bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcium oxalate precipitation by diffusion using laminar microfluidics: toward a biomimetic model of pathological microcalcifications
Authors: Laffite G. , Leroy C. , Bonhomme C. , Bonhomme-Coury L. , Letavernier E. , Daudon M. , Frochot V. , Haymann J. P. , Rouzière S. , Lucas I. T. , Bazin D. , Babonneau F. , Abou-Hassan A.
Published: February 2016

The effect of mixing calcium and oxalate precursors by diffusion at miscible liquid interfaces on CaOx crystalline phases is studied using a microfluidic channel.
Benzimidazole covalent probes and the gastric H+/K+-ATPase as a model system for protein labeling in a copper-free setting
Authors: Paresi Chelsea J. , Liu Qi , Li Yue-Ming
Published: February 2016

Synthesis and use of benzimidazole activity-based probes to validate target labeling and identify novel binding partners.
Charge generation in organic photovoltaics: a review of theory and computation
Authors: Pelzer Kenley M. , Darling Seth B.
Published: February 2016

One of the most important factors in determining organic photovoltaic device performance is the efficiency of exciton dissociation and charge separation at donor/acceptor heterojunctions. This review discusses theoretical and computational approaches to modeling this crucial process of charge generation.
A dendronized heparin–gadolinium polymer self-assembled into a nanoscale system as a potential magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent
Authors: Guo Chunhua , Sun Ling , She Wenchuan , Li Ning , Jiang Lei , Luo Kui , Gong Qiyong , Gu Zhongwei
Published: February 2016

An amphiphilic dendronized heparin–gadolinium conjugate self-assembles into a nanoscale system by a combination of the features of the nanoparticle, dendrimer and heparin. The nanoscale system demonstrates great potential as an efficient and safe MRI contrast agent.
A copper-catalyzed cascade reaction of o-bromoarylisothiocyanates with isocyanides leading to benzo[d]imidazo[5,1-b]thiazoles under ligand-free conditions
Authors: Yan Kelu , Yang Daoshan , Wei Wei , Sun Pengfei , Lu Yunxiang , Wang Hua
Published: February 2016

A copper-catalyzed method has been realized for the synthesis of benzo[d]imidazo[5,1-b]thiazoles via intermolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition and intramolecular C–S bond formation.
High-resolution mass spectrometry for exploring metabolic signatures of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Liang Qun , Liu Han , Xing Haitao , Jiang Yan , Zhang Tianyu , Zhang Ai-Hua
Published: February 2016

Sepsis is a commonly encountered scenario in an intensive care unit (ICU), and the kidney is one of the organs frequently affected.
Synthesis of acrylic acid-allylpolyethoxy amino carboxylate copolymer and its application for removing calcium from crude oil
Authors: Ma Shuaishuai , Cai Zhilan , Zhou Yuming , Li Shiwei , Liang Shuang
Published: February 2016

A novel environmentally friendly type of decalcifying agent acid, allylpolyethoxy amino carboxylate (AA–APEA), was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) and1H-NMR.
Correction: Chitosan supported silver nanowires as a platform for direct electrochemistry and highly sensitive electrochemical glucose biosensing
Authors: Kumar-Krishnan Siva , Chakaravarthy S. , Hernandez-Rangel A. , Prokhorov E. , Luna-Bárcenas G. , Esparza Rodrigo , Meyyappan M.
Published: February 2016

Correction for ‘Chitosan supported silver nanowires as a platform for direct electrochemistry and highly sensitive electrochemical glucose biosensing’ by Siva Kumar-Krishnan et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 20102–20108.
A Ti-anchored Ti2CO2 monolayer (MXene) as a single-atom catalyst for CO oxidation
Authors: Zhang Xu , Lei Jincheng , Wu Dihua , Zhao Xudong , Jing Yu , Zhou Zhen
Published: February 2016

A Ti-anchored Ti2CO2 monolayer exhibits high activity comparable to many noble metal catalysts for low-temperature CO oxidation.
Highly enhanced upconversion luminescence in lanthanide-doped active-core/luminescent-shell/active-shell nanoarchitectures
Authors: Ding Mingye , Chen Daqin , Ma Danyang , Dai Jianbin , Li Yuting , Ji Zhenguo
Published: February 2016

Through active-core/luminescent-shell/active-shell engineering in lanthanide-doped fluoride nanocrystals, significant enhancement of UC emission intensity has been successfully realized under the synergistic action of double sensitization and suppression effects.
Correction: Photochromic spiropyran- and spirooxazine-homopolymers in mesoporous thin films by surface initiated ROMP
Authors: Krohm F. , Kind J. , Savka R. , Janßen M. Alcaraz , Herold D. , Plenio H. , Thiele C. M. , Andrieu-Brunsen A.
Published: February 2016

Correction for ‘Photochromic spiropyran- and spirooxazine-homopolymers in mesoporous thin films by surface initiated ROMP’ by F. Krohm et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c5tc04054j.
Microwave detection performance of In0.53Ga0.47As/GaAs0.5Sb0.5 quantum‐well tunnel field‐effect transistors
Authors: Li Wenjun , Fay Patrick , Yu Tao , Hoyt Judy
Published: February 2016

The performance of In0.53Ga0.47As/GaAs0.5Sb0.5 quantum‐well tunnel field‐effect transistors (TFETs) for microwave‐frequency detection is explored experimentally. The strong nonlinearity of the TFET transfer characteristic, which arises from a combination of band‐to‐band tunnelling between source and channel and gate modulation of the tunnel junction, can be utilised for high‐sensitivity microwave detection. Using an analytical model, it is shown that TFET detection current sensitivity is approximately proportional to the second‐order derivative of the transfer current‐voltage characteristic. Though unoptimised, the large‐area TFET detectors evaluated experimentally exhibit an unmatched voltage sensitivity of 112 kV/W, an impedance‐matched noise equivalent power of 7.0 pW/Hz0.5, and a bandwidth of 4 GHz. The microwave detection performance of TFETs can be enhanced by mitigating parasitic effects, improving the semiconductor/oxide interface quality, and scaling the gate area.
Self‐healing and energy‐efficient restoration in machine‐to‐machine networks
Authors: Zeng Yali , Chen Zhide , Yang Xu
Published: February 2016

Machine‐to‐machine (M2M) networks often serve mission‐critical applications in our daily life. Maintaining nodes connectivity is crucial for M2M networks to accomplish their tasks effectively. The fault of a critical node may break the network into several blocks, and thus hinders the operation. Rapid recovery is highly required in such a case. In this study, the authors focus on designing an effective algorithm for restoring damaged network topologies by moving available nodes. Unlike contemporary algorithms that only consider network connectivity or coverage, the proposed algorithm not only takes into account network connectivity, coverage and energy consumption, but also concerns about the shortest path between any pair of nodes. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the existing scheme in terms of network lifetime.
Feasibly efficient cooperative spectrum sensing scheme based on Cholesky decomposition of the correlation matrix
Authors: Li Zan , Zhou Fuhui , Si Jiangbo , Qi Peihan , Guan Lei
Published: February 2016

Cooperative spectrum sensing, proposed to improve the performance of spectrum sensing in cognitive radio systems where there are multiple secondary users who can cooperatively detect the presence of one primary user, is receiving significant attention. However, few cooperative sensing algorithms take the correlation among the received primary user signals into account. A feasibly efficient cooperative spectrum sensing scheme based on Cholesky decomposition of the correlation matrix of the received signals is proposed. The ratio of the maximum eigenvalue to the minimum eigenvalue of the matrix obtained by Cholesky decomposition is used to construct the test statistic. Analytical approximations for the false alarm probability and decision threshold are derived using a moment matching method. The new scheme is in the category of blind cooperative spectrum sensing schemes requiring neither information about the primary user signal nor the channel nor the noise power. The new scheme can work better than the existing eigenvalue‐based cooperative spectrum sensing methods in some conditions, and it has lower complexity.
Multilevel converter with capacitor voltage actively balanced using reduced number of voltage sensors for high power applications
Authors: Gao Congzhe , Liu Xiangdong , Liu Jingyun , Guo Youguang , Chen Zhen
Published: February 2016

Capacitor voltage balance control has attracted increasing attention in the studies of cascaded multilevel converters and modular multilevel converters. This study proposes a novel multilevel converter topology based on diode clamped half‐bridge cascaded converter for medium/high voltage and high power applications. In this converter, capacitor voltage balancing using clamping diodes is achieved. Thus very little capacitor voltage control code has to be executed by the digital controller. Furthermore, only two voltage sensors are required for the capacitor voltage control, and the control scheme can be designed as simple as that of a two‐level converter. The phase shifted pulse width modulation (PWM) method is employed for the converter, and a control strategy for the converter utilised as a static Var generator is presented. The proposed converter and control strategy were simulated with PSIM. Experiments were also carried out with a laboratory prototype. Results showed that the proposed converter topology with capacitor voltage balancing could work effectively. The applied PWM and control method were also validated.
Sensorless control of a power converter for a cluster of small wind turbines
Authors: Egea‐Àlvarez Agustí , Aragüés‐Peñalba Mónica , Gomis‐Bellmunt Oriol , Rull‐Duran Joan , Sudrià‐Andreu Antoni
Published: February 2016

This study presents a new sensorless control for small wind turbine clusters with a single power converter with a direct torque control algorithm. The proposed system consists of a wind farm connected to a back‐to‐back power converter that interfaces the wind farm with the AC grid. The studied wind turbines are based on fixed‐speed wind turbines equipped with squirrel cage induction generators with individual pitch control. The presented structure permits to reduce the number of converters and allows to accomplish the grid codes (fault ride through capability and reactive power support). Furthermore, the generated active power can be reduced according to grid operator requirements. The presented control scheme can be applied to wind turbine repowering projects, wind farms connected to a microgrid, even, new small onshore and offshore power plants. The system performance and stability is studied and validated by means of dynamic simulations.
Perfusionsanalyse innerhalb von Speicheldrüsentumoren bei der kontrastmittelverstärkten Sonografie
Authors: Küstermeyer J. , Klingelhöfer G. , Welkoborsky H.-J.
Published: February 2016

Hintergrund: Ergänzend zur konventionellen Sonografie erlaubt die kontrastverstärkte Ultraschalluntersuchung (CEUS) eine genauere Perfusionsanalyse von Speicheldrüsentumoren zur Einschätzung ihrer Dignität. Bisher wurde bei der Anwendung von CEUS noch kein Vergleich der Perfusion in unterschiedlichen regions of interest (ROI) innerhalb von Speicheldrüsentumoren durchgeführt. Diese Arbeit soll die Perfusion verschiedener Areale innerhalb von Speicheldrüsentumoren untersuchen und vergleichen.

Material und Methoden: In dieser Studie wurden 25 Patienten mit Speicheldrüsentumoren mittels B-Mode- Sonografie, Farbdopplersonografie sowie CEUS untersucht. Die Parameter: Durchmesser, Echoverhalten, Abgrenzbarkeit und insbesondere das Perfusionsverhalten wurden bestimmt. Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt eine neue Methode zur Perfusionsanalyse in 6 peripheren und 2 zentralen standardisierten ROI, welche in den Tumoren verteilt wurden. Die Perfusion wurde dabei zwischen den Tumordignitäten und vor allem innerhalb der Tumoren in den standardisiert angelegten ROI miteinander verglichen.

Ergebnisse: Es zeigte sich ein auffälliges Areal der Perfusion (sog. „hotspots“) in der Tiefe der Peripherie der Raumforderungen, welches besondere Charakteristika ihrer Perfusion aufwies. Dabei bestanden signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den benignen und malignen Tumoren.

Schlussfolgerungen: Die beschriebene neue Methode der Auswertung scheint daher die Aussagekraft der CEUS im Bezug auf die Dignitätsdiagnose zu verbessern.
Recombination activity associated with thermal donor generation in monocrystalline silicon and effect on the conversion efficiency of heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Tomassini M. , Veirman J. , Varache R. , Letty E. , Dubois S. , Hu Y. , Nielsen Ø.
Published: February 2016

The recombination properties of the carrier lifetime-limiting center formed during the generation of oxygen-related thermal donors (so called “old” thermal donors) in n-type Czochralski silicon were determined over a wide range of thermal donors' concentrations. The procedure involved (1) determining the various energy levels associated with dopants with the help of temperature Hall effect measurements, (2) clarifying which energy level limits the carrier lifetime by temperature lifetime spectroscopy, and (3) determining the recombination parameters of the involved defect from room-temperature carrier lifetime curves. Our results support the fact that a deep energy level in the range of 0.2–0.3 eV below the conduction band limits the carrier lifetime. The second family of thermal donors, featuring bistable properties, was tentatively identified as the corresponding defect. From the obtained experimental data, the influence of the defect on the amorphous/crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cell conversion efficiency was simulated. It is observed that for extended donor generation, the carrier lifetime is reduced by orders-of-magnitude, leading to unacceptable losses in photovoltaic conversion efficiency. A key result is that even for samples with thermal donor concentrations of 1015 cm−3—often met in seed portions of commercial ingots—simulations reveal efficiency losses greater than 1% absolute for state-of-the-art cells, in agreement with recent experimental studies from our group. This result indicates to crystal growers the importance to mitigate the formation of thermal donors or to develop cost-effective processes to suppress them at the ingot/wafer scale. This is even more critical as ingot cool-down is likely to be slower for future larger ingots, thus promoting the formation of thermal donors.
Development of particle characteristics diagnosis system for nanoparticle analysis in vacuum
Authors: Kim Dongbin , Mun Jihun , Kim HyeongU , Yun Ju-Young , Kim Yong-Ju , Kim TaeWan , Kim Taesung , Kang Sang-Woo
Published: February 2016

A particle characteristics diagnosis system (PCDS) was developed to measure nano-sized particle properties by a combination of particle beam mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). It allows us to measure the size distributions of nano-sized particles in real time, and the shape and composition can be determined by in situ SEM imaging and EDS scanning. PCDS was calibrated by measuring the size-classified nano-sized NaCl particles generated using an aqueous solution of NaCl by an atomizer. After the calibration, the characteristics of nano-sized particles sampled from the exhaust line of the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process were determined using PCDS.
On-chip integration and high-speed switching of multi-wavelength narrowband thermal emitters
Authors: Inoue Takuya , De Zoysa Menaka , Asano Takashi , Noda Susumu
Published: February 2016

We experimentally demonstrate the high-speed, on-chip wavelength switching of thermal emission in the mid-infrared region. Our device consists of multiple integrated thermal emitters of different colors, each of which is composed of quantum wells and a photonic crystal. On current injection, the device exhibits narrowband (Q > 70) thermal emission with low electric power consumption. By applying a reverse bias to each section of the device, we achieve high-speed (>kHz) switching of multiple thermal emission wavelengths, opening a route towards compact, highly efficient mid-infrared light sources for various sensing applications.
Preface to Special Topic: Selected Papers from the 5th International Conference on Optofluidics
Authors: Fan Shih-Kang , Yang Zhenchuan
Published: February 2016

The 5th International Conference on Optofluidics (Optofluidics 2015) was held in Taipei, Taiwan, July 26–29, 2015. The aim of this conference was to provide a forum to promote scientific exchange and to foster closer networks and collaborative ties between leading international researchers in optics and micro/nanofluidics across various disciplines. The scope of Optofluidics 2015 was deliberately broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing the latest advances and the most innovative developments in micro/nanoscale science and technology. Topics ranged from fundamental research to its applications in chemistry, physics, biology, materials, and medicine.
Single-electrode He microplasma jets driven by nanosecond voltage pulses
Authors: Jiang C. , Lane J. , Song S. T. , Pendelton S. J. , Wu Y. , Sozer E. , Kuthi A. , Gundersen M. A.
Published: February 2016

Excited by 5 ns, 8 kV voltage pulses, a 260 μm-diameter, 8 mm long helium plasma jet was generated with a single-electrode configuration in ambient air. Application of fast high voltage pulses (≥1012 V s−1) resulted in rapid acceleration of the microplasma plumes; within 5 ns the plume velocity reached 8 × 105 m/s, almost three times higher than that of the plasma jet generated with the pulsed voltage of the same amplitude but with a lower increase rate (1011 V s−1). Importantly, the ultrashort electric pulses were able to efficiently deposit energy in the plasma during the initiation process, which may be responsible for the rapid acceleration of the ionization wavefronts during the streamer onset, as well as efficient production of reactive plasma species including O(5P) and N2+(B2Σu+) via electron-induced processes. Emission spectral comparison between the plasma jets excited with 5 ns voltage pulses and with 140 ns voltage pulses showed enhanced O(5P) and N2+(B2Σu+) emission by the shorter pulses than the longer ones, while the vibrational and rotational temperature for both plasma jets are at 3000 K and 300 K, respectively.
Superluminescent diode with a broadband gain based on self-assembled InAs quantum dots and segmented contacts for an optical coherence tomography light source
Authors: Ozaki Nobuhiko , Childs David T. D. , Sarma Jayanta , Roberts Timothy S. , Yasuda Takuma , Shibata Hiroshi , Ohsato Hirotaka , Watanabe Eiichiro , Ikeda Naoki , Sugimoto Yoshimasa , Hogg Richard A.
Published: February 2016

We report a broadband-gain superluminescent diode (SLD) based on self-assembled InAs quantum dots (QDs) for application in a high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) light source. Four InAs QD layers, with sequentially shifted emission wavelengths achieved by varying the thickness of the In0.2Ga0.8As strain-reducing capping layers, were embedded in a conventional p-n heterojunction comprising GaAs and AlGaAs layers. A ridge-type waveguide with segmented contacts was formed on the grown wafer, and an as-cleaved 4-mm-long chip (QD-SLD) was prepared. The segmented contacts were effective in applying a high injection current density to the QDs and obtaining emission from excited states of the QDs, resulting in an extension of the bandwidth of the electroluminescence spectrum. In addition, gain spectra deduced with the segmented contacts indicated a broadband smooth positive gain region spanning 160 nm. Furthermore, OCT imaging with the fabricated QD-SLD was performed, and OCT images with an axial resolution of ∼4 μm in air were obtained. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the QD-SLD with segmented contacts as a high-resolution OCT light source.
A comparative study of AlN and Al2O3 based gate stacks grown by atomic layer deposition on InGaAs
Authors: Krylov Igor , Pokroy Boaz , Ritter Dan , Eizenberg Moshe
Published: February 2016

Thermal activated atomic layer deposited (t) (ALD) and plasma enhanced (p) ALD (PEALD) AlN films were investigated for gate applications of InGaAs based metal-insulator-semiconductor devices and compared to the well-known Al2O3 based system. The roles of post-metallization annealing (PMA) and the pre-deposition treatment (PDT) by either trimethylaluminium (TMA) or NH3 were studied. In contrast to the case of Al2O3, in the case of AlN, the annealing temperature reduced interface states density. In addition, improvement of the AlN film stoichiometry and a related border traps density reduction were observed following PMA. The lowest interface states density (among the investigated gate stacks) was found for PEALD AlN/InGaAs stacks after TMA PDT. At the same time, higher values of the dispersion in accumulation were observed for AlN/InGaAs gate stacks compared to those with Al2O3 dielectric. No indium out-diffusion and the related leakage current degradation due to annealing were observed at the AlN/InGaAs stack. In light of these findings, we conclude that AlN is a promising material for InGaAs based gate stack applications.
Layer thickness-dependent phonon properties and thermal conductivity of MoS2
Authors: Gu Xiaokun , Li Baowen , Yang Ronggui
Published: February 2016

For conventional materials, the thermal conductivity of thin films is usually suppressed when the thickness decreases due to phonon-boundary scattering. However, this is not necessarily true for the van der Waals solids if the thickness is reduced to only a few layers. In this letter, the layer thickness-dependent phonon properties and thermal conductivity in the few-layer MoS2 are studied using the first-principles-based Peierls-Boltzmann transport equation approach. The basal-plane thermal conductivity of 10-μm-long samples is found to monotonically reduce from 138 W/mK to 98 W/mK for naturally occurring MoS2, and from 155 W/mK to 115 W/mK for isotopically pure MoS2, when its thickness increases from one layer to three layers. The thermal conductivity of tri-layer MoS2 approaches to that of bulk MoS2. Both the change of phonon dispersion and the thickness-induced anharmonicity are important for explaining such a thermal conductivity reduction. The increased anharmonicity in bi-layer MoS2 results in stronger phonon scattering for ZAi modes, which is linked to the breakdown of the symmetry in single-layer MoS2.
Novel 1 × N ultrasonic power splitters based on self-imaging effect of phononic crystal waveguide arrays
Authors: Zou Qiushun , Yu Tianbao , Wang Tongbiao , Liu Nianhua , Liao Qinghua , Xu Xuming
Published: February 2016

We present an appropriate design and simulated results of novel 1 × N (N represents an integer larger than 1) ultrasonic power splitters based on self-imaging effect with symmetric interference of phononic crystal waveguide arrays. Such sonic devices with two and three output channels are discussed in detail as examples. The finite element method is used to calculate the distribution of total displacement field and evaluate the efficiency of these structures. Results show that these devices exhibit new and interesting characteristics, such as compact size, wide bandwidth, and high-transmission. The approach provides a novel method and compact model for exporting freely ultrasonic waves to N channels and can present practical applications in future acoustic wave circuits.
Comparison of plasmonic structures in terms of temperature increase under equivalent maximal trapping forces
Authors: Yang Yong-Jun , Lee Yong-Gu
Published: February 2016

Plasmonic optical trapping is a new approach that can potentially overcome some of the limitations associated with conventional optical trapping. Plasmonic tweezers generate heat because of the absorption of light at the surface of metals, and this is one of the contributions to the failure of stable trapping. Heating problems and the trapping forces tend to differ with the geometry of the plasmonic structures. Nanodisk structures can generally deliver stronger trapping forces than nanohole structures. However, the nanodisk structures also lead to greater heat generation, which can cause the medium to boil and eventually produce bubbles that can potentially push trapped particles away from the trap. Concentrated local heat can also melt the plasmonic features or instantaneously vaporize the medium. In this paper, we have closely examined this heat generation problem for two typical plasmonic structures, nanodisks and nanoholes, and provided a detailed analysis. For identical force generations, it is shown that the nanohole structures exhibit less heat generation.
Separation of viable and nonviable mammalian cells using a deterministic lateral displacement microfluidic device
Authors: Tottori Naotomo , Nisisako Takasi , Park Jongho , Yanagida Yasuko , Hatsuzawa Takeshi
Published: February 2016

Here, we present a deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) microfluidic device that may be used for label-free, passive, and continuous separation of viable and nonviable mammalian cells. Cells undergoing apoptosis (programmed cell death) become smaller than normal viable cells due to shrinkage and fragmentation. We used this distinct difference in size to selectively isolate viable Jurkat cells from nonviable apoptotic cells and their remnants through a DLD array that is capable of size-based fractionation of microparticles. First, we calibrated our DLD devices by separating a mixture of larger (∼15-μm) and smaller (∼8- or ∼10-μm) polystyrene beads that emulated viable and nonviable Jurkat cells, respectively. We then demonstrated the separation of viable and nonviable Jurkat cells by introducing their heterogeneous suspensions into two DLD devices with different design parameters. In a DLD device with a 20-μm gap, we collected viable cells at 100 ± 0% capture efficiency (n = 3), at a capture purity of 23.1 ± 4.8%, with 57.8 ± 8.1% removal efficiency of nonviable apoptotic cells and their remnants from the initial mixture solution. On a DLD device with a 23-μm gap, the capture purity of viable cells increased to 50.2 ± 15.0%, with 89.0 ± 3.5% removal efficiency of nonviable cells, and a lower capture efficiency of 48.2 ± 2.0% (n = 3). This first demonstration of label-free and passive separation of viable and nonviable cells by DLD illustrates its potential for, e.g., regenerative medicine and discovery of anti-cancer drugs.
Influence of the composition fluctuations and decomposition on the tunable direct gap and oscillator strength of Ge1-xSnx alloys
Authors: Freitas F. L. , Furthmüller J. , Bechstedt F. , Marques M. , Teles L. K.
Published: February 2016

In this work, we include disorder effects in order to analyze electronic and optical properties of Ge1−xSnx alloys, by means of a cluster expansion method combined with density functional theory. We derive the T-x phase diagram, which allows us to discuss phase separation versus composition fluctuations, especially in the Ge-rich range between binodal and spinodal curves for different growth temperatures. The gaps and their mean-square deviations resulting for random alloys and decomposed systems within an approximate quasiparticle theory are compared with available spectroscopic data. We relate deviations to the methods used and the local distribution of atoms. No significant indication for decomposition is observed. We show that the direct transitions possess optical oscillator strengths of the order of that of the E0 gap of pure germanium. The dependence of the indirect-direct crossover on preparation conditions is also discussed.
Communication: Resonance reaction in diffusion-influenced bimolecular reactions
Authors: Kolb Jakob J. , Angioletti-Uberti Stefano , Dzubiella Joachim
Published: February 2016

We investigate the influence of a stochastically fluctuating step-barrier potential on bimolecular reaction rates by exact analytical theory and stochastic simulations. We demonstrate that the system exhibits a new “resonant reaction” behavior with rate enhancement if an appropriately defined fluctuation decay length is of the order of the system size. Importantly, we find that in the proximity of resonance, the standard reciprocal additivity law for diffusion and surface reaction rates is violated due to the dynamical coupling of multiple kinetic processes. Together, these findings may have important repercussions on the correct interpretation of various kinetic reaction problems in complex systems, as, e.g., in biomolecular association or catalysis.
Electrophoretic deposition of nickel zinc ferrite nanoparticles into microstructured patterns
Authors: Kelly Stefan J. , Wen Xiao , Arnold David P. , Andrew Jennifer S.
Published: February 2016

Using DC electric fields, nickel-zinc ferrite (Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) nanoparticles (Dh =16.6 ± 3.6 nm) are electrophoretically deposited onto silicon substrates to form dense structures defined by photoresist molds. Parameters such as electric field, bath composition, and deposition time are tuned to produce films ranging in thickness from 177 to 805 nm. The deposited films exhibit soft magnetic properties with a saturation magnetization of 60 emu/g and a coercivity of 2.6 kA/m (33 Oe). Additionally, the influence of the photoresist mold on the deposit profile is studied, and patterned films with different shapes (lines, squares, circles, etc.) are demonstrated with feature sizes down to 5 μm.
Spin valve with non-collinear magnetization configuration imprinted by a static magnetic field
Authors: Lapa Pavel N. , Khaire Trupti , Ding Junjia , Pearson John E. , Novosad Valentyn , Hoffmann Axel , Jiang J. S.
Published: February 2016

To control the angle between magnetizations in two adjacent ferromagnetic layers without using a rotator, a novel spin valve was designed and fabricated. A key element of the design is a replacement of a pinned ferromagnetic layer by a synthetic antiferromagnet (SAF). The predefined non-collinear magnetization configurations are produced by cooling the valve in different magnetic fields. Giant magnetoresistance (GMR) measurements allowed mapping of the angle between the magnetizations in the SAF and the free layer depending on the magnitude of the cooling field.
Magnetotransport study of (Sb1−xBix)2Te3 thin films on mica substrate for ideal topological insulator
Authors: Ni Yan , Zhang Zhen , Nlebedim Cajetan I. , Jiles David C.
Published: February 2016

We deposited high quality (Sb1−xBix)2Te3 on mica substrate by molecular beam epitaxy and investigated their magnetotransport properties. It is found that the average surface roughness of thin films is lower than 2 nm. Moreover, a local maxima on the sheet resistance is obtained with x = 0.043, indicating a minimization of bulk conductivity at this composition. For (Sb0.957Bi0.043)2Te3, weak antilocalization with coefficient of -0.43 is observed, confirming the existence of 2D surface states. Moreover Shubnikov-de Hass oscillation behavior occurs under high magnetic field. The 2D carrier density is then determined as 0.81 × 1016 m−2, which is lower than that of most TIs reported previously, indicating that (Sb0.957Bi0.043)2Te3 is close to ideal TI composition of which the Dirac point and Fermi surface cross within the bulk bandgap. Our results thus demonstrate the best estimated composition for ideal TI is close to (Sb0.957Bi0.043)2Te3 and will be helpful for designing TI-based devices.
Arsinothricin, a novel organoarsenic species produced by a rice rhizosphere bacterium
Authors: Kuramata Masato , Sakakibara Futa , Kataoka Ryota , Yamazaki Kenichi , Baba Koji , Ishizaka Masumi , Hiradate Syuntaro , Kamo Tsunashi , Ishikawa Satoru
Published: February 2016

Environmental contextRice is a major human dietary source of arsenic. We identified a novel organoarsenic species, arsinothricin, produced by a bacterium in the rice rhizosphere. This result suggests diverse biochemical dynamics and microbial biodiversity of arsenic metabolism in the rice rhizosphere. AbstractMethylated arsenic compounds in rice grains originate from the action of soil bacteria in the rice rhizosphere. Here, we investigated the chemical structures of arsenic compounds produced by a bacterium, Burkholderia gladioli strain GSRB05, in the rice rhizosphere. When cultured in liquid R2A medium containing arsenite (AsIII), strain GSRB05 produced two unknown novel arsenic compounds that were later identified as arsinothricin (AST, 2-amino-4-(hydroxymethylarsinoyl)butanoic acid), an arsenic mimetic of the herbicide phosphinothricin, and a probable hydroxyl precursor of AST, termed AST-OH (2-amino-4-(dihydroxyarsonoyl)butanoic acid). The chemical structure of AST was determined by means of liquid chromatography–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry and NMR analyses, whereas that of AST-OH was estimated by means of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Time-dependent AsIII transformation by strain GSRB05 showed that AST was produced after AST-OH. Compared with AsIII, AST showed higher absorption by, and was more toxic to, Escherichia coli DH5α cells in M9 minimal medium, which lacks amino acids. These findings have implications for the environmental transfer of arsenic, and human health consequences in terms of our dietary burden of arsenic.
Mangrove fish of São Tomé Island (Gulf of Guinea): new occurrences and habitat usage
Authors: Félix P. M. , Chainho P. , Lima R. F. , Costa J. L. , Almeida A. J. , Domingos I. , Brito A. C.
Published: February 2016

Mangroves are recognised as important nursery and feeding areas for resident and inshore fish species. However, the importance of West African mangroves to the life cycle of fish communities remains poorly studied. The present study is the first record of fish species in tropical insular mangroves for this region and its aim was to assess habitat usage by fish species. Two mangroves of São Tomé Island (Praia das Conchas and Malanza) were sampled with a multihabitat approach and using different fishing gear to maximise the diversity of fish species collected. Several environmental parameters were also measured. Both mangroves are nursery and opportunistic feeding grounds for fish species, as well as settlement areas for resident species. The highest number of both juveniles and adults (inshore and residents) was observed at the Malanza mangrove, which is also the largest and has the highest habitat heterogeneity. Four new occurrences were reported for the São Tomé and Principe area, namely Pomadasys jubelini, Bostrychus africanus, Dalophis cephalopeltis and the introduced species Oreochromis mossambicus.
Voting home or abroad? Comparing migrants' electoral participation in countries of origin and of residence
Authors: Gherghina Sergiu , Tseng Huan-Kai
Published: February 2016

The political participation of immigrants has received increased scholarly attention over recent decades. However, comparisons between the electoral behavior of immigrants in their countries of origin and of residence are still limited. This article addresses this gap in the literature and seeks to identify the determinants of Romanian immigrants' electoral participation in the local elections of four West European countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) as compared to their turnout in their home country's legislative elections. Looking through the lenses of exposure theory, we hypothesize that contact with institutions, people, and values from the countries of residence are likely to have different effects in the two types of elections. We test the explanatory power of four main variables - time spent in the host country, social networks, degree of involvement in the local community, and the type of relationship with citizens of their host countries - to which we add a series of individual-level controls such as age, education, gender, and media exposure. To assess our claim, we employ binary logistic regression to analyze original web survey data collected in the summer of 2013. The result supports the empirical implications of exposure theory.
Enantioselective GC–MS analysis of volatile components from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oils and hydrosols
Authors: Tomi Kenichi , Kitao Makiko , Konishi Norihiro , Murakami Hiroshi , Matsumura Yasuki , Hayashi Takahiro
Published: February 2016

Essential oils and hydrosols were extracted from rosemary harvested in different seasons, and the chemical compositions of volatile components in the two fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Enantiomers of some volatile components were also analyzed by enantioselective GC–MS. Classification of aroma components based on chemical groups revealed that essential oils contained high levels of monoterpene hydrocarbons but hydrosols did not. Furthermore, the enantiomeric ratios within some volatile components were different from each other; for example, only the (S)-form was observed for limonene and the (R)-form was dominant for verbenone. These indicate the importance of determining the enantiomer composition of volatile components for investigating the physiological and psychological effects on humans. Overall, enantiomeric ratios were determined by volatile components, with no difference between essential oils and hydrosols or between seasons.
Constitutively expressed Siglec-9 inhibits LPS-induced CCR7, but enhances IL-4-induced CD200R expression in human macrophages
Authors: Higuchi Hiroshi , Shoji Toru , Iijima Shinji , Nishijima Ken-ichi
Published: February 2016

Siglecs recognize the sialic acid moiety and regulate various immune responses. In the present study, we compared the expression levels of Siglecs in human monocytes and macrophages using a quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis. The differentiation of monocytes into macrophages by macrophage colony-stimulating factor or granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhanced the expression of Siglec-7 and Siglec-9. The differentiated macrophages were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus interferon (IFN)-γ or interleukin (IL)-4. The expression of Siglec-10 was enhanced by IL-4, whereas that of Siglec-7 was reduced by LPS plus IFN-γ. The expression of Siglec-9 was not affected by these stimuli. The knockdown of Siglec-9 enhanced the expression of CCR7 induced by the LPS or the LPS plus IFN-γ stimulation, and decreased the IL-4-induced expression of CD200R. These results suggest that Siglec-9 is one of the main Siglecs in human blood monocytes/macrophages and modulates innate immunity.
An enantioselective NADP+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase responsible for cooxidative production of (3S)-5-hydroxy-3-methyl-pentanoic acid
Authors: Takeda Minoru , Matsumura Aline Tiemi , Kurosaki Kaishi , Chhetri Rajan Thapa , Motomatsu Shigekazu , Suzuki Ichiro , Sahabi Danladi Mahuta
Published: February 2016

A soil bacterium, Mycobacterium sp. B-009, is able to grow on racemic 1,2-propanediol (PD). The strain was revealed to oxidize 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol (MPD) to 5-hydroxy-3-methyl-pentanoic acid (HMPA) during growth on PD. MPD was converted into an almost equimolar amount of the S-form of HMPA (S-HMPA) at 72%ee, suggesting the presence of an enantioselective MPD dehydrogenase (MPD-DH). As expected, an NADP+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the initial step of MPD oxidation, was detected and purified from the cell-free extract. This enzyme was suggested to be a homodimeric medium-chain alcohol dehydrogenase/reductase (MDR). The catalytic and kinetic parameters indicated that MPD is the most suitable substrate for the enzyme. The enzyme was encoded by a 1047-bp gene (mpd1) and several mycobacterial strains were found to have putative MDR genes similar to mpd1. In a phylogenetic tree, MPD-DH formed an independent clade together with the putative MDR of Mycobacterium neoaurum, which produces opportunistic infections.
Tunicamycin-induced inhibition of protein secretion into culture medium of Arabidopsis T87 suspension cells through mRNA degradation on the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Iwata Yuji , Hayashi Noriko , Tabara Kazuki , Mishiba Kei-ichiro , Koizumi Nozomu
Published: February 2016

The N-glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress response and inhibits efficient protein secretion in eukaryotes. Using Arabidopsis suspension cells, we showed that the reduced secretion of mannose-binding lectin 1 (MBL1) protein by tunicamycin is accompanied by a significant decrease in MBL1 mRNA, suggesting that mRNA destabilization is the major cause of the inhibition of protein secretion in plants.
Transcriptomic features associated with energy production in the muscles of Pacific bluefin tuna and Pacific cod
Authors: Shibata Mami , Mekuchi Miyuki , Mori Kazuki , Muta Shigeru , Chowdhury Vishwajit Sur , Nakamura Yoji , Ojima Nobuhiko , Saitoh Kenji , Kobayashi Takanori , Wada Tokio , Inouye Kiyoshi , Kuhara Satoru , Tashiro Kosuke
Published: February 2016

Bluefin tuna are high-performance swimmers and top predators in the open ocean. Their swimming is grounded by unique features including an exceptional glycolytic potential in white muscle, which is supported by high enzymatic activities. Here we performed high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) in muscles of the Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) and Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) and conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of genes related to energy production. We found that the total expression of glycolytic genes was much higher in the white muscle of tuna than in the other muscles, and that the expression of only six genes for glycolytic enzymes accounted for 83.4% of the total. These expression patterns were in good agreement with the patterns of enzyme activity previously reported. The findings suggest that the mRNA expression of glycolytic genes may contribute directly to the enzymatic activities in the muscles of tuna.
Early signaling events induced by the peptide elicitor PIP-1 necessary for acetosyringone accumulation in tobacco cells
Authors: Kim Yonghyun , Miyashita Masahiro , Miyagawa Hisashi
Published: February 2016

A peptide elicitor PIP-1 induces defense-related secondary metabolites such as phytoalexin capsidiol in tobacco cells. In this study, we identified one of other metabolites induced by PIP-1 as acetosyringone. Unlike capsidiol accumulation that requires long-term stimulation with PIP-1, acetosyringone was induced by short-term stimulation with PIP-1. The importance of NADPH oxidase in the acetosyringone induction was also demonstrated.
A single aldehyde group can serve as a structural element for recognition by transmembrane protein CD36
Authors: Tsuzuki Satoshi , Amitsuka Takahiko , Okahashi Tatsuya , Kozai Yuki , Matsumura Shigenobu , Inoue Kazuo , Fushiki Tohru
Published: February 2016

Transmembrane protein CD36 is considered to bind its distinct ligands such as long-chain fatty acids primarily by recognizing their terminal carboxyl moiety. In this study, we provide evidence that long-chain fatty aldehydes, such as oleic aldehyde, can be recognized by CD36. We suggest that a single aldehyde group may also serve as one of the structural elements recognizable by CD36.
Talent identification and selection in elite youth football: An Australian context
Authors: O'Connor Donna , Larkin Paul , Mark Williams A.
Published: February 2016

We identified the perceptual–cognitive skills and player history variables that differentiate players selected or not selected into an elite youth football (i.e. soccer) programme in Australia. A sample of elite youth male football players (n = 127) completed an adapted participation history questionnaire and video‐based assessments of perceptual–cognitive skills. Following data collection, 22 of these players were offered a full‐time scholarship for enrolment at an elite player residential programme. Participants selected for the scholarship programme recorded superior performance on the combined perceptual–cognitive skills tests compared to the non‐selected group. There were no significant between group differences on the player history variables. Stepwise discriminant function analysis identified four predictor variables that resulted in the best categorization of selected and non‐selected players (i.e. recent match‐play performance, region, number of other sports participated, combined perceptual–cognitive performance). The effectiveness of the discriminant function is reflected by 93.7% of players being correctly classified, with the four variables accounting for 57.6% of the variance. Our discriminating model for selection may provide a greater understanding of the factors that influence elite youth talent selection and identification.
Synergistic action of nectins and cadherins generates the mosaic cellular pattern of the olfactory epithelium
Authors: Katsunuma Sayaka , Honda Hisao , Shinoda Tomoyasu , Ishimoto Yukitaka , Miyata Takaki , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Abe Takaya , Nibu Ken-ichi , Takai Yoshimi , Togashi Hideru
Published: February 2016

In the olfactory epithelium (OE), olfactory cells (OCs) and supporting cells (SCs), which express different cadherins, are arranged in a characteristic mosaic pattern in which OCs are enclosed by SCs. However, the mechanism underlying this cellular patterning is unclear. Here, we show that the cellular pattern of the OE is established by cellular rearrangements during development. In the OE, OCs express nectin-2 and N-cadherin, and SCs express nectin-2, nectin-3, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin. Heterophilic trans-interaction between nectin-2 on OCs and nectin-3 on SCs preferentially recruits cadherin via α-catenin to heterotypic junctions, and the differential distributions of cadherins between junctions promote cellular intercalations, resulting in the formation of the mosaic pattern. These observations are confirmed by model cell systems, and various cellular patterns are generated by the combinatorial expression of nectins and cadherins. Collectively, the synergistic action of nectins and cadherins generates mosaic pattern, which cannot be achieved by a single mechanism.
Burning cellular bridges: Two pathways to the big breakup
Authors: Frankel E.B. , Audhya Anjon
Published: February 2016

During cytokinetic abscission, the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) proteins are recruited to the midbody and direct the severing of the intercellular bridge. In this issue, Christ et al. (2016. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201507009) demonstrate that two separate but redundant pathways exist to recruit ESCRT-III proteins to the midbody.
Mosaic cellular patterning in the nose: Adhesion molecules give their two scents
Authors: Beaudoin Gerard M.J.
Published: February 2016

The sense of smell is mediated by the olfactory epithelium, which is composed of a mosaic pattern of olfactory sensory cells surrounded by supporting cells. In this issue, Katsunuma et al. (2016. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201509020) show that the differential expression of nectins and cadherins establishes this pattern.