bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphodiesterase-4D Knock-down in the Prefrontal Cortex Alleviates Chronic Unpredictable Stress-Induced Depressive-Like Behaviors and Memory Deficits in Mice
Authors: Wang Zhen-Zhen , Yang Wei-Xing , Zhang Yi , Zhao Nan , Zhang You-Zhi , Liu Yan-Qin , Xu Ying , Wilson Steven P. , O'Donnell James M. , Zhang Han-Ting , Li Yun-Feng
Published: July 2015

Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) has four isoforms (PDE4A-D) with at least 25 splice variants. PDE4 subtype nonselective inhibitors produce potent antidepressant-like and cognition-enhancing effects via increased intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling in the brain. Our previous data have demonstrated that long-form PDE4Ds appear to be involved in these pharmacological properties of PDE4 inhibitors in the normal animals. However, it is not clear whether long-form PDE4Ds are critical for the behaviors and related cellular signaling/neuronal plasticity/neuroendocrine alterations in the depressed animals. In the present study, animals exposed to the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS), a rodent model of depression, exhibited elevated corticosterone, depressive-like behavior, memory deficits, accompanied with decreased cAMP-PKA-CREB and cAMP-ERK1/2-CREB signaling and neuroplasticity. These alterations induced by CUS were reversed by RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated prefrontal cortex long-form PDE4Ds (especially PDE4D4 and PDE4D5) knock-down, similar to the effects of the PDE4 subtype nonselective inhibitor rolipram. Furthermore, these effects of RNAi were not enhanced by rolipram. These data indicate a predominant role of long-form PDE4Ds in the pharmacotherapies of PDE4 inhibitors for depression and concomitant memory deficits. Long-form PDE4Ds, especially PDE4D4 and PDE4D5, appear to be the promising targets for the development of antidepressants with high therapeutic indices.
Equivalent spin-orbit interaction in the two-polariton Jaynes-Cummings-Hubbard model
Authors: Li C. , Zhang X. Z. , Song Z.
Published: July 2015

A cavity quantum electrodynamics (cavity-QED) system combines two or more distinct quantum components, exhibiting features not seen in the individual systems. In this work, we study the one-dimensional Jaynes-Cummings-Hubbard model in the two-excitation (two-polariton) subspace. We find that the centre momentum of two-excitation induces a magnetic flux piercing the equivalent Hamiltonian Hk in the invariant subspace with momentum k, which can be described as a 4-leg ladder in the auxiliary space. Furthermore, it is shown that the system in π-centre-momentum subspace is equivalent to a lattice system for spin-1 particle with spin-orbit coupling. On the basis of this concise description, a series of bound-pair eigenstates which display long-range polaritonic entanglement is presented as a simple application.
Isolation, characterization and antifungal docking studies of wortmannin isolated from Penicillium radicum
Authors: Singh Vineeta , Praveen Vandana , Tripathi Divya , Haque Shafiul , Somvanshi Pallavi , Katti S. B. , Tripathi C. K. M.
Published: July 2015

During the search for a potent antifungal drug, a cell-permeable metabolite was isolated from a soil isolate taxonomically identified as Penicillium radicum. The strain was found to be a potent antifungal agent. Production conditions of the active compound were optimized and the active compound was isolated, purified, characterized and identified as a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, commonly known as wortmannin (Wtmn). This is very first time we are reporting the production of Wtmn from P. radicum. In addition to its previously discovered anticancer properties, the broad spectrum antifungal property of Wtmn was re-confirmed using various fungal strains. Virtual screening was performed through molecular docking studies against potential antifungal targets and it was found that Wtmn was predicted to impede the actions of these targets more efficiently than known antifungal compounds such as voriconazole and nikkomycin i.e. 1) mevalonate-5-diphosphate decarboxylase (1FI4), responsible for sterol/isoprenoid biosynthesis; 2) exocyst complex component SEC3 (3A58) where Rho- and phosphoinositide-dependent localization is present and 3) Kre2p/Mnt1p a Golgi alpha1,2-mannosyltransferase (1S4N) involved in the biosynthesis of yeast cell wall glycoproteins). We conclude that Wtmn produced from P. radicum is a promising lead compound which could be potentially used as an efficient antifungal drug in the near future after appropriate structural modifications to reduce toxicity and improve stability.
GPR143 Gene Mutations in Five Chinese Families with X-linked Congenital Nystagmus
Authors: Han Ruifang , Wang Xiaojuan , Wang Dongjie , Wang Liming , Yuan Zhongfang , Ying Ming , Li Ningdong
Published: July 2015

The ocular albinism type I (OA1) is clinically characterized by impaired visual acuity, nystagmus, iris hypopigmentation with translucency, albinotic fundus and macular hypoplasia together with normally pigmented skin and hair. However, it is easily misdiagnosed as congenital idiopathic nystagmus in some Chinese patients with OA1 caused by the G-protein coupled receptor 143 (GPR143) gene mutations. Mutations in the FERM domain–containing 7 (FRMD7) gene are responsible for the X-linked congenital idiopathic nystagmus. In this study, five Chinese families initially diagnosed as X-linked congenital nystagmus were recruited and patients underwent ophthalmological examinations. After direct sequencing of the FRMD7 and GPR143 genes, five mutations in GPR143 gene were detected in each of the five families, including a novel nonsense mutation of c.333G>A (p.W111X), two novel splicing mutations of c.360+1G>C and c.659-1G>A, a novel small deletion mutation of c.43_50dupGACGCAGC (p.L20PfsX25) and a previously reported missense mutation of c.703G>A (p.E235K). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination showed foveal hypoplasia in all the affected patients with nystagmus. Our study further expands the GPR143 mutation spectrum and contributes to the study of GPR143 molecular pathogenesis. Molecular diagnosis and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are two useful tools for differential diagnosis.
Association of three 8q24 polymorphisms with prostate cancer susceptibility: evidence from a meta-analysis with 50,854 subjects
Authors: li Qiaoxin , Liu Xia , Hua Rui-Xi , Wang Feng , An Hengqing , Zhang Wei , Zhu Jin-Hong
Published: July 2015

The 8q24 polymorphisms have been implicated in various cancers. Three 8q24 polymorphisms (rs1447295 C>A, rs16901979 C>A and rs6983267 T>G) have been extensively investigated for their association with prostate cancer (PCa) susceptibility, yet conclusions are contradictory. We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to reevaluate the associations between those polymorphisms and PCa susceptibility, according to the latest meta-analysis guidelines (PRISMA). Eligible publications were searched from MEDLINE, EMBASE and CBM. False positive report possibility analysis was performed. We totally collected 20184 cases and 20439 controls from 20 studies for the rs1447295 C>A, 1850 cases and 2090 controls from 7 studies for the rs16901979 C>A and 12233 cases and 7582 controls from 17 studies for the rs6983267 T>G. Overall, each of studied 8q24 polymorphisms was significantly associated with PCa risk individually. Significant associations were also observed in stratified analysis by ethnicity, source of control and quality score. Interestingly, the effect of rs1447295 on PCa risk was observed among Caucasians and Asians, but not Africa-Americans. The effect of rs16901979 was more prominent among Africa-Americans than Asians. Likewise, rs6983267 conferred a higher Pca risk among Caucasians than Asians. Collectively, these 8q24 variant(s) may modulate PCa risk in an ethnic-specific manner.
The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase COP1 Regulates Thermosensory Flowering by Triggering GI Degradation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jang Kiyoung , Gil Lee Hong , Jung Su-Jin , Paek Nam-Chon , Joon Seo Pil
Published: July 2015

Floral transition is influenced by environmental factors such as light and temperature. Plants are capable of integrating photoperiod and ambient temperature signaling into their developmental program. Despite extensive investigations on individual genetic pathways, little is known about the molecular components that integrate both pathways. Here, we demonstrate that the RING finger–containing E3 ubiquitin ligase CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) acts as an integrator of photoperiod and ambient temperature signaling. In addition to the role in photoperiodic destabilization of CONSTANS (CO), COP1 also regulates temperature sensitivity by controlling the degradation of GIGANTEA (GI). COP1-impaired mutants showed reduced sensitivity to low ambient temperature. Notably, COP1 is more stabilized at low temperature and accelerates GI turnover in a 26S proteasome-dependent manner. The direct association of GI with the promoter of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) was reduced because of its ambient temperature-dependent protein stability control and thus COP1-triggered GI turnover delays flowering at low temperatures via a CO-independent pathway. Taken together, our findings indicate that environmental conditions regulate the stability of COP1 and conditional specificity of its target selection stimulates proper developmental responses and ensures reproductive success.
Fetuin-A as a predicator of sarcopenic left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Chang Wei-Ting , Tsai Wei-Chuan , Wu Chih-Hsing , Lee Yen-Wei , Tai Yun-Lin , Li Yi-Heng , Tsai Liang-Miin , Chen Jyh-Hong , Liu Ping-Yen
Published: July 2015

Sarcopenia is an aging condition involving low muscle mass and function. Fetuin-A (FetA) appears to be a factor for body composition remodeling. We hypothesized that age increases FetA levels and deteriorates the myocardial function by affecting diastolic function, especially in people with sarcopenia. We enrolled 541 asymptomatic elderly (≥65 years) patients. Compared with non-sarcopenic population, FetA levels were significantly elevated in the ninety-two (17%) patients (79 ± 6 years; male: 34.7%) diagnosed with sarcopenia (621.1 ± 140.7 vs. 697.3 ± 179.6 μg/ml, < 0.001). Sarcopenic left ventricular dysfunction (S-LVD) was defined by the coexistence of sarcopenia and systolic impairment (LVEF < 50%) and 23 (4.3%) of them met the criteria. Patients with S-LVD showed relatively reduced systolic heart function, higher end-diastolic pressure and a higher FetA level (all p < 0.001) than did those with sarcopenia but without LV dysfunction (S-NLVD). Conversely, in the group without sarcopenia, FetA levels were similar regardless of systolic function. Multivariable logistic regression showed that older age, impaired diastolic function and higher FetA levels were significantly associated with S-LVD. In conclusion, we found that FetA was significantly higher in elderly patients with sarcopenia, which was associated with impaired diastolic and systolic functions.
Low alpha-synuclein levels in the blood are associated with insulin resistance
Authors: Rodriguez-Araujo Gerardo , Nakagami Hironori , Takami Yoichi , Katsuya Tomohiro , Akasaka Hiroshi , Saitoh Shigeyuki , Shimamoto Kazuaki , Morishita Ryuichi , Rakugi Hiromi , Kaneda Yasufumi
Published: July 2015

Mutations in the protein alpha-synuclein (SNCA) have been linked to Parkinson’s disease. We recently reported that non-mutated SNCA enhanced glucose uptake through the Gab1-PI3 kinase-Akt pathway and elucidated its effects on glucose regulation. Here, we examined the association of SNCA with insulin resistance (IR), a condition that is characterized by decreased tissue glucose uptake. Our observations include those from a population study as well as a SNCA-deficient mouse model, which had not previously been characterized in an IR scenario. In 1,152 patients, we found that serum SNCA levels were inversely correlated with IR indicators—body mass index, homeostatic model assessment for IR (HOMA-IR) and immunoreactive insulin (IRI)—and, to a lesser extent, with blood pressure and age. Additionally, SNCA-deficient mice displayed alterations in glucose and insulin responses during diet-induced IR. Moreover, during euglycemic clamp assessments, SNCA knock-out mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) showed severe IR in adipose tissues and skeletal muscle. These findings provide new insights into IR and diabetes and point to SNCA as a potential candidate for further research.
Metagenomic insights into strategies of aerobic and anaerobic carbon and nitrogen transformation in boreal lakes
Authors: Peura Sari , Sinclair Lucas , Bertilsson Stefan , Eiler Alexander
Published: July 2015

Thousands of net-heterotrophic and strongly stratifying lakes dominate the boreal landscape. Besides their central role as emitters of greenhouse gases, we have only recently begun to understand the microbial systems driving the metabolic processes and elemental cycles in these lakes. Using shotgun metagenomics, we show that the functional potential differs among lake types, with humic lakes being particularly enriched in carbon degradation genes. Most of the metabolic pathways exhibit oxygen- and temperature-dependent stratification over depth, coinciding with shifts in bacterial community composition, implying that stratification is a major factor controlling lake metabolism. In the bottom waters, rare and poorly characterized taxa, such as ε-Proteobacteria, but also autotrophs, such as photolithotrophic Chlorobia were abundant. These oxygen-depleted layers exhibited high genetic potential for mineralization, but also for fixation of carbon and nitrogen and genetic markers for both methane production and oxidation were present. Our study provides a first glimpse of the genetic versatility of freshwater anoxic zones and demonstrates the potential for complete turnover of carbon compounds within the water column.
Near-field collimation of light carrying orbital angular momentum with bull’s-eye-assisted plasmonic coaxial waveguides
Authors: Pu Mingbo , Ma Xiaoliang , Zhao Zeyu , Li Xiong , Wang Yanqin , Gao Hui , Hu Chenggang , Gao Ping , Wang Changtao , Luo Xiangang
Published: July 2015

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light, as an emerging hotspot in optics and photonics, introduces many degrees of freedom for applications ranging from optical communication and quantum processing to micromanipulation. To achieve a high degree of integration, optical circuits for OAM light are essential, which are, however, challenging in the optical regime owing to the lack of well-developed theory. Here we provide a scheme to guide and collimate the OAM beam at the micro- and nano-levels. The coaxial plasmonic slit was exploited as a naturally occurring waveguide for light carrying OAM. Concentric grooves etched on the output surface of the coaxial waveguide were utilized as a plasmonic metasurface to couple the OAM beam to free space with greatly increased beam directivity. Experimental results at λ = 532 nm validated the novel transportation and collimating effect of the OAM beam. Furthermore, dynamic tuning of the topological charges was demonstrated by using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator (SLM).
Results of an abbreviated phase-II study with the Akt Inhibitor MK-2206 in Patients with Advanced Biliary Cancer
Authors: Ahn Daniel H. , Li Junan , Wei Lai , Doyle Austin , Marshall John L. , Schaaf Larry J. , Phelps Mitch A. , Villalona-Calero Miguel A. , Bekaii-Saab Tanios
Published: July 2015

Biliary cancers (BC) are rare, chemoresistant and are associated with a poor prognosis. Targeting the Akt pathway is of significance in BC. We hypothesized that the allosteric inhibitor MK-2206 will be active in BC. This was a multi-institutional phase II study of MK-2206 given to patients with advanced, refractory BC. The primary end point was overall response rate. We also characterized pharmacokinetic profiles of MK-2206 in these patients and explored its potential correlation with clinical outcomes. Eight patients were enrolled prior to early termination of the trial. All patients had received prior systemic therapy. The best response observed was stable disease, exceeding 12 weeks in two patients. Toxicities were mild and tolerable. MK-2206 exhibited a pharmacokinetic profile with an apparent slow absorption followed by biphasic elimination in these patients with BC. No significant association was observed between the pharmacokinetic properties of MK-2206 and clinical outcomes. MK-2206 as a single-agent in BC is tolerable with pharmacokinetic properties similar to patients with other solid tumors. No clinical activity was observed in this limited population. Further development of Akt inhibitors may need to focus on combinations with other molecular targeted agents, conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy and prospective patient selection.
Evaluation of drift gas selection in complex sample analyses using a high performance drift tube ion mobility-QTOF mass spectrometer
Authors: Kurulugama Ruwan. T. , Darland Ed , Kuhlmann Frank , Stafford George , Fjeldsted John
Published: July 2015

Drift gas selection in an ion mobility-QTOF can affect the separation of targeted isomeric compounds and collision cross section values.
Monitoring electron and proton diffusion flux through three-dimensional, paper-based, variable biofilm and liquid media layers
Authors: Choi Gihoon , Choi Seokheun
Published: July 2015

By measuring the current generated from the 3-D paper stack, the electron and proton diffusivity through biofilms were quantitatively investigated.
Development of a 15-class multiresidue method for analyzing 78 hydrophilic and hydrophobic veterinary drugs in milk, egg and meat by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Chung Stephen W. C. , Lam Chi-Ho
Published: July 2015

The development of a multiclass, multiresidue method for analyzing veterinary drugs in food is the recent trend of research for regulatory monitoring laboratories.
Beyond conventional routes, an unprecedented metal-free chemoselective synthesis of anthranilate esters via a multicomponent reaction (MCR) strategy
Authors: Sarkar Satavisha , Khan Abu T.
Published: July 2015

A hitherto unreported route for the synthesis of anthranilate esters is demonstrated using 2-nitrobenzaldehyde, malonitrile and an alcohol or amine via a metal and oxidant free multicomponent reaction (MCR) strategy.
Dual template effect of supercritical CO2 in ionic liquid to fabricate a highly mesoporous cobalt metal–organic framework
Authors: Yu Huanan , Xu Dongdong , Xu Qun
Published: July 2015

Dual template effect of supercritical CO2 in ionic liquid to fabricate a highly mesoporous cobalt metal–organic framework.
Insight into the esterase like activity demonstrated by an imidazole appended self-assembling hydrogelator
Authors: Singh Nishant , Conte Maria P. , Ulijn R. V. , Miravet Juan F. , Escuder Beatriu
Published: July 2015

Hydrolysis of unactivated phenylalanine methyl ester by a simple imidazole appended hydrogelator is reported for the first time.
Distinct tubulin dynamics in cancer cells explored using a highly tubulin-specific fluorescent probe
Authors: Zhu Cuige , Zuo Yinglin , Liang Baoxia , Yue Hong , Yue Xin , Wen Gesi , Wang Ruimin , Quan Junmin , Du Jun , Bu Xianzhang
Published: July 2015

A highly specific fluorescent probe was discovered which is capable of selectively labeling cellular tubulin in microtubules in various cellular bio-settings.
Efficient perovskite solar cells fabricated using an aqueous lead nitrate precursor
Authors: Hsieh Tsung-Yu , Wei Tzu-Chien , Wu Kuan-Lin , Ikegami Masashi , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: July 2015

A novel, aqueous precursor system (Pb(NO3)2 + water) is developed to replace conventional (PbI2 + DMF) for fabricating methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
Aluminum zinc oxide nanostructures with customized size and shape by non-aqueous synthesis
Authors: Zellmer S. , Kockmann A. , Dosch I. , Temel B. , Garnweitner G.
Published: July 2015

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanocrystals with high crystallinity and tailored morphology ranging between spherical and rod-like were obtained by non-aqueous reaction at moderate temperatures.
Catalyst characterisation techniques and reaction cells operating at realistic conditions; towards acquisition of kinetically relevant information
Authors: Tsakoumis Nikolaos E. , York Andrew P. E. , Chen De , Rønning Magnus
Published: July 2015

Catalyst characterisation techniques and reaction cells operating at realistic conditions; towards acquisition of kinetically relevant information.
CO2 photoconversion to fuels under high pressure: effect of TiO2 phase and of unconventional reaction conditions
Authors: Rossetti I. , Villa A. , Compagnoni M. , Prati L. , Ramis G. , Pirola C. , Bianchi C. L. , Wang W. , Wang D.
Published: July 2015

Effect of CO2 saturation and reactor pressure on H2 (full triangles) and CH4 (circles) productivity at pH = 11.4, T = 65 °C. H2 productivity (empty triangles) at pH 5.5, T = 65 °C. Sample 0.1 wt% Au/P25.
Wool-anchored Pd(OAc)2 complex: a highly active and reusable catalyst for desulfurative coupling reactions
Authors: Yang Quanlu , Quan Zhengjun , Du Baoxin , Wu Shang , Li Peidong , Sun Yanxia , Lei Ziqiang , Wang Xicun
Published: July 2015

A biomacromolecule-anchored palladium complex, wool-Pd(OAc)2, was used as a catalyst for the Liebeskind–Srogl desulfurative coupling reactions of pyrimidin-yl thioether derivatives with terminal alkynes and arylboronic acids.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of a novel red-emitting LiSr4(BN2)3:Eu2+phosphor
Authors: Long Qiang , Wang Chuang , Ding Jianyan , Li Yanyan , Wu Quansheng , Wang Yuhua
Published: July 2015

A near-UV excited phosphor, LiSr4(BN2)3:Eu2+(LSBN:Eu2+), was synthesized using a solid-state reaction at 800 °C.
Large-scale highly ordered Sb nanorod array anodes with high capacity and rate capability for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Liang Liying , Xu Yang , Wang Chengliang , Wen Liaoyong , Fang Yaoguo , Mi Yan , Zhou Min , Zhao Huaping , Lei Yong
Published: July 2015

Highly ordered Sb nanorod arrays with large interval spacing were fabricated that showed high capacities and superior rate capabilities.
Surface modification of thin film composite forward osmosis membrane by silver-decorated graphene-oxide nanosheets
Authors: Soroush Adel , Ma Wen , Silvino Yule , Rahaman Md. Saifur
Published: July 2015

Antimicrobial thin film composite forward osmosis membrane is developed using silver-decorated graphene-oxide nanosheets coating.
Simultaneous and selective isolation of multiple subpopulations of rare cells from peripheral blood using ensemble-decision aliquot ranking (eDAR)
Authors: Zhao Mengxia , Wei Bingchuan , Nelson Wyatt C. , Schiro Perry G. , Chiu Daniel T.
Published: July 2015

Dual-capture eDAR is an active sorting method that can simultaneously isolate multiple subsets of rare cells based on their biological properties.
Aggregating distyrylpyridinium dye as a bimodal structural probe for G-quadruplex DNA
Authors: Xie Xiao , Renvoisé Aurélie , Granzhan Anton , Teulade-Fichou Marie-Paule
Published: July 2015

A coumarin-substituted distyrylpyridinium dye BCVP is proposed as a universal colorimetric and fluorescent probe for the detection of G-quadruplex DNA structures.
Contact effects and quantum interference in engineered dangling bond loops on silicon surfaces
Authors: Kleshchonok Andrii , Gutierrez Rafael , Cuniberti Gianaurelio
Published: July 2015

Dangling bond loops on Si(100) surfaces can display different electrical responses depending on the atomic arrangement.
CVD synthesis of Mo(1−x)WxS2and MoS2(1−x)Se2xalloy monolayers aimed at tuning the bandgap of molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Zhang Wenting , Li Xiaodong , Jiang Tongtong , Song Jiangluqi , Lin Yue , Zhu Lixin , Xu Xiaoliang
Published: July 2015

Ternary alloy monolayers, Mo(1−x)WxS2and MoS2(1−x)Se2x, were synthesized by a one-step CVD process to realize band gap widening.
Gold nanorods as a theranostic platform for in vitro and in vivo imaging and photothermal therapy of inflammatory macrophages
Authors: Qin Jinbao , Peng Zhiyou , Li Bo , Ye Kaichuang , Zhang Yuxin , Yuan Fukang , Yang Xinrui , Huang Lijia , Hu Junqing , Lu Xinwu
Published: July 2015

This study shows that Au nanorods are a promising theranostic platform for the diagnosis and photothermal therapy of inflammation associated diseases.
Oxygen vacancies and intense luminescence in manganese loaded Zno microflowers for visible light water splitting
Authors: Sambandam Balaji , Michael Robin Jude Vimal , Manoharan Periakaruppan T.
Published: July 2015

Emissions from F+ centres at oxygen vacancies enhance the visible light water splitting hydrogen production in manganese loaded ZnO microflowers.
Evolution of magnetism on a curved nano-surface
Authors: Merkel D. G. , Bessas D. , Zolnai Z. , Rüffer R. , Chumakov A. I. , Paddubrouskaya H. , Van Haesendonck C. , Nagy N. , Tóth A. L. , Deák A.
Published: July 2015

The role of nanoparticle size, interparticle distance and magnetic layer thickness on the formation of magnetic nanostructures was studied. Individual magnetic behaviour was found for the 400 nm spheres and a collective magnetic structure for the 25 nm balls where magnetic domains spread over several particles.
Solution-processed assembly of ultrathin transparent conductive cellulose nanopaper embedding AgNWs
Authors: Song Yuanyuan , Jiang Yaoquan , Shi Liyi , Cao Shaomei , Feng Xin , Miao Miao , Fang Jianhui
Published: July 2015

Ultrathin, highly transparent conductive cellulose nanopaper embedding AgNW junctions with excellent mechanical flexibility was assembled using a pressured extrusion process.
Domino Prins/pinacol reaction for the stereoselective synthesis of spiro[pyran-4,4′-quinoline]-2′,3′-dione derivatives
Authors: Subba Reddy B. V. , Gopal Reddy S. , Durgaprasad M. , Bhadra Manika Pal , Sridhar B.
Published: July 2015

A novel series of spiro[pyran-4,4′-quinoline]-2′,3′-dione derivatives have been synthesized in good yields with excellent diastereoselectivity through a cascade of Prins/pinacol reactions.
Polyamide 6/silica hybrid materials by a coupled polymerization reaction
Authors: Kaßner L. , Nagel K. , Grützner R.-E. , Korb M. , Rüffer T. , Lang H. , Spange S.
Published: July 2015

Polyamide 6/SiO2hybrid materials with an adjustable SiO2amount were produced by the coupled polymerisation of three monomeric components namely 1,1′,1′′,1′′′-silanetetrayltetrakis-(azepan-2-one), 6-aminocaproic acid and ε-caprolactam within one process.
Efficient synthesis of 2-nitroimidazole derivatives and the bioreductive clinical candidate Evofosfamide (TH-302)
Authors: O'Connor Liam J. , Cazares-Körner Cindy , Saha Jaideep , Evans Charles N. G. , Stratford Michael R. L. , Hammond Ester M. , Conway Stuart J.
Published: July 2015

We describe an improved synthesis of the 2-nitroimidazole bioreductive group; this method is used to synthesise the anti-cancer drug Evofosfamide (TH-302.)
Copper-catalyzed direct decarboxylative hydrosulfonylation of aryl propiolic acids with sulfonylhydrazides leading to vinylsulfones
Authors: Li Siyu , Li Xiang , Yang Fan , Wu Yangjie
Published: July 2015

A simple and facile protocol for (E)-vinylsulfones was developed using inexpensive propiolic acids or terminal alkynes as new alkene sources.
A simple and dual responsive efficient new Schiff base chemoreceptor for selective sensing of F− and Hg2+: application to bioimaging in living cells and mimicking of molecular logic gates
Authors: Chowdhury Additi Roy , Ghosh Pritam , Roy Biswajit Gopal , Mukhopadhyay Subhra Kanti , Mitra Partha , Banerjee Priyabrata
Published: July 2015

A novel colorimetric hydrazine-functionalized Schiff base chemoreceptor, NPMP, was synthesized following a simple one-step Schiff base condensation pathway.
Biomolecule-assisted route for shape-controlled synthesis of 3D flower-like CdWO4 microstructures
Authors: Wang Qiaoli , Li Weina , Shi Jinsheng
Published: July 2015

Plausible mechanism for the formation of 3d hierarchical flower-like structures.
Self-assembly oxygen sensing thin film based on a Ru(ii) complex covalently grafted to porous anodized alumina oxide (AAO) templates
Authors: Cui Meifang , Wang Fang , Miao Zhihui , Xia Yong , Yan Liqiang , Ma Yun , Yao Hongtao , Ling Huanhuan , Qi Zhengjian
Published: July 2015

Self-assembly oxygen sensing thin films based on a Ru(ii) complex covalently grafted to porous anodized alumina oxide.
Unravelling the photo-excited chlorophyll-a assisted deoxygenation of graphene oxide: formation of a nanohybrid for oxygen reduction
Authors: Das Debmallya , Sarkar Manna Jhimli , Mitra Manoj Kumar
Published: July 2015

Restoration of sp2hybridization in a GO framework by the transfer of photo-excited electrons from CHL-a to GO resulted in the formation of a RGO/CHL-a nano hybrid, an efficient electron transfer catalyst for next generation bio-fuel cells.
Pretreatment of miscanthus using 1,3-dimethyl-imidazolium methyl phosphonate (DMIMMPh) ionic liquid for glucose recovery and ethanol production
Authors: Hassan El-Sayed R. E. , Mutelet Fabrice , Moïse Jean-Charles , Brosse Nicolas
Published: July 2015

An environmentally friendly method for the extraction of cellulose from miscanthus using 1,3-dimethyl-imidazolium methyl phosphonate (DMIMMPh) ionic liquid is described.
Preparation of LAGP/P(VDF-HFP) polymer electrolytes for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Qingqing , Ding Fei , Sun Wenbin , Sang Lin
Published: July 2015

LAGP as a lithium ion conducting filler, was added into P(VDF-HFP) based gel polymer electrolytes to improve electrochemical performances.
Distortion–interaction analysis along the reaction pathway to reveal the reactivity of the Alder-ene reaction of enes
Authors: Jin Rui , Liu Song , Lan Yu
Published: July 2015

The reactivity of uncatalyzed Alder-ene type reactions of hetero-substituted propylene is interpreted by distortion–interaction analysis of both the transition states and the complete reaction pathways.
New understanding of the hierarchical distribution of isotactic polypropylene blends formed by microinjection-molded poly(ethylene terephthalate) and β-nucleating agent
Authors: Zhao Zhongguo , Yang Qi , Xi Shuting , Kong Miqiu , Huang Yajiang , Liao Xia
Published: July 2015

Hierarchical distribution of β-crystals in microinjection molded poly(ethylene terephthalate)/β-nucleating agent-nucleated isotactic polypropylene blends.
Formation and oxygen diffusion barrier properties of fish gelatin/natural sodium montmorillonite clay self-assembled multilayers onto the biopolyester surface
Authors: Enescu Daniela , Frache Alberto , Geobaldo Francesco
Published: July 2015

In order to expand the application of bio-derived polymers it is imperative that the issues related to their poor gas barrier properties be addressed.
Vapor hydration of a simulated borosilicate nuclear waste glass in unsaturated conditions at 50 °C and 90 °C
Authors: Ait Chaou A. , Abdelouas A. , El Mendili Y. , Bouakkaz R. , Utsunomiya S. , Martin C. , Bourbon X.
Published: July 2015

Vapor hydration of a simulated typical French nuclear intermediate-level waste (ILW) glass in unsaturated conditions has been studied in order to simulate its behaviour under repository conditions before complete saturation of the disposal site.
Probing the surface-localized hyperthermia of gold nanoparticles in a microwave field using polymeric thermometers
Authors: Kabb Christopher P. , Carmean R. Nicholas , Sumerlin Brent S.
Published: July 2015

Gold nanoparticles decorated with “polymeric thermometers,” consisting of a polymeric spacer, thermally-labile azo linker, and fluorescent tag, were used to quantify the extent of localized hyperthermia under microwave irradiation.
Detection and remediation of organophosphorus compounds by oximate containing organogels
Authors: Hiscock Jennifer R. , Sambrook Mark R. , Wells Neil J. , Gale Philip A.
Published: July 2015

A series of supramolecular diamide organogels containing a reactive compound for the remediation of organophosphorus (OP) species, in particular OP chemical warfare agents (CWAs), has been prepared in DMSO.
Rh-catalyzed reagent-free ring expansion of cyclobutenones and benzocyclobutenones
Authors: Chen Peng-hao , Sieber Joshua , Senanayake Chris H. , Dong Guangbin
Published: July 2015

A reagent-free Rh-catalyzed ring-expansion reaction via C–C cleavage of cyclobutenones and benzocyclobutenones is reported.
Tandem 1,2-sulfur migration and (aza)-Diels–Alder reaction of β-thio-α-diazoimines: rhodium catalyzed synthesis of (fused)-polyhydropyridines, and cyclohexenes
Authors: Yadagiri Dongari , Anbarasan Pazhamalai
Published: July 2015

Rhodium catalyzed synthesis of substituted tetrahydropyridines was accomplished from readily accessible thio-tetheredN-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles.
Tunable thermal, flame retardant and toxic effluent suppression properties of polystyrene based on alternating graphitic carbon nitride and multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Shi Yongqian , Long Ze , Yu Bin , Zhou Keqing , Gui Zhou , Yuen Richard K. K. , Hu Yuan
Published: July 2015

Significant improvements in thermal and flame retardant properties of polymeric materials at low loadings hold tremendous promise for fire safety materials.
A fluorescent probe with aggregation-induced emission characteristics for distinguishing homocysteine over cysteine and glutathione
Authors: Zhao Na , Gong Qian , Zhang Rui Xue , Yang Jun , Huang Zhi Yan , Li Nan , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2015

In this work, a novel AIE fluorescent probe, TPE-Py, containing an α,β-unsaturated ketone unit was developed for discriminating homocysteine over cysteine and glutathione.
Block-assembling: a new strategy for fabricating conductive nanoporous materials from nanocomposites based on a melt-miscible crystalline/crystalline blend and MWCNTs
Authors: Ye Lijun , Ye Cuicui , Shi Xianchun , Zhao Hongyan , Xie Kangyuan , Chen Depei , Li Yongjin
Published: July 2015

A “block-assembling” strategy is explored to fabricate conductive nanoporous polymeric materials with a unique interposition structure of CNTs in the inner wall of the internal pores.
Calibration of Clinical Audio Recording and Analysis Systems for Sound Intensity Measurement
Authors: Maryn Youri , Zarowski Andrzej
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Sound intensity is an important acoustic feature of voice/speech signals. Yet recordings are performed with different microphone, amplifier, and computer configurations, and it is therefore crucial to calibrate sound intensity measures of clinical audio recording and analysis systems on the basis of output of a sound-level meter. This study was designed to evaluate feasibility, validity, and accuracy of calibration methods, including audiometric speech noise signals and human voice signals under typical speech conditions.

Method

Calibration consisted of 3 comparisons between data from 29 measurement microphone-and-computer systems and data from the sound-level meter: signal-specific comparison with audiometric speech noise at 5 levels, signal-specific comparison with natural voice at 3 levels, and cross-signal comparison with natural voice at 3 levels. Intensity measures from recording systems were then linearly converted into calibrated data on the basis of these comparisons, and validity and accuracy of calibrated sound intensity were investigated.

Results

Very strong correlations and quasisimilarity were found between calibrated data and sound-level meter data across calibration methods and recording systems.

Conclusions

Calibration of clinical sound intensity measures according to this method is feasible, valid, accurate, and representative for a heterogeneous set of microphones and data acquisition systems in real-life circumstances with distinct noise contexts.
Families of multi‐dimensional arrays with optimal correlations between all members
Authors: Tirkel A. , Cavy B. , Svalbe I.
Published: July 2015

Families of sequences with low off‐peak autocorrelation and low cross‐correlation are highly valued in spread‐spectrum communication. Digital watermarking has an equal need for diverse families of orthogonal multi‐dimensional (nD) arrays, where each array has optimal correlation properties. In this reported work, a 1D discrete projection method is used to construct new families of nD orthogonal arrays of size pn, with p a 4k − 1 prime. Finite field algebra and Hadamard matrices are applied to analyse these arrays. The periodic autocorrelation of each array is ‘perfect’ (p2 − 1 peak value, with −1 off‐peak for p × p arrays). The cross‐correlation between any pair of the p members of each 2D family has the lowest possible values, 0 or ±p. The arrays can be synthesised for arbitrarily large p and outperform Kasami sequences. The alphabet values for these optimal arrays can be roots of unity or signed integers. The aperiodic autocorrelation of the p × p arrays can attain a merit factor of above 3 at shift (p/4, p/4), consistent with Golay's conjecture in 1D.
Binary image enhancement based on aperiodic stochastic resonance
Authors: Liu Jin , Li Zan
Published: July 2015

The enhancement of noisy images has been playing a key role in improving the visual effect and the performance of image processing. Traditional methods for image enhancement are mainly focusing on eliminating noise, which cannot acquire good effect under low peak‐signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) conditions. Stochastic resonance (SR), on the contrary, is a technique using noise to enhance signal. Owing to the unique feature of SR, a novel binary image enhancement scheme based on aperiodic SR (ASR) technique is proposed. In this study, the authors take the improvement in PSNR as a measure of the ASR‐based binary image enhancement system, which provides a guideline for the realisation of the ASR system. On this basis, they obtain the PSNR expression of the ASR‐based binary image enhancement system. Simulation results show that the proposed method is superior to the traditional binary image enhancement methods both in visual effect and PSNR performance.
High‐quality initial codebook design method of vector quantisation using grouping strategy
Authors: Ma Xiaoxiao , Pan Zhibin , Li Yang , Fang Jie
Published: July 2015

The codebook design which determines the quality of the encoded images is an important problem in the vector quantisation technique. The Linde–Buzo–Gray (LBG) technique is a widely used algorithm in the codebook design. However, LBG algorithm is very sensitive to the initial codebook and tends to trap to the local minimum. In this study, a high‐quality initial codebook design method is proposed. The proposed method utilises both the mean characteristic value and variance characteristic value of training vectors to divide the training vectors into groups. Then codewords are selected from each group to generate an initial codebook. The experimental results demonstrate that the authors proposed method has a better performance in the initial codebook than that of the related methods.
Interfacial chemical reaction and multiple gap state formation on three layer cathode in organic light-emitting diode: Ca/BaF2/Alq3
Authors: Kim Tae Gun , Lee Hyunbok , Yi Yeonjin , Lee Seung Mi , Kim Jeong Won
Published: July 2015

A three layer cathode is a promising stack structure for long lifetime and high efficiency in organic light-emitting diodes. The interfacial chemical reactions and their effects on electronic structures for alkaline-earth metal (Ca, Ba)/Alq3 [tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum] and Ca/BaF2/Alq3 are investigated using in-situ X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as molecular model calculation. The BaF2 interlayer initially prevents direct contact between Alq3 and the reactive Ca metal, but it is dissociated into Ba and CaF2 by the addition of Ca. As the Ca thickness increases, the Ca penetrates the interlayer to directly participate in the reaction with the underlying Alq3. This series of chemical reactions takes place irrespective of the BaF2 buffer layer thickness as long as the Ca overlayer thickness is sufficient. The interface reaction between the alkaline-earth metal and Alq3 generates two energetically separated gap states in a sequential manner. This phenomenon is explained by step-by-step charge transfer from the alkaline-earth metal to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital states of Alq3, forming new occupied states below the Fermi level.
Thin Fresnel zone plate lenses for focusing underwater sound
Authors: Calvo David C. , Thangawng Abel L. , Nicholas Michael , Layman Christopher N.
Published: July 2015

A Fresnel zone plate (FZP) lens of the Soret type creates a focus by constructive interference of waves diffracted through open annular zones in an opaque screen. For underwater sound below MHz frequencies, a large FZP that blocks sound using high-impedance, dense materials would have practical disadvantages. We experimentally and numerically investigate an alternative approach of creating a FZP with thin (0.4λ) acoustically opaque zones made of soft silicone rubber foam attached to a thin (0.1λ) transparent rubber substrate. An ultra-thin (0.0068λ) FZP that achieves higher gain is also proposed and simulated which uses low-volume fraction, bubble-like resonant air ring cavities to construct opaque zones. Laboratory measurements at 200 kHz indicate that the rubber foam can be accurately modeled as a lossy fluid with an acoustic impedance approximately 1/10 that of water. Measured focal gains up to 20 dB agree with theoretical predictions for normal and oblique incidence. The measured focal radius of 0.68λ (peak-to-null) agrees with the Rayleigh diffraction limit prediction of 0.61 λ/NA (NA = 0.88) for a low-aberration lens.
Pore architecture of nanoporous gold and titania by hydrogen thermoporometry
Authors: Johnston L. T. , Biener M. M. , Ye J. C. , Baumann T. F. , Kucheyev S. O.
Published: July 2015

Nanoporous gold (NPG) and materials derived from it by templating have complex pore architecture that determines their technologically relevant physical properties. Here, we apply high-resolution hydrogen thermoporometry to study the pore structure of NPG and NPG-derived titania nanofoam (TNF). Results reveal complex multimodal pore size distributions for NPG and TNF. The freezing–melting hysteresis is pronounced, with freezing and melting scans having entirely different shapes. Experiments involving partial freeze–melt cycles reveal the lack of direct correlation between individual freezing and melting peaks, pointing to phenomena that are beyond the Gibbs-Thomson formalism. The depression of the average freezing temperature scales linearly with the ratio of the internal surface area (measured by gas sorption) and the total pore volume derived from the density of monoliths. Thermoporometry yields total pore volumes in good agreement with those derived from monolith densities for both NPG and TNF.
Highly-confined and low-loss spoof surface plasmon polaritons structure with periodic loading of trapezoidal grooves
Authors: Liu Xiaoyong , Zhu Lei , Wu Qiongsen , Feng Yijun
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we propose an ultra-thin spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) structure, periodically loaded with trapezoidal grooves. Compared to the reported SPPs with rectangular grooves, the proposed SPPs structure can support the guided surface SPP wave with enlarged propagation constant, which implies an enhanced confinement of surface wave along the spoof SPPs structure. Guided-wave characteristics of the proposed SPPs structure are theoretically investigated by virtue of a numerical short-open calibration (SOC) technique. The results show that the loss of spoof SPPs is lower than that in other reported spoof SPPs structures. Experiment on prototype in microwave frequency regime is carried out which validates the theoretical findings. It is believed that the proposed structure could be scaled to THz frequencies, and is very promising in developing the miniaturized planar surface plasmonic devices and circuitry.
Factors that influence trap success of sandhill dunnarts (Sminthopsis psammophila) and other small mammals in Triodia dunefields of South Australia
Authors: Read John L. , Ward Matthew J. , Moseby Katherine E.
Published: July 2015

Optimised detection and sensitivity of fauna-monitoring programs is essential for the adaptive management of threatened species. We describe the influence of trap type, trapping duration and timing on the detection rates of small vertebrates, in particular the nationally endangered sandhill dunnart (Sminthopsis psammophila) in its two primary populations in South Australia. A total of 118 and 155 sandhill dunnarts were captured from the Middleback and Yellabinna regions, respectively, from five trapping sessions between 2008 and 2012. Wide deep pitfall traps (225 mm diameter × 600–700 mm deep) captured significantly more adult sandhill dunnarts than shorter, narrower pitfalls (150 mm diameter × 500 mm deep) or Elliott traps. Deep pitfall traps also captured significantly more hopping mice (Notomys mitchellii) but smaller mammal species were equally trapable in deep or short pitfall traps. Capture rates declined through successive nights of trapping. Capture rates of sandhill dunnarts were greatest in one study region when the moon illumination was less than 40% compared with fuller moon phases but were not affected by moon illumination in the other study region. The results suggest that higher capture rates of sandhill dunnarts will be achieved when using wide, deep pitfall traps on dark nights during the first two nights of trapping. Trapping in summer detected more juvenile sandhill dunnarts than trapping in winter.
Dietary overlap between sympatric dingoes and feral cats at a semiarid rangeland site in Western Australia
Authors: Doherty Tim S.
Published: July 2015

The diet of sympatric dingoes and feral cats was studied in the semiarid southern rangelands of Western Australia. A total of 163 scats were collected over a period of 19 months. Rabbit remains were the most common food item in cat scats, followed by reptiles, small mammals and birds. Macropod remains were the most common food item in dingo scats, followed by rabbits and birds. Dingo scats did not contain small mammal remains, and infrequently contained arthropod and reptile remains. Cat and dingo scats contained remains from 11 and six mammal species, respectively. Of the small mammals, cat scats contained rodent remains more frequently than those of dasyurids. Dietary diversity of cats was higher than for dingoes and dietary overlap between the two species was relatively low.