bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
α-amino trimethylation of CENP-A by NRMT is required for full recruitment of the centromere
Authors: Sathyan Kizhakke M. , Fachinetti Daniele , Foltz Daniel R.
Published: March 2017

Centromeres are unique chromosomal domains that control chromosome segregation, and are epigenetically specified by the presence of the CENP-A containing nucleosomes. CENP-A governs centromere function by recruiting the constitutive centromere associated network (CCAN) complex. The features of the CENP-A nucleosome necessary to distinguish centromeric chromatin from general chromatin are not completely understood. Here we show that CENP-A undergoes α-amino trimethylation by the enzyme NRMT in vivo. We show that α-amino trimethylation of the CENP-A tail contributes to cell survival. Loss of α-amino trimethylation causes a reduction in the CENP-T and CENP-I CCAN components at the centromere and leads to lagging chromosomes and spindle pole defects. The function of p53 alters the response of cells to defects associated with decreased CENP-A methylation. Altogether we show an important functional role for α-amino trimethylation of the CENP-A nucleosome in maintaining centromere function and faithful chromosomes segregation.
Gas-like adhesion of two-dimensional materials onto solid surfaces
Authors: Guo Zhengrong , Chang Tienchong , Guo Xingming , Gao Huajian
Published: March 2017

The adhesion of two-dimensional (2D) materials onto other surfaces is usually considered a solid-solid mechanical contact. Here, we conduct both atomistic simulations and theoretical modeling to show that there in fact exists an energy conversion between heat and mechanical work in the attachment/detachment of two-dimensional materials on/off solid surfaces, indicating two-dimensional materials adhesion is a gas-like adsorption rather than a pure solid-solid mechanical adhesion. We reveal that the underlying mechanism of this intriguing gas-like adhesion is the configurational entropy difference between the freestanding and adhered states of the two-dimensional materials. Both the theoretical modeling and atomistic simulations predict that the adhesion induced entropy difference increases with increasing adhesion energy and decreasing equilibrium binding distance. Our findings provide a fundamental understanding of the adhesion of two-dimensional materials, which is important for designing two-dimensional materials based devices and may have general implications for nanoscale efficient actuators.
The impact of the introduction of new recognition criteria for overwork-related cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: a cross-country comparison
Authors: Lin Ro-Ting , Lin Cheng-Kuan , Christiani David C. , Kawachi Ichiro , Cheng Yawen , Verguet Stéphane , Jong Simcha
Published: March 2017

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) related to overwork are common in Asia, as is death from overwork, known as karoshi. Japan was the first country in the world to introduce criteria for recognizing overwork-related CVDs in 1961. Taiwan followed Japan in putting in place new policies and then updating these in 2010. We aimed to investigate the effect of introducing the new criteria for recognizing overwork-related CVDs in both countries. We defined the baseline period as the 5 years before launch of the new criteria, then collected data to 5 years after the new criteria. We applied a Poisson regression model to analyze the longitudinal change in rates of overwork-related CVDs before and after, adjusting for indicators of working conditions. Implementation of the new criteria was associated with a 2.58-fold increase in the rate of overwork-related CVDs (p-value < 0.05). However, the examined policy framework in Taiwan still appears to miss a substantial number of cases compared to that are captured by a similar policy framework used to capture overwork-related CVD rates in Japan by a factor of 0.42 (p-value < 0.05). Accordingly, we make a case for enhancements of Taiwan’s system for reporting and recognizing overwork-related diseases and deaths.
NaAlTi3O8, A Novel Anode Material for Sodium Ion Battery
Authors: Ma Xuetian , An Ke , Bai Jianming , Chen Hailong
Published: March 2017

Sodium ion batteries are being considered as an alternative to lithium ion batteries in large-scale energy storage applications owing to the low cost. A novel titanate compound, NaAlTi3O8, was successfully synthesized and tested as a promising anode material for sodium ion batteries. Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and refinement were used to analyze the crystal structure. Electrochemical cycling tests under a C/10 rate between 0.01 - 2.5 V showed that ~83 mAh/g capacity could be achieved in the second cycle, with ~75% of which retained after 100 cycles, which corresponds to 0.75 Na+ insertion and extraction. The influence of synthesis conditions on electrochemical performances was investigated and discussed. NaAlTi3O8 not only presents a new anode material with low average voltage of ~0.5 V, but also provides a new type of intercalation anode with a crystal structure that differentiates from the anodes that have been reported.
Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI for evaluation of liver function: Comparison between signal-intensity-based indices and T1 relaxometry
Authors: Haimerl Michael , Verloh Niklas , Zeman Florian , Fellner Claudia , Nickel Dominik , Lang Sven A. , Teufel Andreas , Stroszczynski Christian , Wiggermann Philipp
Published: March 2017

Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) is a paramagnetic hepatobiliary magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent. Due to its OATP1B1/B3-dependent hepatocyte-specific uptake and paramagnetic properties increasing evidence has emerged to suggest that Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI can be potentially used for evaluation of liver function. In this paper we compare the diagnostic performance of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced relaxometry-based and commonly used signal-intensity (SI)-based indices, including the hepatocellular uptake index (HUI) and SI-based indices corrected by spleen or muscle, for evaluation of liver function, determined using the Indocyanin green clearance (ICG) test. Simple linear regression model showed a significant correlation of the plasma disappearance rate of ICG (ICG-PDR) with all Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI-based liver function indices with a significantly better correlation of relaxometry-based indices on ICG-PDR compared to SI-based indices. Among SI-based indices, HUI achieved best correlation on ICG-PDR and no significant difference of respective correlations on ICG-PDR could be shown. Assessment of liver volume and consecutive evaluation of multiple linear regression model revealed a stronger correlation of ICG-PDR with both (SI)-based and T1 relaxometry-based indices. Thus, liver function can be estimated quantitatively from Gd-EOB-DTPA–enhanced MRI-based indices. Here, indices derived from T1 relaxometry are superior to SI-based indices, and all indices benefit from taking into account respective liver volumes.
Amplitude concentration in a phase-modulated spectrum due to femtosecond filamentation
Authors: Thompson J. V. , Zhokhov P. A. , Springer M. M. , Traverso A. J. , Yakovlev V. V. , Zheltikov A. M. , Sokolov A. V. , Scully M. O.
Published: March 2017

We present a method by which the spectral intensity of an ultrafast laser pulse can be accumulated at selected frequencies by a controllable amount. Using a 4-f pulse shaper we modulate the phase of the frequency components of a femtosecond laser. By inducing femtosecond filamentation with the modulated pulse, we can concentrate the spectral amplitude of the pulse at various frequencies. The phase mask applied by the pulse shaper determines the frequencies for which accumulation occurs, as well as the intensity of the spectral concentration. This technique provides a way to obtain pulses with adjustable amplitude using only phase modulation and the nonlinear response of a medium. This provides a means whereby information which is encoded into spectral phase jumps may be decoded into measurable spectral intensity spikes.
A potential large and persistent black carbon forcing over Northern Pacific inferred from satellite observations
Authors: Li Zhongshu , Liu Junfeng , Mauzerall Denise L. , Li Xiaoyuan , Fan Songmiao , Horowitz Larry W. , He Cenlin , Yi Kan , Tao Shu
Published: March 2017

Black carbon (BC) aerosol strongly absorbs solar radiation, which warms climate. However, accurate estimation of BC’s climate effect is limited by the uncertainties of its spatiotemporal distribution, especially over remote oceanic areas. The HIAPER Pole-to-Pole Observation (HIPPO) program from 2009 to 2011 intercepted multiple snapshots of BC profiles over Pacific in various seasons, and revealed a 2 to 5 times overestimate of BC by current global models. In this study, we compared the measurements from aircraft campaigns and satellites, and found a robust association between BC concentrations and satellite-retrieved CO, tropospheric NO2, and aerosol optical depth (AOD) (R2 > 0.8). This establishes a basis to construct a satellite-based column BC approximation (sBC*) over remote oceans. The inferred sBC* shows that Asian outflows in spring bring much more BC aerosols to the mid-Pacific than those occurring in other seasons. In addition, inter-annual variability of sBC* is seen over the Northern Pacific, with abundances varying consistently with the springtime Pacific/North American (PNA) index. Our sBC* dataset infers a widespread overestimation of BC loadings and BC Direct Radiative Forcing by current models over North Pacific, which further suggests that large uncertainties exist on aerosol-climate interactions over other remote oceanic areas beyond Pacific.
Pupillary responses to short-wavelength light are preserved in aging
Authors: Rukmini A. V. , Milea Dan , Aung Tin , Gooley Joshua J.
Published: March 2017

With aging, less blue light reaches the retina due to gradual yellowing of the lens. This could result in reduced activation of blue light-sensitive melanopsin-containing retinal ganglion cells, which mediate non-visual light responses (e.g., the pupillary light reflex, melatonin suppression, and circadian resetting). Herein, we tested the hypothesis that older individuals show greater impairment of pupillary responses to blue light relative to red light. Dose-response curves for pupillary constriction to 469-nm blue light and 631-nm red light were compared between young normal adults aged 21–30 years (n = 60) and older adults aged ≥50 years (normal, n = 54; mild cataract, n = 107; severe cataract, n = 18). Irrespective of wavelength, pupillary responses were reduced in older individuals and further attenuated by severe, but not mild, cataract. The reduction in pupillary responses was comparable in response to blue light and red light, suggesting that lens yellowing did not selectively reduce melanopsin-dependent light responses. Compensatory mechanisms likely occur in aging that ensure relative constancy of pupillary responses to blue light despite changes in lens transmission.
Bumblebees can discriminate between scent-marks deposited by conspecifics
Authors: Pearce Richard F. , Giuggioli Luca , Rands Sean A.
Published: March 2017

Bumblebees secrete a substance from their tarsi wherever they land, which can be detected by conspecifics. These secretions are referred to as scent-marks, which bumblebees are able to use as social cues. Although it has been found that bumblebees can detect and associate scent-marks with rewarding or unrewarding flowers, their ability at discriminating between scent-marks from bumblebees of differing relatedness is unknown. We performed three separate experiments with bumblebees (Bombus terrestris), where they were repeatedly exposed to rewarding and unrewarding artificial flowers simultaneously. Each flower type carried scent-marks from conspecifics of differing relatedness or were unmarked. We found that bumblebees are able to distinguish between 1. Unmarked flowers and flowers that they themselves had scent-marked, 2. Flowers scent-marked by themselves and flowers scent-marked by others in their nest (nestmates), and 3. Flowers scent-marked by their nestmates and flowers scent-marked by non-nestmates. The bumblebees found it more difficult to discriminate between each of the flower types when both flower types were scent-marked. Our findings show that bumblebees have the ability to discriminate between scent-marks of conspecifics, which are potentially very similar in their chemical composition, and they can use this ability to improve their foraging success.
Incomplete removal of Wolbachia with tetracycline has two-edged reproductive effects in the thelytokous wasp Encarsia formosa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)
Authors: Wang Xiao-Xiang , Qi Lan-Da , Jiang Rui , Du Yu-Zhou , Li Yuan-Xi
Published: March 2017

Wolbachia pipientis are intracellular endosymbionts that induce parthenogenesis in the parasitoid Encarsia formosa. Previous studies that focused on effects of Wolbachia on the wasp usually used tetracycline to remove Wolbachia without concern for the joint influences of tetracycline and Wolbachia. Here we treated the wasps (F0 lines) with tetracycline to produce offspring (F1 lines) which were not fed tetracycline to avoid antibiotic influence. The quantitative data and fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that Wolbachia titers were reduced but not totally removed. The Wolbachia that infected the male offspring were unpredictably detected. Low dose tetracycline enhanced the fertility of 2-day-old F0 wasps after 24 h of treatment; however, compared with controls, the oocyte load of 3- to 6-day-old tetracycline-treated wasps decreased day by day, and tetracycline reduced the longevity of the wasps. The fecundity of controls was significantly higher than that of the treated F1-10 and F1-20 generations. Gene expression of vitellogenin reflected the same trend as that of wasp fecundities in both F0 and F1 lines. Moreover, female offspring proportions of F0 and F1 lines were related to the titer of infected Wolbachia, demonstrating that Wolbachia titer affected the sex determination of E. formosa.
Bioinformatics analysis of the proteins interacting with LASP-1 and their association with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kong Fan-Yun , Zhu Ting , Li Nan , Cai Yun-Fei , Zhou Kai , Wei Xiao , Kou Yan-Bo , You Hong-Juan , Zheng Kui-Yang , Tang Ren-Xian
Published: March 2017

LIM and SH3 domain protein (LASP-1) is responsible for the development of several types of human cancers via the interaction with other proteins; however, the precise biological functions of proteins interacting with LASP-1 are not fully clarified. Although the role of LASP-1 in hepatocarcinogenesis has been reported, the implication of LASP-1 interactors in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not clearly evaluated. We obtained information regarding LASP-1 interactors from public databases and published studies. Via bioinformatics analysis, we found that LASP-1 interactors were related to distinct molecular functions and associated with various biological processes. Through an integrated network analysis of the interaction and pathways of LASP-1 interactors, cross-talk between different proteins and associated pathways was found. In addition, LASP-1 and several its interactors are significantly altered in HBV-related HCC through microarray analysis and could form a complex co-expression network. In the disease, LASP-1 and its interactors were further predicted to be regulated by a complex interaction network composed of different transcription factors. Besides, numerous LASP-1 interactors were associated with various clinical factors and related to the survival and recurrence of HBV-related HCC. Taken together, these results could help enrich our understanding of LASP-1 interactors and their relationships with HBV-related HCC.
In vivo microsampling to capture the elusive exposome
Authors: Bessonneau Vincent , Ings Jennifer , McMaster Mark , Smith Richard , Bragg Leslie , Servos Mark , Pawliszyn Janusz
Published: March 2017

Loss and/or degradation of small molecules during sampling, sample transportation and storage can adversely impact biological interpretation of metabolomics data. In this study, we performed in vivo sampling using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) in combination with non-targeted liquid chromatography and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to capture the fish tissue exposome using molecular networking analysis, and the results were contrasted with molecular differences obtained with ex vivo SPME sampling. Based on 494 MS/MS spectra comparisons, we demonstrated that in vivo SPME sampling provided better extraction and stabilization of highly reactive molecules, such as 1-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1-palmitoleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine, from fish tissue samples. This sampling approach, that minimizes sample handling and preparation, offers the opportunity to perform longitudinal monitoring of the exposome in biological systems and improve the reliability of exposure-measurement in exposome-wide association studies.
Treatment of rabbit growth plate injuries with oriented ECM scaffold and autologous BMSCs
Authors: Li Wenchao , Xu Ruijiang , Huang Jiangxiang , Bao Xing , Zhao Bin
Published: March 2017

Tissue-engineered technology has provided a promising method for the repair of growth plate injuries using biocompatible and biodegradable scaffolds and appropriate cells. The aim of this study was to fabricate oriented ECM scaffolds to imitate the material and structure of a natural growth plate and to investigate whether BMSCs in a scaffold could prevent the formation of bone bridges in an injured growth plate. We developed a natural, acellular and oriented scaffold derived from a growth plate. The oriented scaffold was fabricated using new freeze-drying technology and by cross-linking the microfilaments in the growth plate. From histological examination, the scaffold contained most of the ECM components including GAG and collagen II without cell DNA fragments, and SEM revealed that oriented scaffold had a uniform aperture in the transverse plane and columnar structure in length plane. Cytotoxicity testing with MTT showed no cytotoxic effect of the scaffold extracts on BMSCs. Autogenous BMSCs in oriented scaffolds promoted the regeneration of neogenetic growth plate when repairing an injured growth plate and prevent the formation of bone bridges to reduce the angular deformity and length discrepancy in the proximal tibia in rabbits. The well-characterized ECM-derived oriented growth plate scaffold shows potential for the repair of injured growth plates in young rabbits.
Alkaline-earth metal (Mg) polynitrides at high pressure as possible high-energy materials
Authors: Wei Shuli , Li Da , Liu Zhao , Li Xin , Tian Fubo , Duan Defang , Liu Bingbing , Cui Tian
Published: March 2017

The P1̄-MgN3 and P1̄-MgN4 are predicted to become energetically stable under pressure, suggesting that it may be prepared by high-pressure synthesis. P1̄-MgN3 and P1̄-MgN4 are expected to release an enormously large amount of energy (2.83 and 2.01 kJ g−1). The present study encourages experimental exploration of these promising materials in the future.
2-Arylaminobenzothiazole-arylpropenone conjugates as tubulin polymerization inhibitors
Authors: Subba Rao A. V. , Rao Bala Bhaskara , Sunkari Satish , Shaik Siddiq Pasha , Shaik Bajee , Kamal Ahmed
Published: March 2017

A new series of 2-arylaminobenzothiazole-arylpropenone conjugates were designed based on 5F-203, synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic potency as well as inhibition of tubulin polymerization.
Crosslinked conjugated polymers as hole transport layers in high-performance quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zou Yatao , Liu Ying , Ban Muyang , Huang Qi , Sun Teng , Zhang Qing , Song Tao , Sun Baoquan
Published: March 2017

Photochemical crosslinked HTLs are developed for highly efficient all-solution-processed quantum dot light-emitting diodes.
One-atom-thick 2D copper oxide clusters on graphene
Authors: Kano Emi , Kvashnin Dmitry. G. , Sakai Seiji. , Chernozatonskii Leonid. A. , Sorokin Pavel. B. , Hashimoto Ayako , Takeguchi Masaki
Published: March 2017

We have investigated the structure of one-atom-thick 2D copper oxide clusters formed on graphene by STEM-EELS combining with DFT calculations.
Bright, near infrared emitting PLGA–PEG dye-doped CN-PPV nanoparticles for imaging applications
Authors: Kemal Evren , Abelha Thais Fedatto , Urbano Laura , Peters Ruby , Owen Dylan M. , Howes P. , Green Mark , Dailey Lea Ann
Published: March 2017

In this publication, we describe the synthesis of near-IR emitting conjugated polymer nanoparticles with an engineered surface, and their use in biological imaging.
Spatial–temporal variations, possible sources and soil–air exchange of polychlorinated biphenyls in urban environments in China
Authors: Cui Song , Fu Qiang , Li Yi-Fan , Li Tian-xiao , Liu Dong , Dong Wen-cai , Wang Min , Li Kun-yang
Published: March 2017

Herein, we analyzed and explored the spatial–temporal variations, possible sources, and evaluated soil–air exchange of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in urban environments in China.
Component-based biocompatibility and safety evaluation of polysorbate 80
Authors: Sun Huimin , Yang Rui , Wang Jue , Yang Xia , Tu Jiasheng , Xie Langui , Li Chunqi , Lao Qiaocong , Sun Chunmeng
Published: March 2017

Components in polysorbate 80 are separated and classified into nine groups, which are investigated on their purity, safety and biocompatibility.
Porphyrin based nano-sized imprinted polymer as an efficient modifier for the design of a potentiometric copper carbon paste electrode
Authors: Rajabi Hamid Reza , Zarezadeh Arezoo , Karimipour Gholamreza
Published: March 2017

In this study, a new carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with porphyrin-based ion imprinted polymer (IIP) was designed and applied for the potentiometric determination of Cu2+ions in aqueous solutions.
The effects of dissociated rods and rod-surfaced microspheres on bone mesenchymal stem cellular viability
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhao Naru , Duan Haibo , Ma Yijuan , Guo Xiaoheng , Diao Jingjing , Shi Xuetao , Wang Yingjun
Published: March 2017

Material properties and cellular behaviours seemed to be coupled, implying the existence of reciprocities between cells and materials.
Identification of drug transporters involved in the uptake and efflux of rhein in hepatocytes
Authors: Dai Yan , Ma Bing-Liang , Zheng Min , Shi Rong , Li Yuan-Yuan , Wang Tian-Ming , Ma Yue-Ming
Published: March 2017

Rhein is an herbal medicine with various bioactivities and is derived from an anthraquinone compound. In this study, we aimed to identify drug transporters involved in the uptake and efflux of rhein in hepatocytes.
A novel aptamer-based DNA diamond nanostructure for in vivo targeted delivery of epirubicin to cancer cells
Authors: Abnous Khalil , Danesh Noor Mohammad , Ramezani Mohammad , Lavaee Parirokh , Jalalian Seyed Hamid , Yazdian-Robati Rezvan , Emrani Ahmad Sarreshtehdar , Hassanabad Koroush Yousefi , Taghdisi Seyed Mohammad
Published: March 2017

The clinical administration of epirubicin (Epi) in the treatment of cancer has been restricted, owing to its cardiotoxicity.
Biomimetic adsorption of zwitterionic–xyloglucan block copolymers to CNF: towards tailored super-absorbing cellulose materials
Authors: Hatton F. L. , Engström J. , Forsling J. , Malmström E. , Carlmark A.
Published: March 2017

Block-copolymer of xyloglucan and zwitterionic PSBMA prepared by RAFT as a biomimetic adsorbent for cellulose nanofibrils to create super-adsorbing gels.
Corrosion behavior of Al film on uranium in salt spray test
Authors: Wu Yanping , Zhu Shengfa , Shi Peng , Yan Biaojie , Cai Dingzhou , Zhang Yuping
Published: March 2017

The corrosion behavior of Al film coated uranium and bare uranium under neutral salt spray conditions are evaluated.
Ag2O/sodium alginate supramolecular hydrogel as a film photocatalyst for removal of organic dyes in wastewater
Authors: Ma Yuhua , Wang Jiajia , Xu Shimei , Zheng Zhendong , Du Juan , Feng Shun , Wang Jide
Published: March 2017

As a film photocatalyst, a Ag2O/sodium alginate supramolecular hydrogel exhibited excellent photocatalytic degradability, great adsorptivity, highly efficient charge separation and reusability.
Mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles with large radial pores via an assembly-reconstruction process in bi-phase
Authors: Dang Meng , Li Wei , Zheng Yuanyi , Su Xiaodan , Ma Xiaobo , Zhang Yunlei , Ni Qianqian , Tao Jun , Zhang Junjie , Lu Guangming , Teng Zhaogang , Wang Lianhui
Published: March 2017

Ethane-bridged mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (MONs) with radially oriented large pores have been successfully prepared.
Simultaneous quantitative analysis of three components in mixture samples based on NIR spectra with temperature effect
Authors: Liu Jin Jin , Li Bao Qiong , Xu Min Li , Wang Xue , Zhai Hong Lin , Muhire Jules
Published: March 2017

The temperature effect is usually regarded as one of the interference parameters in the routine analysis of near infrared (NIR) spectra.
A fluorescent light-up aggregation-induced emission probe for screening gefitinib-sensitive non-small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Hu Yi , Shi Leilei , Su Yue , Zhang Chuan , Jin Xin , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: March 2017

Rapid screening of EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung carcinoma cells was achieved using a novel chemical probe based on aggregation-induced emission.
Regenerated cellulose I from LiCl·DMAc solution
Authors: Wan Yafan , An Feng , Zhou Pucha , Li Yinhui , Liu Yaodong , Lu Chunxiang , Chen Hongxiang
Published: March 2017

A new type of regeneration method of cellulose I was developed, and the regenerated cellulose I has a crystallinity as high as 84.7%. This mild and processable method makes it possible to shape cellulose I into various shapes, for example aerogels and fibers.
Discovery of a new class of highly potent necroptosis inhibitors targeting the mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein
Authors: Yan Bo , Liu Lei , Huang Shaoqiang , Ren Yan , Wang Huayi , Yao Zhenglin , Li Lin , Chen She , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Zhiyuan
Published: March 2017

A series of novel Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like protein (MLKL) inhibitors with single nanomolar potency are developed.
Structural insights into the EthR–DNA interaction using native mass spectrometry
Authors: Shiu-Hin Chan Daniel , Seetoh Wei-Guang , McConnell Brendan N. , Matak-Vinković Dijana , Thomas Sherine E. , Mendes Vitor , Blaszczyk Michal , Coyne Anthony G. , Blundell Tom L. , Abell Chris
Published: March 2017

The interaction between Mycobacterium tuberculosis EthR and its operator DNA has been studied by native mass spectrometry, revealing an interesting stoichiometry.
P2- and P3-KxCoO2 as an electrochemical potassium intercalation host
Authors: Hironaka Yuya , Kubota Kei , Komaba Shinichi
Published: March 2017

P2-/P3-KxCoO2 electrodes deliver a reversible capacity of 60 mA h g−1 with multiple reversible phase transitions including potassium/vacancy orderings.
De novo endo-functionalized organic cages as cooperative multi-hydrogen-bond-donating catalysts
Authors: Chen Hong-Yu , Gou Meng , Wang Jiao-Bing
Published: March 2017

Two endo-functionalized organic cages as oxyanion hole mimics were achieved via dynamic covalent chemistry, which exhibit good size selectivity, catalytic activity and broad substrate scopes for Friedel–Crafts reactions.
Molecular tectonics: hierarchical organization of heterobimetallic coordination networks into heterotrimetallic core–shell crystals
Authors: Zhang Fan , Adolf Cyril R. R. , Zigon Nicolas , Ferlay Sylvie , Kyritsakas Nathalie , Hosseini Mir Wais
Published: March 2017

Core–shell heterotrimetallic crystals are generated by 3D epitaxial growth using isostructural and almost isometric crystals based on an organometallic tecton and MX2 complexes.
Interfacial study of Cu2O/Ga2O3/AZO/TiO2 photocathode for water splitting fabricated by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Niu Wenzhe , Zhu Liping , Wang Yichen , Lou Zirui , Ye Zhizhen
Published: March 2017

Increases in photovoltage and photocurrent were obtained in a photocathode with the structure of Cu2O/Ga2O3/AZO/TiO2 fabricated by pulsed laser deposition.
Eco-friendly one-pot synthesis of well-adorned mesoporous g-C3N4 with efficiently enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Iqbal Waheed , Dong Chunyang , Xing Mingyang , Tan Xianjun , Zhang Jinlong
Published: March 2017

We report a facile and eco-friendly one-pot synthesis of well-adorned mesoporous g-C3N4 material through a bubble templating strategy and involving controlling the surface area from 17 to 195 m2 g−1 by simply adjusting the mass ratio of melamine/NH4Cl.
Bioprivileged molecules: creating value from biomass
Authors: Shanks Brent H. , Keeling Peter L.
Published: March 2017

Bioprivileged molecules generated from biomass can be converted to both novel molecules and drop-in replacements.
Encapsulation of fish oil in a coaxial electrospun nanofibrous mat and its properties
Authors: Yang Huan , Wen Peng , Feng Kun , Zong Min H. , Lou Wen Y. , Wu Hong
Published: March 2017

Coaxial electrospinning was firstly developed to encapsulate fish oil in composite nanofibers to improve its oxidative stability.
Preparation and application of Ni(ii) ion-imprinted silica gel polymer for selective separation of Ni(ii) from aqueous solution
Authors: He Hongxing , Gan Qiang , Feng Changgen
Published: March 2017

A novel Ni(ii) ion-imprinted sulfonate functionalized silica gel polymer was prepared with the surface imprinting technique for selective seperation of Ni(ii) from aqueous solution.
Inclusion complexes of organic salts with β-cyclodextrin as organocatalysts for CO2 cycloaddition with epoxides
Authors: Li Kun , Wu Xiaohui , Gu Qingwen , Zhao Xiuge , Yuan Mingming , Ma Wenbao , Ni Wenxiu , Hou Zhenshan
Published: March 2017

The inclusion complexes between β-cyclodextrin and 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU)-based phenolates have been developed and employed as heterogeneous catalysts for the cycloaddition of CO2 to cyclic carbonate.
Mesopore-dominant wormhole-like carbon with high supercapacitive performance in organic electrolyte
Authors: Yang Xiaoqing , Yu Jianlin , Zhang Weijian , Zhang Guoqing
Published: March 2017

The suitable mesopore size of 3.1 nm offers a large ion-accessible surface area for WMC, thus obtaining superior supercapacitive performance.
Magnetoliposomes as carriers for promising antitumor thieno[3,2-b]pyridin-7-arylamines: photophysical and biological studies
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Rita O. , Almeida B. G. , Rodrigues Juliana M. , Queiroz Maria João R. P. , Calhelha R. C. , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Pires A. , Pereira A. M. , Araújo J. P. , Coutinho Paulo J. G. , Castanheira Elisabete M. S.
Published: March 2017

Magnetoliposomes containing MnFe2O4nanoparticles were used as nanocarriers for new potent antitumor thieno[3,2-b]pyridin-7-arylamines, inhibiting the growth of human tumor cells.
A stable and highly efficient visible-light photocatalyst of TiO2 and heterogeneous carbon core–shell nanofibers
Authors: Cheng Jing , Wang Yuting , Xing Yan , Shahid Muhammad , Pan Wei
Published: March 2017

A highly efficient visible-light photocatalyst of TiO2 and heterogeneous carbon core–shell nanofibers is reported.
Fabrication of graphitic-C3N4 quantum dots coated silicon nanowire array as a photoelectrode for vigorous degradation of 4-chlorophenol
Authors: Su Yan , Sun Bo , Chen Shuo , Yu Hongtao , Liu Jing
Published: March 2017

This work explores the function of g-C3N4 QDs coated on SiNWs for inhibited oxidation passivation and vigorous photoelectrocatalytic capability.
Growth behavior of water dispersed MgAl layered double hydroxide nanosheets
Authors: Pang Xiujiang , Chen Li , Liu Yuan , Chi Mingjun , Li Zaifeng , Plank Johann
Published: March 2017

A diagram divided into three regions was made to determine the state of LDH nanosheets in aqueous phase.
Energy transfer in single phase Eu3+-doped Y2WO6 phosphors
Authors: Llanos J. , Espinoza D. , Castillo R.
Published: March 2017

Inorganic phosphors based on monoclinic Y2WO6 doped with Eu3+ ions were prepared via conventional solid-state reactions at high temperature.
Highly dispersed CoOx in layered double oxides for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane: guest–host interactions
Authors: Huang Ming-Xiang , Wu Xin , Yi Xiao-Dong , Han Guo-Bin , Xia Wen-Sheng , Wan Hui-Lin
Published: March 2017

The host–guest interactions of layer-structured materials improved the dispersion of the active sites and tuned their reactivity toward ODHP reaction.
A critical analysis of the α, β and γ phases in poly(vinylidene fluoride) using FTIR
Authors: Cai Xiaomei , Lei Tingping , Sun Daoheng , Lin Liwei
Published: March 2017

A universal but simple procedure for identifying the α, β and γ phases in PVDF using FTIR is proposed and validated. An integrated quantification methodology for individual β and γ phase in mixed systems is also proposed.
Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of CF3-substituted tertiary propargylic alcohols via direct aldol reaction of α-N3amide
Authors: Noda Hidetoshi , Amemiya Fuyuki , Weidner Karin , Kumagai Naoya , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: March 2017

The catalyst comprising Cu(ii)/chiral hydroxamic acid was found to play a bifunctional role in the direct aldol reaction of α-N3amide to alkynyl CF3ketones.
An automated method to find reaction mechanisms and solve the kinetics in organometallic catalysis
Authors: Varela J. A. , Vázquez S. A. , Martínez-Núñez E.
Published: March 2017

A novel computational method based on a procedure combining accelerated direct dynamics with an efficient geometry-based post-processing algorithm is proposed for use in discovering reaction mechanisms and solving the kinetics of transition metal-catalyzed reactions.
Photoswitchable interlocked thiodiglycolamide as a cocatalyst of a chalcogeno-Baylis–Hillman reaction
Authors: Martinez-Cuezva Alberto , Saura-Sanmartin Adrian , Nicolas-Garcia Tomas , Navarro Cristian , Orenes Raul-Angel , Alajarin Mateo , Berna Jose
Published: March 2017

The sulfur-based template of light-driven molecular shuttles is able to modulate its catalytic activity in a diastereoselective chalcogeno-Baylis–Hillman reaction.
Elucidating the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction mechanism on platinum
Authors: Favaro M. , Valero-Vidal C. , Eichhorn J. , Toma F. M. , Ross P. N. , Yano J. , Liu Z. , Crumlin E. J.
Published: March 2017

Understanding the interplay between surface chemistry, electronic structure, and reaction mechanism of the catalyst at the electrified solid/liquid interface will enable the design of more efficient materials systems for sustainable energy production.
Long life and high-rate Berlin green FeFe(CN)6 cathode material for a non-aqueous potassium-ion battery
Authors: Shadike Zulipiya , Shi Ding-Ren , Tian-Wang Tian-Wang , Cao Ming-Hui , Yang Shi-Feng , Chen Jian , Fu Zheng-Wen
Published: March 2017

High-quality sized FeFe(CN)6 delivered a reversible capacity of 124 mA h g−1 at the current rate of 0.5C for KIB, and still retained a reversible capacity of 93 mA h g−1 at 5C with a coulombic efficiency of 100%.
A high performance lithium–sulfur battery enabled by a fish-scale porous carbon/sulfur composite and symmetric fluorinated diethoxyethane electrolyte
Authors: Gao Mengyao , Su ChiCheung , He Meinan , Glossmann Tobias , Hintennach Andreas , Feng Zhenxing , Huang Yaqin , Zhang Zhengcheng
Published: March 2017

A high performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery comprising a symmetric fluorinated diethoxyethane electrolyte coupled with a fish-scale porous carbon/S composite electrode was demonstrated.
A comparative evaluation of the activity modulation of flavo and non-flavo enzymes induced by graphene oxide
Authors: Maiti Susmita , Kundu Somashree , Roy Chandra Nath , Ghosh Debasmita , Das Tushar Kanti , Saha Abhijit
Published: March 2017

This study provides valuable information as to how GO can modulate enzyme activity as well as changes in the secondary structures of different classes of enzymes.
New avenues of research to explain the rarity of females at the top of the accountancy profession
Authors: Jeny Anne , Santacreu-Vasut Estefania
Published: March 2017

The rarity of females in leadership positions has been an important subject of study in economics research. The existing research on gender inequality has established that important variations exist across time and place and that these differences are partly attributable to the cultural differences regarding gender roles. The accounting research has also established that women are rarely promoted to the top of the Big Four audit firms (KPMG, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young). However, the majority of research in accountancy has focused on Anglo-Saxon contexts (the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia) or country case studies without explicitly considering the role that cultural variations may play. Because the Big Four are present in more than 140 countries, we argue that the accountancy research that attempts to explain gender disparities at the top of these organizations would benefit from considering cultural factors. Such research, however, faces a key methodological challenge—specifically, the measurement of the cultural dimensions that relate to gender. To address this challenge, we propose an emerging approach that uses the gender distinctions in language to measure cultural attitudes toward gender roles. The idea that language may capture gender roles and even influence their formation and persistence has been the focus of emerging research in linguistics and economics. To support our proposition, we follow two steps. First, we review the accounting research by performing a systematic query on the bibliographic databases of the accounting articles that study gender and language. Second, we present data regarding the diversity of the global boards of the Big Four and the diversity of the linguistic environments in which they operate. We find that half of the countries where the Big Four are present exhibit a sex-based grammatical system for their most-spoken language, while the other half of the countries do not exhibit this system. Our findings suggest that the use of language as a measure of culture is a novel approach in accounting research. We conclude by emphasizing some potential directions for future research, namely, studying the linguistic determinants of the rarity of females at the top of audit firms and exploring accountancy practices in countries with linguistically diverse environments, such as Canada or Belgium, among others. This article is published as part of a collection on the role of women in management and the workplace.
Finite-dimensional collisionless kinetic theory
Authors: Burby J. W.
Published: March 2017

A collisionless kinetic plasma model may often be cast as an infinite-dimensional noncanonical Hamiltonian system. I show that, when this is the case, the model can be discretized in space and particles while preserving its Hamiltonian structure, thereby producing a finite-dimensional Hamiltonian system that approximates the original kinetic model. I apply the general theory to two example systems: the relativistic Vlasov-Maxwell system with spin and a gyrokinetic Vlasov-Maxwell system.
Sharp Harnack inequalities for a family of hypoelliptic diffusions
Authors: Lee Paul W. Y.
Published: March 2017

We prove sharp Harnack inequalities for a family of Kolmogorov-Fokker-Planck type hypoelliptic diffusions.
Flexible bacterial cellulose / permalloy nanocomposite xerogel sheets – Size scalable magnetic actuator-cum-electrical conductor
Authors: Thiruvengadam V. , Vitta Satish
Published: March 2017

Permalloy nanoparticles containing bacterial cellulose hydrogel obtained after reduction was compressed into a xerogel flexible sheet by hot pressing at 60 ° C at different pressures. The permalloy nanoparticles with an ordered structure have a bimodal size distribution centered around 25 nm and 190 nm. The smaller nanoparticles are superparamagnetic while the larger particles are ferromagnetic at room temperature. The sheets have a room temperature magnetisation of 20 emug-1 and a coercivity of 32 Oe. The electrical conductivity of the flexible sheets increases with hot pressing pressure from 7 Scm-1 to 40 Scm-1 at room temperature.
Optical emission spectroscopy during the deposition of zirconium dioxide films by controlled reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering
Authors: Pajdarová Andrea Dagmar , Vlček Jaroslav , Rezek Jiří
Published: March 2017

Time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy was performed near the sputtered Zr target and in a plasma bulk during a controlled high-rate reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering of stoichiometric ZrO2 films in argon-oxygen gas mixtures at the argon pressure of 2 Pa. The repetition frequency was 500 Hz at the deposition-averaged target power density of 52 W cm−2 with a peak target power density of 1100 W cm−2. The voltage pulse duration was 200 μs. From the time evolutions of the excited-state populations for the chosen atoms (Zr, Ar, and O) and ions (Zr+, Zr2+, Ar+, and O+), and of the excitation temperature during a voltage pulse, the trends in a time evolution of the local ground-state densities of these atoms and ions during the voltage pulse were derived. Near the target, a decrease in the ground-state densities of Ar and O atoms, caused by a gas rarefaction and intense electron-impact ionization, was observed in the first half of the voltage pulse. Simultaneous, very effective electron-impact ionization of sputtered Zr atoms was proved. A composition of particle fluxes onto the substrate during a film deposition was found almost independent of the instantaneous oscillating oxygen partial pressure.
Experimental investigation of picosecond dynamics following interactions between laser accelerated protons and water
Authors: Senje L. , Coughlan M. , Jung D. , Taylor M. , Nersisyan G. , Riley D. , Lewis C. L. S. , Lundh O. , Wahlström C.-G. , Zepf M. , Dromey B.
Published: March 2017

We report direct experimental measurements with picosecond time resolution of how high energy protons interact with water at extreme dose levels (kGy), delivered in a single pulse with the duration of less than 80 ps. The unique synchronisation possibilities of laser accelerated protons with an optical probe pulse were utilized to investigate the energy deposition of fast protons in water on a time scale down to only a few picoseconds. This was measured using absorbance changes in the water, induced by a population of solvated electrons created in the tracks of the high energy protons. Our results indicate that for sufficiently high doses delivered in short pulses, intertrack effects will affect the yield of solvated electrons. The experimental scheme allows for investigation of the ultrafast mechanisms occurring in proton water radiolysis, an area of physics especially important due to its relevance in biology and for proton therapy.
Efficiency of wave-driven rigid body rotation toroidal confinement
Authors: Rax J. M. , Gueroult R. , Fisch N. J.
Published: March 2017

The compensation of vertical drifts in toroidal magnetic fields through a wave-driven poloidal rotation is compared with compensation through the wave driven toroidal current generation to support the classical magnetic rotational transform. The advantages and drawbacks associated with the sustainment of a radial electric field are compared with those associated with the sustainment of a poloidal magnetic field both in terms of energy content and power dissipation. The energy content of a radial electric field is found to be smaller than the energy content of a poloidal magnetic field for a similar set of orbits. The wave driven radial electric field generation efficiency is similarly shown, at least in the limit of large aspect ratio, to be larger than the efficiency of wave-driven toroidal current generation.
Supernormal hardness increase of dilute Ga(As, N) thin films
Authors: Berggren Jonas , Hanke Michael , Luna Esperanza , Trampert Achim
Published: March 2017

Hardness of epitaxial GaAs1−xNx films on GaAs(001) with different film thicknesses, varying from 80 to 700 nm, and nitrogen compositions x between zero (pure GaAs) and 0.031, were studied by means of nano-indentation. As a result, a disproportionate and monotonic increase by 17% in hardness was proved in the dilute range from GaAs to GaAs0.969N0.031. We are tracing this observation to solid solution strengthening, an extrinsic effect based on dislocation pinning due to interstitial nitrogen. On the other hand, intrinsic effects related to different electronegativities of As and N (i.e., altered bonding conditions) could be ruled out. Furthermore, in tensilely strained GaAs1−xNx layers, the appearance of cracks acts as the main strain relieving mechanism. A correlation between cracking and hardness reduction is investigated and discussed as a further relaxation pathway.
Direct measurement and microscale mapping of nanoNewton to milliNewton magnetic forces
Authors: Velez Camilo , Carroll Robin E. , Arnold David P.
Published: March 2017

This paper describes the direct measurement and mapping of magnetic forces/fields with microscale spatial resolution by combining a commercial microforce sensing probe with a thin-film permanent micromagnet. The main motivation of this work is to fill a critical metrology gap with a technology for direct measurement of magnetic forces from nN to 10’s of mN with sub-millimeter spatial resolution. This capability is ideal for measuring forces (which are linked to magnetic field gradients) produced by small-scale magnetic and electromagnetic devices including sensors, actuators, MEMS, micromotors, microfluidics, biomedical devices. This new measuring technique is validated by comparison of measured forces from small permanent magnets with the analytical models.
Multiscale modeling of organic molecules contamination in head-disk interface under high thermal stress
Authors: Song Wonyup , Chung Pil Seung , Bielger Lorenz T. , Jhon Myung S.
Published: March 2017

Heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) which locally reduces coercivity with a laser pulse, is currently the most promising technology to achieve areal density beyond 10 Tbit/in2. However, due to the extreme operating condition of HAMR, the head-disk interface (HDI) suffers from extensive depletion and contamination of organic molecules. Our previous studies indicate that the conventional linear perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricants/grease molecules are not suitable for the severe thermal stress especially when coupled with external fields as the lubricant layer can be depleted and damaged. To simulate the molecular evaporation phenomena, we introduced novel multiscale modeling scheme, “Collection Of Spheres” model, which can predict mesoscale phenomena based on the atomistic/molecular level details via reduced order method. We have examined how the molecular architect affects evaporation under various degree of thermal stress (e.g., peak temperature and duration). Specifically, we examined several PFPEs (e.g., Z, Zdol, and Ztetraol) to study the effect of back-bone and end group properties on evaporation. Our multiscale model can provide holistic simulation of the HDI and provide molecular design criteria for HAMR device.
Prescribed performance synchronization controller design of fractional-order chaotic systems: An adaptive neural network control approach
Authors: Li Yuan , Lv Hui , Jiao Dongxiu
Published: March 2017

In this study, an adaptive neural network synchronization (NNS) approach, capable of guaranteeing prescribed performance (PP), is designed for non-identical fractional-order chaotic systems (FOCSs). For PP synchronization, we mean that the synchronization error converges to an arbitrary small region of the origin with convergence rate greater than some function given in advance. Neural networks are utilized to estimate unknown nonlinear functions in the closed-loop system. Based on the integer-order Lyapunov stability theorem, a fractional-order adaptive NNS controller is designed, and the PP can be guaranteed. Finally, simulation results are presented to confirm our results.