bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anisotropic magnetic entropy change in RFeO3 single crystals(R = Tb, Tm, or Y)
Authors: Ke Ya-Jiao , Zhang Xiang-Qun , Ma Yue , Cheng Zhao-Hua
Published: January 2016

Compared with traditional gas-compression/expansion refrigeration, magnetic refrigeration based on magnetocaloric effect (MCE) exhibits the advantages of high energy efficiency and environment friendliness. Here, we created large MCE in RFeO3(R = Tb or Tm) single crystals by the magnetization vector rotation of single crystal with strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA), rather than merely via the order-disorder magnetic phase transition or magnetic structural transition. Owing to the difference in charge distribution of 4f-electrons between Tb3+  and Tm3+ions, the rotating field entropy with different signs, −ΔSMR = 17.42 J/kg K, and –ΔSMR = −9.01 J/kg K are achieved at 9 K and 17 K for TbFeO3 and TmFeO3single crystals frombaxis tocaxis, at 50 kOe, respectively. The finding of the large anisotropic MCE not only advances our understanding of the anisotropy of MCE, but also extends the application for single crystals to magnetic refrigeration.
Increased intake of vegetables, but not fruits, may be associated with reduced risk of hip fracture: A meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Si yang , Li Yan , Luo Hong , Yin Xin hai , Lin Du ren , Zhao Ke , Huang Guang lei , Song Ju kun
Published: January 2016

Association between dietary intake of vegetables and fruits and risk of hip fracture has been reported for many years. However, the findings remain inconclusive. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between intake of vegetables and fruits and risk of hip fracture. Literature search for relevant studies was performed on PubMed and Embase databases. Five observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. Summary hazard ratio (HR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated from pooled data using the random-effects model irrespective of heterogeneity. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis were performed to explore possible reasons for heterogeneity. The summary HR for hip fracture in relation to high intake vs. low intake of only vegetables, only fruits and combined intake of fruits and vegetables, was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.61–0.92), 0.87 (95% CI, 0.74–1.04) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.61–1.03), respectively. Subgroup analyses based on study design, geographical location, number of cases and gender showed similar results. Increased intake of vegetables, but not fruits, was found to be associated with a lower risk of hip fracture. Large prospective clinical trials with robust methodology are required to confirm our findings.
Diagnostic value of thyroid transcription factor-1 for pleural or other serous metastases of pulmonary adenocarcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Shen Yongchun , Pang Caishuang , Shen Konglong , Wu Yanqiu , Li Diandian , Wan Chun , Liao Zenglin , Yang Ting , Chen Lei , Wen Fuqiang
Published: January 2016

The role of thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) in the diagnosis of metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinomas in pleural, pericardial and peritoneal effusions has not been defined. This study aimed to assess the overall diagnostic accuracy of TTF-1 for metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinomas in pleural or other effusions. Literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and other databases to find eligible publications. Quality was assessed according to standardized QUADAS-2 criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative likelihood ratio (PLR/NLR) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were pooled. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves were used to assess overall performance of the TTF-1 assay. A systematic search revealed 20 studies comprising a total of 1,213 subjects in this meta-analysis. The summary estimates were listed as follows: sensitivity, 0.74 (95% CI: 0.69–0.79); specificity, 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97–1.00); PLR, 78.16 (95% CI: 27.15–225.05); NLR, 0.26 (95% CI: 0.22–0.32); and diagnostic odds ratio, 297.75 (95% CI: 104.16–851.19). Estimated positive and negative post-probability values for metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinomas prevalence of 20% were 95% and 6%, respectively. The area under the SROC curve was 0.96. TTF-1 shows significant potential as a diagnostic marker to differentiate metastatic pulmonary from non-pulmonary adenocarcinomas in pleural or other effusions. These results justify larger, more rigorous studies to confirm such a diagnostic role.
Pharmacological treatment with mirtazapine rescues cortical atrophy and respiratory deficits in MeCP2 null mice
Authors: Bittolo Tamara , Raminelli Carlo Antonio , Deiana Chiara , Baj Gabriele , Vaghi Valentina , Ferrazzo Sara , Bernareggi Annalisa , Tongiorgi Enrico
Published: January 2016

Loss of MeCP2 (Methyl CpG binding protein 2) in Rett syndrome (RTT) causes brain weight decrease, shrinkage of the cortex with reduced dendritic arborization, behavioral abnormalities, seizures and cardio-respiratory complications. The observed monoamine neurotransmitters reduction in RTT suggested antidepressants as a possible therapy. We treated MeCP2-null mice from postnatal-day 28 for two weeks with desipramine, already tested in RTT, or mirtazapine, an antidepressant with limited side-effects, known to promote GABA release. Mirtazapine was more effective than desipramine in restoring somatosensory cortex thickness by fully rescuing pyramidal neurons dendritic arborization and spine density. Functionally, mirtazapine treatment normalized heart rate, breath rate, anxiety levels and eliminated the hopping behavior observed in MeCP2-null mice, leading to improved phenotypic score. These morphological and functional effects of mirtazapine were accompanied by reestablishment of the GABAergic and glutamatergic receptor activity recorded in cortex and brainstem tissues. Thus, mirtazapine can represent a new potential pharmacological treatment for the Rett syndrome.
Targeting and retention enhancement of quantum dots decorated with amino acids in an invertebrate model organism
Authors: Xing Rui , Chen Xue-Dong , Zhou Yan-Feng , Zhang Jue , Su Yuan-Yuan , Qiu Jian-Feng , Sima Yang-Hu , Zhang Ke-Qin , He Yao , Xu Shi-Qing
Published: January 2016

The use of quantum dots (QDs) in biological imaging applications and targeted drug delivery is expected to increase. However, the efficiency of QDs in drug targeting needs to be improved. Here, we show that amino acids linked to CdTe QDs significantly increased the targeted transfer efficiency and biological safety in the invertebrate model Bombyx mori. Compared with bare QDs530, the transfer efficiency of Ala- and Gly-conjugated QDs (QDs530-Ala and QDs530-Gly) in circulatory system increased by 2.6 ± 0.3 and 1.5 ± 0.3 times and increased by 7.8 ± 0.9 and 2.9 ± 0.2 times in target tissue silk glands, respectively, after 24 h of QDs exposure. Meanwhile, the amount of conjugated QDs decreased by (68.4 ± 4.4)% and (46.7 ± 9.1)% in the non-target tissue fat body and the speed at which they entered non-target circulating blood cells significantly decreased. The resultant QDs530-Ala revealed a better structural integrity in tissues and a longer retention time in hemolymph than that of QDs530 after exposure via the dorsal vessel. On the other hand, QDs530-Ala significantly reduced the toxicity to hemocytes, silk gland and fat body and reduced the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tissues.
Microhabitat choice in island lizards enhances camouflage against avian predators
Authors: Marshall Kate L. A. , Philpot Kate E. , Stevens Martin
Published: January 2016

Camouflage can often be enhanced by genetic adaptation to different local environments. However, it is less clear how individual behaviour improves camouflage effectiveness. We investigated whether individual Aegean wall lizards (Podarcis erhardii) inhabiting different islands rest on backgrounds that improve camouflage against avian predators. In free-ranging lizards, we found that dorsal regions were better matched against chosen backgrounds than against other backgrounds on the same island. This suggests that P. erhardii make background choices that heighten individual-specific concealment. In achromatic camouflage, this effect was more evident in females and was less distinct in an island population with lower predation risk. This suggests that behavioural enhancement of camouflage may be more important in females than in sexually competing males and related to predation risk. However, in an arena experiment, lizards did not choose the background that improved camouflage, most likely due to the artificial conditions. Overall, our results provide evidence that behavioural preferences for substrates can enhance individual camouflage of lizards in natural microhabitats and that such adaptations may be sexually dimorphic and dependent on local environments. This research emphasizes the importance of considering links between ecology, behaviour and appearance in studies of intraspecific colour variation and local adaptation.
Broadband non-reciprocal transmission of sound with invariant frequency
Authors: Gu Zhong-ming , Hu Jie , Liang Bin , Zou Xin-ye , Cheng Jian-chun
Published: January 2016

We design and experimentally demonstrate a broadband yet compact acoustic diode (AD) by using an acoustic nonlinear material and a pair of gain and lossy materials. Due to the capabilities of maintaining the original frequency and high forward transmission while blocking backscattered wave, our design is closer to the desired features of a perfect AD and is promising to play the essential diode-like role in realistic acoustic systems, such as ultrasound imaging, noise control and nondestructive testing. Furthermore, our design enables improving the sensitivity and the robustness of device simultaneously by tailoring an individual structural parameter. We envision our design will take a significant step towards the realization of applicable acoustic one-way devices and inspire the research of non-reciprocal wave manipulation in other fields.
The Likelihood of Recent Record Warmth
Authors: Mann Michael E. , Rahmstorf Stefan , Steinman Byron A. , Tingley Martin , Miller Sonya K.
Published: January 2016

2014 was nominally the warmest year on record for both the globe and northern hemisphere based on historical records spanning the past one and a half centuries1,2. It was the latest in a recent run of record temperatures spanning the past decade and a half. Press accounts reported odds as low as one-in-650 million that the observed run of global temperature records would be expected to occur in the absence of human-caused global warming. Press reports notwithstanding, the question of how likely observed temperature records may have have been both with and without human influence is interesting in its own right. Here we attempt to address that question using a semi-empirical approach that combines the latest (CMIP53) climate model simulations with observations of global and hemispheric mean temperature. We find that individual record years and the observed runs of record-setting temperatures were extremely unlikely to have occurred in the absence of human-caused climate change, though not nearly as unlikely as press reports have suggested. These same record temperatures were, by contrast, quite likely to have occurred in the presence of anthropogenic climate forcing.
Proteomic response of methicillin-resistant S. aureus to a synergistic antibacterial drug combination: a novel erythromycin derivative and oxacillin
Authors: Liu Xiaofen , Pai Pei-Jin , Zhang Weipeng , Hu Yingwei , Dong Xiaojing , Qian Pei-yuan , Chen Daijie , Lam Henry
Published: January 2016

The use of antibacterial drug combinations with synergistic effects is increasingly seen as a critical strategy to combat multi-drug resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In this work, the proteome responses in MRSA under the stress of a sub-inhibitory dose of a synergistic drug combination of a novel erythromycin derivative, SIPI-8294 and oxacillin, were studied by label-free quantitative proteomics. Several control treatment groups were designed to isolate proteome responses potentially related to the synergy: (1) the non-synergistic drug combination of erythromycin and oxacillin, (2) SIPI-8294 only, (3) oxacillin only and (4) erythromycin only. Results showed that 200 proteins were differentially expressed in SIPI-8294/oxacillin-treated cells. Among these proteins, the level of penicillin binding protein 2a, the protein mainly responsible for oxacillin resistance in MRSA, was four times lower in the SIPI-8294/oxacillin group than in the erythromycin/oxacillin group, suggesting that SIPI-8294 may interfere with this known oxacillin resistance mechanism. Moreover, hierarchical clustering analysis of differentially expressed proteins under different treatments revealed that SIPI-8294/oxacillin elicits very different responses than the individual drugs or the non-synergistic erythromycin/oxacillin combination. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the synergistic effect can be further traced to a disruption in oxidation-reduction homeostasis and cell wall biosynthesis.
A Bayesian framework systematic review and meta-analysis of anesthetic agents effectiveness/tolerability profile in electroconvulsive therapy for major depression
Authors: Fond Guillaume , Bennabi Djamila , Haffen Emmanuel , Brunel Lore , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Loundou Anderson , Lançon Christophe , Llorca Pierre-Michel , Auquier Pascal , Boyer Laurent
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability/acceptability of 6 anesthetic agents in ECT for depressive disorders. We systematically reviewed 14 double-blind randomized controlled trials (610 participants). Efficacy was measured by the mean scores on validated depression scales at 6 ECT (or the nearest score if not available), number of responders at the end of treatment and seizure duration. The acceptability was measured by the proportion of patients who dropped out of the allocated treatment and the tolerability by the number of serious adverse events and post-treatment cognition assessment. After excluding the trials responsible for heterogeneity, depression scores of patients who were administered methohexital were found to be significantly more improved than those who received propofol (p = 0.001). On the contrary, those who were administered propofol had lower depression scores than those with thiopental at the end of treatment (p = 0.002). Compared to propofol, methohexital was found to be significantly associated with higher seizure duration (p = 0.018). No difference was found for the acceptability profile (all p > 0.05). In summary, ketamine and methohexital may be preferred to propofol or thiopental in regard of effectiveness in depression scores and increased seizure duration. Further studies are warranted to compare ketamine and methohexital.
Mutation-induced perturbation of the special pair P840 in the homodimeric reaction center in green sulfur bacteria
Authors: Azai Chihiro , Sano Yuko , Kato Yuki , Noguchi Takumi , Oh-oka Hirozo
Published: January 2016

Homodimeric photosynthetic reaction centers (RCs) in green sulfur bacteria and heliobacteria are functional homologs of Photosystem (PS) I in oxygenic phototrophs. They show unique features in their electron transfer reactions; however, detailed structural information has not been available so far. We mutated PscA-Leu688 and PscA-Val689 to cysteine residues in the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum; these residues were predicted to interact with the special pair P840, based on sequence comparison with PS I. Spectroelectrochemical measurements showed that the L688C and V689C mutations altered a near-infrared difference spectrum upon P840 oxidation, as well as the redox potential of P840. Light-induced Fourier transform infrared difference measurements showed that the L688C mutation induced a differential signal of the S-H stretching vibration in the P840+/P840 spectrum, as reported in P800+/P800 difference spectrum in a heliobacterial RC. Spectral changes in the 131-keto C=O region, caused by both mutations, revealed corresponding changes in the electronic structure of P840 and in the hydrogen-bonding interaction at the 131-keto C=O group. These results suggest that there is a common spatial configuration around the special pair sites among type 1 RCs. The data also provided evidence that P840 has a symmetric electronic structure, as expected from a homodimeric RC.
Involvement of MicroRNA-210 Demethylation in Steroid-associated Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Yuan Heng-feng , Christina Von Roemeling , Guo Chang-an , Chu Yi-wei , Liu Rong-hua , Yan Zuo-qin
Published: January 2016

Angiogenesis is an important event in steroid-associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH). Here we performed miRNA microarray with SONFH tissues (ONs) and the adjacent normal tissues (NLs) to select the angiogenic miRNA. The results showed that miR-210 was differentially expressed in SONFH versus normal tissues. Unexpectedly, its specific transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, was shown of no significant changes in ONs compared with NLs. Further Bisulfite sequencing revealed that miR-210 is embedded in a CpG island and miR-210 gene has 2 CpG sites with lower methylation percentage in ONs compared with NLs. Additionally, ONs with lower miR-210 gene methylation exhibited higher miR-210 expression. Next, we found that the endothelial cells treated with demethylating agents could significantly increase the expression of miR-210, along with promoted cell viability and differentiation. Some angiogenic genes (VEGF, bFGF, TNF-α and PCNA) were up-regulated as well. In addition, the supernatant of the cells after demethylation treatment displayed an enhanced ability of recruiting new microvessels in vivo. Taken together, our study not only provides novel insights into the regulation of angiogenesis in this disease, but also reveals a therapeutic opportunity for treatment of SONFH patients with demethylating agents.
Development of an immunochromatographic strip for the semi-quantitative and quantitative detection of biotin in milk and milk products
Authors: Kong Dezhao , Liu Liqiang , Song Shanshan , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: January 2016

An immunochromatographic strip was developed for the semi-quantitative and quantitative detection of biotin in milk and milk products.
Quantitative analysis of the major components of coal ash using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy coupled with a wavelet neural network (WNN)
Authors: Wei Jiao , Dong Juan , Zhang Tianlong , Wang Zhanmei , Li Hua
Published: January 2016

A laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique combined with a wavelet neural network (WNN) was proposed for the quantitative analysis of the major components of coal ash.
Stimuli-responsive dendrimers in drug delivery
Authors: Wang Hui , Huang Quan , Chang Hong , Xiao Jianru , Cheng Yiyun
Published: January 2016

Dendrimers have shown great promise as carriers in drug delivery due to their unique structures and superior properties.
Versatile synthesis of cationic N-heterocyclic carbene–gold(i) complexes containing a second ancillary ligand. Design of heterobimetallic ruthenium–gold anticancer agents
Authors: Fernández-Gallardo Jacob , Elie Benelita T. , Sanaú Mercedes , Contel María
Published: January 2016

A novel synthetic strategy to incorporate a second neutral ligand in [gold(i)–NHC]+fragments for the preparation of mono and multimetallic compounds.
Nanoparticles based on quantum dots and a luminol derivative: implications for in vivo imaging of hydrogen peroxide by chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer
Authors: Lee Eun Sook , Deepagan V. G. , You Dong Gil , Jeon Jueun , Yi Gi-Ra , Lee Jung Young , Lee Doo Sung , Suh Yung Doug , Park Jae Hyung
Published: January 2016

Hybrid nanoparticles allow for imaging hydrogen peroxide via chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer in the near-infrared wavelength range.
Synthesis of vinylphosphines and unsymmetric diphosphines: iron-catalyzed selective hydrophosphination reaction of alkynes and vinylphosphines with secondary phosphines
Authors: Itazaki Masumi , Katsube Shinya , Kamitani Masahiro , Nakazawa Hiroshi
Published: January 2016

The first example of iron complex-catalyzed single hydrophosphination of terminal arylacetylene with secondary phosphine was achieved and unsymmetric 1,2-bis(phosphino)ethanes were obtained.
The ultra-rapid synthesis of 2D graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets via direct microwave heating for field emission
Authors: Yu Yongzhi , Zhou Qing , Wang Jigang
Published: January 2016

2D g-C3N4 nanosheets are ultra-rapidly synthesized via direct microwave irradiation and by using melamine and carbon fiber as raw materials.
Nickel-catalysed cyclopropanation of electron-deficient alkenes with diiodomethane and diethylzinc
Authors: Xu Jin , Samsuri Nazurah Binte , Duong Hung A.
Published: January 2016

An inexpensive nickel catalyst enables cyclopropanation of electron-deficient olefins under modified Furukawa's procedure in moderate to good yields.
Counter-ion control of structure in uranyl ion complexes with 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate
Authors: Thuéry Pierre , Harrowfield Jack
Published: January 2016

Various counterions containing d-block metal ions and N-donating chelators were used to generate one- and two-dimensional uranyl-2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate species, one of them displaying inclined polycatenation.
Transitional hydrogen bonds in aqueous perchlorate solution
Authors: Nieszporek Krzysztof , Podkościelny Przemysław , Nieszporek Jolanta
Published: January 2016

The water–perchlorate classical hydrogen bond can turn into a bifurcated or trifurcated one.
Recent advances in transition metal phosphide nanomaterials: synthesis and applications in hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Shi Yanmei , Zhang Bin
Published: January 2016

This tutorial review provides an overview of recent development of TMP nanomaterials as catalysts for hydrogen generation with high activity and stability.
Copper nanoparticles supported on graphene as an efficient catalyst for A3coupling of benzaldehydes
Authors: Frindy Sana , El Kadib Abdelkrim , Lahcini Mohamed , Primo Ana , García Hermenegildo
Published: January 2016

Cu nanoparticles (NPs) supported on graphene (G) obtained by pyrolysis of alginate is a highly active catalyst for the A3coupling of aldehydes, secondary amines and terminal acetylenes.
KNO3 supported on three-dimensionally ordered macroporous La0.8Ce0.2Mn1−xFexO3 for soot removal
Authors: Feng Nengjie , Meng Jie , Wu Yang , Chen Chong , Wang Lei , Gao Lu , Wan Hui , Guan Guofeng
Published: January 2016

The KNO3 supported on 3DOM La0.8Ce0.2Mn1−xFexO3 perovskites have been prepared and used for soot removal. The presence of potassium nitrate can accelerate the soot combustion at both low and high temperature. The catalysts exhibit high activities for soot combustion.
Functionalized hypercrosslinked polymers with knitted N-heterocyclic carbene–copper complexes as efficient and recyclable catalysts for organic transformations
Authors: Jia Zhifang , Wang Kewei , Li Tao , Tan Bien , Gu Yanlong
Published: January 2016

An N-heterocyclic carbene–copper complex supported on hypercrosslinked polymers was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods, displaying very good catalytic activity in many organic reactions.
Multiple emissive triarylborane-A2H2and triarylborane-Zn-A2H2porphyrin conjugates
Authors: P Chinna Ayya Swamy , Thilagar Pakkirisamy
Published: January 2016

The rational design and synthesis of triarylborane-A2H2(1) and triarylborane-Zn-A2H2porphyrins (2) have been reported. Compounds1and2showed multiple emission bands upon excitation at the triarylborane dominated absorption region (350 nm). The detailed optical and computational studies showed that the multiple emission features of1and2are because of a partial energy transfer from the donor (triarylborane) to the acceptor (porphyrin).
Room temperature carbon(CO)–carbon(α) bond activation of ketones by rhodium(ii) porphyrins with water
Authors: Lee Siu Yin , Feng Shiyu , Chan Kin Shing
Published: January 2016

The mild and selective aliphatic C(CO)–C(α) bond activation (CCA) of ketones was successfully achieved at room temperature using rhodium(ii) porphyrins in the presence of H2O.
Tetrahedral MII based binuclear double-stranded helicates: single-ion-magnet and fluorescence behaviour
Authors: Mondal Amit Kumar , Parmar Vijay Singh , Biswas Soumava , Konar Sanjit
Published: January 2016

It has been demonstrated that the slow relaxation of magnetization can be achieved in high spin tetrahedral CoII centres with an easy-plane magnetic anisotropy within the double-stranded helicates. The photoluminescence properties of the Zn analogues were studied in different solvents.
Trapping molecular bromine: a one-dimensional bromobismuthate complex with Br2as a linker
Authors: Adonin S. A. , Gorokh I. D. , Abramov P. A. , Plyusnin P. E. , Sokolov M. N. , Fedin V. P.
Published: January 2016

The reaction between solid (NMP)n{[BiBr4]}n(1) (NMP =N-methylpyridinium) and Br2, generatedin situin HBr solution, results in the formation of (NMP)3[Bi2Br9]·Br2(2).
Protein enriched pasta: structure and digestibility of its protein network
Authors: Laleg Karima , Barron Cécile , Santé-Lhoutellier Véronique , Walrand Stéphane , Micard Valérie
Published: January 2016

Pasta enrichment with gluten, legume or egg increased its protein content. However, legume pasta had the best amino acid profile and in vitro protein digestibility due to its specific structure.
In vitro and in vivo biological characterization of the anti-proliferative potential of a cyclic trinuclear organotin(iv) complex
Authors: Martins Marta , Baptista Pedro V. , Mendo Ana Soraia , Correia Claudia , Videira Paula , Rodrigues António S. , Muthukumaran J. , Santos-Silva Teresa , Silva Ana , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Gigante Joana , Duarte António , Gajewska Malgorzata , Fernandes Alexandra R.
Published: January 2016

Identification of novel molecules that can selectively inhibit the growth of tumor cells, is of utmost importance.
Inherent predominance of high chiral angle metallic carbon nanotubes in continuous fibers grown from a molten catalyst
Authors: Alemán B. , Bernal M. Mar , Mas B. , Pérez Emilio M. , Reguero V. , Xu G. , Cui Y. , Vilatela Juan J.
Published: January 2016

The armchair-biased chiral angle distribution in continuous fibres of CNTs is controlled by the molten state of the Fe–S–C alloy catalyst.
Enhancing UV-emissions through optical and electronic dual-function tuning of Ag nanoparticles hybridized with n-ZnO nanorods/p-GaN heterojunction light-emitting diodes
Authors: Yao Yung-Chi , Yang Zu-Po , Hwang Jung-Min , Chuang Yi-Lun , Lin Chia-Ching , Haung Jing-Yu , Chou Chun-Yang , Sheu Jinn-Kong , Tsai Meng-Tsan , Lee Ya-Ju
Published: January 2016

We demonstrate Ag NP-incorporated n-ZnO NRs/p-GaN heterojunctions by facilely and hydrothermally growing ZnO NRs on Ag NP-covered GaN.
Recognition of silver cations by a cucurbit[8]uril-induced supramolecular crown ether
Authors: Geng Qing-Xia , Wang Fang , Cong Hang , Tao Zhu , Wei Gang
Published: January 2016

A supramolecular crown formed with the cucurbit[8]uril-induced intramolecular charge-transfer interaction is able to recognize silver cations.
The effects of an ionic liquid on unimolecular substitution processes: the importance of the extent of transition state solvation
Authors: Keaveney Sinead T. , White Benjamin P. , Haines Ronald S. , Harper Jason B.
Published: January 2016

An ionic liquid significantly increases benzylic carbocation formation due to favourable ionic liquid–transition state interactions. The magnitude of transition state solvation was shown to be critical, explaining the difference between this and previous cases.
Direct conjugate alkylation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyls by TiIII-catalysed reductive umpolung of simple activated alkenes
Authors: Bichovski Plamen , Haas Thomas M. , Keller Manfred , Streuff Jan
Published: January 2016

The title reaction leads to 1,6-difunctionalized products without the requirement of premetallated reagents. Details on scope, selectivity and mechanism are reported.
Preparation of pH and redox dual-sensitive core crosslinked micelles for overcoming drug resistance of DOX
Authors: Yi Xiao-Qing , Zhang Quan , Zhao Dan , Xu Jia-Qi , Zhong Zhen-Lin , Zhuo Ren-Xi , Li Feng
Published: January 2016

When incubating the pH and redox dual-sensitive CCL/SS micelles with MCF-7/ADR cells, they could sufficiently overcome drug resistance to deliver DOX into MCF-7/ADR cells, leading to the apoptosis of tumor cells.
Tristable data storage device of soluble polyimides based on novel asymmetrical diamines containing carbazole
Authors: Zhao Jing , Peng Ling , Zhu Ya-Liang , Zheng An-min , Shen Ying-Zhong
Published: January 2016

Two novel soluble aromatic polyimides were prepared from BBCDA and TFDMC by polycondensation with PMDA and BPDA via a two-step procedure. Memory devices were fabricated with the PIs. In the devices, ITO was used as the ground electrode (the cathode) and Al was set as the top electrode (the anode).
In situ observation of the melting behaviour of PEO single crystals on a PVPh substrate by AFM
Authors: Chai Liguo , Liu Xiao , Sun Xiaoli , Li Lin , Yan Shouke
Published: January 2016

PVPh sublayer thickness dependent melting of PEO single crystals.
Metal-free oxidative hydrophosphinylation of 1,7-enynes
Authors: Zhu Yi-Long , Wang De-Cai , Jiang Bo , Hao Wen-Juan , Wei Ping , Wang Ai-Fang , Qiu Jiang-Kai , Tu Shu-Jiang
Published: January 2016

A new metal-free oxidative hydrophosphinylation of 1,7-enynes for forming polyfunctionalized 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-ones has been realized using readily accessible diarylphosphine oxide and TBPB as an oxidant.
Binuclear nickel carbonyls with the small bite chelating diphosphine ligands methylaminobis(difluorophosphine) and methylenebis(dimethylphosphine): formation of NiNi double bonds in preference to ligand cleavage
Authors: Liu Ling , Zhang Xiuhui , Li Zesheng , Li Qianshu , King R. Bruce
Published: January 2016

The (bid)Ni2(CO)n (n = 6, 5, 4) and (bid)2Ni(CO)n (n = 4, 3, 2) (bid = CH3N(PF2)2 and (Me2P)2CH2) species with NiNi bonds are found to be energetically favored over isomeric species with cleaved ligands in contrast to related iron carbonyl complexes.
Phase transformation-controlled synthesis of CuO nanostructures and their application as an improved material in a carbon-based modified electrode
Authors: Xue Zhonghua , Li Mengqian , Rao Honghong , Yin Bo , Zhou Xibin , Liu Xiuhui , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: January 2016

Column-shaped CuO nanorods have been synthesized by a two-step “precursor formation-crystallization” process using a hydrothermal method with advantages of being template- and surfactant-free.
Insights into the binding of photothermal therapeutic agent bismuth sulfide nanorods with human serum albumin
Authors: Naveenraj Selvaraj , Mangalaraja Ramalinga Viswanathan , Wu Jerry J. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Anandan Sambandam
Published: January 2016

The interaction of microwave synthesized bismuth sulfide nanorods with human serum albumin was investigated using multispectroscopic techniques such as absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy.
Accelerating the decomposition of KMnO4 by photolysis and auto-catalysis: a green approach to synthesize a layered birnessite-type MnO2 assembled hierarchical nanostructure
Authors: Hu Xiaonan , Shi Liyi , Zhang Dengsong , Zhao Xin , Huang Lei
Published: January 2016

Layered birnessite-type MnO2 nanosheets assembled hierarchical nanostructures were successfully fabrication by the direct decomposition of KMnO4 with the assistance of photolysis and auto-catalysis effect.
Three-dimensional orientation of poly(l-lactide) crystals under uniaxial drawing
Authors: Lizundia E. , Larrañaga A. , Vilas J. L. , León L. M.
Published: January 2016

Three-dimensional strain-induced crystallization upon poly (l-lactide) stretching revealed by X-ray diffraction texture analysis via pole figure measurements.
AFM-based force spectroscopy for bioimaging and biosensing
Authors: Li Qing , Zhang Tong , Pan Yangang , Ciacchi Lucio Colombi , Xu Bingqian , Wei Gang
Published: January 2016

AFM-based force spectroscopy shows wide bio-related applications especially for bioimaging and biosensing.
Self-assembly of porous copper oxide hierarchical nanostructures for selective determinations of glucose and ascorbic acid
Authors: Mahmoud Bahaa G. , Khairy Mohamed , Rashwan Farouk A. , Foster Christopher W. , Banks Craig E.
Published: January 2016

CuO with flower and hallow sphere-like morphology were fabricated via one pot hydrothermal method. The effect of copper ions source upon the CuO nanostructures assembly, selectivity and sensitivity in the electrochemical processes is explored.
Chemical fragment-based CDK4/6 inhibitors prediction and web server
Authors: Wang Ling , Li Yecheng , Xu Mengyan , Pang Xiaoqian , Liu Zhihong , Tan Wen , Xu Jun
Published: January 2016

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), a family of mammalian heterodimeric kinases, play central roles in the regulation of cell cycle progression, transcription, neuronal differentiation, and metabolism.
Fabrication and evaluation of polymer-based esophageal stents for benign esophagus stricture insertion
Authors: Yuan Tianwen , Zheng Reila , Yu Jia , Edmonds Laura , Wu Wei , Cao Jun , Gao Fei , Zhu Yueqi , Cheng Yingsheng , Cui Wenguo
Published: January 2016

In benign esophageal strictures, polymeric lines and membranes were chosen to knit an esophageal stent for relieving esophageal lesions caused by esophageal stenosis and obstruction.
Mechanically stable superhydrophobic polymer films by a simple hot press lamination and peeling process
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Xiu , Zhang Tao , Zhang Xin , Xin Zhenxiang , Deng Xu , K. Prakashan
Published: January 2016

Mechanically stable superhydrophobic PP/UHMWPE polymer blend films prepared by a simple and facile hot-press lamination and peeling method.
High impact of the reducing agent on palladium nanomaterials: new insights from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Holade Yaovi , Canaff Christine , Poulin Suzie , Napporn Têko W. , Servat Karine , Kokoh K. Boniface
Published: January 2016

The nature of the reduction agent changes drastically the palladium nanomaterials chemical stability, which subsequently alters earnestly their catalytic performances.
Enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit in p-type β-Zn4Sb3/Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 nanocomposites
Authors: Li Yuanyue , Dou Yunchen , Qin Xiaoying , Zhang Jian , Xin Hongxing , Li Di , Song Chunjun , Zou Tianhua , Liu Yongfei , Li Cong
Published: January 2016

In Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3-based composites incorporated with 1.3 vol% β-Zn4Sb3 nanoparticles, figure of merit ZT = 1.43 is achieved at 443 K, which is ∼18% larger than that (=1.21) of Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 matrix.
Electrically stimulated liquid phase microextraction combined with differential pulse voltammetry: a new and efficient design for in situ determination of clozapine from complicated matrices
Authors: Rouhollahi Ahmad , Kouchaki Masoomeh , Seidi Shahram
Published: January 2016

Electromembrane extraction combined with differential pulse voltammetry for in situ determination of clozapine from complicated matrices.
Graphene-based acceptor molecules for organic photovoltaic cells: a predictive study identifying high modularity and morphological stability
Authors: Bégué D. , Guille E. , Metz S. , Arnaud M. A. , Silva H. Santos , Seck M. , Fayon P. , Dagron-Lartigau C. , Iratcabal P. , Hiorns R. C.
Published: January 2016

An idealized donor:acceptor pair is proposed for improved organic photovoltaic lifetimes and efficiencies.
Electrospinning preparation of a H4SiW12O40/polycaprolactam composite nanofibrous membrane and its greatly enhanced photocatalytic activity and mechanism
Authors: Li Wei , Li Tingting , Ma Xuegang , Li Yuanliang , An Libao , Zhang Zhiming
Published: January 2016

H4SiW12O40/polycaprolactam (PA6) composite nanofibrous membranes with a minimum average diameter of ∼70 nm were prepared by an electrospinning technique.
Facile fabrication of tea tree oil-loaded antibacterial microcapsules by complex coacervation of sodium alginate/quaternary ammonium salt of chitosan
Authors: Chen Minjie , Hu Yang , Zhou Jian , Xie Yirong , Wu Hong , Yuan Teng , Yang Zhuohong
Published: January 2016

In this study, flavoured tea tree oil (TTO)-loaded antibacterial microcapsules were developed based on the complex coacervation of sodium alginate (SA) and a quaternary ammonium salt of chitosan (HACC).
A novel microfluidic device that integrates nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection to identify an EGFR mutation in lung cancer tissues
Authors: Liu Yuanbin , Zhao Yang , Qin Yongxin , Du Xiaohui , Wang Qi , Lyu Jianxin
Published: January 2016

A novel microfluidic to detect a EGFR mutation in 40 min in an easy way for personalized medicine.
In situ hydrothermal growth of a dual-ligand metal–organic framework film on a stainless steel fiber for solid-phase microextraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental water samples
Authors: Huo Shu-Hui , Yu Jing , Fu Yan-Yan , Zhou Peng-Xin
Published: January 2016

In situ hydrothermal growth of bio-MOF-1 film on stainless steel fiber for solid-phase microextraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Oxidative degradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate). A new method of synthesis for the malic acid copolymers
Authors: Michalak Michał , Kwiecień Michał , Kawalec Michał , Kurcok Piotr
Published: January 2016

Herein was presented by the first time the green way to obtain poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-malic acid) from natural origin poly(3-hydroxybutyrate).
Quasi-one-dimensional graphene nanoribbon-supported MoS2 nanosheets for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Gu Huahao , Zhang Longsheng , Huang Yunpeng , Zhang Youfang , Fan Wei , Liu Tianxi
Published: January 2016

Few-layered MoS2 nanosheets-decorated quasi-one-dimensional graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) hybrids with heterostructures were fabricated as efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction.
Electrospun fibers for oil–water separation
Authors: Ma Wenjing , Zhang Qilu , Hua Dawei , Xiong Ranhua , Zhao Juntao , Rao Weidong , Huang Shenlin , Zhan Xianxu , Chen Fei , Huang Chaobo
Published: January 2016

The increasing worldwide oil pollution intensifies the needs for new techniques of separation of oil from oily water.
Rational design of supramolecular hemin/G-quadruplex–dopamine aptamer nucleoapzyme systems with superior catalytic performance
Authors: Albada H. Bauke , Golub Eyal , Willner Itamar
Published: January 2016

We designed supramolecular nucleoapzyme systems displaying enhanced dopamine-oxidizing abilities using computational simulations, and developed a system having switchable catalytic activities.
Enantioselective assembly of amphipathic chiral polymer and racemic chiral small molecules during preparation of micro-scale polymer vesicles
Authors: Wang Yingjue , Zhuang Yiwei , Gao Jiangang , Zou Gang , Zhang Qijin
Published: January 2016

Enantioselective assembly is observed during preparation of micro-scale vesicles composed of an amphipathic block copolymer bearing pendent chiral groups.
Modification of epoxy resin through the self-assembly of a surfactant-like multi-element flame retardant
Authors: Liu C. , Chen T. , Yuan C. H. , Song C. F. , Chang Y. , Chen G. R. , Xu Y. T. , Dai L. Z.
Published: January 2016

Self-assembly of a surfactant-like flame-retardant POSS-bisDOPO in epoxy resin, can both enhance the flame retardancy and improve the mechanical properties of epoxy resin.
Vapor phase conversion of PbI2to CH3NH3PbI3: spectroscopic evidence for formation of an intermediate phase
Authors: Jain Sagar Motilal , Philippe Bertrand , Johansson Erik M. J. , Park Byung-wook , Rensmo Håkan , Edvinsson Tomas , Boschloo Gerrit
Published: January 2016

The formation of CH3NH3PbI3(MAPbI3) from its precursors is probably the most significant step in the control of the quality of this semiconductor perovskite material, which is highly promising for photovoltaic applications.
Solution processed graphene structures for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Batmunkh Munkhbayar , Shearer Cameron J. , Biggs Mark J. , Shapter Joseph G.
Published: January 2016

Solution processed graphene electrodes are used as transparent electrodes in perovskite solar cells to test their feasibility. The efficiency obtained using the transparent graphene electrodes is further improved by employing graphene into both compact and mesoporous TiO2 layers of the devices.
Varying the microphase separation patterns of alkaline polymer electrolytes
Authors: Chen Chen , Pan Jing , Han Juanjuan , Wang Ying , Zhu Liang , Hickner Michael A. , Zhuang Lin
Published: January 2016

Hydrophobic side chains were employed to induce different patterns of microphase separation and cause different conductive performance in alkaline polymer electrolytes.
Synthesis and characterization of porous carbon–MoS2 nanohybrid materials: electrocatalytic performance towards selected biomolecules
Authors: Dolinska Joanna , Chidambaram Arunraj , Adamkiewicz Witold , Estili Mehdi , Lisowski Wojciech , Iwan Michalina , Palys Barbara , Sudholter Ernst J. R. , Marken Frank , Opallo Marcin , Rassaei Liza
Published: January 2016

Porous carbon nanohybrids are promising materials as high-performance electrodes for both sensing and energy conversion applications.
A simple spraying process greatly enhanced field emission of novel T-ZnO-supported CNT emitters
Authors: Yang Zunxian , Yan Wenhuan , Lv Jun , Qian Kun , Zhang Yuxiang , Liu Jiahui , Ai Jingwei , Guo Tailiang , Chen Enguo , Hu Liqin
Published: January 2016

T-ZnO-supported CNT emitters were fabricated by using a simple process involving two spraying steps followed by heat treatment in air.
Enhanced luminescence of Mn4+:Y3Al5O12red phosphor via impurity doping
Authors: Chen Daqin , Zhou Yang , Xu Wei , Zhong Jiasong , Ji Zhenguo , Xiang Weidong
Published: January 2016

A non-rare-earth doped Mn4+:Y3Al5O12red phosphor and the related glass–ceramics were fabricated to explore their application in white light-emitting diodes.
Rational design of reversible and irreversible cysteine sulfenic acid-targeted linear C-nucleophiles
Authors: Gupta Vinayak , Carroll Kate S.
Published: January 2016

We report the design of linear C-nucleophiles that react with sulfenic acid in a covalent, reversible manner. We further establish that linear C-nucleophile moieties present in the rheumatoid arthritis drug, tofacitinib and natural product, curcumin also form covalent adducts with sulfenic acid.
Conformational switch-mediated accelerated release of drug from cytosine-rich nucleic acid-capped magnetic nanovehicles
Authors: Liu Zhen , Huang Yanyan , Pu Fang , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: January 2016

A novel concept that the conformational switch of cytosine-rich DNA can accelerate the release of drug from DNA-capped nanovehicles is rationally devised.
Fast descriptor extraction method for a SURF‐based interest point
Authors: Cheon S.H. , Eom I.K. , Moon Y.H.
Published: January 2016

Speeded up robust features (SURF) is one of the most popular feature extraction algorithms used for detecting, recognising, and tracking objects in various applications. However, it is not suitable for real‐time implementation because its operating speed does not satisfy real‐time constraints. In this Letter, operating speed is highly dependent on the amount of computations required for the Haar wavelet response (HWR) step, and present a fast descriptor extraction method that eliminates repeated operations in the HWR step is shown. Experimental results show that the proposed method (PM) can achieve operation time‐savings of approximately 27% without using additional resources, while the descriptor extraction performance of the PM is exactly identical to that of the original reference software.
Towards enabling engineered microbial‐electronic systems: RK2‐based conjugal transfer system for Shewanella synthetic biology
Authors: Hajimorad M. , Gralnick J.A.
Published: January 2016

Synthetic biology has been traditionally associated with electronics through the application of circuit design concepts towards the genetic engineering of microbes. Due to recent advances in the understanding of extracellular electron transfer in the bacterium Shewanella oneidensis (Shewanella), synthetic biology advances now have the potential of being used towards electronics applications. Towards this end, there is a need for tools that enable the systematic optimisation of genetic circuits in Shewanella. With the introduction of an RK2 origin of transfer cassette, we show that a modular plasmid system constructed prior for synthetic biology efforts in the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) can be ported to Shewanella. In the process, it is also shown that different replication origins can be maintained in Shewanella and that multiple‐plasmid strains can be realised in the bacterium. The results suggest that parts accumulated from E. coli synthetic biology efforts over the past decade and a half may be able to be ported to Shewanella, enabling the future engineering of systems where microbes interface with electronics (e.g. biosensors).
Bilateral frame rate up‐conversion algorithm based on the comparison of texture complexity
Authors: Lee K. , Jeong J.
Published: January 2016

A new bilateral frame rate up‐conversion (FRUC) algorithm based on the bi‐directional comparison of the texture complexity in the reference frame is proposed. In the proposed algorithm, the accuracy of the motion estimation (ME) process is determined by the comparison of the prediction size in the reference region of the bi‐directional ME process. Base on this comparison, the adaptive refinement process is adjusted. In the experimental results, the proposed algorithm outperforms the conventional bilateral FRUC algorithm by 0.27 dB.
Dual mode modulation method for the full‐bridge converter operating in a wide input voltage range
Authors: Zhao Lei , Li Haoyu , Liu Shufeng , Zeng Weihe
Published: January 2016

To improve the efficiency of full‐bridge converter operating under wide input voltage conditions, this Letter proposes a dual mode modulation method. The full‐bridge converter is controlled by phase‐shifted mode at low input voltage and asymmetric pulse width modulation mode at high input voltage. The proposed method can reduce power loss, voltage stress of rectifier and output filter requirement. A 500‐W full bridge converter with a 160 to 400 V input voltage range is built to confirm the validity of the proposed dual mode method.
Impact of Thera and Crete interconnection on their economic operation
Authors: Lignos Chrysovalantis , Tsikalakis Antonios G.
Published: January 2016

Crete is the largest autonomous power system in Greece. Thera is a small island in the Aegean Sea, widely known as Santorini. This study tackles with the potential impact in case of interconnection of these two island systems. The impact on the economic operation of both power systems, the expected flow between these two power systems and the fuel savings resulting from their interconnection are presented as a part of a preliminary techno‐economic study that can be also used for investigation of further interconnections in the area. In addition, some insight on the transmission losses and the level of interconnection voltage is provided.