bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The changing shape of vaccination: improving immune responses through geometrical variations of a microdevice for immunization
Authors: Crichton Michael Lawrence , Muller David Alexander , Depelsenaire Alexandra Christina Isabelle , Pearson Frances Elizabeth , Wei Jonathan , Coffey Jacob , Zhang Jin , Fernando Germain J. P. , Kendall Mark Anthony Fernance
Published: June 2016

Micro-device use for vaccination has grown in the past decade, with the promise of ease-of-use, painless application, stable solid formulations and greater immune response generation. However, the designs of the highly immunogenic devices (e.g. the gene gun, Nanopatch or laser adjuvantation) require significant energy to enter the skin (30–90 mJ). Within this study, we explore a way to more effectively use energy for skin penetration and vaccination. These modifications change the Nanopatch projections from cylindrical/conical shapes with a density of 20,000 per cm2 to flat-shaped protrusions at 8,000 per cm2, whilst maintaining the surface area and volume that is placed within the skin. We show that this design results in more efficient surface crack initiations, allowing the energy to be more efficiently be deployed through the projections into the skin, with a significant overall increase in penetration depth (50%). Furthermore, we measured a significant increase in localized skin cell death (>2 fold), and resultant infiltrate of cells (monocytes and neutrophils). Using a commercial seasonal trivalent human influenza vaccine (Fluvax 2014), our new patch design resulted in an immune response equivalent to intramuscular injection with approximately 1000 fold less dose, while also being a practical device conceptually suited to widespread vaccination.
CHRNA7 Polymorphisms and Dementia Risk: Interactions with Apolipoprotein ε4 and Cigarette Smoking
Authors: Weng Pei-Hsuan , Chen Jen-Hau , Chen Ta-Fu , Sun Yu , Wen Li-Li , Yip Ping-Keung , Chu Yi-Min , Chen Yen-Ching
Published: June 2016

α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR, encoded byCHRNA7) is involved in dementia pathogenesis through cholinergic neurotransmission, neuroprotection and interactions with amyloid-β. Smoking promotes atherosclerosis and increases dementia risk, but nicotine exerts neuroprotective effect via α7nAChR in preclinical studies. No studies explored the gene-gene, gene-environment interactions betweenCHRNA7polymorphism, apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status and smoking on dementia risk. This case-control study recruited 254 late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) and 115 vascular dementia (VaD) cases (age ≥65) from the neurology clinics of three teaching hospitals in Taiwan during 2007–2010. Controls (N = 435) were recruited from health checkup programs and volunteers during the same period. NineCHRNA7haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms representative for Taiwanese were genotyped. AmongAPOEε4 non-carriers, CHRNA7rs7179008 variant carriers had significantly decreased LOAD risk after correction for multiple tests (GG + AG vs. AA: adjusted odds ratio = 0.29, 95% confidence interval = 0.13–0.64,P = 0.002). Similar findings were observed for carriers of GT haplotype inCHRNA7block4. A significant interaction was found between rs7179008, GT haplotype in block4 andAPOEε4 on LOAD risk. rs7179008 variant also reduced the detrimental effect of smoking on LOAD risk. No significant association was found betweenCHRNA7and VaD. These findings help to understand dementia pathogenesis.
Glacial melting: an overlooked threat to Antarctic krill
Authors: Fuentes Verónica , Alurralde Gastón , Meyer Bettina , Aguirre Gastón E. , Canepa Antonio , Wölfl Anne-Cathrin , Hass H. Christian , Williams Gabriela N. , Schloss Irene R.
Published: June 2016

Strandings of marine animals are relatively common in marine systems. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We observed mass strandings of krill in Antarctica that appeared to be linked to the presence of glacial meltwater. Climate-induced glacial meltwater leads to an increased occurrence of suspended particles in the sea, which is known to affect the physiology of aquatic organisms. Here, we study the effect of suspended inorganic particles on krill in relation to krill mortality events observed in Potter Cove, Antarctica, between 2003 and 2012. The experimental results showed that large quantities of lithogenic particles affected krill feeding, absorption capacity and performance after only 24 h of exposure. Negative effects were related to both the threshold concentrations and the size of the suspended particles. Analysis of the stomach contents of stranded krill showed large quantities of large particles ( > 106μm3), which were most likely mobilized by glacial meltwater. Ongoing climate-induced glacial melting may impact the coastal ecosystems of Antarctica that rely on krill.
MicroRNA-449a enhances radiosensitivity by downregulation of c-Myc in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Mao Aihong , Zhao Qiuyue , Zhou Xin , Sun Chao , Si Jing , Zhou Rong , Gan Lu , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in DNA damage response induced by ionizing radiation (IR). c-Myc is reduced when cells treated with IR or other DNA damaging agents. It is unknown whether miRNAs participate in c-Myc downregulation in response to IR. In the present study, we found that miR-449a enhanced radiosensitivity in vitro and in vivo by targeting c-Myc in prostate cancer (LNCaP) cells. MiR-449a was upregulated and c-Myc was downregulated in response to IR in LNCaP cells. Overexpression of miR-449a or knockdown of c-Myc promoted the sensitivity of LNCaP cells to IR. By establishing c-Myc as a direct target of miR-449a, we revealed that miR-449a enhanced radiosensitivity by repressing c-Myc expression in LNCaP cells. Furthermore, we showed that miR-449a enhanced radiation-induced G2/M phase arrest by directly downregulating c-Myc, which controlled the Cdc2/CyclinB1 cell cycle signal by modulating Cdc25A. These results highlight an unrecognized mechanism of miR-449a-mediated c-Myc regulation in response to IR and may provide alternative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Single-trial prediction of reaction time variability from MEG brain activity
Authors: Ohata Ryu , Ogawa Kenji , Imamizu Hiroshi
Published: June 2016

Neural activity prior to movement onset contains essential information for predictive assistance for humans using brain-machine-interfaces (BMIs). Even though previous studies successfully predicted different goals for upcoming movements, it is unclear whether non-invasive recording signals contain the information to predict trial-by-trial behavioral variability under the same movement. In this paper, we examined the predictability of subsequent short or long reaction times (RTs) from magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals in a delayed-reach task. The difference in RTs was classified significantly above chance from 550 ms before the go-signal onset using the cortical currents in the premotor cortex. Significantly above-chance classification was performed in the lateral prefrontal and the right inferior parietal cortices at the late stage of the delay period. Thus, inter-trial variability in RTs is predictable information. Our study provides a proof-of-concept of the future development of non-invasive BMIs to prevent delayed movements.
Formation of the syn isomer of [FeIV(Oanti)(TMC)(NCMe)]2+ in the reaction of Lewis acids with the side-on bound peroxo ligand in [FeIII(η2-O2)(TMC)]+
Authors: Prakash Jai , Que Lawrence
Published: June 2016

We demonstrate that the reactions of [FeIII(η2-O2)(TMC)]+ (TMC = tetramethylcyclam) with Lewis acids (H+ and NO+) afford the recently described syn isomer of [FeIV(O)(TMC)(NCMe)]2+ (and not the anti isomer as had been tacitly assumed).
A single-stranded {Gd18} nanowheel with a symmetric polydentate diacylhydrazone ligand
Authors: Wang Kai , Chen Zi-Lu , Zou Hua-Hong , Hu Kun , Li Hai-Ye , Zhang Zhong , Sun Wei-Yin , Liang Fu-Pei
Published: June 2016

A {Gd18} nanowheel was solvothermally synthesized. It features a rare single-stranded skeleton that looks like a Reuleaux triangle with vertices buckled in, represents the highest nuclearity and the largest size in any pure Ln wheels reported, and shows a large MCE.
The hierarchical construction of cross-junctions of molecular wires with covalent and noncovalent interactions at the liquid/solid interface
Authors: Yu Yanxia , Yang Ling , Liu Chunhua , Tian Wei Quan , Wang Yan , Lei Shengbin
Published: June 2016

Hierarchical networks, constructed by non-covalent bond stabilized cross-junctions of covalent one-dimensional molecular wires, are synergistically formed at the liquid/solid interface through the in situ on-surface condensation of aromatic amines and aldehydes.
Solvent responsive catalyst improves NMR sensitivity via efficient magnetisation transfer
Authors: Ruddlesden Amy J. , Duckett Simon B.
Published: June 2016

A bidentate iridium carbene complex, Ir(κC,O-L1)(COD), has been synthesised which contains a strongly electron donating carbene ligand that is functionalised by a cis-spanning phenolate group. Upon activation, it acts as an efficient magnetisation transfer catalyst in a range of solvents by varying its form.
Interaction of a symmetrical α,α′,δ,δ′-tetramethyl-cucurbit[6]uril with Ln3+: potential applications for isolation of lanthanides
Authors: Yang Bo , Gao Zhong-Zheng , Lu Ji-Hong , Zhu Qian-Jiang , Xue Sai-Feng , Tao Zhu , Prior Timothy J. , Redshaw Carl , Wei Gang , Xiao Xin
Published: June 2016

Interaction of a symmetrical α,α′,δ,δ′-tetramethyl-cucurbit[6]uril (TMeQ[6]) with a series of lanthanide cations (Ln3+) was investigated in neutral water and acidic solution.
Grain rotation and lattice deformation during perovskite spray coating and annealing probed in situ by GI-WAXS
Authors: Lilliu S. , Griffin J. , Barrows A. T. , Alsari M. , Curzadd B. , Dane T. G. , Bikondoa O. , Macdonald J. E. , Lidzey D. G.
Published: June 2016

Synchrotron grazing incidence WAXS is used to track CH3NH3PbI3 precursor and perovskite crystallites rotation in situ during solution-deposition and thermal annealing.
Adding a new dimension to the chemistry of phosphorus and arsenic
Authors: Yang Li-Ming , Ganz Eric
Published: June 2016

We predict two novel highly stable free-standing 2D monolayers of P and As alloyed with Cu (Cu2X) that have exotic hypercoordination motifs. These are the first predicted hexacoordinate P and planar hexacoordinate As extended alloy sheets.
Realizing ferromagnetic ordering in SnO2 and ZnO nanostructures with Fe, Co, Ce ions
Authors: Verma Kuldeep Chand , Kotnala R. K.
Published: June 2016

The dopants Co and Ce in SnO2 nanostructures favour room temperature ferromagnetism, whereas in ZnO, the dopants involve in antiferromagnetic interactions at room temperature.
Thermomechanical coupling in coarse grained cholesteric liquid crystal model systems with pitches of realistic length
Authors: Sarman Sten , Wang Yong-Lei , Laaksonen Aatto
Published: June 2016

Cholesteric liquid crystal where the director is rotated by a temperature gradient.
High-pressure phase transitions in rubidium and caesium hydroxides
Authors: Hermann Andreas
Published: June 2016

First-principles calculations on the phase evolution of RbOH and CsOH under compression suggest new high-pressure phases in both compounds.
Experimental and theoretical insights into binary Zn-SBA-15/KI catalysts for the selective coupling of CO2and epoxides into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions
Authors: Liu Mengshuai , Gao Kunqi , Liang Lin , Sun Jianmin , Sheng Li , Arai Masahiko
Published: June 2016

Experimental and theoretical evidence gives insights into Zn-SBA-15/KI for selective coupling of CO2and epoxides under mild conditions.
Synthesis and characterization of dinuclear rare-earth complexes supported by amine-bridged bis(phenolate) ligands and their catalytic activity for the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide
Authors: Duan Yu-Lai , He Jia-Xuan , Wang Wei , Zhou Jing-Jing , Huang Yong , Yang Ying
Published: June 2016

Neutral rare-earth complexes [M2(L)2(THF)4] have been synthesized. Their activities toward the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactides will be presented.
Synthesis and reactivity of Li and TaMe3 complexes supported by N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-o-phenylenediamido ligands
Authors: Janes Trevor , Xu Maotong , Song Datong
Published: June 2016

Redox-active diamido ligands sponsor heterodinuclear TaLi complexes and a TaMe3 species which undergoes photoreduction to yield a Ta(iv) dimer.
Aspects of science and technology in support of legal and policy frameworks associated with a global carbon emissions-control regime
Authors: Lewis Nathan S.
Published: June 2016

The resolution of the delegates to COP21 in Paris suggests a step toward a global carbon emissions-control regime. We explore technical aspects of such a regime, e.g., monitoring of regional CO2 emissions and control and regulation of global temperatures.
Spectroscopic evaluation of the interaction between pesticides and chickpea cystatin: comparative binding and toxicity analyses
Authors: Bhat Sheraz Ahmad , Bhat Waseem Feeroze , Bano Bilqees
Published: June 2016

The binding study of pesticides with proteins is of great importance in ecotoxicology. (a) Chlorpyrifos (CPF), an insecticide, (b) Mancozeb (MCZ), a fungicide, and (c) Glyphosate (GPS), a herbicide.
Structure property relationships of biobased n-alkyl bisferulate epoxy resins
Authors: Maiorana Anthony , Reano Armando F. , Centore Robert , Grimaldi Marina , Balaguer Patrick , Allais Florent , Gross Richard A.
Published: June 2016

In this work, a series of bio-based chemically recyclable epoxy resins were synthesized from n-alkyl bisferulate esters that do not activate human estrogen receptor alpha (ERα).
Temporally resolved direct delivery of second messengers into cells using nanostraws
Authors: Xu Alexander M. , Kim Sally A. , Wang Derek S. , Aalipour Amin , Melosh Nicholas A.
Published: June 2016

Nanostraws act as direct conduits for delivering cell-impermeant materials into cells with temporal control.
Design, synthesis, and energy-related applications of metal sulfides
Authors: Liu Yongchang , Li Yang , Kang Hongyan , Jin Ting , Jiao Lifang
Published: June 2016

This review summarizes the rational design and efficient synthesis of metal sulfides with controlled morphologies, sizes, compositions, and micro/nano-structures, along with their energy-related applications in Li/Na/Mg-ion batteries, supercapacitors, oxygen reduction reaction, hydrogen evolution and storage.
Solvent-less method for efficient photocatalytic α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles using macromolecular polymeric precursors
Authors: Diaz Carlos , Barrientos Lorena , Carrillo Daniel , Valdebenito Javier , Valenzuela Maria L. , Allende Patricio , Geaney Hugh , O'Dwyer Colm
Published: June 2016

Efficient photocatalytic degradation of persistent cationic dye pollutants under visible light is possible with Fe2O3 nanoparticles formed by solvent-less synthesis using macromolecular precursor design.
Chemically synthesized glycoconjugates on proteins: effects of multivalency and glycoform in vivo
Authors: Tanaka Katsunori
Published: June 2016

The biodistributions andin vivokinetics of chemically prepared glycoconjugates on proteins are reviewed.
Dual modification of biomolecules
Authors: Maruani Antoine , Richards Daniel A. , Chudasama Vijay
Published: June 2016

Fromde novoapproaches on oligonucleotides to the post-translational functionalisation of proteins, this review will highlight the main strategies to dually modify biological entities.
Stereoselective synthesis of cyclopentanone-fused benzosultams through Tomita zipper cyclization
Authors: Ramachary Dhevalapally B. , Krishna Patoju M. , Reddy T. Prabhakar
Published: June 2016

Herein, we present a intermolecular version of Tomita zipper-cyclization (TZC) reaction for the synthesis of drug-like cyclopentanone-fused benzosultams from the ynones and cyclic N-sulfonyl α-iminoesters through an organophosphine-catalysis.
Polymeric filomicelles and nanoworms: two decades of synthesis and application
Authors: Truong Nghia P. , Quinn John F. , Whittaker Michael R. , Davis Thomas P.
Published: June 2016

This review highlights the substantial progress in the syntheses and applications of filomicelles, an emerging nanomaterial with distinct and useful properties.
Surface enhanced Raman scattering based reaction monitoring of in vitro decyclization of creatinine → creatine
Authors: Gangopadhyay Debraj , Sharma Poornima , Singh Sachin Kumar , Singh Pushkar , Deckert Volker , Popp Jürgen , Singh Ranjan K.
Published: June 2016

Raman signatures of decyclization of creatinine to creatine appear after 120 min at pH 8, 60 min at pH 10 and 30 min at pH 12. Signature of reversibility at later stages of the reaction.
Ferricyanide-based analysis of aqueous lignin suspension revealed sequestration of water-soluble lignin moieties
Authors: Joshua C. J. , Simmons B. A. , Singer S. W.
Published: June 2016

A simple and reproducible ferricyanide-based technique for routine qualitative and semi-quantitative comparative analysis of aqueous lignin extracts.
Design and synthesis of a stable-performance P2-type layered cathode material for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Liu Shuo , Jiang Xiaolei , Zhang Junshu , Yang Jian , Qian Yitai
Published: June 2016

P2-type Na0.6Ni0.2Co0.2Mn0.5Ti0.1O2 powders are successfully synthesized by a solid state reaction. Ex situ XRD reveals the phase transition process occurs at 4.1 V.
Non-carbonyl Curcuma longa [NCCL] protects the heart from myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by reducing endothelial microparticle mediated inflammation in rats
Authors: Manhas Amit , Tripathi Dipti , Biswas Bharti , Ahmad Hafsa , Goyal Dipika , Dwivedi Anil Kumar , Dikshit Madhu , Jagavelu Kumaravelu
Published: June 2016

Endothelial cell mediated inflammation flags and mediates the progression of pre and post myocardial infarction.
Theoretical and thermogravimetric study on the thermo-oxidative decomposition of Quinolin-65 as an asphaltene model molecule
Authors: Badran Ismail , Nassar Nashaat N. , Marei Nedal N. , Hassan Azfar
Published: June 2016

In this study, the thermal oxidation of an asphaltene model molecule, Quinolin-65, was investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) and the second-order Møller–Plesset (MP2) perturbation theory.
Fluorescence turn-on detection of Fe3+in pure water based on a cationic poly(perylene diimide) derivative
Authors: Jin Lu , Liu Cui , An Nianqi , Zhang Qiang , Wang Jing , Zhao Linlin , Lu Yan
Published: June 2016

A water-soluble PDIs-based polymeric chemosensor L displays a turn-on response selective to Fe3+, which allows facile monitoring of the Fe3+/Fe2+transition and intracellular Fe3+imaging.
An octanuclear MnIII4DyIII4 cluster connected via two μ5-NO3− bridges with slow relaxation of magnetization
Authors: Wang Feng , Peng Hua , Ding Yu
Published: June 2016

An octanuclear MnIII4DyIII4 cluster was connected by two μ5-NO3− bridges.
Pure ion chromatogram extraction via optimal k-means clustering
Authors: Ji Hongchao , Lu Hongmei , Zhang Zhimin
Published: June 2016

A new method called KPIC is proposed for extracting pure ion chromatogram from raw LC-MS data accurately, which is based on optimalk-means clustering. And KPIC can reduces the number of split signals and provide higher quality chromatographic peaks.
Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers–silver nanoparticle based micro-solid phase extraction for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples
Authors: Khajeh Mostafa , Sharifirad Marzieh , Bohlooli Mousa , Ghaffari-Moghaddam Mansour
Published: June 2016

In this study, an efficient and sensitive magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer–silver nanoparticle (MMIPS) system was successfully synthesized.
Preparation of a phosphorous-free terpolymer as a decalcifying agent for removing calcium from crude oil
Authors: Ma Shuaishuai , Cai Zhilan , Zhou Yuming , Li Shiwei , Liang Shuang
Published: June 2016

A novel phosphorous-free terpolymer, used as a decalcifying agent for removing calcium from crude oil, was prepared through a free-radical polymerization reaction of acrylic acid, allylpolyethoxy amino carboxylate, and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate.
A simple regenerable electrochemical aptasensor for the parallel and continuous detection of biomarkers
Authors: Liu Chunyan , Liu Xi , Qin Yun , Deng Chunyan , Xiang Juan
Published: June 2016

In this present work, a simple regenerable electrochemical aptasensor for the parallel and continuous detection of protein biomarkers is reported.
Urine metabolic phenotypes analysis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma disease using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Li Jun , Zhang Ai-Hua
Published: June 2016

Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) is the second most common type of malignant primary tumor with a poor survival rate and an increasing global trend.
Carbon dots in ZnO macroporous films with controlled photoluminescence through defects engineering
Authors: Suzuki K. , Takahashi M. , Malfatti L. , Innocenzi P.
Published: June 2016

Carbon dots in ZnO macroporous films through post-impregnation represent a new frontier for highly efficient light-emitting nanocomposite materials with tunable colors in a wide range of the visible spectral region.
Nano-engineering of liposomes using a supercritical CO2mediated gas anti-solvent method
Authors: Shashidhar G. M. , Pravin G. V. , Manohar B.
Published: June 2016

Nano-liposomes were designed using a supercritical (SC) gas anti-solvent (GAS) method.
Thermoelectric properties of the chalcopyrite Cu1−xMxFeS2−y series (M = Mn, Co, Ni)
Authors: Lefèvre Robin , Berthebaud David , Mychinko M. Yu. , Lebedev Oleg I. , Mori Takao , Gascoin Franck , Maignan Antoine
Published: June 2016

This study presents the thermoelectric properties of the substituted on the Cu site and/or sulfur deficiency CuFeS2 chalcopyrite based series Cu1−xMxFeS2−y (M = Mn, Co, Ni, x ≤ 0.05 and y ≤ 0.02).
Tetraphenylethene-functionalized diketopyrrolopyrrole solid state emissive molecules: enhanced emission in the solid state and as a fluorescent probe for cyanide detection
Authors: Wang Lingyun , Zhu Linhui , Li Lin , Cao Derong
Published: June 2016

Tetraphenylethene-functionalized diketopyrrolopyrrole solid state red-emissive molecules (DPP1andDPP2) with enhanced emission in the solid state have been developed.
C–H⋯Br–C vs. C–Br⋯Br–C vs. C–Br⋯N bonding in molecular self-assembly of pyridine-containing dyes
Authors: Safin Damir A. , Babashkina Maria G. , Robeyns Koen , Garcia Yann
Published: June 2016

We have studied N-(5-bromosalicylidene)-x-aminopyridine dyes (x = 2, 1; 3, 2; 4, 3) by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction and Hirshfeld surface analysis. Their optical properties were also examined and correlated with structural findings.
Catalytic cracking of n-pentane over CLD modified HZSM-5 zeolites
Authors: Hou Xu , Qiu Yuan , Zhang Xiangwen , Liu Guozhu
Published: June 2016

The possible role of CLD modification on H-ZSM5 zeolite in n-pentane cracking was proposed.
Porous three-dimensional activated microwave exfoliated graphite oxide as an anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Xianjun , Zuo Linwen , Wu Shuilin , Qu Xiaodi , Wei Meng , He Li , Zhong Yu , Zhu Yanwu
Published: June 2016

3D porous aMEGO has been achieved with high SSA and improved electrochemical performance for LIBs.
Eight Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) complexes based on the aromatic C-centered triangular multicarboxylate and N-donor mixed ligands
Authors: Nie Aiyang , Tong Yongli , Zhou Hu , Cao Lingling , Yu Hui , Shi Chao , Yuan Aihua
Published: June 2016

Eight Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) complexes based on the C-centered triangular multicarboxylate and N-donor mixed ligands were synthesized. The coordination mode of ligands have obvious effects on the final structures. Luminescent properties were investigated.
Optimization of a green emulsion stability by tuning homogenization rate
Authors: Santos Jenifer , Calero Nuria , Muñoz José
Published: June 2016

This study has been focused on the development of stable emulsions using ecofriendly ingredients and taking into account that energy requirements should be minimized.
A rare doubly nitrato and phenoxido bridged trimetallic CuIIcomplex: EPR, antiferromagnetic coupling and theoretical rationalization
Authors: Datta Amitabha , Das Kuheli , Mane Sandeep B. , Mendiratta Shruti , El Fallah Mohamed Salah , Garribba Eugenio , Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio , Hung Chen-Hsiung , Sinha Chittaranjan
Published: June 2016

A new homometallic trinuclear Cu(ii) complex is afforded with a tetradentate Schiff base precursor. Complex1manifests a strong antiferromagnetic coupling which is in agreement with EPR and DFT computation to explain the magneto-structural correlation.
Pyrite nanoparticles: an Earth-abundant mineral catalyst for activation of molecular hydrogen and hydrogenation of nitroaromatics
Authors: Ma Ben , Tong Xili , Guo Congxiu , Guo Xiaoning , Guo Xiangyun , Keil F. J.
Published: June 2016

Pyrite (FeS2) nanoparticles, a kind of Earth-abundant mineral, can efficiently activate molecular hydrogen under mild conditions.
Enhanced mechanical properties of olefin block copolymer by adding a quaternary ammonium salt functionalized graphene oxide
Authors: Sui Guopeng , Zhao Yongsheng , Zhang Qin , Fu Qiang
Published: June 2016

Large mechanical properties enhancement of OBC via blending with chemical modification CTAB-GO.
Isocyanide and Meldrum's acid-based multicomponent reactions in diversity-oriented synthesis: from a serendipitous discovery towards valuable synthetic approaches
Authors: Shaabani Ahmad , Hooshmand Seyyed Emad
Published: June 2016

Multicomponent reactions, which lead to synthesis of target compounds with inherent molecular diversity, greater efficiency and atom economy, are single step types of reactions made from three or more reactants attract the attention of all chemists.
Enantioselective toxicity and bioaccumulation of epoxiconazole enantiomers to the green alga Scenedesmus obliquus
Authors: Liu Chunxiao , Wang Bo , Diao Jingling , Zhou Zhiqiang
Published: June 2016

Enantioselectivity in environmental behaviour of chiral pesticides has become a subject of growing interest.
A colour-tunable chiral AIEgen: reversible coordination, enantiomer discrimination and morphology visualization
Authors: Roose Jesse , Leung Anakin Chun Sing , Wang Jia , Peng Qian , Sung Herman H.-Y. , Williams Ian Duncan , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2016

We present a chiral red-fluorescent AIEgen that reversibly coordinates nucleophiles with large changes in optical properties. This effect is used to discriminate enantiomers and analyse the micro-morphology of polymer blends.
Multimetal-MOF-derived transition metal alloy NPs embedded in an N-doped carbon matrix: highly active catalysts for hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Long Jilan , Shen Kui , Chen Liang , Li Yingwei
Published: June 2016

We report a MOF-templated route to synthesize transition metal alloy NPs embedded in an N-doped carbon matrix. The alloy-based catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic performance and widespread substrate applicability for the transfer hydrogenation of nitriles.
A robust bilayer nanofilm fabricated on copper foam for oil–water separation with improved performances
Authors: Wang Yabin , Lin Feng , Peng Jiaoyu , Dong Yaping , Li Wu , Huang Yudong
Published: June 2016

In this work, a facile approach of covalent layer-by-layer assembly was applied to fabricate a bilayer nanofilm which renders roughened copper foam superhydrophobic with robust performances.
Advanced arrayed bismuth nanorod bundle anode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Shuai , Feng Jinkui , Bian Xiufang , Liu Jie , Xu Hui
Published: June 2016

Advanced arrayed Bi nanorod bundles prepared by chemical dealloying exhibit an excellent electrochemical performance as an SIB anode due to their high ion accessibility and fast electron transport.
Light-assisted rapid preparation of a Ni/g-C3N4 magnetic composite for robust photocatalytic H2 evolution from water
Authors: Kong Linggang , Dong Yuming , Jiang Pingping , Wang Guangli , Zhang Huizhen , Zhao Na
Published: June 2016

Ni formed by photo-reduction of Ni(ii) within 30 min and the ratio of Ni/g-C3N4 can be adjusted conveniently.
Complex modulation of the crystal structure of a layered perovskite. A promising solid-oxide-fuel-cell cathode
Authors: Martínez de Irujo-Labalde Xabier , Muñoz-Gil Daniel , Urones-Garrote Esteban , Ávila-Brande David , García-Martín Susana
Published: June 2016

Excellent performance as a cathode material for IT-SOFCs is found in (GdBa)0.8Ca0.4Co0.6Fe1.4O6−δ related to a complex crystal superstructure based on ordering of Gd, Ba and Ca in combination with different coordination polyhedral of Co and Fe and layered-location of anion vacancies.
Influence of strontium ions incorporated into nanosheet-pore topographical titanium substrates on osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and on osseointegration in vivo
Authors: Xu Kui , Chen Weizhen , Hu Yan , Shen Xinkun , Xu Gaoqiang , Ran Qichun , Yu Yonglin , Mu Caiyun , Cai Kaiyong
Published: June 2016

Strontium ions incorporation and nanosheet-pore topography of titanium substrates synergistically improve the osteogensis of MSCs and osseointegration in vivo.
Low temperature aqueous solution-processed Li doped ZnO buffer layers for high performance inverted organic solar cells
Authors: Lin Zhenhua , Chang Jingjing , Zhang Chunfu , Zhang Jincheng , Wu Jishan , Hao Yue
Published: June 2016

An enhanced photovoltaic performance is achieved by employing a lithium doped ZnO layer as the electron buffer layer for organic solar cells.
Low cost and highly conductive elastic composites for flexible and printable electronics
Authors: Hu Yougen , Zhao Tao , Zhu Pengli , Zhu Yu , Shuai Xingtian , Liang Xianwen , Sun Rong , Lu Daoqiang Daniel , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: June 2016

Printable elastic conductive composites with high conductivity and flexibility have exciting applications in burgeoning flexible electronics.
Recent progress in the mechanochromism of phosphorescent organic molecules and metal complexes
Authors: Xue Pengchong , Ding Jipeng , Wang Panpan , Lu Ran
Published: June 2016

Phosphorescent mechanochromic materials may change their luminescence color and intensity with large spectral shifts under a mechanical force stimulus.
Large-scale synthesis and screen printing of upconversion hexagonal-phase NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+/Er3+/Eu3+ plates for security applications
Authors: Yao Weijing , Tian Qingyong , Liu Jun , Wu Zhaohui , Cui Shuyuan , Ding Jin , Dai Zhigao , Wu Wei
Published: June 2016

β-NaYF4 UCMPs were synthesized on a large-scale and the UCMPs fluorescence inks-based screen-printing patterns applied for anti-counterfeit applications.
Side-chain engineering of diindenocarbazole-based large bandgap copolymers toward high performance polymer solar cells
Authors: Tu Qisheng , Cai Dongdong , Wang Lixin , Wei Jiajun , Shang Qi , Chen Shan-Ci , Ma Yunlong , Yin Zhigang , Tang Changquan , Zheng Qingdong
Published: June 2016

Diindenocarbazole-based large bandgap polymers were designed and synthesized as short wavelength absorbing materials for PSCs exhibiting an efficiency up to 7.34% and aVocas large as 0.95 V.
ON/OFF switching of silicon wafer electrochemistry by pH-responsive polymer brushes
Authors: Panzarasa G. , Dübner M. , Pifferi V. , Soliveri G. , Padeste C.
Published: June 2016

Grafting-from of poly(methacrylic acid) brushes enables pH-controlled switching of silicon wafer electrochemistry, making possible the design of new electrochemical hybrid devices.
miRNAs in NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Shen Hongmei , Li Zheng
Published: June 2016

The identification and functional delineation of miRNAs (a class of small non-coding RNAs) have added a new layer of complexity to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity. Genome-wide association studies in conjunction with investigations in cellular and animal models, moreover, provide evidence that miRNAs are involved in psychiatric disorders. In the present review, we examine the current knowledge about the roles played by miRNAs in NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity and psychiatric disorders.
Prevalence and Nature of Hearing Loss in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Van Eynde Charlotte , Swillen Ann , Lambeens Elien , Verhaert Nicolas , Desloovere Christian , Luts Heleen , Poorten Vincent Vander , Devriendt Koenraad , Hens Greet
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to clarify the prevalence, type, severity, and age-dependency of hearing loss in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Method

Extensive audiological measurements were conducted in 40 persons with proven 22q11.2 deletion (aged 6–36 years). Besides air and bone conduction thresholds in the frequency range between 0.125 and 8.000 kHz, high-frequency thresholds up to 16.000 kHz were determined and tympanometry, acoustic reflex (AR) measurement, and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) testing were performed.

Results

Hearing loss was identified in 59% of the tested ears and was mainly conductive in nature. In addition, a high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss with down-sloping curve was found in the majority of patients. Aberrant tympanometric results were recorded in 39% of the ears. In 85% of ears with a Type A or C tympanometric peak, ARs were absent. A DPOAE response in at least 6 frequencies was present in only 23% of the ears with a hearing threshold ≤30 dB HL. In patients above 14 years of age, there was a significantly lower percentage of measurable DPOAEs.

Conclusion

Hearing loss in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is highly prevalent and both conductive and high-frequency sensorineural in nature. The age-dependent absence of DPOAEs in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome suggests cochlear damage underlying the high-frequency hearing loss.
Narratives in Two Languages: Storytelling of Bilingual Cantonese–English Preschoolers
Authors: Rezzonico Stefano , Goldberg Ahuva , Mak Katy Ka-Yan , Yap Stephanie , Milburn Trelani , Belletti Adriana , Girolametto Luigi
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare narratives generated by 4-year-old and 5-year-old children who were bilingual in English and Cantonese.

Method

The sample included 47 children (23 who were 4 years old and 24 who were 5 years old) living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who spoke both Cantonese and English. The participants spoke and heard predominantly Cantonese in the home. Participants generated a story in English and Cantonese by using a wordless picture book; language order was counterbalanced. Data were transcribed and coded for story grammar, morphosyntactic quality, mean length of utterance in words, and the number of different words.

Results

Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed higher story grammar scores in English than in Cantonese, but no other significant main effects of language were observed. Analyses also revealed that older children had higher story grammar, mean length of utterance in words, and morphosyntactic quality scores than younger children in both languages. Hierarchical regressions indicated that Cantonese story grammar predicted English story grammar and Cantonese microstructure predicted English microstructure. However, no correlation was observed between Cantonese and English morphosyntactic quality.

Conclusions

The results of this study have implications for speech-language pathologists who collect narratives in Cantonese and English from bilingual preschoolers. The results suggest that there is a possible transfer in narrative abilities between the two languages.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14963805
Revised Conceptual Framework of Parent-to-Parent Support for Parents of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: A Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Henderson Rebecca J. , Johnson Andrew M. , Moodie Sheila T.
Published: June 2016

Background

A scoping review of the literature was conducted, resulting in the development of a conceptual framework of parent-to-parent support for parents with children who are Deaf or hard of hearing. This is the 2nd stage of a dual-stage scoping review.

Purpose

This study sought stakeholder opinion and feedback with an aim to achieve consensus on the constructs, components, and design of the initial conceptual framework.

Research Design

A modified electronic Delphi study was completed with 21 handpicked experts from 7 countries who have experience in provision, research, or experience in the area of parent-to-parent support. Participants completed an online questionnaire using an 11-point Likert scale (
strongly disagree
to
strongly agree
) and open-ended questions to answer various questions related to the descriptor terms, definitions, constructs, components, and overall design of the framework.

Results

Participant responses led to the revision of the original conceptual framework.

Conclusion

The findings from this dual-stage scoping review and electronic Delphi study provide a conceptual framework that defines the vital contribution of parents in Early Hearing Detection and Intervention programs that will be a useful addition to these programs.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6170186
Fixed frequency broadside–endfire beam steerable antennas
Authors: Majumdar B. , Esselle K.P.
Published: June 2016

A novel reconfigurable broadside–endfire microstrip antenna is proposed. The beam steering is achieved by reconfiguring the ground plane. The ground plane can be reconfigured either into a high‐impedance surface for broadside radiation or into a surface waveguide for endfire radiation. A DC bias line, not connected to the folded dipole feed in any way, is used to switch the PIN diodes. PIN diodes are soldered on the back of the antenna and have no possibility of interfering with the feed. The proposed antenna is designed to work at the ISM 2.45 GHz band with a combined 2:1 VSWR bandwidth of 110 MHz and a combined radiation coverage of 133° on the H‐plane. A 5 V power supply or a 9 V battery can be used to operate the active antenna.
Admittance extraction and analysis for through silicon vias near edge and at corner of silicon substrate
Authors: Liu Sheng , Tang Wanchun , Huang Cheng , Zhu Jianping , Zhuang Wei
Published: June 2016

Due to the charge at the interfaces between the silicon substrate and its outer region, the admittance of the through silicon vias (TSVs) near the edge and at the corner of the silicon is different from that of the centre case, which is hardly calculated by conventional empirical formulas. Utilising the method of moment combined with the image method in this study, those admittances can be easily extracted. The difference on the admittance between edge/corner and centre cases is discussed with the frequency and the wave propagation mode. The influence of the distance to the silicon‐outer region interfaces and pitches of the TSVs on the admittance are also evaluated and compared in edge and corner cases. The scope of the conventional empirical formulas is also given for the admittance calculation of TSVs in edge/corner case, in order to offer help for the TSVs design.
Optimal peak‐efficiency control of the CMOS interleaved multi‐phase step‐down DC‐DC Converter with segmented power stage
Authors: Michal Vratislav
Published: June 2016

This study presents concept of the power‐efficiency optimisation of interleaved step‐down DC/DC converter with segmented power stages. Use of segmented power stage is based on continuous adjusting of the size of power switches, and is currently exclusively employed in the single‐phase topologies. The size control use accurate peak‐efficiency detection method. Employed iterative algorithm allows to equilibrate the dissipated dynamic and Joule powers in wide range of operating parameters such as output current, input/output voltages, temperature, switching frequency, or variation of the process. By the balancing of dynamic and Joule power losses, peak efficiency is achieved in low and middle output power range. This allows to increase the power efficiency by several per cent, when compared with the phase shedding approach. Moreover, use of the segmented switches enables to maintain all power stages active during light‐load operation. This allows to benefit from reduced AC input/output currents of the multi‐phase topology. This study describes the efficiency optimisation of interleaved power converters, technique of the peak‐efficiency detection, and shows comparison of results obtained by the presented peak‐efficiency tracking and phase shedding approach.
Wavelet de‐noising Kalman filter‐based Global Navigation Satellite System carrier tracking in the presence of ionospheric scintillation
Authors: Sun Pengyue , Tang Xiaomei , Huang Yangbo , Sun Guangfu
Published: June 2016

Ionospheric scintillation can cause rapid changes in the phase and amplitude of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, resulting in degraded accuracy and robustness of signal tracking loops. Owing to the non‐stationarity and non‐linearity of carrier tracking under scintillation conditions, the conventional methods used to enhance the robustness of tracking loops are less effective. To overcome this problem, this study presents a wavelet de‐noising adaptive Kalman filter (AKF)‐based GNSS carrier tracking algorithm. Since the traditional wavelet de‐noising cannot be conducted iteratively, the authors provide a sliding window‐based online wavelet de‐noising method to mitigate non‐stationary and non‐Gaussian noise caused by scintillation. After that, taking the de‐noised integration as input, they employ the phase lock indicator‐based AKF carrier phase estimation to avoid the nonlinearity of conventional discriminator. On this basis, the joint wavelet de‐noising AKF algorithm is applied to the carrier tracking in the presence of ionospheric scintillation. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithm can improve the accuracy and robustness significantly, especially in the case of practical carrier‐to‐noise ratio (40 dB Hz) in moderate scintillation, the phase jitter and probability of loss‐of‐lock decrease about 7.5° (46%) and 73%, respectively.
Three‐dimensional super resolution ISAR imaging based on 2D unitary ESPRIT scattering centre extraction technique
Authors: Zhao Jia , Zhang Min , Wang Xin , Cai Zhaohui , Nie Ding
Published: June 2016

Two‐dimensional inverse synthetic aperture radar (2D ISAR) system can produce 2D electromagnetic images of a target, while failed to provide the 3D information. In this study, a novel method for 3D super resolution ISAR imaging is proposed via employing 2D U‐estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance technique (U‐ESPRIT) and slice principle. First, the 3D scattered field data tensor is converted into a set of 2D matrix by stacking slices of the 3D data along one specific dimension. Then, 2D U‐ESPRIT is applied to extract isolated scatterers from each slice. Combined with least‐square method, complex scattering amplitudes are also estimated. Finally, 3D reconstructed scattering centres model with specific locations and complex scattering amplitudes is obtained, which can characterise the target to a great extent. The reverse process, reconstruction of the 3D ISAR image, can be readily done in real time by means of the extracted scattering centres. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Clutter nulling space‐time adaptive processing algorithm based on sparse representation for airborne radar
Authors: Zetao Wang , Yongliang Wang , Fei Gao , Keqing Duan
Published: June 2016

Traditional clutter subspace estimation algorithms try to solve the problem by estimating the clutter subspace eigenvectors from training samples, which are inevitably contaminated by noise. Actually, this can never be the best estimate, especially when the size of the training set is small. Furthermore, the omnipresent noise precludes the seeking of a pure clutter subspace. To cope with above drawbacks, the authors appeal to the sparse representation/recovery technique. From a mathematical viewpoint, the pure clutter subspace is spanned by the space‐time steering vectors corresponding to the clutter component, and it can be constructed by a suitable set of space‐time steering vectors selected from an overcomplete space‐time steering dictionary. A criterion for selecting these space‐time steering vectors is devised. Moreover, a clutter nulling type space‐time adaptive processing algorithm is derived based on the proposed criterion. The resulting algorithm only needs the knowledge of the noise power rather than the clutter rank, which is quite troublesome to estimate in practice. Numerical results with both simulated and the Mountain‐Top data demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has superior clutter suppression performance even with limited training samples.
Energy efficient clustering protocol based on K‐means (EECPK‐means)‐midpoint algorithm for enhanced network lifetime in wireless sensor network
Authors: Ray Anindita , De Debashis
Published: June 2016

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) consist of an enormous number of tiny sensor nodes deployed in huge numbers which are able to sense, process and transmit environmental information to the base station (BS) for a variety of applications. Energy efficiency is one of the primary concerns for maintaining WSN in operation. In this study, an energy efficient clustering protocol based on K‐means algorithm named EECPK‐means has been proposed for WSN where midpoint algorithm is used to improve initial centroid selection procedure. The proposed approach produces balanced clusters to ultimately balance the load of cluster heads (CHs) and prolong the network lifetime. It considers residual energy as the parameter in addition to Euclidean distance used in basic K‐means algorithm for appropriate CH selection. Multi‐hop communication from CH nodes to BS takes place depending on their distances from BS. Simulation result shows that the proposed approach outperforms LEACH‐B, balanced parallel K‐means (BPK‐means), Park's approach and Mk‐means with respect to network lifetime and energy efficiency. Simulation result also demonstrates that the proposed approach can reduce the energy consumption at most 50% compared to LEACH‐B, 14% compared to BPK‐means protocol, 10% compared to Park's approach and 6% compared to Mk‐means.
On digital blocks of polynomial values and extractions in the Rudin–Shapiro sequence
Authors: Stoll Thomas
Published: June 2016

Let P(x) ∈ ℤ
[x] be an integer-valued polynomial taking only
positive values and let d be a fixed positive integer. The aim of this short
note is to show, by elementary means, that for any sufficiently large integer
N ≥
N0(P,d) there exists
n such that
P(n) contains exactly
N
occurrences of the block (q −
1, q − 1,..., q −
1) of size d in its digital expansion in base q. The method of proof
allows to give a lower estimate on the number of “0” resp. “1” symbols in polynomial
extractions in the Rudin–Shapiro sequence.