bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P‐178L: Late‐News Poster: Blue‐green BaSi2O2N2:Eu2+ Phosphor for Light‐Emitting Diode
Authors: Lim Seokgyu , Park Seongwoo , Deressa Gemechu , Jeong Hyungseak , Kim Hyunjong , Kim Jongsu
Published: July 2014

Oxynitride blue‐green‐emission BaSi2O2N2:Eu2+ phosphors were synthesized at 1400°C under a reducing ambient through a solid‐sate reaction method. They showed the blue‐green emission peaking at 490–500 nm and narrow width (~32 nm) along with varying concentrations of from 2 to 10 mol %. It is due to 4f‐5d transition from Eu2+. XRD pattern showed a single phase of BaSi2O2N2 structure.

This enables silicon‐based BaSi2O2N2:Eu2+ phosphors to be excited efficiently by UV or blue‐light irradiation, and then be applied as down‐conversion luminescent materials in white LEDs the class of oxynitride phosphors has demonstrated its superior suitability white LED can be used in bichromatic or multichromatic LEDs with excellent properties of high luminous efficiency, high chromatic stability, a wide range of white light with adjustable Correlated Color Temperature (CCT), and high color‐rendering properties [1]. A blue‐green BaSi2O2N2:Eu2+ phosphors obtained high color rendering and high‐efficiency white LEDs (Ra 90, 70 lm/W).
P‐91: What is the Ideal ITO Composition for Touch Sensor Depositions on Flexible Substrate made with Rotary Cathodes?
Authors: Lippens Paul , Frei Christian
Published: July 2014

Coating properties on various PET‐substrates for four ITO compositions, i.e. 90/10, 92.5/7.5, 95/5, 97/3 (10, 7.5, 5 and 3 wt% SnO2 in the rotary ceramic sputtering target) at a maximum annealing temperature of 150°C were compared. Coating crystallization improves with less Sn doping. ITO‐92.5/7.5 yields optimal electrical properties on hard‐coated and bare PET.
P‐96: A De‐bonding Technique with Inorganic Buffer Layer on Flexible Display Panel
Authors: Chen Chien‐Ying , Chang Yu‐Chen , Lin Po‐Yang , Ke Tsung‐Ying , Wang Pin‐Fang , Lin Yu‐Hsin , Hwu Keh‐Long , Chuang Ching‐Sang , Lin Yu‐Hsin
Published: July 2014

In flexible display fabrication, removing the flexible substrate from the rigid carrier glass, without damaging the OLED or the TFT devices, is considered difficult. This particular manufacturing process is referred to as the de‐bonding process. This report provides a simple method to attain a de‐bonding layer which can be applied in a very high temperature process over 450°C. The range of peeling force after the array process can be adapted from 4 to 20 gf.
P‐97: A Novel Fresnel‐type Liquid Crystal Lens for Autostereoscopic 3D Display
Authors: Chen I‐Wei , Ho Sheng‐Ju , Tsao Cheng‐Han
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we propose a novel structure for ITO electrode and a driving method for the Fresnel‐type LC lens in order to make the autostereoscopic 3D display. The new design leads to smooth of LC alignment, elimination of the disclination line and mura, and reduction of the 3D cross‐talk.
P‐99: 2D/3D Switchable, 3D Rotatable and 2D/3D Coexistent Autostereoscopic Display Using Multi‐functional Liquid Crystal Lens Array
Authors: Jen Tai‐Hsiang , Chang Yu‐Cheng , Huang Yi‐Pai
Published: July 2014

We successfully demonstrate an autostereoscopic display integrating 2D/3D switchable, 3D rotatable, and 2D/3D coexistent functions by using a multi‐functional LC lens array. The LC lens has the advantages of low driving voltages (<6Vrms) and an easy‐fabricated structure. The 3D crosstalks are 10.8% for landscape mode and 29% for portrait mode. The 2D image quality is no resolution degradation.
P‐107: Spatial‐Multiplexed Dual‐View Display Using Blue Phase Liquid Crystal
Authors: Tang Pei , Cui Jian‐Peng , Liang Dong , Wang Qiong‐Hua
Published: July 2014

A spatial‐multiplexed dual‐view display using a blue phase liquid crystal is proposed. Combined the vertical field switching blue phase liquid crystal display with the directional backlight system, we can reduce the crosstalk of dual‐view display. Moreover, the resolution and brightness will be tripled by using field‐sequential color display.
P‐111: Polymer Effect on Polymer‐Stabilized Blue Phase Liquid Crystals
Authors: Kemiklioglu Emine , Chien Liang‐Chy , Haseba Yasuhiro
Published: July 2014

We have investigated the polymer effect on the thermal stability and electro‐optical properties of polymer‐stabilized blue phase (PSBP) liquid crystal. The temperature range of polymer stabilized blue phase liquid crystal samples expanded over 54°C including room temperature. The experimental results showed that polymer plays an important role in the thermodynamic stability of blue phase liquid crystals and reducing switching voltage.
P‐112: Electrode Surface Modified VA‐IPS Liquid Crystal Device
Authors: Huang Jian‐Siang , Chen Huang‐Ming Philip
Published: July 2014

Conductive surface treatment is applied to improve the driving voltage and response time of VA‐IPS liquid crystal devices. The operating voltage can be reduced by 25% with minimum transmittance loss with nano Ag structure. The turn‐on response time can be reduced by more than 50% even at longer electrode distance.
P‐115: A Super Fringe‐Field Switching Pixel Structure with Low Driving Voltage
Authors: Hao Si‐Kun , Chiu Chung‐Yi , Wu Yu‐Zhi , Zhao Feng , Song Yan‐Jun , Deng Zhu‐Ming , Lee Chia‐Yu , Lo Chang‐Cheng , Lien Alan
Published: July 2014

In this work we propose a super Fringe‐Field Switching (FFS) structure in which groove is formed between electrodes. With groove structure, both the threshold voltage Vth and operation voltage Vop of LCD display decrease by about 0.5 V. These improvements make great contribution to the power consumption of driving circuit and LCD panel.
P‐116: Novel Approach to Achieve Conventional Polyimide‐less IPS/FFS LCDs
Authors: Jeong Il Hwa , Yu Ji Hoon , Jin Heui‐Seok , Song Ki Hoon , Kimura Munehiro , Lee Seung Hee
Published: July 2014

We propose a novel approach to achieve a homogeneous alignment of nematic liquid crystal (LC). Two bare substrates are rubbed in antiparallel direction and a mixture of LC and reactive mesogen (RM) is filled into the cell using capillary injection, and then UV is exposed after confirming the clear homogenous alignment. The cell shows an excellent dark state and stable electro‐optic on/off switching in the IPS cell, which proves polymerized RM on surfaces plays role of alignment layer. Proposed fabrication method has several advantages such as simple process and low cost for IPS cell because alignment layer as well as the coating process is not required.
P‐119: High Efficiency LCDs using Quantum Dot Enhancement Films
Authors: Chen Jian , Hartlove Jason , Hardev Veeral , Yurek Jeff , Lee Ernie , Gensler Steve
Published: July 2014

By incorporating quantum dot enhancement films (QDEF), new‐generation LCDs can achieve significantly higher power efficiency. For displays with sRGB color gamut, 20% higher power efficiency can be obtained. For high color gamut, such as Adobe‐RGB and DCI‐P3, QDEF combined with today's CF72 color filters can deliver the same power efficiency as current sRGB displays using white LEDs.
P‐120: Nucleation‐control Bistable Twist Nematic Display
Authors: Tseng Man‐Chun , Lee Chung‐Yung , Ho Tsz‐Kin , Kwok Hoi‐Sing
Published: July 2014

A fast π bistable twist nematic (π‐BTN) liquid crystal display controlled by nucleation process is developed. The nucleation induced by the patterned spacer inside the cell. The response time is fast and it depends on the density of patterned spacer.
P‐122: Improvement in a PDLC with Low Driving Voltage and High Contrast Ratio for Transparent Displays
Authors: Hsieh Chia‐Sheng , Su Chuan‐Tsung , Lien Jan‐Tien
Published: July 2014

In this paper, a real 3 inch panel showing high transmittance 15% and colorful images is demonstrated by polymerization induced phase separation(PIPS) method. It can be worked in low driving voltage as low as 5 V. The research still faces difficulties in measurements and droplet stabilization. It might be improved in the future.
P‐125: Optimisation of the Mechanical Stability and Rewriting Speed of Optically Rwritable e‐Paper
Authors: Sun Jiatong , Srivastava Abhishek , Chigrinov Vladimir , Kwok Hoi Sing
Published: July 2014

Process optimization for increasing the response speed of liquid crystal optical rewritable e‐paper was investigated. It is demonstrated that by filling LC in atmosphere condition rewriting time could be decreased to 6 seconds with good repeatability. Increasing the spin coating speed and time could also decrease the azimuthal anchoring energy, but it will cause non‐continuous film form of alignment layer which causes large speed dispersion that is not good for practical use. Serial experiments show that with smaller azimuthal anchoring energy the rewriting time could be smaller. The results demonstrate that with proper fabrication process of alignment layer for liquid crystal optical rewritable e‐paper, azimuthal anchoring energy could be adjusted to an optimal value which is beneficial for achieving fastest rewriting speed and at the same time strong enough to well align LC.
P‐127: Drive Schemes for Sub‐Millisecond Switching of LCD Panels
Authors: Kim Jung‐Wook , Choi Tae‐Hoon , Yoon Tae‐Hoon
Published: July 2014

In this paper we introduce drive schemes for sub‐millisecond switching of a liquid crystal display panel using a three‐terminal electrode structure. By applying a vertical trigger pulse method, we obtained the turn‐off switching time of 0.52 ms without any decrease of transmittance. By applying a vertical bias field, we obtained the total response time of 0.70 ms.
P‐181L: Late‐News Poster: A Novel Optically Compensated Tunable Birefringence (OCTB) Liquid Crystal Electro‐optical Device Exhibiting High Speed Response
Authors: Kobayashi Shunsuke , Takeuchi Kiyofumi , Kaneoya Masakazu , Kotani Kunihiko , Takatsu Haruyoshi
Published: July 2014

A novel optically compensated tunable birefringence (OCTB)–LC electro‐optical device that exhibits a fast response has been developed by making a crossly stacked TB cell especially designed their optical retardation should be π/2+α, where α is to be from ‐0.1 to ‐0.6.
P‐129: Fast Switching of a Vertically‐Aligned Liquid Crystal Cell by Forming Polymer Networks at a Low Temperature
Authors: Park Byung Wok , Kim Jung‐Wook , Oh Seung‐Won , Huh Jae‐Won , Yoon Tae‐Hoon
Published: July 2014

We propose a method for fast switching of a vertical alignment (VA) liquid crystal (LC) cell by forming polymer networks at a low temperature. We found by experiment that the response time of a VA cell can be reduced by low‐temperature curing. The turn‐off time of the fabricated VA cell was reduced by 54% when the polymers were cured at ‐20°C.
P‐130: Fabrication of Liquid Crystal Cell with Corrugated and Parallel Electrodes
Authors: Yang Ya‐Ting , Chang Wei‐Fu , Chen Po‐Jen , Chiu Tien‐Lung , Lin Chi‐Feng , Lee Jiunn‐Yih , Liu Kou‐Chen , Lee Jiun‐Haw
Published: July 2014

We fabricated a liquid crystal (LC) cell with electrodes on both substrates which are periodically corrugated and parallel to each other. It creates an electric field oblique to substrate direction. Polymer dispersed LC fabricated in such a cell showed higher contrast ratio and wider viewing angle performance than a conventional planar one.
P‐131: Surface Anchoring of Vertical Alignment Liquid Crystal Displays Enhanced by Surface Polymer Stabilization
Authors: Weng Libo , Liao Pei‐Chun , Chien Liang‐Chy
Published: July 2014

A new method to enhance the surface anchoring of vertical alignment liquid crystal devices using surface polymer stabilization is introduced. Mixture made of a nematic liquid crystal and a minute amount of reactive monomer is polymerized to form sub‐micron sized polymer protrusions on the two substrates of the cell. Several kinds of monomers are tested.
P‐183L: Late‐News Poster: Temporal Division Method for Improving Off‐Axis Image Quality of VA LCDs
Authors: Park Jong‐Su , Song Jang‐Kun
Published: July 2014

A type of vertical alignment (VA) LCD shows a decrease in off‐axis image quality. Although it has been improved using super patterned VA (S‐PVA), its aperture ratio decreases. This letters reports the application of temporal division method (TDM) which is introduced to improve both off‐axis image quality and the aperture ratio.
P‐135: Reflective LCD without Flicker for Reduced Eye Strain
Authors: Fukai Shuji , Niikura Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Manabu , Ikenaga Makoto , Hatsumi Ryo , Nishi Takeshi , Ishitani Tetsuji , Hirakata Yoshiharu , Koyama Jun , Yamazaki Shunpei , Sato Rai , Cho Takayuki
Published: July 2014

We fabricated a 6.05‐inch reflective liquid crystal display (LCD) using a CAAC‐OS for a driving transistor. We achieved low frequency driving at 1/60 fps or lower and flicker reduction. With our LCD, eye strain can be reduced more than with an electrophoretic display.
P‐136: Electrical Color and Intensity Tuning in Cholesteric Reflective Display
Authors: Nemati Hossein , Zola Rafael S. , Yang Deng‐Ke
Published: July 2014

We developed reflective cholesteric displays whose color and reflectance can be electrically tuned. The displays were made from polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals. Monomers and cholesteric liquid crystals were mixed and then polymerized under UV light. When the monomer was achiral, the resulted display exhibited a narrow reflection band, and the reflectance and color can be tuned by applying AC voltages. When the monomer is chiral, the resulted display exhibited a broad reflection band, and the reflectance can be tuned by applying DC voltages.
P‐144: Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Fabricated on Nanostructured AZO: A Low‐Cost Way towards Enhanced Light Extraction for Large Area Lighting Application
Authors: Jiang Yibin , Li Guijun , Li He , Chen Shuming , Kwok Hoi‐Sing
Published: July 2014

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) were fabricated on nanostructured aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO). The nanostructured AZO was formed by selectively etching as‐prepared AZO film. The nanostructured AZO serves not only as low‐cost indium‐free anode but also as internal light extraction structure. OLEDs on it showed a 25.7% efficiency enhancement compared to the conventional ones.
P‐145: Light Extraction from Organic Light Emitting Diode Lighting with Low Haze by Selective Microlens Arrays
Authors: Hwang Ju Hyun , Lee Hyun Jun , Choi Kyung Bok , Shim Yong Sub , Jung Sun‐Gyu , Kim Kyu Nyun , Park Cheol Hwee , Park Young Wook , Ju Byeong‐Kwon
Published: July 2014

Organic light emitting diode (OLED) lighting with a highly improved efficiency and low haze is demonstrated by selective microlens arrays (SMLAs). Black grid lines in the emission region became brighter with a low haze using the SMLAs, and the spectrum of the emitted light had no shift.
P‐148: Highly Conductive PEDOT:PSS Patterning Scheme and its Application to ITO‐free Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Ouyang Shihong , Xie Yingtao , Shi Qiang , Cai Shucheng , Zhu Dalong , Xu Xin , Wang Dongping , Tan Te , Fong Hon Hang , DeFranco John
Published: July 2014

Highly conductive PEDOT:PSS (~1000 S/cm) is a promising material for future flexible applications. To apply PEDOT:PSS to be conductive electrodes in organic electronic devices, a patterning scheme is introduced here. With patterned polymeric anodes, high‐resolution patterning of PEDOT:PSS on large‐area flexible substrates and efficient ITO‐free RGB PHOLEDs were achieved.
P‐157: Solution‐processed Light Extraction Structure and Metallic Grid Electrode for Enhanced Outcoupling of OLED
Authors: Yoon Dai Geon , Bang Geun Hong , Hyun Woo Jin , Kang Ho Jong , Chin Byung Doo
Published: July 2014

Solution‐processible outcoupling structures and metallic grid/nanowire based electrodes were fabricated by spin coating, spraying, and transfer process. Outcoupling structures, such as scattering layer from titanium dioxide(TiO2) nanoparticle, corrugation pattern from a mixture of silicon dioxide (SiO2)/TiOx sol, and polymeric microlens from patterns of convective self‐assembly of nanoparticles, were optimized and enhancement in the light extraction at phosphorescent OLEDs was evaluated.
P‐158: Improved Electron Injection in Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Using Samarium Doped Electron Transport Layer
Authors: Kwon Yongwon , Han Jongseok , Lee Changhee
Published: July 2014

We introduced rare earth metal samarium (Sm) as n‐type dopant, which is less reactive than alkaline metals and has low workfunction. The electrical and optical properties of Sm doped 4,7‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (BPhen) thin films with different concentrations are investigated. We also demonstrated the Sm‐doped BPhen layer can be utilized as an electron injection layer (EIL) for organic light‐emitting diodes.
P‐160: Application of Graphene Oxide to Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Kim Kukjoo , Han Yun Cheol , Kim Dong‐Young , Kim Do‐Hong , Ahn Sung Il , Choi Kyung Cheol
Published: July 2014

We verified the possibility of the use of graphene oxide (GO) as a hole‐injecting material for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). The performance of OLEDs with a GO hole‐injection layer (HIL) is comparable to that of conventional devices with a poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) HIL. We expect that GO can resolve the intrinsic problems of the common solution‐processable HIL material, PEDOT:PSS.
P‐166: Touchscreen System Architecture for Safety Critical Applications
Authors: Coni Philippe , Berthon Julie , Perbet Jean‐Noël , Sontag Yves , Abadie Jean Christophe , Dubau Christophe , Balihaut Cedric
Published: July 2014

Touchscreens used for safety critical applications such as for airplane, automotive and medical applications must not lead to erroneous data inputs.

This paper describes a capacitive touchscreen, using a Runtime Validation Enforcement Monitor (RVEM) dedicated to failure mode detection and mitigation, which reduce its erroneous data rate to 10−9/h.
P‐171: Physical Touch Aspects of the Touch Interface for Flight Deck Applications
Authors: Robinson Tim , Grabski Greg , Green John , Jacobson Mickey , Byrne Chris , Harper Doug
Published: July 2014

This paper describes friction properties between a touchscreen display and the human finger. The friction measurements were made on a custom device that incorporates a 3‐dimensional force plate. Friction properties are found to be dependent on surface structure, surface materials, the finger's hydration level, and the speed of the finger across the surface.
Mechanisms of TiO2 nanoparticle‐induced neuronal apoptosis in rat primary cultured hippocampal neurons
Authors: Sheng Lei , Ze Yuguan , Wang Ling , Yu Xiaohong , Hong Jie , Zhao Xiaoyang , Ze Xiao , Liu Dong , Xu Bingqing , Zhu Yunting , Long Yi , Lin Anan , Zhang Chi , Zhao Yue , Hong Fashui
Published: July 2014

Exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) has been demonstrated to decrease learning and memory of animals. However, whether the impacts of these NPs on the recognition function are involved in hippocamal neuron damages is poorly understood. In this study, primary cultured hippocampal neurons from one‐day‐old fetal Sprague‐Dawley rats were exposed to 5, 15, or 30 µg/mL TiO2 NPs for 24 h, we investigated cell viability, ultrastructure, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), calcium homeostasis, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, apoptotic signaling pathway associated with the primary cultured hippocamal neuron apoptosis. Our findings showed that TiO2 NP treatment resulted in reduction of cell viability, promoted lactate dehydrogenase release, apoptosis, and increased neuron apoptotic rate in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, TiO2 NPs led to [Ca2+]i elevation, and MMP reduction, up‐regulated protein expression of cytochrome c, Bax, caspase‐3, glucose‐regulated protein 78, C/EBP homologous protein and caspase‐12, and down‐regulated bcl‐2 expression in the primary cultured hippocampal neurons. These findings suggested that hippocampal neuron apoptosis caused by TiO2 NPs may be associated with mitochondria‐mediated signal pathway and endoplasmic reticulum‐mediated signal pathway. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1141–1149, 2015.
TiO2‐coated CoCrMo: Improving the osteogenic differentiation and adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells in vitro
Authors: Logan Niall , Sherif Anas , Cross Alison J. , Collins Simon N. , Traynor Alison , Bozec Laurent , Parkin Ivan P. , Brett Peter
Published: July 2014

The current gold standard material for orthopedic applications is titanium (Ti), however, other materials such as cobalt–chromium–molybdenum (CoCrMo) are often preferred due to their wear resistance and mechanical strength. This study investigates if the bioactivity of CoCrMo can be enhanced by coating the surface with titanium oxide (TiO2) by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD), thereby replicating the surface oxide layer found on Ti. CoCrMo, TiO2‐coated CoCrMo (CCMT) and Ti substrates were used for this study. Cellular f‐actin distribution was shown to be noticeably different between cells on CCMT and CoCrMo after 24 h in osteogenic culture, with cells on CCMT exhibiting greater spread with developed protrusions. Osteogenic differentiation was shown to be enhanced on CCMT compared to CoCrMo, with increased calcium ion content per cell (p < 0.05), greater hydroxyapatite nodule formation (p < 0.05) and reduced type I collagen deposition per cell (p < 0.05). The expression of the focal adhesion protein vinculin was shown to be marginally greater on CCMT compared to CoCrMo, whereas AFM results indicated that CCMT required more force to remove a single cell from the substrate surface compared to CoCrMo (p < 0.0001). These data suggest that CVD TiO2 coatings may have the potential to increase the biocompatibility of CoCrMo implantable devices. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1208–1217, 2015.
PHEX 3′-UTR c.*231A>G Near The Polyadenylation Signal Is a Relatively Common, Mild, American Mutation That Masquerades as Sporadic or X-Linked Recessive Hypophosphatemic Rickets
Authors: Mumm Steven , Huskey Margaret , Cajic Adela , Wollberg Valerie , Zhang Fan , Madson Katherine L , Wenkert Deborah , McAlister William H , Gottesman Gary S , Whyte Michael P
Published: July 2014

Heritable forms of hypophosphatemic rickets (HR) include X-linked dominant (XLH), autosomal recessive, and autosomal dominant HR (from deactivating mutations in PHEX, DMP1 or ENPP1, and activating mutations in FGF23, respectively). Over 30 years, we have cared for 284 children with HR. For those 72 deemed sporadic XLH, we preliminarily reported mutation analysis for 30 subjects. Eleven had PHEX mutations. However, the remaining 19 lacked readily identifiable defects in PHEX, DMP1, or FGF23. In 2008, a novel single-base change near the polyadenylation (pA) signal in the 3′-UTR of PHEX was identified in XLH by other investigators. This c.*231A > G mutation is 3-bp upstream of the putative pA signal (AATAAA) in PHEX. Accordingly, we investigated whether this 3′-UTR defect accounted for HR in any of these 19 sporadic XLH patients. PCR amplification and sequencing of their 3′-UTR region showed the c.*231A > G mutation in four unrelated boys. Then, among an additional 22 of our 72 “sporadic” XLH patients, one boy and one girl were found to have the 3′-UTR defect, totaling six patients. Among these 52 sporadic XLH patients with PHEX analysis, 36 were girls and 16 were boys; ie, a ∼2:1 gender ratio consistent with XLH. However, finding five boys and only one girl with this 3′-UTR mutation presented an unexplained gender bias (p = 0.02). Haplotyping for the five boys, all reportedly unrelated, showed a common core haplotype suggesting a founder. Five of their six mothers had been studied clinically and biochemically (three radiologically). Remarkably, the seemingly unaffected mothers of four of these boys carried the 3′-UTR mutation. These healthy women had normal height, straight limbs, lacked the radiographic presentation of XLH, and showed normal or slight decreases in fasting serum Pi levels and/or TmP/GFR. Hence, PHEX c.*231A > G can masquerade as sporadic or X-linked recessive HR. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Aminated Ordered Mesoporous Carbons: Preparation and Catalytic Performance for Knoevenagel Condensation Reactions
Authors: Xing Rong , Fei Zhenghao
Published: July 2014

The amine‐ and diamine‐functionalized mesoporous carbons with hexagonal mesostructure have been prepared by a rationally two‐step modification procedure under mild reaction conditions, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the obtained solid basic mesoporous catalysts were characterized by XRD, TEM, N2 adsorption‐desorption, FT‐IR, EDX and elemental analysis techniques. The results indicated the organic amine groups were successfully introduced inside the channels of mesoporous carbons without destroying the well‐ordered 2D hexagonal mesostructure. A series of Knoevenagel condensation of aldehyde/ketone with active methylene compounds have been carried out over the diamine‐function‐ alized mesoporous carbons, which proved to be efficient heterogeneous basic catalysts and exhibited a similar catalytic activity after sixth cycles. This can be attributed to its hydrophobic framework and hydrophilic diamine groups, which led to amphiphilic properties and offered some advantages for the Knoevenagel condensation reactions.
Quantitative analysis of pancreatic echogenicity on transabdominal sonography: Correlations with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Jeong Hyeon Tae , Lee Mu Sook , Kim Myeong‐Jin
Published: July 2014

Purpose

To attempt a quantitative analysis of pancreatic echogenicity on transabdominal ultrasonography (US) and evaluate the correlation between pancreatic echogenicity and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated transabdominal sonograms from 286 subjects. Mean pancreatic body brightness, mean perihepatic fat brightness, and the pancreato‐perihepatic fat index (PPHFI) were measured, and reproducibility was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Associations between the PPHFI and MetS components were analyzed. The optimal PPHFI cutoff value to predict MetS was calculated.

Results

Reproducibility was good for mean pancreatic body brightness, mean perihepatic fat brightness, and PPHFI with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.98, 0.95, and 0.95, respectively. Each MetS component showed a significant association with PPHFI. Waist circumference had the strongest association (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001). PPHFI was significantly higher in the MetS (+) group than the MetS (−) group (p < 0.0001), and PPHFI was an independent factor predicting MetS (p = 0.02; odds ratio, 2.89). The best PPHFI cutoff value to predict MetS was 1.97, with a relatively high negative predictive value of 94.1%.

Conclusions

We quantitatively analyzed pancreatic echogenicity using the PPHFI on US and found that an increased PPHFI was significantly correlated with MetS. Because increased PPHFI on US may indicate MetS, radiologists and clinicians need to be aware of its implications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 43:98–108, 2015
7‐(2‐Oxoalkoxy)coumarins: Synthesis and Anti‐Inflammatory Activity of a Series of Substituted Coumarins
Authors: Timonen Juri , Vuolteenaho Katriina , Leppänen Tiina , Nieminen Riina , Moilanen Eeva , Aulaskari Paula , Jänis Janne
Published: July 2014

A series of 7‐(2‐oxoalkoxy)coumarins have been synthesized by conjugating substituted 7‐hydroxycoumarins with different chloroketones. The anti‐inflammatory properties of 7‐(2‐oxoalkoxy)coumarins were studied in LPS‐induced inflammatory response in J774 macrophages. Western blot was used to determine the expression of iNOS and COX‐2, NO was determined by measuring its metabolite nitrite by Griess reaction and IL‐6 was measured by ELISA. Seventeen of the studied compounds inhibited NO and IL‐6 production over 50% at 100 μM concentrations. IC50 values of the best inhibitors were 21 μM/24 μM (NO/IL‐6) for compound 12 and 30 μM/10 μM (NO/IL‐6) for compound 20. The main result was that the substitution with 7‐(2‐oxoalkoxy) group improved the anti‐inflammatory properties of most of the investigated 7‐hydroxycoumarins.
Bacterial‐induced expression of RAB18 protein in Orzya sativa salinity stress and insights into molecular interaction with GTP ligand
Authors: Jha Yachana , Sablok Gaurav , Subbarao Naidu , Sudhakar Raja , Fazil M. H. U. Turabe , Subramanian R. B. , Squartini Andrea , Kumar Sunil
Published: July 2014

In the present research, we have studied the inoculation effects of two root‐associated plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in rice and provide the pieces of evidence that the inoculation of the PGPR could potentially result in inducing the expression of the salt stress‐related RAB18 plant gene under varying degrees of salinity stress. The sequenced putative gene of RAB18 of Oryza sativa in this study is 740 bp long, has a content of 44.4%, and a molecular weight of 492 102.00 Da. BLAST homology patterns revealed sequence similarity with the previously sequenced RAB in model plant species. We demonstrate the mode of action of this stress‐related protein by performing comparative modeling of Q10RT8 (Os03g0146000 protein, homolog of the sequenced RAB18; O. sativa subsp. japonica) using energy minimization, molecular dynamic simulations, and molecular docking of a guanosine triphosphate (GTP) ligand with the protein. The docking results indicated that Ser21, Ala22, Lys25, Asp68, Ala70, Glu73, and Arg74 are important determinant residues for functional interaction with the GTP ligand. The present research contributes to the understanding of the PGPR inoculation in salinity stress. Additionally, it provides the layout of the understanding of the molecular interactions between RAB and GTP ligand. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Switches of hydrogen bonds during ligand–protein association processes determine binding kinetics
Authors: Huang Yu‐ming M. , Kang Myungshim , Chang Chia‐en A.
Published: July 2014

Revealing the processes of ligand–protein associations deepens our understanding of molecular recognition and binding kinetics. Hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds) play a crucial role in optimizing ligand–protein interactions and ligand specificity. In addition to the formation of stable H‐bonds in the final bound state, the formation of transient H‐bonds during binding processes contributes binding kinetics that define a ligand as a fast or slow binder, which also affects drug action. However, the effect of forming the transient H‐bonds on the kinetic properties is little understood. Guided by results from coarse‐grained Brownian dynamics simulations, we used classical molecular dynamics simulations in an implicit solvent model and accelerated molecular dynamics simulations in explicit waters to show that the position and distribution of the H‐bond donor or acceptor of a drug result in switching intermolecular and intramolecular H‐bond pairs during ligand recognition processes. We studied two major types of HIV‐1 protease ligands: a fast binder, xk263, and a slow binder, ritonavir. The slow association rate in ritonavir can be attributed to increased flexibility of ritonavir, which yields multistep transitions and stepwise entering patterns and the formation and breaking of complex H‐bond pairs during the binding process. This model suggests the importance of conversions of spatiotemporal H‐bonds during the association of ligands and proteins, which helps in designing inhibitors with preferred binding kinetics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of an intrabody‐based reagent suitable for imaging endogenous proliferating cell nuclear antigen in living cancer cells
Authors: Freund Guillaume , Desplancq Dominique , Stoessel Audrey , Weinsanto Robin , Sibler Annie‐Paule , Robin Gautier , Martineau Pierre , Didier Pascal , Wagner Jérôme , Weiss Etienne
Published: July 2014

Intrabodies, when expressed in cells after genetic fusion to fluorescent proteins, are powerful tools to study endogenous protein dynamics inside cells. However, it remains challenging to determine the conditions for specific imaging and precise labelling of the target antigen with such intracellularly expressed antibody fragments. Here, we show that single‐chain Fv (scFv) antibody fragments can be generated that specifically recognize proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) when expressed in living cancer cells. After selection by phage display, the anti‐PCNA scFvs were screened in vitro after being tagged with dimeric glutathione‐S‐transferase. Anti‐PCNA scFvs of increased avidity were further engineered by mutagenesis with sodium bisulfite and error‐prone PCR, such that they were almost equivalent to conventional antibodies in in vitro assays. These intrabodies were then rendered bifunctional by fusion to a C‐terminal fragment of p21 protein and could thereby readily detect PCNA bound to chromatin in cells. Finally, by linking these optimized peptide‐conjugated scFvs to an enhanced green fluorescent protein, fluorescent intrabody‐based reagents were obtained that allowed the fate of PCNA in living cells to be examined. The approach described may be applicable to other scFvs that can be solubly expressed in cells, and it provides a unique means to recognize endogenous proteins in living cells with high accuracy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UVvariability in an arid region of Northwest China from measurements and reconstructions
Authors: Wang Lunche , Gong Wei , Feng Lan , Hu Bo
Published: July 2014

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) observed at Fukang (FK), China from 2004 to 2012 was used to investigateUVvariability and its relationship with global solar radiation (G) under various sky conditions in Northwest China. Clearness index (Kt) was used for characterizing the sky conditions andUVmodel development, it was discovered that clear skies were the dominated sky conditions (48.72%), followed by partly cloudy (32.56%) and overcast (18.72%) skies. DailyFUV(fraction ofUVtoG) increased from November to June with an annual mean of 4.00% atFK. Meanwhile, an efficient all‐skyUVmodel under any sky conditions has been proposed by investigating the dependence of hourlyUVirradiations onKtand cosine of solar zenith angleμ. The model was assessed through the statistical indices: mean bias error (MBE), mean absolute bias error (MABE) and root mean square error (RMSE) whose values were 1.27 (−0.24), 4.64 (4.56) and 6.26% (6.14%), respectively at hourly (daily) basis. The model has also been tested at three other sites with distinctly different climates in China. Finally, dailyUVradiation during 1961–2012 in Northwest China was reconstructed and annual mean dailyUVirradiation was about 0.603 MJ m−2 d−1.UVdecreased at 0.62 KJ m−2 d−1decade−1during the whole study period and the decreases were sharpest in spring (3.28 KJ m−2 d−1decade−1), however, there was an increasing trend at the rate of 2.16 KJ m−2 d−1year−1since 1991.
Ultra high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector and quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry coupled with discriminant analysis to evaluate Angelicae pubescentis radix from different regions
Authors: Ge Ai‐Hua , Ma Wen‐Fang , Wang Chun‐Peng , Li Jin , He Jun , Liu Er‐Wei , Adelakum Tiwalade Adegoke , Zhang Bo‐Li , Gao Xiumei , Chang Yan‐Xu
Published: July 2014

A rapid and effective method was developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major chemical constituents in Angelicae pubescentis radix by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. The chromatographic separation was achieved on an ACQUITY UHPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm). Nine phenolic acids, 30 coumarins, bisabolangelone, and adenosine were identified by quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. All calibration curves exhibited good linearity (r > 0.9996) within the linear ranges. The relative standard deviation calculated for intraday and interday precision, stability, and accuracy were <5%. The mean recovery ranged from 95.8 to 106%. The overall limits of detection and quantification were 0.025–0.160 and 0.100–0.560 μg/mL, respectively. Discriminant analysis was investigated as a method for evaluating the quality of the samples with 100% correction in their classification. The results demonstrated that the developed method could successfully be used to differentiate samples from different regions and could be a helpful tool for detection and confirmation of the quality of traditional Chinese medicines.
Effect of molybdenum, manganese and tungsten contents on the corrosion behavior and hardness of iron‐based metallic glasses
Authors: Wang Y. , Jiang S. L. , Zheng Y. G. , Ke W. , Sun W. H. , Wang J. Q.
Published: July 2014

The effects of molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn) and tungsten (W) on the corrosion behavior and hardness of iron‐based metallic glasses (MG) were investigated by using electrochemical measurements, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and micro‐hardness tester. The results showed that the alloying elements (Mo, Mn, and W) have great influence on the corrosion behavior and hardness. Corrosion resistance of the MG increased with Mo and W content to a critical value (9.4 and 3.2 at%, respectively) and then decreased, while kept increasing with Mn. The corrosion behavior is dependent on the composition of the passive film. The protective Mo(IV), Mn(IV), and W(VI) oxide film on the surface attributes to the enhanced stability of the film. The hardness of the MG is not sensitive to the Mn content, but increased with the Mo and W content. Little influence on the hardness is found when the Mo content is higher than 9.4 at%. Based on the above mentioned influence of alloying elements, corrosion, and wear resistance can be balanced to meet the service of marine pump that served in both corrosive and erosive environments.
Improvement of corrosion resistance of TiAl alloy by carburization
Authors: Liao C. J. , He Y. H. , Yang J. S. , Nan B.
Published: July 2014

Carburization was performed for Ti–46.5Al (at%) alloy at different temperature (870, 900, 930, and 960 °C) for different time (2, 4, and 6 h) to improve its corrosion resistance. Anodic polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the SEM morphology of the corroded samples were investigated to evaluate corrosion resistance of the carburized TiAl alloy in 1 M HCl. The results reveal that the carburized samples at 900 °C for 6 h show the noblest pitting potential, the lowest current density, the highest impedance value, and the largest phase angle compared with the other carburized samples. The corroded surface of the carburized TiAl alloy at 900 and 930 °C for 6 h after anodic polarization in 1 M HCl presents a very compact deposited layer. Therefore, the carburized TiAl alloy at 900 °C for 6 h exhibits most excellent corrosion resistance.
Influence of potassium hydrogen tartrate on anodized film formed in environmental‐friendly electrolyte on AZ91D magnesium alloy
Authors: Liu Y. , Yang F. W. , Zhang Z.
Published: July 2014

Anodizing of AZ91D magnesium alloy in the alkaline borate‐potassium hydrogen tartrate (PHT) environmental friendly electrolyte was studied. The effect of PHT on the anodizing process and anodic film properties was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and potentiodynamic polarization. The results showed that the anodizing parameters, surface morphology, thickness, phase structure, and corrosion resistance of the anodic film were strongly dependent on the concentration of PHT. Moreover, the anodizing mechanism of the AZ91D magnesium alloy in the presence of PHT was also studied. That is, by adsorption on the surface of magnesium alloy, PHT decreases the anodizing current density and make the anodizing condition moderate, which is conducive to the performance improvement of the anodic film.
Evaluation of the microstructural, mechanical and anti‐corrosive properties of a new ternary Ti–15Zr–5Nb alloy in simulated oral environment
Authors: Calderon Moreno J. M. , Vasilescu C. , Drob S. I. , Neacsu E. I. , Popa M.
Published: July 2014

A new ternary Ti–15Zr–5Nb alloy was elaborated with the aim to satisfy the most stringent requirements of a good implant material. The alloy has α + β bi‐phase microstructure (by XRD and optical microscopy) and presents a proper combination between Young's modulus, elasticity and good ultimate tensile strength and 0.2% yield strength (from stress–strain tensile curve), indicating a good suitability as implant material. Electrochemical behaviour in artificial Carter‐Brugirard saliva of different pH values (3.96, 7.84, and 9.11) and composition (un‐doped and doped with 0.05 M NaF) that simulate the severe functional conditions in the oral cavity was evaluated. All electrochemical parameters of the new alloy revealed more favourable values than those of the CP Ti and Ti–6Al–4V ELI alloy, showing a more compact, resistant passive film formed on the new alloy surface. The corrosion rates and corresponding ion release rates for the new Ti–15Zr–5Nb alloy exhibited very low values (hundreds of times smaller) in comparison with similar commercial biomaterials. Electrochemical impedance spectra distinguished bi‐layered passive film formed by inner, barrier layer and outer, porous layer. X‐ray photoelectron spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations proved that in time, protective compounds were deposited from saliva on the alloy surface, enhancing its corrosion resistance.
Stabilizing the Microphase Separation of Block Copolymers by Controlled Photo‐crosslinking
Authors: Tietz Katharina , Finkhäuser Stefanie , Samwer Konrad , Vana Philipp
Published: July 2014

Photo‐crosslinkable material is produced via self‐assembly of poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PMMA‐b‐PBA) block copolymers, in which the MMA block is decorated with coumarin moieties. The block copolymer is synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals microphase separation into nanodomains of controlled and regular morphology. The local elastic modulus of different nanodomains is determined using the PeakForce Quantitative Nano‐Mechanics (PFQNM) mode of AFM. The global modulus, as determined by mechanical spectroscopy, agrees well with the local values. The crosslinking of the block copolymer, via photodimerization of the incorporated coumarin moieties using UV light, is traced by UV–vis absorption measurements and resulted in an increase of the global elastic modulus. The crosslinking reaction proceeding in the solid state is surprisingly effective and stabilizes the morphology to such an extent that equilibrium phase separation, as targeted by annealing, is effectively suppressed.

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A Polymerizable Bioionic Liquid Based Nanogel: A New Nanocarrier for an Anticancer Drug
Authors: Mukesh Chandrakant , Bhatt Jitkumar , Prasad Kamlesh
Published: July 2014

Nanogels (NGs) are considered as one of the most suitable nanocarrier matrices for drug, gene and protein delivery. There are many methods of synthesis of NGs but polymerizable bioionic liquids are not being applied so far for the synthesis of such nanocarriers. The synthesis of a stimuli‐responsive NG system having average hydrodynamic size of 41 ± 15 nm is reported here, obtained by the simultaneous polymerization and crosslinking of a polymerizable biobased ionic liquid. The NG thus obtained shows prolonged drug delivery for 5‐fluorouracil, an anticancer drug, at pH 1.2 (stomach pH) for 10 days at physiological human body temperature (37 °C). However, no substantial drug delivery is observed at pH 5 and 7.4. Such a prolonged drug release profilemakes the reported NG system a potential candidate in the formulation of a pH‐sensitive drug nanocarrier vehicle for in vivo delivery of stomach‐specific therapeutic agents.

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Contrasting soil microbial community functional structures in two major landscapes of the Tibetan alpine meadow
Authors: Chu Houjuan , Wang Shiping , Yue Haowei , Lin Qiaoyan , Hu Yigang , Li Xiangzhen , Zhou Jizhong , Yang Yunfeng
Published: July 2014

The grassland and shrubland are two major landscapes of the Tibetan alpine meadow, a region very sensitive to the impact of global warming and anthropogenic perturbation. Herein, we report a study showing that a majority of differences in soil microbial community functional structures, measured by a functional gene array named GeoChip 4.0, in two adjacent shrubland and grassland areas, were explainable by environmental properties, suggesting that the harsh environments in the alpine grassland rendered niche adaptation important. Furthermore, genes involved in labile carbon degradation were more abundant in the shrubland than those of the grassland but genes involved in recalcitrant carbon degradation were less abundant, which was conducive to long‐term carbon storage and sequestration in the shrubland despite low soil organic carbon content. In addition, genes of anerobic nitrogen cycling processes such as denitrification and dissimilatory nitrogen reduction were more abundant, shifting soil nitrogen cycling toward ammonium biosynthesis and consequently leading to higher soil ammonium contents. We also noted higher abundances of stress genes responsive to nitrogen limitation and oxygen limitation, which might be attributed to low total nitrogen and higher water contents in the shrubland. Together, these results provide mechanistic knowledge about microbial linkages to soil carbon and nitrogen storage and potential consequences of vegetation shifts in the Tibetan alpine meadow.
Comparison of the dielectric and NMR results for liquid crystals: dynamic aspects
Authors: Urban Stanislaw , Geppi Marco
Published: July 2014

Critical analysis of the results of studies of molecular rotational dynamics in liquid crystalline substances with the aid of the dielectric spectroscopy (DS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is given. Both methods are known to be sensitive to different aspects of molecular rotations: the polarization vector and the relaxation time τDS in the case of DS, a tensor describing a nuclear interaction and the correlation time τNMR for NMR method. Furthermore, both methods provide correlation functions with different rank values. A common basis for the comparison between τDS and τNMR is postulated. Several examples of the temperature dependence of the correlation times coming from the two spectroscopic methods are presented. Qualitative agreements of the correlation times were achieved in most cases. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 31‐channel MR brain array coil compatible with positron emission tomography
Authors: Sander Christin Y. , Keil Boris , Chonde Daniel B. , Rosen Bruce R. , Catana Ciprian , Wald Lawrence L.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Simultaneous acquisition of MR and positron emission tomography (PET) images requires the placement of the MR detection coil inside the PET detector ring where it absorbs and scatters photons. This constraint is the principal barrier to achieving optimum sensitivity on each modality. Here, we present a 31‐channel PET‐compatible brain array coil with reduced attenuation but improved MR sensitivity.

Methods

A series of component tests were performed to identify tradeoffs between PET and MR performance. Aspects studied include the remote positioning of preamplifiers, coax size, coil trace size/material, and plastic housing. We then maximized PET performance at minimal cost to MR sensitivity. The coil was evaluated for MR performance (signal to noise ratio [SNR], g‐factor) and PET attenuation.

Results

The coil design showed an improvement in attenuation by 190% (average) compared with conventional 32‐channel arrays, and no loss in MR SNR. Moreover, the 31‐channel coil displayed an SNR improvement of 230% (cortical region of interest) compared with a PET‐optimized 8‐channel array with similar attenuation properties. Implementing attenuation correction of the 31‐channel array successfully removed PET artifacts, which were comparable to those of the 8‐channel array.

Conclusion

The design of the 31‐channel PET‐compatible coil enables higher sensitivity for PET/MR imaging, paving the way for novel applications in this hybrid‐imaging domain. Magn Reson Med 73:2363–2375, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.