bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desert Migrations: people, environment and culture in the Libyan Sahara
Authors: Mattingly David , Lahr Marta , Armitage Simon , Barton Huw , Dore John , Drake Nick , Foley Robert , Merlo Stefania , Salem Mustapha , Stock Jay , White Kevin , Ahmed Muftah , Cole Franca , Crivellaro Federica , Rodriguez Mireya Gonzalez , Guagnin Maria , Jones Sebastian , Karloukovski Vassil , Leitch Victoria , Maher Lisa , Moussa Farès , Radini Anita , Reeds Ian , Savage Toby , Sterry Martin
Published: February 2016

The Desert Migrations Project is a new interdisciplinary and multi-dimensional collaborative project between the Society for Libyan Studies and the Department of Antiquities. The geographical focus of the study is the Fazzan region of southwest Libya and in thematic terms we aim to address the theme of migration in the broadest sense, encompassing the movement of people, ideas/knowledge and material culture into and out of Fazzan, along with evidence of shifting climatic and ecological boundaries over time. The report describes the principal sub-strands of the project's first season in January 2007, with some account of research questions, methods employed and some preliminary results. Three main sub-projects are reported on. The first concerns the improved understanding of long-term climatic and environmental changes derived from a detailed palaeoenvironmental study of palaeolake sediments. This geo-science work runs alongside and feeds directly into both archaeological sub-projects, the first relating to prehistoric activity and mobility around and between a series of palaeolakes during wetter climatic cycles; the second to the excavation of burials in the Wadi al-Ajal, exploring the changing relationship between material culture, identity and ethnicity across time, from prehistory to the early Islamic period (the span of the main cemetery zones). In addition, some rock art research and a survey of historic period sites was undertaken in the Wadi ash-Shati and Ubari sand sea.
Ancient rainwater harvesting systems in the north-eastern Marmarica (north-western Egypt)
Authors: Vetter Thomas , Rieger Anna-Katharina , Nicolay Alexander
Published: February 2016

In arid and semi-arid regions runoff-fed agriculture has been common for millennia. Recent geographical and archaeological investigations in the north-eastern part of ancient Marmarica (north-western Egypt) revealed a dense network of water harvesting systems associated with settlements and production sites dating back to Ptolemaic times. The environmental conditions and the ancient water management strategies are characterised by minimal intervention but maximised effect and optimised utilisation of the scarce water (100–150 mm seasonal discharge) and soil resources of the region.
Garamantian agriculture: the plant remains from Jarma, Fazzan
Authors: Pelling Ruth
Published: February 2016

Excavations at Jarma, associated with the ancient capital of the Garamantes, Garama, in the Fazzan, southern Libya, have recovered a long sequence of charred and desiccated plant remains. The archaeobotanical analysis of the samples have provided an insight into the crop plants cultivated by the Garamantian period occupants of Jarma, and the nature of crop processing activities, plant use and disposal. A broad range of cereal, fruit and fibre crops have been identified which demonstrate both winter and summer season cultivation in the region from the end of the first millennium BC. A sophisticated arable regime relying onfoggarairrigation was practised.
One CNV Discordance inNRXN1Observed Upon Genome-wide Screening in 38 Pairs of Adult Healthy Monozygotic Twins
Authors: Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Lee Donghwan , Chen Xu , Szatkiewicz Jin , Pramana Setia , Teo Shumei , Sullivan Patrick F. , Feuk Lars , Pawitan Yudi
Published: February 2016

Monozygotic (MZ) twins stem from the same single fertilized egg and therefore share all theirinheritedgenetic variation. This is one of the unequivocal facts on which genetic epidemiology and twin studies are based. To what extent this also implies that MZ twins share genotypes in adult tissues is not precisely established, but a common pragmatic assumption is that MZ twins are 100% genetically identical also in adult tissues. During the past decade, this view has been challenged by several reports, with observations of differences in post-zygotic copy number variations (CNVs) between members of the same MZ pair. In this study, we performed a systematic search for differences of CNVs within 38 adult MZ pairs who had been misclassified as dizygotic (DZ) twins by questionnaire-based assessment. Initial scoring by PennCNV suggested a total of 967 CNV discordances. The within-pair correlation in number of CNVs detected was strongly dependent on confidence score filtering and reached a plateau ofr= 0.8 when restricting to CNVs detected with confidence score larger than 50. The top-ranked discordances were subsequently selected for validation by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), from which one single ~120kb deletion inNRXN1on chromosome 2 (bp 51017111–51136802) was validated. Despite involving an exon, no sign of cognitive/mental consequences was apparent in the affected twin pair, potentially reflecting limited or lack of expression of the transcripts containing this exon in nerve/brain.
The Unique Radar Signature of Rain Falling on Water
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: February 2016

If rain falls on an ocean and nobody's there to see it, how can we determine its effect on the Earth's climate? A new study shows us how space-based radar could help.
Quinazoline-based tricyclic compounds that regulate programmed cell death, induce neuronal differentiation, and are curative in animal models for excitotoxicity and hereditary brain disease
Authors: Vainshtein A , Veenman L , Shterenberg A , Singh S , Masarwa A , Dutta B , Island B , Tsoglin E , Levin E , Leschiner S , Maniv I , Pe’er L , Otradnov I , Zubedat S , Aga-Mizrachi S , Weizman A , Avital A , Marek I , Gavish M
Published: February 2016

Expanding on a quinazoline scaffold, we developed tricyclic compounds with biological activity. These compounds bind to the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) and protect U118MG (glioblastoma cell line of glial origin) cells from glutamate-induced cell death. Fascinating, they can induce neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells (cell line of pheochromocytoma origin with neuronal characteristics) known to display neuronal characteristics, including outgrowth of neurites, tubulin expression, and NeuN (antigen known as ‘neuronal nuclei’, also known as Rbfox3) expression. As part of the neurodifferentiation process, they can amplify cell death induced by glutamate. Interestingly, the compound 2-phenylquinazolin-4-yl dimethylcarbamate (MGV-1) can induce expansive neurite sprouting on its own and also in synergy with nerve growth factor and with glutamate. Glycine is not required, indicating that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors are not involved in this activity. These diverse effects on cells of glial origin and on cells with neuronal characteristics induced in culture by this one compound, MGV-1, as reported in this article, mimic the diverse events that take place during embryonic development of the brain (maintenance of glial integrity, differentiation of progenitor cells to mature neurons, and weeding out of non-differentiating progenitor cells). Such mechanisms are also important for protective, curative, and restorative processes that occur during and after brain injury and brain disease. Indeed, we found in a rat model of systemic kainic acid injection that MGV-1 can prevent seizures, counteract the process of ongoing brain damage, including edema, and restore behavior defects to normal patterns. Furthermore, in the R6-2 (transgenic mouse model for Huntington disease; Strain name: B6CBA-Tg(HDexon1)62Gpb/3J) transgenic mouse model for Huntington disease, derivatives of MGV-1 can increase lifespan by >20% and reduce incidence of abnormal movements. Also in vitro, these derivatives were more effective than MGV-1.
Reducing dynamic disorder in small-molecule organic semiconductors by suppressing large-amplitude thermal motions
Authors: Illig Steffen , Eggeman Alexander S. , Troisi Alessandro , Jiang Lang , Warwick Chris , Nikolka Mark , Schweicher Guillaume , Yeates Stephen G. , Henri Geerts Yves , Anthony John E. , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: February 2016

Thermal vibrations and the dynamic disorder they create can detrimentally affect the transport properties of van der Waals bonded molecular semiconductors. The low-energy nature of these vibrations makes it difficult to access them experimentally, which is why we still lack clear molecular design rules to control and reduce dynamic disorder. In this study we discuss the promising organic semiconductors rubrene, 2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothio-phene and 2,9-di-decyl-dinaphtho-[2,3-b:20,30-f]-thieno-[3,2-b]-thiophene in terms of an exceptionally low degree of dynamic disorder. In particular, we analyse diffuse scattering in transmission electron microscopy, to show that small molecules that have their side chains attached along the long axis of their conjugated core are better encapsulated in their crystal structure, which helps reduce large-amplitude thermal motions. Our work provides a general strategy for the design of new classes of very high mobility organic semiconductors with a low degree of dynamic disorder.
Genome analysis of three Pneumocystis species reveals adaptation mechanisms to life exclusively in mammalian hosts
Authors: Ma Liang , Chen Zehua , Huang Da Wei , Kutty Geetha , Ishihara Mayumi , Wang Honghui , Abouelleil Amr , Bishop Lisa , Davey Emma , Deng Rebecca , Deng Xilong , Fan Lin , Fantoni Giovanna , Fitzgerald Michael , Gogineni Emile , Goldberg Jonathan M. , Handley Grace , Hu Xiaojun , Huber Charles , Jiao Xiaoli , Jones Kristine , Levin Joshua Z. , Liu Yueqin , Macdonald Pendexter , Melnikov Alexandre , Raley Castle , Sassi Monica , Sherman Brad T. , Song Xiaohong , Sykes Sean , Tran Bao , Walsh Laura , Xia Yun , Yang Jun , Young Sarah , Zeng Qiandong , Zheng Xin , Stephens Robert , Nusbaum Chad , Birren Bruce W. , Azadi Parastoo , Lempicki Richard A. , Cuomo Christina A. , Kovacs Joseph A.
Published: February 2016

Pneumocystis jiroveciiis a major cause of life-threatening pneumonia in immunosuppressed patients including transplant recipients and those with HIV/AIDS, yet surprisingly little is known about the biology of this fungal pathogen. Here we report near complete genome assemblies for threePneumocystisspecies that infect humans, rats and mice.Pneumocystisgenomes are highly compact relative to other fungi, with substantial reductions of ribosomal RNA genes, transporters, transcription factors and many metabolic pathways, but contain expansions of surface proteins, especially a unique and complex surface glycoprotein superfamily, as well as proteases and RNA processing proteins. Unexpectedly, the key fungal cell wall components chitin and outer chain N-mannans are absent, based on genome content and experimental validation. Our findings suggest thatPneumocystishas developed unique mechanisms of adaptation to life exclusively in mammalian hosts, including dependence on the lungs for gas and nutrients and highly efficient strategies to escape both host innate and acquired immune defenses.
Viruliferous rate of small brown planthopper is a good indicator of rice stripe disease epidemics
Authors: He Dun-Chun , Zhan Jiasui , Cheng Zhao-Bang , Xie Lian-Hui
Published: February 2016

Rice stripe virus (RSV), its vector insect (small brown planthopper, SBPH) and climatic conditions in Jiangsu, China were monitored between 2002 and 2012 to determine key biotic and abiotic factors driving epidemics of the disease. Average disease severity, disease incidence and viruliferous rate of SBPH peaked in 2004 and then gradually decreased. Disease severity of RSV was positively correlated with viruliferous rate of the vector but not with the population density of the insect, suggesting that the proportion of vectors infected by the virus rather than the absolute number of vectors plays an important role in RSV epidemics and could be used for disease forecasting. The finding of a positive correlation of disease severity and viruliferous rate among years suggests that local infection is likely the main source of primary inoculum of RSV. Of the two main climatic factors, temperature plays a more important role than rainfall in RSV epidemics.
Straightforward and sensitive RT-qPCR based gene expression analysis of FFPE samples
Authors: Zeka Fjoralba , Vanderheyden Katrien , De Smet Els , Cuvelier Claude A. , Mestdagh Pieter , Vandesompele Jo
Published: February 2016

Fragmented RNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue is a known obstacle to gene expression analysis. In this study, the impact of RNA integrity, gene-specific reverse transcription and targeted cDNA preamplification was quantified in terms of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) sensitivity by measuring 48 protein coding genes on eight duplicate cultured cancer cell pellet FFPE samples and twenty cancer tissue FFPE samples. More intact RNA modestly increased gene detection sensitivity by 1.6 fold (earlier detection by 0.7 PCR cycles, 95% CI = 0.593–0.850). Application of gene-specific priming instead of whole transcriptome priming during reverse transcription further improved RT-qPCR sensitivity by a considerable 4.0 fold increase (earlier detection by 2.0 PCR cycles, 95% CI = 1.73–2.32). Targeted cDNA preamplification resulted in the strongest increase of RT-qPCR sensitivity and enabled earlier detection by an average of 172.4 fold (7.43 PCR cycles, 95% CI = 6.83–7.05). We conclude that gene-specific reverse transcription and targeted cDNA preamplification are adequate methods for accurate and sensitive RT-qPCR based gene expression analysis of FFPE material. The presented methods do not involve expensive or complex procedures and can be easily implemented in any routine RT-qPCR practice.
Droplet Breakup in Expansion-contraction Microchannels
Authors: Zhu Pingan , Kong Tiantian , Lei Leyan , Tian Xiaowei , Kang Zhanxiao , Wang Liqiu
Published: February 2016

We investigate the influences of expansion-contraction microchannels on droplet breakup in capillary microfluidic devices. With variations in channel dimension, local shear stresses at the injection nozzle and focusing orifice vary, significantly impacting flow behavior including droplet breakup locations and breakup modes. We observe transition of droplet breakup location from focusing orifice to injection nozzle and three distinct types of recently-reported tip-multi-breaking modes. By balancing local shear stresses and interfacial tension effects, we determine the critical condition for breakup location transition and characterize the tip-multi-breaking mode quantitatively. In addition, we identify the mechanism responsible for the periodic oscillation of inner fluid tip in tip-multi-breaking mode. Our results offer fundamental understanding of two-phase flow behaviors in expansion-contraction microstructures and would benefit droplet generation, manipulation and design of microfluidic devices.
Progestins alter photo-transduction cascade and circadian rhythm network in eyes of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Zhao Yanbin , Fent Karl
Published: February 2016

Environmental progestins are implicated in endocrine disruption in vertebrates. Additional targets that may be affected in organisms are poorly known. Here we report that progesterone (P4) and drospirenone (DRS) interfere with the photo-transduction cascade and circadian rhythm network in the eyes of zebrafish. Breeding pairs of adult zebrafish were exposed to P4 and DRS for 21 days with different measured concentrations of 7–742 ng/L and 99-13´650 ng/L, respectively. Of totally 10 key photo-transduction cascade genes analyzed, transcriptional levels of most were significantly up-regulated, or normal down-regulation was attenuated. Similarly, for some circadian rhythm genes, dose-dependent transcriptional alterations were also observed in the totally 33 genes analyzed. Significant alterations occurred even at environmental relevant levels of 7 ng/L P4. Different patterns were observed for these transcriptional alterations, of which, the nfil3 family displayed most significant changes. Furthermore, we demonstrate the importance of sampling time for the determination and interpretation of gene expression data and put forward recommendations for sampling strategies to avoid false interpretations. Our results suggest that photo-transduction signals and circadian rhythm are potential targets for progestins. Further studies are required to assess alterations on the protein level, on physiology and behavior, as well as on implications in mammals.
A microRNA-mediated decrease in eukaryotic initiation factor 2α promotes cell survival during PS-341 treatment
Authors: Jiang Lili , Zang Dan , Yi Songgang , Li Xiaofen , Yang Changshan , Dong Xiaoxian , Zhao Chong , Lan Xiaoying , Chen Xin , Liu Shouting , Liu Ningning , Huang Hongbiao , Shi Xianping , Wang Xuejun , Liu Jinbao
Published: February 2016

MicroRNAs (miRs) play pivotal roles in carcinogenesis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that performs the folding, modification and trafficking of proteins targeted to the secretory pathway. Cancer cells often endure ER stress during tumor progression but use the adaptive ER stress response to gain survival advantage. Here we report: (i) A group of miRs, including miR-30b-5p and miR-30c-5p, are upregulated by proteasome inhibitor PS-341 treatment, in HepG2 and MDA-MB-453 cells. (ii) Two representative PS-341-induced miRs: miR-30b-5p and miR-30c-5p are found to promote cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis in both tumor cells. (iii) eIF2α is confirmed as the congenerous target of miR-30b-5p and miR-30c-5p, essential to the anti-apoptotic function of these miRs. (iv) Upregulation of miR-30b-5p or miR-30c-5p, which occurs latter than the increase of phosphorylated eIF2α (p-eIF2α) in the cell under ER stress, suppresses the p-eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pro-apoptotic pathway. (v) Inhibition of the miR-30b-5p or miR-30c-5p sensitizes the cancer cells to the cytotoxicity of proteasome inhibition. In conclusion, we unravels a new miRs-based mechanism that helps maintain intracellular proteostasis and promote cell survival during ER stress through upregulation of miR-30b-5p and miR-30c-5p which target eIF2α and thereby inhibit the p-eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pro-apoptotic pathway, identifying miR-30b-5p and miR-30c-5p as potentially new targets for anti-cancer therapies.
Oscillating primary transcripts harbor miRNAs with circadian functions
Authors: Wang Haifang , Fan Zenghua , Zhao Meng , Li Juan , Lu Minghua , Liu Wei , Ying Hao , Liu Mofang , Yan Jun
Published: February 2016

The roles of miRNAs as important post-transcriptional regulators in the circadian clock have been suggested in several studies. But the search for circadian miRNAs has led to disparate results. Here we demonstrated that at least 57 miRNA primary transcripts are rhythmically transcribed in mouse liver. Most of these transcripts are under the regulation of circadian transcription factors such as BMAL1/CLOCK and REV-ERBα/β. However, the mature miRNAs derived from these transcripts are either not oscillating or oscillating at low amplitudes, which could explain the inconsistency of different circadian miRNA studies. In order to show that these circadian primary transcripts can give rise to miRNAs with circadian functions, we over-expressed one of them, miR-378, in mouse by adenovirus injection. We found a significant over-representation of circadian oscillating genes under-expressed by miR-378 over-expression in liver. In particular, we observed that miR-378 modulates the oscillation amplitudes of Cdkn1a in the control of cell cycle and Por in the regulation of oxidation reduction by forming partnership with different circadian transcription factors. Our study suggests that circadian transcription of miRNA at primary transcript level can be a good indicator for circadian miRNA functions.
Complementary Post Transcriptional Regulatory Information is Detected by PUNCH-P and Ribosome Profiling
Authors: Zur Hadas , Aviner Ranen , Tuller Tamir
Published: February 2016

Two novel approaches were recently suggested for genome-wide identification of protein aspects synthesized at a given time. Ribo-Seq is based on sequencing all the ribosome protected mRNA fragments in a cell, while PUNCH-P is based on mass-spectrometric analysis of only newly synthesized proteins. Here we describe the first Ribo-Seq/PUNCH-P comparison via the analysis of mammalian cells during the cell-cycle for detecting relevant differentially expressed genes between G1 and M phase. Our analyses suggest that the two approaches significantly overlap with each other. However, we demonstrate that there are biologically meaningful proteins/genes that can be detected to be post-transcriptionally regulated during the mammalian cell cycle only by each of the approaches, or their consolidation. Such gene sets are enriched with proteins known to be related to intra-cellular signalling pathways such as central cell cycle processes, central gene expression regulation processes, processes related to chromosome segregation, DNA damage and replication, that are post-transcriptionally regulated during the mammalian cell cycle. Moreover, we show that combining the approaches better predicts steady state changes in protein abundance. The results reported here support the conjecture that for gaining a full post-transcriptional regulation picture one should integrate the two approaches.
Use of lead-210 as a novel tracer for lead (Pb) sources in plants
Authors: Yang Handong , Appleby Peter G.
Published: February 2016

Lead (Pb) released from anthropogenic sources and stored in environmental repositories can be a potential source for secondary pollution. Here we develop a novel approach for tracking Pb from atmospheric deposition and other sources in the environment using fallout 210Pb as a tracer, and apply the method to samples collected from Richmond Park, London, the UK. The mean ratio of 210Pb to total Pb in atmospheric depositions collected from a site adjacent to the park during August–October 2012 was 96 Bq mg−1, while the ratio in surface soils from the park was typically an order of magnitude lower. The difference between these values made it possible to trace the source of Pb in the plants. The 210Pb/Pb ratios in plants varied from 0 to 34 Bq mg−1 indicating different levels of Pb absorption from the atmosphere. The ratio in mosses had an average value of 22 Bq mg−1. This suggests that only around 20% of the Pb they contain was from direct atmospheric deposition, revealing possible limitations in the use of terrestrial mosses for monitoring atmospheric pollution. As well as tracking sources, variations in the 210Pb/Pb ratio can also reveal ways in which Pb is transferred within plants.
Interplay of histidine residues of the Alzheimer’s disease Aβ peptide governs its Zn-induced oligomerization
Authors: Istrate Andrey N. , Kozin Sergey A. , Zhokhov Sergey S. , Mantsyzov Alexey B. , Kechko Olga I. , Pastore Annalisa , Makarov Alexander A. , Polshakov Vladimir I.
Published: February 2016

Conformational changes of Aβ peptide result in its transformation from native monomeric state to the toxic soluble dimers, oligomers and insoluble aggregates that are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Interactions of zinc ions with Aβ are mediated by the N-terminal Aβ1–16 domain and appear to play a key role in AD progression. There is a range of results indicating that these interactions trigger the Aβ plaque formation. We have determined structure and functional characteristics of the metal binding domains derived from several Aβ variants and found that their zinc-induced oligomerization is governed by conformational changes in the minimal zinc binding site 6HDSGYEVHH14. The residue H6 and segment 11EVHH14, which are part of this site are crucial for formation of the two zinc-mediated interaction interfaces in Aβ. These structural determinants can be considered as promising targets for rational design of the AD-modifying drugs aimed at blocking pathological Aβ aggregation.
Insight into Coenzyme A cofactor binding and the mechanism of acyl-transfer in an acylating aldehyde dehydrogenase from Clostridium phytofermentans
Authors: Tuck Laura R. , Altenbach Kirsten , Ang Thiau Fu , Crawshaw Adam D. , Campopiano Dominic J. , Clarke David J. , Marles-Wright Jon
Published: February 2016

The breakdown of fucose and rhamnose released from plant cell walls by the cellulolytic soil bacterium Clostridium phytofermentans produces toxic aldehyde intermediates. To enable growth on these carbon sources, the pathway for the breakdown of fucose and rhamnose is encapsulated within a bacterial microcompartment (BMC). These proteinaceous organelles sequester the toxic aldehyde intermediates and allow the efficient action of acylating aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes to produce an acyl-CoA that is ultimately used in substrate-level phosphorylation to produce ATP. Here we analyse the kinetics of the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme from the fucose/rhamnose utilisation BMC with different short-chain fatty aldehydes and show that it has activity against substrates with up to six carbon atoms, with optimal activity against propionaldehyde. We have also determined the X-ray crystal structure of this enzyme in complex with CoA and show that the adenine nucleotide of this cofactor is bound in a distinct pocket to the same group in NAD+. This work is the first report of the structure of CoA bound to an aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme and our crystallographic model provides important insight into the differences within the active site that distinguish the acylating from non-acylating aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes.
Glycopeptide antibiotic analogs for selective inactivation and two-photon imaging of vancomycin-resistant strains
Authors: Ariyasu Shinya , Too Pei Chui , Mu Jing , Goh Chi Ching , Ding Yichen , Tnay Ya Lin , Yeow Edwin Kok Lee , Yang Liang , Ng Lai Guan , Chiba Shunsuke , Xing Bengang
Published: February 2016

Theranostic divalent vancomycin systems exhibit selective antibacterial activity against vancomycin-resistant strains and can be applied for two-photon fluorescence imaging.
Structural anisotropy of cyanido-bridged {CoII9WV6} single-molecule magnets induced by bidentate ligands: towards the rational enhancement of an energy barrier
Authors: Chorazy Szymon , Rams Michał , Hoczek Anna , Czarnecki Bernard , Sieklucka Barbara , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi , Podgajny Robert
Published: February 2016

{CoII9[WV(CN)8]6} clusters capped by odd and even number of bidentate ligands reveal the improved slow magnetic relaxation due to the significant structural anisotropy.
PPARγ helix 12 exhibits an antagonist conformation
Authors: Fratev Filip
Published: February 2016

PPARγ activation helix 12 can exist in an antagonist form: evidence from high-throughput accelerated molecular dynamics and metadynamics.
Co-immobilization of multiple enzymes by metal coordinated nucleotide hydrogel nanofibers: improved stability and an enzyme cascade for glucose detection
Authors: Liang Hao , Jiang Shuhui , Yuan Qipeng , Li Guofeng , Wang Feng , Zhang Zijie , Liu Juewen
Published: February 2016

Zn2+ and AMP forming coordination hydrogel nanofibers, encapsulating multiple enzymes under mild conditions with high activity and stability.
Green chain-shattering polymers based on a self-immolative azobenzene motif
Authors: Mutlu Hatice , Barner-Kowollik Christopher
Published: February 2016

A chain-shattering polymer system consisting of nontoxic, partially renewable resource-based monomersviaacyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) chemistry is introduced.
Fluorescence properties of dissolved organic matter as a function of hydrophobicity and molecular weight: case studies from two membrane bioreactors and an oxidation ditch
Authors: Xiao Kang , Sun Jian-Yu , Shen Yue-Xiao , Liang Shuai , Liang Peng , Wang Xiao-Mao , Huang Xia
Published: February 2016

This study explores possible linkages between the fluorescence properties and hydrophobicity/molecular weight of dissolved organic matter, through case studies from three wastewater treatment plants.
DFT insights into the cycloisomerization of ω-alkynylfuran catalyzed by planar gold clusters: mechanism and selectivity, as compared to Au(i)-catalysis
Authors: Yang Miao , Chen Zhongzhu , Luo Yafei , Zhang Jin , Tang Dianyong , He Rongxin , Shen Wei , Li Ming
Published: February 2016

A detailed reaction mechanism of Au3–10-catalyzed cycloisomerization of ω-alkynylfuran was systemically investigated at the TPSSh/def2-TZVP levels.
Effects of Li2MnO3coating on the high-voltage electrochemical performance and stability of Ni-rich layer cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Honglong , Li Bing , Wang Jing , Wu Bihe , Fu Tao , Zhao Jinbao
Published: February 2016

The Li2MnO3-coated LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2shows a higher discharge capacity and a better capacity retention. The coating layer can protect the NCM active materials from CO2, suppressing the formation of Li2CO3on the surface of NCM materials.
Exceptionally high thermal and electrical conductivity of three-dimensional graphene-foam-based polymer composites
Authors: Liu Zhiduo , Shen Dianyu , Yu Jinhong , Dai Wen , Li Chaoyang , Du Shiyu , Jiang Nan , Li Hairong , Lin Cheng-Te
Published: February 2016

Three dimensional graphene foam incorporated into epoxy matrix greatly enhance its thermal conductivity (up to 1.52 W mK−1) at low graphene foam loading (5.0 wt%), over an eight-fold enhancement in comparison with that of neat epoxy.
Revealing the dynamic heterogeneity of PMMA/PVDF blends: from microscopic dynamics to macroscopic properties
Authors: Lu Bo , Lamnawar Khalid , Maazouz Abderrahim , Zhang Huagui
Published: February 2016

We present a fundamental study of the dynamic heterogeneity in the PMMA/PVDF blend from the microscopic dynamics to macroscopic properties.
Hydrothermal growth of few layer 2H-MoS2for heterojunction photodetector and visible light induced photocatalytic applications
Authors: Midya Anupam , Ghorai Arup , Mukherjee Subhrajit , Maiti Rishi , Ray Samit K.
Published: February 2016

Template-free, bottom-up synthesized, micron sized few layer 2H-MoS2for photodetector and photocatalytic applications.
Multi-walled carbon nanotube supported Pd nanocubes with enhanced electrocatalytic activity
Authors: Hong Wei , Bi Peiyan , Shang Changshuai , Wang Jin , Wang Erkang
Published: February 2016

Multi-walled carbon nanotube supported Pd nanocubes with enhanced electrocatalytic activity are synthesized using KBr as the shape modulating reagent.
Shape dependence of nanoceria on complete catalytic oxidation of o-xylene
Authors: Wang Lian , Wang Yafei , Zhang Yan , Yu Yunbo , He Hong , Qin Xiubo , Wang Baoyi
Published: February 2016

CeO2 nanorods exhibit the highest concentration of oxygen vacancy clusters for O2 activation, guaranteeing the highest activity for o-xylene oxidation.
Fatty acid transport proteins: targeting FATP2 as a gatekeeper involved in the transport of exogenous fatty acids
Authors: Black Paul N. , Ahowesso Constance , Montefusco David , Saini Nipun , DiRusso Concetta C.
Published: February 2016

FATP2 as the gatekeeper (A), dysregulation of fatty acid metabolism from FA overload (B), and Lipofermata or Grassofermata treatment (C).
Design of three-component randomly incorporated copolymers as non-fullerene acceptors for all-polymer solar cells
Authors: Li Xiangzhi , Sun Po , Wang Yulong , Shan Haiquan , Xu Jiaju , You Cong , Xu Zong-xiang , Chen Zhi-Kuan
Published: February 2016

A series of randomly arranged donor–acceptor-type copolymers, used as replacements for fullerene-based acceptors in organic solar cells, were synthesized by the Stille coupling copolymerization.
Superhydrophobic and H2S gas sensing properties of CuO nanostructured thin films through a successive ionic layered adsorption reaction process
Authors: Sonia S. , Suresh Kumar Palaniswamy , Jayram Naidu Dhanpal , Masuda Yoshitake , Mangalaraj D. , Lee Chongmu
Published: February 2016

Superhydrophobic surfaces of CuO were synthesized using a successive ionic-layered adsorption reaction technique by varying the number of deposition cycles followed by a thermal annealing process.
Facile electrochemical deposition of Cu7Te4 thin films with visible-light driven photocatalytic activity and thermoelectric performance
Authors: Ghosh Amrita , Mitra Mousumi , Banerjee Dipali , Mondal Anup
Published: February 2016

Excellent photocatalytic and thermoelectric performances by Cu7Te4 thin films synthesised by galvanic deposition.
Computational-aided design of melatonin analogues with outstanding multifunctional antioxidant capacity
Authors: Galano Annia
Published: February 2016

The IIcD melatonin-analogue was identified as the most promising multifunctional antioxidant from a set of 19, and better for that purpose than the parent molecule and Trolox.
Development of a carbon-supported Sn–SnO2 photocatalyst by a new hybridized sol–gel/dextran approach
Authors: Hung-Low F. , Ramirez D. A. , Peterson G. R. , Hikal W. M. , Hope-Weeks L. J.
Published: February 2016

Investigation of dextran-coupled epoxide assisted sol–gel technique demonstrates the extent of modification capable to access new biphasic catalyst supported systems.
An optionality further amplification of an sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor based on biotin–streptavidin–biotin strategy for detection of alpha fetoprotein
Authors: Jiang Liping , Li Faying , Feng Jinhui , Wang Ping , Liu Qing , Li Yueyun , Dong Yunhui , Wei Qin
Published: February 2016

An optionality further amplification of sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor based on biotin–streptavidin–biotin strategy.
Iodine-catalyzed oxidative C–C bond cleavage for benzoic acids and benzamides from alkyl aryl ketones
Authors: Sathyanarayana Pochampalli , Upare Atul , Ravi Owk , Muktapuram Prathap Reddy , Bathula Surendar Reddy
Published: February 2016

Iodine-catalyzed, aerial oxygen supported C–C bond cleavage reaction of aryl alkyl ketones for the synthesis of benzoic acids and benzamides. Also benzylidene acetones and phenylacetylenes were converted to their aromatic acids at this conditions.
High-rate and long-life of Li-ion batteries using reduced graphene oxide/Co3O4 as anode materials
Authors: He Junkai , Liu Ying , Meng Yongtao , Sun Xiangcheng , Biswas Sourav , Shen Min , Luo Zhu , Miao Ran , Zhang Lichun , Mustain William E. , Suib Steven L.
Published: February 2016

A new one-step microwave method was designed for synthesis of rGO/Co3O4, and the Li-ion battery showed high capacity and long life.
Nitrogen doped carbide derived carbon aerogels by chlorine etching of a SiCN aerogel
Authors: Zera E. , Nickel W. , Hao G. P. , Vanzetti L. , Kaskel S. , Sorarù G. D.
Published: February 2016

Silicon was selectively removed from a silicon carbonitride (SiCN) aerogel by hot chlorine gas treatment, leading to a N-doped carbon aerogel (N-CDC aerogel) possessing high specific surface area and hierarchical pore structure.
Non-fullerene acceptor with low energy loss and high external quantum efficiency: towards high performance polymer solar cells
Authors: Li Yongxi , Liu Xiaodong , Wu Fu-Peng , Zhou Yi , Jiang Zuo-Quan , Song Bo , Xia Yuxin , Zhang Zhi-Guo , Gao Feng , Inganäs Olle , Li Yongfang , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: February 2016

We present a non-fullerene electron acceptor bearing a fused 10-heterocyclic ring with a narrow band gap, which achieved a power conversion efficiency of 6.5% when paired with PTB7-Th.
Electrocardiograph compression based on sifting process of empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Zhao Chaojun , Chen Zhijian , Meng Jianyi , Xiang Xiaoyan
Published: February 2016

A new empirical mode decomposition (EMD)‐based electrocardiograph (ECG) compressor is presented. Utilising the sifting process in EMD, the spline fitting function of the successive mean extrema together with the first intrinsic mode functions can perfectly reconstruct the ECG signal, the proposed method using the mean extrema for the compression. With optimal selection of the mean extrema and dead zone quantisation, and the application of run length coding and Huffman coding for further compression, the experimental results regarding several records of the MIT‐BIH arrhythmia database shows that the proposed methods have a better compression results than recently developed ECG compressors.
Analysis and control of a reduced switch hybrid active power filter
Authors: Luo Zhaoxu , Su Mei , Sun Yao , Zhang Wei , Lin Zhili
Published: February 2016

A hybrid B4 active power filter (APF) with reduced switches is proposed in this study, which is composed of a inductance–capacitance (LC) passive filter and a four‐switch three‐phase inverter (B4 inverter) in series connection. The LC filter is used to supply reactive power, and the active filter is responsible for mitigating the harmonics. Compared with the previous proposed four‐switch hybrid APF, it can overcome the drawback of large dc voltage components appearing in the ac capacitors. Basic principles and steady‐state analysis of hybrid B4 APF are introduced in detail. A control scheme based on source current detection is presented. Multiple parallel vector resonance controllers are adopted in the current control loop, and the gains of these resonance controllers are optimised by a particle swarm optimisation approach. Experimental results have verified the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid B4 APF.
Cogeneration topology for wind energy conversion system using doubly‐fed induction generator
Authors: Parida Adikanda , Chatterjee Debashis
Published: February 2016

A novel wind energy conversion system (WECS) with cogeneration topology is presented in this study. In the proposed scheme, doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG) is used as the major source for power generation in grid‐isolated mode. The wind turbine operated DFIG is integrated with a permanent magnet ac generator and a solar photovoltaic (PV) module to supplement the both rotor power requirement of DFIG and part of the average load power demand. The performance of a grid‐isolated WECS, over wide speed range can be significantly improved through the sequential extraction of wind power along with an augmented solar PV source. The proposed scheme is economically viable with feasible unit cost of generated power. The control scheme has been simulated and experimentally validated with a practical 2.5 kW DFIG using dSPACE DS1104 module, which produced satisfactory results.
Application of the harmonic control arrays technique to single‐phase stand‐alone inverters
Authors: Karbasforooshan Mohammad‐Sadegh , Monfared Mohammad , Dogruel Murat
Published: February 2016

This study proposes the adaption of the harmonic control array (HCA) technique to control a single‐phase stand‐alone inverter system. The HCA method is recently proposed as an efficient scheme to control the systems with periodic references or disturbances. The HCA appropriately adjusts the harmonic components of the control signal to obtain a zero steady‐state error. Since the signals and parameters involved in this method are complex valued, a discrete time implementation is presented for applying the method through a digital platform. The design procedure of the controller parameters are also presented by details. To confirm the theoretical achievements, experimental results for the prototype system are presented in this study. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Sizing and performance analysis of standalone wind‐photovoltaic based hybrid energy system using ant colony optimisation
Authors: Suhane Payal , Rangnekar Saroj , Mittal Arvind , Khare Anula
Published: February 2016

This study presents a wind–solar photovoltaic based standalone hybrid energy system (HES) for an un‐electrified village for central region of India – Madhya Pradesh. The inputs for the designing of HES are wind speed, solar radiation, temperature and the load demand which are variable with respect to time. In this study, hourly values of meteorological data and hourly load demand are considered over a year. For sizing and performance analysis of this standalone HES, ant colony optimisation technique has been used. The performance analysis of the system is done for the various parameters such as total cost of the system, power generated by various sources, state of charge of battery, contribution of various sources, continuity of supply to the load demand and unmet load. The obtained optimal configuration of the proposed HES is found to provide minimal energy cost with excellent performance and reduced unmet load.
High solid content poly(butyl acrylate)/poly(methyl methacrylate) core/shell nanosized spheres synthesised by microemulsion polymerisation
Authors: Sheng Xinxin , Xie Delong , Yang Wenxing , Zhang Xinya , Zhong Li
Published: February 2016

Core–shell nanosized polymer particles with poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) as core and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as shell were synthesised via a semi‐continuous two‐stage microemulsion polymerisation. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the maximum solid content of the microemulsion under different surfactant/monomer ratios, and it was found that the maximum solid content could reach around 43.73% with minimum surfactant/monomer at only 5.25 wt%. The particle samples were characterised by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. 1H‐NMR and TEM results revealed that PBA/PMMA core/shell composite latexes were synthesised successfully by microemulsion polymerisation. DLS studies indicated that an optimal dosage of surfactant (1.29 wt% of the total amount of monomers) was found to synthesise particles with desired core–shell structure, which was consistent with the theoretical calculation. The size of nanoparticles increased with the increase in the amount of core monomer, showing an inverse relationship with surfactants.
Surface parameters determining a metal propensity for whiskers
Authors: Shvydka Diana , Karpov V. G.
Published: February 2016

We consider surface parameters responsible for variations in propensity for whisker formation and growth between (1) different metals and (2) different recipes of the same metal. The former is attributed to metal surface tension, while the latter is related to the surface charge density that is sensitive to structure imperfections, stresses, contaminations, etc. We propose a figure of merit combining these two parameters that describes a metal propensity for whiskers and the relative smallness of whisker concentration. We argue that many previously observed correlations between whiskers and stresses, stress gradients, intermetallic compounds, contaminations, etc., can be attributed to the effects of the above two parameters.
Thermally activated trap charges responsible for hysteresis in multilayer MoS2 field-effect transistors
Authors: Park Youngseo , Baac Hyoung Won , Heo Junseok , Yoo Geonwook
Published: February 2016

Hysteresis, which is induced by both extrinsic and intrinsic causes, is often observed in molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) field-effect transistors (FETs), and several extrinsic hysteresis effects have been reported in unpassivated bottom-gate MoS2 device structures. In this study, interface-trap-induced hysteresis and other electrical properties are examined. We experimentally investigate thermally activated trap charges near a silicon-dioxide (SiO2)-MoS2 interface that gives rise to hysteresis in a multilayer MoS2 FET in a temperature region of 10–300 K. The threshold voltage (VTH) and field-effect mobility (μFE) decrease with the increase in temperature, regardless of the gate-bias sweep direction. The hysteresis that coincides with the trend of subthreshold swing increases sharply above T = 150 K as the released charges from interface traps become dominant over the fixed charges. Based on a temperature-dependent hysteresis analysis, we discussed the activation energy of interface traps and maximum interface trap density of the fabricated multilayer MoS2 FET.
Removal of virus and toxin using heatable multi-walled carbon nanotube web filters
Authors: Jang Hoon-Sik , Jeon Sang Koo , Ryu Kwon-Sang , Nahm Seung Hoon
Published: February 2016

Many studies have used a carbon nanotube (CNT) filter for pathogen removal and/or inactivation by means of electrochemical or electrochlorination. The large surface area, fine pore size and high electrical and thermal conductivity of CNTs make them suitable and distinct to use for the filtering and removal of pathogens. Here, we grew spin-capable multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) and manufactured a web filter using the spun MWCNTs. Botulinum toxin type E light chain (BoT/E-LC) and vaccinia virus (VV) were filtered using the MWCNT web filters and were evaporated and removed by applying direct current (DC) voltage to both sides of the MWCNT webs, excluding electrochemical or electrochlorination. The filtering and removal of BoT/E-LC and VV were performed after seven layers of the MWCNT sheets were coated onto a silicon oxide porous plate. The electrical resistance of the webs in the seven layer sheet was 293 Ω. The temperature of MWCNTs webs was linearly increased to ∼300 °C at 210 V of DC voltage. This temperature was enough to remove BoT/E-LC and VV. From the SEM and XPS results, we confirmed that BoT/E-LC and VV on the MWCNT webs were almost removed by applying a DC voltage and that some element (N, Na, Cl, etc.) as residues on the MWCNT webs remained.
α-K2AgF4: Ferromagnetism induced by the weak superexchange of different eg orbitals from the nearest neighbor Ag ions
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Zhang Guoren , Jia Ting , Zeng Zhi , Lin H. Q.
Published: February 2016

We study the abnormal ferromagnetism in α-K2AgF4, which is very similar to high-TC parent material La2CuO4 in structure. We find out that the electron correlation is very important in determining the insulating property of α-K2AgF4. The Ag(II) 4d9 in the octahedron crystal field has the t2g6eg3 electron occupation with eg x2-y2 orbital fully occupied and 3z2-r2 orbital partially occupied. The two eg orbitals are very extended indicating both of them are active in superexchange. Using the Hubbard model combined with Nth-order muffin-tin orbital (NMTO) downfolding technique, it is concluded that the exchange interaction between eg 3z2-r2 and x2-y2 from the first nearest neighbor Ag ions leads to the anomalous ferromagnetism in α-K2AgF4.
Gyrotropic frequency control in ferromagnetic dots using a nanoscale vortex barrier
Authors: Ding J. , Jain S. , Lapa P. N. , Khaire T. , Lendinez S. , Posada C. M. , Zhang W. , Pearson J. E. , Hoffmann A. , Novosad V.
Published: February 2016

The vortex translational mode frequency is known to be only weakly dependent on the magnitude of an in-plane magnetic field (e.g. the vortex core position) for circular ferromagnetic dots. Here we demonstrated that the frequency-field dependence becomes discrete when a nanoscale vortex barrier is introduced in the dot structure. We found that the frequency is mostly defined by the outer diameter of the dot or the barrier size for the vortex core located outside or inside the barrier, correspondingly. The experimental results are in good agreement with the micromagnetic simulation.