bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of different genome and cytoplasm on meiotic pairing in maize newly synthetic polyploids
Authors: Cheng Mingjun , Zheng Mingmin , Yang Shipeng , Li Yang , Dong Xingchun , Li Jing , Sun Rulong , Li Huaxiong , Zhou Shufeng , Wu Yuanqi , Rong Tingzhao , Tang Qilin
Published: September 2015

Allopolyploidization plays the special role in the evolution of many crops. Moreover, the evolution in early stage of some allopolyploidization events is predicted to be effected by nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions. Maize and teosintes are well model system for study of genetic recombination in allopolyploidization. In order to investigate the effects of genome organization and cytoplasm on genome evolution in newly synthesized allopolyploids (neoallopolyploids), a series of neoallopolyploids were produced by reciprocal crosses of maize and Zea perennis. By using dual-color genomic in situ hybridization, intra- and intergenomic meiosis pairing of these polyploids were quantified and compared with regard to its genome organization and cytoplasm background. In the four neoallopolyploids, the stability of maize genome is consistently lower than that of Z. perennis genome. Additional, the stability of maize genome is affected by genome ploidy. The cytoplasm, genome composition and their interaction do have the special role in chromosome paring and the meiosis behaviors in Zea allopolyploids vary significantly and showed non-diploidization. Z. perennis cytoplasm may give a relatively relaxed environment for maize genome.
Riparian land cover and land use effects on riverine epilithic fungal communities
Authors: Miura Aya , Urabe Jotaro
Published: September 2015

Although fungi are important decomposers in lotic environments, few studies have investigated the spatial and temporal changes in epilithic fungal communities in rivers. If epilithic organisms grow using organic matter and nutrients ultimately discharge into rivers, it is likely that the taxonomic composition of epilithic fungal communities will change spatially depending on the land use and land cover (LULC) in the drainage area. To test this hypothesis, we examined the relationship between the taxonomic composition of fungi on cobbles and the LULC in the fall and in spring. The taxonomic composition of the epilithic fungi was significantly related to ambient water temperatures and concentrations of nutrients and dissolved organic carbon. Supporting our hypothesis, the taxonomic composition of the epilithic fungi differed largely among the reaches covered mainly by different forest types and land uses in both the fall and in spring. The results suggest that the quality of the dissolved organic matter differed among the catchment areas depending on the LULC. Further analyses indicated that the sum of the LULC and within‐river variables could explain 36.4 and 41.2 % of the spatial variation in the fungal taxonomic compositions in the fall and in spring, respectively. The LULC variables alone explained 16.1–18.7 % of the variations, and a similar percentage was found for within‐river variables. These results suggest that the organic matter from LULC was equally as important as physical and nutrient conditions in the ambient water for determining the community structure of epilithic fungi in rivers.
Too much control diverts from the essence of learning and teaching
Authors: Kramer Anneke W.M.
Published: September 2015

None
Elastohydrodynamic lubrication properties and friction behaviors of several ester base stocks
Authors: He Yifeng , Zolper Thomas J. , Liu Pinzhi , Zhao Yuzhen , He Xingliang , Shen Xuejin , Sun Hongwei , Duan Qinghua , Wang Qian
Published: September 2015

This paper reports a series of studies on the lubricant properties, elastohydrodynamic film thickness, and coefficients of friction of several commercially available ester base stocks, i.e., diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), diisotridecyl phthalate (DITDP), diisooctyl sebacate (DOS), diisotridecyl sebacate (DTDS), trihydroxymethylpropyl trioleate (TMPTO), and pentaerythritol tetraoleate (PETO). The results include densities and viscosities from 303 to 398 K, and elastohydrodynamic lubricant film thicknesses and friction in the boundary, mixed and full-film lubrication regimes measured at several temperatures, loads, and speeds. These ester base stocks have different lubrication abilities owing to their chain lengths, geometric configurations, and molecular rigidity. This study provides quantitative insight into the use of ester-based lubricants for low friction through the entire lubrication regime (boundary to full film) by utilization of suitable type and size of the ester base stocks.
Cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons of metabolic profiles between vegetarian and non-vegetarian subjects: a matched cohort study
Authors: Chiu Yen-Feng , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Chiu Tina H. T. , Lee Chun-Yi , Liu Ting-Ting , Tsao Chwen Keng , Chuang Su-Chun , Hsiung Chao A.
Published: September 2015

Several previous cross-sectional studies have shown that vegetarians have a better metabolic profile than non-vegetarians, suggesting that a vegetarian dietary pattern may help prevent chronic degenerative diseases. However, longitudinal studies on the impact of vegetarian diets on metabolic traits are scarce. We studied how several sub-types of vegetarian diets affect metabolic traits, including waist circumference, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), HDL, LDL, TAG and TC:HDL ratio, through both cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs. The study used the MJ Health Screening database, with data collected from 1994 to 2008 in Taiwan, which included 4415 lacto-ovo-vegetarians, 1855 lacto-vegetarians and 1913 vegans; each vegetarian was matched with five non-vegetarians based on age, sex and study site. In the longitudinal follow-up, each additional year of vegan diet lowered the risk of obesity by 7 % (95 % CI 0·88, 0·99), whereas each additional year of lacto-vegetarian diet lowered the risk of elevated SBP by 8 % (95 % CI 0·85, 0·99) and elevated glucose by 7 % (95 % CI 0·87, 0·99), and each additional year of ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet increased abnormal HDL by 7 % (95 % CI 1·03, 1·12), compared with non-vegetarians. In the cross-sectional comparisons, all sub-types of vegetarians had lower likelihoods of abnormalities compared with non-vegetarians on all metabolic traits (P<0·001 for all comparisons), except for HDL and TAG. The better metabolic profile in vegetarians is partially attributable to lower BMI. With proper management of TAG and HDL, along with caution about the intake of refined carbohydrates and fructose, a plant-based diet may benefit all aspects of the metabolic profile.
A molecular framework for the identification of planthopper vectors (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) of central Argentina
Authors: Argüello Caro E.B. , Dumón A.D. , Mattio M.F , Alemandri V. , Truol G.
Published: September 2015

Planthoppers are important worldwide crop pests as well as vectors of numerous diseases. Different species transmit Mal de Río Cuarto virus, which causes the most economically important corn disease in central Argentina. Epidemiological studies rely on the accurate identification of the species present in the field. Presently, morphological identification of planthoppers requires taxonomic expertise and there are no taxonomic keys for females and nymphs. Nevertheless, no molecular protocols are available for accurate species identification of most frequent delphacid species from central Argentina. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of the cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) as a DNA barcode and its digestion with restriction enzymes (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, RFLP) for the identification of the most common species of planthoppers in central Argentina. We amplified and sequenced a 843 bp fragment of the COI gene of taxonomically identified specimens and evaluated its use as a DNA barcode. Restriction enzymes were also selected for digesting the COI fragment via RFLP. The high interspecific variability (20.79%; ± 2.32%) and low intraspecific divergence (0.12%; ± 0.17%) observed in the studied species, demonstrate the effectiveness of the COI gene for species identification of major vector delphacids affecting corn crops in Argentina. Moreover, the digestion of this COI gene fragment with Bfa I and Apo I enzymes allows a fast and cost-effective species identification method when numerous specimens need to be processed. Both molecular techniques developed here, allow the accurate identification of planthopper species at regional scale. These new tools would assist traditional identification of these insects, especially for aiding non-experts in morphological taxonomy.
THEMISTOCLES' TWO AFTERLIVES
Authors: McKechnie Paul
Published: September 2015

‘All political lives…end in failure’, as Enoch Powell said; and Themistocles son of Neocles died twice. His first life ended with his ostracism in the late 470 s, after which he was dead to an Athens enthralled by Cimon; but he would not lie down. This article considers his two afterlives: one which ended about 459 in Magnesia on the Maeander, and the other which commenced in the fifth century but continues to resonate today. The examination, however, will be in reverse order, considering first the Themistocles who at Athens was written into what Tim Whitmarsh would call ‘the archive’, then drawing inferences from that literary afterlife to comment on Athenian politics in Themistocles’ years of ostracism, then exile.
A low-cost alternative for nasolaryngoscopy simulation training equipment: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Johnston D I , Selimi V , Chang A , Smith M
Published: September 2015

Objectives:

Flexible nasolaryngoscopy is a key diagnostic procedure used in many specialities. Simulation-based teaching is beneficial for endoscopy training, but it is expensive. This study assessed whether an inexpensive simulation model is an effective training method for flexible nasolaryngoscopy.

Methods:

A three-armed, randomised, controlled trial was performed. One group received no simulation training, while two others were trained with either a high-cost or a low-cost model. All candidates then performed flexible nasolaryngoscopy on a volunteer. Their ability to perform this task was assessed by the patient discomfort score and time taken by a blinded expert.

Results:

Simulation-based teaching reduced patient discomfort and improved candidate skill level. Low-cost model training did not have a negative effect when compared with high-cost model training.

Conclusion:

Simulated flexible nasolaryngoscopy training may be more accessible with the use of an effective low-cost model.
X-ray powder reference patterns for magnetoplumbite-like compounds, (BaxSr1−x)Ti6Co6O19(x= 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8)
Authors: Wong-Ng W. , Liu G. , Kaduk J. A.
Published: September 2015

X-ray reference powder patterns and crystal structures have been determined for a series of titanium- and cobalt-containing layered alkaline-earth compounds with nominal formula (BaxSr1−x)Ti6Co6O19(x= 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8). Structural isomorphism of the title compounds with the hexagonal ferrite BaFe12O19and magnetoplumbite (PbFe12O19), was confirmed. The (BaxSr1−x)Ti6Co6O19series crystallize in the space group ofP63/mmc(No. 194) andZ= 2. The lattice parameters range froma= 5.90729(6) Å,c= 23.2378(3) Å, andV= 702.27(2) Å3forx= 0.2 toa= 5.914 93(9),c= 23.3391(5) Å, andV= 707.15(2) Å3withx= 0.8. The structure consists of alternating spinel S-block and R-blocks. The tetrahedral sites within the spinel S-blocks are occupied with only Co2+, while Ti4+is mainly located in the octahedral sites of the spinel S-blocks and in the face-sharing octahedral site of the R-blocks. A bipyramidal mixed Co/Ti site was confirmed in the R-block of the structure. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns of this series of compounds have been submitted to be included in the Powder Diffraction File.
How consistent are associations between stunting and child development? Evidence from a meta-analysis of associations between stunting and multidimensional child development in fifteen low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Miller Ann C , Murray Megan B , Thomson Dana R , Arbour Mary Catherine
Published: September 2015

Objective

Despite documented associations between stunting and cognitive development, few population-level studies have measured both indicators in individual children or assessed stunting’s associations with other developmental domains.

Design

Meta-analysis using publicly available data from fifteen Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS-4) to assess the association between stunting and development, controlling for maternal education, family wealth, books in the home, developmentally supportive parenting and sex of the child, stratified by country prevalence of breast-feeding (‘low BF’<90 %, ‘high BF’ ≥90 %). Ten-item Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) scores assessed physical, learning, literacy/numeracy and socio-emotional developmental domains. Children on track in three or four domains were considered ‘on-track’ overall.

Setting

Fifteen low- and middle-income countries.

Subjects

Publically available data from 58 513 children aged 36–59 months.

Results

Severe stunting (height-for-age Z-score <−3) was negatively associated with on-track development (OR=0·75; 95 % CI 0·67, 0·83). Any stunting (Z-score <−2) was negatively associated with on-track development in countries with high BF prevalence (OR=0·82; 95 % CI 0·75, 0·89). Severe and any stunting were negatively associated with physical development (OR=0·77; 95 % CI 0·66, 0·89 and OR=0·82; 95 % CI 0·74, 0·91, respectively) and literacy/numeracy development in high BF countries (OR=0·45; 95 % CI 0·38, 0·53 and OR=0·59, 95 % CI 0·51, 0·68, respectively), but not low BF countries (OR=0·93; 95 % CI 0·70, 1·23 and OR=0·95, 95 % CI 0·79, 1·12, respectively). Any stunting was negatively associated with learning (OR=0·79; 95 % CI 0·72, 0·88). There was no clear association between stunting and socio-emotional development.

Conclusions

Stunting is associated with many but not all developmental domains across a diversity of countries and cultures. However, associations varied by country breast-feeding prevalence and developmental domain.
Development and initial evaluation of a novel 3D volumetric outlining system
Authors: Bridge Pete , Fielding Andrew , Pullar Andrew , Rowntree Pamela
Published: September 2015

Aim

The novel three-dimensional (3D) radiotherapy interactive outlining tool allows volumes to be created from a handful of points within axial, sagittal and coronal planes. 3D volumetric visualisation allows users to directly manipulate the resulting volume using innovative-sculpting tools. This paper discusses the development and initial evaluation of the software ahead of formal clinical testing.

Materials and methods

User feedback was collated as part of the software development phase to ensure clinical suitability, define user training strategies and identify best practice. A loosely structured format was adopted with leading descriptive questions aiming to generate suggestions for improvements and initiate further discussion.

Results

The four participants reported great satisfaction and value in being able to use all three planes for outlining, although orientation in 3D was evidently a problem. All participants felt that the software was capable of producing acceptable outlines rapidly and that the multi-planar capability allowed for improved outlining of the prostate apex.

Findings

Mesh generation from a small number of points placed on a range of planes is a rapid and effective means of target delineation. Multi-slice volume sculpting and 3D orientation is challenging and may indicate a need for a paradigm shift in anatomy and computed tomography training.
Space: the Final Frontier for Law Firm Libraries
Authors: Speight Dunstan
Published: September 2015

The amount of physical space available is a vital issue for virtually all law libraries. In this article, Dunstan Speight, Library Manager at City law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, presents the issues involved in reducing and retaining library materials, to help library managers present a sound business case for maintaining the collection they need. Dunstan's experience is that of a law firm librarian, but it is hoped that much of what follows will also be relevant to librarians in other sectors.
Branding and Promoting Law Firm Libraries
Authors: Worley Loyita
Published: September 2015

Loyita Worley discusses the need for librarians to promote library services more avidly within their organisations. She argues that providing a high quality information service to clients is not necessarily sufficient and that librarians need to give considerably more effort to promoting and branding their services, in the way that other teams in law firms already do. She looks at why librarians should brand, how they should do this and what they should brand. The perspective of the user is also taken into account and the importance of building trust and confidence with clients is identified as a key feature in the approach to branding and promotion.
Economic feasibility of mobile processing units for small-scale pasture poultry farmers
Authors: Angioloni Simone , Kostandini Genti , Alali Walid Q. , O'Bryan Corliss A.
Published: September 2015

The use of mobile processing units (MPUs) for pasture poultry is growing rapidly. This study compared the economic feasibility of MPUs to two processing alternatives, traditional stationary processing on-farm plants and off-farm processing facilities. Our study combined a survey of pasture poultry farmers in Georgia, Louisiana, and Arkansas with the published research. Our findings suggest that MPUs and traditional on-farm processing alternatives have a lower processing cost, but that they require a higher initial investment than the off-farm option. In addition, off-farm processing at the United States Department of Agriculture-inspected facility allows selling products for a higher price. We therefore expect, on average, a higher per-bird profit than with the other two options. However, the excess processing capacity of the MPU can make this option the most profitable.
Predicting Space Weather on a Satellite Superhighway
Authors: Betz Eric
Published: September 2015

Scientists combined 82 satellite years of data to create a more comprehensive model of how plasma behaves in a region of Earth's magnetosphere with heavy spacecraft traffic.
Holben and Zerefos Receive 2015 Yoram J. Kaufman Unselfish Cooperation in Research Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: September 2015

Brent Holben and Christos Zerefos will receive the 2015 Yoram J. Kaufman Unselfish Cooperation in Research Award at the 2015 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes "broad influence in atmospheric science through exceptional creativity, inspiration of younger scientists, mentoring, international collaborations, and unselfish cooperation in research."
Nuclear envelope-associated endosomes deliver surface proteins to the nucleus
Authors: Chaumet Alexandre , Wright Graham D. , Seet Sze Hwee , Tham Keit Min , Gounko Natalia V. , Bard Frederic
Published: September 2015

Endocytosis directs molecular cargo along three main routes: recycling to the cell surface, transport to the Golgi apparatus or degradation in endolysosomes. Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) is a bacterial protein that typically traffics to the Golgi and then the endoplasmic reticulum before translocating to the cytosol. Here we show that a substantial fraction of internalized PE is also located in nuclear envelope-associated endosomes (NAE), which display limited mobility, exhibit a propensity to undergo fusion and readily discharge their contents into the nuclear envelope. Electron microscopy and protein trapping in the nucleus indicate that NAE mediate PE transfer into the nucleoplasm. RNAi screening further revealed that NAE-mediated transfer depends on the nuclear envelope proteins SUN1 and SUN2, as well as the Sec61 translocon complex. These data reveal a novel endosomal route from the cell surface to the nucleoplasm that facilitates the accumulation of extracellular and cell surface proteins in the nucleus.
Helicity multiplexed broadband metasurface holograms
Authors: Wen Dandan , Yue Fuyong , Li Guixin , Zheng Guoxing , Chan Kinlong , Chen Shumei , Chen Ming , Li King Fai , Wong Polis Wing Han , Cheah Kok Wai , Yue Bun Pun Edwin , Zhang Shuang , Chen Xianzhong
Published: September 2015

Metasurfaces are engineered interfaces that contain a thin layer of plasmonic or dielectric nanostructures capable of manipulating light in a desirable manner. Advances in metasurfaces have led to various practical applications ranging from lensing to holography. Metasurface holograms that can be switched by the polarization state of incident light have been demonstrated for achieving polarization multiplexed functionalities. However, practical application of these devices has been limited by their capability for achieving high efficiency and high image quality. Here we experimentally demonstrate a helicity multiplexed metasurface hologram with high efficiency and good image fidelity over a broad range of frequencies. The metasurface hologram features the combination of two sets of hologram patterns operating with opposite incident helicities. Two symmetrically distributed off-axis images are interchangeable by controlling the helicity of the input light. The demonstrated helicity multiplexed metasurface hologram with its high performance opens avenues for future applications with functionality switchable optical devices.
Adsorption of Uranyl ions on Amine-functionalization of MIL-101(Cr) Nanoparticles by a Facile Coordination-based Post-synthetic strategy and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Studies
Authors: Zhang Jian-Yong , Zhang Na , Zhang Linjuan , Fang Yongzheng , Deng Wei , Yu Ming , Wang Ziqiang , Li Lina , Liu Xiyan , Li Jingye
Published: September 2015

By a facile coordination-based post-synthetic strategy, the high surface area MIL-101(Cr) nanoparticles was functionallized by grafting amine group of ethylenediamine (ED) on coordinatively unsaturated Cr(III) centers, yielding a series of ED-MIL-101(Cr)-based adsorbents and their application for adsorption of U(VI) from aqueous solution were also studied. The obtained ED-functionallized samples with different ED contents were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), FTIR, elemental analysis (EA) and N2 adsorption and desorption isothermal. Compared with the pristine MIL-101(Cr) sorbents, the ED-functionallized MIL-101(Cr) exhibits significantly higher adsorption capacity for U(VI) ions from water with maximum adsorption capacities as high as 200 mg/g (corresponding to 100% extraction rate) at pH of 4.5 with ED/Cr ratio of 0.68 and the sorbed U(VI) ions can easily be desorbed at lower pH (pH ≤ 2.0). The adsorption mode of U(VI) ions and effects of grafted ED on the MIL-101(Cr) frameworks were also been studied by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). We believe that this work establishes a simple and energy efficient route to a novel type of functional materials for U(VI) ions extraction from solution via the post-synthetic modification (PSM) strategy.
Giant moving vortex mass in thick magnetic nanodots
Authors: Guslienko K. Y. , Kakazei G. N. , Ding J. , Liu X. M. , Adeyeye A. O.
Published: September 2015

Magnetic vortex is one of the simplest topologically non-trivial textures in condensed matter physics. It is the ground state of submicron magnetic elements (dots) of different shapes: cylindrical, square etc. So far, the vast majority of the vortex dynamics studies were focused on thin dots with thickness 5–50 nm and only uniform across the thickness vortex excitation modes were observed. Here we explore the fundamental vortex mode in relatively thick (50–100 nm) dots using broadband ferromagnetic resonance and show that dimensionality increase leads to qualitatively new excitation spectra. We demonstrate that the fundamental mode frequency cannot be explained without introducing a giant vortex mass, which is a result of the vortex distortion due to interaction with spin waves. The vortex mass depends on the system geometry and is non-local because of important role of the dipolar interaction. The mass is rather small for thin dots. However, its importance increases drastically with the dot thickness increasing.
Collagen Q and anti-MuSK autoantibody competitively suppress agrin/LRP4/MuSK signaling
Authors: Otsuka Kenji , Ito Mikako , Ohkawara Bisei , Masuda Akio , Kawakami Yu , Sahashi Ko , Nishida Hiroshi , Mabuchi Naoki , Takano Akemi , Engel Andrew G. , Ohno Kinji
Published: September 2015

MuSK antibody-positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG) accounts for 5 to 15% of autoimmune MG. MuSK and LRP4 are coreceptors for agrin in the signaling pathway that causes clustering of acetylcholine receptor (AChR). MuSK also anchors the acetylcholinesterase (AChE)/collagen Q (ColQ) complex to the synaptic basal lamina. We previously reported that anti-MuSK antibodies (MuSK-IgG) block binding of ColQ to MuSK and cause partial endplate AChE deficiency in mice. We here analyzed the physiological significance of binding of ColQ to MuSK and block of this binding by MuSK-IgG. In vitro plate-binding assay showed that MuSK-IgG blocked MuSK-LRP4 interaction in the presence of agrin. Passive transfer of MuSK-IgG to Colq-knockout mice attenuated AChR clustering, indicating that lack of ColQ is not the key event causing defective clustering of AChR in MuSK-MG. In three MuSK-MG patients, the MuSK antibodies recognized the first and fourth immunoglobulin-like domains (Ig1 and Ig4) of MuSK. In two other MuSK-MG patients, they recognized only the Ig4 domain. LRP4 and ColQ also bound to the Ig1 and Ig4 domains of MuSK. Unexpectedly, the AChE/ColQ complex blocked MuSK-LRP4 interaction and suppressed agrin/LRP4/MuSK signaling. Quantitative analysis showed that MuSK-IgG suppressed agrin/LRP4/MuSK signaling to a greater extent than ColQ.
Transfer of regulatory T cells into abortion-prone mice promotes the expansion of uterine mast cells and normalizes early pregnancy angiogenesis
Authors: Woidacki Katja , Meyer Nicole , Schumacher Anne , Goldschmidt Alexandra , Maurer Marcus , Zenclussen Ana Claudia
Published: September 2015

Implantation of the fertilized egg depends on the coordinated interplay of cells and molecules that prepare the uterus for this important event. In particular, regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key regulators as their ablation hinders implantation by rendering the uterus hostile for the embryo. In addition, the adoptive transfer of Tregs can avoid early abortion in mouse models. However, it is still not defined which mechanisms underlie Treg function during this early period. Cells of the innate immune system have been reported to support implantation, in part by promoting angiogenesis. In particular, uterine mast cells (uMCs) emerge as novel players at the fetal-maternal interface. Here, we studied whether the positive action of Tregs is based on the expansion of uMCs and the promotion of angiogenesis. We observed that abortion-prone mice have insufficient numbers of uMCs that could be corrected by the adoptive transfer of Tregs. This in turn positively influenced the remodeling of spiral arteries and placenta development as well as the levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1). Our data suggest an interplay between Tregs and uMCs that is relevant for the changes required at the feto-maternal interface for the normal development of pregnancy.
From the Au nano-clusters to the nanoparticles on 4H-SiC (0001)
Authors: Li Ming-Yu , Zhang Quanzhen , Pandey Puran , Sui Mao , Kim Eun-Soo , Lee Jihoon
Published: September 2015

The control over the configuration, size and density of Au nanoparticles (NPs) has offered a promising route to control the spatial confinement of electrons and photons, as a result, Au NPs with a various configuration, size and density are witnessed in numerous applications. In this work, we investigate the evolution of self-assembled Au nanostructures on 4H-SiC (0001) by the systematic variation of annealing temperature (AT) with several deposition amount (DA). With the relatively high DAs (10 and 15 nm), depending on the AT variation, the surface morphology drastically evolve in two distinctive phases, i.e. (I) irregular nano-mounds and (II) hexagonal nano-crystals.. The thermal energy activates adatoms to aggregate resulting in the formation of self-assembled irregular Au nano-mounds based on diffusion limited agglomeration at comparatively low annealing temperature, which is also accompanied with the formations of hillocks and granules due to the dewetting of Au films and surface reordering. At high temperature, hexagonal Au nano-crystals form with facets along {111} and {100} likely due to anisotropic distribution of surface energy induced by the increased volume of NPs. With the small DA (3 nm), only dome shaped Au NPs are fabricated along with the variation of AT from low to elevated temperature.
An improved tensile deformation model for in-situ dendrite/metallic glass matrix composites
Authors: Sun X. H. , Qiao J. W. , Jiao Z. M. , Wang Z. H. , Yang H. J. , Xu B. S.
Published: September 2015

With regard to previous tensile deformation models simulating the tensile behavior of in-situ dendrite-reinforced metallic glass matrix composites (MGMCs) [Qiao et al., Acta Mater. 59 (2011) 4126; Sci. Rep. 3 (2013) 2816], some parameters, such as yielding strength of the dendrites and glass matrix and the strain-hardening exponent of the dendrites, are estimated based on literatures. Here, Ti48Zr18V12Cu5Be17 MGMCs are investigated in order to improve the tensile deformation model and reveal the tensile deformation mechanisms. The tensile behavior of dendrites is obtained experimentally combining nano-indentation measurements and finite-element-method analysis for the first time and those of the glass matrix and composites are obtained by tension. Besides, the tensile behavior of the MGMCs is divided into four stages: (1) elastic-elastic, (2) elastic-plastic, (3) plastic-plastic (work-hardening) and (4) plastic-plastic (softening). The respective constitutive relationships at different deformation stages are quantified. The calculated results coincide well with the experimental results. Thus, the improved model can be applied to clarify and predict the tensile behavior of the MGMCs.
Photoinduced Charge Transport in a BHJ Solar Cell Controlled by an External Electric Field
Authors: Li Yongqing , Feng Yanting , Sun Mengtao
Published: September 2015

This study investigated theoretical photoinduced charge transport in a bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cell controlled by an external electric field. Our method for visualizing charge difference density identified the excited state properties of photoinduced charge transfer and the charge transfer excited states were distinguished from local excited states during electronic transitions. Furthermore, the calculated rates for the charge transfer revealed that the charge transfer was strongly influenced by the external electric field. The external electric field accelerated the rate of charge transfer by up to one order when charge recombination was significantly restrained. Our research demonstrated that photoinduced charge transport controlled by an external electric field in a BHJ solar cell is efficient and the exciton dissociation is not the limiting factor in organic solar cells.Our research should aid in the rational design of a novel conjugated system of organic solar cells.
Determination of microcystin-LR in surface water by a magnetic bead-based colorimetric immunoassay using antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles
Authors: Neumann A.-C. , Wang X. , Niessner R. , Knopp D.
Published: September 2015

Herein we describe the development of a homogeneous competitive colorimetric immunoassay using antigen-functionalized magnetic beads (MBs) and antibody-immobilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) combined with the established gold staining method for the determination of microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) in surface water.
An aqueous one-pot route to gold/quantum rod heterostructured nanoparticles functionalized with DNA
Authors: Hamon C. , Martini C. , Even-Hernandez P. , Boichard B. , Voisin H. , Largeau L. , Gosse C. , Coradin T. , Aimé C. , Marchi V.
Published: September 2015

We report an original approach exploiting the photoelectrochemical properties of quantum rods and the versatility of Au(I) organometallic chemistry to control DNA surface grafting.
Total synthesis of (−)-depyranoversicolamide B
Authors: Qin Wen-Fang , Xiao T. , Zhang D. , Deng Lin-Feng , Wang Y. , Qin Y.
Published: September 2015

Asymmetric total synthesis of (−)-depyranoversicolamide B (12) is described from easily prepared chiral pyrroloindoline 21. Key steps in the synthesis are reductive ring opening of the pyrrolo ring in 21 and stereoselective intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction of 18.
Ru(ii)-catalyzed amidation reactions of 8-methylquinolines with azides via C(sp3)–H activation
Authors: Liu Bingxian , Li Bin , Wang Baiquan
Published: September 2015

Ru(ii)-catalyzed amidation reactions of 8-methylquinolines with azides have been developed through C(sp3)–H bond activation to give quinolin-8-ylmethanamines in good yields.
Controlling the physics and chemistry of binary and ternary praseodymium and cerium oxide systems
Authors: Niu Gang , Zoellner Marvin Hartwig , Schroeder Thomas , Schaefer Andreas , Jhang Jin-Hao , Zielasek Volkmar , Bäumer Marcus , Wilkens Henrik , Wollschläger Joachim , Olbrich Reinhard , Lammers Christian , Reichling Michael
Published: September 2015

Binary and ternary PrOxand CeOxfilms grown on Si(111) are most versatile systems available in a variety of stoichiometries and surface structures.
Sea cucumber cerebrosides and long-chain bases from Acaudina molpadioides protect against high fat diet-induced metabolic disorders in mice
Authors: Liu Xiaofang , Xu Jie , Xue Yong , Gao Zhuang , Li Zhaojie , Leng Kailiang , Wang Jingfeng , Xue Changhu , Wang Yuming
Published: September 2015

Sea cucumber cerebrosides and long-chain bases fromAcaudina molpadioidesefficiently protected against high fat diet-induced metabolic disorders in mice.
Cajeput tree bark derived activated carbon for the practical electrochemical detection of vanillin
Authors: Veeramani Vediyappan , Madhu Rajesh , Chen Shen-Ming , Veerakumar Pitchaimani , Syu Jhe-Jhen , Liu Shang-Bin
Published: September 2015

A facile synthetic strategy for the fabrication of Cajeput tree bark derived functional porous carbon and its applications as a vanillin sensor is reported.
Improvement of polypyrrole nanowire devices by plasmonic space charge generation: high photocurrent and wide spectral response by Ag nanoparticle decoration
Authors: Lee S.-H. , Bae J. , Lee S. W. , Jang J.-W.
Published: September 2015

Photocurrent enhancement of p-type semiconducting polymer nanowires using metal nanoparticles is obtained by plasmonic space charge generation.
MoO2–CoO coupled with a macroporous carbon hybrid electrocatalyst for highly efficient oxygen evolution
Authors: Li B. B. , Liang Y. Q. , Yang X. J. , Cui Z. D. , Qiao S. Z. , Zhu S. L. , Li Z. Y. , Yin K.
Published: September 2015

Cost-effective electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction are attractive for energy conversion processes.
Synthesis and structural characterization of monomeric and dimeric peptide nucleic acids prepared by using microwave-promoted multicomponent reactions
Authors: Ovadia Reuben , Lebrun Aurélien , Barvik Ivan , Vasseur Jean-Jacques , Baraguey Carine , Alvarez Karine
Published: September 2015

A solution phase synthesis of peptide nucleic acid monomers and dimers was developed by using microwave-promoted Ugi multicomponent reactions.
The Dynamics, energetics and selectivity of water chain-containing aquapores created by the self-assembly of aquafoldamer molecules
Authors: Ma Wenliang , Wang Chunquan , Li Juntong , Zhang Kun , Lu Yu-Jing , Huo Yanping , Zeng Huaqiang
Published: September 2015

Self-assembled hollow tubular aquapores were found to be stable, very dynamic yet highly selective toward recognition of water molecules.
Solution-processed small molecules based on benzodithiophene and difluorobenzothiadiazole for inverted organic solar cells
Authors: Liao Xunfan , Wu Feiyan , Zhang Lifu , Chen Lie , Chen Yiwang
Published: September 2015

Fluorinated BDT(TffBTTT6)2 and nonfluorinated BDT(TBTTT6)2 are designed and synthesized to extensively investigate the effect of fluorination in small molecules.
Melt recrystallization behavior of carbon-coated melt-drawn oriented isotactic polypropylene thin films
Authors: Ma Le , Zhang Jie , Memon Mushtaque A. , Sun Xiaoli , Li Huihui , Yan Shouke
Published: September 2015

The melt recrystallization of vacuum carbon evaporated melt-drawn iPP thin films at varying melting temperature, melting time and recrystallization temperature was studied by means of transmission electron microscopy combined with electron diffraction.
Toward a tunable synthetic [FeFe] hydrogenase mimic: single-chain nanoparticles functionalized with a single diiron cluster
Authors: Tooley C. A. , Pazicni S. , Berda E. B.
Published: September 2015

We report two novel “clickable” [(μ-S2C2H4NR)Fe2(CO)6] complexes and their incorporation into single-chain nanoparticles.
Effects of rigid cores and flexible tails on the phase behaviors of polynorbornene-based mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymers
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Yu , Wang Qian , Hou Ping-Ping , Shen Zhihao , Fan Xing-He
Published: September 2015

MJLCPs with a polynorbornene main chain and different side groups have been precisely synthesized for investigating the effect of side-chain structures on the liquid crystalline phase behaviors.
Direct copolycondensation of biobased elastomers based on lactic acid with tunable and versatile properties
Authors: Hu Xiaoran , Kang Hailan , Li Yan , Li Manqiang , Wang Runguo , Xu Riwei , Qiao He , Zhang Liqun
Published: September 2015

Tunable and versatile biobased copolyesters with excellent performances in nanocomposites, polylactide tougheners and shape memory were synthesized and characterized.
A novel potentiometric self-plasticizing polypyrrole sensor based on a bidentate bis-NHC ligand for determination of Hg(ii) cation
Authors: Said Nur Rahimah , Rezayi Majid , Narimani Leila , Abdul Manan Ninie Suhana , Alias Yatimah
Published: September 2015

In this approach, a new potentiometric self-plasticizing polypyrrole sensor was constructed based on a bidentate bis-NHC ligand for the purpose of Hg2+cation determination.
Pressure effects on thermal decomposition reactions: a thermo-kinetic investigation
Authors: Vargeese Anuj A.
Published: September 2015

Simultaneous effect of a CuO nanocatalyst and pressure on the decomposition kinetics of ammonium perchlorate is analysed through high pressure decomposition studies.
Microbial transformation of diosgenin by Cunninghamella blakesleana AS 3.970 and potential inhibitory effects on P-glycoprotein of its metabolites
Authors: Xu Min , Huo Xiao-Kui , Tian Xiang-Ge , Dong Pei-Pei , Wang Chao , Huang Shan-Shan , Zhang Bao-Jing , Zhang Hou-Li , Deng Sa , Ma Xiao-Chi
Published: September 2015

Microbial transformation of diosgenin ((25R)-spirost-5-en-3β-ol) using Cunninghamella blakesleana AS 3.970, afforded eleven polyhydroxylated derivatives. Compounds 4 and 6 could increase the accumulation of adriamycin in MCF-7/ADR cells.
Palladium catalyzed C(sp2)–C(sp2) bond formation. A highly regio- and chemoselective oxidative Heck C-3 alkenylation of pyrones and pyridones
Authors: Lah Hafiz Ul , Rasool Faheem , Yousuf Syed Khalid
Published: September 2015

Palladium catalysed ligand free highly regio- and chemoselective dehydrogenative C-3 alkenylation of pyrones and unprotected pyridones from unactivated alkenes is reported. Simple reaction conditions and broad substrate scope make the process useful.
Lipase-catalyzed regioselective domino reaction for the synthesis of chromenone derivatives
Authors: Yang Qi , Zhou Long-Hua , Wu Wan-Xia , Zhang Wei , Wang Na , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: September 2015

2H-Chromenones and 2-hydroxyl-2H-chromenones were synthesized under BPL- and PFL-catalyzed domino reactions from the same substrates respectively.
Printed In-Ga-Zn-O drop-based thin-film transistors sintered using intensely pulsed white light
Authors: Lee Wi Hyoung , Lee Seong Jun , Lim Jung Ah , Cho Jeong Ho
Published: September 2015

We developed printed IGZO TFTs by delivering droplets of a precursor solution using a picoliter fluidic dispensing system.
Studies on rhodamine B dye transport through a supported liquid membrane from basic aqueous solutions using phenol as a membrane phase
Authors: Elumalai S. , Muthuraman G.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this work is to investigate the transport of rhodamine B across a supported liquid membrane under various experimental conditions.
Graphitic carbon nanocage modified electrode for highly sensitive and selective detection of dopamine
Authors: Huang Yi Hong , Chen Jian Hua , Sun Xue , Su Zhen Bo , Hu Shi Rong , Weng Wen , Huang Yang , Wu Wen Bing , San He Ya
Published: September 2015

Schematic illustration of the preparation procedure of the CNCs and the electrochemical effect of the CNCs/Nafion/GCE for DA.
Robust poly(lactic acid) membranes improved by polysulfone-g-poly(lactic acid) copolymers for hemodialysis
Authors: Yu Xuemin , Liu Fu , Wang Linghui , Xiong Zhu , Wang Yunze
Published: September 2015

A novel brush-like copolymer was synthesized to toughen and modify PLA membrane. Modified PLA membrane showed improved mechanical, thermal and filtration performances.
A sensitivity-enhanced heterologous immunochromatographic assay based on a monoclonal antibody for the rapid detection of histamine in saury samples
Authors: Luo Lin , Yang Jin-Yi , Xiao Zhi-Li , Zeng Dao-Ping , Li Yong-Jun , Shen Yu-Dong , Sun Yuan-Ming , Lei Hong-Tao , Wang Hong , Xu Zhen-Lin
Published: September 2015

An immunochromatograhic strip for rapid detection of histamine based on a sensitive monoclonal antibody againstp-nitrobenzoylated histamine was firstly reported.
Temperature-dependent densification of sodium borosilicate glass
Authors: Østergaard Martin B. , Youngman Randall E. , Svenson Mouritz N. , Rzoska Sylwester J. , Bockowski Michal , Jensen Lars R. , Smedskjaer Morten M.
Published: September 2015

We provide a comprehensive understanding of the temperature-dependent changes in the network topology, structure, and properties of densified borosilicate glass.
Novel synthesis and cytotoxic activity of 1,4-disubstituted 3-methylidene-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-ones
Authors: Pięta Marlena , Kędzia Jacek , Janecka Anna , Pomorska Dorota K. , Różalski Marek , Krajewska Urszula , Janecki Tomasz
Published: September 2015

1,4-Disubstituted 3-methylidene-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-ones were efficiently synthesized using a Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons approach and their cytotoxic activity was evaluated.
Precoded generalised frequency division multiplexing system to combat inter‐carrier interference: performance analysis
Authors: Tiwari Shashank , Sekhar Das Suvra , Bandyopadhyay Kalyan Kumar
Published: September 2015

The expected operating scenarios of fifth‐generation (5G) pose a great challenge to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing which has poor out of band spectral properties, stringent synchronisation requirements and large symbol duration. Generalised frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) which is the focus of this work has been suggested in the literature as one of the possible solutions to meet 5G requirements. In this study, the analytical performance evaluation of minimum mean square error (MMSE) receiver for GFDM is presented. The authors also proposed precoding techniques to enhance the performance of GFDM. A simplified expression of signal‐to‐interference and noise ratio (SINR) for MMSE receiver of GFDM is derived using special properties related to the modulation matrix of GFDM, which are described in this study. This SINR is used to evaluate the bit error rate performance. Precoding schemes are proposed to reduce complexity of GFDM–MMSE receiver without compromising on the performance. Block inverse discrete Fourier transform (BIDFT) and discrete Fourier transform (DFT)‐based precoding schemes are found to outperform GFDM–MMSE receiver due to frequency diversity gain while having complexity similar to zero‐forcing receiver of GFDM. It is shown that both BIDFT‐ and DFT‐based precoding schemes reduce peak‐to‐average power ratio significantly. Computational complexities of different transmitters and receivers of precoded and uncoded GFDM are also presented.
Approach for determining the optimum pilot placement in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems
Authors: Engiz Begüm Korunur , Kurnaz Çetin , Sezgin Hatice
Published: September 2015

One of the major concerns in wireless communications is multipath fading that causes some adverse effects and significantly limits the performance of a system. To overcome these effects in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, system channel estimation must be performed. Pilot arrangement is very crucial in pilot aided channel estimation. There is an inevitable trade‐off between the number of pilot symbols used in channel estimation, the accuracy of such estimation, and spectral efficiency. In this study, the analytical formulation of the channel estimation mean squared error based on a channel's sampled power density is presented. A novel mathematical rule for the optimum pilot symbol interval and a novel adaptive pilot placement are proposed to improve channel estimation quality and bandwidth efficiency. The optimum pilot symbol intervals which are related to channels’ coherence times and coherence bandwidths can be calculated easily with the use of the proposed method. As the proposed method effectively reduces the number of searches for the optimum pilot symbol interval, it gives rise to simply constructing adaptive pilot placement in real‐time systems. Compared with fixed pilot placement, the proposed adaptive placement shows obvious improvement up to 6% in bandwidth efficiency while maintaining the bit error rate performance.
Iterative channel estimation method for long‐term evolution downlink transmission
Authors: Liu Yu‐Sun , You Shingchern D. , Liu Yu‐Ming
Published: September 2015

Long‐term evolution (LTE) standard employs orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) for downlink (DL) data transmission. As pilot subcarriers are non‐uniformly and sparsely spaced in the OFDM DL transmission, more complicated channel estimation methods may have to be adopted in the mobile devices to ensure adequate performance. An iterative approach is proposed for the channel estimation task, in which an inverse fast Fourier transform and fast Fourier transform pair is iteratively used to smooth channel estimates provided by decision feedback. The performance of this approach is compared with two two‐dimensional interpolation methods and one discrete Fourier transform‐based estimation method that have been proposed for the LTE DL transmission. Simulation results show that the performance of the proposed method surpasses all the other methods except at high signal‐to‐noise ratio, and moreover, not a single estimation method consistently performs better than the proposed method for all the channel models considered. Thus, the proposed method is the best among the considered methods for LTE DL transmission.