bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcium phosphate mineralization is widely applied in crustacean mandibles
Authors: Bentov Shmuel , Aflalo Eliahu D. , Tynyakov Jenny , Glazer Lilah , Sagi Amir
Published: February 2016

Crustaceans, like most mineralized invertebrates, adopted calcium carbonate mineralization for bulk skeleton reinforcement. Here, we show that a major part of the crustacean class Malacostraca (which includes lobsters, crayfishes, prawns and shrimps) shifted toward the formation of calcium phosphate as the main mineral at specified locations of the mandibular teeth. In these structures, calcium phosphate is not merely co-precipitated with the bulk calcium carbonate but rather creates specialized structures in which a layer of calcium phosphate, frequently in the form of crystalline fluorapatite, is mounted over a calcareous “jaw”. From a functional perspective, the co-existence of carbonate and phosphate mineralization demonstrates a biomineralization system that provides a versatile route to control the physico-chemical properties of skeletal elements. This system enables the deposition of amorphous calcium carbonate, amorphous calcium phosphate, calcite and apatite at various skeletal locations, as well as combinations of these minerals, to form graded composites materials. This study demonstrates the widespread occurrence of the dual mineralization strategy in the Malacostraca, suggesting that in terms of evolution, this feature of phosphatic teeth did not evolve independently in the different groups but rather represents an early common trait.
Neuroprotective Effects of A Standardized Flavonoid Extract of Safflower Against Neurotoxin-Induced Cellular and Animal Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ren Rutong , Shi Chunyan , Cao Jing , Sun Yi , Zhao Xin , Guo Yongfei , Wang Chen , Lei Hui , Jiang Hanjie , Ablat Nuramatjan , Xu Jiamin , Li Wan , Ma Yingcong , Qi Xianrong , Ye Min , Pu Xiaoping , Han Hongbin
Published: February 2016

Safflower has long been used to treat cerebrovascular diseases in China. We previously reported that kaempferol derivatives of safflower can bind DJ-1, a protein associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and flavonoid extract of safflower exhibited neuroprotective effects in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced mouse model of PD. In this study, a standardized safflower flavonoid extract (SAFE) was isolated from safflower and mainly contained flavonoids. Two marker compounds of SAFE, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside and anhydrosafflor yellow B, were proven to suppress microtubule destabilization and decreased cell area, respectively. We confirmed that SAFE in dripping pill form could improve behavioural performances in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced rat model of PD, partially via the suppression of α-synuclein overexpression or aggregation, as well as the suppression of reactive astrogliosis. Using an MRI tracer-based method, we found that 6-OHDA could change extracellular space (ECS) diffusion parameters, including a decrease in tortuosity and the rate constant of clearance and an increase in the elimination half-life of the tracer in the 6-OHDA-lesioned substantia nigra. SAFE treatment could partially inhibit the changes in ECS diffusion parameters, which might provide some information about neuronal loss and astrocyte activation. Consequently, our results indicate that SAFE is a potential therapeutic herbal product for treatment of PD.
Coherence and measurement in quantum thermodynamics
Authors: Kammerlander P. , Anders J.
Published: February 2016

Thermodynamics is a highly successful macroscopic theory widely used across the natural sciences and for the construction of everyday devices, from car engines to solar cells. With thermodynamics predating quantum theory, research now aims to uncover the thermodynamic laws that govern finite size systems which may in addition host quantum effects. Recent theoretical breakthroughs include the characterisation of the efficiency of quantum thermal engines, the extension of classical non-equilibrium fluctuation theorems to the quantum regime and a new thermodynamic resource theory has led to the discovery of a set of second laws for finite size systems. These results have substantially advanced our understanding of nanoscale thermodynamics, however putting a finger on what is genuinely quantum in quantum thermodynamics has remained a challenge. Here we identify information processing tasks, the so-called projections, that can only be formulated within the framework of quantum mechanics. We show that the physical realisation of such projections can come with a non-trivial thermodynamic work only for quantum states with coherences. This contrasts with information erasure, first investigated by Landauer, for which a thermodynamic work cost applies for classical and quantum erasure alike. Repercussions on quantum work fluctuation relations and thermodynamic single-shot approaches are also discussed.
Rab6a is a novel regulator of meiotic apparatus and maturational progression in mouse oocytes
Authors: Hou Xiaojing , Zhang Jiaqi , Li Ling , Ma Rujun , Ge Juan , Han Longsen , Wang Qiang
Published: February 2016

Rab family GTPases have been well known to regulate intracellular vesicle transport, however their function in mammalian oocytes has not been addressed. In this study, we report that when Rab6a is specifically knockdown, mouse oocytes are unable to progress normally through meiosis, arresting at metaphase I. Moreover, in these oocytes, the defects of chromosome alignment and spindle organization are readily observed during maturation and resultantly increasing the aneuploidy incidence. We further reveal that kinetochore-microtubule attachments are severely compromised in Rab6a-depleted oocytes, which may in part mediate the meiotic phenotypes described above. In addition, when Rab6a function is altered, BubR1 levels on the kinetochores are markedly increased in metaphase oocytes, indicating the activation of spindle assembly checkpoint. In sum, we identify Rab6a as an important player in modulating oocyte meiosis, specifically the chromosome/spindle organization and metaphase-anaphase transition.
Muscle and liver-specific alterations in lipid and acylcarnitine metabolism after a single bout of exercise in mice
Authors: Hoene Miriam , Li Jia , Li Yanjie , Runge Heike , Zhao Xinjie , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Lehmann Rainer , Xu Guowang , Weigert Cora
Published: February 2016

Intracellular lipid pools are highly dynamic and tissue-specific. Physical exercise is a strong physiologic modulator of lipid metabolism, but most studies focus on changes induced by long-term training. To assess the acute effects of endurance exercise, mice were subjected to one hour of treadmill running, and13C16-palmitate was applied to trace fatty acid incorporation in soleus and gastrocnemius muscle and liver. The amounts of carnitine, FFA, lysophospholipids and diacylglycerol and the post-exercise increase in acetylcarnitine were pronouncedly higher in soleus than in gastrocnemius. In the liver, exercise increased the content of lysophospholipids, plasmalogens and carnitine as well as transcript levels of the carnitine transporter.13C16-palmitate was detectable in several lipid and acylcarnitine species, with pronounced levels of tracer-derived palmitoylcarnitine in both muscles and a strikingly high incorporation into triacylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine in the liver. These data illustrate the high lipid storing activity of the liver immediately after exercise whereas in muscle, fatty acids are directed towards oxidation. The observed muscle-specific differences accentuate the need for single-muscle analyses as well as careful consideration of the particular muscle employed when studying lipid metabolism in mice. In addition, our results reveal that lysophospholipids and plasmalogens, potential lipid signalling molecules, are acutely regulated by physical exercise.
Resolving evolutionary relationships in lichen-forming fungi using diverse phylogenomic datasets and analytical approaches
Authors: Leavitt Steven D. , Grewe Felix , Widhelm Todd , Muggia Lucia , Wray Brian , Lumbsch H. Thorsten
Published: February 2016

Evolutionary histories are now being inferred from unprecedented, genome-scale datasets for a broad range of organismal groups. While phylogenomic data has helped in resolving a number of difficult, long-standing questions, constructing appropriate datasets from genomes is not straightforward, particularly in non-model groups. Here we explore the utility of phylogenomic data to infer robust phylogenies for a lineage of closely related lichen-forming fungal species. We assembled multiple, distinct nuclear phylogenomic datasets, ranging from ca. 25 Kb to 16.8 Mb and inferred topologies using both concatenated gene tree approaches and species tree methods based on the multispecies coalescent model. In spite of evidence for rampant incongruence among individual loci, these genome-scale datasets provide a consistent, well-supported phylogenetic hypothesis using both concatenation and multispecies coalescent approaches (ASTRAL-II and SVDquartets). However, the popular full hierarchical coalescent approach implemented in *BEAST provided inconsistent inferences, both in terms of nodal support and topology, with smaller subsets of the phylogenomic data. While comparable, well-supported topologies can be accurately inferred with only a small fraction of the overall genome, consistent results across a variety of datasets and methodological approaches provide reassurance that phylogenomic data can effectively be used to provide robust phylogenies for closely related lichen-forming fungal lineages.
Total content determination for the effective fraction of the alkaloids in Dicranostigma leptopodum (Maxim.) Fedde by HPLC and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry
Authors: Chen Yali , Li Ruxia , Gao Rongrong , Yan Qian , Zhong Mei , Liu Junxi , Zhao Quanyi , Di Duolong
Published: February 2016

For the quality control and the rational use of the effective fraction of the alkaloids (EFA) in Dicranostigma leptopodum (Maxim.) Fedde (DLF), extraction and determination methods for EFA were developed in the present study.
A novel dimethylformamide (DMF) free bar-cast method to deposit organolead perovskite thin films with improved stability
Authors: Jones Eurig W. , Holliman Peter J. , Connell Arthur , Davies Matthew L. , Baker Jennifer , Hobbs Robert J. , Ghosh Sanjay , Furnell Leo , Anthony Rosie , Pleydell-Pearce Cameron
Published: February 2016

We report a solvent-free approach to synthesizing organolead perovskites by using solid state reactions to coat perovskite crystals onto Al2O3or TiO2nanoparticles followed by addition of terpineol affording perovskite inks.
Enhancing binding affinity and selectivity through preorganization and cooperative enhancement of the receptor
Authors: Gunasekara Roshan W. , Zhao Yan
Published: February 2016

When direct host–guest binding interactions are weakened by unfavorable solvent competition, guest-triggered intrareceptor interactions could be used to augment the binding.
Extremely strong bipolar optical interactions in paired graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Lu Wanli , Chen Huajin , Liu Shiyang , Zi Jian , Lin Zhifang
Published: February 2016

Extremely strong bipolar optical forces are demonstrated in a pair of coupled graphene nanoribbons, due to the remarkable confinement and enhancement of optical fields, and analytical formulae are derived.
Amine modified mesoporous Al2O3@MCM-41: an efficient, synergetic and recyclable catalyst for the formylation of amines using carbon dioxide and DMAB under mild reaction conditions
Authors: Nale Deepak B. , Rath Dharitri , Parida K. M. , Gajengi Aravind , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: February 2016

A novel amine modified meso Al2O3@MCM-41 catalyst was investigated for the synthesis of formamides from 1°/2° aliphatic as well as aromatic amines with CO2, using DMAB.
Nanopalladium-catalyzed conjugate reduction of Michael acceptors – application in flow
Authors: Nagendiran Anuja , Sörensen Henrik , Johansson Magnus J. , Tai Cheuk-Wai , Bäckvall Jan-E.
Published: February 2016

A continuous-flow approach towards the selective nanopalladium-catalyzed hydrogenation of the olefinic bond in various Michael acceptors, which could lead to a greener and more sustainable process, has been developed.
On the applicability and performance of the single particle ICP-MS nano-dispersion characterization method in cases complicated by spectral interferences
Authors: Kálomista Ildikó , Kéri Albert , Galbács Gábor
Published: February 2016

The spectral interference effects occurring in SP-ICP-MS are discussedviathe examples of the measurement of Fe2O3, Cr2O3, and ZnO particles.
Systematic design of analogs of active compounds covering more than 1000 targets
Authors: Dimova Dilyana , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: February 2016

Analogs of active compounds. Shown is an active compound (top) with highlighted substitution sites at which a known (blue) and virtual (orange) analog have different R-groups.
Photo-cross-linked small-molecule affinity matrix as a tool for target identification of bioactive small molecules
Authors: Kanoh Naoki
Published: February 2016

This review describes the status of the photo-cross-linked small-molecule affinity matrix while providing a useful tutorial for academic and industrial chemical biologists who are involved or interested in drug target identification.
CXCR4-antagonist Peptide R-liposomes for combined therapy against lung metastasis
Authors: Ieranò Caterina , Portella Luigi , Lusa Sara , Salzano Giuseppina , D'Alterio Crescenzo , Napolitano Maria , Buoncervello Maria , Macchia Daniele , Spada Massimo , Barbieri Antonio , Luciano Antonio , Barone Maria Vittoria , Gabriele Lucia , Caraglia Michele , Arra Claudio , De Rosa Giuseppe , Scala Stefania
Published: February 2016

PL-Peptide R potentiates the Peptide R efficacy and efficiently delivers doxorubicin in melanoma lung metastasis.
Engineering a multi-biofunctional composite using poly(ethylenimine) decorated graphene oxide for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Raj Shammy , Sarkar Kishor , Chatterjee Kaushik
Published: February 2016

Strong multi-biofunctional PCL composite was synthesized using poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) conjugated graphene oxide (GO_PEI) with PAA as a spacer on GO. PCL/GO_PEI composites promoted stem cell proliferation, induced osteogenic differentiation and exhibited excellent bactericidal activity.
Self-assembled SnO2micro- and nanosphere-based gas sensor thick films from an alkoxide-derived high purity aqueous colloid precursor
Authors: Kelp G. , Tätte T. , Pikker S. , Mändar H. , Rozhin A. G. , Rauwel P. , Vanetsev A. S. , Gerst A. , Merisalu M. , Mäeorg U. , Natali M. , Persson I. , Kessler V. G.
Published: February 2016

A thick film architecture composed of nanostructured SnO2microspheres was constructed on isolated substrates bearing gold electrodes and was used as a gas sensor.
Lanthanide upconversion luminescence at the nanoscale: fundamentals and optical properties
Authors: Nadort Annemarie , Zhao Jiangbo , Goldys Ewa M.
Published: February 2016

Upconversion photoluminescence is a nonlinear effect where multiple lower energy excitation photons produce higher energy emission photons.
Perfluoroalkylated linear polyglycerols and their supramolecular assemblies in aqueous solution
Authors: Wagner Olaf , Thota Bala N. S. , Schade Boris , Neumann Falko , Cuellar Jose L. , Böttcher Christoph , Haag Rainer
Published: February 2016

In this study, amphiphiles composed of linear polyglycerols (LPGs) with hydroxyl, methoxy, and ethoxy side groups and end capped with one or two perfluorooctyl chains (Rf8) have been designed to form supramolecular architectures.
Nanomechanics of a fibroblast suspended using point-like anchors reveal cytoskeleton formation
Authors: Fusco Sabato , Memmolo Pasquale , Miccio Lisa , Merola Francesco , Mugnano Martina , Paciello Antonio , Ferraro Pietro , Netti Paolo A.
Published: February 2016

Cells are suspended and stretched using two microbeads. The formation of inner cytoskeleton structures is reported using displacement, QPM phase change and fluorescent micrographs.
A novel coupling reaction of α-halo ketones promoted by SmI3/CuI
Authors: Liu Yongjun , Zhao Hengmin , Tian Guang , Du Feng , Qi Yan , Wen Yonghong
Published: February 2016

In the presence of SmI3 and catalyzed by CuI in DMF, α-haloketones were transformed unexpectedly into α-hydroxy-1,4-diketones. The mechanism was probed and DMF was assumed to play a dual role both as a hydroxyl source and as a solvent.
Study on an improved bio-electrode made with glucose oxidase immobilized mesoporous carbon in biofuel cells
Authors: Yang Xuewei , Yuan Wenqiao , Li Dawei , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: February 2016

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for process optimization to immobilize glucose oxidase (GOx) on ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC).
The effect of fullerenes C60 and C70 on the photo- and triboluminescence of terbium sulphate crystallohydrate in the solid phase
Authors: Tukhbatullin A. A. , Sharipov G. L. , Bagautdinova A. R.
Published: February 2016

It was found that the addition of C60 and C70 fullerenes to Tb2(SO4)3·8H2O crystals led to a decrease in the photo- and triboluminescence intensities of the Tb3+ ion, without affecting the positions of its luminescence maxima.
[NiIII(OMe)]-mediated reductive activation of CO2 affording a Ni(κ1-OCO) complex
Authors: Chiou Tzung-Wen , Tseng Yen-Ming , Lu Tsai-Te , Weng Tsu-Chien , Sokaras Dimosthenes , Ho Wei-Chieh , Kuo Ting-Shen , Jang Ling-Yun , Lee Jyh-Fu , Liaw Wen-Feng
Published: February 2016

We report a novel pathway for the reductive activation of CO2 by the [NiIII(OMe)(P(C6H3-3-SiMe3-2-S)3)]− complex, yielding the [NiIII(κ1-OCO˙−)(P(C6H3-3-SiMe3-2-S)3)]− complex.
A single-chain derivative of the relaxin hormone is a functionally selective agonist of the G protein-coupled receptor, RXFP1
Authors: Hossain Mohammed Akhter , Kocan Martina , Yao Song T. , Royce Simon G. , Nair Vinojini B. , Siwek Christopher , Patil Nitin A. , Harrison Ian P. , Rosengren K. Johan , Selemidis Stavros , Summers Roger J. , Wade John D. , Bathgate Ross A. D. , Samuel Chrishan S.
Published: February 2016

A single-chain derivative of the relaxin hormone ameliorates fibrosis without side-effects.
Tautomerization of 2,6-lutidines in the presence of B(C6F5)3 using catecholborane as a precatalyst
Authors: Zheng Junhao , Fan Xiaoting , Zhou Benyu , Li Zhen Hua , Wang Huadong
Published: February 2016

The Lewis pair of 2,6-lutidine and B(C6F5)3 can undergo tautomerization to produce enamine B(C6F5)3 adducts when catecholborane is applied as a precatalyst.
Distinguishing N-acetylneuraminic acid linkage isomers on glycopeptides by ion mobility-mass spectrometry
Authors: Hinneburg H. , Hofmann J. , Struwe W. B. , Thader A. , Altmann F. , Varón Silva D. , Seeberger P. H. , Pagel K. , Kolarich D.
Published: February 2016

Differentiating the structure of isobaric glycopeptides represents a major challenge for mass spectrometry-based characterisation techniques.
Fused coarse-grained model of aromatic ionic liquids and their behaviour at electrodes
Authors: Li Bin , Ma Ke , Wang Yong-Lei , Turesson Martin , Woodward Clifford E. , Forsman Jan
Published: February 2016

A fused coarse-grained model of aromatic ionic liquids 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazoliums tetrafluoroborate ([CnMIM+][BF4−]) has been constructed.
Lipoprotein insertion into membranes of various complexity: lipid sorting, interfacial adsorption and protein clustering
Authors: Erwin Nelli , Sperlich Benjamin , Garivet Guillaume , Waldmann Herbert , Weise Katrin , Winter Roland
Published: February 2016

Depending on the structural properties of a membrane, lipoprotein insertion can lead to lipid sorting, interfacial adsorption or protein clustering.
Correction: Ab initio and empirical defect modeling of LaMnO3±δ for solid oxide fuel cell cathodes
Authors: Lee Yueh-Lin , Xu Shenzhen , Morgan Dane
Published: February 2016

Correction for ‘Ab initio and empirical defect modeling of LaMnO3±δ for solid oxide fuel cell cathodes’ by Yueh-Lin Lee et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 290–302.
Correction: Spectroscopic characteristics of the OSIRIS near-backscattering crystal analyser spectrometer on the ISIS pulsed neutron source
Authors: Telling Mark T. F. , Campbell Stuart I. , Engberg Dennis , Martín y Marero David , Andersen Ken H.
Published: February 2016

Correction for ‘Spectroscopic characteristics of the OSIRIS near-backscattering crystal analyser spectrometer on the ISIS pulsed neutron source’ by Mark T. F. Telling et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2005, 7, 1255–1261.
Metal-containing and related polymers for biomedical applications
Authors: Yan Yi , Zhang Jiuyang , Ren Lixia , Tang Chuanbing
Published: February 2016

A survey of the most recent progress in the biomedical applications of metal-containing polymers is given.
Luminescent coordination polymers for the VIS and NIR range constituting LnCl3 and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane
Authors: Dannenbauer N. , Matthes P. R. , Müller-Buschbaum K.
Published: February 2016

Variable luminescence of lanthanide coordination polymers with bis-pyridylethane and thiazole.
Understanding the complexation of Eu3+ with three diglycolamide-functionalized calix[4]arenes: spectroscopic and DFT studies
Authors: Ansari Seraj Ahmad , Mohapatra Prasanta Kumar , Ali Sheikh Musharaf , Sengupta Arijit , Bhattacharyya Arunasis , Verboom Willem
Published: February 2016

The complexation of three DGA-functionalized calix[4]arenes were studied with Eu3+ ion by spectroscopy and DFT calculations.
Understanding of human metabolic pathways of different sub-classes of phenols from Arbutus unedo fruit after an acute intake
Authors: Mosele Juana I. , Macià Alba , Motilva María-José
Published: February 2016

Phenolic compounds ofA. unedoare bioavailable in healthy adults. The main absorbed compounds are from gut microbial origin and can be detected through a simplified and less invasive method using dried blood spot (DBS) cards.
High quality reduced graphene oxide flakes by fast kinetically controlled and clean indirect UV-induced radical reduction
Authors: Flyunt Roman , Knolle Wolfgang , Kahnt Axel , Halbig Christian E. , Lotnyk Andriy , Häupl Tilmann , Prager Andrea , Eigler Siegfried , Abel Bernd
Published: February 2016

A highly efficient and clean method for the production of reduced graphene oxide via UV irradiation of aqueous dispersions of graphene oxide (GO) containing small quantities of acetone and isopropanol is developed.
Deracemizing organocatalyzed Michael addition reactions of 2-(arylthio)cyclobutanones with β-nitrostyrenes
Authors: Luridiana Alberto , Frongia Angelo , Aitken David J. , Guillot Regis , Sarais Giorgia , Secci Francesco
Published: February 2016

Organocatalyzed Michael addition reactions of 2-(arylthio)cyclobutanones withtrans-β-nitrostyrenes have been carried out using a bifunctional thiourea-primary amine catalyst, providing diastereoisomerically and enantiomerically enriched 2-alkyl-2-(arylthio)cyclobutanones.
Lignocellulosic bioethanol production employing newly isolated inhibitor and thermotolerant Saccharomyces cerevisiae DBTIOC S24 strain in SSF and SHF
Authors: Mishra Abhishek , Sharma Ajay K. , Sharma Sumit , Mathur A. S. , Gupta R. P. , Tuli D. K.
Published: February 2016

Bioethanol is a renewable alternative to fossil fuels which facilitate energy security and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
Utilization of solar energy for continuous bioethanol production for energy applications
Authors: Tabah Betina , Pulidindi Indra Neel , Chitturi Venkateswara Rao , Reddy Arava Leela Mohana , Gedanken Aharon
Published: February 2016

Solar-energy driven solid-state fermentation was developed for continuous bioethanol production from glucose. Bioethanol was tested in alkaline-acid direct ethanol fuel cells for its potential as fuel.
Molecular diversity of the cyclization reaction of 3-methyleneoxindoles with 2-(3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-ylidene)malononitriles
Authors: Lu Yu-Ling , Sun Jing , Xie Ya-Jing , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: February 2016

The cyclization reaction of 3-methyleneoxindoles with 2-(3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-ylidene)malononitrile in ethanol in the presence of DBU at room temperature afforded functionalized 3′-iminospiro[indoline-3,2′-phenanthrenes] in good yields.
A theoretical study of the activation of nitromethane under applied electric fields
Authors: Wei Yuan , Wang Xinqin , Wang Xin , Tao Zhiqiang , Cui Yingqi , Yang Mingli
Published: February 2016

C–N activation is the key step of nitromethane decomposition.
Copper-catalyzed and iodide-promoted aerobic C–C bond cleavage/C–N bond formation toward the synthesis of amides
Authors: Wu Kun , Huang Zhiliang , Ma Yiyang , Lei Aiwen
Published: February 2016

A copper-catalyzed and iodide promoted aerobic C–C bond cleavage/C–N bond formation reaction between ketone and simple amine was developed toward the synthesis of amides.
Improving the catalytic activity of Au/Pd core–shell nanoparticles with a tailored Pd structure for formic acid oxidation reaction
Authors: Hsu Chiajen , Wei Mingsheng , Wei Zi , Liu Fuqiang
Published: February 2016

Unique morphology-tunable Au/Pd core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized by galvanic replacement of Cu on hollow Au cores using PdCl2to enhance the electrochemical oxidation of formic acid.
Selective dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes with electron-rich fluorene-based copolymers
Authors: Liang Shuai , Subrahmanyam Ayyagari V. , Khadem Mohammadreza , Zhao Yuming , Adronov Alex
Published: February 2016

We report novel π-conjugated copolymers containing electron-donating dithiafulvene (DTF) and π-extended tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF) repeat units for selective dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes.
Synthesis and characterization of novel sulfanilic acid–polyvinyl chloride–polysulfone blend membranes for metal ion rejection
Authors: Nayak Vignesh , Jyothi M. S. , Balakrishna R. Geetha , Padaki Mahesh , Isloor Arun M.
Published: February 2016

A novel facile method is developed for the modification of polyvinyl chloride and blend membranes are fabricated for heavy metal removal. This method is straightforward, has a high efficiency and is done at low pressure.
Response of sludge fermentation liquid and microbial community to nano zero-valent iron exposure in a mesophilic anaerobic digestion system
Authors: Yu Bao , Huang Xiaoting , Zhang Dongling , Lou Ziyang , Yuan Haiping , Zhu Nanwen
Published: February 2016

NZVI could promote hydrolysis-acidification, facilitate the release of biodegradable compounds and enrich hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis byClostridiaandMethanosarcina.
Novel template free synthetic strategy to single crystalline multishelled hollow nanospheroids of titania with boosted application potential
Authors: Nikhila M. P. , Renuka N. K.
Published: February 2016

Schematic illustration of pathway to hollow titania nanospheroids.
Mesoporous palladium–copper bimetallic electrodes for selective electrocatalytic reduction of aqueous CO2to CO
Authors: Li Mu , Wang Junjie , Li Peng , Chang Kun , Li Cuiling , Wang Tao , Jiang Bo , Zhang Huabin , Liu Huimin , Yamauchi Yusuke , Umezawa Naoto , Ye Jinhua
Published: February 2016

Finding a highly efficient, selective and economic approach for electrochemical reduction of aqueous carbon dioxide is a great challenge in realizing an artificial system for a sustainable carbon cycle.
Low‐noise readout circuit for thermo‐electrical cooler‐less uncooled microbolometer infrared imager
Authors: Liu Dahe , Lu Wengao , Lei Shuyu , Chen Zhongjian
Published: February 2016

A low‐noise analogue frontend readout circuit is presented for VOx microbolometer infrared imager without thermo‐electrical cooler. A modified differential mirror structure with substrate temperature and self‐heating effect compensation ability is used, targeting below 40 mK noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) with 17 μm pixel pitch. Noise characteristics are investigated to give an optimal trade‐off approach to reach lower NETD at same power consumption compared with traditional readout structures.
Inter‐relay interference suppression for two‐path MIMO relay systems
Authors: Rui Xianyi , Wang Mengmeng , Liu SuQi
Published: February 2016

A two‐path multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) relay system is addressed, in which the inter‐relay interference (IRI) between two relays leads to deterioration of system performance. Transmit and receive weight vectors are employed for suppressing the IRI. Maximising the ratio between the power of the desired signal to the IRI power at the relay reception and transmission and forming a criterion function for jointly calculating the optimal receive and transmit suppression vectors, respectively. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can improve the system performance.
Resistive switching characteristics of PECVD‐deposited porous SiO2‐based electrochemical metallisation memory cells
Authors: Zhou Jumei
Published: February 2016

Porous silicon dioxide (SiO2) solid‐electrolyte was prepared by the plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) method using silane and oxygen as reactive gases. The resistive switching characteristics of the ∼280 nm‐thick porous SiO2‐based electrochemical metallisation memory cells were investigated. The SEM and TEM images showed that the PECVD‐deposited SiO2 film was composed of nanogranular SiO2 particles with a plenty of nano‐channels. The electrical measurements showed that the silver/porous SiO2/indium tin oxide vertical cells exhibited good resistive switching behaviours with low switching voltage (<1.0 V) and good retention performance. Such porous SiO2‐based devices are promising for memory‐based flexible electronics applications.
Optimal primary pilot power allocation and secondary channel sensing in cognitive radios
Authors: Yu Heejung
Published: February 2016

Channel sensing in cognitive radio systems is examined with the objective to optimise primary user's power allocation in pilot signals in order to maximise the sum rate of both primary and secondary links. The pilot signal of the primary transmitter can be used not only for channel estimation at the primary receiver, but also for channel sensing at the secondary transmitter. A tradeoff exists between channel‐sensing performance and the sum rate of primary and secondary links. At first, the sum rate of primary and secondary networks can be increased by selecting the optimal operating point of channel sensing when a pre‐determined pilot is given. When pilot power can be controlled, the problem is formulated as a joint optimisation problem for the channel‐sensing performance and power allocation at the pilot signal. Using the optimal solutions, the maximum sum rate can be achieved. This joint optimisation problem has a unique solution that can be found numerically with an iterative manner and it has fast convergence characteristic. Channel sensing of the secondary user as well as an achievable rate of the primary user is considered in primary pilot power allocation.
Minimum entropy fault‐tolerant control for non‐Gaussian singular stochastic distribution systems
Authors: Yao Lina , Lei Chunhui , Guan Yacun , Wang Hong
Published: February 2016

This study presents a new fault diagnosis (FD) and fault‐tolerant control (FTC) algorithm for a discrete‐time non‐Gaussian singular stochastic distribution control (SDC) system. An adaptive observer is used to diagnose the fault of the singular stochastic distribution system. Furthermore, the gain of the observer and adaptive updated law can be formulated by solving the corresponding linear matrix inequality. Based on the estimated fault information, the controller is reconfigured by minimising the performance index with regard to the entropy subjected to mean constraint. The reconfigured controller can make the output of the post‐fault SDC system still have the minimum uncertainty, leading to the minimum entropy FTC of the non‐Gaussian singular SDC system. Computer simulations are given to demonstrate the validity of the FD and minimum entropy FTC algorithms.
Command filtered adaptive fuzzy backstepping control method of uncertain non‐linear systems
Authors: Wang Yongchao , Cao Lijia , Zhang Shengxiu , Hu Xiaoxiang , Yu Feixiong
Published: February 2016

The command filtered adaptive fuzzy backstepping control method has been proposed in this study. By using the command filter, it is not only the states, the actuator constraints, and the problem of ‘explosion of complexity’ in conventional backstepping have been solved, but also the calculation of partial derivatives is unnecessary, so that control law and update law become succinct. Fuzzy logic systems, designed in this study, are utilised in real‐time identification of the uncertain non‐linear functions. Throughout the process of controller design, the transformed style and Butterworth low‐pass filter are applied to solve the problem of unknown control directions. Using the Lyapunov theorem, it has been shown that the approach can guarantee all the signals of the resulting closed‐loop system are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, an application of the method has been made to the controller design of the attack angle of a hypersonic vehicle. The simulation results are given to prove the effectiveness of the method presented in this study.
Carotid Stenosis in Cardiac Surgery—No Difference in Postoperative Outcomes
Authors: Saadat Siavash , Dombrovskiy Victor , Frenchu Kiersten , Kanduri Jaya , Romero Joseph , Lemaire Anthony , Ghaly Aziz , Bastides George , Rahimi Saum , Lee Leonard , Schultheis Molly
Published: February 2016

Background Debate over revascularization of asymptomatic carotid stenosis before cardiac surgery is ongoing. In this study, we analyze cardiac surgery outcomes in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis at a single hospital.

Methods In this study, 1,781 patients underwent cardiac surgery from January 2012 to June 2013; 1,357 with preoperative screening carotid duplex were included. Patient demographics, comorbidities, degree of stenosis, postoperative complications, and mortality were evaluated. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results Asymptomatic stenosis was found in 403/1,357 patients (29.7%; 355 moderate and 48 severe). Patients with stenosis, compared with those without, were older (71.7 ± 11 vs. 66.3 ± 12 years; p < 0.01). Females were more likely to have stenosis (odd ratio, = 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–2.2); however, patients were predominantly male in both groups. There were no significant differences in the rates of mortality and postoperative complications, including stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Postoperative TIA occurred in 3/1,357(0.2%); only one had moderate stenosis. Inhospital stroke occurred in 21/1,357 (1.5%) patients; stroke rates were 2.3% (8/355) with moderate stenosis and 2.1% (1/48) severe stenosis. There were 59/1,357 (4.3%) deaths; patients with stenosis had a mortality rate of 4.2% (17/403); however, no postoperative stroke lead to death. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, gender, race, comorbidities, and postoperative complications did not show an impact of carotid stenosis on postoperative mortality and development of stroke after cardiac surgery.

Conclusion This study suggests that patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis undergoing cardiac surgery are not at increased risk of postoperative complications and mortality; thus, prophylactic carotid revascularization may not be indicated.
Kinematic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of the Degenerative Cervical Spine: Changes after Anterior Decompression and Cage Fusion
Authors: Obradov Marina , Bénard Menno R. , Janssen Michiel M. A. , Anderson Patricia G. , Heesterbeek Petra J. C. , Spruit Maarten
Published: February 2016

Study Design

A prospective cohort study.

Objective

Decompression and fusion of cervical vertebrae is a combined procedure that has a high success rate in relieving radicular symptoms and stabilizing or improving cervical myelopathy. However, fusion may lead to increased motion of the adjacent vertebrae and cervical deformity. Both have been postulated to lead to adjacent segment pathology (ASP). Kinematic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been increasingly used to evaluate range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine and ASP. Our objective was to measure ASP, cervical curvature, and ROM of individual segments of the cervical spine using kinematic MRI before and 24 months after monosegmental cage fusion.

Methods

Eighteen patients who had single-level interbody fusion were included. ROM (using kinematic MRI) and degeneration, spinal stenosis, and cervical curvature were measured preoperatively and 24 months postoperatively.

Results

Using kinematic MRI, segmental motion of the cervical segments was measured with a precision of less than 3 degrees. The cervical fusion did not affect the ROM of adjacent levels. However, pre- and postoperative ROM was higher at the levels immediately adjacent to the fusion level compared with those further away. In addition, at 24 months postoperatively, the number of cases with ASP was higher at the levels immediately adjacent to fusion level.

Conclusions

Using kinematic MRI, ROM after spinal fusion can be measured with high precision. Kinematic MRI can be used not only in clinical practice, but also to study intervention and its effect on postoperative biomechanics and ASP of cervical vertebrae.
Enhancement of contact line mobility by means of infrared laser illumination. I. Experiments
Authors: van den Tempel M. A. , Wedershoven H. M. J. M. , Zeegers J. C. H. , Riepen M. , Darhuber A. A.
Published: February 2016

The shape of a droplet moving on a solid substrate is largely determined by the mobility of its contact line. Above a certain critical velocity, the droplet typically disintegrates and leaves residual liquid behind. We studied experimentally how localized infrared laser illumination can stabilize it against the progressive loss of liquid. We systematically varied the substrate velocity, the laser power, and the laser spot position and found that the critical velocity of the droplet can be substantially increased. These results are potentially important for increasing throughput in immersion lithography systems.
Enhancement of contact line mobility by means of infrared laser illumination. II. Numerical simulations
Authors: Wedershoven H. M. J. M. , van den Tempel M. A. , Zeegers J. C. H. , Darhuber A. A.
Published: February 2016

A droplet that moves on a solid substrate with a velocity higher than a certain critical velocity disintegrates, i.e., leaves behind residual droplets. Infrared laser illumination can be used to increase the droplet mobility and suppress the shedding of droplets. By means of two-dimensional numerical simulations, we studied the effect of a non-uniform temperature distribution on the dynamics of straight receding contact lines. A streamfunction-vorticity model is used to describe the liquid flow in the vicinity of the receding contact line. The model takes into account the thermocapillary shear stress and the temperature-dependent liquid viscosity and density. A second, coupled model describes the laser-induced displacement of the contact line. Our results show that the reduction of the liquid viscosity with increasing temperature is the dominant mechanism for the increase of the critical velocity. Thermocapillary shear stresses are important primarily for low substrate speeds.
Advances in x-ray framing cameras at the National Ignition Facility to improve quantitative precision in x-ray imaging
Authors: Benedetti L. R. , Holder J. P. , Perkins M. , Brown C. G. , Anderson C. S. , Allen F. V. , Petre R. B. , Hargrove D. , Glenn S. M. , Simanovskaia N. , Bradley D. K. , Bell P.
Published: February 2016

We describe an experimental method to measure the gate profile of an x-ray framing camera and to determine several important functional parameters: relative gain (between strips), relative gain droop (within each strip), gate propagation velocity, gate width, and actual inter-strip timing. Several of these parameters cannot be measured accurately by any other technique. This method is then used to document cross talk-induced gain variations and artifacts created by radiation that arrives before the framing camera is actively amplifying x-rays. Electromagnetic cross talk can cause relative gains to vary significantly as inter-strip timing is varied. This imposes a stringent requirement for gain calibration. If radiation arrives before a framing camera is triggered, it can cause an artifact that manifests as a high-intensity, spatially varying background signal. We have developed a device that can be added to the framing camera head to prevent these artifacts.
Acetic acid–water complex: The first observation of structures containing the higher-energy acetic acid conformer
Authors: Lopes Susy , Fausto Rui , Khriachtchev Leonid
Published: February 2016

Non-covalent interaction of acetic acid (AA) and water is studied experimentally by IR spectroscopy in a nitrogen matrix and theoretically at the MP2 and coupled-cluster with single and double and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)]/6-311++G(2d,2p) levels of theory. This work is focused on the first preparation and characterization of complexes of higher-energy (cis) conformer of AA with water. The calculations show three 1:1 structures for the trans-AA⋯H2O complexes and three 1:1 structures for the cis-AA⋯H2O complexes. Two trans-AA⋯H2O and two cis-AA⋯H2O complexes are found and structurally assigned in the experiments. The two cis-AA⋯ ⋅ H2O complexes are obtained by annealing of a matrix containing water and cis-AA molecules prepared by selective vibrational excitation of the ground-state trans form. The less stable trans-AA⋯H2O complex is obtained by vibrational excitation of the less stable cis-AA⋯H2O complex. In addition, the 1:2 complexes of trans-AA and cis-AA with water molecules are studied computationally and the most stable forms of the 1:2 complexes are experimentally identified.
An examination of the elastic properties of tissue-mimicking phantoms using vibro-acoustography and a muscle motor system
Authors: Maccabi A. , Taylor Z. , Bajwa N. , Mallen-St. Clair J. , St. John M. , Sung S. , Grundfest W. , Saddik G.
Published: February 2016

Tissue hardness, often quantified in terms of elasticity, is an important differentiating criterion for pathological identity and is extensively used by surgeons for tumor localization. Delineation of malignant regions from benign regions is typically performed by visual inspection and palpation. Although practical, this method is highly subjective and does not provide quantitative metrics. We have previously reported on Vibro-Acoustography (VA) for tumor delineation. VA is unique in that it uses the specific, non-linear properties of tumor tissue in response to an amplitude modulated ultrasound beam to generate spatially resolved, high contrast maps of tissue. Although the lateral and axial resolutions (sub-millimeter and sub-centimeter, respectively) of VA have been extensively characterized, the relationship between static stiffness assessment (palpation) and dynamic stiffness characterization (VA) has not been explicitly established. Here we perform a correlative exploration of the static and dynamic properties of tissue-mimicking phantoms, specifically elasticity, using VA and a muscle motor system. Muscle motor systems, commonly used to probe the mechanical properties of materials, provide absolute, quantitative point measurements of the elastic modulus, analogous to Young’s modulus, of a target. For phantoms of varying percent-by-weight concentrations, parallel VA and muscle motor studies conducted on 18 phantoms reveal a negative correlation (p < − 0.85) between mean signal amplitude levels observed with VA and calculated elastic modulus values from force vs. indentation depth curves. Comparison of these elasticity measurements may provide additional information to improve tissue modeling, system characterization, as well as offer valuable insights for in vivo applications, specifically surgical extirpation of tumors.
General formulation of vibronic spectroscopy in internal coordinates
Authors: Baiardi Alberto , Bloino Julien , Barone Vincenzo
Published: February 2016

Our general platform integrating time-independent and time-dependent evaluations of vibronic effects at the harmonic level for different kinds of absorption and emission one-photon, conventional and chiral spectroscopies has been extended to support various sets of internal coordinates. Thanks to the implementation of analytical first and second derivatives of different internal coordinates with respect to cartesian ones, both vertical and adiabatic models are available, with the inclusion of mode mixing and, possibly, Herzberg-Teller contributions. Furthermore, all supported non-redundant sets of coordinates are built from a fully automatized algorithm using only a primitive redundant set derived from a bond order-based molecular topology. Together with conventional stretching, bending, and torsion coordinates, the availability of additional coordinates (including linear and out-of-plane bendings) allows a proper treatment of specific systems, including, for instance, inter-molecular hydrogen bridges. A number of case studies are analysed, showing that cartesian and internal coordinates are nearly equivalent for semi-rigid systems not experiencing significant geometry distortions between initial and final electronic states. At variance, delocalized (possibly weighted) internal coordinates become much more effective than their cartesian counterparts for flexible systems and/or in the presence of significant geometry distortions accompanying electronic transitions.
Relations between the longitudinal and transverse sound velocities in strongly coupled Yukawa fluids
Authors: Khrapak Sergey A.
Published: February 2016

Two useful relations between the longitudinal and transverse sound velocities of the strongly coupled single component Yukawa fluids are derived. The first relates the sound velocities given by the quasilocalized charge approximation (QLCA) to the excess pressure of the system. This is shown to be a mathematical identity within QLCA, applicable to any soft isotropic interaction potential. The second relates the same quantities to the fluid sound velocity obtained via the thermodynamic route. Both three-dimensional and two-dimensional cases are considered. The accuracy of the relations is verified using the available results based on direct numerical simulations.
Investigation of rarefied gas flow in microchannels of non-uniform cross section
Authors: Hemadri Vadiraj , Varade Vijay V. , Agrawal Amit , Bhandarkar U. V.
Published: February 2016

Study of rarefied gas flow in converging and diverging cross sections is crucial to the development of micro-nozzles and micro-thrusters. In other practical cases too, a microchannel may not always be straight and may include diverging and converging sections in the flow path. In this context, isothermal rarefied gas flow in microchannels of longitudinally varying cross section is studied experimentally in this work. The primary objective is to investigate the existence of Knudsen minimum in microchannels of varying cross sections. The effect of geometrical cross section and fluid properties on the Knudsen minimum are also investigated by performing experiments on three divergence angles (4°, 8°, and 12°) and three different gases (argon, nitrogen, and oxygen) to prove the robustness of the result. The Knudsen minimum, which is one of the characteristic features of rarefied flows, is experimentally observed for the first time in a microchannel of varying cross section. The position of the Knudsen minimum (at Kn ≈ 1) is seen to depend only weakly on the divergence angle and fluid properties.