bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interferometric analysis of laser-driven cylindrically focusing shock waves in a thin liquid layer
Authors: Veysset David , Мaznev Alexei A. , Pezeril Thomas , Kooi Steven , Nelson Keith A.
Published: December 2016

Shock waves in condensed matter are of great importance for many areas of science and technology ranging from inertially confined fusion to planetary science and medicine. In laboratory studies of shock waves, there is a need in developing diagnostic techniques capable of measuring parameters of materials under shock with high spatial resolution. Here, time-resolved interferometric imaging is used to study laser-driven focusing shock waves in a thin liquid layer in an all-optical experiment. Shock waves are generated in a 10 µm-thick layer of water by focusing intense picosecond laser pulses into a ring of 95 µm radius. Using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and time-delayed femtosecond laser pulses, we obtain a series of images tracing the shock wave as it converges at the center of the ring before reemerging as a diverging shock, resulting in the formation of a cavitation bubble. Through quantitative analysis of the interferograms, density profiles of shocked samples are extracted. The experimental geometry used in our study opens prospects for spatially resolved spectroscopic studies of materials under shock compression.
Correction: Corrigendum: Identification of novel, therapy-responsive protein biomarkers in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by aptamer-based serum proteomics
Authors: Coenen-Stass Anna M. L. , McClorey Graham , Manzano Raquel , Betts Corinne A. , Blain Alison , Saleh Amer F. , Gait Michael J. , Lochmüller Hanns , Wood Matthew J. A. , Roberts Thomas C.
Published: December 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 17014; published online: 23 November 2015; updated: 19 December 2016
Rapid dissemination of taxonomic discoveries based on DNA barcoding and morphology
Authors: Cao Xiaowei , Liu Jie , Chen Jian , Zheng Guo , Kuntner Matjaž , Agnarsson Ingi
Published: December 2016

The taxonomic impediment is characterized by dwindling classical taxonomic expertise, and slow pace of revisionary work, thus more rapid taxonomic assessments are needed. Here we pair rapid DNA barcoding methods with swift assessment of morphology in an effort to gauge diversity, establish species limits, and rapidly disseminate taxonomic information prior to completion of formal taxonomic revisions. We focus on a poorly studied, but diverse spider genus,Pseudopoda,from East Asia. We augmented the standard barcoding locus (COI) with nuclear DNA sequence data (ITS2) and analyzed congruence among datasets and species delimitation methods for a total of 572 individuals representing 23 described species and many potentially new species. Our results suggest that a combination of CO1 + ITS2 fragments identify and diagnose species better than the mitochondrial barcodes alone, and that certain tree based methods yield considerably higher diversity estimates than the distance-based approaches and morphology. Combined, through an extensive field survey, we detect a twofold increase in species diversity in the surveyed area, at 42–45, with most species representing short range endemics. Our study demonstrates the power of biodiversity assessments and swift dissemination of taxonomic data through rapid inventory, and through a combination of morphological and multi-locus DNA barcoding diagnoses of diverse arthropod lineages.
The Safety Limits Of An Extended Fast: Lessons from a Non-Model Organism
Authors: Bertile Fabrice , Fouillen Laetitia , Wasselin Thierry , Maes Pauline , Le Maho Yvon , Van Dorsselaer Alain , Raclot Thierry
Published: December 2016

While safety of fasting therapy is debated in humans, extended fasting occurs routinely and safely in wild animals. To do so, food deprived animals like breeding penguins anticipate the critical limit of fasting by resuming feeding. To date, however, no molecular indices of the physiological state that links spontaneous refeeding behaviour with fasting limits had been identified. Blood proteomics and physiological data reveal here that fasting-induced body protein depletion is not unsafe “per se”. Indeed, incubating penguins only abandon their chick/egg to refeed when this state is associated with metabolic defects in glucose homeostasis/fatty acid utilization, insulin production and action, and possible renal dysfunctions. Our data illustrate how the field investigation of “exotic” models can be a unique source of information, with possible biomedical interest.
APC/CCDC20 and APC/C play pivotal roles in the process of embryonic development in Artemia sinica
Authors: Zhang Mengchen , Yao Feng , Luan Hong , Zhao Wei , Jing Ting , Zhang Shuang , Hou Lin , Zou Xiangyang
Published: December 2016

Anaphase Promoting Complex or Cyclosome (APC/C) is a representative E3 ubiquitin ligase, triggering the transition of metaphase to anaphase by regulating degradation and ensures the exit from mitosis. Cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) and Cell division cycle 20 related protein 1 (CDH1), as co-activators of APC/C, play significant roles in the spindle assembly checkpoint, guiding ubiquitin-mediated degradation, together with CDC23. During the embryonic development of the brine shrimp, Artemia sinica, CDC20, CDH1 and CDC23 participate in cell cycle regulation, but the specific mechanisms of their activities remain unknown. Herein, the full-length cDNAs of cdc20 and cdc23 from A. sinica were cloned. Real-time PCR analyzed the expression levels of As-cdc20 and As-cdc23. The locations of CDH1, CDC20 and CDC23 showed no tissue or organ specificity. Furthermore, western blotting showed that the levels of As-CDC20, securin, cyclin B, CDK1, CDH1, CDC14B, CDC23 and geminin proteins conformed to their complicated degradation relationships during different embryo stages. Our research revealed that As-CDC20, As-CDH1 and APC mediate the mitotic progression, downstream proteins degradation and cellular differentiation in the process of embryonic development in A. sinica.
Implications for management and conservation of the population genetic structure of the wedge clam Donax trunculus across two biogeographic boundaries
Authors: Marie Amandine D. , Lejeusne Christophe , Karapatsiou Evgenia , Cuesta José A. , Drake Pilar , Macpherson Enrique , Bernatchez Louis , Rico Ciro
Published: December 2016

In a resource management perspective, the understanding of the relative influence of the physical factors on species connectivity remains a major challenge and is also of great ecological and conservation biology interest. Despite the overfishing threat on the wedge clam Donax trunculus in Europe, relatively little information is known about its population genetic structure and connectivity and their consequences on conservation policies. We employed 16 microsatellite loci to characterise the genetic diversity and population structure of D. trunculus. A total of 514 samples from seven different localities along the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition, from the Atlantic (Gulf of Cádiz) to the north-western Mediterranean were genotyped. The analysis of the population genetic structure displayed a clear distinction along the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition with different clusters in the Atlantic Ocean, the Alboran Sea and the northwestern Mediterranean. Consequently, we recommend that these three areas should be considered as different management units. We showed that all populations seem to be at high long-term risk of extinction with the exception of the protected Doñana National Park population which still seems to have evolutionary potential. Therefore, our results emphasized the necessity of protection of this economic resource and the validity of molecular tools to evaluate the population dynamics.
Possible Source Populations of the White-backed Planthopper in the Greater Mekong Subregion Revealed by Mitochondrial DNA Analysis
Authors: Li Xiang-yong , Chu Dong , Yin Yan-qiong , Zhao Xue-qing , Chen Ai-dong , Khay Sathya , Douangboupha Bounneuang , Kyaw Mu Mu , Kongchuensin Manita , Ngo Vien Vinh , Nguyen Chung Huy
Published: December 2016

The white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is a serious pest of rice in Asia. However, little is known regarding the migration of this pest insect from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Vietnam, into China’s Yunnan Province. To determine the migration patterns of S. furcifera in the GMS and putative secondary immigration inside China’s Yunnan Province, we investigated the population genetic diversity, genetic structure, and gene flow of 42 S. furcifera populations across the six countries in the GMS by intensive sampling using mitochondrial genes. Our study revealed the potential emigration of S. furcifera from the GMS consists primarily of three major sources: 1) the S. furcifera from Laos and Vietnam migrate into south and southeast Yunnan, where they proceed to further migrate into northeast and central Yunnan; 2) the S. furcifera from Myanmar migrate into west Yunnan, and/or central Yunnan, and/or northeast Yunnan; 3) the S. furcifera from Cambodia migrate into southwest Yunnan, where the populations can migrate further into central Yunnan. The new data will not only be helpful in predicting population dynamics of the planthopper, but will also aid in regional control programs for this economically important pest insect.
Quantitative assessment of the regenerative and mineralogenic performances of the zebrafish caudal fin
Authors: Cardeira João , Gavaia Paulo J. , Fernández Ignacio , Cengiz Ibrahim Fatih , Moreira-Silva Joana , Oliveira Joaquim Miguel , Reis Rui L. , Cancela M. Leonor , Laizé Vincent
Published: December 2016

The ability of zebrafish to fully regenerate its caudal fin has been explored to better understand the mechanisms underlying de novo bone formation and to develop screening methods towards the discovery of compounds with therapeutic potential. Quantifying caudal fin regeneration largely depends on successfully measuring new tissue formation through methods that require optimization and standardization. Here, we present an improved methodology to characterize and analyse overall caudal fin and bone regeneration in adult zebrafish. First, regenerated and mineralized areas are evaluated through broad, rapid and specific chronological and morphometric analysis in alizarin red stained fins. Then, following a more refined strategy, the intensity of the staining within a 2D longitudinal plane is determined through pixel intensity analysis, as an indicator of density or thickness/volume. The applicability of this methodology on live specimens, to reduce animal experimentation and provide a tool for in vivo tracking of the regenerative process, was successfully demonstrated. Finally, the methodology was validated on retinoic acid- and warfarin-treated specimens, and further confirmed by micro-computed tomography. Because it is easily implementable, accurate and does not require sophisticated equipment, the present methodology will certainly provide valuable technical standardization for research in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and skeletal biology.
How mobile are dye adsorbates and acetonitrile molecules on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles? A quasi-elastic neutron scattering study
Authors: Vaissier Valerie , Sakai Victoria Garcia , Li Xiaoe , Cabral João T. , Nelson Jenny , Barnes Piers R. F.
Published: December 2016

Motions of molecules adsorbed to surfaces may control the rate of charge transport within monolayers in systems such as dye sensitized solar cells. We used quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) to evaluate the possible dynamics of two small dye moieties, isonicotinic acid (INA) and bis-isonicotinic acid (BINA), attached to TiO2 nanoparticles via carboxylate groups. The scattering data indicate that moieties are immobile and do not rotate around the anchoring groups on timescales between around 10 ps and a few ns (corresponding to the instrumental range). This gives an upper limit for the rate at which conformational fluctuations can assist charge transport between anchored molecules. Our observations suggest that if the conformation of larger dye molecules varies with time, it does so on longer timescales and/or in parts of the molecule which are not directly connected to the anchoring group. The QENS measurements also indicate that several layers of acetonitrile solvent molecules are immobilized at the interface with the TiO2 on the measurement time scale, in reasonable agreement with recent classical molecular dynamics results.
Artificial Neuron Based on Integrated Semiconductor Quantum Dot Mode-Locked Lasers
Authors: Mesaritakis Charis , Kapsalis Alexandros , Bogris Adonis , Syvridis Dimitris
Published: December 2016

Neuro-inspired implementations have attracted strong interest as a power efficient and robust alternative to the digital model of computation with a broad range of applications. Especially, neuro-mimetic systems able to produce and process spike-encoding schemes can offer merits like high noise-resiliency and increased computational efficiency. Towards this direction, integrated photonics can be an auspicious platform due to its multi-GHz bandwidth, its high wall-plug efficiency and the strong similarity of its dynamics under excitation with biological spiking neurons. Here, we propose an integrated all-optical neuron based on an InAs/InGaAs semiconductor quantum-dot passively mode-locked laser. The multi-band emission capabilities of these lasers allows, through waveband switching, the emulation of the excitation and inhibition modes of operation. Frequency-response effects, similar to biological neural circuits, are observed just as in a typical two-section excitable laser. The demonstrated optical building block can pave the way for high-speed photonic integrated systems able to address tasks ranging from pattern recognition to cognitive spectrum management and multi-sensory data processing.
Water soluble organic aerosols in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, USA: composition, sources and optical properties
Authors: Xie Mingjie , Mladenov Natalie , Williams Mark W. , Neff Jason C. , Wasswa Joseph , Hannigan Michael P.
Published: December 2016

Atmospheric aerosols have been shown to be an important input of organic carbon and nutrients to alpine watersheds and influence biogeochemical processes in these remote settings. For many remote, high elevation watersheds, direct evidence of the sources of water soluble organic aerosols and their chemical and optical characteristics is lacking. Here, we show that the concentration of water soluble organic carbon (WSOC) in the total suspended particulate (TSP) load at a high elevation site in the Colorado Rocky Mountains was strongly correlated with UV absorbance at 254 nm (Abs254, r = 0.88 p < 0.01) and organic carbon (OC, r = 0.95 p < 0.01), accounting for >90% of OC on average. According to source apportionment analysis, biomass burning had the highest contribution (50.3%) to average WSOC concentration; SOA formation and motor vehicle emissions dominated the contribution to WSOC in the summer. The source apportionment and backward trajectory analysis results supported the notion that both wildfire and Colorado Front Range pollution sources contribute to the summertime OC peaks observed in wet deposition at high elevation sites in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. These findings have important implications for water quality in remote, high-elevation, mountain catchments considered to be our pristine reference sites.
Nucleation of mercury sulfide by dealkylation
Authors: Enescu Mironel , Nagy Kathryn L. , Manceau Alain
Published: December 2016

Metal sulfide minerals are assumed to form naturally at ambient conditions via reaction of a metallic element with (poly)sulfide ions, usually produced by microbes in oxygen-depleted environments. Recently, the formation of mercury sulfide (β-HgS) directly from linear Hg(II)-thiolate complexes (Hg(SR)2) in natural organic matter and in cysteine solutions was demonstrated under aerated conditions. Here, a detailed description of this non-sulfidic reaction is provided by computations at a high level of molecular-orbital theory. The HgS stoichiometry is obtained through the cleavage of the S-C bond in one thiolate, transfer of the resulting alkyl group (R’) to another thiolate, and subsequent elimination of a sulfur atom from the second thiolate as a thioether (RSR’). Repetition of this mechanism leads to the formation of RS-(HgS)n-R chains which may self-assemble in parallel arrays to form cinnabar (α-HgS), or more commonly, quickly condense to four-coordinate metacinnabar (β-HgS). The mechanistic pathway is thermodynamically favorable and its predicted kinetics agrees with experiment. The results provide robust theoretical support for the abiotic natural formation of nanoparticulate HgS under oxic conditions and in the absence of a catalyst, and suggest a new route for the (bio)synthesis of HgS nanoparticles with improved technological properties.
Angiopoietin-2, Angiopoietin-1 and subclinical cardiovascular disease in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tsai Yi-Chun , Lee Chee-Siong , Chiu Yi-Wen , Kuo Hung-Tien , Lee Su-Chu , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Kuo Mei-Chuan , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: December 2016

Angiopoietins (Angpt) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been associated with cardiovascular disease. The study enrolled 270 pre-dialysis stage 3–5 CKD patients to assess the link between circulating Angpt2, Angpt1 and VEGF-A and subclinical measures of cardiovascular structure and function. Serum markers of angiogenesis were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Cardiac structure and function were examined by echocardiography. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured by the ankle-brachial index. The adjusted mean of left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was 2.05 in patients of Angpt2 quartile 4 and 1.99 in those of Angpt2 quartile 1 (P = 0.04). Angpt2 was significantly associated with LV hypertrophy (LVH) (Angpt2 quartile 4 compared with Angpt2 quartile 1: adjusted OR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.15–6.20). Angpt1 was negatively correlated with left atrial diameter (adjusted mean of LAD: 3.59 in Angpt1 quartile 4, 3.92 in Angpt1 quartile 1, P = 0.03). A positive and significant correlation was found between Angpt2 level and baPWV in spearman’s correlation, but not in adjusted model. In conclusion, high Angpt2 and low Angpt1 levels were positively associated with abnormal cardiac structure in stages 3–5 CKD patients, which is compatible with the viewpoint that angiopoietins participates in cardiovascular burdens.
Reversible Self-Actuated Thermo-Responsive Pore Membrane
Authors: Park Younggeun , Gutierrez Maria Paz , Lee Luke P.
Published: December 2016

Smart membranes, which can selectively control the transfer of light, air, humidity and temperature, are important to achieve indoor climate regulation. Even though reversible self-actuation of smart membranes is desirable in large-scale, reversible self-regulation remains challenging. Specifically, reversible 100% opening/closing of pore actuation showing accurate responsiveness, reproducibility and structural flexibility, including uniform structure assembly, is currently very difficult. Here, we report a reversible, thermo-responsive self-activated pore membrane that achieves opening and closing of pores. The reversible, self-actuated thermo-responsive pore membrane was fabricated with hybrid materials of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide), (PNIPAM) within polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to form a multi-dimensional pore array. Using Multiphysics simulation of heat transfer and structural mechanics based on finite element analysis, we demonstrated that pore opening and closing dynamics can be self-activated at environmentally relevant temperatures. Temperature cycle characterizations of the pore structure revealed 100% opening ratio at T = 40 °C and 0% opening ratio at T = 20 °C. The flexibility of the membrane showed an accurate temperature-responsive function at a maximum bending angle of 45°. Addressing the importance of self-regulation, this reversible self-actuated thermo-responsive pore membrane will advance the development of future large-scale smart membranes needed for sustainable indoor climate control.
Chemically modulated graphene quantum dot for tuning the photoluminescence as novel sensory probe
Authors: Hwang Eunhee , Hwang Hee Min , Shin Yonghun , Yoon Yeoheung , Lee Hanleem , Yang Junghee , Bak Sora , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: December 2016

A band gap tuning of environmental-friendly graphene quantum dot (GQD) becomes a keen interest for novel applications such as photoluminescence (PL) sensor. Here, for tuning the band gap of GQD, a hexafluorohydroxypropanyl benzene (HFHPB) group acted as a receptor of a chemical warfare agent was chemically attached on the GQD via the diazonium coupling reaction of HFHPB diazonium salt, providing new HFHPB-GQD material. With a help of the electron withdrawing HFHPB group, the energy band gap of the HFHPB-GQD was widened and its PL decay life time decreased. As designed, after addition of dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), the PL intensity of HFHPB-GQD sensor sharply increased up to approximately 200% through a hydrogen bond with DMMP. The fast response and short recovery time was proven by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) analysis. This HFHPB-GQD sensor shows highly sensitive to DMMP in comparison with GQD sensor without HFHPB and graphene. In addition, the HFHPB-GQD sensor showed high selectivity only to the phosphonate functional group among many other analytes and also stable enough for real device applications. Thus, the tuning of the band gap of the photoluminescent GQDs may open up new promising strategies for the molecular detection of target substrates.
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) evolution before and after the vaccination introduction: A large scale epidemiological study
Authors: Franzo Giovanni , Tucciarone Claudia Maria , Cecchinato Mattia , Drigo Michele
Published: December 2016

Since their commercialization, vaccines against Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) have been the cornerstone control strategy. Nevertheless, the periodic emergence of new genotype waves and the recent reports of vaccine failure outbreaks have raised the question if widespread vaccination strategies could have driven viral evolution and affected different genotype fitness. To investigate this issue an in-deep analysis, based on a bioinformatics and biostatistics approach, has been implemented. ORF2 sequences from vaccinated and non-vaccinated populations (i.e. domestic pigs before and after vaccine introduction and wild boars) were considered. The action of selective forces on PCV2 strains has been analyzed and compared among groups. Remarkable differences were found in the selective forces acting on viral populations circulating in different “immune environments”. Particularly for PCV2a, a directional selection promoting a change in the viral capsid away from the vaccine specific antigenic determinants has been detected after vaccine introduction. Involved amino acids were previously reported to be part of viral epitopes whose variability is responsible of immune escape. Our findings support a change in PCV2 evolutionary pattern after widespread vaccination introduction and stress once more the compulsoriness of a continuous monitoring of PCV2 epidemiology to promptly act in response to the emergence of possible vaccine-escaping mutants.
The “Intermediate” CD14++CD16+ monocyte subset increases in severe peripheral artery disease in humans
Authors: Wildgruber Moritz , Aschenbrenner Teresa , Wendorff Heiko , Czubba Maria , Glinzer Almut , Haller Bernhard , Schiemann Matthias , Zimmermann Alexander , Berger Hermann , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Meier Reinhard , Wohlgemuth Walter A. , Libby Peter , Zernecke Alma
Published: December 2016

Monocytes are key players in atherosclerotic. Human monocytes display a considerable heterogeneity and at least three subsets can be distinguished. While the role of monocyte subset heterogeneity has already been well investigated in coronary artery disease (CAD), the knowledge about monocytes and their heterogeneity in peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) still is limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate monocyte subset heterogeneity in patients with PAOD. Peripheral blood was obtained from 143 patients suffering from PAOD (Rutherford stage I to VI) and three monocyte subsets were identified by flow cytometry: CD14++CD16− classical monocytes, CD14+CD16++ non-classical monocytes and CD14++CD16+ intermediate monocytes. Additionally the expression of distinct surface markers (CD106, CD162 and myeloperoxidase MPO) was analyzed. Proportions of CD14++CD16+ intermediate monocyte levels were significantly increased in advanced stages of PAOD, while classical and non-classical monocytes displayed no such trend. Moreover, CD162 and MPO expression increased significantly in intermediate monocyte subsets in advanced disease stages. Likewise, increased CD162 and MPO expression was noted in CD14++CD16− classical monocytes. These data suggest substantial dynamics in monocyte subset distributions and phenotypes in different stages of PAOD, which can either serve as biomarkers or as potential therapeutic targets to decrease the inflammatory burden in advanced stages of atherosclerosis.
Predisposing factors for poor outcome of surgery for cervical spondylotic amyotrophy: a multivariate analysis
Authors: Zhang JingTao , Cui Can , Liu Zhao , Tong Tong , Niu RuiJie , Shen Yong
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to characterize risk factors for poor surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA). We retrospectively reviewed 88 cases of CSA surgery and investigated age, sex, duration of symptoms, atrophy type, preoperative muscle power, signal changes on MRI, anterior horn (AH) or ventral nerve root (VNR) compression, compression levels, surgical approach and postoperative recovery. Fifty (56.8%) patients had good surgical outcome. Logistic regression, with poor outcome as dependent variable, showed independent risks associated with duration of symptoms (OR; 1 for symptom duration less than 3 months versus 3.961 [95% CI; 1.203–13.039, p = 0.024] for symptom duration of 3–6 months versus 18.724 [95% CI; 3.967–88.367, p < 0.001] for symptom duration greater than 6 months), compression type (OR; 1 for VNR versus 4.931 [95% CI; 1.457–16.685, p = 0.010] for AH versus 5.538 [95% CI; 1.170–26.218, p = 0.031] for VNR + AH), and atrophy type (OR; 1 for proximal type versus 6.456 [95% CI; 1.938–21.508, p = 0.002] for distal type). These findings suggest that a long duration of symptoms, AH or both AH and VNR compression, and distal type are risk factors for poor surgical outcome in patients with CSA.
Metal-free catalysis of nitrogen-doped nanocarbons for the ammoxidation of alcohols to nitriles
Authors: Shang Sensen , Dai Wen , Wang Lianyue , Lv Ying , Gao Shuang
Published: December 2016

Mesoporous N-doped nanocarbons were developed via pyrolysis of DAA using template synthesis and showed good activity to ammoxidation of alcohols.
A concise construction of 12H-benzo[4,5]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazolin-12-ones via an unusual TBHP/Na2CO3 promoted cascade oxidative cyclization and interrupted Dimroth rearrangement
Authors: Zhou Zhi-Wen , Jia Feng-Cheng , Xu Cheng , Jiang Shi-Fen , Wu Yan-Dong , Wu An-Xin
Published: December 2016

An interrupted Dimroth rearrangement was merged into the oxidative cyclization between isatins and 2-haloaryl isothiocyanates, giving 12H-benzo[4,5]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazolin-12-one derivatives.
Chemoselective and site-selective peptide and native protein modification enabled by aldehyde auto-oxidation
Authors: Purushottam Landa , Adusumalli Srinivasa Rao , Chilamari Maheshwerreddy , Rai Vishal
Published: December 2016

Chemical technology delivers precision engineering of the native protein backbone. A lysine residue undergoes single-site formylation or acylation in a multi-step yet operationally simple one-pot process.
The driving force for Π-bond localization and bond alternation in trisannelated benzenes
Authors: Lin Xuhui , Chen Zhenhua , Wu Wei
Published: December 2016

Ab initio valence bond studies reveal different weights of the endo- and exo-Kekulé structures for trisannelated benzene.
Hierarchical TiO2 nanonetwork–porous Ti 3D hybrid photocatalysts for continuous-flow photoelectrodegradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Chang Sujie , Wang Qiangbing , Liu Baishan , Sang Yuanhua , Liu Hong
Published: December 2016

Hierarchical TiO2/porous Ti hybrid photocatalysts prepared by powder metallurgical porous titanium material can be act as 3D electrodes for photoelectrocatalysis. High performance continuous filtration photoelectrocatalytic device for waste water treatment has been designed and built by using UV-LED as light source.
Structural and magnetic properties of semiquinonate based Al(iii) and Ga(iii) complexes
Authors: Das Chinmoy , Shukla Pragya , Sorace Lorenzo , Shanmugam Maheswaran
Published: December 2016

One electron reduced 3,5-di-t-butyl-o-benzoquinone reacts with anhydrous MCl3 (M = Al or Ga) led us to isolate a Al(iii) dimer and a Ga(iii) monomer which are structurally characterized with the molecular formula of [Al2(μ-HL−)2(L˙−)4] (1) and [Ga(L˙−)3] (2). Detailed magnetic studies reveal that the radicals are coupled ferromagnetically. The EPR studies performed on 1 unequivocally discloses that the dimeric 1 is exists in equilibrium with monomeric [Al(L˙−)3].
The coordination structure of the extracted nickel(ii) complex with a synergistic mixture containing dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid and 2-ethylhexyl 4-pyridinecarboxylate ester
Authors: Li Jiyuan , Hu Huiping , Zhu Shan , Hu Fang , Wang Yongxi
Published: December 2016

The FT-IR, ESI-MS spectra and crystal structure of Ni(H2O)4(LII)2(DNNS)2 illustrate that Ni(ii) forms similar extracted complexes with HDNNS and 4PC.
Biochemical effects of venlafaxine on astrocytes as revealed by 1H NMR-based metabolic profiling
Authors: Sun Lu , Fang Liang , Lian Bin , Xia Jin-Jun , Zhou Chan-juan , Wang Ling , Mao Qiang , Wang Xin-Fa , Gong Xue , Liang Zi-Hong , Bai Shun-Jie , Liao Li , Wu Yu , Xie Peng
Published: December 2016

As a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor [SNRI], venlafaxine is one of the most commonly prescribed clinical antidepressants, with a broad range of antidepressant effects.
Compounds based on 3-amino-4-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)furazan as insensitive energetic materials
Authors: Yu Qiong , Cheng Guangbin , Ju Xuehai , Lu Chunxu , Lin Qiuhan , Yang Hongwei
Published: December 2016

Insensitivity: Derivatives based on 3-amino-4-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)furazan were synthesized and characterized. Most of these compounds are thermally stable and insensitive which make them competitive replacement as insensitive energetic materials.
Novel electroluminescent donor–acceptors based on dibenzo[a,c]phenazine as hole-transporting materials for organic electronics
Authors: Shaikh Azam M. , Sharma Bharat K. , Chacko Sajeev , Kamble Rajesh M.
Published: December 2016

Novel yellow-green fluorescent 3,6,11-trisubstitued-dibenzo[a,c]phenazine derivatives were synthesized via a Buchwald–Hartwig palladium-catalyzed C–N amination reaction for the hole-transporting materials.
Carambola-shaped VO2 nanostructures: a binder-free air electrode for an aqueous Na–air battery
Authors: Khan Ziyauddin , Senthilkumar Baskar , Park Sung O , Park Seungyoung , Yang Juchan , Lee Jeong Hyeon , Song Hyun-Kon , Kim Youngsik , Kwak Sang Kyu , Ko Hyunhyub
Published: December 2016

Binder-free and bifunctional electrocatalysts have vital roles in the development of high-performance metal–air batteries.
Oxidant mediated one-step complete conversion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes to graphene quantum dots and their bioactivity against mammalian and bacterial cells
Authors: Biswas Anupam , Khandelwal Puneet , Das Raja , Salunke Gayatri , Alam Aftab , Ghorai Suvankar , Chattopadhyay Samit , Poddar Pankaj
Published: December 2016

A simple, low cost, safe, easy to execute, one-step synthesis of uniform, and monodispersed GQDs with selective toxicity towards the bacterial cells rather than the mammalian cells is reported.
Design, fabrication, and biomedical applications of bioinspired peptide–inorganic nanomaterial hybrids
Authors: Yu Xiaoqing , Wang Zhenping , Su Zhiqiang , Wei Gang
Published: December 2016

We presented the design, composition, and typical biomedical applications of bioinspired peptide–inorganic nanomaterial hybrids.
Highly soluble fluorous alkyl ether-tagged imaging materials for the photo-patterning of organic light-emitting devices
Authors: Son Jongchan , Oh Hyun-Taek , Kwon O Jun , Lim Jong-Min , Jung Heeyoung , Jung Byung Jun , Hwang Do-Hoon , Lee Changhee , Lee Jin-Kyun , Yoon Jong Geun , Yoon Soo Young
Published: December 2016

A photolithographic patterning scheme for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) pixels was proposed, requiring highly soluble imaging materials in fluorous solvents.
Pore-size-tuned host–guest interactions in Co-MOFs via in situ microcalorimetry: adsorption and magnetism
Authors: Qiao Chengfang , Sun Lin , Zhang Sheng , Liu Ping , Chang Liangliang , Zhou Chunsheng , Wei Qing , Chen Sanping , Gao Shengli
Published: December 2016

This article proposes guided-assembly strategies by microcalorimetry for encapsulating guests within Co-MOFs endowed with excellent adsorption and magnetism.
Exposure to few-layer graphene through diet induces oxidative stress and histological changes in the marine shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Fernandes Amanda Lucena , Josende Marcelo Estrella , Nascimento Jefferson Patrício , Santos Adelina Pinheiro , Sahoo Sangram Keshai , da Silva Flávio Manoel Rodrigues , Romano Luis Alberto , Furtado Clascídia Aparecida , Wasielesky Wilson , Monserrat José Marìa , Ventura-Lima Juliane
Published: December 2016

The use of graphene nanomaterials is rapidly increasing.
Cultural Proficiency: Supporting the Development of Cultural Competence in Mentoring Relationships
Authors: Cornish Nathan , White Melissa
Published: December 2016

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA's) Strategic Pathway to Excellence calls for increased cultural competence of association members (ASHA, 2016a). This objective, fueled by a longstanding recognition of the need to educate ASHA members about the influence of culture and language on assessment and intervention (ASHA, 1985, 2004), has resulted in a greater number of resources for acquiring these knowledge and skills. However, little has been written about how mentors can facilitate the development of cultural competence among new and future professionals. In order to share this knowledge, mentors must exercise “cultural proficiency” (ASHA, 2016b). Culturally proficient mentors demonstrate an awareness of the variables that exist between the mentor and mentee as well as the clinician and client. They work strategically to help mentees develop their own awareness of cultural and linguistic influences, and apply this during clinical decision making. This article explores the critical need for cultural proficiency in mentoring relationships with our students and clinical fellows, methods for exercising cultural proficiency, and its potential impact on service provision in speech-language pathology and audiology.
A Novel Interdisciplinary Course: Musical Acoustics and Health Issues
Authors: Finan Donald , Meinke Deanna
Published: December 2016

In response to a college call for new interdisciplinary coursework in the Natural and Health Sciences, an undergraduate level course was created with focus on the physics and biophysics of sound. The physics of sound production in musical instruments is used as a model for understanding vocal production and sound reception, with emphasis on relevant issues of vocal and hearing health promotion. This project-based course, titled “Musical Acoustics and Health Issues,” was designed in collaboration with faculty from Audiology, Speech Science, Public Health, Music, Physics, Music Technology, and Science Education. Student performance is assessed through a series of eight hands-on projects designed to maximize active learning strategies. Course projects center on the concept of “sound as energy” and include the construction of string-based (cigar box guitar) and tube-based (PVC pipe didgeridoo) instruments. Course design, project details, and course outcomes are presented.
Beauty-Contests in the Age of Financialization: Information Activism and Retail Investor Behavior
Authors: Rickett Laura , Datta Pratim
Published: December 2016

Keynes (The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money, Harcourt Brace and Co., New York, 1936) had rightfully argued that picking stocks is akin to a beauty contest. The chances of winning are amplified if one's choice matches the likelihood of the panel's choice. In this era of financialization, where profit-making has shifted to speculative sways rather than fundamental trade and commodity production measures (Krippner, Socio-Econ Rev 3(2): 173-208, 2005), similar beauty contests have become even more acute. Online, real-time media channels along with pervasive investments applications have ushered in unprecedented online financial information and retail investor interest, ranging from dealing in penny stocks to sentiment-based trading. More than information sources, similar investment sites compete to recommend investment directions and strategies, not driven by strict fundamentals used by “arbitrageurs” or rational speculators but on pseudo-signals proffered by various information investment channels with varying degrees of credibility. This behavior, referred to herein as information activism, concomitantly adds a sociopsychological dimension to the concept of financialization (Lagoarde-Segot, Int Rev Financial Anal 2016) – wherein technology-driven information reach and range contribute to financial dominance of financial actors and practices. Using information activism as a lens, this research empirically evidences the extent to which information activism affects retail investor behavior under various market conditions. This study examines the differential effects of two primary, albeit reputable, sources of information activism: an investment news channel (CNBC – Mad Money) and an online financial blog (SeekingAlpha), and the effect on investor behavior during the 2008 financial crisis. In identifying the specific downstream effects of information activism on capital markets and investor behavior, factors related to investor behavior, such as trading volume and price reaction, are analyzed surrounding information activism events. Results indicate that retail investors appear to rely on online information activists during uncertain economic conditions. Findings denote that abnormal returns are associated with information activism during uncertain economic conditions and for buy recommendations when information asymmetry is high. Abnormal trading volume is also associated with information activism during economic uncertainty and with buy recommendations when information asymmetry is high particularly for stocks exchanges where unsophisticated investors tend to trade more heavily.
Photochemical CVD of Ru on functionalized self-assembled monolayers from organometallic precursors
Authors: Johnson Kelsea R. , Arevalo Rodriguez Paul , Brewer Christopher R. , Brannaka Joseph A. , Shi Zhiwei , Yang Jing , Salazar Bryan , McElwee-White Lisa , Walker Amy V.
Published: December 2016

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is an attractive technique for the metallization of organic thin films because it is selective and the thickness of the deposited film can easily be controlled. However, thermal CVD processes often require high temperatures which are generally incompatible with organic films. In this paper, we perform proof-of-concept studies of photochemical CVD to metallize organic thin films. In this method, a precursor undergoes photolytic decomposition to generate thermally labile intermediates prior to adsorption on the sample. Three readily available Ru precursors, CpRu(CO)2Me, (η3-allyl)Ru(CO)3Br, and (COT)Ru(CO)3, were employed to investigate the role of precursor quantum yield, ligand chemistry, and the Ru oxidation state on the deposition. To investigate the role of the substrate chemistry on deposition, carboxylic acid-, hydroxyl-, and methyl-terminated self-assembled monolayers were used. The data indicate that moderate quantum yields for ligand loss (φ ≥ 0.4) are required for ruthenium deposition, and the deposition is wavelength dependent. Second, anionic polyhapto ligands such as cyclopentadienyl and allyl are more difficult to remove than carbonyls, halides, and alkyls. Third, in contrast to the atomic layer deposition, acid-base reactions between the precursor and the substrate are more effective for deposition than nucleophilic reactions. Finally, the data suggest that selective deposition can be achieved on organic thin films by judicious choice of precursor and functional groups present on the substrate. These studies thus provide guidelines for the rational design of new precursors specifically for selective photochemical CVD on organic substrates.
On the onset of multi-wave patterns in laterally heated floating zones for slightly supercritical conditions
Authors: Lappa Marcello
Published: December 2016

This analysis follows and integrates the line of inquiry started in past author’s works [M. Lappa, “Three-dimensional numerical simulation of Marangoni flow instabilities in floating zones laterally heated by an equatorial ring,” Phys. Fluids 15(3), 776–789 (2003) and “Combined effect of volume and gravity on the three-dimensional flow instability in non-cylindrical floating zones heated by an equatorial ring,” ibid. 16(2), 331–343 (2004)] about the typical instabilities of the Marangoni flow and associated hierarchy of bifurcations in laterally heated floating zones with various shapes and aspect ratios. The main motivation for re-examining this kind of problems, which have attracted so much attention over the last twenty years, is the recent discovery [M. Kudo et al., “Transition of thermocapillary convection in a full-zone liquid bridge,” Trans. JSME (in Japanese) 80(812), TEP0095 (2014)] of a chaotic state in the region of the space of parameters where on the basis of existing theories and earlier results for the classical liquid-bridge problem with organic fluids, the flow should be relatively regular in time and with a simple structure in space. Axisymmetric computations are used to obtain the steady basic state, and then the Navier Stokes equations are solved in their complete, three-dimensional, time-dependent, and non-linear formulation to investigate the evolution of azimuthal disturbances. It is shown that the “apparent” doubling or quadrupling of the azimuthal wavenumber in the equatorial plane, previously reported for the case of floating zones of liquid metals, is replaced for high-Prandtl-number liquids by the complex interaction of disturbances with distinct spatial and temporal scales. These disturbances become critical at relatively comparable values of the Marangoni number. The unexpected multiplicity of waveforms and competition of spatial modes are explained according to the increased complexity of the considered system in terms of flow topology and structure with respect to the classical half-zone configuration.
Experimental and ab initio characterization of HC3N+ vibronic structure. I. Synchrotron-based threshold photo-electron spectroscopy
Authors: Desrier Antoine , Romanzin Claire , Lamarre Nicolas , Alcaraz Christian , Gans Bérenger , Gauyacq Dolores , Liévin Jacques , Boyé-Péronne Séverine
Published: December 2016

Threshold-photoionization spectroscopy of cyanoacetylene (HC3N) and its 15N isotopologue has been investigated in the vacuum-ultraviolet range with a synchrotron-based experiment allowing to record threshold-photoelectron spectrum and photoion yield over a large energy range (from 88 500 to 177 500 cm−1, i.e., from 11 to 22 eV). Adiabatic ionization energies towards the three lowest electronic states X+ 2Π, A+ Σ+2, and B+ Π2 are derived from the threshold-photoelectron spectrum. A detailed description of the vibrational structure of these states is proposed leading to the determination of the vibrational frequencies for most modes. The vibrational assignments and the discussion about the electronic structure are supported by multireference ab initio calculations (CASPT2, MRCI). Unprecedented structures are resolved and tentatively assigned in the region of the B+← X transition. Exploratory calculations highlight the complexity of the electronic landscape of the cation up to approximately 10 eV above its ground state.
A Peltier cooling diamond anvil cell for low-temperature Raman spectroscopic measurements
Authors: Noguchi Naoki , Okuchi Takuo
Published: December 2016

A new cooling system using Peltier modules is presented for a low-temperature diamond anvil cell instrument. This cooling system has many advantages: it is vibration-free, low-cost, and compact. It consists of double-stacked Peltier modules and heat sinks, where a cooled ethylene glycol–water mixture flows through a chiller. Current is applied to the Peltier modules by two programmable DC power supplies. Sample temperature can be controlled within the range 210–300 K with a precision of ±0.1 K via a Proportional-Integral-Differential (PID) control loop. A Raman spectroscopic study for the H2O ice VII–VIII transition is shown as an example of an application of the Peltier cooling diamond anvil cell system.
Effect of poling process on resistive switching in Au/BiFeO3/SrRuO3 structures
Authors: Zhu Hui , Zhang Yingqiao , Jiang Anquan , Bai Zilong , Feng Shiwei , Wang Pengfei , Meng Xiao , Qi Qiong
Published: December 2016

We studied the resistive switching of Au/BiFeO3/SrRuO3 structures. Their current–voltage characteristics complied with space-charge-limited (SCL) conduction. A full cycle of the poling process enlarged the I–V hysteresis and increased the transition voltage from Ohmic to SCL for an I–V sweeping bias less than the coercive voltage. A cycle of poling could increase the resistance switching ratio under low bias by 20 times over that of a virgin sample without poling. Measurements of thermally stimulated current showed a difference between the sample in the pristine state and that under the polarization state, indicating a relationship between the trap filling status and the resistive switching behavior.
Low p-type contact resistance by field-emission tunneling in highly Mg-doped GaN
Authors: Okumura Hironori , Martin Denis , Grandjean Nicolas
Published: December 2016

Mg-doped GaN with a net acceptor concentration (NA-ND) in the high 1019 cm−3 range was grown using ammonia molecular-beam epitaxy. Electrical properties of NiO contact on this heavily doped p-type GaN were investigated. A potential-barrier height of 0.24 eV was extracted from the relationship between NA-ND and the specific contact resistivity (ρc). We found that there is an optimum NA-ND value of 5 × 1019 cm−3 for which ρc is as low as 2 × 10−5 Ω cm2. This low ρc is ascribed to hole tunneling through the potential barrier at the NiO/p+-GaN interface, which is well accounted for by the field-emission model.
Undoped p-type GaN1–xSbx alloys: Effects of annealing
Authors: Segercrantz N. , Baumgartner Y. , Ting M. , Yu K. M. , Mao S. S. , Sarney W. L. , Svensson S. P. , Walukiewicz W.
Published: December 2016

We report p-type behavior for undoped GaN1–xSbx alloys with x ≥ 0.06 grown by molecular beam epitaxy at low temperatures (≤400 °C). Rapid thermal annealing of the GaN1–xSbx films at temperatures >400 °C is shown to generate hole concentrations greater than 1019 cm−3, an order of magnitude higher than typical p-type GaN achieved by Mg doping. The p-type conductivity is attributed to a large upward shift of the valence band edge resulting from the band anticrossing interaction between localized Sb levels and extended states of the host matrix.