bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxytocin curbs calorie intake via food-specific increases in the activity of brain areas that process reward and establish cognitive control
Authors: Spetter Maartje S. , Feld Gordon B. , Thienel Matthias , Preissl Hubert , Hege Maike A. , Hallschmid Manfred
Published: February 2018

The hypothalamic neurohormone oxytocin decreases food intake via largely unexplored mechanisms. We investigated the central nervous mediation of oxytocin’s hypophagic effect in comparison to its impact on the processing of generalized rewards. Fifteen fasted normal-weight, young men received intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) or placebo before functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measurements of brain activity during exposure to food stimuli and a monetary incentive delay task (MID). Subsequently, ad-libitum breakfast intake was assessed. Oxytocin compared to placebo increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, supplementary motor area, anterior cingulate, and ventrolateral prefrontal cortices in response to high- vs. low-calorie food images in the fasted state, and reduced calorie intake by 12%. During anticipation of monetary rewards, oxytocin compared to placebo augmented striatal, orbitofrontal and insular activity without altering MID performance. We conclude that during the anticipation of generalized rewards, oxytocin stimulates dopaminergic reward-processing circuits. In contrast, oxytocin restrains food intake by enhancing the activity of brain regions that exert cognitive control, while concomitantly increasing the activity of structures that process food reward value. This pattern points towards a specific role of oxytocin in the regulation of eating behaviour in humans that might be of relevance for potential clinical applications.
Local temperatures predict breeding phenology but do not result in breeding synchrony among a community of resident cavity-nesting birds
Authors: Drake Anna , Martin Kathy
Published: February 2018

Weather and ecological factors are known to influence breeding phenology and thus individual fitness. We predicted concordance between weather conditions and annual variation in phenology within a community of eight resident, cavity-nesting bird species over a 17-year period. We show that, although clutch initiation dates for six of our eight species are correlated with local daily maximum temperatures, this common driver does not produce a high degree of breeding synchrony due to species-specific responses to conditions during different periods of the preceding winter or spring. These “critical temperature periods” were positively associated with average lay date for each species, although the interval between critical periods and clutch initiation varied from 4–78 days. The ecological factors we examined (cavity availability and a food pulse) had an additional influence on timing in only one of our eight focal species. Our results have strong implications for understanding heterogeneous wildlife responses to climate change: divergent responses would be expected within communities where species respond to local conditions within different temporal windows, due to differing warming trends between winter and spring. Our system therefore indicates that climate change could alter relative breeding phenology among sympatric species in temperate ecosystems.
Chemical array system, a platform to identify novel hepatitis B virus entry inhibitors targeting sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide
Authors: Kaneko Manabu , Futamura Yushi , Tsukuda Senko , Kondoh Yasumitsu , Sekine Tomomi , Hirano Hiroyuki , Fukano Kento , Ohashi Hirofumi , Saso Wakana , Morishita Ryo , Matsunaga Satoko , Kawai Fumihiro , Ryo Akihide , Park Sam-Yong , Suzuki Ryosuke , Aizaki Hideki , Ohtani Naoko , Sureau Camille , Wakita Takaji , Osada Hiroyuki , Watashi Koichi
Published: February 2018

Current anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) agents including interferons and nucleos(t)ide analogs efficiently suppress HBV infection. However, as it is difficult to eliminate HBV from chronically infected liver, alternative anti-HBV agents targeting a new molecule are urgently needed. In this study, we applied a chemical array to high throughput screening of small molecules that interacted with sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), an entry receptor for HBV. From approximately 30,000 compounds, we identified 74 candidates for NTCP interactants, and five out of these were shown to inhibit HBV infection in cell culture. One of such compound, NPD8716, a coumarin derivative, interacted with NTCP and inhibited HBV infection without causing cytotoxicity. Consistent with its NTCP interaction capacity, this compound was shown to block viral attachment to host hepatocytes. NPD8716 also prevented the infection with hepatitis D virus, but not hepatitis C virus, in agreement with NPD8716 specifically inhibiting NTCP-mediated infection. Analysis of derivative compounds showed that the anti-HBV activity of compounds was apparently correlated with the affinity to NTCP and the capacity to impair NTCP-mediated bile acid uptake. These results are the first to show that the chemical array technology represents a powerful platform to identify novel viral entry inhibitors.
Thermal Conductivity of Graphene-hBN Superlattice Ribbons
Authors: Felix Isaac M. , Pereira Luiz Felipe C.
Published: February 2018

Superlattices are ideal model systems for the realization and understanding of coherent (wave-like) and incoherent (particle-like) phonon thermal transport. Single layer heterostructures of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride have been produced recently with sharp edges and controlled domain sizes. In this study we employ nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the thermal conductivity of superlattice nanoribbons with equal-sized domains of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride. We analyze the dependence of the conductivity with the domain sizes, and with the total length of the ribbons. We determine that the thermal conductivity reaches a minimum value of 89 W m−1K−1 for ribbons with a superlattice period of 3.43 nm. The effective phonon mean free path is also determined and shows a minimum value of 32 nm for the same superlattice period. Our results also reveal that a crossover from coherent to incoherent phonon transport is present at room temperature for BNC nanoribbons, as the superlattice period becomes comparable to the phonon coherence length. Analyzing phonon populations relative to the smallest superlattice period, we attribute the minimum thermal conductivity to a reduction in the population of flexural phonons when the superlattice period equals 3.43 nm. The ability to manipulate thermal conductivity using superlattice-based two-dimensional materials, such as graphene-hBN nanoribbons, opens up opportunities for application in future nanostructured thermoelectric devices.
Josephson vortex loops in nanostructured Josephson junctions
Authors: Berdiyorov G. R. , Milošević M. V. , Kusmartsev F. , Peeters F. M. , Savel’ev S.
Published: February 2018

Linked and knotted vortex loops have recently received a revival of interest. Such three-dimensional topological entities have been observed in both classical- and super-fluids, as well as in optical systems. In superconductors, they remained obscure due to their instability against collapse – unless supported by inhomogeneous magnetic field. Here we reveal a new kind of vortex matter in superconductors - the Josephson vortex loops - formed and stabilized in planar junctions or layered superconductors as a result of nontrivial cutting and recombination of Josephson vortices around the barriers for their motion. Engineering latter barriers opens broad perspectives on loop manipulation and control of other possible knotted/linked/entangled vortex topologies in nanostructured superconductors. In the context of Josephson devices proposed to date, the high-frequency excitations of the Josephson loops can be utilized in future design of powerful emitters, tunable filters and waveguides of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, thereby pushing forward the much needed Terahertz technology.
Estimating dose-specific cell division and apoptosis rates from chemo-sensitivity experiments
Authors: Liu Yiyi , Crawford Forrest W.
Published: February 2018

In-vitro chemo-sensitivity experiments are an essential step in the early stages of cancer therapy development, but existing data analysis methods suffer from problems with fitting, do not permit assessment of uncertainty, and can give misleading estimates of cell growth inhibition. We present an approach (bdChemo) based on a mechanistic model of cell division and death that permits rigorous statistical analyses of chemo-sensitivity experiment data by simultaneous estimation of cell division and apoptosis rates as functions of dose, without making strong assumptions about the shape of the dose-response curve. We demonstrate the utility of this method using a large-scale NCI-DREAM challenge dataset. We developed an R package “bdChemo” implementing this method, available at https://github.com/YiyiLiu1/bdChemo.
Magnetic Nature of Light Transmission through a 5-nm Gap
Authors: Yang Hyosim , Kim Dai-Sik , Kim Richard H. Joon-Yeon , Ahn Jae Sung , Kang Taehee , Jeong Jeeyoon , Lee Dukhyung
Published: February 2018

Slot antennas have been exploited as important building blocks of optical magnetism because their radiations are invoked by the magnetic fields along the axes, as vectorial Babinet principle predicts. However, optical magnetism of a few-nanometer-width slit, for which fascinating applications are found due to the colossal field enhancement but Babinet principle fails due to the nonnegligible thickness, has not been investigated. In this paper, we demonstrated that the magnetic field plays a dominant role in light transmission through a 5-nm slit on a 150-nm-thick gold film. The 5-nm slit was fabricated by atomic layer lithography, and the transmission was investigated for various incident angles by experiment and simulation at 785-nm wavelength. We found that, due to the deep subwavelength gap width, the transmission has the same incident angle dependence as the tangential magnetic field on the metal surface and this magnetic nature of a nanogap holds up to ~100-nm width. Our analysis establishes conditions for nanogap optical magnetism and suggests new possibilities in realizing magnetic-field-driven optical nonlinearities.
Ice slurry ingestion reduces human brain temperature measured using non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Onitsuka Sumire , Nakamura Daisuke , Onishi Takahiro , Arimitsu Takuma , Takahashi Hideyuki , Hasegawa Hiroshi
Published: February 2018

We previously reported that ice slurry ingestion reduced forehead skin temperature, thereby potentially reducing brain temperature (Tbrain). Therefore, in the current study, we investigated the effect of ice slurry ingestion on Tbrain using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which is a robust, non-invasive method. Eight male participants ingested 7.5 g/kg of either a thermoneutral drink (37 °C; CON) or ice slurry (−1 °C; ICE) for about 5 min following a 15-min baseline period. Then, participants remained at rest for 30 min. As physiological indices, Tbrain, rectal temperature (Tre), mean skin temperature, nude body mass, and urine specific gravity were measured. Subjective thermal sensation (TS) and thermal comfort (TC) were measured before and after the experiment. Tbrain and Tre significantly reduced after ingestion of ICE compared with after ingestion of CON, and there was a significant correlation between Tbrain and Tre. The other physiological indices were not significantly different between beverage conditions. TS and TC were significantly lower with ICE than with CON (p < 0.05). These results indicate that ice slurry ingestion can cool the brain, as well as the body’s core.
Incorporation of a skeletal muscle-specific enhancer in the regulatory region of Igf1 upregulates IGF1 expression and induces skeletal muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Zou Yunlong , Dong Yanjun , Meng Qingyong , Zhao Yaofeng , Li Ning
Published: February 2018

In this study, we upregulated insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) expression specifically in skeletal muscle by engineering an enhancer into its non-coding regions and verified the expected phenotype in a mouse model. To select an appropriate site for introducing a skeletal muscle-specific myosin light chain (MLC) enhancer, three candidate sites that exhibited the least evolutionary conservation were chosen and validated in C2C12 single-cell colonies harbouring the MLC enhancer at each site. IGF1 was dramatically upregulated in only the site 2 single-cell colony series, and it exhibited functional activity leading to the formation of extra myotubes. Therefore, we chose site 2 to generate a genetically modified (GM) mouse model with the MLC enhancer incorporated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The GM mice exhibited dramatically elevated IGF1 levels, which stimulated downstream pathways in skeletal muscle. Female GM mice exhibited more conspicuous muscle hypertrophy than male GM mice. The GM mice possessed similar circulating IGF1 levels and tibia length as their WT littermates; they also did not exhibit heart abnormalities. Our findings demonstrate that genetically modifying a non-coding region is a feasible method to upregulate gene expression and obtain animals with desirable traits.
The Tanggula Mountains enhance population divergence in Carex moorcroftii: a dominant sedge on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Wensheng , Zhao Yao , Qi Danhui , You Jianling , Zhou Yin , Song Zhiping
Published: February 2018

High-altitude mountains are often geographic barriers to gene flow and play important roles in shaping population divergence. The central Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) stands the location of the Tanggula Mountains (TM). We use the TM as a case, using Carex moorcroftii, a dominant species on the QTP to test the effects of geographic barriers on plant population divergence. We sampled 18 C. moorcroftii populations along a north-south transect crossing the TM to investigate the correlations of genetic variation and morphological traits with climate variables. The results showed this species holds high genetic diversity (He = 0.58) and the surveyed populations can be genetically clustered into two groups: populations from the north face of TM, and the other from the south. Gene flow between populations within groups is higher than those between groups. The traits, number and mass of seeds, mass of root and infructescence significantly varied among populations. Mantel-tests detected a weak but significantly positive correlation between genetic and geographic (R2 = 0.107, p = 0.032) and climatic distance (R2 = 0.162, p = 0.005), indicating both isolation by distance and isolation by environment. These findings together suggest high-altitude mountains of TM interrupt habitat continuity, result in distinct climatic conditions on both sides, increasing population divergence of plant species.
Selective PEGylation of Parylene-C/SiO2 Substrates for Improved Astrocyte Cell Patterning
Authors: Raos B. J. , Doyle C. S. , Simpson M. C. , Graham E. S. , Unsworth C. P.
Published: February 2018

Controlling the spatial distribution of glia and neurons in in vitro culture offers the opportunity to study how cellular interactions contribute to large scale network behaviour. A recently developed approach to cell-patterning uses differential adsorption of animal-serum protein on parylene-C and SiO2 surfaces to enable patterning of neurons and glia. Serum, however, is typically poorly defined and generates reproducibility challenges. Alternative activation methods are highly desirable to enable patterning without relying on animal serum. We take advantage of the innate contrasting surface chemistries of parylene-C and SiO2 to enable selective bonding of polyethylene glycol SiO2 surfaces, i.e. PEGylation, rendering them almost completely repulsive to cell adhesion. As the reagents used in the PEGylation protocol are chemically defined, the reproducibility and batch-to-batch variability complications associated with the used of animal serum are avoided. We report that PEGylated parylene-C/SiO2 substrates achieve a contrast in astrocyte density of 65:1 whereas the standard serum-immersion protocol results in a contrast of 5.6:1. Furthermore, single-cell isolation was significantly improved on PEGylated substrates when astrocytes were grown on close-proximity parylene-C nodes, whereas isolation was limited on serum-activated substrates due tolerance for cell adhesion on serum-adsorbed SiO2 surfaces.
Suppression of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation and virulence by a benzimidazole derivative, UM-C162
Authors: Kong Cin , Chee Chin-Fei , Richter Katharina , Thomas Nicky , Abd. Rahman Noorsaadah , Nathan Sheila
Published: February 2018

Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of nosocomial infections and secretes a diverse spectrum of virulence determinants as well as forms biofilm. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus highlights the need for alternative forms of therapeutics other than conventional antibiotics. One route to meet this need is screening small molecule derivatives for potential anti-infective activity. Using a previously optimized C. elegans – S. aureus small molecule screen, we identified a benzimidazole derivative, UM-C162, which rescued nematodes from a S. aureus infection. UM-C162 prevented the formation of biofilm in a dose-dependent manner without interfering with bacterial viability. To examine the effect of UM-C162 on the expression of S. aureus virulence genes, a genome-wide transcriptome analysis was performed on UM-C162-treated pathogen. Our data indicated that the genes associated with biofilm formation, particularly those involved in bacterial attachment, were suppressed in UM-C162-treated bacteria. Additionally, a set of genes encoding vital S. aureus virulence factors were also down-regulated in the presence of UM-C162. Further biochemical analysis validated that UM-C162-mediated disruption of S. aureus hemolysins, proteases and clumping factors production. Collectively, our findings propose that UM-C162 is a promising compound that can be further developed as an anti-virulence agent to control S. aureus infections.
SiO2 nanoparticles modulate the electrical activity of neuroendocrine cells without exerting genomic effects
Authors: Distasi C. , Ruffinatti F. A. , Dionisi M. , Antoniotti S. , Gilardino A. , Croci G. , Riva B. , Bassino E. , Alberto G. , Castroflorio E. , Incarnato D. , Morandi E. , Martra G. , Oliviero S. , Munaron L. , Lovisolo D.
Published: February 2018

Engineered silica nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted increasing interest in several applications, and particularly in the field of nanomedicine, thanks to the high biocompatibility of this material. For their optimal and controlled use, the understanding of the mechanisms elicited by their interaction with the biological target is a prerequisite, especially when dealing with cells particularly vulnerable to environmental stimuli like neurons. Here we have combined different electrophysiological approaches (both at the single cell and at the population level) with a genomic screening in order to analyze, in GT1-7 neuroendocrine cells, the impact of SiO2 NPs (50 ± 3 nm in diameter) on electrical activity and gene expression, providing a detailed analysis of the impact of a nanoparticle on neuronal excitability. We find that 20 µg mL−1 NPs induce depolarization of the membrane potential, with a modulation of the firing of action potentials. Recordings of electrical activity with multielectrode arrays provide further evidence that the NPs evoke a temporary increase in firing frequency, without affecting the functional behavior on a time scale of hours. Finally, NPs incubation up to 24 hours does not induce any change in gene expression.
ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 inhibit cell proliferation in a cyclin D-dependent and p53-independent manner
Authors: Suk Fat-Moon , Chang Chi-Ching , Lin Ren-Jye , Lin Shyr-Yi , Liu Shih-Chen , Jau Chia-Feng , Liang Yu-Chih
Published: February 2018

ZFP36 family members include ZFP36, ZFP36L1, and ZFP36L2, which belong to CCCH-type zinc finger proteins with two tandem zinc finger (TZF) regions. Whether ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 have antiproliferative activities similar to that of ZFP36 is unclear. In this study, when ZFP36L1 or ZFP36L2 was overexpressed in T-REx-293 cells, cell proliferation was dramatically inhibited and the cell cycle was arrested at the G1 phase. The levels of cell-cycle-related proteins, including cyclin B, cyclin D, cyclin A, and p21, decreased; however, p53 increased in ZFP36L1-or ZFP36L2-overexpressing T-REx-293 cells. Forced expression of ZFP36L1 or ZFP36L2 also inhibited cell proliferation and cyclin D gene expression in three human colorectal cancer cell lines: HCT116 p53+/+, HCT116 p53−/−, and SW620 (mutated p53) cells. However, it increased p53 and p21 expression only in HCT116 p53+/+ cells. Knockdown of ZFP36L1 or ZFP36L2 increased cell proliferation and cyclin D expression; furthermore, the mutation of the TZF of ZFP36L1 or ZFP36L2 caused them to lose their antiproliferative ability, to the extent that they could not inhibit cyclin D expression in these three cell lines. The results indicated that ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 play a negative role in cell proliferation; the underlying mechanisms might be mediated through a cyclin D-dependent and p53-independent pathway.
Identification of biochemical and cytotoxic markers in cocaine treated PC12 cells
Authors: Badisa Ramesh B. , Batton Chyree S. , Mazzio Elizabeth , Grant Samuel C. , Goodman Carl B.
Published: February 2018

Cocaine is one of the powerful addictive drugs, widely abused in most Western countries. Because of high lipophilic nature, cocaine easily reaches various domains of the central nervous system (CNS) and triggers different levels of cellular toxicity. The aim of this investigation was to reproduce cocaine toxicity in differentiated PC12 cells through quantitative knowledge on biochemical and cytotoxicity markers. We differentiated the cells with 0.1 μg/ml nerve growth factor (NGF) for 5 days, followed by treatment with cocaine for 48 h at in vivo and in vitro concentrations. Results indicated that cocaine at in vivo concentrations neither killed the cells nor altered the morphology, but decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential that paralleled with increased lactate and glutathione (GSH) levels. On the other hand, cocaine at in vitro concentrations damaged the neurites and caused cell death, which corresponded with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, plasma membrane damage, and GSH depletion with no detectable nitric oxide (NO) level. While direct understanding of cocaine and cell interaction under in vivo animal models is impeded due to high complexity, our present in vitro results assisted in understanding the onset of some key events of neurodegenerative diseases in cocaine treated neuronal cells.
Helping cancer patients quit smoking using brief advice based on risk communication: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li William H. C. , Wang M. P. , Ho K. Y. , Lam Katherine K. W. , Cheung Derek Y. T. , Cheung Yannes T. Y. , LAM T. H. , CHAN Sophia S. C.
Published: February 2018

This randomized controlled trial aimed to examine the effectiveness of a smoking cessation intervention using a risk communication approach. A total of 528 smoking cancer patients were randomly allocated either into an intervention group (n = 268) to receive brief advice based on risk communication by a nurse counselor or a control group (n = 260) to receive standard care. Subjects in both groups received a smoking cessation booklet. Patient follow-ups were at 1 week and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. No significant differences were found in self-reported point-prevalence 7-day abstinence between the intervention and control groups at 6 months (15.7% vs 16.5%; OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.59–1.50). The rate of at least 50% self-reported reduction of smoking at 6 months, was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (16.8% vs 12.3%; OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.88–2.35). The biochemically validated quit rate at the 6-month follow-up was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (5.2% vs 3.8%; OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.60–3.16). These data suggest that advice based on risk communication was not effective for quitting but improved the rate of smoking reduction among smoking cancer patients.
Guanosine monophosphate reductase 1 is a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Liu Hongde , Luo Kun , Luo Donghui
Published: February 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder for which identification of differentially expressed genes is one way to find new therapeutic targets. Here, we conducted analysis to identify age-independent, AD-specific genes. We found that the MET, WIF1, and NPTX2 genes are downregulated in AD. WIF1 and MET are implicated in Wnt and MET signaling and regulate GSK3β activity and are thus linked with AD. Importantly, we found that the GMPR gene exhibited a gradual increase in AD progression. A logistic model based on GMPR has good ability to classify AD cases. GMPR’s product GMPR1 is in the AMPK and adenosine receptor pathways and is thus associated with Tau phosphorylation in AD. This allows GMPR1 to be a therapeutic target. Therefore, we screened five possible inhibitors to GMPR1 by docking GMPR1 with 1,174 approved drugs. Among them, lumacaftor is ideal. We then tested the effects of lumacaftor on AD model mice. After 20 days of oral administration, we observed that β-Amyloid accumulation was slowed down, and phosphorylation of Tau was almost eliminated in the treated mice. We highlight the elevated expression level of GMPR in AD and propose a therapeutic strategy of inhibiting GMPR1 with lumacaftor.
DNA nanodevices monitored with fluorogenic looped-out 2-aminopurine
Authors: Peng Pai , Du Yi , Li Tao
Published: February 2018

A novel quencher-free strategy for monitoring DNA nanodevices by fluorogenic looped-out 2-aminopurine.
Computational engineering of cellulase Cel9A-68 functional motions through mutations in its linker region
Authors: Costa M. G. S. , Silva Y. F. , Batista P. R.
Published: February 2018

Cellulase collective motions design through linker mutations leads to the enhancement of protein flexibility and function.
All-phosphorus flexible devices with non-collinear electrodes: a first principles study
Authors: Li Junjun , Ruan Lufeng , Wu Zewen , Zhang Guiling , Wang Yin
Published: February 2018

The transport properties of all-phosphorus devices with non-collinear electrodes are studied using first principles.
Coiled coil protein origami: from modular design principles towards biotechnological applications
Authors: Lapenta Fabio , Aupič Jana , Strmšek Žiga , Jerala Roman
Published: February 2018

This review illustrates the current state in designing coiled-coil-based proteins with an emphasis on coiled coil protein origami structures and their potential.
A camphor based 1,3-diamine Ru(ii) terpyridine complex: synthesis, characterization, kinetic investigation and DNA binding
Authors: Milutinović Milan M. , Bugarčić Živadin D. , Wilhelm René
Published: February 2018

A chiral ancillary ligand that has more steric bulk results in an increased reactivity of a ruthenium complex with biomolecules.
In situpolymerization of sulfonated polyaniline in layered double hydroxide host matrix for corrosion protection
Authors: Du Peng , Qiu Shihui , Liu Chengbao , Liu Guangzhou , Zhao Haichao , Wang Liping
Published: February 2018

Sulfonated polyaniline/layered double hydroxides were synthesizedvia in situpolymerization in host matrix, displaying significant anti-corrosive performance.
High efficiency solution-processed blue electrophosphorescent device with a bipolar host material based on diphenylphosphine oxide unit
Authors: Jing Xiaofang , Jiang Lijian , Sun Kaiyong , Tian Wenwen , Jiang Wei
Published: February 2018

A new bipolar host material BCz-BPO for solution-processed blue phosphorescent OLED was designed and synthesized. The device showed a maximum luminance efficiency of 30.1 cd A−1, which was about three times higher compared with that of BCz-PO.
Very high commutation quality factor and dielectric tunability in nanocomposite SrTiO3 thin films with Tc enhanced to >300 °C
Authors: Sangle Abhijeet L. , Lee Oon Jew , Kursumovic Ahmed , Zhang Wenrui , Chen Aiping , Wang Haiyan , MacManus-Driscoll Judith L.
Published: February 2018

We report on nanoengineered SrTiO3–Sm2O3 nanocomposite thin films with the highest reported values of commutation quality factor (CQF or K-factor) of >2800 in SrTiO3 at room temperature.
Performance enhancement of carbon nanotube thin film transistor by yttrium oxide capping
Authors: Xia Jiye , Zhao Jie , Meng Hu , Huang Qi , Dong Guodong , Zhang Han , Liu Fang , Mao Defeng , Liang Xuelei , Peng Lianmao
Published: February 2018

Y2O3capping can improve theIONand mobility of carbon nanotube thin film transistors while suppressing its ambipolarity.
In situ synthesis of diblock copolymer nano-assemblies via dispersion RAFT polymerization induced self-assembly and Ag/copolymer composite nanoparticles thereof
Authors: Tan Mengting , Shi Yan , Fu Zhifeng , Yang Wantai
Published: February 2018

Lacunal nanospheres were obtained through the dispersion of styrene in an ethanol/water mixture mediated by PAA-CTA, while pure vesicles were obtained for PAA-b-P(AA-r-St) block assemblies under similar conditions.
Characterization of the global metabolic profile of liquiritin in rat plasma, urine, bile and feces based on UHPLC-FT-ICR MS
Authors: Ma Li , Zhao Yangyang , Zhang Xiaoxue , Liu Tianfeng , Han Fei , Yin Ran
Published: February 2018

Liquiritin is a major flavonoid in Radix Glycyrrhizae and it has been reported to possess various pharmacological activities.
Facile construction of a hyperbranched poly(acrylamide) bearing tetraphenylethene units: a novel fluorescence probe with a highly selective and sensitive response to Zn2+
Authors: Liu Xuejing , Zhang Yuangong , Hao Haijing , Zhang Wanju , Bai Libin , Wu Yonggang , Zhao Hongchi , Zhang Hailei , Ba Xinwu
Published: February 2018

A novel fluorescent HPEAM-TPEAH, possessing a highly selective and sensitive response to Zn2+, was synthesized using RAFT.
Fluorescence modulation via photoinduced spin crossover switched energy transfer from fluorophores to FeII ions
Authors: Wang Jun-Li , Liu Qiang , Meng Yin-Shan , Liu Xin , Zheng Hui , Shi Quan , Duan Chun-Ying , Liu Tao
Published: February 2018

Coupling between spin crossover and fluorescence was achieved by a thermal and light-induced Fe(ii) spin transition from the low spin state to the high spin state.
Experimental screening of perovskite oxides as efficient redox materials for solar thermochemical CO2 conversion
Authors: Nair Mahesh M. , Abanades Stéphane
Published: February 2018

Perovskites and parent Ruddlesden–Popper structures were proved to be suitable redox materials for two-step solar thermochemical CO2 splitting.
Chiral lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals composed of disodium cromoglycate doped with water-soluble chiral additives
Authors: Shirai Tatsuya , Shuai Min , Nakamura Keita , Yamaguchi Akihiro , Naka Yumiko , Sasaki Takeo , Clark Noel A. , Le Khoa V.
Published: February 2018

We investigated the pitches of cholesteric liquid crystals prepared by mixing disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) in water with 5 different water-soluble chiral additives.
“Liquid, gel and soft glass” phase transitions and rheology of nanocrystalline cellulose suspensions as a function of concentration and salinity
Authors: Xu Yuan , Atrens Aleks D. , Stokes Jason R.
Published: February 2018

Rheological methods reveal a continuous transition between microstructure states of nanocellulose colloidal rod suspensions.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance and high-temperature thermal stability of p-type Ag-doped β-Zn4Sb3
Authors: Song Lirong , Blichfeld Anders B. , Zhang Jiawei , Kasai Hidetaka , Iversen Bo B.
Published: February 2018

Ag doping in β-Zn4Sb3 leads to the enhanced thermoelectric figure-of-merit (zT) and improved high-temperature thermal stability.
Highly efficient blue organic light-emitting diodes from pyrimidine-based thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters
Authors: Li Bowen , Li Zhiyi , Hu Taiping , Zhang Yong , Wang Ying , Yi Yuanping , Guo Fengyun , Zhao Liancheng
Published: February 2018

Three highly efficient blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters have been synthesized based on pyrimidine, 2-methylpyrimidine and 2-phenylpyrimidine as the acceptor and 10H-spiro[acridan-9,9′-fluorene] as the donor moiety.
Optical performance improvement in hydrothermal ZnO/graphene structures for ultraviolet lasing
Authors: Qin F. F. , Xu C. X. , Zhu Q. X. , Lu J. F. , Chen F. , You D. T. , Zhu Z. , Manohari A. G.
Published: February 2018

We fabricated ZnO microcavities on graphene and constituted a graphene/ZnO/Cu hybrid F–P cavity and realized high Q single mode lasing.
Intriguing electronic structures and optical properties of two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures of Zr2CT2 (T = O, F) with MoSe2 and WSe2
Authors: Rehman Gul , Khan S. A. , Amin B. , Ahmad Iftikhar , Gan Li-Yong , Maqbool Muhammad
Published: February 2018

Based on (hybrid) first-principles calculations, material properties (structural, electronic, vibrational, optical, and photocatalytic) of van der Waals heterostructures and their corresponding monolayers (transition metal dichalcogenides and MXenes) are investigated.
Cost-effective synthesis of hierarchical SAPO-34 zeolites with abundant intracrystalline mesopores and excellent MTO performance
Authors: Guo Guanqi , Sun Qiming , Wang Ning , Bai Risheng , Yu Jihong
Published: February 2018

Hierarchical SAPO-34 catalysts with abundant intracrystalline mesopores have been cost-effectively synthesized showing remarkably enhanced performance in methanol-to-olefin reactions.
Kinetic stabilization of a Ni(ii) bis(dithiobenzoate)-type complex achieved using three-dimensional insulation by a [1]rotaxane structure
Authors: Hosomi Takuro , Harada Ryosuke , Masai Hiroshi , Fujihara Tetsuaki , Tsuji Yasushi , Terao Jun
Published: February 2018

We describe herein the synthesis of a Ni(ii) bis(dithiobenzoate)-type complex three-dimensionally insulated by a [1]rotaxane structure to reveal the importance of the insulation.
From supramolecular to conventional polymers: polyethylene glycol
Authors: Świergiel Jolanta , Jadżyn Jan
Published: February 2018

The temperature dependences of the dipole moment and orientational entropy of polyethylene glycols, HO–(CH2CH2O–)nH, clearly differentiate the compounds with n < 9 and n > 9.
Push–pull D–π-Ru–π-A chromophores: synthesis and electrochemical, photophysical and second-order nonlinear optical properties
Authors: Durand Raphaël J. , Gauthier Sébastien , Achelle Sylvain , Groizard Thomas , Kahlal Samia , Saillard Jean-Yves , Barsella Alberto , Le Poul Nicolas , Le Guen Françoise Robin
Published: February 2018

This work describes the synthesis and electrochemical, photophysical and 2nd order NLO properties of a series of dipolar Ru(ii) dialkynyl complexes.
Two pure MOF-photocatalysts readily prepared for the degradation of methylene blue dye under visible light
Authors: Zhang Ming , Wang Liwen , Zeng Tianyu , Shang Qigao , Zhou Hong , Pan Zhiquan , Cheng Qingrong
Published: February 2018

Two 3D coordination polymers, bridged by 4,4′-bipyridine, were readily synthesized and fully characterized. As efficient photocatalysts in dye degradation under visible light, the mechanism and stability were studied.
transtocisphoto-isomerization in merocyanine dysprosium and yttrium complexes
Authors: Selvanathan Pramila , Dorcet Vincent , Roisnel Thierry , Bernot Kévin , Huang Gang , Le Guennic Boris , Norel Lucie , Rigaut Stéphane
Published: February 2018

A unique light-switching behavior is revealed in Yttrium(iii) and Dysprosium(iii) merocyanine complexes through NMR and AC magnetometry experiments. Its impact on slow relaxation of magnetization is described.
Facile microwave synthesis, structural diversity and herbicidal activity of six novel alkaline-earth metal complexes (AECs) based on skeletal isomerization chlorophenoxyacetic acids
Authors: Xu Xiuling , Hu Fan , Ma Yuwei , Gao Jinming , Shuai Qi
Published: February 2018

Facile microwave synthesis, structural diversity and herbicidal activity of six novel alkaline-earth metal complexes (AECs) based on skeletal isomerization chlorophenoxyacetic acids.
A new NIR absorbing DPP-based polymer for thick organic solar cells
Authors: Oklem Gulce , Song Xin , Toppare Levent , Baran Derya , Gunbas Gorkem
Published: February 2018

A new NIR absorbing DPP-based polymer for thick organic solar cells with a PCE of over 6%.
Conceptual design of planetary gearbox system for constant generator speed in hydro power plant
Authors: Bhargav  , Parameshwaran M. A. , Sivaraj S. , Venkataram Nithin
Published: February 2018

Micro Hydro Power Plant (MHPP) is emerging as one of the most clean, renewable and reliable energy technology for harnessing power. In MHPP hydro governors are avoided, that results in turbine speed fluctuation. MHPP requires either speed or torque amplification of generator for constant power generation. To achieve this, planetary gear transmission system is explored for MHPP due to its higher efficiency and compact size. A conceptual planetary gearbox system is developed for MHPP to maintain constant generator speed. The conceptual gearbox is designed, modelled and analysed using ADAMS software. Simulation results are found to be in close agreement with analytical results. Hence, conceptual design of planetary gearbox can be used to govern constant generator speed. In this paper, a MHPP which generate constant power of 5 kW at constant generator speed of 1490 rpm is analysed and validated
Numerical simulation of time-invariant error and its effect on planetary gearbox dynamics
Authors: Venkataram Nithin , Cadambi Rahul M. , Rao Arun R.
Published: February 2018

Planetary gearbox is used in high precision applications such as robotic arm, control system of antenna, positioning and radar tracking systems. Planetary gearbox have high torque-to-weight ratio, high degree of control over the speed range and better efficiency. Most of the literatures assume that the gearbox are free from errors. Errors significantly affect the dynamic characteristics of the gearbox. The major challenge is to model these errors and study its behaviour under dynamic condition. The simulation results of time domain signal when converted to frequency domain signal, it shows the presence of error in the gearbox. Also, simulation result indicates a non-uniform motion of planetary gearbox in the presence of errors.
Finite element simulation of low velocity impact loading on a sandwich composite
Authors: Vishwas M. , Joladarashi Sharnappa , Kulkarni Satyabodh M.
Published: February 2018

Sandwich structure offer more advantage in bringing flexural stiffness and energy absorption capabilities in the application of automobile and aerospace components. This paper presents comparison study and analysis of two types of composite sandwich structures, one having Jute Epoxy skins with rubber core and the other having Glass Epoxy skins with rubber core subjected to low velocity normal impact loading. The behaviour of sandwich structure with various parameters such as energy absorption, peak load developed, deformation and von Mises stress and strain, are analyzed using commercially available analysis software. The results confirm that sandwich composite with jute epoxy skin absorbs approximately 20% more energy than glass epoxy skin. The contact force developed in jute epoxy skin is approximately 2.3 times less when compared to glass epoxy skin. von Mises stress developed is less in case of jute epoxy. The sandwich with jute epoxy skin deforms approximately 1.6 times more than that of same geometry of sandwich with glass epoxy skin. Thus exhibiting its elastic nature and making it potential candidate for low velocity impact application.
A Mathematical Model to Estimate the Position of Mobile Robot by Sensing Caster Wheel Motion
Authors: Amarendra Jnana H. , Mathew Robins , Hiremath Somashekhar S.
Published: February 2018

This paper describes the position estimation of mobile robot by sensing caster wheel motion. A mathematical model is developed to determine the position of mobile robot by sensing the angular velocity and heading angle of the caster wheel. Using the established equations, simulations were carried out using MATLAB version 8.6 to observe and verify the position coordinates of mobile robot and in turn obtain its trajectory. The simulation results show that the angular velocity of caster wheel and heading angle calculated from the sensor output readings with the help of inverse kinematics equations matches well with that of actual values given as input for simulation. Simulation result of tracking rectangular trajectory implies that the path traced by the mobile robot can also be determined from the sensor output readings. This concept can be implemented on a real mobile robot for estimation of its position.
Foraging behavior analysis of swarm robotics system
Authors: Sakthivelmurugan E. , Senthilkumar G. , Prithiviraj K. G. , Tinu Devraj K. R.
Published: February 2018

Swarm robotics is a number of small robots that are synchronically works together to accomplish a given task. Swarm robotics faces many problems in performing a given task. The problems are pattern formation, aggregation, Chain formation, self-assembly, coordinated movement, hole avoidance, foraging and self-deployment. Foraging is most essential part in swarm robotics. Foraging is the task to discover the item and get back into the shell. The researchers conducted foraging experiments with random-movement of robots and they have end up with unique solutions. Most of the researchers have conducted experiments using the circular arena. The shell is placed at the centre of the arena and environment boundary is well known. In this study, an attempt is made to different strategic movements like straight line approach, parallel line approach, divider approach, expanding square approach, and parallel sweep approach. All these approaches are to be simulated by using player/stage open-source simulation software based on C and C++ programming language in Linux operating system. Finally statistical comparison will be done with task completion time of all these strategies using ANOVA to identify the significant searching strategy.
Power loss analysis in altered tooth-sum spur gearing
Authors: Sachidananda H. K. , Raghunandana K. , Shivamurthy B.
Published: February 2018

The main cause of power loss or dissipation of heat in case of meshed gears is due to friction existing between gear tooth mesh and is a major concern in low rotational speed gears, whereas in case of high operating speed the power loss taking place due to compression of air-lubricant mixture (churning losses) and windage losses due to aerodynamic trial of air lubricant mixture which controls the total efficiency needs to be considered. Therefore, in order to improve mechanical efficiency it is necessary for gear designer during gear tooth optimization to consider these energy losses. In this research paper the power loss analysis for a tooth-sum of 100 altered by ±4% operating between a specified center distance is considered. The results show that negative altered tooth-sum gearing performs better as compared to standard and positive altered tooth-sum gearing.
Wastewater diffusive dilution and sedimentation of the fine contaminated particles for nonuniform flow in open channels
Authors: Lyapin Anton , Lyapin Valery
Published: February 2018

The influence of non-uniformity on mass transfer processes in open channels have been investigated under the action of urbanization factors. The study is related to the urgent problem of environmental degradation of water objects in urbanized areas. It is known that the water quality in the water objects depends on the manner in which the contaminants spread how they mix with the river water and diluted by it. The main results of the study consist of recommendations to incorporate non-uniformity factor to the calculation of diffusion dilution of wastewater and prediction of river processes. So the effect of the flow non-uniformity on the diffusion model of pollutants dilution and diffusion coefficient have been investigated. Formulas for the concentration profiles calculating and the average concentration of fine particulate matter in nonuniform gradually varied flow were presented. The deposition length of suspended contaminants were received, based on the hydraulic resistance laws of nonuniform gradually varied flow.
Effect of retrogression and re-ageing heat treatment on microstructure and microhardness of aluminium 7010 alloy
Authors: Nandana M. S. , Udaya Bhat K. , Manjunatha C. M.
Published: February 2018

Aluminium alloy 7010 is subjected to retrogression and re-ageing (RRA) heat treatment to study the influence of microstructural changes on hardness. Retrogression is performed at 190 °C for different time intervals ranging from 10 to 60 minutes. Optimum time for retrogression treatment is estimated based on the retrogression time that result with equivalent mechanical properties as that of peak aged (T6) condition. Retrogression performed for 30 minutes resulted with micro hardness of 203 HV, which is equivalent to that obtained by following T6 treatment. Microstructural characterization done with the help of transmission electron microscope (TEM) indicates RRA treatment results with the coarsened and discontinuous precipitates along the grain boundary which is similar to over aged (T7) condition, where as fine and densely populated precipitates in the matrix similar to T6 condition. Coarse and discontinuous grain boundary precipitates (GBP’s) improves resistance to stress corrosion cracking. Fine and dense precipitates in the matrix ensures hardness equivalent to that of T6.
A study of influence of material properties on magnetic flux density induced in magneto rheological damper through finite element analysis
Authors: Gurubasavaraju T. M. , Hemantha Kumar , Arun Mahalingam
Published: February 2018

Magnetorheological fluids are smart materials, which are responsive to the external stimulus and changes their rheological properties. The damper performance (damping force) is dependent on the magnetic flux density induced at the annular gap. Magnetic flux density developed at fluid flow gap of MR damper due to external applied current is also dependent on materials properties of components of MR damper (such as piston head, outer cylinder and piston rod). The present paper discus about the influence of different materials selected for components of the MR damper on magnetic effect using magnetostatic analysis. Different materials such as magnetic and low carbon steels are considered for piston head of the MR damper and magnetic flux density induced at fluid flow gap (filled with MR fluid) is computed for different DC current applied to the electromagnetic coil. Developed magnetic flux is used for calculating the damper force using analytical method for each case. The low carbon steel has higher magnetic permeability hence maximum magnetic flux could pass through the piston head, which leads to higher value of magnetic effect induction at the annular gap. From the analysis results it is observed that the magnetic steel and low carbon steel piston head provided maximum magnetic flux density. Eventually the higher damping force can be observed for same case.