bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved grazing management may increase soil carbon sequestration in temperate steppe
Authors: Chen Wenqing , Huang Ding , Liu Nan , Zhang Yingjun , Badgery Warwick B. , Wang Xiaoya , Shen Yue
Published: July 2015

Different grazing strategies impact grassland plant production and may also regulate the soil carbon formation. For a site in semiarid temperate steppe, we studied the effect of combinations of rest, high and moderate grazing pressure over three stages of the growing season, on the process involved in soil carbon sequestration. Results show that constant moderate grazing (MMM) exhibited the highest root production and turnover accumulating the most soil carbon. While deferred grazing (RHM and RMH) sequestered less soil carbon compared to MMM, they showed higher standing root mass, maintained a more desirable pasture composition and had better ability to retain soil N. Constant high grazing pressure (HHH) caused diminished above- and belowground plant production, more soil N losses and an unfavorable microbial environment and had reduced carbon input. Reducing grazing pressure in the last grazing stage (HHM) still had a negative impact on soil carbon. Regression analyses show that adjusting stocking rate to ~5SE/ha with ~40% vegetation utilization rate can get the most carbon accrual. Overall, the soil carbon sequestration in the temperate grassland is affected by the grazing regime that is applied and grazing can be altered to improve soil carbon sequestration in the temperate steppe.
Structural colour in Chondrus crispus
Authors: Chandler Chris J. , Wilts Bodo D. , Vignolini Silvia , Brodie Juliet , Steiner Ullrich , Rudall Paula J. , Glover Beverley J. , Gregory Thomas , Walker Rachel H.
Published: July 2015

The marine world is incredibly rich in brilliant and intense colours. Photonic structures are found in many different species and provide extremely complex optical responses that cannot be achieved solely by pigments. In this study we examine the cuticular structure of the red alga Chondrus crispus (Irish Moss) using anatomical and optical approaches. We experimentally measure the optical response of the multilayer structure in the cuticle. Using finite-difference time-domain modelling, we demonstrate conclusively for the first time that the dimensions and organisation of lamellae are responsible for the blue structural colouration on the surface of the fronds. Comparison of material along the apical-basal axis of the frond demonstrates that structural colour is confined to the tips of the thalli and show definitively that a lack of structural colour elsewhere corresponds with a reduction in the number of lamellae and the regularity of their ordering. Moreover, by studying the optical response for different hydration conditions, we demonstrate that the cuticular structure is highly porous and that the presence of water plays a critical role in its ability to act as a structural light reflector.
INC280, an orally available small molecule inhibitor of c-MET, reduces migration and adhesion in ovarian cancer cell models
Authors: Moran-Jones Kim , Brown Laura M. , Samimi Goli
Published: July 2015

5-year survival rates for ovarian cancer are approximately 40% and for women diagnosed at late stage (the majority), just 27%. This indicates a dire need for new treatments to improve survival rates. Recent molecular characterization has greatly improved our understanding of the disease and allowed the identification of potential new targets. One such pathway of interest is the HGF/c-MET axis. Activation of the HGF/c-MET axis has been demonstrated in certain ovarian tumours and been found to be associated with decreased overall survival, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a novel, highly potent, orally-bioavailable c-MET inhibitor, INC280, in blocking cell phenotypes important in ovarian cancer metastasis. Using in vitro and ex vivo models, we demonstrate that INC280 inhibits HGF-induced c-MET and reduces downstream signalling. HGF-stimulated chemotactic and random migration are decreased by INC280 treatment, to levels seen in non-stimulated cells. Additionally, HGF-induced adhesion of cancer cells to peritoneal tissue is significantly decreased by INC280 treatment. Overall, these data indicate that INC280 inhibits many cell behaviours that promote ovarian cancer metastasis and merits further investigation as a therapeutic candidate in the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer.
A Novel High-Resolution and Sensitivity-Enhanced Three-Dimensional Solid-State NMR Experiment Under Ultrafast Magic Angle Spinning Conditions
Authors: Zhang Rongchun , Pandey Manoj Kumar , Nishiyama Yusuke , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy
Published: July 2015

Although magic angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR is a powerful technique to obtain atomic-resolution insights into the structure and dynamics of a variety of chemical and biological solids, poor sensitivity has severely limited its applications. In this study, we demonstrate an approach that suitably combines proton-detection, ultrafast-MAS and multiple frequency dimensions to overcome this limitation. With the utilization of proton-proton dipolar recoupling and double quantum (DQ) coherence excitation/reconversion radio-frequency pulses, very high-resolution proton-based 3D NMR spectra that correlate single-quantum (SQ), DQ and SQ coherences of biological solids have been obtained successfully for the first time. The proposed technique requires a very small amount of sample and does not need multiple radio-frequency (RF) channels. It also reveals information about the proximity between a spin and a certain other dipolar-coupled pair of spins in addition to regular SQ/DQ and SQ/SQ correlations. Although 1H spectral resolution is still limited for densely proton-coupled systems, the 3D technique is valuable to study dilute proton systems, such as zeolites, small molecules, or deuterated samples. We also believe that this new methodology will aid in the design of a plethora of multidimensional NMR techniques and enable high-throughput investigation of an exciting class of solids at atomic-level resolution.
PNPLA3 genetic variants determine hepatic steatosis in non-obese chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Huang Chung-Feng , Chen Jyh-Jou , Yeh Ming-Lun , Huang Ching-I , Hsieh Ming-Yen , Yang Hua-Ling , Dai Chia-Yen , Huang Jee-Fu , Lin Zu-Yau , Chen Shinn-Cherng , Chuang Wan-Long , Chen Yao-Li , Yu Ming-Lung
Published: July 2015

The influence of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) genetic variants in the development of liver steatosis in Asian chronic hepatitis C patients remains elusive. A total of 1018 biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis C patients were enrolled for evaluation. The proportions of PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype carriage were 7.8% (44/563), 15.8% (58/367) and 19.3% (17/88) in patients with no (liver fat content <5%), mild (5–33%) and moderate/severe (>66%) hepatic steatosis, respectively (trend P < 0.001). Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that the strongest factor independently associated with steatosis was the carriage of the PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype (odds ratio [OR]/95% confidence intervals [CI]:2.34/1.557–3.515, P < 0.001). Among the patients with BMI < 24 kg/m2, carriage of the rs738409 GG genotype was the only factor associated with hepatic steatosis (OR/CI:3.44/1.824–6.500, P < 0.001). PNPLA3 genetic variants had minimal effects on hepatic steatosis among overweight or obese patients. Compared to patients with BMI<24 kg/m2/non-GG genotype, those with BMI>24 kg/m2/GG genotype were more likely to have hepatic steatosis (OR/CI:3.87/2.292–6.524, P < 0.001). In conclusions, both PNPLA3 genetic variants and BMI played important roles in hepatic steatosis among Asian chronic hepatitis C patients. However, the genetic effect was mainly restricted to non-obese patients.
N-Myc and STAT Interactor regulates autophagy and chemosensitivity in breast cancer cells
Authors: Metge Brandon J. , Mitra Aparna , Chen Dongquan , Shevde Lalita A. , Samant Rajeev S.
Published: July 2015

We have previously reported that expression of NMI (N-myc and STAT interactor) is compromised in invasive breast cancers. We also demonstrated that loss of NMI expression promotes epithelial-mesenchymal-transition and results in enhanced invasive ability of breast cancer cells. Additionally we had demonstrated that restoration of NMI expression reduced breast cancer xenograft growth and downregulated Wnt and TGFβ/SMAD signaling. Here we present our observations that NMI expression drives autophagy. Our studies were promoted by our observation that NMI expressing breast cancer cells showed autophagic vacuoles and LC3 processing. Additionally, we found that NMI expression increased the cisplatin sensitivity of the breast cancer cells. Our mechanistic investigations show that NMI prompts activation of GSK3-β. This multifunctional kinase is an upstream effector of the TSC1/TSC2 complex that regulates mTOR signaling. Inhibition of GSK3-β activity in NMI expressing cells activated mTOR signaling and decreased the cells’ autophagic response. Additionally we demonstrate that a key component of autophagy, DNA-damage regulated autophagy modulator 1 (DRAM1), is regulated by NMI. Our TCGA database analysis reveals concurrent expression of NMI and DRAM1 in breast cancer specimens. We present evidence that NMI sensitizes breast cancer cells to cisplatin treatment through DRAM1 dependent autophagy.
An efficient signal-on aptamer-based biosensor for adenosine triphosphate detection using graphene oxide both as an electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence signal indicator
Authors: Huang Xiang , Li Yuqin , Zhang Xiaoshan , Zhang Xin , Chen Yaowen , Gao Wenhua
Published: July 2015

Schematic diagram of the aptasensor based on GO as a signal indicator for the detection of ATP.
Sensitive and selective detection of uracil-DNA glycosylase activity with a new pyridinium luminescent switch-on molecular probe
Authors: Lu Yu-Jing , Hu Dong-Ping , Deng Qiang , Wang Zheng-Ya , Huang Bao-Hua , Fang Yan-Xiong , Zhang Kun , Wong Wing-Leung
Published: July 2015

A new pyridinium-based switch-on molecular probe shows excellent sensitive and selective for luminescent detection of uracil-DNA glycosylase activity.
Recent advances in flexible perovskite solar cells
Authors: Susrutha B. , Giribabu Lingamallu , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: July 2015

Flexible thin-film photovoltaics facilitate the implementation of solar devices into portable, reduced dimension, and roll-to-roll modules. In this review, we describe recent developments in the fabrication of flexible perovskite solar cells that are low cost and highly efficient and can be used for the fabrication of large-area and lightweight solar cell devices.
Non-precious bimetallic catalysts for selective dehydrogenation of an organic chemical hydride system
Authors: Al-ShaikhAli Anaam H. , Jedidi Abdesslem , Cavallo Luigi , Takanabe Kazuhiro
Published: July 2015

Selective dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane to toluene has been achieved using non-precious bimetallic Ni–Zn catalysts.
Synthesis and surface chemistry of high quality wurtzite and kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals using tin(ii) 2-ethylhexanoate as a new tin source
Authors: Gabka Grzegorz , Bujak Piotr , Gryszel Maciej , Ostrowski Andrzej , Malinowska Karolina , Zukowska Grazyna Z. , Agnese Fabio , Pron Adam , Reiss Peter
Published: July 2015

A novel synthesis method for the preparation of Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals is presented using a liquid precursor of tin, namely tin(ii) 2-ethylhexanoate, which yields small and nearly monodisperse NCs either in the kesterite or in the wurtzite phase.
5′- vs. 3′-end sugar conformational control in shaping up dinucleotides
Authors: Jakhlal J. , Coantic-Castex S. , Denhez C. , Petermann C. , Martinez A. , Harakat D. , Guillaume D. , Clivio P.
Published: July 2015

The 3′-end sugar puckering of a dinucleotide can potentiate or cancel the stacking effect of the 5′-end N-sugar conformation.
A MOF platform for incorporation of complementary organic motifs for CO2 binding
Authors: Deria Pravas , Li Song , Zhang Hongda , Snurr Randall Q. , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K.
Published: July 2015

Here we show a new design strategy for capturing CO2 in nanoporous adsorbents involving ‘complementary organic motifs’ (COMs) with a precise alignment of charge densities that is complementary to the CO2 quadrupole.
Multicomponent reassembly of terpyridine-based materials: quantitative metallomacrocyclic rearrangement
Authors: Sarkar Rajarshi , Guo Zaihong , Li Jingyi , Burai Tarak N. , Moorefield Charles , Wesdemiotis Chrys , Newkome George R.
Published: July 2015

Two heterometallic triangles were constructed in quantitative yield by the reorganization of triangular and tetrameric metallomacrocyclic species.
Singlet–triplet annihilation in single LHCII complexes
Authors: Michael Gruber J. , Chmeliov Jevgenij , Krüger Tjaart P. J. , Valkunas Leonas , van Grondelle Rienk
Published: July 2015

The two-exponential fluorescence decay kinetics of single LHCII complexes are quantitatively explained by a stochastic model of singlet–triplet annihilation.
Effect of extended strain fields on point defect phonon scattering in thermoelectric materials
Authors: Ortiz Brenden R. , Peng Haowei , Lopez Armando , Parilla Philip A. , Lany Stephan , Toberer Eric S.
Published: July 2015

Inexpensive computational descriptors for point defect scattering in alloyed thermoelectric systems developed through a combination of ab initio computation and experimental validation.
Monodisperse Pt NPs@rGO as highly efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazole derivatives
Authors: Esirden İbrahim , Erken Esma , Kaya Muharrem , Sen Fatih
Published: July 2015

Monodisperse Pt NPs@rGO catalyst showed excellent yield and the shortest reaction time for the synthesis of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles.
Millisecond single-molecule localization microscopy combined with convolution analysis and automated image segmentation to determine protein concentrations in complexly structured, functional cells, one cell at a time
Authors: Wollman Adam J. M. , Leake Mark C.
Published: July 2015

We present a single-molecule tool called the CoPro (concentration of proteins) method that uses millisecond imaging with convolution analysis, automated image segmentation and super-resolution localization microscopy to generate robust estimates for protein concentration in different compartments of single living cells, validated using realistic simulations of complex multiple compartment cell types. We demonstrate its utility experimentally on modelEscherichia colibacteria andSaccharomyces cerevisiaebudding yeast cells, and use it to address the biological question of how signals are transduced in cells. Cells in all domains of life dynamically sense their environment through signal transduction mechanisms, many involving gene regulation. The glucose sensing mechanism ofS. cerevisiaeis a model system for studying gene regulatory signal transduction. It uses the multi-copy expression inhibitor of the GAL gene family, Mig1, to repress unwanted genes in the presence of elevated extracellular glucose concentrations. We fluorescently labelled Mig1 molecules with green fluorescent protein (GFP)viachromosomal integration at physiological expression levels in livingS. cerevisiaecells, in addition to the RNA polymerase protein Nrd1 with the fluorescent protein reporter mCherry. Using CoPro we make quantitative estimates of Mig1 and Nrd1 protein concentrations in the cytoplasm and nucleus compartments on a cell-by-cell basis under physiological conditions. These estimates indicate a ∼4-fold shift towards higher values in the concentration of diffusive Mig1 in the nucleus if the external glucose concentration is raised, whereas equivalent levels in the cytoplasm shift to smaller values with a relative change an order of magnitude smaller. This compares with Nrd1 which is not involved directly in glucose sensing, and which is almost exclusively localized in the nucleus under high and low external glucose levels. CoPro facilitates time-resolved quantification of protein concentrations in single functional cells, and enables the distributions of concentrations across a cell population to be measured. This could be useful in investigating several cellular processes that are mediated by proteins, especially where changes in protein concentration in a single cell in response to changes in the extracellular chemical environment are subtle and rapid and may be smaller than the variability across a cell population.
Enrichment of pasta with faba bean does not impact glycemic or insulin response but can enhance satiety feeling and digestive comfort when dried at very high temperature
Authors: Greffeuille Valérie , Marsset-Baglieri Agnès , Molinari Nicolas , Cassan Denis , Sutra Thibault , Avignon Antoine , Micard Valérie
Published: July 2015

High temperature drying strengthens the textural properties of legume pasta, reduces appetite and digestive discomfort and does not affect glycemic and insulin indices.
Oral administration of geraniol ameliorates acute experimental murine colitis by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB signaling
Authors: Medicherla Kanakaraju , Sahu Bidya Dhar , Kuncha Madhusudana , Kumar Jerald Mahesh , Sudhakar Godi , Sistla Ramakrishna
Published: July 2015

Oral administration of geraniol ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice.
Thermochemical conversion of lignin to functional materials: a review and future directions
Authors: Liu Wu-Jun , Jiang Hong , Yu Han-Qing
Published: July 2015

The naturally abundant lignin offers a sustainable platform for the synthesis of functional carbon materials which have been widely used in catalysis, energy storage, and pollutant removal.
Optimization of the double spike technique using peak jump collection by a Monte Carlo method: an example for the determination of Ca isotope ratios
Authors: Feng Lanping , Zhou Lian , Yang Lu , Tong Shuoyun , Hu Zhaochu , Gao Shan
Published: July 2015

A Monte Carlo method is used to estimate the additional uncertainty of measured values introduced by peak jump mode for the determination of Ca isotope ratios.
A facile approach to prepare Bi(OH)3 nanoflakes as high-performance pseudocapacitor materials
Authors: Zhang Wei , Huang Xiaoxiong , Tan Yueyue , Gao Yilong , Wu Jianxiang , Hu Jinbo , Stein Andreas , Tang Bohejin
Published: July 2015

Bi(OH)3 nanoflakes deliver a specific capacitance of 888 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1.
Nucleophilic substitution reaction for rational post-functionalization of polyoxometalates
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhang Jin , Wang Longsheng , Hao Jian , Yin Panchao , Wei Yongge
Published: July 2015

Substitution reactions of polyoxometalate–organic hybrid materials provide a post-functionalization protocol to bring in various additional functional groups.
Layered titanium diboride: towards exfoliation and electrochemical applications
Authors: Lim Chee Shan , Sofer Zdeněk , Mazánek Vlastimil , Pumera Martin
Published: July 2015

We explore the viability of the most popular form of titanium boride, layered TiB2, for catalyzing electrochemical energy reactions, including hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction.
Mechanistic insight into conjugated N–N bond cleavage by Rh(iii)-catalyzed redox-neutral C–H activation of pyrazolones
Authors: Wu Weirong , Liu Yuxia , Bi Siwei
Published: July 2015

DFT calculations are performed to understand the conjugated N–N bond cleavage by Rh(iii)-catalyzed redox-neutral C–H activation of pyrazolones with PhCCPh.
Low bandgap copolymers based on monofluorinated isoindigo towards efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Tomassetti Mirco , Ouhib Farid , Wislez Arnaud , Duwez Anne-Sophie , Penxten Huguette , Dierckx Wouter , Cardinaletti Ilaria , Bovee Ralf A. A. , van Pruissen Gijs W. P. , Jérôme Christine , Manca Jean , Maes Wouter , Detrembleur Christophe
Published: July 2015

Low bandgap copolymers based on fluorinated isoindigo afford 5.0% efficiency in polymer solar cells.
Exploring the homogeneous controlled radical polymerisation of hydrophobic monomers in anti-solvents for their polymers: RAFT and ATRP of various alkyl methacrylates in anhydrous methanol to high conversion and low dispersity
Authors: Dwyer A. B. , Chambon P. , Town A. , Hatton F. L. , Ford J. , Rannard S. P.
Published: July 2015

RAFT and ATRP of nBuMA, tBuMA and MMA in anhydrous methanol (25–60 °C) without precipitation, yielding polymers with conversion up to 99%, Đ from 1.02 and DPn ≤ 800 units.
Renewable (semi)aromatic polyesters from symmetrical vanillin-based dimers
Authors: Llevot Audrey , Grau Etienne , Carlotti Stéphane , Grelier Stéphane , Cramail Henri
Published: July 2015

Two symmetrical biphenyl monomers derived from vanillin, a methylated divanillyl diol and a methylated dimethylvanillate dimer, were synthesized and employed as (co)monomers for the design of renewable (semi)aromatic polyesters.
Schiff-base polymer derived nitrogen-rich microporous carbon spheres synthesized by molten-salt route for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Su Shanjin , Lai Qingxue , Liang Yanyu
Published: July 2015

A molten-salt route and Schiff-base chemistry are combined to prepare high-capacitive nitrogen-rich microporous carbon spheres. The simple and environmentally friendly synthetic route holds great potential for industrial application.
Interdiffusion behavior under a temperature gradient field in a poly(ethylene-co-hexene)/poly(ethylene-co-butene) system
Authors: Shi Haifeng , Jiang Hua , Fan Guoqiang , Yang Zhaohui , Zhang Xiaohua
Published: July 2015

The in-plane thermal gradient accelerates polymer migration through the enhancement in polymer diffusion along the direction of the temperature gradient.
Application of a tailor-made polymer as a selective and sensitive colorimetric sensor for reliable detection of trace levels of uranyl ions in complex matrices
Authors: Behbahani Mohammad , Salimi Sara , Abandansari Hamid Sadeghi , Omidi Fariborz , Salarian Mani , Esrafili Ali
Published: July 2015

In this study, a new colorimetric chemosensor based on ion imprinted polymer nanoparticles was designed for quantitative detection of uranyl ions at trace levels in environmental water samples.
Tetraphenylethylene imidazolium macrocycle: synthesis and selective fluorescence turn-on sensing of pyrophosphate anions
Authors: Wang Jin-Hua , Xiong Jia-Bin , Zhang Xing , Song Song , Zhu Zhi-Hua , Zheng Yan-Song
Published: July 2015

A novel tetraphenylethylene imidazolium macrocycle was found to be able to form an aggregate with a pyrophosphate anion in water, which gives a characteristic aggregation-induced emission fluorescence.
An efficient one pot ipso-nitration: structural transformation of a dipeptide by N-terminus modification
Authors: Sarkar Rajib , Maji Krishnendu , Haldar Debasish
Published: July 2015

CuSO4 catalyzed one pot ipso-nitration of rigid dipeptide leads to structural transformation from anti parallel to parallel β-sheet.
Novel contribution to the simultaneous analysis of certain hypoglycemic drugs in the presence of their impurities and degradation products utilizing UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Mowaka Shereen , Mohamed Dalia
Published: July 2015

A novel, sensitive, rapid and selective UPLC-MS/MS method was developed for simultaneous quantification of vildagliptin, sitagliptin and metformin in the presence of their degradation products and impurities.
Palladium(ii)-catalyzed Sequential ortho-olefination of β-arylethamines with assistance of oxalyl amide
Authors: Liu Pei , Han Jian , Wang Qian , Huang Zhibin , Shi Daqing , Zeng Runsheng , Zhao Ying Sheng
Published: July 2015

Pd-catalyzed highly selective ortho-alkenylation of β-arylethamines with the assistance of oxalyl amide is developed.
Bio-inspired synthesis of carbon hollow microspheres from Aspergillus flavus conidia for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Sangui , Mao Cuiping , Wang Ling , Jia Min , Sun Qiangqiang , Liu Yang , Xu Maowen , Lu Zhisong
Published: July 2015

A conidium-templated approach is developed to prepare carbon hollow microspheres, which demonstrate great potential to be applied as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries.
Correction: Biodiesel synthesis from oleic acid by nano-catalyst (ZrO2/Al2O3) under high voltage conditions
Authors: Mahdavi Mohammad , Abedini Ebrahim , Darabi Amir hosein
Published: July 2015

Correction for ‘Biodiesel synthesis from oleic acid by nano-catalyst (ZrO2/Al2O3) under high voltage conditions’ by Mohammad Mahdavi et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 55027–55032.
Addition of aluminium, zinc and magnesium hydrides to rhodium(iii)
Authors: Ekkert Olga , White Andrew J. P. , Toms Harold , Crimmin Mark R.
Published: July 2015

We report the addition of M–H bonds (M = Al, Zn, Mg) to a Rh(iii) intermediate generated from the reductive elimination of triethylsilane from [Cp*Rh(H)2(SiEt3)2].
Protonation state of the Cu4S2 CuZ site in nitrous oxide reductase: redox dependence and insight into reactivity
Authors: Johnston Esther M. , Dell'Acqua Simone , Pauleta Sofia R. , Moura Isabel , Solomon Edward I.
Published: July 2015

The edge ligand in the Cu4S2 CuZ form of nitrous oxide reductase is a μ2-thiolate in the 1-hole and a μ2-sulfide in the 2-hole redox state, leading to proton-coupled electron transfer reactivity.
Estimation of the free energy of adsorption of a polypeptide on amorphous SiO2from molecular dynamics simulations and force spectroscopy experiments
Authors: Meißner Robert Horst , Wei Gang , Ciacchi Lucio Colombi
Published: July 2015

Combination of AFM-force spectroscopy and SMD simulations to assess the free energy of adsorption of a (poly)tetrapeptide on a silica surface.
Facile preparation of 3D MoS2/MoSe2 nanosheet–graphene networks as efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Xu Shengjie , Lei Zhouyue , Wu Peiyi
Published: July 2015

A facile and versatile solvothermal method to synthesize MoS2/MoSe2–graphene aerogels with remarkable electrocatalytic activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Carbon nanotube@layered nickel silicate coaxial nanocables as excellent anode materials for lithium and sodium storage
Authors: Gui Chen-Xi , Hao Shu-Meng , Liu Yuan , Qu Jin , Yang Cheng , Yu Yunhua , Wang Qian-Qian , Yu Zhong-Zhen
Published: July 2015

Synthesized carbon nanotube@layered nickel silicate coaxial nanocables exhibit improved electrochemical performance and good structural stability as anode materials for lithium/sodium ion batteries.
Perpendicularly oriented few-layer MoSe2on SnO2nanotubes for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Huang Yunpeng , Miao Yue-E , Fu Jun , Mo Shuyi , Wei Chun , Liu Tianxi
Published: July 2015

Perpendicularly oriented few-layer MoSe2nanosheets on both sides of SnO2nanotubes were synthesizedviaa facile electrospinning technique combined with sintering and a solvothermal method, exhibiting high-performance electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Two stable 3D porous metal–organic frameworks with high performance for gas adsorption and separation
Authors: Yao Shuo , Wang Dongmei , Cao Yu , Li Guanghua , Huo Qisheng , Liu Yunling
Published: July 2015

Two porous MOFs, [NO3][In3OL3]·4DMF·3H2O (JLU-Liu18) and [CdL]·0.5DMF (JLU-Liu19), H2L = pyridine-3,5-bis(phenyl-4-carboxylic acid), have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized.
Enhancing 5 V capacitor performance by adding single walled carbon nanotubes into an ionic liquid electrolyte
Authors: Kong Chuiyan , Qian Weizhong , Zheng Chao , Fei Wei
Published: July 2015

A nanofluid electrolyte of single walled carbon nanotubes and ionic liquids enhances the energy density, power density and cycling stability of nanotube electrodes at 5 V.
Polyurethane sponge facilitating highly dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide sheets for enhanced photoelectro-oxidation of ethanol
Authors: Jing Lin , Tan Hui Ling , Amal Rose , Ng Yun Hau , Sun Ke-Ning
Published: July 2015

Sponge-template TiO2-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is prepared with improved dispersion of TiO2 on RGO sheets for efficient photoelectro-oxidation of ethanol.
High-performance supercapacitors based on MnO2 tube-in-tube arrays
Authors: Lu Xue-Feng , Wang An-Liang , Xu Han , He Xu-Jun , Tong Ye-Xiang , Li Gao-Ren
Published: July 2015

MnO2 tube-in-tube arrays supported on carbon fiber cloth (MnO2 TTAs/CFC) were designed and synthesized.
Hydrogel-based engineering of beige adipose tissue
Authors: Vaicik M. K. , Morse M. , Blagajcevic A. , Rios J. , Larson J. C. , Yang F. , Cohen R. N. , Papavasiliou G. , Brey E. M.
Published: July 2015

Brown and beige adipose tissues have a significant capacity for energy expenditure that may be exploited as a treatment for obesity and metabolic disease.
Placing a crown on DyIII – a dual property LnIII crown ether complex displaying optical properties and SMM behaviour
Authors: Gavey Emma L. , Al Hareri Majeda , Regier Jeffery , Carlos Luis D. , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Razavi Fereidoon S. , Rawson Jeremy M. , Pilkington Melanie
Published: July 2015

Two emissive DyIII complexes of crown ether macrocycles are reported. The Dy [15]-crown-5 (1) is an SMM in zero field due to a well isolated ground state, confirmed by both photoluminescence data and ab initio calculations.
The effect of nickel doping on electron and phonon transport in the n-type nanostructured thermoelectric material CoSbS
Authors: Liu Zihang , Geng Huiyuan , Shuai Jing , Wang Zhengyun , Mao Jun , Wang Dezhi , Jie Qing , Cai Wei , Sui Jiehe , Ren Zhifeng
Published: July 2015

The optimized carrier concentration, high effective mass and strong electron–phonon scattering for Ni doped CoSbS contribute to the enhanced ZT value.
The Involvement of ER-stress and ROS Generation in Difenoconazole-Induced Hepatocellular Toxicity
Authors: Zhuang Shu Lin , Bao Ling Ling , Wang Hai Fei , Zhang Min , Yang Chang , Zhou Xin Yi , Wu Yuan , Rehman Kanwal , Naranmandura Hua
Published: July 2015

Difenoconazole is one of the triazole compounds, and is widely used as an environmental fungicide.
Experimental Assessment and Future Applications of the Shikani Tracheostomy Speaking Valve
Authors: Shikani Alan H. , Miller Andrew C. , Elamin Elamin M.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Tracheostomy speaking valve use may increase airflow resistance and work of breathing. It remains unclear which valve offers the best performance characteristics. We compared the performance characteristics of the Shikani speaking valve (SSV; unidirectional-flow ball valve) with those of the Passy-Muir valve (PMV; bias-closed flapper valve).

Method

Airflow resistance was measured for both the SSV and the PMV at 8 flow amplitudes and in 3 orientations (−15°, 0°, +20°) in the bias-open and bias-closed configurations.

Results

Significantly lower airflow resistance was observed for the SSV (bias open) compared with the PMV at −15° (
p
< .001), 0° (
p
< .001), and +20° (
p
= .006) from the horizon. No significant difference was observed between the PMV and the SSV (bias-closed) configuration at any of the tested angles. A nonsignificant trend toward decreased airflow resistance was observed between the SSV bias-open and bias-closed configurations at each of the angles tested.

Conclusions

The SSV demonstrated lower airflow resistance compared with the PMV across 8 flow amplitudes in the bias-open configuration at −15°, 0°, and +20° from the horizon. Further investigation is needed to determine the clinical impact of these findings on patient comfort, work of breathing, phonation, and airway protection during swallowing.
Core-Lexicon and Main-Concept Production During Picture-Sequence Description in Adults Without Brain Damage and Adults With Aphasia
Authors: Dalton Sarah Grace , Richardson Jessica D.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

We sought to identify the core lexicon of a picture-description task using transcripts from the AphasiaBank database and to determine differences in core-lexicon usage between control speakers and persons with aphasia (PWAs). We also investigated the relationship between core lexicon and an established discourse measure, main-concept analysis.

Method

A core lexicon was developed by identifying lemmas produced by 92 control speakers. Transcripts were scored—165 control transcripts and 238 PWA transcripts—using the core lexicon and a recently developed main-concept list. Median tests examined differences between controls, PWAs, and aphasia subtypes. Spearman's correlations assessed the relationship between core-lexicon and main-concept performance.

Results

A 24-item core lexicon was identified. Significant differences were found between control speakers and PWAs, and between aphasia subtypes, for core-lexicon and main-concept scores. Core-lexicon and main-concept performance was significantly and positively correlated for all groups.

Conclusions

We report the development of a core lexicon, differences in core-lexicon usage between speakers, and the relationship between core-lexicon and main-concept scores. Research is needed to determine the clinical utility and psychometric properties of these discourse measures and their potential contribution to multilevel discourse analysis of functional communication.
Structure, Processes, and Retrospective Outcomes From an Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program
Authors: Babbitt Edna M. , Worrall Linda , Cherney Leora R.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

This study describes the structure, processes, and outcomes of an intensive comprehensive aphasia program (ICAP). The aim was to identify treatment gains and determine if outcomes were significantly different between participants grouped according to severity and type of aphasia, and time postonset.

Method

Data from 74 first-time ICAP participants were analyzed. Pre- and posttreatment scores on the Western Aphasia Battery–Revised and other impairment and participation measures were compared using paired
t
tests. Analyses of variance were used to compare outcomes related to aphasia severity (severe, moderate, and mild aphasia), aphasia type (fluent, nonfluent), and chronicity (0–6 months postonset, 7–12 months postonset, and 12+ months postonset).

Results

Participants made significant changes on all impairment and participation measures. Large effect sizes were noted for one participation and three impairment measures. Medium effect sizes were noted for one impairment and three participation measures. There was no significant difference among groups on any factor.

Conclusion

ICAPs can have a significant effect on the language impairment and participation of people with aphasia, but further research is required to determine if the effect is comparable to other types of service delivery.
Simultaneous inline triple levitation in diamagnetic levitation system with permanent magnets
Authors: Küstler G.
Published: July 2015

A levitation configuration is reported wherein diamagnetic levitation, weight compensated diamagnetic levitation and diamagnetically stabilised levitation are combined. The configuration allows the simultaneous inline triple levitation of three different bodies without the need of energy input or feedback control. The proposed levitation setup could find application in sensitive multi‐range seismometers or accelerometers wherein levitating seismic bodies with different masses and resonance behaviour are needed.
Digital‐domain dual‐calibration for single‐ended successive approximation register ADCs
Authors: Lin Zhilun , Wu Jianhui , Chen Chao
Published: July 2015

A digital‐domain dual‐calibration for single‐ended successive approximation register analogue‐to‐digital converters (SAR ADCs) is presented. The dual‐calibration combines digital error correction with capacitor mismatch calibration to compensate the decision errors and improve capacitor matching. Simulation results show that the proposed digital‐domain dual‐calibration technique can significantly improve signal‐to‐noise‐and‐distortion and spurious‐free dynamic range for the single‐ended SAR ADC.
Highly linear current‐controlled delay unit
Authors: Ahamed M.R. , Sandhu T.S. , El‐Sankary K.
Published: July 2015

A highly linear current‐controlled delay unit (CCDU) is presented. The proposed design linearly delays an input clock edge against an applied input current. The topology features a directly proportional input/output relation compared with an inversely proportional one in the traditional current‐starved inverter (CSI). The proposed CCDU features a THD of only 0.15% compared with 22.6% in a conventional CSI over the same input dynamic current range of 180 nA. The proposed CCDU is implemented in 65 nm CMOS and consumes only 0.74 μW. An analogue‐time‐digital ADC is simulated using the proposed CCDU as a front‐end block, achieving a resolution (ENOB) of 9.07 bits. Monte Carlo analysis confirms the linearity of the proposed CCDU under mismatch and process variation.
Self-organization of S adatoms on Au(111): √3R30° rows at low coverage
Authors: Walen Holly , Liu Da-Jiang , Oh Junepyo , Lim Hyunseob , Evans J. W. , Kim Yousoo , Thiel P. A.
Published: July 2015

Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we observe an adlayer structure that is dominated by short rows of S atoms, on unreconstructed regions of a Au(111) surface. This structure forms upon adsorption of low S coverage (less than 0.1 monolayer) on a fully reconstructed clean surface at 300 K, then cooling to 5 K for observation. The rows adopt one of three orientations that are rotated by 30° from the close-packed directions of the Au(111) substrate, and adjacent S atoms in the rows are separated by √3 times the surface lattice constant, a. Monte Carlo simulations are performed on lattice-gas models, derived using a limited cluster expansion based on density functional theory energetics. Models which include long-range pairwise interactions (extending to 5a), plus selected trio interactions, successfully reproduce the linear rows of S atoms at reasonable temperatures.
Nonlinear energy channeling in the two-dimensional, locally resonant, unit-cell model. II. Low energy excitations and unidirectional energy transport
Authors: Vorotnikov K. , Starosvetsky Y.
Published: July 2015

This paper completes a series of two publications devoted to the analytical investigation of energy channeling phenomena, emerging in a locally resonant unit-cell model. The system under consideration comprises an outer mass with internal rotator and subject to the 2D nonlinear local potential. In the present study, we focus on the analysis of the regimes of two-dimensional, nonlinear energy transport forming in the special asymptotic limit of low energy excitations. Unlike the previously considered case, this limit can also be characterized by the absence of resonant interactions between the internal rotator and the motion of an outer element. In the considered limit, we report the emergence of all new, highly nonlinear, transient regimes of unidirectional energy channeling. This phenomenon is manifested by partial and complete targeted energy flow from axial to lateral vibrations, controlled by an internal device. Here, we also show that regimes corresponding to the bidirectional energy channeling as well as the spontaneous energy locking reported in the first paper of the series—persist in the low energy limit as well. In this study, we use a regular multi-scale asymptotic procedure and completely unveil the intrinsic mechanisms governing bi- and unidirectional energy channeling. Numerical simulations are found to be in a fairly good agreement with the predictions of analytic model.
Study of two supersonic streamwise vortex interactions in a Mach 2.5 flow: Merging and no merging configurations
Authors: Vergine F. , Maddalena L.
Published: July 2015

This work presents the detailed analysis of the flow fields resulting from two supersonic vortex interaction modes in a Mach 2.5 cold flow. The vortex interactions were selected beforehand by means of a reduced order modeling tool to obtain merging of the co-rotating structures in two counter-rotating vortex pairs in one case and to prevent their merging in the second. To experimentally target the flow physics of interest, expansion ramps of the same height but different width and mutual distance were placed on the surface of a strut injector. The resulting flow fields have been characterized using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry surveys conducted at selected streamwise planes. Accurate measurements of the velocity and vorticity fields, strain rates, circulation, and the rate of change of the area of each vorticity patch in the surveyed flow highlight the differences between merging and non-merging scenarios as well as the role of viscosity and turbulent diffusion in the resulting vortex dynamics. In particular, it is observed that, for the high Reynolds numbers typical of these supersonic flows and the associated time scales, an inviscid, non-diffusive formulation can be used for a reduced-order description that allows to capture the relevant dynamics related to the morphological distortion of the interacting streamwise vorticity patches introduced into the supersonic flow. The distribution of the strain rates in the flows resulting from the selected vortex configurations suggests that a faster mixing process may be expected in the merging case. However, the volumetric entrainment measurements show that the configuration in which merging was not attained yields a much larger entrainment of surrounding fluid compared to the merging case.
Chaotic attractors with separated scrolls
Authors: Bouallegue Kais
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes a new behavior of chaotic attractors with separated scrolls while combining Julia's process with Chua's attractor and Lorenz's attractor. The main motivation of this work is the ability to generate a set of separated scrolls with different behaviors, which in turn allows us to choose one or many scrolls combined with modulation (amplitude and frequency) for secure communication or synchronization. This set seems a new class of hyperchaos because each element of this set looks like a simple chaotic attractor with one positive Lyapunov exponent, so the cardinal of this set is greater than one. This new approach could be used to generate more general higher-dimensional hyperchaotic attractor for more potential application. Numerical simulations are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Crystal growth kinetics in Lennard-Jones and Weeks-Chandler-Andersen systems along the solid-liquid coexistence line
Authors: Benjamin Ronald , Horbach Jürgen
Published: July 2015

Kinetics of crystal-growth is investigated along the solid-liquid coexistence line for the (100), (110), and (111) orientations of the Lennard-Jones (LJ) and Weeks-Chandler-Andersen (WCA) fcc crystal-liquid interface, using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. A slowing down of the growth kinetics along the coexistence line is observed, which is due to the decrease of the melting enthalpy with increasing coexistence temperature and pressure. Other quantities such as the melting pressure and liquid self-diffusion coefficient have a comparatively lesser impact on the kinetic growth coefficient. Growth kinetics of the LJ and WCA potentials become similar at large values of the melting temperature and pressure, when both resemble a purely repulsive soft-sphere potential. Classical models of crystallization from the melt are in reasonable qualitative agreement with our simulation data. Finally, several one-phase empirical melting/freezing rules are studied with respect to their validity along the coexistence line.
Self-consistent description of electrokinetic phenomena in particle-based simulations
Authors: Hernández-Ortiz Juan P. , de Pablo Juan J.
Published: July 2015

A new computational method is presented for study suspensions of charged particles undergoing fluctuating hydrodynamic and electrostatic interactions. The proposed model is appropriate for polymers, proteins, and porous particles embedded in a continuum electrolyte. A self-consistent Langevin description of the particles is adopted in which hydrodynamic and electrostatic interactions are included through a Green’s function formalism. An Ewald-like split is adopted in order to satisfy arbitrary boundary conditions for the Stokeslet and Poisson Green functions, thereby providing a formalism that is applicable to any geometry and that can be extended to deformable objects. The convection-diffusion equation for the continuum ions is solved simultaneously considering Nernst-Planck diffusion. The method can be applied to systems at equilibrium and far from equilibrium. Its applicability is demonstrated in the context of electrokinetic motion, where it is shown that the ionic clouds associated with individual particles can be severely altered by the flow and concentration, leading to intriguing cooperative effects.
Growth of ferroelectric Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 epitaxial films by ultraviolet pulsed laser irradiation of chemical solution derived precursor layers
Authors: Queraltó A. , Pérez del Pino A. , de la Mata M. , Arbiol J. , Tristany M. , Gómez A. , Obradors X. , Puig T.
Published: July 2015

Highly crystalline epitaxial Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 (BST) thin-films are grown on (001)-oriented LaNiO3-buffered LaAlO3 substrates by pulsed laser irradiation of solution derived barium-zirconium-titanium precursor layers using a UV Nd:YAG laser source at atmospheric conditions. The structural analyses of the obtained films, studied by X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy, demonstrate that laser processing allows the growth of tens of nm-thick BST epitaxial films with crystalline structure similar to that of films obtained through conventional thermal annealing methods. However, the fast pulsed nature of the laser employed leads to crystallization kinetic evolution orders of magnitude faster than in thermal treatments. The combination of specific photothermal and photochemical mechanisms is the main responsible for the ultrafast epitaxial laser-induced crystallization. Piezoresponse microscopy measurements demonstrate equivalent ferroelectric behavior in laser and thermally annealed films, being the piezoelectric constant ∼25 pm V−1.
Defects responsible for abnormal n-type conductivity in Ag-excess doped PbTe thermoelectrics
Authors: Ryu Byungki , Oh Min-Wook , Lee Jae Ki , Lee Ji Eun , Joo Sung-Jae , Kim Bong-Seo , Min Bok-Ki , Lee Hee-Woong , Park Su-Dong
Published: July 2015

Density functional calculations have been performed to investigate the role of Ag defects in PbTe thermoelectric materials. Ag-defects can be either donor, acceptor, or isovalent neutral defect. When Ag is heavily doped in PbTe, the neutral (Ag-Ag) dimer defect at Pb-site is formed and the environment changes to the Pb-rich/Te-poor condition. Under Pb-rich condition, the ionized Ag-interstitial defect (AgI+) becomes the major donor. The formation energy of AgI+ is smaller than other native and Ag-related defects. Also it is found that AgI+ is an effective dopant. There is no additional impurity state near the band gap and the conduction band minimum. The charge state of AgI+ defect is maintained even when the Fermi level is located above the conduction band minimum. The diffusion constant of AgI+ is calculated based on the temperature dependent Fermi level, formation energy, and migration energy. When T > 550 K, the diffusion length of Ag within a few minutes is comparable to the grain size of the polycrystalline PbTe, implying that Ag is dissolved into PbTe and this donor defect is distributed over the whole lattice in Ag-excess doped polycrystalline PbTe. The predicted solubility of AgI+ well explains the increased electron carrier concentration and electrical conductivity reported in Ag-excess doped polycrystalline PbTe at T = 450–750 K [Pei et al., Adv. Energy Mater. 1, 291 (2011)]. In addition, we suggest that this abnormal doping behavior is also found for Au-doped PbTe.