bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vanillic acid attenuates Aβ1-42-induced oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in mice
Authors: Amin Faiz Ul , Shah Shahid Ali , Kim Myeong Ok
Published: January 2017

Increasing evidence demonstrates that β-amyloid (Aβ) elicits oxidative stress, which contributes to the pathogenesis and disease progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aims of the present study were to determine and explore the antioxidant nature and potential mechanism of vanillic acid (VA) in Aβ1-42-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation mediated cognitive impairment in mice. An intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Aβ1-42 into the mouse brain triggered increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, neuroinflammation, synaptic deficits, memory impairment, and neurodegeneration. In contrast, the i.p. (intraperitoneal) administration of VA (30 mg/kg, for 3 weeks) after Aβ1-42-injection enhanced glutathione levels (GSH) and abrogated ROS generation accompanied by an induction of the endogenous nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) via the activation of Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) in the brain mice. Additionally, VA treatment decreased Aβ1-42-induced neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammation and improved synaptic and cognitive deficits. Moreover, VA was nontoxic to HT22 cells and increased cell viability after Aβ1-42 exposure. To our knowledge, this study is the first to reveal the neuroprotective effect of VA against Aβ1-42-induced neurotoxicity. Our findings demonstrate that VA could potentially serve as a novel, promising, and accessible neuroprotective agent against progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.
Hepatitis B virus X protein is capable of down-regulating protein level of host antiviral protein APOBEC3G
Authors: Chen Ruidong , Zhao Xue , Wang Yongxiang , Xie Youhua , Liu Jing
Published: January 2017

The apolipoprotein B mRNA editing catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) family proteins bind RNA and single-stranded DNA, and create C-to-U base modifications through cytidine deaminase activity. APOBEC3G restricts human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection by creating hypermutations in proviral DNA, while HIV-1-encoded vif protein antagonizes such restriction by targeting APOBEC3G for degradation. APOBEC3G also inhibits hepatitis B virus (HBV): APOBEC3G co-expression inhibits HBV replication and evidences exist indicating APOBEC3G-mediated HBV hypermutations in patients. HBV encodes a small non-structural X protein (HBx) with a recognized activating effect on HBV life cycle. In this work, we report the discovery that HBx selectively and dose-dependently decreases the protein level of co-expressed APOBEC3G in transfected Huh-7 cells. The effect was shown to take place post-translationally, but does not rely on protein degradation via proteasome or lysosome. Further work demonstrated that intracellular APOBEC3G is normally exported via exosome secretion and inhibition of exosome biogenesis causes retention of intracellular APOBEC3G. Finally, HBx co-expression specifically enhanced externalization of APOBEC3G via exosomes, resulting in decrease of intracellular APOBEC3G protein level. These data suggest the possibility that in addition to other mechanisms, HBx-mediated activation of HBV might also involve antagonizing of intracellular restriction factor APOBEC3G through promotion of its export.
Different Volumetric Measurement Methods for Pituitary Adenomas and Their Crucial Clinical Significance
Authors: Chuang Chi-Cheng , Lin Shinn-Yn , Pai Ping-Ching , Yan Jiun-Lin , Toh Cheng-Hong , Lee Shih-Tseng , Wei Kuo-Chen , Liu Zhuo-Hao , Chen Chung-Ming , Wang Yu-Chi , Lee Cheng-Chi
Published: January 2017

Confirming the status of residual tumors is crucial. In stationary or spontaneous regression cases, early treatments are inappropriate. The long-used geometric calculation formula is 1/2 (length × width × height). However, it yields only rough estimates and is particularly unreliable for irregularly shaped masses. In our study, we attempted to propose a more accurate method. Between 2004 and 2014, 94 patients with pituitary tumors were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery and received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The pre- and postoperative volumes calculated using the traditional formula were termed A1 and A2, and those calculated using the proposed method were termed O1 and O2, respectively. Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed no significant difference between the A1 and O1 groups (P = 0.1810) but a significant difference between the A2 and O2 groups (P < 0.0001). Significant differences were present in the extent of resection (P < 0.0001), high-grade cavernous sinus invasion (P = 0.0312), and irregular shape (P = 0.0116). Volume is crucial in evaluating tumor status and determining treatment. Therefore, a more scientific method is especially useful when lesions are irregularly shaped or when treatment is determined exclusively based on the tumor volume.
New hydrate formation methods in a liquid-gas medium
Authors: Chernov A. A. , Pil’nik A. A. , Elistratov D. S. , Mezentsev I. V. , Meleshkin A. V. , Bartashevich M. V. , Vlasenko M. G.
Published: January 2017

Conceptually new methods of hydrate formation are proposed. The first one is based on the shock wave impact on a water-bubble medium. It is shown that the hydrate formation rate in this process is typically very high. A gas hydrate of carbon dioxide was produced. The process was experimentally studied using various initial conditions, as well as different external action magnitudes. The obtained experimental data are in good agreement with the proposed model. Other methods are based on the process of boiling liquefied gas in an enclosed volume of water (explosive boiling of a hydrating agent and the organization of cyclic boiling-condensation process). The key features of the methods are the high hydrate formation rate combined with a comparatively low power consumption leading to a great expected efficiency of the technologies based on them. The set of experiments was carried out. Gas hydrates of refrigerant R134a, carbon dioxide and propane were produced. The investigation of decomposition of a generated gas hydrate sample was made. The criteria of intensification of the hydrate formation process are formulated.
Chemical bonding in aqueous hexacyano cobaltate from photon- and electron-detection perspectives
Authors: Lalithambika Sreeju Sreekantan Nair , Atak Kaan , Seidel Robert , Neubauer Antje , Brandenburg Tim , Xiao Jie , Winter Bernd , Aziz Emad F.
Published: January 2017

The electronic structure of the [Co(CN)6]3− complex dissolved in water is studied using X-ray spectroscopy techniques. By combining electron and photon detection methods from the solutions ionized or excited by soft X-rays we experimentally identify chemical bonding between the metal center and the CN ligand. Non-resonant photoelectron spectroscopy provides solute electron binding energies, and nitrogen 1 s and cobalt 2p resonant core-level photoelectron spectroscopy identifies overlap between metal and ligand orbitals. By probing resonances we are able to qualitatively determine the ligand versus metal character of the respective occupied and non-occupied orbitals, purely by experiment. For the same excitations we also detect the emitted X-rays, yielding the complementary resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectra. For a quantitative interpretation of the spectra, we perform theoretical electronic-structure calculations. The latter provide both orbital energies and orbital character which are found to be in good agreement with experimental energies and with experimentally inferred orbital mixing. We also report calculated X-ray absorption spectra, which in conjunction with our orbital-structure analysis, enables us to quantify various bonding interactions with a particular focus on the water-solvent – ligand interaction and the strength of π-backbonding between metal and ligand.
Clinical Roles of Lung Volumes Detected by Body Plethysmography and Helium Dilution in Asthmatic Patients: A Correlation and Diagnosis Analysis
Authors: Luo Jian , Liu Dan , Chen Guo , Liang Binmiao , Liu Chuntao
Published: January 2017

Roles of lung volumes in asthma remain controversial. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lung volumes in differentiating asthma severity levels. Consecutive outpatients with chronic persistent asthma were enrolled, and body plethysmography (BP) and helium dilution (HD) were performed simultaneously to extract RV%pred, TLC%pred, and RV/TLC. Significant negative correlations were found between FEV1%pred and RV%pred (r = −0.557, P < 0.001), TLC%pred (r = −0.387, P < 0.001), and RV/TLC (r = −0.485, P < 0.001) measured by BP, as well as difference in volumes between these two techniques (ΔRV%pred, ΔTLC%pred and ΔRV/TLC). In mild and moderate asthma, AUC of RV%pred detected by BP and ΔTLC%pred was 0.723 (95%CI 0.571–0.874, P = 0.005) and 0.739 (95%CI 0.607–0.872, P = 0.002) with sensitivity and specificity being 79.41% and 88.24%, and 65.22% and 56.52% at cut-off of 145.40% and 14.23%, respectively. In moderate and severe asthma, AUC of RV%pred detected by BP and ΔTLC%pred was 0.782 (95%CI 0.671–0.893, P < 0.001) and 0.788 (95%CI 0.681–0.894, P < 0.002) with sensitivity and specificity being 77.78% and 97.22%, and 73.53% and 52.94% at cut-off of 179.85% and 20.22%, respectively. In conclusion, lung volumes are reliable complement of FEV1 in identifying asthma severity levels.
Optogenetic Modulation of Urinary Bladder Contraction for Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction
Authors: Park Jae Hong , Hong Jin Ki , Jang Ja Yun , An Jieun , Lee Kyu-Sung , Kang Tong Mook , Shin Hyun Joon , Suh Jun-Kyo Francis
Published: January 2017

As current clinical approaches for lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction such as pharmacological and electrical stimulation treatments lack target specificity, thus resulting in suboptimal outcomes with various side effects, a better treatment modality with spatial and temporal target-specificity is necessary. In this study, we delivered optogenetic membrane proteins, such as channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) and halorhodopsin (NpHR), to bladder smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of mice using either the Cre-loxp transgenic system or a viral transfection method. The results showed that depolarizing ChR2-SMCs with blue light induced bladder contraction, whereas hyperpolarizing NpHR-SMCs with yellow light suppressed PGE2-induced overactive contraction. We also confirmed that optogenetic contraction of bladder smooth muscles in this study is not neurogenic, but solely myogenic, and that optogenetic light stimulation can modulate the urination in vivo. This study thus demonstrated the utility of optogenetic modulation of smooth muscle as a means to actively control the urinary bladder contraction with spatial and temporal accuracy. These features would increase the efficacy of bladder control in LUT dysfunctions without the side effects of conventional clinical therapies.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Raccoon Dog Skin to Determine Melanin Content in Hair and Melanin Distribution in Skin
Authors: Du Zhanyu , Huang Kai , Zhao Jiaping , Song Xingchao , Xing Xiumei , Wu Qiong , Zhang Linbo , Xu Chao
Published: January 2017

The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is an important canid fur-bearing animal species worldwide. Chinese raccoon dogs that present a white mutation, especially those with a white coat. Exploring melanin biosynthesis in the hair and skin of raccoon dogs is important for understanding the survival and evolutionary mechanisms of them. In this study, we measured the content of melanin in the hair of two types of raccoon dog and generated stained slices of skin tissue. The results indicated that melanin biosynthesis occurs in the wild-type (W) and white-type (B) raccoon dog skin, although less melanin is produced in B skin. We then sequenced the skin transcriptomes of W and B, compared the similarities and differences in expressed genes. A comparison of the gene expression showed 60 up-regulated genes and 127 down-regulated genes in B skin. We analyzed the unigenes and pathways related to the melanogenesis pathway and found that TYR, TYRP1, MC1R, SLC24a5, SLC45a2 and OCA2 were significantly down-regulated in B skin and these results were verified via qRT-PCR. We surmised that the phenotypic characteristics of the white mutation might be caused by the reduced expression of these genes and this finding provides new insights for future experiments in raccoon dogs.
Crystal structure of Sec10, a subunit of the exocyst complex
Authors: Chen Jianxing , Yamagata Atsushi , Kubota Keiko , Sato Yusuke , Goto-Ito Sakurako , Fukai Shuya
Published: January 2017

The exocyst complex is a heterooctameric protein complex composed of Sec3, Sec5, Sec6, Sec8, Sec10, Sec15, Exo70 and Exo84. This complex plays an essential role in trafficking secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane through its interaction with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and small GTPases. To date, the near-full-length structural information of each subunit has been limited to Exo70, although the C-terminal half structures of Sec6, Sec15 and Exo84 and the structures of the small GTPase-binding domains of Sec3, Sec5 and Exo84 have been reported. Here, we report the crystal structure of the near-full-length zebrafish Sec10 (zSec10) at 2.73 Å resolution. The structure of zSec10 consists of tandem antiparallel helix bundles that form a straight rod, like helical core regions of other exocyst subunits. This structure provides the first atomic details of Sec10, which may be useful for future functional and structural studies of this subunit and the exocyst complex.
Reduced graphene oxide as a stable and high-capacity cathode material for Na-ion batteries
Authors: Ali Ghulam , Mehmood Asad , Ha Heung Yong , Kim Jaehoon , Chung Kyung Yoon
Published: January 2017

We report the feasibility of using reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as a cost-effective and high performance cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Graphene oxide is synthesized by a modified Hummers’ method and reduced using a solid-state microwave irradiation method. The RGO electrode delivers an exceptionally stable discharge capacity of 240 mAh g−1 with a stable long cycling up to 1000 cycles. A discharge capacity of 134 mAh g−1 is obtained at a high current density of 600 mA g−1, and the electrode recovers a capacity of 230 mAh g−1 when the current density is reset to 15 mA g−1 after deep cycling, thus demonstrating the excellent stability of the electrode with sodium de/intercalation. The successful use of the RGO electrode demonstrated in this study is expected to facilitate the emergence of low-cost and sustainable carbon-based materials for SIB cathode applications.
Enhancing dielectric permittivity for energy-storage devices through tricritical phenomenon
Authors: Gao Jinghui , Wang Yan , Liu Yongbin , Hu Xinghao , Ke Xiaoqin , Zhong Lisheng , He Yuting , Ren Xiaobing
Published: January 2017

Although dielectric energy-storing devices are frequently used in high voltage level, the fast growing on the portable and wearable electronics have been increasing the demand on the energy-storing devices at finite electric field strength. This paper proposes an approach on enhancing energy density under low electric field through compositionally inducing tricriticality in Ba(Ti,Sn)O3ferroelectric material system with enlarged dielectric response. The optimal dielectric permittivity at tricritical point can reach toεr = 5.4 × 104, and the associated energy density goes to around 30 mJ/cm3at the electric field of 10 kV/cm, which exceeds most of the selected ferroelectric materials at the same field strength. The microstructure nature for such a tricritical behavior shows polarization inhomogeneity in nanometeric scale, which indicates a large polarizability under external electric field. Further phenomenological Landau modeling suggests that large dielectric permittivity and energy density can be ascribed to the vanishing of energy barrier for polarization altering caused by tricriticality. Our results may shed light on developing energy-storing dielectrics with large permittivity and energy density at low electric field.
Molecular mechanism of the allosteric regulation of the αγ heterodimer of human NAD-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase
Authors: Ma Tengfei , Peng Yingjie , Huang Wei , Ding Jianping
Published: January 2017

Human NAD-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase catalyzes the decarboxylation of isocitrate (ICT) into α-ketoglutarate in the Krebs cycle. It exists as the α2βγ heterotetramer composed of the αβ and αγ heterodimers. Previously, we have demonstrated biochemically that the α2βγ heterotetramer and αγ heterodimer can be allosterically activated by citrate (CIT) and ADP. In this work, we report the crystal structures of the αγ heterodimer with the γ subunit bound without or with different activators. Structural analyses show that CIT, ADP and Mg2+ bind adjacent to each other at the allosteric site. The CIT binding induces conformational changes at the allosteric site, which are transmitted to the active site through the heterodimer interface, leading to stabilization of the ICT binding at the active site and thus activation of the enzyme. The ADP binding induces no further conformational changes but enhances the CIT binding through Mg2+-mediated interactions, yielding a synergistic activation effect. ICT can also bind to the CIT-binding subsite, which induces similar conformational changes but exhibits a weaker activation effect. The functional roles of the key residues are verified by mutagenesis, kinetic and structural studies. Our structural and functional data together reveal the molecular mechanism of the allosteric regulation of the αγ heterodimer.
Dispersion of nonresonant third-order nonlinearities in Silicon Carbide
Authors: De Leonardis Francesco , Soref Richard A. , Passaro Vittorio M. N.
Published: January 2017

In this paper we present a physical discussion of the indirect two-photon absorption (TPA) occuring in silicon carbide with either cubic or wurtzite structure. Phonon-electron interaction is analyzed by finding the phonon features involved in the process as depending upon the crystal symmetry. Consistent physical assumptions about the phonon-electron scattering mechanisms are proposed in order to give a mathematical formulation to predict the wavelength dispersion of TPA and the Kerr nonlinear refractive index n2. The TPA spectrum is investigated including the effects of band nonparabolicity and the influence of the continuum exciton. Moreover, a parametric analysis is presented in order to fit the experimental measurements. Finally, we have estimated the n2 in a large wavelength range spanning the visible to the mid-IR region.
Remote cooling by a novel thermal lens with anisotropic positive thermal conductivity
Authors: Sun Fei , He Sailing
Published: January 2017

A novel thermal lens that can achieve a remote cooling effect is designed by transformation thermodynamics. The effective distance between the separate hot source and cold source is shortened by our shelled thermal lens without any negative thermal conductivity. Numerical simulations verify the performance of our thermal lens. Based on the effective medium theory, we also propose a practical way to realize our lens using two-layered isotropic thermal media that are both found in nature. The proposed thermal lens will have potential applications in remote temperature control and in creating other thermal illusions.
Adolescents display distinctive tolerance to ambiguity and to uncertainty during risky decision making
Authors: van den Bos Wouter , Hertwig Ralph
Published: January 2017

Although actuarial data indicate that risk-taking behavior peaks in adolescence, laboratory evidence for this developmental spike remains scarce. One possible explanation for this incongruity is that in the real world adolescents often have only vague information about the potential consequences of their behavior and the likelihoods of those consequences, whereas in the lab these are often clearly stated. How do adolescents behave under such more realistic conditions of ambiguity and uncertainty? We asked 105 participants aged from 8 to 22 years to make three types of choices: (1) choices between options whose possible outcomes and probabilities were fully described (choices under risk); (2) choices between options whose possible outcomes were described but whose probability information was incomplete (choices under ambiguity), and (3) choices between unknown options whose possible outcomes and probabilities could be explored (choices under uncertainty). Relative to children and adults, two adolescent-specific markers emerged. First, adolescents were more accepting of ambiguity; second, they were also more accepting of uncertainty (as indicated by shorter pre-decisional search). Furthermore, this tolerance of the unknown was associated with motivational, but not cognitive, factors. These findings offer novel insights into the psychology of adolescent risk taking.
A lab-on-a-chip for monolith-based preconcentration and electrophoresis separation of phosphopeptides
Authors: Araya-Farias Monica , Dziomba Szymon , Carbonnier Benjamin , Guerrouache Mohamed , Ayed Ichraf , Aboud Nacera , Taverna Myriam , Tran N. Thuy
Published: January 2017

A real μTAS integrating monolith-based IMAC enrichment, electrophoresis separation and fluorescence detection of phosphopeptides is reported for the first time.
Assessment of coulometric array electrochemical detection coupled with HPLC-UV for the absolute quantitation of pharmaceuticals
Authors: Hicks Michael B. , Salituro Leah , Mangion Ian , Schafer Wes , Xiang Rong , Gong Xiaoyi , Welch Christopher J.
Published: January 2017

A novel approach for the absolute quantitation of pharmaceuticals without standards using a flow-through coulometric array detector and the known electrochemical redox conversion applying Faraday's law,Q=N/Fn.
Affibody-targeted fluorogen activating protein for in vivo tumor imaging
Authors: Wang Yi , Ballou Byron , Schmidt Brigitte F. , Andreko Sue , St. Croix Claudette M. , Watkins Simon C. , Bruchez Marcel P.
Published: January 2017

Compact molecular imaging reagents made of affibody-fused fluorogen activating proteins enable high-contrast imaging or pre-targeting and rapid fluorescent detection.
Supramolecular hydrogel directed self-assembly of C- and N-doped hollow CuO as high-performance anode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Lyu Fucong , Yu Sicen , Li Minchan , Wang Zhenyu , Nan Bo , Wu Shaofei , Cao Lujie , Sun Zhifang , Yang Mingyang , Wang Wenxi , Shang Chaoqun , Lu Zhouguang
Published: January 2017

In situreduction of Cu2+and hydrogel-directed self-assembly into a hollow Cu/Cu2O nanocomposites with homogeneous C, N doping.
Multi-enzyme cascade reactions using protein–polymer surfactant self-standing films
Authors: Farrugia Thomas , Perriman Adam W. , Sharma Kamendra P. , Mann Stephen
Published: January 2017

Self-supporting bio-catalytically active multi-enzyme films fabricated via hierarchical assembly of enzyme–polymer surfactant nanoconjugates are capable of sustaining cascade reactions.
Synthesis of cyclohexylidenehydrazine-fused polycyclics via a photocatalytic radical cascade reaction of 2-ethynylaldehyde hydrazones
Authors: Zhou Nengneng , Liu Jing , Yan Zhongfei , Wu Zhongkai , Zhang Honglin , Li Weipeng , Zhu Chengjian
Published: January 2017

A general and efficient visible-light photoredox-catalyzed cascade annulation of 2-ethynylaldehyde hydrazones with α-bromo-carbonyls for the synthesis of various cyclohexylidenehydrazine-fused polycyclic compounds is described.
Self-assembly, self-sorting, and electronic properties of a diketopyrrolopyrrole hydrogelator
Authors: Draper Emily R. , Dietrich Bart , Adams Dave J.
Published: January 2017

A functionalised diketopyrrolopyrrole can be used to form hydrogels which can be used as part of a photoconductive system.
A single-molecule FRET sensor for monitoring DNA synthesis in real time
Authors: Fijen Carel , Montón Silva Alejandro , Hochkoeppler Alejandro , Hohlbein Johannes
Published: January 2017

We developed a versatile DNA assay and framework for monitoring polymerization of DNA in real time and at the single-molecule level.
The molecular rotational motion of liquid ethanol studied by ultrafast time resolved infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Deng Gang-hua , Shen Yuneng , He Zhigang , Zhang Qiang , Jiang Bo , Yuan Kaijun , Wu Guorong , Yang Xueming
Published: January 2017

In this report, ultrafast time-resolved infrared spectroscopy is used to study the rotational motion of the liquid ethanol molecule.
Photocleavage of coumarin dimers studied by femtosecond UV transient absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Man , Paul Nicholas , Bieniek Nikolai , Buckup Tiago , Hampp Norbert , Motzkus Marcus
Published: January 2017

Coumarins are a class of UV absorbing compounds which exhibit fast, photoinduced cyclobutane ring formation and cleavage reactions.
Changing the dehydrogenation pathway of LiBH4–MgH2via nanosized lithiated TiO2
Authors: Puszkiel J. A. , Castro Riglos M. V. , Karimi F. , Santoru A. , Pistidda C. , Klassen T. , Bellosta von Colbe J. M. , Dornheim M.
Published: January 2017

Nanosized lithiated titanium oxide (LixTiO2) noticeably improves the kinetic behaviour of 2LiBH4 + MgH2.
Hybrid host materials for highly efficient electrophosphorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence independent of the linkage mode
Authors: Wu Chao , Guo Qingxun , Ma Wujun , Li Xiaoping , Qiu Panlong , Hu Jianyong , Wang Qiang , Chen Jiangshan , Ma Dongge
Published: January 2017

Three non-conjugated bipolar hybrid host materials with different molecular structures but similar optoelectronic properties have been synthesized and characterized.
Vacancies in functional materials for clean energy storage and harvesting: the perfect imperfection
Authors: Li Guowei , Blake Graeme R. , Palstra Thomas T. M.
Published: January 2017

Manipulating vacancies in functional materials offers scientists a powerful tool to design advanced materials for clean energy applications.
Oxygen vacancy ordering in SrFe0.25Co0.75O2.63perovskite material
Authors: Fernández Sanjulián Javier , Chennabasappa Madhu , García-Martín Susana , Nénert Gwilherm , Wattiaux Alain , Gaudin Etienne , Toulemonde Olivier
Published: January 2017

An oxygen-vacancy ordering related to the “314” model known for the Sr3Y1Co4O10.5oxide is proposed for Sr4FeCo3O10.52material despite there is neither A-site ordering nor A-site mismatch.
A hydrothermally grown CdS nanograin-sensitized 1D Zr:α-Fe2O3/FTO photoanode for efficient solar-light-driven photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Mahadik Mahadeo A. , Subramanian Arunprabaharan , Ryu Jungho , Cho Min , Jang Jum Suk
Published: January 2017

A CdS nanograin sensitized 1D Zr:Fe2O3 nanorod arrays nanostructure was hydrothermally synthesized and showed an excellent photoelectrochemical performance due to the combined effect of light absorption in CdS and effective charge transport in one dimensional Zr:Fe2O3 nanorod arrays.
A new 3-D open-framework Li-rich vanadoborate and its high ionic conductivity after transforming into glasses
Authors: Liu Xinxin , Zhang Dan , Li He , Li Lingyun , Yuan Hongming
Published: January 2017

A Li-rich vanadoborate was transformed into its glassy phase at 220 °C, which then exhibits high ionic conductivity.
Sequence of phase transitions in (NH4)3SiF7
Authors: Mel'nikova S. V. , Molokeev M. S. , Laptash N. M. , Pogoreltsev E. I. , Misyul S. V. , Flerov I. N.
Published: January 2017

Single crystals of (NH4)3SiF7 were studied by the methods of polarization optics, X-ray diffraction and calorimetry.
Reproducible in vitro model for dystrophic calcification of cardiac valvular interstitial cells: insights into the mechanisms of calcific aortic valvular disease
Authors: Cirka Heather A. , Uribe Johana , Liang Vivian , Schoen Frederick J. , Billiar Kristen L.
Published: January 2017

Calcific aortic valvular disease (CAVD) is the most prevalent valvular pathology in the United States.
Versatile tissue lasers based on high-Q Fabry–Pérot microcavities
Authors: Chen Yu-Cheng , Chen Qiushu , Zhang Tingting , Wang Wenjie , Fan Xudong
Published: January 2017

Highly versatile tissue laser platform.
A DFT study to design super- and hyperacids with 1-(cyclopenta-2,4-dien-1-yl)-4-nitrobenzene and 3-(cyclopenta-2,4-dien-1-ylmethylene)-6-methylenecyclohexa-1,4-diene molecules
Authors: Si Mrinal Kanti , Ganguly Bishwajit
Published: January 2017

DFT calculations reveal that poly-cyano-substituted 1-(cyclopenta-2,4-dien-1-yl)-4-nitrobenzene and 3-(cyclopenta-2,4-dien-1-ylmethylene)-6-methylenecyclohexa-1,4-diene can function as super- to hyper-acids.
An I2-mediated cascade reaction of 2′-bromoacetophenones with benzohydrazides/benzamides leading to quinazolino[3,2-b]cinnoline or tryptanthrin derivatives
Authors: Guo Shenghai , Zhai Jianhui , Fan Xuesen
Published: January 2017

An efficient synthetic method toward two kinds of quinazolinone-fused tetracyclic compounds, including a brand-new ring system, is reported.
Electrospun tungsten trioxide nanofibers decorated with palladium oxide nanoparticles exhibiting enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Lee Hoik , Kim Myungwoong , Sohn Daewon , Kim Seong Hun , Oh Seong-Geun , Im Seung Soon , Kim Ick Soo
Published: January 2017

Tungsten trioxide (WO3) based nanofibers have many advantages as photocatalysts due to its band gap which fits with readily accessible light sources.
Correction: On the mechanism of Ni(ii)-promoted Michael-type hydroamination of acrylonitrile and its substituted derivatives
Authors: Lapointe S. , Zargarian D.
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘On the mechanism of Ni(ii)-promoted Michael-type hydroamination of acrylonitrile and its substituted derivatives’ by S. Lapointe et al., Dalton Trans., 2016, 45, 15800–15810.
Milrinone Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Neonates with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
Authors: Giaccone Annie , Zuppa Athena , Sood Beena , Cohen Meryl , O'Byrne Michael , Moorthy Ganesh , Mathur Amit , Kirpalani Haresh
Published: January 2017

Objective To describe the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of milrinone in infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and to explore the impact of age on milrinone disposition.

Design Randomized, open label pilot study.

Setting Multicenter; level 3 and level 4 neonatal intensive care units.

Patients Six infants ≥34 weeks' gestational age and <10 days of life with persistent hypoxemia receiving inhaled nitric oxide.

Intervention Intravenous milrinone lactate in one of two dosing regimens: (1) low dose, 20 mcg/kg bolus followed by 0.2 mcg/kg/minute, and (2) standard dose, 50 mcg/kg bolus followed by 0.5 mcg/kg/minute.

Measurements and Main Results The final structural model was a two-compartment disposition model with interindividual variability estimated on clearance (CL). The estimated value of CL is 7.65 mL/minute/3.4 kg (3.05 mL/minute/kg). The addition of age improved the precision of the CL estimate, and CL increased with chronological age in days. The oxygenation index was highly variable within each participant and improved with time. There were no observed safety concerns in either dosing group.

Conclusion The CL of milrinone in newborns with PPHN is reduced and increases with age. In this pilot study, we did not see significant pharmacodynamic or safety effects associated with drug exposure.
Deformed Calogero-Sutherland model and fractional quantum Hall effect
Authors: Atai Farrokh , Langmann Edwin
Published: January 2017

The deformed Calogero-Sutherland (CS) model is a quantum integrable system with arbitrary numbers of two types of particles and reducing to the standard CS model in special cases. We show that a known collective field description of the CS model, which is based on conformal field theory (CFT), is actually a collective field description of the deformed CS model. This provides a natural application of the deformed CS model in Wen’s effective field theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE), with the two kinds of particles corresponding to electrons and quasi-hole excitations. In particular, we use known mathematical results about super-Jack polynomials to obtain simple explicit formulas for the orthonormal CFT basis proposed by van Elburg and Schoutens in the context of the FQHE.
Modeling and simulations on the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves in sub-atmospheric pressure plasma slab
Authors: Wang Z. B. , Nie Q. Y. , Li B. W. , Kong F. R.
Published: January 2017

Sub-atmospheric pressure plasma slabs exhibit the feature of relatively high plasma number density and high collisional frequency between electrons and neutral gases, as well as similar thickness to the electromagnetic (EM) wavelength in communication bands. The propagation characteristics of EM waves in sub-atmospheric pressure plasma slabs are attracting much attention of the researchers due to their applications in the plasma antenna, the blackout effect during reentry, wave energy injection in the plasma, etc. In this paper, a numerical model with a one-dimensional assumption has been established and therefore, it is used for the investigations of the propagation characteristics of the EM waves in plasma slabs. In this model, the EM waves propagating in both sub-wavelength plasma slabs and plasmas with thicker slabs can be studied simultaneously, which is superior to the model with geometrical optics approximation. The influence of EM wave frequencies and collisional frequencies on the amplitude of the transmitted EM waves is discussed in typical plasma profiles. The results will be significant for deep understanding of the propagation behaviors of the EM waves in sub-atmospheric pressure nonuniform plasma slabs, as well as the applications of the interactions between EM waves and the sub-atmospheric pressure plasmas.
Fabrication of setup for high temperature thermal conductivity measurement
Authors: Patel Ashutosh , Pandey Sudhir K.
Published: January 2017

In this work, we report the fabrication of an experimental setup for high temperature thermal conductivity (κ) measurement. It can characterize samples with various dimensions and shapes. Steady state based axial heat flow technique is used for κ measurement. Heat loss is measured using parallel thermal conductance technique. Simple design, lightweight, and small size sample holder is developed by using a thin heater and limited components. Low heat loss value is achieved by using very low thermal conductive insulator block with small cross-sectional area. Power delivered to the heater is measured accurately by using 4-wire technique and for this, the heater is developed with 4 wires. This setup is validated by using Bi0.36Sb1.45Te3, polycrystalline bismuth, gadolinium, and alumina samples. The data obtained for these samples are found to be in good agreement with the reported data. The maximum deviation of 6% in the value κ is observed. This maximum deviation is observed with the gadolinium sample. We also report the thermal conductivity of polycrystalline tellurium from 320 K to 550 K and the nonmonotonous behavior of κ with temperature is observed.
Reduced quenching effects of organic gain media with metallic electrodes via introducing a conjugated macroelectrolyte interlayer
Authors: Yi Jianpeng , Huang Jinjin , Liu Chengfang , Lai Wen-Yong , Huang Wei
Published: January 2017

We have demonstrated amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) restoration and threshold reduction by introducing a novel water/alcohol soluble conjugated macroelectrolyte, tris(4-(7-(9,9-di(hexyl-1-N,N-diethanolamino)-9H-fluoren-2-yl)-9,9-di(hexyl-1-N,N-diethanolamino)-9H-fluoren-2-yl)phenyl)amine (TPAOH), serving as an interfacial layer between the gain media layer, dioctyl substituted polyfluorene (PFO), and the Ag electrode layer. By optimizing the film thickness of TPAOH, enhanced ASE performance has been achieved with the lowest threshold of 21 μJ/cm2, demonstrating 3.5-fold reduction from 74 μJ/cm2. Atomic force microscopy results showed good compatibility between the TPAOH film and the PFO layer. The results suggest a facile and low-cost solution-processing interfacial technique to construct efficient organic semiconductor lasers in the presence of metallic electrodes.
Field-induced inversion of resonant tunneling currents through single molecule junctions and the directional photo-electric effect
Authors: Kuperman Maayan , Peskin Uri
Published: January 2017

It has been known for several decades that the electric current through tunneling junctions is affected by irradiation. In particular, photon-assisted currents by asymmetric irradiation of the two leads was demonstrated and studied extensively in tunneling junctions of different compositions and for different radiation wavelengths. In this work, this phenomenon is revisited in the context of single molecule junctions. Restricting the theoretical discussion to adiabatic periodic driving of one lead with respect to the other within a non-interacting electron formulation, the main features of specific molecules are encoded in the discrete electronic energy levels. The detailed level structure of the molecule is shown to yield new effects in the presence of asymmetric driving of the leads. In particular, when the field-free tunneling process is dominated by a single electronic level, the electric current can be suppressed to zero or flow against the direction of an applied static bias. In the presence of a second electronic level, a directional photo-electric effect is predicted, where not only the magnitude but also the direction of the steady state electric current through the tunneling junction can be changed by a monotonous increase of the field intensity. These effects are analyzed and explained by outlying the relevant theory, using analytic expressions in the wide-band limit, as well as numerical simulations beyond this limit.
Relaxation dynamics of a multihierarchical polymer network
Authors: Jurjiu Aurel , Biter Teodor Lucian , Turcu Flaviu
Published: January 2017

In this work, we study the relaxation dynamics of a multihierarchical polymer network built by replicating the Vicsek fractal in dendrimer shape. The relaxation dynamics is investigated in the framework of the generalized Gaussian structure model by employing both Rouse and Zimm approaches. In the Rouse-type approach, we show the iterative procedure whereby the whole eigenvalue spectrum of the connectivity matrix of the multihierarchical structure can be obtained. Remarkably, the general picture that emerges from both approaches, even though we have a mixed growth algorithm, is that the obtained multihierarchical structure preserves the individual relaxation behaviors of its components. The theoretical findings with respect to the splitting of the intermediate domain of the relaxation quantities are well supported by experimental results.
Observation of strong magnetoelectric coupling and ferromagnetism at room temperature in Fe substituted ferroelectric BaZr0.05Ti0.95O3 thin films
Authors: Kumari Mukesh , Barrionuevo Diestra Danilo G. , Katiyar Ram , Shah Jyoti , Kotnala R. K. , Chatterjee Ratnamala
Published: January 2017

Single phase polycrystalline thin films (∼100 nm) of BaZr0.05(FexTi1−3x/4)0.95O3, with x = 0 (BZT) and 0.015 (BZFT15), were grown on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrate using pulsed laser deposition technique. Room temperature ferromagnetism with a remanent magnetization (Mr) ∼ 1.1 × 10−1 emu/cm3 and a coercive field (Hc) ∼ 0.1 kOe was observed in BZFT15 film. The ferroelectric domain switching in both BZT and BZFT15 films is confirmed by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). The magnetoelectric coupling coefficient (α) measured at room temperature in the BZFT15 film in in-plane magnetized-out of plane polarized configuration (L-T mode) was found to be ∼165 mV/cm Oe. It is argued that the observed ferromagnetism in BZFT15 films arises from the oxygen vacancy (Ov) mediated (Fe3+–Ov–Fe3+) exchange.
Note on Prodi-Serrin-Ladyzhenskaya type regularity criteria for the Navier-Stokes equations
Authors: Tran Chuong V. , Yu Xinwei
Published: January 2017

In this article, we prove new regularity criteria of the Prodi-Serrin-Ladyzhenskaya type for the Cauchy problem of the three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Our results improve the classical Lr(0,  T; Ls) regularity criteria for both velocity and pressure by factors of certain negative powers of the scaling invariant norms uL3 and uḢ1/2.
Analytical model of atomic-force-microscopy force curves in viscoelastic materials exhibiting power law relaxation
Authors: de Sousa J. S. , Santos J. A. C. , Barros E. B. , Alencar L. M. R. , Cruz W. T. , Ramos M. V. , Mendes Filho J.
Published: January 2017

We propose an analytical model for the force-indentation relationship in viscoelastic materials exhibiting a power law relaxation described by an exponent n, where n = 1 represents the standard viscoelastic solid (SLS) model and n < 1 represents a fractional SLS model. To validate the model, we perform nanoindentation measurements of polyacrylamide gels with atomic force microscopy (AFM) force curves. We found exponents n < 1 that depend on the bisacrylamide concentration. We also demonstrate that the fitting of AFM force curves for varying load speeds can reproduce the dynamic viscoelastic properties of those gels measured with dynamic force modulation methods.
Material and device properties of superacid-treated monolayer molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Alharbi Abdullah , Zahl Percy , Shahrjerdi Davood
Published: January 2017

We study the effects of chemical treatment with bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonimide superacid on material and device properties of monolayer molybdenum disulfide grown by chemical vapor deposition. Our spatially resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements and device studies reveal two key findings due to the chemical treatment: (1) noticeable transformation of trions to neutral excitons, and (2) over 7-fold reduction in the density of mid-gap trap states. Specifically, a combination of scanning Auger microscopy and PL mapping reveals that the superacid treatment is effective in passivating the sulfur-deficient regions.
Effect of parameter mismatch on the dynamics of strongly coupled self sustained oscillators
Authors: Chakrabarty Nilaj , Jain Aditya , Lal Nijil , Das Gupta Kantimay , Parmananda Punit
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we present an experimental setup and an associated mathematical model to study the synchronization of two self-sustained, strongly coupled, mechanical oscillators (metronomes). The effects of a small detuning in the internal parameters, namely, damping and frequency, have been studied. Our experimental system is a pair of spring wound mechanical metronomes; coupled by placing them on a common base, free to move along a horizontal direction. We designed a photodiode array based non-contact, non-magnetic position detection system driven by a microcontroller to record the instantaneous angular displacement of each oscillator and the small linear displacement of the base, coupling the two. In our system, the mass of the oscillating pendula forms a significant fraction of the total mass of the system, leading to strong coupling of the oscillators. We modified the internal mechanism of the spring-wound “clockwork” slightly, such that the natural frequency and the internal damping could be independently tuned. Stable synchronized and anti-synchronized states were observed as the difference in the parameters was varied in the experiments. The simulation results showed a rapid increase in the phase difference between the two oscillators beyond a certain threshold of parameter mismatch. Our simple model of the escapement mechanism did not reproduce a complete 180° out of phase state. However, the numerical simulations show that increased mismatch in parameters leads to a synchronized state with a large phase difference.
Hydrogen induced contrasting modes of initial nucleations of graphene on transition metal surfaces
Authors: Feng Yexin , Chen Keqiu , Li Xin-Zheng , Wang Enge , Zhang Lixin
Published: January 2017

Our first-principles calculations reveal that there exist contrasting modes of initial nucleations of graphene on transition metal surfaces, in which hydrogen plays the role. On Cu(100) and Cu(111) surfaces, an sp2-type network of carbons can be automatically formed with the help of hydrogen under very low carbon coverages. Thus, by tuning the chemical potential of hydrogen, both of the nucleation process and the following growth can be finely controlled. In contrast, on the Ni(111) surface, instead of hydrogen, the carbon coverage is the critical factor for the nucleation and growth. These findings serve as new insights for further improving the poor quality of the grown graphene on transition metal substrates.
Thermoelectric properties of orthorhombic group IV–VI monolayers from the first-principles calculations
Authors: Guo San-Dong , Wang Yue-Hua
Published: January 2017

Two-dimensional (2D) materials may have potential applications in thermoelectric devices. In this work, the thermoelectric properties of orthorhombic group IV–VI monolayers AB (A = Ge and Sn; B = S and Se) are systematically investigated by the first-principles calculations and semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory. The spin-orbit coupling (SOC) is considered for their electron part, which produces observable effects on the power factor, especially for n-type doping. According to the calculated ZT, the four monolayers exhibit diverse anisotropic thermoelectric properties although they have a similar hinge-like crystal structure. The GeS along zigzag and armchair directions shows the strongest anisotropy, while SnS and SnSe show mostly isotropic efficiency of thermoelectric conversion. This can be explained by the strength of anisotropy of their respective power factor and electronic and lattice thermal conductivities. The calculated results show that the ZT between n- and p-type doping has little difference for GeS, SnS, and SnSe. It is found that GeSe, SnS, and SnSe show better thermoelectric performance compared to GeS in n-type doping and that SnS and SnSe exhibit higher efficiency of thermoelectric conversion in p-type doping. Compared to other many 2D materials, orthorhombic group IV–VI monolayers AB (A = Ge and Sn; B = S and Se) may possess better thermoelectric performance due to lower lattice thermal conductivities. Our work would be beneficial to stimulate further theoretical and experimental works.
Observation of the Goos-Hänchen shift in graphene via weak measurements
Authors: Chen Shizhen , Mi Chengquan , Cai Liang , Liu Mengxia , Luo Hailu , Wen Shuangchun
Published: January 2017

We report the observation of the Goos-Hänchen effect in graphene via a weak value amplification scheme. We demonstrate that the amplified Goos-Hänchen shift in weak measurements is sensitive to the variation of graphene layers. Combining the Goos-Hänchen effect with weak measurements may provide important applications in characterizing the parameters of graphene.