bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple and cost-saving phenotypic drug susceptibility testing of HIV-1
Authors: Weng Yunceng , Zhang Ling , Huang Jianfeng , Zhao Jin , Luo Peifang , Bi Siyuan , Yang Zhengrong , Zhu Hai , Allain Jean-Pierre , Li Chengyao
Published: September 2016

It is essential to monitor the occurrence of drug-resistant strains and to provide guidance for clinically adapted antiviral treatment of HIV/AIDS. In this study, an individual patient’s HIV-1 pol gene encoding the full length of protease and part of the reverse transcriptase was packaged into a modified lentivirus carrying dual-reporters ZsGreen and luciferase. The optimal coefficient of correlation between drug concentration and luciferase activity was optimized. A clear-cut dose-dependent relationship between lentivirus production and luciferase activity was found in the phenotypic testing system. Fold changes (FC) to a wild-type control HIV-1 strain ratios were determined reflecting the phenotypic susceptibility of treatment-exposed patient’s HIV-1 strains to 12 HIV-1 inhibitors including 6 nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), 4 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and 2 protease inhibitors (PIs). Phenotypic susceptibility calls from 8 HIV-1 infected patients were consistent with 80–90% genotypic evaluations, while phenotypic assessments rectified 10–20% genotypic resistance calls. By a half of replacement with ZsGreen reporter, the consumption of high cost Bright-Glo Luciferase Assay is reduced, making this assay cheaper when a large number of HIV-1 infected individuals are tested. The study provides a useful tool for interpreting meaningful genotypic mutations and guiding tailored antiviral treatment of HIV/AIDS in clinical practice.
High-Resolution Imaging by Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Reveals Two Morphologically Distinct Types of Retinal Hard Exudates
Authors: Yamaguchi Muneo , Nakao Shintaro , Kaizu Yoshihiro , Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Nakama Takahito , Arima Mitsuru , Yoshida Shigeo , Oshima Yuji , Takeda Atsunobu , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Mukai Shizuo , Ishibashi Tatsuro , Sonoda Koh-hei
Published: September 2016

Histological studies from autopsy specimens have characterized hard exudates as a composition of lipid-laden macrophages or noncellular materials including lipid and proteinaceous substances (hyaline substances). However, the characteristics of hard exudates in living patients have not been examined due to insufficient resolution of existing equipment. In this study, we used adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AO-SLO) to examine the characteristics of hard exudates in patients with retinal vascular diseases. High resolution imaging using AO-SLO enables morphological classification of retinal hard exudates into two types, which could not be distinguished either on fundus examination or by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). One, termed a round type, consisted of an accumulation of spherical particles (average diameter of particles: 26.9 ± 4.4 μm). The other, termed an irregular type, comprised an irregularly shaped hyper-reflective deposition. The retinal thickness in regions with round hard exudates was significantly greater than the thickness in regions with irregular hard exudates (P = 0.02). This differentiation of retinal hard exudates in patients by AO-SLO may help in understanding the pathogenesis and clinical prognosis of retinal vascular diseases.
A mixed solution-processed gate dielectric for zinc-tin oxide thin-film transistor and its MIS capacitance
Authors: Kim Hunho , Kwack Young-Jin , Yun Eui-Jung , Choi Woon-Seop
Published: September 2016

Solution-processed gate dielectrics were fabricated with the combined ZrO2 and Al2O3 (ZAO) in the form of mixed and stacked types for oxide thin film transistors (TFTs). ZAO thin films prepared with double coatings for solid gate dielectrics were characterized by analytical tools. For the first time, the capacitance of the oxide semiconductor was extracted from the capacitance-voltage properties of the zinc-tin oxide (ZTO) TFTs with the combined ZAO dielectrics by using the proposed metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structure model. The capacitance evolution of the semiconductor from the TFT model structure described well the threshold voltage shift observed in the ZTO TFT with the ZAO (1:2) gate dielectric. The electrical properties of the ZTO TFT with a ZAO (1:2) gate dielectric showed low voltage driving with a field effect mobility of 37.01 cm2/Vs, a threshold voltage of 2.00 V, an on-to-off current ratio of 1.46 × 105, and a subthreshold slope of 0.10 V/dec.
Efficient delivery of DNA into bovine preimplantation embryos by multiwall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Munk Michele , Ladeira Luiz O. , Carvalho Bruno C. , Camargo Luiz S. A. , Raposo Nádia R. B. , Serapião Raquel V. , Quintão Carolina C. R. , Silva Saulo R. , Soares Jaqueline S. , Jorio Ado , Brandão Humberto M.
Published: September 2016

The pellucid zone (PZ) is a protective embryonic cells barrier against chemical, physical or biological substances. This put, usual transfection methods are not efficient for mammal oocytes and embryos as they are exclusively for somatic cells. Carbon nanotubes have emerged as a new method for gene delivery and they can be an alternative for embryos transfection, however its ability to cross the PZ and mediated gene transfer is unknown. Our data confirm that multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) can cross the PZ and delivery of pDNA into in vitro-fertilized bovine embryos. The degeneration rate and the expression of genes associated to cell viability were not affected in embryos exposed to MWNTs. Those embryos, however, had lower cell number and higher apoptotic cell index, but this did not impair the embryonic development. This study shows the potential utility of the MWNT for the development of new method for delivery of DNA into bovine embryos.
A contaminant-free assessment of Endogenous Retroviral RNA in human plasma
Authors: Karamitros Timokratis , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Hatzakis Angelos , Psichogiou Mina , Elefsiniotis Ioannis , Hurst Tara , Geretti Anna-Maria , Beloukas Apostolos , Frater John , Klenerman Paul , Katzourakis Aris , Magiorkinis Gkikas
Published: September 2016

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) comprise 6–8% of the human genome. HERVs are silenced in most normal tissues, up-regulated in stem cells and in placenta but also in cancer and HIV-1 infection. Crucially, there are conflicting reports on detecting HERV RNA in non-cellular clinical samples such as plasma that suggest the study of HERV RNA can be daunting. Indeed, we find that the use of real-time PCR in a quality assured clinical laboratory setting can be sensitive to low-level proviral contamination. We developed a mathematical model for low-level contamination that allowed us to design a laboratory protocol and standard operating procedures for robust measurement of HERV RNA. We focus on one family, HERV-K HML-2 (HK2) that has been most recently active even though they invaded our ancestral genomes almost 30 millions ago. We extensively validated our experimental design on a model cell culture system showing high sensitivity and specificity, totally eliminating the proviral contamination. We then tested 236 plasma samples from patients infected with HIV-1, HCV or HBV and found them to be negative. The study of HERV RNA for human translational studies should be performed with extensively validated protocols and standard operating procedures to control the widespread low-level human DNA contamination.
ATP from synaptic terminals and astrocytes regulates NMDA receptors and synaptic plasticity through PSD-95 multi-protein complex
Authors: Lalo U. , Palygin O. , Verkhratsky A. , Grant S. G. N. , Pankratov Y.
Published: September 2016

Recent studies highlighted the importance of astrocyte-secreted molecules, such as ATP, for the slow modulation of synaptic transmission in central neurones. Biophysical mechanisms underlying the impact of gliotransmitters on the strength of individual synapse remain, however, unclear. Here we show that purinergic P2X receptors can bring significant contribution to the signalling in the individual synaptic boutons. ATP released from astrocytes facilitates a recruitment of P2X receptors into excitatory synapses by Ca2+-dependent mechanism. P2X receptors, co-localized with NMDA receptors in the excitatory synapses, can be activated by ATP co-released with glutamate from pre-synaptic terminals and by glia-derived ATP. An activation of P2X receptors in turn leads to down-regulation of postsynaptic NMDA receptors via Ca2+-dependent de-phosphorylation and interaction with PSD-95 multi-protein complex. Genetic deletion of the PSD-95 or P2X4 receptors obliterated ATP-mediated down-regulation of NMDA receptors. Impairment of purinergic modulation of NMDA receptors in the PSD-95 mutants dramatically decreased the threshold of LTP induction and increased the net magnitude of LTP. Our findings show that synergistic action of glia- and neurone-derived ATP can pre-modulate efficacy of excitatory synapses and thereby can have an important role in the glia-neuron communications and brain meta-plasticity.
Satellite data lift the veil on offshore platforms in the South China Sea
Authors: Liu Yongxue , Sun Chao , Sun Jiaqi , Li Hongyi , Zhan Wenfeng , Yang Yuhao , Zhang Siyu
Published: September 2016

Oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea (SCS) has garnered global attention recently; however, uncertainty regarding the accurate number of offshore platforms in the SCS, let alone their detailed spatial distribution and dynamic change, may lead to significant misjudgment of the true status of offshore hydrocarbon production in the region. Using both fresh and archived space-borne images with multiple resolutions, we enumerated the number, distribution, and annual rate of increase of offshore platforms across the SCS. Our results show that: (1) a total of 1082 platforms are present in the SCS, mainly located in shallow-water; and (2) offshore oil/gas exploitation in the SCS is increasing in intensity and advancing from shallow to deep water, and even to ultra-deep-water. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that oil and gas exploration in the SCS may have been over-estimated by one-third in previous reports. However, this overestimation does not imply any amelioration of the potential for future maritime disputes, since the rate of increase of platforms in disputed waters is twice that in undisputed waters.
A new insight into the immobilization mechanism of Zn on biochar: the role of anions dissolved from ash
Authors: Qian Tingting , Wang Yujun , Fan Tingting , Fang Guodong , Zhou Dongmei
Published: September 2016

Biochar is considered to be a promising material for heavy metal immobilization in soil. However, the immobilization mechanisms of Zn2+ on biochars derived from many common waste biomasses are not completely understood. Herein, biochars (denoted as PN350, PN550, WS350 and WS550) derived from pine needle (PN) and wheat straw (WS) were prepared at two pyrolysis temperatures (350 °C and 550 °C). The immobilization behaviors and mechanisms of Zn2+ on these biochars were systematically investigated. The results show that compared with biochars produced at low temperature, biochars produced at high temperature contained higher amounts of ash and exhibited much higher sorption capacities of Zn2+. By using Zn K-edge EXAFS spectroscopy, we find that the formation of various Zn precipitates/minerals, which was caused by the release of OH−, CO32− and Si species from biochar, was the immobilization mechanism of Zn2+ on PN and WS biochars. Hydrozincite and Zn(OH)2 were the main species formed on PN350, PN550 and WS350; while on WS550, besides hydrozincite, a large fraction of hemimorphite was formed. The occurrence of hydrozincite and hemimorphite on biochar during Zn2+ immobilization is firstly reported in our study, which provides a new insight into the immobilization mechanism of Zn2+ on biochar.
Novel Solvent-free Perovskite Deposition in Fabrication of Normal and Inverted Architectures of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Nejand Bahram Abdollahi , Gharibzadeh Saba , Ahmadi Vahid , Shahverdi H. Reza
Published: September 2016

We introduced a new approach to deposit perovskite layer with no need for dissolving perovskite precursors. Deposition of Solution-free perovskite (SFP) layer is a key method for deposition of perovskite layer on the hole or electron transport layers that are strongly sensitive to perovskite precursors. Using deposition of SFP layer in the perovskite solar cells would extend possibility of using many electron and hole transport materials in both normal and invert architectures of perovskite solar cells. In the present work, we synthesized crystalline perovskite powder followed by successful deposition on TiO2 and cuprous iodide as the non-sensitve and sensitive charge transport layers to PbI2 and CH3NH3I solution in DMF. The post compressing step enhanced the efficiency of the devices by increasing the interface area between perovskite and charge transport layers. The 9.07% and 7.71% cell efficiencies of the device prepared by SFP layer was achieved in respective normal (using TiO2 as a deposition substrate) and inverted structure (using CuI as deposition substrate) of perovskite solar cell. This method can be efficient in large-scale and low cost fabrication of new generation perovskite solar cells.
The Asymmetric Active Coupler: Stable Nonlinear Supermodes and Directed Transport
Authors: Kominis Yannis , Bountis Tassos , Flach Sergej
Published: September 2016

We consider the asymmetric active coupler (AAC) consisting of two coupled dissimilar waveguides with gain and loss. We show that under generic conditions, not restricted by parity-time symmetry, there exist finite-power, constant-intensity nonlinear supermodes (NS), resulting from the balance between gain, loss, nonlinearity, coupling and dissimilarity. The system is shown to possess non-reciprocal dynamics enabling directed power transport functionality.
Resolution criteria in double-slit microscopic imaging experiments
Authors: You Shangting , Kuang Cuifang , Zhang Baile
Published: September 2016

Double-slit imaging is widely used for verifying the resolution of high-resolution and super-resolution microscopies. However, due to the fabrication limits, the slit width is generally non-negligible, which can affect the claimed resolution. In this paper we theoretically calculate the electromagnetic field distribution inside and near the metallic double slit using waveguide mode expansion method and acquire the far-field image by vectorial Fourier optics. We find that the slit width has minimal influence when the illuminating light is polarized parallel to the slits. In this case, the claimed resolution should be based on the center-to-center distance of the double-slit.
Assessment of human paraoxonase activity by electrochemistry: a simple and novel approach
Authors: Monteiro Tiago , Oliveira Francisco , Fins Adérito , Dias Clara G. , Silveira Célia M. , Pereira Sofia A. , Almeida M. Gabriela
Published: September 2016

Measurement of the catalytic hydrolysis of paraoxon by human paraoxonase 1 using a simple electrochemical assay.
A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor based on a Ru(bpy)32+/MWCNTs/nano-TiO2-Nafion electrode for the detection of bisphenol A
Authors: Lin Yulin , Cao Jie , Li Xiaojuan , Zhang Xinying , Zhang Jianhua , Lin Zhenyu
Published: September 2016

A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor based on a Ru(bpy)32+/MWCNTs/nano-TiO2-Nafion electrode was successfully designed for ultrasensitive and ultraselective detection of BPA.
Dual-component collagenous peptide/reactive oligomer hydrogels as potential nerve guidance materials – from characterization to functionalization
Authors: Kohn C. , Klemens J. M. , Kascholke C. , Murthy N. S. , Kohn J. , Brandenburger M. , Hacker M. C.
Published: September 2016

Toward a new generation of improved nerve guidance conduits (NGCs), novel biomaterials are required to address pressing clinical shortcomings in peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR) and to promote biological performance.
Strontium folate loaded biohybrid scaffolds seeded with dental pulp stem cells induce in vivo bone regeneration in critical sized defects
Authors: Martin-del-Campo Marcela , Rosales-Ibañez Raul , Alvarado Keila , Sampedro Jose G. , Garcia-Sepulveda Christian A. , Deb Sanjukta , San Román Julio , Rojo Luis
Published: September 2016

Strontium folate loaded biohybrid scaffolds enhance dental pulp stem cells replication and differentiation, promoting complete regeneration of critical bone defects.
Constructing luminescent particle/MOF composites by employing polyvinylpyrrolidone-modified organic crystals as seeds
Authors: Lei Yilong , Sun Yanqiu , Zhang Hongyang , Liao Liangsheng , Lee Shuit-Tong , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: September 2016

Two types of organic particle/MOF structures, i.e. Znq2@ZIF-8 core–shell and multiple Znq2 particles on each ZIF-8, can be constructed by modulating the Znq2–ZIF-8 interfacial energy with PVP.
Boronate based fluorescence (ESIPT) probe for peroxynitrite
Authors: Sedgwick Adam C. , Sun Xiaolong , Kim Gyoungmi , Yoon Juyoung , Bull Steven D. , James Tony D.
Published: September 2016

A simple probe for the detection of peroxynitrite was developed incorporating a benzyl boronic ester unit.
The use of reduced copper metal–organic frameworks to facilitate CuAAC click chemistry
Authors: Fu Q. , Xie K. , Tan S. , Ren J. M. , Zhao Q. , Webley P. A. , Qiao G. G.
Published: September 2016

A reduced copper metal–organic framework (rCu-MOF) containing CuI ions was prepared and employed as a catalyst for ‘Click’ reactions. The rCu-MOF presents higher catalytic activity, good structural stability as well as facile recyclability compared to traditional copper halide catalysts.
Redox tunable delivery systems: sweet block copolymer micelles via thiol–(bromo)maleimide conjugation
Authors: Petrelli Antoine , Borsali Redouane , Fort Sébastien , Halila Sami
Published: September 2016

A tunable release of encapsulated Nile Red from xyloglucan-oligosaccharides-block-polycaprolactone obtained by thiol–(bromo)maleimide click reaction was successfully achieved by mixing their Gluathione-responsiveness.
Modelling the structure of Zr-rich Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3, x = 0.4 by a multiphase approach
Authors: Bogdanov Alexander , Mysovsky Andrey , Pickard Chris J. , Kimmel Anna V.
Published: September 2016

Structure searching coupled with density functional theory methods provides a multiphase description of the structure of the Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 compound.
Practical aspects of real-time reaction monitoring using multi-nuclear high resolution FlowNMR spectroscopy
Authors: Hall Andrew M. R. , Chouler Jonathan C. , Codina Anna , Gierth Peter T. , Lowe John P. , Hintermair Ulrich
Published: September 2016

FlowNMR spectroscopy is an excellent technique for non-invasive real-time reaction monitoring under relevant conditions that avoids many of the limitations that bedevil other reaction monitoring techniques.
Highly time resolved chemical characterization of submicron organic aerosols at a polluted urban location
Authors: Kumar Bharath , Chakraborty Abhishek , Tripathi S. N. , Bhattu Deepika
Published: September 2016

Real time concentrations of non-refractory submicron (NR-PM1) aerosols and Black Carbon (BC) were measured during the late winter period (February–March) in a polluted urban location (Kanpur) of India.
The promoting effect of pyridine ligands in the Pd-catalysed Heck–Matsuda reaction
Authors: Khodja Walid , Leclair Alexandre , Rull-Barrull Jordi , Zammattio Françoise , Kutonova Ksenia V. , Trusova Marina E. , Felpin François-Xavier , Rodriguez-Zubiri Mireia
Published: September 2016

Simple and cheap pyridine-type ligands promote good to excellent yields for poorly efficient Pd-catalyzed Heck–Matsuda arylations in less than 1 h.
Ultraviolet irradiation-mediated formation of Aβ42oligomers and reactive oxygen species in Zn2+-bound Aβ42aggregates irrespective of the removal of Zn2+
Authors: Li Xiang , Dong Xiongwei , Liu Yaojing , Meng Yan , Zhang Yong , Zhang Dan , Liu Changlin
Published: September 2016

The controlled UV light exposure converts redox-inert Zn2+-bound Aβ42aggregates into cytotoxic Aβ42oligomers and reactive oxygen species.
Biodegradable hyperbranched polyether-lipids with in-chain pH-sensitive linkages
Authors: Müller S. S. , Fritz T. , Gimnich M. , Worm M. , Helm M. , Frey H.
Published: September 2016

Hyperbranched polyether-based lipids with cleavable acetal units were obtained via copolymerization of the epoxide inimer 1-(glycidyloxy)ethyl ethylene glycol ether (GEGE) and glycidol, using anionic ring-opening polymerization.
Silver(i)-promoted C5–H phosphonation of 8-aminoquinoline amides with H-phosphonates
Authors: Sun Mengmeng , Sun Suyan , Qiao Huijie , Yang Fan , Zhu Yu , Kang Jianxun , Wu Yusheng , Wu Yangjie
Published: September 2016

An efficient protocol for silver(i)-promoted C5–H phosphonation of 8-aminoquinoline amides with dialkyl H-phosphonates was developed.
Hollow silica nanostructures with small size Au nanoparticles for catalytic applications
Authors: Yao Lin , Lee Jong-Min
Published: September 2016

Hollow silica nanostructures synthesized using the silica precursors (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane and tetraethyl orthosilicate provide support to small sized gold nanoparticles with a high catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
Interaction of an anticancer drug, gefitinib with human serum albumin: insights from fluorescence spectroscopy and computational modeling analysis
Authors: Kabir Md. Zahirul , Tee Wei-Ven , Mohamad Saharuddin B. , Alias Zazali , Tayyab Saad
Published: September 2016

Binding orientation of the GEF in the binding site III, located in subdomain IB of HSA.
Electromechanical properties of Nb doped 0.76Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.24SrTiO3ceramic
Authors: Saleem Mohsin , Kim In-sung , Kim Min-Soo , Pervez Syed Atif , Farooq Umer , Khan Muhammad Zubair , Yaqoob Adnan , Jeong Soon-Jong
Published: September 2016

In this report, the piezoelectric, dielectric and ferroelectric characteristics of 0.76Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3(BNT)–0.24SrTiO3(ST) with niobium (Nb) (Nb-added BNT–24ST) ceramics synthesized by using a solid-state reaction are described.
Si-Doped single-walled carbon nanotubes interacting with isoniazid-a density functional and molecular docking study
Authors: Saikia Nabanita , Rajkhowa Sanchaita , Deka Ramesh C.
Published: September 2016

The interaction of antitubercular drug isoniazid (INH), with pristine and Si-doped (5,5) and (9,0) single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been reported.
Hydrogen bonding in alcohol–ethylene oxide and alcohol–ethylene sulfide complexes
Authors: Tang Shanshan , Zhao Hailiang , Du Lin
Published: September 2016

The O–H⋯O and O–H⋯S hydrogen bonds are of similar strength in the corresponding alcohol–EO and alcohol–ES complexes.
Double-stage phase separation in dynamically asymmetric ternary polymer blends
Authors: Kuang Chen , Qavi Sahar , Foudazi Reza
Published: September 2016

In this work, the phase separation behavior of ternary blends of polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether)/polyisoprene, PS/PVME/PI, and polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether)/poly(ethyl methacrylate), PS/PVME/PEMA are investigated.
Effects of biomass densification on anaerobic digestion for biogas production
Authors: Wang Dou , Huang Hailong , Shen Fei , Yang Gang , Zhang Yanzong , Deng Shihuai , Zhang Jing , Zeng Yongmei , Hu Yaodong
Published: September 2016

To elucidate the possibility of applying biomass densification in anaerobic digestion, pelleting and briquetting were investigated for biogas production, and anaerobic digestion using densified biomass at higher solid content was also discussed.
Proper ultrasound treatment increases ethanol production from simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Velmurugan Rajendran , Incharoensakdi Aran
Published: September 2016

To improve the saccharification and fermentation processes, proper ultrasound was applied which resulted in the presence of cellulase complex with improved β-glucosidase ratio leading to enhanced overall ethanol yield.
The growth modes of graphene in the initial stage of a chemical vapor-deposition process
Authors: Fu Zhaoming , An Yipeng
Published: September 2016

The different growth modes of carbon chains and carbon islands in the initial stage of graphene growth.
Functional characterization and molecular modelling of FnFgBP, a surface protein from Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Ponnuvel Shobana , Bandaru Dhanalakshmi , Ragunathan Preethi , Ponnuraj Karthe
Published: September 2016

GBS1263 (FnFgBP) exhibits dual-ligand (fibronectin and fibrinogen) binding property. Molecular modeling of FnFgBP is suggestive of a unique ligand binding mechanism.
Nitrogen-doped carbon supported iron oxide as efficient catalysts for chemoselective hydrogenation of nitroarenes
Authors: Xu Shaodan , Yu Deqing , Liao Shangfu , Ye Tao , Sheng Huadong
Published: September 2016

Chemoselective hydrogenation has been widely used in the production of fine chemicals, and developing heterogeneous catalysts with high activity and chemoselectivity is always a challenging topic.
The adsorption and fast transport of Xe in single walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Shen Wanling , Li Xin
Published: September 2016

Combined GCMC and MD simulations have been used to investigate the adsorption and diffusion of Xe gases in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at different conditions.
Effects of DC bias on non-ohmic sample-electrode contact and grain boundary responses in giant-permittivity La1.7Sr0.3Ni1−xMgxO4 ceramics
Authors: Meeporn Keerati , Chanlek Narong , Thongbai Prasit
Published: September 2016

The effects of DC bias on the giant dielectric properties and electrical responses of non-ohmic sample-electrode contact and grain boundaries of La1.7Sr0.3Ni1−xMgxO4 (x = 0–0.5) ceramics were studied.
Facile fabrication of flexible graphene/porous carbon microsphere hybrid films and their application in supercapacitors
Authors: Ren Hongbo , Zhu Jiayi , Bi Yutie , Xu Yewei , Zhang Lin
Published: September 2016

Graphene/porous carbon microsphere hybrid films displayed a capacitive performance of 183 F g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and excellent flexible stability after bending experiments.
Modulations in the self-assembly of bovine serum albumin by enhanced depolymerisation and condensation induced upon stirring
Authors: Saha Shivnetra , Shekhawat Rupali , Deep Shashank
Published: September 2016

An unusual phenomenon in the aggregation profile of BSA in the presence of CTAB, brought about by stirring, is reported here.
Effect of NOx on product yields and Arrhenius parameters of gas-phase oxidation of β-ocimene initiated by OH˙ radicals
Authors: Gaona-Colmán Elizabeth , Blanco María B. , Barnes Ian , Teruel Mariano A.
Published: September 2016

Rate coefficients for the gas-phase reaction of OH˙ radicals with β-ocimene were measured over the temperature range 288–311 K at 760 Torr total pressure of nitrogen. In addition, product studies have been performed in the absence and presence of NOx.
Tb-MOF: a naked-eye and regenerable fluorescent probe for selective and quantitative detection of Fe3+and Al3+ions
Authors: Zhang Mengfei , Han Jing , Wu Haipeng , Wei Qing , Xie Gang , Chen Sanping , Gao Shengli
Published: September 2016

A unique Tb-MOF fluorescent probe has features that are visible to the naked-eye and can be regenerated; it presents high selectivity and sensitivity to the quantitative detection of Fe3+and Al3+ions.
MnO–nitrogen doped graphene as a durable non-precious hybrid catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in anion exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Arunchander A. , Vivekanantha M. , Peera S. Gouse , Sahu A. K.
Published: September 2016

A MnO/NG catalyst exhibits superior ORR activity and durability compared to commercial Pt/C catalyst in an alkaline medium.
Single crystalline TiO2 nanorods as effective fillers for lithium ion conducting PVdF-HFP based composite polymer electrolytes
Authors: Senthil Kumar P. , Sakunthala A. , Govindan K. , Reddy M. V. , Prabu M.
Published: September 2016

PVdF-HFP based composite electrolytes were prepared with single crystalline TiO2 nanorods (PT) and commercial TiO2 submicrons (PTC) as fillers. The effect of size/shape of the fillers on the properties of polymer electrolytes were investigated.
Sheet-on-sphere structured Ag/AgBr@InVO4 heterojunctions and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Guo Feng , Shi Weilong , Cai Yi , Shao Shuwen , Zhang Tao , Guan Weisheng , Huang Hui , Liu Yang
Published: September 2016

Sheet-on-sphere Ag/AgBr@InVO4 displayed excellent photocatalytic degradation of RhB, which was attributed to enhanced visible-light absorption and anti-combination of electrons/holes through it's heterostructure.
N-, P- and B-doped mesoporous carbons for direct dehydrogenation of propane
Authors: Song Yuejun , Liu Guishu , Yuan Zhong-Yong
Published: September 2016

N-, P- and B-doped mesoporous carbons were used as metal-free catalysts in propane dehydrogenation, and their catalytic performances were influenced critically by the chemical structures and oxygen-containing groups in these carbons.
Azobenzene-modified antisense oligonucleotides for site-specific cleavage of RNA with photocontrollable property
Authors: Wang Xingyu , Liang Xingguo
Published: September 2016

Photoresponsive azobenzene-modified antisense oligonucleotides for site-specific RNA cleavage by RNase H.
Understanding the kinetics of thermal decomposition of 2,3-epoxy-2,3-dimethylbutane using RRKM theory
Authors: Shiroudi Abolfazl , Zahedi Ehsan
Published: September 2016

The thermal decomposition kinetics of 2,3-epoxy-2,3-dimethylbutane have been studied computationally using density functional theory, along with various exchange–correlation functionals and an extremely large basis set.
Metal-free intermolecular C–O cross-coupling reactions: synthesis of N-hydroxyimide esters
Authors: Lv Yunhe , Sun Kai , Pu Weiya , Mao Shukuan , Li Gang , Niu Jiejie , Chen Qian , Wang Tingting
Published: September 2016

Selectfluor-mediated intermolecular C–O cross coupling reaction for the synthesis of N-hydroxyimide esters was achieved under metal-free conditions.
Steric ploy for alternating donor–acceptor co-assembly and cooperative supramolecular polymerization
Authors: Chakraborty Saptarshi , Kar Haridas , Sikder Amrita , Ghosh Suhrit
Published: September 2016

The presence of a bulky peripheral wedge destabilizes the homo-assembly of an amide functionalized acceptor monomer and thereby enables alternating supramolecular copolymerization with an amide appended donor monomer via the synergistic effect of H-bonding and the charge-transfer interaction.
Ultra-specific discrimination of single-nucleotide mutations using sequestration-assisted molecular beacons
Authors: Hu Shichao , Tang Wei , Zhao Yan , Li Na , Liu Feng
Published: September 2016

A sequestration-assisted molecular beacon strategy was proposed for highly specific discrimination and detection of single-nucleotide mutations at low abundance.
Pickering emulsions stabilized by coloured organic pigment particles
Authors: Binks Bernard P. , Olusanya Samuel O.
Published: September 2016

Pickering emulsions stabilised by coloured organic pigment particles.
Single-atom catalysts for CO2 electroreduction with significant activity and selectivity improvements
Authors: Back Seoin , Lim Juhyung , Kim Na-Young , Kim Yong-Hyun , Jung Yousung
Published: September 2016

We propose the great potential of single atom catalysts (SACs) for CO2 electroreduction with high activity and selectivity predictions over a competitive H2 evolution reaction. We find the lack of an atomic ensemble for adsorbate binding and unique electronic structure of the single atom catalysts play an important role.
A catalyst-free synthesis of B, N co-doped graphene nanostructures with tunable dimensions as highly efficient metal free dual electrocatalysts
Authors: Tabassum Hassina , Zou Ruqiang , Mahmood Asif , Liang Zibin , Guo Shaojun
Published: September 2016

A catalyst-free synthetic strategy of self-squeezing and rolling of B, N co-doped graphene nanosheets to nanotubes was reported, which exhibits tunable dimensions and atomic bonds as metal-free dual electrocatalysts by using polyethylene glycol as the directing agent..
Near-infrared fluorescence of π-conjugation extended benzothiazole and its application for biothiol imaging in living cells
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Liu Jing-Yun , Ma Wei-Wei , Yang Meng-Lu
Published: September 2016

The fluorescence emission of benzothiazole derivatives (1–3) was efficiently tuned from green to red by elongation of π-conjugation, and a novel NIR fluorescent probe for biothiols was constructed which allows for imaging applications in living cells.
Preparation and characterization of a biodegradable polyurethane hydrogel and the hybrid gel with soy protein for 3D cell-laden bioprinting
Authors: Lin Hsin-Hua , Hsieh Fu-Yu , Tseng Ching-Shiow , Hsu Shan-hui
Published: September 2016

Thermo-responsive hydrogels of a polyurethane–soy protein hybrid provide unique rheological properties for 3D bioprinting and a biomimetic environment for neural repair.
Comparison study on the influence of the central metal ions in palladium(ii)- and gadolinium(iii)-porphyrins for phosphorescence-based oxygen sensing
Authors: Zang Lixin , Zhao Huimin , Hua Jianyu , Cao Wenwu , Qin Feng , Yao Jianting , Tian Ye , Zheng Yangdong , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: September 2016

Gd-porphyrins exhibit longer phosphorescence wavelength and greater oxygen sensitivity as compared to Pd-porphyrins.
Dimethoxy triarylamine-derived terpyridine–zinc complex: a fluorescence light-up sensor for citrate detection based on aggregation-induced emission
Authors: Jiang Tao , Lu Niannian , Hang Yandi , Yang Ji , Mei Ju , Wang Jian , Hua Jianli , Tian He
Published: September 2016

A new fluorescence light-up probe (DTPA-TPY-Zn) for citrate detection has been developed by integrating an AIE motif (DTPA-TPY) with Zn2+, which can detect citrate via a one-step straightforward assay with excellent sensitivity and selectivity.
Assessment of synergistic thyroid disrupting effects of a mixture of EDCs in ovariectomized rats using factorial analysis and dose addition
Authors: Chen Hao , Liu Zhaoping , Zhang Xiaopeng , Jia Xudong , Li Qian , Su Qing , Wang Wei
Published: September 2016

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been implicated in a broad spectrum of health problems related to reproduction, thyroid function, neurodevelopment, and metabolism.
Effect of dietary protein or calcium supplement on the expression of collagen I and dentine phosphoprotein of rats with dental fluorosis
Authors: Wang Min , Han Tianlong , Chen Huacheng , Wang Jundong
Published: September 2016

This study aims to assess the roles of dietary protein (Pr) and calcium (Ca) levels associated with excessive fluoride (F) intake and the impact of Pr, Ca, and F on expression of collagen I (COL I) and dentine phosphoprotein (DPP) in rat incisors.
Bipartite depolarizing maps
Authors: Lami Ludovico , Huber Marcus
Published: September 2016

We introduce a 3-parameter class of maps (1) acting on a bipartite system which are a natural generalisation of the depolarizing channel (and include it as a special case). Then, we find the exact regions of the parameter space that alternatively determine a positive, completely positive, entanglement-breaking, or entanglement-annihilating map. This model displays a much richer behaviour than the one shown by a simple depolarizing channel, yet it stays exactly solvable. As an example of this richness, positive partial transposition but not entanglement-breaking maps is found in Theorem 2. A simple example of a positive yet indecomposable map is provided (see the Remark at the end of Section IV). The study of the entanglement-annihilating property is fully addressed by Theorem 7. Finally, we apply our results to solve the problem of the entanglement annihilation caused in a bipartite system by a tensor product of local depolarizing channels. In this context, a conjecture posed in the work of Filippov [J. Russ. Laser Res. 35, 484 (2014)] is affirmatively answered, and the gaps that the imperfect bounds of Filippov and Ziman [Phys. Rev. A 88, 032316 (2013)] left open are closed. To arrive at this result, we furthermore show how the Hadamard product between quantum states can be implemented via local operations.
Maximum privacy without coherence, zero-error
Authors: Leung Debbie , Yu Nengkun
Published: September 2016

We study the possible difference between the quantum and the private capacities of a quantum channel in the zero-error setting. For a family of channels introduced by Leung et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 030512 (2014)], we demonstrate an extreme difference: the zero-error quantum capacity is zero, whereas the zero-error private capacity is maximum given the quantum output dimension.
Laser-induced reconstruction of Ag clusters in helium droplets
Authors: Gomez Luis F. , O’Connell Sean M. O. , Jones Curtis F. , Kwok Justin , Vilesov Andrey F.
Published: September 2016

Silver clusters were assembled in helium droplets of different sizes ranging from 105 to 1010 atoms. The absorption of the clusters was studied upon laser irradiation at 355 nm and 532 nm, which is close to the plasmon resonance maximum in spherical Ag clusters and in the range of the absorption of the complex, branched Ag clusters, respectively. The absorption of the pulsed (7 ns) radiation at 532 nm shows some pronounced saturation effects, absent upon the continuous irradiation. This phenomenon has been discussed in terms of the melting of the complex Ag clusters at high laser fluence, resulting in a loss of the 532 nm absorption. Estimates of the heat transfer also indicate that a bubble may be formed around the hot cluster at high fluences, which may result in ejection of the cluster from the droplet, or disintegration of the droplet entirely.
Research Update: Large-area deposition, coating, printing, and processing techniques for the upscaling of perovskite solar cell technology
Authors: Razza Stefano , Castro-Hermosa Sergio , Di Carlo Aldo , Brown Thomas M.
Published: September 2016

To bring perovskite solar cells to the industrial world, performance must be maintained at the photovoltaic module scale. Here we present large-area manufacturing and processing options applicable to large-area cells and modules. Printing and coating techniques, such as blade coating, slot-die coating, spray coating, screen printing, inkjet printing, and gravure printing (as alternatives to spin coating), as well as vacuum or vapor based deposition and laser patterning techniques are being developed for an effective scale-up of the technology. The latter also enables the manufacture of solar modules on flexible substrates, an option beneficial for many applications and for roll-to-roll production.
Evolutions of hairpin vortexes over a superhydrophobic surface in turbulent boundary layer flow
Authors: Zhang Jingxian , Tian Haiping , Yao Zhaohui , Hao Pengfei , Jiang Nan
Published: September 2016

Turbulent flows over a superhydrophobic surface and a smooth surface have been measured and studied by particle image velocimetry technology at Reθ = 990. The Reynolds shear stress distributions over the two surfaces are significantly different. Specifically, for the superhydrophobic surface, the Reynolds shear stress is suppressed in the near-wall region (y/δ < 0.3, δ is the boundary layer thickness) and increases in the outer region (0.3 < y/δ < 0.5), which forms a second peak of the Reynolds shear stress curve. Evolutions of hairpin vortexes are analyzed to interpret differences in the Reynolds shear stress, based on some comparisons in the low-speed streaks and Q2/Q4 (ejection/sweep) events. The results show that, in the near wall region, the turbulent coherent structures (low-speed streaks and hairpin vortex) over the superhydrophobic surface are more stable and flat, due to the suppression in the strength and the lifting effect of the hairpin vortex. In the outer region, the superhydrophobic surface lifts the hairpin vortex away from the wall with a value of 0.14δ in our experiment, which makes the Q4 events occur further from the wall and contribute less to skin friction.
High-speed polysilicon CMOS photodetector for telecom and datacom
Authors: Atabaki Amir H. , Meng Huaiyu , Alloatti Luca , Mehta Karan K. , Ram Rajeev J.
Published: September 2016

Absorption by mid-bandgap states in polysilicon or heavily implanted silicon has been previously utilized to implement guided-wave infrared photodetectors in CMOS compatible photonic platforms. Here, we demonstrate a resonant guided-wave photodetector based on the polysilicon layer that is used for the transistor gate in a microelectronic SOI CMOS process without any change to the foundry process flow (“zero-change” CMOS). Through a combination of doping mask layers, a lateral pn junction diode in the polysilicon is demonstrated with a strong electric field to enable efficient photo-carrier extraction and high-speed operation. This photodetector has a responsivity of more than 0.14 A/W from 1300 to 1600 nm, a 10 GHz bandwidth, and 80 nA dark current at 15 V reverse bias.
A microfabricated sun sensor using GaN-on-sapphire ultraviolet photodetector arrays
Authors: Miller Ruth A. , So Hongyun , Chiamori Heather C. , Suria Ateeq J. , Chapin Caitlin A. , Senesky Debbie G.
Published: September 2016

A miniature sensor for detecting the orientation of incident ultraviolet light was microfabricated using gallium nitride (GaN)-on-sapphire substrates and semi-transparent interdigitated gold electrodes for sun sensing applications. The individual metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector elements were shown to have a stable and repeatable response with a high sensitivity (photocurrent-to-dark current ratio (PDCR) = 2.4 at −1 V bias) and a high responsivity (3200 A/W at −1 V bias) under ultraviolet (365 nm) illumination. The 3 × 3 GaN-on-sapphire ultraviolet photodetector array was integrated with a gold aperture to realize a miniature sun sensor (1.35 mm × 1.35 mm) capable of determining incident light angles with a ±45° field of view. Using a simple comparative figure of merit algorithm, measurement of incident light angles of 0° and 45° was quantitatively and qualitatively (visually) demonstrated by the sun sensor, supporting the use of GaN-based sun sensors for orientation, navigation, and tracking of the sun within the harsh environment of space.
Piezoelectric energy harvesting computer controlled test bench
Authors: Vázquez-Rodriguez M. , Jiménez F. J. , de Frutos J. , Alonso D.
Published: September 2016

In this paper a new computer controlled (C.C.) laboratory test bench is presented. The patented test bench is made up of a C.C. road traffic simulator, C.C. electronic hardware involved in automating measurements, and test bench control software interface programmed in LabVIEW™. Our research is focused on characterizing electronic energy harvesting piezoelectric-based elements in road traffic environments to extract (or “harvest”) maximum power. In mechanical to electrical energy conversion, mechanical impacts or vibrational behavior are commonly used, and several major problems need to be solved to perform optimal harvesting systems including, but no limited to, primary energy source modeling, energy conversion, and energy storage. It is described a novel C.C. test bench that obtains, in an accurate and automatized process, a generalized linear equivalent electrical model of piezoelectric elements and piezoelectric based energy store harvesting circuits in order to scale energy generation with multiple devices integrated in different topologies.
X-band microwave antenna with a switchable planar plasma reflector
Authors: Bliokh Yury P. , Felsteiner Joshua , Slutsker Yakov Z.
Published: September 2016

We present a test of a switchable X-band microwave plasma antenna having an aperture diameter of 30 cm. The dense plasma which forms a reflective surface is produced by a ferromagnetic inductively coupled plasma source. A planar-convex dielectric lens placed at the top of the vacuum chamber forms the required phase front of the reflected electromagnetic wave and simultaneously serves as a vacuum cap. The antenna gain is just a bit (about 1 dB) less than that of an ordinary microwave antenna with the same diameter. When the plasma is switched off (off-state), the antenna radar cross section was found to be at least 20 dB smaller as compared to the on-state.
Hysteresis of nanocylinders with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction
Authors: Carey Rebecca , Beg Marijan , Albert Maximilian , Bisotti Marc-Antonio , Cortés-Ortuño David , Vousden Mark , Wang Weiwei , Hovorka Ondrej , Fangohr Hans
Published: September 2016

The potential for application of magnetic skyrmions in high density storage devices provides a strong drive to investigate and exploit their stability and manipulability. Through a three-dimensional micromagnetic hysteresis study, we investigate the question of existence of skyrmions in cylindrical nanostructures of variable thickness. We quantify the applied field and thickness dependence of skyrmion states and show that these states can be accessed through relevant practical hysteresis loop measurement protocols. As skyrmionic states have yet to be observed experimentally in confined helimagnetic geometries, our work opens prospects for developing viable hysteresis process-based methodologies to access and observe skyrmionic states.
Brownian motion near a liquid-gas interface
Authors: Benavides-Parra Juan Carlos , Jacinto-Méndez Damián , Brotons Guillaume , Carbajal-Tinoco Mauricio D.
Published: September 2016

By using digital video microscopy, we study the three-dimensional displacement of fluorescent colloidal particles that are located close to a water-air interface. Our technique takes advantage of the diffraction pattern generated by fluorescent spheres that are found below the focal plane of the microscope objective. By means of image analysis software, we are able to determine the spatial location of a few beads in a sequence of digital images, which allows us to reconstruct their trajectories. From their corresponding mean square displacements, we get the diffusion coefficients in the directions parallel and perpendicular to the interface. We find a qualitatively different kind of diffusion between the two directions, in agreement with theoretical predictions that are obtained from established models as well as our own proposals. Quite interesting, we observe the enhanced Brownian motion in the parallel direction.
Structure, hydrolysis, and diffusion of aqueous vanadium ions from Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics
Authors: Jiang Zhen , Klyukin Konstantin , Alexandrov Vitaly
Published: September 2016

A molecular level understanding of the properties of electroactive vanadium species in aqueous solution is crucial for enhancing the performance of vanadium redox flow batteries. Here, we employ Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations based on density functional theory to investigate the hydration structures, first hydrolysis reaction, and diffusion of aqueous V2+, V3+, VO2+, and VO2+ ions at 300 K. The results indicate that the first hydration shell of both V2+ and V3+ contains six water molecules, while VO2+ is coordinated to five and VO2+ to three water ligands. The first acidity constants (pKa) estimated using metadynamics simulations are 2.47, 3.06, and 5.38 for aqueous V3+, VO2+, and VO2+, respectively, while V2+ is predicted to be a fairly weak acid in aqueous solution with a pKa value of 6.22. We also show that the presence of chloride ions in the first coordination sphere of the aqueous VO2+ ion has a significant impact on water hydrolysis leading to a much higher pKa value of 4.8. This should result in a lower propensity of aqueous VO2+ for oxide precipitation reaction in agreement with experimental observations for chloride-based electrolyte solutions. The computed diffusion coefficients of vanadium species in water at room temperature are found to increase as V3+<V O2+<V O2+<V2+ and thus correlate with the simulated hydrolysis constants, namely, the higher the pKa value, the greater the diffusion coefficient.