bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent northward North Atlantic tropical cyclone track migration over the past five centuries
Authors: Baldini Lisa M. , Baldini James U. L. , McElwaine Jim N. , Frappier Amy Benoit , Asmerom Yemane , Liu Kam-biu , Prufer Keith M. , Ridley Harriet E. , Polyak Victor , Kennett Douglas J. , Macpherson Colin G. , Aquino Valorie V. , Awe Jaime , Breitenbach Sebastian F. M.
Published: November 2016

Accurately predicting future tropical cyclone risk requires understanding the fundamental controls on tropical cyclone dynamics. Here we present an annually-resolved 450-year reconstruction of western Caribbean tropical cyclone activity developed using a new coupled carbon and oxygen isotope ratio technique in an exceptionally well-dated stalagmite from Belize. Western Caribbean tropical cyclone activity peaked at 1650 A.D., coincident with maximum Little Ice Age cooling, and decreased gradually until the end of the record in 1983. Considered with other reconstructions, the new record suggests that the mean track of Cape Verde tropical cyclones shifted gradually north-eastward from the western Caribbean toward the North American east coast over the last 450 years. Since ~1870 A.D., these shifts were largely driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas and sulphate aerosol emissions. Our results strongly suggest that future emission scenarios will result in more frequent tropical cyclone impacts on the financial and population centres of the northeastern United States.
Developmental disruption of perineuronal nets in the medial prefrontal cortex after maternal immune activation
Authors: Paylor John W. , Lins Brittney R. , Greba Quentin , Moen Nicholas , de Moraes Reiner Silveira , Howland John G. , Winship Ian R.
Published: November 2016

Maternal infection during pregnancy increases the risk of offspring developing schizophrenia later in life. Similarly, animal models of maternal immune activation (MIA) induce behavioural and anatomical disturbances consistent with a schizophrenia-like phenotype in offspring. Notably, cognitive impairments in tasks dependent on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) are observed in humans with schizophrenia and in offspring after MIA during pregnancy. Recent studies of post-mortem tissue from individuals with schizophrenia revealed deficits in extracellular matrix structures called perineuronal nets (PNNs), particularly in PFC. Given these findings, we examined PNNs over the course of development in a well-characterized rat model of MIA using polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (polyI:C). We found selective reductions of PNNs in the PFC of polyI:C offspring which did not manifest until early adulthood. These deficits were not associated with changes in parvalbumin cell density, but a decrease in the percentage of parvalbumin cells surrounded by a PNN. Developmental expression of PNNs was also significantly altered in the amygdala of polyI:C offspring. Our results indicate MIA causes region specific developmental abnormalities in PNNs in the PFC of offspring. These findings confirm the polyI:C model replicates neuropathological alterations associated with schizophrenia and may identify novel mechanisms for cognitive and emotional dysfunction in the disorder.
Identification of Small Molecule Compounds for Pharmacological Chaperone Therapy of Aspartylglucosaminuria
Authors: Banning Antje , Gülec Christina , Rouvinen Juha , Gray Steven J. , Tikkanen Ritva
Published: November 2016

Aspartylglucosaminuria (AGU) is a lysosomal storage disorder that is caused by genetic deficiency of the enzyme aspartylglucosaminidase (AGA) which is involved in glycoprotein degradation. AGU is a progressive disorder that results in severe mental retardation in early adulthood. No curative therapy is currently available for AGU. We have here characterized the consequences of a novel AGU mutation that results in Thr122Lys exchange in AGA, and compared this mutant form to one carrying the worldwide most common AGU mutation, AGU-Fin. We show that T122K mutated AGA is expressed in normal amounts and localized in lysosomes, but exhibits low AGA activity due to impaired processing of the precursor molecule into subunits. Coexpression of T122K with wildtype AGA results in processing of the precursor into subunits, implicating that the mutation causes a local misfolding that prevents the precursor from becoming processed. Similar data were obtained for the AGU-Fin mutant polypeptide. We have here also identified small chemical compounds that function as chemical or pharmacological chaperones for the mutant AGA. Treatment of patient fibroblasts with these compounds results in increased AGA activity and processing, implicating that these substances may be suitable for chaperone mediated therapy for AGU.
Discerning the Location and Nature of Coke Deposition from Surface to Bulk of Spent Zeolite Catalysts
Authors: Devaraj Arun , Vijayakumar Murugesan , Bao Jie , Guo Mond F. , Derewinski Miroslaw A. , Xu Zhijie , Gray Michel J. , Prodinger Sebastian , Ramasamy Karthikeyan K.
Published: November 2016

The formation of carbonaceous deposits (coke) in zeolite pores during catalysis leads to temporary deactivation of catalyst, necessitating regeneration steps, affecting throughput, and resulting in partial permanent loss of catalytic efficiency. Yet, even to date, the coke molecule distribution is quite challenging to study with high spatial resolution from surface to bulk of the catalyst particles at a single particle level. To address this challenge we investigated the coke molecules in HZSM-5 catalyst after ethanol conversion treatment by a combination of C K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), 13C Cross polarization-magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CP-MAS NMR) spectroscopy, and atom probe tomography (APT). XAS and NMR highlighted the aromatic character of coke molecules. APT permitted the imaging of the spatial distribution of hydrocarbon molecules located within the pores of spent HZSM-5 catalyst from surface to bulk at a single particle level. 27Al NMR results and APT results indicated association of coke molecules with Al enriched regions within the spent HZSM-5 catalyst particles. The experimental results were additionally validated by a level-set–based APT field evaporation model. These results provide a new approach to investigate catalytic deactivation due to hydrocarbon coking or poisoning of zeolites at an unprecedented spatial resolution.
Increased gene dosage for β- and κ-casein in transgenic cattle improves milk composition through complex effects
Authors: Laible Götz , Smolenski Grant , Wheeler Thomas , Brophy Brigid
Published: November 2016

We have previously generated transgenic cattle with additional copies of bovine β- and κ casein genes. An initial characterisation of milk produced with a hormonally induced lactation from these transgenic cows showed an altered milk composition with elevated β-casein levels and twofold increased κ-casein content. Here we report the first in-depth characterisation of the composition of the enriched casein milk that was produced through a natural lactation. We have analyzed milk from the high expressing transgenic line TG3 for milk composition at early, peak, mid and late lactation. The introduction of additional β- and κ-casein genes resulted in the expected expression of the transgene derived proteins and an associated reduction in the size of the casein micelles. Expression of the transgenes was associated with complex changes in the expression levels of other milk proteins. Two other major milk components were affected, namely fat and micronutrients. In addition, the sialic acid content of the milk was increased. In contrast, the level of lactose remained unchanged. This novel milk with its substantially altered composition will provide insights into the regulatory processes synchronizing the synthesis and assembly of milk components, as well as production of potentially healthier milk with improved dairy processing characteristics.
TWIST1 drives cisplatin resistance and cell survival in an ovarian cancer model, via upregulation of GAS6, L1CAM, and Akt signalling
Authors: Roberts Cai M. , Tran Michelle A. , Pitruzzello Mary C. , Wen Wei , Loeza Joana , Dellinger Thanh H. , Mor Gil , Glackin Carlotta A.
Published: November 2016

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most deadly gynaecologic malignancy due to late onset of symptoms and propensity towards drug resistance. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been linked to the development of chemoresistance in other cancers, yet little is known regarding its role in EOC. In this study, we sought to determine the role of the transcription factor TWIST1, a master regulator of EMT, on cisplatin resistance in an EOC model. We created two Ovcar8-derived cell lines that differed only in their TWIST1 expression. TWIST1 expression led to increased tumour engraftment in mice, as well as cisplatin resistance in vitro. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that TWIST1 expression resulted in upregulation of GAS6 and L1CAM and downregulation of HMGA2. Knockdown studies of these genes demonstrated that loss of GAS6 or L1CAM sensitized cells to cisplatin, but that loss of HMGA2 did not give rise to chemoresistance. TWIST1, in part via GAS6 and L1CAM, led to higher expression and activation of Akt upon cisplatin treatment, and inhibition of Akt activation sensitized cells to cisplatin. These results suggest TWIST1- and EMT-driven increase in Akt activation, and thus tumour cell proliferation, as a potential mechanism of drug resistance in EOC.
Movement of feeder-using songbirds: the influence of urban features
Authors: Cox Daniel T. C. , Inger Richard , Hancock Steven , Anderson Karen , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: November 2016

Private gardens provide vital opportunities for people to interact with nature. The most popular form of interaction is through garden bird feeding. Understanding how landscape features and seasons determine patterns of movement of feeder-using songbirds is key to maximising the well-being benefits they provide. To determine these patterns we established three networks of automated data loggers along a gradient of greenspace fragmentation. Over a 12-month period we tracked 452 tagged blue titsCyantistes caeruleusand great titsParus majormoving between feeder pairs 9,848 times, to address two questions: (i) Do urban features within different forms, and season, influence structural (presence-absence of connections between feeders by birds) and functional (frequency of these connections) connectivity? (ii) Are there general patterns of structural and functional connectivity across forms? Vegetation cover increased connectivity in all three networks, whereas the presence of road gaps negatively affected functional but not structural connectivity. Across networks structural connectivity was lowest in the summer when birds maintain breeding territories, however patterns of functional connectivity appeared to vary with habitat fragmentation. Using empirical data this study shows how key urban features and season influence movement of feeder-using songbirds, and we provide evidence that this is related to greenspace fragmentation.
Room temperature electrically tunable rectification magnetoresistance in Ge-based Schottky devices
Authors: Huang Qi-kun , Yan Yi , Zhang Kun , Li Huan-huan , Kang Shishou , Tian Yu-feng
Published: November 2016

Electrical control of magnetotransport properties is crucial for device applications in the field of spintronics. In this work, as an extension of our previous observation of rectification magnetoresistance, an innovative technique for electrical control of rectification magnetoresistance has been developed by applying direct current and alternating current simultaneously to the Ge-based Schottky devices, where the rectification magnetoresistance could be remarkably tuned in a wide range. Moreover, the interface and bulk contribution to the magnetotransport properties has been effectively separated based on the rectification magnetoresistance effect. The state-of-the-art electrical manipulation technique could be adapt to other similar heterojunctions, where fascinating rectification magnetoresistance is worthy of expectation.
The Effect of Silica Nanoparticles on Human Corneal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Park Joo-Hee , Jeong Hyejoong , Hong Jinkee , Chang Minwook , Kim Martha , Chuck Roy S. , Lee Jimmy K. , Park Choul-Yong
Published: November 2016

Ocular drug delivery is an interesting field in current research. Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are promising drug carriers for ophthalmic drug delivery. However, little is known about the toxicity of SiNPs on ocular surface cells such as human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxicity induced by 50, 100 and 150 nm sizes of SiNPs on cultured HCECs for up to 48 hours. SiNPs were up-taken by HCECs inside cytoplasmic vacuoles. Cellular reactive oxygen species generation was mildly elevated, dose dependently, with SiNPs, but no significant decrease of cellular viability was observed up to concentrations of 100 μg/ml for three different sized SiNPs. Western blot assays revealed that both cellular autophagy and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways were activated with the addition of SiNPs. Our findings suggested that 50, 100 and 150 nm sized SiNPs did not induce significant cytotoxicity in cultured HCECs.
Functional Nanocomposites Based on Fibrous Clays
Authors: Ruiz-Hitzky Eduardo , Darder Margarita , Alcântara Ana C. S. , Wicklein Bernd , Aranda Pilar
Published: November 2016

This chapter is focused on functional nanocomposites based on the use of the microfibrous clays sepiolite and palygorskite as efficient fillers for diverse types of polymer matrices, from typical thermoplastics to biopolymers. The main features that govern the interaction between the silicates and the polymer matrix are discussed. The introduction addresses the structural and textural features of the fibrous silicates, as well as the possible synthetic approaches to increase the compatibility of these nanofillers with the polymeric matrix. Additionally, these clays can be easily functionalized through their surface silanol groups based on chemical reactions or by anchoring of nanoparticles. This allows for the preparation of a wide variety of functional polymer–clay nanocomposites. Thereafter, some relevant examples of nanocomposites derived from conventional polymers are reported, as well as of those based on polymers that exhibit electrical conductivity. Lastly, selected works employing sepiolite or palygorskite as fillers in polymeric matrixes of natural origin are discussed, showing the wide application of these resulting nanocomposites as bioplastics, as well as in biomedicine, environmental remediation and the development of sensor devices.
Acoustofluidic particle trapping, manipulation, and release using dynamic-mode cantilever sensors
Authors: Johnson Blake N. , Mutharasan Raj
Published: November 2016

Active and programmable mixing, trapping, separation, manipulation and release of suspended particles in liquids using dynamic-mode cantilever sensors.
Using signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) to hyperpolarise 119Sn and 29Si NMR nuclei
Authors: Olaru Alexandra M. , Burt Alister , Rayner Peter J. , Hart Sam J. , Whitwood Adrian C. , Green Gary G. R. , Duckett Simon B.
Published: November 2016

The hyperpolarisation of the 119Sn and 29Si nuclei in 5-(tributylstannyl)pyrimidine (ASn) and 5-(trimethylsilyl)pyrimidine (BSi) is achieved through their reaction with [IrCl(COD)(IMes)] (1a) or [IrCl(COD)(SIMes)] (1b) and parahydrogen via the SABRE process.
One-pot synthesis of micron partly hollow anisotropic dumbbell shaped silica core–shell particles
Authors: Maisch Johannes , Jafarli Farhad , Chassé Thomas , Blendinger Felix , Konrad Alexander , Metzger Michael , Meixner Alfred J. , Brecht Marc , Dähne L. , Mayer Hermann A.
Published: November 2016

Anisotropic dumbbell silica core–shell particles are prepared from nonporous spherical silica particles in one step. The smaller lobe of the particles is hollow and can be loaded with molecules.
Multifunctional and robust composite materials comprising gold nanoparticles at a spherical polystyrene particle surface
Authors: Belhout Samir A. , Kim Ji Yoon , Hinds David T. , Owen Natalie J. , Coulter Jonathan A. , Quinn Susan J.
Published: November 2016

The preparation of composite particles comprising gold nanoparticles (4.5–26 nm) assembled at a polystyrene (PS) surface with tunable loading is reported with wide ranging potentials from cellular studies to catalysis.
Investigating the role of amine in InP nanocrystal synthesis: destabilizing cluster intermediates by Z-type ligand displacement
Authors: Gary Dylan C. , Petrone Alessio , Li Xiaosong , Cossairt Brandi M.
Published: November 2016

The reaction of primary amines with carboxylate-capped InP clusters is found to remove indium carboxylate subunits from the cluster surface, resulting in a structural rearrangement to alleviate core strain and passivate phosphorus atoms.
Ternary NiCoP nanosheet array on a Ti mesh: a high-performance electrochemical sensor for glucose detection
Authors: Wang Zao , Cao Xiaoqin , Liu Danni , Hao Shuai , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping
Published: November 2016

NiCoP nanosheet array acts as a high-active catalyst electrode for glucose electro-oxidation in alkaline media. As a non-enzyme electrochemical glucose sensor, it shows a low detection limit of 0.13 μM (S/N = 3) and a high sensitivity of 14 586 μA mM−1 cm−2.
Molecular engineering for efficient and selective iron porphyrin catalysts for electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO
Authors: Ambre Ram B. , Daniel Quentin , Fan Ting , Chen Hong , Zhang Biaobiao , Wang Lei , Ahlquist Mårten S. G. , Duan Lele , Sun Licheng
Published: November 2016

Dramatic effects of ortho, meta and para substituents on the catalytic performances of Fe-porphyrin for CO2 reduction to CO have been investigated.
Tritellurasumanene: ultrasound assisted one-pot synthesis and extended valence adducts with bromine
Authors: Wang Shitao , Li Xuexiang , Hou Xueqing , Sun Yantao , Shao Xiangfeng
Published: November 2016

Tritellurasumanene is synthesized through one-pot reaction. Its structure, properties, and chemical reactivity are distinct from those of its trithia- and triselena-analogues.
Au(i)/Ag(i) co-operative catalysis: interception of Ag-bound carbocations with α-gold(i) enals in the imino-alkyne cyclizations with N-allenamides
Authors: Bagle Pradip N. , Mane Manoj V. , Vanka K. , Shinde Dinesh R. , Shaikh Samir R. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Patil Nitin T.
Published: November 2016

A co-operative Au/Ag catalyst system has been developed to utilizeN-allenamides as nucleophilic enal equivalents for the interceptive capturing of incipient carbocations generated through π-acid-triggered imino-alkyne cyclization.
Structure-simplified and highly efficient deep blue organic light-emitting diodes with reduced efficiency roll-off at extremely high luminance
Authors: Li Xiang-Long , Liu Ming , Li Yunchuan , Cai Xinyi , Chen Dongcheng , Liu Kunkun , Cao Yong , Su Shi-Jian
Published: November 2016

Deep blue non-doped multilayer OLEDs with EQEs exceeding 5.10% and single layer devices excluding any carrier transporting materials with an EQE of 4.22% were obtained at an extremely high luminance of 10 000 cd m−2.
Chemically synthesized and cross-linked PDMS as versatile alignment medium for organic compounds
Authors: Moskalenko Yulia E. , Bagutski Viktor , Thiele Christina M.
Published: November 2016

Synthesis of PDMS gels with controlled amount of cross-linker opens up the opportunity for tuning of alignment media for RDC structure elucidation of organic molecules and mixtures of their isomers.
Clearing the undergrowth: detection and quantification of low level impurities using 19F NMR
Authors: Moutzouri Pinelopi , Kiraly Peter , Phillips Andrew R. , Coombes Steven R. , Nilsson Mathias , Morris Gareth A.
Published: November 2016

A new 19F NMR method, ODYSSEUS, allows low level impurities to be detected without interference from 13C satellites.
On the role of charge transfer in halogen bonding
Authors: Řezáč Jan , de la Lande Aurélien
Published: November 2016

We have quantified the energetic contribution of charge transfer to halogen bonding to be about 10% of the interaction energy.
Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of a cyanide-bridged heterometallic {CoIIMnIII} chain
Authors: Alexandru Maria-Gabriela , Visinescu Diana , Shova Sergiu , Lloret Francesc , Julve Miguel
Published: November 2016

Herein, we report the synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of the first ferrimagnetic cyanide-bridged {CoIIMnIII} monodimensional coordination polymer.
Coordination of bis(azol-1-yl)methane-based bisphosphines towards RuII, RhI, PdIIand PtII: synthesis, structural and catalytic studies
Authors: Bhat Sajad A. , Pandey Madhusudan K. , Mague Joel T. , Balakrishna Maravanji S.
Published: November 2016

This paper describes the transition metal chemistry of three bis(X-diphenylphosphino-azol-1-yl)-based bisphosphines: bis(2-Ph2P-imidazol-1-yl)methane (1), bis(5-Ph2P-pyrazol-1-yl)methane (2) and bis(5-Ph2P-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methane (3). These show versatility in their coordination behaviour.
Fine-tuning terminal solvent ligands to rationally enhance the energy barrier in dinuclear dysprosium single-molecule magnets
Authors: Zhang Kun , Yuan Chen , Guo Fu-Sheng , Zhang Yi-Quan , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: November 2016

By replacing hydrogen atoms with electron-donating group on terminal solvent ligands, we were able to create a three-fold enhancement of the energy barrier in two dinuclear dysprosium single-molecule magnets.
Eco-fabrication of hierarchical porous silica monoliths by ice-templating of rice husk ash
Authors: Bahrami Amin , Simon Ulla , Soltani Niloofar , Zavareh Sara , Schmidt Johannes , Pech-Canul Martin I. , Gurlo Aleksander
Published: November 2016

In this study, within a sustainable chemistry approach, a clean and eco-friendly synthesis process of silica monoliths compatible with environmental limitations is developed.
Magnetically separable sulfated zirconia as highly active acidic catalysts for selective synthesis of ethyl levulinate from furfuryl alcohol
Authors: Tiwari Manishkumar S. , Gawade Anil B. , Yadav Ganapati D.
Published: November 2016

Magnetically separable sulfated zirconia catalysts were prepared by a two-step approach.
An optimised synthesis of high performance radiation-grafted anion-exchange membranes
Authors: Wang Lianqin , Magliocca Emanuele , Cunningham Emma L. , Mustain William E. , Poynton Simon D. , Escudero-Cid Ricardo , Nasef Mohamed M. , Ponce-González Julia , Bance-Souahli Rachida , Slade Robert C. T. , Whelligan Daniel K. , Varcoe John R.
Published: November 2016

The improved synthesis of radiation-grafted anion-exchange membranes (AEM) using water as a diluent and with reduced electron-beam absorbed doses and monomer amounts.
A portable and reconfigurable multi-organ platform for drug development with onboard microfluidic flow control
Authors: Coppeta J. R. , Mescher M. J. , Isenberg B. C. , Spencer A. J. , Kim E. S. , Lever A. R. , Mulhern T. J. , Prantil-Baun R. , Comolli J. C. , Borenstein J. T.
Published: November 2016

A microphysiological systems platform with high precision onboard flow control supports organ model crosstalk for up to 2 weeks.
Role of Lewis acid additives in a palladium catalyzed directed C–H functionalization reaction of benzohydroxamic acid to isoxazolone
Authors: Athira C. , Sunoj Raghavan B.
Published: November 2016

The role of additives, pivalic acid and ZnCl2, in a Pd-catalyzed directed C–H bond functionalization reaction is established.
Dearomatisation approaches to spirocyclic dienones via the electrophilic activation of alkynes
Authors: Clarke Aimee K. , Liddon John T. R. , Cuthbertson James D. , Taylor Richard J. K. , Unsworth William P.
Published: November 2016

Two simple metal-mediated dearomatising spirocyclisation protocols to generate spirocyclic dienones from anisole and phenol-tethered ynones in high yields are described.
Correction: Downsizing the BAD BH3 peptide to small constrained α-helices with improved ligand efficiency
Authors: Shepherd Nicholas E. , Harrison Rosemary S. , Ruiz-Gomez Gloria , Abbenante Giovanni , Mason Jody M. , Fairlie David P.
Published: November 2016

Correction for ‘Downsizing the BAD BH3 peptide to small constrained α-helices with improved ligand efficiency’ by Nicholas E. Shepherd et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c6ob02185a.
One-dimensional polyaniline thorn/BiOCl chip heterostructures: self-sacrificial template-induced synthesis and electrochemical performance
Authors: Nie Guangdi , Lu Xiaofeng , Wang Wei , Chi Maoqiang , Jiang Yanzhou , Wang Ce
Published: November 2016

A facile self-sacrificial template strategy was proposed for the first time to synthesize one-dimensional polyaniline (PANi) thorn/BiOCl chip (BPB) heterostructures for supercapacitor electrodes with enhanced electrochemical performance.
Natural diarylfluorene derivatives: isolation, total synthesis, and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibition
Authors: Zhang Jun-Sheng , Liu Xin , Weng Jiang , Guo Yan-Qiong , Li Qing-Jiang , Ahmed Abrar , Tang Gui-Hua , Yin Sheng
Published: November 2016

The first total synthesis of selaginpulvilins A–F and evaluation of their PDE4 inhibitory activities.
Phase behavior of mixed lipid monolayers on perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions and its effect on acoustic contrast
Authors: Chattaraj Rajarshi , Goldscheitter Galen M. , Yildirim Adem , Goodwin Andrew P.
Published: November 2016

Lateral lipid phase separation on fluorocarbon droplets can enhance ultrasound contrast activity.
Investigating the adsorption mechanism of glycine in comparison with catechol on cristobalite surface using density functional theory for bio-adhesive materials
Authors: Mian Shabeer Ahmad , Khan Younas , Ahmad Uzair , Khan Mohammad Adil , Rahman Gul , Ali Shahid
Published: November 2016

Amino acid proteins exist in Mussel's adhesive (mefp's) of which glycine has a significant amount. A density functional theory simulation study was performed in a belief that all the proteins in mefp's are responsible for the versatile adhesion.
New biobased tetrabutylphosphonium ionic liquids: synthesis, characterization and use as a solvent or co-solvent for mild and greener Pd-catalyzed hydrogenation processes
Authors: Hayouni Safa , Robert Anthony , Ferlin Nadège , Amri Hassen , Bouquillon Sandrine
Published: November 2016

Phosphonium-based ionic liquids with natural organic derived anions were easily prepared and showed good performance and recyclability in Pd-catalyzed hydrogenation processes at room temperature under atmospheric H2 pressure.
Functionalization of fullerene at room temperature: toward new carbon vectors with improved physicochemical properties
Authors: Beiranvand Z. , Kakanejadifard A. , Donskyi I. S. , Faghani A. , Tu Z. , Lippitz A. , Sasanpour P. , Maschietto F. , Paulus B. , Unger W. E. S. , Haag R. , Adeli M.
Published: November 2016

In this work, fullerene has been functionalized with cyanuric chloride at room temperature by a nitrene mediated [2 + 1] cycloaddition reaction.
Exploring the in vivo fates of RGD and PEG modified PEI/DNA nanoparticles by optical imaging and optoacoustic imaging
Authors: Lin Lin , Chen Jie , Guo Zhaopei , Song Wantong , Zhang Dawei , Tian Huayu , Chen Xuesi
Published: November 2016

To improve the abilities of long-term circulation and tumor targeting, poly(ethylene glycol) modified polyethylenimine with or without RGD peptide ligands were synthesized and evaluated in detail.
A dual functional liposome specifically targets melanoma cells through integrin and ephrin receptors
Authors: Bhunia Debmalya , Saha Abhijit , Adak Anindyasundar , Das Gaurav , Ghosh Surajit
Published: November 2016

A novel bi-functional liposome delivers docetaxel specifically to melanoma cancer cells targeting integrin (α4β1) and ephrin (EphA2) receptors and enhances the efficacy of docetaxel.
Cu@CuO promoted g-C3N4/MCM-41: an efficient photocatalyst with tunable valence transition for visible light induced hydrogen generation
Authors: Sahoo Dipti Prava , Patnaik Sulagna , Rath Dharitri , Nanda Binita , Parida Kulamani
Published: November 2016

The synergistic effect of metallic Cu, CuO and g-C3N4 over the widespread surface of MCM-41 plays the vital role for effective H2 evolution.
Correction: Self-assembly of silicon/carbon hybrids and natural graphite as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Aoning , Liu Fandong , Wang Zhoulu , Liu Xiang
Published: November 2016

Correction for ‘Self-assembly of silicon/carbon hybrids and natural graphite as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries’ by Aoning Wang et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 104995–105002.
Metal in situ surface functionalization of polymer-grafted-carbon nanotube composite membranes for fast efficient nanofiltration
Authors: Soyekwo Faizal , Zhang Qiugen , Gao Runsheng , Qu Yan , Lv Ruixue , Chen Mengmeng , Zhu Aimei , Liu Qinglin
Published: November 2016

Metalin situsurface functionalized PEI-g-MWCNT membranes are facilely prepared for nanofiltration of heavy metal ions in solution with high fluxes.
Ultra-selective detection of sub-ppm-level benzene using Pd–SnO2 yolk–shell micro-reactors with a catalytic Co3O4 overlayer for monitoring air quality
Authors: Jeong Seong-Yong , Yoon Ji-Wook , Kim Tae-Hyung , Jeong Hyun-Mook , Lee Chul-Soon , Chan Kang Yun , Lee Jong-Heun
Published: November 2016

Ultra-selective and sensitive detection of benzene was achieved using Pd-loaded SnO2 yolk–shell micro-reactor sensing films coated with a catalytic Co3O4 overlayer.
Fluorescent flavonoids for endoplasmic reticulum cell imaging
Authors: McDonald Lucas , Liu Bin , Taraboletti Alexandra , Whiddon Kyle , Shriver Leah P. , Konopka Michael , Liu Qin , Pang Yi
Published: November 2016

Green-emitting flavonoids were found to selectively accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), giving fluorescence turn on.
Fetal nucleated red blood cell analysis for non-invasive prenatal diagnostics using a nanostructure microchip
Authors: He Zhaobo , Guo Feng , Feng Chun , Cai Bo , Lata James P. , He Rongxiang , Huang Qinqin , Yu Xiaolei , Rao Lang , Liu Huiqin , Guo Shishang , Liu Wei , Zhang Yuanzhen , Huang Tony Jun , Zhao Xingzhong
Published: November 2016

A microchip is applied to isolate andin situanalyze fetal nucleated red blood cells for non-invasive prenatal diagnostics.
Heteropoly blue doped polymer nanoparticles: an efficient theranostic agent for targeted photoacoustic imaging and near-infrared photothermal therapy in vivo
Authors: Yan Yuping , Yang Qi , Wang Jie , Jin Hongyu , Wang Jing , Yang Hong , Zhou Zhiguo , Tian Qiwei , Yang Shiping
Published: November 2016

We report a two-step process to construct heteropoly blue (HPB) doped polymer nanoparticles with efficient near-infrared (NIR) light absorption and photothermal conversion efficiency of ∼23%.
An ultrafast responsive BODIPY-based fluorescent probe for the detection of endogenous hypochlorite in live cells
Authors: Qiao Liang , Nie Hailiang , Wu Yulong , Xin Fangyun , Gao Congcong , Jing Jing , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: November 2016

An ultrafast responsive BODIPY-based fluorescent probe was synthesized to selectively detect endogenous hypochlorite in live cells.
Band structure of the EuO/Si interface: justification for silicon spintronics
Authors: Lev L. L. , Averyanov D. V. , Tokmachev A. M. , Bisti F. , Rogalev V. A. , Strocov V. N. , Storchak V. G.
Published: November 2016

The band offset of 1.0 eV at the EuO/Si interface attests the technological potential of the system for silicon spintronics.
The effect of hexyl side chains on molecular conformations, crystal packing, and charge transport of oligothiophenes
Authors: Cherniawski Benjamin P. , Lopez Steven A. , Burnett Edmund K. , Yavuz Ilhan , Zhang Lei , Parkin Sean R. , Houk Kendall N. , Briseno Alejandro L.
Published: November 2016

We report substituent effects on conformational preferences and hole mobilities of 2,5-bis-(thiophen-2-yl) thieno[3,2-b]thiophenes (BTTT) monomer and dimer, and hexyl derivatives.
The Composition of Early Vocabulary in Spanish Children With Down Syndrome and Their Peers With Typical Development
Authors: Checa Elena , Galeote Miguel , Soto Pilar
Published: November 2016

Purpose

There are very few studies, and at present none in Spanish, on vocabulary composition in children with Down syndrome (DS). Nor has the topic been widely assessed in Spanish-speaking children with typical development (TD). This study analyzed the composition of early vocabularies in a large sample of Spanish-speaking children with DS and compared it with that of children with TD.

Method

We studied 108 children with DS and 108 children with TD with mental ages between 8 and 29 months, matched for size of productive vocabulary and gender. The MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (Fenson et al., 1993, 2007), adapted to the language development profile of children with DS, were used. The categories examined were nouns, predicates, closed-class words, and social words.

Results

The performance of children with DS was similar to that of children with TD with the same vocabulary size. The only significant difference was the larger production of nouns by children with DS. The trends of development in the different classes of words were also similar.

Conclusions

The strategies used by children with DS to learn vocabulary may be similar to those used by children with TD in the first stages of language learning.
Cohesive Referencing Errors During Narrative Production as Clinical Evidence of Central Nervous System Abnormality in School-Aged Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Thorne John C. , Coggins Truman E.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Previous evidence suggests that cohesive referencing errors made during narratives may be a behavior that is revealing of underlying central nervous system abnormality in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The current research extends this evidence.

Method

Retrospective analysis of narrative and clinical data from 152 children (ages 6 to 14), 72 of whom had confirmed FASD, was used. Narrative analysis was conducted blind to diagnostic status, age, or gender. Group performance was compared. The associations between measures of cohesive referencing and clinically gathered indices of the degree of central nervous system abnormality were examined.

Results

Results show clear associations between elevated rates of cohesive referencing errors and central nervous system abnormality. Elevated error rates were more common in children with FASD than those without, and prevalence increased predictably across groups with more severe central nervous system abnormality. Risk is particularly elevated for those with microcephaly or a diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome.

Conclusion

Cohesive referencing errors during narrative are a viable behavioral marker of the kinds of central nervous system abnormality associated with prenatal alcohol exposure, having significant potential to become a valuable diagnostic and research tool.
Barrier Lyapunov functions‐based dynamic surface control for pure‐feedback systems with full state constraints
Authors: Wang Chunxiao , Wu Yuqiang , Yu Jiangbo
Published: November 2016

This studies an adaptive control problem of pure‐feedback non‐linear systems with full state constraints. The mean value theorem is employed to deal with unknown non‐linearities. A novel backstepping design is constructed via barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) combined with dynamic surface control (DSC). The BLF guarantees the full state constraints are not violated and all the closed‐loop signals remain bounded. DSC solves the problems of restrictions on high order differentiability of stabilising functions and avoiding the complexity that arises due to the explosion of terms in backstepping design. It is shown that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are ultimately bounded and the tracking error converges to an adjustable neighbourhood of the origin while the full state constraints remain unchanged. The performance of the BLF‐based DSC is illustrated with two simulation examples.
Predictor control for multi‐input non‐linear systems with time‐ and state‐dependent input delays
Authors: Cai Xiushan , Liao Linling , Zhang Junfeng , Liu Yanhong
Published: November 2016

Predictor control for a class of multi‐input non‐linear systems with time‐ and state‐dependent input delays is considered. First, a delay‐free control law is given for the original system in the absence of delays based on the control Lyapunov function. Second, sufficient conditions are obtained and a predictor control for the original system is presented. Stability analysis is done by a Lyapunov functional. Due to the delay dependent on time and state, a region of attraction is estimated. Further, the stabilisation formula is optimal with respect to a meaningful cost functional. The proposed design is illustrated by a mobile robot with input delay.
Robust consensus of autonomous underactuated surface vessels
Authors: Mirzaei Morteza , Meskin Nader , Abdollahi Farzaneh
Published: November 2016

A distributed robust consensus of multiple autonomous underactuated surface vessels (AUSV) is studied in the presence of unknown environmental disturbances. The vehicles have 3 degrees of freedom and two actuators. Since the actuated and unactuated states of the vehicles are strongly coupled, first their kinematics and dynamics are transformed to a cascade non‐linear system. Then, based on the properties of non‐linear cascade systems, a state‐based switching controller is proposed which guarantees the robust consensus of AUSVs. To illustrate the performance of the proposed consensus approach, simulation results are provided.
Dynamic modelling of VSCs in a dq rotating frame for pole‐to‐pole dc fault study
Authors: Lin Weixing , Jovcic Dragan
Published: November 2016

As the future dc grids will involve numerous converter systems, the accuracy and speed of their modelling becomes of high importance. The modelling in a rotating dq frame is able to transform the quantities from ac variables to dc variables resulting in significantly improved simulation speed. dq analytical modelling is normally used only for dynamic studies with voltage source converter (VSC), while large‐disturbance dc faults are commonly studied in static abc frame. A new dq frame modelling method for VSC, including modular multilevel converter topology, for dc fault study is proposed. A unified modelling of the VSC for both dynamic and dc fault study is therefore developed. The model is separately presented for other fault‐tolerant VSC, like LCL (inductor–capacitor–inductor)‐VSC. Simulation results verified that the proposed model is accurate when compared with detailed switching model on PSCAD/EMTDC. The proposed unified VSC model is able to replace the detailed switching model for both dc fault (only pole‐to‐pole dc fault is studied) and dynamic studies. The modelling approach opens the possibility for modelling large dc grids in dq frame for wide range of operating conditions.
Operating region and maximum attainable speed of energy‐efficient control methods of interior permanent‐magnet synchronous motors
Authors: Pairo Hamidreza , Shoulaie Abbas
Published: November 2016

In this study, maximum attainable speed of different control methods of interior permanent‐magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs) is investigated. According to importance of loss reduction in constant power region, investigation of maximum attainable speed of energy‐efficient control methods has a great importance. Inherent field weakening of these methods leads to increment of maximum attainable speed on the constant power curve in comparison with other methods such as id = 0. Therefore, inherent field‐weakening property of energy‐efficient control methods is utilised to extend efficient performance of these methods to above the base speed. In this study, maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) and loss‐minimisation control methods are compared with method of id = 0 in terms of maximum attainable speed and operating region in constant power region. MTPA and loss‐minimisation control methods are efficient in minimising the copper loss and total loss, respectively. Also, loss and efficiency of these methods are compared with each other in constant power region considering saturation and iron loss resistance variation. Also, operating regions of three control methods are obtained in constant power region by an experimental process. Furthermore, experimental results verify calculation and simulation results of maximum attainable speed and operating region of different methods.
Optimal torque control based on effective tracking range for maximum power point tracking of wind turbines under varying wind conditions
Authors: Yin Minghui , Li Weijie , Chung Chi Yung. , Zhou Lianjun , Chen Zaiyu , Zou Yun
Published: November 2016

This study focuses on the development of optimal torque (OT) control, which is a commonly used method for maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Due to the sluggish response of wind turbines with high inertia, conventional OT control was improved to increase MPPT efficiency by dynamically modifying the generator torque versus rotor speed curve. An idea that tracking a local interval of wind speed where the wind energy is primarily distributed rather than the total range of wind speed variation is applied in this study. On this basis, an effective tracking range (ETR) that corresponds to the local interval of wind speed with concentrated wind energy distribution is proposed and an improved OT control based on ETR is developed. In this method, based on a direct relationship between ETR and wind conditions, the torque curve can be quickly optimised so that higher and more stable MPPT efficiency can be achieved under varying wind conditions. Meanwhile, MPPT efficiency enhancement by reducing tracking range without increasing torque discrepancy leads to a low cost of generator torque fluctuation and drive train load. Finally, simulations based on fatigue, aerodynamics, structures, and turbulence (FAST) code and experiments conducted on a wind turbine simulator are presented to verify the proposed method.
Fast reconstruction of defect profiles from magnetic flux leakage measurements using a RBFNN based error adjustment methodology
Authors: Feng Jian , Li Fangming , Lu Senxiang , Liu Jinhai
Published: November 2016

Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) inspection is one of the most commonly used electromagnetic in‐line inspection methods for detecting anomalies due to corrosion in the underground pipelines. An effective defect reconstruction method is very important for MFL detection. This study proposes a fast radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) based error adjustment (EA) methodology to reconstruct the defect profiles from MFL measurements. In the proposed model, the defect profile is updated according to the difference between the estimated and actual signals. The specific updating scheme is determined by the well trained RBFNN according to the difference. This profile updating strategy ensures that this method can approximate the actual profile faster than other methods. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by simulation and experimental data under various conditions. The results demonstrate that the proposed model exhibits faster convergence performance in a robust and stable manner while maintaining good reconstruction accuracy.
Resistance to enzymatic cleavage of peptide agents immobilised on magnetic nanoparticles Fe3O4
Authors: Nowak‐Jary Julia , Defort Alicja , Kozioł Jacek J.
Published: November 2016

A broad and significant group of drugs include peptide compounds. The peptides are also crucial in the delivery of amino acid analogues, which are important inhibitors of pathogenic cell enzymes. Unfortunately, peptide agents have a number of disadvantages which limit their use. Among the most significant is their low stability in blood serum, caused by peptidase cleavage. This problem has not been solved conclusively so far. We proposed immobilisation of peptides on ‘magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) Fe3O4’ as a potentially effective way to protect peptide agents from enzymatic cleavage. A simple method of linking dipeptides with N‐terminal lysine to the nanoparticles surface via a linker containing boronic acid was designed. This method of bonding enables the measurement of the degree of enzymatic hydrolysis under in vitro conditions of the peptides immobilised on the nanoparticles using a UV–Vis spectrophotometric technique. The characterisation of morphology of the obtained nanostructures was also carried out. It has been demonstrated that peptides immobilised on MNPs Fe3O4 are more resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis than peptides in their unattached form. The MNPs Fe3O4 seem to be very useful as peptide‐drug carriers.
Fabrication of a super‐amphiphobic aluminium alloy surface via wire electrical discharge machining and chemical etching technology
Authors: Wan Yanling , Xu Lining , Liu Zhigang , Yu Huadong
Published: November 2016

A simple method, involving twice electric machining by HS‐WEDM and chemical etching, is used to fabricate super‐amphiphobic (both super‐hydrophobic and super‐oleophobic) surfaces on aluminium alloy. The surface morphology of the samples was investigated using scanning electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscope. The evaluations of surface oleophobicity were carried out using the contact angles of ethylene glycol, diiodomethane and dodecane. Finally, the experimental result indicated that after the twice electric machining and chemical etching, the micro/nanometre‐scale binary rough structure was presented on the sample surfaces, and the resulting sample surfaces produced in this method had super‐hydrophobic and lipophilic properties (water contact angle of 155.74°). More importantly, after surface fluorination, the sample surfaces turned to super‐amphiphobic surfaces and the biggest contact angles of water and oil were 156.24° and 157.34°, respectively. Therefore, it can be considered that the acquirement of the micro/nanometre‐scale rough structures and the reduction of the surface energy are essential requirements to fabricate super‐amphiphobic surfaces. The advantages of the present method over the other methods are that the used wire electrical discharge machining can machine most metals, and the processes of surface forming and microstructure fabrication were combined, which saves processing time greatly.