bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agronomic performance of maize populations divergently selected for diferulate cross-linkage
Authors: SANTIAGO R. , BARROS-RIOS J. , ALVAREZ A. , MALVAR R. A.
Published: January 2016

The direct response of a divergent selection programme for total cell wall ester-linked diferulate concentration in maize pith stalk tissues and its indirect effect on cell wall degradability and corn borer resistance have been previously evaluated. Since increased total diferulate concentration is expected to improve crop performance in response to corn borers, the objective of the present research was to evaluate the indirect response of the divergent selection for diferulates on agronomic traits under corn borer infestation. For this purpose, five maize populations with contrasting total diferulate concentrations were evaluated four environments for performance under protected and infested conditions. Measured traits were: days to anthesis, days to silking, plant height, stalk lodging, grain moisture at harvest and grain yield. High diferulate populations showed a significant reduction in anthesis (precocity), and were 11 cm taller than the starting population, while low diferulate populations were 9 cm shorter, and showed nearly 1 t/ha lower grain yield than the original and high diferulate populations. The analysis showed that cycles of selection were positively correlated with flowering, plant height and grain yield. The infestations with borers produced >1 t/ha of reduction in grain yield; although the higher diferulate populations showed a better performance under infestation than the low diferulate populations. This positive effect on the grain yield by increasing diferulate content can be considered an extra in order to breed for resistance to corn borers.
BIASED TECHNICAL CHANGE, SCALE, AND FACTOR SUBSTITUTION IN U.S. MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
Authors: Chen Xi
Published: January 2016

Although a realistic characterization of the production function is critical to macroeconomic analysis, estimating the function's characteristics is hampered by both data limitations and methodological difficulties. In this paper, I develop a new empirical strategy for estimating the CES production function with biased technical change. The proposed method extends the control function approach to the CES specification to address endogeneity concerns and is able to retrieve sector-specific and time-varying estimates of technical change. Using data from U.S. manufacturing industries, I find evidence that (i) the production technology exhibits nonincreasing returns to scale, (ii) the elasticity of substitution between capital and labor is below unity, and (iii) technical change is generally labor-augmenting along the balanced growth path.
Genetic diversity in sorghum mini-core and elite rainy and post-rainy genotypes of India
Authors: Ganapathy Kuyyamudi Nanaiah , Rakshit Sujay , Gomashe Sunil Shriram , Audilakshmi Suri , Hariprasanna Krishna , Patil Jagannath Vishnu
Published: January 2016

Knowledge on genetic diversity is necessary to determine the relationships among the genotypes, which allow the selection of individual accessions for crop breeding programmes. The present study aimed at assessing the extent and pattern of genetic diversity within a set of 251 sorghum genotypes using SSR markers. A total of 393 alleles were detected from the 251 genotypes, with the number of alleles ranging from 2 (Xcup11) to 24 (Sb5-206) and an average of 10.07 alleles per primer pair. Pairwise Wright's FSTstatistic and Nei's genetic distance estimates revealed that the race and geographical origin were responsible for the pattern of diversity and structure in the genetic materials. In addition, the analysis also revealed high genetic differentiation between the rainy and post-rainy sorghum groups. Narrow diversity was observed among the different working groups in the rainy (restorers and varieties) and post-rainy (varieties and advanced breeding lines) sorghum groups. Neighbour-joining and STRUCTURE analysis also classified 44 elite lines broadly into two distinct groups (rainy and post-rainy). However, limited diversity within the rainy and post-rainy sorghum groups warranted an urgent need for the utilization of diverse germplasm accessions for broadening the genetic base of the Indian breeding programme. The diverse germplasm accessions identified from the mini-core accessions for utilization in breeding programmes are discussed.
Varietal and harvesting stage variation in the content of carotenoids, ascorbic acid and tocopherols in the fruit of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)
Authors: Dhillon Narinder P. S. , Lin Chung-Cheng , Sun Zhanyong , Hanson Peter M. , Ledesma Dolores R. , Habicht Sandra D. , Yang Ray-Yu
Published: January 2016

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is an important market vegetable in the tropics. The objectives of this study were to (1) conduct a preliminary evaluation of genetic diversity in bitter gourd flesh (without seeds) for phytonutrient (carotenoid, ascorbic acid and tocopherol) contents with the aim to understand which phytonutrients might be increased through breeding, (2) assess the association between fruit traits and phytonutrient contents and (3) evaluate the effect of the fruit harvest stage on phytonutrient contents. A total of 17 diverse bitter gourd entries of various commercial market types were evaluated for fruit traits and phytonutrient contents for 2 years. Significant differences (P= 0.05) among the entries were detected for total carotenoids, total tocopherols, dry matter and fruit traits. Mean total carotenoid contents of the entries ranged from 10 to 1335 μg/100 g fresh weight in year 1 and 10 to 1185 μg/100 g fresh weight in year 2. Mean ascorbic acid contents were 69 and 61 mg/100 g fresh weight in year 1 and year 2, respectively. Total tocopherol contents among the entries ranged from 480 to 1345 and 445 to 2145 μg/100 g fresh weight in year 1 and year 2, respectively. Total carotenoid and ascorbic acid contents were highest at 12 days after fruit set (DAFS), but total tocopherol contents were highest from 14 to 20 DAFS. A 100 g portion of bitter gourd fruit can meet 190, 17 and 8% of the recommended daily allowances of vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A, respectively, for adults.
C-reactive protein point-of-care testing and antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections in rural primary health centres of North Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yebyo Henock , Medhanyie Araya Abrha , Spigt Mark , Hopstaken Rogier
Published: January 2016

Unjustified antibiotic prescribing for acute upper respiratory infections (URTIs) is probably more common in poor-resource settings where physicians are scarce. Introducing C-reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care testing in such settings could reduce the misuse of antibiotics, which could avert antibiotic resistance. However, information useful for the applicability of CRP test in resource-limited settings is lacking. This study aimed to elicit the frequency of antibiotic prescribing and distribution of CRP levels in remote, rural settings in Ethiopia. We included 414 patients with acute URTIs from four health centres. Health professionals recorded the clinical features of the patients, but the laboratory professionals measured the CRP levels of all patients at the point of care. The most prominent respiratory causes for consultation were acute URTIs combined (44.4%), and lower respiratory tract infections—pneumonia (29.71%) and acute bronchitis (25.84%). The CRP distribution was <20 mg/l, 20–99 mg/l and 100 mg/l or more in 66.6%, 27.9% and 5.5% of the patients, respectively. The CRP levels were significantly different among these clinical diagnoses (X2=114.3, P<0.001, d.f.=4). A wide range of antibiotics was administered for 87.8% of the patients, regardless of the diagnostic or prognostic nature of their diseases. Antibiotic prescribing for acute URTIs in the rural areas of Ethiopia is unduly high, with high proportions of mild, self-limiting illness, mostly URTIs. Implementation of CRP point-of-care testing in such resource-constrained settings, with low- or middle-grade healthcare professionals, could help reconcile the inappropriate use of antibiotics by withholding from patients who do not benefit from antibiotic treatment.
Photostability enhancement of the pentacene derivative having two nitronyl nitroxide radical substituents
Authors: Shimizu Akihiro , Ito Akitaka , Teki Yoshio
Published: January 2016

Pentacene derivatives possessing nitronyl nitroxide radical substituents (1a and 1b) were synthesized, and their photochemical properties were evaluated.
NMR study of the interaction of fluorescent 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinone chelators with DMPC liposomes
Authors: Moniz Tânia , de Castro Baltazar , Rangel Maria , Ivanova Galya
Published: January 2016

The NMR results corroborate the fact that the presence of the ethyl substituents in the amino groups of the xanthene ring and the thiourea link are fundamental to the ability of the chelator to diffuse across the lipid bilayer and consequently relevant for their enhanced biological activity.
Planar tetracoordinate carbon species CLi3E with 12-valence-electrons
Authors: Guo Jiayi , Chai Haoyu , Duan Qian , Qin Jieming , Shen Xiande , Jiang Dayong , Hou Jianhua , Yan Bing , Li Zhiru , Gu Fenglong , Li Qianshu
Published: January 2016

Different CE double bonds are found in the planar tetracoordinate carbon species with 12-valence-electron.
Titanium deposition from ionic liquids – appropriate choice of electrolyte and precursor
Authors: Berger Claudia A. , Arkhipova Maria , Farkas Attila , Maas Gerhard , Jacob Timo
Published: January 2016

The underpotential deposition of titanium from an imidazolium-based ionic liquid was investigated byin situscanning tunneling microscopy.
Bi2MoO6/BiVO4 heterojunction electrode with enhanced photoelectrochemical properties
Authors: Ma Ying , Jia Yulong , Wang Lina , Yang Min , Bi Yingpu , Qi Yanxing
Published: January 2016

Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of a Bi2MoO6 nanorod array followed by the deposition of a BiVO4 absorber layer.
High resolution triple resonance micro magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy of nanoliter sample volumes
Authors: Brauckmann J. Ole , Janssen J. W. G. (Hans) , Kentgens Arno P. M.
Published: January 2016

To be able to study mass-limited samples and small single crystals, a triple resonance micro-magic angle spinning (μMAS) probehead for the application of high-resolution solid-state NMR of nanoliter samples was developed.
Carrier separation and charge transport characteristics of reduced graphene oxide supported visible-light active photocatalysts
Authors: Vinoth Ramalingam , Karthik Peramaiah , Muthamizhchelvan Chellamuthu , Neppolian Bernaurdshaw , Ashokkumar Muthupandian
Published: January 2016

Extending the absorption to the visible region by tuning the optical band-gap of semiconductors and preventing charge carrier recombination are important parameters to achieve a higher efficiency in the field of photocatalysis.
A functional mesoporous ionic crystal based on polyoxometalate
Authors: Kawahara Ryosuke , Niinomi Kazuma , Kondo Junko N. , Hibino Mitsuhiro , Mizuno Noritaka , Uchida Sayaka
Published: January 2016

A mesoporous ionic crystal is synthesized with a polyoxometalate and a macrocation with polar cyano groups. The compound possesses one-dimensional mesopores and shows high proton conductivity and catalytic activity, which are due to the water molecules in the mesopores.
Fully Ir(iii) tetrazolate soft salts: the road to white-emitting ion pairs
Authors: Fiorini Valentina , D'Ignazio Andrea , Magee Karen D. M. , Ogden Mark I. , Massi Massimiliano , Stagni Stefano
Published: January 2016

The first examples of anionic Ir(iii) bis-tetrazolate complexes and their combination with a cationic Ir(iii)tetrazole derivative forming “fully tetrazolate” Ir(iii) based soft salts as O2-sensitive white emitters are described herein.
The use of plants as a “green factory” to produce high strength gluten-based materials
Authors: Rasheed Faiza , Kuktaite Ramune , Hedenqvist Mikael S. , Gällstedt Mikael , Plivelic Tomás S. , Johansson Eva
Published: January 2016

The aim of the present study was to develop an understanding of how wheat plants can be used as a “green factory” by the modulation of genotype (G) and environmental (E) interactions to fine-tune the structure and increase the strength of gluten based materials.
Broad spectrum immunomodulation using biomimetic blood cell margination for sepsis therapy
Authors: Hou Han Wei , Wu Lidan , Amador-Munoz Diana P. , Vera Miguel Pinilla , Coronata Anna , Englert Joshua A. , Levy Bruce D. , Baron Rebecca M. , Han Jongyoon
Published: January 2016

A novel microfluidics approach for broad spectrum removal of pathogens, leukocytes and cytokines based on biomimetic cell margination.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of bivalent β-carbolines as potential anticancer agents
Authors: Du Hongtao , Gu Hongling , Li Na , Wang Junru
Published: January 2016

A series of novel bivalent β-carbolines were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-proliferative activities on a panel of cancer cell lines, apoptosis induction and cell cycle effects.
Strongly enhanced ultraviolet emission of an Au@SiO2/ZnO plasmonic hybrid nanostructure
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Xiaodong , Mao Shengcheng , Wu Hua , Guo Xia , Ji Yuan , Han Xiaodong
Published: January 2016

We present the surface plasmon polariton (SPP)-enhanced ultraviolet (UV) emission of an Au@SiO2/ZnO hybrid nanostructure.
Selective microwave sensors exploiting the interaction of analytes with trap states in TiO2nanotube arrays
Authors: Zarifi M. H. , Farsinezhad S. , Abdolrazzaghi M. , Daneshmand M. , Shankar K.
Published: January 2016

Vertically oriented metal oxide nanotube arrays integrated with planar microwave resonators can be used to generate selectivity in addition to high label-free sensitivity through the unique interactions of charge carrier traps with surface-adsorbed analytes.
Supracolloidal helices from soft Janus particles by tuning the particle softness
Authors: Zou Qing-Zhi , Li Zhan-Wei , Lu Zhong-Yuan , Sun Zhao-Yan
Published: January 2016

Supracolloidal helices including single helices, double helices, and Bernal spirals are observed through the self-assembly of soft Janus particles by properly tuning particle softness.
An extremely low-index photonic crystal layer for enhanced light extraction from organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Shim Yong Sub , Hwang Ju Hyun , Park Cheol Hwee , Jung Sun-Gyu , Park Young Wook , Ju Byeong-Kwon
Published: January 2016

This paper reports organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with improved light extraction fabricated by embedding an extremely low-index photonic crystal (LIPC) layer.
Visual and efficient immunosensor technique for advancing biomedical applications of quantum dots on Salmonella detection and isolation
Authors: Tang Feng , Pang Dai-Wen , Chen Zhi , Shao Jian-Bo , Xiong Ling-Hong , Xiang Yan-Ping , Xiong Yan , Wu Kai , Ai Hong-Wu , Zhang Hui , Zheng Xiao-Li , Lv Jing-Rui , Liu Wei-Yong , Hu Hong-Bing , Mei Hong , Zhang Zhen , Sun Hong , Xiang Yun , Sun Zi-Yong
Published: January 2016

A visual immunosensor technique for efficient detection and isolation ofSalmonellawas established by applying fluorescent nanobioprobes on a cellulose-based swab.
Ascertaining effects of nanoscale polymeric interfaces on competitive protein adsorption at the individual protein level
Authors: Song Sheng , Xie Tian , Ravensbergen Kristina , Hahm Jong-in
Published: January 2016

We elucidate nanointerface effects on competitive protein adsorption behaviors at the individual protein level and present findings on protein residence time uniquely observed on nanoscale polymeric surfaces.
Layering of ionic liquids on rough surfaces
Authors: Sheehan Alexis , Jurado L. Andres , Ramakrishna Shivaprakash N. , Arcifa Andrea , Rossi Antonella , Spencer Nicholas D. , Espinosa-Marzal Rosa M.
Published: January 2016

Structural forces reveal the ordered structure of one ionic liquid at rough interfaces of well-defined nanoscale roughness, also under nanoconfinement.
Dual emission in asymmetric “giant” PbS/CdS/CdS core/shell/shell quantum dots
Authors: Zhao Haiguang , Sirigu Gianluca , Parisini Andrea , Camellini Andrea , Nicotra Giuseppe , Rosei Federico , Morandi Vittorio , Zavelani-Rossi Margherita , Vomiero Alberto
Published: January 2016

Dual emission in asymmetric “giant” PbS/CdS/CdS core/shell/shell quantum dots enables color monitoring/modulation and control in the visible/NIR region for advanced applications.
Implications of dynamic imine chemistry for the sustainable synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles via transimination followed by intramolecular cyclisation
Authors: Laha Joydev K. , Satyanarayana Tummalapalli K. S. , Jethava Krupal P.
Published: January 2016

An application of dynamic imine chemistry to the sustainable synthesis of N-heterocycles from N-aryl benzylamines or imines and ortho-substituted anilines is described.
Effect of PMMA blend and ZnAl2O4 fillers on ionic conductivity and electrochemical performance of electrospun nanocomposite polymer blend fibrous electrolyte membranes for lithium batteries
Authors: Padmaraj O. , Venkateswarlu M. , Satyanarayana N.
Published: January 2016

Electrospun pure and hybrid nanocomposite PMMA blend fibrous electrolyte membranes with various x wt% of ZnAl2O4, (x = 2, 4, 6 and 8) ceramic fillers were prepared by an electrospinning technique.
Ti–O based nanomaterials ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Latha T. Sree , Lomada Dakshayani , Dharani Praveen Kumar , Muthukonda Shankar V. , Reddy Madhava C.
Published: January 2016

Administration of Ti–O based nanomaterials ameliorated the clinical severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and collagen induced arthritis, thus provide novel therapeutic approach for multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
BiOBr/Bi2MoO6 composite in flower-like microspheres with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Miao Yingchun , Yin Haibo , Peng Lu , Huo Yuning , Li Hexing
Published: January 2016

BiOBr/Bi2MoO6 flower-like microspheres synthesized by a facile solvothermal method, exhibited high photocatalytic activity owing to the enhanced light harvesting via multiple-reflections and the reduced photoelectron–hole recombination.
Longitudinal unzipped carbon nanotubes with high specific surface area and trimodal pore structure
Authors: Han Joah , Kim Wonbin , Kim Hyun-Kyung , Youn Hee-Chang , Han Joong Tark , Kim Woong , Roh Kwang Chul
Published: January 2016

This study reports unzipped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a trimodal (micro–meso–macro) pore structure using KOH as the activating agent.
Facile one-pot synthesis of Au(0)@Au(i)–NAC core–shell nanoclusters with orange-yellow luminescence for cancer cell imaging
Authors: Zhang Yan , Yan Meifen , Wang Songbai , Jiang Jingjing , Gao Pengfei , Zhang Guomei , Dong Chuan , Shuang Shaomin
Published: January 2016

The core–shell AuNCs synthesized by a facile strategy using NAC as reducing-cum-protecting agent were successfully applied for cancer cell imaging.
XRD, HRTEM, Raman and magnetic studies on chemically prepared nanocrystalline Fe-doped gadolinium oxide (Gd1.90Fe0.10O3−δ) annealed in vacuum
Authors: Sarkar B. J. , Deb A. K. , Chakrabarti P. K.
Published: January 2016

Onset of ferromagnetic ordering with a high value of magnetization of Gd1.90Fe0.10O3−δ at and below 20 K.
Tunable photocatalytic and photoelectric properties of I−-doped BiOBr photocatalyst: dramatic pH effect
Authors: Bi Changjiang , Cao Jing , Lin Haili , Wang Yunjian , Chen Shifu
Published: January 2016

Dramatic effect of synthesis pH was discovered for expediently tuning photocatalytic and photoelectric properties of I−-doped BiOBr photocatalyst.
Formation of Ti or TiC nanopowder from TiO2 and carbon powders by electrolysis in molten NaCl–KCl
Authors: Zhao Kun , Wang Yaowu , Peng Jianping , Di Yuezhong , Liu Kejia , Feng Naixiang
Published: January 2016

A new route to produce pure Ti powder or TiC nanopowder with diameters of ∼50 nm by electrolysis in molten KCl–NaCl using TiO2 and carbon powder was reported in this paper.
Development of an optimized HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of six compounds containing β-lactam ring in human plasma and urine using experimental design methodology
Authors: Abdel Hameed Eman A. , Abdel Salam Randa A. , Hadad Ghada M.
Published: January 2016

β-Lactam antibiotics are commonly prescribed with β-lactamase inhibitors to patients, for that it is necessary to develop an optimized chromatographic method which determine them simultaneously in biological fluids.
An update of biocatalytic selective acylation and deacylation of monosaccharides
Authors: Iribarren Adolfo M. , Iglesias Luis E.
Published: January 2016

PAMs synthesis requires highly selective reactions, provided by hydrolases. This review updates research on enzymatic acylation and deacylation of monosaccharides, focusing on synthetic useful PAMs and drug-monosaccharide conjugates involving PAMs.
Hollow NiCo2S4 nanotube arrays grown on carbon textile as a self-supported electrode for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Hao Liang , Shen Laifa , Wang Jie , Xu Yunling , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: January 2016

We developed an asymmetric supercapacitor using NiCo2S4 nanotube arrays grown on carbon textile, achieving a high energy density (∼40.1 W h kg−1 at 451 W kg−1), a high power density (∼4725 W kg−1 at 21 W h kg−1) and excellent cyclability.
Synthesis, photophysics, ion detection and DFT investigation of novel cyano-substituted red-light chromophores with a triphenylamine donor
Authors: Sun Na , Zhang Peng , Hou Yanling
Published: January 2016

A series of novel triphenylamine-based red-light chromophores with multiple electron-withdrawing cyano substituents were synthesized by the Knoevenagel condensation reaction and characterized in detail.
Facile and shape-controlled electrochemical synthesis of gold nanocrystals by changing water contents in deep eutectic solvents and their electrocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Aoqi , Chen Yujuan , Zhuo Kelei , Wang Congyue , Wang Chunfeng , Wang Jianji
Published: January 2016

Au NCs with different morphologies were synthesized in DESs by changing water contents, and used as electrocatalysts for ethanol electrooxidation.
Efficient and facile synthesis of fused benzimidazole-diazepinones and dibenzimidazole-diazepines via a UDC strategy and the hydroamination of an alkyne
Authors: Li Shi-Qiang , Gao Hongyan , Lei Jie , Wang Jun , Xu Jia , Chen Zhong-Zhu , Xu Zhi-Gang
Published: January 2016

Microwave assisted synthesis of fused benzimidazole-diazepinones and dibenzimidazole-diazepines using a one-pot procedure.
Modulation of rat liver urea cycle and related ammonium metabolism by sex and cafeteria diet
Authors: Agnelli Silvia , Arriarán Sofía , Oliva Laia , Remesar Xavier , Fernández-López José-Antonio , Alemany Marià
Published: January 2016

Liver amino acid metabolism decreased with cafeteria diet through lower ammonium production (even lower in females) and urea cycle activity.
Adsorption of fructose in Sn-BEA zeolite from periodic density functional calculations
Authors: Yang Gang , Li Xiong , Zhou Lijun
Published: January 2016

Sn-BEA zeolite selects fructose conformers from biochemically relevant polysaccharides rather than gas phase, and dispersion effects contribute significantly during interactions.
Aglycone mimics for tuning of glycosidase inhibition: design, synthesis and biological evaluation of bicyclic pyrrolidotriazole iminosugars
Authors: Arora Inderpreet , Sharma Sandeep K. , Shaw Arun K.
Published: January 2016

Various fuco-configured bicyclic pyrrolidotriazole aglycone mimics were synthesised using copper-catalysed coupling of allyl bromides with terminal alkynes and Sonogashira–Hagihara reaction followed by intramolecular azide-alkyne ‘click’ reaction.
A new series of pyrenyl-based triarylamines: syntheses, structures, optical properties, electrochemistry and electroluminescence
Authors: Zhang Ran , Zhao Yun , Li Guoling , Yang Daisheng , Ni Zhonghai
Published: January 2016

A new series of pyrenyl-based triarylamines (2a–2e and 3py) were designed and synthesized. These pyrene-based triarylamines exhibit excellent photoelectric properties and are potentially functional materials for devices.
Solvent compatible microfluidic platforms for pharmaceutical solid form screening
Authors: Goyal Sachit , Economou Aristotle E. , Papadopoulos Theodore , Horstman Elizabeth M. , Zhang Geoff G. Z. , Gong Yuchuan , Kenis Paul J. A.
Published: January 2016

The use of SIFEL in the crystallization fluid layers renders the microfluidic crystallization array compatible with solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile, chloroform, hexane, and toluene.
Thermochemical properties of rare-earth oxyhydrides from first principles phonon calculations
Authors: Liu Xin , Bjørheim Tor Svendsen , Haugsrud Reidar
Published: January 2016

We determine the thermochemistry of the series of rare-earth oxyhydrides to predict possible synthesis routes and decomposition mechanisms.
Alkoxycarbonylation of α,β-unsaturated amides catalyzed by palladium(ii) complexes: a DFT study of the mechanism
Authors: Suleiman Rami , Polo Victor , El Ali Bassam
Published: January 2016

Two mechanisms, hydride and alkoxy, were proposed for the alkoxycarbonylation of α,β-unsaturated amides. These are studied with the use of DFT computations.
Light-controlled bubble propulsion of amorphous TiO2/Au Janus micromotors
Authors: Li Yan , Mou Fangzhi , Chen Chuanrui , You Ming , Yin Yixia , Xu Leilei , Guan Jianguo
Published: January 2016

The bubble-propelled amorphous TiO2/Au Janus micromotors with the reversibly light-controlled motion state and speed have been demonstrated by utilizing the efficient photocatalytic H2O2 decomposition over the in situ H2O2 sensitized amorphous TiO2.
Antibacterial activities and mechanisms of fluorinated graphene and guanidine-modified graphene
Authors: Wang Xu , Lu Peng , Li Yuan , Xiao Huining , Liu Xiangyang
Published: January 2016

The antibacterial properties and mechanism of three types of graphene derivatives, graphene oxide (GO), fluorinated graphene (FG), and guanidine-modified graphene (PHGH-G), were comparatively studied.
Harnessing the PEG-cleavable strategy to balance cytotoxicity, intracellular release and the therapeutic effect of dendrigraft poly-l-lysine for cancer gene therapy
Authors: Tang Min , Dong Haiqing , Li Yongyong , Ren Tianbin
Published: January 2016

The disulfide-bridged PEG-cleavable strategy was developed to balance cytotoxicity, cellular release and the therapeutic effect of dendrigraft poly-l-lysine for gene therapy.
The cooperative FeCl3/DDQ system for the regioselective synthesis of 3-arylindoles from β-monosubstituted 2-alkenylanilines
Authors: Jang Su San , Youn So Won
Published: January 2016

A highly regioselective synthesis of 3-arylindoles by using the cooperative FeCl3/DDQ system has been developed.
An acetal-based polymeric crosslinker with controlled pH-sensitivity
Authors: Cao Hongliang , Dong Yixiao , Bre Ligia , Tapeinos Christos , Wang Wenxin , Pandit Abhay
Published: January 2016

.An acetal based polymeric cross-linker with controlled pH-sensitivity was used for the synthesis of collagen hydrogels and sponges. The novel cross-linker was synthesized using DE-ATRP and was more biocompatible compared to the commercial 4-star PEG.
Lactate induces FGF21 expression in adipocytes through a p38-MAPK pathway
Authors: Jeanson Yannick , Ribas Francesc , Galinier Anne , Arnaud Emmanuelle , Ducos Marion , André Mireille , Chenouard Vanessa , Villarroya Francesc , Casteilla Louis , Carrière Audrey
Published: January 2016

FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21), first described as a main fasting-responsive molecule in the liver, has been shown to act as a true metabolic regulator in additional tissues, including muscle and adipose tissues. In the present study, we found that the expression and secretion of FGF21 was very rapidly increased following lactate exposure in adipocytes. Using different pharmacological and knockout mice models, we demonstrated that lactate regulates Fgf21 expression through a NADH/NAD-independent pathway, but requires active p38-MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase) signalling. We also demonstrated that this effect is not restricted to lactate as additional metabolites including pyruvate and ketone bodies also activated the FGF21 stress response. FGF21 release by adipose cells in response to an excess of intermediate metabolites may represent a physiological mechanism by which the sensing of environmental metabolic conditions results in the release of FGF21 to improve metabolic adaptations.
Non‐technical loss and power blackout detection under advanced metering infrastructure using a cooperative game based inference mechanism
Authors: Zhan Tung‐Sheng , Chen Shi‐Jaw , Kao Chih‐Cheng , Kuo Chao‐Lin , Chen Jian‐Liung , Lin Chia‐Hung
Published: January 2016

To efficiently detect non‐technical loss and power blackout in micro‐distribution systems, this study proposes using a cooperative game (CG) based inference mechanism under the advanced metering infrastructure technique. Fractional‐order Sprott system is designed to extract specific features between the profiled usages and the measurement usages in real time analysis. The fractional‐order dynamic errors are positive correlated with the changes in load usages, including normal conditions, electricity fraudulent events, and power blackout events. Then, multiple agents in a game and multiple CG based inference mechanisms are used to locate abnormalities in micro‐distribution systems. For energy management applications, the proposed inference mechanism can identify the 2.5–20% irregular usages during normal demand operations. In addition, it can also identify the large changes >20% in usages, while a micro‐distribution system is disconnected to operate in the islanded mode within a few hours. This function can address an outage occurrence and then quickly resume service using the service restoration strategy and distributed generations in a local grid. Using a medium‐scale micro‐distribution system, computer simulations are conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed inference model.
Oxygen deficiency and Sn doping of amorphous Ga2O3
Authors: Heinemann M. D. , Berry J. , Teeter G. , Unold T. , Ginley D.
Published: January 2016

The potential of effectively n-type doping Ga2O3 considering its large band gap has made it an attractive target for integration into transistors and solar cells. As a result amorphous GaOx is now attracting interest as an electron transport layer in solar cells despite little information on its opto-electrical properties. Here we present the opto-electronic properties, including optical band gap, electron affinity, and charge carrier density, for amorphous GaOx thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition. These properties are strongly dependent on the deposition temperature during the deposition process. The deposition temperature has no significant influence on the general structural properties but produces significant changes in the oxygen stoichiometry of the films. The density of the oxygen vacancies is found to be related to the optical band gap of the GaOx layer. It is proposed that the oxygen deficiency leads to defect band below the conduction band minimum that increases the electron affinity. These properties facilitate the use of amorphous GaOx as an electron transport layer in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 and in Cu2O solar cells. Further it is shown that at low deposition temperatures, extrinsic doping with Sn is effective at low Sn concentrations.
Depletion-induced forces and crowding in polymer-nanoparticle mixtures: Role of polymer shape fluctuations and penetrability
Authors: Lim Wei Kang , Denton Alan R.
Published: January 2016

Depletion forces and macromolecular crowding govern the structure and function of biopolymers in biological cells and the properties of polymer nanocomposite materials. To isolate and analyze the influence of polymer shape fluctuations and penetrability on depletion-induced interactions and crowding by nanoparticles, we model polymers as effective penetrable ellipsoids, whose shapes fluctuate according to the probability distributions of the eigenvalues of the gyration tensor of an ideal random walk. Within this model, we apply Monte Carlo simulation methods to compute the depletion-induced potential of mean force between hard nanospheres and crowding-induced shape distributions of polymers in the protein limit, in which polymer coils can be easily penetrated by smaller nanospheres. By comparing depletion potentials from simulations of ellipsoidal and spherical polymer models with predictions of polymer field theory and free-volume theory, we show that polymer depletion-induced interactions and crowding depend sensitively on polymer shapes and penetrability, with important implications for bulk thermodynamic phase behavior.
Modulation to compressible homogenous turbulence by heavy point particles. I. Effect of particles’ density
Authors: Xia Zhenhua , Shi Yipeng , Zhang Qingqing , Chen Shiyi
Published: January 2016

In this paper, two-way interactions between heavy point particles and forced compressible homogenous turbulence are simulated by using a localized artificial diffusivity scheme and a Eulerian–Lagrangian approach. The initial turbulent Mach number is around 1.0 and the Taylor Reynolds number is around 110. Seven different simulations of 106 particles with different particle densities (or initial Stokes numbers) are considered. The statistics of the compressible turbulence, such as the turbulence Mach number, kinetic energy, dilatation, and the kinetic energy spectra, from different simulations are compared with each other and with the one-way undisturbed case. Our results show that the turbulence is suppressed if the two-way coupling backward interactions are considered, and the suppression is more obvious if the density of particles is higher. The kinetic energy spectrum at larger initial Stokes number (higher density) exhibits a reduction at low wave numbers and an augmentation at high wave numbers, which is similar to those obtained in incompressible cases. The probability density functions of dilatation and normal upstream Mach number of shocklets also show that the modulation to the shocklet statistics is more apparent for particles with higher density.
Giant strain and electric-field-induced phase transition in lead-free (Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-BaTiO3-(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 single crystal
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhao Xiangyong , Wang Yaojin , Zhang Haiwu , Deng Hao , Li Xiaobing , Jiang Xingan , Jiang Xiangping , Luo Haosu
Published: January 2016

A lead-free single crystal 0.92(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-0.06BaTiO3-0.02(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (NBT-6BT-2KNN) with dimension of Φ35 mm × 10 mm is grown by a precisely controlled top seeded solution growth method. The 〈001〉 oriented single crystals have excellent piezoelectric properties with a giant strain of 0.83% at 28 kV/cm. Application of an electric-field ≥14 kV/cm leads to a phase transition from pseudocubic to coexistence of tetragonal and pseudocubic. A strong ferroelectric domain texture occurs during the phase transition. Furthermore, the variation of tetragonal phase fraction agrees well with the macroscopic strain curve, demonstrating that the induced tetragonal phase plays a critical role in the high strain property.
An accurate locally active memristor model for S-type negative differential resistance in NbOx
Authors: Gibson Gary A. , Musunuru Srinitya , Zhang Jiaming , Vandenberghe Ken , Lee James , Hsieh Cheng-Chih , Jackson Warren , Jeon Yoocharn , Henze Dick , Li Zhiyong , Stanley Williams R.
Published: January 2016

A number of important commercial applications would benefit from the introduction of easily manufactured devices that exhibit current-controlled, or “S-type,” negative differential resistance (NDR). A leading example is emerging non-volatile memory based on crossbar array architectures. Due to the inherently linear current vs. voltage characteristics of candidate non-volatile memristor memory elements, individual memory cells in these crossbar arrays can be addressed only if a highly non-linear circuit element, termed a “selector,” is incorporated in the cell. Selectors based on a layer of niobium oxide sandwiched between two electrodes have been investigated by a number of groups because the NDR they exhibit provides a promisingly large non-linearity. We have developed a highly accurate compact dynamical model for their electrical conduction that shows that the NDR in these devices results from a thermal feedback mechanism. A series of electrothermal measurements and numerical simulations corroborate this model. These results reveal that the leakage currents can be minimized by thermally isolating the selector or by incorporating materials with larger activation energies for electron motion.
Quantum Markov semigroups constructed from quantum Bernoulli noises
Authors: Wang Caishi , Chen Jinshu
Published: January 2016

Quantum Bernoulli noises (QBNs) are the family of annihilation and creation operators acting on Bernoulli functionals, which can describe a two-level quantum system with infinitely many sites. In this paper, we consider the problem to construct quantum Markov semigroups (QMSs) directly from QBNs. We first establish several new theorems concerning QBNs. In particular, we define the number operator acting on Bernoulli functionals by using the canonical orthonormal basis, prove its self-adjoint property, and describe precisely its connections with QBN in a mathematically rigorous way. We then show the possibility to construct QMS directly from QBN. This is done by combining the general results on QMS with our new results on QBN obtained here. Finally, we examine some properties of QMS constructed from QBN.
A scalable label-free approach to separate human pluripotent cells from differentiated derivatives
Authors: Willoughby N. A. , Bock H. , Hoeve M. A. , Pells S. , Williams C. , McPhee G. , Freile P. , Choudhury D. , De Sousa P. A.
Published: January 2016

The broad capacity of pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESC) to grow and differentiate demands the development of rapid, scalable, and label-free methods to separate living cell populations for clinical and industrial applications. Here, we identify differences in cell stiffness, expressed as cell elastic modulus (CEM), for hESC versus mesenchymal progenitors, osteoblast-like derivatives, and fibroblasts using atomic force microscopy and data processing algorithms to characterize the stiffness of cell populations. Undifferentiated hESC exhibited a range of CEMs whose median was nearly three-fold lower than those of differentiated cells, information we exploited to develop a label-free separation device based on the principles of tangential flow filtration. To test the device's utility, we segregated hESC mixed with fibroblasts and hESC-mesenchymal progenitors induced to undergo osteogenic differentiation. The device permitted a throughput of 106–107 cells per min and up to 50% removal of specific cell types per single pass. The level of enrichment and depletion of soft, pluripotent hESC in the respective channels was found to rise with increasing stiffness of the differentiating cells, suggesting CEM can serve as a major discriminator. Our results demonstrate the principle of a scalable, label-free, solution for separation of heterogeneous cell populations deriving from human pluripotent stem cells.
Strong surface effect on direct bulk flexoelectric response in solids
Authors: Yurkov A. S. , Tagantsev A. K.
Published: January 2016

In the framework of a continuum theory, it is shown that the direct bulk flexoelectric response of a finite sample essentially depends on the surface polarization energy, even in the thermodynamic limit where the body size tends to infinity. It is found that a modification of the surface energy can lead to a change in the polarization response by a factor of two. The origin of the effect is an electric field produced by surface dipoles induced by the strain gradient. The unexpected sensitivity of the polarization response to the surface energy in the thermodynamic limit is conditioned by the fact that the moments of the surface dipoles may scale as the body size.
Low-frequency dielectrophoretic response of a single particle in aqueous suspensions
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Wei Ming-Tzo , Ou-Yang H. Daniel
Published: January 2016

We use optical tweezers-based dielectrophoresis (DEP) force spectroscopy to investigate the roles of the electrical double layer in the AC dielectric response of an individual colloidal particle in an aqueous medium. Specifically, we measure the DEP crossover frequency as a function of particles size, medium viscosity, and temperature. Experimental results were compared to low frequency relaxation mechanisms predicted by Schwarz, demonstrating the dielectrophoretic responses in the frequency range between 10 kHz and 1 MHz were dominated by counterion diffusion within the electric double layer.
Effect of crystal orientation on the phase diagrams, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of epitaxial BaTiO3 thin films
Authors: Wu Huaping , Ma Xuefu , Zhang Zheng , Zeng Jun , Wang Jie , Chai Guozhong
Published: January 2016

The influence of crystal orientations on the phase diagrams, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of epitaxial BaTiO3 thin films has been investigated using an expanded nonlinear thermodynamic theory. The calculations reveal that crystal orientation has significant influence on the phase stability and phase transitions in the misfit strain-temperature phase diagrams. In particular, the (110) orientation leads to a lower symmetry and more complicated phase transition than the (111) orientation in BaTiO3 films. The increase of compressive strain will dramatically enhance the Curie temperature TC of (110)-oriented BaTiO3 films, which matches well with previous experimental data. The polarization components experience a great change across the boundaries of different phases at room temperature in both (110)- and (111)-oriented films, which leads to the huge dielectric and piezoelectric responses. A good agreement is found between the present thermodynamics calculation and previous first-principles calculations. Our work provides an insight into how to use crystal orientation, epitaxial strain and temperature to tune the structure and properties of ferroelectrics.
Association mapping of winter hardiness and yield traits in faba bean (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: Sallam Ahmed , Dhanapal Arun Prabhu , Liu Siyang
Published: January 2016

Improving frost tolerance and winter hardiness with desirable agronomic features are the main objectives in winter faba bean (Vicia faba L.) breeding programs, especially in cool temperate regions of Europe. In this study, 189 single-seed-descent lines of winter faba bean from the Göttingen Winter Bean Population were evaluated in field trials (winter hardiness and yield traits). Seven traits were examined (three winter-hardiness traits and four yield traits) and scored. Of the 189 genotypes, 11 lines were identified as winter hardy and having high seed yield. The highest repeatability (h2) estimates were found for leaf frost susceptibility (0.86) among the winter-hardiness traits and for days to flowering (0.95) among the yield traits. In total, 25 putative quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified, for winter survival rate (one QTL), 1000-seed weight (one QTL), field plant height (two QTLs), days to flowering (nine QTLs), and seed yield (12 QTLs), based on the association mapping approach using 156 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Candidate genes were identified for QTLs by using synteny between Vicia faba and Medicago truncatula. The SNP markers identified in this study may be used for accelerating breeding program in faba bean to improve winter hardiness and yield traits.
Freshwater ichthyofauna of the Pacific-Asia Biodiversity Transect (PABITRA) Gateway in Viti Levu, Fiji
Authors: Copeland Lekima K. F. , Boseto David T. , Jenkins Aaron P.
Published: January 2016

The freshwater ichthyofauna of the Fiji islands remained poorly documented before the establishment of the Pacific-Asia Biodiversity Transect (PABITRA) network. The PABITRA approach assesses biodiversity along ocean-to-mountain transects and promotes sustainable land use on islands across the Pacific. Multiple surveys of freshwater fish species along the Viti Levu PABITRA transect have contributed six new occurrence records and one new species to the known freshwater fishes of Fiji since 2002. In total, 21 indigenous species of fish (9% endemic) from 10 families and no introduced fishes were found in the three PABITRA sites. Diversity was highest (16 species) at Savura forest reserve and decreased further inland into Sovi and Wabu. The assemblage found is dominated by highly migratory species (95%) that traverse the different aquatic habitats (marine, estuarine, lowland and upland streams) covered by the PABITRA transect. This high degree of connectivity highlights several growing issues affecting aquatic fauna on the high island of Viti Levu. The reduction in forest cover along the gateway transects, especially in the terminal reaches, and infrastructure development such as dams and weirs have deleterious effects on the migration routes of the Fijian ichthyofauna. Several species collected are important food sources and have cultural totemic importance to local inhabitants along the vertical transect. This paper documents the ichthyofauna of the Fiji gateway transect, ecological characteristics of this assemblage, IUCN Redlist conservation assessment status and highlights factors affecting the fragility and resilience of these communities, particularly focusing on the importance of life-history patterns and watershed conditions.
Theoretical equilibrium considerations explain the failure of the maleic-itaconic copolymer to increase efficiency of fertiliser phosphorus applied to soils
Authors: Chien S. H. , Rehm G. W.
Published: January 2016

Efficiency of use of various phosphate fertilisers is affected by water-insoluble reaction products such as Fe–P, Al–P, and Ca–P in either discrete precipitates or surface-adsorbed forms. A product, maleic–itaconic acid copolymer, has been marketed for increasing efficiency of use of phosphate fertilisers. Field trials have been conducted to evaluate the agronomic effectiveness of this product with no measured positive effects. This absence of positive effects can be explained if fundamental principles of chemistry are considered. The negative logarithm of the equilibrium constant (pK) of CaHPO4.2H2O (DCPD) is higher than that of Ca–maleic acid and Ca–itaconic acid complexes. Therefore, the copolymers cannot prevent DCPD formation in calcareous soils. Likewise, because of the pK values of Fe–maleic, Fe–iticonic acid, Al–maleic acid, and Al–itaconic acid are lower than those values for AlPO4.2H2O, and FePO4.2H2O, the copolymer cannot block or prevent formation of AlPO4.2H2O and FePO4.2H2O in acid soils. The results of agronomic greenhouse and field trials can be explained by the considerations of the solubility-product constant or the dissociation constant of cation-chelate for various reactions. Therefore, the copolymer marketed has little value for increasing P efficiency from phosphate fertilisers as claimed by the manufacturer.