authors: Waltrich Gierri , Barbi Ivo
Published: August 2015

This study presents modelling, control and realisation of a forward converter with resonant reset at the secondary side. The transformer reset occurs through the resonance between its magnetising inductance and the resonant capacitor during the switch off time. The mechanism is similar to a forward converter with resonant reset at the primary side. The only difference is that the transformer‐stored energy can now be partially delivered to the load instead of being dissipated in the switch at turn‐on. Another advantage compared with conventional forward converters is the lower switch voltage stress and transformer size, which are theoretically proved to be lower. Furthermore, this converter can be used as a step‐up and step‐down converter. To verify all the mentioned features, simulations were carried out and a 600 W prototype was implemented experimentally, reaching a maximum efficiency of 94.3%.
Computational approaches for understanding the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Smith Stephen L. , Lones Michael A. , Bedder Matthew , Alty Jane E. , Cosgrove Jeremy , Maguire Richard J. , Pownall Mary Elizabeth , Ivanoiu Diana , Lyle Camille , Cording Amy , Elliott Christopher J.H.
Published: August 2015

This study describes how the application of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) can be used to study motor function in humans with Parkinson's disease (PD) and in animal models of PD. Human data is obtained using commercially available sensors via a range of non‐invasive procedures that follow conventional clinical practice. EAs can then be used to classify human data for a range of uses, including diagnosis and disease monitoring. New results are presented that demonstrate how EAs can also be used to classify fruit flies with and without genetic mutations that cause Parkinson's by using measurements of the proboscis extension reflex. The case is made for a computational approach that can be applied across human and animal studies of PD and lays the way for evaluation of existing and new drug therapies in a truly objective way.
In silico discovery of significant pathways in colorectal cancer metastasis using a two‐stage optimisation approach
Authors: Akutekwe Arinze , Seker Huseyin , Yang Shengxiang
Published: August 2015

Accurate and reliable modelling of protein–protein interaction networks for complex diseases such as colorectal cancer can help better understand mechanism of diseases and potentially discover new drugs. Different machine learning methods such as empirical mode decomposition combined with least square support vector machine, and discrete Fourier transform have been widely utilised as a classifier and for automatic discovery of biomarkers for the diagnosis of the disease. The existing methods are, however, less efficient as they tend to ignore interaction with the classifier. In this study, the authors propose a two‐stage optimisation approach to effectively select biomarkers and discover interactions among them. At the first stage, particle swarm optimisation (PSO) and differential evolution (DE) are used to optimise parameters of support vector machine recursive feature elimination algorithm, and dynamic Bayesian network is then used to predict temporal relationship between biomarkers across two time points. Results show that 18 and 25 biomarkers selected by PSO and DE‐based approach, respectively, yields the same accuracy of 97.3% and F1‐score of 97.7 and 97.6%, respectively. The stratified analysis reveals that Alpha‐2‐HS‐glycoprotein was a dominant hub gene with multiple interactions to other genes including Fibrinogen alpha chain, which is also a potential biomarker for colorectal cancer.
Biomechanical Analysis of the Proximal Adjacent Segment after Multilevel Instrumentation of the Thoracic Spine: Do Hooks Ease the Transition?
Authors: Metzger Melodie F. , Robinson Samuel T. , Svet Mark T. , Liu John C. , Acosta Frank L.
Published: August 2015

Study Design

Biomechanical cadaveric study.

Objective

Clinical studies indicate that using less-rigid fixation techniques in place of the standard all-pedicle screw construct when correcting for scoliosis may reduce the incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis and improve patient outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is a biomechanical advantage to using supralaminar hooks in place of pedicle screws at the upper-instrumented vertebrae in a multilevel thoracic construct.

Methods

T7–T12 spines were biomechanically tested: (1) intact; (2) following a two-level pedicles screw fusion from T9 to T11; and after proximal extension of the fusion to T8–T9 with (3) bilateral supra-laminar hooks, (4) a unilateral hook + unilateral screw hybrid, or (5) bilateral pedicle screws. Specimens were nondestructively loaded while three-dimensional kinematics and intradiscal pressure at the supra-adjacent level were recorded.

Results

Supra-adjacent hypermobility was reduced when bilateral hooks were used in place of pedicle screws at the upper-instrumented level, with statistically significant differences in lateral bending and torsion ( p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Disk pressures in the supra-adjacent segment were not statistically different among top-off techniques.

Conclusions

The use of supralaminar hooks at the top of a multilevel posterior fusion construct reduces the stress at the proximal uninstrumented motion segment. Although further data is needed to provide a definitive link to the clinical occurrence of PJK, this in vitro study demonstrates the potential benefit of “easing” the transition between the stiff instrumented spine and the flexible native spine and is the first to demonstrate these results with laminar hooks.
Synthesis and properties of Ag/ZnO core/shell nanostructures prepared by excimer laser ablation in liquid
Authors: Zhao Yan , Li Shuanghao , Zeng Yong , Jiang Yijian
Published: August 2015

Ag/ZnO core/shell nanostructure was synthesised by a 248-nm KrF excimer pulsed laser ablation in a liquid solution for the first time. It was found that the surface plasma resonance absorption of the Ag/ZnO core/shell nanostructures can be tuned by the thickness of the ZnO shell, which is in agreement with the finite difference in the time domain simulation. Furthermore, the ultraviolet emission spectrum of the Ag/ZnO core/shell nanostructures was stronger and blue-shifted compared with that of pure ZnO nanoparticles. This interesting photoluminescent phenomenon is analysed in detail and a possible explanation is proposed.
Optical patterning of magnetic domains and defects in ferromagnetic liquid crystal colloids
Authors: Hess Andrew J. , Liu Qingkun , Smalyukh Ivan I.
Published: August 2015

A promising approach in designing composite materials with an unusual physical behavior combines solid nanostructures and orientationally ordered soft matter at the mesoscale. Such composites can not only inherit properties of their constituents but also can exhibit emergent behavior such as ferromagnetic ordering of colloidal metal nanoparticles forming mesoscopic magnetization domains when dispersed in a nematic liquid crystal. Here, we demonstrate the optical patterning of domain structures and topological defects in such ferromagnetic liquid crystal colloids, which allows for altering their response to magnetic fields. Our findings reveal the nature of the defects in this soft matter system which is different as compared to non-polar nematics and ferromagnets alike.
The electronic structure, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of Mo2XB2 and MoX2B4 (X = Fe, Co, Ni) ternary borides
Authors: He TianWei , Jiang YeHua , Zhou Rong , Feng Jing
Published: August 2015

The mechanical properties, electronic structure and thermodynamic properties of the Mo2XB2 and MoX2B4 (X = Fe, Co, Ni) ternary borides were calculated by first-principles methods. The elastic constants show that these ternary borides are mechanically stable. Formation enthalpy of Mo2XB2 and MoX2B4 (X = Fe, Co, Ni) ternary borides are at the range of −118.09 kJ/mol to −40.14 kJ/mol. The electronic structures and chemical bonding characteristics are analyzed by the density of states. Mo2FeB2 has the largest shear and Young's modulus because of its strong chemical bonding, and the values are 204.3 GPa and 500.3 GPa, respectively. MoCo2B4 shows the lowest degree of anisotropy due to the lack of strong direction in the bonding. The Debye temperature of MoFe2B4 is the largest among the six phases, which means that MoFe2B4 possesses the best thermal conductivity. Enthalpy shows an approximately linear function of the temperature above 300 K. The entropy of these compounds increase rapidly when the temperature is below 450 K. The Gibbs free energy decreases with the increase in temperature. MoCo2B4 has the lowest Gibbs free energy, which indicates the strongest formation ability in Mo2XB2 and MoX2B4 (X = Fe, Co, Ni) ternary borides.
Hyperdynamics boost factor achievable with an ideal bias potential
Authors: Huang Chen , Perez Danny , Voter Arthur F.
Published: August 2015

Hyperdynamics is a powerful method to significantly extend the time scales amenable to molecular dynamics simulation of infrequent events. One outstanding challenge, however, is the development of the so-called bias potential required by the method. In this work, we design a bias potential using information about all minimum energy pathways (MEPs) out of the current state. While this approach is not suitable for use in an actual hyperdynamics simulation, because the pathways are generally not known in advance, it allows us to show that it is possible to come very close to the theoretical boost limit of hyperdynamics while maintaining high accuracy. We demonstrate this by applying this MEP-based hyperdynamics (MEP-HD) to metallic surface diffusion systems. In most cases, MEP-HD gives boost factors that are orders of magnitude larger than the best existing bias potential, indicating that further development of hyperdynamics bias potentials could have a significant payoff. Finally, we discuss potential practical uses of MEP-HD, including the possibility of developing MEP-HD into a true hyperdynamics.
Adiabatic theory for anisotropic cold molecule collisions
Authors: Pawlak Mariusz , Shagam Yuval , Narevicius Edvardas , Moiseyev Nimrod
Published: August 2015

We developed an adiabatic theory for cold anisotropic collisions between slow atoms and cold molecules. It enables us to investigate the importance of the couplings between the projection states of the rotational motion of the atom about the molecular axis of the diatom. We tested our theory using the recent results from the Penning ionization reaction experiment 4He(1s2s 3S) + HD(1s2) → 4He(1s2) + HD+(1s) + e− [Lavert-Ofir et al., Nat. Chem. 6, 332 (2014)] and demonstrated that the couplings have strong effect on positions of shape resonances. The theory we derived provides cross sections which are in a very good agreement with the experimental findings.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of 2-propanol over macroporous GaN/ZnO solid solution prepared by a novel sol-gel method
Authors: Wang Lizhong , Ouyang Shuxin , Ren Bofan , Ye Jinhua , Wang Defa
Published: August 2015

Macroporous GaN/ZnO solid solution photocatalyst is synthesized through a novel sol-gel method under mild conditions. The performance of as-synthesized solid solution photocatalyst is evaluated for decomposition of gaseous 2-propanol (IPA). It is found that due to enhancement in both the adsorption to gaseous IPA and the absorbance to visible light, the porous GaN/ZnO solid solution exhibits a good photocatalytic performance for IPA decomposition. Moreover, the mechanism for photocatalytic degradation IPA over porous GaN/ZnO solid solution is also investigated in comparison with those for the two end materials ZnO and GaN. The trapping effects with different scavengers prove that both the photoexcited electrons and holes affect the IPA photodegradation process, simultaneously.
Theory of polymer translocation through a flickering nanopore under an alternating driving force
Authors: Sarabadani Jalal , Ikonen Timo , Ala-Nissila Tapio
Published: August 2015

We develop a theory for polymer translocation driven by a time-dependent force through an oscillating nanopore. To this end, we extend the iso-flux tension propagation theory [Sarabadani et al., J. Chem. Phys. 141, 214907 (2014)] for such a setup. We assume that the external driving force in the pore has a component oscillating in time, and the flickering pore is similarly described by an oscillating term in the pore friction. In addition to numerically solving the model, we derive analytical approximations that are in good agreement with the numerical simulations. Our results show that by controlling either the force or pore oscillations, the translocation process can be either sped up or slowed down depending on the frequency of the oscillations and the characteristic time scale of the process. We also show that while in the low and high frequency limits, the translocation time τ follows the established scaling relation with respect to chain length N0, in the intermediate frequency regime small periodic, fluctuations can have drastic effects on the dynamical scaling. The results can be easily generalized for non-periodic oscillations and elucidate the role of time dependent forces and pore oscillations in driven polymer translocation.