bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hardest Superconducting Metal Nitride
Authors: Wang Shanmin , Antonio Daniel , Yu Xiaohui , Zhang Jianzhong , Cornelius Andrew L. , He Duanwei , Zhao Yusheng
Published: September 2015

Transition–metal (TM) nitrides are a class of compounds with a wide range of properties and applications. Hard superconducting nitrides are of particular interest for electronic applications under working conditions such as coating and high stress (e.g., electromechanical systems). However, most of the known TM nitrides crystallize in the rock–salt structure, a structure that is unfavorable to resist shear strain and they exhibit relatively low indentation hardness, typically in the range of 10–20 GPa. Here, we report high–pressure synthesis of hexagonal δ–MoN and cubic γ–MoN through an ion–exchange reaction at 3.5 GPa. The final products are in the bulk form with crystallite sizes of 50 – 80 μm. Based on indentation testing on single crystals, hexagonal δ–MoN exhibits excellent hardness of ~30 GPa, which is 30% higher than cubic γ–MoN (~23 GPa) and is so far the hardest among the known metal nitrides. The hardness enhancement in hexagonal phase is attributed to extended covalently bonded Mo–N network than that in cubic phase. The measured superconducting transition temperatures for δ–MoN and cubic γ–MoN are 13.8 and 5.5 K, respectively, in good agreement with previous measurements.
High Risk of Herpes Zoster among Patients with Advance Acute Kidney Injury – A Population-Based Study
Authors: Yang Wei-Shun , Hu Fu-Chang , Chen Meng-Kan , Ko Wen-Je , Chen Likwang , Wu Kwan-Dun , Wu Vin-Cent
Published: September 2015

The risk for herpes zoster (HZ) in acute kidney injury (AKI) survivors was never explored. We identified 2,387 adults in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database who recovered from dialysis-requiring AKI and matched them with non-recovery and non-AKI patients by propensity score. During a mean follow-up of 2.7 years, the incidences of HZ were 6.9, 8.2 and 4.8 episodes per 1,000 person-years in AKI-non-recovery, AKI-recovery and non-AKI group, respectively. The recovery group was more likely to develop herpes zoster than those without acute kidney injury [incidence-rate ratios 1.71, 95% confidence interval 1.16–2.52; p = 0.007]. Patients without acute kidney injury were less likely to develop herpes zoster than those AKI, recovered from dialysis or not (hazard ratio HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.95). Dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury poses a long-term risk of herpes zoster after hospital discharge. Even patients who have recovered from dialysis still carry a significantly higher risk of developing herpes zoster.
Dynamic response of polar nanoregions under an electric field in a paraelectric KTa0.61Nb0.39O3 single crystal near the para-ferroelectric phase boundary
Authors: Tian Hao , Yao Bo , Wang Lei , Tan Peng , Meng Xiangda , Shi Guang , Zhou Zhongxiang
Published: September 2015

The dynamic response of polar nanoregions under an AC electric field was investigated by measuring the frequency dependence of the quadratic electro-optic (QEO) effect in a paraelectric KTa0.61Nb0.39O3 single crystal near the para-ferroelectric phase boundary (0 °C < T-Tc < 13 °C). The QEO coefficient R11 − R12 reached values as large as 5.96 × 10−15 m2/V2 at low frequency (500 Hz) and gradually decreased to a nearly stable value as the frequency increased to 300 kHz. Furthermore, a distortion of the QEO effect was observed at low frequency and gradually disappeared as R11 − R12 tended towards stability. The giant QEO effect in the KTa0.61Nb0.39O3 crystal was attributed to the dynamic rearrangement of polar nanoregions and its anomalous distortion can be explained by considering the asymmetric distribution of polar nanoregions.
Multigenerational effects of parental prenatal exposure to famine on adult offspring cognitive function
Authors: Li Jie , Na Lixin , Ma Hao , Zhang Zhe , Li Tianjiao , Lin Liqun , Li Qiang , Sun Changhao , Li Ying
Published: September 2015

The effects of prenatal nutrition on adult cognitive function have been reported for one generation. However, human evidence for multigenerational effects is lacking. We examined whether prenatal exposure to the Chinese famine of 1959–61 affects adult cognitive function in two consecutive generations. In this retrospective family cohort study, we investigated 1062 families consisting of 2124 parents and 1215 offspring. We assessed parental and offspring cognitive performance by means of a comprehensive test battery. Generalized linear regression model analysis in the parental generation showed that prenatal exposure to famine was associated with a 8.1 (95% CI 5.8 to 10.4) second increase in trail making test part A, a 7.0 (1.5 to 12.5) second increase in trail making test part B and a 5.5 (−7.3 to −3.7) score decrease in the Stroop color-word test in adulthood, after adjustment for potential confounders. In the offspring generation, linear mixed model analysis found no significant association between parental prenatal exposure to famine and offspring cognitive function in adulthood after adjustment for potential confounders. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to severe malnutrition is negatively associated with visual- motor skill, mental flexibility and selective attention in adulthood. However, these associations are limited to only one generation.
Adversity in childhood and depression: linked through SIRT1
Authors: Lo Iacono L , Visco-Comandini F , Valzania A , Viscomi M T , Coviello M , Giampà A , Roscini L , Bisicchia E , Siracusano A , Troisi A , Puglisi-Allegra S , Carola V
Published: September 2015

Experiencing an adverse childhood and parental neglect is a risk factor for depression in the adult population. Patients with a history of traumatic childhood develop a subtype of depression that is characterized by earlier onset, poor treatment response and more severe symptoms. The long-lasting molecular mechanisms that are engaged during early traumatic events and determine the risk for depression are poorly understood. In this study, we altered adult depression-like behavior in mice by applying juvenile isolation stress. We found that this behavioral phenotype was associated with a reduction in the levels of the deacetylase sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in the brain and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Notably, peripheral blood mRNA expression of SIRT1 predicted the extent of behavioral despair only when depression-like behavior was induced by juvenile—but not adult—stress, implicating SIRT1 in the regulation of adult behavior at early ages. Consistent with this hypothesis, pharmacological modulation of SIRT1 during juvenile age altered the depression-like behavior in naive mice. We also performed a pilot study in humans, in which the blood levels of SIRT1 correlated significantly with the severity of symptoms in major depression patients, especially in those who received less parental care during childhood. On the basis of these novel findings, we propose the involvement of SIRT1 in the long-term consequences of adverse childhood experiences.
Thread-based microfluidic three channel device in combination with thermal lens detection for the determination of copper and zinc
Authors: Yan Yang , Kou Bo , Yan Luqin
Published: September 2015

A new method involving a thread-based microfluidic three channel device in combination with thermal lens detection was developed for the sequential determination of Cu(ii) and Zn(ii).
Electrochemical detection of natural estrogens using a graphene/ordered mesoporous carbon modified carbon paste electrode
Authors: Zhu Yanqiong , Liu Xiangjian , Jia Jianbo
Published: September 2015

SWVs of GR/OMC/GCE in 0.1 M PBS (pH 7.4) solution containing different concentrations of estradiol.
An aptamer-based chemiluminescence method for ultrasensitive detection of platelet-derived growth factor by cascade amplification combining rolling circle amplification with hydroxylamine-enlarged gold nanoparticles
Authors: Yao Lu-Yan , Yu Xiao-Qian , Zhao Yan-Jun , Fan Ai-Ping
Published: September 2015

An ultrasensitive and selective chemiluminescence assay for PDGF-BB detection using the powerful signal amplification capability of RCA and hydroxylamine-amplified AuNPs.
Direct light-induced polymerization of cobalt-based redox shuttles: an ultrafast way towards stable dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Bella Federico , Vlachopoulos Nikolaos , Nonomura Kazuteru , Zakeeruddin Shaik Mohammed , Grätzel Michael , Gerbaldi Claudio , Hagfeldt Anders
Published: September 2015

Photocured Co complexes exceed 6.5% efficiency in polymeric DSSCs and successfully sustain a 1800 h aging test, leading to a marked advancement of the stability of these electrolytes prepared in few minutes by a very low impact process.
A quinary layer transition metal oxide of NaNi1/4Co1/4Fe1/4Mn1/8Ti1/8O2 as a high-rate-capability and long-cycle-life cathode material for rechargeable sodium ion batteries
Authors: Yue Ji-Li , Yin Wen-Wen , Cao Ming-Hui , Zulipiya Shadike , Zhou Yong-Ning , Fu Zheng-Wen
Published: September 2015

A single-phase quinary layer transition metal oxide of NaNi1/4Co1/4Fe1/4Mn1/8Ti1/8O2 was synthesized as a high-rate-capability and long-life cathode material for sodium-ion batteries.
First-charge instabilities of layered-layered lithium-ion-battery materials
Authors: Croy Jason R. , Iddir Hakim , Gallagher Kevin , Johnson Christopher S. , Benedek Roy , Balasubramanian Mahalingam
Published: September 2015

Dynamical simulation at 1000 K shows the migration of oxygen ions in delithiated Li7/6−xNi1/4Mn7/12O2 (with x = 1) from oxygen layers (lower panel, at t = 0) to form O–O pairs (upper panel at t = 35 ps) thereby lowering the energy of charged cathode material.
Hydrophenylation of internal alkynes with boronic acids catalysed by a Ni–Zn hydroxy double salt-intercalated anionic rhodium(iii) complex
Authors: Hara Takayoshi , Fujita Nozomi , Ichikuni Nobuyuki , Wilson Karen , Lee Adam F. , Shimazu Shogo
Published: September 2015

[Rh(OH)6]3− intercalated Ni–Zn mixed basic salt (Rh/NiZn) acts as an efficient catalyst for the hydrophenylation of internal alkynes with arylboronic acids under mild conditions.
Uranium-mediated ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone: a comparative study
Authors: Karmel Isabell S. R. , Khononov Maxim , Tamm Matthias , Eisen Moris S.
Published: September 2015

This study shows and compares the catalytic activity and the mechanism of the uranium complexes [(ImDippN)2U(NMeEt)2] (3), [(C5Me5)2U(NMe2)2] (4) and [(C5Me5)2U(NCMePh)2] (5) in the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone, among which the bis(imidazolin-2-iminato) uranium complex3displayed the highest catalytic activity.
Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of mixed-ligand ruthenium(ii) complexes for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Huang Huaiyi , Zhang Pingyu , Yu Bole , Jin Chengzhi , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui
Published: September 2015

We demonstrated the photodynamic therapy effect of mixed-ligand Ru(ii) complexes.Ru1–Ru3can kill cancer cells effectively upon light exposure through generating singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical ions.
Selective hydrogenation of levulinic acid to 1,4-pentanediol in water using a hydroxyapatite-supported Pt–Mo bimetallic catalyst
Authors: Mizugaki T. , Nagatsu Y. , Togo K. , Maeno Z. , Mitsudome T. , Jitsukawa K. , Kaneda K.
Published: September 2015

Hydroxyapatite-supported Pt–Mo bimetallic nanoparticles (Pt–Mo/HAP) catalyze the selective transformation of levulinic acid to 1,4-pentanediol under aqueous conditions.
Polythene glycol (PEG) as a reusable solvent system for the synthesis of 1,3,5-triazines via aerobic oxidative tandem cyclization of benzylamines and N-substituted benzylamines with amidines under transition metal-free conditions
Authors: Tiwari Abhishek R. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: September 2015

A highly efficient protocol for the synthesis of 1,3,5-triazines from benzylamines and amidines in PEG-600 has been developed.
2D vanadium doped manganese dioxides nanosheets for pseudocapacitive energy storage
Authors: Hu Zhimi , Xiao Xu , Huang Liang , Chen Chi , Li Tianqi , Su Tiecheng , Cheng Xiaofeng , Miao Ling , Zhang Yanrong , Zhou Jun
Published: September 2015

This work demonstrates the successful growth of 2D V-doped MnO2 nanosheets by facile hydrothermal process, which offers great potential for energy storage.
Application of design of experiments (DoE) optimization to the one-pot synthesis of 4,6-dihydropteridinones
Authors: Stone Steven , Wang Tiansheng , Liang Jianglin , Cochran John , Green Jeremy , Gu Wenxin
Published: September 2015

A design of experiments (DoE) analysis of a tandem SnAr-amidation cyclization reaction between 4-chloropyrimidin-5-amine and (S)-N-methylalanine to form (S)-7,8-dimethyl-7,8-dihydropteridin-6(5H)-one is reported.
Preparation and application of cobalt oxide nanostructures as electrode materials for electrochemical supercapacitors
Authors: Manteghi Faranak , Kazemi Sayed Habib , Peyvandipour Masoud , Asghari Ahmad
Published: September 2015

Application of surfactants in preparing nano cobalt oxide was effective in achieving a higher specific capacitance.
Efficient dye-sensitized solar cell with a pure thin film of a hybrid polyoxometalate covalently attached organic dye as a working electrode in a cobalt redox mediator system
Authors: Karimian Davud , Yadollahi Bahram , Zendehdel Mahmoud , Mirkhani Valiollah
Published: September 2015

A Keggin-type hybrid polyoxometalate is used as a pure semiconductor thin film in the working electrode of a dye-sensitized solar cell fabricated with a D35 organic dye and a cobalt redox mediator system, giving a maximum IPCE of about 91% .
Galvanic replacement-mediated synthesis of hollow Cu2O–Au nanocomposites and Au nanocages for catalytic and SERS applications
Authors: Xiong Lu , Li Siwei , Zhang Bin , Du Yunchen , Miao Peng , Ma Yan , Han Yingxin , Zhao Hongtao , Xu Ping
Published: September 2015

Here we demonstrate the synthesis of hollow Cu2O–Au nanocomposites and Au nanocages via a galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) between Cu2O nanocubes and HAuCl4 for catalytic and SERS applications.
Nanofiber-excited plasmonic manipulation of polystyrene nanospheres
Authors: Li Y. , Hu Y. J. , Wu Q.
Published: September 2015

This paper reports optical nanofiber-excited plasmonic manipulation of polystyrene nanospheres.
Effective magnetic moment in cyclodextrin–polynitroxides: potential supramolecular vectors for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Caglieris F. , Melone L. , Canepa F. , Lamura G. , Castiglione F. , Ferro M. , Malpezzi L. , Mele A. , Punta C. , Franchi P. , Lucarini M. , Rossi B. , Trotta F.
Published: September 2015

Hepta-TEMPO β-CD has a molecular effective magnetic moment of 4.2 μB that is responsible of a NMR relaxivity up to 1.60 mm−1 s−1, not far from the values reported for Gd-based contrast agents, thus resulting a promising candidates as non-toxic MRI contrast agents.
Recent progress towards ionic hydrogenation: Lewis acid catalyzed hydrogenation using organosilanes as donors of hydride ions
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Wang Xiaojian , Yin Dali
Published: September 2015

Recent advances in ionic hydrogenation as well as its fundamental mechanism are summarized and discussed.
Highly selective thin film composite hollow fiber membranes for mixed vapor/gas separation
Authors: Ingole Pravin G. , Choi Won Kil , Baek Il-Hyun , Lee Hyung Keun
Published: September 2015

In the present study, thin film composite membranes have been prepared using an interfacial polymerization method.
Electroactive graphene-multi-walled carbon nanotube hybrid supported impedimetric immunosensor for the detection of human cardiac troponin-I
Authors: Singal Shobhita , Srivastava Avanish K. , Dhakate Sanjay , Biradar Ashok M. , Rajesh Rajesh
Published: September 2015

We report a sensitive and stable electrochemical impedance immunosensor prepared with electroactive three-dimensional graphene-multi-walled carbon nanotube hybrid deposited on a glassy carbon electrode.
Loading and triggered release of cargo from hollow spherical gold nanoparticle superstructures
Authors: Zhang Chen , Brinzer Thomas , Liu Chong , Garrett-Roe Sean , Rosi Nathaniel L.
Published: September 2015

Hollow spherical gold nanoparticle superstructures having different average diameters (∼75 nm and ∼150 nm) and near-infrared (NIR) extinction were loaded with the anti-cancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX), and enzyme- and NIR-triggered DOX release were monitored.
Spin-canting magnetization in 3D metal organic frameworks based on strip-shaped Δ-chains
Authors: Zhang Xiu-Mei , Li Peng , Gao Wei , Liu Jie-Ping
Published: September 2015

Three 3D frameworks built from strip-shaped Δ-chains were prepared and magnetically characterized. The Cu(ii) compound shows spin canting, magnetic ordering and metamagnetism, while the Co(ii) and Ni(ii) compounds show canted antiferromagnetism.
Facile synthesis and optical properties of Ce:YAG polycrystalline ceramics with different SiO2content
Authors: Gong Maogao , Xiang Weidong , Huang Jun , Yin Congfei , Liang Xiaojuan
Published: September 2015

According to the FESEM micrographs of the as-prepared samples, they show the texture of polycrystalline materials and better uniformity appears in sample A.
Effect of reaction temperature on properties of carbon nanodots and their visible-light photocatalytic degradation of tetracyline
Authors: Wu Qiong , Li Wei , Wu Peng , Li Jian , Liu Shouxin , Jin Chunde , Zhan Xianxu
Published: September 2015

Carbon nanodots with diverse sizes, crystal structures, optical properties and can be used as photosensitizer were synthesized via hydrothermal process.
Heterometallic 3d–4f cluster-containing polyoxotungstate obtained by partial disassembly of preformed large clusters
Authors: Yao Shuang , Yan Jing-Hui , Duan Hui , Jia Qian-Qian , Zhang Zhi-Ming , Wang En-Bo
Published: September 2015

A new heterometallic 3d–4f tungstoantimonite, KNa5{K2Dy2Cu2(H2O)8(SbW9O33)2}·17H2O (1) was designed and synthesized by decomposition of preformed large cluster, resulting in a ring-like 3d–4f–4p cluster {K2Dy2Cu2(H2O)8}-containing polyoxotungstate.
Tuning the aspect ratio of arrays of silica nanochannels
Authors: Zucchetto Nicola , Brühwiler Dominik
Published: September 2015

Arrays of silica nanochannels (ASNCs) with various nanochannel lengths and particle aspect ratios are reported.
Non-decarbonylative photochemical versus thermal activation of Bu4N[Fe(CO)3(NO)] – the Fe-catalyzed Cloke–Wilson rearrangement of vinyl and arylcyclopropanes
Authors: Lin Che-Hung , Pursley Dominik , Klein Johannes E. M. N. , Teske Johannes , Allen Jennifer A. , Rami Fabian , Köhn Andreas , Plietker Bernd
Published: September 2015

TBA[Fe] catalyzes the rearrangement of vinyl and arylcyclopropanes under thermal or photochemical conditions.
Fluorous ‘ponytails’ lead to strong gelators showing thermally induced structure evolution
Authors: Kumari Harshita , Armitage Sarah E. , Kline Steven R. , Damodaran Krishna K. , Kennedy Stuart R. , Atwood Jerry L. , Steed Jonathan W.
Published: September 2015

Appending perfluoroalkyl substituents to bis(urea) gelators results in significantly decreased inter-chain interactions with markedly thinner fibres and hence more cross-linked and more transparent gels with potential applications in the crystallisation of fluorinated pharmaceuticals.
Broadband nonlinear optical and optical limiting effects of partially unzipped carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Yan , Song Yingpan , Gan Yao , Feng Miao , Zhan Hongbing
Published: September 2015

Partially unzipped carbon nanotubes can be regarded as CNT–graphene hybrids with a graphene like structure strongly attached to the intact inner walls of the nanotubes. They present a much lower Fth than graphene oxide nanosheets and carbon nanotubes at both 532 and 1064 nm, indicating a superior broadband optical limiting effect.
EU Collaboration in Speech and Language Therapy Education: The NetQues Project
Authors: Patterson Aileen , Hansson Kristina , Lowit Anja , Stansfield Jois , Trinite Baiba
Published: September 2015

As the number of countries joining the European Union (EU) has grown over recent decades, so also has the accompanying European legislation to encourage cross border mobility and recognition of professional qualifications. This has led to a need to be able to assess and compare professions and their education across the EU and beyond.

Historically, in response to the challenge of addressing the needs of persons with difficulties with communication, the profession has developed differently across European countries influenced by linguistic, cultural and socio-political diversity and a range of approaches to medicine, health and education. The NetQues project was set up to establish agreements on areas of commonality in speech and language therapy (pathology) education across the EU and also to look at any differences. The article looks briefly at the history and diversity of the profession in Europe and describes how 65 partners from 31 countries across Europe recruited into a multilateral academic and professional network achieved the project's goal to delineate the agreed common core competences which are both essential and desirable for a newly qualified speech-language practitioner to work safely and effectively. Employing ethnographic and survey research following EU Tuning principles seeking points of reference, convergence and common understanding, core elements of coherent professional education “fit for purpose” across Europe are identified and agreed EU Benchmark statements of core competences required are documented.

Notably while differences and diversity present challenges, all countries involved in the project aspire to develop competent and caring professionals, able to practice safely and effectively with relevant up-to-date knowledge and skills upon admission to a clearly identifiable unique profession.
The Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Program at King Fahad Medical City
Authors: AlSwaiti Fadi Y. , Mayo Robert , Bajwa Jawad A.
Published: September 2015

This paper chronicles the initiation and development of the Parkinson's disease and movement disorders program under the umbrella of the National Neuroscience Institute at King Fahad Medical City in Saudi Arabia. It discusses the methodology and philosophy behind achieving optimal care based on available resources, cultural considerations, and evidence-based practices. Currently, the program is the first in the country to provide comprehensive medical and rehabilitative services for patients suffering from Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, setting high standards and establishing foundations for research and regional awareness.
Celebrating the Chinese International Speech, Language, and Hearing Association: A Week of International Engagement
Authors: McCrea Elizabeth , McNeilly Lemmietta
Published: September 2015

This article is a companion piece to the article summarizing the history and development of the Chinese International Speech, Language and Hearing Association and describes the authors' attendance and participation in the inaugural meeting of the association. It summarizes the content of the meeting and describes a visit to The Little Tiger Rehabilitation Center in Sonjiang, a suburb of Shanghai. The authors' travel experiences in China are also described.
First demonstration of RF pulse pEPR detection system for SPIO nanoparticles
Authors: Li X. , Torfs G. , Teughels S. , Bauwelinck J.
Published: September 2015

The first demonstration of a pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) detection system based on the recently announced particle EPR (pEPR) technology for superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) applications is presented. The SPIONs have large magnetisation, which allows one to detect the electron resonance under a low magnetic field and at room temperature. However, the broad linewidth of the superparamagnetic particles leads to a short relaxation time which requires a quick damping of the transmit signal. The presented experiments on a commercial SPION prove the feasibility to detect a pulsed electron response from broad linewidth particles using the pulsed pEPR technology.
Cascaded clutter and jamming suppression method using sparse representation
Authors: Feng Weike , Zhang Yongshun , He Xingyu , Guo Yiduo
Published: September 2015

To suppress ground clutter and barrage noise jamming for airborne radar effectively and efficiently, a cascaded method using the sparse representation technique is proposed. Based on the sparsity of jamming in the spatial domain, the jamming subspace is first estimated using the orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm with only one snapshot. Then, the jamming is rejected by projecting the received signal on the orthogonal complement subspace of the jamming. Lastly, reduced‐dimension space‐time adaptive processing algorithms are utilised directly to suppress clutter. Simulation results demonstrate that the novel method could achieve great performance as well as a significant saving of computation and training samples.
Outage performance analysis for buffer‐aided relay system over non‐identical Rayleigh fading channels
Authors: Jia Xiangdong , Deng Pengfei , Wang Dan , Yang Longxiang , Zhu Hongbo
Published: September 2015

To obtain an insight about the effect of channel parameters on buffer‐aided relay selection systems, the max‐link selection (MLS) schemes are investigated over independent and non‐identically distributed (i.ni.d) Rayleigh fading channels. Specially, by employing Markov chain, the authors first model the state transition matrix and outage probability. Secondly, they obtain the closed‐form expressions of the corresponding statistic properties. The presented results show: (i) when the relaying channels are asymmetric (but the source–relay links are independent and identically distributed fading, so does the relay–destination links), the MLS scheme outperforms the traditional best relay selection (T‐BRS) and max–max best relay selection (MM‐BRS) schemes. However, when the relaying links are unbalanced severely, the MLS scheme does not provide diversity gain over the T‐BRS and MM‐BRS schemes; and (ii) For the more general i.ni.d fading case, it is observed that the MLS schemes can be inferior to the MM‐BRS schemes. The derivations of this work have values for reference. For example, by using the achieved statistic properties they can further perform the investigation on the delay for the buffer‐aided MLS relaying systems over i.ni.d fading channels, which is a critical issue of buffer‐aided relay selection systems.
Automatic chessboard corner detection method
Authors: Liu Yu , Liu Shuping , Cao Yang , Wang Zengfu
Published: September 2015

Chessboard corner detection is a necessary procedure of the popular chessboard pattern‐based camera calibration technique, in which the inner corners on a two‐dimensional chessboard are employed as calibration markers. In this study, an automatic chessboard corner detection algorithm is presented for camera calibration. In authors’ method, an initial corner set is first obtained with an improved Hessian corner detector. Then, a novel strategy that utilises both intensity and geometry characteristics of the chessboard pattern is presented to eliminate fake corners from the initial corner set. After that, a simple yet effective approach is adopted to sort the detected corners into a meaningful order. Finally, the sub‐pixel location of each corner is calculated. The proposed algorithm only requires a user input of the chessboard size, while all the other parameters can be adaptively calculated with a statistical approach. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has advantages over the popular OpenCV chessboard corner detection method in terms of detection accuracy and computational efficiency. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed method used for camera calibration is also verified in authors’ experiments.
The phase behavior of rigid rods in an anisotropic mean field with applications to carbon nanotubes in nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Popa-Nita V.
Published: September 2015

The phenomenological model [van der Schoot et al., J. Phys. Chem. B 112, 4512 (2008)] for predicting the alignment of carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersions in thermotropic liquid crystals is extended to include the attractive interactions between CNTs. The influence of the attractive forces (described by a spatially uniform mean field) on the phase behavior and orientational properties of the mixture are analyzed.
Majorana bound states in the finite-length chain
Authors: Zvyagin A. A.
Published: September 2015

Recent experiments investigating edge states in ferromagnetic atomic chains on superconducting substrate are analyzed. In particular, finite size effects are considered. It is shown how the energy of the Majorana bound state depends on the length of the chain, as well as on the parameters of the model. Oscillations of the energy of the bound edge state in the chain as a function of the length of the chain, and as a function of the applied voltage (or the chemical potential) are studied. In particular, it has been shown that oscillations can exist only for some values of the effective potential.
Activation and dissociation of CO2 on the (001), (011), and (111) surfaces of mackinawite (FeS): A dispersion-corrected DFT study
Authors: Dzade N. Y. , Roldan A. , de Leeuw N. H.
Published: September 2015

Iron sulfide minerals, including mackinawite (FeS), are relevant in origin of life theories, due to their potential catalytic activity towards the reduction and conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to organic molecules, which may be applicable to the production of liquid fuels and commodity chemicals. However, the fundamental understanding of CO2 adsorption, activation, and dissociation on FeS surfaces remains incomplete. Here, we have used density functional theory calculations, corrected for long-range dispersion interactions (DFT-D2), to explore various adsorption sites and configurations for CO2 on the low-index mackinawite (001), (110), and (111) surfaces. We found that the CO2 molecule physisorbs weakly on the energetically most stable (001) surface but adsorbs relatively strongly on the (011) and (111) FeS surfaces, preferentially at Fe sites. The adsorption of the CO2 on the (011) and (111) surfaces is shown to be characterized by significant charge transfer from surface Fe species to the CO2 molecule, which causes a large structural transformation in the molecule (i.e., forming a negatively charged bent CO2−δ species, with weaker C—O confirmed via vibrational frequency analyses). We have also analyzed the pathways for CO2 reduction to CO and O on the mackinawite (011) and (111) surfaces. CO2 dissociation is calculated to be slightly endothermic relative to the associatively adsorbed states, with relatively large activation energy barriers of 1.25 eV and 0.72 eV on the (011) and (111) surfaces, respectively.
Inelastic electron-phonon scattering and excess current in superconducting point contacts with a short coherence length
Authors: Bobrov N. L.
Published: September 2015

Nonlinear electrical effects in superconducting S-c-S contacts, including the spectroscopy of electron-phonon interactions (EPI) in these systems, and the recovery of the EPI function from experimental data are discussed. The effect of a magnetic field on the current-voltage characteristics (I-V curves) and their derivatives for ErNi2B2C point contacts (PC) with d ≥ ξ (where d is the diameter of the PC and ξ is the coherence length) is studied. It is found that in zero magnetic fields and in near-critical fields, when the size of the superconducting gap can be neglected, the position of the peaks in dV/dI coincides with the peaks in the Yanson EPI spectra. In low fields the peaks are shifted toward lower energies and in intermediate fields, the peaks split. For PC with diameters greater than or on the order of the coherence length, the relative size of the negative phonon contribution to the excess current is considerably greater than in ballistic contacts. This leads to substantial suppression of the high-frequency peaks in the spectra for the superconducting state. In order to recover the EPI function from these spectra it is necessary to correct their intensities at high energies. For “dirty” NbSe2 and Nb point-contacts with d ≥ ξ, which have no phonon features in the second derivative of the I-V curve in the normal state, the EPI can be reconstructed from the superconducting state.
A framework for solving atomistic phonon-structure scattering problems in the frequency domain using perfectly matched layer boundaries
Authors: Kakodkar Rohit R. , Feser Joseph P.
Published: September 2015

We present a numerical approach to the solution of elastic phonon-interface and phonon-nanostructure scattering problems based on a frequency-domain decomposition of the atomistic equations of motion and the use of perfectly matched layer (PML) boundaries. Unlike molecular dynamic wavepacket analysis, the current approach provides the ability to simulate scattering from individual phonon modes, including wavevectors in highly dispersive regimes. Like the atomistic Green's function method, the technique reduces scattering problems to a system of linear algebraic equations via a sparse, tightly banded matrix regardless of dimensionality. However, the use of PML boundaries enables rapid absorption of scattered wave energies at the boundaries and provides a simple and inexpensive interpretation of the scattered phonon energy flux calculated from the energy dissipation rate in the PML. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated on connected monoatomic chains, for which an analytic solution is known. The parameters defining the PML are found to affect the performance and guidelines for selecting optimal parameters are given. The method is used to study the energy transmission coefficient for connected diatomic chains over all available wavevectors for both optical and longitudinal phonons; it is found that when there is discontinuity between sublattices, even connected chains of equivalent acoustic impedance have near-zero transmission coefficient for short wavelengths. The phonon scattering cross section of an embedded nanocylinder is calculated in 2D for a wide range of frequencies to demonstrate the extension of the method to high dimensions. The calculations match continuum theory for long-wavelength phonons and large cylinder radii, but otherwise show complex physics associated with discreteness of the lattice. Examples include Mie oscillations which terminate when incident phonon frequencies exceed the maximum available frequency in the embedded nanocylinder, and scattering efficiencies larger than two near the Brillouin zone edge.
Raman signal enhancement by multiple beam excitation and its application for the detection of chemicals
Authors: Gupta Sakshi , Ahmad Azeem , Gambhir Vijayeta , Reddy Martha N. , Mehta Dalip S.
Published: September 2015

In a typical Raman based sensor, a single laser beam is used for exciting the sample and the backscattered or forward scattered light is collected using collection optics and is analyzed by a spectrometer. We have investigated that by means of exciting the sample with multiple beams, i.e., by dividing the same input power of the single beam into two or three or more beams and exciting the sample from different angles, the Raman signal enhances significantly. Due to the presence of multiple beams passing through the same volume of the sample, an interference pattern is formed and the volume of interaction of excitation beams with the sample increases. By means of this geometry, the enhancement in the Raman signal is observed and it was found that the signal strength increases linearly with the increase in number of excitation beams. Experimental results of this scheme for excitation of the samples are reported for explosive detection at a standoff distance.
Double-shelled plasmonic Ag-TiO2 hollow spheres toward visible light-active photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into solar fuel
Authors: Feng Shichao , Wang Meng , Zhou Yong , Li Ping , Tu Wenguang , Zou Zhigang
Published: September 2015

Double-shelled hollow hybrid spheres consisting of plasmonic Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through a simple reaction process. The analysis reveals that Ag nanoparticles were dispersed uniformly in the TiO2 nanoparticle shell. The plasmonic Ag-TiO2 hollow sphere proves to greatly enhance the photocatalytic activity toward reduction of CO2 into renewable hydrocarbon fuel (CH4) in the presence of water vapor under visible-light irradiation. The possible formation mechanism of the hollow sphere and related plasmon-enhanced photocatalytic performance were also briefly discussed.
Temperature dependent electrical characterisation of Pt/HfO2/n-GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) Schottky diodes
Authors: Shetty Arjun , Roul Basanta , Mukundan Shruti , Mohan Lokesh , Chandan Greeshma , Vinoy K. J. , Krupanidhi S. B.
Published: September 2015

This paper reports an improvement in Pt/n-GaN metal-semiconductor (MS) Schottky diode characteristics by the introduction of a layer of HfO2 (5 nm) between the metal and semiconductor interface. The resulting Pt/HfO2/n-GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) Schottky diode showed an increase in rectification ratio from 35.9 to 98.9(@ 2V), increase in barrier height (0.52 eV to 0.63eV) and a reduction in ideality factor (2.1 to 1.3) as compared to the MS Schottky. Epitaxial n-type GaN films of thickness 300nm were grown using plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE). The crystalline and optical qualities of the films were confirmed using high resolution X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence measurements. Metal-semiconductor (Pt/n-GaN) and metal-insulator-semiconductor (Pt/HfO2/n-GaN) Schottky diodes were fabricated. To gain further understanding of the Pt/HfO2/GaN interface, I-V characterisation was carried out on the MIS Schottky diode over a temperature range of 150 K to 370 K. The barrier height was found to increase (0.3 eV to 0.79 eV) and the ideality factor decreased (3.6 to 1.2) with increase in temperature from 150 K to 370 K. This temperature dependence was attributed to the inhomogeneous nature of the contact and the explanation was validated by fitting the experimental data into a Gaussian distribution of barrier heights.
A semi-analytical numerical method for fast metamaterial absorber design
Authors: Song Y. C. , Ding J. , Guo C. J.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, a semi-analytical numerical approach utilizing a novel non-grounded model and interpolation technique is introduced to design the frequency selective surface (FSS) based metamaterial absorbers (MAs) with dramatically reduced time consumption. Different from commonly used trial-and-error technology, our method mainly utilize the numerically computed FSS layer impedance with slow-varying feature in the vicinity of operating frequency. The introduced non-grounded model establishes the quantitative relationship between geometry parameters and equivalent lumped circuit components in conventional transmission line (TL) model with reasonable accuracy. The interpolation technique, on the other hand, promises a relative sparse parameter sweep. The detailed design flow as well as analytical explanation with carefully deduced expressions is presented. With the purpose of validating the proposed method and analytical models, a MA with slotted patches is designed through both the semi-analytical numerical approach and the trial-and-error method, where an over 2300 times acceleration is observed. Additionally, results from the analytical computation and full wave simulation agree well with each other.
Investigation on thermal evaporated CH3NH3PbI3 thin films
Authors: Li Youzhen , Xu Xuemei , Wang Chenggong , Wang Congcong , Xie Fangyan , Yang Junliang , Gao Yongli
Published: September 2015

CH3NH3I, PbI2 and CH3NH3PbI3 films were fabricated by evaporation and characterized with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XPS results indicate that the PbI2 and CH3NH3PbI3 films are more uniform and stable than the CH3NH3I film. The atomic ratio of the CH3NH3I, PbI2 and CH3NH3PbI3 films are C:N:I=1.00:1.01:0.70, Pb:I= 1.00:1.91 and C: N: Pb: I = 1.29:1.07:1.00:2.94, respectively. The atomic ratio of CH3NH3PbI3 is very close to that of the ideal perovskite. Small angle x-ray diffraction results demonstrate that the as evaporated CH3NH3PbI3 film is crystalline. The valence band maximum (VBM) and work function (WF) of the CH3NH3PbI3 film are about 0.85eV and 4.86eV, respectively.
Advanced gravitational-wave detectors open their ears
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: September 2015

Ripples in spacetime and the violent events that cause them may become accessible for study by the end of the decade.
p63 supports aerobic respiration through hexokinase II
Authors: Viticchiè Guiditta , Agostini Massimiliano , Lena Anna Maria , Mancini Mara , Zhou Huiqing , Zolla Lello , Dinsdale David , Saintigny Gaelle , Melino Gerry , Candi Eleonora
Published: September 2015

Significance

The importance of ΔNp63 in controlling metabolism has not been investigated so far. We identified a regulatory pathway involving ΔNp63 and the glycolytic enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2). ΔNp63 direct-dependent regulation of HK2 expression contributes to the coupling between glucose metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation, providing the energy necessary to sustain cell proliferation and protecting cells from oxidative stress. The ΔNp63–HK2axis is also present in epithelial cancer cells, suggesting that ΔNp63 could participate in cancer metabolic reprogramming.
Emergent vocabulary in second language socialization among learners
Authors: Esguerra Roseley Santos , Wanphet Phalangchok
Published: September 2015

In general, second language (L2) learners have limited vocabulary knowledge. In addition, they often have difficulty identifying, recognizing, or recalling the vocabulary necessary for a certain situation. This limitation and those three factors result in problematic talk where repair, improvement, and practice are merited. The purpose of the present study, following a conversation analytic (CA) perspective, explores how vocabulary-related communication problems are resolved when a low proficient learner (LPL) and a high proficient learner (HPL) communicate during their pair-work activities. In particular, this research studies the sequence of turns and repair in the talk. The study revealed that (1) the repair is mostly initiated by the LPL, (2) the HPL can be a crucial language source in the classroom, and (3) problems are caused by insufficient vocabulary knowledge and not comprehending a correctly-pronounced word. This study reveals the importance of students’ pair-work (especially pair-work activities when the students have disparate English proficiency) in the language classroom and suggests communication strategies.
Language rights in the European Union and the Treaty of Lisbon
Authors: Faingold Eduardo D.
Published: September 2015

This paper examines the linguistic obligations of the European Union and the language rights of its citizens as stated in the Treaty of Lisbon. As with the 2004 draft of the EU Constitution, the Treaty fails to address the language rights of minorities, including those seeking to secede from their own countries (e.g., Catalonia, Scotland) in their quest for political, cultural, and linguistic rights.De jurelanguage rights for speakers of minority languages and a more pluralistic approach to language legislation are deemed necessary in the EU.
Item type, occlusion, and gender differences in mental rotation
Authors: Doyle Randi A. , Voyer Daniel , Lesmana Maryani
Published: September 2015

Two experiments were conducted to examine the role of item type in mental rotation. In each experiment, participants completed two computerized mental rotation tasks, one with blocks as stimuli and one with human figures as stimuli. The tasks were formatted either as a multiple-choice psychometric test (Experiment 1) or as a same–different type task (Experiment 2). Aside from the expected replication of a decreased effect of occlusion on women's accuracy when processing human figures compared to block figures, it was hypothesized that response times would increase when processing the complex but familiar human figures, compared to the simple but unfamiliar block figures. In Experiment 1, the results relevant to occlusion were replicated. However, the presence of a speed–accuracy trade-off suggested that participants processed human figures faster but less accurately than block figures. In Experiment 2, both men and women performed faster and more accurately when processing occluded human figures than when processing nonoccluded human figures. The effect of item type, its potential link to embodied cognition, and the role of strategy selection on gender differences in mental rotation are discussed.
p38 MAP kinase–dependent phosphorylation of the Gp78 E3 ubiquitin ligase controls ER–mitochondria association and mitochondria motility
Authors: Li Lei , Gao Guang , Shankar Jay , Joshi Bharat , Foster Leonard J. , Nabi Ivan R.
Published: September 2015

Gp78 is an ERAD-associated E3 ubiquitin ligase that induces degradation of the mitofusin mitochondrial fusion proteins and mitochondrial fission. Gp78 is localized throughout the ER; however, the anti-Gp78 3F3A monoclonal antibody (mAb) recognizes Gp78 selectively in mitochondria-associated ER domains. Epitope mapping localized the epitope of 3F3A and a commercial anti-Gp78 mAb to an 8–amino acid motif (533–541) in mouse Gp78 isoform 2 that forms part of a highly conserved 41–amino acid region containing 14-3-3– and WW-binding domains and a p38 MAP kinase (p38 MAPK) consensus site on Ser-538 (S538). 3F3A binds selectively to nonphosphorylated S538 Gp78. Using 3F3A as a reporter, we induced Gp78 S538 phosphorylation by serum starvation and showed it to be mediated by p38 MAPK. Mass spectroscopy analysis of Gp78 phosphopeptides confirmed S538 as a major p38 MAPK phosphorylation site on Gp78. Gp78 S538 phosphorylation limited its ability to induce mitochondrial fission and degrade MFN1 and MFN2 but did not affect in vitro Gp78 ubiquitin E3 ligase activity. Phosphomimetic Gp78 S538D mutation prevented Gp78 promotion of ER–mitochondria interaction, and SB203580 inhibition of p38 MAPK increased ER–mitochondria association. p38 MAPK phosphorylation of Gp78 S538 therefore regulates Gp78-dependent ER–mitochondria association and mitochondria motility.
RASER: reads aligner for SNPs and editing sites of RNA
Authors: Ahn Jaegyoon , Xiao Xinshu
Published: September 2015

Motivation: Accurate identification of genetic variants such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or RNA editing sites from RNA-Seq reads is important, yet challenging, because it necessitates a very low false-positive rate in read mapping. Although many read aligners are available, no single aligner was specifically developed or tested as an effective tool for SNP and RNA editing prediction.

Results: We present RASER, an accurate read aligner with novel mapping schemes and index tree structure that aims to reduce false-positive mappings due to existence of highly similar regions. We demonstrate that RASER shows the best mapping accuracy compared with other popular algorithms and highest sensitivity in identifying multiply mapped reads. As a result, RASER displays superb efficacy in unbiased mapping of the alternative alleles of SNPs and in identification of RNA editing sites.

Availability and implementation: RASER is written in C++ and freely available for download at https://github.com/jaegyoonahn/RASER.

Contact:  gxxiao@ucla.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.