bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling decreases translation in Drosophila and mice
Authors: Essers Paul , Tain Luke S. , Nespital Tobias , Goncalves Joana , Froehlich Jenny , Partridge Linda
Published: July 2016

Down-regulation of insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) can increase lifespan in C. elegans, Drosophila and mice. In C. elegans, reduced IIS results in down-regulation of translation, which itself can extend lifespan. However, the effect of reduced IIS on translation has yet to be determined in other multicellular organisms. Using two long-lived IIS models, namely Drosophila lacking three insulin-like peptides (dilp2-3,5−/−) and mice lacking insulin receptor substrate 1 (Irs1−/−) and two independent translation assays, polysome profiling and radiolabeled amino acid incorporation, we show that reduced IIS lowers translation in these organisms. In Drosophila, reduced IIS decreased polysome levels in fat body and gut, but reduced the rate of protein synthesis only in the fat body. Reduced IIS in mice decreased protein synthesis rate only in skeletal muscle, without reducing polysomes in any tissue. This lowered translation in muscle was independent of Irs1 loss in the muscle itself, but a secondary effect of Irs1 loss in the liver. In conclusion, down-regulation of translation is an evolutionarily conserved response to reduced IIS, but the tissues in which it occurs can vary between organisms. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying lowered translation may differ in mice, possibly associated with the complexity of the regulatory processes.
Quantifying accessibility and use of improved sanitation: towards a comprehensive indicator of the need for sanitation interventions
Authors: Park M. J. , Clements A. C. A. , Gray D. J. , Sadler R. , Laksono B. , Stewart D. E.
Published: July 2016

To prevent diseases associated with inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene, people needing latrines and behavioural interventions must be identified. We compared two indicators that could be used to identify those people. Indicator 1 of household latrine coverage was a simple Yes/No response to the question “Does your household have a latrine?” Indicator 2 was more comprehensive, combining questions about defecation behaviour with observations of latrine conditions. Using a standardized procedure and questionnaire, trained research assistants collected data from 6,599 residents of 16 rural villages in Indonesia. Indicator 1 identified 30.3% as not having a household latrine, while Indicator 2 identified 56.0% as using unimproved sanitation. Indicator 2 thus identified an additional 1,710 people who were missed by Indicator 1. Those 1,710 people were of lower socioeconomic status (p < 0.001), and a smaller percentage practiced appropriate hand-washing (p < 0.02). These results show how a good indicator of need for sanitation and hygiene interventions can combine evidences of both access and use, from self-reports and objective observation. Such an indicator can inform decisions about sanitation-related interventions and about scaling deworming programmes up or down. Further, a comprehensive and locally relevant indicator allows improved targeting to those most in need of a hygiene-behaviour intervention.
Oral CoQ10 attenuates high salt-induced hypertension by restoring neurotransmitters and cytokines in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus
Authors: Gao Hong-Li , Yu Xiao-Jing , Qi Jie , Yi Qiu-Yue , Jing Wang-Hui , Sun Wen-Yan , Cui Wei , Mu Jian-Jun , Yuan Zu-Yi , Zhao Xiu-Fang , Liu Kai-Li , Zhu Guo-Qing , Shi Xiao-Lian , Liu Jin-Jun , Kang Yu-Ming
Published: July 2016

High salt intake leads to an increase in some proinflammatory cytokines and neurotransmitters involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The purpose of this work was to know if oral administration of anti-oxidant and free-radical scavenger CoQ10 may attenuate high salt-induced hypertension via regulating neurotransmitters and cytokines in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed with a normal salt diet (NS, 0.3% NaCl) or a high salt diet (HS, 8% NaCl) for 15 weeks to induce hypertension. These rats received CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day) dissolved in olive oil was given by gavage (10 mg/kg/day) for 15 weeks. HS resulted in higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). These HS rats had higher PVN levels of norepinephrine (NE), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), interleukin (IL)-1β, NOX2 and NOX4, lower PVN levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), IL-10, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) and the 67-kDa isoform of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD67), as compared with NS group. CoQ10 supplementation reduced NE, TH, IL-1β, NOX2 and NOX4 in the PVN and induced IL-10, Cu/Zn-SOD and GAD67 in the PVN. These findings suggest that CoQ10 supplementation restores neurotransmitters and cytokines in the PVN, thereby attenuating high salt-induced hypertension.
Clade-level Spatial Modelling of HPAI H5N1 Dynamics in the Mekong Region Reveals New Patterns and Associations with Agro-Ecological Factors
Authors: Artois Jean , Newman Scott H. , Dhingra Madhur S. , Chaiban Celia , Linard Catherine , Cattoli Giovanni , Monne Isabella , Fusaro Alice , Xenarios Ioannis , Engler Robin , Liechti Robin , Kuznetsov Dmitri , Pham Thanh Long , Nguyen Tung , Pham Van Dong , Castellan David , Von Dobschuetz Sophie , Claes Filip , Dauphin Gwenaëlle , Inui Ken , Gilbert Marius
Published: July 2016

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus has been circulating in Asia since 2003 and diversified into several genetic lineages, or clades. Although the spatial distribution of its outbreaks was extensively studied, differences in clades were never previously taken into account. We developed models to quantify associations over time and space between different HPAI H5N1 viruses from clade 1, 2.3.4 and 2.3.2 and agro-ecological factors. We found that the distribution of clades in the Mekong region from 2004 to 2013 was strongly regionalised, defining specific epidemiological zones, or epizones. Clade 1 became entrenched in the Mekong Delta and was not supplanted by newer clades, in association with a relatively higher presence of domestic ducks. In contrast, two new clades were introduced (2.3.4 and 2.3.2) in northern Viet Nam and were associated with higher chicken density and more intensive chicken production systems. We suggest that differences in poultry production systems in these different epizones may explain these associations, along with differences in introduction pressure from neighbouring countries. The different distribution patterns found at the clade level would not be otherwise apparent through analysis treating all outbreaks equally, which requires improved linking of disease outbreak records and genetic sequence data.
The therapeutic effect of bevacizumab on plaque neovascularization in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis during contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
Authors: Li Yang , Zhu Ying , Deng Youbin , Liu Yani , Mao Yuhang , Wang Junli , Sun Jie
Published: July 2016

The purpose of the study was to assess the therapeutic effect of the angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab on plaques of various stages in rabbit models using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). Abdominal aortic atherosclerosis was induced in 55 rabbits. Thirty-six randomly selected rabbits were divided into 2 groups according to the timing of the bevacizumab injection: an early-stage plaque group (Group ESP) and a later-stage plaque group (Group LSP). The remainder were considered the control group. Standard ultrasonography and CEUS imaging of the abdominal aorta were performed. The animals were euthanized after CEUS and plaque specimens were harvested for histological staining of CD31. The control group exhibited a substantially higher enhanced intensity, a higher ratio of enhanced intensity in the plaque to that in the lumen and an increased number of CD31-positive microvessels in the plaque sections than Groups ESP and LSP (P < 0.05 for all). A higher enhanced intensity (P = 0.044), a higher ratio of enhanced intensity in the plaque to that in the lumen (P = 0.023) and more CD31-positive microvessels in the plaque sections (P = 0.006) were found in Group LSP than in Group ESP. Bevacizumab demonstrated more advanced inhibition of neovascularization in early-stage plaques in rabbits.
Skilled musicians are not subject to the McGurk effect
Authors: Proverbio Alice M. , Massetti Gemma , Rizzi Ezia , Zani Alberto
Published: July 2016

The McGurk effect is a compelling illusion in which humans auditorily perceive mismatched audiovisual speech as a completely different syllable. In this study evidences are provided that professional musicians are not subject to this illusion, possibly because of their finer auditory or attentional abilities. 80 healthy age-matched graduate students volunteered to the study. 40 were musicians of Brescia Luca Marenzio Conservatory of Music with at least 8–13 years of musical academic studies. /la/, /da/, /ta/, /ga/, /ka/, /na/, /ba/, /pa/ phonemes were presented to participants in audiovisual congruent and incongruent conditions, or in unimodal (only visual or only auditory) conditions while engaged in syllable recognition tasks. Overall musicians showed no significant McGurk effect for any of the phonemes. Controls showed a marked McGurk effect for several phonemes (including alveolar-nasal, velar-occlusive and bilabial ones). The results indicate that the early and intensive musical training might affect the way the auditory cortex process phonetic information.
A silicon nitride ISFET based immunosensor for Ag85B detection of tuberculosis
Authors: Saengdee Pawasuth , Chaisriratanakul Woraphan , Bunjongpru Win , Sripumkhai Witsaroot , Srisuwan Awirut , Hruanun Charndet , Poyai Amporn , Phunpae Ponrut , Pata Supansa , Jeamsaksiri Wutthinan , Kasinreak Watchara , Promptmas Chamras
Published: July 2016

An ISFET-based sensor was developed for Ag85B detection by immobilization of anti-Ag85B. The precision (CV%) and accuracy of this sensor were 9.73–10.99% and 95.29%, respectively.
Galactose-decorated light-responsive hydrogelator precursors for selectively killing cancer cells
Authors: Ji Wei , Liu Guofeng , Wang Fang , Zhu Zhu , Feng Chuanliang
Published: July 2016

A multi-functional gelator precursor with high photosensitivity is rationally designed for selectively inhibiting liver cancer cells.
A new perspective on the electron transfer: recovering the Butler–Volmer equation in non-equilibrium thermodynamics
Authors: Dreyer Wolfgang , Guhlke Clemens , Müller Rüdiger
Published: July 2016

Butler–Volmer equations can be recovered from a complete non-equilibrium thermodynamic model by application of asymptotic analysis. Thereby we gain insight into the coupling of different physical phenomena and can derive Butler–Volmer equations for very different materials and electrochemical systems.
Direct and co-catalytic oxidative aromatization of 1,4-dihydropyridines and related substrates using gold nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes
Authors: Prakash Praveen , Gravel Edmond , Li Haiyan , Miserque Frédéric , Habert Aurélie , den Hertog Martien , Ling Wai Li , Namboothiri Irishi N. N. , Doris Eric
Published: July 2016

A heterogeneous catalyst was assembled by stabilization of gold nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes.
Plasmon-enhanced strong visible light photocatalysis by defect engineered CVD graphene and graphene oxide physically functionalized with Au nanoparticles
Authors: Biroju Ravi K. , Choudhury Biswajit , Giri P. K.
Published: July 2016

The strong visible light photocatalytic activity of defect-controlled CVD graphene (GR) and graphene oxide (GO) hybrids through physical functionalization with Au atoms has been demonstrated here.
Mechanochemical synthesis of mesoporous tin oxide: a new generation nanosorbent for 68Ge/68Ga generator technology
Authors: Chakravarty Rubel , Chakraborty Sudipta , Shukla Rakesh , Bahadur Jitendra , Ram Ramu , Mazumder Subhasish , Dev Sarma Haladhar , Tyagi Avesh Kumar , Dash Ashutosh
Published: July 2016

Mesoporous tin oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by a solid-state mechanochemical route for use as a sorbent in a 68Ge/68Ga generator.
Synthesis and characterization of a Bi10O8(OAr)16 oxo-cluster supported by p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene ligands
Authors: Mendoza-Espinosa Daniel
Published: July 2016

Wet [tBuC5(Bn)(H)4] ligand reacts with excess of Bi[N(SiMe3)2]3 to yield the dimeric complex 1 [Bi{tBuC5(Bn)(H)}]2 and cluster 2 [Bi10O8{tBuC5(Bn)(H)}4]. Complex 2 features multicoordinated bismuth(iii) centers in an overall Bi10O8(OAr)16 core which represents the largest bismuth oxo-cluster supported by calix[n]arene ligands to date.
Two new Cu(ii) and La(iii) 2D coordination polymers, synthesis and in situ structural analysis by X-ray diffraction
Authors: Lundvall F. , Wragg D. S. , Dietzel P. D. C. , Fjellvåg H.
Published: July 2016

Two new coordination polymers, CPO-71-Cu and CPO-72-La, were synthesized by solvothermal methods using 4,4′-dimethoxy-3,3′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid as the organic linker. The two-dimensional frameworks of both CPO-71-Cu and CPO-72-La exhibit the sql topology.
Self-assembled half-sandwich polyhedral cages via flexible Schiff-base ligands: an unusual macrocycle-to-cage conversion
Authors: Liu Jing-Jing , Lin Yue-Jian , Li Zhen-Hua , Jin Guo-Xin
Published: July 2016

Half-sandwich M6(L1)4 octahedral and M8(L2)4 cubic cages have been assembled by flexible Schiff-base ligands upon coordination to Cp*Rh(iii) organometallic acceptors. In particular, the Rh(iii)-based half-sandwich M2(HL1)2 macrocycle rearranges in solution to give a M6(L1)4 cage.
A CO2 adsorption-enhanced semiconductor/metal-complex hybrid photoelectrocatalytic interface for efficient formate production
Authors: Huang Xiaofeng , Shen Qi , Liu Jibo , Yang Nianjun , Zhao Guohua
Published: July 2016

A biomimetic interface based on molecular catalyst Ru(bpy)2dppz, photoelectrocatalyst Co3O4, and CO2 fixation substrate carbon aerogel converts CO2 to formate.
Ru(ii)/PEG-400 as a highly efficient and recyclable catalytic media for annulation and olefination reactions via C–H bond activation
Authors: Yedage Subhash L. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: July 2016

In this report synthesis of isoquinolinones, isocoumarins, and N-methyl isoquinolinones and olefination of Weinreb amides by C–H bond activation using Ru(ii)/PEG-400 as green and recyclable media are documented.
Distinct roles of a tyrosine-associated hydrogen-bond network in fine-tuning the structure and function of heme proteins: two cases designed for myoglobin
Authors: Liao Fei , Yuan Hong , Du Ke-Jie , You Yong , Gao Shu-Qin , Wen Ge-Bo , Lin Ying-Wu , Tan Xiangshi
Published: July 2016

A single Tyr introduced in the secondary sphere of the heme active site in myoglobin at position 107 or 138 forms a distinct Tyr-associated H-bond network, regulating both the protein properties and functions.
Ternary organic–inorganic nanostructured hybrid materials by simultaneous twin polymerization
Authors: Weißhuhn J. , Mark T. , Martin M. , Müller P. , Seifert A. , Spange S.
Published: July 2016

The acid and base catalyzed simultaneous twin polymerization to produce ternary organic–inorganic nanostructured hybrid materials consisting of a cross-linked phenolic resin, silica and a disubstituted polysiloxane.
An entropy-driven ring-opening metathesis polymerization approach towards main-chain liquid crystalline polymers
Authors: Deng Lin-Lin , Guo Ling-Xiang , Lin Bao-Ping , Zhang Xue-Qin , Sun Ying , Yang Hong
Published: July 2016

In this manuscript, an entropy-driven ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ED-ROMP) approach is applied for the first time in producing main-chain liquid crystalline polymers by polymerizing a macrocyclic olefin monomer.
Continuously-tunable fluorescent polypeptides through a polymer-assisted assembly strategy
Authors: Liang Guodong , Ren Feng , Gao Haiyang , Wu Qing , Zhu Fangming , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2016

We developed a versatile method to continuously tune the packing and fluorescence of organic chromophores through a polymer-assisted assembly (PAA) strategy, affording a catalog of fluorescent polymers with continuously-tunable fluorescence emission.
Novel manganese(ii) and cobalt(ii) 2D polymers containing alternating chains with mixed azide and carboxylate bridges: crystal structure and magnetic properties
Authors: Wang Yan-Qin , Tan Qing-Hua , Guo Xiao-Yu , Liu Hou-Ting , Liu Zhi-Liang , Gao En-Qing
Published: July 2016

Two new Mn(ii) and Co(ii) complexes based on AABAA alternating chains with mixed azide and carboxylate bridges were synthesized, structurally and magnetically studied.
Comparison of 3D non-fullerene acceptors for organic photovoltaics based on naphthalene diimide and perylene diimide-substituted 9,9′-bifluorenylidene
Authors: Fan Yeli , Barlow Stephen , Zhang Siyuan , Lin Baoping , Marder Seth R.
Published: July 2016

Tetra(PDI) derivatives of non-planar cores have previously been used as acceptors in OPVs; here a tetra(NDI) is shown to be a viable alternative, although, for the pair of acceptors and the donor polymers used here, the PDI species performs better.
A unique high mechanical strength dialdehyde microfibrillated cellulose/gelatin composite hydrogel with a giant network structure
Authors: Zheng Xuejing , Zhang Qiannan , Liu Jie , Pei Ying , Tang Keyong
Published: July 2016

A giant network structure was constructed throughout the dialdehyde microfibrillated cellulose (DAMFC)/gelatin composite hydrogel by Schiff base formed through the crosslinking reaction between the aldehyde groups of DAMFC and amino groups of gelatin.
Rational design of hierarchical Ni embedded NiO hybrid nanospheres for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Feng Na , Sun Xiaolei , Yue Hongwei , He Deyan
Published: July 2016

Uniform-sized Ni embedded NiO nanospheres exhibit a high capacity of 453 mA h g−1 (12C) and 800 mA h g−1 (0.2C) after 300 cycles.
Haloplumbate salts as reagents for the non-aqueous electrodeposition of lead
Authors: Bartlett Philip N. , Burt Jennifer , Hasan Mahboba M. , Hector Andrew L. , Levason William , Reid Gillian , Richardson Peter W.
Published: July 2016

Cyclic voltammetry experiments on the Pb(ii) salts, [PPh4][PbX3] (X = Cl, Br, I) in CH2Cl2 solution ([PPh4]X supporting electrolyte) at Pt electrodes show reproducible nucleation and stripping features consistent with reduction to elemental Pb.
Microstructure of polypropylene and active center in Ziegler–Natta catalyst: effect of novel salicylate internal donor
Authors: Zhou Qian , Wang Ailian , Li Huayi , Luo Zhi , Zheng Tao , Zhang Liaoyun , Hu Youliang
Published: July 2016

The volume of ecofriendly salicylate internal donors for propylene polymerization has an important impact on the catalyst active centers and microstructure of polypropylene.
Design and preparation of silica tube/poly(aryl ether ketone) composites with low dielectric constant
Authors: Lu Yaning , Zhang Shuling , Geng Zhi , Du Yinlong , Zhu Kai , Li Yonggang , Wang Guibin
Published: July 2016

Low dielectric constant porous composites in which uniform nanosized silica tubes are covalently bonding onto fluoropoly(aryl ether ketone) are prepared.
Trichromophoric pentapeptide: impact of β-sheet conformation on dual path to excimer emission and sensing of BSA
Authors: Bag Subhendu Sekhar , Jana Subhashis , Pradhan Manoj Kumar , Pal Sunit
Published: July 2016

We established dual mechanisms for excimer emission-either via FRET or direct excitation of a FRET acceptor- in a conceptually novel trichromophoric pentapeptide which serves as an effective fluorescence light-up probe for protein–peptide interaction.
Integration of poly(3-hexylthiophene) conductive stripe patterns with 3D tubular structures for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Sun Yingjuan , Li Hongyan , Lin Yuan , Niu Li , Wang Qian
Published: July 2016

P3HT was self-assembled into large-scale conductive stripe patterns based on confined evaporative self-assembly. These conductive stripe patterns could induce cell alignment and provide spatial electric signals to modulate cellular behaviors.
Investigation on the fluorescence–(stimulus-response) properties of linear and star PVBCz-b-PDMAEMA block copolymers synthesized via ATRP
Authors: Mao Tengfei , Gou Yanzi , Wang Hao , Jian Ke , Wang Jun
Published: July 2016

Linear and star PVBCz-b-PDMAEMA block copolymers were synthesized via ATRP, the properties of which were investigated including ultraviolet-visible absorption, fluorescence emission, stimulus-response and fluorescence-stimulus-response.
Recent studies on the decomposition and strategies of smoke and toxicity suppression for polyurethane based materials
Authors: Liu Xiu , Hao Jianwei , Gaan Sabyasachi
Published: July 2016

This review provides insight into recent studies related to thermal degradation, smoke and toxicity production and their reduction strategies for polyurethane-based materials.
Interaction of fluorescent quinolin-2-one and coumarin derivatives including dipeptides with lipid bilayers
Authors: Abreu Ana S. , Hermenegildo Bruno F. C. , Ferreira Paula M. T. , Queiroz Maria João R. P. , Castanheira Elisabete M. S.
Published: July 2016

The interaction with lipid bilayers of a quinolin-2-one and a coumarin including dipeptides was investigated through fluorescence and DLS measurements.
N,N-Bis-(dimethylfluorosilylmethyl)amides of N-organosulfonylproline and sarcosine: synthesis, structure, stereodynamic behaviour and in silico studies
Authors: Nikolin Alexey A. , Kramarova Eugenia P. , Shipov Alexander G. , Baukov Yuri I. , Negrebetsky Vadim V. , Arkhipov Dmitry E. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Lagunin Alexey A. , Bylikin Sergey Yu. , Bassindale Alan R. , Taylor Peter G.
Published: July 2016

(O→Si)-Chelate difluorides R3R2NCH(R1)C(O)N(CH2SiMe2F)2, were synthesized by silylmethylation of amides R3R2NCH(R1)C(O)NH2, subsequent hydrolysis of unstable dichlorides into 2,6-disilamorpholines and the reaction of the latter compounds with BF3·Et2O.
A novel AgI/BiOIO3 nanohybrid with improved visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Cui Duo Heng , Song Xu Chun , Zheng Yi Fan
Published: July 2016

AgI/BiOIO3 nanohybrid photocatalysts were prepared by a successive hydrothermal-deposition process. The visible-light-driven AgI/BiOIO3 showed excellent photocatalytic activity.
Quantum-chemically-calculated mechanistically interpretable molecular descriptors for drug-action mechanism study – a case study of anthracycline anticancer antibiotics
Authors: Pang Siu-Kwong
Published: July 2016

Identification of drug-action mechanisms and understanding of chemical substituents affecting the anticancer activity of drugs are important for drug development.
Controlled electrochemical and electroless deposition of noble metal nanoparticles on graphene
Authors: Bosch-Navarro Concha , Rourke Jonathan P. , Wilson Neil R.
Published: July 2016

Electrodeposition is a powerful tool for forming functional composites with graphene. Indeed, noble metal nanoparticles can be directly electrodeposited onto graphene, and their size and number density can be easily controlled.
Coating oil droplets with rice proteins to control the release rate of encapsulated beta-carotene during in vitro digestion
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Ren , Chen Zhengxing , Zhong Qixin
Published: July 2016

The release of encapsulated β-carotene is limited in simulated gastric digestion and is controllable in simulated intestinal digestion.
Mesoporous silica coating on hierarchical flowerlike Fe2O3 with enhanced catalytic activity for Fenton-like reaction
Authors: Cui Zhi-Min , Hao Jing , Liu Jian , Song Wei-Guo
Published: July 2016

The catalytic activity of hierarchical flowerlike Fe2O3 in the Fenton-like reaction was dramatically enhanced by the mesoporous silica coating.
Performance optimization of a MnO2/carbon nanotube substrate for efficient catalytic oxidation of low-concentration NO at room temperature
Authors: Zhang Tao , Wang Dongdong , Gao Zhenyuan , Zhao Kunfeng , Gu Yousong , Zhang Yue , He Dannong
Published: July 2016

Performance optimization of a MnO2 NS/CNT series of catalysts could be realized via doping methods or acid treatment.
Tough bonding of metallic layers to hydrocarbon surfaces by depositing Ag films
Authors: Chen Dexin , Kang Zhixin , Bessho Takeshi
Published: July 2016

Metallization of polymer materials is a crucial process in the manufacturing of decorative, wear-resistant and electromagnetic shielding coatings in the automotive, electronics and instrumentation industry.
Upcycling spent petroleum cracking catalyst: pulsed laser deposition of single-wall carbon nanotubes and silica nanowires
Authors: Souza N. , Lasserre F. , Blickley A. , Zeiger M. , Suárez S. , Duarte M. , Presser V. , Mücklich F.
Published: July 2016

From waste to single-wall carbon nanotubes and silica nanowires: the first high-tech outlet for FC3R.
Direct oxidative amination of aromatic aldehydes with amines in a continuous flow system using a metal-free catalyst
Authors: Gu Jiajia , Fang Zheng , Liu Chengkou , Li Xin , Wei Ping , Guo Kai
Published: July 2016

Metal-free oxidative amination of aromatic aldehydes with amines in a continuous flow system under mild reaction conditions.
A self-template and KOH activation co-coupling strategy to synthesize ultrahigh surface area nitrogen-doped porous graphene for oxygen reduction
Authors: Zhou Huang , Zhang Jian , Zhu Jiawei , Liu Ziyi , Zhang Chengtian , Mu Shichun
Published: July 2016

Herein, a self-template strategy is developed to synthesize nitrogen doped porous graphene (NDPG) by using porous biomass as a template, fully coupled with KOH activation. As a catalyst, NDPG exhibits outstanding ORR activity and stability.
The impact of grafted surface defects and their controlled removal on supramolecular self-assembly
Authors: Bragança Ana M. , Greenwood John , Ivasenko Oleksandr , Phan Thanh Hai , Müllen Klaus , De Feyter Steven
Published: July 2016

Control over the growth and ripening of molecular self-assembly via the introduction and programmed removal of surface defects.
Competition between drum and quasi-planar structures in RhB18−: motifs for metallo-boronanotubes and metallo-borophenes
Authors: Jian Tian , Li Wan-Lu , Chen Xin , Chen Teng-Teng , Lopez Gary V. , Li Jun , Wang Lai-Sheng
Published: July 2016

Two nearly degenerate isomers, one a drum and the other quasi-planar, are discovered for the gaseous RhB18−cluster, revealing a competition between the metallo-boronanotube and metallo-borophene structures.
Influence of Co-adsorbates on CO2 induced phase transition in functionalized pillared-layered metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Schneemann Andreas , Takahashi Yukiko , Rudolf Robin , Noro Shin-ichiro , Fischer Roland A.
Published: July 2016

Co-adsorption measurements reveal the flexible and gas separation behavior of functionalized pillared-layered MOFs when exposed to gas mixtures.
A structurally self-assembled peptide nano-architecture by one-step electrospinning
Authors: Gharaei Robabeh , Tronci Giuseppe , Davies Robert P. W. , Gough Caroline , Alazragi Reem , Goswami Parikshit , Russell Stephen J.
Published: July 2016

Peptide self-assembly during electrospinning while the solvent is evaporating and the fibres are forming.
Dehydration of molybdenum oxide hole extraction layers via microwave annealing for the improvement of efficiency and lifetime in organic solar cells
Authors: Soultati Anastasia , Kostis Ioannis , Argitis Panagiotis , Dimotikali Dimitra , Kennou Stella , Gardelis Spyros , Speliotis Thanassis , Kontos Athanassios G. , Davazoglou Dimitris , Vasilopoulou Maria
Published: July 2016

Microwave post-annealing induces effective dehydration in the MoOx hole transport layer and enhances the efficiency and lifetime of organic solar cells.
Plasmon-mediated exciton–phonon coupling in a ZnO microtower cavity
Authors: Lu Junfeng , Zhu Qiuxiang , Zhu Zhu , Liu Yanjun , Wei Ming , Shi Zengliang , Xu Chunxiang
Published: July 2016

LSPs, generated in a ZnO/Al hybrid microcavity, will not only improve excitonic recombination efficiency, but also enhance the exciton–phonon interaction.
Joint beamforming with low‐resolution PSs for millimetre‐wave communications
Authors: Dong Yue , Chen Chen , Jin Ye
Published: July 2016

An iterative joint beamforming algorithm taking the low‐resolution phase shifters (PSs) into account is proposed for millimetre‐wave communications. Furthermore, performance degradation incurred by the low‐resolution PSs is analysed. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve comparable performance with the existing alternatives in terms of the array gains and convergence rates but with limited hardware cost. Thus, the proposed scheme can be an acceptable tradeoff between the performance and hardware complexity.
Fundamental limits of caching: improved bounds for users with small buffers
Authors: Chen Zhi , Fan Pingyi , Letaief Khaled Ben
Published: July 2016

In this study, the caching problem is investigated. Assuming that the users are only equipped with buffer of small sizes, the peak rate of caching problem is investigated in this study. In contrast to recent results in the literature, this study shows that under some specific condition, i.e. if the number of users is no less than the amount of files in the server, a lower peak rate of caching is achievable. Furthermore, this new presented peak rate of caching is demonstrated to coincide with the well‐known cut‐set bound.
Two‐dimensional distributed coordination function model with finite buffer sizes
Authors: You Zihao , Lu I‐Tai
Published: July 2016

This study presents an unsaturated two‐dimensional (2D) Markov model to analyse the packet collision probability and the throughput performances of the stations (STAs) in a distributed coordination function network. Compared with the previous 2D models, it takes the flexible buffer size of the STA into consideration. Compared with the 3D models, it has the advantage of low complexity by avoiding matrix operations. From the numerical results, the authors explain the approximations used in the analytical models proposed in the common existing literatures, and discuss their effect on the model accuracy.
Edge aware cross‐tier base station cooperation in heterogeneous wireless networks with non‐uniformly‐distributed nodes
Authors: Yang Kun , Zhang Jiaxin , Zhang Xing , Wang Wenbo
Published: July 2016

This study investigates the cross‐tier base station (BS) cooperation in non‐uniform heterogeneous networks where the distribution of pico BSs (PBSs) is modelled as Neyman–Scott cluster process. The authors propose an edge aware cross‐tier cooperation scheme to improve the performance of edge hotspot users that have weaker signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR). Taking consideration of various user behaviours, non‐hotspot users are only served by the nearest macro BS whilst the hotspot users with better SINR are only served by their serving PBSs. The edge hotspot users who suffer from high cross‐tier interference operate in the cooperation mode. Stochastic geometry is utilised to derive the SINR and energy efficiency performance of the proposed scheme, which is compared with other classical schemes such as full cooperation (FC) and traditional non‐cooperation scheme. Numerical results show that compared with the FC scheme, the proposed scheme can maximise the energy efficiency of the network by an optimal cooperation threshold, when SINR coverage is larger than a threshold. The authors also find that user behaviour have little effect on the tradeoff between SINR Coverage and energy efficiency, unless spatial aggregation coefficient is very small.
Investigation of the transformer winding high‐frequency parameters identification using particle swarm optimisation method
Authors: Chanane Abdallah , Bouchhida Ouahid , Houassine Hamza
Published: July 2016

Intelligent methods are used more and more nowadays, in various fields, whose main purpose is to find better solutions to problems that are considered difficult. Identifying the parameters of transformer winding is a crucial problem. In this study, the authors shall use the ‘particle swarm optimisation’ (PSO) method to identify the parameters of high‐frequency transformer winding, for diagnostic purposes. They validate the approach by comparing their results with the experimental ones. Two cases study of windings with air core were considered. Not only the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method is verified, the PSO method is compared with another methods referred to as transfer function and genetic algorithm. The results are in total agreement and show the reliability and the robustness of the PSO method.
Multi‐objective transmission line de‐icing outage optimal scheduling framework
Authors: Hou Yushen , Wang Xiuli , Zhang Yue
Published: July 2016

Due to the severe damages to transmission systems caused by ice storms, reasonable de‐icing work becomes pressingly significant for power systems. This study proposes a transmission line de‐icing outage optimal scheduling framework based on DC de‐icing method. First, an ice thickness prediction model and a time‐varying forced outage rate model are introduced to delineate the ice accretion and the reliability of lines. Then, a multi‐objective de‐icing outage optimal problem is formulated to minimise the ice thickness peak value of icing lines and the expected energy not supplied of the system during the decision period. Finally, non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm‐II optimisation approach is used to determine the Pareto optimal solutions, and a decision making method is utilised to choose the final de‐icing scheme. Simulation results on IEEE 24‐bus reliability tests system show the effectiveness of the proposed de‐icing strategy.
Cascading failure model in power grids using the complex network theory
Authors: Wenli Fan , Zhigang Liu , Ping Hu , Shengwei Mei
Published: July 2016

The massive power flow transferring triggers the node overload cascade, which further activates the protection system hidden failures. In this study, we propose a cascading failure model based on complex network theory by combining the node overload failures and hidden failures of transmission lines in blackouts together. The model concerns the electrical characteristics, which has not been involved in the existed cascading failure model when modelling node loads. The cascading failure simulations on the 500 kV Center China power grid and the IEEE‐300‐bus test system demonstrate that the proposed cascading failure model with node load built on electrical characteristics can bring better network invulnerability than the model with that constructed on pure structure topology. Meanwhile, the proposed model can better exhibit the negative aspects of hidden failures in the blackouts. The deliberate attacks based on high‐risk nodes can decrease the invulnerability of power grids more seriously compared with those based on high‐degree and high‐load nodes. The results provide a new way to analyse the power grid cascading failure mechanism based on the complex network theory.
Three‐phase grid‐tied single‐stage solar energy conversion system using LLMS control algorithm
Authors: Agarwal Rahul , Hussain Ikhlaq , Singh Bhim
Published: July 2016

In this study, a three‐phase grid‐tied single‐stage solar energy conversion system (SECS) is implemented using a leaky least mean square (LLMS) based control algorithm. The SECS extracts the solar energy from the photovoltaic cells and converts it into electrical energy. The SECS makes use of voltage source inverter to invert the extracted DC power into the three‐phase AC power. Apart from SECS, this system configures a three‐phase grid, ripple filters and connected linear or non‐linear loads. The main objective of this system is to eliminate power quality issues such as harmonics, voltage fluctuations and flickers, unbalancing in loads, reactive power requirement and so on. Moreover, this system operates at unity power factor and zero voltage regulation modes. In this study, SECS employs a single‐stage topology controlled by perturb & observe approach of maximum power point tracking technique and for extracting fundamental component of load currents, a LLMS‐based adaptive neural network control method is used. This system is modelled, designed and simulated in MATLAB using simpower system toolbox and experimental validation is carried out on a developed prototype in the laboratory.
Effect of nanoparticles on transformer oil breakdown strength: experiment and theory
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed E. , Abd‐Elhady Amr M. , Izzularab Mohamed A.
Published: July 2016

This study presents theoretical as well as experimental studies in order to obtain interpretations about the role of nanoparticles in the breakdown mechanism of transformer oil. The published breakdown mechanisms for nanofilled transformer oil are briefly discussed in order to highlight the points of agreement and disagreement with these mechanisms. Moreover, a proposed breakdown mechanism for nanofilled oil is presented depending on a proposed particle charging mechanism that is theoretically discussed and experimentally validated. Finally, the obtained experimental results prove the efficacy of the proposed theoretical mechanisms.
Analysis of ALS and normal EMG signals based on empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Mishra Vipin K. , Bajaj Varun , Kumar Anil , Singh Girish Kumar
Published: July 2016

Electromyogram (EMG) signals contain a lot of information about the neuromuscular diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS progressively degenerates the motor neurons in spinal cord. In this study, a new technique for the analysis of normal and ALS EMG signals is proposed. EMG signals are decomposed into narrow band intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) by using empirical mode decomposition (EMD) technique. The area of complex plot, two bandwidths namely amplitude modulation bandwidth (BAM) and frequency modulation bandwidth (BFM), normalised instantaneous frequency (IFn), spectral momentum of power spectral density (SMPSD) and mean of first derivative of instantaneous frequency (MFDIF) are extracted from analytic IMFs obtained by EMD technique. These six features are used as input in least square support vector machine classifier for the classification of ALS and normal EMG signals. Experimental results and comparative analysis show that classification performance of the proposed method is better than other existing method in the same database.
Laparoscopic Repair for Perforated Peptic Ulcer in Children
Authors: Dassonville Martine , Steyaert Henri , Reusens Helena
Published: July 2016

Introduction A perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a rare but major complication of gastroduodenal peptic ulcer disease. Literature is scarce on this subject in the pediatric population and most articles describe a surgical treatment by laparotomy. We aim to review all our cases of pediatric PPU treated over the past 16 years and compare these to literature to deduce potential benefits and disadvantages regarding laparoscopic treatment of PPU in children.

Materials and Methods A retrospective study of all cases of PPU treated at the Lenval Hospital in Nice (France) and the Queen Fabiola University Hospital for Children in Brussels (Belgium) between 1998 and 2015 was performed.

Results A total of five children were treated for PPU (2 females). The average age was 11 years (range, 3–17). All of them were surgically treated with laparoscopic simple suture of the perforation and placement of an omental patch. There were no mortalities, no conversions, and no extra-abdominal complications or wound dehiscences. Mean operating time was 78.6 minutes (range, 70–115 minutes). Mean duration of intravenous treatment was 6 days (range, 4–12 days). One reintervention was performed for abdominal infection. In one patient, an abdominal drain was left in place for 2 days. The mean time before refeeding was 3.4 days (range, 3–4 days) and mean length of stay was 12 days (range, 7–30 days).

Conclusion Laparoscopic repair is safe and feasible for PPU and should be the gold standard for treatment of PPU in children.
Descemet-Membran-Endothelkeratoplastik (DMEK)
Authors: Luft N. , Dirisamer M. , Priglinger S.
Published: July 2016

Die Descemet-Membran-Endothelkeratoplastik (DMEK) stellt den Goldstandard in der Therapie von isolierten Erkrankungen des Hornhautendothels dar, allen voran der Fuchs-Endotheldystrophie. Durch ihre überlegenen Visusergebnisse und aufgrund der niedrigeren und weiter sinkenden Komplikationsrate macht sie der weltweit etablierten Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) den Rang streitig. Die Etablierung einer standardisierten und reproduzierbaren DMEK-Methode und Fortschritte im Bereich der Spendergewebspräparation ebnen den Weg für viele Chirurgen, sich diese spannende und zugleich fordernde Operationstechnik anzueignen. Ein umfassender Blick in die Literatur zeigt, dass es gewisse verbleibende Herausforderungen der Methode zu adressieren gilt. Beispielsweise stellt die Transplantatablösung die häufigste Komplikation der DMEK dar. Es bedarf zukünftig großer prospektiv-randomisierter Studien, um die Vorteile der DMEK-Methode gegenüber alternativen lamellären Keratoplastiktechniken zu untermauern und verbleibende Problembereiche zu beleuchten.
Genotypic stability of weed competitive ability for bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes in multiple environments
Authors: Zerner M. C. , Rebetzke G. J. , Gill G. S.
Published: July 2016

Weed control in broadacre cropping systems is becoming increasingly difficult owing to widespread evolution of herbicide resistance in major weed species. The importance of crop competition in weed management is often overlooked but it can play an important role in cropping systems. Competitive ability of 86 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes varying for early vigour was investigated at two sites over two growing seasons against cultivated oats (Avena sativa L.) as a weed mimic. There were significant (P < 0.001) treatment effects of weed, wheat genotype and weed × genotype interaction at the different sites. Mature crop height and early crop vigour were strongly correlated with improved weed suppression and tolerance. Negative correlation between early vigour (normalised difference vegetation index and visual score) and weed-free yield indicates the presence of some yield penalty in high-vigour (HV) lines. Wheat genotypes with high grain yield under weed-free conditions tended to suffer high yield loss from weeds (low tolerance) and allowed greater production of weed seed (low weed suppression). However, many of the HV lines produced significantly higher grain yield than the tested commercial cultivars under weedy conditions. The use of the Finlay–Wilkinson regression approach for assessing cultivar stability revealed a strong association between genotype mean weed suppression and stability across the four environments. Several HV lines showed consistently greater weed suppression than the wheat cultivars investigated. Genotypic variation was much greater for weed suppression than weed tolerance, suggesting greater opportunity for the selection of improved weed suppression in wheat. However, strong positive correlation between weed suppression and tolerance (r = 0.79, P < 0.001) suggests that wheat lines selected on the basis of high weed suppression may also exhibit improved weed tolerance.
Out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure and chronic disease – do Australians forgo care because of the cost?
Authors: Callander Emily J. , Corscadden Lisa , Levesque Jean-Frederic
Published: July 2016

Although we do know that out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure is relatively high in Australia, little is known about what health conditions are associated with the highest out-of-pocket expenditure, and whether the cost of healthcare acts as a barrier to care for people with different chronic conditions. Cross-sectional analysis using linear and logistic regression models applied to the Commonwealth Fund international health policy survey of adults aged 18 years and over was conducted in 2013. Adults with asthma, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had 109% higher household out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure than did those with no health condition (95% CI: 50–193%); and adults with depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions had 95% higher household out-of-pocket expenditure (95% CI: 33–187%). People with a chronic condition were also more likely to forego care because of cost. People with depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions had 7.65 times higher odds of skipping healthcare (95% CI: 4.13–14.20), and people with asthma, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had 6.16 times higher odds of skipping healthcare (95% CI: 3.30–11.50) than did people with no health condition. People with chronic health conditions in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland were all significantly less likely to skip healthcare because of cost than were people with a condition in Australia. The out-of-pocket cost of healthcare in Australia acts as a barrier to accessing treatment for people with chronic health conditions, with people with mental health conditions being likely to skip care. Attention should be given to the accessibility and affordability of mental health services in Australia.
Using complementary remote detection methods for retrofitted eco-passages: a case study for monitoring individual koalas in south-east Queensland
Authors: Dexter C. E. , Appleby R. G. , Edgar J. P. , Scott J. , Jones D. N.
Published: July 2016

Context Vehicle-strike has been identified as a key threatening process for koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) survival and persistence in Australia. Roads and traffic act as barriers to koala movement and can impact dispersal and metapopulation dynamics. Given the high cost of wildlife mitigation structures such as purpose-built fauna-specific underpasses or overpasses (eco-passages), road construction and management agencies are constantly seeking cost-effective strategies that facilitate safe passage for fauna across roads. Here we report on an array of detection methods trialled to verify use of retrofitted road infrastructure (existing water culverts or bridge underpasses) by individual koalas in fragmented urban landscapes in south-east Queensland. Aims The study examined whether the retrofitting of existing road structures at six sites facilitated safe passage for koalas across roads. Our primary objective was to record utilisation of retrofitted infrastructure at the level of the individual. Methods We used a combination of existing monitoring methods such as GPS/VHF collars, camera traps, sand plots, and RFID tags, along with a newly developed animal-borne wireless identification (WID) tag and datalogging system, specifically designed for this project, to realise the study aims. Key results We were able to verify 130 crossings by koalas involving a retrofitted structure or a road surface over a 30-month period by using correlated data from complementary methods. We noted that crossings were generally uncommon and mostly undertaken by only a subset of our tagged individuals at each site (21% overall). Conclusions An important element of this study was that crossing events could be accurately determined at the level of the individual. This allowed for detailed assessment of eco-passage usage, rather than the more usual approach of simply recording species’ presence. Implications This study underscores the value of identifying the constraints of each individual monitoring method in relation to site conditions. It also highlights the benefits of contingency planning to limit data loss (i.e. using more than one method to collect data). We suggest an approach that uses complementary monitoring methods has significant advantages for researchers, particularly with reference to improving understanding of whether eco-passages are meeting their prescribed conservation goals.