bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanodiamonds-induced effects on neuronal firing of mouse hippocampal microcircuits
Authors: Guarina L. , Calorio C. , Gavello D. , Moreva E. , Traina P. , Battiato A. , Ditalia Tchernij S. , Forneris J. , Gai M. , Picollo F. , Olivero P. , Genovese M. , Carbone E. , Marcantoni A. , Carabelli V.
Published: January 2018

Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FND) are carbon-based nanomaterials that can efficiently incorporate optically active photoluminescent centers such as the nitrogen-vacancy complex, thus making them promising candidates as optical biolabels and drug-delivery agents. FNDs exhibit bright fluorescence without photobleaching combined with high uptake rate and low cytotoxicity. Focusing on FNDs interference with neuronal function, here we examined their effect on cultured hippocampal neurons, monitoring the whole network development as well as the electrophysiological properties of single neurons. We observed that FNDs drastically decreased the frequency of inhibitory (from 1.81 Hz to 0.86 Hz) and excitatory (from 1.61 to 0.68 Hz) miniature postsynaptic currents, and consistently reduced action potential (AP) firing frequency (by 36%), as measured by microelectrode arrays. On the contrary, bursts synchronization was preserved, as well as the amplitude of spontaneous inhibitory and excitatory events. Current-clamp recordings revealed that the ratio of neurons responding with AP trains of high-frequency (fast-spiking) versus neurons responding with trains of low-frequency (slow-spiking) was unaltered, suggesting that FNDs exerted a comparable action on neuronal subpopulations. At the single cell level, rapid onset of the somatic AP (“kink”) was drastically reduced in FND-treated neurons, suggesting a reduced contribution of axonal and dendritic components while preserving neuronal excitability.
Nondestructive Measurement of Hemoglobin in Blood Bags Based on Multi-Pathlength VIS-NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Shengzhao , Li Gang , Wang Jiexi , Wang Donggen , Han Ying , Cao Hui , Lin Ling
Published: January 2018

Hemoglobin concentration is an indicator for assessing blood product quality. To measure hemoglobin concentration in blood products without damaging blood bags, we proposed a method based on visible-near infrared transmission spectroscopy. Complex optical properties of blood bag walls result in measurement irregularities. Analyses showed that the slope of the light intensity-pathlength curve was more robust to the influence of the blood bag wall. In this study, the transmission spectra of red blood cell suspensions at multiple optical pathlengths were obtained, and the slopes of logarithmic light intensity-pathlength curves were calculated through curve fitting. A nondestructive measurement of hemoglobin content was achieved by using a regression model correlating slope spectra and hemoglobin concentration. Sixty samples with hemoglobin concentrations ranging from 72 to 161 g/L were prepared. Among them, 40 samples were used as a calibration set, and the remaining 20 samples were used as a prediction set. The determination coefficient of the prediction set was 0.97, with a mean square error of 2.78 g/L. This result demonstrates that a non-destructive measurement of hemoglobin levels in blood bags can be achieved by multiple-pathlength transmission spectroscopy.
Ventromedial prefrontal cortex mediates sex differences in persistent cognitive drive for food
Authors: Anderson Lauren C. , Petrovich Gorica D.
Published: January 2018

Contemporary environments are saturated with food cues that stimulate appetites in the absence of hunger, which leads to maladaptive eating. These settings can induce persistent drive to eat, as learned behaviors can reappear after extinction. Behavioral paradigms of responding renewal provide a valuable framework to study how food cues contribute to the inability to resist palatable foods and change maladaptive eating habits. Using a rat model for this persistent food motivation, we determined sex differences in the causal function for the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) during context-mediated renewal of responding to food cues. Previously, we found behavioral sex differences (only males exhibited renewal) and differential recruitment within the vmPFC (increased Fos induction in males but decreased in females). Here, we used DREADDs (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) to silence vmPFC neurons in males and to stimulate vmPFC neurons in females specifically during renewal. Silencing vmPFC neurons in males disrupted renewal of responding to a food cue, while stimulating vmPFC neurons in females induced this behavior. These findings demonstrate sex differences in the vmPFC function in a model of food seeking relevant to environmentally driven appetites contributing to obesity and eating disorders.
Impacts of warming on phytoplankton abundance and phenology in a typical tropical marine ecosystem
Authors: Gittings John A. , Raitsos Dionysios E. , Krokos George , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: January 2018

In the tropics, thermal stratification (during warm conditions) may contribute to a shallowing of the mixed layer above the nutricline and a reduction in the transfer of nutrients to the surface lit-layer, ultimately limiting phytoplankton growth. Using remotely sensed observations and modelled datasets, we study such linkages in the northern Red Sea (NRS) - a typical tropical marine ecosystem. We assess the interannual variability (1998–2015) of both phytoplankton biomass and phenological indices (timing of bloom initiation, duration and termination) in relation to regional warming. We demonstrate that warmer conditions in the NRS are associated with substantially weaker winter phytoplankton blooms, which initiate later, terminate earlier and are shorter in their overall duration (~ 4 weeks). These alterations are directly linked with the strength of atmospheric forcing (air-sea heat fluxes) and vertical stratification (mixed layer depth [MLD]). The interannual variability of sea surface temperature (SST) is found to be a good indicator of phytoplankton abundance, but appears to be less important for predicting bloom timing. These findings suggest that future climate warming scenarios may have a two-fold impact on phytoplankton growth in tropical marine ecosystems: 1) a reduction in phytoplankton abundance and 2) alterations in the timing of seasonal phytoplankton blooms.
Stationary gaze entropy predicts lane departure events in sleep-deprived drivers
Authors: Shiferaw Brook A. , Downey Luke A. , Westlake Justine , Stevens Bronwyn , Rajaratnam Shantha M. W. , Berlowitz David J. , Swann Phillip , Howard Mark E.
Published: January 2018

Performance decrement associated with sleep deprivation is a leading contributor to traffic accidents and fatalities. While current research has focused on eye blink parameters as physiological indicators of driver drowsiness, little is understood of how gaze behaviour alters as a result of sleep deprivation. In particular, the effect of sleep deprivation on gaze entropy has not been previously examined. In this randomised, repeated measures study, 9 (4 male, 5 female) healthy participants completed two driving sessions in a fully instrumented vehicle (1 after a night of sleep deprivation and 1 after normal sleep) on a closed track, during which eye movement activity and lane departure events were recorded. Following sleep deprivation, the rate of fixations reduced while blink rate and duration as well as saccade amplitude increased. In addition, stationary and transition entropy of gaze also increased following sleep deprivation as well as with amount of time driven. An increase in stationary gaze entropy in particular was associated with higher odds of a lane departure event occurrence. These results highlight how fatigue induced by sleep deprivation and time-on-task effects can impair drivers’ visual awareness through disruption of gaze distribution and scanning patterns.
Characterization of avian influenza H9N2 viruses isolated from ostriches (Struthio camelus)
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Wang Jingjing , Bi Yuhai , Fan Dandan , Liu Hong , Luo Ning , Yang Zongtong , Wang Shouchun , Chen Wenya , Wang Jianlin , Xu Shouzhen , Chen Jiming , Zhang Yi , Yin Yanbo
Published: January 2018

H9N2 subtype avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have been isolated from various species of wild birds and domestic poultry in the world, and occasionally transmitted to humans. Although H9N2 AIVs are seldom isolated from ostriches, seven such strains were isolated from sick ostriches in China between 2013 and 2014. Sequence analysis showed several amino acid changes relating to viral adaptation in mammals were identified. The phylogenetic analyses indicated that these isolates were quadruple reassortant viruses, which are different from the early ostrich isolates from South Africa or Israel. Most of the ostrich virus carried a human-type receptor-binding property. The chicken experiments showed the ostrich strains displayed low pathogenicity, while they could cause mild to severe symptoms in chicken. Theses strains could efficiently transmit among chickens, and one strain showed higher transmissibility. The virus could not kill mice, and merely replicated in the lung of mice. The ostrich strains could not efficiently transmit between guinea pigs in the direct contact model. These results suggested we should pay attention to the interface between ostrich and other domestic fowl, and keep an eye on this population when monitoring of influenza virus.
Effect of nanograin–boundary networks generation on corrosion of carburized martensitic stainless steel
Authors: Boonruang Chatdanai , Thong–on Atcharawadi , Kidkhunthod Pinit
Published: January 2018

Martensitic stainless steel parts used in carbonaceous atmosphere at high temperature are subject to corrosion which results in a large amount of lost energy and high repair and maintenance costs. This work therefore proposes a model for surface development and corrosion mechanism as a solution to reduce corrosion costs. The morphology, phase, and corrosion behavior of steel are investigated using GIXRD, XANES, and EIS. The results show formation of nanograin–boundary networks in the protective layer of martensitic stainless steel. This Cr2O3–Cr7C3 nanograin mixture on the FeCr2O4 layer causes ion transport which is the main reason for the corrosion reaction during carburizing of the steel. The results reveal the rate determining steps in the corrosion mechanism during carburizing of steel. These steps are the diffusion of uncharged active gases in the stagnant–gas layer over the steel surface followed by the conversion of C into C4− and O into O2− at the gas–oxide interface simultaneously with the migration of Cr3+ from the metal-oxide interface to the gas-oxide interface. It is proposed that previous research on Al2O3 coatings may be the solution to producing effective coatings that overcome the corrosion challenges discussed in this work.
10Be-inferred paleo-denudation rates imply that the mid-Miocene western central Andes eroded as slowly as today
Authors: Madella Andrea , Delunel Romain , Akçar Naki , Schlunegger Fritz , Christl Marcus
Published: January 2018

Terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide concentrations of detrital minerals yield catchment-wide rates at which hillslopes erode. These estimates are commonly used to infer millennial scale denudation patterns and to identify the main controls on mass-balance and landscape evolution at orogenic scale. The same approach can be applied to minerals preserved in stratigraphic records of rivers, although extracting reliable paleo-denudation rates from Ma-old archives can be limited by the target nuclide’s half-life and by exposure to cosmic radiations after deposition. Slowly eroding landscapes, however, are characterized by the highest cosmogenic radionuclide concentrations; a condition that potentially allows pushing the method’s limits further back in time, provided that independent constraints on the geological evolution are available. Here, we report 13–10 million-year-old paleo-denudation rates from northernmost Chile, the oldest 10Be-inferred rates ever reported. We find that at 13–10 Ma the western Andean Altiplano has been eroding at 1–10 m/Ma, consistent with modern paces in the same setting, and it experienced a period with rates above 10 m/Ma at ~11 Ma. We suggest that the background tectono-geomorphic state of the western margin of the Altiplano has remained stable since the mid-Miocene, whereas intensified runoff since ~11 Ma might explain the transient increase in denudation.
Differential long non-coding RNA expression profiles in human oocytes and cumulus cells
Authors: Bouckenheimer Julien , Fauque Patricia , Lecellier Charles-Henri , Bruno Céline , Commes Thérèse , Lemaître Jean-Marc , De Vos John , Assou Said
Published: January 2018

Progress in assisted reproductive technologies strongly relies on understanding the regulation of the dialogue between oocyte and cumulus cells (CCs). Little is known about the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the human cumulus-oocyte complex (COC). To this aim, publicly available RNA-sequencing data were analyzed to identify lncRNAs that were abundant in metaphase II (MII) oocytes (BCAR4, C3orf56, TUNAR, OOEP-AS1, CASC18, and LINC01118) and CCs (NEAT1, MALAT1, ANXA2P2, MEG3, IL6STP1, and VIM-AS1). These data were validated by RT-qPCR analysis using independent oocytes and CC samples. The functions of the identified lncRNAs were then predicted by constructing lncRNA-mRNA co-expression networks. This analysis suggested that MII oocyte lncRNAs could be involved in chromatin remodeling, cell pluripotency and in driving early embryonic development. CC lncRNAs were co-expressed with genes involved in apoptosis and extracellular matrix-related functions. A bioinformatic analysis of RNA-sequencing data to identify CC lncRNAs that are affected by maternal age showed that lncRNAs with age-related altered expression in CCs are essential for oocyte growth. This comprehensive analysis of lncRNAs expressed in human MII oocytes and CCs could provide biomarkers of oocyte quality for the development of non-invasive tests to identify embryos with high developmental potential.
Gasoline particle filter reduces oxidative DNA damage in bronchial epithelial cells after whole gasoline exhaust exposure in vitro
Authors: Usemann Jakob , Roth Michèle , Bisig Christoph , Comte Pierre , Czerwinski Jan , Mayer Andreas C. R. , Latzin Philipp , Müller Loretta
Published: January 2018

A substantial amount of traffic-related particle emissions is released by gasoline cars, since most diesel cars are now equipped with particle filters that reduce particle emissions. Little is known about adverse health effects of gasoline particles, and particularly, whether a gasoline particle filter (GPF) influences the toxicity of gasoline exhaust emissions. We drove a dynamic test cycle with a gasoline car and studied the effect of a GPF on exhaust composition and airway toxicity. We exposed human bronchial epithelial cells (ECs) for 6 hours, and compared results with and without GPF. Two hours later, primary human natural killer cells (NKs) were added to ECs to form cocultures, while some ECs were grown as monocultures. The following day, cells were analyzed for cytotoxicity, cell surface receptor expression, intracellular markers, oxidative DNA damage, gene expression, and oxidative stress. The particle amount was significantly reduced due to GPF application. While most biological endpoints did not differ, oxidative DNA damage was significantly reduced in EC monocultures exposed to GPF compared to reference exhaust. Our findings indicate that a GPF has beneficial effects on exhaust composition and airway toxicity. Further studies are needed to assess long-term effects, also in other cell types of the lung.
Cold-induced metabolic conversion of haptophyte di- to tri-unsaturated C37 alkenones used as palaeothermometer molecules
Authors: Kitamura Eri , Kotajima Tomonori , Sawada Ken , Suzuki Iwane , Shiraiwa Yoshihiro
Published: January 2018

The cosmopolitan marine haptophyte alga Emiliania huxleyi accumulates very long-chain (C37-C40) alkyl ketones with two to four trans-type carbon-carbon double bonds (alkenones). These compounds are used as biomarkers of haptophytes and as palaeothermometers for estimating sea-surface temperatures in biogeochemistry. However, the biosynthetic pathway of alkenones in algal cells remains enigmatic, although it is well known that the C37 tri-unsaturated alkenone (K37:3) becomes dominant at low temperatures, either by desaturation of K37:2 or by a separate pathway involving the elongation of tri-unsaturated alkenone precursors. Here, we present experimental evidence regarding K37:3 synthesis. Using the well-known cosmopolitan alkenone producer E. huxleyi, we labelled K37:2 with 13C by incubating cells with 13C-bicarbonate in the light at 25 °C under conditions of little if any K37:3 production. After stabilisation of the 13C-K37:2 level by depleting 13C-bicarbonate from the medium, the temperature was suddenly reduced to 15 °C. The 13C-K37:2 level rapidly decreased, and the 13C-K37:3 level increased, whereas the total 13C-K37 level—namely [K37:2 + K37:3]—remained constant. These 13C-pulse-chase-like experimental results indicate that 13C-K37:2 is converted directly to 13C-K37:3 by a desaturation reaction that is promoted by a cold signal. This clear-cut experimental evidence is indicative of the existence of a cold-signal-triggered desaturation reaction in alkenone biosynthesis.
A novel steric effect-regulated isothermal exponential amplification technology for the one-step homogeneous sensing of proteins
Authors: Wu Wanghua , Pan Wufan , Yu Dongdong , Yuan Zhen , Qin Yazhou , Lu Yuxiang , Zhang Tao , Zhou Jianguang
Published: January 2018

A novel approach utilizing the steric effect and isothermal exponential amplification for one-step homogeneous sensing of proteins.
A novel potentiometric immunoassay for carcinoma antigen 15-3 by coupling enzymatic biocatalytic precipitation with a nanogold labelling strategy
Authors: Deng Kun , Zhang Yong , Tong Xue-Dong
Published: January 2018

Methods based on potentiometric measurement have been developed for immunoassays, but most exhibit low sensitivities and are unsuitable for early diagnosis of disease.
LC-MS/MS based quantitation of ciprofloxacin and its application to antimicrobial resistance study in Balb/c mouse plasma, urine, bladder and kidneys
Authors: Matta Murali K. , Chockalingam Ashok , Gandhi Adarsh , Stewart Sharron , Xu Lin , Shea Katherine , Patel Vikram , Rouse Rodney
Published: January 2018

The authors proposed a simple, high throughput liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of ciprofloxacin in small sample volumes of plasma, urine, bladder and kidneys of mice.
Direct chemiluminescence detection of circulating microRNAs in serum samples using a single-strand specific nuclease-distinguishing nucleic acid hybrid system
Authors: Ling Kai , Jiang Hongyan , Huang Xue , Li Yang , Lin Juanjuan , Li Fu-Rong
Published: January 2018

We developed a microplate-based enhanced chemiluminescence system for the direct detection of circulating miRNAs. The system exhibited a high target sensitivity and specificity, with a detection limit of 3.02 fM.
Sulfonamides as new hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalysts for photoredox allylic and benzylic C–H arylations
Authors: Tanaka Hirotaka , Sakai Kentaro , Kawamura Atsushi , Oisaki Kounosuke , Kanai Motomu
Published: January 2018

Sulfonamides function as novel hydrogen atom transfer catalysts applicable to C–H arylations with a photoredox catalyst for the first time.
A copper-catalyzed carbonylative four-component reaction of ethene and aliphatic olefins
Authors: Li Yahui , Zhu Fengxiang , Wang Zechao , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: January 2018

With copper as the catalyst, ethene and aliphatic alkenes were carbonylative coupled with alcohols and acetonitrile in moderate to good yields.
Visible light-driven photocatalytic generation of sulfonamidyl radicals for alkene hydroamination of unsaturated sulfonamides
Authors: Chen Jun , Guo Hong-Mei , Zhao Quan-Qing , Chen Jia-Rong , Xiao Wen-Jing
Published: January 2018

A visible light-driven photocatalytic generation of sulfonamidyl radicals, and application to intramolecular alkene hydroamination, has been accomplished.
In situ visualization of the superior nanomechanical flexibility of individual hydroxyapatite nanobelts
Authors: Qi Mei-li , Huang Zhennan , Yao Wentao , Long Fei , Cheng Meng , Song Boao , Banner David , Shahbazian-Yassar Reza , Lu Yu-peng , Shokuhfar Tolou
Published: January 2018

Under an external compression force, a multi-layered HA nanobelt can be deformed easily at an extreme angle, whereas, a traditional HA nanorod fractured suddenly with the generation of multiple cracks.
Formation mechanism of large size plate-like Al4SiC4 grains by a carbothermal reduction method
Authors: Xing Xinming , Li Bin , Chen Junhong , Hou Xinmei
Published: January 2018

Al4SiC4 was synthesized by a carbothermal reduction method and the formation process of large size grains is illustrated by an evaporation–condensation mechanism.
Nanocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions
Authors: Ojha Kasinath , Saha Soumen , Dagar Preeti , Ganguli Ashok K.
Published: January 2018

Hydrogen fuel is among the cleanest renewable resources and is the best alternative to fossil fuels for the future.
Solvation dynamics in polar solvents and imidazolium ionic liquids: failure of linear response approximations
Authors: Heid Esther , Schröder Christian
Published: January 2018

Large scale computer simulations of different fluorophore-solvent systems reveal when and why linear response theory applies to time-dependent fluorescence measurements.
Structural, electronic and adhesion characteristics of zinc/silica interfaces: ab initio study on zinc/β-cristobalite
Authors: Le Ha-Linh Thi , Goniakowski Jacek , Noguera Claudine , Koltsov Alexey , Mataigne Jean-Michel
Published: January 2018

Breaking of surface siloxane rings is expected to reinforce adhesion at zinc/silica interfaces and to improve the performance of anti-corrosive zinc coatings.
Unravelling the mechanistic details of metal binding to mammalian metallothioneins from stoichiometric, kinetic, and binding affinity data
Authors: Scheller Judith S. , Irvine Gordon W. , Stillman Martin J.
Published: January 2018

Equilibrium binding constants are now readily accessible for metalation of metallothioneins.
A 2D rhomboidal system of manganese(ii) [Mn(3-MeC6H4COO)2(H2O)2]n with spin canting: rationalization of the magnetic exchange
Authors: Garcia-Cirera Beltzane , Costa Ramon , Moreira Ibério de P. R. , Font-Bardia Mercè , Corbella Montserrat
Published: January 2018

The 2D rhomboidal net of S = 5/2 spins coupled antiferromagnetically. The tilting of Mn(ii) coordination octahedra induces spin canting at low temperature.
A protic ionic liquid as an atom economical solution for palladium catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation
Authors: Guerrero-Ríos Itzel , Ortiz-Ramírez Alfonso H. , van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M. , Martin Erika
Published: January 2018

A recyclable palladium catalyst for asymmetric allylic alkylation that generates its own ionic liquid solvent.
Effects of the dipolar double layer on elemental electrode processes at micro- and macro-interfaces
Authors: Aoki Koichi Jeremiah , Chen Jingyuan
Published: January 2018

The present work reveals the role of nano-interfaces on domain size and the thickness in the context of the relationship between double layer impedances and redox reactions.
Selective electrochemical extraction of REEs from NdFeB magnet waste at room temperature
Authors: Venkatesan Prakash , Vander Hoogerstraete Tom , Hennebel Tom , Binnemans Koen , Sietsma Jilt , Yang Yongxiang
Published: January 2018

A closed loop room temperature electrochemical process for selective recovery of REEs from NdFeB magnet waste.
Towards femtosecond laser ablation ionization mass spectrometric approaches for chemical depth-profiling analysis of lead-free Sn solder bumps with minimized side-wall contributions
Authors: Cedeño López A. , Grimaudo V. , Moreno-García P. , Riedo A. , Tulej M. , Wiesendanger R. , Wurz P. , Broekmann P.
Published: January 2018

Sn solder bumps on Cu pillars and the quantification of incorporated organic impurities are of urgent interest to the microchip industry.
Anthracene-based fluorescence turn-on chemodosimeter for the recognition of persulfate anion
Authors: Badekar Pooja S. , Kumbhar Anupa A.
Published: January 2018

A fluorescence turn-on chemodosimeter that recognizes persulfate anion in the presence of other competitive anions or cations in the UV-visible region has been developed.
Diketopyrrolopyrrole based organic semiconductors with different numbers of thiophene units: symmetry tuning effect on electronic devices
Authors: Liu Qian , Surendran Abhijith , Feron Krishna , Manzhos Sergei , Jiao Xuechen , McNeill Christopher R. , Bottle Steven E. , Bell John , Leong Wei Lin , Sonar Prashant
Published: January 2018

Three new DPP small molecules were synthesized and used them in OFET devices.
Gateway state-mediated, long-range tunnelling in molecular wires
Authors: Sangtarash Sara , Vezzoli Andrea , Sadeghi Hatef , Ferri Nicolò , O'Brien Harry M. , Grace Iain , Bouffier Laurent , Higgins Simon J. , Nichols Richard J. , Lambert Colin J.
Published: January 2018

Gateway states in Au/single-molecule/Au junctions profoundly attenuate the conductance decay with length for thiol-contacted alkyl-aromatic-alkyl systems.
Temperature-tunable wettability on a bioinspired structured graphene surface for fog collection and unidirectional transport
Authors: Song Yun-yun , Liu Yan , Jiang Hao-bo , Li Shu-yi , Kaya Cigdem , Stegmaier Thomas , Han Zhi-wu , Ren Lu-quan
Published: January 2018

We have successfully designed a type of temperature-tunable bioinspired surface with a tip-shaped pattern for fog collection and unidirectional transport.
Mitochondria-based aircraft carrier enhances in vivo imaging of carbon quantum dots and delivery of anticancer drug
Authors: Li Wen-Qing , Wang Zhigang , Hao Sijie , Sun Liping , Nisic Merisa , Cheng Gong , Zhu Chuandong , Wan Yuan , Ha Laura , Zheng Si-Yang
Published: January 2018

Mitochondria were used as a delivery system of carbon quantum dots for in vivo imaging and doxorubicin for anticancer treatment.
Largely enhanced photocatalytic activity of Au/XS2/Au (X = Re, Mo) antenna–reactor hybrids: charge and energy transfer
Authors: Chen Kai , Ding Si-Jing , Luo Zhi-Jun , Pan Gui-Ming , Wang Jia-Hong , Liu Jia , Zhou Li , Wang Qu-Quan
Published: January 2018

An antenna–reactor hybrid coupling plasmonic antenna with catalytic nanoparticles is a new strategy to optimize photocatalytic activity.
Wavelength-tunable mid-infrared thermal emitters with a non-volatile phase changing material
Authors: Du Kaikai , Cai Lu , Luo Hao , Lu Yue , Tian Jingyi , Qu Yurui , Ghosh Pintu , Lyu Yanbiao , Cheng Zhiyuan , Qiu Min , Li Qiang
Published: January 2018

Two wavelength-tunable thermal sources with sustained high emissivities are demonstrated with nano-scale films and phase changing materials.
C5-Regioselective C–H fluorination of 8-aminoquinoline amides and sulfonamides with Selectfluor under metal-free conditions
Authors: Zhang Yingchao , Wen Chunxia , Li Jizhen
Published: January 2018

A novel and efficient regioselective C-5 fluorination of 8-aminoquinoline derivatives was achieved with Selectfluor under metal-free conditions.
Divergent access to N-hydroxypyrroles and isoxazoles via the gold(i)- or Brønsted acid-catalysed regioselective cyclization of N-(2-trifluoromethyl-3-alkynyl) oximes
Authors: Zeng Qin , Zhang Li , Xiao Yuanjing , Zhang Junliang
Published: January 2018

The divergent regioselective cyclization of N-(2-trifluoromethyl-3-alkynyl) oximes by a suitable choice of a gold(i) or Brønsted acid catalyst, leading to N-hydroxypyrroles or Isoxazoles was developed.
Panning for gold in mould: can we increase the odds for fungal genome mining?
Authors: Gilchrist Cameron L. M. , Li Hang , Chooi Yit-Heng
Published: January 2018

A perspective on existing and emerging strategies for the prioritisation of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) to increase the odds of fruitful mining of fungal genomes.
Highly efficient polymerization via sulfur(vi)-fluoride exchange (SuFEx): novel polysulfates bearing a pyrazoline–naphthylamide conjugated moiety and their electrical memory performance
Authors: Xiao Xiong , Zhou Feng , Jiang Jun , Chen Haifeng , Wang Lihua , Chen Dongyun , Xu Qingfeng , Lu Jianmei
Published: January 2018

Two polysulfates (PolyTPP-NI and CPTPP-NI) were synthesized by a SuFEx click reaction, and their memory devices show Flash behaviors.
Modulation of luminescence chromic behaviors and environment-responsive intensity changes by substituents in bis-o-carborane-substituted conjugated molecules
Authors: Mori Hiroki , Nishino Kenta , Wada Keisuke , Morisaki Yasuhiro , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: January 2018

Bis-o-carborane-substituted 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)benzenes with multi-functional luminescent properties were synthesized.
High-efficiency ultrapure green organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Fukagawa Hirohiko , Oono Taku , Iwasaki Yukiko , Hatakeyama Takuji , Shimizu Takahisa
Published: January 2018

Efficient ultrapure green OLEDs were demonstrated by using a platinum complex (PtN7N) and a top emitting structure.
Synthesis of chiral γ-aminophosphonates through the organocatalytic hydrophosphonylation of azadienes with phosphites
Authors: Gu Zheng , Zhou Ji , Jiang Guo-Fang , Zhou Yong-Gui
Published: January 2018

An organocatalytic enantioselective 1,4-addition of phosphites to azadienes has been successfully developed using quinine as a catalyst, providing an efficient and facile route to optically active γ-aminophosphonates with up to 94% ee.
SERS detection of radiation injury biomarkers in mouse serum
Authors: Li Liansheng , Xiao Rui , Wang Qi , Rong Zhen , Zhang Xueqing , Zhou Pingkun , Fu Hanjiang , Wang Shengqi , Wang Zhidong
Published: January 2018

A rapid and on-site detection method would be needed to triage of casualties and proper medical treatment in a large scale radiological catastrophe. The detection method of SERS would be a effective approach.
Boosting the efficiency of single junction kesterite solar cell using Ag mixed Cu2ZnSnS4 active layer
Authors: Saha Uday , Alam Md. Kawsar
Published: January 2018

A CdS/ACZTS/CZTS single junction kesterite solar cell with 17.59% efficiency.
Synthesis of CHF2-substituted 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes by photochemical decomposition of CHF2-pyrazolines
Authors: Zheng Yang , Yu Xinling , Lv Songyang , Mykhailiuk Pavel K. , Ma Qiang , Hai Li , Wu Yong
Published: January 2018

A general and efficient method has been developed to synthesize CHF2-substituted 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane derivatives via photochemical decomposition of CHF2-pyrazolines.
Quantum chemical studies of redox properties and conformational changes of a four-center iron CO2 reduction electrocatalyst
Authors: Jang Hyesu , Qiu Yudong , Hutchings Marshall E. , Nguyen Minh , Berben Louise A. , Wang Lee-Ping
Published: January 2018

Two calculated structures of the [Fe4N(CO)12]3− CO2 reduction electrocatalyst in its twice reduced state connected by a CO dissociation pathway are studied.
Green and facile fabrication of hierarchical N-doped porous carbon from water hyacinths for high performance lithium/sodium ion batteries
Authors: Zeng Guang , Zhou Baolong , Yi Luocai , Li Hao , Hu Xiang , Li Yan
Published: January 2018

Hierarchical porous carbon from water hyacinths has been prepared by a low-cost, facile and readily scalable approach based on a self-activation process and shows excellent electrochemical performances as the anode of lithium/sodium ion batteries.
Facile preparation of NH2-functionalized black phosphorene for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Shao Lianyi , Sun Hongming , Miao Licheng , Chen Xiang , Han Mo , Sun Jianchao , Liu Shuang , Li Lin , Cheng Fangyi , Chen Jun
Published: January 2018

We report a facile solid exfoliation method to prepare NH2-functionalized few-layer black phosphorene for use as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
A novel strategy to significantly enhance the initial voltage and suppress voltage fading of a Li- and Mn-rich layered oxide cathode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Shiming , Chen Jian , Tang Tian , Jiang Yinzhu , Chen Gairong , Shao Qinong , Yan Chenhui , Zhu Tiejun , Gao Mingxia , Liu Yongfeng , Pan Hongge
Published: January 2018

A Li[Li0.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54]O2–xLiNiO2 composite cathode with a Ni-rich bulk phase and in situ precipitated Ni-rich spinel-like surface phase has been built to enhance the initial voltage and suppress voltage fading during cycling.
Non-dye cell viability monitoring by using pH-responsive inverse opal hydrogels
Authors: Wang Tengfei , Liu Jingjing , Nie Fuqiang
Published: January 2018

A novel non-dye method for monitoring cell viability using responsive opal inverse hydrogel microspheres.
Ultra-tough injectable cytocompatible hydrogel for 3D cell culture and cartilage repair
Authors: Zhao Yanran , Li Mengnan , Liu Bingchuan , Xiang Junfeng , Cui Zhiyong , Qu Xiaozhong , Qiu Dong , Tian Yun , Yang Zhenzhong
Published: January 2018

A high-performance hydrogel was synthesized by a facile dual dynamic crosslinking strategy that showed injectability, cytocompatibility, broadly tunable mechanical properties and the potential for repair of load-bearing tissues.
Spray deposition of AgBiS2 and Cu3BiS3 thin films for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Pai Narendra , Lu Jianfeng , Senevirathna Dimuthu C. , Chesman Anthony S. R. , Gengenbach Thomas , Chatti Manjunath , Bach Udo , Andrews Philip C. , Spiccia Leone , Cheng Yi-Bing , Simonov Alexandr N.
Published: January 2018

Spray-deposited AgBiS2 films are introduced as light-harvesters in planar solar cells that demonstrate up to 18 mA cm−2 short-circuit current density under 1 sun irradiation.
Asymmetric mesoporous silica nanoparticles as potent and safe immunoadjuvants provoke high immune responses
Authors: Abbaraju Prasanna Lakshmi , Jambhrunkar Manasi , Yang Yannan , Liu Yang , Lu Yao , Yu Chengzhong
Published: January 2018

Asymmetric mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a head–tail structure are potent immunoadjuvants in delivering a peptide antigen, generating higher antibody immune response in mice compared to their symmetric counterparts.
Highly selective sensing of Fe3+ by an anionic metal–organic framework containing uncoordinated nitrogen and carboxylate oxygen sites
Authors: Chen Chun-Hui , Wang Xu-Sheng , Li Lan , Huang Yuan-Biao , Cao Rong
Published: January 2018

An anionic metal–organic framework containing uncoordinated nitrogen and carboxylate oxygen sites for highly selective and sensitive sensing of Fe3+.
Harnessing the concurrent reaction dynamics in active Si and Ge to achieve high performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Qiaobao , Chen Huixin , Luo Langli , Zhao Bote , Luo Hao , Han Xiang , Wang Jiangwei , Wang Chongmin , Yang Yong , Zhu Ting , Liu Meilin
Published: January 2018

A composite anode of Cu/Si/Ge nanowire arrays grown on a porous Ni foam enables the outstanding capacity, rate capability and cycle stability of Li-ion batteries.
Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of benzazepinoindole derivatives with trifluoromethylated quaternary stereocenters by chiral phosphoric acid catalysts
Authors: Rahman Abdul , Xie En , Lin Xufeng
Published: January 2018

An enantioselective aza-Friedel–Crafts reaction of trifluoromethyl dihydrobenzoazepinoindoles with pyrroles or indoles catalyzed by a chiral spirocyclic phosphoric acid was developed.
Correction: Green synthesis of 1,4-benzodiazepines over La2O3 and La(OH)3 catalysts: possibility of Langmuir–Hinshelwood adsorption
Authors: Singh Archana , Palakollu Veerabhadraiah , Pandey Aman , Kanvah Sriram , Sharma Sudhanshu
Published: January 2018

Correction for ‘Green synthesis of 1,4-benzodiazepines over La2O3 and La(OH)3 catalysts: possibility of Langmuir–Hinshelwood adsorption’ by Archana Singh et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 103455–103462.
Dual anode materials for lithium- and sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Luo Yuqing , Tang Yijian , Zheng Shasha , Yan Yan , Xue Huaiguo , Pang Huan
Published: January 2018

Currently, the application of new energy conversion and storage technologies is urgent in order to meet the increasing requirements for energy.
Towards enhanced sodium storage by investigation of the Li ion doping and rearrangement mechanism in Na3V2(PO4)3 for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Zheng Qiong , Ni Xiao , Lin Le , Yi Hongming , Han Xiuwen , Li Xianfeng , Bao Xinhe , Zhang Huamin
Published: January 2018

A mechanism of lithium ion doping/rearrangement in Na3V2(PO4)3 along with the effect on the electrochemical performance of Na3V2(PO4)3 is elucidated.
A green synthetic route to the highly efficient K2SiF6:Mn4+narrow-band red phosphor for warm white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Hou Ziyang , Tang Xueyuan , Luo Xuefang , Zhou Tianliang , Zhang Lin , Xie Rong-Jun
Published: January 2018

A green synthetic route to the highly efficient K2SiF6:Mn4+narrow-band red phosphor for warm white light-emitting diodes.
Bilateral filter acceleration based on weighted variable projection
Authors: Yuan Mengke , Zhang Xiaopeng
Published: January 2018

Due to the heavy computation cost, the bilateral filter cannot be applied to real‐time applications. To deal with this problem, many range kernel approximation based acceleration schemes have been proposed. However, all these methods use predefined basis function and assign the same penalisation for all range values to fulfil range kernel approximation. These constraints block from further improving the filtering accuracy and speed. Employing weighted variable projection, a new acceleration method which achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance is proposed. This is done by: (i) unleashing the constraint of using fixed basis function; (ii) exploiting the colour distribution information of the input image to perform a weighted approximation of the range kernel. Experiments demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method in gaining more accurate filtering results efficiently.
Combined application of redox flow battery and DC link in restructured AGC system in the presence of WTS and DSTS in distributed generation unit
Authors: Saha Arindita , Saikia Lalit Chandra
Published: January 2018

This article deals with automatic generation control (AGC) of an unequal two‐area system under deregulated environment. Area‐1 comprises distribution generation (DG) and thermal units and area‐2 has gas and thermal units. The DG unit comprises wind turbine system (WTS), dish‐Stirling solar thermal system (DSTS), aqua electrolyser, fuel cell, diesel generator, and battery energy storage system. A maiden attempt has been made to apply a cascade controller called integer order proportional–integral–derivative with filter (PIDN) cascaded with fractional order integral–derivative (PIDN‐FOID) controller and its performance is compared with I, PI, and PIDN controller. Investigation reveals that PIDN‐FOID outperforms in terms of peak deviations, settling time, and oscillations in both constant and variable conditions of wind speed and solar insolation. The effect of using WTS, DSTS, both WTS and DSTS on system dynamics is also evaluated and explored that system dynamics improves with integration of these renewable sources. The gains and other parameters are optimised by whale optimisation algorithm. The effect of DC link, redox flow battery, and both on system dynamics is also evaluated in the presence of PIDN‐FOID controller and explores that the use of these shows promising dynamic performance. The robustness of controller gains and parameters are tested with change in size of contract.
Conical voltage sensor for measuring very fast transient overvoltage up to 3 MV in ultra‐high‐voltage class gas‐insulated switchgear
Authors: Zhang Lu , Mao Chen , Pu Lu , Wu Jingfeng , Wang Sen , Ding Bin , Sun Lei , Zhang Qiaogen
Published: January 2018

Very fast transient overvoltage (VFTO) engenders great threat to gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS) in ultra‐high‐voltage (UHV) power system. A novel conical voltage sensor was developed based on combination of the conical voltage divider and coaxial integral device to measure VFTO in UHV GIS. The results indicate that the conical structure of the voltage sensor can make the wave impedance translate smoothly from the high‐voltage arm to the coaxial cable, which significantly reduces refraction and reflection of VFTO. The optimum value of the integral capacitance is between 100 and 200 pF, which is determined by the integral resistance, capacitance of the sensor, and the length of the transmission line. To avoid refraction and reflection of VFTO in the process of transmission, the length of the transmission cable should not exceed 20 cm. Calibration results show that the response time of the conical voltage sensor is <4.8 ns, the voltage attenuation ratio of the sensor can reach up to 43,402 and the frequency band is between 7.8 Hz and 73 MHz. The conical voltage sensor was tested on a steep impulse voltage equipment, and the result showed the sensor could measure VFTO up to 3 MV.
Facile synthesis of SiO2@TiO2 hybrid NPs with improved photocatalytic performance
Authors: Zhang Hongguang , Wang Guowei , Sun Ge , Xu Feng , Li Hongmei , Li Shuang , Fu Shuang
Published: January 2018

SiO2@TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully prepared via a simple solvothermal approach using tetrabutyl titanate (Ti(OBu)4) as a titanium source. The morphology and crystal structure of the sample were characterised by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and X‐ray diffraction. The photocatalytic properties of SiO2@TiO2 hybrid NPs were also investigated in detail. The results showed that the layers of TiO2 NPs have been successfully coated onto the uniform silica sphere and transformed into anatase after calcination at 500°C. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of the as‐obtained product was higher than that of the commercial P25‐TiO2. The method for producing hybrid NPs has potential applications in building various types of hybrid NPs.
Wind properties of variable B supergiants
Authors: Haucke M. , Cidale L. S. , Venero R. O. J. , Curé M. , Kraus M. , Kanaan S. , Arcos C.
Published: January 2018

Context. Variable B supergiants (BSGs) constitute a heterogeneous group of stars with complex photometric and spectroscopic behaviours. They exhibit mass-loss variations and experience different types of oscillation modes, and there is growing evidence that variable stellar winds and photospheric pulsations are closely related.

Aims. To discuss the wind properties and variability of evolved B-type stars, we derive new stellar and wind parameters for a sample of 19 Galactic BSGs by fitting theoretical line profiles of H, He, and Si to the observed ones and compare them with previous determinations.

Methods. The synthetic line profiles are computed with the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) atmosphere code FASTWIND, with a β-law for hydrodynamics.

Results. The mass-loss rate of three stars has been obtained for the first time. The global properties of stellar winds of mid/late B supergiants are well represented by a β-law with β > 2. All stars follow the known empirical wind momentum–luminosity relationships, and the late BSGs show the trend of the mid BSGs. HD 75149 and HD 99953 display significant changes in the shape and intensity of the Hα line (from a pure absorption to a P Cygni profile, and vice versa). These stars have mass-loss variations of almost a factor of 2.8. A comparison among mass-loss rates from the literature reveals discrepancies of a factor of 1 to 7. This large variation is a consequence of the uncertainties in the determination of the stellar radius. Therefore, for a reliable comparison of these values we used the invariant parameter Qr. Based on this parameter, we find an empirical relationship that associates the amplitude of mass-loss variations with photometric/spectroscopic variability on timescales of tens of days. We find that stars located on the cool side of the bi-stability jump show a decrease in the ratio V∞∕Vesc, while their corresponding mass-loss rates are similar to or lower than the values found for stars on the hot side. Particularly, for those variable stars a decrease in V∞∕Vesc is accompanied by a decrease in Ṁ.

Conclusions. Our results also suggest that radial pulsation modes with periods longer than 6 days might be responsible for the wind variability in the mid/late-type. These radial modes might be identified with strange modes, which are known to facilitate (enhanced) mass loss. On the other hand, we propose that the wind behaviour of stars on the cool side of the bi-stability jump could fit with predictions of the δ−slow hydrodynamics solution for radiation-driven winds with highly variable ionization.
The magnetic nature of umbra–penumbra boundary in sunspots
Authors: Jurčák J. , Rezaei R. , Bello González N. , Schlichenmaier R. , Vomlel J.
Published: January 2018

Context. Sunspots are the longest-known manifestation of solar activity, and their magnetic nature has been known for more than a century. Despite this, the boundary between umbrae and penumbrae, the two fundamental sunspot regions, has hitherto been solely defined by an intensity threshold.

Aim. Here, we aim at studying the magnetic nature of umbra–penumbra boundaries in sunspots of different sizes, morphologies, evolutionary stages, and phases of the solar cycle.

Methods. We used a sample of 88 scans of the Hinode/SOT spectropolarimeter to infer the magnetic field properties in at the umbral boundaries. We defined these umbra–penumbra boundaries by an intensity threshold and performed a statistical analysis of the magnetic field properties on these boundaries.

Results. We statistically prove that the umbra–penumbra boundary in stable sunspots is characterised by an invariant value of the vertical magnetic field component: the vertical component of the magnetic field strength does not depend on the umbra size, its morphology, and phase of the solar cycle. With the statistical Bayesian inference, we find that the strength of the vertical magnetic field component is, with a likelihood of 99%, in the range of 1849–1885 G with the most probable value of 1867 G. In contrast, the magnetic field strength and inclination averaged along individual boundaries are found to be dependent on the umbral size: the larger the umbra, the stronger and more horizontal the magnetic field at its boundary.

Conclusions. The umbra and penumbra of sunspots are separated by a boundary that has hitherto been defined by an intensity threshold. We now unveil the empirical law of the magnetic nature of the umbra–penumbra boundary in stable sunspots: it is an invariant vertical component of the magnetic field.
Effectiveness of Problem Based Learning Model toward Biology Learning Outcomes
Authors: Treesna Wulansari Nadya , Sutrisna I Putu Gede , Dharmapatni Ni Wayan Kesari
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness Problem Based Learning toward Biology learning outcomes in the subject of Basic Nursing Science I. The research design was true experimental design. The population in this study was the first-grade students in Nursing Sciences Study Program in Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bali. Purposive sampling technique was applied to select the sample size in experimental and control group. There were 162 respondents included in this study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistic and independent sample T-Test. The result showed that the average of post-test in control group was 67.01 ± 7.53 and average of post-test in the experimental group was 80.16 ± 5.92 (p < 0.05). It could be concluded that Problem Based Learning Model is more effective than a conventional model. It can be used for the alternative model in learning which can improve student’s ability in critical thinking and the learning outcomes of Biology in subject Basic Nursing Science I.