bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A unique self-organization of bacterial sub-communities creates iridescence in Cellulophaga lytica colony biofilms
Authors: Kientz Betty , Luke Stephen , Vukusic Peter , Péteri Renaud , Beaudry Cyrille , Renault Tristan , Simon David , Mignot Tâm , Rosenfeld Eric
Published: January 2016

Iridescent color appearances are widespread in nature. They arise from the interaction of light with micron- and submicron-sized physical structures spatially arranged with periodic geometry and are usually associated with bright angle-dependent hues. Iridescence has been reported for many animals and marine organisms. However, iridescence has not been well studied in bacteria. Recently, we reported a brilliant “pointillistic” iridescence in colony biofilms of marine Flavobacteria that exhibit gliding motility. The mechanism of their iridescence is unknown. Here, using a multi-disciplinary approach, we show that the cause of iridescence is a unique periodicity of the cell population in the colony biofilm. Cells are arranged together to form hexagonal photonic crystals. Our model highlights a novel pattern of self-organization in a bacterial biofilm. ”Pointillistic” bacterial iridescence can be considered a new light-dependent phenomenon for the field of microbiology.
X-ray induced singlet oxygen generation by nanoparticle-photosensitizer conjugates for photodynamic therapy: determination of singlet oxygen quantum yield
Authors: Clement Sandhya , Deng Wei , Camilleri Elizabeth , Wilson Brian C. , Goldys Ewa M.
Published: January 2016

Singlet oxygen is a primary cytotoxic agent in photodynamic therapy. We show that CeF3 nanoparticles, pure as well as conjugated through electrostatic interaction with the photosensitizer verteporfin, are able to generate singlet oxygen as a result of UV light and 8 keV X-ray irradiation. The X-ray stimulated singlet oxygen quantum yield was determined to be 0.79 ± 0.05 for the conjugate with 31 verteporfin molecules per CeF3 nanoparticle, the highest conjugation level used. From this result we estimate the singlet oxygen dose generated from CeF3-verteporfin conjugates for a therapeutic dose of 60 Gy of ionizing radiation at energies of 6 MeV and 30 keV to be (1.2 ± 0.7) × 108 and (2.0 ± 0.1) × 109 singlet oxygen molecules per cell, respectively. These are comparable with cytotoxic doses of 5 × 107–2 × 109 singlet oxygen molecules per cell reported in the literature for photodynamic therapy using light activation. We confirmed that the CeF3-VP conjugates enhanced cell killing with 6 MeV radiation. This work confirms the feasibility of using X- or γ- ray activated nanoparticle-photosensitizer conjugates, either to supplement the radiation treatment of cancer, or as an independent treatment modality.
Innovative Application of Mechanical Activation for Rare Earth Elements Recovering: Process Optimization and Mechanism Exploration
Authors: Tan Quanyin , Deng Chao , Li Jinhui
Published: January 2016

With the rapidly expanding use of fluorescent lamps (FLs) and increasing interest in conservation and sustainable utilization of critical metals such as rare earth elements (REEs), the recovering of REEs from phosphors in waste FLs is becoming a critical environmental and economic issue. To effectively recycle REEs with metallurgical methods, mechanical activation by ball milling was introduced to pretreat the waste phosphors. This current study put the emphasis on the mechanical activation and leaching processes for REEs and explored the feasibility of the method from both theoretical and practical standpoints. Results showed physicochemical changes of structural destruction and particle size reduction after mechanical activation, leading to the easy dissolution of REEs in the activated samples. Under optimal conditions, dissolution yields of 89.4%, 93.1% and 94.6% for Tb, Eu and Y, respectively, were achieved from activated waste phosphors using hydrochloric acid as the dissolution agent. The shrinking core model proved to be the most applicable for the leaching procedure, with an apparent activation energy of 10.96 ± 2.79 kJ/mol. This novel process indicates that mechanical activation is an efficient method for recovering REEs from waste phosphors and it has promising potential for REE recovery with low cost and high efficiency.
Intracrine Androgens Enhance Decidualization and Modulate Expression of Human Endometrial Receptivity Genes
Authors: Gibson Douglas A. , Simitsidellis Ioannis , Cousins Fiona L. , Critchley Hilary O. D. , Saunders Philippa T. K.
Published: January 2016

The endometrium is a complex, steroid-dependent tissue that undergoes dynamic cyclical remodelling. Transformation of stromal fibroblasts (ESC) into specialised secretory cells (decidualization) is fundamental to the establishment of a receptive endometrial microenvironment which can support and maintain pregnancy. Androgen receptors (AR) are present in ESC; in other tissues local metabolism of ovarian and adrenal-derived androgens regulate AR-dependent gene expression. We hypothesised that altered expression/activity of androgen biosynthetic enzymes would regulate tissue availability of bioactive androgens and the process of decidualization. Primary human ESC were treated in vitro for 1–8 days with progesterone and cAMP (decidualized) in the presence or absence of the AR antagonist flutamide. Time and treatment-dependent changes in genes essential for a) intra-tissue biosynthesis of androgens (5α-reductase/SRD5A1, aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3/AKR1C3), b) establishment of endometrial decidualization (IGFBP1, prolactin) and c) endometrial receptivity (SPP1, MAOA, EDNRB) were measured. Decidualization of ESC resulted in significant time-dependent changes in expression of AKR1C3 and SRD5A1 and secretion of T/DHT. Addition of flutamide significantly reduced secretion of IGFBP1 and prolactin and altered the expression of endometrial receptivity markers. Intracrine biosynthesis of endometrial androgens during decidualization may play a key role in endometrial receptivity and offer a novel target for fertility treatment.
CRISPRi-Manipulation of Genetic Code Expansion via RF1 for Reassignment of Amber Codon in Bacteria
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yang Qi , Chen Jingxian , Wu Ling , Yao Tianzhuo , Wu Yiming , Xu Huan , Zhang Lihe , Xia Qing , Zhou Demin
Published: January 2016

The precise engineering of proteins in bacteria via the amber codon has been hampered by the poor incorporation of unnatural amino acid (UAA). Here we explored the amber assignment as a sense codon for UAA by CRISPRi targeting release factor 1 (RF1). Scanning of RF1 gene with sgRNAs identified target loci that differentiate RF1 repressions. Quantitation of RF1 repressions versus UAA incorporation indicated an increasing interrelation with the amber reassignment maximized upon RF1 knockdown to ~30%, disclosing the beneficial role of RF1 in amber assignment. However, further RF1 repression reversed this trend resulting from the detrimental effects on host cell growth, disclosing the harmful aspect of RF1 in reassignment of the amber codon. Our data indicate RF1 as a switch manipulating genetic code expansion and pave a direction via CRISPRi for precise engineering and efficient production of proteins in bacteria.
A Functional Polymorphism (rs2494752) in the AKT1 Promoter Region and Gastric Adenocarcinoma Risk in an Eastern Chinese Population
Authors: Wang Meng-Yun , He Jing , Zhu Mei-Ling , Teng Xiao-Yan , Li Qiao-Xin , Sun Meng-Hong , Wang Xiao-Feng , Yang Ya-Jun , Wang Jiu-Cun , Jin Li , Wang Ya-Nong , Wei Qing-Yi
Published: January 2016

AKT is an important signal transduction protein that plays a crucial role in cancer development. Therefore, we evaluated associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the AKT promoter region and gastric cancer (GCa) risk in a case-control study of 1,110 GCa patients and 1,114 matched cancer-free controls. We genotyped five SNPs (AKT1 rs2494750G >C, AKT1 rs2494752A >G, AKT1 rs10138227C >T, AKT2 rs7254617G>A and AKT2 rs2304186G >T) located in the 5′ upstream regulatory, first intron or promoter regions. In the logistic regression analysis, a significantly elevated GCa risk was associated with the rs2494752 AG/GG variant genotypes (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.42) under a dominant genetic model and this risk was more evident in subgroups of ever drinkers. The luciferase reporter assay showed that the rs2494752 G allele significantly increased luciferase activity. Our results suggest that the potentially functional AKT1 rs2494752 SNP may affect GCa susceptibility, likely by modulating the AKT1 promoter transcriptional activity. Larger, independent studies are warranted to validate our findings.
Glycated Hemoglobin and Outcomes in Patients with Advanced Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kuo I-Ching , Lin Hugo You-Hsien , Niu Sheng-Wen , Hwang Daw-Yang , Lee Jia-Jung , Tsai Jer-Chia , Hung Chi-Chih , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: January 2016

Diabetes is the major risk factor for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. In advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), less is known about the predictive value of HbA1c. We enrolled 2401 diabetic patients with stage 3–4 and stage 5 CKD, who were classified into 4 groups according to their baseline HbA1c values (<6%, 6%–7%, 7%–9% and >9%). During the median follow-up of 3 years, 895 patients developed ESRD and 530 died. In linear regression analysis, higher HbA1c correlated with higher eGFR in patients with stage 5 CKD but not in stage 3–4 CKD. In Cox regression analysis, a trend toward worse clinical outcomes existed when the HbA1c level exceeded 6% in stage 3–4 CKD, but the significance was only observed for >9%. The hazard ratios (HRs) for ESRD, all-cause mortality and combined CV events with mortality in the group of HbA1c >9% were 1.6 (95% CI, 1.07 to 2.38), 1.52 (95% CI, 0.97 to 2.38) and 1.46 (95% CI, 1.02 to 2.09), respectively. This study demonstrates that the higher HbA1c level is associated higher risks for clinical outcomes in diabetic patients with stage 3–4 CKD but not in stage 5 CKD.
Role of the D1-D2 Linker of Human VCP/p97 in the Asymmetry and ATPase Activity of the D1-domain
Authors: Tang Wai Kwan , Xia Di
Published: January 2016

Human AAA+ protein p97 consists of an N-domain and two tandem ATPase domains D1 and D2, which are connected by the N-D1 and the D1-D2 linkers. Inclusion of the D1-D2 linker, a 22-amino acid peptide, at the end of p97 N-D1 truncate has been shown to activate ATP hydrolysis of its D1-domain, although the mechanism of activation remains unclear. Here, we identify the N-terminal half of this linker, highly conserved from human to fungi, is essential for the ATPase activation. By analyzing available crystal structures, we observed that the D1-D2 linker is capable of inducing asymmetry in subunit association into a p97 hexamer. This observation is reinforced by two new crystal structures, determined in the present work. The effect of D1-D2 linker on the ATPase activity of the D1-domain is correlated to the side-chain conformation of residue R359, a trans-acting arginine-finger residue essential for ATP hydrolysis of the D1-domain. The activation in D1-domain ATPase activity by breaking perfect six-fold symmetry implies functional importance of asymmetric association of p97 subunits, the extent of which can be determined quantitatively by the metric Asymmetric Index.
miR-23a, miR-146a and miR-301a confer predisposition to Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome but not to Behcet’s disease
Authors: Hou Shengping , Ye Zi , Liao Dan , Bai Lin , Liu Yunjia , Zhang Jun , Kijlstra Aize , Yang Peizeng
Published: January 2016

Ninety-eight miRNAs are involved in the immune response. However, the genetic roles of these miRNAs remain unclear in Behcet’s disease (BD) and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome. This study aimed to explore the association and functional roles of copy number variants (CNV) in several miRNAs with BD and VKH syndrome. Genotyping of CNVs was examined by TaqMan PCR. The expression of miR-23a, transfection efficiency and cytokine production were measured by real-time PCR, flow cytometry or ELISA. First, replication and combined studies for miR-23a, miR-146a and miR-301a demonstrated a similar association with VKH syndrome (Combined: P = 5.53 × 10−8; P = 8.43 × 10−31; P = 9.23 × 10−8, respectively). No association of CNVs of the above mentioned miRNAs was observed in BD patients. mRNA expression of miR-23a showed a positive association with its copy numbers. Additionally, individuals with high copy number of miR-23a show an increased production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), but not IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by stimulated PBMCs. miR-23a transfected ARPE-19 cells modulated the production of IL-6 and IL-8, but not MCP-1. Our results suggest that CNVs of miR-146a, miR-23a and miR-301a confer susceptibility to VKH syndrome, but not to BD. The contribution of miR-23a to VKH syndrome may be mediated by increasing the production of IL-6.
Exploiting Information Diffusion Feature for Link Prediction in Sina Weibo
Authors: Li Dong , Zhang Yongchao , Xu Zhiming , Chu Dianhui , Li Sheng
Published: January 2016

The rapid development of online social networks (e.g., Twitter and Facebook) has promoted research related to social networks in which link prediction is a key problem. Although numerous attempts have been made for link prediction based on network structure, node attribute and so on, few of the current studies have considered the impact of information diffusion on link creation and prediction. This paper mainly addresses Sina Weibo, which is the largest microblog platform with Chinese characteristics and proposes the hypothesis that information diffusion influences link creation and verifies the hypothesis based on real data analysis. We also detect an important feature from the information diffusion process, which is used to promote link prediction performance. Finally, the experimental results on Sina Weibo dataset have demonstrated the effectiveness of our methods.
Differentially Expressed miRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Target Genes in the Genetic Information Processing and Metabolism Pathways
Authors: Thurnherr Thomas , Mah Way-Champ , Lei Zhengdeng , Jin Yu , Rozen Steven G. , Lee Caroline G.
Published: January 2016

To date, studies of the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have either focused on specific individual miRNAs and a small number of suspected targets or simply reported a list of differentially expressed miRNAs based on expression profiling. Here, we seek a more in-depth understanding of the roles of miRNAs and their targets in HCC by integrating the miRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles of tumorous and adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues of 100 HCC patients. We assessed the levels of 829 mature miRNAs, of which 32 were significantly differentially expressed. Statistical analysis indicates that six of these miRNAs regulate a significant proportion of their in silico predicted target mRNAs. Three of these miRNAs (miR-26a, miR-122 and miR-130a) were down-regulated in HCC and their up-regulated gene targets are primarily associated with aberrant cell proliferation that involves DNA replication, transcription and nucleotide metabolism. The other three miRNAs (miR-21, miR-93 and miR-221) were up-regulated in HCC and their down-regulated gene targets are primarily involved in metabolism and immune system processes. We further found evidence for a coordinated miRNA-induced regulation of important cellular processes, a finding to be considered when designing therapeutic applications based on miRNAs.
Food quality and authenticity screening via easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Porcari Andreia M. , Fernandes Gabriel D. , Barrera-Arellano Daniel , Eberlin Marcos N. , Alberici Rosana M.
Published: January 2016

This review is the first to summarize a decade of studies testing the uses of easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS) and its several sister techniques, Venturi (V-EASI), thermal imprinting (TI-EASI) and Spartan (S-EASI), in food quality control and authentication.
Biodegradable liposome-encapsulated hydrogels for biomedical applications: a marriage of convenience
Authors: Grijalvo Santiago , Mayr Judith , Eritja Ramon , Díaz David Díaz
Published: January 2016

Liposome-encapsulated hydrogels have emerged as an attractive strategy for medical and pharmaceutical applications.
Got LiZnP? Solution phase synthesis of filled tetrahedral semiconductors in the nanoregime
Authors: White Miles A. , Thompson Michelle J. , Miller Gordon J. , Vela Javier
Published: January 2016

Nanocrystalline LiZnP was synthesized using a flexible low temperature solution phase method that is generally applicable to other Nowotny–Juza phases.
A one-step synthesis of hollow periodic mesoporous organosilica spheres with radially oriented mesochannels
Authors: Ma Ning , Deng Yiqun , Liu Wenting , Li Shiji , Xu Jie , Qu Yanan , Gan Ke , Sun Xiaodan , Yang Jinlong
Published: January 2016

A new one-step method is proposed for the fabrication of nanosized hollow periodic mesoporous organosilica spheres with radially oriented mesochannels.
Gate-opening effect in ZIF-8: the first experimental proof using inelastic neutron scattering
Authors: Casco M. E. , Cheng Y. Q. , Daemen L. L. , Fairen-Jimenez D. , Ramos-Fernández E. V. , Ramirez-Cuesta A. J. , Silvestre-Albero J.
Published: January 2016

Gate-opening effect. Inelastic neutron scattering experiments show that nitrogen exposure induces the swinging of the –CH3groups and the imidazolate linkers in ZIF-8, this being the origin of the gate-opening effect.
A non-chemically selective top-down approach towards the preparation of hierarchical TS-1 zeolites with improved oxidative desulfurization catalytic performance
Authors: Du Shuting , Chen Xiaoxin , Sun Qiming , Wang Ning , Jia Mingjun , Valtchev Valentin , Yu Jihong
Published: January 2016

Hierarchical TS-1 zeolites with enhanced performance in oxidative desulfurization of bulky molecules are prepared by treatment in fluoride medium.
Isoniazid cocrystallisation with dicarboxylic acids: vapochemical, mechanochemical and thermal methods
Authors: Sarceviča I. , Kons A. , Orola L.
Published: January 2016

A systematic study on mechanochemical, thermal and vapochemical cocrystallisation demonstrates the effect of compound properties on the outcome of the reaction.
α-Fe2O3 concave and hollow nanocrystals: top-down etching synthesis and their comparative photocatalytic activities
Authors: Li Pengwei , Yan Xiaole , He Zaiqian , Ji Jianlong , Hu Jie , Li Gang , Lian Kun , Zhang Wendong
Published: January 2016

Top-down etching synthesis of α-Fe2O3 concave and hollow nanocrystals.
Dipole field driven morphology evolution in biomimetic vaterite
Authors: Greer Heather F. , Liu Ming-Han , Mou Chung-Yuan , Zhou Wuzong
Published: January 2016

A dipole field directed mechanism is proposed to explain the change of orientation of nanocrystallites within biomimetic vaterite particles displaying a morphology change from spherulite to hexagonal prism.
Engineering silicon crystals for photovoltaics
Authors: Lan C. W. , Yang C. F. , Lan A. , Yang M. , Yu A. , Hsu H. P. , Hsu B. , Hsu C.
Published: January 2016

In this highlight, we review the recent engineering efforts in the state-of-the art industrial production of customized silicon crystals, including quasi-mono and multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si).
Quantum dynamical investigation of the isotope effect in H2 formation on graphite at cold collision energies
Authors: Pasquini Marta , Bonfanti Matteo , Martinazzo Rocco
Published: January 2016

The Eley–Rideal abstraction of hydrogen atoms on graphitic surfaces at cold collision energies was investigated using a time-dependent wave packet method within the rigid-flat surface approximation, with a focus on hydrogen–deuterium isotopic substitutions.
Interaction of the ionic liquid [BMP][TFSA] with rutile TiO2(110) and coadsorbed lithium
Authors: Uhl Benedikt , Hekmatfar Maral , Buchner Florian , Behm R. Jürgen
Published: January 2016

The interaction of lithium, [BMP][TFSA] and their mixture with rutile TiO2(110), the thermal stability of the adlayers and the resulting reaction products are investigated under UHV conditions by STM and XPS.
Hierarchical mesoporous NiCo2O4 hollow nanocubes for supercapacitors
Authors: Zheng Chunrui , Cao Chuanbao , Chang Runling , Hou Jianhua , Zhai Huazhang
Published: January 2016

In the present work, mesoporous NiCo2O4 hollow nanocubes are synthesized using a “coordinating etching & precipitating” (CEP) route.
Catalytic depolymerisation of isolated lignin to fine chemicals: part 2 – process optimisation
Authors: McVeigh Ashley , Bouxin Florent P. , Jarvis Michael C. , Jackson S. David
Published: January 2016

The depolymerisation of an ammonia treated lignin to alkylphenols over a Pt/alumina catalyst was investigated under a range of process parameters including, pressure, mass of lignin, solvent and gas atmosphere.
Metal-based drugs that break the rules
Authors: Allardyce Claire S. , Dyson Paul J.
Published: January 2016

Cisplatin and other platinum compounds have had a huge impact in the treatment of cancer and are applied in the majority of anticancer chemotherapeutic regimens.
Anion binding, electrochemistry and solvatochromism of β-brominated oxoporphyrinogens
Authors: Webre Whitney A. , Hill Jonathan P. , Matsushita Yoshitaka , Karr Paul A. , Ariga Katsuhiko , D'Souza Francis
Published: January 2016

A series of β-pyrrole brominated oxoporphyrinogens have been synthesized, and their physicochemical properties relevant to structure–activity are investigated.
Bacterial production of transparent exopolymer particles during static and laboratory-based cross-flow experiments
Authors: Jamieson Tamar , Ellis Amanda V. , Khodakov Dmitriy A. , Balzano Sergio , Hemraj Deevesh A. , Leterme Sophie C.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this paper was to provide novel insights into the biofouling mechanism of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) production through the use of static and laboratory-based cross flow experiments.
SERS as a tool for in vitro toxicology
Authors: Fisher Kate M. , McLeish Jennifer A. , Jamieson Lauren E. , Jiang Jing , Hopgood James R. , McLaughlin Stephen , Donaldson Ken , Campbell Colin J.
Published: January 2016

Measuring markers of stress such as pH and redox potential are important when studying toxicology inin vitromodels because they are markers of oxidative stress, apoptosis and viability. While surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is ideally suited to the measurement of redox potential and pH in live cells, the time-intensive nature and perceived difficulty in signal analysis and interpretation can be a barrier to its broad uptake by the biological community. In this paper we detail the development of signal processing and analysis algorithms that allow SERS spectra to be automatically processed so that the output of the processing is a pH or redox potential value. By automating signal processing we were able to carry out a comparative evaluation of the toxicology of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles and correlate our findings with qPCR analysis. The combination of these two analytical techniques sheds light on the differences in toxicology between these two materials from the perspective of oxidative stress.
A two-step binding mechanism for the self-binding peptide recognition of target domains
Authors: Yang Chao , Zhang Shilei , Bai Zhengya , Hou Shasha , Wu Di , Huang Jian , Zhou Peng
Published: January 2016

By using state-of-the-art molecular dynamics to reconstruct the complete structural dynamics picture of self-binding peptides, a two-step binding mechanism was proposed, including a fast, nonspecific diffusive phase and a slow, specific organizational phase.
“Not quenched” aggregates of a triphenylene derivative for the sensitive detection of trinitrotoluene in aqueous medium
Authors: Arora Harshveer , Pramanik Subhamay , Kumar Manoj , Bhalla Vandana
Published: January 2016

“Not quenched” porous aggregates of triphenylene derivative 4 have been utilized for the detection of TNT in solution, solid and vapour phases with detection limits of 22.7 attograms cm−2.
Bifunctional ultraviolet/ultrasound responsive composite TiO2/polyelectrolyte microcapsules
Authors: Gao Hui , Wen Dongsheng , Tarakina Nadezda V. , Liang Jierong , Bushby Andy J. , Sukhorukov Gleb B.
Published: January 2016

Functional composite TiO2/polyelectrolyte microcapsules encapsulated with payloads are controllably opened by either ultraviolet or ultrasound treatment.
Highly energetic compositions based on functionalized carbon nanomaterials
Authors: Yan Qi-Long , Gozin Michael , Zhao Feng-Qi , Cohen Adva , Pang Si-Ping
Published: January 2016

This review paper covers functionalized fullerene, CNTs and GO as components of nanothermites, high explosives, solid propellants and gas generators.
A simple strategy to modify the porous structure of plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings on magnesium
Authors: Narayanan T. S. N. Sankara , Lee Min Ho
Published: January 2016

Post-treatment using 3 M NaOH at 60 °C for 1 h improves the performance of plasma electrolytic oxidation coated magnesium.
Hyperbranched polyurethane as a highly efficient toughener in epoxy thermosets with reaction-induced microphase separation
Authors: Zou Zai-Ping , Liu Xiao-Bing , Wu Ye-Ping , Tang Bing , Chen Mao , Zhao Xiu-Li
Published: January 2016

Improvements in the toughness and thermal properties without affecting other mechanical properties in the hyperbranched polyurethane modified epoxy were demonstrated.
Diastereoselective synthesis of 3,3-dimethylazetidines via an intramolecular iodine-mediated cyclization reaction
Authors: Jin Hai-Shan , Sun Rui , Zhou Wei , Zhao Li-Ming
Published: January 2016

An iodine-mediated intramolecular cyclization reaction of γ-prenylated amines has been developed to provide a convenient route to 3,3-dimethylazetidines.
High yield multispectral upconversion emission in Y2Te4O11:Er:Yb nanocrystals on green and NIR excitations
Authors: Dwivedi Y. , Rai S. B.
Published: January 2016

Detailed synthesis, structural, thermal and radiative properties of Er and Er:Yb codoped Y2Te4O11 nanocrystals were discussed.
A novel approach to prepare a tissue engineering decellularized valve scaffold with poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ε-caprolactone)
Authors: Zhu Zhigang , Zhou Jianliang , Ding Jingli , Xu Jianjun , Zhong Haijun , Lei Shuijin
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of preparing a decellularized valve scaffold with methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ε-caprolactone) (MPEG–PCL).
Removal of cationic and anionic dyes from aqueous solution with magnetite/pectin and magnetite/silica/pectin hybrid nanocomposites: kinetic, isotherm and mechanism analysis
Authors: Attallah Olivia A. , Al-Ghobashy Medhat A. , Nebsen Marianne , Salem Maissa Y.
Published: January 2016

Novel adsorbents, magnetite nanoparticles modified with pectin shell and silica/pectin double shell, were fabricated and tested for single dye and dye mixture adsorption from water samples.
New tetraphosphite ligands for regioselective linear hydroformylation of terminal and internal olefins
Authors: Zhang Zongpeng , Chen Caiyou , Wang Qian , Han Zhengyu , Dong Xiu-Qin , Zhang Xumu
Published: January 2016

We successfully developed new tetraphosphite ligands L1–L5 and applied them to the rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of terminal and internal olefins.
Band gap and Schottky barrier engineered photocatalyst with promising solar light activity for water remediation
Authors: Jabbari V. , Hamadanian M. , Shamshiri M. , Villagrán D.
Published: January 2016

A novel nanophotocatalyst of Mo- and S-doped TiO2(Mo,S-codoped TiO2) was synthesizedviaa modified sol–gel method in conjunction with photochemical reduction. The nanophotocatalyst showed great potential for environmental applications.
The genus Usnea: a potent phytomedicine with multifarious ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology
Authors: Prateeksha Prateeksha , Paliya B. S. , Bajpai R. , Jadaun V. , Kumar J. , Kumar S. , Upreti D. K. , Singh B. R. , Nayaka S. , Joshi Y. , Singh Brahma N.
Published: January 2016

The genusUsneaAdans. (Parmeliaceae; lichenized Ascomycetes) is a typical group of mostly pale grayish-green fruticoselichens that grow as leafless mini-shrubs.
Antibacterial low molecular weight cationic polymers: dissecting the contribution of hydrophobicity, chain length and charge to activity
Authors: Grace James L. , Huang Johnny X. , Cheah Soon-Ee , Truong Nghia P. , Cooper Matthew A. , Li Jian , Davis Thomas P. , Quinn John F. , Velkov Tony , Whittaker Michael R.
Published: January 2016

We report the antibacterial activity of a novel class of low molecular weight cationic polymers synthesised using Cu(0) mediated polymerisation.
“Lotus-effect” tape: imparting superhydrophobicity to solid materials with an electrospun Janus composite mat
Authors: Yue Bingbing , Zhang Bowu , You Jichun , Li Yongjin , Li Linfan , Li Jingye
Published: January 2016

Lotus-effect tape: a superhydrophobic surface was easily constructed by thermally taping an electrospun Janus composite mat onto various substrates.
Stable and pH-responsive polyamidoamine based unimolecular micelles capped with a zwitterionic polymer shell for anticancer drug delivery
Authors: Wang Yan , Li Lina , Li Junjie , Yang Boguang , Wang Changyong , Fang Wancai , Ji Feng , Wen Yan , Yao Fanglian
Published: January 2016

Zwitterionic dendrimer based unimolecular micelles for anticancer drug delivery were prepared, exhibiting excellent stability in complex biological media.
Optimization and diagnostic of nonlinear optical features of π-conjugated benzodifuran-based derivatives
Authors: Kulyk B. , Kerasidou A. P. , Soumahoro L. , Moussallem C. , Gohier F. , Frère P. , Sahraoui B.
Published: January 2016

Optical and nonlinear optical properties of benzodifuran-based derivatives obtained by a green approach were studied.
Amine post-functionalized POSS-based porous polymers exhibiting simultaneously enhanced porosity and carbon dioxide adsorption properties
Authors: Wang Dengxu , Yang Wenyan , Feng Shengyu , Liu Hongzhi
Published: January 2016

We provide a possibility for post-synthetic amine functionalization of porous polymers exhibiting enhanced CO2capacity and selectivity without compromising the porosity.
Palladium nanoparticles immobilized on an amine-functionalized MIL-101(Cr) as a highly active catalyst for oxidative amination of aldehydes
Authors: Saikia Mrinal , Saikia Lakshi
Published: January 2016

Palladium nanoparticles has effectively immobilized onto amine-functionalized MIL-101(Cr) by polyol approach. The resulting Pd/NH2-MIL-101(Cr) acts as a heterogeneous catalyst for oxidative amination of aldehydes under solvent-free conditions.
Modulation of the structural properties of mesoporous silica nanoparticles to enhance the T1-weighted MR imaging capability
Authors: Şen Karaman Didem , Desai Diti , Zhang Jixi , Tadayon Sina , Unal Gözde , Teuho Jarmo , Sarfraz Jawad , Smått Jan-Henrik , Gu Hongchen , Näreoja Tuomas , Rosenholm Jessica M.
Published: January 2016

The contrast enchantment for Gd(iii) incorporated MSN based CAs is investigated by modulating the preparational and structural parameters.
Unconventional properties of nanometric FeO(111) films on Ru(0001): stoichiometry and surface structure
Authors: Martín-García Laura , Bernal-Villamil Iván , Oujja Mohamed , Carrasco Esther , Gargallo-Caballero Raquel , Castillejo Marta , Marco José F. , Gallego Silvia , de la Figuera Juan
Published: January 2016

FeO(111) films have been synthesized by PLD revealing unexpected properties explained by a wurtzite-like environment at the surface.
First NIR luminescent polymeric high-nuclearity Cd–Ln nanoclusters from a long-chain Schiff base ligand
Authors: Yang Xiaoping , Wang Shiqing , Zhang Lijie , Huang Shaoming , Li Zongping , Wang Chengri , Zhu Ting , Bo Le
Published: January 2016

Two novel 1-D polymeric Cd–Ln (Ln = La and Nd) nanoclusters with 28-metal drum-like building units were prepared using a long-chain Schiff base ligand.
Folding-induced exciton coupling in homo- and heterodimers of merocyanine dyes
Authors: Bialas David , Kirchner Eva , Würthner Frank
Published: January 2016

Folding of a bis(merocyanine) dye with two different chromophores leads to a model system to elucidate electronic interactions in heteroaggregates.
Dealloying induced plasmonic Au nanoparticle modified mesoporous TiO2 for enhanced visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Zhao Zhengfeng , Zhu Xiaoxia , Zuo Min , Xu Jing , Wang Yan
Published: January 2016

Au/TiO2 nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic activity were fabricated by calcination or hydrothermal treatment of Au/H-titanate obtained through dealloying an Al–Ti–Au alloy.
A very peculiar family of N-heterocyclic phosphines: unusual structures and the unique reactivity of 1,3,2-diazaphospholenes
Authors: Gudat D.
Published: January 2016

The N-heterocyclic phosphines portrayed gain unusual chemical reactivity from the ionic polarization of exocyclic P–X bonds or low-energy P–P bond cleavage.
Photocurrent-generating properties of bulk and few-layered Cd(ii) coordination polymers based on a rigid dicarboxylate ligand
Authors: Jiang Peng Gang , Zhang Pan , Gong Yun , Lin Jian Hua
Published: January 2016

Two Cd(ii) CPs based on a rigid ligand exhibit different photocurrent responses, and the in situ synthesized few-layered CP shows enhanced photocurrent density with respect to the bulk CP.
Significantly enhanced photocurrent for water oxidation in monolithic Mo:BiVO4/SnO2/Si by thermally increasing the minority carrier diffusion length
Authors: Zhang Liming , Ye Xiaofei , Boloor Madhur , Poletayev Andrey , Melosh Nicholas A. , Chueh William C.
Published: January 2016

Modestly elevating temperature activates minority carrier hopping in BiVO4, and dramatically enhances the photoactivity for water oxidation.
Unraveling the hidden function of a stabilizer in a precursor in improving hybrid perovskite film morphology for high efficiency solar cells
Authors: Xiao Zhengguo , Wang Dong , Dong Qingfeng , Wang Qi , Wei Wei , Dai Jun , Zeng Xiaocheng , Huang Jinsong
Published: January 2016

The precursor purity is critical for the perovskite film morphology and solar cell device performance.
Oxidative coupling between C(sp2)–H and C(sp3)–H bonds of indoles and cyclic ethers/cycloalkanes
Authors: Yang Qingjing , Choy Pui Ying , Wu Yinuo , Fan Baomin , Kwong Fuk Yee
Published: January 2016

Cross-dehydrogenative-coupling (CDC) between C–H/C–H bonds of indoles and cyclic ethers/cycloalkanes is made viable through a simple transition-metal-free pathway.
Phosphonoselenoic acid esters from the reaction between phosphoroselenoyl chlorides and Grignard reagents: synthetic and stereochemical aspects
Authors: Murai Toshiaki , Maekawa Yuuki , Hirai Yuuki , Kuwabara Kazuma , Minoura Mao
Published: January 2016

Substitution reactions between a phosphoroselenoyl chloride and Grignard reagents proceeded smoothly at the phosphorus atom to furnish phosphonoselenoic acid esters in moderate to high yields.
A facile and practical copper diacetate mediated, ligand free C–N cross coupling of trivalent organobismuth compounds with amines and N-heteroarenes
Authors: Jadhav B. D. , Pardeshi S. K.
Published: January 2016

In present work, an efficient Cu(OAc)2·H2O catalyzed protocol in the absence of any additional ligand has been developed for the N-arylation of amines and nitrogen containing heterocycles using trivalent organobismuth reagents under mild conditions.
Au/BiPO4 nanorod catalysts: synthesis, characterization and their catalytic performance for CO oxidation
Authors: Zhang Ping , Yu Huanhuan , Li Jingjing , Zhao Hang , Zhu Baolin , Huang Weiping , Zhang Shoumin
Published: January 2016

Au/BiPO4 catalysts exhibit high catalytic activity in low temperature CO oxidation.
Influence of the non-conjugated 5-position substituent of 1,3,5-triaryl-2-pyrazoline-based photosensitizers on the photophysical properties and performance of a dye-sensitized solar cell
Authors: Mori Takeshi , Saomoto Hitoshi , Machitani Koji , Inoue Kaname , Aoki Yasunori , Koshitani Takeshi , Koumura Nagatoshi , Murakami Takurou N.
Published: January 2016

We report the effect of the non-conjugated 5-position substituent of pyrazoline-based photosensitizers on the photophysical characteristics and performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Conjugating a groove-binding motif to an Ir(iii) complex for the enhancement of G-quadruplex probe behavior
Authors: Wang Modi , Mao Zhifeng , Kang Tian-Shu , Wong Chun-Yuen , Mergny Jean-Louis , Leung Chung-Hang , Ma Dik-Lung
Published: January 2016

G-quadruplex groove binder benzo[d,e]isoquinoline was linked to a Ir(iii) complex to generate a highly selective DNA probe.
Reliable scalable video streaming using layer weight switching‐based unequal Luby transform
Authors: Ha H. , Ryu E.‐S.
Published: January 2016

A layer weight switching‐based unequal Luby transform (LWS‐ULT) method is proposed to minimise video distortion over packet‐lossy networks. The proposed ULT method divides all quality layers into more important set (MIS) and less important set to provide unequal packet protection property in LT codes based on error propagation effects. The number of quality layer in MIS is adjusted in accordance with channel status. At high packet loss rate, lower number of quality layer is assigned into MIS for more protection of quality layer with larger error propagation weight. On the other hand, higher number of quality layer is included in MIS for improving video quality by expanding the range of protection at low packet loss rate. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed LWS‐ULT method gives robust performance and significantly improved video quality (0.9–1.2 dB in Y‐PSNR), compared with the conventional ULT schemes.
Reconfigurable package integrated 20 W RF power GaN HEMT with discrete thick‐film MIM BST varactors
Authors: Preis S. , Wiens A. , Maune H. , Heinrich W. , Jakoby R. , Bengtsson O.
Published: January 2016

A novel package integrated solution for gallium nitride high‐electron‐mobility transistors with an electronically two‐dimensional reconfigurable L‐section matching network is presented. Thick‐film barium‐strontium‐titanate (BST) varactors are used to realise a tunability of the load impedance of 1:2 in resistive and 1:1.5 in reactive parts, respectively, applying tuning voltages of up to 200 V. The tuneable module achieves a peak output power of 43.2 dBm (20.9 W). Comparison with simulated results using field simulations and a large‐signal model shows good agreement in terms of output power and power added efficiency and thus proves the concept of using metal–insulator–metal BST varactors for reconfigurability.
Decentralised wide‐area fractional order damping controller for a large‐scale power system
Authors: Vikhram Yohanandhan Rajaa , Srinivasan Latha
Published: January 2016

This study presents the design of wide‐area fractional order damping controller for low frequency inter‐area oscillations in Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) system. The developed wide‐area damping control scheme is implemented in a decentralised manner by examining the entire system through decentralised identification at the level of each generator bus and FACTS devices in large‐scale system. The decentralised identification is done by applying n4sid (Subspace State Space System Identification) algorithm to the time‐domain simulated response of WECC system. The main features of the proposed approach are: (a) measurement‐based control which does not require complete model of WECC; (b) minimise the communicating signals required for damping controller and incorporate practical method of time‐delay compensator (TDC) design to reduce the effect of time‐varying delay. The performance of wide‐area control (WAC) scheme is tested on the practical WECC system and verified by non‐linear time‐domain simulation. The proposed decentralised WAC scheme is compared with local and centralised control scheme, which enhances the damping of inter‐area oscillation effectively compared to local control scheme and more reliable compared to centralised control scheme and its robustness is verified over a wide‐range of operating conditions.
Screening technique for identifying the risk of sub‐synchronous resonance
Authors: Li Haifeng , Liu Chongru , Li Gengyin , Annakkage Udaya
Published: January 2016

A screening method called the compensation impact factor (CIF) is proposed in this study to identify the risk of sub‐synchronous resonance (SSR) caused when generators are connected to series compensated transmission lines. First, the definition of CIF is given and the meaning behind this index is explained. Second, the electric damping is used to classify the operating scenario into high SSR risk group and low SSR risk group. Then the correlation between the value of the CIF and the risk classification is analysed and the threshold value of CIF for this classification is calculated by using conditional probability. The proposed method is validated by (a) a 3‐bus system with one generator and (b) the IEEE‐39‐bus system with ten generators. The advantage of applying the proposed method is that only the high‐risk scenarios need to be analysed in detail using electromagnetic transient simulation.
Compact reconfigurable multiple‐input‐multiple‐output antenna for ultra wideband applications
Authors: Jafri Syeda Irum , Saleem Rashid , Shafique Muhammad Farhan , Brown Anthony Keith
Published: January 2016

This study presents a two element multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) reconfigurable antenna for ultra wideband (UWB) applications. Each individual antenna is composed of a modified square radiating patch. The array can be reconfigured by either placing antenna elements orthogonally for corner installation or by placing them back‐to‐back for compact three‐dimensional (3D) modules. The design is fabricated on FR4 substrate having dimensions 40 mm × 37.5 mm × 1.5 mm. Port isolation greater than 20 dB in the complete band is achieved by introducing an efficient decoupling structure in the ground plane. Performance parameters such as S‐parameters, radiation patterns, envelope correlation coefficient, total active reflection coefficient and channel capacity loss indicate that the proposed MIMO design is a suitable candidate for high data rate UWB applications. The proposed solution is suitable for non‐planar designs around wall corners or for compact 3D structures where side‐by‐side placement is not practical due to size constraints.
Analysis and experiment of stair‐shaped waveguide‐fed dielectric resonator antenna
Authors: Muhammed Jasmine P. , Parambil Abdulla , Muhammad Raphika P.
Published: January 2016

Theoretical analysis of a stair‐shaped waveguide‐fed hemispherical dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) using method of moments (MoM) is presented in this study. Waveguide steps are used to enhance the coupling of direct coupled waveguide‐fed DRA. Theoretical analysis is performed by solving coupled integral equations obtained by imposing magnetic field boundary conditions at various apertures using MoM. DRA and the steps are analysed using Green's function. For waveguide, modal analysis is performed. In order to determine the effects of various design parameters, parametric analysis has been carried out using the code developed. Experimental results confirm the validity of the proposed theory. The antenna has a maximum gain of 5.7 dBi at 9.09 GHz with a 3 dB gain bandwidth of 11.08%. Reasonable agreement is observed between the measured and simulated radiation patterns. The proposed coupling enhancement technique guarantees more than 98% coupling.
Fast and low‐cost beam steering using an agile mechanical feed system for exciting circular arrays
Authors: Mirkamali Ali , Deban Ramin , Siaka Francis , Laurin Jean‐Jacques
Published: January 2016

A novel feed system for circular arrays enabling beam steering over 360° in the azimuth plane with a stable scanned beam is proposed. It consists of rotating and fixed parts. The rotating part is a two‐dimensional offset fed parabolic reflector which is inside a circular parallel plate waveguide. The power coming from the rotating part is coupled with the elements of the circular array through a fixed coupling structure. The rotating part is light and its moment of inertia is significantly less than the conventional rotating antenna systems for beam scanning. Therefore, the beam can be steered much faster than the current rotating antenna systems. The details of the structure including the rotating and the fixed parts are presented and a design procedure for the fixed coupling section is suggested. The performance of the feed system is investigated by simulations and measurements. It is shown that the simulations and experimental results are in good agreement.
Compact metamaterial coplanar waveguide ferrite tunable resonator
Authors: Abdalla Mahmoud A. , Hu Zhirun
Published: January 2016

The theoretical study and experimental results of a compact tunable left‐handed (LH) zeroth order metamaterial ferrite resonator is presented. The resonator has been designed and realised using a LH coplanar waveguide transmission line on a ferrite substrate. The theoretical analysis of the operation principles of the resonator has been provided. The detailed measurement setup and experimental results are discussed. The resonator is only 0.19 λg (65% reduced in size comparing with conventional one) at 4 GHz. The resonator has fractional bandwidth of 0.1% and average insertion loss, approximately 4.5 dB. Moreover, the zeroth order metamaterial ferrite resonator has tuning capability and requires lower DC magnetic bias.
Convenient determination of luminescence quantum yield using a combined electronic absorption and emission spectrometer
Authors: Prakash John , Mishra Ashok Kumar
Published: January 2016

It is possible to measure luminescence quantum yield in a facile way, by designing an optical spectrometer capable of obtaining electronic absorption as well as luminescence spectra, with a setup that uses the same light source and detector for both the spectral measurements. Employment of a single light source and single detector enables use of the same correction factor profile for spectral corrections. A suitable instrumental scaling factor is used for adjusting spectral losses.
Emission current from a single micropoint of explosive emission cathode
Authors: Wu Ping , Sun Jun
Published: January 2016

Explosive emission cathodes (EECs) are widely used due to their large current. There has been much research on the explosive electron emission mechanism demonstrating that a current density of 108–109 A/cm2 is necessary for a micropoint to explode in several nanoseconds and the micropoint size is in micron-scale according to the observation of the cathode surface. This paper, however, makes an effort to research the current density and the micropoint size in another way which considers the space charge screening effect. Our model demonstrates that the relativistic effect is insignificant for the micropoint emission due to the small size of the micropoint and uncovers that the micron-scale size is an intrinsic demand for the micropoint to reach a space charge limited current density of 108–109 A/cm2. Meanwhile, our analysis shows that as the voltage increases, the micropoint emission will turn from a field limited state to a space charge limited state, which makes the steady-state micropoint current density independent of the cathode work function and much less dependent on the electric field and the field enhancement factor than that predicted by the Fowler-Nordheim formula.