bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nimbolide inhibits pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis through ROS-mediated apoptosis and inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Subramani Ramadevi , Gonzalez Elizabeth , Arumugam Arunkumar , Nandy Sushmita , Gonzalez Viviana , Medel Joshua , Camacho Fernando , Ortega Andrew , Bonkoungou Sandrine , Narayan Mahesh , Dwivedi Alok kumar , Lakshmanaswamy Rajkumar
Published: January 2016

The mortality and morbidity rates of pancreatic cancer are high because of its extremely invasive and metastatic nature. Its lack of symptoms, late diagnosis and chemo–resistance and the ineffective treatment modalities warrant the development of new chemo–therapeutic agents for pancreatic cancer. Agents from medicinal plants have demonstrated therapeutic benefits in various human cancers. Nimbolide, an active molecule isolated from Azadirachta indica, has been reported to exhibit several medicinal properties. This study assessed the anticancer properties of nimbolide against pancreatic cancer. Our data reveal that nimbolide induces excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby regulating both apoptosis and autophagy in pancreatic cancer cells. Experiments with the autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine and chloroquine diphosphate salt and the apoptosis inhibitor z-VAD-fmk demonstrated that nimbolide-mediated ROS generation inhibited proliferation (through reduced PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK signaling) and metastasis (through decreased EMT, invasion, migration and colony forming abilities) via mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic cell death but not via autophagy. In vivo experiments also demonstrated that nimbolide was effective in inhibiting pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis. Overall, our data suggest that nimbolide can serve as a potential chemo–therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer.
Semantic interrogation of a multi knowledge domain ontological model of tendinopathy identifies four strong candidate risk genes
Authors: Saunders Colleen J. , Jalali Sefid Dashti Mahjoubeh , Gamieldien Junaid
Published: January 2016

Tendinopathy is a multifactorial syndrome characterised by tendon pain and thickening and impaired performance during activity. Candidate gene association studies have identified genetic factors that contribute to intrinsic risk of developing tendinopathy upon exposure to extrinsic factors. Bioinformatics approaches that data-mine existing knowledge for biological relationships may assist with the identification of candidate genes. The aim of this study was to data-mine functional annotation of human genes and identify candidate genes by ontology-seeded queries capturing the features of tendinopathy. Our BioOntological Relationship Graph database (BORG) integrates multiple sources of genomic and biomedical knowledge into an on-disk semantic network where human genes and their orthologs in mouse and rat are central concepts mapped to ontology terms. The BORG was used to screen all human genes for potential links to tendinopathy. Following further prioritisation, four strong candidate genes (COL11A2,ELN,ITGB3,LOX) were identified. These genes are differentially expressed in tendinopathy, functionally linked to features of tendinopathy and previously implicated in other connective tissue diseases. In conclusion, cross-domain semantic integration of multiple sources of biomedical knowledge and interrogation of phenotypes and gene functions associated with disease, may significantly increase the probability of identifying strong and unobvious candidate genes in genetic association studies.
Common SNP in hsa-miR-196a-2 increases hsa-miR-196a-5p expression and predisposes to idiopathic male infertility in Chinese Han population
Authors: Lu Jing , Gu Hao , Tang Qiuqin , Wu Wei , Yuan Beilei , Guo Dan , Wei Yongyue , Sun Hong , Xia Yankai , Ding Hongjuan , Hu Lingqing , Chen Daozhen , Sha Jiahao , Wang Xinru
Published: January 2016

MicroRNA plays an important role in spermatogenesis. Whether pre-miRNAs polymorphisms are associated with idiopathic male infertility remains obscure. In this study, 1378 idiopathic infertile males and 486 fertile controls were included between 2006 and 2014. Genotype of three polymorphisms (hsa-mir-146a rs2910164, hsa-mir-196a-2 rs11614913 and hsa-mir-499 rs3746444) and expression of miRNA in seminal plasma were examined by TaqMan method. The role of hsa-miR-196a-5p in cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle were also examined in GC-2 cells. Our results demonstrated that rs11614913 of hsa-miR-196a-2 was significantly associated with idiopathic infertility (TT vs. CT: P = 0.014; TT vs. CC: P = 0.005; TT vs. CT + CC: P = 0.003). In following stratified analysis, we found that rs11614913 exhibited a significantly higher risk of asthenospermia, oligozoospermia and azoospermia. However, no significant association was observed between the other two polymorphisms and idiopathic male infertility risk. In a genotype-expression correlation analysis, rs11614913 CC was significantly associated with elevated expression of hsa-miR-196a-5p (P < 0.05). Additionally, apoptosis levels were significantly increased in hsa-miR-196a-5p mimic treated GC-2 cells, while decreased in hsa-miR-196a-5p inhibitor treated GC-2 cells. Our data revealed a significant relationship between hsa-miR-196a-2 polymorphism and idiopathic male infertility.
Carbon and nitrogen additions induce distinct priming effects along an organic-matter decay continuum
Authors: Qiao Na , Xu Xingliang , Hu Yuehua , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Liu Yongwen , Schaefer Douglas , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: January 2016

Decomposition of organic matter (OM) in soil, affecting carbon (C) cycling and climate feedbacks, depends on microbial activities driven by C and nitrogen (N) availability. However, it remains unknown how decomposition of various OMs vary across global supplies and ratios of C and N inputs. We examined OM decomposition by incubating four types of OM (leaf litter, wood, organic matter from organic and mineral horizons) from a decay continuum in a subtropical forest at Ailao Mountain, China with labile C and N additions. Decomposition of wood with high C:N decreased for 3.9 to 29% with these additions, while leaf decomposition was accelerated only within a narrow C:N range of added C and N. Decomposition of OM from organic horizon was accelerated by high C:N and suppressed by low C:N, but mineral soil was almost entirely controlled by high C:N. These divergent responses to C and N inputs show that mechanisms for priming (i.e. acceleration or retardation of OM decomposition by labile inputs) vary along this decay continuum. We conclude that besides C:N ratios of OM, those of labile inputs control the OM decay in the litter horizons, while energy (labile C) regulates decomposition in mineral soil. This suggests that OM decomposition can be predicted from its intrinsic C:N ratios and those of labile inputs.
Global selection of Plasmodium falciparum virulence antigen expression by host antibodies
Authors: Abdi Abdirahman I. , Warimwe George M. , Muthui Michelle K. , Kivisi Cheryl A. , Kiragu Esther W. , Fegan Gregory W. , Bull Peter C.
Published: January 2016

Parasite proteins called PfEMP1 that are inserted on the surface of infected erythrocytes, play a key role in the severe pathology associated with infection by the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite. These proteins mediate binding of infected cells to the endothelial lining of blood vessels as a strategy to avoid clearance by the spleen and are major targets of naturally acquired immunity. PfEMP1 is encoded by a large multi-gene family called var. Mutually-exclusive transcriptional switching between var genes allows parasites to escape host antibodies. This study examined in detail the patterns of expression of var in a well-characterized sample of parasites from Kenyan Children. Instead of observing clear inverse relationships between the expression of broad sub-classes of PfEMP1, we found that expression of different PfEMP1 groups vary relatively independently. Parasite adaptation to host antibodies also appears to involve a general reduction in detectable var gene expression. We suggest that parasites switch both between different PfEMP1 variants and between high and low expression states. Such a strategy could provide a means of avoiding immunological detection and promoting survival under high levels of host immunity.
Effects of acute critical illnesses on the performance of interferon-gamma release assay
Authors: Huang Chun-Ta , Ruan Sheng-Yuan , Tsai Yi-Ju , Kuo Ping-Hung , Ku Shih-Chi , Lee Pei-Lin , Kuo Lu-Cheng , Hsu Chia-Lin , Huang Chun-Kai , Yang Ching-Yao , Chien Ying-Chun , Wang Jann-Yuan , Yu Chong-Jen
Published: January 2016

Performance of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) is influenced by preanalytical, laboratory and host factors. The data regarding how critical illnesses influence IGRA results are limited. This study aimed to investigate IGRA performance among critically ill patients. Patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) were prospectively enrolled and underwent QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube testing on admission and discharge. The associations between patient factors and IGRA results were explored. In total, 118 patients were included. IGRA results on admission were positive, negative and indeterminate for 10(9%), 36(31%) and 72(61%) patients. All indeterminate results were due to a low mitogen response. Indeterminate results were associated with higher disease severity and lower serum albumin levels. Ninety(76%) patients survived to ICU discharge and had repeat IGRA testing 13.3 ± 10.1 days after first ones. Of those, 43(48%) had indeterminate results and no IGRA conversion or reversion was observed. The majority (35/51, 69%) of ICU survivors with initial indeterminate results still had indeterminates on follow-up testing. Acute critical illnesses exert a significant impact on IGRA performance and a high proportion of indeterminate results was seen in ICU patients. This study highlights limitation of IGRAs in the critically ill and judicious selection of patients to be tested should be considered.
The classic EDCs, phthalate esters and organochlorines, in relation to abnormal sperm quality: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Chao , Yang Lu , Wang Shu , Zhang Zhan , Yu Yongquan , Wang Meilin , Cromie Meghan , Gao Weimin , Wang Shou-Lin
Published: January 2016

The association between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and human sperm quality is controversial due to the inconsistent literature findings, therefore, a systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. Through the literature search and selection based on inclusion criteria, a total of 9 studies (7 cross-sectional, 1 case-control and 1 pilot study) were analyzed for classic EDCs (5 studies for phthalate esters and 4 studies for organochlorines). Funnel plots revealed a symmetrical distribution with no evidence of publication bias (Begg’s test: intercept = 0.40; p = 0.692). The summary odds ratios (OR) of human sperm quality associated with the classic EDCs was 1.67 (95% CI: 1.31–2.02). After stratification by specific chemical class, consistent increases in the risk of abnormal sperm quality were found in phthalate ester group (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.09–1.95) and organochlorine group (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.34–2.62). Additionally, identification of official data and a comprehensive review of the mechanisms were performed and better elucidated the increased risk of these classic EDCs on abnormal sperm quality. The present systematic review and meta-analysis helps to identify the impact of classic EDCs on human sperm quality. However, it still highlights the need for additional epidemiological studies in a larger variety of geographic locations.
Large-scale synthesis of hybrid metal oxides through metal redox mechanism for high-performance pseudocapacitors
Authors: Ren Zhonghua , Li Jianpeng , Ren Yaqi , Wang Shuguang , Qiu Yejun , Yu Jie
Published: January 2016

Electrochemical performance and production cost are the main concerns for the practical application of supercapacitors. Here we report a simple and universally applicable method to prepare hybrid metal oxides by metal redox reaction utilizing the inherent reducibility of metals and oxidbility of "Equation missing" for the first time. As an example, Ni(OH)2/MnO2 hybrid nanosheets (NMNSs) are grown for supercapacitor application by self-reaction of Ni foam substrates in KMnO4 solution at room temperature. The obtained hybrid nanosheets exhibit high specific capacitance (2,937 F g−1). The assembled solid-state asymmetric pseudocapacitors possess ultrahigh energy density of 91.13 Wh kg−1 (at the power density of 750 W kg−1) and extraordinary cycling stability with 92.28% capacitance retention after 25,000 cycles. Co(OH)2/MnO2 and Fe2O3/MnO2 hybrid oxides are also synthesized through this metal redox mechanism. This green and low-cost method is capable of large-scale production and one-step preparation of the electrodes, holding promise for practical application of high-performance pseudocapacitors.
Hydrothermal preparation of silver telluride nanostructures and photo-catalytic investigation in degradation of toxic dyes
Authors: Gholamrezaei Sousan , Salavati-Niasari Masoud , Ghanbari Davood , Bagheri Samira
Published: January 2016

Different morphologies of Ag2Te nanostructures were synthesized using TeCl4 as a new precursor and hydrazine hydrate as reducing agent by a hydrothermal method. Various parameters that affect on morphology and purity of nanostructures were optimized. According to our experiments the best time and temperature for preparation of this nanostructure are 12 h and 120 °C. The photo-catalytic behaviour of nanostructures in presence of UV- visible light for degradation of methyl orange was investigated. Results show that the presence of UV light is necessary for an efficient degradation of dye in aqueous solution. On the other hand, as observations propose the Ag2Te reveal a strong photoluminescence peak at room temperature that could be attributed to high level transition in the semiconductor. Nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques and UV–visible scanning spectrometer (UV-Vis).
Rapid determination of boron isotopic composition (δ11B) in pore water by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Tao , Bian Xiao-Peng , Zhu Bi , Jiang Shao-Yong , Yan Xiong , Wei Hai-Zhen
Published: January 2016

Direct boron isotopic analysis of seawater and pore water by MC-ICP-MS is achievable without the necessity for matrix separation.
Analytical method development for determining polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organophosphate esters in indoor dust based on solid phase extraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Ruan Xinchao , Lu Qian , Yang Zeyu
Published: January 2016

A sample preparation method was optimized for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and representative organophosphate esters (OPEs) in indoor dust.
Ultrasensitive nuclease activity and inhibition assay using microchip electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence detection
Authors: Qin Yingfeng , Zhao Jingjin , Huang Yong , Li Shuting , Zhao Shulin
Published: January 2016

A novel microchip electrophoresis method with laser induced fluorescence detection was developed for ultrasensitive detection of nuclease activity and inhibitors.
Determination and separation of putrescine and spermidine in aquatic products
Authors: Chen Si-Yuan , Chen Zhu-Qiu , Wang Rui-Fang , Wang Li
Published: January 2016

As shown in the figure, the BAs were well separated within 10 min. According to the standard migration time of putrescine and spermidine, the first peak in this diagram represents the existence of putrescine, while spermidine is not detected or the concentration is lower than the detection limit of this method.
A salt-assisted graphene oxide aggregation method for the determination of dimethylamine and trimethylamine by ion chromatography with conductivity detection
Authors: Xu Shu-Xia , Zhang Lei-Lei , Zhang Hou-Chun , Zeng Ying , Shi Ze-Ming , Ni Shi-Jun
Published: January 2016

A salt-assisted graphene oxide solid phase microextraction method was developed for the determination of dimethylamine and trimethylamine by ion chromatography-conductivity detection.
Formation of a highly-ordered rigid multichromophoric 3D supramolecular network by combining ionic and coordination-driven self-assembly
Authors: Kaloudi-Chantzea Antonia , Martinou Elisabeth , Seintis Kostas , Karakostas Nikolaos , Giastas Petros , Pitterl Florian , Oberacher Herbert , Fakis Mihalis , Pistolis George
Published: January 2016

A highly-ordered supramolecular network for energy transfer and polarization switching.
A long lifetime luminescent iridium(iii) complex chemosensor for the selective switch-on detection of Al3+ ions
Authors: Wang Wanhe , Mao Zhifeng , Wang Modi , Liu Li-Juan , Kwong Daniel W. J. , Leung Chung-Hang , Ma Dik-Lung
Published: January 2016

A novel luminescent cyclometalated iridium(iii) complex 1 was synthesized and employed as a chemosensor for the detection of Al3+ ions. 1 displays a long lifetime luminescence that allow 1 to detect Al3+ ions in strong fluorescence media.
Enzymatic activatable self-assembled peptide nanowire for targeted therapy and fluorescence imaging of tumors
Authors: Tang Ying , Wu Zhan , Zhang Chong-Hua , Zhang Xiao-Li , Jiang Jian-Hui
Published: January 2016

An activatable theranostic approach based on self-assembled peptide nanostructures with surface-displayed activatable cytotoxic agents for targeted cancer therapy was developed.
Insight into the light-induced spin crossover of [Fe(bpy)3]2+ in aqueous solution from molecular dynamics simulation of d–d excited states
Authors: Iuchi Satoru , Koga Nobuaki
Published: January 2016

Lifetimes of triplet d–d states were evaluated through molecular dynamics simulations to gain insight into relaxation dynamics of aqueous [Fe(bpy)3]2+.
Water-mediated influence of a crowded environment on internal vibrations of a protein molecule
Authors: Kuffel Anna , Zielkiewicz Jan
Published: January 2016

The influence of crowding on the protein inner dynamics is examined by putting a single protein molecule close to one or two neighboring protein molecules.
Optical and photophysical properties of anisole- and cyanobenzene-substituted perylene diimides
Authors: Pagoaga Bernard , Mongin Olivier , Caselli Monica , Vanossi Davide , Momicchioli Fabio , Blanchard-Desce Mireille , Lemercier Gilles , Hoffmann Norbert , Ponterini Glauco
Published: January 2016

Substituent and solvent effects on the one- and two-photon absorption and the photophysical properties of eight bay-substituted perylene-diimides are reported and analyzed.
Methanol-to-olefins process over zeolite catalysts with DDR topology: effect of composition and structural defects on catalytic performance
Authors: Yarulina Irina , Goetze Joris , Gücüyener Canan , van Thiel Leonard , Dikhtiarenko Alla , Ruiz-Martinez Javier , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Gascon Jorge , Kapteijn Freek
Published: January 2016

The effect of physicochemical properties on catalyst deactivation, overall olefin selectivity and ethylene/propylene ratio during the methanol-to-olefins (MTO) reaction is presented for two zeolites with the DDR topology, Sigma-1 and ZSM-58.
Sucrose release from polysaccharide gels
Authors: Nishinari Katsuyoshi , Fang Yapeng
Published: January 2016

Sucrose release from polysaccharide gels has been studied extensively because it is expected to be useful in understanding flavour release from solid foods and to find a new processing method which produces more palatable and healthier foods.
Deep eutectic solvents as attractive media for CO2 capture
Authors: Trivedi Tushar J. , Lee Ji Hoon , Lee Hyeon Jeong , Jeong You Kyeong , Choi Jang Wook
Published: January 2016

A family of deep eutectic solvents with high gravimetric capacities is reported for CO2 capture.
Cooperative calcium-based catalysis with 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene for the cycloaddition of epoxides with CO2 at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Liu Xi , Zhang Shuai , Song Qing-Wen , Liu Xiao-Fang , Ma Ran , He Liang-Nian
Published: January 2016

A bifuncational catalyst consisting of CaBr2 and DBU was effective for CO2 conversion to cyclic carbonates with epoxides under atmospheric pressure.
Inertial focusing in non-rectangular cross-section microchannels and manipulation of accessible focusing positions
Authors: Kim J. , Lee J. , Wu C. , Nam S. , Di Carlo D. , Lee W.
Published: January 2016

We studied inertial focusing in non-rectangular channels and presented a method for particle manipulation by connection of various cross-section channels.
Identification of protein complexes of microsomes in rat adipocytes by native gel coupled with LC-ESI-QTOF
Authors: Ke Ming , Zhang Yongqian , Xiong Yan , Saeed Yasmeen , Deng Yulin
Published: January 2016

The study of the composition of microsome proteins/complexes/interactions in adipocytes provides useful information for researchers related to energy metabolism disorders.
Synthesis and antiproliferative efficiency of novel bis(imidazol-1-yl)vinyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles
Authors: Nandeesh Kebballi N. , Swarup Hassan A. , Sandhya Nagarakere C. , Mohan Chakrabhavi D. , Pavan Kumar Chottanahalli S. , Kumara Manikyanahalli N. , Mantelingu Kempegowda , Ananda Sannaiah , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S.
Published: January 2016

A new class of bis(imidazol)vinyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles were synthesised and their anti-proliferative efficiency was tested against HCT116 and A549 cancer cell lines.
Structural differences between Sb- and Nb-doped tin oxides and consequences for electrical conductivity
Authors: Oakton Emma , Tillier Jérémy , Siddiqi Georges , Mickovic Zlatko , Sereda Olha , Fedorov Alexey , Copéret Christophe
Published: January 2016

High surface area Nb and Sb-doped tin oxides are prepared by co-precipitation. The differences in conductivity are rationalised using HT-XRD, SSNMR and Nb K-edge XANES characterisation.
Insight on the Li2S electrochemical process in a composite configuration electrode
Authors: Carbone Lorenzo , Verrelli Roberta , Gobet Mallory , Peng Jing , Devany Matthew , Scrosati Bruno , Greenbaum Steve , Hassoun Jusef
Published: January 2016

A novel, low cost, environmentally sustainable cathode combining PEO, LiCF3SO3 and Li2S–C is reported for application in high-energy lithium batteries.
Strategies for target identification of antimicrobial natural products
Authors: Farha Maya A. , Brown Eric D.
Published: January 2016

Despite a pervasive decline in natural product research at many pharmaceutical companies over the last two decades, natural products have undeniably been a prolific and unsurpassed source for new lead antibacterial compounds.
Tuning the surface electronic structure of a Pt3Ti(111) electro catalyst
Authors: Paßens M. , Caciuc V. , Atodiresei N. , Moors M. , Blügel S. , Waser R. , Karthäuser S.
Published: January 2016

Combining voltage dependent STM imaging withab initioDFT calculations to identify the exact termination of an electro catalyst.
Thermo- and pH-sensitive shape memory polyurethane containing carboxyl groups
Authors: Song Qiuju , Chen Hongmei , Zhou Shaobing , Zhao Keqing , Wang Biqing , Hu Ping
Published: January 2016

A type of polyurethane with carboxylic acid, exhibits a thermo-induced triple-shape memory effect and a pH sensitive dual-shape memory effect.
Synthesis and characterization of gadolinium-doped ZnSe quantum dots for fluorescence imaging of cancer cells
Authors: Sureshkumar S. , Jothimani B. , Sridhar T. M. , Venkatachalapathy B.
Published: January 2016

Gadolinium-doped ZnSe (Gd:ZnSe) quantum dots (Qds) were synthesized using ethylene glycol as a stabilizing agent.
Removal of dyes by a novel fly ash–chitosan–graphene oxide composite adsorbent
Authors: Sheng Guanghong , Zhu Shuang , Wang Shisheng , Wang Zhiyu
Published: January 2016

A novel FCGO adsorbent is synthesized from fly ash cross-linked with chitosan and graphene oxide and characterized using SEM, XRD and FTIR analyses. The adsorbent effectively removes anionic and cationic dyes.
Simple and efficient protocol for synthesis of pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one derivatives over solid heteropolyacid catalysts
Authors: Basahel Sulaiman N. , Ahmed Nesreen S. , Narasimharao Katabathini , Mokhtar Mohamed
Published: January 2016

Aluminium exchnaged tungstophosphoric acid salts with Keggin structure (AlxH3−xPW12O40) were prepared and used as catalysts to synthesize pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines under mild reaction conditions.
The fabrication of plasmonic nanoparticle-containing multilayer films via a bio-inspired polydopamine coating
Authors: Yilmaz M. , Bakirci G. , Erdogan H. , Tamer U. , Demirel G.
Published: January 2016

A simple approach for the fabrication of plasmonic nanoparticle-containing multilayer films using a bio-inspired polydopamine coating was demonstrated.
Harvesting vibrational energy with liquid-bridged electrodes: thermodynamics in mechanically and electrically driven RC-circuits
Authors: Janssen Mathijs , Werkhoven Ben , van Roij René
Published: January 2016

Young–Laplace modeling and a new operation mode are proposed for a device which harvests vibrational energy with liquid-bridged electrodes.
Photovoltaic properties of 3,3′-(ethane-1,2-diylidene)-bis(indolin-2-one) based conjugated polymers
Authors: Wu Jian , Fu Yingying , Huang Hao , Li Shengxia , Xie Zhiyuan , Zhang Qing
Published: January 2016

3,3′-(Ethane-1,2-diylidene)-bis(indolin-2-one) (EBI) is a π-conjugated structure in which two oxindoles are connected by a 1,3-butadiene. Two new polymers based on EBI have been synthesized and their photovoltaic properties have been studied.
A combined H3PO4 activation and boron templating process for easy synthesis of highly porous, spherical activated carbons as a superior adsorbent for rhodamine B
Authors: Zou Zhimin , Zhang Yong , Zhang Houan , Jiang Chunhai
Published: January 2016

Highly porous spherical activated carbons were synthesized by a combination of H3PO4 activation and boron templating for efficient RB adsorption.
Spectroscopic tracking of mechanochemical reactivity and modification of a hydrothermal char
Authors: Timko Michael T. , Maag Alex R. , Venegas Juan Mauricio , McKeogh Brendan , Yang Zhengyang , Tompsett Geoffrey A. , Escapa Simón , Toto Joseph , Heckley Erin , Greenaway Frederick T.
Published: January 2016

A glucose hydrothermal char (HTC) was synthesized and ball milled to break chemical bonds, generate defects, and form new chemical structures.
Measuring the interaction between a pair of emulsion droplets using dual-trap optical tweezers
Authors: Griffiths Marjorie R. , Raudsepp Allan , McGrath Kathryn M. , Williams Martin A. K.
Published: January 2016

Force–separation curves measured from a singe pair of emulsion droplets as a function of salt concentration (fits are DLVO theory).
Preparation of core–shell attapulgite particles by redox-initiated surface reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization via a “graft from” approach
Authors: Yang Haicun , Xue Sheng , Pan Ji , Gong Fanghong , Pu Hongting
Published: January 2016

Polymethyl methacrylate layer was grown uniformly from attapulgite by using surface-initiated reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerizationviaredox initiation system.
Mn-doped La0.6Sr0.4CoO3perovskite catalysts with enhanced performances for non-aqueous electrolyte Li–O2batteries
Authors: Sun Nian , Liu Hanxing , Yu Zhiyong , Zheng Zhenning , Shao Chongyang
Published: January 2016

Mn-doped La0.6Sr0.4CoO3perovskite oxides were synthesized and identified as a catalyst for Li–O2batteries using non-aqueous electrolyte.
Ionic liquid functionalized carbon nanotubes: metal-free electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Tianhao , Cui Zehua , Yuan Weiyong , Li Chang Ming
Published: January 2016

Electrocatalytic properties of AMIM-Br-MWCNTs originate from a synergistic effect of covalent bond structure, in which AMIM-Br obtains the strongest proton adsorption ability, while the MWCNTs facilitates the electron-transfer process.
Binding of calixarene-based Langmuir monolayers to mercury chloride is dependent on the amphiphile structure
Authors: Tulli Ludovico G. , Wang Wenjie , Rullaud Vanessa , Lindemann William R. , Kuzmenko Ivan , Vaknin David , Shahgaldian Patrick
Published: January 2016

Langmuir monolayers of the tetra and two regioselective diamino-substituted amphiphilic calix[4]arenes show different recognition properties towards HgCl2at the air–water interface, despite the macrocycles have highly similar structures.
Nano-NiFe2O4 catalyzed microwave assisted one-pot regioselective synthesis of novel 2-alkoxyimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines under aerobic conditions
Authors: Payra Soumen , Saha Arijit , Banerjee Subhash
Published: January 2016

Here, we have demonstrated regioselective synthesis of novel 2-alkoxy-3-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines using nano-NiFe2O4 as reusable catalyst via one-pot sequential aza-Michael addition, Fe-promoted ligand transfer and C–H imination reactions.
Soy protein-modified waterborne polyurethane biocomposites with improved functionality
Authors: Li Mingming , Xiao Yao , Chen Yan , Ni Hong , Cai Jie , Wang Xiaomei , Chang Peter R. , Anderson Debbie P. , Chen Yun
Published: January 2016

Soy protein isolate-modified waterborne polyurethane biocomposites exhibited improved cytocompatibility and biodegradability.
Multifunctional aldose reductase inhibitors based on 2H-benzothiazine 1,1-dioxide
Authors: Han Zhongfei , Hao Xin , Gao Zehong , Ma Bing , Zhu Changjin
Published: January 2016

A series of benzothiazine derivatives were designed and synthesized for the development of drug candidates for diabetic complications.
Fluorine substitution effects of halide anion receptors based on the combination of a distinct hydrogen bond and anion–π noncovalent interactions: a theoretical investigation
Authors: Liu Yan-Zhi , Yuan Kun , Yuan Zhao , Zhu Yuan-Cheng , Lv Ling-Ling
Published: January 2016

Fluorine-substitution effects on anion–π interaction were deeply explored, and a more feasible and rational geometric criterion for halide-anion–π contact is established via three inequalities.
Magnetism of N-doped graphene nanoribbons with zigzag edges from bottom-up fabrication
Authors: Xu Jie , Zhang Weifeng , Wei Congyuan , Huang Jianyao , Mao Zupan , Yu Gui
Published: January 2016

Two graphene nanoribbons with atomically precise N-doping zigzag edges from bottom-up fabrication by a condensation reaction exhibited intrinsically magnetic properties with a maximum magnetization of 0.303 emu g−1.
Sol–gel synthesis and characterization of single-phase CoLaxFe2−xO4ferrite nanoparticles dispersed in a SiO2matrix
Authors: Wang Li , Li Shanshan , Li Ji , Liu Mei , Xu Shichong , Li Haibo
Published: January 2016

Single-phase CoLaxFe2−xO4(x= 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) nanoparticles dispersed in a SiO2(30 wt%) matrix were synthesized by a sol–gel method.
Ni nanoparticles highly dispersed on ZrO2 and modified with La2O3 for CO methanation
Authors: Si Jing , Liu Guilong , Liu Jingge , Zhao Lin , Li Shuangshuang , Guan Yi , Liu Yuan
Published: January 2016

To improve the anti-sintering and anti-carbon deposition ability of the supported metallic nano catalysts, a new scheme for designing and preparing catalysts for CO methanation is presented in this work.
Photoswitchable aggregation-induced emission polymer containing dithienylethene and tetraphenylethene moieties
Authors: Sinawang Garry , Wang Jilei , Wu Bing , Wang Xiaogong , He Yaning
Published: January 2016

Upon irradiation with UV and visible light, the fluorescence of the prepared AIE polymer could be photoswitched.
Enhanced thermal stability and flame retardancy of polyurethane foam composites with polybenzoxazine modified ammonium polyphosphates
Authors: Luo Fubin , Wu Kun , Lu Mangeng
Published: January 2016

The influence of polybenzoxazine modified ammonium polyphosphate (BMAPP) on the thermal behavior and flame retardancy of a rigid polyurethane foam (PU) are investigated using various techniques.
The influence of synthesis parameters on the gas selectivity and permeability of carbon membranes: empirical modeling and process optimization using surface methodology
Authors: Heydari Shokofeh , Pirouzfar Vahid
Published: January 2016

One of the common polyimides, P84 HT (BTDA-TDI/MDI), was used to synthesize gas separation carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes and study their gas transport properties.
Use of a card sort task to assess students' ability to coordinate three levels of representation in chemistry
Authors: Irby Stefan M. , Phu Andy L. , Borda Emily J. , Haskell Todd R. , Steed Nicole , Meyer Zachary
Published: January 2016

There is much agreement among chemical education researchers that expertise in chemistry depends in part on the ability to coordinate understanding of phenomena on three levels: macroscopic (observable), sub-microscopic (atoms, molecules, and ions) and symbolic (chemical equations, graphs, etc.). We hypothesize this “level-coordination ability” is related to the formation and use of principle-based, vs. context-bound, internal representations or schemas. Here we describe the development, initial validation, and use of a card sort task to measure the level-coordinating ability of individuals with varying degrees of preparation in chemistry. We have also developed a novel method for generating two-dimensional sorting coordinates which were used to arrange participants along a hypothetical progression of level-coordination ability. Our findings suggest the card sort task shows promise as a tool to assess level-coordination ability. With the exception of graduate students, participant groups on average progressed from sorting by level of representation toward sorting by underlying principle. Graduate students unexpectedly sorted primarily by level of representation. We use these data to form initial hypotheses about a typical process for the development of level-coordination ability and schema formation. In doing so, we demonstrate the usefulness of our task paired with sorting coordinate analysis as a tool to explore the space between novice and expert behavior. Finally, we suggest potential uses for the task as a formative assessment tool at the classroom and program levels.
Synthesis, structural characterisation and proton conduction of two new hydrated phases of barium ferrite BaFeO2.5−x(OH)2x
Authors: Knöchel Patrick L. , Keenan Philip J. , Loho Christoph , Reitz Christian , Witte Ralf , Knight Kevin S. , Wright Adrian J. , Hahn Horst , Slater Peter R. , Clemens Oliver
Published: January 2016

Materials exhibiting mixed electronic and proton conductivity are of great interest for applications ranging from electrodes for proton conducting ceramic fuel cells to hydrogen separation membranes.
MnO nanoparticles with cationic vacancies and discrepant crystallinity dispersed into porous carbon for Li-ion capacitors
Authors: Liu Chaofeng , Zhang Changkun , Song Huanqiao , Nan Xihui , Fu Haoyu , Cao Guozhong
Published: January 2016

MnO nanoparticles with cationic vacancies and discrepant crystallinity were prepared through a one-step hydrothermal synthesis followed by calcination at different temperatures.
Alendronate-loaded hydroxyapatite-TiO2nanotubes for improved bone formation in osteoporotic rabbits
Authors: Shen Xinkun , Ma Pingping , Hu Yan , Xu Gaoqiang , Xu Kui , Chen Weizhen , Ran Qichun , Dai Liangliang , Yu Yonglin , Mu Caiyun , Cai Kaiyong
Published: January 2016

Alendronate-loaded hydroxyapatite-TiO2nanotubes were fabricated for locally improving new bone formation at the bone–implant interface in osteoporotic rabbits.
Highly effective nanosegregation of dual dopants in a micron-sized nanocluster-based semiconductor molecular single crystal for targeting white-light emission
Authors: Lin Jian , Wang Le , Zhang Qian , Bu Fei , Wu Tao , Bu Xianhui , Feng Pingyun
Published: January 2016

A unique molecular crystal was selected to realize highly effective nanosegregation of dual dopants in the micron-sized Cd–In–S semiconductor crystal.
Synthesis of a new family of ionophores based on aluminum–dipyrrin complexes (ALDIPYs) and their strong recognition of alkaline earth ions
Authors: Saikawa Makoto , Daicho Manami , Nakamura Takashi , Uchida Junji , Yamamura Masaki , Nabeshima Tatsuya
Published: January 2016

Mononuclear and dinuclear aluminum–dipyrrin complexes (ALDIPYs) recognize alkaline earth ions via multipoint interactions with the oxygen atoms.
Accurate and sensitive total genomic DNA methylation analysis from sub-nanogram input with embedded SERS nanotags
Authors: Wang Yuling , Wee Eugene J. H. , Trau Matt
Published: January 2016

Accurate and sensitive total genomic DNA methylation analysis from sub-nanogram input was demonstrated by using embedded SERS nanotags.
A bio-inspired synthetic route to the core ring systems of Spiraea atisine-type diterpenoid alkaloids and related diterpenes
Authors: Tang Dai-Hui , Ma Ding , Cheng Hang , Li Yong-Li , Xu Liang
Published: January 2016

A bio-inspired synthetic strategy for the construction of the complex substructures of biologically active atisine-type diterpenoid alkaloids and related diterpenes was successfully developed.
Correction: One step synthesis of highly functionalized thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazole, triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine and triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine
Authors: Shah Tariq A. , Ahmad Zubair , Mir Niyaz A. , Muneer M. , Rath Nigam P. , Ahmad Musheer
Published: January 2016

Correction for ‘One step synthesis of highly functionalized thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazole, triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine and triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine’ by Tariq A. Shah et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 107931–107937.
High-performance perovskite memristor based on methyl ammonium lead halides
Authors: Yan Kai , Peng Ming , Yu Xiao , Cai Xin , Chen Si , Hu Hsienwei , Chen Buxin , Gao Xue , Dong Bin , Zou Dechun
Published: January 2016

High-performance memristors were fabricated based on methyl ammonium lead halide perovskite materials and achieved an on–off ratio of 1.9 × 109.
Sigma-1 receptors: a new pathway for the modulation of store-operated calcium entry
Authors: Rosado Juan A.
Published: January 2016

SOCE (store-operated Ca2+ entry) is a ubiquitous mechanism for Ca2+ influx in animal cells. In a recent issue of the Biochemical Journal, Brailoiu and colleagues reported that cocaine attenuates SOCE in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells, via a mechanism that requires the expression and activation of the sigma-1 receptor, a chaperone located in the endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondrion interface that modulates intracellular Ca2+ homoeostasis and cell survival. This study envisages a pathway through which cocaine modulates endothelial function via regulation of SOCE. The regulation of SOCE by sigma-1 receptors provides a novel and important pathway in Ca2+ signalling.
Surface normal smoothing for superpixels in noisy depth images
Authors: Yu H.W. , Jeon J.D. , Lee B.H.
Published: January 2016

A new smoothing algorithm to obtain surface normals for superpixels in the noisy depth image is proposed. For smoothing surface normals, the plane normal that indicates a surface characteristic is obtained by considering the inherent geometric similarity. This process results in smoothed surface normals which are free from noise of the depth image. The superpixels method with suggested smoothing algorithm outperforms in higher quality than the state‐of‐the art oversegmentation algorithms. The proposed technique can also be applied to any smoothing algorithms using surface normals for 3D features. Experimental results to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed smoothing surface normal technique is provided.
Entropy‐based stochastic gradient algorithm with adaptive neuron slope for all‐pole whitening
Authors: Krstić V.R.
Published: January 2016

The stochastic gradient algorithm presented employs the time‐varying neuron's slope to optimise performing of the all‐pole filter‐whitener maximising the joint Shannon's entropy. By using the time adaptive slope, which matches the unknown probability density function of an input process, a neuron slope selection issue of the original algorithm is facilitated and its tracking of non‐stationary statistics is improved. The performing of algorithm is verified using the whitener as a front‐end amplitude equaliser of the blind equaliser.
Improved alpha angle estimation of polarimetric SAR data
Authors: Lu Da , Zou Bin
Published: January 2016

Land cover classification is one of the primary applications of remote sensing. Polarimetric synthetic aperture radar provides significant information of scattering mechanism for classification. The alpha angle extracted from the Cloude eigenvector decomposition has been wildly used in discriminating targets. However, the alpha angle is always overestimated in forest area, which will induce misclassification. The estimation bias of alpha angle will be discussed. An improved alpha angle estimation method is introduced to overcome the aforementioned problem. A validation process is performed by using National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Jet Propulsion Laboratory Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar data.
Blazed‐grating spectrum splitter for harvesting solar energy
Authors: Fan L. , Monk P.B. , Lakhtakia A.
Published: January 2016

If solar radiation can split into beams diffracted in different directions depending on the wavelength of the light, solar energy may be harvested efficiently using different photovoltaic solar cells optimised for different spectral regimes. Simulations based on the solution of the Maxwell equations lead to an optimal blazed‐grating spectrum splitter.
Image enhancement with Gaussian filtering in time‐domain microwave imaging system for breast cancer detection
Authors: Kwon S. , Lee H. , Lee S.
Published: January 2016

A time‐domain microwave imaging system with improved image quality is presented for early detection of breast cancer. The time‐domain system has the advantage of short scan time compared with the frequency‐domain system but suffers from low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) due to high attenuation of the RF signal within the breast tissue. Signal averaging of repeated measurements can improve the SNR, but this method also smears the signal peaks due to the signal‐averaged jitter, which adversely affects the reconstructed image quality. An image enhancement method using Gaussian bandpass filtering (BPF) is proposed for a time‐domain imaging system. The results from the proposed method were compared with those from the deconvolution method, which is typically used to remove the effects of signal‐averaged timing jitter in short pulse measurements. Simulation results with a 3D hemispherical homogeneous breast model containing tumour cells revealed improvement of the reconstructed image quality with the proposed method in the presence of timing jitter. The signal‐to‐mean ratio was increased from 6.46 to 14.15 with BPF, whereas deconvolution resulted in an increase to 9.36. Simulation results with a non‐homogeneous realistic breast model also showed image enhancement with the proposed method.
Simplified calculations of the lateral distribution for the current in tunnelling junctions having general shapes
Authors: Hagmann M.J. , Henage T.E.
Published: January 2016

A simplified method for calculations of the current in a tunnelling junction with its orientation and spatial distribution is described. The current at test points on either electrode is calculated for the shortest distance with expressions for point‐to‐point tunnelling by Simmons (1963) and then summed. The calculated distribution of the current in a spherical‐tip/planar‐sample model of a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) agrees with that from finite‐element simulations. This method may be applied to models having arbitrary shapes, and results are presented for a paraboloidal‐tip/corrugated‐sample STM model as the first approximation to the atomic structure.
Dual‐loop robust controller design for autonomous underwater vehicle under unknown environmental disturbances
Authors: Kim M. , Joe Hangil , Yu Son‐Ceol
Published: January 2016

A dual‐loop robust controller is proposed for precise position control of an autonomous underwater vehicle under uncertain hydrodynamics and unknown disturbances. In the inner‐loop, a time‐delay controller is presented in which a time‐delay estimator estimates uncertain hydrodynamics and unknown disturbances from its time‐delayed information and cancels these, thereby reducing control efforts on internal dynamics considerably. In the outer‐loop, the linear controller stabilises the position error of the AUV without prior knowledge on values of hydrodynamic parameters. The proposed dual‐loop controller features simple structure and easy implementation because it does not require real‐time estimation of hydrodynamics.
Transmitter coil system without ferrite in wireless power transfer
Authors: Noh Eonsu , Ko Kwang Hee , Kim Kangwook
Published: January 2016

A transmitter (Tx) coil system without ferrite was designed and fabricated for use in wireless power transfer (WPT) based on magnetic induction. The Tx coil system consists of an active coil, which is directly connected to the source, and a parasitic coil, which replaces the ferrite. The effects of the parasitic coil parameters, i.e. size, number of turns, and distance from the active coil, on the WPT performance were investigated in terms of the utility value, which was developed based on the power transmission efficiency and shielding effectiveness. The proposed Tx coil system was fabricated, and its performance was measured. The measured results show that the proposed Tx coil system performs better than a conventional Tx coil in terms of the utility value.
2D histogram equalisation based on the human visual system
Authors: Kim S.‐W. , Choi B.‐D. , Park W.‐J. , Ko S.‐J.
Published: January 2016

Histogram equalisation (HE) methods using the 2D histogram (2DH) have achieved a great success in contrast enhancement. The 2DH is constructed by using the occurrence of a local pixel pair (LPP) consisting of each pixel and its surrounding pixels. However, the 2DH‐based methods often produce over‐stretching artefacts because the low‐textured regions primarily existing in the image induce a spike at some LPPs in the 2DH. To solve this problem, the 2DH is constructed by employing two properties of the human visual system (HVS) as follows: the HVS has the better brightness discrimination in the dark region according to Weber's law, and the HVS is less sensitive to visual artefacts in the higher‐textured regions. To create a spike‐free 2DH, a weighting function reflecting these two properties of the HVS is designed for the LPP. As compared with the popular 2DH‐based methods, the HE with the proposed 2DH can effectively enhance the image contrast while achieving the best perceptual similarity score between the input and output images.
Compact UWB bandpass filter based on grounded square patch resonator
Authors: Janković N. , Niarchos G. , Crnojević‐Bengin V.
Published: January 2016

A novel UWB bandpass filter based on a grounded square patch resonator with slots is proposed. Owing to this specific geometry, three fundamental resonances of the resonator can be independently controlled and by their even distribution within the UWB range, an UWB passband can be formed. An UWB filter with in‐band insertion loss <0.9 dB, group delay variation of 0.25 ns, and very small size of only 0.26λg × 0.26λg has been designed and fabricated, and measurement results are in good agreement with simulations.
Wide‐angle quad‐band polarisation‐insensitive metamaterial absorber
Authors: Agarwal M. , Behera A.K. , Meshram M.K.
Published: January 2016

Closed ring resonator (CRR)‐based quad‐band metamaterial absorber is presented. The unit cell of proposed absorber consists of four separate CRRs which are diagonally connected to square patches enclosed within an individual CRR. The structure is fabricated on 0.8 mm‐thick FR4 substrate. Simulated peak absorptivities of 98.5, 97.7, 94.8, and 96% are obtained at 4.34, 6.68, 8.58, and 10.64 GHz, respectively. The measured and simulated absorption characteristics of the proposed absorber are in good agreement. The proposed absorber is wide angle and polarisation insensitive and has identical absorption characteristics for both transverse‐electric and transverse‐magnetic polarised radiations.