bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thymoproteasomes produce unique peptide motifs for positive selection of CD8+ T cells
Authors: Sasaki Katsuhiro , Takada Kensuke , Ohte Yuki , Kondo Hiroyuki , Sorimachi Hiroyuki , Tanaka Keiji , Takahama Yousuke , Murata Shigeo
Published: June 2015

Positive selection in the thymus provides low-affinity T-cell receptor (TCR) engagement to support the development of potentially useful self-major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-restricted T cells. Optimal positive selection of CD8+ T cells requires cortical thymic epithelial cells that express β5t-containing thymoproteasomes (tCPs). However, how tCPs govern positive selection is unclear. Here we show that the tCPs produce unique cleavage motifs in digested peptides and in MHC-I-associated peptides. Interestingly, MHC-I-associated peptides carrying these tCP-dependent motifs are enriched with low-affinity TCR ligands that efficiently induce the positive selection of functionally competent CD8+ T cells in antigen-specific TCR-transgenic models. These results suggest that tCPs contribute to the positive selection of CD8+ T cells by preferentially producing low-affinity TCR ligand peptides.
Earth-like aqueous debris-flow activity on Mars at high orbital obliquity in the last million years
Authors: de Haas T. , Hauber E. , Conway S. J. , van Steijn H. , Johnsson A. , Kleinhans M. G.
Published: June 2015

Liquid water is currently extremely rare on Mars, but was more abundant during periods of high obliquity in the last few millions of years. This is testified by the widespread occurrence of mid-latitude gullies: small catchment-fan systems. However, there are no direct estimates of the amount and frequency of liquid water generation during these periods. Here we determine debris-flow size, frequency and associated water volumes in Istok crater, and show that debris flows occurred at Earth-like frequencies during high-obliquity periods in the last million years on Mars. Results further imply that local accumulations of snow/ice within gullies were much more voluminous than currently predicted; melting must have yielded centimetres of liquid water in catchments; and recent aqueous activity in some mid-latitude craters was much more frequent than previously anticipated.
Group velocity mismatch-absent nonlinear frequency conversions for mid-infrared femtosecond pulses generation
Authors: Zhong Haizhe , Zhang Lifu , Li Ying , Fan Dianyuan
Published: June 2015

A novel group velocity mismatch (GVM) absent scheme for nonlinear optical parametric procedure in mid-infrared was developed with type-I quasi phase matching by use of an off-digital nonlinear optical coefficientd
31
. This was achieved by matching of the group velocities of the pump and the signal waves, while the phase velocities were quasi phase matched. The system employs MgO-doped periodically poled LiNbO
3
as the nonlinear medium. Desired group-velocity dispersion would be obtained via appropriately temperature regulation. To demonstrate its potential applications in ultrafast mid-infrared pulses generation, aiming at a typical mid-infrared wavelength of ~3.2 μm, design examples of two basic nonlinear frequency conversion procedures are studied for both the narrow-band seeding mid-IR optical parametric amplification (OPA) and the synchronously pumped femtosecond optical parametric oscillation (SPOPO). Compared with the conventional scheme of type-0 QPM, the quantum-efficiency can be more than doubled with nearly unlimited bandwidth. The proposed GVM- absent phase matching design may provide a promising route to efficient and broadband sub-100 fs mid-infrared ultrafast pulses generation without group-velocity walk-off.
Quantifying the Number of Discriminable Coincident Dendritic Input Patterns through Dendritic Tree Morphology
Authors: Zippo Antonio G. , Biella Gabriele E. M.
Published: June 2015

Current developments in neuronal physiology are unveiling novel roles for dendrites. Experiments have shown mechanisms of non-linear synaptic NMDA dependent activations, able to discriminate input patterns through the waveforms of the excitatory postsynaptic potentials. Contextually, the synaptic clustering of inputs is the principal cellular strategy to separate groups of common correlated inputs. Dendritic branches appear to work as independent discriminating units of inputs potentially reflecting an extraordinary repertoire of pattern memories. However, it is unclear how these observations could impact our comprehension of the structural correlates of memory at the cellular level. This work investigates the discrimination capabilities of neurons through computational biophysical models to extract a predicting law for the dendritic input discrimination capability (M). By this rule we compared neurons from a neuron reconstruction repository (neuromorpho.org). Comparisons showed that primate neurons were not supported by an equivalent M preeminence and that M is not uniformly distributed among neuron types. Remarkably, neocortical neurons had substantially less memory capacity in comparison to those from non-cortical regions. In conclusion, the proposed rule predicts the inherent neuronal spatial memory gathering potentially relevant anatomical and evolutionary considerations about the brain cytoarchitecture.
First direct evidence of sedimentary carbonate recycling in subduction-related xenoliths
Authors: Liu Yongsheng , He Detao , Gao Changgui , Foley Stephen , Gao Shan , Hu Zhaochu , Zong Keqing , Chen Haihong
Published: June 2015

Carbon in rocks and its rate of exchange with the exosphere is the least understood part of the carbon cycle. The amount of carbonate subducted as sediments and ocean crust is poorly known, but essential to mass balance the cycle. We describe carbonatite melt pockets in mantle peridotite xenoliths from Dalihu (northern China), which provide firsthand evidence for the recycling of carbonate sediments within the subduction system. These pockets retain the low trace element contents and δ18OSMOW = 21.1 ± 0.3 of argillaceous carbonate sediments, representing wholesale melting of carbonates instead of filtered recycling of carbon by redox freezing and melting. They also contain microscopic diamonds, partly transformed to graphite, indicating that depths >120 km were reached, as well as a bizarre mixture of carbides and metal alloys indicative of extremely reducing conditions. Subducted carbonates form diapirs that move rapidly upwards through the mantle wedge, reacting with peridotite, assimilating silicate minerals and releasing CO2, thus promoting their rapid emplacement. The assimilation process produces very local disequilibrium and divergent redox conditions that result in carbides and metal alloys, which help to interpret other occurrences of rock exhumed from ultra-deep conditions.
Three-dimensional printing models improve understanding of spinal fracture—A randomized controlled study in China
Authors: Li Zhenzhu , Li Zefu , Xu Ruiyu , Li Meng , Li Jianmin , Liu Yongliang , Sui Dehua , Zhang Wensheng , Chen Zheng
Published: June 2015

Three-dimensional printing (3Dp) is being increasingly used in medical education. Although the use of such lifelike models is beneficial, well-powered, randomized studies supporting this statement are scarce. Two spinal fracture simulation models were generated by 3Dp. Altogether, 120 medical students (54.2% females) were randomized into three teaching module groups [two-dimensional computed tomography images (CT), 3D, or 3Dp] and asked to answer 10 key anatomical and 4 evaluative questions. Students in the 3Dp or 3D group performed significantly better than those in the CT group, although males in the 3D group scored higher than females. Students in the 3Dp group were the first to answer all questions and there were no sex-related differences. Pleasure, assistance, effect and confidence were more predominant in students in the 3Dp group than in those in the 3D and CT groups. This randomized study revealed that the 3Dp model markedly improved the identification of complex spinal fracture anatomy by medical students and was equally appreciated and comprehended by both sexes. Therefore, the lifelike fracture model made by 3Dp technology should be used as a means of premedical education.
Enhanced Evaporation Strength through Fast Water Permeation in Graphene-Oxide Deposition
Authors: Li Tong Wei , Ong Wee-Jun , Chai Siang-Piao , Tan Ming K. , Mun Hung Yew
Published: June 2015

The unique characteristic of fast water permeation in laminated graphene oxide (GO) sheets has facilitated the development of ultrathin and ultrafast nanofiltration membranes. Here we report the application of fast water permeation property of immersed GO deposition for enhancing the performance of a GO/water nanofluid charged two-phase closed thermosyphon (TPCT). By benchmarking its performance against a silver oxide/water nanofluid charged TPCT, the enhancement of evaporation strength is found to be essentially attributed to the fast water permeation property of GO deposition instead of the enhanced surface wettability of the deposited layer. The expansion of interlayer distance between the graphitic planes of GO deposited layer enables intercalation of bilayer water for fast water permeation. The capillary force attributed to the frictionless interaction between the atomically smooth, hydrophobic carbon structures and the well-ordered hydrogen bonds of water molecules is sufficiently strong to overcome the gravitational force. As a result, a thin water film is formed on the GO deposited layers, inducing filmwise evaporation which is more effective than its interfacial counterpart, appreciably enhanced the overall performance of TPCT. This study paves the way for a promising start of employing the fast water permeation property of GO in thermal applications.
Frequency of alcohol consumption in humans; the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors and downstream signaling pathways
Authors: Meyers J L , Salling M C , Almli L M , Ratanatharathorn A , Uddin M , Galea S , Wildman D E , Aiello A E , Bradley B , Ressler K , Koenen K C
Published: June 2015

Rodent models implicate metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and downstream signaling pathways in addictive behaviors through metaplasticity. One way mGluRs can influence synaptic plasticity is by regulating the local translation of AMPA receptor trafficking proteins via eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2). However, genetic variation in this pathway has not been examined with human alcohol use phenotypes. Among a sample of adults living in Detroit, Michigan (Detroit Neighborhood Health Study; n=788; 83% African American), 206 genetic variants across the mGluR–eEF2–AMPAR pathway (including GRM1, GRM5, HOMER1, HOMER2, EEF2K, MTOR, EIF4E, EEF2, CAMK2A, ARC, GRIA1 and GRIA4) were found to predict number of drinking days per month (corrected P-value <0.01) when considered as a set (set-based linear regression conducted in PLINK). In addition, a CpG site located in the 3′-untranslated region on the north shore of EEF2 (cg12255298) was hypermethylated in those who drank more frequently (P<0.05). Importantly, the association between several genetic variants within the mGluR–eEF2–AMPAR pathway and alcohol use behavior (i.e., consumption and alcohol-related problems) replicated in the Grady Trauma Project (GTP), an independent sample of adults living in Atlanta, Georgia (n=1034; 95% African American), including individual variants in GRM1, GRM5, EEF2, MTOR, GRIA1, GRIA4 and HOMER2 (P<0.05). Gene-based analyses conducted in the GTP indicated that GRM1 (empirical P<0.05) and EEF2 (empirical P<0.01) withstood multiple test corrections and predicted increased alcohol consumption and related problems. In conclusion, insights from rodent studies enabled the identification of novel human alcohol candidate genes within the mGluR–eEF2–AMPAR pathway.
Enhanced fluorescence detection of miRNA-16 on a photonic crystal
Authors: Frascella F. , Ricciardi S. , Pasquardini L. , Potrich C. , Angelini A. , Chiadò A. , Pederzolli C. , De Leo N. , Rivolo P. , Pirri C. F. , Descrovi E.
Published: June 2015

We report a novel sensing method for fluorescence-labelled microRNAs (miRNAs) spotted on an all-dielectric photonic structure.
A novel strategy to identify analytical markers of Cerebralcare Granule for quality assessment by ultra-high performance chromatography and chemometric analysis
Authors: Li Xiao-wen , Tong Ling , Li Dong-xiang , Sun Wan-yang , Sun Guo-xiang
Published: June 2015

Selecting appropriate analytical markers of botanical drugs is a critical step in quality control.
Simultaneous determination of progestogens, androgens, estrogens and phenols in water, sediment and biological samples by enolisation–silylation with ASE-GPC-SPE-GC/MS
Authors: Huang B. , Sun W. W. , Li X. M. , Yang X. X. , Ren D. , Wang Y. , Pan X. J.
Published: June 2015

This research has developed an enolisation-silylation with ASE-GPC-SPE-GC/MS analytical method for the simultaneous determination of twelve steroidal and phenolic EDCs in water, sediment and biological samples.
Nanohybrids from nanotubular J-aggregates and transparent silica nanoshells
Authors: Qiao Yan , Polzer Frank , Kirmse Holm , Kirstein Stefan , Rabe Jürgen P.
Published: June 2015

Organic–inorganic nanohybrids were synthesized by coating supramolecular tubular J-aggregates with helically wound silica ribbons, which significantly enhance the stability of J-aggregates.
Ni-promoted synthesis of graphitic carbon nanotubes from in situ produced graphitic carbon for dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene
Authors: Wang Jing , Wei Zhongzhe , Gong Yutong , Wang Shiping , Su Diefeng , Han Chuanlong , Li Haoran , Wang Yong
Published: June 2015

Ni promoted the synthesis of graphitic carbon nanotubes fromin situproduced graphitic carbon and exhibited excellent activity in dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene.
Polypyrrole–polyoxometalate/reduced graphene oxide ternary nanohybrids for flexible, all-solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Yuyun , Han Min , Tang Yujia , Bao Jianchun , Li Shunli , Lan Yaqian , Dai Zhihui
Published: June 2015

Novel ternary nanohybrids PPy–PMo12/rGO are synthesized via an H3PMo12O40-mediated one-pot redox relay strategy. The nanohybrids exhibit excellent supercapacitive performance.
Metal–organic fireworks: MOFs as integrated structural scaffolds for pyrotechnic materials
Authors: Blair L. H. , Colakel A. , Vrcelj R. M. , Sinclair I. , Coles S. J.
Published: June 2015

A new approach to formulating pyrotechnic materials is proposed, where constituents are bound together in a framework. Using a fluorinated linker produces a strong pyrotechnic effect, which can be linked to the structural dimensionality of the framework.
Fundamental growth principles of colloidal metal nanoparticles – a new perspective
Authors: Polte Jörg
Published: June 2015

In the past few decades, much effort was put into the development of synthetic strategies to produce nanoparticles of different sizes and morphologies and a large number of scientific contributions are dedicated to the characterization and application of metal nanoparticles.
Electrochemical reduction of aromatic ketones in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids in the presence of carbon dioxide: the influence of the ketone substituent and the ionic liquid anion on bulk electrolysis product distribution
Authors: Zhao Shu-Feng , Horne Mike , Bond Alan M. , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2015

The yield of electrocarboxylation of aromatic ketone depends on the imidazolium-based ionic liquid anion and the ketone substituent.
Pressure and electric field-induced metallization in the phase-engineered ZrX2(X = S, Se, Te) bilayers
Authors: Kumar Ashok , He Haiying , Pandey Ravindra , Ahluwalia P. K. , Tankeshwar K.
Published: June 2015

Band-gap (Eg)vs.applied electric field (E) for T- and H-bilayers, showing complete metallization at the critical value of the electric field.
Molecular characterization of brown carbon (BrC) chromophores in secondary organic aerosol generated from photo-oxidation of toluene
Authors: Lin Peng , Liu Jiumeng , Shilling John E. , Kathmann Shawn M. , Laskin Julia , Laskin Alexander
Published: June 2015

BrC chromophores of toluene SOA have been identified using the HPLC–UV/Vis–ESI/HRMS platform.
Direct 17O NMR experimental evidence for Al–NBO bonds in Si-rich and highly polymerized aluminosilicate glasses
Authors: Jaworski Aleksander , Stevensson Baltzar , Edén Mattias
Published: June 2015

Double-resonance 17O{27Al} NMR unambiguously evidences Al–NBO bonds in rare-earth aluminosilicate glasses.
Abnormal crystal growth in CH3NH3PbI3−xClxusing a multi-cycle solution coating process
Authors: Dong Qingfeng , Yuan Yongbo , Shao Yuchuan , Fang Yanjun , Wang Qi , Huang Jinsong
Published: June 2015

Multi-cycle coating of mixed halide perovskite films by incorporating Cl in precursors induces abnormal grain growth with appearance of very large grains.
Ethanol as capping agent and formaldehyde scavenger for efficient depolymerization of lignin to aromatics
Authors: Huang Xiaoming , Korányi Tamás I. , Boot Michael D. , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: June 2015

High monomer yield (60–86 wt%) with little char formation is possible from lignin. Ethanol acts as capping agent of aromatics, as formaldehyde scavenger and hydrogen source, prevent repolymerization.
Tandem ICP-mass spectrometry for Sr isotopic analysis without prior Rb/Sr separation
Authors: Bolea-Fernandez Eduardo , Balcaen Lieve , Resano Martín , Vanhaecke Frank
Published: June 2015

The use of CH3F as a reaction gas in tandem ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) enables the accurate determination of the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio in geological materials, provided that mass discrimination is corrected for by a combination of internal and external correction.
Development and validation of a microfluidic immunoassay capable of multiplexing parallel samples in microliter volumes
Authors: Ghodbane Mehdi , Stucky Elizabeth C. , Maguire Tim J. , Schloss Rene S. , Shreiber David I. , Zahn Jeffrey D. , Yarmush Martin L.
Published: June 2015

We develop and validate a 6-plex microfluidic immunoassay with 32-sample capacity, high performance sensitivity, and a large dynamic range.
Metabolomics identifies the intersection of phosphoethanolamine with menaquinone-triggered apoptosis in an in vitro model of leukemia
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Suganthagunthalam , Dinh Nha-Truc , Skolnick Jeffrey , Styczynski Mark P.
Published: June 2015

We characterize the anti-proliferative activity of menaquinone in a leukemia cell line and use metabolomics to link it to phosphoethanolamine.
In silico study of VP35 inhibitors: from computational alanine scanning to essential dynamics
Authors: Dapiaggi F. , Pieraccini S. , Sironi M.
Published: June 2015

Ligands binding significantly affect protein flexibility and dynamics.
Synthesis and anti-tubercular activity of conformationally-constrained and bisquinoline analogs of TMC207
Authors: Kalia Dimpy , K. S. Anil Kumar , Meena Gajanand , Sethi Kashmir Prasad , Sharma Rohit , Trivedi Priyanka , Khan Shaheb Raj , Verma Ajay Singh , Singh Shyam , Sharma Sandeep , Roy Kuldeep K. , Kant Ruchir , Krishnan Manju Yasodha , Singh Bhupendra N. , Sinha Sudhir , Chaturvedi Vinita , Saxena Anil K. , Dikshit Dinesh K.
Published: June 2015

Conformationally-constrained and bisquinoline analogs of TMC207 as antitubercular agents.
Versatile third components for efficient and stable organic solar cells
Authors: Cheng Pei , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: June 2015

This review highlights the recent progress on the fabrication of organic solar cells with various third components which can improve the power conversion efficiency and stability.
Synthesis of unsymmetrical 5,6-POCOP′-type pincer complexes of nickel(ii): impact of nickelacycle size on structures and spectroscopic properties
Authors: Salah Abderrahmen , Corpet Martin , ul-Hassan Khan Najm , Zargarian Davit , Spasyuk Denis M.
Published: June 2015

Different structures and reactivities observed with the unsymmetrical (5,6-POCOP) and symmetrical (5,5-POCOP) pincer complexes of Ni(ii) underline the importance of the metallacycle ring size and its degree of flexibility.
Synthesis of a benzotriazole bearing alternating copolymer for organic photovoltaic applications
Authors: Istanbulluoglu Cagla , Göker Seza , Hizalan Gonul , Hacioglu Serife O. , Udum Yasemin Arslan , Yildiz Esra D. , Cirpan Ali , Toppare Levent
Published: June 2015

Improvement of the efficiencyviabenzodithiphene based polymer in organic photovoltaics.
Dendritic nanoconjugates for intracellular delivery of neutral oligonucleotides
Authors: Ming Xin , Wu Lin , Carver Kyle , Yuan Ahu , Min Yuanzeng
Published: June 2015

Conjugation of neutral oligonucleotides (ONs) with PAMAM dendrimers resulted in ultra-small nanoconjugates that combine superior ON delivery and reduced cytotoxicity.
Connecting localized DNA strand displacement reactions
Authors: Mullor Ruiz Ismael , Arbona Jean-Michel , Lad Amitkumar , Mendoza Oscar , Aimé Jean-Pierre , Elezgaray Juan
Published: June 2015

Design and characterization of a DNA-based localized amplification circuit which, upon tethering on a DNA origami platform, greatly accelerates the catalytic response.
Disulfide-bridged peptide macrobicycles from nature
Authors: Chung Benjamin K. W. , Yudin Andrei K.
Published: June 2015

This review highlights known disulfide-bridged peptide bicycles and the studies on their unique structural and biological features.
Simultaneous ultrasonic-assisted removal of malachite green and safranin O by copper nanowires loaded on activated carbon: central composite design optimization
Authors: Roosta Mostafa , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Asfaram Arash
Published: June 2015

The present study investigates the simultaneous ultrasound-assisted adsorption of malachite green (MG) and safranin O (SO) dyes from aqueous solutions by ultrasound-assisted adsorption onto copper nanowires loaded on activated carbon (Cu-NWs-AC).
Selective and recyclable rhodium nanocatalysts for the reductive N-alkylation of nitrobenzenes and amines with aldehydes
Authors: Huang Lei , Wang Zhi , Geng Longfei , Chen Rizhi , Xing Weihong , Wang Yong , Huang Jun
Published: June 2015

Heterogeneous Rh@CN nanocatalysts were prepared and applied for the reductive N-alkylation of nitrobenzenes with aldehydes selectively.
Bacillus subtilis-based colorimetric bioassay for acute biotoxicity assessment of heavy metal ions
Authors: Fang Deyu , Yu Yuan , Wu Liangzhuan , Wang Yu , Zhang Jinghua , Zhi Jinfang
Published: June 2015

β-Galactosidase generated byBacillus subtiliscatalyzes the hydrolysis of ONPG to produce ONP, which can be detected at 420 nm and used to evaluate acute biotoxicity of heavy metal ions that inhibit the activity of the enzyme.
Regeneration of dentin–pulp-like tissue using an injectable tissue engineering technique
Authors: Tan Linhua , Wang Jun , Yin Shuo , Zhu Wenting , Zhou Guangdong , Cao Yilin , Cen Lian
Published: June 2015

An injectable tissue engineering technique to regenerate dentin–pulp complex.
Self-cleaning, superhydrophobic cotton fabrics with excellent washing durability, solvent resistance and chemical stability prepared from an SU-8 derived surface coating
Authors: Zeng Chao , Wang Hongxia , Zhou Hua , Lin Tong
Published: June 2015

A self-cleaning, superhydrophobic cotton with excellent washing durability, solvent resistance, and acid/base stability has been prepared using a single-pot solution.
One step hydrothermal synthesis of Mn3O4/graphene composites with great electrochemical properties for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ren YuRong , Wang JiaWei , Huang XiaoBing , Yang Bo , Ding JianNing
Published: June 2015

Mn3O4/graphene electrodes exhibit a high capacity ofca.500 mA h g−1at 60 mA g−1even after 100 cycles.
Synthesis of a novel polyimide used as liquid crystal vertical alignment layers
Authors: Gong Qing , Gong Shiming , Zhang Heng , Liu Lulu , Wang Yinghan
Published: June 2015

A novel functional diamine containing a triphenylamine moiety and a biphenyl group, N,N-bis(4-aminophenyl)-4-(biphenyl)-4′-aminophenyl ether (N0), was successfully synthesized and characterized.
Gold nanoparticle catalyzed intramolecular C–S bond formation/C–H bond functionalization/cyclization cascades
Authors: Gogoi Prasanta , Paul Bappi , Hazarika Sukanya , Barman Pranjit
Published: June 2015

An efficient synthesis of 2-(N-aryl)aminobenzo[d]-1,3-thiazoles via intramolecular C–S bond formation/C–H bond functionalization utilizing an unusual cocatalytic Au-NPs/KMnO4 system under an oxygen atmosphere at 80 °C is presented.
Combination of NH2OH·HCl and NaIO4: an effective reagent for molecular iodine-free regioselective 1,2-difunctionalization of olefins and easy access of terminal acetals
Authors: Chakraborty Nirnita , Santra Sougata , Kundu Shrishnu Kumar , Hajra Alakananda , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Majee Adinath
Published: June 2015

We have demonstrated a new application of our oxidizing reagent, a combination of NH2OH·HCl and NaIO4, in the first generalized regioselective 1,2-difunctionalization of olefins.
Heterometallic titanium–gold complexes inhibit renal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Fernández-Gallardo Jacob , Elie Benelita T. , Sadhukha Tanmoy , Prabha Swayam , Sanaú Mercedes , Rotenberg Susan A. , Ramos Joe W. , Contel María
Published: June 2015

Heterometallic compounds as anticancer agents demonstratingin vivopotential for the first time. Titanocene–gold derivatives: promising candidates for renal cancer.
Efficient chemoenzymatic synthesis of an N-glycan isomer library
Authors: Li Lei , Liu Yunpeng , Ma Cheng , Qu Jingyao , Calderon Angie D. , Wu Baolin , Wei Na , Wang Xuan , Guo Yuxi , Xiao Zhongying , Song Jing , Sugiarto Go , Li Yanhong , Yu Hai , Chen Xi , Wang Peng George
Published: June 2015

An efficient chemoenzymatic synthesis strategy and a HILIC-based purification approach enabled rapid access to an N-glycan isomer library.
Capacitive behaviour of functionalized carbon nanotube/ZnO composites coated on a glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Suroshe Jagruti S. , Garje Shivram S.
Published: June 2015

Synthesis, characterization of functionalized carbon nanotube/ZnO composites by solvothermal decomposition of a single source precursor and their use as electrode materials for supercapacitors with good reversible charge/discharge ability and cycle stability.
Highly crystalline, small sized, monodisperse α-NiS nanocrystal ink as an efficient counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wang Xiuwen , Batter Buhe , Xie Ying , Pan Kai , Liao Yongping , Lv Chunmei , Li Mingxia , Sui Siyu , Fu Honggang
Published: June 2015

α-NiS nanocrystals exhibit excellent catalytic activity for I3− reduction due to the strong interaction between I1 and α-NiS active sites.
Pd nanoparticles decorating flower-like Co3O4 nanowire clusters to form an efficient, carbon/binder-free cathode for Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Leng Limin , Zeng Xiaoyuan , Song Huiyu , Shu Ting , Wang Haishui , Liao Shijun
Published: June 2015

A novel high-performance flower-like Co3O4 nanowire cluster decorated with Pd nanoparticles to form a carbon/binder-free cathode for Li–O2 batteries.
Improved performance of asymmetric fiber-based micro-supercapacitors using carbon nanoparticles for flexible energy storage
Authors: Jin Huanyu , Zhou Limin , Mak Chee Leung , Huang Haitao , Tang Wing Man , Wa Chan Helen Lai
Published: June 2015

A flexible fiber-shaped micro-asymmetric supercapacitor (micro-ASC) with improved performance has been developed successfully. The micro-ASC is made of a functionalized carbon nanoparticle (CNP)-coated carbon fiber and a MnO2nanosheet grown on a CNP-coated carbon fiber.
Oriented two-dimensional zeolitic imidazolate framework-L membranes and their gas permeation properties
Authors: Zhong Zhaoxiang , Yao Jianfeng , Chen Rizhi , Low Zexian , He Ming , Liu Jefferson Zhe , Wang Huanting
Published: June 2015

b- andc-oriented ZIF-Lmembranes were synthesized by controlling ZIF-Lorientational growth, and they showed orientation-dependent gas permeation properties.
Formation of a stable carbon framework in a MnO yolk–shell sphere to achieve exceptional performance for a Li-ion battery anode
Authors: Wang Shengbin , Xiao Changlei , Xing Yalan , Xu Huaizhe , Zhang Shichao
Published: June 2015

A 3D carbon framework has been introduced into a MnO yolk–shell structure, which improves the reaction kinetics, prevents MnO from fracturing and agglomerating, and limits most SEI formation to the carbon surface instead of on the MnO–electrolyte interface.
Two-dimensional antibacterial Pd@Ag nanosheets with a synergetic effect of plasmonic heating and Ag+ release
Authors: Mo Shiguang , Chen Xiaolan , Chen Mei , He Caiyun , Lu Yinghua , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: June 2015

Two-dimensional Pd@Ag nanosheets kill bacteria effectively by the synergistic effect of plasmonic heating and Ag+ release.
Imaging plasma membranes without cellular internalization: multisite membrane anchoring reagents based on glycol chitosan derivatives
Authors: Wang Hong-Yin , Jia Hao-Ran , Lu Xiaolin , Chen Bo , Zhou Gaoxin , He Nongyue , Chen Zhan , Wu Fu-Gen
Published: June 2015

Using a multisite membrane anchoring strategy, a new plasma membrane imaging reagent without cellular internalization was designed.
Thermal stability of Mg2Si0.3Sn0.7 under different heat treatment conditions
Authors: Yin Kang , Zhang Qiang , Zheng Yun , Su Xianli , Tang Xinfeng , Uher Ctirad
Published: June 2015

Thermal stability of Sb-doped Mg2Si0.3Sn0.7 was studied by changing the heat treatment conditions (atmosphere, coating, temperature, and time).
Listener Perception of Monopitch, Naturalness, and Intelligibility for Speakers With Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Anand Supraja , Stepp Cara E.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Given the potential significance of speech naturalness to functional and social rehabilitation outcomes, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of listener perceptions of monopitch on speech naturalness and intelligibility in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Method

Two short utterances were extracted from monologue samples of 16 speakers with PD and 5 age-matched adults without PD. Sixteen listeners evaluated these stimuli for monopitch, speech naturalness and intelligibility using the visual sort and rate method.

Results

Naïve listeners can reliably judge monopitch, speech naturalness, and intelligibility with minimal familiarization. While monopitch and speech intelligibility were only moderately correlated, monopitch and speech naturalness were highly correlated.

Conclusions

A great deal of attention is currently being paid to improvement of vocal loudness and thus speech intelligibility in PD. Our findings suggest that prosodic characteristics such as monopitch should be explored as adjuncts to this treatment of dysarthria in PD. Development of such prosodic treatments may enhance speech naturalness and thus improve quality of life.
Fast dichotomic supervised I/Q imbalance compensation algorithm
Authors: Pons J.‐F. , Dehaese N. , Bourdel S. , Gaubert J. , Paille B.
Published: June 2015

A fast I/Q imbalance compensation algorithm is presented. It is demonstrated through MATLAB simulations that with a few samples an image‐to‐signal ratio (ISR) lower than −25 dB was achieved. On the basis of digital processing of the received signal, this algorithm is compliant with low‐cost and low‐complexity wireless receivers because it does not require extra time and resources for calibration. Moreover, its fast convergence allows reaching a high enough image rejection ratio by adapting the compensation weight during the reception of a known preamble such as defined by the IEEE 802.15.4 or the Bluetooth low energy standards.
Analysis, design and derivation of a two‐phase converter
Authors: Hwu Kuo‐Ing , Jiang Wen‐Zhuang
Published: June 2015

In this study, the performances and features of a two‐phase converter with low switch voltage stress and its derivative converters are investigated thoroughly. As compared with the traditional boost converter, the voltage stresses of switches and diodes of the two‐phase converter are much lower; thus, the switches and diodes with low‐voltage ratings can be used, which reduces the conduction losses. Moreover, the switches are not floating, and the input and output terminals have common ground; hence, no isolated driver is required. In addition, by utilising the ampere–second balance principle, the proposed converter can achieve current sharing without any extra control circuit, leading to simple circuit structure. In the two‐phase converter, the capacitors are used not only to realise automatic current sharing but also to further improve the voltage gain. In addition, because of the advantages of the two‐phase converter, many types of converters are derived from the two‐phase converter. Eventually, the operating principles, mathematical deductions and experimental results for the two‐phase converter are given to provide its effectiveness.
Quantitative flow analysis of swimming dynamics with coherent Lagrangian vortices
Authors: Huhn F. , van Rees W. M. , Gazzola M. , Rossinelli D. , Haller G. , Koumoutsakos P.
Published: June 2015

Undulatory swimmers flex their bodies to displace water, and in turn, the flow feeds back into the dynamics of the swimmer. At moderate Reynolds number, the resulting flow structures are characterized by unsteady separation and alternating vortices in the wake. We use the flow field from simulations of a two-dimensional, incompressible viscous flow of an undulatory, self-propelled swimmer and detect the coherent Lagrangian vortices in the wake to dissect the driving momentum transfer mechanisms. The detected material vortex boundary encloses a Lagrangian control volume that serves to track back the vortex fluid and record its circulation and momentum history. We consider two swimming modes: the C-start escape and steady anguilliform swimming. The backward advection of the coherent Lagrangian vortices elucidates the geometry of the vorticity field and allows for monitoring the gain and decay of circulation and momentum transfer in the flow field. For steady swimming, momentum oscillations of the fish can largely be attributed to the momentum exchange with the vortex fluid. For the C-start, an additionally defined jet fluid region turns out to balance the high momentum change of the fish during the rapid start.
The temperature and size distribution of large water clusters from a non-equilibrium model
Authors: Gimelshein N. , Gimelshein S. , Pradzynski C. C. , Zeuch T. , Buck U.
Published: June 2015

A hybrid Lagrangian-Eulerian approach is used to examine the properties of water clusters formed in neon-water vapor mixtures expanding through microscale conical nozzles. Experimental size distributions were reliably determined by the sodium doping technique in a molecular beam machine. The comparison of computed size distributions and experimental data shows satisfactory agreement, especially for (H2O)n clusters with n larger than 50. Thus validated simulations provide size selected cluster temperature profiles in and outside the nozzle. This information is used for an in-depth analysis of the crystallization and water cluster aggregation dynamics of recently reported supersonic jet expansion experiments.
Selection of active spaces for multiconfigurational wavefunctions
Authors: Keller Sebastian , Boguslawski Katharina , Janowski Tomasz , Reiher Markus , Pulay Peter
Published: June 2015

The efficient and accurate description of the electronic structure of strongly correlated systems is still a largely unsolved problem. The usual procedures start with a multiconfigurational (usually a Complete Active Space, CAS) wavefunction which accounts for static correlation and add dynamical correlation by perturbation theory, configuration interaction, or coupled cluster expansion. This procedure requires the correct selection of the active space. Intuitive methods are unreliable for complex systems. The inexpensive black-box unrestricted natural orbital (UNO) criterion postulates that the Unrestricted Hartree-Fock (UHF) charge natural orbitals with fractional occupancy (e.g., between 0.02 and 1.98) constitute the active space. UNOs generally approximate the CAS orbitals so well that the orbital optimization in CAS Self-Consistent Field (CASSCF) may be omitted, resulting in the inexpensive UNO-CAS method. A rigorous testing of the UNO criterion requires comparison with approximate full configuration interaction wavefunctions. This became feasible with the advent of Density Matrix Renormalization Group (DMRG) methods which can approximate highly correlated wavefunctions at affordable cost. We have compared active orbital occupancies in UNO-CAS and CASSCF calculations with DMRG in a number of strongly correlated molecules: compounds of electronegative atoms (F2, ozone, and NO2), polyenes, aromatic molecules (naphthalene, azulene, anthracene, and nitrobenzene), radicals (phenoxy and benzyl), diradicals (o-, m-, and p-benzyne), and transition metal compounds (nickel-acetylene and Cr2). The UNO criterion works well in these cases. Other symmetry breaking solutions, with the possible exception of spatial symmetry, do not appear to be essential to generate the correct active space. In the case of multiple UHF solutions, the natural orbitals of the average UHF density should be used. The problems of the UNO criterion and their potential solutions are discussed: finding the UHF solutions, discontinuities on potential energy surfaces, and inclusion of dynamical electron correlation and generalization to excited states.
Study of coherent structures of turbulence with large wall-normal gradients in thermophysical properties using direct numerical simulation
Authors: Reinink Shawn K. , Yaras Metin I.
Published: June 2015

Forced-convection heat transfer in a heated working fluid at a thermodynamic state near its pseudocritical point is poorly predicted by correlations calibrated with data at subcritical temperatures and pressures. This is suggested to be primarily due to the influence of large wall-normal thermophysical property gradients that develop in proximity of the pseudocritical point on the concentration of coherent turbulence structures near the wall. The physical mechanisms dominating this influence remain poorly understood. In the present study, direct numerical simulation is used to study the development of coherent vortical structures within a turbulent spot under the influence of large wall-normal property gradients. A turbulent spot rather than a fully turbulent boundary layer is used for the study, for the coherent structures of turbulence in a spot tend to be in a more organized state which may allow for more effective identification of cause-and-effect relationships. Large wall-normal gradients in thermophysical properties are created by heating the working fluid which is near the pseudocritical thermodynamic state. It is found that during improved heat transfer, wall-normal gradients in density accelerate the growth of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability mechanism in the shear layer enveloping low-speed streaks, causing it to roll up into hairpin vortices at a faster rate. It is suggested that this occurs by the baroclinic vorticity generation mechanism which accelerates the streamwise grouping of vorticity during shear layer roll-up. The increased roll-up frequency leads to reduced streamwise spacing between hairpin vortices in wave packets. The density gradients also promote the sinuous instability mode in low-speed streaks. The resulting oscillations in the streaks in the streamwise-spanwise plane lead to locally reduced spanwise spacing between hairpin vortices forming over adjacent low-speed streaks. The reduction in streamwise and spanwise spacing between hairpin vortices causes them to interact more frequently by merging together and by breaking apart into smaller turbulence structures.
Bifurcation of magnetic anisotropy caused by small addition of Sm in (Nd1−xSmxDy)(FeCo)B magnetic alloy
Authors: Kablov E. N. , Ospennikova O. G. , Kablov D. E. , Piskorskii V. P. , Kunitsyna E. I. , Dmitriev A. I. , Valeev R. A. , Korolev D. V. , Rezchikova I. I. , Talantsev A. D. , Morgunov R. B.
Published: June 2015

In sintered (Nd1−xSmxDy)(FeCo)B magnets, the contributions of “soft” (Nd1−xSmxDy)2(FeCo)2B and “hard” (Nd1−xSmxDy)2(FeCo)14B phases to the temperature and field dependences of magnetization have been distinguished. The increase in Sm concentration up to 3% provides stronger interlattice RE-TM (RE—rare-earth metals, TM—transition metals) exchange interaction. Contributions of the NdDy and Sm to magnetic anisotropy have been determined. The competition between the positive contribution of Nd and Dy and the negative contribution of Sm ions results in non-monotonous temperature and Sm concentration dependencies of anisotropy field. Anisotropy of the studied alloys is intermediate between “easy axis” and “easy plane” symmetry.
Ion closure theory for high collisionality revisited
Authors: Ji Jeong-Young , Held Eric D.
Published: June 2015

According to analytical calculations of the ion collision operator, the ion-electron collision terms could be larger than the ion-ion collision terms. In the previous work [J.-Y. Ji and E. D. Held, Phys. Plasmas 20, 042114 (2013)], the ion-electron collision effects are diminished by the ion temperature change terms introduced from unlikely assumptions. In this work, the high-collisionality closures for ions are calculated without the temperature change terms. The ion-electron collision terms significantly modify existing closure coefficients.
Note: A single-chamber tool for plasma activation and surface functionalization in microfabrication
Authors: Bowman Adam J. , Scherrer Joseph R. , Reiserer Ronald S.
Published: June 2015

We present a simple apparatus for improved surface modification of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices. A single treatment chamber for plasma activation and chemical/physical vapor deposition steps minimizes the time-dependent degradation of surface activation that is inherent in multi-chamber techniques. Contamination and deposition irregularities are also minimized by conducting plasma activation and treatment phases in the same vacuum environment. An inductively coupled plasma driver allows for interchangeable treatment chambers. Atomic force microscopy confirms that silane deposition on PDMS gives much better surface quality than standard deposition methods, which yield a higher local roughness and pronounced irregularities in the surface.
Radio frequency sheaths in an oblique magnetic field
Authors: Myra J. R. , D'Ippolito D. A.
Published: June 2015

The physics of radio-frequency (rf) sheaths near a conducting surface is studied for plasmas immersed in a magnetic field that makes an oblique angle θ with the surface. A set of one-dimensional equations is developed that describes the dynamics of the time-dependent magnetic presheath and non-neutral Debye sheath. The model employs Maxwell-Boltzmann electrons, and the magnetization and mobility of the ions is determined by the magnetic field strength, and wave frequency, respectively. The angle θ, assumed to be large enough to insure an electron-poor sheath, is otherwise arbitrary. Concentrating on the ion-cyclotron range of frequencies, the equations are solved numerically to obtain the rectified (dc) voltage, the rf voltage across the sheath, and the rf current flowing through the sheath. As an application of this model, the sheath voltage-current relation is used to obtain the rf sheath impedance, which in turn gives an rf sheath boundary condition for the electric field at the sheath-plasma interface that can be used in rf wave codes. In general, the impedance has both resistive and capacitive contributions, and generalizes previous sheath boundary condition models. The resistive part contributes to parasitic power dissipation at the wall.
A combined electrochemical and optical trapping platform for measuring single cell respiration rates at electrode interfaces
Authors: Gross Benjamin J. , El-Naggar Mohamed Y.
Published: June 2015

Metal-reducing bacteria gain energy by extracellular electron transfer to external solids, such as naturally abundant minerals, which substitute for oxygen or the other common soluble electron acceptors of respiration. This process is one of the earliest forms of respiration on earth and has significant environmental and technological implications. By performing electron transfer to electrodes instead of minerals, these microbes can be used as biocatalysts for conversion of diverse chemical fuels to electricity. Understanding such a complex biotic-abiotic interaction necessitates the development of tools capable of probing extracellular electron transfer down to the level of single cells. Here, we describe an experimental platform for single cell respiration measurements. The design integrates an infrared optical trap, perfusion chamber, and lithographically fabricated electrochemical chips containing potentiostatically controlled transparent indium tin oxide microelectrodes. Individual bacteria are manipulated using the optical trap and placed on the microelectrodes, which are biased at a suitable oxidizing potential in the absence of any chemical electron acceptor. The potentiostat is used to detect the respiration current correlated with cell-electrode contact. We demonstrate the system with single cell measurements of the dissimilatory-metal reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, which resulted in respiration currents ranging from 15 fA to 100 fA per cell under our measurement conditions. Mutants lacking the outer-membrane cytochromes necessary for extracellular respiration did not result in any measurable current output upon contact. In addition to the application for extracellular electron transfer studies, the ability to electronically measure cell-specific respiration rates may provide answers for a variety of fundamental microbial physiology questions.
Microcantilever based distance control between a probe and a surface
Authors: Molenaar R. , Prangsma J. C. , van der Werf K. O. , Bennink M. L. , Blum C. , Subramaniam V.
Published: June 2015

We demonstrate a method to control the distance between a custom probe and a sample on a μm to nm scale. The method relies on the closed-loop feedback on the angular deflection of an in-contact AFM microcantilever. High performance in stability and accuracy is achieved in this method by taking advantage of the small mechanical feedback path between surface and probe. We describe how internal error sources that find their origin in the microcantilever and feedback can be minimized to achieve an accurate and precise control up to 3 nm. In particular, we investigated how hysteresis effects in the feedback caused by friction forces between tip and substrate can be minimized. By applying a short calibration procedure, distance control from contact to several micrometers probe-sample distance can be obtained with an absolute nanometer-scale accuracy. The method presented is compatible with any probe that can be fixed on a microcantilever chip and can be easily built into existing AFM systems.
Integrated, systems metabolic picture of acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation by
Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Liao Chen , Seo Seung-Oh , Celik Venhar , Liu Huaiwei , Kong Wentao , Wang Yi , Blaschek Hans , Jin Yong-Su , Lu Ting
Published: June 2015

Significance

This work elucidates the interdependence of gene regulation, metabolism, and environmental cues during clostridial acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation. It also demonstrates the necessity of the integrative view for quantitative understanding of that complex process. Therefore, this work advances our fundamental knowledge concerning ABE fermentation. In addition, the work provides a quantitative tool for generating new hypotheses and for guiding strain design and protocol optimization, which facilitates the development of next-generation biofuels. More broadly, by using ABE fermentation as an example, the work further sheds light on systems biology toward an integrated and quantitative understanding of complex microbial physiology.