bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetically induced forward scattering at visible wavelengths in silicon nanosphere oligomers
Authors: Yan J. H. , Liu P. , Lin Z. Y. , Wang H. , Chen H. J. , Wang C. X. , Yang G. W.
Published: May 2015

Electromagnetically induced transparency is a type of quantum interference that induces near-zero reflection and near-perfect transmission. As a classical analogy, metal nanostructure plasmonic ‘molecules’ produce plasmon-induced transparency conventionally. Herein, an electromagnetically induced transparency interaction is demonstrated in silicon nanosphere oligomers, wherein the strong magnetic resonance couples with the electric gap mode effectively to markedly suppress reflection. As a result, a narrow-band transparency window created at visible wavelengths, called magnetically induced transparency, is easily realized in nearly touching silicon nanospheres, exhibiting low dependence on the number of spheres and aggregate states compared with plasmon induced transparency. A hybridization mechanism between magnetic and electric modes is proposed to pursue the physical origin, which is crucial to build all-dielectric metamaterials. Remarkably, magnetic induced transparency effect exhibiting near-zero reflection and near-perfect transmission causes light to propagate with no extra phase change. This makes silicon nanosphere oligomers promising as a unit cell in epsilon-near-zero metamaterials.
Voxel-based, brain-wide association study of aberrant functional connectivity in schizophrenia implicates thalamocortical circuitry
Authors: Cheng Wei , Palaniyappan Lena , Li Mingli , Kendrick Keith M , Zhang Jie , Luo Qiang , Liu Zening , Yu Rongjun , Deng Wei , Wang Qiang , Ma Xiaohong , Guo Wanjun , Francis Susan , Liddle Peter , Mayer Andrew R , Schumann Gunter , Li Tao , Feng Jianfeng
Published: May 2015

Background:

Wernicke’s concept of ‘sejunction’ or aberrant associations among specialized brain regions is one of the earliest hypotheses attempting to explain the myriad of symptoms in psychotic disorders. Unbiased data mining of all possible brain-wide connections in large data sets is an essential first step in localizing these aberrant circuits.

Methods:

We analyzed functional connectivity using the largest resting-state neuroimaging data set reported to date in the schizophrenia literature (415 patients vs. 405 controls from UK, USA, Taiwan, and China). An exhaustive brain-wide association study at both regional and voxel-based levels enabled a continuous data-driven discovery of the key aberrant circuits in schizophrenia.

Results:

Results identify the thalamus as the key hub for altered functional networks in patients. Increased thalamus–primary somatosensory cortex connectivity was the most significant aberration in schizophrenia (P=10−18). Overall, a number of thalamic links with motor and sensory cortical regions showed increased connectivity in schizophrenia, whereas thalamo–frontal connectivity was weakened. Network changes were correlated with symptom severity and illness duration, and support vector machine analysis revealed discrimination accuracies of 73.53–80.92%.

Conclusions:

Widespread alterations in resting-state thalamocortical functional connectivity is likely to be a core feature of schizophrenia that contributes to the extensive sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional impairments in this disorder. Changes in this schizophrenia-associated network could be a reliable mechanistic index to discriminate patients from healthy controls.
Ultra-high density intra-specific genetic linkage maps accelerate identification of functionally relevant molecular tags governing important agronomic traits in chickpea
Authors: Kujur Alice , Upadhyaya Hari D. , Shree Tanima , Bajaj Deepak , Das Shouvik , Saxena Maneesha S. , Badoni Saurabh , Kumar Vinod , Tripathi Shailesh , Gowda C. L. L. , Sharma Shivali , Singh Sube , Tyagi Akhilesh K. , Parida Swarup K.
Published: May 2015

We discovered 26785 and 16573 high-quality SNPs differentiating two parental genotypes of a RIL mapping population using reference desi and kabuli genome-based GBS assay. Of these, 3625 and 2177 SNPs have been integrated into eight desi and kabuli chromosomes, respectively in order to construct ultra-high density (0.20–0.37 cM) intra-specific chickpea genetic linkage maps. One of these constructed high-resolution genetic map has potential to identify 33 major genomic regions harbouring 35 robust QTLs (PVE: 17.9–39.7%) associated with three agronomic traits, which were mapped within <1 cM mean marker intervals on desi chromosomes. The extended LD (linkage disequilibrium) decay (~15 cM) in chromosomes of genetic maps have encouraged us to use a rapid integrated approach (comparative QTL mapping, QTL-region specific haplotype/LD-based trait association analysis, expression profiling and gene haplotype-based association mapping) rather than a traditional QTL map-based cloning method to narrow-down one major seed weight (SW) robust QTL region. It delineated favourable natural allelic variants and superior haplotype-containing one seed-specific candidate embryo defective gene regulating SW in chickpea. The ultra-high-resolution genetic maps, QTLs/genes and alleles/haplotypes-related genomic information generated and integrated strategy for rapid QTL/gene identification developed have potential to expedite genomics-assisted breeding applications in crop plants, including chickpea for their genetic enhancement.
Enhancing the light-driven production of d-lactate by engineering cyanobacterium using a combinational strategy
Authors: Li Chao , Tao Fei , Ni Jun , Wang Yu , Yao Feng , Xu Ping
Published: May 2015

It is increasingly attractive to engineer cyanobacteria for bulk production of chemicals from CO2. However, cofactor bias of cyanobacteria is different from bacteria that prefer NADH, which hampers cyanobacterial strain engineering. In this study, the key enzyme d-lactate dehydrogenase (LdhD) from Lactobacillus bulgaricus ATCC11842 was engineered to reverse its favored cofactor from NADH to NADPH. Then, the engineered enzyme was introduced into Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 to construct an efficient light-driven system that produces d-lactic acid from CO2. Mutation of LdhD drove a fundamental shift in cofactor preference towards NADPH and increased d-lactate productivity by over 3.6-fold. We further demonstrated that introduction of a lactic acid transporter and bubbling CO2-enriched air also enhanced d-lactate productivity. Using this combinational strategy, increased d-lactate concentration and productivity were achieved. The present strategy may also be used to engineer cyanobacteria for producing other useful chemicals.
Ecological impacts of large-scale disposal of mining waste in the deep sea
Authors: Hughes David J. , Shimmield Tracy M. , Black Kenneth D. , Howe John A.
Published: May 2015

Deep-Sea Tailings Placement (DSTP) from terrestrial mines is one of several large-scale industrial activities now taking place in the deep sea. The scale and persistence of its impacts on seabed biota are unknown. We sampled around the Lihir and Misima island mines in Papua New Guinea to measure the impacts of ongoing DSTP and assess the state of benthic infaunal communities after its conclusion. At Lihir, where DSTP has operated continuously since 1996, abundance of sediment infauna was substantially reduced across the sampled depth range (800–2020 m), accompanied by changes in higher-taxon community structure, in comparison with unimpacted reference stations. At Misima, where DSTP took place for 15 years, ending in 2004, effects on community composition persisted 3.5 years after its conclusion. Active tailings deposition has severe impacts on deep-sea infaunal communities and these impacts are detectable at a coarse level of taxonomic resolution.
Differential contribution of frugivorous birds to dispersal patterns of the endangered Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis)
Authors: Li Ning , Fang Shu-bo , Li Xin-hai , An Shu-qing , Lu Chang-hu
Published: May 2015

The contribution of forest generalists and specialists to the dispersal pattern of tree species is not well understood. Specialists are considered low-quality dispersers because their dispersal distance is often short. However, disregard for seed deposition site may result in underestimation of the dispersal quality of specialists. The present study estimated the contribution of generalist and specialist species to the dispersal patterns of the endangered Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis) in a subtropical patchy forest in Southeast China. A relatively diverse assemblage of frugivorous birds visited T. chinensis source trees and specialist Hypsipetes leucocephalus and generalist Urocissa erythrorhyncha were by far the highest-quantity dispersers. Considering dispersal effectiveness, the quantity aspect of effectiveness differed between the specialist assemblage and generalist assemblage; the contribution of specialists to the quantity part of effectiveness was significantly higher than that of generalists despite the relatively low diversity of specialists. After foraging, both specialist H. leucocephalus and generalist U. erythrorhyncha significantly contributed to the number of seedlings and their contributions to seedling recruitment did not differ with regard to quality. Our results highlight the ability of T. chinensis to recruit an effective disperser assemblage in patchy habitats, thus increasing its persistence in this disturbed habitat.
Electronic system with memristive synapses for pattern recognition
Authors: Park Sangsu , Chu Myonglae , Kim Jongin , Noh Jinwoo , Jeon Moongu , Hun Lee Byoung , Hwang Hyunsang , Lee Boreom , Lee Byung-geun
Published: May 2015

Memristive synapses, the most promising passive devices for synaptic interconnections in artificial neural networks, are the driving force behind recent research on hardware neural networks. Despite significant efforts to utilize memristive synapses, progress to date has only shown the possibility of building a neural network system that can classify simple image patterns. In this article, we report a high-density cross-point memristive synapse array with improved synaptic characteristics. The proposed PCMO-based memristive synapse exhibits the necessary gradual and symmetrical conductance changes and has been successfully adapted to a neural network system. The system learns and later recognizes, the human thought pattern corresponding to three vowels, i.e. /a /, /i / and /u/, using electroencephalography signals generated while a subject imagines speaking vowels. Our successful demonstration of a neural network system for EEG pattern recognition is likely to intrigue many researchers and stimulate a new research direction.
Effects of prenatal and postnatal depression, and maternal stroking, at the glucocorticoid receptor gene
Authors: Murgatroyd C , Quinn J P , Sharp H M , Pickles A , Hill J
Published: May 2015

In animal models, prenatal and postnatal stress is associated with elevated hypothalamic–pituitary axis (HPA) reactivity mediated via altered glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene expression. Postnatal tactile stimulation is associated with reduced HPA reactivity mediated via increased GR gene expression. In this first study in humans to examine the joint effects of prenatal and postnatal environmental exposures, we report that GR gene (NR3C1) 1-F promoter methylation in infants is elevated in the presence of increased maternal postnatal depression following low prenatal depression, and that this effect is reversed by self-reported stroking of the infants by their mothers over the first weeks of life.
Childhood trauma, midbrain activation and psychotic symptoms in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Nicol K , Pope M , Romaniuk L , Hall J
Published: May 2015

Childhood trauma is believed to contribute to the development of borderline personality disorder (BPD), however the mechanism by which childhood trauma increases risk for specific symptoms of the disorder is not well understood. Here, we explore the relationship between childhood trauma, brain activation in response to emotional stimuli and psychotic symptoms in BPD. Twenty individuals with a diagnosis of BPD and 16 healthy controls were recruited to undergo a functional MRI scan, during which they viewed images of faces expressing the emotion of fear. Participants also completed the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ) and a structured clinical interview. Between-group differences in brain activation to fearful faces were limited to decreased activation in the BPD group in the right cuneus. However, within the BPD group, there was a significant positive correlation between physical abuse scores on the CTQ and BOLD signal in the midbrain, pulvinar and medial frontal gyrus to fearful (versus neutral) faces. In addition there was a significant correlation between midbrain activation and reported psychotic symptoms in the BPD group (P<0.05). These results show that physical abuse in childhood is, in individuals with BPD, associated with significantly increased activation of a network of brain regions including the midbrain in response to emotional stimuli. Sustained differences in the response of the midbrain to emotional stimuli in individuals with BPD who suffered childhood physical abuse may underlie the vulnerability of these patients to developing psychotic symptoms.
TrkB reduction exacerbates Alzheimer’s disease-like signaling aberrations and memory deficits without affecting β-amyloidosis in 5XFAD mice
Authors: Devi L , Ohno M
Published: May 2015

Accumulating evidence shows that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) significantly decrease early in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, it remains unclear whether BDNF/TrkB reductions may be mechanistically involved in the pathogenesis of AD. To address this question, we generated 5XFAD transgenic mice with heterozygous TrkB knockout (TrkB+/–·5XFAD), and tested the effects of TrkB reduction on AD-like features in this mouse model during an incipient stage that shows only modest amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology and retains normal mnemonic function. TrkB+/– reduction exacerbated memory declines in 5XFAD mice at 4–5 months of age as assessed by the hippocampus-dependent spontaneous alternation Y-maze task, while the memory performance was not affected in TrkB+/– mice. Meanwhile, TrkB+/–·5XFAD mice were normal in nest building, a widely used measure for social behavior, suggesting the memory-specific aggravation of AD-associated behavioral impairments. We found no difference between TrkB+/–·5XFAD and 5XFAD control mice in cerebral plaque loads, Aβ concentrations including total Aβ42 and soluble oligomers and β-amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein. Interestingly, reductions in hippocampal expression of AMPA/NMDA glutamate receptor subunits as well as impaired signaling pathways downstream to TrkB such as CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) and Akt/GSK-3β (glycogen synthase kinase-3β) were observed in TrkB+/–·5XFAD mice but not in 5XFAD mice. Among these signaling aberrations, only Akt/GSK-3β dysfunction occurred in TrkB+/– mice, while others were synergistic consequences between TrkB reduction and subthreshold levels of Aβ in TrkB+/–·5XFAD mice. Collectively, our results indicate that reduced TrkB does not affect β-amyloidosis but exacerbates the manifestation of hippocampal mnemonic and signaling dysfunctions in early AD.
Target screening of chemicals of concern in recycled water
Authors: Busetti F. , Ruff M. , Linge K. L.
Published: May 2015

The results of a characterisation study of water samples collected from an Advanced Water Recycling Plant (AWRP) operating in Perth, Western Australia are presented.
Unilateral horizontal semicircular canal occlusion induces serotonin increase in medial vestibular nuclei: a study using microdialysis in vivo coupled with HPLC–ECD
Authors: Zhang Ke , Li Qian , Xu Jia , Liu Junxiu , Ke Jia , Kang Wei , Li Tao , Ma Furong
Published: May 2015

Chromatograms of 5-HT in 20 μl microdialysate of MVN in the USSCO group (solid line), in the control group (dotted line) before surgery (black), and postoperative days one (red), three (blue), and five (green).
A microfabrication-free nanoliter droplet array for nucleic acid detection combined with isothermal amplification
Authors: Ma Xiaodong , Xu Weiwei , Chen Chao , Lu Zuhong , Li Jiong
Published: May 2015

A nanoliter droplet array based on a hydrophilic–hydrophobic patterned chip is developed without using microfabrication technology, which could be applied to detect nucleic acids.
A gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric probe for rapid detection of 1-hydroxypyrene in urine
Authors: Hu Yaqi , Du Chunyan , Li Yunchao , Fan Louzhen , Li Xiaohong
Published: May 2015

Direct and rapid detection of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) is of great importance owing to its high carcinogenicity, teratogenicity and toxicity.
A tractable method for the preparation of the ginsenoside compounds O and Mc1
Authors: Sun Mengqi , Che Yongsheng , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: May 2015

Rare ginsenosides, compounds O and Mc1, were produced from the major ginsenosides Rb2 and Rc by β-glucosidase from Esteya vermicola via the pathways of Rb2–compound O and Rc–compound Mc1.
Water-soluble plasmonic nanosensors with synthetic receptors for label-free detection of folic acid
Authors: Ahmad Randa , Félidj Nordin , Boubekeur-Lecaque Leïla , Lau-Truong Stéphanie , Gam-Derouich Sarra , Decorse Philippe , Lamouri Aazdine , Mangeney Claire
Published: May 2015

Gold nanorods were coated by molecularly imprinted polymers for the selective detection of folic acid using surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
A general method for synthesizing enzyme–polymer conjugates in reverse emulsions using Pluronic as a reactive surfactant
Authors: Wu Xiaoling , Ge Jun , Zhu Jingying , Zhang Yifei , Yong You , Liu Zheng
Published: May 2015

A general method was proposed for synthesizing enzyme–Pluronic nanoconjugates and microgels in reverse emulsions formed by using aldehyde-functionalized Pluronic F-127 as a reactive surfactant.
Copper(i)-catalyzed carbon–halogen bond-selective boryl substitution of alkyl halides bearing terminal alkene moieties
Authors: Iwamoto Hiroaki , Kubota Koji , Yamamoto Eiji , Ito Hajime
Published: May 2015

The carbon–halogen bond-selective borylation of alkyl halides bearing terminal CC double bonds has been achieved using a copper(i) catalyst. This reaction represents a useful complementary approach to conventional procedures for the borylative cyclization reported in our previous work.
Theoretical study of the structures and chemical ordering of cobalt–palladium nanoclusters
Authors: Arslan Haydar , Garip Ali Kemal , Johnston Roy L.
Published: May 2015

Global optimization of 1 : 1 compositions of (Co–Pd)N/2 up to N = 150 and all compositions of 34- and 38-atom binary clusters has been performed using a genetic algorithm, coupled with the Gupta empirical potential to model interatomic interactions.
Uranyl adsorption at solvated edge surfaces of 2 : 1 smectites. A density functional study
Authors: Kremleva Alena , Krüger Sven , Rösch Notker
Published: May 2015

Calculations show that surface groups, forming the adsorption site, determine the structure of uranyl complexes at edge surfaces of smectites.
Gas-phase structure and reactivity of the keto tautomer of the deoxyguanosine radical cation
Authors: Feketeová Linda , Chan Bun , Khairallah George N. , Steinmetz Vincent , Maître Philippe , Radom Leo , O'Hair Richard A. J.
Published: May 2015

Gas-phase IR spectroscopy, ion–molecule reactions, collision-induced dissociation and computational chemistry in combination form a powerful tool to gain insights into the structure of one-electron oxidised guanine in DNA and its resultant chemistry.
Heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis for the hydrogenation of carboxylic acid derivatives: history, advances and future directions
Authors: Pritchard James , Filonenko Georgy A. , van Putten Robbert , Hensen Emiel J. M. , Pidko Evgeny A.
Published: May 2015

Recent progress in hydrogenation of carboxylic acid derivatives is described with a particular focus on the catalyst performance, composition and reaction mechanism.
Correlation between the structural characteristics, oxygen storage capacities and catalytic activities of dual-phase Zn-modified ceria nanocrystals
Authors: Lin Fangjian , Delmelle Renaud , Vinodkumar Thallada , Reddy Benjaram M. , Wokaun Alexander , Alxneit Ivo
Published: May 2015

An excellent correlation between the structural properties and OSCs of dual-phase Zn-modified ceria nanocrystals is established. The detrimental effect of the secondary X-ray amorphous ZnO phase on soot oxidation is elucidated.
Mechanisms of reactions of methoxy species with benzene and cyclohexane over H-ZSM-5 zeolites
Authors: Kondo J. N. , Yamazaki H. , Yokoi T. , Tatsumi T.
Published: May 2015

Different mechanisms operate for reactions of methoxy species to form C–C bonds with various hydrocarbons, such as methyl cation-like and carbene-like mechanisms, both of which most probably occur in a concerted manner.
A chromium precursor for the Phillips ethylene trimerization catalyst: (2-ethylhexanoate)2CrOH
Authors: Jeon Jong Yeob , Park Dong Sik , Lee Dong Hwan , Eo Seong Chan , Park Seong Yeon , Jeong Myoung Sun , Kang Yi Young , Lee Junseong , Lee Bun Yeoul
Published: May 2015

The Phillips ethylene trimerization catalyst was improved to obtain a congener composed of a new chromium precursor (EH)2CrOH, (Me2C4H2N)AlEt2, and Et3Al·ClAlEt2.
Fluorosolvatochromism of furanyl- and thiophenyl-substituted acetophenones
Authors: Friebe Nadine , Schreiter Katja , Kübel Joachim , Dietzek Benjamin , Moszner Norbert , Burtscher Peter , Oehlke Alexander , Spange Stefan
Published: May 2015

Fluorosolvatochromism of four furanyl- or thiophenyl-substituted acetophenone derivatives is suitable to measure environmental effects.
Self-assembled organic hexagonal micro-prisms with high second harmonic generation efficiency for photonic devices
Authors: Zhang Haihua , Liao Qing , Wang Xuedong , Xu Zhenzhen , Fu Hongbing
Published: May 2015

Multiwavelength coherent light sources are key components for circuit integration of nanophotonics.
Rapid direct conversion of Cu2−xSe to CuAgSe nanoplatelets via ion exchange reactions at room temperature
Authors: Moroz N. A. , Olvera A. , Willis G. M. , Poudeu P. F. P.
Published: May 2015

High Cu+ mobility in cubic Cu2−xSe facilitates Cu+ and Ag+ ion exchange leading to the creation of cubic CuAgSe at 300 K.
Constructing Fe2O3/TiO2 core–shell photoelectrodes for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Wang Meng , Pyeon Myeongwhun , Gönüllü Yakup , Kaouk Ali , Shen Shaohua , Guo Liejin , Mathur Sanjay
Published: May 2015

Fe2O3/TiO2 nanorod arrays with core–shell structure were prepared via a facile hydrothermal and PECVD approach, which show significantly enhanced PEC water splitting ability and stability.
A general solid-state synthesis of chemically-doped fluorescent graphene quantum dots for bioimaging and optoelectronic applications
Authors: Ma Chong-Bo , Zhu Zhen-Tong , Wang Hang-Xing , Huang Xiao , Zhang Xiao , Qi Xiaoying , Zhang Hao-Li , Zhu Yihan , Deng Xia , Peng Yong , Han Yu , Zhang Hua
Published: May 2015

A facile general method for synthesizing doped and undoped graphene quantum dots is reported, which is based on solid reaction of simple organic precursors.
A one-step approach to the large-scale synthesis of functionalized MoS2nanosheets by ionic liquid assisted grinding
Authors: Zhang Wentao , Wang Yanru , Zhang Daohong , Yu Shaoxuan , Zhu Wenxin , Wang Jing , Zheng Fangqing , Wang Shuaixing , Wang Jianlong
Published: May 2015

We demonstrated one-step synthesis and functionalization of MoS2nanosheets, with favorable stability and biocompatibility, by ionic liquid assisted grinding.
Improvement of the immune efficacy of carbohydrate vaccines by chemical modification on the GM3 antigen
Authors: Zheng Xiu-Jing , Yang Fan , Zheng Mingwei , Huo Chang-Xin , Zhang Ye , Ye Xin-Shan
Published: May 2015

N-modified GM3 glycoconjugates improved the efficiency of the vaccination without the combination of metabolic oligosaccharide engineering technology.
Mild arylboronic acid catalyzed selective [4 + 3] cycloadditions: access to cyclohepta[b]benzofurans and cyclohepta[b]indoles
Authors: Cao Kou-Sen , Bian Hong-Xu , Zheng Wen-Hua
Published: May 2015

The first example of arylboronic acid catalyzed [4 + 3] cycloaddition reaction is reported.
Highly alkynyl-functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals and advanced nanocomposites thereof via click chemistry
Authors: Chen Jun , Lin Ning , Huang Jin , Dufresne Alain
Published: May 2015

Advanced nanocomposites were developed from alkynylated cellulose nanocrystals and the reactive polymer matrix via Huisgen click chemistry.
Reactive molecular dynamics simulation of the pyrolysis and combustion of benzene: ultrahigh temperature and oxygen-induced enhancement of initiation pathways and their effect on carbon black generation
Authors: Dong Xiaona , Fan Xing , Fan Yude , Wen Yushi
Published: May 2015

The pyrolysis and combustion mechanisms of benzene under different chemical environments and temperatures were investigated by a reactive molecular dynamics simulation using two systems, pure benzene and a mixture of benzene and oxygen gas.
Unusual crystallographic existence of a hydrated zinc(ii) bisulphate complex: experimental and theoretical observations
Authors: Dey Dhananjay , Pal Sukanta , Yadav Hare Ram , Sengupta Partha Sarathi , Choudhury Angshuman Roy , Kole Niranjan , Biswas Bhaskar
Published: May 2015

Crystallographic and theoretical existence of a unprecedented hydrated zinc(ii) bisulphate, [Zn(H2O)6](HSO4·H2O)2 in the presence of 4,4′-bipyridine and ammonium thiocyanate is reported.
Interaction of glycine, lysine, proline and histidine with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine lipid bilayers: a theoretical and experimental study
Authors: Porasso Rodolfo D. , Ale Norma M. , Ciocco Aloia Facundo , Masone Diego , Del Pópolo Mario G. , Ben Altabef Aida , Gomez-Zavaglia Andrea , Diaz Sonia B. , Vila Jorge A.
Published: May 2015

The interaction of unblocked glycine, lysine, proline and histidine with a DPPC bilayer was assessed using extensive atomistic molecular dynamics simulations.
Structural properties of ammonium iodide under high pressure
Authors: Huang Yanping , Huang Xiaoli , Wang Lu , Wu Gang , Duan Defang , Bao Kuo , Zhou Qiang , Liu Bingbing , Cui Tian
Published: May 2015

The high-pressure behavior of ammonium iodide (NH4I) has been investigated by in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman scattering up to 40 GPa.
Sn-MFI as active, sulphur and water tolerant catalysts for selective reduction of NOx
Authors: Peng Yue , Peng Honggen , Liu Wenming , Xu Xianglan , Liu Yawen , Wang Conghui , Hao Mengjia , Ren Fangfang , Li Yarong , Wang Xiang
Published: May 2015

Sn-MFI prepared hydrothermally was used for NOx-SCR. Sn was incorporated into the MFI framework to create a large quantity of Lewis acidic sites, active surface oxygen and mesopores, which improve the activity of the catalyst remarkably.
Fluffy-ball-shaped carbon nanotube–TiO2 nanorod nanocomposites for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Lu Zhisong , Xiang Xiutao , Zou Long , Xie Jiale
Published: May 2015

Fluffy-ball-shaped multiwalled CNT–TiO2 nanorod composites were fabricated via a facile hydrothermal approach for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue.
Label-free and amplified colorimetric assay of ribonuclease H activity and inhibition based on a novel enzyme-responsive DNAzyme cascade
Authors: Zeng Shulan , Huang Huakui , Huang Yong , Liu Xiaoqian , Qin Jian , Zhao Shulin , Chen Zhen-Feng , Liang Hong
Published: May 2015

A simple, label-free and amplified colorimetric assay strategy based on a novel enzyme-responsive DNAzyme cascade is developed for assay of ribonuclease H activity and inhibition. This assay exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity.
Enantioselective and diastereoselective azo-coupling/iminium-cyclizations: a unified strategy for the total syntheses of (−)-psychotriasine and (+)-pestalazine B
Authors: Li Qi , Xia Tingting , Yao Licheng , Deng Haiteng , Liao Xuebin
Published: May 2015

We report a unified strategy for the total syntheses of (−)-psychotriasine and (+)-pestalazine B based on the advanced intermediates of 3α-amino-hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole.
Post-synthetic halide conversion and selective halogen capture in hybrid perovskites
Authors: Solis-Ibarra D. , Smith I. C. , Karunadasa H. I.
Published: May 2015

Halides in 3D perovskites can be exchanged using halogen gas, while 2D perovskites can be tuned for selective halogen chemisorption.
Formation of a columnar liquid crystal in a simple one-component system of particles
Authors: Metere Alfredo , Sarman Sten , Oppelstrup Tomas , Dzugutov Mikhail
Published: May 2015

We report a molecular dynamics simulation demonstrating that a columnar liquid crystal, commonly formed by disc-shaped molecules, can be formed by identical particles interactingviaa spherically symmetric potential.
Engineering the intermediate band states in amorphous Ti3+-doped TiO2 for hybrid dye-sensitized solar cell applications
Authors: Pan Shusheng , Liu Xiaolin , Guo Min , Yu Siu fung , Huang Haitao , Fan Hongtao , Li Guanghai
Published: May 2015

Generation of an intermediate band state in amorphous TiO2 by ultraviolet pulsed laser ablation in water.
Fabrication of stimulus-responsive diatom biosilica microcapsules for antibiotic drug delivery
Authors: Vasani R. B. , Losic D. , Cavallaro A. , Voelcker N. H.
Published: May 2015

Thermo-responsive drug release from diatom biosilica microcapsules is demonstrated for the first time using microcapsules modified with copolymers of oligoethylene glycol methacrylates.
Room-temperature tilted-target sputtering deposition of highly transparent and low sheet resistance Al doped ZnO electrodes
Authors: Raju Nagiri Ravi Chandra , Yambem Soniya D. , Lin Qianqian , Burn Paul L. , Meredith Paul
Published: May 2015

OPV devices comprised of AZO electrodes with sheet resistances of <10 Ω □−1 and transmittance in the visible region up to an average of 84% showed comparable performance to devices with a transparent ITO electrode.
An air-stable microwire radial heterojunction with high photoconductivity based on a new building block
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Wang Jinshan , Xu Xinjun , Chen Shiyan , Zhang Qinglin , Yao Chuang , Zhuang Xiujuan , Pan Anlian , Li Lidong
Published: May 2015

A one-dimensional radial heterojunction structure based on a new electron-donating unit (dithienopyrazine) has been achieved with a high photoconductivity.
Hysteresis loss analysis of soft magnetic materials under direct current bias conditions
Authors: Turgut Zafer , Kosai Hiroyuki , Bixel Tyler , Scofield James , Semiatin S. Lee , Horwath John
Published: May 2015

Direct current bias related hysteresis loss characteristics of three commercially available magnetic materials: (1) an iron based Metglas tape core, (2) a Sendust powder core, and (3) a Mn-Zn based ferrite in both un-gapped and gapped configurations were studied. The measurements are conducted for a fixed external field Hext, a fixed flux swing (ΔB), and a fixed maximum forward magnetization (Bmax) as a function of the external bias field. In all the measurements, a direct correlation is found between permeability and measured loss values as a function of dc bias field. Increased hysteresis losses are measured in the magnetization rotation region in which classical domain theory predicts minimal losses. The observed trends are discussed within the frame work of classical domain theory.
Parallelized ultra-high throughput microfluidic emulsifier for multiplex kinetic assays
Authors: Lim Jiseok , Caen Ouriel , Vrignon Jérémy , Konrad Manfred , Taly Valérie , Baret Jean-Christophe
Published: May 2015

Droplet-based microfluidic technologies are powerful tools for applications requiring high-throughput, for example, in biochemistry or material sciences. Several systems have been proposed for the high-throughput production of monodisperse emulsions by parallelizing multiple droplet makers. However, these systems have two main limitations: (1) they allow the use of only a single disperse phase; (2) they are based on multiple layer microfabrication techniques. We present here a pipette-and-play solution offering the possibility of manipulating simultaneously 10 different disperse phases on a single layer device. This system allows high-throughput emulsion production using aqueous flow rates of up to 26 ml/h (>110 000 drops/s) leading to emulsions with user-defined complex chemical composition. We demonstrate the multiplex capabilities of our system by measuring the kinetics of β-galactosidase in droplets using nine different concentrations of a fluorogenic substrate.
Frequency tunable surface magneto elastic waves
Authors: Janušonis J. , Chang C. L. , van Loosdrecht P. H. M. , Tobey R. I.
Published: May 2015

We use the transient grating technique to generate narrow-band, widely tunable, in-plane surface magnetoelastic waves in a nickel film. We monitor both the structural deformation of the acoustic wave and the accompanying magnetic precession and witness their intimate coupling in the time domain. Strikingly, when an in plane magnetic field is applied parallel to the acoustic propagation direction, we witness its resonant coupling to the ferromagnetic resonance.
Relationship between seminal plasma tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues and sperm functional attributes in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Selvaraju Sellappan , Somashekar Lakshminarayana , Krishnan Binsila B. , Parthipan Sivashanmugam , Pushparani Guvvala , Arangasamy Arunachalam , Rajendran Duraisamy , Ravindra Janivara Parameswaraiah
Published: May 2015

The buffalo seminal plasma protein profile and its relationship with sperm quality have not been studied in detail. Thus, the aim of the present study was to profile buffalo seminal plasma proteins and to assess the relationship between differentially expressed proteins and sperm characteristics. Semen samples (n = 44) were collected from 11 Murrah buffalo bulls (four ejaculates from each animal) and seminal plasma protein profiling was performed by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight analysis of one of the differentially expressed proteins, namely the 11–12 kDa protein, identified it as tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues (TIP39). Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of TIP39, with TIP39 expression in seminal plasma varying among bulls. Based on TIP39 levels, bulls were classified into two groups, those with high and low protein. The percentages of spermatozoa positive for mitochondrial membrane potential test, chromatin distribution test, synthetic media sperm penetrability test and acrosomal integrity test were significantly (P < 0.05) high in the high protein group. The present study is the first to demonstrate the presence of TIP39 in buffalo seminal plasma and the positive effect of TIP39 on the functional parameters and fertilising ability of spermatozoa.
Sequence type 1 group B
Streptococcus
, an emerging cause of invasive disease in adults, evolves by small genetic changes
Authors: Flores Anthony R. , Galloway-Peña Jessica , Sahasrabhojane Pranoti , Saldaña Miguel , Yao Hui , Su Xiaoping , Ajami Nadim J. , Holder Michael E. , Petrosino Joseph F. , Thompson Erika , Margarit Y Ros Immaculada , Rosini Roberto , Grandi Guido , Horstmann Nicola , Teatero Sarah , McGeer Allison , Fittipaldi Nahuel , Rappuoli Rino , Baker Carol J. , Shelburne Samuel A.
Published: May 2015

Significance

Serotype V group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) infection rates in humans have steadily increased during the past several decades. We determined that 92% of bloodstream infections caused by serotype V GBS in Houston and Toronto are caused by genetically related strains called sequence type (ST) 1. Whole-genome analysis of 202 serotype V ST-1 strains revealed the molecular relationship among these strains and that they are closely related to a bovine strain. Moreover, we found that a subset of GBS genes is under selective evolutionary pressure, indicating that proteins produced by these genes likely contribute to GBS host–pathogen interaction. These data will assist in understanding how bacteria adapt to cause disease in humans, thereby potentially informing new preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Residual feed intake and breeding approaches for enteric methane mitigation.
Authors: Berry D. P. , Lassen J. , Haas Y. de
Published: May 2015

The expanding world human population will require greater food production within the constraints of increasing societal pressure to minimize the resulting impact on the environment. Breeding goals in the past have achieved substantial gains in environmental load per unit product produced, despite no explicit inclusion of environmental load (and in most instances, even feed efficiency) in these goals. Heritability of feed intake-related traits in cattle is moderate to high, implying that relatively high accuracy of selection can be achieved with relatively low information content per animal; however, the genetic variation in feed intake independent of animal performance is expectedly less than other performance traits. Nonetheless, exploitable genetic variation does exist and, if properly utilized, could augment further gains in feed efficiency. Genetic parameters for enteric methane (CH4) emissions in cattle are rare. No estimate of the genetic variation in enteric CH4 emissions independent of animal performance exists; it is the parameters for this trait that depict the scope for genetic improvement. The approach to the inclusion of feed intake or CH4 emissions in cattle breeding goals is not clear, nor is the cost benefit of such an endeavour, especially given the cost of procuring the necessary phenotypic data.
Methanotrophs in enteric methane mitigation.
Authors: Soren N. M. , Malik P. K. , Sejian V.
Published: May 2015

In recent years, greater concern for environmental health, especially the mitigation of greenhouse gases, has been debated on various platforms. Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) and is produced globally by both biotic and anthropogenic activities. The most important recognized sources of CH4 are natural wetlands (21%); fossil fuel related to natural gas, coal mines and the coal industry (16%); enteric fermentation (16%); paddy (11%); biomass burning (7%); landfills (7%); and animal waste (5%). Enteric fermentation in ruminants represents a major source of anthropogenic CH4. Several CH4 lowering strategies are being attempted by animal scientists across the globe to enhance livestock production vis-à-vis lower CH4 production. Each strategy that is being attempted has its advantages as well as limitations. So it is imperative to look for a strategy that is viable and environmentally friendly too. CH4-oxidizing bacteria, obligate and facultative, as well as anaerobic CH4-oxidizing archaea are known to play a fundamental role in the carbon cycle by metabolizing CH4 before it is released into the atmosphere. Therefore, CH4 mitigation by employing methanotrophic microorganisms may be a viable and novel approach in controlling enteric CH4 emissions in ruminants. The prospects of methanotrophs for eradicating enteric CH4 emission are debated elaborately in the following chapter.
A high-throughput system for high-quality tomographic reconstruction of large datasets at Diamond Light Source
Authors: Atwood Robert C. , Bodey Andrew J. , Price Stephen W. T. , Basham Mark , Drakopoulos Michael
Published: May 2015

Tomographic datasets collected at synchrotrons are becoming very large and complex, and, therefore, need to be managed efficiently. Raw images may have high pixel counts, and each pixel can be multidimensional and associated with additional data such as those derived from spectroscopy. In time-resolved studies, hundreds of tomographic datasets can be collected in sequence, yielding terabytes of data. Users of tomographic beamlines are drawn from various scientific disciplines, and many are keen to use tomographic reconstruction software that does not require a deep understanding of reconstruction principles. We have developed
Savu
, a reconstruction pipeline that enables users to rapidly reconstruct data to consistently create high-quality results. Savu is designed to work in an ‘orthogonal’ fashion, meaning that data can be converted between projection and sinogram space throughout the processing workflow as required. The Savu pipeline is modular and allows processing strategies to be optimized for users' purposes. In addition to the reconstruction algorithms themselves, it can include modules for identification of experimental problems, artefact correction, general image processing and data quality assessment. Savu is open source, open licensed and ‘facility-independent’: it can run on standard cluster infrastructure at any institution.
Anticorrosion performance of sintered NdFeB magnets by EDM in different dielectric fluids
Authors: Li Li , Yang Siyi , Niu Zongwei , Zheng Guangming , Sima Zhongwen
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to present an experimental investigation of improving the surface corrosion resistance of sintered neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets by electrical discharge machining (EDM) in different dielectric fluids.

Design/methodology/approach

– Scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction were used to analyze the surface morphology and chemical structure of recast layers formed by EDM using kerosene and distilled water as the dielectric fluids. Polarization scans and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were applied to investigate the post-machining corrosion resistance.

Findings

– The test results indicated that the recast layer produced during EDM had amorphous characteristics, and the newly formed amorphous structure could improve the corrosion resistance of the NdFeB material. The corrosion resistance of the recast layer formed in kerosene was better than that formed in distilled water.

Originality/value

– Surface corrosion modification of sintered NdFeB magnets by means of electrical discharge with an ordinary copper electrode is proposed in this paper. The layer formed by EDM exhibits different behavior to that of the interior of the bulk material and improves the anti-corrosion performance of NdFeB magnets.
The mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of Ti/TiN multi-layer films produced by physical vapor deposition
Authors: Dong Meiling , Cui Xiufang , Jin Guo , Wang Haidou , Zhu Lina , Liu Jinna
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The aim of the present paper is to investigate the mechanical performance of multi-layer films. With the wide application of optic and electronic thin-films, membrane materials and membrane technology have become one of the most active fields of research in contemporary materials science (Dumont et al., 1997). Multi-layer films have evolved as candidates for these applications because of their unique properties. TiN and Ti/TiN multi-layer films were fabricated using the DC magnetron sputtering method. A nano-indentation tester and electronic film distribution tester were utilized to evaluate the mechanical properties and residual stress of the films. The existence of interface effects on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the films were analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, the Ti/TiN multi-layer films were fabricated using the DC magnetron sputtering method. The films were deposited on polished 45# steels. Ti was used as the sputtering target. Ar and N2 were applied as working and reactive gases, respectively. Surface morphology was measured using transmission electron microscopy. The composition was analyzed using D8 X-ray diffraction. Nano-indentation tests were performed using Nanoindenter G200 with a Berkovich indenter. A BGS 6341 electronic film stress distribution tester was used to measure the distribution of stress in the films.

Findings

– The film surface was very smooth and the structure was very dense. The elastic modulus and micro-hardness of Ti/TiN multi-layer films were smaller, compared to those of the TiN film. Furthermore, both of these parameters initially decreased and later increased, with a decrease in the modulation period. The residual stress in the film was compressive. The corrosion resistance properties of TiN films were the best in NaCl solution, less so in alkaline solution and worst in acid solution. For the Ti/TiN multi-layer films tested in an acid medium, the corrosion resistance performance was better when the modulation period was decreased to micron grade under exposure conditions at ambient temperature.

Originality/value

– In the present paper, the Ti/TiN multi-layer films were fabricated using PVD with different variations, and the influence on the performance of Ti/TiN multi-layer films due to each single layer period of TiN was studied. The findings should provide useful guidelines for the preparation of high quality Ti/TiN multi-layer thin films.
The effect of microstructure and the related bio-corrosion behavior of AZ91D Mg alloy in SBF artificial body fluid
Authors: Junwei Liu , Shiqiang Lu , Jianbao Hou , Zipeng Ouyang , Mingliang Ren
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The effect of SBF artificial body fluid on microstructure and morphology characteristics of AZ91D alloy was investigated using OM, SEM and XRD. The effect of corrosion on mechanical properties also was researched.

Design/methodology/approach

– The results show that the corrosion weight loss rate initially increased, then clearly decreased, and finally remained steady. Pits began to appear when the sample was placed in a corrosive environment for five days and pitting gradually increased with longer exposure time.

Findings

– The pits, which made the grain boundaries indistinct, first appeared near the grain boundary area and then gradually increased in area.

Originality/value

– The main mode of corrosion is pitting and the primary corrosion product, MgOH2, could be observed after five days of corrosion.