bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Signal-Amplified Fenitrothion Electrochemical Assay, Based on Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Dispersed Graphene Oxide
Authors: Wang Limin , Dong Jinbo , Wang Yulong , Cheng Qi , Yang Mingming , Cai Jia , Liu Fengquan
Published: March 2016

A novel signal-amplified electrochemical assay for the determination of fenitrothion was developed, based on the redox behaviour of organophosphorus pesticides on a glassy carbon working electrode. The electrode was modified using graphene oxide dispersion. The electrochemical response of fenitrothion at the modified electrode was investigated using cyclic voltammetry, current-time curves, and square-wave voltammetry. Experimental parameters, namely the accumulation conditions, pH value, and volume of dispersed material, were optimised. Under the optimum conditions, a good linear relationship was obtained between the oxidation peak current and the fenitrothion concentration. The linear range was 1–400 ng·mL−1, with a detection limit of 0.1 ng·mL−1 (signal-to-nose ratio = 3). The high sensitivity of the sensor was demonstrated by determining fenitrothion in pakchoi samples.
Structural and electronic properties of graphene nanoflakes on Au(111) and Ag(111)
Authors: Tesch Julia , Leicht Philipp , Blumenschein Felix , Gragnaniello Luca , Fonin Mikhail , Marsoner Steinkasserer Lukas Eugen , Paulus Beate , Voloshina Elena , Dedkov Yuriy
Published: March 2016

We investigate the electronic properties of graphene nanoflakes on Ag(111) and Au(111) surfaces by means of scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy as well as density functional theory calculations. Quasiparticle interference mapping allows for the clear distinction of substrate-derived contributions in scattering and those originating from graphene nanoflakes. Our analysis shows that the parabolic dispersion of Au(111) and Ag(111) surface states remains unchanged with the band minimum shifted to higher energies for the regions of the metal surface covered by graphene, reflecting a rather weak interaction between graphene and the metal surface. The analysis of graphene-related scattering on single nanoflakes yields a linear dispersion relation E(k), with a slight p-doping for graphene/Au(111) and a larger n-doping for graphene/Ag(111). The obtained experimental data (doping level, band dispersions around EF and Fermi velocity) are very well reproduced within DFT-D2/D3 approaches, which provide a detailed insight into the site-specific interaction between graphene and the underlying substrate.
Integration of Metabolic Modeling with Gene Co-expression Reveals Transcriptionally Programmed Reactions Explaining Robustness in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Puniya Bhanwar Lal , Kulshreshtha Deepika , Mittal Inna , Mobeen Ahmed , Ramachandran Srinivasan
Published: March 2016

Robustness of metabolic networks is accomplished by gene regulation, modularity, re-routing of metabolites and plasticity. Here, we probed robustness against perturbations of biochemical reactions of M. tuberculosis in the form of predicting compensatory trends. In order to investigate the transcriptional programming of genes associated with correlated fluxes, we integrated with gene co-expression network. Knock down of the reactions NADH2r and ATPS responsible for producing the hub metabolites, and Central carbon metabolism had the highest proportion of their associated genes under transcriptional co-expression with genes of their flux correlated reactions. Reciprocal gene expression correlations were observed among compensatory routes, fresh activation of alternative routes and in the multi-copy genes of Cysteine synthase and of Phosphate transporter. Knock down of 46 reactions caused the activation of Isocitrate lyase or Malate synthase or both reactions, which are central to the persistent state of M. tuberculosis. A total of 30 new freshly activated routes including Cytochrome c oxidase, Lactate dehydrogenase, and Glycine cleavage system were predicted, which could be responsible for switching into dormant or persistent state. Thus, our integrated approach of exploring transcriptional programming of flux correlated reactions has the potential to unravel features of system architecture conferring robustness.
Electrochemical fecal pellet sensor for simultaneous real-time ex vivo detection of colonic serotonin signalling and motility
Authors: Morris Rachel , Fagan-Murphy Aidan , MacEachern Sarah J. , Covill Derek , Patel Bhavik Anil
Published: March 2016

Various investigations have focused on understanding the relationship between mucosal serotonin (5-HT) and colonic motility, however contradictory studies have questioned the importance of this intestinal transmitter. Here we described the fabrication and use of a fecal pellet electrochemical sensor that can be used to simultaneously detect the release of luminal 5-HT and colonic motility. Fecal pellet sensor devices were fabricated using carbon nanotube composite electrodes that were housed in 3D printed components in order to generate a device that had shape and size that mimicked a natural fecal pellet. Devices were fabricated where varying regions of the pellet contained the electrode. Devices showed that they were stable and sensitive forex vivodetection of 5-HT and no differences in the fecal pellet velocity was observed when compared to natural fecal pellets. The onset of mucosal 5-HT was observed prior to the movement of the fecal pellet. The release of mucosal 5-HT occurred oral to the fecal pellet and was linked to the contraction of the bowel wall that drove pellet propulsion. Taken, together these findings provide new insights into the role of mucosal 5-HT and suggest that the transmitter acts as a key initiator of fecal pellet propulsion.
Neurological complications and risk factors of cardiopulmonary failure of EV-A71-related hand, foot and mouth disease
Authors: Long Lili , Xu Lin , Xiao Zhenghui , Hu Shixiong , Luo Ruping , Wang Hua , Lu Xiulan , Xu Zhiyue , Yao Xu , Zhou Luo , Long Hongyu , Gong Jiaoe , Song Yanmin , Zhao Li , Luo Kaiwei , Zhang Mengqi , Feng Li , Yang Liming , Sheng Xiaoqi , Fan Xuegong , Xiao Bo
Published: March 2016

From 2010 to 2012, large outbreaks of EV-A71-related- hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) occurred annually in China. Some cases had neurological complications and were closely associated with fatal cardiopulmonary collapse, but not all children with central nervous system (CNS) involvement demonstrated a poor prognosis. To identify which patients and which neurological complications are more likely to progress to cardiopulmonary failure, we retrospectively studied 1,125 paediatric inpatients diagnosed with EV-A71-related HFMD in Hunan province, including 1,017 cases with CNS involvement. These patients were divided into cardiopulmonary failure (976 people) group and group without cardiopulmonary failure (149 people). A logistic regression analysis was used to compare the clinical symptoms, laboratory test results and neurological complications between these two groups. The most significant risk factors included young age, fever duration ≥3 days, coma, limb weakness, drowsiness and ANS involvement. Patients with brainstem encephalitis and more CNS-involved regions were more likely to progress to cardiopulmonary failure. These findings can help front-line clinicians rapidly and accurately determine patient prognosis, thus rationally distributing the limited medical resources and implementing interventions as early as possible.
Electrically tunable terahertz metamaterials with embedded large-area transparent thin-film transistor arrays
Authors: Xu Wei-Zong , Ren Fang-Fang , Ye Jiandong , Lu Hai , Liang Lanju , Huang Xiaoming , Liu Mingkai , Shadrivov Ilya V. , Powell David A. , Yu Guang , Jin Biaobing , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou , Tan Hark Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati
Published: March 2016

Engineering metamaterials with tunable resonances are of great importance for improving the functionality and flexibility of terahertz (THz) systems. An ongoing challenge in THz science and technology is to create large-area active metamaterials as building blocks to enable efficient and precise control of THz signals. Here, an active metamaterial device based on enhancement-mode transparent amorphous oxide thin-film transistor arrays for THz modulation is demonstrated. Analytical modelling based on full-wave techniques and multipole theory exhibits excellent consistent with the experimental observations and reveals that the intrinsic resonance mode at 0.75 THz is dominated by an electric response. The resonant behavior can be effectively tuned by controlling the channel conductivity through an external bias. Such metal/oxide thin-film transistor based controllable metamaterials are energy saving, low cost, large area and ready for mass-production, which are expected to be widely used in future THz imaging, sensing, communications and other applications.
Unraveling the formation mechanism of graphitic nitrogen-doping in thermally treated graphene with ammonia
Authors: Li Xiao-Fei , Lian Ke-Yan , Liu Lingling , Wu Yingchao , Qiu Qi , Jiang Jun , Deng Mingsen , Luo Yi
Published: March 2016

Nitrogen-doped graphene (N-graphene) has attractive properties that has been widely studied over the years. However, its possible formation process still remains unclear. Here, we propose a highly feasible formation mechanism of the graphitic-N doing in thermally treated graphene with ammonia by performing ab initio molecular dynamic simulations at experimental conditions. Results show that among the commonly native point defects in graphene, only the single vacancy 5–9 and divacancy 555–777 have the desirable electronic structures to trap N-containing groups and to mediate the subsequent dehydrogenation processes. The local structure of the defective graphene in combining with the thermodynamic and kinetic effect plays a crucial role in dominating the complex atomic rearrangement to form graphitic-N which heals the corresponding defect perfectly. The importance of the symmetry, the localized force field, the interaction of multiple trapped N-containing groups, as well as the catalytic effect of the temporarily formed bridge-N are emphasized and the predicted doping configuration agrees well with the experimental observation. Hence, the revealed mechanism will be helpful for realizing the targeted synthesis of N-graphene with reduced defects and desired properties.
Selection of urinary sediment miRNAs as specific biomarkers of IgA nephropathy
Authors: Duan Zhi-Yu , Cai Guang-yan , Bu Ru , Lu Yang , Hou Kai , Chen Xiang-Mei
Published: March 2016

The miRNAs in urinary sediment are easy to obtain, which provides a new approach to searching for non-invasive biomarkers of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Compared with normal controls (n = 3), 214 different miRNAs in the urinary sediment of IgAN (n = 9) were found by miRNA chip assay. By quantitative PCR analysis, miR-25-3p, miR-144-3p and miR-486-5p were confirmed to be significantly higher in IgAN (n = 93) than in the normal group (n = 82) or disease control (n = 40). These three miRNAs had good specificity and sensitivity for the diagnosis of IgAN by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, in which the AUC value of miR-486-5p was the largest at 0.935. Urinary sediment miR-25-3p, miR-144-3p and miR-486-5p were demonstrated to be mainly derived from urinary erythrocytes, which were separated by CD235a magnetic beads. The increased expression of urinary erythrocyte miRNAs in IgAN patients was not associated with those in the blood erythrocytes. In addition, urinary supernatant microvesicles of miR-144-3p and miR-486-5p in the IgAN group were also significantly increased. This study showed that the miR-25-3p, miR-144-3p and miR-486-5p in urinary sediment were mainly derived from urinary erythrocytes, which could be non-invasive candidate biomarkers for IgA nephropathy.
Integrated dual-mode 3 dB power coupler based on tapered directional coupler
Authors: Luo Yuchan , Yu Yu , Ye Mengyuan , Sun Chunlei , Zhang Xinliang
Published: March 2016

A dual-mode 3 dB power coupler based on silicon-on-insulator platform for mode division multiplexing system is proposed and demonstrated. The device, which consists of a tapered directional coupler and two output bend waveguides, has a 50:50 coupling ratio around the wavelength of 1550 nm for both fundamental and first order transverse magnetic (TM0 and TM1) modes. Based on asymmetrical tapered structure, a short common coupling length of ~15.2 μm for both modes is realized by optimizing the width of the tapered waveguide. The measured insertion loss for both modes is less than 0.7 dB. The crosstalks are about −14.3 dB for TM0 mode and −18.1 dB for TM1 mode.
Role of metabolic modulator Bet-CA in altering mitochondrial hyperpolarization to suppress cancer associated angiogenesis and metastasis
Authors: Saha Suchandrima , Ghosh Monisankar , Dutta Samir Kumar
Published: March 2016

Solid tumors characteristically reflect a metabolic switching from glucose oxidation to glycolysis that plays a fundamental role in angiogenesis and metastasis to facilitate aggressive tumor outcomes. Hyperpolarized mitochondrial membrane potential is a manifestation of malignant cells that compromise the intrinsic pathways of apoptosis and confer a suitable niche to promote the cancer associated hallmark traits. We have previously reported that co-drug Bet-CA selectively targets cancer cells by inducing metabolic catastrophe without a manifest in toxicity. Here we report that the same molecule at a relatively lower concentration deregulates the cardinal phenotypes associated with angiogenesis and metastasis. In mice syngeneic 4T1 breast cancer model, Bet-CA exhibited effective abrogation of angiogenesis and concomitantly obliterated lung metastasis consistent with altered mitochondrial bioenergetics. Furthermore, Bet-CA significantly lowered vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and obviated matrix metalloproteases (MMP-2/9) production directly to the criterion where abrogation of autocrine VEGF/VEGFR2 signalling loop was documented. In vitro studies anticipatedly documented the role of Bet-CA in inhibiting actin remodeling, lamellipodia formation and cell membrane ruffling to constitutively suppress cell motility and invasion. Results comprehensively postulate that Bet-CA, a mitochondria targeting metabolic modulator may serve as an excellent candidate for combating angiogenesis and metastasis.
Highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for detection of Fe3+ based on Fe3O4@ZnO
Authors: Li Jingshuai , Wang Qi , Guo Zhankui , Ma Hongmin , Zhang Yong , Wang Bing , Bin Du , Wei Qin
Published: March 2016

The combination of fluorescent nanoparticles and specific molecular probes appears to be a promising strategy for developing fluorescent nanoprobes. In this work, L-cysteine (L-Cys) capped Fe3O4@ZnO core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized for the highly selective detection of Fe3+. The proposed nanoprobe shows excellent fluorescent property and high selectivity for Fe3+ due to the binding affinity of L-Cys with Fe3+. The binding of Fe3+ to the nanoprobe induces an apparent decrease of the fluorescence. Thus a highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for Fe3+ was proposed based on Fe3O4@ZnO nanoprobe. The magnetism of the nanoprobe enables the facile separation of bound Fe3+ from the sample solution with an external magnetic field, which effectively reduces the interference of matrix. The detection limit was 3 nmol L−1 with a rapid response time of less than 1 min. The proposed method was applied to detect Fe3+ in both serum and wastewater samples with acceptable performance. All above features indicated that the proposed fluorescent probe as sensing platform held great potential in applications of biological and analytical field.
Exploring the mechanism of water-splitting reaction in NiOx/β-Ga2O3photocatalysts by first-principles calculations
Authors: Zhou Xin , Dong Hao , Ren Ai-Min
Published: March 2016

Loading NiOxclusters onto the β-Ga2O3(100) surface reduces the free energy of photocatalytic water reduction and oxidation reaction, respectively.
Glass polymorphism in glycerol–water mixtures: II. Experimental studies
Authors: Bachler Johannes , Fuentes-Landete Violeta , Jahn David A. , Wong Jessina , Giovambattista Nicolas , Loerting Thomas
Published: March 2016

We here study pressure-induced amorphization and polyamorphic transitions in frozen bulk glycerol–water solutions experimentally.
Generation of highly ordered nanoporous Sb–SnO2 thin films with enhanced ethanol sensing performance at low temperature
Authors: Shao Shaofeng , Koehn Ralf , Wu Hongyan , Wu Tao , Rao Wei-Feng
Published: March 2016

Highly ordered nanoporous Sb–SnO2 sensing films synthesized through psHT treatment present high sensitivity to 50 ppm ethanol at low temperature.
A “submunition” dual-drug system based on smart hollow NaYF4/apoferritin nanocage for upconversion imaging
Authors: Zhou Jie , Chen Shanshan , Sun Chong , Du Qiuzheng , Luo Pei , Du Bin , Yao Hanchun
Published: March 2016

Bifunctional nanomaterials based on doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded NaYF4 and verapamil (Vp)-loaded apoferritin–folic acid nanocage dual-drug system (DOX/NaYF4-Vp/AFn-FA) were synthesized for in vivo upconversion imaging and enhanced chemotherapy in breast cancers.
The crystallinity, thermal properties and microscopic morphology of di-block copolymers ofl-lactide and several acrylates
Authors: Wang Wei-Wei , Jiang Long , Ren Wu-Yang , Zhang Chun-Mei , Man Chang-Zhen , Nguyen Thien-Phap , Dan Yi
Published: March 2016

Di-block copolymers ofl-lactide and (meth)acrylate were synthesized from PLLA macroinitiators, and the microphase separation of copolymers was observed.
Preparation of structurally colored films assembled by using polystyrene@silica, air@silica and air@carbon@silica core–shell nanoparticles with enhanced color visibility
Authors: Wang Fen , Zhang Xin , Zhu Jianfeng , Lin Ying
Published: March 2016

Polystyrene@silica (PS@SiO2) core–shell nanospheres were synthesized using a surfactant free method followed by a modified Stöber method in the research reported in this paper.
Easy synthesis of organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials: study of DC conduction mechanism for light dependent resistors
Authors: Rawal Ishpal , Tripathi Ravi Kant , Panwar O. S.
Published: March 2016

Polypyrrole/SnO2 hybrid nanostructures have been analyzed for futuristic non-toxic light dependent resistors.
Design of cytocompatible bacteria-repellent bio-based polyester films via an aqueous photoactivated process
Authors: Condat Michael , Helary Christophe , Coradin Thibaud , Dubot Pierre , Babinot Julien , Faustini Marco , Andaloussi Samir Abbad , Renard Estelle , Langlois Valérie , Versace Davy-Louis
Published: March 2016

The design of cytocompatible bacteria-repellent bio-based polyester surfaces in aqueous media.
The HA-incorporated nanostructure of a peptide–drug amphiphile for targeted anticancer drug delivery
Authors: Choi Huyeon , Jeena M. T. , Palanikumar L. , Jeong Yoojeong , Park Sooham , Lee Eunji , Ryu Ja-Hyoung
Published: March 2016

We demonstrate targeted anticancer drug delivery using transformable nanostructures of the complex of hyaluronic acid (HA) and KCK–CPT, a prodrug amphiphile composed of camptothecin (CPT) and tripeptide (KCK).
Full chirality transfer in the synthesis of hindered tertiary boronic esters under in situ lithiation–borylation conditions
Authors: Blair D. J. , Zhong S. , Hesse M. J. , Zabaleta N. , Myers E. L. , Aggarwal V. K.
Published: March 2016

Using non-cryogenic lithiation–borylation, sterically hindered tertiary neopentyl glycol boronic esters can be prepared from secondary benzylic carbamates with full chirality transfer.
Competing antiferromagnetic orders in the double perovskite Mn2MnReO6 (Mn3ReO6)
Authors: Arévalo-López A. M. , Stegemann F. , Attfield J. P.
Published: March 2016

Mn2+ and Re6+ spins in the new ‘all transition metal’ double perovskite Mn2MnReO6 order antiferromagnetically through two successive transitions coupled by magnetoelastic effects.
Correction: Surprising impact of remote groups on the folding–unfolding and dimer-chain equilibria of bifunctional H-bonding unimers
Authors: Liu Rui , Chen Shuang , Baker Erin S. , Smith Richard D. , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Gong Bing
Published: March 2016

Correction for ‘Surprising impact of remote groups on the folding–unfolding and dimer-chain equilibria of bifunctional H-bonding unimers’ by Rui Liu et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 3773–3776.
Facilitated diffusion in the presence of obstacles on the DNA
Authors: Gomez David , Klumpp Stefan
Published: March 2016

Recognition of specific DNA sequences by DNA-binding proteins (DBPs) takes place by a facilitated diffusion process that depends, among other parameters, on the DBP's sliding length on the DNA and the DNA concentration. In addition, facilitated diffusion is variously impaired by the presence of obstacles with different dynamics on the DNA.
3- and 4-(α-diazobenzyl)pyridine-N-oxides as photoresponsive magnetic couplers for 2p–4f heterospin systems: formation of carbene–TbIII and carbene–DyIII single-molecule magnets
Authors: Murashima Kensuke , Karasawa Satoru , Yoza Kenji , Inagaki Yuji , Koga Noboru
Published: March 2016

Dinuclear TbIII – and DyIII – D1pyO complexes were photolyzed to afford heterospin SMMs with Ueff/kB = 30 and 39 K, respectively.
Amphiphilic brush polymers produced using the RAFT polymerisation method stabilise and reduce the cell cytotoxicity of lipid lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles
Authors: Zhai Jiali , Suryadinata Randy , Luan Bao , Tran Nhiem , Hinton Tracey M. , Ratcliffe Julian , Hao Xiaojuan , Drummond Calum J.
Published: March 2016

Self-assembled lipid lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles such as hexosomes and cubosomes contain internal anisotropic and isotropic nanostructures, respectively. Despite the remarkable potential of such nanoparticles in various biomedical applications, the stabilisers used in formulating the nanoparticles are often limited to commercially available polymers such as the Pluronic block copolymers. This study explored the potential of using Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) technology to design amphiphilic brush-type polymers for the purpose of stabilising phytantriol and monoolein-based lipid dispersions. The synthesised brush-type polymers consisted of a hydrophobic C12 short chain and a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether acrylate (PEGA) long chain with multiple 9-unit poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) brushes with various molecular weights. It was observed that increasing the PEO brush density and thus the length of the hydrophilic component improved the stabilisation effectiveness for phytantriol and monoolein-based cubosomes. Synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments confirmed that the RAFT polymer-stabilised cubosomes had an internal double-diamond cubic phase with tunable water channel sizes. These properties were dependent on the molecular weight of the polymers, which were considered in some cases to be anisotropically distributed within the cubosomes. The in vitro toxicity of the cubosomes was assessed by cell viability of two human adenocarcinoma cell lines and haemolytic activities to mouse erythrocytes. The results showed that phytantriol cubosomes stabilised by the RAFT polymers were less toxic compared to their Pluronic F127-stabilised analogues. This study provides valuable insight into designing non-linear amphiphilic polymers for the effective stabilisation and cellular toxicity improvement of self-assembled lipid lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles.
Microbial cyclosophoraose as a catalyst for the synthesis of diversified indolyl 4H-chromenes via one-pot three component reactions in water
Authors: Dindulkar Someshwar D. , Jeong Daham , Cho Eunae , Kim Dongjin , Jung Seunho
Published: March 2016

A novel biosourced saccharide catalyst, microbial cyclosophoraose, a cyclic β-(1,2) glucan, was used for the synthesis of indolyl 4H-chromenesviaa one pot three-component Knoevenagel–Michael addition–cyclization reaction in water under neutral conditions.
Ultrasensitive microfluidic analysis of circulating exosomes using a nanostructured graphene oxide/polydopamine coating
Authors: Zhang Peng , He Mei , Zeng Yong
Published: March 2016

A GO-induced 3D nanoporous PDA surface coating was developed to substantially improve the sensitivity of immuno-detection of circulating exosomes directly in clinical samples.
DNA damaging, cell cytotoxicity and serum albumin binding efficacy of the rutin–Cu(ii) complex
Authors: Roy Atanu Singha , Tripathy Debi Ranjan , Samanta Sintu , Ghosh Sudip K. , Dasgupta Swagata
Published: March 2016

The rutin–Cu(ii) complex causes DNA damage and is also able to inhibit the growth of human HeLa cells. This complex binds with serum albuminsviahydrophobic forces.
Solvent-thermal preparation of a CuCo2O4/RGO heterocomposite: an efficient catalyst for the reduction of p-nitrophenol
Authors: Zhang Weiming , Zhou Zhengwei , Shan Xueying , Xu Ran , Chen Qun , He Guangyu , Sun Xiaoqiang , Chen Haiqun
Published: March 2016

The catalytic activity of an as-synthesized CuCo2O4/RGO composite was researched in the reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol by NaBH4, which exhibited complete conversion in 6 min.
Copper-catalyzed carboxylation reactions using carbon dioxide
Authors: Wang Sheng , Du Gaixia , Xi Chanjuan
Published: March 2016

Copper-catalyzed carboxylation of various substrates using CO2 affords a range of carboxylic acids.
Second generation of thiazolylmannosides, FimH antagonists for E. coli-induced Crohn's disease
Authors: Chalopin T. , Alvarez Dorta D. , Sivignon A. , Caudan M. , Dumych T. I. , Bilyy R. O. , Deniaud D. , Barnich N. , Bouckaert J. , Gouin S. G.
Published: March 2016

The chemical stability of potentE. colianti-adhesives was improved by substitution of the anomeric nitrogen by short linkers.
Copolymerization of zinc-activated isoindigo- and naphthalene-diimide based monomers: an efficient route to low bandgap π-conjugated random copolymers with tunable properties
Authors: Karpov Yevhen , Maiti Jatindranath , Tkachov Roman , Beryozkina Tetyana , Bakulev Vasiliy , Liu Wei , Komber Hartmut , Lappan Uwe , Al-Hussein Mahmoud , Stamm Manfred , Voit Brigitte , Kiriy Anton
Published: March 2016

We report preparation of isoindigo-based copolymers for optoelectronic applications.
Extremely rapid and versatile synthesis of high molecular weight step growth polymers via oxime click chemistry
Authors: Collins Joe , Xiao Zeyun , Espinosa-Gomez Andrea , Fors Brett P. , Connal Luke A.
Published: March 2016

Extremely rapid step growth polymerization was achieved using an oxime click chemistry approach.
Preparation of photodegradable polyacrylamide hydrogels via micellar copolymerization and determination of their phototunable elasticity and swelling behaviors
Authors: Selen Fatma , Can Volkan , Temel Gokhan
Published: March 2016

A photo-decomposable hydrophobic crosslinker was synthesized and utilized to obtain photo-tunable hydrogelsviafree radical micellar copolymerization.
Synthesis and properties of azulene-functionalized BODIPYs
Authors: Gai Lizhi , Chen Jingzhi , Zhao Yue , Mack John , Lu Hua , Shen Zhen
Published: March 2016

A small series of BODIPY derivatives incorporating azulene were synthesized via Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction. There has better conjugation through 2-position as building block.
Designing a novel nanocomposite for bone tissue engineering using electrospun conductive PBAT/polypyrrole as a scaffold to direct nanohydroxyapatite electrodeposition
Authors: de Castro Juçara G. , Rodrigues Bruno V. M. , Ricci Ritchelli , Costa Maíra M. , Ribeiro André F. C. , Marciano Fernanda R. , Lobo Anderson O.
Published: March 2016

Electrospinning is a well-recognized technique for producing nanostructured fibers with different functionalities, generating materials that are able to support cell adhesion and further proliferation.
NaGd(WO4)2:Yb3+/Er3+ phosphors: hydrothermal synthesis, optical spectroscopy and green upconverted temperature sensing behavior
Authors: Liao Jinsheng , Nie Liling , Wang Qi , Liu Suijun , Wen He-Rui , Wu Jingping
Published: March 2016

Temperature dependence of the green UC luminescence spectra of NGW:Yb3+/Er3+ phosphor under 980 nm excitation (the spectra are normalized to the emission peak at 554 nm. The excitation power density is 3 W cm−2).
Synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytotoxic activities of new steroidal thiosemicarbazones and thiadiazolines
Authors: Živković Marijana B. , Matić Ivana Z. , Rodić Marko V. , Novaković Irena T. , Sladić Dušan M. , Krstić Natalija M.
Published: March 2016

New steroidal thiosemicarbazones and 1,3,4-thiadiazolines as potential anticancer agents are described.
Modification of colloidal particles by unidirectional silica deposition for urchin-like morphologies
Authors: Zhao Bin , Li Dongzhi , Long Yue , Yang Guoqiang , Tung Chen-Ho , Song Kai
Published: March 2016

Silica rods were grown onto the surface of various colloidal particles, resulting in urchin-like morphologies.
Electrochemical detection of two tumor markers based on functionalized polypyrrole microspheres as immunoprobes
Authors: Zhao Junqing , Guo Zilin , Guo Jinjin , Wang Junchun , Zhang Yuzhong
Published: March 2016

(A) represents the preparation of the labels and (B) represents the immunosensor preparation and detection principle.
Facile fabrication of a superhydrophilic–superhydrophobic patterned surface by inkjet printing a sacrificial layer on a superhydrophilic surface
Authors: Sun Jiazhen , Bao Bin , Jiang Jieke , He Min , Zhang Xingye , Song Yanlin
Published: March 2016

A superhydrophilic–superhydrophobic patterned surface was facilely fabricated by controlling the depositing morphology of the inkjet droplet on a superhydrophilic surface.
Novel fabrication of a nitrogen-doped mesoporous TiO2-nanorod titanate heterojunction to enhance the photocatalytic degradation of dyes under visible light
Authors: Nguyen-Le Minh-Tri , Lee Byeong-Kyu
Published: March 2016

One-pot synthesis of a mesoporous nitrogen-doped TiO2-nanorod titanate heterojunction was developed for effective photocatalytic degradation of dyes.
Production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from fructose using a spherically fibrous KCC-1 silica catalyst
Authors: Najafi Chermahini Alireza , Shahangi Fereshte , Dabbagh Hossein A. , Saraji Mohammad
Published: March 2016

Fibrous KCC-1 silica nanospheres were synthesized and functionalized with propylsulfonic acid groups and applied as an effectual and reusable catalyst for the production of 5-HMF from the dehydration of fructose using DMSO as a solvent.
Rapid surface functionalization of carbon fibres using microwave irradiation in an ionic liquid
Authors: Beggs Kathleen M. , Perus Magenta D. , Servinis Linden , O'Dell Luke A. , Fox Bronwyn L. , Gengenbach Thomas R. , Henderson Luke C.
Published: March 2016

Carbon fibre surfaces have been successfully modified using molecular grafting under low power microwave irradiation (20 W) in both 1,2-dichlorobenzene and emimTFSI. Results showed an improved IFSS by 18% for organic solvent and 28% for ionic liquid.
Morphology controllable syntheses of micro- and nano-iron pyrite mono- and poly-crystals: a review
Authors: Xian Haiyang , Zhu Jianxi , Liang Xiaoliang , He Hongping
Published: March 2016

This review provides comprehensive information of the outline of current knowledge regarding the morphology controllable syntheses of micro- and nano-iron pyrite mono- and poly-crystals.
Spermine: new insights into the intestinal development and serum antioxidant status of suckling piglets
Authors: Fang Tingting , Liu Guangmang , Cao Wei , Wu Xianjian , Jia Gang , Zhao Hua , Chen Xiaoling , Wu Caimei , Wang Jing
Published: March 2016

The present work aimed at investigating the effects of spermine supplementation and extended spermine administration on the intestinal morphology, enzyme activity, and serum antioxidant capacity of suckling piglets.
Chemical recycling of post-consumer compact discs towards novel polymers for powder coating applications
Authors: Gioia Claudio , Vannini Micaela , Celli Annamaria , Colonna Martino , Minesso Alessandro
Published: March 2016

New processes for the chemical recycling of BPA polycarbonate, directly from post-consumer compact discs, have been developed using renewable resources.
Reversible gel–sol photoswitching with an overcrowded alkene-based bis-urea supergelator
Authors: Wezenberg Sander J. , Croisetu Christelle M. , Stuart Marc C. A. , Feringa Ben L.
Published: March 2016

A low-molecular-weight organogel composed of photoresponsive bis-urea gelators can undergo a reversible gel–sol phase transition upon UV irradiation.
Nitrogen and sulphur co-doped crumbled graphene for the oxygen reduction reaction with improved activity and stability in acidic medium
Authors: Bhange Siddheshwar N. , Unni Sreekuttan M. , Kurungot Sreekumar
Published: March 2016

A crumbled graphene structure with heteroatom doped active sites derived through the pyrolysis of polyethylenedioxythiophene served as an efficient platinum-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction under acidic conditions.
Interior design of three-dimensional CuO ordered architectures with enhanced performance for supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Jing , Feng Huijie , Qin Qing , Zhang Guofeng , Cui Yingxue , Chai Zhenzhen , Zheng Wenjun
Published: March 2016

3D ordered nanostructures assembled by 1D and 2D CuO building blocks dramatically improve the electrochemical performance for supercapacitors.
N,S-Codoped microporous carbon nanobelts with blooming nanoflowers for oxygen reduction
Authors: Yang Wenxiu , Chen Lulu , Liu Xiangjian , Yue Xiaoyu , Liu Changyu , Jia Jianbo
Published: March 2016

Blooming morning glory-like nanoflowers N,S-codoped carbon nanobelts (NSCNBs) were economically developed by electrospinning as an excellent oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst.
Triple-stimuli-responsive nanocontainers assembled by water-soluble pillar[5]arene-based pseudorotaxanes for controlled release
Authors: Ding ChenDi , Liu Ying , Wang Ting , Fu JiaJun
Published: March 2016

Working mechanism of triple-stimuli-responsive nanocontainers: alkaline, acid and Zn2+stimuli can open the advanced supramolecular nanovalves.
Joint energy‐efficient resource allocation and interference alignment for HetNets
Authors: Ding Jianfeng , Jiang Lingge , He Chen
Published: March 2016

In the area of interference management, many works have used interference alignment (IA) to tackle interference in heterogeneous networks (HetNets). However, few work has been done from the energy‐efficiency (EE) aspect. In this study, the authors address the joint EE resource allocation and IA problem for HetNets where several femtocells underlay within the coverage of a macrocell, and take into account the service requirements of macro cell user (MU). A mixed integer and non‐convex optimisation framework is adopted to investigate the EE maximisation problem which is a multi‐dimensional resource management problem. To solve the problem, the authors propose a user scheduling scheme to determine the transmission sequence as well as encoding and decoding matrices for each user. Then an iterative power control algorithm is proposed to optimise the EE of the networks. Simulation results validate the convergence and performance of proposed scheme.
Recursive construction of optimal frequency‐hopping sequence sets
Authors: Xu Shanding , Cao Xiwang , Xu Guangkui
Published: March 2016

In this study, first the authors present a simplified representation of the Peng–Fan bounds on the periodic Hamming correlation of frequency‐hopping sequence (FHS) sets, which may also be used to check the optimality of an FHS set with respect to the Peng–Fan bounds. Second, they propose a recursive construction of FHS sets from the known ones using some injective functions and the Chinese remainder theorem. It generalises the previous construction of optimal FHSs and FHS sets with composite lengths employing a given function. Without the limit of the specific function, their construction can produce new optimal FHSs and FHS sets that cannot be produced by the earlier construction. By choosing appropriate injective functions and known optimal FHSs and FHS sets, infinitely many new optimal FHSs and FHS sets can be recursively obtained.
Topology and parameter estimation in power systems through inverter‐based broadband stimulations
Authors: Neshvad Surena , Margossian Harag , Sachau Jürgen
Published: March 2016

An increasing number of inverter‐based power generators have been connected to the distribution network in recent years. This phenomenon coupled with the adoption of open energy markets has significantly complicated the power‐flows on the power networks, requiring advanced and intelligent parameter knowledge to optimise the efficiency, quality and reliability of the system. This study describes a method for identifying parameters associated with the power system model. In particular, the proposed algorithm in this study addresses the line parameter and topology identification task in the scope of state estimation. The goal is to reduce the a priori knowledge for state estimation, and to obtain online information on the power system network. The proposed parameter estimation method relies on injected stimulations in the network. Broadband stimulation signals are injected from distributed generators and their effects are measured at various locations in the grid. To process and evaluate this data, a novel aggregation method based on weighed least squares will be proposed in this study. It combines and correlates various measurements in order to obtain an accurate snapshot of the power network parameters. To test its capabilities, the performance of this algorithm is evaluated on a small‐scale test system.
Iterative subspace alternating projection method for GNSS multipath DOA estimation
Authors: Chen Xin , Morton Yu
Published: March 2016

The signal direction of arrival (DOA) estimation is an important research topic in GNSS multipath mitigation. Correct estimation of the number of multipath echoes as well as their DOAs is a critical information for the following mitigation techniques. In GNSS multipath scenarios, alternating projection method has been proved efficient for estimating coherent incident signals. It has shown asymptotically consistent performance as maximum likelihood estimator but computationally improved from multi‐dimensional searches to one dimension. The AP method initially assumed the number of sources known, and the source number detection task was accomplished by other methods such as minimum description length principle. In this study, based on the AP method, a set of iterative updating formulas are derived to replace the one‐dimensional search, so further decreases the computational complexity. A source number detection strategy for coherent signal is also proposed. This strategy is designed compatible with the tracking loop architecture of GNSS receiver, so bringing simplified implementation and accuracy improvements at low signal to noise. Simulation results illustrate the superiority of the proposed method.
Relativistic theory of the Jahn-Teller effect: p-orbitals in tetrahedral and trigonal systems
Authors: Domcke Wolfgang , Opalka Daniel , Poluyanov Leonid V.
Published: March 2016

A relativistic generalization of Jahn-Teller theory is presented which includes spin-orbit coupling effects beyond low-order Taylor expansions in vibrational coordinates. For the example of a p-electron in tetrahedral and trigonal environments, the matrix elements of the Breit-Pauli spin-orbit-coupling operator are expressed in terms of the matrix elements of the electrostatic electronic potential. Employing expansions of the latter in invariant polynomials in symmetry-adapted nuclear coordinates, the spin-orbit induced Jahn-Teller coupling terms are derived for the T2 × (t2 + e) and (E + A) × (e + a) Jahn-Teller problems up to arbitrarily high orders. The linear G3/2 × (t2 + e) Jahn-Teller Hamiltonian of Moffitt and Thorson [Phys. Rev. 108, 1251 (1957)] for tetrahedral systems is generalized to higher orders in vibrational displacements. The Jahn-Teller Hamiltonians derived in the present work are useful for the interpolation and extrapolation of Jahn-Teller distorted potential-energy surfaces of molecules and complexes with heavy elements as well as for the calculation of vibronic spectra of such systems.
The effects of engine design and operating parameters on the performance of a diesel engine fueled with diesel-biodiesel blends
Authors: Gonca Guven , Dobrucali Erinc
Published: March 2016

This paper reports the effects of engine design and operating parameters such as stroke length, ratio of bore to stroke length, compression ratio, equivalence ratio, engine load, biodiesel percentage, friction coefficient, engine speed and mean piston speed on engine performance and energy losses by experiments and a theoretical model based on the finite-time thermodynamics. In this study, the performance of a single cylinder, four-stroke, direct injection diesel engine fueled with diesel-biodiesel mixtures has been experimentally and theoretically investigated. The simulation results agree with the experimental data. After model verification, parametrical studies have been conducted for various conditions. The results showed that the biodiesel percentage and the cycle pressure ratio affect positively the engine performance. The friction coefficient has negative influence on the engine performance. The effective efficiency decreases with the increasing of the engine load, stroke length, and engine speed but effective power increases with increasing them. The effective power always increases with the increasing mean piston speed. However, the effective efficiency decreases at the constant stroke length condition, as it increases at the constant engine speed condition. The effective power and the effective efficiency increase with increasing equivalence ratio to a specified value and then begin to decrease for constant bore/stroke length conditions. The effective efficiency increases with decreasing equivalence ratio as effective power has an optimum value for constant compression ratio condition. The effects of bore/stroke length change at different conditions. At the constant compression ratio condition, the engine performance increases with increasing ratio of bore to stroke length. They are the optimum values which provide the maximum effective efficiency and maximum effective power at the other conditions. This study also reports the energy losses as the ratio of fuel energy and they are classified as friction losses, incomplete combustion losses, heat transfer losses, and exhaust losses. They are defined with respect to compression ratio. With the increasing compression ratio, the friction losses are constant for constant cycle temperature ratio and equivalence ratio, whereas the incomplete combustion losses increase at a constant cycle temperature ratio condition and are constant at constant equivalence ratio condition. The heat transfer losses increase and the exhaust losses decrease for both the conditions. The presented model could be used to optimize the performance of diesel engines fueled with biodiesel and it can be developed for all kinds of engines running at different conditions with various fuels.
Double-phase transition and giant positive magnetoresistance in the quasi-skutterudite Gd3Ir4Sn13
Authors: Nair Harikrishnan S. , Ghosh Sarit K. , K. Ramesh Kumar , Strydom André M.
Published: March 2016

The magnetic, thermodynamic, and electrical/thermal transport properties of the caged-structure quasi-skutterudite Gd3Ir4Sn13 are re-investigated. The magnetization M(T), the specific heat Cp(T), and the resistivity ρ(T) reveal a double-phase transition—at TN1 ∼ 10 K and at TN2 ∼ 8.8 K—which was not observed in the previous report on this compound. The antiferromagnetic transition is also visible in the thermal transport data, thereby suggesting a close connection between the electronic and lattice degrees of freedom in this Sn-based quasi-skutterudite. The temperature dependence of ρ(T) is analyzed in terms of a power-law for resistivity pertinent to Fermi liquid picture. Giant, positive magnetoresistance (MR) ≈ 80% is observed in Gd3Ir4Sn13 at 2 K with the application of 9 T. The giant MR and the double magnetic transition can be attributed to the quasi-cages and layered antiferromagnetic structure of Gd3Ir4Sn13 vulnerable to structural distortions and/or dipolar or spin-reorientation effects. The giant value of MR observed in this class of 3:4:13 type alloys, especially in a Gd-compound, is the highlight of this work.
Inclusion of cottonseed meal into loose mineral mix supplements increases the voluntary intake of the supplement by grazing heifers
Authors: Dixon R. M. , Anderson A. , Petherick J. C.
Published: March 2016

Loose mineral mix (LMM) supplements based on ingredients such as salt, urea and minerals offered ad libitum are widely used to provide additional nutrients to grazing cattle, but it is often difficult to achieve target intakes. An experiment with heifers grazing mature tropical pasture examined the effects of substituting 80, 160 or 320 g/kg of the salt in a LMM supplement with cottonseed meal on the voluntary intake of the LMM supplements by paddock groups of heifers over 10 weeks. Average voluntary intake of a LMM containing (g/kg) 640 salt, 300 urea and 60 ammonium sulfate (40.2 g DM and 6.14 g total nitrogen/day) was increased linearly (P < 0.001) to 50.8 g DM and 8.88 g total nitrogen/day when up to 320 g/kg cottonseed meal was substituted for salt in the LMM. This increase in intake of nitrogen in LMM was due to the increase in voluntary intake of the supplement rather than the increased nitrogen concentration of supplement. The distribution of daily intake of supplement within paddock groups of heifers was estimated during Weeks 5 and 10 using supplements labelled with lithium sulfate. Neither the coefficient of variation within paddock groups of heifers in supplement intake (mean 96%), nor the proportion of non-consumers of supplement (mean 17%), was changed (P > 0.05) by substitution of salt with cottonseed meal. In conclusion, the inclusion of a palatable protein meal into LMM increased the voluntary intake of this type of supplement.
Individual difference in faecal and urine equol excretion and their correlation with intestinal microbiota in large white sows
Authors: Zheng Weijiang , Zhang Xun , Yao Wen
Published: March 2016

Equol is an end metabolite of daidzein produced by the intestinal microbiota, exhibiting stronger antioxidant and estrogenic activities. It has been proposed that the beneficial effects of soybean/phytoestrogens may be dependent on the intestinal equol-producing ability, i.e. the equol hypothesis. The ‘equol hypothesis’ has been well applied to human clinical studies. However, the information of equol-producing ability in sows is quite limited. In this study, the individual differences and correlation between equol excretion and intestinal microbiota in large white sows were assayed. The results showed faecal equol levels of 0.14–17.85 μg/g (coefficient of variation: 61.22%) and urinary equol levels of 0.53–8.19 μg/mL (coefficient of variation: 54.72%). The levels of equol and daidzein correlated positively in both urine and faeces (P < 0.05). The levels of daidzein and ratio of equol : daidzein in both faeces and urine were significantly higher than equol status (P < 0.01). Cluster analysis of denatured gradient gel electrophoresis patterns showed that faecal samples with similar equol concentrations had similar microbial composition. The Shannon diversity and bands number in gel was significant negatively correlative with faecal equol status (P < 0.001). The population of total bacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes correlated negatively with faecal equol production (P < 0.05). Positive correlations were found between urinary equol production and the population of bacteroidetes and methanogen-producing bacteria (P < 0.05), demonstrating for the first time the relationship between equol excretions and gut interspecies H2 transfer in sows.