bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual redox catalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions: towards a redox flow Li–O2 battery
Authors: Zhu Yun Guang , Jia Chuankun , Yang Jing , Pan Feng , Huang Qizhao , Wang Qing
Published: April 2015

A redox-flow Li–O2 battery addresses surface passivation and pore clogging problems of the cathode by using a pair of redox catalysts.
Bright CuInS2/CdS nanocrystal phosphors for high-gain full-spectrum luminescent solar concentrators
Authors: Knowles Kathryn E. , Kilburn Troy B. , Alzate Dane G. , McDowall Stephen , Gamelin Daniel R.
Published: April 2015

Experimental and computational analyses demonstrate that CuInS2/CdS nanocrystals with large solar absorption, high quantum yields, and only moderate luminescence reabsorption excel as phosphors for full-spectrum luminescent solar concentrators.
A new surfactant-introduction strategy for separating the pure single-phase of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Zhao Jun , Wang Yenan , Dong Wenwen , Wu Yapan , Li Dongsheng , Liu Bin , Zhang Qichun
Published: April 2015

Surfactant-directed crystal growth can effectively separate mixed-phase crystals. By introducing different surfactants, two previous mixed-phase Ni(ii)–MOFs constructed from an undeveloped pyridyl-tetracarboxylate and Ni(ii) salts were successfully isolated to obtain two pure products.
Imaging the lipid bilayer of giant unilamellar vesicles using red-to-blue light upconversion
Authors: Askes Sven H. C. , Mora Néstor López , Harkes Rolf , Koning Roman I. , Koster Bram , Schmidt Thomas , Kros Alexander , Bonnet Sylvestre
Published: April 2015

Red-to-blue triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion was obtained in giant unilamellar vesicles.
Selective endocytic trafficking in live cells with fluorescent naphthoxazoles and their boron complexes
Authors: Dias Gleiston G. , Rodrigues Bernardo L. , Resende Jarbas M. , Calado Hállen D. R. , de Simone Carlos A. , Silva Valter H. C. , Neto Brenno A. D. , Goulart Marilia O. F. , Ferreira Fabricia R. , Meira Assuero S. , Pessoa Claudia , Correa José R. , da Silva Júnior Eufrânio N.
Published: April 2015

Selective probes for endocytic pathway tracking in live cancer cells showed far better selectivity than acridine orange and caveolin-1.
Copper-catalyzed α-selective hydrostannylation of alkynes for the synthesis of branched alkenylstannanes
Authors: Yoshida H. , Shinke A. , Kawano Y. , Takaki K.
Published: April 2015

A universal system for highly α-selective hydrostannylation of terminal alkynes has been developed by use of a distannane or a silylstannane as a stannylating reagent under copper catalysis.
Comment on “Relation between metastable zone width and induction time of butyl paraben in ethanol” by H. Yang, CrystEngComm, 2015, 17, 577
Authors: Shiau Lie-Ding
Published: April 2015

An integral equation is developed to predict MSZW from the induction time results based on the classical nucleation theory.
Silane controlled three dimensional GaN growth and recovery stages on a cone-shape nanoscale patterned sapphire substrate by MOCVD
Authors: Li J. Z. , Chen Z. Z. , Jiao Q. Q. , Feng Y. L. , Jiang S. , Chen Y. F. , Yu T. J. , Li S. F. , Zhang G. Y.
Published: April 2015

The silane-controlled 3D growth led to a high crystalline quality, much strain relaxation and a specular surface for the GaN epilayers on NPSS.
Accurate and efficient linear scaling DFT calculations with universal applicability
Authors: Mohr Stephan , Ratcliff Laura E. , Genovese Luigi , Caliste Damien , Boulanger Paul , Goedecker Stefan , Deutsch Thierry
Published: April 2015

Density functional theory calculations are computationally extremely expensive for systems containing many atoms due to their intrinsic cubic scaling.
A facile synthesis of high quality nanostructured CeO2 and Gd2O3-doped CeO2 solid electrolytes for improved electrochemical performance
Authors: Kuo Yu-Lin , Su Yu-Ming , Chou Hung-Lung
Published: April 2015

A novel atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) was applied to synthesize high quality CeO2 and Gd2O3-doped CeO2 (GDC) nanoparticles (NPs) using a composite nitrate salt solution as a precursor. The result shows that Gd helps in improving Ce0.9Gd0.1O2 conductivity, making them candidate materials for electrolytes in solid oxide fuel cells.
Optimizing a parametrized Thomas–Fermi–Dirac–Weizsäcker density functional for atoms
Authors: Espinosa Leal L. A. , Karpenko A. , Caro M. A. , Lopez-Acevedo O.
Published: April 2015

A systematic study of the parameter space of a kinetic functional is used as a route to understand the transferability problems and improve the kinetic density functionals.
Stiffness and evolution of interfacial micropancakes revealed by AFM quantitative nanomechanical imaging
Authors: Zhao Binyu , Wang Xingya , Song Yang , Hu Jun , Lü Junhong , Zhou Xingfei , Tai Renzhong , Zhang Xuehua , Zhang Lijuan
Published: April 2015

AFM quantitative nanomechanical imaging revealed the ethanol concentration dependent stiffness, evolution and “go-and-come” behavior of interfacial micropancakes in ethanol solutions.
Direct observation of breaking of the intramolecular H-bond, and slowing down of the proton motion and tuning its mechanism in an HBO derivative
Authors: Alarcos Noemí , Gutiérrez Mario , Liras Marta , Sánchez Félix , Moreno Miquel , Douhal Abderrazzak
Published: April 2015

Exploring the mechanism of proton motion coupled to a charge-transfer reaction in a new HBO derivative in solution using steady-state and ultrafast emission spectroscopy shows an abnormal spectroscopic and dynamical behavior.
The role of ambient ice-like water adlayers formed at the interfaces of graphene on hydrophobic and hydrophilic substrates probed using scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Gowthami Thavasiappan , Tamilselvi Gopal , Jacob George , Raina Gargi
Published: April 2015

Ice-like water adlayer growth under ambient conditions for graphene on hydrophobic and hydrophilic substrates.
Dithiafulvalene functionalized diketopyrrolopyrrole based sensitizers for efficient hydrogen production
Authors: Narayanaswamy K. , Tiwari Amritanjali , Mondal Indranil , Pal Ujjwal , Niveditha S. , Bhanuprakash K. , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: April 2015

Dithiafulvalene functionalized diketopyrrolopyrrole sensitizers were decorated with TiO2 and Pt nanoparticles as co-catalysts for photocatalytic H2 production.
Quantum chemical insights into the dependence of porphyrin basicity on the meso-aryl substituents: thermodynamics, buckling, reaction sites and molecular flexibility
Authors: Presselt Martin , Dehaen Wim , Maes Wouter , Klamt Andreas , Martínez Todd , Beenken Wichard J. D. , Kruk Mikalai
Published: April 2015

The chemical and sensing properties of porphyrins are frequently tunedviathe introduction of peripheral substituents. Their interaction with the porphyrin core is investigated.
Promising gaseous and electrochemical hydrogen storage properties of porous Mg–Pd films under mild conditions
Authors: Xin Gongbiao , Yuan Huiping , Jiang Lijun , Wang Shumao , Liu Xiaopeng , Li Xingguo
Published: April 2015

Porous Mg–Pd films exhibit superior gaseous and electrochemical hydrogen storage behaviors under mild conditions, showing promising potential applications.
Water-soluble carboranyl-phthalocyanines for BNCT. Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro tests of the Zn(ii)-nido-carboranyl-hexylthiophthalocyanine
Authors: Pietrangeli Daniela , Rosa Angela , Pepe Antonietta , Altieri Saverio , Bortolussi Silva , Postuma Ian , Protti Nicoletta , Ferrari Cinzia , Cansolino Laura , Clerici Anna Maria , Viola Elisa , Donzello Maria Pia , Ricciardi Giampaolo
Published: April 2015

Nido-[ZnMCHESPc]Cs8 increases boron concentration in selected cancerous cell lines.
Enhancing the emission intensity and decreasing the full widths at half maximum of Ba3Si6O12N2:Eu2+ by Mg2+ doping
Authors: Wang Chuang , Zhao Zhengyan , Wu Quansheng , Zhu Ge , Wang Yuhua
Published: April 2015

Mg2+ doping can greatly enhance the PL intensity and decrease the full widths at half maximum of Ba3Si6O12N2:Eu2+ phosphors.
On-water remote monitoring robotic system for estimating the patch coverage of Anabaena sp. filaments in shallow water
Authors: Romero-Vivas E. , Von Borstel F. D. , Pérez-Estrada C. J. , Torres-Ariño D. , Villa-Medina J. F. , Gutiérrez J.
Published: April 2015

An on-water remote monitoring system is implemented to estimate the patch coverage of Anabaena sp. preventing damage in shallow water.
Nelumbo nucifera leaves protect hydrogen peroxide-induced hepatic damage via antioxidant enzymes and HO-1/Nrf2 activation
Authors: Je Jae-Young , Lee Da-Bin
Published: April 2015

Nelumbo nucifera leaves ameliorated hepatotoxicity via antioxidant action.
Novel bio-friendly and non-toxic thiocarbohydrate stabilizers of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Adokoh Christian K. , Obuah Collins , Kinfe Henok H. , Zinyemba Orpah , Darkwa James
Published: April 2015

A new class of stabilizers for gold nanoparticles has been develop with non-toxic thiocarbohydrates that were prepared fromd-(+)-gluconic acid δ-lactone and aminoalkylthiols.
Current treatment of bulk single walled carbon nanotubes to heal defects without structural change for increased electrical and thermal conductivities
Authors: Matsumoto Naoyuki , Oshima Azusa , Yumura Motoo , Futaba Don N. , Hata Kenji
Published: April 2015

By applying electrical current with heat, we succeeded in improving the graphitization of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) without increasing the diameter and wall number.
Electro-mechanical anisotropy of phosphorene
Authors: Wang Luqing , Kutana Alex , Zou Xiaolong , Yakobson Boris I.
Published: April 2015

The external stress enhances the inherent anisotropy of phosphorene, affecting various basic physical properties including Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, band gap, and effective carrier masses. We compute basic properties of uniaxially-stressed phosphorene and present all final results in compact analytical forms.
Effect of trimetallization in thiolate-protected Au24−nCunPd clusters
Authors: Sharma Sachil , Kurashige Wataru , Nobusada Katsuyuki , Negishi Yuichi
Published: April 2015

This study shows that the presence of Pd exerts different effects on a Au24−nCunPd(SC12H25)18 cluster depending on the number of Cu atoms in the cluster.
Phase separation and self-assembly of cyclic amphiphilic block copolymers with a main-chain liquid crystalline segment
Authors: Honda Satoshi , Koga Maito , Tokita Masatoshi , Yamamoto Takuya , Tezuka Yasuyuki
Published: April 2015

The effects of the macrocyclization of amphiphiles with a liquid crystalline segment were investigated in the solid state, and electric field-responsive cylindrical micelles and vesicles were self-assembled.
Facile synthesis of graphene sheets from fluorinated graphite
Authors: Chen Li , Lei Jiaojiao , Wang Fuhui , Wang Guochao , Feng Huixia
Published: April 2015

The chemical exfoliation of FGi by hydrazine hydrate to create graphene sheets.
The ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) index does not reflect the capacity of antioxidants to trap peroxyl radicals
Authors: Dorta E. , Fuentes-Lemus E. , Aspée A. , Atala E. , Speisky H. , Bridi R. , Lissi E. , López-Alarcón C.
Published: April 2015

We demonstrate from kinetic studies that under the experimental conditions proposed for the ORAC protocol, ORAC values do not correlate with the capacity of antioxidants to trap peroxyl radicals (ROO˙), suggesting a dominant role of alkoxyl radicals (RO˙) in the assay.
Identification of unusual C–Cl⋯π contacts in 2-(alkylamino)-3-chloro-1,4-naphthoquinones: effect of N-substituents on crystal packing, fluorescence, redox and anti-microbial properties
Authors: Singh Vinay K. , Verma Sanjay K. , Kadu Rahul , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: April 2015

XRD study demonstrates the opening of unusual C–Cl⋯π synthon in 2-(alkylamino)-3-chloro-1,4-naphthoquinone. Notably, compound holding N-pyridylmethyl exhibits enhanced activity against S. aureus and proved to be more potent than ciprofloxacin.
Green fabrication of antibacterial polymer/silver nanoparticle nanohybrids by dual-spinneret electrospinning
Authors: Wang Runze , Wang Zheng , Lin Song , Deng Cheng , Li Fan , Chen Zhijian , He Hua
Published: April 2015

Nanohybrids from waterborne polyurethane, poly(vinyl alcohol) and silver nanoparticles of ultrasmall sizes (5.1 ± 0.6 nm) are facilely obtained by directly one-step dual-spinneret electrospinning fabrication in water without additional chemicals.
Effect of Pluronic block copolymers on aqueous dispersions of graphene oxide
Authors: Yan Yongbin , Piao Longhai , Kim Sang-Ho , Li Wei , Zhou Hu
Published: April 2015

The effect of Pluronic block copolymers F127 and P123 on aqueous dispersions of graphene oxide (GO) was studied.
Enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity of Ag2O/g-C3N4 p–n heterojunctions synthesized via a photochemical route for degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride
Authors: Ma Shuaishuai , Xue Jinjuan , Zhou Yuming , Zhang Zewu
Published: April 2015

Ag2O/g-C3N4 p–n heterojunctions were successfully fabricated by a facile photochemical method and applied as a photocatalyst in the degradation of antibiotic tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl) under visible light irradiation.
Direct patterning of sol–gel metal oxide semiconductor and dielectric films via selective surface wetting
Authors: Sung Sujin , Park Sungjun , Cha Seungbok , Lee Won-June , Kim Chang-Hyun , Yoon Myung-Han
Published: April 2015

Simple, photolithography-free, direct patterning of solution-processed metal oxide materials was developed for fabricating all-solution low-voltage metal oxide thin-film transistor arrays.
Multifunctional sandwich-like mesoporous silica–Fe3O4–graphene oxide nanocomposites for removal of methylene blue from water
Authors: Gu Fubo , Liang Man , Han Dongmei , Wang Zhihua
Published: April 2015

A novel sandwich-like mesoporous silica–Fe3O4–GO adsorbent was synthesized, which exhibited excellent adsorption properties and could be recycled by using an external magnetic field.
Mexicanolide limonoids with in vitro neuroprotective activities from seeds of Khaya senegalensis
Authors: Li Hui , Li Yi , Wang Xiao-Bing , Pang Tao , Zhang Lu-Yong , Luo Jun , Kong Ling-Yi
Published: April 2015

Fourteen new mexicanolide-type limonoids khasenegasins A–N (1–14) were isolated from the seeds of Khaya senegalensis, and bioactivity scan indicated that these mexicanolide-type limonoids displayed neuroprotective activities.
Influence of surface properties on the performance of Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2thin-film solar cells using Kelvin probe force microscopy
Authors: Yang JungYup , Lee Dongho , Huh KwangSoo , Jung SeungJae , Lee JiWon , Lee HeeChan , Baek DoHyun , Kim ByoungJune , Kim Dongseop , Nam Junggyu , Kim GeeYeong , Jo William
Published: April 2015

We have investigated the sulfurization process in a Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2absorber layer fabricated by a two-step sputter and selenization/sulfurization method in order to make an ideal double-graded band-gap profile and increase the open circuit voltage.
Role of propane sultone as an additive to improve the performance of a lithium-rich cathode material at a high potential
Authors: Pires Julie , Timperman Laure , Castets Aurore , Peña Jésus Santos , Dumont Erwan , Levasseur Stéphane , Dedryvère Rémi , Tessier Cécile , Anouti Mérièm.
Published: April 2015

This study presents the use of 1,3-propane sultone (PS) as a protective additive for the Li-rich-NMCxLi2MnO3–(1 −x)LiMO2(x≫ 1; M = Ni, Co, Mn) cathode–electrolyte interface during cathode material activation and cycling at a high potential (5 Vvs.Li).
High dielectric response of 2D-polyaniline nanoflake based epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Wan Meher , Srivastava Anoop K. , Dhawan Punit K. , Yadav Raja Ram , Sant Sudhindra B. , Kripal Ram , Lee Ji-Hoon
Published: April 2015

Nanocomposites of two dimensional nanoflake-like polyaniline fillers reinforced in an epoxy matrix have been synthesised and their dielectric properties have been investigated.
Synthesis of Pb2O electrocatalyst and its application in the electrochemical reduction of CO2to HCOOH in various electrolytes
Authors: Yadav V. S. K. , Purkait M. K.
Published: April 2015

Schematic diagram of RCPE experimental setup.
Pd and Pd–CuO nanoparticles in hollow silicalite-1 single crystals for enhancing selectivity and activity for the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction
Authors: Dai Chengyi , Li Xinmin , Zhang Anfeng , Liu Chun , Song Chunshan , Guo Xinwen
Published: April 2015

Pd and Pd–CuO nanoparticles in hollow silicalite-1 single crystals for enhancing selectivity and activity for the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction, were successfully prepared by an “impregnation-dissolution-recrystallization” approach.
Organocatalytic asymmetric chlorinative dearomatization of naphthols
Authors: Yin Qin , Wang Shou-Guo , Liang Xiao-Wei , Gao De-Wei , Zheng Jun , You Shu-Li
Published: April 2015

A highly enantioselective chlorinative dearomatization of 1-naphthol and 2-naphthols was realized for the first time, providing chiral naphthalenones with a Cl-containing all-substituted stereocenter in excellent yields and enantioselectivity (up to 97% yield and 96% ee).
Scaling up self-assembly: bottom-up approaches to macroscopic particle organization
Authors: Lash M. H. , Fedorchak M. V. , McCarthy J. J. , Little S. R.
Published: April 2015

This review presents an overview of recent work in the field of non-Brownian particle self-assembly.
Preparation of a positively charged nanofiltration membrane based on hydrophilic–hydrophobic transformation of a poly(ionic liquid)
Authors: Tang Ying , Tang Beibei , Wu Peiyi
Published: April 2015

A positively charged NF composite membrane with high permeability was obtained via a simple counter-ion exchange reaction in an aqueous solution, due to the hydrophilic–hydrophobic transformation of the PIL.
A comparative study on the oxidation state of lattice oxygen among Li1.14Ni0.136Co0.136Mn0.544O2, Li2MnO3, LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 and LiCoO2 for the initial charge–discharge
Authors: Han Shaojie , Xia Yonggao , Wei Zhen , Qiu Bao , Pan Lingchao , Gu Qingwen , Liu Zhaoping , Guo Zhiyong
Published: April 2015

The charge compensation from lattice oxygen in the Li2MnO3 component is responsible for the high specific capacity of Li-rich layered oxides.
Development of linseed oil–TiO2green nanocomposites as antimicrobial coatings
Authors: Díez-Pascual Ana M. , Díez-Vicente Angel L.
Published: April 2015

UV-curable acrylated epoxidized linseed oil–TiO2nanocomposite coatings with antimicrobial activity were developed to prevent microbial proliferation in public places like hospitals.
A simple approach for protein covalent grafting on conducting polymer films
Authors: Berezhetska Olga , Liberelle Benoît , De Crescenzo Gregory , Cicoira Fabio
Published: April 2015

By mixing a PEDOT:PSS suspension with the modified biopolymer carboxymethylated dextran (CMD), we obtain conductive films displaying carboxyl (–COOH) groups allowing for covalent grafting of proteins via amide bonds.
Electric field-induced gradient strength in nanocomposite hydrogel through gradient crosslinking of clay
Authors: Tan Yun , Wu Ronglan , Li Huili , Ren Wenchen , Du Juan , Xu Shimei , Wang Jide
Published: April 2015

Nanocomposite gradient hydrogels with adjustable mechanical strength and network sizes were synthesized by electric field-induced gradient crosslinking polymerization.
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-ionic liquid coating improves neural recording and stimulation functionality of MEAs
Authors: Du Zhanhong Jeff , Luo Xiliang , Weaver Cassandra L. , Cui Xinyan Tracy
Published: April 2015

A novel PEDOT-ionic liquid polymer coating was synthesized for improving the performance of MEAs implanted in the brain.
A low-cost phenylbenzoimidazole containing electron transport material for efficient green phosphorescent and thermally activated delayed fluorescent OLEDs
Authors: Wang Fangfang , Hu Jia , Cao Xudong , Yang Tao , Tao Youtian , Mei Ling , Zhang Xinwen , Huang Wei
Published: April 2015

A new electron-transport iTPBI-CN material synthesized through a simple low-cost reaction exhibited a much higher efficiency than commercial TPBI in green OLEDs.
A highly sensitive near-infrared organic photodetector based on oxotitanium phthalocyanine nanocrystals and light-induced enhancement of electron tunnelling
Authors: Peng Wenlian , Liu Yuchen , Wang Chuanxi , Hu Rong , Zhang Jianping , Xu Dongsheng , Wang Yuan
Published: April 2015

A new single-layered organic photodetector was prepared, which exhibited a high photomultiplication gain of 356 at 830 nm.
Aggregation induced emission based fluorescence pH and temperature sensors: probing polymer interactions in poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-tetra(phenyl)ethene acrylate)/poly(methacrylic acid) interpenetrating polymer networks
Authors: Zhou Hui , Liu Feng , Wang Xiaobai , Yan Hong , Song Jing , Ye Qun , Tang Ben Zhong , Xu Jianwei
Published: April 2015

Aggregation induced emission active tetra(phenyl)ethene units are incorporated into poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) to be used as a probe for interpenetrating polymer networks.
Heating-rate dependence of spin-crossover hysteresis observed in an iron(ii) complex having tris(2-pyridyl)methanol
Authors: Yamasaki Masaru , Ishida Takayuki
Published: April 2015

Me4N[Fe(py3COH)(NCS)3](H2O) showed an abrupt spin-crossover with thermal hysteresis, and temperature-scan rate dependence was recorded upon heating.
Unravelling the onset of the exchange bias effect in Ni(core)@NiO(shell) nanoparticles embedded in a mesoporous carbon matrix
Authors: Rinaldi-Montes Natalia , Gorria Pedro , Martínez-Blanco David , Amghouz Zakariae , Fuertes Antonio B. , Fernández Barquín Luis , de Pedro Imanol , Olivi Luca , Blanco Jesús A.
Published: April 2015

The onset of the exchange bias effect in air-oxidized Ni@NiO nanoparticles is mainly driven by the properties of the magnetically disordered NiO shell, and less dependent on the size of the metallic Ni core.
Identification of a mitochondrial-binding site on the N-terminal end of hexokinase II
Authors: Bryan Nadezda , Raisch Kevin P.
Published: April 2015

Hexokinase II (HKII) is responsible for the first step in the glycolysis pathway by adding a phosphate on to the glucose molecule so it can proceed down the pathway to produce the energy for continuous cancer cell growth. Tumour cells overexpress the HKII enzyme. In fact, it is the overexpression of the HKII enzyme that makes the diagnosis of cancer possible when imaged by positron emission tomography (PET). HKII binds to the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) located on the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM). When bound to the MOM, HKII is blocking a major cell death pathway. Thus, HKII is responsible for two characteristics of cancer cells, rapid tumour growth and inability of cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. One method to identify novel compounds that may interfere with the HKII–VDAC-binding site is to create a molecular model using the crystal structure of HKII. However, the amino acid(s) responsible for HKII binding to VDAC are not known. Therefore, a series of truncations and point mutations were made to the N-terminal end of HKII to identify the binding site to VDAC. Deletions of the first 10 and 20 amino acids indicated that important amino acid(s) for binding were located within the first 10 amino acids. Next, a series of point mutations were made within the first 10 amino acids. It is clear from the immunofluorescence images and immunoblot results that mutating the fifth amino acid from histidine to proline completely abolished binding to the MOM.
Reciprocal inhibition between miR-26a and NF-κB regulates obesity-related chronic inflammation in chondrocytes
Authors: Xie Qingyun , Wei Meng , Kang Xia , Liu Da , Quan Yi , Pan Xianming , Liu Xiling , Liao Dongfa , Liu Jinbiao , Zhang Bo
Published: April 2015

Obesity is causally linked to osteoarthritis (OA), with the mechanism being not fully elucidated. miRNAs (miRs) are pivotal regulators of various diseases in multiple tissues, including inflammation in the chondrocytes. In the present study, we for the first time identified the expression of miR-26a in mouse chondrocytes. Decreased level of miR-26a was correlated to increased chronic inflammation in the chondrocytes and circulation in obese mouse model. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that miR-26a attenuated saturated free fatty acid-induced activation of NF-κB (p65) and production of proinflammatory cytokines in chondrocytes. Meanwhile, NF-κB (p65) also suppressed miR-26a production by directly binding to a predicted NF-κB binding element in the promoter region of miR-26a. Finally, we observed a negative correlation between NF-κB and miR-26a in human patients with osteoarthritis. Thus, we identified a reciprocal inhibition between miR-26a and NF-κB downstream of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) signalling in obesity-related chondrocytes. Our findings provide a potential mechanism linking obesity to cartilage inflammation.
Real‐time state estimator without noise covariance matrices knowledge – fast minimum norm filtering algorithm
Authors: Feng Bo , Ma Hongbin , Fu Mengyin , Yang Chenguang
Published: April 2015

The digital filtering technology has been widely applied in a majority of signal processing applications. For the linear systems with state‐space model, Kalman filter provides optimal state estimates in the sense of minimum‐mean‐squared errors and maximum‐likelihood estimation. However, only with accurate system parameters and noise statistical properties, the estimation obtained by standard Kalman filter is the optimal state estimate. Most of time, the exact noise statistical properties could not be obtained as a priori information or even wrong statistical properties may be captured by the offline method. This may lead to a poor performance (even divergence) of Kalman filtering algorithm. In this study, a novel real‐time filter, named as fast minimum norm filtering algorithm, has been proposed to deal with the case when the covariance matrices of the process and measurement noises were unknown in the linear time‐invariant systems with state‐space model. Tests have been performed on numerical examples to illustrate that the fast minimum norm filtering algorithm could be used to obtain acceptable precision state estimation in comparison with the standard Kalman filter for the discrete‐time linear time‐invariant systems.
Decentralised fault compensation of time‐delayed interactions and dead‐zone actuators for a class of large‐scale non‐linear systems
Authors: Yoo Sung Jin
Published: April 2015

An approximation‐based decentralised adaptive fault compensation (FC) problem is addressed for large‐scale non‐linear time‐delay systems with unknown faults in both time‐delayed C1 non‐linear interconnections and non‐symmetric dead‐zone actuators. Error surfaces constrained by prescribed performance bounds, which characterise the convergence rate and maximum overshoot of control errors, are presented to provide predefined bounds of control errors. Then, we design a memoryless decentralised FC control system using the constrained‐surfaces‐based dynamic surface design methodology, without constructing a dead‐zone inverse and requiring the information about dead‐zone parameters and time‐delayed interactions. For the compensator design, the function approximation technique using neural networks is applied to adaptively estimate unknown non‐linear effects and changes in model dynamics because of time‐delayed interaction and dead‐zone actuator faults. It is shown from Lyapunov stability theorem that all the error surfaces are preserved within the prescribed performance bounds and finally converge to an adjustable neighbourhood of the origin. Therefore guaranteed transient performance is achieved at the moment the faults occur.
Stable adaptive output feedback controller for a class of uncertain non‐linear systems
Authors: Esfandiari Kasra , Abdollahi Farzaneh , Talebi Heidar Ali
Published: April 2015

This study deals with design of an adaptive output feedback tracking controller for a class of non‐linear systems with unknown fixed control direction. By using neural networks and deriving adaptive rules based on the steepest descent algorithm, the authors present a stable output feedback control scheme, which is applicable to a wide class of unknown complicated non‐linear systems. Therefore an approach based on the dynamic back propagation algorithm is proposed to develop the adaption laws for systems with more general model structure. Using Lyapunov's direct method, uniformly ultimately boundedness of all signals of the closed‐loop system is also ensured. Moreover, it is shown that the bounds on the tracking errors depend on the designing parameters. Hence, an arbitrarily small tracking error can be achieved by adjusting the parameters properly. Finally, simulation results performed on a non‐affine uncertain non‐linear system having internal dynamics are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme and the theoretical discussions.
Stochastic stability for discrete‐time antilinear systems with Markovian jumping parameters
Authors: Wu Ai‐Guo , Qian Yang‐Yang , Liu Wanquan
Published: April 2015

In this study, the discrete‐time antilinear systems with Markovian jumping parameters are investigated. The concept of stochastic stability is extended to the context of discrete‐time Markovian jump (DTMJ) antilinear systems. By using stochastic Lyapunov approach, the authors derive some necessary and sufficient conditions for a DTMJ antilinear system to be stochastically stable in terms of coupled anti‐Lyapunov matrix equations. In addition, two types of iterative algorithms are proposed to solve these coupled anti‐Lyapunov matrix equations. Finally, some numerical examples are given to show the efficiency of the proposed algorithms and potential applications of the obtained results on antilinear systems.
Compact sound-speed sensor for quartz enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy based applications
Authors: Liu Kun , Dong Lei , Tittel Frank K.
Published: April 2015

A compact sound-speed sensor based on a phase difference method was developed. The sensor employs a U-shaped stainless steel tube with two holes located on its front and back ends, which serves as a sound wave guide. The phase difference between the two holes was measured using two mini-microphones by means of a phase-sensitive detection technique. This method offers the advantage of eliminating the influence of signal fluctuations. The frequency of a sound source offered by a loudspeaker can be scanned between 1 kHz and 50 kHz. The slope of the phase difference as a function of frequency was obtained by scanning the frequency of the sound source. The speed of sound was retrieved from the rate of change of the phase difference. The performance of the sensor was evaluated over a wide range of speeds of sound from 260 m/s to 1010 m/s in different gas mixtures. The measured speed of sound was found to be in good agreement with the theoretical value for the sound-speed sensor.
Kinetic effects on double hysteresis in spin crossover molecular magnets analyzed with first order reversal curve diagram technique
Authors: Stan Raluca-Maria , Gaina Roxana , Enachescu Cristian , Tanasa Radu , Stancu Alexandru , Bronisz Robert
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we analyze two types of hysteresis in spin crossover molecular magnets compounds in the framework of the First Order Reversal Curve (FORC) method. The switching between the two stable states in these compounds is accompanied by hysteresis phenomena if the intermolecular interactions are higher than a threshold. We have measured the static thermal hysteresis (TH) and the kinetic light induced thermal hysteresis (LITH) major loops and FORCs for the polycrystalline Fe(II) spin crossover compound [Fe1−xZnx(bbtr)3](ClO4)2 (bbtr = 1,4-di(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)butane), either in a pure state (x = 0) or doped with Zn ions (x = 0.33) considering different sweeping rates. Here, we use this method not only to infer the domains distribution but also to disentangle between kinetic and static components of the LITH and to estimate the changes in the intermolecular interactions introduced by dopants. We also determined the qualitative relationship between FORC distributions measured for TH and LITH.
Compliance and control characteristics of an additive manufactured-flexure stage
Authors: Lee ChaBum , Tarbutton Joshua A.
Published: April 2015

This paper presents a compliance and positioning control characteristics of additive manufactured-nanopositioning system consisted of the flexure mechanism and voice coil motor (VCM). The double compound notch type flexure stage was designed to utilize the elastic deformation of two symmetrical four-bar mechanisms to provide a millimeter-level working range. Additive manufacturing (AM) process, stereolithography, was used to fabricate the flexure stage. The AM stage was inspected by using 3D X-ray computerized tomography scanner: air-voids and shape irregularity. The compliance, open-loop resonance peak, and damping ratio of the AM stage were measured 0.317 mm/N, 80 Hz, and 0.19, respectively. The AM stage was proportional-integral-derivative positioning feedback-controlled and the capacitive type sensor was used to measure the displacement. As a result, the AM flexure mechanism was successfully 25 nm positioning controlled within 500 μm range. The resonance peak was found approximately at 280 Hz in closed-loop. This research showed that the AM flexure mechanism and the VCM can provide millimeter range with high precision and can be a good alternative to an expensive metal-based flexure mechanism and piezoelectric transducer.
Controlling the optical bistability in a multi-level atomic system via similar parameters of quantum well nanostructure
Authors: Jafarzadeh H.
Published: April 2015

The spontaneously generated coherence (SGC) effects on optical bistability (OB) are investigated in a five-level K-type system. It is found that SGC makes the system phase dependent. Thus, the OB and the absorption behavior of the system can be controlled by the relation phase of applied fields. In addition, the pump field intensity effect on the OB behavior is discussed. The experimental viability of the model in semiconductor quantum well system is also discussed [A. V. Germanenko et al., J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 376, 012024 (2012); D. S. Chemla et al., IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 20(3), 265 (1984); L. V. Butov et al., J. Exp. Theor. Phys. 88(5), 1036 (1999); J. F. Dynes et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 157403 (2005); S. Schmitt-Rinka et al., Adv. Phys. 38(2), 89 (1989); and H. W. Liu et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 54, 2082 (1989)].
Estimation of solar global irradiation in remote areas
Authors: Urraca R. , Antonanzas J. , Martínez-de-Pisón F. J. , Antonanzas-Torres F.
Published: April 2015

Solar global irradiation is barely recorded in remote areas around the world. The lack of access to an electricity grid in these areas presents an enormous opportunity for electrification through renewable energy sources and, specifically, with photovoltaic energy where great solar resources are available. Traditionally, solar resource estimation was performed using parametric-empirical models based on the relationship between solar irradiation and other atmospheric and commonly measured variables, such as temperatures, rainfall, sunshine duration, etc., achieving a relatively high level of certainty. The significant improvement in soft-computing techniques, applied extensively in many research fields, has led to improvements in solar global irradiation modeling. This study conducts a comparative assessment of four different soft-computing techniques (artificial neural networks, support vector regression, M5P regression trees, and extreme learning machines). The results were also compared with two well-known parametric models [Liu and Scot, Agric. For. Meteorol. 106(1), 41–59 (2001) and Antonanzas-Torres et al., Renewable Energy 60, 604–614 (2013b)]. A striking mean absolute error of 1.74 MJ/m2 day was achieved with support vector regression (around 10% lower than with classic parametric models). Furthermore, the annual sums of estimated solar irradiation with this technique were within the intrinsic tolerance of pyranometers (5%). This methodology is performed in free environment R software and released at www.github.com/EDMANSOLAR/remote for future replications of the study in different areas.
Joint perpendicular anisotropy and strong interlayer exchange coupling in systems with thin vanadium spacers
Authors: Devolder T. , Le Goff A. , Eimer S. , Adam J.-P.
Published: April 2015

We study the influence of the insertion of a vanadium spacer layer between an FeCoB layer and a [Co/Ni] multilayer in an MgO substrate-based system mimicking the reference system of a perpendicular anisotropy magnetic tunnel junction. The anisotropy of the [Co/Ni] multilayer gradually improves with the vanadium thicknesses t, up to an optimized state for t = 8 Å, with little influence of the thermal annealing. The interlayer exchange coupling is ferromagnetic and very strong for t≤6 Å. It can be adjusted by thermal treatment at t = 8 Å from no coupling in the as-grown state to more than 2 mJ/m2 after 250 °C annealing. For this spacer thickness, the magnetic properties are consistent with the occurrence of a bcc (001) to an fcc (111) crystalline structure transition at the vanadium spacer. The remaining interlayer exchange coupling at t = 8 Å is still substantially higher than the one formerly obtained with a Tantalum spacer, which holds promise for further optimization of the reference layers of tunnel junctions meant for magnetic random access memories.
Observation of tumor microvessels that are controlled by blood flow in breast cancer
Authors: Ishida H. , Andoh T. , Akiguchi S. , Kyoden T. , Hachiga T.
Published: April 2015

We attempted to perform non-invasive breast cancer imaging using a reflection-type multipoint laser Doppler velocimeter to monitor blood flow. On day six, after transplantation of cancer cells into mouse breast, we found that blood flow velocity in a blood vessel that extended into the tumor was increased compared to that in normal skin. The effect of carcinogenesis on blood flow over such a short period was shown using blood flow velocity imaging. Although such imaging has not yet been adapted for use in humans, this study is an important step in reaching the ultimate goal, which is early detection of breast cancer.
On the effect of pressure and carrier gas on homogeneous water nucleation
Authors: Fransen M. A. L. J. , Hrubý J. , Smeulders D. M. J. , van Dongen M. E. H.
Published: April 2015

Homogeneous nucleation rates of water droplets were measured at a nucleation temperature close to 240 K in a Pulse-Expansion Wave Tube (PEWT). Several measures were taken to improve the data obtained with the PEWT. For instance, the molar water vapor fraction was determined with three independent techniques. The resulting standard uncertainty of the supersaturation was within 1.8%. Results are given for water nucleation in helium at 100 kPa and at 1000 kPa and in nitrogen at 1000 kPa. Two trends were observed: (i) the values of the nucleation rate of water in helium at 1000 kPa are slightly but significantly higher (factor 3) than its values at 100 kPa and (ii) nucleation rates of water in nitrogen at 1000 kPa are clearly higher (factor 10) than in helium at the same pressure. It is argued that the explanation of the two observed trends is different. For case (i), it is the insufficient thermalization of the growing water clusters in helium at the lowest pressure that has a reducing effect on the nucleation rate, although a full quantitative agreement has not yet been reached. For case (ii), thermal effects being negligible, it is the pressure dependency of the surface tension, much stronger for nitrogen than for helium, that explains the trends observed, although also here a full quantitative agreement has not yet been achieved.
Combustion mathematical simulation of single seaweed particle in a bench-scale fluidized bed
Authors: Wang Shuang , Wang Qian , Jiang Xiumin , Xu Shannan , Ji Hengsong , He Zhixia , Hu Yamin , Wang Ru
Published: April 2015

In this study, combustion experiments of green algae granulations (Enteromorpha clathrata) (EN) were carried out in a bench-scale fluidized bed. The particle diameter was kept constant during the combustion process and combustion model was described as a shrinking core model. Model was divided into water ball, volatile-matter ball, and carbon ball. Ash ball radius was assumed to be the same during the combustion and carbon ball was burned layer by layer. Simulation of single-particle combustion process consists of process of water evaporation, release of volatile matters and combustion, and the process of char combustion. Finally, a mathematical model was established for the combustion of EN single particle in the fluidized bed, validated by the experiment data. The model can be applied for the design of the combustion devices for the combustion of seaweed particles with high content of ash.
Non-interference measurement of CH4, N2O and NH3 emissions from cattle
Authors: Bai Mei , Sun Jianlei , Dassanayake Kithsiri B. , Benvenutti Marcelo A. , Hill Julian , Denmead Owen T. , Flesch Thomas , Chen Deli
Published: April 2015

A technique combining open-path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with an inverse-dispersion model was used to quantify methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and ammonia (NH3) emissions from an isolated cattle pen in south-eastern Australia. Twenty-eight Angus steers (1-year old, initial average liveweight 404 kg) were fed a 60% grain diet and kept in a pen (20 × 20 m) for 41 days. Gas concentrations were measured downwind of the pen using an open-path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with a path length of 100 m, having a detection sensitivity of 2, 0.3 and 0.4 ppb for CH4, N2O and NH3, respectively. Daily emission rates were 232, 14 and 192 g/cattle.day for CH4, N2O and NH3, respectively. The measured CH4 emissions were in agreement with predictions based on Australian National Inventory recommendations, however, measured N2O and NH3 emissions were much higher than the predicted values. Extrapolation of our measurements would mean that CH4 and N2O emissions from beef feedlot cattle contribute 3.1% and 5.9% of the Australian agricultural CH4 and N2O emissions, respectively.
Evaluation of greenhouse gas emissions from hog manure application in a Canadian cow–calf production system using whole-farm models
Authors: Alemu Aklilu W. , Ominski Kim H. , Tenuta Mario , Amiro Brian D. , Kebreab Ermias
Published: April 2015

The development of beneficial management practices is a key strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from animal agriculture. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of time and amount of hog manure application on farm productivity and GHG emissions from a cow–calf production system using two whole-farm models. Detailed model inputs (climate, soil and manure properties, farm operation data) were collected from a 3-year field study that evaluated the following three treatments: no application of hog manure on grassland (baseline); a single application of hog manure on grassland in spring (single); and two applications of hog manure as fall and spring (split). All three treatments were simulated in a representative cow–calf production system at the farm-gate using the following whole-farm models: a Coupled Components Model (CCM) that used existing farm component models and the Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM). Annual GHG intensities for the baseline scenario were 17.7 kg CO2-eq/kg liveweight for CCM and 18.1 kg CO2-eq/kg liveweight for IFSM. Of the total farm GHG emissions, 73–77% were from enteric methane production. The application of hog manure on grassland showed a mean emission increase of 7.8 and 8.4 kg CO2-eq/kg liveweight above the baseline for the single and split scenarios, respectively. For the manured scenarios, farm GHG emissions were mainly from enteric methane (47–54%) and soil nitrous oxide (33–41%). Emission estimates from the different GHG sources in the farm varied between models for the single and split application scenarios. Although farm productivity was 3–4% higher in the split than in single application (0.14 t liveweight/ha), the environmental advantage of applying manure in a single or split application was not consistent between models for farm emission intensity. Further component and whole-farm assessments are required to fully understand the impact of timing and the amount of livestock manure application on GHG emissions from beef production systems.
Essence in abundance
Authors: Skiles Alexander
Published: April 2015

Fine (1994 “Essence and Modality”;,Philosophical Perspectives, 8: 1–16) is widely thought to have refuted the simple modal account of essence, which takes the essential properties of a thing to be those it cannot exist without exemplifying. Yet, a number of philosophers have suggested resuscitating the simple modal account by appealing to distinctions akin to the distinction Lewis (1983. “New Work For a Theory of Universals”;,Australasian Journal of Philosophy, 61: 343–377; 1986.On the Plurality of Worlds. Oxford: Blackwell) draws between sparse and abundant properties, treating only those in the former class as candidates for essentiality. I argue that ‘sparse modalism’ succumbs to counterexamples similar to those originally posed by Fine, and fails to capture paradigmatic instances of essence involving abundant properties and relations.
Soybean β-conglycinin improves carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in Wistar rats
Authors: Inoue Nao , Fujiwara Yuka , Kato Masaki , Funayama Asuwa , Ogawa Nozomi , Tachibana Nobuhiko , Kohno Mitsutaka , Ikeda Ikuo
Published: April 2015

The effects of dietary soybean β-conglycinin on lipid metabolism and energy consumption were studied in Wistar adult rats. Rats were fed, a diet containing casein (control group) or β-conglycinin (β-conglycinin group), for 4 weeks. Carbohydrate consumption was higher and fat consumption was lower in the β-conglycinin group than in the control group, whereas the total energy consumption was the same between the two groups. Serum adiponectin was higher in the β-conglycinin group than in the control group. Serum triacylglycerol levels in the β-conglycinin group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The secretion rate of triacylglycerols from the liver after the administration of tyloxapol, an inhibitor of lipolysis, was significantly lower in the β-conglycinin group than in the control group. These results suggest the possibility that β-conglycinin exerts hypolipidemic effects through an acceleration in carbohydrate consumption associated with an increase in adiponectin in rats.
Collective efficacy at the Rugby World Cup 2015 – The role of imagery and observation
Authors: Shearer David A.
Published: April 2015

The Rugby World Cup in 2015 will present each competing team with unique psychological challenges not usually encountered in normal international fixtures. In the “pressure‐pot” environment of the tournament, teams that have the strongest sense of collective efficacy will most likely perform to their best and respond positively to the outside stressors (e.g., media interest, public expectations). In this review, the importance of collective efficacy to team performance at the World Cup in terms of team resiliency and minimising process losses is discussed. In addition, the relationship between collective efficacy and other psychological factors such as team cohesion is highlighted. From a practical perspective, an introduction to interventions to develop collective efficacy is provided. In particular, the neuroscience evidence for the use of imagery and observation interventions to improve individual collective efficacy perceptions is highlighted. It is emphasised how these interventions are particularly suited to international teams who compete together sporadically. Finally, specific recommendations are made such that practitioners might be able to implement these strategies with their teams before the World Cup.