bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic dysregulation of microglial activation in young offspring rats with maternal sleep deprivation-induced cognitive impairment
Authors: Zhao Qiuying , Xie Xiaofang , Fan Yonghua , Zhang Jinqiang , Jiang Wei , Wu Xiaohui , Yan Shuo , Chen Yubo , Peng Cheng , You Zili
Published: April 2015

Despite the potential adverse effects of maternal sleep deprivation (MSD) on physiological and behavioral aspects of offspring, the mechanisms remain poorly understood. The present study was intended to investigate the roles of microglia on neurodevelopment and cognition in young offspring rats with prenatal sleep deprivation. Pregnant Wistar rats received 72 h sleep deprivation in the last trimester of gestation and their prepuberty male offspring were given the intraperitoneal injection with or without minocycline. The results showed the number of Iba1+microglia increased, that of hippocampal neurogenesis decreased and the hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory were impaired in MSD offspring. The classical microglial activation markers (M1 phenotype) IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CD68 and iNOS were increased, while the alternative microglial activation markers (M2 phenotype) Arg1, Ym1, IL-4, IL-10 and CD206 were reduced in hippocampus of MSD offspring. After minocycline administration, the MSD offspring showed improvement in MWM behaviors and increase in BrdU+/DCX+cells. Minocycline reduced Iba1+cells, suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and reversed the reduction of M2 microglial markers in the MSD prepuberty offspring. These results indicate that dysregulation in microglial pro- and anti-inflammatory activation is involved in MSD-induced inhibition of neurogenesis and impairment of spatial learning and memory.
Development of a cell system for siRNA screening of pathogen responses in human and mouse macrophages
Authors: Li Ning , Sun Jing , Benet Zachary L. , Wang Ze , Al-Khodor Souhaila , John Sinu P. , Lin Bin , Sung Myong-Hee , Fraser Iain D. C.
Published: April 2015

Macrophages play a critical role in the innate immune response to pathogen infection, but few tools exist for systematic dissection of these responses using modern genome-wide perturbation methods. To develop an assay platform for high-throughput analysis of macrophage activation by pathogenic stimuli, we generated reporter systems in human and mouse macrophages with dynamic readouts for NF-κB and/or TNF-α responses. These reporter cells show responsiveness to a broad range of TLR ligands and to gram-negative bacterial infection. There are significant challenges to the use of RNAi in innate immune cells, including efficient small RNA delivery and non-specific immune responses to dsRNA. To permit the interrogation of the macrophage pathogen response pathways with RNAi, we employed the stably expressed reporter genes to develop efficient siRNA delivery protocols for maximal target gene silencing with minimal activation of the innate macrophage response to nucleic acids. We demonstrate the utility of these macrophage cell systems for siRNA screening of pathogen responses by targeting components of the human and mouse TLR pathways and observe species-specific perturbation of signaling and cytokine responses. Our approach to reporter cell development and siRNA delivery optimization provides an experimental paradigm with significant potential for developing genetic screening platforms in mammalian cells.
RcsAB is a major repressor of Yersinia biofilm development through directly acting on hmsCDE, hmsT and hmsHFRS
Authors: Fang Nan , Yang Huiying , Fang Haihong , Liu Lei , Zhang Yiquan , Wang Li , Han Yanping , Zhou Dongsheng , Yang Ruifu
Published: April 2015

Biofilm formation in flea gut is important for flea-borne transmission of Yersinia pestis. There are enhancing factors (HmsHFRS, HmsCDE and HmsT) and inhibiting one (HmsP) for Yersinia pestis biofilm formation. The RcsAB regulatory complex acts as a repressor of Yesinia biofilm formation and adaptive pseudogenization of rcsA promotes Y. pestis to evolve the ability of biofilm formation in fleas. In this study, we constructed a set of isogenic strains of Y. pestis biovar Microtus, namely WT (RscB+ and RcsA-), c-rcsA (RscB+ and RcsA+), ΔrcsB (RscB- and RcsA-) and ΔrcsB/c-rcsA (RscB- and RcsA+). The phenotypic assays confirmed that RcsB alone (but not RcsA alone) had an inhibiting effect on biofilm/c-di-GMP production whereas assistance of RcsA to RcsB greatly enhanced this inhibiting effect. Further gene regulation experiments showed that RcsB in assistance of RcsA tightly bound to corresponding promoter-proximal regions to achieve transcriptional repression of hmsCDE, hmsT and hmsHFRS and, meanwhile, RcsAB positively regulated hmsP most likely in an indirect manner. Data presented here disclose that pseudogenization of rcsA leads to dramatic remodeling of RcsAB-dependent hms gene expression between Y. pestis and its progenitor Y. pseudotuberculosis, enabling potent production of Y. pestis biofilms in fleas.
A cost-effective RNA sequencing protocol for large-scale gene expression studies
Authors: Hou Zhonggang , Jiang Peng , Swanson Scott A. , Elwell Angela L. , Nguyen Bao Kim S. , Bolin Jennifer M. , Stewart Ron , Thomson James A.
Published: April 2015

RNA sequencing has increasingly become an indispensable tool for biological research. While sequencing costs have fallen dramatically in recent years, the current cost of RNA sequencing, nonetheless, remains a barrier to even more widespread adoption. Here, we present a simple RNA sequencing protocol with substantially reduced costs. This protocol uses as little as 10 ng of total RNA, allows multiplex sequencing of up to 96 samples per lane and is strand specific. Extensive validation using human embryonic stem cells showed high consistency between technical replicates at various multiplexing levels.
Geometrically unprecedented 3-, 5- and 7-membered Hg(ii)–Cu(i) and Hg(ii)–Ag(i) thiolate clusters: precursors to intermetallics
Authors: Gupta Geetika , Chaturvedi Jyotsna , Bhattacharya Subrato
Published: April 2015

Syntheses and structural characterizations of Hg–Cu/Ag thiolate clusters with their application inintermetallicsformationviaan energy efficient solution chemistry route.
Nitrogen doped graphene via thermal treatment of composite solid precursors as a high performance supercapacitor
Authors: Haque Enamul , Islam Md. Monirul , Pourazadi Ehsan , Hassan Mahbub , Faisal Shaikh Nayeem , Roy Anup Kumar , Konstantinov Konstantin , Harris Andrew T. , Minett Andrew I. , Gomes Vincent G.
Published: April 2015

Nitrogen-doped graphene from solid precursors exhibited capacitance values greater than those of GO and graphene by factors of six and two, respectively.
Peptide-based biomaterials. Linking l-tyrosine and poly l-tyrosine to graphene oxide nanoribbons
Authors: González-Domínguez J. M. , Gutiérrez F. A. , Hernández-Ferrer J. , Ansón-Casaos A. , Rubianes M. D. , Rivas G. , Martínez M. T.
Published: April 2015

GONRs grafted to tyrosine and poly-tyrosine can be used as biophysical tools for studying the oxidability of proteins or as fluorescent probes for detecting molecular or physical events.
Compatibility of amorphous triarylamine copolymers with solution-processed hole injecting metal oxide bottom contacts
Authors: Logan Stephen , Donaghey Jenny E. , Zhang Weimin , McCulloch Iain , Campbell Alasdair J.
Published: April 2015

Hole mobility and injection efficiency from ambiently-prepared MoO3, V2O5 and other solution-processable bottom contacts are investigated for polytriarylamine and its silafluorene and fluorene copolymers.
Photo-facilitated aggregation and correlated color temperature adjustment of single component organic solid state white-light emitting materials
Authors: Chen Cheng , Jin Xu-Hui , Zhou Xue-Jun , Cai Li-Xuan , Zhang Ya-Jun , Zhang Jie
Published: April 2015

A pyridinium derivative with photo-facilitated aggregation and intra-/intermolecular charge transfer synergy-induced dual emission has been presented. The correlated color temperature tunable white-light emission can be realized in different states.
A fluorescein labeled aptamer switch for thrombin with fluorescence decrease response
Authors: Hao Lihua , Zhao Qiang
Published: April 2015

An anti-thrombin aptamer with fluorescein labeled at the 3′-end showed a fluorescence decrease upon thrombin binding, enabling the detection of thrombin.
Sensing in aqueous medium: mechanism and its application in the field of molecular recognition
Authors: Sharma Hemant , Kaur Navneet , Singh Narinder
Published: April 2015

Chemosensor development and their mechanisms are detailed for molecular recognition.
Nano-functionalized filamentous fungus hyphae with fast reversible macroscopic assembly & disassembly features
Authors: Wang Haiying , Li Xiaorui , Chai Liyuan , Zhang Liyuan
Published: April 2015

Hyphae help polyaniline nanoparticles to assemble & disassemble macroscopically.
A Cu2+ specific metallohydrogel: preparation, multi-responsiveness and pillar[5]arene-induced morphology transformation
Authors: Jie Kecheng , Zhou Yujuan , Shi Bingbing , Yao Yong
Published: April 2015

A Cu2+ specific metallohydrogel was constructed from a terpyridine-based low molecular weight ligand. The metallohydrogel showed multi-responsiveness and its morphology could be transformed by pillararene-based host–guest interaction.
Construction of dibenzo-fused seven- to nine-membered carbocycles via Brønsted acid-promoted intramolecular Friedel–Crafts-type alkenylation
Authors: Otani Takashi , Ueki Kanako , Cho Kinryo , Kanai Kan , Tateno Kotaro , Saito Takao
Published: April 2015

Synthesis of dibenzo-fused seven- to nine-membered carbocycles via Brønsted acid promoted intramolecular Friedel–Crafts-type alkenylation is described.
Isoindigo-based polymer field-effect transistors: effects of selenophene-substitution on high charge carrier mobility
Authors: Park Kwang Hun , Cheon Kwang Hee , Lee Yun-Ji , Chung Dae Sung , Kwon Soon-Ki , Kim Yun-Hi
Published: April 2015

The selenophene-substitution can lead to a higher crystalline order as well as a high charge carrier mobility in isoindigo-based polymers.
Experimental observation and theoretical investigation of a novel Cd(ii) complex with π-hole interactions involving nitro groups
Authors: Roy Subhadip , Bauza Antonio , Frontera Antonio , Banik Rupak , Purkayastha Atanu , Drew Michael G. B. , Reddy Benjaram M. , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Das Saroj Kr. , Das Subrata
Published: April 2015

A cadmium(ii) complex, which represents a novel example of supramolecular system bearing a network of π-hole interactions, has been synthesized.
In situ investigation of the surface morphology evolution of the bulk ceramic Y2Mo3O12 during crystal water release
Authors: Cheng Y. G. , Liu X. S. , Chen H. J. , Chao M. J. , Liang E. J.
Published: April 2015

The surface morphology evolution of the bulk ceramic Y2Mo3O12 during the release of crystal water is followed in situ for the first time using atomic force microscopy.
Tuning the optical, electrical and magnetic properties of Ba0.5Sr0.5TixM1−xO3 (BST) nanopowders
Authors: Turky Ali Omar , Mohamed Rashad Mohamed , Taha Kandil Abd El-Hakim , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: April 2015

Monodispersed barium strontium titanate Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 nanopowders synthesized using the oxalate precursor route based on low cost starting materials.
Electrochemistry at highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG): lower limit for the kinetics of outer-sphere redox processes and general implications for electron transfer models
Authors: Zhang Guohui , Cuharuc Anatolii S. , Güell Aleix G. , Unwin Patrick R.
Published: April 2015

Electron transfer kinetics for outer-sphere redox couples is fast on the basal surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG).
Nonideal effects in electroacoustics of solutions of charged particles: combined experimental and theoretical analysis from simple electrolytes to small nanoparticles
Authors: Pusset R. , Gourdin-Bertin S. , Dubois E. , Chevalet J. , Mériguet G. , Bernard O. , Dahirel V. , Jardat M. , Jacob D.
Published: April 2015

The electric signal induced by an ultrasonic wave in aqueous solutions of charged species is measured and modeled without any adjustable parameter.
Experimental and theoretical studies on aqueous-phase reactivity of hydroxyl radicals with multiple carboxylated and hydroxylated benzene compounds
Authors: Minakata Daisuke , Song Weihua , Mezyk Stephen P. , Cooper William J.
Published: April 2015

In this study, we shed light on the initial addition of hydroxyl radicals (HO˙) to multiple carboxylated and hydroxylated benzene compounds in aqueous-phase advanced oxidation processes (AOPs).
Identifying and tracing potential energy surfaces of electronic excitations with specific character via their transition origins: application to oxirane
Authors: Li Jian-Hao , Zuehlsdorff T. J. , Payne M. C. , Hine N. D. M.
Published: April 2015

We show that the transition origins of electronic excitations identified by quantified natural transition orbital (QNTO) analysis can be employed to connect potential energy surfaces (PESs) according to their character across a wide range of molecular geometries.
Catalytic reduction of NO by CO on Rh4+clusters: a density functional theory study
Authors: Su Ben-Fang , Fu Hong-Quan , Yang Hua-Qing , Hu Chang-Wei
Published: April 2015

An extensive study was conducted to explore the catalytic reduction of NO by CO on Rh4+clusters at the ground and first excited states at the B3LYP/6-311+G(2d), SDD level.
A facile strategy for enhancing FeCu bimetallic promotion for catalytic phenol oxidation
Authors: Luo Lei , Dai Chengyi , Zhang Anfeng , Wang Junhu , Liu Min , Song Chunshan , Guo Xinwen
Published: April 2015

The mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite obtained from alkaline treatment was found to be a superior support of bimetallic FeCu, minimizing the nanoparticle size, enhancing the bimetallic interaction, and promoting catalytic oxidation of phenol.
Nanosilver as a new generation of silver catalysts in organic transformations for efficient synthesis of fine chemicals
Authors: Dong Xiao-Yun , Gao Zi-Wei , Yang Ke-Fang , Zhang Wei-Qiang , Xu Li-Wen
Published: April 2015

Silver nanoparticles catalysis has been of great interest in organic synthesis and has expanded rapidly in the past ten years because of nanosilver catalysts' unique reactivity and selectivity, stability, as well as recyclability in catalytic reactions.
H2 activation by a highly electron-deficient aralkylated organoborane
Authors: Hill Peter J. , Herrington Thomas J. , Rees Nicholas H. , White Andrew J. P. , Ashley Andrew E.
Published: April 2015

A novel, highly-electron deficient aralkylated homoleptic borane is able to activate dihydrogen wherein the ethereal solvent acts as Lewis base.
Biofilm formation of anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria induced by phototaxis for enhancing hydrogen production
Authors: Wang Xingzu , Xie Kaiji , Cheng Xiang , Ren Yiwei , Wan Chunli
Published: April 2015

Phototaxis induced biofilm formation of anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria on an illuminated sidewall in a photobioreactor.
Spatio-temporal resolution of primary processes of photosynthesis
Authors: Junge Wolfgang
Published: April 2015

Technical progress in laser-sources and detectors has allowed the temporal and spatial resolution of chemical reactions down to femtoseconds and Å-units. In photon-excitable systems the key to chemical kinetics, trajectories across the vibrational saddle landscape, are experimentally accessible. Simple and thus well-defined chemical compounds are preferred objects for calibrating new methodologies and carving out paradigms of chemical dynamics, as shown in several contributions to thisFaraday Discussion. Aerobic life on earth is powered by solar energy, which is captured by microorganisms and plants. Oxygenic photosynthesis relies on a three billion year old molecular machinery which is as well defined as simpler chemical constructs. It has been analysed to a very high precision. The transfer of excitation between pigments in antennae proteins, of electrons between redox-cofactors in reaction centres, and the oxidation of water by a Mn4Ca-cluster are solid state reactions. ATP, the general energy currency of the cell, is synthesized by a most agile, rotary molecular machine. While the efficiency of photosynthesis competes well with photovoltaics at the time scale of nanoseconds, it is lower by an order of magnitude for crops and again lower for bio-fuels. The enormous energy demand of mankind calls for engineered (bio-mimetic or bio-inspired) solar-electric and solar-fuel devices.
The ellagic acid-derived gut microbiota metabolite, urolithin A, potentiates the anticancer effects of 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy on human colon cancer cells
Authors: González-Sarrías Antonio , Tomé-Carneiro Joao , Bellesia Andrea , Tomás-Barberán Francisco A. , Espín Juan Carlos
Published: April 2015

The ellagic acid-derived gut microbiota metabolite, urolithin A, at concentrations achievable in the human colorectum, enhances the anticancer effects of 5-FU-chemotherapy on three different colon cancer cells.
β-Cyclodextrin-butane sulfonic acid: an efficient and reusable catalyst for the multicomponent synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Gong Kai , Wang Hualan , Ren Xiaoxue , Wang Ying , Chen Jinghua
Published: April 2015

β-Cyclodextrin-butane sulfonic acid efficiently catalyzed the synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols by a one-pot three component condensation of aromatic aldehydes, β-naphthol and amides under solvent-free conditions.
Enantiomeric diketopiperazines: getting insight into the impact of the configuration on the conformation, nanoimage, u-PA inhibition and anti-metastatic activity
Authors: Wang Feng , Li Shan , Wang Yuji , Zhu Haimei , Zhang Xiaoyi , Zhao Ming , Wu Jianhui , Peng Shiqi
Published: April 2015

The impact of the configuration of enantiomeric diketopiperazines on the conformation, nanoimage, u-PA inhibition and anti-metastatic activity was explored.
Non-aqueous electrodeposition of functional semiconducting metal chalcogenides: Ge2Sb2Te5 phase change memory
Authors: Bartlett Philip N. , Benjamin Sophie L. , (Kees) de Groot C. H. , Hector Andrew L. , Huang Ruomeng , Jolleys Andrew , Kissling Gabriela P. , Levason William , Pearce Stuart J. , Reid Gillian , Wang Yudong
Published: April 2015

Deposition and repeated phase cycling of device-quality nano-cells of GST-225.
Zinc hydroxide/oxide and zinc hydroxy stannate photocatalysts as potential scaffolds for environmental remediation
Authors: Lopes Osmando F. , de Mendonça Vagner R. , Umar Ahmad , Chuahan Mohinder S. , Kumar Ramesh , Chauhan Suvarcha , Ribeiro Caue
Published: April 2015

ZnSn(OH)6 cubes as potential material for the efficient photodegradation of organic dyes with high chemical stability.
Chondroitin sulfate-polyethylenimine copolymer-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as an efficient magneto-gene carrier for microRNA-encoding plasmid DNA delivery
Authors: Lo Yu-Lun , Chou Han-Lin , Liao Zi-Xian , Huang Shih-Jer , Ke Jyun-Han , Liu Yu-Sheng , Chiu Chien-Chih , Wang Li-Fang
Published: April 2015

MicroRNA-128 (miR-128) is an attractive therapeutic molecule with powerful glioblastoma regulation properties.
Synthesis and properties of clickable A(B-b-C)20 miktoarm star-shaped block copolymers with a terminal alkyne group
Authors: Huang Bing , Chen Min , Zhou Shuxue , Wu Limin
Published: April 2015

A novel and reactive A(B-b-C)20 miktoarm star-shaped block copolymer has been successfully synthesized through ATRP reaction combined with click reactions.
Vinyl ferrocenyl glycidyl ether: an unprotected orthogonal ferrocene monomer for anionic and radical polymerization
Authors: Alkan Arda , Thomi Laura , Gleede Tassilo , Wurm Frederik R.
Published: April 2015

Vinyl ferrocenyl glycidyl ether (VfcGE) is the first ferrocene-based, orthogonal monomer for both anionic and radical polymerization to generate polyvalent and redox-active materials.
UV-light induced domino type reactions: synthesis and photophysical properties of unreported nitrogen ring junction quinazolines
Authors: Palaniraja Jeyakannu , Roopan Selvaraj Mohana
Published: April 2015

An expedient method for the synthesis of 5,6-dihydrobenzo[h][1,2,4]triazolo[5,1-b]quinazolines by UV light has been developed.
Reversible and dynamic transitions between sticky and slippery states on porous surfaces with ultra-low backpressure
Authors: Vourdas N. , Ranos C. , Stathopoulos V. N.
Published: April 2015

The mobility of a droplet on a surface is strongly correlated to the liquid–solid contact area, as well as the pressure of the gas entrapped between. Reversible sticky to slippery transitions may be attained by ultra-low back pressure on porous surfaces.
Synthesis, characterization and visible light photocatalytic activity of Cr3+, Ce3+and N co-doped TiO2for the degradation of humic acid
Authors: Rashid S. G. , Gondal M. A. , Hameed A. , Aslam M. , Dastageer M. A. , Yamani Z. H. , Anjum D. H.
Published: April 2015

The synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of Cr3+and Ce3+co-doped TiON (N-doped TiO2) for the degradation of humic acid with exposure to visible light is reported.
Reactive-template fabrication of porous NiO nanowires for electrocatalytic O2evolution reaction
Authors: Manivasakan Palanisamy , Ramasamy Parthiban , Kim Jinkwon
Published: April 2015

Macro–mesoporous NiO nanowire was demonstrated as an active electrocatalyst for O2evolution reaction in alkaline media.
[HyEtPy]Cl–H2O: an efficient and versatile solvent system for the DABCO-catalyzed Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction
Authors: Zhao Sanhu , He Meiyan , Guo Zhaonan , Zhou Na , Wang Dou , Li Jinlong , Zhang Liwei
Published: April 2015

A very efficient and versatile solvent system, [HyEtPy]Cl–H2O, has been developed and used in the DABCO-catalyzed Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction.
A pair of Schiff base enantiomers studied by absorption, fluorescence, electronic and vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopies and density functional theory calculation
Authors: Tang Hui-Hui , Zhang Lu , Zeng Li-Li , Fang Xue-Ming , Lin Li-Rong , Zhang Hui
Published: April 2015

A pair of enantiomeric Schiff bases were synthesized and characterized, in particular their absolute configurations were determined by vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy.
Investigation of interfacial and photoelectrochemical characteristics of thermally treated PbS/TiO2 photoanodes
Authors: Dong Qiang , Liao Wei , Wang Bin , Liu Zhongqing
Published: April 2015

Thermal treatment induces surface oxidation, enlargement of the PbS QD size and alteration of the exposed crystal faces from {111} to {200}, which all lead to impair the photoelectrochemical performance of PbS/TiO2.
Two nitrogen-rich Ni(ii) coordination compounds based on 5,5′-azotetrazole: synthesis, characterization and effect on thermal decomposition for RDX, HMX and AP
Authors: Chen Dong , Huang Shiliang , Zhang Qi , Yu Qian , Zhou Xiaoqing , Li Hongzhen , Li Jinshan
Published: April 2015

Two novel efficient burning promoters of solid propellants based on Ni salt and azotetrazole have been successfully prepared and characterized.
Superhard-driven search of the covalent network in the B3NO system
Authors: Li Qian , Wang Jianyun , Zhang Miao , Li Quan , Ma Yanming
Published: April 2015

Following a superhard-driven search, we propose two novel B3NO structures which simultaneously belong to superhard and semiconductor materials.
A graphene modified biocathode for enhancing hydrogen production
Authors: Su Min , Wei Liling , Qiu Zhaozheng , Jia Qibo , Shen Jianquan
Published: April 2015

Graphene can dramatically improve the performance of biocatalyst for hydrogen production by modifying biocathode.
A novel high performance oxazine derivative: design of tetrafunctional monomer, step-wise ring-opening polymerization, improved thermal property and broadened processing window
Authors: Zhang Tong , Wang Jun , Feng Tiantian , Wang Hui , Ramdani Noureddine , Derradji Mehdi , Xu Xiaodong , Liu Wenbin , Tang Tao
Published: April 2015

A novel tetrafunctional oxazine monomer containing benzoxazine and fluorene-oxazine was prepared for the first time using a Mannich condensation reaction of 2,7-dihydroxy-9,9-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene with paraformaldehyde andn-butylamine.
Flexible cellulose acetate/graphene blueprints for vibrotactile actuator
Authors: Mohiuddin Md , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Mun Seongcheol , Kim Jaehwan
Published: April 2015

Tactile devices containing many actuators within are being sutured using electroactive polymers.
Alkylation of benzene with methanol over hierarchical porous ZSM-5: synergy effects of hydrogen atmosphere and zinc modification
Authors: Hu Hualei , Lyu Jinghui , Wang Qingtao , Zhang Qunfeng , Cen Jie , Li Xiaonian
Published: April 2015

The introduction of ZnO could improve the activity of ZSM-5 and the hydrogen atmosphere could suppress the dehydrogenation of ZnOH+.
A supramolecular hydrogel self-assembled from pentafluorobenzyl-dipeptide
Authors: Hsu Shu-Min , Chang Jui-Wen , Wu Fang-Yi , Lin Yu-Chun , Lai Tsung-Sheng , Cheng Hsun , Lin Hsin-Chieh
Published: April 2015

We report a new aromatic-capped peptide amphiphile which is able to form a supramolecular hydrogel under neutral pH.
Insights into the effects of γ-irradiation on the microstructure, thermal stability and irradiation-derived degradation components of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)
Authors: Liu Yun , Chen Jingping , Wu Xiaofeng , Wang Keqin , Su Xiaojun , Chen Liang , Zhou Hua , Xiong Xingyao
Published: April 2015

The microstructure, thermal stability and irradiated degradation components of microcrystalline cellulose were investigated under 60Co γ-irradiation (0–1400 kGy).
Thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole-based organic sensitizers with strong visible light absorption for transparent, efficient and stable dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Dessì Alessio , Calamante Massimo , Mordini Alessandro , Peruzzini Maurizio , Sinicropi Adalgisa , Basosi Riccardo , Fabrizi de Biani Fabrizia , Taddei Maurizio , Colonna Daniele , di Carlo Aldo , Reginato Gianna , Zani Lorenzo
Published: April 2015

Five thiazolothiazole-based dyes, bearing electronrich ProDOT groups, were used as sensitizers in thin-layer DSSCs (active area: 0.25–3.6 cm2; TiO2 thickness: 3.0–6.5 μm), giving efficiencies up to 7.71% coupled with excellent stability over 1000 h.
Benzyl bromides as aroyl surrogates in substrate directed Pd catalysed o-aroylation
Authors: Behera Ahalya , Ali Wajid , Guin Srimanta , Khatun Nilufa , Mohanta Prakash R. , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: April 2015

An oxidative cross-coupling between directing substrates and benzyl bromides leading to o-aroylation has been achieved using TBHP/NMO, and Pd(ii).
High-pressure phase behavior of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and carbon dioxide system
Authors: Qin Kang , Wang Kai , Li Yang , Kong Fanhe , Wang Tao
Published: April 2015

The phase behavior of a 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and carbon dioxide system from atmospheric to supercritical state was investigated.
New insights in atmospheric acid-catalyzed gas phase hydrolysis of formaldehyde: a theoretical study
Authors: Liu Fang-Yu , Tan Xing-Feng , Long Zheng-Wen , Long Bo , Zhang Wei-Jun
Published: April 2015

A two-step mechanism of the gas phase hydrolysis of formaldehyde catalyzed by nitric acid.
Supramolecular hydrogels of α-cyclodextrin/reverse poloxamines/carbon-based nanomaterials and its multi-functional application
Authors: Shen Jinglin , Xu Guiying , Xin Xia , Wang Lin , Song Zhaohua , Zhang Han , Tong Lu , Yang Zewen
Published: April 2015

Supramolecular hydrogels were prepared using α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and a poloxamine (reverse Tetronic 90R4, T90R4) which has four diblock arms with a poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) (PPO–PEO) structure.
The role of H3PO4in the preparation of activated carbon from NaOH-treated rice husk residue
Authors: Li Yaxin , Zhang Xian , Yang Ruiguang , Li Guiying , Hu Changwei
Published: April 2015

H3PO4promoted the decomposition of some species to form CO2and reacted with PBTRHR to form PH3.
Constrained formation of 2-(1-(arylimino)ethyl)-7-arylimino-6,6-dimethylcyclopentapyridines and their cobalt(ii) chloride complexes: synthesis, characterization and ethylene polymerization
Authors: Ba Junjun , Du Shizhen , Yue Erlin , Hu Xinquan , Flisak Zygmunt , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: April 2015

The 2-(1-(arylimino)ethyl)-7-arylimino-6,6-dimethylcyclopentapyridylcobalt complexes were constrainedly prepared, performing polymerization with MAO but oligomerization with MMAO.
Preparation of Cs–La–Sb/SiO2 catalyst and its performance for the synthesis of methyl acrylate by aldol condensation
Authors: Wang Yanan , Lang Xuewei , Zhao Guoqing , Chen Huanhui , Fan Yiwei , Yu Linqing , Ma Xiuxiu , Zhu Zhirong
Published: April 2015

The bifunctional Cs–La–Sb/SiO2 catalyst prepared by ultrasonic impregnation showed good catalytic performance and stability for the synthesis of methyl acrylate by aldol condensation of formaldehyde and methyl acetate.
In vitro and in vivo toxicology of bare and PEGylated fluorescent carbonaceous nanodots in mice and zebrafish: the potential relationship with autophagy
Authors: Chen Jiantao , Sun Huaqin , Ruan Shaobo , Wang Yang , Shen Shun , Xu Wenming , He Qin , Gao Huile
Published: April 2015

The toxicity of CDs in mice and zebrafish and the potential relationship between toxicity and autophagy was evaluated.
Rh-catalyzed decarbonylation of conjugated ynones via carbon–alkyne bond activation: reaction scope and mechanistic exploration via DFT calculations
Authors: Dermenci Alpay , Whittaker Rachel E. , Gao Yang , Cruz Faben A. , Yu Zhi-Xiang , Dong Guangbin
Published: April 2015

We report a catalytic C–C bond activation of unstrained conjugated monoynonesviadecarbonylation to synthesize disubstituted alkynes.
Solvent-driven interactions between hydrophobically-coated nanoparticles
Authors: Hajiw Stéphanie , Schmitt Julien , Impéror-Clerc Marianne , Pansu Brigitte
Published: April 2015

Observation of a large attraction between gold nanoparticles covered with hexanethiol or dodecanethiol suspended in flexible linear alkanes.
Effects of nanoscopic-confinement on polymer dynamics
Authors: Chrissopoulou Kiriaki , Anastasiadis Spiros H.
Published: April 2015

Polymer dynamics under severe confinement show distinct differences from the behavior in the bulk.
Ce2O2S anchored on graphitized carbon with tunable architectures as a new promising anode for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Cheng Juhong , Zhu Jinliang , Wei Xiaolin , Shen Pei Kang
Published: April 2015

Flower-like and dicranopteris-like Ce2O2S/carbon composites have been originally prepared by the heat treatment of S-containing ion-exchange resin and cerium acetate.
Self-assembled three-dimensional graphene-based materials for dye adsorption and catalysis
Authors: Zhang Xueping , Liu Dong , Yang Lu , Zhou Limin , You Tianyan
Published: April 2015

Graphene aerogel (GA) fabricated via a simultaneous self-assembly and reduction process showed high adsorption capacity towards dyes.
A novel regenerative hydrogen cerium fuel cell for energy storage applications
Authors: Hewa Dewage H. , Wu B. , Tsoi A. , Yufit V. , Offer G. , Brandon N.
Published: April 2015

A novel regenerative hydrogen cerium fuel cell is presented which has the potential to deliver both low cost and high performance.
Superassembling of Bi2Te3hierarchical nanostructures for enhanced thermoelectric performance
Authors: Chang Hsiu-Cheng , Chen Tsung-Han , Whang Wha-Tzong , Chen Chun-Hua
Published: April 2015

A series of innovative superassembly-on-epitaxy nanostructures with unusually high surface- and interface-to-volume ratios has been fabricated as an emerging new class of the advanced thermoelectric nanomaterials.
A combined single crystal neutron/X-ray diffraction and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance study of the hybrid perovskites CH3NH3PbX3 (X = I, Br and Cl)
Authors: Baikie Tom , Barrow Nathan S. , Fang Yanan , Keenan Philip J. , Slater Peter R. , Piltz Ross O. , Gutmann Matthias , Mhaisalkar Subodh G. , White Tim J.
Published: April 2015

This article describes a variable temperature solid-state NMR and single crystal X-ray/neutron diffraction study of the hybrid perovskites (CH3NH3)PbX3 (X = I, Br and Cl).
Control of chemical state of cerium in doped anatase TiO2by solvothermal synthesis and its application in photocatalytic water reduction
Authors: Fonseca de Lima Juliana , Harunsani Mohammad Hilni , Martin David James , Kong Dan , Dunne Peter W. , Gianolio Diego , Kashtiban Reza J. , Sloan Jeremy , Serra Osvaldo Antonio , Tang Junwang , Walton Richard I.
Published: April 2015

Solvothermal synthesis yields nanocrystalline Ce3+–TiO2with high activity for photocatalytic water reduction.
Hydrated polysaccharide multilayer as an intraocular lens surface coating for biocompatibility improvements
Authors: Lin Quankui , Xu Xu , Wang Bailiang , Shen Chenghui , Tang Junmei , Han Yuemei , Chen Hao
Published: April 2015

A swollen polysaccharide multilayer was coated on an IOL to inhibit LEC adhesion and proliferation, thus decreasing PCO incidence after implantation.
Fundamentals of double network hydrogels
Authors: Chen Qiang , Chen Hong , Zhu Lin , Zheng Jie
Published: April 2015

Double network (DN) hydrogels as promising soft-and-tough materials intrinsically possess extraordinary mechanical strength and toughness due to their unique contrasting network structures, strong interpenetrating network entanglement, and efficient energy dissipation.
Tailoring the biological response of mesoporous bioactive materials
Authors: Gómez-Cerezo N. , Izquierdo-Barba I. , Arcos D. , Vallet-Regí M.
Published: April 2015

Mesoporous bioactive glasses can be tailored using structure directing agents to optimize their biological response.
Utilization of a phenanthroimidazole based fluorophore in light-emitting electrochemical cells
Authors: Subeesh Madayanad Suresh , Shanmugasundaram Kanagaraj , Sunesh Chozhidakath Damodharan , Won Yong Sun , Choe Youngson
Published: April 2015

A phenanthroimidazole derivative is used as an emitter in light emitting electrochemical cells (LECs).
A facile controllable coating of carbonyl iron particles with poly(glycidyl methacrylate): a tool for adjusting MR response and stability properties
Authors: Cvek Martin , Mrlik Miroslav , Ilcikova Marketa , Plachy Tomas , Sedlacik Michal , Mosnacek Jaroslav , Pavlinek Vladimir
Published: April 2015

This study is focused on the controllable coating of the carbonyl iron (CI) particles widely applied in magnetorheology.
Large resistive switching and switchable photovoltaic response in ferroelectric doped BiFeO3-based thin films by chemical solution deposition
Authors: Zhang Linxing , Chen Jun , Cao Jiangli , He Dongyu , Xing Xianran
Published: April 2015

The ferroelectric doped BiFeO3thin films exhibit large resistive switching (with ON/OFF ratios ∼104) and stably switchable photovoltaic response with good retention properties, providing multiple selections for non-destructive ferroelectric memory diveces.
New approaches for biomonitoring exposure to the human carcinogen aristolochic acid
Authors: Yun Byeong Hwa , Sidorenko Viktoriya S. , Rosenquist Thomas A. , Dickman Kathleen G. , Grollman Arthur P. , Turesky Robert J.
Published: April 2015

Aristolochic acids (AA) are human renal carcinogens found in all Aristolochia herbaceous plants, many of which have been used worldwide for medicinal purposes for centuries.
The tumour suppressor CHD5 forms a NuRD-type chromatin remodelling complex
Authors: Kolla Venkatadri , Naraparaju Koumudi , Zhuang Tiangang , Higashi Mayumi , Kolla Sriharsha , Blobel Gerd A. , Brodeur Garrett M.
Published: April 2015

Eukaryotic gene expression is developmentally regulated, in part by chromatin remodelling, and its dysregulation has been linked to cancer. CHD5 (chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 5) is a tumour suppressor gene (TSG) that maps to a region of consistent deletion on 1p36.31 in neuroblastomas (NBs) and other tumour types. CHD5 encodes a protein with chromatin remodelling, helicase and DNA-binding motifs that is preferentially expressed in neural and testicular tissues. CHD5 is highly homologous to CHD3 and CHD4, which are the core subunits of nucleosome remodelling and deacetylation (NuRD) complexes. To determine if CHD5 forms a similar complex, we performed studies on nuclear extracts from NBLS, SY5Y (both with endogenous CHD5 expression), NLF (CHD5 null) and NLF cells stably transfected with CHD5 cDNA (wild-type and V5–histidine-tagged). Immunoprecipitation (IP) was performed with either CHD5 antibody or antibody to V5/histidine-tagged protein. We identified NuRD components both by GST–FOG1 (Friend Of GATA1) pull-down and by IP. We also performed MS/MS analysis to confirm the presence of CHD5 or other protein components of the NuRD complex, as well as to identify other novel proteins. CHD5 was clearly associated with all canonical NuRD components, including metastasis-associated protein (MTA)1/2, GATA zinc finger domain containing 2A (GATAD2A), histone deacetylase (HDAC)1/2, retinoblastoma-binding protein (RBBP)4/7 and methyl DNA-binding domain protein (MBD)2/3, as determined by Western blotting and MS/MS. Our data suggest CHD5 forms a NuRD complex similar to CHD4. However, CHD5–NuRD may also have unique protein associations that confer functional specificity and may contribute to normal development and to tumour suppression in NB and other cancers.
L‐shaped filter, mode separator and power divider based on plasmonic waveguides with nanocavity resonators
Authors: Dolatabady Alireza , Granpayeh Nosrat
Published: April 2015

In this study, the authors have proposed, analysed and simulated the performances of three devices of L‐shaped filter, mode separator and power divider based on plasmonic waveguides with nanocavity resonators. The proposed L‐shaped filter provides a useful component for bent structures. The mode separator can prevent some specific wavelengths to be transmitted to the output, and the power divider offers a symmetric power splitting filter‐based structure. The finite difference time domain method has been adopted to yield the simulation results. The proposed devices are appropriate for all optical telecommunication systems and networks. Owing to the structures’ dimensions in the nanometre range, the devices can be employed in photonic integrated circuits.
Flexible power weighting distribution for three‐phase parallel inverters with networked control
Authors: Ma Hao , Lin Zhao , Lin Liaoyuan , Zhang Yao , Wang Xiaorui
Published: April 2015

In this study, networked control scheme applied in dq0 coordinate for three‐phase parallel inverters of distributed generation units is presented to achieve flexible current weighting distribution. Firstly, the output impedance based on generalised state space averaging method with the consideration of dead‐time effect is investigated in dq0 coordinate and proved to be inductive for fundamental components in dq0 coordinate. Therefore the weighted output current distribution can be realised conveniently with networked control applied in dq0 coordinate without the additional circuit or virtual impedance. Besides, for the sake of flexibility and autonomy of a parallel inverters system, the power proportional coefficients of different inverters can be changed automatically. In the end, power weighting coefficients in networked control are optimised by means of functional analysis. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of a networked control scheme applied in dq0 coordinate on the flexible power weighting distribution for parallel inverters.
Improved passivity‐based control method and its robustness analysis for single‐phase uninterruptible power supply inverters
Authors: Komurcugil Hasan
Published: April 2015

An improved passivity‐based control (IPBC) method is proposed for single‐phase uninterruptible power supply inverters. The proposed IPBC method is based on energy shaping and damping injection idea which is performed for regulating the energy flow of inverter to a desired level and assure global asymptotic stability, respectively. It is shown that the control of output voltage can be accomplished indirectly provided that the inductor current tracks its reference. Since the estimated parameters do not match with the actual parameters in practice, a perfect tracking without any output voltage error is not possible. To reduce the influence of parameter mismatch on the output voltage, an outer voltage loop is added into the feedback path of conventional passivity‐based control (PBC) method. The robustness of both PBC methods has been investigated and analytical expressions in terms of estimated and actual parameters are derived for the output voltage. The effectiveness of the IPBC method in terms of both robustness and harmonic distortion is verified by the simulations and experiments under resistive and diode rectifier loads. The results demonstrate that the IPBC method not only leads to good quality output voltage with a reasonably low harmonic distortion, but also offers a global asymptotic stable operation with a strong robustness to wide range of parameter mismatch.
Anisotropic etching in low‐concentration KOH: effects of surfactant concentration
Authors: Pal Prem , Ashok Akarapu , Haldar Subhomoy , Xing Yan , Sato Kazuo
Published: April 2015

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) provides high anisotropy between the Si{111} and Si{100} planes in comparison to tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). Moreover, the etch rate of Si{100} is higher in KOH than in TMAH, which is indispensable for high productivity to reduce the cost of end products. The etching study of pure and surfactant‐added low‐concentration KOH is presented. Triton X‐100, with formula C14H22O(C2H4O)n, where n = 9, 10, is used as the surfactant. This research focuses on the investigation of the effect of surfactant on the etching characteristics of low‐concentration KOH. The value of the surfactant concentration ranges from 100 ppb to 1000 ppm and the etching temperature ranges from 60 to 76°C. The low‐concentration KOH is selected because of its low cost and because of its use as an oxide layer and as an etch mask. Furthermore, the etchant is explored for the fabrication of silicon dioxide micromechanical structures. The addition of a small amount of surfactant reduces the undercutting at the convex corners. This property is explored to perform almost conformal etching to fabricate microstructures with minimum undercutting at mask edges and corners.
Light extraction enhancement of 265 nm deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes with over 90 mW output power via an AlN hybrid nanostructure
Authors: Inoue Shin-ichiro , Naoki Tamari , Kinoshita Toru , Obata Toshiyuki , Yanagi Hiroyuki
Published: April 2015

Deep-ultraviolet (DUV) aluminum gallium nitride-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on transparent aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates with high light extraction efficiency and high power are proposed and demonstrated. The AlN bottom side surface configuration, which is composed of a hybrid structure of photonic crystals and subwavelength nanostructures, has been designed using finite-difference time-domain calculations to enhance light extraction. We have experimentally demonstrated an output power improvement of up to 196% as a result of the use of the embedded high-light-extraction hybrid nanophotonic structure. The DUV-LEDs produced have demonstrated output power as high as 90 mW in DC operation at a peak emission wavelength of 265 nm.
Structure and band gap determination of irradiation-induced amorphous nano-channels in LiNbO3
Authors: Sachan R. , Pakarinen O. H. , Liu P. , Patel M. K. , Chisholm M. F. , Zhang Y. , Wang X. L. , Weber W. J.
Published: April 2015

The irradiation of lithium niobate with swift heavy ions results in the creation of amorphous nano-sized channels along the incident ion path. These nano-channels are on the order of a hundred microns in length and could be useful for photonic applications. However, there are two major challenges in these nano-channels characterization: (i) it is difficult to investigate the structural characteristics of these nano-channels due to their very long length and (ii) the analytical electron microscopic analysis of individual ion track is complicated due to electron beam sensitive nature of lithium niobate. Here, we report the first high resolution microscopic characterization of these amorphous nano-channels, widely known as ion-tracks, by direct imaging them at different depths in the material, and subsequently correlating the key characteristics with electronic energy loss of ions. Energetic Kr ions (84Kr22 with 1.98 GeV energy) are used to irradiate single crystal lithium niobate with a fluence of 2 × 1010 ions/cm2, which results in the formation of individual ion tracks with a penetration depth of ∼180 μm. Along the ion path, electron energy loss of the ions, which is responsible for creating the ion tracks, increases with depth under these conditions in LiNbO3, resulting in increases in track diameter of a factor of ∼2 with depth. This diameter increase with electronic energy loss is consistent with predictions of the inelastic thermal spike model. We also show a new method to measure the band gap in individual ion track by using electron energy-loss spectroscopy.
Initial mechanisms for the decomposition of electronically excited energetic materials: 1,5′-BT, 5,5′-BT, and AzTT
Authors: Yuan Bing , Yu Zijun , Bernstein Elliot R.
Published: April 2015

Decomposition of nitrogen-rich energetic materials 1,5′-BT, 5,5′-BT, and AzTT (1,5′-Bistetrazole, 5,5′-Bistetrazole, and 5-(5-azido-(1 or 4)H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)tetrazole, respectively), following electronic state excitation, is investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The N2 molecule is observed as an initial decomposition product from the three materials, subsequent to UV excitation, with a cold rotational temperature (<30 K). Initial decomposition mechanisms for these three electronically excited materials are explored at the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) level. Potential energy surface calculations at the CASSCF(12,8)/6-31G(d) level illustrate that conical intersections play an essential role in the decomposition mechanism. Electronically excited S1 molecules can non-adiabatically relax to their ground electronic states through (S1/S0)CI conical intersections. 1,5′-BT and 5,5′-BT materials have several (S1/S0)CI conical intersections between S1 and S0 states, related to different tetrazole ring opening positions, all of which lead to N2 product formation. The N2 product for AzTT is formed primarily by N–N bond rupture of the –N3 group. The observed rotational energy distributions for the N2 products are consistent with the final structures of the respective transition states for each molecule on its S0 potential energy surface. The theoretically derived vibrational temperature of the N2 product is high, which is similar to that found for energetic salts and molecules studied previously.
Three-dimensional micro-printing of temperature sensors based on up-conversion luminescence
Authors: Wickberg Andreas , Mueller Jonathan B. , Mange Yatin J. , Fischer Joachim , Nann Thomas , Wegener Martin
Published: April 2015

The pronounced temperature dependence of up-conversion luminescence from nanoparticles doped with rare-earth elements enables local temperature measurements. By mixing these nanoparticles into a commercially available photoresist containing the low-fluorescence photo-initiator Irgacure 369, and by using three-dimensional direct laser writing, we show that micrometer sized local temperature sensors can be positioned lithographically as desired. Positioning is possible in pre-structured environments, e.g., within buried microfluidic channels or on optical or electronic chips. We use the latter as an example and demonstrate the measurement for both free space and waveguide-coupled excitation and detection. For the free space setting, we achieve a temperature standard deviation of 0.5 K at a time resolution of 1 s.