bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directly measuring mean and variance of infinite-spectrum observables such as the photon orbital angular momentum
Authors: Piccirillo Bruno , Slussarenko Sergei , Marrucci Lorenzo , Santamato Enrico
Published: October 2015

The standard method for experimentally determining the probability distribution of an observable in quantum mechanics is the measurement of the observable spectrum. However, for infinite-dimensional degrees of freedom, this approach would require ideally infinite or, more realistically, a very large number of measurements. Here we consider an alternative method which can yield the mean and variance of an observable of an infinite-dimensional system by measuring only a two-dimensional pointer weakly coupled with the system. In our demonstrative implementation, we determine both the mean and the variance of the orbital angular momentum of a light beam without acquiring the entire spectrum, but measuring the Stokes parameters of the optical polarization (acting as pointer), after the beam has suffered a suitable spin–orbit weak interaction. This example can provide a paradigm for a new class of useful weak quantum measurements.
Genetic discovery for oil production and quality in sesame
Authors: Wei Xin , Liu Kunyan , Zhang Yanxin , Feng Qi , Wang Linhai , Zhao Yan , Li Donghua , Zhao Qiang , Zhu Xiaodong , Zhu Xiaofeng , Li Wenjun , Fan Danlin , Gao Yuan , Lu Yiqi , Zhang Xianmei , Tang Xiumei , Zhou Congcong , Zhu Chuanrang , Liu Lifeng , Zhong Ruichun , Tian Qilin , Wen Ziruo , Weng Qijun , Han Bin , Huang Xuehui , Zhang Xiurong
Published: October 2015

Oilseed crops are used to produce vegetable oil. Sesame (Sesamum indicum), an oilseed crop grown worldwide, has high oil content and a small diploid genome, but the genetic basis of oil production and quality is unclear. Here we sequence 705 diverse sesame varieties to construct a haplotype map of the sesame genome and de novo assemble two representative varieties to identify sequence variations. We investigate 56 agronomic traits in four environments and identify 549 associated loci. Examination of the major loci identifies 46 candidate causative genes, including genes related to oil content, fatty acid biosynthesis and yield. Several of the candidate genes for oil content encode enzymes involved in oil metabolism. Two major genes associated with lignification and black pigmentation in the seed coat are also associated with large variation in oil content. These findings may inform breeding and improvement strategies for a broad range of oilseed crops.
Cooperation is related to dispersal patterns in Sino-Tibetan populations
Authors: Wu Jia-Jia , Ji Ting , He Qiao-Qiao , Du Juan , Mace Ruth
Published: October 2015

There is growing recognition in both evolutionary biology and anthropology that dispersal is key to establishing patterns of cooperation. However, some models predict that cooperation is more likely to evolve in low dispersal (viscous) populations, while others predict that local competition for resources inhibits cooperation. Sex-biased dispersal and extra-pair mating may also have an effect. Using economic games in Sino-Tibetan populations with strikingly different dispersal patterns, we measure cooperation in 36 villages in southwestern China; we test whether social structure is associated with cooperative behaviour toward those in the neighbourhood. We find that social organization is associated with levels of cooperation in public goods and dictator games and a resource dilemma; people are less cooperative towards other villagers in communities where dispersal by both sexes is low. This supports the view that dispersal for marriage played an important role in the evolution of large-scale cooperation in human society.
Domain control of carrier density at a semiconductor-ferroelectric interface
Authors: Misirlioglu I. B. , Yildiz M. , Sendur K.
Published: October 2015

Control of charge carrier distribution in a gated channel via a dielectric layer is currently the state of the art in the design of integrated circuits such as field effect transistors. Replacing linear dielectrics with ferroelectrics would ultimately lead to more energy efficient devices as well as the added advantage of the memory function of the gate. Here, we report that the channel-off/channel-on states in a metal/ferroelectric/semiconductor stack are actually transitions from a multi domain state to a single domain state of the ferroelectric under bias. In our approach, there is no a priori assumption on the single or multi-domain nature of the ferroelectric layer that is often neglected in works discussing the ferroelectric-gate effect on channel conductivity interfacing a ferroelectric. We also predict that semiconductor/ferroelectric/semiconductor stacks can function at even lower gate voltages than metal/ferroelectric/semiconductor stacks when an n-type semiconductor is placed between the ferroelectric and the gate metal. Our results suggest the ultimate stability of the multidomain state whenever it interfaces a semiconductor electrode and that a switchable single domain state may not be necessary to achieve effective control of conductivity in a p-type channel. Finally, we discuss some experimental results in the literature in light of our findings.
Homophyly/Kinship Model: Naturally Evolving Networks
Authors: Li Angsheng , Li Jiankou , Pan Yicheng , Yin Xianchen , Yong Xi
Published: October 2015

It has been a challenge to understand the formation and roles of social groups or natural communities in the evolution of species, societies and real world networks. Here, we propose the hypothesis that homophyly/kinship is the intrinsic mechanism of natural communities, introduce the notion of the affinity exponent and propose the homophyly/kinship model of networks. We demonstrate that the networks of our model satisfy a number of topological, probabilistic and combinatorial properties and, in particular, that the robustness and stability of natural communities increase as the affinity exponent increases and that the reciprocity of the networks in our model decreases as the affinity exponent increases. We show that both homophyly/kinship and reciprocity are essential to the emergence of cooperation in evolutionary games and that the homophyly/kinship and reciprocity determined by the appropriate affinity exponent guarantee the emergence of cooperation in evolutionary games, verifying Darwin’s proposal that kinship and reciprocity are the means of individual fitness. We propose the new principle of structure entropy minimisation for detecting natural communities of networks and verify the functional module property and characteristic properties by a healthy tissue cell network, a citation network, some metabolic networks and a protein interaction network.
Differentiation of oral bacteria in in vitro cultures and human saliva by secondary electrospray ionization – mass spectrometry
Authors: Bregy Lukas , Müggler Annick R. , Martinez-Lozano Sinues Pablo , García-Gómez Diego , Suter Yannick , Belibasakis Georgios N. , Kohler Malcolm , Schmidlin Patrick R. , Zenobi Renato
Published: October 2015

The detection of bacterial-specific volatile metabolites may be a valuable tool to predict infection. Here we applied a real-time mass spectrometric technique to investigate differences in volatile metabolic profiles of oral bacteria that cause periodontitis. We coupled a secondary electrospray ionization (SESI) source to a commercial high-resolution mass spectrometer to interrogate the headspace from bacterial cultures and human saliva. We identified 120 potential markers characteristic for periodontal pathogens Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (n = 13), Porphyromonas gingivalis (n = 70), Tanerella forsythia (n = 30) and Treponema denticola (n = 7) in in vitro cultures. In a second proof-of-principle phase, we found 18 (P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and T. denticola) of the 120 in vitro compounds in the saliva from a periodontitis patient with confirmed infection with P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and T. denticola with enhanced ion intensity compared to two healthy controls. In conclusion, this method has the ability to identify individual metabolites of microbial pathogens in a complex medium such as saliva.
Estrogen Secreted by Mesenchymal Stem Cells Necessarily Determines Their Feasibility of Therapeutical Application
Authors: Li Jiansha , Peng Xiaochun , Zeng Xianqin , Liu Bingxun , Hao Qiang , Yu Xiangyuan , Zhu Liping , Hu Qinghua
Published: October 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells are therapeutically applicable and involved in the development of some types of diseases including estrogen (E2)-related ones. Little is known about E2 secretion by mesenchymal stem cells and its potential influence on their therapeutical applications. Our in vitro experiments showed that BMSCs cultured from C57BL/6J mice secreted E2 in a time-dependent manner. In vivo study identified a significantly increased E2 level in serum after a single administration of BMSCs and a sustained elevation of E2 level upon a repetitive administration. Morris water maze test in the ovariectomised (OVX) mouse model revealed BMSCs transplantation ameliorated OVX-induced memory deficits by secreted E2. On the contrary, in endometriosis model, BMSCs transplantation aggravated endometriotic lesions because of E2 secretion. Mechanistically, the aromatase cytochrome P450 appeared to be critical for the biosynthesis and exerted effects of estrogen secretion by BMSCs. Our findings suggested that BMSCs transplantation is on the one hand an attractive option for the therapeutic treatment of diseases associated with E2 deficits in part through E2 secretion, on the other hand a detrimental factor for the E2-exasperated diseases largely via E2 production. It is important and necessary to monitor serum E2 level before and after the initiation of BMSCs therapy.
Lifespan and Stress Resistance in Drosophila with Overexpressed DNA Repair Genes
Authors: Shaposhnikov Mikhail , Proshkina Ekaterina , Shilova Lyubov , Zhavoronkov Alex , Moskalev Alexey
Published: October 2015

DNA repair declines with age and correlates with longevity in many animal species. In this study, we investigated the effects of GAL4-induced overexpression of genes implicated in DNA repair on lifespan and resistance to stress factors in Drosophila melanogaster. Stress factors included hyperthermia, oxidative stress and starvation. Overexpression was either constitutive or conditional and either ubiquitous or tissue-specific (nervous system). Overexpressed genes included those involved in recognition of DNA damage (homologs of HUS1, CHK2), nucleotide and base excision repair (homologs of XPF, XPC and AP-endonuclease-1) and repair of double-stranded DNA breaks (homologs of BRCA2, XRCC3, KU80 and WRNexo). The overexpression of different DNA repair genes led to both positive and negative effects on lifespan and stress resistance. Effects were dependent on GAL4 driver, stage of induction, sex and role of the gene in the DNA repair process. While the constitutive/neuron-specific and conditional/ubiquitous overexpression of DNA repair genes negatively impacted lifespan and stress resistance, the constitutive/ubiquitous and conditional/neuron-specific overexpression of Hus1, mnk, mei-9, mus210 and WRNexo had beneficial effects. This study demonstrates for the first time the effects of overexpression of these DNA repair genes on both lifespan and stress resistance in D. melanogaster.
Going far beyond the near-field diffraction limit via plasmonic cavity lens with high spatial frequency spectrum off-axis illumination
Authors: Zhao Zeyu , Luo Yunfei , Zhang Wei , Wang Changtao , Gao Ping , Wang Yanqin , Pu Mingbo , Yao Na , Zhao Chengwei , Luo Xiangang
Published: October 2015

For near-field imaging optics, minimum resolvable feature size is highly constrained by the near-field diffraction limit associated with the illumination light wavelength and the air distance between the imaging devices and objects. In this study, a plasmonic cavity lens composed of Ag-photoresist-Ag form incorporating high spatial frequency spectrum off-axis illumination (OAI) is proposed to realize deep subwavelength imaging far beyond the near-field diffraction limit. This approach benefits from the resonance effect of the plasmonic cavity lens and the wavevector shifting behavior via OAI, which remarkably enhances the object’s subwavelength information and damps negative imaging contribution from the longitudinal electric field component in imaging region. Experimental images of well resolved 60-nm half-pitch patterns under 365-nm ultra-violet light are demonstrated at air distance of 80 nm between the mask patterns and plasmonic cavity lens, approximately four-fold longer than that in the conventional near-field lithography and superlens scheme. The ultimate air distance for the 60-nm half-pitch object could be theoretically extended to 120 nm. Moreover, two-dimensional L-shape patterns and deep subwavelength patterns are illustrated via simulations and experiments. This study promises the significant potential to make plasmonic lithography as a practical, cost-effective, simple and parallel nano-fabrication approach.
Tunable optical limiting optofluidic device filled with graphene oxide dispersion in ethanol
Authors: Fang Chaolong , Dai Bo , Hong Ruijin , Tao Chunxian , Wang Qi , Wang Xu , Zhang Dawei , Zhuang Songlin
Published: October 2015

An optofluidic device with tunable optical limiting property is proposed and demonstrated. The optofluidic device is designed for adjusting the concentration of graphene oxide (GO) in the ethanol solution and fabricated by photolithography technique. By controlling the flow rate ratio of the injection, the concentration of GO can be precisely adjusted so that the optical nonlinearity can be changed. The nonlinear optical properties and dynamic excitation relaxation of the GO/ethanol solution are investigated by using Z-scan and pump-probe measurements in the femtosecond regime within the 1.5 μm telecom band. The GO/ethanol solution presents ultrafast recovery time. Besides, the optical limiting property is in proportion to the concentration of the solution. Thus, the threshold power and the saturated power of the optical limiting property can be simply and efficiently manipulated by controlling the flow rate ratio of the injection. Furthermore, the amplitude regeneration is demonstrated by employing the proposed optofluidic device. The signal quality of intensity-impaired femtosecond pulse is significantly improved. The optofluidic device is compact and has long interaction length of optical field and nonlinear material. Heat can be dissipated in the solution and nonlinear material is isolated from other optical components, efficiently avoiding thermal damage and mechanical damage.
Evaluation and validation of ion mobility spectrometry for presumptive testing targeting the organic constituents of firearms discharge residue
Authors: Yeager B. , Bustin K. , Stewart J. , Dross R. , Bell S.
Published: October 2015

Ion mobility spectrometry was evaluated and validated, using select figures of merit, for use as a presumptive test for organic constituents of firearm discharge residue collected on hand swabs.
A nanogroove-guided slot-die coating technique for highly ordered polymer films and high-mobility transistors
Authors: Kyaw Aung Ko Ko , Lay Lim Siew , Peng Goh Wei , Changyun Jiang , Jie Zhang
Published: October 2015

A nanogroove-guided slot-die coating technique has been developed to manipulate the alignment of polymer chains within a short processing time.
Pressure-responsive mesoscopic structures in room temperature ionic liquids
Authors: Russina Olga , Celso Fabrizio Lo , Triolo Alessandro
Published: October 2015

We explore the role of pressure on the mesoscopic order in ionic liquids, rationalising the disappearance of the polar–apolar alternation.
Strong orbital deformation due to CH–π interaction in the benzene–methane complex
Authors: Li Jianfu , Zhang Rui-Qin
Published: October 2015

The orbital distribution and composition of the benzene–methane complex have been investigated systemically using ab initio calculations for the first time.
Bifunctional Ce1−xEuxO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) nanoparticles for photoluminescence and photocatalyst applications: an X-ray absorption spectroscopy study
Authors: Sharma Aditya , Varshney Mayora , Park Jaehun , Ha Tae Kyun , Chae Keun Hwa , Shin Hyun Joon
Published: October 2015

Eu dopants in CeO2 leads to advancement in electronic structure, photoluminescence and photocatalyst properties.
Ammonia-assisted synthesis towards a phyllosilicate-derived highly-dispersed and long-lived Ni/SiO2catalyst
Authors: Yang Meihua , Jin Peng , Fan Yinrui , Huang Chuanjing , Zhang Nuowei , Weng Weizheng , Chen Mingshu , Wan Huilin
Published: October 2015

Highly dispersed and uniform ultrafine metallic Ni nanoparticles strongly interacting with the SiO2support are obtained from the reduction of Ni-phyllosilicates by using an ammonia-assisted impregnation method.
The role of the [CpM(CO)2]− chromophore in the optical properties of the [Cp2ThMCp(CO)2]+ complexes, where M = Fe, Ru and Os. A theoretical view
Authors: Cantero-López Plinio , Le Bras Laura , Páez-Hernández Dayán , Arratia-Pérez Ramiro
Published: October 2015

SO-TDDFT calculations shows that transition metals sensitize the emission of Th ion in the present unsupported complexes.
Counter-ligand control of the electronic structure in dinuclear copper-tetrakisguanidine complexes
Authors: Ziesak Alexandra , Wesp Tobias , Hübner Olaf , Kaifer Elisabeth , Wadepohl Hubert , Himmel Hans-Jörg
Published: October 2015

Decision-making counter-ligands: a bridging redox-active ligand in a dinuclear copper complex could be either neutral (complex type [CuII-GFA-CuII]) or dicationic (complex type [CuI-GFA-CuI]), depending on the nature of the counter-ligands X.
The hypolipidemic effect and antithrombotic activity of Mucuna pruriens protein hydrolysates
Authors: Herrera Chalé Francisco , Ruiz Ruiz Jorge Carlos , Betancur Ancona David , Acevedo Fernández Juan José , Segura Campos Maira Rubi
Published: October 2015

Hydrolysates and peptide fractions (PF) obtained fromM. pruriensprotein concentrates with commercial and digestive enzymatic systems were studied for their hypolipidemic and antithrombotic activities.
Mass spectra of diverse organic species utilizing the liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) microplasma ionization source
Authors: Zhang Lynn X. , Marcus R. Kenneth
Published: October 2015

The ability to generate molecular mass spectra is demonstrated for the liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD).
Novel N-thiazolyl piperazine-1-carboxamide CCR2 antagonists – investigation of an unexpected reaction with glutathione
Authors: Cumming J. G. , MacFaul P. A. , Leach A. G.
Published: October 2015

A series of CCR2 antagonists containing halothiazoles were found to undergo an unexpected reaction with glutathione.
Thermal conductivity of a two-dimensional phosphorene sheet: a comparative study with graphene
Authors: Hong Yang , Zhang Jingchao , Huang Xiaopeng , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: October 2015

A recently discovered two-dimensional (2D) layered material phosphorene has attracted considerable interest as a promising p-type semiconducting material.
Gating of single molecule junction conductance by charge transfer complex formation
Authors: Vezzoli Andrea , Grace Iain , Brooke Carly , Wang Kun , Lambert Colin J. , Xu Bingqian , Nichols Richard J. , Higgins Simon J.
Published: October 2015

Tetracyanoethene complexation boosts the conductance of metal |molecule| metal single molecule junctions involving suitable aromatic donor moieties by about 20-fold.
Oxidation-resistant hybrid metal oxides/metal nanodots/silver nanowires for high performance flexible transparent heaters
Authors: Kim A-Young , Kim Min Kyu , Hudaya Chairul , Park Ji Hun , Byun Dongjin , Lim Jong Choo , Lee Joong Kee
Published: October 2015

The FTO/NiCr/AgNW hybrid heater exhibits excellent optoelectronic and thermal properties, oxidation-resistance, and high durability over 10 000 bending cycles.
Conductive polymer-mediated 2D and 3D arrays of Mn3O4 nanoblocks and mesoporous conductive polymers as their replicas
Authors: Nakagawa Yoshitaka , Kageyama Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Riho , Oaki Yuya , Imai Hiroaki
Published: October 2015

2D and 3D microarrays of Mn3O4 nanocuboids that were mediated by a conductive polymer were fabricated by polymerization of pyrrole in the interparticle spaces. Mesoporous polypyrrole films were obtained as replicas of the composite assemblies by dissolving the oxide nanocuboids.
Green microwave switching from oxygen rich yellow anatase to oxygen vacancy rich black anatase TiO2 solar photocatalyst using Mn(ii) as ‘anatase phase purifier’
Authors: Ullattil Sanjay Gopal , Periyat Pradeepan
Published: October 2015

Green and rapid microwave synthesis of ‘yellow oxygen rich’ and ‘black oxygen vacancy rich’ anatase TiO2 solar photocatalysts.
Resistive graphene humidity sensors with rapid and direct electrical readout
Authors: Smith Anderson D. , Elgammal Karim , Niklaus Frank , Delin Anna , Fischer Andreas C. , Vaziri Sam , Forsberg Fredrik , Råsander Mikael , Hugosson Håkan , Bergqvist Lars , Schröder Stephan , Kataria Satender , Östling Mikael , Lemme Max C.
Published: October 2015

We demonstrate resistive humidity sensing using a single-layer graphene patch placed on top of a SiO2 layer on a Si wafer.
Compressed porous graphene particles for use as supercapacitor electrodes with excellent volumetric performance
Authors: Li Huan , Tao Ying , Zheng Xiaoyu , Li Zhengjie , Liu Donghai , Xu Zhao , Luo Chong , Luo Jiayan , Kang Feiyu , Yang Quan-Hong
Published: October 2015

A supercapacitor constructed with highly compressed porous graphene particles (PGPs) as electrode materials in an ionic liquid system exhibits ultrahigh volumetric energy density.
Rapid and selective detection of viruses using virus-imprinted polymer films
Authors: Karthik A. , Margulis K. , Ren K. , Zare R. N. , Leung L. W.
Published: October 2015

We prepared a nanopatterned polymer film of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)viavirus imprinting.
Novel red blood cell shaped α-Fe2O3 microstructures and FeO(OH) nanorods as high capacity supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Rongmei , Jiang Zixiang , Liu Qi , Zhu Xiandong , Liu Li , Ni Lu , Shen Chengcheng
Published: October 2015

Novel red blood cell shaped α-Fe2O3 microstructures were first synthesized through a hydrothermal method by using NH4Cl as a structure-directing agent.
Experimental and computational studies on zeolite-Y encapsulated iron(iii) and nickel(ii) complexes containing mixed-ligands of 2,2′-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline
Authors: Hailu Solomon Legese , Nair Balachandran Unni , Redi-Abshiro Mesfin , Aravindhan Rathinam , Diaz Isabel , Tessema Merid
Published: October 2015

Mixed ligand complexes of 2,2′-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline with iron(iii) and nickel(ii) have been encapsulated into a zeolite cage by the reaction of zeolite exchanged metal ion with flexible ligands.
Discrimination of moldy wheat using terahertz imaging combined with multivariate classification
Authors: Jiang Yuying , Ge Hongyi , Lian Feiyu , Zhang Yuan , Xia Shanhong
Published: October 2015

Terahertz (THz) imaging was employed to develop a novel method for discriminating wheat of varying states of moldiness.
Catalytic conversion of glucose and cellobiose to ethylene glycol over Ni–WO3/SBA-15 catalysts
Authors: Cao Yueling , Wang Junwei , Kang Maoqing , Zhu Yulei
Published: October 2015

The ratio of W to Ni is a crucial factor in controlling the production distribution for glucose and cellobiose conversion; the change of W/Ni ratio with Ni loading results from the change of W and Ni species distribution on the catalyst surface.
Malachite green interacts with the membrane skeletal protein, spectrin
Authors: Patra Malay , Mukhopadhyay Chaitali , Chakrabarti Abhijit
Published: October 2015

Energy minimized complex of MG with the self association domain of spectrin.
Efficient synthesis of tetrahydronaphthalene- or isochroman-fused spirooxindoles using tandem reactions
Authors: Wang Biao , Leng Hai-Jun , Yang Xue-Yuan , Han Bo , Rao Chao-Long , Liu Li , Peng Cheng , Huang Wei
Published: October 2015

The cascade reaction involving a Michael–aldol or vinylogous Henry-acetalization relay is described. We have used the cascade reaction to assemble tetrahydronaphthalene- or isochroman-fused spirooxindoles and other drug-like spirocyclic scaffolds.
Fabrication of magnetic carbonaceous solid acids from banana peel for the esterification of oleic acid
Authors: Liu Rui-Lin , Gao Xiang-Yu , An Lei , Ma Jin , Zhang Ji-Fang , Zhang Zhi-Qi
Published: October 2015

Magnetic carbonaceous solid acids with high catalytic activities were fabricated from banana peel and were successfully used for the esterification of oleic acid.
Beneficial effects of biomimetic nano-sized hydroxyapatite/antibiotic gentamicin enriched chitosan–glycerophosphate hydrogel on the performance of injectable polymethylmethacrylate
Authors: Sa Yue , Wang Man , Deng Hongbing , Wang Yining , Jiang Tao
Published: October 2015

Preparation and characterization and injectable p-PMMA/CS-GP/nano-HA/GM cements.
pH- and glutathione-responsive release of curcumin from mesoporous silica nanoparticles coated using tannic acid–Fe(iii) complex
Authors: Kim Sanghoon , Philippot Stéphanie , Fontanay Stéphane , Duval Raphaël E. , Lamouroux Emmanuel , Canilho Nadia , Pasc Andreea
Published: October 2015

A novel pH- and glutathione-responsive drug delivery system has been developed by deposition of tannic acid (TA)–Fe(iii) complex on the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN).
Kinetic study of self-assembly of Ni(ii)-doped TiO2 nanocatalysts for the photodegradation of azo pollutants
Authors: Chen Chia-Yun , Hsu Li-Jen
Published: October 2015

Ni(ii)-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were fabricated by a simple and reliable hydrothermal method.
Dynamic enhancement in adhesion forces of truncated and nanosphere tips on substrates
Authors: Zhou Hongjun , Xu Quan , Li Shaowei , Zheng Yanjun , Wu Xu , Gu Chaokang , Chen Yusheng , Zhong Jian
Published: October 2015

Both AFM tip shape and substrate have obvious effects on the dynamic adhesion forces of truncated and nanosphere tips on four different substrates (mica, sapphire, silicon wafer, and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite).
Speciation and determination of inorganic arsenic species in water and biological samples by ultrasound assisted-dispersive-micro-solid phase extraction on carboxylated nanoporous graphene coupled with flow injection-hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Khaligh Aisan , Mousavi Hassan Zavvar , Shirkhanloo Hamid , Rashidi Alimorad
Published: October 2015

In this paper, carboxylated nanoporous graphene as a nanoadsorbent was evaluated in two types of ultrasound assisted-dispersive micro-solid phase extraction for speciation of trace As(v) and As(iii) ions in natural water and human biological samples.
Stretchable, transparent and molecular permeable honeycomb electrodes and their hydrogel hybrids prepared by the breath figure method and sputtering of metals
Authors: Yabu Hiroshi , Nagamine Kuniaki , Kamei Jun , Saito Yuta , Okabe Taiki , Shimazaki Tatsuaki , Nishizawa Matsuhiko
Published: October 2015

A stretchable, transparent and molecular permeable honeycomb electrode with a well-defined honeycomb structure has been fabricated by a combination of a bottom-up breath figure process and top-down sputtering processes of metals.
Synthesis of novel ammonium vanadium bronze (NH4)0.6V2O5 and its application in Li-ion battery
Authors: Ma Yining , Ji Shidong , Zhou Huaijuan , Zhang Shuming , Li Rong , Zhu Jingting , Li Wenjing , Guo Hehe , Jin Ping
Published: October 2015

A novel ammonium vanadium bronze (NH4)0.6V2O5 has been successfully synthesized via a simple hydrothermal treatment and its electrochemical performance is investigated.
Using maximum entropy approach for prediction of drop size distribution in a pilot plant multi-impeller extraction contactor
Authors: Asadollahzadeh Mehdi , Torab-Mostaedi Meisam , Shahhosseini Shahrokh , Ghaemi Ahad
Published: October 2015

In this study, the maximum entropy principle is used to predict the drop size distributions in a multi-impeller column extractor.
Single and repeated dose toxicity of citric acid-based carbon dots and a derivative in mice
Authors: Zheng Xiao , Shao Dan , Li Jing , Song Yubin , Chen Yujing , Pan Yue , Zhu Shoujun , Yang Bai , Chen Li
Published: October 2015

Single and repeated dose toxicity experiments demonstrated citric acid-based carbon dots and a derivative had low toxicity in mice.
Internal and external factors affecting the stability of glycerol monostearate structured emulsions
Authors: Wang Fan C. , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: October 2015

High SSL concentration, xanthan gum, and slow cooling rates without shear could stabilize the α-gel phase of MG-structured emulsion.
Electrosynthesis and electrochromic properties of poly(amide-triarylamine)s containing triptycene units
Authors: Hsiao Sheng-Huei , Chiu Yu-Ting
Published: October 2015

Redox-active and electrochromic films of poly(amide-triarylamine)s with triptycene units have been directly fabricated on the electrode surface via the electrochemical oxidative coupling of triphenylamine or carbazole units.
Enhanced hydrogen production by photofermentative microbial aggregation induced by l-cysteine: the effect of substrate concentration, C/N ratio and agitation rate
Authors: Xie Guo-Jun , Liu Bing-Feng , Ding Jie , Xing Defeng , Wang Qilin , Ren Nan-Qi
Published: October 2015

Aggregation of photofermentative bacteria enhances the biomass retention capacity of photobioreactor, and maximizes the reductant flow from organic waste into hydrogen production through circumventing electron sink to biomass synthesis.
Synthesis of a NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion film on a silicon substrate and its tribological behavior
Authors: Wang Chuanying , Cheng Xianhua
Published: October 2015

In this work, amino-functionalized NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method.
A flexible iron(ii) complex in which zero-field splitting is resistant to structural variation
Authors: Zadrozny Joseph M. , Greer Samuel M. , Hill Stephen , Freedman Danna E.
Published: October 2015

The zero-field splitting parameters D and E in the iron(ii) complex [Fe(C3S5)2]2− are shown to be remarkably resistant to a twist of the inter-ligand dihedral angle (θd) from 90 to 70°.
The application of low frequency dielectric spectroscopy to analyze the electrorheological behavior of monodisperse yolk–shell SiO2/TiO2 nanospheres
Authors: Guo Xiaosong , Chen Yulu , Li Dong , Li Guicun , Xin Meng , Zhao Mei , Yang Chen , Hao Chuncheng , Lei Qingquan
Published: October 2015

Monodisperse SiO2/TiO2 yolk–shell nanospheres (YSNSs) with different SiO2 core sizes were fabricated and adopted as dispersing materials for electrorheological (ER) fluids.
Hydrodynamic fluctuation-induced forces in confined fluids
Authors: Monahan Christopher , Naji Ali , Horgan Ronald , Lu Bing-Sui , Podgornik Rudolf
Published: October 2015

Thermal hydrodynamic fluctuations in a classical, compressible, viscous fluid film give rise to fluctuation-induced forces between the no-slip fluid boundaries, whose average value is zero but their correlators are finite and represent a “secondary Casimir effect” in the hydrodynamic context.
Obviating the need for nanocrystallites in the extended lithiation/de-lithiation of germanium
Authors: Powell Emily J. , Wood Sean M. , Celio Hugo , Heller Adam , Mullins C. Buddie
Published: October 2015

Micrometer-sized germanium sub-telluride (Ge0.85Te0.15) particles show improved stability and capacity retention over similarly sized pure germanium particles when cycled at a rate of 1C over 500 cycles.
Direct confinement of Ru nanoparticles inside nanochannels of large pore mesoporous aluminosilicate for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Hwang Jongkook , Kwak Geunjae , Lee Yun-Jo , Kim Yong Tae , Jeong Inyoung , Kim Seongseop , Jun Ki-Won , Ha Kyoung-Su , Lee Jinwoo
Published: October 2015

Facile synthesis of Ru@ordered mesoporous aluminosilicates with different support acidities for direct production of liquid fuels is reported.
Energy gradient architectured praseodymium chalcogenide quantum dot solar cells: towards unidirectionally funneling energy transfer
Authors: Jin Xiao , Sun Weifu , Luo Shenglian , Shao Liping , Zhang Jian , Luo Xubiao , Wei Taihuei , Qin Yuancheng , Song Yinglin , Li Qinghua
Published: October 2015

By sequentially layering quantum dots, rainbow quadruple-stack junctions with energy gradient architecture are constructed. Efficient charge energy transfer occurs in the multilayer, thus leading to a significant enhancement in photovoltaic performances of quantum dot solar cells.
Atomic layer stack deposition-annealing synthesis of CuWO4
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zandi Omid , Hamann Thomas W.
Published: October 2015

Stack deposition-annealing (SDA) synthesis of photocatalytic CuWO4 thin films via sequential ALD of WO3/CuO and post-ALD annealing.
Microwave-assisted rapid synthesis of mesoporous nanostructured ZnCo2O4 anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Ke Jun , Zhang Yawen , Huang Yunhui
Published: October 2015

A microwave-assisted rapid synthesis method is developed to prepare mesoporous nanostructured ZnCo2O4, which shows excellent electrochemical performance as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Zn vacancy induced ferromagnetism in K doped ZnO
Authors: Wang Yiren , Piao Jingyuan , Xing Guozhong , Lu Yunhao , Ao Zhimin , Bao Nina , Ding Jun , Li Sean , Yi Jiabao
Published: October 2015

K doped ZnO shows room temperature ferromagnetism from both theoretical and experimental studies. This ferromagnetism is mainly attributed to the formation of the Zn vacancy. The K dopants can stabilize the Zn vacancy by forming a defect complex and K substitution can induce magnetismvialattice distortion.
Properties of purely reactive Foster and non‐Foster passive networks
Authors: Muller A.A. , Lucyszyn S.
Published: October 2015

The mathematical concept of strongly real functions of positive and negative types is introduced to network theory for the first time. The driving‐point reactance/susceptance of a pure Foster network, made up of only ideal positive inductance and capacitance elements, is a strongly real function of real frequency of positive type. As a corollary, for a pure non‐Foster network made up of only ideal negative inductance and capacitance elements, the driving‐point reactance/susceptance is a strongly real function of real frequency of negative type. It is shown that a condition for a purely reactive passive network to exhibit a positive or negative reactance/susceptance‐frequency gradient is that the driving‐point immittance should have alternating poles and zeroes lying on the real frequency axis. Finally, it is shown that either purely Foster or non‐Foster networks can be constructed by combining ideal Foster and non‐Foster reactive elements.
Path following algorithm for matching partially overlapping feature sets
Authors: Lian Wei
Published: October 2015

To address feature matching problem where there is only partial overlap between the two feature sets, minimisation of an energy function consisting of feature matching costs and a concave regularisation term capable of handling partial overlaps is proposed. To improve robustness to disturbances, a path following strategy for minimisation which dynamically combines weights of the two terms is adopted. Experimental results verify better performance of the method over several state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Improving fuzzy c‐means method for unbalanced dataset
Authors: Liu Yun , Hou Tao , Liu Fu
Published: October 2015

Traditional fuzzy c‐means method (FCM) is a famous clustering algorithm, but has a poor clustering performance for unbalanced dataset. To tackle this defect, a new FCM is presented by introducing cluster size into the formula of determining the membership values in every iteration. Experimental results on synthetic and UCI datasets showed that the proposed method has a better clustering performance than traditional FCM in terms of dealing with datasets with unbalanced clusters.
Closed‐form parameter estimators for Pareto distributed clutter with noise
Authors: Bocquet S.
Published: October 2015

Closed‐form parameter estimators are obtained for Pareto distributed clutter with noise. The estimators consist of simple combinations of data moments, with no special functions, but they are only applicable to multilook data, because they make use of the harmonic mean, which is zero for the single‐look clutter plus noise distribution. They have been tested on simulated two‐look clutter and noise data. The closed‐form estimators have about the same accuracy as the numerically solved z log z estimators obtained in previous work, but they are much simpler and quicker to compute.
Line utilisation factor‐based optimal allocation of IPFC and sizing using firefly algorithm for congestion management
Authors: Mishra Akanksha , Kumar Gundavarapu Venkata Nagesh
Published: October 2015

As a consequence of privatisation and deregulation of the electric power market, there is a marked increase of scheduled power that flows in the transmission line and also the spontaneous power exchanges leading to complex power transmission congestion problems. The proper placement of interline power flow controller (IPFC) can improve the transmission line congestion problem to a great extent. This study proposes a method for optimal placement of IPFC based on disparity line utilisation factor (DLUF) and firefly algorithm (FA)‐based optimal tuning for a multi‐objective function to control the congestion in transmission lines. DLUF determines the difference between the percentages mega voltage ampere (MVA) utilisation of each line connected to the same bus. The IPFC is placed in the lines with maximum DLUF. This method has been implemented on an IEEE 30‐bus system and the results have been presented and analysed. Optimal tuning of IPFC at the proposed location is carried out using FA for a multi‐objective function consisting of active power loss, total voltage deviations, security margin and capacity of the installed IPFC. The tuning of IPFC is also carried out using genetic algorithm. The results obtained have been compared with that of FA for different loading conditions.
Constant false alarm rate performance prediction for non‐independent and non‐identically distributed gamma fluctuating targets
Authors: Wang Bing , Cui Guolong , Yi Wei , Kong Lingjiang , Yang Xiaobo
Published: October 2015

This study deals with the performance prediction of constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detector for non‐independent and possibly non‐independent and non‐identically distributed (non‐IID) gamma fluctuating targets in the presence of homogeneous background. Accounting for this target model, including the well‐known Swerling models as special cases, the authors develop the analytic expressions of detection probability of the cell averaging CFAR (CA‐CFAR) and the ordered‐statistic CFAR (OS‐CFAR) in terms of converging series. At the analysis stage, they study the truncation error and the convergence rate of the derived expressions. Finally, they assess the impacts on detection performance of the target parameters and compare the detection performance between CA‐CFAR and OS‐CFAR for the non‐IID gamma fluctuating targets via numerical simulations.
Under what conditions is it possible to produce pigs without using antimicrobials?
Authors: Gleeson B. L. , Collins A. M.
Published: October 2015

Antimicrobials are commonly used in pig production to control bacterial infections. However, there is increasing pressure from supermarkets and consumers and other sectors to reduce or eliminate the use of antimicrobials in animal agriculture. Banning the use of antimicrobials in some countries has led to increased disease and welfare problems, so it is important to know under what conditions pigs can be produced without the use of antimicrobials. In this review, practices that can prevent disease, and therefore reduce the need for antimicrobials were researched from published experimental challenge trials, field studies and risk factor analyses. Disease prevention practices were examined from pathogen survival and transmission studies, vaccine and disinfectant efficacy studies and nutrition trials. From these studies we collated the important practices that manage or prevent disease and improve pig health. We also reviewed new diagnostic assays and technologies to better monitor the pig and its environment at the herd level. Many of the conditions necessary to produce pigs without antimicrobials have been known and understood for a long time. The application of high standards of biosecurity and hygiene is crucial for creating the conditions for reduction of antimicrobial use. Factors important in preventing disease include eradication or elimination of pathogens, minimising mixing of pigs, cleaning and disinfection of pens and sheds, ventilation to improve air quality, reducing stocking density and eliminating potential vectors of disease. Improving the health of pigs also relies on vaccination and improved consistency of nutrition. The development of diagnostic technologies that correlate with disease and production will enable the detection of potential disease problems at the individual or herd level before disease outbreaks occur and before antimicrobials are needed. The development of vaccination technologies for prevention of disease and diagnostic technologies that can be used on-farm to predict disease outbreaks are integral to safely moving towards antimicrobial-free pork. Pig production without the use of antimicrobials is not simply a matter of substituting conventional antimicrobials with alternative antimicrobial substances and expecting the same result. Any move to antimicrobial-free production requires an acknowledgement that pig production costs may increase and that many pig production practices must change. Such changes must also ensure that animal welfare and food safety and quality standards are maintained or improved, and that reliable markets for the product are found. This paper does not seek to argue the science or opinion of reasons behind the desire to reduce antimicrobial use in animal agriculture, but rather discuss the circumstances under which reduction or elimination of antimicrobial use in pig production is possible.
Congenital cytomegalovirus and its consequences for families
Authors: Daly Kate , Greenlee Janelle
Published: October 2015

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common viral and infectious cause of disabilities to newborn babies. It can cause sensorineural hearing loss and deafness, cerebral palsy, verbal, oral and motor dyspraxia, global developmental delay, microcephaly, feeding issues requiring a gastrostomy tube, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, blindness and death. There are also children with cCMV who are on the autism spectrum however studies have yet to be carried out in this area. For the rest of the family the consequences of cCMV are life changing. Additional pressure on families, separation and divorces between parents, financial hardship, health issues such as anxiety, depression and chronic back problems are just a few examples. Siblings can often find themselves in carer roles, they will often have less time with their parents and are also at risk of having their own health issues such as anxiety.
New diagnostics and methods of assessing pregnant women at risk of cytomegalovirus
Authors: Lazzarotto Tiziana , Gabrielli Liliana , Rizzo Roberta
Published: October 2015

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can occur in pregnant women by primary infection or by non-primary infection, namely by either reactivation of the latent virus or reinfection with a different strain1. In all cases the mother can transmit the virus to the fetus through the placenta2,3. In the diagnosis of primary CMV infection, the gold standard is maternal seroconversion to CMV-specific antibodies. Currently, women are not routinely screened for CMV before conception or during pregnancy, thus CMV seroconversion is infrequently documented1. Lastly, serological diagnosis of non-primary CMV infection is very difficult and very often unreliable since no optimal diagnostic methods are currently available. Today, the fetal compartment can be only studied by amniocentesis and ultrasound examination for the diagnosis and prognosis of CMV infection and generally, invasive diagnostic protocol can be only suggested to pregnant women with evidence of primary CMV infection acquired early in gestation and in case of abnormal findings suggestive of congenital infection1. Therefore, a correct maternal diagnosis makes so that invasive prenatal diagnosis is only offered in selected cases. This report points out how a CMV-screening program combined with an advanced diagnostic protocol performed on pregnant women could identify those at high risk of transmitting the virus to their fetus. Furthermore, we evaluated the possible role of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) molecules detected in maternal and fetal samples in order to more accurately assess a greater risk of CMV-transmission and fetal/neonatal injury.
Vaccination for cytomegalovirus: when, where and how
Authors: Dasari Vijayendra , Khanna Rajiv
Published: October 2015

Although following primary human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in many individuals no overt symptoms are observed, CMV came to medical attention due to its significant morbidity and mortality associated with congenital infection and immunosuppressed individuals. Congenital infection occurs following transplacental transmission during pregnancy as a result of primary infection, reactivation or re-infection with a different isolate. Estimates suggest at least a million cases of congenital CMV occur annually worldwide. Congenital infection is a leading cause of neurological complications such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, developmental delay and seizure disorders and also causes permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss and vision impairment. In addition, other common manifestation of CMV infection are stillbirth, preterm delivery and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and cardiovascular disease, which are risk factors for perinatal and lifetime morbidity. Recent reports have estimated that the economic costs to public health and families due to congenital CMV infection are immense, with direct annual costs of billions of dollars. An effective CMV vaccine that could prevent transplacental transmission, reduce CMV disease and CMV-associated stillbirths has been recognised as an urgent medical need. Over the past 40 years several CMV vaccine candidates have been evaluated in a series of clinical trials and found to be effective in preclinical and clinical studies. However, in spite of extensive efforts over many decades, successful licensure of an effective CMV vaccine formulation to prevent congenital CMV infection remains elusive.
HIV in pregnant women and prevention of perinatal transmission
Authors: Giles Michelle
Published: October 2015

Women with HIV who have access to treatment can expect to have a normal life expectancy. With effective antiretroviral therapy, an undetectable viral load, and avoidance of breastfeeding, the rate of perinatal transmission is extremely low (<1%). A Caesarean section is no longer routinely recommended nor is intrapartum zidovudine. Women living with HIV should be supported in their decision regarding parenthood given their excellent prognosis, low risk of perinatal transmission and reproductive rights. If interventions to reduce perinatal HIV transmission during pregnancy and post-partum are embraced, women can expect to have an uninfected infant.