bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying semantic animacy: How much are words alive?
Authors: RADANOVIĆ JELENA , WESTBURY CHRIS , MILIN PETAR
Published: March 2016

The main goal of this study, which comprised two experimental tasks and three normative studies, was to describe the underlying distribution of semantic animacy, with the focus on Serbian and English. Animacy was measured using three normative techniques. The cognitive effects of obtained measures were tested in two experiments conducted in both Serbian and English: a visual lexical decision task and a semantic categorization task. Results suggest that semantic animacy is a graded property. A high correlation between Serbian and English measures suggests that semantic animacy might be language independent, most likely because of its biological grounding. As for its behavioral correlates, animacy does not affect lexical decision times but it does codetermine the categorization speed: the category decision gradually slows as a function of the degree of animacy. These results were consistent across two languages under research scrutiny. We thus conclude that animacy is a continuous aspect of meaning.
A DYNAMIC MODEL OF TAXATION, CORRUPTION, AND PUBLIC INVESTMENT IN THE DYNASTIC CYCLE: THE CASE OF IMPERIAL CHINA
Authors: Chan Kenneth S. , Laffargue Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2016

This paper develops a stochastic growth model that reproduces the main stylized facts of Imperial China's dynastic cycle—in particular, the time path of taxation, public spending, and corruption and their attendant impacts on production and income distribution. In this model, the emperor uses part of his tax income to finance the building of public capital and administrative institutions. This “institutional capital” enhances the productivity of the economy and limits extortion by the county magistrates. The dynastic cycle is driven by random shocks to the authority of the emperor and his central administration, which change the efficiency of institutional capital.
Paroxysmal finger haematoma - a benign acrosyndrome occurring in middle-aged women
Authors: Carpentier Patrick H. , Maricq Hildegard R. , Biro Christine , Jiguet Myriam , Seinturier Christophe
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Background: Paroxysmal finger haematoma (PFH) is an under-recognised vascular acrosyndrome with no epidemiological description to date. The aim of this work was to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and clinical correlates of PFH in a population-based sample of subjects and to describe their semiological characteristics. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study of random samples of the general population in three geographic areas of France involved 802 subjects, 548 women and 254 men, aged 18 to 84 years. The diagnosis of PFH was made from a report by the subject of a history of recurrent haematoma in the fingers with a sudden, painful and unexpected occurrence. Diagnosis of associated conditions and evaluation of lifestyle variables were obtained through standardised medical interview and examination. Results: A history of PFH was detected in 71 subjects, with a prevalence of 1.2 % in men and 12.4 % in women; there was no significant regional variation. Onset before 40 years of age was rare. Besides female sex and age, no socio-economical nor lifestyle risk factors were detected. PFH was associated with Raynaud phenomenon and a history of chilblains, but no link with any health threatening disease was found. In addition to the sudden onset of pain and hematoma, the main clinical features were a frequent digital swelling during the painful attack, and their predominant location on the volar side of the first and second phalanges of the third or second fingers of the dominant hand. Conclusions: PFH is a benign phenomenon, frequently found in middle-aged women, to be classified among the vascular acrosyndromes. Patients seeking medical evaluation for this disorder should be reassured.
From fighting depression to conquering tumors: a novel tricyclic thiazepine compound as a tubulin polymerization inhibitor
Authors: Mu Y , Liu Y , Xiang J , Zhang Q , Zhai S , Russo D P , Zhu H , Bai X , Yan B
Published: March 2016

A novel tricyclic thiazepine derivative, 6-(p-tolyl)benzo[f] pyrido[2,3-b][1,4] thiazepine 11,11-dioxide (TBPT), exhibits potent inhibitory effects in two non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines, H460 and its drug-resistant variant, H460TaxR, while exhibiting much less toxic effects on normal human fibroblasts. After five injections of TBPT at a dose of 60 mg/kg, it inhibits H460TaxR tumor growth in xenografted mouse models by 66.7% without causing observable toxicity to normal tissues. Based on gene perturbation data and a series of investigations, we reveal that TBPT is not a P-glycoprotein substrate and it inhibits microtubule formation by targeting tubulin, thereby causing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M stage and eventually inducing apoptosis. This redeployment of anti-depressant compound scaffold for anticancer applications provides a promising future for conquering drug-resistant tumors with fewer side effects.
Generation and transplantation of reprogrammed human neurons in the brain using 3D microtopographic scaffolds
Authors: Carlson Aaron L. , Bennett Neal K. , Francis Nicola L. , Halikere Apoorva , Clarke Stephen , Moore Jennifer C. , Hart Ronald P. , Paradiso Kenneth , Wernig Marius , Kohn Joachim , Pang Zhiping P. , Moghe Prabhas V.
Published: March 2016

Cell replacement therapy with human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons has the potential to ameliorate neurodegenerative dysfunction and central nervous system injuries, but reprogrammed neurons are dissociated and spatially disorganized during transplantation, rendering poor cell survival, functionality and engraftment in vivo. Here, we present the design of three-dimensional (3D) microtopographic scaffolds, using tunable electrospun microfibrous polymeric substrates that promote in situ stem cell neuronal reprogramming, neural network establishment and support neuronal engraftment into the brain. Scaffold-supported, reprogrammed neuronal networks were successfully grafted into organotypic hippocampal brain slices, showing an ∼3.5-fold improvement in neurite outgrowth and increased action potential firing relative to injected isolated cells. Transplantation of scaffold-supported neuronal networks into mouse brain striatum improved survival ∼38-fold at the injection site relative to injected isolated cells, and allowed delivery of multiple neuronal subtypes. Thus, 3D microscale biomaterials represent a promising platform for the transplantation of therapeutic human neurons with broad neuro-regenerative relevance.
Optically responsive supramolecular polymer glasses
Authors: Balkenende Diederik W. R. , Monnier Christophe A. , Fiore Gina L. , Weder Christoph
Published: March 2016

The reversible and dynamic nature of non-covalent interactions between the constituting building blocks renders many supramolecular polymers stimuli-responsive. This was previously exploited to create thermally and optically healable polymers, but it proved challenging to achieve high stiffness and good healability. Here we present a glass-forming supramolecular material that is based on a trifunctional low-molecular-weight monomer ((UPyU)3TMP). Carrying three ureido-4-pyrimidinone (UPy) groups, (UPyU)3TMP forms a dynamic supramolecular polymer network, whose properties are governed by its cross-linked architecture and the large content of the binding motif. This design promotes the formation of a disordered glass, which, in spite of the low molecular weight of the building block, displays typical polymeric behaviour. The material exhibits a high stiffness and offers excellent coating and adhesive properties. On account of reversible dissociation and the formation of a low-viscosity liquid upon irradiation with ultraviolet light, rapid optical healing as well as (de)bonding on demand is possible.
Multiplexed single-molecule force spectroscopy using a centrifuge
Authors: Yang Darren , Ward Andrew , Halvorsen Ken , Wong Wesley P.
Published: March 2016

We present a miniature centrifuge force microscope (CFM) that repurposes a benchtop centrifuge for high-throughput single-molecule experiments with high-resolution particle tracking, a large force range, temperature control and simple push-button operation. Incorporating DNA nanoswitches to enable repeated interrogation by force of single molecular pairs, we demonstrate increased throughput, reliability and the ability to characterize population heterogeneity. We perform spatiotemporally multiplexed experiments to collect 1,863 bond rupture statistics from 538 traceable molecular pairs in a single experiment, and show that 2 populations of DNA zippers can be distinguished using per-molecule statistics to reduce noise.
Polarized three-photon-pumped laser in a single MOF microcrystal
Authors: He Huajun , Ma En , Cui Yuanjing , Yu Jiancan , Yang Yu , Song Tao , Wu Chuan-De , Chen Xueyuan , Chen Banglin , Qian Guodong
Published: March 2016

Higher order multiphoton-pumped polarized lasers have fundamental technological importance. Although they can be used to in vivo imaging, their application has yet to be realized. Here we show the first polarized three-photon-pumped (3PP) microcavity laser in a single host–guest composite metal–organic framework (MOF) crystal, via a controllable in situ self-assembly strategy. The highly oriented assembly of dye molecules within the MOF provides an opportunity to achieve 3PP lasing with a low lasing threshold and a very high-quality factor on excitation. Furthermore, the 3PP lasing generated from composite MOF is perfectly polarized. These findings may eventually open up a new route to the exploitation of multiphoton-pumped solid-state laser in single MOF microcrystal (or nanocrystal) for future optoelectronic and biomedical applications.
Correction: Corrigendum: A genome-wide search for epigenetically regulated genes in zebra finch using MethylCap-seq and RNA-seq
Authors: Steyaert Sandra , Diddens Jolien , Galle Jeroen , De Meester Ellen , De Keulenaer Sarah , Bakker Antje , Sohnius-Wilhelmi Nina , Frankl-Vilches Carolina , Van der Linden Annemie , Van Criekinge Wim , Berghe Wim Vanden , De Meyer Tim
Published: March 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 20957; published online: 11 February 2016; updated: 17 March 2016 The original version of this Article contained an error in the title of the paper, where the word “epigenetically” was incorrectly given as “eigenetically”. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Intra-articular injection of synovial mesenchymal stem cells improves cartilage repair in a mouse injury model
Authors: Mak J. , Jablonski C. L. , Leonard C. A. , Dunn J. F. , Raharjo E. , Matyas J. R. , Biernaskie J. , Krawetz R. J.
Published: March 2016

Controversy remains whether articular cartilage has an endogenous stem/progenitor cell population, since its poor healing capacity after injury can lead to diseases such as osteoarthritis. In the joint environment there are mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) in the synovial membrane and synovial fluid that can differentiate into cartilage, but it is still under debate if these cells contribute to cartilage repair in vivo. In this study, we isolated a Sca-1 positive, chondrogenesis capable population of mouse synovial MSCs from C57BL6 and MRL/MpJ “super-healer” strains. Intra-articular injection of Sca-1 + GFP + synovial cells from C57BL6 or MRL/MpJ into C57BL6 mice following cartilage injury led to increased cartilage repair by 4 weeks after injury. GFP expression was detected in the injury site at 2 weeks, but not 4 weeks after injury. These results suggest that synovial stem/progenitor cells, regardless of strain background, have beneficial effects when injected into an injured joint. MSCs derived from MRL/MpJ mice did not promote an increased repair capacity compared to MSCs derived from non-healing C57BL6 controls; however, MRL/MpJ MSCs were observed within the defect area at the time points examined, while C57BL6 MSCs were not.
A new hand-held microfluidic cytometer for evaluating irradiation damage by analysis of the damaged cells distribution
Authors: Wang Junsheng , Fan Zhiqiang , Zhao Yile , Song Younan , Chu Hui , Song Wendong , Song Yongxin , Pan Xinxiang , Sun Yeqing , Li Dongqing
Published: March 2016

Space radiation brings uneven damages to cells. The detection of the distribution of cell damage plays a very important role in radiation medicine and the related research. In this paper, a new hand-held microfluidic flow cytometer was developed to evaluate the degree of radiation damage of cells. The device we propose overcomes the shortcomings (e.g., large volume and high cost) of commercial flow cytometers and can evaluate the radiation damage of cells accurately and quickly with potential for onsite applications. The distribution of radiation-damaged cells is analyzed by a simultaneous detection of immunofluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX and resistance pulse sensor (RPS) signal. The γ-H2AX fluorescence intensity provides information of the degree of radiation damage in cells. The ratio of the number of cells with γ-H2AX fluorescence signals to the total numbers of cells detected by RPS indicates the percentage of the cells that are damaged by radiation. The comparison experiment between the developed hand-held microfluidic flow cytometer and a commercial confocal microscope indicates a consistent and comparable detection performance.
Applications using high-Tc superconducting terahertz emitters
Authors: Nakade Kurama , Kashiwagi Takanari , Saiwai Yoshihiko , Minami Hidetoshi , Yamamoto Takashi , Klemm Richard A. , Kadowaki Kazuo
Published: March 2016

Using recently-developed THz emitters constructed from single crystals of the high-Tc superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ, we performed three prototype tests of the devices to demonstrate their unique characteristic properties for various practical applications. The first is a compact and simple transmission type of THz imaging system using a Stirling cryocooler. The second is a high-resolution Michelson interferometer used as a phase-sensitive reflection-type imaging system. The third is a system with precise temperature control to measure the liquid absorption coefficient. The detailed characteristics of these systems are discussed.
Heteroepitaxial growth of Pt and Au thin films on MgO single crystals by bias-assisted sputtering
Authors: Tolstova Yulia , Omelchenko Stefan T. , Shing Amanda M. , Atwater Harry A.
Published: March 2016

The crystallographic orientation of a metal affects its surface energy and structure and has profound implications for surface chemical reactions and interface engineering, which are important in areas ranging from optoelectronic device fabrication to catalysis. However, it can be very difficult and expensive to manufacture, orient and cut single crystal metals along different crystallographic orientations, especially in the case of precious metals. One approach is to grow thin metal films epitaxially on dielectric substrates. In this work, we report on growth of Pt and Au films on MgO single crystal substrates of (100) and (110) surface orientation for use as epitaxial templates for thin film photovoltaic devices. We develop bias-assisted sputtering for deposition of oriented Pt and Au films with sub-nanometer roughness. We show that biasing the substrate decreases the substrate temperature necessary to achieve epitaxial orientation, with temperature reduction from 600 to 350 °C for Au and from 750 to 550 °C for Pt, without use of transition metal seed layers. In addition, this temperature can be further reduced by reducing the growth rate. Biased deposition with varying substrate bias power and working pressure also enables control of the film morphology and surface roughness.
Enhanced spontaneous functional connectivity of the superior temporal gyrus in early deafness
Authors: Ding Hao , Ming Dong , Wan Baikun , Li Qiang , Qin Wen , Yu Chunshui
Published: March 2016

Early auditory deprivation may drive the auditory cortex into cross-modal processing of non-auditory sensory information. In a recent study, we had shown that early deaf subjects exhibited increased activation in the superior temporal gyrus (STG) bilaterally during visual spatial working memory; however, the changes in the organization of the STG related spontaneous functional network and their cognitive relevance are still unknown. To clarify this issue, we applied resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging on 42 early deafness (ED) and 40 hearing controls (HC). We also acquired the visual spatial and numerical n-back working memory (WM) information in these subjects. Compared with hearing subjects, the ED exhibited faster reaction time of visual WM tasks in both spatial and numerical domains. Furthermore, ED subjects exhibited significantly increased functional connectivity between the STG (especially of the right hemisphere) and bilateral anterior insula and dorsal anterior cingulated cortex. Finally, the functional connectivity of STG could predict visual spatial WM performance, even after controlling for numerical WM performance. Our findings suggest that early auditory deprivation can strengthen the spontaneous functional connectivity of STG, which may contribute to the cross-modal involvement of this region in visual working memory.
Three chromosomal rearrangements promote genomic divergence between migratory and stationary ecotypes of Atlantic cod
Authors: Berg Paul R. , Star Bastiaan , Pampoulie Christophe , Sodeland Marte , Barth Julia M. I. , Knutsen Halvor , Jakobsen Kjetill S. , Jentoft Sissel
Published: March 2016

Identification of genome-wide patterns of divergence provides insight on how genomes are influenced by selection and can reveal the potential for local adaptation in spatially structured populations. In Atlantic cod – historically a major marine resource – Northeast-Arctic- and Norwegian coastal cod are recognized by fundamental differences in migratory and non-migratory behavior, respectively. However, the genomic architecture underlying such behavioral ecotypes is unclear. Here, we have analyzed more than 8.000 polymorphic SNPs distributed throughout all 23 linkage groups and show that loci putatively under selection are localized within three distinct genomic regions, each of several megabases long, covering approximately 4% of the Atlantic cod genome. These regions likely represent genomic inversions. The frequency of these distinct regions differ markedly between the ecotypes, spawning in the vicinity of each other, which contrasts with the low level of divergence in the rest of the genome. The observed patterns strongly suggest that these chromosomal rearrangements are instrumental in local adaptation and separation of Atlantic cod populations, leaving footprints of large genomic regions under selection. Our findings demonstrate the power of using genomic information in further understanding the population dynamics and defining management units in one of the world’s most economically important marine resources.
Joint effects of diabetic-related genomic loci on the therapeutic efficacy of oral anti-diabetic drugs in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Chen Miao , Zhang Rong , Jiang Feng , Wang Jie , Peng Danfeng , Yan Jing , Wang Shiyun , Wang Tao , Bao Yuqian , Hu Cheng , Jia Weiping
Published: March 2016

Previous pharmacogenomic studies of oral anti-diabetic drugs have primarily focused on the effect of a single site. This study aimed to examine the joint effects of multiple loci on repaglinide or rosiglitazone efficacy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. A total of 209 newly diagnosed T2DM patients were randomly assigned to treatment with repaglinide or rosiglitazone for 48 weeks. The reductions in fasting glucose (ΔFPG), 2h glucose (Δ2hPG) and glycated hemoglobin (ΔHbA1c) levels were significantly associated with genetic score that was constructed using the sum of the effect alleles both in the repaglinide (P = 0.0011, 0.0002 and 0.0067, respectively) and rosiglitazone cohorts (P = 0.0002, 0.0014 and 0.0164, respectively) after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index and dosage. Survival analyses showed a trend towards a greater attainment rate of target HbA1c level in individuals with a high genetic score in the repaglinide cohort and rosiglitazone cohort (Plog-rank = 0.0815 and 0.0867, respectively) when the attainment of treatment targets were defined as more than 20% decrease of FPG, 2hPG and HbA1c levels after treatment. In conclusion, we identified the joint effects of several T2DM-related loci on the efficacy of oral anti-diabetic drugs; moreover, we built a model to predict the drug efficacy.
Comparison of the cryo-tolerance of vitrified gorgonian oocytes
Authors: Tsai Sujune , Yang Vivian , Lin Chiahsin
Published: March 2016

Coral reefs have been declining considerably in recent years because of changes to the environment and climate. The cryopreservation of coral gametes is an essential alternative method that yields immense success in preserving corals. This study focuses on developing vitrification techniques for Junceella fragilis and Ellisella robusta oocytes and presents a comparison on the cryotolerance of their vitrified oocytes. The results revealed that these coral oocytes could be preserved for a longer period in equilibration solution 2 and vitrification solution (VS) 2 at 5 °C than at 26 °C. Oocyte viability decreased significantly when VS2 was used for >4 min at 26 °C compared with the control. Cryoprotectant tolerance was higher in E. robusta oocytes than in J. fragilis oocytes. However, E. robusta was determined to be more cryo-tolerant, with differences attributed to their habitats, thus making E. robusta is likely a superior candidate species for further study. The results of this study on the effects of coral cryopreservation provide a foundation for developing protocols further for the cryopreservation of the oocytes of gorgonian corals.
Altered social attention in anorexia nervosa during real social interaction
Authors: Dalmaso Mario , Castelli Luigi , Scatturin Pietro , Carli Lorenza , Todisco Patrizia , Palomba Daniela , Galfano Giovanni
Published: March 2016

The capacity to devote attentional resources in response to body-related signals provided by others is still largely unexplored in individuals with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Here, we tested this capacity through a novel paradigm that mimics a social interaction with a real partner. Healthy individuals (Experiment 1) and individuals with AN (Experiment 2) completed a task with another person which consisted in performing, alternatively, rapid aiming movements to lateralised targets. Generally, this task leads to a form of Inhibition of Return (IOR), which consists of longer reaction times when an individual has to respond to a location previously searched by either himself (individual IOR) or by the partner (social IOR) as compared to previously unexplored locations. IOR is considered as an important attentional mechanism that promotes an effective exploration of the environment during social interaction. Here, healthy individuals displayed both individual and social IOR that were both reliable and of the same magnitude. Individuals with AN displayed a non-significant individual IOR but a reliable social IOR that was also significantly stronger than individual IOR. These results suggest the presence of a reduced sensitivity in processing body-related stimuli conveyed by oneself in individuals with AN which is reflected in action-based attentional processes.
Smaller-loss planar SPP transmission line than conventional microstrip in microwave frequencies
Authors: Zhang Hao Chi , Zhang Qian , Liu Jun Feng , Tang Wenxuan , Fan Yifeng , Cui Tie Jun
Published: March 2016

Transmission line is a basic component in all passive devices, integrated circuits and systems. Microstrip is the most popular transmission line in the microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies and has been widely used in current electronic devices, circuits and systems. One of the important issues to be solved in such applications is the relatively large transmission loss of microstrip. Here, we propose a method to reduce the loss of microwave transmission line based on the designable wavenumber of spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). Using this characteristic, we analyze and experimentally demonstrate the low-loss feature of the SPP transmission line through the perturbation method and S-parameter measurements, respectively. Both simulation and experimental results show that the SPP transmission line has much smaller transmission loss than traditional microstrip with the same size in the microwave frequencies. Hence, the spoof SPP transmission line may make a big step forward in the low-loss circuits and systems.
Structure, photoluminescence and influence of temperature on energy transfer of green-emission phosphor Ca9La(GeO4)0.75(PO4)6:Ce3+,Tb3+
Authors: Xu Wenjin , Ding Xin , Wang Yuhua
Published: March 2016

In Ca9La(GeO4)0.75(PO4)6:Ce3+/Tb3+, because of the energy transfer, when temperature increases, intensity of Tb3+ shows slightly enhancement instead of thermal quenching.
Heterogeneous character of supercritical water at 400 °C and different densities unveiled by simulation
Authors: Metatla Noureddine , Lafond Fabien , Jay-Gerin Jean-Paul , Soldera Armand
Published: March 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to examine the molecular microstructures and the “clustering” behavior of supercritical water at 400 °C and different densities.
Insight into calcification of Synechocystis sp. enhanced by extracellular carbonic anhydrase
Authors: Yang Zhen-Ni , Li Xiao-Min , Umar Ahmad , Fan Wen-Hong , Wang Yao
Published: March 2016

The mechanism of cyanobacterial calcification was proved to be related to extracellular carbonic anhydrase, which enhanced CaCO3 precipitation through facilitating proton consumption during transformation of bicarbonate to carbon dioxide.
Highly selective catalytic conversion of phenols to aromatic hydrocarbons on CoS2/MoS2 synthesized using a two step hydrothermal method
Authors: Wang Weiyan , Li Lu , Wu Kui , Zhu Guohua , Tan Song , Liu Yan , Yang Yunquan
Published: March 2016

CoS2/MoS2 composite catalysts were synthesized by two-step hydrothermal method and presented very high hydrodeoxygenation and direct deoxygenation activity in phenols conversion.
High yield synthesis and optical properties of MgF2nanowires with high aspect ratios
Authors: Abbas Saleem , Huang Yang , Lin Jing , Abbas Aumber , Xu Xuewen , Li Jie , Wang Sai , Jin Xing , Tang Chengchun
Published: March 2016

Ultrapure highly crystalline magnesium fluoride (MgF2) nanowires with high aspect ratios were successfully synthesized by utilizing ammonium boron trifluoride (NH3BF3) as a precursor material for the first time.
Improved in vivo tumor therapy via host–guest complexation
Authors: Yao Yong , Wang Yang , Zhao Ruibo , Shao Li , Tang Ruikang , Huang Feihe
Published: March 2016

A decomposable and intracellular pH-responsive drug delivery system by immobilizing a water-soluble pillar[5]arene onto hollow mesoporous nanoparticles through host–guest complexation was successfully prepared and its application in controlled drug delivery in vitro and in vivo was also investigated.
Pancreatic damage induced by cigarette smoke: the specific pathological effects of cigarette smoke in the rat model
Authors: Topsakal Senay , Ozmen Ozlem , Aslankoc Rahime , Aydemir Demet Hancer
Published: March 2016

In recent years, pancreatic pathologies have become common problems and their etiology and pathogenesis are generally unknown.
Syntheses and magnetic properties of a pyrimidyl-substituted nitronyl nitroxide radical and its cobalt(ii) complexes
Authors: Wang Jian , Li Jia-Nan , Zhang Shao-Liang , Zhao Xin-Hua , Shao Dong , Wang Xin-Yi
Published: March 2016

A new bis-bidentate pyrimidyl-substituted nitronyl nitroxide radical and two cobalt(ii) complexes of this ligand were synthesized and characterized.
Cβ–H stretching vibration as a new probe for conformation of n-propanol in gaseous and liquid states
Authors: Yu Yuanqin , Wang Yuxi , Hu Naiyin , Lin Ke , Zhou Xiaoguo , Liu Shilin
Published: March 2016

The CH2 symmetric stretching mode at the β-carbon position can be used as a new probe for the five conformations of n-propanol.
Numerical density-to-potential inversions in time-dependent density functional theory
Authors: Jensen Daniel S. , Wasserman Adam
Published: March 2016

We present an unconditionally stable TDDFT inversion algorithm based on a constrained partial differential equation optimization framework and capable of recovering highly singular potentials.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of graphene oxide patterned by nanoroads
Authors: Zhou Si , Guo Yu , Zhao Jijun
Published: March 2016

Graphene oxide patterned by nanoroads shows great promise for thermoelectrics with its figure of merit dependent on the road width.
The interaction with gold suppresses fiber-like conformations of the amyloid β (16–22) peptide
Authors: Bellucci Luca , Ardèvol Albert , Parrinello Michele , Lutz Helmut , Lu Hao , Weidner Tobias , Corni Stefano
Published: March 2016

State-of-the-art classical atomistic molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the interaction of the amyloid β (16–22) peptide with a gold surface is suppressing fiber-like conformations, thanks to the preferential interaction with phenylalanine residues.
The β-phosphorus hyperfine coupling constant in nitroxides: 6. Solvent effects in non-cyclic nitroxides
Authors: Audran Gérard , Bosco Lionel , Nkolo Paulin , Bikanga Raphael , Brémond Paul , Butscher Teddy , Marque Sylvain R. A.
Published: March 2016

The impact of the solvent onaPandaNdecreases strikingly upon increasing both the bulkiness and the polarity of the substituents around the nitroxyl moiety.
Interfacially reinforced carbon fiber/epoxy composites by grafting melamine onto carbon fibers in supercritical methanol
Authors: Zhao Min , Meng Linghui , Ma Lichun , Wu Guangshun , Wang Yuwei , Xie Fei , Huang Yudong
Published: March 2016

Carbon fiber was firstly functionalized with melamine in supercritical methanol to improve the properties of CF reinforced epoxy composites.
Hypoxia-responsive drug–drug conjugated nanoparticles for breast cancer synergistic therapy
Authors: Zhang Ruilong , Li Yan , Zhang Miao , Tang Qunwei , Zhang Xin
Published: March 2016

(A) Chemical structure of IR–AZO–CA4 molecule and preparation of IR–AZO–CA4/CP NPs. (B) Schematic illustration of the hypoxia-responsive drug–drug conjugated NPs in hypoxic cells and normoxic cells.
Label-free electrochemical detection of DNA methyltransferase activity via a DNA tetrahedron-structured probe
Authors: Zhao Hongyu , Yin Hai , Yang Yongfeng
Published: March 2016

Label-free electrochemical detection of DNA methyltransferase activityviaDNA tetrahedron-structured probe.
Study on the interaction of berberine with nucleic acids in the presence of silver nanoparticles, and the fluorometric determination of nucleic acids
Authors: Zhao Yanyan , Zhou Haiping , Shen Jin , Wang Minqin , Wu Xia
Published: March 2016

The partial intercalation binding between BER and ctDNA, and the anti-photobleaching ability of BER were both strengthened by AgNPs. A metal enhanced fluorescence-based sensitive method for the determination of nucleic acids was obtained.
Fabrication of flexible self-powered UV detectors based on ZnO nanowires and the enhancement by the decoration of Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Zeng Yiyu , Pan Xinhua , Lu Bin , Ye Zhizhen
Published: March 2016

The flexible self-powered UV detector based on ZnO NWs shows good performance both in flat and bending conditions.
Rhodium(ii)-catalyzed intramolecular annulation of 1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles with indoles: facile synthesis of functionalized tetrahydro-β-carbolines
Authors: Shang Hai , Tian Yu , Luo Jun , Li Lingyu , Tang Yefeng , Zou Zhongmei
Published: March 2016

A novel rhodium(ii)-catalyzed intramolecular annulation of 1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles with indoles has been developed, which enables the facile synthesis of various 4-functionalized tetrahydro-β-carbolines and relevant scaffolds from readily available starting materials.
Zwitterionic cryogels for sustained release of proteins
Authors: Sener Gulsu , Krebs Melissa D.
Published: March 2016

The preparation of macroporous zwitterionic cryogels and their excellent protein encapsulation and sustained release properties are reported.
Two step label free particle separation in a microfluidic system using elasto-inertial focusing and magnetophoresis
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Lee Doo Jin , Youn Jae Ryoun , Song Young Seok
Published: March 2016

The high separation efficiency of particles and cells can be realized by exploiting a facile two step label free technique that consists of elasto-inertial focusing and magnetophoresis.
Positively charged carbon nanoparticulate/sodium dodecyl sulphate bilayer electrode for extraction and voltammetric determination of ciprofloxacin in real samples
Authors: Salehniya Haneie , Amiri Mandana , Mansoori Yaghoub
Published: March 2016

The modified electrode was prepared using a layer-by-layer method with functionalized CNPs and SDS. The ability of modified electrode to adsorb ciprofloxacin was investigated. Ciprofloxacin was analyzed in real samples.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2 activated by doping Zr and modifying Pd
Authors: Huang Shaolong , Yu Yanlong , Yan Yabin , Yuan Jixiang , Yin Shougen , Cao Yaan
Published: March 2016

The photocatalytic activity of 4-CP degradation is apparently enhanced by doping Zr and modifying Pd in TiO2 (TiO2–Zr–Pd) under visible light irradiation.
Fast and reversible functionalization of a single nanopore based on layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte self-assembly for tuning current rectification and designing sensors
Authors: Lepoitevin Mathilde , Jamilloux Bastien , Bechelany Mikhael , Balanzat Emmanuel , Janot Jean-Marc , Balme Sebastien
Published: March 2016

We report a reversible functionalization of conical nanopores based on layer-by-layer self-assembly of poly-l-lysine and poly(styrene sulfonate).
Chitosan hybrid nanoparticles as a theranostic platform for targeted doxorubicin/VEGF shRNA co-delivery and dual-modality fluorescence imaging
Authors: Yang Hong , Xu Min , Li Shun , Shen Xue , Li Tingting , Yan Jie , Zhang Chengchen , Wu Chunhui , Zeng Hongjuan , Liu Yiyao
Published: March 2016

Chitosan hybrid nanoparticles were fabricated as a targeted drug/gene co-delivery nanovector for potential cancer therapy and dual-modality fluorescence imaging.
Efficiently enhancing the photocatalytic activity of faceted TiO2nanocrystals by selectively loading α-Fe2O3and Pt co-catalysts
Authors: Liu Chang , Tong Ruifeng , Xu Zhenkai , Kuang Qin , Xie Zhaoxiong , Zheng Lansun
Published: March 2016

The photocatalytic activity of faceted TiO2nanocrystals was efficiently enhanced by selectively loading α-Fe2O3and Pt co-catalysts onto specific facets.
Nanotechnology to rescue bacterial bidirectional extracellular electron transfer in bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Kalathil Shafeer , Pant Deepak
Published: March 2016

Advanced nanostructured electrode materials largely improve the bacterial bidirectional extracellular electron transfer in bioelectrochemical systems.
Towards the scaling up of perovskite solar cells and modules
Authors: Galagan Y. , Coenen E. W. C. , Verhees W. J. H. , Andriessen Ronn
Published: March 2016

The performance of perovskite PV modules, calculated using DC simulation, enables the identification of the most rational sub-cell dimensions in the modules.
Porous nanoMoC@graphite shell derived from a MOFs-directed strategy: an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Shi Zhangping , Wang Yangxia , Lin Huanlei , Zhang Hongbin , Shen Meikun , Xie Songhai , Zhang Yahong , Gao Qingsheng , Tang Yi
Published: March 2016

A porous nanoMoC@GS electrocatalyst consists of ultrafine MoC nanoparticles encapsulated by ultrathin graphite shells and exhibits a remarkable HER activity.
Highly dispersed magnetic molecularly imprinted nanoparticles with well-defined thin film for the selective extraction of glycoprotein
Authors: Ma Run-Tian , Ha Wei , Chen Juan , Shi Yan-Ping
Published: March 2016

Highly dispersed magnetic molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (MMINs) with a well-defined thin film for the selective extraction of glycoprotein HRP were developed in this work.
Deep-red iridium(iii) complexes cyclometalated by phenanthridine derivatives for highly efficient solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Jiang Bei , Gu Yu , Qin Jingjing , Ning Xiaowen , Gong Shaolong , Xie Guohua , Yang Chuluo
Published: March 2016

The introduction of 4-tert-butyl-N-phenylaniline groups into phenanthridine derivatives is demonstrated as a simple approach to develop solution-processed deep-red iridium complexes. The resulting PhOLEDs achieve a maximum EQE of 5.2% with the emission peak at 682 nm.
Monodispersed hierarchical ZnGa2O4 microflowers for self-powered solar-blind detection
Authors: Teng Yue , Song Le Xin , Liu Wei , Xu Zhe Yuan , Wang Qing Shan , Ruan Mao Mao
Published: March 2016

We successfully synthesized ZnGa2O4 microflowers self-assembled by hexagonal single-crystalline nanopetals. The ZnGa2O4 crystal exhibits improved solar-blind detection performance such as short response time, large light to dark current ratio and high photocurrent stability under zero bias voltage.
Low‐complexity PTS schemes using OFDM signal rotation and pre‐exclusion of phase rotating vectors
Authors: Lee Kang‐Seok , Cho Young‐Jeon , Woo Jun‐Young , No Jong‐Seon , Shin Dong‐Joon
Published: March 2016

Partial transmit sequence (PTS), a well‐known peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) reduction scheme for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems, has been actively investigated to reduce its high computational complexity. Ku et al. proposed a selection method of dominant time‐domain samples and by only using the selected samples, the PAPR of each alternative OFDM signal vector is calculated. This method clearly reduces the computational complexity but it is crucial to select proper time‐domain samples to achieve acceptable PAPR reduction performance. In this study, a new selection method of dominant time‐domain samples is proposed based on rotating samples of inverse fast Fourier transformed (IFFTed) subblocks to the local area on which the corresponding sample of the IFFTed first subblock is located. Moreover, pre‐exclusion of phase rotating vectors based on the above time‐domain sample rotation is proposed to further reduce the computational complexity. Numerical results confirm that the proposed PTS schemes substantially reduce the computational complexity with negligible degradation of PAPR reduction performance.
Bit‐oriented format extraction approach for automatic binary protocol reverse engineering
Authors: Tao Siyu , Yu Hongyi , Li Qing
Published: March 2016

Protocol message format extraction is a principal process of automatic network protocol reverse engineering when target protocol specifications are not available. However, binary protocol reverse engineering has been a new challenge in recent years for approaches that traditionally have dealt with text‐based protocols rather than binary protocols. In this study, the authors propose a novel approach called PRE‐Bin that automatically extracts binary‐type fields of binary protocols based on fine‐grained bits. First, a silhouette coefficient is introduced into the hierarchical clustering to confirm the optimal clustering number of binary frames. Second, a modified multiple sequence alignment algorithm, in which the matching process and back‐tracing rules are redesigned, is also proposed to analyse binary field features. Finally, a Bayes decision model is invoked to describe field features and determine bit‐oriented field boundaries. The maximum a posteriori criterion is leveraged to complete an optimal protocol format estimation of binary field boundaries. The authors implemented a prototype system of PRE‐Bin to infer the specification of binary protocols from actual traffic traces. Experimental results indicate that PRE‐Bin effectively extracts binary fields and outperforms the existing algorithms.
Stabilising the networked control systems involving actuation and measurement consecutive packet losses
Authors: Argha Ahmadreza , Li Li , Su Steven , Nguyen Hung
Published: March 2016

This study is devoted to the problem of designing a robust output‐feedback discrete‐time sliding mode control (ODSMC) for the networked systems involving both measuring and actuating data packet losses. Packet losses in the networked control systems (NCSs) have been modelled by utilising the probability and the characteristics of the sources and the destinations. Here, the well‐known Bernoulli random binary distribution is used to model consecutive packet losses in the NCSs. In this study, first, a robust observer‐based discrete‐time sliding mode control is proposed for the NCSs including random packet losses. The packet losses occur in the channels from the sensors to the controller and the channels from the controller to the actuators. Then, using the notion of exponential mean square stability, the boundedness of the obtained closed‐loop system is analysed with a linear matrix inequality approach. Our proposed robust ODSMC can be applied to unstable NCSs, and there is no need to stabilise the underlying system in advance. Illustrative examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Quantitative evaluation of margin sharpness of pulmonary nodules in lung CT images
Authors: Dhara Ashis Kumar , Mukhopadhyay Sudipta , Chakrabarty Satrajit , Garg Mandeep , Khandelwal Niranjan
Published: March 2016

Pulmonary nodules are the potential manifestation of lung cancer. Margin sharpness of a nodule is an important imaging characteristic for estimation of its malignancy. Quantitative evaluation of margin sharpness could be helpful in the development of content‐based image retrieval system of pulmonary nodules and computer‐aided diagnosis system for lung cancer. In this article, margin sharpness of a nodule is represented using the combination of histogram spread of averaged gradient and acutance of nodule. The novelty of the proposed method lies in the parsimony of model representing the margin sharpness. The most recent technique on the computation of margin sharpness of pulmonary nodules considers a representative slice of the nodule and it depends on manual segmentation of nodules by a trained radiologist. The authors have automated the most recent technique for comparative study. The reproducibility of the proposed technique is evaluated on reference image database to evaluate response (RIDER) coffee break data set. The performance of the proposed and competing techniques across modalities are evaluated in terms of precision, mean similarity and normalised discounted cumulative gain on 891 nodules of LIDC/IDRI public database. The proposed method outperforms the competing techniques.
MEMS‐based platinum–platinum rhodium film temperature sensor on alumina substrate
Authors: Zhang Jiubin , Cheng Ping , Zhang Congchun , Ding Guifu , Duan Li , Shao Jing , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2016

The platinum–platinum rhodium thin film thermocouples (TFTCs) were fabricated on the alumina substrate by the micromachining technology, which could operate at the temperature up to 1300°C. The thermoelectric output voltage was measured in the temperature range of 50–1300°C. The maximum thermoelectric voltage of the TFTC was 14.8 mV at 1300°C, which was in accordance with that of the standard wire thermocouple approximately. The voltage–temperature curves of the heating and cooling process overlapped very well without a hysteresis, which kept constant after the device underwent five heating–cooling cycles. The lifetime of the film sensor at 1300°C was up to 14 h. The sensitive films were characterised by scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction techniques.
Understanding the ordering mechanisms of self-assembled nanostructures of block copolymers during zone annealing
Authors: Cong Zhinan , Zhang Liangshun , Wang Liquan , Lin Jiaping
Published: March 2016

A theoretical method based on dynamic version of self-consistent field theory is extended to investigate directed self-assembly behaviors of block copolymers subjected to zone annealing. The ordering mechanisms and orientation modulation of microphase-separated nanostructures of block copolymers are discussed in terms of sweep velocity, wall preference, and Flory-Huggins interaction parameter. The simulated results demonstrate that the long-range ordered nanopatterns are achieved by lowering the sweep velocity of zone annealing due to the incorporation of templated ordering of block copolymers. The surface enrichment by one of the two polymer species induces the orientation modulation of defect-free nanostructures through finely tuning the composition of block copolymers and the preference of walls. Additionally, the Flory-Huggins interaction parameters of block copolymers in the distinct regions are main factors to design the zone annealing process for creating the highly ordered nanostructures with single orientation.
Effect of the electrostatic surface potential on the oligomerization of full-length human recombinant prion protein at single-molecule level
Authors: Wang Bin , Lou Zhichao , Zhang Haiqian , Xu Bingqian
Published: March 2016

The electrostatic surface potential (ESP) of prion oligomers has critical influences on the aggregating processes of the prion molecules. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and structural simulation were combined to investigate the molecular basis of the full-length human recombinant prion oligomerization on mica surfaces. The high resolution non-intrusive AFM images showed that the prion oligomers formed different patterns on mica surfaces at different buffer pH values. The basic binding units for the large oligomers were determined to be prion momoners (Ms), dimers (Ds), and trimers (Ts). The forming of the D and T units happened through the binding of hydrophobic β-sheets of the M units. In contrast, the α-helices of these M, D, and T units were the binding areas for the formation of large oligomers. At pH 4.5, the binding units M, D, and T showed clear polarized ESP distributions on the surface domains, while at pH 7.0, they showed more evenly distributed ESPs. Based on the conformations of oligomers observed from AFM images, the D and T units were more abundantly on mica surface at pH 4.5 because the ESP re-distribution of M units helped to stabilize these larger oligomers. The amino acid side chains involved in the binding interfaces were stabilized by hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. The detailed analysis of the charged side chains at pH 4.5 indicated that the polarized ESPs induced the aggregations among M, D, and T to form larger oligomers. Therefore, the hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions worked together to form the stabilized prion oligomers.
Research Update: Electrical manipulation of magnetism through strain-mediated magnetoelectric coupling in multiferroic heterostructures
Authors: Chen A. T. , Zhao Y. G.
Published: March 2016

Electrical manipulation of magnetism has been a long sought-after goal to realize energy-efficient spintronics. During the past decade, multiferroic materials combining (anti)ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties are now drawing much attention and many reports have focused on magnetoelectric coupling effect through strain, charge, or exchange bias. This paper gives an overview of recent progress on electrical manipulation of magnetism through strain-mediated magnetoelectric coupling in multiferroic heterostructures.