bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commercial processed soy-based food product contains glycated and glycoxidated lunasin proteoforms
Authors: Serra Aida , Gallart-Palau Xavier , See-Toh Rachel Su-En , Hemu Xinya , Tam James P. , Sze Siu Kwan
Published: May 2016

Nutraceuticals have been proposed to exert positive effects on human health and confer protection against many chronic diseases. A major bioactive component of soy-based foods is lunasin peptide, which has potential to exert a major impact on the health of human consumers worldwide, but the biochemical features of dietary lunasin still remain poorly characterized. In this study, lunasin was purified from a soy-based food product via strong anion exchange solid phase extraction and then subjected to top-down mass spectrometry analysis that revealed in detail the molecular diversity of lunasin in processed soybean foods. We detected multiple glycated proteoforms together with potentially toxic advanced glycation end products (AGEs) derived from lunasin. In both cases, modification sites were Lys24 and Lys29 located at the helical region that shows structural homology with a conserved region of chromatin-binding proteins. The identified post-translational modifications may have an important repercussion on lunasin epigenetic regulatory capacity. Taking together, our results demonstrate the importance of proper chemical characterization of commercial processed food products to assess their impact on consumer’s health and risk of chronic diseases.
Patients with first-episode, drug-naive schizophrenia and subjects at ultra-high risk of psychosis shared increased cerebellar-default mode network connectivity at rest
Authors: Wang Houliang , Guo Wenbin , Liu Feng , Wang Guodong , Lyu Hailong , Wu Renrong , Chen Jindong , Wang Shuai , Li Lehua , Zhao Jingping
Published: May 2016

Increased cerebellar-default mode network (DMN) connectivity has been observed in first-episode, drug-naive patients with schizophrenia. However, it remains unclear whether increased cerebellar-DMN connectivity starts earlier than disease onset. Thirty-four ultra-high risk (UHR) subjects, 31 first-episode, drug-naive patients with schizophrenia and 37 healthy controls were enrolled for a resting-state scan. The imaging data were analyzed using the seed-based functional connectivity (FC) method. Compared with the controls, UHR subjects and patients with schizophrenia shared increased connectivity between the right Crus I and bilateral posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus and between Lobule IX and the left superior medial prefrontal cortex. There are positive correlations between the right Crus I-bilateral precuneus connectivity and clinical variables (Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes/Positive and Negative Symptom Scale negative symptoms/total scores) in the UHR subjects. Increased cerebellar-DMN connectivity shared by the UHR subjects and the patients not only highlights the importance of the DMN in the pathophysiology of psychosis but also may be a trait alteration for psychosis.
Fe-MIL-101 exhibits selective cytotoxicity and inhibition of angiogenesis in ovarian cancer cells via downregulation of MMP
Authors: Wang Jiaqiang , Chen Daomei , Li Bin , He Jiao , Duan Deliang , Shao Dandan , Nie Minfang
Published: May 2016

Though metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have inspired potential applications in biomedicine, cytotoxicity studies of MOFs have been relatively rare. Here we demonstrate for the first time that an easily available MOF, Fe-MIL-101, possesses intrinsic activity against human SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells and suppress the proliferation of SKOV3 cells (IC50 = 23.6 μg mL−1) and normal mouse embryonic fibroblasts (BABL-3T3, IC50 = 78.3 μg mL−1) cells. It was more effective against SKOV3 cells than typical anticancer drugs such as artesunate (ART, IC50 = 96.9 μg mL−1) and oxaliplatin (OXA, IC50 = 64.4 μg mL−1), but had less effect on normal BABL-3T3 cells compared with ART (IC50 = 36.6 μg mL−1) and OXA (IC50 = 13.8 μg mL−1). Fe-MIL-101 induced apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential in HUVECs and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, Fe-MIL-101 exhibited stronger antiangiogenic effects in HUVEC cells than antiangiogenic inhibitor (SU5416) via downregulation the expression of MMP-2/9. Our results reveal a new role of Fe-MIL-101 as a novel, non-toxic anti-angiogenic agent that restricted ovarian tumour growth. These findings could open a new avenue of using MOFs as potential therapeutics in angiogenesis-dependent diseases, including ovarian cancer.
Impaired Mobilization of Vascular Reparative Bone Marrow Cells in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes but not in Leptin Receptor-Deficient db/db Mice
Authors: Vasam Goutham , Joshi Shrinidh , Jarajapu Yagna P. R.
Published: May 2016

Diabetes is associated with impaired mobilization of bone marrow stem/progenitor cells that accelerate vascularization of ischemic areas. This study characterized mobilization of vascular reparative bone marrow progenitor cells in mouse models of diabetes. Age-matched control or streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic and db/db mice with lean-controls were studied. Mobilization induced by G-CSF, AMD3100 or ischemia was evaluated by flow cytometric enumeration of circulating Lin−Sca-1+cKit+ (LSK) cells and by colony forming unit (CFU) assay. The circulating WBCs and LSKs and CFUs were reduced in both models with a shorter duration (10–12 weeks) of diabetes compared to their respective controls. Longer duration of STZ-diabetes (≥20 weeks) induced impairment of G-CSF- or AMD3100-mobilization (P < 0.01, n = 8). In db/db mice, mobilization by G-CSF or AMD3100 was either increased or unaffected (P < 0.05, n = 6 to 8). Proliferation, migration and ischemia-induced mobilization, of LSK cells were impaired in both models. Leptin receptor antagonist, PESLAN-1, increased G-CSF- or AMD3100-mobilization of WBCs and LSKs, compared to the untreated. Leptin increased basal WBCs, decreased basal and AMD3100-mobilized LSK cells and had no effect on G-CSF. These results suggest that mobilopathy is apparent in STZ-diabetes but not in db/db mice. Leptin receptor antagonism would be a promising approach for reversing diabetic bone marrow mobilopathy.
Chiral amino acid metabolomics for novel biomarker screening in the prognosis of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kimura Tomonori , Hamase Kenji , Miyoshi Yurika , Yamamoto Ryohei , Yasuda Keiko , Mita Masashi , Rakugi Hiromi , Hayashi Terumasa , Isaka Yoshitaka
Published: May 2016

D-Amino acids, the enantiomers of L-amino acids, are increasingly recognized as novel biomarkers. Although the amounts of D-amino acids are usually very trace in human, some of them have sporadically been detected in blood from patients with kidney diseases. This study examined whether multiple chiral amino acids would be associated with kidney functions, comorbidities, and prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by enantioselective analyses of all chiral amino acids with a micro-two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatograph (2D-HPLC)-based analytical platform. 16 out of 21 D-amino acids were detected in plasma from 108 CKD patients in a longitudinal cohort. The levels of D-Ser, D-Pro, and D-Asn were strongly associated with kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration ratio), the levels of D-Ala and D-Pro were associated with age, and the level of D-Asp and D-Pro were associated with the presence of diabetes mellitus. D-Ser and D-Asn were significantly associated with the progression of CKD in mutually-adjusted Cox regression analyses; the risk of composite end point (developing to ESKD or death before ESKD) was elevated from 2.7- to 3.8-fold in those with higher levels of plasma D-Ser and D-Asn. These findings identified chiral amino acids as potential biomarkers in kidney diseases.
Chitosan oligosaccharide induces resistance to Tobacco mosaic virus in Arabidopsis via the salicylic acid-mediated signalling pathway
Authors: Jia Xiaochen , Meng Qingshan , Zeng Haihong , Wang Wenxia , Yin Heng
Published: May 2016

Chitosan is one of the most abundant carbohydrate biopolymers in the world and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), which is prepared from chitosan, is a plant immunity regulator. The present study aimed to validate the effect of COS on inducing resistance to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in Arabidopsis and to investigate the potential defence-related signalling pathways involved. Optimal conditions for the induction of TMV resistance in Arabidopsis were COS pretreatment at 50 mg/L for 1 day prior to inoculation with TMV. Multilevel indices, including phenotype data and TMV coat protein expression, revealed that COS induced TMV resistance in wild-type and jasmonic acid pathway- deficient (jar1) Arabidopsis plants, but not in salicylic acid pathway deficient (NahG) Arabidopsis plants. Quantitative-PCR and analysis of phytohormone levels confirmed that COS pretreatment enhanced the expression of the defence-related gene PR1, which is a marker of salicylic acid signalling pathway and increased the amount of salicylic acid in WT and jar1, but not in NahG plants. Taken together, these results confirm that COS induces TMV resistance in Arabidopsis via activation of the salicylic acid signalling pathway.
Spatial distribution of psychotic disorders in an urban area of France: an ecological study
Authors: Pignon Baptiste , Schürhoff Franck , Baudin Grégoire , Ferchiou Aziz , Richard Jean-Romain , Saba Ghassen , Leboyer Marion , Kirkbride James B. , Szöke Andrei
Published: May 2016

Previous analyses of neighbourhood variations of non-affective psychotic disorders (NAPD) have focused mainly on incidence. However, prevalence studies provide important insights on factors associated with disease evolution as well as for healthcare resource allocation. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of prevalent NAPD cases in an urban area in France. The number of cases in each neighbourhood was modelled as a function of potential confounders and ecological variables, namely: migrant density, economic deprivation and social fragmentation. This was modelled using statistical models of increasing complexity: frequentist models (using Poisson and negative binomial regressions), and several Bayesian models. For each model, assumptions validity were checked and compared as to how this fitted to the data, in order to test for possible spatial variation in prevalence. Data showed significant overdispersion (invalidating the Poisson regression model) and residual autocorrelation (suggesting the need to use Bayesian models). The best Bayesian model was Leroux’s model (i.e. a model with both strong correlation between neighbouring areas and weaker correlation between areas further apart), with economic deprivation as an explanatory variable (OR = 1.13, 95% CI [1.02–1.25]). In comparison with frequentist methods, the Bayesian model showed a better fit. The number of cases showed non-random spatial distribution and was linked to economic deprivation.
Self-assembly modified-mushroom nanocomposite for rapid removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution with bubbling fluidized bed
Authors: Xu Fei , Liu Xu , Chen Yijiao , Zhang Ke , Xu Heng
Published: May 2016

A self-assembled modified Pleurotus Cornucopiae material (SMPM) combined with improved Intermittent Bubbling Fluidized Bed (IBFB) was investigated to remove the hexavalent chromium ions in aqueous solution. After the modification, the powder-like raw material gradually self-assembled together to SMPM, which had crinkly porous structure, improved the Cr-accommodation ability in a sound manner. Optimized by Taguchi method, Cr(VI) removal efficiency was up to 75.91% and 48.01% for 100 mg/L and 500 mg/L initial concentration of Cr(VI), respectively. Results indicated that the metal removal was dependent on dosage of adsorbent, particle diameter and treatment time. The experimental data obtained from the biosorption process was successfully correlated with Freundlich isotherm model. Thermodynamic study indicated the endothermic nature of the process. The results confirmed that self-assembly modified Pleurotus Cornucopiae material could be applied for the removal of heavy metal from wastewater in continuous fluidized bed process.
The contribution of inflammasome components on macrophage response to surface nanotopography and chemistry
Authors: Christo Susan , Bachhuka Akash , Diener Kerrilyn R. , Vasilev Krasimir , Hayball John D.
Published: May 2016

Implantable devices have become an established part of medical practice. However, often a negative inflammatory host response can impede the integration and functionality of the device. In this paper, we interrogate the role of surface nanotopography and chemistry on the potential molecular role of the inflammasome in controlling macrophage responses. To achieve this goal we engineered model substrata having precisely controlled nanotopography of predetermined height and tailored outermost surface chemistry. Bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) were harvested from genetically engineered mice deficient in the inflammasome components ASC, NLRP3 and AIM2. These cells were then cultured on these nanoengineered substrata and assessed for their capacity to attach and express pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our data provide evidence that the inflammasome components ASC, NLRP3 and AIM2 play a role in regulating macrophage adhesion and activation in response to surface nanotopography and chemistry. The findings of this paper are important for understanding the inflammatory consequences caused by biomaterials and pave the way to the rational design of future implantable devices having controlled and predictable inflammatory outcomes.
Chronic administration of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide effectively improves fatty liver and glucose homeostasis in high-fat diet-fed mice
Authors: Wang Kaiping , Cao Peng , Wang Hanxiang , Tang Zhuohong , Wang Na , Wang Jinglin , Zhang Yu
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP), an active component derived from a water extract of Angelica sinensis, in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed BALB/c mice. The potential mechanisms underlying the activity of this compound were also considered. Specifically, serum and hepatic biochemical parameters were evaluated and key proteins involved in the lipid/glucose metabolism were analyzed. Long-term feeding with a HFD induced severe fatty liver and hyperglycemia. Histological examination clearly showed that ASP reduced lipid accumulation in the liver and attenuated hepatic steatosis in HFD-fed mice. In addition, ASP markedly alleviated serum and liver lipid disorders and fatty liver via the upregulation of PPARγ expression and the activation of adiponectin-SIRT1-AMPK signaling. Furthermore, ASP also significantly relieved severe oxidative stress, demonstrating that ASP might attenuate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via a “two-hit” mechanism. In addition, ASP reduced blood glucose levels and ameliorated insulin resistance via the regulation of related metabolic enzymes and by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway in HFD-fed mice. Our findings revealed that ASP might be used as an alternative dietary supplement or health care product to ameliorate metabolic syndrome in populations that consistently consume HFDs.
Zinc isotope ratios of bones and teeth as new dietary indicators: results from a modern food web (Koobi Fora, Kenya)
Authors: Jaouen Klervia , Beasley Melanie , Schoeninger Margaret , Hublin Jean-Jacques , Richards Michael P.
Published: May 2016

In order to explore the possibilities of using zinc (Zn) stable isotope ratios as dietary indicators, we report here on the measurements of the ratio of stable isotopes of zinc (66Zn/64Zn, expressed here as δ66Zn) in bioapatite (bone and dental enamel) of animals from a modern food web in the Koobi Fora region of the Turkana Basin in Kenya. We demonstrate that δ66Zn values in both bone and enamel allow a clear distinction between carnivores and herbivores from this food web. Differences were also observed between browsers and grazers as well as between carnivores that consumed bone (i.e. hyenas) compared to those that largely consume flesh (i.e. lions). We conclude that Zn isotope ratio measurements of bone and teeth are a new and promising dietary indicator.
Environmental aging alters Al(OH)3coating of TiO2nanoparticles enhancing their photocatalytic and phototoxic activities
Authors: Al-Abed Souhail R. , Virkutyte Jurate , Ortenzio Jayna N. R. , McCarrick Robert M. , Degn Laura L. , Zucker Robert , Coates Najwa Haykal , Childs Kristin , Ma Hongbo , Diamond Steve , Dreher Kevin , Boyes William K.
Published: May 2016

Environmental aging of Al(OH)3·TiO2degrades the protective Al(OH)3coating and alters the activity of the material.
Tetranuclear Zn/4f coordination clusters as highly efficient catalysts for Friedel–Crafts alkylation
Authors: Griffiths Kieran , Kumar Prashant , Akien Geoffrey R. , Chilton Nicholas F. , Abdul-Sada Alaa , Tizzard Graham J. , Coles Simon J. , Kostakis George E.
Published: May 2016

A series of custom-designed isoskeletal tetranuclear 3d/4f coordination clusters (CCs) show high efficiency as catalysts in Friedel–Crafts alkylation.
Dynamics of intermolecular interactions in CCl4via the isotope effect by femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy
Authors: Konarska Jadwiga , Gadomski Wojciech , Ratajska-Gadomska Bożena , Polok Kamil , Pudłowski Grzegorz , Kardaś Tomasz M.
Published: May 2016

FFT spectra of a time domain signal in the transient transmission experiment, obtained for isotopically split ν1 vibration in CCl4, demonstrate the influence of pump induced coherence on intermolecular interactions.
Effect of multilayer structure, stacking order and external electric field on the electrical properties of few-layer boron-phosphide
Authors: Chen Xianping , Tan Chunjian , Yang Qun , Meng Ruishen , Liang Qiuhua , Jiang Junke , Sun Xiang , Yang D. Q. , Ren Tianling
Published: May 2016

Development of nanoelectronics requires two-dimensional (2D) systems with both direct-bandgap and tunable electronic properties as they act in response to the external electric field (E-field).
An investigation on the structure, spectroscopy and thermodynamic aspects of Br2(−)(H2O)n clusters using a conjunction of stochastic and quantum chemical methods
Authors: Naskar Pulak , Chaudhury Pinaki
Published: May 2016

Global structure and IR-spectrum for Br2(−)(H2O)6 and also variations of IE, SE and VDE for global structures and the variation in VDE's on going from global to local.
Immobilization of O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase as a highly active and recyclable nanobiocatalyst: efficient synthesis of β-pyrazol-1-yl-l-alanine
Authors: Vahidi Akbar K. , Wang Zunsheng , Wong William S. Y. , Li Zhi
Published: May 2016

O-Acetylserine sulfhydrylase (OASS) is immobilized directly from CFE containing His-tagged OASS with magnetic nanoparticles Ni-NTA-MNPsviaaffinity attachment. The immobilized enzyme shows full free-enzyme activity and excellent recyclability and produces 1080 mM β-pyrazol-1-yl-alanine in 20 reaction cycles.
Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of a side-on manganese(iii)–peroxo complex bearing a pentadentate aminopyridine ligand
Authors: Du Junyi , Xu Daqian , Zhang Chunxi , Xia Chungu , Wang Yong , Sun Wei
Published: May 2016

A peroxomanganese(iii) species was prepared by the reaction of [Mn(ii)(Pro3Py)(OTf)](OTf) with H2O2/NEt3 and characterized by UV-vis, EPR, ESI-MS and DFT, which exhibited nucleophilic reactivity in aldehyde deformylation.
Selective formation of silver(i) bis-phospholane macrocycles and further evidence that gold(i) is smaller than silver(i)
Authors: Streitberger Markus , Schmied Andy , Hoy Reinhard , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie
Published: May 2016

Highly flexible bis-phospholane ligands form 16- to 28-membered dinuclear macrocyclic silver(i) complexes selectively without using high-dilution techniques. Comparison with gold(i) complexes gives further evidence that gold(i) is significantly smaller than silver(i).
Spin-labelled photo-cytotoxic diazido platinum(iv) anticancer complex
Authors: Venkatesh V. , Wedge Christopher J. , Romero-Canelón Isolda , Habtemariam Abraha , Sadler Peter J.
Published: May 2016

We report the synthesis and characterisation of the nitroxide spin-labelled photoactivatable Pt(iv) prodrugtrans,trans,trans-[Pt(N3)2(OH)(OCOCH2CH2CONH-TEMPO)(Py)2] (Pt-TEMPO).
Hepatoprotective effects of lycopene on liver enzymes involved in methionine and xenobiotic metabolism in hyperhomocysteinemic rats
Authors: Yefsah-Idres Aicha , Benazzoug Yasmina , Otman Amel , Latour Alizée , Middendorp Sandrine , Janel Nathalie
Published: May 2016

Hyperhomocysteinemia, defined by an increased plasma homocysteine level, is commonly associated with chronic liver diseases.
Highly stereoselective and catalyst-free synthesis of annulated tetrahydropyridines by intramolecular imino-Diels–Alder reaction under microwave irradiation in water
Authors: Lezana Nicolás , Matus-Pérez Massiel , Galdámez Antonio , Lühr Susan , Vilches-Herrera Marcelo
Published: May 2016

Highly stereoselective intramolecular imino-Diels–Alder reaction without any catalyst in water and under microwave irradiation for the synthesis of complex organic systems.
Design of block copolymer membranes using segregation strength trend lines
Authors: Sutisna Burhannudin , Polymeropoulos Georgios , Musteata Valentina , Peinemann Klaus-Viktor , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Smilgies Detlef-M. , Hadjichristidis Nikos , Nunes Suzana P.
Published: May 2016

A trend line method to facilitate the design of new block copolymer membranes, based on self-assembly and non-solvent induced phase separation is proposed.
Mille-feuille paper: a novel type of filter architecture for advanced virus separation applications
Authors: Gustafsson Simon , Lordat Pascal , Hanrieder Tobias , Asper Marcel , Schaefer Oliver , Mihranyan Albert
Published: May 2016

Mille-feuille paper is the first non-woven, wet-laid filter paper, composed of 100% native cellulose, which is capable of removing the “worst-case” model parvoviruses from water with a log10reduction value (LRV) >5 (>99.999%).
Ferric ions accumulate in the walls of metabolically inactivating Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and are reductively mobilized during reactivation
Authors: Wofford Joshua D. , Park Jinkyu , McCormick Sean P. , Chakrabarti Mrinmoy , Lindahl Paul A.
Published: May 2016

Yeast cells accumulate large quantities of ferric ions in their cell walls as they become metabolically inactive. This Fe can be reduced and mobilized as cells become metabolically active.
Catecholase activity of Mannich-based dinuclear CuII complexes with theoretical modeling: new insight into the solvent role in the catalytic cycle
Authors: Sanyal Ria , Kundu Priyanka , Rychagova Elena , Zhigulin Grigory , Ketkov Sergey , Ghosh Bipinbihari , Chattopadhyay Shyamal Kumar , Zangrando Ennio , Das Debasis
Published: May 2016

Catecholase activity has been explored by combined experimental and theoretical approaches using di-copper(ii) complexes of Mannich-base ligands.
Synthesis and electronic properties of comb-like polyamides bearing different contents of tetraaniline pendant groups
Authors: Yin Mingying , Yan Ying , Li Fangfei , Liu Xincai , Wang Ce , Chao Danming
Published: May 2016

Tunable electronic properties could be accomplished by importing different numbers of tetraaniline pendants into the polymeric scaffolds.
Modified structural, surface morphological and optical studies of Li3+ swift heavy ion irradiation on zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Khawal H. A. , Gawai U. P. , Asokan K. , Dole B. N.
Published: May 2016

Synthesized ZnO NPs were irradiated with 50 MeV Li3+ SHI two fluences: 5 × 1011 and 1 × 1013 ions per cm2. The electronic and nuclear energy losses are found to be 15.61 keV μm−1 and 0.087 keV μm−1 in the range 206.1 μm for the range of the projectile ions of Li3+ at 50 MeV.
Revealing the spin-polarized optical properties of monoclinic α-Eu2(MoO4)3: a DFT + U approach
Authors: Reshak A. H.
Published: May 2016

The spin polarized complex first-order linear optical dispersion reveals the spin-polarized electronic structure of α-Eu2(MoO4)3.
Hydrogen bonding interactions affect the hierarchical self-assembly and secondary structures of comb-like polypeptide supramolecular complexes displaying photoresponsive behavior
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Gamal , Tu Jia-Huei , Huang Shih-Hung , Chiang Yeo-Wan , Kuo Shiao-Wei
Published: May 2016

Hierarchical lamellae-within-lamellae structure for the PTyr/AzoPy-C16 supramolecular complex, featuring long-range-ordered lamellae arising from the PTyr within lamellae arising from AzoPy-C16 units oriented in a perpendicular manner.
Development of a cross-linked quaternized poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene)/graphene oxide composite anion exchange membrane for direct alkaline methanol fuel cell application
Authors: Dai Pei , Mo Zhao-Hua , Xu Ri-Wei , Zhang Shu , Lin Xiao , Lin Wen-Feng , Wu Yi-Xian
Published: May 2016

A crosslinked quaternized poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene)/graphene oxide composite anion exchange membrane showed high ionic conductivity and low methanol permeability.
Ni–Cu nano-crystalline alloys for efficient electrochemical hydrogen production in acid water
Authors: Nady H. , Negem M.
Published: May 2016

The Ni–49%Cu nano-crystallins alloy showed higher HER activity than electrodeposited Ni because their nano-sized roughness results in a high surface area.
Electron-withdrawing ability tunable polyphosphazene frameworks as novel heterogeneous catalysts for efficient biomass upgrading
Authors: Huang Zhen , Pan Yuanjia , Guo Jia , Chao Yimin , Shen Wei , Wang ChangChun , Xu Hualong
Published: May 2016

Novel polyphosphazene frameworks as green heterogeneous catalysts are discovered for efficient production of 5-HMF from fructose, which is due to the unique cyclotriphosphazene unit and the electron-withdrawing nature of the polymer backbone.
Nano-NiFe2O4 as an efficient catalyst for regio- and chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of olefins/alkynes and dehydrogenation of alcohols under Pd-/Ru-free conditions
Authors: Payra Soumen , Saha Arijit , Banerjee Subhash
Published: May 2016

Here, we have demonstrated magnetic nano-NiFe2O4 catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of olefins/alkynes using isopropyl alcohol as source of hydrogen under ligand and Ru/Pd-free conditions and dehydrogenation of alcohols under oxidant-free conditions.
Two-dimensional CdS intercalated ZnO nanorods: a concise study on interfacial band structure modification
Authors: Oleiwi Hind Fadhil , Tan Sin Tee , Lee Hock Beng , Yap Chi Chin , Ginting Riski Titian , Zakaria Azmi , Alshanableh Abdelelah , Tan Chun Hui , Haji Jumali Mohammad Hafizuddin , Yahaya Muhammad , Talib Zainal Abidin
Published: May 2016

The intercalation of CdS on ZnO nanorods modified the optical band gap effectively and improved the solar cell performance significantly.
Enhancement of lasing in organic gain media assisted by the metallic nanoparticles–metallic film plasmonic hybrid structure
Authors: Ning Shuya , Wu Zhaoxin , Dong Hua , Ma Lin , Hou Xun , Zhang Fanghui
Published: May 2016

A dramatic enhancement of lasing in organic gain medium was achieved, assisted by the metallic nanoparticles–metallic film hybrid structure.
MicroRNA 486-3P as a stability marker in acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Wei Tianling , Folkersen Lasse , Ehrenborg Ewa , Gabrielsen Anders
Published: May 2016

Easily accessible biomarkers are needed to diagnose cardiovascular disease precisely—particularly, to distinguish between disease subtypes that are encountered in clinical practice. Per the hypothesis that plasma miRNA is valuable for this purpose, we performed complete transcriptional profiling of an miRNA discovery-set in 14 samples: three patients with ST-elevated acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) at baseline and after three months of follow-up, four with stable ischaemic heart disease (stable-IHD) and four healthy age-matched volunteers. Our aim was to determine whether we could distinguish patients with unstable plaques from stable patients following a STEMI event. After analysing miRNA profiles, we conducted a validation study comparing three-month STEMI (n=40) with stable-IHD (n=35), which confirmed that miR-486-3P differentiates patients with three-month STEMI from those with stable-IHD (P=0.019).
Design of reversible circuits with high testability
Authors: Gaur H.M. , Singh A.K.
Published: May 2016

A new method of designing reversible logic circuits which can be adopted by any synthesis technique to produce parity preserving reversible circuits based on Multiple Controlled Tofolli gates is proposed. The designed circuit using proposed methodology is easily testable by checking the input and output parity. A set of benchmark circuits and corresponding testable designs are implemented. The results under testable designs show an average reduction of 32% in operating cost as compared to prior work.
Dynamic encoder profile optimisation for real‐time video streaming applications
Authors: De Praeter J. , Swimberghe H. , Renard G. , Van Wallendael G. , Lambert P.
Published: May 2016

For a real‐time video application such as a remote learning session, the main difficulty is to keep the latency low while providing a video stream to viewers with different devices over a variety of bandwidth restricted networks. This Letter proposes an optimisation to dynamically select a subset of predefined different video representations, such that with a limited number of encoders, the largest possible group of viewers receives a decodable video stream at a low latency. This optimisation outperforms the static encoder approach by achieving a fairness of 98.2% with an average client bandwidth utilisation of 84.1% to provide higher quality video.
P300‐based deception detection in simulated network fraud condition
Authors: Shen Jizhong , Liang Jianwei , Liu Xiaochen
Published: May 2016

A deception detection experiment with three‐stimulus guilty knowledge test paradigm in simulated network fraud condition was conducted. The raw electroencephalography (EEG) signals were acquired from 12 subjects during the deception detection experiment. Then a multi‐domain EEG signal processing method was proposed, preprocessing the raw EEG signals and extracting features in temporal, spectral and spatial domains. Subsequently, genetic algorithm was implemented to obtain optimal feature subset and linear discriminant analysis was used for classification. Experiment results obtained by the proposed technique confirmed its effectiveness in deception detection under simulated network fraud condition.
Incremental M‐estimate‐based least‐mean algorithm over distributed network
Authors: Yu Yi , Zhao Haiquan
Published: May 2016

An incremental least‐mean M‐estimate algorithm is proposed for distributed network, which minimises a robust M‐estimator‐based cost function against impulsive noise via the gradient descent method. Moreover, based on the same frame for implementation, an incremental distributed least‐mean p‐power algorithm is presented for combating impulsive noise. Simulations verify the superiority of the proposed algorithms in the presence of impulsive noise relative to some existing incremental distributed algorithms.
Three‐element broadband narrow beam without side lobes array antenna
Authors: Apostolov Peter
Published: May 2016

This study proposes the design of a three‐element uniform linear array antenna using the method of ‘compressed cosines’. An approximation of an ideal array factor (AF) – Kronecker‐δ with third degree optimal polynomial was performed and some Luneburg lenses were used to realise the array antenna. The designed array antenna has remarkable properties: broadband, narrow beam without side lobes, and with constant selectivity of the AF. A Matlab simulation was also demonstrated and a five‐element, two‐dimensional array antenna was designed with the proposed method.
Circularly polarised hybrid Z‐shaped cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna for multiband applications
Authors: Sharma Anand , Gangwar Ravi Kumar
Published: May 2016

This study presents design and analysis of a multi‐band hybrid Z‐shaped cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (CDRA) with partial ground plane. The proposed antenna design consists of Z‐shaped CDRA along with dual C‐shaped patch. Dual C‐shaped patch is used to excite TE01δ mode, which also act as a radiator. Offset between upper and lower CDRAs is responsible for reduction in quality factor and also produce π/2 phase shift between the field lines of the proposed antenna which generates circular polarisation. The archetype of the proposed structure has been fabricated and practically validated. The proposed design operates in five frequency bands, i.e. 1.24–1.36 GHz, 2.56–2.88 GHz, 3.4–4.08 GHz, 5.08–5.72 GHz and 7.2–8.5 GHz with the fractional bandwidth of 9.23, 11.76, 18.18, 11.85 and 16.56%, respectively. Axial ratio bandwidth (AR < 3 dB) for 7.85–8.35 GHz frequency band is 6.17%. The proposed antenna may be suitable for different wireless applications like WLAN (5.2 GHz), WiMAX (2.6/3.5/5.5 GHz) and satellite communication (7.9–8.39 GHz).
Bandwidth reconfigurable antenna with a fixed lower and a variable upper limit
Authors: Mansoul Ali , Ghanem Farid , Hamid Mohamad R. , Salonen Erkki , Berg Markus
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a frequency bandwidth reconfigurable antenna capable of gradually varying its bandwidth from 43 to 76% by keeping the lower band limit fixed and varying the upper one. The antenna consists of a disc‐monopole antenna with four vertical slot lines and a via‐shorted slot ring incorporated in its ground‐plane. To vary the bandwidth, the first slot line is used to create a new resonance below the operating band of the monopole, which is used as the fixed lower band limit. The next two slots are used to vary the upper limit while adjusting the middle resonance in order to maintain a good impedance‐matching over the bandwidth. The fourth slot line and the shorted slot ring are used together to suppress high frequencies. In addition to this gradual bandwidth reconfiguration, the proposed antenna has the potential to offer several different modes of operation; however for concise reasons, only two other modes corresponding to a single‐band and a dual‐band narrowband, modes are presented here. To validate the proposed bandwidth reconfiguration approach, simulated and measured results are provided and a good agreement is achieved. The antenna is potentially suitable for applications needing to adjust the frequency bandwidth such as cognitive radios.
Non‐linear estimation of the flexural lever arm for transfer alignment of airborne distributed position and orientation system
Authors: Cao Quan , Zhong Maiying , Guo Jia
Published: May 2016

As the development of aerial mapping, obtaining the motion parameters of the mapping sensors mounted under the flexural wing of the aircraft is necessary to accomplish the mission. Airborne distributed position and orientation system (DPOS) could be applicable which is composed of master inertial navigation system (INS), several slave INSs and the global positioning system. The slave INS is mounted on the mapping sensor for measuring the motion parameters. However, the flexural deformation of the wing will impose critical influence on the transfer alignment between master and slave INSs. The formed flexural lever arm should be compensated precisely. A non‐linear relation between the flexural angle and flexural lever arm variation is proposed, and a novel 27‐state non‐linear model is established for transfer alignment of airborne DPOS. The non‐linear measurement equation of angular rate is derived based on three successive rotations of the body frame of the master INS. Unscented Kalman filter is utilised as the non‐linear estimator for its capability of non‐linear approximation. It is shown from the simulation results that the proposed method can estimate the flexural angles and flexural lever arm variations more accurately, and the attitude and position accuracy of slave INS is also improved correspondingly.
Reduced defect density at the CZTSSe/CdS interface by atomic layer deposition of Al2O3
Authors: Erkan Mehmet Eray , Chawla Vardaan , Scarpulla Michael A.
Published: May 2016

The greatest challenge for improving the power conversion efficiency of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe)/CdS/ZnO thin film solar cells is increasing the open circuit voltage (VOC). Probable leading causes of the VOC deficit in state-of-the-art CZTSSe devices have been identified as bulk recombination, band tails, and the intertwined effects of CZTSSe/CdS band offset, interface defects, and interface recombination. In this work, we demonstrate the modification of the CZTSSe absorber/CdS buffer interface following the deposition of 1 nm-thick Al2O3 layers by atomic layer deposition (ALD) near room temperature. Capacitance-voltage profiling and quantum efficiency measurements reveal that ALD-Al2O3 interface modification reduces the density of acceptor-like states at the heterojunction resulting in reduced interface recombination and wider depletion width. Indications of increased VOC resulting from the modification of the heterojunction interface as a result of ALD-Al2O3 treatment are presented. These results, while not conclusive for application to state-of-the-art high efficiency CZTSSe devices, suggest the need for further studies as it is probable that interface recombination contributes to reduced VOC even in such devices.
Tutorial: Understanding residual stress in polycrystalline thin films through real-time measurements and physical models
Authors: Chason Eric , Guduru Pradeep R.
Published: May 2016

Residual stress is a long-standing issue in thin film growth. Better understanding and control of film stress would lead to enhanced performance and reduced failures. In this work, we review how thin film stress is measured and interpreted. The results are used to describe a comprehensive picture that is emerging of what controls stress evolution. Examples from multiple studies are discussed to illustrate how the stress depends on key parameters (e.g., growth rate, material type, temperature, grain size, morphology, etc.). The corresponding stress-generating mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the data are also described. To develop a fuller understanding, we consider the kinetic factors that determine how much each of these processes contributes to the overall stress under different conditions. This leads to a kinetic model that can predict the dependence of the stress on multiple parameters. The model results are compared with the experiments to show how this approach can explain many features of stress evolution.
Connection between quantum systems involving the fourth Painlevé transcendent and k-step rational extensions of the harmonic oscillator related to Hermite exceptional orthogonal polynomial
Authors: Marquette Ian , Quesne Christiane
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this communication is to point out the connection between a 1D quantum Hamiltonian involving the fourth Painlevé transcendent PIV, obtained in the context of second-order supersymmetric quantum mechanics and third-order ladder operators, with a hierarchy of families of quantum systems called k-step rational extensions of the harmonic oscillator and related with multi-indexed Xm1,m2,…,mk Hermite exceptional orthogonal polynomials of type III. The connection between these exactly solvable models is established at the level of the equivalence of the Hamiltonians using rational solutions of the fourth Painlevé equation in terms of generalized Hermite and Okamoto polynomials. We also relate the different ladder operators obtained by various combinations of supersymmetric constructions involving Darboux-Crum and Krein-Adler supercharges, their zero modes and the corresponding energies. These results will demonstrate and clarify the relation observed for a particular case in previous papers.
Graph duality as an instrument of Gauge-String correspondence
Authors: Diaz Pablo , Lin Hai , Veliz-Osorio Alvaro
Published: May 2016

We explore an identity between two branching graphs and propose a physical meaning in the context of the gauge-gravity correspondence. From the mathematical point of view, the identity equates probabilities associated with GT, the branching graph of the unitary groups, with probabilities associated with 𝕐, the branching graph of the symmetric groups. In order to furnish the identity with physical meaning, we exactly reproduce these probabilities as the square of three point functions involving certain hook-shaped backgrounds. We study these backgrounds in the context of LLM geometries and discover that they are domain walls interpolating two AdS spaces with different radii. We also find that, in certain cases, the probabilities match the eigenvalues of some observables, the embedding chain charges. We finally discuss a holographic interpretation of the mathematical identity through our results.
Upper limit of the electrocaloric peak in lead-free ferroelectric relaxor ceramics
Authors: Le Goupil Florian , Alford Neil McN.
Published: May 2016

The electrocaloric effect (ECE) of two compositions (x = 0.06 and 0.07) of (1 − x)(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-xKNbO3 in the vicinity of the morphotropic phase boundary is studied by direct measurements. ΔTmax = 1.5 K is measured at 125 °C under 70 kV/cm for NBT-6KN while ΔTmax = 0.8 K is measured at 75 °C under 55 kV/cm for NBT-7KN. We show that the “shoulder,” TS, in the dielectric permittivity, marks the upper limit of the ECE peak under high applied electric fields. These results imply that the range of temperature with high ECE can be quickly identified for a given composition, which will significantly speed up the process of materials selection for ECE cooling.
Enhancement of carrier mobility in MoS2 field effect transistors by a SiO2 protective layer
Authors: Shao Peng-Zhi , Zhao Hai-Ming , Cao Hui-Wen , Wang Xue-Feng , Pang Yu , Li Yu-Xing , Deng Ning-Qin , Zhang Jing , Zhang Guang-Yu , Yang Yi , Zhang Sheng , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: May 2016

Molybdenum disulfide is a promising channel material for field effect transistors (FETs). In this paper, monolayer MoS2 grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was used to fabricate top-gate FETs through standard optical lithography. During the fabrication process, charged impurities and interface states are introduced, and the photoresist is not removed cleanly, which both limit the carrier mobility and the source-drain current. We apply a SiO2 protective layer, which is deposited on the surface of MoS2, in order to avoid the MoS2 directly contacting with the photoresist and the ambient environment. Therefore, the contact property between the MoS2 and the electrodes is improved, and the Coulomb scattering caused by the charged impurities and the interface states is reduced. Comparing MoS2 FETs with and without a SiO2 protective layer, the SiO2 protective layer is found to enhance the characteristics of the MoS2 FETs, including transfer and output characteristics. A high mobility of ∼42.3 cm2/V s is achieved, which is very large among the top-gate CVD-grown monolayer MoS2 FETs.
Note: Digital laser frequency auto-locking for inter-satellite laser ranging
Authors: Luo Yingxin , Li Hongyin , Yeh Hsien-Chi
Published: May 2016

We present a prototype of a laser frequency auto-locking and re-locking control system designed for laser frequency stabilization in inter-satellite laser ranging system. The controller has been implemented on field programmable gate arrays and programmed with LabVIEW software. The controller allows initial frequency calibrating and lock-in of a free-running laser to a Fabry-Pérot cavity. Since it allows automatic recovery from unlocked conditions, benefit derives to automated in-orbit operations. Program design and experimental results are demonstrated.
Terahertz transmission resonances in complementary multilayered metamaterial with deep subwavelength interlayer spacing
Authors: Choi Muhan , Kang Byungsoo , Yi Yoonsik , Lee Seung Hoon , Kim Inbo , Han Jae-Hyung , Yi Minwoo , Ahn Jaewook , Choi Choon-Gi
Published: May 2016

We introduce a flexible multilayered THz metamaterial designed by using the Babinet's principle with the functionality of narrow band-pass filter. The metamaterial gives us systematic way to design frequency selective surfaces working on intended frequencies and bandwidths. It shows highly enhanced transmission of 80% for the normal incident THz waves due to the strong coupling of the two layers of metamaterial complementary to each other.
Thermal and thermoelectric transport measurements of an individual boron arsenide microstructure
Authors: Kim Jaehyun , Evans Daniel A. , Sellan Daniel P. , Williams Owen M. , Ou Eric , Cowley Alan H. , Shi Li
Published: May 2016

Recent first principles calculations have predicted that boron arsenide (BAs) can possess an unexpectedly high thermal conductivity that depends sensitively on the crystal size and defect concentration. However, few experimental results have been obtained to verify these predictions. In the present work, we report four-probe thermal and thermoelectric transport measurements of an individual BAs microstructure that was synthesized via a vapor transport method. The measured thermal conductivity was found to decrease slightly with temperature in the range between 250 K and 350 K. The temperature dependence suggests that the extrinsic phonon scattering processes play an important role in addition to intrinsic phonon-phonon scattering. The room temperature value of (186 ± 46) W m−1 K−1 is higher than that of bulk silicon but still a factor of four lower than the calculated result for a defect-free, non-degenerate BAs rod with a similar diameter of 1.15 μm. The measured p-type Seebeck coefficient and thermoelectric power factor are comparable to those of bismuth telluride, which is a commonly used thermoelectric material. The foregoing results also suggest that it is necessary to not only reduce defect and boundary scatterings but also to better understand and control the electron scattering of phonons in order to achieve the predicted ultrahigh intrinsic lattice thermal conductivity of BAs.
Pressure activated interconnection of micro transfer printed components
Authors: Prevatte Carl , Guven Ibrahim , Ghosal Kanchan , Gomez David , Moore Tanya , Bonafede Salvatore , Raymond Brook , Trindade António Jose , Fecioru Alin , Kneeburg David , Meitl Matthew A. , Bower Christopher A.
Published: May 2016

Micro transfer printing and other forms of micro assembly deterministically produce heterogeneously integrated systems of miniaturized components on non-native substrates. Most micro assembled systems include electrical interconnections to the miniaturized components, typically accomplished by metal wires formed on the non-native substrate after the assembly operation. An alternative scheme establishing interconnections during the assembly operation is a cost-effective manufacturing method for producing heterogeneous microsystems, and facilitates the repair of integrated microsystems, such as displays, by ex post facto addition of components to correct defects after system-level tests. This letter describes pressure-concentrating conductor structures formed on silicon (1 0 0) wafers to establish connections to preexisting conductive traces on glass and plastic substrates during micro transfer printing with an elastomer stamp. The pressure concentrators penetrate a polymer layer to form the connection, and reflow of the polymer layer bonds the components securely to the target substrate. The experimental yield of series-connected test systems with >1000 electrical connections demonstrates the suitability of the process for manufacturing, and robustness of the test systems against exposure to thermal shock, damp heat, and mechanical flexure shows reliability of the resulting bonds.