bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chorioamnionitis appears not to be a Risk Factor for Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Behbodi Elham , Villamor-Martínez Eduardo , Degraeuwe Pieter L. J. , Villamor Eduardo
Published: November 2016

The contribution of chorioamnionitis (CA) to mortality and morbidity in preterm infants is difficult to assess because observational studies frequently present significant differences in baseline characteristics of the infants exposed or non-exposed to CA. In an attempt to perform a thorough assessment of the possible association between CA and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants, we conducted a meta-analysis in which adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were pooled and we analyzed the effects of potential confounders, such as gestational age (GA) or birth weight (BW). We identified 45 relevant studies (27186 patients, 7742 CA cases). Random effects meta-analysis of crude ORs showed a significant positive association between CA and PDA (OR 1.352, 95% CI 1.172 to 1.560). Adjusted ORs were reported in 11 studies (19577 infants). Meta-analysis of these studies showed a significant negative association between CA and PDA (OR 0.802, 95% CI 0.751 to 0.959). Meta-regression showed that the differences in GA or BW between the CA-exposed and non-exposed groups were significantly correlated with the effect size of the association between PDA and CA. In conclusion, our study confirms that confounders need to be taken into account when assessing the association between CA and clinical outcomes in preterm infants.
Circular RNAs are down-regulated in KRAS mutant colon cancer cells and can be transferred to exosomes
Authors: Dou Yongchao , Cha Diana J. , Franklin Jeffrey L. , Higginbotham James N. , Jeppesen Dennis K. , Weaver Alissa M. , Prasad Nripesh , Levy Shawn , Coffey Robert J. , Patton James G. , Zhang Bing
Published: November 2016

Recent studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abundant, widely expressed in mammals, and can display cell-type specific expression. However, how production of circRNAs is regulated and their precise biological function remains largely unknown. To study how circRNAs might be regulated during colorectal cancer progression, we used three isogenic colon cancer cell lines that differ only in KRAS mutation status. Cellular RNAs from the parental DLD-1 cells that contain both wild-type and G13D mutant KRAS alleles and isogenically-matched derivative cell lines, DKO-1 (mutant KRAS allele only) and DKs-8 (wild-type KRAS allele only) were analyzed using RNA-Seq. We developed a bioinformatics pipeline to identify and evaluate circRNA candidates from RNA-Seq data. Hundreds of high-quality circRNA candidates were identified in each cell line. Remarkably, circRNAs were significantly down-regulated at a global level in DLD-1 and DKO-1 cells compared to DKs-8 cells, indicating a widespread effect of mutant KRAS on circRNA abundance. This finding was confirmed in two independent colon cancer cell lines HCT116 (KRAS mutant) and HKe3 (KRAS WT). In all three cell lines, circRNAs were also found in secreted extracellular-vesicles, and circRNAs were more abundant in exosomes than cells. Our results suggest that circRNAs may serve as promising cancer biomarkers.
In vivo coherent Raman imaging of the melanomagenesis-associated pigment pheomelanin
Authors: Wang Hequn , Osseiran Sam , Igras Vivien , Nichols Alexander J. , Roider Elisabeth M. , Pruessner Joachim , Tsao Hensin , Fisher David E. , Evans Conor L.
Published: November 2016

Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer with a yearly global incidence over 232,000 patients. Individuals with fair skin and red hair exhibit the highest risk for developing melanoma, with evidence suggesting the red/blond pigment known as pheomelanin may elevate melanoma risk through both UV radiation-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Although the ability to identify, characterize, and monitor pheomelanin within skin is vital for improving our understanding of the underlying biology of these lesions, no tools exist for real-time, in vivo detection of the pigment. Here we show that the distribution of pheomelanin in cells and tissues can be visually characterized non-destructively and noninvasively in vivo with coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy, a label-free vibrational imaging technique. We validated our CARS imaging strategy in vitro to in vivo with synthetic pheomelanin, isolated melanocytes, and the Mc1re/e, red-haired mouse model. Nests of pheomelanotic melanocytes were observed in the red-haired animals, but not in the genetically matched Mc1re/e; Tyrc/c (“albino-red-haired”) mice. Importantly, samples from human amelanotic melanomas subjected to CARS imaging exhibited strong pheomelanotic signals. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that pheomelanin has been visualized and spatially localized in melanocytes, skin, and human amelanotic melanomas.
Streptococcus pneumoniae disrupts pulmonary immune defence via elastase release following pneumolysin-dependent neutrophil lysis
Authors: Domon Hisanori , Oda Masataka , Maekawa Tomoki , Nagai Kosuke , Takeda Wataru , Terao Yutaka
Published: November 2016

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia and is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Previous studies suggested that excessive activation of neutrophils results in the release of neutrophil elastase, which contributes to lung injury in severe pneumonia. Although both pneumococcal virulence factors and neutrophil elastase contribute to the development and progression of pneumonia, there are no studies analysing relationships between these factors. Here, we showed that pneumolysin, a pneumococcal pore-forming toxin, induced cell lysis in primary isolated human neutrophils, leading to the release of neutrophil elastase. Pneumolysin exerted minimal cytotoxicity against alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages, whereas neutrophil elastase induced detachment of alveolar epithelial cells and impaired phagocytic activity in macrophages. Additionally, activation of neutrophil elastase did not exert bactericidal activity against S. pneumoniae in vitro. P2X7 receptor, which belongs to a family of purinergic receptors, was involved in pneumolysin-induced cell lysis. These findings suggested that infiltrated neutrophils are the primary target cells of pneumolysin, and that S. pneumoniae exploits neutrophil-elastase leakage to induce the disruption of pulmonary immune defences, thereby causing lung injury.
Correction: Corrigendum: Lithium-ion-based solid electrolyte tuning of the carrier density in graphene
Authors: Zhao Jialin , Wang Meng , Li Hui , Zhang Xuefu , You Lixing , Qiao Shan , Gao Bo , Xie Xiaoming , Jiang Mianheng
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 34816; published online: 04 October 2016; updated: 28 November 2016
Multi-strategy genome-wide association studies identify the DCAF16-NCAPG region as a susceptibility locus for average daily gain in cattle
Authors: Zhang Wengang , Li Junya , Guo Yong , Zhang Lupei , Xu Lingyang , Gao Xue , Zhu Bo , Gao Huijiang , Ni Hemin , Chen Yan
Published: November 2016

Average daily gain (ADG) is the most economically important trait in beef cattle industry. Using genome-wide association study (GWAS) approaches, previous studies have identified several causal variants within the PLAG1, NCAPG and LCORL genes for ADG in cattle. Multi-strategy GWASs were implemented in this study to improve detection and to explore the causal genes and regions. In this study, we conducted GWASs based on the genotypes of 1,173 Simmental cattle. In the SNP-based GWAS, the most significant SNPs (rs109303784 and rs110058857, P = 1.78 × 10−7) were identified in the NCAPG intron on BTA6 and explained 4.01% of the phenotypic variance, and the independent and significant SNP (rs110406669, P = 5.18 × 10−6) explained 3.32% of the phenotypic variance. Similarly, in the haplotype-based GWAS, the most significant haplotype block, Hap-6-N1416 (P = 2.56 × 10−8), spanned 12.7 kb on BTA6 and explained 4.85% of the phenotypic variance. Also, in the gene-based GWAS, seven significant genes were obtained which included DCAF16 and NCAPG. Moreover, analysis of the transcript levels confirmed that transcripts abundance of NCAPG (P = 0.046) and DCAF16 (P = 0.046) were significantly correlated with the ADG trait. Overall, our results from the multi-strategy GWASs revealed the DCAF16-NCAPG region to be a susceptibility locus for ADG in cattle.
FTIR imaging of the molecular burden around Aβ deposits in an early-stage 3-Tg-APP-PSP1-TAU mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Surowka Artur Dawid , Pilling Michael , Henderson Alex , Boutin Herve , Christie Lidan , Szczerbowska-Boruchowska Magdalena , Gardner Peter
Published: November 2016

High spatial resolution FTIR imaging of early-stage 3-Tg-APP-PSP1-TAU mouse brain identifies molecular burden around Aβ deposits.
Electron spin resonance and fluorescence imaging assisted electrochemical approach for accurate and comprehensive monitoring of cellular hydrogen peroxide dynamics
Authors: Xin Qi , Liu Qian , Shah Hameed , Gong Jian Ru
Published: November 2016

A new analytical system combining electrochemistry, ESR, and fluorescence imaging for accurately and comprehensively measuring the dynamics of cellular H2O2.
Infrared spectral histopathology using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained glass slides: a major step forward towards clinical translation
Authors: Pilling Michael J. , Henderson Alex , Shanks Jonathan H. , Brown Michael D. , Clarke Noel W. , Gardner Peter
Published: November 2016

Infrared spectral histopathology has shown great promise as an important diagnostic tool, with the potential to complement current pathological methods.
2D analysis of polydisperse core–shell nanoparticles using analytical ultracentrifugation
Authors: Walter Johannes , Gorbet Gary , Akdas Tugce , Segets Doris , Demeler Borries , Peukert Wolfgang
Published: November 2016

A tool for the 2D analysis of polydisperse core–shell nanoparticles using analytical ultracentrifugation is presented. It allows for the accurate determination of sizes and densities of sub-10 nm particles, thereby revealing important information on their core–shell structure.
A novel chemosensor with visible light excitability for sensing CN− in aqueous medium and living cells via a Cu2+ displacement approach
Authors: Qin Liyuan , Hou Lingjie , Feng Jia , Chao Jianbin , Wang Yu , Jin Wei Jun
Published: November 2016

A new and simple julolidine based molecular receptor system L linked to 4-phenylsemicarbazide through an imine moiety has been synthesized and characterized.
Erythrocyte membrane based cationic polymer-mcDNA complexes as an efficient gene delivery system
Authors: Huang Ping , Zhao Jing , Wei Chiju , Hou Xiaohu , Chen Pingzhang , Tan Yan , He Cheng-Yi , Wang Zhiyong , Chen Zhi-Ying
Published: November 2016

An erythrocyte membrane based gene delivery system presents high transfection efficiency and negligible cytotoxicity.
Tracking silver delivery to bacteria using turn-on fluorescence
Authors: Pinto Miguel N. , Chakraborty Indranil , Schultz-Simonton Wiley , Rojas-Andrade Mauricio , Braslau Rebecca , Mascharak Pradip K.
Published: November 2016

The reaction with cellular chloride and proteins releases the fluorescent ligand qBODIPY of the designed silver(i) complex [Ag(qBODIPY)(CF3SO3)] inside bacteria like P. aeruginosa and allows an easy tracking of the silver delivery by the emergence of strong green fluorescence.
Non-collinear ferromagnetic short range order in MgO decked multi-layered graphene
Authors: Sreenivasulu Kummari V. , Rotte Naresh K. , Srikanth Vadali V. S. S. , Kaul Sharika Nandan
Published: November 2016

High-precision magnetization data of MgO decked multi-layered graphene (MDMLG) completely rule out long-range ferromagnetic ordering in MDMLG at temperatures ≥ 2.5 K.
Catalytic oxidation of benzene over ruthenium–cobalt bimetallic catalysts and study of its mechanism
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Zeng Junlin , Shi Wenbo , Wang Jian , Zhu Tingyu , Chen Yunfa
Published: November 2016

A Ru–Co bimetallic catalyst was well demonstrated in benzene oxidation, and the reaction mechanism was studied.
Hierarchical self-assembly of a fluorescence emission-enhanced organogelator and its multiple stimuli-responsive behaviors
Authors: Ren Yuan-Yuan , Xu Zheng , Li Guoqiang , Huang Junhai , Fan Xiaotian , Xu Lin
Published: November 2016

The fluorescence emission-enhanced organogelator with multiple stimuli-responsiveness was successfully prepared form a hexagonal metallacycle via hierarchical self-assembly.
Requirements for reversible extra-capacity in Li-rich layered oxides for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Xie Y. , Saubanère M. , Doublet M.-L.
Published: November 2016

Oxygen lone-pairs (|O) are responsible for the extra-capacity observed in Li-rich Li2MO3 electrodes and not in LiMO2. M–O covalency is required to stabilize the oxidized O− species involved in the anionic process and to prevent O2 release.
Ionic complex of a rhodamine dye with aggregation-induced emission properties
Authors: Huang Pei-Yi , Gao Jhen-Yan , Song Cheng-Yu , Hong Jin-Long
Published: November 2016

An AIE-active rhodamine based luminogen was preparedviaa complexation reaction between non-emissive rhodamine hydrazide (RdH) and bulky camphorsulfonic acid (CSA). Besides acting to open the spirolactam ring of RdH, CSA also imposes a rotational restriction on the resultant ionic complex, RdH(CSA)x. Without CSA, the analogous complex RdH(HCl)3is a luminogen with aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) properties. The ionic bonds of RdH(CSA)3are sensitive to several external stimuli and therefore it is a luminescent sensor for metal ions, organic amines and the blood protein bovine serum albumin (BSA). Besides being a sensor for BSA, the ionic RdH(CSA)3is also a denaturant capable of uncoiling the peptide chain of BSA.
Copper-catalyzed S-methylation of sulfonyl hydrazides with TBHP for the synthesis of methyl sulfones in water
Authors: Yang Yu , Bao Yajie , Guan Qianqian , Sun Qi , Zha Zhenggen , Wang Zhiyong
Published: November 2016

A copper-catalyzed S-methylation of sulfonyl hydrazides with TBHP for the synthesis of methyl sulfones in water.
Nano-structured magneto-responsive membranes from block copolymers and iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Upadhyaya Lakshmeesha , Semsarilar Mona , Fernández-Pacheco Rodrigo , Martinez Gema , Mallada Reyes , Coelhoso Isabel M. , Portugal Carla A. M. , Crespo João G. , Deratani André , Quemener Damien
Published: November 2016

Preparation of porous membranes from PMAA-b-PMMA copolymers and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and their performance under magnetic fields.
Correction: Rational design of functionalized polyacrylate-based high internal phase emulsion materials for analytical and biomedical uses
Authors: Brusotti Gloria , Calleri Enrica , Milanese Chiara , Catenacci Laura , Marrubini Giorgio , Sorrenti Milena , Girella Alessandro , Massolini Gabriella , Tripodo Giuseppe
Published: November 2016

Correction for ‘Rational design of functionalized polyacrylate-based high internal phase emulsion materials for analytical and biomedical uses’ by Gloria Brusotti et al., Polym. Chem., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c6py01992g.
Anticorrosive and electromagnetic shielding response of a graphene/TiO2–epoxy nanocomposite with enhanced mechanical properties
Authors: Kumar Arun , Anant Ramkishor , Kumar Kaushal , Chauhan Sampat Singh , Kumar Sudhir , Kumar Ravindra
Published: November 2016

Fabrication of structurally strong and thermally stable hybrid nanocomposites based on graphene/TiO2/epoxy with improved anticorrosive and EMI shielding properties is reported.
An affinity triggered MRI nanoprobe for pH-dependent cell labeling
Authors: Palma Susana I. C. J. , Fernandes Alexandra R. , Roque Ana C. A.
Published: November 2016

The pH-sensitive affinity pair composed by neutravidin and iminobiotin was used to develop a multilayered Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) nanoprobe responsive to the acidic pH of tumor microenvironment.
A cyclometalated (C^C*) platinum(ii) NHC complex decorated via different carboranes to tune the photodeactivation mechanism: a theoretical investigation
Authors: Luo Yafei , Chen Zhongzhu , Zhang Jin , Tang Ying , Xu Zhigang , Tang Dianyong
Published: November 2016

Carboranes with different electronic properties are employed to tune the photodeactivation mechanism of a cyclometalated (C^C*) platinum(ii) NHC complex, including radiative and nonradiative processes.
Sequential hydroarylation/Prins cyclization: an efficient strategy for the synthesis of angularly fused tetrahydro-2H-pyrano[3,4-c]quinolines
Authors: Reddy M. Rajashekhar , Kumar G. Ravi , Yarlagadda Suresh , Reddy C. Ravikumar , Yadav J. S. , Sridhar B. , Reddy B. V. Subba
Published: November 2016

Various aldehydes undergo a smooth cascade cyclization with N-(5-hydroxypent-2-yn-1-yl)-4-methyl-N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide in the presence of 10 mol% Ph3PAuCl/AgSbF6/In(OTf)3 to furnish the corresponding tetrahydro-2H-pyrano[3,4-c]quinoline derivatives.
Facile reduction of para-nitrophenols: catalytic efficiency of silver nanoferns in batch and continuous flow reactors
Authors: Srivastava Alok Kumar , Mondal Kunal , Mukhopadhyay Kingsuk , Prasad N. Eswara , Sharma Ashutosh
Published: November 2016

Catalytic application of Ag-nanoferns grown over carbon microfibers by electrodeposition and compatible reactor design for batch and continuous flow operations.
Easy preparation of partially-opened carbon nanotubes by simple air oxidation for high performance Li–S batteries
Authors: Kim Jae Ho , Jeong Yo Chan , Park Kyung Tae , Oh Jun Young , Cho Young Shik , Lee Jong Yoon , Yang Seung Jae , Park Chong Rae
Published: November 2016

Partially opened carbon nanotubes provide increased surface area and accessible inner pores with oxygen groups leading to high performance sulfur batteries.
Nanostructuring perovskite oxides: the impact of SrTiO3nanocube 3D self-assembly on thermal conductivity
Authors: Yeandel S. R. , Molinari M. , Parker S. C.
Published: November 2016

The thermal conductivity of SrTiO3assembled nanocubes is low and depends on the interface composition to a greater extent compared to the packing arrangement.
Synthesis, luminescence properties and electronic structure of Tb3+-doped Y4−xSiAlO8N:xTb3+ – a novel green phosphor with high thermal stability for white LEDs
Authors: Hua Youjie , Zhang Dawei , Ma Hongping , Deng Degang , Xu Shiqing
Published: November 2016

A novel green Y4−xSiAlO8N:xTb3+ phosphor with high luminescence efficiency and excellent thermal stability has been reported in this paper.
Highly stretchable conductive polypyrrole film on a three dimensional porous polydimethylsiloxane surface fabricated by a simple soft lithography process
Authors: Tsao Chia-Wen , Guo Xu-Cheng , Hu Wei-Wen
Published: November 2016

We create an elastic porous polydimethylsiloxane highly stretchable conductive substrate. The surface is fabricated by a simple soft lithography process that replicates the 3D corrugated porous microstructures from a low-cost commercially available abrasive paper.
Enhancement of lipase activity for the oily wastewater treatment by an electrostimulation process
Authors: Adibzadeh A. , Rezaee A. , Salehi Z.
Published: November 2016

The efficacy of electrostimulation on bacterial lipase activity and COD removal was studied using a laboratory bioelectrochemical system.
Quantum size effect and catalytic activity of nanosized single-crystalline spherical β-Ga2O3 particles by thermal annealing of liquid metal nanoparticles
Authors: Sudo Shinya , Kokado Kenta , Sada Kazuki
Published: November 2016

Nanosized single-crystalline spherical β-Ga2O3 particles were readily prepared from liquid metal gallium.
Kinetics of guaiacol deoxygenation using methane over the Pt–Bi catalyst
Authors: Xiao Yang , Varma Arvind
Published: November 2016

Experimental and modeling efforts related to catalytic deoxygenation kinetics of sustainable bio-oil upgrading, using methane as a novel reductant, are reported.
Enabling the controlled assembly of antibody conjugates with a loading of two modules without antibody engineering
Authors: Lee Maximillian T. W. , Maruani Antoine , Richards Daniel A. , Baker James R. , Caddick Stephen , Chudasama Vijay
Published: November 2016

A novel reagent/strategy enables the controlled assembly of antibody conjugates with a loading of two modules without antibody engineering.
Quantitative self-powered electrochromic biosensors
Authors: Pellitero Miguel Aller , Guimerà Anton , Kitsara Maria , Villa Rosa , Rubio Camille , Lakard Boris , Doche Marie-Laure , Hihn Jean-Yves , Javier del Campo F.
Published: November 2016

Electrochromic materials can be used in self-powered electrochemical sensors to display quantitative information without the need for silicon-based electronics or external instrumentation.
Superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic nanofibrous membrane with hierarchical structured skin for effective oil-in-water emulsion separation
Authors: Ge Jianlong , Zhang Jichao , Wang Fei , Li Zhaoling , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: November 2016

A superwettable nanofibrous membrane with hierarchical structured skin for effective oil/water emulsion separation was fabricated via a combination of electrospinning and electrospraying.
Understanding the effects of surface reconstruction on the electrochemical cycling performance of the spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material at elevated temperatures
Authors: Wang Hao , Ben Liubin , Yu Hailong , Chen Yuyang , Yang Xinan , Huang Xuejie
Published: November 2016

Detailed investigation of the influence of surface modification using a typical oxide (TiO2) on the electrochemical cycling performance of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 at room temperature (25 °C) and elevated temperature (55 °C) is reported.
Substitution of native silicon oxide by titanium in Ni-coated silicon photoanodes for water splitting solar cells
Authors: Shi Yuanyuan , Han Tingting , Gimbert-Suriñach Carolina , Song Xiaoxue , Lanza Mario , Llobet Antoni
Published: November 2016

The native SiOXof nickel coatednSi photoanodes is replaced by a 2 nm thick Ti film. The resulting Ni/Ti/nSi photoanodes reach impressively low onset potential (−42 mVvs. SCE) and long stability (10 mA cm−2at 0.8 Vvs.SCE for 6.5 days) for the water oxidation process, which is comparable to that of more complex and expensive cells based on n–p+homojunctions.
Graphene oxide doped ionic liquid ultrathin composite membranes for efficient CO2capture
Authors: Karunakaran M. , Villalobos L. F. , Kumar M. , Shevate R. , Akhtar F. H. , Peinemann K.-V.
Published: November 2016

Thin film composite membranes were prepared using the blends of graphene oxide and an ionic liquid for efficient CO2gas capture.
Control of preferred orientation with slow crystallization for carbon-based mesoscopic perovskite solar cells attaining efficiency 15%
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Min , Wu Guan-Wei , Narra Sudhakar , Chang Hung-Ming , Mohanta Nayantara , Wu Hui-Ping , Wang Chien-Lung , Diau Eric Wei-Guang
Published: November 2016

Fabrication of mesoporous carbon-based perovskite solar cells via slow crystallization using NMP solvent attained a great device efficiency of 15% with preferred orientation of the crystals at the (004) facet.
Low cost and renewable sulfur-polymers by inverse vulcanisation, and their potential for mercury capture
Authors: Parker D. J. , Jones H. A. , Petcher S. , Cervini L. , Griffin J. M. , Akhtar R. , Hasell T.
Published: November 2016

Stable polymers of up to 80 wt% elemental sulfur are formed from low cost industrial by-products, and renewable crosslinkers.
Engineering an aligned endothelial monolayer on a topologically modified nanofibrous platform with a micropatterned structure produced by femtosecond laser ablation
Authors: Shin Young Min , Shin Hyeok Jun , Heo Yunhoe , Jun Indong , Chung Yong-Woo , Kim Kyeongsoo , Lim Youn Mook , Jeon Hojeong , Shin Heungsoo
Published: November 2016

Laser ablated nanofibers with micropattern regulated adhesion and orientation of HUVEC and also contributed to generate an aligned endothelial monolayer.
One bioprobe: a fluorescent and AIE-active macromolecule; two targets: nucleolus and mitochondria with long term tracking
Authors: Ma Hengchang , Yang Zengming , Cao Haiying , Lei Lei , Chang Lu , Ma Yucheng , Yang Manyi , Yao Xiaoqiang , Sun Shaobo , Lei Ziqiang
Published: November 2016

The novel macromolecule fluorescent probe TPPA–DBO was developed with highly specific nucleolus-targeting and long term cell tracking ability.
Cool to warm white light emission from hybrid inorganic/organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Taylor-Shaw Elaine , Angioni Enrico , Findlay Neil J. , Breig Benjamin , Inigo Anto R. , Bruckbauer Jochen , Wallis David J. , Skabara Peter J. , Martin Robert W.
Published: November 2016

The synthesis and characterisation of two novel organic down-converting molecules is disclosed, together with their performance as functional colour-converters in combination with inorganic blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
In-plane isotropic charge transport characteristics of single-crystal FETs with high mobility based on 2,6-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)anthracene: experimental cum theoretical assessment
Authors: Li Aiyuan , Yan Lijia , He Chao , Zhu Yanan , Zhang Dongwei , Murtaza Imran , Meng Hong , Goto Osamu
Published: November 2016

In-plane isotropic charge transport single crystal FET with mobility exceeding 15 cm2V−1s−1is obtained, the result is desirable in large-area single-crystal FET arrays.
Linearly polarised radial line slot antenna for high‐power microwave application
Authors: Peng Shengren , Yuan Chengwei , Shu Ting , Zhao Xuelong
Published: November 2016

An all‐metal linearly polarised radial line slot antenna without dielectric is proposed in this study. As a result of this study, new design suggestions have been introduced which greatly contribute to the performance improvement of this type of antennas for high power microwave application. An antenna prototype operating at 9.27 GHz was designed with a height of 10 cm and an aperture radius of 25.5 cm. Experimental measurements show that at the centre frequency, the antenna gain reaches 31.3 dBi, an aperture efficiency of 55%, return loss is less than −20 dB. The radiation patterns indicate a reasonable cross‐polarisation level more than 30 dB below the co‐polarisation. This all‐metal antenna efficiency is higher than the traditional one.
Orientation selectivity with organic photodetectors and an organic electrochemical transistor
Authors: Gkoupidenis Paschalis , Rezaei-Mazinani Shahab , Proctor Christopher M. , Ismailova Esma , Malliaras George G.
Published: November 2016

Neuroinspired device architectures offer the potential of higher order functionalities in information processing beyond their traditional microelectronic counterparts. Here we demonstrate a neuromorphic function of orientation selectivity, which is inspired from the visual system, with a combination of organic photodetectors and a multi-gated organic electrochemical transistor based on poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The device platform responds preferably to different orientations of light bars, a behaviour that resembles orientation selectivity of visual cortex cells. These results pave the way for organic-based neuromorphic devices with spatially correlated functionalities and potential applications in the area of organic bioelectronics.
Cosmic anisotropic doomsday in Bianchi type I universes
Authors: Cataldo Mauricio , Cid Antonella , Labraña Pedro , Mella Patricio
Published: November 2016

In this paper we study finite time future singularities in anisotropic Bianchi type I models. It is shown that there exist future singularities similar to Big Rip ones (which appear in the framework of phantom Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmologies). Specifically, in an ellipsoidal anisotropic scenario or in a fully anisotropic scenario, the three directional and average scale factors may diverge at a finite future time, together with energy densities and anisotropic pressures. We call these singularities “Anisotropic Big Rip Singularities.” We show that there also exist Bianchi type I models filled with matter, where one or two directional scale factors may diverge. Another type of future anisotropic singularities is shown to be present in vacuum cosmologies, i.e., Kasner spacetimes. These singularities are induced by the shear scalar, which also blows up at a finite time. We call such a singularity “Vacuum Rip.” In this case one directional scale factor blows up, while the other two and average scale factors tend to zero.
Effects of Herzberg–Teller vibronic coupling on coherent excitation energy transfer
Authors: Zhang Hou-Dao , Qiao Qin , Xu Rui-Xue , Yan YiJing
Published: November 2016

In this work, we study the effects of non-Condon vibronic coupling on the quantum coherence of excitation energy transfer, via the exact dissipaton-equation-of-motion evaluations on excitonic model systems. Field-triggered excitation energy transfer dynamics and two dimensional coherent spectroscopy are simulated for both Condon and non-Condon vibronic couplings. Our results clearly demonstrate that the non-Condon vibronic coupling intensifies the dynamical electronic-vibrational energy transfer and enhances the total system-and-bath quantum coherence. Moreover, the hybrid bath dynamics for non-Condon effects enriches the theoretical calculation, and further sheds light on the interpretation of the experimental nonlinear spectroscopy.
The effect of electron holes on cyclotron maser emission driven by horseshoe distributions
Authors: Zhao G. Q. , Chu Y. H. , Feng H. Q. , Wu D. J.
Published: November 2016

This Brief Communication presents a quantitative investigation for the effect of electron holes on electron-cyclotron maser (ECM) driven by horseshoe distributions. The investigation is based on an integrated distribution function for the horseshoe distributions with electron holes. Results show that the presence of electron holes can significantly enhance the ECM growth rate by 2–3 times in a very narrow waveband. The present study suggests that these electron holes probably are responsible for some fine structures of radiations, such as narrowband events in auroral kilometric radiation and solar microwave spikes.
Interferometry and X-ray diagnostics of pinched helium plasma in a dense plasma focus with an Al-wire on the axis
Authors: Kubes P. , Paduch M. , Cikhardtova B. , Cikhardt J. , Klir D. , Kravarik J. , Rezac K. , Kortanek J. , Zielinska E. , Sadowski M. J. , Tomaszewski K.
Published: November 2016

The paper describes the evolution of the ordered dense toroidal- and plasmoidal-like structures in a pinch column and the hard X-ray emission from mega-ampere dense plasma-focus discharges performed at the helium (He) filling. Some shots were carried out with an Al-wire of 270 μm in diameter, which was placed along the z-axis in the front of the anode face. The evolution of the considered structures was investigated by means of a multi-frame laser interferometer system as well as the X-ray diagnostics, and it was compared with their evolution observed earlier at the deuterium (D2) filling. In He-plasma, the ions had a higher mass and Z-number, and at the same initial filling pressure, the velocity of plasma transformations was decreased, but the stability of the investigated structures, as well as the self-generated azimuthal current component and the soft X-ray radiation were increased. The distribution of the plasma electron density (determined from the interferometric images) made it possible to estimate closed currents during the quasi-stationary phases. It was found that the internal toroidal- and plasmoidal-currents reached the level of hundreds of kA. The plasma corona around the Al-wire (penetrating through the internal structures) impeded the formation of a small diameter of the pinch constriction, but it did not prevent the production of fast electron beams with energies above 100 keV, similar to those observed at the D2-filling.
Numerical model for electrical explosion of copper wires in water
Authors: Chung Kyoung-Jae , Lee Kern , Hwang Y. S. , Kim Deok-Kyu
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a simple but quite accurate numerical model for analyzing electrical explosion of copper wires in water. The numerical model solves a circuit equation coupled with one-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) equations with the help of appropriate wide-range equation of state (EOS) and electrical conductivity for copper. The MHD equations are formulated in a Lagrangian form to identify the interface between the wire and surrounding water clearly. A quotidian EOS (QEOS) that is known as the simplest form of EOS is utilized to build wide-range EOS for copper. In the QEOS, we consider the liquid-vapor phase transition, which is critical in analyzing the wire explosion system. For the electrical conductivity of copper, a semi-empirical set of equations covering from solid state to partially ionized plasma state are employed. Experimental validation has been performed with copper wires of various diameters, which are exploded by a microsecond timescale pulsed capacitive discharge. The simulation results show excellent agreements with the experimental results in terms of temporal motions of a plasma channel boundary and a shock front as well as current and voltage waveforms. It is found that the wire explodes (vaporizes) along the liquid branch of a binodal curve irrespective of wire dimension and operating voltage. After the explosion, the wire becomes a plasma state right away or after the current pause (dwell), depending on the operating conditions. It is worth noting that such a peculiar characteristic of wire explosion, i.e., current pause and restrike, is well simulated with the present numerical model. In particular, it is shown that the wire cools down along the vapor branch of the binodal curve during the current dwell, due to a significant difference of thermodynamic characteristics across the binodal curve. The influence of radiation for studying nonideal plasmas with a wire explosion technique and a physical process for shock wave formation by an exploding wire is discussed as well.
Structure and magnetism of new rare-earth-free intermetallic compounds: Fe3+xCo3−xTi2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 3)
Authors: Balasubramanian Balamurugan , Das Bhaskar , Nguyen Manh Cuong , Xu Xiaoshan , Zhang Jie , Zhang Xiaozhe , Liu Yaohua , Huq Ashfia , Valloppilly Shah R. , Jin Yunlong , Wang Cai-Zhuang , Ho Kai-Ming , Sellmyer David J.
Published: November 2016

We report the fabrication of a set of new rare-earth-free magnetic compounds, which form the Fe3Co3Ti2-type hexagonal structure with P-6m2 symmetry. Neutron powder diffraction shows a significant Fe/Co anti-site mixing in the Fe3Co3Ti2 structure, which has a strong effect on the magnetocrystalline anisotropy as revealed by first-principle calculations. Increasing substitution of Fe atoms for Co in the Fe3Co3Ti2 lattice leads to the formation of Fe4Co2Ti2, Fe5CoTi, and Fe6Ti2 with significantly improved permanent-magnet properties. A high magnetic anisotropy (13.0 Mergs/cm3) and saturation magnetic polarization (11.4 kG) are achieved at 10 K by altering the atomic arrangements and decreasing Fe/Co occupancy disorder.
Mechanochemical synthesis of high thermoelectric performance bulk Cu2X (X = S, Se) materials
Authors: Yang Dongwang , Su Xianli , Yan Yonggao , He Jian , Uher Ctirad , Tang Xinfeng
Published: November 2016

We devised a single-step mechanochemical synthesis/densification procedure for Cu2X (X = S, Se) thermoelectric materials via applying a pressure of 3 GPa to a stoichiometric admixture of elemental Cu and X for 3 min at room temperature. The obtained bulk materials were single-phase, nearly stoichiometric structures with a relative packing density of 97% or higher. The structures contained high concentration of atomic scale defects and pores of 20-200 nm diameter. The above attributes gave rise to a high thermoelectric performance: at 873 K, the ZT value of Cu2S reached 1.07, about 2.1 times the value typical of samples grown from the melt. The ZT value of Cu2Se samples reached in excess of 1.2, close to the state-of-the-art value.
Structural investigation of SiSn/(reduced graphene oxide) nanocomposite powder for Li-ion battery anode applications
Authors: Kawasaki Masahiro , Laokawee Viratchara , Sarakonsri Thapanee , Hashizume Takashi , Shiojiri Makoto
Published: November 2016

We synthesized SiSn/(reduced graphene oxide (rGO)) nanocomposite powder for a Li-ion battery material and characterized the structure by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Graphene oxide was prepared by Hummers method. The graphene oxide powder processed by heat treatment was added together with Si powder into a solution of SnCl2⋅ 2(H2O) dissolved in N2 bubbled ethylene glycol, and the solution was reacted with NaBH4. The product had a nominal atomic ratio of Si: Sn: C = 14: 3.5: 100. High-resolution TEM/STEM analysis revealed that the powder consisted of crystalline particles of Sn, Si, and SiO as well as thin reduced graphene oxide (rGO) lamellae of amorphous-like graphite with distorted lattices that were often found in areas as local as a few nm2. The aggregated Si and SiO particles grew up to several hundred nm across. Sn particles grew as large as a few tens of nm while those as small as a few nm were scattered on the (0001) rGO surface with some epitaxial relations. Si, SiO, and Sn particles were found hanging on at the edges of the rGO lamellae. An electrochemical test was performed for this nanocomposite powder. The result suggested that the SiSn/rGO powder would be a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries with high capacity.
Sequence control of phase separation and dewetting in PS/PVME blend thin films by changing molecular weight of PS
Authors: Xia Tian , Qin Yaping , Huang Yajiang , Huang Ting , Xu Jianhui , Li Youbing
Published: November 2016

The morphology evolution mechanism of polystyrene (PS)/poly (vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) blend thin films with different PS molecular weights (Mw) was studied. It was found that the morphology evolution was closely related to the molecular weight asymmetry between PS and PVME. In the film where Mw(PS) ≈ Mw(PVME), dewetting happened at the interface between the bottom layer and substrate after SD phase separation. While in the film where Mw(PS) >> Mw(PVME), dewetting happened at the interface between the middle PS/PVME blend layer and bottom PVME layer near the substrate prior to phase separation. The different sequences of phase separation and dewetting and different interface for dewetting occurrence were studied by regarding the competitive effects of viscoelasticity contrast between polymer components and preferential wetting between PVME and the substrate. The viscoelastic nature of the PS component played a crucial role in the sequence of phase separation and dewetting.
Temperature-dependent oxygen behavior of LixNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material for lithium battery
Authors: Choi Hyun Woo , Kim Su Jae , Jeong Myung Yung , Lee Seongsu , Rim Young Hoon , Yang Yong Suk
Published: November 2016

We have investigated the temperature-dependent oxygen behavior in the lithium battery cathode LixNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) materials in the temperature range 30-1000 °C. As the temperature increases, oxygen release occurs and the change of crystal structures from the face centered cubic spinel at 30 °C to other phases follows. The amount of released oxygen and the changed crystalline phases are dependent on Li content and temperature. These phenomena are reversible against temperature in air, but not in vacuum and argon gas environments. This study illustrates the important role of temperature and atmospheric environments in synthesizing the LNMO battery materials.
Polarization-induced electrical conductivity in ultra-wide band gap AlGaN alloys
Authors: Armstrong Andrew M. , Allerman Andrew A.
Published: November 2016

Unintentionally doped (UID) AlGaN epilayers graded over Al compositions of 80%–90% and 80%–100% were grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy and were electrically characterized using contactless sheet resistance (Rsh) and capacitance-voltage (C–V) measurements. Strong electrical conductivity in the UID graded AlGaN epilayers resulted from polarization-induced doping and was verified by the low resistivity of 0.04 Ω cm for the AlGaN epilayer graded over 80%–100% Al mole fraction. A free electron concentration (n) of 4.8 × 1017 cm−3 was measured by C–V for Al compositions of 80%–100%. Average electron mobility (μ¯) was calculated from Rsh and n data for three ranges of Al composition grading, and it was found that UID AlGaN graded from 88%–96% had μ¯ = 509 cm2/V s. The combination of very large band gap energy, high μ¯, and high n for UID graded AlGaN epilayers make them attractive as a building block for high voltage power electronic devices such as Schottky diodes and field effect transistors.
Effective Dissolution of Biomass in Ionic Liquids by Irradiation of Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma
Authors: Kuroda Kosuke , Shimomura Kai , Ishijima Tatsuo , Takada Kenji , Ninomiya Kazuaki , Takahashi Kenji
Published: November 2016

Biomass was dissolved in ionic liquids under non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation. On plasma irradiation, the amount of dissolved biomass in the ionic liquids increased from 15 to 29 mg for bagasse and from 26 to 36 mg for Japanese cedar. The high solubility was attributed to the deconstruction of the lignin network by active chemical species generated by the plasma. Selective extraction of cellulose from biomass was observed under plasma irradiation.
Referencing laser and ultrasonic height measurements of barleycultivars by using a herbometre as standard
Authors: Barmeier Gero , Mistele Bodo , Schmidhalter Urs
Published: November 2016

Assessment of plant height is an important factor for agronomic and breeder decisions; however, current field phenotyping, such as visual scoring or using a ruler, is time consuming, labour intensive, costly and subjective. For agronomists and plant breeders, the most common method used to measure plant height is still a meter stick. In a 3-year study, we have adopted a herbometre similar to a rising plate meter as a reference method to obtain the weighted plant height of barley cultivars and to evaluate vehicle-based ultrasonic and laser distance sensors. Sets of 30 spring barley cultivars and 14 and 60 winter barley cultivars were tested in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The herbometre was well suited as a reference method allowing for an increased area and was easy to handle. The herbometre measurements within a plot showed very low coefficients of variation. Good and close relationships (R2 = 0.59, 0.76, 0.80) between the herbometre and the ultrasonic distance sensor measurements were observed in the years 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively, demonstrating also increased values of heritability. Hence, both sensors were able to differentiate among barley cultivars in standard breeding trials. For the sensors, we observed a 4-fold faster operating time and 6-fold increase of measurement points compared with the herbometre measurement. Based on these results, we conclude that distance sensors represent a powerful and economical high-throughput phenotyping tool for breeders and plant scientists to estimate plant height and to differentiate cultivars for agronomic decisions and breeding activities potentially being also applicable in other small grain cereals with dense crop stands. Particularly, ultrasonic distance sensors may reflect an agronomically and physiologically relevant plant height information.
A preliminary molecular phylogeny of the genus Riccia L. (Ricciaceae) in Australia
Authors: Cargill D. Christine , Neal Will C. , Sharma Ish , Gueidan Cécile
Published: November 2016

Several Australian Riccia taxa have been sequenced for the first time, with the majority from the monsoon tropics of the Northern Territory, north of 18° latitude. This allowed testing of several infrageneric groupings within the genus as well as morphological species concepts. Molecular data from one nuclear and four plastid markers support the genus as a monophyletic group. However, the monophyly of the two largest subgenera, subgenus Riccia and subgenus Ricciella, are not supported, with the latter being polyphyletic and well nested within subgenus Riccia. Several currently accepted species such as Riccia inflexa and Riccia lamellosa were also found to be polyphyletic. A second tree reconstruction using only trnL–F sequences allowed comparison to several taxa collected outside of Australia. This showed that some species have a truly cosmopolitan distribution, whereas others have not.
Gaps and priorities for the Flora of Australia: where to next?
Authors: Knapp Zoe F.
Published: November 2016

This paper outlines current gaps in the Flora of Australia in terms of family-level treatments, and next steps towards completing the Flora, including moving from hard-copy volumes to a more dynamic and collaborative online platform.
Embodiment and American Sign Language
Authors: Corina David P. , Gutierrez Eva
Published: November 2016

Little is known about how individual signs that occur in naturally produced signed languages are recognized. Here we examine whether sign
understanding may be grounded in sensorimotor properties by evaluating a signer’s ability to make lexical decisions to American Sign
Language (ASL) signs that are articulated either congruent with or incongruent with the observer’s own handedness. Our results show little
evidence for handedness congruency effects for native signers’ perception of ASL, however handedness congruency effects were seen in
non-native late learners of ASL and hearing ASL-English bilinguals. The data are compatible with a theory of sign recognition that makes
reference to internally simulated articulatory control signals — a forward model based upon sensory-motor properties of one’s owns body. The
data suggest that sign recognition may rely upon an internal body schema when processing is non-optimal as a result of having learned ASL
later in life. Native signers however may have developed representations of signs which are less bound to the hand with which it is
performed, suggesting a different engagement of an internal forward model for rapid lexical decisions.
古音研究的新收获
Authors: Sun Jingtao
Published: November 2016

本文旨在评论介绍宋晨清《古音悬疑探论 — 事实与方法》(Song, 即出)，共分三个部分：评估本书的理论价值和贡献，介绍本书的主要内容，就本书涉及的两个重要问题进行讨论。
Cooperative expressions of disagreement in Romanian culture
Authors: Hoinărescu Liliana
Published: November 2016

This paper aims to investigate the pragmatic features and strategies of disagreement in contemporary spoken Romanian, on the basis of authentic data. Disagreement will be regarded in its cooperative dimension, considering that all types of genuine,bona fidecommunication involve various stages in establishing an intellectual consensus. Special attention will be given to the main causes which generate communicative divergence: metalinguistic/metadiscursive (the dispute on the semantic/pragmatic use of language), dialectical (the debate of general ideas and principles) or factual (contradictory interpretation of facts). We shall try to formulate some general conclusions, in order to configure the profile of intellectual disagreement in Romanian society and to integrate it into an intercultural and anthropological perspective.