bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of low-fat diet and aging on metabolic profiles of Creb3l4 knockout mice
Authors: Kim T-H , Park J-M , Jo S-H , Kim M-Y , Nojima H , Ahn Y-H
Published: August 2015

Background/Objectives:

Increased adipose tissue mass closely associates with the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Previously, we reported that CREB3L4 expressed in adipose tissue negatively regulates adipogenesis, and Creb3l4 knockout mice fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks showed fat cell hyperplasia, with improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. These mice did not show significant weight gain and fat mass. Because fat diet or aging is known to be associated with the development of obesity, we examined the effects of Creb3l4 gene subjected to low-fat diet (LFD) or aging process on body composition and obesity risk.

Subjects/Methods:

We fed Creb3l4 knockout mice a low-fat diet for 16 weeks (LFD group) or chow diet for over 1 year (aged group) and observed various metabolic parameters in the LFD-fed and aged Creb3l4 knockout mice.

Results:

LFD-fed and aged Creb3l4 knockout mice showed significant weight gain and adiposity, impaired glucose tolerance and decreased insulin sensitivity, compared with wild-type mice.

Conclusions:

Creb3l4 has a critical role in metabolic phenotypes and a better understanding of its function may provide improved insight into the etiology of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Polyamine biosynthesis is critical for growth and differentiation of the pancreas
Authors: Mastracci Teresa L. , Robertson Morgan A. , Mirmira Raghavendra G. , Anderson Ryan M.
Published: August 2015

The pancreas, in most studied vertebrates, is a compound organ with both exocrine and endocrine functions. The exocrine compartment makes and secretes digestive enzymes, while the endocrine compartment, organized into islets of Langerhans, produces hormones that regulate blood glucose. High concentrations of polyamines, which are aliphatic amines, are reported in exocrine and endocrine cells, with insulin-producing β cells showing the highest concentrations. We utilized zebrafish as a model organism, together with pharmacological inhibition or genetic manipulation, to determine how polyamine biosynthesis functions in pancreatic organogenesis. We identified that inhibition of polyamine biosynthesis reduces exocrine pancreas and β cell mass and that these reductions are at the level of differentiation. Moreover, we demonstrate that inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, phenocopies inhibition or knockdown of the enzyme deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS). These data identify that the pancreatic requirement for polyamine biosynthesis is largely mediated through a requirement for spermidine for the downstream posttranslational modification of eIF5A by its enzymatic activator DHS, which in turn impacts mRNA translation. Altogether, we have uncovered a role for polyamine biosynthesis in pancreatic organogenesis and identified that it may be possible to exploit polyamine biosynthesis to manipulate pancreatic cell differentiation.
Investigation on preparation and performance of spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 with different microstructures for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Xue Yuan , Wang Zhenbo , Zheng Lili , Yu Fuda , Liu Baosheng , Zhang Yin , Ke Ke
Published: August 2015

The high voltage spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 is a promising cathode material in next generation of lithium ion batteries. In this study, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 with various particle microstructures are prepared by controlling the microstructures of precursors. LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 spinel samples with solid, hollow and hierarchical microstructures are prepared with solid MnCO3, hollow MnO2 and hierarchical Mn2O3 as precursor, respectively. The homemade spinel materials are investigated and the results show that the content of Mn3+ and impurity phase differ much in these three spinel samples obtained under the same calcining and annealing conditions. It is revealed for the first time that an inhomogeneous migration of atoms may introduce Mn3+ and impurity phase in the spinel. The hierarchical microstructure with the primary particles interconnected is optimal for electrode materials because this microstructure has a higher conductivity between the interconnected primary particles and appropriate specific surface area. LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 in this microstructure has the best rate capability and also the best long-term cycling stability.
Organic acids from root exudates of banana help root colonization of PGPR strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NJN-6
Authors: Yuan Jun , Zhang Nan , Huang Qiwei , Raza Waseem , Li Rong , Vivanco Jorge M. , Shen Qirong
Published: August 2015

The successful colonization of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in the rhizosphere is an initial and compulsory step in the protection of plants from soil-borne pathogens. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the role of root exudates in the colonization of PGPR. Banana root exudates were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) which revealed exudates contained several organic acids (OAs) including oxalic, malic and fumaric acid. The chemotactic response and biofilm formation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NJN-6 were investigated in response to OA’s found in banana root exudates. Furthermore, the transcriptional levels of genes involved in biofilm formation, yqxM and epsD, were evaluated in response to OAs via quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results suggested that root exudates containing the OAs both induced the chemotaxis and biofilm formation in NJN-6. In fact, the strongest chemotactic and biofilm response was found when 50 μM of OAs were applied. More specifically, malic acid showed the greatest chemotactic response whereas fumaric acid significantly induced biofilm formation by a 20.7–27.3% increase and therefore biofilm formation genes expression. The results showed banana root exudates, in particular the OAs released, play a crucial role in attracting and initiating PGPR colonization on the host roots.
Fluorescent probes for real-time measurement of nitric oxide in living cells
Authors: Li Huili , Wan Ajun
Published: August 2015

This tutorial review presents an arsenal of fluorescent probes used to detect NO in living cells and animal tissues.
Post-derivative TLC densitometric stability indicating assay for mesterolone and quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Musharraf Syed Ghulam , Arfeen Qamar ul , Haq Faraz Ul , Ahmed Haris
Published: August 2015

A post-derivative TLC densitometric method was developed for the quantification of mesterolone with aid of quantum chemical calculations.
A supramolecular hydrogel based on carbamazepine
Authors: Zhou Ying , Cui Hongjing , Shu Chang , Ling Ya , Wang Ran , Li Hongmei , Chen Yadong , Lu Tao , Zhong Wenying
Published: August 2015

In this communication we report the first supramolecular hydrogel based on an antiepileptic drug carbamazepine (CBZ). CBZ plays a dual role of a drug molecule and an aromatic capping group in this self-delivery system.
A molecular fluorescent dye for specific staining and imaging of RNA in live cells: a novel ligand integration from classical thiazole orange and styryl compounds
Authors: Lu Yu-Jing , Deng Qiang , Hu Dong-Ping , Wang Zheng-Ya , Huang Bao-Hua , Du Zhi-Yun , Fang Yan-Xiong , Wong Wing-Leung , Zhang Kun , Chow Cheuk-Fai
Published: August 2015

A new RNA-selective fluorescent dye shows excellent nucleolus RNA staining and imaging performance in live cells.
A nine-coordinated dysprosium(iii) compound with an oxalate-bridged dysprosium(iii) layer exhibiting two slow magnetic relaxation processes
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Ke Hongshan , Liu Xiangyu , Wei Qing , Xie Gang , Chen Sanping
Published: August 2015

A 2D oxalate-bridged dysprosium(iii) compound, formulated as [Dy(C2O4)1.5(H2O)3]n·2nH2O (1), has been hydrothermally isolated.
Click with a boronic acid handle: a neighboring group-assisted click reaction that allows ready secondary functionalization
Authors: Draganov Alexander B. , Wang Ke , Holmes Jalisa , Damera Krishna , Wang Danzhu , Dai Chaofeng , Wang Binghe
Published: August 2015

A novel boronic acid facilitated cyclization reaction was developed. This reaction reaches completion at room temperature within minutes and is suitable for coupling and bioconjugation chemistry.
Rational molecular design of PEOlated ladder-structured polysilsesquioxane membranes for high performance CO2 removal
Authors: Park Sunghwan , Lee Albert S. , Do Yu Seong , Hwang Seung Sang , Lee Young Moo , Lee Jung-Hyun , Lee Jong Suk
Published: August 2015

By selectively introducing PEO groups into the ladder-structured polysilsesquioxane, PEO crystallization was suppressed, allowing for the exceptional CO2 separation performance.
The influence of imperfect walls on the guest binding properties of hydrogen-bonded capsules
Authors: Zhu Chang-You , Wang Hao-Yi , Sun Jiao-Nan , Ye Gang , Rebek Julius , Jiang Wei
Published: August 2015

The imperfect walls provide additional flexibility to three classes of hydrogen-bonded capsules and exert an influence on their guest binding properties.
A new small molecule gelator and 3D framework ligator of lead(ii)
Authors: Knichal Jane V. , Gee William J. , Burrows Andrew D. , Raithby Paul R. , Wilson Chick C.
Published: August 2015

A new allene dicarboxylate ligand reacts with hydrated lead(ii) acetate in DMF to yield either a crystalline 3D framework or a metallogel dependent on the reaction temperature.
Heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction on hematite (α-Fe2O3){104}, {113} and {001} surface facets
Authors: Chan J. Y. T. , Ang S. Y. , Ye E. Y. , Sullivan M. , Zhang J. , Lin M.
Published: August 2015

The surface facets play an important role in determining the catalytic performance of nanostructured catalysts.
Phosphoryl transfer reaction catalyzed by membrane diacylglycerol kinase: a theoretical mechanism study
Authors: Jiang Yafei , Tan Hongwei , Zheng Jimin , Li Xichen , Chen Guangju , Jia Zongchao
Published: August 2015

Despite a unique composite active site formed by two monomers, DgkA catalyzes phosphotransfer reaction using the canonical kinase mechanism.
Visible-light-driven Ag/AgCl plasmonic photocatalysts via a surfactant-assisted protocol: enhanced catalytic performance by morphology evolution from near-spherical to 1D structures
Authors: Wang Yanping , Chen Penglei , Shen Yunfan , Chen Chuncheng , Yang Changchun , Liu Minghua
Published: August 2015

Fibrous Ag/AgCl structures with boosted photocatalytic performances have been fabricatedviaa one-pot surfactant-assisted morphology evolution from near-spherical to 1D architectures.
Direct electron transfer of Phanerochaete chrysosporium cellobiose dehydrogenase at platinum and palladium nanoparticles decorated carbon nanotubes modified electrodes
Authors: Bozorgzadeh Somayyeh , Hamidi Hassan , Ortiz Roberto , Ludwig Roland , Gorton Lo
Published: August 2015

Present work describes an efficient electrical connection of a class I cellobiose dehydrogenase on graphite electrodes modified with MWCNTs decorated with Pt and Pd nanoparticles.
Exploring environment-dependent effects of Pd nanostructures on reactive oxygen species (ROS) using electron spin resonance (ESR) technique: implications for biomedical applications
Authors: Wen Tao , He Weiwei , Chong Yu , Liu Yi , Yin Jun-Jie , Wu Xiaochun
Published: August 2015

Pd nanostructures can promote the decomposition of H2O2 in a pH-dependent manner and scavenge superoxide and singlet oxygen.
Computational prediction of cyclometalated IrIII, RhIII and CoIII amido complexes to capture up to three CO2 molecules
Authors: Vadivelu Prabha , Suresh Cherumuttathu H.
Published: August 2015

We report the [(CH3)2PCH2NH2] (pcn) based cyclometalated IrIII, RhIII and CoIII amido complexes to capture up to three CO2 molecules via M–N(amido) bond insertion reactions.
Stabilization of Cu(i) for binding and calorimetric measurements in aqueous solution
Authors: Johnson Destinee K. , Stevenson Michael J. , Almadidy Zayed A. , Jenkins Sharon E. , Wilcox Dean. E. , Grossoehme Nicholas E.
Published: August 2015

A robust method for the preparation, stabilization and delivery of Cu+ for aqueous titrations, in particular ITC measurements, is described.
Redox chemistry of ruthenium ions in mono-substituted Keggin tungstophosphate: a new synthetic extension for ruthenium derivatives based on [PW11O39RuVIN]4−
Authors: Liu Bin , Yan Jun , Wang Yi-Fang , Yi Xiao-Yi
Published: August 2015

A facile approach to ruthenium-substituted Keggin-type heteropolyoxotungstates with high yield by easily controllable redox reaction is described.
Nanostructured polyaniline incorporated ultrafiltration membrane for desalination of brackish water
Authors: Mukherjee Raka , Sharma Rahul , Saini Parveen , De Sirshendu
Published: August 2015

A novel salt rejecting ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was prepared by a facile, scalable route involving in situ incorporation of negatively charged polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles within polysulfone (PSF).
Chitooligosaccharides as novel ingredients of fermented foods
Authors: Vela Gurovic M. S. , Dello Staffolo M. , Montero M. , Debbaudt A. , Albertengo L. , Rodríguez M. S.
Published: August 2015

Chitooligosaccharides can be added to yoghurt at low concentrations without affecting its nutritional composition and sensory acceptance.
Protective effects of germinated and fermented soybean extract against tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells and in rats
Authors: Kim Eun Young , Hong Ki-Bae , Suh Hyung Joo , Choi Hyeon-Son
Published: August 2015

Germinated and fermented soybean extract (GFSE) suppresses reactive oxygen species productionviagenetic regulation of anti/prooxidant enzymes for the recovery of liver function in HepG2 cells and in rats.
Organocatalysis by an aprotic imidazolium zwitterion: regioselective ring-opening of aziridines and applicable to gram scale synthesis
Authors: Chakraborty Ghosal Nirnita , Santra Sougata , Das Sudarshan , Hajra Alakananda , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Majee Adinath
Published: August 2015

An imidazole-based zwitterionic-salt, 4-(3-methylimidazolium)butane sulfonate (MBS), has been used as organocatalyst for regioselective ring-opening of aziridine by various nucleophiles.
RNA-seq based transcriptomic analysis of single bacterial cells
Authors: Wang Jiangxin , Chen Lei , Chen Zixi , Zhang Weiwen
Published: August 2015

A RNA-seq method for single bacterial cells which not only shows reliable results but also reveals significant heterogeneity was firstly reported.
Conductance signatures of electron confinement induced by strained nanobubbles in graphene
Authors: Bahamon Dario A. , Qi Zenan , Park Harold S. , Pereira Vitor M. , Campbell David K.
Published: August 2015

Using a combined molecular dynamics – tight-binding simulation scheme we access the electronic transport signatures of graphene with embedded nanobubbles.
A study of lateral Schottky contacts in WSe2 and MoS2 field effect transistors using scanning photocurrent microscopy
Authors: Yi Ya , Wu Changming , Liu Hongchao , Zeng Jiali , He Hongtao , Wang Jiannong
Published: August 2015

A scanning photocurrent microscopy method is applied to study the lateral expansion of depletion regions at the metal/2D TMDC Schottky contacts with different gate and drain biases.
Synthesis and investigation of singlet oxygen production efficiency of photosensitizers based on meso-phenyl-2,5-thienylene linked porphyrin oligomers and polymers
Authors: Khan Rehan , Idris Muazzam , Tuncel Dönüs
Published: August 2015

Three new Zn(ii)-, oligo- and poly(2,5-thienylene)-linked porphyrins, bearing multiple triethylene glycol (TEG) groups were synthesized and their photophysical properties as well as singlet oxygen generation efficiencies have been investigated to elucidate the possibility of their use as a photosensitizer.
Synthesis and stability of cyclic α-hydrogen nitroxides
Authors: Toledo Hila , Amar Michal , Bar Sukanta , Iron Mark A. , Fridman Natalia , Tumanskii Boris , Shimon Linda J. W. , Botoshansky Mark , Szpilman Alex M.
Published: August 2015

Nitroxides (nitroxyl radicals) hold a unique place in science due to their stable radical nature.
The first total synthesis of (+)-goniothalesacetate and syntheses of (+)-altholactone, (+)-gonioheptolide A, and (−)-goniofupyrone by an asymmetric acetate aldol approach
Authors: AnkiReddy Sandeep , AnkiReddy Praveen , Sabitha Gowravaram
Published: August 2015

First stereoselective total synthesis of (+)-goniothalesacetate and total synthesis of (+)-altholactone, (+)-gonioheptolide A, and (−)-goniofupyrone have been achieved.
Hydroxy-telechelic poly(ethylene-co-isobutylene) as a soft segment for thermoplastic polyurethanes
Authors: Wang Yanzhao , Hillmyer Marc A.
Published: August 2015

Facile preparation of linear amorphous hydroxy-telechelic poly(ethylene-co-isobutylene) (PEIB) was enabled by ROMP of a new monomer, (Z)-5,5-dimethylcyclooct-1-ene (Me2COE).
The effect of Z-group modification on the RAFT polymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone controlled by “switchable” N-pyridyl-functional dithiocarbamates
Authors: Stace Sarah J. , Moad Graeme , Fellows Christopher M. , Keddie Daniel J.
Published: August 2015

The polymerization ofN-vinylpyrrolidone was examined with a series of cyanomethylN-aryl-N-pyridyldithiocarbamates varying in the substituent at the 4-position on the phenyl ring.
Facile ‘embedding’ of Au nanocrystals into silica spheres with controllable quantity for improved catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol
Authors: Zhou Shiqi , Bai Song , Cheng Erjian , Qiao Ru , Xie Yi , Li Zhengquan
Published: August 2015

Gold nanocrystals ‘embedded’ in silica shells with high density have been developed, showing improved catalytic activity.
Hierarchical Fe3O4@titanate microspheres with superior removal capability for water treatment: in situ growth and structure tailoring via hydrothermal assisted etching
Authors: Shi Liang , Dong Bohua , Gao Rongjie , Su Ge , Liu Wei , Xia Chenghui , Zhao Fenghuan , Cao Lixin
Published: August 2015

Superparamagnetic hierarchical Fe3O4@titanate microspheres synthesized via a hydrothermal process exhibit rapid adsorption behavior and can be used as recyclable adsorbents.
Unique lead adsorption behavior of ions sieves in pellet-like reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Chen Dejian , Li Shunxing , Zou Liling , Zheng Fengying
Published: August 2015

A pellet-like reduced graphene oxide has been presented for lead ions removal like behavior of ions sieves in aqueous solution.
Efficient bifunctional materials based on pyrene- and triphenylamine-functionalized dendrimers for electroluminescent devices
Authors: Keawin T. , Prachumrak N. , Namuangruk S. , Pansay S. , Kungwan N. , Maensiri S. , Jungsuttiwong S. , Sudyoadsuk T. , Promarak V.
Published: August 2015

These materials show a promising bifunctional property as blue emissive layer and hole-transporting layer for high efficiency solution processed blue and Alq3-based green OLEDs with much simpler device architecture.
Transportation and fate of gold nanoparticles in oilseed rape
Authors: Zhang Jichao , Pan Liang , Lv Min , Aldalbahi Ali , Xie Tian , Li Aiguo , Tai Renzhong , Huang Qing , Fan Chunhai , Zhao Yun , Zhu Ying
Published: August 2015

In this work, we demonstrate the mild effect of AuNPs on the growth of oilseed rape seedlings and suggest their potential application as vehicles for gene delivery in plants.
Facile construction of novel heterocyclic compounds: three-component, one-pot synthesis of 2-hydroxybenzoyl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylates, ketones, pyridone-3-carboxylates and benzopyrido-1,3-oxazole-4-carboxylates
Authors: Rajkumar Kommera , Suman Pathi , Raju Bhimapaka China
Published: August 2015

A facile method has been developed for the preparation of novel heterocyclic compounds facilitated by 3-oxobutanoates and 1,3-diketones possessing a trihalo group. This three-component, one-pot protocol provided heterocyclic compounds without a catalyst.
Photoresponsive and wetting performances of sheet-like nanostructures of tungsten trioxide thin films grown on wood surfaces
Authors: Hui Bin , Wu Dianxiu , Huang Qiongtao , Cai Liping , Li Guoliang , Li Jian , Zhao Guiling
Published: August 2015

Tungsten trioxide films with sheet-like nanostructures coated on wood substrates possessed photoresponsive behavior and superhydrophobic performance after OTS treatment.
Highly efficient and selective degradation of methylene blue from mixed aqueous solution by using monodisperse CuFe2O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Lingyun , Hu Guowen , Wang Zhiyi , Wang Baodui , Song Yumin , Tang Huiang
Published: August 2015

We present the design and synthesis of a monodisperse CuFe2O4 nanocatalyst for selective and rapid degradation of methylene blue (MB).
Iron oxyhydroxide aerogels and xerogels by controlled hydrolysis of FeCl3·6H2O in organic solvents: stages of formation
Authors: Lázár I. , Szilágyi A. , Sáfrán G. , Szegedi Á. , Stichleutner S. , Lázár K.
Published: August 2015

Transient species appear in early stages of hydrolysis of iron in organic media with simultaneous progress of gel formation.
On-chip integration of novel Au electrode with a higher order three-dimensional layer stack nanostructure for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Yamaguchi Akinobu , Fukuoka Takao , Hara Ryohei , Kuroda Kazuhisa , Takahashi Ryo , Utsumi Yuichi
Published: August 2015

We develop a novel in situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) platform with three-dimensional nanostructure gold electrodes using the competitive self-assembly between dielectrophoresis and convective aggregation.
Hierarchical polystyrene@reduced graphene oxide–Pt core–shell microspheres for non-enzymatic detection of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Liu Weilu , Li Cong , Zhang Peng , Tang Liu , Gu Yue , Zhang Yujing , Zhang Jianqing , Liu Zhongbo , Sun Guoxiang , Zhang Zhiquan
Published: August 2015

A non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor based on polystyrene@reduced graphene oxide (RGO)–Pt core–shell microspheres was developed for sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Thermally stable phthalonitrile resins based on multiple oligo (aryl ether)s with phenyl-s-triazine moieties in backbones
Authors: Zong Lishuai , Liu Cheng , Guo Yujie , Wang Jinyan , Jian Xigao
Published: August 2015

Phenyl-s-triazine segments in the polymer backbones endowed phthalonitrile networks with enhanced thermal stability, which could also be tuned by the main-chain lengths of the aromatic ether.
Single-protein-based theranostic nanosystem within sub-10 nm scale for tumor imaging and therapy
Authors: Li Yan , Zheng Li , Dong Haiqing , Li Yongyong
Published: August 2015

A single-protein-based theranostic nanosystem within sub-10 nm scale was developed for tumor imaging and therapy.
An efficient one-pot access to N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl) substituent biphenyl-4-sulfonamides through water-promoted, palladium-catalyzed, microwave-assisted reactions
Authors: Huang Zhi-You , Yang Jing-Fang , Chen Qian , Cao Run-Jie , Huang Wei , Hao Ge-Fei , Yang Guang-Fu
Published: August 2015

An efficient one-pot, Pd(PPh3)4catalyzed, water-promoted method with excellent substrate scope and functional group compatibility for the synthesis ofN-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl) biphenyl-4-sulfonamides was developed under microwave irradiation.
A green and facile method for the preparation of a pH-responsive alginate nanogel for subcellular delivery of doxorubicin
Authors: Xue Yanan , Xia Xiaoyang , Yu Bo , Luo Xiaogang , Cai Ning , Long Sihui , Yu Faquan
Published: August 2015

A one-pot preparation of a drug-loaded alginate nanogel was achieved upon the optimization of the concentration and their ratio of alginate, calcium ion and doxorubicin. The nanogel exhibited apparent pH-responsive release and subcellular delivery.
Flexible solar cells based on graphene-ultrathin silicon Schottky junction
Authors: Jiao Tianpeng , Wei Dapeng , Liu Jian , Sun Wentao , Jia Shuming , Zhang Wei , Feng Yanhui , Shi Haofei , Du Chunlei
Published: August 2015

This work reports a flexible graphene–silicon (Gr–Si) photovoltaic device with high reliability and stability, exhibiting a promising prospect in potential applications for portable and wearable electronic products.
Epoxy/graphene nanocomposites – processing and properties: a review
Authors: Wei Jiacheng , Vo Thuc , Inam Fawad
Published: August 2015

Graphene, a 2D fullerene, is a unique material because of its exceptional set of properties. This review has been focused on the processing methods and mechanical, electrical, thermal, and fire retardant properties of epoxy/graphene nanocomposites.
Selective hydrolysis of wheat straw hemicellulose using high-pressure CO2 as catalyst
Authors: Relvas Frederico M. , Morais Ana Rita C. , Bogel-Lukasik Rafal
Published: August 2015

The use of high-pressure CO2–H2O as selective acid-catalysed hydrolysis of wheat straw enhances xylo-oligosaccharides yield compared to water-only reaction.
In vivo accurate target bio-marking of tumors through in situ biosynthesized fluorescent zinc nanoclusters
Authors: Su Meina , Ye Jing , Li Qiwei , Ge Wei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Jiang Hui , Amatore Christian , Wang Xuemei
Published: August 2015

This article demonstrates that when cultured with micromolar zinc gluconate solutions, cancerous cells readily biosynthesizedin situbiocompatible zinc nanoclusters allowing their fluorescence bio-imaging.
Highly enantioselective direct allylic alkylation of butenolides with Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates catalyzed by chiral squaramide-phosphine
Authors: Kang Tian-Chen , Zhao Xuan , Sha Feng , Wu Xin-Yan
Published: August 2015

Asymmetric vinylogous allylic alkylation of β,γ-butenolides with Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates has been developed to construct γ,γ-disubstituted butenolides containing adjacent quaternary and tertiary chiral centers.
Dissolved organic matter in urban stormwater runoff at three typical regions in Beijing: chemical composition, structural characterization and source identification
Authors: Zhao Chen , Wang Chong-Chen , Li Jun-Qi , Wang Chao-Yang , Wang Peng , Pei Zi-Jian
Published: August 2015

Chemical composition, structural characterization and source identification of DOM in urban stormwater runoff collected from three typical regions in Beijing were investigated.
Polymers of intrinsic microporosity as high temperature templates for the formation of nanofibrous oxides
Authors: Al Kutubi H. , Rassaei L. , Olthuis W. , Nelson G. W. , Foord J. S. , Holdway P. , Carta M. , Malpass-Evans R. , McKeown N. B. , Tsang S. C. , Castaing R. , Forder T. R. , Jones M. D. , He D. , Marken F.
Published: August 2015

Highly rigid polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) offer novel high temperature template materials for the formation of nano-structured metal oxides, here for nanostructured Pr6O11.
Performance enhancement of BODIPY dimer-based small-molecule solar cells using a visible-photon-capturing diketopyrrolopyrrole π-bridge
Authors: Liu Wenxu , Yao Jiannian , Zhan Chuanlang
Published: August 2015

Utilization of the visible-photon-capturing DPP instead of the BDT π-bridge leads to a 70% increase in the photocurrent.
Conformationally restricted calpain inhibitors
Authors: Adams S. E. , Robinson E. J. , Miller D. J. , Rizkallah P. J. , Hallett M. B. , Allemann R. K.
Published: August 2015

Oxidised α-mercaptoacrylic acid derivatives are potent conformationally restricted calpain-I inhibitors that mimic the endogenous inhibitor calpastatin.
Modelling of shape memory polymer sheets that self-fold in response to localized heating
Authors: Mailen Russell W. , Liu Ying , Dickey Michael D. , Zikry Mohammed , Genzer Jan
Published: August 2015

We conduct a nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) of the thermo-mechanical shrinking and self-folding behavior of pre-strained polystyrene polymer sheets.
Highly flexible silica/chitosan hybrid scaffolds with oriented pores for tissue regeneration
Authors: Wang Daming , Romer Frederik , Connell Louise , Walter Claudia , Saiz Eduardo , Yue Sheng , Lee Peter D. , McPhail David S. , Hanna John V. , Jones Julian R.
Published: August 2015

Inorganic/organic sol–gel hybrids have nanoscale co-networks of organic and inorganic components that give them the unique potential of tailored mechanical properties and controlled biodegradation in tissue engineering applications.
Synergistic π–π and Pt–Pt interactions in luminescent hybrid inorganic/organic dual columnar liquid crystals
Authors: Tritto Emiliano , Chico Rubén , Ortega Josu , Folcia César L. , Etxebarria Jesús , Coco Silverio , Espinet Pablo
Published: August 2015

Hybrid inorganic/organic dual columnar materials display aggregation-induced enhanced phosphorescence based on inter-disk Pt–Pt interactions in a fluid state.
A 2D quantum dot-based electrochemiluminescence film sensor towards reversible temperature-sensitive response and nitrite detection
Authors: Zhou Yuqiong , Yan Dongpeng , Wei Min
Published: August 2015

CdTe quantum dot-based thin films with highly enhanced anodic electrochemiluminescence were developed, which can be used as a reversible temperature response and nitrite sensor.
Influencing FTO thin film growth with thin seeding layers: a route to microstructural modification
Authors: Noor Nuruzzaman , Chew Clair K. T. , Bhachu Davinder S. , Waugh Matthew R. , Carmalt Claire J. , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: August 2015

A two-step seed-overlay chemical vapour deposition synthesis to tune morphology for highly rough, low haze FTO TCO thin films.
Interprofessional Practice in Developing an AAC System for Children With Down Syndrome
Authors: Wilkinson Krista , Na Ji Young
Published: August 2015

Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common known genetic origin of intellectual disability (Shin et al., 2009). Although the oral language skills of very young children with DS are often sufficient to meet their communicative needs within the supportive social circles of home and preschool, the task of communication becomes far more demanding upon entrance to elementary school. The speech that was previously adequate is often not sufficient for academic communication with unfamiliar partners; indeed, 95% of parents report that their children with DS had difficulty being understood by persons outside their immediate social circle (Kumin, 2002). Principles of interprofessional approaches are critical in serving individuals with DS because of the diverse and unique profile of strengths and challenges. We will use a case-based approach to illustrate how the principles of interprofessional practices can benefit AAC interventions for individuals with DS. We focus in particular on how expertise of professionals in education/counseling, vision science, and motor development can inform AAC interventions.
Leader‐follower fixed‐time consensus for multi‐agent systems with unknown non‐linear inherent dynamics
Authors: Defoort Michael , Polyakov Andrey , Demesure Guillaume , Djemai Mohamed , Veluvolu Kalyana
Published: August 2015

This study focuses on the design of fixed‐time consensus for first‐order multi‐agent systems with unknown inherent non‐linear dynamics. A distributed control protocol, based on local information, is proposed to ensure the convergence of the tracking errors in finite time. Some conditions are derived to select the controller gains in order to obtain a prescribed convergence time regardless of the initial conditions. Simulations are performed to validate the theoretical results.
Distributed adaptive consensus control of heterogeneous multi‐agent chaotic systems with unknown time delays
Authors: Cui Bing , Ma Tiedong , Lewis Frank L. , Zhao Chunhui , Song Yongduan , Feng Chi
Published: August 2015

In this study, the distributed consensus tracking problem for heterogeneous multi‐agent chaotic delayed non‐linear systems is addressed. Each follower is modelled as a chaotic system with non‐identical and unknown time delays, non‐linear dynamics, and disturbances. The general case of directed communication graphs is considered and the graph structure is taken into account in the control protocol design. Distributed controllers with an adaptive learning feature based on neural network approximations are designed to guarantee that all agents synchronise to the leader's state with bounded synchronisation error. A graph‐dependent Lyapunov proof provides error bounds that depend on the maximum time delays, the graph topology, and the agent dynamics properties. Special cases of the dynamics considered here cover many examples in the literature, including master–slave synchronisation of two chaotic delayed systems. A simulation with multiple non‐identical chaotic agents is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Cramér–Rao bounds for L‐band digital aeronautical communication system type 1 based passive multiple‐input multiple‐output radar
Authors: Filip Alexandra , Shutin Dmitriy
Published: August 2015

In this study, of concern is the achievable estimation accuracy for a non‐coherent passive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) radar employing orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM) based signals of opportunity. The motivation behind this investigation is the surveillance aspect of the air trac management modernisation process currently taking place in civil aviation. To this end, the surveillance capability of the OFDM‐based L‐band digital aeronautical communication system type 1 (LDACS1) is analysed. The extension of the LDACS1 communication system towards surveillance is of great importance since it would enable an alternative, non‐cooperative surveillance application, and, together with the already validated navigation extension, establish a fully integrated LDACS1‐based communication, navigation, and surveillance technology. The modied Cramer‐Rao bound on the joint estimation of target location and velocity for a non‐coherent passive MIMO radar, employing the OFDM‐based LDACS1 signals as signals of opportunity, is investigated. The analysis is carried out assuming one target, multiple and widely separated transmit and receive antennas, orthogonal waveforms, independent reection coecients, and zero‐mean white Gaussian noise. Closed‐form expressions for the relevant elements of the modied Fisher information matrix are obtained. The results can be used to assess the estimation accuracy of a multiple antenna passive radar system employing any OFDM‐based signals of opportunity.
The Raspberry model for hydrodynamic interactions revisited. II. The effect of confinement
Authors: de Graaf Joost , Peter Toni , Fischer Lukas P. , Holm Christian
Published: August 2015

The so-called “raspberry” model refers to the hybrid lattice-Boltzmann (LB) and Langevin molecular dynamics schemes for simulating the dynamics of suspensions of colloidal particles, originally developed by Lobaskin and Dünweg [New J. Phys. 6, 54 (2004)], wherein discrete surface points are used to achieve fluid-particle coupling. In this paper, we present a follow up to our study of the effectiveness of the raspberry model in reproducing hydrodynamic interactions in the Stokes regime for spheres arranged in a simple-cubic crystal [Fischer et al., J. Chem. Phys. 143, 084107 (2015)]. Here, we consider the accuracy with which the raspberry model is able to reproduce such interactions for particles confined between two parallel plates. To this end, we compare our LB simulation results to established theoretical expressions and finite-element calculations. We show that there is a discrepancy between the translational and rotational mobilities when only surface coupling points are used, as also found in Part I of our joint publication. We demonstrate that adding internal coupling points to the raspberry can be used to correct said discrepancy in confining geometries as well. Finally, we show that the raspberry model accurately reproduces hydrodynamic interactions between a spherical colloid and planar walls up to roughly one LB lattice spacing.
Catalyst synthesis and evaluation using an integrated atomic layer deposition synthesis–catalysis testing tool
Authors: Camacho-Bunquin Jeffrey , Shou Heng , Aich Payoli , Beaulieu David R. , Klotzsch Helmut , Bachman Stephen , Marshall Christopher L. , Hock Adam , Stair Peter
Published: August 2015

An integrated atomic layer deposition synthesis-catalysis (I-ALD-CAT) tool was developed. It combines an ALD manifold in-line with a plug-flow reactor system for the synthesis of supported catalytic materials by ALD and immediate evaluation of catalyst reactivity using gas-phase probe reactions. The I-ALD-CAT delivery system consists of 12 different metal ALD precursor channels, 4 oxidizing or reducing agents, and 4 catalytic reaction feeds to either of the two plug-flow reactors. The system can employ reactor pressures and temperatures in the range of 10−3 to 1 bar and 300–1000 K, respectively. The instrument is also equipped with a gas chromatograph and a mass spectrometer unit for the detection and quantification of volatile species from ALD and catalytic reactions. In this report, we demonstrate the use of the I-ALD-CAT tool for the synthesis of platinum active sites and Al2O3 overcoats, and evaluation of catalyst propylene hydrogenation activity.
An experimental study of multiple zonal jet formation in rotating, thermally driven convective flows on a topographic beta-plane
Authors: Read P. L. , Jacoby T. N. L. , Rogberg P. H. T. , Wordsworth R. D. , Yamazaki Y. H. , Miki-Yamazaki K. , Young R. M. B. , Sommeria J. , Didelle H. , Viboud S.
Published: August 2015

A series of rotating, thermal convection experiments were carried out on the Coriolis platform in Grenoble, France, to investigate the formation and energetics of systems of zonal jets through nonlinear eddy/wave-zonal flow interactions on a topographic β-plane. The latter was produced by a combination of a rigid, conically sloping bottom and the rotational deformation of the free upper surface. Convection was driven by a system of electrical heaters laid under the (thermally conducting) sloping bottom and led to the production of intense, convective vortices. These were observed to grow in size as each experiment proceeded and led to the development of weak but clear azimuthal jet-like flows, with a radial scale that varied according to the rotation speed of the platform. Detailed analyses reveal that the kinetic energy-weighted radial wavenumber of the zonal jets, kJy, scales quite closely either with the Rhines wavenumber as kJy ≃ 2(βT/2urms)1/2, where urms is the rms total or eddy velocity and βT is the vorticity gradient produced by the sloping topography, or the anisotropy wavenumber as kJy≃1.25(βT3/ϵ)1/5, where ϵ is the upscale turbulent energy transfer rate. Jets are primarily produced by the direct quasi-linear action of horizontal Reynolds stresses produced by trains of topographic Rossby waves. The nonlinear production rate of zonal kinetic energy is found to be strongly unsteady, however, with fluctuations of order 10-100 times the amplitude of the mean production rate for all cases considered. The time scale of such fluctuations is found to scale consistently with either an inertial time scale, τp∼1./urmsβT, or the Ekman spin-down time scale. Kinetic energy spectra show some evidence for a k−5/3 inertial subrange in the isotropic component, suggestive of a classical Kolmogorov-Batchelor-Kraichnan upscale energy cascade and a steeper spectrum in the zonal mean flow, though not as steep as k−5, as anticipated for fully zonostrophic flow. This is consistent with a classification of all of these flows as marginally zonostrophic, as expected for values of the zonostrophy parameter Rβ ≃ 1.6–1.7, though a number of properties related to flow anisotropy were found to vary significantly and systematically within this range.
Construction of exchange repulsion in terms of the wave functions at QM/MM boundary region
Authors: Takahashi Hideaki , Umino Satoru , Morita Akihiro
Published: August 2015

We developed a simple method to calculate exchange repulsion between a quantum mechanical (QM) solute and a molecular mechanical (MM) molecule in the QM/MM approach. In our method, the size parameter in the Buckingham type potential for the QM solute is directly determined in terms of the one-electron wave functions of the solute. The point of the method lies in the introduction of the exchange core function (ECF) defined as a Slater function which mimics the behavior of the exterior electron density at the QM/MM boundary region. In the present paper, the ECF was constructed in terms of the Becke-Roussel (BR) exchange hole function. It was demonstrated that the ECF yielded by the BR procedure can faithfully reproduce the radial behavior of the electron density of a QM solute. The size parameter of the solute as well as the exchange repulsion are, then, obtained using the overlap model without any fitting procedure. To examine the efficiency of the method, it was applied to calculation of the exchange repulsions for minimal QM/MM systems, hydrogen-bonded water dimer, and H3O+–H2O. We found that our approach is able to reproduce the potential energy curves for these systems showing reasonable agreements with those given by accurate full quantum chemical calculations.
Magnetic field induced extraordinary photoluminescence enhancement in Er3+:YVO4 single crystal
Authors: Zhang Junpei , Wang Xia , Zhong Zhiqiang , Ma Zongwei , Wang Shaoliang , Han Yibo , Han Jun-Bo , Li Liang , Tang Chaoqun
Published: August 2015

A bright green photoluminescence (PL) from 4S3∕2 → 4I15∕2 emission band in Er3+:YVO4 single crystal has been observed with the excitation of an argon laser at 488.0 nm. More than two orders of PL enhancement have been obtained under the effect of magnetic fields, and the enhancement factor f reaches 170 when the applied magnetic field is 7.7 T under the sample temperature of 4.2 K. Unusually, the PL enhancements only happen at some certain magnetic fields (Bcs), and a decrease of sample temperature will lead to the increase of f and decrease of Bc. The results confirm that this PL enhancement originates from the resonance excitation of the electron transitions induced by the cross of the laser energy and the absorption energy modulated by both the magnetic field and temperature. This special PL enhancement in Er3+:YVO4 single crystal can be applied in the calibration of pulsed high magnetic field, detection of material fine energy structures, and modulation of magneto-optical devices.
Properties of aqueous nitrate and nitrite from x-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Smith Jacob W. , Lam Royce K. , Shih Orion , Rizzuto Anthony M. , Prendergast David , Saykally Richard J.
Published: August 2015

Nitrate and nitrite ions are of considerable interest, both for their widespread use in commercial and research contexts and because of their central role in the global nitrogen cycle. The chemistry of atmospheric aerosols, wherein nitrate is abundant, has been found to depend on the interfacial behavior of ionic species. The interfacial behavior of ions is determined largely by their hydration properties; consequently, the study of the hydration and interfacial behavior of nitrate and nitrite comprises a significant field of study. In this work, we describe the study of aqueous solutions of sodium nitrate and nitrite via X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), interpreted in light of first-principles density functional theory electronic structure calculations. Experimental and calculated spectra of the nitrogen K-edge XA spectra of bulk solutions exhibit a large 3.7 eV shift between the XA spectra of nitrate and nitrite resulting from greater stabilization of the nitrogen 1s energy level in nitrate. A similar shift is not observed in the oxygen K-edge XA spectra of NO3− and NO2−. The hydration properties of nitrate and nitrite are found to be similar, with both anions exhibiting a similar propensity towards ion pairing.
Experimental investigation of cavity stability for a gas-jet penetrating into a liquid sheet
Authors: Liu Qi , Chen Wenyu , Hu Liang , Xie Haibo , Fu Xin
Published: August 2015

Generating stable cavity without droplets splatter is commonly required when process of a gas-jet penetrating into a liquid sheet is implemented in various industrial applications. In this study, experiments were carried out to investigate the cavity stability under different penetrating parameters, including different nozzle diameters, liquid sheet thicknesses, gas flow rates, and jet heights. When keeping other parameters fixed but moving the nozzle close to the liquid sheet surface, it was found that the cavity was frequently disturbed by the wall-jet and became unstable accompanied with droplets splatter at too low jet heights. Images of the cavities were captured by high speed video camera to study cavity performances, including its size, surface morphology, and droplets splatter. It was further found that violent surface waves were commonly generated by the strong wall-jet disturbance at low jet heights and droplets splatter was caused as long as Rayleigh instability happened due to higher frequency oscillation of the surface wave. Critical jet heights causing cavity stability transition were studied for different penetrating conditions, which were further expressed by a local modified Froude number as a normalized formulation. Curve fitting illustrating the conditions to generate stable penetrating cavities was given at last to provide guides for the jet controls in industry.
Helicity sensitive terahertz radiation detection by dual-grating-gate high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Faltermeier P. , Olbrich P. , Probst W. , Schell L. , Watanabe T. , Boubanga-Tombet S. A. , Otsuji T. , Ganichev S. D.
Published: August 2015

We report on the observation of a radiation helicity sensitive photocurrent excited by terahertz (THz) radiation in dual-grating-gate (DGG) InAlAs/InGaAs/InAlAs/InP high electron mobility transistors (HEMT). For a circular polarization, the current measured between source and drain contacts changes its sign with the inversion of the radiation helicity. For elliptically polarized radiation, the total current is described by superposition of the Stokes parameters with different weights. Moreover, by variation of gate voltages applied to individual gratings, the photocurrent can be defined either by the Stokes parameter defining the radiation helicity or those for linear polarization. We show that artificial non-centrosymmetric microperiodic structures with a two-dimensional electron system excited by THz radiation exhibit a dc photocurrent caused by the combined action of a spatially periodic in-plane potential and spatially modulated light. The results provide a proof of principle for the application of DGG HEMT for all-electric detection of the radiation's polarization state.
Relationship between structure and dynamics in liquid Al1−xNix alloys
Authors: Jakse N. , Pasturel A.
Published: August 2015

Using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, we study structural and dynamic properties of liquid Al-Ni alloys at T = 1795 K as a function of concentration. From partial pair-correlation functions and Bhatia-Thornton structure factors, we show a non-linear composition dependence of chemical short-range order. Additional analysis based on three-dimensional pair-analysis techniques evidences a strong interplay between icosahedral short-range order and chemical short-range order in the Ni-rich range. In examining transport properties like self-diffusion and inter-diffusion coefficients, we demonstrate a close relationship between the structural changes and the non-linear evolution of dynamic properties as a function of composition.