bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mononuclear iron(ii) complex: cooperativity, kinetics and activation energy of the solvent-dependent spin transition
Authors: Bushuev Mark B. , Pishchur Denis P. , Logvinenko Vladimir A. , Gatilov Yuri V. , Korolkov Ilya V. , Shundrina Inna K. , Nikolaenkova Elena B. , Krivopalov Viktor P.
Published: November 2015

A mononuclear iron(ii) pyrimidine-based complex shows remarkable spin crossover properties and unprecedented thermal robustness.
Tuning the redox properties of the titanocene(iii)/(iv)-couple for atom-economical catalysis in single electron steps
Authors: Gansäuer A. , Hildebrandt S. , Vogelsang E. , Flowers II R. A.
Published: November 2015

A concept for the design of efficient catalytic radical reactions is outlined.
All-vanadium dual circuit redox flow battery for renewable hydrogen generation and desulfurisation
Authors: Peljo Pekka , Vrubel Heron , Amstutz Véronique , Pandard Justine , Morgado Joana , Santasalo-Aarnio Annukka , Lloyd David , Gumy Frédéric , Dennison C. R. , Toghill Kathryn E. , Girault Hubert H.
Published: November 2015

All-vanadium dual circuit redox flow battery capable of converting surplus electricity into hydrogen and performing simultaneous desulfurization with high efficiency.
Toward lower cost cellulosic biofuel production using ammonia based pretreatment technologies
Authors: Jin Mingjie , da Costa Sousa Leonardo , Schwartz Christopher , He Yuxin , Sarks Cory , Gunawan Christa , Balan Venkatesh , Dale Bruce E.
Published: November 2015

AFEX-related technology improvements in the past eight years with the support from GLBRC significantly reduced enzyme loading and enhanced productivity.
A high-throughput mechanofluidic screening platform for investigating tumor cell adhesion during metastasis
Authors: Spencer A. , Spruell C. , Nandi S. , Wong M. , Creixell M. , Baker A. B.
Published: November 2015

A high throughput cone-and-plate device enabling the parallel application of flow for performing drug screening assays on tumor cell adhesion.
Stimuli-responsive behavior of composites integrating thermo-responsive gels with photo-responsive fibers
Authors: Kuksenok Olga , Balazs Anna C.
Published: November 2015

Materials that could be reconfigured multiple times into different shapes with the use of different stimuli could dramatically impact manufacturing processes.
Organic crystal-binding peptides: morphology control and one-pot formation of protein-displaying organic crystals
Authors: Niide Teppei , Ozawa Kyohei , Nakazawa Hikaru , Oliveira Daniel , Kasai Hitoshi , Onodera Mari , Asano Ryutaro , Kumagai Izumi , Umetsu Mitsuo
Published: November 2015

We generated perylene crystal-binding peptide, which can be used for simultaneous control of perylene crystal morphology, dispersion, and protein immobilization on the crystals.
2-Aroylquinoline-5,8-diones as potent anticancer agents displaying tubulin and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibition
Authors: Nepali Kunal , Kumar Sunil , Huang Hsiang-Ling , Kuo Fei-Chiao , Lee Cheng-Hsin , Kuo Ching-Chuan , Yeh Teng-Kuang , Li Yu-Hsuan , Chang Jang-Yang , Liou Jing-Ping , Lee Hsueh-Yun
Published: November 2015

This study reports the synthesis of a series of 2-aroylquinoline-5,8-diones (11–23) on the basis of scaffold hopping.
Density-functional studies of hydrogen peroxide adsorption and dissociation on MoO3(100) and H0.33MoO3(100) surfaces
Authors: Kadossov Evgueni B. , Soufiani Ahmad Razzaghi , Apblett Allen W. , Materer Nicholas F.
Published: November 2015

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) adsorption and dissociation mechanisms on MoO3(100) and H0.33MoO3(100) surfaces were studied by means of density-functional computations.
One pot synthesis of doxorubicin loaded gold nanoparticles for sustained drug release
Authors: Chaudhary Abhishek , Dwivedi Charu , Gupta Abhishek , Nandi Chayan K.
Published: November 2015

Here, we report a facile, versatile and simple one-pot synthesis of doxorubicin (Dox) loaded gold nanoparticles (Dox–GNP conjugate), where Dox can act both as a reducing as well as a capping agent.
AFM study of asphalt binder “bee” structures: origin, mechanical fracture, topological evolution, and experimental artifacts
Authors: Hung Albert M. , Fini Elham H.
Published: November 2015

“Bee” structures on asphalt binder surfaces are proposed to be 10 nm thin, wrinkled films of crystallized paraffinic wax.
Homochiral luminescent lanthanide dinuclear complexes derived from a chiral carboxylate
Authors: Wen He-Rui , Xie Xin-Rong , Liu Sui-Jun , Bao Jun , Wang Feng-Feng , Liu Cai-Ming , Liao Jin-Sheng
Published: November 2015

A family of chiral Ln2clusters based on a chiral monocarboxylate ligand has been successfully constructedviaa diffusion method, and Eu, Tb and Dy analogues display good luminescent properties.
Thermal curing of novel carborane-containing phenylethynyl terminated imide oligomers
Authors: Yue Jie , Li Yuntao , Li Hui , Zhao Yan , Zhao Chunxia , Wang Xiangyu
Published: November 2015

The thermal behavior of novel carborane-containing phenylethynyl terminated imide model compound and resultant resin systems was studied in this paper.
Enhanced properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films with functionalized graphene
Authors: Mo Shenbin , Peng Li , Yuan Chunqiu , Zhao Chunyan , Tang Wei , Ma Cunliang , Shen Jiaxin , Yang Wenbin , Yu Youhai , Min Yong , Epstein Arthur J.
Published: November 2015

The poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composites containing three types of functionalized graphene (GO, RGO and SRGO) were successfully prepared by a simple solution casting. The PVA/SRGO composite shows dramatic enhancements of both mechanical and dielectric properties of PVA.
Visual detection of Maize chlorotic mottle virus using unmodified gold nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Zhanmin , Xia Xueying , Yang Cuiyun , Wang Lin
Published: November 2015

Visual detection of Maize chlorotic mottle virus was investigated using unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
Synthesis of graphene-wrapped ZnMn2O4 hollow microspheres as high performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Tong , Yue Huijuan , Qiu Hailong , Zhu Kai , Zhang Lijie , Wei Yingjin , Du Fei , Chen Gang , Zhang Dong
Published: November 2015

A facile method for the synthesis of graphene-wrapped ZnMn2O4 hollow microspheres which show excellent electrochemical performance.
Development of non-covalent ternary polymer–CNT composites as a novel supporting material for electrooxidation of glycerol
Authors: Prasanna Dakshinamoorthy , Selvaraj Vaithilingam
Published: November 2015

A novel ternary polymer–CNT composite containing three different monomers namely amine terminated cyclophosphazene, hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene and 2,2′-benzidinedisulfonic acid as a new catalyst support for biobased alcohol fuel cell applications.
Molecular structures of Pr@C72 and Pr@C72(C6H3Cl2): a combined experimental–theoretical investigation
Authors: Zhao Yan-li , Zhou Qin , Lian Yong-fu , Yu Hai-tao
Published: November 2015

The carbon-cage structure of the lowest-lying Pr@C72 and its dichlorophenyl-functionalized derivative is C2(10612)-C72.
Prussian blue modified metal–organic framework MIL-101(Fe) with intrinsic peroxidase-like catalytic activity as a colorimetric biosensing platform
Authors: Cui Fengjuan , Deng Qingfang , Sun Li
Published: November 2015

Nanosized porous PB/MIL-101(Fe) was facilely prepared by growing Prussian blue (PB) on MIL-101(Fe). It has more active sites and pores for peroxidase substrates and gives a simple, sensitive colorimetric assay to detect H2O2and glucose.
Thickness of the hole transport layer in perovskite solar cells: performance versus reproducibility
Authors: Kim Guan-Woo , Shinde Dipak V. , Park Taiho
Published: November 2015

We systematically studied the effect of the thickness of a spiro-MeOTAD hole transport layer on photovoltaic properties and reproducibility. We find that an interplay exists between the photovoltaic performance and reproducibility.
Design and development of a dual-drug loaded pulsatile capsule for treatment of hypertension – in vitro and ex vivo studies
Authors: Das Saugandha , Vegesna Naga Sravan Kumar Varma , H. G. Shivakumar
Published: November 2015

The aim of the present study was to design and evaluate a pulsatile dosage form to program the release of dual antihypertensive drugs to mimic the circadian pattern of BP.
Porphyrin chemodosimeters: synthesis, electrochemical redox properties and selective ‘naked-eye’ detection of cyanide ions
Authors: Chahal Mandeep K. , Sankar Muniappan
Published: November 2015

β-Dicyanovinyl substituted porphyrins have been synthesized and utilized as chemodosimeters for ratiometric and colorimetric sensing of cyanide ions in CH3CN and H2O/CH3CN mixture.
Progress on layered hydrotalcite (HT) materials as potential support and catalytic materials
Authors: Baskaran Thangaraj , Christopher Jayaraj , Sakthivel Ayyamperumal
Published: November 2015

The present review is focused on a recent development in the preparation of various layered hydrotalcites and their applications in environmental, catalytic and supported materials.
Blend film based on fish gelatine/curdlan for packaging applications: spectral, microstructural and thermal characteristics
Authors: Ahmad Mehraj , Nirmal Nilesh Prakash , Chuprom Julalak
Published: November 2015

Novel biodegradable and thermostable FG/CL (8 : 2) blend film was fabricated and characterised for packaging applications.
Effect of molybdenum carbide concentration on the Ni/ZrO2 catalysts for steam-CO2 bi-reforming of methane
Authors: Li Weizuo , Zhao Zhongkui , Ren Panpan , Wang Guiru
Published: November 2015

This work presents an efficient approach to enhance the catalytic activity and stability of supported nickel catalysts for steam-CO2 bi-reforming of methane to synthesis gas by introducing the appropriate amount of molybdenum carbide.
Coagulation behavior and floc structure characteristics of cationic lignin-based polymer-polyferric chloride dual-coagulants under different coagulation conditions
Authors: Li Ruihua , Gao Baoyu , Sun Shenglei , Wang Hui , Liu Yingxue , Yue Qinyan , Wang Yan
Published: November 2015

To recycle papermaking sludge, a novel lignin-based flocculant with high cationic degree and molecular weight was introduced.
β-Arylation of oxime ethers using diaryliodonium salts through activation of inert C(sp)–H bonds using a palladium catalyst
Authors: Peng Jing , Chen Chao , Xi Chanjuan
Published: November 2015

Palladium catalyzed selectiveβ-arylation of oxime ethers was realized using diaryliodonium salts as the key arylation reagents.
Oil-in-oil emulsions stabilised solely by solid particles
Authors: Binks Bernard P. , Tyowua Andrew T.
Published: November 2015

Relatively hydrophobic particles of different type, size and shape are shown to be effective stabilisers of emulsions containing immiscible oils of low dielectric constant. Transitional and catastrophic phase inversion can be effected and both simple and multiple emulsions are stable for a long period of time.
Fabrication of asymmetrical diffusion dialysis membranes for rapid acid recovery with high purity
Authors: Lin Xiaocheng , Shamsaei Ezzatollah , Kong Biao , Liu Jefferson Zhe , Xu Tongwen , Wang Huanting
Published: November 2015

Anion exchange membranes with fast acid permeation and high retention of salts have been fabricated to increase the process efficiency of acid recovery from various industrial processes via diffusion dialysis, thereby greatly reducing their energy consumption and environmental impact.
CdS–phenanthroline derivative hybrid cathode interlayers for high performance inverted organic solar cells
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Wu Yulei , Li Xiaodong , Zhang Wenjun , Zhao Lixiao , Wang Hai-Qiao , Fang Junfeng
Published: November 2015

High performance inverted OSCs were achieved by using CdS–phenanthroline derivative hybrids as electron transporting layers through thermal decomposition.
A comparative study of SrCo0.8Nb0.2O3−δand SrCo0.8Ta0.2O3−δas low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell cathodes: effect of non-geometry factors on the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Li Mengran , Zhou Wei , Peterson Vanessa K. , Zhao Mingwen , Zhu Zhonghua
Published: November 2015

The crystal geometry factor was constrained for the first time to study the non-geometry factors that may affect the oxygen reduction reaction at the operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells.
Artificial photosynthesis using metal/nonmetal-nitride semiconductors: current status, prospects, and challenges
Authors: Kibria M. G. , Mi Z.
Published: November 2015

Artificial photosynthesis,i.e.the chemical transformation of sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into high-energy-rich fuels is one of the key sustainable energy technologies to enable a carbon-free, storable and renewable source of energy.
A superior low-cost amorphous carbon anode made from pitch and lignin for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Yunming , Hu Yong-Sheng , Li Hong , Chen Liquan , Huang Xuejie
Published: November 2015

This study reports a superior low-cost amorphous carbon anode made from pitch and lignin with excellent electrochemical performance for sodium-ion batteries for the first time.
Macromolecular crowding and hydrophobic effects on Fmoc-diphenylalanine hydrogel formation in PEG : water mixtures
Authors: Hassan Md. Musfizur , Martin Adam D. , Thordarson Pall
Published: November 2015

Addition of water triggers gelation in (poly)ethylene glycol (PEG) solutions of peptide gelators, with or without drugs added. The gels are formed by a combination of macromolecular crowding and hydrophobic effects as evident by significant secondary structure changes when compared to gel formed from pure water.
Multiresponsive luminescent dicyanodistyrylbenzenes and their photochemistry in solution and in bulk
Authors: Martínez-Abadía M. , Varghese S. , Giménez R. , Ros M. B.
Published: November 2015

Multiresponsive luminescence and photochemical activity (Z/E isomerization and/or photodimerization) in solution and in the liquid crystal phase are reported with dicyanodistyryl-based molecules.
The impact of electrostatic interactions on ultrafast charge transfer at Ag29 nanoclusters–fullerene and CdTe quantum dots–fullerene interfaces
Authors: Ahmed Ghada H. , Parida Manas R. , Tosato Alberto , AbdulHalim Lina G. , Usman Anwar , Alsulami Qana A. , Murali Banavoth , Alarousu Erkki , Bakr Osman M. , Mohammed Omar F.
Published: November 2015

We report how electrostatic interactions significantly impact charge transfer at CdTe QDs/fullerene interfaces.
A fluorescent and halochromic indolizine switch
Authors: Zhang Yang , Garcia-Amorós Jaume , Captain Burjor , Raymo Françisco M.
Published: November 2015

Proton transfer from a photoacid generator to a halochromic molecular switch within a polymer film permits the imprinting of fluorescent patterns under the influence of optical stimulations.
Substrate integrated waveguide differential filtering power divider with good common‐mode suppression and high selectivity
Authors: Chu Hui , Chen Jian‐Xin , Guo Yong‐Xin
Published: November 2015

A filtering differential power divider based on the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology is proposed for the first time, featured by good common‐mode suppressions and high selectivity. A rectangular SIW cavity, which is connected with differential inputs and operates in a balanced diagonal TE102 mode, is utilised to achieve the power division function. It also works with rectangular SIW cavities, which resonate in balanced TE102 modes, to obtain good common‐mode suppressions for all cases. Meanwhile, electric negative cross‐couplings are introduced to improve the frequency selectivity of the proposed filtering power divider. A prototype operated in the X‐band has been developed for a demonstration. Good agreement between simulated and measured results is obtained.
Spectral estimation of terahertz time‐domain signals using a simple parametric method
Authors: Sanjuan F. , Galarza C.
Published: November 2015

A simple method for spectral estimation of terahertz signals using an autoregressive model is developed. The technique shows a better spectral variance and resolution over the use of the Fast Fourier Transform, which is commonly utilised in this kind of signal. The results are validated comparing the water vapour absorption lines and the standard deviation of a set of 24 measurements between methods. As a consequence of improving the signal variance, a better signal‐to‐noise ratio is achieved without enhancing the experiment. Such result also produces an increase in the signal bandwidth and less error when optical parameters are estimated.
Slow radar target detection in heterogeneous clutter using thinned space‐time adaptive processing
Authors: Wang Xiangrong , Aboutanios Elias , Amin Moeness G.
Published: November 2015

The authors address the problem of slow target detection in heterogeneous clutter through dimensionality reduction. Traditional approaches of implementing the space‐time adaptive processing (STAP) require a large number of training data to estimate the clutter covariance matrix. To address the issue of limited training data especially in the heterogeneous scenarios, they propose a novel thinned STAP through selecting an optimum subset of antenna‐pulse pairs that achieves the maximum output signal‐to‐clutter‐plus‐noise ratio. The proposed strategy utilises a new parameter, named spatial spectrum correlation coefficient, to analytically characterise the effect of space‐time configuration on STAP performance and reduce the dimensionality of traditional STAP. Two algorithms are proposed to solve the antenna‐pulse selection problem. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is confirmed by extensive simulation results, especially by utilising the multi‐channel airborne radar measurement data set.
Nonplanar dynamics of variable size dust grains in nonextensive dusty plasma
Authors: Behery E. E. , Selim M. M. , El-Taibany W. F.
Published: November 2015

The nonplanar propagation of variable size dust grains in an unmagnetized, collisionless nonplanar (cylindrical) dusty plasma is investigated. The plasma is composed of cold positive and negative dust fluids and nonextensively distributed ions and electrons. The dust size distribution (DSD) is proposed to obey a power law distribution function which is widely applicable in space plasmas. The reductive perturbation technique is employed, and a cylindrical Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation, describing the nonlinear propagation of dust acoustic waves (DAWs), is obtained. New solutions of this evolution equation (hyperbolic, trigeometrical, and rational) are obtained using G′/G-expansion method. In addition, the proposed model permits the two soliton types, i.e., the rarefactive and compressive solitons. It is found that the DSD and nonextensive distributions have drastic effects on the basic properties of the nonlinear cylindrical DAWs; the phase velocity, the amplitude, and the width. The applications of the present findings in certain astrophysics environments (such as Jupiter's magnetosphere and Earth's mesosphere), where both of the DSD and the geometrical effects are important, are discussed.
Effective doublon and hole temperatures in the photo-doped dynamic Hubbard model
Authors: Werner Philipp , Eckstein Martin
Published: November 2015

Hirsch's dynamic Hubbard model describes the effect of orbital expansion with occupancy by coupling the doublon operator to an auxiliary boson. In the Mott insulating phase, empty sites (holes) and doubly occupied orbitals (doublons) become charge carriers on top of the half-filled background. We use the nonequilibrium dynamical mean field method to study the properties of photo-doped doublons and holes in this model in the strongly correlated regime. In particular, we discuss how photodoping leads to doublon and hole populations with different effective temperatures, and we analyze the relaxation behavior as a function of the boson coupling and boson energy. In the polaronic regime, the nontrivial energy exchange between doublons, holes, and bosons can result in a negative temperature distribution for the holes.
Electrical properties of phosphorus in situ doped Au-catalyst vapor liquid solid silicon nanowires
Authors: Pichon L. , Rogel R. , Jacques E.
Published: November 2015

N-type in-situ doped silicon nanowire-based resistors are fabricated following a CMOS process fabrication. Silicon nanowires are prepared by a Vapour Liquid Solid (VLS) method using gold as the catalyst. The doping level is adjusted by varying the phosphine to silane mole ratio during silicon nanowire growth. A macroscopic electrical model is presented to extract the average silicon nanowire electrical resistivity over a large doping level range (varying from undoped to highly doped nanowires). Carrier transport is strongly affected by the trapping effect of gold impurities into silicon nanowires, and silicon nanowire electrical resistivity is three decades higher than for silicon bulk at low doping levels. The technological requirement in terms of doping level control for the fabrication of devices based on a gold catalyst VLS is demonstrated.
Complementary structure for designer localized surface plasmons
Authors: Gao Zhen , Gao Fei , Zhang Youming , Zhang Baile
Published: November 2015

Magnetic localized surface plasmons (LSPs) supported on metallic structures corrugated by very long and curved grooves have been recently proposed and demonstrated on an extremely thin metallic spiral structure (MSS) in the microwave regime. However, the mode profile for the magnetic LSPs was demonstrated by measuring only the electric field, not the magnetic field. Here, based on Babinet's principle, we propose a Babinet-inverted, or complementary MSS whose electric/magnetic mode profiles match the magnetic/electric mode profiles of MSS. This complementarity of mode profiles allows mapping the magnetic field distribution of magnetic LSP mode profile on MSS by measuring the electric field distribution of the corresponding mode on complementary MSS. Experiment at microwave frequencies also demonstrate the use of complementary MSS in sensing refractive-index change in the environment.
Multiscale modeling of droplet interface bilayer membrane networks
Authors: Freeman Eric C. , Farimani Amir B. , Aluru Narayana R. , Philen Michael K.
Published: November 2015

Droplet interface bilayer (DIB) networks are considered for the development of stimuli-responsive membrane-based materials inspired by cellular mechanics. These DIB networks are often modeled as combinations of electrical circuit analogues, creating complex networks of capacitors and resistors that mimic the biomolecular structures. These empirical models are capable of replicating data from electrophysiology experiments, but these models do not accurately capture the underlying physical phenomena and consequently do not allow for simulations of material functionalities beyond the voltage-clamp or current-clamp conditions. The work presented here provides a more robust description of DIB network behavior through the development of a hierarchical multiscale model, recognizing that the macroscopic network properties are functions of their underlying molecular structure. The result of this research is a modeling methodology based on controlled exchanges across the interfaces of neighboring droplets. This methodology is validated against experimental data, and an extension case is provided to demonstrate possible future applications of droplet interface bilayer networks.
A note on a nonlinear equation arising in discussions of the steady fall of a resistive, viscous, isothermal fluid across a magnetic field
Authors: Tautz R. C. , Lerche I.
Published: November 2015

This note considers the evolution of steady isothermal flow across a uniform magnetic field from an analytic standpoint. This problem is of concern in developments of magnetic fields in the solar corona and for prominence dynamics. Limiting behaviors are obtained to the nonlinear equation describing the flow depending on the value of a single parameter. For the situation where the viscous drag is a small correction to the inviscid flow limiting structures are also outlined. The purpose of the note is to show how one can evaluate some of the analytic properties of the highly nonlinear equation that are of use in considering the numerical evolution as done in Low and Egan [Phys. Plasmas 21, 062105 (2014)].
Trajectory-probed instability and statistics of desynchronization events in coupled chaotic systems
Authors: de Oliveira Gilson F. , Chevrollier Martine , Passerat de Silans Thierry , Oriá Marcos , de Souza Cavalcante Hugo L. D.
Published: November 2015

Complex systems, such as financial markets, earthquakes, and neurological networks, exhibit extreme events whose mechanisms of formation are not still completely understood. These mechanisms may be identified and better studied in simpler systems with dynamical features similar to the ones encountered in the complex system of interest. For instance, sudden and brief departures from the synchronized state observed in coupled chaotic systems were shown to display non-normal statistical distributions similar to events observed in the complex systems cited above. The current hypothesis accepted is that these desynchronization events are influenced by the presence of unstable object(s) in the phase space of the system. Here, we present further evidence that the occurrence of large events is triggered by the visitation of the system's phase-space trajectory to the vicinity of these unstable objects. In the system studied here, this visitation is controlled by a single parameter, and we exploit this feature to observe the effect of the visitation rate in the overall instability of the synchronized state. We find that the probability of escapes from the synchronized state and the size of those desynchronization events are enhanced in attractors whose shapes permit the chaotic trajectories to approach the region of strong instability. This result shows that the occurrence of large events requires not only a large local instability to amplify noise, or to amplify the effect of parameter mismatch between the coupled subsystems, but also that the trajectories of the system wander close to this local instability.
Elliptical quantum dots as on-demand single photons sources with deterministic polarization states
Authors: Teng Chu-Hsiang , Zhang Lei , Hill Tyler A. , Demory Brandon , Deng Hui , Ku Pei-Cheng
Published: November 2015

In quantum information, control of the single photon's polarization is essential. Here, we demonstrate single photon generation in a pre-programmed and deterministic polarization state, on a chip-scale platform, utilizing site-controlled elliptical quantum dots (QDs) synthesized by a top-down approach. The polarization from the QD emission is found to be linear with a high degree of linear polarization and parallel to the long axis of the ellipse. Single photon emission with orthogonal polarizations is achieved, and the dependence of the degree of linear polarization on the QD geometry is analyzed.
Experimental and kinetic study on anaerobic digestion of food waste: The effect of total solids and pH
Authors: Deepanraj B. , Sivasubramanian V. , Jayaraj S.
Published: November 2015

This paper presents the results of laboratory experiments carried out on an anaerobic digestion of food waste with respect to the effect of solid concentration and pH. Total solid (TS) content ranging from 5.0% to 15.0% and pH value ranging from 5 to 9 were analyzed. Laboratory scale experiments using 2 l bioreactors were performed in batch mode operated at mesophilic temperature condition with a hydraulic retention time of 30 days. The cumulative volume of biogas produced was used to measure the reactor performance. The methane and carbon dioxide composition of the gas produced was measured using infra-red gas analyzers. The kinetics of biogas produced has been predicted using three different models (Gompertz model, modified Gompertz model, and Logistic model). The experimental results showed that the solid concentration 7.5% of TS and 7 pH produced a maximum biogas yield. The kinetic study showed that modified Gompertz model produced perfect goodness of fit and root mean square error when compared to other two models.
Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stretched flow of nanofluid with power-law velocity and chemical reaction
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Rashid Madiha , Imtiaz Maria , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: November 2015

This paper deals with the boundary layer flow of nanofluid over power-law stretched surface. Analysis has been carried out in the presence of applied magnetic field and chemical reaction. Heat and mass transfer characteristics are studied using heat and mass convective conditions. The governing partial differential equations are transferred to the nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Convergent series solutions are obtained for fluid velocity, temperature and concentrations fields. Influences of pertinent parameters including Hartman number, thermal and concentration Biot numbers and chemical reaction parameters are discussed on the velocity, temperature and concentration profiles. Graphical result are presented and discussed. Computations for local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are carried out. It is observed that the heat transfer rate is enhanced by increasing power-law index, thermal Biot number and chemical reaction parameter while mass transfer rate increases for power-law index and chemical reaction parameter.
New edge magnetoplasmon interference like photovoltage oscillations and their amplitude enhancement in the presence of an antidot lattice
Authors: Bisotto I. , Portal J.-C. , Brown D. , D. Wieck A.
Published: November 2015

We present new photovoltage oscillation in a pure two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) and in the presence of circular or semicircular antidot lattices. Results were interpreted as EMPs-like photovoltage oscillations. We observed and explained the photovoltage oscillation amplitude enhancement in the presence of an antidot lattice with regard to the pure 2DEG. The microwave frequency excitation range is 139 – 350 GHz. The cyclotron and magnetoplasmon resonances take place in the magnetic field range 0.4 – 0.8 T. This original experimental condition allows edge magnetoplasmons EMPs interference like observation at low magnetic field, typically B < Bc where Bc is the magnetic field at which the cyclotron resonance takes place. The different oscillation periods observed and their microwave frequency dependence were discussed. For 139 and 158 GHz microwave excitation frequencies, a unique EMPs-like interference period was found in the presence of antidots whereas two periods were extracted for 295 or 350 GHz. An explanation of this effect is given taking account of strong electron interaction with antidot at low magnetic field. Indeed, electrons involved in EMPs like phenomenon interact strongly with antidots when electron cyclotron orbits are larger than or comparable to the antidot diameter.
Protrusive waves guide 3D cell migration along nanofibers
Authors: Guetta-Terrier Charlotte , Monzo Pascale , Zhu Jie , Long Hongyan , Venkatraman Lakshmi , Zhou Yue , Wang PeiPei , Chew Sing Yian , Mogilner Alexander , Ladoux Benoit , Gauthier Nils C.
Published: November 2015

In vivo, cells migrate on complex three-dimensional (3D) fibrous matrices, which has made investigation of the key molecular and physical mechanisms that drive cell migration difficult. Using reductionist approaches based on 3D electrospun fibers, we report for various cell types that single-cell migration along fibronectin-coated nanofibers is associated with lateral actin-based waves. These cyclical waves have a fin-like shape and propagate up to several hundred micrometers from the cell body, extending the leading edge and promoting highly persistent directional movement. Cells generate these waves through balanced activation of the Rac1/N-WASP/Arp2/3 and Rho/formins pathways. The waves originate from one major adhesion site at leading end of the cell body, which is linked through actomyosin contractility to another site at the back of the cell, allowing force generation, matrix deformation and cell translocation. By combining experimental and modeling data, we demonstrate that cell migration in a fibrous environment requires the formation and propagation of dynamic, actin based fin-like protrusions.
AMIGO2, a novel membrane anchor of PDK1, controls cell survival and angiogenesis via Akt activation
Authors: Park Hyojin , Lee Sungwoon , Shrestha Pravesh , Kim Jihye , Park Jeong Ae , Ko Yeongrim , Ban Young Ho , Park Dae-Young , Ha Sang-Jun , Koh Gou Young , Hong Victor Sukbong , Mochizuki Naoki , Kim Young-Myeong , Lee Weontae , Kwon Young-Guen
Published: November 2015

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase–Akt signaling pathway is essential to many biological processes, including cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, and angiogenesis, under pathophysiological conditions. Although 3-phosphoinositide–dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) is a primary activator of Akt at the plasma membrane, the optimal activation mechanism remains unclear. We report that adhesion molecule with IgG-like domain 2 (AMIGO2) is a novel scaffold protein that regulates PDK1 membrane localization and Akt activation. Loss of AMIGO2 in endothelial cells (ECs) led to apoptosis and inhibition of angiogenesis with Akt inactivation. Amino acid residues 465–474 in AMIGO2 directly bind to the PDK1 pleckstrin homology domain. A synthetic peptide containing the AMIGO2 465–474 residues abrogated the AMIGO2–PDK1 interaction and Akt activation. Moreover, it effectively suppressed pathological angiogenesis in murine tumor and oxygen-induced retinopathy models. These results demonstrate that AMIGO2 is an important regulator of the PDK1–Akt pathway in ECs and suggest that interference of the PDK1–AMIGO2 interaction might be a novel pharmaceutical target for designing an Akt pathway inhibitor.
Lamin A/C sustains PcG protein architecture, maintaining transcriptional repression at target genes
Authors: Cesarini Elisa , Mozzetta Chiara , Marullo Fabrizia , Gregoretti Francesco , Gargiulo Annagiusi , Columbaro Marta , Cortesi Alice , Antonelli Laura , Di Pelino Simona , Squarzoni Stefano , Palacios Daniela , Zippo Alessio , Bodega Beatrice , Oliva Gennaro , Lanzuolo Chiara
Published: November 2015

Beyond its role in providing structure to the nuclear envelope, lamin A/C is involved in transcriptional regulation. However, its cross talk with epigenetic factors—and how this cross talk influences physiological processes—is still unexplored. Key epigenetic regulators of development and differentiation are the Polycomb group (PcG) of proteins, organized in the nucleus as microscopically visible foci. Here, we show that lamin A/C is evolutionarily required for correct PcG protein nuclear compartmentalization. Confocal microscopy supported by new algorithms for image analysis reveals that lamin A/C knock-down leads to PcG protein foci disassembly and PcG protein dispersion. This causes detachment from chromatin and defects in PcG protein–mediated higher-order structures, thereby leading to impaired PcG protein repressive functions. Using myogenic differentiation as a model, we found that reduced levels of lamin A/C at the onset of differentiation led to an anticipation of the myogenic program because of an alteration of PcG protein–mediated transcriptional repression. Collectively, our results indicate that lamin A/C can modulate transcription through the regulation of PcG protein epigenetic factors.
Cargo-selective apical exocytosis in epithelial cells is conducted by Myo5B, Slp4a, Vamp7, and Syntaxin 3
Authors: Vogel Georg F. , Klee Katharina M.C. , Janecke Andreas R. , Müller Thomas , Hess Michael W. , Huber Lukas A.
Published: November 2015

Mutations in the motor protein Myosin Vb (Myo5B) or the soluble NSF attachment protein receptor Syntaxin 3 (Stx3) disturb epithelial polarity and cause microvillus inclusion disease (MVID), a lethal hereditary enteropathy affecting neonates. To understand the molecular mechanism of Myo5B and Stx3 interplay, we used genome editing to introduce a defined Myo5B patient mutation in a human epithelial cell line. Our results demonstrate a selective role of Myo5B and Stx3 for apical cargo exocytosis in polarized epithelial cells. Apical exocytosis of NHE3, CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), and GLUT5 required an interaction cascade of Rab11, Myo5B, Slp4a, Munc18-2, and Vamp7 with Stx3, which cooperate in the final steps of this selective apical traffic pathway. The brush border enzymes DPPIV and sucrase-isomaltase still correctly localize at the apical plasma membrane independent of this pathway. Hence, our work demonstrates how Myo5B, Stx3, Slp4a, Vamp7, Munc18-2, and Rab8/11 cooperate during selective apical cargo trafficking and exocytosis in epithelial cells and thereby provides further insight into MVID pathophysiology.
Specific identification and quantification of circular RNAs from sequencing data
Authors: Cheng Jun , Metge Franziska , Dieterich Christoph
Published: November 2015

Motivation: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a poorly characterized class of molecules that have been identified decades ago. Emerging high-throughput sequencing methods as well as first reports on confirmed functions have sparked new interest in this RNA species. However, the computational detection and quantification tools are still limited.

Results: We developed the software tandem, DCC and CircTest. DCC uses output from the STAR read mapper to systematically detect back-splice junctions in next-generation sequencing data. DCC applies a series of filters and integrates data across replicate sets to arrive at a precise list of circRNA candidates. We assessed the detection performance of DCC on a newly generated mouse brain data set and publicly available sequencing data. Our software achieves a much higher precision than state-of-the-art competitors at similar sensitivity levels. Moreover, DCC estimates circRNA versus host gene expression from counting junction and non-junction reads. These read counts are finally used to test for host gene-independence of circRNA expression across different experimental conditions by our R package CircTest. We demonstrate the benefits of this approach on previously reported age-dependent circRNAs in the fruit fly.

Availability and implementation: The source code of DCC and CircTest is licensed under the GNU General Public Licence (GPL) version 3 and available from https://github.com/dieterich-lab/[DCC or CircTest].

Contact:  christoph.dieterich@age.mpg.de

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A decision-theoretic phase I–II design for ordinal outcomes in two cycles
Authors: Lee Juhee , Thall Peter F. , Ji Yuan , Müller Peter
Published: November 2015

This paper is motivated by a phase I–II clinical trial of a targeted agent for advanced solid tumors. We study a stylized version of this trial with the goal to determine optimal actions in each of two cycles of therapy. A design is presented that generalizes the decision-theoretic two-cycle design of Lee and others (2015. Bayesian dose-finding in two treatment cycles based on the joint utility of efficacy and toxicity. Journal of the American Statistical Association, to appear) to accommodate ordinal outcomes. Backward induction is used to jointly optimize the actions taken for each patient in each of the two cycles, with the second action accounting for the patient's cycle 1 dose and outcomes. A simulation study shows that simpler designs obtained by dichotomizing the ordinal outcomes either perform very similarly to the proposed design, or have much worse performance in some scenarios. We also compare the proposed design with the simpler approaches of optimizing the doses in each cycle separately, or ignoring the distinction between cycles 1 and 2.
Substituted Compliance: The Emergence, Challenges, and Evolution of a New Regulatory Paradigm
Authors: Jackson Howell E.
Published: November 2015

Over the past few decades, the US Securities and Exchange Commission experimented with a number of different approaches to relaxing Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules to facilitate entry of foreign firms into US capital markets. Initially, the SEC favoured an approach I denominate as modified national treatment, under which foreign firms were allowed exemption from a limited number of specific US requirements that were likely to conflict with, or be redundant with respect to, regulatory requirements in their home jurisdictions. In general, these exemptions were available regardless of the quality of home country oversight. Sometimes those exemptions were available only for transactions with large institutional investors located in the USA. Starting in 2007, the Commission began to comtemplate more far-reaching acceptance of foreign regulatory oversight, most prominently in an approach that came to be known as substituted compliance. A hallmark of substituted compliance was that it was to be selective, and thus available only to those jurisdictions that the Commission determined to be substantially comparable to US regulatory oversight. In the face of the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, the Commission backed away from its initial experiment with substituted compliance, but the exercise still offers an interesting content in which to consider the manner in which the Commission might have determined the comparability of foreign regulatory systems. This essay explores the various analytical options available for making such supervisory assessments. It then concludes with some preliminary thoughts on what might be called ‘second-generation’ substituted compliance, which the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have begun to employ in the past few years to limit the extraterritorial application of certain provisions of the Dodd–Frank Act.
Adverse Effects of Rice gall dwarf virus upon its Insect Vector Recilia dorsalis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
Authors: Chen Yong , Lu Chengcong , Li Manman , Wu Wei , Zhou Guohui , Wei Taiyun
Published: November 2015

Rice gall dwarf virus (RGDV), a plant reovirus that threatens rice production in Southeast Asia and Southern China, is transmitted by the leafhopper vector Recilia dorsalis in a persistent-propagative manner. To assess the direct effects of RGDV on R. dorsalis, we established an infected leafhopper population from eggs laid by viruliferous females using the water-soaked filter paper culture method. Life history parameters indicated that the virus was harmful to its vector in terms of all biotic indices, including reduced survival rate, emergence rate, fecundity, and longevity of adults, compared with a nonviruliferous control population. Those findings were supported by systematic monitoring of viruliferous rates of R. dorsalis in different overwintering generations. To better elucidate the adverse effects of RGDV on its vector, we measured fecundity at the molecular level using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays, which revealed differential expression of vitellogenin (Vg) in viruliferous versus nonviruliferous adult females. We infer that RGDV reduced levels of Vg transcript and protein product, resulting in the lower fecundity of its vector. Overall, this study demonstrates how RGDV exerts an adverse effect on R. dorsalis, which hinders the expansion of viruliferous populations of the insect.
Population Dynamics of Released Potato Psyllids and their Bacteriliferous Status in Relation to Zebra Chip Incidence in Caged Field Plots
Authors: Workneh F. , Paetzold L. , Rashed A. , Rush C. M.
Published: November 2015

Potato psyllids vector ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso), the putative causal agent of potato zebra chip (ZC). Currently, sticky traps are the primary psyllid monitoring tools used by growers for making management decisions. However, the reliability of sticky traps in predicting psyllid numbers in potato fields has always been questioned. In 2013 and 2014, experiments were conducted in covered field plots at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Station at Bushland to investigate the relationships among initial psyllid numbers, psyllids captured on sticky traps and their Lso status, and zebra chip incidence. Three densities of Lso-positive psyllids (5, 15, or 30/cage) were released under 2-week-old potato canopies with four replications in plot sizes of 7.6 to 9 m by 5 rows. Psyllids were released under the first plant in the center row and monitored weekly with a yellow sticky trap from the opposite end. Number of plants with zebra chip symptoms also was counted weekly beginning one month after infestation with psyllids. The total number of psyllids captured on sticky traps and disease incidence levels generally corresponded to the levels of psyllid density treatments (5 < 15 < 30), but the differences became more apparent toward the end of the experiments. Psyllid numbers in the different density treatments fluctuated more or less in synchrony over time, which appeared to reflect periodic emergence of new generations of psyllids. Initially, all captured psyllids tested positive for Lso. However, the proportions of psyllids testing positive declined dramatically after a few weeks, which suggested that the new generations of psyllids were devoid of Lso. Over all, less than 50% of captured psyllids tested positive for the pathogen. The decline in proportions of psyllids testing positive for Lso following successive generations has significant relevance to field situations and may partly explain why there are generally low percentages of Lso-positive psyllids under field conditions.
A National Assessment on Patient Safety Curricula in Undergraduate Medical Education: Results From the 2012 Clerkship Directors in Internal Medicine Survey
Authors: Jain C. Charles , Aiyer Meenakshy K. , Murphy Elizabeth , Alper Eric A. , Durning Steven , Aldag Jean , Torre Dario
Published: November 2015

Objectives

Patient safety is a cornerstone of quality patient care, and educating medical students about patient safety is of growing importance. This investigation was a follow-up to a 2006 study to assess the current status of patient safety curricula within undergraduate medical education in North America with the additional goals of identifying areas for improvement and barriers to implementation.

Methods

Thirteen items regarding patient safety were part of the 2012 Clerkship Directors in Internal Medicine annual survey. Questions addressed curriculum content, delivery, and barriers to implementation.

Results

Ninety-nine clerkship directors (82%) responded. Forty-one (45.6%) reported that their medical school had a patient safety curriculum taught during medical school as compared with 25% in a 2006 survey. Fifteen (20%) reported satisfaction with students' level of safety competency at the end of the clerkship. Barriers to implementation included lack of faculty time (n = 57, 78.1%), lack of trained faculty (n = 47, 65.3%), and lack of a mandate from school's dean's office (n = 27, 38.0%).

Conclusions

Our study found that less than half of North American medical schools have a formal patient safety curriculum; although this is higher than in 2006, it still exemplifies a major gap in undergraduate medical education.