bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conversion of embryonic stem cells into extraembryonic lineages by CRISPR-mediated activators
Authors: Wei Shu , Zou Qingjian , Lai Sisi , Zhang Quanjun , Li Li , Yan Quanmei , Zhou Xiaoqing , Zhong Huilin , Lai Liangxue
Published: January 2016

The recently emerged CRISPR/Cas9 technique has opened a new perspective on readily editing specific genes. When combined with transcription activators, it can precisely manipulate endogenous gene expression. Here, we enhanced the expression of endogenous Cdx2 and Gata6 genes by CRISPR-mediated activators, thus mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were directly converted into two extraembryonic lineages, i.e., typical trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) and extraembryonic endoderm cells (XENCs), which exhibited characters of TSC or XENC derived from the blastocyst extraembryonic lineages such as cell morphology, specific gene expression and differentiation ability in vitro and in vivo. This study demonstrates that the cell fate can be effectively manipulated by directly activating of specific endogenous gene expression with CRISPR-mediated activator.
Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging study of schizophrenia in the context of abnormal neurodevelopment using multiple site data in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Li Y , Xie S , Liu B , Song M , Chen Y , Li P , Lu L , Lv L , Wang H , Yan H , Yan J , Zhang H , Zhang D , Jiang T
Published: January 2016

Schizophrenia has increasingly been considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, and the advancement of neuroimaging techniques and associated computational methods has enabled quantitative re-examination of this important theory on the pathogenesis of the disease. Inspired by previous findings from neonatal brains, we proposed that an increase in diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) mean diffusivity (MD) should be observed in the cerebral cortex of schizophrenia patients compared with healthy controls, corresponding to lower tissue complexity and potentially a failure to reach cortical maturation. We tested this hypothesis using dMRI data from a Chinese Han population comprising patients from four different hospital sites. Utilizing data-driven methods based on the state-of-the-art tensor-based registration algorithm, significantly increased MD measurements were consistently observed in the cortex of schizophrenia patients across all four sites, despite differences in psychopathology, exposure to antipsychotic medication and scanners used for image acquisition. Specifically, we found increased MD in the limbic system of the schizophrenic brain, mainly involving the bilateral insular and prefrontal cortices. In light of the existing literature, we speculate that this may represent a neuroanatomical signature of the disorder, reflecting microstructural deficits due to developmental abnormalities. Our findings not only provide strong support to the abnormal neurodevelopment theory of schizophrenia, but also highlight an important neuroimaging endophenotype for monitoring the developmental trajectory of high-risk subjects of the disease, thereby facilitating early detection and prevention.
Conduct disorder in females is associated with reduced corpus callosum structural integrity independent of comorbid disorders and exposure to maltreatment
Authors: Lindner P , Savic I , Sitnikov R , Budhiraja M , Liu Y , Jokinen J , Tiihonen J , Hodgins S
Published: January 2016

The behavioral phenotype and genotype of conduct disorder (CD) differ in males and females. Abnormalities of white matter integrity have been reported among males with CD and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Little is known about white matter integrity in females with CD. The present study aimed to determine whether abnormalities of white matter are present among young women who presented CD before the age of 15, and whether abnormalities are independent of the multiple comorbid disorders and experiences of maltreatment characterizing females with CD that may each in themselves be associated with alterations of the white matter. Three groups of women, aged on average 24 years, were scanned using diffusion tensor imaging and compared: 28 with prior CD, three of whom presented ASPD; a clinical comparison (CC) group of 15 women with no history of CD but with similar proportions who presented alcohol dependence, drug dependence, anxiety disorders, depression disorders and physical and sexual abuse as the CD group; and 24 healthy women. Whole-brain, tract-based spatial statistics were computed to investigate differences in fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity. Compared with healthy women, women with prior CD showed widespread reductions in axial diffusivity primarily in frontotemporal regions. After statistically adjusting for comorbid disorders and maltreatment, group differences in the corpus callosum body and genu (including forceps minor) remained significant. Compared with the CC group, women with CD showed reduced fractional anisotropy in the body and genu of the corpus callosum. No differences were detected between the CD and healthy women in the uncinate fasciculus.
A shelf-stable fluorogenic isothermal amplification assay for the detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Michelle Wong Tzeling Jilien , Yean Yean Chan
Published: January 2016

A shelf-stable loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reagent for Burkholderia pseudomallei detection is described.
An on-chip pollutant toxicity determination based on marine microalgal swimming inhibition
Authors: Feng Cheng-Yu , Wei Jun-Feng , Li Ya-Jie , Yang Yu-Suo , Wang Yun-Hua , Lu Ling , Zheng Guo-Xia
Published: January 2016

Microfluidics using marine microalgal swimming behavior as a sensor signal were developed for a rapid and high-throughput determination of pollutant toxicity.
Combining random forest and 2D correlation analysis to identify serum spectral signatures for neuro-oncology
Authors: Smith Benjamin R. , Ashton Katherine M. , Brodbelt Andrew , Dawson Timothy , Jenkinson Michael D. , Hunt Neil T. , Palmer David S. , Baker Matthew J.
Published: January 2016

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has long been established as an analytical technique for the measurement of vibrational modes of molecular systems.
Encapsulation of FRET-based glucose and maltose biosensors to develop functionalized silica nanoparticles
Authors: Faccio G. , Bannwarth M. B. , Schulenburg C. , Steffen V. , Jankowska D. , Pohl M. , Rossi R. M. , Maniura-Weber K. , Boesel L. F. , Richter M.
Published: January 2016

Silicate nanoparticles with immobilized FRET-based biosensors were developed for the detection of glucose and maltose.
Determination of sarafloxacin and its analogues in milk using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on a monoclonal antibody
Authors: Tochi B. N. , Peng Juan , Song Shanshan , Liu Liqiang , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: January 2016

A heterologous immunoassay has been developed for the determination of sarafloxacin (SRFX) and its analogue residues in milk.
Optimization of the QuEChERS extraction procedure for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Cvetkovic Jelena S. , Mitic Violeta D. , Stankov Jovanovic Vesna P. , Dimitrijevic Marija V. , Petrovic Goran M. , Nikolic-Mandic Snezana D. , Stojanovic Gordana S.
Published: January 2016

This study proposes a QuEChERS variant for the extraction of PAHs in soil followed by GC-MS analysis.
Systemic and tumor-targeted delivery of siRNA by cyclic NGR and isoDGR motif-containing peptides
Authors: Huang Yuanyu , Cheng Qiang , Jin Xingyu , Ji Jia-Li , Guo Shutao , Zheng Shuquan , Wang Xiaoxia , Cao Huiqing , Gao Shan , Liang Xing-Jie , Du Quan , Liang Zicai
Published: January 2016

NGR-10R/siRNA complex and its isomerization productisoDGR-10R/siRNA efficiently delivered siRNA into tumor cellsin vitroandin vivo.
Tracking reaction dynamics in solution by pump–probe X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray liquidography (solution scattering)
Authors: Kim Jeongho , Kim Kyung Hwan , Oang Key Young , Lee Jae Hyuk , Hong Kiryong , Cho Hana , Huse Nils , Schoenlein Robert W. , Kim Tae Kyu , Ihee Hyotcherl
Published: January 2016

TRXL and TRXAS are powerful techniques for real-time probing of structural and electronic dynamics of photoinduced reactions in solution phase.
A new ratiometric fluorescent probe for rapid, sensitive and selective detection of endogenous hydrogen sulfide in mitochondria
Authors: Feng Xiao , Zhang Tao , Liu Jin-Ting , Miao Jun-Ying , Zhao Bao-Xiang
Published: January 2016

A proposed novel ratiometric fluorescent H2S probe.
Enhancement of electrochemical properties by polysulfide trapping in a graphene-coated sulfur cathode on patterned current collector
Authors: Yu Seung-Ho , Lee Bora , Choi Sinho , Park Soojin , Hong Byung Hee , Sung Yung-Eun
Published: January 2016

A sulfur cathode on a honeycomb-shape-patterned Al current collector was prepared and successfully sealed using triple-layered graphene.
Lewis-acid-promoted catalytic cascade conversion of glycerol to lactic acid by polyoxometalates
Authors: Tao Meilin , Zhang Dan , Deng Xi , Li Xiangyu , Shi Junyou , Wang Xiaohong
Published: January 2016

The polyoxometalates AlPMo12O40 and CrPMo12O40 show high activity and reusablility for cascade conversion of glycerol directly to lactic acid under mild conditions without the addition of base, and can be reused more than 12 times with 90.5% selectivity at 93.7% conversion.
Acidic pH-induced charge-reversal nanoparticles for accelerated endosomal escape and enhanced microRNA modulation in cancer cells
Authors: Deng Xiongwei , Wang Yihui , Zhang Fang , Yin Zhaoxia , Hu Qin , Xiao Xiangqian , Zhou Zhixiang , Wu Yan , Sheng Wang , Zeng Yi
Published: January 2016

pH-Induced charge-reversal nanoparticles incorporating microRNA (miRNA) were engineered through a single-step self-assembly of polyelectrolyte complexes.
A facile and cheap synthesis of zwitterion coatings of the CS@PGMA@IDA nanomaterial for highly specific enrichment of glycopeptides
Authors: Zou Xiajuan , Jie Jianzheng , Yang Bin
Published: January 2016

Zwitterion coatings of CS@PGMA@IDA nanospheres have the combination of biospecific molecules with bioinert coatings that can selectively bind to glycopeptides
Rebinding dynamics of NO to microperoxidase-8 probed by time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Lee Taegon , Kim Jooyoung , Park Jaeheung , Pak Youngshang , Kim Hyojoon , Lim Manho
Published: January 2016

Rebinding of NO to microperoxidase (Mp)viathe harpoon mechanism.
Correlation among physical and electrochemical behaviour of nanostructured electrolytic manganese dioxide from leach liquor and synthetic for aqueous asymmetric capacitor
Authors: Minakshi Sundaram Manickam , Biswal Avijit , Mitchell David , Jones Rob , Fernandez Carlos
Published: January 2016

An attempt has been made to correlate the differences in structural parameters, surface areas, morphology etc. with the electrochemical capacitive behaviour of the EMDs.
Pressure-driven semiconducting-semimetallic transition in SnSe
Authors: Yan Jiejuan , Ke Feng , Liu Cailong , Wang Li , Wang Qinglin , Zhang Junkai , Li Guanghui , Han Yonghao , Ma Yanzhang , Gao Chunxiao
Published: January 2016

A semiconducting-semimetallic transition was observed to occur at 12.6 GPa, followed by an orthorhombic to monoclinic structural transition.
The direct observation of charge separation dynamics in CdSe quantum dots/cobaloxime hybrids
Authors: Huang J. , Tang Y. , Mulfort K. L. , Zhang X.
Published: January 2016

In this work, we investigated photoinduced charge separation dynamics in a CdSe quantum dot/cobaloxime molecular catalyst hybrid using the combination of transient optical (OTA) and X-ray absorption (XTA) spectroscopy.
Multi-spin-state at a Li3PO4/LiCoO2 (104) interface
Authors: Sumita Masato , Ohno Takahisa
Published: January 2016

The intermediate spin (S = 1) and low spin (S = 0) Co atoms coexist at a Li3PO4/LiCoO2 (104) interface.
Photodissociation of acryloyl chloride at 193 nm: interpretation of the product energy distributions, and new elimination pathways
Authors: Pérez-Soto Raúl , Vázquez Saulo A. , Martínez-Núñez Emilio
Published: January 2016

The use of an automated TS search method leads to the finding of novel HCl elimination pathways.
Syngas production by catalytic reforming of renewables for power generation in solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Kraleva E. , Goicoechea S. , Ehrich H.
Published: January 2016

Ni and Co as active metals, supported on Al2O3, ZnO and AlZnOx were tested in partial oxidation and the steam reforming processes.
Spectroscopic signatures of ligand field states in {RuII(imine)} complexes
Authors: Cadranel Alejandro , Pieslinger German E. , Tongying Pornthip , Kuno Masaru K. , Baraldo Luis M. , Hodak José H.
Published: January 2016

Clear spectroscopic signatures of ligand field states in the MLCT decay cascade oftrans-[Ru(L)4(NCS)2] (L = pyridine or 4-methoxypyridine) were found. (TD)DFT calculations reveal the presence of both MLCT and LMCT transient absorption bands.
Cyanobacterial management in full-scale water treatment and recycling processes: reactive dosing following intensive monitoring
Authors: Zamyadi Arash , Henderson Rita K. , Stuetz Richard , Newcombe Gayle , Newtown Kelly , Gladman Brendan
Published: January 2016

Fate of cyanobacterial species within full-scale water treatment/recycling processes and real-time treatment adjustment usingin-situfluorescence measurement.
In situ synthesis of two-dimensional leaf-like Cu2ZnSnS4 plate arrays as a Pt-free counter electrode for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Chen Shan-Long , Xu Ai-Chun , Tao Jie , Tao Hai-Jun , Shen Yi-Zhou , Zhu Lu-Min , Jiang Jia-Jia , Wang Tao , Pan Lei
Published: January 2016

Kesterite-structure Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) has been proved to be a high-performance Pt-free counter electrode (CE) material for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
ZnCl2 induced catalytic conversion of softwood lignin to aromatics and hydrocarbons
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Zhang Libing , Deng Tiansheng , Ruan Hao , Hou Xianglin , Cort John R. , Yang Bin
Published: January 2016

Selective cleavage of C–O–C bonds in lignin without disrupting the C–C linkages can result in releasing aromatic monomers and dimers that can be subsequently converted into chemicals and fuels.
Evaluation of a custom single Peltier-cooled ablation cell for elemental imaging of biological samples in laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)
Authors: Hamilton J. S. , Gorishek E. L. , Mach P. M. , Sturtevant D. , Ladage M. L. , Suzuki N. , Padilla P. A. , Mittler R. , Chapman K. D. , Verbeck G. F.
Published: January 2016

A new single Peltier element ablation cell is described and its applicability to biological sampling discussed to evaluate its performance.
Quantitative analyses of Mn, V, and Si elements in steels using a portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system based on a fiber laser
Authors: Zeng Qingdong , Guo Lianbo , Li Xiangyou , Shen Meng , Zhu Yining , Li Jiaming , Yang Xinyan , Li Kuohu , Duan Jun , Zeng Xiaoyan , Lu Yongfeng
Published: January 2016

An approach of portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy based on a fiber laser with a background removal method was proposed.
Structural requirements for potential HIV-integrase inhibitors identified using pharmacophore-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics studies
Authors: Islam Md Ataul , Pillay Tahir S.
Published: January 2016

In this study we analysed the binding preferences and inhibitory activity of HIV-integrase inhibitors using pharmacoinformatics.
Pathogenic mutation R959W alters recognition dynamics of dysferlin inner DysF domain
Authors: Michel Espinoza-Fonseca L.
Published: January 2016

We have used atomistic simulations to demonstrate that the pathogenic mutation R959W alters recognition dynamics of dysferlin inner DysF domain. Based on these simulations, we propose a novel role for the inner DysF domain in muscle membrane repair through recruitment of dysferlin to plasma membrane.
Cluster- and chain-based magnetic MOFs derived from 3d metal ions and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate
Authors: Liu Sui-Jun , Han Song-De , Chang Ze , Bu Xian-He
Published: January 2016

Three H3BTC-supported 3D MOFs with triangular M3 (M = Co, Ni) clusters and rod-shaped sinusoidal-like Mn-chains as building units have been successfully obtained under solvothermal conditions, and complexes 1–3 exhibit antiferromagnetic behaviours.
Oxamate salts as novel agents for the restoration of marble and limestone substrates: case study of ammonium N-phenyloxamate
Authors: Maiore Laura , Aragoni M. Carla , Carcangiu Gianfranco , Cocco Ombretta , Isaia Francesco , Lippolis Vito , Meloni Paola , Murru Arianna , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Tuveri Enrica , Woollins J. Derek , Arca Massimiliano
Published: January 2016

The treatment of calcareous stone substrates, such as weathered marble and biomicritic limestone, with ammoniumN-phenyloxamate results in the deposition of the corresponding monohydrated calcium salt.
Synthesis and structure characterization of zinc and cadmium dipeptide coordination polymers
Authors: Puškarić Andreas , Halasz Ivan , Gredičak Matija , Palčić Ana , Bronić Josip
Published: January 2016

A twofold (black, red) interpenetrated network of a Zn(Gly-l-Phe)2coordination polymer, with hydrogen bonds (green) between neighboring layers.
The evaluation of lanthanum trapped prussian blue as a phosphate binding agent with reduced bone uptake
Authors: Chen Fei-Yan , Gu Zhe-Jia , Yi Jing-Wei , Xu Xian-zhu , Kulkarni Padmakar , Tang Qun
Published: January 2016

Lanthanum trapped Prussian blue is developed as a two-process-independent phosphate binder with the main feature of reduced lanthanum accumulation.
Graphene-based cobalt sulfide composite hydrogel with enhanced electrochemical properties for supercapacitors
Authors: Meng Xiaoqian , Sun Huan , Zhu Junwu , Bi Huiping , Han Qiaofeng , Liu Xiaoheng , Wang Xin
Published: January 2016

The three-dimensional cobalt sulfides/graphene hydrogel nanocomposites were preparedviaa one-step method in a water–isopropanol system with enhanced electrochemical performance.
Cerium doped nickel-oxide nanostructures for riboflavin biosensing and antibacterial applications
Authors: P. Muthukumaran , Venkateswara Raju Chikkili , C. Sumathi , G. Ravi , D. Solairaj , P. Rameshthangam , J. Wilson , Rajendran Sathish , Alwarappan Subbiah
Published: January 2016

Electrochemical detection of riboflavin and antibacterial activities of Ce doped NiO nanostructures synthesized by the mild temperature wet chemistry approach.
Nanoparticle-mediated photothermal effect enables a new method for quantitative biochemical analysis using a thermometer
Authors: Fu Guanglei , Sanjay Sharma T. , Dou Maowei , Li XiuJun
Published: January 2016

Based on the nanoparticle-mediated photothermal effect, a new photothermal biomolecular quantitation method using a common thermometer as the signal reader was developed.
Synthesis of new dicinnamoyl 4-deoxy quinic acid and methyl ester derivatives and evaluation of the toxicity against the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Li Xiubin , Grand Lucie , Pouleriguen Thomas , Queneau Yves , da Silva Pedro , Rahbé Yvan , Poëssel Jean-Luc , Moebs-Sanchez Sylvie
Published: January 2016

Syntheses of seven new di-hydroxycinnamoyl 4-deoxy quinic acid derivatives and insecticidal bioassays against a pea aphid are reported.
One-pot, highly efficient, asymmetric synthesis of ring-fused piperidine derivatives bearing N,O- or N,N-acetal moieties
Authors: Li Ji-Yao , Li Zhi-Long , Zhao Wei-Wei , Liu Yan-Kai , Tong Zhi-Ping , Tan Rui
Published: January 2016

Lactols or cyclic hemiaminals are directly used as nucleophiles in the asymmetric aza-Diels–Alder reaction to synthesize ring-fused piperidine derivatives.
Enhanced electrochemical performance of vanadium dioxide (B) nanoflowers with graphene nanoribbons support
Authors: Fan Zihan , Jia Lina , Lin Cunli , Huang Xiangyue , Hu Xiaolin , Zhuang Naifeng , Chen Jianzhong
Published: January 2016

Graphene nanoribbons support can improve significantly the electrochemical performance of monoclinic VO2(B) cathode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Iridium complex loaded polypyrrole nanoparticles for NIR laser induced photothermal effect and generation of singlet oxygen
Authors: Xue Fengfeng , Shi Min , Yan Yuping , Yang Hong , Zhou Zhiguo , Yang Shiping
Published: January 2016

Iridium complex loaded polypyrrole nanoparticles have been prepared and show a NIR laser induced photothermal effect and the generation of singlet oxygen.
Starch assisted palladium(0) nanoparticles as in situ generated catalysts for room temperature Suzuki–Miyaura reactions in water
Authors: Dewan Anindita , Bharali Pankaj , Bora Utpal , Thakur Ashim Jyoti
Published: January 2016

The in situ generated PdNPs show excellent catalytic activity in Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling reaction of electronically diversified arylbromides and arylboronic acids in water at room temperature with low catalyst loading.
Evolution of confined species and their effects on catalyst deactivation and olefin selectivity in SAPO-34 catalyzed MTO process
Authors: Luo Mingjian , Zang Hongyan , Hu Bing , Wang Baohui , Mao Guoliang
Published: January 2016

A “three sections, three periods” mechanism is proposed to discuss the formation and transformation of confined species and its effects on catalyst deactivation and product selectivity.
Synthesis of the pentasaccharide moiety of starfish asterosaponin luidiaquinoside and its conformational analysis
Authors: Karki Geeta , Kumar Harikesh , Singh Gajendra , Ampapathi Ravi Sankar , Mandal Pintu Kumar
Published: January 2016

Pentasaccharide moiety of starfish asterosaponin luidiaquinoside has been synthesized using sequential glycosylation strategy and its conformational analysis was carried out.
Controlling the morphology and hole mobility of terpolymers for polymer solar cells
Authors: Guo Huan , Shen Tianpei , Wu Fen , Wang Guo , Ye Linglong , Liu Zhaoxia , Zhao Bin , Tan Songting
Published: January 2016

A series of D1–A–D2–A terpolymers based on DPP as electron-deficient unit, thiophene-2,5-bis((2-alkyloxy)benzene-thiophene and alkylthienyl-substituted benzodithiophene as electron-rich units have been designed and synthesized for PSC.
Template-free preparation of mesoporous single crystal In2O3 achieving superior ethanol gas sensing performance
Authors: Liu Jijiang , Chen Gang , Yu Yaoguang , Wu Yalin , Zhou Mingjun , Zhang Hongquan , Lv Chade , Qin Hao , Qi Xin
Published: January 2016

Mesoporous single crystal In2O3 with high specific surface area and oxygen vacancy concentration are prepared for enhanced ethanol gas sensing performance.
A salification-induced charge transfer effect for improving the resistive memory performance of azo derivative-based devices
Authors: Liu Quan , Xu Qingfeng , Dong Huilong , Li Hua , Chen Dongyun , Wang Lihua , Li Youyong , Lu Jianmei
Published: January 2016

We introduce salification to prepare an organic resistive memory material with higher ON/OFF ratio and properties.
Investigation of Ce(iii) promoter effects on the tri-metallic Pt, Pd, Ni/MgO catalyst in dry-reforming of methane
Authors: Al-Doghachi Faris A. J. , Rashid Umer , Taufiq-Yap Yun Hin
Published: January 2016

The DRM reaction on the Pt, Pd, Ni/Mg1−XCeXO catalyst was studied where the methane molecule was activated on the Ni metal to produce hydrogen gas. The role of the other metals like Pt and Pd impregnated on the surface of the catalyst was shown.
Relieving the fermentation inhibition enables high electron recovery from landfill leachate in a microbial electrolysis cell
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed , Parameswaran Prathap , Torres César I. , Rittmann Bruce E.
Published: January 2016

The energy value of the organic matter in landfill leachate can be captured with a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), which oxidizes organic compounds at an anode and generates H2gas at a cathode.
Coumarin–chalcone hybrids: promising agents with diverse pharmacological properties
Authors: Wei Han , Ruan Jinlan , Zhang Xiaojian
Published: January 2016

Coumarin–chalcone hybrid is an interesting template for medicinal chemists to develop therapeutic agents with diverse pharmacological activity.
Sulfuric disazo dye stabilized copper nanoparticle composite mixture: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Ong Huei Ruey , Hegde Gurumurthy , Chigrinov Vladimir G. , Khan Md. Maksudur Rahman
Published: January 2016

A copper nanoparticle–sulfuric disazo dye (Cu–SD1) composite was synthesized using the sol–gel method.
Hydrophilic sulfonic acid-functionalized micro-bead silica for dehydration of sorbitol to isosorbide
Authors: Shi Jun , Shan Yuhua , Tian Yuan , Wan Yu , Zheng Yitian , Feng Yangyang
Published: January 2016

The large pore diameter and hydrophilic surface of SA-SiO2-60.5 are beneficial to sorbitol adsorption and isosorbide desorption, and inhibit the deposition of coke.
Asymmetric addition of α-branched cyclic ketones to allenamides catalyzed by a chiral phosphoric acid
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Toste F. Dean
Published: January 2016

Asymmetric addition of unactivated α-branched cyclic ketones to allenamides catalyzed by a chiral phosphoric acid catalyst, generates an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter with broad substrate scope and high enantioselectivity.
Evidence of viscoplastic behavior of exfoliated graphite nanofluids
Authors: Hermida-Merino Carolina , Pérez-Rodríguez Martín , Piñeiro Manuel M. , Pastoriza-Gallego María José
Published: January 2016

The rheological behavior of ethylene glycol-based nanofluids containing exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets has been carried out using a cone-plate Physica MCR rheometer.
Light responsive multilayer surfaces with controlled spatial extinction capability
Authors: Rodrigues Luísa C. , Custódio Catarina A. , Reis Rui L. , Mano João F.
Published: January 2016

Multilayer systems obtained using the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technology have been proposed for a variety of biomedical applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Preparation of 3D graphene networks and a C dot grafted graphene hybrid by new methods for improving the photovoltaic performance of CdS/CdSe quantum dot sensitized solar cells
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Baochang , Liu Yingbo , Sun Shuqing
Published: January 2016

We firstly report on the preparation of C dot grafted graphene hybrids for improving the photovoltaic performance of CdS/CdSe quantum dot sensitized solar cells.
Observer‐based H∞ stabilisation for linear systems with large delay periods
Authors: Du Sheng‐Li , Wang Rui , Wang Shuo , Yu Mei
Published: January 2016

This study is concerned with the observer‐based H∞ stabilisation problem for a class of linear systems with large delay periods (LDPs). Based on the switching technique, the system with LDPs is modelled into a switched delay system which consists of two subsystems. The controller and observer gains are solved under the small delay case. Sufficient conditions are derived to ensure the system is not only exponentially stable, but also possesses an H∞ performance index. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by the simulation of a load frequency control system.
Non‐linear dynamic behaviours of DC cascaded converters system with multi‐load converters
Authors: Xie Fan , Zhang Bo , Qiu Dongyuan , Jiang Yanwei
Published: January 2016

Non‐linear dynamic behaviours in a single DC–DC converter system have been widely investigated in the past three decades. However, with the increasing popularity of microgrids, renewable energy systems and DC distribution power systems, non‐linear phenomena analysis of DC cascaded converters system with multi‐load converters, which is the most dominant connection among them, is necessitated. Thus, in this study, the complex bifurcation phenomena of one source boost converter (SBC) paralleled with one boost converter and two buck converters are analysed. To stabilise the output voltage in a determinate region, both inner current loop and outer voltage loop controls are used in all sub‐converters. Using simulation and experiment analysis, the SBC has coexisting attractors and enters the coexistence of fast‐scale and slow‐scale instabilities or multi‐period orbits in some parameters condition, but all the load converters work in stable state. To explain these phenomena, the discrete mapping of this DC cascaded converters system is established and the derivation of its eigenvalue is conducted. For simplicity, all of the load converters are considered as constant power loads. By analysing the eigenvalues of period‐1 and period‐2 orbits, the coexisting attractors and the coexisting fast‐scale and slow‐scale instabilities are explained.
Pilot-testing a pediatric complex care coordination service
Authors: Marabelli Marco , Newell Sue , Gogan Janis
Published: January 2016

This case, based on data collected in a longitudinal field study, presents Dr. Nathalie Major-Cook, a Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) pediatrician, who in January 2012 was considering what to do about a 2-year grant-funded pilot project, which had provided an innovative patient care coordination service to 23 families of children described as technology-dependent, medically complex and fragile. Convinced that the Complex Care Coordination service is worthwhile, Dr. Major-Cook wants to move it beyond the pilot test phase to a funded, ongoing service. The case situation is a ‘cliff hanger,’ in that in January 2012, Dr. Major-Cook has not yet learned whether a proposal to fund this as an ongoing service will be approved. If it does not receive approval, she will face the unpleasant task of explaining to parents that this valuable service will end in a few short months. If it does receive approval, several decisions need to be made and actions taken in order to scale the service up, so that it can support about 100 families of technology-dependent, medically complex and fragile children in the region. Dr. Major-Cook also wonders if there is anything else she can do to tip the scales in favor of this decision. The case context is unique and captivating; the young patients under Dr. Major-Cook's care suffer from multiple, and sometimes rare life-threatening diseases. The new Complex Care Coordination model, entailing several new roles and a new way to exchange important information among care providers, was designed to improve the quality of healthcare service delivery, increase parental satisfaction and reduce care costs. Although the project plan specified that an electronic health record would be developed to support coordination among care team members, a fully integrated electronic health record had not yet been implemented. Instead, a ‘SPOC’ (Single Point of Care) document was made available to every specialist clinician and social service provider who treated the child. The case describes the steps leading to approval of the pilot-test project, the project itself, and its preliminary evaluation.
“Confusion is a fundamental state of mind”—On the peculiar intellectual career of global governance in international relations
Authors: Hofferberth Matthias
Published: January 2016

More than 20 years after global governance was introduced to the discipline of International Relations (IR), confusion about its conceptual status remains. In fact, how to even speak and think global governance—whether as a description of world politics, as a theoretical perspective to explain it, or as a normative notion to be realized through global policy—remains debated. This state of confusion affects debates within the Political Science subfield of IR as well as dialogue between different disciplines beyond IR. More specifically, the article argues that the current state of confusion exists not because of a lack of debate but rather because of different understandings of global governance that were attached to the concept during its emergence and which are still advanced and reproduced within debates today. These different understandings have their origin in certain real-world and disciplinary dynamics and constitute global governance in present discourse as a “condensation symbol” of different meanings. It is argued that precisely because of this status, global governance has obtained its “celebrity status”, within and beyond IR. By structuring different understandings of global governance and by reconstructing real-world and disciplinary contexts of emergence, the article goes beyond stating the obvious and provides a discussion of various sources and consequences of the confusion surrounding global governance. On the basis of this state-of-the-art overview, it is argued that to realize the full potential of global governance in IR and ensure interdisciplinary dialogue beyond it, one needs to engage with the concept and its immanent confusion in a reflective and cautious way by becoming aware of different meanings attached to it instead of arbitrarily reducing the concept to a single meaning to define its conceptual status. This article is published as part of a thematic collection on global governance.
Global governance: present and future
Authors: Jang Jinseop , McSparren Jason , Rashchupkina Yuliya
Published: January 2016

Globalization, the end of the Cold War and increased involvement of non-state actors in global affairs represent fundamentally shifting relations of power, speeding up national economies’ integration and contributing to the convergence of policies in different issue domains. This review considers the state of global governance by presenting a variety of global governance arrangements, key challenges facing governance in an increasingly globalized context and possibilities for the future governance. Current global governance arrangements favour flexibility over rigidity, prefer voluntary measures to binding rules and privilege partnerships over individual actions. This synopsis of the state of global governance examines the evolving role that sovereignty and the enduring human struggles for power and equity are playing in shaping international relations and governance. This contribution argues that individual empowerment, increasing awareness of human security, institutional complexity, international power shifts and the liberal world political paradigm will define the future of global governance. This article is published as part of a thematic collection dedicated to global governance.
Gyrokinetic particle simulation of a field reversed configuration
Authors: Fulton D. P. , Lau C. K. , Holod I. , Lin Z. , Dettrick S.
Published: January 2016

Gyrokinetic particle simulation of the field-reversed configuration (FRC) has been developed using the gyrokinetic toroidal code (GTC). The magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium is mapped from cylindrical coordinates to Boozer coordinates for the FRC core and scrape-off layer (SOL), respectively. A field-aligned mesh is constructed for solving self-consistent electric fields using a semi-spectral solver in a partial torus FRC geometry. This new simulation capability has been successfully verified and driftwave instability in the FRC has been studied using the gyrokinetic simulation for the first time. Initial GTC simulations find that in the FRC core, the ion-scale driftwave is stabilized by the large ion gyroradius. In the SOL, the driftwave is unstable on both ion and electron scales.
Geometry-dependent distributed polarizability models for the water molecule
Authors: Loboda Oleksandr , Ingrosso Francesca , Ruiz-López Manuel F. , Szalewicz Krzysztof , Millot Claude
Published: January 2016

Geometry-dependent distributed polarizability models have been constructed by fits to ab initio calculations at the coupled cluster level of theory with up to noniterative triple excitations in an augmented triple-zeta quality basis set for the water molecule in the field of a point charge. The investigated models include (i) charge-flow polarizabilities between chemically bonded atoms, (ii) isotropic or anisotropic dipolar polarizabilities on oxygen atom or on all atoms, and (iii) combinations of models (i) and (ii). For each model, the polarizability parameters have been optimized to reproduce the induction energy of a water molecule polarized by a point charge successively occupying a grid of points surrounding the molecule. The quality of the models is ascertained by examining their ability to reproduce these induction energies as well as the molecular dipolar and quadrupolar polarizabilities. The geometry dependence of the distributed polarizability models has been explored by changing bond lengths and HOH angle to generate 125 molecular structures (reduced to 75 symmetry-unique ones). For each considered model, the distributed polarizability components have been fitted as a function of the geometry by a Taylor expansion in monomer coordinate displacements up to the sum of powers equal to 4.
Predicting the response of small-scale near-wall turbulence to large-scale outer motions
Authors: Agostini Lionel , Leschziner Michael
Published: January 2016

A phenomenological model is provided, based on post-processing Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) data at Reτ = 1020, which permits the near-wall-turbulence statistics to be predicted from a “universal signal,” free from the effects of large-scale motions, in combination with information on the large-scale motions in the outer log-law region. The separation of large-scale and small-scale motions is effected, unusually, by means of the “Empirical Mode Decomposition” method, without explicit wavelength cutoffs. The model first yields the universal field by removing, from a full-volume turbulence field at an arbitrary time level, the effects of large-scale convective displacements (footprints), the modulation of the small-scale motions, caused by the large-scale motions, and distortions arising from sweep-induced splatting. In contrast to other modelling efforts, the present framework extends to all three velocity components, as is demonstrated by reference to joint (u − v) and (u − w) probability-density functions (PDFs). The model is then successfully used to reconstitute the full near-wall statistics by combining the universal field with the outer large-scale motions at any time level other than that for which the universal field was determined.
Multi-structured temporal behavior of neutral copper transitions in laser-produced plasma in the presence of variable transverse static magnetic field
Authors: Singh Khwairakpam Shantakumar , Sharma Ashwini Kumar
Published: January 2016

We report on the effect of variable magnetic field on temporal behavior of neutral copper (Cu I) transitions in laser-produced copper plasma at atmospheric pressure using optical emission spectroscopy. In the presence of magnetic field, the intensity of copper atomic lines at 510.5, 515.3, and 521.8 nm gets enhanced due to increase in electron-impact excitation rate. The enhancement factor of the neutral lines is different due to different electron-impact excitation rates. We observed that the Cu I profile consists of two components recorded in the absence of magnetic field and at 0.1 T. At magnetic field of 0.3 T, the appearance of third slow component at delayed time, i.e., 122, 130, and 140 ns for Cu I (521.8, 515.3, and 510.5 nm) is also observed. We demonstrate that the generation of slow component is related to electron-impact excitation of Cu I atom rather than backflow particles and instabilities at atmospheric pressure. The instabilities generated during the plasma deceleration by magnetic field can be reduced in the presence of air at atmospheric pressure which will be applicable to enhance the sensitivity of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. The fast component is least affected by the magnetic field due to longer magnetic diffusion time.
Polymer-based disposable microneedle array with insertion assisted by vibrating motion
Authors: Lee F.-W. , Hung W.-H. , Ma C.-W. , Yang Y.-J.
Published: January 2016

This work presents a disposable polymer-based microneedle array that carries out insertions by mimicking the vibrating motion of a mosquito's proboscis. The proposed device, which comprises a 10:1 high-aspect-ratio parylene microneedle array and a chamber structure, was monolithically realized using a novel fabrication process. The vibrating motion of the microneedles was generated using a piezoelectric actuator. This device can be potentially applied to extract and collect blood by puncturing the dermis layer of human skin. The fabricated device is advantageous because of its biocompatibility, simple fabrication process, and low associated costs. Additionally, the graph of the measured extraction flow rate versus the pressure drop that is presented shows an agreement with the results predicted by analytical models. A 40% reduction of insertion force was demonstrated when the microneedle insertion was assisted by actuator-induced vibratory motions. Buckling analyses for estimating the maximum loads that the microneedle can sustain before failure occurs were also evaluated. Finally, the relationship between the insertion force and the vibration frequency was demonstrated in this study.
Linewidth measurement of mid infrared quantum cascade laser by optical feedback interferometry
Authors: Cardilli Maria Carmela , Dabbicco Maurizio , Mezzapesa Francesco Paolo , Scamarcio Gaetano
Published: January 2016

We estimated experimentally the linewidth (0.28 MHz) of a distributed feedback quantum cascade laser emitting at 6.2 μm using optical feedback interferometry. The method is simply based on the analysis of the histogram of laser self-mixing fringe periods measured directly as voltage variation across the laser terminals. We assessed the optimal experimental conditions estimating the influence of the optical feedback strength on the interferometric phase noise and compared our results with those reported using conventional interferometric methods based on the analysis of the frequency noise power spectral density.
Influence of screening on longitudinal-optical phonon scattering in quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Ezhov Ivan , Jirauschek Christian
Published: January 2016

We theoretically investigate the influence of screening on electron-longitudinal optical phonon scattering in quantum cascade lasers. By employing ensemble Monte Carlo simulations, an advanced screening model based on the random-phase approximation is compared to the more elementary Thomas-Fermi and Debye models. For mid-infrared structures, and to a lesser extent also for terahertz designs, the inclusion of screening is shown to affect the simulated current and optical output power. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that by using the electron temperature rather than the lattice temperature, the Debye model can be significantly improved.
Local immunization strategy based on the scores of nodes
Authors: Liu Yang , Deng Yong , Wei Bo
Published: January 2016

The problem of finding a better immunization strategy for controlling the spreading of the epidemic with limited resources has attracted much attention because of its great theoretical significance and wide application. In this paper, we propose a successful immunization strategy only depending on local information. Our strategy initializes the scores of nodes with the values of their degree and recalculates the score of a certain immunized node based on its local information, and then replaces the certain immunized node with its nonimmunized higher-score neighbor. To test the effectiveness of the proposed strategy, we conduct the experiments on several synthetic networks and real-world networks. The results show that the proposed strategy outperforms the existing well-known local strategies, even the degree centrality targeted strategy.
Can pore-clogging by ash explain post-fire runoff?
Authors: Stoof Cathelijne R. , Gevaert Anouk I. , Baver Christine , Hassanpour Bahareh , Morales Verónica L. , Zhang Wei , Martin Deborah , Giri Shree K. , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: January 2016

Ash plays an important role in controlling runoff and erosion processes after wildfire and has frequently been hypothesised to clog soil pores and reduce infiltration. Yet evidence for clogging is incomplete, as research has focussed on identifying the presence of ash in soil; the actual flow processes remain unknown. We conducted laboratory infiltration experiments coupled with microscope observations in pure sands, saturated hydraulic conductivity analysis, and interaction energy calculations, to test whether ash can clog pores (i.e. block pores such that infiltration is hampered and ponding occurs). Although results confirmed previous observations of ash washing into pores, clogging was not observed in the pure sands tested, nor were conditions found for which this does occur. Clogging by means of strong attachment of ash to sand was deemed unlikely given the negative surface charge of the two materials. Ponding due to washing in of ash was also considered improbable given the high saturated conductivity of pure ash and ash–sand mixtures. This first mechanistic step towards analysing ash transport and attachment processes in field soils therefore suggests that pore clogging by ash is unlikely to occur in sands. Discussion is provided on other mechanisms by which ash can affect post-fire hydrology.
Changing perception of homeland for the Kazakh diaspora
Authors: Kuşçu Işık
Published: January 2016

There is a sizable Kazakh diaspora living in Turkey and Europe. Since their initial migration, these Kazakhs have been involved in actions aiming to preserve their group's cultural and ethnic boundaries. By studying these actions and related discourses, this article seeks to explain how these groups formulated and reformulated their identities and loyalties in their host states over generations. Many Kazakhs in Turkey and Europe originally came from Eastern Turkestan (Xinjiang) and considered this area their homeland. However, Kazakhstan's independence in 1991 led to an important change in their homeland orientation and, after 1991, the activities of an increasing number of Kazakh diaspora organizations shifted toward Kazakhstan as the homeland. Therefore, this article focuses mainly on two periods: the period before and the period after Kazakhstan's independence. The fieldwork was conducted in Turkey, Germany, France, and the Netherlands and includes interviews with leaders of Kazakh diaspora organizations and other members of the diaspora.
Structure and mechanical properties of a-C/(AlCrWTaTiNb)CxNy composite films
Authors: Lv C. F. , Zhang G. F. , Cao B. S. , He Y. Y. , Hou X. D. , Song Z. X.
Published: January 2016

a-C/(AlCrWTaTiNb)C xN y composite films are deposited by a magnetron sputtering technique using a carbon and mosaic target. The effect of carbon target power on chemical composition, morphology, microstructure and mechanical properties of a-C/(AlCrWTaTiNb)C xN y composite films is investigated. It is found that a multi-element nitride (AlCrWTaTiNb)N x film prepared without the carbon target demonstrates a triangle shape morphology with two-phase face-centred cubic structure (FCC). The crystallographic structure of the composite films changes into single-phase FCC and the morphology into granular when the carbon target power is in the range of 50–150 W. The preferred orientation of the composited films changes from (220) without the carbon target to (111) introducing carbon atoms. The maximum of micro-hardness and elastic modulus of a-C/(AlCrWTaTiNb)C xN y composite films deposited at 100 W carbon target power are 23 and 290 GPa, respectively. A corresponding H3/ E2 value reflecting film frictional characteristics also reaches a maximum of 0·147.