bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Seedless Growth of ZnO Micro/Nanowire Arrays towards ZnO/FeS2/CuI P-I-N Photodiode Application
Authors: Yang Zhi , Wang Minqiang , Shukla Sudhanshu , Zhu Yue , Deng Jianping , Ge Hu , Wang Xingzhi , Xiong Qihua
Published: June 2015

A seedless hydrothermal method is developed to grow high density and vertically aligned ZnO micro/nanowire arrays with low defect density on metal films under the saturated nutrition solution. In particular, the mechanism of seedless method is discussed here. A buffer layer can be confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which may release the elastic strain between ZnO and substrate to achieve this highly mismatched heteroepitaxial structures. Based on ZnO micro/nanowire arrays with excellent wettability surface, we prepared ZnO-FeS2-CuI p-i-n photodiode by all-solution processed method with the high rectifying ratio of 197 at ±1 V. Under AM 1.5 condition, the Jsc of 0.5 mA/cm2, on-off current ratio of 371 and fast photoresponse at zero bias voltage were obtained. This good performance comes from excellent collection ability of photogenerated electrons and holes due to the increased depletion layer width for p-i-n structure. Finally, the high responsivity around 900 nm shows the potential as near infrared photodetectors applications.
Identification of the gene defect responsible for severe hypercholesterolaemia using whole-exome sequencing
Authors: Sun Li-Yuan , Zhang Yong-Biao , Jiang Long , Wan Ning , Wu Wen-Feng , Pan Xiao-Dong , Yu Jun , Zhang Feng , Wang Lu-Ya
Published: June 2015

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a serious genetic metabolic disease. We identified a specific family in which the proband had typical homozygous phenotype of FH, but couldn’t detect any mutations in usual pathogenic genes using traditional sequencing. This study is the first attempt to use whole exome sequencing (WES) to identify the pathogenic genes in Chinese FH. The routine examinations were performed on all parentage members and WES on 5 members. We used bioinformatics methods to splice and filter out the pathogenic gene. Finally, Sanger sequencing and cDNA sequencing were used to verify the candidate genes. Half of parentage members had got hypercholesterolaemia. WES identified LDLR IVS8[−10] as a candidate mutation from 222,267 variations. The Sanger sequencing showed proband had a homozygous mutation inherited from his parents and this loci were cosegregated with FH phenotype. The cDNA sequencing revealed that this mutations caused abnormal shearing. This mutation was first identified in Chinese patients and this homozygous mutation is a new genetic type of FH. This is the first time that WES was used in Chinese FH patients. We detected a novel genetic type of LDLR homozygous mutation. WES is powerful tools to identify specific FH families with potentially pathogenic gene mutations.
Enhancing malaria diagnosis through microfluidic cell enrichment and magnetic resonance relaxometry detection
Authors: Fook Kong Tian , Ye Weijian , Peng Weng Kung , Wei Hou Han , Marcos  , Preiser Peter Rainer , Nguyen Nam-Trung , Han Jongyoon
Published: June 2015

Despite significant advancements over the years, there remains an urgent need for low cost diagnostic approaches that allow for rapid, reliable and sensitive detection of malaria parasites in clinical samples. Our previous work has shown that magnetic resonance relaxometry (MRR) is a potentially highly sensitive tool for malaria diagnosis. A key challenge for making MRR based malaria diagnostics suitable for clinical testing is the fact that MRR baseline fluctuation exists between individuals, making it difficult to detect low level parasitemia. To overcome this problem, it is important to establish the MRR baseline of each individual while having the ability to reliably determine any changes that are caused by the infection of malaria parasite. Here we show that an approach that combines the use of microfluidic cell enrichment with a saponin lysis before MRR detection can overcome these challenges and provide the basis for a highly sensitive and reliable diagnostic approach of malaria parasites. Importantly, as little as 0.0005% of ring stage parasites can be detected reliably, making this ideally suited for the detection of malaria parasites in peripheral blood obtained from patients. The approaches used here are envisaged to provide a new malaria diagnosis solution in the near future.
Unveiling astrocytic control of cerebral blood flow with optogenetics
Authors: Masamoto Kazuto , Unekawa Miyuki , Watanabe Tatsushi , Toriumi Haruki , Takuwa Hiroyuki , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Kanno Iwao , Matsui Ko , Tanaka Kenji F. , Tomita Yutaka , Suzuki Norihiro
Published: June 2015

Cortical neural activities lead to changes in the cerebral blood flow (CBF), which involves astrocytic control of cerebrovascular tone. However, the manner in which astrocytic activity specifically leads to vasodilation or vasoconstriction is difficult to determine. Here, cortical astrocytes genetically expressing a light-sensitive cation channel, channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), were transcranially activated with a blue laser while the spatiotemporal changes in CBF were noninvasively monitored with laser speckle flowgraphy in the anesthetised mouse cortex. A brief photostimulation induced a fast transient increase in CBF. The average response onset time was 0.7 ± 0.7 sec at the activation foci and this CBF increase spread widely from the irradiation spot with an apparent propagation speed of 0.8–1.1 mm/sec. The broad increase in the CBF could be due to a propagation of diffusible vasoactive signals derived from the stimulated astrocytes. Pharmacological manipulation showed that topical administration of a K+ channel inhibitor (BaCl2; 0.1–0.5 mM) significantly reduced the photostimulation-induced CBF responses, which indicates that the ChR2-evoked astrocytic activity involves K+ signalling to the vascular smooth muscle cells. These findings demonstrate a unique model for exploring the role of the astrocytes in gliovascular coupling using non-invasive, time-controlled, cell-type specific perturbations.
Integration of colorimetric and SERS detection for rapid screening and validation of melamine in milk
Authors: Lang Tingting , Pang Shintaro , He Lili
Published: June 2015

Herein, we developed a novel method which integrated two gold nanoparticle (Au NP) based techniques, colorimetric and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) analyses, for rapid screening and validation of melamine in milk.
Fluorescence aptasensor for Ochratoxin A in food samples based on hyperbranched rolling circle amplification
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yang Linlin , Lin Cuiying , Guo Longhua , Qiu Bin , Lin Zhenyu , Chen Guonan
Published: June 2015

A fluorescence aptasensor for Ochratoxin A based on hyperbranched rolling circle amplification with high sensitivity and specificity has been developed.
Enhanced stability of Zr-doped Ba(CeTb)O3−δ-Ni cermet membrane for hydrogen separation
Authors: Wei Yanying , Xue Jian , Fang Wei , Chen Yan , Wang Haihui , Caro Jürgen
Published: June 2015

The Ni-BCTZ membrane can be steadily operated under both dry and humid conditions for hydrogen separation, which shows an extremely enhanced stability compared with Ni-BCT due to Zr-doping.
A supramolecular approach for designing emissive solid-state carbazole arrays
Authors: Lifshits Liubov M. , Noll Bruce C. , Klosterman Jeremy K.
Published: June 2015

Reactions of 5-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-isophthalate and metal salts provide laminar metal organic frameworks (MOFs) wherein interlayer interactions of the pendant carbazoles engender extended aromatic stacks or non-stacked structures with enhanced solid-state emission.
A red-emitting ratiometric fluorescent probe based on a benzophosphole P-oxide scaffold for the detection of intracellular sodium ions
Authors: Taki Masayasu , Ogasawara Hiroaki , Osaki Hiroshi , Fukazawa Aiko , Sato Yoshikatsu , Ogasawara Kimi , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Yamaguchi Shigehiro
Published: June 2015

A red-emitting fluorescent probe based on a benzophospholeP-oxide can ratiometrically visualize the change in Na+concentration in living cells.
A comprehensive biosensor integrated with a ZnO nanorod FET array for selective detection of glucose, cholesterol and urea
Authors: Ahmad Rafiq , Tripathy Nirmalya , Park Jin-Ho , Hahn Yoon-Bong
Published: June 2015

A ZnO NR integrated FET array biosensor with immobilized enzymes.
Tuning the depth of bowl-shaped phosphine hosts: capsule and pseudo-cage architectures in host–guest complexes with C60 fullerene
Authors: Yamamura Masaki , Sukegawa Kimiya , Nabeshima Tatsuya
Published: June 2015

Bowl-shaped phosphine molecules, whose bowl geometry can be controlled by a variation of the axial substituent, were synthesized, and used as host molecules to encapsulate C60.
High surface area andZ′ in a thermally stable 8-fold polycatenated hydrogen-bonded framework
Authors: Zentner Cassandra A. , Lai Holden W. H. , Greenfield Joshua T. , Wiscons Ren A. , Zeller Matthias , Campana Charles F. , Talu Orhan , FitzGerald Stephen A. , Rowsell Jesse L. C.
Published: June 2015

Permanent porosity, a large surface area, and unprecedentedZ′ was exhibited in an 8-fold polycatenated hydrogen-bonded organic framework.
Surface modification of alumina-coated silica nanoparticles in aqueous sols with phosphonic acids and impact on nanoparticle interactions
Authors: Pauly Céline Schmitt , Genix Anne-Caroline , Alauzun Johan G. , Sztucki Michael , Oberdisse Julian , Hubert Mutin P.
Published: June 2015

We report on aggregation of alumina-coated silica nanoparticles in suspensions modified with phosphonic acids of various hydrophobicities and charges.
Evidence of pressure induced intermolecular proton transfer via mutarotation: the case of supercooledd-fructose
Authors: Cecotka Adam , Tripathy Satya N. , Paluch Marian
Published: June 2015

This paper describes a systematic investigation on the role of pressure in mutarotation kinetics of supercooledd-fructose using dielectric spectroscopy.
Electronic coupling between ligand and core energy states in dithiolate-monothiolate stabilized Au clusters
Authors: Ahuja Tarushee , Wang Dengchao , Tang Zhenghua , Robinson Donald A. , Padelford Jonathan W. , Wang Gangli
Published: June 2015

Multiple electron relaxation steps between the core and the ligands in Au130 dithiolate clusters were quantified.
Single layer of MX3 (M = Ti, Zr; X = S, Se, Te): a new platform for nano-electronics and optics
Authors: Jin Yingdi , Li Xingxing , Yang Jinlong
Published: June 2015

Two-dimensional titanium and zirconium trichalcogenides nanosheets with highly anisotropic optoelectronic properties.
Synthesis, structural, magnetic and phase-transition studies of the ferromagnetic La2CoMnO6 double perovskite by symmetry-adapted modes
Authors: Orayech B. , Urcelay-Olabarria I. , López G. A. , Fabelo O. , Faik A. , Igartua J. M.
Published: June 2015

A powdered La2CoMnO6 double perovskite was synthesized by the solid-state reaction method, and its crystal structure and phase-transitions were investigated by (Mode Crystallography) Rietveld analysis using X-ray and neutron diffraction data. Three indistinguishable ferromagnetic models with the space groups P21/n and P2′1/n′ are proposed.
Alkynyl functionalized Al/P-based frustrated Lewis pairs – aluminium alkynide elimination and evidence for the formation of 3H-phosphaallenes [R-PCC(H)-tBu]
Authors: Klöcker Hans , Roters Steffi , Hepp Alexander , Uhl Werner
Published: June 2015

Hydroalumination of dialkynylphosphines by H-Al[CH(SiMe3)2]2afforded alkenyl–alkynyl phosphines which eliminate dialkylaluminium alkynides spontaneously to form phosphaallenes, aryl-PCC(H)-tBu.
Incorporation of imidazole within the metal–organic framework UiO-67 for enhanced anhydrous proton conductivity
Authors: Liu Shucheng , Yue Zifeng , Liu Yi
Published: June 2015

Imidazole@UiO-67 achieves a proton conductivity of over 10−3 S cm−1 at 120 °C in a completely anhydrous environment.
Enhanced photocatalytic activities of the heterostructured upconversion photocatalysts with cotton mediated on TiO2/ZnWO4:Yb3+,Tm3+
Authors: Feng Kaili , Huang Shouqiang , Lou Ziyang , Zhu Nanwen , Yuan Haiping
Published: June 2015

A novel TZYT-C heterostructure material with enhanced upconversion properties was prepared.
Dehydrogenative coupling involving P(O)–H bonds: a powerful way for the preparation of phosphoryl compounds
Authors: Chen Tieqiao , Zhang Ji-Shu , Han Li-Biao
Published: June 2015

This Frontier highlights the recent progress in the preparation of organophosphorus compounds via transition metal-catalysed dehydrogenative couplings of P(O)H compounds with Z–H compounds.
Extension of conjugation: probing anion binding strength and reporter mechanisms in (phenyl)cyclopentadienyl and indenyl receptors
Authors: Tirfoin Rémi , Abdalla Joseph A. B. , Aldridge Simon
Published: June 2015

Borane receptors featuring a rigidly conjugated indenyl-iron function give rise to enhanced anion binding affinities and ready colorimetric reporting.
Correction: Pyroelectric materials and devices for energy harvesting applications
Authors: Bowen C. R. , Taylor J. , LeBoulbar E. , Zabek D. , Chauhan A. , Vaish R.
Published: June 2015

Correction for ‘Pyroelectric materials and devices for energy harvesting applications’ by C. R. Bowen et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 2014, 7, 3836–3856.
Online fluorescence monitoring of RO fouling and integrity: analysis of two contrasting recycled water schemes
Authors: Singh Sachin , Henderson Rita K. , Baker Andy , Stuetz Richard M. , Khan Stuart J.
Published: June 2015

Underperformance in RO membranes were detected using fluorescence spectroscopy.
Structural and functional insights into CARDs of zebrafish (Danio rerio) NOD1 and NOD2, and their interaction with adaptor protein RIP2
Authors: Maharana Jitendra , Dehury Budheswar , Sahoo Jyoti Ranjan , Jena Itishree , Bej Aritra , Panda Debashis , Sahoo Bikash Ranjan , Patra Mahesh Chandra , Pradhan Sukanta Kumar
Published: June 2015

Zebrafish NOD1 and NOD2 used an acidic surface for RIP2-mediated CARD–CARD interaction like Apaf1-procaspase9.
Nickel foam supported mesoporous NiCo2O4 arrays with excellent methanol electro-oxidation performance
Authors: Wang Wei , Chu Qingxin , Zhang Yingnan , Zhu Wei , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: June 2015

Schematic of the electro-oxidation reaction process of NiCo2O4 nanocloth arrays on nickel foam. The unique morphological features can afford efficient 3D electron transport during the redox reaction.
Oxidative cyclodehydrogenation of a perylene derivative: different reagents give different products
Authors: Markoulides Marios S. , Venturini Chiara , Neumeyer David , Gourdon André
Published: June 2015

Oxidative cyclodehydrogenation of 3-(4-fluoronaphthalen-1-yl)perylene gives, by reaction with AlCl3, 3-fluoroterrylene and by reaction with DDQ/TfOH, its isomer 10-fluorobenzo[4,5]indeno[1,2,3-cd]perylene.
2D ultrathin core–shell Pd@Ptmonolayer nanosheets: defect-mediated thin film growth and enhanced oxygen reduction performance
Authors: Wang Wenxin , Zhao Yunfeng , Ding Yi
Published: June 2015

Ultrathin core–shell Pd@Ptmonolayer nanosheets, synthesized by a defect-mediated thin film growth method, demonstrated outstanding electrocatalytic properties and durability toward ORR.
Transient color changes in oxidative-stable fluorinated polyimide film for flexible display substrates
Authors: Yang Yooseong , Jung Youngsuk , Cho Myung Dong , Lee Seung Geol , Kwon Soonchul
Published: June 2015

Stable optical properties of high transmittance and low yellow index, which are required for a polyimide film as a flexible display substrate could be affected by thermal imidization even in oxidative-stable fluorinated polyimides.
Hollow Cu2O microspheres with two active {111} and {110} facets for highly selective adsorption and photodegradation of anionic dye
Authors: Chen Dai-Song , Yu Wen-Bei , Deng Zhao , Liu Jing , Jin Jun , Li Yu , Wu Min , Chen Li-Hua , Su Bao-Lian
Published: June 2015

Hollow Cu2O microspheres with {110} and {111} facets, demonstrating preferential selective adsorption and enhanced photodegradation for MO, have been prepared and used to exactly evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency of our Cu2O microspheres under visible light illumination.
Gate capacitance model for the design of graphene nanoribbon array field-effect transistors
Authors: Son Myungwoo , Ki Hangil , Kim Kihyeun , Chung Sunki , Lee Woong , Ham Moon-Ho
Published: June 2015

A general model for the prediction of capacitance in graphene nanoribbon array FETs was developed with considering complex fringe fields.
Influence of the spacer length on the phase behaviors of mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymers with a bulk side-chain
Authors: Luo Yongbing , Chen Sheng , Zhang Hailiang
Published: June 2015

The alkyl spacer length influences the phase behavior and structure of mesogen-jacketed liquid-crystalline polymers with bulk side-chains.
Raman study of α-quartz-type Ge1−xSixO2 (0 < x ≤ 0.067) single crystals for piezoelectric applications
Authors: Lignie Adrien , Hermet Patrick , Fraysse Guillaume , Armand Pascale
Published: June 2015

Raman lines due to Ge–O–Si bridges in α-Ge1−xSixO2 single crystals are identified with the help of polarized Raman and calculations.
Development of a high performance high voltage insulator for power transmission lines from blends of polydimethylsiloxane/ethylene vinyl acetate containing nanosilica
Authors: Ghosh Dipankar , Bhandari Subhendu , Chaki Tapan Kumar , Khastgir Dipak
Published: June 2015

The blend ratio of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and nanosilica loading were optimized for open atmosphere high voltage insulator application. Environmental effects were studied by different aging characteristics.
Design, synthesis and insecticidal activities of N-(4-cyano-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide derivatives
Authors: Lv Xian-Hai , Xiao Jin-Jing , Ren Zi-Li , Chu Ming-Jie , Wang Peng , Meng Xiang-Feng , Li Dong-Dong , Cao Hai-Qun
Published: June 2015

Twenty novel diphenyl-1H-pyrazole derivatives with cyano substituent were designed and synthesized, and their insecticidal activities were evaluated.
Multi-path variational transition state theory for chiral molecules: the site-dependent kinetics for abstraction of hydrogen from 2-butanol by hydroperoxyl radical, analysis of hydrogen bonding in the transition state, and dramatic temperature dependence of the activation energy
Authors: Bao Junwei Lucas , Meana-Pañeda Rubén , Truhlar Donald G.
Published: June 2015

A hydrogen bond at the transition state can lower the enthalpy of activation, but raise the free energy of activation.
Mesoporous-assembled MnO2 with large specific surface area
Authors: Zhang Gaini , Ren Lijun , Yan Zhe , Kang Liping , Lei Zhibin , Xu Hua , Shi Feng , Liu Zong-Huai
Published: June 2015

Mesoporous MnO2 with a surface area of 456 m2 g−1 is prepared by heating a delaminated MnO2 nanosheet slurry with NH4HSO4.
CdSe on a mesoporous transparent conducting oxide scaffold as a photocathode
Authors: Norris Michael R. , Cossairt Brandi M.
Published: June 2015

We report here a photocathode based on a high surface area conductive metal oxide scaffold sensitized by CdSe quantum dots attached via organic linkers.
Layered polymeric capsules inhibiting the activity of RNases for intracellular delivery of messenger RNA
Authors: Kakran Mitali , Muratani Masafumi , Tng Weiquan John , Liang Hongqing , Trushina Daria B. , Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Ng Huck Hui , Antipina Maria N.
Published: June 2015

Delivery of luciferase messenger RNA to HEK293T cells is successfully performed by polymer multilayer microcapsules co-encapsulating RNase inhibitors.
Supramolecular association of 2D alumino-siloxane aquagel building blocks to 3D porous cages and its efficacy for topical and injectable delivery of fluconazole, an antifungal drug
Authors: Vazhayal Linsha , Kumar Sasidharan Nishanth , Talasila Sindhoor , Kumar Dileep B. S. , Solaiappan Ananthakumar
Published: June 2015

A fascinating 2D architecture of an alumino-siloxane gel self-assembled into a well-defined 3D porous aquagel cage. It is identified to be an excellently mechanically stable, injectable and non-cytotoxic medium for drug delivery applications.
Luminescence color tuning of Ce3+, Tb3+ and Eu3+ codoped and tri-doped BaY2Si3O10 phosphors via energy transfer
Authors: Zhou Jun , Xia Zhiguo
Published: June 2015

A terbium bridge via Ce3+–Tb3+–Eu3+ energy transfer in BaY2Si3O10 has been discussed and the color tuning can be realized.
Elucidating the deprotonation of polyaniline films by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Mahat Muzamir M. , Mawad Damia , Nelson Geoffrey W. , Fearn Sarah , Palgrave Robert G. , Payne David J. , Stevens Molly M.
Published: June 2015

Incubation of PANI films in physiological conditions leads to deprotonation and loss of dopant from the polymer backbone.
Thermometric and optical heating bi-functional properties of upconversion phosphor Ba5Gd8Zn4O21:Yb3+/Tm3+
Authors: Suo Hao , Guo Chongfeng , Yang Zheng , Zhou Shaoshuai , Duan Changkui , Yin Min
Published: June 2015

An optical temperature sensor and optical heater based on Yb3+/Tm3+ co-doped Ba5Gd8Zn4O21 phosphors.
Error exponents analysis of dual‐hop η‐μ and κ‐μ fading channel with amplify‐and‐forward relaying
Authors: Zhang Yunhan , Xue Jiang , Ratnarajah Tharmalingam , Zhong Caijun
Published: June 2015

In this study, the authors investigate the Gallager's error exponents of dual‐hop amplify‐and‐forward systems over generalised η‐μ and κ‐μ fading channels, two versatile channel models which encompass a number of popular fading channels such as Rayleigh, Rician, Nakagami‐m, Hoyt and one‐sided Gaussian fading channels. The authors present new analytical expressions for the probability density function of the end‐to‐end signal‐to‐noise‐ratio (SNR) of the system. These analytical expressions are then applied to analyse the system performance through the study of Gallager's exponents, which are classical tight bounds of error exponents and present the tradeoff between practical information rate and the reliability of communication. Two types of Gallager's exponents, namely, random coding error exponent and expurgated error exponent, are studied. Based on the newly derived analytical expressions, the authors provide an efficient method to compute the required codeword length to achieve a predefined upper bound of error probability. In addition, the analytical expressions are derived for the cutoff rate and ergodic capacity of the system. Moreover, simplified expressions are presented at the high SNR regime. All the analytical results are verified via Monte–Carlo simulations.
Noise modelling for denoising and three‐dimensional face recognition algorithms performance evaluation
Authors: Emambakhsh Mehryar , Gao Jiangning , Evans Adrian
Published: June 2015

This study proposes an algorithm is proposed to quantitatively evaluate the performance of three‐dimensional (3D) holistic face recognition algorithms when various denoising methods are used. First, a method is proposed to model the noise on the 3D face datasets. The model not only identifies those regions on the face which are sensitive to the noise but can also be used to simulate noise for any given 3D face. Then, by incorporating the noise model in a novel 3D face recognition pipeline, seven different classification and matching methods and six denoising techniques are used to quantify the face recognition algorithms performance for different powers of the noise. The outcome: (i) shows the most reliable parameters for the denoising methods to be used in a 3D face recognition pipeline; (ii) shows which parts of the face are more vulnerable to noise and require further post‐processing after data acquisition; and (iii) compares the performance of three different categories of recognition algorithms: training‐free matching‐based, subspace projection‐based and training‐based (without projection) classifiers. The results show the high performance of the bootstrap aggregating tree classifiers and median filtering for very high intensity noise. Moreover, when different noisy/denoised samples are used as probes or in the gallery, the matching algorithms significantly outperform the training‐based (including the subspace projection) methods.
Evaluating batteries for advanced wildlife telemetry tags
Authors: Toledo Sivan
Published: June 2015

The authors evaluate miniature batteries as potential power sources for advanced wildlife telemetry tags. These tags are often based on integrated ultrahigh frequency transceivers that are designed for wireless sensor networks and that consume 18–85 mA while receiving or transmitting. This current drain is challenging for many types of miniature batteries. The authors evaluate batteries both on actual tags and in a specialised synthetic‐load circuit. The evaluation focuses on the total amount of energy that the battery delivers until the tag fails, but the authors also investigate other important issues, such as the ability to withstand immersion in water. The main findings are that zinc‐air cells designed mainly for hearing aids perform extremely well in terms of effective energy density (but are hard to deploy), that lithium coin cells require a reservoir capacitor to deliver their rated energy (which is about half of that of zinc air with the same weight) and that rechargeable lithium polymer cells perform well even without a reservoir capacitor.
Surface Tension of Refrigerants—Selection of Data and Recommended Correlations
Authors: Cachadiña I. , Mulero A. , Tian Jianxiang
Published: June 2015

In previous papers, some of us have proposed specific correlations to reproduce the surface tension values for several sets of fluids and for wide ranges of temperatures. In this paper, we focus our attention on refrigerants. In particular, we consider the data available for 86 refrigerant fluids using recent versions of the DIPPR and DETHERM databases and the book of Wohlfarth and Wohlfarth (1997) as main sources. In some cases, new data available have been added from other sources, with these data being appropriately selected. In some cases, two or more different trends of data were observed, and, where possible, the authors have considered only one of those trends. To fit the data finally considered, we used the same model as currently used in REFPROP program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Two or four adjustable coefficients were needed for the refrigerants we studied. For three of these fluids, it was not possible to obtain an adequate fit to the selected data. We have therefore proposed correlations for 83 refrigerants, giving mean average percentage deviations below 2.7%.
A matching approach to communicate through the plasma sheath surrounding a hypersonic vehicle
Authors: Gao Xiaotian , Jiang Binhao
Published: June 2015

In order to overcome the communication blackout problem suffered by hypersonic vehicles, a matching approach has been proposed for the first time in this paper. It utilizes a double-positive (DPS) material layer surrounding a hypersonic vehicle antenna to match with the plasma sheath enclosing the vehicle. Analytical analysis and numerical results indicate a resonance between the matched layer and the plasma sheath will be formed to mitigate the blackout problem in some conditions. The calculated results present a perfect radiated performance of the antenna, when the match is exactly built between these two layers. The effects of the parameters of the plasma sheath have been researched by numerical methods. Based on these results, the proposed approach is easier to realize and more flexible to the varying radiated conditions in hypersonic flight comparing with other methods.
Nanochannel effect in polymer nanowire transistor with highly aligned polymer chains
Authors: Oh Seungjun , Hayakawa Ryoma , Chikyow Toyohiro , Wakayama Yutaka
Published: June 2015

We established a process to develop well-defined polymer nanowire transistors made of liquid-crystalline semiconducting poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-bithiophene) (F8T2). Nano-scaled channels have been fabricated in gate insulator layers of SiO2 using a lithography technique. The nanochannels offer templates for forming polymer nanowires in which polymer chains are uniaxially aligned along the nanochannels through a nano-confinement effect. In addition, this process prevents the occurrence of serious damage during the inevitable etching process that is used to separate the nanowires from each other. We examined the electrical properties and polymeric chain alignment of F8T2 nanowires. Nanowire transistors exhibited carrier mobilities of 3.5 and 2.8 × 10−3 cm2/Vs for 54 and 130 nm wide nanowires, respectively. The carrier mobilities were about three times larger than that of a thin film transistor. Polarized UV-vis absorption analysis clarified that the improved carrier mobility can be attributed to the enhanced polymer chain alignment in the nanochannels. This approach has great potential as regards improving device performance, downsizing, and the large-scale integration of nanowire transistors with various kinds of device configurations.
Graphene/ferroelectrics/graphene hybrid structure: Asymmetric doping of graphene layers
Authors: Duong Dinh Loc , Lee Si Young , Kim Seong Kyu , Lee Young Hee
Published: June 2015

We report graphene/ferroelectric/graphene hybrid structure to demonstrate an asymmetrical doping in two graphene layers, one side with electrons and another side with holes. Two ferroelectrics, a poly(vinylidenefluoride) (PVDF) and a hydrofluorinated graphene, were used to demonstrate the concept with density functional calculations, revealing the Fermi level shift of 0.35 and 0.75 eV, respectively. This concept was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy using graphene/poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-trifluoroethylene)(P(VDF-TrFE))/graphene hybrid, which can easily form β-phase close to our simulation model. G-band peak position was downshifted for electron doping and upshifted for hole doping. This hybrid structure opens an opportunity to study bilayer graphene system with a controllable thickness for a wide range of high carrier concentration.
Ultraviolet-visible optical isolators based on CeF3 Faraday rotator
Authors: Víllora Encarnación G. , Shimamura Kiyoshi , Plaza Gustavo R.
Published: June 2015

The first ultraviolet (UV) and visible optical isolators based on CeF3 are demonstrated. CeF3 possesses unique properties as Faraday rotator for the UV-visible wavelength region: a wide transparency range (wavelength of >300 nm) and an outstanding Verdet constant. In contrast, currently used terbium-gallium garnets and magneto-optical glasses possess a low transparency in the visible and a small Verdet constant in the UV, respectively. The optical isolator prototypes consist of a CeF3 rod, a single ring magnet, and a couple of beam splitters. The ring magnets have been designed to guarantee a homogeneous magnetic field; for it, numerical simulations have been carried out. The two prototypes are very compact and operate in the UV at 355 and in the visible at 405 nm, respectively. The performance of these devices indicates the high potential of CeF3 as a new UV-visible Faraday rotator, specially for shorter wavelengths where at present there are no optical isolators available.
Electropyroelectric technique: A methodology free of fitting procedures for thermal effusivity determination in liquids
Authors: Ivanov R. , Marin E. , Villa J. , Gonzalez E. , Rodríguez C. I. , Olvera J. E.
Published: June 2015

This paper describes an alternative methodology to determine the thermal effusivity of a liquid sample using the recently proposed electropyroelectric technique, without fitting the experimental data with a theoretical model and without having to know the pyroelectric sensor related parameters, as in most previous reported approaches. The method is not absolute, because a reference liquid with known thermal properties is needed. Experiments have been performed that demonstrate the high reliability and accuracy of the method with measurement uncertainties smaller than 3%.
Extension of Nikiforov-Uvarov method for the solution of Heun equation
Authors: Karayer H. , Demirhan D. , Büyükkılıç F.
Published: June 2015

We report an alternative method to solve second order differential equations which have at most four singular points. This method is developed by changing the degrees of the polynomials in the basic equation of Nikiforov-Uvarov (NU) method. This is called extended NU method for this paper. The eigenvalue solutions of Heun equation and confluent Heun equation are obtained via extended NU method. Some quantum mechanical problems such as Coulomb problem on a 3-sphere, two Coulombically repelling electrons on a sphere, and hyperbolic double-well potential are investigated by this method.
Quantum aspects of a moving magnetic quadrupole moment interacting with an electric field
Authors: Fonseca I. C. , Bakke K.
Published: June 2015

The quantum dynamics of a moving particle with a magnetic quadrupole moment that interacts with electric and magnetic fields is introduced. By dealing with the interaction between an electric field and the magnetic quadrupole moment, it is shown that an analogue of the Coulomb potential can be generated and bound state solutions can be obtained. Besides, the influence of the Coulomb-type potential on the harmonic oscillator is investigated, where bound state solutions to both repulsive and attractive Coulomb-type potentials are achieved and the arising of a quantum effect characterized by the dependence of the harmonic oscillator frequency on the quantum numbers of the system is discussed.
Confined water layers in graphene oxide probed with spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Ghosh Mandakranta , Pradipkanti L. , Rai Vikas , Satapathy Dillip K. , Vayalamkuzhi Pramitha , Jaiswal Manu
Published: June 2015

The confinement of water in quasi two-dimensional layers is intriguing because its physical properties can be significantly different when compared to those of the bulk fluid. This work describes spectroscopic ellipsometry study of confined water layers trapped between sheets of graphene oxide at varied thermal annealing temperatures. The wavelength-dependent refractive index of graphene oxide changes abruptly with annealing temperatures for Tann ≈ 125–160 °C, and we demonstrate that these changes are primarily governed by the expulsion of trapped water. This expulsion is associated with the decrease of interlayer separation of graphene oxide sheets from 7.8 Å to 3.4 Å. Graphene oxide annealed at high temperatures lacks trapped water layers and robust estimates of refractive index can be obtained within a Lorentz oscillator model. The trends in oscillator parameters are extended to lower annealing temperatures, where trapped water is present, in order to estimate the refractive index of confined water, whose value is found to be enhanced as compared to that of bulk. Temperature-dependent ellipsometry data show anomalous changes in ellipsometric parameters over a wide temperature interval (−10 to 10 °C) about the ice-point and these may be attributed to possible phase transition(s) of confined water.
The Cooperative Effect in Dendronized Chitosan Microbeads
Authors: Aldana Ana Agustina , Strumia Miriam C. , Martinelli Marisa
Published: June 2015

The present study evaluates the cooperative effects of dendronized chitosan microbeads with tris- and hexa-functionalized dendrons for capturing copper and for further use as catalysts. The dendronized microbeads were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, swelling capacity analysis, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. A correlation between the number and type of functional groups at the dendritic surface of the dendronized microbeads and the retention of copper highlights structural features of the cooperative effect. It is demonstrated that covalently bound dendrons can modulate the properties of chitosan, which has shown potential as a catalyst for the development of a novel materials.
Improving global environmental management with standard corporate reporting
Authors: Kareiva Peter M. , McNally Brynn W. , McCormick Steve , Miller Tom , Ruckelshaus Mary
Published: June 2015

Multinational corporations play a prominent role in shaping the environmental trajectory of the planet. The integration of environmental costs and benefits into corporate decision-making has enormous, but as yet unfulfilled, potential to promote sustainable development. To help steer business decisions toward better environmental outcomes, corporate reporting frameworks need to develop scientifically informed standards that consistently consider land use and land conversion, clean air (including greenhouse gas emissions), availability and quality of freshwater, degradation of coastal and marine habitats, and sustainable use of renewable resources such as soil, timber, and fisheries. Standardization by itself will not be enough—also required are advances in ecosystem modeling and in our understanding of critical ecological thresholds. With improving ecosystem science, the opportunity for realizing a major breakthrough in reporting corporate environmental impacts and dependencies has never been greater. Now is the time for ecologists to take advantage of an explosion of sustainability commitments from business leaders and expanding pressure for sustainable practices from shareholders, financial institutions, and consumers.
Navigating complexity through knowledge coproduction: Mainstreaming ecosystem services into disaster risk reduction
Authors: Reyers Belinda , Nel Jeanne L. , O’Farrell Patrick J. , Sitas Nadia , Nel Deon C.
Published: June 2015

Achieving the policy and practice shifts needed to secure ecosystem services is hampered by the inherent complexities of ecosystem services and their management. Methods for the participatory production and exchange of knowledge offer an avenue to navigate this complexity together with the beneficiaries and managers of ecosystem services. We develop and apply a knowledge coproduction approach based on social–ecological systems research and assess its utility in generating shared knowledge and action for ecosystem services. The approach was piloted in South Africa across four case studies aimed at reducing the risk of disasters associated with floods, wildfires, storm waves, and droughts. Different configurations of stakeholders (knowledge brokers, assessment teams, implementers, and bridging agents) were involved in collaboratively designing each study, generating and exchanging knowledge, and planning for implementation. The approach proved useful in the development of shared knowledge on the sizable contribution of ecosystem services to disaster risk reduction. This knowledge was used by stakeholders to design and implement several actions to enhance ecosystem services, including new investments in ecosystem restoration, institutional changes in the private and public sector, and innovative partnerships of science, practice, and policy. By bringing together multiple disciplines, sectors, and stakeholders to jointly produce the knowledge needed to understand and manage a complex system, knowledge coproduction approaches offer an effective avenue for the improved integration of ecosystem services into decision making.
Reduction of toxic RNAs in myotonic dystrophies type 1 and type 2 by the RNA helicase p68/DDX5
Authors: Jones Karlie , Wei Christina , Schoser Benedikt , Meola Giovanni , Timchenko Nikolai , Timchenko Lubov
Published: June 2015

Significance

Inherited multisystemic diseases, myotonic dystrophies type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2), are caused by long CUG and CCUG RNA repeats. The mutant RNA CCUG repeats should be degraded after intron excision; however, this RNA accumulates in cells, leading to pathology. Although mutant RNAs may be degraded with synthetic oligonucleotides, the identification of a cause of the increased stability of CUG and CCUG RNAs would help to improve the efficiency of their degradation. We found that the reduction of RNA helicase p68 in skeletal muscle biopsies of DM1 and DM2 patients contributes to the delay of degradation of the mutant RNAs. Our work suggests RNA helicase p68 as a therapeutic target in DM, correction of which improves degradation of the mutant RNAs, reducing DM pathology.
Epidermal TRPM8 channel isoform controls the balance between keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in a cold-dependent manner
Authors: Bidaux Gabriel , Borowiec Anne-sophie , Gordienko Dmitri , Beck Benjamin , Shapovalov George G. , Lemonnier Loïc , Flourakis Matthieu , Vandenberghe Matthieu , Slomianny Christian , Dewailly Etienne , Delcourt Philippe , Desruelles Emilie , Ritaine Abigaël , Polakowska Renata , Lesage Jean , Chami Mounia , Skryma Roman , Prevarskaya Natalia
Published: June 2015

Significance

Epidermis, the outer layer of skin, is a protective barrier and a sensing interface. Although deviation of the ambient temperature is one of the most ubiquitous stimuli affecting the skin, the influence of mild cold on epidermal homeostasis is not well understood. Using a large range of techniques, we identified a novel mild-cold sensor protein in keratinocytes and demonstrate its location in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum, a major calcium store of the cell, which forms a Ca
2+
-permeable ion channel. Activation of this channel links the Ca
2+
release to mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake and, thereby, modulates synthesis of ATP and superoxide involved in control of epidermal homeostasis. Molecular inactivation of this mild-cold sensor protein in mice impairs normal epidermal homeostasis.
Unifying account of visual motion and position perception
Authors: Kwon Oh-Sang , Tadin Duje , Knill David C.
Published: June 2015

Significance

In our visual environment, object motion is strongly correlated with changes in object position. However, there is no unifying computational framework that can account for both motion and position perception and their interactions. Here, we propose and test an object-tracking model that optimally integrates sensory signals with a realistic model of motion dynamics. The model accounts for several well-known visual illusions, including motion-induced position shifts, slow speed biases, and the curveball illusion. Moreover, the model also makes several novel and, in some cases, counterintuitive predictions about interdependencies between position and motion. In summary, we provide a unifying framework that reconceptualizes how the human visual system constructs coherent percepts from noisy position and motion signals.
High-dose vitamin D
3
reduces deficiency caused by low UVB exposure and limits HIV-1 replication in urban Southern Africans
Authors: Coussens Anna K. , Naude Celeste E. , Goliath Rene , Chaplin George , Wilkinson Robert J. , Jablonski Nina G.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with HIV/AIDS progression and mortality. Seasonal decline in UVB radiation, darkly pigmented skin, low nutritional vitamin D intake, and genetic variation can increase risk of deficiency. Cape Town, South Africa, has a seasonal UVB regime and one of the world’s highest rates of HIV-1 infection, peaking in young adults. In two ethnically distinct groups of young adults in Cape Town we found high prevalence of seasonal vitamin D deficiency resulting from inadequate UVB exposure. This deficiency was associated with increased permissiveness of blood cells to HIV-1 infection which was reversed by vitamin D
3
supplementation. Vitamin D may be a simple, cost-effective intervention, particularly in resource-poor settings, to reduce HIV-1 risk and disease progression.
Green spaces and cognitive development in primary schoolchildren
Authors: Dadvand Payam , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J. , Esnaola Mikel , Forns Joan , Basagaña Xavier , Alvarez-Pedrerol Mar , Rivas Ioar , López-Vicente Mónica , De Castro Pascual Montserrat , Su Jason , Jerrett Michael , Querol Xavier , Sunyer Jordi
Published: June 2015

Significance

Green spaces have a range of health benefits, but little is known in relation to cognitive development in children. This study, based on comprehensive characterization of outdoor surrounding greenness (at home, school, and during commuting) and repeated computerized cognitive tests in schoolchildren, found an improvement in cognitive development associated with surrounding greenness, particularly with greenness at schools. This association was partly mediated by reductions in air pollution. Our findings provide policymakers with evidence for feasible and achievable targeted interventions such as improving green spaces at schools to attain improvements in mental capital at population level.
Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α stimulates ADAM10-mediated proteolysis of APP
Authors: Corbett Grant T. , Gonzalez Frank J. , Pahan Kalipada
Published: June 2015

Significance

Although β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides participate in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the mechanisms that regulate Aβ production are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that activation of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) upregulates transcription of the “a disintegrin and metalloproteinase” 10 (
Adam10
) gene and shifts APP processing toward the α-secretase pathway. These findings suggest PPARα could be a therapeutic target for reducing Aβ burden in AD.
The bHLH transcription factor BIS1 controls the iridoid branch of the monoterpenoid indole alkaloid pathway in
Catharanthus roseus
Authors: Van Moerkercke Alex , Steensma Priscille , Schweizer Fabian , Pollier Jacob , Gariboldi Ivo , Payne Richard , Vanden Bossche Robin , Miettinen Karel , Espoz Javiera , Purnama Purin Candra , Kellner Franziska , Seppänen-Laakso Tuulikki , O’Connor Sarah E. , Rischer Heiko , Memelink Johan , Goossens Alain
Published: June 2015

Significance

Terpenoids are the largest group of plant-specialized metabolites and include many valuable bioactive compounds, such as the blockbuster anticancer drugs vincristine and vinblastine, that are monoterpenoid indole alkaloids from the medicinal plant
Catharanthus roseus
(Madagascar periwinkle). A master regulator was discovered that activates the biosynthesis of the iridoids, the monoterpenoid precursors of vinblastine and vincristine, and the rate-limiting branch in their biosynthetic pathway. This master regulator can be used to boost production of iridoids and monoterpenoid indole alkaloids in
C. roseus
cell cultures and thus represents an interesting tool for the metabolic engineering of the sustainable production of these high-value compounds in cultures of the endogenous plant species.
Transcriptomics of critical period of visual cortical plasticity in mice
Authors: Benoit Jamie , Ayoub Albert E. , Rakic Pasko
Published: June 2015

Significance

The critical period of activity-dependent plasticity is considered to be an essential step for the refinement of synaptic connections in the mammalian visual cortex. Gene expression profiling of this period in the mouse indicates that the expression of most genes changes concomitantly with the association areas and that only a small number are region-specific, opening the way to further study of their possible role during normal and pathological development of vision.