bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The long non-coding RNA NEAT1 is responsive to neuronal activity and is associated with hyperexcitability states
Authors: Barry Guy , Briggs James A. , Hwang Do Won , Nayler Sam P. , Fortuna Patrick R. J. , Jonkhout Nicky , Dachet Fabien , Maag Jesper L. V. , Mestdagh Pieter , Singh Erin M. , Avesson Lotta , Kaczorowski Dominik C. , Ozturk Ezgi , Jones Nigel C. , Vetter Irina , Arriola-Martinez Luis , Hu Jianfei , Franco Gloria R. , Warn Victoria M. , Gong Andrew , Dinger Marcel E. , Rigo Frank , Lipovich Leonard , Morris Margaret J. , O’Brien Terence J. , Lee Dong Soo , Loeb Jeffrey A. , Blackshaw Seth , Mattick John S. , Wolvetang Ernst J.
Published: January 2017

Despite their abundance, the molecular functions of long non-coding RNAs in mammalian nervous systems remain poorly understood. Here we show that the long non-coding RNA, NEAT1, directly modulates neuronal excitability and is associated with pathological seizure states. Specifically, NEAT1 is dynamically regulated by neuronal activity in vitro and in vivo, binds epilepsy-associated potassium channel-interacting proteins including KCNAB2 and KCNIP1, and induces a neuronal hyper-potentiation phenotype in iPSC-derived human cortical neurons following antisense oligonucleotide knockdown. Next generation sequencing reveals a strong association of NEAT1 with increased ion channel gene expression upon activation of iPSC-derived neurons following NEAT1 knockdown. Furthermore, we show that while NEAT1 is acutely down-regulated in response to neuronal activity, repeated stimulation results in NEAT1 becoming chronically unresponsive in independent in vivo rat model systems relevant to temporal lobe epilepsy. We extended previous studies showing increased NEAT1 expression in resected cortical tissue from high spiking regions of patients suffering from intractable seizures. Our results indicate a role for NEAT1 in modulating human neuronal activity and suggest a novel mechanistic link between an activity-dependent long non-coding RNA and epilepsy.
Niclosamide reduces glucagon sensitivity via hepatic PKA inhibition in obese mice: Implications for glucose metabolism improvements in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chowdhury Md. Kamrul Hasan , Turner Nigel , Bentley Nicholas L. , Das Abhirup , Wu Lindsay E. , Richani Dulama , Bustamante Sonia , Gilchrist Robert B. , Morris Margaret J. , Shepherd Peter R. , Smith Greg C.
Published: January 2017

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global pandemic. Currently, the drugs used to treat T2D improve hyperglycemic symptom of the disease but the underlying mechanism causing the high blood glucose levels have not been fully resolved. Recently published data showed that salt form of niclosamide improved glucose metabolism in high fat fed mice via mitochondrial uncoupling. However, based on our previous work we hypothesised that niclosamide might also improve glucose metabolism via inhibition of the glucagon signalling in liver in vivo. In this study, mice were fed either a chow or high fat diet containing two different formulations of niclosamide (niclosamide ethanolamine salt - NENS or niclosamide - Nic) for 10 weeks. We identified both forms of niclosamide significantly improved whole body glucose metabolism without altering total body weight or body composition, energy expenditure or insulin secretion or sensitivity. Our study provides evidence that inhibition of the glucagon signalling pathway contributes to the beneficial effects of niclosamide (NENS or Nic) on whole body glucose metabolism. In conclusion, our results suggest that the niclosamide could be a useful adjunctive therapeutic strategy to treat T2D, as hepatic glucose output is elevated in people with T2D and current drugs do not redress this adequately.
Tunable metasurfaces via subwavelength phase shifters with uniform amplitude
Authors: Colburn Shane , Zhan Alan , Majumdar Arka
Published: January 2017

Metasurfaces with tunable spatial phase functions could benefit numerous applications. Currently, most approaches to tuning rely on mechanical stretching which cannot control phase locally, or by modulating the refractive index to exploit rapid phase changes with the drawback of also modulating amplitude. Here, we propose a method to realize phase modulation at subwavelength length scales while maintaining unity amplitude. Our device is inspired by an asymmetric Fabry-Perot resonator, with pixels comprising a scattering nanopost on top of a distributed Bragg reflector, capable of providing a nearly 2π nonlinear phase shift with less than 2% refractive index modulation. Using the designed pixels, we simulate a tunable metasurface composed of an array of moderately coupled nanopost resonators, realizing axicons, vortex beam generators, and aspherical lenses with both variable focal length and in-plane scanning capability, achieving nearly diffraction-limited performance. The experimental feasibility of the proposed method is also discussed.
Aminophylline suppresses stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity and defecation in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Asano Teita , Tanaka Ken-ichiro , Tada Arisa , Shimamura Hikaru , Tanaka Rikako , Maruoka Hiroki , Takenaga Mitsuko , Mizushima Tohru
Published: January 2017

Pharmacological therapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has not been established. In order to find candidate drugs for IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), we screened a compound library of drugs clinically used for their ability to prevent stress-induced defecation and visceral hypersensitivity in rats. We selected the bronchodilator aminophylline from this library. Using a specific inhibitor for each subtype of adenosine receptors (ARs) and phosphodiesterases (PDEs), we found that both A2BARs and PDE4 are probably mediated the inhibitory effect of aminophylline on wrap restraint stress (WRS)-induced defecation. Aminophylline suppressed maternal separation- and acetic acid administration-induced visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distension (CRD), which was mediated by both A2AARs and A2BARs. We propose that aminophylline is a candidate drug for IBS-D because of its efficacy in both of stress-induced defecation and visceral hypersensitivity, as we observed here, and because it is clinically safe.
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of three chensinin-1 peptides containing mutation of glycine and histidine residues
Authors: Dong Weibing , Mao Xiaoman , Guan Yue , Kang Yao , Shang Dejing
Published: January 2017

The natural peptide chensinin-1 doesnot exhibit its desired biological properties. In this study, the mutant MC1-1 was designed by replacing Gly in the chensinin-1 sequence with Trp. Mutants MC1-2 and MC1-3 were designed based on the MC1-1 sequence to investigate the specific role of His residues. The mutated peptides presented α-helicity in a membrane-mimetic environment and exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities; in contrast to Trp residues, His residues were dispensable for interacting with the cell membrane. The interactions between the mutant peptides and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) facilitated the ingestion of peptides by Gram-negative bacteria. The binding affinities of the peptides were similar, at approximately 10 μM, but ΔH for MC1-2 was −7.3 kcal.mol−1, which was 6-9 folds higher than those of MC1-1 and MC1-3, probably due to the conformational changes. All mutant peptides demonstrated the ability to inhibit LPS-induced tumour-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) release from murine RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the representative peptide MC1-1showed better inhibition of serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels compared to polymyxin B (PMB), a potent binder and neutralizer of LPS as positive control in LPS-challenged mice model. These data suggest that the mutant peptides could be promising molecules for development as chensinin-based therapeutic agents against sepsis.
Local Circulation Maintains the Coexistence of Lake-dune Pattern in the Badain Jaran Desert
Authors: Zhang Kecun , Cai Diwen , Ao Yinhuan , An Zhishan , Guo Zichen
Published: January 2017

Previous studies proposed various hypotheses to the formation of the mega-dunes and water recharge of the lakes in the Badain Jaran Desert but left the coexistence of lake-dune pattern unsolved. This research found that the local circulation, generated from the differences of thermodynamic properties and the unique landscape settings between lakes and mega-dunes, can be applied to interpret the pattern.
Cyclooxygenase-2 regulates TGFβ-induced cancer stemness in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Tian Jun , Hachim Mahmood Y. , Hachim Ibrahim Y. , Dai Meiou , Lo Chieh , Raffa Fatmah Al , Ali Suhad , Lebrun Jean Jacques
Published: January 2017

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype of breast cancer, display poor prognosis and exhibit resistance to conventional therapies, partly due to an enrichment in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Here, we investigated the role of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a downstream target of TGFβ, in regulating BCSCs in TNBC. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that COX-2 is highly expressed in TNBC and that its expression correlated with poor survival outcome in basal subtype of breast cancer. We also found TGFβ-mediated COX-2 expression to be Smad3-dependent and to be required for BCSC self-renewal and expansion in TNBCs. Knocking down COX-2 expression strikingly blocked TGFβ-induced tumorsphere formation and TGFβ-induced enrichment of the two stem-like cell populations, CD24lowCD44high and ALDH+ BCSCs. Blocking COX-2 activity, using a pharmacological inhibitor also prevented TGFβ-induced BCSC self-renewal. Moreover, we found COX-2 to be required for TGFβ-induced expression of mesenchymal and basal breast cancer markers. In particular, we found that TGFβ-induced expression of fibronectin plays a central role in TGFβ-mediated breast cancer stemness. Together, our results describe a novel role for COX-2 in mediating the TGFβ effects on BCSC properties and imply that targeting the COX-2 pathway may prove useful for the treatment of TNBC by eliminating BCSCs.
Ultra-sensitive detection of kanamycin for food safety using a reduced graphene oxide-based fluorescent aptasensor
Authors: Ha Na-Reum , Jung In-Pil , La Im-Joung , Jung Ho-Sup , Yoon Moon-Young
Published: January 2017

Overuse of antibiotics has caused serious problems, such as appearance of super bacteria, whose accumulation in the human body through the food chain is a concern. Kanamycin is a common antibiotic used to treat diverse infections; however, residual kanamycin can cause many side effects in humans. Thus, development of an ultra-sensitive, precise, and simple detection system for residual kanamycin in food products is urgently needed for food safety. In this study, we identified kanamycin-binding aptamers via a new screening method, and truncated variants were analyzed for optimization of the minimal sequence required for target binding. We found various aptamers with high binding affinity from 34.7 to 669 nanomolarKdappvalues with good specificity against kanamycin. Furthermore, we developed a reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-based fluorescent aptasensor for kanamycin detection. In this system, kanamycin was detected at a concentration as low as 1 pM (582.6 fg/mL). In addition, this method could detect kanamycin accurately in kanamycin-spiked blood serum and milk samples. Consequently, this simple, rapid, and sensitive kanamycin detection system with newly structural and functional analysis aptamer exhibits outstanding detection compared to previous methods and provides a new possibility for point of care testing and food safety.
Development of a BODIPY-based fluorescent probe for imaging pathological tau aggregates in live cells
Authors: Lim Sungsu , Haque Md. Mamunul , Su Dongdong , Kim Dohee , Lee Jun-Seok , Chang Young-Tae , Kim Yun Kyung
Published: January 2017

As a cell-permeable imaging probe,BD-tauselectively labeled pathological tau aggregates in live neuronal cells.
Controlled assembly of single colloidal crystals using electro-osmotic micro-pumps
Authors: Niu Ran , Oğuz Erdal C. , Müller Hannah , Reinmüller Alexander , Botin Denis , Löwen Hartmut , Palberg Thomas
Published: January 2017

We assemble charged colloidal spheres at deliberately chosen locations on a charged unstructured glass substrate utilizing ion exchange based electro-osmotic micro-pumps.
A physical picture for mechanical dissociation of biological complexes: from forces to free energies
Authors: Tapia-Rojo Rafael , Marcuello Carlos , Lostao Anabel , Gómez-Moreno Carlos , J. Mazo Juan , Falo Fernando
Published: January 2017

Using a suitable physical model, free energy quantities for biomolecules complexes are extracted from force spectroscopy experiments.
Engineering magnetic anisotropy and magnetization switching in multilayers by strain
Authors: Tao Kun , Liu Pengfei , Guo Qing , Shen Liya , Xue Desheng , Polyakov O. P. , Stepanyuk V. S.
Published: January 2017

The effect of the strain on the magnetic properties of metallic multilayers has been investigated by ab initio studies.
Molecular structure of clonidine: gas-phase electron diffraction, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and quantum chemical studies
Authors: Kolesnikova Inna N. , Rykov Anatolii N. , Shishkov Igor F. , Tafeenko Victor A. , Aslanov Leonid A.
Published: January 2017

This study presents the first determination of the molecular structure of clonidine using gas electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction and quantum chemical calculations.
Unusual deactivation of HZSM-5 zeolite in the methanol to hydrocarbon reaction
Authors: Qi Liang , Li Jinzhe , Wang Linying , Xu Lei , Liu Zhongmin
Published: January 2017

Temperature-programmed methanol to hydrocarbon (TP-MTH) reactions were performed over HZSM-5 zeolite to monitor the change of reaction performance along with reaction temperature in order to understand the mechanistic reason for the temperature influence on the reaction.
Transfer hydrogenation of bio-fuel with formic acid over biomass-derived N-doped carbon supported acid-resistant Pd catalyst
Authors: Nie Renfeng , Peng Xiaolun , Zhang Haifu , Yu Xiaolong , Lu Xinhuan , Zhou Dan , Xia Qinghua
Published: January 2017

The strong Pd–N interaction on biomass-derived N-doped highly mesoporous carbons (NMCs) generates co-existence of electron-deficient Pd (Pdδ+) and metallic Pd (Pd0), leading to Pd/NMC as novel bifunctional catalyst for both FA dehydrogenation and vanillin hydrogenation.
Double-active site synergistic catalysis in Ru–TiO2 toward benzene hydrogenation to cyclohexene with largely enhanced selectivity
Authors: Xue Xiaoge , Liu Jie , Rao Deming , Xu Simin , Bing Weihan , Wang Bin , He Shan , Wei Min
Published: January 2017

A novel Ru/TiO2 catalyst encapsulated by a porous TiO2 coating was prepared, which exhibits a surprisingly high selectivity toward benzene hydrogenation.
Investigation of a new bis(carboxylate)triazole-based anchoring ligand for dye solar cell chromophore complexes
Authors: Sinopoli Alessandro , Black Fiona A. , Wood Christopher J. , Gibson Elizabeth A. , Elliott Paul I. P.
Published: January 2017

A novel anchoring ligand for dye-sensitised solar cell chromophoric complexes, 1-(2,2′-bipyrid-4-yl)-1,2,3-triazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid (dctzbpy), is described.
Optical properties of trinuclear metal chalcogenolate complexes – room temperature NIR fluorescence in [Cu2Ti(SPh)6(PPh3)2]
Authors: Kühn Michael , Lebedkin Sergei , Weigend Florian , Eichhöfer Andreas
Published: January 2017

The paper presents an experimental and theoretical study of the NIR emitting properties of four trinuclear and heterometallic metal chalcogenolate complexes.
Insights into the formation of inorganic heterocycles via cyclocondensation of primary amines with group 15 and 16 halides
Authors: Chivers Tristram , Laitinen Risto S.
Published: January 2017

The cyclocondensation reaction of primary amines with pnictogen and chalcogen halides is a major preparative route for the generation of inorganic heterocycles involving a Group 15 or 16 element linked to nitrogen.
An insight into metal organic framework derived N-doped graphene for the oxidative degradation of persistent contaminants: formation mechanism and generation of singlet oxygen from peroxymonosulfate
Authors: Liang Ping , Zhang Chi , Duan Xiaoguang , Sun Hongqi , Liu Shaomin , Tade Moses O. , Wang Shaobin
Published: January 2017

Singlet oxygen produced during peroxymonosulfate activation by N-graphene dominated the pollutants degradation.
Hydrothermal synthesis, down-/enhanced up-converting, color tuning luminescence, energy transfer and paramagnetic properties of Ln3+ (Ln = Eu/Dy, Yb/Ho)-doped Ba2GdF7 multifunctional nanophosphors
Authors: Li Honglan , Liu Guixia , Wang Jinxian , Dong Xiangting , Yu Wensheng
Published: January 2017

Tunable multicolor, energy transfer processes, and paramagnetic properties of the Ba2GdF7:Ln3+ (Ln = Eu/Dy, and Yb/Ho) nanophosphors were studied.
Sasa borealis leaf extract-mediated green synthesis of silver–silver chloride nanoparticles and their antibacterial and anticancer activities
Authors: Patil Maheshkumar Prakash , Palma Jaymee , Simeon Natasha Chantal , Jin Xing , Liu Xiaolin , Ngabire Daniel , Kim Nan-Hee , Tarte Naresh Hiralal , Kim Gun-Do
Published: January 2017

Ecofriendly procedure for silver–silver chloride nanoparticle synthesis with different reaction parameters tested.
Water-soluble hybrid materials based on {Mo6X8}4+ (X = Cl, Br, I) cluster complexes and sodium polystyrene sulfonate
Authors: Svezhentseva Ekaterina V. , Solovieva Anastasiya O. , Vorotnikov Yuri A. , Kurskaya Olga G. , Brylev Konstantin A. , Tsygankova Alphiya R. , Edeleva Mariya V. , Gyrylova Svetlana N. , Kitamura Noboru , Efremova Olga A. , Shestopalov Michael A. , Mironov Yuri V. , Shestopalov Alexander M.
Published: January 2017

A water-soluble form of {Mo6X8}4+ clusters was developed.
Diels–Alder trapping of in situ generated dienes from 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran with p-quinone catalysed by p-toluenesulfonic acid
Authors: Mohan Raj Radhakrishnan , Balasubramanian Kalpattu K. , Easwaramoorthy Deivanayagam
Published: January 2017

This comprehensive study portrays that p-toluenesulfonic acid is a more efficient catalyst for the reaction between p-quinones and 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran, than the Lewis acids.
Facile functionalization at the C4 position of pyrimidine nucleosides via amide group activation with (benzotriazol-1-yloxy)tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP) and biological evaluations of the products
Authors: Akula Hari K. , Kokatla Hariprasad , Andrei Graciela , Snoeck Robert , Schols Dominique , Balzarini Jan , Yang Lijia , Lakshman Mahesh K.
Published: January 2017

Amide group activation with BOP leads to facile modification at the C4 position of pyrimidine nucleosides.
A ratiometric fluorescence probe for imaging sulfur dioxide derivatives in the mitochondria of living cells
Authors: Wang Yongfei , Meng Qingtao , Zhang Run , Jia Hongmin , Zhang Xuehu , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: January 2017

The fluorescence probe, NBD-Id, was designed and synthesized for the detection of SO2 derivatives in 100% aqueous solution and living cells.
The role of Yb3+concentrations on Er3+doped SrLaMgTaO6double perovskite phosphors
Authors: Kim Do Rim , Park Sung Wook , Moon Byung Kee , Park Sung Heum , Jeong Jung Hyun , Choi Haeyoung , Kim Jung Hwan
Published: January 2017

The upconversion photoluminescence (UCPL) spectra of SrLaMgTaO6:Er3+/Yb3+phosphor with different concentration of Yb3+ion under a 975 nm excitation and the insert shows the downconversion photoluminescence (DCPL) spectra under a 355 nm excitation.
Lipase-catalyzed modification of natural Sapium sebiferum oil-based polyol for synthesis of polyurethane with improved properties
Authors: Wu Guiying , He Xin , Yan Yunjun
Published: January 2017

Sapium sebiferumoil-based polyol was modified by lipase hydrolysis for primary alcohols and further synthesis of polyurethane with improved properties.
One-step immobilization of antibodies on ZIF-8/Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles for the immunoassay of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yim Changyong , Lee Hyeonjeong , Lee Sanghee , Jeon Sangmin
Published: January 2017

ZIF-8/Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles were functionalized with half-fragmented antibodies via Zn–S bonding, which enabled one-step antibody immobilization with favorable orientations.
3-Dimensional stable polyelectrolyte hollow capsules: preparation and spontaneous encapsulation
Authors: Chen Y. D. , Xu J. J. , Wang Y. , Chen H. , Luo Q. J. , Li X. D. , Zhu W. P.
Published: January 2017

By alternatively depositing poly(styrene)-co-poly(acrylic acid) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) on poly(styrene sulfonate sodium) hybrid CaCO3 microparticles, a series of size-controlled 3-dimensional stable capsules were obtained after the removal of hybrid templates.
Design, synthesis and antitubercular evaluation of benzothiazinones containing an oximido or amino nitrogen heterocycle moiety
Authors: Zhang Rui , Lv Kai , Wang Bin , Li Linhu , Wang Bo , Liu Mingliang , Guo Huiyuan , Wang Apeng , Lu Yu
Published: January 2017

A series of 8-nitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-benzothiazin-4-ones (BTZs) bearing an oximido or amino nitrogen heterocycle moiety through modifications at the C-2 position of BTZ043 and BPTZ169 were designed and synthesized as new antitubercular agents.
Efficient Pd@MIL-101(Cr) hetero-catalysts for 2-butyne-1,4-diol hydrogenation exhibiting high selectivity
Authors: Yin Dongdong , Li Chuang , Ren Hangxing , Shekhah Osama , Liu Jinxuan , Liang Changhai
Published: January 2017

An efficient Pd@MIL-101(Cr) catalyst prepared with MOCVD approach for 2-butyne-1,4-diol hydrogenation with excellent activity, stability and selectivity.
Understanding the mechanism, thermodynamic and kinetic features of the Kukhtin–Ramirez reaction in carbamate synthesis from carbon dioxide
Authors: Sabet-Sarvestani Hossein , Eshghi Hossein , Izadyar Mohammad
Published: January 2017

In this article, thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of the Kukhtin–Ramirez reaction of the carbamate formation from carbon dioxide have been investigated in the presence of various phosphorous reagents (PRs), theoretically.
Magnetic and magneto-optical properties of nickel hexacyanoferrate/chromate thin films
Authors: Fitta Magdalena , Prima-Garcia Helena , Czaja Paweł , Korzeniak Tomasz , Krupiński Michał , Wojtyniak Marcin , Bałanda Maria
Published: January 2017

We present thin films obtained by “layer by layer” deposition, where Fe/Cr ratio is controlled by the dipping sequence. The goal of our work is the investigation of material properties evolution induced by the change of its chemical composition.
Tetraphenylethene modified β-ketoiminate boron complexes bearing aggregation-induced emission and mechanofluorochromism
Authors: Gao Huaizhi , Xu Defang , Liu Xingliang , Han Aixia , Zhou Lin , Zhang Chao , Yang Yan , Li Wenlin
Published: January 2017

Two new thiazole-based β-ketoiminate boron complexes, namelyTTPE-HandTTPE-CN, were designed and successfully synthesized. The two compounds exhibited strong aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and evident mechanofluorochromic (MFC) properties.
The extraction of essential oils from patchouli leaves (Pogostemon cablin Benth) using a microwave air-hydrodistillation method as a new green technique
Authors: Kusuma Heri Septya , Mahfud Mahfud
Published: January 2017

Nowadays, patchouli oil extraction in Indonesia is generally carried out using conventional methods, although such methods require large amounts of energy, solvents in significant amounts, and quite a long time.
In situ synthesis and self-reinforcement of polymeric composite hydrogel based on particulate macro-RAFT agents
Authors: Li Lanlan , Jiang Ruyi , Chen Jinxing , Wang Mozhen , Ge Xuewu
Published: January 2017

Novel nanoparticles-reinforced polyacrylamide-based hydrogel with high mechanical strength can be prepared through the RAFT polymerization of acrylamide and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in the presence of particulate macro-RAFT agents in water.
Characterization and failure mode analyses of air plasma oxidized PDMS–PDMS bonding by peel testing
Authors: Chen C.-f. , Wharton K.
Published: January 2017

(a) Specimen geometry for peel test. (b) Specimen setup in Instron without loading (c) and under loading. (Units in mm. Dimensions not to scale.)
Preparation of polypropylene/Mg–Al layered double hydroxides nanocomposites through wet pan-milling: formation of a second-staging structure in LDHs intercalates
Authors: Zheng Yilei , Chen Yinghong
Published: January 2017

Pan-milling mechanochemistry induces second stage intermediate formation via co-intercalation of the dodecyl sulfate anion and PP macromolecular chain into the LDH gallery.
Organic carbon gel assisted-synthesis of Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 for a high-performance cathode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Errui , Shao Chunfeng , Qiu Shujun , Chu Hailiang , Zou Yongjin , Xiang Cuili , Xu Fen , Sun Lixian
Published: January 2017

Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 with a stable network flake structure shows excellent rate capacities and cycling stability as a Li-ion battery cathode.
Pressure-induced amorphization in the nanoindentation of single crystalline silicon
Authors: Han Jing , Xu Song , Sun Jiapeng , Fang Liang , Zhu Hua
Published: January 2017

Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of nanoindentation on a (100) oriented silicon surface were performed to investigate the mechanical behavior and phase transformation of single crystalline silicon.
Preparation and characterization of a pH-responsive membrane carrier for meso-tetraphenylsulfonato porphyrin
Authors: Wang Mingxia , Yan Feng , Zhao Lizhi , Zhang Yuzhong , Sorci Mirco
Published: January 2017

The pH-responsive PSF-g-P4VP-blended PSF membrane smartly rejects meso-tetraphenylsulfonato porphyrin (TPPS) and induces TPPS to form J-type aggregates.
Delivery of VP1 siRNA to inhibit the EV71 virus using functionalized silver nanoparticles through ROS-mediated signaling pathways
Authors: Li Yinghua , Lin Zhengfang , Xu Tiantian , Wang Changbing , Zhao Mingqi , Xiao Misi , Wang Hanzhong , Deng Ning , Zhu Bing
Published: January 2017

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the primary causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).
Understanding the growth morphology of explosive crystals in solution: insights from solvent behavior at the crystal surface
Authors: Liu Yingzhe , Lai Weipeng , Yu Tao , Ma Yiding , Kang Ying , Ge Zhongxue
Published: January 2017

The solvent effect on the growth morphology of an explosive crystal was explored by deciphering the molecular interactions at the crystal–solvent interface.
Heterogeneous cobalt catalysts for selective oxygenation of alcohols to aldehydes, esters and nitriles
Authors: Mao Fei , Qi Zhengliang , Fan Haipeng , Sui Dejun , Chen Rizhi , Huang Jun
Published: January 2017

Heterogeneous Co catalysts were demonstrated for the selective oxygenation of alcohols to aldehydes, esters and nitriles respectively.
Preparation of freestanding graphene-based laminar membrane for clean-water intake via forward osmosis process
Authors: Yan Feng , Yu Chuhong , Zhang Bowu , Zou Tao , Zhao Hongwei , Li Jingye
Published: January 2017

Here, a thin freestanding graphene oxide based laminar membrane was prepared for clean-water intake through a forward osmosis process.
Tuning strain and photoluminescence of confined Au nanoparticles by hydrogen passivation
Authors: Yuan Cailei , Mei Yaxing , Yu Ting , Yang Yong , li Qinliang , Hong Aijun , Xu Keng , Luo Xingfang , He Jun , Lei Wen
Published: January 2017

Hydrogen passivation can be used to improve and tailor the optical properties of confined Au nanoparticles by engineering the strain and interfacial defects of the confined Au nanoparticles.
A stretchable and sensitive light-emitting fabric
Authors: Zhang Zhitao , Shi Xiang , Lou Huiqing , Xu Yifan , Zhang Jing , Li Yiming , Cheng Xunliang , Peng Huisheng
Published: January 2017

A stretchable and sensitive light-emitting fabric is developed, which can be stretched as high as 100%.
Effects of a Least-to-Most Prompting Procedure on Multisymbol Message Production in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Authors: Finke Erinn H. , Davis Jennifer M. , Benedict Morgan , Goga Lauren , Kelly Jennifer , Palumbo Lauren , Peart Tanika , Waters Samantha
Published: January 2017

Purpose

In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a least-to-most (LTM) prompting procedure (Ault & Griffen, 2013; MacDuff, Krantz, & McClannahan, 2001; Neitzel & Wolery, 2009) for increasing use of multisymbol messages in school-age children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) during a storybook reading activity.

Method

In the study, we used a single-subject, multiple-probe research design across participants (Kazdin, 1982) with 6 children (ages 8–12) with ASD and who used AAC systems for communication. There were 4 phases in this investigation: (a) baseline, (b) intervention, (c) generalization, and (d) maintenance.

Results

All participants exhibited a positive increase in multisymbol message production almost immediately upon introduction of the LTM prompting procedure.

Conclusions

The results of the investigation contribute important information on the efficacy of the LTM prompting procedure for teaching use of multisymbol messages to school-age children with ASD who use AAC.
The Effects of Self-Disclosure on Male and Female Perceptions of Individuals Who Stutter
Authors: Byrd Courtney T. , McGill Megann , Gkalitsiou Zoi , Cappellini Colleen
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of self-disclosure on observers' perceptions of persons who stutter.

Method

Participants (
N
= 173) were randomly assigned to view 2 of 4 possible videos (i.e., male self-disclosure, male no self-disclosure, female self-disclosure, and female no self-disclosure). After viewing both videos, participants completed a survey assessing their perceptions of the speakers.

Results

Controlling for observer and speaker gender, listeners were more likely to select speakers who self-disclosed their stuttering as more friendly, outgoing, and confident compared with speakers who did not self-disclose. Observers were more likely to select speakers who did not self-disclose as unfriendly and shy compared with speakers who used a self-disclosure statement. Controlling for self-disclosure and observer gender, observers were less likely to choose the female speaker as friendlier, outgoing, and confident compared with the male speaker. Observers also were more likely to select the female speaker as unfriendly, shy, unintelligent, and insecure compared with the male speaker and were more likely to report that they were more distracted when viewing the videos.

Conclusion

Results lend support to the effectiveness of self-disclosure as a technique that persons who stutter can use to positively influence the perceptions of listeners.
English Listeners Use Suprasegmental Cues to Lexical Stress Early During Spoken-Word Recognition
Authors: Jesse Alexandra , Poellmann Katja , Kong Ying-Yee
Published: January 2017

Purpose

We used an eye-tracking technique to investigate whether English listeners use suprasegmental information about lexical stress to speed up the recognition of spoken words in English.

Method

In a visual world paradigm, 24 young English listeners followed spoken instructions to choose 1 of 4 printed referents on a computer screen (e.g., “Click on the word
admiral
”). Displays contained a critical pair of words (e.g., ˈ
admiral
–ˌ
admi
ˈ
ration
) that were segmentally identical for their first 2 syllables but differed suprasegmentally in their 1st syllable: One word began with primary lexical stress, and the other began with secondary lexical stress. All words had phrase-level prominence. Listeners' relative proportion of eye fixations on these words indicated their ability to differentiate them over time.

Results

Before critical word pairs became segmentally distinguishable in their 3rd syllables, participants fixated target words more than their stress competitors, but only if targets had initial primary lexical stress. The degree to which stress competitors were fixated was independent of their stress pattern.

Conclusions

Suprasegmental information about lexical stress modulates the time course of spoken-word recognition. Specifically, suprasegmental information on the primary-stressed syllable of words with phrase-level prominence helps in distinguishing the word from phonological competitors with secondary lexical stress.
Gap Detection in School-Age Children and Adults: Center Frequency and Ramp Duration
Authors: Buss Emily , Porter Heather L. , Hall Joseph W. , Grose John H.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The age at which gap detection becomes adultlike differs, depending on the stimulus characteristics. The present study evaluated whether the developmental trajectory differs as a function of stimulus frequency region or duration of the onset and offset ramps bounding the gap.

Method

Thresholds were obtained for wideband noise (500–4500 Hz) with 4- or 40-ms raised-cosine ramps and for a 25-Hz-wide low-fluctuation narrowband noise centered on either 500 or 5000 Hz with 40-ms ramps. Stimuli were played continuously at 70 dB SPL, and the task was to indicate which of 3 intervals contained a gap. Listeners were 5.2- to 15.1-year-old children (
n
= 40) and adults (
n
= 10) with normal hearing.

Results

Regardless of listener age, gap detection thresholds for the wideband noise tended to be lower when gaps were shaped using 4-ms rather than 40-ms ramps. Thresholds also tended to be lower for the low-fluctuation narrowband noise centered on 5000 Hz than 500 Hz. Performance reached adult levels after 11 years of age for all 4 stimuli. Maturation was not uniform across individuals, however; a subset of young children performed like adults, including some 5-year-olds.

Conclusion

For these stimuli, the developmental trajectory was similar regardless of narrowband noise center frequency or wideband noise onset and offset ramp duration.
New and accurate probabilities for the performances of radio networks with multiple listen before talk devices
Authors: Kim Y. , Park S.
Published: January 2017

Radio networks consisting of multiple listen before talk devices are analysed. New formulas for network throughput and success probability of a transmission are derived based on Markov renewal theory. The accuracy of our formula against the existing results is validated by simulation.
Parameterised design of robust point‐to‐point fast motion controller
Authors: Yu Wentao , Cheng Guoyang
Published: January 2017

A dual‐parameter design of expanded proximate time‐optimal controller is proposed for fast point‐to‐point motion in typical electromechanical servo systems with a damping element. The controller initially resorts to a saturated control signal for the fastest acceleration or braking if possible and then seamlessly gives way to a linear control strategy once the motion slows down. The damping ratio and natural frequency of the linear control law are chosen as the design parameters to allow for a better tuning of the control performance. An extended‐state observer is also included for simultaneous estimation of system speed and disturbance. Experimental verification is conducted on a DC motor position servo system using a TMS320F28335 board, and the effectiveness of the proposed design is demonstrated.
The Anatomy of the Dorsal Capsulo-Scapholunate Septum: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Tommasini Carrara de Sambuy Marina , Burgess Tanya , Mathoulin Christophe , Cambon-Binder Adeline
Published: January 2017

Background Tears of the dorsal radiocarpal capsule at the level of the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) have recently been described in association with predynamic scapholunate instability.

Purpose The aim of this anatomical study of the dorsal capsulo-scapholunate septum (DCSS) was to examine the connection of the dorsal capsule on the SLIL and dorsal intercarpal ligament (DICL).

Methods Fourteen fresh frozen wrists from seven adult cadavers were dissected through a dorsal approach. Any dorsal attachment of the DICL on the dorsal surface of the SLIL, that is, the DCSS, was identified and measured (height and width).

Results The DCSS was consistently found connecting the DICL, the dorsal radiocarpal capsule, and the dorsal aspect of the SLIL. It was formed by the confluence of three arches like intersecting ribs in gothic architecture. The mean dimensions of the DCSS were 5.8 mm in height and 4.0 mm in maximum width.

Conclusion The DCSS that connects the SLIL with the dorsal capsule and DICL could be a constant structure of dorsal wrist. Further investigation is required to study the histology of the DCSS and its biomechanical properties in isolation to know whether the DCSS can be considered a secondary stabilizer of the scapholunate ligament complex.

Clinical Relevance A better anatomical knowledge of scapholunate ligament complex could help understand and manage instability of the wrist.
Equilibrium properties of hybrid field reversed configurations
Authors: Tuszewski M. , Gupta D. , Gupta S. , Onofri M. , Osin D. , Deng B. H. , Dettrick S. A. , Hubbard K. , Gota H. ,   TAE Team
Published: January 2017

Field Reversed Configurations (FRCs) heated by neutral beam injection may include a large fast ion pressure that significantly modifies the equilibrium. A new analysis is required to characterize such hybrid FRCs, as the simple relations used up to now prove inaccurate. The substantial contributions of fast ions to FRC radial pressure balance and diamagnetism are described. A simple model is offered to reconstruct more accurately the equilibrium parameters of elongated hybrid FRCs. Further modeling requires new measurements of either the magnetic field or the plasma pressure.
Potential barrier formed at domain boundaries in twinned tetragonal BaTiO3 single crystals
Authors: Ohsawa Takeo , Hirose Sakyo , Ohashi Naoki
Published: January 2017

An n-type barium titanate (BaTiO3) single crystal with domain structures has been investigated using electronic transport and X-ray photoemission measurements. Although cubic BaTiO3 showed transport behavior with only small departures from isotropy above its Curie temperature (Tc), twinned tetragonal BaTiO3 showed high anisotropy in electrical resistance. Indeed, the resistance in twinned BaTiO3 was high for the current flowing across the domain boundaries (DBs) and low for that parallel to the DBs. A photoemission study performed under an external bias indicated that a potential drop occurs at every DB. These results indicate that DBs in tetragonal BaTiO3 act as resistances causing anisotropic transport in twinned BaTiO3.
Modulating flow and aerodynamic characteristics of a square cylinder in crossflow using a rear jet injection
Authors: Huang Rong F. , Hsu Ching M. , Chen Yu T.
Published: January 2017

The temporally evolved flow behaviors around a square cylinder subject to modulation of a planar jet issued from the cylinder’s downstream surface into the wake were studied using the laser-assisted smoke flow visualization method and synchronized hot-wire anemometers. The drag force asserted on the square cylinder was obtained by measuring the surface pressures. Four characteristic flow modes (wake-dominated, transitional, critical, and jet-dominated) were observed in different regimes of freestream Reynolds number and jet injection ratio. In the wake-dominated mode, the jet swung periodically back and forth on the downstream surface due to the wake vortex shedding. In the transitional mode, the vortex shedding in the wake vanished so that the flow around the cylinder presented no periodic oscillations. In the critical mode, the wake width became smaller and therefore made the vortex shedding frequency larger than that observed in the wake dominated mode. In the jet-dominated mode, the jet had a large momentum that entrained wake fluids and therefore stabilized the instabilities of the wake, separated boundary layers on lateral surfaces, and stagnation point on the upstream surface. Two standing vortices appeared in the near wake beside the high-momentum jet. The width of the wake was decreased substantially by jet entrainment. The drag coefficient decreased with an increase in the jet injection ratio. The downstream surface jet injection caused the pressure coefficients to decrease at the upstream surface and to increase at the downstream surface. Therefore, the drag coefficients were decreased significantly by 26%, 33%, and 38% at the injection ratios of 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5, respectively.
Plasma induced damage mitigation in spin-on self-assembly based ultra low-k dielectrics using template residues
Authors: Krishtab M. , de Marneffe J.-F. , De Gendt S. , Baklanov M. R.
Published: January 2017

This paper describes an approach for the reduction of plasma-induced damage in self-assembly based porous ultra low-k organosilica dielectrics. The concept is based on retention of the partially decomposed sacrificial organic phase (template) into the pores of the low-k film during plasma exposure. The amount of the template residues can be controlled by varying the hard-bake process time. It is shown that those residues are uniformly distributed throughout the film in the form of pore wall coatings. After plasma processing, the remaining residues are removed by means of a UV cure. Plasma damage to the underlying organosilica matrix was assessed by exposure of the differently hard-baked low-k films to fluorine-rich Ar/SF6 plasma. The thickest coating, estimated to be around 0.4 nm, enables a nearly damage-free etch process without any carbon depletion or k-value degradation along with limited shrinkage induced by post-etch UV-curing (<4.5%). These results highlight the efficiency of a simple and scalable route for damage-free integration of highly porous self-assembly based low-k dielectrics.
Magnetic monopoles in noncommutative quantum mechanics
Authors: Kováčik Samuel , Prešnajder Peter
Published: January 2017

We discuss a certain generalization of the Hilbert space of states in noncommutative quantum mechanics that, as we show, introduces magnetic monopoles into the theory. Such generalization arises very naturally in the considered model, but can be easily reproduced in ordinary quantum mechanics as well. This approach offers a different viewpoint on the Dirac quantization condition and other important relations for magnetic monopoles. We focus mostly on the kinematic structure of the theory, but investigate also a dynamical problem (with the Coulomb potential).
Electrode polarization and unusual magnetodielectric effect in a transformer oil-based magnetic nanofluid thin layer
Authors: Rajnak Michal , Dolnik Bystrik , Kurimsky Juraj , Cimbala Roman , Kopcansky Peter , Timko Milan
Published: January 2017

In the present paper, we provide low-frequency dielectric spectra for a thin layer of a nanofluid based on transformer oil and iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized by oleic acid. The complex dielectric permittivity measured in the frequency range from 1 mHz to 200 kHz shows an obvious electrode polarization effect and a Debye-like dielectric relaxation process. Both effects stem from the presence of space charge in the oil due to impurity ions, and in the nanofluid represented predominantly by a residual surfactant and uncompensated particle surface charge. It is shown that the spectra, which were measured in the temperature range from 298 K to 358 K, can be well represented by a fitting function consisted of one Havriliak-Negami term and the Jonscher’s power law. In the investigated magnetic nanofluid layer, we found that the onset of the electrode polarization is suppressed to lower frequencies by the application of an external magnetic field (300 mT). This phenomenon is explained by a slowed-down migration of the space charge due to the Lorentz force and by a hindering effect of the formed magnetic nanoparticle aggregates. Surprisingly, a moderate decrease in the whole permittivity spectrum was observed for both parallel and perpendicular orientations of the electric and magnetic fields. This is in contradiction with the usual magnetodielectric anisotropy effect. Based on our qualitative analysis, we discuss potential reasons accountable for the observed effect.
Is sodium a superconductor under high pressure?
Authors: Tutchton Roxanne , Chen Xiaojia , Wu Zhigang
Published: January 2017

Superconductivity has been predicted or measured for most alkali metals under high pressure, but the computed critical temperature (Tc) of sodium (Na) at the face-centered cubic (fcc) phase is vanishingly low. Here we report a thorough, first-principles investigation of superconductivity in Na under pressures up to 260 GPa, where the metal-to-insulator transition occurs. Linear-response calculations and density functional perturbation theory were employed to evaluate phonon distributions and the electron-phonon coupling for bcc, fcc, cI16, and tI19 Na. Our results indicate that the maximum electron-phonon coupling parameter, λ, is 0.5 for the cI16 phase, corresponding to a theoretical peak in the critical temperature at Tc≈1.2 K. When pressure decreases or increases from 130 GPa, Tc drops quickly. This is mainly due to the lack of p-d hybridization in Na even at 260 GPa. Since current methods based on the Eliashberg and McMillian formalisms tend to overestimate the Tc (especially the peak values) of alkali metals, we conclude that under high pressure—before the metal-to-insulator transition at 260 GPa—superconductivity in Na is very weak, if it is measurable at all.
Nonlocal and memory effects in nanoscaled thermoelectric layers
Authors: Vázquez F. , Figueroa A. , Rodríguez-Vargas I.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we address the problem of heat and electric charge transport in a thermoelectric nanoscaled layer when an electric current is applied. The analysis is based on constitutive equations of the Maxwell-Cattaneo type describing the time evolution of dissipative flows with transport and thermoelectric coefficients depending on the width of the layer. This introduces memory and nonlocal effects and consequently a wave-like behaviour of system's temperature. We study the effects of the application of an electric current in two cases, namely, a constant current and a pulsed current. The time evolution of the system and the stationary state are determined. Besides the well known supercooling effect obtained when the electric pulse is applied, our results show the existence of a similar effect during the transient due to the wave-like behaviour of the temperature. The thermal figure of merit (TFM) is calculated at the minimum temperature reached during the supercooling, both in the transient and the pulsed regime. The maximum value of TFM in the transient reaches 114 improving the value of long length scale devices by a factor of 100. When the electric pulse is applied, TFM is improved by a factor of 20 over long length scale devices. We use the spectral methods of solution which assure a well representation of wave behaviour of heat and electric charge in short time scales given their spectral convergence.
Schottky hot-electron photodetector by cavity-enhanced optical Tamm resonance
Authors: Li Runfeng , Zhang Cheng , Li Xiaofeng
Published: January 2017

We propose a design of Schottky-junction hot-electron photodetector under purely planar configuration, which is composed by a front distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), a metal/semiconductor (Au/Si) Schottky junction, and a metallic rear reflector. With such a hybrid design, optical Tamm resonance (i.e., a surface state) can be excited near the DBR/Au interface and significantly enhanced due to the presence of the metallic cavity. The intense Tamm resonance shows a strong field localization to the incident photon energy, enabling a high hot-electron generation for sensitive photodetection. Finite-element and rigorous coupled-wave simulations verify that both optical Tamm state and Fabry-Perot cavity mode can be excited simultaneously, which exhibit a high tunability by tailoring either the DBR or the metallic cavity. With a good angular performance, the proposed design shows an optical absorption in the top thin Au layer over 89%, leading to a 30-fold enhancement in the photoresponsivity compared to that of the normal Au/Si Schottky system.