bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potency of umbilical cord blood- and Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells for scarless wound healing
Authors: Doi Hanako , Kitajima Yuriko , Luo Lan , Yan Chan , Tateishi Seiko , Ono Yusuke , Urata Yoshishige , Goto Shinji , Mori Ryoichi , Masuzaki Hideaki , Shimokawa Isao , Hirano Akiyoshi , Li Tao-Sheng
Published: January 2016

Postnatally, scars occur as a consequence of cutaneous wound healing. Scarless wound healing is highly desired for patients who have undergone surgery or trauma, especially to exposed areas. Based on the properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for tissue repair and immunomodulation, we investigated the potential of MSCs for scarless wound healing. MSCs were expanded from umbilical cord blood (UCB-MSCs) and Wharton’s jelly (WJ-MSCs) from healthy donors who underwent elective full-term pregnancy caesarean sections. UCB-MSCs expressed lower levels of the pre-inflammatory cytokines IL1A and IL1B, but higher levels of the extracellular matrix (ECM)-degradation enzymes MMP1 and PLAU compared with WJ-MSCs, suggesting that UCB-MSCs were more likely to favor scarless wound healing. However, we failed to find significant benefits for stem cell therapy in improving wound healing and reducing collagen deposition following the direct injection of 1.0 × 105 UCB-MSCs and WJ-MSCs into 5 mm full-thickness skin defect sites in nude mice. Interestingly, the implantation of UCB-MSCs tended to increase the expression of MMP2 and PLAU, two proteases involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix in the wound tissues. Based on our data, UCB-MSCs are more likely to be a favorable potential stem cell source for scarless wound healing, although a better experimental model is required for confirmation.
Pigeons home faster through polluted air
Authors: Li Zhongqiu , Courchamp Franck , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: January 2016

Air pollution, especially haze pollution, is creating health issues for both humans and other animals. However, remarkably little is known about how animals behaviourally respond to air pollution. We used multiple linear regression to analyse 415 pigeon races in the North China Plain, an area with considerable air pollution and found that while the proportion of pigeons successfully homed was not influenced by air pollution, pigeons homed faster when the air was especially polluted. Our results may be explained by an enhanced homing motivation and possibly an enriched olfactory environment that facilitates homing. Our study provides a unique example of animals’ response to haze pollution; future studies are needed to identify proposed mechanisms underlying this effect.
Absence of IFNγ promotes hippocampal plasticity and enhances cognitive performance
Authors: Monteiro S , Ferreira F M , Pinto V , Roque S , Morais M , de Sá-Calçada D , Mota C , Correia-Neves M , Cerqueira J J
Published: January 2016

Cognitive functioning can be differentially modulated by components of the immune system. Interferon-γ (IFNγ) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine whose production is altered in many conditions displaying some degree of cognitive deficits, although its role in cognitive functioning is still unclear. Here we show that the absence of IFNγ selectively enhances cognitive behaviours in tasks in which the hippocampus is implicated. Moreover, the absence of IFNγ leads to volumetric and cell density changes that are restricted to the dorsal part of the hippocampus. In the dorsal hippocampus, the absence of this pro-inflammatory cytokine leads to an increase in the numbers of newly born neurons in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus (DG), an adult neurogenic niche known to support learning and memory, and to an enlargement of the dendritic arborization of DG granule and cornu ammonis (CA)1 pyramidal neurons. Moreover, it also modestly impacts synaptic plasticity, by decreasing the paired-pulse facilitation in the Schaffer collateral to CA1 pyramidal cell synapses. Taken together, our results provide evidence that IFNγ is a negative regulator of hippocampal functioning, as its absence positively impacts on dorsal hippocampus structure, cell density, neuronal morphology and synaptic plasticity. Importantly, these neuroplastic changes are associated with improved performance in learning and memory tasks. Therefore, blockage of the IFNγ signalling may present as promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of inflammation-associated cognitive dysfunction.
A comprehensive analysis of NDST3 for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in Han Chinese
Authors: Zhang C , Lu W , Wang Z , Ni J , Zhang J , Tang W , Fang Y
Published: January 2016

A novel susceptibility locus (rs11098403) for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD) was identified in an Ashkenazi Jewish population by a recent large-scale genome-wide association study. The rs11098403 is located in the vicinity of the gene encoding N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase (heparan glucosaminyl) 3, (NDST3). This study aimed to replicate the results in a Han Chinese population and then potentially extend these findings. We performed a two-stage study to investigate the association of NDST3 with the schizophrenia and BD risk in the Han Chinese. In stage 1, a total of 632 patients with schizophrenia, 654 patients with BD and 684 healthy controls were recruited from the Shanghai region. In stage 2, 522 schizophrenia patients and 547 normal subjects were enrolled from the Hangzhou region. Then, we conducted a meta-analysis based on the present literature. In stage 1, the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11098403 showed a significant association with schizophrenia (corrected P=0.005). The frequency of the rs11098403 G allele was significantly lower among schizophrenia patients than among the controls (odds ratio (OR)=0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55−0.84, corrected P=0.002). No significant difference was observed in individual SNP marker genotypes or allele distributions between the BD and control groups. In stage 2, the association of rs11098403 with schizophrenia could be validated (genotypic P=0.001 and allelic P=0.0003). After pooling all data from 1861 patients with schizophrenia and 2081 controls, we observed a significant association of the rs11098403 G allele with schizophrenia (Z=5.56, P<0.001), with an OR=0.70 (95% CI: 0.61−0.79). Then, we performed an expression quantitative trait loci analysis to investigate the functional effect of rs11098403 on NDST3 expression in the brain. We observed a significant association of rs11098403 with NDST3 expression in the hippocampus (P=0.027), although the significance did not survive after multiple testing correction. Our findings provided preliminary evidence that rs11098403 might modify the genetic risk of schizophrenia in the Han Chinese. Further investigations are warranted to identify the precise mechanism regulating brain NDST3 expression in the Han Chinese. These results would help to explain the pathophysiological mechanism of schizophrenia.
Dysfunction in the coagulation system and schizophrenia
Authors: Hoirisch-Clapauch S , Amaral O B , Mezzasalma M A U , Panizzutti R , Nardi A E
Published: January 2016

Although different hypotheses have been formulated to explain schizophrenia pathogenesis, the links between them are weak. The observation that five psychotic patients on chronic warfarin therapy for deep-vein thrombosis showed long-term remission of psychotic symptoms made us suspect that abnormalities in the coagulation pathway, specifically low tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) activity, could be one of the missing links. Our hypothesis is supported by a high prevalence of conditions affecting tPA activity in drug-naive schizophrenia, such as antiphospholipid antibodies, elevated cytokine levels, hyperinsulinemia and hyperhomocysteinemia. We recently screened a group of schizophrenia patients and controls for conditions affecting tPA activity. Free-protein S deficiency was highly prevalent among patients, but not found in controls. Free-protein S and functional protein C are natural anticoagulants that form complexes that inhibit tPA inhibitors. All participants had normal protein C levels, suggesting that protein S could have a role in schizophrenia, independent of protein C. Chronic patients and those studied during acute episodes had between three and six conditions affecting tPA and/or protein S activity, while patients in remission had up to two, which led us to postulate that multiple conditions affecting tPA and/or protein S activity could contribute to the full expression of schizophrenia phenotype. This paper describes the physiological roles of tPA and protein S, reviewing how their activity influences pathogenesis and comorbidity of schizophrenia. Next, it analyzes how activity of tPA and protein S is influenced by biochemical abnormalities found in schizophrenia. Last, it suggests future directions for research, such as studies on animal models and on therapeutic approaches for schizophrenia aiming at increasing tPA and protein S activity.
Nanomaterial size distribution analysis via liquid nebulization coupled with ion mobility spectrometry (LN-IMS)
Authors: Jeon Seongho , Oberreit Derek R. , Van Schooneveld Gary , Hogan Christopher J.
Published: January 2016

Ion mobility spectrometry is used for nanomaterial size distribution measurement without the need of electrospray based aerosolization.
Label-free mapping of single bacterial cells using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Panxue , Pang Shintaro , Chen Juhong , McLandsborough Lynne , Nugen Sam R. , Fan Mingtao , He Lili
Published: January 2016

Here we presented a simple, rapid and label-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) based mapping method for the detection and discrimination ofSalmonella entericaandEscherichia coli onsilver dendrites.
Therapeutic drug monitoring in dried blood spots using liquid microjunction surface sampling and high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Gaissmaier Tanja , Siebenhaar Markus , Todorova Vanya , Hüllen Volker , Hopf Carsten
Published: January 2016

Dried blood spots (DBS) are a versatile and stable tool for direct clinical blood analysis. We demonstrate the utility of liquid microjunction surface sampling technology in combination with an Orbitrap mass spectrometer for direct quantification of multiple drugs in DBS.
Polymerized-complex method for preparation of supported bimetallic alloy and monometallic nanoparticles
Authors: Li Pingyun , Li Fengsheng , Deng Guodong , Guo Xiaode , Liu Hongying , Jiang Wei , Wang Tianhe
Published: January 2016

Herein, we report a novel polymerized complex method for preparation of Ni–Pd, Ni–Pt, Cu–Pt alloy, Pt, Pd, Ag, Ni, Cu nanoparticles. The grain sizes and crystalline phases of these nanoparticles can be controlled.
Synthesis, structure and reactivity of [TmBut]ZnH, a monomeric terminal zinc hydride compound in a sulfur-rich coordination environment: access to a heterobimetallic compound
Authors: Kreider-Mueller Ava , Quinlivan Patrick J. , Rauch Michael , Owen Jonathan S. , Parkin Gerard
Published: January 2016

The zinc hydride complex, [TmBut]ZnH, undergoes insertion of CO2 and facile protolytic cleavage, of which the latter provides access to heterobimetallic [TmBut]ZnMo(CO)3Cp.
Spectroscopic evidence for the formation of pentalene+ in the dissociative ionization of naphthalene
Authors: Bouwman Jordy , de Haas Arjen J. , Oomens Jos
Published: January 2016

Acetylene loss from the naphthalene cation yields pentalene+, providing the first experimental evidence for (6–6) to (5–7) membered ring isomerization.
NiO nanowall-assisted growth of thick carbon nanofiber layers on metal wires for fiber supercapacitors
Authors: Zhu Guoyin , Chen Jun , Zhang Ziqiang , Kang Qi , Feng Xiaomiao , Li Yi , Huang Zhendong , Wang Lianhui , Ma Yanwen
Published: January 2016

Carbon nanofibers were grown on Kovar metal wires to construct fiber electrodes, which were assembled to a high capacitive fiber supercapacitor by pairing two of them with the assistance of polymer solid electrolyte.
Inverted hybrid CdSe–polymer solar cells adopting PEDOT:PSS/MoO3 as dual hole transport layers
Authors: Zhu Leize , Richardson Beau J. , Yu Qiuming
Published: January 2016

A dual hole transport layer with PEDOT:PSS/MoO3 provides an effective way to enhance the performance of inverted hybrid CdSe–polymer solar cells.
Photonic vortices induced in a single-component phototropic liquid crystal
Authors: Dradrach K. , Bartkiewicz S. , Miniewicz A.
Published: January 2016

Using the direct coupling mechanism of light with a liquid via molecular absorption, i.e. the opto-thermal effect, we demonstrate the formation of well-controlled three-dimensional circular flows, i.e. a toroidal vortex, inside the liquid crystal (LC) droplet placed on a glass plate in its isotropic phase.
Two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy of neat ice Ih
Authors: Shi Liang , Skinner J. L. , Jansen Thomas L. C.
Published: January 2016

The assignment of the distinct peaks observed in the OH stretch lineshape of ice Ih is controversial. In contrast to a resent experimental interpretation we find that excitonic cross peaks exist between the dominant exciton states. Opposed to common cases the transition dipole directions between these coupled states are uncorrelated.
Interaction of a conjugated polyaromatic molecule with a single dangling bond quantum dot on a hydrogenated semiconductor
Authors: Godlewski Szymon , Kolmer Marek , Engelund Mads , Kawai Hiroyo , Zuzak Rafal , Garcia-Lekue Aran , Saeys Mark , Echavarren Antonio M. , Joachim Christian , Sanchez-Portal Daniel , Szymonski Marek
Published: January 2016

Starphene molecules are weakly attached to single dangling bond quantum dots, retaining the unperturbed originally designed electronic properties.
Excited-state localization and energy transfer in pyrene core dendrimers with fluorene/carbazole as the dendrons and acetylene as the linkages
Authors: Yan Linyin , Wan Yan , Xia Andong , Lin Sheng Hien , Huang Ran
Published: January 2016

Multi-scale theoretical model and spectra simulation for dendrimers combining TD-DFT/DFT and semi-empirical methods.
Solution growth of Ta-doped hematite nanorods for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting: a tradeoff between electronic structure and nanostructure evolution
Authors: Fu Yanming , Dong Chung-Li , Zhou Zhaohui , Lee Wan-Yi , Chen Jie , Guo Penghui , Zhao Liang , Shen Shaohua
Published: January 2016

Significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical performance was achieved over a Ta doped α-Fe2O3 photoanode for the modified electronic structure and the well-preserved nanorod nanostructure.
Radical-based regioselective cross-coupling of indoles and cycloalkanes
Authors: Xiu Jianmin , Yi Wenbin
Published: January 2016

An investigation on regiochemistry of radical functionalization of indoles using cycloalkanes through di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP)-promoted C(sp3)–H activation was conducted. A wide range of indoles bearing substituents at different position was functionalized directly with simple cycloalkanes in moderate to high regioselctivity.
Facile access to N-substituted anilines via dehydrogenative aromatization catalysis over supported gold–palladium bimetallic nanoparticles
Authors: Taniguchi Kento , Jin Xiongjie , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: January 2016

In the presence of a gold–palladium alloy nanoparticle catalyst (Au–Pd/Al2O3) and styrene, various kinds of structurally diverse N-substituted anilines (twenty three examples) could be synthesized starting from cyclohexanones and amines.
Local structure of the metal–organic perovskite dimethylammonium manganese(ii) formate
Authors: Duncan Helen D. , Dove Martin T. , Keen David A. , Phillips Anthony E.
Published: January 2016

Total neutron scattering data suggest new geometries for transient hydrogen bonding in a disordered metal–organic framework.
Density functional theory investigations on the binding modes of amidoximes with uranyl ions
Authors: Yang Chuting , Pei Shuqi , Chen Baihua , Ye Lina , Yu Haizhu , Hu Sheng
Published: January 2016

η1-O of tautomerized amidoximes and η1-O/η2-N–O of anionic amidoximes are all plausible coordination modes for amidoximes in ligating uranyl ions.
Permanently porous hydrogen-bonded frameworks of rod-like thiophenes, selenophenes, and tellurophenes capped with MIDA boronates
Authors: Li Peng-Fei , Qian Chenxi , Lough Alan J. , Ozin Geoffrey A. , Seferos Dwight S.
Published: January 2016

Permanently porous hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks comprising rod-like molecules with two MIDA boronate termini have been prepared.
Quantum chemistry of the oxygen evolution reaction on cobalt(ii,iii) oxide – implications for designing the optimal catalyst
Authors: Plaisance Craig P. , Reuter Karsten , van Santen Rutger A.
Published: January 2016

Density functional theory is used to examine the changes in electronic structure that occur during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyzed by active sites on three different surface terminations of Co3O4. These three active sites have reactive oxo species with differing degrees of coordination by Co cations – a μ3-oxo on the (311) surface, a μ2-oxo on the (110)-A surface, and an η-oxo on the (110)-B surface. The kinetically relevant step on all surfaces over a wide range of applied potentials is the nucleophilic addition of water to the oxo, which is responsible for formation of the O–O bond. The intrinsic reactivity of a site for this step is found to increase as the coordination of the oxo decreases with the μ3-oxo on the (311) surface being the least reactive and the η-oxo on the (110)-B surface being the most reactive. A detailed analysis of the electronic changes occurring during water addition on the three sites reveals that this trend is due to both a decrease in the attractive local Madelung potential on the oxo and a decrease in electron withdrawal from the oxo by Co neighbors. Applying a similar electronic structure analysis to the oxidation steps preceding water addition in the catalytic cycle shows that analogous electronic changes occur during this process, explaining a correlation observed between the oxidation potential of a site and its intrinsic reactivity for water addition. This concept is then used to specify criteria for the design of an optimal OER catalyst at a given applied potential.
A free-standing LiFePO4–carbon paper hybrid cathode for flexible lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Kretschmer Katja , Sun Bing , Xie Xiuqiang , Chen Shuangqiang , Wang Guoxiu
Published: January 2016

A shell of LiFePO4nano-crystals was grownin situon carbonized cellulose paper, which can be employed as a cathode in a LIB system with no polymeric binder, conducting additives or metallic current collectors needed.
A large-scale synthesis of heteroatom (N and S) co-doped hierarchically porous carbon (HPC) derived from polyquaternium for superior oxygen reduction reactivity
Authors: Wu Mingjie , Qiao Jinli , Li Kaixi , Zhou Xuejun , Liu Yuyu , Zhang Jiujun
Published: January 2016

A simple, large-scale and green synthetic route is demonstrated for the preparation of polyquaternium derived heteroatom (N and S) co-doped hierarchically porous carbon (HPC).
Visible light mediated upgrading of biomass to biofuel
Authors: Verma Sanny , Nasir Baig R. B. , Nadagouda Mallikarjuna N. , Varma Rajender S.
Published: January 2016

Heterogenized bimetallic Ag–Pd nanoparticles on graphitic carbon nitride (AgPd@g-C3N4) promote upgrading of biofuel via hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin under visible light irradiation using formic acid as a hydrogen source.
Sub-7-second genotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphism by high-resolution melting curve analysis on a thermal digital microfluidic device
Authors: Chen Tianlan , Jia Yanwei , Dong Cheng , Gao Jie , Mak Pui-In , Martins Rui P.
Published: January 2016

A novel thermal digital microfluidic (T-DMF) device enables precise thermal modulation and pipelined measurement of multiple samples. Ultrafast DNA melting curve analysis is achieved in less than 7 seconds, with the resolution adequate for single-nucleotide discrimination.
Roles of Escherichia coli ZinT in cobalt, mercury and cadmium resistance and structural insights into the metal binding mechanism
Authors: Colaço H. G. , Santo P. E. , Matias P. M. , Bandeiras T. M. , Vicente J. B.
Published: January 2016

Structural-functional platform unravels new roles for ZinT in cobalt, mercury and cadmium resistance, providing clues into the metal binding mechanism.
In vitro investigation of the interaction between the hepatitis C virus drug sofosbuvir and human serum albumin through 1H NMR, molecular docking, and spectroscopic analyses
Authors: Yang Hongqin , Huang Yanmei , Wu Di , Yan Jin , He Jiawei , Li Hui
Published: January 2016

The qualitative and quantitative investigation of sofosbuvir and HSA interaction provides a convictive explanation for its binding mechanism.
Synthesis of cinnolines via Rh(iii)-catalysed dehydrogenative C–H/N–H functionalization: aggregation induced emission and cell imaging
Authors: Mayakrishnan Sivakalai , Arun Yuvaraj , Balachandran Chandrasekar , Emi Nobuhiko , Muralidharan Doraiswamy , Perumal Paramasivan Thirumalai
Published: January 2016

Rh(iii) catalysed C–H/N–H functionalization was developed to construct cinnolines. These compounds exhibit prominent fluorescence properties and successfully applied in the cancer cell imaging.
A facile one-pot synthesis of 2,3-diarylated benzo[b]furans via relay NHC and palladium catalysis
Authors: Jia Yanyan , Li Tuanjie , Yu Chenxia , Jiang Bo , Yao Changsheng
Published: January 2016

An efficient one-pot synthesis of 2,3-diarylated benzo[b]furans was realized through the relay catalysis of N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) and palladium from substituted 2′-bromodiphenylbromomethanes and aryl aldehydes.
Total synthesis of (±)-epithuriferic acid methyl ester via Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Koprowski Marek , Bałczewski Piotr , Owsianik Krzysztof , Różycka-Sokołowska Ewa , Marciniak Bernard
Published: January 2016

The first total synthesis of (±)-epithuriferic acid methyl ester from non-natural sources, in four steps (20% overall yield) is reported in this paper.
Synthesis and biophysical properties of (l)-aTNA based G-quadruplexes
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Gothelf Kurt V.
Published: January 2016

Novel G-quadruplex structures are constructed by acyclic (l)-threninol nucleic acid and their synthesis and biophysical properties are described.
Influence of high energy milling on the microstructure and magnetic properties of the Al–Cu–Fe phases: the case of the i-Al64Cu23Fe13quasicrystalline and the ω-Al70Cu20Fe10crystalline phases
Authors: Pillaca Quispe Mirtha , Landauro Carlos V. , Pinto Vergara Milida Z. , Quispe-Marcatoma Justiniano , Rojas-Ayala Chachi , Peña-Rodríguez Víctor A. , Baggio-Saitovitch Elisa
Published: January 2016

The effect of mechanical milling in i-Al64Cu23Fe13quasicrystalline and ω-Al70Cu20Fe10crystalline phases is systematically investigated in the present work.
Dimethyl yellow-based colorimetric chemosensors for “naked eye” detection of Cr3+ in aqueous media via test papers
Authors: Wang De-Hui , Zhang Yuan , Sun Ran , Zhao De-Zhi
Published: January 2016

New dimethyl yellow-based dipodal receptors as colorimetric probes were designed and synthesised for selectively sensing Cr3+ in a “naked eye” output manner via test papers.
Enhanced electrochemical performance of lamellar structured Co–Ni(OH)2/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via hydrothermal synthesis
Authors: Tiruneh Sintayehu Nibret , Kang Bong Kyun , Ngoc Quang Tran , Yoon Dae Ho
Published: January 2016

Lamellar Co–Ni(OH)2/rGO structures were synthesized and electrochemical properties were improved due to the unique structure and enhanced crystallinity. Also, exhibited long term stability even if high mass loading was used in electrode fabrication.
Synthesis, properties and evaluation of biological activity of herbicidal ionic liquids with 4-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)butanoate anion
Authors: Pernak Juliusz , Niemczak Michał , Materna Katarzyna , Żelechowski Krzysztof , Marcinkowska Katarzyna , Praczyk Tadeusz
Published: January 2016

In this study, fourteen new herbicidal ionic liquids (HILs) based on MCPB with a 1-alkyl-1-methylpiperidinium cation were synthesized and characterized.
π-Conjugated dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole (DTP) oligomers for organic thin-film transistors
Authors: Lin Gaobo , Qin Yunke , Guan Ying-Shi , Xu Hai , Xu Wei , Zhu Daoben
Published: January 2016

Two new molecules consisting of coplanar electron-donating dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole (DTP) as the donor unit and electron-withdrawing dicyanovinylene as the acceptor block, DTP-L and DTP-S, were synthesized.
Interaction of Cd(ii) and Ni(ii) terpyridine complexes with model polynucleotides: a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Barone G. , Gennaro G. , Giuliani A. M. , Giustini M.
Published: January 2016

The study of the intercalation of both complexes, evidenced by CD and fluorescence spectroscopy and supported by QM/MM calculations, broadens the experimental and theoretical background on drugs/DNA interactions.
Reactivity of norbornene esters in ring-opening metathesis polymerization initiated by a N-chelating Hoveyda II type catalyst
Authors: Kiselev S. A. , Lenev D. A. , Lyapkov A. A. , Semakin S. V. , Bozhenkova G. , Verpoort F. , Ashirov R. V.
Published: January 2016

The reactivity and activation parameters for the ROMP of eight norbornene esters in the presence of a N-chelating Hoveyda–Grubbs II type catalyst were determined. Kinetic studies prove that these parameters highly depend on the monomer structures.
Morphology and emission behavior tuning of fluorescent composites using CO2 expanded liquids
Authors: Cheng Xiaomeng , Huang Shuaishuai , Li Hongping , An Na , Wang Qian , Li Yu
Published: January 2016

CO2-expanded liquids were used to develop a promising fluorescent probe, the self-assembled fluorescent composite formed between the dye molecule and P4VP-b-PS.
Silicon dioxide@graphene oxide-graft-poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) as an advanced hybrid nanofiller reinforces poly(l-lactide)
Authors: Guo-Wang Pei-Yao , Ding Jian-Xun , Guo Wei , Wu Hui-Yong , Wei Jun-Chao , Dai Yan-Feng , Deng Feng-Jie
Published: January 2016

A novel poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) (PBLG)-modified SiO2@graphene oxide nanofiller (SiO2@GO-g-PBLG) was prepared. The hybrid nanofiller can maintain stable in organic phase, and greatly enhance the mechanical properties of poly(l-lactide).
Correction: In situ solution polymerization for preparation of MDI-modified graphene/hyperbranched poly(ether imide) nanocomposites and their properties
Authors: Li Quantao , Chen Wenqiu , Yan Wei , Zhang Quanyuan , Yi Changfeng , Wang Xianbao , Xu Zushun
Published: January 2016

Correction for ‘In situ solution polymerization for preparation of MDI-modified graphene/hyperbranched poly(ether imide) nanocomposites and their properties’ by Quantao Li et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 716–729.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance in p-type polycrystalline SnSe benefiting from texture modulation
Authors: Fu Yajie , Xu Jingtao , Liu Guo-Qiang , Yang Jingkai , Tan Xiaojian , Liu Zhu , Qin Haiming , Shao Hezhu , Jiang Haochuan , Liang Bo , Jiang Jun
Published: January 2016

The power factor was significantly enhanced benefiting from texture modulation, resulting in aZTof ∼1.0 in p-type polycrystalline SnSe.
A possible new mechanism and drug intervention for kidney damage due to arsenic poisoning in rats
Authors: Xu Yu-yan , Zeng Qi-bing , Yao Mao-lin , Yu Chun , Li Jun , Zhang Ai-hua
Published: January 2016

Immune suppression may be one of the mechanisms underlying arsenic-induced kidney damage and that Ginkgo biloba might relieve kidney damage by enhancing immune function.
Wide dynamic range linear‐logarithmic CMOS image sensor using photogate and cascode MOSFET
Authors: Bae M. , Jo S.‐H. , Choi B.‐S. , Lee H.H. , Choi P. , Shin J.‐K.
Published: January 2016

A wide dynamic range CMOS image sensor is proposed, exhibiting a linear response at a low illumination level and a logarithmic response at a high illumination level. To maintain high sensitivity and to improve the dynamic range of the proposed pixel, a cascode MOSFET is integrated into the structure of the proposed pixel, along with a photogate. The applied photogate voltage reduces the sensitivity of the proposed pixel under the linear response regime, at a moderate illumination level. Under high illumination levels, the biased cascode MOSFET serves as a voltage‐light‐dependent active load and is responsible for logarithmic operation. The dynamic range of the proposed pixel can be improved by adjusting the sensitivity and the basis of the logarithmic response.
Broadband circularly‐polarised chifre‐shaped monopole antenna with asymmetric feed
Authors: Han Rong‐Cang , Zhong Shun‐Shi
Published: January 2016

A broadband circularly‐polarised monopole antenna is proposed. The broadband property of the antenna is basically achieved not only by the chifre‐shaped monopole radiator, but also its asymmetric feed. The circular‐polarisation characteristics are greatly enhanced by adjusting the location of the monopole microstrip‐feed. The antenna delivers good performance on impedance matching and circular polarisation. The measured results demonstrate that the impedance bandwidth is 72% and the 3‐dB axial‐ratio bandwidth reaches 41.6% with a central frequency of 2.5 GHz.
Zero‐padding block transmission for underwater optical wireless communications
Authors: Xu Hao , Zhu Yi‐Jun , Zhang Yan‐Yu
Published: January 2016

An underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) system is considered. For such system, a zero‐padding (ZP) block‐transmission scheme is presented to reduce the influence of inter‐symbol‐interference. Simulation results, which are based on the existing experimental data of channel pulse response, show that ZP system is effective especially for serious dispersive channel with high data rates and thus, potentially applicable to the high data rate UOWC systems.
Return to Play in Athletes Receiving Cervical Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Molinari Robert W. , Pagarigan Krystle , Dettori Joseph R. , Molinari Robert , Dehaven Kenneth E.
Published: January 2016

Study Design

Systematic review.

Clinical Questions

Among athletes who undergo surgery of the cervical spine, (1) What proportion return to play (RTP) after their cervical surgery? (2) Does the proportion of those cleared for RTP depend on the type of surgical procedure (artificial disk replacement, fusion, nonfusion foraminotomies/laminoplasties), number of levels (1, 2, or more levels), or type of sport? (3) Among those who return to their presurgery sport, how long do they continue to play? (4) Among those who return to their presurgery sport, how does their postoperative performance compare with their preoperative performance?

Objectives

To evaluate the extent and quality of published literature on the topic of return to competitive athletic completion after cervical spinal surgery.

Methods

Electronic databases and reference lists of key articles published up to August 19, 2015, were searched to identify studies reporting the proportion of athletes who RTP after cervical spine surgery.

Results

Nine observational, retrospective series consisting of 175 patients were included. Seven reported on professional athletes and two on recreational athletes. Seventy-five percent (76/102) of professional athletes returned to their respective sport following surgery for mostly cervical herniated disks. Seventy-six percent of recreational athletes (51/67) age 10 to 42 years RTP in a variety of sports following surgery for mostly herniated disks. No snowboarder returned to snowboarding (0/6) following surgery for cervical fractures. Most professional football players and baseball pitchers returned to their respective sport at their presurgery performance level.

Conclusions

RTP decisions after cervical spine surgery remain controversial, and there is a paucity of existing literature on this topic. Successful return to competitive sports is well described after single-level anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion surgery for herniated disk. RTP outcomes involving other cervical spine diagnoses and surgical procedures remain unclear. Additional quality research is needed on this topic.
Low-noise kinetic inductance traveling-wave amplifier using three-wave mixing
Authors: Vissers M. R. , Erickson R. P. , Ku H.-S. , Vale Leila , Wu Xian , Hilton G. C. , Pappas D. P.
Published: January 2016

We have fabricated a wide-bandwidth, high dynamic range, low-noise cryogenic amplifier based on a superconducting kinetic inductance traveling-wave device. The device was made from NbTiN and consisted of a long, coplanar waveguide on a silicon chip. By adding a DC current and an RF pump tone, we are able to generate parametric amplification using three-wave mixing (3WM). The devices exhibit gain of more than 15 dB across an instantaneous bandwidth from 4 to 8 GHz. The total usable gain bandwidth, including both sides of the signal-idler gain region, is more than 6 GHz. The noise referred to the input of the devices approaches the quantum limit, with less than 1 photon excess noise. We compare these results directly to the four-wave mixing amplification mode, i.e., without DC-biasing. We find that the 3WM mode allows operation with the pump at lower RF power and at frequencies far from the signal. We have used this knowledge to redesign the amplifiers to utilize primarily 3WM amplification, thereby allowing for direct integration into large scale qubit and detector applications.
Matrix exponentials, SU(N) group elements, and real polynomial roots
Authors: Van Kortryk T. S.
Published: January 2016

The exponential of an N × N matrix can always be expressed as a matrix polynomial of order N − 1. In particular, a general group element for the fundamental representation of SU(N) can be expressed as a matrix polynomial of order N − 1 in a traceless N × N hermitian generating matrix, with polynomial coefficients consisting of elementary trigonometric functions dependent on N − 2 invariants in addition to the group parameter. These invariants are just angles determined by the direction of a real N-vector whose components are the eigenvalues of the hermitian matrix. Equivalently, the eigenvalues are given by projecting the vertices of an N−1-simplex onto a particular axis passing through the center of the simplex. The orientation of the simplex relative to this axis determines the angular invariants and hence the real eigenvalues of the matrix.
Droplet shaped anode double layer and electron sheath formation in magnetically constricted anode
Authors: Chauhan S. , Ranjan M. , Bandyopadhyay M. , Mukherjee S.
Published: January 2016

Anode double layer and droplet shaped fireball are found in a magnetically constricted anode. The disc shaped anode is constricted using permanent magnets. The device has only one anode and vacuum chamber acts as cathode. Plasma is created through glow discharge by applying high voltage between the anode and the cathode. Large size droplet shaped glow is obtained near the anode and is shown to have a double layer structure. Discharge is operated in pressure range from 5×10−3 mbar to 5×10−2 mbar keeping discharge current between 1 and 10 mA. Typical plasma density obtained near anode is 1×1010 cm−3. The profile of plasma potential clearly shows two distinct regions with potential difference of 15.6 V at the boundary of anode glow. The potential difference is close to the ionization potential of Argon gas, which is used during the experiment. This distinct region is visible as bright anode glow and dark “bulk plasma” fill the chamber. This indicates the presence of the double layer formation. The role of magnetic field is also discussed in the formation of the glow, its shape, and the plasma potential profile.
Composition dependent Fermi level shifting of Au decorated MoS2 nanosheets
Authors: Shakya Jyoti , Patel Arun Singh , Singh Fouran , Mohanty Tanuja
Published: January 2016

In the present work, shifting of Fermi level of MoS2 nanosheets due to decoration of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) is reported. Au NPs are grown on MoS2 nanosheets by chemical reduction method. The structural analysis of pristine MoS2 and Au NPs decorated MoS2 has been done using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The effect of Au NPs decoration on the Fermi energy level of MoS2 nanosheets have been monitored by scanning Kelvin probe microscopy, which measures the work function in terms of contact potential difference. The work function of pristine MoS2 is found to be 4.994 eV, and it increases linearly for Au-MoS2 with increasing concentration of Au NPs. The gradual increase in the work function values indicate a systematic shifting of Fermi energy level of MoS2 towards valence band due to decoration of Au NPs.
Analytical carrier density and quantum capacitance for graphene
Authors: Wang Lingfei , Wang Wei , Xu Guangwei , Ji Zhuoyu , Lu Nianduan , Li Ling , Liu Ming
Published: January 2016

A disorder based analytical carrier density for graphene is presented here. The carrier density, a basic property of all semiconductors, is obtained based on exponential distribution describing the potential fluctuations induced by impurities and shows good agreement with numerical results. The quantum capacitance is subsequently derived from the carrier density, with a good agreement with experimental measurements. A method for extracting the gate coupling function is also proposed, which relates the internal surface potential with the external applied gate voltage. The essential properties of graphene device physics, such as the temperature, material disorder, and surface potential dependences, are captured in these analytical equations.
Plasmon-enhanced random lasing in bio-compatible networks of cellulose nanofibers
Authors: Zhang R. , Knitter S. , Liew S. F. , Omenetto F. G. , Reinhard B. M. , Cao H. , Dal Negro L.
Published: January 2016

We report on plasmon-enhanced random lasing in bio-compatible light emitting Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC) nanofiber networks doped with gold nanoparticles. HPC nanofibers with a diameter of 260 ± 30 nm were synthesized by a one step, cost-effective and facile electrospinning technique from a solution-containing Rhodamine 6G and Au nanoparticles. Nanoparticles of controlled diameters from 10 nm to 80 nm were dispersed inside the nanofibers and optically characterized using photoluminescence, dark-field spectroscopy, and coherent backscattering measurements. Plasmon-enhanced random lasing was demonstrated with a lower threshold than that in dye-doped identical HPC networks without Au nanoparticles. These findings provide an effective approach for plasmon-enhanced random lasers based on a bio-compatible host matrix that is particularly attractive for biophotonic applications such as fluorescence sensing, optical tagging, and detection.
Piezoresistive behavior of porous carbon nanotube-thermoplastic polyurethane conductive nanocomposites with ultrahigh compressibility
Authors: Liu Hu , Huang Wenju , Gao Jiachen , Dai Kun , Zheng Guoqiang , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu , Yan Xingru , Guo Jiang , Guo Zhanhu
Published: January 2016

Ultrahigh compressibility has been observed in the lightweight porous carbon nanotube (CNT)-thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites prepared by the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) technique. The porous structure has significantly reduced the density to approximately 0.1 g·cm−3. The nanocomposites prepared with a sonication time of 16 min and a filler content of 0.51 vol. % possess uniform CNT distribution and show the highest saturated electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the observed CNT-dependent cell structure changes indicate that the added CNTs favor the formation of thicker and stronger cell structure to enhance its reproductivity as a piezoresistive sensor. Piezoresistive behaviors were then conducted under stepwise and cyclic compression. The porous nanocomposites possess fast sensing capacity over a wide strain range (up to 90%). In addition, good piezoresistive recoverability and reproducibility were observed in the nanocomposites after stabilization by cyclic compression. This study provides a guideline for fabricating porous electrically conductive nanocomposites as promising candidates for the flexible, high sensitive, and stable piezoresistance sensors.
Spin-transfer torque based damping control of parametrically excited spin waves in a magnetic insulator
Authors: Lauer V. , Bozhko D. A. , Brächer T. , Pirro P. , Vasyuchka V. I. , Serga A. A. , Jungfleisch M. B. , Agrawal M. , Kobljanskyj Yu. V. , Melkov G. A. , Dubs C. , Hillebrands B. , Chumak A. V.
Published: January 2016

The damping of spin waves parametrically excited in the magnetic insulator Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG) is controlled by a dc current passed through an adjacent normal-metal film. The experiment is performed on a macroscopically sized YIG(100 nm)/Pt(10 nm) bilayer of 4 × 2 mm2 lateral dimensions. The spin-wave relaxation frequency is determined via the threshold of the parametric instability measured by Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy. The application of a dc current to the Pt film leads to the formation of a spin-polarized electron current normal to the film plane due to the spin Hall effect. This spin current exerts a spin transfer torque in the YIG film and, thus, changes the spin-wave damping. Depending on the polarity of the applied dc current with respect to the magnetization direction, the damping can be increased or decreased. The magnitude of its variation is proportional to the applied current. A variation in the relaxation frequency of ±7.5% is achieved for an applied dc current density of 5 × 1010 A/m2.
Two-dimensional silica: Structural, mechanical properties, and strain-induced band gap tuning
Authors: Gao Enlai , Xie Bo , Xu Zhiping
Published: January 2016

Two-dimensional silica is of rising interests not only for its practical applications as insulating layers in nanoelectronics, but also as a model material to understand crystals and glasses. In this study, we examine structural and electronic properties of hexagonal and haeckelite phases of silica bilayers by performing first-principles calculations. We find that the corner-sharing SiO4 tetrahedrons in these two phases are locally similar. The robustness and resilience of these tetrahedrons under mechanical perturbation allow effective strain engineering of the electronic structures with band gaps covering a very wide range, from of that for insulators, to wide-, and even narrow-gap semiconductors. These findings suggest that the flexible 2D silica holds great promises in developing nanoelectronic devices with strain-tunable performance, and lay the ground for the understanding of crystalline and vitreous phases in 2D, where bilayer silica provides an ideal test-bed.
Origin of the c-axis ultraincompressibility of Mo2GaC above about 15 GPa from first principles
Authors: Qing-He Gao , Zhi-Jun Xu , Ling Tang , Jin Li , An Du , Yun-Dong Guo , Ze-Jin Yang
Published: January 2016

The mechanical properties and structural evolution of Mo2GaC are calculated by first-principles under pressure. Our results unexpectedly found that the c axis is always stiffer than a axis within 0–100 GPa. An ultraincompressibility of c axis within 15–60 GPa is observed, with a contraction of about 0.2 Å, slightly larger than that of a axis (0.14 Å). The abnormal expansion of c axis and the fast decrease in a axis above about 15 GPa and 70 GPa failed to induce the structural instability, whereas such behavior caused the elastic softening in many mechanical quantities. The shrinkage anomaly of c axis is closely reflected by the internal coordinate (u) shift of Mo atom as it shows three different slopes within 0–15 GPa, 20–60 GPa, and 70–100 GPa, respectively. The longest Mo-Mo bond is responsible for the unusual shrinkage of c-axis under pressure as they experience nearly identical pressure dependences, whereas the a axis presents certain response with the variation of C-Mo bond particularly at 70 GPa. The electronic properties are investigated, including the energy band and density of states, and so on. At G point of K-M line, the energy decreases at 10 GPa first and increases at 30 GPa subsequently, the critical point is at about 15 GPa, with respective values of −0.17 of 0 GPa, −0.18 of 10 GPa, −0.16 of 15 GPa, and −0.13 of 30 GPa, respectively. This alternative energy change of G point, which is the symmetry center of the rhombic parallelogram of Ga atoms and the midpoint of the two bonded Mo atoms, convincingly reveal the origin of the anomalous ultraincompressibility of c axis as the Mo-Mo bond length shrinkage has to overcome the increasing energy barrier height. The Mo-Mo bond population and the electronegativity investigations of the Mo atom further reveal the most likely origin of the ultraincompressibility of c axis. This interesting result expects further experimental confirmation as this is the first nanolaminate ceramics compound presenting quite low-pressure axial ultraincompressibility.
Synaptic devices based on purely electronic memristors
Authors: Pan Ruobing , Li Jun , Zhuge Fei , Zhu Liqiang , Liang Lingyan , Zhang Hongliang , Gao Junhua , Cao Hongtao , Fu Bing , Li Kang
Published: January 2016

Memristive devices have been widely employed to emulate biological synaptic behavior. In these cases, the memristive switching generally originates from electrical field induced ion migration or Joule heating induced phase change. In this letter, the Ti/ZnO/Pt structure was found to show memristive switching ascribed to a carrier trapping/detrapping of the trap sites (e.g., oxygen vacancies or zinc interstitials) in ZnO. The carrier trapping/detrapping level can be controllably adjusted by regulating the current compliance level or voltage amplitude. Multi-level conductance states can, therefore, be realized in such memristive device. The spike-timing-dependent plasticity, an important Hebbian learning rule, has been implemented in this type of synaptic device. Compared with filamentary-type memristive devices, purely electronic memristors have potential to reduce their energy consumption and work more stably and reliably, since no structural distortion occurs.
Control of magnetic relaxation by electric-field-induced ferroelectric phase transition and inhomogeneous domain switching
Authors: Nan Tianxiang , Emori Satoru , Peng Bin , Wang Xinjun , Hu Zhongqiang , Xie Li , Gao Yuan , Lin Hwaider , Jiao Jie , Luo Haosu , Budil David , Jones John G. , Howe Brandon M. , Brown Gail J. , Liu Ming , Sun Nian
Published: January 2016

Electric-field modulation of magnetism in strain-mediated multiferroic heterostructures is considered a promising scheme for enabling memory and magnetic microwave devices with ultralow power consumption. However, it is not well understood how electric-field-induced strain influences magnetic relaxation, an important physical process for device applications. Here, we investigate resonant magnetization dynamics in ferromagnet/ferroelectric multiferroic heterostructures, FeGaB/PMN-PT and NiFe/PMN-PT, in two distinct strain states provided by electric-field-induced ferroelectric phase transition. The strain not only modifies magnetic anisotropy but also magnetic relaxation. In FeGaB/PMN-PT, we observe a nearly two-fold change in intrinsic Gilbert damping by electric field, which is attributed to strain-induced tuning of spin-orbit coupling. By contrast, a small but measurable change in extrinsic linewidth broadening is attributed to inhomogeneous ferroelastic domain switching during the phase transition of the PMN-PT substrate.