bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher plasma betatrophin/ANGPTL8 level in Type 2 Diabetes subjects does not correlate with blood glucose or insulin resistance
Authors: Abu-Farha Mohamed , Abubaker Jehad , Al-Khairi Irina , Cherian Preethi , Noronha Fiona , Hu Frank B. , Behbehani Kazem , Elkum Naser
Published: June 2015

Betatrophin/ANGPTL8 is a newly identified hormone produced in liver and adipose tissue that has been shown to be induced as a result of insulin resistance and regulates lipid metabolism. Little is known about betatrophin level in humans and its association with T2D and metabolic risk factors. Plasma level of betatrophin was measured by ELISA in 1603 subjects: 1047 non-diabetic and 556 T2D subjects and its associations with metabolic risk factors in both non-diabetic and T2D were also studied. Our data show a significant difference in betatrophin levels between non-diabetic (731.3 (59.5–10625.0) pg/ml) and T2D (1710.5 (197.4–12361.1) p < 0.001. Betatrophin was positively correlated with age, BMI, waist/hip ratio, FBG, HbA1C, HOMA-IR and TG in the non-diabetic subjects. However, no association was observed with BMI, FBG, HbA1C or HOMA-IR in T2D subjects. TC and LDL showed negative association with betatrophin in T2D subjects. Multivariate analysis showed that subjects in the highest tertile of betatrophin had higher odds of having T2D (odd ratio [OR] = 6.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = (3.15 – 12.01). Our data show strong positive associations between betatrophin and FBG and insulin resistance in non-diabetic subjects. However, correlations with FBG and insulin resistance were diminished in T2D subjects.
Nanostructured fuzz growth on tungsten under low-energy and high-flux He irradiation
Authors: Yang Qi , You Yu-Wei , Liu Lu , Fan Hongyu , Ni Weiyuan , Liu Dongping , Liu C. S. , Benstetter Günther , Wang Younian
Published: June 2015

We report the formation of wave-like structures and nanostructured fuzzes in the polycrystalline tungsten (W) irradiated with high-flux and low-energy helium (He) ions. From conductive atomic force microscope measurements, we have simultaneously obtained the surface topography and current emission images of the irradiated W materials. Our measurements show that He-enriched and nanostructured strips are formed in W crystal grains when they are exposed to low-energy and high-flux He ions at a temperature of 1400 K. The experimental measurements are confirmed by theoretical calculations, where He atoms in W crystal grains are found to cluster in a close-packed arrangement between {101} planes and form He-enriched strips. The formations of wave-like structures and nanostructured fuzzes on the W surface can be attributed to the surface sputtering and swelling of He-enriched strips, respectively.
18 GHz electromagnetic field induces permeability of Gram-positive cocci
Authors: Nguyen The Hong Phong , Shamis Yury , Croft Rodney J. , Wood Andrew , McIntosh Robert L. , Crawford Russell J. , Ivanova Elena P.
Published: June 2015

The effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposures at the microwave (MW) frequency of 18 GHz, on four cocci, Planococcus maritimus KMM 3738, Staphylococcus aureus CIP 65.8T, S. aureus ATCC 25923 and S. epidermidis ATCC 14990T, was investigated. We demonstrate that exposing the bacteria to an EMF induced permeability in the bacterial membranes of all strains studied, as confirmed directly by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and indirectly via the propidium iodide assay and the uptake of silica nanospheres. The cells remained permeable for at least nine minutes after EMF exposure. It was shown that all strains internalized 23.5 nm nanospheres, whereas the internalization of the 46.3 nm nanospheres differed amongst the bacterial strains (S. epidermidis ATCC 14990T~ 0%; Staphylococcus aureus CIP 65.8TS. aureus ATCC 25923, ~40%; Planococcus maritimus KMM 3738, ~80%). Cell viability experiments indicated that up to 84% of the cells exposed to the EMF remained viable. The morphology of the bacterial cells was not altered, as inferred from the scanning electron micrographs, however traces of leaked cytosolic fluids from the EMF exposed cells could be detected. EMF-induced permeabilization may represent an innovative, alternative cell permeability technique for applications in biomedical engineering, cell drug delivery and gene therapy.
Slippage in stacking of graphene nanofragments induced by spin polarization
Authors: Lei Yanyu , Jiang Wanrun , Dai Xing , Song Ruixia , Wang Bo , Gao Yang , Wang Zhigang
Published: June 2015

Spin polarization and stacking are interesting effects in complex molecular systems and are both presented in graphene-based materials. Their possible combination may provide a new perspective in understanding the intermolecular force. The nanoscale graphene structures with zigzag edges could possess spin-polarized ground states. However, the mechanical effect of spin polarization in stacking of graphene nanofragments is not clear. Here we demonstrate the displacement between two stacked rhombic graphene nanofragments induced by spin polarization, using first-principles density-functional methods. We found that, in stacking of two rhombic graphene nanofragments, a spin-polarized stacked conformation with zero total spin is energetically more favorable than the closed-shell stacking. The spin-polarized conformation gives a further horizontal interlayer displacement within 1 angstrom compared with the closed-shell structure. This result highlights that, besides the well-known phenomenologically interpreted van der Waals forces, a specific mechanism dependent on the monomeric spin polarization may lead to obvious mechanical effects in some intermolecular interactions.
Resonantly excited precession motion of three-dimensional vortex core in magnetic nanospheres
Authors: Kim Sang-Koog , Yoo Myoung-Woo , Lee Jehyun , Lee Ha-Youn , Lee Jae-Hyeok , Gaididei Yuri , Kravchuk Volodymyr P. , Sheka Denis D.
Published: June 2015

We found resonantly excited precession motions of a three-dimensional vortex core in soft magnetic nanospheres and controllable precession frequency with the sphere diameter 2R, as studied by micromagnetic numerical and analytical calculations. The precession angular frequency for an applied static field HDC is given as ωMV = γeffHDC, where γeff = γ〈mΓ〉 is the effective gyromagnetic ratio in collective vortex dynamics, with the gyromagnetic ratio γ and the average magnetization component 〈mΓ〉 of the ground-state vortex in the core direction. Fitting to the micromagnetic simulation data for 〈mΓ〉 yields a simple explicit form of 〈mΓ〉 ≈ (73.6 ± 3.4)(lex/2R)2.20±0.14, where lex is the exchange length of a given material. This dynamic behavior might serve as a foundation for potential bio-applications of size-specific resonant excitation of magnetic vortex-state nanoparticles, for example, magnetic particle resonance imaging.
A G-quadruplex-binding compound showing anti-tumour activity in an in vivo model for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ohnmacht Stephan A , Marchetti Chiara , Gunaratnam Mekala , Besser Rachael J , Haider Shozeb M , Di Vita Gloria , Lowe Helen L , Mellinas-Gomez Maria , Diocou Seckou , Robson Mathew , Šponer Jiri , Islam Barira , Barbara Pedley R , Hartley John A , Neidle Stephen
Published: June 2015

We report here that a tetra-substituted naphthalene-diimide derivative (MM41) has significant in vivo anti-tumour activity against the MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer xenograft model. IV administration with a twice-weekly 15 mg/kg dose produces ca 80% tumour growth decrease in a group of tumour-bearing animals. Two animals survived tumour-free after 279 days. High levels of MM41 are rapidly transported into cell nuclei and were found to accumulate in the tumour. MM41 is a quadruplex-interactive compound which binds strongly to the quadruplexes encoded in the promoter sequences of the BCL-2 and k-RAS genes, both of which are dis-regulated in many human pancreatic cancers. Levels of BCL-2 were reduced by ca 40% in tumours from MM41-treated animals relative to controls, consistent with BCL-2 being a target for MM41. Molecular modelling suggests that MM41 binds to a BCL-2 quadruplex in a manner resembling that previously observed in co-crystal structures with human telomeric quadruplexes. This supports the concept that MM41 (and by implication other quadruplex-targeting small molecules) can bind to quadruplex-forming promoter regions in a number of genes and down-regulate their transcription. We suggest that quadruplexes within those master genes that are up-regulated drivers for particular cancers, may be selective targets for compounds such as MM41.
Antiviral activity of silymarin against chikungunya virus
Authors: Lani Rafidah , Hassandarvish Pouya , Chiam Chun Wei , Moghaddam Ehsan , Chu Justin Jang Hann , Rausalu Kai , Merits Andres , Higgs Stephen , Vanlandingham Dana , Abu Bakar Sazaly , Zandi Keivan
Published: June 2015

The mosquito-borne chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes chikungunya fever, with clinical presentations such as severe back and small joint pain and debilitating arthritis associated with crippling pains that persist for weeks and even years. Although there are several studies to evaluate the efficacy of drugs against CHIKV, the treatment for chikungunya fever is mainly symptom-based and no effective licensed vaccine or antiviral are available. Here, we investigated the antiviral activity of three types of flavonoids against CHIKV in vitro replication. Three compounds: silymarin, quercetin and kaempferol were evaluated for their in vitro antiviral activities against CHIKV using a CHIKV replicon cell line and clinical isolate of CHIKV of Central/East African genotype. A cytopathic effect inhibition assay was used to determine their activities on CHIKV viral replication and quantitative reverse transcription PCR was used to calculate virus yield. Antiviral activity of effective compound was further investigated by evaluation of CHIKV protein expression using western blotting for CHIKV nsP1, nsP3 and E2E1 proteins. Briefly, silymarin exhibited significant antiviral activity against CHIKV, reducing both CHIKV replication efficiency and down-regulating production of viral proteins involved in replication. This study may have important consequence for broaden the chance of getting the effective antiviral for CHIKV infection.
Acid–base dysregulation and chemosensory mechanisms in panic disorder: a translational update
Authors: Vollmer L L , Strawn J R , Sah R
Published: June 2015

Panic disorder (PD), a complex anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks, represents a poorly understood psychiatric condition which is associated with significant morbidity and an increased risk of suicide attempts and completed suicide. Recently however, neuroimaging and panic provocation challenge studies have provided insights into the pathoetiology of panic phenomena and have begun to elucidate potential neural mechanisms that may underlie panic attacks. In this regard, accumulating evidence suggests that acidosis may be a contributing factor in induction of panic. Challenge studies in patients with PD reveal that panic attacks may be reliably provoked by agents that lead to acid–base dysbalance such as CO2 inhalation and sodium lactate infusion. Chemosensory mechanisms that translate pH into panic-relevant fear, autonomic, and respiratory responses are therefore of high relevance to the understanding of panic pathophysiology. Herein, we provide a current update on clinical and preclinical studies supporting how acid–base imbalance and diverse chemosensory mechanisms may be associated with PD and discuss future implications of these findings.
An in situ self-developed graphite as high capacity anode of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Gao Mengyao , Liu Naiqiang , Chen Yilei , Guan Yuepeng , Wang Weikun , Zhang Hao , Wang Feng , Huang Yaqin
Published: June 2015

Graphite with a large inter-planar distance (0.357 nm), obtained from pig bone, delivered an continuously improving specific capacity when used as a lithium-ion battery anode.
Hydroamination of terminal alkynes with secondary amines catalyzed by copper: regioselective access to amines
Authors: Bahri Janet , Blieck Rémi , Jamoussi Bassem , Taillefer Marc , Monnier Florian
Published: June 2015

A simple and convenient copper-catalyzed hydroamination of arylacetylenes with secondary amines has been performed giving a simple access to aliphatic amines after reduction of the hydroaminated products (E-enamines).
Palladium-catalysed decarboxylative nitrile insertion via C–H activation or self-coupling of indole-2-carboxylic acids: a new route to indolocarbolines and triindoles
Authors: Prasad Tulichala R. N. , Kumara Swamy K. C.
Published: June 2015

Palladium catalysed decarboxylative nitrile insertion/dual C–H activation of indole carboxylic acids afforded indolocarbolines or triindoles in the absence of nitriles.
Photopolymerized micelles of diacetylene amphiphile: physical characterization and cell delivery properties
Authors: Neuberg Patrick , Perino Aurélia , Morin-Picardat Emmanuelle , Anton Nicolas , Darwich Zeinab , Weltin Denis , Mely Yves , Klymchenko Andrey S. , Remy Jean-Serge , Wagner Alain
Published: June 2015

Photopolymerized micelles of diacetylenic amphiphiles bearing polyethylene glycol headgroups allow for enhanced intracellular delivery of hydrophobic dye molecules.
Renaissance for low shrinking resins: all-in-one solution by bi-functional vinylcyclopropane-amides
Authors: Pineda Contreras Paul , Kuttner Christian , Fery Andreas , Stahlschmidt Ullrich , Jérôme Valérie , Freitag Ruth , Agarwal Seema
Published: June 2015

Extremely fast photo-polymerizable vinylcyclopropane-amide with low volume shrinkage, low viscosity, an effective refractive index, and good mechanical properties is presented.
Metal–organic framework-derived porous carbon polyhedra for highly efficient capacitive deionization
Authors: Liu Yong , Xu Xingtao , Wang Miao , Lu Ting , Sun Zhuo , Pan Likun
Published: June 2015

Porous carbon polyhedra were synthesized through direct carbonization of metal–organic frameworks and used as an electrode material for capacitive deionization.
Platinum trimethyl bipyridyl thiolates – new, tunable, red- to near IR emitting luminophores for bioimaging applications
Authors: Steel Harriet L. , Allinson Sarah L. , Andre Jane , Coogan Michael P. , Platts James A.
Published: June 2015

[PtMe3(S-C6H4-4-CO2Me)(bpy)]n+ exemplifies a new class of luminophores, absorbing in the visible and emitting into the NIR, with good cell uptake making it suitable for fluorescence microscopy imaging.
Imaging phase separation in model lipid membranes through the use of BODIPY based molecular rotors
Authors: Dent Michael R. , López-Duarte Ismael , Dickson Callum J. , Geoghegan Niall D. , Cooper Jonathan M. , Gould Ian R. , Krams Rob , Bull James A. , Brooks Nicholas J. , Kuimova Marina K.
Published: June 2015

Viscosity in the phase-separated lipid bilayers is investigated through the use of fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations.
A simple model for exploring the role of quantum coherence and the environment in excitonic energy transfer
Authors: Manikandan Sreenath K. , Shaji Anil
Published: June 2015

The blue line shows the enhancement in the energy transfer rate due to quantum coherence between donor molecules relative to the rate when there is no coherence (red line).
Intra-molecular magnetic exchange interaction in the tripyridinium bis[tetrachloroferrate(iii)] chloride molecular magnet: a broken symmetry-DFT study
Authors: Baniasadi F. , Tehranchi M. M. , Fathi M. B. , Safari N. , Amani V.
Published: June 2015

A superexchange interaction path between Fe–Fe in (FeCl4)2(py·H)3Cl is illustrated making use of electronic spin density maps (ESDM) and the magnetic coupling constant is calculated using the BS-DFT method as JFe–Fe = 13.2062 kJ mol−1.
The cooperative adsorption properties of cetyl/amino-SBA-15 for 4-nonylphenol
Authors: Quan Feng , Hu Yun , Liu Xingchen , Wei Chaohai
Published: June 2015

In this study, mesoporous SBA-15 bifunctionalized with cetyl and amino groups (cetyl/amino-SBA-15) was successfully prepared by a post-synthesis grafting method.
Is bond stretch isomerism in mononuclear transition metal complexes a real issue? The misleading case of the MoCl5/tetrahydropyran reaction system
Authors: Di Nicola Francesco Paolo , Lanzi Massimiliano , Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido , Zacchini Stefano
Published: June 2015

The MoCl5/tetrahydropyran reaction system provides an opportunity for discussing the possible generation of bond stretch isomers.
CFA-7: an interpenetrated metal–organic framework of the MFU-4 family
Authors: Schmieder Phillip , Grzywa Maciej , Denysenko Dmytro , Hambach Manuel , Volkmer Dirk
Published: June 2015

Structural characterization of a novel interpenetrated bistriazolate-based MOF followed by postsynthetic replacement of Zn2+ by M2+ ions (M = Co, Ni, Cu) represents a versatile approach towards redox-active MOFs.
The potential of CAM crops as a globally significant bioenergy resource: moving from ‘fuel or food’ to ‘fuel and more food’
Authors: Mason P. Michael , Glover Katherine , Smith J. Andrew C. , Willis Kathy J. , Woods Jeremy , Thompson Ian P.
Published: June 2015

4–15% of the 2.5 bn ha of semi-arid land globally could generate 59 PW h year−1of electricity without reducing food production, enough to make a major difference to global GHG emissions. The key is anaerobic digestion of a class of understudied, under-developed and hyper-water-efficient plants that use the crassulacean acid metabolism.
Multifunctional nano-accordion structures for stretchable transparent conductors
Authors: Bagal Abhijeet , Dandley Erinn C. , Zhao Junjie , Zhang Xu A. , Oldham Christopher J. , Parsons Gregory N. , Chang Chih-Hao
Published: June 2015

Nano-accordion structures allow brittle materials to stretch, enabling transparent conductors that are stretchable and flexible.
1,8-Naphthalimide derivatives: new leads against dynamin I GTPase activity
Authors: Abdel-Hamid Mohammed K. , Macgregor Kylie A. , Odell Luke R. , Chau Ngoc , Mariana Anna , Whiting Ainslie , Robinson Phillip J. , McCluskey Adam
Published: June 2015

Fragment-basedin silicoscreening against dynamin I (dynI) GTPase activity identified the 1,8-naphthalimide framework as a potential scaffold for the design of new inhibitors targeting the GTP binding pocket of dynI.
DFT studies on the directing group dependent arene–alkene cross-couplings: arene activation vs. alkene activation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Fang De-Cai
Published: June 2015

Two competing reaction pathways for the dehydrogenative Heck couplings have been found. The properties of the directing groups on reactants will determine the dominance of these two pathways.
A concise construction of carbohydrate-tethered axially chiral allenes via copper catalysis
Authors: Huang Xin , Xue Can , Fu Chunling , Ma Shengming
Published: June 2015

Here we observed that CuBr2 may smoothly catalyze the highly diastereoselective three-component reaction of carbohydrates bearing a terminal alkyne unit, aliphatic or aromatic aldehydes, and (R) or (S)-α,α-diphenylprolinol, affording carbohydrates bearing the chiral 1,3-substituted allene entity in 94–99% de.
Accurate determination of the size distribution of Si nanocrystals from PL spectra
Authors: Jia Xuguang , Zhang Pengfei , Lin Ziyun , Anthony Rebecca , Kortshagen Uwe , Huang Shujuan , Puthen-Veettil Binesh , Conibeer Gavin , Perez-Wurfl Ivan
Published: June 2015

A model is developed to fit the PL spectrum based on spontaneous emission. With this model, we can quantitatively analyse the QD size and its distribution using the PL spectra only, saving the need of time consuming and destructive characterization methods such as TEM.
Photoageing of cardanol: characterization, circumvention by side chain methoxylation and application for photocrosslinkable polymers
Authors: Fouquet T. , Fetzer L. , Mertz G. , Puchot L. , Verge P.
Published: June 2015

Photoageing of cardanol and its limitation by methoxylation of the side chain to produce photocrosslinkable copolymers of tunable reactivity.
Synergistic effect in bimetallic copper–silver (CuxAg) nanoparticles enhances silicon conversion in Rochow reaction
Authors: Zhang Zailei , Ji Yongjun , Li Jing , Zhong Ziyi , Su Fabing
Published: June 2015

The prepared bimetallic CuxAg nanoparticles exhibit a better silicon conversion for the Rochow reaction than monometallic Cu and Ag nanoparticles with the synergistic effect.
The hydrogenation of aromatic-naphthalene with Ni2P/CNTs
Authors: Ruan Minzhi , Guan Jun , He Demin , Meng Tao , Zhang Qiumin
Published: June 2015

Ni2P/CNTs was firstly used for HYD of aromatic-naphthalene compounds.
Insensitive energetic 5-nitroaminotetrazolate ionic liquids
Authors: Gao Yi-Fei , Zhang Lei , He Ling , Zhao Ying , Tang Ning , Yuan Wen-Li , Tao Guo-Hong
Published: June 2015

Combustible 5-nitroaminotetrazolate-based energetic ionic liquids with high stability as well as environmentally friendly decomposition gases were prepared and fully characterized.
Manganese oxide – an excellent microwave absorbent for the oxidation of methylene blue
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Lv Guocheng , Liao Libing , Wang Guangsheng
Published: June 2015

The enhanced degradation of methylene blue in the presence of manganese oxide under microwave was mainly attributed to the magnetic moment of center Mn and the charge transfer.
Synthesis and optical properties of novel D–π–A–π–D type cationic cyclopentadienyliron complexes of arenes
Authors: Zhao B. D. , Li G. L. , Shi Y. Z. , Zhang H. Q. , Wang T.
Published: June 2015

With the enlarged and annulated ICT conjugation systems, three new cationic cyclopentadienyliron complexes exhibited significantly better third-order NLO absorption properties than the commercial cyclopentadienyliron arene complexes I-261.
The tolerance of growth and clonal propagation of Phragmites australis (common reeds) subjected to lead contamination under elevated CO2conditions
Authors: Zhang Na , Lin Jixiang , Yang Yuheng , Li Zhuolin , Wang Ying , Cheng Luyao , Shi Yujie , Zhang Yuting , Wang Junfeng , Mu Chunsheng
Published: June 2015

Elevated CO2might improve growth and clonal propagation resistance to Pb contamination through increasing photosynthetic, phalanx growth and population expansion.
Tempered glass substrate effect on the growth of polycrystalline-silicon and its applications for reliable thin-film transistors
Authors: Park Jae Hyo , Kim Hyung Yoon , Seok Ki Hwan , Chae Hee Jae , Lee Sol Kyu , Lee Yong Hee , Kiaee Zohreh , Joo Seung Ki
Published: June 2015

We investigated the unique growth behavior of metal-induced laterally crystallized polycrystalline-silicon under a tempered glass substrate and fabricated a stable thin-film transistor.
Novel ionic liquid [2-Eim] HSO4as a dual catalytic-solvent system for preparation of hexahydroquinolines under green conditions
Authors: Ghorbani M. , Noura S. , Oftadeh M. , gholami E. , Zolfigol M. A.
Published: June 2015

A novel Brønsted acidic ionic liquid 2-ethylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate, [2-Eim] HSO4, was synthesized.
From laboratory catalysts to a new prototype: a novel real candidate for the isomerization of C5–C6 paraffins
Authors: Hidalgo J. M. , Kaucký D. , Bortnovsky O. , Černý R. , Sobalík Z.
Published: June 2015

An active tungstated zirconia catalyst was developed with the aim of isomerising industrial feedstocks, and presented stable activity with an increase of the R.O.N. of 14 at 225 °C.
A brand-new catalytic system: a Pd-based catalyst directly attached on the inner walls of the reactor which independently catalyzed the Heck reaction
Authors: Meng Qingrun , Bai Jie , Li Chunping
Published: June 2015

A Pd-based catalyst directly attached on the inner surface of the reactor as a new catalytic system has been achieved and developed via an electrospinning technique followed by an impregnation–reduction and a simple carbonization process.
Combining the PeT and ICT mechanisms into one chemosensor for the highly sensitive and selective detection of zinc
Authors: Wei Ting , Wang Jinglu , Chen Yu , Han Yifeng
Published: June 2015

A novel fluorescent sensor (ZS1) based on the dual-mechanism of PeT/ICT for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Zn2+was designed and synthesized.
Target delivery of β-cyclodextrin/paclitaxel complexed fluorescent carbon nanoparticles: externally NIR light and internally pH sensitive-mediated release of paclitaxel with bio-imaging
Authors: Sharker Shazid Md. , Kim Sung Min , Kim Sung Han , In Insik , Lee Haeshin , Park Sung Young
Published: June 2015

The carbonized fluorescence hyaluronic acid (HA-FCN) for triggered target bioimaging ability have conjugated with β-cyclodextrin (CD) to release PTX by intracellular pH as well as remote photothermal NIR light control.
Operational dynamics and architecture dependence of double-gate OFETs with balanced top and bottom channel characteristics
Authors: Luo Xiao , Du Lili , Yao Bo , Lv Wenli , Sun Lei , Li Yao , Wu Zongyong , Wen Zhanwei , Peng Yingquan
Published: June 2015

A double-gate organic field-effect transistor (DGOFET) utilizing thermally evaporated lithium fluoride (LiF) as the top gate dielectric and fluorinated copper-phthalocyanine (F16CuPc) as the active channel material was reported in this article.
User Personality and Resistance to Mandatory Information Systems in Organizations: A Theoretical Model and Empirical Test of Dispositional Resistance to Change
Authors: Laumer Sven , Maier Christian , Eckhardt Andreas , Weitzel Tim
Published: June 2015

This research is driven by the assumption made in several user resistance studies that employees are generally resistant to change. It investigates the extent to which employees' resistance to IT-induced change is caused by individuals' predisposition to resist change. We develop a model of user resistance that assumes the influence of dispositional resistance to change on perceptual resistance to change, perceived ease of use, and usefulness, which in turn influence user resistance behavior. Using an empirical study of 106 HR employees forced to use a new human resources information system, the analysis reveals that 17.0–22.1 percent of the variance in perceived ease of use, usefulness, and perceptual resistance to change can be explained by the dispositional inclination to change initiatives. The four dimensions of dispositional resistance to change – routine seeking, emotional reaction, short-term focus and cognitive rigidity – have an even stronger effect than other common individual variables, such as age, gender, or working experiences. We conclude that dispositional resistance to change is an example of an individual difference that is instrumental in explaining a large proportion of the variance in beliefs about and user resistance to mandatory IS in organizations, which has implications for theory, practice, and future research.
KBC mobile banking
Authors: Cumps Bjorn , Viaene Stijn
Published: June 2015

When KBC Bank introduced their mobile banking application in 2011 they delivered much more than a piece of software. Mobile banking was a way to focus on their customers and rebuild trust. Yet, this case is not so much about what they delivered but how they delivered it. Agile development brought along both challenges and opportunities for KBC. The case explores how agile compares to traditional ways of ICT development. Can banks, given the new digital challenges, really build their future ICT portfolios on agile development?
Theory of the Helium Isotope Shift
Authors: Pachucki Krzysztof , Yerokhin V. A.
Published: June 2015

Theory of the isotope shift of the centroid energies of light few-electron atoms is reviewed. Numerical results are presented for the isotope shift of the 23P-23S and 21S-23S transition energies of 3He and 4He. By comparing theoretical predictions for the isotope shift with the experimental results, the difference of the squares of the nuclear charge radii of 3He and 4He, δR2, is determined with high accuracy.
On the behavior of Kazhikov-Smagulov mass diffusion model for vanishing diffusion and viscosity coefficients
Authors: Araruna F. D. , Braz e Silva P. , Carvalho R. R. , Rojas-Medar M. A.
Published: June 2015

We consider the motion of a viscous incompressible fluid consisting of two components with a diffusion effect obeying Fick’s law in ℝ3. We prove that there exists a small time interval where the fluid variables converge uniformly as the viscosity and the diffusion coefficient tend to zero. In the limit, we find a non-homogeneous, non-viscous, incompressible fluid governed by an Euler-like system.
The interaction between hexagonal boron nitride and water from first principles
Authors: Wu Yanbin , Wagner Lucas K. , Aluru Narayana R.
Published: June 2015

The use of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) in microfluidic and nanofluidic applications requires a fundamental understanding of the interaction between water and the h-BN surface. A crucial component of the interaction is the binding energy, which is sensitive to the treatment of electron correlation. In this work, we use state of the art quantum Monte Carlo and quantum chemistry techniques to compute the binding energy. Compared to high-level many-body theory, we found that the second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory captures the interaction accurately and can thus be used to develop force field parameters between h-BN and water for use in atomic scale simulations. On the contrary, density functional theory with standard dispersion corrections tends to overestimate the binding energy by approximately 75%.
Lattice mismatch induced ripples and wrinkles in planar graphene/boron nitride superlattices
Authors: Nandwana Dinkar , Ertekin Elif
Published: June 2015

A continuum theory to describe periodic ripple formation in planar graphene/boron nitride superlattices is formulated. Due to the lattice mismatch between the two materials, it is shown that flat superlattices are unstable with respect to ripple formation of appropriate wavelengths. A competition between bending energy and transverse stretching energy gives rise to an optimal ripple wavelength that depends on the superlattice pitch. The optimal wavelengths predicted by the continuum theory are in good agreement with atomic scale total energy calculations previously reported by Nandwana and Ertekin [Nano Lett. 15, 1468 (2015)].
The design of double electrostatic-lens optics for resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization and photoelectron imaging experiments
Authors: Qu Zehua , Li Chunsheng , Qin Zhengbo , Zheng Xianfeng , Yao Guanxin , Zhang Xianyi , Cui Zhifeng
Published: June 2015

Compared to single ion/electron-optics for velocity-map imaging, a double-focusing lens assembly designed not only allows for mapping velocity imaging of photoelectrons but also allows for investigating the vibrational structure of the intermediate states of neutral species in resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectra. In this presentation, in order to record REMPI and photoelectron spectra separately, we have constructed a compact photoelectron velocity-map imaging (VMI) apparatus combined with an opposite linear Wiley-Mclaren time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS). A mass resolution (m/Δm) of ∼1300 for TOFMS and electron energy resolution (ΔE/E) of 2.4% for VMI have been achieved upon three-photon ionization of Xe atom at 258.00 nm laser wavelength. As a benchmark, in combination of one-color (1 + 1) REMPI and photoelectron imaging of benzene via 61 and 6111 vibronic levels in the S1 state, the vibrational structures of the cation and photoelectron angular anisotropy are unraveled. In addition, two-color (1 + 1′) REMPI and photoelectron imaging of aniline was used to complete the accurate measurement of ionization potential (62 271 ± 3 cm−1). The results suggest that the apparatus is a powerful tool for studying photoionization dynamics in the photoelectron imaging using vibrational-state selected excitation to the intermediate states of neutrals based on REMPI technique.
Interaction of a weak shock wave with a discontinuous heavy-gas cylinder
Authors: Wang Xiansheng , Yang Dangguo , Wu Junqiang , Luo Xisheng
Published: June 2015

The interaction between a cylindrical inhomogeneity and a weak planar shock wave is investigated experimentally and numerically, and special attention is given to the wave patterns and vortex dynamics in this scenario. A soap-film technique is realized to generate a well-controlled discontinuous cylinder (SF6 surrounded by air) with no supports or wires in the shock-tube experiment. The symmetric evolving interfaces and few disturbance waves are observed in a high-speed schlieren photography. Numerical simulations are also carried out for a detailed analysis. The refracted shock wave inside the cylinder is perturbed by the diffracted shock waves and divided into three branches. When these shock branches collide, the shock focusing occurs. A nonlinear model is then proposed to elucidate effects of the wave patterns on the evolution of the cylinder. A distinct vortex pair is gradually developing during the shock-cylinder interaction. The numerical results show that a low pressure region appears at the vortex core. Subsequently, the ambient fluid is entrained into the vortices which are expanding at the same time. Based on the relation between the vortex motion and the circulation, several theoretical models of circulation in the literature are then checked by the experimental and numerical results. Most of these theoretical circulation models provide a reasonably good prediction of the vortex motion in the present configuration.
Systematic study of finite-size effects in quantum Monte Carlo calculations of real metallic systems
Authors: Azadi Sam , Foulkes W. M. C.
Published: June 2015

We present a systematic and comprehensive study of finite-size effects in diffusion quantum Monte Carlo calculations of metals. Several previously introduced schemes for correcting finite-size errors are compared for accuracy and efficiency, and practical improvements are introduced. In particular, we test a simple but efficient method of finite-size correction based on an accurate combination of twist averaging and density functional theory. Our diffusion quantum Monte Carlo results for lithium and aluminum, as examples of metallic systems, demonstrate excellent agreement between all of the approaches considered.
A parameter governing the melting induced at the micrometer level in a dissimilar metal wire system by Joule heating
Authors: Tohmyoh Hironori , Sunagawa Takuya
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we deal with the phenomenon of melting at the point of contact between dissimilar metals by Joule heating. A heat conduction model for this dissimilar metal wire system is considered and the current required to sever the wire system by Joule heating is determined. The position at which the wire system severs depends on the ratio of the lengths of the two wires. Whereas this dependency is discontinuous, the current required to sever the wire is found to be continuous with respect to the ratio of the wire lengths, and the behaviors of the position and the current for severing the wire system are found to be classified into three regions. Based on these findings, a parameter that governs the melting phenomenon at the micrometer level for different ratios of wire lengths is proposed. Attempts were made to weld 25 μm thick Cu and Al wires of various lengths together by Joule heating. Moreover, the conditions for stably welding dissimilar metal wires together can be found quantitatively using the parameter proposed in this paper. It is noted that the welding condition described by the proposed parameter is independent with respect to the ratio of the lengths of the two wires in the respective regions.
Relativistic electron motion in cylindrical waveguide with strong guiding magnetic field and high power microwave
Authors: Wu Ping , Sun Jun , Cao Yibing
Published: June 2015

In O-type high power microwave (HPM) devices, the annular relativistic electron beam is constrained by a strong guiding magnetic field and propagates through an interaction region to generate HPM. Some papers believe that the E × B drift of electrons may lead to beam breakup. This paper simplifies the interaction region with a smooth cylindrical waveguide to research the radial motion of electrons under conditions of strong guiding magnetic field and TM01 mode HPM. The single-particle trajectory shows that the radial electron motion presents the characteristic of radial guiding-center drift carrying cyclotron motion. The radial guiding-center drift is spatially periodic and is dominated by the polarization drift, not the E × B drift. Furthermore, the self fields of the beam space charge can provide a radial force which may pull electrons outward to some extent but will not affect the radial polarization drift. Despite the radial drift, the strong guiding magnetic field limits the drift amplitude to a small value and prevents beam breakup from happening due to this cause.
Cooling of levitated graphene nanoplatelets in high vacuum
Authors: Nagornykh Pavel , Coppock Joyce E. , Kane B. E.
Published: June 2015

We demonstrate cooling of the center of mass motion of charged graphene nanoplatelets levitated in a quadrupole ion trap in high vacuum down to temperatures of 20 K. Parametric feedback based on optical measurements of particle motion was used to achieve the particle cooling at pressure p < 10−6 Torr, and cooling along all three axes of motion was observed. Dependence of cooling on the electric fields was measured by varying DC voltages on a set of auxiliary electrodes used to spatially shift the trap minimum. Methods to calibrate mass and charge of the nanoplatelet by measuring its motion frequency dependence on discharge were also explored.
Enhanced photocathodic behaviors of Pb(Zr0.20Ti0.80)O3 films on Si substrates for hydrogen production
Authors: Cheng Xiaorong , Dong Wen , Zheng Fengang , Fang Liang , Shen Mingrong
Published: June 2015

Wide bandgap ferroelectric Pb(Zr0.20Ti0.80)O3 films were deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated Si-pn+ substrates with an intention to form efficient Si-pn+/ITO/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) photocathode for hydrogen production. Depolarization electric field generated in PZT film due to poling can drive the photogenerated electrons from Si-pn+ junction to PZT film, resulting in enhanced photoelectrochemical activity of the photocathode. Comparing the electrode with as-prepared PZT film, the photocurrent increased from −100 μA cm−2 to −1.2 mA cm−2 at 0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and the onset potential from 0.36 V to 0.7 V vs. RHE under 100 mW cm−2 illumination, manifesting the great advantage of depolarization electric field in driving the photogenerated carriers not only in the ferroelectric film but also on the interface of different semiconductors.
Engineering ferroelectric tunnel junctions through potential profile shaping
Authors: Boyn S. , Garcia V. , Fusil S. , Carrétéro C. , Garcia K. , Xavier S. , Collin S. , Deranlot C. , Bibes M. , Barthélémy A.
Published: June 2015

We explore the influence of the top electrode materials (W, Co, Ni, Ir) on the electronic band profile in ferroelectric tunnel junctions based on super-tetragonal BiFeO3. Large variations of the transport properties are observed at room temperature. In particular, the analysis of current vs. voltage curves by a direct tunneling model indicates that the metal/ferroelectric interfacial barrier height increases with the top-electrode work function. While larger metal work functions result in larger OFF/ON ratios, they also produce a large internal electric field which results in large and potentially destructive switching voltages.
Significant improvement of light absorbance of molybdenum plate by surface asperity formation using oxidation-reduction treatment and application to high temperature radiation heat energy use
Authors: Suzuki Masanori , Yamamoto Toshifumi , Tamura Naoya , Katsuyama Shigeru , Tanaka Toshihiro
Published: June 2015

It has been required to make use of radiation heat energy discharged from high temperature industrial processes as much as possible. To enhance the amount of energy captured from the radiation heat, it is necessary to prepare a material that has (1) a high degree of light absorbance and (2) high energy (or heat) transfer ability, as well as (3) high temperature durability. In this paper, we selected metallic molybdenum plate as a candidate base material, and attempted to improve its light absorption ability via creation of a homogeneous surface asperity to obtain multiple incoming light reflection and multiple chances for light absorption. Oxidation-reduction treatment of the molybdenum plate yielded a group of needle-shaped microstructures that spontaneously formed a homogeneous surface asperity. The light absorbance of this surface-modified molybdenum plate was significantly improved compared with that of mirror-polished molybdenum plate. Re-oxidation of the modified molybdenum plate formed a thin oxide layer on the top of the surface asperity, and resulted in a 90% light absorbance over ultraviolet-visible-infrared light wavelengths. Then, the molybdenum plate with surface asperity was used for the absorption of high temperature radiation heat. Furthermore, the conversion of re-radiated energy from the other surface of the molybdenum plate was attempted by a thermophotovoltaic method. Because higher temperature was achieved on the radiating surface of the molybdenum plate with surface asperity due to its enhanced light absorbance, obviously higher electromotive force was obtained when the molybdenum plate with surface asperity was used, than that obtained with mirror-polished molybdenum plate.
Cloning and expression of caprine KIT gene and associations of polymorphisms with litter size
Authors: An X. P. , Hou J. X. , Gao T. Y. , Cao B. Y.
Published: June 2015

The full coding region of KIT mRNA was cloned from the caprine ovary. The results showed the caprine KIT cDNA (GenBank accession number KF364483) contained a 2925-bp open reading frame encoding a protein with 974 amino acid residues. BLAST analysis revealed that the caprine KIT protein had high similarity with that of four species: Ovis aries (99%), Bos taurus (99%), Sus scrofa (94%) and Homo sapiens (90%). The KIT mRNA expression pattern showed that KIT mRNA was expressed highly in kidney, ovary, uterus and breast. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (g.88430T > A and g.120466G > A) in the caprine KIT gene were detected by PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and DNA sequencing in 735 goats of Xinong Saanen, Guanzhong and Boer breeds. The g.88430T > A mutation was a missense mutation (Tyr > Asn at position 409 amino acid of KIT). The association study has been done by jointly analysing all data in one analysis. The result showed that individuals with TT and TA genotypes had their litter size increased by 0.11 and 0.09, respectively, compared with those with AA genotype at the g.88430T > A locus for three goat breeds (P < 0.05). Further analysis revealed that combined genotype TTAA was better than the others for litter size in three goat breeds. Therefore, the biochemical and physiological functions, together with the results obtained in our investigation, suggest that the KIT gene could serve as a genetic marker for litter size in goat breeding.
Methane production and in vitro digestibility of low quality forages treated with a protease or a cellulase
Authors: Cantet J. M. , Colombatto D. , Jaurena G.
Published: June 2015

The objective was to assess the impact of application of two enzyme mixtures on the in vitro dry matter digestibility, neutral detergent fibre digestibility, net cumulative gas production and methane production after 24 h of incubation of Milium coloratum (formely Panicum coloratum) and a Patagonian meadow grassland. A protease (Protex 6-L) and a fibrolytic enzyme (Rovabio) were assessed at three application rates (30, 60 and 90 mg/100 mL of distiller water) on the substrates. Meadow samples were higher to Milium ones (P < 0.05) for in vitro dry matter digestibility and net cumulative gas production at 24 h. Nevertheless, Milium was ~11% higher than meadow (P < 0.05) for methane when expressed as a proportion of digested dry matter (g/kg). Rovabio did not induce differences in any variable, but the addition of Protex reduced (P < 0.05) in vitro dry matter digestibility in both substrates without bringing about differences in methane production. Collectively, the addition of these enzymes did not benefit in vitro ruminal fermentation of low quality forages.
High resolution imaging of maize (Zea mays) leaf temperature in the field: the key role of the regions of interest
Authors: Jerbi Taha , Wuyts Nathalie , Cane Maria Angela , Faux Philippe-François , Draye Xavier
Published: June 2015

The use of remote sensors (thermometers and cameras) to analyse crop water status in field conditions is fraught with several difficulties. In particular, average canopy temperature measurements are affected by the mixture of soil and green regions, the mutual shading of leaves and the variability of absorbed radiation. The aim of the study was to analyse how the selection of different ‘regions of interest’ (ROI) in canopy images affect the variability of the resulting temperature averages. Using automated image segmentation techniques we computed the average temperature in four nested ROI of decreasing size, from the whole image down to the sunlit fraction of a leaf located in the upper part of the canopy. The study was conducted on maize (Zea mays L.) at the flowering stage, for its large leaves and well structured canopy. Our results suggest that, under these conditions, the ROI comprising the sunlit fraction of a leaf located in the upper part of the canopy should be analogous to the single leaf approach (in controlled conditions) that allows the estimation of stomatal conductance or plant water potential.