bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in organizational form across lines of property insurance: Sweden, 1913–1939
Authors: Lilljegren Josef , Andersson Lars Fredrik
Published: March 2014

This article examines the impact of organizational structure on risk taking across different lines of property insurance (fire, marine, vehicle and specialized property insurance) in Sweden from 1913 to 1939. Based on the theoretical arguments whereby the mutual organizational form has a competitive advantage in underwriting homogeneous but unknown risk distribution, while the stock organizational form is more likely to underwrite more volatile and heterogeneous risk categories, we conclude that organizational form has a significant impact on risk taking. Our empirical analysis shows that the risk taking, measured as incurred claims to anticipated losses, was on average lower among mutual insurers. When comparing across lines of insurance, the analysis shows that the mutual form was more successful in keeping down risks in fire and marine, while less so in vehicle and specialized property insurance. Stock companies mitigated the higher risk by ceding more premiums to reinsurers and by diversifying more across different lines of insurance.
Thickness Variations and Absence of Lateral Compositional Fluctuations in Aberration-Corrected STEM Images of InGaN LED Active Regions at Low Dose
Authors: Yankovich Andrew B. , Kvit Alexander V. , Li Xing , Zhang Fan , Avrutin Vitaliy , Liu Huiyong , Izyumskaya Natalia , Özgür Ümit , Van Leer Brandon , Morkoç Hadis , Voyles Paul M.
Published: March 2014

Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy images of the In0.15Ga0.85N active region of a blue light-emitting diode, acquired at ~0.1% of the electron dose known to cause electron beam damage, show no lateral compositional fluctuations, but do exhibit one to four atomic plane steps in the active layer’s upper boundary. The area imaged was measured to be 2.9 nm thick using position averaged convergent beam electron diffraction, ensuring the sample was thin enough to capture compositional variation if it was present. A focused ion beam prepared sample with a very large thin area provides the possibility to directly observe large fluctuations in the active layer thickness that constrict the active layer at an average lateral length scale of 430 nm.
Nucleation Dynamics of Water Nanodroplets
Authors: Bhattacharya Dipanjan , Bosman Michel , Mokkapati Venkata R.S.S. , Leong Fong Yew , Mirsaidov Utkur
Published: March 2014

The origin of the condensation of water begins at the nanoscale, a length-scale that is challenging to probe for liquids. In this work we directly image heterogeneous nucleation of water nanodroplets by in situ transmission electron microscopy. Using gold nanoparticles bound to a flat surface as heterogeneous nucleation sites, we observe nucleation and growth of water nanodroplets. The growth of nanodroplet radii follows the power law: R(t)~(t−t0)β, where β~0.2−0.3.
Representation through corporatisation: municipal corporations in Italy as arenas for local democracy
Authors: Citroni Giulio , Lippi Andrea , Profeti Stefania
Published: March 2014

The literature on Public Utilities has increasingly shown that the adoption of corporate governance tools for the management of public services in local policy-making has given rise to a considerable reshaping of political strategies and practices. Corporatisation should be understood as not merely a policy instrument, but also as a new opportunity for local politicians to adjust their preferences, to deal with various interests, and to build unusual coalitions. Corporatisation may (and does) influence the concrete operation of local political systems. Today, the boards of municipal enterprises, as well as the public–private partnerships stemming from this emerging tendency towards corporatisation, can be conceived as both actors of local policy-making and arenas in which a number of functions traditionally associated with the mechanisms of electoral representation are performed: inter- and intra-party bargaining, recruitment of élites, and negotiation with local and ‘external’ stakeholders. The paper illustrates the impact of corporatisation on local representation mechanisms in Italy, considering its opaque side with specific reference to the problem of democratic accountability and control, and the creation of new local oligarchies. Empirical evidence is provided from research on municipal enterprises in six different Italian regions. Statistical data on companies (amount of social capital, fields of activity, private and public shareholders, etc.), as well as qualitative data, are analysed in order to show how corporatisation has provided local actors with unusual (and often non-transparent) channels of political representation and public–private bargaining.
Threat object classification with a close range polarimetric imaging system by means of H-

α

decomposition
Authors: Adametz Julian , Schmidt Lorenz-Peter
Published: March 2014

In this paper, an approach to differentiate between various dielectric threat objects in security applications is investigated. The scattering information in form of the Sinclair matrix of relevant scenarios is gained from a fully polarimetric, synthetic aperture radar. Both monostatic and multistatic array configurations are examined. A possible polarimetric calibration procedure is presented. The radar data are processed with the H-α decomposition algorithm. The H-α scattering characteristics of threat objects are analyzed in terms of a weighted averaging. It is shown that an object classification is possible even for threat objects conceiled under thick layers of clothing. Measurement results are presented to illustrate the topic.
Leptin levels at birth and infant growth: the EPOCH study
Authors: Kaar J. L. , Brinton J. T. , Crume T. , Hamman R. F. , Glueck D. H. , Dabelea D.
Published: March 2014

Objective: To examine the association of cord blood leptin with body mass index (BMI) growth velocity from birth to 12 months of age among infants exposed and not exposed to over-nutrition in utero (defined as maternal overweight/obesity or presence of gestational diabetes). Methods: 185 infants enrolled in the Exploring Perinatal Outcomes among Children study (76 exposed and 109 not exposed) had leptin and insulin measured in cord blood. Longitudinal weight and length measures in the first 12 months of life (average 4 per participant) obtained from medical records were used to compute BMI growth rates. Mixed models were used to examine associations of cord blood leptin with growth. Results: Compared with unexposed infants, those exposed had significantly higher cord blood insulin (8.64 v. 6.97 uU/ml, P<0.01) and leptin levels (8.89 v. 5.92 ng/ml, P=0.05) as well as increased birth weights (3438.04 v. 3306.89 g, P=0.04). There was an inverse relationship between cord leptin levels and BMI growth from birth to 12 months of age (P=0.005); however, exposure to over-nutrition in utero did not significantly modify this association (P=0.59). Conclusion: We provide support of a possible operational feedback mechanism by which lower cord blood leptin levels are associated with faster infant growth in the first year of life. Our data do not tend to support the hypothesis that this mechanism is altered in infants exposed to over-nutrition in utero; however our sample is too small to provide sufficient evidence. Larger epidemiological studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for increased propensity for obesity in exposed offspring.
Phylogenetic and functional gene structure shifts of the oral microbiomes in periodontitis patients
Authors: Li Yan , He Jinzhi , He Zhili , Zhou Yuan , Yuan Mengting , Xu Xin , Sun Feifei , Liu Chengcheng , Li Jiyao , Xie Wenbo , Deng Ye , Qin Yujia , VanNostrand Joy D , Xiao Liying , Wu Liyou , Zhou Jizhong , Shi Wenyuan , Zhou Xuedong
Published: March 2014

Determining the composition and function of subgingival dental plaque is crucial to understanding human periodontal health and disease, but it is challenging because of the complexity of the interactions between human microbiomes and human body. Here, we examined the phylogenetic and functional gene differences between periodontal and healthy individuals using MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons and a specific functional gene array (a combination of GeoChip 4.0 for biogeochemical processes and HuMiChip 1.0 for human microbiomes). Our analyses indicated that the phylogenetic and functional gene structure of the oral microbiomes were distinctly different between periodontal and healthy groups. Also, 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis indicated that 39 genera were significantly different between healthy and periodontitis groups, and Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, Treponema, Filifactor, Eubacterium, Tannerella, Hallella, Parvimonas, Peptostreptococcus and Catonella showed higher relative abundances in the periodontitis group. In addition, functional gene array data showed that a lower gene number but higher signal intensity of major genes existed in periodontitis, and a variety of genes involved in virulence factors, amino acid metabolism and glycosaminoglycan and pyrimidine degradation were enriched in periodontitis, suggesting their potential importance in periodontal pathogenesis. However, the genes involved in amino acid synthesis and pyrimidine synthesis exhibited a significantly lower relative abundance compared with healthy group. Overall, this study provides new insights into our understanding of phylogenetic and functional gene structure of subgingival microbial communities of periodontal patients and their importance in pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Elevated nitrate enriches microbial functional genes for potential bioremediation of complexly contaminated sediments
Authors: Xu Meiying , Zhang Qin , Xia Chunyu , Zhong Yuming , Sun Guoping , Guo Jun , Yuan Tong , Zhou Jizhong , He Zhili
Published: March 2014

Nitrate is an important nutrient and electron acceptor for microorganisms, having a key role in nitrogen (N) cycling and electron transfer in anoxic sediments. High-nitrate inputs into sediments could have a significant effect on N cycling and its associated microbial processes. However, few studies have been focused on the effect of nitrate addition on the functional diversity, composition, structure and dynamics of sediment microbial communities in contaminated aquatic ecosystems with persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Here we analyzed sediment microbial communities from a field-scale in situ bioremediation site, a creek in Pearl River Delta containing a variety of contaminants including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), before and after nitrate injection using a comprehensive functional gene array (GeoChip 4.0). Our results showed that the sediment microbial community functional composition and structure were markedly altered, and that functional genes involved in N-, carbon (C)-, sulfur (S)-and phosphorus (P)- cycling processes were highly enriched after nitrate injection, especially those microorganisms with diverse metabolic capabilities, leading to potential in situ bioremediation of the contaminated sediment, such as PBDE and PAH reduction/degradation. This study provides new insights into our understanding of sediment microbial community responses to nitrate addition, suggesting that indigenous microorganisms could be successfully stimulated for in situ bioremediation of POPs in contaminated sediments with nitrate addition.
Brown Adipose Tissue Function is Accompanied by Cerebral Activation in Lean But Not in Obese Humans
Authors: Orava Janne , Nummenmaa Lauri , Noponen Tommi , Viljanen Tapio , Parkkola Riitta , Nuutila Pirjo , Virtanen Kirsi A
Published: March 2014

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is able to generate heat and dissipate energy in response to cold exposure in mammals. It has recently been acknowledged that adult humans also have functional BAT, whose metabolic activity is reduced in obesity. In healthy humans, the cerebral mechanisms that putatively control BAT function are unclear. By using positron emission tomography (PET), we showed that cold-induced BAT activation is associated with glucose metabolism in the cerebellum, thalamus, and cingulate, temporoparietal, lateral frontal, and occipital cortices in lean participants, whereas no such associations were found under warm control conditions. The cold-induced increase in cerebral glucose metabolism was more robust in lean than obese participants. Cerebral glucose metabolism was not associated with skeletal muscle or white adipose tissue glucose uptake under warm or cold conditions. In conclusion, BAT metabolism was accompanied by the activation of specific cerebral regions, and this shows an uncharacterized role that the brain plays in the regulation of BAT function. In obese participants, the cold-induced response in cerebral activity was attenuated that provides a clue for obesity-induced impairment in BAT metabolism.
Protein Kinase C Epsilon Regulates Mitochondrial Pools of Nampt and NAD Following Resveratrol and Ischemic Preconditioning in the Rat Cortex
Authors: Morris-Blanco Kahlilia C , Cohan Charles H , Neumann Jake T , Sick Thomas J , Perez-Pinzon Miguel A
Published: March 2014

Preserving mitochondrial pools of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) or nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt), an enzyme involved in NAD production, maintains mitochondrial function and confers neuroprotection after ischemic stress. However, the mechanisms involved in regulating mitochondrial-localized Nampt or NAD have not been defined. In this study, we investigated the roles of protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in regulating mitochondrial pools of Nampt and NAD after resveratrol or ischemic preconditioning (IPC) in the cortex and in primary neuronal-glial cortical cultures. Using the specific PKCε agonist ψεRACK, we found that PKCε induced robust activation of AMPK in vitro and in vivo and that AMPK was required for PKCε-mediated ischemic neuroprotection. In purified mitochondrial fractions, PKCε enhanced Nampt levels in an AMPK-dependent manner and was required for increased mitochondrial Nampt after IPC or resveratrol treatment. Analysis of intrinsic NAD autofluorescence using two-photon microscopy revealed that PKCε modulated NAD in the mitochondrial fraction. Further assessments of mitochondrial NAD concentrations showed that PKCε has a key role in regulating the mitochondrial NAD+/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced (NADH) ratio after IPC and resveratrol treatment in an AMPK- and Nampt-dependent manner. These findings indicate that PKCε is critical to increase or maintain mitochondrial Nampt and NAD after pathways of ischemic neuroprotection in the brain.
The Proteome of Mouse Cerebral Arteries
Authors: Badhwar AmanPreet , Stanimirovic Danica B , Hamel Edith , Haqqani Arsalan S
Published: March 2014

The cerebral vasculature ensures proper cerebral function by transporting oxygen, nutrients, and other substances to the brain. Distribution of oxygenated blood throughout the neuroaxis takes place at the level of the circle of Willis (CW). While morphologic and functional alterations in CW arteries and its main branches have been reported in cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, accompanying changes in protein expression profiles remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, we performed proteomics to compile a novel list of proteins present in mouse CW arteries and its ramifications. Circle of Willis arteries were surgically removed from 6-month-old wild-type mice, proteins extracted and analyzed by two proteomics approaches, gel-free nanoLC-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS and gel-based GelLC-MS/MS, using nanoAcquity UPLC coupled with ESI-LTQ Orbitrap XL. The two approaches helped maximize arterial proteome coverage. Six biologic and two technical replicates were performed. In all, 2,188 proteins with at least 2 unique high-scoring peptides were identified (6,630 proteins total). Proteins were classified according to vasoactivity, blood–brain barrier specificity, tight junction and adhesion molecules, membrane transporters/channels, and extracellular matrix/basal lamina proteins. Furthermore, we compared the identified CW arterial proteome with the published brain microvascular proteome. Our database provides a vital resource for the study of CW cerebral arterial protein expression profiles in health and disease.
Carbon Nanotube Chemiresistor for Wireless pH Sensing
Authors: Gou Pingping , Kraut Nadine D. , Feigel Ian M. , Bai Hao , Morgan Gregory J. , Chen Yanan , Tang Yifan , Bocan Kara , Stachel Joshua , Berger Lee , Mickle Marlin , Sejdić Ervin , Star Alexander
Published: March 2014

The ability to accurately measure real-time pH fluctuations in-vivo could be highly advantageous. Early detection and potential prevention of bacteria colonization of surgical implants can be accomplished by monitoring associated acidosis. However, conventional glass membrane or ion-selective field-effect transistor (ISFET) pH sensing technologies both require a reference electrode which may suffer from leakage of electrolytes and potential contamination. Herein, we describe a solid-state sensor based on oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes (ox-SWNTs) functionalized with the conductive polymer poly(1-aminoanthracene) (PAA). This device had a Nernstian response over a wide pH range (2–12) and retained sensitivity over 120 days. The sensor was also attached to a passively-powered radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag which transmits pH data through simulated skin. This battery-less, reference electrode free, wirelessly transmitting sensor platform shows potential for biomedical applications as an implantable sensor, adjacent to surgical implants detecting for infection.
Super-resolution microscopy reveals decondensed chromatin structure at transcription sites
Authors: Wang Yejun , Maharana Shovamayee , Wang Michelle D. , Shivashankar G. V.
Published: March 2014

Remodeling of the local chromatin structure is essential for the regulation of gene expression. While a number of biochemical and bioimaging experiments suggest decondensed chromatin structures are associated with transcription, a direct visualization of DNA and transcriptionally active RNA polymerase II (RNA pol II) at super-resolution is still lacking. Here we investigate the structure of chromatin isolated from HeLa cells using binding activatable localization microscopy (BALM). The sample preparation method preserved the structural integrity of chromatin. Interestingly, BALM imaging of the chromatin spreads revealed the presence of decondensed chromatin as gap structures along the spreads. These gaps were enriched with phosphorylated S5 RNA pol II and were sensitive to the cellular transcriptional state. Taken together, we could visualize the decondensed chromatin regions together with active RNA pol II for the first time using super-resolution microscopy.
Conductive polymer nanocomposites with hierarchical multi-scale structures via self-assembly of carbon-nanotubes on graphene on polymer-microspheres
Authors: Tang Changyu , Long Gucheng , Hu Xin , Wong Ka-wai , Lau Woon-ming , Fan Meikun , Mei Jun , Xu Tao , Wang Bin , Hui David
Published: March 2014

GO is employed to disperse CNTs and direct their assembly on polystyrene microspheres to form a 3D hierarchical conducting network.
Synthesis and characterization of molecularly imprinted silica mediated by Al for solid phase extraction of quercetin inGinkgo bilobaL.
Authors: Braga L. R. , Rosa A. A. , Dias A. C. B.
Published: March 2014

A bi-functionalized molecularly imprinted silica (MIS) was prepared for solid phase extraction of quercetin.
Bio-inspired gold microtubes based on the morphology of filamentous fungi
Authors: Fontes Adriana M. , Geris Regina , dos Santos Arnaud V. , Pereira Madson G. , Ramalho Jéssica G. S. , da Silva Antonio F. , Malta Marcos
Published: March 2014

This communication describes a general method for templating fungal filaments with gold nanoparticles that results in a gold replica of filaments after calcination of the biological template.
Synthetic applications of eosin Y in photoredox catalysis
Authors: Hari Durga Prasad , König Burkhard
Published: March 2014

Eosin Y, a long known dye molecule, has recently been widely applied as a photoredox catalyst in organic synthesis.
Synthesis of 1H-indazoles from N-tosylhydrazones and nitroaromatic compounds
Authors: Liu Zhenxing , Wang Long , Tan Haocheng , Zhou Shiyi , Fu Tianren , Xia Ying , Zhang Yan , Wang Jianbo
Published: March 2014

1H-Indazoles have been synthesized from readily available N-tosylhydrazones and nitroaromatic compounds under mild reaction conditions.
Electrochemical investigation of sodium reactivity with nanostructured Co3O4for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Rahman Md Mokhlesur , Glushenkov Alexey M. , Ramireddy Thrinathreddy , Chen Ying
Published: March 2014

The electrochemical behaviour of Co3O4with sodium is reported here.
[4+2+2] Cycloaddition catalyzed by a new cationic rhodium–bisphosphine monooxide complex
Authors: Canlas Gino Martin R. , Gilbertson Scott R.
Published: March 2014

A rhodium–BozPHOS based complex is reported that is competent in catalyzing the [4+2+2] cycloisomerization of cyclooctatrienes in moderate to good yields.
Graphene oxide as an anti-shrinkage additive for resorcinol–formaldehyde composite aerogels
Authors: Guo Kang , Song Huaihe , Chen Xiaohong , Du Xian , Zhong Liang
Published: March 2014

GO can obviously reduce both the drying shrinkage and aerogel density. A mechanism of inhibiting shrinkage was proposed.
Widely tunable band gaps of graphdiyne: an ab initio study
Authors: Koo Jahyun , Park Minwoo , Hwang Seunghyun , Huang Bing , Jang Byungryul , Kwon Yongkyung , Lee Hoonkyung
Published: March 2014

Functionalization of graphdiyne, a two-dimensional atomic layer of sp–sp2 hybrid carbon networks, was investigated through first-principles calculations.
Zinc halide template effects on the construction of [1 + 1] flexible Schiff-base macrocyclic complexes having pendant-armed dialdehyde components
Authors: Chen Hui-Qing , Zhang Kun , Jin Chao , Huang Wei
Published: March 2014

A pair of pendant-armed dialdehydes is used to react with 1,3-propanediamine to prepare six [1 + 1] flexible Schiff-base macrocyclic complexes in the presence of ZnX2 salts (X = Cl, Br, I), where the template Zn(ii) cations and the auxiliary halide anions are believed to play important roles in forming the resulting macrocyclic Zn(ii) complexes.
The mechanochemical production of phenyl cations through heterolytic bond scission
Authors: Shiraki Tomohiro , Diesendruck Charles E. , Moore Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2014

High mechanical forces applied to polymeric materials typically induce unselective chain scission. For the last decade, mechanoresponsive molecules, mechanophores, have been designed to harness the mechanical energy applied to polymers and provide a productive chemical response. The selective homolysis of chemical bonds was achieved by incorporating peroxide and azo mechanophores into polymer backbones. However, selective heterolysis in polymer mechanochemistry is still mostly unachieved. We hypothesized that highly polarized bonds in ionic species are likely to undergo heterolytic bond scission. To test this, we examined a triarylsulfonium salt (TAS) as a mechanophore. Poly(methyl acrylate) possessing TAS at the center of the chain (PMA-TAS) is synthesized by a single electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) method. Computational and experimental studies in solution reveal the mechanochemical production of phenyl cations from PMA-TAS. Interestingly, the generated phenyl cation reacts with its counter-anion (trifluoromethanesulfonate) to produce a terminal trifluoromethyl benzene structure that, to the best of our knowledge, is not observed in the photolysis of TAS. Moreover, the phenyl cation can be trapped by the addition of a nucleophile. These findings emphasize the interesting reaction pathways that become available by mechanical activation.
Compensation of inorganic acid interferences in ICP-OES and ICP-MS using a Flow Blurring® multinebulizer
Authors: Aguirre Miguel Ángel , Fialho Lucimar L. , Nóbrega Joaquim A. , Hidalgo Montserrat , Canals Antonio
Published: March 2014

A multinebulizer based on the Flow Blurring® nebulization principle for the analysis of acid digested samples using on-line standard addition calibration in ICP-OES and ICP-MS.
A variety of roles for versatile zinc in metallo-β-lactamases
Authors: Karsisiotis A. I. , Damblon C. F. , Roberts G. C. K.
Published: March 2014

β-Lactamases inactivate the important β-lactam antibiotics by catalysing the hydrolysis of the β-lactam ring, thus. One class of these enzymes, the metallo-β-lactamases, bind two zinc ions at the active site and these play important roles in the catalytic mechanism.
Cerium-based M4L4 tetrahedrons containing hydrogen bond groups as functional molecular flasks for selective reaction prompting
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yu Hao , Zhang Caixia , He Cheng , Duan Chunying
Published: March 2014

Metal–organic tetrahedrons with abundant hydrogen bond groups work as “molecular flasks” to prompt Knoevenagel condensation and cyanosilylation reactions.
A simple and practical synthesis route for preparation of Li3V2(PO4)3/C by the rheological phase method using composite chelating reagents
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Liu Qianjin , Feng Lijun , Wang Shuping , Yang Yanzhao , Wei Huiying
Published: March 2014

A carbon-coated Li3V2(PO4)3 composite was prepared, which exhibited stable cycle performance, capacity retention and thermostability.
Fe-terpyridyl complex based multiple switches for application in molecular logic gates and circuits
Authors: Mondal Prakash Chandra , Singh Vikram , Shankar Bhaskaran
Published: March 2014

The Fe(ii)-terpyridyl binary complex is used as a molecular switch upon external chemical stimuli. The stability of different switching states, their reversibility upon further chemical stimulus, prompted construction of solution based molecular logic gates and circuits.
Polarization enhancement of microwave absorption by increasing aspect ratio of ellipsoidal nanorattles with Fe3O4 cores and hierarchical CuSiO3 shells
Authors: Xu Junjie , Liu Jiwei , Che Renchao , Liang Chongyun , Cao Maosheng , Li Yong , Liu Zhengwang
Published: March 2014

Ellipsoidal Fe3O4@CuSilicate nanorattles with larger aspect ratio exhibited polarization enhancement of microwave absorption.
Porous CuCo2O4 nanocubes wrapped by reduced graphene oxide as high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Kang Wenpei , Tang Yongbing , Li Wenyue , Li Zhangpeng , Yang Xia , Xu Jun , Lee Chun-Sing
Published: March 2014

Porous CuCo2O4 nanocubes well wrapped by reduced graphene oxide sheets were facilely prepared and they showed impressive performance at high current density as the anode material of a lithium ion battery.
Unadulterated BODIPY-dimer nanoparticles with high stability and good biocompatibility for cellular imaging
Authors: Li Zhensheng , Zheng Min , Guan Xingang , Xie Zhigang , Huang Yubin , Jing Xiabin
Published: March 2014

Purely organic nanoparticles based on a BODIPY dimer were prepared using a nanoprecipitation method and used successfully for cellular imaging.
Highly effective hot spots for SERS signatures of live fibroblasts
Authors: Radziuk Darya , Moehwald Helmuth
Published: March 2014

SERS of an analyte is strongly enhanced at silver hot spots in PEG 8000, while PEG 1000 is less efficient.
Harnessing catalysis to enhance scanning probe nanolithography
Authors: Carnally Stewart A. M. , Wong Lu Shin
Published: March 2014

The use of scanning probes bearing catalysts to perform surface nanolithography combines the exquisite spatial precision of scanning probe microscopy with the synthetic capabilities of (bio)chemical catalysis.
Healing defective CVD-graphene through vapor phase treatment
Authors: Van Lam Do , Kim Sang-Min , Cho Youngji , Kim Jae-Hyun , Lee Hak-Joo , Yang Jun-Mo , Lee Seung-Mo
Published: March 2014

Structural defects present on CVD-graphene, which originated from the growth stage and transfer process, can be selectively healed by vapor phase treatment. The treated graphenes show noticeably improved electrical properties with long term stability in contrast with chemically doped graphenes.
Aggregation-induced emission enhancement upon Al3+ complexation with a tetrasulfonated calix[4]bisazacrown fluorescent molecular sensor
Authors: Ruan Yi-Bin , Depauw Alexis , Leray Isabelle
Published: March 2014

A new water-soluble ligand bearing a tetrasulfonated calix[4]arene was constructed for ratiometric detection of Al3+ based on an aggregation-induced fluorescence enhancement mechanism.
Twisted conformations in complexes of N-(3-imidazol-1-yl-propyl)-1,8-naphthalimide and fluorescence properties
Authors: Nath Jayanta Kumar , Baruah Jubaraj B.
Published: March 2014

A series of complexes of N-(3-imidazol-1-yl-propyl)-1,8-naphthalimide (L) with divalent ions of manganese, cobalt, zinc, cadmium and mercury are structurally characterized.
Energy-saving and environmentally friendly electrodeposition of γ-MnO2
Authors: Tang Jing , Meng Hui-Min , Huang Liang Liang
Published: March 2014

The electric energy consumption of the electrolysis with Pt/C GDE can save 65.6–61.06% compared to traditional cathodes at 80 A m−2.
Organic–inorganic nanohybrids and their applications in silver extraction, chromogenic Cu2+ detection in biological systems, and hemolytic assay
Authors: Singh Ajnesh , Bhardwaj Vimal Kumar , Kaur Gurinder , Kaur Kamalpreet , Singh Narinder , Bakshi Mandeep Singh
Published: March 2014

An organic–inorganic nanohybrid material is prepared for chemosensor development in aqueous media.
A facile chemoselective deprotection of aryl silyl ethers using sodium hydride/DMF and in situ protection of phenol with various groups
Authors: Fernandes Rodney A. , Gholap Sachin P. , Mulay Sandip V.
Published: March 2014

A facile method for chemoselective aryl silyl ether deprotection with NaH/DMF is developed and a one-pot desilylation/reprotection as different aryl silyl ethers/esters has also been realized.
The role of substrate interactions in the modification of surface forces by self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Ewers B. W. , Batteas J. D.
Published: March 2014

Detailed pressure and strain mapping of atomistic contact simulations elucidate the mechanical and tribochemical mechanisms of surface force modification with SAMs.
Facile reversible LSPR tuning through additive-induced self-aggregation and dissemination of Ag NPs: role of cyclodextrins and surfactants
Authors: Mahapatra Niharendu , Halder Mintu
Published: March 2014

An easy and economical protocol for the reversible LSPR tuning of Ag NPs through cyclodextrin-induced self-aggregation and color fading, followed by surfactant-induced dissemination of self-assembly and consequent color reappearance.
Intrinsic carrier mobility of germanene is larger than graphene's: first-principle calculations
Authors: Ye Xue-Sheng , Shao Zhi-Gang , Zhao Hongbo , Yang Lei , Wang Cang-Long
Published: March 2014

Shown here is the intrinsic carrier mobility (ICM) of germanene, a group-IV graphene-like two-dimensional buckled nanosheet.
Selective bromination of 2,5-bis(2-thienyl)pyrroles and solid-state polymerization through the β-carbon of pyrrole
Authors: Pati Palas Baran , Zade Sanjio S.
Published: March 2014

Solid state polymerization (SSP) through β-C of pyrrole of the β,β′-dibrominated 2,5-bis(2-thienyl)pyrrole moiety to afford the bromine doped conjugated polymer.
Magnetically induced structural anisotropy in binary colloidal gels and its effect on diffusion and pressure driven permeability
Authors: Abrahamsson Christoffer , Nordstierna Lars , Bergenholtz Johan , Altskär Annika , Nydén Magnus
Published: March 2014

Here we study diffusion and flow through a new hydrogel formed from colloidal silica and nontronite clay that was made anisotropic by magnetic alignment of the microstructure.
Mesoporous size controllable carbon microspheres and their electrochemical performances for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Ma Xiaomei , Gan Lihua , Liu Mingxian , Tripathi Pranav K. , Zhao Yunhui , Xu Zijie , Zhu Dazhang , Chen Longwu
Published: March 2014

Size controllable SiO2nanoparticles synthesized by adjusting the hydrolysis–condensation time and the concentration of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in ethanol–water solution in the presence of ammonia as a catalyst were encapsulated within resorcinol–formaldehyde polymer microspheres.
Controllable synthesis of uniform ZnO nanorods and their enhanced dielectric and absorption properties
Authors: Wang Guang-Sheng , Wu Ying-Ying , Zhang Xiao-Juan , Li Yong , Guo Lin , Cao Mao-Sheng
Published: March 2014

The PVDF/ZnO composites were prepared by a simple hot-press method. The dielectric behavior of the composites was improved at a lower percolation threshold. For the composites with a filler content of 10 wt%, the reflection loss appears as two peaks that can reach −15.90 dB at 6.60 GHz and −25.44 dB at 16.48 GHz.
Proton conductivity enhancement in oriented, sulfonated polyimide thin films
Authors: Krishnan Karthik , Iwatsuki Hiroko , Hara Mitsuo , Nagano Shusaku , Nagao Yuki
Published: March 2014

Studies of proton transport in confined thin polymer electrolytes are essential for providing additional information regarding the structure–property relationships of such materials.
Effects of La fluoride and La hydride on the reversible hydrogen sorption behaviors of NaBH4: a comparative study
Authors: Chong Lina , Zou Jianxin , Zeng Xiaoqin , Ding Wenjiang
Published: March 2014

Both LaF3 and the in situ formed LaH2 enable the reversible hydrogen sorption in NaBH4. Comparative studies show that La-B phases play the major role for the regeneration of NaBH4 in both the NaBH4+LaF3 and the NaBH4+LaH2 composites while the substitution of F- for H- results in more favorable thermodynamics in the NaBH4+LaF3 composite.
The role of the Ti surface roughness in the self-ordering of TiO2 nanotubes: a detailed study of the growth mechanism
Authors: Apolinário A. , Sousa C. T. , Ventura J. , Costa J. D. , Leitão D. C. , Moreira J. M. , Sousa J. B. , Andrade L. , Mendes A. M. , Araújo J. P.
Published: March 2014

Investigation of the effect of Ti surface roughness on the formation, organization, hexagonal arrangement and length of TiO2 NTs.
Edge-iodine/sulfonic acid-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Baek Jong Yeol , Jeon In-Yup , Baek Jong-Beom
Published: March 2014

Edge-iodine/sulfonic acid-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (ISGnPs) were prepared by two-step sequential ball-milling of graphite in the presence of iodine and sulfur trioxide. The resultant ISGnPs are highly dispersible in various polar solvents and the ORR performance of ISGnPs in an alkaline medium is superior to commercial Pt/C in terms of electrocatalytic activity and cycle stability.
Synthesis of novel yttrium-doped graphene oxide nanocomposite for dye removal
Authors: Zhang Ya , Yuan Saisai , Zhao Yanhua , Wang Honggui , He Chenda
Published: March 2014

A novel yttrium-doped graphene oxide (GOY) composite was first prepared and its photocatalytic performance was investigated by monitoring the degradation of MB.
Photovoltaic properties of bis(octyloxy)benzo-[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole sensitizers based on an N,N-diphenylthiophen-2-amine donor
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Chen Long , Li Xin , Mao Jiangyi , Wu Wenjun , Ågren Hans , Hua Jianli
Published: March 2014

Three sensitizers with N,N-diphenylthiophen-2-amine as the donor were synthesized for use in dye-sensitized solar cells, in which the furan-based sensitizer showed an efficiency of 7.16%.
A small-molecule benzimidazole derivative that potently activates AMPK to increase glucose transport in skeletal muscle: comparison with effects of contraction and other AMPK activators
Authors: Lai Yu-Chiang , Kviklyte Samanta , Vertommen Didier , Lantier Louise , Foretz Marc , Viollet Benoît , Hallén Stefan , Rider Mark H.
Published: March 2014

AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is an attractive therapeutic drug target for treating metabolic disorders. We studied the effects of an AMPK activator developed by Merck (ex229 from patent application WO2010036613), comparing chemical activation with contraction in intact incubated skeletal muscles. We also compared effects of ex229 with those of the Abbott A769662 compound and AICAR (5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide riboside). In rat epitrochlearis muscle, ex229 dose-dependently increased AMPK activity of α1-, α2-, β1- and β2-containing complexes with significant increases in AMPK activity seen at a concentration of 50 μM. At a concentration of 100 μM, AMPK activation was similar to that observed after contraction and importantly led to an ~2-fold increase in glucose uptake. In AMPK α1-/α2-catalytic subunit double-knockout myotubes incubated with ex229, the increases in glucose uptake and ACC (acetyl-CoA carboxylase) phosphorylation seen in control cells were completely abolished, suggesting that the effects of the compound were AMPK-dependent. When muscle glycogen levels were reduced by ~50% after starvation, ex229-induced AMPK activation and glucose uptake were amplified in a wortmannin-independent manner. In L6 myotubes incubated with ex229, fatty acid oxidation was increased. Furthermore, in mouse EDL (extensor digitorum longus) and soleus muscles, ex229 increased both AMPK activity and glucose uptake at least 2-fold. In summary, ex229 efficiently activated skeletal muscle AMPK and elicited metabolic effects in muscle appropriate for treating Type 2 diabetes by stimulating glucose uptake and increasing fatty acid oxidation.
T-cell co-stimulation through the CD2 and CD28 co-receptors induces distinct signalling responses
Authors: Skånland Sigrid S. , Moltu Kristine , Berge Torunn , Aandahl Einar M. , Taskén Kjetil
Published: March 2014

Full T-cell activation critically depends on the engagement of the TCR (T-cell receptor) in conjunction with a second signal by co-stimulatory receptors that boost the immune response. In the present study we have compared signalling patterns induced by the two co-receptors CD2 and CD28 in human peripheral blood T-cells. These co-receptors were previously suggested to be redundant in function. By a combination of multi-parameter phosphoflow cytometry, phosphokinase arrays and Western blot analyses, we demonstrate that CD2 co-stimulation induces phosphorylation of the TCR-proximal signalling complex, whereas CD28 activates distal signalling molecules, including the transcription factors NF-κB (nuclear factor κB), ATF (activating transcription factor)-2, STAT3/5 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/5), p53 and c-Jun. These signalling patterns were conserved in both naïve and effector/memory T-cell subsets. We show that free intracellular Ca2+ and signalling through the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/Akt pathway are required for proper CD28-induced NF-κB activation. The signalling patterns induced by CD2 and CD28 co-stimulation lead to distinct functional immune responses in T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. In conclusion, CD2 and CD28 co-stimulation induces distinct signalling responses and functional outcomes in T-cells.
CuO/NiO core/shell nanowire arrays directly synthesised on copper foam with promising superhydrophobic property
Authors: Huang Ting , Wang Jun , Shen Jinpeng , Li Rui , Guangcheng Yang , Zhao Tianbo
Published: March 2014

A report is presented on the synthesis of a novel nanoscale core/shell heterostructure with CuO nanowires as the core and NiO nanoparticles as the shell directly grown on copper foam by a two‐step solution method. The heterostructures are investigated and analysed by scanning electron microscopy and an X‐ray diffractometer. The results indicate that the secondary growth of NiO nanoparticles around CuO nanowires leads to the creation of CuO/NiO hetero‐hierarchical core/shell nanowire arrays. The wettability of the CuO/NiO core/shell nanowire arrays after being modified by trichloro (1H, 1H, 2H, 2H‐perfluorooctyl) silane is studied. The CuO/NiO core/shell nanowire arrays on copper foam present promising superhydrophobic properties with high water contact angles up to 164 ± 2°.
Distortion of ethyne on coordination to silver acetylide, C2H2⋅⋅⋅AgCCH, characterised by broadband rotational spectroscopy and ab initio calculations
Authors: Stephens Susanna L. , Zaleski Daniel P. , Mizukami Wataru , Tew David P. , Walker Nicholas R. , Legon Anthony C.
Published: March 2014

The rotational spectra of six isotopologues of a complex of ethyne and silver acetylide, C2H2⋅⋅⋅AgCCH, are measured by both chirped-pulse and Fabry-Perot cavity versions of Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy. The complex is generated through laser ablation of a silver target in the presence of a gas sample containing 1% C2H2, 1% SF6, and 98% Ar undergoing supersonic expansion. Rotational, A0, B0, C0, and centrifugal distortion ΔJ and ΔJK constants are determined for all isotopologues of C2H2⋅⋅⋅AgCCH studied. The geometry is planar, C2v and T-shaped in which the C2H2 sub-unit comprises the bar of the “T” and binds to the metal atom through its π electrons. In the r0 geometry, the distance of the Ag atom from the centre of the triple bond in C2H2 is 2.2104(10) Å. The r(HC≡CH) parameter representing the bond distance separating the two carbon atoms and the angle, ∠(CCH), each defined within the C2H2 sub-unit, are determined to be 1.2200(24) Å and 186.0(5)°, respectively. This distortion of the linear geometry of C2H2 involves the hydrogen atoms moving away from the silver atom within the complex. The results thus reveal that the geometry of C2H2 changes measurably on coordination to AgCCH. A value of 59(4) N m−1 is determined for the intermolecular force constant, kσ, confirming that the complex is significantly more strongly bound than hydrogen and halogen-bonded analogues. Ab initio calculations of the re geometry at the CCSD(T)(F12*)/ACVTZ level of theory are consistent with the experimental results. The spectra of the 107Ag13C13CH and 109Ag13C13CH isotopologues of free silver acetylide are also measured for the first time allowing the geometry of the AgCCH monomer to be examined in greater detail than previously.
Exploring the limit of accuracy for density functionals based on the generalized gradient approximation: Local, global hybrid, and range-separated hybrid functionals with and without dispersion corrections
Authors: Mardirossian Narbe , Head-Gordon Martin
Published: March 2014

The limit of accuracy for semi-empirical generalized gradient approximation (GGA) density functionals is explored by parameterizing a variety of local, global hybrid, and range-separated hybrid functionals. The training methodology employed differs from conventional approaches in 2 main ways: (1) Instead of uniformly truncating the exchange, same-spin correlation, and opposite-spin correlation functional inhomogeneity correction factors, all possible fits up to fourth order are considered, and (2) Instead of selecting the optimal functionals based solely on their training set performance, the fits are validated on an independent test set and ranked based on their overall performance on the training and test sets. The 3 different methods of accounting for exchange are trained both with and without dispersion corrections (DFT-D2 and VV10), resulting in a total of 491 508 candidate functionals. For each of the 9 functional classes considered, the results illustrate the trade-off between improved training set performance and diminished transferability. Since all 491 508 functionals are uniformly trained and tested, this methodology allows the relative strengths of each type of functional to be consistently compared and contrasted. The range-separated hybrid GGA functional paired with the VV10 nonlocal correlation functional emerges as the most accurate form for the present training and test sets, which span thermochemical energy differences, reaction barriers, and intermolecular interactions involving lighter main group elements.
Diffusion-driven precipitate growth and ripening of oxygen precipitates in boron doped silicon by dynamical x-ray diffraction
Authors: Will J. , Gröschel A. , Bergmann C. , Spiecker E. , Magerl A.
Published: March 2014

X-ray Pendellösung fringes from three silicon single crystals measured at 900 °C are analyzed with respect to density and size of oxygen precipitates within a diffusion-driven growth model and compared with TEM investigations. It appears that boron doped (p+) material shows a higher precipitate density and a higher strain than moderately (p-) boron crystals. In-situ diffraction reveals a diffusion-driven precipitate growth followed by a second growth regime in both materials. An interpretation of the second growth regime in terms of Ostwald ripening yields surface energy values (around 70 erg/cm2) similar to published data. Further, an increased nucleation rate by a factor of ∼13 is found in the p+ sample as compared to a p- sample at a nucleation temperature of 450 °C.
Mimicking Mars: A vacuum simulation chamber for testing environmental instrumentation for Mars exploration
Authors: Sobrado J. M. , Martín-Soler J. , Martín-Gago J. A.
Published: March 2014

We have built a Mars environmental simulation chamber, designed to test new electromechanical devices and instruments that could be used in space missions. We have developed this environmental system aiming at validating the meteorological station Rover Environment Monitoring Station of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission currently installed on Curiosity rover. The vacuum chamber has been built following a modular configuration and operates at pressures ranging from 1000 to 10−6 mbars, and it is possible to control the gas composition (the atmosphere) within this pressure range. The device (or sample) under study can be irradiated by an ultraviolet source and its temperature can be controlled in the range from 108 to 423 K. As an important improvement with respect to other simulation chambers, the atmospheric gas into the experimental chamber is cooled at the walls by the use of liquid-nitrogen heat exchangers. This chamber incorporates a dust generation mechanism designed to study Martian-dust deposition while modifying the conditions of temperature, and UV irradiated.
Three-terminal magnetic tunneling junction device with perpendicular anisotropy CoFeB sensing layer
Authors: Honjo H. , Fukami S. , Ishihara K. , Nebashi R. , Kinoshita K. , Tokutome K. , Murahata M. , Miura S. , Sakimura N. , Sugibayashi T. , Kasai N. , Ohno H.
Published: March 2014

We demonstrated read and write characteristics of a three terminal memory device with a perpendicular anisotropy-free layer of a strip of [Co/Ni] and a low-switching perpendicular-anisotropy CoFeB/MgO sensing layer. This new design of the cell results in a small cell area. The switching magnetic field of the sensing layer can be decreased by changing sputtering gas for the Ta-cap from Ar to Kr. An electron energy-loss spectroscopy analysis of the cross-section of the magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) revealed that the boron content in CoFeB with a Kr-sputtered Ta-cap was smaller than that with an Ar-sputtered one. A change in resistance for the MTJ was observed that corresponded to the magnetic switching of the Co/Ni wire and its magnetoresistance ratio and critical current were 90% and 0.8 mA, respectively.