bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NKX2-5 Mutations in an Inbred Consanguineous Population: Genetic and Phenotypic Diversity
Authors: Abou Hassan Ossama K. , Fahed Akl C. , Batrawi Manal , Arabi Mariam , Refaat Marwan M. , DePalma Steven R. , Seidman J. G. , Seidman Christine E. , Bitar Fadi F. , Nemer Georges M.
Published: March 2015

NKX2-5 mutations are associated with different forms of congenital heart disease. Despite the knowledge gained from molecular and animal studies, genotype-phenotype correlations in humans are limited by the lack of large cohorts and the incomplete assessment of family members. We hypothesized that studying the role of NKX2-5 in inbred populations with homogeneous genetic backgrounds and high consanguinity rates such as Lebanon could help closing this gap. We sequenced NKX2-5 in 188 index CHD cases (25 with ASD). Five variants (three segregated in families) were detected in eleven families including the previously documented p.R25C variant, which was found in seven patients from different families and in one healthy individual. In 3/5 familial dominant ASD cases, we identified an NKX2-5 mutation. In addition to the heterogeneity of NKX2-5 mutations, a diversity of phenotypes occurred within the families with predominant ASD and AV block. We did in fact identify a large prevalence of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) in families with truncating mutations and two patients with coronary sinus disease. NKX2-5 is thus responsible for dominant familial ASD even in consanguineous populations and a wide genetic and phenotypic diversity is characteristic of NKX2-5 mutations in the Lebanese population.
Functional interaction of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and Na+/K+ ATPase from Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen)
Authors: Bao Haibo , Sun Huahua , Xiao Youxin , Zhang Yixi , Wang Xin , Xu Xiaoyong , Liu Zewen , Fang Jichao , Li Zhong
Published: March 2015

Associated proteins are important for the correct functioning of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In the present study, a neonicotinoid-agarose affinity column was used to isolate related proteins from a solubilized membrane preparation from the nervous system of Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen). 1530 peptides were identified and most of them were involved in the membranous structure, molecular interaction and cellular communication. Among these peptides, Na+/K+ ATPase had the highest MASCOT score and were involved in the molecular interaction, which suggested that Na+/K+ ATPase and nAChRs might have strong and stable interactions in insect central nervous system. In the present study, functional interactions between nAChRs and Na+/K+ ATPase were examined by heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes. The results showed that the activated nAChRs increased pump currents of Na+/K+ ATPase, which did not require current flow through open nAChRs. In turn, Na+/K+ ATPase significantly increased agonist sensitivities of nAChRs in a pump activity-independent manner and reduced the maximum current (Imax) of nAChRs. These findings provide novel insights concerning the functional interactions between insect nAChRs and Na+/K+ ATPase.
Common marmosets show social plasticity and group-level similarity in personality
Authors: Koski Sonja E. , Burkart Judith M.
Published: March 2015

The social environment influences animal personality on evolutionary and immediate time scales. However, studies of animal personality rarely assess the effects of the social environment, particularly in species that live in stable groups with individualized relationships. We assessed personality experimentally in 17 individuals of the common marmoset, living in four groups. We found their personality to be considerably modified by the social environment. Marmosets exhibited relatively high plasticity in their behaviour and showed ‘group-personality’, i.e. group-level similarity in the personality traits. In exploratory behaviour this was maintained only in the social environment but not when individuals were tested alone, suggesting that exploration tendency is subjected to social facilitation. Boldness, in contrast, showed higher consistency across the social and solitary conditions and the group-level similarity in trait scores was sustained also outside of the immediate social environment. The ‘group-personality’ was not due to genetic relatedness, supporting that it was produced by social effects. We hypothesize that ‘group-personality’ may be adaptive for highly cooperative animals through facilitating cooperation among individuals with similar behavioural tendency.
Majorana fermions in ferromagnetic chains on the surface of bulk spin-orbit coupled s-wave superconductors
Authors: Hui Hoi-Yin , Brydon P. M. R. , Sau Jay D. , Tewari S. , Sarma S. Das
Published: March 2015

Majorana fermion (MF) excitations in solid state system have non-Abelian statistics which is essential for topological quantum computation. Previous proposals to realize MF, however, generally requires fine-tuning of parameters. Here we explore a platform which avoids the fine-tuning problem, namely a ferromagnetic chain deposited on the surface of a spin-orbit coupled s-wave superconductor. We show that it generically supports zero-energy topological MF excitations near the two ends of the chain with minimal fine-tuning. Depending on the strength of the ferromagnetic moment in the chain, the number of MFs at each end, n, can be either one or two and should be revealed by a robust zero-bias peak (ZBP) of height 2 ne2/h in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements which would show strong (weak) signals at the ends (middle) of the chain. The role of an approximate chiral symmetry which gives an integer topological invariant to the system is discussed.
Development of an electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EC-SERS) aptasensor for direct detection of DNA hybridization
Authors: Karaballi R. A. , Nel A. , Krishnan S. , Blackburn J. , Brosseau C. L.
Published: March 2015

Direct, label-free detection of DNA hybridization using EC-SERS.
Release of proteins and enzymes from vesicular compartments by alternating magnetic fields
Authors: Booth Andrew , Pintre Inmaculada C. , Lin Yue , Gough Julie E. , Webb Simon J.
Published: March 2015

The self-assembly of avidin, biotinylated vesicles and biotinylated (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane-coated magnetite nanoparticles gave a nanomaterial able to magnetically release catalytically active enzymes from vesicular compartments.
Naringin protects against anoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells via the Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Chen R. C. , Sun G. B. , Wang J. , Zhang H. J. , Sun X. B.
Published: March 2015

Naringin (Nar) is a major and active flavanone glycoside derivative of several citrus species.
Membrane-interacting properties of the functionalised fatty acid moiety of muraymycin antibiotics
Authors: Ries Oliver , Carnarius Christian , Steinem Claudia , Ducho Christian
Published: March 2015

A simplified model system is introduced to elucidate the significance of the ω-functionalised fatty acid moiety of muraymycin nucleoside antibiotics for membrane interaction and penetration.
Controlled fabrication of porous metals from the nanometer to the macroscopic scale
Authors: Kränzlin Niklaus , Niederberger Markus
Published: March 2015

We discuss fabrication techniques for porous metals with the focus on how to control the architecture over several length scales.
A comparative theoretical study on energetic substituted 1,2,3- and 1,2,4-triazoles: the azido-cyclization mechanism and the effect of solvent
Authors: He Piao , Zhang Jian-Guo , Wang Kun , Jin Xin , Yin Xin , Zhang Tong-Lai , Zhang Shaowen
Published: March 2015

The azido-cyclization of 4,5-diazido-1,2,3-triazole and 3,5-diazido-1,2,4-triazole and the effect of solvent have been investigated using the hybrid DFT at the B3LYP/6-311G* level.
Photoresponsive supramolecular gels based on amphiphiles with azobenzene and maltose or polyethyleneglycol polar head
Authors: Clemente María José , Tejedor Rosa María , Romero Pilar , Fitremann Juliette , Oriol Luis
Published: March 2015

Photoresponsive supramolecular gelators have been synthesized using PEG or d-maltose as polar head. Incorporation of azobenzene photoresponsive moieties allows controlling the supramolecular gel structure, including a reversible gel–sol transition using light as external stimulus.
Design of hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane and polybenzoxazine hybrids for interlayer low k dielectrics
Authors: Sasi kumar Ramachandran , Padmanathan Narayanasamy , Alagar Muthukaruppan
Published: March 2015

Graphical representation of layer-by-layer arrangement of polydimethylsiloxane based polybenzoxazine hybrids.
Microwave promoted C–O coupling for synthesizing O-aryloxytriazole nucleoside analogues
Authors: Cong Mei , Xia Yi , Tang Jingjie , Borge Laurence , Quéléver Gilles , Iovanna Juan L. , Rocchi Palma , Peng Ling
Published: March 2015

A convenient and effective microwave-promoted synthesis of O-aryloxytriazole nucleosides was established, leading to an interesting candidate with anticancer activity.
“H2 sponge”: pressure as a means for reversible high-capacity hydrogen storage in nanoporous Ca-intercalated covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Gao Fei , Sun Jia Tao , Meng Sheng
Published: March 2015

We explore the potential and advantages of Ca-intercalated covalent organic framework-1 (CaCOF-1) as a 3-dimensional (3D) layered material for reversible hydrogen storage.
Physicochemical and cytotoxicity analysis of glycerol monoolein-based nanoparticles
Authors: Hartnett Terence E. , Ladewig Katharina , O'Connor Andrea J. , Hartley Patrick G. , McLean Keith M.
Published: March 2015

This article demonstrates the importance of stabiliser selection and temperature control when producing cubosomes using the ‘salt-induced’ production technique.
An experimental and theoretical study of the kinetics of the reaction between 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-butanone and OH radicals
Authors: Priya Angappan Mano , El Dib Gisèle , Senthilkumar Lakshmipathi , Sleiman Chantal , Tomas Alexandre , Canosa André , Chakir Abdelkhaleq
Published: March 2015

Absolute experimental and theoretical rate constants are determined for the first time for the reaction of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-butanone with OH as a function of temperature. The atmospheric implications are discussed.
Estimation of the concentration and mobility of mobile Li+ in the cubic garnet-type Li7La3Zr2O12
Authors: Ahmad Mohamad M.
Published: March 2015

The concentration of mobile Li+ is independent of temperature, and represents a small fraction of the total Li+ density, whereas the conductivity is controlled by Li+ mobility.
Nonvolatile memory devices based on carbon nano-dot doped poly(vinyl alcohol) composites with low operation voltage and high ON/OFF ratio
Authors: Meng Lingqiang , Lan Minhuan , Guo Liang , Xie Lisha , Hui Wang Hui Wang , Ge Jiechao , Liu Weimin , Wang Ying , Wang Pengfei
Published: March 2015

Carbon nano-dots were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and integrated into the poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix as charge carrier trapping centers for nonvolatile memory devices.
Dandelion-like core–shell silica microspheres with hierarchical pores
Authors: Min Yi , Yang Kaiguang , Liang Zhen , Zhang Lihua , Zhang Yukui
Published: March 2015

A dual-template method was proposed to prepare dandelion-like core–shell silica microspheres with center radial pores by one-step reaction.
Self-polymerization of dopamine and polyethyleneimine: novel fluorescent organic nanoprobes for biological imaging applications
Authors: Liu Meiying , Ji Jinzhao , Zhang Xiaoyong , Zhang Xiqi , Yang Bin , Deng Fengjie , Li Zhen , Wang Ke , Yang Yang , Wei Yen
Published: March 2015

Novel fluorescent organic nanoparticles based on self-polymerization of dopamine and polyethyleneimine were prepared and utilized for biological imaging applications.
Solution-derived YBa2Cu3O7−δ(YBCO) superconducting films with BaZrO3(BZO) nanodots based on reverse micelle stabilized nanoparticles
Authors: Bretos Iñigo , Schneller Theodor , Falter Martina , Bäcker Michael , Hollmann Eugen , Wördenweber Roger , Molina-Luna Leopoldo , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Eibl Oliver
Published: March 2015

Hybrid solutions of triflouroacetate YBCO precursors and BZO nanoparticles were synthesized and deposited to yield superconducting YBCO–BZO nanocomposite films.
Band-edge modulated ZnO pomegranates-on-paper photodetector
Authors: Li Haili , Jiao Shujie , Li Hongtao , Li Lin , Zhang Xitian
Published: March 2015

We report a grain and grain-boundary induced energy-edge modulated ZnO pomegranates-on-paper photodetector with high flexibility, low dark current, high responsivity and quick response.
A strategy for minimizing background signal in autoinductive signal amplification reactions for point-of-need assays
Authors: Brooks Adam D. , Yeung Kimy , Lewis Gregory G. , Phillips Scott T.
Published: March 2015

This paper describes a small molecule signal amplification reagent and an assay strategy that incorporates in situ signal amplification with minimal production of background signal.
Unprecedented formation of η4-(vinylketene)iron complexes from η4-(diene)iron complexes and aromatic compounds in the presence of a Lewis acid
Authors: Okauchi Tatsuo , Sata Naoki , Urakawa Akihiro , Kitamura Mitsuru
Published: March 2015

Treatment of η4-(diene)iron complexes with GaCl3or AlCl3in the presence of aromatic compounds affords η4-(vinylketene)iron complexes.
Aggregates of silicon quantum dots as a drug carrier: selective intracellular drug release based on pH-responsive aggregation/dispersion
Authors: Ohta Seiichi , Yamura Kentaro , Inasawa Susumu , Yamaguchi Yukio
Published: March 2015

A novel, controlled drug-release system was developed based on aggregation/dispersion of silicon quantum dots (Si-QDs) in response to a change in the pH environment.
Voltage induced electrochemical reactions in the single lithium-rich layer-oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Li Tao , Song Bohang , Lu Li , Zeng Kaiyang
Published: March 2015

As a crucial building block of the electrode in the lithium-ion battery (LIB), single nanoparticles that respond to an electric field have rarely been characterized experimentally.
QM/MM studies reveal pathways leading to the quenching of the formation of thymine dimer photoproduct by flanking bases
Authors: Lee Wook , Matsika Spiridoula
Published: March 2015

After absorption of UV light, formation of CPD may occur. This reaction is in competition with exciplexes formed by the CT states between thymine and a flanking base.
Are intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs also intramolecular catalysts? A theoretical study on H2 activation
Authors: Liu Zeonjuk Lei , St. Petkov Petko , Heine Thomas , Röschenthaler Gerd-Volker , Eicher Johannes , Vankova Nina
Published: March 2015

The mechanism of H2 activation by linked FLPs is revisited. The intermolecular reaction channel proposed as an alternative to the intramolecular channel provides consistent explanation for the different FLP reactivity.
Enhanced performance of PbS-sensitized solar cells via controlled successive ionic-layer adsorption and reaction
Authors: Abbas Muhammad A. , Basit Muhammad A. , Park Tae Joo , Bang Jin Ho
Published: March 2015

The performance of PbS-sensitized solar cells is significantly improved by controlling successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction.
Recent advances in the use of chiral metal complexes with achiral ligands for application in asymmetric catalysis
Authors: Cao Zhong-Yan , Brittain William D. G. , Fossey John S. , Zhou Feng
Published: March 2015

Recent progress in asymmetric catalysis using chiral only-at-metal complexes is reviewed, with emphasis on Ir(iii) and Rh(iii) systems.
Adenosine/guanosine-3′,5′-bis-phosphates as biocompatible and selective Zn2+-ion chelators. Characterization and comparison with adenosine/guanosine-5′-di-phosphate
Authors: Sayer Alon Haim , Blum Eliav , Major Dan Thomas , Vardi-Kilshtain Alexandra , Levi Hevroni Bosmat , Fischer Bilha
Published: March 2015

Nucleoside-bisphosphates are Zn2+-selective chelators, involving outer-sphere Zn2+-coordination.
Bioremediation of the oil spill polluted marine intertidal zone and its toxicity effect on microalgae
Authors: Pi Yongrui , Xu Nana , Bao Mutai , Li Yiming , Lv Dong , Sun Peiyan
Published: March 2015

Custom-designed devices with 0.6 m (L) × 0.3 m (W) × 0.4 m (H) and a microbial consortium were applied to simulate bioremediation on the oil spill-polluted marine intertidal zone.
CO2 methanation over heterogeneous catalysts: recent progress and future prospects
Authors: Aziz M. A. A. , Jalil A. A. , Triwahyono S. , Ahmad A.
Published: March 2015

This review describes an overview on much of the recent work in catalytic methanation of CO2 and its future prospects.
Preparation of self-supported crystalline merlinoite-type zeolite W membranes through vacuum filtration and crystallization for CO2/CH4 separations
Authors: Yeo Zee Ying , Chai Siang-Piao , Zhu Peng Wei , Mah Shee-Keat , Mohamed Abdul Rahman
Published: March 2015

Zeolite W membranes were grown on their seed pellets prepared via a straightforward vacuum filtration method followed by crystallization, rendering them self-supported.
A novel sensor for sensitive determination of atropine based on a Co3O4-reduced graphene oxide modified carbon paste electrode
Authors: Bagheri Hasan , Arab Seyedeh Maryam , Khoshsafar Hosein , Afkhami Abbas
Published: March 2015

Co3O4-reduced graphene oxide acted as a selective and sensitive modifier in a sensing layer for electrochemical determination of atropine.
The synthesis of an octasubstituted monohydroxylated phthalocyanine designed to investigate the effect of the presence of active moieties
Authors: Tarakci Deniz Kutlu , Berber Savaş , Zorlu Yunus , Atilla Devrim , Ahsen Vefa , Dumoulin Fabienne
Published: March 2015

Filling a lack: monofunctionalized octasubstitution, the missing substitution pattern of phthalocyanines.
Tuning thermal contact conductance at graphene–copper interfaceviasurface nanoengineering
Authors: Hong Yang , Li Lei , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Zhang Jingchao
Published: March 2015

By introducing a surface nanoengineering design at sub-nm level, the thermal contact resistance between graphene and copper is reduced by 17% due to enhanced phonon couplings across the interface.
Phosphorylated 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine for advanced DNA labeling
Authors: Seo Siyoong , Onizuka Kazumitsu , Nishioka Chieko , Takahashi Eiki , Tsuneda Satoshi , Abe Hiroshi , Ito Yoshihiro
Published: March 2015

The representative DNA-labeling agent 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) was chemically modified to improve its function. Monophosphrylation was to enhance its efficiency and bis-pivaloyloxymethyl protecting group was for membrane permeability.
Organocatalytic enantioselective Michael addition of cyclic hemiacetals to nitroolefins: a facile access to chiral substituted 5- and 6-membered cyclic ethers
Authors: Zhu Yadong , Qian Pengfei , Yang Jiyang , Chen Shaohua , Hu Yanwei , Wu Ping , Wang Wei , Zhang Wei , Zhang Shilei
Published: March 2015

An efficient aminocatalytic enantioselective Michael addition of readily available cyclic hemiacetals to nitroolefins has been developed.
Facile preparation of a soluble polymer containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane units in its main chain
Authors: Tokunaga Takahiro , Koge Sayako , Mizumo Tomonobu , Ohshita Joji , Kaneko Yoshiro
Published: March 2015

A soluble polymer containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) units in its main chain was successfully prepared in one-step by hydrolytic condensation of a mixture of AEAPTMS and BTMSPA using the aqueous CF3SO3H.
Sequential two-stage polymerization for synthesis of isotactic polypropylene/isotactic polybutene-1 alloys: composition, morphology and granule growing mechanism
Authors: Jiang Baiyu , Shao Huafeng , Nie Huarong , He Aihua
Published: March 2015

A crystalline/crystalline iPP/iPB alloy was synthesized to illustrate the sequential two-stage polymerization mechanism and active site distribution during this process.
Pt@ZIF-8 composite for the regioselective hydrogenation of terminal unsaturations in 1,3-dienes and alkynes
Authors: Stephenson Casey J. , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K.
Published: March 2015

Size and regioselective catalysis in a Pt@ZIF-8 composite.
Property of YAG:Ce3+ nanophosphors prepared by solvothermal method using triethylene-tetramine as a reaction solvent
Authors: Wang Likai , Zhao Fenghua , Yang Xianfeng , Pan Chunyang , Huang Huimin
Published: March 2015

Spherical YAG:Ce3+ nanophosphors (NPs) with a particle size of 200 nm were successfully synthesized by a solvothermal method with improved PL properties by systematically optimizing the holding time, Ce3+ doping concentration and filling factor of the autoclave.
Synthesis, characterization and nonlinear optical studies of novel blue-light emitting room temperature truxene discotic liquid crystals
Authors: Vinayakumara D. R. , Kumar Manish , Sreekanth P. , Philip Reji , Kumar Sandeep
Published: March 2015

A new series of discotic liquid crystals based on a truxene core has been synthesized to study the structure–property relationship in view of the self-assembling property and their linear and nonlinear optical properties.
Reversible and oriented immobilization of histidine-tagged protein on silica gel characterized by frontal analysis
Authors: Gao Xiaokang , Li Yunzhe , Qin Yu , Chen Enhui , Li Qian , Zhao Xinfeng , Bian Liujiao , Zheng Jianbin , Li Zijian , Zhang Youyi , Zheng Xiaohui
Published: March 2015

UtilizingN,N′-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-lysine (ANTA) combined with bivalent metal cation Ni2+, which leaving free sites for the reversible binding of gene recombinant histidine-tagged β2-adrenoceptor onto silica gel.
Giant actuation in bulk carbon nanotubes under coupled electric and magnetic fields
Authors: Gowda Prarthana , Mukherjee Soumalya , Reddy Siva K. , Ghosh Rituparna , Misra Abha
Published: March 2015

The transformation of electrostrictive to piezoelectric behavior is observed in carbon nanotube under coupled electro-magnetic field. Five times higher actuation response was observed under coupled field as compared to the individual fields.
Insight into the structural and functional features of myoglobin from Hystrix cristata L. and Rangifer tarandus L.
Authors: Di Giuseppe Antonella M. A. , Caso Jolanda V. , Severino Valeria , Ragucci Sara , Chambery Angela , Russo Rosita , Fattorusso Roberto , Ferreras José M. , Russo Luigi , Di Maro Antimo
Published: March 2015

Myoglobins (Mbs) fromHystrix cristataL. andRangifer tarandusL. have been isolated and characterised.
MnO2 doped CeO2 with tailored 3-D channels exhibits excellent performance for NH3-SCR of NO
Authors: Wei Yajuan , Sun Yan , Su Wei , Liu Jia
Published: March 2015

Due to a high surface area and 3-D meso-channels, the catalyst exhibits high performance for NH3-SCR of NO.
Synthesis and characterization of BiPO4/g-C3N4 nanocomposites with significantly enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity for benzene degradation
Authors: Zou Xuejun , Ran Chunqiu , Dong Yuying , Chen Zhaobo , Dong Dapeng , Hu Dongxue , Li Xinyong , Cui Yubo
Published: March 2015

BiPO4/g-C3N4 nanocomposites were fabricated by a hydrothermal method including calcination and showed high photocatalytic activity under visible light.
Immobilization of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase on ZnO nanoparticles: mimicking the interfacial environment
Authors: Shah Ekta , Mahapatra Paramita , Bedekar Ashutosh V. , Soni Hemant P.
Published: March 2015

In this study, we propose that enzyme activity on immobilization can be controlled and enhanced by providing the environment mimicking the lipid/water interface.
Single-step synthesis of DME from syngas on CuZnAl–zeolite bifunctional catalysts: the influence of zeolite type
Authors: Xie Qinglong , Chen Paul , Peng Pu , Liu Shiyu , Peng Peng , Zhang Bo , Cheng Yanling , Wan Yiqin , Liu Yuhuan , Ruan Roger
Published: March 2015

In this study, single-step synthesis of DME from syngas on bifunctional catalysts containing Cu–ZnO–Al2O3 and seven different zeolites was investigated.
Magnetic iron oxide and iron oxide@gold nanoparticle anchored nitrogen and sulfur-functionalized reduced graphene oxide electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation
Authors: Atar Necip , Eren Tanju , Yola Mehmet Lütfi , Karimi-Maleh Hassan , Demirdögen Bermali
Published: March 2015

Fuel cells have been attracting more and more attention in recent decades due to high-energy demands, fossil fuel depletions and environmental pollution throughout world.
Optical trapping of interfaces at ultra-low interfacial tension
Authors: Verhoeff A. A. , Lavergne F. A. , Bartolo D. , Aarts D. G. A. L. , Dullens R. P. A.
Published: March 2015

We actively control interfacial phenomena by optically trapping the interface in phase separated colloid–polymer mixtures using the gradient forces of a strongly focussed laser beam parallel to the interface.
Core–shell-structured nanoporous PtCu with high Cu content and enhanced catalytic performance
Authors: Qiu H.-J. , Xu H. T. , Li X. , Wang J. Q. , Wang Y.
Published: March 2015

A general strategy has been developed to fabricate core–shell-structured nanoporous alloys with a high percentage of active metals (over 50 at%).
The impact of the particle size of a metal–organic framework for sulfur storage in Li–S batteries
Authors: Zhou Junwen , Yu Xiaosong , Fan Xinxin , Wang Xiaojuan , Li Haiwei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Wei , Zheng Jie , Wang Bo , Li Xingguo
Published: March 2015

We report for the first time the influence of the particle size of a porous sulfur host on the sulfur utilization and cycling stability of Li–S batteries.
Chemical activation of boron nitride fibers for improved cationic dye removal performance
Authors: Li Jie , Huang Yang , Liu Zhenya , Zhang Jun , Liu Xiaoxi , Luo Han , Ma Yuanhui , Xu Xuewen , Lu Yang , Lin Jing , Zou Jin , Tang Chengchun
Published: March 2015

Adsorption represents an efficient and economical approach for water purification and substantial research is being performed to develop effective sorbent materials.
Pyrite FeS2 microspheres wrapped by reduced graphene oxide as high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Xue Hongtao , Yu Denis Y. W. , Qing Jian , Yang Xia , Xu Jun , Li Zhangpeng , Sun Mingliang , Kang Wenpei , Tang Yongbing , Lee Chun-Sing
Published: March 2015

A composite of pyrite FeS2 microspheres wrapped by reduced graphene oxide (FeS2/rGO) has been synthesized by a facile one-step solvothermal method and applied as an anode in lithium ion batteries (LIBs).
Methane hydrate formation with surfactants fixed on the surface of polystyrene nanospheres
Authors: Wang Fei , Luo Sheng-Jun , Fu Shan-Fei , Jia Zhen-Zhen , Dai Meng , Wang Chuan-Shui , Guo Rong-Bo
Published: March 2015

SDS@PSNS was used as a promoter in methane hydrate formation and efficient promotion and good recycling were achieved.
Delivery of demineralized bone matrix powder using a salt-leached silk fibroin carrier for bone regeneration
Authors: Ding Xili , Wei Xing , Huang Yan , Guan Changdong , Zou Tongqiang , Wang Shuo , Liu Haifeng , Fan Yubo
Published: March 2015

A salt-leached porous silk fibroin carrier was fabricated to improve the handling properties of DBM powder and to support the attachment, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Silver nanowire coated threads for electrically conductive textiles
Authors: Atwa Yahya , Maheshwari Nupur , Goldthorpe Irene A.
Published: March 2015

Nylon, polyester, and cotton threads are coated with networks of silver nanowires to render them electrically conductive.
Mitochondrial pyruvate transport: a historical perspective and future research directions
Authors: McCommis Kyle S. , Finck Brian N.
Published: March 2015

Pyruvate is the end-product of glycolysis, a major substrate for oxidative metabolism, and a branching point for glucose, lactate, fatty acid and amino acid synthesis. The mitochondrial enzymes that metabolize pyruvate are physically separated from cytosolic pyruvate pools and rely on a membrane transport system to shuttle pyruvate across the impermeable inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). Despite long-standing acceptance that transport of pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix by a carrier-mediated process is required for the bulk of its metabolism, it has taken almost 40 years to determine the molecular identity of an IMM pyruvate carrier. Our current understanding is that two proteins, mitochondrial pyruvate carriers MPC1 and MPC2, form a hetero-oligomeric complex in the IMM to facilitate pyruvate transport. This step is required for mitochondrial pyruvate oxidation and carboxylation–critical reactions in intermediary metabolism that are dysregulated in several common diseases. The identification of these transporter constituents opens the door to the identification of novel compounds that modulate MPC activity, with potential utility for treating diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and other common causes of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the present review is to detail the historical, current and future research investigations concerning mitochondrial pyruvate transport, and discuss the possible consequences of altered pyruvate transport in various metabolic tissues.
Integrated‐optic OFDM signal multiplexer composed of optical IFFT circuit
Authors: Takiguchi K. , Miwa T.
Published: March 2015

An integrated optical device that is able to multiplex modulated signals to an optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal directly in the optical domain is demonstrated. The device operates based on optical inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT). It is composed of directional couplers, delay lines and a combiner, which was fabricated with silica waveguide technology. The operation was experimentally confirmed by generating 40 and 80 Gbit/s optical OFDM signals.
Super‐resolution ISAR imaging via 2D unitary ESPRIT
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Min , Zhao Jia
Published: March 2015

A novel method employing two‐dimensional (2D) unitary ESPRIT and a spatial smoothing technique is proposed for super‐resolution ISAR imaging. The spatial smoothing technique is employed to resolve the contradiction that 2D unitary ESPRIT requests multiple snapshots; however, in radar imaging applications only one snapshot of the radar data are available. Experimental results are presented to verify the high resolution and feasibility of the proposed imaging algorithm in ISAR imaging.
Prime‐set‐based neighbour discovery algorithm for low duty‐cycle dynamic WSNs
Authors: Chen Liangyin , Li Yecheng , Chen Yanru , Liu Kai , Zhang Jingyu , Cheng Yanhong , You Hongyue , Luo Qian
Published: March 2015

A novel probabilistic algorithm for low duty‐cycle dynamic (mobile sensors) wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is proposed. The rapid development of smart phones and mobile sensors had fostered a demand for opportunistic encounter‐based networking to support mobile social networking and proximity‐based gaming. However, the performance of such applications was restricted by a lack of specialised neighbour discovery algorithms. For existing algorithms, even though the probabilistic algorithms have good performance in average discovery latency, when working with a low duty‐cycle, the performance is not so encouraging. Deterministic algorithms can provide bound time for the worst discovery latency, but they sacrificed the average discovery latency. In response, a novel prime‐set‐based neighbour discovery algorithm (PSBA) is proposed. The PSBA is a probabilistic algorithm tailored to low duty‐cycle dynamic WSNs. Leveraging on the certainty of the deterministic algorithm and the randomness of the probabilistic algorithm, the inherent long tail of the probabilistic algorithm can be improved. Also, the average discovery latency of the PSBA can be drastically reduced compared to existing algorithms, which precisely meets the requirements in low duty‐cycle dynamic WSNs.
Error performance of two‐hop decode and forward relaying systems with source and relay transmit antenna selection
Authors: Kumbhani B. , Kshetrimayum R.S.
Published: March 2015

The error performance of two‐hop cooperative communication (CC) systems with transmit antenna selection (TAS) at the source and relay over η − μ fading channels is analysed. The probability density function of the received signal‐to‐noise ratio and the average bit error rate of two‐hop CC systems with a source‐destination direct link and TAS at both the source and the relay is derived. The exactness of the analytical expressions is validated by the close agreement of the Monte Carlo simulation results and the analytical results.
Sharpening the linear programming bound for linear Lee codes
Authors: Astola H. , Tabus I.
Published: March 2015

Finding the largest code with a given minimum distance is one of the most basic problems in coding theory. A sharpening to the linear programming bound for linear codes in the Lee metric is introduced, which is based on an invariance‐type property of Lee compositions of a linear code. Using this property, additional equality constraints are introduced into the linear programming problem, which give a tighter bound for linear Lee codes.
Motion objects segmentation based on structural similarity background modelling
Authors: Luo Yong , Guan Ye Peng
Published: March 2015

It is important to efficiently segment motion objects from video in computer vision applications. A novel foreground segmentation approach has been developed based on structural similarity background modelling, which responds quickly to sudden illumination changes and dynamic background. Both structural similarity map and environmental variation parameters are taken as a dynamic feedback controller to update the background. A multi‐modal features fusion strategy has been proposed to segment foregrounds in a dynamic cluttered scene without any hypothesis for the scenario content in advance. Experiments for videos with some challenging content have been performed. Comparative study with state‐of‐the‐art methods has indicated the superior performance of the proposed method.
Preparation of hollow cone‐like ZnO/CoFe2O4 heterostructures and their photocatalytic properties
Authors: Ye Linjing , Yan Chao , Jiang Yunjie , Yang Qianyi , Lu Chenchen , Guan Weisheng
Published: March 2015

Heterostructures of hollow cone‐like ZnO/CoFe2O4 nanocomposites (NPs) are successfully fabricated by a two‐step hydrothermal route with the assistance of Si substrate as the template. The material structure, composition, morphology as well as the magnetic property have been investigated via scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, an X‐ray diffractometer and a vibrating sample magnetometer. Photocatalytic performance was also examined. The NPs have a bone‐structure of ZnO coated with CoFe2O4NPs, which have a cone‐like feature with a diameter of 200–300 nm and 200 nm in the hole with a large surface‐to‐volume ratio. It is the special heterostructures that bring about a novel high surface area leading to highly efficient photo‐degradation in visible light and recyclability because of ferromagnetism. The degradation of tetracycline of NPs reaches 81.03% in 120 min.
From simplicial Chern-Simons theory to the shadow invariant II
Authors: Hahn Atle
Published: March 2015

This is the second of a series of papers in which we introduce and study a rigorous “simplicial” realization of the non-Abelian Chern-Simons path integral for manifolds M of the form M = Σ × S1 and arbitrary simply connected compact structure groups G. More precisely, we introduce, for general links L in M, a rigorous simplicial version WLOrig(L) of the corresponding Wilson loop observable WLO(L) in the so-called “torus gauge” by Blau and Thompson [Nucl. Phys. B 408(2), 345–390 (1993)]. For a simple class of links L, we then evaluate WLOrig(L) explicitly in a non-perturbative way, finding agreement with Turaev’s shadow invariant L.
Transformation pathways in high-pressure solid nitrogen: From molecular N2 to polymeric cg-N
Authors: Plašienka Dušan , Martoňák Roman
Published: March 2015

The transformation pathway in high-pressure solid nitrogen from N2 molecular state to polymeric cg-N phase was investigated by means of ab initio molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations. In our study, we observed a transformation mechanism starting from molecular Immm phase that initiated with formation of trans-cis chains. These chains further connected within layers and formed a chain-planar state, which we describe as a mixture of two crystalline structures—trans-cis chain phase and planar phase, both with Pnma symmetry. This mixed state appeared in molecular dynamics performed at 120 GPa and 1500 K and in the metadynamics run at 110 GPa and 1500 K, where the chains continued to reorganize further and eventually formed cg-N. During separate simulations, we also found two new phases—molecular P21/c and two-three-coordinated chain-like Cm. The transformation mechanism heading towards cg-N can be characterized as a progressive polymerization process passing through several intermediate states of variously connected trans-cis chains. In the final stage of the transformation chains in the layered form rearrange collectively and develop new intraplanar as well as interplanar bonds leading to the geometry of cg-N. Chains with alternating trans and cis conformation were found to be the key entity—structural pattern governing the dynamics of the simulated molecular-polymeric transformation in compressed nitrogen.
Study of the shock wave structure by regularized Grad’s set of equations
Authors: Timokhin M. Yu. , Bondar Ye. A. , Kokhanchik A. A. , Ivanov M. S. , Ivanov I. E. , Kryukov I. A.
Published: March 2015

In this work, we continue to study the possibility of applying moment equations for strongly nonequilibrium flows by an example of the problem of the shock wave structure in a monatomic gas in a wide range of Mach numbers for various models of molecular interaction. The object of the study is the so-called regularized 13-moment Grad’s system (R13). First time, both linear and nonlinear versions of this system of equations were considered for the problem at such wide range of parameters. The Godunov method with increased accuracy is used as a numerical tool for solving the R13 system. The numerical results for the R13 system are analyzed by using data obtained by the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method, experimental data, and analytical results. As a whole, the R13 system provides an adequate description of the shock wave structure in a wide range of Mach numbers. For Mach numbers around 2, good agreement with experimental and DSMC results is observed for both linear and nonlinear versions of the system. For high Mach numbers, the result strongly depends on the molecular interaction model used: shock wave structure predictions of the nonlinear R13 system are better for Maxwell molecules and worse for hard spheres as compared to the linear version. Particular attention in this work is paid to studying nonmonotonicity of the total temperature profile (temperature overshoot) in the structure of a strong shock wave. It is shown that the moment equations correctly predict the existence of the temperature overshoot. At the same time, the solution of the moment equations overpredicts the temperature overshoot at least two-fold for Mach number M = 8, and the nonlinear version of the R13 system yields a better result for this parameter than the linear version.
Low-pressure hydrogen discharge maintenance in a large-size plasma source with localized high radio-frequency power deposition
Authors: Todorov D. , Shivarova A. , Paunska Ts. , Tarnev Kh.
Published: March 2015

The development of the two-dimensional fluid-plasma model of a low-pressure hydrogen discharge, presented in the study, is regarding description of the plasma maintenance in a discharge vessel with the configuration of the SPIDER source. The SPIDER source, planned for the neutral-beam-injection plasma-heating system of ITER, is with localized high RF power deposition to its eight drivers (cylindrical-coil inductive discharges) and a large-area second chamber, common for all the drivers. The continuity equations for the charged particles (electrons and the three types of positive ions) and for the neutral species (atoms and molecules), their momentum equations, the energy balance equations for electrons, atoms and molecules and the Poisson equations are involved in the discharge description. In addition to the local processes in the plasma volume, the surface processes of particle reflection and conversion on the walls as well as for a heat exchange with the walls are included in the model. The analysis of the results stresses on the role of the fluxes (particle and energy fluxes) in the formation of the discharge structure. The conclusion is that the discharge behavior is completely obeyed to non-locality. The latter is displayed by: (i) maximum values of plasma parameters (charged particle densities and temperatures of the neutral species) outside the region of the RF power deposition, (ii) shifted maxima of the electron density and temperature, of the plasma potential and of the electron production, (iii) an electron flux, with a vortex structure, strongly exceeding the total ion flux which gives evidence of a discharge regime of non-ambipolarity and (iv) a spatial distribution of the densities of the neutral species resulting from their fluxes.
Parametrized data-driven decomposition for bifurcation analysis, with application to thermo-acoustically unstable systems
Authors: Sayadi Taraneh , Schmid Peter J. , Richecoeur Franck , Durox Daniel
Published: March 2015

Dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) belongs to a class of data-driven decomposition techniques, which extracts spatial modes of a constant frequency from a given set of numerical or experimental data. Although the modal shapes and frequencies are a direct product of the decomposition technique, the determination of the respective modal amplitudes is non-unique. In this study, we introduce a new algorithm for defining these amplitudes, which is capable of capturing physical growth/decay rates of the modes within a transient signal and is otherwise not straightforward using the standard DMD algorithm. In addition, a parametric DMD algorithm is introduced for studying dynamical systems going through a bifurcation. The parametric DMD alleviates multiple applications of the DMD decomposition to the system with fixed parametric values by including the bifurcation parameter in the decomposition process. The parametric DMD with amplitude correction is applied to a numerical and experimental data sequence taken from thermo-acoustically unstable systems. Using DMD with amplitude correction, we are able to identify the dominant modes of the transient regime and their respective growth/decay rates leading to the final limit-cycle. In addition, by applying parametrized DMD to images of an oscillating flame, we are able to identify the dominant modes of the bifurcation diagram.
Real-space presentation of the magnetic anisotropy of metallic ferromagnets
Authors: Inoue Jun-ichiro , Yoshioka Takuya , Tsuchiura Hiroki
Published: March 2015

A real-space representation of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (MA) of metallic ferromagnets is formulated using the full-orbital tight-binding model. By adopting a second-order perturbation for the spin-orbit interaction, numerical calculations of the uniaxial MA are performed for the L10 FePt and Y2Fe14B compounds to evaluate the validity and applicability of the present method.
Magnetic properties of 120-mm wide ribbons of high Bs and low core-loss NANOMET® alloy
Authors: Setyawan Albertus D. , Takenaka Kana , Sharma Parmanand , Nishijima Masahiko , Nishiyama Nobuyuki , Makino Akihiro
Published: March 2015

A 120-mm wide amorphous ribbon of a Fe-Co-Si-B-P-Cu NANOMET® alloy has been successfully produced by a single roll melt spinning technique. The optimally annealed samples exhibited low coercivity (Hc) of 5–7 A/m and high saturation magnetic flux density (Bs) of 1.83 T. The plots of Hc and Bs vs. annealing temperature (Ta) revealed basin-like and plateau-like characteristics, respectively, indicating the good annealing controllability for nanocrystallization and for obtaining soft-magnetic properties with high Bs. The excellent magnetic softness was attributed to the nanocrystalline structure composed of homogeneously dispersed α-Fe grains (with a size of 15–20 nm in diameter) emerged from the amorphous structure after optimum annealing. The nanocrystalline ribbons also exhibited low core-losses (W at 50 Hz) of 0.37 and 0.64 W/kg under maximum flux density of 1.5 T and 1.7 T, respectively. The magnetic properties were comparable with those of laboratory-scale small-width ribbons and confirmed to be independent on the ribbon width, indicating the good reproducibility of this NANOMET® alloy into mass-production-level precursors.
Magnetoelectric polymer nanocomposite for flexible electronics
Authors: Alnassar M. , Alfadhel A. , Ivanov Yu. P. , Kosel J.
Published: March 2015

This paper reports the fabrication and characterization of a new type of magnetoelectric polymer nanocomposite that exhibits excellent ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity simultaneously at room temperature. The multiferroic nanocomposite consists of high aspect ratio ferromagnetic iron nanowires embedded inside a ferroelectric co-polymer poly(vinylindene fluoride-trifluoroethylene), P(VDF-TrFE). The nanocomposite has been fabricated via a simple low temperature spin coating technique. Structural, ferromagnetic, ferroelectric, and magnetoelectric properties of the developed nanocomposite have been characterized. The nanocomposite films showed isotropic magnetic properties due to the random orientation of the iron nanowires inside the film. In addition, the embedded nanowires did not hinder the ferroelectric phase development of the nanocomposite. The developed nanocomposite showed a high magnetoelectric coupling response of 156 mV/cmOe measured at 3.1 kOe DC bias field. This value is among the highest reported magnetoelectric coupling in two phase particulate polymer nanocomposites.
Rich structural phase diagram and thermoelectric properties of layered tellurides Mo1−xNbxTe2
Authors: Ikeura Koji , Sakai Hideaki , Bahramy Mohammad Saeed , Ishiwata Shintaro
Published: March 2015

MoTe2 is a rare transition-metal ditelluride having two kinds of layered polytypes, hexagonal structure with trigonal prismatic Mo coordination and monoclinic structure with octahedral Mo coordination. The monoclinic distortion in the latter is caused by anisotropic metal-metal bonding. In this work, we have examined the Nb doping effect on both polytypes of MoTe2 and clarified a structural phase diagram for Mo1−xNbxTe2 containing four kinds of polytypes. A rhombohedral polytype crystallizing in polar space group has been newly identified as a high-temperature metastable phase at slightly Nb-rich composition. Considering the results of thermoelectric measurements and the first-principles calculations, the Nb ion seemingly acts as a hole dopant in the rigid band scheme. On the other hand, the significant interlayer contraction upon the Nb doping, associated with the Te p-p hybridization, is confirmed especially for the monoclinic phase, which implies a shift of the p-band energy level. The origin of the metal-metal bonding in the monoclinic structure is discussed in terms of the d electron counting and the Te p-p hybridization.