bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How the vortex lattice of a superconductor becomes disordered: a study by scanning tunneling spectroscopy
Authors: Zehetmayer M.
Published: March 2015

Order-disorder transitions take place in many physical systems, but observing them in detail in real materials is difficult. In two- or quasi-two-dimensional systems, the transition has been studied by computer simulations and experimentally in electron sheets, dusty plasmas, colloidal and other systems. Here I show the different stages of defect formation in the vortex lattice of a superconductor while it undergoes an order-disorder transition by presenting real-space images of the lattice from scanning tunneling spectroscopy. When the system evolves from the ordered to the disordered state, the predominant kind of defect changes from dislocation pairs to single dislocations and finally to defect clusters forming grain boundaries. Correlation functions indicate a hexatic-like state preceding the disordered state. The transition in the microscopic vortex distribution is mirrored by the well-known spectacular second peak effect observed in the macroscopic current density of the superconductor.
Overexpression of DHX32 contributes to the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Lin Huayue , Liu Wenjuan , Fang Zanxi , Liang Xianming , Li Juan , Bai Yongying , Lin Lingqing , You Hanyu , Pei Yihua , Wang Fen , Zhang Zhong-Ying
Published: March 2015

Our previous work demonstrates that DHX32 is upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to its adjacent normal tissues. However, how overexpressed DHX32 contributes to CRC remains largely unknown. In this study, we reported that DHX32 was overexpressed in human colon cancer cells. Overexpressed DHX32 promoted SW480 cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as decreased the susceptibility to chemotherapy agent 5-Fluorouracil. Furthermore, PCR array analyses revealed that depleting DHX32 in SW480 colon cancer cells suppressed expression of WISP1, MMP7 and VEGFA in the Wnt pathway and anti-apoptotic gene BCL2 and CA9, however, elevated expression of pro-apoptotic gene ACSL5. The findings suggested that overexpressed DHX32 played an important role in CRC progression and metastasis and that DHX32 has the potential to serve as a biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for CRC.
Possible superconductivity in Sr2IrO4 probed by quasiparticle interference
Authors: Gao Yi , Zhou Tao , Huang Huaixiang , Wang Qiang-Hua
Published: March 2015

Based on the possible superconducting (SC) pairing symmetries recently proposed, the quasiparticle interference (QPI) patterns in electron- and hole-doped Sr2IrO4 are theoretically investigated. In the electron-doped case, the QPI spectra can be explained based on a model similar to the octet model of the cuprates while in the hole-doped case, both the Fermi surface topology and the sign of the SC order parameter resemble those of the iron pnictides and there exists a QPI vector resulting from the interpocket scattering between the electron and hole pockets. In both cases, the evolution of the QPI vectors with energy and their behaviors in the nonmagnetic and magnetic impurity scattering cases can well be explained based on the evolution of the constant-energy contours and the sign structure of the SC order parameter. The QPI spectra presented in this paper can be compared with future scanning tunneling microscopy experiments to test whether there are SC phases in electron- and hole-doped Sr2IrO4 and what the pairing symmetry is.
Effects of Magnetic Nanoparticles and External Magnetostatic Field on the Bulk Heterojunction Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Kai , Yi Chao , Liu Chang , Hu Xiaowen , Chuang Steven , Gong Xiong
Published: March 2015

The price of energy to separate tightly bound electron-hole pair (or charge-transfer state) and extract freely movable charges from low-mobility materials represents fundamental losses for many low-cost photovoltaic devices. In bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells (PSCs), approximately 50% of the total efficiency lost among all energy loss pathways is due to the photogenerated charge carrier recombination within PSCs and low charge carrier mobility of disordered organic materials. To address these issues, we introduce magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and orientate these MNPS within BHJ composite by an external magnetostatic field. Over 50% enhanced efficiency was observed from BHJ PSCs incorporated with MNPs and an external magnetostatic field alignment when compared to the control BHJ PSCs. The optimization of BHJ thin film morphology, suppression of charge carrier recombination and enhancement in charge carrier collection result in a greatly increased short-circuit current density and fill factor, as a result, enhanced power conversion efficiency.
Breeding scheme and maternal small RNAs affect the efficiency of transgenerational inheritance of a paramutation in mice
Authors: Yuan Shuiqiao , Oliver Daniel , Schuster Andrew , Zheng Huili , Yan Wei
Published: March 2015

Paramutations result from interactions between two alleles at a single locus, whereby one induces a heritable change in the other. Although common in plants, paramutations are rarely studied in animals. Here, we report a new paramutation mouse model, in which the paramutant allele was induced by an insertional mutation and displayed the “white-tail-tip” (WTT) phenotype. The paramutation phenotype could be transmitted across multiple generations and the breeding scheme (intercrossing vs. outcrossing) drastically affected the transmission efficiency. Paternal (i.e., sperm-borne) RNAs isolated from paramutant mice could induce the paramutation phenotype, which, however, failed to be transmitted to subsequent generations. Maternal miRNAs and piRNAs appeared to have an inhibitory effect on the efficiency of germline transmission of the paramutation. This paramutation mouse model represents an important tool for dissecting the underlying mechanism, which should be applicable to the phenomenon of epigenetic transgenerational inheritance (ETI) in general. Mechanistic insights of ETI will help us understand how organisms establish new heritable epigenetic states during development, or in times of environmental or nutritional stress.
Coverage-dependent thermodynamic analysis of the formation of water and hydrogen peroxide on a platinum model catalyst
Authors: de Morais Rodrigo Ferreira , Franco Alejandro A. , Sautet Philippe , Loffreda David
Published: March 2015

A DFT-based thermodynamic analysis of the adsorption properties of surface intermediates involved in the formation of water and hydrogen peroxide has been proposed at low and high coverages (353 K and 1 atm).
Benchmark study of the Mössbauer isomer shifts of Eu and Np complexes by relativistic DFT calculations for understanding the bonding nature of f-block compounds
Authors: Kaneko Masashi , Miyashita Sunao , Nakashima Satoru
Published: March 2015

Ten Eu and ten Np benchmark complexes were calculated by relativistic all-electron DFT. The B2PLYP functional showed good correlation with the Mössbauer experiment for both Eu and Np systems.
Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Cu/Cu2O hollow spheres with enhanced photocatalytic and gas sensing activities at room temperature
Authors: Zou Xinwei , Fan Huiqing , Tian Yuming , Zhang Mingang , Yan Xiaoyan
Published: March 2015

The optimal Cu/Cu2O nano-heterostructure hollow spheres exhibit high photocatalytic degradation to MO and gas sensing toward NO2 performance at room temperature.
Microfluidic droplet-based liquid–liquid extraction: online model validation
Authors: Lubej Martin , Novak Uroš , Liu Mingqiang , Martelanc Mitja , Franko Mladen , Plazl Igor
Published: March 2015

A thermal lens microscopic technique was performed for following droplet-based extraction inside a microreactor with detailed modeling of transport phenomena.
Nanoscale materials for hyperthermal theranostics
Authors: Smith Bennett E. , Roder Paden B. , Zhou Xuezhe , Pauzauskie Peter J.
Published: March 2015

Recently, the use of nanoscale materials has attracted considerable attention with the aim of designing personalized therapeutic approaches that can enhance both spatial and temporal control over drug release, permeability, and uptake.
Structure and quality of pasta enriched with functional ingredients
Authors: Bustos M. C. , Perez G. T. , Leon A. E.
Published: March 2015

In this article we review current knowledge on the fate of those functional components that have been more widely studied, how they may interact during pasta processing and what impact they may have on quality pasta attributes.
Dynamical conductivity of gated AA-stacking multilayer graphene with spin–orbital coupling
Authors: Chang Cheng-Peng
Published: March 2015

The exact energy spectrum and dynamical conductivity in gated AA-stacking multilayer graphene with spin–orbital coupling are efficiently derived through an analytical formula.
A green electrochemical method for the synthesis of new N,N′-diphenylbenzene-1,4-diamine derivatives
Authors: Nematollahi Davood , Mahdinia Saeideh , Karimi Peiman , Salehzadeh Hamid , Kaihani Sajad
Published: March 2015

A green method for the synthesis of new organosulfur derivatives based on the Michael reaction of electrochemically generated N,N′-diphenyl-p-quinonediimine with some thiols is described.
Expanding discriminative dimensions for analysis and imaging
Authors: Querard Jérôme , Gautier Arnaud , Le Saux Thomas , Jullien Ludovic
Published: March 2015

OPTIMAL can discriminate – without any separation or washing step – a targeted photoswitchable probe used as labelling or titration contrast agent among various interfering compounds, photoswitchable or not.
A novel soft matter composite material for energy-saving smart windows: from preparation to device application
Authors: Gao Yanzi , Yao Wenhuan , Sun Jian , Zhang Huimin , Wang Zhendong , Wang Ling , Yang Dengke , Zhang Lanying , Yang Huai
Published: March 2015

A novel soft-matter composite film of ethylene-vinyl acetate and liquid crystal with an energy conservation efficiency of 40.4% is developed.
Mixing-sequence-dependent nucleic acid complexation and gene transfer efficiency by polyethylenimine
Authors: Cho S. K. , Dang C. , Wang X. , Ragan R. , Kwon Y. J.
Published: March 2015

Determining roles of the mixing sequence in nucleic acid/cationic polymer polyplex preparation are reported with experimental characterization and a theoretical model.
Alternating polystannanes: syntheses and properties
Authors: Harrypersad Shane , Foucher Daniel
Published: March 2015

The catalyst free stoichiometric polycondensation reaction of alkyl or aryl tin dihydrides and tin diamides in non-polar solvents and mild reaction conditions yields the first examples of alternating polystannanes.
Curious cases of 3,6-dinitropyrazolo[4,3-c]pyrazole-based energetic cocrystals with high nitrogen content: an alternative to salt formation
Authors: Zhang Jiaheng , Parrish Damon A. , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: March 2015

Two structurally interesting 3,6-dinitropyrazolo[4,3-c]pyrazole-based energetic cocrystals were created and confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction.
Nanoparticles of CoAPO-5: synthesis and comparison with microcrystalline samples
Authors: Esposito Serena , Bonelli Barbara , Armandi Marco , Garrone Edoardo , Saracco Guido
Published: March 2015

The hydrothermal synthesis of nanosized CoAPO-5 particles brings about a fourfold increase in the rate of the water oxidation reaction compared to the sample prepared by conventional synthesis.
Ferromagnetic nanocrystallines containing copper as an efficient catalyst for photoinduced water oxidation
Authors: Du Xiaoqiang , Ding Yong , Xiang Rui , Xiang Xu
Published: March 2015

CuFe2O4 nanocrystallines with cubic jacobsite structure showed remarkable photocatalytic water oxidation activity with an apparent TOF value of 1.2 μmol s−1 m−2.
Synthesis and structures of soluble magnesium and zinc carboxylates containing intramolecular NH⋯O hydrogen bonds in nonpolar solvents
Authors: Okamura Taka-aki , Furuya Ryosuke , Onitsuka Kiyotaka
Published: March 2015

Magnesium and zinc carboxylates containing intramolecular NH⋯O hydrogen bonds showed a fast trans–cis isomerization in nonpolar solvents and were converted into anionic tris(carboxylate)s by the addition of an equimolar ligand.
5-(Fluorodinitromethyl)-2H-tetrazole and its tetrazolates – Preparation and Characterization of New High Energy Compounds
Authors: Haiges Ralf , Christe Karl O.
Published: March 2015

5-(Fluorodinitromethyl)-2H-tetrazole (HFDNTz) has been prepared by the cycloaddition reaction of HN3 with F(NO2)2CCN, which in turn was prepared by aqueous fluorination of sodium dinitrocyanomethanide.
Impact of hydrostatic pressure on the crystal structure and photoluminescence properties of Mn4+-doped BaTiF6red phosphor
Authors: Wang Yonggang , Wen Ting , Tang Lingyun , Yang Liuxiang , Yang Wenge , Zhao Yusheng
Published: March 2015

Structural and photoluminescence behaviors of Mn4+-doped BaTiF6phosphor under hydrostatic pressure have been studied usingin situXRD, Raman and spectroscopy techniques.
A general, eco-friendly synthesis procedure of self-assembled ZnO-based materials with multifunctional properties
Authors: Stan Alina , Munteanu Cornel , Musuc Adina Magdalena , Birjega Ruxandra , Ene Ramona , Ianculescu Adelina , Raut Iulia , Jecu Luiza , Badea Doni Mihaela , Anghel Elena Maria , Carp Oana
Published: March 2015

One way of getting green: saccharides in cooperation with triethanolamine are proposed as green and versatile tools for the synthesis of ZnO-based materials.
Comparison of the urinary excretion of quercetin glycosides from red onion and aglycone from dietary supplements in healthy subjects: a randomized, single-blinded, cross-over study
Authors: Shi Yuanlu , Williamson Gary
Published: March 2015

Based on bioavailability estimates in healthy human volunteers, 166 mg quercetin from a supplement is comparable to ∼10 mg quercetin from onions.
Rice straw hydrolysate to fuel and volatile fatty acid conversion by Clostridium sporogenes BE01: bio-electrochemical analysis of the electron transport mediators involved
Authors: Gottumukkala Lalitha Devi , Sukumaran Rajeev Kumar , Venkata Mohan S. , Kuttuvan Valappil Sajna , Sarkar Omprakash , Pandey Ashok
Published: March 2015

Hydrogen and VFAs production during butanol fermentation in rice straw hydrolysate byClostridium sporogenesBE01 and the electron transport mediators involved.
Investigating the fluid dynamics of rapid processes within microfluidic devices using bright-field microscopy
Authors: Pirbodaghi Tohid , Vigolo Daniele , Akbari Samin , deMello Andrew
Published: March 2015

To better understanding fluid dynamics within microfluidic channels, herein, we present an accurate experimental approach for studying the fluid dynamics of rapid processes within microfluidic devices using bright-field microscopy with white light illumination.
Three-dimensional graphene hydrogel supported ultrafine RuO2 nanoparticles for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Yang Yuying , Liang Yarong , Zhang Yadi , Zhang Ziyu , Li Zhiming , Hu Zhongai
Published: March 2015

A 3D porous framework of RuO2/RGOH shows excellent supercapacitive performances, high specific capacitance, good rate capability and a long cycling life.
Substitution reaction of triphenylphosphine oxide with rare-earth metal phosphido methyl complexes
Authors: Lv Yingdong , Zhou Jiliang , Leng Xuebing , Chen Yaofeng
Published: March 2015

Rare-earth metal phosphido methyl complexes [LLn(Me){P(H)Ar}] react with triphenylphosphine oxide to give [LLn(Ph){CH2P(O)Ph2}], indicating C(alkyl)–P bond formation and C(aryl)–P bond cleavage.
Bonding and electronic states of boron in silicon nanowires characterized by an infrared synchrotron radiation beam
Authors: Fukata N. , Jevasuwan W. , Ikemoto Y. , Moriwaki T.
Published: March 2015

The first report of B local vibrational peaks and electronic transitions of a bound hole from the ground state of a B acceptor atom to excited states by means of micro-FT-IR measurements using an IR-SR beam.
Palladium-catalyzed Hiyama coupling reaction of arylsulfonyl hydrazides under oxygen
Authors: Miao Hui , Wang Fenhua , Zhou Shuangliu , Zhang Guangchao , Li Yang
Published: March 2015

Palladium-catalyzed Hiyama cross-coupling reactions of various arylsulfonyl hydrazides with a wide variety of aryl silanes have been achieved in good to excellent yields under simple aerobic conditions.
The dependence of the non-linear creep properties for TATB-based polymer bonded explosives on the molecular structure of polymer binder
Authors: Lin Congmei , Liu Shijun , Huang Zhong , He Guansong , Gong Feiyan , Liu Yonggang , Liu Jiahui
Published: March 2015

The molecular structure of polymer binder is a key influencing factor on the non-linear creep properties of TATB-based PBX.
Biodegradable multi-liposomal containers
Authors: Yaroslavov Alexander A. , Efimova Anna A. , Sybachin Andrey V. , Chvalun Sergey N. , Kulebyakina Alevtina I. , Kozlova Ekaterina V.
Published: March 2015

Structure of multiliposomal nanocontainer on base of anionic liposomes, polycation and polylactide.
Novel green method of preparation of a poly (ethylene oxide)/graphene nanocomposite using organic salt assisted dispersion
Authors: Jagtap Siddheshwar B. , Kushwaha Ramakant K. , Ratna Debdatta
Published: March 2015

Novel green method was developed to prepare nanocomposites of poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) and graphene in water. This method is environment friendly with no health hazards and can be adapted to any other water soluble polymers.
Hydrothermal synthesis of bismuth oxybromide–bismuth oxyiodide composites with high visible light photocatalytic performance for the degradation of CV and phenol
Authors: Jiang Yu-Rou , Chou Shang-Yi , Chang Jia-Lin , Huang Shiuh-Tsuen , Lin Ho-Pan , Chen Chiing-Chang
Published: March 2015

This is the first report on a series of BiOpBrq/BiOmIn heterojunctions that were prepared using controlled hydrothermal methods.
Diradical ring closing reactions displaying Woodward–Hoffmann behaviour and torquoselectivity
Authors: Villar López Roberto , Nieto Faza Olalla , Silva López Carlos
Published: March 2015

The applicability of the Woodward–Hoffmann rules seems to expand beyond classical closed shell structures.
Enhancing photoelectrochemical activity of CdS quantum dots sensitized WO3photoelectrodes by Mn doping
Authors: Liu Canjun , Tang Hui , Li Jie , Li Wenzhang , Yang Yahui , Li Yaomin , Chen Qiyuan
Published: March 2015

Mn-doped CdS quantum dots sensitized WO3photoelectrodes were successfully synthesized by a combination of hydrothermal and chemical bath deposition (CBD) methods.
Borate ester endcapped fluorescent hyperbranched conjugated polymer for trace peroxide explosive vapor detection
Authors: Chen Lei , Gao Yixun , Fu Yanyan , Zhu Defeng , He Qingguo , Cao Huimin , Cheng Jiangong
Published: March 2015

The hyperbranched polymerS1/ZnO nanorod array composite is very promising for a highly sensitive fluorescence device for detecting peroxide explosives.
Core–shell structured SnO2 hollow spheres–polyaniline composite as an anode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Xingxing , Zhang Zhian , Yang Fuhua , Fu Yun , Lai Yanqing , Li Jie
Published: March 2015

SnO2@PANI composite has been synthesized by the in situ polymerization of aniline monomers in the presence of SnO2 hollow spheres. Using as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries, the composite exhibited long cycle life and good rate capability.
A highly selective fluorescence sensor for cysteine/homocysteine and its application in bioimaging
Authors: Liu Tao , Huo Fangjun , Yin Caixia , Li JianFang , Niu Lixi
Published: March 2015

A new near-infrared (NIR) sensitive Cys/Hcy probe based on squaraine was rationally designed and synthesized.
Simultaneous chemiluminescence determination of citric acid and oxalic acid using multi-way partial least squares regression
Authors: Mokhtari Ali , Keyvanfard Mohsen , Emami Iraj
Published: March 2015

A novel kinetic chemiluminescent method proposed for the simultaneous determination of oxalic acid and citric acid in their mixtures.
Hydrothermal synthesis, characterization, and color-tunable luminescence properties of Bi2MoO6:Eu3+ phosphors
Authors: Zhang Junjun , Liu Yali , Li Linlin , Zhang Nannan , Zou Lianchun , Gan Shucai
Published: March 2015

Color-tunable Bi2MoO6:Eu3+ phosphors have been synthesized via a facile hydrothermal route followed by a further calcination treatment.
A simple and cost effective experimental method for verifying singlet fission in pentacene–C60 solar cells
Authors: Zhang Yu Jun , Li Ping , Cai Lun , Xiang Jin , Ding Bao Fu , Alameh Kamal , Song Qun Liang
Published: March 2015

The singlet fission in pentacene–C60 solar cells is verified by comparing the experimental and calculated EQE based on the distribution (f1(x)) and the diffusion probability (f2(x)) of excitons.
Significant photocytotoxic effect of an iron(iii) complex of a Schiff base ligand derived from vitamin B6and thiosemicarbazide in visible light
Authors: Sarkar Tukki , Banerjee Samya , Hussain Akhtar
Published: March 2015

An iron(iii)–Schiff base complex derived from vitamin B6and thiosemicarbazide is significantly photocytotoxic to HeLa cancer cells in visible light (400 nm–700 nm) but non-toxic in the absence of light.
Very bright mechanoluminescence and remarkable mechanochromism using a tetraphenylethene derivative with aggregation-induced emission
Authors: Xu Bingjia , He Jiajun , Mu Yingxiao , Zhu Qiangzhong , Wu Sikai , Wang Yifan , Zhang Yi , Jin Chongjun , Lo Changcheng , Chi Zhenguo , Lien Alan , Liu Siwei , Xu Jiarui
Published: March 2015

Two photoluminescent polymorphs exhibit different mechanoluminescence activities and mechanochromic behaviors.
Molecular glues for manipulating enzymes: trypsin inhibition by benzamidine-conjugated molecular glues
Authors: Mogaki Rina , Okuro Kou , Aida Takuzo
Published: March 2015

The inhibitory effect of benzamidine as blocker on the protease activity of trypsin is enhanced by covalent conjugation with bioadhesive molecular glue.
Versatile control of the submolecular motion of di(acylamino)pyridine-based [2]rotaxanes
Authors: Martinez-Cuezva Alberto , Pastor Aurelia , Cioncoloni Giacomo , Orenes Raul-Angel , Alajarin Mateo , Symes Mark D. , Berna Jose
Published: March 2015

Di(acylamino)pyridine motifs enable the building of switchable interlocked systems in which their dynamics can be exchanged between different states.
Cu/Mn co-loaded hierarchically porous zeolite beta: a highly efficient synergetic catalyst for soot oxidation
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxia , Chen Hangrong , Zhang Guobin , Wang Jin , Xie Zhiguo , Hua Zile , Zhang Lingxia , Shi Jianlin
Published: March 2015

A hierarchically porous zeolite beta as a carrier was made by surfactant-assisted hydrothermal treatment and subsequent alkali etching, and the Cu/Mn species were co-loaded into the carrier. The obtained catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity and water-resistance for soot catalytic oxidation.
The synergistic effect of metallic molybdenum dioxide nanoparticle decorated graphene as an active electrocatalyst for an enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Xie Xiao , Lin Ling , Liu Rui-Yang , Jiang Yi-Fan , Zhu Qing , Xu An-Wu
Published: March 2015

MoO2/rGO composites with a strong synergistic effect have been fabricated by a redox reaction and they achieved enhanced performance in the HER.
A novel nanosilica/graphene oxide hybrid and its flame retarding epoxy resin with simultaneously improved mechanical, thermal conductivity, and dielectric properties
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhuo Dongxian , Weng Zixiang , Wu Lixin , Cheng Xiuyan , Zhou Yu , Wang Jianlei , Xuan Bowen
Published: March 2015

A novel nanosilica/graphene oxide hybrid was prepared, which can simultaneously improve the typical properties (dielectric, thermal conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical properties) and flame retardancy of epoxy resin.
Porous BN for hydrogen generation and storage
Authors: Zhang Hui , Tong Chuan-Jia , Zhang Yongsheng , Zhang Yan-Ning , Liu Li-Min
Published: March 2015

Hydrogen is a highly appealing renewable energy resource, while hydrogen generation and storage for practical applications remain a great challenge at present. The proposed porous p-BN has both good hydrogen generation and storage ability which can be dramatically enhanced by C-dopant and Li-decoration.
3D hierarchical SnO2@Ni(OH)2 core–shell nanowire arrays on carbon cloth for energy storage application
Authors: Ke Qingqing , Guan Cao , Zheng Minrui , Hu Yating , Ho Kuan-hung , Wang John
Published: March 2015

A judicious combination of conducting materials with selected transition metal hydroxides to form core–shell nanostructures has attracted great attention owing to the underlying synergistic effect for energy storage.
Visible light-induced hydrogen generation using colloidal (ZnS)0.4(AgInS2)0.6 nanocrystals capped by S2− ions
Authors: Jagadeeswararao Metikoti , Dey Sunita , Nag Angshuman , Rao C. N. R.
Published: March 2015

Non-toxic and visible-light active S2−-capped (ZnS)0.4(AgInS2)0.6 nanocrystals exhibit high photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution from water without requiring any co-catalyst.
Reactive Barium-Promoted Benzylation of Diaryl Azo Compounds
Authors: Yanagisawa Akira , Sawae Toshiki , Yamafuji Seiya , Heima Toshihiko , Yoshida Kazuhiro
Published: March 2015

The Barbier-type benzylation of azo compounds with benzylic chlorides was achieved by using reactive barium as the promoter. Various benzylic hydrazines were synthesized from the corresponding benzylic chlorides. The thus-obtained benzylic hydrazines were further efficiently converted into benzylic amines by reductive N–N bond cleavage.
Longitudinal spin Seebeck effect in Nd2BiFe5−xGaxO12 prepared on gadolinium gallium garnet (001) by metal organic decomposition method
Authors: Asada H. , Kuwahara A. , Sakata N. , Ono T. , Ishibashi T. , Meguro A. , Hashinaka T. , Kishimoto K. , Koyanagi T.
Published: March 2015

Nd2BiFe5−xGaxO12 thin films with the Ga composition x = 0, 0.5, and 1.0 are prepared on (001) oriented gadolinium gallium garnet substrates by a metal organic decomposition method. Only (001) peaks are observed in x-ray diffraction patterns for all the films, suggesting that the highly oriented Nd2BiFe5−xGaxO12 thin films were formed. Increasing Ga composition, the saturation magnetization decreases, and the perpendicular easy axis is enhanced due to the decrease of the shape anisotropy. Longitudinal spin Seebeck effects (LSSEs) in Nd2BiFe5−xGaxO12 thin films with a Pt layer of 10 nm in thickness were investigated. Magnetic field dependence of the thermoelectric voltage caused by the LSSE in Nd2BiFe5−xGaxO12 films indicates the hysteresis loop with the small coercivity reflecting the magnetization curve. The decrease of LSSE voltage in Nd2BiFe5−xGaxO12 is clearly observed with the decrease of Fe composition.
On the convergence of diffusion Monte Carlo in non-Euclidean spaces. II. Diffusion with sources and sinks
Authors: Curotto E. , Mella Massimo
Published: March 2015

We test the second order Milstein method adapted to simulate diffusion in general compact Riemann manifolds on a number of systems characterized by nonconfining potential energy surfaces of increasing complexity. For the 2–sphere and more complex spaces derived from it, we compare the Milstein method with a number of other first and second order approaches. In each case tested, we find evidence that demonstrate the versatility and relative ease of implementation of the Milstein method derived in Part I.
Nonlinear vs. linear biasing in Trp-cage folding simulations
Authors: Spiwok Vojtěch , Oborský Pavel , Pazúriková Jana , Křenek Aleš , Králová Blanka
Published: March 2015

Biased simulations have great potential for the study of slow processes, including protein folding. Atomic motions in molecules are nonlinear, which suggests that simulations with enhanced sampling of collective motions traced by nonlinear dimensionality reduction methods may perform better than linear ones. In this study, we compare an unbiased folding simulation of the Trp-cage miniprotein with metadynamics simulations using both linear (principle component analysis) and nonlinear (Isomap) low dimensional embeddings as collective variables. Folding of the mini-protein was successfully simulated in 200 ns simulation with linear biasing and non-linear motion biasing. The folded state was correctly predicted as the free energy minimum in both simulations. We found that the advantage of linear motion biasing is that it can sample a larger conformational space, whereas the advantage of nonlinear motion biasing lies in slightly better resolution of the resulting free energy surface. In terms of sampling efficiency, both methods are comparable.
Proton transfer in histidine-tryptophan heterodimers embedded in helium droplets
Authors: Bellina Bruno , Merthe Daniel J. , Kresin Vitaly V.
Published: March 2015

We used cold helium droplets as nano-scale reactors to form and ionize, by electron bombardment and charge transfer, aromatic amino acid heterodimers of histidine with tryptophan, methyl-tryptophan, and indole. The molecular interaction occurring through an N–H ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ N hydrogen bond leads to a proton transfer from the indole group of tryptophan to the imidazole group of histidine in a radical cationic environment.
Direct observation of interlocked domain walls and topological four-state vortex-like domain patterns in multiferroic YMnO3 single crystal
Authors: Tian Lei , Wang Yumei , Ge Binghui , Zhang Xiangqun , Zhang Zhihua
Published: March 2015

Using the advanced spherical aberration-corrected high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscope imaging techniques, we investigated atomic-scale structural features of domain walls and domain patterns in YMnO3 single crystal. Three different types of interlocked ferroelectric-antiphase domain walls and two abnormal topological four-state vortex-like domain patterns are identified. Each ferroelectric domain wall is accompanied by a translation vector, i.e., 1/6[210] or −1/6[210], demonstrating its interlocked nature. Different from the four-state vortex domain patterns caused by a partial edge dislocation, two four-state vortex-like domain configurations have been obtained at atomic level. These observed phenomena can further extend our understanding of the fascinating vortex domain patterns in multiferroic hexagonal rare-earth manganites.
Smart load control on large-scale wind turbine blades due to extreme coherent gust with direction change
Authors: Zhang M. M. , Tan B. , Xu J. Z.
Published: March 2015

The control of a typical extreme load with varying velocity and direction, i.e., International Electro-technical Commission Extreme Coherent Gust with Direction Change (ECD) load, was investigated on an Upwind/National Renewable Energy Laboratory 5 MW reference wind turbine using a newly developed smart blade system. The control action was implemented through the local perturbation of the Deformable Trailing Edge Flap (DTEF) on the blade surface and thus flow-blade system. The investigations were separately conducted within four time zones, depending on the complex yaw or/and pitching functions of the turbine. It was found that, without DTEF control, the flapwise root moment and tip deflection of the blades experienced rather complicated fluctuations due to the ECD load, together with the influence of blade yaw and pitching. On the other hand, the smart rotor control was very effective to reduce both blade flapwise root moment and tip deflection up to 30% and even more. The good control performance lied in the altered nature of the flow-blade interactions by the local controllable DTEF perturbation to change the in-phased fluid-structure synchronization into anti-phased collision at dominant load frequencies, thus significantly enhancing the damping of fluid-structure system and impairing their correlations. Consequently, the ECD load on the rotor and even drive-chain components would be greatly suppressed.
Study on the temperature compensation technology of air-powered engine
Authors: Shi Yan , Sun Junpeng , Cai Maolin , Xu Qiyue
Published: March 2015

First, the principle of the temperature drop in the air-powered engine (APE) is studied in this paper. The thermodynamic model of the APE and the calculation model for equivalent air temperatures in critical locations of the APE are proposed. Second, through the calculation by the models above, the temperature drop of the APE causes the ice blocking to influence the APE working negatively. And it is a particular problem that conventional gasoline engines will not meet. To solve the ice blocking problem without consuming additional energy out of the APE system, a heat exchange structure for the APE is designed to compensate the drop temperature and make sure the APE work efficiently. To verify the APE works in a good temperature distribution situation, some simulations are done, it is shown that the APE with the heat exchange structure works better in temperature distribution and ice blocking prevention. In addition to this, the results of simulation are verified by experiments. In conclusion, the APE with the heat exchange structure can avoid the ice blocking problem. Besides, it can help improve the APE's working efficiency by about 30%. The study provides a theoretical basis for further research on the principle of the temperature drop and heat exchange in the APE.
H2 generation from thermochemical water-splitting using yttria stabilized NiFe2O4 core-shell nanoparticles
Authors: Amar V. S. , Puszynski J. A. , Shende R. V.
Published: March 2015

This investigation reports synthesis of core-shell NiFe2O4/Y2O3 nanoparticles by sol-gel technique and their H2 volume generation ability via thermochemical water-splitting reaction at 900 °C–1100 °C. Thermochemical water-splitting process involves a cyclic operation of a low-temperature water-splitting step and relatively high temperature regeneration step using redox materials. Because of the cyclic nature of the process, the redox materials undergo thermal fatigue leading to grain growth or sintering, consequently, steady H2 production is not realized in multiple thermochemical cycles. In this study, attempts were made to achieve steady H2 volume generation in multiple thermochemical cycles using core-shell nanoparticles, which were synthesized using precursors such as NiCl2, FeCl2, and YCl3, and pluronic P123 surfactant template. H2 volume generated by NiFe2O4/Y2O3 core-shell nanoparticles was found to be relatively stable over multiple thermochemical cycles. Contrasting to this, the H2 volume generation was found to decrease continuously over multiple thermochemical cycles using NiFe2O4 nanoparticles as well as NiFe2O4/Y2O3 powdered mixture of nanoparticles. The transient O2 profiles were also compared for both the core-shell nanoparticles and powdered mixture during multiple regeneration steps. Detailed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis clearly provided evidence of core-shell morphology with NiFe2O4 core encapsulated by Y2O3 shell. The grain size and morphological properties of as-prepared nanoparticles were compared with the nanoparticles obtained after thermochemical water-splitting reaction using powdered X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy.
Modification of structure and magnetic anisotropy of epitaxial CoFe2O4 films by hydrogen reduction
Authors: Chen Aiping , Poudyal Narayan , Xiong Jie , Liu J. Ping , Jia Quanxi
Published: March 2015

Heteroepitaxial CoFe2O4 (CFO) thin films with different thicknesses were deposited on MgO (001) substrates. The as-deposited CFO films show a clear switching of magnetic anisotropy with increasing film thickness. The thinner films (<100 nm) show a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy due to the out-of-plane compressive strain. The thicker films exhibit an in-plane easy axis owing to the dominating shape anisotropy effect. The magnetostriction coefficient of CFO films is estimated to be λ[001] = −188 × 10−6. Metallic CoFe2 films were obtained by annealing the as-deposited CFO films in forming gas (Ar 93% + H2 7%) at 450 °C. XRD shows that CoFe2 films are textured out-of-plane and aligned in-plane, owing to lattice matching between CoFe2 and MgO substrate. TEM results indicate that as-deposited films are continuous while the annealed films exhibit a nanopore mushroom structure. The magnetic anisotropy of CoFe2 films is dominated by the shape effect. The results demonstrate that hydrogen reduction can be effectively used to modify microstructures and physical properties of complex metal oxide materials.
Low threshold lasing of bubble-containing glass microspheres by non-whispering gallery mode excitation over a wide wavelength range
Authors: Kumagai Tsutaru , Kishi Tetsuo , Yano Tetsuji
Published: March 2015

Bubble-containing Nd3+-doped tellurite glass microspheres were fabricated by localized laser heating technique to investigate their optical properties for use as microresonators. Fluorescence and excitation spectra measurements were performed by pumping with a tunable CW-Ti:Sapphire laser. The excitation spectra manifested several sharp peaks due to the conventional whispering gallery mode (WGM) when the pumping laser was irradiated to the edge part of the microsphere. However, when the excitation light was irradiated on the bubble position inside the microsphere, “non-WGM excitation” was induced, giving rise to numerous peaks at a broad wavelength range in the excitation spectra. Thus, efficient excitation was achieved over a wide wavelength range. Lasing threshold excited at the bubble position was much lower than that for the excitation at the edges of the microsphere. The lowest value of the laser threshold was 34 μW for a 4 μm sphere containing a 0.5 μm bubble. Efficiency of the excitation at the bubble position with broadband light was calculated to be 5 times higher than that for the edge of the microsphere. The bubble-containing microsphere enables efficient utilization of broadband light excitation from light-emitting diodes and solar light.
Visible Light-Driven BiVO4/TiO2 Composite Photocatalysts: Preparation Methods and Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Wang Shuyun , Li Wenjun , Chen Feiwu , Gu Shaonan , Chang Zhidong
Published: March 2015

BiVO4/TiO2 composite photocatalysts were successfully synthesised via different methods, and the physical and photophysical properties of the as-prepared photocatalysts were fully characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, field-emission transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis. Methylene blue was selected as model pollutant to investigate the photocatalytic activity of BiVO4/TiO2 composite materials. The results reveal that BiVO4/TiO2 fabricated by different methods exhibits higher photocatalytic activity than pure BiVO4 and TiO2, and the coprecipitated BiVO4/TiO2 composite shows the best photocatalytic activity. The diffuse reflectance spectroscopy results demonstrated that the 20 wt-% coprecipitated BiVO4/TiO2 exhibited a significant, broad spectrum response not only between 400 and 500 nm but also from 500 to 800 nm wavelength.
Food for thought: edible gardens in New Zealand primary and secondary schools
Authors: Collins C. , Richards R. , Reeder A. I. , Gray A. R.
Published: March 2015

Issue addressed

School gardens are a potentially important health promotion tool, allowing the growth and consumption of fruit and vegetables to be embedded within the students' educational experience. This study aimed to investigate the implementation of edible gardens in New Zealand (NZ) primary and secondary schools.

Methods

A questionnaire mailed to principals from a randomly selected sample of 764 NZ schools included questions on whether or not the school had a garden and, if so, what produce was grown; how long the garden had been in place; how harvested crops were distributed; and curriculum integration.

Results

Among 491 responding schools (64.3% response rate), 52.9% currently had an edible garden – with most gardens started in the previous two years. Vegetables, herbs and tree fruit were commonly grown. Gardens were integrated into curriculum subjects, cooking lessons, recipes and messages promoting increased fruit and vegetable consumption.

Conclusions

Edible gardens were common within NZ schools, though often relatively new, and were used for teaching in a variety of curriculum areas.
Novel Epac fluorescent ligand reveals distinct Epac1 vs. Epac2 distribution and function in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Pereira Laëtitia , Rehmann Holger , Lao Dieu Hung , Erickson Jeffrey R. , Bossuyt Julie , Chen Ju , Bers Donald M.
Published: March 2015

Significance

β-Adrenergic activation in heart has many important effects (physiological and pathological) that had been mainly attributed to cAMP and protein kinase A-dependent signaling. The discovery of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac1 and Epac2) has uncovered new parallel cAMP signaling pathways in β-adrenergic signaling, but Epac isoform localization and function were not well understood. Here we show, using a novel fluorescent Epac analog, that Epac1 and Epac2 are differentially concentrated at the nucleus vs. at Z lines in cardiomyocytes, and that this corresponds to functional roles in nucleus vs. calcium handling and arrhythmias, respectively. This finding may be essential to develop more targeted therapeutics for cardiomyopathy.
Inversion of Sonic hedgehog action on its canonical pathway by electrical activity
Authors: Belgacem Yesser H. , Borodinsky Laura N.
Published: March 2015

Significance

Morphogenic proteins drive the formation and patterning of tissues during embryonic development. Once tissues are formed, their cells progressively differentiate to perform the required specialized functions of the maturing tissue. Whether this transition is accompanied by changes in morphogen signaling remains unclear. Here we identify a striking inversion in Sonic hedgehog (Shh) action on its canonical Gli-dependent pathway driven by the emerging electrical activity in differentiating spinal neurons. This mechanism may allow for switching off Shh proliferative action and thus may prevent pediatric brain tumor formation and occurrence of neurodevelopmental defects.
Effective saccharification of kraft pulp by using a cellulase cocktail prepared from genetically engineered Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Yamada Ryosuke , Yoshie Toshihide , Sakai Shoji , Wakai Satoshi , Asai-Nakashima Nanami , Okazaki Fumiyoshi , Ogino Chiaki , Hisada Hiromoto , Tsutsumi Hiroko , Hata Yoji , Kondo Akihiko
Published: March 2015

Kraft pulp is a promising feedstock for bioproduction. The efficiency of kraft pulp saccharification was improved by using a cellulase cocktail prepared from genetically engineered Aspergillus oryzae. Application of the cellulase cocktail was demonstrated by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, using kraft pulp and non-cellulolytic yeast. Such application would make possible to do an efficient production of other chemicals from kraft pulp.
A new drought tipping point for conifer mortality
Authors: Kolb Thomas E
Published: March 2015

(Huang et al 2015 Environ. Res. Lett.

10 024011) present a method for predicting mortality of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) in the Southwestern US during severe drought based on the relationship between the standardized precipitation–evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and annual tree ring growth. Ring growth was zero when SPEI for September to July was −1.64. The threshold SPEI of −1.64 was successful in distinguishing areas with high tree mortality during recent severe drought from areas with low mortality, and is proposed to be a tipping point of drought severity leading to tree mortality. Below, I discuss this work in more detail.
Analgesic Effect of Perioperative Escitalopram in High Pain Catastrophizing Patients after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Lunn Troels H. , Frokjaer Vibe G. , Hansen Torben B. , Kristensen Per W. , Lind Thomas , Kehlet Henrik
Published: March 2015

AbstractAbstract

In 120 patients with high pain catastrophizing scores before total knee arthroplasty, 1 week treatment with the serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor escitalopram did not differ from placebo in pain on ambulation 24 h after surgery.

Background:

Sufficient pain treatment remains a challenge after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), especially in high pain catastrophizing patients. Serotonergic signaling may be involved in pain processing, but the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on well-defined postoperative pain has not previously been investigated. The authors hypothesized that perioperative escitalopram would reduce pain after TKA in high pain catastrophizing patients.

Methods:

A total of 120 pain catastrophizing patients (selected using the pain catastrophizing scale as preoperative screening tool) scheduled for TKA were randomized in a double-blind manner to either 10 mg escitalopram or placebo daily from preanesthesia to postoperative day 6 in addition to a standardized analgesic regime. The primary outcome was pain upon ambulation 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were overall pain during well-defined mobilizations and at rest from 2 to 48 h and from days 2 to 6, morphine equivalents, anxiety, depression, and side effects.

Results:

Pain upon ambulation (mean [95% CI]) 24 h after surgery in the escitalopram versus placebo group was 58 (53 to 64) versus 64 (58 to 69), the mean difference being −5 (−13 to 3), P = 0.20. Overall pain upon ambulation and at rest from days 2 to 6 was lower in the escitalopram versus placebo group, as was depression score at day 6 (all P ≤ 0.01 in analyses uncorrected for multiple tests). Side effects were nonsignificant except for reduced tendency to sweat and prolonged sleep in the escitalopram group. No other between-group differences were observed.

Conclusions:

Escitalopram did not reduce pain upon ambulation 24 h after TKA in high pain catastrophizing patients. Future studies on optimal timing, dose, and duration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment might be warranted.
Wireless Capsule Endoscopy of the Small Intestine in Children
Authors: Zevit Noam , Shamir Raanan
Published: March 2015

Wireless capsule endoscopy (CE) for the diagnosis of small‐bowel disease has been in clinical use for more than a decade, and is no longer an emerging technology, but rather one that has reached fruition. This noninvasive technology has been readily embraced by both physicians and patients. Used in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, for locating sources of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, and for assessing small‐bowel polyp burden in polyposis syndromes as well as for less common indications, CE has transformed the diagnostic algorithms of small‐bowel investigations. Although already in widespread use, the technology incorporated into the various CE platforms continues to improve and expand. Here, we briefly review the indications, limitations, and advances in video capsule technology, with an emphasis on its use in pediatrics.