bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volume shrinkage and rheological studies of epoxidised and unepoxidised poly(styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene) triblock copolymer modified epoxy resin–diamino diphenyl methane nanostructured blend systems
Authors: George Sajeev Martin , Puglia Debora , Kenny Josè M. , Parameswaranpillai Jyotishkumar , Vijayan P Poornima , Pionteck Jűrgen , Thomas Sabu
Published: April 2015

Spherical, wormlike and micro domains like morphologies in epoxy/eSBS/DDM blends with different epoxidation degrees.
LiTFSI in 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide: a possible electrolyte for ionic liquid based lithium ion batteries
Authors: Lahiri Abhishek , Schubert Thomas J. S. , Iliev Boyan , Endres Frank
Published: April 2015

We show using Raman spectroscopy and charge–discharge cycles a stable ionic liquid electrolyte LiTFSI/[Py1.4]FSI for lithium ion batteries.
Fabrication of charged membranes by the solvent-assisted lipid bilayer (SALB) formation method on SiO2and Al2O3
Authors: Tabaei Seyed R. , Vafaei Setareh , Cho Nam-Joon
Published: April 2015

In this study, we employed the solvent-assisted lipid bilayer (SALB) formation method to fabricate charged membranes on solid supports.
Catalytic dehydrofluorination of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane to synthesize trifluoroethylene over a modified NiO/Al2O3 catalyst
Authors: Jia Wenzhi , Liu Min , Lang Xuewei , Hu Chao , Li Junhui , Zhu Zhirong
Published: April 2015

The close linear relationship between Lewis acid sites and catalytic activity for the dehydrofluorination of CF3CFH2.
A membrane-less electrolyzer for hydrogen production across the pH scale
Authors: H. Hashemi S. Mohammad , Modestino Miguel A. , Psaltis Demetri
Published: April 2015

For the first time, a membrane-less electrolyzer has been demonstrated with the capability of non-flammable hydrogen production across the pH scale.
Simulating yield response of rice to salinity stress with the AquaCrop model
Authors: Mondal M. Shahjahan , Saleh Abul Fazal M. , Razzaque Akanda Md. Abdur , Biswas Sujit K. , Md. Moslehuddin Abu Zofar , Zaman Sinora , Lazar Attila N. , Clarke Derek
Published: April 2015

The AquaCrop model is parameterized and tested under a saline environment to evaluate the potential impact of hydro-climatic changes on rice production.
Moving droplets between closed and open microfluidic systems
Authors: Wang Weiqiang , Jones Thomas B.
Published: April 2015

Moving both water and oil droplets between closed and open microfluidic systems is demonstrated by electrowetting and dielectrophoresis actuation.
Probing the effect of minor groove interactions on the catalytic efficiency of DNAzymes 8–17 and 10–23
Authors: Räz Michael H. , Hollenstein Marcel
Published: April 2015

An adenosine analog devoid of the N3-nitrogen of the purine ring was incorporated into the catalytic cores of the well-known DNA enzymes 8–17 and 10–23. The results show that minor groove interactions are important for the catalytic activity and thus constitute an important feature of DNA enzymes.
Charged group surface accessibility determines micelleplexes formation and cellular interaction
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Yang , Sen Soumyo , Král Petr , Gemeinhart Richard A.
Published: April 2015

In this article, we investigated charged group presentation on the micelle surfaces and their interaction with miRNA using thermodynamics, biochemistry, and molecular dynamics simulation. Charged group accessibility on cationic micelle surfaces was shown as a mechanism to alter micelleplex formation and stability.
Topochemical polymerization of unsymmetrical aryldiacetylene supramolecules with nitrophenyl substituents utilizing C–H⋯π interactions
Authors: Wang Shichao , Li Yong , Liu Hui , Li Jinpeng , Li Tiesheng , Wu Yangjie , Okada Shuji , Nakanishi Hachiro
Published: April 2015

The synthesis and solid-state polymerization of unsymmetrical aryldiacetylene supramolecules with nitrophenyl substituents.
Tricyclic dihydrobenzoxazepine and tetracyclic indole derivatives can specifically target bacterial DNA ligases and can distinguish them from human DNA ligase I
Authors: Yadav Nisha , Khanam Taran , Shukla Ankita , Rai Niyati , Hajela Kanchan , Ramachandran Ravishankar
Published: April 2015

DNA ligases are critical components for DNA metabolism in all organisms.
Synthesis of two new enrichable and MS-cleavable cross-linkers to define protein–protein interactions by mass spectrometry
Authors: Burke Anthony M. , Kandur Wynne , Novitsky Eric J. , Kaake Robyn M. , Yu Clinton , Kao Athit , Vellucci Danielle , Huang Lan , Rychnovsky Scott D.
Published: April 2015

The cross-linking Mass Spectrometry (XL-MS) technique extracts structural information from protein complexes without requiring highly purified samples, crystallinity, or large amounts of material.
Studies on the synthesis, stability and conformation of 2-sulfonyl-oxetane fragments
Authors: Morgan K. F. , Hollingsworth I. A. , Bull J. A.
Published: April 2015

A library of 2-sulfonyl oxetane fragments has been synthesised and elaborated into lead-like compounds. The oxetane derivatives were stable to acidic and basic conditions and have 3-preferred conformations.
Cyclodextrin–peptide conjugates for sequence specific DNA binding
Authors: Ruiz García Yara , Zelenka Jan , Pabon Y. Vladimir , Iyer Abhishek , Buděšínský Miloš , Kraus Tomáš , Edvard Smith C. I. , Madder Annemieke
Published: April 2015

CD–peptide conjugates were synthesized via CuAAC. Though the CD cavity size was shown to influence the binding affinity of the compounds, all constructs recognize and bind the cognate CRE dsDNA.
Facile synthesis of photolabile dendritic-unit-bridged hyperbranched graft copolymers for stimuli-triggered topological transition and controlled release of Nile red
Authors: Mo Bin , Liu Huanhuan , Zhou Xiangdong , Zhao Youliang
Published: April 2015

Successive RAFT SCVP and ROP were used to generate novel hyperbranched graft copolymers with the ability for the photo-triggered degradation and accelerative release of hydrophobic dye.
Enantioselective synthesis of trifluoromethyl substituted piperidines with multiple stereogenic centers via hydrogenation of pyridinium hydrochlorides
Authors: Chen Mu-Wang , Ye Zhi-Shi , Chen Zhang-Pei , Wu Bo , Zhou Yong-Gui
Published: April 2015

An enantioselective iridium-catalyzed hydrogenation of trifluoromethyl substituted pyridinium hydrochlorides is explored, providing chiral piperidines with three stereogenic centers and up to 90% ee.
Enhancing the light-harvesting and charge transport properties of polymer solar cells by embedding NaLuF4:Yb,Tm nanorods
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Zheng Kezhi , Liu Chunyu , Li Hao , Li Zhiqi , Li Jinfeng , He Yeyuan , Guo Wenbin , Shen Liang , Ruan Shengping
Published: April 2015

NaLuF4:Yb,Tm NRs were doped in a PCDTBT:PCBM solar cell to improve the current and fill factor, leading to a PCE of 7.175%.
Synthesis and steroid sulfatase inhibitory activities of N-alkanoyl tyramine phosphates and thiophosphates
Authors: Kozak Witold , Daśko Mateusz , Wołos Agnieszka , Masłyk Maciej , Kubiński Konrad , Składanowski Andrzej , Misiak Majus , Rachon Janusz , Demkowicz Sebastian
Published: April 2015

A series of phosphate and thiophosphate analogs based on the frameworks ofN-alkanoyl tyramines have been synthesized and biologically evaluated.
Novel pH sensitive N-doped carbon dots with both long fluorescence lifetime and high quantum yield
Authors: Zheng Cui , An Xueqin , Gong Jun
Published: April 2015

The pH sensitivity of CDs is associated with the surface structure.
Ionic liquid functionalization – an effective way to tune carbon dioxide adsorption properties of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Tamilarasan P. , Ramaprabhu S.
Published: April 2015

In this research, the influence of non-covalent functionalization by ionic liquids on carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption–desorption properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and partially exfoliated MWNTs (PEMWNTs) has been studied.
Star-shaped carbazole-based BODIPY derivatives with improved hole transportation and near-infrared absorption for small-molecule organic solar cells with high open-circuit voltages
Authors: Zhang Xinfu , Zhang Youdi , Chen Lingcheng , Xiao Yi
Published: April 2015

The star-shaped carbazole-based BODIPY derivatives, realizing strong near-infrared absorption and high hole transportation, have been developed for solution-processed small-molecule organic solar cells with high open-circuit voltages.
Electrically controllable microstructures and dynamic light scattering properties of liquid crystals with negative dielectric anisotropy
Authors: Wang Huihui , Wang Ling , Xie Hui , Li Chenyue , Guo Shumeng , Wang Meng , Zou Cheng , Yang Dengke , Yang Huai
Published: April 2015

Novel electrically switchable shutters were fabricated based on liquid crystals with negative dielectric anisotropy.
Ultrasonic enhanced synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotube supported Pt–Co bimetallic nanoparticles as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Fu Shaofang , Yang Guohai , Zhou Yazhou , Pan Horng-Bin , Wai Chien M. , Du Dan , Lin Yuehe
Published: April 2015

Ultrasonic enhanced synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes supported Pt–Co bimetallic nanoparticles as catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction.
High-rate electrode material 2LiFePO4·Li3V2(PO4)3@carbon/graphene using the in situ grown Fe4(VO4)4·15H2O precursor on the surface of graphite oxide
Authors: Zhang Bao , Li Hui , Zhang Jia-feng
Published: April 2015

2LiFePO4·Li3V2(PO4)3@carbon/graphene (2LFP·LVP@C/G) as a cathode material, based on anin situgrown Fe4(VO4)4·15H2O precursor on the surface of graphene oxide, was synthesized by a solid-state process.
Deciphering the formation mechanism of a protective corrosion product layer from electrochemical and natural corrosion behaviors of a nanocrystalline zinc coating
Authors: Li Qingyang , Feng Zhongbao , Liu Lihua , Xu Hong , Ge Wang , Li Fenghuan , An Maozhong
Published: April 2015

A hydrophobic protective corrosion product film (NC-1) with a nano-wire structure is formed on the surface of a nanocrystalline zinc coating.
Controlled synthesis and enhanced electrochemical performance of Prussian blue analogue-derived hollow FeCo2O4 nanospheres as lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Liu Lei , Hu Zhongbo , Sun Limei , Gao Gui , Liu Xiangfeng
Published: April 2015

FCO hollow porous spheres and cubes have been synthesized through a Prussian Blue Analogue (PBA)-derived strategy and their electrochemical performance as lithium ion battery anodes has been assessed.
The interaction between tannins and gliadin derived peptides in a celiac disease perspective
Authors: Dias Ricardo , Perez-Gregorio Rosa , Mateus Nuno , De Freitas Victor
Published: April 2015

The demonstration that food tannins are able to complex with gliadin-derived peptides, in a way that is dependent on both structural features, highlights their potential as modulators of celiac disease.
Response of extracellular polymeric substances to the toxicity of 2,4-dichlorophenol in aerobic granular sludge system: production and interaction mechanism
Authors: Wang Yifan , Wei Dong , Li Kai , Wang Bingfeng , Shi Li , Zhang Ge , Wang Xiaodong , Du Bin , Wei Qin
Published: April 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the response of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to the toxicity of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) in an aerobic granular sludge system.
Surface modification of TiO2by an ionic liquid electrolyte in dye-sensitized solar cells using a molecular insulator
Authors: Cai Molang , Pan Xu , Liu Weiqing , Bell John , Dai Songyuan
Published: April 2015

DMImBS is used as a novel additive in dye-sensitized solar cells to restrain the electron recombination and intercalation of Li+.
A Surlyn/magnesium oxide nanocomposite as an effective water vapor barrier for organic device encapsulation
Authors: Kopanati Gayathri N. , Seethamraju Sindhu , Ramamurthy Praveen C. , Madras Giridhar
Published: April 2015

A novel system of reactive polymer nanocomposites with MgO was developed, which exhibits superior performances as encapsulants for OPV devices.
Green synthesis of polypyrrole-supported metal catalysts: application to nitrate removal in water
Authors: García-Fernández M. Jesús , Buitrago-Sierra Robison , Pastor-Blas M. Mercedes , Soares O. S. G. P. , Pereira M. F. R. , Sepúlveda-Escribano Antonio
Published: April 2015

Pt and Pt/Sn catalysts supported on polypyrrole (PPy) have been prepared using Ar plasma to reduce the metal precursors dispersed on the polymer.
First total synthesis of cryptomoscatone F1
Authors: Raju Atla , Sabitha Gowravaram
Published: April 2015

The total synthesis of cryptomoscatone F1 has been accomplished for the first time.
A novel 3,6-diamino-1,8-naphthalimide derivative as a highly selective fluorescent “turn-on” probe for thiols
Authors: Dong Cheng , Zhou Chun-Qiong , Yang Jian-Wei , Liao Ting-Cong , Chen Jin-Xiang , Yin Cai-Xia , Chen Wen-Hua
Published: April 2015

A novel 3,6-diamino-1,8-naphthalimide-based fluorescent “turn-on” probe exhibited high selectivity and low detection limit toward Cys.
Experimental and theoretical study on dissolution of a single mixed gas bubble in a microalgae suspension
Authors: Zhao Sha , Ding Yu-Dong , Liao Qiang , Zhu Xun , Huang Yun
Published: April 2015

Visualization experiments using a promoted bubble grafting method were carried out and the non-equilibrium theory at the gas–liquid interface was adopted to predict the dissolution and transmission process of CO2 gas.
Enhancement of the outdoor stability of dye-sensitized solar cells by a spectrum conversion layer with 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives
Authors: Han Dae Man , Song Hye-Jin , Han Chi-Hwan , Kim Youn Sang
Published: April 2015

DSSC using 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives maintained 18% higher relative photo-conversion efficiency after 48 days outdoor condition than DSSC using commercial UV cut-off filter.
A rapid synthesis of TiO2 nanotubes in an ethylene glycol system by anodization as a Pt-based catalyst support for methanol electrooxidation
Authors: Sui Xu-Lei , Wang Zhen-Bo , Xia Yun-Fei , Yang Min , Zhao Lei , Gu Da-Ming
Published: April 2015

Titania nanotubes were rapidly fabricated and used as a Pt-based catalyst support. The as-prepared catalyst exhibits a much higher electrochemical activity and durability than the commercial Pt/C.
Direct determination of astragalosides and isoflavonoids from fresh Astragalus membranaceus hairy root cultures by high speed homogenization coupled with cavitation-accelerated extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Jiao Jiao , Gai Qing-Yan , Luo Meng , Peng Xiao , Zhao Chun-Jian , Fu Yu-Jie , Ma Wei
Published: April 2015

HSH-CAE-LC-MS/MS opened up a new avenue for the direct determination of secondary metabolic profiles from fresh plant in vitro cultures.
One-pot synthesis of unsymmetrical squaramides
Authors: Alegre-Requena Juan V. , Marqués-López Eugenia , Herrera Raquel P.
Published: April 2015

The results concerning the first one-pot synthesis of unsymmetrical squaramides are reported.
Annealing regulates the performance of an electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) membrane to accommodate tissue engineering
Authors: Zhang Jin , Liu He , Ding Jian-Xun , Zhuang Xiu-Li , Chen Xue-Si , Li Zhong-Ming
Published: April 2015

The profound effect of annealing on the electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffold is comprehensively investigated for the first time.
Stable porphyrin Zr and Hf metal–organic frameworks featuring 2.5 nm cages: high surface areas, SCSC transformations and catalyses
Authors: Zheng Jun , Wu Mingyan , Jiang Feilong , Su Weiping , Hong Maochun
Published: April 2015

Two isostructural porphyrin Zr and Hf metal–organic frameworks (FJI-H6 and FJI-H7) are rationally synthesized, and are constructed from 2.5 nm cubic cages.
Spying on the boron–boron triple bond using spin–spin coupling measured from 11B solid-state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Perras Frédéric A. , Ewing William C. , Dellermann Theresa , Böhnke Julian , Ullrich Stefan , Schäfer Thomas , Braunschweig Holger , Bryce David L.
Published: April 2015

Boron–boron J coupling constants provide new insight into the nature of the boron–boron triple bond.
Mixed-ligand complexes of paddlewheel dinuclear molybdenum as hydrodehalogenation catalysts for polyhaloalkanes
Authors: Tsurugi Hayato , Hayakawa Akio , Kando Shun , Sugino Yoshitaka , Mashima Kazushi
Published: April 2015

A mixed-ligated dimolybdenum complex Mo2(OAc)2[CH(NAr)2]2 in combination with 1-methyl-3,6-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,4-cyclohexadiene and nBu4NCl exhibited high catalytic activity for hydrodehalogenation reactions.
Control of the breakup process of viscous droplets by an external electric field inside a microfluidic device
Authors: Li Yuehao , Jain Mranal , Ma Yongting , Nandakumar Krishnaswamy
Published: April 2015

Microfluidic devices incorporated with external electric field have demonstrated their capabilities in controlling the breakup process of viscous droplets where conventional microfluidics is ineffective.
Polyethylene glycol and divalent salt-induced DNA reentrant condensation revealed by single molecule measurements
Authors: Cheng Chao , Jia Jun-Li , Ran Shi-Yong
Published: April 2015

In this study, we investigated the DNA condensation induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) with different molecular weights (PEG 600 and PEG 6000) in the presence of NaCl or MgCl2 by using magnetic tweezers (MT) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Synthesis of flower-like CuS hollow microspheres based on nanoflakes self-assembly and their microwave absorption properties
Authors: Zhao Biao , Shao Gang , Fan Bingbing , Zhao Wanyu , Xie Yajun , Zhang Rui
Published: April 2015

The flower-like CuS hollow microspheres exhibit the advantages of strong absorption, thin thickness, wide absorption band width and lightweight.
A new class of electroactive Fe- and P-functionalized graphene for oxygen reduction
Authors: Razmjooei Fatemeh , Singh Kiran Pal , Bae Eun Jin , Yu Jong-Sung
Published: April 2015

A new class of electroactive Fe- and P-functionalized reduced graphene oxide is prepared, which illustrates high ORR activity both in alkaline and acidic conditions due to its high surface area and formation of active Fe–P complex.
The assembly of vanadium(iv)-substituted Keggin-type polyoxometalate/graphene nanocomposite and its application in photovoltaic system
Authors: Xu Dan , Chen Wei-Lin , Li Jian-Sheng , Sang Xiao-Jing , Lu Ying , Su Zhong-Min , Wang En-Bo
Published: April 2015

SiW11V in the nanocomposite can absorb nearly the full light spectrum, and its excited electrons can be transferred through the graphene.
Tough protein–carbon nanotube hybrid fibers comparable to natural spider silks
Authors: Fang Guangqiang , Zheng Zhaokun , Yao Jinrong , Chen Min , Tang Yuzhao , Zhong Jiajia , Qi Zeming , Li Zhao , Shao Zhengzhong , Chen Xin
Published: April 2015

Tough RSF–CNT hybrid fibers with a breaking energy beyond 130 MJ m−3 were successfully obtained by using cheap regenerated silkworm protein and commercially available functionalized CNTs, with simplified industrial wet-spinning apparatus.
A multifunctional magnetic core–shell fibrous silica sensing probe for highly sensitive detection and removal of Zn2+ from aqueous solution
Authors: Sun Zebin , Li Haizhen , Guo Dan , Sun Jian , Cui Guijia , Liu Yan , Tian Yaxi , Yan Shiqiang
Published: April 2015

A multifunctional core-shell magnetic fibrous silica sensing probe AQ-Fe3O4@SiO2@KCC-1 was prepared for the detection, adsorption and removal of Zn2+ in aqueous solution.
Structural and electrical properties of layered perovskite type Pr2Ti2O7: experimental and theoretical investigations
Authors: Patwe Sadequa J. , Katari Vasundhara , Salke Nilesh P. , Deshpande Sudhanshu K. , Rao Rekha , Gupta Mayanak K. , Mittal Ranjan , Achary S. Nagabhusan , Tyagi Avesh K.
Published: April 2015

In this communication we report the details of the structural and thermal properties of monoclinic layered perovskite type Pr2Ti2O7 (PTO) using ambient to higher temperature XRD and Raman spectroscopic studies.
Enhanced permittivity and multi-region microwave absorption of nanoneedle-like ZnO in the X-band at elevated temperature
Authors: Liu Jia , Cao Wen-Qiang , Jin Hai-Bo , Yuan Jie , Zhang De-Qing , Cao Mao-Sheng
Published: April 2015

Nanoneedle-like ZnO demonstrates the enhanced dielectric properties and multi-region microwave absorption at elevated temperature, which mainly arises from the dipole and interfacial polarizations, indicating a promising structural absorber.
A graphene/GaAs near-infrared photodetector enabled by interfacial passivation with fast response and high sensitivity
Authors: Luo Lin-Bao , Hu Han , Wang Xian-He , Lu Rui , Zou Yi-Feng , Yu Yong-Qiang , Liang Feng-Xia
Published: April 2015

We report on a simple passivation strategy to improve the device performance of a near infrared (NIR) photodetector. Optoelectronic analysis reveals that after ultrathin AlOxpassivation, the device exhibits an obvious increase in on/off ratio. What is more, the response speed of the device was improved by more than 100 times, from 48 μs to 380 ns.
Biochemical and functional characterization of a periplasmic disulfide oxidoreductase from Neisseria meningitidis essential for meningococcal viability
Authors: Gand Adeline , Selme-Roussel Laure , Collin Sabrina , Branlant Guy , Jacob Christophe , Boschi-Muller Sandrine
Published: April 2015

TlpAs (thioredoxin-like proteins) are bacterial thioredoxin-like periplasmic disulfide oxidoreductases generally involved in cytochrome c maturation (Ccm) process. They contain a characteristic CXXC active site motif involved in disulfide exchange reaction. In the human pathogenic Neisseria meningitidis species, no TlpA has been characterized so far. In the present study, using an in silico analysis, we identified a putative periplasmic TlpA, called TlpA2. Biochemical and kinetic characterizations of the soluble form of TlpA2, tTlpA2 (truncated TlpA2), were performed. A reduction potential of −0.230 V at pH 7 was calculated, suggesting that TlpA2 acts as a reductant in the oxidative environment of the periplasm. Using a second-order reactive probe, high pKapp (apparent pKa) values were determined for the two cysteines of the SCXXC motif. The tTlpA2 was shown to be efficiently reduced by the N-terminal domain of the DsbD, whereas tTlpA2 reduced a mimetic peptide of cytochrome c′ with a catalytic efficiency similar to that observed with other disulfide oxidoreductase like ResA. Moreover, the corresponding gene tlpA2 was shown to be essential for the pathogen viability and able to partially complement a Bordetella pertussis CcsX mutant. Together, these data support an essential role of TlpA2 in the Ccm process in N. meningitidis.
Novel reactivity of Fhit proteins: catalysts for fluorolysis of nucleoside 5′-phosphoramidates and nucleoside 5′-phosphosulfates to generate nucleoside 5′-phosphorofluoridates
Authors: Wojdyła-Mamoń Anna M. , Zimny Jarosław , Romanowska Joanna , Kraszewski Adam , Stawinski Jacek , Bieganowski Paweł , Guranowski Andrzej
Published: April 2015

Fragile histidine triad (HIT) proteins (Fhits) occur in all eukaryotes but their function is largely unknown. Human Fhit is presumed to function as a tumour suppressor. Previously, we demonstrated that Fhits catalyse hydrolysis of not only dinucleoside triphosphates but also natural adenosine 5′-phosphoramidate (NH2-pA) and adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (SO4-pA) as well as synthetic adenosine 5′-phosphorofluoridate (F-pA). In the present study, we describe an Fhit-catalysed displacement of the amino group of nucleoside 5′-phosphoramidates (NH2-pNs) or the sulfate moiety of nucleoside 5′-phosphosulfates (SO4-pNs) by fluoride anion. This results in transient accumulation of the corresponding nucleoside 5′-phosphorofluoridates (F-pNs). Substrate specificity and kinetic characterization of the fluorolytic reactions catalysed by the human Fhit and other examples of involvement of fluoride in the biochemistry of nucleotides are described. Among other HIT proteins, human histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein (Hint1) catalysed fluorolysis of NH2-pA 20 times and human Hint2 40 times more slowly than human Fhit.
Loss of conserved Gsdma3 self-regulation causes autophagy and cell death
Authors: Shi Peiliang , Tang An , Xian Li , Hou Siyuan , Zou Dayuan , Lv Yasu , Huang Zan , Wang Qinghua , Song Anying , Lin Zhaoyu , Gao Xiang
Published: April 2015

Gasdermin A3 (Gsdma3) was originally identified in association with hair-loss phenotype in mouse mutants. Our previous study found that AE mutant mice, with a Y344H substitution at the C-terminal domain of Gsdma3, display inflammation-dependent alopecia and excoriation [Zhou et al. (2012) Am. J. Pathol. 180, 763–774]. Interestingly, we found that the newly-generated null mutant of Gsdma3 mice did not display the skin dysmorphology, indicating that Gsdma3 is not essential for differentiation of epidermal cells and maintenance of the hair cycle in normal physiological conditions. Consistently, human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 and HaCaT cells transfected with wild-type (WT) Gsdma3 did not show abnormal morphology. However, Gsdma3 Y344H mutation induced autophagy. Gsdma3 N-terminal domain, but not the C-terminal domain, also displayed the similar pro-autophagic activity. The Gsdma3 Y344H mutant protein and N-terminal domain-induced autophagy was associated with mitochondria and ROS generation. Co-expression of C-terminal domain reversed the cell autophagy induced by N-terminal domain. Moreover, C-terminal domain could be co-precipitated with N-terminal domain. These data indicated that the potential pro-autophagic activity of WT Gsdma3 protein is suppressed through an intramolecular inhibition mechanism. Studies on other members of the GSDM family suggested this mechanism is conserved in several sub-families.
Concave regularisation‐based non‐rigid feature point matching algorithm
Authors: Lian Wei
Published: April 2015

A new non‐rigid feature point matching algorithm is proposed, where the non‐rigid global deformation is preserved by dividing the object into several overlapping local regions and only regularising the deformations of the local regions. A key property of the proposed algorithm is that the objective function is concave. By combining with the total unimodularity of the constraints, the proposed algorithms can be proved to directly yield integer valued solutions. Experimental results demonstrate the better robustness of the method over several state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Reconfigurable physical unclonable function based on probabilistic switching of RRAM
Authors: Chen A.
Published: April 2015

The probabilistic switching of resistive random access memory (RRAM) can be utilised to implement physical unclonable functions (PUFs). By setting the operation condition at a switching probability of 50%, devices in a RRAM array are randomly settled into state ‘0’ or ‘1’ after programming. The RRAM switching probability provides a natural source of randomness that could be exploited in the PUF to generate security primitives. The feasibility and characteristics of the proposed PUF are analysed by simulation based on measured RRAM switching probability. With good scalability and stochastic mechanisms, RRAM may prove to be a promising candidate for security applications.
Classification of mammogram using two‐dimensional discrete orthonormal S‐transform for breast cancer detection
Authors: Beura Shradhananda , Majhi Banshidhar , Dash Ratnakar , Roy Susnata
Published: April 2015

An efficient approach for classification of mammograms for detection of breast cancer is presented. The approach utilises the two‐dimensional discrete orthonormal S‐transform (DOST) to extract the coefficients from the digital mammograms. A feature selection algorithm based the on null‐hypothesis test with statistical ‘two‐sample t‐test’ method has been suggested to select most significant coefficients from a large number of DOST coefficients. The selected coefficients are used as features in the classification of mammographic images as benign or malignant. This scheme utilises an AdaBoost algorithm with random forest as its base classifier. Two standard databases Mammographic Image Analysis Society (MIAS) and Digital Database for Screening Mammography (DDSM) are used for the validation of the proposed scheme. Simulation results show an optimal classification performance with respect to accuracies of 98.3 and 98.8% and AUC (receiver operating characteristic) values of 0.9985 and 0.9992 for MIAS and DDSM, respectively. Comparative analysis shows that the proposed scheme outperforms its competent schemes.
Smooth switching control for discrete‐time multi‐variable systems with unknown time‐varying parameters
Authors: Hu Qiong , Ma Hongbin , Fei Qing , Geng Qingbo , Wu Qinghe
Published: April 2015

For a class of discrete‐time multi‐variable systems with time‐varying parametric uncertainty, the parameter identification method and switching control architecture are developed in this study to implement smooth switching control. Specifically, the identification algorithm based on the least geometric mean squares is derived for the multi‐variable system. In addition, the switching control system, with model reference control technique as the basis of control design for each local model, is proposed to achieve satisfactory control performance, especially to eliminate the oscillations at the switching boundaries which can be attributed to the difference in the input–output dynamics between the pre‐ and post‐switching closed‐loop subsystems. Furthermore, the switching strategy based on neural network classifier is put forward for the accurate switching among a set of model reference controllers which are correspondingly designed for the identified subsystems. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed identification and control schemes are verified by numerical simulations, which show that the desirable identification and control performances are guaranteed under the proposed schemes. Moreover, the advantage of the presented switching control system in terms of smooth switching is validated through comparison with other kinds of control schemes.
Closed‐form analytical characterisation of non‐linear oscillations in power systems incorporating unified power flow controller
Authors: Rodríguez Osvaldo , Medina Aurelio , Andersson Göran
Published: April 2015

The unified power flow controller (UPFC) is a component that belongs to the flexible AC transmission systems devices family which has been deeply studied under different conditions of operation within the power network. One of its main applications is on damping oscillations in power systems. In this research, the UPFC non‐linear interaction with the power system is studied through the use of modal series method, which is a kind of analytical tool that has the ability to characterise the non‐linear effects because of small perturbations. The analysis is based on non‐linear contribution of UPFC variables when controller parameters are varied; time‐domain analysis and non‐linear interaction indices are calculated in order to quantify the non‐linear effect of UPFC connected to a synchronous machine‐infinite busbar test system.
Study and implementation of an improved‐power factor alternating‐current‐light emitting diode driver
Authors: Wang Chao‐Chun , Wu Kuan‐Hung , Liu Yu‐Chen , Yang Cheng‐Yan , Alam Mohammed Mahmood , Lo Yu‐Kang , Chiu Huang‐Jen
Published: April 2015

In this study, a novel driver converter for the alternating‐current light emitting diode (AC‐LED) is proposed to improve the input power factor (PF) and reduce current harmonics. The presented driver consists of an LED‐bridge rectifier and an LED string which is divided into controlled and uncontrolled parts by a low switching‐frequency metal–oxide semiconductor field effect transistor. The influences of the LED number in the bridge rectifier on the peak reverse voltage of the LED string and the input current command are investigated. The relationship between the input inductance and the maximum input current ripple is studied. In addition, the effects of the LED number on the LED string on the switch voltage rating, input PF, current harmonics and conversion efficiency are presented. The experimental results show that the proposed AC‐LED driver features a high efficiency and input PF, and is compatible to the TRIode for Alternating Current‐dimmer. Comparisons between the proposed and the conventional AC‐LED drivers will also be given to verify the improved features.
Electromagnetic compatibility of voltage source inverters for uninterruptible power supply system depending on the pulse‐width modulation scheme
Authors: Bernacki Krzysztof , Rymarski Zbigniew
Published: April 2015

The pulse‐width modulation (PWM) scheme is an algorithm for inverter switch control. A two‐leg bridge and three‐level PWM are typical solutions in voltage source inverters in uninterruptible power supply systems. The three PWM schemes that are used in inverters are compared herein. Each scheme has different features, including the level of noise generated and interference in the different frequency ranges. The aim of this study is to analyse the characteristics and electromagnetic interference that is generated by an inverter using different PWM schemes.
Reciprocity‐based simulation methodology to estimate the power distribution received by electromagnetic energy harvesters
Authors: Nikolov Dimitar Nikolov , Boesman Bart Gerard , Vanhee Filip , Manolov Emil Dimitrov , Hristov Marin , De Craemer Renaat , Pissoort Davy
Published: April 2015

The capability to efficiently harvest power from ambient energy sources is a crucial element for the development of low‐maintenance wireless sensor networks. Available energy levels that can be harvested from ambient electromagnetic (EM) sources are rather low (0.1 µW/cm2). Insufficient information about the available EM energy under different working conditions results in poor design decisions, leading to a sub‐optimal system design. In this study, a novel and efficient simulation methodology is developed which predicts the statistical distribution of the power harvested by an antenna when immersed in a given (statistical) EM environment. The methodology is used to quantify the impact of the antenna's orientation, location, exact geometry and so on, on the quantity of the harvested energy. The methodology is successfully applied to a realistic energy harvesting antenna in different EM environments (indoor, outdoor etc.)
Fabrication and characterisation of lead zirconate titanate thin films for microactuators
Authors: Wang Wenhao , Han Jingning , Zhi Lisha , Xu Wencai , Liu Yongli , Zou Helin
Published: April 2015

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films have played an important role in the performance of microactuators. A description is provided of the effects of different heat treatment processes on the orientation and microstructures of PZT thin films deposited by the chemical solution deposition method. X‐ray diffractometry and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy were used to characterise the orientation and microstructures of the thin films. It was found that the intensity of the (100) peak weakens along with the increase of the pyrolytic layer thickness before 600°C annealing. Thin pyrolytic layers obtained highly (100)‐oriented structures with distinct grain boundaries after 600°C annealing heat treatment. For comparison, membrane structures were fabricated to test the performance of PZT thin films with different orientations and different microstructures. The results show that highly (100)‐oriented PZT thin film yields higher deformation and shows better dielectric properties.
Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors: Part I—Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Diagnosis
Authors: Samartzis Dino , Gillis Christopher C. , Shih Patrick , O'Toole John E. , Fessler Richard G.
Published: April 2015

Study Design

Broad narrative review.

Objectives

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCT) are rare neoplasms that can potentially lead to severe neurologic deterioration, decreased function, poor quality of life, or death. As such, a better understanding of these lesions is needed. The following article, part one of a two-part series, addresses IMSCT with regards to their epidemiology, histology, pathophysiology, imaging characteristics, and clinical manifestations.

Methods

The authors performed an extensive review of the peer-reviewed literature addressing the aforementioned objectives.

Results

Numerous IMSCT exist with varying epidemiology. Each IMSCT has its own hallmark characteristics and may vary with regards to how aggressively they invade the spinal cord. These lesions are often difficult to detect and are often misdiagnosed. Furthermore, radiographically and clinically, these lesions may be difficult to distinguish from one another.

Conclusions

Awareness and understanding of IMSCT is imperative to facilitate an early diagnosis and plan management.
Phenomena of nonlinear oscillation and special resonance of a dielectric elastomer minimum energy structure rotary joint
Authors: Zhao Jianwen , Niu Junyang , McCoul David , Ren Zhi , Pei Qibing
Published: April 2015

The dielectric elastomer minimum energy structure can realize large angular deformations by a small voltage-induced strain of the dielectric elastomer, so it is a suitable candidate to make a rotary joint for a soft robot. Driven with an alternating electric field, the joint deformation vibrational frequency follows the input voltage frequency. However, the authors find that if the rotational inertia increases such that the inertial torque makes the frame deform over a negative angle, then the joint motion will become complicated and the vibrational mode will alter with the change of voltage frequency. The vibration with the largest amplitude does not occur while the voltage frequency is equal to natural response frequency of the joint. Rather, the vibrational amplitude will be quite large over a range of other frequencies at which the vibrational frequency is half of the voltage frequency. This phenomenon was analyzed by a comparison of the timing sequences between voltage and joint vibration. This vibrational mode with the largest amplitude can be applied to the generation lift in a flapping wing actuated by dielectric elastomers.
Density functional theory and chromium: Insights from the dimers
Authors: Würdemann Rolf , Kristoffersen Henrik H. , Moseler Michael , Walter Michael
Published: April 2015

The binding in small Cr clusters is re-investigated, where the correct description of the dimer in three charge states is used as criterion to assign the most suitable density functional theory approximation. The difficulty in chromium arises from the subtle interplay between energy gain from hybridization and energetic cost due to exchange between s and d based molecular orbitals. Variations in published bond lengths and binding energies are shown to arise from insufficient numerical representation of electron density and Kohn-Sham wave-functions. The best functional performance is found for gradient corrected (GGA) functionals and meta-GGAs, where we find severe differences between functionals from the same family due to the importance of exchange. Only the “best fit” from Bayesian error estimation is able to predict the correct energetics for all three charge states unambiguously. With this knowledge, we predict small bond-lengths to be exclusively present in Cr2 and Cr2−. Already for the dimer cation, solely long bond-lengths appear, similar to what is found in the trimer and in chromium bulk.
The magnetic properties of well-aligned nickel nanochains synthesized by magnetic field-induced assembly approach
Authors: Kou Zhaoxia , Liu Er , Yue Jinjin , Sui Yunxia , Huang Zhaocong , Zhang Dong , Wang Yukun , Zhai Ya , Du Jun , Zhai Hongru
Published: April 2015

Highly uniform one-dimensional Ni chains with controllable diameters and lengths have been synthesized at 70 °C by a hydrothermal process under a 0.35 T induced magnetic field. The diameter of the spheres in the magnetic Ni chains is adjusted from 80 nm to 1000 nm with the chain length changed from 1.2 μm to 50 μm by varying the concentration of ethylene glycol and potassium hydroxide in the solution. The Ni chains with different length-to-diameter aspect ratio show the different particle shape and interparticle spacing. Magnetic hysteresis loop measurements demonstrate a uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (UMA) on the coercivity (Hc), and saturation field (Hs). The ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) shows that the difference between demagnetizing fields in the direction of easy and hard increases with increasing the length-to-diameter aspect ratio of nanochains, which is close to then that in Hs. From FMR measurements and theoretical simulation, the difference of the demagnetizing field between the length and width directions of chains are obtained, which increases with increasing aspect ratio of chain. The value of the non-uniformity parameter c which describes the relative importance of the non-uniform demagnetizing effect is found to decrease as the aspect ratio increases.
Signatures of non-adiabatic dynamics in the fine-structure state distributions of the OH(X̃/Ã) products in the B-band photodissociation of H2O
Authors: Zhou Linsen , Xie Daiqian , Guo Hua
Published: April 2015

A detailed quantum mechanical characterization of the photodissociation dynamics of H2O at 121.6 nm is presented. The calculations were performed using a full-dimensional wave packet method on coupled potential energy surfaces of all relevant electronic states. Our state-to-state model permits a detailed analysis of the OH(X̃/Ã) product fine-structure populations as a probe of the non-adiabatic dissociation dynamics. The calculated rotational state distributions of the two Λ-doublet levels of OH(X̃, v = 0) exhibit very different characteristics. The A′ states, produced mostly via the B̃→X̃ conical intersection pathway, have significantly higher populations than the A″ counterparts, which are primarily from the B̃→Ã Renner-Teller pathway. The former features a highly inverted and oscillatory rotational state distribution, while the latter has a smooth distribution with much less rotational excitation. In good agreement with experiment, the calculated total OH(X̃) rotational state distribution and anisotropy parameters show clear even-odd oscillations, which can be attributed to a quantum mechanical interference between waves emanating from the HOH and HHO conical intersections in the B̃→X̃ non-adiabatic pathway. On the other hand, the experiment-theory agreement for the OH(Ã) fragment is also satisfactory, although some small quantitative differences suggest remaining imperfections of the ab initio based potential energy surfaces.
Oblique propagation of ion-acoustic solitary waves in a magnetized electron-positron-ion plasma
Authors: Ferdousi M. , Sultana S. , Mamun A. A.
Published: April 2015

The properties of obliquely propagating ion-acoustic solitary waves in the presence of ambient magnetic field have been investigated theoretically in an electron-positron-ion nonthermal plasma. The plasma nonthermality is introduced via the q-nonextensive distribution of electrons and positrons. The Korteweg-de Vries (K-dV) and modified K-dV (mK-dV) equations are derived by adopting reductive perturbation method. The solution of K-dV and modified K-dV equation, which describes the solitary wave characteristics in the long wavelength limit, is obtained by steady state approach. It is seen that the electron and positron nonextensivity and external magnetic field (obliqueness) have significant effects on the characteristics of solitary waves. A critical value of nonextensivity is found for which solitary structures transit from positive to negative potential. The findings of this investigation may be used in understanding the wave propagation in laboratory and space plasmas where static external magnetic field is present.
Identification of four rotamers of m-methoxystyrene by resonant two-photon ionization and mass analyzed threshold ionization spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Yanqi , Tzeng Sheng Yuan , Shivatare Vidya , Takahashi Kaito , Zhang Bing , Tzeng Wen Bih
Published: April 2015

We report the vibronic and cation spectra of four rotamers of m-methoxystyrene, recorded by using the two-color resonant two-photon ionization and mass-analyzed threshold ionization techniques. The excitation energies of the S1← S0 electronic transition are found to be 32 767, 32 907, 33 222, and 33 281 cm−1, and the corresponding adiabatic ionization energies are 65 391, 64 977, 65 114, and 64 525 cm−1 for these isomeric species. Most of the observed active vibrations in the electronically excited S1 and cationic ground D0 states involve in-plane ring deformation and substituent-sensitive bending motions. It is found that the relative orientation of the methoxyl with respect to the vinyl group does not influence the vibrational frequencies of the ring-substituent bending modes. The two dimensional potential energy surface calculations support our experimental finding that the isomerization is restricted in the S1 and D0 states.
Interpretation of the vacuum ultraviolet photoabsorption spectrum of iodobenzene by ab initio computations
Authors: Palmer Michael H. , Ridley Trevor , Hoffmann Søren Vrønning , Jones Nykola C. , Coreno Marcello , de Simone Monica , Grazioli Cesare , Biczysko Malgorzata , Baiardi Alberto , Limão-Vieira Paulo
Published: April 2015

Identification of many Rydberg states in iodobenzene, especially from the first and fourth ionization energies (IE1 and IE4, X2B1 and C2B1), has become possible using a new ultraviolet (UV) and vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) absorption spectrum, in the region 29 000-87 000 cm−1 (3.60-10.79 eV), measured at room temperature with synchrotron radiation. A few Rydberg states based on IE2 (A2A2) were found, but those based on IE3 (B2B2) are undetectable. The almost complete absence of observable Rydberg states relating to IE2 and IE3 (A2A2 and B2B2, respectively) is attributed to them being coupled to the near-continuum, high-energy region of Rydberg series converging on IE1. Theoretical studies of the UV and VUV spectra used both time-dependent density functional (TDDFT) and multi-reference multi-root doubles and singles-configuration interaction methods. The theoretical adiabatic excitation energies, and their corresponding vibrational profiles, gave a satisfactory interpretation of the experimental results. The calculations indicate that the UV onset contains both 11B1 and 11B2 states with very low oscillator strength, while the 21B1 state was found to lie under the lowest ππ∗ 11A1 state. All three of these 1B1 and 1B2 states are excitations into low-lying σ∗ orbitals. The strongest VUV band near 7 eV contains two very strong ππ∗ valence states, together with other weak contributors. The lowest Rydberg 4b16s state (31B1) is very evident as a sharp multiplet near 6 eV; its position and vibrational structure are well reproduced by the TDDFT results.
Flexible digital signal processing architecture for narrowband and spread-spectrum lock-in detection in multiphoton microscopy and time-resolved spectroscopy
Authors: Wilson Jesse W. , Park Jong Kang , Warren Warren S. , Fischer Martin C.
Published: April 2015

The lock-in amplifier is a critical component in many different types of experiments, because of its ability to reduce spurious or environmental noise components by restricting detection to a single frequency and phase. One example application is pump-probe microscopy, a multiphoton technique that leverages excited-state dynamics for imaging contrast. With this application in mind, we present here the design and implementation of a high-speed lock-in amplifier on the field-programmable gate array (FPGA) coprocessor of a data acquisition board. The most important advantage is the inherent ability to filter signals based on more complex modulation patterns. As an example, we use the flexibility of the FPGA approach to enable a novel pump-probe detection scheme based on spread-spectrum communications techniques.