bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of miR-154 Protects Against Cardiac Dysfunction and Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of Pressure Overload
Authors: Bernardo Bianca C. , Nguyen Sally S. , Gao Xiao-Ming , Tham Yow Keat , Ooi Jenny Y. Y. , Patterson Natalie L. , Kiriazis Helen , Su Yidan , Thomas Colleen J. , Lin Ruby C. Y. , Du Xiao-Jun , McMullen Julie R.
Published: March 2016

Expression of miR-154 is upregulated in the diseased heart and was previously shown to be upregulated in the lungs of patients with pulmonary fibrosis. However, the role of miR-154 in a model of sustained pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis had not been assessed. To examine the role of miR-154 in the diseased heart, adult male mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction for four weeks and echocardiography was performed to confirm left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction. Mice were then subcutaneously administered a locked nucleic acid antimiR-154 or control over three consecutive days (25 mg/kg/day) and cardiac function was assessed 8 weeks later. Here, we demonstrate that therapeutic inhibition of miR-154 in mice with pathological hypertrophy was able to protect against cardiac dysfunction and attenuate adverse cardiac remodelling. The improved cardiac phenotype was associated with attenuation of heart and cardiomyocyte size, less cardiac fibrosis, lower expression of atrial and B-type natriuretic peptide genes, attenuation of profibrotic markers and increased expression of p15 (a miR-154 target and cell cycle inhibitor). In summary, this study suggests that miR-154 may represent a novel target for the treatment of cardiac pathologies associated with cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy and dysfunction.
Operational stability enhancement in organic light-emitting diodes with ultrathin Liq interlayers
Authors: Tsang Daniel Ping-Kuen , Matsushima Toshinori , Adachi Chihaya
Published: March 2016

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) under constant current operation suffer from a decrease of luminance accompanied by an increase of driving voltage. We report a way to greatly improve the stability of OLEDs having a green emitter exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), (4s,6s)-2,4,5,6-tetra(9H-carbazol-9-yl) isophthalonitrile (4CzIPN), by introducing ultrathin (1 to 3 nm) interlayers of 8-hydroxyquinolinato lithium (Liq) between hole-blocking layer and its surrounding emissive and electron-transport layers. Under constant current operation starting at a luminescence of 1,000 cd/m2, the time to reach 90% of initial luminance (LT90) increased eight times, resulting in LT90 = 1,380 hours after insertion of the interlayers. Combining this new concept and mixed host system, LT95 was further extended to 1315 hours that is 16 times of reference device. This is the best value reported for TADF-based OLEDs and is comparable to the operational lifetimes of well-established phosphorescence-based OLEDs. Thermally stimulated current measurements showed that the number of deep charge traps was reduced with the insertion of the ultrathin Liq interlayer, indicating that reducing the number of deep traps is important for improving the operational lifetime and that exciton-polaron annihilation may be a source of the device degradation.
Truncation of the unique N-terminal domain improved the thermos-stability and specific activity of alkaline α-amylase Amy703
Authors: Lu Zhenghui , Wang Qinhong , Jiang Sijing , Zhang Guimin , Ma Yanhe
Published: March 2016

High pH condition is of special interest for the potential applications of alkaline α-amylase in textile and detergent industries. Thus, there is a continuous demand to improve the amylase’s properties to meet the requirements set by specific applications. Here we reported the systematic study of modular domain engineering to improve the specific activity and stability of the alkaline α-amylase from Bacillus pseudofirmus 703. The specific activity of the N-terminal domain truncated mutant (N-Amy) increased by ~35-fold with a significantly improved thermo-stability. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that the Kcat and Kcat/Kmof N-Amy were enhanced by 1300-fold and 425.7-fold, respectively, representing the largest catalytic activity improvement of the engineered α-amylases through the methods of domain deletion, fusion or swapping. In addition, different from the wild-type Amy703, no exogenous Ca2+ were required for N-Amy to maintain its full catalytic activity, implying its superior potential for many industrial processes. Circular dichroism analysis and structure modeling revealed that the increased compactness and α-helical content were the main contributors for the improved thermo-stability of N-Amy, while the improved catalytic efficiency was mainly attributed by the increased conformational flexibility around the active center.
Characterization of heat induced spherulites of lysozyme reveals new insight on amyloid initiation
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Verma Neha , Singh Pradip Kumar , Korpole Suresh , Ashish
Published: March 2016

Here, we report results obtained during our experiments to visualize how heat transforms globular protein, lysozyme into building block of β-amyloids. Light scattering experiments showed formation of lower order associated species around 50–70 °C followed by rapid cooperativity to β-amyloid fibrils. Interestingly, crystallization drops set at higher temperatures either led to aggregates or spherulites. The latter possess an amorphous β-fibril rich core with thin crystalline needles projecting outwards. Diffraction of the crystalline outgrowths revealed novel dimers and trimers of lysozyme where individual chains were similar to monomer with marginal gain in β-sheet content. Importantly, analysis of Amide I stretching frequencies showed that protein loses its secondary structure at temperatures higher than where we obtained crystals followed by rapid gain in β-sheet content. Interestingly, attempts to use the needles as seeds for more crystals led to “broom-like” fibril formations at the ends. Further, aggregation inhibitors like arginine and benzyl alcohol completely obliterated spherulites formation during crystallization. Refinement of crystals of lysozyme in presence of these molecules showed these small molecules bind to the interfaces of heat associated dimers and trimers. Overall our work concludes that heat induced weakly associated structures of lysozyme are the first step towards its amyloid formation.
Ambient air pollution and years of life lost in Ningbo, China
Authors: He Tianfeng , Yang Zuyao , Liu Tao , Shen Yueping , Fu Xiaohong , Qian Xujun , Zhang Yuelun , Wang Yong , Xu Zhiwei , Zhu Shankuan , Mao Chen , Xu Guozhang , Tang Jinling
Published: March 2016

To evaluate the burden of air pollution on years of life lost (YLL) in addition to mortality, we conducted a time series analysis based on the data on air pollution, meteorological conditions and 163,704 non-accidental deaths of Ningbo, China, 2009–2013. The mean concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10 μm, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were 84.0 μg/m3, 60.1 μg/m3, 25.1 μg/m3 and 41.7 μg/m3, respectively. An increase of 10-μg/m3 in particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10 μm, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide was associated with 4.27 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17–7.38), 2.97 (95% CI −2.01–7.95), 29.98 (95% CI 19.21–40.76) and 16.58 (95% CI 8.19–24.97) YLL, respectively and 0.53% (95% CI 0.29–0.76%), 0.57% (95% CI 0.20–0.95%), 2.89% (95% CI 2.04–3.76%) and 1.65% (95% CI 1.01–2.30%) increase of daily death counts, respectively. The impact of air pollution lasted for four days (lag 0–3) and were more significant in the elderly than in the young population for both outcomes. These findings clarify the burden of air pollution on YLL and highlight the importance and urgency of air pollution control in China.
Immune responses to Mycobacterial heat shock protein 70 accompany self-reactivity to human BiP in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shoda Hirofumi , Hanata Norio , Sumitomo Shuji , Okamura Tomohisa , Fujio Keishi , Yamamoto Kazuhiko
Published: March 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease and a member of human heat shock protein (HSP) 70 protein family, Binding Immunoglobulin Protein (BiP), has been identified as an important autoantigen for T and B cells. We herein focused on Mycobacterial (Myc) HSPs and immune responses to MycHSPs in RA patients. Serum titers of antibodies against MycHSP70 were significantly elevated in RA patients and correlated with serum anti-BiP antibody titers. A MycHSP70-derived HLA-DR4 major epitope was identified using the proliferative capacity of RA PBMCs as an indicator. The major epitope, MycHSP70287–306, was located at the corresponding position in the major epitope for human BiP336–355 and a strong correlation was found between the proliferation of PBMCs in response to MycHSP70287–306 and BiP336–355. The immunization of HLA-DR4 transgenic mice with MycHSP70 induced the proliferation of T cells and development of anti-BiP antibodies. In contrast, the oral administration of MycHSP70287–306 resulted in the amelioration of collagen-induced arthritis, serum antibody responses and T cell proliferation. In conclusion, immune responses to MycHSP70 were associated with adaptive immunity against BiP in RA and could be an important mechanism underlying the development of autoimmunity.
Drastic underestimation of amphipod biodiversity in the endangered Irano-Anatolian and Caucasus biodiversity hotspots
Authors: Katouzian Ahmad-Reza , Sari Alireza , Macher Jan N. , Weiss Martina , Saboori Alireza , Leese Florian , Weigand Alexander M.
Published: March 2016

Biodiversity hotspots are centers of biological diversity and particularly threatened by anthropogenic activities. Their true magnitude of species diversity and endemism, however, is still largely unknown as species diversity is traditionally assessed using morphological descriptions only, thereby ignoring cryptic species. This directly limits evidence-based monitoring and management strategies. Here we used molecular species delimitation methods to quantify cryptic diversity of the montane amphipods in the Irano-Anatolian and Caucasus biodiversity hotspots. Amphipods are ecosystem engineers in rivers and lakes. Species diversity was assessed by analysing two genetic markers (mitochondrial COI and nuclear 28S rDNA), compared with morphological assignments. Our results unambiguously demonstrate that species diversity and endemism is dramatically underestimated, with 42 genetically identified freshwater species in only five reported morphospecies. Over 90% of the newly recovered species cluster inside Gammarus komareki and G. lacustris; 69% of the recovered species comprise narrow range endemics. Amphipod biodiversity is drastically underestimated for the studied regions. Thus, the risk of biodiversity loss is significantly greater than currently inferred as most endangered species remain unrecognized and/or are only found locally. Integrative application of genetic assessments in monitoring programs will help to understand the true magnitude of biodiversity and accurately evaluate its threat status.
Genetic variation and dopamine D2 receptor availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human in vivo molecular imaging studies
Authors: Gluskin B S , Mickey B J
Published: March 2016

The D2 dopamine receptor mediates neuropsychiatric symptoms and is a target of pharmacotherapy. Inter-individual variation of D2 receptor density is thought to influence disease risk and pharmacological response. Numerous molecular imaging studies have tested whether common genetic variants influence D2 receptor binding potential (BP) in humans, but demonstration of robust effects has been limited by small sample sizes. We performed a systematic search of published human in vivo molecular imaging studies to estimate effect sizes of common genetic variants on striatal D2 receptor BP. We identified 21 studies examining 19 variants in 11 genes. The most commonly studied variant was a single-nucleotide polymorphism in ANKK1 (rs1800497, Glu713Lys, also called ‘Taq1A’). Fixed- and random-effects meta-analyses of this variant (5 studies, 194 subjects total) revealed that striatal BP was significantly and robustly lower among carriers of the minor allele (Lys713) relative to major allele homozygotes. The weighted standardized mean difference was −0.57 under the fixed-effect model (95% confidence interval=(−0.87, −0.27), P=0.0002). The normal relationship between rs1800497 and BP was not apparent among subjects with neuropsychiatric diseases. Significant associations with baseline striatal D2 receptor BP have been reported for four DRD2 variants (rs1079597, rs1076560, rs6277 and rs1799732) and a PER2 repeat polymorphism, but none have yet been tested in more than two independent samples. Our findings resolve apparent discrepancies in the literature and establish that rs1800497 robustly influences striatal D2 receptor availability. This genetic variant is likely to contribute to important individual differences in human striatal function, neuropsychiatric disease risk and pharmacological response.
Abnormality in glutamine–glutamate cycle in the cerebrospinal fluid of cognitively intact elderly individuals with major depressive disorder: a 3-year follow-up study
Authors: Hashimoto K , Bruno D , Nierenberg J , Marmar C R , Zetterberg H , Blennow K , Pomara N
Published: March 2016

Major depressive disorder (MDD), common in the elderly, is a risk factor for dementia. Abnormalities in glutamatergic neurotransmission via the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) have a key role in the pathophysiology of depression. This study examined whether depression was associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of NMDA-R neurotransmission-associated amino acids in cognitively intact elderly individuals with MDD and age- and gender-matched healthy controls. CSF was obtained from 47 volunteers (MDD group, N=28; age- and gender-matched comparison group, N=19) at baseline and 3-year follow-up (MDD group, N=19; comparison group, N=17). CSF levels of glutamine, glutamate, glycine, l-serine and d-serine were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. CSF levels of amino acids did not differ across MDD and comparison groups. However, the ratio of glutamine to glutamate was significantly higher at baseline in subjects with MDD than in controls. The ratio decreased in individuals with MDD over the 3-year follow-up, and this decrease correlated with a decrease in the severity of depression. No correlations between absolute amino-acid levels and clinical variables were observed, nor were correlations between amino acids and other biomarkers (for example, amyloid-β42, amyloid-β40, and total and phosphorylated tau protein) detected. These results suggest that abnormalities in the glutamine–glutamate cycle in the communication between glia and neurons may have a role in the pathophysiology of depression in the elderly. Furthermore, the glutamine/glutamate ratio in CSF may be a state biomarker for depression.
Girard reagent purification coupled with hollow-fiber-based stirring liquid microextraction followed by HPLC with diode array detection for determination of naphthoquinones in Qing Long Yi
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Liu Yuxin , Yang Bingyou , Jiang Yanqiu , Wang Xiaoli , Liu Chenggang , Niu Feng , Kuang Haixue
Published: March 2016

Naphthoquinones all with carbonyl groups may react with the Girard reagent to form a water-soluble substance called hydrazone. These denatured naphthoquinones can recover lipid solubility transferred to the organic liquid layer.
Suppressing the voltage-fading of layered lithium-rich cathode materials via an aqueous binder for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Jun-tao , Liu Jie , Deng Ya-ping , Wu Zhen-guo , Yin Zu-wei , Guo Dong , Huang Ling , Sun Shi-gang
Published: March 2016

Guar gum (GG) has been applied as a binder for layered lithium-rich cathode materials of Li-ion batteries for the first time.
Underlying mechanisms of cyclic peptide inhibitors interrupting the interaction of CK2α/CK2β: comparative molecular dynamics simulation studies
Authors: Zhou Yue , Zhang Na , Chen Wenjuan , Zhao Lijiao , Zhong Rugang
Published: March 2016

The structural mechanisms of cyclic peptide inhibitors disrupting CK2α/CK2β interaction have been deeply studied by means of comparative molecular dynamics simulation methods.
Single and double nitroxide labeled bis(terpyridine)-copper(ii): influence of orientation selectivity and multispin effects on PELDOR and RIDME
Authors: Meyer Andreas , Abdullin Dinar , Schnakenburg Gregor , Schiemann Olav
Published: March 2016

The structure of Jahn–Teller distorted copper–nitroxide complexes in neutral and acidic solutions is investigated using EPR distance measurements taking into account the influence of orientation selectivity and multispin effects.
Coupled metal partitioning dynamics and toxicodynamics at biointerfaces: a theory beyond the biotic ligand model framework
Authors: Duval Jérôme F. L.
Published: March 2016

A theory is developed for coupled toxicodynamics and interfacial metal partitioning dynamics, with integration of intertwined metal adsorption–internalisation–excretion-transport at the biointerface, cell growth and metal depletion from solution.
Chemically functionalized germanene for spintronic devices: a first-principles study
Authors: Zhao Jun , Zeng Hui
Published: March 2016

We have carried out first-principles calculations to explore various chemically functionalized germanene nanomaterials as two-dimensional spintronic devices.
Dispersing Pd nanoparticles on N-doped TiO2: a highly selective catalyst for H2O2 synthesis
Authors: Ao Can , Tian Pengfei , Ouyang Like , Da Guojin , Xu Xingyan , Xu Jing , Han Yi-Fan
Published: March 2016

The selectivity of H2O2 synthesis directly from H2 and O2 over Pd/TiO2 catalysts was found to be improved greatly if TiO2 was doped by nitrogen before dispersing Pd nanoparticles.
Improving the catalytic performance of SAPO-18 for the methanol-to-olefins (MTO) reaction by controlling the Si distribution and crystal size
Authors: Martínez-Franco Raquel , Li Zhibin , Martínez-Triguero Joaquín , Moliner Manuel , Corma Avelino
Published: March 2016

The physico-chemical properties of the small pore SAPO-18 zeotype have been controlled by properly selecting the organic molecules acting as organic structure directing agents (OSDAs).
Transformation of microcystins to 2-methyl-3-methoxy-4-phenylbutyric acid by room temperature ozone oxidation for rapid quantification of total microcystins
Authors: Zhang L. L. , Yu R. P. , Wang L. P. , Wu S. F. , Song Q. J.
Published: March 2016

Microcystins (MCs) are cyanobacterial hepatotoxins capable of accumulation into animal tissues.
The impact of raw materials and baking conditions on Maillard reaction products, thiamine, folate, phytic acid and minerals in white bread
Authors: Helou Cynthia , Gadonna-Widehem Pascale , Robert Nathalie , Branlard Gérard , Thebault Jacques , Librere Sarah , Jacquot Sylvain , Mardon Julie , Piquet-Pissaloux Agnès , Chapron Sophie , Chatillon Antoine , Niquet-Léridon Céline , Tessier Frédéric J.
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to develop a white bread with improved nutrient contents and reduced levels of potentially harmful Maillard reaction products.
A microfluidic platform with pH imaging for chemical and hydrodynamic stimulation of intact oral biofilms
Authors: Gashti M. Parvinzadeh , Asselin J. , Barbeau J. , Boudreau D. , Greener J.
Published: March 2016

A robust microfluidic platform for real-time pH imaging of oral biofilms probes individual contributions to the classic Stephan curve.
Zeolite science and technology at Eni
Authors: Bellussi Giuseppe , Millini Roberto , Pollesel Paolo , Perego Carlo
Published: March 2016

This article reviews the results obtained in the synthesis, characterization and applications of zeolites and related microporous materials, focusing on catalytic processes developed in Eni research laboratories over the last 40 years.
Enhancing the electroluminescence efficiency of Si NC/SiO2superlattice-based light-emitting diodes through hydrogen ion beam treatment
Authors: Fu Sheng-Wen , Chen Hui-Ju , Wu Hsuan-Ta , Chen Shao-Ping , Shih Chuan-Feng
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a novel method for enhancing the electroluminescence (EL) efficiency of ten-period silicon-rich oxide (SRO)/SiO2superlattice-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Bio-inspired eyes with eyeball-shaped lenses actuated by electro-hydrodynamic forces
Authors: Liu Hongzhong , Wang Lanlan , Jiang Weitao , Li Rui , Yin Lei , Shi Yongsheng , Chen Bangdao
Published: March 2016

Eye ball-shaped lenses, composed of a LCC-MLA are constructed through electro-hydrodynamic actuation. The curvature is adjusted by the electro-hydrodynamic force difference upon the lens interface. Bio-inspired eyes manifest a six-folds varifocal capability in 50 ms.
Synthesis of lamellar mesostructure aluminophosphate nanoparticles and their conversion to a highly efficient adsorbent using ultrasound waves for partial template removal
Authors: Seyghali Babak , Zanjanchi Mohammad Ali , Arvand Majid
Published: March 2016

Ultrasound irradiation alters micellar arrangement in lamellar aluminophosphate improving its adsorption capability.
Preparation and characterization of a RHA/TiO2nanocomposite: introduction of an efficient and reusable catalyst for chemoselective trimethylsilyl protection and deprotection of alcohols and phenols
Authors: Seddighi Mohadeseh , Shirini Farhad , Goli-Jolodar Omid
Published: March 2016

In this work, rice husk ash (RHA), as a natural source of amorphous silica, was used as a support for the synthesis of anatase-phase titania nanoparticles leading to the RHA/TiO2nanocomposite.
Fire-safe and environmentally friendly nanocomposites based on layered double hydroxides and ethylene propylene diene elastomer
Authors: Basu Debdipta , Das Amit , Wang De-Yi , George Jinu Jacob , Stöckelhuber Klaus Werner , Boldt Regine , Leuteritz Andreas , Heinrich Gert
Published: March 2016

The capability of layered double hydroxide has been explored as a potential flame retardant filler and the effect of the mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, and thermal stability of the composites was also studied.
Silicon nanoparticles grown on a reduced graphene oxide surface as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Kannan Aravindaraj G. , Kim Sang Hyung , Yang Hwi Soo , Kim Dong-Won
Published: March 2016

Silicon nanoparticles covalently attached on reduced graphene oxide exhibited good electrochemical performance as an anode in lithium-ion cells.
Construction of a 2D/2D g-C3N4/rGO hybrid heterojunction catalyst with outstanding charge separation ability and nitrogen photofixation performance via a surface protonation process
Authors: Hu Shaozheng , Zhang Weidong , Bai Jin , Lu Guang , Zhang Lei , Wu Guang
Published: March 2016

Heterojunction catalyst PCN/rGO with effective interfacial contact by incorporating reduced graphene oxide and protonated g-C3N4and outstanding nitrogen photofixation ability was synthesizedviaa electrostatic self-assembly strategy.
Combining energy and electron transfer in a supramolecular environment for the “green” generation and utilization of hydrated electrons through photoredox catalysis
Authors: Kerzig Christoph , Goez Martin
Published: March 2016

The interaction of an anionic micelle with the molecular charges and dipole moments ensures the desired sequence of processes and suppresses cross reactions in an “all-green” photoredox catalytic access to hydrated electronse˙−aq, which reductively decompose nonactivated chloro-organics.
Growth of nano-domains in Gd–CeO2 mixtures: hybrid Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Purton John A. , Archer Adam , Allan Neil L. , Gunn David S. D.
Published: March 2016

Hybrid Monte Carlo (HMC) simulations are used to study the growth of Gd-rich domains in Gd doped CeO2, and we probe the conductivity of the resulting and other configurations by molecular dynamics.
Synthesis, characterization and properties of nitrogen-rich compounds based on cyanuric acid: a promising design in the development of new energetic materials
Authors: Liu Qiangqiang , Jin Bo , Peng Rufang , Guo Zhicheng , Zhao Jun , Zhang Qingchun , Shang Yu
Published: March 2016

A family of nitrogen-rich compounds based on CA anion were synthesized and investigated. Most salts exhibit good detonation properties and BAM fall hammer tests show that these compounds are very insensitive to impact.
Near-infrared triggered generation of reactive oxygen species from upconverting nanoparticles decorated with an organoiridium complex
Authors: Jesu Raj Joe Gerald , Quintanilla Marta , Vetrone Fiorenzo
Published: March 2016

We developed an upconverting nanoparticle capable of (up)converting near-infrared excitation light to UV to sensitize an organoiridium complex for the production of reactive oxygen species.
A membrane-anchored fluorescent probe for detecting K+ in the cell microenvironment
Authors: Xiong Mengyi , Zhu Huijie , Rong Qiming , Yang Chan , Qiu Liping , Zhang Xiao-Bing , Tan Weihong
Published: March 2016

A membrane-anchored fluorescent probe for detecting K+ in the cell microenvironment.
A high-performance supercapacitor cell based on ZIF-8-derived nanoporous carbon using an organic electrolyte
Authors: Salunkhe Rahul R. , Young Christine , Tang Jing , Takei Toshiaki , Ide Yusuke , Kobayashi Naoya , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: March 2016

Low-cost supercapacitors have the ability to rapidly store a large amount of charge, which makes them the best alternative to batteries in portable electronics.
New synthesis route for ternary transition metal amides as well as ultrafast amide–hydride hydrogen storage materials
Authors: Cao Hujun , Santoru Antonio , Pistidda Claudio , Richter Theresia M. M. , Chaudhary Anna-Lisa , Gizer Gökhan , Niewa Rainer , Chen Ping , Klassen Thomas , Dornheim Martin
Published: March 2016

Ternary transition metal amides were first synthesized by mechanochemical reaction without applying high temperatures, high pressures or long reaction times.
Oxatub[4]arene: a molecular “transformer” capable of hosting a wide range of organic cations
Authors: Jia Fei , Wang Hao-Yi , Li Dong-Hao , Yang Liu-Pan , Jiang Wei
Published: March 2016

Oxatub[4]arene was found to be able to host a wide range of organic cations. This strong binding ability is believed to originate from its four interconvertible and deep-cavity conformers.
The S66x8 benchmark for noncovalent interactions revisited: explicitly correlated ab initio methods and density functional theory
Authors: Brauer Brina , Kesharwani Manoj K. , Kozuch Sebastian , Martin Jan M. L.
Published: March 2016

The S66x8 dataset for noncovalent interactions of biochemical relevance has been re-examined by means of CCSD(F12*)(T), DFT, and SAPT methods.
An investigation of the interactions of Eu3+and Am3+with uranyl minerals: implications for the storage of spent nuclear fuel
Authors: Biswas Saptarshi , Steudtner Robin , Schmidt Moritz , McKenna Cora , León Vintró Luis , Twamley Brendan , Baker Robert J.
Published: March 2016

Eu(iii) can incorporate into the structure of selected uranyl minerals, as shown emission and vibrational spectroscopy.241Am(iii) tracer studies have been conducted, which has implications for the migration of Am(iii) in an underground repository containing SNF.
Insights into the flexibility of ZrMxOy (M = Na, Mg, Al) nanofibrous membranes as promising infrared stealth materials
Authors: Mao Xue , Bai Ying , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: March 2016

An undersized dopant dependent brittle to flexible transition in ZrMxOy (M = Na, Mg, Al) nanofibrous membranes was revealed. Al doped zirconia nanofibrous membranes with an ultra-flexibility of 23 mN exhibit low infrared emissivity.
Taming tosyl azide: the development of a scalable continuous diazo transfer process
Authors: Deadman Benjamin J. , O'Mahony Rosella M. , Lynch Denis , Crowley Daniel C. , Collins Stuart G. , Maguire Anita R.
Published: March 2016

In situ generation and use of tosyl azide in flow enables enhanced safety and ready scale-up in diazo transfer processes.
Differentiation of biothiols from other sulfur-containing biomolecules using iodide-capped gold nanoparticles
Authors: Ji Lvlv , Wang Jianying , Zhu Lei , Zu Yanbing , Kong Jianfei , Chen Zuofeng
Published: March 2016

We describe here a simple method based on the aggregation of iodide-capped gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to differentiate biothiols from other sulfur-containing biomolecules.
18-Carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids via down-regulation NF-κB activation reduce lipopolysaccharide-induced myotube atrophy
Authors: Chen Pei-Yin , Sun Hai-Lun , Lin Yi-Chin , Li Chien-Chun , Chen Haw-Wen , Wang Tsu-Shing , Liu Chin-San , Liu Kai-Li
Published: March 2016

Schematic of the prevention of LPS-induced myotube atrophy by 18-carbon PUFAs.
One-pot synthesis of mesoporous spherical SnO2@graphene for high-sensitivity formaldehyde gas sensors
Authors: Chen Shuai , Qiao Yan , Huang Jianlin , Yao Huanli , Zhang Yuanli , Li Yuan , Du Jianping , Fan Weibin
Published: March 2016

The SnO2@graphene nanocomposite shows an enhanced sensing response to HCHO, suggesting it is an effective sensing material for formaldehyde detection.
Heterogeneous Fenton-like degradation of methyl blue using MCM-41-Fe/Al supported Mn oxides
Authors: Wang Xurong , Yang Wenzhong , Ji Yan , Yin Xiaoshuang , Liu Yin , Liu Xuezhong , Zhang Fengyou , Chen Baohong , Yang Na
Published: March 2016

We prepared uniform and spherical M-Fe/Al at room temperature. Furthermore, this material was supported with Mn oxides by an impregnation method to accelerate the degradation process of methyl blue.
Correction: Nanostructuring of nanoporous iron carbide spheres via thermal degradation of triple-shelled Prussian blue hollow spheres for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zakaria Mohamed B.
Published: March 2016

Correction for ‘Nanostructuring of nanoporous iron carbide spheres via thermal degradation of triple-shelled Prussian blue hollow spheres for oxygen reduction reaction’ by Mohamed B. Zakaria et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 10341–10351.
A novel double-perovskite Gd2ZnTiO6:Mn4+red phosphor for UV-based w-LEDs: structure and luminescence properties
Authors: Chen Hui , Lin Hang , Huang Qingming , Huang Feng , Xu Ju , Wang Bo , Lin Zebin , Zhou Jiangcong , Wang Yuansheng
Published: March 2016

This work highlights a novel double-perovskite red phosphor Gd2ZnTiO6:Mn4+for UV-based warm white LEDs.
Simple upper bound on the information rate of the phase noise channel
Authors: Martalò M. , Tripodi C. , Raheli R.
Published: March 2016

A simple upper bound on the information rate (IR) of digital communications over phase noise‐impaired channels is proposed. In particular, the transmission of linearly modulated signals, such as QAM, at high‐signal‐to‐noise ratio is considered, thus extending previous literature results for phase modulated signals, e.g. PSK. A simulation‐based lower bound on the IR shows that the proposed bound is tight for small‐medium size constellations and large phase noise.
Effective utilisation of JND for spatial parameters quantisation in 3D multichannel audio
Authors: Gao Li , Hu Ruimin , Wang Xiaochen , Li Gang , Yang Yuhong
Published: March 2016

The features of just noticeable difference (JND) in human spatial perception are often used to remove the perceptual redundancy of spatial parameters in 3D multichannel audio. However in previous spatial parameters quantisation schemes, JND data are not effectively utilised resulting in either perceptual distortions of spatial images, or wastes of coding bitrates. It is proposed to effectively utilise azimuthal JND to design the quantisation codebook of spatial parameters azimuths, which divides the full circle of 360° to adjacent quantisation intervals, and set the endpoints of quantisation intervals according to JND of quantisation value. With presented scheme, quantisation codebook size has decreased 13 and 57%, respectively, compared with MPEG Surround and SLQP, as well as ignorable perceptual distortion induced.
Low‐power technique for dynamic comparators
Authors: Khorami A. , Sharifkhani M.
Published: March 2016

A low‐power technique to reduce the power consumption of the dynamic comparators is presented. Using this technique, the pre‐amplification phase of the comparator is stopped without any effect on the dynamic behaviour of the comparator. Therefore, the power consumption of the pre‐amplifier stage which is the main part of the total power consumption is reduced significantly. Simulation results in various comparators reveal that the proposed technique reduces the total power consumption by more than 50%.
Real‐time demonstration of 30 Gbit/s hierarchical star 8‐QAM passive optical network employing fractionally‐spaced signed‐error radius directed equalisation
Authors: Kim S.‐Y , Iiyama N. , Kani J.‐i. , Koma R. , Suzuki T. , Suzuki K.‐I. , Otaka A.
Published: March 2016

Real‐time demonstration of 30 Gbit/s hierarchical star 8‐quadrature amplitude modulation optical access system is presented. By incorporating a novel signed‐error radius directed equalisation algorithm with a fractionally‐spaced filter structure, the receiver supports high‐speed hierarchically‐modulated signals. The feasibility of the proposal is confirmed by demonstrating downlink coexistence in a 10 gigabit Ethernet passive optical network that conforms to IEEE 802.3av standards.
DC–X‐band high‐power SOI CMOS T/R switch
Authors: Suh B. , Min B.‐W.
Published: March 2016

A high‐power single‐pole double‐throw transmit/receive (T/R) switch in a silicon‐on‐insulation (SOI) CMOS process is presented. The T/R switch is based on the series–shunt configuration, and the high performance is achieved by utilising SOI characteristics such as floating body transistors and SOI trench (TQ trench). To improve power handling capability, ten thick gate oxide transistors are stacked in transmitter (TX) shunt and receiver (RX) series paths with the source and drain of transistors biased. The measured insertion losses of TX and RX modes are <0.5 and <0.9 dB, respectively. The measured isolations of TX and RX modes are >30 and >23 dB up to 12 GHz. The measured input 1 dB compression point is 34 dBm.
Energy‐efficient switching method for SAR ADCs with bottom plate sampling
Authors: Zhang Yulin , Bonizzoni Edoardo , Maloberti Franco
Published: March 2016

A high energy‐efficiency capacitor switching scheme for successive approximation register (SAR) analogue‐to‐digital converters (ADCs) is presented. The switching method, verified on a 10‐bit SAR scheme that uses bottom plate sampling, achieves an average switching energy and area reduction of 99.32 and 96.5%, respectively, with respect to the conventional solution.
Design of compact balanced ultra‐wideband bandpass filter with half mode dumbbell DGS
Authors: Lu Jiayuan , Wang Jianpeng , Gu Hui
Published: March 2016

A new compact balanced ultra‐wideband (UWB) bandpass filter using half mode dumbbell defected ground structure (DGS) is presented. To realise the UWB response, the ‘T’ shape multiple‐mode resonator with short‐ended stub is employed. To achieve wideband common mode (CM) suppression and compact design simultaneously, the concept of half‐mode DGS is introduced in the two stacked microstrip layers. Afterwards, a balanced UWB filter is designed and measured for verifying the feasibility of the presented design method. The measured results match well with the expected results which indicate the proposed filter exhibits better than −30 dB CM suppression within the DM passband covering from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz.
Compact tunable bandpass filter with wide tuning range of centre frequency and bandwidth using coupled lines and short‐ended stubs
Authors: Zhu He , Abbosh Amin
Published: March 2016

A tunable bandpass filter with wide tuning range of both its centre frequency and bandwidth is presented. This type of filter is a key element in modern wideband and multiband systems. The proposed filter is based on short sections of two pairs of shunt connected parallel‐coupled lines and short‐ended stub resonators, which are tuned using varactor diodes. The structure has two resonant modes as well as one‐side edge transmission zero that can be relocated and controlled for any desired position. A thorough theoretical analysis is utilised to find the initial values of the filter's design parameters and estimate its performance. To validate the proposed design and its theoretical analysis, two prototype filters are fabricated and tested. The measured results indicate wide tuning range ratios for the centre frequency and bandwidth of up to 2.85 (0.52 to 1.48 GHz) and up to 5.2 (55 to 285 MHz), respectively. The fabricated filters are compact with an overall size (in guided wavelengths at the centre frequency) of less than 0.06 × 0.16.
SIMSCAPE electro‐thermal modelling of the PIN diode for power circuits simulation
Authors: Mijlad Naoual , Elwarraki Elmostafa , Elbacha Abdelhadi
Published: March 2016

This study introduces a less complex approach for modelling the power PIN diode in MATLAB/SIMULINK software. In this approach, a behaviour modelling methodology is adapted to explore the distributed effect of both the electrical and thermal phenomena within the component. The manufacturer's data are the main source of information. Indeed, all of the modelling parameters are derived from the published data sheets. Moreover, the model validation is obtained by a comparison between the simulation results and the datasheet characteristics given for several tests. The diode model presented in this study is validated from an electro‐thermal point of view.
Are the terms “socio-economic status” and “class status” a warped form of reasoning for Max Weber?
Authors: Waters Tony , Waters Dagmar
Published: March 2016

A classic definition of social inequality comes from the sociologist Max Weber, who wrote that there are three fundamental types of inequality. The first is based in the marketplace and is “social class”. The second, and more important distinction, is based in estimations of honour that Weber called in German Stand, which traditionally is translated into English as “status group”. The third type of stratification is “party” where power is distributed. Weber emphasized that the two forms of stratification emerge out of two different parts of society: Stand with its emphasis on honour emerges out of the most fundamental part of society rooted in loyalties, the Gemeinschaft, whereas class emerges out of a sub-unit of the Gemeinschaft, rationally ordered markets and legal structures of the Gesellschaft. Party emerges out of both. In Weber’s estimation, two types of social stratification, class and Stand, although related, cannot be mixed because they are fundamentally different. The former is rooted in abstract emotion and the latter in rational calculation. To do so, he writes, is a “warped reasoning”. Despite Weber’s warnings, English-language terms used to measure social inequality, particularly “socio-economic status”, conflate the two qualities, presenting them as a single variable. However, when the two are separated, analysts get a much more nuanced view of the mechanisms for how different types of inequality persist, be they in the professions, residence, ethnicity, race or caste.
Fluid modelling of CO2 dissociation in a dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Ponduri S. , Becker M. M. , Welzel S. , van de Sanden M. C. M. , Loffhagen D. , Engeln R.
Published: March 2016

The dissociation of CO2 in a geometrically symmetric dielectric barrier discharge has been analysed by means of numerical modelling. A time- and space-dependent fluid model has been used, taking into account the spatial variation of the plasma between the plane-parallel dielectrics covering the electrodes. The main features of the model, including an extensive reaction kinetics for the vibrational states of CO2, are given. The modelling studies have been performed for different applied voltages, discharge frequencies, pressures, gas temperatures, and relative permittivities of the dielectrics. The model calculations show that the discharges in the positive and negative half-cycles are different for the considered standard condition, leading to a spatially asymmetric distribution of the stable neutrals like CO molecules and O atoms. The generation of CO mainly takes place during the discharge pulses, and it is dominated by electron impact dissociation. The specific energy input obtained for the broad range of parameters considered and determined for residence times reported in the literature agrees well with the corresponding experimental values. In accordance with these experiments, the calculated degree of CO2 conversion has been found to increase almost linearly with the specific energy input. Remaining discrepancies between the measured and calculated energy efficiencies are discussed.
Chaos of radiative heat-loss-induced flame front instability
Authors: Kinugawa Hikaru , Ueda Kazuhiro , Gotoda Hiroshi
Published: March 2016

We are intensively studying the chaos via the period-doubling bifurcation cascade in radiative heat-loss-induced flame front instability by analytical methods based on dynamical systems theory and complex networks. Significant changes in flame front dynamics in the chaotic region, which cannot be seen in the bifurcation diagrams, were successfully extracted from recurrence quantification analysis and nonlinear forecasting and from the network entropy. The temporal dynamics of the fuel concentration in the well-developed chaotic region is much more complicated than that of the flame front temperature. It exhibits self-affinity as a result of the scale-free structure in the constructed visibility graph.
Invited Article: miniTimeCube
Authors: Li V. A. , Dorrill R. , Duvall M. J. , Koblanski J. , Negrashov S. , Sakai M. , Wipperfurth S. A. , Engel K. , Jocher G. R. , Learned J. G. , Macchiarulo L. , Matsuno S. , McDonough W. F. , Mumm H. P. , Murillo J. , Nishimura K. , Rosen M. , Usman S. M. , Varner G. S.
Published: March 2016

We present the development of the miniTimeCube (mTC), a novel compact neutrino  detector. The mTC is a multipurpose detector, aiming to detect not only neutrinos but also fast/thermal neutrons. Potential applications include the counterproliferation of nuclear materials and the investigation of antineutrino short-baseline effects. The mTC is a plastic 0.2% 10B–doped scintillator (13 cm)3 cube surrounded by 24 Micro-Channel Plate (MCP) photon detectors, each with an 8 × 8 anode totaling 1536 individual channels/pixels viewing the scintillator. It uses custom-made electronics modules which mount on top of the MCPs, making our detector compact and able to both distinguish different types of events and reject noise in real time. The detector is currently deployed and being tested at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research nuclear reactor (20 MWth) in Gaithersburg MD. A shield for further tests is being constructed, and calibration and upgrades are ongoing. The mTC’s improved spatiotemporal resolution will allow for determination of incident particle directions beyond previous capabilities.
Role of defects in the thermal droop of InGaN-based light emitting diodes
Authors: De Santi C. , Meneghini M. , La Grassa M. , Galler B. , Zeisel R. , Goano M. , Dominici S. , Mandurrino M. , Bertazzi F. , Robidas D. , Meneghesso G. , Zanoni E.
Published: March 2016

This paper reports an investigation of the physical origin of the thermal droop (the drop of the optical power at high temperatures) in InGaN-based light-emitting diodes. We critically investigate the role of various mechanisms including Shockley-Read-Hall recombination, thermionic escape from the quantum well, phonon-assisted tunneling, and thermionic trap-assisted tunneling; in addition, to explain the thermal droop, we propose a closed-form model which is able to accurately fit the experimental data by using values extracted from measurements and simulations and a limited set of fitting parameters. The model is based on a two-step phonon-assisted tunneling over an intermediate defective state, corrected in order to take into account the pure thermionic component at zero bias and the field-assisted term.
Study of ZnO nanoparticles based hybrid nanocomposites for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Belhaj Marwa , Dridi Cherif , Elhouichet Habib , Valmalette Jean Cristophe
Published: March 2016

We report on the effect of nanoparticle concentration on the performance of hybrid polymer/zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films. We used scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption, and photoluminescence spectroscopies to study the morphology, structure, and optical behavior of the different nanocomposites. Topographical analysis has shown that ZnO nanoparticles (n-ZnO) affect the morphology of thin film and indicated that the roughness of the samples was found to increase with the concentration of n-ZnO until 50 wt. %, then decreased for higher concentration. A clear contribution of nanoparticles in the nanocomposites absorption has been demonstrated in UV-Vis spectra with maintaining the absorption features of the polymer. Further investigations have revealed a decrease in band gap energy (Eg) with increasing nanoparticles amount in the polymer showing size variation depending on n-ZnO. The structures have shown overlapping emission bands from both ZnO and the polymer. The origins of this emission and its evolution with nanoparticles concentration were also discussed.
A versatile platform for magnetostriction measurements in thin films
Authors: Pernpeintner M. , Holländer R. B. , Seitner M. J. , Weig E. M. , Gross R. , Goennenwein S. T. B. , Huebl H.
Published: March 2016

We present a versatile nanomechanical sensing platform for the investigation of magnetostriction in thin films. It is based on a doubly clamped silicon nitride nanobeam resonator covered with a thin magnetostrictive film. Changing the magnetization direction within the film plane by an applied magnetic field generates a magnetoelastic stress and thus changes the resonance frequency of the nanobeam. A measurement of the resulting resonance frequency shift, e.g., by optical interferometry, allows to quantitatively determine the magnetostriction constants of the thin film. In a proof-of-principle experiment, we determine the magnetostriction constants of a 10 nm thick polycrystalline cobalt film, showing very good agreement with literature values. The presented technique aims, in particular, for the precise measurement of magnetostriction in a variety of (conducting and insulating) thin films, which can be deposited by, e.g., electron beam deposition, thermal evaporation, or sputtering.
Mixed semiclassical initial value representation time-averaging propagator for spectroscopic calculations
Authors: Buchholz Max , Grossmann Frank , Ceotto Michele
Published: March 2016

A mixed semiclassical initial value representation expression for spectroscopic calculations is derived. The formulation takes advantage of the time-averaging filtering and the hierarchical properties of different trajectory based propagation methods. A separable approximation is then introduced that greatly reduces (about an order of magnitude) the computational cost compared with a full Herman-Kluk time-averaging semiclassical calculation for the same systems. The expression is exact for the harmonic case and it is tested numerically for a Morse potential coupled to one or two additional harmonic degrees of freedom. Results are compared to full Herman-Kluk time-averaging calculations and exact quantum wavepacket propagations. We found the peak positions of the mixed semiclassical approximations to be always in very good agreement with full quantum calculations, while overtone peak intensities are lower with respect to the exact ones. Given the reduced computational effort required by this new mixed semiclassical approximation, we believe the present method to make spectroscopic calculations available for higher dimensional systems than accessible before.