bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kca3.1 Activation Via P2y2 Purinergic Receptors Promotes Human Ovarian Cancer Cell (Skov-3) Migration
Authors: Robles-Martínez L. , Garay E. , Martel-Gallegos M. G. , Cisneros-Mejorado A. , Pérez-Montiel D. , Lara A. , Arellano R. O.
Published: June 2017

Disorders in cell signaling mediated by ATP or histamine, activating specific membrane receptors, have been frequently associated with tumorigenesis. Among the elements of response to purinergic (and histaminergic) signaling, ion channel activation controls essential cellular processes in cancer, such as cell proliferation, motility, and death. Here, we studied the effects that ATP had on electrical properties of human ovarian adenocarcinoma cells named SKOV-3. ATP caused increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and, concurrently, it evoked a complex electrical response with a conspicuous outward component. This current was generated through P2Y2 receptor activation and opening of K+ channels, KCa3.1, as indicated by electrophysiological and pharmacological analysis, as well as by immunodetection and specific silencing of P2Y2 or KCa3.1 gene by esiRNA transfection. Low µM ATP concentration increased SKOV-3 cell migration, which was strongly inhibited by KCa3.1 channel blockers and by esiRNA-generated P2Y2 or KCa3.1 downregulation. Finally, in human ovarian tumors, the P2Y2 and KCa3.1 proteins are expressed and co-localized in neoplastic cells. Thus, stimulation of P2Y2 receptors expressed in SKOV-3 cells promotes motility through KCa3.1 activation. Since P2Y2 and KCa3.1 are co-expressed in primary tumors, our findings suggest that they may play a role in cancer progression.
In Vivo Photoacoustic Imaging of Anterior Ocular Vasculature: A Random Sample Consensus Approach
Authors: Jeon Seungwan , Song Hyun Beom , Kim Jaewoo , Lee Byung Joo , Managuli Ravi , Kim Jin Hyoung , Kim Jeong Hun , Kim Chulhong
Published: June 2017

Visualizing ocular vasculature is important in clinical ophthalmology because ocular circulation abnormalities are early signs of ocular diseases. Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) images the ocular vasculature without using exogenous contrast agents, avoiding associated side effects. Moreover, 3D PAM images can be useful in understanding vessel-related eye disease. However, the complex structure of the multi-layered vessels still present challenges in evaluating ocular vasculature. In this study, we demonstrate a new method to evaluate blood circulation in the eye by combining in vivo PAM imaging and an ocular surface estimation method based on a machine learning algorithm: a random sample consensus algorithm. By using the developed estimation method, we were able to visualize the PA ocular vascular image intuitively and demonstrate layer-by-layer analysis of injured ocular vasculature. We believe that our method can provide more accurate evaluations of the eye circulation in ophthalmic applications.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of traditional insect Chinese medicines combined chemotherapy for non-surgical hepatocellular carcinoma therapy
Authors: Shi Zhaofeng , Song Tiebing , Wan Yi , Xie Juan , Yan Yiquan , Shi Kekai , Du Yongping , Shang Lei
Published: June 2017

On the background of high morbidity and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and rapid development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of traditional insect Chinese medicine and related preparation for non-surgical HCC. RCTs were searched based on standardized searching rules in mainstream medical databases from the inception up to May 2016. Ultimately, a total of 57 articles with 4,651 patients enrolled in this meta-analysis. We found that traditional insect Chinese medicine and related preparation combined chemotherapy show significantly effectiveness and safety in objective response rate (P < 0.001), survival time extension [12 months (P < 0.001); 18 months (P < 0.001); 24 months (P < 0.001); 36 months (P < 0.001)], amelioration for life quality [QoL scores improvement (P < 0.001); KPS improvement (P < 0.001); AFP improvement (P < 0.001)] and reduction of therapeutic toxicity [WBC decrease (P = 0.04); gastrointestinal adverse reactions (P < 0.001)]. In conclusion, traditional insect Chinese medicine and related preparations could be recommended as auxiliary therapy combined chemotherapy for HCC therapy.
Vitamin D Modulation of TRAIL Expression in Human Milk and Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Sambandam Yuvaraj , Reddy Sakamuri V. , Mulligan Jennifer L. , Voelkel-Johnson Christina , Wagner Carol L.
Published: June 2017

The vitamin D levels in mothers affect the health status of both the mother and breastfeeding infant. Vitamin D deficient mothers’ infants are prone to rickets. While tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been implicated in cellular growth/apoptosis, immune cell function and bone-resorbing osteoclast formation, the expression of TRAIL in human milk as a function of vitamin D status in mothers remains unknown. We hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency alters TRAIL protein levels in human breast milk and mammary epithelial cells. Milk from vitamin D deficient mothers showed high levels of TRAIL (α and β) proteins compared to milk from vitamin D replete women. Western blot analysis of total cell lysate obtained from normal human mammary epithelial (HME-1) cells treated with variable doses (0–20 nM) of vitamin D for 24 h demonstrated that low levels (0.5 to 5 nM) significantly increased the TRAIL α but no change in β expression. In contrast, vitamin D at 20 nM concentration suppressed the expression of both TRAIL α and β proteins. Consistently, vitamin D regulated TRAIL mRNA expression in HME-1 cells. Our results indicate that vitamin D status in mothers modulates TRAIL expression in breast milk, which may have implications for both mother and infant health.
Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes on Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis
Authors: Bai Lingling , Shao Hui , Wang Hongxing , Zhang Zhihui , Su Chang , Dong Lijie , Yu Bo , Chen Xiteng , Li Xiaorong , Zhang Xiaomin
Published: June 2017

We previously demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) ameliorated experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) in rats. Recently, MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo) were thought to carry functions of MSCs. In this study, we tested the effect of local administration of human MSC-Exo on established EAU in the same species. Rats with EAU induced by immunization with interphotoreceptor retinol-binding protein 1177–1191 peptide were treated by periocular injections of increasing doses of MSC-Exo starting at the disease onset for 7 consecutive days. The in vitro effects of MSC-Exo on immune cell migration and responder T cell proliferation were examined by chemotactic assays and lymphocyte proliferation assays, respectively. We found that MSC-Exo greatly reduced the intensity of ongoing EAU as their parent cells by reducing the infiltration of T cell subsets, and other inflammatory cells, in the eyes. Furthermore, the chemoattractive effects of CCL2 and CCL21 on inflammatory cells were inhibited by MSC-Exo. However, no inhibitory effect of MSC-Exo on IRBP-specific T cell proliferation was observed. These results suggest that MSC-Exo effectively ameliorate EAU by inhibiting the migration of inflammatory cells, indicating a potential novel therapy of MSC-Exo for uveitis.
Nano-engineering the Antimicrobial Spectrum of Lantibiotics: Activity of Nisin against Gram Negative Bacteria
Authors: Vukomanović Marija , Žunič Vojka , Kunej Špela , Jančar Boštjan , Jeverica Samo , Podlipec Rok , Suvorov Danilo
Published: June 2017

Lantibiotics, bacteria-sourced antimicrobial peptides, are very good candidates for effective and safe food additives. Among them, nisin is already approved by the EU and FDA, and has been used in food preservation for the past 40 years. Now, there is a possibility and strong interest to extend its applicability to biomedicine for designing innovative alternatives to antibiotics. The main obstacle is, however, its naturally narrow spectrum of antimicrobial activity, focused on Gram positive bacteria. Here we demonstrate broadening nisin’s spectrum to Gram negative bacteria using a nano-engineering approach. After binding nisin molecules to the surface of gold nano-features, uniformly deposited on spherical carbon templates, we created a nanocomposite with a high density of positively charged groups. Before assembly, none of the components of the nanocomposite showed any activity against bacterial growth, which was changed after assembly in the form of the nanocomposite. For the first time we showed that this type of structure enables interactions capable of disintegrating the wall of Gram negative bacteria. As confirmed by the nisin model, the developed approach opens up new horizons for the use of lantibiotics in designing post-antibiotic drugs.
An update on MALDI mass spectrometry based technology for the analysis of fingermarks – stepping into operational deployment
Authors: Francese S. , Bradshaw R. , Denison N.
Published: June 2017

Expanded range of retrievable intelligence from fingermarksviaMALDI MS based methods and increased operational capabilities of the technology.
The compositional characterization and painting technique of Chinese red and white porcelain by EDXRF and SR-μXRF mapping analysis
Authors: Wen Rui , Zhang Yun , Wang Dong , Wang Lihua
Published: June 2017

SR-μXRF mapping analysis to explore the painting process of ancient Chinese red and white porcelain.
Cell measurement by using a flow cytometry chip with a twisted micro-sheath flow channel
Authors: Sato Tomomi , Miyake Ryo
Published: June 2017

We have developed an integrated flow cytometry chip, which comprises a pre-treatment part and a sheath flow-forming part with a twisted microchannel structure, for continuous monitoring of bacteria in drinking water.
Aromatic stacking – a key step in nucleation
Authors: Cruz-Cabeza Aurora J. , Davey Roger J. , Sachithananthan Sharlinda Salim , Smith Rebecca , Tang Sin Kim , Vetter Thomas , Xiao Yan
Published: June 2017

Using kinetic data from over 6000 crystallisation experiments together with novel computations, we reveal that in the control of nucleation kinetics aromatic stacking wins out over hydrogen-bonding.
Halides tuning the subcellular-targeting in two-photon emissive complexes via different uptake mechanisms
Authors: Tian Xiaohe , Zhu Yingzhong , Zhang Qiong , Zhang Ruilong , Wu Jieying , Tian Yupeng
Published: June 2017

A simple and universal strategy by tuning halides (Cl, Br and I) in terpyridine–Zn(ii) complexes to achieve different subcellular organelle targeting via different cellular uptake mechanisms was reported.
Copper-catalyzed radical cascade oxyalkylation of olefinic amides with simple alkanes: highly efficient access to benzoxazines
Authors: Wang Jie , Sang Ruoyu , Chong Xiaolong , Zhao Yinuo , Fan Wenjie , Li Zejiang , Zhao Jincan
Published: June 2017

A copper-catalyzed C(sp3)–H bond functionalization of simple alkanes with olefinic amides was developed for the synthesis of benzoxazine derivatives.
An NHC–phosphinidenyl as a synthon for new group 13/15 compounds
Authors: Lemp Otfried , Balmer Markus , Reiter Kevin , Weigend Florian , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: June 2017

The deprotonated parent phosphinidene SIMesPK (SIMes = 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene) was used as a synthon for new group 13/15 cycles and cage compounds such as [SIMesPGatBu2]2.
Unravelling chromism in metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Mehlana Gift , Bourne Susan A.
Published: June 2017

Chromophoric MOFs are reviewed, focussing on those which change colour on application of external stimuli such as heat, pressure, light or chemical environment.
The growth optimization and mechanism of N-polar GaN films with an in situ porous SiNx interlayer
Authors: Deng Gaoqiang , Zhang Yuantao , Huang Zhen , Yan Long , Li Pengchong , Han Xu , Yu Ye , Chen Liang , Zhao Degang , Du Guotong
Published: June 2017

A model was proposed to explain the epitaxial growth mechanism of N-polar GaN films with an in situ deposited porous SiNx interlayer.
On the connections and differences among three mean-field approximations: a stringent test
Authors: Yi Shasha , Pan Cong , Hu Liming , Hu Zhonghan
Published: June 2017

Using the left–right symmetry in one-dimensional systems, the mean field idea can be implemented to yield accurate structure corrections.
Aromaticity and antiaromaticity of substituted fulvene derivatives: perspectives from the information-theoretic approach in density functional reactivity theory
Authors: Yu Donghai , Rong Chunying , Lu Tian , Chattaraj Pratim K. , De Proft Frank , Liu Shubin
Published: June 2017

Strong correlations among aromaticity descriptors and information-theoretic quantities are unveiled, providing novel insights about aromaticity and antiaromaticity from different perspectives.
Recent progress in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for biological and biomedical applications: from cells to clinics
Authors: Cialla-May D. , Zheng X.-S. , Weber K. , Popp J.
Published: June 2017

In this tutorial review, we summarize the recent progress in SERS-based biological and biomedical applications – from cells to clinics.
Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy – from early developments to recent advances
Authors: Deckert-Gaudig Tanja , Taguchi Atsushi , Kawata Satoshi , Deckert Volker
Published: June 2017

An analytical technique operating at the nanoscale must be flexible regarding variable experimental conditions while ideally also being highly specific, extremely sensitive, and spatially confined. TERS has the potential to address all these items and its current status will be thoroughly discussed.
Anchoring groups for photocatalytic water oxidation on metal oxide surfaces
Authors: Materna Kelly L. , Crabtree Robert H. , Brudvig Gary W.
Published: June 2017

The synthesis, binding modes, water stability, and electron-transfer dynamics are compared for carboxylate, phosphonate, hydroxamate, and silatrane anchoring groups.
SERS – facts, figures and the future
Authors: Graham Duncan , Moskovits Martin , Tian Zhong-Qun
Published: June 2017

Guest editors Duncan Graham, Martin Moskovits and Zhong-Qun Tian introduce the surface and tip enhanced spectroscopies issue of Chemical Society Reviews.
2D/2D heterojunctions of WO3 nanosheet/K+Ca2Nb3O10− ultrathin nanosheet with improved charge separation efficiency for significantly boosting photocatalysis
Authors: Ma Xiaodong , Jiang Deli , Xiao Peng , Jin Yu , Meng Suci , Chen Min
Published: June 2017

Harvesting solar energy using semiconductor photocatalysts for wastewater decontamination offers a greener solution to address serious environmental crises.
Copper induced spin state change of heme–Aβ associated with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mukherjee Soumya , Ghosh Chandradeep , Seal Manas , Dey Somdatta Ghosh
Published: June 2017

Binding of Cu(ii) not only drives the conversion of the benign bis-His bound low spin heme(iii)–Aβ complex to the detrimental mono-His high spin form, even in the presence of excess Aβ, but it also forms the most toxic heme(iii)–Cu(ii)–Aβ species.
Recognition of phosphopeptides by a dinuclear copper(ii) macrocyclic complex in a water : methanol 50 : 50 v/v solution
Authors: Mesquita Lígia M. , Mateus Pedro , Fernandes Rui D. V. , Iranzo Olga , André Vânia , Tiago de Oliveira Filipe , Platas-Iglesias Carlos , Delgado Rita
Published: June 2017

The dinuclear copper(ii) complex of a triethylbenzene-derived hexaazamacrocycle was able to recognize phosphorylated substrates in a water : methanol (50 : 50 v/v) solution.
Thiourea derivatives as chelating agents for bioconjugation of rhenium and technetium
Authors: Gomez J. D. Castillo , Hagenbach A. , Gerling-Driessen U. I. M. , Koksch B. , Beindorff N. , Brenner W. , Abram U.
Published: June 2017

A99mTc complex with a tetradentate thiocarbamoylbenzamidine group was used for the conjugation of angiotensin-II. The resulting bioconjugate is stablein vivoandin vitro.
Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry for quantitative mapping of the copper distribution in liver tissue sections from mice with liver disease induced by common bile duct ligation
Authors: Costas-Rodríguez Marta , Van Acker Thibaut , Hastuti Agustina A. M. B. , Devisscher Lindsey , Van Campenhout Sanne , Van Vlierberghe Hans , Vanhaecke Frank
Published: June 2017

High-resolution LA-ICP-MS bioimaging was shown suitable for the quantitative visualization of the Cu distribution in fibrotic mouse liver tissues on a (sub-)cellular level.
Gel-seq: whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing by simultaneous low-input DNA and RNA library preparation using semi-permeable hydrogel barriers
Authors: Hoople Gordon D. , Richards Andrew , Wu Yan , Kaneko Kota , Luo Xiaolin , Feng Gen-Sheng , Zhang Kun , Pisano Albert P.
Published: June 2017

Gel-seq enables researchers to simultaneously prepare libraries for both DNA and RNA from 100 cells.
Transcriptome dynamics of human pluripotent stem cell-derived contracting cardiomyocytes using an embryoid body model with fetal bovine serum
Authors: Jung Kwang Bo , Son Ye Seul , Lee Hana , Jung Cho-Rok , Kim Janghwan , Son Mi-Young
Published: June 2017

Current cardiomyocyte (CM) differentiation protocols did not promote the sufficient expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation for generating adult-like mature CMs.
LPI-ETSLP: lncRNA–protein interaction prediction using eigenvalue transformation-based semi-supervised link prediction
Authors: Hu Huan , Zhu Chunyu , Ai Haixin , Zhang Li , Zhao Jian , Zhao Qi , Liu Hongsheng
Published: June 2017

RNA–protein interactions are essential for understanding many important cellular processes.
Diospyros montana leaf extract-mediated synthesis of selenium nanoparticles and their biological applications
Authors: Kokila Karuppannan , Elavarasan Nagaraj , Sujatha Venugopal
Published: June 2017

Plant-mediated synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) was carried out by a simple precipitation method using the aqueous extract of Diospyros montana.
A convenient electro-catalyzed multicomponent synthesis of 4H-thiopyran derivatives
Authors: Dubey Rahul , Singh Vinay K. , Sharma Laxmi Kant , Upadhyay Abhishek , Kumar Narendra , Singh Rana Krishna Pal
Published: June 2017

A convenient one pot electro-synthesis of 4H-thiopyrans by condensation of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile, carbon disulfide and primary amines.
A facile modification of steel mesh for oil–water separation
Authors: Varshney Priya , Nanda Debasis , Satapathy Mitra , Mohapatra Soumya S. , Kumar Aditya
Published: June 2017

A durable and regenerable superhydrophobic and superoleophilic steel mesh surface is synthesized, showing excellent oil–water separation applications.
Melamine tunable effect in a lenalidomide-based supramolecular self-assembly system via hydrogen bonding
Authors: Gao Aiping , Li Yiran , Lv Haiting , Liu Dan , Zhao Na , Ding Qianqian , Cao Xinhua
Published: June 2017

In this study, melamine could tune the self-assembly structures, rheological behaviour, and surface wettability via intermolecular hydrogen bonding between gelator 1 and melamine.
Rare earth metal bisamido complexes with an NNO tridentate ligand and catalytic activity for the selective polymerization of isoprene
Authors: Gu Xiaoxia , Wang Shaowu , Wei Yun , Zhu Xiancui , Zhou Shuangliu , Huang Zeming , Mu Xiaolong
Published: June 2017

A series of rare earth metal bisamido complexes was synthesized, which could effectively initiate the polymerization of isoprene to afford polyisoprene with high regio- and stereo-selectivity in the presence of cocatalysts.
Helianthus-like cucurbit[4]uril and cucurbit[5]uril analogues
Authors: Wu Yufan , Xu Lixi , Shen Yenan , Wang Yang , Wang Qiaochun
Published: June 2017

Two cucurbituril-like macrocycles were synthesized by condensing cyclopentano-substituted propanediurea with formaldehyde in the presence and absence of Ca2+.
Facile preparation of 2D Bi2MoO6 nanosheets–RGO composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Bai Jinwu , Li Yun , Li Xuemin , Liu Lu
Published: June 2017

To the best of our knowledge, few studies had reported Bi2MoO6–RGO as a catalyst for photodegradation of ciprofloxacin.
N-Confused porphyrins: complexation and 1H NMR studies
Authors: Khodov Ilya A. , Maltceva Olga V. , Klochkov Vladimir V. , Koifman Oscar I. , Mamardashvili Nugzar Zh.
Published: June 2017

The complexation of 2-aza-21-carba-tetraphenylporphyrin and 2-aza-2-methyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21-carbaporphyrin with nickel and zinc acetates in organic solvents has been investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy and 1H NMR.
Janus plasmonic–magnetic gold–iron oxide nanoparticles as contrast agents for multimodal imaging
Authors: Reguera Javier , Jiménez de Aberasturi Dorleta , Henriksen-Lacey Malou , Langer Judith , Espinosa Ana , Szczupak Boguslaw , Wilhelm Claire , Liz-Marzán Luis M.
Published: June 2017

Janus Au–Fe3O4 star-sphere nanoparticles show their high versatility as contrast agents in multimodal imaging.
Atomistic dynamics of sulfur-deficient high-symmetry grain boundaries in molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Hong Jinhua , Wang Yanlei , Wang Anle , Lv Danhui , Jin Chuanhong , Xu Zhiping , Probert Matt I. J. , Yuan Jun , Zhang Ze
Published: June 2017

As a common type of structural defect, grain boundaries play an important role in tailoring the physical and chemical properties of bulk crystals and their 2D counterparts such as graphene and MoS2.
Clinically approved PEGylated nanoparticles are covered by a protein corona that boosts the uptake by cancer cells
Authors: Papi M. , Caputo D. , Palmieri V. , Coppola R. , Palchetti S. , Bugli F. , Martini C. , Digiacomo L. , Pozzi D. , Caracciolo G.
Published: June 2017

The protein corona boosts the cellular uptake of clinically approved PEGylated lipid nanoparticles in pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma cells.
Chitosan-stabilized platinum nanoparticles as effective oxidase mimics for colorimetric detection of acid phosphatase
Authors: Deng Hao-Hua , Lin Xiu-Ling , Liu Yin-Huan , Li Ke-Lin , Zhuang Qiong-Qiong , Peng Hua-Ping , Liu Ai-Lin , Xia Xing-Hua , Chen Wei
Published: June 2017

Chitosan-stabilized platinum nanoparticles were synthesized and then served as an efficient oxidase mimic for colorimetric detection of acid phosphatase.
Resistive switching mechanism of GeTe–Sb2Te3 interfacial phase change memory and topological properties of embedded two-dimensional states
Authors: Nakamura Hisao , Rungger Ivan , Sanvito Stefano , Inoue Nobuki , Tominaga Junji , Asai Yoshihiro
Published: June 2017

A theoretical study of an interfacial phase change memory made of a GeTe–Sb2Te3 superlattice with W electrodes is presented to identify the high and low resistance states and the switching mechanism.
Selective turn-on fluorescence sensing of sulfate in aqueous–organic mixtures by an uncharged bis(diamidocarbazole) receptor
Authors: Bąk Krzysztof M. , Masłowska Krystyna , Chmielewski Michał J.
Published: June 2017

Simple linking of two uncharged, fluorescent diamidocarbazole binding units leads to strong and selective sulfate recognition in aqueous–organic media.
The double-edged role of copper in the fate of amyloid beta in the presence of anti-oxidants
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhang Xueli , Zhu Yiying , Lenczowski Emily , Tian Yanli , Yang Jian , Zhang Can , Hardt Markus , Qiao Chunhua , Tanzi Rudolph E. , Moore Anna , Ye Hui , Ran Chongzhao
Published: June 2017

The cleavage of amyloid beta induced by copper(ii) in the presence of anti-oxidants is discussed.
A stable porphyrinic metal–organic framework pore-functionalized by high-density carboxylic groups for proton conduction
Authors: Wu Hao , Yang Fan , Lv Xiu-Liang , Wang Bin , Zhang Yong-Zheng , Zhao Min-Jian , Li Jian-Rong
Published: June 2017

A highly stable porphyrinic MOF with free-carboxylic group functionalized pore surfaces exhibits a high proton conductivity of 3.9 × 10−2 S cm−1 at 80 °C and 97% RH, which is comparable to most of the reported proton conductive MOFs.
A flexible anti-clogging graphite film for scalable solar desalination by heat localization
Authors: Kashyap Varun , Al-Bayati Abdullah , Sajadi Seyed Mohammad , Irajizad Peyman , Wang Sing Hi , Ghasemi Hadi
Published: June 2017

A flexible scalable anti-clogging graphite film for efficient solar desalination is demonstrated with long-term performance.
Facile electrodeposition of cauliflower-like S-doped nickel microsphere films as highly active catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zeng J. R. , Gao M. Y. , Zhang Q. B. , Yang C. , Li X. T. , Yang W. Q. , Hua Y. X. , Xu C. Y. , Li Y.
Published: June 2017

Self-supported cauliflower-like S-doped Ni microspheres grown on a Cu wire (NiSx/CW) are fabricated via a facile, one-step electrodeposition approach in ethaline, which exhibit highly active and durable HER catalytic activity in alkaline solution.
Composition design, optical gap and stability investigations of lead-free halide double perovskite Cs2AgInCl6
Authors: Zhou Jun , Xia Zhiguo , Molokeev Maxim S. , Zhang Xiuwen , Peng Dongsheng , Liu Quanlin
Published: June 2017

Stable double perovskite Cs2AgInCl6 has been reported as a direct gap semiconductor with a wide band gap of 3.23 eV obtained experimentally and 3.33 eV obtained by DFT calculation.
Development of benzylidene-methyloxazolone based AIEgens and decipherment of their working mechanism
Authors: Jiang Meijuan , He Zikai , Zhang Yilin , Sung Herman H. Y. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Peng Qian , Yan Yongli , Wong Kam Sing , Williams Ian D. , Zhao Yongsheng , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2017

Novel AIE functional materials were developed based on benzylidene-methyloxazolone (BMO), an analogue of GFP luminophores, and their AIE working mechanism was deciphered.
Structure of non‐maximally decimated filter bank derived by MSFGs
Authors: Wang Luyun , Qi Ronggang , Bi Guoan
Published: June 2017

Practical applications in digital communication need non‐maximally decimated filter banks to provide oversampled baseband signals for other necessary operations. The non‐maximally decimated filter banks allow the required prototype filter to have wider transitional band to significantly reduce the required computational complexity. This Letter presents a non‐maximally decimated filter bank structure derived by using multi‐rate signal flow graphs.
The Lower Cambrian of the Salair and Gorny Altai (Siberia) revisited
Authors: Sennikov Nikolay V. , Korovnikov Igor’ V. , Obut Olga T. , Tokarev Dmitry A. , Novozhilova Natalya V. , Danelian Taniel
Published: June 2017

This paper discusses the fossil record, stratigraphy and sedimentary environments of lower Cambrian sequences that crop out in the Salair and Gorny Altai, southern part of western Siberia (Russia).

Numerous and well-preserved archaeocyaths and a few small shelly fossils (SSF) have been discovered in carbonate sequences that crop out nearby the Gavrilovka village, Salair. The presence of the Gordonicyathus howelliarchaeocyath Zone is established for the first time in this thick sequence of biogenic carbonates, in addition to the Nochoroicyathus mariinskii Zone, which was known previously from the Gavrilovka Formation. Both of these zones are Atdabanian in age. It is likely that accumulation of the Gavrilovka Formation took place in relatively shallow waters, along reef buildups surrounded by lagoons with archaeocyaths.

In the Ak-Kaya section of the Gorny Altai, the trilobite species Alacephalus contortus and Poliellaspis rotundata, known previously from the upper Atdabanian, were discovered, only a few meters above horizons bearing lower Botoman trilobites. We may consider that the previously known age range of these two species is slightly longer and should be extended up to the lower Botoman. Alternatively, on the basis of their paleoecological affinity for agitated waters, these trilobites may be interpreted as reworked in lower Botoman strata.
Early to Middle Jurassic history of the southern Siberian continent (Transbaikalia) recorded in sediments of the Siberian Craton: Sm-Nd and U-Pb provenance study
Authors: Demonterova Elena I. , Ivanov Alexei V. , Mikheeva Ekaterina M. , Arzhannikova Anastasia V. , Frolov Andrei O. , Arzannikov Sergei G. , Bryanskiy Nikolai V. , Pavlova Lyudmila A.
Published: June 2017

The deposition of Jurassic continental sedimentary rocks in the southern part of the Siberian continent (Transbaikalia) reflects the intensification of tectonomagmatic processes in this region. The most likely cause of this intensification was associated with the formation and development of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogenic belt. The latter was controlled in its turn by the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean, for which the timing of its closure, as well as the formation of a collisional orogeny and its subsequent collapse are still under debate. We address this question by studying sediments of the Irkutsk Basin, which were deposited in a short time span in the Middle Jurassic, most likely during the Aalenian. The Sm-Nd data for bulk-rock sandstones demonstrate that the youngest samples of the Irkutsk Basin are characterized by a prominent contribution from a source within the juvenile crust of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogenic belt. U-Pb detrital zircon ages concur with the Sm-Nd data and show that the amount of material derived from local cratonic sources decreased in time whereas material from the remote Transbaikalian sources increased. Our data provide evidence that mountain growth in Transbaikalia intensified rapidly close to the Early and Middle Jurassic boundary.
Late Jurassic - Early Cretaceous paleoenvironmental evolution of the Transbaikal basins (SE Siberia): implications for the Mongol-Okhotsk orogeny
Authors: Jolivet Marc , Arzhannikova Anastasia , Frolov Andrei , Arzhannikov Sergei , Kulagina Natalia , Akulova Varvara , Vassallo Riccardo
Published: June 2017

The Late Jurassic - Early Cretaceous tectonic evolution of SE Siberia was marked by the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk ocean. While this geodynamic event led to compressive deformation and denudation in a wide area encompassing the North-Altay, Sayan and Baikal Patom ranges, it was contemporaneous to widespread extension from the Transbaikal region situated immediately north of the suture zone to the Pacific plate, affecting eastern Mongolia and northeastern China. In this study we review the paleontological and sedimentological data available in the Russian literature and provide new macro-floral and palynological data from the Mesozoic sediments of three Transbaikal basins. These data are used to describe the paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic evolution of the Transbaikal area in order to assess the topographic evolution of the region in relation with the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk ocean. We establish that the Transbaikal basins evolved in a continuously extensional tectonic setting from at least the Early-Middle Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous. The associated sedimentary environments are characterized by retrogradation from alluvial fan–braided river dominated systems prevailing during the Early to Middle Jurassic initial opening of the basins to meandering river– lacustrine systems that developed during the Late Jurassic - Early Cretaceous interval. No evidence of high relief topography was found and we conclude that, while compression and denudation occurred in the North Altai, Sayan and Patom ranges, in the Transbaikal region, the docking of the Mongolia-North China continent to Siberia was a “soft collision” event, possibly involving a major strike-slip displacement that did not lead to an orogenic event implying strong compressive deformation, crustal thickening and topography building.
Infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study of the HC2n+1O+ (n = 2–5) cations
Authors: Jin Jiaye , Li Wei , Liu Yuhong , Wang Guanjun , Zhou Mingfei
Published: June 2017

The carbon chain cations, HC2n+1O+ (n = 2–5), are produced via pulsed laser vaporization of a graphite target in supersonic expansions containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The infrared spectra are measured via mass-selected infrared photodissociation spectroscopy of the CO “tagged” [HC2n+1O·CO]+ cation complexes in the 1600-3500 cm−1 region. The geometries and electronic ground states of these cation complexes are determined by their infrared spectra compared to the predications of theoretical calculations. All of the HC2n+1O+ (n = 2–5) core cations are characterized to be linear carbon chain derivatives terminated by hydrogen and oxygen, which have the closed-shell singlet ground states with polyyne-like carbon chain structures.
Analyzing the effect of slotted foil on radiation pulse profile in a mode locked afterburner X-ray free electron laser
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Hur Min Sup , Chung Moses
Published: June 2017

Extremely short X-ray pulses in the attosecond (as) range are important tools for ultrafast dynamics, high resolution microscopy, and nuclear dynamics study. In this paper, we numerically examine the generation of gigawatt (GW) mode-locked (ML) multichromatic X-rays using the parameters of the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL)-X-ray free electron laser (XFEL), the Korean XFEL. In this vein, we analyze the ML-FEL [Thompson and McNeil, Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 203901 (2008)] and mode-locked afterburner (MLAB) FEL [Dunning et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 104801 (2013)] schemes on the hard X-ray beamline of the PAL-XFEL. Using the ML scheme, we numerically demonstrate a train of radiation pulses in the hard X-ray (photon energy ∼12.4 keV) with 3.5 GW power and 16 as full-width half maximum (FWHM) pulse duration. On the other hand, using the MLAB scheme, a train of radiation pulses with 3 GW power and 1 as FWHM (900 zs in RMS) pulse duration has been obtained at 12.4 keV photon energy. Both schemes generate broadband, discrete, and coherent spectrum compared to the XFEL's narrowband spectrum. Furthermore, the effect of slotted foil is also studied first time on the MLAB-FEL output. Numerical comparisons show that the temporal structure of the MLAB-FEL output can be improved significantly by the use of the slotted foil. Such short X-ray pulses at XFEL facilities will allow the studies of electron-nuclear and nuclear dynamics in atoms or molecules, and the broadband radiation will substantially improve the efficiency of the experimental techniques such as X-ray crystallography and spectroscopy, paving the way for outstanding progress in biology and material science.
A new mode of acoustic NDT via resonant air-coupled emission
Authors: Solodov Igor , Dillenz Alexander , Kreutzbruck Marc
Published: June 2017

Resonant modes of non-destructive testing (NDT) which make use of local damage resonance (LDR) have been developed recently and demonstrated a significant increase in efficiency and sensitivity of hybrid inspection techniques by laser vibrometry, ultrasonic thermography, and shearography. In this paper, a new fully acoustic version of resonant NDT is demonstrated for defects in composite materials relevant to automotive and aviation applications. This technique is based on an efficient activation of defect vibrations by using a sonic/ultrasonic wave matched to a fundamental LDR frequency of the defect. On this condition, all points of the faulty area get involved in synchronous out-of-plane vibrations which produce a similar in-phase wave motion in ambient air. This effect of resonant air-coupled emission results in airborne waves emanating from the defect area, which can be received by a commercial microphone (low LDR frequency) or an air-coupled ultrasonic transducer (high frequency LDR). A series of experiments confirm the feasibility of both contact and non-contact versions of the technique for NDT and imaging of simulated and realistic defects (impacts, delaminations, and disbonds) in composites.
Impact of compressibility and a guide field on Fermi acceleration during magnetic island coalescence
Authors: Montag P. , Egedal J. , Lichko E. , Wetherton B.
Published: June 2017

Previous work has shown that Fermi acceleration can be an effective heating mechanism during magnetic island coalescence, where electrons may undergo repeated reflections as the magnetic field lines contract. This energization has the potential to account for the power-law distributions of particle energy inferred from observations of solar flares. Here, we develop a generalized framework for the analysis of Fermi acceleration that can incorporate the effects of compressibility and non-uniformity along field lines, which have commonly been neglected in previous treatments of the problem. Applying this framework to the simplified case of the uniform flux tube allows us to find both the power-law scaling of the distribution function and the rate at which the power-law behavior develops. We find that a guide magnetic field of order unity effectively suppresses the development of power-law distributions.
On the convergence of the simplified Bernoulli trial collision scheme in rarefied Fourier flow
Authors: Taheri Elmira , Roohi Ehsan , Stefanov Stefan
Published: June 2017

The objective of this work is to provide a detailed study on the convergence behavior of the Simplified Bernoulli Trials (SBT) collision scheme in the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. One-dimensional Fourier heat conduction problem of argon gas at the early slip regime is considered. The problem consists of rarefied gas confined between two infinite parallel plates with different temperature magnitudes. The investigations compare the SBT solution for the Sonine-polynomial coefficients with theoretical predictions of the Chapman-Enskog theory. Also, the convergence behavior of the wall heat flux and the DSMC-calculated bulk thermal conductivity (KDSMC) are studied. The numerical performance of the DSMC method is affected by the number of computational particles (simulators) per cell, time step, and cell size. The dependence of the SBT collision scheme on discretization errors has been examined and compared with the no time counter (NTC) collision algorithm. Our results show that SBT captures analytical solutions of the Sonine polynomials using a few particles per cell. Unlike the NTC scheme, the SBT algorithm is not so sensitive to the number of simulators per cell, and the effective parameter in the convergence is the cell size to time step ratio, Δx/Δt, which should be adjusted properly for any specific test case. With setting a constant Δx/Δt, the SBT algorithm accurately predicts the wall heat flux solution by decreasing the average number of particles per cell to one particle or even less.
A point interaction for the discrete Schrödinger operator and generalized Chebyshev polynomials
Authors: Yafaev D. R.
Published: June 2017

We consider semi-infinite Jacobi matrices corresponding to a point interaction for the discrete Schrödinger operator. Our goal is to find explicit expressions for the spectral measure, the resolvent, and other spectral characteristics of such Jacobi matrices. It turns out that the spectral analysis of this toy problem leads to a new class of orthogonal polynomials generalizing the classical Chebyshev polynomials.
Exchange flows of two immiscible Newtonian liquids in a vertical tube: From falling drops to falling slugs
Authors: Varges P. R. , Fonseca B. S. , Naccache M. F. , de Souza Mendes P. R.
Published: June 2017

We present an experimental study of buoyancy-driven flows of two immiscible Newtonian liquids in a vertical tube where initially the heavier and more viscous one is placed on the top of the lighter one. Flow visualization was performed using a digital camera, and inversion velocities were determined through image analysis. The influence of the governing parameters on the speed and flow regime was examined for pairs of liquids with small density differences. Two different flow regimes were observed, namely, falling drops and falling slugs. In the first regime, spherical and ellipsoidal drops are obtained, depending on the ratio between the drop and tube diameters. The falling slug regime is a core-annular flow pattern above a critical value of interfacial tension, while no flow is noticed below this critical value. The experimental results are in good agreement with model predictions from the literature. Indeed, the results showed that terminal velocity can be estimated by empirical correlations for falling spheres.
Adsorption and encapsulation of flexible polyelectrolytes in charged spherical vesicles
Authors: Shojaei H. R. , Muthukumar M.
Published: June 2017

We present a theory of adsorption of flexible polyelectrolytes on the interior and exterior surfaces of a charged vesicle in an electrolyte solution. The criteria for adsorption and the density profiles of the adsorbed polymer chain are derived in terms of various characteristics of the polymer, vesicle, and medium, such as the charge density and length of the polymer, charge density and size of the vesicle, electrolyte concentration and dielectric constant of the medium. For adsorption inside the vesicle, the competition between the loss of conformational entropy and gain in adsorption energy results in two kinds of encapsulated states, depending on the strength of the polymer-vesicle interaction. By considering also the adsorption from outside the vesicle, we derive the entropic and energy contributions to the free energy change to transfer an adsorbed chain in the interior to an adsorbed chain on the exterior. In this paper, we have used the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) method to solve the equation for the probability distribution function of the chain. The present WKB results are compared with the previous results based on variational methods. The WKB and variational results are in good agreement for both the interior and exterior states of adsorption, except in the zero-salt limit for adsorption in the exterior region. The adsorption criteria and density profiles for both the interior and exterior states are presented in terms of various experimentally controllable variables. Calculation of the dependencies of free energy change to transfer an adsorbed chain from the interior to the exterior surface on salt concentration and vesicle radius shows that the free energy penalty to expel a chain from a vesicle is only of the order of thermal energy.
Fano resonance in a subwavelength Mie-based metamolecule with split ring resonator
Authors: Wang Xiaobo , Zhou Ji
Published: June 2017

In this letter, we report a method of symmetry-breaking in an artificial Mie-based metamolecule. A Fano resonance with a Q factor of 96 is observed at microwave frequencies in a structure combining a split ring resonator and a high-permittivity dielectric cube. Calculations indicate that resonant frequency tunability will result from the alteration of the cube's permittivity. The asymmetric spectrum is attributed to both constructive and destructive near-field interactions between the two distinct resonators. Experimental data and simulation results are in good agreement. The underlying physics is seen in field distribution and dipole analysis. This work substantiates an approach for the manipulation of Mie resonances which can potentially be utilized in light modulating and sensing.
Photoinduced ultrafast optical anisotropy encountered by spin-flip transition in La0.67Ca0.33MnO3
Authors: Wang Huizhen , Jin Zuanming , Liu Xiumei , Zhang Zeyu , Lin Xian , Cheng Zhenxiang , Ma Guohong
Published: June 2017

Understanding and controlling the transient optical anisotropy of strong correlation systems is of great interest in the quest for information processing and storage. Here, we report on ultrafast optical pump-probe measurements with linearly and circularly polarized laser pulses in the manganite La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 thin film. We show both the time-resolved reflectivity and the polarization state (Kerr rotation and ellipticity) of the probe-pulse at different temperatures, which are analyzed by the ultrafast intersite transition between Mn3+ and Mn4+ sites at photon energies around 1.55 eV. During the temperature-induced dynamical spectral weight transfer, a spin-flip photo-transition between spin up eg states of Mn3+ and spin down eg states of Mn4+ ions occurs and is imprinted on the optical anisotropy of the probe beam.
Pixelated speckle image holography carrier fringes for efficient superimposed light harvesting in organic solar cells
Authors: Zhou Lei , Li Yan-Qing , Chen Jing-De , Ou Qing-Dong , Tang Jian-Xin , Zhou Yun , Lin Yi , Wei Huai-Xin
Published: June 2017

An inverted organic solar cell (OSC) device structure by incorporating pixelated speckle image holography carrier fringes (SIHFs) for efficient superimposed light harvesting is demonstrated. The proposed SIHF based OSCs yield an 18.2% increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to that of the flat control devices. Moreover, compared to the common two-dimensional (2D) periodic grating patterned OSCs, SIHF based devices achieve 7.8% higher short-circuit current (JSC) and 10.0% higher PCE. This observable improvement in PCE of SIHF based OSCs is mainly ascribed to the geometric effect due to the unique chaotic carrier fringes of SIHFs.
Underwater giant enhancement of broadband diffraction efficiency of surface diffraction gratings fabricated by femtosecond laser
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wang Cong , Yin Kai , Dong Xinran , Song Yuxin , Tian Yaxiang , Duan Ji'an
Published: June 2017

In this study, a simple approach is proposed to improve the diffraction efficiency of surface diffraction gratings on fused silica fabricated by femtosecond laser. Effects of grating period, pulse energy, scanning speed and wavelength on the total diffraction efficiency are also investigated. In addition, the mechanism of the diffraction efficiency's giant enhancement is discussed by finite difference time domain (FDTD) and optical phase shift structure calculation. It is revealed that: (1) Compared with the diffraction efficiency obtained in air, the underwater image via diffraction grating is clearer than that in air and diffraction pattern in water is much brighter; (2) The diffraction efficiency increases with an increase in wavelength and scanning speed, whereas it decreases while the laser pulse energy is high; and (3) This giant enhancement is attributed to the degree of Mie scattering and refraction, which is effectively reduced for the existence of water.
Modeling of rapid shutdown in the DIII-D tokamak by core deposition of high-Z material
Authors: Izzo V. A. , Parks P. B.
Published: June 2017

MHD modeling of encapsulated payload pellet injection (shell pellet injection) for disruption mitigation is carried out under the assumption of idealized delivery of the radiating payload to the core, neglecting the physics of shell ablation. The shell-pellet method is designed to produce an inside-out thermal quench in which core thermal heat is radiated while outer flux surfaces remain intact, protecting the divertor from large conducted heat loads. In the simulation, good outer surfaces remain until the thermal quench is nearly complete, and a high radiated energy fraction is achieved. When the outermost surfaces are destroyed, runaway electron test orbits indicate that the rate of runaway electron loss is very fast compared with prior massive gas injection simulations, which is attributed to the very different current profile evolution that occurs with central cooling.