bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of crystalline orientation and texture during solid phase die‐drawing of PP‐Talc composites
Authors: Rane Rahul H. , Jayaraman Krishnamurthy , Nichols Kevin L. , Bieler Thomas R. , Mazor Michael H.
Published: September 2014

The objective of the present work was to examine the development of crystalline orientation and texture in the polypropylene matrix of talc‐filled i‐PP and in unfilled i‐PP with increasing draw ratio during solid‐phase die‐drawing at high strain rates (∼1 s−1) and a die temperature of 145 °C. After drawing, the entire billet was cooled rapidly “under tension” to room temperature before releasing the billet and cutting specimens from different axial locations for analysis. Orientation distributions of the three crystal axes for increasing axial strains have been presented as pole figures in the MD‐TD plane with the direction of draw (MD) as the reference direction. While disruption of spherulites was noticed within the die for neat PP at a draw ratio of 1.5, transcrystalline domains within the composite persisted even at a draw ratio of 3.5 in the free draw region outside the die. The transformation to fibrillar crystal morphology was complete in both materials at a draw ratio of 4.5 but the texture continued to develop beyond this stage. While the (110)[001] texture component was found to be dominant at all draw ratios for neat PP, the (010)[001] texture component was dominant at the higher draw ratios in the drawn composite. This may be attributed to the (010)[001] slip system being more active as the transverse spacing between elongated voids encasing the particles was decreased. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1528–1538
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in a Physical Therapy Program
Authors: Anderson Jeannette R. , Tunney Niamh M.
Published: September 2014

Two educators provide an overview of what they have learned about the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning related to the education of future physical therapists and describe how they and their colleagues on faculty are integrating it into their academic lives.
Regulation of gonadotropin secretion by monitoring energy availability
Authors: Matsuyama Shuichi , Kimura Koji
Published: September 2014

Nutrition is a principal environmental factor influencing fertility in animals. Energy deficit causes amenorrhea, delayed puberty, and suppression of copulatory behaviors by inhibiting gonadal activity. When gonadal activity is impaired by malnutrition, the signals originating from an undernourished state are ultimately conveyed to the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator, leading to suppressed secretion of GnRH and luteinizing hormone (LH). The mechanism responsible for energetic control of gonadotropin release is believed to involve metabolic signals, sensing mechanisms, and neuroendocrine pathways. The availabilities of blood‐borne energy substrates such as glucose, fatty acids, and ketone bodies, which fluctuate in parallel with changes in nutritional status, act as metabolic signals that regulate the GnRH pulse generator activity and GnRH/LH release. As components of the specific sensing system, the ependymocytes lining the cerebroventricular wall in the lower brainstem integrate the information derived from metabolic signals to control gonadotropin release. One of the pathways responsible for the energetic control of gonadal activity consists of noradrenergic neurons from the solitary tract nucleus in the lower brainstem, projecting to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying energetic control of reproductive function.
Think global, think local: The changing landscape of higher education and the role of quality assurance in Singapore
Authors: Lo William Yat Wai
Published: September 2014

This article examines how the Singaporean state has reformed the higher education sector in order to co-opt different political and economic agendas at both the global and local levels, utilising quality assurance as a regulatory process of control. The core argument is that quality assurance has been used as an instrument to reshape the higher education landscape in Singapore. The article begins with a review of the literature on the role of the Singaporean state in higher education. Next, it reviews how the Global Schoolhouse initiative was developed and implemented and how public and private higher education sectors were audited. The article then analyses the establishment of a new quality assurance mechanism for private higher education in 2009. Finally, the article suggests that this new regulatory regime exemplifies the importance of political factors in the implementation of neoliberal managerialism in higher education.
Analytical results on the role of flexibility in flapping propulsion
Authors: Moore M. Nicholas J.
Published: September 2014

Wing or fin flexibility can dramatically affect the performance of flying and swimming animals. Both laboratory experiments and numerical simulations have been used to study these effects, but analytical results are notably lacking. Here, we develop small-amplitude theory to model a flapping wing that pitches passively due to a combination of wing compliance, inertia and fluid forces. Remarkably, we obtain a class of exact solutions describing the wing’s emergent pitching motions, along with expressions for how thrust and efficiency are modified by compliance. The solutions recover a range of realistic behaviours and shed new light on how flexibility can aid performance, the importance of resonance, and the separate roles played by wing and fluid inertia. The simple robust estimates afforded by our theory may prove valuable even in situations where details of the flapping motion and wing geometry differ.
Quantitative trait loci mapping for traits related to the progression of wheat flag leaf senescence
Authors: WANG S. , LIANG Z. , SUN D. , DONG F. , CHEN W. , WANG H. , JING R.
Published: September 2014

Delayed senescence, or stay-green, contributes to a longer grain-filling period and has been regarded as a desirable characteristic for the production of a number of crops including wheat. In the present study, in order to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for traits related to the progression of wheat flag leaf senescence, green leaf area duration (GLAD) of a doubled haploid (DH) population, derived from two winter wheat varieties Hanxuan10 and Lumai14, was visually estimated under two water conditions and was recorded at 3-day intervals from 10 days after anthesis to physiological maturity using a 0–9 scale. According to GLAD, parameters related to the progression of senescence of DH lines and their parents were estimated by the Gompertz statistical model. Based on the model parameters, DH lines were categorized into three groups under drought stress and four groups under well-watered conditions. A total of 24 additive QTLs and 23 pairs of epistatic QTLs for parameters related to the progression of senescence were identified on 18 chromosomes, except for 3B, 1D and 6D. Of the QTLs detected, 14 and 10 additive QTLs were associated with the investigated traits under drought stress and well-watered conditions, respectively. Furthermore, 4, 7, 6, 2 and 2 additive QTLs for traits related to progression of senescence were clustered around the same or similar regions of chromosomes 1A, 1B, 5A, 5B and 7A, respectively. The present data provided the genetic basis for high phenotypic correlations among traits related to the progression of wheat flag leaf senescence. In addition, 17 loci were co-located or linked with previously reported QTLs regulating chlorophyll fluorescence, high-light-induced photo-oxidation, or heat stress and dark-induced senescence. The markerXwmc336on chromosome 1A, responsible for the onset and end times of leaf senescence, the time to maximum rate of senescence, the time to reach 75% senescence and chlorophyll content under drought stress may be helpful for marker-assisted selection breeding of wheat.
Soil phosphorus accumulation model for an arid area of north-western China with 3-year rotation of wheat, maize and cotton
Authors: WANG B. , LIU H. , WANG X. H. , LI J. M. , MA Y. B. , MA X. W.
Published: September 2014

Predictive models for the accumulation of available phosphorus (Olsen-P, extracted with 0·5 mol/l sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) at pH 8·5) in the north-western arid areas of China, especially in Xinjiang, are essential for the improved management of phosphorus (P) fertilizers. In the present study, an accumulation model for Olsen-P in grey desert soil (Calcaric Cambisol) was developed using the data for initial Olsen-P in soil, P fertilizer application rate (organic and inorganic P), crop yields, and soil pH from a 22-year long-term experiment (1990–2011) with 3-year rotation of wheat (Triticum aestivumL.), maize (Zea maysL.) and cotton (Gossypiumspp.). The model was also validated independently using previously published data from the literature. The results indicated an average net accumulation of Olsen-P in the plough layer (0–200 mm) of 0·36 mg/kg/year (from 0·083 to 0·47 mg/kg/year) when P fertilizer was applied, while an average net Olsen-P loss of 0·12 mg/kg/year (from 0·067 to 0·26 mg/kg/year) was observed without P fertilization in the soil. For target yields of wheat, maize and cotton at 5, 6 and 6 tonne/ha (t/ha), respectively, in soil with pH 8, the rates of Olsen-P increase in the soil as estimated by the model were 0·11, 0·24, 0·36, 0·49 and 0·61 mg/kg/year when P application rates were 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 kg P/ha per 3-year period, respectively. For every 100 kg/ha of P surplus, Olsen-P increased by 1·1 mg/kg in Xinjiang grey desert soil. This Olsen-P accumulation model was valuable for the management of soil P in agricultural production and environmental protection in north-western China and other arid areas planted with a yearly rotation of wheat, maize or cotton.
Long-term outcome of ossiculoplasty using autogenous mastoid cortical bone
Authors: Yu Z , Zhang L , Han D
Published: September 2014

Objective:

To observe the long-term outcome of ossiculoplasty using autogenous mastoid cortical bone in chronic otitis media in-patients.

Methods:

Sixty-one ears of 57 in-patients with chronic otitis media, with or without cholesteatoma, underwent type III tympanoplasty using autogenous mastoid cortical bone as the prosthetic material. Twenty-one ears were treated by canal wall down mastoidectomy and 40 ears by canal wall up mastoidectomy. The follow-up period was 3 to 6 years (average 4.2 years). Pure tone averages for thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz were calculated using standard conventional audiometry.

Results:

The pre-operative mean air–bone gap of 31.6 dB, for all ears, was reduced to 20.3 dB post-operatively. For the 40 canal wall up ears, this value decreased from 30.8 dB to 19.9 dB, and for the 21 canal wall down ears it decreased from 33.0 dB to 21.0 dB. The differences between the pre- and post-operative mean air–bone gap values were significant.

Conclusion:

No cases of extrusion, necrosis or resorption were exhibited for the autogenous mastoid cortical bone prosthesis. A significant hearing improvement was obtained in the majority of cases and this remained stable over time.
Life satisfaction trajectories of elderly women living in Switzerland: an age–period–cohort analysis
Authors: BURTON-JEANGROS CLAUDINE , ZIMMERMANN-SLOUTSKIS DORITH
Published: September 2014

Old age isa prioria vulnerable stage of the lifecourse. Quality of life can be expected to decline in older age due to loss, isolation, and declining cognitive and physical abilities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution, prevalence and trajectory of life satisfaction (LS) as a measure of quality of life among Swiss elderly women. We also assessed the impact of different social determinants on LS within the age categories of the ‘young old’ and the ‘old old’ across different cohorts. Using the Swiss Household Panel survey data, analyses of LS distribution and trajectories were conducted for 1,402 women aged 65–84 years. About 50 per cent of elderly women in Switzerland were very satisfied with their lives. The mean LS score and the prevalence of satisfied women were lower in more recent cohorts of identical ages. However, their LS remained more stable over ageing than was the case in former cohorts. High education, satisfaction with income, social support, living with a partner and good self-perceived health were all positive and significant predictors of LS. Longitudinal analyses allowed the ageing process net of cohort and period effects to be disentangled and the assessment of the influence of both social determinants and within-individual psychological traits on the self-evaluation of LS.
Loose Hamilton Cycles in Regular Hypergraphs
Authors: DUDEK ANDRZEJ , FRIEZE ALAN , RUCIŃSKI ANDRZEJ , ŠILEIKIS MATAS
Published: September 2014

We establish a relation between two uniform models of randomk-graphs (for constantk⩾ 3) onnlabelled vertices: ℍ(k)(n,m), the randomk-graph with exactlymedges, and ℍ(k)(n,d), the randomd-regulark-graph. By extending the switching technique of McKay and Wormald tok-graphs, we show that, for some range ofd = d(n)and a constantc> 0, ifm~cnd, then one can couple ℍ(k)(n,m)and ℍ(k)(n,d)so that the latter contains the former with probability tending to one asn→ ∞. In view of known results on the existence of a loose Hamilton cycle in ℍ(k)(n,m), we conclude that ℍ(k)(n,d)contains a loose Hamilton cycle whend≫ logn(or justd⩾Clogn, ifk= 3) andd=o(n1/2).
Successful catheter ablation of a left anterior accessory pathway from the non-coronary cusp of the aortic valve
Authors: Laranjo Sérgio , Oliveira Mário , Trigo Conceição
Published: September 2014

Left anterior accessory pathways are considered to be rare findings. Catheter ablation of accessory pathways in this location remains a challenging target, and few reports about successful ablation of these accessory pathways are available. We describe our experience regarding a case of a manifest left anterior accessory pathway ablation using radiofrequency energy at the junction of the left coronary cusp with the non-coronary cusp.
Isolation of the left subclavian artery: a rare aortic arch anomaly
Authors: Saktheeswaran Mahesh K. , Krishnamoorthy Kavaserry Mahadevan , Sivasankaran Sivasubramonian
Published: September 2014

Isolation of the left subclavian artery is a rare anomaly associated with acyanotic CHDs and right aortic arch. This condition can be asymptomatic or can present with neurological and left upper-limb ischaemic symptoms; it does not form a vascular ring. Treatment options include implantation of the subclavian artery to the aortic arch vessels and closure of the patent ductus arteriosus to prevent pulmonary run off. Here we describe a child who was incidentally detected to have this condition during evaluation of atrial septal defect for device closure.
Machines as Persons?
Authors: Cherry Christopher
Published: September 2014

I begin, as I shall end, with fictions.

In a well-known tale, The Sandman, Hoffmann has a student, Nathaniel, fall in love with a beautiful doll, Olympia, whom he has spied upon as she sits at a window across the street from his lodgings. We are meant to suppose that Nathaniel mistakes an automaton for a human being (and so a person). The mistake is the result of an elaborate but obscure deception on the part of the doll's designer, Professor Spalanzani. Nathaniel is disabused quite by accident when he over-hears a quarrel between Spalanzani, who made Olympia's clockwork, and the sinister Coppelius, who contributed the eyes (real eyes, it seems).
ON SOLUTIONS TO NONHOMOGENEOUS ALGEBRAIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS AND THEIR APPLICATION
Authors: LIAO LIANG-WEN , YE ZHUAN
Published: September 2014

We consider solutions to the algebraic differential equation $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}f^nf'+Q_d(z,f)=u(z)e^{v(z)}$, where $Q_d(z,f)$ is a differential polynomial in $f$ of degree $d$ with rational function coefficients, $u$ is a nonzero rational function and $v$ is a nonconstant polynomial. In this paper, we prove that if $n\ge d+1$ and if it admits a meromorphic solution $f$ with finitely many poles, then $$\begin{equation*} f(z)=s(z)e^{v(z)/(n+1)} \quad \mbox {and}\quad Q_d(z,f)\equiv 0. \end{equation*}$$ With this in hand, we also prove that if $f$ is a transcendental entire function, then $f'p_k(f)+q_m(f)$ assumes every complex number $\alpha $, with one possible exception, infinitely many times, where $p_k(f), q_m(f)$ are polynomials in $f$ with degrees $k$ and $m$ with $k\ge m+1$. This result generalizes a theorem originating from Hayman [‘Picard values of meromorphic functions and their derivatives’, Ann. of Math. (2)70(2) (1959), 9–42].
REMARKS ON BIANCHI SUMS AND PONTRJAGIN CLASSES
Authors: LABBI MOHAMMED LARBI
Published: September 2014

We use the exterior and composition products of double forms together with the alternating operator to reformulate Pontrjagin classes and all Pontrjagin numbers in terms of the Riemannian curvature. We show that the alternating operator is obtained by a succession of applications of the first Bianchi sum and we prove some useful identities relating the previous four operations on double forms. As an application, we prove that for a $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}k$-conformally flat manifold of dimension $n\geq 4k$, the Pontrjagin classes $P_i$ vanish for any $i\geq k$. Finally, we study the equality case in an inequality of Thorpe between the Euler–Poincaré characteristic and the $k{\rm th}$ Pontrjagin number of a $4k$-dimensional Thorpe manifold.
IGF-1 Deficiency Impairs Cerebral Myogenic Autoregulation in Hypertensive Mice
Authors: Toth Peter , Tucsek Zsuzsanna , Tarantini Stefano , Sosnowska Danuta , Gautam Tripti , Mitschelen Matthew , Koller Akos , Sonntag William E , Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Zoltan
Published: September 2014

Aging impairs autoregulatory protection in the brain, exacerbating hypertension-induced cerebromicrovascular injury, neuroinflammation, and development of vascular cognitive impairment. Despite the importance of the age-related decline in circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in cerebrovascular aging, the effects of IGF-1 deficiency on functional adaptation of cerebral arteries to high blood pressure remain elusive. To determine whether IGF-1 deficiency impairs autoregulatory protection, hypertension was induced in control and IGF-1-deficient mice ( Igf1 f/f+TBG-iCre-AAV8) by chronic infusion of angiotensin-II. In hypertensive control mice, cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation was extended to higher pressure values and the pressure-induced tone of middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) was increased. In hypertensive IGF-1-deficient mice, autoregulation was markedly disrupted, and MCAs did not show adaptive increases in myogenic tone. In control mice, the mechanism of adaptation to hypertension involved upregulation of TRPC channels in MCAs and this mechanism was impaired in hypertensive IGF-1-deficient mice. Likely downstream consequences of cerebrovascular autoregulatory dysfunction in hypertensive IGF-1-deficient mice included exacerbated disruption of the blood-brain barrier and neuroinflammation (microglia activation and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines), which were associated with impaired hippocampal cognitive function. Collectively, IGF-1 deficiency impairs autoregulatory protection in the brain of hypertensive mice, potentially exacerbating cerebromicrovascular injury and neuroinflammation mimicking the aging phenotype.
Effect of Increased Oxygen Tension on Flicker-Induced Vasodilatation in the Human Retina
Authors: Palkovits Stefan , Told Reinhard , Boltz Agnes , Schmidl Doreen , Cherecheanu Alina Popa , Schmetterer Leopold , Garhöfer Gerhard
Published: September 2014

In the retina, blood flow and neural activity are tightly coupled. Stimulation of the retina with flickering light is accompanied by an increase in blood flow. The current study seeks to investigate whether an increase in oxygen tension modulates flicker (FL)-induced vasodilatation in the human retina. A total of 52 healthy volunteers were included. Via a breathing mask, 100% oxygen (O2) was administered in one, a mixture of 8% carbon dioxide and 92% oxygen (C/O) in a second cohort. Retinal vessel diameters were measured with a Vessel Analyzer and FL responses were assessed before and during the breathing periods. At baseline, FL stimulation increased retinal vessel diameters by +3.7 ± 2.3% in arteries and by +5.1 ± 3.7% in veins. Breathing of C/O led to a decrease in arterial (−9.0 ±,6.9%) and venous (−11.3 ± 5.9%) vessel calibers. Flicker response was increased to 5.7 ± 2.5% in arteries and to 8.6 ± 4.1% in veins. Breathing of pure O2 induced a vasoconstriction of vessel diameters by −14.0 ± 5.3% in arteries and −18.4 ± 7.0% in veins and increased FL responses in arteries (+6.2 ± 2.8%) and veins (+7.2 ± 3.1%). Systemic hyperoxia increases FL-induced retinal vasodilatation in the retina. The mechanism by which oxygen modulates the hyperemic response to FL stimulation remains to be elucidated.
Polymersome magneto-valves for reversible capture and release of nanoparticles
Authors: van Rhee P.G. , Rikken R.S.M. , Abdelmohsen L.K.E.A. , Maan J.C. , Nolte R.J.M. , van Hest J.C.M. , Christianen P.C.M. , Wilson D.A.
Published: September 2014

Stomatocytes are polymersomes with an infolded bowl-shaped architecture. This internal cavity is connected to the outside environment via a small ‘mouth’ region. Stomatocytes are assembled from diamagnetic amphiphilic block-copolymers with a highly anisotropic magnetic susceptibility, which permits to magnetically align and deform the polymeric self-assemblies. Here we show the reversible opening and closing of the mouth region of stomatocytes in homogeneous magnetic fields. The control over the size of the opening yields magneto-responsive supramolecular valves that are able to reversibly capture and release cargo. Furthermore, the increase in the size of the opening is gradual and starts at fields below 10 T, which opens the possibility of using these structures for delivery and nanoreactor applications.
Radioisotope-based XRF instrumentation for determination of lead in paint: an assessment of the current accuracy and reliability of portable analyzers used in New York State
Authors: Guimarães Diana , Cleaver Tracie M. , Martin Steven F. , Parsons Patrick J.
Published: September 2014

The performance of ten RMD LPA-1 XRF analyzers was investigated, including accuracy, repeatability and measurement traceability to NIST SRM 2579 lead in paint.
Functionalized carbon nanotube/ionic liquid-coated wire as a new fiber assembly for determination of methamphetamine and ephedrine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Narimani Omid , Dalali Naser , Rostamizadeh Kobra
Published: September 2014

Carbon nanotube–ionic liquid gel immobilized on a stainless steel wire as a novel fiber was successfully applied for headspace SPME of methamphetamine and ephedrine.
Automatic integrated system for catalytic spectrophotometric determination of vanadium in water samples
Authors: Abouhiat Fatima Zohra , Henríquez Camelia , Palacio Edwin , El Yousfi Farida , Cerdà Víctor
Published: September 2014

Automatic microfluidic system for catalytic spectrophotometric determination of vanadium.
Overcoming tumor resistance to cisplatin through micelle-mediated combination chemotherapy
Authors: Zhou Dongfang , Cong Yuwei , Qi Yanxin , He Shasha , Xiong Hejian , Wu Yanjuan , Xie Zhigang , Chen Xuesi , Jing Xiabin , Huang Yubin
Published: September 2014

A pro-drug of cisplatin and LB, canthaplatin, was designed and delivered using PEG-b-PLGA micelles, resulting in excellent reversal ability of tumor resistance to cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo.
A fast, efficient and simple method for the synthesis of cyclic alkenyl fluorides by a fluorinative carbocyclization reaction
Authors: Alonso Pedro , Pardo Pilar , Fañanás Francisco J. , Rodríguez Félix
Published: September 2014

Tetrafluoroboric acid promotes a fluorinative carbocyclization reaction to give cyclic alkenyl fluorides in a process where the incorporation of the fluorine atom occurs through the nucleophilic addition of a fluoride anion.
The growth of charged platelets
Authors: Labbez C. , Jönsson Bo , Woodward Cliff , Nonat A. , Delhorme M.
Published: September 2014

Growth models of charged nanoplatelets are investigated with Monte Carlo simulations and simple theory.
Modulating triphenylamine-based organic dyes for their potential application in dye-sensitized solar cells: a first principle theoretical study
Authors: Nath Ghosh Narendra , Chakraborty Arnab , Pal Sougata , Pramanik Anup , Sarkar Pranab
Published: September 2014

By using computational methodologies based on time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) we study the opto-electronic properties of three types of triphenylamine (TPA)-based dyes, namely TPA-TBT-1, TPA-DBT-1, and TPA-BT-1, and these are proposed as potential candidates for photovoltaic applications.
Investigations into the nature of spontelectrics: nitrous oxide diluted in xenon
Authors: Cassidy Andrew , Plekan Oksana , Dunger Jack , Balog Richard , Jones Nykola C. , Lasne Jérôme , Rosu-Finsen Alexander , McCoustra Martin R. S. , Field David
Published: September 2014

The recent discovery of a new class of solids displaying bulk spontaneous electric fields as high as 108 V m−1, so-called ‘spontelectrics’, poses fundamental and unresolved problems in solid state physics.
Efficient organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells processed in air
Authors: Seetharaman S Madhu , Nagarjuna Puvvala , Kumar P. Naresh , Singh Surya Prakash , Deepa Melepurath , Namboothiry Manoj A. G.
Published: September 2014

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells based on CH3NH3PbI3−xClxand undoped poly(3-hexyl thiophene) as the hole transporting layers fabricated under ambient air conditions by solution processing.
Comparative studies on the catalytic activity and structure of a Cu-MOF and its precursor for alcoholysis of cyclohexene oxide
Authors: Jiang Yijiao , Huang Jun , Hunger Michael , Maciejewski Marek , Baiker Alfons
Published: September 2014

Cu-MOF exhibits unprecedented guest-induced reactivity to generate semi-coordinated Cu sites by reactants during reactions. This leads the MOF to maintain virtually the same activity as its metal salt but affording good recyclability.
Palladium metal nanoparticles stabilized by ionophilic ligands in ionic liquids: synthesis and application in hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Leal Bárbara C. , Consorti Crestina S. , Machado Giovanna , Dupont Jairton
Published: September 2014

The selectivity of the hydrogenation of 1,3-cyclohexadiene and 2-pentyne by Pd nanoparticles in an ionic liquid can be modulated by the addition of N- or P-containing ionophilic ligands.
Synthesis, structures, and norbornene polymerization behavior of C(sp3), N-chelated palladacycles bearing o-aryloxide-N-heterocyclic carbene ligands
Authors: Dang Liang , Guo Jing , Song Haibin , Liu Binyuan , Wang Baiquan
Published: September 2014

A series of C(sp3), N-chelated o-aryloxide-NHC-ligated palladacycles was synthesized and applied to catalyze the addition polymerization of norbornene.
Stoichiometric reductions of alkyl-substituted ketones and aldehydes to borinic esters
Authors: Longobardi Lauren E. , Tang Connie , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: September 2014

A series of alkyl-substituted ketones are shown to activate hydrogen in the presence of B(C6F5)3, affording the corresponding borinic esters RR′CHOB(C6F5)2.
Use of moss and lichen species to identify 210Po-contaminated regions
Authors: Długosz-Lisiecka Magdalena , Wróbel Justyna
Published: September 2014

210Po concentration in urban air fluctuates as a result of natural 222Rn radionuclide exhalation and technical activity that is especially linked with high-temperature processes.
The talin–integrin interface under mechanical stress
Authors: Kukkurainen Sampo , Määttä Juha A. , Saeger John , Valjakka Jarkko , Vogel Viola , Hytönen Vesa P.
Published: September 2014

Interactions and force resistance of different β-integrin–talin complexes were analysed in a set of steered molecular dynamics simulations.
A nanoscale study of charge extraction in organic solar cells: the impact of interfacial molecular configurations
Authors: Tang Fu-Ching , Wu Fu-Chiao , Yen Chia-Te , Chang Jay , Chou Wei-Yang , Gilbert Chang Shih-Hui , Cheng Horng-Long
Published: September 2014

We highlight the importance of interfacial molecular geometry in optimizing organic solar cells through theoretical considerations of interfacial charge transfer and experimental measurements of nanoscale current–voltage characteristics.
Fabrication of mesoporous metal oxide coated-nanocarbon hybrid materials via a polyol-mediated self-assembly process
Authors: Feng Bingmei , Wang Huixin , Wang Dongniu , Yu Huilong , Chu Yi , Fang Hai-Tao
Published: September 2014

The hydrogen bonding between the carboxyl groups of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the polymer chains of metal oxide precursors can initiate the deposition in a self-assembly manner. Then metal oxide coated-carboxylated CNTs or coated-carboxylated graphene sheets hybrid materials are obtained by pyrolysis or hydrolysis.
Promoting siRNA delivery via enhanced cellular uptake using an arginine-decorated amphiphilic dendrimer
Authors: Liu Xiaoxuan , Liu Cheng , Zhou Jiehua , Chen Chao , Qu Fanqi , Rossi John J. , Rocchi Palma , Peng Ling
Published: September 2014

An arginine-decorated amphiphilic dendrimer is able to promote enhanced cellular uptake of siRNA, leading to considerably improved siRNA delivery and gene silencing.
Metal non-oxide nanostructures developed from organic–inorganic hybrids and their catalytic application
Authors: Gao Qingsheng , Liu Ning , Wang Sinong , Tang Yi
Published: September 2014

Remarkable progress has been made in developing efficient catalysts of metal carbides, nitrides, sulfides and selenides based on organic–inorganic nanohybrids.
Synthesis of zeolite from multilayer food packing and sugar cane bagasse ash for CO2 adsorption
Authors: Moisés Murilo Pereira , de Almeida Paula Pomaro , da Silva Cleiser Thiago Pereira , Rinaldi Andrelson Wellington , Girotto Emerson Marcelo , Meneguin Joziane Gimenes , Arroyo Pedro Augusto , Bazan Ricardo Eugenio , Fávaro Silvia Luciana , Radovanovic Eduardo
Published: September 2014

The X/A zeolite crystal mixtures were synthesized using sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a silicon source and multilayer food packing (MFP) as an aluminum source under hydrothermal conditions at 80 °C for 79–296 hours.
Electrochemical synthesis of p-CuO thin films and development of a p-CuO/n-ZnO heterojunction and its application as a selective gas sensor
Authors: Ghosh Amrita , Show Bibhuti Bhushan , Ghosh Sugato , Mukherjee Nillohit , Bhattacharya Gautam , Datta Swapan K. , Mondal Anup
Published: September 2014

The fabricated p-CuO/n-ZnO heterojunction senses gases selectively at room temperature.
Ceria promoted γ-Al2O3 supported platinum catalyst for catalytic wet air oxidation of oxalic acid: kinetics and catalyst deactivation
Authors: Roy Shyamal , Saroha Anil Kumar
Published: September 2014

Alumina-supported platinum catalysts were prepared for catalytic wet air oxidation of oxalic acid.
Comparative study of the bio-remediation of eutrophic river water, using two biofilm processes
Authors: Yu Haijing , Cao Wenping
Published: September 2014

Filamentous bamboo and plastic filling were used as biofilm carriers for the bio-remediation of nitrogenous compounds from eutrophic river water.
A nanostructured CeO2 promoted Pd/α-alumina diethyl oxalate catalyst with high activity and stability
Authors: Jin Erlei , He Leilei , zhang Yulong , Richard Anthony R. , Fan Maohong
Published: September 2014

A Pd–CeO2/α-Al2O3 nanocatalyst was used as a catalyst for CO oxidative coupling to diethyl oxalate with the CO conversion significantly increased.
DNA sequencing by synthesis using 3′-O-azidomethyl nucleotide reversible terminators and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic detection
Authors: Palla Mirkó , Guo Wenjing , Shi Shundi , Li Zengmin , Wu Jian , Jockusch Steffen , Guo Cheng , Russo James J. , Turro Nicholas J. , Ju Jingyue
Published: September 2014

DNA sequencing using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the detection of the unique Raman shift of the azido group was demonstrated using 3′-O-azidomethyl nucleotide reversible terminators in polymerase reaction.
Enhanced lithium storage capability of a dual-phase Li4Ti5O12–TiO2–carbon nanofiber anode with interfacial pseudocapacitive effect
Authors: Sun Jiangman , Teng Donghua , Liu Yuan , Chi Cheng , Yu Yunhua , Lan Jin-Le , Yang Xiaoping
Published: September 2014

Hydrothermal treatments of electrospun titanium dioxide/carbon nanofibers (TiO2/CNFs) in LiOH solution were performed in a temperature range of 130–190 °C, and then followed by a thermal treatment at 600 °C in N2 atmosphere.
Palladium catalyzed one-pot synthesis of 2-(pyridin-4-yl) quinolines via a multicomponent unprecedented reaction of pyridine-4-carbaldehyde, 2-iodoaniline and triethylamine
Authors: Ahmed Atiur , Dhara Shubhendu , Singha Raju , Nuree Yasin , Sarkar Pompy , Ray Jayanta K.
Published: September 2014

Palladium catalyzed synthesis of 2-(pyridin-4-yl) quinoline with an unprecedented participation of Et3N was achieved in a novel multicomponent reaction of pyridine-4-carbaldehyde, 2-iodoaniline and triethylamine.
Ultrasound assisted synthesis of a Zn(ii) metal–organic framework with nano-plate morphology using non-linear dicarboxylate and linear N-donor ligands
Authors: Masoomi Mohammad Yaser , Morsali Ali , Junk Peter C.
Published: September 2014

Nano-plates of TMU-4 were obtained upon ultrasonic irradiation.
K2TiO(C2O4)2-mediated synthesis of rutile TiO2 mesocrystals and their ability to assist photodegradation of sulfosalicylic acid in water
Authors: Lai Lu-Lu , Huang Li-Liang , Wu Jin-Ming
Published: September 2014

Flower-like rutile TiO2 mesocrystals were synthesized by a K2TiO(C2O4)2-mediated low temperature solution route under the atmospheric pressure, which exhibited high photocatalytic activity because of the large specific surface area as well as the high charge separation rate inherent from the single crystal nature.
Bi2Sn2O7–TiO2 nanocomposites for enhancing visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Xing Yonglei , Que Wenxiu , Liu Xiaobin , Javed H. M. Asif , He Zuoli , He Yucheng , Zhou Ting
Published: September 2014

Bi2Sn2O7–TiO2 nanocomposites with different ratios of Bi2Sn2O7 (BSO) and TiO2 were prepared by combining a facile co-precipitation method with the aid of a template.
Transparent conductive aluminium and fluorine co-doped zinc oxide films via aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Ponja Sapna D. , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Parkin Ivan P. , Carmalt Claire J.
Published: September 2014

Aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) was employed to synthesise highly transparent and conductive ZnO, fluorine or aluminium doped and aluminium–fluorine co-doped ZnO thin films on glass substrates at 450 °C.
Fully reproducible, low-temperature synthesis of high-quality, few-layer graphene on nickel via preheating of gas precursors using atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Somekh Miriam , Shawat Efrat , Nessim Gilbert D.
Published: September 2014

By preheating the precursor gases (ethylene and hydrogen), we synthesized high-quality, few-layer graphene at reduced temperatures with full reproducibility on nickel thin films.
Structural discrimination of double-walled carbon nanotubes by chiral diporphyrin nanocalipers
Authors: Liu Gang , Saito Yukie , Nishio-Hamane Daisuke , Bauri Ajoy K. , Flahaut Emmanuel , Kimura Takahide , Komatsu Naoki
Published: September 2014

The spacer (carbazole–pyrene–carbazole) is made longer by 0.4 nm than that of the previous nanocalipers (carbazole–anthracene–carbazole), enabling DWNT separation. After the extraction, the diameter distribution of DWNTs becomes much narrower from 1.25–2.75 nm to 1.25–1.75 nm.
Covalent layer-by-layer assembly of hyperbranched polymers on alginate microcapsules to impart stability and permselectivity
Authors: Gattás-Asfura K. M. , Valdes M. , Celik E. , Stabler C. L.
Published: September 2014

Hyperbranched functionalized polymers, coated onto capsules in a covalent layer-by-layer manner, provide a facile platform for modulation of hydrogel permselectivity and stability.
Poly(acrylic acid)–chitosan–silica hydrogels carrying platelet gels for bone defect repair
Authors: Lin Yiu-Jiuan , Hsu Feng-Chien , Chou Chih-Wei , Wu Te-Hsing , Lin Hong-Ru
Published: September 2014

A polymer scaffold with an interpenetrating network (IPN) structure between PAA and chitosan with nano-silica as the filler for bone tissue engineering was prepared.
Tunable charge transport through n-ZnO nanorods on Au coated macroporous p-Si
Authors: Jana Arpita , Ghosh Siddhartha , Devi P. Sujatha , Bandyopadhyay Nil Ratan , Ray Mallar
Published: September 2014

Diode-like and Ohmic charge transport through aligned ZnO nanorods on Au coated macroporous Si.
The temperature-dependent microstructure of PEDOT/PSS films: insights from morphological, mechanical and electrical analyses
Authors: Zhou Jian , Anjum Dalaver H. , Chen Long , Xu Xuezhu , Ventura Isaac Aguilar , Jiang Long , Lubineau Gilles
Published: September 2014

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) is a widely used conductive polymer in the field of flexible electronics.
Piezoresistance in Si3N4 nanobelts: toward highly sensitive and reliable pressure sensors
Authors: Bi Jinghui , Wei Guodong , Shang Minghui , Gao Fengmei , Tang Bin , Yang Weiyou
Published: September 2014

We report the piezoresistance behavior of Si3N4 nanobelts, which is expected to open the door for more studies of highly sensitive and reliable pressure sensors.
Identification of partially known non‐linear stochastic spatio‐temporal dynamical systems by using a novel partially linear Kernel method
Authors: Ning Hanwen , Jing Xingjian
Published: September 2014

The identification of non‐linear stochastic spatio‐temporal dynamical systems given by stochastic partial differential equations is of great significance to engineering practice, since it can always provide useful insight into the mechanism and physical characteristics of the underlying dynamics. In this study, based on the difference method for stochastic partial differential equations, a novel state‐space model named multi‐input–multi‐output extended partially linear model for stochastic spatio‐temporal dynamical system is proposed. A new Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space‐based algorithm named extended partially linear least square ridge regression is thus particularly developed for the identification of the extended partially linear model. Compared with existing identification methods available for spatio‐temporal dynamics, the advantages of the proposed identification method include that (i) it can make full use of the partially linear structural information of physical models, (ii) it can achieve more accurate estimation results for system non‐linear dynamics and (iii) the resulting estimated model parameters have clear physical meaning or properties closely related to the underlying dynamical system. Moreover, the proposed extended partially linear model also provide a convenient state‐space model for system analysis and design (e.g. controller or filter design) of the class of non‐linear stochastic partial differential dynamical systems.
Global stabilisation of a class of feedforward systems with distributed delays
Authors: Liu Qingrong , Liang Zhishan
Published: September 2014

In this study, both state feedback control and output feedback control design schemes are considered for a class of feedforward non‐linear systems with distributed delays. First, by using the state transformation of non‐linear systems, the problem of designing controller can be converted into that of designing a dynamic parameter, which is dynamically regulated by a dynamic equation. Then, the dynamic equation is delicately constructed by appraising the non‐linear terms of the given systems. At last, with the help of Lyapunov stability theorem, it is provided the stability analysis for the closed‐loop system consisting of the designed controller and the given systems. A simulation example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design procedure.
Optimal dynamic inversion‐based boundary control design for two‐dimensional heat equations
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Balakrishnan Sivasubramanya N.
Published: September 2014

This study develops a new boundary control design for a class of distributed parameter systems. A two‐dimensional (2D) heat equation is considered and the controller expression is derived for two different types of boundary conditions. The principles of dynamic inversion and optimisation theory are combined to develop an analytical expression for boundary control. To extend the applicability of the controller design to real‐life systems, adaptive control theory is used to ensure stability in the presence of parameter uncertainty in the system. L2 stability is proved using Lyapunov stability theory, which assures that the control drives the system trajectory to the desired temperature profile with uncertainty in the system parameter. Numerical results are presented for a square shape and also a model problem of a 2D cavity.
Effective space vector modulation switching sequence for three phase Z source inverters
Authors: Barathy Balaji , Kavitha Anbukumar , Viswanathan Tamilarasu
Published: September 2014

A new approach in the PWM technique is proposed through proper choice of active vectors and placement of a shoot through (ST) states for three phase Z source inverter (ZSI). Compared to the existing modulation method, the power conversion interval is maximum in this technique which improves the output voltage at higher modulation indices. Also with the inclusion of ST states, the number of switching is less avoiding the switching losses. The switching is performed at higher operating frequency which reduces the voltage stress and the size of LC components. In each sector, the ST interval is properly selected to improve the bus utilisation thus increases the voltage gain of ZSI. Furthermore, the analysis is performed by deriving the expression for the RMS flux ripple over a sub‐cycle and evaluated in terms of switching instants which facilitates immediate comparison for all the presented methods. The proposed method is verified through the simulation and experimental results.
An apparatus to manipulate and identify individual Ba ions from bulk liquid Xe
Authors: Twelker K. , Kravitz S. , Díez M. Montero , Gratta G. , Fairbank W. , Albert J. B. , Auty D. J. , Barbeau P. S. , Beck D. , Benitez-Medina C. , Breidenbach M. , Brunner T. , Cao G. F. , Chambers C. , Cleveland B. , Coon M. , Craycraft A. , Daniels T. , Daugherty S. J. , Davis C. G. , DeVoe R. , Delaquis S. , Didberidze T. , Dilling J. , Dolinski M. J. , Dunford M. , Fabris L. , Farine J. , Feldmeier W. , Fierlinger P. , Fudenberg D. , Giroux G. , Gornea R. , Graham K. , Hall C. , Heffner M. , Herrin S. , Hughes M. , Jiang X. S. , Johnson T. N. , Johnston S. , Karelin A. , Kaufman L. J. , Killick R. , Koffas T. , Krücken R. , Kuchenkov A. , Kumar K. S. , Leonard D. S. , Leonard F. , Licciardi C. , Lin Y. H. , MacLellan R. , Marino M. G. , Mong B. , Moore D. , Odian A. , Ostrovskiy I. , Ouellet C. , Piepke A. , Pocar A. , Retiere F. , Rowson P. C. , Rozo M. P. , Schubert A. , Sinclair D. , Smith E. , Stekhanov V. , Tarka M. , Tolba T. , Tosi D. , Vuilleumier J.-L. , Walton J. , Walton T. , Weber M. , Wen L. J. , Wichoski U. , Yang L. , Yen Y.-R. , Zhao Y. B.
Published: September 2014

We describe a system to transport and identify barium ions produced in liquid xenon, as part of R&D towards the second phase of a double beta decay experiment, nEXO. The goal is to identify the Ba ion resulting from an extremely rare nuclear decay of the isotope 136Xe, hence providing a confirmation of the occurrence of the decay. This is achieved through Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy (RIS). In the test setup described here, Ba ions can be produced in liquid xenon or vacuum and collected on a clean substrate. This substrate is then removed to an analysis chamber under vacuum, where laser-induced thermal desorption and RIS are used with time-of-flight mass spectroscopy for positive identification of the barium decay product.
An air-cooled Litz wire coil for measuring the high frequency hysteresis loops of magnetic samples—A useful setup for magnetic hyperthermia applications
Authors: Connord V. , Mehdaoui B. , Tan R. P. , Carrey J. , Respaud M.
Published: September 2014

A setup for measuring the high-frequency hysteresis loops of magnetic samples is described. An alternating magnetic field in the range 6–100 kHz with amplitude up to 80 mT is produced by a Litz wire coil. The latter is air-cooled using a forced-air approach so no water flow is required to run the setup. High-frequency hysteresis loops are measured using a system of pick-up coils and numerical integration of signals. Reproducible measurements are obtained in the frequency range of 6–56 kHz. Measurement examples on ferrite cylinders and on iron oxide nanoparticle ferrofluids are shown. Comparison with other measurement methods of the hysteresis loop area (complex susceptibility, quasi-static hysteresis loops, and calorific measurements) is provided and shows the coherency of the results obtained with this setup. This setup is well adapted to the magnetic characterization of colloidal solutions of magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia applications.
Changes in the hydrogen-bonding strength of internal water molecules and cysteine residues in the conductive state of channelrhodopsin-1
Authors: Lórenz-Fonfría Víctor A. , Muders Vera , Schlesinger Ramona , Heberle Joachim
Published: September 2014

Water plays an essential role in the structure and function of proteins, particularly in the less understood class of membrane proteins. As the first of its kind, channelrhodopsin is a light-gated cation channel and paved the way for the new and vibrant field of optogenetics, where nerve cells are activated by light. Still, the molecular mechanism of channelrhodopsin is not understood. Here, we applied time-resolved FT-IR difference spectroscopy to channelrhodopsin-1 from Chlamydomonas augustae. It is shown that the (conductive) P2380 intermediate decays with τ ≈ 40 ms and 200 ms after pulsed excitation. The vibrational changes between the closed and the conductive states were analyzed in the X-H stretching region (X = O, S, N), comprising vibrational changes of water molecules, sulfhydryl groups of cysteine side chains and changes of the amide A of the protein backbone. The O-H stretching vibrations of “dangling” water molecules were detected in two different states of the protein using H218O exchange. Uncoupling experiments with a 1:1 mixture of H2O:D2O provided the natural uncoupled frequencies of the four O-H (and O-D) stretches of these water molecules, each with a very weakly hydrogen-bonded O-H group (3639 and 3628 cm−1) and with the other O-H group medium (3440 cm−1) to moderately strongly (3300 cm−1) hydrogen-bonded. Changes in amide A and thiol vibrations report on global and local changes, respectively, associated with the formation of the conductive state. Future studies will aim at assigning the respective cysteine group(s) and at localizing the “dangling” water molecules within the protein, providing a better understanding of their functional relevance in CaChR1.