bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lectin uptake and incorporation into the calcitic spicule of sea urchin embryos
Authors: Mozingo Nancy M.
Published: April 2014

Primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs) are skeletogenenic cells that produce a calcareous endoskeleton in developing sea urchin larvae. The PMCs fuse to form a cavity in which spicule matrix proteins and calcium are secreted forming the mineralized spicule. In this study, living sea urchin embryos were stained with fluorescently conjugated wheat germ agglutinin, a lectin that preferentially binds to PMCs, and the redistribution of this fluorescent tag was examined during sea urchin development. Initially, fluorescence was associated primarily with the surface of PMCs. Subsequently, the fluorescent label redistributed to intracellular vesicles in the PMCs. As the larval skeleton developed, intracellular granular staining diminished and fluorescence appeared in the spicules. Spicules that were cleaned to remove membranous material associated with the surface exhibited bright fluorescence, which indicated that fluorescently labelled lectin had been incorporated into the spicule matrix. The results provide evidence for a cellular pathway in which material is taken up at the cell surface, sequestered in intracellular vesicles and then incorporated into the developing spicule.
Effect of different superovulation stimulation protocols on adenosine triphosphate concentration in rabbit oocytes
Authors: Cortell Carmela , Salvetti Pascal , Joly Thierry , Viudes-de-Castro Maria Pilar
Published: April 2014

Ovarian stimulation protocols are used usually to increase the number of oocytes collected. The determination of how oocyte quality may be affected by these superovulation procedures, therefore, would be very useful. There is a high correlation between oocyte ATP concentration and developmental competence of the resulting embryo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) origin and administration protocols on oocyte ATP content. Rabbit does were distributed randomly into four groups: (i) a control group; (ii) the rhFSH3 group: females were injected, every 24 h over 3 days, with 0.6 μl of rhFSH diluted in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP); (iii) the pFSH3 group: females were injected every 24 h over 3 days with 11.4 μg of pFSH diluted in PVP; and (iv) the pFSH5 group: females were injected twice a day for 5 days with 11.4 μg of pFSH diluted in saline serum. Secondly, the effect of pFSH5 protocol on developmental potential was evaluated. Developmental competence of oocytes from the control and pFSH5 groups was examined. Differences in superovulation treatments were found for ATP levels. In the pFSH5 group, the ATP level was significantly lower than that of the other groups (5.63 ± 0.14 for pFSH group versus 6.42 ± 0.13 and 6.19 ± 0.15 for rhFSH3 and pFSH3, respectively; P < 0.05). In a second phase, only 24.28% of pFSH5 ova developed into hatched blastocysts compared with 80.39% for the control group. A negative effect on oocyte quality was observed in the pFSH5 group in ATP production, it is possible that, after this superovulation treatment, oocyte metabolism would be affected.
Profiling Metacognition in Gambling Disorder
Authors: Spada Marcantonio M. , Giustina Lucia , Rolandi Silvia , Fernie Bruce A. , Caselli Gabriele
Published: April 2014

Background:Preliminary research has indicated that general facets of metacognition are associated with problem gambling. In the present study we aimed to investigate whether specific facets of metacognition play a role in explaining gambling initiation and perseveration in individuals presenting with gambling disorder.Aim:To investigate: (1) the presence of metacognitive beliefs about gambling; (2) the goal of gambling, and its start and stop signals; and (3) the perceived impact of gambling on self-consciousness.Method:Ten individuals with a diagnosis of gambling disorder were assessed using metacognitive profiling, a semi-structured interview.Results:Findings indicated that all participants endorsed both positive and negative metacognitive beliefs about gambling. The primary goal of gambling was to relieve economic hardship and improve cognitive-emotional state. All participants reported that they did not know when this goal was achieved. Start signals for gambling included the ideas and feelings that gambling could solve problems and sensations that it might be the right time to win. The stop signal for gambling, for all participants, was running out of money. All participants also reported a perceived reduction in self-consciousness during a gambling episode.Conclusions:These findings provide preliminary evidence that specific facets of metacognition play a role in gambling disorder.
A NOTE ON WAGE DETERMINATION UNDER MISMATCH
Authors: Hawkins William B.
Published: April 2014

Shimer (Mismatch, American Economic Review 97, 1074–1101 [2007]) introduced a model of mismatch in which limited mobility of vacant jobs and unemployed workers provides a microfoundation for their coexistence in equilibrium. He assumed that the short side of a local labor market receives all the gains from trade. In this note I show that modifying this assumption on wage-setting can deliver more reasonable predictions for wages at the level of the local market and in the aggregate.
Raman Microspectroscopy Imaging Study on Topochemical Correlation Between Lignin and Hydroxycinnamic Acids in Miscanthus sinensis
Authors: Ma Jianfeng , Zhou Xia , Ma Jing , Ji Zhe , Zhang Xun , Xu Feng
Published: April 2014

Confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM) has emerged as a powerful approach to visualize the compositional distribution in lignocellulosic biomass of cell walls. In this work, the applicability of CRM for imaging the topochemical correlation between lignin and hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA) in the Miscanthus sinensis internode was explored. Model compound [p-coumaric acid (PCA) and ferulic acid (FA)] analysis indicated that the band region from 1,152 to 1,197 cm−1 can be used to characterize the distribution of HCA. Raman images calculated by integrating over the area intensity of characteristic spectral regions showed heterogeneous distribution of lignin and HCA at cellular and sub-cellular level. When overlaying the Raman image of lignin and HCA distribution, it was found that these two polymers were co-located in the middle lamella and secondary wall of corresponding cells. Raman images for the band intensity ratio (1,173 cm−1/1,603 cm−1) indicated a clear association between lignin and HCA distribution within morphologically distinct cell wall layers of sclerenchyma fibers and the parenchyma. This is the first time that the spatial correlation between lignin and HCA concentration has been illustrated by a microspectroscopy imaging approach. The results are of importance in extending the current understanding of lignin and aromatics topochemistry in herbaceous biomass.
Histological and Histometrical Study of the Protective Role ofα-Tocopherol against Sodium Arsenite Toxicity in Rat Ovaries
Authors: Dezfouli Maryam Ghandi Zadeh , Eissazadeh Samira , Zade Sayed Mohammad Ali Shariat
Published: April 2014

This study examines histometrical changes induced by sodium arsenite (SA), as an environmental pollutant, and investigates the protective effect ofα-tocopherol on ovaries of SA-treated rats during the prenatal stage until sexual maturity. Rats were classified into groups: control, SA (8 ppm/day),α-tocopherol (100 ppm/day), and SA+α-tocopherol. Treatment was performed from pregnancy until maturation when the rats and ovaries were weighed. The Cavalieri method was used to estimate volume of the ovaries, cortex, medulla, and corpus luteum. The mean diameter of oocytes, granulosa cells, and nuclei were measured and volume was estimated using the Nucleator method. The number of oocytes and thickness of the zona pellucida (ZP) were determined using an optical dissector and orthogonal intercept method, respectively. SA reduced the body and ovary weight, the number of secondary, antral and Graafian oocytes, volume of the ovaries, cortex, medulla and corpus luteum, mean diameter and volume of oocytes in primordial and primary follicles, mean diameter and volume of oocyte nuclei in all types of follicles, and mean thickness of the ZP in secondary and antral follicles. Also, the mean diameter and volume of granulosa cells and their nuclei in antral and Graafian follicles decreased significantly. Vacuolization and vascular congestion in the corpus luteum and an increase in the number of atretic oocytes were seen in the SA group. Most of these parameters were unchanged from the control level in the SA+α-tocopherol group. It was concluded thatα-tocopherol supplementation reduced the toxic effects of SA exposure on ovarian tissue in rats.
Inference and learning in probabilistic logic programs using weighted Boolean formulas
Authors: FIERENS DAAN , VAN DEN BROECK GUY , RENKENS JORIS , SHTERIONOV DIMITAR , GUTMANN BERND , THON INGO , JANSSENS GERDA , DE RAEDT LUC
Published: April 2014

Probabilistic logic programs are logic programs in which some of the facts are annotated with probabilities. This paper investigates how classical inference and learning tasks known from the graphical model community can be tackled for probabilistic logic programs. Several such tasks, such as computing the marginals, given evidence and learning from (partial) interpretations, have not really been addressed for probabilistic logic programs before. The first contribution of this paper is a suite of efficient algorithms for various inference tasks. It is based on the conversion of the program and the queries and evidence to a weighted Boolean formula. This allows us to reduce inference tasks to well-studied tasks, such as weighted model counting, which can be solved using state-of-the-art methods known from the graphical model and knowledge compilation literature. The second contribution is an algorithm for parameter estimation in the learning from interpretations setting. The algorithm employs expectation-maximization, and is built on top of the developed inference algorithms. The proposed approach is experimentally evaluated. The results show that the inference algorithms improve upon the state of the art in probabilistic logic programming, and that it is indeed possible to learn the parameters of a probabilistic logic program from interpretations.
Landtová, Holubec, and the Problem of an Uncooperative Court: Implications for the Preliminary Rulings Procedure
Authors: Bobek Michal
Published: April 2014

The ultra vires judgment of the Czech Constitutional Court in Holubec and its significance - Evolution and unfolding of Czechoslovak pension saga - Landtová judgment of the Court - Later developments and approaches of the various actors - Holubec as a revolt that did not take place - Broader structural implications for the preliminary ruling procedure and its reform - The functions of the preliminary rulings procedure - Atomisation of national judicial hierarchies and its consequences - Voice and representation before the Court - The role of governmental agent in proceedings before the Court - Law-making without representation - The position of constitutional courts in the European judicial system - When judicial cooperation turns uncooperative - Conceptualizing judicial non-cooperation and disobedience.
The Figure of Constitutional Law of the ‘Integrated State’: The Case of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Authors: Gerkrath Jörg
Published: April 2014

EU member state status - Member statehood - The idea of an “Integrated State” - Impact of EU membership on the concepts and substance of national constitutional law - Europeanization of member state's constitutional law - European constitutional law understood as Europeanized national constitutional law - European functions of constitutional organs - How to protect fundamental rights in a European area characterized by the overlaying of legal sources - The concept of “higher law” within the national legal order - A Union of Constitutionally Integrated States
If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them: The French Constitutional Council's First Reference to the Court of Justice
Authors: Dyevre Arthur
Published: April 2014

Not unlike national parliaments, which have seen their influence eroded as power gradually shifted to Brussels, constitutional courts are, if anything, net losers of the integration process.1 At least lower domestic courts had some incentives to embrace the constitutional revolution initiated by the Court of Justice. For them, the twin doctrines of supremacy and direct effect combined with the Simmenthal mandate came as a promise of empowerment. It was a promise of empowerment against domestic legislators as lower courts gained the power to set aside statutes, in legal systems that had either made it the exclusive preserve of constitutional courts or denied it altogether to the judicial branch. But equally, it was a promise of empowerment against the higher echelons of the domestic judicial hierarchy as EU law and the European Court afforded lower court judges a convenient avenue to challenge established lines of case law. None of this applied to constitutional courts. Not only did legal integration entail the loss of a cherished monopoly that was a distinctive trait of the Kelsenian model of constitutional review. But it also meant that, as the body of EU law expanded, so too did the Court of Justice's remit and influence. Very much like in a zero-sum game, any jurisdictional gain for the Court of Justice came at a commensurate loss for constitutional judges. Worse still, for the constitutional courts that used to exert a tight grip on the operations of ordinary courts, or wished to establish such control, the ever-expanding reach of EU law together with the emergence of a powerful European Court posed a potentially ominous challenge to their authority over ordinary judges.
Hybrid SIMO and MIMO sparse array radar
Authors: Takayama Takuya , Sugano Masayuki , Tokieda Yukinobu , Sugawara Hiroki
Published: April 2014

This paper clarifies what we benefit from single-input–multiple-output (SIMO) or multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) radar. We have developed an X-band sparse array imaging radar system capable of operating at both SIMO and MIMO modes. The hybrid radar modes are realized without any modification in hardware, but simply by switching the scheme of waveform generation and post-processing. A comparison has been made between the SIMO mode adopting a chirp pulse waveform and the MIMO mode based on the code-division multiple access method using the Gold-coded pulse waveform. Mutually complementary properties between the SIMO and MIMO modes in terms of the cost of computation, the ease of array calibration, and the detectability of targets are clarified through simulations and an experiment.
The Role of Psychological Maturity in Direct and Indirect Aggressiveness in Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Morales-Vives Fabia , Camps Elisa , Lorenzo-Seva Urbano , Vigil-Colet Andreu
Published: April 2014

Understanding which factors are related to different kinds of aggressive behaviors in adolescents might help to improve violence-prevention programs for schools and families. Although some studies show that adolescents who are less psychologically mature tend to display more behavioral problems, few studies have been performed on the relationship between aggressive behavior and psychological maturity in adolescence, and no studies have focused specifically on indirect aggression. For this reason, the current research tests the role of psychological maturity in direct and indirect aggressiveness in a sample of 193 Spanish adolescents (49% boys and 51% girls) between 14 and 18 years old (M = 16.1, SD = 1.18). The results show that psychological maturity is related to both kinds of aggressiveness. In fact, less mature adolescents tend to show higher levels of direct aggression (r = –.22, p < .01) and indirect aggression (r = –.44, p < .01). More specifically, the dimensions of psychological maturity most related to aggressiveness are self-reliance and identity: self-reliance is the main predictor of indirect aggression (p < .01) and identity is the main predictor of direct aggression (p < .01). Moreover, overall psychological maturity is more related to indirect aggression in men than in women (p < .05), so the increase in psychological maturity implies a greater decrease of indirect aggression in men.
Strain-induced enhancement of plasma dispersion effect and free-carrier absorption in SiGe optical modulators
Authors: Kim Younghyun , Takenaka Mitsuru , Osada Takenori , Hata Masahiko , Takagi Shinichi
Published: April 2014

The plasma dispersion effect and free-carrier absorption are widely used to change refractive index and absorption coefficient in Si-based optical modulators. However, the weak free-carrier effects in Si cause low modulation efficiency, resulting in large device footprint and power consumption. Here, we theoretically and experimentally investigate the enhancement of the free-carrier effects by strain-induced mass modulation in silicon-germanium (SiGe). The application of compressive strain to SiGe reduces the conductivity effective mass of holes, resulting in the enhanced free-carrier effects. Thus, the strained SiGe-based optical modulator exhibits more than twice modulation efficiency as large as that of the Si modulator. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the enhanced free-carrier effects in strained SiGe at the near-infrared telecommunication wavelength. The strain-induced enhancement technology for the free-carrier effects is expected to boost modulation efficiency of the most Si-based optical modulators thanks to high complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility.
8-oxoguanine causes spontaneous de novo germline mutations in mice
Authors: Ohno Mizuki , Sakumi Kunihiko , Fukumura Ryutaro , Furuichi Masato , Iwasaki Yuki , Hokama Masaaki , Ikemura Toshimichi , Tsuzuki Teruhisa , Gondo Yoichi , Nakabeppu Yusaku
Published: April 2014

Spontaneous germline mutations generate genetic diversity in populations of sexually reproductive organisms and are thus regarded as a driving force of evolution. However, the cause and mechanism remain unclear. 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) is a candidate molecule that causes germline mutations, because it makes DNA more prone to mutation and is constantly generated by reactive oxygen species in vivo. We show here that endogenous 8-oxoG caused de novo spontaneous and heritable G to T mutations in mice, which occurred at different stages in the germ cell lineage and were distributed throughout the chromosomes. Using exome analyses covering 40.9 Mb of mouse transcribed regions, we found increased frequencies of G to T mutations at a rate of 2 × 10−7 mutations/base/generation in offspring of Mth1/Ogg1/Mutyh triple knockout (TOY-KO) mice, which accumulate 8-oxoG in the nuclear DNA of gonadal cells. The roles of MTH1, OGG1 and MUTYH are specific for the prevention of 8-oxoG-induced mutation and 99% of the mutations observed in TOY-KO mice were G to T transversions caused by 8-oxoG; therefore, we concluded that 8-oxoG is a causative molecule for spontaneous and inheritable mutations of the germ lineage cells.
Star-shaped poly(l-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) with porphyrin core: synthesis, self-assembly, drug-release behavior and singlet oxygen research
Authors: Dai Xiao-Hui , Wang Zhi-Ming , Gao Lu-You , Pan Jian-Ming , Wang Xiao-Hong , Yan Yong-Sheng , Liu Dong-Ming
Published: April 2014

pH-induced block copolymer SPPLA-b-PEG with porphyrin core for photodynamic therapy.
Binding ability of first and second generation/carbazolylphenyl dendrimers with Zn(ii) tetraphenylporphyrin core towards small heterocyclic substrates
Authors: Tran Nguyen Nguyen , Mamardashvili Galina M. , Kulikova Olga M. , Scheblykin Ivan G. , Mamardashvili Nugzar Zh. , Dehaen Wim
Published: April 2014

Synthesis and complexation of Zn(ii)-porphyrin core dendrimers towards organic ligands was carried out by spectrophotometric and1H NMR titration methods.
Catalytic liquid marbles: Ag nanowire-based miniature reactors for highly efficient degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Miao Yue-E , Lee Hiang Kwee , Chew Wee Shern , Phang In Yee , Liu Tianxi , Ling Xing Yi
Published: April 2014

Ag nanowire-based catalytic liquid marbles are fabricated as miniature reactors, which demonstrate highly efficient, support-free and rate-controllable heterogeneous degradation of methylene blue, with catalytic efficiency close to 100%.
A novel family of structurally stable double stranded DNA catenanes
Authors: Lohmann Finn , Valero Julián , Famulok Michael
Published: April 2014

The design, assembly and characterisation by gel electrophoresis and AFM of a new family of double-stranded DNA catenanes are reported in this study.
Highly ordered macro-mesoporous carbon nitride film for selective detection of acidic/basic molecules
Authors: Jia Lichao , Wang Hongqiang , Dhawale Dattatray , Anand Chokkalingam , Wahab Mohammad A. , Ji Qingmin , Ariga Katsuhiko , Vinu Ajayan
Published: April 2014

Here we report on the preparation and “photo-switch” sensing performance of meso-macroporous carbon nitride film for detection of both acidic and basic molecules.
The local structure of PdxCe1−xO2−x−δsolid solutions
Authors: Gulyaev R. V. , Kardash T. Yu. , Malykhin S. E. , Stonkus O. A. , Ivanova A. S. , Boronin A. I.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, physical methods in combination with quantum chemistry calculations are used to study the local structure of PdxCe1−xO2−δsolid solutions.
Computational study of the Rayleigh light scattering properties of atmospheric pre-nucleation clusters
Authors: Elm Jonas , Norman Patrick , Bilde Merete , Mikkelsen Kurt V.
Published: April 2014

The Rayleigh light scattering properties of pre-nucleation molecular clusters are assessed using density functional theory.
Assembly of heterobimetallic NiII–LnIII (LnIII = DyIII, TbIII, GdIII, HoIII, ErIII, YIII) complexes using a ferrocene ligand: slow relaxation of the magnetization in DyIII, TbIII and HoIII analogues
Authors: Chakraborty Amit , Bag Prasenjit , Rivière Eric , Mallah Talal , Chandrasekhar Vadapalli
Published: April 2014

Structure and characterization of a new family of dinuclear 3d–4f heterobimetallic complexes [LNi(H2O)(μ-OAc)Ln(NO3)2]·CH3CN; {Ln = DyIII (1), TbIII (2), HoIII (3), GdIII (4), ErIII (5), YIII (6)} using a ferrocene-based compartmental ligand H2L.
Tetraphosphonated thiophene ligand: mixing the soft and the hard
Authors: Brandel Jérémy , Lecointre Alexandre , Kollek Julien , Michel Sylvia , Hubscher-Bruder Véronique , Déchamps-Olivier Isabelle , Platas-Iglesias Carlos , Charbonnière Loïc J.
Published: April 2014

A tetraphosphonated thiophene based ligand was synthesized, which showed decreased stability but increased selectivity relative to similar (hetero)aromatic analogues.
Synthesis of 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 11-, and 12-armed star-shaped poly(styrene oxide) Ru(ii) complexes by a click-to-chelate approach
Authors: Chen Yougen , Xiao Nao , Satoh Toshifumi , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: April 2014

The convenient preparation of multi-arm star-shaped poly(styrene oxide) Ru(ii) complexes was achieved by a click-to-chelate approach which combines click reactions and stepwise chelating reactions.
PET depolymerisation in supercritical ethanol catalysed by [Bmim][BF4]
Authors: Nunes Cátia Santos , Vieira da Silva Michael Jackson , Cristina da Silva Danielle , Freitas Adonilson dos Reis , Rosa Fernanda Andréia , Rubira Adley Forti , Muniz Edvani Curti
Published: April 2014

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) was depolymerised under supercritical ethanol, 98 wt% of diethylterephthalate was obtained after 45 min, by adding [Bmim][BF4] as catalyst.
A nano-sized solid acid synthesized from rice hull ash for biodiesel production
Authors: Zeng Danlin , Liu Shenglan , Gong Wanjun , Chen Hongxiang , Wang Guanghui
Published: April 2014

A nano-sized solid acid was synthesized from rice hull ash by acid activation. The solid acid is amorphous silica with -OH and -SO3H functional acid groups, and this catalyst exhibits excellent activity and recyclability for biodiesel production.
New insights into dihydrogenphosphate recognition with dirhenium(i) tricarbonyl complexes bridged by a thiourea moiety
Authors: Blackburn Anna L. , Baker Naomi C. A. , Fletcher Nicholas C.
Published: April 2014

Three thiourea ligands and their dirhenium(i) complexes are reported that show an unusual cooperative binding to two dihydrogenphosphate anions; this could explain the high selectivity for phosphate in many reported anion receptors.
Molecular dynamics study on the interaction between doxorubicin and hydrophobically modified chitosan oligosaccharide
Authors: Shan Peng , Shen Jia-Wei , Xu Dong-Hang , Shi Li-Yun , Gao Jie , Lan Ya-Wei , Wang Qi , Wei Xiao-Hong
Published: April 2014

Both π–π interactions and hydrophobic interactions were found to be essential for the loading of doxorubicin on hydrophobically modified chitosan oligosaccharides.
Efficient mixed metal oxide routed synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Maria Nithya Jeghan Shrine , Pandurangan Arumugam
Published: April 2014

In this work, the oxidizing efficiency of V2O5 is investigated in the B/Fe2O3 and B/Ni2O3 systems for the synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes via a thermal CVD method.
The pentafluorosulfanyl group in cannabinoid receptor ligands: synthesis and comparison with trifluoromethyl and tert-butyl analogues
Authors: Altomonte Stefano , Baillie Gemma L. , Ross Ruth A. , Riley Jennifer , Zanda Matteo
Published: April 2014

Competitive CB1 receptor antagonists carrying an aromatic SF5 group in position 3 of a pyrazole ring were synthesised and compared with their CF3 and tert-butyl analogues. Results confirmed that an aromatic SF5 group can be used as a bioisosteric analogue of a CF3 group and possibly of a bulky aliphatic group too.
Curable polymeric binder–ceramic composite-coated superior heat-resistant polyethylene separator for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Ko Youngjun , Yoo Hyuk , Kim Jinhwan
Published: April 2014

A thermally stable cPET–PE separator was developed by coating a curable cPET–Al2O3 composite onto the surface of a bare PE separator.
Polymer chain length, phosphoric acid doping and temperature dependence on structure and dynamics of an ABPBI [poly(2,5-benzimidazole)] polymer electrolyte membrane
Authors: More Minal , Sunda Anurag Prakash , Venkatnathan Arun
Published: April 2014

The random orientations of BI units and the presence of free rotation around the single bond which connects two monomeric BI segments lead to minimal possibility of π–π interactions.
Hyaluronic acid–siRNA conjugates complexed with cationic solid lipid nanoparticles for target specific gene silencing
Authors: Lee Min-Young , Kong Won Ho , Jung Ho Sang , Hahn Sei Kwang
Published: April 2014

The reducible hyaluronic acid (HA)–siRNA conjugates complexed with cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (CSLNs) with low cytotoxicity and high transfection efficiency was successfully developed for effective liver-specific gene silencing by the dual targeting effect of HA and CSLN.
Low-temperature solution-processed Zn-doped SnO2 photoanodes: enhancements in charge collection efficiency and mobility
Authors: Bhande Sambhaji S. , Shinde Dipak V. , Shaikh Shoyebmohamad F. , Ambade Swapnil B. , Ambade Rohan B. , Mane Rajaram S. , Inamuddin Inamuddin , Naushad Mu. , Han Sung-Hwan
Published: April 2014

Zn-doped SnO2 photoanodes with enhanced charge collection efficiency and mobility as compared to pristine photoanodes when used in DSSC applications are explored.
Boric acid assisted formation of mesostructured silica: from hollow spheres to hierarchical assembly
Authors: Yang Jianping , Chen Wangyuan , Ran Xianqiang , Wang Wei , Fan Jianwei , Zhang Wei-xian
Published: April 2014

A boric acid assisted assembly approach has been provided to prepare mesostructure silica with various morphologies and porosities.
A simple approach to prepare nickel hydroxide nanosheets for enhanced pseudocapacitive performance
Authors: Mondal Anjon Kumar , Su Dawei , Chen Shuangqiang , Sun Bing , Li Kefei , Wang Guoxiu
Published: April 2014

A simple microwave-assisted synthesis of Ni(OH)2nanosheets for supercapacitors with high specific capacitance and superior cycling stability.
A novel tetraphenylethene–carbazole type compound containing the dimesitylboron moiety: aggregation-induced emission enhancement and electroluminescence properties
Authors: Shi Heping , Yang Jinwei , Dong Xiuqing , Wu Xiaohuan , Zhou Penghong , Cheng Fangqin , Choi Martin M. F.
Published: April 2014

A novel tetraphenylethene–carbazole type compound containing the dimesitylboron moiety with aggregation-induced emission enhancement properties was synthesized and utilised as a blue light-emitting material in OLED devices.
Preparation and utility of a self-lubricating & anti-wear graphene oxide/nano-polytetrafluoroethylene hybrid
Authors: Huang Ting , Li Tongsheng , Xin Yuanshi , Jin Bocheng , Chen Zhongxin , Su Chao , Chen Haiming , Nutt Steven
Published: April 2014

Graphene oxide/nano-PTFE (GNF), combining intrinsic functions from graphene oxide and nano-PTFE, as a self-lubricating and anti-wear additive, reduces friction coefficient and further increases wear resistance.
High performance transistors based on the controlled growth of triisopropylsilylethynyl-pentacene crystals via non-isotropic solvent evaporation
Authors: Pitsalidis C. , Kalfagiannis N. , Hastas N. A. , Karagiannidis P. G. , Kapnopoulos C. , Ioakeimidis A. , Logothetidis S.
Published: April 2014

Non-isotropic solvent evaporation method is herein introduced for the formation of uniaxially-oriented crystalline TIPS-Pentacene films, towards the realization of high performance field-effect transistors.
A channel-type mesoporous In(iii)–carboxylate coordination framework with high physicochemical stability for use as an electrode material in supercapacitors
Authors: Du Miao , Chen Min , Yang Xiao-Gang , Wen Jiong , Wang Xi , Fang Shao-Ming , Liu Chun-Sen
Published: April 2014

A mesoporous metal–organic framework with perfect 1-D hexagonal channels and high physicochemical stability represents a promising candidate for use as an electrode material in supercapacitors.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of PEDOT with different counter-ions optimized by chemical reduction
Authors: Culebras M. , Gómez C. M. , Cantarero A.
Published: April 2014

The thermoelectric properties of ICPs doped with different counterions have been investigated. An experimental value of ZT = 0.22 has been obtained for PEDOT:bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide.
Modulation of protein adsorption, vascular cell selectivity and platelet adhesion by mussel-inspired surface functionalization
Authors: Ding Yonghui , Yang Zhilu , Bi Cathy W. C. , Yang Meng , Zhang Jingcheng , Xu Sherry Li , Lu Xiong , Huang Nan , Huang Pingbo , Leng Yang
Published: April 2014

The “surface property–protein adsorption–cell behavior” relationship of polydopamine was investigated and the mechanism of polydopamine selectively modulating vascular cell behavior was explored.
Differential bradykinin B1 and B2 receptor regulation in cell death induced by hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Paio Mayra A. , Kouyoumdjian Maria , Borges Durval R. , Nagaoka Marcia R.
Published: April 2014

The biological and pharmacological effects of BK (bradykinin) are mediated by two receptors: the constitutive B2R (B2 receptor) and the inducible B1R (B1 receptor). BK plays a role in the hepatic microcirculation by inducing the PHR (portal hypertensive response) via B2R, whereas DABK (des-Arg9-BK), a B1R agonist, does not elicit the response. During IRI (ischaemia/reperfusion injury), important changes occur in the microcirculation, and cell death by necrosis and apoptosis is involved in poor graft function. The aim of the present study was to analyse the role of B1R and B2R in liver cell death induced by IRI. Livers from Wistar rats were submitted to ischaemia (4°C) for 4 or 24 h. After this period, livers were reperfused ex vivo with Krebs–Henseleit solution (37°C). BK or DABK was then injected as a bolus during reperfusion in the absence or presence of HOE-140 (a B2R antagonist) or DALBK (des-Arg9-Leu8-BK) (a B1R antagonist) respectively. Liver viability was analysed by glucose release and bile secretion. The PHR to kinins did not change. Cell death was higher in the DABK group and its antagonist significantly decreased cell death. Interestingly, the B1R antagonist did not alter the number of necrotic cells, but it decreased the number of apoptotic cells. On the other hand, the B2R antagonist decreased the number of necrotic cells, but did not alter the number of apoptotic cells. Therefore B1R may participate in apoptotic cell death signalling, and B2R may be involved in necrotic cell death.
Separable data hiding in encrypted image based on compressive sensing
Authors: Xiao Di , Chen Shoukuo
Published: April 2014

A novel scheme for separable data hiding in an encrypted image based on compressive sensing (CS) is presented. In the first phase, the content owner encrypts the original image with an encryption key and leaves some space for the data‐hider to embed data. Therefore the image is enlarged. The data‐hider embeds additional data to the image for a specific purpose in a fixed location. As the image is enlarged, the data‐hider can compress the image to the original size using CS with the data‐hiding key. Thus, the encrypted image with embedded data is generated. The way to obtain image content and additional data is separable. If a receiver has the encryption key, he can decrypt the unintelligent data to obtain an image similar to the original one, but cannot extract the additional data. Similarly, if a receiver has the data‐hiding key, he can extract the watermark without seeing the content of the image. If the receiver has both the encryption key and the data‐hiding key, he can extract the additional data and recover the original image by exploiting CS recovery algorithms.
Six‐port QPSK demodulator for optimal K‐band multiport amplifier calibration
Authors: Lee Han Lim , Moon Seong‐Mo , Lee Moon‐Que , Yu Jong Won
Published: April 2014

A wideband six‐port‐based demodulator is proposed and applied as a quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) demodulator for optimal K‐band multiport amplifier (MPA) calibration circuitry. The proposed six‐port demodulator adopts wideband ring hybrids for optimal 180° phase balance in local oscillator signal paths. In addition, a voltage‐controlled reflection‐type phase shifter and an attenuator are integrated into the six‐port structure to ensure accurate magnitude and phase balance over broadband operation, resulting in optimal phase and amplitude error detection for the MPA system. To verify the proposed structure, RF demodulation of the K‐band QPSK modulated signal was demonstrated for purpose of MPA calibration.
Unknown multiple object tracking using 2D lidar and video camera
Authors: Kwak K. , Kim J.‐S. , Min J. , Park Y.‐W.
Published: April 2014

A multisensor fusion‐based unknown object detection and tracking approach is presented. The approach consists of two new algorithms: (i) object segmentation by boundary detection and (ii) data association by integer programming. The proposed approach tightly combines the information from a single‐line scanning lidar and a camera. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by comparing with a state‐of‐the‐art method and is demonstrated with real datasets obtained from a moving platform.
Passive frequency compensation for high gain‐bandwidth and high slew‐rate two‐stage OTA
Authors: Mirvakili A. , Koomson V.J.
Published: April 2014

A passive frequency compensation method is presented for the first time, which can be applied to two/multi‐stage operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) designs, to achieve high gain‐bandwidth (GBW) and high slew‐rate with no increase in the overall power consumption. A nulling resistor with series compensating capacitor is applied in the first stage and extends the GBW by introducing a left‐hand‐plane (LHP) zero. This design is implemented in a 0.18 μm CMOS process and the measured results show a GBW of 100 MHz and average SR of 60 V/μs with a power consumption of 1.7 mW. A high figure of merit (FoM) of 94.7 GHz pF V/μs/mA is achieved.
Generalised prefix for space–time block‐coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing wireless systems over correlated multiple‐input multiple‐output channels
Authors: Yıldız Hakan , Acar Yusuf , Cooklev Todor , Dogan Hakan
Published: April 2014

Space–time block coding (STBC) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is known to improve the reliability of broadband communication over wireless links. However, this technique suffers from a performance loss when the multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) channel is correlated. This study addresses this problem. A STBC‐OFDM system is proposed that is based on convolution that is skew‐circular, rather than circular. This skew‐circular convolution leads to one additional degree of freedom. The additional parameter can be optimised leading to improved performance for MIMO channels that are correlated. The skew‐circular convolution is achieved via the introduction of a generalised prefix. The simulation results are given, illustrating the performance improvement of the proposed STBC‐OFDM system. Furthermore, the proposed system is shown to be robust when channel state information is known not precisely, but imperfectly.
Output‐feedback control for a class of Markovian jump non‐linear systems under a risk‐sensitive cost criterion with unknown transition probabilities
Authors: Wang Chuanrui , Ji Haibo
Published: April 2014

This study addresses the output‐feedback control problem for a class of Markovian jump non‐linear systems under a quadratic risk‐sensitive cost function criterion. The transition probabilities of the Markov process are assumed to be completely unknown. By employing the high‐gain scaling technique, common Lyapunov function method and backstepping technique, a control law is constructed that guarantees any arbitrary small risk‐sensitive cost for a given risk‐sensitive parameter. Moreover, the resulted closed‐loop system solutions are bounded in probability. Compared with some previous results, this study does not require the uniform boundedness of the gain functions of the system noise, and the control law further achieves a zero risk‐sensitive cost and asymptotically stable in the large for the closed‐loop system solutions when the vector field of the disturbance vanishes at the origin. A numerical example is given to illustrate the proposed protocol.
Decentralised adaptive control of cooperating Robotic manipulators with disturbance observers
Authors: Li Zhijun , Deng Shuming , Su Chun‐Yi , Li Guanglin , Yu Zhangguo , Liu Yanjun , Wang Min
Published: April 2014

In this study, the authors present decentralised adaptive controllers for two cooperating robotic manipulators moving an object with constrained trajectory/force in the presence of dynamics uncertainties and external disturbances. The cooperating manipulators are described as an aggregation of subsystems. For control design, first a decentralised local dynamics coupled with physical interactions between subsystems is developed, and then a decentralised adaptive control merging parameter adaptation and disturbance observer is constructed, such that motion and force trajectories converge to the desired manifolds and the effect of non‐parametrisable uncertainties is compensated by the disturbance observer. Experiment studies are carried out to show the efficiency of the control design.
Active neutral point clamped converter for equal loss distribution
Authors: Taallah Ayoub , Mekhilef Saad
Published: April 2014

Active neutral point is the most attractive inverter topology in many applications such as a photovoltaic system because of the equal loss distribution among switches. This study presents a new single‐phase five‐level active neutral‐point clamped converter topology. It can be applied to achieve optimal total harmonic distortion. In addition, this topology helps to obtain voltage balancing among the capacitors. An analysis of the switching state and commutation of the converter are also presented here in order to balance the power losses among the semiconductor devices. The simulation has been carried out in MATLAB SIMULINK to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed topology. Experimental results are presented to validate the proposed topology. Moreover, a comparative study has been made to show the cost‐effectiveness of the proposed topology.
Development of multi‐band ultra‐high‐frequency sensor for partial discharge monitoring based on the meandering technique
Authors: Hai‐feng Ye , Yong Qian , Yue Dong , Ge‐hao Sheng , Xiu‐chen Jiang
Published: April 2014

To design high‐sensitivity sensors is one of the critical issues to be solved for ultra‐high‐frequency (UHF) partial discharge (PD) detection in substations. Commonly‐used UHF sensors usually use ultra‐wideband antennas for the frequency bands ranging from 300 MHz to 1.5 GHz. To avoid interference in the frequency bands, such as signals generated from mobile phones, a new multi‐band UHF sensor is proposed based on the loop antenna theory and meandering technique, which reduces the sensor size, provides high sensitivity and exhibits omnidirectional performance. The sensor works in the bandwidth ranges of 480–520, 800–850 and 1100–1200 MHz, and has sensitivity of more than 10 mm. The PD detection platform was set up, three typical insulation defects, such as corona discharge, surface discharge and free metal particle discharge, were designed, and then the tests were performed to compare the performance of the multi‐band sensor and broadband sensor. The results show that the multi‐band sensor's bandwidth covers the main spectra of PD signals, thereby can be used for detecting most kinds of PD signals. The sensor's sensitivity is higher than that of the broadband sensor with its size occupying only 5% of the latter, meeting the requirements for detection of PD sources in substations.
Effect of the grounding resistance to the behaviour of high‐voltage transmission lines’ surge arresters
Authors: Christodoulou Christos A. , Ekonomou Lambros , Papanikolaou Nikolaos , Gonos Ioannis F.
Published: April 2014

External overvoltages constitute a typical cause of faults, damages and interruptions in the electrical networks’ high‐voltage transmission lines. In order to protect the lines and their equipment against lightning, overhead ground wires in combination with surge arresters are installed, improving the lightning performance of the system and reducing the annual failure rate. The achievement of low values of earth resistance is an essential requirement, since a good grounding system reduces considerably the corresponding insulation breakdowns. However, the behaviour of surge arresters in relation to the grounding resistance is different, as it depends on the position of the lightning hit. The current work is devoted to the sensitivity analysis of the failure probability of surge arresters with relation to the grounding resistance, investigating concurrently the effect of the arresters’ installation interval and the energy absorption capability.
The Effect of Social Network Structures at the Business/IT Interface on IT Application Change Effectiveness
Authors: Zolper Katja , Beimborn Daniel , Weitzel Tim
Published: April 2014

The challenge of managing the relationship between a firm's business and IT in order to derive business value from IT is an important topic on researchers’ and practitioners’ agendas. The focus of most related research and management actions has been on the top management or project management levels. However, conflicts frequently arise within the line organization when applications are extended, enhanced, maintained, or otherwise changed operationally outside software development projects. This study focuses on the impact of relationships at the application-change level and strives to identify and explain favorable social structures for effective business/IT dialog at the operational level. We collected data in seven comprehensive case studies, including 88 interviews and corresponding surveys, and applied social network analysis to show that three social structures at the implementation level influence the degree to which IT applications are maintained and enhanced in line with business requirements: (1) interface actors connecting business and IT, (2) the relationships between interface actors and the corresponding unit, and (3) the relationships between interface actors and other employees in their unit. In three cases, less favorable structures are revealed that correspond to low application change effectiveness and software applications that do not meet business requirements. The other cases benefit from favorable social structures and thus enhance fulfillment of business requirements and result in higher IT business value. This paper contributes to IS research by helping to explain why companies may not provide favorable IT services despite favorable relationships at the top management level and successful application development projects.
Effect of low-frequency radio frequency on plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited ultra low-κ dielectric films for very large-scale integrated interconnects
Authors: Todd Ryan E. , Gates Stephen M. , Cohen Stephan A. , Ostrovski Yuri , Adams Ed , Virwani Kumar , Grill Alfred
Published: April 2014

The addition of a low frequency RF (LFRF) component during plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of porous SiCOH ultra low-κ films allowed for the incorporation of higher carbon content without lowering the Young's modulus or increasing the dielectric constant. The porous SiCOH films typically contain carbon bonded into the silica matrix primarily as Si(CH3)x species. The low frequency RF increased the total carbon content by adding CH2 and –CH = CH- species with some reduction of Si(CH3)x species. It also altered the SiOx bonding structure by increasing network SiOx bonding at the expense of the suboxide, indicating an increase in SiOx crosslink density. Although higher carbon content usually lowers the modulus of porous SiCOH films, the modulus of the higher carbon films generated by LFRF did not decrease because of their increased network SiOx bonding.
Theory and efficient computation of differential vibrational spectra
Authors: Sakaguchi Suguru , Ishiyama Tatsuya , Morita Akihiro
Published: April 2014

We developed a general computational scheme for differential spectra on the basis of time correlation function and perturbation theory. The scheme provides a quite efficient route to evaluate small differential spectra by molecular dynamics simulation instead of the straightforward subtraction of two spectra. Applications of this scheme have demonstrated that the proposed route is accurate and far more efficient in several orders of magnitude. The present method enables us to analyze a variety of experimental differential spectra using molecular dynamics simulation.
Selective nano-patterning of graphene using a heated atomic force microscope tip
Authors: Choi Young-Soo , Wu Xuan , Lee Dong-Weon
Published: April 2014

In this study, we introduce a selective thermochemical nano-patterning method of graphene on insulating substrates. A tiny heater formed at the end of an atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever is optimized by a finite element method. The cantilever device is fabricated using conventional micromachining processes. After preliminary tests of the cantilever device, nano-patterning experiments are conducted with various conducting and insulating samples. The results indicate that faster scanning speed and higher contact force are desirable to reduce the sizes of nano-patterns. With the experimental condition of 1 μm/s and 24 mW, the heated AFM tip generates a graphene oxide layer of 3.6 nm height and 363 nm width, on a 300 nm thick SiO2 layer, with a tip contact force of 100 nN.