bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bursts of Bipolar Microsecond Pulses Inhibit Tumor Growth
Authors: Sano Michael B. , Arena Christopher B. , Bittleman Katelyn R. , DeWitt Matthew R. , Cho Hyung J. , Szot Christopher S. , Saur Dieter , Cissell James M. , Robertson John , Lee Yong W. , Davalos Rafael V.
Published: October 2015

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an emerging focal therapy which is demonstrating utility in the treatment of unresectable tumors where thermal ablation techniques are contraindicated. IRE uses ultra-short duration, high-intensity monopolar pulsed electric fields to permanently disrupt cell membranes within a well-defined volume. Though preliminary clinical results for IRE are promising, implementing IRE can be challenging due to the heterogeneous nature of tumor tissue and the unintended induction of muscle contractions. High-frequency IRE (H-FIRE), a new treatment modality which replaces the monopolar IRE pulses with a burst of bipolar pulses, has the potential to resolve these clinical challenges. We explored the pulse-duration space between 250 ns and 100 μs and determined the lethal electric field intensity for specific H-FIRE protocols using a 3D tumor mimic. Murine tumors were exposed to 120 bursts, each energized for 100 μs, containing individual pulses 1, 2, or 5 μs in duration. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited and all protocols were able to achieve complete regressions. The H-FIRE protocol substantially reduces muscle contractions and the therapy can be delivered without the need for a neuromuscular blockade. This work shows the potential for H-FIRE to be used as a focal therapy and merits its investigation in larger pre-clinical models.
A simple bridging flocculation assay for rapid, sensitive and stringent detection of gene specific DNA methylation
Authors: Wee Eugene J. H. , Ha Ngo Thu , Trau Matt
Published: October 2015

The challenge of bringing DNA methylation biomarkers into clinic is the lack of simple methodologies as most current assays have been developed for research purposes. To address the limitations of current methods, we describe herein a novel methyl-protein domain (MBD) enrichment protocol for simple yet rapid and highly stringent selection of highly methylated DNA from limiting input samples. We then coupled this with a DNA-mediated flocculation assay for rapid and low cost naked-eye binary evaluation of highly methylated genes in cell line and blood DNA. The low resource requirements of our method may enable widespread adoption of DNA methylation-based diagnostics in clinic and may be useful for small-scale research.
Nickel clusters embedded in carbon nanotubes as high performance magnets
Authors: Shiozawa Hidetsugu , Briones-Leon Antonio , Domanov Oleg , Zechner Georg , Sato Yuta , Suenaga Kazu , Saito Takeshi , Eisterer Michael , Weschke Eugen , Lang Wolfgang , Peterlik Herwig , Pichler Thomas
Published: October 2015

Ensembles of fcc nickel nanowires have been synthesized with defined mean sizes in the interior of single-wall carbon nanotubes. The method allows the intrinsic nature of single-domain magnets to emerge with large coercivity as their size becomes as small as the exchange length of nickel. By means of X-ray magnetic circular dichroism we probe electronic interactions at nickel-carbon interfaces where nickel exhibit no hysteresis and size-dependent spin magnetic moment. A manifestation of the interacting two subsystems on a bulk scale is traced in the nanotube’s magnetoresistance as explained within the framework of weak localization.
Experimental verification and molecular basis of active immunization against fungal pathogens in termites
Authors: Liu Long , Li Ganghua , Sun Pengdong , Lei Chaoliang , Huang Qiuying
Published: October 2015

Termites are constantly exposed to many pathogens when they nest and forage in the field, so they employ various immune strategies to defend against pathogenic infections. Here, we demonstrate that the subterranean termite Reticulitermes chinensis employs active immunization to defend against the entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae. Our results showed that allogrooming frequency increased significantly between fungus-treated termites and their nestmates. Through active social contact, previously healthy nestmates only received small numbers of conidia from fungus-treated individuals. These nestmates experienced low-level fungal infections, resulting in low mortality and apparently improved antifungal defences. Moreover, infected nestmates promoted the activity of two antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) and upregulated the expression of three immune genes (phenoloxidase, transferrin and termicin). We found 20 differentially expressed proteins associated with active immunization in R. chinensis through iTRAQ proteomics, including 12 stress response proteins, six immune signalling proteins and two immune effector molecules. Subsequently, two significantly upregulated (60S ribosomal protein L23 and isocitrate dehydrogenase) and three significantly downregulated (glutathione S-transferase D1, cuticle protein 19 and ubiquitin conjugating enzyme) candidate immune proteins were validated by MRM assays. These findings suggest that active immunization in termites may be regulated by different immune proteins.
Label-free Quantitative Analysis of Changes in Broiler Liver Proteins under Heat Stress using SWATH-MS Technology
Authors: Tang Xiangfang , Meng Qingshi , Gao Jie , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Hongfu , Zhang Minhong
Published: October 2015

High temperature is one of the key environmental stressors affecting broiler production efficiency and meat yield. Knowledge of broiler self-regulation mechanisms under heat stress is important for the modern scale of poultry breeding. In the present study, the SWATH strategy was employed to investigate the temporal response of the broiler liver to heat stress. A total of 4,271 proteins were identified and used to generate a reference library for SWATH analysis. During this analysis, 2,377 proteins were quantified, with a coefficient of variation ≤25% among technical and biological replicates. A total of 257 proteins showed differential expression between the control and heat stressed groups. Consistent results for 26 and 5 differential proteins were validated respectively by MRM and western blotting quantitative analyses. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that the up- and down-regulation of these proteins appear involved in the following three categories of cellular pathways and metabolisms: 1) inhibit the ERK signaling pathway; 2) affect broiler liver lipid and amino acid metabolism; 3) induce liver cell immune responses to adapt to the high temperatures and reduce mortality. The study reported here provides an insight into broiler self-regulation mechanisms and shed light on the improved broiler adaptability to high-temperature environments.
Polyrotaxane and Slide-Ring Materials
Authors: Mayumi Koichi , Ito Kohzo , Kato Kazuaki
Published: October 2015

Polyrotaxane is a necklace-like supramolecule in which many cyclic molecules are threaded into a single polymer chain and can be cross-linked to produce functional polymeric materials. The resulting materials have movable cross-linking giving unique properties different from other polymer networks with fixed covalent bonds gaining much attention for new films, elastomers and coatings.

Polyrotaxane and Slide-Ring Materials is the first book to cover the fundamentals and applications of these molecules and materials. After a general introduction, the first part of the book covers the thermodynamics of inclusion complex formation and sliding transition in polyrotaxane, followed by different synthesis techniques of polyrotaxane and slide-ring materials. The book then addresses different scattering methods for structural analysis followed by chapters on the electric and optical properties of polyrotaxane as well as the mechanical and thermodynamic properties of slide-ring materials. The final part of the book contains different chapters on their applications including gels elastomers and resins.

Authored by the inventor of slide-ring materials, it will appeal to students, researchers, and engineers in supramolecular chemistry, polymer chemistry and polymer physics.
Principles and Strategies for Microchip Electrophoresis with Amperometric Detection
Authors: Gunasekara Dulan B. , Wijesinghe Manjula B. , Saylor Rachel A. , Lunte Susan M.
Published: October 2015

Microchip electrophoresis (ME) is a powerful separation method utilizing micron and submicron planar channels and allowing many applications where traditional capillary electrophoresis cannot be employed. Amperometry is an ideal detection method in ME due to its high sensitivity, ease of integrating electrodes into the microfluidic platform, simplicity of instrumentation, ease of miniaturization, and comparatively low cost. In addition, many biologically and environmentally important compounds are electroactive. However, both ME and amperometry involve application of an electric field, and these voltages must be isolated from one another to obtain maximum sensitivity and limits of detection. In this chapter, theories of both amperometric detection and ME are discussed. Theoretical and experimental aspects of the effect of interaction of separation voltage on the working electrode are presented. Three commonly employed electrode configurations for amperometric detection in ME are described. Discussions of the determination of signal and noise, and calculation of signal-to-noise ratio for ME–EC analyses, are included. Selection of appropriate electrode materials and configuration to obtain the best selectivity, analyte identification, and overall performance for specific analyte classes is described. Lastly, applications of ME with amperometric detection are highlighted in areas of biological, environmental, and food sciences.
Electrochemical Detection of Nanoparticles
Authors: Toh Her Shuang , Compton Richard G.
Published: October 2015

The electroanalysis of nanoparticles is summarised in a review with 172 references. A brief overview of nanoparticle properties is followed by a critical survey of the state-of-the-art methods for nanoparticle detection. The merits of electrochemistry based techniques are discussed and developed in the context of stripping voltammetry and the recently developed nanoparticle–electrode impact methodology.
Nanoelectrodes in Electrochemical Analysis
Authors: Wahl Amélie , O'Riordan Alan
Published: October 2015

Electrochemical analysis is of particular interest as it enables the rapid detection of numerous analytes with high sensitivity and at low cost. Nanoelectrodes have opened up new research domains and application opportunities in many areas of electroanalysis, in the environment, health, and security sectors. The potential use of nanoelectrodes in a wide range of electrochemical applications has received increased interest worldwide due to the many accrued benefits from working at the nanoscale. However, there are also potential challenges associated with these electrodes. A complete understanding of the electrochemical processes, in terms of diffusion and mass transport, electron transfer kinetics, and the effects of electrode geometry and material composition, is required for sensors to be optimized for real-world applications. There is a need to develop new theoretical models that will accurately describe pulse voltammetric techniques at three-dimensional electrode structures, allowing more informed decisions on electrode geometry and design. This chapter discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using nanoelectrodes in electrochemical analysis; nanoelectrode design, fabrication, and characterisation; and recent and potential future developments in this field.
Dispersible Electrodes: An Approach to Developing Sensing Devices that can Quickly Detect Ultralow Concentrations of Analyte
Authors: Moraes Silva Saimon , Gooding J. Justin
Published: October 2015

This chapter presents the ‘dispersible electrodes’ concept, a novel electrochemical detection system to detect ultra-trace levels of analyte in large samples in a reasonable time frame. In this concept instead of the analyte finding the sensor by diffusion or convection, the sensor finds the analyte. Basically, the electrochemical sensor is subdivided into tiny pieces by using conducting gold coated magnetic nanoparticles (Au@MNPs) as active element in the selective capture and direct electroanalytical quantification of the species of interest. The Au@MNPs are dispersed in solution; once the capturing process has completed, a magnetic field is applied and brings the nanoparticles to the sensing interface to carry out the electrochemical measurements. The chapter covers from the synthetic approach of the Au@MNPs to the surface functionalization of the particles, electrochemical characterization, applications, and performance of the dispersible electrodes.
Nicking endonuclease-assisted signal amplification of a split molecular aptamer beacon for biomolecule detection using graphene oxide as a sensing platform
Authors: Li Xiang , Ding Xuelian , Fan Jing
Published: October 2015

A highly selective and sensitive amplified fluorescence aptasensor for detection of biomolecules was developed based on enzyme-assisted target-recycling signal amplification and graphene oxide.
Characterisation of antibody conjugated particles and their influence on diagnostic assay response
Authors: Worsley Graham J. , Kumarswami Neelam , Minelli Caterina , Noble James E.
Published: October 2015

The batch-to-batch assay performance ‘activity’ of antibody conjugated particles is often variable, leading to poor reproducibility between different production batches. DCS analysis provides a quantitative method to characterise particle oligomerisation, providing a rationale for variable assay performance of different conjugate batches.
Evaluation of modified Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle graphene for dispersive solid-phase extraction to determine trace PAHs in seawater
Authors: Zhang Shaojun , Wu Wanqing , Zheng Qinggong
Published: October 2015

A novel Fe3O4 MNG@CTAB composite was prepared as a DSPE adsorbent for determination of PAH contaminants in seawater.
Three-dimensional hierarchical Prussian blue composed of ultrathin nanosheets: enhanced hetero-catalytic and adsorption properties
Authors: Bu Fan-Xing , Hu Ming , Zhang Wei , Meng Qi , Xu Li , Jiang Dong-Mei , Jiang Ji-Sen
Published: October 2015

Three-dimensional hierarchical Prussian blue composed of ultrathin nanosheets were synthesized by non-classical crystallization route and they manifested superior heterocatalysis and adsorption properties compared to nano/micro-sized Prussian blue counterparts.
Harnessing the interparticle J-aggregate induced plasmonic coupling for surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Cheng Han-Wen , Skeete Zakiya , Ngo Quang Minh , Luo Jin , Zhong Chuan-Jian
Published: October 2015

The kinetic linkage between surface plasmon resonance absorption and surface-enhanced Raman scattering data highlights an effective pathway for harnessing the plasmonic coupling of gold nanoparticles via J-aggregation in solutions.
Effect of π–π interaction in Bergman cyclisation
Authors: Jana Saibal , Anoop Anakuthil
Published: October 2015

The effect of π–π interaction along the reaction coordinate of Bergman cyclisation.
Identifying and avoiding singularity-induced local traps over control landscapes of spin chain systems
Authors: Sun Qiuyang , Pelczer István , Riviello Gregory , Wu Re-Bing , Rabitz Herschel
Published: October 2015

This paper theoretically and experimentally demonstrates the existence of singular traps in linear spin-1/2 chains and also shows how to simply avoid encountering the traps, while placing the findings in the greater context of generally successful performance of quantum control.
Highly monodisperse Pt(0)@AC NPs as highly efficient and reusable catalysts: the effect of the surfactant on their catalytic activities in room temperature dehydrocoupling of DMAB
Authors: Çelik Betül , Erken Esma , Eriş Sinan , Yıldız Yunus , Şahin Birgütay , Pamuk Handan , Sen Fatih
Published: October 2015

The effect of the particle size and the stabilizing ligand on the catalytic activity has been investigated for the dehydrocoupling of DMAB [(CH3)2NHBH3].
Platinum-catalyzed reduction of amides with hydrosilanes bearing dual Si–H groups: a theoretical study of the reaction mechanism
Authors: Nakatani Naoki , Hasegawa Jun-ya , Sunada Yusuke , Nagashima Hideo
Published: October 2015

A platinum-catalyzed hydrosilane reduction of amides proceeds via the classical Chalk–Harrod mechanism with dual Si–H groups.
A structural and 1H NMR relaxometric study on novel layered carboxyalkylaminophosphonate nanocrystals with Gd(iii) ions located in the framework
Authors: Scafuri Antonio , Vivani Riccardo , Carniato Fabio , Tei Lorenzo , Botta Mauro , Taddei Marco , Costantino Ferdinando
Published: October 2015

Novel Gd Carboxyalkylphosphonate microcrystals have been characterized for potential application in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
New honeycomb iridium(v) oxides: NaIrO3 and Sr3CaIr2O9
Authors: Wallace David C. , McQueen Tyrel M.
Published: October 2015

Two new honeycomb Ir5+ iridates are the first examples of a J = 0 state on a honeycomb lattice.
Group 1 and group 2 metal complexes supported by a bidentate bulky iminopyrrolyl ligand: synthesis, structural diversity, and ε-caprolactone polymerization study
Authors: Kottalanka Ravi K. , Harinath A. , Rej Supriya , Panda Tarun K.
Published: October 2015

Synthetic and structural details of a series of alkali and alkaline earth metal complexes, each with a bulky iminopyrrolyl ligand [2-(Ph3CNCH)C4H3NH] moiety in their coordination spheres.
Modular solid-phase synthesis, catalytic application and efficient recycling of supported phosphine–phosphite ligand libraries
Authors: Heutz Frank J. L. , Kamer Paul C. J.
Published: October 2015

A highly modular solid-phase synthetic approach is presented which provides facile access to libraries of recyclable phosphine–phosphite ligands in quantitative yield requiring only minimal work-up.
High pressure synthesis of polar and non-polar cation-ordered polymorphs of Mn2ScSbO6
Authors: Solana-Madruga E. , Dos santos-García A. J. , Arévalo-López A. M. , Ávila-Brande D. , Ritter C. , Attfield J. P. , Sáez-Puche R.
Published: October 2015

Two new Mn2ScSbO6 polymorphs are presented: an antiferromagnetic double perovskite (DPv) and a multiferroic Ni3TeO6-type (NTO) induced by site-selective disorder.
SnxTi1−xO2 solid-solution-nanoparticle embedded mesoporous silica (SBA-15) hybrid as an engineered photocatalyst with enhanced activity
Authors: Srinivasan N. R. , Bandyopadhyaya Rajdip
Published: October 2015

Synthesis of hybrids of a porous host-material (with well-dispersed embedded nanoparticles inside the pore), wherein each nanoparticle has precisely controlled properties (size and composition) poses a generic challenge. To this end, a new strategy is proposed to form SnxTi1−xO2 solid-solution-nanoparticles inside the pores of sphere-like mesoporous silica (SBA-15), with different percentages of Sn in the nanoparticle (varying from 5 to 50 at%), for enhanced photocatalysis. X-ray diffraction confirms the formation of solid-solution nanoparticles in the porous silica hybrid, while the location of nanoparticles and elemental composition are identified using electron microscopy. The hybrid with 5 at% of Sn (Sn0.05Ti0.95O2-sphere-like SBA-15) shows the maximum photocatalytic activity for degradation of rhodamine-B dye (first order rate constant for degradation, k = 1.86 h−1), compared to both pure TiO2-sphere-like SBA-15 (k = 1.38 h−1) or pure SnO2-sphere-like SBA-15 (k = 0.14 h−1) or other hybrids in this series. XPS and PL spectra suggest the formation of more oxygen vacancies during the replacement of Ti4+ with Sn4+. Electrochemical studies reveal that there is a reduction of charge transfer resistance from 910 kΩ cm−2 for TiO2-sphere-like SBA-15, to 332 kΩ cm−2 for Sn0.05Ti0.95O2-sphere-like SBA-15. These results imply that the enhancement in photocatalytic performance is as a result of delay in recombination of charge carriers. Therefore, the approach followed in the present work to form solid-solution nanoparticles inside a porous host without causing pore blockage, would be a promising route towards increasing reaction rates in catalytic applications of hybrid materials.
Protective effects of trigonelline against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats and potential underlying mechanisms
Authors: Antonisamy Paulrayer , Arasu Mariadhas Valan , Dhanasekaran Muniappan , Choi Ki Choon , Aravinthan Adithan , Kim Nam Soo , Kang Chang-Won , Kim Jong-Hoon
Published: October 2015

The gastroprotective activity of trigonelline against indomethacin-induced ulcer and the role of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms have been explored.
A microfluidic bubble trap and oscillator
Authors: Stucki Janick D. , Guenat Olivier T.
Published: October 2015

We present a novel and easy-to-fabricate bubble trap. The working principle is based on the interaction of surface tension and hydrodynamic forces. As an additional feature, the trap generates a bubble oscillation, which may be exploited as a new element in microfluidic logical applications.
Liver injury-on-a-chip: microfluidic co-cultures with integrated biosensors for monitoring liver cell signaling during injury
Authors: Zhou Qing , Patel Dipali , Kwa Timothy , Haque Amranul , Matharu Zimple , Stybayeva Gulnaz , Gao Yandong , Diehl Anna Mae , Revzin Alexander
Published: October 2015

A microfluidic platform is used to study paracrine signaling during model liver injury. Such a microchip allows to study dynamics of paracrine crosstalk between two groups of liver cells.
Retraction: A surfactant-free co-assembly route to fabricate 2D TiO2–WO3 composite inverse opal films for photochromic applications
Authors: Zhen Hongyu , Li Kan
Published: October 2015

Retraction of ‘A surfactant-free co-assembly route to fabricate 2D TiO2–WO3 composite inverse opal films for photochromic applications’ by Hongyu Zhen et al., New J. Chem., 2014, 38, 4041–4044.
Linear scaffolds for multivalent targeting of melanocortin receptors
Authors: Dehigaspitiya Dilani Chathurika , Anglin Bobbi L. , Smith Kara R. , Weber Craig S. , Lynch Ronald M. , Mash Eugene A.
Published: October 2015

Short, efficient syntheses of multivalent molecules targeted to the human melanocortin 4 receptor based on ethylene glycol, glycerol, and d-mannitol are described.
pH-Responsive non-ionic diblock copolymers: protonation of a morpholine end-group induces an order–order transition
Authors: Penfold N. J. W. , Lovett J. R. , Warren N. J. , Verstraete P. , Smets J. , Armes S. P.
Published: October 2015

Protonation of a terminal morpholine group on PGMA50-PHPMA140 diblock copolymer nanoparticles induces a reversible worm-to-sphere order-order transition.
Synthesis and characterization of TEMPO- and viologen-polymers for water-based redox-flow batteries
Authors: Janoschka T. , Morgenstern S. , Hiller H. , Friebe C. , Wolkersdörfer K. , Häupler B. , Hager M. D. , Schubert U. S.
Published: October 2015

Water-soluble polymers for application in polymer-based redox-flow batteries (pRFB) were synthesized and their properties were studied in detail.
Standardized extracts from black bean coats (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) prevent adverse cardiac remodeling in a murine model of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: García-Rivas Gerardo , Youker Keith A. , Orrego Carlos , Flores-Arredondo José , Guerrero-Beltrán Carlos E. , Cordero-Reyes Andrea , Gutiérrez-Uribe Janet A. , García Marisol , Serna-Saldivar Sergio O. , Torre-Amione Guillermo
Published: October 2015

Black bean coats (Phaseolus vulgaris) contain bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and saponins, which have anti-fibrotic effects in which a standardized black bean extract (BBE) has been found to prevent adverse cardiac fibrosis.
Novel Mass Bio System (MBS) and its potential application in advanced treatment of coal gasification wastewater
Authors: Tabassum Salma , Wang Yun , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhang Zhenjia
Published: October 2015

A Novel Mass Bio System (MBS), a suspended biologically activated carbon granular carrier cubic particle with 2–5 mm side length and 1.02–1.08 specific gravity was developed for advanced treatment of coal gasification wastewater.
One-step facile fabrication of sea urchin-like zirconium oxide for efficient phosphate sequestration
Authors: Wang Sufeng , Ma Mengxuan , Man Wencang , Zhang Qingrui , Niu Xiaolong , Sun Guiqing , Zhang Wen , Jiao Tifeng
Published: October 2015

We fabricated a new sea urchin-like zirconium(iv) oxide which exhibits efficient phosphate sequestration with remarkable selectivity, a large capacity and recyclability .
Recent advances in engineering yeast for pharmaceutical protein production
Authors: Fidan Ozkan , Zhan Jixun
Published: October 2015

Currently available systems and synthetic biology tools can be applied to yeast engineering for improved biopharmaceutical protein production.
Rational synthesis of zerovalent iron/bamboo charcoal composites with high saturation magnetization
Authors: Wu Mingshan , Ma Jianfeng , Cai Zhiyong , Tian Genlin , Yang Shumin , Wang Youhong , Liu Xing'e
Published: October 2015

Two zerovalent iron/bamboo charcoal composites with high saturation magnetization (118.1 and 122.7 emu g−1) were prepared by mixing bamboo charcoal powder with Fe3+ solutions and subsequently pyrolyzing under 1000 and 1200 °C.
Study of the thermal stability and flame retardant properties of graphene oxide-decorated zirconium organophosphate based on polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Nie Ling , Liu Changhua , Liu Li , Jiang Ting , Hong Jing , Huang Jin
Published: October 2015

Preparation routes of polypropylene/Zr(AE)3P, polypropylene/GO-Zr(AE)3P nanocomposites.
A comparative study on the efficacy of different probes to predict the photo-activity of nano-titanium dioxide toward biomolecules
Authors: Marucco A. , Carella E. , Fenoglio I.
Published: October 2015

A systematic study has been performed to select cell-free tests able to predict the photo-activity of nano-TiO2 in living organisms.
Prediction of particle deposition and layer growth in the preparation of a dynamic membrane with cross-flow microfiltration
Authors: Pan Yanqiu , Wang Wenjuan , Wang Wei , Wang Tonghua
Published: October 2015

Theoretical and experimental investigations were conducted to predict particle deposition and layer growth during formation of a dynamic membrane using cross-flow microfiltration, good agreements were achieved between predictions and measured data.
The application of Zn0.8Cd0.2S nanocrystals in white light emitting diodes devices
Authors: Chen Ya-Ching , Siao Cyuan-Bin , Chen Hong-Shuo , Wang Kuan-Wen , Chung Shu-Ru
Published: October 2015

In this study, colloidal ternary semiconductor Zn0.8Cd0.2S (ZnCdS) nanocrystals (NCs) with wide emission and high quantum yields (QYs) have been prepared and used as nanophosphors in white light emitting diodes (WLEDs).
A novel non-releasing antibacterial poly(styrene-acrylate)/waterborne polyurethane composite containing gemini quaternary ammonium salt
Authors: He Wei , Zhang Yi , Luo Feng , Li Jiehua , Wang Ke , Tan Hong , Fu Qiang
Published: October 2015

Novel non-releasing antibacterial poly(styrene-acrylate)/waterborne polyurethane composites containing gemini quaternary ammonium salt were designed and preparedviaa facile blending strategy.
Water-soluble Zn–Ag–In–Se quantum dots with bright and widely tunable emission for biomedical optical imaging
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Rong , Bao Fangjian , Han Zhihao , Gu Yueqing , Deng Dawei
Published: October 2015

In this work, we synthesized water-soluble quaternary cadmium-free Zn–Ag–In–Se quantum dots with bright and widely tunable emission, and explored their potential in tumor-specific imaging in vitro and in vivo.
Hydrothermal synthesis and structure evolution of metal-doped magnesium ferrite from saprolite laterite
Authors: Yan Zhikai , Gao Jianming , Li Yang , Zhang Mei , Guo Min
Published: October 2015

Spinel metal-doped magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) was synthesized using an atmospheric hydrochloric acid leaching process and hydrothermal synthesis process from saprolite laterite.
Influence of aliovalent cation substitution on structural and electrical properties of Gd2(Zr1−xMx)2O7−δ (M = Sc, Y) systems
Authors: D. S. Vaisakhan Thampi , Padala Prabhakar Rao , U. A. Renju
Published: October 2015

Fluorite-type zirconate compositions: Gd2(Zr1−xMx)2O7−δ (M = Sc, Y; x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) were prepared and the influence of aliovalent cation substitution on the structural and electrical properties were investigated in detail and correlated.
Temperature for curing phthalonitrile-terminated poly(phthalazinone ether nitrile) reduced by a mixed curing agent and its curing behavior
Authors: Weng Zhihuan , Fu Jiayi , Zong Lishuai , Liu Cheng , Wang Jinyan , Jian Xigao
Published: October 2015

Introduction of AMTU as a curing agent into PPEN-Ph resulted in considerable reduction of the curing temperature without compromise in thermal properties.
Ultra-thin V2O5 nanosheet based humidity sensor, photodetector and its enhanced field emission properties
Authors: Pawar Mahendra S. , Bankar Prashant K. , More Mahendra A. , Late Dattatray J.
Published: October 2015

We report the synthesis of V2O5 nanosheets by a simple hydrothermal method.
Role of precursor chemistry in the direct fluorination to form titanium based conversion anodes for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Powell Jonathan M. , Adcock Jamie , Dai Sheng , Veith Gabriel M. , Bridges Craig A.
Published: October 2015

An effective approach to increasing the reversible specific capacity of TiOF2 conversion electrodes is presented. The capacity increased greatly when the precursor was partially reduced before direct fluorination in a fluidized bed reactor.
One-step synthesis of PI@Fe3O4 composite microspheres and practical applications in Cu(ii) ion adsorption
Authors: Qu Chunyan , Liu Changwei , Zhou Haoran , Yu Weimiao , Wang Dezhi , Wang Dexin
Published: October 2015

We proposed a mechanism for the synthesis of PI/Fe3O4 composite microspheres from PAAS and iron(iii); and the composite microspheres have excellent thermal stabilities.
Rational design of dinitroxide biradicals for efficient cross-effect dynamic nuclear polarization
Authors: Kubicki Dominik J. , Casano Gilles , Schwarzwälder Martin , Abel Sébastien , Sauvée Claire , Ganesan Karthikeyan , Yulikov Maxim , Rossini Aaron J. , Jeschke Gunnar , Copéret Christophe , Lesage Anne , Tordo Paul , Ouari Olivier , Emsley Lyndon
Published: October 2015

A series of 37 dinitroxide biradicals have been prepared and their performance studied as polarizing agents in cross-effect DNP NMR experiments at 9.4 T and 100 K in 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (TCE).
The true nature of rotary movements in rotaxanes
Authors: Liu Peng , Shao Xueguang , Chipot Christophe , Cai Wensheng
Published: October 2015

Reveal the intricate nature of movements within rotaxanes by means of multidimensional free-energy landscapes.
The influence of the localised charge of C- and N-termini on peptide self-assembly
Authors: Bortolini C. , Jones N. C. , Hoffmann S. V. , Besenbacher F. , Dong M.
Published: October 2015

Even though the exchange of N- and C-termini has a significant impact on peptide self-assembly and peptide structure, the secondary structure do not seem to be influenced.
Highly stable ruthenium nanoparticles on 3D mesoporous carbon: an excellent opportunity for reduction reactions
Authors: Veerakumar Pitchaimani , Dhenadhayalan Namasivayam , Lin King-Chuen , Liu Shang-Bin
Published: October 2015

Highly dispersed Ru nanoparticle containing 3D mesoporous carbon materials that show superior performances during catalytic reduction of p-nitroaniline (p-NA) and crystal violet (CV) are studied.
In vitro evaluation of biodegradable magnesium alloys containing micro-alloying additions of strontium, with and without zinc
Authors: Wang Jun-Lan , Mukherjee Shayanti , Nisbet David R. , Birbilis Nick , Chen Xiao-Bo
Published: October 2015

(a) Alloying of microlevels of Sr do not promote thein vitrocathodic reaction, whilst it slightly moderates the anodic kinetics of Mg in MEM and (b) adopted microadditions of Sr around its solid solubility in a Mg implant favourable for bone growth.
Long‐term economic model for allocation of FACTS devices in restructured power systems integrating wind generation
Authors: Elmitwally Akram , Eladl Abdelfattah , Morrow John
Published: October 2015

This study proposes an approach to optimally allocate multiple types of flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices in market‐based power systems with wind generation. The main objective is to maximise profit by minimising device investment cost, and the system's operating cost considering both normal conditions and possible contingencies. The proposed method accurately evaluates the long‐term costs and benefits gained by FACTS devices (FDs) installation to solve a large‐scale optimisation problem. The objective implies maximising social welfare as well as minimising compensations paid for generation re‐scheduling and load shedding. Many technical operation constraints and uncertainties are included in problem formulation. The overall problem is solved using both particle swarm optimisations for attaining optimal FDs allocation as main problem and optimal power flow as sub‐optimisation problem. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated on modified IEEE 14‐bus test system and IEEE 118‐bus test system.
Multi‐agent‐based dynamic state estimator for multi‐area power system
Authors: Sharma Ankush , Srivastava Suresh Chandra , Chakrabarti Saikat
Published: October 2015

The smart grid implementation requires real time monitoring and visualisation of the power system networks. This study presents a multi‐agent‐based multi‐area power system dynamic state estimator (MPDSE), suitable for the network that can be divided into sub‐areas. In this approach, the sub‐areas run MPDSE using field measurements from the remote terminal units (RTUs), as well as from the phasor measurement units (PMUs). The MPDSE is executed for the sub‐areas independently and in parallel to save the overall execution time. Software agents are utilised to exchange the information and run the MPDSE for the RTU and the PMU measurements separately, and, then, integrate their results to estimate the final states of a sub‐area. The central coordinator consolidates the state estimates of all the sub‐areas. The MPDSE is solved by using three approaches based on extended Kalman filter (), unscented Kalman filter, and cubature Kalman filter, and their relative performances are obtained with the help of the simulation results on two test systems.
Fuzzy day‐ahead scheduling of virtual power plant with optimal confidence level
Authors: Fan Songli , Ai Qian , Piao Longjian
Published: October 2015

To obtain the optimal trade‐off between economy and reliability, this study presents a fuzzy chance constrained programming (CCP) approach to the day‐ahead scheduling of virtual power plant (VPP). In this model, uncertain factors in VPP are characterised by fuzzy parameters, and reserve requirements are formulated as fuzzy chance constraints. Considering that economy and risk of VPP are sensitive to different confidence levels (CLs), it is important to select a proper CL for the operator. Different from a pre‐given CL in most literatures, this study proposes a method to determine the optimal CL, hoping to provide references for the operator in optimisations involving CCP. A synthetic satisfaction function is introduced, which depicts the satisfaction degree of VPP under different probabilities. Meanwhile, the satisfaction function reflects VPP's distinct attitudes toward risk and profit. A matrix real‐coded genetic algorithm combined with Monte Carlo simulation is used to solve this model. To reduce computation burden, the fuzzy chance constraint is converted into its crisp equivalent by utilising credibility theory. Numerical tests are performed in a VPP system, and the best CL is determined through comparing VPP's satisfaction degree under different cases, which prove the validity of the proposed model.
Modelling by design of experiments method of the AC breakdown voltage of transformer oil point–plane gaps with insulating barrier
Authors: Zitouni Mohamed , Guerbas Fettouma , Boukezzi Larbi , Boubakeur Ahmed
Published: October 2015

This work is devoted to modelling the AC breakdown voltage in long oil point–plane gaps with insulating barrier by design of experiments (DOE) method. The authors present an experimental study of a laboratory setup that they designed to carry out the influence of geometrical parameters (the position and diameter of the barrier and the distance between electrodes), involved in the process of breakdown. This study is based on the DOE method. However, this method allowed them to propose a mathematical model of the response and leads to reduce the number of laboratory tests.
Calibration and adjustments of degree‐1 and ‐2 re‐entrant turnstile circulators using a partially recessed quarter‐wave long dielectric resonator
Authors: Helszajn Joseph , Carignan Louis‐Philippe , Sharp John
Published: October 2015

The choice of reference planes in the design of the turnstile circulator is not unique. The purpose of this study is to examine two possibilities each of which is equally valid and experimentally verified. One possible arrangement is obtained by replacing the resonator region by a metallic post across the waveguide. The other employs a short‐circuit plate tangential to the circumference of the resonator. The main difference between the two solutions is the gap between the open flat face of the resonator and the in‐phase piston. The prototype used for this purpose is a novel partially recessed quarter‐wave long resonator in half‐height waveguide. This study includes the development of a degree‐2 circulator using such a junction.
Economic analysis of condition monitoring systems for offshore wind turbine sub‐systems
Authors: May Allan , McMillan David , Thöns Sebastian
Published: October 2015

The use of condition monitoring systems on offshore wind turbines has increased dramatically in recent times. However, their use is mostly restricted to vibration based monitoring systems for the gearbox, generator and drive train. A survey of commercially available condition monitoring systems and their associated costs has been completed for the blades, drive train, tower and foundation. This paper considers what value can be obtained from integrating these additional systems into the maintenance plan. This is achieved by running simulations on an operations and maintenance model for a wind farm over a 20 year life cycle. The model uses Hidden Markov Models to represent both the actual system state and the observed condition monitoring state. The CM systems are modelled to include reduced failure types, false alarms, detection rates and 6 month failure warnings. The costs for system failures are derived, as are possible reductions in costs due to early detection. The detection capabilities of the CM systems are investigated and the effects on operational costs are examined. Likewise, the number of failures detected 6 months in advance by the CM systems is modified and the costs reported.
Temperature prediction of the molten salt collector tube using BP neural network
Authors: Ren Ting , Liu Shi , Yan Gaocheng , Mu Huaiping
Published: October 2015

The collector tubes in a receiver play a vital role in the solar power tower system, and directly influence the cost of the power generation. Fast forecast of the temperatures of the collector tubes from the limited number of the temperature measurement data is important. Different from the common computational fluid dynamics prediction method, in this study a back‐propagation neural network method is developed to fast acquire the temperature of the receiver, such as the peak temperatures of the inner and outer surfaces, and the outlet mean temperature and the outlet highest temperature of the molten salt. The numerical simulations are implemented to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Moreover, in the proposed method the temperatures of the tube wall and the molten salt can be fast forecasted without the thermal physical parameters of materials, the boundary conditions or the initial conditions, and the solution of the complicated governing equations.
Algebraic iterative wideband radar imaging algorithm to identify rapidly rotating parts on aerial targets
Authors: Hua Yuming , Guo Junhai , Zhao Hua
Published: October 2015

Inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging plays an important role in aerial target identification. However, traditional ISAR methods are based on rigid body dynamics, which cannot depict micro‐moving parts, such as the rotating propellers of an aircraft. In this study, a novel wideband radar imaging algorithm is proposed to identify rapidly rotating objects. The proposed algorithm contains two key steps: the first involves the establishment of the algebraic equations based on the high‐resolution range profile series. The second step consists of a solution for these equations, for which the authors provide the steepest descent iterative method as well as several improvements to enhance imaging quality. A few necessary preprocesses and potential challenging scenarios are also considered. The results are used from simulations and field data to exhibit the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed algorithm.
Space time adaptive processing algorithm for multiple‐input–multiple‐output radar based on Nyström method
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Zheng , Li Xin , Wang Ben
Published: October 2015

In this study, a new space‐time adaptive processing (STAP) algorithm based on Nyström (Nyström‐STAP) method is proposed to adaptively suppress the clutter and jammer in multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) radar system. The proposed method can reduce the number of training data and computation complexity with less performance loss. In the algorithm, by exploiting the low‐rank characteristic with Nyström extension strategy and column sampling technique, the Nyström‐based covariance estimator is obtained to approximate the clutter subspace with high accuracy, and it only need small clutter homogenous training data support. Then, combining block‐diagonal feature of the jammer covariance matrix and the low‐rank property of clutter subspace, the STAP filter can be formed by the inversions of low dimension matrices, which has less computation complexity. In order to further improve the convergence performance of the proposed method, with the help of adaptive displaced phase centre array technique, the reduced‐rank Nyström approaches are proposed. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed methods exhibit better signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio and probability of detection performance than conventional STAP algorithms with fewer training data and lower computation complexity.
Improved synthetic aperture radar micro‐Doppler jamming method based on phase‐switched screen
Authors: Xu Letao , Feng Dejun , Wang Xuesong
Published: October 2015

Target micro‐motions such as rotation and vibration introduce phase modulation, termed as micro‐Doppler (m‐D) effect, onto synthetic aperture radar (SAR) signals. This causes ghost targets in the reconstructed SAR images. Inspired by this unique characteristic, a passive‐jamming method based on m‐D was developed for SAR. The m‐D jamming method utilised a rotating reflector to intentionally generate ghost targets as jamming strips on the SAR image so as to protect certain areas. The m‐D jamming method based on a single rotating reflector can only generate a long jamming strip along the azimuth direction but located in a finite number of range cells, which restricts the region of protected scene. In this study, an improved m‐D jamming method based on phase‐switched screen (PSS) is proposed, which combines the advantage induced by the PSS modulation and the usefulness of the m‐D jamming. By controlling the modulating frequency and waveform of the PSS, the jamming strip is enlarged along the range direction. Theoretical analyses and simulation results verify the validity of the proposed method.
Non‐contact performance analysis of the core materials by digital holographic interferometry
Authors: Ş an Ufuk , Ustabaş Kaya Gülhan , Saraç Zehra
Published: October 2015

In this study, it is intended to determine how a core material behaves under the influence of a static magnetic field (MF), which causes magnetic losses in electrical machines. In addition, it is aimed to design an optical system, which can determine the performance of the core materials under MF effect. First, when standard core materials are exposed to a MF, these materials make rotational movements. The amount of rotation is then calculated and the work amount done after this rotation is tracked. Consequently, from the work quantities, it can be decided whether the materials are good core materials or not. This shows that the optical system can make a non‐contact performance analysis for the materials in certain thicknesses, which may be the core material. Thus, this system can be used to determine whether the newly manufactured core material is a good one according to the work quantities obtained for standard equivalents. At the same time, this is the first study about performance analysis of core materials achieved by optical methods.
Knowledge‐based three‐body potential for transcription factor binding site prediction
Authors: Qin Wenyi , Zhao Guijun , Carson Matthew , Jia Caiyan , Lu Hui
Published: October 2015

A structure‐based statistical potential is developed for transcription factor binding site (TFBS) prediction. Besides the direct contact between amino acids from TFs and DNA bases, the authors also considered the influence of the neighbouring base. This three‐body potential showed better discriminate powers than the two‐body potential. They validate the performance of the potential in TFBS identification, binding energy prediction and binding mutation prediction.
Modelling the role of catastrophe, crossover and katanin‐mediated severing in the self‐organisation of plant cortical microtubules
Authors: Mace Alex , Wang Wenjia
Published: October 2015

Plant cortical microtubules can form ordered arrays through interactions among themselves. When an incident microtubule collides with a barrier microtubule it may entrain if below a certain angle. Else it undergoes collision induced catastrophe (CIC) or crosses over the barrier microtubule. It has been proposed that katanin is necessary to create order by severing these crossover sites. The authors present a three‐state computational model using Arabidopsis thaliana data to show how spontaneous catastrophe, the probability of CIC versus crossover, and katanin‐mediated severing at the crossover sites affect microtubule ordering. The results of the systematic simulations show that (1), the microtubule order is more sensitive to the catastrophe rate than the rescue rate; (2), at 21°C, peak order is observed at 0.3 CIC and order decreases as CIC increases; and (3) at 0.2 CIC, katanin severing acting uniformly at all crossover sites is able to create order within a biologically reasonable time frame, but at lower CICs this becomes unrealistically fast. This would imply that at lower CIC levels preferential crossover site targeting and severing activity regulators would be required for katanin to bring about order.