bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic investigation of transcription factors critical in the protection against cerebral ischemia by Danhong injection
Authors: Wei Junying , Zhang Yanqiong , Jia Qiang , Liu Mingwei , Li Defeng , Zhang Yi , Song Lei , Hu Yanzhen , Xian Minghua , Yang Hongjun , Ding Chen , Huang Luqi
Published: July 2016

Systematic investigations of complex pathological cascades during ischemic brain injury help to elucidate novel therapeutic targets against cerebral ischemia. Although some transcription factors (TFs) involved in cerebral ischemia, systematic surveys of their changes during ischemic brain injury have not been reported. Moreover, some multi-target agents effectively protected against ischemic stroke, but their mechanisms, especially the targets of TFs, are still unclear. Therefore, a comprehensive approach by integrating network pharmacology strategy and a new concatenated tandem array of consensus transcription factor response elements method to systematically investigate the target TFs critical in the protection against cerebral ischemia by a medication was first reported and then applied to a multi-target drug, Danhong injection (DHI). High-throughput nature and depth of coverage, as well as high quantitative accuracy of the developed approach, make it more suitable for analyzing such multi-target agents. Results indicated that pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor 1 and cyclic AMP-dependent transcription factor 1, along with six other TFs, are putative target TFs for DHI-mediated protection against cerebral ischemia. This study provides, for the first time, a systematic investigation of the target TFs critical to DHI-mediated protection against cerebral ischemia, as well as reveals more potential therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke.
Designation of highly efficient catalysts for one pot conversion of glycerol to lactic acid
Authors: Tao Meilin , Dan Zhang  , Guan Hongyu , Huang Guohui , Wang Xiaohong
Published: July 2016

Production of lactic acid from glycerol is a cascade catalytic procedure using multifunctional catalysts combined with oxidative and acidic catalytic sites. Therefore, a series of silver-exchanged phosphomolybdic acid catalysts (AgxH3−xPMo12O40, x = 1 ~ 3, abbreviated as AgxPMo) was designed and applied in glycerol oxidation with O2 as an oxidant to produce lactic acid (LA) without adding any base. Among all, total silver exchanged phosphomolybdic acid (Ag3PMo) was found to be the most active one with LA selectivity of 93% at 99% conversion under mild conditions of 5 h at 60 °C. The exceptionally high efficiency was contributed to the generation of strong Lewis acid sites, enhanced redox potentials and water-tolerance. More importantly, Ag3PMo was tolerant in crude glycerol from biodiesel production. And the reaction mechanism was also discussed. Meanwhile, Ag3PMo acted as a heterogeneous catalyst for 12 recycles without loss of activity.
Focal adhesions control cleavage furrow shape and spindle tilt during mitosis
Authors: Taneja Nilay , Fenix Aidan M. , Rathbun Lindsay , Millis Bryan A. , Tyska Matthew J. , Hehnly Heidi , Burnette Dylan T.
Published: July 2016

The geometry of the cleavage furrow during mitosis is often asymmetric in vivo and plays a critical role in stem cell differentiation and the relative positioning of daughter cells during development. Early observations of adhesive cell lines revealed asymmetry in the shape of the cleavage furrow, where the bottom (i.e., substrate attached side) of the cleavage furrow ingressed less than the top (i.e., unattached side). This data suggested substrate attachment could be regulating furrow ingression. Here we report a population of mitotic focal adhesions (FAs) controls the symmetry of the cleavage furrow. In single HeLa cells, stronger adhesion to the substrate directed less ingression from the bottom of the cell through a pathway including paxillin, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and vinculin. Cell-cell contacts also direct ingression of the cleavage furrow in coordination with FAs in epithelial cells—MDCK—within monolayers and polarized cysts. In addition, mitotic FAs established 3D orientation of the mitotic spindle and the relative positioning of mother and daughter centrosomes. Therefore, our data reveals mitotic FAs as a key link between mitotic cell shape and spindle orientation and may have important implications in our understanding stem cell homeostasis and tumorigenesis.
Thymocyte development in the absence of matrix metalloproteinase-9/gelatinase B
Authors: Gounko Natalia V. , Martens Erik , Opdenakker Ghislain , Rybakin Vasily
Published: July 2016

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play critical roles in a variety of immune reactions by facilitating cell migration, and affect cell communication by processing both cytokines and cell surface receptors. Based on published data indicating that MMP-9 is upregulated upon T cell activation and also in the thymus upon the induction of negative selection, we investigated the contribution of MMP-9 into mouse T cell development and differentiation in the thymus. Our data suggest that MMP-9 deficiency does not result in major abnormalities in the development of any conventionally selected or agonist selected subsets and does not interfere with thymocyte apoptosis and clearance, and that MMP-9 expression is not induced in immature T cells at any stage of their thymic development.
The autism-related gene SNRPN regulates cortical and spine development via controlling nuclear receptor Nr4a1
Authors: Li Huiping , Zhao Pingping , Xu Qiong , Shan Shifang , Hu Chunchun , Qiu Zilong , Xu Xiu
Published: July 2016

The small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N (SNRPN) gene, encoding the RNA-associated SmN protein, duplications or deletions of which are strongly associated with neurodevelopmental disabilities. SNRPN-coding protein is highly expressed in the brain. However, the role of SNRPN protein in neural development remains largely unknown. Here we showed that the expression of SNRPN increased markedly during postnatal brain development. Overexpression or knockdown of SNRPN in cortical neurons impaired neurite outgrowth, neuron migration and the distribution of dendritic spines. We found that SNRPN regulated the expression level of Nr4a1, a critical nuclear receptor during neural development, in cultured primary cortical neurons. The abnormal spine development caused by SNRPN overexpression could be fully rescued by Nr4a1 co-expression. Importantly, we found that either knockdown of Nr4a1 or 3, 3′- Diindolylmethane (DIM), an Nr4a1 antagonist, were able to rescue the effects of SNRPN knockdown on neurite outgrowth of embryonic cortical neurons, providing the potential therapeutic methods for SNRPN deletion disorders. We thus concluded that maintaining the proper level of SNRPN is critical in cortical neurodevelopment. Finally, Nr4a1 may serve as a potential drug target for SNRPN-related neurodevelopmental disabilities, including Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Comparative chemical array screening for p38γ/δ MAPK inhibitors using a single gatekeeper residue difference between p38α/β and p38γ/δ
Authors: Kondoh Yasumitsu , Honda Kaori , Hiranuma Sayoko , Hayashi Teruo , Shimizu Takeshi , Watanabe Nobumoto , Osada Hiroyuki
Published: July 2016

Mammalian p38 mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are responsive to a variety of cellular stresses. The development of specific pyridinyl imidazole inhibitors has permitted the characterization of the p38 MAPK isoform p38α, which is expressed in most cell types, whereas the physiological roles of p38γ and p38δ are poorly understood. In this study, we report an approach for identifying selective inhibitors against p38γ and p38δ by focusing on the difference in gatekeeper residues between p38α/β and p38γ/δ. Using GST-fused p38α wild type and T106M mutant constructs, wherein the p38α gatekeeper residue (Thr-106) was substituted by the p38γ/δ-type (Met), we performed comparative chemical array screening to identify specific binders of the mutant and identified SU-002 bound to p38αT106M specifically. SU-002 was found to inhibit p38αT106M but not p38α kinase activity in in vitro kinase assays. SU-005, the analog of SU-002, had inhibitory effects against the kinase activity of p38γ and p38δ in vitro but not p38α. In addition, SU-005 inhibited both p38γ and p38δ auto-phosphorylation in HeLa and HEK293T cells. These results demonstrate that the comparative chemical array screening approach is a powerful technique to explore specific inhibitors for mutant proteins with even single amino-acid substitutions in a high-throughput manner.
Engineering Factor Xa Inhibitor with Multiple Platelet-Binding Sites Facilitates its Platelet Targeting
Authors: Zhu Yuanjun , Li Ruyi , Lin Yuan , Shui Mengyang , Liu Xiaoyan , Chen Huan , Wang Yinye
Published: July 2016

Targeted delivery of antithrombotic drugs centralizes the effects in the thrombosis site and reduces the hemorrhage side effects in uninjured vessels. We have recently reported that the platelet-targeting factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors, constructed by engineering one Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif into Ancylostoma caninum anticoagulant peptide 5 (AcAP5), can reduce the risk of systemic bleeding than non-targeted AcAP5 in mouse arterial injury model. Increasing the number of platelet-binding sites of FXa inhibitors may facilitate their adhesion to activated platelets and further lower the bleeding risks. For this purpose, we introduced three RGD motifs into AcAP5 to generate a variant NR4 containing three platelet-binding sites. NR4 reserved its inherent anti-FXa activity. Protein-protein docking showed that all three RGD motifs were capable of binding to platelet receptor αIIbβ3. Molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated that NR4 has more opportunities to interact with αIIbβ3 than single-RGD-containing NR3. Flow cytometry analysis and rat arterial thrombosis model further confirmed that NR4 possesses enhanced platelet targeting activity. Moreover, NR4-treated mice showed a trend toward less tail bleeding time than NR3-treated mice in carotid artery endothelium injury model. Therefore, our data suggest that engineering multiple binding sites in one recombinant protein is a useful tool to improve its platelet-targeting efficiency.
A membrane-free cation selective water-gated transistor
Authors: Althagafi Talal M. , Al Baroot Abbad F. , Algarni Saud A. , Grell Martin
Published: July 2016

We simplify cation-sensitive water-gated thin film transistor design by mixing the cation-selective ionophore into the semiconductor casting solution, rather than introducing itviaa separate membrane.
Nanoparticles and intracellular applications of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Taylor Jack , Huefner Anna , Li Li , Wingfield Jonathan , Mahajan Sumeet
Published: July 2016

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy offers ultra-sensitive vibrational fingerprinting within biological cells.
Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of higher fatty acids in grape berries (seed-free fruit sections)
Authors: Duan L. L. , Jiang R. , Shi Y. , Duan C. Q. , Wu G. F.
Published: July 2016

This study was conducted to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of higher fatty acids (with aliphatic tails more than or equal to 14 carbons) in grape berries (seed-free fruit sections).
Fast determination of calcium concentration in the internal tissues of a single seed using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Han Pengcheng , Dong Daming , Du Xiaofan , Jiao Leizi , Zhao Xiande
Published: July 2016

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy was used for the fast determination of calcium concentration in the internal tissues of a single seed. Compared with conventional methods, LIBS had obvious advantages, such as a little analysis spot, little ablation, high precision, and small influence on the seed vigor.
Host–guest binding motifs based on hyperbranched polymers
Authors: Mou Quanbing , Ma Yuan , Jin Xin , Yan Deyue , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: July 2016

Host–guest systems based on hyperbranched polymers together with their unique properties and various applications have been summarized.
Smooth and solid WS2 submicrospheres grown by a new laser fragmentation and reshaping process with enhanced tribological properties
Authors: Luo Ting , Wang Ping , Qiu Zhiwen , Yang Shuhua , Zeng Haibo , Cao Bingqiang
Published: July 2016

A novel laser induced fragmentation and reshaping (LFR) strategy is demonstrated to grow smooth and solid WS2 submicrospheres with enhanced tribological properties.
Tunable reactivity of geminal bis(silyl) enol derivatives leading to selective exo-IEDDA or Sakurai allylation with a β,γ-unsaturated ketoester
Authors: Gan Zubao , Chu Zhiwen , Hu Jia , Su Zhishan , Hu Changwei , Gao Lu , Song Zhenlei
Published: July 2016

Two contrasting pathways in a SnCl4-catalyzed reaction of geminal bis(silyl) enol derivatives with β,γ-unsaturated ketoesters have been achieved by tuning the R group in the enol moiety.
Hyper-branched anion exchange membranes with high conductivity and chemical stability
Authors: Ge Qianqian , Liu Yazhi , Yang Zhengjin , Wu Bin , Hu Min , Liu Xiaohe , Hou Jianqiu , Xu Tongwen
Published: July 2016

We reported herein the design and preparation of hyper-branched polymer electrolytes intended for alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells.
A dialdehyde–diboronate-functionalized AIE luminogen: design, synthesis and application in the detection of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Liu Guang-Jian , Long Zi , Lv Hai-juan , Li Cui-yun , Xing Guo-wen
Published: July 2016

A dialdehyde–diboronate-functionalized tetraphenylethene (TPE-DABF) was reported as a H2O2-specific AIE luminogen.
Liquid exfoliation of alkyl-ether functionalised layered metal–organic frameworks to nanosheets
Authors: Foster Jonathan A. , Henke Sebastian , Schneemann Andreas , Fischer Roland A. , Cheetham Anthony K.
Published: July 2016

Dispersion of the nanosheets exposes labile metal-sites which are shown to exchange solvent molecules allowing the nanosheets to act as sensors in suspension.
Mitochondria-targeting ratiometric fluorescent probe for γ-glutamyltranspeptidase and its application to colon cancer
Authors: Park Seokan , Bae Dong Jun , Ryu Yeon-Mi , Kim Sang-Yeob , Myung Seung-Jae , Kim Hae-Jo
Published: July 2016

An indocyanine-based probe for γ-glutamyltranspeptidase exhibited ratiometric fluorescence in mitochondria through an enzyme-mediated amide-to-amine transformation reaction applicable for colon cancer detection.
π–π stacking between polyaromatic hydrocarbon sheets beyond dispersion interactions
Authors: Silva Nadeesha J. , Machado Francisco B. C. , Lischka Hans , Aquino Adelia J. A.
Published: July 2016

A slipped parallel structure of a stacked graphene flake showing a biconcave curvature.
In situ investigation of energy transfer in hybrid organic/colloidal quantum dot light-emitting diodes via magneto-electroluminescence
Authors: Chen Lixiang , Chen Qiusong , Lei Yanlian , Jia Weiyao , Yuan De , Xiong Zuhong
Published: July 2016

Magneto-electroluminescence (MEL) could be a highly sensitive fingerprint for energy transfer, which provides a facile and efficient method for thein situinvestigation of fundamental processes in the hybrid organic/colloidal QD-LEDs and other organic/inorganic composites.
Air activation by a metal-free photocatalyst for “totally-green” hydrocarbon selective oxidation
Authors: Zhang Yalin , Hu Lulu , Zhu Cheng , Liu Juan , Huang Hui , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: July 2016

We demonstrate that polytriazine imide (PTI) is an efficient photocatalyst for cyclohexane selective oxidation using air and water without any other oxidants, initiators and solvents.
A homoleptic, all-alkynyl-stabilized highly luminescent Au8Ag8cluster with a single crystal X-ray structure
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhao Chongyang , Li Xiumin , Zhang Zongyao , Ai Xicheng , Chen Hui , Cao Rui
Published: July 2016

An all-alkynyl-stabilized, intensely luminescent Au–Ag cluster was synthesized and characterized with a very high solution quantum yield at room temperature.
Chemical controls on abiotic and biotic release of geogenic arsenic from Pleistocene aquifer sediments to groundwater
Authors: Gillispie Elizabeth C. , Andujar Erika , Polizzotto Matthew L.
Published: July 2016

Co-cycling of arsenic, manganese, iron, and dissolved organic carbon govern the extent and mode of geogenic arsenic mobilization into groundwater.
Environmental Science: Nano – Editors' symposium, revised scope and first impact factor
Authors: Grassian Vicki H.
Published: July 2016

News from Vicki Grassian, Editor-in-Chief.
Physicochemical properties and digestibility of eleven Vietnamese rice starches with varying amylose contents
Authors: Huynh Tien Dat , Shrestha Ashok K. , Arcot Jayashree
Published: July 2016

Digestion of rice starches cooked in limited water is significantly different from raw starch or when cooked in excess water.
Facile aromatic nucleophilic substitution (SNAr) reactions in ionic liquids: an electrophile–nucleophile dual activation by [Omim]Br for the reaction
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Lu Guo-ping , Cai Chun
Published: July 2016

An aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction in ionic liquids is promoted by an electrophile–nucleophile dual activation.
Observation of compositional domains within individual copper indium sulfide quantum dots
Authors: Harvie Andrew J. , Booth Matthew , Chantry Ruth L. , Hondow Nicole , Kepaptsoglou Demie M. , Ramasse Quentin M. , Evans Stephen D. , Critchley Kevin
Published: July 2016

We report observation of highly-segregated compositional domains within CuInS2 quantum dots, showing the origin of their emission-mediating InCu defect.
Vertically aligned oxygen-doped molybdenum disulfide nanosheets grown on carbon cloth realizing robust hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Xie Junfeng , Xin Jianping , Cui Guanwei , Zhang Xinxia , Zhou Lijie , Wang Yunlong , Liu Weiwei , Wang Caihua , Ning Mei , Xia Xinyuan , Zhao Yingqiang , Tang Bo
Published: July 2016

A synergistically optimized oxygen-incorporated MoS2/carbon cloth hybrid catalyst was successfully fabricated, realizing enhanced hydrogen-evolving activity and superior stability.
New sensitizers containing amide moieties as electron-accepting and anchoring groups for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wu Zhifang , Ma Wei , Meng Sheng , Li Xing , Li Jing , Zou Qi , Hua Jianli , Tian He
Published: July 2016

Three sensitizers with amide moieties as electron-accepting and anchoring groups were synthesized for dye-sensitized solar cells, in which the pyrimidine-trione-based sensitizer showed an efficiency of 3.9%.
Atomic-scale characterization of occurring phenomena during hot nanometric cutting of single crystal 3C–SiC
Authors: Chavoshi Saeed Zare , Luo Xichun
Published: July 2016

Nanometric cutting of single crystal 3C–SiC on the three principal crystal orientations at various cutting temperatures spanning from 300 K to 3000 K was investigated by the use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation.
A morphology controllable synthesis of 3D graphene nanostructures and their energy storage applications
Authors: Zhao Jie , Li Wei-Hua , Xu Hui-Zhong , Sun Li-Shui , Li Chao-Qin , Liu Fa-Qian
Published: July 2016

A morphology-controllable synthesis of 3D sulfonated graphene (SG) architectures were carried out.
Safer lithium metal battery based on advanced ionic liquid gel polymer nonflammable electrolytes
Authors: Guo Qingpeng , Han Yu , Wang Hui , Hong Xiaobin , Zheng Chunman , Liu Shuangke , Xie Kai
Published: July 2016

Ionic liquid gel polymer electrolytes (ILGPEs) based on a micro-porous polymer membrane were designed to both improve the battery safety and maintain rapid migration channels for Li+.
Mechanical and thermal properties of toluene diisocyanate-modified cellulose nanocrystal nanocomposites using semi-crystalline poly(lactic acid) as a base matrix
Authors: Gwon Jae-Gyoung , Cho Hye-Jung , Chun Sang-Jin , Lee Soo , Wu Qinglin , Li Mei-Chun , Lee Sun-Young
Published: July 2016

Although chemical modifications of CNCs have been successfully adopted to enhance their dispersibility in apolar matrices and solvents, the problem of the dispersion level of mCNCs in apolar matrices above a certain loading of nanoparticles remains an issue.
Novel nanostructural contrast for magnetic resonance imaging of endothelial inflammation: targeting SPIONs to vascular endothelium
Authors: Kaczyńska Agnieszka , Guzdek Katarzyna , Derszniak Katarzyna , Karewicz Anna , Lewandowska-Łańcucka Joanna , Mateuszuk Łukasz , Skórka Tomasz , Banasik Tomasz , Jasiński Krzysztof , Kapusta Czesław , Chlopicki Stefan , Nowakowska Maria
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to develop superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) targeted to the areas of vascular endothelium changed in the initial inflammation process, a first step of numerous cardiovascular diseases.
Surface passivation of boron emitters on n-type c-Si solar cells using silicon dioxide and a PECVD silicon oxynitride stack
Authors: Balaji Nagarajan , Lee Seunghwan , Park Cheolmin , Raja Jayapal , Thanh Nguyen Huong Thi , Chatterjee Somenath , Nikesh K. , Jeyakumar R. , Yi Junsin
Published: July 2016

Recombination of charge carriers is a significant loss mechanism in solar cells.
Gold nanoparticle-modified TiO2/SBA-15 nanocomposites as active plasmonic photocatalysts for the selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols
Authors: Chen Yu , Li Weizun , Wang Jingyu , Yang Qian , Hou Qidong , Ju Meiting
Published: July 2016

The catalytic performance of noble-metal on mesoporous silica hosts has been widely investigated because the effects of surface plasmon resonance can open new avenues for the improvement of catalytic performance under light irradiation.
Molecular investigation of oil–water separation using PVDF polymer by molecular dynamic simulation
Authors: Darvishi Mehdi , Foroutan Masumeh
Published: July 2016

In this study, adsorption of water nanodroplets, oil nanodroplets and oil–water mixtures on a poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) surface is investigated using molecular dynamics simulation and a mechanism for adsorption of the droplets is proposed.
Effect of a second metal (Co, Cu, Mn or Zr) on nickel catalysts derived from hydrotalcites for the carbon dioxide reforming of methane
Authors: Yu Xiaopeng , Zhang Fubao , Chu Wei
Published: July 2016

NiCo and NiCu catalysts exhibited enhanced stability compared with a Ni catalyst for the dry reforming of methane. On the contrary, NiMn and NiZr catalysts decreased the reforming stability.
Highly efficient ultraviolet light-emitting organosoluble polyimide
Authors: Liu Zhiyang , Wu Shouming , Bai Yongqi , Jiang Weigang , Hong Ling , Lei Tao , Ge Ziyi
Published: July 2016

A non-conjugated siloxane-containing polyimide without fluorescent dyes exhibited a high fluorescence quantum yield.
Self-assembly of hollow spherical nanocatalysts with encapsulated Pt NPs and the effect of Ce-dipping on catalytic activity
Authors: Zhang Hongxing , Zhang Yiwei , Zhou Yuming , Zhang Chao , Sheng Xiaoli , Zhao Shuo , Fang Jiasheng , Zhang Mingyu
Published: July 2016

This article reports a facile and controllable one-step method to construct Pt@hollow mesoporous SiO2 (Pt@HMSiO2) nanoparticles (NPs).
Bioavailability studies of curcumin–sophorolipid nano-conjugates in the aqueous phase: role in the synthesis of uniform gold nanoparticles
Authors: Darne Priti A. , Mehta Mihir R. , Agawane Sachin B. , Prabhune Asmita A.
Published: July 2016

The major limiting factors for curcumin to be accepted as a modern drug, despite its widespread applications, are its low aqueous solubility, low retention time and poor bioavailability.
A micropatterning approach to study the influence of actin cytoskeletal organization on polystyrene nanoparticle uptake by BeWo cells
Authors: Muoth C. , Rottmar M. , Schipanski A. , Gmuender C. , Maniura-Weber K. , Wick P. , Buerki-Thurnherr T.
Published: July 2016

The microcontact printing technique was successfully applied to study nanoparticle uptake in dependence on different actin cytoskeletal organizations.
High electrocatalytic activity of carbon-supported Pd@PdO NPs catalysts prepared by a HaNPV virions template
Authors: Pang Guigui , Sun Muxue , Liu Peng , Liu Hui , Hou Li , Gao Faming
Published: July 2016

A novel Pd@PdO nanoparticles (NPs) catalyst was successfully prepared by a HaNPV virions template in the absence of reducing agents.
Synthesis of 4-thio-5-(2′′-thienyl)uridine and cytotoxicity activity against colon cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Li Depeng , Qin Jianzhong , Xu Yaozhong , Ma Kedong
Published: July 2016

Antiproliferative effect of 4-thio-5-(2′′-thienyl)uridine on MC-38 cells, HT-29 cells and normal human fibroblasts cells.
Synthesis of new D-A1–D-A2 type low bandgap terpolymers based on different thiadiazoloquinoxaline acceptor units for efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Keshtov M. L. , Kuklin S. A. , Radychev N. A. , Ostapov I. E. , Nikolaev A. Y. , Konstantinov I. O. , Krayushkin M. M. , Koukaras E. N. , Sharma Abhishek , Sharma G. D.
Published: July 2016

Two low bandgap D-A1–D-A2 conjugated (with/without fluorine substitution) copolymers, with benzothiadiazole and thiadiazoloquinoxaline acceptors, were used to fabricate BHJ polymer solar cells that achieved up to 7.21% power conversion efficiency.
Cubic boron nitride with an intrinsic peroxidase-like activity
Authors: Chen T. M. , Xiao J. , Yang G. W.
Published: July 2016

Cubic boron nitride is discovered to possess intrinsic peroxidase-like activity, which can be used for glucose detection and efficient pollutant removal by constructing an immobilized reactor.
Predicting H2S solubility in ionic liquids by the quantitative structure–property relationship method using Sσ-profile molecular descriptors
Authors: Zhao Yongsheng , Gao Jubao , Huang Ying , Afzal Raja Muhammad , Zhang Xiangping , Zhang Suojiang
Published: July 2016

Predicting hydrogen sulfide (H2S) solubility in ionic liquids (ILs) is vital for industrial gas desulphurization.
Functionalization of γ-Fe2O3@SiO2nanoparticles using the antiviral drug zidovudine: synthesis, characterization, in vitro cytotoxicity and DNA interaction studies
Authors: Shahabadi Nahid , Falsafi Monireh , Feizi Foroozan , Khodarahmi Reza
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to design and prepare γ-Fe2O3@SiO2-zidovudine magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for magnetic guided drug targeting and biological applications.
Hierarchical porous carbon materials derived from a waste paper towel with ultrafast and ultrahigh performance for adsorption of tetracycline
Authors: Xie Atian , Dai Jiangdong , Chen Xiang , He Jinsong , Chang Zhongshuai , Yan Yongsheng , Li Chunxiang
Published: July 2016

Hierarchical porous carbon materials were prepared using paper towels as the carbon precursor for removal of tetracycline antibiotics with ultrafast kinetics property.
Shaping bioinspired photo-responsive microstructures by the light-driven modulation of selective interactions
Authors: Marafon Giulia , Mosconi Dario , Mazzier Daniela , Biondi Barbara , De Zotti Marta , Moretto Alessandro
Published: July 2016

The selective adenine–thymine binding occurring between complementary self-organized complex systems can be modulated by the activation of the plasmon resonance.
Correction: The equilibrium and dynamic surface tension of polymeric surfactants based on epoxidized soybean oil grafted hydroxyethyl cellulose
Authors: Huang Xujuan , Liu He , Shang Shibin , Cai Zhaosheng , Song Jie
Published: July 2016

Correction for ‘The equilibrium and dynamic surface tension of polymeric surfactants based on epoxidized soybean oil grafted hydroxyethyl cellulose’ by Xujuan Huang et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 64121–64128.
Hollow carbon spheres, synthesis and applications – a review
Authors: Li Sijin , Pasc Andreea , Fierro Vanessa , Celzard Alain
Published: July 2016

The first review of synthetic strategies and engineering applications of hollow carbon spheres is given herein.
Lithium rhenium(vii) oxide as a novel material for graphite pre-lithiation in high performance lithium-ion capacitors
Authors: Jeżowski P. , Fic K. , Crosnier O. , Brousse T. , Béguin F.
Published: July 2016

The electrochemical irreversibility of lithium extraction from lithium rhenium oxide (Li5ReO6) has been studied in LiPF6 electrolyte, and the material has been further included in the activated carbon electrode of a lithium-ion capacitor for the lithiation of graphite.
Solvothermal synthesis of hierarchically nanoporous organic polymers with tunable nitrogen functionality for highly selective capture of CO2
Authors: Huang Kuan , Liu Fujian , Dai Sheng
Published: July 2016

A series of porous organic polymers (POPs) with tunable nitrogen functionality and hierarchical porosity were successfully synthesized from the one-step copolymerization of divinylbenzene with 4-vinylpyridine or 1-vinylimidazolate under solvothermal conditions.
Carbon dots: surface engineering and applications
Authors: Liu Weijian , Li Chun , Ren Yanjing , Sun Xiaobo , Pan Wei , Li Yanhua , Wang Jinping , Wang Weijun
Published: July 2016

Surface engineering of carbon dots and their applications in targeting sensing, accurate drug delivery and high resolution bioimaging are highlighted.
Self-propelled liquid metal motors steered by a magnetic or electrical field for drug delivery
Authors: Zhang Jie , Guo Rui , Liu Jing
Published: July 2016

A self-propelled motor based on liquid metal is fabricated, and can be controlled by applying an external electrical or magnetic field.
Biodegradable shape memory polymers functionalized with anti-biofouling interpenetrating polymer networks
Authors: Dueramae I. , Nishida M. , Nakaji-Hirabayashi T. , Matsumura K. , Kitano H.
Published: July 2016

A novel type of shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) with high mechanical properties and biodegradability was constructed using a lactone copolymer (poly(ε-caprolactone-co-γ-butyrolactone), PCLBL), a diol- or triol-based chain extender (1,5-pentanediol, glycerol and 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol) and a diisocyanate cross-linker (1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate).
Layered-material WS2/topological insulator Bi2Te3heterostructure photodetector with ultrahigh responsivity in the range from 370 to 1550 nm
Authors: Yao Jiandong , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Yang Guowei
Published: July 2016

The WS2/Bi2Te3heterojunction has been achievedviapulsed laser deposition and the improvement in the photoresponse has been demonstrated.
Smart color-changing textile with high contrast based on a single-sided conductive fabric
Authors: Huang Guangxi , Liu Lianmei , Wang Rui , Zhang Jing , Sun Xuemei , Peng Huisheng
Published: July 2016

A smart color-changing fabric is preparedviaa facile and low-cost approach.
A highly twisted triarylborane-based biphenyl as an efficient host for blue and green phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Wang Chen , Yuan Yi , Li Sheng-Yong , Sun Zuo-Bang , Jiang Zuo-Quan , Zhao Cui-Hua
Published: July 2016

The triarylboraneo,o′-NPh2exhibits high triplet energy and can be used as an efficient host for blue and green phosphorescent OLEDs.
Zinc diketonates as single source precursors for ZnO nanoparticles: microwave-assisted synthesis, electrophoretic deposition and field-effect transistor device properties
Authors: Hoffmann Rudolf C. , Sanctis Shawn , Erdem Emre , Weber Stefan , Schneider Jörg J.
Published: July 2016

Variation of the ligand framework in 1,3-substituted zinc-diketonates provides a straightforward way to control size, morphology and electronic properties of semiconducting zinc oxide nanoparticles.
Spiropyran-based multi-colored switching tuned by pressure and mechanical grinding
Authors: Meng Xiao , Qi Guangyu , Li Xue , Wang Zhangyuan , Wang Kai , Zou Bo , Ma Yuguo
Published: July 2016

The multi-colored mechanochromic materials based on a spiropyran and pyrene derivative were realized through a combination of supramolecular and chemical structural changes.
Silica nanoparticles induce start inhibition of meiosis and cell cycle arrest via down-regulating meiotic relevant factors
Authors: Zhang Jin , Ren Lihua , Zou Yang , Zhang Lianshuang , Wei Jialiu , Li Yanbo , Wang Ji , Sun Zhiwei , Zhou Xianqing
Published: July 2016

Silica nanoparticles induced cell cycle arrest and proliferation inhibition by down-regulating the expressions of meiotic regulatory factors through causing DNA damages resulting from oxidative stress, leading to the inhibition of the start and process of meiosis.
Giant mimivirus R707 encodes a glycogenin paralogue polymerizing glucose through α- and β-glycosidic linkages
Authors: Rommel Anna J. , Hülsmeier Andreas J. , Jurt Simon , Hennet Thierry
Published: July 2016

Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus is a giant virus encoding 1262 genes among which many were previously thought to be exclusive to cellular life. For example, mimivirus genes encode enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of nucleotide sugars and putative glycosyltransferases. We identified in mimivirus a glycogenin-1 homologous gene encoded by the open reading frame R707. The R707 protein was found to be active as a polymerizing glucosyltransferase enzyme. Like glycogenin-1, R707 activity was divalent-metal-ion-dependent and relied on an intact DXD motif. In contrast with glycogenin-1, R707 was, however, not self-glucosylating. Interestingly, the product of R707 catalysis featured α1-6, β1-6 and α1-4 glycosidic linkages. Mimivirus R707 is the first reported glycosyltransferase able to catalyse the formation of both α and β linkages. Mimivirus-encoded glycans play a role in the infection of host amoebae. Co-infection of Acanthamoeba with mimivirus and amylose and chitin hydrolysate reduced the number of infected amoebae, thus supporting the importance of polysaccharide chains in the uptake of mimivirus by amoebae. The identification of a glycosyltransferase capable of forming α and β linkages underlines the peculiarity of mimivirus and enforces the concept of a host-independent glycosylation machinery in mimivirus.
Fronto‐parallel building facades stitching
Authors: Yan Wuxia , Wang Sheng , Hu Jun , Liu Chuancai
Published: July 2016

Parallax handling is a challenging task for image stitching. Existing image stitching methods are quite sensitive to large parallax. One common phenomenon, e.g. is the ghosting. In this Letter, a flexible building facade stitching method that allows large parallax is proposed. Using the rigidity constraints of the man‐made environment, each view can be aligned to a reference view. Excellent stitching performance demonstrates that the proposed method is superior to the state‐of‐the‐art ones.
Energy‐efficient beacon listening scheme for periodic vital signal monitoring
Authors: Kang B. , Chung C. , Kim J.
Published: July 2016

A new energy‐efficient beacon listening scheme with a medium access control protocol is proposed for periodic vital signal monitoring in a wireless body area network system. The conventional system receives every beacon frame to adjust the protocol context; however, the proposed scheme receives only the necessary beacon frames. As a result, power consumption decreases by reducing idle listening times. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme reduces power consumption of the beacon mode to almost that of the non‐beacon mode. Compared with the normal beacon mode, it reduces the power consumption by 25% when the traffic model is assumed to be electrocardiogram (ECG). This is suitable for devices monitoring periodic data such as an ECG application.
Robust STAP algorithm based on knowledge‐aided SR for airborne radar
Authors: Zhiqi Gao , Haihong Tao
Published: July 2016

Space–time adaptive processing (STAP) for airborne radar employs training snapshots to estimate a clutter covariance matrix (CCM). However, the resulting estimated covariance matrix can be corrupted by a target‐like signal (outlier), which leads to a further target self‐nulling phenomenon. When these outliers are dense, STAP performance degradation is most severe. To cope with this problem, a novel robust STAP algorithm based on knowledge‐aided sparse recovery (SR) is proposed, which can eliminate the influence of dense outliers on target detection. This algorithm exploits the property that the clutter components of side‐looking airborne radar are distributed along the clutter ridge, which is used to distinguish clutter components and outliers. Each snapshot is decomposed by the SR method, and then the similar degree function is defined to recognise and select clutter components via a threshold. Subsequently, the CCM is estimated by the select clutter components. Therefore, this algorithm can select appropriate coefficients and space–time steering vectors to assess clutter accurately. Monte Carlo experiments affirm that the proposed algorithm has advantages in robustness and target detection over other conventional STAP algorithms [e.g. samples matrix inverse‐STAP, prolate spheroidal wave function‐generalised inner product, and SR‐STAP algorithms] in heterogeneous clutter environments.
Stable Galerkin finite‐element scheme for the simulation of problems involving conductors moving rectilinearly in magnetic fields
Authors: Subramanian Sethupathy , Kumar Udaya
Published: July 2016

For the simulation of rectilinearly moving conductors across a magnetic field, the Galerkin finite‐element method (GFEM) is generally employed. The inherent instability of GFEM is very often addressed by employing streamline upwinding/Petrov–Galerkin (SU/PG) scheme. However, the SU/PG solution is known to suffer from distortion at the boundary transverse to the velocity and the remedial measures suggested in fluid dynamics literature are computationally demanding. Therefore, simple alternative schemes are essential. In an earlier effort, instead of conventional finite‐difference‐based approach, the numerical instability was analysed using the Z‐transform. By employing the concept of pole‐zero cancellation, stability of the numerical solution was achieved by a simple restatement of the input magnetic flux in terms of associated vector potential. This approach, however, is restricted for input fields, which vary only along the direction of the velocity. To overcome this, the present work proposes a novel approach in which the input field is restated as a weighted elemental average. The stability of the proposed scheme is proven analytically for both one‐ and two‐dimensional cases. The error bound for the small oscillations remnant at intermittent Peclet numbers is also deduced. Using suitable numerical simulations, all the theoretical deductions are verified.
Integer programming‐based method for observability of singleton attractors in Boolean networks
Authors: Cheng Xiaoqing , Qiu Yushan , Hou Wenpin , Ching Wai‐Ki
Published: July 2016

Boolean network (BN) is a popular mathematical model for revealing the behaviour of a genetic regulatory network. Furthermore, observability, an important network feature, plays a significant role in understanding the underlying network. Several studies have been done on analysis of observability of BNs and complex networks. However, the observability of attractor cycles, which can serve as biomarker detection, has not yet been addressed in the literature. This is an important, interesting and challenging problem that deserves a detailed study. In this study, a novel problem was first proposed on attractor observability in BNs. Identification of the minimum set of consecutive nodes can be used to discriminate different attractors. Furthermore, it can serve as a biomarker for different disease types (represented as different attractor cycles). Then a novel integer programming method was developed to identify the desired set of nodes. The proposed approach is demonstrated and verified by numerical examples. The computational results further illustrates that the proposed model is effective and efficient.
Compact SIW dual‐band bandpass filter using novel dual‐resonance quasi‐SIW‐transmission‐line‐structure resonators
Authors: Wsx Hezheng , Wu Ying
Published: July 2016

A compact substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) dual‐band bandpass filter (DBSF) using novel quasi‐SIW‐transmission‐line‐structure resonators is proposed in this study. This dual‐resonance SIW resonator which works in TE100 mode and TE201 mode can be evolved from a conventional SIW‐transmission line or a two‐conductor transmission line. Multiple signals transmission paths bring extra transmission zeros (TZs) and improve the selectivity and out‐band rejection of the DBSF. This filter works at 4.75 GHz/4.82 GHz, 5.38 GHz/5.51 GHz with 3 dB fractional bandwidths of 3.8 and 3.9%, respectively, and has six TZs. The measured results agree with the simulation results well.
In-Office Guided Implant Placement for Prosthetically Driven Implant Surgery
Authors: Karami Daryoush , Alborzinia Hamid Reza , Amid Reza , Kadkhodazadeh Mahdi , Yousefi Navid , Badakhshan Sarina
Published: July 2016

Application of surgical stents for implant placement via guided flapless surgery is increasing. However, high cost, need for some professional machines, and not taking into account the soft-tissue parameters have limited their application. We sought to design and introduce a technique named in-office guided implant placement (iGIP) to decrease the cost by using available devices in office and enhance the applicability of surgical stents. A customized surgical stent was fabricated based on prosthetic, soft- and hard-tissue parameters by taking into account the amount of available bone (using the computed tomographic [CT] data), soft-tissue thickness and contour (using a composite-covered radiographic stent), and position of the final crown (by diagnostic cast wax up and marking the final crown position with composite). The efficacy of iGIP, in terms of the accuracy of the three-dimensional position of the implant placed in the study cast and in patient's mouth, was confirmed by direct observation and postoperative CT. The iGIP can enhance implant placement in the prosthetically desired position in various types of edentulism. Using this technique minimizes the risk of unwanted consequences, as the soft-tissue thickness and contour are taken into account when fabricating a surgical stent.
Calibration of higher eigenmodes of cantilevers
Authors: Labuda Aleksander , Kocun Marta , Lysy Martin , Walsh Tim , Meinhold Jieh , Proksch Tania , Meinhold Waiman , Anderson Caleb , Proksch Roger
Published: July 2016

A method is presented for calibrating the higher eigenmodes (resonant modes) of atomic force microscopy cantilevers that can be performed prior to any tip-sample interaction. The method leverages recent efforts in accurately calibrating the first eigenmode by providing the higher-mode stiffness as a ratio to the first mode stiffness. A one-time calibration routine must be performed for every cantilever type to determine a power-law relationship between stiffness and frequency, which is then stored for future use on similar cantilevers. Then, future calibrations only require a measurement of the ratio of resonant frequencies and the stiffness of the first mode. This method is verified through stiffness measurements using three independent approaches: interferometric measurement, AC approach-curve calibration, and finite element analysis simulation. Power-law values for calibrating higher-mode stiffnesses are reported for several cantilever models. Once the higher-mode stiffnesses are known, the amplitude of each mode can also be calibrated from the thermal spectrum by application of the equipartition theorem.
Trapped fast particle destabilization of internal kink mode for the locally flattened q-profile with an inflection point
Authors: Wang Xian-Qu , Zhang Rui-Bin , Meng Guo
Published: July 2016

The destabilization of ideal internal kink modes by trapped fast particles in tokamak plasmas with a “shoulder”-like equilibrium current is investigated. It is found that energetic particle branch of the mode is unstable with the driving of fast-particle precession drifts and corresponds to a precessional fishbone. The mode with a low stability threshold is also more easily excited than the conventional precessional fishbone. This is different from earlier studies for the same equilibrium in which the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) branch of the mode is stable. Furthermore, the stability and characteristic frequency of the mode are analyzed by solving the dispersion relation and comparing with the conventional fishbone. The results suggest that an equilibrium with a locally flattened q-profile, may be modified by localized current drive (or bootstrap current, etc.), is prone to the onset of the precessional fishbone branch of the mode.
Potential energy surfaces of the electronic states of Li2F and Li2F−
Authors: Bhowmick Somnath , Hagebaum-Reignier Denis , Jeung Gwang-Hi
Published: July 2016

The potential energy surfaces of the ground and low-lying excited states for the insertion reaction of atomic fluorine (F) and fluoride (F−) into the dilithium (Li2) molecule have been investigated. We have carried out explicitly correlated multi-reference configuration interaction (MRCI-F12) calculations using Dunning’s augmented correlation-consistent basis sets. For the neutral system, the insertion of F into Li2 proceeds via a harpoon-type mechanism on the ground state surface, involving a covalent state and an ionic state which avoid each other at long distance. A detailed analysis of the changes in the dipole moment along the reaction coordinate reveals multiple avoided crossings among the excited states and shows that the charge-transfer processes play a pivotal role for the stabilization of the low-lying electronic states of Li2F. For the anionic system, which is studied for the first time, the insertion of F− is barrierless for many states and there is a gradual charge transfer from F− to Li2 along the reaction path. We also report the optimized parameters and the spectroscopic properties of the five lowest states of the neutral and seven lowest states of the anionic systems, which are strongly stabilized with respect to their respective Li2 + F/F− asymptotes. The observed barrierless insertion mechanisms for both systems make them good candidates for investigation under the ultracold regime.
Plasma-initiated rehydrogenation of amorphous silicon to increase the temperature processing window of silicon heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Shi Jianwei , Boccard Mathieu , Holman Zachary
Published: July 2016

The dehydrogenation of intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) at temperatures above approximately 300 °C degrades its ability to passivate silicon wafer surfaces. This limits the temperature of post-passivation processing steps during the fabrication of advanced silicon heterojunction or silicon-based tandem solar cells. We demonstrate that a hydrogen plasma can rehydrogenate intrinsic a-Si:H passivation layers that have been dehydrogenated by annealing. The hydrogen plasma treatment fully restores the effective carrier lifetime to several milliseconds in textured crystalline silicon wafers coated with 8-nm-thick intrinsic a-Si:H layers after annealing at temperatures of up to 450 °C. Plasma-initiated rehydrogenation also translates to complete solar cells: A silicon heterojunction solar cell subjected to annealing at 450 °C (following intrinsic a-Si:H deposition) had an open-circuit voltage of less than 600 mV, but an identical cell that received hydrogen plasma treatment reached a voltage of over 710 mV and an efficiency of over 19%.