bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptual elements in brain mechanisms of acoustic communication in humans and nonhuman primates
Authors: Reser David H. , Rosa Marcello
Published: March 2016

Ackermann et al. outline a model for elaboration of subcortical motor outputs as a driving force for the development of the apparently unique behaviour of language in humans. They emphasize circuits in the striatum and midbrain, and acknowledge, but do not explore, the importance of the auditory perceptual pathway for evolution of verbal communication. We suggest that understanding the evolution of language will also require understanding of vocalization perception, especially in the auditory cortex.
Integrity Risk Minimisation in RAIM Part 2: Optimal Estimator Design
Authors: Joerger Mathieu , Langel Steven , Pervan Boris
Published: March 2016

This paper is the second part of a two-part research effort to find the optimal detector and estimator that minimise the integrity risk in Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM). Part 1 shows that for realistic navigation requirements, the solution separation RAIM method can approach the optimal detection region when using a least-squares estimator. This paper constitutes Part 2. It presents new methods to design Non-Least-Squares (NLS) estimators, which, in exchange for a slight increase in nominal positioning error, can substantially lower the integrity risk. A first method is formulated as a multi-dimensional minimisation problem, which directly minimises integrity risk, but can only be solved using a time-consuming iterative process. Parity space representations are then exploited to develop a computationally-efficient, near-optimal NLS-estimator-design method. Performance analyses for an example multi-constellation Advanced RAIM (ARAIM) application show that this new method enables significant integrity risk reduction in real-time implementations where computational resources are limited.
African Archives
Authors: Gardinier David E. , Gailey Harry
Published: March 2016

During the summer of 1962 I did research in the Archives Nationales du Cameroun at Yaoundé. Because I was studying certain aspects of French rule more than others, I never attempted to examine in detail all types of records found in the Archives. Consequently, though to my knowledge all the information I obtained about the Archives is correct, there is the possibility of omissions and errors.
Spanish Africa: A Bibliographical Survey
Authors: Pélissier René
Published: March 2016

The monumental work by Sanford Berman, “Spanish Guinea: An Annotated Bibliography” (Washington, 1961, 597 p.), is the only major bibliographical work produced by a non-Spanish author and devoted to Spanish Guinea. The service rendered to African studies by the writer cannot be overestimated, since he has brought not merely technical competence to his task but also scientific impartiality—a quality often unknown to Iberian authors.
Archives africaines
Authors: Gardinier David E. , Gailey Harry
Published: March 2016

Pendant l’été de 1962 j’ai fait des recherches aux Archives Nationales du Cameroun à Yaoundé. Parce que j’étudiais certains aspects de la tutelle française plus que d’autres, je n’ai jamais tenté d’examiner en détail tous les genres de dossiers que l’on peut trouver aux Archives. Par conséquent, quoique à ma connaissance toute l’information que j’ai obtenue au sujet des Archives soit juste, il y a une possibilité de lacunes et d’erreurs.
Imprimeries officielles en Afrique
Authors: Witherell Julian
Published: March 2016

Il y a une liste d’imprimeries officielles en Afrique dans la section de langue anglaise, ci-dessus, pp. 46-48. Dans certains cas, ou il n’y a, apparemment, pas d’imprimerie officielle, l’organisation qui publie ou diffuse le journal officiel se trouve sur la liste. Dans beaucoup de pays africains, particulièrement les états africains d’expression française, l’imprimerie officielle publie seulement un petit nombre de publications officielles. La plupart des documents gouvernementaux sont ronéotypés et diffusés par les agences du gouvernement intéressé.
Transcatheter stenting of the right ventricular outflow tract augments pulmonary arterial growth in symptomatic infants with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and hypercyanotic spells
Authors: McGovern Eimear , Morgan Conall T. , Oslizlok Paul , Kenny Damien , Walsh Kevin P. , McMahon Colin J.
Published: March 2016

We retrospectively reviewed all the children with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, hypoplastic pulmonary annulus, and pulmonary arteries who underwent stenting of the right ventricular outflow tract for hypercyanotic spells at our institution between January, 2008 and December, 2013; nine patients who underwent cardiac catheterisation at a median age of 39 days (range 12–60 days) and weight of 3.6 kg (range 2.6–4.3 kg) were identified. The median number of stents placed was one stent (range 1–4). The median oxygen saturation increased from 60% to 96%. The median right pulmonary artery size increased from 3.3 to 5.5 mm (−2.68 to −0.92 Z-score), and the median left pulmonary artery size increased from 3.4 to 5.5 mm (−1.93 to 0 Z-scores). Among all, one patient developed transient pulmonary haemorrhage, and one patient had pericardial tamponade requiring drainage. Complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot +/− atrioventricular septal defect or double-outlet right ventricle was achieved in all nine patients. Transcatheter stent alleviation of the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction resolves hypercyanotic spells and allows reasonable growth of the pulmonary arteries to facilitate successful surgical repair. This represents a viable alternative to placement of a systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt, particularly in small neonates.
Rapid acceptability and adherence testing of a lipid-based nutrient supplement and a micronutrient powder among refugee children and pregnant and lactating women in Algeria
Authors: Tondeur Melody C , Salse U Núria , Wilkinson Caroline , Spiegel Paul , Seal Andrew J
Published: March 2016

Objective

To assess the acceptability and adherence to daily doses of lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) among children and micronutrient powder (MNP) among children and pregnant and lactating women.

Design

Household interviews and sachet counting were conducted to measure acceptability and adherence, 15 and 30 d after product distribution. Qualitative information on product acceptability was collected using focus group discussions.

Setting

Saharawi refugee camps, Algeria, August–October 2009.

Subjects

LNS was distributed to 123 children aged 6–35 months (LNS-C), and MNP to 112 children aged 36–59 months (MNP-C) and 119 pregnant or lactating women (MNP-W).

Results

At the end of the test 98·4 % of LNS-C, 90·4 % of MNP-C and 75·5 % of MNP-W participants reported that they liked the product (P<0·05). Other measures of acceptability did not differ. Median consumption of sachets was highest in the LNS-C group (P<0·001). ‘Good’ adherence to the daily regimen (consumption of 75–125 % of recommended dose) was 89·1 % in the LNS-C, compared with 57·0 % in the MNP-C and 65·8 % in the MNP-W groups (P<0·001). Qualitative findings supported the quantitative measures and guided selection of local product names, packaging designs, distribution mechanisms, and the design of the information campaign in the subsequent programme scale-up.

Conclusions

Acceptability, consumption and adherence were higher in participants receiving LNS compared with MNP. However, both products were found to be suitable when compared with predefined acceptability criteria. Acceptability studies are feasible and important in emergency nutrition programmes when the use of novel special nutritional products is considered.
Richard Hooker and the Sufficiency of Scripture
Authors: LeTourneau Mark
Published: March 2016

This article compares the doctrine of scripture in Richard Hooker’s Lawes of Ecclesiasticall Politie with that of John Calvin’s Christianae religionis institutio (Institutes of the Christian Religion) to assess Hooker’s Reformed credentials in this domain. Hooker departs from Reformed orthodoxy in two ways: first, as is generally recognized, in denying the autopisticity of Scripture; second, though less widely recognized, in decoupling autopistis from the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit. These departures must be weighed against countervailing considerations: the unanimity between Hooker and Calvin on the substance of autopistis and the need for Church testimony in attesting to Scripture; their disparate audiences and exigencies, including, in Hooker’s case, possible Puritan association of autopistis with scriptural omnicompetence; Hooker’s reliance on Article 6 of the Articles of Religion in its entirety in defending scriptural sufficiency; and the silence of Hooker’s contemporary critics regarding his denial of autopistis.
Complete ecological isolation and cryptic diversity in Polynucleobacter bacteria not resolved by 16S rRNA gene sequences
Authors: Hahn Martin W , Jezberová Jitka , Koll Ulrike , Saueressig-Beck Tanja , Schmidt Johanna
Published: March 2016

Transplantation experiments and genome comparisons were used to determine if lineages of planktonic Polynucleobacter almost indistinguishable by their 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences differ distinctively in their ecophysiological and genomic traits. The results of three transplantation experiments differing in complexity of biotic interactions revealed complete ecological isolation between some of the lineages. This pattern fits well to the previously detected environmental distribution of lineages along chemical gradients, as well as to differences in gene content putatively providing adaptation to chemically distinct habitats. Patterns of distribution of iron transporter genes across 209 Polynucleobacter strains obtained from freshwater systems and representing a broad pH spectrum further emphasize differences in habitat-specific adaptations. Genome comparisons of six strains sharing ⩾99% 16S rRNA similarities suggested that each strain represents a distinct species. Comparison of sequence diversity among genomes with sequence diversity among 240 cultivated Polynucleobacter strains indicated a large cryptic species complex not resolvable by 16S rRNA sequences. The revealed ecological isolation and cryptic diversity in Polynucleobacter bacteria is crucial in the interpretation of diversity studies on freshwater bacterioplankton based on ribosomal sequences.
Melanoma cell lysosome secretory burst neutralizes the CTL-mediated cytotoxicity at the lytic synapse
Authors: Khazen Roxana , Müller Sabina , Gaudenzio Nicolas , Espinosa Eric , Puissegur Marie-Pierre , Valitutti Salvatore
Published: March 2016

Human melanoma cells express various tumour antigens that are recognized by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and elicit tumour-specific responses in vivo. However, natural and therapeutically enhanced CTL responses in melanoma patients are of limited efficacy. The mechanisms underlying CTL effector phase failure when facing melanomas are still largely elusive. Here we show that, on conjugation with CTL, human melanoma cells undergo an active late endosome/lysosome trafficking, which is intensified at the lytic synapse and is paralleled by cathepsin-mediated perforin degradation and deficient granzyme B penetration. Abortion of SNAP-23-dependent lysosomal trafficking, pH perturbation or impairment of lysosomal proteolytic activity restores susceptibility to CTL attack. Inside the arsenal of melanoma cell strategies to escape immune surveillance, we identify a self-defence mechanism based on exacerbated lysosome secretion and perforin degradation at the lytic synapse. Interfering with this synaptic self-defence mechanism might be useful in potentiating CTL-mediated therapies in melanoma patients.
Field-free magnetization reversal by spin-Hall effect and exchange bias
Authors: van den Brink A. , Vermijs G. , Solignac A. , Koo J. , Kohlhepp J. T. , Swagten H. J. M. , Koopmans B.
Published: March 2016

As the first magnetic random access memories are finding their way onto the market, an important issue remains to be solved: the current density required to write magnetic bits becomes prohibitively high as bit dimensions are reduced. Recently, spin–orbit torques and the spin-Hall effect in particular have attracted significant interest, as they enable magnetization reversal without high current densities running through the tunnel barrier. For perpendicularly magnetized layers, however, the technological implementation of the spin-Hall effect is hampered by the necessity of an in-plane magnetic field for deterministic switching. Here we interface a thin ferromagnetic layer with an anti-ferromagnetic material. An in-plane exchange bias is created and shown to enable field-free S HE-driven magnetization reversal of a perpendicularly magnetized Pt/Co/IrMn structure. Aside from the potential technological implications, our experiment provides additional insight into the local spin structure at the ferromagnetic/anti-ferromagnetic interface.
TRF2-RAP1 is required to protect telomeres from engaging in homologous recombination-mediated deletions and fusions
Authors: Rai Rekha , Chen Yong , Lei Ming , Chang Sandy
Published: March 2016

Repressor/activator protein 1 (RAP1) is a highly conserved telomere-interacting protein. Yeast Rap1 protects telomeres from non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), plays important roles in telomere length control and is involved in transcriptional gene regulation. However, a role for mammalian RAP1 in telomere end protection remains controversial. Here we present evidence that mammalian RAP1 is essential to protect telomere from homology directed repair (HDR) of telomeres. RAP1 cooperates with the basic domain of TRF2 (TRF2B) to repress PARP1 and SLX4 localization to telomeres. Without RAP1 and TRF2B, PARP1 and SLX4 HR factors promote rapid telomere resection, resulting in catastrophic telomere loss and the generation of telomere-free chromosome fusions in both mouse and human cells. The RAP1 Myb domain is required to repress both telomere loss and formation of telomere-free fusions. Our results highlight the importance of the RAP1-TRF2 heterodimer in protecting telomeres from inappropriate processing by the HDR pathway.
The ReaxFF reactive force-field: development, applications and future directions
Authors: Senftle Thomas P , Hong Sungwook , Islam Md Mahbubul , Kylasa Sudhir B , Zheng Yuanxia , Shin Yun Kyung , Junkermeier Chad , Engel-Herbert Roman , Janik Michael J , Aktulga Hasan Metin , Verstraelen Toon , Grama Ananth , van Duin Adri C T
Published: March 2016

The reactive force-field (ReaxFF) interatomic potential is a powerful computational tool for exploring, developing and optimizing material properties. Methods based on the principles of quantum mechanics (QM), while offering valuable theoretical guidance at the electronic level, are often too computationally intense for simulations that consider the full dynamic evolution of a system. Alternatively, empirical interatomic potentials that are based on classical principles require significantly fewer computational resources, which enables simulations to better describe dynamic processes over longer timeframes and on larger scales. Such methods, however, typically require a predefined connectivity between atoms, precluding simulations that involve reactive events. The ReaxFF method was developed to help bridge this gap. Approaching the gap from the classical side, ReaxFF casts the empirical interatomic potential within a bond-order formalism, thus implicitly describing chemical bonding without expensive QM calculations. This article provides an overview of the development, application, and future directions of the ReaxFF method.
Intratumoral heterogeneity identified at the epigenetic, genetic and transcriptional level in glioblastoma
Authors: Parker Nicole R. , Hudson Amanda L. , Khong Peter , Parkinson Jonathon F. , Dwight Trisha , Ikin Rowan J. , Zhu Ying , Cheng Zhangkai Jason , Vafaee Fatemeh , Chen Jason , Wheeler Helen R. , Howell Viive M.
Published: March 2016

Heterogeneity is a hallmark of glioblastoma with intratumoral heterogeneity contributing to variability in responses and resistance to standard treatments. Promoter methylation status of the DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is the most important clinical biomarker in glioblastoma, predicting for therapeutic response. However, it does not always correlate with response. This may be due to intratumoral heterogeneity, with a single biopsy unlikely to represent the entire lesion. Aberrations in other DNA repair mechanisms may also contribute. This study investigated intratumoral heterogeneity in multiple glioblastoma tumors with a particular focus on the DNA repair pathways. Transcriptional intratumoral heterogeneity was identified in 40% of cases with variability in MGMT methylation status found in 14% of cases. As well as identifying intratumoral heterogeneity at the transcriptional and epigenetic levels, targeted next generation sequencing identified between 1 and 37 unique sequence variants per specimen. In-silico tools were then able to identify deleterious variants in both the base excision repair and the mismatch repair pathways that may contribute to therapeutic response. As these pathways have roles in temozolomide response, these findings may confound patient management and highlight the importance of assessing multiple tumor biopsies.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Deficiency Exacerbates Aging-Induced Cardiac Remodeling and Dysfunction Despite Improved Inflammation: Role of Autophagy Regulation
Authors: Xu Xihui , Pang Jiaojiao , Chen Yuguo , Bucala Richard , Zhang Yingmei , Ren Jun
Published: March 2016

Aging leads to unfavorable geometric and functional sequelae in the heart. The proinflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a role in the maintenance of cardiac homeostasis under stress conditions although its impact in cardiac aging remains elusive. This study was designed to evaluate the role of MIF in aging-induced cardiac anomalies and the underlying mechanism involved. Cardiac geometry, contractile and intracellular Ca2+ properties were examined in young (3–4 mo) or old (24 mo) wild type and MIF knockout (MIF−/−) mice. Our data revealed that MIF knockout exacerbated aging-induced unfavorable structural and functional changes in the heart. The detrimental effect of MIF knockout was associated with accentuated loss in cardiac autophagy with aging. Aging promoted cardiac inflammation, the effect was attenuated by MIF knockout. Intriguingly, aging-induced unfavorable responses were reversed by treatment with the autophagy inducer rapamycin, with improved myocardial ATP availability in aged WT and MIF−/− mice. Using an in vitro model of senescence, MIF knockdown exacerbated doxorubicin-induced premature senescence in H9C2 myoblasts, the effect was ablated by MIF replenishment. Our data indicated that MIF knockout exacerbates aging-induced cardiac remodeling and functional anomalies despite improved inflammation, probably through attenuating loss of autophagy and ATP availability in the heart.
Vision-based Nano Robotic System for High-throughput Non-embedded Cell Cutting
Authors: Shang Wanfeng , Lu Haojian , Wan Wenfeng , Fukuda Toshio , Shen Yajing
Published: March 2016

Cell cutting is a significant task in biology study, but the highly productive non-embedded cell cutting is still a big challenge for current techniques. This paper proposes a vision-based nano robotic system and then realizes automatic non-embedded cell cutting with this system. First, the nano robotic system is developed and integrated with a nanoknife inside an environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Then, the positions of the nanoknife and the single cell are recognized, and the distance between them is calculated dynamically based on image processing. To guarantee the positioning accuracy and the working efficiency, we propose a distance-regulated speed adapting strategy, in which the moving speed is adjusted intelligently based on the distance between the nanoknife and the target cell. The results indicate that the automatic non-embedded cutting is able to be achieved within 1–2 mins with low invasion benefiting from the high precise nanorobot system and the sharp edge of nanoknife. This research paves a way for the high-throughput cell cutting at cell’s natural condition, which is expected to make significant impact on the biology studies, especially for the in-situ analysis at cellular and subcellular scale, such as cell interaction investigation, neural signal transduction and low invasive cell surgery.
Forest dynamics and its driving forces of sub-tropical forest in South China
Authors: Ma Lei , Lian Juyu , Lin Guojun , Cao Honglin , Huang Zhongliang , Guan Dongsheng
Published: March 2016

Tree mortality and recruitment are key factors influencing forest dynamics, but the driving mechanisms of these processes remain unclear. To better understand these driving mechanisms, we studied forest dynamics over a 5-year period in a 20-ha sub-tropical forest in the Dinghushan Nature Reserve, South China. The goal was to identify determinants of tree mortality/recruitment at the local scale using neighborhood analyses on some locally dominant tree species. Results show that the study plot was more dynamic than some temperate and tropical forests in a comparison to large, long-term forest dynamics plots. Over the 5-year period, mortality rates ranged from 1.67 to 12.33% per year while recruitment rates ranged from 0 to 20.26% per year. Tree size had the most consistent effect on mortality across species. Recruitment into the ≥1-cm size class consistently occurred where local con-specific density was high. This suggests that recruitment may be limited by seed dispersal. Hetero-specific individuals also influenced recruitment significantly for some species. Canopy species had low recruitment into the ≥1-cm size class over the 5-year period. In conclusion, tree mortality and recruitment for sixteen species in this plot was likely limited by seed dispersal and density-dependence.
Intra-epidemic evolutionary dynamics of a Dengue virus type 1 population reveal mutant spectra that correlate with disease transmission
Authors: Hapuarachchi Hapuarachchige Chanditha , Koo Carmen , Kek Relus , Xu Helen , Lai Yee Ling , Liu Lilac , Kok Suet Yheng , Shi Yuan , Chuen Raphael Lee Tze , Lee Kim-Sung , Maurer-Stroh Sebastian , Ng Lee Ching
Published: March 2016

Dengue virus (DENV) is currently the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral pathogen. DENVs naturally exist as highly heterogeneous populations. Even though the descriptions on DENV diversity are plentiful, only a few studies have narrated the dynamics of intra-epidemic virus diversity at a fine scale. Such accounts are important to decipher the reciprocal relationship between viral evolutionary dynamics and disease transmission that shape dengue epidemiology. In the current study, we present a micro-scale genetic analysis of a monophyletic lineage of DENV-1 genotype III (epidemic lineage) detected from November 2012 to May 2014. The lineage was involved in an unprecedented dengue epidemic in Singapore during 2013–2014. Our findings showed that the epidemic lineage was an ensemble of mutants (variants) originated from an initial mixed viral population. The composition of mutant spectrum was dynamic and positively correlated with case load. The close interaction between viral evolution and transmission intensity indicated that tracking genetic diversity through time is potentially a useful tool to infer DENV transmission dynamics and thereby, to assess the epidemic risk in a disease control perspective. Moreover, such information is salient to understand the viral basis of clinical outcome and immune response variations that is imperative to effective vaccine design.
High-order random Raman lasing in a PM fiber with ultimate efficiency and narrow bandwidth
Authors: Babin Sergey A. , Zlobina Ekaterina A. , Kablukov Sergey I. , Podivilov Evgeniy V.
Published: March 2016

Random Raman lasers attract now a great deal of attention as they operate in non-active turbid or transparent scattering media. In the last case, single mode fibers with feedback via Rayleigh backscattering generate a high-quality unidirectional laser beam. However, such fiber lasers have rather poor spectral and polarization properties, worsening with increasing power and Stokes order. Here we demonstrate a linearly-polarized cascaded random Raman lasing in a polarization-maintaining fiber. The quantum efficiency of converting the pump (1.05 μm) into the output radiation is almost independent of the Stokes order, amounting to 79%, 83% and 77% for the 1st (1.11 μm), 2nd (1.17 μm) and 3rd (1.23 μm) order, respectively, at the polarization extinction ratio >22 dB for all orders. The laser bandwidth grows with increasing order, but it is almost independent of power in the 1–10 W range, amounting to ~1, ~2 and ~3 nm for orders 1–3, respectively. So, the random Raman laser exhibits no degradation of output characteristics with increasing Stokes order. A theory adequately describing the unique laser features has been developed. Thus, a full picture of the cascaded random Raman lasing in fibers is shown.
Photodynamic killing of cancer cells by a Platinum(II) complex with cyclometallating ligand
Authors: Doherty Rachel E. , Sazanovich Igor V. , McKenzie Luke K. , Stasheuski Alexander S. , Coyle Rachel , Baggaley Elizabeth , Bottomley Sarah , Weinstein Julia A. , Bryant Helen E.
Published: March 2016

Photodynamic therapy that uses photosensitizers which only become toxic upon light-irradiation provides a strong alternative to conventional cancer treatment due to its ability to selectively target tumour material without affecting healthy tissue. Transition metal complexes are highly promising PDT agents due to intense visible light absorption, yet the majority are toxic even without light. This study introduces a small, photostable, charge-neutral platinum-based compound, Pt(II) 2,6-dipyrido-4-methyl-benzenechloride, complex 1, as a photosensitizer, which works under visible light. Activation of the new photosensitizer at low concentrations (0.1–1 μM) by comparatively low dose of 405 nm light (3.6 J cm−2) causes significant cell death of cervical, colorectal and bladder cancer cell lines, and, importantly, a cisplatin resistant cell line EJ-R. The photo-index of the complex is 8. We demonstrate that complex 1 induces irreversible DNA single strand breaks following irradiation, and that oxygen is essential for the photoinduced action. Neither light, nor compound alone led to cell death. The key advantages of the new drug include a remarkably fast accumulation time (diffusion-controlled, minutes), and photostability. This study demonstrates a highly promising new agent for photodynamic therapy, and attracts attention to photostable metal complexes as viable alternatives to conventional chemotherapeutics, such as cisplatin.
High throughput sequencing of small RNAs transcriptomes in two Crassostrea oysters identifies microRNAs involved in osmotic stress response
Authors: Zhao Xuelin , Yu Hong , Kong Lingfeng , Liu Shikai , Li Qi
Published: March 2016

Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and are involved in responses to biotic and abiotic stress. However, the role of miRNAs involved in osmotic plasticity remains largely unknown in marine bivalves. In the present study, we performed low salinity challenge with two Crassostrea species (C. gigas and C. hongkongensis), and conducted high-throughput sequencing of four small RNA libraries constructed from the gill tissues. A total of 202 and 87 miRNAs were identified from C. gigas and C. hongkongensis, respectively. Six miRNAs in C. gigas and two in C. hongkongensis were differentially expressed in response to osmotic stress. The expression profiles of these eight miRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR. Based on GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis, genes associated with microtubule-based process and cellular component movement were enriched in both species. In addition, five miRNA-mRNA interaction pairs that showed opposite expression patterns were identified in the C. hongkongensis, Differential expression analysis identified the miRNAs that play important regulatory roles in response to low salinity stress, providing insights into molecular mechanisms that are essential for salinity tolerance in marine bivalves.
Direct manufacturing of ultrathin graphite on three-dimensional nanoscale features
Authors: Pacios Mercè , Hosseini Peiman , Fan Ye , He Zhengyu , Krause Oliver , Hutchison John , Warner Jamie H. , Bhaskaran Harish
Published: March 2016

There have been many successful attempts to grow high-quality large-area graphene on flat substrates. Doing so at the nanoscale has thus far been plagued by significant scalability problems, particularly because of the need for delicate transfer processes onto predefined features, which are necessarily low-yield processes and which can introduce undesirable residues. Herein we describe a highly scalable, clean and effective, in-situ method that uses thin film deposition techniques to directly grow on a continuous basis ultrathin graphite (uG) on uneven nanoscale surfaces. We then demonstrate that this is possible on a model system of atomic force probe tips of various radii. Further, we characterize the growth characteristics of this technique as well as the film’s superior conduction and lower adhesion at these scales. This sets the stage for such a process to allow the use of highly functional graphite in high-aspect-ratio nanoscale components.
Charge retention of soft-landed phosphotungstate Keggin anions on self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Gunaratne K. Don D. , Prabhakaran Venkateshkumar , Andersen Amity , Johnson Grant E. , Laskin Julia
Published: March 2016

Preferential immobilization of the 2− charge state observed for polyoxotungstate Keggin anions soft-landed onto self-assembled monolayer surfaces.
Carbon nitride nanosheet/metal–organic framework nanocomposites with synergistic photocatalytic activities
Authors: Hong Jindui , Chen Chunping , Bedoya Franky E. , Kelsall Geoff H. , O'Hare Dermot , Petit Camille
Published: March 2016

Carbon nitride nanosheet/metal–ogranic framework nanocomposites with heterojunction were synthesised via an in-situ method, leading to better electron–hole transfer and more efficient photocatalytic activities.
Comparison of glucose conversion to 5-HMF using different modified mordenites in ionic liquid and biphasic media
Authors: Mamo W. , Chebude Y. , Márquez-Álvarez C. , Díaz I. , Sastre E.
Published: March 2016

Modified mordenites have been used in the direct conversion of glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) in two different media: the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([BMIM]Br) and a biphasic system composed of water–acetone and ethyl acetate.
Raman spectroscopy of the N–N bond in rare earth dinitrogen complexes
Authors: Fieser Megan E. , Woen David H. , Corbey Jordan F. , Mueller Thomas J. , Ziller Joseph W. , Evans William J.
Published: March 2016

Raman spectra have been collected on single crystals of over 20 different rare earth complexes containing reduced dinitrogen ligands to determine if these data will correlate with periodic properties or relative stability.
Cu-catalyzed aerobic oxygenation of 2-phenoxyacetophenones to alkyloxy acetophenones
Authors: Liu Xinwei , Xu Huanjun , Ma Zhishuang , Zhang Hongye , Wu Cailing , Liu Zhimin
Published: March 2016

Cu-catalyzed aerobic oxygenation of 2-phenoxyacetophenones in alcohols was achieved, producing alkyl benzoates, alkyloxy acetophenones and phenols in high yields.
Development of the catalytic reactivity of an oxo–peroxo Mo(vi) Schiff base complex supported on supermagnetic nanoparticles as a reusable green nanocatalyst for selective epoxidation of olefins
Authors: Bezaatpour Abolfazl , Khatami Sahar , Amiri Mandana
Published: March 2016

A novel ancillary branch coated oxo–peroxo Mo(vi)tetradentate Schiff base complex on superparamagnetic nanoparticles as an epoxidation catalyst.
Pharmaceutical crystalline complexes of sulfamethazine with saccharin: same interaction site but different ionization states
Authors: Fu Xue , Li Jianhui , Wang Lianyan , Wu Bing , Xu Xu , Deng Zongwu , Zhang Hailu
Published: March 2016

Sulfamethazine (SMT) can form either 1 : 1 salt or 1 : 1 cocrystal with saccharin (SAC). The two crystalline complexes possess the same main intermolecular interaction site except the locations of the acidic proton are different.
Linking micellar structures to hydrogelation for salt-triggered dipeptide gelators
Authors: Cardoso Andre Zamith , Mears Laura L. E. , Cattoz Beatrice N. , Griffiths Peter C. , Schweins Ralf , Adams Dave J.
Published: March 2016

The hierarchical structure of a dipeptide micellar phase is characterised and linked with the corresponding salt-triggered hydrogel phase.
Synthesis of a three-layered SiO2@Au nanoparticle@polyaniline nanocomposite and its application in simultaneous electrochemical detection of uric acid and ascorbic acid
Authors: Hou Ting , Gai Panpan , Song Mengmeng , Zhang Shuhan , Li Feng
Published: March 2016

A novel three-layered SiO2@AuNP@PANI nanocomposite was synthesized and adopted for the simultaneous electrochemical determination of uric acid and ascorbic acid.
Recent advancements in ion concentration polarization
Authors: Li Min , Anand Robbyn. K.
Published: March 2016

Advancements in ion concentration polarization made over the past three years are highlighted.
Metrics for green analytical chemistry
Authors: Tobiszewski Marek
Published: March 2016

Green analytical chemistry although is not a new concept, it does not have greenness metrics system. Some efforts have been made to develop suitable metrics for analytical chemistry. The present review analyses the different methods proposed for an accurate greenness metrics system.
Elucidating the role of methyl viologen as a scavenger of photoactivated electrons from photosystem I under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
Authors: Bennett Tyler , Niroomand Hanieh , Pamu Ravi , Ivanov Ilia , Mukherjee Dibyendu , Khomami Bamin
Published: March 2016

We present electrochemical investigations into the role of dissolved O2 in electrolyte solutions in scavenging photoactivated electrons from photosystem I (PS I) while using methyl viologen (MV2+) as the redox mediator.
Crystallographic origin of cycle decay of the high-voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 spinel lithium-ion battery electrode
Authors: Pang Wei Kong , Lu Cheng-Zhang , Liu Chia-Erh , Peterson Vanessa K. , Lin Hsiu-Fen , Liao Shih-Chieh , Chen Jin-Ming
Published: March 2016

Crystallographic structural study of the capacity decay of the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4||Li4Ti5O12 18650-type battery using operando neutron powder diffraction.
Hot off the press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: March 2016

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as guajavadimer A 7 from leaves of Psidium guajava.
Insights into the catalytic mechanism of N-acetylglucosaminidase glycoside hydrolase from Bacillus subtilis: a QM/MM study
Authors: Su Hao , Sheng Xiang , Liu Yongjun
Published: March 2016

QM/MM calculations on NagZs fromBacillus subtilisfurther confirm NagZs to be glycoside phosphorylases rather than glycoside hydrolases.
Preparation of binder-free CuO/Cu2O/Cu composites: a novel electrode material for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Xu Panpan , Liu Jijun , Liu Tong , Ye Ke , Cheng Kui , Yin Jinling , Cao Dianxue , Wang Guiling , Li Qiang
Published: March 2016

The results of XRD and XPS demonstrate that CuO/Cu2O/Cu is prepared successfully via a facile, eco-friendly, one-step template-free growth process. SEM figures show that cubic CuO/Cu2O/Cu uniformly and densely covers a skeleton of nickel foam.
Control of osmotic pressure through CO2-capture and release facilitated by the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) phase transition of acylated branched polyethylenimine
Authors: Park Jeongseon , Noh Minwoo , Chey Min Keun , Mok Yeongbong , Seo Ji-Hun , Lee Yan
Published: March 2016

A solution of acylated polyethylenimine absorbs CO2at low temperatures and draws water from high-salt saline due to the high osmotic pressure, while it liberates CO2after phase separation by mild heating and releases water into low-salt saline.
Selective identification of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators from their biosynthetic double di-oxygenation isomers
Authors: Hansen Trond V. , Dalli Jesmond , Serhan Charles N.
Published: March 2016

A convenient, reproducible and easy-to-use LC/MS-MS metabololipidomic protocol is presented that facilitates the identification of specialized pro-resolving mediators present in biological samples.
Microbial lipid production by oleaginous yeasts on Laminaria residue hydrolysates
Authors: Zhang Xibin , Shen Hongwei , Yang Xiaobing , Wang Qian , Yu Xue , Zhao Zongbao K.
Published: March 2016

Laminaria residues, major wastes from the kelp industry, can be effectively converted by oleaginous yeasts into microbial lipids as potential feedstock for biodiesel production.
Highly sensitive mixed-potential type ethanol sensors based on stabilized zirconia and ZnNb2O6sensing electrode
Authors: Liu Fangmeng , Yang Xue , Yu Zhangduo , Wang Bin , Guan Yehui , Liang Xishuang , Sun Peng , Liu Fengmin , Gao Yuan , Lu Geyu
Published: March 2016

A mixed-potential type stabilized zirconia (YSZ)-based gas sensor using columbite type composite oxide sensing electrode was developed and fabricated, aiming at sensitive detection of ethanol.
Solution synthesis of pure 2H CuFeO2 at low temperatures
Authors: Jin Yi , Chumanov George
Published: March 2016

Pure 2H CuFeO2 was synthesized via a low temperature hydrothermal reaction and its band gap and absorption coefficient was determined.
Synthesis of plasmonic Au–CuS hybrid nanocrystals for photothermal transduction and chemical transformations
Authors: Sun Chao , Liu Mengya , Zou Yu , Wei Jiandong , Jiang Jiang
Published: March 2016

Plasmonic Au–CuS heterodimers were prepared by tuning Cu–S reactivity, which shows synergistically enhanced optical absorption and can be further chemically transformed to hybrids like Au–CuInS2 and Au–Cu2ZnSnS4.
Novel mononuclear ruthenium(ii) complexes as potent and low-toxicity antitumour agents: synthesis, characterization, biological evaluation and mechanism of action
Authors: Hu Pengchao , Wang Ying , Zhang Yan , Song Hui , Gao Fangfang , Lin Hongyi , Wang Zhihao , Wei Lei , Yang Fang
Published: March 2016

The ruthenium(ii) complex, [Ru(dmb)2(salH)]PF6(Ru-2), is considered a potential antitumour agent that could avoid the side-effects of platinum-based anti-cancer drugs, such as cisplatin, carboplatin or oxaliplatin.
NIR-sensitive UCNP@mSiO2nanovehicles for on-demand drug release and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhang Ting , Lin Huiming , Cui Liru , An Na , Tong Ruihan , Chen Yuhua , Yang Chunyu , Li Xin , Qu Fengyu
Published: March 2016

The synthesis of UCNP@mSiO2/HA nanovehicle reveals the NIR-triggered chemotherapy/PDT as well as the enhanced specific cytotoxicity to cancer cell.
Highly selective and sensitive colorimetric chemosensor for detection of Co2+ in a near-perfect aqueous solution
Authors: Lee Seong Youl , Lee Jae Jun , Bok Kwon Hee , Kim So Young , Kim Cheal
Published: March 2016

An outstanding colorimetric chemosensor was developed to selectively detect Co2+ with the lowest detection limit through the color change from colorless to yellow.
Small molecules of chalcone derivatives with high two-photon absorption activities in the near-IR region
Authors: Tan Jingyun , Zhang Yujin , Zhang Meirong , Tian Xiaohe , Wang Yiming , Li Shengli , Wang Chuankui , Zhou Hongping , Yang Jiaxiang , Tian Yupeng , Wu Jieying
Published: March 2016

Six thiophene-based chalcone derivatives were synthesized, and their structure–property relationship was investigated systematically. Small molecules as they are, they have showed favorable Φ and σ values in the near-IR region.
Adjusting acceptor redistribution for highly efficient solvent additive-free polymer solar cells
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Fujun , An Qiaoshi , Zhang Miao , Zhang Jian , Tang Weihua
Published: March 2016

More PC71BM could be elevated toward the top surface of active layers by a mixed solvent spin-coating treatment, leading to an increase in PCE from 6.69% to 7.76% for the solvent additive-free PSCs.
Induction and inhibition of human cytochrome P4501 by oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Wincent Emma , Le Bihanic Florane , Dreij Kristian
Published: March 2016

Our data represent the first demonstration that oxy-PAHs can be potent inhibitors of CYP1 expression and function.
Variable step‐size distributed incremental normalised LMS algorithm
Authors: Shi Long , Zhao Haiquan
Published: March 2016

A variable step‐size distributed incremental normalised least mean square (DINLMS) algorithm is proposed, in which the time‐varying step‐size of each node in the distributed network is obtained by minimising a posterior estimation error at that node. It overcomes the drawback that fast convergence rate with high steady‐state misalignment or low steady‐state misalignment with slow convergence rate, which always exists in the traditional DINLMS. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm could achieve a better performance.
Effect of Mg insertion on stress‐induced resistance drift in MgO‐based magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Choi C. M. , Oh Y. T. , Lee J. Y. , Sukegawa H. , Mitani S. , Song Y.H.
Published: March 2016

The stress‐induced resistance drift in MgO‐based magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with Mg insertion layer above and below a MgO tunnel barrier is investigated. Mg insertion suppresses the resistance drift. Resistance drift characteristics are improved when electrons tunnel into the Mg‐inserted barrier–electrode interface, indicating that Mg insertion significantly suppresses trap site formation at the anode‐side barrier–electrode interface. However, transmission electron microscopy images confirm that there is little difference in interface crystallinity between the Mg‐inserted and non‐inserted interfaces. Therefore, it is shown that a slight modification of the barrier–electrode interface states has a significant impact on resistance drift characteristics, and Mg insertion on both interface sides appears to be an effective way to improve MTJ device reliability in practical applications.
Compact UWB monopole antenna for internet of things applications
Authors: Bekasiewicz A. , Koziel S.
Published: March 2016

A structure of a compact ultra‐wideband monopole antenna has been presented. The antenna consists of a microstrip‐fed rectangle radiator as well as a ground plane with a rectangle slit and an L‐shaped stub. The critical factor in achieving a small size is a careful design procedure involving numerical optimisation of all geometry parameters of the antenna aiming at explicit size reduction while maintaining acceptable electrical performance. The final design exhibits dimensions of only 9.45 × 18.5 mm and a footprint of 175 mm2. Experimental validation and comparisons with competitive designs are also provided.
Three‐phase double auxiliary resonant commutated pole inverter topology and analysis of its working principle
Authors: Chu Enhui , Zhang Xing , Sun Qiuye , Li Si , Xiong Huiming , Yang Xiaochen
Published: March 2016

This study presents a double auxiliary resonant commutated pole (ARCP) inverter topology and modulation strategy. In the proposed inverter, the zero‐voltage‐switching (ZVS) turn‐off of auxiliary switches influenced by parasitic circuit elements from the wiring process can be avoided. It is assured that the auxiliary switches achieve ZVS turn‐off reliably. Hence, the reliability of the ARCP inverter is improved, especially in high‐power application. According to the equivalent circuits in different operation modes under the proposed modulation strategy, the working principle, soft‐switching implementation condition, and parameter design procedure of the proposed inverter are analysed successively in this study. Finally, a 10 kW, 16 kHz double ARCP inverter prototype is built. Experimental results are given to demonstrate the validity of the proposed inverter.
Backstepping direct power control without phase‐locked loop of AC/DC converter under both balanced and unbalanced grid conditions
Authors: Sun Dan , Wang Xiaohe , Fang Yang
Published: March 2016

This study presents a backstepping direct power control (BS‐DPC) strategy for the grid‐connected AC/DC converter under both balanced and unbalanced grid conditions. The proposed BS‐DPC adopts the non‐linear BS controller to the DPC strategy in the stationary reference frame, thus phase‐locked loop is unnecessary. A generalised power compensation method is applied to the proposed BS‐DPC under unbalanced grid condition to achieve multiple control targets. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed BS‐DPC, comparative experimental studies are conducted under both balanced and unbalanced grid conditions. Experimental results verify that the proposed BS‐DPC inherits the excellent dynamic performance of the traditional DPC and has excellent steady‐state performance as well. In addition, flexible control targets can be achieved and dynamically adjusted under unbalanced grid condition according to the grid safety operation requirement.
Nature of size effects in compact models of field effect transistors
Authors: Torkhov N. A. , Babak L. I. , Kokolov A. A. , Salnikov A. S. , Dobush I. M. , Novikov V. A. , Ivonin I. V.
Published: March 2016

Investigations have shown that in the local approximation (for sizes L < 100 μm), AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) structures satisfy to all properties of chaotic systems and can be described in the language of fractal geometry of fractional dimensions. For such objects, values of their electrophysical characteristics depend on the linear sizes of the examined regions, which explain the presence of the so-called size effects—dependences of the electrophysical and instrumental characteristics on the linear sizes of the active elements of semiconductor devices. In the present work, a relationship has been established for the linear model parameters of the equivalent circuit elements of internal transistors with fractal geometry of the heteroepitaxial structure manifested through a dependence of its relative electrophysical characteristics on the linear sizes of the examined surface areas. For the HEMTs, this implies dependences of their relative static (A/mm, mA/V/mm, Ω/mm, etc.) and microwave characteristics (W/mm) on the width d of the sink-source channel and on the number of sections n that leads to a nonlinear dependence of the retrieved parameter values of equivalent circuit elements of linear internal transistor models on n and d. Thus, it has been demonstrated that the size effects in semiconductors determined by the fractal geometry must be taken into account when investigating the properties of semiconductor objects on the levels less than the local approximation limit and designing and manufacturing field effect transistors. In general, the suggested approach allows a complex of problems to be solved on designing, optimizing, and retrieving the parameters of equivalent circuits of linear and nonlinear models of not only field effect transistors but also any arbitrary semiconductor devices with nonlinear instrumental characteristics.