bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An air-stable half-sandwich RuIIcomplex as an efficient catalyst for [3+2] annulation of 2-arylcyclo-2-enones with alkynes
Authors: Zhao Yinsong , He Zhen , Li Shiqing , Tang Junbin , Gao Ge , Lan Jingbo , You Jingsong
Published: January 2016

An air-stable half-sandwich RuIIcomplex, [Ru(p-cymene)(MeCN)3](SbF6)2, catalyzed a [3+2] annulation reaction of 2-arylcyclo-2-enones with alkynesviaC(sp2)–H/alkene functionalization to construct synthetically challenging spiro carbocyclic indenes bearing a quaternary carbon.
Assembly of Ag3PO4 nanoparticles on two-dimensional Ag2S sheets as visible-light-driven photocatalysts
Authors: Ma Peiyan , Yu Hongjian , Yu Yong , Wang Weimin , Wang Hao , Zhang Jinyong , Fu Zhengyi
Published: January 2016

Ag3PO4 has been proven to be a promising catalyst with superior activity compared to other existing visible-light-driven photocatalysts.
Macro and nano scale modelling of water–water interactions at ambient and low temperature: relaxation and residence times
Authors: Morón María Carmen , Prada-Gracia Diego , Falo Fernando
Published: January 2016

A method to predict magnitudes in quantitative agreement with experimental data has been devised and applied to model water–water interactions at low temperature.
Anisotropic kinetics of solid phase transition from first principles: alpha–omega phase transformation of Zr
Authors: Guan Shu-Hui , Liu Zhi-Pan
Published: January 2016

First-principles stochastic surface walking pathway sampling method reveals the anisotropic solid phase transition pathways for the alpha-to-omega high-pressure phase transition of the metal Zr.
Droplet coalescence and clustering behavior in microsphere-filled polymeric emulsions under shear flow: the key role of asymmetric interfacial affinities
Authors: Mao Chaoying , Kong Miqiu , Yang Qi , Li Guangxian , Huang Yajiang
Published: January 2016

The asymmetric affinities of interfacially located microspheres lead to diverse flow-induced spatial arrangements of droplets in viscous polymeric emulsions with different compositions.
Globally stable structures of LixZn (x = 1–4) compounds at high pressures
Authors: Bi Haixin , Zhang Shoutao , Wei Shubo , Wang Jianyun , Zhou Dan , Li Quan , Ma Yanming
Published: January 2016

The convex hull diagram of LixZn (x= 1–4) and LiZn in thePm3̄mstructure at 100 GPa.
The characterisation of diesel exhaust particles – composition, size distribution and partitioning
Authors: Alam Mohammed S. , Zeraati-Rezaei Soheil , Stark Christopher P. , Liang Zhirong , Xu Hongming , Harrison Roy M.
Published: January 2016

A number of major research questions remain concerning the sources and properties of road traffic generated particulate matter. A full understanding of the composition of primary vehicle exhaust aerosol and its contribution to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation still remains elusive, and many uncertainties exist relating to the semi-volatile component of the particles. Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) are compounds which partition directly between the gas and aerosol phases under ambient conditions. The SVOCs in engine exhaust are typically hydrocarbons in the C15–C35range, and are largely uncharacterised because they are unresolved by traditional gas chromatography, forming a large hump in the chromatogram referred to as Unresolved Complex Mixture (UCM). In this study, thermal desorption coupled to comprehensive Two Dimensional Gas-Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass-Spectrometry (TD-GC × GC-ToF-MS) was exploited to characterise and quantify the composition of SVOCs from the exhaust emission. Samples were collected from the exhaust of a diesel engine, sampling before and after a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), while testing at steady state conditions. Engine exhaust was diluted with air and collected using both filter and impaction (nano-MOUDI), to resolve total mass and size resolved mass respectively. Adsorption tubes were utilised to collect SVOCs in the gas phase and they were then analysed using thermal desorption, while particle size distribution was evaluated by sampling with a DMS500. The SVOCs were observed to contain predominantlyn-alkanes, branched alkanes, alkyl-cycloalkanes, alkyl-benzenes, PAHs and various cyclic aromatics. Particle phase compounds identified were similar to those observed in engine lubricants, while vapour phase constituents were similar to those measured in fuels. Preliminary results are presented illustrating differences in the particle size distribution and SVOCs composition when collecting samples with and without a DOC. The results indicate that the DOC tested is of very limited efficiency, under the studied engine operating conditions, for removal of SVOCs, especially at the upper end of the molecular weight range.
Estimation of the composition of intermetallic compounds in LiCl–KCl molten salt by cyclic voltammetry
Authors: Liu Ya L. , Liu Kui , Yuan Li Y. , Chai Zhi F. , Shi Wei Q.
Published: January 2016

In this work, the compositions of Ce–Al, Er–Al and La–Bi intermetallic compounds were estimated by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. At first, CV measurements were carried out at different reverse potentials to study the co-reduction processes of Ce–Al, Er–Al and La–Bi systems. The CV curves obtained were then re-plotted with the current as a function of time, and the coulomb number of each peak was calculated. By comparing the coulomb number of the related peaks, the compositions of the Ce–Al, Er–Al and La–Bi intermetallic compounds formed in the co-reduction process could be estimated. The results showed that Al11Ce3, Al3Ce, Al2Ce and AlCe could be formed by the co-reduction of Ce(iii) and Al(iii). For the co-reduction of Er(iii) and Al(iii), Al3Er2, Al2Er and AlEr were formed. In a La(iii) and Bi(iii) co-existing system in LiCl–KCl melts, LaBi2, LaBi and Li3Bi were the major products as a result of co-reduction.
A review of the interactions between acrylamide, microorganisms and food components
Authors: Duda-Chodak A. , Wajda Ł. , Tarko T. , Sroka P. , Satora P.
Published: January 2016

Acrylamide (AA) and its metabolites have been recognized as potential carcinogens, but also they can cause other negative symptoms in human or animal organisms and therefore this class of chemical compounds has attracted a lot of attention.
Vapour phase hydrodeoxygenation of anisole over ruthenium and nickel supported mesoporous aluminosilicate
Authors: Pichaikaran Sudhakar , Arumugam Pandurangan
Published: January 2016

Mesoporous aluminosilicate (Al-SBA-15) support synthesisedviaa direct hydrothermal method was post loaded with metals such as 1.0 wt% RuO2and 7.0 wt% NiO separately.
Sulfination of alcohols with sodium sulfinates promoted by BF3·OEt2: an unexpected access
Authors: Huang Mingming , Hu Liangzhen , Shen Hang , Liu Qing , Hussain Muhammad Ijaz , Pan Jing , Xiong Yan
Published: January 2016

A convenient and efficient method for the synthesis of various structurally functionalized sulfinates shows good substrate generality of alcohols and sodium sulfinates.
A generalized formula for inertial lift on a sphere in microchannels
Authors: Liu Chao , Xue Chundong , Sun Jiashu , Hu Guoqing
Published: January 2016

We propose a fitting formula for the inertial lift on a sphere drawn from direct numerical simulation data obtained in straight microchannels. The formula consists of four terms that represent the shear-gradient-induced lift, the wall-induced lift, the slip-shear lift, and the correction of the shear-gradient-induced lift, respectively.
Multifunctional clickable and protein-repellent magnetic silica nanoparticles
Authors: Estupiñán Diego , Bannwarth Markus B. , Mylon Steven E. , Landfester Katharina , Muñoz-Espí Rafael , Crespy Daniel
Published: January 2016

Multiple functionalization of magnetic silica particles allows simultaneously their bio-orthogonal modification and less unspecific protein adsorption to occur.
Vapor and healing treatment for CH3NH3PbI3−xClx films toward large-area perovskite solar cells
Authors: Gouda Laxman , Gottesman Ronen , Tirosh Shay , Haltzi Eynav , Hu Jiangang , Ginsburg Adam , Keller David A. , Bouhadana Yaniv , Zaban Arie
Published: January 2016

Mapping the photovoltaic parameters across the large-area devices shows the great effect of the vapor and healing treatment.
Gold-catalyzed chemo- and diastereoselective C(sp2)–H functionalization of enaminones for the synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4-c]-quinolin-1-one derivatives
Authors: Zhao Yulei , Duan Qizhao , Zhou Yuanyuan , Yao Qiyi , Li Yanzhong
Published: January 2016

A tandem Au(i)/TsOH-catalyzed reaction of enaminones with diazo compounds offers chemo- and diastereoselective access to pyrrolo[3,4-c]-quinolin-1-one derivatives.
Palladium-catalyzed β-C(sp3)–H arylation of phthaloyl alanine with hindered aryl iodides: synthesis of complex β-aryl α-amino acids
Authors: Zhang Xuekai , He Gang , Chen Gong
Published: January 2016

An efficient protocol for palladium-catalyzed PE auxiliary-directed C(sp3)–H arylation reaction with sterically hindered aryl iodides was developed.
Tuning oxygen permeability in azobenzene-containing side-chain liquid crystalline polymers
Authors: Hassan Syed , Anandakathir Robinson , Sobkowicz Margaret J. , Budhlall Bridgette M.
Published: January 2016

Tuning oxygen permeability in azobenzene-containing side-chain liquid crystalline polymers was achieved by control of their mesomorphoric phases.
Synthesis of stereodiblock polyisoprene consisting of cis-1,4 and trans-1,4 sequences by using a neodymium catalyst: change of the stereospecificity triggered by an aluminum compound
Authors: Tanaka Ryo , Yuuya Kaede , Sato Hiroki , Eberhardt Peter , Nakayama Yuushou , Shiono Takeshi
Published: January 2016

The synthesis of stereodiblock polyisoprene which consists ofcis-1,4 andtrans-1,4 sequences was achieved by using a neodymium catalyst.
A new sodium storage mechanism of TiO2 for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Yan Dong , Pan Likun
Published: January 2016

This article highlights a recent report on a new sodium storage mechanism of TiO2 for sodium ion batteries by Passerini's group.
Targeted multifunctional tannic acid nanoparticles
Authors: Aguilera J. R. , Venegas V. , Oliva J. M. , Sayagués M. J. , de Miguel M. , Sánchez-Alcázar J. A. , Arévalo-Rodríguez M. , Zaderenko A. P.
Published: January 2016

Tannic acid nanoparticles targeted to the epidermal growth factor receptor allows selective delivery of this promising chemotherapeutic agent to tumoral cells.
Removal of rhodamine B from a water medium using hydroxyl and sulphate radicals generated by iron loaded activated carbon
Authors: Nidheesh P. V. , Rajan Raman
Published: January 2016

Iron loaded activated carbon (IAC) was used as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for generating hydroxyl (via Fenton reactions) and sulphate radicals (via persulphate oxidation), and it tested for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) from a water medium.
Mechanical stability and rheology of lithium–calcium-based grease containing ZDDP
Authors: Shen Tiejun , Wang Daxi , Yun Jimmy , Liu Qinglian , Liu Xinghua , Peng Zhongxiao
Published: January 2016

Although lubricating greases with zinc dialkyl-dithiophates (ZDDP) have been used widely, the influence of ZDDP on the rheological properties of lithium–calcium-based greases (LCBG) has not been reported.
Nano hydroxyapatite particles promote osteogenesis in a three-dimensional bio-printing construct consisting of alginate/gelatin/hASCs
Authors: Wang Xiao-Fei , Lu Pei-Jun , Song Yang , Sun Yu-Chun , Wang Yu-Guang , Wang Yong
Published: January 2016

To design a hydrogel material containing nano hydroxyapatite particles for three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing and to explore whether nano hydroxyapatite particles can promote osteogenic differentiation of 3D bio-printing construct consisting of hASCs in vivo and in vitro.
Heterotheca inuloides (Mexican arnica) metabolites protect Caenorhabditis elegans from oxidative damage and inhibit nitric oxide production
Authors: Rodríguez-Chávez José Luis , Gómez-Vidales Virginia , Coballase-Urrutia Elvia , Ortega-Cuéllar Daniel , Delgado-Lamas Guillermo
Published: January 2016

We tested a series of compounds derived fromHeterotheca inuloidesfor their ability to protectCaenorhabditis elegansunder stressful conditions.
Porous carbon nanoflakes with a high specific surface area derived from a kapok fiber for high-performance electrode materials of supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Weibing , Mu Bin , Wang Aiqin
Published: January 2016

Well-defined porous carbon nanoflakes with a high specific surface area have been successfully prepared via pyrolytic carbonization and alkali activation treatment of an easily available kapok fiber.
Highly stable bimetallic Au–Cu supported on Al2O3 for selective CO oxidation in H2-rich gas: effects of Cu/Au atomic ratio and sensitive influence of particle size
Authors: Liao X. M. , Caps V. , Chu W. , Pitchon V.
Published: January 2016

The effects of Au/Cu atomic ratio and thermal pretreatment on the catalytic performance of AuxCuy/Al2O3 for PROX were studied. The reduced AuxCuy/Al2O3 catalysts display higher catalytic activity and stability than the calcined catalysts.
Corrosion protection of hydrophobic bisphenol A-based polybenzoxazine coatings on mild steel
Authors: Lu Xin , Liu Yan , Zhou Changlu , Zhang Wenfei , Xin Zhong
Published: January 2016

Hydrophobic bisphenol A-based polybenzoxazine coatings with excellent corrosion resistance were prepared through a simple dip coating and thermal curing method.
Synthesis of novel N-9 substituted 6-(4-(4-propoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-9H-purine derivatives as inducers of apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Sunagar Manjunath G. , Gaonkar Supreet , Sunagar Santosh G. , Deshapande Narahari , Belavagi Ningaraddi S. , Khazi Imtiyaz Ahmed M.
Published: January 2016

A series of N-9 substituted 6-(4-(4-propoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-9H-purine derivatives (PP05–PP21) were prepared and evaluated for their anticancer activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines.
A novel g-C3N4 based photocathode for photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution
Authors: Dong Yuming , Chen Yanmei , Jiang Pingping , Wang Guangli , Wu Xiuming , Wu Ruixian
Published: January 2016

Novel and stable g-C3N4 based photocathode was designed and prepared with excellent activity for PEC hydrogen production without external co-catalyst.
Magnetic conducting polymer/mesoporous SiO2 yolk/shell nanomaterials: multifunctional nanocarriers for controlled release of doxorubicin
Authors: Zhang Long , Liu Tianqing , Chen Yuan
Published: January 2016

Fe3O4/polyaniline@mesoporous SiO2 yolk@shell nanostructures as multifunctional nanocarriers for controlled release of doxorubicin have been demonstrated.
Nylon 6,6/graphene nanoplatelet composite films obtained from a new solvent
Authors: Papadopoulou Evie L. , Pignatelli Francesca , Marras Sergio , Marini Lara , Davis Alexander , Athanassiou Athanassia , Bayer Ilker S.
Published: January 2016

New solvent results in non-porous nylon 66 films. Addition of graphene results in great improvement of electrical and mechanical properties.
Monodispersed hierarchical γ-AlOOH/Fe(OH)3 micro/nanoflowers for efficient removal of heavy metal ions from water
Authors: Zhang Yongxing , Zhou Xiangbo , Liu Zhongliang , Li Bing , Liu Qiangchun , Li Xuanhua
Published: January 2016

Monodispersed γ-AlOOH/Fe(OH)3 with hierarchical structures have been prepared, which show an excellent performance for As(v) and Cr(vi) removal.
Improved electrochemical properties of tavorite LiFeSO4F by surface coating with hydrophilic poly-dopamine via a self-polymerization process
Authors: Guo Zhendong , Zhang Dong , Qiu Hailong , Ju Yanming , Zhang Tong , Zhang Lijie , Meng Yuan , Wei Yingjin , Chen Gang
Published: January 2016

PDA coated Li1−xFeSO4F shows improved electrochemical properties due to the highly hydrophilic and elastic properties of poly-dopamine.
Microwave-assisted ionothermal synthesis of SnSex nanodots: a facile precursor approach towards SnSe2 nanodots/graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Du Cheng-Feng , Li Jian-Rong , Huang Xiao-Ying
Published: January 2016

Presented is a facile approach towards spherical SnSe2 nanodots/graphene nanocomposites based on a microwave-assisted ionothermally synthesized nanodot precursor.
Polydopamine-functionalized polymer particles as templates for mineralization of hydroxyapatite: biomimetic and in vitro bioactivity
Authors: Cui Junli , Ma Chao , Li Zhenni , Wu Longyun , Wei Wei , Chen Min , Peng Bo , Deng Ziwei
Published: January 2016

Polydopamine-assisted biomimetic mineralization was presented to fabricate hydroxyapatite-based, organic–inorganic hybrid materials with excellent biocompatibility.
Incorporation of inorganic fullerene-like WS2 into poly(ethylene succinate) to prepare novel biodegradable nanocomposites: a study on isothermal and dynamic crystallization
Authors: Asadi Vahid , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Häuβler Liane , Wagenknecht Udo
Published: January 2016

Novel biodegradable nanocomposites based on PES and environmentally-friendly IF-WS2 were prepared with enhanced crystallization behavior in isothermal and non-isothermal modes.
Cu/Mg/Al/Zr non-noble metal catalysts for o-phenylphenol synthesis
Authors: Zeng Yongping , Zhang Tianchi , Xu Yueyang , Hu Peili , Ye Ting , Jia Zhehua , Ju Shengui
Published: January 2016

Cu/Mg/Al/Zr non-noble metal catalysts were prepared via decomposition of hydrotalcite-like precursor and showed a high catalysis activity for OPP synthesis.
Combining phosphonic acid-functionalized anchoring ligands with asymmetric ancillary ligands in bis(diimine)copper(i) dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Büttner Annika , Brauchli Sven Y. , Vogt Raphael , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: January 2016

A 6,6′-dimethyl substitution pattern in Lanchorin [Cu(Lanchor)(Lancillary)]+dyes in DSCs is superior to two phenyl groups, even when steric crowding is alleviated by using asymmetric Lancillary.
Hydrothermally modified PVA/ZnS-NCQD nanocoating for stainless steel corrosion protection in saline water
Authors: BinSabt Mohammad , Nazeer Ahmed Abdel , Madkour Metwally , Al-Sagheer Fakhreia
Published: January 2016

Herein, we report a facile method for the fabrication of a hydrothermally modified well shaped nanocubed ZnS quantum dot (NCQD)/polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite.
Butadiene dyes based on 3-(dicyanomethylidene)indan-1-one and 1,3-bis(dicyanomethylidene)indane: synthesis, characterization and solvatochromic behaviour
Authors: Francos Javier , García-Garrido Sergio E. , Borge Javier , Suárez Francisco J. , Cadierno Victorio
Published: January 2016

Novel 1,1-diaryl-substituted butadiene dyes containing 3-(dicyanomethylidene)indan-1-one and 1,3-bis(dicyanomethylidene)indane have been synthetized, and their light absorption and solvatochromic properties evaluated.
Chitosan containing azo-based Schiff bases: thermal, antibacterial and birefringence properties for bio-optical devices
Authors: Nigam Nidhi , Kumar Santosh , Dutta P. K. , Pei S. , Ghosh Tamal
Published: January 2016

Chitosan Azo derivatives show characteristic birefringence property.
Clinoposides A–F: meroterpenoids with protective effects on H9c2 cardiomyocyte from Clinopodium chinense
Authors: Zhu Yin-Di , Wu Hai-Feng , Ma Guo-Xu , Chen Rong-Chang , Long Hai-Lin , Zuo Zhi-Li , Luo Yun , Zhu Nai-Liang , Hou Bo , Xu Xu-Dong , Sun Gui-Bo , Yang Jun-Shan
Published: January 2016

Six novel flavonoid–triterpene saponin meroterpenoids, clinoposides A–F (1–6), with two unusual skeletons were isolated from Clinopodium chinense.
Locally resolved large scale phase separation in polymer:fullerene blends
Authors: Kästner Christian , Seeland Marco , Egbe Daniel A. M. , Hoppe Harald
Published: January 2016

Large scale phase separation in polymer:fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells investigated by electroluminescence imaging (ELI) and light-beam induced current (LBIC) measurements.
Solution-based synthesis and characterization of earth abundant Cu3(As,Sb)Se4 nanocrystal alloys: towards scalable room-temperature thermoelectric devices
Authors: Balow Robert B. , Tomlinson Edward P. , Abu-Omar Mahdi M. , Boudouris Bryan W. , Agrawal Rakesh
Published: January 2016

A simple and scalable solution-based synthesis route for impurity free Cu3(As,Sb)Se4 nanocrystal alloys is reported.
New materials for the light-induced hydrogen evolution reaction from the Cu–Si–Ti–O system
Authors: Stein Helge S. , Gutkowski Ramona , Siegel Alexander , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Ludwig Alfred
Published: January 2016

Ti:CuSiO3 and Si:Cu3TiOx are identified as promising photocathode materials with improved stability and high photocurrent densities.
Enhanced user-control of small molecule drug release from a poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel via azobenzene/cyclodextrin complex tethers
Authors: Nehls Eric M. , Rosales Adrianne M. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: January 2016

Photoresponsive azobenzene–cyclodextrin guest–host chemistry can be used to control the release rate of a small peptide from a PEG hydrogel with light.
Tunable RGB luminescence of a single molecule with high quantum yields through a rational design
Authors: Li Wen , Zhang Yu-Mo , Zhang Ting , Zhang Weiran , Li Minjie , Zhang Sean Xiao-An
Published: January 2016

An organic single-molecule RGB luminescence material with a high quantum yield was realized by introducing the ESIPT and TBET mechanisms and combining an AIEE luminophore with a fluorescent switch.
The electrochemical fabrication of electroactive polymer films from diamide- or diimide-cored N-phenylcarbazole dendrons for electrochromic applications
Authors: Hsiao Sheng-Huei , Lin Shu-Wei
Published: January 2016

Redox-active and electrochromic poly(amide-carbazole) and poly(imide-carbazole) films were directly prepared on electrodes from N-phenylcarbazole dendrons by carbazole-based electrochemical oxidative coupling.
High-efficiency solution-processed OLEDs based on cationic Ag6Cu heteroheptanuclear cluster complexes with aromatic acetylides
Authors: Xu Liang-Jin , Zhang Xu , Wang Jin-Yun , Chen Zhong-Ning
Published: January 2016

Strongly phosphorescent cationic Ag6Cu cluster complexes show highly efficient electroluminescence from solution-processed OLEDs with a current efficiency of 42.5 cd A−1 and an external quantum efficiency of 13.9% at a low bias voltage (4.5 V).
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of Au nanodot-included Bi2Te3 nanotube composites
Authors: Lee Eunsil , Ko Jieun , Kim Jong-Young , Seo Won-Seon , Choi Soon-Mok , Lee Kyu Hyoung , Shim Wooyoung , Lee Wooyoung
Published: January 2016

Herein, we report on a scalable synthesis of Au nanodot (Au-ND)/Bi2Te3 nanotube (BT-NT) nanocomposites by the bottom-up synthesis of hybrid raw materials and subsequent spark plasma sintering, and their thermoelectric properties were systematically compared with those of Au-doped Bi2Te3 compounds.
Fabrication and application of a ratiometric and colorimetric fluorescent probe for Hg2+ based on dual-emissive metal–organic framework hybrids with carbon dots and Eu3+
Authors: Xu Xiao-Yu , Yan Bing
Published: January 2016

A novel ratiometric and colorimetric PL probe was designed and prepared to detect Hg2+ in an aqueous environment by encapsulating excellent PL CDs and Eu3+ into MOF-253.
Insights into structure and redox potential of lignin peroxidase from QM/MM calculations
Authors: Castro Ludovic , Crawford L. Ellis , Mutengwa Archford , Götze Jan P. , Bühl Michael
Published: January 2016

Insights into the origin of the oxidative power of lignin peroxidase is obtained from QM/MM calculations, and promising targets for mutation experiments are predicted through in silico design.
Adaptive state estimation of multi‐input and multi‐output non‐linear systems with general uncertainties both in the state and output equations
Authors: Yang Qiang , Liu Yusheng
Published: January 2016

This study proposes an adaptive state estimator for a class of multi‐input and multi‐output non‐linear systems with uncertainties in both the state and the output equations. The uncertainties can be very general, including unmodelled dynamics, uncertain or time‐varying parameters, uncertain non‐linearities and bounded disturbances and so on. With only one adaptive parameter, the proposed adaptive estimator estimates simultaneously the state of the system and the uncertainty in the output. Under the given assumptions, the adaptive estimator ensures that estimation errors of both the state of the system and the uncertainty in the output are uniformly bounded. Furthermore, the estimation errors can converge to some arbitrarily small values by adjusting the design constant appropriately. Simulation results of a single‐link robotic arm illustrate the effectiveness and the potential applications of the proposed estimator.
Robust synthesis for directionality compensation
Authors: Adegbege Ambrose A. , P. Heath William
Published: January 2016

The authors develop new robust synthesis procedures for directionality compensation for linear exponentially stable multivariable plants incorporating both plant uncertainties and input saturations. The control structure is similar to those of anti‐windup controls, but requires the online solution of a low‐order convex optimisation. The condition for the existence of a compensator can be expressed as a feasibility problem involving a set of linear matrix inequalities. They demonstrate the effectiveness of the design compared to several schemes using a highly ill‐conditioned benchmark simulation example.
Multi‐class obstacle detection and classification using stereovision and improved active contour models
Authors: Huang Yingping , Liu Shumin
Published: January 2016

Existing in‐vehicle sensing systems are concentrated on obstacle detection for pedestrian or vehicle. Limited work has been conducted on multi‐class obstacle classification. This study addresses on this issue and aims to develop an approach for simultaneous detection and classification of multi‐class obstacles. Stereovision is first used to segment obstacles from traffic background, then an improved active contour model is adopted to extract complete contour curve of the detected obstacles. Based on the contour extracted, geometrical features including aspect ratio, area ratio and height are integrated for classifying object types including vehicle, pedestrian and other obstacles. The approach was tested on substantial urban traffic images and the corresponding results prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Synthesis and analysis of multi‐mode profile horn using mode matching technique and evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Dey Ranajit , Chakrabarty Soumyabrata , Jyoti Rajeev , Kurian Thomas
Published: January 2016

This study presents the design and analysis of linear as well as cubic spline interpolated profiled smooth‐wall multimode horn using mode matching (MM) technique along with genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimisation (PSO). To apply the MM technique, the smooth profile conical geometry is assumed to consist of cascaded sections of large number of small symmetrical radial steps. Scattering matrix for each section has been calculated using MM technique and over all scattering matrix of the cascaded junctions has been calculated using generalised scattering matrix technique. The radiation pattern has been calculated using hybrid boundary contour mode matching technique. Optimisation of the linear/spline profile horn has been carried out using GA as well as PSO. Detailed modal analysis along with the convergence of the present technique for the smooth profile structure has also been carried out. A spline profile multimode horn working at 89 GHz has been designed and developed. The present analysis has been verified with the measured results. There is a very good agreement between theoretical and measured results.
Synthesis of sparse circular antenna arrays applying a tapering technique over reconstructed continuous current distribution
Authors: Garza Leopoldo A. , Yepes Leonardo F. , Covarrubias David H. , Alonso Miguel A. , Panduro Marco A.
Published: January 2016

In this study, a reconstructed continuous current distribution is employed to synthesise circular (one ring) antenna arrays with sparseness characteristics. The authors proposal achieves the reproduction of a continuous current distribution from an expansion in an orthogonal basis, taking the desired radiation beam pattern as target function. To obtain the sparseness characteristics, they employed a density tapering technique that provides the excitations and locations for each antenna element. They report three numerical experiments that show the performance of the proposal and compare it with other methods in this literature.
Imaging of the cross-presenting dendritic cell subsets in the skin-draining lymph node
Authors: Kitano Masahiro , Yamazaki Chihiro , Takumi Akiko , Ikeno Takashi , Hemmi Hiroaki , Takahashi Noriko , Shimizu Kanako , Fraser Scott E. , Hoshino Katsuaki , Kaisho Tsuneyasu , Okada Takaharu
Published: January 2016

Significance

This work, for the first time to our knowledge, distinctly visualizes the two different populations of dendritic cells (DCs) essential for cytotoxic T-cell generation in the skin-draining lymph nodes (SDLNs): the migratory CD103
hi
DCs that immigrate from other organs including the skin and the CD8α
hi
DCs that are resident in the SDLNs. By imaging the spatiotemporal dynamics of the migratory and resident subsets of DCs in the SDLNs, we find that these two different populations play different roles in antigen presentation, with the migratory DCs being dramatically more potent in interacting with CD8
+
T cells. This work offers critical insights into several areas, including optimizing vaccines for microbes and tumors.
Contrasting effects of intralocus sexual conflict on sexually antagonistic coevolution
Authors: Pennell Tanya M. , de Haas Freek J. H. , Morrow Edward H. , van Doorn G. Sander
Published: January 2016

Significance

Biologists distinguish two forms of conflict between the sexes, recognized as separate drivers of rapid evolution and diversification. Sexual conflict manifests itself as a tug-of-war between selective forces acting on genes jointly expressed by males and females, allowing neither to maximize their fitness. It also appears in mating interactions, where males and females engage in evolutionary arms races to increase their reproductive success to the detriment of their partner. We model the plausible scenario that reproductive traits are involved in both types of conflict and show that their interaction can draw the sexes into perpetual cycles of escalation, alternated by phases of conflict resolution. This result sheds light on the maintenance of sexually antagonistic variation and the complex dynamics of male–female coevolution.
Identification of a mammalian glycerol-3-phosphate phosphatase: Role in metabolism and signaling in pancreatic β-cells and hepatocytes
Authors: Mugabo Yves , Zhao Shangang , Seifried Annegrit , Gezzar Sari , Al-Mass Anfal , Zhang Dongwei , Lamontagne Julien , Attane Camille , Poursharifi Pegah , Iglesias José , Joly Erik , Peyot Marie-Line , Gohla Antje , Madiraju S. R. Murthy , Prentki Marc
Published: January 2016

Significance

Glycerol-3-phosphate (Gro3P) lies at the crossroads of glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism in mammalian cells and is thought to participate in glycolysis or in gluconeogenesis, lipid synthesis, and Gro3P electron transfer shuttle to mitochondria. We now report a previously unidentified pathway of Gro3P metabolism in mammalian cells with the identification of Gro3P phosphatase (G3PP) that can directly hydrolyze Gro3P to glycerol. We observed that G3PP expression level controls glycolysis, lipogenesis, lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation, cellular redox, and mitochondrial energy metabolism in β-cells and hepatocytes, as well as glucose-induced insulin secretion and the response to metabolic stress in β-cells, and in gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes. G3PP is a previously unknown player in metabolic regulation and signaling and offers a potential target for cardiometabolic disorders.
Prolongevity hormone FGF21 protects against immune senescence by delaying age-related thymic involution
Authors: Youm Yun-Hee , Horvath Tamas L. , Mangelsdorf David J. , Kliewer Steven A. , Dixit Vishwa Deep
Published: January 2016

Significance

Liver-derived metabolic hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) improves insulin sensitivity and extends lifespan in mice. Aging also compromises the adaptive immune system by reducing T-cell production from the thymus. In this paper, we describe a new immunological function of FGF21 as a regulator of T-cell production from thymus in aging. The overexpression of FGF21 prevents thymic lipoatrophy, which protects the mice from age-induced loss of naïve T cells. FGF21 expression in thymic epithelial cells and signaling in thymic stromal cells support thymic function in aging. Loss of FGF21 in mice increases lethality postirradiation and delays the reconstitution of thymus. Hence, we highlight FGF21 as an immunometabolic regulator that can be harnessed to delay immune senescence.
Pedothem carbonates reveal anomalous North American atmospheric circulation 70,000–55,000 years ago
Authors: Oerter Erik J. , Sharp Warren D. , Oster Jessica L. , Ebeling Angela , Valley John W. , Kozdon Reinhard , Orland Ian J. , Hellstrom John , Woodhead Jon D. , Hergt Janet M. , Chadwick Oliver A. , Amundson Ronald
Published: January 2016

Significance

We show for the first time, to our knowledge, that pedogenic (soil) carbonate mineral accumulations can preserve continuous paleoclimate records that rival the temporal resolution of widely used archives, such as speleothems or lake sediments. Using microanalysis of oxygen, carbon, and uranium isotopes coupled with uranium series dating, we find evidence for a distinct shift in atmospheric circulation in North America’s interior from 70,000 to 55,000 years ago, a finding that highlights the influence of large continental ice sheets on atmospheric circulation. Perhaps most significantly, this work shows that pedothems, which are common in arid and semiarid regions around the world, are a rich archive of paleoclimate information for continental landscapes.
Testing the kinship theory of intragenomic conflict in honey bees (
Apis mellifera
)
Authors: Galbraith David A. , Kocher Sarah D. , Glenn Tom , Albert Istvan , Hunt Greg J. , Strassmann Joan E. , Queller David C. , Grozinger Christina M.
Published: January 2016

Significance

Strong support for the theory of kin selection can come from predicting outcomes under circumstances of within-family conflict. Genes inherited from mothers (matrigenes) and fathers (patrigenes) usually work harmoniously in the offspring. However, kin selection theory predicts these genes may be in conflict over interactions among relatives in which they are unequally represented (half-siblings). In honey bees, patrigenes are predicted to favor daughters that lay eggs themselves rather than remaining sterile and rearing their half-sisters' offspring. We tested this prediction, using crosses of distinct genetic stocks. Workers displayed the reproductive characteristics of their paternal genomes, patrigene expression was higher in reproductive tissues, and this patrigene bias increased in reproductive workers. These results provide strong empirical support for kin selection theory.
Hiding personal information reveals the worst
Authors: John Leslie K. , Barasz Kate , Norton Michael I.
Published: January 2016

Significance

Disclosure is a critical element of social life, especially given Internet media that afford many opportunities (and demands from friends, partners, and even employers) to share personal information—making withholding anomalous, conspicuous, and therefore suspect. Seven experiments explore people’s decisions to withhold or disclose personal information—and the wisdom of such decisions. Declining a request to disclose often makes a worse impression even than divulging unsavory personal information. Moreover, those who withhold fail to intuit this negative consequence: people withhold even when they would make a better impression by “coming clean.” In short, people should be aware not just of the risk of revealing, but the risk of hiding.
Endogenous sources of variation in language acquisition
Authors: Han Chung-hye , Musolino Julien , Lidz Jeffrey
Published: January 2016

Significance

Children are exposed to vast quantities of data exhibiting the key structural features of their language. Are these structural features acquired from the data or are they imposed on the data by learners? We identify a piece of grammatical knowledge that is systematic within an individual speaker but varies unpredictably across a population of speakers of ostensibly a single language. Further, parents’ knowledge in this domain does not predict children’s knowledge. The independence of parents’ and children’s knowledge indicates that the relevant grammatical structures are not acquired from experience, but are supplied by learners. This dissociation between the grammatical knowledge of children and their parents demonstrates that children actively construct grammatical knowledge from highly ambiguous evidence.
Intuition, deliberation, and the evolution of cooperation
Authors: Bear Adam , Rand David G.
Published: January 2016

Significance

The role of intuition versus deliberation in human cooperation has received widespread attention from experimentalists across the behavioral sciences in recent years. Yet a formal theoretical framework for addressing this question has been absent. Here, we introduce an evolutionary game-theoretic model of dual-process agents playing prisoner’s dilemma games. We find that, across many types of environments, evolution only ever favors agents who (
i
) always intuitively defect, or (
ii
) are intuitively predisposed to cooperate but who, when deliberating, switch to defection if it is in their self-interest to do so. Our model offers a clear explanation for why we should expect deliberation to promote selfishness rather than cooperation and unifies apparently contradictory empirical results regarding intuition and cooperation.
In-cell thermodynamics and a new role for protein surfaces
Authors: Smith Austin E. , Zhou Larry Z. , Gorensek Annelise H. , Senske Michael , Pielak Gary J.
Published: January 2016

Significance

Understanding protein thermodynamics as it occurs inside cells is a fundamental goal of biophysics, and, from a practical point of view, will facilitate the design and improvement of protein-based drugs and catalysts. By measuring the temperature dependence of protein stability inside
Escherichia coli
cells, we show, contrary to predictions, that proteins are not necessarily stabilized inside cells compared with buffer alone. We also show that crowding-induced charge–charge interactions slow folding because of preferential interactions with the unfolded ensemble, and reducing these interactions increases protein stability.
Attention promotes episodic encoding by stabilizing hippocampal representations
Authors: Aly Mariam , Turk-Browne Nicholas B.
Published: January 2016

Significance

Why does the brain store memories of some things but not others? At a cognitive level, attention provides an explanation: What aspects of an experience we focus on determines what information is perceived and available for encoding. But the mechanism of how attention alters memory formation at the neural level is unknown. With high-resolution neuroimaging, we show that attention alters the state of a key brain structure for memory, the hippocampus, and that the extent to which this occurs predicts whether the attended information gets stored in memory. The dependence of hippocampal encoding on attentional states reveals the broad involvement of the hippocampus in multiple cognitive processes, and highlights that the workings of the hippocampus are under our control.
Developmental accumulation of inorganic polyphosphate affects germination and energetic metabolism in
Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Livermore Thomas Miles , Chubb Jonathan Robert , Saiardi Adolfo
Published: January 2016

Significance

The most basic biological polymer is a linear chain of linked phosphate groups, simply called inorganic polyphosphate (polyP). By ablating polyP synthesis in the amoebae,
Dictyostelium discoideum
, we discovered that polyP regulates basic metabolism, general fitness, and spore germination. We also discovered a massive increase in the level of polyP during developmental progression. Interestingly this accumulation is linked to the accumulation of another family of phosphate-rich molecules, the inositol pyrophosphates. Thus, by using a genetic model, we reveal a link between polyP, ATP production, and inositol polyphosphates.
Systems biology of immunity to MF59-adjuvanted versus nonadjuvanted trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines in early childhood
Authors: Nakaya Helder I. , Clutterbuck Elizabeth , Kazmin Dmitri , Wang Lili , Cortese Mario , Bosinger Steven E. , Patel Nirav B. , Zak Daniel E. , Aderem Alan , Dong Tao , Del Giudice Giuseppe , Rappuoli Rino , Cerundolo Vincenzo , Pollard Andrew J. , Pulendran Bali , Siegrist Claire-Anne
Published: January 2016

Significance

Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective public health tools in history and offer a means to probe the human immune system. Recent advances have applied the tools of systems biology to study immune responses to vaccination in humans. Here we describe the application of this “systems vaccinology” approach to studying immunity to vaccination of 14- to 24-mo-old children with the inactivated influenza vaccine, administered with or without the MF59 adjuvant. These results reveal important new insights about the dynamics of the innate and adaptive responses to vaccination in this population, and identify potential correlates of immunity to vaccination in children.
Purinergic receptor P2RY12-dependent microglial closure of the injured blood–brain barrier
Authors: Lou Nanhong , Takano Takahiro , Pei Yong , Xavier Anna L. , Goldman Steven A. , Nedergaard Maiken
Published: January 2016

Significance

Brain endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes participate in maintenance of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Juxtavascular microglial cells are also an integral part of the neurovascular unit. We show here that, in response to capillary injury, microglial processes rapidly form a dense plexiform aggregate at the site of injury. Photoablation of microglial cells abolished closure of BBB leakage, whereas inhibition of P2RY12 (purinergic receptor P2Y, G-protein coupled, 12) receptors suppressed microglial process motility and prolonged BBB closure. Thus, microglial cells mediate rapid resealing of injury-induced leaks in BBB. These observations may have clinical importance as P2RY12 receptor antagonists are widely used as platelet inhibitors in patients with coronary artery and cerebrovascular disease at risk for stroke and its attendant disruption of the injured BBB.
Enzyme catalysis by entropy without Circe effect
Authors: Kazemi Masoud , Himo Fahmi , Åqvist Johan
Published: January 2016

Significance

One of the most influential hypotheses regarding enzyme catalysis is Jencks’s so-called Circe effect, in which the catalytic power is usually equated to proper alignment of substrates, bringing reacting groups into close proximity, and restriction of substrate motions. The entropic penalty associated with climbing the activation barrier could then be diminished because it has already been paid upon substrate binding. The enzyme cytidine deaminase appears to be the perfect example of this behavior. Here, we use extensive computer simulations to obtain thermodynamic activation parameters for this reaction. The very large activation entropy difference between the enzyme reaction and the uncatalyzed process is, however, found to be attributable to a change of reaction mechanism rather than the Circe effect.
Diacylglycerol lipase disinhibits VTA dopamine neurons during chronic nicotine exposure
Authors: Buczynski Matthew W. , Herman Melissa A. , Hsu Ku-Lung , Natividad Luis A. , Irimia Cristina , Polis Ilham Y. , Pugh Holly , Chang Jae Won , Niphakis Micah J. , Cravatt Benjamin F. , Roberto Marisa , Parsons Loren H.
Published: January 2016

Significance

Many CNS disorders result from dysregulation of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine projections arising from the ventral tegmental area. A mechanistic understanding of these dysregulations is critical for developing treatments for these diseases. Nicotine addiction is a global health concern, and results in part from dysregulated mesocorticolimbic dopamine function. Here we present evidence that nicotine-induced 2-arachidonoylglycerol formation in the ventral tegmental area is sensitized following chronic nicotine exposure, and that this results in the loss of GABA-mediated constraint of mesocorticolimbic dopamine activity. Potent and selective diacylglycerol lipase inhibitors are characterized and used in ex vivo electrophysiology and in vivo behavioral analyses to demonstrate that this mechanism plays a prominent role in the dysregulation of ventral tegmental dopamine neurons following nicotine exposure.
Quantitative proteomics identify DAB2 as a cardiac developmental regulator that inhibits WNT/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Hofsteen Peter , Robitaille Aaron M. , Chapman Daniel Patrick , Moon Randall T. , Murry Charles E.
Published: January 2016

Significance

The directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into cardiomyocytes provides a tool for understanding human heart development and disease. During the process of cardiomyocyte differentiation, tight regulation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is required. Thus, understanding which proteins are involved in promoting or repressing the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is crucial for identifying positive and negative regulators of cardiac development. Here we measured protein expression during a time course of cardiomyocyte differentiation. We identified a regulator of cardiac development, Disabled 2, and found that in zebrafish embryos, it negatively regulates WNT/β-catenin signaling to promote cardiomyocyte differentiation. Thus, our work reveals a highly conserved, previously unidentified process relevant for human heart development.
The last Byzantines: perceptions of identity, culture, and heritage in Serbia
Authors: Pantelić Bratislav
Published: January 2016

Focusing on material culture, this article considers a range of issues concerning the cultural policies, ideologies, and identities that have underlain Serbian development since the Middle Ages, and tests some widely held yet previously uncontested views. In particular it questions the Serbs' perceived affiliation with the Byzantine Empire and challenges the view that this affiliation was so pervasive that it influenced Serbian development and national formation in the modern age. It is argued that Byzantium had little if any role in the Serbs' cultural development - neither in historical memories nor in surviving traditions. Serbia's Byzantine culture is largely a myth developed in the 1930s by the Serbian clergy as a corollary of the Russian-inspired Svetosavlje ideology. This myth was meant to dislocate Serbia's cultural identity from its secular European sources and reposition it closer to Orthodox Russia.
Study on laser-alloyed self-lubricating anti-wear composite coating after ageing treatment
Authors: Qiao S.-J. , Liu X.-B. , Zhai Y.-J. , Fu G.-Y. , Zhu G.-X. , Wang Y.-G. , Chen Y.
Published: January 2016

The NiCr/Cr3C2-10CaF2 (wt-%) composite coatings were fabricated on Ti-6Al-4V alloy by laser surface alloying. Ageing treatments were performed at 600°C for 0, 24, 48 and 96 h, respectively. Microstructure and tribological properties of the as-laser-alloyed and aged composite coatings were investigated systematically. Results showed that microstructure became more homogeneous after ageing at 600°C for 48 h. Wear rates and friction coefficients of the aged composite coatings were slightly higher than that of the as-laser-alloyed coating. It indicates that microstructure and tribological properties of the composite coatings present good high-temperature stability.