bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered Mucosal Microbiome Diversity and Disease Severity in Sjögren Syndrome
Authors: de Paiva Cintia S. , Jones Dan B. , Stern Michael E. , Bian Fang , Moore Quianta L. , Corbiere Shani , Streckfus Charles F. , Hutchinson Diane S. , Ajami Nadim J. , Petrosino Joseph F. , Pflugfelder Stephen C.
Published: April 2016

There is mounting evidence that the microbiome has potent immunoregulatory functions. We assessed the effects of intestinal dysbiosis in a model of Sjögren syndrome (SS) by subjecting mice to desiccating stress (DS) and antibiotics (ABX). We characterized the conjunctival, tongue and fecal microbiome profiles of patients with SS. Severity of ocular surface and systemic disease was graded. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing characterized the microbiota. ABX + DS mice had a significantly worse dry eye phenotype compared to controls, a decrease in Clostridium and an increase in Enterobacter, Escherichia/Shigella, and Pseudomonas in stool after ABX + DS for 10 days. Goblet cell density was significantly lower in ABX treated groups compared to controls. Stool from SS subjects had greater relative abundances of Pseudobutyrivibrio, Escherichia/Shigella, Blautia, and Streptococcus, while relative abundance of Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Prevotella was reduced compared to controls. The severity of SS ocular and systemic disease was inversely correlated with microbial diversity. These findings suggest that SS is marked by a dysbiotic intestinal microbiome driven by low relative abundance of commensal bacteria and high relative abundance of potentially pathogenic genera that is associated with worse ocular mucosal disease in a mouse model of SS and in SS patients.
Hydrothermal synthesis of NiWO4 crystals for high performance non-enzymatic glucose biosensors
Authors: Mani Sivakumar , Vediyappan Veeramani , Chen Shen-Ming , Madhu Rajesh , Pitchaimani Veerakumar , Chang Jia-Yaw , Liu Shang-Bin
Published: April 2016

A facile hydrothermal route for the synthesis of ordered NiWO4 nanocrystals, which show promising applications as high performance non-enzymatic glucose sensor is reported. The NiWO4-modified electrodes showed excellent sensitivity (269.6 μA mM−1 cm−2) and low detection limit (0.18 μM) for detection of glucose with desirable selectivity, stability and tolerance to interference, rendering their prospective applications as cost-effective, enzyme-free glucose sensors.
Engineering a predatory bacterium as a proficient killer agent for intracellular bio-products recovery: The case of the polyhydroxyalkanoates
Authors: Martínez Virginia , Herencias Cristina , Jurkevitch Edouard , Prieto M. Auxiliadora
Published: April 2016

This work examines the potential of the predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100, an obligate predator of other Gram-negative bacteria, as an external cell-lytic agent for recovering valuable intracellular bio-products produced by prey cultures. The bio-product targets to be recovered were polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) produced naturally by Pseudomonas putida and Cupriavidus necator, or by recombinant Escherichia coli strains. B. bacteriovorus with a mutated PHA depolymerase gene to prevent the unwanted breakdown of the bio-product allowed the recovery of up to 80% of that accumulated by the prey bacteria, even at high biomass concentrations. This innovative downstream process highlights how B. bacteriovorus can be used as a novel, biological lytic agent for the inexpensive, industrial scale recovery of intracellular products from different Gram-negative prey cultures.
Osteoarthritis and all-cause mortality in worldwide populations: grading the evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Xing Dan , Xu Yuankun , Liu Qiang , Ke Yan , Wang Bin , Li Zhichang , Lin Jianhao
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study is to investigate the association between osteoarthritis (OA) and all-cause mortality in worldwide populations and to develop recommendations according to GRADE evidence levels. Literature search through Nov 2015 was performed using the electronic databases (including MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO and Cochrane library). The prospective cohort trials that investigated the association between the symptomatic OA (SxOA) or radiological OA (ROA) and all-cause mortality were identified. Hazard ratios (HR) of all-cause mortality in patients with RxOA or ROA were pooled respectively. The evidence quality was evaluated using the GRADE system, while the recommendations were taken according to the quality. Nine of the published literature met the eligible criteria. Meta-analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in the association between SxOA and all-cause mortality (HR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.68–1.23) and between ROA and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.95–1.35). The overall GARDE evidence quality was very low, which will lower our confidence in taking recommendations. To summarize, there was no reliable and confident evidence existed currently in respect of the association between OA and all-cause mortality. Due to the very low level of evidence quality currently, high-quality studies are still required.
Electron pair escape from fullerene cage via collective modes
Authors: Schüler Michael , Pavlyukh Yaroslav , Bolognesi Paola , Avaldi Lorenzo , Berakdar Jamal
Published: April 2016

Experiment and theory evidence a new pathway for correlated two-electron release from many-body compounds following collective excitation by a single photon. Using nonequilibrium Green’s function approach we trace plasmon oscillations as the key ingredient of the effective electron-electron interaction that governs the correlated pair emission in a dynamic many-body environment. Results from a full ab initio implementation for C60 fullerene are in line with experimental observations. The findings endorse the correlated two-electron photoemission as a powerful tool to access electronic correlation in complex systems.
The effect of bean origin and temperature on grinding roasted coffee
Authors: Uman Erol , Colonna-Dashwood Maxwell , Colonna-Dashwood Lesley , Perger Matthew , Klatt Christian , Leighton Stephen , Miller Brian , Butler Keith T. , Melot Brent C. , Speirs Rory W. , Hendon Christopher H.
Published: April 2016

Coffee is prepared by the extraction of a complex array of organic molecules from the roasted bean, which has been ground into fine particulates. The extraction depends on temperature, water chemistry and also the accessible surface area of the coffee. Here we investigate whether variations in the production processes of single origin coffee beans affects the particle size distribution upon grinding. We find that the particle size distribution is independent of the bean origin and processing method. Furthermore, we elucidate the influence of bean temperature on particle size distribution, concluding that grinding cold results in a narrower particle size distribution, and reduced mean particle size. We anticipate these results will influence the production of coffee industrially, as well as contribute to how we store and use coffee daily.
Genetic dissection of independent and cooperative transcriptional activation by the LysR-type activator ThnR at close divergent promoters
Authors: Rivas-Marín Elena , Floriano Belén , Santero Eduardo
Published: April 2016

Regulation of tetralin biodegradation operons is one of the examples of unconventional LysR-type mediated transcriptional regulation. ThnR activates transcription from two divergent and closely located promoters PB and PC. Although ThnR activates each promoter independently, transcription from each one increases when both promoters are together. Mutational analysis of the intergenic region shows that cooperative transcription is achieved through formation of a ThnR complex when bound to its respective sites at each promoter, via formation of a DNA loop. Mutations also defined ThnR contact sites that are important for independent transcriptional activation at each promoter. A mutation at the PB promoter region, which abolishes its independent transcription, does not affect at all PB transcription in the presence of the divergent promoter PC, thus indicating that the complex formed via DNA loop can compensate for the deficiencies in the correct protein-DNA interaction at one of the promoters. Combination of mutations in both promoters identifies a region at PC that is not important for its independent transcription but it is essential for cooperative transcription from both promoters. This work provides new insights into the diversity and complexity of activation mechanisms used by the most abundant type of bacterial transcriptional regulators.
Distinct stress conditions result in aggregation of proteins with similar properties
Authors: Weids Alan J. , Ibstedt Sebastian , Tamás Markus J. , Grant Chris M.
Published: April 2016

Protein aggregation is the abnormal association of proteins into larger aggregate structures which tend to be insoluble. This occurs during normal physiological conditions and in response to age or stress-induced protein misfolding and denaturation. In this present study we have defined the range of proteins that aggregate in yeast cells during normal growth and after exposure to stress conditions including an oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide), a heavy metal stress (arsenite) and an amino acid analogue (azetidine-2-carboxylic acid). Our data indicate that these three stress conditions, which work by distinct mechanisms, promote the aggregation of similar types of proteins probably by lowering the threshold of protein aggregation. The proteins that aggregate during physiological conditions and stress share several features; however, stress conditions shift the criteria for protein aggregation propensity. This suggests that the proteins in aggregates are intrinsically aggregation-prone, rather than being proteins which are affected in a stress-specific manner. We additionally identified significant overlaps between stress aggregating yeast proteins and proteins that aggregate during ageing in yeast and C. elegans. We suggest that similar mechanisms may apply in disease- and non-disease settings and that the factors and components that control protein aggregation may be evolutionary conserved.
Reduced costs of reproduction in females mediate a shift from a male-biased to a female-biased lifespan in humans
Authors: Bolund Elisabeth , Lummaa Virpi , Smith Ken R. , Hanson Heidi A. , Maklakov Alexei A.
Published: April 2016

The causes underlying sex differences in lifespan are strongly debated. While females commonly outlive males in humans, this is generally less pronounced in societies before the demographic transition to low mortality and fertility rates. Life-history theory suggests that reduced reproduction should benefit female lifespan when females pay higher costs of reproduction than males. Using unique longitudinal demographic records on 140,600 reproducing individuals from the Utah Population Database, we demonstrate a shift from male-biased to female-biased adult lifespans in individuals born before versus during the demographic transition. Only women paid a cost of reproduction in terms of shortened post-reproductive lifespan at high parities. Therefore, as fertility decreased over time, female lifespan increased, while male lifespan remained largely stable, supporting the theory that differential costs of reproduction in the two sexes result in the shifting patterns of sex differences in lifespan across human populations. Further, our results have important implications for demographic forecasts in human populations and advance our understanding of lifespan evolution.
Stacking of purines in water: the role of dipolar interactions in caffeine
Authors: Tavagnacco L. , Di Fonzo S. , D’Amico F. , Masciovecchio C. , Brady J. W. , Cesàro A.
Published: April 2016

Concentration dependence of the NCE and the dephasing time show that caffeine molecules aggregate at 80 °C by planar stacking with a relevant contribution of dipole interactions.
Application of iron-based metal–organic frameworks in catalysis: oxidant-promoted formation of coumarins using Fe3O(BPDC)3 as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Lieu Thien N. , Nguyen Khoa D. , Le Dung T. , Truong Thanh , Phan Nam T. S.
Published: April 2016

An iron-based metal–organic framework Fe3O(BPDC)3 was used as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of coumarins.
One-step synthesis of Au nanoparticle–graphene composites using tyrosine: electrocatalytic and catalytic properties
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Qian , Li Musen , Szunerits Sabine , Boukherroub Rabah
Published: April 2016

Thein situsynthesis of a reduced graphene oxide/Au nanoparticle composite for nonenzymatic H2O2detection and nitrophenol reduction.
Novel transition bimetal–organic frameworks: recyclable catalyst for the oxidative coupling of primary amines to imines at mild conditions
Authors: Ge Danhua , Qu Genlong , Li Xinming , Geng Kaiming , Cao Xueqin , Gu Hongwei
Published: April 2016

Recyclable Mn/Co-MOF catalyst is first described for oxidative coupling of benzylamines at room temperature in excellent yields (up to 100%).
Band structures of graphene nanoscrolls and their dispersion relation near the Fermi point
Authors: Khaledian Mohsen , Ismail Razali , Akbari Elnaz
Published: April 2016

We studied the physical structure and band structure of different types of graphene nanoscrolls.
Yielding and flow of cellulose microfibril dispersions in the presence of a charged polymer
Authors: de Kort Daan W. , Veen Sandra J. , Van As Henk , Bonn Daniel , Velikov Krassimir P. , van Duynhoven John P. M.
Published: April 2016

Cellulose microfibril dispersions, stabilized against aggregation by a charged polymer, are thixotropic yield stress fluids. Their rheology is nonlocal due to structural heterogeneity at the micron scale.
“Stealthy” chitosan/mesoporous silica nanoparticle based complex system for tumor-triggered intracellular drug release
Authors: Zhang Min , Liu Jia , Kuang Ying , Li Qilin , Chen Hongyu , Ye Haifeng , Guo Li , Xu Yanglin , Chen Xueqin , Li Cao , Jiang Bingbing
Published: April 2016

A pH- and redox-sensitive “stealthy” chitosan/mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based complex system is prepared for tumor-triggered intracellular drug release.
Non-destructive characterisation of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation using LC-MS-based metabolite footprinting
Authors: Surrati Amal , Linforth Rob , Fisk Ian D. , Sottile Virginie , Kim Dong-Hyun
Published: April 2016

This non-invasive LC-MS-based metabolite footprinting revealed significant metabolic changes during mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation.
Carbon dots-assisted colorimetric and fluorometric dual-mode protocol for acetylcholinesterase activity and inhibitors screening based on the inner filter effect of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Dan , Chen Chuanxia , Sun Jian , Yang Xiurong
Published: April 2016

Dual-readout (colorimetric and fluorometric) protocol based on AgNPs and fluorescent CD, amenable to rapid, ultrasensitive assay of AChE activity and its inhibitors.
Construction of 3D nanostructure hierarchical porous graphitic carbons by charge-induced self-assembly and nanocrystal-assisted catalytic graphitization for supercapacitors
Authors: Ma Fangwei , Ma Di , Wu Guang , Geng Weidan , Shao Jinqiu , Song Shijiao , Wan Jiafeng , Qiu Jieshan
Published: April 2016

A smart and sustainable strategy based on charge-induced self-assembly and nanocrystal-assisted catalytic graphitization is explored for the efficient construction of 3D nanostructure hierarchical porous graphitic carbons from the pectin biopolymer.
Phototriggered release of amine from a cucurbituril macrocycle
Authors: Vázquez J. , Romero M. A. , Dsouza R. N. , Pischel U.
Published: April 2016

Amines are released from a cucurbituril macrocycle by photoinduced pH jump and modulation of the competitiveness of a fluorescent guest.
[{β-SiNi2W10O36(OH)2(H2O)}4]24−: a new robust visible light-driven water oxidation catalyst based on nickel-containing polyoxometalate
Authors: Yu Li , Ding Yong , Zheng Min , Chen Hongli , Zhao Junwei
Published: April 2016

We report an all-new nickel-containing POM catalyst [{β-SiNi2W10O36(OH)2(H2O)}4]24− (1) that catalyzes water oxidation under visible light. Multiple experiments confirm that 1 acts as an active and dominant catalyst rather than Ni2+ ions (aq) or nickel oxide during the water oxidation.
Redox-responsive host–guest system using redox-active pillar[5]arene containing one benzoquinone unit
Authors: Ogoshi Tomoki , Akutsu Tomohiro , Shimada Yasuo , Yamagishi Tada-aki
Published: April 2016

Pillar[5]arene with one benzoquinone formed weak complex with a guest, while pillar[5]arene containing one hydroquinone strongly captured the guest.
[CrIII8MII6]n+ (MII = Cu, Co) face-centred, metallosupramolecular cubes
Authors: O'Connor H. M. , Sanz S. , Pitak M. B. , Coles S. J. , Nichol G. S. , Piligkos S. , Lusby P. J. , Brechin E. K.
Published: April 2016

Heterometallic cubes, assembled in a modular fashion from a [CrL3] metalloligand and simple MII salts, display interesting encapsulation and magnetic behaviours.
The impact of carbon coating on the synthesis and properties of α′′-Fe16N2 powders
Authors: Bridges C. A. , Rios O. , Allard L. F. , Meyer H. M. , Huq A. , Jiang Y. , Wang J.-P. , Brady M. P.
Published: April 2016

It is demonstrated that a carbon coating on the precursor Fe nanoparticles can improve the yield of α′′-Fe16N2 by reducing the level of sintering experienced by precursor particles during ammonolysis, and that resulting α′′-Fe16N2 particles can exhibit relatively high saturation magnetization and coercivity.
Design, synthesis and catalytic performance of vanadium-incorporated mesoporous silica KIT-6 catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propylene
Authors: Liu Qinglong , Li Jianmei , Zhao Zhen , Gao Manglai , Kong Lian , Liu Jian , Wei Yuechang
Published: April 2016

The vanadium-incorporated KIT-6 catalysts synthesized by combining a direct hydrothermal method with a pH adjusting method show superior catalytic performance in the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propylene.
Protective role of biogenic selenium nanoparticles in immunological and oxidative stress generated by enrofloxacin in broiler chicken
Authors: Shirsat Shubhangi , Kadam Ambadas , Mane Rajaram S. , Jadhav Vijaykumar V. , Zate Manohar K. , Naushad Mu. , Kim Kwang Ho
Published: April 2016

Biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles and their protective effect in reducing adverse effects of enrofloxacin on broiler chicken are investigated.
Coumarin-appended phosphorescent cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes as mitochondria-targeted theranostic anticancer agents
Authors: Ye Rui-Rong , Tan Cai-Ping , Ji Liang-Nian , Mao Zong-Wan
Published: April 2016

Three phosphorescent cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes with mitochondria-specific localization and apoptosis-inducing capability have been explored as the theranostic anticancer agents.
Postsynthetic modifications of [2,2,2-(H)(PPh3)2-closo-2,1-RhSB8H8] with Lewis bases: cluster modular tuning
Authors: Luaces Susana , Passarelli Vincenzo , Artigas María José , Lahoz Fernando J. , Oro Luis A. , Macías Ramón
Published: April 2016

Reaction of acloso-hydridorhodathiaborane with Lewis bases is a convenient postsynthetic approach for tailoring the reactivity of metallathiaboranes that combine rhodium centers and hydride ligands within a flexible deltahedral framework.
Annihilation of structural defects in chalcogenide absorber films for high-efficiency solar cells
Authors: Mainz Roland , Simsek Sanli Ekin , Stange Helena , Azulay Doron , Brunken Stephan , Greiner Dieter , Hajaj Shir , Heinemann Marc D. , Kaufmann Christian A. , Klaus Manuela , Ramasse Quentin M. , Rodriguez-Alvarez Humberto , Weber Alfons , Balberg Isaac , Millo Oded , van Aken Peter A. , Abou-Ras Daniel
Published: April 2016

Defects rapidly annihilate near stoichiometric composition.
Oligonol, a low-molecular-weight polyphenol derived from lychee fruit, protects the pancreas from apoptosis and proliferationviaoxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Park Chan Hum , Lee Joo Young , Kim Min Yeong , Shin Sung Ho , Roh Seong-Soo , Choi Jae Sue , Chung Hae Young , Song Yeong-Ok , Shin Yu Su , Yokozawa Takako
Published: April 2016

We have identified the pancreato-protective effects of Lychee Fruit-Derived Polyphenol Mixture, Oligonol, on diabetes.
Updating and further expanding GSK's solvent sustainability guide
Authors: Alder Catherine M. , Hayler John D. , Henderson Richard K. , Redman Anikó M. , Shukla Lena , Shuster Leanna E. , Sneddon Helen F.
Published: April 2016

Updated methodology and scoring of the sustainability credentials of a total of 154 solvents, including 44 new additions.
Energetic salts based on 3-hydrazino-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole (HATr): synthesis and properties
Authors: Wu Jin-Ting , Zhang Jian-Guo , Yin Xin , Wu Le
Published: April 2016

The synthesized energetic salts of 3-hydrazino-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole were fully characterized with respect to their prospective use in energetic applications.
Metal free C–H functionalization of diazines and related heteroarenes with organoboron species and its application in the synthesis of a CDK inhibitor, meriolin 1
Authors: Thatikonda Thanusha , Singh Umed , Ambala Srinivas , Vishwakarma Ram A. , Singh Parvinder Pal
Published: April 2016

Here, we report a metal-free cross-coupling reaction of diazines and related heteroarenes with organoboron species.
Au@ZnO core–shell nanostructures with plasmon-induced visible-light photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties
Authors: Shao Xiankun , Li Benxia , Zhang Baoshan , Shao Liangzhi , Wu Yongmeng
Published: April 2016

Au@ZnO core–shell nanostructures exhibit enhanced photocatalysis under both simulated sunlight and monochromatic LED light due to the synergistic effect between the plasmonic Au-nanosphere cores and the semiconducting ZnO shells.
Intercalation based tungsten disulfide (WS2) Li-ion battery anode grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Nandi Dip K. , Sen Uttam K. , Dhara Arpan , Mitra Sagar , Sarkar Shaibal K.
Published: April 2016

ALD grown WS2 films are recommended to use as intercalation material in Li-ion battery because of its excellent electrochemical stability.
Synthesis and properties of novel polyimide fibers containing phosphorus groups in the main chain
Authors: Zhao Yong , Feng Tao , Li Guomin , Liu Fangfang , Dai Xuemin , Dong Zhixin , Qiu Xuepeng
Published: April 2016

Different diamines ratios synthesized co-polyimide (co-PI) fibers and these fibers had good thermal properties and mechanical performances with increased DAMPO contents.
Betulinic acid acetate, an antiproliferative natural product, suppresses client proteins of heat shock protein pathways through a CDC37-binding mechanism
Authors: Bao Qi-Chao , Wang Lu , Wang Lei , Xu Xiao-Li , Jiang Fen , Liu Fang , Zhang Xiao-Jin , Guo Xiao-Ke , You Qi-Dong , Sun Hao-Peng
Published: April 2016

CDC37 has emerged as a promising target in antitumor chemotherapy because of its significant role in oncogenic signaling networks.
Experimental and theoretical approach to account for green luminescence from Gd2Zr2O7 pyrochlore: exploring the site occupancy and origin of host-dopant energy transfer in Gd2Zr2O7:Eu3+
Authors: Gupta Santosh K. , Ghosh P. S. , Reghukumar C. , Pathak N. , Kadam R. M.
Published: April 2016

Origin of green emission in undoped Gd2Zr2O7 and photophysical characteristics such as local site and energy transfer dynamics of Gd2Zr2O7:Eu3+ is investigated using PL and DFT calculations.
Kinetics of FeIIIEDTA complex reduction with iron powder under aerobic conditions
Authors: He Feiqiang , Deng Xianhe , Chen Min
Published: April 2016

The kinetic model of FeIIIEDTA complex reduction with iron powder under aerobic condition is deduced and validated. It was .
Polyelectrolyte coated BaTiO3 nanoparticles for second harmonic generation imaging-guided photodynamic therapy with improved stability and enhanced cellular uptake
Authors: Wang Shaowei , Zhao Xinyuan , Qian Jun , He Sailing
Published: April 2016

A novel BaTiO3 nanoparticle-based platform for second harmonic generation imaging-guided photodynamic therapy.
Immobilizing CdS nanoparticles and MoS2/RGO on Zr-based metal–organic framework 12-tungstosilicate@UiO-67 toward enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Bu Yuhong , Li Fengyan , Zhang Yuzhuo , Liu Ran , Luo Xinze , Xu Lin
Published: April 2016

The robust UiO-67 framework was selected to incorporate 12-tungstosilicic acid (SiW12). The SiW12@UiO-67 was firstly used as a supporting matrix to support CdS nanoparticles and MoS2/graphene, showing improved photocatalytic H2 evolution activity.
Application of a Zn(ii) based metal–organic framework as an efficient solid-phase extraction sorbent for preconcentration of plasticizer compounds
Authors: Tahmasebi Elham , Masoomi Mohammad Yaser , Yamini Yadollah , Morsali Ali
Published: April 2016

A solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbent, a Zn(ii) based metal–organic framework, was prepared via a simple, solventless, green and a low-cost mechanosynthesis process.
L-Methionine based phenolic compound mediates unusual assembly of AgNPs and exerts efficient anti-biofilm effect
Authors: Kumar V. Vinod , Christena Lowrence Rene , Praveen P. , Muthuraman Meenakshi Sundaram , Saisubramanian Nagarajan , Anthony Savarimuthu Philip
Published: April 2016

A methionine based phenolic chelating ligand together with PSS, PVA, PVP and SDS capping agents produced an unusual self-assembly of AgNPs and strong anti-biofilm effect.
Chemical synthesis of the hexasaccharide related to the repeating unit of the capsular polysaccharide from carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae 2796 and 3264
Authors: Sarkar Vikramjit , Mukhopadhyay Balaram
Published: April 2016

Total synthesis of the hexasaccharide repeating unit of the capsular polysaccharide fromKlebsiella pneumoniae2796 and 3264 following a linear sequential glycosylation strategy.
Application of online infrared spectroscopy to study the kinetics of precipitation polymerization of acrylic acid in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Ollagnier Jean-Noël , Tassaing Thierry , Harrisson Simon , Destarac Mathias
Published: April 2016

The kinetics of precipitation polymerization of acrylic acid in supercritical CO2 is monitored by in situ FTIR spectroscopy.
Analysing symbolic expressions in secondary school chemistry: their functions and implications for pedagogy
Authors: Liu Yu , Taber Keith S.
Published: April 2016

Symbolic expressions are essential resources for producing knowledge, yet they are a source of learning difficulties in chemistry education. This study aims to employ social semiotics to analyse the symbolic representation of chemistry from two complementary perspectives, referred to here as contextual (i.e., historical) and functional. First, the contextual account demonstrates that symbolism was introduced to represent compounds according to their elemental composition, to quantify chemistry, and to explain reactivity. Further to this, the functional analysis shows that symbolic expressions entail a range of unique grammatical resources to create specialised forms of knowledge, which cannot be made by natural language alone. It is found that historically the symbolic representation was not originally directly related to the submicroscopic domain, nor did it develop sufficient means to offer particulate explanations, although an indirect link could be set up between Berzelian formulae and the submicroscopic theoretical models. It is also found that understanding the quantitative aspects is a necessary but not sufficient condition for effective engagement with the symbolic representation of chemistry. Finally the present study discusses the pedagogic implications stemming from the social semiotic account of chemical symbolism.
Comprehensive multiphase NMR applied to a living organism
Authors: Mobarhan Yalda Liaghati , Fortier-McGill Blythe , Soong Ronald , Maas Werner E. , Fey Michael , Monette Martine , Stronks Henry J. , Schmidt Sebastian , Heumann Hermann , Norwood Warren , Simpson André J.
Published: April 2016

Comprehensive Multiphase NMR provides an overview as to all components (liquids, gels, solids) in a living organism.
Abrupt increase in hydrogen diffusion on transition-metal surfaces during hydrogenation catalysis
Authors: Simonovis Juan , Zaera Francisco
Published: April 2016

Hydrogen surface diffusion is initially hindered during olefin hydrogenation catalysis but abruptly increases at olefin pressures below a well-defined threshold.
Bromide promoted hydrogenation of CO2 to higher alcohols using Ru–Co homogeneous catalyst
Authors: Cui Meng , Qian Qingli , He Zhenhong , Zhang Zhaofu , Ma Jun , Wu Tianbin , Yang Guanying , Han Buxing
Published: April 2016

Higher alcohols can be synthesized efficiently by CO2 hydrogenation over Ru3(CO)12–Co4(CO)12 bimetallic catalyst with bis(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ammonium chloride (PPNCl) as the cocatalyst and LiBr as the promoter.
Ruthenium@mesoporous graphene-like carbon: a novel three-dimensional cathode catalyst for lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Lin Xiaodong , Cao Yong , Cai Senrong , Fan Jingmin , Li Yijuan , Wu Qi-Hui , Zheng Mingsen , Dong Quanfeng
Published: April 2016

A 3D Ru@mesoporous graphene-like carbon composite was synthesized by combining a hard template with in situ growth method, which showed excellent electrochemical properties as a cathode for lithium–oxygen batteries.
An electron injection promoted highly efficient electrocatalyst of FeNi3@GR@Fe-NiOOH for oxygen evolution and rechargeable metal–air batteries
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Xiangye , Tong Chuan-Jia , Yuan Xiaotao , Dong Wujie , Lin Tianquan , Liu Li-Min , Huang Fuqiang
Published: April 2016

Efficient catalysts for oxygen evolution reactions (OERs) are a key renewable energy technology for fuel cells, metal–air batteries and water splitting, but few non-precious oxygen electrode catalysts with high activity have been discovered.
CH3NH3PbI3planar perovskite solar cells with antireflection and self-cleaning function layers
Authors: Dudem Bhaskar , Heo Jin Hyuck , Leem Jung Woo , Yu Jae Su , Im Sang Hyuk
Published: April 2016

We report CH3NH3PbI3planar perovskite solar cells with multifunctional inverted micro-pyramidal structured polydimethylsiloxane antireflection layers for enhancing the device efficiency.
Efficient C3N4/graphene oxide macroscopic aerogel visible-light photocatalyst
Authors: Wan Wenchao , Yu Shan , Dong Fan , Zhang Qian , Zhou Ying
Published: April 2016

Macroscopic C3N4/graphene oxide aerogel exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity and adsorption ability for oil and organics as well.
Porphyrin-based metallopolymers: synthesis, characterization and pyrolytic study for the generation of magnetic metal nanoparticles
Authors: Dong Qingchen , Qu Wenshan , Liang Wenqing , Tai Feifei , Guo Kunpeng , Leung Chi-Wah , Lo Yih Hsing , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: April 2016

By taking advantage of the template effect of porphyrin compounds, a series of monometallic and heterobimetallic polymers are synthesized which can be used as precursors for the generation of magnetic metal nanoparticles.
Tuning the plasmonic resonance of Cu2−xS nanocrystals: effects of the crystal phase, morphology and surface ligands
Authors: Zhu Dongxu , Tang Aiwei , Peng Lan , Liu Zhenyang , Yang Chunhe , Teng Feng
Published: April 2016

The localized surface plasmonic resonance absorption wavelength can be tuned effectively by varying the crystal structure, morphology and surface ligands, which can be manipulated by varying the Cu : S precursor ratios and the post-treatment temperature by dodecanethiol.
The Production of Complement Clauses in Children With Language Impairment
Authors: Steel Gillian , Rose Miranda , Eadie Patricia
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to provide a comprehensive description of complement-clause production in children with language impairment. Complement clauses were examined with respect to types of complement structure produced, verb use, and both semantic and syntactic accuracy.

Method

A group of 17 children with language impairment (mean age = 6;10 [years; months]) was compared with a group of 17 younger children with typical language development (mean age = 4;6). Examples of both nonfinite complements with different subjects and sentential complements involving a range of complement-taking verbs were collected using specially designed elicitation tasks.

Results

The children with language impairment were able to construct both types of complement clauses, had access to a range of verbs that are utilized within these constructions, and had knowledge of the grammatical constraints imposed by these verbs. However, they were more restricted in their production of sentential complements and produced significantly fewer semantically accurate complements (both finite and nonfinite) than the children with typical language development.

Conclusion

Children with language impairment evidenced deviant rather than merely delayed development in the area of complement-clause production. Complex sentences such as complement clauses need to be targeted in language intervention programs.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14963676
Differentiating School-Aged Children With and Without Language Impairment Using Tense and Grammaticality Measures From a Narrative Task
Authors: Guo Ling-Yu , Schneider Phyllis
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the finite verb morphology composite (FVMC), number of errors per C-unit (Errors/CU), and percent grammatical C-units (PGCUs) in differentiating school-aged children with language impairment (LI) and those with typical language development (TL).

Method

Participants were 61 six-year-olds (50 TL, 11 LI) and 67 eight-year-olds (50 TL, 17 LI). Narrative samples were collected using a story-generation format. FVMC, Errors/CU, and PGCUs were computed from the samples.

Results

All of the three measures showed acceptable to good diagnostic accuracy at age 6, but only PGCUs showed acceptable diagnostic accuracy at age 8 when sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were considered.

Conclusion

FVMC, Errors/CU, and PGCUs can all be used in combination with other tools to identify school-aged children with LI. However, FVMC and Errors/CU may be an appropriate diagnostic tool up to age 6. PGCUs, in contrast, may be a sensitive tool for identifying children with LI at least up to age 8 years.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14963787
Robust beamforming with block diagonalisation for MIMO interference channels
Authors: Li Conggai , He Chen , Jiang Lingge
Published: April 2016

The authors focus on robust beamforming design for multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) interference channels with imperfect channel state information (CSI) which is described as a bounded CSI error model. With all transmissions restricted to single data stream, the problem of maximising the minimum signal‐to‐inference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) subject to individual power constraint at each transmitter is considered as the max–min fairness transceiver design. Specifically, the authors propose a robust beamforming algorithm named as block diagonalisation assisted (BDA) approach for solving the max–min problem. First, block diagonalisation precoding is applied to simplify the original max–min SINR problem. Then, an iterative algorithm is proposed with alternating process to solve the simplified problem, and the convergence behaviour and computational complexity are analysed. Simulation results show the convergence of the BDA algorithm and demonstrate the robustness of the proposed transceiver design through the bit error rate and the minimum SINR.
Efficient secure channel coding scheme based on low‐density Lattice codes
Authors: Hooshmand Reza , Aref Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2016

In this study, the authors introduce an efficient secure channel coding (joint cryptography‐channel coding) scheme based on Latin square low‐density lattice codes (Latin square LDLCs) over unconstrained power additive white Gaussian noise channel. They benefit the properties of Latin square LDLCs to dramatically reduce the key size of the proposed scheme while having an acceptable level of security compared with previous similar schemes. To reduce the key size, they consider two approaches: (i) saving the generating sequence of parity‐check matrix of used Latin square LDLC as the part of secret key set; (ii) employing the Hermite normal form of the generator matrix of used Latin square LDLC as the encryption matrix. To provide an acceptable level of security, they consider three other strategies: (i) applying two hard problems related to lattices, i.e. shortest basis problem and closest vector problem; (ii) using a random rational vector as the perturbation (error) vector; (iii) exploiting the special joint encryption/LDLC encoding and joint decryption/LDLC decoding algorithms. Besides, the study discusses other efficiency analysis results consisting error performance and computational complexity of the proposed scheme.
Analysis of cogging torque caused by manufacturing tolerances of surface‐mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor for electric power steering
Authors: Kim Ji‐Min , Yoon Myung‐Hwan , Hong Jung‐Pyo , Kim Sung‐Il
Published: April 2016

The reduction of cogging torque is the most important design objective for electric power steering (EPS) motors, because the rotation characteristics of the motor are directly transmitted to a driver. Therefore, a variety of optimal design methods are applied to reduce the cogging torque for EPS motors. However, the measured cogging torques of fabricated models are significantly greater than the finite‐element analysis (FEA) results, because the additional harmonic components (AHCs) of the cogging torque are generated by manufacturing tolerances. The cogging torque generated by manufacturing tolerances can be divided into two components, which are generated by stator and rotor tolerances. In this study, AHCs, which cause cogging torque, are analysed by FEA by applying various tolerances to the analysis model, and harmonic analysis is also conducted. The relation of AHC generated from the stator and rotor is analysed by a rotor swapping test. Consequently, this study can be helpful to analyse the components of the cogging torque generated by manufacturing processes.
Sustainability assessment approaches for intelligent transport systems: the state of the art
Authors: Kolosz Ben , Grant‐Muller Susan
Published: April 2016

The appraisal of intelligent transport systems (ITS) has become increasingly important in order to capture their full range of potential impacts. This study aims to assess the appropriateness of conventional transport appraisal models and tools for this task, particularly in reflecting the environmental and socio‐economic impacts of ITS. These include the most common environmental systems analysis tools (ESATs), which incorporate international standards and are of considerable importance in indicating sustainability. A review of how emerging methods relate to the goal of a successful transition to a low carbon future is reported, based on the literature. The appraisal of ITS is inherently uncertain due to the decentralised nature of information communication technology; therefore, a range of methods to capture this aspect are reviewed. The models, weights and methods are analysed concerning their ability to estimate sustainability performance, given the numerous configurations of ubiquitous technology that may comprise ITS services. Weighting methods are important in reflecting perceptions of how sustainability should be assessed. These can be incorporated by identifying, classifying and selecting one or more ESAT's based on their suitability for a particular application. Finally, recommendations are given on which tools can be integrated to more comprehensively reflect the performance of ITS.
Connectivity supported dynamic routing of electric vehicles in an inductively coupled power transfer environment
Authors: Li Zhiyun , Dey Kakan , Chowdhury Mashrur , Bhavsar Parth
Published: April 2016

Electric vehicle (EV) charging problem impedes its wide scale commercial adoption. In this study, the authors address this problem through an ant colony optimisation based multiobjective routing algorithm that is dedicated to accommodate EV trips. By using connectivity, EVs communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure components to transmit information in real time for finding the best route, and for intelligently recharging on the move using an inductively coupled power transfer system. Such connected EVs are capable of adapting each trip with the lowest travel time and/or the lowest recharge cost along with an optimal recharge plan to prevent a battery drain. As a case study, a real world roadway network in Charleston, South Carolina was simulated to examine the performance of the routing strategy. Simulation analysis revealed that connected EVs can reduce not only the total travel time and the energy consumption, but also the recharged volume of electricity and corresponding cost, thus significantly relieving the concerns of range anxiety of EV drivers. This routing approach potentially leads to a reduction in the EV battery capacity requirement, which in turn can reduce the cost of energy storage systems to a reasonable level.
Design of LCL and LLCL filters for single‐phase grid connected converters
Authors: Sanatkar‐Chayjani Majid , Monfared Mohammad
Published: April 2016

Compared with the traditional L filters, the high order LCL and LLCL filters for grid integration of voltage source converters offer better switching harmonic attenuation even with smaller passive elements. However, the inherent resonance of the high order filters complicates the control of the converter and also the design of filter parameters, especially at presence of digital delays and grid impedance variations. This study proposes a simple design procedure for the LCL and the LLCL filters of a delay‐based stabilised converter that satisfies the predefined constraints on the converter current ripple, grid current harmonics and the reactive power of the capacitor and at the same time, ensures adequate stability of the simple single loop current control against the resonance. Moreover, the effect of grid impedance on the filter performance and controller stability is taken into account, thus the proposed method is robust against a wide range of grid impedance variations. Experimental results for a 3 kW test rig under steady state and transient conditions confirm the effectiveness of the proposed filter design algorithm.
Signalling pathway impact analysis based on the strength of interaction between genes
Authors: Bao Zhenshen , Li Xianbin , Zan Xiangzhen , Shen Liangzhong , Ma Runnian , Liu Wenbin
Published: April 2016

Signalling pathway analysis is a popular approach that is used to identify significant cancer‐related pathways based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from biological experiments. The main advantage of signalling pathway analysis lies in the fact that it assesses both the number of DEGs and the propagation of signal perturbation in signalling pathways. However, this method simplifies the interactions between genes by categorising them only as activation (+1) and suppression (−1), which does not encompass the range of interactions in real pathways, where interaction strength between genes may vary. In this study, the authors used newly developed signalling pathway impact analysis (SPIA) methods, SPIA based on Pearson correlation coefficient (PSPIA), and mutual information (MSPIA), to measure the interaction strength between pairs of genes. In analyses of a colorectal cancer dataset, a lung cancer dataset, and a pancreatic cancer dataset, PSPIA and MSPIA identified more candidate cancer‐related pathways than were identified by SPIA. Generally, MSPIA performed better than PSPIA.
An electrically driven cavity-enhanced source of indistinguishable photons with 61% overall efficiency
Authors: Schlehahn A. , Thoma A. , Munnelly P. , Kamp M. , Höfling S. , Heindel T. , Schneider C. , Reitzenstein S.
Published: April 2016

We report on an electrically driven efficient source of indistinguishable photons operated at pulse-repetition rates f up to 1.2 GHz. The quantum light source is based on a p-i-n-doped micropillar cavity with integrated self-organized quantum dots, which exploits cavity quantum electrodynamics effects in the weak coupling regime to enhance the emission of a single quantum emitter coupled to the cavity mode. We achieve an overall single-photon extraction efficiency of (61 ± 11) % for a device triggered electrically at f = 625 MHz. Analyzing the suppression of multi-photon emission events as a function of excitation repetition rate, we observe single-photon emission associated with g(2)HBT(0) values between 0.076 and 0.227 for f ranging from 373 MHz to 1.2 GHz. Hong-Ou-Mandel-type two-photon interference experiments under pulsed current injection at 487 MHz reveal a photon-indistinguishability of (41.1 ± 9.5) % at a single-photon emission rate of (92 ± 23) MHz.
Role of impurities in determining the exciton diffusion length in organic semiconductors
Authors: Curtin Ian J. , Blaylock D. Wayne , Holmes Russell J.
Published: April 2016

The design and performance of organic photovoltaic cells is dictated, in part, by the magnitude of the exciton diffusion length (LD). Despite the importance of this parameter, there have been few investigations connecting LD and materials purity. Here, we investigate LD for the organic small molecule N,N′-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)-benzidine as native impurities are systematically removed from the material. Thin films deposited from the as-synthesized material yield a value for LD, as measured by photoluminescence quenching, of (3.9 ± 0.5) nm with a corresponding photoluminescence efficiency (ηPL) of (25 ± 1)% and thin film purity of (97.1 ± 1.2)%, measured by high performance liquid chromatography. After purification by thermal gradient sublimation, the value of LD is increased to (4.7 ± 0.5) nm with a corresponding ηPL of (33 ± 1)% and purity of (98.3 ± 0.8)%. Interestingly, a similar behavior is also observed as a function of the deposition boat temperature. Films deposited from the purified material at a high temperature give LD = (5.3 ± 0.8) nm with ηPL = (37 ± 1)% for films with a purity of (99.0 ± 0.3)% purity. Using a model of diffusion by Förster energy transfer, the variation of LD with purity is predicted as a function of ηPL and is in good agreement with measurements. The removal of impurities acts to decrease the non-radiative exciton decay rate and increase the radiative decay rate, leading to increases in both the diffusivity and exciton lifetime. The results of this work highlight the role of impurities in determining LD, while also providing insight into the degree of materials purification necessary to achieve optimized exciton transport.