bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimal edge-transitive nets for the design and construction of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Chen Zhijie , Jiang Hao , O’Keeffe Michael , Eddaoudi Mohamed
Published: April 2017

Highly-connected and minimal edge-transitive nets (with one or two kinds of edge) can be regarded as ideal blueprints for the rational design and construction of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Here we report and affirm the prominence of highly-connected nets as suitable targets in reticular chemistry for the design and synthesis of MOFs. Of special interest are augmented highly-connected binodal edge-transitive nets embedding a unique and precise positioning and connectivity of the net vertex figures, regarded as net-coded building units (net-cBUs). Explicitly, a definitenet-cBU encompasses precise geometrical information that codes a selected net uniquely and matchlessly, a compelling perquisite for the rational design of MOFs. Interestingly, the double six-membered ring (d6R) building unit offers great potential to be used as anet-cBU for the deliberate reticulation of the sole two edge-transitive nets with a vertex figure as a d6R, namely the (4,12)-coordinatedshpnet (square and hexagonal prism) and the (6,12)-coordinatedalbnet (aluminium diboride, hexagonal prism and trigonal prism). We envisioned and proposed various MOF structures based on the derivedshpandalbnets. Gaining access to the requisitenet-cBUs is essential for the successful practice of reticular chemistry; correspondingly organic and inorganic chemistries were deployed to afford concomitant molecular building blocks (MBBs) with the looked-for shape and connectivity. Practically, the combination of the 12-connected (12-c) rare-earth (RE) polynuclear, points of extension matching the 12 vertices of the hexagonal prism (d6R) with a 4-connected tetracarboxylate ligand or a 6-connected hexacarboxylate ligand afforded the targetedshp-MOF oralb-MOF, respectively. A dodecacarboxylate ligand can be conceived as, and is shown to be, a compatible 12-c MBB, plausibly affording the positioning of the carbon centers of the twelve carboxylate groups on the vertices of the desired hexagonal prism building unit, and combined with the complementary 4-c copper paddlewheel [Cu2(O2C–)4] cluster or 6-c metal trinuclear [M3O(O2C–)6] clusters/zinc tetranulcear [Zn4O(O2C–)6] clusters to credibly afford the construction of new MOF structures with underlying topologies based on derivedshpandalbnets.
Nanoparticulate Pt on mesoporous SBA-15 doped with extremely low amount of W as a highly selective catalyst for glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1,3-propanediol
Authors: Fan Yiqiu , Cheng Shijie , Wang Hao , Ye Danhong , Xie Songhai , Pei Yan , Hu Huarong , Hua Weiming , Li Zhen Hua , Qiao Minghua , Zong Baoning
Published: April 2017

A Pt/W–SBA-15 catalyst with an extremely low W/Si atomic ratio of 1/640 affords 1,3-PDO with high selectivity and yield in the hydrogenolysis of glycerol.
A dual-docking microfluidic cell migration assay (D2-Chip) for testing neutrophil chemotaxis and the memory effect
Authors: Yang Ke , Wu Jiandong , Xu Guoqing , Xie Dongxue , Peretz-Soroka Hagit , Santos Susy , Alexander Murray , Zhu Ling , Zhang Michael , Liu Yong , Lin Francis
Published: April 2017

We developed a microfluidic device with gradient generation and dual cell alignment function to study neutrophil chemotaxis and chemotactic memory.
Determination of europium isotope ratios in natural waters by MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Arantes de Carvalho Gabriel Gustinelli , Oliveira Pedro Vitoriano , Yang Lu
Published: April 2017

An analytical protocol for the accurate and precise determination of the europium isotope ratio in low level natural waters is presented for the first time by using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) with a single-step column separation with di(2-ethylhexyl) orthophosphoric acid (HDEHP) resin.
Aggregation behavior of novel heptamethine cyanine dyes upon their binding to native and fibrillar lysozyme
Authors: Vus Kateryna , Tarabara Ulyana , Kurutos Atanas , Ryzhova Olga , Gorbenko Galyna , Trusova Valeriya , Gadjev Nikolai , Deligeorgiev Todor
Published: April 2017

Novel cyanine dyes can be used for amyloid fibril detection.
A stable pillared-layer Cu(ii) metal–organic framework with magnetic properties for dye adsorption and separation
Authors: Yang Liu , Li Xiao , Sun Chun-Yi , Wu Han , Wang Chun-Gang , Su Zhong-Min
Published: April 2017

A pillared-layer metal–organic framework can be used to separate rhodamine B (RB) and methylene blue (MB) dye molecules in a short amount of time.
Hydrophobic functionalization of jute fabrics by enzymatic-assisted grafting of vinyl copolymers
Authors: Wu Huimin , Silva Carla , Yu Yuanyuan , Dong Aixue , Wang Qiang , Fan Xuerong , Wang Ping , Yuan Jiugang , Cavaco-Paulo Artur
Published: April 2017

Mechanism of grafting of vinyl monomers onto the lignin molecules of jute fabrics.
Enantioselective total synthesis of colomitides and their absolute configuration determination and structural revision
Authors: Yang Hongguang , Liu Xiaoyu , Li Xiaoyu , Shi Xiang , Yang Feilong , Jiao Xiaozhen , Xie Ping
Published: April 2017

An efficient stereoselective synthetic approach to colomitides, 2,7-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-type natural products, is reported.
Photochemical studies on bis-sulfide and -sulfone tethered polyenic derivatives
Authors: Guélen Simon , Blazejak Max , Chamoreau Lise-Marie , Huguet Arnaud , Derenne Sylvie , Volatron François , Mouriès-Mansuy Virginie , Fensterbank Louis
Published: April 2017

This study focusses on the [2 + 2]-photocycloaddition of a symmetric polyenic system tethered by an aryl bis-sulfide or sulfone platform.
Biochemical studies of inositol N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase involved in mycothiol biosynthesis in Corynebacterium diphtheria
Authors: Guo Yuchuan , Wang Lizhen , Guo Jiatong , Gu Guofeng , Guo Zhongwu
Published: April 2017

First-time expression, isolation, biochemical characterization, and mutagenesis studies of a MshA from Corynebacterium diphtheria involved in its mycothiol biosynthesis.
Amidation of unactivated ester derivatives mediated by trifluoroethanol
Authors: McPherson Christopher G. , Caldwell Nicola , Jamieson Craig , Simpson Iain , Watson Allan J. B.
Published: April 2017

A catalytic amidation protocol mediated by 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol has been developed, facilitating the condensation of unactivated esters and amines, furnishing both secondary and tertiary amides.
Synthesis of 2,3-diaza-anthraquinones via the bidentate Lewis acid catalysed inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA) reaction
Authors: Hong Longcheng , Ahles Sebastian , Strauss Marcel A. , Logemann Christian , Wegner Hermann A.
Published: April 2017

A new synthesis of aza-anthraquinones and substituted anthraquinonesviabidentate Lewis acid catalysis has been developed.
Ligand-free rutile and anatase TiO2nanocrystals as electron extraction layers for high performance inverted polymer solar cells
Authors: Zhu Lijie , Lu Qipeng , Lv Longfeng , Wang Yue , Hu Yufeng , Deng Zhenbo , Lou Zhidong , Hou Yanbing , Teng Feng
Published: April 2017

Ligand-free rutile and anatase TiO2nanocrystals were synthesizedviaa hydrolytic sol–gel method. The improved power conversion efficiency was achieved by using anatase TiO2nanocrystals as electron extraction layer in the organic solar cells.
Visible light mediated cyclization of tertiary anilines with maleimides using a supported iridium complex catalyst
Authors: Peng Feng , Zhi Peng , Ji Heng , Zhao Huan , Kong Fen-Ying , Liang Xue-Zheng , Shen Yong-Miao
Published: April 2017

The synthesis of a novel supported iridium complex catalyst and its efficient application in the visible light mediated cyclization of tertiary anilines and maleimides.
Cadmium-doped flexible perovskite solar cells with a low-cost and low-temperature-processed CdS electron transport layer
Authors: Tong Guoqing , Song Zihang , Li Chengdong , Zhao Yaolong , Yu Linwei , Xu Jun , Jiang Yang , Sheng Yun , Shi Yi , Chen Kunji
Published: April 2017

Hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising candidates in exploring high performance flexible photovoltaics, where a low-temperature-processed metal oxide electron transfer layer (ETL) is highly preferable.
Theoretical investigation of high-efficiency organic electroluminescent material: HLCT state and hot exciton process
Authors: Pan Yuyu , Huang Jing , Li Weijun , Gao Yu , Wang Zhiming , Yu Dawei , Yang Bing , Ma Yuguang
Published: April 2017

HLCT excited state with both high PL efficiency and a large fraction of singlet exciton generation in EL. We employed the DFT method to investigate twisting D–A molecules, and found that the twist angle had a significant effect on the CT component.
Impact of rare-earth metal oxide (Eu2O3) on the electrochemical properties of a polypyrrole/CuO polymeric composite for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Majumder Mandira , Choudhary Ram Bilash , Thakur Anukul. K. , Karbhal Indrapal
Published: April 2017

A ternary composite of polypyrrole/copper oxide/europium oxide (PPY/CuO/Eu2O3), synthesized via a facile in situ chemical oxidative polymerization method, exhibits the maximum specific capacitance of 320 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1.
Ferroelectric, piezoelectric properties and thermal expansion of new Bi(Ni3/4W1/4)O3–PbTiO3 solid solutions
Authors: Pang Dongfang , Yi Zhiguo
Published: April 2017

Ceramics of the Bi(Ni3/4W1/4)O3–PbTiO3 (BNW–PT) ferroelectric system were synthesized using a conventional solid-state sintering process.
Ultra high stable supercapacitance performance of conducting polymer coated MnO2nanorods/rGO nanocomposites
Authors: Hareesh K. , Shateesh B. , Joshi R. P. , Williams J. F. , Phase D. M. , Haram S. K. , Dhole S. D.
Published: April 2017

Schematic representation of the preparation of a MGP nanocomposite and its ultra-high stable supercapacitance.
High-flux, continuous oil spill collection by using a hydrophobic/oleophilic nanofibrous container
Authors: Qiu Shanshan , Hou Lanlan , Liu Jingchong , Guo Fengyun , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Lihua , Liu Kai , Wang Nü , Zhao Yong
Published: April 2017

A hydrophobic/oleophilic fibrous container was fabricated using the electrospinning method for in situ, automatically operating, and continuous collection of oil after oil spills.
Custom designed ZnMn2O4/nitrogen doped graphene composite anode validated for sodium ion battery application
Authors: Chandra Sekhar B. , Packiyalakshmi P. , Kalaiselvi N.
Published: April 2017

pH control synthesised ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen doped graphene sheets demonstrate themselves to be a potential anode for sodium-ion batteries.
Electron transition pathways of graphene oxide quantum dots unraveled by emission wavelength dependent photoluminescence lifetime
Authors: Guo Rongyan , Li Tao , Shi Shuie
Published: April 2017

A comprehensive insight into the electron transition pathways of GOQDs is gained by the dependence of photoluminescence lifetime on emission.
Effects of dietary fiber on the antioxidant capacity, immune status, and antioxidant-relative signaling molecular gene expression in rat organs
Authors: Fang Tingting , Wu Xianjian , Cao Wei , Jia Gang , Zhao Hua , Chen Xiaoling , Wu Caimei , Tang Jiayong , Wang Jing , Liu Guangmang
Published: April 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different fibers, such as dietary pea, sweet potato, and wheat bran fibers, on the antioxidant capacity, immune status, and antioxidant-related signaling molecules of rat organs.
A solar cell for maximizing voltage up to the level difference of two photocatalysts: optimization and clarification of the electron pathway
Authors: Yoshiba Mao , Ogura Yuta , Tamba Masayuki , Kojima Takashi , Izumi Yasuo
Published: April 2017

Light irradiation from the rear side of the photoelectrodes suppresses the electron diffusion overpotential and leakage current resulting in 1.91 V per cell.
Nitrogen-doped-carbon-coated SnO2nanoparticles derived from a SnO2@MOF composite as a lithium ion battery anode material
Authors: Li Fengcai , Du Jia , Yang Hao , Shi Wei , Cheng Peng
Published: April 2017

A facile method was developed to combine MOF-derived N-doped carbon with SnO2nanoparticles, which can cushion the volume change. The optimized SOC-3 composite achieved a reversible specific capacity of 1032 mA h g−1after 150 cycles at 100 mA g−1.
Enrichment and fluorogenic labelling of 5-formyluracil in DNA
Authors: Liu Chaoxing , Wang Yafen , Zhang Xiong , Wu Fan , Yang Wei , Zou Guangrong , Yao Qian , Wang Jiaqi , Chen Yuqi , Wang Shaoru , Zhou Xiang
Published: April 2017

Biotinylated o-phenylenediamine directly tethered to naphthalimide can both enrich and fluorogenically label 5-formyluracil in DNA under physiological conditions.
A highly stable non-noble metal Ni2P co-catalyst for increased H2generation by g-C3N4under visible light irradiation
Authors: Ye Ping , Liu Xinling , Iocozzia James , Yuan Yupeng , Gu Lina , Xu Gengsheng , Lin Zhiqun
Published: April 2017

Ni2P serves as a highly stable non-noble-metal co-catalyst to efficiently promote H2generation of g-C3N4.
A metal–organic framework and conducting polymer based electrochemical sensor for high performance cadmium ion detection
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Lu , Huang Wei , Zhang Ting , Hu Xiaoya , Perman Jason A. , Ma Shengqian
Published: April 2017

Core@shell structure metal–organic framework and conducting polymer composites were synthesized which demonstrated highly enhanced sensing properties for cadmium ions.
Fe3O4quantum dot decorated MoS2nanosheet arrays on graphite paper as free-standing sodium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Kong Dezhi , Cheng Chuanwei , Wang Ye , Huang Zhixiang , Liu Bo , Von Lim Yew , Ge Qi , Yang Hui Ying
Published: April 2017

Fe3O4QDs decorated MoS2nanosheet arrays on graphite paper have been synthesized by a two-step hydrothermal method and further used as anodes for sodium-ion batteries with superior cycling life and rate capability.
Super-hydrophobic covalent organic frameworks for chemical resistant coatings and hydrophobic paper and textile composites
Authors: Mullangi Dinesh , Shalini Sorout , Nandi Shyamapada , Choksi Bhavin , Vaidhyanathan Ramanathan
Published: April 2017

Chemical resistant coatings and hydrophobic paper and textile composites using super-hydrophobic COF with high surface roughness.
Metal–organic frameworks in seconds via selective microwave heating
Authors: Laybourn Andrea , Katrib Juliano , Ferrari-John Rebecca S. , Morris Christopher G. , Yang Sihai , Udoudo Ofonime , Easun Timothy L. , Dodds Chris , Champness Neil R. , Kingman Samuel W. , Schröder Martin
Published: April 2017

A selective microwave heating mechanism is reported that enables the synthesis of the metal–organic framework MIL-53(Al) on an unprecedented time-scale of 4.3 seconds.
Synergetic effects in composite-based flexible hybrid mechanical energy harvesting generator
Authors: Yang Xiya , Daoud Walid A.
Published: April 2017

Tribo–piezoelectric composite generators are fabricated to analyze the contribution of each effect and to understand the impact of each material.
Side-chain engineering for efficient non-fullerene polymer solar cells based on a wide-bandgap polymer donor
Authors: Fan Qunping , Su Wenyan , Guo Xia , Wang Yan , Chen Juan , Ye Chennan , Zhang Maojie , Li Yongfang
Published: April 2017

Non-fullerene polymer solar cells based on a wide-bandgap polymer, PSBZ, exhibited a PCE of up to 10.5% with a high Jsc of 19.0 mA cm−2.
Simultaneous enhancement of the molecular planarity and the solubility of non-fullerene acceptors: effect of aliphatic side-chain substitution on the photovoltaic performance
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Li Miao , Liu Yahui , Zhang Jicheng , Feng Shiyu , Xu Xinjun , Song Jinsheng , Bo Zhishan
Published: April 2017

By incorporating aliphatic side chains and adjusting their lengths, non-fullerene acceptors can obtain an improved morphology and photovoltaic performance.
Hydrogen generation via hydrolysis of magnesium with seawater using Mo, MoO2, MoO3 and MoS2 as catalysts
Authors: Huang Minghong , Ouyang Liuzhang , Ye Jianshan , Liu Jiangwen , Yao Xiangdong , Wang Hui , Shao Huaiyu , Zhu Min
Published: April 2017

MoS2 could significantly enhance the hydrolysis of Mg and the recycled MoS2 catalyst exhibited high recycling stability.
An efficient “off–on” carbon nanoparticle-based fluorescent sensor for recognition of chromium(vi) and ascorbic acid based on the inner filter effect
Authors: Li Pingjing , Hong Yayu , Feng Huatao , Li Sam F. Y.
Published: April 2017

A simple approach based on calcination treatment of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) was developed to prepare water-soluble nitrogen doped carbon nanoparticles (N-CNPs) with a high quantum yield of approximately 53.7%.
Living cell intracellular temperature imaging with biocompatible dye-conjugated carbon dots
Authors: Wei Lin , Ma Yanhong , Shi Xiaoya , Wang Yaxin , Su Xin , Yu Changyuan , Xiang Shuanglin , Xiao Lehui , Chen Bo
Published: April 2017

Within living cells, the biological functions of subcellular organelles are highly dependent on the distribution of local temperature.
Thermally prepared ultrabright adenosine monophosphate capped gold nanoclusters and the intrinsic mechanism
Authors: Liu Jiao , Li Hong-Wei , Wang Wei-Xian , Wu Yuqing
Published: April 2017

AMP capped gold nanoclusters, AuNC@AMP, have been prepared in a fast and cost-effective manner by using the heating and citrate reduction procedure, and have been found to show a strong and stable luminescence emission at 480 nm with a high quantum yield (QY, 14.52%).
Carbazole/oligofluorene end-capped hexanes: solution-processable host materials for phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Tao Ye , Chen Runfeng , Xie Guohua , Zheng Chao , Huang Wei
Published: April 2017

High-performance solution-processable host materials for electrophosphorescent devices have been developed via a new method of aromatic double end-capping alkylization.
Influence of 2,2-bithiophene and thieno[3,2-b] thiophene units on the photovoltaic performance of benzodithiophene-based wide-bandgap polymers
Authors: Pan Xuexue , Xiong Wentao , Liu Tao , Sun Xiaobo , Huo Lijun , Wei Donghui , Yu Mingming , Han Minfang , Sun Yanming
Published: April 2017

Extending the π-conjugation length of the polymeric backbone is an effective way to enhance the photovoltaic performance of polymer solar cells (PSCs).
Edge dominated electronic properties of MoS2/graphene hybrid 2D materials: edge state, electron coupling and work function
Authors: Guo Meng , Yang Yanmei , Leng Yanhua , Wang Li , Dong Huomin , Liu Hong , Li Weifeng
Published: April 2017

The binding pattern, electronic properties and work function of MoS2 nanostructures stacked on a graphene substrate have been studied through density functional theory calculations.
Motion-based glucose sensing based on a fish-like enzymeless motor
Authors: Li Mingtong , Zhang Hui , Liu Mei , Dong Bin
Published: April 2017

We report a fish-like enzymeless motor which can be utilized in the field of glucose sensing.
Novel therapeutics for bacterial infections
Authors: Taylor Peter W.
Published: April 2017

The relentless increase in antibiotic resistance among all major groups of bacterial pathogens shows no sign of abating. The situation is exacerbated by a marked decline in the number of new antibiotics entering the marketplace. It is essential that new ways to treat severe bacterial infections are investigated before the antibiotic well runs dry. This review covers many promising approaches, some novel and some based on old ideas that were not considered viable when clinicians were able to exploit a wide palette of cheap and effective antibacterial chemotherapeutics. These approaches include the use of photosensitive dyes, bacteriophage and phage-encoded proteins, and agents that compromise virulence and antibiotic-resistance machineries. I also make a case for continuing in some form with tried and trusted platforms for drug discovery that served society well in the past.
A control strategy to enhance the life time of the battery in a stand‐alone PV system with DC loads
Authors: Maheswari Lakshmanan , Srinivasa Rao P. , Sivakumaran N. , Saravana Ilango G. , Nagamani Chilakapati
Published: April 2017

This study proposes a unique control strategy to enhance the life time of the battery in a stand‐alone photovoltaic (PV) system employing energy storage devices such as battery and super capacitor. The intermittent fluctuations in PV power and load power affect the DC bus voltage leading to a random and frequent charging/discharging profile of the battery since the controlling converters are operated as constant voltage sources. To overcome this drawback, the supercapacitor converter is commanded as a constant voltage source so as to adapt to varying load conditions and the battery converter is commanded as a constant current source. This strategy helps to decouple the power imbalances from the charge–discharge profile of battery, thereby contributing to the improved battery life. The detailed experimental results are presented. Further, the proposed control strategy is tested and validated under various scenarios.
Convergence of a vector penalty projection scheme for the Navier Stokes equations with moving body
Authors: Bruneau Vincent , Doradoux Adrien , Fabrie Pierre
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we analyse a Vector Penalty Projection Scheme (see [1]) to treat the displacement of a moving body in incompressible viscous flows in the case where the interaction of the fluid on the body can be neglected. The presence of the obstacle inside the computational domain is treated with a penalization method introducing a parameter η to enforce the velocity on the solid boundary. The incompressibility constraint is approached using a Vector Projection method which introduces a relaxation parameter ε. We show the stability of the scheme and that the pressure and velocity converge towards a limit when the relaxation parameter ε and the time step δt tend to zero with a proportionality constraint ε = λδt. Finally, when η goes to 0, we show that the problem admits a weak limit which is a weak solution of the Navier-Stokes equations with no-slip condition on the solid boundary.
Die Nutzungsbereitschaft von Patienten mit Adipositas gegenüber neuen Medien in der Rehabilitationsnachsorge
Authors: Dorow M. , Löbner M. , Stein J. , Kind P. , Markert J. , Keller J. , Weidauer E. , Riedel-Heller S.
Published: April 2017

Digitale Medien bieten neue Möglichkeiten für die Rehabilitationsnachsorge. Die Studie untersucht, wie hoch die Bereitschaft von Rehabilitanden ist, neue Medien (SMS, Internet, soziale Netzwerke) im Rahmen einer Nachsorge zu nutzen und welche Faktoren mit der Bereitschaft assoziiert sind.

92 Rehabilitanden (Patienten mit Adipositas) füllten einen Fragebogen zur Nutzungsbereitschaft gegenüber neuen Medien in der Nachsorge aus. Um Einflussfaktoren für die Nutzungsbereitschaft zu identifizieren wurden binär-logistische Regressionsmodelle gerechnet.

Dreiviertel der Rehabilitanden (76,1%) wären bereit, neue Medien in der Nachsorge zu nutzen. Im binär-logistischen Regressionsmodell waren 2 Faktoren signifikant mit der Nutzungsbereitschaft assoziiert: der Besitz eines Smartphones und die Bereitschaft zur telefonischen Beratung.

Die Mehrheit der Rehabilitanden würde neue Medien in der Rehabilitationsnachsorge nutzen. Hinderungsgründe sollten zukünftig genauer erforscht werden.
Fickian yet non-Gaussian behaviour: A dominant role of the intermittent dynamics
Authors: Acharya Sayantan , Nandi Ujjwal Kumar , Maitra Bhattacharyya Sarika
Published: April 2017

We present a study of the dynamics of small solute particles in a solvent medium where the solute is much smaller in size, mimicking the diffusion of small particles in crowded environment. The solute exhibits Fickian diffusion arising from non-Gaussian Van Hove correlation function. Our study shows that there are at least two possible origins of this non-Gaussian behaviour: the decoupling of the solute-solvent dynamics and the intermittency in the solute motion, the latter playing a dominant role. In the former scenario when averaged over time long enough to explore different solvent environments, the dynamics recovers the Gaussian nature. In the case of intermittent dynamics the non-Gaussianity remains even after long averaging and the Gaussian behaviour is obtained at a much longer time. Our study further shows that only for an intermediate attractive solute-solvent interaction the dynamics of the solute is intermittent. The intermittency disappears for weaker or stronger attractions.
Perspective: Optical spectroscopy in π-conjugated polymers
and how it can be used to determine multiscale polymer structures
Authors: Barford William , Marcus Max
Published: April 2017

Exciton delocalization in conjugated polymer systems is determined by polymer conformations and packing. Since exciton delocalization determines the photoluminescent vibronic progression, optical spectroscopy provides an indirect link to polymer multiscale structures. This perspective describes our current theoretical understanding of how exciton delocalization in π-conjugated polymers determines their optical spectroscopy and further shows how exciton delocalization is related to conformational and environmental disorder. If the multiscale structures in conjugated polymer systems are known, then using first-principles modeling of excitonic processes it is possible to predict a wide-range of spectroscopic observables. We propose a reverse-engineering protocol of using these experimental observables in combination with theoretical and computational modeling to determine the multiscale polymers structures, thus establishing quantitative structure-function predictions.
The effect of functionalized silver nanoparticles over the thermal conductivity of base fluids
Authors: Seyhan Merve , Altan Cem Levent , Gurten Berna , Bucak Seyda
Published: April 2017

Thermal conductivities of nanofluids are expected to be higher than common heat transfer fluids. The use of metal nanoparticles has not been intensely investigated for heat transfer applications due to lack of stability. Here we present an experimental study on the effect of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) which are stabilized with surfactants, on the thermal conductivity of water, ethylene glycol and hexane. Hydrophilic Ag NPs were synthesized in aqueous medium with using gum arabic as surfactant and oleic acid/oleylamine were used to stabilize Ag NPs in the organic phase. The enhancement up to 10 per cent in effective thermal conductivity of hexane and ethylene glycol was achieved with addition of Ag NPs at considerably low concentrations (i.e. 2 and 1 per cent, by weight, for hexane and ethylene glycol respectively). However, almost 10 per cent of deterioration was recorded at effective thermal conductivity of water when Ag NPs were added at 1 per cent (by wt). Considerable amount of Gum Arabic in the medium is shown to be the major contributor to this fall, causing lowering of thermal conductivity of water. Same particles performed much better in ethylene glycol where the stabilizer does not lower the thermal conductivity of the base fluid. Also thermal conductivity of nanofluids was found to be temperature independent except water based Ag nanofluids above a threshold concentration. This temperature dependency is suggested to be due to inhibition of hydrogen bonding among water molecules in the presence of high amounts of gum arabic.
The noise of many needles: Jerky domain wall propagation in PbZrO3 and LaAlO3
Authors: Puchberger S. , Soprunyuk V. , Schranz W. , Tröster A. , Roleder K. , Majchrowski A. , Carpenter M. A. , Salje E.K.H.
Published: April 2017

Measurements of the sample length of PbZrO3 and LaAlO3 under slowly increasing force (3-30 mN/min) yield a superposition of a continuous decrease interrupted by discontinuous drops. This strain intermittency is induced by the jerky movement of ferroelastic domain walls through avalanches near the depinning threshold. At temperatures close to the domain freezing regime, the distributions of the calculated squared drop velocity maxima N(υm2) follow a power law behaviour with exponents ε=1.6±0.2. This is in good agreement with the energy exponent ε=1.8±0.2 recently found for the movement of a single needle tip in LaAlO3 [R. J. Harrison and E. K. H. Salje, Appl. Phys. Lett. 97, 021907 (2010)]. With increasing temperature, N(υm2) changes from a power law at low temperatures to an exponential law at elevated temperatures, indicating that thermal fluctuations increasingly enable domain wall segments to unpin even when the driving force is smaller than the corresponding barrier.
Laser second harmonic generation in a magnetoplasma assisted by an electrostatic wave
Authors: Tyagi Yachna , Tripathi Deepak , Walia Keshav
Published: April 2017

A laser produced plasma, and an electrostatic wave, helps to generate a strong harmonic radiation. The electrostatic wave assists k matching and contributes to non-linear coupling. In the case of the Bernstein wave assisted second harmonic, the frequency of the second harmonic is shifted from the laser second harmonic by electron cyclotron frequency. The lower hybrid wave (LHW) assisted second harmonic has frequency slightly shifted from the laser second harmonic. The upper hybrid wave (UHW) assisted second harmonic has frequency shifted by an amount ω that lies between max(ωc,ωp) and ωUH. At a0 = 0.1 and nω,k→/n00 = 0.1, the normalized amplitude value the of electrostatic wave assisted second harmonic is quite high near the upper hybrid resonance. The effect of increasing ωc/ωp increases the max value of normalized amplitude.
A small-scale, rolled-membrane microfluidic artificial lung designed towards future large area manufacturing
Authors: Thompson A. J. , Marks L. H. , Goudie M. J. , Rojas-Pena A. , Handa H. , Potkay J. A.
Published: April 2017

Artificial lungs have been used in the clinic for multiple decades to supplement patient pulmonary function. Recently, small-scale microfluidic artificial lungs (μAL) have been demonstrated with large surface area to blood volume ratios, biomimetic blood flow paths, and pressure drops compatible with pumpless operation. Initial small-scale microfluidic devices with blood flow rates in the μl/min to ml/min range have exhibited excellent gas transfer efficiencies; however, current manufacturing techniques may not be suitable for scaling up to human applications. Here, we present a new manufacturing technology for a microfluidic artificial lung in which the structure is assembled via a continuous “rolling” and bonding procedure from a single, patterned layer of polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS). This method is demonstrated in a small-scale four-layer device, but is expected to easily scale to larger area devices. The presented devices have a biomimetic branching blood flow network, 10 μm tall artificial capillaries, and a 66 μm thick gas transfer membrane. Gas transfer efficiency in blood was evaluated over a range of blood flow rates (0.1–1.25 ml/min) for two different sweep gases (pure O2, atmospheric air). The achieved gas transfer data closely follow predicted theoretical values for oxygenation and CO2 removal, while pressure drop is marginally higher than predicted. This work is the first step in developing a scalable method for creating large area microfluidic artificial lungs. Although designed for microfluidic artificial lungs, the presented technique is expected to result in the first manufacturing method capable of simply and easily creating large area microfluidic devices from PDMS.
Metallic binary alloyed superconductors for photogenerating current from dissociated water molecules using broad light spectra
Authors: Kravets V. G. , Thomas P. A. , Grigorenko A. N.
Published: April 2017

The production of hydrogen through water splitting via photocatalysis seems to be a promising and appealing pathway for clean energy conversion and storage. Here, we report for the first time that a series of metallic binary alloyed superconductors (MgB2, AlB2, NbB2, and NbSe2) can be used as a photoanode and a cathode in a photocatalyst composite for both hydrogen production and water oxidation reactions. It was found that the highly active ion binary metal-based photocatalyst can be used as a low-cost alternative to Pt for water photolysis. The metallic binary alloyed superconductors exhibit high activity toward both the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions in pure distil water and seawater. The combination of the two such photoanode and cathode yields a water splitting photocurrent density of around 1 mA/cm2, corresponding to a solar-to-photocurrent efficiency of 34%. The strong correlation between the superconductive temperature and the photocatalytic water splitting effectivity for investigated diborides has been revealed.
Studying selenium and sulfur volatilisation by marine algae Emiliania huxleyi and Thalassiosira oceanica in culture
Authors: Luxem Katja E. , Vriens Bas , Behra Renata , Winkel Lenny H. E.
Published: April 2017

Environmental contextVolatile selenium compounds from the oceans may ultimately be an important selenium source for agricultural soils. It has been hypothesised that marine algae are responsible for volatile selenium emissions, but in laboratory experiments, we observed minimal volatile selenium production by two marine algae known to produce large amounts of volatile sulfur. Instead, we found hints that bacterial processes may be important in the production of volatile selenium in the oceans.
AbstractVolatile methylated selenium compounds, especially dimethylselenide, are thought to comprise the majority of marine selenium emissions. Despite their potential importance for the global redistribution of this trace element, which is essential for human health, little is known about the algal production of volatile organic selenium compounds. Previous studies have found correlations between dissolved dimethylselenide concentrations, dimethylsulfide concentrations (the sulfur analogue of dimethylselenide) and proxies for algal activity, most notably during a bloom of the coccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi. In culturing studies, we investigated the ability of three globally important marine algal species, E. huxleyi, Phaeocystis globosa and the diatom Thalassiosira oceanica, to produce dimethylselenide. Despite substantial uptake of selenium and the production of volatile sulfur, E. huxleyi and T. oceanica produced negligible volatile selenium (<2nM). P. globosa produced low amounts of volatile selenium (~8nM), but grew poorly in our laboratory. However, cultures of marine bacteria and mixed bacterial–algal cultures showed that substantial amounts of volatile selenium can be produced in the presence of marine bacteria. In addition, a culture of marine bacteria alone produced ~50nM volatile selenium, far more than axenic cultures of E. huxleyi when exposed to equivalent selenite concentrations. Our results hint that marine algae may be of minor importance in the direct production of volatile selenium in the oceans, and suggest that the production of these compounds in the marine biosphere may instead be controlled by bacterial activity.
Population monitoring of a threatened gliding mammal in subtropical Australia
Authors: Goldingay Ross L. , McHugh Darren , Parkyn Jonathan L.
Published: April 2017

Population monitoring is fundamental to the conservation of threatened species. This study aimed to develop an effective approach for long-term monitoring of the yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis) in north-east New South Wales. We conducted repeat surveys to account for imperfect detection and used counts in abundance modelling to produce indices of abundance. We used simulations to explore refinements to our study design. Surveys over three consecutive years produced 195 detections with >95% of detections by call. The probability of detection varied across years and survey occasions, ranging from 0.22 to 0.71. Abundance estimates were remarkably constant across years, ranging from 2.3 ± 0.5 to 2.4 ± 0.6 individuals per site. Occupancy estimates were also constant across years (0.90–0.91). Simulations were run to investigate the influence of the number of surveys (2 or 3) and the number of survey sites (20, 40 or 50) on the probability of occupancy. The design that reduced bias and provided an adequate improvement to precision was that of three visits to 40 survey sites. This design should be adequate to detect a decline in population abundance. Further studies of this kind are needed to better understand the population dynamics of this species.
Behaviours of ultrasonic peening treatment induced effects near the edges
Authors: Zhang Hai , Wang Dongpo , Deng Caiyan
Published: April 2017

The behaviours of ultrasonic peening treatment induced effects near the edges of weld toe were investigated. The deformed weld toe profiles were observed and numerical models were established to calculate the stress concentration factor for the middle and the edges of the specimen. Micro-hardness profiles were also measured in the subsurface layer. The results revealed that comparing with the middle position the stress concentration is lower, the macro deformation is larger, and the strain hardening characterised by the increase of hardness is less significant at the edges. Finite element analysis was employed to predict the residual stress distribution under different peening sequences and it was found that tensile stresses appeared at the starting edge, and relatively smaller compressive stresses existed at the ending edge. The optimal peening strategy should be starting the treatment inside and moving out towards the edges.
Analysis of single splats produced by axial suspension plasma spraying
Authors: Ekberg Johanna , Klement Uta , Björklund Stefan
Published: April 2017

Axial suspension plasma spraying (ASPS) is a relatively new, innovative technique with which microstructures have been produced that are similar to the ones produced by electron beam physical vapor deposition. They have a columnar structure and consist of nm- and µm-sized pores. However, so far the formation of the microstructure is not fully understood because fragmentation and vaporisation of the liquid significantly affects the deposition process. Analysis of single splats can provide important information on the phenomena controlling the coating formation process and the final coating properties. Therefore, the present study aims at providing first results of 8 wt-% yttria-stabilised zirconia single splats sprayed onto a steel substrate by use of ASPS. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy have been used to characterise the splats with respect to appearance, shape, and size distribution.
A Comparison of Age, Size, and Fecundity of Harvested and Reference White Sucker Populations
Authors: Begley Meg , Coghlan Stephen M. , Zydlewski Joseph
Published: April 2017

White Suckers Catostomus commersonii are an important source of fresh bait for the Maine lobster fishery. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife began issuing commercial harvest permits in 1991, without reporting requirements or limits on the number of permits. There is recent concern that overfishing may be occurring. To infer impact, we investigated demographic differences between White Sucker populations in lakes open to harvest and those in lakes closed to harvest. Each of three harvested lakes was paired to a nearby closed lake as a reference based on general size, morphometry, and information on harvest pressure. In total, 976 spawning White Suckers were collected from the six lakes in 2014 (120–282 individuals/lake). Fish size, estimated age, fecundity, and mortality rates were compared between lakes. We hypothesized that we would find smaller, younger, and less-fecund individuals in harvested lakes compared to reference lakes. Size and age distributions for both sexes differed between nearly all lake pairs (except between males from one pair). White Suckers from reference lakes were larger and older and had greater gonadosomatic indices and fecundity than fish from harvested lakes. Estimated annual mortality rates were at least twofold higher in harvested lakes than in reference lakes. We detected some differences in von Bertalanffy growth parameters between lake pairs, as might occur under selective harvest pressure. The growth coefficient was smaller for reference lakes than for harvested lakes, while asymptotic length was greater for reference lakes than for harvested lakes. The data suggest that current levels of exploitation are resulting in greater age truncation in existing White Sucker populations.

Received September 27, 2016; accepted January 24, 2017 Published online April 4, 2017
MicroRNA signatures associated with thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in mice
Authors: Hong Jae-Sang , Lee Do-Hoon , Yook Ye Won , Na Dokyun , Jang Yu Jin , Kim Jong-Hoon , Lee Young Sik
Published: April 2017

Multiple etiologies of liver injury are associated with fibrosis in which the key event is the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Although microRNAs (miRNAs) are reportedly involved in fibrogenesis, the complete array of miRNA signatures associated with the disease has yet to be elucidated. Here, deep sequencing analysis revealed that compared to controls, 80 miRNAs were upregulated and 21 miRNAs were downregulated significantly in the thioacetamide (TAA)-induced mouse fibrotic liver. Interestingly, 58 of the upregulated miRNAs were localized to an oncogenic miRNA megacluster upregulated in liver cancer. Differential expression of some of the TAA-responsive miRNAs was confirmed, and their human orthologs were similarly deregulated in TGF-β1-activated HSCs. Moreover, a functional analysis of the experimentally validated high-confidence miRNA targets revealed significant enrichment for the GO terms and KEGG pathways involved in HSC activation and liver fibrogenesis. This is the first comprehensive report of miRNAs profiles during TAA-induced mouse liver fibrosis.
Listeners’ processing of a given reduced word pronunciation variant directly reflects their exposure to this variant: Evidence from native listeners and learners of French
Authors: Brand Sophie , Ernestus Mirjam
Published: April 2017

In casual conversations, words often lack segments. This study investigates whether listeners rely on their experience with reduced word pronunciation variants during the processing of single segment reduction. We tested three groups of listeners in a lexical decision experiment with French words produced either with or without word-medial schwa (e.g., /ʀvy/ and /ʀvy/ for revue). Participants also rated the relative frequencies of the two pronunciation variants of the words. If the recognition accuracy and reaction times (RTs) for a given listener group correlate best with the frequencies of occurrence holding for that given listener group, recognition is influenced by listeners’ exposure to these variants. Native listeners’ relative frequency ratings correlated well with their accuracy scores and RTs. Dutch advanced learners’ accuracy scores and RTs were best predicted by their own ratings. In contrast, the accuracy and RTs from Dutch beginner learners of French could not be predicted by any relative frequency rating; the rating task was probably too difficult for them. The participant groups showed behaviour reflecting their difference in experience with the pronunciation variants. Our results strongly suggest that listeners store the frequencies of occurrence of pronunciation variants, and consequently the variants themselves.
A closer look at strengthened readings of scalars
Authors: Simons Mandy , Warren Tessa
Published: April 2017

The majority of the extensive experimental and theoretical literature on scalar strengthening assumes that the phenomenon is uniform across all types of scalars. The experiment reported here contributes to the growing evidence against scalar uniformity, while also exploring the suggestion of Van Tiel, Van Miltenburg, Zevakhina, and Guerts, (2014) of the role of boundedness in the observed variation. The current experiment utilizes a novel approach to exploring the interpretation of scalars, and also investigates the content of strengthened interpretations.
Photoreceptor discs form through peripherin-dependent suppression of ciliary ectosome release
Authors: Salinas Raquel Y. , Pearring Jillian N. , Ding Jin-Dong , Spencer William J. , Hao Ying , Arshavsky Vadim Y.
Published: April 2017

The primary cilium is a highly conserved organelle housing specialized molecules responsible for receiving and processing extracellular signals. A recently discovered property shared across many cilia is the ability to release small vesicles called ectosomes, which are used for exchanging protein and genetic material among cells. In this study, we report a novel role for ciliary ectosomes in building the elaborate photoreceptor outer segment filled with hundreds of tightly packed “disc” membranes. We demonstrate that the photoreceptor cilium has an innate ability to release massive amounts of ectosomes. However, this process is suppressed by the disc-specific protein peripherin, which enables retained ectosomes to be morphed into discs. This new function of peripherin is performed independently from its well-established role in maintaining the high curvature of disc edges, and each function is fulfilled by a separate part of peripherin’s molecule. Our findings explain how the outer segment structure evolved from the primary cilium to provide photoreceptor cells with vast membrane surfaces for efficient light capture.
Projecting the Water and Electric Consumption of Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Authors: Urrutia Jackie D. , Mercado Joseph , Bautista Lincoln A. , Baccay Edcon B.
Published: April 2017

This study investigates water and electric consumption in Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa using a time series analysis. The researchers analyzed the water and electric usage separately. Electric consumption was examined in terms of pesos and kilowatt-hour, while water consumption was analyzed in pesos and cubic meter. The data are gathered from the university limited only from January 2009 to July 2015 in a monthly based record. The aim is to forecast the water and electric usage of the university for the years 2016 and 2017. There are two main statistical treatments that the researchers conducted to be able to formulate mathematical models that can estimate the water and electric consumption of the said school. Using Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA), electric usage was forecasted in peso and kilowatt-hour, and water usage in peso and cubic meter. Moreover, the predicted values of the consumptions are compared to the actual values using Paired T-test to examine whether there is a significant difference. Forecasting accurately the water and electric consumption would be helpful to manage the budget allotted for the water and electric consumption of PUP – Sta. Mesa for the next two years.