bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of g-C3N4/Bi2O3/TiO2 composite nanotubes: enhanced activity under visible light irradiation and improved photoelectrochemical activity
Authors: Zhang Yi , Lu Jiani , Hoffmann Michael R. , Wang Qiang , Cong Yanqing , Wang Qi , Jin Huan
Published: May 2015

g-C3N4 and Bi2O3 were successfully incorporated into TiO2 nanotubes. The photocurrent generated by g-C3N4/Bi2O3/TiO2-NTs was about 15 times higher.g-C3N4/Bi2O3/TiO2-NT has a higher PEC response for the degradation of organic pollutants.
Esterification of free fatty acids with supercritical methanol for biodiesel production and related kinetic study
Authors: Jin Tianwei , Wang Bin , Zeng Jinhui , Yang Chun , Wang Yuqi , Fang Tao
Published: May 2015

The interaction of raw material ratio, reaction temperature and reaction time on the esterification reaction of free fatty acids, and a kinetic analysis of it.
Water-based synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 with high morphology level at room temperature
Authors: Jian Meipeng , Liu Bao , Liu Ruiping , Qu Jiuhui , Wang Huanting , Zhang Xiwang
Published: May 2015

Additive-free synthesis of ZIF-8 with perfect morphology in water at room temperature involves 3 key reactions and 5 evolutional steps.
Improved chemical stability of silver by selective distribution of silver particles on reduced graphene oxide nanosheets
Authors: Tang Xiu-Zhi , Chen Xuelong , Wu Gang , Hu Xiao , Yang Jinglei
Published: May 2015

The chemical stability of silver particles on RGO was greatly improved by choosing a suitable sequence of “deoxygenation” and “deposition”.
Core–shell hydroxyapatite/Mg nanostructures: surfactant free facile synthesis, characterization and their in vitro cell viability studies against leukaemia cancer cells (K562)
Authors: Manoj M. , Mangalaraj D. , Ponpandian N. , Viswanathan C.
Published: May 2015

Hydroxyapatite/magnesium core–shell nanostructures were synthesized by a simple and cost effective precipitation method without a surfactant or ligand/chelating agent.
Reinforcement of nanostructured reduced graphene oxide: a facile approach to develop high-performance nanocomposite ultrafiltration membranes minimizing the trade-off between flux and selectivity
Authors: Pal Avishek , Kar Soumitra , Debnath A. K. , Aswal D. K. , Bindal R. C. , Tewari P. K.
Published: May 2015

In situimpregnation of nanostructured reduced graphene oxide (nRGO) in Ps matrix leads to Ps–nRGO composite UF membranes with promising attributes such as improved flux, optimum selectivity along with reasonable thermal and mechanical stability.
Performance enhancement of fullerene based solar cells upon NIR laser irradiation
Authors: Gill Hardeep Singh , Thota Sammaiah , Li Lian , Kokil Akshay , Mosurkal Ravi , Kumar Jayant
Published: May 2015

Photovoltaic performance enhancement of fullerene based solar cells was achieved upon exposure to near-infrared (NIR) laser pulses.
Multijet motion and deviation in electrospinning
Authors: Zheng Yuansheng , Gong R. Hugh , Zeng Yongchun
Published: May 2015

This study provides a thorough description associated with multijet motion and deviation in electrospinning.
A unique polymeric gel by thiol–alkyne click chemistry
Authors: Ganivada Mutyala Naidu , Kumar Pawan , Shunmugam Raja
Published: May 2015

Poly(ethylene glycol) functionalized with tetra-acetylene (PTETACT) and pentaerythritol (3-mercaptopropionic acid) (PETM) are cross-linked by a thiol–yne reaction to create robust, tuneable networks.
Performance and biofilm characteristics of a gas biofilter for n-hexane removal at various operational conditions
Authors: Cheng Yan , He Huijun , Yang Chunping , Zeng Guangming , Yan Zhou , Lu Li , Tu Yanhong
Published: May 2015

The effects of operational parameters including nitrate concentration,n-hexane inlet concentration and gas empty bed residence time (EBRT) on long-term removal performance ofn-hexane were discussed.
Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous SiO2-supported transition metal oxide catalysts: facile synthesis and high catalytic activity for diesel soot combustion
Authors: Yu Xuehua , Zhao Zhen , Wei Yuechang , Liu Jian , Li Jianmei , Duan Aijun , Jiang Guiyuan
Published: May 2015

Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) SiO2-supported transition metal oxide catalysts were successfully synthesized, and they exhibit high catalytic activities for soot combustion.
Preparation and characterization of a novel porous Ti/SnO2–Sb2O3–CNT/PbO2electrode for the anodic oxidation of phenol wastewater
Authors: Xing Juntao , Chen Donghui , Zhao Wei , Peng Xiaoling , Bai Zilong , Zhang Wenwen , Zhao Xiuxian
Published: May 2015

Porous Ti/SnO2–Sb2O3–CNT/PbO2electrodes were successfully fabricated using a thermal decomposition technique and electro-deposition technologies.
Four-component reaction between naphthols, substituted β-nitrostyrenes, substituted benzaldehydes and ammonium acetate in water–PEG-400: an approach to construct polysubstituted naphthofuranamines
Authors: Zhang Jungui , Yao Juan , Liu Jiaming , Xue Shuwen , Li Yang , Wang Cunde
Published: May 2015

The diversity-oriented synthesis of naphtho[b]furansviaa four-component reaction between naphthanols, substituted β-nitrostyrenes, substituted benzaldehydes and ammonium acetate has been developed.
Monodisperse FePt nanoparticles as highly active electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation
Authors: Liang Shuai , Wang Fei , Zhang Zhenwei , Li Yaqing , Cai Yunliang , Ren Jing , Jiang Xingmao
Published: May 2015

Monodisperse face-centered tetragonal (fct) FePt nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a new and facile approach based on a reverse microemulsion method, which exhibited high electrocatalytic activity in methanol oxidation.
N-Ethylcarbazole-doped fullerene as a potential candidate for hydrogen storage, a kinetics approach
Authors: Mehranfar A. , Izadyar M.
Published: May 2015

Due to the suitable possibility of hydrogen storage in liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), a systematic analysis of the chemisorption pathway of hydrogen onN-ethylcarbazole doped fullerene (NEC@C60) has been presented.
A pH-responsive soluble polymer-based homogeneous system for fast and highly efficient N-glycoprotein/glycopeptide enrichment and identification by mass spectrometry
Authors: Bai Haihong , Fan Chao , Zhang Wanjun , Pan Yiting , Ma Lin , Ying Wantao , Wang Jianhua , Deng Yulin , Qian Xiaohong , Qin Weijie
Published: May 2015

A homogeneous reaction system was developed for facile and highly efficient enrichment of biomolecules by exploiting the reversible self-assembly of a stimuli-responsive polymer.
Structural bases for mechano-responsive properties in molecular gels of (R)-12-hydroxy-N-(ω-hydroxyalkyl)octadecanamides. Rates of formation and responses to destructive strain
Authors: Mallia V. Ajay , Weiss Richard G.
Published: May 2015

The time and degree of mechano-response to destructive strain by molecular gels can be controlled by design.
Selective formation of organo, organo-aqueous, and hydro gel-like materials from partially hydrolysed poly(vinyl acetate)s based on different boron-containing crosslinkers
Authors: Angelova L. V. , Leskes M. , Berrie B. H. , Weiss R. G.
Published: May 2015

Gel-like, highly viscous polymeric dispersions from borate-crosslinked polyols can be prepared entirely with organic liquids and have viscoelastic properties similar to the equivalent materials prepared in aqueous or organo-aqueous solutions.
Combined effects of underlying substrate and evaporative cooling on the evaporation of sessile liquid droplets
Authors: Wang Yilin , Ma Liran , Xu Xuefeng , Luo Jianbin
Published: May 2015

Combined effects of the substrate and the evaporative cooling on droplet evaporation are studied numerically by extending the combined field approach, and the results show that the influence of the substrate on the droplet evaporation depends largely on the strength of the evaporative cooling.
Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) modified spongelike polypyrrole (PPy) aerogel for excellent electromagnetic absorption
Authors: Wu Fan , Xie Aming , Sun Mengxiao , Wang Yuan , Wang Mingyang
Published: May 2015

A self-assembled spongelike (S) ultralight (ρ ≈ 140 mg cm−3) aerogel was fabricated through polypyrrole (PPy) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO).
Incorporation of square-planar Pd2+in fluorite CeO2: hydrothermal preparation, local structure, redox properties and stability
Authors: Hiley Craig I. , Fisher Janet M. , Thompsett David , Kashtiban Reza J. , Sloan Jeremy , Walton Richard I.
Published: May 2015

EXAFS shows that square-planar Pd2+can be accommodated in CeO2in interstitial positions to give Ce1−xPdxO2−δ(x≤ 0.15); redox properties and stability have been explored.
Mitigating capacity fade by constructing highly ordered mesoporous Al2O3/polyacene double-shelled architecture in Li-rich cathode materials
Authors: Xu Ming , Chen Zhaoyong , Zhu Huali , Yan Xiaoyan , Li Lingjun , Zhao Qunfang
Published: May 2015

Illustration of the double-shelled structure: the inner surface with a polyacene layer as a high electronic conductor and the outer surface with a highly ordered mesoporous Al2O3layer as a protecting layer.
Tween 85 grafted PEIs enhanced delivery of antisense 2′-O-methyl phosphorothioate oligonucleotides in vitro and in dystrophic mdx mice
Authors: Wang Mingxing , Wu Bo , Tucker Jason D. , Lu Peijuan , Bollinger Lauren E. , Lu Qilong
Published: May 2015

The most effective Tween 85 modified LPEI (Z7) enhanced exon-skipping of 2′-OMePS over 8 folds compared with 2′-OMePS alone inmdxmice, without increasing toxicity.
Porosity-induced emission: exploring color-controllable fluorescence of porous organic polymers and their chemical sensing applications
Authors: Li Yankai , Bi Shiming , Liu Fei , Wu Shengying , Hu Jun , Wang Limin , Liu Honglai , Hu Ying
Published: May 2015

“Porosity-induced emission” for the synthesis of POPs with tunable fluorescence color for chemical sensing applications.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated cyclic ADP ribose signalling
Authors: Kaar Aidan , Rae Mark G.
Published: May 2015

Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (I-mGluRs) modulate numerous cellular functions such as specific membrane currents and neurotransmitter release linked to their ability to mobilize calcium from intracellular calcium stores. As such, most I-mGluR research to date has focused on the coupling of these receptors to phospholipase C (PLC)-dependent and inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated calcium release via activation of IP3 receptors located upon the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum. However, there are now numerous examples of PLC- and IP3-independent I-mGluR-evoked signals, which may instead be mediated by activation of ryanodine receptors (RyRs). A prime candidate for mediating this coupling between I-mGluR activation and RyR opening is cyclic ADP ribose (cADPR) and, indeed, several of these PLC-/IP3-independent I-mGluR-evoked calcium signals have now been shown to be mediated wholly or partly by cADPR-evoked activation of RyRs. The contribution of cADPR signalling to I-mGluR-mediated responses is relatively complex, dependent as it is on factors such as cell type, excitation state of the cell and location of I-mGluRs on the cell. However, these factors notwithstanding, I-mGluR-mediated cADPR signalling remains poorly characterized, with several key aspects yet to be fully elucidated such as (1) the range of stimuli which evoke cADPR production, (2) the specific molecular mechanism(s) coupling cADPR to RyR activation and (3) the contribution of cADPR-mediated responses to downstream outputs such as synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, it is possible that the cADPR pathway may play a role in diseases underpinned by dysregulated calcium homoeostasis such as Alzheimer's disease (AD).
TPC: the NAADP discovery channel?
Authors: Morgan Anthony J. , Davis Lianne C. , Ruas Margarida , Galione Antony
Published: May 2015

The Ca2+-mobilizing second messenger, NAADP (nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate), has been with us for nearly 20 years and yet we still cannot fully agree on the identity of its target Ca2+-release channel. In spite of some recent robust challenges to the idea that two-pore channels (TPCs) represent the elusive “NAADP receptor”, evidence continues to accumulate that TPCs are important for NAADP-mediated responses. This article will briefly outline the background and review more recent work pertaining to the TPC story.
Two-pore channels at the intersection of endolysosomal membrane traffic
Authors: Marchant Jonathan S. , Patel Sandip
Published: May 2015

Two-pore channels (TPCs) are ancient members of the voltage-gated ion channel superfamily that localize to acidic organelles such as lysosomes. The TPC complex is the proposed target of the Ca2+-mobilizing messenger NAADP, which releases Ca2+ from these acidic Ca2+ stores. Whereas details of TPC activation and native ion permeation remain unclear, a consensus has emerged around their function in regulating endolysosomal trafficking. This role is supported by recent proteomic data showing that TPCs interact with proteins controlling membrane organization and dynamics, including Rab GTPases and components of the fusion apparatus. Regulation of TPCs by PtdIns(3,5)P2 and/or NAADP (nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate) together with their functional and physical association with Rab proteins provides a mechanism for coupling phosphoinositide and trafficking protein cues to local ion fluxes. Therefore, TPCs work at the regulatory cross-roads of (patho)physiological cues to co-ordinate and potentially deregulate traffic flow through the endolysosomal network. This review focuses on the native role of TPCs in trafficking and their emerging contributions to endolysosomal trafficking dysfunction.
Post-transcriptional regulation of connexins
Authors: Salat-Canela Clàudia , Muñoz María José , Sesé Marta , Ramón y Cajal Santiago , Aasen Trond
Published: May 2015

Gap junctions allow intercellular communication. Their structural subunits are four-transmembrane proteins named connexins (Cxs), which can be post-transcriptionally regulated by developmental and cellular signalling cues. Cx translation and mRNA stability is regulated by miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) such as human antigen R (HuR). In addition, several Cxs have also been suggested to contain 5′ internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements that are thought to allow cap-independent translation in situations such as mitosis, stress and senescence. Furthermore, several recent reports have documented internal translation of Cx mRNAs that result in N-terminally truncated protein isoforms that may have unique gap junction-independent functions [Ul-Hussain et al. (2008) BMC Mol. Biol. 9, 52; Smyth and Shaw (2013) Cell Rep. 5, 611–618; Salat-Canela et al. (2014) Cell Commun. Signal. 12, 31; Ul-Hussain et al. (2014) J. Biol. Chem. 289, 20979–20990]. This review covers the emerging field of the post-transcriptional regulation of Cxs, with particular focus on the translational control of Cx 43 and its possible functional consequences.
Emerging concepts regarding pannexin 1 in the vasculature
Authors: Good Miranda E. , Begandt Daniela , DeLalio Leon J. , Keller Alexander S. , Billaud Marie , Isakson Brant E.
Published: May 2015

Pannexin channels are newly discovered ATP release channels expressed throughout the body. Pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels have become of great interest as they appear to participate in a multitude of signalling cascades, including regulation of vascular function. Although numerous Panx1 pharmacological inhibitors have been discovered, these inhibitors are not specific for Panx1 and have additional effects on other proteins. Therefore, molecular tools, such as RNA interference and knockout animals, are needed to demonstrate the role of pannexins in various cellular functions. This review focuses on the known roles of Panx1 related to purinergic signalling in the vasculature focusing on post-translational modifications and channel gating mechanisms that may participate in the regulated release of ATP.
Cell communication across gap junctions: a historical perspective and current developments
Authors: Evans W. Howard
Published: May 2015

Collaborative communication lies at the centre of multicellular life. Gap junctions (GJs) are surface membrane structures that allow direct communication between cells. They were discovered in the 1960s following the convergence of the detection of low-resistance electrical interactions between cells and anatomical studies of intercellular contact points. GJs purified from liver plasma membranes contained a 27 kDa protein constituent; it was later named Cx32 (connexin 32) after its full sequence was determined by recombinant technology. Identification of Cx43 in heart and later by a further GJ protein, Cx26 followed. Cxs have a tetraspan organization in the membrane and oligomerize during intracellular transit to the plasma membrane; these were shown to be hexameric hemichannels (connexons) that could interact end-to-end to generate GJs at areas of cell-to-cell contact. The structure of the GJ was confirmed and refined by a combination of biochemical and structural approaches. Progress continues towards obtaining higher atomic 3D resolution of the GJ channel. Today, there are 20 and 21 highly conserved members of the Cx family in the human and mouse genomes respectively. Model organisms such as Xenopus oocytes and zebra fish are increasingly used to relate structure to function. Proteins that form similar large pore membrane channels in cells called pannexins have also been identified in chordates. Innexins form GJs in prechordates; these two other proteins, although functionally similar, are very different in amino acid sequence to the Cxs. A time line tracing the historical progression of wide ranging research in GJ biology over 60 years is mapped out. The molecular basis of channel dysfunctions in disease is becoming evident and progress towards addressing Cx channel-dependent pathologies, especially in ischaemia and tissue repair, continues.
Optimal relay selection for transmission rate maximisation in multi‐hop wireless networks
Authors: Li Xiaohua
Published: May 2015

A fundamental problem for wireless networks is how to select relays from all available network nodes to realise the optimal multi‐hop relaying between a source node and a destination node. Mutual interference among wireless nodes makes this problem challenging. A surprising result of the reported work is that interference‐free multi‐hop relaying can be achieved in full‐duplex decode‐and‐forward relaying. The broadcast nature of wireless transmissions can be exploited without suffering from mutual interference. Then, an efficient relay selection algorithm is developed that finds the optimal hop count and all the relays to maximise the source‐destination multi‐hop transmission rate. The complexity of the algorithm is O(N2) only, where N is the number of available network nodes or network size. Interestingly, this wireless network algorithm is similar to the well‐known Dijkstra's algorithm of wired networks. Simulations are conducted to demonstrate its optimality and efficiency.
Dynamic frequency reuse based on guard regions in two‐layer heterogeneous networks
Authors: Xu Fangmin , Pan Peng
Published: May 2015

The guard region for a randomly select user is introduced based on the stochastic geometry model. The guard region, through which a frequency reuse criterion is proposed, is calculated based on parameters such as user position, path loss exponents and transmission power. A dynamic frequency reuse scheme based on the guard regions of macrocell users is proposed to mitigate inter‐layer interference. A frequency reuse criterion, which changes along with user position adaptively and is derived through stochastic geometry theory, is believed to be the first effort that can be found in the literature.
Design of simple and compact tunable fibre laser
Authors: Fujimoto Y. , Ishii O. , Yamazaki M.
Published: May 2015

A novel design of a simple and compact tunable fibre laser that uses the chromatic aberration of the lens relay and a slit‐like effect of the optical fibre core is proposed and demonstrated. The tunability of 20 nm is obtained by 130 µm of cavity output mirror adjustment.
Image denoising using common vector approach
Authors: Özkan Kemal , Seke Erol
Published: May 2015

Common vector approach (CVA) is an increasingly popular classification method in recognition problems where probability of having the dimensionality of the problem higher than the number of data items is not zero. In CVA, common component of the members of classes is separated from the discriminating difference parts and used to determine whether a given vector (a block of data) belongs to the class in question, or to find out the class it belongs to. In this study, overlapping image blocks near the current pixel to be denoised are used as input data and a class is constructed per pixel position. Denoised image block is then constructed with the sum of common vector of the class and difference vector of the centre block denoised by linear minimum mean square error estimation technique. Since the classes are formed using similar blocks, the edges are preserved while denoising the image.
The Value of Total antioxidant Status and Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Levels at 24–28 Weeks of Gestation in the Prediction of Optimal Treatment Protocol in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ozler S. , Oztas E. , Uygur D. , Ersoy A. O. , Ergin M. , Koca C. , Danisman N. , Erkaya S.
Published: May 2015

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the serum oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzyme and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels at 24–28 weeks of gestation and to evaluate the predictive value of them on the subsequent treatment protocol in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: A total of 58 GDM patients (30 treated with only conventional healthy dietary recommendation (CHDR), 28 treated with insulin) and 30 healthy pregnant women at 24–28 weeks of gestation, were enrolled in this prospective case-control study. The oxidative status, antioxidant enzyme and TNF-α levels were evaluated to determine if there is an association with the need of insulin therapy for glycemic control by using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results: TNF-α (OR=11.976, 95%CI: 2.441–58.754, P=0.002) and total antioxidant status (TAS) (OR=12.769, 95%CI: 2.464–66.182, P=0.002) were found to be predictive for GDM at 24–28 weeks of gestation. Besides, further evaluation considering the treatment modality showed that increased TNF-α (OR=18.615, 95%CI: 2.338–148.240, P=0.006) and lower TAS levels (OR=99.471, 95%CI: 2.865–3 453.061, P=0.011) were independent predictors of the need for insulin treatment in GDM patients.

Conclusions: Increased TNF-α levels and low TAS are significantly associated with the increased risk of insulin requirement for achieving good glycemic control in GDM.
Advancement in heterogeneous base catalyzed technology: An efficient production of biodiesel fuels
Authors: Lee H. V. , Juan J. C. , Taufiq-Yap Y. H. , Kong P. S. , Rahman N. A.
Published: May 2015

Price fluctuation of petroleum-based diesel, climate change, emerging mandate obligations, availability of new feedstock and the upgrading of conversion technologies are expected to drive biodiesel market to grow robustly in the next coming 10 years. However, the current bottleneck in biodiesel production is the lack of economical sustainable conversion technologies. Generally, industrial production of biodiesel is greatly relied on alkaline homogeneous transesterification reaction. Limitation of the technology, such as multistep process which incur extra pre-step for high acid oil treatment and post-step for biodiesel purification and alkali washing as diminished the economic feasibility and low environmental impact of the entire biodiesel process. Heterogeneous catalysis offers immense potential to develop simple transesterification process, including one step reaction, easy separation, reusability of catalyst, and green reaction. Thus, the aim of this paper is to review the biodiesel production technologies such as blending, micro-emulsion, pyrolysis, and transesterification. Furthermore, recent studies on heterogeneous catalyzed transesterification were presented by discussing the issues such as catalytic performance on different types of biodiesel feedstock, transesterification reaction conditions, limitations encountered by heterogeneous catalysts, and reusability of solid catalysts. The heterogeneous catalysts presented in this review is mainly focused on solid base catalysts, which include single metal oxides, supported metal oxide, binary metal oxide, hydrotalcite, and natural waste shell-based catalyst. Furthermore, current perspectives on application of heterogeneous catalyzed technology in biodiesel industry were discussed herein.
The benzene radical anion: A computationally demanding prototype for aromatic anions
Authors: Bazante Alexandre P. , Davidson E. R. , Bartlett Rodney J.
Published: May 2015

The benzene radical anion is studied with ab initio coupled-cluster theory in large basis sets. Unlike the usual assumption, we find that, at the level of theory investigated, the minimum energy geometry is non-planar with tetrahedral distortion at two opposite carbon atoms. The anion is well known for its instability to auto-ionization which poses computational challenges to determine its properties. Despite the importance of the benzene radical anion, the considerable attention it has received in the literature so far has failed to address the details of its structure and shape-resonance character at a high level of theory. Here, we examine the dynamic Jahn-Teller effect and its impact on the anion potential energy surface. We find that a minimum energy geometry of C2 symmetry is located below one D2h stationary point on a C2h pseudo-rotation surface. The applicability of standard wave function methods to an unbound anion is assessed with the stabilization method. The isotropic hyperfine splitting constants (Aiso) are computed and compared to data obtained from experimental electron spin resonance experiments. Satisfactory agreement with experiment is obtained with coupled-cluster theory and large basis sets such as cc-pCVQZ.
Some properties of correlations of quantum lattice systems in thermal equilibrium
Authors: Fröhlich Jürg , Ueltschi Daniel
Published: May 2015

Simple proofs of uniqueness of the thermodynamic limit of KMS states and of the decay of equilibrium correlations are presented for a large class of quantum lattice systems at high temperatures. New quantum correlation inequalities for general Heisenberg models are described. Finally, a simplified derivation of a general result on power-law decay of correlations in 2D quantum lattice systems with continuous symmetries is given, extending results of McBryan and Spencer for the 2D classical XY model.
Note: A portable Raman analyzer for microfluidic chips based on a dichroic beam splitter for integration of imaging and signal collection light paths
Authors: Geng Yijia , Chen Lei , Chen Gang , Bi Wenbin , Xu Shuping , Cui Haining , Xu Weiqing
Published: May 2015

An integrated and portable Raman analyzer featuring an inverted probe fixed on a motor-driving adjustable optical module was designed for the combination of a microfluidic system. It possesses a micro-imaging function. The inverted configuration is advantageous to locate and focus microfluidic channels. Different from commercial micro-imaging Raman spectrometers using manual switchable light path, this analyzer adopts a dichroic beam splitter for both imaging and signal collection light paths, which avoids movable parts and improves the integration and stability of optics. Combined with surface-enhanced Raman scattering technique, this portable Raman micro-analyzer is promising as a powerful tool for microfluidic analytics.
Optical and electrical properties of Mg-doped AlN nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Connie Ashfiqua Tahseen , Zhao Songrui , Sadaf Sharif Md. , Shih Ishiang , Mi Zetian , Du Xiaozhang , Lin Jingyu , Jiang Hongxing
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the optical and electrical properties of Mg-doped AlN nanowires are discussed. At room temperature, with the increase of Mg-doping concentration, the Mg-acceptor energy level related optical transition can be clearly measured, which is separated about 0.6 eV from the band-edge transition, consistent with the Mg activation energy in AlN. The electrical conduction measurements indicate an activation energy of 23 meV at 300 K–450 K temperature range, which is significantly smaller than the Mg-ionization energy in AlN, suggesting the p-type conduction being mostly related to hopping conduction. The free hole concentration of AlN:Mg nanowires is estimated to be on the order of 1016 cm−3, or higher.
Synergistic effect of Fe-doping and stacking faults on the dielectric permittivity and microwave absorption properties of SiC whiskers
Authors: Kuang Jianlei , Jiang Peng , Liu Wenxiu , Cao Wenbin
Published: May 2015

Previously, we have found that the stacking faults density in SiC whisker (SiCw) significantly affects its dielectric permittivity mainly through the enhanced dipolar loss mechanism. Doping has been considered as another effective way to increase the dielectric permittivity of granular SiC. In order to further investigate the possible synergistic effect of Fe-doping and stacking faults on permittivity, permeability, and microwave absorption properties, Fe-doped SiCw with various stacking faults densities were prepared. Experimental results indicate that the Fe-doped SiCw with internal stacking faults shows a higher dielectric permittivity than that of undoped SiCw with only stacking faults. Both dielectric permittivity and microwave absorption properties of Fe-doped SiCw increased significantly with the increase in dopant concentration. First-principle calculation reveals that Fe-doping tunes SiC to be half-metallic, and thus, its electric conductivity as well as conduction loss is enhanced. So, both the dielectric permittivity and microwave absorption properties of Fe-doped SiCw were significantly improved due to the synergistic effect of the enhanced conduction loss caused by Fe-doping and the dipolar loss induced by stacking faults. And, the measured weak magnetic loss contributes to that as well.
A seven-state Markov model for determining the optimal operating mode of distributed generators
Authors: Hosseini S. A. , Vahidi B. , Askarian Abyaneh H. , Sadeghi S. H. H. , Karami M.
Published: May 2015

Distributed generation resources (DG) can operate in three modes of peak shaving, backup, and intentional islanding. Optimal operation of DGs has high influence in reliability improvement and cost reduction. Accordingly, in this paper using the index of expected cost of interruption, the optimal operation mode of DGs is identified. The purpose of this optimization is improving the reliability and reducing the cost of distribution companies which own DG resources. Since any method, which considers all operation modes simultaneously, has not been presented, this paper is aimed to present a method to identify operation mode of DG. The presented method uses Monte Carlo simulation in order to model the network component and a seven-state Markov model is presented. Results show that total operation cost of the distribution companies is reduced 256838.489 ($/yr) by determining optimal operation mode for DG. Results also show that operation cost of system reduces drastically when DG operation mode is identified hourly rather than situation when DG operates in only single mode. Accordingly, using the presented method, companies which own DG can choose optimal operation mode of their DGs for each hour so that most benefits are acquired.
Microtubes decorated with nanowires
Authors: Rivaldo-Gómez C. M. , Zúñiga A. , Criado D. , Schoenmaker J. , Souza J. A.
Published: May 2015

We report a hierarchically ZnO micro/nanostructured material where ZnO microtubes are covered with ZnO nanowires. The synthesis process is partially driven by electrical current and accompanied in situ by electrical resistivity measurements. The thermal activated energy of the obtained semiconducting microtubes was estimated to be 0.5 eV. Microtubes topped with nanowires may have multifunctional nature and tailored properties for technological applications.
Brittle fracture toughnesses of GaN and AlN from first-principles surface-energy calculations
Authors: Dreyer C. E. , Janotti A. , Van de Walle C. G.
Published: May 2015

Cracks are a major limitation for the growth of III-nitride bulk crystals and thick epitaxial films. The propensity for a crack to propagate on a given plane is determined by the anisotropic fracture toughness, Γ. Using first-principles surface-energy calculations, we have determined toughnesses for brittle fracture (Γb) in GaN and AlN, for cracks on the nonpolar {101¯0} m-and {112¯0} a planes, and the polar (0001)+(0001¯) c plane. For both materials, Γb values for cracks on the nonpolar planes are similar, and significantly smaller than for the c plane. Calculated critical thicknesses for AlGaN grown on GaN correctly predict the fracture planes in polar and nonpolar growth.
Eye Shape Illusions Induced by Eyebrow Positions
Authors: Matsushita Soyogu , Morikawa Kazunori , Mitsuzane Saya , Yamanami Haruna
Published: May 2015

We investigated whether the position of the eyebrows influences the perceived shape of the eyes by employing psychophysical measurements. Experiment 1 used arched and straight eyebrows at five different inclinations as stimuli and measured the perceived inclination of the eyes. The results demonstrated that the eyes are perceived to be somewhat inclined in the same direction as the eyebrows. Experiment 2 measured the perceived eye size by manipulating the distance between the eyes and the eyebrows and the curvature of the eyebrows across three levels. The results showed that the lower eyebrows (ie closer to eyes) made the eyes appear larger and the higher eyebrows made the eyes appear smaller, while eyebrow curvature had no effect on perceived eye size. Experiment 3 examined the role of the eye–eyebrow distance in the eye inclination illusion shown in experiment 1. The eye inclination illusion was unaffected by the eye–eyebrow distance, suggesting that the eye inclination illusion and the eye size illusion may involve different kinds of assimilation. These illusions are discussed in terms of face perception and possible practical applications.
The Effect of Age and Gender on Pressure Pain Thresholds and Suprathreshold Stimuli
Authors: Petrini Laura , Matthiesen Susan Tomczak , Arendt-Nielsen Lars
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

The study investigates the impact of age and gender on (1) experimental pressure pain detection thresholds (PPDT) and pressure pain tolerance thresholds (PPTolT) and (2) participants' self-reports of pain intensity and unpleasantness at suprathreshold and subthreshold levels.

Methods:

twenty young (20–34, mean age = 24.6 ± 3.6 years, ten female) and twenty elderly (65–88, mean age = 73.6 ± 6.6 years, ten female) healthy volunteers were compared. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE 28–30) assessed intact cognitive functioning. Pain thresholds were assessed together with the sensory intensity ratings to 1.3 x PPDT (pain) and 0.2 x PPDT (no pain).

Results:

PPDT and PPTolT significantly decreased with age and were lower in young females as compared with young males. No gender differences were observed in the elderly group. PPDT decreased significantly with age in males but not in females. Conversely, the intensity and unpleasantness of the pain stimulus were significantly rated lower in the elderly as compared with the young. No gender differences were observed in the report of intensity and unpleasantness of the stimulations.

Discussion:

a mismatch in pain sensitivity, tolerance, and pain self-reports was observed. Findings suggest that pain experiences in the elderly differ from the experiences in the young on multiple dimensions: sensory, affective, and cognitive. Findings may also indicate that the elderly appraise pain experiences using different psychological strategies.
Head morphology of ram spermatozoa is associated with their ability to migrate in vitro and correlates with fertility
Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez Carmen , Alvarez Mercedes , López-Urueña Elena , Gomes-Alves Susana , Anel-López Luis , Tizado Jorge E. , Anel Luis , de Paz Paulino
Published: May 2015

Fertility is a highly complex biological function that depends on several properties of spermatozoa that are necessary for them to overcome various barriers in the female reproductive tract to reach the fertilisation site. This ability has been evaluated in vitro using cervical mucus migration tests. Head morphology has been widely studied, and various studies have reported correlations between head morphology and motility, fertility and DNA fragmentation. In the present study, we first evaluated the relationship between the ability of ram spermatozoa to overcome the mucus surrogate barrier in an in vitro migration test and sperm head morphology. Sperm motility (determined by computer-aided sperm analysis) and the acrosomal status, viability and mitochondrial status (determined by flow cytometry) of control and migrating spermatozoa were assessed. Principal component analysis and clustering analysis of the values for the morphometric parameters assessed defined three cell subpopulations. One of these subpopulations, namely spermatozoa with a short and wide head, was absent from samples collected after conclusion of the migration test. Second, we evaluated relationships among head morphology characteristics, the ability to penetrate the artificial mucus and fertility. We did not find any correlation between fertility and the number of spermatozoa that migrated, whereas there was a negative correlation between the proportion of spermatozoa with a short and wide head in the fresh sperm sample and fertility. In conclusion, the head morphology of spermatozoa was associated with their ability to overcome a mucus barrier in a migration test, and the relative size of the non-migrating subpopulation was negatively related to male fertility.
The Localisation of Japanese Video Games
Authors: Mangiron Carmen
Published: May 2015

Over the course of the last three decades the entertainment software industry has become a multibillion dollar industry and a worldwide phenomenon. The United States and Japan have traditionally been the main players in this industry, which owes part of its global success to internationalisation and the associated localisation processes. Due to the cultural distance between Japan and Western countries, Japanese games often undergo extensive cultural adaptation in order to market them successfully in those territories. This paper analyses the localisation of Japanese console games. After presenting a brief overview of the history of the localisation of Japanese games it describes the main internationalisation strategies adopted by Japanese developers and publishers. It also explores the main localisation strategies applied to Japanese games, i.e. domesticating or exoticising, exploring the cultural adaptation processes to which some Japanese games have been subject, and examines how critics and players reacted to the localised versions. Finally, it concludes with a reflection on the extent to which Japanese games should be culturally adapted for their international release in order to strike the right balance between domesticating and exoticising strategies taking into account different factors, such as the genre of the game, the gaming preferences of the target players, and the intended audience.
15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 as an electrophilic mediator
Authors: Shibata Takahiro
Published: May 2015

Lipid-derived electrophilic molecules are endogenously generated and are causally involved in many pathophysiological effects. Prostaglandin D2, a major cyclooxygenase product in a variety of tissues and cells, readily undergoes dehydration to yield the J-series PGs such as 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2). Because of the electrophilic α,β-unsaturated ketone moiety present in its cyclopentenone ring, 15d-PGJ2 acts as an endogenous electrophile. 15d-PGJ2 can covalently react via the Michael addition reaction with critical cellular nucleophiles, such as the free cysteine residues of proteins that play a key role in the regulation of the intracellular signaling pathways. Covalent modification of cellular proteins by 15d-PGJ2 may be one of the most important mechanisms by which 15d-PGJ2 induces many biological responses involved in the pathophysiological effects associated with inflammation. This current review is intended to provide a comprehensive summary of 15d-PGJ2 as an endogenous electrophilic mediator of biological activities.
Structural and physical properties of collagen extracted from moon jellyfish under neutral pH conditions
Authors: Miki Ayako , Inaba Satomi , Baba Takayuki , Kihira Koji , Fukada Harumi , Oda Masayuki
Published: May 2015

We extracted collagen from moon jellyfish under neutral pH conditions and analyzed its amino acid composition, secondary structure, and thermal stability. The content of hydroxyproline was 4.3%, which is lower than that of other collagens. Secondary structure analysis using circular dichroism (CD) showed a typical collagen helix. The thermal stability of this collagen at pH 3.0 was lower than those from fish scale and pig skin, which also correlates closely with jellyfish collagen having lower hydroxyproline content. Because the solubility of jellyfish collagen used in this study at neutral pH was quite high, it was possible to analyze its structural and physical properties under physiological conditions. Thermodynamic analysis using CD and differential scanning calorimetry showed that the thermal stability at pH 7.5 was higher than at pH 3.0, possibly due to electrostatic interactions. During the process of unfolding, fibrillation would occur only at neutral pH.
Modeling Larval Transport and Settlement of Pink Shrimp in South Florida: Dynamics of Behavior and Tides
Authors: Criales Maria M. , Cherubin Laurent M. , Browder Joan A.
Published: May 2015

The pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum, one of the commercially important Penaeidae, reproduces offshore of the southwest Florida (SWF) shelf. Larvae migrate to nursery grounds in estuarine Florida Bay. Using a numerical approach, we investigated the role of spawning location, larval traits, and physical forces on the transport of pink shrimp larvae. First, the Regional Oceanic Modeling System that is based on tides, air–ocean fluxes, and freshwater flows was used to simulate the SWF shelf oceanography. The model replicates the tides, winds, salinity, currents, and seasonality of the shelf. Secondly, the Regional Oceanic Modeling System was coupled offline with the Connectivity Modeling System, in which virtual larvae were released near the surface from two spawning sites, Dry Tortugas and Marquesas, and tracked until the time for settlement (about 28–30 d). Virtual larvae moved vertically in the water column following ontogenetic behaviors previously observed in the field: diel vertical migration (DVM) and selective tidal stream transport (STST). Lagrangian trajectories indicated that migration paths changed radically between summer and winter during model years (1995–1997). Maximum settlements occurred in summer by larvae crossing the SWF shelf, while the lowest settlement occurred in winter by larvae moving through passes in the Florida Keys. Modeling results demonstrated an effective east-northeast transport across the SWF shelf during summer as a result of the tidal currents, the subtidal currents, and the combined DVM and STST behaviors. The current phase captured during the initial DVM period was critical to determine the direction in which larvae move, favorable (east and northward) or unfavorable (south and westward), before the STST behavior captures the eastward tidal current that brings larvae to the nursery grounds. Unfavorable currents were driven by the summer easterlies and low salinities at the coast. Results indicated that Marquesas is the more effective spawning ground, with 4.5 times more likely settlement of originating larvae compared with Dry Tortugas. Model-estimated seasonal settlement patterns concurred with postlarval influxes previously observed at Florida Bay boundaries.

Received June 26, 2014; accepted December 7, 2014
On the probabilistic Cauchy theory of the cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation on ℝ^{𝕕}, 𝕕≥3
Authors: Bényi Árpád , Oh Tadahiro , Pocovnicu Oana
Published: May 2015

We consider the Cauchy problem of the cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS)

:
i

∂
t

u
+
Δ
u
=
±

|

u

|

2

u

: i \partial _t u + \Delta u = \pm |u|^{2}u

on

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

,

d
≥
3

d \geq 3

, with random initial data and prove almost sure well-posedness results below the scaling-critical regularity

s

c
r
i
t

=

d
−
2

2

s_\mathrm {crit} = \frac {d-2}{2}

. More precisely, given a function on

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

, we introduce a randomization adapted to the Wiener decomposition, and, intrinsically, to the so-called modulation spaces. Our goal in this paper is three-fold. (i) We prove almost sure local well-posedness of the cubic NLS below the scaling-critical regularity along with small data global existence and scattering. (ii) We implement a probabilistic perturbation argument and prove ‘conditional’ almost sure global well-posedness for

d
=
4

d = 4

in the defocusing case, assuming an a priori energy bound on the critical Sobolev norm of the nonlinear part of a solution; when

d
≠
4

d \ne 4

, we show that conditional almost sure global well-posedness in the defocusing case also holds under an additional assumption of global well-posedness of solutions to the defocusing cubic NLS with deterministic initial data in the critical Sobolev regularity. (iii) Lastly, we prove global well-posedness and scattering with a large probability for initial data randomized on dilated cubes.
On the existence of high-frequency boundary resonances in layered elastic media
Authors: Cherednichenko K. D. , Cooper S.
Published: May 2015

We analyse the asymptotic behaviour of high-frequency vibrations of a three-dimensional layered elastic medium occupying the domain
Ω
=(−
a
,
a
)
3
,
a
>0. We show that in both cases of stress-free and zero-displacement boundary conditions on the boundary of
Ω
a version of the boundary spectrum, introduced in Allaire and Conca (1998
J. Math. Pures. Appl.
77, 153–208. (
doi:10.1016/S0021-7824(98)80068-8
)), is non-empty and part of it is located below the Bloch spectrum. For zero-displacement boundary conditions, this yields a new type of surface wave, which is absent in the case of a homogeneous medium.
Somatodendritic dopamine release: recent mechanistic insights
Authors: Rice Margaret E. , Patel Jyoti C.
Published: May 2015

Dopamine (DA) is a key transmitter in motor, reward and cogitative pathways, with DA dysfunction implicated in disorders including Parkinson's disease and addiction. Located in midbrain, DA neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta project via the medial forebrain bundle to the dorsal striatum (caudate putamen), and DA neurons in the adjacent ventral tegmental area project to the ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens) and prefrontal cortex. In addition to classical vesicular release from axons, midbrain DA neurons exhibit DA release from their cell bodies and dendrites. Somatodendritic DA release leads to activation of D2 DA autoreceptors on DA neurons that inhibit their firing via G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K
+
channels. This helps determine patterns of DA signalling at distant axonal release sites. Somatodendritically released DA also acts via volume transmission to extrasynaptic receptors that modulate local transmitter release and neuronal activity in the midbrain. Thus, somatodendritic release is a pivotal intrinsic feature of DA neurons that must be well defined in order to fully understand the physiology and pathophysiology of DA pathways. Here, we review recent mechanistic aspects of somatodendritic DA release, with particular emphasis on the Ca
2+
dependence of release and the potential role of exocytotic proteins.