bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary origin and demographic history of an ancient conifer (Juniperus microsperma) in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Shang Hui-Ying , Li Zhong-Hu , Dong Miao , Adams Robert P. , Miehe Georg , Opgenoorth Lars , Mao Kang-Shan
Published: May 2015

All Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) endemic species are assumed to have originated recently, although very rare species most likely diverged early. These ancient species provide an excellent model to examine the origin and evolution of QTP endemic plants in response to the QTP uplifts and the climate changes that followed in this high altitude region. In this study, we examined these hypotheses by employing sequence variation from multiple nuclear and chloroplast DNA of 239 individuals of Juniperus microsperma and its five congeners. Both phylogenetic and population genetic analyses revealed that J. microsperma diverged from its sister clade comprising two species with long isolation around the Early Miocene, which corresponds to early QTP uplift. Demographic modeling and coalescent tests suggest that J. microsperma experienced an obvious bottleneck event during the Quaternary when the global climate greatly oscillated. The results presented here support the hypotheses that the QTP uplifts and Quaternary climate changes played important roles in shaping the evolutionary history of this rare juniper.
Impaired cell envelope resulting from arcA mutation largely accounts for enhanced sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide in Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Wan Fen , Mao Yinting , Dong Yangyang , Ju Lili , Wu Genfu , Gao Haichun
Published: May 2015

Oxidative stress is one of the major challenges thatShewanellaencounter routinely because they thrive in redox-stratified environments prone to reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, letting alone that ROS can be generated endogenously. As respiration is the predominant process for endogenous ROS, regulators mediating respiration have been demonstrated and/or implicated to play a role in oxidative stress response. In our efforts to unveil the involvement of global regulators for respiration in the oxidative stress response, we found that loss of the Arc system increasesS. oneidensissensitivity to H2O2whereas neither Fnr nor Crp has a significant role. A comparison of transcriptomic profiles of the wild-type and its isogenicarcAmutant revealed that the OxyR regulon is independent of the Arc system. We then provided evidence that the enhanced H2O2sensitivity of thearcAmutant is due to an increased H2O2uptake rate, a result of a cell envelope defect. Although one of three proteases of the ArcA regulon when in excess is partially accountable for the envelope defect, the major contributors remain elusive. Overall, our data indicate that the Arc system influences the bacterial cell envelope biosynthesis, a physiological aspect that has not been associated with the regulator before.
Simple structured hybrid WOLEDs based on incomplete energy transfer mechanism: from blue exciplex to orange dopant
Authors: Zhang Tianyou , Zhao Bo , Chu Bei , Li Wenlian , Su Zisheng , Yan Xingwu , Liu Chengyuan , Wu Hairuo , Gao Yuan , Jin Fangming , Hou Fuhua
Published: May 2015

Exciplex is well known as a charge transfer state formed between electron-donating and electron-accepting molecules. However, exciplex based organic light emitting diodes (OLED) often performed low efficiencies relative to pure phosphorescent OLED and could hardly be used to construct white OLED (WOLED). In this work, a new mechanism is developed to realize efficient WOLED with extremely simple structure by redistributing the energy of triplet exciplex to both singlet exciplex and the orange dopant. The micro process of energy transfer could be directly examined by detailed photoluminescence decay measurement and time resolved photoluminescence analysis. This strategy overcomes the low reverse intersystem crossing efficiency of blue exciplex and complicated device structure of traditional WOLED, enables us to achieve efficient hybrid WOLEDs. Based on this mechanism, we have successfully constructed both exciplex-fluorescence and exciplex-phosphorescence hybrid WOLEDs with remarkable efficiencies.
Colossal positive magnetoresistance in surface-passivated oxygen-deficient strontium titanite
Authors: David Adrian , Tian Yufeng , Yang Ping , Gao Xingyu , Lin Weinan , Shah Amish B. , Zuo Jian-Min , Prellier Wilfrid , Wu Tom
Published: May 2015

Modulation of resistance by an external magnetic field, i.e. magnetoresistance effect, has been a long-lived theme of research due to both fundamental science and device applications. Here we report colossal positive magnetoresistance (CPMR) (>30,000% at a temperature of 2 K and a magnetic field of 9 T) discovered in degenerate semiconducting strontium titanite (SrTiO3) single crystals capped with ultrathin SrTiO3/LaAlO3 bilayers. The low-pressure high-temperature homoepitaxial growth of several unit cells of SrTiO3 introduces oxygen vacancies and high-mobility carriers in the bulk SrTiO3 and the three-unit-cell LaAlO3 capping layer passivates the surface and improves carrier mobility by suppressing surface-defect-related scattering. The coexistence of multiple types of carriers and inhomogeneous transport lead to the emergence of CPMR. This unit-cell-level surface engineering approach is promising to be generalized to others oxides and to realize devices with high-mobility carriers and interesting magnetoelectronic properties.
Flexible conformable hydrophobized surfaces for turbulent flow drag reduction
Authors: Brennan Joseph C , Geraldi Nicasio R , Morris Robert H , Fairhurst David J , McHale Glen , Newton Michael I
Published: May 2015

In recent years extensive work has been focused onto using superhydrophobic surfaces for drag reduction applications. Superhydrophobic surfaces retain a gas layer, called a plastron, when submerged underwater in the Cassie-Baxter state with water in contact with the tops of surface roughness features. In this state the plastron allows slip to occur across the surface which results in a drag reduction. In this work we report flexible and relatively large area superhydrophobic surfaces produced using two different methods: Large roughness features were created by electrodeposition on copper meshes; Small roughness features were created by embedding carbon nanoparticles (soot) into Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Both samples were made into cylinders with a diameter under 12 mm. To characterize the samples, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and confocal microscope images were taken. The confocal microscope images were taken with each sample submerged in water to show the extent of the plastron. The hydrophobized electrodeposited copper mesh cylinders showed drag reductions of up to 32% when comparing the superhydrophobic state with a wetted out state. The soot covered cylinders achieved a 30% drag reduction when comparing the superhydrophobic state to a plain cylinder. These results were obtained for turbulent flows with Reynolds numbers 10,000 to 32,500.
Ultralight boron nitride aerogels via template-assisted chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Song Yangxi , Li Bin , Yang Siwei , Ding Guqiao , Zhang Changrui , Xie Xiaoming
Published: May 2015

Boron nitride (BN) aerogels are porous materials with a continuous three-dimensional network structure. They are attracting increasing attention for a wide range of applications. Here, we report the template-assisted synthesis of BN aerogels by catalyst-free, low-pressure chemical vapor deposition on graphene-carbon nanotube composite aerogels using borazine as the B and N sources with a relatively low temperature of 900 °C. The three-dimensional structure of the BN aerogels was achieved through the structural design of carbon aerogel templates. The BN aerogels have an ultrahigh specific surface area, ultralow density, excellent oil absorbing ability and high temperature oxidation resistance. The specific surface area of BN aerogels can reach up to 1051 m2 g−1, 2-3 times larger than the reported BN aerogels. The mass density can be as low as 0.6 mg cm−3, much lower than that of air. The BN aerogels exhibit high hydrophobic properties and can absorb up to 160 times their weight in oil. This is much higher than porous BN nanosheets reported previously. The BN aerogels can be restored for reuse after oil absorption simply by burning them in air. This is because of their high temperature oxidation resistance and suggests broad utility as water treatment tools.
Enzyme-activated intracellular drug delivery with tubule clay nanoformulation
Authors: Dzamukova Maria R. , Naumenko Ekaterina A. , Lvov Yuri M. , Fakhrullin Rawil F.
Published: May 2015

Fabrication of stimuli-triggered drug delivery vehicle s is an important milestone in treating cancer. Here we demonstrate the selective anticancer drug delivery into human cells with biocompatible 50-nm diameter halloysite nanotube carriers. Physically-adsorbed dextrin end stoppers secure the intercellular release of brilliant green. Drug-loaded nanotubes penetrate through the cellular membranes and their uptake efficiency depends on the cells growth rate. Intercellular glycosyl hydrolases-mediated decomposition of the dextrin tube-end stoppers triggers the release of the lumen-loaded brilliant green, which allowed for preferable elimination of human lung carcinoma cells (А549) as compared with hepatoma cells (Hep3b). The enzyme-activated intracellular delivery of brilliant green using dextrin-coated halloysite nanotubes is a promising platform for anticancer treatment.
Controlled growth of polyhedral and plate-like Ag nanocrystals on a nanofiber mat as a SERS substrate
Authors: Jia Peng , Qu Jin , Cao Bing , Liu Yuxuan , Luo Chao , An Junhu , Pan Kai
Published: May 2015

A flexible 3D SERS substrate was prepared by controlled growth of Ag nanocrystals on the surface of a PAN-g-PmPD nanofiber mat.
Online electrochemical systems for continuous neurochemical measurements with low-potential mediator-based electrochemical biosensors as selective detectors
Authors: Zhang Zipin , Hao Jie , Xiao Tongfang , Yu Ping , Mao Lanqun
Published: May 2015

This study demonstrates a new strategy to develop online electrochemical systems (OECSs) for continuously monitoring neurochemicals by efficiently integrating in vivo microdialysis with an oxidase-based electrochemical biosensor with low-potential electron mediators to shuttle the electron transfer of the oxidases.
Rapid, randomized development of genetically encoded FRET sensors for small molecules
Authors: Peroza Estevão Aun , Boumezbeur Ahmed-Hocine , Zamboni Nicola
Published: May 2015

A generally applicable protocol for random and yet efficient construction of genetically encoded FRET sensors for small molecules was established.
Cold shock induces apoptosis of dorsal root ganglion neurons plated on infrared windows
Authors: Aboualizadeh Ebrahim , Mattson Eric C. , O'Hara Crystal L. , Smith Amanda K. , Stucky Cheryl L. , Hirschmugl Carol J.
Published: May 2015

The effect of sample preparation and substrate choice in the apoptosis of dorsal root ganglion neurons using FTIR widefield microscopy.
Fusion of microlitre water-in-oil droplets for simple, fast and green chemical assays
Authors: Chiu S.-H. , Urban P. L.
Published: May 2015

Fusion of pipette-generated droplets in an oil matrix enables analyses using a minimum amount of equipment and reagents.
Optimal choice of sample substrate and laser wavelength for Raman spectroscopic analysis of biological specimen
Authors: Kerr Laura T. , Byrne Hugh J. , Hennelly Bryan M.
Published: May 2015

Comparison of Raman spectra recorded from fresh cheek cells across ten sample substrates and five source wavelengths.
A highly selective heterogeneous fluorescent sensor for palladium ions
Authors: Liang Gaosheng , Cai Qi , Zhu Weiping , Xu Yufang , Qian Xuhong
Published: May 2015

By grafting fluorescent probes onto mesoporous silica micro-spheres, we prepared a highly selective heterogeneous fluorescent sensor FSM for the detection and removal of palladium ions in water.
Discrete and polymeric complexes formed from cobalt(ii), 4,4′-bipyridine and 2-sulfoterephthalate: synthetic, crystallographic and magnetic studies
Authors: Datta Amitabha , Massera Chiara , Clegg Jack K. , Aromí Guillem , Aguilà David , Huang Jui-Hsien , Chuang Sheng-Jie
Published: May 2015

Five discrete and polymeric complexes have been prepared and characterised from the reaction of different ratios of Co(ii), 4,4′-bipyridine and 2-sulfoterephthalate.
Quantum coherence effects in natural light-induced processes: cis–trans photoisomerization of model retinal under incoherent excitation
Authors: Tscherbul Timur V. , Brumer Paul
Published: May 2015

Cis–Trans isomerization of retinal induced by incoherent solar light. Shown are ground and excited-state diabatic potentials; the horizontal lines represent bright eigenstates (red), intermediate eigenstates (blue), and product eigenstates (green). The inset: the photoreaction efficiency vs. time with (red) and without (blue) Fano coherences.
Identification of intrinsic catalytic activity for electrochemical reduction of water molecules to generate hydrogen
Authors: Shinagawa Tatsuya , Takanabe Kazuhiro
Published: May 2015

Addition of foreign metal onto platinum nearly doubles its reactivity toward water molecule reduction under unbuffered neutral pH conditions.
Structure determination of trans-cinnamaldehyde by broadband microwave spectroscopy
Authors: Zinn Sabrina , Betz Thomas , Medcraft Chris , Schnell Melanie
Published: May 2015

The precise structure of the odourant molecule trans-cinnamaldehyde was determined using microwave spectroscopy by exploiting its high resolution and sensitivity.
Development of fluorescent probes based on protection–deprotection of the key functional groups for biological imaging
Authors: Tang Yonghe , Lee Dayoung , Wang Jiaoliang , Li Guanhan , Yu Jinghua , Lin Weiying , Yoon Juyoung
Published: May 2015

This review highlights the recent protection–deprotection methods of aldehyde, hydroxyl, or amino groups for the development of fluorescent imaging probes.
A family of Ru(ii) complexes built on a novel sexipyridine building block: synthesis, photophysical properties and the rare structural characterization of a triruthenium species
Authors: Laramée-Milette Baptiste , Lussier Félix , Ciofini Ilaria , Hanan Garry S.
Published: May 2015

A new sexipyridine ligand and its Ru(ii) family of complexes is described along with its characterization by electrochemical and photophysical methods as well as a rare X-ray analysis of a triruthenium polypyridine complex.
Flow-synthesis of carboxylate and phosphonate based metal–organic frameworks under non-solvothermal reaction conditions
Authors: Waitschat Steve , Wharmby Michael T. , Stock Norbert
Published: May 2015

Development of a flow reactor for facile sub-solvothermal synthesis of MOFs.
The crystal structure and magnetic properties of 3-pyridinecarboxylate-bridged Re(ii)M(ii) complexes (M = Cu, Ni, Co and Mn)
Authors: Pacheco Mario , Cuevas Alicia , González-Platas Javier , Lloret Francesc , Julve Miguel , Kremer Carlos
Published: May 2015

Five novel complexes [ReII(NO)Br4(μ-nic)MII(L)2] have been prepared and fully characterized. The magnetic properties show the behavior of quasi magnetically isolated spin doublets with very weak antiferromagnetic interactions.
Controllable explosion: fine-tuning the sensitivity of high-energy complexes
Authors: Wang Kun , Zeng Dihao , Zhang Jian-Guo , Cui Yan , Zhang Tong-Lai , Li Zhi-Min , Jin Xin
Published: May 2015

The sensitivities of the energetic complexes of [M(DAT)6](ClO4)2 are controllable by tuning the centre metal centres.
A family of uranyl-aromatic dicarboxylate (pht-, ipa-, tpa-) framework hybrid materials: photoluminescence, surface photovoltage and dye adsorption
Authors: Gao Xue , Wang Che , Shi Zhong-Feng , Song Jian , Bai Feng-Ying , Wang Ji-Xiao , Xing Yong-Heng
Published: May 2015

The synthesis, structure, photoluminescence, surface photovoltage and dye adsorption have been studied.
A high surface area flower-like Ni–Fe layered double hydroxide for electrocatalytic water oxidation reaction
Authors: Zhou Li-Jing , Huang Xiaoxi , Chen Hui , Jin Panpan , Li Guo-Dong , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: May 2015

A high surface area flower-like Ni–Fe LDH was shown to be a water oxidation catalyst.
Electrochemical tuning of olivine-type lithium transition-metal phosphates as efficient water oxidation catalysts
Authors: Liu Yayuan , Wang Haotian , Lin Dingchang , Liu Chong , Hsu Po-Chun , Liu Wei , Chen Wei , Cui Yi
Published: May 2015

Electrochemical lithium tuning of olivine-type lithium transition metal phosphates results in greatly enhanced oxygen evolution catalytic activity.
Synthesis of unusual isoxazoline containingβandγ-dipeptides as potential glutamate receptor ligands
Authors: Tamborini Lucia , Mastronardi Federica , Dall'Oglio Federica , De Micheli Carlo , Nielsen Birgitte , Lo Presti Leonardo , Conti Paola , Pinto Andrea
Published: May 2015

Unconventional beta and gamma dipeptides as tools to investigate the iGluR binding domain.
(n,m) Assignments and quantification for single-walled carbon nanotubes on SiO2/Si substrates by resonant Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Daqi , Yang Juan , Yang Feng , Li Ruoming , Li Meihui , Ji Dong , Li Yan
Published: May 2015

An ωRBM–dt relation specifically suitable for random SWNTs on SiO2/Si substrates grown by various catalysts.
Reduced graphene oxide-coated hydroxyapatite composites stimulate spontaneous osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Lee Jong Ho , Shin Yong Cheol , Jin Oh Seong , Kang Seok Hee , Hwang Yu-Shik , Park Jong-Chul , Hong Suck Won , Han Dong-Wook
Published: May 2015

Reduced graphene oxide-coated hydroxyapatite (rGO-coated HAp) composites stimulated the spontaneous osteogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells in the absence of osteoinductive agents.
Aqueous synthesis of PEGylated copper sulfide nanoparticles for photoacoustic imaging of tumors
Authors: Ding Ke , Zeng Jianfeng , Jing Lihong , Qiao Ruirui , Liu Chunyan , Jiao Mingxia , Li Zhen , Gao Mingyuan
Published: May 2015

PEGylated copper sulfide nanoparticles with 3–7 nm size were synthesized through an aqueous synthetic route. In vivo photoacoustic tumor imaging revealed that smaller particles (<5 nm) exhibited more effective contrast enhancement.
Recent advances in noble metal based composite nanocatalysts: colloidal synthesis, properties, and catalytic applications
Authors: Xu Yong , Chen Lei , Wang Xuchun , Yao Weitang , Zhang Qiao
Published: May 2015

This Review article provides a report on progress in the synthesis, properties and catalytic applications of noble metal based composite nanomaterials.
Stimuli-responsive microgel-based etalons for optical sensing
Authors: Gao Yongfeng , Li Xue , Serpe Michael J.
Published: May 2015

Responsive polymers have found numerous applications over the years. This review highlights their use as components of photonic materials, with emphasis on responsive polymer-based etalons. The use of these materials for sensing and biosensing is detailed.
Effects of ultrasound combined with ozone on the degradation of organophosphorus pesticide residues on lettuce
Authors: Fan Xiao-Dan , Zhang Wen-Li , Xiao Hai-Yan , Qiu Tai-Qiu , Jiang Jian-Guo
Published: May 2015

Methamidophos (MDP) and dichlorvos (DDVP) are organophosphorous pesticides which are commonly used for pest control in agriculture to obtain better yields.
Simple and expeditious pinacol coupling of non usual α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds in water
Authors: Billamboz Muriel , Sotto Nicolas , Chevrin-Villette Carole , Len Christophe
Published: May 2015

Using zinc (0) in a 5% v AcOH aqueous solution allowed the efficient pinacol coupling of aliphatic or aromatic unusual, α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds such as citral A in good to excellent yields (56–99%).
Dilute acid pretreatment of rice straw, structural characterization and optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis conditions by response surface methodology
Authors: Kshirsagar Siddheshwar Dnyandev , Waghmare Pankajkumar Ramdas , Chandrakant Loni Prakash , Patil Sushama Anandrao , Govindwar Sanjay Prabhu
Published: May 2015

Efficient conversion of fermentable sugars from cheap lignocellulosic biomass is a current need in viable ethanol production technology.
Fast formation of a novel bilayer coating with enhanced corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility on magnesium
Authors: Li Bo , Han Yong
Published: May 2015

A bilayer coating on magnesium provides effective protection to the substrate from corrosion and facilitates osteoblast adhesion and proliferation.
Novel textile material based disposable sensors for biomedical analysis
Authors: Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana , Gugoaşă Livia Alexandra , Badulescu Marius , Surdu-Bob Carmen Cristina
Published: May 2015

Textile veils modified with carbon-like diamond and maltodextrins detect IL-6.
Vis/NIR light driven mild and clean synthesis of disulfides in the presence of Cu2(OH)PO4 under aerobic conditions
Authors: Shah Sk. Sheriff , Karthik S. , Singh N. D. Pradeep
Published: May 2015

A highly efficient one-pot strategy has been developed for the synthesis of disulfide in the presence of air under the irradiation of Vis/NIR light.
The effect of NaF on the electrochemical behavior of the Mg–11Li–3.5Al–1Zn–1Sn–1Ce–0.1Mn electrode in NaCl solution
Authors: Lv Yanzhuo , Tang Dandan , Cao Dianxue , Wang Guiling , Zhang Milin , Feng Jing
Published: May 2015

The effect of NaF on the electrochemical behaviors of the Mg–11Li–3.5Al–1Zn–1Sn–1Ce–0.1Mn electrode in 0.7 mol L−1 NaCl solution is investigated by the methods of potentiodynamic polarization, potentiostatic oxidation, EIS and SEM with EDS analysis.
Elastic theory for the deformation of a spherical dielectric biological object under electro-optical trapping
Authors: Haque Md. Mozzammel
Published: May 2015

The shear modulus of a dielectric spherical particle is investigated using a combination of triangular (or square) electrodes and a single-beam optical tweezer.
Large-scale fabrication of porous bulk silver thin sheets with tunable porosity for high-performance binder-free supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Zhang Pinghui , Vongehr Sascha , Tang Shaochun , Wang Yongguang , Meng Xiangkang
Published: May 2015

We report a novel method for the large-scale fabrication of porous bulk silver thin sheets (PSTS) built from three-dimensionally interconnected nanoparticles (NPs).
Natural-photosynthesis-inspired photovoltaic cells using carotenoid aggregates as electron donors and chlorophyll derivatives as electron acceptors
Authors: Zhuang Taojun , Sasaki Shin-ichi , Ikeuchi Toshitaka , Kido Junji , Wang Xiao-Feng
Published: May 2015

In this study, we describe photosynthetic active layers-based photovoltaic cells employing a linear carotenoid as the donor and chlorophyll derivatives as the acceptors.
Development of a polybenzoxazine/TSBA-15 composite from the renewable resource cardanol for low-k applications
Authors: Selvaraj Vaithilingam , Jayanthi K. P. , Lakshmikandhan Thatchanamurthy , Alagar Muthukaruppan
Published: May 2015

Scheme shows the synthesis of a cardanol-based polybenzoxazine composite for low-dielectric constant applications.
Continuous-flow hydrogenation of olefins and nitrobenzenes catalyzed by platinum nanoparticles dispersed in an amphiphilic polymer
Authors: Osako Takao , Torii Kaoru , Tazawa Aya , Uozumi Yasuhiro
Published: May 2015

Continuous-flow hydrogenation of olefins and nitrobenzenes with ARP-Pt.
Mechanochemical growth of a porous ZnFe2O4 nano-flake thin film as an electrode for supercapacitor application
Authors: Vadiyar M. M. , Bhise S. C. , Patil S. K. , Patil S. A. , Pawar D. K. , Ghule A. V. , Patil P. S. , Kolekar S. S.
Published: May 2015

ZnFe2O4 nano-flake thin films prepared using a mechanochemical approach for supercapacitor applications showing excellent specific capacitance, stability, energy and power density.
Polytriazole bridged with 2,5-diphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole moieties: a highly sensitive and selective fluorescence chemosensor for Ag+
Authors: Cao Shoupeng , Pei Zhichao , Xu Yongqian , Zhang Ruina , Pei Yuxin
Published: May 2015

Fluorescent conjugated polytriazoles (FCP 1–4) containing both 2,5-diphenyl-1,3,5-oxadiazole (OXD) and 1,2,3-triazole moieties in the main chain were synthesized from aromatic diazide (1) and dialkynes (2–5) via click polymerization, respectively.
Through space charge-transfer emission in lambda (Λ)-shaped triarylboranes and the use in fluorescent sensing for fluoride and cyanide ions
Authors: Xi He , Liu Yang , Yuan Chun-Xue , Li Ye-Xin , Wang Lei , Tao Xu-Tang , Ma Xiao-Hua , Zhang Chun-Fu , Hao Yue
Published: May 2015

By introducing a twisted and non-conjugated Λ-shaped TB scaffold to triarylboranes, we provide an efficient strategy to develop a new class of organoboron compounds applied as colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent sensors for fluoride and cyanide.
Multifunctional polybenzoxazine nanocomposites containing photoresponsive azobenzene units, catalytic carboxylic acid groups, and pyrene units capable of dispersing carbon nanotubes
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Gamal , Hsiao Chi-Hui , Luo Faliang , Dai Lizong , Kuo Shiao-Wei
Published: May 2015

A new multifunctional benzoxazine monomer Azo-COOH-Py BZ includes an azobenzene unit, a carboxylic acid group, and a pyrene moiety.
Effect of interface shape on advancing and receding fluid-contact angles around spherical particles
Authors: Şenbil Nesrin , He Wei , Démery Vincent , Dinsmore Anthony D.
Published: May 2015

Experiments show that the angle of contact between a solid sphere and a fluid interface under receding conditions varies with the shape of the fluid interface and of the contact line.
The structure control of ZnS/graphene composites and their excellent properties for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Mao Minglei , Jiang Li , Wu Lichen , Zhang Ming , Wang Taihong
Published: May 2015

ZnS/graphene composites are prepared using a facile solvothermal process by combining the reduction of graphene oxide with the growth of ZnS aggregates in one step.
Synthesis of a highly dense and selective imprinted polymer via pre-irradiated surface-initiated graft polymerization
Authors: Meng Hu , Gao Qianhong , Li Zheng , Wang Xiaoning , Ma Fuyin , Zhou Wei , Zhang Lan
Published: May 2015

A highly dense and selective U(vi)-imprinted polymer was prepared by pre-irradiated surface-initiated graft polymerization.
Tailored SrTiO3/TiO2 heterostructures for dye-sensitized solar cells with enhanced photoelectric conversion performance
Authors: Guo Enyan , Yin Longwei
Published: May 2015

We present a novel type of SrTiO3/TiO2 nanosheet heterostructure via a facile hydrothermal process, with a tunable microstructure, phase component and surface area by adjusting the molar ratio of Sr and Ti precursors.
Conductive natural rubber/carbon black nanocomposites via cellulose nanowhisker templated assembly: tailored hierarchical structure leading to synergistic property enhancements
Authors: Wu Xiaodong , Lu Canhui , Zhang Xinxing , Zhou Zehang
Published: May 2015

Cellulose nanowhisker assisted fabrication of carbon black based 3D hierarchical conductive structures in natural rubber with enhanced performance.
Interconnected core–shell carbon nanotube–graphene nanoribbon scaffolds for anchoring cobalt oxides as bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution and reduction
Authors: Lu Xunyu , Chan Hubert M. , Sun Chia-Liang , Tseng Chuan-Ming , Zhao Chuan
Published: May 2015

N-doped, core–shell carbon nanotube–graphene nanoribbons are developed as novel substrates for anchoring Co3O4nanocrystals as bifunctional catalysts for oxygen electrochemistry.
Use of epidermal growth factor receptor antibody–gold cluster conjugates with good renal excretion in targeted cancer radiation treatment
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Dong , Chen Jie , Yang Jiang , Wang Jun-Ying , Shen Xiu , Song Sha-Sha , Wang Hao , He Hua , Wang Xiaojuan , Fan Saijun , Sun Yuan-Ming , Guo Meili
Published: May 2015

EGFR antibody–gold clusters were shown to improve the efficiency of radiation treatment and had good renal clearance in a mouse model.
Rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of ultra-bright fluorescent carbon dots for live cell staining, cell-specific targeting and in vivo imaging
Authors: He Hua , Wang Xiaojuan , Feng Zhenzhen , Cheng Tiantian , Sun Xing , Sun Yawei , Xia Yongqing , Wang Shengjie , Wang Junying , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: May 2015

Ultra-bright fluorescent carbon dots were rapidly synthesized for multifunctional bio-imaging including live cell staining, cell-specific targeting and in vivo imaging.
Control of plasmonic fluorescence enhancement on self-assembled 2-D colloidal crystals
Authors: Hong Wei , Zhang Yu , Gan Lin , Chen Xudong , Zhang Mingqiu
Published: May 2015

A systematic study of the excitation wavelength–LSPR-based fluorescence enhancement of conjugated polymers on Ag-capped two-dimensional colloidal crystals.
High carrier mobility of few-layer PbX (X = S, Se, Te)
Authors: Li Xi-Bo , Guo Pan , Zhang Yan-Ning , Peng Ru-Fang , Zhang Hui , Liu Li-Min
Published: May 2015

Two-dimensional materials with a higher carrier mobility are promising materials for applications in nanoelectronics and photocatalysis.
Cysteine-specific ubiquitination protects the peroxisomal import receptor Pex5p against proteasomal degradation
Authors: Schwartzkopff Benjamin , Platta Harald W. , Hasan Sohel , Girzalsky Wolfgang , Erdmann Ralf
Published: May 2015

Peroxisomal matrix protein import is mediated by dynamic import receptors, which cycle between the peroxisomal membrane and the cytosol. Proteins with a type 1 peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1) are bound by the import receptor Pex5p in the cytosol and guided to the peroxisomal membrane. After cargo translocation into the peroxisomal matrix, the receptor is released from the membrane back to the cytosol in an ATP-dependent manner by the AAA-type ATPases Pex1p and Pex6p. These mechanoenzymes recognize ubiquitinated Pex5p-species as substrates for membrane extraction. The PTS1-receptor is either polyubiquitinated via peptide bonds at two certain lysines and results in proteasomal degradation or monoubiquitinated via a thioester-bond at a conserved cysteine, which enables the recycling of Pex5p and further rounds of matrix protein import. To investigate the physiological relevance of the conserved N-terminal cysteine of Pex5p, the known target amino acids for ubiquitination were substituted by site-directed mutagenesis. In contrast with Pex5pC6A, Pex5pC6K turned out to be functional in PTS1 import and utilization of oleic acid, independent of the lysines at position 18 and 24. In contrast with wild-type Pex5p, Pex5pC6K displays an ubiquitination pattern, similar to the polyubiquitination pattern of Pex4p or Pex22p mutant strains. Moreover, Pex5pC6K displays a significantly reduced steady-state level when the deubiquitinating enzyme Ubp15p is missing. Thus, our results indicate that not the cysteine residue but the position of ubiquitination is important for Pex5p function. The presence of the cysteine prevents polyubiquitination and rapid degradation of Pex5p.
Upscaled sub‐pixel multiplexing of multi‐view images based on weighted view overlay
Authors: Lee Eung Don , Lee Gwangsoon , Lee Hyun , Kim Yang Su , Hur Namho
Published: May 2015

A sub‐pixel multiplexing algorithm for generating multi‐view images on an autostereoscopic three‐dimensional (3D) display at high speed is proposed. Generally, sub‐pixel multiplexing in an autostereoscopic 3DTV system is to assign R, G, B colour sub‐pixels of multiple view images at the proper position on the display such that a proper view image can be seen in accordance with the viewer's position. The upscaled sub‐pixel multiplexing algorithm proposed is composed of bilinear upscaling and a weighted view overlay. Even though upscaling multiple view images requires too much resources and increases system complexity, the proposed algorithm can significantly reduce complexity from an implementation point of view while providing high‐quality 3D views. Specifically, the advantage of the proposed weighted view‐overlay technique is that several overlaid view images decide the colour value of the sub‐pixel, which results in increasing the subjective quality of view images. Through an experiment, it is confirmed that the image quality of generated multi‐views with the proposed algorithms is notably better than the existing simple techniques.
Sparse super‐resolution imaging for airborne single channel forward‐looking radar in expanded beam space via lp regularisation
Authors: Chen Hong Meng , Li Ming , Wang Zeyu , Lu Yunlong , Zhang Peng , Wu Yan
Published: May 2015

An adaptive super‐resolution imaging algorithm to enhance the performance of airborne single channel forward‐looking radar is proposed. Multiple beams data to expand the processing space to enforce the sparsity of scatterers with respect to the antenna pattern was first utilised. Then, the imaging is converted into a problem of signal reconstruction with Lp‐norm regularisation, and the regularisation parameter is data driven. Simulations are given to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Cyclic code‐shift extension keying for multi‐user optical wireless communications
Authors: González O. , Martín‐González J.A. , Guerra‐Medina M.F. , López‐Hernández F.J. , Delgado‐Rajó F.A.
Published: May 2015

An optical code‐division multiple access (OCDMA) scheme based on cyclic shift extension of a base code is proposed to enable asynchronous multi‐user optical wireless communications for very populated scenarios. This multiple access method is convenient for low–medium data rate communications of a large number of simultaneous transmitters. An expression to obtain a tight upper bound of the bit‐error probability of the new scheme is provided which is also confirmed by experimental results. A variant of the proposed communication method which allows the encoding of several bits per symbol is also presented, although its analysis demonstrates that the first simpler strategy reaches similar performance with a significantly lower receiver complexity.
Rechargeable neurostimulator with H‐shaped fractal slots in PCB copper layers
Authors: Li Qingfeng , Chen Shaobo , Wang Weiming , Hao Hongwei , Li Luming
Published: May 2015

Rechargeable neurostimulators make it possible to research and treat brain disorders for a long period of time. However, metal objects such as device cases and inner copper layers of the printed circuit board (PCB) lower the energy transfer efficiency and can even present safety risks due to the eddy currents in these metals. The use of a fractal pattern slot in the metal to suppress the eddy currents is proposed and a rechargeable neurostimulator with deformed H‐shape fractal slots in the PCB inner copper layers is described. The results show that the use of an H‐shaped fractal pattern slot is effective over a relatively wide frequency range and the maximum temperature of the neurostimulator is in the range of 34.5–39.5°C, which indicates that the device can be used safely for long‐term animal studies and even in the clinical treatment of brain disorders.
Modelling hysteresis in vanadium dioxide oscillators
Authors: Maffezzoni P. , Daniel L. , Shukla N. , Datta S. , Raychowdhury A. , Narayanan V.
Published: May 2015

An original circuit‐level model of two‐terminal vanadium dioxide electron devices exhibiting electronic hysteresis is presented. Such devices allow realisation of very compact relaxation nano‐oscillators that potentially can be used in bio‐inspired neurocomputing. The proposed model is exploited to determine the parameters, values that ensure stable periodic oscillations.
Si‐based Ge0.9Sn0.1 photodetector with peak responsivity of 2.85 A/W and longwave cutoff at 2.4 μm
Authors: Pham T.N. , Du W. , Conley B.R. , Margetis J. , Sun G. , Soref R.A. , Tolle J. , Li B. , Yu S.‐Q.
Published: May 2015

High performance Si‐based Ge0.9Sn0.1 photoconductive infrared detectors have been demonstrated. The device fabrication is fully compatible with the complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) process. The room temperature responsivity at 1.55 μm is 0.26 A/W and comparable with that of commercially available InGaAs and Ge photovoltaic detectors. Temperature‐dependent study shows an increased peak responsivity of 2.85 A/W at 77 K. The spectral response has a longwave cutoff of 2.4 and 2.2 μm at 300 and 77 K, respectively. Specific detectivity (D*) was calculated and compared side by side with D* of market dominating infrared detectors.
Low‐sensitivity recursive Hilbert transformer using switched‐current techniques
Authors: Anjos E.V.P. , Barúqui F.A.P.
Published: May 2015

An implementation of a discrete Hilbert transformer based on half‐band filters using switched‐current (SI) techniques is proposed. Structurally, all‐pass networks were used to build a system with very low sensitivity to transistor mismatch. A sensitivity simulation is presented to validate the proposed circuit.
Fully integrated 60 GHz switched‐beam phased antenna array in glass‐IPD technology
Authors: Chang Chia‐Chan , Lin Chun‐Chi , Cheng Wei‐Kuo
Published: May 2015

A 1 × 4 double‐sided dipole antenna array with an associated Butler matrix beamforming network was designed and implemented at 60 GHz using glass‐based integrated passive device (IPD) technology. Owing to the chip area limitation, the spacing between the antenna elements is ∼0.32λ0. Experimental results show that beams are successfully generated in the −62°, −23°, 22° and 50° directions, with total array gains of 2.5, 3.8, 4.3 and 3.0 dBi, respectively, which agree with simulation predictions. This successful demonstration provides a feasible solution for 60 GHz radio in heterogeneous system‐in‐package (SiP) integration.
Low‐timing‐sensitivity waveform design for carrierless amplitude and phase modulation in visible light communications
Authors: Lin Shengchao , Wang Jun‐Bo , Wang Jin‐Yuan , Wang Jiangzhou , Chen Ming
Published: May 2015

The carrierless amplitude and phase (CAP) modulation is a promising candidate for visible light communication (VLC) because of its high frequency efficiency and low implementation complexity. However, the CAP receiver is highly sensitive to timing errors because of the bad eye diagram performance and requires a complex synchronisation circuit. In this study, the conventional CAP pulse is extended to a generalised CAP pulse. The zero inter‐symbol interference (zero‐ISI) and the zero cross‐channel interference (zero‐CCI) constraints are assumed for the generalised CAP pulses. Two new sets of wider eye opened two‐dimensional (2D) CAP pulses and a set of frequency efficient 3D CAP pulses are proposed to meet the zero‐ISI and zero‐CCI constraints for VLC. Simulation results show that the proposed new 2D CAP pulses are more tolerant to the timing offset than the existing CAP pulses in VLC systems, but the corresponding bit error rate performances are poorer when the accurate timing synchronisation is obtained. Moreover, the proposed new 3D CAP pulses are more sensitive to the timing offset than the existing CAP pulses.
Basin structure of optimization based state and parameter estimation
Authors: Schumann-Bischoff Jan , Parlitz Ulrich , Abarbanel Henry D. I. , Kostuk Mark , Rey Daniel , Eldridge Michael , Luther Stefan
Published: May 2015

Most data based state and parameter estimation methods require suitable initial values or guesses to achieve convergence to the desired solution, which typically is a global minimum of some cost function. Unfortunately, however, other stable solutions (e.g., local minima) may exist and provide suboptimal or even wrong estimates. Here, we demonstrate for a 9-dimensional Lorenz-96 model how to characterize the basin size of the global minimum when applying some particular optimization based estimation algorithm. We compare three different strategies for generating suitable initial guesses, and we investigate the dependence of the solution on the given trajectory segment (underlying the measured time series). To address the question of how many state variables have to be measured for optimal performance, different types of multivariate time series are considered consisting of 1, 2, or 3 variables. Based on these time series, the local observability of state variables and parameters of the Lorenz-96 model is investigated and confirmed using delay coordinates. This result is in good agreement with the observation that correct state and parameter estimation results are obtained if the optimization algorithm is initialized with initial guesses close to the true solution. In contrast, initialization with other exact solutions of the model equations (different from the true solution used to generate the time series) typically fails, i.e., the optimization procedure ends up in local minima different from the true solution. Initialization using random values in a box around the attractor exhibits success rates depending on the number of observables and the available time series (trajectory segment).
Mechanistic insights into the dehalogenation reaction of fluoroacetate/fluoroacetic acid
Authors: Miranda-Rojas Sebastián , Toro-Labbé Alejandro
Published: May 2015

Fluoroacetate is a toxic compound whose environmental accumulation may represent an important contamination problem, its elimination is therefore a challenging issue. Fluoroacetate dehalogenase catalyzes its degradation through a two step process initiated by an SN2 reaction in which the aspartate residue performs a nucleophilic attack on the carbon bonded to the fluorine; the second step is hydrolysis that releases the product as glycolate. In this paper, we present a study based on density functional theory calculations of the SN2 initiation reaction modeled through the interaction between the substrate and the propionate anion as the nucleophile. Results are analyzed within the framework of the reaction force and using the reaction electronic flux to identify and characterize the electronic activity that drives the reaction. Our results reveal that the selective protonation of the substrate catalyzes the reaction by decreasing the resistance of the structural and electronic reorganization needed to reach the transition state. Finally, the reaction energy is modulated by the degree of stabilization of the fluoride anion formed after the SN2 reaction. In this way, a site-induced partial protonation acts as a chemical switch in a key process that determines the output of the reaction.
The microfluidics of the eccrine sweat gland, including biomarker partitioning, transport, and biosensing implications
Authors: Sonner Z. , Wilder E. , Heikenfeld J. , Kasting G. , Beyette F. , Swaile D. , Sherman F. , Joyce J. , Hagen J. , Kelley-Loughnane N. , Naik R.
Published: May 2015

Non-invasive and accurate access of biomarkers remains a holy grail of the biomedical community. Human eccrine sweat is a surprisingly biomarker-rich fluid which is gaining increasing attention. This is especially true in applications of continuous bio-monitoring where other biofluids prove more challenging, if not impossible. However, much confusion on the topic exists as the microfluidics of the eccrine sweat gland has never been comprehensively presented and models of biomarker partitioning into sweat are either underdeveloped and/or highly scattered across literature. Reported here are microfluidic models for eccrine sweat generation and flow which are coupled with review of blood-to-sweat biomarker partition pathways, therefore providing insights such as how biomarker concentration changes with sweat flow rate. Additionally, it is shown that both flow rate and biomarker diffusion determine the effective sampling rate of biomarkers at the skin surface (chronological resolution). The discussion covers a broad class of biomarkers including ions (Na+, Cl−, K+, NH4+), small molecules (ethanol, cortisol, urea, and lactate), and even peptides or small proteins (neuropeptides and cytokines). The models are not meant to be exhaustive for all biomarkers, yet collectively serve as a foundational guide for further development of sweat-based diagnostics and for those beginning exploration of new biomarker opportunities in sweat.
Effects of vacuum ultraviolet irradiation on trapped charges and leakage currents of low-k organosilicate dielectrics
Authors: Zheng H. , Guo X. , Pei D. , Ryan E. T. , Nishi Y. , Shohet J. L.
Published: May 2015

Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoemission spectroscopy is utilized to investigate the distribution of trapped charges within the bandgap of low dielectric constant (low-k) organosilicate (SiCOH) materials. It was found that trapped charges are continuously distributed within the bandgap of porous SiCOH and the center of the trapped states is 1.3 eV above the valence band of the tested sample. By comparing photoemission spectroscopic results before and after VUV exposure, VUV irradiation with photon energies between 7.6 and 8.9 eV was found to deplete trapped charge while UV exposure with photon energies less than 6.0 eV induces more trapped charges in tested samples. Current-Voltage (IV) characteristics results show that the reliability of dielectrics is improved after VUV irradiation with photon energies between 7.6 and 8.9 eV, while UV exposure results in an increased level of leakage current and a decreased breakdown voltage, both of which are harmful to the reliability of the dielectric. This work shows that VUV irradiation holds the potential to substitute for UV curing in microelectronic processing to improve the reliability of low-k dielectrics by mitigating the leakage currents and trapped charges induced by UV irradiation.
Copper in Alzheimer’s disease: Implications in amyloid aggregation and neurotoxicity
Authors: Gamez Patrick , Caballero Ana B.
Published: May 2015

The relationship of copper dyshomeostasis with neurodegenerative diseases has become evident in the last years. Because of the major role that this metal ion plays in biological processes, most of which being located in the brain, it is not surprising that changes in its distribution are closely related with the advent of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). An increasing number of works have dealt with this subject in the last years, and opened an intense debate in some points while raising new questions that still remain unanswered. This revision work puts together and discusses the latest findings and insights on how copper ions are involved in AD progression, including its interaction with Aβ and its consequently induced aggregation.
Factor decomposition analysis of sub-national CO2 emissions in China: A dynamic panel approach
Authors: Wen Lei , Cao Ye
Published: May 2015

The aim of this paper is to present new evidence of relationship between economic activities and environmental conditions, and accordingly to obtain emission-cutting focus in China. This study decomposes total CO2 emissions into six determinants derived from three net effects of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC): scale, technique, and composition. Meanwhile, in views of huge provincial-disparity in economic situation and environmental conditions, we investigate impact factors of CO2 emissions at sub-national level via generalized method of moment estimation. Test including panel unit root, panel cointegration, Sargan and residual auto-correlation is also performed to maintain strict structure and scientific estimation. Results show that CO2 emissions substantially increase over a decade with an upward annual growth rate and a high provincial disparity; sorted in descending order, previous CO2 emissions, coal share, economic growth, and industrial energy consumption are main determinants for accelerated CO2 emissions; EKC with an inverted-U shape relationship between environment quality and income is not verified. Accordingly, emission-reducing policies at sub-national level are concluded.