bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cells and Stripes: A novel quantitative photo-manipulation technique
Authors: Mistrik Martin , Vesela Eva , Furst Tomas , Hanzlikova Hana , Frydrych Ivo , Gursky Jan , Majera Dusana , Bartek Jiri
Published: January 2016

Laser micro-irradiation is a technology widely used in the DNA damage response, checkpoint signaling, chromatin remodeling and related research fields, to assess chromatin modifications and recruitment of diverse DNA damage sensors, mediators and repair proteins to sites of DNA lesions. While this approach has aided numerous discoveries related to cell biology, maintenance of genome integrity, aging and cancer, it has so far been limited by a tedious manual definition of laser-irradiated subcellular regions, with the ensuing restriction to only a small number of cells treated and analyzed in a single experiment. Here, we present an improved and versatile alternative to the micro-irradiation approach: Quantitative analysis of photo-manipulated samples using innovative settings of standard laser-scanning microscopes. Up to 200 cells are simultaneously exposed to a laser beam in a defined pattern of collinear rays. The induced striation pattern is then automatically evaluated by a simple algorithm, which provides a quantitative assessment of various laser-induced phenotypes in live or fixed cells. Overall, this new approach represents a more robust alternative to existing techniques and provides a versatile tool for a wide range of applications in biomedicine.
Chlamydia gallinacea, not C. psittaci, is the endemic chlamydial species in chicken (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Guo Weina , Li Jing , Kaltenboeck Bernhard , Gong Jiansen , Fan Weixing , Wang Chengming
Published: January 2016

To investigate the prevalence and diversity of Chlamydia spp. in domestic birds in China, oral and cloacal swabs of healthy chickens, ducks, geese and pigeons were collected nationwide from live-animal markets and examined by Chlamydia spp. 23 S rRNA gene FRET-PCR followed by high-resolution melting curve analysis and confirmatory sequencing. Overall, 26.2% of the birds (602/2,300) were positive for Chlamydia spp. and five Chlamydia spp. were identified. While occasional detection of C. suis and C. muridarum in poultry is reported here for the first time, the predominant chlamydial agent was C. gallinacea representing 63.8% of all positives (384/602) and 81.2% of positive chickens (359/442). Analysis of the C. gallinacea ompA phylogeny revealed at least 13 well segregated variants (serovars). Seven-month monitoring of C. gallinacea-infected chickens indicated that the infection was persistent. C. gallinacea-infected chickens remained without overt clinical disease, but showed body weight gains significantly reduced by 6.5–11.4% beginning in week 3 post-infection. This study indicates that C. gallinacea is the endemic chlamydial species in chickens, whereas C. psittaci dominates only in pigeons. Further studies are required to address the specific conditions under which C. gallinacea could act as an avian pathogen and possibly also a zoonotic agent.
Perovskite LaFeO3/montmorillonite nanocomposites: synthesis, interface characteristics and enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Peng Kang , Fu Liangjie , Yang Huaming , Ouyang Jing
Published: January 2016

Perovskite LaFeO3/montmorillonite nanocomposites (LaFeO3/MMT) have been successfully prepared via assembling LaFeO3 nanoparticles on the surface of montmorillonite with citric acid assisted sol-gel method. The results indicated that the uniform LaFeO3 nanoparticles were densely deposited onto the surface of montmorillonite, mainly ranging in diameter from 10 nm to 15 nm. The photocatalytic activity of LaFeO3/MMT was evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation, indicating that LaFeO3/MMT exhibited remarkable adsorption efficiency and excellent photocatalytic activity with the overall removal rate of RhB up to 99.34% after visible light irradiation lasting for 90 min. The interface characteristic and possible degradation mechanism were explored. The interface characterization of LaFeO3/MMT suggested that LaFeO3 nanoparticles could be immobilized on the surface of montmorillonite with the Si-O-Fe bonds. The abundant hydroxyl groups of montmorillonite, semiconductor photocatalysis of LaFeO3 and Fenton-like reaction could enhance the photocatalytic degradation through a synergistic effect. Therefore, the LaFeO3/MMT is a very promising photocatalyst in future industrial application to treat effectively wastewater of dyes.
Lab on a chip sensor for rapid detection and antibiotic resistance determination of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Abeyrathne Chathurika D. , Huynh Duc H. , Mcintire Thomas W. , Nguyen Thanh C. , Nasr Babak , Zantomio Daniela , Chana Gursharan , Abbott Iain , Choong Peter , Catton Mike , Skafidas Efstratios
Published: January 2016

Silicon dioxide passivated, interdigitated electrode sensor for rapid detection and antibiotic resistance determination of S. aureus.
Monitoring polydispersity by NMR diffusometry with tailored norm regularisation and moving-frame processing
Authors: Urbańczyk Mateusz , Bernin Diana , Czuroń Alan , Kazimierczuk Krzysztof
Published: January 2016

A new way of processing diffusion NMR data is proposed that exploits p-norm regularization of the inverse Laplace transform tailored to polydisperse macromolecular samples.
Isolation and identification of a potential unknown impurity in montelukast drug substance resulting from photolytic degradation
Authors: Gandhi Hemant Madhusudan , Gollapalli Nageswara Rao , Lilakar Jaydeep Kumar D. , Jain Kirti Kumar , Mohanty Sandeep
Published: January 2016

During related substance analysis of montelukast bulk drug, a potential unknown impurity was detected in routine reverse phase impurity profiles by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Novel yellowish-green light-emitting Ca10(PO4)6O:Ce3+ phosphor: structural refinement, preferential site occupancy and color tuning
Authors: Li Guogang , Zhao Yun , Wei Yi , Tian Ying , Quan Zewei , Lin Jun
Published: January 2016

Novel yellowish-green emitting Ca10(PO4)6O:Ce3+ phosphor are obtained through controlling the preferential site occupancy of Ce3+ ions.
Computational methods for the description of pharmacologically relevant platinum complexes – molecular structure and bond dissociation
Authors: Kokoschka Malte , Galgonek Jakub , Vondrasek Jiri , Hobza Pavel
Published: January 2016

Cancer is after cardiovascular disease the most frequent cause of death in Europe.
Voltage hysteresis of lithium ion batteries caused by mechanical stress
Authors: Lu Bo , Song Yicheng , Zhang Qinglin , Pan Jie , Cheng Yang-Tse , Zhang Junqian
Published: January 2016

The crucial role of mechanical stress in voltage hysteresis of lithium ion batteries in charge–discharge cycles is investigated theoretically and experimentally.
Recent developments in the synthesis and utilization of chiral β-aminophosphine derivatives as catalysts or ligands
Authors: Li Wenbo , Zhang Junliang
Published: January 2016

In the last few years, the research area of chiral β-aminophosphines capable of promoting a wide range of diverse organic transformations has attracted more attention.
A switch in a substrate tunnel for directing regioselectivity of nitrile hydratases towards α,ω-dinitriles
Authors: Cheng Zhongyi , Cui Wenjing , Liu Zhongmei , Zhou Li , Wang Min , Kobayashi Michihiko , Zhou Zhemin
Published: January 2016

The β37 residue of nitrile hydratase (NHase) from Pseudomonas putida and NHase from Comamonas testosteroni played a critical role in directing enzyme regioselectivity.
Ag3PO4 immobilized on hydroxy-metal pillared montmorillonite for the visible light driven degradation of acid red 18
Authors: Xu Tianyuan , Zhu Runliang , Zhu Jianxi , Liang Xiaoliang , Liu Yun , Xu Yin , He Hongping
Published: January 2016

Fe–Al/Mt as a host material to load Ag3PO4 can improve the photocatalytic performance and structural stability of Ag3PO4.
Two novel μ6-O2− bridged Co14/Ni14 hydroxamate clusters packed in distorted face-centered cubic patterns
Authors: Zhang Yanping , Lv Rui , Wang Jingyao , Yang Linyan , Liao Shengyun , Tian Jinlei , Gu Wen , Liu Xin
Published: January 2016

Two novel body-centred (μ6-O2−) bridged Co14/Ni14 hydroxamate clusters have been synthesized. They are packed in distorted face-centered cubic (FCC) patterns.
Second harmonic generation microscopy reveals hidden polar organization in fluoride doped MIL-53(Fe)
Authors: Markey Karen , Putzeys Tristan , Horcajada Patricia , Devic Thomas , Guillou Nathalie , Wübbenhorst Michael , Cleuvenbergen Stijn Van , Verbiest Thierry , De Vos Dirk E. , van der Veen Monique A.
Published: January 2016

Doping of MIL-53(Fe) with fluoride atoms introduces a polar organization in the structure when guest molecules are present.
Reductive silylation of Cp*UO2(MesPDIMe) promoted by Lewis bases
Authors: Kiernicki J. J. , Harwood J. S. , Fanwick P. E. , Bart S. C.
Published: January 2016

Functionalization of the uranyl moiety (UO22+) in Cp*UO2(MesPDIMe) (1-PDI) (MesPDIMe = 2,6-((Mes)NCMe)2C5H3N; Mes = 2,4,6-triphenylmethyl), which bears a reduced, monoanionic pyridine(diimine) ligand, is reported.
Design and synthesis of triazole-based peptidomimetics of a PSD-95 PDZ domain inhibitor
Authors: Bach Anders , Pedersen Thomas B. , Strømgaard Kristian
Published: January 2016

A novel PSD-95 PDZ2 peptidomimetic has been discovered by designing azide and alkyne amino acid analogues and click chemistry.
Comparative study on arsenate removal mechanism of MgO and MgO/TiO2 composites: FTIR and XPS analysis
Authors: Wu Pei-Yun , Jiang Yin-Ping , Zhang Qun-Ying , Jia Yong , Peng Dai-Yin , Xu Wei
Published: January 2016

The arsenate removal mechanism using MgO and MgO/TiO2 adsorbents was revealed by Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Ternary assemblies comprising metal–salophen complexes and 4,4′-bipyridine
Authors: Sabaté Ferran , Gavara Raquel , Giannicchi Ilaria , Bosque Ramon , Cort Antonella Dalla , Rodríguez Laura
Published: January 2016

The formation of ternary species containing zinc or uranyl–salophen complexes has been explored and analyzed in this work.
A photonic crystal hydrogel suspension array for the capture of blood cells from whole blood
Authors: Zhang Bin , Cai Yunlang , Shang Luoran , Wang Huan , Cheng Yao , Rong Fei , Gu Zhongze , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: January 2016

A new type of PAAm inverse opal barcode particle that can capture and detect multiple types of blood cells is presented.
Novel mesoporous P-doped graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets coupled with ZnIn2S4nanosheets as efficient visible light driven heterostructures with remarkably enhanced photo-reduction activity
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Tian-Yu , Huang Ting , Liu Xiao-Heng , Yang Xu-Jie
Published: January 2016

P-C3N4/ZnIn2S4heterostructures have been proven to be highly efficient visible light responsive photocatalysts for photo-reduction, and meanwhile exhibit excellent photo-stability during recycling runs.
Designing molecular structure to achieve ductile fracture behavior in a stiff and strong 2D polymer, “graphylene”
Authors: Sandoz-Rosado E. , Beaudet T. D. , Balu R. , Wetzel E. D.
Published: January 2016

Simulations show that a graphene-like 2D polymer, ‘graphylene’ demonstrates a potentially advantageous combination of stiffness, strength, and fracture toughness.
Ultrastable polyethyleneimine-stabilized gold nanoparticles modified with polyethylene glycol for blood pool, lymph node and tumor CT imaging
Authors: Zhang Yongxing , Wen Shihui , Zhao Lingzhou , Li Du , Liu Changcun , Jiang Wenbin , Gao Xiang , Gu Wentao , Ma Nan , Zhao Jinhua , Shi Xiangyang , Zhao Qinghua
Published: January 2016

Facile formed ultrastable Au PSNPs with excellent biocompatibility for in vivo CT imaging.
A fragment merging approach towards the development of small molecule inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis EthR for use as ethionamide boosters
Authors: Nikiforov Petar O. , Surade Sachin , Blaszczyk Michal , Delorme Vincent , Brodin Priscille , Baulard Alain R. , Blundell Tom L. , Abell Chris
Published: January 2016

With the ever-increasing instances of resistance to frontline TB drugs there is the need to develop novel strategies to fight the worldwide TB epidemic.
Tripodal hydrogen bond donor binding with sulfonic acid enables ring-opening polymerization
Authors: Li Xiaopei , Zhang Qiguo , Li Zhenjiang , Xu Songquan , Zhao Chengxu , Chen Cheng , Zhi Xu , Wang Huiying , Zhu Ning , Guo Kai
Published: January 2016

The first Brønsted acidic catalysis platform workable in all of the three major types of cyclic ester monomers including lactides, cyclic carbonates, and lactones, is described in this paper.
Effects of organic additives on the immersion gold depositing from a sulfite–thiosulfate solution in an electroless nickel immersion gold process
Authors: Wang Yao , Liu Haiping , Bi Sifu , He Mengxue , Wang Chunyu , Cao Lixin
Published: January 2016

An immersion gold-plating process on electroless Ni–P alloy substrate was investigated.
Acetone as a polar cosolvent for pyridinium-based ionic liquids
Authors: Chaban Vitaly V.
Published: January 2016

Addition of ACET to the pyridinium-based ionic liquids allows to achieve significantly faster ionic transport.
Synergism as a phenomenon in solvent extraction of 4f-elements with calixarenes
Authors: Atanassova Maria , Kurteva Vanya
Published: January 2016

The objective of the review is to provide an overview on the synergistic solvent extraction of lanthanoids: β-diketone/calixarene mixtures.
Hydrous salts of 1-aminoethylidenediphosphonic acid and piperazidine: temperature induced reversible structural transformation in a humid environment
Authors: Tian Di , Li Lang , Yuan Liang-jie , Chen Shuo-ping
Published: January 2016

A series of hydrous salts constructed using AEDPH4 and piperazidine (pip) were synthesized and structurally characterized. A reversible structural transformation circle is observed in single crystals of compounds 1–3.
Effect of RF power on the structural, optical and gas sensing properties of RF-sputtered Al doped ZnO thin films
Authors: Srinatha N. , No Y. S. , Kamble Vinayak B. , Chakravarty Sujoy , Suriyamurthy N. , Angadi Basavaraj , Umarji A. M. , Choi W. K.
Published: January 2016

The effect of Radio Frequency (RF) power on the properties of magnetron sputtered Al doped ZnO thin films and the related sensor properties are investigated.
An overview of AB2O4- and A2BO4-structured negative electrodes for advanced Li-ion batteries
Authors: Yuvaraj Subramanian , Selvan Ramakrishnan Kalai , Lee Yun Sung
Published: January 2016

Energy-storage devices are state-of-the-art devices with many potential technical and domestic applications.
High-performance flexible photodetectors based on single-crystalline Sb2Se3 nanowires
Authors: Liang Yao , Wang Yingying , Wang Jianan , Wu Sumei , Jiang Dayong , Lian Jiabiao
Published: January 2016

Flexible visible-light photodetectors were fabricated by dispersing a large number of Sb2Se3 nanowires onto the Au interdigitated electrodes on PET substrates, which showed fast response speed and excellent flexibility.
The role of potassium chlorate on expansion of dickite layers and the preparation of a novel TiO2 impregnated dickite photocatalyst using expanded dickite as carrier
Authors: Xue Bing , Yang Kuo , Wang Xingyuan , Chi Qianwen , Jiang Yinshan
Published: January 2016

The layered dickite particles were expanded by rapidly heating the mixture of dickite–urea intercalation complex and KClO3.
Host–guest complexation of HMeQ[7] with alkyldiammonium ions and alkyldiamines: a comparative study
Authors: Zhao Wen-Xuan , Wang Chuan-Zeng , Chen Li-Xia , Lin Rui-Lian , Cui Xiao-Wei , Zhu Qian-Jiang , Tao Zhu , Liu Jing-Xin
Published: January 2016

The host–guest complexations of HMeQ[7] with a series of alkyldiammonium ions and alkyldiamines have been investigated, indicating that the driving forces strongly depend on the features of the guests.
Modelling linear and branched amphiphilic star polymer electrolyte membranes and verification of the bond counting method
Authors: Dorenbos G.
Published: January 2016

Water diffusion through hydrated amphiphilic star polymer membranes depends strongly on hydrophilic position within the linear and Y-shaped arms.
Organocatalyzed enantioselective [3 + 3] annulation for the direct synthesis of conformationally constrained cyclic tryptophan derivatives
Authors: Wu L.-L. , Zheng Y. , Wang Y.-M. , Zhou Z.-H.
Published: January 2016

Synthesis of optically active conformationally strained β-branched cyclic tryptophan derivatives has been realized via chiral squaramide catalyzed enantioselective formal [3 + 3] annulation of indolin-2-thiones and 4-arylmethylideneoxazolin-5(4H)-ones.
Formation of fluorescent platinum nanoclusters using hyper-branched polyethylenimine and their conjugation to antibodies for bio-imaging
Authors: Huang Xin , Ishitobi Hidekazu , Inouye Yasushi
Published: January 2016

Fluorescent Pt NCs@PEI were formed in the cavities coiled by PEI ligands and bio-imaged HeLa cells via conjugation with antibodies.
{[MIM-NO2]C(NO2)3} a unique nano ionic liquid: application to the synthesis of novel Biginelli-type compounds
Authors: Khazaei Ardeshir , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Alaie Saied , Baghery Saeed , Kaboudin Babak , Bayat Yadollah , Asgari Asiye
Published: January 2016

1-Methyl-3-nitro-1H-imidazol-3-ium trinitromethanide {[MIM-NO2]C(NO2)3} as a novel and green NIL catalyst was synthesized, characterized and used to Biginelli reaction at room temperature under solvent-free conditions.
Synthesis and properties of the rapeseed meal-grafted-poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) oil-absorbents
Authors: Yang Liheng , Bai Bo , Ding Chenxu , Wang Honglun , Suo Yourui
Published: January 2016

Economical RSMs-g-P(MMA-co-BA) oil-absorbents with 3D network structures were prepared through free radical graft copolymerization, which exhibited good oil absorbency, reusability and were applied to oil/water separation.
Schoberine B, an alkaloid with an unprecedented straight C5 side chain, and myriberine B from Myrioneuron faberi
Authors: Cao Ming-Ming , Zhang Yu , Peng Zong-Gen , Jiang Jian-Dong , Gao Yue-Jiao , Hao Xiao-Jiang
Published: January 2016

Two novel Myrioneuron alkaloids, schoberine B (1) and myriberine B (2), were isolated from the aerial part of Myrioneuron faberi.
Conformational flexibility influences structure–function relationships in tyrosyl protein sulfotransferase-2
Authors: Singh Warispreet , Karabencheva-Christova Tatyana G. , Black Gary W. , Sparagano Olivier , Christov Christo Z.
Published: January 2016

Conformational flexibility influence the binding of the substrate and the cofactor in TPST-2.
Synthesis and properties of chiral nanoparticles based on (pS)- and (pR)-decasubstituted pillar[5]arenes containing secondary amide fragments
Authors: Shurpik D. N. , Padnya P. L. , Evtugyn V. G. , Mukhametzyanov T. A. , Khannanov A. A. , Kutyreva M. P. , Stoikov I. I.
Published: January 2016

Employing induced asymmetric synthesis, new decasubstituted pillar[5]arenes containing (R)-(+)- or (S)-(−)-1-phenylethane-1-acetamide fragments have been obtained and characterized.
Field emission properties of highly ordered low-aspect ratio carbon nanocup arrays
Authors: Gupta Bipin Kumar , Kedawat Garima , Kumar Pawan , Singh Satbir , Suryawanshi Sachin R. , Agrawal (Garg) Neetu , Gupta Govind , Kim Ah Ra , Gupta R. K. , More Mahendra A. , Late Dattatray J. , Hahm Myung Gwan
Published: January 2016

A novel strategy for the synthesis of highly ordered low-aspect ratio carbon nanocup arrays and its field emission properties.
Advanced three dimensional characterization of silica-based ultraporous materials
Authors: Roiban L. , Foray G. , Rong Q. , Perret A. , Ihiawakrim D. , Masenelli-Varlot K. , Maire E. , Yrieix B.
Published: January 2016

Whatever the field of application in building, transportation, packaging, etc., the energy losses must be reduced. In this context, the development of superinsulating materials is mandatory. Ultra-porous silica aerogels are good candidates.
Seeding of Au on CdSe/CdS nanoplates using Langmuir–Blodgett technique
Authors: Das Subhasis , Satpati Biswarup , Chauhan Himani , Deka Sasanka , Ghosalya Manoj Kumar , Gopinath Chinnakonda S. , Bala Tanushree
Published: January 2016

Oleyl amine capped CdSe/CdS nanoplates formed a stable Langmuir monolayer over an aqueous HAuCl4 subphase. Au seeds grew on the edges and the flat surface of the nanoplates to form continuous Au shell-like structures on the semiconductor nanoplates.
Synergistic effect of polymorphism, substrate conductivity and electric field stimulation towards enhancing muscle cell growth in vitro
Authors: K Ravikumar , Kar Goutam Prasanna , Bose Suryasarathi , Basu Bikramjit
Published: January 2016

Poly(vinylidene difluoride), a well-known candidate for artificial muscle patch applications is a semi-crystalline polymer with a host of attributes such as piezo- and pyroelectricity, polymorphism along with low dielectric constant and stiffness.
An electrochemical immunosensor comprising thionin/silver nanoparticles decorated KIT-6 for ultrasensitive detection of squamous cell carcinoma antigen
Authors: Li Yueyun , Zhang Yihe , Jiang Liping , Chu Paul K. , Dong Ynhui , Wang Ping
Published: January 2016

An ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor is designed and constructed for the quantitative detection of squamous cell carcinoma antigens (SCCAs).
Effect of chain structure on the thermal conductivity of expanded graphite/polymer composites
Authors: Deng Sha , Wang Jinwen , Zong Guiying , Chen Feng , Chai Songgang , Fu Qiang
Published: January 2016

The thermal conductivity of expanded graphite (EG)/polymer composites is investigated in terms of polymer chain structures.
Palladium nanoparticles in the catalysis of coupling reactions
Authors: Bej Ansuman , Ghosh Koena , Sarkar Amitabha , Knight David. W.
Published: January 2016

Palladium catalyzed coupling reactions have emerged as a versatile, convenient, selective and mild protocol that can usually be adapted in any synthetic scheme for important target molecules with various degrees of structural complexity.
Hierarchically assembled microspheres consisting of nanosheets of highly exposed (001)-facets TiO2 for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Peng Jia-De , Lin Hsi-Hsin , Lee Chi-Ta , Tseng Chuan-Ming , Suryanarayanan V. , Vittal R. , Ho Kuo-Chuan
Published: January 2016

Mono-dispersed 2D nanosheets of 3D microspheres nanostructure was synthesized. It shows highly exposed (001)-facets (ca. 82%) and high surface area (112.2 m2 g−1). 11.13%-efficient DSSC is obtained with TiO2 microspheres working electrode.
All solution processable graded CIGS solar cells fabricated using electrophoretic deposition
Authors: Golobostanfard Mohammad Reza , Abdizadeh Hossein
Published: January 2016

Graded band gap chalcopyrite solar cells are fabricated based on an all solution processable synthesis method with the aid of electrophoretic deposition and a superstrate structure.
Fast flow synthesis of highly reactive polyisobutylene co-initiated by an AlCl3/isopropyl ether complex
Authors: Zhu S. , Lu Y. C. , Wang K. , Luo G. S.
Published: January 2016

In this work, with AlCl3 addition in the range from 4 to 10 mmol L−1 and enough isopropyl ether (iPr2O) addition, we successfully synthesized highly reactive polyisobutylene (HRPIB) using a microflow system within 12 s or less.
Iron triad (Fe, co, Ni) trinary phosphide nanosheet arrays as high-performance bifunctional electrodes for full water splitting in basic and neutral conditions
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Hao Jinhui , Yang Wenshu , Tang Jilin
Published: January 2016

A bifunctional electrode consisted of trinary transition-metal phosphide nanosheets on Ni foam has been developed through a facile two-step process.
Bimetallic PdRu nanosponges with a tunable composition for ethylene glycol oxidation
Authors: Bi Peiyan , Hong Wei , Shang Changshuai , Wang Jin , Wang Erkang
Published: January 2016

A simple mixing method to produce compositionally tunable PdRu nanosponges with enhanced electrocatalytic properties is developed.
Facile synthesis of N/P co-doped carbons with tailored hierarchically porous structures for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Qiang Yiwei , Jiang Jingui , Xiong Yachao , Chen Hao , Chen Jiayun , Guan Shiyou , Chen Jianding
Published: January 2016

A facile process was designed to synthesize nitrogen/phosphorous co-doped hierarchically porous carbons with excellent performance for supercapacitors.
Direct insight into the nonclassical hydrophobic effect in bile salt:β-cyclodextrin interaction: role of hydrophobicity in governing the prototropism of a biological photosensitizer
Authors: Paul Bijan K. , Ghosh Narayani , Mukherjee Saptarshi
Published: January 2016

The interaction of norharmane with bile salts is reported along with the evidence for nonclassical hydrophobic effect in bile salt:β-cyclodextrin interaction.
Effects of variables on the dispersion of cationic–anionic organomontmorillonites and characteristics of Pickering emulsion
Authors: Zhou Daojin , Zhang Zepeng , Tang Jialun , Zhang Meiying , Liao Libing
Published: January 2016

Montmorillonites were modified with different amounts of cationic and anionic surfactants by variable steps; characteristics of cationic–anionic organomontmorillonites and Pickering emulsion were further investigated.
Wetting behaviour of a translating sessile nanodrop under electrostatic actuation
Authors: Datta S. , Das A. K. , Das P. K.
Published: January 2016

Translation of nano droplet by switching successive electrode in an array.
A tumor-targeting protein nanoparticle based on Tat peptide and enhanced green fluorescent protein
Authors: Guan Xingang , Li Chun , Wang Dan , Sun Weiqi , Gai Xiaodong
Published: January 2016

A protein-based nanoparticle containing cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was developed through a genetic engineering method.
Synthesis and application of homogeneous Fe3O4 core/Au shell nanoparticles with strong SERS effect
Authors: Li Fang , Yu Zhifang , Zhao Liyan , Xue Tao
Published: January 2016

Magnetic Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated using a specific strategy for use as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate.
Stability of a double twisted structure in spherical cholesteric droplets
Authors: Yoshioka Jun , Ito Fumiya , Tabe Yuka
Published: January 2016

The stability of a double twisted structure formed in spherical cholesteric droplets under weak anchoring conditions was analyzed.
Hydrogen treated anatase TiO2: a new experimental approach and further insights from theory
Authors: Mehta Manan , Kodan Nisha , Kumar Sandeeep , Kaushal Akshey , Mayrhofer Leonhard , Walter Michael , Moseler Michael , Dey Avishek , Krishnamurthy Satheesh , Basu Suddhasatwa , Singh Aadesh P.
Published: January 2016

Vacuum hydrogen annealing of TiO2 leads to increased visible light absorption. The origin thereof was revealed by ab initio calculations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Production of hollow and porous Fe2O3from industrial mill scale and its potential for large-scale electrochemical energy storage applications
Authors: Fu Chaopeng , Mahadevegowda Amoghavarsha , Grant Patrick S.
Published: January 2016

We describe a procedure to cheaply manipulate comparatively large amounts of mill scale into Fe2O3with a porous/hollow morphology with outstanding electrochemical energy storage performance.
One-step electrospinning of carbon nanowebs on metallic textiles for high-capacitance supercapacitor fabrics
Authors: Huang Qiyao , Liu Libin , Wang Dongrui , Liu Junjun , Huang Zhifeng , Zheng Zijian
Published: January 2016

We report the development of high-performance wearable supercapacitor fabrics based on flexible metallic fabrics and one-step electrospun carbon nanowebs.
N-type cathode interlayer based on dicyanomethylenated quinacridone derivative for high-performance polymer solar cells
Authors: Chen Weiping , Lv Junjie , Han Jianxiong , Chen Youchun , Jia Tao , Li Fenghong , Wang Yue
Published: January 2016

An n-type cathode interlayer with a wide thickness range is used in high-performance polymer solar cells due to its good electron transport ability and high conductivity.
Graphene-based Janus micromotors for the dynamic removal of pollutants
Authors: Orozco Jahir , Mercante Luiza A. , Pol Roberto , Merkoçi Arben
Published: January 2016

A SiO2@rGO–Pt Janus micromotors-based strategy for the enhanced removal of POPs for their appropriate final disposition.
Slippery liquid-infused substrates: a versatile preparation, unique anti-wetting and drag-reduction effect on water
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Haifeng , Liu Xiaowei , Zhou Zhiping
Published: January 2016

Newly developed slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPSs) are highly promising for a broad range of applications.
Synthesis of a porous sheet-like V2O5–CNT nanocomposite using an ice-templating ‘bricks-and-mortar’ assembly approach as a high-capacity, long cyclelife cathode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Cheng Jianli , Gu Guifang , Guan Qun , Razal Joselito M. , Wang Zhiyu , Li Xulian , Wang Bin
Published: January 2016

An ice-templating “bricks-and-mortar” assembly approach is reported to make a two-dimensional (2D) porous sheet-like V2O5–CNT nanocomposite.
An electrochemical bifunctional sensor for the detection of nitrite and hydrogen peroxide based on layer-by-layer multilayer films of cationic phthalocyanine cobalt(ii) and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Jialin , Chen Zhimin , Wu Hao , Wu Feng , He Chunying , Wang Bin , Wu Yiqun , Ren Zhiyu
Published: January 2016

Binder-free multilayer films composed of phthalocyanine and carbon nanotubes were constructed by the layer-by-layer electrostatic assembly and applied for the electrochemical detection of NO2− and H2O2.
Gradient band gap engineered alloyed quaternary/ternary CdZnSeS/ZnSeS quantum dots: an ultrasensitive fluorescence reporter in a conjugated molecular beacon system for the biosensing of influenza virus RNA
Authors: Adegoke Oluwasesan , Seo Min-Woong , Kato Tatsuya , Kawahito Shoji , Park Enoch Y.
Published: January 2016

Composition-dependent alloyed CdZnSeS/ZnSeS QDs were synthesized and used as a fluorescent reporter in a molecular beacon assay to detect influenza virus RNA.
Effective modulation of an aryl acetylenic molecular system based on dithienyldiketopyrrolopyrrole for organic solar cells
Authors: Zhang Chun-Hui , Wang Li-Ping , Tan Wan-Yi , Wu Si-Ping , Liu Xue-Ping , Yu Pan-Pan , Huang Ju , Zhu Xu-Hui , Wu Hong-Bin , Zhao Cun-Yuan , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong
Published: January 2016

Incorporating the 1,4-phenylene moiety leads to improving the photovoltaic performance.
Anti‐windup controller design for singularly perturbed systems subject to actuator saturation
Authors: Yang Chunyu , Zhang Lingli , Sun Jing
Published: January 2016

This study considers the problem of anti‐windup (AW) controller design for singularly perturbed systems with actuator saturation. The AW controller consists of a dynamic state feedback (DSF) controller and an AW compensator. A convex optimisation problem in terms of linear matrix inequalities is formulated to simultaneously design both the DSF controller and the AW compensator. The resulting AW controller depends on the singular perturbation parameter ɛ and is shown to be well‐conditioned for any ɛ of interest. Furthermore, a two‐stage design method is proposed to handle the case that ɛ is unknown. An ɛ‐independent DSF controller is designed at the first stage, and then an ɛ‐independent AW compensator is constructed by solving a convex optimisation problem. Both of the methods can achieve a desired stability bound and enlarge the basin of attraction at the same time. Finally, examples are given to show the advantages and effectiveness of the obtained results.
Summation inequality and its application to stability analysis for time‐delay systems
Authors: Chen Jun , Lu Junwei , Xu Shengyuan
Published: January 2016

This study proposes a new summation inequality, called the free‐matrix‐based summation inequality, which further extends certain existing summation inequalities in the literature. Less conservative stability criteria are proposed for discrete‐time systems with time‐varying delays. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the improvement of the proposed approach.
Ellipsoidal state‐bounding‐based set‐membership estimation for linear system with unknown‐but‐bounded disturbances
Authors: Liu Yushuang , Zhao Yan , Wu Falin
Published: January 2016

This study proposes a fast and stable recursive ellipsoidal state‐bounding‐based set‐membership estimation algorithm for the state estimation of linear system with unknown‐but‐bounded (UBB) disturbances. The proposed algorithm has a prediction–correction structure in time update and observation update, which is similar to Kalman filter. For both time update and observation update, there is a data‐depending weighting factor. The observation weighting factor is acquired by minimising the upper bound on a Lyapunov function of the posteriori estimation error. It has been demonstrated that the estimation error of the proposed algorithm is input‐to‐state stable when the system is uniformly observable. With the property of selective observation update, the proposed algorithm not only improves the point estimation accuracy but also decreases the computation load of observation weighting factors and the volume of feasible ellipsoid sets. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm has been demonstrated by numerical simulations with different UBB disturbances.
Distributed adaptive fault‐tolerant consensus tracking of multi‐agent systems against time‐varying actuator faults
Authors: Ye Dan , Zhao Xingang , Cao Bing
Published: January 2016

This study considers the distributed fault‐tolerant consensus problem for uncertain multi‐agent systems using adaptive protocol. A more general time‐varying actuator fault model is given, which includes loss of effectiveness, stuck, bias and outage fault. A new distributed adaptive control scheme is developed to compensate the effect of fault, multiple delayed state perturbations, mismatched parameter uncertainties and external disturbances on leader–follower multi‐agent systems. Based on the local state information of neighbouring agents, the adaptive updating protocol gains are adjusted online, which remove the assumption that the upper bounds of unknown uncertainty, delayed state perturbation and external disturbances should be known. Moreover, the consensus errors of leader–follower systems can asymptotically converge to zero. Finally, a simulation example is given to show the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
Capillary extraction by detecting polarity in circular profiles
Authors: Lu Na , Silva Jharon N. , Gu Yu , Wu Hulin , Gelbard Harris A. , Dewhurst Stephen , Miao Hongyu
Published: January 2016

Quantitative characterisation of blood vessels from images (e.g. morphometric analysis) is important to a variety of biomedical problems such as disease diagnosis and staging or assessment of angiogenesis. However, the accuracy of such characterisation depends heavily on the outcome of image preprocessing algorithms. Therefore, more efficient algorithms for vessel image segmentation or extraction have emerged within the past few years. Nevertheless, such methods may perform poorly or fail entirely for images with large noise, even after a careful tuning of parameters. Moreover, none of these methods intentionally considers the removal of structural noise (such as spots that obscure and/or are brighter than vessels). To address these issues, the authors propose a novel thresholding algorithm for capillary images by detecting the polarity in the circular profiles (PCPs) of image pixels. This can robustly distinguish tube‐like objects from both cloud‐like contaminations and structural noise. Extensive simulation studies based on multiple evaluation criteria suggest that the PCP algorithm typically has a superior performance over other representative approaches. Finally, they also demonstrate the satisfactory performance of the PCP method on real image data.
Higher‐order MRFs based image super resolution: why not MAP?
Authors: Chen Yunjin
Published: January 2016

A trainable filter‐based higher‐order Markov random fields model – the so called fields of experts (FoE), has proved a highly effective image prior model for many classic image restoration problems. Generally, two options are available to incorporate the learned FoE prior in the inference procedure: (i) sampling‐based minimum mean square error (MMSE) estimate, and (ii) energy minimisation‐based maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate. This study is devoted to the FoE prior based single image super resolution (SR) problem, and the author suggest to make use of the MAP estimate for inference based on two facts: (i) It is well‐known that the MAP inference has a remarkable advantage of high computational efficiency, while the sampling‐based MMSE estimate is very time consuming. (ii) Practical SR experiment results demonstrate that the MAP estimate works equally well compared with the MMSE estimate with exactly the same FoE prior model. Moreover, it can lead to even further improvements by incorporating the discriminatively trained FoE prior model. In summary, the author hold that for higher‐order natural image prior based SR problem, it is better to employ the MAP estimate for inference.
Stability assessment for transmission systems with large utility‐scale photovoltaic units
Authors: Bueno Pedro G. , Hernández Jesus C. , Ruiz‐Rodriguez Francisco J.
Published: January 2016

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are gradually replacing conventional synchronous generators. However, reduced system inertia and lack of dynamic grid support from PV are the main issues that could have a detrimental impact on the transient response in power systems when critical contingencies arise. In this study, the authors modelled and analysed transient and small‐signal stability for a representative transmission system with realistic loading scenarios and high PV penetration levels. First, system eigenvalues were calculated to identify critical modes. Thereafter, the results of the small‐signal analysis were further expanded by performing transient simulations after critical contingencies. Such contingencies detrimentally excited the critical modes of the system. To carry out this analysis, they implemented a positive‐sequence dynamic model of a utility‐scale PV unit (USPVU) in the open programming environment MATLAB/Simulink. This dynamic model is based on a Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) generic model (full converter model), which is suitable for electromechanical transient studies. Also included was the model of the PV array, dc–dc converter, and associated control systems. The most critical factors pertaining to the detrimental or beneficial impact of USPVUs on stability were the unit commitment and dispatch strategy and the protection/control strategy during voltage swell and dip events for equivalent PV penetration and loading scenarios.
Ion beam irradiation‐induced nano‐welding of Ag nanowires
Authors: Shehla Honey , Ishaq Ahmad , Khan Yaqoob , Javed Iqbal , Saira Riaz , Shahzad Naseem , Maaza Malik
Published: January 2016

Here, an MeV proton beam irradiation‐induced nano‐welding technique to fabricate X‐, Y‐, II‐ and T‐shapes molecular junctions between silver nanowires using high proton beam current is demonstrated. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction revealed that nano‐welding of Ag‐NWs is successfully achieved with stable crystal structure. Nano‐welding process and corresponding large‐scale fabrication of networks are discussed.
Surface properties on magnesium alloy and corrosion behaviour based high‐speed wire electrical discharge machine power tubes
Authors: Xu Jinkai , Xia Kui , Lian Zhongxu , Zhang Linshuai , Yu Huadong , Yu Zhanjiang , Weng Zhankun , Wang Zuobin
Published: January 2016

The effect of power tubes on AZ91D magnesium (Mg) alloy was investigated by high‐speed wire electrical discharge machine (WEDM‐HS). This Letter presented the different surface characteristics and corrosion resistance of the fabricated surface. Chemical composition of the fabricated surface was analysed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and the surface salt water contact angle was also measured in this study. The machined surface evidenced a carbon layer and high hydrophobic property (contact angle between 146° and 150°). The corrosion resistance of the samples machined by the WEDM‐HS process was studied in 3.5% NaCl solution through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results have shown that when electrical parameters of the five power tubes were used, the good surface properties of the fabricated surface were obtained with few micropits, and using the higher power tube was helpful to improve the AZ91D corrosion resistance. A handy WEDM‐HS technology for treating AZ91D is a useful way to improve the corrosion resistance of the AZ91D Mg alloy.
Groundwater oligochaetes show complex genetic patterns of distribution in the Pilbara region of Western Australia
Authors: Brown Louise , Finston Terrie , Humphreys Garth , Eberhard Stefan , Pinder Adrian
Published: January 2016

Patterns of genetic diversity in the groundwater fauna of Australia have largely focused on obligate stygobites of relatively large size, namely, crustaceans. Oligochaete worms, with their smaller size and broader ecological niches, provide a contrasting model in which to examine such patterns. Genetic diversity in subterranean oligochaetes in the Pilbara region of Western Australia were examined using one nuclear (18S) and two mitochondrial (COI, 12S) regions. The observed variation was assessed at three levels of hydrology – river basin, creek catchment, and individual bore or site – to document geographic patterns. Most species appeared to be restricted to an individual catchment; however, five species, representing three families, were widespread, with some haplotypes being shared between bores, catchments and even basins. General patterns suggest that while hydrology plays a role in the distribution of oligochaete species, it does not always confine them to catchments, in contrast to patterns observed in groundwater isopods and amphipods in the region. We suggest that intrinsic characteristics of oligochaetes, such as body size, shape, reproductive strategy and ecological requirements, may have allowed them greater dispersal within the subterranean biome of the Pilbara. In particular, oligochaetes may occupy subterranean and surface waters, increasing their opportunities for dispersal.
Alternative preservatives of insect DNA for citizen science and other low-cost applications
Authors: Steininger Sedonia , Storer Caroline , Hulcr Jiri , Lucky Andrea
Published: January 2016

Prevention of DNA degradation is essential to conducting molecular analyses of field-captured specimens. This is especially important for projects that incorporate participation of non-specialists in research, such as agency monitoring of pests, or citizen science, where standard methods of preservation may be inaccessible. We examined efficacy of three common alternative products as a substitute for 95% ethanol or pure propylene glycol in preserving DNA: alcohol-based hand sanitiser and propylene and ethylene glycol-based automobile antifreeze. We subjected Xylosandrus compactus ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera : Curculionidae : Scolytinae) to each preservative for two or seven days under direct outdoor exposure and assessed relative quantity of intact DNA by performing real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification of a single-copy nuclear marker. Amplification was observed in all treatments and electrophoresis of the amplified product showed clear bands of the appropriate weight. Successful amplification of the target gene was verified by sequencing the amplified control. No statistically significant differences were found between the cycle threshold values of any treatment. Our results suggest that alcohol-based hand sanitiser and automobile antifreeze can successfully preserve DNA for short-term storage and serve as effective substitutes for laboratory-grade preservatives in citizen science projects, large-scale trapping projects or by professionals.
Future burn probability in south-central British Columbia
Authors: Wang Xianli , Parisien Marc-André , Taylor Stephen W. , Perrakis Daniel D. B. , Little John , Flannigan Mike D.
Published: January 2016

Little is known about how changing climates will affect the processes controlling fire ignition and spread. This study examines the effect of climate change on the factors that drive fire activity in a highly heterogeneous region of south-central British Columbia. Future fire activity was evaluated using Burn-P3, a simulation model used to estimate spatial burn probability (BP) by simulating a very large number of fires. We modified the following factors in the future projections of BP: (1) fuels (vegetation), (2) ignitions (number of fires), and (3) weather (daily conditions and duration of fires). Our results showed that the future climate will increase the number of fires and fire-conducive weather, leading to widespread BP increases. However, the conversion of current forest types to vegetation that is not as flammable may partially counteract the effect of increasing fire weather severity. The top-down factors (ignitions and weather) yield future BPs that are spatially coherent with the current patterns, whereas the changes due to future vegetation are highly divergent from today’s BP. This study provides a framework for assessing the effect of specific agents of change on fire ignition and spread in landscapes with complex fire–climate–vegetation interactions.
Expression profiling and characterization of cold, freezing-related genes from Brassica rapa cultivars
Authors: Thamilarasan Senthil Kumar , Park Jong-In , Jung Hee-Jeong , Chung Mi-Young , Cho Yong-Gu , Nou Ill-Sup
Published: January 2016

Brassica is a very important vegetable group worldwide. Cold and freezing stress are the major environmental factors that limit the productivity of Brassica. In this study, we retrieved 903 stress-chilled unigenes and the unique transcripts were classified functionally using gene ontology (GO) hierarchy, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). KEGG orthology and structural domain data were obtained from the biological database to the unigene data set. Unigene data sets provide a wide outlook of functional characterization of Brassica rapa. In silico analysis revealed 94.2% of unigenes to be well annotated toward Reeds one-dimensional concept. On the basis of similarity searches and GO annotation of biological process (BP), 139, 113, and 57 sequences showed a response to stress (SR), abiotic stimulus (AS), and biotic stimulus (BS), respectively. To validate this observation, seven unigenes were randomly selected from AS that are known to be associated with cold stress from previous studies in other species and these genes were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction to understand the change in expression pattern under cold and freezing stress. In silico study of occurrence in the AS subcategory revealed the presence of 138 single sequence repeats, some of which are being explored to assess genetic diversity among B. rapa. Thus, the unigene data set provides valid resources for discovering the potential genes related to cold and freezing resistance in B. rapa cultivars, and can be useful resources for genetic engineering of Brassica sp.