bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing Structure–Property Relationshipsfor Poly(alkyl thiophene)–Fullerene Derivative Thin Filmsto Optimize Performance in Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Deb Nabankur , Li Bohao , Skoda Maximilian , Rogers Sarah , Sun Yan , Gong Xiong , Karim Alamgir , Sumpter Bobby G. , Bucknall David G.
Published: February 2016

Nanoscale bulk heterojunction (BHJ) systems, consisting of fullerenes dispersed in conjugated polymers have been actively studied in order to produce high performance organic photovoltaics. How the BHJ morphology affects device efficiency, is currently ill‐understood. Neutron reflection together with grazing incidence X‐ray and neutron scattering and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy are utilized to gain understanding of the BHJ morphology in functional devices. For nine model systems, based on mixtures of three poly(3‐alkyl thiophenes, P3AT) (A = butyl, hexyl, octyl) blended with three different fullerene derivatives, the BHJ morphology through the film thickness is determined. It is shown that fullerene enrichment occurs at both the electrode interfaces after annealing. The degree of fullerene enrichment is found to strongly correlate with the short circuit current (JSC ) and to a lesser degree with the fill factor. Based on these findings, it is demonstrated that by deliberately adding a fullerene layer at the electron transport layer interface, JSC can be increased by up to 20%, resulting in an overall increase in power conversion efficiency of 5%.
20.0% Efficiency Si Nano/Microstructures Based Solar Cells with Excellent Broadband Spectral Response
Authors: Huang Zengguang , Song Xiaomin , Zhong Sihua , Xu Haiyuan , Luo Wenxing , Zhu Xudong , Shen Wenzhong
Published: February 2016

Spectral response of solar cells determines the output performance of the devices. In this work, a 20.0% efficient silicon (Si) nano/microstructures (N/M‐Strus) based solar cell with a standard solar wafer size of 156 × 156 mm2 (pseudo‐square) has been successfully fabricated, by employing the simultaneous stack SiO2/SiNx passivation for the front N/M‐Strus based n+‐emitter and the rear surface. The key to success lies in the excellent broadband spectral responses combining the improved short‐wavelength response of the stack SiO2/SiNx passivated Si N/M‐Strus based n+‐emitter with the extraordinary long‐wavelength response of the stack SiO2/SiNx passivated rear reflector. Benefiting from the broadband spectral response, the highest open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and short‐circuit current density (Jsc) reach up to 0.653 V and 39.0 mA cm−2, respectively. This high‐performance screen‐printed Si N/M‐Strus based solar cell has shown a very promising way to the commercial mass production of the Si based high‐efficient solar cells.
High‐Throughput Topographic, Mechanical, and Biological Screening of Multilayer Films Containing Mussel‐Inspired Biopolymers
Authors: Neto Ana I. , Vasconcelos Natália L. , Oliveira Sara M. , Ruiz‐Molina Daniel , Mano João F.
Published: February 2016

A high‐content screening method to characterize multifunctional multilayer films that combine mechanical adhesion and favorable biological response is reported. Distinct combinations of nanostructured films are produced using layer‐by‐layer methodology and their morphological, physicochemical, and biological properties are analyzed in a single microarray chip. Inspired by the composition of the adhesive proteins in mussels, thin films containing dopamine‐modified hyaluronic acid are studied. Flat biomimetic superhydrophobic patterned chips produced by a bench‐top methodology are used for the build‐up of arrays of multilayer films. The wettability contrasts imprinted onto the chips are allowed to produce individual, position controlled, multilayer films in the wettable regions. The flat configuration of the chip permits to perform a series of nondestructive measurements directly on the individual spots. In situ adhesion properties are directly measured in each spot, showing that nanostructured films richer in dopamine promote the adhesion. In vitro tests show an enhanced cell adhesion for the films with more catechol groups. The advantages presented by this platform include ability to control the uniformity and size of the multilayers films, its suitability to be used as a new low cost toolbox and for high‐content cellular screening, and capability for monitoring in situ a variety of distinct material properties.
A Highly Stretchable ZnO@Fiber‐Based Multifunctional Nanosensor for Strain/Temperature/UV Detection
Authors: Liao Xinqin , Liao Qingliang , Zhang Zheng , Yan Xiaoqin , Liang Qijie , Wang Qinyu , Li Minghua , Zhang Yue
Published: February 2016

Stretchable and multifunctional sensors can be applied in multifunctional sensing devices, safety forewarning equipment, and multiparametric sensing platforms. However, a stretchable and multifunctional sensor was hard to fabricate until now. Herein, a scalable and efficient fabrication strategy is adopted to yield a sensor consisting of ZnO nanowires and polyurethane fibers. The device integrates high stretchability (tolerable strain up to 150%) with three different sensing capabilities, i.e., strain, temperature, and UV. Typically achieved specifications for strain detection are a fast response time of 38 ms, a gauge factor of 15.2, and a high stability of >10 000 cyclic loading tests. Temperature is detected with a high temperature sensitivity of 39.3% °C−1, while UV monitoring features a large ON/OFF ratio of 158.2. With its fiber geometry, mechanical flexibility, and high stretchability, the sensor holds tremendous prospect for multiparametric sensing platforms, including wearable devices.
Achieving Above 60% External Quantum Efficiency in Organic Light‐Emitting Devices Using ITO‐Free Low‐Index Transparent Electrode and Emitters with Preferential Horizontal Emitting Dipoles
Authors: Lu Chun‐Yang , Jiao Min , Lee Wei‐Kai , Chen Chien‐Yu , Tsai Wei‐Lung , Lin Chun‐Yu , Wu Chung‐Chih
Published: February 2016

Comprehensive theoretical and experimental studies are reported on organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) adopting either the conventional high‐index indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode or the low‐index conducting polymer electrode, either isotropic emitters or emitters having preferentially horizontal emitting dipoles, and different layer structures. Intriguingly, with the use of low‐index electrode in the device, in addition to the known suppression of waveguided modes, the surface plasmon modes can also be effectively suppressed with larger emitter‐to‐metal distances yet with better immunity to accompanied increase of the competing waveguided modes (induced by thicker organic layers) as in the ITO device. As a result, overall coupling efficiencies of OLED internal radiation into substrates can be significantly enhanced over those with ITO electrodes. Through effective extraction of radiation within substrates, green phosphorescent OLEDs adopting both the low‐index ITO‐free electrode and the preferentially horizontal dipole emitter (with a horizontal dipole ratio of 76%) achieve a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of up to ≈64%. The simulation also predicts that very high EQEs of ≥80% are possible with highly horizontal dipole emitters for all red/green/blue/white OLEDs, clearly revealing the potential of combining low‐index transparent electrodes and horizontal dipole emitters for high‐efficiency OLEDs.
Incorporating Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g‐C3N4) Quantum Dots into Bulk‐Heterojunction Polymer Solar Cells Leads to Efficiency Enhancement
Authors: Chen Xiang , Liu Qing , Wu Qiliang , Du Pingwu , Zhu Jun , Dai Songyuan , Yang Shangfeng
Published: February 2016

Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has been commonly used as photocatalyst with promising applications in visible‐light photocatalytic water‐splitting. Rare studies are reported in applying g‐C3N4 in polymer solar cells. Here g‐C3N4 is applied in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells (PSCs) for the first time by doping solution‐processable g‐C3N4 quantum dots (C3N4 QDs) in the active layer, leading to a dramatic efficiency enhancement. Upon C3N4 QDs doping, power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of the inverted BHJ‐PSC devices based on different active layers including poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PC61BM), poly(4,8‐bis‐alkyloxybenzo(l,2‐b:4,5‐b′)dithiophene‐2,6‐diylalt‐(alkyl thieno(3,4‐b)thiophene‐2‐carboxylate)‐2,6‐diyl):[6,6]‐phenyl C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PBDTTT‐C:PC71BM), and poly[4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐co‐3‐fluorothieno [3,4‐b]thiophene‐2‐carboxylate] (PTB7‐Th):PC71BM reach 4.23%, 6.36%, and 9.18%, which are enhanced by ≈17.5%, 11.6%, and 11.8%, respectively, compared to that of the reference (undoped) devices. The PCE enhancement of the C3N4 QDs doped BHJ‐PSC device is found to be primarily attributed to the increase of short‐circuit current (Jsc), and this is confirmed by external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements. The effects of C3N4 QDs on the surface morphology, optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the active layer film as well as the charge transport property of the device are investigated, revealing that the efficiency enhancement of the BHJ‐PSC devices upon C3N4 QDs doping is due to the conjunct effects including the improved interfacial contact between the active layer and the hole transport layer due to the increase of the roughness of the active layer film, the facilitated photoinduced electron transfer from the conducting polymer donor to fullerene acceptor, the improved conductivity of the active layer, and the improved charge (hole and electron) transport.
Controlling Wettability for Improved Corrosion Inhibition on Magnesium Alloy as Biomedical Implant Materials
Authors: Liu Yan , Yao Wenguang , Yin Xiaoming , Wang Huiyuan , Han Zhiwu , Ren Luquan
Published: February 2016

Special wettability surfaces such as superhydrophilic surface and superhydrophobic surface have become a hot topic of research because of the potential engineering applications. In this work, TZ51 magnesium alloys as biomedical implant materials have been treated by anodic oxidation. The water contact angle on the as‐prepared surface is 0° after anodic oxidation treatment. After being modified by stearic acid (SA) for 1 h at room temperature, the as‐prepared superhydrophilic surface shows superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle (WCA) as high as 163°. Different wettability surfaces can be obtained through annealing at different temperatures below 200 °C. However, after annealing at 300 °C for 0.5 h, the superhydrophobic surface becomes superhydrophilic with a WCA of 0° without destroying the microstructure of the surface. Moreover, the annealed surface can restore superhydrophobicity when remodified by SA. In addition, the superhydrophobic sample exhibits good corrosion resistance property compared with the bare Mg alloy substrate and superhydrophilic sample in Hank's simulated body fluid. The superhydrophobic TZ51 magnesium alloy will contribute to solving the corrosion problem of Mg alloys and increase its applications in clinical field.
Cloaking Contacts on Large‐Area Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Mayer Frederik , Schittny Robert , Egel Amos , Niemeyer Andreas , Preinfalk Jan , Lemmer Ulrich , Wegener Martin
Published: February 2016

Metallic contact grids on top of large‐area organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are important for laterally homogenized current spreading leading to a lower series resistance and reduced large‐scale brightness gradients. However, the contacts are also visible by unwanted shadows, i.e., by spatially inhomogeneous Lambertian light emission. In this paper, inspired by recent work on diffuse‐light core–shell invisibility cloaking, a practical tailored distribution of light scattering centers is designed on top of an OLED to homogenize its light emission. Numerical solutions of the light‐diffusion equation as well as Monte Carlo ray‐tracing simulations are presented. The blueprint is verified by experiments on a scaled‐up model structure. The contacts can be made “invisible” in emission while maintaining large light throughput.
Diastereomeric Resolution of a Racemic Biarylboronic Acid and Its Application to Divergent Asymmetric Total Syntheses of Some Axially Chiral Natural Products
Authors: Lee Chun‐Young , Cheon Cheol‐Hong
Published: February 2016

The asymmetric total syntheses of deshydroxytetramethylcupressuflavone and desmethylkotanin and the synthesis of a key intermediate in the previous synthesis of hibarimicinone are described using an axially chiral biarylboronic acid, prepared by the diastereomeric resolution of the corresponding rac‐boronic acid, as a common intermediate. Conversion of the boronic acid moiety into either a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy group by protodeboronation or oxidation enabled us to complete the total syntheses of deshydroxytetramethylcupressuflavone and desmethylkotanin and synthesis of a key intermediate in the previous total synthesis of hibarimicinone, respectively.

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Highly Stable Operation of Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by the Formation of a Transient High‐Concentration Electrolyte Layer
Authors: Zheng Jianming , Yan Pengfei , Mei Donghai , Engelhard Mark H. , Cartmell Samuel S. , Polzin Bryant J. , Wang Chongmin , Zhang Ji‐Guang , Xu Wu
Published: February 2016

Lithium (Li) metal has been extensively investigated as an anode for rechargeable battery applications due to its ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity and the lowest redox potential. However, significant challenges including dendrite growth and low Coulombic efficiency are still hindering the practical applications of rechargeable Li metal batteries. It is demonstrated that long‐term cycling of Li metal batteries can be realized by the formation of a transient high‐concentration electrolyte layer near the surface of Li metal anode during high rate discharge process. The highly concentrated Li+ ions in this transient layer will immediately be solvated by the available solvent molecules and facilitate the formation of a stable and flexible solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer composed of a poly(ethylene carbonate) framework integrated with other organic/inorganic lithium salts. This SEI layer largely suppresses the corrosion of Li metal anode attacked by free organic solvents and enables the long‐term operation of Li metal batteries. The fundamental findings in this work provide a new direction for the development of Li metal batteries that could be operated at high current densities for a wide range of applications.
Clinically relevant variants identified in thoracic aortic aneurysm patients by research exome sequencing
Authors: Schubert Jeffrey A. , Landis Benjamin J. , Shikany Amy R. , Hinton Robert B. , Ware Stephanie M.
Published: February 2016

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a genetically heterogeneous disease involving subclinical and progressive dilation of the thoracic aorta, which can lead to life‐threatening complications such as dissection or rupture. Genetic testing is important for risk stratification and identification of at risk family members, and clinically available genetic testing panels have been expanding rapidly. However, when past testing results are normal, there is little evidence to guide decision‐making about the indications and timing to pursue additional clinical genetic testing. Results from research based genetic testing can help inform this process. Here we present 10 TAA patients who have a family history of disease and who enrolled in research‐based exome testing. Nine of these ten patients had previous clinical genetic testing that did not identify the cause of disease. We sought to determine the number of rare variants in 23 known TAA associated genes identified by research‐based exome testing. In total, we found 10 rare variants in six patients. Likely pathogenic variants included a TGFB2 variant in one patient and a SMAD3 variant in another. These variants have been reported previously in individuals with similar phenotypes. Variants of uncertain significance of particular interest included novel variants in MYLK and MFAP5, which were identified in a third patient. In total, clinically reportable rare variants were found in 6/10 (60%) patients, with at least 2/10 (20%) patients having likely pathogenic variants identified. These data indicate that consideration of re‐testing is important in TAA patients with previous negative or inconclusive results. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two cases of Vici syndrome associated with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) with a review of the literature
Authors: Huenerberg Katherine , Hudspeth Michelle , Bergmann Shayla , Pai Shashidhar , Singh Balvir , Duong Angie
Published: February 2016

Vici syndrome is a rare congenital disorder first described in 1988. To date, 31 cases have been reported in the literature. The characteristic features of this syndrome include: agenesis of the corpus callosum, albinism, cardiomyopathy, variable immunodeficiency, cataracts, and myopathy. We report two Hispanic sisters with genetically confirmed Vici syndrome who both developed Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. To our knowledge, this is an immunologic process that has been previously undescribed within the phenotype of Vici syndrome and should be added to the spectrum of variable immune dysregulation that can be found in these patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variant of PBX2 gene in the 6p21.3 asthma susceptibility locus is associated with allergic rhinitis in Chinese subjects
Authors: Zhao Yali , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Luo
Published: February 2016

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a complex chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa, caused by an interaction between genetic and environmental factors. As evidence suggests that some genetic variants may increase susceptibility to both AR and asthma, the objective of this study was to identify asthma susceptibility variants associated with AR in the Chinese population.

Methods

A cohort of 402 individuals with physician‐diagnosed AR and 416 healthy controls were recruited from the Han Chinese population in Beijing. DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood and a total of 12 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) shown to be associated with asthma in Japanese subjects were selected for genotyping using the SequenomMassARRAY technology platform.

Results

Analysis of frequency differences of allele between the AR patients and control subjects showed that the C allele of rs204993 in the pre‐B‐cell leukemia homeobox 2 (PBX2) gene from the 6p21.3 locus was significantly associated with AR (p = 0.0006, pcorrected = 0.0340). Genotype analysis further confirmed the difference in distribution of this variant between AR patients and controls in the both the dominant (pT/C+C/C vs T/T = 7.37×10−5) and co‐dominant (pT/C vs T/T = 1.98 × 10−4, pC/C vs T/T = 0.004) models.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the PBX2 gene in the 6p21.3 asthma susceptibility locus may be associated with increased risk for both AR and asthma in Chinese subjects.
Influence of the amorphous phase molecular mobility on impact and tensile properties of polyamide 6,6
Authors: Rios de Anda Agustín , Fillot Louise‐Anne , Long Didier R. , Sotta Paul
Published: February 2016

In this work, the relationship between molecular mobility of polyamide 6,6 amorphous phase and mechanical properties is studied. PA66 formulations having different glass transition temperatures (Tg) obtained by additivation, chemical modification of the polyamide chains, and/or water conditioning at different hygrometry levels, are considered. The main emphasis is put on the impact strength, as measured by instrumented Charpy impact tests over a broad temperature range. It is observed that the brittle‐tough transition temperature TB/T is closely correlated with the Tg of the samples rather than to the β secondary relaxation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43457.
Architectural effect of poly(acrylic acid) and poly(amide imide) block copolymers on dispersion of carbon nanotubes in water
Authors: Kubotera Akane , Saito Reiko
Published: February 2016

The dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in water by poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(amide imide) (PAI) block copolymers and homo‐PAA is investigated. Poly(acrylic acid)‐block‐poly(amide imide) (PAA‐block‐PAI), poly(acrylic acid)‐block‐poly(amide imide)‐block‐poly(acrylic acid) (PAA‐block‐PAI‐block‐PAA), and heteroarm star block copolymer poly(acrylic acid)2poly(amide imide) (PAA2PAI) with similar molecular weights and PAA contents are used as the copolymers. The dispersion of CNTs is observed by dynamic light scattering and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy. The presence of the hydrophobic sequence improves the dispersion. PAA2PAI has the best dispersion ability, followed in order by PAA‐block‐PAI‐block‐PAA, PAA‐block‐PAI, and homo‐PAA. In the dry state, aggregates of CNT are observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the mixture with PAA‐block‐PAI and homo‐PAA. The adhesion of the copolymers to CNT is also observed by TEM and is due to the high affinity between hydrophobic PAI and CNT. In particular, PAA2PAI and PAA‐block‐PAI‐block‐PAA well cover the CNTs. The presence of PAI and the PAA location are important for the dispersion of CNTs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43461.
Synthesis and Pharmacological Activity of a New Series of 1‐(1H‐Indol‐4‐yloxy)‐3‐(2‐(2‐methoxyphenoxy)ethylamino)propan‐2‐ol Analogs
Authors: Bednarski Marek , Otto Monika , Dudek Magdalena , Kołaczkowski Marcin , Bucki Adam , Siwek Agata , Groszek Grażyna , Maziarz Elżbieta , Wilk Piotr , Sapa Jacek
Published: February 2016

β‐Adrenergic receptor antagonists are important therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. In the group of β‐blockers, much attention is being paid to the third‐generation drugs that possess important ancillary properties besides inhibiting β‐adrenoceptors. Vasodilating activity of these drugs is produced through different mechanisms, such as nitric oxide (NO) release, β2‐agonistic action, α1‐blockade, antioxidant action, and Ca2+ entry blockade. Here, a study on evaluation of the cardiovascular activity of five new compounds is presented. Compound 3a is a methyl and four of the tested compounds (3b–e) are dimethoxy derivatives of 1‐(1H‐indol‐4‐yloxy)‐3‐(2‐(2‐methoxyphenoxy)ethylamino)propan‐2‐ol. The obtained results confirmed that the methyl and dimethoxy derivatives of 1‐(1H‐indol‐4‐yloxy)‐3‐(2‐(2‐methoxyphenoxy)ethylamino)propan‐2‐ol and their enantiomers possess α1‐ and β1‐adrenolytic activities and that the antiarrhythmic and hypotensive effects of the tested compounds are related to their adrenolytic properties.
Polymer‐Based Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Chromophores on TiO2 for Solar Energy Conversion
Authors: Leem Gyu , Morseth Zachary A. , Wee Kyung‐Ryang , Jiang Junlin , Brennaman M. Kyle , Papanikolas John M. , Schanze Kirk S.
Published: February 2016

A polychromophoric light‐harvesting assembly featuring a polystyrene (PS) backbone with ionic carboxylate‐functionalized RuII polypyridyl complexes as pendant groups (PS‐Ru‐A) was synthesized and successfully anchored onto mesoporous structured TiO2 films (TiO2//PS‐Ru‐A). Studies of the resulting TiO2//PS‐Ru‐A films carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed that the ionic carboxylated RuII complexes from PS‐Ru‐A led to the surface immobilization on the TiO2 film. Monochromatic light photocurrent spectroscopy (IPCE) and white light (AM1.5G) current–voltage studies of dye‐sensitized solar cells using the TiO2//PS‐Ru‐A photoanode give rise to modest photocurrent and white light efficiency (24 % peak IPCE and 0.33 % PCE, respectively). The photostability of surface‐bound TiO2//PS‐Ru‐A films was tested and compared to a monomeric RuII complex (TiO2//Ru‐A), showing an enhancement of ∼14 % in the photostability of PS‐Ru‐A. Transient absorption measurements reveal that electron injection from surface‐bound pendants occurs on the picosecond time scale, similar to TiO2//Ru‐A, while time‐resolved emission measurements reveal delayed electron injection occurring in TiO2//PS‐Ru‐A on the nanosecond time scale, underscoring energy transport from unbound to surface‐bound complexes. Additionally, charge recombination is delayed in PS‐Ru‐A, pointing towards intra‐assembly hole transport to complexes away from the surface. Molecular dynamics simulations of PS‐Ru‐A in fluid solution indicate that a majority of the pendant RuII complexes lie within 10–20 Å of each other, facilitating efficient energy‐ and charge transport among the pendant complexes.
A Lysosome‐Targeting Fluorescence Off‐On Probe for Imaging of Nitroreductase and Hypoxia in Live Cells
Authors: Zhou Jin , Shi Wen , Li Li‐Hong , Gong Qiu‐Yu , Wu Xiao‐Feng , Li Xiao‐Hua , Ma Hui‐Min
Published: February 2016

A lysosome‐targeting fluorescent off‐on probe has been developed by one‐step synthesis for detecting lysosomal nitroreductase and hypoxia. The probe is constructed by incorporating morpholine (a lysosome‐targeting unit) into 4‐nitro‐1,8‐naphthalimide (as a fluorochrome and specific substrate for nitroreductase), and the detection mechanism is based on the nitroreductase‐catalyzed reduction of the probe to 4‐amino‐1,8‐naphthalimide, accompanied by a large fluorescence enhancement at a wavelength of 543 nm. The probe shows an accurate lysosome‐targeting ability with high selectivity and sensitivity to nitroreductase (detection limit: 2.2 ng mL−1). Notably, the probe has been used to image the change of lysosomal nitroreductase in live cells during hypoxia, revealing that the increase of nitroreductase in lysosomes may be smaller than that in the cytoplasm. In addition, the probe is expected to be useful for studying the function of nitroreductase in the acidic organelle of lysosomes.
Superelastic, Macroporous Polystyrene‐Mediated Graphene Aerogels for Active Pressure Sensing
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Lv Lingxiao , Cheng Zhihua , Liang Yuan , Zhou Qinhan , Zhao Yang , Qu Liangti
Published: February 2016

Three‐dimensional (3D) graphene‐based polymer/graphene aerogels with excellent mechanical properties are crucial for broad applications. The creation of such polymer/graphene aerogels remains challenging because of the poor dispersion and compatibility of polymer within the graphene matrix. By using the freezing‐directed assembly of graphene under the assistance of surfactant, 3D macroporous polystyrene/graphene aerogels (MPS‐GAs) with lightweight, superelastivity (80 % strain), high strength (80 kPa), and good electrical properties have been achieved in this study. The as‐prepared MPS‐GAs shows excellent electromechanical performance with stable cyclic resilient properties and sensitive resistance responses, thus making the MPS‐GAs promising candidates for applications in actuators, elastic conductors, strain/pressure sensors, and wearable devices.
Nano/Micro‐Structured Si/C Anodes with High Initial Coulombic Efficiency in Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Quan , Li Jin‐Yi , Yin Ya‐Xia , Kong Yi‐Ming , Guo Yu‐Guo , Wan Li‐Jun
Published: February 2016

One of the major challenges for designing high‐capacity anode materials is to combine both Coulombic efficiency and cycling stability. Herein, nano/micro‐structured Si/C composites are designed and synthesized to address this challenge by decreasing the specific surface area and improving the tap density of Si/C materials. An ultrahigh initial Coulombic efficiency of 91.2 % could be achieved due to a proper particle size, low specific surface area, and optimized structure. The nano/micro‐structured Si/C anodes exhibit excellent cycling stability with 96.5 % capacity retention after 100 cycles under a current density of 0.2 A g−1.
Principles of the four‐point thermographic measurement of the surface temperature and emissivity of glossy materials
Authors: Čmiel Filip , Solař Jaroslav , Alexa Petr
Published: February 2016

The emissivity and surface temperature of glossy materials are measured in IR thermography by covering the surface with a material with the known emissivity. The quantities can be, however, determined without using materials with the known emissivity. IR radiation is reflected from the measured glossy surface and a thermographer detects such reflection.

This paper discusses the measurement of the surface temperature and emissivity of glossy materials which are used in external structures of the buildings – for instance, windows, light external walls or tiles. A four‐point method is proposed for a more accurate determination of the surface temperature and emissivity of glossy materials. Results of successful laboratory and field tests of the method are presented.

Prinzipien der Vier‐Punkt‐Thermografie‐Messmethode für die Oberflächentemperatur und den Emissionsgrad glänzender Werkstoffe. Zur Messung des Emissionsgrads und der Oberflächentemperatur glänzender Werkstoffe mit der Infrarot‐Temperaturmessmethode wird die Oberfläche mit einem Material abgedeckt, dessen Emissionsgrad bekannt ist. Die Größen lassen sich jedoch auch ohne Verwendung von Materialien mit bekanntem Emissionsgrad ermitteln. Die glänzende Oberfläche des Messobjekts reflektiert IR‐Strahlung, und eine Wärmebildkamera erfasst die reflektierte Strahlung.

Der vorliegende Aufsatz beschreibt die Messung der Oberflächentemperatur und des Emissionsgrads glänzender Werkstoffe für die Außenhaut von Gebäuden, beispielsweise Fenster, Leichtbaufassaden oder Fliesen. Für die präzisere Ermittlung der Oberflächentemperatur und des Emissionsgrads glänzender Werkstoffe wird eine Vier‐Punkt‐Methode vorgeschlagen. Es werden die Ergebnisse erfolgreicher Laborversuche und Feldversuche mit dieser Methode präsentiert.
Modellierung von Unschärfe in Ökobilanzen von Bauwerken
Authors: Ströbele Benjamin
Published: February 2016

Die ökologische Dimension der Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung von Bauwerken umfasst verschiedene Umweltproblemfelder. Ein Ansatz ist die Beschreibung und Bewertung der Ressourceninanspruchnahme und von unerwünschten Wirkungen auf die Umwelt auf Basis einer Analyse lebenszyklusbezogener Energie‐ und Stoffströme. Mit der Ökobilanz besteht eine entsprechende methodische Grundlage zur Quantifizierung der Umweltwirkungen. Diese Methode kann bereits in der Entwurfsphase von Bauwerken eingesetzt werden. In frühen Phasen der Planung besteht jedoch eine unsichere Datengrundlage in vielerlei Hinsicht. Es werden unterschiedliche Formen der Unschärfe in Ökobilanzen von Bauwerken dargestellt und das Problem einer fehlenden Einbeziehung in Ökobilanzen aufgegriffen. Als ein möglicher Lösungsansatz wird die Integration von Fuzzy‐Sets für die Ökobilanzierung von Bauwerken vorgestellt.

Modeling of fuzziness in life cycle assessment LCA of buildings. The environmental dimension of sustainability assessment of buildings covers several environmental problem areas. One approach is the description and assessment of resources consumption and of adverse effects on the environment based on an analysis of lifecycle‐related energy and material flows. LCA is an appropriate methodological basis for quantifying the environmental effects. This method can be used in the design phase of buildings already. In early stages of planning, however, the database is uncertain in many respects. Various forms of fuzziness in LCA of buildings will be outlined and the problem of lacking involvement in LCA will be addressed. As a possible solution, integration of fuzzy sets into the lifecycle assessment of buildings will be presented.
Bioluminescence‐based assays for assessing eco‐ and genotoxicity of airborne emissions
Authors: Kováts Nora , Horváth Eszter
Published: February 2016

Ecotoxicological tests (or bioassays) are controlled, reproducible tests where ecological responses are determined quantitatively. Due to numerous difficulties arising when airborne emissions are sampled, relatively few ecotoxicological assays have been applied. Aerosol particles are generally collected on a filter, which limits the quantity of the sample, thus also limiting the range of available test organisms. Bacterial bioassays require low sample quantity, and make a good choice when eco‐ or genotoxicity of the sample are to be determined. Of bacterial assays, the bioluminescence inhibition test has been proven applicable for assessing toxicity of airborne contaminants. In this paper diverse test protocols and their modifications are reviewed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expanding the modular ester fermentative pathways for combinatorial biosynthesis of esters from volatile organic acids
Authors: Layton Donovan S. , Trinh Cong T.
Published: February 2016

Volatile organic acids are byproducts of fermentative metabolism, for example, anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic biomass or organic wastes, and are often times undesired inhibiting cell growth and reducing directed formation of the desired products. Here, we devised a general framework for upgrading these volatile organic acids to high‐value esters that can be used as flavors, fragrances, solvents, and biofuels. This framework employs the acid‐to‐ester modules, consisting of an AAT (alcohol acyltransferase) plus ACT (acyl CoA transferase) submodule and an alcohol submodule, for co‐fermentation of sugars and organic acids to acyl CoAs and alcohols to form a combinatorial library of esters. By assembling these modules with the engineered Escherichia coli modular chassis cell, we developed microbial manufacturing platforms to perform the following functions: (i) rapid in vivo screening of novel AATs for their catalytic activities; (ii) expanding combinatorial biosynthesis of unique fermentative esters; and (iii) upgrading volatile organic acids to esters using single or mixed cell cultures. To demonstrate this framework, we screened for a set of five unique and divergent AATs from multiple species, and were able to determine their novel activities as well as produce a library of 12 out of the 13 expected esters from co‐fermentation of sugars and (C2‐C6) volatile organic acids. We envision the developed framework to be valuable for in vivo characterization of a repertoire of not‐well‐characterized natural AATs, expanding the combinatorial biosynthesis of fermentative esters, and upgrading volatile organic acids to high‐value esters. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1764–1776. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytokine‐dependent activation of JAK‐STAT pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Yoshimoto Nobuo , Ikeda Yuko , Tatematsu Kenji , Iijima Masumi , Nakai Tadashi , Okajima Toshihide , Tanizawa Katsuyuki , Kuroda Shun'ichi
Published: February 2016

Protein phosphorylation is an important post‐translational modification for intracellular signaling molecules, mostly found in serine and threonine residues. Tyrosine phosphorylations are very few events (less than 0.1% to phosphorylated serine/threonine residues), but capable of governing cell fate decisions involved in proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and oncogenic transformation. Hence, it is important for drug discovery and system biology to measure the intracellular level of phosphotyrosine. Although mammalian cells have been conventionally utilized for this purpose, accurate determination of phosphotyrosine level often suffers from high background due to the unexpected crosstalk among endogenous signaling molecules. This situation led us firstly to establish the ligand‐induced activation of homomeric receptor tyrosine kinase (i.e., epidermal growth factor receptor) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a lower eukaryote possessing organelles similar to higher eukaryote but not showing substantial level of tyrosine kinase activity. In this study, we expressed heteromeric receptor tyrosine kinase (i.e., a complex of interleukin‐5 receptor (IL5R) α chain, common β chain, and JAK2 tyrosine kinase) in yeast. When coexpressed with a cell wall‐anchored form of IL5, the yeast exerted the autophosphorylation of JAK2, followed by the phosphorylation of transcription factor STAT5a and subsequent nuclear accumulation of phosphorylated STAT5a. Taken together, yeast could be an ideal host for sensitive detection of phosphotyrosine generated by a wide variety of tyrosine kinases. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1796–1804. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The cost of cancer: a retrospective analysis of the financial impact of cancer on young adults
Authors: Landwehr Michelle S. , Watson Samantha E. , Macpherson Catherine F. , Novak Katherine A. , Johnson Rebecca H.
Published: February 2016

Young adult cancer survivors (YAs) are confronted with immense financial challenges in the wake of their treatment. Medical bills and loss of savings may cause YAs to forgo recommended medications or follow‐up appointments. Young survivors with financial concerns also report depression, stress and anxiety. The Samfund is a national nonprofit organization that provides financial support to YAs post‐treatment. To quantify the financial burden of cancer in YAs, a retrospective analysis was performed of data collected from Samfund grant applications of 334 YA cancer survivors. Grants were awarded between 2007 and 2013 and grant recipients were consented electronically in 2014 for retrospective data analysis. Recipients ranged from 19 to 39 years of age at the time of their grant applications. Descriptive statistics were calculated and compared to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and U.S. census data on age‐matched peers. Financial indicators of YA cancer survivors are worse in many domains than those of age‐matched controls. Furthermore, YA survivors in their 30s report more perilous prefunding financial situations than younger grant recipients. Cancer has a devastating and age‐specific impact on the finances of YAs. Philanthropic grants from the cancer support community, in conjunction with healthcare policy reforms, have the potential to break the cycle of financial need and help YAs move forward with their lives after cancer treatment.
Identifying the Minimal Enzymes for Unusual Carbon–Sulfur Bond Formation in Thienodolin Biosynthesis
Authors: Wang Yaya , Wang Jiali , Yu Shuqi , Wang Fan , Ma Hongmin , Yue Changwu , Liu Minghao , Deng Zixin , Huang Ying , Qu Xudong
Published: February 2016

Thienodolin (THN) features a tricyclic indole‐S‐hetero scaffold that encompasses two unique carbon–sulfur bonds. Although its biosynthetic gene cluster has been recently identified in Streptomyces albogriseolus, the essential enzymes for the formation of C−S bonds have been relatively unexplored. Here, we isolated and characterized a new biosynthetic gene cluster from Streptomyces sp. FXJ1.172. Heterologous expression, systematic gene inactivation, and in vitro biochemical characterization enable us to determine the minimum set of genes for THN synthesis, and an aminotransferase (ThnJ) for catalyzing the downstream conversion of tryptophan chlorination. In addition, we evaluated (and mainly excluded) a previously assumed pivotal intermediate by feeding experiments. With these results, we narrowed down four enzymes (ThnC–F) that are responsible for the two unprecedented C−S bond formations. Our study provides a solid basis for further unraveling of the unique C−S mechanisms.
One‐Step Derivatization of Reducing Oligosaccharides for Rapid and Live‐Cell‐Compatible Chelation‐Assisted CuAAC Conjugation
Authors: Machida Takuya , Winssinger Nicolas
Published: February 2016

We report a new reagent for the functionalization of unprotected oligosaccharides with a picolyl azide group at the anomeric position for chelation‐assisted copper‐catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) glycoconjugation. We show that oligosaccharides functionalized with this moiety react with an apparent second‐order rate constant of 193 m−1 s−1 and can be used to functionalize biomolecules bearing alkyne moieties introduced through metabolic labeling, including in live cells.
Systemic mastocytosis presenting as cardiac tamponade with CD25+ pericardial mast cells
Authors: Sukrithan Vineeth K. , Salamon Jason N. , Berulava Giorgi , Sibinga Nicholas E. , Verma Amit
Published: February 2016

Key Clinical Message

In this first‐in‐literature case, we describe a patient with Systemic mastocytosis presenting with life‐threatening cardiac tamponade associated with the presence of aberrant mast cells in the pericardium. Procedures involving surgical incisions through the pericardium in such cases can lead to uncontrolled mast cell degranulation leading to circulatory collapse.
Transient monosomy 7 in a chronic myelogenous leukemia patient during nilotinib therapy: a case report
Authors: Jawad Majd D. , Go Ronald S. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Begna Kebede H. , Reichard Kaaren K. , Shi Min
Published: February 2016

Key Clinical Message

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor treated chronic myelogenous leukemia patients with monosomy 7 arising in Philadelphia chromosome negative (Ph−) cells tend to evolve into MDS/AML. However, monosomy 7 in Ph− cells can be a transient finding, and it is not an absolute indication of the emergence of a new myeloid malignancy.
Instability of Zinc Hexacyanoferrate Electrode in an Aqueous Environment: Redox‐Induced Phase Transition, Compound Dissolution, and Inhibition
Authors: Ni Gang , Han Bo , Li Qiyang , Ji Zhuan , Huang Bo , Zhou Chenggang
Published: February 2016

The structural stability of electrode materials and their compatibility with electrolytes are the important properties for ion‐intercalative electrochemical energy‐storage devices. In the present work, we employed zinc hexacyanoferrates (ZnHCFs), which occurs as cubic or rhombic phases, as the probe to tailor the mechanism of capacity decay upon electrochemical cycling and the corresponding mitigating strategy. Capacity fading results from the loss of active materials, which is highly correlated to the phase states; this has been identified for both phases, where the cubic phase is demonstrated to be the dominant source of ZnHCF dissolution. In 1 m KNO3 electrolyte, rhombic ZnHCF behaves evidently more stable than the cubic phase for long‐term galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. Even when simply immersed in an aqueous environment, the rhombic–cubic phase transition can spontaneously occur, which, in particular, can be accelerated considerably by electrochemical redox processes in the potential window of 0.8–1.1 V. Utilizing the common‐ion effect, specifically by incorporating ZnII into aqueous electrolytes, could considerably enhance the capacity retention of ZnHCF. Our results suggest that, if electrode materials are soluble at certain electrochemical stages, introducing electrochemically inert common ions into the electrolyte should be an efficient approach to improve the electrode–electrolyte compatibility for pursuing enhanced cycling performances.
Three Strongly Coupled Allotropes in a Functionalized Porous All‐Carbon Nanocomposite as a Superior Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Deng Xiang , Zhao Bote , Sha Yujing , Zhu Yanping , Xu Xiaomin , Shao Zongping
Published: February 2016

A 3D hierarchically porous architecture built from three different carbon allotropes (graphene, carbon nanotubes, and chitosan‐derived porous carbon) has been prepared by using a simple molten‐salt synthesis method. The resulting all‐carbon nanocomposite is strongly coupled and functionalized with high heteroatom doping (N: 5.3 % and O: 13.5 %), which has a high specific surface area of 1614 m2 g−1. Based on the unique characteristics mentioned above, and the positive synergistic effects of the allotropes, the nanocomposite exhibits favorable features as an electrode for lithium‐ion batteries. An outstanding reversible specific capacity of 1448 mA h g−1 is achieved at 100 mA g−1. Even after 200 cycles at 1000 mA g−1, a high capacity of 749 mA h g−1 is still retained. The remarkable electrochemical performance makes this 3D functionalized porous all‐carbon nanocomposite a promising anode material. This work further opens a novel avenue to develop next‐generation all‐carbon electrochemical materials.
Di‐ureasil Hybrid Electrolytes Incorporating a New Proton Ionic Liquid
Authors: Cardoso Marita A. , Leones Rita , Rodrigues Luísa C. , Fernandes Mariana , Figueiredo Filipe L. , Nunes Sílvia C. , Silva M. Manuela , de Zea Bermudez Verónica
Published: February 2016

The protic ionic liquid (PIL) N‐butylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([BIm][TfO]) was obtained for the first time and incorporated into a sol–gel‐derived di‐ureasil matrix with a concentration of X=5, 10, and 30 %, where X is the ratio of the mass of PIL per mass of poly(oxyethylene). Four years after their synthesis, the resulting quasi‐anhydrous electrolytes remained amorphous, homogeneous, flexible, and thermally stable below 200 °C. SEM/EDS data revealed the presence of the PIL at the surface of the xerogels with X>5 %, demonstrating that this type of morphological characterization is mandatory to avoid misleading ionic conductivity values. The highest ionic conductivity was produced in the washed sample with X=30 % (3.5×10−5 and 2.1×10−3 S cm−1 at 25 and 170 °C, respectively). The present family of electrolytes yielded higher conductivities than the N‐ethylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate‐based analogues introduced earlier by our group and may thus be considered as promising candidates for applications in fuel cells.
Insights into the Cascade Reaction of CO and Heteroallenes Mediated by Dinitrogen Hafnocene Complexes: The Indirect Effect of Nitride's Nucleophilicity
Authors: Kefalidis Christos E. , Maron Laurent
Published: February 2016

A DFT mechanistic exploration of the reactivity of the dinitrogen hafnocene complex, [{(η5‐C5H2‐1,2,4‐Me3)2Hf}2(μ2‐N2)], towards mixtures of CO/CO2 and CO/OCNtBu is reported. The crucial role of the nitride intermediate is highlighted, as well as the importance of the bridging mode of the cyanate ligand between the two Hf metal atoms throughout the process. Interestingly, the CO2 addition to the nitride intermediate occurs through an outer‐sphere transition state, whereas the addition of the heteroallene is governed by the steric congestion imposed by cyclopentadienyl ligands.
Direct Estimation of the Surface Location of Immobilized Functional Groups for Concerted Catalysis Using a Probe Molecule
Authors: Noda Hiroto , Motokura Ken , Wakabayashi Yusuke , Sasaki Kaori , Tajiri Hiroo , Miyaji Akimitsu , Yamaguchi Sho , Baba Toshihide
Published: February 2016

The location of active sites during concerted catalysis by a metal complex and tertiary amine on a SiO2 surface is discussed based on the interaction between the functionalized SiO2 surface and a probe molecule, p‐formyl phenylboronic acid. The interactions of the probe molecule with the surface functionalities, diamine ligand, and tertiary amine, were analyzed by FT‐IR and solid‐state 13C and 11B MAS NMR. For the catalyst exhibiting high 1,4‐addition activity, the diamine ligand and tertiary amine base exist in closer proximity than in the catalyst with low activity.
Synthesis gas technology large‐scale applications
Authors: Dybkjær Ib , Aasberg‐Petersen Kim
Published: February 2016

Natural gas is the dominant feedstock for large‐scale production of many chemicals, such as methanol and synthetic fuels, either using the TIGAS process to produce gasoline or using Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis to produce diesel. Significant research has gone into the development of processes that convert natural gas directly into the end product. However, the most economical route today, and in the years to come, is a process in two stages with synthesis gas production as the first step.

The most capital‐ and energy‐intensive aspect of producing synthetic fuels and chemicals is synthesis gas production. This paper outlines and compares key technologies for large‐scale production of synthesis gas. We find that auto‐thermal reforming at a low steam‐to‐carbon ratio is the most economic and efficient technology for synthesis gas production in plants both for producing methanol and synthetic fuels.