bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The photochemistry of sodium ion pump rhodopsin observed by watermarked femto- to submillisecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Hontani Yusaku , Inoue Keiichi , Kloz Miroslav , Kato Yoshitaka , Kandori Hideki , Kennis John T. M.
Published: August 2016

The femtosecond-to-submillisecond photocycle of sodium ion pump rhodopsin KR2 was revealed through watermarked stimulated Raman spectroscopy.
Evaluation of sulfur spinel compounds for multivalent battery cathode applications
Authors: Liu Miao , Jain Anubhav , Rong Ziqin , Qu Xiaohui , Canepa Pieremanuele , Malik Rahul , Ceder Gerbrand , Persson Kristin A.
Published: August 2016

Promising sulfur spinel systems with facile cation mobility are revealed for multivalent cathode applications based on systematical calculation and screening.
Recent advances in titanium-based electrode materials for stationary sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Guo Shaohua , Yi Jin , Sun Yang , Zhou Haoshen
Published: August 2016

This article presents a comprehensive and critical review on the recent progress of titanium-based electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries.
Noble metal–metal oxide nanohybrids with tailored nanostructures for efficient solar energy conversion, photocatalysis and environmental remediation
Authors: Liu Xueqin , Iocozzia James , Wang Yang , Cui Xun , Chen Yihuang , Zhao Shiqiang , Li Zhen , Lin Zhiqun
Published: August 2016

The controlled synthesis of nanohybrids composed of noble metals and metal oxides have received considerable attention for applications in photocatalysis, solar cells, drug delivery, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and many other important areas.
Synergistic effect of combined colloidal and organic fouling in membrane distillation: Measurements and mechanisms
Authors: Qin Wenli , Zhang Jianhua , Xie Zongli , Ng Derick , Ye Ying , Gray Stephen R. , Xie Ming
Published: August 2016

We examined the synergistic effect of combined fouling in MD process with three organic foulants – alginate, bovine serum albumin, and humic acid – in the presence of colloidal silica particles.
Cell-cycle-dependent Ca2+ transients in human induced pluripotent stem cells revealed by a simultaneous imaging of cell nuclei and intracellular Ca2+ level
Authors: Shimba Kenta , Iida Shoko , Kotani Kiyoshi , Jimbo Yasuhiko
Published: August 2016

Simultaneous imaging of cell nuclei and intracellular Ca2+ level revealed that human iPS cells exhibited cell cycle-dependent Ca2+ transients.
MicroXRF tomographic visualization of zinc and iron in the zebrafish embryo at the onset of the hatching period
Authors: Bourassa Daisy , Gleber Sophie-Charlotte , Vogt Stefan , Shin Chong Hyun , Fahrni Christoph J.
Published: August 2016

Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microtomography offers new insights into the three-dimensional distribution of zinc and iron at a key stage of zebrafish embryogenesis.
Using carbohydrate-based biomaterials as scaffolds to control human stem cell fate
Authors: Hu Jing , Seeberger Peter H. , Yin Jian
Published: August 2016

This review describes the current state and applications of several important and extensively studied natural polysaccharide and glycoprotein scaffolds that can control the stem cell fate.
Copper–TEMPO-catalyzed synthesis of α-ketoamides via tandem sp3C–H aerobic oxidation and amination of phenethyl alcohol derivatives
Authors: Liu Chengkou , Yang Zhao , Guo Shiyu , Zeng Yu , Zhu Ning , Li Xin , Fang Zheng , Guo Kai
Published: August 2016

The first synthesis of α-ketoamides from phenethyl alcohol derivatives, simple and readily available substrates, was achieved.
Design, synthesis and biological activities of new brassinosteroid analogues with a phenyl group in the side chain
Authors: Kvasnica M. , Oklestkova J. , Bazgier V. , Rárová L. , Korinkova P. , Mikulík J. , Budesinsky M. , Béres T. , Berka K. , Lu Q. , Russinova E. , Strnad M.
Published: August 2016

Synthesis of new brassinosteroid analogues based on molecular docking into the BRI1 receptor leads to novel compounds with bioactivity comparable to natural ones.
Injectable cationic hydrogels with high antibacterial activity and low toxicity
Authors: Du Hong , Wang Ying , Yao Xuxia , Luo Qiaojie , Zhu Weipu , Li Xiaodong , Shen Zhiquan
Published: August 2016

We prepared injectable cationic hydrogels with strong antibacterial activity and remarkably low toxicity byin situthiol–ene “click” reaction between dimethacrylate terminated poly(hexamethylene guanidine) (PHMGDMA) and poly[oligo(ethylene) glycol mercaptosuccinate] (POEGMS) under physiological conditions.
Exploring the potential of linear polymer structures for the synthesis of fluorescent gold nanoclusters
Authors: Adnan Nik Nik M. , Ahmad Syafiq , Kuchel Rhiannon P. , Boyer Cyrille
Published: August 2016

In this study, fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) were synthesized via the one-pot reduction of gold ions (Au3+) in the presence of thiolated copolymers.
Facile fabrication of highly efficient modified ZnO photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic, antibacterial and anticancer activity
Authors: Raza Waseem , Faisal Syed Mohammad , Owais Mohammad , Bahnemann D. , Muneer M.
Published: August 2016

Photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants using hexagonal Er and Nd doped ZnO photocatalyst.
Effect of different amounts of slag on the crystallization behavior of glass-ceramics produced by natural cooling yellow phosphorus slag
Authors: Liu Hong-Pan , Ma Li-Ping , Huang Xiao-Feng , Tang Jian-Xiao , Yang Jie , Yang Jing
Published: August 2016

With the aid of the micrograph images and XRD patterns of glass-ceramics, it was shown that decreasing the amount of slag in glass-ceramics can promote crystallization in CAS systems.
Metabolomics analysis reveals heavy metal copper-induced cytotoxicity in HT-29 human colon cancer cells
Authors: Xiao Yue , Zhai Qixiao , Wang Gang , Liu Xiaoming , Zhao Jianxin , Tian Fengwei , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: August 2016

LC-MS based metabolomics analysis reveals heavy metal copper-induced cytotoxicity in a human intestinal cell line, HT-29.
Removal of Cu2+ from wastewater by modified xanthan gum (XG) with ethylenediamine (EDA)
Authors: Qiu Haiyan , Yan Junhua , Lan Guihong , Liu Yongqiang , Song Xiaoqin , Peng Wanxi , Cui Yingyi
Published: August 2016

Herein, a new adsorbent was synthesized by modifying xanthan gum for the removal of Cu2+ from wastewater.
Construction of AgCl/Ag/BiOCl with a concave-rhombicuboctahedron core–shell hierarchitecture and enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Xu Zhikun , Lin Shuang-Yan
Published: August 2016

Concave-rhombicuboctahedron structure Ag/AgCl/BiOCl heterojunction photocatalyst with high efficiency and stability is prepared through a simple one-step vapor diffusion strategy at room temperature without template or any additives.
Shape-selective synthesis of Bi2WO6 hierarchical structures and their morphology-dependent photocatalytic activities
Authors: Lv Hua , Liu Yumin , Guang Jing , Ding Zhiwei , Wang Jianji
Published: August 2016

Various morphologies of Bi2WO6 were synthesized using l-lysine as surfactant and the possible formation mechanisms were proposed.
An in situ self-catalytic hybrid cyanate ester resin and its self-catalytic polymerization behavior
Authors: Guo Kangkang , Li Ping , Zhu Yaping , Wang Fan , Qi Huimin
Published: August 2016

A novolac cyanate ester (NCE) with self-catalytic function that incorporates –Si–NH–CN group has been synthesized through the reaction between methylvinylcyclotrisilazane (MVSZ) and novolac cyanate ester (NCE).
Enhancement of peroxidase-like activity of N-doped graphene assembled with iron-tetrapyridylporphyrin
Authors: Magerusan L. , Socaci C. , Pogacean F. , Rosu M.-C. , Biris A. R. , Coros M. , Turza A. , Floare-Avram V. , Katona G. , Pruneanu S.
Published: August 2016

Non-covalently iron-porphyrin functionalized N-doped graphene shows a higher peroxidase-like activity than its building blocks alone.
Carbon nano-ink coated open cell polyurethane foam with micro-architectured multilayer skeleton for damping applications
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Chong , Scarpa Fabrizio , McHale Ronan , Limmack Andrew P. , Peng Hua-Xin
Published: August 2016

Carbon nanotube ink coated multilayered polyurethane open cell foams utilize the CNT–CNT interfacial frictional damping mechanism, thus dramatically improving the foam energy dissipation capability by 270%.
Enhanced electron emission of directly transferred few-layer graphene decorated with gold nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Ji , Wang Qilong , Tao Zhi , Qi Zhiyang , Zhai Yusheng , Lei Wei , Zhang Xiaobing
Published: August 2016

We demonstrate the possibility for integrating field emitters with two-dimensional (2D) graphene for directly transferred vacuum nanoelectronics.
Novel magnetic nanoparticles with ionic liquid tags as a reusable catalyst in the synthesis of polyhydroquinolines
Authors: Yarie Meysam , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Bayat Yadollah , Asgari Asiye , Alonso Diego A. , Khoshnood Abbas
Published: August 2016

{Fe3O4@SiO2@(CH2)3Im}C(NO2)3 as a novel nanostructured heterogeneous reusable catalyst was used for the four component preparation of the polyhydroquinoline derivatives under mild and eco-friendly reaction conditions.
Partitioning behavior of recombinant lipase in Escherichia coli by ionic liquid-based aqueous two-phase systems
Authors: Hadzir Muhammad Hakimi , Abbasiliasi Sahar , Ariff Arbakariya B. , Yusoff Siti Baidurah , Ng Hui Suan , Tan Joo Shun
Published: August 2016

Evaluations of ILATPSs were performed with a variety of ionic liquids and salts as phase components to figure out their competencies in the recovery of lipase from a fermentation broth ofE. coliusing banana waste as a substrate.
Uniformly deposited Pt nanoparticles onto crosslinked ionic liquids wrapped carbon nanotubes for methanol electrooxidation
Authors: Luo Li , Zhou Zheng , Ren Ye , Chen Guang-Xin , Li Qifang
Published: August 2016

A type of skin-core structured hybrid with a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) center was synthesized by in situ free-radical polymerization of vinyl-benzyl ionic liquid and divinylbenzene on the outer surface of MWCNTs.
Enhancing the adsorption behavior and mechanism of Sr(ii) by functionalized montmorillonite with different 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) ratios
Authors: Liu Chongmin , Liu Shuai , Wu Pingxiao , Dai Yaping , Tran Lytuong , Zhu Nengwu , Guo Chuling , Sohoo Ihsanullah
Published: August 2016

APTES functionalized montmorillonite has potential applications in the removal of Sr(ii) from wastewater by coordination–adsorption.
Fabrication and characterization of polymer–ceramic nanocomposites containing pluronic F127 immobilized on hydroxyapatite nanoparticles
Authors: Mirhosseini Mohammad Masoud , Haddadi-Asl Vahid , Zargarian Seyed Shahrooz
Published: August 2016

Synthesis and embedding of HA-F127 nanoparticles into a PCL/P123 nanofibrous scaffold plus molecular dynamics simulation of pristine and modified HA/polymer interactions.
EPS solubilization and waste activated sludge acidification enhanced by alkaline-assisted bi-frequency ultrasonic pretreatment revealed by 3D-EEM fluorescence
Authors: Peng Jing , Wen Kaili , Liu Wenzong , Yue Xiuping , Wang Aijie , Zhou Aijuan
Published: August 2016

The effect of alkaline-assisted bi-frequency (28 + 40 kHz) ultrasonic pretreatment on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) solubilization and waste activated sludge (WAS) acidification was investigated.
Isolation of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids from Nerine bowdenii W. Watson and their biological activities
Authors: Vaněčková Nina , Hošt‘álková Anna , Šafratová Marcela , Kuneš Jiří , Hulcová Daniela , Hrabinová Martina , Doskočil Ivo , Štěpánková Šárka , Opletal Lubomír , Nováková Lucie , Jun Daniel , Chlebek Jakub , Cahlíková Lucie
Published: August 2016

Twenty-two isoquinoline alkaloids (1–22) were isolated from fresh bulbs of Nerine bowdenii (Amaryllidaceae) by standard chromatographic methods.
Retraction: Morphological evolution of polyaniline and its interaction with amphiphiles
Authors: Dutta Kingshuk , Kundu Patit Paban
Published: August 2016

Retraction of ‘Morphological evolution of polyaniline and its interaction with amphiphiles’ by Kingshuk Dutta and Patit Paban Kundu, RSC Adv., 2014, DOI: 10.1039/c3ra42063a.
A new methodology for the reduction of vibrational kinetics in non-equilibrium microwave plasma: application to CO2 dissociation
Authors: de la Fuente J. F. , Moreno S. H. , Stankiewicz A. I. , Stefanidis G. D.
Published: August 2016

Plasma reactor technologies have the potential to enable storage of green renewable electricity into fuels and chemicals. The development of reduced kinetic models is key for efficient plasma reactor design and optimization.
Janus second-order nonlinear optical dendrimers: their controllable molecular topology and corresponding largely enhanced performance
Authors: Tang Runli , Zhou Shengmin , Cheng Ziyao , Yu Gui , Peng Qian , Zeng Huiyi , Guo Guocong , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: August 2016

Four Janus NLO dendrimers were intelligently designed and synthesized with largely enhanced NLO performance.
Enantioselective, convergent synthesis of the ineleganolide core by a tandem annulation cascade
Authors: Craig, II Robert A. , Roizen Jennifer L. , Smith Russell C. , Jones Amanda C. , Virgil Scott C. , Stoltz Brian M.
Published: August 2016

An enantioselective and diastereoselective approach toward the synthesis of the polycyclic norditerpenoid ineleganolide is disclosed.
Ultrasmall tungsten phosphide nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon as a highly active and stable hydrogen-evolution electrocatalyst
Authors: Pu Zonghua , Ya Xue , Amiinu Ibrahim Saana , Tu Zhengkai , Liu Xiaobo , Li Wenqiang , Mu Shichun
Published: August 2016

WP NPs@NC exhibits remarkable hydrogen evolution reaction catalytic activity and durability over the entire pH range.
Highly enhanced electrochemical performance of ultrafine CuO nanoparticles confined in ordered mesoporous carbons as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Chandra Rath Purna , Patra Jagabandhu , Saikia Diganta , Mishra Mrinalini , Chang Jeng-Kuei , Kao Hsien-Ming
Published: August 2016

The CuO@CMK-8 anode exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 1405 mA h g−1 and a reversible capacity of 768 mA h g−1 in sodium-ion batteries.
High performance all-small-molecule solar cells: engineering the nanomorphology via processing additives
Authors: Min Jie , Kwon Oh Kyu , Cui Chaohua , Park Jung-Hwa , Wu Yue , Park Soo Young , Li Yongfang , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: August 2016

We used six solvent additives and a non-volatile DTBT additive to improve the BDTT-S-TR:NIDCS-MO blend morphology for synthesizing high performance all-SMSCs with a promising PCE of 5.33%.
Crumpled nitrogen- and boron-dual-self-doped graphene sheets as an extraordinary active anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Huang Shizhi , Zhang Lingli , Zhu Jinliang , Jiang San Ping , Shen Pei Kang
Published: August 2016

A self-assembled 3D network comprised of curled and wrinkled NBGs offers reduced tunnels for rapid lithium ion transport.
β-Cyclodextrin modified graphitic carbon nitride for the removal of pollutants from aqueous solution: experimental and theoretical calculation study
Authors: Zou Yidong , Wang Xiangxue , Ai Yuejie , Liu Yunhai , Ji Yongfei , Wang Hongqing , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hu Wenping , Wang Xiangke
Published: August 2016

The enhanced interaction of β-cyclodextrin modified graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4/β-CD) or g-C3N4 with methyl orange (MO) or Pb(ii) in natural environmental remediation.
Gradient-temperature hydrothermal fabrication of hierarchical Zn2SnO4 hollow boxes stimulated by thermodynamic phase transformation
Authors: Liu Xiong , Niu Chaojiang , Meng Jiashen , Xu Xiaoming , Wang Xuanpeng , Wen Bo , Guo Ruiting , Mai Liqiang
Published: August 2016

We report a gradient-temperature hydrothermal method to construct hierarchical Zn2SnO4 hollow boxes, and the obtained results are based on phase transformation between metastable ZnSnO3 and stable Zn2SnO4.
Facile construction of near-monodisperse and dual responsive polycarbonate mixed micelles with the ability of pH-induced charge reversal for intracellular delivery of antitumor drugs
Authors: Yu Lin , Xie Mengmeng , Li Zhao , Lin Chengyu , Zheng Zhen , Zhou Linzhu , Su Yue , Wang Xinling
Published: August 2016

A mixed strategy was used to construct near-monodisperse and reduction/pH dual responsive polycarbonate micelles with the ability for pH-induced charge conversion.
Post-transcriptional regulation of the tumor suppressor p53 by a novel miR-27a, with implications during hypoxia and tumorigenesis
Authors: Maqbool Raihana , Lone Saife Niaz , Ul Hussain Mahboob
Published: August 2016

The tumor suppressor protein p53 is intricately regulated by various signaling molecules, including non-coding small RNAs, called microRNAs (miRNAs). The in silico analysis and the inverse expression status in various cell lines raised the possibility of miR-27a being a new regulator of p53. Using luciferase reporter assay and various mutational and functional analysis, we identified two putative binding sites of miR-27a on the 3′-UTR of p53. The overexpression of miR-27a in the human colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116+/+ resulted in the decreased expression of the endogenous p53 protein levels. During hypoxia of the HCT-116+/+ cells, p53 showed increased accumulation after 3 h, and the levels were significantly up-regulated until 24 h of hypoxia. The p53 expression dynamics during hypoxia of the HCT-116+/+ cells were found to be inversely regulated by miR-27a expression. Moreover, using a cell viability assay, we established that after 3 h of hypoxia, the accumulation of p53 results in a decreased number of the viable HCT-116+/+ cells and the overexpression of miR-27a resulted in an increased number of viable HCT-116+/+ cells with a concomitant decrease in p53 expression. Additionally, our data indicated that miR-27a and p53 depict inverse expression dynamics in 50% of the human colorectal cancer samples studied, when compared with that in the adjacent normal samples. Our data established that miR-27a and the tumor suppressor protein p53 are part of the same signaling network that has important implications during hypoxia and tumorigenesis.
Optimal design of permanent magnet linear synchronous motors based on Taguchi method
Authors: Song Juncai , Dong Fei , Zhao Jiwen , Lu Siliang , Dou Shaokun , Wang Hui
Published: August 2016

This study focuses on optimisation design of permanent magnet linear synchronous motors that are applied in laser engraving machines with no cutting force. Traditional analytical optimisation method based on magnetic field with particle swarm optimisation algorithm was introduced to obtain the best combination of motor structure parameters. By contrast, the novel optimisation design method – Taguchi method based on orthogonal array was proposed to optimise the thrust and thrust ripple. After the design of experiments using finite‐element analysis, the relative importance of each design parameter was estimated in detail. Experimental results of prototype can certify the superiority and validity of Taguchi optimisation method.
Vibration prediction in fault‐tolerant flux‐switching permanent‐magnet machine under healthy and faulty conditions
Authors: Mao Yanxin , Liu Guohai , Zhao Wenxiang , Ji Jinghua
Published: August 2016

This study investigates the vibration behaviour of a fault‐tolerant flux‐switching permanent‐magnet (FT‐FSPM) machine due to electromagnetic origins. The FT‐FSPM machine adopts fault‐tolerant teeth and odd rotor pole to obtain more symmetric back electromotive force and reduced cogging torque. However, this topology suffers from high local magnetic force and unbalanced radial force, thus producing significant vibration and noise. In order to predict the vibration characteristic generated by the structure, electromagnetic and structural models are developed. First, the air‐gap field is qualitatively analysed by using the rotor permeance to modulate the magnetomotive force. Second, the radial forces during healthy and faulty operations are compared by using finite element method. Then, the most significant vibration modes are calculated to determine how the machine is excited. Furthermore, the vibration behaviour of the FT‐FSPM machine under healthy and faulty conditions is predicted by structural analysis. Finally, the experimental measurements are given for verification.
Esophageal Atresia: Future Directions for Research on the Digestive Tract
Authors: Rommel Nathalie , Tack Jan , Deprest Jan , Allegaert Karel , Rayyan Maissa
Published: August 2016

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a congenital malformation defined by the discontinuity of the esophagus occurring in 2.4 in 10,000 births. As survival rates are high, the significant medical morbidity became more relevant. Short-term and long-term morbidities involve the respiratory and gastrointestinal system in the majority of the patients. The impact of this morbidity seems large enough to inspire researchers to develop experimental animal models that may help understanding the pathogenesis and pathophysiology. These models can also be used to explore potential surgical therapies. We reviewed the clinical and experimental literature focusing on esophageal morbidity in EA. Although the consequences of esophageal motility disorders are very relevant in the clinical setting, research remains largely underexplored. Consequently, we suggest integrating motility function assessment in the existing research models.
Gaseous electron multiplier-based soft x-ray plasma diagnostics development: Preliminary tests at ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Chernyshova M. , Malinowski K. , Czarski T. , Wojeński A. , Vezinet D. , Poźniak K. T. , Kasprowicz G. , Mazon D. , Jardin A. , Herrmann A. , Kowalska-Strzęciwilk E. , Krawczyk R. , Kolasiński P. , Zabołotny W. , Zienkiewicz P. ,   ASDEX Upgrade Team,   Eurofusion MST1 Team
Published: August 2016

A Gaseous Electron Multiplier (GEM)-based detector is being developed for soft X-ray diagnostics on tokamaks. Its main goal is to facilitate transport studies of impurities like tungsten. Such studies are very relevant to ITER, where the excessive accumulation of impurities in the plasma core should be avoided. This contribution provides details of the preliminary tests at ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) with a focus on the most important aspects for detector operation in harsh radiation environment. It was shown that both spatially and spectrally resolved data could be collected, in a reasonable agreement with other AUG diagnostics. Contributions to the GEM signal include also hard X-rays, gammas, and neutrons. First simulations of the effect of high-energy photons have helped understanding these contributions.
System-size corrections for self-diffusion coefficients calculated from molecular dynamics simulations: The case of CO2, n-alkanes, and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ethers
Authors: Moultos Othonas A. , Zhang Yong , Tsimpanogiannis Ioannis N. , Economou Ioannis G. , Maginn Edward J.
Published: August 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to study the self-diffusion coefficients of CO2, methane, propane, n-hexane, n-hexadecane, and various poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ethers (glymes in short, CH3O–(CH2CH2O)n–CH3 with n = 1, 2, 3, and 4, labeled as G1, G2, G3, and G4, respectively) at different conditions. Various system sizes were examined. The widely used Yeh and Hummer [J. Phys. Chem. B 108, 15873 (2004)] correction for the prediction of diffusion coefficient at the thermodynamic limit was applied and shown to be accurate in all cases compared to extrapolated values at infinite system size. The magnitude of correction, in all cases examined, is significant, with the smallest systems examined giving for some cases a self-diffusion coefficient approximately 15% lower than the infinite system-size extrapolated value. The results suggest that finite size corrections to computed self-diffusivities must be used in order to obtain accurate results.
Characterization of RF He-N2/Ar mixture plasma via Langmuir probe and optical emission spectroscopy techniques
Authors: Younus Maria , Rehman N. U. , Shafiq M. , Hussain S. S. , Zakaullah M. , Zaka-ul-Islam M.
Published: August 2016

A Magnetic Pole Enhanced inductively coupled RF He- N2/ Ar plasma is characterized using a Langmuir probe and optical emission spectroscopy (OES) techniques. The effect of helium mixing on electron density  (ne) and temperature  (Te), electron energy probability functions (EEPFs), [N] atomic density, and N2  dissociation is investigated. A Langmuir probe and a zero slope method based on trace rare gas-optical emission spectroscopy (TRG-OES) are employed to measure the electron temperature. It is noted that the electron temperature shows an increasing trend for both methods. However, the temperature measured by a zero slope method Te(Z·S) approaches the temperature measured by a Langmuir probe; Te(L·P) at 56% and above helium concentration in the discharge. “Advance actinometry” is employed to monitor the variation in [N] atomic density with helium concentration and gas pressure. It is noted that [N] atomic density increases at 56% and above helium in the discharge, which is consistent with the trend of electron temperature and EEPFs. A drastic enhancement in N2 dissociation fraction D1 determined by “advance actinometry” is noted at 56% and above helium concentration in the mixture due to modifications in different population and depopulation mechanisms. However, it is also noted that the dissociation fraction D2 determined by intensity ratio method increases linearly with helium addition.
End loss analyzer system for measurements of plasma flux at the C-2U divertor electrode
Authors: Griswold M. E. , Korepanov S. , Thompson M. C. ,   TAE Team
Published: August 2016

An end loss analyzer system consisting of electrostatic, gridded retarding-potential analyzers and pyroelectric crystal bolometers was developed to characterize the plasma loss along open field lines to the divertors of C-2U. The system measures the current and energy distribution of escaping ions as well as the total power flux to enable calculation of the energy lost per escaping electron/ion pair. Special care was taken in the construction of the analyzer elements so that they can be directly mounted to the divertor electrode. An attenuation plate at the entrance to the gridded retarding-potential analyzer reduces plasma density by a factor of 60 to prevent space charge limitations inside the device, without sacrificing its angular acceptance of ions. In addition, all of the electronics for the measurement are isolated from ground so that they can float to the bias potential of the electrode, 2 kV below ground.
SERS-active ZnO/Ag hybrid WGM microcavity for ultrasensitive dopamine detection
Authors: Lu Junfeng , Xu Chunxiang , Nan Haiyan , Zhu Qiuxiang , Qin Feifei , Manohari A. Gowri , Wei Ming , Zhu Zhu , Shi Zengliang , Ni Zhenhua
Published: August 2016

Dopamine (DA) is a potential neuro modulator in the brain which influences a variety of motivated behaviors and plays a key role in life science. A hybrid ZnO/Ag microcavity based on Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) effect has been developed for ultrasensitive detection of dopamine. Utilizing this effect of structural cavity mode, a Raman signal of R6G (5 × 10−3 M) detected by this designed surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active substrate was enhanced more than 10-fold compared with that of ZnO film/Ag substrate. Also, this hybrid microcavity substrate manifests high SERS sensitivity to rhodamine 6 G and detection limit as low as 10−12 M to DA. The Localized Surface Plasmons of Ag nanoparticles and WGM-enhanced light-matter interaction mainly contribute to the high SERS sensitivity and help to achieve a lower detection limit. This designed SERS-active substrate based on the WGM effect has the potential for detecting neurotransmitters in life science.
Meta-gated channel for the discrete control of electromagnetic fields
Authors: Yang Rui , Wang Hui , Shi Ayuan , Zhang Aofang , Wang Jing , Gao Dongxing , Lei Zhenya , Hu Bowei
Published: August 2016

We demonstrate the meta-gate controlled wave propagation through multiple metallic plates with properly devised sub-wavelength defect apertures. Different from using gradient refractive-index meta-materials or phase-discontinuity meta-surfaces to produce the discrepancy between the incident angle and the refractive angle, our technique redirects electromagnetic fields by setting-up discrete transmission gateways between adjacent meta-gates and creates the perfect channels for the wave propagation. Electromagnetic fields can be assigned in the response of the driving frequency of meta-gates with extraordinary transmissions and propagate simply relying on their pre-set locations as illustrated by the meta-gate guided electromagnetic fields travelling in the paths of the Silk-Road and the contour line of Xi'an city where the Silk-Road starts. The meta-gate concept, offering the feasibility of the discrete control of electromagnetic fields with gating routes, may pave an alternative way for precisely transmitting of signals and efficiently sharing of resource in the communication.
Mechanical measurements on lithium phosphorous oxynitride coated silicon thin film electrodes for lithium-ion batteries during lithiation and delithiation
Authors: Al-Obeidi Ahmed , Kramer Dominik , Boles Steven T. , Mönig Reiner , Thompson Carl V.
Published: August 2016

The development of large stresses during lithiation and delithiation drives mechanical and chemical degradation processes (cracking and electrolyte decomposition) in thin film silicon anodes that complicate the study of normal electrochemical and mechanical processes. To reduce these effects, lithium phosphorous oxynitride (LiPON) coatings were applied to silicon thin film electrodes. Applying a LiPON coating has two purposes. First, the coating acts as a stable artificial solid electrolyte interphase. Second, it limits mechanical degradation by retaining the electrode's planar morphology during cycling. The development of stress in LiPON-coated electrodes was monitored using substrate curvature measurements. LiPON-coated electrodes displayed highly reproducible cycle-to-cycle behavior, unlike uncoated electrodes which had poorer coulombic efficiency and exhibited a continual loss in stress magnitude with continued cycling due to film fracture. The improved mechanical stability of the coated silicon electrodes allowed for a better investigation of rate effects and variations of mechanical properties during electrochemical cycling.
Performance assessment of the antenna setup for the ITER plasma position reflectometry in-vessel systems
Authors: Varela P. , Belo J. H. , Quental P. B.
Published: August 2016

The design of the in-vessel antennas for the ITER plasma position reflectometry diagnostic is very challenging due to the need to cope both with the space restrictions inside the vacuum vessel and with the high mechanical and thermal loads during ITER operation. Here, we present the work carried out to assess and optimise the design of the antenna. We show that the blanket modules surrounding the antenna strongly modify its characteristics and need to be considered from the early phases of the design. We also show that it is possible to optimise the antenna performance, within the design restrictions.
Improved characteristics of amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide-based resistive random access memory using hydrogen post-annealing
Authors: Kang Dae Yun , Lee Tae-Ho , Kim Tae Geun
Published: August 2016

The authors report an improvement in resistive switching (RS) characteristics of amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (a-IGZO)-based resistive random access memory devices using hydrogen post-annealing. Because this a-IGZO thin film has oxygen off-stoichiometry in the form of deficient and excessive oxygen sites, the film properties can be improved by introducing hydrogen atoms through the annealing process. After hydrogen post-annealing, the device exhibited a stable bipolar RS, low-voltage set and reset operation, long retention (>105 s), good endurance (>106 cycles), and a narrow distribution in each current state. The effect of hydrogen post-annealing is also investigated by analyzing the sample surface using X-ray photon spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy.
Band alignment of ZnO/multilayer MoS2 interface determined by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Xinke , Zhang Yuan , Liu Qiang , He Jiazhu , Chen Le , Li Kuilong , Jia Fang , Zeng Yuxiang , Lu Youming , Yu Wenjie , Zhu Deliang , Liu Wenjun , Wu Jing , He Zhubing , Ang Kah-Wee
Published: August 2016

The energy band alignment between ZnO and multilayer (ML)-MoS2 was characterized using high-resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The ZnO film was deposited using an atomic layer deposition tool, and ML-MoS2 was grown by chemical vapor deposition. A valence band offset (VBO) of 3.32 eV and a conduction band offset (CBO) of 1.12 eV were obtained for the ZnO/ML-MoS2 interface without any treatment. With CHF3 plasma treatment, a VBO and a CBO across the ZnO/ML-MoS2 interface were found to be 3.54 eV and 1.34 eV, respectively. With the CHF3 plasma treatment, the band alignment of the ZnO/ML-MoS2 interface has been changed from type II or staggered band alignment to type III or misaligned one, which favors the electron-hole pair separation. The band alignment difference is believed to be dominated by the down-shift in the core level of Zn 2p or the interface dipoles, which is caused by the interfacial layer rich in F.
Membrane-type resonator as an effective miniaturized tuned vibration mass damper
Authors: Sun Liang , Au-Yeung Ka Yan , Yang Min , Tang Suet To , Yang Zhiyu , Sheng Ping
Published: August 2016

Damping of low frequency vibration by lightweight and compact devices has been a serious challenge in various areas of engineering science. Here we report the experimental realization of a type of miniature low frequency vibration dampers based on decorated membrane resonators. At frequency around 150 Hz, two dampers, each with outer dimensions of 28 mm in diameter and 5 mm in height, and a total mass of 1.78 g which is less than 0.6% of the host structure (a nearly free-standing aluminum beam), can reduce its vibrational amplitude by a factor of 1400, or limit its maximum resonance quality factor to 18. Furthermore, the conceptual design of the dampers lays the foundation and demonstrates the potential of further miniaturization of low frequency dampers.
Effect of watertable depth and salinity on growth dynamics of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana)
Authors: Chiacchiera Sebastián , Bertram Nicolás , Taleisnik Edith , Jobbágy Esteban
Published: August 2016

Depending on their depth, watertables can have a positive effect on plants by supplying water, a negative effect by creating waterlogged and/or saline conditions or a neutral effect. Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana), a tropical perennial forage adapted to saline soils, floods and droughts, is a viable choice for the lowlands in the Pampas region of Argentina. The effects of the depth and salt concentration of the watertable on the growth dynamics and biomass accumulation of Rhodes grass were quantified in a greenhouse experiment. The experiment consisted of 10 treatments, resulting from the factorial combination of five watertable depths (25, 75, 125, 175 and 225 cm) and two salt treatments (EC 1.4 and 20.5 dS m–1). The presence of non-saline watertable at a depth of 25 cm produced a 5-fold greater biomass and showed an increase in water consumption of equal magnitude compared with deeper watertables. The increase in shoot biomass was explained primarily by higher tiller and stolon density, which increased 3.3- and 7.7-fold respectively, at watertables that were 25 cm deep compared with deeper treatments. Furthermore, groundwater use efficiency was 30% higher in non-saline watertables at 25 cm depth. Similarly, at this depth, the leaf blades were 50% longer compared with the deepest watertables evaluated. In contrast, the presence of saline watertables at 25 cm depth had a detrimental effect on the production of biomass and its components, whereas the effect at 125 cm and greater depths was neutral. Therefore, Rhodes grass is a species that can take advantage of the widespread shallow watertable environments of the Pampas region as long as the salinity levels are low.
Seeding rate and cultivar effects on canola (Brassica napus) competition with volunteer wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Lemerle Deirdre , Luckett David J. , Koetz Eric A. , Potter Trent , Wu Hanwen
Published: August 2016

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is an important rotational crop in the temperate cropping zone of southern Australia. Herbicide-resistant weeds are rapidly spreading and reducing canola grain yield and quality. Crop competition is a useful tool for reducing weed costs and dependence on herbicides, and retarding the spread of herbicide resistance. The potential interaction of canola seeding rate and cultivar for weed management has not been quantified in Australia. A field experiment was conducted in three environments to examine the impact of two contrasting canola cultivars (a low vigour type and a high vigour hybrid) at four seeding rates (10–100 plants/m2) on volunteer wheat (~50 plants/m2). Significant but variable effects of crop seeding rate, cultivar and weed were detected on canola density and grain yield, and on the suppression of volunteer wheat. The canola hybrids suppressed volunteer wheat more than the less vigorous cultivars in all the experiments. There was no benefit of increasing canola seeding rate above the normally recommended rate of 40 plants/m2 for weed suppression. The seed production of volunteer wheat on average doubled when canola density dropped from 40 to 10 plants/m2. Treatment effects on canola grain yield losses from weeds were less than those on weed suppression. The grain yield of both cultivars was reduced between 30% and 40% with weeds at a canola density of 40 plants/m2 and plateaued above this density in weedy conditions. Maintaining canola plant establishment and using competitive cultivars is critical to avoiding weed seedbank replenishment, and reducing canola yield losses from weed competition.
Research culture and capacity in community health services: results of a structured survey of staff
Authors: Friesen Emma L. , Comino Elizabeth J.
Published: August 2016

Developing research capacity is recognised as an important endeavour. However, little is known about the current research culture, capacity and supports for staff working in community-based health settings. A structured survey of Division of Community Health staff was conducted using the research capacity tool. The survey was disseminated by email and in paper format. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. In total, 109 usable responses were received, giving a response rate of 26%. Respondents were predominately nurses (n=71, 65.7%), with ~50% reporting post-graduate vocational qualifications. The highest levels of skills or organisational success were in using evidence to plan, promote and guide clinical practice. Most participants were unsure of organisational and team level skills and success at generating research. Few reported recent experience in research-generating activities. Barriers to undertaking research included lack of skills, time and access to external support and funding. Lack of skills and success in accessing external funding and resources to protect research time or to ‘buy-in’ technical expertise appeared to exacerbate these barriers. Community health staff have limited capacity to generate research with current levels of skill, funding and time. Strategies to increase research capacity should be informed by knowledge of clinicians’ research experience and interests, and target development of skills to generate research. Resources and funding are needed at the organisational and team levels to overcome the significant barriers to research generation reported.
Variations in perceived primary healthcare access across family structures and their predictors in adolescents
Authors: Chau Kénora , Vauthier Jean-Charles , Kabuth Bernard
Published: August 2016

Families have greatly changed over time and little is known about primary care access barriers for adolescents associated with family type. We assessed family disparities in lack of listening and treatment explanations (LLTE) by general practitioners (GP), lack of treatment adherence (LTA) and GP change and the confounding roles of socioeconomic factors, school, behaviour and health difficulties among 1559 middle-school-aged (9.9–18.8 years old) adolescents who completed a questionnaire on sex, age, socioeconomic characteristics (family structure, nationality, parents’ occupation, education and income), school performance, substance use, physical health, psychological health, social relationships, living environment, LLTE by GPs, LTA and GP change. Data were analysed using logistic regression models. LLTE, LTA and GP change affected 22.3, 38.0 and 7.3% of subjects respectively. Compared with the adolescents living in intact families, and controlling for sex and age, those with separated or divorced parents or reconstructed families and those with single parents respectively had 1.58- and 1.96-times higher LLTE risk and 1.48- and 1.72-times higher LTA risk. Adolescents with separated or divorced parents or reconstructed families had 1.92-times higher GP-change risk. Socioeconomic factors explained 16–36% of LLTE or LTA risks, but not GP-change risk. Further considering school, behaviour and health difficulties explained 55–87% of LLTE or LTA risks and 27% of GP-change risk. In conclusion, changes in family situations may have produced more non-intact families and adolescents with greater socioeconomic, school, behaviour and health difficulties. These factors are strong barriers to primary care access and may warrant prevention targets for adolescents, their parents, schools and GP.
Thylakoid luminal θ-carbonic anhydrase critical for growth and photosynthesis in the marine diatom
Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Kikutani Sae , Nakajima Kensuke , Nagasato Chikako , Tsuji Yoshinori , Miyatake Ai , Matsuda Yusuke
Published: August 2016

Significance

The protein Pt43233 is a member of the Cys-Gly-His–rich (CGHR) protein family, and it was discovered to be a previously unidentified carbonic anhydrase (CA), designated as θ-CA. Moreover, Pt43233 is targeted to the lumen of the pyrenoid-penetrating thylakoid in the marine diatom
Phaeodactylum tricornutum
. Analysis of Pt43233 overexpression and RNAi mutants suggests this CA is essential for photosynthetic efficiency and growth in this diatom. The discovery of θ-CA within the pyrenoid-penetrating thylakoid of
P. tricornutum
implies direct use of the pH gradient across the thylakoid membrane as a means of supplying CO
2
to the Calvin cycle. Alternatively, Pt43233 could regulate the function of photosystems, indicating that a common mechanism could have evolved convergently across diverse aquatic photoautotrophs.
Two distinct mechanisms of transcriptional regulation by the redox sensor YodB
Authors: Lee Sang Jae , Lee In-Gyun , Lee Ki-Young , Kim Dong-Gyun , Eun Hyun-Jong , Yoon Hye-Jin , Chae Susanna , Song Sung-Hyun , Kang Sa-Ouk , Seo Min-Duk , Kim Hyoun Sook , Park Sung Jean , Lee Bong-Jin
Published: August 2016

Significance

Bacteria sense and protect themselves against oxidative stress using redox-sensing transcription regulators with cysteine residues. Here, we investigate at the molecular level how the YodB protein, a transcription repressor in
Bacillus subtilis
, monitors and responds to different oxidative stresses. Diamide stress leads to the formation of disulfide bonds between cysteine residues, whereas the more toxic quinone compound methyl-
p
-benzoquinone forms an adduct on a specific cysteine residue. These chemical modifications lead to considerably different changes in the YodB structure, causing the release of YodB from the DNA of antioxidant genes. The redox-sensing transcription regulator YodB allows
B. subtilis
to respond to multiple oxidative signals of differing toxicity by adopting different structures.
Novel Methods in Pulmonary Hypertension Phenotyping in the Age of Precision Medicine (2015 Grover Conference Series)
Authors: Barnes Jarrod W. , Tonelli Adriano R. , Heresi Gustavo A. , Newman Jennie E. , Mellor Noël E. , Grove David E. , Dweik Raed A.
Published: August 2016

Among pulmonary vascular diseases, pulmonary hypertension (PH) is the best studied and has been the focus of our work. The current classification of PH is based on a relatively simple combination of patient characteristics and hemodynamics. This leads to inherent limitations, including the inability to customize treatment and the lack of clarity from a more granular identification based on individual patient phenotypes. Accurate phenotyping of PH can be used in the clinic to select therapies and determine prognosis and in research to increase the homogeneity of study cohorts. Rapid advances in the mechanistic understanding of the disease, improved imaging methods, and innovative biomarkers now provide an opportunity to define novel PH phenotypes. We have recently shown that altered metabolism may affect nitric oxide levels and protein glycosylation, the peripheral circulation (which may provide insights into the response to therapy), and exhaled‐breath analysis (which may be useful in disease evaluation). This review is based on a talk presented during the 2015 Grover Conference and highlights the relevant literature describing novel methods to phenotype pulmonary arterial hypertension patients by using approaches that involve the pulmonary and systemic (peripheral) vasculature. In particular, abnormalities in metabolism, the pulmonary and peripheral circulation, and exhaled breath in PH may help identify phenotypes that can be the basis for a precision‐medicine approach to PH management. These approaches may also have a broader scope and may contribute to a better understanding of other diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, and cancer.
Pulmonary Pulse Wave Transit Time is Associated with Right Ventricular–Pulmonary Artery Coupling in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Prins Kurt W. , Weir E. Kenneth , Archer Stephen L. , Markowitz Jeremy , Rose Lauren , Pritzker Marc , Madlon‐Kay Richard , Thenappan Thenappan
Published: August 2016

Pulmonary pulse wave transit time (pPTT), defined as the time for the systolic pressure pulse wave to travel from the pulmonary valve to the pulmonary veins, has been reported to be reduced in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); however, the underlying mechanism of reduced pPTT is unknown. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that abbreviated pPTT in PAH results from impaired right ventricular–pulmonary artery (RV‐PA) coupling. We quantified pPTT using pulsed‐wave Doppler ultrasound from 10 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls and 36 patients with PAH. pPTT was reduced in patients with PAH compared with controls. Univariate analysis revealed the following significant predictors of reduced pPTT: age, right ventricular fractional area change (RV FAC), tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE), pulmonary arterial pressures (PAP), diastolic pulmonary gradient, transpulmonary gradient, pulmonary vascular resistance, and RV‐PA coupling (defined as RV FAC/mean PAP or TAPSE/mean PAP). Although the correlations between pPTT and invasive markers of pulmonary vascular disease were modest, RV FAC (r = 0.64, P < 0.0001), TAPSE (r = 0.67, P < 0.0001), and RV‐PA coupling (RV FAC/mean PAP: r = 0.72, P < 0.0001; TAPSE/mean PAP: r = 0.74, P < 0.0001) had the strongest relationships with pPTT. On multivariable analysis, only RV FAC, TAPSE, and RV‐PA coupling were independent predictors of pPTT. We conclude that shortening of pPTT in patients with PAH results from altered RV‐PA coupling, probably occurring as a result of reduced pulmonary arterial compliance. Thus, pPTT allows noninvasive determination of the status of both the pulmonary vasculature and the response of the RV in patients with PAH, thereby allowing monitoring of disease progression and regression.